Have a Spooktacular Halloween

Be nice to the little ones tonight and provide them with candy. I hate the snot-nosed adolescents who come to the door without even wearing a costume. They say something they think is spry or witty, and I feel like slamming the door in their faces. I've buckled but haven't failed to ask, "Where's your costume?" If they really irritate me, I might say something like, "I see your dressed as a bumkin this year."

Here's a video of a band whose sound I dig but singer's voice can go. Like what Trent Reznor does before his shows, this has a little, let's just say, human masochism (probably spelled wrong) to it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeZdIbIVZUg

One of my weaknesses and should Barack Obama use a 30 minute ad space for many networks tonight?

I have a soft spot for babies and domestic pets. Yes, every now and then, you get a runt or vicious one through its DNA -- i.e. Dobermans. They don't know how to create weapons of mass destruction. They're not Conservatives, although Bruce the Brawlin' Cat with his persistent kills on insects might be an exception. Many just provide you with unconditional love. People I loathe the most are those who are harmful or neglectful to children and animals. This is why I can't watch "Animal Precinct" on Animal Planet. Here is an amazing account of a dog who sacrificed himself in a life or death situation:

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=10401517

The Conservative idealogy is an open book to me with its premise on one theme -- fear. So, Barack will speak tonight and more than likely, he'll hit it out of the park like he has done time and time again to this point. I can just predict how Conservatives will react before he even begins: "Oh, he thinks he's already won the election. Folks, he is ready to run a Socialist government. The financial mess we're in can all be attributed to the outrageous spending in Washington by Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid."

I saw a bumper sticker yesterday and just wanted to bash this car in with a sledgehammer. It read the following: Vote American. Vote McCain and Palin. I just posted a few entries ago what Keith Olbermann echoed about this you're pro-American or anti-American crap. I think this is the most unintelligible, backward-thinking mentality one can use for supporting two candidates over the other. I'll guarantee you these people can't engage in a debate over real issues.

The Obama ad tonight might be perceived as arrogant. Hey, I've got a show on, why the hell is he taking time away from my show? I'm just telling you now how the seemingly average goober out there thinks. Hopefully, people will come to their senses this time.

Let's be honest with ourselves. Don't be surprised for the first time in more than a century if people become hostile after the election. We live in a very divided country and must accept that. So, don't be surprised if nutcases begin coming out in droves.

On a much lighter note, I don't know why this song came to me today. It's off a great soundtrack, Tank Girl, and for some reason, it's my favorite off it. Here's the song for your listening pleasure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh63sh26E64

The end could be near for fulfilling a lifelong dream and Hardcore 'Hard Candy'

I tend to write my best when everything around me seems to be at its worst. This is one of those times. For seven years, I've abandoned a story I began writing. This was how long Robin and I dated before a string of breakups and inabilities to accept each other's flaws outweighed our commonalities. As usual, my adrenaline hit warp speed yesterday.

A new conclusion to this story came out of nowhere just like everything else that had been previously written. It's a laborious process at times. There are some days when ideas and words just easily flow, while there are others that test my patience. On a few occasions, I would stare at a blank screen for an hour or so. Suddenly, ideas began seeping into my collective conciousness. It's similar to an artist; you have a canvas in front of you and words fill the pages like the lines and figures on a painting.

Sure, it would be great if this reached a mass audience. Reality says it's highly unlikely. The publishing industry is a very precarious one. You either select a house that is small, or a large one that demands high sales in a very short time span. Here is a brief synopsis of my attempt to avoid literary snobbery and just present a story that people might find interesting. You can tell me if it doesn't float your boat. I'm long past the days when I used to get easily offended.

This is an existential story about two young adults journeying on roads for self-discovery and acceptance. Johnny McManus, a college student and full-time warehouse employee, is tired of his monotanous life and alienation. He has no friends in a new town he lives in and decides to finally risk taking a chance at becoming a full-time musician. Chasity Adams, a straight 'A' high school senior, continues to endure day to day ridicule by her peers. As a young woman who survives a brutal rape, she just wants to escape and photograph the struggles others face when looking through her lens. Her older sister is well liked and has a boyfriend Chasity has a crush on. He expresses no interest in Chasity, so she feels there's nothing left for her in this town. Johnny and Chasity embark on their journey to Los Angeles.

This story chronicles the lives of Chasity and Johnny through their eyes and memories. They also find a shangri-la while working to establish their desired careers. It's a place where all their fears and anxieties subside. Surrealism and what is perceived as fantasy coexist. Will they find acceptance from others through their works or retreat to a place that seemingly offers infinite bliss?

Ellen Page delivers a powerful acting performance

I flipped through the channels Friday afternoon after getting off work. By this point, I'm tired of hearing pundits on the news forecast what will happen next week for the all important Presidential and Congressional elections. I turned on FearNet and saw a movie starring Ellen Page (star of Juno). Now, I know why she was cast for her critically acclaimed role in Juno. The character she portrays in this movie is much more intense, mirroring the story written for Hard Candy.

