Once again the holidays are upon us. I'm not a fan of the holidays and I haven't been for quite some time. There's a whole bunch that goes into my thought process. I just wish people would understand and let me do my thing. Part of it is that I don't like receiving gifts. That may sound crazy, but it's true. I can't afford to give gifts back and that bothers me. I ask (and then tell) people not to give me presents because I know that I can't reciprocate and that makes me feel guilty. People always tell me that they want to get me gifts because they want to and I understand that, but when does what I want come into play? I was talking to someone today who asked why my gift to people couldn't be accepting the gifts that they give me. Understandable, but why can't their gift to me be respecting my desire not to receive gifts?
The other part of it comes down to family. I love my family and always will, but we've grown apart. It's no one's fault, these things just happen. Everyone starts their own family, we move apart and it becomes harder to get together for the holidays. Of course things became even harder when Ellen passed away. That really took a lot out of me about wanting to celebrate the holidays. I miss my baby sister and sometimes it hurts really bad. Just when I thought that was getting better, mom passed away. That hit hard. I'm sorry, but I don't think the holidays are the same without them.
For years I have been telling my siblings not to get me anything for Christmas. For the most part they've listened. I tell them to take whatever money they would spend on me and spend it on their kids. Buy them another present, put the money in a savings account, do something, but don't buy me a gift. Let Christmas be about/for the kids.
To me the holidays are like my birthday... I'll start celebrating them again when I have kids. Until then, let it go people. I'm not trying to be a Scrooge because I want everyone to enjoy themselves. Celebrate all you want, just don't expect me to join in.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Replacing Senator Kennedy or What Works For You Today
President Obama has recently spoken with Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick about filling Senator Kennedy's open Senate seat. The President wants Massachusetts to change their policy for succession. This is the same thing that Senator Kennedy was working on before he passed away. Current Massachusetts law states that the seat would remain open until a special election takes place. This election is to be held 145-160 days after a senator's death. This law has been in effect since 2004. That's when Senator Kennedy successfully fought to have the law changed. In 2004, Mitt Romney was Governor of Massachusetts and Senator Kerry was running for President. Leading up to 2004, Massachusetts law stated that if there was an open Senate seat, the sitting governor could appoint someone to the open seat. Kennedy was fearful that if Kerry became president, that Romney, a Republican, would appoint a Republican to replace him. Kennedy fought hard and Massachusetts changed their law, thus assuring that Democrats would not lose a Senate seat.
We find ourselves now, with a Democrat as governor of Massachusetts, with Kennedy (before he passed) and Obama trying to get Massachusetts to change their law once again to suit their needs. Why Obama is involved is beyond me as this is a state issue and he should keep his nose out of it. Okay, it's not really beyond me. Obama can't afford to lose a Democratic seat in the Senate, especially if he wants HIS health care reform bill passed. This is pure partisan politics and a textbook case of hypocrisy. Plenty of Democrats in Massachusetts argue that the law must be changed so the Commonwealth can continue to be represented by two voices in the Senate. Of course if they were so worried back in 2004, they wouldn't have changed the law to begin with.
This is being done to ensure that Democrats have 60 seats in the Senate. It's being done so the Democrats don't have to adopt anything the Republicans want. It's being done so President Obama can get his signature piece of legislation passed. The not so amazing thing is that the mainstream media is giving President Obama and Massachusetts a complete pass on this. If President Bush had tried something like this, it would be running nonstop on MSNBC and CNN, the New York Times and Washington Post would be going on and on and Keith Olberman and Chris Mathews would kill each trying to show who was more angry.
What this shows is that the Democrats, led by Obama, will do anything possible to jam health care reform through Congress regardless of who likes it. The fact that they can't even agree within their own party about what should be in the bill (and how to pay for it) should be a red flag that they shouldn't pass something just to pass it.
In 2004 the Democrats got what they wished for when Massachusetts changed their law. That's why you should always be careful what you wish for. If they (Kennedy) hadn't been so power hungry five years ago, they could have had what they wanted now.
