Happy Tuesday to ya'll out there in blog world. Life's been busy of late and I really underestimated how difficult it would be to find a new blog topic everyday. Like most things in my life, after not writing for a day or two, it became easy to forget about writing on my blog at all. Here I am however, writing my fool head off once again.
I'm sure most of you, like myself, are familiar with Relay For Life and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I even know they are organizations that help raise money for cancer research. I've never really gave much mind to these organizations. I've probably paid a little more attention since my Dad passed away with cancer last fall. Besides my Dad I've watched both of my Grandfathers lose battles to cancer and some of my Aunts and Uncles. All of the aforementioned where older with the exception of my Dad who died much too young at the age of 63. Then something happend that changed my outlook on this terrible disease.
My friend Nev (who just recently celebrated her 21st birthday) was diagnosed with Hodgkins-Lymphoma several months ago. Nev shaved the hair on her head rather than wait for the chemotherapy to take it from her. Nev is one of the most beautiful young women God has ever put on our Planet and one of the very few who can pull off still looking gorgeous with a bald head. Over the past several months she has truly been a beacon of light to many and personally one hell of an inspiration to me. Some of the most fun I've experienced in the last couple of months were days when I was priveleged to pick Nev up and drive around Toledo on amazing adventures. Then Sunday night came and she asked me if I could give her a ride to her chemotherapy treatment at the hospital the next day. I jumped at the chance to provide any amount of help to my friend.
Yesterday I picked Nev and her friend (and now mine) Sophie up and off to the local hospital we went. We stopped at Tim Horton's and Nev and Sophie had some Iced Coffees and I harrassed them about how God had intended for coffee to be served hot only. We had some laughs and jokes on the way to the hospital. I must interject here that Nev is one of the most vivacious and vibrantly full of life people I have ever met. Spend an afternoon with her and you will be hard pressed not to walk away smiling and feeling better about life. We get to the hospital and I drop Nev and Sophie off at the door (Nev also dislocated her knee and fractured her arm recently). I had stopped by twice before while Nev was receiving Chemotherapy to offer my support but I had never stayed the entire time. The Nurse and then the Doctor stopped in to chat with Nev and we all joked with them.
The doctor brought up the topic of radiation treatment after Nev's Chemo was finished. The best that I can tell radiation would increase the chances that my friend stays cancer free and for a longer period. Apparently radiation also increases ones chances of obtaining heart disease and breast cancer. So basically at the age of a college junior my friend is debating the benefits and drawbacks to this potentially life altering treatment with her doctor. She will go through radiation. This is Nev's second to last Chemo treatment.
We move on to the chemo center where Nev is put in a comfortable looking recliner. The chemo center is aesthetically designed to hopefully make these cancer patients a little more comfortable while enduring the treatments. Recliners and LCD TV's are staples in each cubicle. They also had a really neat large piece of glass with water running behind it. So they start Nev's treatment and over the next four hours I watched it transform my friend from a beautiful bubbly young lady to a scared very sick young lady appearing to be on the verge of death. Sophie and Nev informed me that this was Nev's most difficult treatment. I can't imagine having to go through Chemotherapy. I sat there with tears in my eyes, watching helplessly with Nev's Dad as Nev dry heaved consistently for a solid hour. The nurse administered dose after dose of medication to attempt to put Nev to sleep. She started getting hives and continued to dry heave. Finally after an hour she drifted off to sleep and I felt a little relieved to see her find a moment of relief. I finally started to realize that I had before my eyes a perfect example of courage and bravery.
Here is this beautiful 21 year old woman, all 5 foot of her, fighting head on one of the most deadly diseases known to man. She walked into the hospital yesterday morning knowing that what she was about to experience would make her very physically ill for the next 3-5 days (imagine having the worst flu you have ever had in your life and contracting that every two weeks). I have never once heard Nev complain. I've only seen her smile and try to encourage others while she endures so much. Watching her battle this Hodgkin's Lymphoma has been a life altering event for me as well. I realized it while watching her get her chemotherapy. I have a new hero in my life today. A hero with the courage of a hundred men. A hero so brave that I feel cowardly for ever complaining about anything in my life. My hero is short, bald and beautiful! My hero is Nev Gagne.
Just as a side note myself and some others are throwing together a benefit for Nev on June 25th at Pilgrim Church at 1375 W. Sylvania Ave Toledo, OH 43612. You can help Nev fight her battle by showing up and spending a little money to help her cause.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tough Times at City Hall
Good Day my friends. Wow I've been caught up in some really good things lately and have failed to keep up here in blog world. That's not so suprising really knowing my "hit and miss" track record. In my defense a .400 average would make me an annaual MVP in the baseball world! I hope you are looking forward to this string of 70+ degree days the forecasters are predicting. I know that I certainly am.
Off we go now. I was watching the nightly news at 11 tonight like I normally do (I'm partial to 13 ABC here in Toledo) and couldn't help but find myself once again fascinated with the City budget crisis. The City of Toledo was facing a 48 million dollar deficit and that I believe qualifies as a crisis. The council made some very tough decisions today in a five hour session that are mostly very unpopular. Then again I don't know if any decision they made with these issues could possibly be granted the approval of the City's cash strapped constituency.
One of the big moves made today was to force some concessions from the Policeman's union. The City is claiming their right to do this based on an emergency situation. I'm not going to get into a big debate over unions in this blog as there is more than enough debate there to fill several future articles. There are a couple of reasons why I'm opposed to the City taking this stance. First the Policeman's Union already agreed on some concessions last year when the City was amazingly enough facing a budget shortfall. I believe that many of the union members believed that the concessions they made last year would be the only ones they had to make for a few years. Another reason is the fact that the union voted on the "forced" concessions last week and voted against them. The City is basically violating the contract they signed with the union.
Now I fully understand that in these tough economic times most Americans have had to concede a few things. I'm not saying that the Police Department is immune to a little sacrificing occassionally. My stance is that the City signed a legal contract and ultimately should do all they can to stand behind it. The folks spending their working hours in One Government Center are constantly threatening to lay off drastic numbers of Safety Officers. Just recently a letter was mailed to 125 patrolmen notifying them they would be laid off. The City reversed course recently and put those layoffs on standby. The emergency forced concessions ordered today were a move to prevent the layoffs. Laying off 125 officers in Toledo, OH would be a monumentally tragic event, especially within a department that is already understaffed. I'm a proponent of the Mayor laying off his entire staff and answering his own phone calls and emails long before we lay off one safety officer. The Patrolmen's union has already given concessions my friends and forcing them to take more despite having entered into a legal and binding contract should be illegal.
The President of the Patrolman's union is indicating he will file an injunction tomorrow morning to block the concessions and that he is trying to prevent a mass block of sick days. The Union is considering a "blue flu" that would shorthand the department the next few days and weeks. I'm certainly not condoning this but in all reality the department is facing a massive layoff and any coordinated call off would only be a precursor to what we Toledoans can expect in the future.
The great minds that be also voted to double tax City residents that work in other suburban towns and to raise the Refuse Fee citizens pay to have their trash hauled away. These decisions meet with equal opposition. It must be recognized here that Toledo has spent the last many years throwing cash at several poorly thought out ideas. We have a "marina district" that lies on prime downtown riverfront property that sits undeveloped and devoid of stores and restaraunts. We have a massive parcel of nothingness sitting where Southwyck Mall used to stand. A couple of major Toledo businesses have already moved their headquarters to the 'burbs and one can only imagine how many more will follow this trend. The Cities unemployment rate continues to rise as the expendable monies of those still employed continues to dwindle. Yes my friends the outlook for Toledo is quite bleak. This doesn't even factor in the large budget deficit our inept public school board is overseeing. How many more delapidated and vacant factory buildings will we see in our future? How many more boarded up and vacant homes will pop up?
I firmly beleive the grit and resolve of the Toledo people will eventually will the City back onto a positive path. I however don't know if the folks currently making our decisions at City Hall are capable of spearheading that resurgance. Ineptitude and idiocy have long been the platform of our local politicians. Yet we continue to do business as usual, electing and re-electing the same tired progress-stifling politicians. Maybe if we re-elect them just one more time things will work out differently. I'm certain of one thing. Things will only get worse in Toledo before they get better.
Don't be so discouraged my fellow residents. Toledo still has many fine places and events to keep our spirits up over what should be a beautiful summer. We still live in a wonderful City and I'm still damn proud to be a Toledoan.
Off we go now. I was watching the nightly news at 11 tonight like I normally do (I'm partial to 13 ABC here in Toledo) and couldn't help but find myself once again fascinated with the City budget crisis. The City of Toledo was facing a 48 million dollar deficit and that I believe qualifies as a crisis. The council made some very tough decisions today in a five hour session that are mostly very unpopular. Then again I don't know if any decision they made with these issues could possibly be granted the approval of the City's cash strapped constituency.
One of the big moves made today was to force some concessions from the Policeman's union. The City is claiming their right to do this based on an emergency situation. I'm not going to get into a big debate over unions in this blog as there is more than enough debate there to fill several future articles. There are a couple of reasons why I'm opposed to the City taking this stance. First the Policeman's Union already agreed on some concessions last year when the City was amazingly enough facing a budget shortfall. I believe that many of the union members believed that the concessions they made last year would be the only ones they had to make for a few years. Another reason is the fact that the union voted on the "forced" concessions last week and voted against them. The City is basically violating the contract they signed with the union.
Now I fully understand that in these tough economic times most Americans have had to concede a few things. I'm not saying that the Police Department is immune to a little sacrificing occassionally. My stance is that the City signed a legal contract and ultimately should do all they can to stand behind it. The folks spending their working hours in One Government Center are constantly threatening to lay off drastic numbers of Safety Officers. Just recently a letter was mailed to 125 patrolmen notifying them they would be laid off. The City reversed course recently and put those layoffs on standby. The emergency forced concessions ordered today were a move to prevent the layoffs. Laying off 125 officers in Toledo, OH would be a monumentally tragic event, especially within a department that is already understaffed. I'm a proponent of the Mayor laying off his entire staff and answering his own phone calls and emails long before we lay off one safety officer. The Patrolmen's union has already given concessions my friends and forcing them to take more despite having entered into a legal and binding contract should be illegal.
The President of the Patrolman's union is indicating he will file an injunction tomorrow morning to block the concessions and that he is trying to prevent a mass block of sick days. The Union is considering a "blue flu" that would shorthand the department the next few days and weeks. I'm certainly not condoning this but in all reality the department is facing a massive layoff and any coordinated call off would only be a precursor to what we Toledoans can expect in the future.
The great minds that be also voted to double tax City residents that work in other suburban towns and to raise the Refuse Fee citizens pay to have their trash hauled away. These decisions meet with equal opposition. It must be recognized here that Toledo has spent the last many years throwing cash at several poorly thought out ideas. We have a "marina district" that lies on prime downtown riverfront property that sits undeveloped and devoid of stores and restaraunts. We have a massive parcel of nothingness sitting where Southwyck Mall used to stand. A couple of major Toledo businesses have already moved their headquarters to the 'burbs and one can only imagine how many more will follow this trend. The Cities unemployment rate continues to rise as the expendable monies of those still employed continues to dwindle. Yes my friends the outlook for Toledo is quite bleak. This doesn't even factor in the large budget deficit our inept public school board is overseeing. How many more delapidated and vacant factory buildings will we see in our future? How many more boarded up and vacant homes will pop up?
I firmly beleive the grit and resolve of the Toledo people will eventually will the City back onto a positive path. I however don't know if the folks currently making our decisions at City Hall are capable of spearheading that resurgance. Ineptitude and idiocy have long been the platform of our local politicians. Yet we continue to do business as usual, electing and re-electing the same tired progress-stifling politicians. Maybe if we re-elect them just one more time things will work out differently. I'm certain of one thing. Things will only get worse in Toledo before they get better.
Don't be so discouraged my fellow residents. Toledo still has many fine places and events to keep our spirits up over what should be a beautiful summer. We still live in a wonderful City and I'm still damn proud to be a Toledoan.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Gratitude
Good Wednesday dear readers. Hope all are enjoying the decent spring weather. I did manage to go for two short walks today, one with just me and the mp3 player and the other with Amy and the hounds. It was nice to get out of the house and get a little exercise but I'm paying the price now with a very stiff and spasming back. Amy and I enjoyed a little peace and quiet this late afternoon on the back deck as well. Gets me jonesing for cookouts (barbecues for some folks) and bonfires with friends. I'm thinking the backyard could use a horseshoe pit this summer. We will add that to the list of 347 other things I'd do if I had the time, energy and money all at once.
Anyway I was thinking that for today's blog I would share a little gratitude list with my friends. I subscribe to a certain way of life that sometimes suggests we list things we are grateful for to help us on those days that might be a tad sub par emotionally. Take it of leave it for it is what it is. I don't normally put the things I'm thankful for down on paper. More frequently I speak them out loud in an abbreviated list. Today this writer is going to try something a little different and actually take the time to write it out. Feel free to add comments at the end of this blog my friends on things that make you feel grateful.
