So, after the golf outing last Friday (played pretty well for me), we went over to the neighbor's for a campfire. My neighbor, Tom, was hosting some out of town guests for the evening. Tall Andy is from Germany, and not quite so tall Andy is from Switzerland.
By keeping my mouth shut, I learned a lot about how regular people from Europe think about the good ol' US of A. I'm here to tell you folks, it ain't pretty. Aside from our Gov't, Europeans appear to get most of their info about American Culture from "News of the Weird". They view us as lawsuit happy assholes, looking to get rich quick. They think that we walk lockstep behind our president. They really do think we are cowboys, and I don't mean that in a good way. I happen to like cowboys, the kind you think positively about.
They were impressed with the utter vastness of our country. All the property that we "regular" folks own. All the wealth we seem to have.
We diplomatically defended our country and culture, as much as it could be defended, anyway. I explained that Americans are generally a hard-working bunch of people, focused on raising our families and making through each week. The knuckleheads who file lawsuits instead of taking responsibility are derided by society, and as much as I supported Mr. Bush instead of Mr. Gore, I don't have a framed portrait of GWB above my fireplace that I salute each night. As a country, regardless of political affiliation, we are all concerned about the mess in Iraq, and wish it could go away without "sending the wrong message" to the bad guys (whatever that means).
I did humorously point out that my knowledge of German culture comes from "Hogan's Heroes", which would never, ever, be produced in this day and age. To their credit, both Andys got the joke.
After a few more beers (they were amazed to see St Pauli Girl beer in an American liquor store) we settled the world's problems and parted as good friends.
And they changed my life in an interesting way. In the past, I don't think I worried too much about what Europeans thought about us (and me, as a member of us). Now I do. This doesn't mean I'm capitulating to the United Nations, it just means I understand how the regular guy in Europe is affected by my government's policies (I wasn't that ignorant before, it just wasn't important to me).
So last night I listened to Mr Kerry's speech and refrained from my usual criticisms. I didn't turn off my critical thinking filter, but I did learn something by keeping my mouth shut.
Friday, July 30, 2004
Friday, July 23, 2004
Woo-Hoo! Golf Outing!
Although I stink at golf, I love to play. I'd play everyday if I could afford it. Heck, I'd play every week if I could afford it. I guess I have the money, but I don't have the time.
Golf, pool (billiards), darts, guitar playing, 'blog writing. These are all things I love to do, and wish I could do better...if I only had the time.
Golf, pool (billiards), darts, guitar playing, 'blog writing. These are all things I love to do, and wish I could do better...if I only had the time.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
No offense meant
When I hype the wonderful blogs of frog and flea, I'm not saying that yours is not as good. I'm sure it is. I just like their's the best.
Most of my blog navigation stems from visting Frogblog and One Good Thing. From those sites, I visit the blogs that they recommend. I am hoping to figure out how to put links in my blog. I have the instructions, but I don't have the time.
The way to find the best blogs is to start with one you like and then go visit the links.
Now, flea and frog are politically on the other side of the aisle from me, but that doesn't mean that I dislke them or think they are bad people. As I read their thoughts and feelings (wonderously conveyed) I think that if I knew them as "real" people, I would like them. Despite the politcal differences, I respect and share many of their core beliefs: Love and respect others, love and respect yourself, do no harm, be happy. I don't see those as political beliefs.
I read frog's blog from 7/19 about the timeline of her past relationship, and I know she is hurting and trying to come to terms with the end of that relationship. Been there, done that. And in much the same way as frog. I wish I could reach out and give her a brotherly hug, but I don't "know" her yet. I don't feel right offering brotherly support in a blog format unless I actually "know" the person.
The same with flea. I have e-mailed her a couple of times, just to pay respects and compliments, and hopefully did it without being creepy. In a recent post, she discussed a very bad "neighbor" who was threatening going to DCFS for no real reason, other than to hear herself fart. The neighbor also verbally assaulted flea's young son in front of his father! Her actions (or rather, flea's discription of them) evoked a very emotional response on my part (anger) and I wanted to leap to her (and her husband's) defense by delivering 2000 pounds of flaming dogshit on the neighbor's front porch. Of course, there is no doubt that flea and her husband can handle this situation without any help from me, but I can't help but to empathize with their plight. It's this "brotherly" thing I have.
This whole blog-world is interesting. We all have something to say, and perhaps the mere act of posting to the whole world (whether it is actually read or not) is the point. I'm all for expression.
Most of my blog navigation stems from visting Frogblog and One Good Thing. From those sites, I visit the blogs that they recommend. I am hoping to figure out how to put links in my blog. I have the instructions, but I don't have the time.
The way to find the best blogs is to start with one you like and then go visit the links.
Now, flea and frog are politically on the other side of the aisle from me, but that doesn't mean that I dislke them or think they are bad people. As I read their thoughts and feelings (wonderously conveyed) I think that if I knew them as "real" people, I would like them. Despite the politcal differences, I respect and share many of their core beliefs: Love and respect others, love and respect yourself, do no harm, be happy. I don't see those as political beliefs.
I read frog's blog from 7/19 about the timeline of her past relationship, and I know she is hurting and trying to come to terms with the end of that relationship. Been there, done that. And in much the same way as frog. I wish I could reach out and give her a brotherly hug, but I don't "know" her yet. I don't feel right offering brotherly support in a blog format unless I actually "know" the person.
