I am sure many of you watched the congressional address last night. Most of it was vague fluff as usual, but there was one point that I laughed out loud. Obama was trying to rally the crowd behind American industry. I am all for it. Unfortunately, he got one very important fact wrong, that blew the whole sentiment. At the end of a long and forceful paragraph about revitalizing American Auto, Obama said "Auto jobs belong in America, where the Automobile was invented!" Of course, everyone jumped up and started cheering, which made me sick after a while. I hate to tell you Obama but the internal combustion engine and the automobile where invented in German in 1885 by Karl Benz. The four wheeled vehicle was invented in 1890, same place, same person. Ooops.
This may seem small, but we are talking about a nationally televised speech that was written hours, if not, days before hand, not off the cuff.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Clinton Claims No Repsonsibility for Economic Crisis (feat. Dan Smith)
My good friend Dan Smith sent me an article today and asked me to blog about it. I will summarize, but if you want to read the full thing the article can be found HERE.
The article talks about the top 25 people to blame for the economic crisis, one name that was absent, Bill Clinton. In an interview with old Billy, he also denied any responsibility. Saying Bill Clinton had nothing to do with the crisis is like saying George Bush had nothing to do with. Who's administration pressured banks into giving risky loans because "everyone deserves a house"? Who's administration made banks turn in quota reports on how many loans they gave to blacks and Hispanics? Who's administration propped up HUD (Housing and Urban Development)? So basically he looks like the hero for 8 years because people are getting houses they could never afford. Meanwhile a huge financial bubble is growing that is sure to pop, but what does Bill care, he will be out of office long before that happens.
Everyone wants to blame the banks. "Oh, the bankers were so greedy" liberals say. How is greed rewarded when you give loans to people that, more than likely, won't pay them off? Where is the financial gain in giving $170k with no money down to a turd that makes $32k a year and has two car payments? Sounds like that is a quick way to be out $170k. If Freddy and Fanny (both are government sponsored enterprises) come in an buy up these bogus mortgages then the bank is off the hook. So who cares if you don't have any money for a down payment? Who cares if you work at Starbucks for $6.60 an hour? Who cares if you have child support, a dog, and a car payment? Who cares if you have bad credit because you were a complete financial delinquent in college? From 1992 to 2008 there was a bank out there that would give you a mortgage for $150k. With a ridiculous adjustable arm of course.
I digress. The previous paragraph was written to illustrate what was going on right under Bill Clinton's nose for 8 years. It looked good on paper, it sounded good in speeches. Everyone getting a house seems like a good idea right? Liberals thinks so. That is why liberalism DOESN'T WORK! A conservative (notice I didn't say republican) would say the same things, but with rational thought thrown in, allow me to demonstrate.....Everyone deserves a house, that worked for it. Everyone can have a mortgage, if they can afford it. It sounds good in speeches, if you explain how it can be done without it blowing up in our faces. It looks good on paper, if whats going out adds up to what coming in.
Granted, there is a lot more to all this but I summarized. With all that being said, come on Bill, fess up, you not only have some responsibility for the crisis, you started the wheels in motion. I challenge anyone to find fault in this blog.
The article talks about the top 25 people to blame for the economic crisis, one name that was absent, Bill Clinton. In an interview with old Billy, he also denied any responsibility. Saying Bill Clinton had nothing to do with the crisis is like saying George Bush had nothing to do with. Who's administration pressured banks into giving risky loans because "everyone deserves a house"? Who's administration made banks turn in quota reports on how many loans they gave to blacks and Hispanics? Who's administration propped up HUD (Housing and Urban Development)? So basically he looks like the hero for 8 years because people are getting houses they could never afford. Meanwhile a huge financial bubble is growing that is sure to pop, but what does Bill care, he will be out of office long before that happens.
Everyone wants to blame the banks. "Oh, the bankers were so greedy" liberals say. How is greed rewarded when you give loans to people that, more than likely, won't pay them off? Where is the financial gain in giving $170k with no money down to a turd that makes $32k a year and has two car payments? Sounds like that is a quick way to be out $170k. If Freddy and Fanny (both are government sponsored enterprises) come in an buy up these bogus mortgages then the bank is off the hook. So who cares if you don't have any money for a down payment? Who cares if you work at Starbucks for $6.60 an hour? Who cares if you have child support, a dog, and a car payment? Who cares if you have bad credit because you were a complete financial delinquent in college? From 1992 to 2008 there was a bank out there that would give you a mortgage for $150k. With a ridiculous adjustable arm of course.
I digress. The previous paragraph was written to illustrate what was going on right under Bill Clinton's nose for 8 years. It looked good on paper, it sounded good in speeches. Everyone getting a house seems like a good idea right? Liberals thinks so. That is why liberalism DOESN'T WORK! A conservative (notice I didn't say republican) would say the same things, but with rational thought thrown in, allow me to demonstrate.....Everyone deserves a house, that worked for it. Everyone can have a mortgage, if they can afford it. It sounds good in speeches, if you explain how it can be done without it blowing up in our faces. It looks good on paper, if whats going out adds up to what coming in.
Granted, there is a lot more to all this but I summarized. With all that being said, come on Bill, fess up, you not only have some responsibility for the crisis, you started the wheels in motion. I challenge anyone to find fault in this blog.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
25 Reason Why Kasey Hunt Is an Impressive Person
I am writing this post because Kasey never stops amazing me. It is not to suck up or because I am in the dog house. It is just true. I want to make a list unique to Kasey, not generic things you could say about any good person. I have a feeling that anyone who knows Kasey can agree with this list.
25. Absolutely beautiful, start with an easy one
24. Can always tell when I am lying. The only time I ever lie to her is when I am trying to surprise her, but she can always tell.
23. Can find good in people even when there is not much good to find.
22. Can take her to a party and not worry about her fitting in or being a wall flower.
21. Good at making and sticking with a budget......at least very close.
20. Does a great Andy Burnard impersonation.
19. She laughs at my Andy Burnard impression "you've been Nard Dogged!!"
18. Comes from a great family and loves her sisters very much
17. Feels compelled to go out of her way to help other people before helping herself.
16. Has never complained about me not doing the dishes, but always thanks me for the times I do.
15. Has never snored or farted in her life.
14. Can actually do something constructive while she is sick. I just lay in bed like a quad when I am sick.
13. Likes Metallica, Guns n Roses, Ra, Breaking Benjamin, AC/DC, and my songs (that one is huge)
12. Knows how to pull on the teet of a cow and actually get something to come out without the cow trying to kick her.
11. Can rearrange an entire bedroom set by herself. Dresser, bed, nightstands, hope chest, I don't know how, but when I come home it is moved.
10. The official "making the bed" count is 3,588 to 1 in her favor.
9. If she wants to do something, she does it or makes sure it gets done. If she decides she wants a room painted, it is painted that day.
8. Understands the importance of prayer, reading scriptures, and the roll of God in our daily life.
7. Gets along with Wilson and Sharon even when their own son doesn't sometimes.
6. No one cuts coupons or saves more for the sake of the family like Kasey.
5. Cooks a warm dinner and always makes sure everyone else is served first.
4. Is humble enough to laugh at herself when she knows she said something silly.
3. Willing to play board games, listen to the Wiggles, and watch sponge bob with the kids. All mind numbing tasks.
2. Can listen to me drone on about politics for hours and at the end say "I can see your point".
1. Thanklessly performs all the tasks of a super mom, wife, sister, daughter with ease and grace.
If you disagree with any of the above, you don't really know Kasey Hunt. I hope this compells you to make a "top 25" list for the one you love.
25. Absolutely beautiful, start with an easy one
24. Can always tell when I am lying. The only time I ever lie to her is when I am trying to surprise her, but she can always tell.
23. Can find good in people even when there is not much good to find.
22. Can take her to a party and not worry about her fitting in or being a wall flower.
21. Good at making and sticking with a budget......at least very close.
20. Does a great Andy Burnard impersonation.
19. She laughs at my Andy Burnard impression "you've been Nard Dogged!!"
18. Comes from a great family and loves her sisters very much
17. Feels compelled to go out of her way to help other people before helping herself.
16. Has never complained about me not doing the dishes, but always thanks me for the times I do.
15. Has never snored or farted in her life.
14. Can actually do something constructive while she is sick. I just lay in bed like a quad when I am sick.
13. Likes Metallica, Guns n Roses, Ra, Breaking Benjamin, AC/DC, and my songs (that one is huge)
12. Knows how to pull on the teet of a cow and actually get something to come out without the cow trying to kick her.
11. Can rearrange an entire bedroom set by herself. Dresser, bed, nightstands, hope chest, I don't know how, but when I come home it is moved.
10. The official "making the bed" count is 3,588 to 1 in her favor.
9. If she wants to do something, she does it or makes sure it gets done. If she decides she wants a room painted, it is painted that day.
