Friday, December 30, 2011

25 Lessons Learned In 2011

1. Never judge a book by it's cover - the old adage rings true.  Be it a company, a job, a person, or an actual book - what you see on the outside isn't always what you get on the inside, and sometimes what you find inside is a MAJOR disappointment.

2. Never compromise who you are - for anyone or anything.

3. "You never really change like they say, you only become more like yourself".  Thanks, Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction for that nugget.

4. Trust your instinct.  Gut.  Feeling.  Feelings.  They are more often right than wrong.

5. Don't dwell in gossip; jumping in that pot perpetuates it.  Stay above it and it will simply go away.

6. When you put something out there on social media and it's read - even by one person - it's engraved in stone.  While it can be deleted from the surface, it's always there.

7. Work for success rather than money.

8. Being happy where you work is way more important than the paycheck you bring home.

9. As Stephen Covey said, "The best way to predict your future is to create it".

10. As Jodi Picoult said in Keeping Faith, "The worst thing about endings is knowing that just ahead is the daunting task of starting over".

11. The Kardashian's, Teen Mom, Jersey Shore, House Wives of (Fill In The Blank), and other garbage reality television programs similar that have become focal points of daily conversation are seriously on the list of causes for our once great country falling apart at the seams...using the word "reality" for any of them is a joke in and of itself.

12. Forgiving is easy.  Forgetting isn't.

13. As Maya Angelou once said, "people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel".

14. Another Maya Angelou nugget, "you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back".

15. To paraphrase a Robert Frost quote, one thing is for sure about life - it goes on.

16. Most people never truly listen.

17. Don't rain on anyone's parade - we all have cruddy stuff we deal with daily.   No need to send out invites to your own little pity party. Revel in other's success, because success - as well as negativity - is contagious.

18. Be mindful of sharing your opinion just for the sake of being a dissenting voice.

19. Stop always looking for the answers...Stop always asking the heavy questions...Just be...Enjoy the here and now.

20. Say "Thank You" - daily.  It's a powerful and lasting phrase.

21. Don't straddle yourself with regret.

22. Give unconditionally - thoughts, encouragement, prayers, time, patience, friendship, love, service.  Everyone can use one or all, and any one of these simple things could be the lighthouse in someone's storm.

23. Take the time to learn the lessons from the challenges we face.

24. All any of us can do is put forth the right effort for the right intentions - we can pursue what is right for us...the results of the effort and intentions will fall as they will. Period.

25. When in doubt, always follow one simple rule - WWHBD - What Would Honey Badger Do?  http://youtu.be/4r7wHMg5Yjg  It'll never steer you wrong!

2011 - quite a year personally.  Looking forward to its quick exit and on to bigger and better things in 2012.

I'm not going to make resolutions.  I'm going to start revolutions.

Get on or get out of the way.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Fitting

The worst thing about endings is knowing that just ahead is the daunting task of starting over.” - Jodi Picoult, Keeping Faith

Fitting theme for dreaming it all up again...

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Dreaming It All Up Again

5 days 'til the jolly old elf comes to visit, Beatdowners!  Are you doing your part to stay on the "Nice" list???

As I stated in my final blog, I need to step away and dream it all up again. 

It's a process.

And I think part of the process can be incorporated into 2012's New Year's Resolutions.

Here's a few things...

Don't rain on anyone's parade - we all have cruddy stuff we deal with daily.  Some of us tend to wear the negativity like a tacky Christmas sweater - loud and proud.  It's okay to seek advice and solace with friends, but don't make it a daily routine to pee in someone's Cheerios when the cards aren't falling the way you hope.  No need to send out invites to your own little pity party.  Revel in other's success.  I'm a firm believer that success - as well as negativity - is contagious.

Let's face it - opinions are like buttholes - we all got 'em, and they all stink.  Sure, if someone asks your opinion, give it.  But be mindful of sharing your opinion just for the sake of being a dissenting voice. 

As I mentioned before - stop always looking for the answersStop always asking the heavy questionsJust beEnjoy the here and now.  Live each day as if it's the best day ever.  Live each day as if it is your last, because one day it will be; afterall, we are never promised tomorrow.  Stop solely enjoying the "remember that time" stories.  Stop solely enjoying the anticipation of the trip, the party, the whatever.  Just take it all in as it's happening and live in that minute!

Say "Thank You" - to co-workers, to friends, to family.  Daily.  Let go of bitterness.  It ages you, way more than you realize.  Being thankful and grateful to those around you doesn't cost anything, and could start a trend of paying it forward - wouldn't it be awesome to brighten someone's day with 2 simple little words?

Don't straddle yourself with regret.

Forgive.  Let go of grudges.  And most importantly, forgive yourself.  Pause, acknowledge, turn the page and move forward.

Give unconditionally - thoughts, encouragement, prayers, time, patience, friendship, love, service.  Everyone can use one (or all) of the above, and again, none cost anything.  And any one of these simply things could be THE very spark that someone needs to prevent them from throwing in the proverbial towel.  Any one of these simple things could serve as the lighthouse in someone's storm.  Any one of these could be the crutch we all need to lean on from time to time.

And a common thread throughout all of this message is take the time to learn the lessons from the challenges we face.  Once the lesson is learned, we adapt...dare I say we evolve.  Once the lesson is learned, the challenge can't burden us again.  We simply move around it, plow through it, or act as if it simply doesn't exist.

And by all means - share those lessons.

5 days until Christmas.  11 days until we ring in 2012.  Take an inventory of everything you have to be thankful for, for every gift you receive daily.  Granted, some may be harder to find and recognize - but if you look hard enough, they are there, standing in front of us in broad daylight.

Until next time...

Saturday, December 17, 2011

A Christmas Blog

Okay, so here's another blog entry, Beatdowners - composed completely from my iPhone (later edited from my 'puter)...I did say I may have a few quick one's about Christmas, so I'm entitled.

I'm not feeling the Christmas Spirit this year. Plain and simple.

Why?

The weather being more like Spring than late-Fall/early-Winter?

The horrible commercials showing parents one-up'ing Santa, destroying Littleheads dreams, wonderment, and believing?