1. I'm grateful to be alive and sober for the 1,402 day in a row.
2. I'm extremely thankful for my loving children, who are not only healthy, smart and active, but also the joy of my existance. It is an honor, a blessing and a privilege for this guy to be their Dad.
3. I'm grateful to have a loving and beautiful woman in my life, who exhibits extreme amounts of patience and tolerance for my shenanigans and overall hooliganism. She is very kind, caring and loyal and has done nothing but love me unconditionally. I love her.
4. I'm grateful that I've been allowed the honor of being able to build loving relationships with my siblings and my Mother. It is a privilege to be a member of a fairly tough and unconditionally loving family.
5. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to become a son my Dad could take a measure of pride in and that I had the opportunity to be in the room with him when he left this earthly world. He was certainly one of the most loving Dad's God ever placed on this Earth. The last few years of his life were a gift to myself and to my family and I'm honored to have been his son and to have had the opportunity to learn from his simple wisdom. He will always be in my eyes the epitome of unselfishness.
6. I'm so very grateful to have a multitude of friends who support and love me no matter what I go through in life. It has been a long time since I have had to go through anything in life, good or bad, alone. It is a true blessing to be so loved by so many.
7. I am truly grateful to have a beautiful home to live in, more food to eat than I need, more clothes to wear than I have days to wear them, most of the things I want and all of the things I need to enjoy this wonderful life I've been blessed to have. There are people that have more money than I do, who have bigger houses and fancier vehicles, but there is no one, anywhere on Earth, that is more richly blessed with happiness than I.
8. I am not only grateful but also extremely proud to live in the best damn country in the world. It is a true blessing to be an American.
9. I am grateful that Amy and I have two wonderful hounds of our own and have the means to foster another until he finds his forever home. On dark gloomy dreary days there is no therapy like hound therapy.
10. I am grateful to be in generally good health and to have the ability to do many of the things I enjoy doing in life.
11. I am grateful there are places like The Open Door in this world. The Open Door is a transitional housing facility for men in recovery. I lived there for 13 wonderful months and am certainly a better man for having had that opportunity.
12. I am grateful to live in Toledo, OH a city that has so many wonderful resources to offer its citizens. I love the Toledo Zoo, Fifth Third Field, the beautiful metro parks, the beautiful Maumee river, the wonderful libraries and countless other amenities afforded us Toledoans.
13. I am thankful to have the luxury to relax with a cup of coffee whenever I choose to do so. A hot cup of good coffee and fellowship with good friends are often high points in my day.
14. I am grateful to be a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, an Ohio State Football fan and a Chicago Bears Football fan. Following these sporting franchises have afforded me many wonderful memories throughout my life and I look forward to them helping me make many more.
15. I am grateful to have a host of mentors who are always there to help guide me through life's twists and turns. Without these men and women I would not be the man I am today.
16. I am truly thankful to have the gift of laughter in my daily life. Without laughter there would be no reason to live.
17. I am grateful the late great Robert B. Parker wrote so many wonderful novels in his lifetime.
18. I am grateful my parents instilled in me a love of reading.
19. I am grateful to have discovered a plethora of wonderful music in my lifetime. Music is a gift that gives over and over again. It is truly one of the great arts. A life without music would be a dull life indeed.
20. I am grateful to have hundreds of opportunities that lie ahead of me. Opportunities for furthering my education, for changing (in my case finding!) a career and opportunities for new adventures in life.
21. I am blessed to have found a loving Higher Power of my understanding who has never stopped at second chances but has afforded me thousands of chances to find my way to happiness.
22. I am grateful to have the pleasure of experiencing Cheese Cake and its many therapeutic values.
23. I am grateful to live in a region that affords many more sunny and warm days than cold and frigid ones.
24. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read and learn about people like Abraham Lincoln, Martin L. King Jr., Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and the countless other American Heroes who have paved a better life for you and I.
25. I have much gratitude for the free public education that I was given and the ability I have to take that with me everywhere I go.
26. I am grateful that someone invented shaving gel which is so much better than shaving cream.
27. I am blessed to have the "problem" of having so many friends and fun events to attend that I often don't have time for them all. For example, Amy and I were invited to four different places for the Super Bowl. We made two of those parties and literally flipped a quarter at half-time to decide what the second one to hit would be. Once again it is a divine blessing to be so thoroughly loved by so many.
28. I am grateful that out of the hundreds of thousands of people who have suffered from the disease of addiction, I am one of the few who has been granted the chance to recover from it.
29. I'm grateful to have been granted a second chance in life. And a third and a fourth and a 77Th and so forth.
30. I'm grateful that there might possibly be one or two of you still reading this rambling, repetitive list.
31. I am grateful that someone invented Reese's Peanut Butter cups.
32. I'm so very grateful to be blessed with enough material things in life that I have the pleasure of sharing some of these resources with others.
33. I'm grateful to have been taught not to regret my past, nor to shut the door on it. I've had the pleasure of seeing my experience benefit others.
I could go on and on for quite a while longer my friends. This list has already been long enough and thorough enough to help me realize that I'm so richly blessed. I truly have so many things to be grateful for and many reasons to smile each day. I am reminded that gratitude truly is an action and not just merely things we can list. I assure you dear readers that my actions today, tomorrow and should I be granted the opportunity to live next week, will exhibit just how gracious I am.
I hope I didn't bore you too much with today's blog. If anything I hope that I have inspired at least one person, somewhere, to realize the simple pleasures that we are granted each day.
"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude." -Denis Waitley- World renowned keynote speaker and productivity consultant.
My wish for you today my dear friends is that you learn to find happiness in whatever state you are in today. If no one has told you today that you are loved, allow me to be the first. I love you. You are worthy of happiness. Take that happiness and share it with someone else and help make this world a better one to live in.
Peace.
Anyway I was thinking that for today's blog I would share a little gratitude list with my friends. I subscribe to a certain way of life that sometimes suggests we list things we are grateful for to help us on those days that might be a tad sub par emotionally. Take it of leave it for it is what it is. I don't normally put the things I'm thankful for down on paper. More frequently I speak them out loud in an abbreviated list. Today this writer is going to try something a little different and actually take the time to write it out. Feel free to add comments at the end of this blog my friends on things that make you feel grateful.
1. I'm grateful to be alive and sober for the 1,402 day in a row.
2. I'm extremely thankful for my loving children, who are not only healthy, smart and active, but also the joy of my existance. It is an honor, a blessing and a privilege for this guy to be their Dad.
3. I'm grateful to have a loving and beautiful woman in my life, who exhibits extreme amounts of patience and tolerance for my shenanigans and overall hooliganism. She is very kind, caring and loyal and has done nothing but love me unconditionally. I love her.
4. I'm grateful that I've been allowed the honor of being able to build loving relationships with my siblings and my Mother. It is a privilege to be a member of a fairly tough and unconditionally loving family.
5. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to become a son my Dad could take a measure of pride in and that I had the opportunity to be in the room with him when he left this earthly world. He was certainly one of the most loving Dad's God ever placed on this Earth. The last few years of his life were a gift to myself and to my family and I'm honored to have been his son and to have had the opportunity to learn from his simple wisdom. He will always be in my eyes the epitome of unselfishness.
6. I'm so very grateful to have a multitude of friends who support and love me no matter what I go through in life. It has been a long time since I have had to go through anything in life, good or bad, alone. It is a true blessing to be so loved by so many.
7. I am truly grateful to have a beautiful home to live in, more food to eat than I need, more clothes to wear than I have days to wear them, most of the things I want and all of the things I need to enjoy this wonderful life I've been blessed to have. There are people that have more money than I do, who have bigger houses and fancier vehicles, but there is no one, anywhere on Earth, that is more richly blessed with happiness than I.
8. I am not only grateful but also extremely proud to live in the best damn country in the world. It is a true blessing to be an American.
9. I am grateful that Amy and I have two wonderful hounds of our own and have the means to foster another until he finds his forever home. On dark gloomy dreary days there is no therapy like hound therapy.
10. I am grateful to be in generally good health and to have the ability to do many of the things I enjoy doing in life.
11. I am grateful there are places like The Open Door in this world. The Open Door is a transitional housing facility for men in recovery. I lived there for 13 wonderful months and am certainly a better man for having had that opportunity.
12. I am grateful to live in Toledo, OH a city that has so many wonderful resources to offer its citizens. I love the Toledo Zoo, Fifth Third Field, the beautiful metro parks, the beautiful Maumee river, the wonderful libraries and countless other amenities afforded us Toledoans.
13. I am thankful to have the luxury to relax with a cup of coffee whenever I choose to do so. A hot cup of good coffee and fellowship with good friends are often high points in my day.
14. I am grateful to be a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, an Ohio State Football fan and a Chicago Bears Football fan. Following these sporting franchises have afforded me many wonderful memories throughout my life and I look forward to them helping me make many more.
15. I am grateful to have a host of mentors who are always there to help guide me through life's twists and turns. Without these men and women I would not be the man I am today.
16. I am truly thankful to have the gift of laughter in my daily life. Without laughter there would be no reason to live.
17. I am grateful the late great Robert B. Parker wrote so many wonderful novels in his lifetime.
18. I am grateful my parents instilled in me a love of reading.
19. I am grateful to have discovered a plethora of wonderful music in my lifetime. Music is a gift that gives over and over again. It is truly one of the great arts. A life without music would be a dull life indeed.
20. I am grateful to have hundreds of opportunities that lie ahead of me. Opportunities for furthering my education, for changing (in my case finding!) a career and opportunities for new adventures in life.
21. I am blessed to have found a loving Higher Power of my understanding who has never stopped at second chances but has afforded me thousands of chances to find my way to happiness.
22. I am grateful to have the pleasure of experiencing Cheese Cake and its many therapeutic values.
23. I am grateful to live in a region that affords many more sunny and warm days than cold and frigid ones.
24. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read and learn about people like Abraham Lincoln, Martin L. King Jr., Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and the countless other American Heroes who have paved a better life for you and I.
25. I have much gratitude for the free public education that I was given and the ability I have to take that with me everywhere I go.
26. I am grateful that someone invented shaving gel which is so much better than shaving cream.
27. I am blessed to have the "problem" of having so many friends and fun events to attend that I often don't have time for them all. For example, Amy and I were invited to four different places for the Super Bowl. We made two of those parties and literally flipped a quarter at half-time to decide what the second one to hit would be. Once again it is a divine blessing to be so thoroughly loved by so many.
28. I am grateful that out of the hundreds of thousands of people who have suffered from the disease of addiction, I am one of the few who has been granted the chance to recover from it.
29. I'm grateful to have been granted a second chance in life. And a third and a fourth and a 77Th and so forth.
30. I'm grateful that there might possibly be one or two of you still reading this rambling, repetitive list.
31. I am grateful that someone invented Reese's Peanut Butter cups.
32. I'm so very grateful to be blessed with enough material things in life that I have the pleasure of sharing some of these resources with others.
33. I'm grateful to have been taught not to regret my past, nor to shut the door on it. I've had the pleasure of seeing my experience benefit others.
I could go on and on for quite a while longer my friends. This list has already been long enough and thorough enough to help me realize that I'm so richly blessed. I truly have so many things to be grateful for and many reasons to smile each day. I am reminded that gratitude truly is an action and not just merely things we can list. I assure you dear readers that my actions today, tomorrow and should I be granted the opportunity to live next week, will exhibit just how gracious I am.
I hope I didn't bore you too much with today's blog. If anything I hope that I have inspired at least one person, somewhere, to realize the simple pleasures that we are granted each day.
"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude." -Denis Waitley- World renowned keynote speaker and productivity consultant.
My wish for you today my dear friends is that you learn to find happiness in whatever state you are in today. If no one has told you today that you are loved, allow me to be the first. I love you. You are worthy of happiness. Take that happiness and share it with someone else and help make this world a better one to live in.
Peace.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Health Care Reformed?
Happy rainy dreary Monday my dear readers. Your gentle writer has spent much of the weekend on the couch with a viscous spring cold. Yes dear readers I am quite the weakling when it comes to being sick. I tend to just curl up in a ball and whimper myself to sleep. My goal is always to sleep until I feel better, no matter how many days that takes. I did get to watch a lot of basketball however and man there was some great games. Alas it is time to spit out another blog so here we go.
It has been a long time since I remember congress voting on a bill that got so much attention. It seems that everyone has an opinion on whether or not this is good for Americans. Now this writer has perused dozens of websites about the Health Care Reform Bill that did indeed get passed and I have been unable to find anywhere that I can actually read the bill. I have noticed due to my shrewd and keen abilities of being sensitive to such things (I'm a Virgo and astrology claims I have this ability) that this bill seems to be fairly partisan. Conservatives and Republicans tend to think this particular bill is going to be the death of America as we know it and Liberals and Democrats seem to be of the opinion that this Bill will fix all that ails our great country. I visited many websites and all of them tended to be slanted towards one of these directions.
As I previously stated, I have not had the luxury of actually reading the bill that was voted upon. I can not really make a valid decision on it until such time as I have laid my eyes upon this controversial parchment. I don't really "fit" into the Republican camp and although I identify more with the Democrat platform I don't always feel as if I "fit" there either. I like to think of myself as conservatively liberal. This is my blog and I can make up any lingo I want! All the disclaimers aside this is my uninformed take on Health Care Reform.
