Today, I read in an AP article that the star's appearing at the American Music Awards will be presented with a basket containing something like 100 free items valued at over $33,000. One of these items is an acre of land on the moon! The moon of all things! Like anyone can own the moon right now! And like anyone can live on it right now! Apparently a company called Lunar Federation is planning a private mission to the moon, allowing it to create a moon government and secure land rights. (or so it claims) And I guess that is alright, although a bit of a shaky peice of ground from which to start a new country.
Anyhow, what really burns my butt is this... why do these movie and music stars get the royal treatment for all this stuff? I mean, what do they really do in life other than act and entertain? Do they save lives? Do they fight fires? Do they really do anything that deserves them having things thrown at them everytime they show their face. (or am I just being jealous?) Most of them couldn't form a thought unless it was written in a script but yet they feel the need to tell us about their thoughts on religion, politics and world issues when we really couldn't care less. Take for example Bruce Springsteen. In the last presidental election he holds a concert to bring people out to vote for John Kerry as opposed to George W. Bush. But a lot of the people who attended couldn't care less about the Boss's presidential choice, they just wanted to hear him play music! Some even brought signs saying "Shut up and Sing!"
I just get so tired of these stars getting the preferred treatment as if they really make a difference in the world. Maybe I am just jaded toward them but the free acre of the moon just burned me up. I can't hardly even afford to buy an acre of land right here on Earth and these dipsticks are getting acres of the moon thrown at them! Give me a break!
later!
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Heros
If you were to ask me who my heros were as a child and even as a young adult, I probably would have immediately rattled off names like Conan the Barbarian, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Lt. Gen Patton or Field Marshal Rommel. These men, both real and imagined, had a big impact on my younger years. These were the guys that I looked up to, modeled myself after, or were the ones that held the yardstick that I measured what a real hero was. And in many ways, I think these were pretty good heroes.
Conan was certainly the rough and tumble hero. What he couldn't figure out with brains, he did with brawn. He taught me that you do need to fight your way out of a hard spot, not to be a wimp, and more often than not, you had to brush off the softness that civilization settles on you and be the barbarian in order to survive.
Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock are two heros that have been with me since my earliest years. Together they showed me that there are always possibilities and that thinking outside of the box is often the best way to find the solution to a problem. They also showed me that getting along, respect and understanding is often the best way for people to behave with each other.
Patton and Rommel have always been personal heros of mine. Both were their own men. Both were strong men who knew exactly what needed to be done, but were often kept from doing it because of people who, while maybe having superiority over them, really didn't have a clue.
All these guys were role models for me and all had a hand in making me the person I am.
But then I grew up. I got a job. I got married. I aquirred debt. I bought a house. I had kids. I found a new hero.
I realized, about 10 or so years ago, that my dad was also my hero; I just hadn't realized it. My dad had always been there for me. He has taught me more things than any book or teacher ever could. He has shown me that responsibility takes a heroic effort to handle it. My dad never made much money in his career, never was famous, and was never somebody would call a hero in the textbook sense of the word, but he was, and is. He raised a great family, that compared to most families today, would be called perfect. In terms of my siblings, we all get along and enjoy each others company. Our childhoods were filled with fun. We didn't go without. We were not spoiled, but we did get alot of what we wanted. We don't have all the emotional problems you see in many people today. We were taught to fend for ourselves, suck it up, tough it out, and if you need help, just ask. Dad may never have said anything like this, but instead, by example showed those things. My guess is that his dad did the same for him.
My dad did all the things that a dad is supposed to do, and I think he did them very well. Even today, despite health problems, he still tries to be of use to his family. Despite the problems that age has given him, he is still sucking it up, toughing it out, and more often than he used to, asking for help.
I have heard stories from friends about their relationships with their fathers. It is my guess that these people do not look at their fathers as their heros. I thank God that I was born to my father. I thank God for my father, my hero come lately.
Now, why all this laying bare of my feelings of hero worship? Because very recently I received a gift that I always hoped for, but did not really ever expect to get, but always was working for.
My son had an assignment at school to make a poster and report about his hero. He picked me. Whether he picked me as a easy target and subject, or because he really does consider me a hero in some way, I am taking it for all it is worth. I did not show the excitement and glee it caused when he showed me the report, but it made my day. Hell, it made my year! I am still floating on a cloud.
I don't know from day to day if I am being a good role model and father, and I often think about what kind of relationship I will have with him in the future. But for right now, I am going to revel in the fact that he thinks of me as his hero. Even if it is only for a school report.
later!
Conan was certainly the rough and tumble hero. What he couldn't figure out with brains, he did with brawn. He taught me that you do need to fight your way out of a hard spot, not to be a wimp, and more often than not, you had to brush off the softness that civilization settles on you and be the barbarian in order to survive.
Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock are two heros that have been with me since my earliest years. Together they showed me that there are always possibilities and that thinking outside of the box is often the best way to find the solution to a problem. They also showed me that getting along, respect and understanding is often the best way for people to behave with each other.
Patton and Rommel have always been personal heros of mine. Both were their own men. Both were strong men who knew exactly what needed to be done, but were often kept from doing it because of people who, while maybe having superiority over them, really didn't have a clue.
All these guys were role models for me and all had a hand in making me the person I am.
But then I grew up. I got a job. I got married. I aquirred debt. I bought a house. I had kids. I found a new hero.
I realized, about 10 or so years ago, that my dad was also my hero; I just hadn't realized it. My dad had always been there for me. He has taught me more things than any book or teacher ever could. He has shown me that responsibility takes a heroic effort to handle it. My dad never made much money in his career, never was famous, and was never somebody would call a hero in the textbook sense of the word, but he was, and is. He raised a great family, that compared to most families today, would be called perfect. In terms of my siblings, we all get along and enjoy each others company. Our childhoods were filled with fun. We didn't go without. We were not spoiled, but we did get alot of what we wanted. We don't have all the emotional problems you see in many people today. We were taught to fend for ourselves, suck it up, tough it out, and if you need help, just ask. Dad may never have said anything like this, but instead, by example showed those things. My guess is that his dad did the same for him.
My dad did all the things that a dad is supposed to do, and I think he did them very well. Even today, despite health problems, he still tries to be of use to his family. Despite the problems that age has given him, he is still sucking it up, toughing it out, and more often than he used to, asking for help.
I have heard stories from friends about their relationships with their fathers. It is my guess that these people do not look at their fathers as their heros. I thank God that I was born to my father. I thank God for my father, my hero come lately.
Now, why all this laying bare of my feelings of hero worship? Because very recently I received a gift that I always hoped for, but did not really ever expect to get, but always was working for.
My son had an assignment at school to make a poster and report about his hero. He picked me. Whether he picked me as a easy target and subject, or because he really does consider me a hero in some way, I am taking it for all it is worth. I did not show the excitement and glee it caused when he showed me the report, but it made my day. Hell, it made my year! I am still floating on a cloud.
I don't know from day to day if I am being a good role model and father, and I often think about what kind of relationship I will have with him in the future. But for right now, I am going to revel in the fact that he thinks of me as his hero. Even if it is only for a school report.
later!
Friday, October 28, 2005
New vocabulary word..
(This short post refers back to a previous post detailing crop tops and beer bellies)
I heard very recently a new word to describe those people who like to wear low riding jeans or cropped topped shirts, but have too much skin to wear them properly. Well, a new decriptive term for this phenomenon is called "Muffin Tops" which describes the looks of the skin/fat that pops out over the top of the tight low rider jeans or is exposed by the short crop top shirts. I just thought it was funny enough to put here. For what it's worth... not much.
later!
I heard very recently a new word to describe those people who like to wear low riding jeans or cropped topped shirts, but have too much skin to wear them properly. Well, a new decriptive term for this phenomenon is called "Muffin Tops" which describes the looks of the skin/fat that pops out over the top of the tight low rider jeans or is exposed by the short crop top shirts. I just thought it was funny enough to put here. For what it's worth... not much.
later!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Famous and 40...
Well, here I am, on the cusp of my 40th birthday. It doesn’t feel any different. I don’t know if I was expecting it to but it feels like any other day. And maybe that is a good thing. I supposed that if I wake up tomorrow and find that my back hurts, my hair has fallen out, and I have trouble walking then all those things about 40 being over the hill and it is all a slow slide down are true. But you know what? I don’t believe them. A lot of people have said a number of different things about turning 40. Most of them are making fun of me being “old.” Well, most of those people are jealous because in all reality, even though they are maybe a bit younger than me in age, I am far younger; physically, mentally, and emotionally than they are! (No wonder my wife says she has three kids!) But I have received a number of great comments from some of my friends who have turned 40 or will shortly. One of the best is, “Turning 40 doesn’t mean you are getting older, just getting less stupid.” Another one was “40 is just a number, don’t worry about it.” And my attitude about it is that turning 40 is far better than the alternative of not being able to turn 40! Think about it.
One thing that does bother me is that I am still waiting for someone to discover me and make me famous. Recently, at my office, I aired a program about fame and those who are desperate to be famous. So many want the fame like movie stars want. Others want fame for the riches it can bring. And others want the kind of fame (and I can identify with this desire) that lets you be remembered when you are gone.
How many people really make a mark in their life and are remembered for it? If a person desires the fame of celebrity, that is great, but in reality, how many celebrity stars are really remembered after their passing? Only a few are really remembered. It is my belief that the only people who are really remembered for all time are politicians who really make a difference, like Washington, Lincoln, and Churchill as a few examples. Other people are the inventors and scientists that create or discover something that truly benefits mankind. (Galileo, Newton, Curie) Others are the explorers who go where no man has gone before so that others can follow safely. (Magellan, Columbus, Armstrong) And finally there are the artists who truly create a new standard or level for their art. (Monet, DaVinci, Beethoven, and Elvis) And then there are those remembered for their military prowess. (Alexander, Napoleon, Grant, Patton) These kinds of people are really remembered for their contributions or action on behalf of mankind.
Of course, there are those that are remembered for what they did to mankind. I think we know about them and their deeds are usually on the notorious side of fame. That is certainly not the type of fame I desire.
I would like to be remembered. I don’t think I and going to be discovering anything fantastic soon, or inventing anything extraordinary, and I am now officially too old to serve in the military. So, I guess I should just be happy with the fame I get from being a good person (which I do try to be), a good husband and dad, and from being a good friend. Why should I care if someone I don’t know, knows who I am? As long as those who do know me, think I am a decent person and good guy. Isn’t that enough?
So do I really want to be famous? In all honesty, yeah. Probably. It would be nice… I think. Especially if a bit more money is involved! But in the end, it most likely will not happen, so I think that I should just concentrate on being the same guy I have always been for the last 40 years and try to improve on what I have already accomplished. I have a great family, great home, good job, terrific friends, and I am comfortable. I think that is pretty good. If I can raise happy, healthy, outgoing, friendly, and ethical kids, then maybe they will be famous one day, and I can live vicariously through them. It is enough to hope for.
Enough for now. I am going to stop talking now and enjoy my last of the being in my 30’s!
Tomorrow is another day and I will hit my 40’s just like I did in my 30’s and 20’s. Looking to have a good time, and to keep going forward.
Later!
One thing that does bother me is that I am still waiting for someone to discover me and make me famous. Recently, at my office, I aired a program about fame and those who are desperate to be famous. So many want the fame like movie stars want. Others want fame for the riches it can bring. And others want the kind of fame (and I can identify with this desire) that lets you be remembered when you are gone.
How many people really make a mark in their life and are remembered for it? If a person desires the fame of celebrity, that is great, but in reality, how many celebrity stars are really remembered after their passing? Only a few are really remembered. It is my belief that the only people who are really remembered for all time are politicians who really make a difference, like Washington, Lincoln, and Churchill as a few examples. Other people are the inventors and scientists that create or discover something that truly benefits mankind. (Galileo, Newton, Curie) Others are the explorers who go where no man has gone before so that others can follow safely. (Magellan, Columbus, Armstrong) And finally there are the artists who truly create a new standard or level for their art. (Monet, DaVinci, Beethoven, and Elvis) And then there are those remembered for their military prowess. (Alexander, Napoleon, Grant, Patton) These kinds of people are really remembered for their contributions or action on behalf of mankind.
Of course, there are those that are remembered for what they did to mankind. I think we know about them and their deeds are usually on the notorious side of fame. That is certainly not the type of fame I desire.
I would like to be remembered. I don’t think I and going to be discovering anything fantastic soon, or inventing anything extraordinary, and I am now officially too old to serve in the military. So, I guess I should just be happy with the fame I get from being a good person (which I do try to be), a good husband and dad, and from being a good friend. Why should I care if someone I don’t know, knows who I am? As long as those who do know me, think I am a decent person and good guy. Isn’t that enough?
So do I really want to be famous? In all honesty, yeah. Probably. It would be nice… I think. Especially if a bit more money is involved! But in the end, it most likely will not happen, so I think that I should just concentrate on being the same guy I have always been for the last 40 years and try to improve on what I have already accomplished. I have a great family, great home, good job, terrific friends, and I am comfortable. I think that is pretty good. If I can raise happy, healthy, outgoing, friendly, and ethical kids, then maybe they will be famous one day, and I can live vicariously through them. It is enough to hope for.
Enough for now. I am going to stop talking now and enjoy my last of the being in my 30’s!
Tomorrow is another day and I will hit my 40’s just like I did in my 30’s and 20’s. Looking to have a good time, and to keep going forward.
Later!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Movie News!
In a recent Yahoo Entertainment news, it has come to light that Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, those responsible for the fantastic movie interpretation of the "Lord of the Rings", will be producing the upcoming movie based on the kick ass video game HALO for the XBOX game console.
the link for this news is at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051005/film_nm/halo_dc
and at : http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/news/48842.shtml
Putting this type of star power and talent will make this a movie that players and non-players of the game will enjoy!
Finally, Spartan 114, aka the Master Cheif, aka John 114 will get his due! (Maybe we will finally see his face...)
And for those of you who have not played this game, or at least tried it, shame on you.
And in other movie news...
Star Trek will not die! The greatest tv series ever still lives on in parody. Apparently, a Finnish amateur movie group has made a parady of Star Trek, called (very unoriginally) Star Wreck. I have not seen it, but it should not be confused with the Clay-mation version that came out a number of years ago.
You can read the story at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051005/film_nm/media_internet_starwreck_dc
So, as always! "STAR TREK LIVES!"