Hard Candy is a film about a highly intelligent, mature beyond her years teenager played by Page and a 30s-something photographer. The two of them have exchanged dialogues on an online chatroom and agree to finally meet each other. After they meet, get ready for an extremely intense psychological thriller. I recommend you don't eat anything while watching this. Personally, I thought Page's role in this film was much harder to pull off than the character she played in Juno. There are plenty of twists and turns this film will take you on.

Whenever I or someone else writes online, I have to be honest with myself and say it's done for self-centered reasons. There is this voyeuristic nature to it. Who is this person who has this blog, "Puritan Peddlers?" He could be some wacko. People spend a lot of time on the internet nowadays for various reasons. Unfortunately, some use it as a complete escape from their everyday lives. Many marriages end when a spouse is found to have an addiction to pornography or just wants to spend countless hours playing online games like "World of Warcraft." I admit I spend a few hours each Sunday playing Madden 'o9 on the Playstation 3 at my friend's house. But, I use the internet mainly to read up on my favorite blogs: crooksandliars, Thomas', and Stephanie's. I also like to catch up on latest sports news. Here is something interesting I found from a professor at Kansas State University. It's where my godfather, my dad's college roommate and best friend, and writer of a book on the history of baseball works as Vice President of the Registrar's Office. I know, it's that place on campus that always screws with your schedule. This professor has offered some unique and engaging points-of-view on the power of modern technology and its overwhelming effects it has on today's society. Tell me what you think:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o

This is what rational Americans are up against

Keith Olbermann delivered another engaging, well-thought commentary a few days ago on the McCain's campaign series of divisiveness. They've said at small towns that they don't see anywhere else where there are more patriotic Americans. Olbermann rips this mentality and Rush Limbaugh's ridiculous charges that Colin Powell's decision to endorse Obama was one of race. There are also a few more he rightfully counterattacks on issues that play little to no relevance in the real challenges we confront today. Here is Olbermann's special comment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGd5-d8dk_0&feature=related

Is Sarah Palin dumber than a 3rd Grader

Sarah Palin is a woman who suburban middle-aged married women could invite over for a cup of tea and cookies. Her perky, fiery energy would liven up your average living room. They could all talk about how their kids are doing in school, clothes you can buy for the kids, what drapes would look best in a wing of the house, etc. She's also a great candidate for a reality T.V. show. When it comes to the thought she could be our next President, you would see a mass exodus.

Yesterday, she was interviewed by a producer on CNN. She was asked a question by a third grader: What does a Vice President do? She started her answer off well by saying the vice president is there to support the President's agenda. Then, she switched gears and said she would preside over the Senate. No, you wouldn't. It's illegal for one, and second, you're only there if there's a 50-50 split on a bill.

This whole talk of socialism is a joke. Even Colin Powell understands how taxation works. When you redistribute wealth which happens under every administration, that's not socialism. Socialism is any program or industry that is government controlled that we pay for -- public schools, police and fire departments, postal service, libraries, and 401K programs. So, McCain and Palin don't even understand what socialism means. Their message changes each day with this baffoon Joe the Plumber as an emerging American hero who is dumber than a box of rocks, Bill Ayers and linking Obama as a terrorist, race, lying that he will raise EVERYONE's taxes, etc. If this country elects McCain and Palin, it's mentally handicapped. I already said this back in 2004, but I forgive those at that time since conditions weren't nearly as bad as they are now.

The 'Joe the Plumber' I know, why he's referred to as 'Just Joe,' and Congrats to The Tampa Bay Rays

Yes, there is another Joe the Plumber out there. Shocker. Picture Chunk from one of my favorite '80s movies, The Goonies, and you get Joe. Sometimes, he'll do a spit take, because he talks so fast. It's a mouth moving with words coming out at warp speed.

Like the Joe the Plumber from Toledo, OH, bless his heart, he means well but just throws information out there at times. I visited Joe and his wife with my then-girlfriend a few months ago in Helen, Ga. At one point, Joe was just wrong about a point he addressed.

"Military cooks don't have to know how to use a gun when they go over to Iraq. I know a guy back in Augusta who just came back who told me that."

"Joe, they all have to successfully get through basic training. All of them have to prove they can proficiently use a gun," I retorted.

"No, they don't. Man, I'll prove it to you and call him right now. He'll tell you the same thing."

"Then, he's lying to you, Joe."

"Joe, if they come under fire, they're expected to defend themselves," my then-girlfriend added. Like Joe, she's also a military brat who lived in Germany.

I first met Joe 14 years ago, a year after I moved to Augusta. We worked together when I got my first job at Burger King. It was fun. We threw food at each other, took whoppers out of our bin, ate them behind the broiler or freezer, talked to customers on our headsets after sucking down some helium, and enjoyed working around some unique individuals. I quickly learned Joe liked to exagerrate for gaining acceptance. This was either a low self-esteem problem or lack of attention he felt he was receiving.