I have read things that appear to be good and things that I don't particularly care for about this bill. Having been without medical coverage at times in my life I am optimistic that more Americans will have access to medical benefits. A lot of what I have read sounds good in theory. I however have a deep distrust for our Federal Government and in my experience the average American can not trust that they are acting on our behalf. I'm not saying that I believe the conservative talking heads and all the "facts" they spout out but I am saying I find it difficult to trust that our government has my best interests at heart. I also wonder if my friends who are so passionately for or against this bill have actually seen it or if they are just once again aligning themselves with their favorite media personality. I also am wary of how unbiased our media can be.
When I get my annual Social Security Disability report in the mail that says I've already earned the maximum potential highest pay out if I were to become disabled today, it also says that Social Security is going broke. First if I've already paid enough money into it to get the maximum benefit, why do I still pay social security taxes? Secondly this leads me to believe we should do something about fixing social security. I challenge you dear readers to find me one highly successful enterprise ran by our federal government. The Post Office is privately ran and is a travesty. The Veterans Administration leaves a lot to be desired according to my veteran friends. The huge financial bail outs the government has already given appear to not have worked effectively. We are still fighting two wars in the Middle East that no one really knows why we are fighting. My point is that congress does not have a good track record in proving their ability to do anything effectively. I could go into a long lecture here about my dislike of career politicians but for the sake of time I will spare you dear readers. Suffice it to say I am a fan of term limits.
As with every thing else in life I suppose time will tell if this was a good piece of legislation. If it is then many Americans will have the opportunity to live healthier lives. If it is not then we the American people will be once again left to pick up the ruble and send more money to Washington to fix their mistakes. Remember readers we live in a country with great freedom. We have the ability to choose who does our bidding in Washington. Please do not take this freedom lightly. I have the phone numbers and emails of my elected representatives and am not afraid to use them should I find it necessary to inform them of my opinion. You should feel free to do the same.
It has been a long time since I remember congress voting on a bill that got so much attention. It seems that everyone has an opinion on whether or not this is good for Americans. Now this writer has perused dozens of websites about the Health Care Reform Bill that did indeed get passed and I have been unable to find anywhere that I can actually read the bill. I have noticed due to my shrewd and keen abilities of being sensitive to such things (I'm a Virgo and astrology claims I have this ability) that this bill seems to be fairly partisan. Conservatives and Republicans tend to think this particular bill is going to be the death of America as we know it and Liberals and Democrats seem to be of the opinion that this Bill will fix all that ails our great country. I visited many websites and all of them tended to be slanted towards one of these directions.
As I previously stated, I have not had the luxury of actually reading the bill that was voted upon. I can not really make a valid decision on it until such time as I have laid my eyes upon this controversial parchment. I don't really "fit" into the Republican camp and although I identify more with the Democrat platform I don't always feel as if I "fit" there either. I like to think of myself as conservatively liberal. This is my blog and I can make up any lingo I want! All the disclaimers aside this is my uninformed take on Health Care Reform.
I have read things that appear to be good and things that I don't particularly care for about this bill. Having been without medical coverage at times in my life I am optimistic that more Americans will have access to medical benefits. A lot of what I have read sounds good in theory. I however have a deep distrust for our Federal Government and in my experience the average American can not trust that they are acting on our behalf. I'm not saying that I believe the conservative talking heads and all the "facts" they spout out but I am saying I find it difficult to trust that our government has my best interests at heart. I also wonder if my friends who are so passionately for or against this bill have actually seen it or if they are just once again aligning themselves with their favorite media personality. I also am wary of how unbiased our media can be.
When I get my annual Social Security Disability report in the mail that says I've already earned the maximum potential highest pay out if I were to become disabled today, it also says that Social Security is going broke. First if I've already paid enough money into it to get the maximum benefit, why do I still pay social security taxes? Secondly this leads me to believe we should do something about fixing social security. I challenge you dear readers to find me one highly successful enterprise ran by our federal government. The Post Office is privately ran and is a travesty. The Veterans Administration leaves a lot to be desired according to my veteran friends. The huge financial bail outs the government has already given appear to not have worked effectively. We are still fighting two wars in the Middle East that no one really knows why we are fighting. My point is that congress does not have a good track record in proving their ability to do anything effectively. I could go into a long lecture here about my dislike of career politicians but for the sake of time I will spare you dear readers. Suffice it to say I am a fan of term limits.
As with every thing else in life I suppose time will tell if this was a good piece of legislation. If it is then many Americans will have the opportunity to live healthier lives. If it is not then we the American people will be once again left to pick up the ruble and send more money to Washington to fix their mistakes. Remember readers we live in a country with great freedom. We have the ability to choose who does our bidding in Washington. Please do not take this freedom lightly. I have the phone numbers and emails of my elected representatives and am not afraid to use them should I find it necessary to inform them of my opinion. You should feel free to do the same.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
March is Mad
Happy St. Patricks Day friends. Even a cranky ole' Irishman such as myself can let ya pretend to be Irish today, after all everybodys Irish on St. Paddy's day. Amy brought home a wonderful Jiggs dinner from Dorr St. Cafe. Man it was tasty. And the weather? What unbelievably beautiful weather we've enjoyed these past few days. It's supposed to be 65 again tomorrow according to ABC 13. I did see some colder temperatures in the seven day forecast, but I'm gonna enjoy the shorts weather while its here.
Let's take a little journey into today's blog shall we? One of my favorite times of the sporting year headlines today's maniacal rant. Our good friend March Madness. In all reality I'm not much of a basketball fan but I do prefer NCAA men's over the NBA any day of the week. It's been a long time since the NBA marketed to my demographic. I love me some March Madness though. I usually start getting excited about it right around Big 10 Tournament time. I'm a Big 10 fan through and through. Although I'm a huge Ohio State football fan I do favor the University of Illinois Men's basketball slightly more than the Buckeyes. Unfortunately the Fighting Illini aren't dancing at the big ball so its Ohio State all the way and I truly like their chances. Evan Turner is the next great thing coming out of college men's hoops.
I'm not much of a sports gambling type of guy. I buy the occasional lottery ticket and I truly enjoy playing my Texas Hold Em poker, but I just don't gamble on sports much. My typical sports bets tend to be a cup of coffee at Bigby's. I always figure if I lose its well worth it to "endure" good company and conversation while enjoying some good coffee, truly a win-win all the way around. However I do make exceptions. I normally buy a few squares during Super Bowl week and I normally enter into a couple of March Madness bracket picking polls. Much will be said over the next week or two about people being unproductive at work due to following the Men's basketball tourney. I don't know if I truly buy this. Being a slightly larger than most, sports fan, I become distracted at work no matter what sport is playing. Let's be honest I will totally hold down a conversation about NASCAR if it keeps me from having to work. I don't know a lot about racing but it beats work every time. Lacrosse? Crew? Tennis? I've talked about them all while on the time clock at the job. March Madness is just about the only thing that distracts me, although minimally, from my real spring obsession; St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
I love the fact that the tournament style of NCAA men's basketball offers the potential for "Cinderella" teams. Remember Loyola Marymount? Gonzagas runs through the tourney? Remember George Mason? Southern Illinois? Davidson? The potential for upsets throughout the tournament always adds a little excitement as we meander through early spring Ohio weather. This year I really like Ohio States chances to make a long run. I think Michigan State could be a sleeper and I'm picking Richmond as an unexpected team to go far. I look forward to constant coverage of the games and being able to watch a lot of college sports these next couple of weeks. I don't really care how much money it costs employers for us to be excited about all of the hoopla. If the average working "Joe" didn't have something to get excited about long-term productivity would drop off exponentially. Feel free to go Mad folks, March is upon us.
In case you were wondering, the St. Louis Cardinals are shaping up pretty nicely to take the NL Central again this year. I think our pitching staff is comparable to just about any out there and a line-up anchored by Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday should provide for an exciting summer. I said March Madness distracts me from baseball, not that it makes me forget about it. At my very core I am a die hard Cardinals fan who bleeds Cardinals Red all year long. Ask my first wife who was royally pissed when I explained why she should never again ask me why I loved the Cardinals more than I loved her. My answer? I've loved them longer and they've treated me better. Women and their general overall lack of understanding when it comes to men and sports. Luckily I date a wonderful woman who tolerates my fanaticism. Good day all. Celebrate away on this St. Patricks Day. I will still be Irish tomorrow.
Let's take a little journey into today's blog shall we? One of my favorite times of the sporting year headlines today's maniacal rant. Our good friend March Madness. In all reality I'm not much of a basketball fan but I do prefer NCAA men's over the NBA any day of the week. It's been a long time since the NBA marketed to my demographic. I love me some March Madness though. I usually start getting excited about it right around Big 10 Tournament time. I'm a Big 10 fan through and through. Although I'm a huge Ohio State football fan I do favor the University of Illinois Men's basketball slightly more than the Buckeyes. Unfortunately the Fighting Illini aren't dancing at the big ball so its Ohio State all the way and I truly like their chances. Evan Turner is the next great thing coming out of college men's hoops.
I'm not much of a sports gambling type of guy. I buy the occasional lottery ticket and I truly enjoy playing my Texas Hold Em poker, but I just don't gamble on sports much. My typical sports bets tend to be a cup of coffee at Bigby's. I always figure if I lose its well worth it to "endure" good company and conversation while enjoying some good coffee, truly a win-win all the way around. However I do make exceptions. I normally buy a few squares during Super Bowl week and I normally enter into a couple of March Madness bracket picking polls. Much will be said over the next week or two about people being unproductive at work due to following the Men's basketball tourney. I don't know if I truly buy this. Being a slightly larger than most, sports fan, I become distracted at work no matter what sport is playing. Let's be honest I will totally hold down a conversation about NASCAR if it keeps me from having to work. I don't know a lot about racing but it beats work every time. Lacrosse? Crew? Tennis? I've talked about them all while on the time clock at the job. March Madness is just about the only thing that distracts me, although minimally, from my real spring obsession; St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
I love the fact that the tournament style of NCAA men's basketball offers the potential for "Cinderella" teams. Remember Loyola Marymount? Gonzagas runs through the tourney? Remember George Mason? Southern Illinois? Davidson? The potential for upsets throughout the tournament always adds a little excitement as we meander through early spring Ohio weather. This year I really like Ohio States chances to make a long run. I think Michigan State could be a sleeper and I'm picking Richmond as an unexpected team to go far. I look forward to constant coverage of the games and being able to watch a lot of college sports these next couple of weeks. I don't really care how much money it costs employers for us to be excited about all of the hoopla. If the average working "Joe" didn't have something to get excited about long-term productivity would drop off exponentially. Feel free to go Mad folks, March is upon us.
In case you were wondering, the St. Louis Cardinals are shaping up pretty nicely to take the NL Central again this year. I think our pitching staff is comparable to just about any out there and a line-up anchored by Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday should provide for an exciting summer. I said March Madness distracts me from baseball, not that it makes me forget about it. At my very core I am a die hard Cardinals fan who bleeds Cardinals Red all year long. Ask my first wife who was royally pissed when I explained why she should never again ask me why I loved the Cardinals more than I loved her. My answer? I've loved them longer and they've treated me better. Women and their general overall lack of understanding when it comes to men and sports. Luckily I date a wonderful woman who tolerates my fanaticism. Good day all. Celebrate away on this St. Patricks Day. I will still be Irish tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
America's Greatest Resource
Happy Tuesday all. What a blessed day. I started out slow and am finishing strong. If you didn't get a chance to get outdoors you were cheated. I spent most of the day with the windows open, did a little laundry and a little cleaning. I've got chicken breasts baking in the oven and am boiling taters for mashing. Figured I could do a little multi-tasking and get to writin'. Very funny story about that actually. One night about a month ago, in the midst of a viscous bout of insomnia, Amy awoke to an empty bed around 2:30 Am. She peeked in the office to see me on the computer and asked what I was doing. My reply of "writin'" is one of our favorite inside jokes these days. I have been slowly picking my way through trying to write my first mystery novel. Like most things in my life it is a work in progress, but something I rather enjoy doing.
Which brings me to the topic of today's blog. Public Libraries are in fact America's best natural resource. I have enjoyed a love of reading since I first began learning how to do so. This was augmented by the fact that I grew up without a television. Yes my friends you heard me correctly. Because of my Parent's religion they have never owned a television. This encouraged me to find escape in books. In the town I grew up in, Mattoon, IL, they have a summer reading program every summer for school age children. I entered this every summer and actually held the record for many years for most books read in one summer. Between my first and second grade years I read a whopping 909 books! This record was broken by a cousin of mine probably about a decade ago. I believe I won my grade level every year but one throughout the many summers I participated in this program.
When I turned 16, and was legally allowed to work, I got a job at the Mattoon Public Library where I worked until my first semester of college. I worked at the library during their expansion and am proud of the fact that my name is sealed in a time capsule behind the cornerstone of the Library. Working there only added fuel to my hobby of reading. I continued to find many adventures between the covers of many books.