The continuation and further commercialization of Christmas?

Not having a job?

Visiting with friends and family being far too infrequent?

The dread of having to drag the Littleheads out and about on Christmas day, rather than having it at my house, where I want it to be?

The lack of any Christmas tradition in my life (with the exception if hanging with my brother for a few pints on Christmas Eve, which looks as if it'll be derailed this year)?

One certainty - not attending Mass has 110% contributed.

Actually, it's safe to say that it's in part due to all of the above.

But there is one week left.  One week before Christmas.

I'm going to make the most of it to salvage some part of the Holiday Season - for me, for my family, and for any one else who wants to come along for the ride.

While Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus, it's also about joy, cheer, friends and family gathering, miracles, and Festivus!

Now to just find it...or better yet, now to just let it happen...

And if all else fails, I can fall back on the advice given by Buddy the Elf in the now-Christmas classic film Elf:

"The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear".

Monday, December 12, 2011

A Final Thought

Happy Monday, Beatdowners.

This is going to be my last blog of the year - well, my last blog besides maybe a few quick quips about CHRISTmas...this one is it...a final thought.

As some of you know, I've been out of a job since October 25th.  I've ran the gamut of emotions - anger, fear, worry, relief.  I've been actively looking - a few leads.  Some disappointments.  Reaching out to my network.  The usual cycle.

I have a decent support system, if you will, around me - could always use extra words of encouragement, extra assurance that everything will be okay...but I'm getting through.

During my time off, I've looked inwards and learned a few things...a few that I want to share...

1. I won't compromise my values or beliefs for anyone, for anything.  Matt Stone will always be Matt Stone.  And I'm perfectly fine with that.

2. All any of us can do is put forth the right effort for the right intentions - we can pursue what is right for us...the results of the effort and intentions will fall as they will.  Period.

3. All of us want answers - not the "Where are my dang keys" or "What are we getting up to tonight" kind of answers - I'm talking about answer about life, our ultimate purpose, our place in the grand scheme of things. 

Anyhow, I'm pretty sure that we have to first take a look at our questions before looking for the tangible answers; I say that because I'm pretty sure that the source of both the question and the answer is the same. 

The source is US, as individuals.

However, I've also come to find out - especially over the last two-plus years - that sometimes the most prudent move is to stop looking for the answers....stop asking the questions...just enjoy the moment, the now...just "be".

4. Life is all about growth - experiencing life fuels that growth.  Growth (in terms of life) is sort of like climbing a staircase; at some point, we all reach a landing - a comfortable spot.  And we stop climbing when we should be moving to the next step and the one after that - you know, to continue growing (sorry for all the philosophical stuff!).

I think I've gotten a little too comfortable.

I've had a lot of fun, a lot of anguish, a lot of love, a lot of loss, a lot of mistakes, and a lot of triumphs over the past few years.  To all my friends and family, near and far, here and departed, THANKS for coming along for the ride with me. 

I don't really know what all of this rambling is or what it all means, but as 2011 comes to a close, as the Christmas Season kicks into high gear, I feel like it's the end of something for yours truly. 

I fully intend to get my Christmas celebrations and New Year celebrations on to the fullest; sort of make each moment a party for myself, if you will. 

Now don't fret, it's no big deal - this isn't a cry for help or anything remotely bad...

I think I just need to step away for a moment, and dream it all up again...

Until then - thanks for reading and stay tuned.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

"That Guy"

Happy Humpday, Beatdowners.

I decided to take a break from my job search for a bit today - I ventured up to the Barnes and Noble in Ellicott City hoping to find a book I heard about - "The Breath of God", by Jeffery Small.

I find the book, buy it, and decide to read for a bit while the tiling of the master and hall bath gets finished up at home.

This Barnes and Noble has a Starbucks - so I decide to enjoy a Grande Decaf with Skim Milk and 3 Splenda.

I sit down, crack open the novel and blaze through 11 chapters, all the while sipping on the Starbucks coffee.

Then it hit me.

I was "that guy".

Trendy.

Yuppie.

Sickened at the mere thought of being "that guy", I wrap up the chapter, polish off the coffee, and quickly exit the store.  I hop into my VW Jetta, select a playlist from my iPod nano, and head home to my townhouse in suburban Pasadena.

The song queued up on the nano?  "Caring Is Creepy" by The Shins.

Holding on to my last ounce of self respect, I won't continue this blog.

I suppose it could have been worse - I could have been reading from a Nook eReader.

Perhaps I can do that after Christmas.

Until next time - stay hip.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Too AWESOME Not To Share

Happy Monday, Beatdowners!

I saw this one on a friend's Facebook page - it's simply too good to NOT share.  I think we could all use a little pick-me-up every now and again; this one will come in handy for me, that's for certain!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit -
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It might be near when it seems afar,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Dark and Twisted

Happy Tuesday Beatdowners...

I again have been slacking.  It's been a crappy few months - perhaps if I had used this platform as a sounding board, it could have been easier than persistently internalizing everything.

I digress.  My mood isn't the bestest.  It will pass.  Always does.  However, I'm stewing a bit in this dark and twisted mood.  Watching awesomely epic flicks - Fight Club, Pulp Fiction, The Dark Knight...

I came across one of my all-time favorite movie quotes that I decided to share with you all.  It comes from the 2008 Christopher Nolan film, The Dark Knight - you know, the Batman movie in which the late Heath Ledger stole the show with his role as The Joker...a conversation between Albert and Bruce Wayne...Albert is talking about when he was younger on an expedition in Burma and his group encountered a man that stole jewels from their caravan...and never traded or sold them...he's comparing that person with Batman's latest nemesis, the Joker...
 Because some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn...
Indeed.

Monday, October 10, 2011

How To Kill A Vampire - A Bet Lost

So a coworker told me today that you can kill a vampire with a silver bullet.

"HA!  You silly fool - everyone knows only a stake through the heart kills a vampire.  It's a werewolf that requires a silver bullet", I proclaim.

"Nay", she says.  "A silver bullet can cause the demise of the living dead bloodsuckers".

"I'll bet you a dollar", I retort.