8. Understands the importance of prayer, reading scriptures, and the roll of God in our daily life.
7. Gets along with Wilson and Sharon even when their own son doesn't sometimes.
6. No one cuts coupons or saves more for the sake of the family like Kasey.
5. Cooks a warm dinner and always makes sure everyone else is served first.
4. Is humble enough to laugh at herself when she knows she said something silly.
3. Willing to play board games, listen to the Wiggles, and watch sponge bob with the kids. All mind numbing tasks.
2. Can listen to me drone on about politics for hours and at the end say "I can see your point".
1. Thanklessly performs all the tasks of a super mom, wife, sister, daughter with ease and grace.
If you disagree with any of the above, you don't really know Kasey Hunt. I hope this compells you to make a "top 25" list for the one you love.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
In Response to My Wife Crying: Let the Defense Be Heard
Back story, take a look at "big girls don't cry" at www.qkhunt.blogspot.com
ok ok, now that we have had several women (and Christian) weigh in, I think it is time for the truth to be heard. I read ALL the comments left, and about 75% of you ladies cannot disconnect pain and sadness crying. I never said any thing about never crying, or it isn't OK to show emotion. Pain, is NOT an emotion, it is a sensory stimulation from the outside coming in. True emotional feeling is a chemical release or a nervous system response, from the inside going out. It is OK to cry if you are sad, emotionally hurt, or extremely happy. cool, whatever. but we are grown adults here people, we are not kids on the play ground. To say it is OK to do things our kids do is about as smart as bragging to your boss that "I just pooped on the potty" in the middle of a business meeting. Raise the level people.
A lot of the comments started out good with "I can't remember the last time I cried because of pain", which made me happy to see, but then ended with "cry it out girl" or "if it hurts, cry". Are you ladies afraid of being decisive? Quit trying to be so bipartisan, McCain.
Kasey, I know your family, I know your dad, he would tell you to suck it up too! Dick doesn't take any mess!
Bottom line, part of growing up and being adults is reacting to the outside world appropriately. Not throwing temper tantrums, not pouting cause we didn't get our way, not yelling in a quite restaurant, etc. part of that is not crying because we have an ouie.
ok ok, now that we have had several women (and Christian) weigh in, I think it is time for the truth to be heard. I read ALL the comments left, and about 75% of you ladies cannot disconnect pain and sadness crying. I never said any thing about never crying, or it isn't OK to show emotion. Pain, is NOT an emotion, it is a sensory stimulation from the outside coming in. True emotional feeling is a chemical release or a nervous system response, from the inside going out. It is OK to cry if you are sad, emotionally hurt, or extremely happy. cool, whatever. but we are grown adults here people, we are not kids on the play ground. To say it is OK to do things our kids do is about as smart as bragging to your boss that "I just pooped on the potty" in the middle of a business meeting. Raise the level people.
A lot of the comments started out good with "I can't remember the last time I cried because of pain", which made me happy to see, but then ended with "cry it out girl" or "if it hurts, cry". Are you ladies afraid of being decisive? Quit trying to be so bipartisan, McCain.
Kasey, I know your family, I know your dad, he would tell you to suck it up too! Dick doesn't take any mess!
Bottom line, part of growing up and being adults is reacting to the outside world appropriately. Not throwing temper tantrums, not pouting cause we didn't get our way, not yelling in a quite restaurant, etc. part of that is not crying because we have an ouie.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Stimulsuck package
I am having a tough time following the spin from both sides on this one (stimulus package). The left is SO sure that this is exactly what we need. This will create jobs, boost economy, build confidence in the stock market again, and confirm Obama's spot on Mt Rushmore. The right is convinced that this is the end of the world as we know it. This will cause out of control inflation, bolster bubbles in the market, dive the country into debt we will never get out of, and plain and simply waste a ton of tax payers money on things like "a Frisbee park in Texas".
So, how does the average person sift through all the talking heads and media spin? The only thing we have to do is take a look at American history. Very few problems we face today have never been seen before. This country has seen almost everything economically, morally, emotionally, and spiritually in the past. So, a rational and smart person would figure that history repeats itself and we should learn from what the people before us did. Learn what to do as well as learn what not to do. We also know that doing the same things over and over and expecting different results is insane. Lets look at the great depression. How did we get out of that? The New Deal? Gov. intervention? If you believe either of the former worked you are surly an Obama supporter or know nothing about history, take your pick. If the New Deal worked than why did it take WWII to change the unemployment rate a significant amount. The new deal was instituted in the early 30's. We didn't join the war until Dec 8th, 1941. Point number two, the companies that really boomed in the 30's where entertainment, big oil, and auto. All of which did not receive any money from the government. If anything the government put up barriers for the auto industry by siding with the union when they decided to strike in a GM factory in Flint, MI. "But Quentin, Obama wants to invest in wind power and solar panels and ethanol, what is wrong with that. That will make us energy independent." Energy independence is an oxymoron, we will NEVER be independent of energy. OK, if windmills and solar panels were such a good idea, cost efficient, time efficient and space efficient, a talented entrepreneur would have found a way to get rich off it a long time ago. but guess what, coal and hydro plants are still more cost, time, and space efficient, so that is what people are going to buy. Even if these things where a good idea, who is really paying for them? Taxes. So basically we are paying for the plants to be put up and then we will have to pay ridiculous amounts monthly for the power they supply.
It really doesn't matter what I think, this things is going to get passed no matter what. How will success be measured? Will Obama hang a banner reading "mission accomplished" from a AC carrier after a month? (smooth move Bush) Will it be measured by the stock market? (which has fallin every time Obama publicly talks about the package) Unemployment rates? I am sure that any increase in the market from this point on, Obama will take full credit for. If things don't recover right away it will be because Bush left us with too much debt and those evil Republicans don't support the Dems. Basically Obama can do no wrong in this situation, according to the media and other Dems.
I am a firm believer that this country would be better off if Obama fired half the people in Washington and sat in the oval office for the next four years and fell asleep like Rip Van Winkle, than if he passes this thing or any other policy he has in mind.
So, how does the average person sift through all the talking heads and media spin? The only thing we have to do is take a look at American history. Very few problems we face today have never been seen before. This country has seen almost everything economically, morally, emotionally, and spiritually in the past. So, a rational and smart person would figure that history repeats itself and we should learn from what the people before us did. Learn what to do as well as learn what not to do. We also know that doing the same things over and over and expecting different results is insane. Lets look at the great depression. How did we get out of that? The New Deal? Gov. intervention? If you believe either of the former worked you are surly an Obama supporter or know nothing about history, take your pick. If the New Deal worked than why did it take WWII to change the unemployment rate a significant amount. The new deal was instituted in the early 30's. We didn't join the war until Dec 8th, 1941. Point number two, the companies that really boomed in the 30's where entertainment, big oil, and auto. All of which did not receive any money from the government. If anything the government put up barriers for the auto industry by siding with the union when they decided to strike in a GM factory in Flint, MI. "But Quentin, Obama wants to invest in wind power and solar panels and ethanol, what is wrong with that. That will make us energy independent." Energy independence is an oxymoron, we will NEVER be independent of energy. OK, if windmills and solar panels were such a good idea, cost efficient, time efficient and space efficient, a talented entrepreneur would have found a way to get rich off it a long time ago. but guess what, coal and hydro plants are still more cost, time, and space efficient, so that is what people are going to buy. Even if these things where a good idea, who is really paying for them? Taxes. So basically we are paying for the plants to be put up and then we will have to pay ridiculous amounts monthly for the power they supply.
It really doesn't matter what I think, this things is going to get passed no matter what. How will success be measured? Will Obama hang a banner reading "mission accomplished" from a AC carrier after a month? (smooth move Bush) Will it be measured by the stock market? (which has fallin every time Obama publicly talks about the package) Unemployment rates? I am sure that any increase in the market from this point on, Obama will take full credit for. If things don't recover right away it will be because Bush left us with too much debt and those evil Republicans don't support the Dems. Basically Obama can do no wrong in this situation, according to the media and other Dems.
I am a firm believer that this country would be better off if Obama fired half the people in Washington and sat in the oval office for the next four years and fell asleep like Rip Van Winkle, than if he passes this thing or any other policy he has in mind.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Top 5 Athletes of All Time
OK, this is a really broad subject. It could be athletes you found inspirational or exciting. It could be athletes that rank the highest in shear athletisism. What ever you want. For me, I get more of a thrill out of people I have actually played with or have seen in person than on TV.
5. Ben Dewar (LSSU basketball.... This kid can fly, still one of the most talented players I have ever had the pleasure to play with)
4. Larry Bird Not the most athletic, but exciting to watch
3. Randy Hunt For those of you that know him, you know why he made the 3 spot on my list. pound for pound one of the most athletic, intense, and die hard athletes I know.
2. Vince Carter CRAZY athletisism
1. Michael Jordan Lets face it, he made the term "athletic" what it is today. he was the pioneer of a lot of things we see today. extremely exciting to watch.
now lets see yours
5. Ben Dewar (LSSU basketball.... This kid can fly, still one of the most talented players I have ever had the pleasure to play with)
4. Larry Bird Not the most athletic, but exciting to watch
3. Randy Hunt For those of you that know him, you know why he made the 3 spot on my list. pound for pound one of the most athletic, intense, and die hard athletes I know.
2. Vince Carter CRAZY athletisism
1. Michael Jordan Lets face it, he made the term "athletic" what it is today. he was the pioneer of a lot of things we see today. extremely exciting to watch.
now lets see yours
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Am I In Bazzaro World?