Later
the link for this news is at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051005/film_nm/halo_dc
and at : http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/news/48842.shtml
Putting this type of star power and talent will make this a movie that players and non-players of the game will enjoy!
Finally, Spartan 114, aka the Master Cheif, aka John 114 will get his due! (Maybe we will finally see his face...)
And for those of you who have not played this game, or at least tried it, shame on you.
And in other movie news...
Star Trek will not die! The greatest tv series ever still lives on in parody. Apparently, a Finnish amateur movie group has made a parady of Star Trek, called (very unoriginally) Star Wreck. I have not seen it, but it should not be confused with the Clay-mation version that came out a number of years ago.
You can read the story at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051005/film_nm/media_internet_starwreck_dc
So, as always! "STAR TREK LIVES!"
Later
Monday, October 03, 2005
Science and Design
Just today I read an artcile in the commentary section of the local paper, talking about the pros and cons of the evolution and intelligent design arguement. I don't know exactly on which side most you fall on the debate, but according to a recent poll, those that belive in creationism, or shall we now use the politically correct term, Intelligent Design, make up about 48% of the population. Those that believe in evolution make up about 26% of the population, and the remainder are those that feel that it must be a mix of both. What makes this really interesting, is that the number of people who feel intelligent design is the way to go, that number has not really gone up or down in percentage in the last 50 or so years, while those holding to the theory of evolution, that number has actually gone down! I don't know exactly what that means, but it does make for an interesting point. As to teaching intelligent design in the public schools, 64% of the population say that it should be, and only 26% think it should not be taught in class. Personally, I don't see why intelligent design should not be taught. Evolution is no more fact than Intelligent Design. It is afterall- the theory of evolution, not the fact of evolution.
Anyway, the real topic of this conversation is that in this commentary, the writer was giving differing veiwpoints of the discussion, both pro and con. One topic that really peaked my interest was that scientist, both pro and con on the subject cannot agree on how life began. How did lifeless molecules become living cells. Never has there been any success in the laboratory to create even the simplest of life forms. However, a Robert Hazen, believes that in about 10 to 20 years a scientist will succeed in creating life in the lab, thereby proving life can be made without divine intervention.
"Without divine intervention." Interesting statement. Okay, so let's say this happens in 10 years. Life is created in the lab. Great! Amazing! Tremendous! What does it prove? Will it prove that life can be made without the help of a divine influence? Maybe. Will it prove that man can create life? No, that has already been proven everytime a baby is born. But will it prove that man can create life from nothing? Probably. So that being said, it also proves that the nothing must be manipulated in the correct manner, with the correct ingredients, with the correct care and maintenance in order to go from nothing to something. That sounds alot like someone with some intelligence is designing the formula for life. Hmm... that sounds like intelligent design. Maybe what it will prove is simply that man can recreate what some other intelligence has already created. Would not man, seem to be, from that tiny speck of life's point of view, a Supreme Being? Man will be playing God. I do not doubt that all this experiment will prove is that it will spark a new debate, a new controversy, and a new discussion on whether or not Man is now God.
As for me, I know that men (and I mean Mankind) are animals. I just don't know if we came from animals.
Later!
Anyway, the real topic of this conversation is that in this commentary, the writer was giving differing veiwpoints of the discussion, both pro and con. One topic that really peaked my interest was that scientist, both pro and con on the subject cannot agree on how life began. How did lifeless molecules become living cells. Never has there been any success in the laboratory to create even the simplest of life forms. However, a Robert Hazen, believes that in about 10 to 20 years a scientist will succeed in creating life in the lab, thereby proving life can be made without divine intervention.
"Without divine intervention." Interesting statement. Okay, so let's say this happens in 10 years. Life is created in the lab. Great! Amazing! Tremendous! What does it prove? Will it prove that life can be made without the help of a divine influence? Maybe. Will it prove that man can create life? No, that has already been proven everytime a baby is born. But will it prove that man can create life from nothing? Probably. So that being said, it also proves that the nothing must be manipulated in the correct manner, with the correct ingredients, with the correct care and maintenance in order to go from nothing to something. That sounds alot like someone with some intelligence is designing the formula for life. Hmm... that sounds like intelligent design. Maybe what it will prove is simply that man can recreate what some other intelligence has already created. Would not man, seem to be, from that tiny speck of life's point of view, a Supreme Being? Man will be playing God. I do not doubt that all this experiment will prove is that it will spark a new debate, a new controversy, and a new discussion on whether or not Man is now God.
As for me, I know that men (and I mean Mankind) are animals. I just don't know if we came from animals.
Later!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Pet Peeves
I have been bothered recently by things that are pet peeves of mine. Everyone has these little absurd quirks that bug them for some reason, or at least no good reason, but when the peeve nerve is hit, it really can make you mad, frustrated, or just irritated to the point of screaming. I probably have more than my share of pet peeves, so I thought I would list a my biggest ones so that you can all know what peeves me off, in order to avoid that particular action or to just make my life more difficult.
- Following behind people in cars: It is not that I mind following people, I just hate having my driving dictated by the person in front of me.
- Weather Forecasters: How is it that they can be so wrong so much of the time, but still keep their jobs?
- People who make noises while eating: It can be the loud chomping of the food, or little noises in their throats, but if you make a noise, other than the usual chewing noise, you better leave my table! (I try to make it a habit to not actually watch people eat if I can help it, but that is often times very hard)
- The response of "I don't care.": If you respond with this statement after being asked what you want to do, or where or what you would like to eat, or anything else, then you have given up all rights to have a say in what is going to happen, be eaten, or destination traveled to. Because you "don't care."
- People who talk to much: I don't come by these people too often, usually because I try and stay away from them. Often times they are the same people who don't let you get an word in edge wise.
- People who don't plan ahead: Carry a date book around. Make plans! Be Prepared! I know what I am doing almost a year in advance! Plan for the future! Be ready to handle the unexpected. There is a limit to one's preparedness, but a little goes along way!
- The inability to say YES or NO: When I (or anyone) asks for a committment to something, either say yes or no, or at least give me a promise to get back to me with an answer... not the answer "I don't know." This peeve and the one above go almost hand in hand.
- Lazy People: People who are just too lazy to do for themselves, or help themselves, or just don't want to help others. These people really hit my Peeve Nerve.
I have a few more pet peeves, but for the most part, these are the biggies. So there you go. Now that you know them, maybe you can avoid them!
Later!
Monday, August 29, 2005
Fun Gaming news...
Here we find that some gamers never stop gaming, even in real life and we find more proof that if you have "normal" breasts (and I don't mean man-boobs) you can get what you want more easily, even in games.
Read on... (these come from the sight bbspot.com)
Wednesday, September 3 12:01 EST
Geek Overcomes Social Anxiety By Turning Life into RPG
By Ross P. Davis
Gainesville, FL - Area geek Ross Davis has learned to overcome his long-standing social anxiety by turning his life into a Role-Playing Game (RPG).
RPG systems such as D&D and GURPS have been part of the geek culture for decades, but they have traditionally served to further cement their participants into Loserdom. With the advent of computerized RPGs such as Neverwinter Nights and the Final Fantasy series, geeks have been able to further socially isolate themselves. Davis claims that his revolutionary application of RPGs can increase a geek's social skill by several levels and result in the accomplishment of new social feats.
"I've been playing RPGs for a long time," said Davis. "From Bard's Tale to Chrono Cross, I've been leveling up while everyone else is out living it up. I decided it was time to get out of my apartment and join the party... wait, hold on a sec." Davis then lapsed into silence as his full attention became focused on Lost Kingdoms II.
"Hooooo buddy - I think this bad boy is gonna cough up a Runestone!" Davis blurted out several minutes later.
After being bribed with an old P233 Gateway system, the 26-year-old Systems Programmer was convinced to leave his apartment in order to demonstrate his RPG-As-Real-Life system.
"Okay," Davis explained, "the goal here is to gain experience so you can level up - just like an RPG. For example, I haven't had a date since about the time that Skies of Arcadia: Legends came out. So my objective is to talk to girls without being paralyzed by overwhelming social anxiety."
He continued, "Every time I talk to a girl, I reward myself with some experience points. The longer the conversation, the more experience I get. Instead of playing as a character in a game, I am the character and my social life is the game. In the end, I am able to transform an unknown, frightening reality into a comfortable, exciting fantasy. Remember - reality: bad, fantasy: good."
"Right now my focus is on one of my stats that I call CER - my Chick Exposure Rate. See, as my CER increases, my probability of performing a critical hit (getting a date) dramatically increases. It's just a matter of simple statisti-" Davis then broke off, his eyes following an attractive University of Florida co-ed on rollerblades.
"Yow! Now that's a perfect level ten," Davis said appreciatively.
Davis explained that talking to the "level ten" girl was out of the question due to his lack of experience. "When you first start an RPG, you don't immediately strap on your leather armor and charge headlong at a Lich King. You've got to work your way up to it. And so it is with women."
Davis then made his way to a nearby bus stop where an aged homeless woman wearing Hefty bags on her feet was slouched against a fire hydrant.
"Now THIS is more like it!" Davis exclaimed enthusiastically.
He proceeded to have an animated discussion with the transient. After several minutes of conversation, Davis presented her with $1.58 in loose change and reported on his progress.
"I'd say I only get 5 EXP for that encounter," Davis said with some disappointment. "She was a very low-level creature. Still, every little bit contributes to that next level." He then logged the five experience points into his PDA.
Psychologist Greta Amberbock gave cautious approval when told of Davis's RPG approach to socializing. "It is often very helpful to have a reward system when dealing with social anxiety and other disorders," Amberbock said. "Of course, one must be sure that the reward itself is healthy. For a person who spends much of his time immersed in a video game world, it is perhaps not so healthy to have a video game related reward. Still, it appears that he has made progress and will continue to do so."
Added Amberbock, "At least until [Final Fantasy] Crystal Chronicles comes out."
Tuesday, August 12 12:01 AM EDT
Gamer Finds "Normal" Setting Impossible
By Brian Briggs
Akron, OH - Much like life, Rich Stiles of Ft. Wayne MI learned that "Normal" is too difficult for him on his favorite game Satana 2.
"It was so much harder that I kept dying on the 'Choose your character' screen. I'd type in my name, Rich, and my character would die. The only way I could get past that screen was to play a female character with a metal bra," explained Stiles.
As in real life, Rich learned that breasts could get you out of tough situations.
"I think the same people who designed this game also designed girls," continued Stiles. "I mean the easy ones are too easy, while the normal ones are near impossible to conquer."
Other gamers agree with Stiles. Sarah White from Columbus, Ohio said, "The Orcs go from sword fodder to Uruk-hai on steroids. I don't know how they expect anyone to finish it on that level. I mean I spent a whole 25 minutes on it then I just downloaded some cheat codes and advanced to the end game. I don't even know why they have a "difficult" setting. No one could ever play at that level."
Programmers admit that the Normal level can only be mastered if a person plays the game 24/7 until the next version comes out, or if the player has some freakish video game skills like those guys in the Dance Dance Revolution videos.
"Most people don't have that kind of time, so we don't even put in a "difficult" level, just the menu selection. If someone does choose it by accident we just go to a default blue screen," laughed head programmer of MiniSky Games Trish Erskin.
Rich's mother, Clara Stiles, agreed, "Rich really has some problems with normal."
Read on... (these come from the sight bbspot.com)
Wednesday, September 3 12:01 EST
Geek Overcomes Social Anxiety By Turning Life into RPG
By Ross P. Davis
Gainesville, FL - Area geek Ross Davis has learned to overcome his long-standing social anxiety by turning his life into a Role-Playing Game (RPG).
RPG systems such as D&D and GURPS have been part of the geek culture for decades, but they have traditionally served to further cement their participants into Loserdom. With the advent of computerized RPGs such as Neverwinter Nights and the Final Fantasy series, geeks have been able to further socially isolate themselves. Davis claims that his revolutionary application of RPGs can increase a geek's social skill by several levels and result in the accomplishment of new social feats.
"I've been playing RPGs for a long time," said Davis. "From Bard's Tale to Chrono Cross, I've been leveling up while everyone else is out living it up. I decided it was time to get out of my apartment and join the party... wait, hold on a sec." Davis then lapsed into silence as his full attention became focused on Lost Kingdoms II.
"Hooooo buddy - I think this bad boy is gonna cough up a Runestone!" Davis blurted out several minutes later.
After being bribed with an old P233 Gateway system, the 26-year-old Systems Programmer was convinced to leave his apartment in order to demonstrate his RPG-As-Real-Life system.
"Okay," Davis explained, "the goal here is to gain experience so you can level up - just like an RPG. For example, I haven't had a date since about the time that Skies of Arcadia: Legends came out. So my objective is to talk to girls without being paralyzed by overwhelming social anxiety."
He continued, "Every time I talk to a girl, I reward myself with some experience points. The longer the conversation, the more experience I get. Instead of playing as a character in a game, I am the character and my social life is the game. In the end, I am able to transform an unknown, frightening reality into a comfortable, exciting fantasy. Remember - reality: bad, fantasy: good."
"Right now my focus is on one of my stats that I call CER - my Chick Exposure Rate. See, as my CER increases, my probability of performing a critical hit (getting a date) dramatically increases. It's just a matter of simple statisti-" Davis then broke off, his eyes following an attractive University of Florida co-ed on rollerblades.
"Yow! Now that's a perfect level ten," Davis said appreciatively.
Davis explained that talking to the "level ten" girl was out of the question due to his lack of experience. "When you first start an RPG, you don't immediately strap on your leather armor and charge headlong at a Lich King. You've got to work your way up to it. And so it is with women."
Davis then made his way to a nearby bus stop where an aged homeless woman wearing Hefty bags on her feet was slouched against a fire hydrant.
"Now THIS is more like it!" Davis exclaimed enthusiastically.
He proceeded to have an animated discussion with the transient. After several minutes of conversation, Davis presented her with $1.58 in loose change and reported on his progress.
"I'd say I only get 5 EXP for that encounter," Davis said with some disappointment. "She was a very low-level creature. Still, every little bit contributes to that next level." He then logged the five experience points into his PDA.
Psychologist Greta Amberbock gave cautious approval when told of Davis's RPG approach to socializing. "It is often very helpful to have a reward system when dealing with social anxiety and other disorders," Amberbock said. "Of course, one must be sure that the reward itself is healthy. For a person who spends much of his time immersed in a video game world, it is perhaps not so healthy to have a video game related reward. Still, it appears that he has made progress and will continue to do so."