Today in my adopted hometown of Toledo, OH I enjoy access to one of the finest public library systems in America. This is not an entirely biased opinion as the Toledo Public Library system has won national awards. I continue to read a book or two a week on average. Toledo libraries are some of the most beautiful I have ever explored. The main branch in downtown Toledo is a wondrous home to hundreds of thousands of pieces of material. Spacious study areas, hundreds of computers offering Microsoft works and Internet access, and rows and rows and rows of books. This is all complimented by a small gift shop and cafe in the basement. I don't visit the downtown branch often mostly, because I'm morally opposed to having to pay to park in their parking garage. There are however over a dozen branches placed conveniently around the city. I frequent the Reynolds Corner branch near the Inverness club on Dorr St. It is newly remodeled using a lot of green technology and a beautiful library. One of the neat features I commonly use is the ability to reserve materials online from my home and to have them waiting for me when I drop into the library.
Folks, lets get this stated out in the open right now. One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is a lesson on the Dewey Decimal system used by most major libraries. Teaching your children how to make good use of the library is a gift they will cherish the rest of their lives. The Toledo Public Library system offers new DVD movies, hundreds of thousand of books, Cd's, Internet access, quiet study areas, hundreds of magazines and newspapers and much much more. This is all free! Seriously where can you find a better resource?
Now I will be the first to admit that I love the fact that I can research any topic in the luxury of my home office. The Internet is something that I adore and I use it every day. I enjoy the fact that I no longer have to travel to the library and sort through dozens of books to find answers to my research. That being said I do my best to transfer my love of books and reading to my children. Although only 5 years old (and yes if you remember I do have twins) and only in kindergarten my children are already reading mostly on their own. Mckenzie's favorite book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess. One of the most memorable moments of my life was witnessing her read this all on her own. Spenser can also read these basic books but Mckenzie has shown a little more tendency to read than he. I'm thinking that now may be the time for me to read them one of my all time favorite books, Where the Red Fern Grows. I'm thinking of reading them a chapter each time I have them.
As a side topic to this, in these economically hard times many governments are either cutting library budgets or considering doing so. This is something that must be avoided at all costs (no pun intended). If anything the future of our country lies in the fact that our children are raised with the freedom to enjoy our public libraries. It is no coincidence that America's brightest scholars all mostly have a love of reading. Cutting funding to libraries would be a step in the wrong direction no matter how economically strapped communities may be. These cuts in funding would cause Andrew Carnegie to roll over in his grave. In case you weren't aware of this, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steel Dynasty, Andrew Carnegie, spent a lot of his fortune in the early 1900's to ensure Americans had free access to libraries. Let us urge our government leaders to carry on his legacy and keep libraries free and flourishing.
Meanwhile I've got to get dinner finished and get back to reading my current book "Perfect I'm Not." It's the autobiography of David Wells the famous Major League pitcher.
Which brings me to the topic of today's blog. Public Libraries are in fact America's best natural resource. I have enjoyed a love of reading since I first began learning how to do so. This was augmented by the fact that I grew up without a television. Yes my friends you heard me correctly. Because of my Parent's religion they have never owned a television. This encouraged me to find escape in books. In the town I grew up in, Mattoon, IL, they have a summer reading program every summer for school age children. I entered this every summer and actually held the record for many years for most books read in one summer. Between my first and second grade years I read a whopping 909 books! This record was broken by a cousin of mine probably about a decade ago. I believe I won my grade level every year but one throughout the many summers I participated in this program.
When I turned 16, and was legally allowed to work, I got a job at the Mattoon Public Library where I worked until my first semester of college. I worked at the library during their expansion and am proud of the fact that my name is sealed in a time capsule behind the cornerstone of the Library. Working there only added fuel to my hobby of reading. I continued to find many adventures between the covers of many books.
Today in my adopted hometown of Toledo, OH I enjoy access to one of the finest public library systems in America. This is not an entirely biased opinion as the Toledo Public Library system has won national awards. I continue to read a book or two a week on average. Toledo libraries are some of the most beautiful I have ever explored. The main branch in downtown Toledo is a wondrous home to hundreds of thousands of pieces of material. Spacious study areas, hundreds of computers offering Microsoft works and Internet access, and rows and rows and rows of books. This is all complimented by a small gift shop and cafe in the basement. I don't visit the downtown branch often mostly, because I'm morally opposed to having to pay to park in their parking garage. There are however over a dozen branches placed conveniently around the city. I frequent the Reynolds Corner branch near the Inverness club on Dorr St. It is newly remodeled using a lot of green technology and a beautiful library. One of the neat features I commonly use is the ability to reserve materials online from my home and to have them waiting for me when I drop into the library.
Folks, lets get this stated out in the open right now. One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is a lesson on the Dewey Decimal system used by most major libraries. Teaching your children how to make good use of the library is a gift they will cherish the rest of their lives. The Toledo Public Library system offers new DVD movies, hundreds of thousand of books, Cd's, Internet access, quiet study areas, hundreds of magazines and newspapers and much much more. This is all free! Seriously where can you find a better resource?
Now I will be the first to admit that I love the fact that I can research any topic in the luxury of my home office. The Internet is something that I adore and I use it every day. I enjoy the fact that I no longer have to travel to the library and sort through dozens of books to find answers to my research. That being said I do my best to transfer my love of books and reading to my children. Although only 5 years old (and yes if you remember I do have twins) and only in kindergarten my children are already reading mostly on their own. Mckenzie's favorite book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess. One of the most memorable moments of my life was witnessing her read this all on her own. Spenser can also read these basic books but Mckenzie has shown a little more tendency to read than he. I'm thinking that now may be the time for me to read them one of my all time favorite books, Where the Red Fern Grows. I'm thinking of reading them a chapter each time I have them.
As a side topic to this, in these economically hard times many governments are either cutting library budgets or considering doing so. This is something that must be avoided at all costs (no pun intended). If anything the future of our country lies in the fact that our children are raised with the freedom to enjoy our public libraries. It is no coincidence that America's brightest scholars all mostly have a love of reading. Cutting funding to libraries would be a step in the wrong direction no matter how economically strapped communities may be. These cuts in funding would cause Andrew Carnegie to roll over in his grave. In case you weren't aware of this, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steel Dynasty, Andrew Carnegie, spent a lot of his fortune in the early 1900's to ensure Americans had free access to libraries. Let us urge our government leaders to carry on his legacy and keep libraries free and flourishing.
Meanwhile I've got to get dinner finished and get back to reading my current book "Perfect I'm Not." It's the autobiography of David Wells the famous Major League pitcher.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Tolerance of Others
Happy Monday to all. I'm hoping everyone is adjusting to getting an hour less of sleep over the weekend as most of us have "celebrated" day light savings time and have lost an hour of our lives this past weekend. I know for myself it was quite an amazing weekend. Good times with friends, many laughs, unforgettable experiences and capped off with a good Sunday with my Amy and my kids. It is however "Back to Reality" Monday.
Off and running we go now on to today's blog. I read a newspaper article yesterday about atheists being offended by roadside memorials. I'm sure you've seen them. Usually it is a cross planted on the side of the road, sometimes its a wreath. Usually its surrounded by flowers and pictures and other items left in remembrance of those who died in an automobile accident. Apparently our atheist friends find the crosses to be a violation of church and state. Roadsides are generally property of the government. This writer did a lot web surfing at different atheist websites and found one that went so far as to describe how to take these crosses down.
Now I think we are entering into some sensitive areas and I never have once been afraid to wade right into these areas. I don't claim to know or relate to what an atheist feels and believes. I don't usually share my beliefs of the spiritual world in public forums but I'd like to give my readers just a glimpse of my journey if I may. I was raised in an ultra-conservative religious home and required to attend religious services sometimes as many as four times a week. I never felt comfortable living this lifestyle and in fact felt that it alienated me from other children. When I entered into college and began to experience many new things I came to the realization that I was an agnostic. Just a brief lesson on what these words mean so all of my readers can stay on the same page, or blog if you wish. An atheist doesn't have any beliefs in gods, an agnostic doesn't deny there is a god just that there is no discernible proof of their existence. I spent much of my 20's practicing agnosticism.
In my late 20's a series of events collided forcing me to re-evaluate my spiritual ideas. I must say that I no longer consider myself agnostic, as I do have a belief in a God as I understand him. I have absolutely no religious affiliations nor do I ever picture myself ever truly desiring any. I do occasionally attend church services and have actually rather liked exploring different denominations. All of this being stated lets get back on topic shall we?
Placing a roadside memorial at the spot of a loved one's death has many therapeutic values. These memorials can often help ones grieving process. I think as humans we tend to feel a need to do something at the passing of a loved one to ensure they will not be forgotten. This is where the tolerance of others comes along. Just because I don't agree with your form of grieving or you expressing yourself in general, doesn't mean you don't have the right to do these things. I, for instance, am offended at hate groups who march and protest trying to ignite hate and intolerance. I do however recognize their right to do these things and believe we are correct in providing them a forum to do so. I was inspired to write today's blog because of the overall attitude some atheists possess that the things they find "wrong" or offending they can just remove. Removing some one's roadside memorial is at best terribly insensitive, and at is worst full of douchebaggery. (I've been wanting to use this word and am so happy to finally have the opportunity.) Much like the peace demonstrators protesting war at a fallen soldiers funeral, removing a persons memorial is in extremely bad taste.
This is the nuts and bolts of the issue for me. We all find it necessary to remind everyone of our rights and freedoms and demand that they practice tolerance for our way of living. Yet many people still demand that others make concessions of their freedoms to appease their lifestyles. I get the fact that atheists are offended by having to look at crosses. Really I do get that. I don't however believe that is enough motivation for governments to deprive loved ones their ability to grieve and memorialize their lost loved ones. Just as atheists demand people respect their rights to be atheist, they should also practice respecting others rights to live according to their religious beliefs.
I am a proponent of the separation of church and state. I also believe that many of those in favor of church and state tend to take things a little too far. There are appropriate battlefields for the debate to take place, ripping down memorials on the side of the expressway isn't one of these places. Once again I'm reminded that we will never live in a perfect world. Again I'm reminded that encouraging folks to become more tolerant of folks different than themselves is a step in the right direction. Can't we all just get along? Most likely not I'm sure but it's enough of a happy thought to carry this writer through the rest of the day.
“You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.” -Friedrich Nietzsche-
Off and running we go now on to today's blog. I read a newspaper article yesterday about atheists being offended by roadside memorials. I'm sure you've seen them. Usually it is a cross planted on the side of the road, sometimes its a wreath. Usually its surrounded by flowers and pictures and other items left in remembrance of those who died in an automobile accident. Apparently our atheist friends find the crosses to be a violation of church and state. Roadsides are generally property of the government. This writer did a lot web surfing at different atheist websites and found one that went so far as to describe how to take these crosses down.
Now I think we are entering into some sensitive areas and I never have once been afraid to wade right into these areas. I don't claim to know or relate to what an atheist feels and believes. I don't usually share my beliefs of the spiritual world in public forums but I'd like to give my readers just a glimpse of my journey if I may. I was raised in an ultra-conservative religious home and required to attend religious services sometimes as many as four times a week. I never felt comfortable living this lifestyle and in fact felt that it alienated me from other children. When I entered into college and began to experience many new things I came to the realization that I was an agnostic. Just a brief lesson on what these words mean so all of my readers can stay on the same page, or blog if you wish. An atheist doesn't have any beliefs in gods, an agnostic doesn't deny there is a god just that there is no discernible proof of their existence. I spent much of my 20's practicing agnosticism.
In my late 20's a series of events collided forcing me to re-evaluate my spiritual ideas. I must say that I no longer consider myself agnostic, as I do have a belief in a God as I understand him. I have absolutely no religious affiliations nor do I ever picture myself ever truly desiring any. I do occasionally attend church services and have actually rather liked exploring different denominations. All of this being stated lets get back on topic shall we?
Placing a roadside memorial at the spot of a loved one's death has many therapeutic values. These memorials can often help ones grieving process. I think as humans we tend to feel a need to do something at the passing of a loved one to ensure they will not be forgotten. This is where the tolerance of others comes along. Just because I don't agree with your form of grieving or you expressing yourself in general, doesn't mean you don't have the right to do these things. I, for instance, am offended at hate groups who march and protest trying to ignite hate and intolerance. I do however recognize their right to do these things and believe we are correct in providing them a forum to do so. I was inspired to write today's blog because of the overall attitude some atheists possess that the things they find "wrong" or offending they can just remove. Removing some one's roadside memorial is at best terribly insensitive, and at is worst full of douchebaggery. (I've been wanting to use this word and am so happy to finally have the opportunity.) Much like the peace demonstrators protesting war at a fallen soldiers funeral, removing a persons memorial is in extremely bad taste.