Ok, I just got done watching the Super Bowl. During the post game celebration the owner of the Steelers actually thanked Obama for the win and for rooting for them and being such a good fan!! A few days before the game the Obama crazed media asked him who he wants to win (as though it mattered) and he said, "since the Bears are not playing I want the Steelers to win". So all of a sudden he is a Steelers fan and supported the team? Does the world revolve around Obama now. I feel like the world is laughing at a really funny joke...and I am sitting in the corner, silent, becuase I don't get it.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Power of Public Creative Expression
I saw one of the most powerful, homemade bumper stickers today. I was driving north on 131 in Michigan, when I passed a old mid 90's Ford Ranger. I was going about 75, he 65, so I passed him rather fast. Just before I made the pass I caught a homemade slogan stuck to the back of his cap. It was pasted on with the type of lettering you would use to put your name on your mailbox. I thought I saw something interesting so i slowed down and got behind the man long enough to read it. What I saw summed thousands of words. Summed up what many conservative talk radio hosts and many bloggers have been trying to say for years. It was creative, witty, and simple. I passed the man and gave him thumbs up, he smiled and returned the gesture. The crudely made message read "Born 7-4-1776 Died 11-4-2008"
Classic.
Classic.
Monday, January 26, 2009
US Mainstream Media or 1938's Propaganda
This is going to be fast, I don't have much time. The powers that be will yank this post any second! Just kidding. I really don't feel I am that far from the truth though.
I have been thinking about this blog for the past few weeks. Today's mainstream media is extremely similar to 1938 Nazi Germany's propaganda. First lets look at the similarities and then we will examine the differences.
Similarities: The powers that be, Government, special interest groups, advertisers, etc, only tell us what they want us to hear. We don't get fair or unbias reporting on politics from any of the news channels. Many experts are defining 2008 as "the year that journalism died". I could not agree more. The Obama mania media is a perfect example. Just like WWII propaganda they only give good news about their side. "Everything is great, this guy is a God, he will change the mess we are in". Do you really think that all of Germany was crazy like Hitler? No, they just didn't know what he was really doing. Hitler came to power because he had great marketing, powerful speaking skills, and Germany's economy was in shambles, sound like anyone else we know? The Nazi party had total control over what the "common" German could hear or read. Much like CNN, MSNBC, C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX or any other media outlet. Both give steady doses of glowing stories and gushing commentary about their party day after day. Obama and the Democratic party got more coverage than the republicans 4 to 1 in 2008. Obama could be for socialism, he could be for killing Jews, he could be for race wars, he could be for class warfare (I personally don't think he is) and we would never know about it because mainstream media would never let those stories see the light of day. When Hitler was campaigning he didn't say "I will kill Jews, I will rule with and iron fist, I will declare a dominant race". He promised generalities, vague descriptions of party plans. Basically, platforms that would appeal to anyone, like "change". Obama couldn't even answer the question "when does conception occur?" in fear of alienating a certain demographic. Hitler tried to be everything to everyone, not pin-pointing any one issue. Yet the propaganda machine praised his confident stance and outstanding speaking skills. Germany loved him, he got them out of the depression they were in, he fought for them to avenge the losses from WWI. He was in close contact with foreign leaders to reclaim lost land from WWI, land that German's saw as rightfully theirs. But he lied to foreign leaders, he rarely kept his end of the bargains, the citizens of Germany were completely unaware of this.
Think about it, when have we ever had a candidate that had so many suspicious relationships, Aires, Rev. Write, Resco, Chicago Politics, Blago, the list goes on. He even appointed a man who cheated on his taxes to the sum of $34,000 to make sure Americans don't cheat on their taxes! And yet, the media just says "oh, he made a mistake, all of us make mistakes, great appointment Obama".
He said he wants to make a civilian army, SS anyone?
Differences. I am not saying Obama is even close to Hitler. I am just saying the media is treating it much the same. He can do no wrong, even when he has done way more wrong than any other candidate in the history of the presidency. Do you think a white republican with the same type of suspect relationships would have even come close to becoming president? They were roasting Mrs. McCain for being rich, heaven forbid. They were riding McCain for having 7 houses, what about Obama's shady deal with Resco to buy one house? I digress. Another major difference is that we won't be drug out of our house for disagreeing with the media, I can write this post for instance. If you posted something like this in 1940, you could expect a knock on the door from the SS and not to be hear from again. It is nice we have freedom of speech. Also, we have conservative media too, it is just relagated to talk radio.
Bottom line, it just blows my mind the strong hold that liberals have on television, very similar to the stronghold Hitler had on propaganda.
I have been thinking about this blog for the past few weeks. Today's mainstream media is extremely similar to 1938 Nazi Germany's propaganda. First lets look at the similarities and then we will examine the differences.
Similarities: The powers that be, Government, special interest groups, advertisers, etc, only tell us what they want us to hear. We don't get fair or unbias reporting on politics from any of the news channels. Many experts are defining 2008 as "the year that journalism died". I could not agree more. The Obama mania media is a perfect example. Just like WWII propaganda they only give good news about their side. "Everything is great, this guy is a God, he will change the mess we are in". Do you really think that all of Germany was crazy like Hitler? No, they just didn't know what he was really doing. Hitler came to power because he had great marketing, powerful speaking skills, and Germany's economy was in shambles, sound like anyone else we know? The Nazi party had total control over what the "common" German could hear or read. Much like CNN, MSNBC, C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX or any other media outlet. Both give steady doses of glowing stories and gushing commentary about their party day after day. Obama and the Democratic party got more coverage than the republicans 4 to 1 in 2008. Obama could be for socialism, he could be for killing Jews, he could be for race wars, he could be for class warfare (I personally don't think he is) and we would never know about it because mainstream media would never let those stories see the light of day. When Hitler was campaigning he didn't say "I will kill Jews, I will rule with and iron fist, I will declare a dominant race". He promised generalities, vague descriptions of party plans. Basically, platforms that would appeal to anyone, like "change". Obama couldn't even answer the question "when does conception occur?" in fear of alienating a certain demographic. Hitler tried to be everything to everyone, not pin-pointing any one issue. Yet the propaganda machine praised his confident stance and outstanding speaking skills. Germany loved him, he got them out of the depression they were in, he fought for them to avenge the losses from WWI. He was in close contact with foreign leaders to reclaim lost land from WWI, land that German's saw as rightfully theirs. But he lied to foreign leaders, he rarely kept his end of the bargains, the citizens of Germany were completely unaware of this.
Think about it, when have we ever had a candidate that had so many suspicious relationships, Aires, Rev. Write, Resco, Chicago Politics, Blago, the list goes on. He even appointed a man who cheated on his taxes to the sum of $34,000 to make sure Americans don't cheat on their taxes! And yet, the media just says "oh, he made a mistake, all of us make mistakes, great appointment Obama".
He said he wants to make a civilian army, SS anyone?
Differences. I am not saying Obama is even close to Hitler. I am just saying the media is treating it much the same. He can do no wrong, even when he has done way more wrong than any other candidate in the history of the presidency. Do you think a white republican with the same type of suspect relationships would have even come close to becoming president? They were roasting Mrs. McCain for being rich, heaven forbid. They were riding McCain for having 7 houses, what about Obama's shady deal with Resco to buy one house? I digress. Another major difference is that we won't be drug out of our house for disagreeing with the media, I can write this post for instance. If you posted something like this in 1940, you could expect a knock on the door from the SS and not to be hear from again. It is nice we have freedom of speech. Also, we have conservative media too, it is just relagated to talk radio.
Bottom line, it just blows my mind the strong hold that liberals have on television, very similar to the stronghold Hitler had on propaganda.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Top 5 Contest
Ok gang, I am going to post periodic contests throughout the next couple of months. We all have read the "experts" list the top 5 movies, celebrities, songs, albums, or any other media. They never get it right. So now is your time to set them straight. Just leave a comment with your top 5.
Topic: Top 5 Singers of all Time (personal favorites, not who you think is technically good but you don't like their music.)
5. Benjamin from Breaking Benjamin
4. James Hetfield (Metallica)
3. Michael Jackson
2. Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin)
1. Freddy Mercury (Queen)
there you have it. lets hear yours!
Topic: Top 5 Singers of all Time (personal favorites, not who you think is technically good but you don't like their music.)
5. Benjamin from Breaking Benjamin
4. James Hetfield (Metallica)
3. Michael Jackson
2. Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin)
1. Freddy Mercury (Queen)
there you have it. lets hear yours!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Politics Round Two
First I have to say, Thank you so much to the ladies that came over from my wife's site. You all seem like very smart women (mostly because you agree with me).