Added Amberbock, "At least until [Final Fantasy] Crystal Chronicles comes out."
Tuesday, August 12 12:01 AM EDT
Gamer Finds "Normal" Setting Impossible
By Brian Briggs
Akron, OH - Much like life, Rich Stiles of Ft. Wayne MI learned that "Normal" is too difficult for him on his favorite game Satana 2.
"It was so much harder that I kept dying on the 'Choose your character' screen. I'd type in my name, Rich, and my character would die. The only way I could get past that screen was to play a female character with a metal bra," explained Stiles.
As in real life, Rich learned that breasts could get you out of tough situations.
"I think the same people who designed this game also designed girls," continued Stiles. "I mean the easy ones are too easy, while the normal ones are near impossible to conquer."
Other gamers agree with Stiles. Sarah White from Columbus, Ohio said, "The Orcs go from sword fodder to Uruk-hai on steroids. I don't know how they expect anyone to finish it on that level. I mean I spent a whole 25 minutes on it then I just downloaded some cheat codes and advanced to the end game. I don't even know why they have a "difficult" setting. No one could ever play at that level."
Programmers admit that the Normal level can only be mastered if a person plays the game 24/7 until the next version comes out, or if the player has some freakish video game skills like those guys in the Dance Dance Revolution videos.
"Most people don't have that kind of time, so we don't even put in a "difficult" level, just the menu selection. If someone does choose it by accident we just go to a default blue screen," laughed head programmer of MiniSky Games Trish Erskin.
Rich's mother, Clara Stiles, agreed, "Rich really has some problems with normal."
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Gaming (and movie) News!
I can't say that I have felt this excited (or level of dread )about a possible movie since The Lord of the Rings was announced but news has come down the wire about the finalization of a HALO movie based on the kick ass game from XBOX.
Find out more here.... News: Halo 3 to Release Alongside Halo Movie in 2007
http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/news/47888.shtml
Thing is, why should I get so excited about this? Well, first off, HALO kicks ass as a game. It also kicks ass as at great social tool to spend more time with friends, but also with your kids. I think that kids, boy or girl, like nothing more than to do kick their parents butt at a video game. My son, and daughter do it quite regularly when we have time to play it. Pretty much everyone has if not played the game, at least heard of it, and like The Lord of the Rings, it has a very active and rabid following of fans. If they manage to do the film correctly and spend the money needed to get the good special effects, this will be a big winner at the box office, at least when the gamers climb out of their dark holes, change their clothes, and put sun screen on their pasty skin to actually go out of the house (!) to see it. However, if the producers fail to listen to fans, or follow the story of the game, it will without a doubt, fail to make even a dent in box office sales.
I for one will geek out probably just as much as I would for any other fandom type of film.
The other problem with this movie is that it means, instead of June of 2006 as the release date for HALO 3, I will now have to wait until 2007 to play, what I hope, is the conclusion of the game. (why not release the game in 2006?) My son will be 13 when this happens and I hope that we will be able to afford the new XBOX to play it on! Ack!
Later!
Find out more here.... News: Halo 3 to Release Alongside Halo Movie in 2007
http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/news/47888.shtml
Thing is, why should I get so excited about this? Well, first off, HALO kicks ass as a game. It also kicks ass as at great social tool to spend more time with friends, but also with your kids. I think that kids, boy or girl, like nothing more than to do kick their parents butt at a video game. My son, and daughter do it quite regularly when we have time to play it. Pretty much everyone has if not played the game, at least heard of it, and like The Lord of the Rings, it has a very active and rabid following of fans. If they manage to do the film correctly and spend the money needed to get the good special effects, this will be a big winner at the box office, at least when the gamers climb out of their dark holes, change their clothes, and put sun screen on their pasty skin to actually go out of the house (!) to see it. However, if the producers fail to listen to fans, or follow the story of the game, it will without a doubt, fail to make even a dent in box office sales.
I for one will geek out probably just as much as I would for any other fandom type of film.
The other problem with this movie is that it means, instead of June of 2006 as the release date for HALO 3, I will now have to wait until 2007 to play, what I hope, is the conclusion of the game. (why not release the game in 2006?) My son will be 13 when this happens and I hope that we will be able to afford the new XBOX to play it on! Ack!
Later!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
What is it to be a man?
Very recently I have seen some very good and bad examples of what it is to be a man. A man at least in my humble opinion of what makes a man, a "man". And I don't mean just having testosterone and a penis, although that usually is a big help.
The two examples I recently saw were people I know, fairly well. One from an association over the last few years as a friend, a father, and fellow Scout leader. The other one is from an association over the last few years as a friend, a father, and fellow Scout Leader. Sounds like the same type of guy, right? Couldn't be further from the truth.
PERSON #1:
The first person is someone that I have known for many years now and he embodies everything that I believes makes a good man. He is a man of strong faith and conviction. He is someone that will, if possible, help his neighbors, friends, and even strangers at the drop of a hat. During a particularly difficult time for my family and I, this person was with us to support and help us on an almost constant basis, even after he had been gone from his family for a long period of time. He is very willing to give his time and money if others need it. I know him to be a person of great mirth, of which he loves to express, but also of deep emotion, which he tries to let not show through. He is a very committed, loving family man. He pretty much spoils his family. He is a firm family leader, but also a pushover when it comes to somethings involving his children. He works hard to earn a living, even if he does not like his job at times. He is also a very active member of his community. He is more than willing to sacrifice for his family, his friends, and his community. He does not think twice about taking responsibility for his actions. His actions are made so that the best possible outcome is the only result.
(I would say he is a product of his environment. I know as to what type of men he was exposed to as a child. Most of the men he knew were primarily old Germans, primarily German Lutherans to be specific, who had a very decidedly rock solid idea of what it was to be an man. My father is one, so I think I know pretty well what I am talking about.)
PERSON # 2:
Now, however, I have seen the other side of the coin. I recently had the misfortune to be involved with a person, who, I will say, was a friend of mine, and although tarnished, probably still is. For reasons of anonimoty, I will only speak in generalities, this person committed a crime where property belonging to others was taken for himself and for his benefit only. Prior to finding this out, I thought that this person was a pretty trusted, honest and honorable person. It was not the actual crime of taking property that makes this person less of a man to me, but the extent he went to, to divert attention from himself and his actions, and the lack of responsibility he would take for his actions. I supposed that it is natural to try and hid one's guilt when accused of a crime, but rather than try and prove his innocence, he told stories, claimed outrageous possibilites, but worst of all, he was willing to sacrifice his honor, his work, and finally his family in order to make himself out to be the victim.
I have had to be closely involved in the persecution of this person, and in the end, hopefully the salvation of this person and his family. In the beginning, this man was willing to point the finger of blame to his son. A son who has more honor and integrity in his little finger than this person had in his whole body. He was more willing to try and hide his guilt than come clean, to the extent that he was willing to sacrifice his job and therefore the monetary support of his family. He was even willing to try and use someone elses good name to cover his own! Throughout this entire time, he never really accepted his role in the crime, even though there was no one else involved. As restitutution, he was to accomplish a number of things to make things right. He had a perfect chance to resolve the problem and rebuild his integrity and the damage done to his family. But he did not make the effort needed to succeed at this and instead came dangerously close to losing everything. His poor wife had resigned herself to seeing the destruction of her family all due to his lack of concern for his actions and a real lack of responsibility. Again he was willing to destroy everything that should have been important to a real man. He was not willing to stand up and sacrifice for his family. There was no one left to defend and save his family.
I cannot say more about what happened other than, hopefully, with actions undertaken by myself and others(including Person #1), Person #2 will be forced to take responsibility for his actions and thereby saving saving his family. Maybe he will learn from this what it is to be more of a man. I certainly hope so. I know I have learned from his actions as to what it is to be a "man" as much as I have learned from Person #1.
Later...
The two examples I recently saw were people I know, fairly well. One from an association over the last few years as a friend, a father, and fellow Scout leader. The other one is from an association over the last few years as a friend, a father, and fellow Scout Leader. Sounds like the same type of guy, right? Couldn't be further from the truth.
PERSON #1:
The first person is someone that I have known for many years now and he embodies everything that I believes makes a good man. He is a man of strong faith and conviction. He is someone that will, if possible, help his neighbors, friends, and even strangers at the drop of a hat. During a particularly difficult time for my family and I, this person was with us to support and help us on an almost constant basis, even after he had been gone from his family for a long period of time. He is very willing to give his time and money if others need it. I know him to be a person of great mirth, of which he loves to express, but also of deep emotion, which he tries to let not show through. He is a very committed, loving family man. He pretty much spoils his family. He is a firm family leader, but also a pushover when it comes to somethings involving his children. He works hard to earn a living, even if he does not like his job at times. He is also a very active member of his community. He is more than willing to sacrifice for his family, his friends, and his community. He does not think twice about taking responsibility for his actions. His actions are made so that the best possible outcome is the only result.
(I would say he is a product of his environment. I know as to what type of men he was exposed to as a child. Most of the men he knew were primarily old Germans, primarily German Lutherans to be specific, who had a very decidedly rock solid idea of what it was to be an man. My father is one, so I think I know pretty well what I am talking about.)
PERSON # 2:
Now, however, I have seen the other side of the coin. I recently had the misfortune to be involved with a person, who, I will say, was a friend of mine, and although tarnished, probably still is. For reasons of anonimoty, I will only speak in generalities, this person committed a crime where property belonging to others was taken for himself and for his benefit only. Prior to finding this out, I thought that this person was a pretty trusted, honest and honorable person. It was not the actual crime of taking property that makes this person less of a man to me, but the extent he went to, to divert attention from himself and his actions, and the lack of responsibility he would take for his actions. I supposed that it is natural to try and hid one's guilt when accused of a crime, but rather than try and prove his innocence, he told stories, claimed outrageous possibilites, but worst of all, he was willing to sacrifice his honor, his work, and finally his family in order to make himself out to be the victim.
I have had to be closely involved in the persecution of this person, and in the end, hopefully the salvation of this person and his family. In the beginning, this man was willing to point the finger of blame to his son. A son who has more honor and integrity in his little finger than this person had in his whole body. He was more willing to try and hide his guilt than come clean, to the extent that he was willing to sacrifice his job and therefore the monetary support of his family. He was even willing to try and use someone elses good name to cover his own! Throughout this entire time, he never really accepted his role in the crime, even though there was no one else involved. As restitutution, he was to accomplish a number of things to make things right. He had a perfect chance to resolve the problem and rebuild his integrity and the damage done to his family. But he did not make the effort needed to succeed at this and instead came dangerously close to losing everything. His poor wife had resigned herself to seeing the destruction of her family all due to his lack of concern for his actions and a real lack of responsibility. Again he was willing to destroy everything that should have been important to a real man. He was not willing to stand up and sacrifice for his family. There was no one left to defend and save his family.
I cannot say more about what happened other than, hopefully, with actions undertaken by myself and others(including Person #1), Person #2 will be forced to take responsibility for his actions and thereby saving saving his family. Maybe he will learn from this what it is to be more of a man. I certainly hope so. I know I have learned from his actions as to what it is to be a "man" as much as I have learned from Person #1.
Later...
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Thoughts on the 40th Birthday...
Well okay. The 40th birthday of this organism called me is coming up soon. I have the party hall reserved, but no real plans have been made as of yet. I do have the music under control as I will just use my own system and set it up. No plans for food or drink have been settled as of yet. Also, I have not made a real invite list yet. I have a very good idea of who to invite but have not yet sent any out. Also, what else, besides eating, drinking, hanging out, visiting, some dancing, and general partying should I have planned? I am up for any suggestions. I suppose that at some point I will be made the butt of many a joke or comment, and that is okay, but should something special be done? I am in quandry. Any suggestions from the multitudes that read this are welcome. I would appreciate it.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Motorcycle manners...
What you see before you is my new Motorcycle, a 2003 Honda VTX 1800R. I have had it since June28th, but have not written much about it as on the day I picked it up, one of my dogs suffered either a heat stroke or a brain stroke and the worry kind of took the thrill out of the purchase. And then the 4th of July weekend comes around and that is a busy time for me, so no attempt to hit the Blog was made. And then, I head out to Boston for 10 days. And finally, when I get back, my other dog suffers a major stroke and passes away, leaving me without much concern for writing about something that I have lusted after for so long. But now things are back to normal, so to speak and I must tell you about my Bike.
A Honda VTX 1800 is the largest production V-Twin motorcyle on the streets today, bigger than anything else anyone has to offer. (soon there is to be a Kawasaki 2000) It can (and has) do 70 mph at 3rd gear with 2 more gears to go. It has trememdous power but is a dream to ride. (Although my wife's rear end my argue that point.) But I am not here to talk about the bike. You can see how beautiful she is from the photo. What I want to talk about is the etiquette or manners that bikers must have when riding on the road. Specifically, the greeting or handwave given to other bikers you meet on the road.
As long as I have ridden a motorcycle on the road, I have made a point to wave at other motorcycle riders I meet. However, in these years I have noticed something that makes me curious. Why is it that any time I pass a rider on a Harley Davidson, I rarely get a wave, or even a nod of acknowledgement? If I pass another biker, on something other than a Harley, almost 95% of the time I will get the low hand wave ( the wave of the clutch hand removed from the handle and extended out straight, parallel to the ground), or if he or she is a more friendly, the high hand wave (the wave of the clutch hand, raised up from the handle into the air). If I am riding and wearing a helmet, and the other person is wearing a helmet, and normally not on a Harley, I get a wave almost 100% of the time.
Now, if I pass a Harley rider along the road and I am wearing a helmet, even if I give him or her a wave, I get no wave back. This almost always happens. If I am not wearing a helmet, I might get a wave one out of ten times. Why is this? Maybe when I do get a wave, my guess is that they probably think I am on a Harley and then deserve the brotherly wave. (Sometimes, I get a small finger wave, which I suspect is becasue they can't really tell if I am on a Harley or not.) I know that if it is obvious that I am a "rice burner" I will not get the wave. Why? Are we not all part of the two wheeled brotherhood? We all have motorcycles for pretty much the same reason. Is it part of the Harley handbook that you be a snob and effect the airs of someone who is a bad ass? I know that most Harley riders are really good guys, so why then do they act so unfriendly on the road?