"Done", she steadfastly answers.

After some intense investigations, I'm short a dollar, and gladly much more wise...you know, in the event I ever have an encounter with a Nosferatu.

Per Ask Mystic Investigations - the OBVIOUS leading source for all things supernatural as well as all things in the nefarious underworld of human evil...

The following 10 methods have proved reliable in the eradication of the vampire menace:

1. Vampire Death By Fire: Vampires will not burn easily using conventional flames since their paranormal body provides protection from a variety of environmental factors. Simply touching them with a flaming torch won’t set them ablaze. A good dousing in gasoline or even better, garlic oil, will send that pesky vamp straight to hell in a magnificent fiery inferno. For a speedy end to a vampire you will need special holy flames, sometimes called holy fire. These are holy cleansing flames blessed by the Priest of any religion in the name of their God(s), or Goddesses(s). Christian Priests generally produce the most powerful holy fire due to the widespread belief in Christianity. Most likely you’d have a Priest bless a torch of normal fire blessed and then go into battle with a vampire. You can light other people’s torches and their flames will be holy as well.

2. Vampire Extinction By Sunlight: Sunlight has always been the number one weakness. A weakness that keeps them confined to the darkness of the night cowering away at first light of dawn. Exposure to sunlight causes them to burst into flames and die. The more sunlight the quicker it will happen. Depending on their age and power they may be able to withstand a certain amount of sunlight and will only smoke during that period of time. You will need to trick them into the sunlight, or use mirrors in a clever manner. You can also capture them and shackle them outdoors until sunrise. Just be sure to use silver shackles or hang religious artifacts on them. Tying them to a holy cross would work as well so they don’t escape. See number 8 about religious artifacts below. There’s also some anecdotal evidence that has claimed that some powerful wizards, and sorcerers can conjure up a mini sun to duplicate the suns rays. However this is quite dangerous and left only to the magic pros.

3. Vampire Termination By Blood: A little known method of killing vampires is to somehow get them to ingest certain types of blood, or inject it within them. The only two types of blood known to instantly kill a vampire in any quantity is Angel blood and Sasquatch (Bigfoot) blood. Both of which are nearly impossible to come by. The odds of an Angel taking physical form are beyond rare although the vampire will be drawn to it without reason and will sink it’s fangs within it’s holy body. The holy cleansing blood of the Angel will kill the supernatural vampire virus that is intertwined with it’s DNA. It’s unlikely they’d go after a Bigfoot, however if you’re able to get some Sasquatch blood you can either trick them into drinking it or inject it into them with a silver syringe. A normal syringe won’t penetrate vampire skin. Also the silver syringe itself isn’t big enough to cause any serious ill effects. It is also known that zombie blood is poisonous to vampires so they’d never drink of their rotted living dead corpses. Angel and Bigfoot blood only requires mere drops to kill while zombie blood demands you to inject the entire syringe full within them. The same goes for dead human blood which is also a poison to vampires. Tricking a vampire into drinking deceased human blood is probably the easiest termination by blood method there is if the human just died recently. In fact the blood of other dead paranormal beings will have the same effect as well. Unfortunately this doesn’t apply to animal blood. Creating tranquilizer darts with silver tips filled with the blood types mentioned above would also be an excellent delivery system for vampire eradication. Although it might take multiple shots to get enough into them when it comes to zombie or dead human blood.

4. Vampire Eradication By Injection: As mentioned above you can inject various types of blood with a silver syringe. You can also inject silver into them. It’s not likely you’ll be able to fill a syringe with 1763 °F molten silver but you can use high concentrated colloidal silver to get the same job done. You can also inject them with pure garlic oil which will cause a slow painful death. The tranquilizer dart gun method mentioned previously would work as well.

5. Vampire Extermination By Silver: As mentioned above colloidal silver and molten silver will kill a vampire. As will silver bullets, silver swords, silver knives, and silver stakes. Silver, specifically colloidal silver, has been known for ages as a bodily cleanser and cure for many ailments in the mortal world of humans. It seems that silver also has the same effect in the paranormal world to varying degrees. Although it doesn’t cure a blood sucking beast of his vampirism. Instead it acts as a living dead Kryptonite of sorts. **THE SILVER BULLET ON COSTING ME A DOLLAR**

6. Vampire Annihilation By Stake: The most famous method of killing a vampire has always been the trusted wooden stake. Any sturdy wood formed into a pointed stake will be able to penetrate the vulnerable spot over the vampires heart. Once the heart is punctured by the wooden stake, it must be left in for a number of seconds or even minutes before he or she dies. Depending on the ancient nature and power of the vampire they may last for varying amounts of time but once it’s in they are virtually paralyzed and won’t be able to remove it. The death will be quite agonizing. The most effective wood stake is that fashioned out of hickory. The stronger the wood, the easier the penetration, and the quicker the death will be. If you’re looking for an instant death then try the silver stake mentioned above.

7. Vampire Death By Beheading: Removing a vampires head by any means will cause death to fall upon him. This has always been a trusted technique for the extermination of all immortal beings. A strong steal sword, preferably silver plated, will take the head of any vampire nicely. Some how tricking it into a guillotine or onto a rail road track as a train roars forth is another option.

8. Vampire Destruction By Religious Artifacts: All religious artifacts from ancient religions to Christianity have varying repellent powers when it comes to vampires. However if you can somehow get it to ingest some of the artifact, or stake them with it, then they will die. This includes religious texts such as Bibles, along with other things like crosses, crucifixes, Jesus statues, etc. The power of these artifacts comes from the collective consciousness of the human masses believing in a certain religion. This is made possible since the foundation of our reality and magic in general is pure thought. Since Christianity is the most believed in religion, it’s artifacts are the most effective at repelling and killing.

9. Vampire Expiration By Holy Water: Holy Water is formed when a priest of any religion blesses normal water in the name of their God(s), or Goddess(s). This is another religious artifact that repels vampires but if you trick them into ingesting, or inject them with holy water then it’s burst into hellish unholy fire time. The death will be slow and beyond excruciating which would be perfect for a vampire who may have mercilessly tormented you and your loved ones. If you want an instant death then find a way to dunk them into a body of holy water. A Priest should have the power to bless a large tank or even a small pond. For larger bodies of water it may take a number of Priests to create holy lakes or seas.