We find ourselves now, with a Democrat as governor of Massachusetts, with Kennedy (before he passed) and Obama trying to get Massachusetts to change their law once again to suit their needs. Why Obama is involved is beyond me as this is a state issue and he should keep his nose out of it. Okay, it's not really beyond me. Obama can't afford to lose a Democratic seat in the Senate, especially if he wants HIS health care reform bill passed. This is pure partisan politics and a textbook case of hypocrisy. Plenty of Democrats in Massachusetts argue that the law must be changed so the Commonwealth can continue to be represented by two voices in the Senate. Of course if they were so worried back in 2004, they wouldn't have changed the law to begin with.
This is being done to ensure that Democrats have 60 seats in the Senate. It's being done so the Democrats don't have to adopt anything the Republicans want. It's being done so President Obama can get his signature piece of legislation passed. The not so amazing thing is that the mainstream media is giving President Obama and Massachusetts a complete pass on this. If President Bush had tried something like this, it would be running nonstop on MSNBC and CNN, the New York Times and Washington Post would be going on and on and Keith Olberman and Chris Mathews would kill each trying to show who was more angry.
What this shows is that the Democrats, led by Obama, will do anything possible to jam health care reform through Congress regardless of who likes it. The fact that they can't even agree within their own party about what should be in the bill (and how to pay for it) should be a red flag that they shouldn't pass something just to pass it.
In 2004 the Democrats got what they wished for when Massachusetts changed their law. That's why you should always be careful what you wish for. If they (Kennedy) hadn't been so power hungry five years ago, they could have had what they wanted now.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
History (updated)
So Obama was sworn in as President today. I listened to his speech today and I thought it was okay. The one thing that struck me came very early in the speech. It was a few lines in when Obama said, "Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath."
I would have hoped that someone as intelligent as President Obama would do some research or at least read what his speech writers wrote before giving such an important speech. Anyone who has studied even a little bit about the history of the presidency would know that Grover Cleveland served as President on two different occasions meaning that 43 Americans had taken the oath.
I raised this earlier today and I was called bitter, a grouch and a goof ball and these were only the names that people were willing to post. I'm certain there were others who called me worse. I point out that the President's facts were incorrect and I'm the bad person. Contrary to what some people may think or believe, I would like to see the new President succeed. If he is successful, I hope that would mean that the country would be doing better and that is the most important thing. I don't hate Obama. I may not trust him, but in all fairness, I didn't trust McCain either.
The greatest part about all of this is that Obama is supposed to represent change. That he talks about the country as one and that we should all get along even if you don't agree, yet he gets grief for having Rev. Warren speak. Who gave him grief? His own party and people who voted for him. These same people, people who call themselves Democrats (they never call themselves liberals), are supposed to be the ones who are accepting of everyone. They are the ones who say everyone should be treated equally, yet these are the same people attack and name call. I'm the one who accepts the opposite opinion even if I don't agree with it, yet I'm the bitter one. I'm the one filled with hate. I'm the one who discriminates.
I just find it ironic that at a time when the country elects a black man to be President of the United States, that when the country does in fact seem to be moving in a new direction, it is the President's own party and those who voted for him (not all mind you) who seem to be the ones who judge and/or hate and can't move on.
UPDATE: I said back in the spring that whoever became President, they would be a one term President. I even made a bet before the general election with my friend Steve (he's been to Germany) for $100 and a steak dinner that it would be a one term presidency. I figure I win either way. If Obama is reelected, hopefully that means the country is better off which would hopefully mean that I'm better off and I would be able to afford the $100 and dinner. If Obama stinks up the joint and doesn't get reelected, then the country probably won't be in such good shape and I'll need the $100 and dinner.
I would have hoped that someone as intelligent as President Obama would do some research or at least read what his speech writers wrote before giving such an important speech. Anyone who has studied even a little bit about the history of the presidency would know that Grover Cleveland served as President on two different occasions meaning that 43 Americans had taken the oath.
I raised this earlier today and I was called bitter, a grouch and a goof ball and these were only the names that people were willing to post. I'm certain there were others who called me worse. I point out that the President's facts were incorrect and I'm the bad person. Contrary to what some people may think or believe, I would like to see the new President succeed. If he is successful, I hope that would mean that the country would be doing better and that is the most important thing. I don't hate Obama. I may not trust him, but in all fairness, I didn't trust McCain either.