I probably will never really know. It is probably a secret. And in reality it is no big thing, but wouldn't the road be alot nicer if people waved at each other alot more? I for one will wave at every biker I meet. And now, with the VTX, it is much harder to tell from a distance, what her manufacturer is. I bet I get alot more Harley riders waving at me...
Later!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Losing my friend....
Just recently I lost a very good friend and companion. My dog, Han Gunther Geiken, a good old dog of 15-16 years was put down on a Saturday evening after having suffered a stroke that he would never recover from. His passing struck me far harder than I expected, especially after seeing how much of part of my family he had really become by the way my children greived for him. We had a nice funeral for him and he is probably chasing rabbits now, somewhere in a grassy field where there are chicken bones convienent for snacking upon.
Hans came into my life (and my wife's) when we were somewhat pressured by good friends of ours who decided we needed a dog to go along with the one they had. We had had a dog before, but our land lord made us get rid of her and another one that died of Parvo due to the neglect of careless neighbors. I think we were reluctant to get another one, as we had not had good luck up until then, getting and keeping a dog.
Regardless, we went to the Humane Society pound and began to look. I was adamant that I would not pick a dog as I did not think we needed one at that time and I was convinced that the only good dog was a farm dog. Boy was I wrong. We looked at many dogs but one dog really stood out to me. This beautiful blonde dog with black lips and a black shepard saddle. His name was Dingo. He was skiny thing and very standoffish, but man was he handsome. I think on some deep level I connected with him because before I was leaving the pound I had signed papers that I would take him home with me.
Hans was an abused dog as a puppy. He was very cautious around men, especially ones with deep voices. It took a long time for him to forget his bad past and understand that he would be cared for and loved. He was always kind of a nervous, or anxious dog, as travelling bothered him and being left alone was not to his liking. He did love to go on walks and loved to run! He could, and did, on many occasions, out race a rabbit to catch and kill it in the field. He was not much of a hunting dog though, as he was gun shy. But more than anything, he was a lover. He loved people and he loved kids. Or better stated, he loved babies. Of any kind or any species. He adopted a litter of kittens to the point that the mother could barely get to them. Any babies that he met he insisted that he lick them from head to toe to promote hair growth to protect them from the cold and to cover their scent from predators. One of the first things we did with our kids was to strip them naked and let him lick them while they squiggled around on the floor. He would lick them till they turned red if we let them. He would sit for hours lying next to them just sniffing them and getting to know them and vice versa.
Has became a real member of our family. He and I would go round and round about a number of things, and I think that it was a result of the struggle to gain the Alpha Male status in the family, or in his eyes, the Pack. I don't know if I ever really managed to gain that status over him, but for the most part, he was a willing member of the family.
His passing was the first real death my kids have had to deal with. They were there as he had his stroke, they were there as he slipped into a catatonic state and it was the kids the were the first to verbally say that we need to put him out of his misery. I think that it is a day that they will remember for a very long time. Had circumstances been different, I would have tried to hide their eyes from the tragedy that was unfolding for them. But in many ways, I think that this was a growing experience for them. It made the idea of death very real. I also spoke more about death with my kids than ever before. The funeral helped in many ways to ease their pain, much like the shot that eased Hans'.
I will not forget the pain that Hans went through in his final hours. I know that he wanted me near. He would only calm down when I was there. Maybe he was looking for the Alpha Male to do his part and end his time and suffering. I hope he understood the words I said to him, or at least felt and knew the love I had for him. He waited for his Pack to come home before leaving this world. That is the sign of a good dog. Making sure everything and everyone is safe and well. He found that to be true and then I believe, he succumbed to the old age that found him so quickly in these last few months.
Our whole family will miss him. Konnor, his fellow dog buddy is lost with out him. Pets are more than just pets. I will not take my other pets for granted any longer. I lost a very good friend and one of my best buddies. I will miss him for a very long time.
Hans came into my life (and my wife's) when we were somewhat pressured by good friends of ours who decided we needed a dog to go along with the one they had. We had had a dog before, but our land lord made us get rid of her and another one that died of Parvo due to the neglect of careless neighbors. I think we were reluctant to get another one, as we had not had good luck up until then, getting and keeping a dog.
Regardless, we went to the Humane Society pound and began to look. I was adamant that I would not pick a dog as I did not think we needed one at that time and I was convinced that the only good dog was a farm dog. Boy was I wrong. We looked at many dogs but one dog really stood out to me. This beautiful blonde dog with black lips and a black shepard saddle. His name was Dingo. He was skiny thing and very standoffish, but man was he handsome. I think on some deep level I connected with him because before I was leaving the pound I had signed papers that I would take him home with me.
Hans was an abused dog as a puppy. He was very cautious around men, especially ones with deep voices. It took a long time for him to forget his bad past and understand that he would be cared for and loved. He was always kind of a nervous, or anxious dog, as travelling bothered him and being left alone was not to his liking. He did love to go on walks and loved to run! He could, and did, on many occasions, out race a rabbit to catch and kill it in the field. He was not much of a hunting dog though, as he was gun shy. But more than anything, he was a lover. He loved people and he loved kids. Or better stated, he loved babies. Of any kind or any species. He adopted a litter of kittens to the point that the mother could barely get to them. Any babies that he met he insisted that he lick them from head to toe to promote hair growth to protect them from the cold and to cover their scent from predators. One of the first things we did with our kids was to strip them naked and let him lick them while they squiggled around on the floor. He would lick them till they turned red if we let them. He would sit for hours lying next to them just sniffing them and getting to know them and vice versa.
Has became a real member of our family. He and I would go round and round about a number of things, and I think that it was a result of the struggle to gain the Alpha Male status in the family, or in his eyes, the Pack. I don't know if I ever really managed to gain that status over him, but for the most part, he was a willing member of the family.
His passing was the first real death my kids have had to deal with. They were there as he had his stroke, they were there as he slipped into a catatonic state and it was the kids the were the first to verbally say that we need to put him out of his misery. I think that it is a day that they will remember for a very long time. Had circumstances been different, I would have tried to hide their eyes from the tragedy that was unfolding for them. But in many ways, I think that this was a growing experience for them. It made the idea of death very real. I also spoke more about death with my kids than ever before. The funeral helped in many ways to ease their pain, much like the shot that eased Hans'.
I will not forget the pain that Hans went through in his final hours. I know that he wanted me near. He would only calm down when I was there. Maybe he was looking for the Alpha Male to do his part and end his time and suffering. I hope he understood the words I said to him, or at least felt and knew the love I had for him. He waited for his Pack to come home before leaving this world. That is the sign of a good dog. Making sure everything and everyone is safe and well. He found that to be true and then I believe, he succumbed to the old age that found him so quickly in these last few months.
Our whole family will miss him. Konnor, his fellow dog buddy is lost with out him. Pets are more than just pets. I will not take my other pets for granted any longer. I lost a very good friend and one of my best buddies. I will miss him for a very long time.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
"To accept what's to come...
is knowing that you will have to say goodbye." - Jonny Kennedy. 2003
Last night I watched a most amazing television show. It was called "The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off." It is the story of the last four months of life for a 36 year old Englishman from Anwick who suffered from a malady that caused his skin to blister and fall off after even the slightest of touches. It is called EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa). (see www.debra.org.uk) He was born with the disease and lived through 36 years of agonizing pain, only to be told that it was a form of cancer in his chest that would eventually kill him. In these last four months he wanted to accomplish certain things that would better others with his disease and experience things that he had not had a chance to experience yet. But the film was not about his affliction, but more about his planning his own passing, the lessons he had learned in life, the people he touched, and his dealing with his own demise.
While watching it, I found myself in envy of this "degrading" person who suffered everyday, lived with pain his entire life, was never able to physically grow up, could not experience life as a normal person, but yet had more faith, composure, empathy, and wisdom than someone twice his age. His attitude toward life, and more importantly, death was amazing. To be as comfortable with one's own passing as Johnny Kennedy was with his has to be the result of a profound faith in God and the afterlife, a reassurance that you have lived your life as well as you could, and understanding that this current life is only part of a longer journey. He said something interesting in the program. "It is a truly selfish person that thinks that this life is all there is. That after you live there is nothing else." He then went on to say that life is just long big lesson and that it is essentially your "training ground" for what is to come. There has to be more to all this suffering and pain and all these lessons we learn as we pass through life. It must all be for some reason.
During the program he also dealt with planning his own funeral. It was his opinion that death, like living, is all part of the same cycle and it is something that is part of life, and if we just organized it like we organize and plan everything else, it will all be taken care of and done right the first time with no stress and confusion caused to those remaining. It makes sense and is something I have always thought about in a small way. I have even, in the wee hours of the morning or at quiet times such as during deer hunting, I think of what my funeral is going to be like. It changes each time I think about it, but I have a pretty good idea of what I would like. I am not about to detail it here and now, but maybe sometime in the future I will right it down and leave it somewhere for family and friends to follow. I do know there will be music, celebration and fire involved. This is all I will say for now. What I am saying is that I learned alot from watching this one hour program, and I think others would learn too. Death is not something that can be avoided, and isn't necessarily an event to look forward to, but at least it is something that should be considered and comtemplated at lenght at some point in your life.
As I think more on this little documentary of Jonny Kennedy's last four months on Earth, I am sure I will understand more about my envious feelings and may or may not learn more about my feeling on death and afterlife, but one thing I am sure of is that I am coming to a point in time where saying goodbye is going to be something that is frequently unavoidable. I am not trying to be morbid or anything like that. I plan on being around a very long time and an expecting everyone else I know to do the same, but I do know that I need to be ready and willing to say goodbye, because in the end, it is only a temporary separation. And if I cannot say "goodbye", then how will I be able to say "hello" again?
later.... not goodbye.
Last night I watched a most amazing television show. It was called "The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off." It is the story of the last four months of life for a 36 year old Englishman from Anwick who suffered from a malady that caused his skin to blister and fall off after even the slightest of touches. It is called EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa). (see www.debra.org.uk) He was born with the disease and lived through 36 years of agonizing pain, only to be told that it was a form of cancer in his chest that would eventually kill him. In these last four months he wanted to accomplish certain things that would better others with his disease and experience things that he had not had a chance to experience yet. But the film was not about his affliction, but more about his planning his own passing, the lessons he had learned in life, the people he touched, and his dealing with his own demise.
While watching it, I found myself in envy of this "degrading" person who suffered everyday, lived with pain his entire life, was never able to physically grow up, could not experience life as a normal person, but yet had more faith, composure, empathy, and wisdom than someone twice his age. His attitude toward life, and more importantly, death was amazing. To be as comfortable with one's own passing as Johnny Kennedy was with his has to be the result of a profound faith in God and the afterlife, a reassurance that you have lived your life as well as you could, and understanding that this current life is only part of a longer journey. He said something interesting in the program. "It is a truly selfish person that thinks that this life is all there is. That after you live there is nothing else." He then went on to say that life is just long big lesson and that it is essentially your "training ground" for what is to come. There has to be more to all this suffering and pain and all these lessons we learn as we pass through life. It must all be for some reason.
During the program he also dealt with planning his own funeral. It was his opinion that death, like living, is all part of the same cycle and it is something that is part of life, and if we just organized it like we organize and plan everything else, it will all be taken care of and done right the first time with no stress and confusion caused to those remaining. It makes sense and is something I have always thought about in a small way. I have even, in the wee hours of the morning or at quiet times such as during deer hunting, I think of what my funeral is going to be like. It changes each time I think about it, but I have a pretty good idea of what I would like. I am not about to detail it here and now, but maybe sometime in the future I will right it down and leave it somewhere for family and friends to follow. I do know there will be music, celebration and fire involved. This is all I will say for now. What I am saying is that I learned alot from watching this one hour program, and I think others would learn too. Death is not something that can be avoided, and isn't necessarily an event to look forward to, but at least it is something that should be considered and comtemplated at lenght at some point in your life.
As I think more on this little documentary of Jonny Kennedy's last four months on Earth, I am sure I will understand more about my envious feelings and may or may not learn more about my feeling on death and afterlife, but one thing I am sure of is that I am coming to a point in time where saying goodbye is going to be something that is frequently unavoidable. I am not trying to be morbid or anything like that. I plan on being around a very long time and an expecting everyone else I know to do the same, but I do know that I need to be ready and willing to say goodbye, because in the end, it is only a temporary separation. And if I cannot say "goodbye", then how will I be able to say "hello" again?
later.... not goodbye.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Alive while driving...
I have been without a motorcycle now for a little more than a year now and I recently was able to ride my friends bike for more than around town. Having not been on one for this long, and then getting back on one, I think I have rediscovered the reason I like riding a motorcycle. Simply, I am actually taking an active part in the driving of this machine. I don't have a radio to distract me. You can't really talk to another person. You certainly cannot talk on a cell phone!! You are far more aware of the road and the other vehicles around you. You feel the process of driving, and you actually have to use your body to make the bake respond the way it is supposed to. My guess is that this is alot of what racing drivers feel everytime they get behind the wheel. My concetration level goes way up, and I actually enjoy the ride.
Sometimes, it can be a rough ride and not all that pleasant but those times are usually few and far between. And sure, sometimes you get wet or cold, but that is part of it. It is kind of like camping. You have to learn to deal with it, otherwise you might as well not go.
Driving a car has very little to do with the driver anymore. If it did, why would there be GPS systems, sound systems that rival home studios, and need I mention, video systems? My parents car even beeps when they get to close to something! No need to be a good driver, just listen to the car and it will tell you what to do. You don't even need to use the gas hardly! Yeah, it is a comfortable ride, but is it driving?
I think that is why motorcycle owners like riding their machines. It lets them take control. It lets them feel alive while driving. It can be more dangerous, but usually, accidents involving motorcycles are usually the fault of someone driving a car, and I bet those drivers are distracted by something in the car, or they have become so bored with driving, they don't notice the other people, most particularly motorcycles, on the road with them. (START SEEING MOTORCYCLES!!)
I hope to have a motorcycle of my own again soon. I hope to feel like I am really driving a vehicle again soon. I love my truck, but a bike is far more exciting to drive.
Later!
Sometimes, it can be a rough ride and not all that pleasant but those times are usually few and far between. And sure, sometimes you get wet or cold, but that is part of it. It is kind of like camping. You have to learn to deal with it, otherwise you might as well not go.