10. Vampire Death By Magic: This method of vampirical death is only possible for those who practice the various magical arts whether they be witches, warlocks, wizards, sorcerers, or some manner of magical being. Vampires may be the hunter when it comes to human prey but in the paranormal world they aren’t Gods, and sometimes they can end up being the prey for beings more powerful than themselves or humans who possess knowledge of magic. All vampires on Earth are born beholden to a magical global curse that denies them entry into any private home without first receiving an invitation. This is where their vulnerability to magic begins and allows for various creative spells and potions to eradicate them along with those whose bodies are imbued with active magical powers which usually encompass the various forms of Psychokinesis. In light of the magic threat some vampires learn defensive magic. However higher powers that dispense magics generally shun vampires and therefore the ones who know magic are the ones who practiced it while still human. In addition, very ancient vampires of the first generations have some immunity to magic just as they have some immunity to the various method of vampire murder mentioned on this page. Luckily the odds are slim you would run across one of them.

I hope this helps in your continued fight against all that is Unholy.

Until next time...

Thursday, October 6, 2011

"Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish."

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.  Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking.  Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.  And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.  They somehow already know what you truly want to become.  Everything else is secondary".

Steve Jobs, 6/12/05, Stanford Commencement Address.

Stay Hungry.  Stay Foolish.

R.I.P., Mr. Jobs.  And thank you.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

CONVICTION

Happy Hump Day, Beatdowners...

Easing back into blogging.  Throwing a few quick ones out there, seeing what sticks.

Conviction - a belief or opinion that is held firmly.

Sometimes, conviction isn't the easiest thing to have.

Sometimes conviction leads us - one and all - to bash our shins into the proverbial "Stumbling Blocks" that pop up during the AWESOMENESS that is life's journey.

The journey is never on a clearly defined path, and the path is never, E-E-EVER narrow.  The journey meanders through increasingly broad lifescapes, and every gate or door we come across is a lot wider than we think...and a lot wider than some hope it to be for us.

All the dirt that soils us during the journey - my journey, your journey, OUR journey - doesn't ever disqualify us from passing through the gates or the doors. 

Conviction.  Never lose it.  And if you don't have it now, it's never too late to find it.

Until next time...

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Fitting

Fitting - especially today.

"Rhetoric is a poor substitute for action, and we have trusted only to rhetoric. If we are really to be a great nation, we must not merely talk; we must act big."

Theodore Roosevelt

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

I suck

Greetings and salutations, fellow Beatdowners.

Two words - I SUCK.

I've been neglecting the blog for far too long - I've neglected you all from my epic, stellar, and awesome ruminations, revelations, and assorted lagniappe.

I've missed talking about hurricanes, earthquakes, and comets, oh my!

I've done a disservice to you all by not inserting my two cents on the potential government shutdown months ago.

I've failed you all.

Have no fear, though - the rants shall continue, the entries will become more frequent.

We have quite a bit of catching up to do.

Stay tuned.

Until next time, you stay classy.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Facts

The time of partisan politics has come and gone.

The time for big, expensive government has come and gone.

The time for lobbyists, big money, special interest groups, and the almighty dollar dictating policy in Washington has come and gone.

The time for political theater has come and gone.

The time for sound byte politics has come and gone.

The time for the politicians in DC to listen to the PEOPLE is NOW.

The time for a true government OF THE PEOPLE and BY THE PEOPLE - is NOW.

The time for true change (not just a feel-good campaign slogan) is NOW.

We the People can.  We the People will.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

A Quick One

Happy Thursday, Beatdowners.

A quick one from my iPhone (still get a kick out of being able to blog from this thing!)...

To paraphrase and downright steal some words from Aung San Suu Kyi (Burmese opposition politician and General Secretary of the National League for Democracy)...

When we raise our voices, we can be heard in America; we can be heard around the world.  Our voices are louder than any rock band, any army, any rocket fired, any fighter jet.

Our voices are the future; the voices of reason, equality, and justice.

We are not bistandards in our own history...every one of us writes a story that will be told.

The struggle may take time, but if we demand it, CHANGE will come.

This year, America will be the home to over 310 million people...but to bring about change, it starts with just ONE person.

ONE.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The Budget Mess

No greetings, no frivolity today.

Just an honest to God question for our representatives down in Washington DC...WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!?!?!?

As everyone is seeing on the news, the United States government will - for the FIRST TIME in our great country's history - DEFAULT on our loans if our representatives don't come up with a deficit-reduction plan that would allow us to increase our debt ceiling prior to August 2nd.

Just what we need as a country - more debt.

Anyhow, the political theatre is grandiose.

You have Republicans balking at tax hikes.

You have Democrats balking at entitlement cuts.

You have the president saying Social Security checks won't come out in August.

You have Senator McConnell saying a "real solution" to the U.S. debt problem was unlikely while President Obama was in office.

You have re-election bids determining the solvency of America, on both sides of the isle.

This is bullsh*t, folks. 

We are closing in on torches and pitchforks time, don't you think?

Who the Hell do these people think they are?

Seriously...this is as bad as it gets.

Say we all default on our loans...what happens to us?  We lose everything; our house, our car, our credit scores for any future purchases...

What happens if the government defaults?  We get screwed.  The millionaires in Congress and the White House stay rich.  Stay employed.  Stay housed.  Stay fed.

What's it going to take for the great populace to realize some painful truths?

Federal government spending MUST be cut...entitlement programs included.

The size of the federal government MUST be trimmed (i.e., all the Congressional staffers that aren't essential must be cut). 

Hell, have Congress and the President NOT collect a paycheck - that'd help some!

Taxes HAVE to be increased.

Spending MUST be cut.

While preserving freedom across the world is important, it's time to put as many of our resources as humanly possible to fix our homeland.

Cut the red tape.

Cut the politics.

Term limits would help.

Do what's right for the people.  Not what's right for your re-election bid.  Not for what's right for the lobbyist group that funds your entertainment, your car, etc.