The greatest part about all of this is that Obama is supposed to represent change. That he talks about the country as one and that we should all get along even if you don't agree, yet he gets grief for having Rev. Warren speak. Who gave him grief? His own party and people who voted for him. These same people, people who call themselves Democrats (they never call themselves liberals), are supposed to be the ones who are accepting of everyone. They are the ones who say everyone should be treated equally, yet these are the same people attack and name call. I'm the one who accepts the opposite opinion even if I don't agree with it, yet I'm the bitter one. I'm the one filled with hate. I'm the one who discriminates.
I just find it ironic that at a time when the country elects a black man to be President of the United States, that when the country does in fact seem to be moving in a new direction, it is the President's own party and those who voted for him (not all mind you) who seem to be the ones who judge and/or hate and can't move on.
UPDATE: I said back in the spring that whoever became President, they would be a one term President. I even made a bet before the general election with my friend Steve (he's been to Germany) for $100 and a steak dinner that it would be a one term presidency. I figure I win either way. If Obama is reelected, hopefully that means the country is better off which would hopefully mean that I'm better off and I would be able to afford the $100 and dinner. If Obama stinks up the joint and doesn't get reelected, then the country probably won't be in such good shape and I'll need the $100 and dinner.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Harry Reid
I watched Meet The Press today and Harry Reid was on. David Gregory asked him about his comment several months ago that the war in Iraq was lost. Reid responded that that's a question to be answered by others in years to come and would not admit that he spoke to soon. He then compared his statement to General Petraeus who said that, according to Reid, the war could not be won militarily. Like those are the same thing.
David Gregory then raised Reid's comments that Bush was a liar, a loser and the worst President ever. His defense in making those statements is that he (Reid) is who he is. Just so I'm straight on this, he calls Bush the worst President ever, even though his presidency is not over? With any President, you can not fully judge their presidency until they have been out of office for some time. Trust me, I am not trying to defend Bush in any way. I don't think he'll ever be group with the greatest of all time, but to say he is the worst, at this time is a stretch. Just from my lifetime, one only needs to look at Carter.
What bothers me the most, is that Reid can't admit that there is some good happening in Iraq and wants to reserve judgment because it's not as bad as he thought it was, while he is quick to judgment on Bush.
Don't even get me started on him trying to rewrite rules on who gets to replace Obama in the Senate. So glad this guy is the Senate Majority Leader.
David Gregory then raised Reid's comments that Bush was a liar, a loser and the worst President ever. His defense in making those statements is that he (Reid) is who he is. Just so I'm straight on this, he calls Bush the worst President ever, even though his presidency is not over? With any President, you can not fully judge their presidency until they have been out of office for some time. Trust me, I am not trying to defend Bush in any way. I don't think he'll ever be group with the greatest of all time, but to say he is the worst, at this time is a stretch. Just from my lifetime, one only needs to look at Carter.
What bothers me the most, is that Reid can't admit that there is some good happening in Iraq and wants to reserve judgment because it's not as bad as he thought it was, while he is quick to judgment on Bush.
Don't even get me started on him trying to rewrite rules on who gets to replace Obama in the Senate. So glad this guy is the Senate Majority Leader.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Big Brother live
I got to go to the live taping of Big Brother today and it was awesome. I got there about 3:15 local time and waited with everyone else for a bit. We were just hanging around on a little service road until they led us down Gilligan's Island Way to Studio 18 on the lot. We were lead into the studio by groups of 10 as they carefully placed us in our seats. They didn't want people wearing the same colors sitting next to each other and things like that. We were all in our seats around 4:30. The Stage Manager, Eric, came out and let us know how things would go for the show. He was pretty funny telling us how he would make sure we would all look good.
Julie Chen came out and she looked good. She looked even better in person than she does on TV. They had a few people making sure Julie was ready to go live. They had people with hairspray, checking her makeup, adjusting her outfit and thinks like that.
We could all see the clocks on top of the cameras so we could count down to air time. I took a chance to look around the room and check everyone out. What really struck me was how stupid some people were. I received instructions on what to wear or more importantly, what not to wear.