This is the nuts and bolts of the issue for me. We all find it necessary to remind everyone of our rights and freedoms and demand that they practice tolerance for our way of living. Yet many people still demand that others make concessions of their freedoms to appease their lifestyles. I get the fact that atheists are offended by having to look at crosses. Really I do get that. I don't however believe that is enough motivation for governments to deprive loved ones their ability to grieve and memorialize their lost loved ones. Just as atheists demand people respect their rights to be atheist, they should also practice respecting others rights to live according to their religious beliefs.
I am a proponent of the separation of church and state. I also believe that many of those in favor of church and state tend to take things a little too far. There are appropriate battlefields for the debate to take place, ripping down memorials on the side of the expressway isn't one of these places. Once again I'm reminded that we will never live in a perfect world. Again I'm reminded that encouraging folks to become more tolerant of folks different than themselves is a step in the right direction. Can't we all just get along? Most likely not I'm sure but it's enough of a happy thought to carry this writer through the rest of the day.
“You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.” -Friedrich Nietzsche-
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Death of Country Music
How's your Friday? It is a little gray and dreary looking out at the moment. I'm just glad it's still hooded-sweatshirt weather. I'm going to wait a week or two, but I'm definitely looking forward to being able to bury the coat way back in the closet to await its need for next winter. I know it is almost spring because I'm preparing for my fantasy baseball draft.
Let's get moving shall we? We could sit here and exchange pleasantries all day but there is a blog that needs to be written and I'm much too poor to afford a ghost writer. Have you noticed the merging of country and pop music of late? When is the last time you have heard a new country song that didn't qualify to be listed on the pop charts? I am an unabashedly unashamed fan of country music. One country song states "I was country, when country wasn't cool." My dilemma lies in the fact that country music generally isn't country anymore.
I am a fan of what I like to refer to as the bad boys of country. Those traditional devil may care artists who sang their songs and did a good job of selling them to you. When Hank Jr. sang family tradition, you and I had no trouble believing that he was indeed a whiskey swilling rebel. Today when you hear Brad Paisley sing "alcohol" you wonder who wrote it and why is he singing it. We call today's artists "Tennis Shoe Country" in the circles that I run around in. One person in the industry that is a close (very close) personal friend of mine calls it homogenized commercial pop. This is the crux of the matter. Country music has sold out to the mainstream listener. Some of the biggest names in country music tend to put out an album every 12 months or so filled with indistinguishable music, that sounds much like every other song on the Radio. These big name artists seem to know that they can record three minutes of generic worthlessness and you the fan will buy this music because it is sung by someone famous. I was shocked when Toby Keith's song "American Ride" made it to the top of the country charts. It's a terrible song Toby.
The bad boys of country, where have you gone? Say it isn't so Waylon? Save us from ourselves Merle. For the love of Johnny can we get an edgy, twangy country star who is determined to do things his way, record labels be damned? Hank Sr. must be on that far aways shore wondering what happened to that twang he once helped to make so popular. We will come back and visit this later but I'm going to spill it now. Garth Brooks killed country music.
In the late 1960's and in the 1970's there existed a group of country singers called "the Outlaws." This group became tired of being force fed how their music should be recorded and basically rebelled against Nashville's big name record labels. Let me go on record here as stating that I'm almost certain that record labels in general are aligned with the anti-Christ. They are inherently evil, could care less what you like and appreciate and are all about gathering as much of our money as they possibly can. These so called "outlaws" consisted of some of the greatest musical artists of all time. These are the folks that are largely responsible for country music even being around. Guys like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash and the like. One could argue (and I more than likely would) that without these singers country music might not still be around.
Which brings me back to Garth Brooks. When country once again became "cool" and mainstream it was largely on the back of Garth Brooks. He sang great songs, was a master of marketing and appealed to the mainstream like no other country artist really ever had. I will confess that I enjoy a lot of Garth's music. I also will confess that I pledged long ago to never again in my life buy a Garth album. I will never forgive Garth Brooks for destroying the music I so dearly love. Just a side note here Mr. Brooks, music legends do not ever retire. They play their music until they die. Because of Garth Brooks huge success (he is one of the top 3 selling artists of all time) record labels began to grind out commercially appealing pop stars and calling them country.
I am not ever going to tell you that the music you hear on country radio stations isn't enjoyable. There are several songs played that I enjoy and have found meaning for in my life. I am going to tell you that this music is not country music. Although Tim Mcgraw once wore real cowboy hats and sang a few good country tunes, he hasn't sang a country song in well over a decade my friends. I am blaming Faith Hill for this. Artists like Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum, while being largely successful at what they do are not country singers. These are cowboy hat and boot wearing, commercial pop musicians disguised as country stars. I will grant you the fact that there are few artists I think are just about as country as they come. George Strait will forever be one of my favorite singers and has stood the test of time as a true country artist. I fear that he may be the last. I would like to throw Alan Jackson and Montgomery Gentry and maybe even Brooks and Dunn into the mix of more traditional styled country musicians. I do really like the Zac Brown band and truly believe they carry enough country in their genes to take this music to a new generation. I wonder beyond these precious few where the country artists are? Who I wonder will be the next artist to come around with enough edge and moxy to make an impact of any relevance? If your out there please come forward. A whole music genre rides on your ability to save it from itself.
That's enough rambling for today. If I spend too much time debating this topic my blood pressure rises and I don't particularly enjoy emergency rooms. I'm off to listen to some "Cocaine Blues" by Johnny Cash and maybe a little "Mama Tried" by Merle Haggard.
Let's get moving shall we? We could sit here and exchange pleasantries all day but there is a blog that needs to be written and I'm much too poor to afford a ghost writer. Have you noticed the merging of country and pop music of late? When is the last time you have heard a new country song that didn't qualify to be listed on the pop charts? I am an unabashedly unashamed fan of country music. One country song states "I was country, when country wasn't cool." My dilemma lies in the fact that country music generally isn't country anymore.
I am a fan of what I like to refer to as the bad boys of country. Those traditional devil may care artists who sang their songs and did a good job of selling them to you. When Hank Jr. sang family tradition, you and I had no trouble believing that he was indeed a whiskey swilling rebel. Today when you hear Brad Paisley sing "alcohol" you wonder who wrote it and why is he singing it. We call today's artists "Tennis Shoe Country" in the circles that I run around in. One person in the industry that is a close (very close) personal friend of mine calls it homogenized commercial pop. This is the crux of the matter. Country music has sold out to the mainstream listener. Some of the biggest names in country music tend to put out an album every 12 months or so filled with indistinguishable music, that sounds much like every other song on the Radio. These big name artists seem to know that they can record three minutes of generic worthlessness and you the fan will buy this music because it is sung by someone famous. I was shocked when Toby Keith's song "American Ride" made it to the top of the country charts. It's a terrible song Toby.
The bad boys of country, where have you gone? Say it isn't so Waylon? Save us from ourselves Merle. For the love of Johnny can we get an edgy, twangy country star who is determined to do things his way, record labels be damned? Hank Sr. must be on that far aways shore wondering what happened to that twang he once helped to make so popular. We will come back and visit this later but I'm going to spill it now. Garth Brooks killed country music.
In the late 1960's and in the 1970's there existed a group of country singers called "the Outlaws." This group became tired of being force fed how their music should be recorded and basically rebelled against Nashville's big name record labels. Let me go on record here as stating that I'm almost certain that record labels in general are aligned with the anti-Christ. They are inherently evil, could care less what you like and appreciate and are all about gathering as much of our money as they possibly can. These so called "outlaws" consisted of some of the greatest musical artists of all time. These are the folks that are largely responsible for country music even being around. Guys like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash and the like. One could argue (and I more than likely would) that without these singers country music might not still be around.
Which brings me back to Garth Brooks. When country once again became "cool" and mainstream it was largely on the back of Garth Brooks. He sang great songs, was a master of marketing and appealed to the mainstream like no other country artist really ever had. I will confess that I enjoy a lot of Garth's music. I also will confess that I pledged long ago to never again in my life buy a Garth album. I will never forgive Garth Brooks for destroying the music I so dearly love. Just a side note here Mr. Brooks, music legends do not ever retire. They play their music until they die. Because of Garth Brooks huge success (he is one of the top 3 selling artists of all time) record labels began to grind out commercially appealing pop stars and calling them country.
I am not ever going to tell you that the music you hear on country radio stations isn't enjoyable. There are several songs played that I enjoy and have found meaning for in my life. I am going to tell you that this music is not country music. Although Tim Mcgraw once wore real cowboy hats and sang a few good country tunes, he hasn't sang a country song in well over a decade my friends. I am blaming Faith Hill for this. Artists like Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum, while being largely successful at what they do are not country singers. These are cowboy hat and boot wearing, commercial pop musicians disguised as country stars. I will grant you the fact that there are few artists I think are just about as country as they come. George Strait will forever be one of my favorite singers and has stood the test of time as a true country artist. I fear that he may be the last. I would like to throw Alan Jackson and Montgomery Gentry and maybe even Brooks and Dunn into the mix of more traditional styled country musicians. I do really like the Zac Brown band and truly believe they carry enough country in their genes to take this music to a new generation. I wonder beyond these precious few where the country artists are? Who I wonder will be the next artist to come around with enough edge and moxy to make an impact of any relevance? If your out there please come forward. A whole music genre rides on your ability to save it from itself.
That's enough rambling for today. If I spend too much time debating this topic my blood pressure rises and I don't particularly enjoy emergency rooms. I'm off to listen to some "Cocaine Blues" by Johnny Cash and maybe a little "Mama Tried" by Merle Haggard.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
I Call Him Dad.
How's everyone in blogger world today? Be motivated! We are on the downhill slide towards the weekend. Hell when I was in college Thursday was the weekend. Sometimes Monday got grandfathered in as well depending on how crazy Saturday was. Trust me if you have never been so drunk on Saturday night that your not still hurting on Monday morning then you haven't lived. Well haven't lived my life at least which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Enough about that craziness. It's Hero Thursday. It is the day of the week I have chosen to write about those that I have admired and those that have had an impact on my life. Today's subject might be one of the more difficult ones that I ever write about. It took most of my life for me to realize the man my Father was and why he should be so admired.
My Dad, Orville, died October 27, 2009. It has been a little over 4 months ago now and time has healed a lot of the sadness that comes along with losing a loved one. I still think of him often and have moments of an emotional nature from time to time. I still talk to him once in a while actually. At this point he hasn't replied back audibly but I know he's listening.
My Dad and I didn't always get along while I was growing up. I know it is difficult to believe but I tend to be a bit rebellious and defiant even at times today. Trust me friends when I say this defiance was much worse in my adolescent and teenage years. I more or less tended to disagree with everyone and everything and was hell bent to forge my own way in life. I remember my Father being reduced to tears many times in my teenage years, totally at a loss at how to handle dealing with me. I'm sure he spent many many moments worrying about my path in life and praying for me. Oh yes dear readers I can assure you that my Dad prayed for me. You see he just so happened to be one of the most spiritually connected people I have ever known.
As I became an adult and embarked upon my own, forging my own unique path, the relationship I had with my Dad became nonexistent. As I drifted farther along and farther away from the way I was raised I would often go months without speaking with my parents. My parents obviously did not approve of my lifestyle and I didn't see any reason to allow them a chance to remind me they didn't approve. Somewhere in the midst of my rambling life I became a father of twins. Suddenly I was a Father myself and this brought along a whole different attitude and way of thinking. It took a while but eventually I began to realize the value of the way my Father lived. I began to respect him for the man he was, to admire him for his work ethic and to appreciate his simple wisdom.
My Dad went through so many different health issues it started to become a bit absurd. I would often wonder if there were a God, why would he allow someone so devoutly faithful as my Father was, to go through so much pain and suffering in life. Just so the record is straight gentle readers, these were my thoughts, never my Father's. I never once heard him complain or state anything other than the fact that he always felt like he was so blessed. In the end I came to admire him for the fact that even on his death bed he never once complained of anything except being tired. My Dad suffered from liver difficulties that were passed on to him genetically. He was a diabetic, had open heart surgery, suffered from several strokes, had a liver transplant and ultimately was diagnosed with cancer more than once. The big C was the one that eventually got him. I'm finding myself working through some moist eyes as I write this, just fondly remembering the man who came to mean so much to me.
When I was 13 my Mother called the family together and announced that the doctors had given my Dad six months to live. Nearly 16 years later he was told that he again had cancer and that it was inoperable, terminal. They gave him 4-10 months to live. Once again he defied medical odds and lived almost two more years. Over the last year of his life I spoke to my Father nearly every evening on the phone. He had gotten to the point physically where he had to move to a nursing home, as he began to fall often and my Mother wasn't able to fully provide the 24 hour care he needed. My Dad absolutely loved that nursing home and all of it's staff. My Father had grown to be a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan in his latter years and this was one of the strongest bonds we shared. We would talk about the Cardinals, my children, my Mother (whom he loved faithfully, loyally and unconditionally) and he always managed to ask about the weather.