To all elected officials in DC - DO NOT default on our loans...and if you do, I pray that everyone wakes up and defaults on you.

Realize it folks - WE THE PEOPLE CAN.  WE THE PEOPLE WILL.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Things I'm Digging Today

It's Tuesday, Beatdowners - the day with absolutely ZERO redeeming qualities...

But I gotta find something to be positive about, so here is a list of stuff I'm digging today...

1. I'm going to see U2 tomorrow at M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.  Really, it doesn't get much better than that. 

 - Or does it? -

2. I'm going to be in Federal Hill pre-gaming for said U2 concert and celebrating the most excellent Shannon R.'s 7th Anniversary of her 25th Birthday...by 2pm.

3. Hurricane Henderson is blowing in from Jacksonville for a stay with the Stone's to wreak epic awesomeness until 6/26.

 - Sh*t's gettin' real! -

4. The smell of fresh McDonald's french fries.

5. Spaghetti and Meatball burritos - my 4 year old's invention that are ridiculously good.

6. "Helena Beat" by Foster the People.

7. Maryland Crab Soup from Seaside, either location - the Dena or Glen Burnie.

8. Nailing a $10,000 sale...as the Purchasing Manager.

9. My "Power Desk" in my office at home - it's big, it's bulky, it looks important...I dig it, but I must get rid of it and make a more efficient use of the space.  All good though - it has served its purpose.

10. The Blarney Stone's, where I'm sure a large amount of time will be spent over the remainder of the week.

That's quite a list for a suck day like Tuesday...

Really looking forward to tomorrow, but pretty damn thankful for today, too.

I can dig it.

Until next time...

Monday, June 13, 2011

Hey LeBron - You're an Ass

Happy Monday, Beatdowners!

Congrats go out Dirk and the Mavs on their improbable NBA Title win last night!  I'm by no means a fan of the NBA, but I was pulling for them - actually, I was pulling for ANYONE but Miami and "King James"...well, them and the Lakers, since Kobe is a piece of crap, too.

Back to LeBron...

He had the balls to post the following Tweet today - "The greater man upstairs knows when it is my time. Right now isn’t the time."

So God chose for the Mavs to win, and not LeBron and the Heat.

Seriously, LeBron?

While I can say I don't personally "know" God (I do believe in Him...we just don't "hang out", per say), I'm fairly certain that He isn't too concerned about who wins what sporting event...at least I don't think so.

Why?

Well when I look around the world, I see and read reports that there are AT LEAST one billion people in the world that are hungry, countless millions below the proverbial poverty line, there are quite a few deadly conflicts in various regions of the world, and every time I turn on the news, there is another natural disaster that people are trying to contend with. 

LeBron James is a great basketball player, don't get me wrong.  He'll probably go down in history as one of the all time greats.  But that Tweet proved he doesn't have the HEART of a champion...or as I saw in another article today, someone said he doesn't have the "the ability for correct introspection".

At least in his Tweet, LeBron had one thing right - God certainly is greater of the two.

Is God so much a Mavericks fan that he specifically decided it wasn't LeBron's time?  Is God partial to Dirk?  Was God rooting against the Heat?

Not the God I believe in.  I really hope He has more important things to worry about and intercede in.

Everyone should thank God for things that matter - you know...your health, your family, opportunity...but not for sports victories.  I've played sports - I've prayed to win.  But I didn't blame God when I didn't. 

LeBron needs to man up, admit that the better TEAM won, look deep inside himself and figure out how he could improve as a player...face it, he choked in the fourth quarter of each game in the series. 

And more importantly than that, he needs to find HEART...because he has none. 

He's classless. 

He's a megalomaniac. 

He's an ass.

What gives me the right to say all of this?

Last time I checked, I have as many NBA Championships as LeBron.

Until next time...

Monday, June 6, 2011

Foster the People Performs "Helena Beat"



Happy Monday, Beatdowners - I got to get back to a more regular cycle of blogging - I know I've missed some blog-worthy news stories, some general silliness, and obviously some awesomeness...I'll work on getting better with posting.

I have to share this one and spread this brand of awesome...it's too good not to.

Foster The People with their tune "Helena Beat".

This song makes me happy...makes me feel good...it's going to be on heavy rotation on my iPod(s) this Summer, that's for certain.

And is it just me, or do they look like they are having a blast jamming this one?

I give it a 4.25 out of 5 on the EPIC AWESOME scale.

Until next time...

Get at it.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Holy Sh*tballz..."End To The Lies"

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Friday, Beatdowners!

**PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED**
**MATURE THEMES & BAD LANGUAGE BELOW**

So I'm behind the times - back on April 7, Jane's Addiction released a new single..."End To The Lies".  It's going to be included on their forthcoming album, The Great Escape Artist.

Anyhow, the song is a bitch-slap of truth. 

It's a swift kick in the balls. 

It's everything you'd expect from Perry Farrell and Jane's Addiction.

The song starts innocently enough...a funky bass and high hat combo...a straight, funky groove...

Then it happens...

Perry's voice rips into your soul. 

Dave Navarro's guitar howls in the distance like a wolf yearning for a meal...or a mate.

The song is the FUCK YOU you've always wanted to say to the nay sayers.

"You never really change like they say,
Oh, you'll only become more like yourself"

The song is the FUCK YOU to those that have talked shit behind your back to make themselves look good to others.

"You talk about me so much,
That I think that you're in love with me,
Yea, you do, it's true man, you're busted,
You talk about me to your friends,
Or anyone with time to listen"


This song is the smut on the floor of the awesome bar in the really seedy part of town.

This song is the primal lust that hangs in the air of that bar.

This song is taking "that girl"...the one you want in your dreams, the one you'd never take home to mom, the one you just want to get Medieval with...into the bathroom stall of that bar and having at it, all the while hoping your significant other doesn't walk in and catch you in your moment of unadulterated, filthy lust.

This song is the sweat that entwines two lovers as they get dirty with each other.

This song is everything you have WANTED to do, but that little voice in your head prevents you from doing.