I know what you ladies are saying about "bazzaro world". I really thought I was on some other planet or at least some other country. Is Michael Moore running the country now? Do we really have that many pro-socialists, pro-marxists, or dare I say, communists? I really felt like the "sheeple" (people that act like sheep) that listen to the politicians are buying snake oil. They bought the fancy package with a nice bow and ribbons on it, and inside.... POOP! That is all the democrats were doing, making socialism and Marxism sound reasonable. They didn't come out and say the words, but almost every plan they proposed was 100% unconstitutional and socialistic. I really thought to myself every time I watched a debate, especially the early ones with Hillary, "does feeling like your the last sane person in the country make you crazy?" I thought to myself, "who is dumb enough to buy into this pandering, pretentious, buzz word laden, socialistic, bullcrap?" and sure enough the CNN cameras would pan the room to show all the doe eyed, euphoric, crowd eating up every word as though it was the last supper (I am sure a last supper reference would be lost on those fools.... oh no, did I just make a Jesus reference in the same sentence with liberals?) Then the fat lady took the stage, Hillary went into a granola eating coffee shop and turned on the water works. I laughed at the terrible acting and thought for sure her goose was cooked, the wolf just stepped out of the sheep's clothing. But true to form, the liberals were "moved" by it. CNN interviewed a woman that was in the shop and she said, "I was going to vote for Obama, but when Hillary showed her softer side, I could relate to her and I am going to vote for her now". (dramatic pause).... I am so glad that my fellow Americans are basing their vote on a candidates ability to show "their softer side".
OK, so how are very smart, educated, fun, caring people that we all know and love, liberals? We all have friends, bishops, co-workers, and even family members that voted for Obama, put a sign up in their yard, maybe even went to a rally or two. It is the great American paradox, I am smart and I know I am right, but they are really smart too and they believe whole heartily they are right too, how can we both be smart and right? It all boils down to rational verse emotional. 95% of liberals view issues from a emotional point of view, they put feelings and personal relationships into the equation. Conservatives go on the facts, we think rationally, we believe we can learn from history and it does, in fact, repeat itself. We have faith in the American spirit and have faith in the good heartedness of our fellow man. Meaning, we feel people will do the right thing if a family member or someone in their community needs help. We don't need the government to take our money and tell us who needs help and who doesn't. Liberals believe the government will make the right decisions and "serve the people" (we have all seen that bumper sticker). I would love to make a bumper sticker that reads "democrats do people a dis-service". They truly feel that they serve the people. As though we are too dumb, feeble, victimized to serve ourselves. They think they are helping, most liberals are good hearted caring people, they mean well. If you treat someone like a victim, they will act like one. If you give a hunter/gatherer meat, he/she will stop hunting or stop creating ways to find food. If you make it easy or fashionable to have a baby out of wedlock, more people will do it. Simple cause and effect. "oh, but Quentin, you are so cold hearted not to help these people out". Did Jesus go around handing fish out? NO, he taught people to fish. Bail outs will give you money today, income tax cuts and jobs will give you money for life.
"Oh, but Quentin, what about the disabled and people that just can't work?" no such thing. I have worked in the community setting and hospital setting with people with disabilities my whole life, I have a 36 year old brother that functions at a 1st grade level and uses a walker to get around, and he has a job! I have probably worked with over 1000 people with disabilities and every single one, from the most functional to the least, can offer some skill. My brother shreds paper, sweeps halls, and cleans windows, all under the supervision of an aid. He gets government aid, but he works and so does the aid. My brother actually creates a job because he is disabled. I can handle my tax dollars going to programs like that. But when I see people who "claim" they are disabled because their back hurts or they are bi-polar, I want to take them to a summer camp or school and show them how functional people with REAL disabilities are. If you let people use their "label" or "diagnosis" as an excuse not to work, not many of them will find the motivation to push themselves. But if you treat someone with bi-polar like a strong, confident, self sufficient human being (instead of a poor victim) maybe they will act like one.
God Bless
I know what you ladies are saying about "bazzaro world". I really thought I was on some other planet or at least some other country. Is Michael Moore running the country now? Do we really have that many pro-socialists, pro-marxists, or dare I say, communists? I really felt like the "sheeple" (people that act like sheep) that listen to the politicians are buying snake oil. They bought the fancy package with a nice bow and ribbons on it, and inside.... POOP! That is all the democrats were doing, making socialism and Marxism sound reasonable. They didn't come out and say the words, but almost every plan they proposed was 100% unconstitutional and socialistic. I really thought to myself every time I watched a debate, especially the early ones with Hillary, "does feeling like your the last sane person in the country make you crazy?" I thought to myself, "who is dumb enough to buy into this pandering, pretentious, buzz word laden, socialistic, bullcrap?" and sure enough the CNN cameras would pan the room to show all the doe eyed, euphoric, crowd eating up every word as though it was the last supper (I am sure a last supper reference would be lost on those fools.... oh no, did I just make a Jesus reference in the same sentence with liberals?) Then the fat lady took the stage, Hillary went into a granola eating coffee shop and turned on the water works. I laughed at the terrible acting and thought for sure her goose was cooked, the wolf just stepped out of the sheep's clothing. But true to form, the liberals were "moved" by it. CNN interviewed a woman that was in the shop and she said, "I was going to vote for Obama, but when Hillary showed her softer side, I could relate to her and I am going to vote for her now". (dramatic pause).... I am so glad that my fellow Americans are basing their vote on a candidates ability to show "their softer side".
OK, so how are very smart, educated, fun, caring people that we all know and love, liberals? We all have friends, bishops, co-workers, and even family members that voted for Obama, put a sign up in their yard, maybe even went to a rally or two. It is the great American paradox, I am smart and I know I am right, but they are really smart too and they believe whole heartily they are right too, how can we both be smart and right? It all boils down to rational verse emotional. 95% of liberals view issues from a emotional point of view, they put feelings and personal relationships into the equation. Conservatives go on the facts, we think rationally, we believe we can learn from history and it does, in fact, repeat itself. We have faith in the American spirit and have faith in the good heartedness of our fellow man. Meaning, we feel people will do the right thing if a family member or someone in their community needs help. We don't need the government to take our money and tell us who needs help and who doesn't. Liberals believe the government will make the right decisions and "serve the people" (we have all seen that bumper sticker). I would love to make a bumper sticker that reads "democrats do people a dis-service". They truly feel that they serve the people. As though we are too dumb, feeble, victimized to serve ourselves. They think they are helping, most liberals are good hearted caring people, they mean well. If you treat someone like a victim, they will act like one. If you give a hunter/gatherer meat, he/she will stop hunting or stop creating ways to find food. If you make it easy or fashionable to have a baby out of wedlock, more people will do it. Simple cause and effect. "oh, but Quentin, you are so cold hearted not to help these people out". Did Jesus go around handing fish out? NO, he taught people to fish. Bail outs will give you money today, income tax cuts and jobs will give you money for life.
"Oh, but Quentin, what about the disabled and people that just can't work?" no such thing. I have worked in the community setting and hospital setting with people with disabilities my whole life, I have a 36 year old brother that functions at a 1st grade level and uses a walker to get around, and he has a job! I have probably worked with over 1000 people with disabilities and every single one, from the most functional to the least, can offer some skill. My brother shreds paper, sweeps halls, and cleans windows, all under the supervision of an aid. He gets government aid, but he works and so does the aid. My brother actually creates a job because he is disabled. I can handle my tax dollars going to programs like that. But when I see people who "claim" they are disabled because their back hurts or they are bi-polar, I want to take them to a summer camp or school and show them how functional people with REAL disabilities are. If you let people use their "label" or "diagnosis" as an excuse not to work, not many of them will find the motivation to push themselves. But if you treat someone with bi-polar like a strong, confident, self sufficient human being (instead of a poor victim) maybe they will act like one.
God Bless
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Not to Be Outdone, Lets Talk Politics
I have not written in 2 years. I am a huge turd. I have become very busy with other things and have neglected the blog once again. My wife is a blog pro, she is so much better than me at this thing, so I have to make amends.
I have a new job, Daiichi Sankyo Cardiovascular specialist, manager is the next step and I am sure I will blog again in two years telling you about that. The kids, 4 and 2 now. Ok, so far I haven't told you anything you couldn't learn from visiting my wife's site.
If anyone is reading this, it is not to get an update on my life, it is for my riveting outlook and ground breaking opinions, I am sure. So with out further delay. We have a new president now, and I am proud to say I did not vote for him. I have lost all hope in America's voting public. When I hear of the fickle reasons people my age voted for President Elect Obama it makes me sick. "He speaks so well", "we need change", "I am poor so I want free health care", "I wanted to be part of history by voting for the first black president", "I won't have to pay for gas or rent if he is president". Are you serious? What ever happened to voting for someone because they reflect your values and moral integrity? Not because you pick one thing out an extremely vague speech about poverty in America, or latch onto fleeting political promises. How about doing some real homework (not watching CNN or MSNBC or any other liberal media) like reading history books, read the constitution, take a look at some of the policies that got us in the mess we are in in the first place. In a way, you don't need to find anything out about the candidate at first, just learn a little bit about American history and governments role as defined by our founding fathers. Then, once you get a handle on that, start looking into candidates backgrounds, voting records, and platforms. I think if you ask the average Obama voter they couldn't give you 3 platforms or issues he supports. They just use the generic "change" default. I don't care if you have to go to his website to get his stance on issues, as long as you get it.