I gained many wonderful memories with my Dad those last couple of years. I remember at one point I had been offered a potentially lucrative automobile sales job. They wanted me to attend their two week sales training course and that interfered with my plans to spend two weeks with my Dad. I gratefully declined much to the surprise of the interviewer. He was shocked that I would so casually decline an opportunity to take a career with an earnings potential of $70,000 plus annually. I have never once regretted this decision. I was honored to spend the last week of my Dad's life at his bedside with my family. I had the opportunity of holding his hand those last days. I remember a phone conversation we had a little more than a week before he passed and about two days before I journeyed to Central Illinois to be with him. His memory was fading and he rambled incoherently at times. He talked about the pain he was in and just how tired he was of being sick. At the end of our conversation he said "oh well. I won't complain. There are people worse off than I am." I will never cease to be amazed about his ability to think of others even as he was dieing.
He was quite the amazing man my friends. He reminded me many times that no matter how many times I failed in life or took paths he advised against that I was his son and that he would always love me. It took me most of my adult life to realize all of these things about him. When I think of the word hero, my Dad is the first person who comes to mind. Here's to hoping that when my life ends and all of my accomplishments are recorded, that I wind up being half the man he was.
*Authors note* Due to computer difficulties this blog has been posted later than it was started. Those computer difficulties appear to be mended, at least for the time being.
Enough about that craziness. It's Hero Thursday. It is the day of the week I have chosen to write about those that I have admired and those that have had an impact on my life. Today's subject might be one of the more difficult ones that I ever write about. It took most of my life for me to realize the man my Father was and why he should be so admired.
My Dad, Orville, died October 27, 2009. It has been a little over 4 months ago now and time has healed a lot of the sadness that comes along with losing a loved one. I still think of him often and have moments of an emotional nature from time to time. I still talk to him once in a while actually. At this point he hasn't replied back audibly but I know he's listening.
My Dad and I didn't always get along while I was growing up. I know it is difficult to believe but I tend to be a bit rebellious and defiant even at times today. Trust me friends when I say this defiance was much worse in my adolescent and teenage years. I more or less tended to disagree with everyone and everything and was hell bent to forge my own way in life. I remember my Father being reduced to tears many times in my teenage years, totally at a loss at how to handle dealing with me. I'm sure he spent many many moments worrying about my path in life and praying for me. Oh yes dear readers I can assure you that my Dad prayed for me. You see he just so happened to be one of the most spiritually connected people I have ever known.
As I became an adult and embarked upon my own, forging my own unique path, the relationship I had with my Dad became nonexistent. As I drifted farther along and farther away from the way I was raised I would often go months without speaking with my parents. My parents obviously did not approve of my lifestyle and I didn't see any reason to allow them a chance to remind me they didn't approve. Somewhere in the midst of my rambling life I became a father of twins. Suddenly I was a Father myself and this brought along a whole different attitude and way of thinking. It took a while but eventually I began to realize the value of the way my Father lived. I began to respect him for the man he was, to admire him for his work ethic and to appreciate his simple wisdom.
My Dad went through so many different health issues it started to become a bit absurd. I would often wonder if there were a God, why would he allow someone so devoutly faithful as my Father was, to go through so much pain and suffering in life. Just so the record is straight gentle readers, these were my thoughts, never my Father's. I never once heard him complain or state anything other than the fact that he always felt like he was so blessed. In the end I came to admire him for the fact that even on his death bed he never once complained of anything except being tired. My Dad suffered from liver difficulties that were passed on to him genetically. He was a diabetic, had open heart surgery, suffered from several strokes, had a liver transplant and ultimately was diagnosed with cancer more than once. The big C was the one that eventually got him. I'm finding myself working through some moist eyes as I write this, just fondly remembering the man who came to mean so much to me.
When I was 13 my Mother called the family together and announced that the doctors had given my Dad six months to live. Nearly 16 years later he was told that he again had cancer and that it was inoperable, terminal. They gave him 4-10 months to live. Once again he defied medical odds and lived almost two more years. Over the last year of his life I spoke to my Father nearly every evening on the phone. He had gotten to the point physically where he had to move to a nursing home, as he began to fall often and my Mother wasn't able to fully provide the 24 hour care he needed. My Dad absolutely loved that nursing home and all of it's staff. My Father had grown to be a loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan in his latter years and this was one of the strongest bonds we shared. We would talk about the Cardinals, my children, my Mother (whom he loved faithfully, loyally and unconditionally) and he always managed to ask about the weather.
I gained many wonderful memories with my Dad those last couple of years. I remember at one point I had been offered a potentially lucrative automobile sales job. They wanted me to attend their two week sales training course and that interfered with my plans to spend two weeks with my Dad. I gratefully declined much to the surprise of the interviewer. He was shocked that I would so casually decline an opportunity to take a career with an earnings potential of $70,000 plus annually. I have never once regretted this decision. I was honored to spend the last week of my Dad's life at his bedside with my family. I had the opportunity of holding his hand those last days. I remember a phone conversation we had a little more than a week before he passed and about two days before I journeyed to Central Illinois to be with him. His memory was fading and he rambled incoherently at times. He talked about the pain he was in and just how tired he was of being sick. At the end of our conversation he said "oh well. I won't complain. There are people worse off than I am." I will never cease to be amazed about his ability to think of others even as he was dieing.
He was quite the amazing man my friends. He reminded me many times that no matter how many times I failed in life or took paths he advised against that I was his son and that he would always love me. It took me most of my adult life to realize all of these things about him. When I think of the word hero, my Dad is the first person who comes to mind. Here's to hoping that when my life ends and all of my accomplishments are recorded, that I wind up being half the man he was.
*Authors note* Due to computer difficulties this blog has been posted later than it was started. Those computer difficulties appear to be mended, at least for the time being.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tiger Woods is a Cheetah?
Happy Wednesday friends. As I'm writing this the sun has just peeked out amongst the clouds and the day has suddenly gotten brighter. Life is good.
Anyway I was wondering if you guys have heard about Tiger Woods and his sexcapades? If you haven't you should probably step out of your unabomber shack and join us here in society. I'm not the kind of guy that runs around judging people as moral or immoral, it's just not who I am. I can however throw around some words here and there and wonder "what the hell was he thinking?"
I have not always been a chaste man nor have I always been honest. I have been a bit promiscuous at times in my life, as a matter of fact I spent my early adult years with the single mission of finding women to pounce upon. It took me several years but I finally learned that a lot of this behavior is not healthy for this writer. We live in a society which almost encourages young and single folks to explore the hedonist lifestyle. Check out the website textsfromlastnight.com if you need any further proof of this. I'm fairly far removed from the age of a traditional college student and can't speak for their behavior but I'm guessing it hasn't tamed any since my college days.
I'm also not the guy that preaches abstinence to my fellow man. I encourage healthy sexual relationships on the basis that it has many therapeutic values. If you are single and unattached and practice safe (always SAFE!) sex in a healthy environment then have at it my friends. I, however, am not a fan of any behavior that has to be hidden. If you are sleeping with other people unbeknownst of your companion I hardly feel this can ever be healthy. Secrets are rarely those of the healthy nature. If you are sleeping with others at the encouragement of your companion, more power to you. I've not seen this work very successfully in a lot of folks lives but I've read of many swingers who claim this helps their relationship. The swinger lifestyle is not one that I could happily live. I've always tried to maintain the attitude of allowing consenting adults to do as they wish in the privacy of their bedrooms. Healthy sexual relations for this guy does, however include only sleeping with the woman who just so happens to be the love of his life. (I've only eyes for you my Amy dear.)
All of this having been said, I truly think Tiger suffers from "star syndrome." I believe that famous and wealthy folks tend to start to believe that they can do things us mortal folks can't and avoid the consequences that normal people experience. I believe that fame and money brings along a lot of temptations that a spiritually unfit person is incapable of dealing with. I'm sure Tiger thought of his family and loved ones, but I also believe he never thought the consequences would be such as they are.
Now many news reports state that Tiger sought help with his "sex addiction." I happen to be a person that knows a little bit about addictions and I don't know Tiger's story well enough to know if he suffers from one. What I do know is that if he has a true sex addiction then he suffers from something similar to a disease. True sex addicts will be completely incapable of living a normal lifestyle because they are driven to do things that are self destructive in nature. If this is the case with Mr. Woods he will need to experience a "psychic change" somehow, whether that be by a 12 step program or counseling. I've found in my experience true addicts never get better without these types of programs.
I do know that Tiger has paid a pretty stiff price for his actions. (Yes I'm aware that using the word stiff here is a little funny but I couldn't stop myself.) I do hope that Tiger is able to rebound enough to resume his amazing golf career. It is always a pleasure for this writer to observe those who are the best at what they do. I know from experience that he will be scrutinized many times over for a very long time. I believe that a show of humility and him doing the right things over time can heal a lot of the trouble that he has made for himself. I'm hoping he can do what it takes to learn to live a normal way of life. Many addicts are able to recover from their addiction enough that their lives become even more promising than before.
Elsewhere if you are practicing and experiencing your own issues with addiction, be it sexual, gambling or drugs and alcohol, please be aware that there are programs available to help you. You are not hopeless nor are you unique and alone. There are folks who have been where you are right now in your life, that would love nothing more than to share their experiences with you and discuss with you how they have managed to recover. I myself have benefited from one such organization, this one in particular is found very near the front of the phone book. Enough said.
Ironically enough I'd like to wish my fans a very happy hump day...and yes this was intentional as well.
Anyway I was wondering if you guys have heard about Tiger Woods and his sexcapades? If you haven't you should probably step out of your unabomber shack and join us here in society. I'm not the kind of guy that runs around judging people as moral or immoral, it's just not who I am. I can however throw around some words here and there and wonder "what the hell was he thinking?"
I have not always been a chaste man nor have I always been honest. I have been a bit promiscuous at times in my life, as a matter of fact I spent my early adult years with the single mission of finding women to pounce upon. It took me several years but I finally learned that a lot of this behavior is not healthy for this writer. We live in a society which almost encourages young and single folks to explore the hedonist lifestyle. Check out the website textsfromlastnight.com if you need any further proof of this. I'm fairly far removed from the age of a traditional college student and can't speak for their behavior but I'm guessing it hasn't tamed any since my college days.
I'm also not the guy that preaches abstinence to my fellow man. I encourage healthy sexual relationships on the basis that it has many therapeutic values. If you are single and unattached and practice safe (always SAFE!) sex in a healthy environment then have at it my friends. I, however, am not a fan of any behavior that has to be hidden. If you are sleeping with other people unbeknownst of your companion I hardly feel this can ever be healthy. Secrets are rarely those of the healthy nature. If you are sleeping with others at the encouragement of your companion, more power to you. I've not seen this work very successfully in a lot of folks lives but I've read of many swingers who claim this helps their relationship. The swinger lifestyle is not one that I could happily live. I've always tried to maintain the attitude of allowing consenting adults to do as they wish in the privacy of their bedrooms. Healthy sexual relations for this guy does, however include only sleeping with the woman who just so happens to be the love of his life. (I've only eyes for you my Amy dear.)
All of this having been said, I truly think Tiger suffers from "star syndrome." I believe that famous and wealthy folks tend to start to believe that they can do things us mortal folks can't and avoid the consequences that normal people experience. I believe that fame and money brings along a lot of temptations that a spiritually unfit person is incapable of dealing with. I'm sure Tiger thought of his family and loved ones, but I also believe he never thought the consequences would be such as they are.
Now many news reports state that Tiger sought help with his "sex addiction." I happen to be a person that knows a little bit about addictions and I don't know Tiger's story well enough to know if he suffers from one. What I do know is that if he has a true sex addiction then he suffers from something similar to a disease. True sex addicts will be completely incapable of living a normal lifestyle because they are driven to do things that are self destructive in nature. If this is the case with Mr. Woods he will need to experience a "psychic change" somehow, whether that be by a 12 step program or counseling. I've found in my experience true addicts never get better without these types of programs.
I do know that Tiger has paid a pretty stiff price for his actions. (Yes I'm aware that using the word stiff here is a little funny but I couldn't stop myself.) I do hope that Tiger is able to rebound enough to resume his amazing golf career. It is always a pleasure for this writer to observe those who are the best at what they do. I know from experience that he will be scrutinized many times over for a very long time. I believe that a show of humility and him doing the right things over time can heal a lot of the trouble that he has made for himself. I'm hoping he can do what it takes to learn to live a normal way of life. Many addicts are able to recover from their addiction enough that their lives become even more promising than before.
Elsewhere if you are practicing and experiencing your own issues with addiction, be it sexual, gambling or drugs and alcohol, please be aware that there are programs available to help you. You are not hopeless nor are you unique and alone. There are folks who have been where you are right now in your life, that would love nothing more than to share their experiences with you and discuss with you how they have managed to recover. I myself have benefited from one such organization, this one in particular is found very near the front of the phone book. Enough said.
Ironically enough I'd like to wish my fans a very happy hump day...and yes this was intentional as well.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Home is What You Make It.
Good evening blog readers. I hope you have enjoyed a reasonably good Tuesday thus far. Hopefully if your from the Midwest you have enjoyed the sunny day and near 60 degree temperatures. I spent some time doing some chores around the house with the windows wide open. Definitely a large fan of the spring like weather. I did have a chance to break out the shorts for the first time yesterday. I do however have a stiff and sore neck. I very much dislike waking up after having slept awkwardly or whatever it is that causes my neck to be sore for two whole days. I did talk Amy in to massaging it for a while last night and that helped some.