"Now you,
You were the foreskin,
I was the real head,
You were the foreskin"

This is the song that you need to stop what you are doing, log on to iTunes, and download.  Right now.

This song is "End To The Lies" by the incomparable Jane's Addiction.

Until next time...

"He thought he knew me back in the day,
When I was down but now I'm still flying"

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Wicked Awesomeness

**REPRINTED WITHOUT PERMISSION**

Elvis Ate America - U2, performing as Passengers

Elvis...white trash,
Elvis...the Memphis flash,
Elvis...didn't smoke hash,
Would've been a sissy without Johnny Cash.

Elvis...didn't dodge the draft,
Elvis...had his own aircraft,
Elvis...having a laugh,
On the Lisa Marie in a colour photograph.

Elvis...under the hood,
Elvis...with Cadillac blood,
Elvis...darling bud,
Flowered and returned to the Mississippi mud.

Elvis...ain't gonna rot,
Elvis...in a Memphis plot,
Elvis...he didn't hear the shot,
And Dr. King died just across the lot from...

Elvis...vanilla ice cream,
Elvis...girls of fourteen,
Elvis...the Memphis spleen,
Shooting TVs reading Corinthians 13.

Elvis...with God on his knees,
Elvis...owned three TVs,
Elvis...here come the killer bees,
Head full of honey potato chips and cheese.

Elvis...the bumper stickers,
Elvis...the white knickers,
Elvis...the white nigger,
Ate at king burger and just kept getting bigger.

Elvis...sang to win,
Elvis...the battle hymn,
Elvis...the battle to be slim,
Elvis ate America before America ate him.

Elvis...

Elvis...stamps.
Elvis...necromance.
Elvis...fans.
Elvis...psychophants.
Elvis...the public enemy.
Elvis...don't mean shit to Chuck D.
Elvis...changed the center of gravity,
Made it slippy.

Elvis...Hitler.
Elvis...Nixon.
Elvis...Christ.
Elvis...Mishima.
Elvis...Markus.
Elvis...Jackson.
Elvis...the pelvis.
Elvis...the psalmist.
Elvis...the genius.
Elvis...generous.
Elvis...forgive us.
Elvis...pray for us.
Elvis...Aaron.
Elvis...Presley.

Elvis...

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A List of Ten Things I'm Digging Today

Happy Tuesday, Beatdowners!

It's been a hot minute since I put a blog up, and feel like I'm depriving the masses from my epic and awesome revelations, ruminations, and assorted lagniappe...so here's a quick one for y'all.

Great quote from the 80's classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off..."Life moves pretty fast - if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it".

Ain't that the truth?!?!?

So as I was getting my grub on at dinner tonight, I started thinking about some of the stuff I'm digging at this very moment in time.

I narrowed it down to 10, and they're not in any particular order.

1. Drinking beers at the most awesome of bars, The Blarney Stone's.
2. Grilled asparagus.
3. My iPhone 4, from which I am posting this entire entry in The BeatdownBlog.
4. "Chicken Fried" by the Zac Brown Band.
5. Sunshine & mid-70's.
6. My family & friends; the ones that are close, those with whom it's been awhile, those no longer with us...all of 'em are kickass.
7. My playlist Seven Days in Sunny June, which reminds me of an epic visit from the one & only Hurricane Henderson.
8. "#41" by Dave Matthews Band...specifically the live version on their album Europe (2009).
9. Kellog's Apple Jacks.
10. Being AWESOME.

That's all I got at the moment.

Until next time...

Monday, May 2, 2011

An Interesting One...Forwarded By My Aunt

Happy Monday, Beatdowners!

So Bin Laden is no more - I'm against celebrating any person's death, but I'm glad the mission started by President Bush and carried on with Secretary Gates and President Obama has been accomplished.

I hope anyone that has ideas of attacking our country realize that we will not stand for it, and no matter how long it takes, we will find you, and justice will be served.

I opened my e-mail this morning and found a good one from my wonderful Aunt Janet, and thought it too good to not share...

A young woman was about to finish her first year of college.  Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be very liberal, and among other liberal ideals, was very much in favor of more government programs, and a basic redistribution of wealth.

She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch conservative, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his.

One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the need for more government programs.

The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father.

He responded by asking how she was doing in school.

Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn't even have time for a boyfriend, and didn't really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying.

Her father listened and then asked, "How is your friend Audrey doing?"

She replied, "Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is so popular on campus; college for her is a blast. She's always invited to all the parties and lots of times she doesn't even show up for classes because she's too hung over."

Her father asked, "Why don't you go to the Dean's office and ask him to deduct 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA."

The daughter, visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, angrily fired back, "That's a crazy idea, how would that be fair! I've worked really hard for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She played while I worked my tail off!"

The father slowly smiled, winked, and said gently, "Welcome to the conservative side of the fence."

If you ever wondered what side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test!

If a conservative doesn't like guns, they don't buy one. If a liberal doesn't like guns, they wants all guns outlawed.

If a conservative is a vegetarian, they doesn't eat meat. If a liberal is a vegetarian, they want all meat products banned for everyone.

If a conservative is down-and-out, they think about how to better their situation. If a liberal is down-and-out, they wonders who is going to take care of them.

If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, they switch channels. If a liberal doesn't like a talk show host, they demand that those host's shows should be be shut down.

If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. If a liberal is a non-believer, they want any mention of God and religion silenced...unless it's a foreign religion, of course; and then they will fight for that groups rights!

If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. If a liberal decides they need health care, they demand the rest of us pay for theirs.

If a conservative reads this, he'll forward it so their friends can have a good laugh. when a liberal reads this, they'll pick it apart, talk bad about how posted or forwarded it, and say that it's "offensive".

Their is a happy medium, Beatdowners.

Do you part to meet their, today and every day.

Until next time...

Friday, April 15, 2011

Friday PSA

Happy Friday, Beatdowners!

This Public Service Announcement brought to you thanks in part to throngs of women in the greater Pasadena and Glen Burnie areas, their excursions on the town (that sometimes make their Jersey Shore heroes look like amatuers), and their Facebook or MySpace pictures.

Speaking as the silent majority, NO ONE wants to see your muffin top.