The same with flea. I have e-mailed her a couple of times, just to pay respects and compliments, and hopefully did it without being creepy. In a recent post, she discussed a very bad "neighbor" who was threatening going to DCFS for no real reason, other than to hear herself fart. The neighbor also verbally assaulted flea's young son in front of his father! Her actions (or rather, flea's discription of them) evoked a very emotional response on my part (anger) and I wanted to leap to her (and her husband's) defense by delivering 2000 pounds of flaming dogshit on the neighbor's front porch. Of course, there is no doubt that flea and her husband can handle this situation without any help from me, but I can't help but to empathize with their plight. It's this "brotherly" thing I have.
This whole blog-world is interesting. We all have something to say, and perhaps the mere act of posting to the whole world (whether it is actually read or not) is the point. I'm all for expression.
My blog is a tree..
My blog is a tree that has fallen in the forest. That's not your fault, it's mine. Apparently, I'm the only sole who has viewed my profile. Gee, it's lonely out here. I guess it would help if I "promoted" my blog a little bit. For instance, when I respond to someone else's well-written posting, I should write "and for another somewhat entertaining point of view, visit my blog at..." But that isn't fair to anyone.
I also need to get my frequency up. That's what she said, hahahaha! There is no shortage of things to write about. And if I shifted my writing time to when I'm not at work, I probably would have more time to write.
Writing at work...there's a deep subject. I work on commission, and I'm of the belief that I'm not really stealing from my company by taking time to write in my blog. I don't take breaks and seldom take a lunch, so I feel "justified" in taking 5-10 minutes once a week or so to type out a few thoughts. I'm only hurting myself and my family by not spending this time working.
I tend to inflict a lot of guilt on myself.
Usually by the end of each post, I re-commit to posting more. Hoping for more than once a week.
I also need to get my frequency up. That's what she said, hahahaha! There is no shortage of things to write about. And if I shifted my writing time to when I'm not at work, I probably would have more time to write.
Writing at work...there's a deep subject. I work on commission, and I'm of the belief that I'm not really stealing from my company by taking time to write in my blog. I don't take breaks and seldom take a lunch, so I feel "justified" in taking 5-10 minutes once a week or so to type out a few thoughts. I'm only hurting myself and my family by not spending this time working.
I tend to inflict a lot of guilt on myself.
Usually by the end of each post, I re-commit to posting more. Hoping for more than once a week.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Still Searching for a Candid-date
Well, we won't have Mike Ditka to push around anymore. I was hoping Da' Coach would have thrown his hat into the ring, if only to short-circuit the entire election process. Even though he is to the right of me politically, I had no doubt that the power of celebrity would have defeated the power of reason.
As noted in Frogblog last night, the Constitution is safe for now. Even though I'm a straight male Catholic, I don't see the need to amend the Constitution over Same Sex Marriage (SSM). If you care, scroll down to a post from a few months ago where I go on and on and on about SSM and how it really doesn't affect me, or the institution of marriage any more than divorce already has...in fact, I state that SSM may actually bolster the concept of MARRIAGE.
I have an important bid opening in one hour. so I must leave. At least I'm up to posting weekly, although my goal is to post more often.
The best blogs in blogworld remain ONE GOOD THING and FROGBLOG! If you looking for insightful (and inciteful) writing, go there. Right now. What are still doing here?
As noted in Frogblog last night, the Constitution is safe for now. Even though I'm a straight male Catholic, I don't see the need to amend the Constitution over Same Sex Marriage (SSM). If you care, scroll down to a post from a few months ago where I go on and on and on about SSM and how it really doesn't affect me, or the institution of marriage any more than divorce already has...in fact, I state that SSM may actually bolster the concept of MARRIAGE.
I have an important bid opening in one hour. so I must leave. At least I'm up to posting weekly, although my goal is to post more often.
The best blogs in blogworld remain ONE GOOD THING and FROGBLOG! If you looking for insightful (and inciteful) writing, go there. Right now. What are still doing here?
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Still have all my fingers
I am so far behind in commenting on what is going on, it stinks.
Jack Ryan: Hey buddy, I don't care about your sexual desires, just stop lying to me! Of course the allegations would be embarrassing to your son. Heck, they embarrass me. Just for the record, I asked my wife if we could go to a sex club and do the deed in front of strangers, and she said "no". That's good enough for me. No need to to fly her to exotic locales and ask the same question over and over. Jeri probably divorced you because you weren't a good listener, not because you wanted people to watch.
Dick Cheney and the "F" word: Big fuckin' deal. Like Senator Leahy hasn't heard or said fuck before. Get over it.
Bill Clinton's book: As much as I despise Bill as a man, I have admired his political skill. As a politician, he was the best that ever walked. Still, he's a bag of scum. There's no excuse for repeateded infidelity. Sure, it's between him and the Mrs. For the record, I've never respected philanderer's on a local level, either. Oh, yes, the book. Too long too read. Sorry, not interested. If he would have waited another 5-10 years, I think the perspective would have changed for the better.
Jack Ryan: Hey buddy, I don't care about your sexual desires, just stop lying to me! Of course the allegations would be embarrassing to your son. Heck, they embarrass me. Just for the record, I asked my wife if we could go to a sex club and do the deed in front of strangers, and she said "no". That's good enough for me. No need to to fly her to exotic locales and ask the same question over and over. Jeri probably divorced you because you weren't a good listener, not because you wanted people to watch.
Dick Cheney and the "F" word: Big fuckin' deal. Like Senator Leahy hasn't heard or said fuck before. Get over it.
Bill Clinton's book: As much as I despise Bill as a man, I have admired his political skill. As a politician, he was the best that ever walked. Still, he's a bag of scum. There's no excuse for repeateded infidelity. Sure, it's between him and the Mrs. For the record, I've never respected philanderer's on a local level, either. Oh, yes, the book. Too long too read. Sorry, not interested. If he would have waited another 5-10 years, I think the perspective would have changed for the better.
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