Driving a car has very little to do with the driver anymore. If it did, why would there be GPS systems, sound systems that rival home studios, and need I mention, video systems? My parents car even beeps when they get to close to something! No need to be a good driver, just listen to the car and it will tell you what to do. You don't even need to use the gas hardly! Yeah, it is a comfortable ride, but is it driving?
I think that is why motorcycle owners like riding their machines. It lets them take control. It lets them feel alive while driving. It can be more dangerous, but usually, accidents involving motorcycles are usually the fault of someone driving a car, and I bet those drivers are distracted by something in the car, or they have become so bored with driving, they don't notice the other people, most particularly motorcycles, on the road with them. (START SEEING MOTORCYCLES!!)
I hope to have a motorcycle of my own again soon. I hope to feel like I am really driving a vehicle again soon. I love my truck, but a bike is far more exciting to drive.
Later!
Monday, June 13, 2005
A HALO Movie!!! Way Cool!
In a recent post on the Yahoo site, http://news.yahoo.com/s/eo/20050610/en_movies_eo/16734 it was announced that there is the potential for a Movie starring every XBOX gamers favorite Marine, Master Cheif Spartan 117, of HALO fame! This would rock! It of course needs to be done correctly for it to do any kind of justice to the best video game of all time! (so far!) It will have to have a kick butt actor, or truly state of the art CGI rendering for the lead character, a story line that develops the Master Cheif from his beginnings to the end of the game, as we know it, and powerful soundtrack, and lots and lots of action. Think the last Star Wars movie only cranked up to eleven! Hopefully the deal will work out. There are already a number of HALO movie groups out there sending all kinds of stuff to the powers that be. Hopefully they will listen like Peter Jackson listened for the Lord of the Rings movies. When directors make movies to please fans and not simply themselves, then everyone wins! It almost needs some like Ang Lee, Jackson, Ridley Scott or Jerry Bruckheimer behind this movie to give it its full potential! Hopefully the 2007 relase date stated will come true! Gamers really do run the entertainment industry!
I have the same feeling about this as I did when I heard that the Lord of the Rings movies were a possibility
Later!
I have the same feeling about this as I did when I heard that the Lord of the Rings movies were a possibility
Later!
Friday, June 10, 2005
Stream of Concienceness
Back in my high school education, for an English assignment, we had to do a writing project using stream of concience as our only tool. It was cool. Reading some of my friends, and my own stuff was pretty weird... the things was to just write whatever came to your mind. At times it can be quite revealing! That being said, here goes another attempt at Stream Of Concienceness writing!
Why the hell am I doing this. Like I have nothing else to do with my time! Dang, my back hurts. At Karate last night I got to be the test dummy and got twisted and banged around alot, but you know what, I probably learned more than the rest of them. Karate is cool. I don't know how long Julian and I will be in it, but I would like to see both of us advance at least to the brown belt level. It is a good way to build self confidence, assurance of safety, and keep in shape. Speaking of shapes, I have noticed something lately. Crop tops and beer bellies. Those hip hugger jeans, the ones that ride dangerously low on the hips and the mid-rif exposing shirts that alot of the ladies are wearing, they are great! I am all for them. Someone deserved to get rich for creating them. However, I see alot of girls wearing them around campus and town who should not be. They are wearing them and exposing not a nice flat tummy and slender hips but a spare tire and a beer belly that would rival many guys. Just because you see it at a store and can afford to buy it, does not mean you can wear it! Come on! If you want to wear the stuff, then at least look fit enough to wear it! I don't think that flabby male stomachs and belly rolls sticking out of shirts is appealing to many women, and I can safely say the same can be said the about mens opinions of women. It ain't sexy! Get in shape! A flat tummy is sexy. Male or female. I would not like to be out of shape and over weight. I love scaring squirrels and small dogs. They always seem like they are a few minutes away from a full blown heart attack. I know that sounds mean, but eh, who cares. One of my volunteers told me earlier today that she and her husband are splitting up. What is the deal with that? Is it our society, our values, or just that splitting up is so easy anymore and there is no real stigma attached to it anymore. I am glad that my parents never split. I don't think anyone in my family has ever split up. I cannot be totally sure, but it seems like that is a correct statement. No one in my family has ever had.. nope, not true. My cousin Mark split from his first wife. And my neice Shannon.., although a marriage that lasted less than a year and begun when you were 16 was not likely to survive. Most of us hoped for the best but it did not last. She is much better off now anyway so maybe it was a good thing. Another good thing is gaming. I will be gaming tonight. Looking forward to it. I kind of like being a gamer geek. Nothing to be embarassed about. There are more of us than most people realize! Just don't wear it on your sleeve or make it the only thing you do or talk about and people will not look at you funny. It is kind of like religion. Don't push it where it is not wanted and usually it will be okay. Not that I think religion is something that people can do without. I think everyone has some kind of religion they hold close. They may not think they do, but it is there. I wonder if my daughter is practicing riding her bike. I hope she can do it all herself soon. I am pretty hard on her getting her to learn, but she is doing it. I would like to see her take off on her own! We can then go bike riding! It will probably cost me money. I need more money. I need, no I want a new motorcycle. I don't need one. I want one. You have to have goals! That is mine. Another goal I have is to reach a physical goal by my 40th birthday. I want to be able to bench press 230 lbs or more by October. Right now I can 190lbs about 6 times. It is a goal so that it keeps me going back to the gym to stay in shape. Staying in shape after 40 is alot harder if you are not in shape by the time you get there. So I am starting now. Fortunately, I have stayed in shape most of my life... thank my dad for those genes. Maybe I will buy hip hugger jeans and a crop top. Never mind. I would like to go camping. Camping where there were no cub scouts or planned activities. Be it with just family or with friends, I would like to go camping. I would like to go camping with just my son sometime. I think it would be cool. Someplace out of the way. I need to start making plans for vacation and for my birthday. man I have a bunch of stuff to get done this summer. Drives me crazy all the stuff I have planned. I need to say no more often. I need to remember my resolution! Say no! No! No more writing. I'm Done.
Well, that was useless.
Why the hell am I doing this. Like I have nothing else to do with my time! Dang, my back hurts. At Karate last night I got to be the test dummy and got twisted and banged around alot, but you know what, I probably learned more than the rest of them. Karate is cool. I don't know how long Julian and I will be in it, but I would like to see both of us advance at least to the brown belt level. It is a good way to build self confidence, assurance of safety, and keep in shape. Speaking of shapes, I have noticed something lately. Crop tops and beer bellies. Those hip hugger jeans, the ones that ride dangerously low on the hips and the mid-rif exposing shirts that alot of the ladies are wearing, they are great! I am all for them. Someone deserved to get rich for creating them. However, I see alot of girls wearing them around campus and town who should not be. They are wearing them and exposing not a nice flat tummy and slender hips but a spare tire and a beer belly that would rival many guys. Just because you see it at a store and can afford to buy it, does not mean you can wear it! Come on! If you want to wear the stuff, then at least look fit enough to wear it! I don't think that flabby male stomachs and belly rolls sticking out of shirts is appealing to many women, and I can safely say the same can be said the about mens opinions of women. It ain't sexy! Get in shape! A flat tummy is sexy. Male or female. I would not like to be out of shape and over weight. I love scaring squirrels and small dogs. They always seem like they are a few minutes away from a full blown heart attack. I know that sounds mean, but eh, who cares. One of my volunteers told me earlier today that she and her husband are splitting up. What is the deal with that? Is it our society, our values, or just that splitting up is so easy anymore and there is no real stigma attached to it anymore. I am glad that my parents never split. I don't think anyone in my family has ever split up. I cannot be totally sure, but it seems like that is a correct statement. No one in my family has ever had.. nope, not true. My cousin Mark split from his first wife. And my neice Shannon.., although a marriage that lasted less than a year and begun when you were 16 was not likely to survive. Most of us hoped for the best but it did not last. She is much better off now anyway so maybe it was a good thing. Another good thing is gaming. I will be gaming tonight. Looking forward to it. I kind of like being a gamer geek. Nothing to be embarassed about. There are more of us than most people realize! Just don't wear it on your sleeve or make it the only thing you do or talk about and people will not look at you funny. It is kind of like religion. Don't push it where it is not wanted and usually it will be okay. Not that I think religion is something that people can do without. I think everyone has some kind of religion they hold close. They may not think they do, but it is there. I wonder if my daughter is practicing riding her bike. I hope she can do it all herself soon. I am pretty hard on her getting her to learn, but she is doing it. I would like to see her take off on her own! We can then go bike riding! It will probably cost me money. I need more money. I need, no I want a new motorcycle. I don't need one. I want one. You have to have goals! That is mine. Another goal I have is to reach a physical goal by my 40th birthday. I want to be able to bench press 230 lbs or more by October. Right now I can 190lbs about 6 times. It is a goal so that it keeps me going back to the gym to stay in shape. Staying in shape after 40 is alot harder if you are not in shape by the time you get there. So I am starting now. Fortunately, I have stayed in shape most of my life... thank my dad for those genes. Maybe I will buy hip hugger jeans and a crop top. Never mind. I would like to go camping. Camping where there were no cub scouts or planned activities. Be it with just family or with friends, I would like to go camping. I would like to go camping with just my son sometime. I think it would be cool. Someplace out of the way. I need to start making plans for vacation and for my birthday. man I have a bunch of stuff to get done this summer. Drives me crazy all the stuff I have planned. I need to say no more often. I need to remember my resolution! Say no! No! No more writing. I'm Done.
Well, that was useless.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Evolution and the big "O"
I was listening to the audio version of the New York Times Science Section and apparently evolution scientist can find no evolutionary reason or purpose for the female orgasm. Yes, that is right. The female orgasm, according to evoltionist, has no reason to exist, but yet, it has been proven to exist! Have they, in a inadvertant way, given more proof to the presence of God in the creation of all things, or as they would call it, Intelligent Design? If there is no reason for the female orgasm to exist, then why do men all over the world, work so hard at trying to make women all over the world reach an orgasm? Could it be that it is simply proof that God loves us and wants us to have fun?!?! In my world, God is a very compassionate and careing Intelligent Designer with a great sense of humor, and this seems rights up his alley. If there was no reason for the female orgasm, then I am sure the human race would have died out eons ago, because if sex was only fun for guys involved, then women would have shut down the men a long time ago and hence, no sex, no babies, no expanding of the human race.
And if the female orgasm was not part of the master plan, then why is it (male or female) often compared to seeing God? Or why do so many of us cry out for God while having one? Hmm? Ever wonder?
Remember, Evolution is simply a theory. Nothing about evolution has ever been declared a fact. Orgasms, on the other hand, are definately a fact.
Later!
And if the female orgasm was not part of the master plan, then why is it (male or female) often compared to seeing God? Or why do so many of us cry out for God while having one? Hmm? Ever wonder?
Remember, Evolution is simply a theory. Nothing about evolution has ever been declared a fact. Orgasms, on the other hand, are definately a fact.
Later!
Friday, May 20, 2005
Soundtrack for my 40th Birthday Party.
Below is a list of songs I have started to compile to be played at my 40th Birthday Party. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to put them in the comments. I am not saying that I will use them, but you never know. I will update this post periodically.
Songs for my 40th birthday party.
No Country or Rap Music Allowed!
Trip Like I Do : Crystal Method
Clubbed to Death : The Matrix Soundtrack
Don’t Change : INXS
The Stand : The Alarm
68 Guns : The Alarm
Mexican Moon : Concrete Blonde
Tenderness : General Public
Revenge : Ministry
Don’t Go Back to Rockville : REM
Updated and added to on the 23rd of May
Games People Play : Alan Parsons Project
The Story in your Eyes : The Moody Blues
Sooner or Later : The Grass Roots
Stepping Stone : The Monkees
Whisper to a Scream : Icicle Works
Castles in the Sky : Ian Van Dahl
Bikini Girls with Machine Guns : Cramps
Eaten by the Monster of Love : Sparks
More Than This : Roxy Music
Sex, I’m a… : Berlin
Always Saturday : Guadalcanal Diary
Updated 6-7-05
You Get What You Give : The New Radicals
Small Town : John Mellencamp
Wolves of Worcestershire : The Dancing Did
Updated 6-10-05
The Way : Divine Inspriation (extended mix)
In Your Life : LaBouche
Spirits in the Material World : Police
In Need A Lover : John (Cougar) Mellencamp
Head Like a Hole : Nine Inch Nails
Moon over Bourbon Street : Sting
Embracing the 40th year of life....
Hello again! I mentioned earlier that I was turning 40 this year and had for the most part not even remembered that this milestone event was coming up! Well, boy has that changed! Not only am I looking forward to my 40th year on this little speck of dust called Earth, but I am embracing the whole idea of having and celebrating turning 40 in a big way! Many people like to hide that they are getting older when birthdays come around but not me! Yeah, we all got to get older, but that doesn't mean we have to act older, look older, or live like we are old.
Birthdays have alway been special for me and I think everyone needs to have their birthday celebrated. Whether it is something as simple as taking the day off of work or having a big party, it is your day and dang it, you better acknowledge it because no one is gonna do it for you. And if you think having a celebration, be it big or small, for your birthday is not your think, then I feel sorry for you. There are hundreds of days out there celebrating all kinds of things and people, but there is only one day that is set aside for you alone, and you better take advantage of it. No one will fault you for it. I think I get this from my mother, as she is a big one for celebrating special days and makes the most of them.
So I have decided that I am going to take charge of my 40th birthday party, and with the help of family and friends, throw and big celebration. It will not be simply a celebration of me turning 40 years old, but rather a party I am throwing to celebrate the family and friends I have had over these 40 years, a celebration of the music that has been the soundtrack to my life, and a celebration simply for sake of celebrating. Life is too short to not have fun once in a while, and being alive for me is about the people that make my life fun to live. So this party will be for my birthday of course, but it will also be a party that allows me to say thanks for being a part of my life for the last 40 years!
So to that end, I will find suitable accomodations for this party, plan for food and drink, and create the "soundtrack" music for the evening. Music will be a big part of the evening. I want to hear the music that I like and music that meant or means something to me. I don't necessarily want to hear what other people want to hear, because after all it is my party. There will be no country music, unless it is Johnny Cash or bluegrass, and there will be no rap or hip-hop, because we all know you cannot spell CRAP without RAP!!! So, anyone who reads this missive, first off, considered yourself invited, and secondly, feel free to make suggestions! Music from the 80's is a good place to start. From Top 40 to alternative, from classic WHO to Techno Dance, I plan on having a good selection of alot of stuff. I am also planning on setting up on this blog a list of the music I would like to here. Suggestions can be made there.