NO ONE wants to see your belly that shows your familiarity with the most excellent combination of barley, wheat, hops, and delicious alcohol.


Look at yourself in the mirror before you venture out for a night on the town, be it in the Dena, Glen Burnie, "Naptown", "Fed", or "Fells". 

If you MUST wear a shirt that is obviously not right for your figure (probably in hopes of showing off your boobs in an effort to attract a man - and trust me, you'll surely get a winner if that's your only charm), at least get one to cover the gut.

Additionally, get some pants that fit - no need to squeeze into pants that look like they are painted on (again in hopes of attracting a man with the shape/size of your badonkadonk), which in turn will unquestionably create the aforementioned muffin top and beer belly.

Don't get me wrong - women with curves are 100x more appealing IMO than the stickly figures that grace the cover of so many magazines...but most have something that a vast majority of women in this neck of the woods that go out to party don't have, and that's CLASS.

CLASS.  Try some.

Until next time...
1. Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times.
2. Have an awesome, kick-ass day.

TGIF!

Monday, April 11, 2011

U2 360°

Happy Monday from a beautiful day here in Maryland, Beatdowners!

Anyone that knows me is well aware of me being a huge fan of U2 - I have been ever since I can remember.  I'm anxiously awaiting their 360° Tour to land at M&T Bank Stadium on June 22nd - only 72 days away!

Anyhow, the tour currently has the lads from Ireland in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  They played there on the 9th and again last night, and they have one more show schedule for the 13th.

Last night's set list is amazing, and hoping to see and hear a similar one in June...

They opened up with the energizing Even Better Than The Real Thing (from their EPIC album Achtung Baby).

Next came Out Of Control (from their debut album Boy), making it's first appearance on a set list for this tour - prior to last night it hadn't been played since December, 2006.

They then jammed two of my favorites from No Line On The Horizon, Get On Your Boots and Magnificent.

Mysterious Ways came next, followed by Elevation, Until The End Of The World, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, and Pride (In The Name Of Love).

They played a new song (from their upcoming yet-to-be-named release) called North Star, and followed that one up with Beautiful Day and Miss Sarajevo (wasn't a big fan of this one live when I saw them on the How To Dismantle an Atomic Bomb tour).

Next up - Zooropa.  WOW.  That's one I would LOVE to see live.  This was the first time they ever played the full version, as the other 3 times they ever played it they began the song at the verse that starts off, "And I have no compass...".  The last time they played this one live in any capacity prior to this show was WAY back in August of 1993.  Really hoping this one makes the list in Baltimore, it's one of my favorite tracks from one of my favorite U2 albums.

Then came City Of Blinding LightsVertigoI'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy TonightSunday Bloody Sunday, Scarlet (from October), and finally Walk On.

For encores, they played OneWhere The Streets Have No Name, Ultra Violet (Light My Way), With Or Without You, and closed with Moment of Surrender.

Quite a show, if you ask me.  The only songs I didn't see on here that would make it even more awesome is my 2 all time favorite U2 songs, New Year's Day and Drowning Man.

Looking forward to the show in Baltimore...it will be MAGNIFICENT, a bit OUT OF CONTROL, and a BEAUTIFUL DAY for sure!

Until next time...

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Sunday Morning Randoms, Completely From My iPhone

Top of the morning, Beatdowners!

I'm writing this one entirely from my iPhone. A virtual computer that I can hold in one hand...amazing how far technology has come in my lifetime.

So here is some complete and total randomness. Take it for what it's worth...

Political conversations with people who believe their way is the only way & whoever differs in opinion is wrong can be so trying. I don't even know why I engage in them.

The blinders people put on re: politics, be it friends, family, or elected officials drives a majority of problems our country has. Working together, compromise, being open to differing opinions...knowing that sacrifices must be made...crossing party lines...that's what we must have; without it, our country is doomed.

$0.68 of every tax dollar our government collects is used for entitlement programs. I'm all for helping people get back on their feet, and think the general purpose behind the entitlement programs are necessary; however, they MUST be reformed. No one is entitled to have a free ride.

$0.41 of every dollar our government spends is borrowed; I sure hope the lenders don't come calling the debt...if so, bye-bye USA.

Hearing the little dudes (and their folks) call me "coach" for CYLA lacrosse is one of the neatest feelings in the world.

Why doesn't my iPhone battery hold a longer charge?!?!?

I think I've mentioned this before, but Mumford & Sons has restored my faith in music.

Watching someone morph into a troll (sorry for the Sheen-isms; but I find them hysterical), especially someone I was tight with, isn't fun.

I'm in the mood to sit at a bar & listen to some tunes and have some good conversation today; all day. Who's with me???

BSSC football games are canceled today because of wet fields; that sucks...playing football in the mud would be wicked cool.

I hate the fact that I give & give, be it advice, help, opinions, picking up tabs, an ear to bend, a shoulder to cry on, etc., and get sh*t on in return; the ONLY thing I want in return from anyone is respect.

The South got pummeled with baseball sized hail; imagine taking one of those to the dome...OUCH!

Stink bugs suck.

The O's are off to a great start...hoping the keep up the intensity and competitiveness all the way through the season...could be a lot of fun to watch!

I watched a "rockumentary" about the Foo Fighters last night on VH-1 - I've always liked the band, from day 1...but my respect for them grew 100 fold after watching the show.  Excited for their new album coming out Tuesday (4/12/11).

Equally excited for the new Beastie Boys album due out 5/3/11 - HOT SAUCE COMMITTEE PART TWO.

Off for another week - looking forward ti getting back in the game...chomping at the bit ready to come out swinging.

Hoping for some Sunday Funday activities - I'm bored out of my freakin' mind.

Until next time...

Thursday, April 7, 2011

"Actions Speak Louder Than Words"

Happy Thursday, Beatdowners.

So I saw a status updated on Facebook that got me thinking about the origin of some sayings, a ton about hypocrisy (considering who posted the saying), and a ton more about the idiosyncrasies of certain people (of which I won't get into in this public forum).

So to the point, then..."Actions speak louder than words".

We've all heard and/or read that saying a million times before.

Where did it come from?