The studio audience at our show may appear on camera and appropriate dress is required. Business/Casual dress - no shorts, t-shirts, ball caps, etc. Please do not wear any clothing with large words, photographs, or logos that may show up on camera. Avoid white, cream-colored, striped, or small-patterned clothing.
There were a number of people wearing white, had jeans on, clothing with logos and I think I saw a few wearing shorts. If I can iron a pair of slacks and clean up a bit, so can everyone else.
Eric gave us our instructions for the show. The big one was that we were not there to watch good TV, but that we were there to make good TV. Our sightline was to be on Julie and not the monitors or teleprompters. He reminded us that we would be able to go home later and watch the show. He told us that he would let us know when to applaud and when not to. He let us know when we could cheer and when we shouldn't. He let us know when we would be live and when they would be showing tape.
During commercials Eric would let us know how we were doing and give us a heads up as to what was coming next. Also during commercials Julie's "people" would check on her and make sure she still looked good (she did). It was as if they were treating her like a fragile doll. I don't mean that in a bad way, but they made sure nothing happened to her.
Once the vote took place and Jesse came through the door, he look spooked. He had a blank look on his face and looked white as a ghost. He really seemed out of it, but I couldn't blame him. He hadn't been out of the house for a month, had dealt with anyone other than his housemates and had just gotten a big surprise by being voted out. Once he was voted out, the woman sitting next to me kept saying that she hoped that he would take off his shirt. After hearing that I few times,I was starting to get annoyed, but I kept smiling for the cameras.
Once the show was over, they brought Jesse back out for his taped interview with Julie to be aired for tomorrow morning's Early Show. That was a nice little bonus. Once that was done they whisked Julie and Jesse away and we filed out. Overall it was really cool and I had a good time. I hope I get a chance to do it again, especially for the season finale.
Julie Chen came out and she looked good. She looked even better in person than she does on TV. They had a few people making sure Julie was ready to go live. They had people with hairspray, checking her makeup, adjusting her outfit and thinks like that.
We could all see the clocks on top of the cameras so we could count down to air time. I took a chance to look around the room and check everyone out. What really struck me was how stupid some people were. I received instructions on what to wear or more importantly, what not to wear.
The studio audience at our show may appear on camera and appropriate dress is required. Business/Casual dress - no shorts, t-shirts, ball caps, etc. Please do not wear any clothing with large words, photographs, or logos that may show up on camera. Avoid white, cream-colored, striped, or small-patterned clothing.
There were a number of people wearing white, had jeans on, clothing with logos and I think I saw a few wearing shorts. If I can iron a pair of slacks and clean up a bit, so can everyone else.
Eric gave us our instructions for the show. The big one was that we were not there to watch good TV, but that we were there to make good TV. Our sightline was to be on Julie and not the monitors or teleprompters. He reminded us that we would be able to go home later and watch the show. He told us that he would let us know when to applaud and when not to. He let us know when we could cheer and when we shouldn't. He let us know when we would be live and when they would be showing tape.
During commercials Eric would let us know how we were doing and give us a heads up as to what was coming next. Also during commercials Julie's "people" would check on her and make sure she still looked good (she did). It was as if they were treating her like a fragile doll. I don't mean that in a bad way, but they made sure nothing happened to her.
Once the vote took place and Jesse came through the door, he look spooked. He had a blank look on his face and looked white as a ghost. He really seemed out of it, but I couldn't blame him. He hadn't been out of the house for a month, had dealt with anyone other than his housemates and had just gotten a big surprise by being voted out. Once he was voted out, the woman sitting next to me kept saying that she hoped that he would take off his shirt. After hearing that I few times,I was starting to get annoyed, but I kept smiling for the cameras.