There was another time when another friend of ours joined us. Joe said his uncle worked at NASA and said the film Independence Day is close to the truth. He added his uncle works in a facility that houses alien lifeforms. Wow. A few minutes later, he said his uncle helped design the Nintendo game system. Oh, boy.

"Is this the same uncle who worked at NASA?"

"Yeah."

"Those are two different trades, Joe."

"O.k. So, my uncle doesn't work for NASA, but he did help program some of the games for Nintendo."

So, it went from his uncle working around aliens to creating Nintendo to helping design a few of the games. Joe is still a good friend today. Like the other Joe, he didn't have a license for a long time. He finally got it over a year ago and does make good money working near Atlanta. Albeit his tendencies to stretch the truth, he's a good guy with a great sense of humor and hard worker.

'Just Joe'

My friend and I conjured up the nickname Just Joe every time I've spoken to Joe. A former World Wrestling Entertainment character was dubbed Just Joe. His role wasn't really one of grappling in the ring but one that spread outrageous false rumors about a wrestler backstage. The rumors eventually were discovered by that wrestler and naturally his veins were about to burst. Just Joe would meet this wrestler and say, "Whoa. Don't shoot the messenger. This is just what I've heard from (any name can apply here)." So, Joe really personifies this WWE character. He's just the messenger who doesn't know better when he brings up some outrageous story and additionally, addresses a current or historical topic he is ill-informed on.

I've had serious talks with Joe after catching him tongue-tied at times in these fabrications. Each time, I tell him he doesn't have to say these things to impress me or anyone else. That's not why I'm friends with him. Unfortunately, old habits for some don't die.

Hard to swallow but Congrats to The Tampa Bay Rays

I wouldn't be writing this if my Boston Red Sox lost to The New York Yankees. The Sox lost a hard fought game last night that featured outstanding pitching and opportunities squandered. This Rays' team is resilient and appeared to be ready to pack it in. However, they seized upon the few opportunities given to them. This proved to be the difference.

The Rays are a team that just goes out and plays each day. Their manager stresses to his team they treat a playoff game just like a regular season one. His low-key, optimistic treatment of his players is reflective in their performances. They're great athletes who appear to be a contender for years to come. And what does America love the most -- an underdog. This has been the ultimate underdog story. Since 1976, the inception of free agency, this team has the lowest payroll of any other to make it to the World Series. I love what their manager said on how his team approaches overcoming adversity: "We seem to be at our best when everything seems to be at its worse."

Red Sox fan est. 2002

This is a tribute to the many great memories I have watching the Red Sox throughout their disappointing and triumphant seasons. I commend John Henry, Larry Lucchino, Tom Werner, and Theo Epstein for their outstanding business model. The organization has placed solar panels around the park and recycable waste bags inside to optimize its efforts for enviroment conservation. Most importantly, they host countless charities everywhere and stay involved with local schools. Kids have that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be introduced before the first pitch.

NESN, the area's designated Boston Red Sox T.V. channel, selects a kid to call out the starting lineups before games. Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy are a gas. I never thought I'd say in all my years they could call games better than Harry Carey and Steve Stone for the Cubs (my team growing up). Here's a sample of an exchange, not word for word, but darn close:

Remy: Don, have you ever had an operation?

Don: I've had my wisdom teeth taken out, does that count?

Remy: I was in the hospital the other day. You know how they give you these gowns to put on.

Don: I do.

Remy: Well, I wasn't sure how to put it on. I walked out of my room and a woman started screaming.

Don: Oh, no. Did you put it on backwards?

Remy: Yeah. I realized my whole front side was exposed.

I'm back on speaking terms with Robin. When living in Newport, R.I. where her father was stationed at one time, he took his mother to a Red Sox game. His mother sat in the stands knitting. She began carrying on a conversation with another elderly woman. They shared cooking recipes. At the end of the game, her father asked who it was her mother was talking to. It was MRS. YAWKEY, wife of founder and owner Mr. Yawkey. She said it in a very matter-of-fact way and continued by saying she was a very nice woman.

He went back to the stadium a short time later for another game with his son. Mrs. Yawkey asked him where his mother was. He said she went back home to Texas and Mrs. Yawkey seemed disappointed but thanked him for his mother's recipes.

I haven't had to wait 86 years for a championship like those living in New England. Yes, Robin turned me into a diehard fan. My favorite experience was sitting on top of the Red Sox dugout at Turner Field in Atlanta back in 2002. I was speechless when then player Brian Daubach decided to talk to some of the Red Sox faithful after the game. Despite what happens tonight, I love the Red Sox, but like the question posed to Jimmy Fallon's character in Fever Pitch, "Have the Red Sox ever loved you back?" Yes. They've provided the life lesson that when you fall down, you get back up. Here's my favorite fan tribute video to the 2004 World Series championship team. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUpuectC8ls