Anyway off we go on today's blogging journey. It is a short trip as a matter of fact you might already be there. Let's spend some time talking about home today shall we?
Now I have lived in five different states. I have lived in large cities (Nashville), medium cities (Toledo), small towns (Mattoon, IL Bellefontaine, OH) and I've lived in the country. One of the major lessons I have learned in life is that home is what you make it. Almost everywhere I've ever lived I have observed many folks lament about their desire to live somewhere else. It's almost a large scale "grass is greener elsewhere" syndrome I believe most localities experience. I felt much like this while growing up in Mattoon, IL. I think a large part of my high school class experienced the desire to move elsewhere at some point during their high school career. I certainly felt that way and I actually did eventually move away and around the Midwest frequently.
First of all having a desire to relocate because you envision life to be better "over there" is ludicrous. (No not the rapper the word) My experience has taught me that the same issues and problems I face where I currently live will eventually follow me no matter where I go. You hear this all the time...Where ever you go you always take you with you. I know this sounds simple but I know many many people who have tried the geographical cure for many of their life's ailments. Moving to Florida or California or Hawaii for that matter will not fix you or your flaws as a person.
Secondly many of the same issues or problems you see in the community you currently live in are the same issues and problems that exist where ever it is you want to relocate. I suppose there are many good reasons to move around the country. Finding a new or better job somewhere else is a good reason. Moving to be closer to loved ones or family is often a positive thing. If you are convinced that moving in general would make your life better I would never attempt to talk one out of this. I do however think I have some valid points to make that should make one stop and reconsider.
I currently reside in the beautiful, tropical City of Toledo, OH. I use the word tropical sarcastically but Toledo does have a lot of beauty. Toledo has a population of 313,619 according to wikipedia. Now I must confess that Toledo has its share of problems and is facing a great deal of critical issues. Our unemployment rates are among the highest in the nation. Our City Council is facing a budget deficit of nearly 50 million dollars. Our public school system is facing nearly 30 million dollars in budget shortfalls. Both the City finances and the public school systems have been severely mismanaged over the years and many of the financial pitfalls are self made. We have the usual crime issues that cities of our size have. There are gangs and juvenile delinquent issues. Toledo has more than it's share of drug peddlers and overall petty criminals. Our police department is probably understaffed and our city officials often seem detached and unable to empathize with their constituents.
Toledo possess many wonderful parts that make it whole. There are many entertainment venues for adults and families. Our Fifth Third Field, Home of the World Famous Mud Hens, has been voted as one of the best minor league ballparks in the Nation. The new Lucas County Arena is spectacular for a city this size. I've been there twice and have been very impressed. It is home of the minor league hockey team the Walleye. Our Toledo Zoo is award winning and a beautiful place for families to visit year around. Let's not forget the Imagination Station, a science museum for children, our beautiful metro-parks and fabulous city parks or the Docks downtown on the river. There is the Willis B. Boyer museum ship, Tony Packo's restaurant and award winning libraries. The LPGA tour has a tournament in Sylvania each year hosted by Jamie Farr (our most famous Toledoan, right up there with Danny Thomas the founder of St. Jude's Children's Hospitals.) Yet all of these things pale next to the heart and soul Toledoans exhibit.
Despite economically tough times Toledo is amongst one of the most giving and charitable areas in all of America. The many benefits and non-profit charities that are around are proof of this. When the show Extreme Home Makeover rebuilt the Frisch family home there was an outpouring of support from Toledoans. When the disaster in Haiti occurred Toledoans activated quickly and sent hundreds of thousands of dollars of supplies and cash and a team of medical professionals to the earthquake ravaged country. Yes life in Toledo can be difficult and often harsh, with cold snowy winters and unemployment difficulties. But my friends Toledo is a fine, fine place to live.
A lot of my happiness and your happiness my friends is based on our attitudes and optimism or lack thereof. How many happy pessimists have you known? Trust me when I say pessimist are unhappy in Honolulu as well as Toledo. So lace up your boots, paste a smile on your face and follow me as I choose to see the beauty of the town I call home.
Many smiles and love to my supporters...good day.
Anyway off we go on today's blogging journey. It is a short trip as a matter of fact you might already be there. Let's spend some time talking about home today shall we?
Now I have lived in five different states. I have lived in large cities (Nashville), medium cities (Toledo), small towns (Mattoon, IL Bellefontaine, OH) and I've lived in the country. One of the major lessons I have learned in life is that home is what you make it. Almost everywhere I've ever lived I have observed many folks lament about their desire to live somewhere else. It's almost a large scale "grass is greener elsewhere" syndrome I believe most localities experience. I felt much like this while growing up in Mattoon, IL. I think a large part of my high school class experienced the desire to move elsewhere at some point during their high school career. I certainly felt that way and I actually did eventually move away and around the Midwest frequently.
First of all having a desire to relocate because you envision life to be better "over there" is ludicrous. (No not the rapper the word) My experience has taught me that the same issues and problems I face where I currently live will eventually follow me no matter where I go. You hear this all the time...Where ever you go you always take you with you. I know this sounds simple but I know many many people who have tried the geographical cure for many of their life's ailments. Moving to Florida or California or Hawaii for that matter will not fix you or your flaws as a person.
Secondly many of the same issues or problems you see in the community you currently live in are the same issues and problems that exist where ever it is you want to relocate. I suppose there are many good reasons to move around the country. Finding a new or better job somewhere else is a good reason. Moving to be closer to loved ones or family is often a positive thing. If you are convinced that moving in general would make your life better I would never attempt to talk one out of this. I do however think I have some valid points to make that should make one stop and reconsider.
I currently reside in the beautiful, tropical City of Toledo, OH. I use the word tropical sarcastically but Toledo does have a lot of beauty. Toledo has a population of 313,619 according to wikipedia. Now I must confess that Toledo has its share of problems and is facing a great deal of critical issues. Our unemployment rates are among the highest in the nation. Our City Council is facing a budget deficit of nearly 50 million dollars. Our public school system is facing nearly 30 million dollars in budget shortfalls. Both the City finances and the public school systems have been severely mismanaged over the years and many of the financial pitfalls are self made. We have the usual crime issues that cities of our size have. There are gangs and juvenile delinquent issues. Toledo has more than it's share of drug peddlers and overall petty criminals. Our police department is probably understaffed and our city officials often seem detached and unable to empathize with their constituents.
Toledo possess many wonderful parts that make it whole. There are many entertainment venues for adults and families. Our Fifth Third Field, Home of the World Famous Mud Hens, has been voted as one of the best minor league ballparks in the Nation. The new Lucas County Arena is spectacular for a city this size. I've been there twice and have been very impressed. It is home of the minor league hockey team the Walleye. Our Toledo Zoo is award winning and a beautiful place for families to visit year around. Let's not forget the Imagination Station, a science museum for children, our beautiful metro-parks and fabulous city parks or the Docks downtown on the river. There is the Willis B. Boyer museum ship, Tony Packo's restaurant and award winning libraries. The LPGA tour has a tournament in Sylvania each year hosted by Jamie Farr (our most famous Toledoan, right up there with Danny Thomas the founder of St. Jude's Children's Hospitals.) Yet all of these things pale next to the heart and soul Toledoans exhibit.
Despite economically tough times Toledo is amongst one of the most giving and charitable areas in all of America. The many benefits and non-profit charities that are around are proof of this. When the show Extreme Home Makeover rebuilt the Frisch family home there was an outpouring of support from Toledoans. When the disaster in Haiti occurred Toledoans activated quickly and sent hundreds of thousands of dollars of supplies and cash and a team of medical professionals to the earthquake ravaged country. Yes life in Toledo can be difficult and often harsh, with cold snowy winters and unemployment difficulties. But my friends Toledo is a fine, fine place to live.
A lot of my happiness and your happiness my friends is based on our attitudes and optimism or lack thereof. How many happy pessimists have you known? Trust me when I say pessimist are unhappy in Honolulu as well as Toledo. So lace up your boots, paste a smile on your face and follow me as I choose to see the beauty of the town I call home.
Many smiles and love to my supporters...good day.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Gay People are People Too.
Its another "woke up a little tired from a busy weekend" Monday. Just as those still employed Americans do, this writer must swallow down his coffee and get busy writing and sharing his words of wisdom or lack thereof. I would say mostly the later of that statement is more commonly shared here friends. Not that a lack of wisdom or knowledge of a topic has ever stopped this blogger from sharing his opinions. Ever actually has it prevented me from doing that now that I think about it. Anyway let's get moving...
Did you know that Gay people are people too? The topics of homosexuality and gay rights are ones that lay close to this writers heart. It began with the opportunity to become more open minded while I attended college long ago. A gentleman that I had grown to be close friends with was fairly far out of the closet and fairly active in the gay rights arena in Coles County Illinois in those days. My friends anyone who is active in the gay rights arena in Coles County Illinois has much more courage than you and I will ever likely have in our lifetimes. Coles County Illinois is not what you might call progressive thinking. This friend of mine wanted to start a Gay Club and support group at our community college. Me being the controversial and outlandish person that I am championed his cause and did all I could to support it. Let us just say that the next several months did much to cement gay rights as passionate subject within me. The fear, prejudice and ignorance I witnessed in the aftermath are things I shall never forget. Students protested against us. Residents of the county wrote disparaging letters to city newspapers. News cameras attended Board of Director's meetings. The student senate held a forum for students to verbally express their dismay on this topic. Ultimately the B-GLADD (Bisexuals- Gays, Lesbians and Allies to Develop Diversity) club was successfully founded. One of the things I'm most proud of accomplishing in my life is the fact that I not only helped start this club, but that I was also honored to be it's first vice-president. For those of you interested the B-GLADD club is still alive and well and active on Lake Land Community College's campus. I put in a phone call to one of its faculty advisers and left a message. I hope she returns my call. I would be thrilled to find out more about its activities over the last decade and a half.
Taking the stance I did at that time afforded me many opportunities to expand my horizons and to become more open minded. It did not come with out a price. My mother cried and was overall dumbfounded by my actions and support of this club. The Church that I grew up in publicly denounced me from its pulpit, more than once actually. Many friends and loved ones became detached and non-existent in my life. The price that I paid was well worth it my friends. To have a club and support group that still exists today to help make those more comfortable in their own skin is priceless.
Over the years since this club was founded I continued on with my gypsy like life. I moved often and lived in many different states and cities. I gained a lot more experience in this thing we call life. I'm not one to publicly out anyone but there are people who are very near and dear to my heart who happen to be gay, not only in my family but also in my network of friends. It has always boiled down to this for me...gay people are people too. They are not second class citizens my friends. Many of the gay people I know and love are average folks, living and working and enjoying good qualities of life. Some are doing some amazing things in their community to better other folk's lives. Yes dear readers some of the finest people I know are ones that sleep with people of the same sex.
Despite the fact that we have come a long way in the gay rights arena, there still is a long road to walk. Or march if you choose. I'm thrilled that some states and cities have elected to permit gay marriage. Other governments are becoming more open to gay rights. However it is a fact that in some areas gay people are not even protected by hate crimes. Many areas of our country do not recognize their right to adopt children or to be a part of cohesive family units.
There are many things that many people do in their lives that I do not condone nor approve of, for instance those that are satanists or devil worshippers. I don't approve of this behavior at all. I do however believe and support their right to be who they are and to practice their way of life without fear of reprisal. This is the foundation of my beliefs in the gay rights world. Although you as a person may not understand it (hell I don't always either if I'm honest about it) these folks have rights protected in our constitution just as you and I do, to practice and live their lives as they choose. Our country's Declaration of Independence proclaims "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The encroachment of these rights were the whole basis of America becoming a nation. It was why we fought the Revolutionary War my friends. No where at no time should these rights ever be denied to law abiding American Citizens.
We do not live in a perfect world nor will we ever. But we can continue to challenge our thinking and educate our friends and neighbors against ignorance and fear. We can continue to support events and organizations that educate and further the causes of unity and equality in all. People are people and nothing more. Your choice of a partner to sleep with, to make a life with, to have as a life long companion should never dictate you right to pursue happiness.
Just recently President Obama renewed the debate about "the don't ask don't tell" policy of our military. Once again the topic of gays and their rights has been brought to the public forum. Let us not allow this opportunity to slip away because we are fearful of those different from us.
I am at my core a rural conservatively raised man, a country boy and a white straight man. I once participated in a kiss-in demonstration on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. That day I arrived with more than a little apprehension and fear of what others might think of me as a man. That day I was kissed by a 60 something gay male professor in front of hundreds of other people. I stand before you a better man because of this.
The writer Ernest Gaines once asked "Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?" Why indeed Mr. Gaines, why indeed.