Once the show was over, they brought Jesse back out for his taped interview with Julie to be aired for tomorrow morning's Early Show. That was a nice little bonus. Once that was done they whisked Julie and Jesse away and we filed out. Overall it was really cool and I had a good time. I hope I get a chance to do it again, especially for the season finale.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
who does this
I went to the pool on Sunday for a quick workout and ending up leaving my suit at the pool. Once I realized this I called the pool and they said that if they found it, it would either be in the lost and found or at the front desk. When I went for my swim the next morning, less than 20 hours later, I checked for my suit. No luck. It was gone. Who takes someone else's suit? Are they going to wear it? I grew up at pools and and have been around them all my life. We all know that if you leave your goggles behind, they're as good as gone, but a suit? Now I wonder about some of the people there.
Thankfully I didn't get rid of my old suit when I got this one, but now I've had to order another one and have to wait a week for it.
I still can't figure out why someone would take someone else's suit.
Thankfully I didn't get rid of my old suit when I got this one, but now I've had to order another one and have to wait a week for it.
I still can't figure out why someone would take someone else's suit.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Weekend in Toronto
Trip and I spent the weekend in Toronto for the trip I won back in March. We were there for the Edgefest music festival. Headlining were Linkin Park and Stone Temple Pilots. There were a bunch of other bands, but I don't remember who they all were. The weekend started off by flying out of LAX on a direct flight to Toronto. I was finally going to get to use my passport. We had a 9:50 AM flight and an empty seat between us. That meant I got to stretch out a bit during the flight. The flight was uneventful and we arrived on time in Toronto. After a cab ride from the airport, we checked in to the Yorkdale Holiday Inn around 6:30 PM. We walked across the street to the Yorkdale Mall to get something to eat. We settled on Moxy's Grill. A nice little place with good foood. We had a few beers and martinis before heading back to our room around 11. We played a few games on on-line poker before turning in.
The festival started at noon on Saturday so that's when we got up. After grabbing lunch at the mall, we took a cab to Downsview Park where the festival was. We spent 40 minutes in line to get into the beer garden. Then it was 25 minutes in line to get tickets and then 25 minutes in line to get beer. You were allowed 2 beers per person, so we both got 2. We got back in line when it started to rain again. Then it started pouring. We found some relief under a table umbrella that some others were nice enough to share with us. Unfortunately only our fronts were protected and the rain was driving at our backs. We were getting soaked, but it didn't really matter.
After about 40-45 minutes, the rain stopped and the sun started to peek out. We talked with a few people, took some pictures and anxiously awaited Stone Temple Pilots. We met a random girl who wanted to take a picture with the back of my shirt (Smell My Face) and then had me kiss her beaver. We stood next to a guy in the beer line and watched as he did some coke. Saw a few people get kicked out for violating the beer rules and did some general people watching. STP finally went on sometime after 6 and it was well worth the wait. The put on one hell of a show. The crowd was completely into it.
After STP finished we got another beer and waited for Linkin Park. As I was in line to use the washroom (that's what the Canadians call it) some guy walked up and actually smelled my face. It caught me off guard, but it was pretty funny. We decided to walk around a bit and of course found some girls mud wrestling. This went on for a bit and the girls gave the standard bit of flashing. This all came to an end when a few guys decided they wanted to wrestle too. The crowd quickly disappeared. We found a good spot to watch Linkin Park and they finally went on after 10. The crowd was tired, wet and cold, but was enthusiastic. Linkin Park played until about 11:30 and it was time to head home. We caught a cab back to the hotel and got home around midnight and it was time for bed.
Checkout was noon on Sunday which meant getting up at 11 and getting ready. We checked out at noon and headed over to the mall for lunch (the same mall 3 days in a row). Our flight was at 6:30 which meant killing a few hours. We had lunch at some random grill and then walked around the mall for a bit. With way too much time to kill it was back to the hotel lounge for a beer. Around 2:30 we decided to catch a cab to the airport. While going through security, I almost got arrested. Okay, amybe that's an overstatement, but in today's age, you never know. After my bag went through the x-ray machine, one of the security guys asked if it was my bag and asked if he could search it. I was a little surprised, but of course said yes. After a quick search he found a small pocket knife that was in my bag. I had no idea it was there. He took it and let me go, but after thinking about it, I wondered why security at LAX didn't discover it.