I know what you are saying now, "oh, typical McCain supporter". Nope, McCain was a dink too, they were both for big government and grandstanding. I voted for Chuck Baldwin. "Who the heck is Chuck Baldwin?" you say. He is the only candidate that stood for the same things that I do. Small government, low taxes, personal responsibility, and the constitution. Chuck didn't make crazy promises of what government was going to do, actually, he talked about what government wouldn't do, that is what impressed me. Lets look at it this way, if you are a hard working, honest, moral person here in America, what do you need the government for? The only thing you would need the government for is to protect you from the criminals and other people trying to take what you have earned away. That is it, no more, no less. If that is all the government actually did (police, roads, libraries, schools) you would only pay about $10 a pay check to the government. You wouldn't need welfare, you wouldn't need gov. health care, you wouldn't need "aid". You wouldn't need the government for anything really. Any problem that can be solved by the government, the private sector can do a much better job at solving . The economy for instance. Yeah the financial bail out is really doing wonders for our economy. Good call on that one Bush, Reid, Frank, and Pelosi. Lets not forget this is our tax money we are talking about. In simple terms, government just took 30% of everything we make and decided on how it should be spent, they felt it was better to turn that money over to the idiots that blew it all in the first place instead of reinvesting in our communities. Basically, that is like a teacher giving the class bully a longer recess because he wasted his on beating up kids for their lunch money.
I really think any one with a good moral compass, humility, and a strong grasp on American history can do a better job in politics than any of these idiots.
I am more than happy to hear anyone's comments on this post. I am actually happy when people disagree with me, it is nice to get all sides. fire away.
I have a new job, Daiichi Sankyo Cardiovascular specialist, manager is the next step and I am sure I will blog again in two years telling you about that. The kids, 4 and 2 now. Ok, so far I haven't told you anything you couldn't learn from visiting my wife's site.
If anyone is reading this, it is not to get an update on my life, it is for my riveting outlook and ground breaking opinions, I am sure. So with out further delay. We have a new president now, and I am proud to say I did not vote for him. I have lost all hope in America's voting public. When I hear of the fickle reasons people my age voted for President Elect Obama it makes me sick. "He speaks so well", "we need change", "I am poor so I want free health care", "I wanted to be part of history by voting for the first black president", "I won't have to pay for gas or rent if he is president". Are you serious? What ever happened to voting for someone because they reflect your values and moral integrity? Not because you pick one thing out an extremely vague speech about poverty in America, or latch onto fleeting political promises. How about doing some real homework (not watching CNN or MSNBC or any other liberal media) like reading history books, read the constitution, take a look at some of the policies that got us in the mess we are in in the first place. In a way, you don't need to find anything out about the candidate at first, just learn a little bit about American history and governments role as defined by our founding fathers. Then, once you get a handle on that, start looking into candidates backgrounds, voting records, and platforms. I think if you ask the average Obama voter they couldn't give you 3 platforms or issues he supports. They just use the generic "change" default. I don't care if you have to go to his website to get his stance on issues, as long as you get it.
I know what you are saying now, "oh, typical McCain supporter". Nope, McCain was a dink too, they were both for big government and grandstanding. I voted for Chuck Baldwin. "Who the heck is Chuck Baldwin?" you say. He is the only candidate that stood for the same things that I do. Small government, low taxes, personal responsibility, and the constitution. Chuck didn't make crazy promises of what government was going to do, actually, he talked about what government wouldn't do, that is what impressed me. Lets look at it this way, if you are a hard working, honest, moral person here in America, what do you need the government for? The only thing you would need the government for is to protect you from the criminals and other people trying to take what you have earned away. That is it, no more, no less. If that is all the government actually did (police, roads, libraries, schools) you would only pay about $10 a pay check to the government. You wouldn't need welfare, you wouldn't need gov. health care, you wouldn't need "aid". You wouldn't need the government for anything really. Any problem that can be solved by the government, the private sector can do a much better job at solving . The economy for instance. Yeah the financial bail out is really doing wonders for our economy. Good call on that one Bush, Reid, Frank, and Pelosi. Lets not forget this is our tax money we are talking about. In simple terms, government just took 30% of everything we make and decided on how it should be spent, they felt it was better to turn that money over to the idiots that blew it all in the first place instead of reinvesting in our communities. Basically, that is like a teacher giving the class bully a longer recess because he wasted his on beating up kids for their lunch money.
I really think any one with a good moral compass, humility, and a strong grasp on American history can do a better job in politics than any of these idiots.
I am more than happy to hear anyone's comments on this post. I am actually happy when people disagree with me, it is nice to get all sides. fire away.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
What Time Does
It has been a while since I put a post onto this site. Which, in a way is the topic of this blog.
I recently bought a DVD recorder and started putting old movies onto DVD. Of course to do this I had to watch every second of my old home movies. I watched footage from before my son was born, from when I was "much younger", from when I first bought my house. Has that much time really gone by?
When I watch those movies it seem like I have traveled 5 years in the blink of an eye. I feel the same as I did then, but I am so different. When I watch those videos it feels as though it could have been yesterday just as easily as years ago. Then I hit the stop button and look around at my beautiful family, how they have grown. My son is now 2 and a 1/2 and I have a daughter that is 9 months, they are so big!! I look in the mirror and can't tell the difference between that guy and the guy in the videos. I look and feel the same. The only way I can tell five years have gone by is by what has been accomplished. The walls are painted, I have a new job, I graduated, my kids are talking and walking, two different cars are in the driveway, my bro is married, etc. etc.. The constant... My wife is still Smoking Hot!!! Stone cold fox, yeah!!
It scares me in a way. I often think about how my son is going to be grown and out of the house before I know it. I just think of myself at his age and how silly and naive I was, it wasn't that long ago. Here I am raising that same kid. I am at that age where I am still my Dad's son but I am my son's father at the same time. It is a little ironic hanging out with my dad and my son at the same time. I try and be old and mature with my son but at the same time my dad tries to instruct me as he did when I was 13 and we were in the garage working on the family car. I wouldn't trade any of those moments for the world though. It is so nice to see one generation of Hunts play with a far separated generation of the same name. With times help, one day, I will be there.
I recently bought a DVD recorder and started putting old movies onto DVD. Of course to do this I had to watch every second of my old home movies. I watched footage from before my son was born, from when I was "much younger", from when I first bought my house. Has that much time really gone by?
When I watch those movies it seem like I have traveled 5 years in the blink of an eye. I feel the same as I did then, but I am so different. When I watch those videos it feels as though it could have been yesterday just as easily as years ago. Then I hit the stop button and look around at my beautiful family, how they have grown. My son is now 2 and a 1/2 and I have a daughter that is 9 months, they are so big!! I look in the mirror and can't tell the difference between that guy and the guy in the videos. I look and feel the same. The only way I can tell five years have gone by is by what has been accomplished. The walls are painted, I have a new job, I graduated, my kids are talking and walking, two different cars are in the driveway, my bro is married, etc. etc.. The constant... My wife is still Smoking Hot!!! Stone cold fox, yeah!!
It scares me in a way. I often think about how my son is going to be grown and out of the house before I know it. I just think of myself at his age and how silly and naive I was, it wasn't that long ago. Here I am raising that same kid. I am at that age where I am still my Dad's son but I am my son's father at the same time. It is a little ironic hanging out with my dad and my son at the same time. I try and be old and mature with my son but at the same time my dad tries to instruct me as he did when I was 13 and we were in the garage working on the family car. I wouldn't trade any of those moments for the world though. It is so nice to see one generation of Hunts play with a far separated generation of the same name. With times help, one day, I will be there.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
A Night at the Horse Shoe Bar
I set out to have somewhat of a typical night, in a rural Northern Michigan community called Marion. I knew it was going to be a good night, when it started out with a $12 prime rib in a smoke filled tavern called the Ideal, you can’t beat that.
My wife’s, sister in law and her boyfriend were the only ones not wearing camo gear of the 25 in the bar. I’m sure the crowd was filled with many hunters winding down from a long night of bow hunting. After my stomach was filled with meat and my lungs and hair filled with smoke, it was time to find a cozy establishment to watch the Tigers play their first game of the World Series. So we went to the only other bar in town, the Horse Shoe.
Little did I know the chairs there were just as uncomfortable as the ones at the Ideal.
Like any decent bar lined with thin wood paneling, two pool tables filled the rear back area. Before I could even sit down and get comfortable the Tigers were down by 5 runs, so like any good Tiger’s fan, I felt it was time to shoot pool. I took my future brother in law up on his offer to shoot pool, it was either that or a dance off. He hesitantly asked if I were any good, knowing how competitive he was I mildly said, “I’ve shot a little pool before.” In actuality I spend the last 3 and ½ years of my life avoiding work on the psych unit by shooting pool. The before mentioned future brother in law’s name is Joe. Joe’s first shot sent the cue ball and 2 other balls flying off the table. He’s lucky he didn’t hit one of the bearded hunters their or we may have been pulling mechanical snips out of our behinds. I spotted the two balls and proceeded to clear the table.. Joe had another two shots before the 8 ball was sunk and six of his solids were still sitting on the table. Every shot I took was advised by a toothless, 8 ½ fingered man that lurked over the table like a fat kid at a buffet. Not a shot went by that wasn’t coupled with, “aim for this, aim for that.” After my game was done with Joe, I approached what looked to be a 70 something man and asked if he’d care to shoot a game with me. The man agreed humbly saying, “son, I haven’t shot in years.” Before he broke the old man couldn’t help but comment on the karaoke singers that were shrieking songs from Johnny Cash and Lynard Skinard. “I’ve entertained for many years, there is one thing I know, you can’t piss in a Mr. Coffee and expect Taster’s Choice!” As random as the comment was, it gave me a chuckle and beared repeating to my wife. Though the man’s resting hand was handicapped with only three fingers, he was a worthy opponent. I felt the pressure as his granddaughter
(who had no business as young as she was being in a bar) was cheering him on franticly. I had one ball left to his two, the six ball against the far rail. He leaned over to me and with a gummy grin he said, “use the rail with right English.” I used the rail just enough to send the 6 off on a wild tangent and the eight ball directly in the corner. I lost. The old man looked like a pirate who just found a treasure chest with his squinty eyes, his toothless smile and a hand that might as well have been a hook.