I think it will be a good time. At least I hope it is. It is my birthday and I deserve it and for the people I invite, they deserve it too.
Later!
Birthdays have alway been special for me and I think everyone needs to have their birthday celebrated. Whether it is something as simple as taking the day off of work or having a big party, it is your day and dang it, you better acknowledge it because no one is gonna do it for you. And if you think having a celebration, be it big or small, for your birthday is not your think, then I feel sorry for you. There are hundreds of days out there celebrating all kinds of things and people, but there is only one day that is set aside for you alone, and you better take advantage of it. No one will fault you for it. I think I get this from my mother, as she is a big one for celebrating special days and makes the most of them.
So I have decided that I am going to take charge of my 40th birthday party, and with the help of family and friends, throw and big celebration. It will not be simply a celebration of me turning 40 years old, but rather a party I am throwing to celebrate the family and friends I have had over these 40 years, a celebration of the music that has been the soundtrack to my life, and a celebration simply for sake of celebrating. Life is too short to not have fun once in a while, and being alive for me is about the people that make my life fun to live. So this party will be for my birthday of course, but it will also be a party that allows me to say thanks for being a part of my life for the last 40 years!
So to that end, I will find suitable accomodations for this party, plan for food and drink, and create the "soundtrack" music for the evening. Music will be a big part of the evening. I want to hear the music that I like and music that meant or means something to me. I don't necessarily want to hear what other people want to hear, because after all it is my party. There will be no country music, unless it is Johnny Cash or bluegrass, and there will be no rap or hip-hop, because we all know you cannot spell CRAP without RAP!!! So, anyone who reads this missive, first off, considered yourself invited, and secondly, feel free to make suggestions! Music from the 80's is a good place to start. From Top 40 to alternative, from classic WHO to Techno Dance, I plan on having a good selection of alot of stuff. I am also planning on setting up on this blog a list of the music I would like to here. Suggestions can be made there.
I think it will be a good time. At least I hope it is. It is my birthday and I deserve it and for the people I invite, they deserve it too.
Later!
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
The Maltese Cross. What's the Deal?
As of late, a very old, and very honored symbol has been usurped once again by a group of people who have forgotten the history of its symbolism. I speak specifically of the Cross Formee, Cross Pattee, the Iron Cross, or in some circles, the Teutonic Cross. Many uninformed call this cross the Maltese Cross, and it is currently one of the hottest symbols of the fashion world, right next to the Nike "Swoosh" or the Izod Alligator! (bet you forgot that one!) The Orange County Choppers are using it as their symbol, hate groups sometimes use it as their symbol, and fashion designers use it whenever they can. (Why? Because it is neatest and strongest looking of all Cross symbols!)
Being a lover of history, especially Western European history, and having a special affection for the Cross Formee, I am going to educate anyone who is interested, in the history of said symbol.
The cross design is first and foremost, the symbol adopted by Christians to remind them of Christ's death on a crucifixtion cross, and an empty cross symbolizes his ressurection. The simplest of cross designs is the Greek Cross. Simply two broad lines crossed at the center. During the first Crusade, the Hospitaller's used this symbol as their own but adjusted it to make the crossing lines angle ever so slightly wider, or flared out toward the ends. This is the beginning of the development of the Cross Formee. The Teutonic knights, not to be outdone, or confused with the Hospitallers, used the same design but instead used the Greek Cross and made the ends flare drastically at the ends. Now is seems only a step away from what we see today as the "Maltese Cross", bringing these two symbols together and getting the current version of the Formee/Pattee cross. However, the true Maltese cross has a very strict definition. "A cross made from four straight lined pointed arrowheads, meeting at their points, with the ends of the arms consisting of indented 'V's." Simply, the ends are not flat. To see one, simply look at the cross on any fire truck in the USA and you will see what I mean.
The Cross Formee, Pattee, or Iron cross you see now adays, is much different and indeed not the Maltese cross. It's finished form was very popular in the Middle Ages, but was probably most identifiable from its use in Germany. It was in March 1813, during the War of Liberation against Napolean, that King Fredrich Wilhelm III issued what is called the Prussian Iron Cross. It was awarded to anyone, of any nation, of any level of society, for acts of heroism, bravery, or leadership skill. It was again used and issued in 1870 for the Franco-Prussion War and for World War I
However, it was in 1939, (and here we get into it's first usurpation, and connotations of being "sinister") that Hitler issued the Iron Cross for bravery and valor, but this time with a Swastika imprinted on it's front. (Oddly enough, the Swastika, or Fylfot Cross has under gone the same transformation as the Formee/Pattee cross, but it never recovered it's image)
The Iron Cross was outlawed in 1945, but re-introduced in 1957 by Germany and still used today as the symbol of it's army, much like the white star on US army vehicles.
Some hate groups still use the Iron Cross image in some of their stuff, but they are losing it to the Motorcycle and fashion world. (Hurray for motorcyclists and fashionistas!)
And here we find the irony in the Iron Cross. It is called the Maltese Cross, which it is not. It is sometimes seen, (by the uninformed) as a symbol of evil, which it is not. It is however, in the end a Christian symbol, used often by military organizations in Christian Nations, as a symbol to evoke the idea of a noble Christian ideal. However, people forget the past and use symbols for what ever purpose they desire.
Now that you know more than you ever wished to know about the Formee or Pattee cross, you might ask why did I take all this time to write this. Simply because history is important to me and I want others to understand it correctly. I hate it when historical information gets changed to meet a current trend or politically correct ideal. And because I take the Formee cross as my own personal symbol, mainly for the original meaning, and I want people to know it for what it is, not what the fashion industry wants it to be. Thanks!
Later!
For more information, take a look at http://netpages.free-online.co.uk/gms/sinister.htm
-or-
The following information on crosses was taken from http://www.likeacat.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=17 , a jewelery site, oddly enough.
Their information reflected what I have found and was the most concise, so I decided to post it here. They have alot of information on different types of crosses along with images of the actual crosses on their website.
"Wotan's Cross reflects similar symbolism, with the cross and circle as a symbol of cosmic union. The circle also stood for the earth horizon, with the four directions meeting at the center. It was also called the Sun Cross for the sun (cross) embraced by heaven (circle). The often repeated symbolism is that of a diety in the middle of a four-way heaven.
Cross Patee was popular in medieval heraldry. It was a combination of the Christian (Greek) cross and Wotan's. This cross, also known as Cross Formee, was often shown as the insignia of the god Frey.
A similar appearing cross is the Maltese Cross, originallly from the island of Malta, home of one of the world's oldest Goddess temples. This design directs attention to the center, possibly to indicate earth's geographical center, omphalos, and site of the Goddess's chief temple."
Being a lover of history, especially Western European history, and having a special affection for the Cross Formee, I am going to educate anyone who is interested, in the history of said symbol.
The cross design is first and foremost, the symbol adopted by Christians to remind them of Christ's death on a crucifixtion cross, and an empty cross symbolizes his ressurection. The simplest of cross designs is the Greek Cross. Simply two broad lines crossed at the center. During the first Crusade, the Hospitaller's used this symbol as their own but adjusted it to make the crossing lines angle ever so slightly wider, or flared out toward the ends. This is the beginning of the development of the Cross Formee. The Teutonic knights, not to be outdone, or confused with the Hospitallers, used the same design but instead used the Greek Cross and made the ends flare drastically at the ends. Now is seems only a step away from what we see today as the "Maltese Cross", bringing these two symbols together and getting the current version of the Formee/Pattee cross. However, the true Maltese cross has a very strict definition. "A cross made from four straight lined pointed arrowheads, meeting at their points, with the ends of the arms consisting of indented 'V's." Simply, the ends are not flat. To see one, simply look at the cross on any fire truck in the USA and you will see what I mean.
The Cross Formee, Pattee, or Iron cross you see now adays, is much different and indeed not the Maltese cross. It's finished form was very popular in the Middle Ages, but was probably most identifiable from its use in Germany. It was in March 1813, during the War of Liberation against Napolean, that King Fredrich Wilhelm III issued what is called the Prussian Iron Cross. It was awarded to anyone, of any nation, of any level of society, for acts of heroism, bravery, or leadership skill. It was again used and issued in 1870 for the Franco-Prussion War and for World War I
However, it was in 1939, (and here we get into it's first usurpation, and connotations of being "sinister") that Hitler issued the Iron Cross for bravery and valor, but this time with a Swastika imprinted on it's front. (Oddly enough, the Swastika, or Fylfot Cross has under gone the same transformation as the Formee/Pattee cross, but it never recovered it's image)
The Iron Cross was outlawed in 1945, but re-introduced in 1957 by Germany and still used today as the symbol of it's army, much like the white star on US army vehicles.
Some hate groups still use the Iron Cross image in some of their stuff, but they are losing it to the Motorcycle and fashion world. (Hurray for motorcyclists and fashionistas!)
And here we find the irony in the Iron Cross. It is called the Maltese Cross, which it is not. It is sometimes seen, (by the uninformed) as a symbol of evil, which it is not. It is however, in the end a Christian symbol, used often by military organizations in Christian Nations, as a symbol to evoke the idea of a noble Christian ideal. However, people forget the past and use symbols for what ever purpose they desire.
Now that you know more than you ever wished to know about the Formee or Pattee cross, you might ask why did I take all this time to write this. Simply because history is important to me and I want others to understand it correctly. I hate it when historical information gets changed to meet a current trend or politically correct ideal. And because I take the Formee cross as my own personal symbol, mainly for the original meaning, and I want people to know it for what it is, not what the fashion industry wants it to be. Thanks!
Later!
For more information, take a look at http://netpages.free-online.co.uk/gms/sinister.htm
-or-
The following information on crosses was taken from http://www.likeacat.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=17 , a jewelery site, oddly enough.
Their information reflected what I have found and was the most concise, so I decided to post it here. They have alot of information on different types of crosses along with images of the actual crosses on their website.
"Wotan's Cross reflects similar symbolism, with the cross and circle as a symbol of cosmic union. The circle also stood for the earth horizon, with the four directions meeting at the center. It was also called the Sun Cross for the sun (cross) embraced by heaven (circle). The often repeated symbolism is that of a diety in the middle of a four-way heaven.
Cross Patee was popular in medieval heraldry. It was a combination of the Christian (Greek) cross and Wotan's. This cross, also known as Cross Formee, was often shown as the insignia of the god Frey.
A similar appearing cross is the Maltese Cross, originallly from the island of Malta, home of one of the world's oldest Goddess temples. This design directs attention to the center, possibly to indicate earth's geographical center, omphalos, and site of the Goddess's chief temple."
Friday, April 22, 2005
A BAD feeling
This is a totally "for what it's worth" entry. I am putting this out only because I feel I will need to refer back to it later. I have a feeling something BAD is going to happen. I have had this feeling since the beginning of the year and it has only gotten stronger. I don't know what, how, who, or why this bad something is going to happen, but I just do. It might be on a personal level, or on a larger scale, but in some way I think it will effect me in some way greatly.
So there, now at least I can say, I told you so... I hope I am wrong.
Later!
So there, now at least I can say, I told you so... I hope I am wrong.
Later!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Back to the Hunt!!!
Okay, so I have not fulfilled my resolution to get a new motorcycle before spring. Oh well, good things come to those who wait. The bike I had my eye on for the last 8 MONTHS (Honda VTX 1800c) got sold... So I am back to hunting for another bike. So far, from what I can tell, I missed the deal of the year when this bike got sold. It really was under priced. The guy selling it though was a jerk, so I guess that makes up for some of the pain of missing out on it.
I have been furiously trying to save up money so any money borrowed from a financial institution is at a minimum. I have sold alot of things that a year ago I would not have considered. However, now, with a real desire in my sights, some of these other things are just not as important anymore. I think that when I do find a bike at the end of this hunt, I will call it "Sacrifice."
Do I need this bike? No, probably not. Lord knows I can divert my money towards other things like bills and retirement, but who wants to be like the TV commercial where the guy buys siding instead of a Harley. Then again, if I had enough money to buy a Harley, I could get a Honda and siding at the same time!!!
Keeping the eye on the prize...
It will happen. I just don't know when. (hopefully soon)
later...
I have been furiously trying to save up money so any money borrowed from a financial institution is at a minimum. I have sold alot of things that a year ago I would not have considered. However, now, with a real desire in my sights, some of these other things are just not as important anymore. I think that when I do find a bike at the end of this hunt, I will call it "Sacrifice."
Do I need this bike? No, probably not. Lord knows I can divert my money towards other things like bills and retirement, but who wants to be like the TV commercial where the guy buys siding instead of a Harley. Then again, if I had enough money to buy a Harley, I could get a Honda and siding at the same time!!!
Keeping the eye on the prize...
It will happen. I just don't know when. (hopefully soon)
later...
Deja Vu over and over, or Hey, ya want some big ass speakers?!?!
Many, many years ago when I first moved to the Champaign area, one of my first recollections that I was not in small town Illinois anymore, was when I was driving back from my job and I turned towards my apartment on a street that was pretty much traffic free. However, at this particular time, there was this large white van with two guys in it. Both looked to be college aged guys, maybe a bit older, but your average guys. Anyway, I pull up to the stop sign at the same time they do and they start waving at me and yelling out the window. Nothing agressive or anything like that, but enough to get my attention and pull up to them. Now, I know that I probably was the poster child for the freshed faced rural kid, recently relocated to the urban jungle but I thought that they were trying to tell me I had a flat tire or something like that. I pulled over, asked what was up, and they proceeded to give me the highest pressure sales pitch I had ever experienced up to that time. They wanted to sell me some "really big ass speakers" for my sound system at home. They went on and on about how good they were, how loud they were and how cheap they were. (They would never be cheap enough, because at the time, I could barely pay for food!) Anyway, they acted like I was the only guy left in the world they could sell to, but I held out and we parted ways. This was like twenty years ago. I was a bit rattled by the whole thing. Someone stopping me on the street to buy something? The presentation looked a bit like a the guys were try to fence stolen speakers! Why me? Did I look gullible enough to buy them, or were thye just looking for the typical student who thinks that his coolness is measured in the decible volume his stereo can produce? I don't know but it always stuck with me.