The experience of start
Did you know that Gay people are people too? The topics of homosexuality and gay rights are ones that lay close to this writers heart. It began with the opportunity to become more open minded while I attended college long ago. A gentleman that I had grown to be close friends with was fairly far out of the closet and fairly active in the gay rights arena in Coles County Illinois in those days. My friends anyone who is active in the gay rights arena in Coles County Illinois has much more courage than you and I will ever likely have in our lifetimes. Coles County Illinois is not what you might call progressive thinking. This friend of mine wanted to start a Gay Club and support group at our community college. Me being the controversial and outlandish person that I am championed his cause and did all I could to support it. Let us just say that the next several months did much to cement gay rights as passionate subject within me. The fear, prejudice and ignorance I witnessed in the aftermath are things I shall never forget. Students protested against us. Residents of the county wrote disparaging letters to city newspapers. News cameras attended Board of Director's meetings. The student senate held a forum for students to verbally express their dismay on this topic. Ultimately the B-GLADD (Bisexuals- Gays, Lesbians and Allies to Develop Diversity) club was successfully founded. One of the things I'm most proud of accomplishing in my life is the fact that I not only helped start this club, but that I was also honored to be it's first vice-president. For those of you interested the B-GLADD club is still alive and well and active on Lake Land Community College's campus. I put in a phone call to one of its faculty advisers and left a message. I hope she returns my call. I would be thrilled to find out more about its activities over the last decade and a half.
Taking the stance I did at that time afforded me many opportunities to expand my horizons and to become more open minded. It did not come with out a price. My mother cried and was overall dumbfounded by my actions and support of this club. The Church that I grew up in publicly denounced me from its pulpit, more than once actually. Many friends and loved ones became detached and non-existent in my life. The price that I paid was well worth it my friends. To have a club and support group that still exists today to help make those more comfortable in their own skin is priceless.
Over the years since this club was founded I continued on with my gypsy like life. I moved often and lived in many different states and cities. I gained a lot more experience in this thing we call life. I'm not one to publicly out anyone but there are people who are very near and dear to my heart who happen to be gay, not only in my family but also in my network of friends. It has always boiled down to this for me...gay people are people too. They are not second class citizens my friends. Many of the gay people I know and love are average folks, living and working and enjoying good qualities of life. Some are doing some amazing things in their community to better other folk's lives. Yes dear readers some of the finest people I know are ones that sleep with people of the same sex.
Despite the fact that we have come a long way in the gay rights arena, there still is a long road to walk. Or march if you choose. I'm thrilled that some states and cities have elected to permit gay marriage. Other governments are becoming more open to gay rights. However it is a fact that in some areas gay people are not even protected by hate crimes. Many areas of our country do not recognize their right to adopt children or to be a part of cohesive family units.
There are many things that many people do in their lives that I do not condone nor approve of, for instance those that are satanists or devil worshippers. I don't approve of this behavior at all. I do however believe and support their right to be who they are and to practice their way of life without fear of reprisal. This is the foundation of my beliefs in the gay rights world. Although you as a person may not understand it (hell I don't always either if I'm honest about it) these folks have rights protected in our constitution just as you and I do, to practice and live their lives as they choose. Our country's Declaration of Independence proclaims "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The encroachment of these rights were the whole basis of America becoming a nation. It was why we fought the Revolutionary War my friends. No where at no time should these rights ever be denied to law abiding American Citizens.
We do not live in a perfect world nor will we ever. But we can continue to challenge our thinking and educate our friends and neighbors against ignorance and fear. We can continue to support events and organizations that educate and further the causes of unity and equality in all. People are people and nothing more. Your choice of a partner to sleep with, to make a life with, to have as a life long companion should never dictate you right to pursue happiness.
Just recently President Obama renewed the debate about "the don't ask don't tell" policy of our military. Once again the topic of gays and their rights has been brought to the public forum. Let us not allow this opportunity to slip away because we are fearful of those different from us.
I am at my core a rural conservatively raised man, a country boy and a white straight man. I once participated in a kiss-in demonstration on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. That day I arrived with more than a little apprehension and fear of what others might think of me as a man. That day I was kissed by a 60 something gay male professor in front of hundreds of other people. I stand before you a better man because of this.
The writer Ernest Gaines once asked "Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?" Why indeed Mr. Gaines, why indeed.
The experience of start
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Spring is Near
Happy Friday loyal and faithful readers! If you are reading this you know that it is only my second post here and by default if you read my last post this makes you a loyal and faithful follower of my blog. Here in my blog it is my world and I'm allowed to make up the rules as I go along. It is technically Friday here in Eastern Standard Time and by blogging now at 1:30 AM I can relax the rest of the weekend and enjoy my most favorite of hobbies, nothing. You see friends doing nothing is quite an art. There are those who think they are good at it but I like to think there are those of us more talented than normal folk and this elite group takes nothing to a whole new level. I must admit I'm nearing entry into that aforementioned elite group. As one of my ex-wives once remarked, "nobody does nothing better than you."
Enough of that balderdash and rambling. Have hope amigos (see I can say friend in two languages). Spring is nearing the horizon. While this may seem a trivial event with our brothers in the southern most portions of our fine Nation, this is quite a welcome season to those of the midwest. Winters can be quite long, brutal and bone-shredding cold here in Northwest Ohio. I myself must admit that I am no fan of Old Man Winter. Once upon a time as a wee lad I enjoyed Old Man Winter's occasional burst of snowfall especially the ones large enough to warrant school closings. In those long ago days as a young lad I enjoyed romping around in the white powder, building snowmen, making snow-angels, having snow ball wars and sledding. I loved the snow and enjoyed quite the friendship with Mr. Winter. Alas those days are long gone and I'm now a thirty something overweight Dad with creaky knees and a bitter disposition.
At my age one tends to develop quite the hatred for the Old Man. Alas hope is nigh! (Who the hell uses words like "alas" and "nigh" in the same sentence?) It is the early days of March and 40 degree temperatures and sunshine have restored hope and optimism in our region. Long gray dreary Winter days be damned. Spring is on its way. Spring is on its way. Spring training is in its beginning stages. NCAA basketball is nearing it's conference championships and March Madness. The NBA is still muddling through it's 11 month season with no one paying it any attention. (Don't try to convince me anyone watches NBA basketball until the playoffs, I won't believe you.) The NFL draft draws ever more closer day by day. Yes dear reader despite the higher temperatures and sunny days this writer follows seasonal changes by what major sports events are happening.
I find it difficult to be in a sour mood when the weather is just nice enough to crack a window. You know those days where you think its warm enough to just wear a hooded sweatshirt and find out 10 minutes after you leave your house its still a bit nippy for that. Everywhere you travel folks tend to be smiling, trading howdy-dos and generally enjoying eternal optimism. Even here in Toledo, one of the most economically depressed areas of the Country folks are managing a smile here and there. Well everyone except for those poor damaged souls who shop at the evil empire Wal-Mart. Have you ever shopped there? I don't recommend it. I'm almost certain you lose a little piece of your soul every time you cross the threshold and are greeted by those centurian buggy grabbers. However I'm certain folks at other fine and more democratic establishments are enjoying the optimism that pre-spring brings.
So dear readers raise up your face to the near warmth of the sun's rays. Enjoy the joy (can you really say enjoy the joy?) and hope that spring brings to the table. If you are a Cubs fan tell yourself that it's a new year and this could be the one you win it all. If you are a Cubs fan tell yourself this NOW. All hope will be destroyed around the beginning of May when you realize this is just another year of watching the Cardinals pull away. (Ditto for Cleveland Indians fans) Old Man Winter is steadily packing his bags and stowing away for several months. Enjoy this while you can. By the way I thought Old Man Winter was soon to retire, what with global warming and all. Maybe Al Gore should have used his invention the internet and sent him an email?
Ok enough rambling for today. I'm sure I've already written enough to confuse the masses. Those that have managed to follow along are more than likely pissed enough to never return. Happy Weekend friends...Remember, Don't do anything I wouldn't do or half the things I would...
Enough of that balderdash and rambling. Have hope amigos (see I can say friend in two languages). Spring is nearing the horizon. While this may seem a trivial event with our brothers in the southern most portions of our fine Nation, this is quite a welcome season to those of the midwest. Winters can be quite long, brutal and bone-shredding cold here in Northwest Ohio. I myself must admit that I am no fan of Old Man Winter. Once upon a time as a wee lad I enjoyed Old Man Winter's occasional burst of snowfall especially the ones large enough to warrant school closings. In those long ago days as a young lad I enjoyed romping around in the white powder, building snowmen, making snow-angels, having snow ball wars and sledding. I loved the snow and enjoyed quite the friendship with Mr. Winter. Alas those days are long gone and I'm now a thirty something overweight Dad with creaky knees and a bitter disposition.
At my age one tends to develop quite the hatred for the Old Man. Alas hope is nigh! (Who the hell uses words like "alas" and "nigh" in the same sentence?) It is the early days of March and 40 degree temperatures and sunshine have restored hope and optimism in our region. Long gray dreary Winter days be damned. Spring is on its way. Spring is on its way. Spring training is in its beginning stages. NCAA basketball is nearing it's conference championships and March Madness. The NBA is still muddling through it's 11 month season with no one paying it any attention. (Don't try to convince me anyone watches NBA basketball until the playoffs, I won't believe you.) The NFL draft draws ever more closer day by day. Yes dear reader despite the higher temperatures and sunny days this writer follows seasonal changes by what major sports events are happening.
I find it difficult to be in a sour mood when the weather is just nice enough to crack a window. You know those days where you think its warm enough to just wear a hooded sweatshirt and find out 10 minutes after you leave your house its still a bit nippy for that. Everywhere you travel folks tend to be smiling, trading howdy-dos and generally enjoying eternal optimism. Even here in Toledo, one of the most economically depressed areas of the Country folks are managing a smile here and there. Well everyone except for those poor damaged souls who shop at the evil empire Wal-Mart. Have you ever shopped there? I don't recommend it. I'm almost certain you lose a little piece of your soul every time you cross the threshold and are greeted by those centurian buggy grabbers. However I'm certain folks at other fine and more democratic establishments are enjoying the optimism that pre-spring brings.
So dear readers raise up your face to the near warmth of the sun's rays. Enjoy the joy (can you really say enjoy the joy?) and hope that spring brings to the table. If you are a Cubs fan tell yourself that it's a new year and this could be the one you win it all. If you are a Cubs fan tell yourself this NOW. All hope will be destroyed around the beginning of May when you realize this is just another year of watching the Cardinals pull away. (Ditto for Cleveland Indians fans) Old Man Winter is steadily packing his bags and stowing away for several months. Enjoy this while you can. By the way I thought Old Man Winter was soon to retire, what with global warming and all. Maybe Al Gore should have used his invention the internet and sent him an email?
Ok enough rambling for today. I'm sure I've already written enough to confuse the masses. Those that have managed to follow along are more than likely pissed enough to never return. Happy Weekend friends...Remember, Don't do anything I wouldn't do or half the things I would...
You Have to Start Somewhere
Hi. I'm Dan. Once upon a time, long ago in a wee city in Central Illinois I was a journalism major. I fancied myself a writer during that time period. I don't think I'm a particularly good writer nor do I delude myself that others will necessarily find me to have talent in this field. Nevertheless I enjoy writing and am hoping this blog spot will help fill the compulsions I have to write, share my opinions publicly and generally rant about the world and its happenings.
I have developed a format of topics that I intend to cover and hope to contribute to my blog on a daily basis Monday - Friday. Yes my friends and dear readers, even an amateur blogger should enjoy a weekend free of any major responsibility. I've laid out the format of topics in this manner:
Monday: We will explore topics involving National news, government and world issues.
Tuesday: You can read about my opinions, for what they are worth, about our local happenings and local government here in Toledo, OH and Lucas County in general.
Wednesday: I will write about one of my passions, sports.
Thursday: I will feature the topic of heroes, those that I admire.
Friday: Will naturally be a general overall topic day where I hope to share tidbits and archival memories of my life.
So please spread the word that my little blog is here and available for your perusal. As I've stated this particular blog will contain my views and opinions and while I encourage positive feedback, I will also read constructive criticisms and likely promptly ignore them.
Share my blog's link with your friends, neighbors, family, co-workers and even those you don't like (I would especially recommend this category as I'm sure most readers will find the reading of this material to be punishment).
Happy Thursday...
Dan
I have developed a format of topics that I intend to cover and hope to contribute to my blog on a daily basis Monday - Friday. Yes my friends and dear readers, even an amateur blogger should enjoy a weekend free of any major responsibility. I've laid out the format of topics in this manner:
Monday: We will explore topics involving National news, government and world issues.
Tuesday: You can read about my opinions, for what they are worth, about our local happenings and local government here in Toledo, OH and Lucas County in general.
Wednesday: I will write about one of my passions, sports.
Thursday: I will feature the topic of heroes, those that I admire.
Friday: Will naturally be a general overall topic day where I hope to share tidbits and archival memories of my life.
So please spread the word that my little blog is here and available for your perusal. As I've stated this particular blog will contain my views and opinions and while I encourage positive feedback, I will also read constructive criticisms and likely promptly ignore them.
Share my blog's link with your friends, neighbors, family, co-workers and even those you don't like (I would especially recommend this category as I'm sure most readers will find the reading of this material to be punishment).
Happy Thursday...
Dan
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