I thought our relationship had reached a climax and an end. I was wrong. This man seemed to think I was interested in his life outside the horseshoe. I wanted to sit down with my friends and watch my wife sing Sweet Child O’ Mine on karaoke. This man felt it was necessary to tell me about all the cars and trucks he had bought and fixed up in the last half century. I heard about an 86, 88, 89, and 91 Ranger. A 92 Bronco, 78, 82, and countless other models of Cameros. None of which were the cool kind, early seventies models that looked a lot like a Nova or GTO.
I kicked my wife under the table in a “save me now” fashion. I guess she just thought I had a twitch because she didn’t bat and eye. So there I was, stuck, hopelessly surrounded by one man and his stories. I think I would have rather been on the Edmunds Fitzgerald in a thunder storm. Thankfully the man’s 8 year old daughter started nagging her dad to leave. Yes, I now had learned this young girl was his daughter! I have no idea how this girl was his daughter, he looked old enough to be her great grandfather and dirty enough to be her uncle that no one talks about. The man thanked me for the game and departed.
As much as I wanted to walk away in the middle of this old mans rant I am glad I listened. It has been about a month since that night and looking back, I probably made that old mans day by allowing him to talk about his car stories that he holds so dear. Here’s to you Mr. 8 ½.
My wife’s, sister in law and her boyfriend were the only ones not wearing camo gear of the 25 in the bar. I’m sure the crowd was filled with many hunters winding down from a long night of bow hunting. After my stomach was filled with meat and my lungs and hair filled with smoke, it was time to find a cozy establishment to watch the Tigers play their first game of the World Series. So we went to the only other bar in town, the Horse Shoe.
Little did I know the chairs there were just as uncomfortable as the ones at the Ideal.
Like any decent bar lined with thin wood paneling, two pool tables filled the rear back area. Before I could even sit down and get comfortable the Tigers were down by 5 runs, so like any good Tiger’s fan, I felt it was time to shoot pool. I took my future brother in law up on his offer to shoot pool, it was either that or a dance off. He hesitantly asked if I were any good, knowing how competitive he was I mildly said, “I’ve shot a little pool before.” In actuality I spend the last 3 and ½ years of my life avoiding work on the psych unit by shooting pool. The before mentioned future brother in law’s name is Joe. Joe’s first shot sent the cue ball and 2 other balls flying off the table. He’s lucky he didn’t hit one of the bearded hunters their or we may have been pulling mechanical snips out of our behinds. I spotted the two balls and proceeded to clear the table.. Joe had another two shots before the 8 ball was sunk and six of his solids were still sitting on the table. Every shot I took was advised by a toothless, 8 ½ fingered man that lurked over the table like a fat kid at a buffet. Not a shot went by that wasn’t coupled with, “aim for this, aim for that.” After my game was done with Joe, I approached what looked to be a 70 something man and asked if he’d care to shoot a game with me. The man agreed humbly saying, “son, I haven’t shot in years.” Before he broke the old man couldn’t help but comment on the karaoke singers that were shrieking songs from Johnny Cash and Lynard Skinard. “I’ve entertained for many years, there is one thing I know, you can’t piss in a Mr. Coffee and expect Taster’s Choice!” As random as the comment was, it gave me a chuckle and beared repeating to my wife. Though the man’s resting hand was handicapped with only three fingers, he was a worthy opponent. I felt the pressure as his granddaughter
(who had no business as young as she was being in a bar) was cheering him on franticly. I had one ball left to his two, the six ball against the far rail. He leaned over to me and with a gummy grin he said, “use the rail with right English.” I used the rail just enough to send the 6 off on a wild tangent and the eight ball directly in the corner. I lost. The old man looked like a pirate who just found a treasure chest with his squinty eyes, his toothless smile and a hand that might as well have been a hook.
I thought our relationship had reached a climax and an end. I was wrong. This man seemed to think I was interested in his life outside the horseshoe. I wanted to sit down with my friends and watch my wife sing Sweet Child O’ Mine on karaoke. This man felt it was necessary to tell me about all the cars and trucks he had bought and fixed up in the last half century. I heard about an 86, 88, 89, and 91 Ranger. A 92 Bronco, 78, 82, and countless other models of Cameros. None of which were the cool kind, early seventies models that looked a lot like a Nova or GTO.
I kicked my wife under the table in a “save me now” fashion. I guess she just thought I had a twitch because she didn’t bat and eye. So there I was, stuck, hopelessly surrounded by one man and his stories. I think I would have rather been on the Edmunds Fitzgerald in a thunder storm. Thankfully the man’s 8 year old daughter started nagging her dad to leave. Yes, I now had learned this young girl was his daughter! I have no idea how this girl was his daughter, he looked old enough to be her great grandfather and dirty enough to be her uncle that no one talks about. The man thanked me for the game and departed.
As much as I wanted to walk away in the middle of this old mans rant I am glad I listened. It has been about a month since that night and looking back, I probably made that old mans day by allowing him to talk about his car stories that he holds so dear. Here’s to you Mr. 8 ½.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Triumphant Return
Ok, I know I said I was done. I was, for a while. Now I am back. By popular demand I will set out to blog about stuff that is important to the common man. yammar really. Breif summary of want has transpired the past year. I have graduated from WMU, moved to Detroit, working with GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceuticals as a sales rep, become a tigers fan, joined the PS2 revolution, had a baby girl named Stella Beth, waged war against the distance between Detroit and Kalamazoo, now a transfer is in order and I will return to Kalamazoo. I look forward to reviving a sleeping giant.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Signing Off
OK, I have come to the conclusion that my blog sucks. Nobody reads it and nobody cares (with the exception of Dan). I can't even claim that I had a good run. I write to get my thoughts down in words, but I do want some kind of feedback, opions, following, etc.
So this is it for me, I am hanging it up. thanks to those of you who took a look. There will be no more new posts after this. If you want to hear my opinion go to Dan McCauley's blog, I post on there frequently. www.atthecornerbar.blogspot.com
Adios
So this is it for me, I am hanging it up. thanks to those of you who took a look. There will be no more new posts after this. If you want to hear my opinion go to Dan McCauley's blog, I post on there frequently. www.atthecornerbar.blogspot.com
Adios
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
MLK Day- Opportunity Over Outcome
I observed MLK day by going to a MLK celebration at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University. I have never been to an MLK celebration and I suppose I have taken MLK's teachings for granted for many years. This particular celebration reminded me that MLK did not just fight for blacks, but for equal rights for all. He did not take color, physical ability, gender, race, background into account when he made his "I have a dream speech". He simply stated "judged on content of their character, not the color of their skin". I could not agree more. Many more opportunities have opened up to people of a minority population, I am not talking about blacks alone, I am talking about people with disabilities, Chinese, Japanese, African, African-American, women, and white men in some situations. I don't care if you are purple, equality in opportunities must be stressed.
With all that being said I am discouraged when I hear some people stress outcomes not opportunities. Allow me to illustrate. I read some discouraging statistics in the MLK handout at the celebration, 1) There are more black men in prison than in college. 2) There are more black men in Jackson State Prison than in all of Michigan's colleges put together. 3) 70% of all black babies are born to single mothers. The list went on. I can't believe I saw such statistics printed at a MLK celebration. These are outcomes, not opportunities. MLK stressed EQUAL OPPORTUNITY for all, not equal outcomes for all. Stressing equal outcomes would be communistic. Lets examine these statistics in a factual sense 1) Equal opportunity to obey the law and enjoy the freedoms America offers within legal parameters. Outcome, people who break the law run the risk of having certain freedoms taken away, i.e. put in jail. 3) Equal opportunity to abstain from sex until marriage or use birth control. Outcome, pregnancy can only occur when a egg is fertilized, the act of sex greatly increases the chance of an egg coming into contact with sperm. More unprotected sex=more pregnancies.
My point, to truly celebrate MLK and the rights he fought for, we should focus on equal opportunities for all, not statistical outcomes. If we do focus on statistical outcomes, they do not truly show how a certain race is being cheated out of opportunities.
Very few people get success handed to them on a silver platter, no matter what color they are. It takes a lot of work to get what you want in the world today. I am not so blind to see that some people start further ahead than others just from the situation they are born into. That is out of any one's control other than the man and woman who make the baby.