Then it happened again. Probably about 10 years ago. Near campus while I was parking the car near the WILL building. No one else was in the parking lot, and I was walking alone on the sidewalk. Deja vu all over again! It was a big white van with two guys, (again typical college guy look) selling some really big, cool, cheap speakers! Being 10 years older and far more wise to the con artists that inhabit the urban jungle which I had aclimated myself to, (yeah, right!) I was able to refused them yet again! They tried desperately once again to convince me I needed those speakers but I shut them down. I told them I had a meeting inside and had to go. I had foiled their plans for easy money...
Okay, now fast forward 10 more years, to yesterday! I'll be damned if while walking out of my office door to get something from my truck, if another big white van, with two typical looking college guys in it didn't drive out of the alley. One of the guys leans out the window, and yells at me, (once again there is no one else around....) "Hey, Dude!" "You want some really cheap, big ass speakers?"(yes, the same wording as twenty years ago! Couldn't they come up with something new?) "They are right here in the van!"
What the hell???!!! Are they on some demonic mission to seek me out every ten years or so, and see if I have finally broken down and decided I cannot live without these big ass speakers!?!? Or do I still give everyone the impression that I am some college student who thinks having a really cool sound system is important? (Okay, don't answer that!)
It was just really weird. I told them "No." very firmly. However, this time they tried to trip me up. They asked if I wanted a job for a couple of days. I was not fooled. I knew their evil plan. Again, I said "No." Then they asked me if I knew of anyone who needed a job. This one confused me a bit. Had they finally worked up to retirement and were now looking for new drivers for the white van to track me down for the next twenty years? I told them "No." again but with some reluctance.
After all, after twenty years of following me around without a single sale, they probably deserved a chance to try something new....
I definately know that coincidence is real and God has a sense of humor!
Later!
Then it happened again. Probably about 10 years ago. Near campus while I was parking the car near the WILL building. No one else was in the parking lot, and I was walking alone on the sidewalk. Deja vu all over again! It was a big white van with two guys, (again typical college guy look) selling some really big, cool, cheap speakers! Being 10 years older and far more wise to the con artists that inhabit the urban jungle which I had aclimated myself to, (yeah, right!) I was able to refused them yet again! They tried desperately once again to convince me I needed those speakers but I shut them down. I told them I had a meeting inside and had to go. I had foiled their plans for easy money...
Okay, now fast forward 10 more years, to yesterday! I'll be damned if while walking out of my office door to get something from my truck, if another big white van, with two typical looking college guys in it didn't drive out of the alley. One of the guys leans out the window, and yells at me, (once again there is no one else around....) "Hey, Dude!" "You want some really cheap, big ass speakers?"(yes, the same wording as twenty years ago! Couldn't they come up with something new?) "They are right here in the van!"
What the hell???!!! Are they on some demonic mission to seek me out every ten years or so, and see if I have finally broken down and decided I cannot live without these big ass speakers!?!? Or do I still give everyone the impression that I am some college student who thinks having a really cool sound system is important? (Okay, don't answer that!)
It was just really weird. I told them "No." very firmly. However, this time they tried to trip me up. They asked if I wanted a job for a couple of days. I was not fooled. I knew their evil plan. Again, I said "No." Then they asked me if I knew of anyone who needed a job. This one confused me a bit. Had they finally worked up to retirement and were now looking for new drivers for the white van to track me down for the next twenty years? I told them "No." again but with some reluctance.
After all, after twenty years of following me around without a single sale, they probably deserved a chance to try something new....
I definately know that coincidence is real and God has a sense of humor!
Later!
Friday, April 08, 2005
From Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts...being a kid again.
Yesterday eve, my son graduated, or "crossed-over" as you will, into the local Boy Scout Troop from Cub Scouts. I have been the Cub Master or a leader in some sense of our local group now for almost 5 years now. I have spent almost every event, every den meeting, and every campout with him and a group of boys from his den over that time, and have grown to know, love and care about these boys. In many ways, I think of them as my boys and feel I have a vested interest in their development and success in life. Over these years, which in reality is only a small portion of the time they will be on this earth, I hope that all that we have done together will make some sort of difference for them and help them become good people. I especially hope this for my son. I have tried to be the best scout leader I can for them and hope I have succeeded. In many ways, my experience in Cub Scouting and now soon, in Boy Scouting, is as much for me as it is for my son or the other boys.
As a kid, I only participated in Cub Scouts for a short time. The organization was very small, poorly developed and my parents, in all honesty, probably didn't think it was all that important. So I never really did anything in Cub Scouts other than a Derby or two and can't even remember what rank I earned. So now, I am reliving, or better yet, getting another chance to be a Cub Scout as a kid in his 30's. Soon I will get another chance to be a Boy Scout, but this time I get to do it some of my good friends, who just happen to be about 30 years younger than me. I feel some of the same excitement, the same tension, and the same thrill that these boys do when they are doing scout activities. Yeah, I have an advantage of 30 years of life experience to fall back on, but when I am doing these things with them, I honestly feel like I am 10 years old again.
My wife likes to say that I am just one of the kids she has to take care of, and she is probably right. (Without her, I think I would be a rather immature mess.) Maybe that is why I enjoy the scouting activities so much and connect so well with these boys. I am just a big kid and they know it. Yeah, I gotta be the adult sometime, but I like it much better when I get to be the kid along with them.
When I was putting my son's little blue Cub Scout shirt away today, I got a little nostalgic, a little emotional, and maybe a little sad, because in that shirt, that shirt that was way to big to begin with but is now just starting to fit my son properly, there is almost 5 years of experiences, activities, fun, disappointments, acheivements, friendships, and life in it. As I held it, I was over whelmed with the amount of life that went into that shirt. It is merely a shirt, but in it resides a multitude of memories for me and I hope that the same holds true for my son and for the other boys in his den. If not now, maybe someday in the future when he and they find these dusty little shirts in a box of other things, they will remember what they did in those shirts. And hopefully they will remember me too. I hope so. I makes me feel good to think that 20-30 years down the line they might remember me doing things with them and make them smile. Maybe they will even look me up and give me a call.
My son and these other boys are growing up, and I am growing up all over again right along with them. I do hope that as they become young men and adults, I can teach them to remember that while we must all grow older, none of us has to really, ever, truly grow up.
As a kid, I only participated in Cub Scouts for a short time. The organization was very small, poorly developed and my parents, in all honesty, probably didn't think it was all that important. So I never really did anything in Cub Scouts other than a Derby or two and can't even remember what rank I earned. So now, I am reliving, or better yet, getting another chance to be a Cub Scout as a kid in his 30's. Soon I will get another chance to be a Boy Scout, but this time I get to do it some of my good friends, who just happen to be about 30 years younger than me. I feel some of the same excitement, the same tension, and the same thrill that these boys do when they are doing scout activities. Yeah, I have an advantage of 30 years of life experience to fall back on, but when I am doing these things with them, I honestly feel like I am 10 years old again.
My wife likes to say that I am just one of the kids she has to take care of, and she is probably right. (Without her, I think I would be a rather immature mess.) Maybe that is why I enjoy the scouting activities so much and connect so well with these boys. I am just a big kid and they know it. Yeah, I gotta be the adult sometime, but I like it much better when I get to be the kid along with them.
When I was putting my son's little blue Cub Scout shirt away today, I got a little nostalgic, a little emotional, and maybe a little sad, because in that shirt, that shirt that was way to big to begin with but is now just starting to fit my son properly, there is almost 5 years of experiences, activities, fun, disappointments, acheivements, friendships, and life in it. As I held it, I was over whelmed with the amount of life that went into that shirt. It is merely a shirt, but in it resides a multitude of memories for me and I hope that the same holds true for my son and for the other boys in his den. If not now, maybe someday in the future when he and they find these dusty little shirts in a box of other things, they will remember what they did in those shirts. And hopefully they will remember me too. I hope so. I makes me feel good to think that 20-30 years down the line they might remember me doing things with them and make them smile. Maybe they will even look me up and give me a call.
My son and these other boys are growing up, and I am growing up all over again right along with them. I do hope that as they become young men and adults, I can teach them to remember that while we must all grow older, none of us has to really, ever, truly grow up.
Monday, March 28, 2005
I guess I am not that old....
I may have said before that I have always thought I would make a great soldier. When I turned 34 I realized that it would be impossible for me to ever find out, but wouldn't you know it... the Army went and raised the enlistment age to 39! I could, if I wanted, still enlist! I kind of like knowing that if needed, I would still be of value to the military. Not that I would enlist now.. I just couldn't with the place I am right now in life and with my family, but if things were different, I would not hesitate. I wonder how many 34+ year olds will enlist now that the opportunity has been presented to them again? I t would be interesting to find out if the new age limit will have the desired effect.
Anyway, makes me feel good to know that I am not too old to join the Army, even though I won't. I bet Bruce Willis wishes the age limit was raised to 50!
Anyway, makes me feel good to know that I am not too old to join the Army, even though I won't. I bet Bruce Willis wishes the age limit was raised to 50!
Friday, March 11, 2005
out of touch? nah.. just jealous they won't let him play
My good gaming buddy Gregg, (who probably single handedly responsible for getting me back into RPG gaming... damn him) sent me this link from (I think) a Jewish internet publication. It talks about how the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) thinks that those soldiers that play D&D are out of touch with reality. What a crock of shit. And this from one of the better military organizations in the world. (at least on a small scale) Gamers who play D&D are no more out of touch with reality, than people who read books, watch sports, or play golf. It is a form of recreation, a form of socializing, and in many ways, maintaining the tradition of oral story telling in a world where 10 second sound bites or banging away on a key board are the norm for people to talk to one another. What is cool are the responses to this so called bit of journalism which are linked to the site. I have included one of the responses from none other than Thor, the god of Thunder, direct from Asgard! (talk about out of touch!) I must take issue with his opinion that D&D is not mainstream though. Anything that generates millions of dollars of revenue is definately not out of the mainstream.
If the IDF is considering D&D, then perhaps playing video games and watching movies should also be included in their criteria for being "detached from reality." Recreation takes many forms. Just because D&D is not mainstream or has a higher level of interactivity and creativity than people are used to engaging in is no reason to discriminate against it.
Thor ,
Asgard
(03.09.05)
Below is the link for the article. I think the article is written by a novice journalist... Very little about what he says about the game is true in how it is played so I put little faith in his information.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles//0,7340,L-3052074,00.html
Like I have stated before... gamers are controlling the world, so how can we be out of touch. Okay let me clarify that... Gamers are running most of the entertainment and technology industry. Wait! Maybe they are out of touch! AUUGH!
Later!
If the IDF is considering D&D, then perhaps playing video games and watching movies should also be included in their criteria for being "detached from reality." Recreation takes many forms. Just because D&D is not mainstream or has a higher level of interactivity and creativity than people are used to engaging in is no reason to discriminate against it.
Thor ,
Asgard
(03.09.05)
Below is the link for the article. I think the article is written by a novice journalist... Very little about what he says about the game is true in how it is played so I put little faith in his information.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles//0,7340,L-3052074,00.html
Like I have stated before... gamers are controlling the world, so how can we be out of touch. Okay let me clarify that... Gamers are running most of the entertainment and technology industry. Wait! Maybe they are out of touch! AUUGH!
Later!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Ramblings in, from, and about a small town....
If there was ever a song that could sum up my life in a very general way, it has to be John Mellencamp's "Small Town." I was reminded of this song when a number of things over the course of a couple of days brought to my mind why I chose to live in a small town.
One day last week, I got home early and went to the grocery store and had my wife's purse sitting beside me in the car. I didn't think to take it of course and she was at the gym, so I left it in the truck. However, like always, I didn't lock the door. It was still there when I got back to the car about 20 minutes later. It was a busy day at the grocery store and any number of people would have walked by the truck and seen it. They would have also seen the car next to me that was running with the doors unlocked and no one in it too. While in the store, it is very enjoyable to have people, some strangers and some friends, say hello and offer to let you go ahead when you have two or three items compared to their cart full.
Also, I like it when my neighbors saythat if I need something, go ahead and get it, because the doors aren't locked. (and vice versa) I like knowing my neighbors, whether good or bad, and feel safer for it.
I went to my hometown to help my dad, and he wanted to go to the local watering hole to get a flu shot. The other person with us, my nephew in law, wanted to get something but the waitress was busy, so we went behind the bar, near the cash register and got it. No problem, just tell them about it when you see them. It was assumed that you are honest and could be trusted.
I took my family shooting and it turned into a full day of what some people might call "redneck" fun, but God as my witness, it was fun nevertheless. It was great watching things blow apart from a well aimed high caliber bullet impact!
What is the most used door in a small community? The back door. It is always unlocked and most homes have a open door policy, as long as you close it when you are done.
I like it when, for no reason at all other than being kind and good neighbors, you get invited over to eat at their home.
Childhood memories from a small town:
-waiting for the school bus to arrive. at the grain elevator with the "off duty" famers.
-a black Labrador dog named "Blackie" who was my constant, steadfast companion. He even knew when to walk up to meet me when the school bus dropped me off.
-wiener roasts for my birthday over a HUGE fire with all my friends and family.
-coming home and often finding friends sitting in the house waiting for you to come home so they could do something with you.
-inventing games because the current version wasn't dangerous enough.
-baseball games that were called not because you had played 9 innings, but because it was too damned dark to see the other players or because someone invoked the secret rule that beaning a player with a ball was as good as tagging them for an out with your glove.
-WWII combat actions re-enacted with some of the same ferocity of the real thing, except only with bb guns.
-bb gun fights that lasted all weekend long!
-D&D games that lasted all weekend long!
-swimming in the Whiskey Creek after my friends and I dammed up the entire creek with rocks and broken tile.
-noticing that when a person died, it was a shock to the entire community, not just a single family.
-I knew the names of everyone in my entire high school, junior high, and some of the grade school.
-camping out at Kaufman's Timber where a bringing a sleeping bag was considered an afterthought.
-climbing to the top of the grain elevator at night and guess what towns you could see from afar and trying to pick out the constellations.
-walking into town after hunting and leaning the guns up on the side of the candy store while you went in for some snacks.
-snow storms that turned the countryside into a barren, frozen wasteland. (it literally looked completely different and strange)
-most of your teachers were pretty cool to hang out with, even in the summer.