We found a quiet spot at the far end of the terminal and started to play around on our computers killing the last 2 hours before our flight. I noticed that there were some guys who were randomly being led through a gate to a plane. There was no announcement for this gate or anything and I couldn't figure it out. Finally I saw a little boy go running up to one of the guys with his little baseball glove in one hand and a ball in the other. He asked the guy for his autograph. Then it clicked, the New York Yankees were in town and were filing right by me. I didn't recognize anyone until Joe Girardi walked by. I told Trip who it was, but he really wasn't interested. I sat patiently and then HE arrived, Derek Jeter. He had a police escort so I decided not to ask for a picture. How cool was that? We finally boarded our flight and this time we weren't so lucky with our seating. There was no empty seat and I was squished in the window seat. Our flight arrived back at LAX on time and I was glad to be home.
It was an amazing weekend. My first time to Canada. I've got to thank Star 98.7 for the trip. I can't wait to win another one.
The festival started at noon on Saturday so that's when we got up. After grabbing lunch at the mall, we took a cab to Downsview Park where the festival was. We spent 40 minutes in line to get into the beer garden. Then it was 25 minutes in line to get tickets and then 25 minutes in line to get beer. You were allowed 2 beers per person, so we both got 2. We got back in line when it started to rain again. Then it started pouring. We found some relief under a table umbrella that some others were nice enough to share with us. Unfortunately only our fronts were protected and the rain was driving at our backs. We were getting soaked, but it didn't really matter.
After about 40-45 minutes, the rain stopped and the sun started to peek out. We talked with a few people, took some pictures and anxiously awaited Stone Temple Pilots. We met a random girl who wanted to take a picture with the back of my shirt (Smell My Face) and then had me kiss her beaver. We stood next to a guy in the beer line and watched as he did some coke. Saw a few people get kicked out for violating the beer rules and did some general people watching. STP finally went on sometime after 6 and it was well worth the wait. The put on one hell of a show. The crowd was completely into it.
After STP finished we got another beer and waited for Linkin Park. As I was in line to use the washroom (that's what the Canadians call it) some guy walked up and actually smelled my face. It caught me off guard, but it was pretty funny. We decided to walk around a bit and of course found some girls mud wrestling. This went on for a bit and the girls gave the standard bit of flashing. This all came to an end when a few guys decided they wanted to wrestle too. The crowd quickly disappeared. We found a good spot to watch Linkin Park and they finally went on after 10. The crowd was tired, wet and cold, but was enthusiastic. Linkin Park played until about 11:30 and it was time to head home. We caught a cab back to the hotel and got home around midnight and it was time for bed.
Checkout was noon on Sunday which meant getting up at 11 and getting ready. We checked out at noon and headed over to the mall for lunch (the same mall 3 days in a row). Our flight was at 6:30 which meant killing a few hours. We had lunch at some random grill and then walked around the mall for a bit. With way too much time to kill it was back to the hotel lounge for a beer. Around 2:30 we decided to catch a cab to the airport. While going through security, I almost got arrested. Okay, amybe that's an overstatement, but in today's age, you never know. After my bag went through the x-ray machine, one of the security guys asked if it was my bag and asked if he could search it. I was a little surprised, but of course said yes. After a quick search he found a small pocket knife that was in my bag. I had no idea it was there. He took it and let me go, but after thinking about it, I wondered why security at LAX didn't discover it.
We found a quiet spot at the far end of the terminal and started to play around on our computers killing the last 2 hours before our flight. I noticed that there were some guys who were randomly being led through a gate to a plane. There was no announcement for this gate or anything and I couldn't figure it out. Finally I saw a little boy go running up to one of the guys with his little baseball glove in one hand and a ball in the other. He asked the guy for his autograph. Then it clicked, the New York Yankees were in town and were filing right by me. I didn't recognize anyone until Joe Girardi walked by. I told Trip who it was, but he really wasn't interested. I sat patiently and then HE arrived, Derek Jeter. He had a police escort so I decided not to ask for a picture. How cool was that? We finally boarded our flight and this time we weren't so lucky with our seating. There was no empty seat and I was squished in the window seat. Our flight arrived back at LAX on time and I was glad to be home.
It was an amazing weekend. My first time to Canada. I've got to thank Star 98.7 for the trip. I can't wait to win another one.
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