I have plenty of friends of every ability and culture, some are smarter, funnier, taller, shorter, more confident, and shier than others. Non of them fit those adjectives simply because of the color of their skin. I don't look at a black man in jail and think he is their because he is black any more than I look at a black doctor and think he became a Dr. simply because of his skin (or despite his skin). They both reached an outcome by pursuing certain opportunities.
If we take care of insuring equal opportunities, it is every person's individual responsibility to take care of their outcome. I truly feel that a five year old white boy and a five year old Chinese boy and a five year old black boy can go into a public school and each receive the same opportunity to be educated. How much they learn is dependent on the individual. How much they learn is an outcome, that can not be controlled by any one but the individual as long as the opportunity is there.
Is there still discrimination in America? Yes, too much, any discrimination is too much. But there is a lot more paranoia about discrimination than actual acts of discrimination. Lets put a little more focus on equal opportunities and how we use opportunities than equal outcome.
With all that being said I am discouraged when I hear some people stress outcomes not opportunities. Allow me to illustrate. I read some discouraging statistics in the MLK handout at the celebration, 1) There are more black men in prison than in college. 2) There are more black men in Jackson State Prison than in all of Michigan's colleges put together. 3) 70% of all black babies are born to single mothers. The list went on. I can't believe I saw such statistics printed at a MLK celebration. These are outcomes, not opportunities. MLK stressed EQUAL OPPORTUNITY for all, not equal outcomes for all. Stressing equal outcomes would be communistic. Lets examine these statistics in a factual sense 1) Equal opportunity to obey the law and enjoy the freedoms America offers within legal parameters. Outcome, people who break the law run the risk of having certain freedoms taken away, i.e. put in jail. 3) Equal opportunity to abstain from sex until marriage or use birth control. Outcome, pregnancy can only occur when a egg is fertilized, the act of sex greatly increases the chance of an egg coming into contact with sperm. More unprotected sex=more pregnancies.
My point, to truly celebrate MLK and the rights he fought for, we should focus on equal opportunities for all, not statistical outcomes. If we do focus on statistical outcomes, they do not truly show how a certain race is being cheated out of opportunities.
Very few people get success handed to them on a silver platter, no matter what color they are. It takes a lot of work to get what you want in the world today. I am not so blind to see that some people start further ahead than others just from the situation they are born into. That is out of any one's control other than the man and woman who make the baby.
I have plenty of friends of every ability and culture, some are smarter, funnier, taller, shorter, more confident, and shier than others. Non of them fit those adjectives simply because of the color of their skin. I don't look at a black man in jail and think he is their because he is black any more than I look at a black doctor and think he became a Dr. simply because of his skin (or despite his skin). They both reached an outcome by pursuing certain opportunities.
If we take care of insuring equal opportunities, it is every person's individual responsibility to take care of their outcome. I truly feel that a five year old white boy and a five year old Chinese boy and a five year old black boy can go into a public school and each receive the same opportunity to be educated. How much they learn is dependent on the individual. How much they learn is an outcome, that can not be controlled by any one but the individual as long as the opportunity is there.
Is there still discrimination in America? Yes, too much, any discrimination is too much. But there is a lot more paranoia about discrimination than actual acts of discrimination. Lets put a little more focus on equal opportunities and how we use opportunities than equal outcome.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Back to School
Back to school, back to school.
to show dad that I'm not a fool.
Got my lunch pack up,
my boots tied tight.
I hope I don't get in a fight.
Oh, back to school, back to school.
(Billy Madison)
That is how I feel right now. After the long Christmas break it is really hard for me to get motivated to go back for my last class. I have one more class and my thesis before I graduate with a Sport Management Masters. Which is strange becuase I really don't want to be a sports manager, just have the degree. Basically it is a resume builder to show I can learn.
I ask the fine people of 'For the Masses', why the heck do I have to spend 2 1/2 years in graduate school and spend close to $12,000, to prove I can learn? To have a peice of paper?
I think Leonardo's character in 'Catch Me If You Can' had the right idea. Give me the job and I will learn then. Basically I learned a bunch of general knowledge from college and when I get a job I have to learn a bunch of stuff that only pertains to that job. OK, so what do I do with the general knowledge? Put it on my resume of course.
OK gang, one more semester. Then it is off to bigger and better things. Unless I get a job before then. In that case getting my masters will just be a burden. I was getting the degree so I could get a new job, if I have the new job before I finish then where is the motivation? Just the same, I hope I get a new job before I graduate.
I will keep you folks posted (by "you folks" I mean RJ, Dan, and Kasey, the only people that read my blog).
to show dad that I'm not a fool.
Got my lunch pack up,
my boots tied tight.
I hope I don't get in a fight.
Oh, back to school, back to school.
(Billy Madison)
That is how I feel right now. After the long Christmas break it is really hard for me to get motivated to go back for my last class. I have one more class and my thesis before I graduate with a Sport Management Masters. Which is strange becuase I really don't want to be a sports manager, just have the degree. Basically it is a resume builder to show I can learn.
I ask the fine people of 'For the Masses', why the heck do I have to spend 2 1/2 years in graduate school and spend close to $12,000, to prove I can learn? To have a peice of paper?
I think Leonardo's character in 'Catch Me If You Can' had the right idea. Give me the job and I will learn then. Basically I learned a bunch of general knowledge from college and when I get a job I have to learn a bunch of stuff that only pertains to that job. OK, so what do I do with the general knowledge? Put it on my resume of course.
OK gang, one more semester. Then it is off to bigger and better things. Unless I get a job before then. In that case getting my masters will just be a burden. I was getting the degree so I could get a new job, if I have the new job before I finish then where is the motivation? Just the same, I hope I get a new job before I graduate.
I will keep you folks posted (by "you folks" I mean RJ, Dan, and Kasey, the only people that read my blog).
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
If Businesses Were Run Like a College Basketball Program
Ok, a lot is said in the title, but allow me to explain.
I have been doing a lot of thinking about my career in the past few months. I have recognized that there are some fundamental flaws with the way 95% of American businesses are run. People wonder why the Japanese are kicking the Big 3's butts year in and year out. Mmmm, probably because they don't pay some turd $19 and hour to blow compressed air into water jackets of a big block as it rolls by on an assembly line. My point is, what ever happened to people being proud of their job, working hard because it is the right thing to do, leaving work with a sense of accomplishment, pushing yourself to the limits?
If American businesses were run like a college basketball program I guarantee we would not be in the economic bind we seem to be in right now (Michigan especially).
Lets compare the facts. I will use my job as an example of how the health care field is ran. I am assuming there are many other companies out there ran the same way.
If I show up late to work, I get a point, 7 points makes a step, 3 steps I'm fired.( I can show up late 21 times per year before I lose my job)
If Show up late to practice, I don't play the first half of a game. I don't know what would happen if I were to show up late consistently because it never happened more than once, with any players.
If I work really hard at work and help 10 more patients than the therapist next to me, I get nothing, no one knows if I don't tell them.
If I score ten more points in a game, we win. I become more valuable to the team, I get the ball more, I am trusted by teammates, I am recognized in the paper, classmates give me a pat the back, etc.
At work I get a yearly evaluation that takes about 10 minutes, if I meet my goals I get 2.5% raise. (are you fricking kidding me, that doesn't even keep up with the cost of inflation!)
On a college team I am evaluated everyday; practices are recorded, every drill is monitored, points are tallied, tests are taken, grades are given, playing time is issued according to performance and hardwork. The rewards are true motivation to try hard.
At work I compete against no one, as long as I don't punch a patient in the face or set the carpeting on fire, I have a job.
In college I had to prepare for the next opponent every day. Eat or be eaten. If you don't take your role seriously, someone else out there is, and he will kick your butt when you go head to head with him. I was in constant competition with my teammates to hold my starting position, if I take a day off or perform poorly for a few days, there is someone else that is chomping at the bit to take my place.
At work there is a 3 inch thick hand book on rules and regulations to hold people accountable. If there is not a section in that book about coming to work drunk, then by all means, bring out the scotch.
In college we had three rules, 1. Do your best 2. Do what is right 3. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. We had one motto: Constant And Never-ending Improvement (CANI). People were held accountable for their actions, we didn't need a rule book to tell us what was right and wrong. If you did not know how to follow those 3 simple rules, you don't deserve to be on a team or attend a respectable college.
These are just a few examples, but I hope this illustrates the ridiculous lengths businesses go to to be counter-productive. I think Ross Pero said it best "If I see a snake I kill it, I don't form a committee on snakes". So true, how much productivity do businesses lose because problems are not nipped in the bud right away?
Now I know what a lot of you are saying. There are "workers rights" and other rules that managers have to abide by. I believe a major reason a lot of companies cannot run the way a college team is ran is because of unions. Principles of unions are out dated. In the 30's unions were necessary to protect workers. Now, all they do is protect lazy, undeserving workers. I believe if we do away with unions American business will grow once again.
Ok, I am getting off the original subject. I think you folks get my point though. Give workers a challenge and a feeling of self worth, and they will be productive, happy, a part of a team, reliable, and hard working.