-having a drivers license was a technicality.
-knowing that you could not get into trouble, because everyone would know about it within 3 days.
I told you this would be a ramble...
later!
One day last week, I got home early and went to the grocery store and had my wife's purse sitting beside me in the car. I didn't think to take it of course and she was at the gym, so I left it in the truck. However, like always, I didn't lock the door. It was still there when I got back to the car about 20 minutes later. It was a busy day at the grocery store and any number of people would have walked by the truck and seen it. They would have also seen the car next to me that was running with the doors unlocked and no one in it too. While in the store, it is very enjoyable to have people, some strangers and some friends, say hello and offer to let you go ahead when you have two or three items compared to their cart full.
Also, I like it when my neighbors saythat if I need something, go ahead and get it, because the doors aren't locked. (and vice versa) I like knowing my neighbors, whether good or bad, and feel safer for it.
I went to my hometown to help my dad, and he wanted to go to the local watering hole to get a flu shot. The other person with us, my nephew in law, wanted to get something but the waitress was busy, so we went behind the bar, near the cash register and got it. No problem, just tell them about it when you see them. It was assumed that you are honest and could be trusted.
I took my family shooting and it turned into a full day of what some people might call "redneck" fun, but God as my witness, it was fun nevertheless. It was great watching things blow apart from a well aimed high caliber bullet impact!
What is the most used door in a small community? The back door. It is always unlocked and most homes have a open door policy, as long as you close it when you are done.
I like it when, for no reason at all other than being kind and good neighbors, you get invited over to eat at their home.
Childhood memories from a small town:
-waiting for the school bus to arrive. at the grain elevator with the "off duty" famers.
-a black Labrador dog named "Blackie" who was my constant, steadfast companion. He even knew when to walk up to meet me when the school bus dropped me off.
-wiener roasts for my birthday over a HUGE fire with all my friends and family.
-coming home and often finding friends sitting in the house waiting for you to come home so they could do something with you.
-inventing games because the current version wasn't dangerous enough.
-baseball games that were called not because you had played 9 innings, but because it was too damned dark to see the other players or because someone invoked the secret rule that beaning a player with a ball was as good as tagging them for an out with your glove.
-WWII combat actions re-enacted with some of the same ferocity of the real thing, except only with bb guns.
-bb gun fights that lasted all weekend long!
-D&D games that lasted all weekend long!
-swimming in the Whiskey Creek after my friends and I dammed up the entire creek with rocks and broken tile.
-noticing that when a person died, it was a shock to the entire community, not just a single family.
-I knew the names of everyone in my entire high school, junior high, and some of the grade school.
-camping out at Kaufman's Timber where a bringing a sleeping bag was considered an afterthought.
-climbing to the top of the grain elevator at night and guess what towns you could see from afar and trying to pick out the constellations.
-walking into town after hunting and leaning the guns up on the side of the candy store while you went in for some snacks.
-snow storms that turned the countryside into a barren, frozen wasteland. (it literally looked completely different and strange)
-most of your teachers were pretty cool to hang out with, even in the summer.
-having a drivers license was a technicality.
-knowing that you could not get into trouble, because everyone would know about it within 3 days.
I told you this would be a ramble...
later!
Friday, February 25, 2005
Turning 40 this year...
It wasn't until recently when scheduling for an event in October, (totally unrelated to my birthday) that I realized that I would be celebrating my 40th birthday! I knew it was coming but it really had not dawned on me that it would be a "landmark" birthday. I really don't know how I feel about turning forty, and certainly don't have any plans on launching into a "mid-life crisis." (After all, I don't feel that being 40 is mid-life, especially when you are one who has plans on living well into their 100's... ) I can certainly see how a mid-life crisis is created! Usually it is by people who already have a good life, a great family, a good job, and more than they probably need. However, they feel that they haven't done anything, haven't been discovered yet, or won't be remembered when they are gone. Then they decide to act on past desires that were never realized, make less than intelligent decisions and generally end up getting a bunch of people's undies in a twist until they grow out of the crisis. Maybe it is just that... like a teenager finally grows up and stop acting like a stupid kid, the 40, 50, or even 60 year old goes through another sort of growing period when they realize that they do have it pretty good and should only build on what they have, or they realize that they really haven't done anything worth while and it is time they get started doing something about it.
I for one, like where I am at in life. I hope to improve my financial situation so I can be more relaxed about the future, but other than having not become famous for some odd reason, I am pretty happy. Couldn't ask for a better family and I think my home is pretty sharp! I happen to like big black trucks, so I don't need a red sports car, and I have a ton of friends that I really enjoy spending time with. So life is pretty good. I think I will skip a mid-life crisis and use save my energy for when something really important comes up. I am going to get a new motorcycle before I turn the big 4-0! So maybe that can be my red sports car!
Later!
I for one, like where I am at in life. I hope to improve my financial situation so I can be more relaxed about the future, but other than having not become famous for some odd reason, I am pretty happy. Couldn't ask for a better family and I think my home is pretty sharp! I happen to like big black trucks, so I don't need a red sports car, and I have a ton of friends that I really enjoy spending time with. So life is pretty good. I think I will skip a mid-life crisis and use save my energy for when something really important comes up. I am going to get a new motorcycle before I turn the big 4-0! So maybe that can be my red sports car!
Later!
Gamers getting long in the tooth?
Just read today that the average age for a gamer, be it video, RPG, or traditiona, is 29 and that it might actually be increasing. I was actually quite surprised by this. I always thought the average gamer age was like around 16-20. You know, that age group that really is the freeest of us all. They are adults but don't yet have all the time comsuming responsibilities of those older than them, so instead of working, they game. Well I was wrong! Apparently those of us out there making a daily wage, worrying about kids, the bills, and the home are the big gamers! So that is why it is so hard to get good help now adays! Everyone is stuck in front of their XBOX! Geez! Get a life and go do something responsible and get away from the game! And while you are out working, do you mind if I pick up the game where you left off?!?!
Later!
Later!
Monday, February 14, 2005
Another Hallmark Holiday....
It's Valentines Day again and what have you got planned for your sweetie? I have been asked this question 5 times already and it is only just after noon. I tell everyone that my wife and I don't really celebrate or do special things for Valentines Day because it is too forced and a history of having bad things happen on Valentines Day in the past. What we do is just express our affection throughout the entire year... doesn't everyone? I just heard that couples that have a successful marriage are those that have similar personality traits and share common beliefs. Well.... DUH! How much money was spent trying to figure that out! I like to beleive that I have a successful marriage because I happen to love my wife. Yeah we have similar personality traits but I think it is more than that. I could not put my finger on some specific details other than we work well together, we actually talk to one another, and yes.. we have great sex! But I will tell you this, together, my wife and I make a whole. Without her, I would be alot less than what I am today. I would hate to think what or where I would be today without her. Thank God for her. Everyday is Valentines day in some way shape or form for me!
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Gaming--- the next generation
Recently I got to do something that I have wanted to do in a long time.... No! Not that! I finally got to game, and I mean really game, with my son. I have, since the day he was born, wanted to teach him some of my favorite games and have him has my gaming bud. Well, now that day has finally come. At the urging of a friend of mine, we endeavored to teach our boys the newest version of the classic game of RISK. It is RISK 2210AD and it is a fantastic reworking of a great game. Happily, the boys took to it very quickly and even were able to remind us of rules that we told them about but were forgetting to adhere to at times. It took a bit of hand holding to get them through and I won't say we didn't help them with strategy but in the end, the way they played the game was up to them and win or lose, it was their choice. I did win the game and Julian came in third, but for me it was better just to see him enjoying it and saying how cool the game was and that he wants to play again!
And over the Christmas break I introduced Julian to D&D, a game that is very dear to me in more ways that just one. This too he took to very well. I have since played another game with him and another younger player and her family and we had a great time. At times I hear him talking to his friends about this game in tones of excitement and anticipation. It makes me feel good to know that he likes it and that the game can create fun and excitement for him too. (However, I must remember that he is 10 and 10 year olds tend to get tired after few hours of battling blood thirsty monsters) I hope the game sticks for him and that he eventually takes off on his own with it and starts it up with his friends. I remember the good times that game created for me and my buds and hope that it does the same thing for him.
I love my kids and want to be their friend as much as their father. Maybe this will be one way to insure that relationship. Now that I think of it, being a dad is kind of like being a DM for a D&D game. You get to be the person who showers rewards, controls their environment, and becomes their worst nightmares...
Anyway, go out and play a game with your kids. You might find that you like it!
Later!
And over the Christmas break I introduced Julian to D&D, a game that is very dear to me in more ways that just one. This too he took to very well. I have since played another game with him and another younger player and her family and we had a great time. At times I hear him talking to his friends about this game in tones of excitement and anticipation. It makes me feel good to know that he likes it and that the game can create fun and excitement for him too. (However, I must remember that he is 10 and 10 year olds tend to get tired after few hours of battling blood thirsty monsters) I hope the game sticks for him and that he eventually takes off on his own with it and starts it up with his friends. I remember the good times that game created for me and my buds and hope that it does the same thing for him.
I love my kids and want to be their friend as much as their father. Maybe this will be one way to insure that relationship. Now that I think of it, being a dad is kind of like being a DM for a D&D game. You get to be the person who showers rewards, controls their environment, and becomes their worst nightmares...
Anyway, go out and play a game with your kids. You might find that you like it!
Later!
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
What's up with the way we identify couples..?
Have you ever wondered why when we name a couple, be they married, dating, brothers, sisters, or whatever make s them a "couple" of people, one person's name alway comes first. Well, if you haven't, too bad! I have and I am going to let you know what I think....
Anyway, lets take a fake couple, and call them Bob and Dave. When introduced to new people, you always say Bob and Dave, not Dave and Bob. Why?
Here's what I think. I think it is one of three reasons:
The first is that it just rolls off the tongue easier in certain combinations. This is probably what most people would say is the reason why we identify couples in a certain way.
The second reason is familial. Let's say one person in the couple is blood- relation to you. Almost always, I bet you say the relatives name first. Maybe not in every instance, but more likely than not. Try it out and identify the couples you know that has one person that is related to you and see what you come up with. (If you have known one of the persons longer or have a strong friendship with that one person, it acts alot like a relative.)
The third reason is a bit more subtle, and maybe a bit more insightful into your opinions or feelings about the people in the couple. Could it be that the person named first in the identification could be the person that you care for the most or like the most and the second person is a bit farther down, if only slightly, on your friendship scale? Think really hard about it and see how you feel about the couples that you often identify with their first names. And if you find some couples that you don't name one person first more frequently, maybe they are new to your circle of friends or family. Makes you think don't it. The next time that someone identifies you (as a couple) to a person and your name is second, do you think they care less for you than the other person in your couple, or could the above two factors be more accurate? Makes you wonder!
later!
Anyway, lets take a fake couple, and call them Bob and Dave. When introduced to new people, you always say Bob and Dave, not Dave and Bob. Why?
Here's what I think. I think it is one of three reasons:
The first is that it just rolls off the tongue easier in certain combinations. This is probably what most people would say is the reason why we identify couples in a certain way.
The second reason is familial. Let's say one person in the couple is blood- relation to you. Almost always, I bet you say the relatives name first. Maybe not in every instance, but more likely than not. Try it out and identify the couples you know that has one person that is related to you and see what you come up with. (If you have known one of the persons longer or have a strong friendship with that one person, it acts alot like a relative.)
The third reason is a bit more subtle, and maybe a bit more insightful into your opinions or feelings about the people in the couple. Could it be that the person named first in the identification could be the person that you care for the most or like the most and the second person is a bit farther down, if only slightly, on your friendship scale? Think really hard about it and see how you feel about the couples that you often identify with their first names. And if you find some couples that you don't name one person first more frequently, maybe they are new to your circle of friends or family. Makes you think don't it. The next time that someone identifies you (as a couple) to a person and your name is second, do you think they care less for you than the other person in your couple, or could the above two factors be more accurate? Makes you wonder!
later!
Monday, January 03, 2005
New Years Resolutions?
Does anyone make them anymore or are we just to unreliable and irresponsible to follow through with them? No one I met made any, or at least did not tell me of them if they did. (why?)
I however, always make resolution or two and certainly try to stick to it. This year I have a few more than normal. Here they are.
1. To do things on my time and say NO more often. (this one is the third year in a row for it and it has been working out very well for me.)
2. To game more. Especially with my kids. (I love games and games love me, so why not...?)
3. To continue going to the gym on a regular basis. (this one is easy as it has become a sort of habit.)
4. To own a new (new-used) motorcycle before the spring.
5. To order from the appetizers and dessert menus more often. (Life is short...)
So did you make any resolutions? I hope so, because people need goals, otherwise they just exist and don't create, or improve, or help, or simply have fun.
Happy New Year!
Later!
I however, always make resolution or two and certainly try to stick to it. This year I have a few more than normal. Here they are.
1. To do things on my time and say NO more often. (this one is the third year in a row for it and it has been working out very well for me.)
2. To game more. Especially with my kids. (I love games and games love me, so why not...?)
3. To continue going to the gym on a regular basis. (this one is easy as it has become a sort of habit.)
4. To own a new (new-used) motorcycle before the spring.
5. To order from the appetizers and dessert menus more often. (Life is short...)
So did you make any resolutions? I hope so, because people need goals, otherwise they just exist and don't create, or improve, or help, or simply have fun.
Happy New Year!
Later!
A wonderful Holiday Vacation
Wow! I don't know about anyone else, but I have had the best Christmas Break Vacation in a long time! Starting on the 22nd, I attended the Monty Python stage musical of "Spamalot." It was great and the limo drive with a bunch of my good friends was the crowning of a great night. The Christmas holiday was as I wanted it! The kids were ecstatic over their gifts, the gifts I gave were appreciated, and I loved all the ones I got. (My wonderful wife even considered a new motorcycle for me...it did not appear under the tree, but the fact that she even considered it should be proof enough of how cool she is.) My whole family was present for the holiday and we had a great time! We hosted a large party of 53 people at our home. It was a blast too! (this party has been going on for 50+ years by the way) In the down time, there were games, XBOX, shopping, sleeping in, hanging out, being lazy, working hard, eating good food and generally having not much of a schedule. Even New Years eve was fairly relaxed and easy going! It was great! A great way to end the year. To all those involved in making it happen, Thanks!
Later!
Later!
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