I have been doing a lot of thinking about my career in the past few months. I have recognized that there are some fundamental flaws with the way 95% of American businesses are run. People wonder why the Japanese are kicking the Big 3's butts year in and year out. Mmmm, probably because they don't pay some turd $19 and hour to blow compressed air into water jackets of a big block as it rolls by on an assembly line. My point is, what ever happened to people being proud of their job, working hard because it is the right thing to do, leaving work with a sense of accomplishment, pushing yourself to the limits?
If American businesses were run like a college basketball program I guarantee we would not be in the economic bind we seem to be in right now (Michigan especially).
Lets compare the facts. I will use my job as an example of how the health care field is ran. I am assuming there are many other companies out there ran the same way.
If I show up late to work, I get a point, 7 points makes a step, 3 steps I'm fired.( I can show up late 21 times per year before I lose my job)
If Show up late to practice, I don't play the first half of a game. I don't know what would happen if I were to show up late consistently because it never happened more than once, with any players.
If I work really hard at work and help 10 more patients than the therapist next to me, I get nothing, no one knows if I don't tell them.
If I score ten more points in a game, we win. I become more valuable to the team, I get the ball more, I am trusted by teammates, I am recognized in the paper, classmates give me a pat the back, etc.
At work I get a yearly evaluation that takes about 10 minutes, if I meet my goals I get 2.5% raise. (are you fricking kidding me, that doesn't even keep up with the cost of inflation!)
On a college team I am evaluated everyday; practices are recorded, every drill is monitored, points are tallied, tests are taken, grades are given, playing time is issued according to performance and hardwork. The rewards are true motivation to try hard.
At work I compete against no one, as long as I don't punch a patient in the face or set the carpeting on fire, I have a job.
In college I had to prepare for the next opponent every day. Eat or be eaten. If you don't take your role seriously, someone else out there is, and he will kick your butt when you go head to head with him. I was in constant competition with my teammates to hold my starting position, if I take a day off or perform poorly for a few days, there is someone else that is chomping at the bit to take my place.
At work there is a 3 inch thick hand book on rules and regulations to hold people accountable. If there is not a section in that book about coming to work drunk, then by all means, bring out the scotch.
In college we had three rules, 1. Do your best 2. Do what is right 3. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. We had one motto: Constant And Never-ending Improvement (CANI). People were held accountable for their actions, we didn't need a rule book to tell us what was right and wrong. If you did not know how to follow those 3 simple rules, you don't deserve to be on a team or attend a respectable college.
These are just a few examples, but I hope this illustrates the ridiculous lengths businesses go to to be counter-productive. I think Ross Pero said it best "If I see a snake I kill it, I don't form a committee on snakes". So true, how much productivity do businesses lose because problems are not nipped in the bud right away?
Now I know what a lot of you are saying. There are "workers rights" and other rules that managers have to abide by. I believe a major reason a lot of companies cannot run the way a college team is ran is because of unions. Principles of unions are out dated. In the 30's unions were necessary to protect workers. Now, all they do is protect lazy, undeserving workers. I believe if we do away with unions American business will grow once again.
Ok, I am getting off the original subject. I think you folks get my point though. Give workers a challenge and a feeling of self worth, and they will be productive, happy, a part of a team, reliable, and hard working.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Dickens Said it Best
I had lunch with an old friend today at a new restaurant. We did the standard holiday ritual, get together, catch up on new ventures, reminisce about old ones. I can't help but think how the ritual has stayed the same but the topic of conversation is drastically different. To compare a conversation a year ago, three years ago, five, ten, to the one today would be oceans apart in content. We talked about new jobs, money issues, family, you know, grown up stuff.
As I was driving home today I tried to imagine all the people elder than me going through all the same things that I am going through. Is it possible that my grandma had childhood friends? Did she lose touch because she had to tend to her kids, get a job, carry a load of responsibility... Grow up? Was she completley satisfied?
When you are younger you are constantly prompted to think about what you want for your future. When you get there and you have made all those things happen you spend all your time reminiscing about the past. Are we ever satisfied to be in the present?
Since I was 10 years old I knew some day I wanted a family. When I was 16 I knew someday I wanted to go to college. When I was 19 I knew someday I wanted to graduate and get a satisfying job to support a family. When I was 25 I wanted to go back to school and get my masters to provide a better life for my family. When I was 26 I had, or did, all of those things. There is something about time that dilutes your goals and expectations like too much water in a pitcher of Kool-Aid.
I have everything I have ever wanted since I can remember, I thank God every day. I have more than 90% of the rest of the world, but yet, at times I feel as though I need more. I am not talking about material goods, I am not talking about family issues. I am talking about personal hierarchy of needs. To put it plainly, I need a challenge.
Since we were all 5 years old we were constantly challenged, pushed to reach that next step. If you complete fifth grade, great, you move onto sixth. If you complete high school, great, you move onto college. If you got a B this semester, get an A next one. The list goes on. Everything I have ever known has told me to keep reaching, never give up, always set the next goal and not just achieve it, exceed it. I am a bread competitor. Now that I have the things I have worked for and am successfully managing them all am I suppose to turn that drive off like a switch?
It took me 27 years to truly realize this. I don't care if I am playing tidily winks with Connie Stienbach from down the street, I want to win. It didn't matter if I scored 4 goals in one game, if Gull Lake scored 5, I am still pissed we lost. I could score 25 points against a nationally ranked college basketball team, but if I would have made those two free throws I missed in the first half, we would have won. It is not enough to be good, you must be the best. Is this a admirable quality or a terrible burden? This is not to show triumph, it is to express personal nature. Day in and day out, there is something that drives us all. A list of motivational needs that must be met. I have achieved all the goals I have set for myself since the first time my brother beat me in basketball and I cried my eyes out because I never thought I would be as tall as him; so why do I still feel such a drive? Why do I feel complacent when I have had the same job for 3 years?
I know the answer to all these questions, I stated it before, I am a competitor. All the preparation to eventually get the job I have, has prepared me for a completely different job.
So did my friend and I talk about all of this at lunch today? We didn't mention it once, but with out talking about it once it has never been so clear how things have changed, but more so, how they have stayed the same.
I could never ask for a better wife, a better son, a better set of brothers, parents, sister, etc. I wouldn't change a thing about my past. I have "top notch" friends that have always been there for me. All this non-materail wealth under my hat. But yet I yearn for more.....in reference to the title....It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
As I was driving home today I tried to imagine all the people elder than me going through all the same things that I am going through. Is it possible that my grandma had childhood friends? Did she lose touch because she had to tend to her kids, get a job, carry a load of responsibility... Grow up? Was she completley satisfied?
When you are younger you are constantly prompted to think about what you want for your future. When you get there and you have made all those things happen you spend all your time reminiscing about the past. Are we ever satisfied to be in the present?
Since I was 10 years old I knew some day I wanted a family. When I was 16 I knew someday I wanted to go to college. When I was 19 I knew someday I wanted to graduate and get a satisfying job to support a family. When I was 25 I wanted to go back to school and get my masters to provide a better life for my family. When I was 26 I had, or did, all of those things. There is something about time that dilutes your goals and expectations like too much water in a pitcher of Kool-Aid.
I have everything I have ever wanted since I can remember, I thank God every day. I have more than 90% of the rest of the world, but yet, at times I feel as though I need more. I am not talking about material goods, I am not talking about family issues. I am talking about personal hierarchy of needs. To put it plainly, I need a challenge.
Since we were all 5 years old we were constantly challenged, pushed to reach that next step. If you complete fifth grade, great, you move onto sixth. If you complete high school, great, you move onto college. If you got a B this semester, get an A next one. The list goes on. Everything I have ever known has told me to keep reaching, never give up, always set the next goal and not just achieve it, exceed it. I am a bread competitor. Now that I have the things I have worked for and am successfully managing them all am I suppose to turn that drive off like a switch?
It took me 27 years to truly realize this. I don't care if I am playing tidily winks with Connie Stienbach from down the street, I want to win. It didn't matter if I scored 4 goals in one game, if Gull Lake scored 5, I am still pissed we lost. I could score 25 points against a nationally ranked college basketball team, but if I would have made those two free throws I missed in the first half, we would have won. It is not enough to be good, you must be the best. Is this a admirable quality or a terrible burden? This is not to show triumph, it is to express personal nature. Day in and day out, there is something that drives us all. A list of motivational needs that must be met. I have achieved all the goals I have set for myself since the first time my brother beat me in basketball and I cried my eyes out because I never thought I would be as tall as him; so why do I still feel such a drive? Why do I feel complacent when I have had the same job for 3 years?
I know the answer to all these questions, I stated it before, I am a competitor. All the preparation to eventually get the job I have, has prepared me for a completely different job.
So did my friend and I talk about all of this at lunch today? We didn't mention it once, but with out talking about it once it has never been so clear how things have changed, but more so, how they have stayed the same.
I could never ask for a better wife, a better son, a better set of brothers, parents, sister, etc. I wouldn't change a thing about my past. I have "top notch" friends that have always been there for me. All this non-materail wealth under my hat. But yet I yearn for more.....in reference to the title....It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
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