I did a little digging and came up with this:
  • The 16th-century French writer Michel de Montaigne is usually given props for coming up with the saying when in one of his essays he wrote, "Saying is one thing and doing is another".
  • Before him, St. Francis of Assisi (the dude that founded the Franciscan Order of friars in the Catholic Church) had been credited with saying, "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary"; essentially, he's saying always do good deeds, and speak of doing good deeds only when necessary.
Pretty neat little factoids, if you are a geek like me.

Anyhow, do actions speak louder than words?

In this bloggers opinion, ABSO-FRIGGIN'-LUTELY.

Actions unquestionably "prove" things better...more clearly. 

Actions show who a person is, where their head is, and where their heart is; most importantly, actions show an individuals genuineness.  
 
Far too often, people say they will do something, say they want to do something, promise this, that, and the other, but they don't follow through.  They say whatever sounds good at the time to appease the masses, to avoid conflict, to be "safe", and/or to hold on to something or someone that benefits them.
 
That's bullsh*t.  That's cowardly.  That shows what they are inside, and that ain't pretty.
 
You have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
 
Life is too short to not be honest.  Life's too short not to tell it like it is.  And the world is full of bullsh*t - don't add to the heap.
 
If you say you are going to do something, DO IT.
If you have no intentions, be honest about it - don't lead people on, don't lie, don't create a powder keg that 100% guaranteed will blow up in your face one day; while you may hurt someones feelings by being blunt and brutally honest up-front, you'll prevent many more sticky situations, hard feelings, and poor opinions being formed of you in the long run...opinions that will always be in others minds no matter what.
 
Trust me, I'm talking from experience.
 
That's all I got.
 
Get out there and climb another rung on the ladder of AWESOMENESS today.
 
Make it count.
 
Follow through on something you said you were going to do and haven't yet.
 
Until next time...

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The Budget Mess

I'm worried, Beatdowners.

The budget fiasco in DC right now and pending government shutdown underscores a very simpe and very undeniable truth - if our government continues to spend at the current rate, we're done for.  It will cause an economic tsunami that will cripple this country for decades.

Take a look at this article...

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/05/opinion/05brooks.html?_r=1

Some highlights...
  • Last fall, the Simpson-Bowles Deficit Commission released a report on how to avoid an economic catastrophe; the report got the attention of various think tanks and government offices who suddenly were overflowing with proposals to reduce debt and reform entitlements, the tax code, and just about every other government program..
  • As soon as a poll came out that registered and likely voters weren't willing to accept any tax increases or benefit cuts, President Obama and other government officials bailed on the idea; it would be political suicide.
  • The President walked away from the Simpson-Bowles package and instead submitted a budget that would double the country's debt over the next decade, according to the NONPATRISAN Congressional Budget Office.
  • Over the last few weeks some highly respected economists (including the ex-chairmen of the Council of Economic Advisers) have cited in letters to our governement that the debt situation is so explosive, that simply doing nothing is "not a survivable option".
I concur with one fact that the article drives home - WE AS A COUNTRY LACK ANY AND ALL COURAGEOUS POLITICAL LEADERSHIP - as the article states, we do not have "a powerful elected official willing to issue a proposal, willing to take a stand, willing to face the political perils".

Afterall, it's all about holding on to power inside the beltway.  I mean the President - in the midst of this potential Doomsday situation - announces his re-election bid for 2012 and starts - you guessed it - FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES.

However, everyone should take note of Paul Ryan, the chair of the House Budget Committee; he's going to release what some are calling "the most comprehensive and most courageous budget reform proposal any of us have seen in our lifetimes".

Ryan proposal will tackle the real issues...not about simply cutting a few billion dollars, but seriously looking at the very foundations of ALL domestic programs in 2012 and beyond.  It will show all arguments in proper context, that the current welfare state can not be sustained and a new deal of the social contract has to be invented.

The press will nail Ryan on his top number of $4 trillion in cuts over the next 10 years; but, I'm sure they will ignore his proposals on HOW he would reform programs. He would reform the tax code along the Simpson-Bowles lines, but without the tax increases.  Medicare isn't changed for anyone over 55, and for younger people it turns into a DEFINED contribution plan..."Instead of assuming open-ended future costs, the government will give you a sum of money (starting at an amount equal to what the government now spends) and a regulated menu of insurance options from which to choose".  It will also turn Medicade into a a block grant, which gives states more flexibility.

It tackles agriculture subsidies and other corporate welfare.

It consolidates the job-training programs into a single adult scholarship.

It reforms housing assistance and food stamps.

It stares down almost every single "politically risky issue" without worrying about re-electability. 

It does NOT (although will be painted to) take the proverbial meat ax approach; it emphasizes social support, social mobility and personal choice.

Most importantly to me, at least, is that it is going to force President Obama's hand.  Is he going to be the catalyst of change he campaigned about and look at this proposal and COMPROMISE after coming up with a counterproposal, or will he do what I fully expect - politicise the issue by ranting about "savage", "uncaring", "protecting only the wealthy", "previous administration's fault", etc., Republican proposed cuts and continue to turn a blind eye to the glaring and very real long-term fiscal consequences?

I can't wait to hear what Pelosi will have to say as she will be on the attack from the word "Go".

And we as a country have to look at the very hard and ugly truth; the government can't afford to continue spending the way they are without raising taxes and cutting and reforming some programs, including social programs.  The majority of American's need a STRONG dose of reality, and we ALL need a leader to have the grapefruits to tell us what is needed to prevent our country from going bankrupt...and I can assure EVERYONE, if that happens, the pain and inconveince will be 100-fold stronger than any proposed cut or tax hike.

ENTITLEMENT doesn't work anymore. 

Stop the spending, reform ALL programs, and save our country!

Until next time...

There Ain't No Grave...The Johnny Cash Project

I became a fan of Johnny Cash over the last 6 years or so. Words really can't do justice to his music. I won't even begin to try. And the attached video for "Ain't No Grave" is more than a fitting tribute to The Man In Black. Interesting note regarding the vid - it's been put together by a group called The Johnny Cash Project (www.thejohnnycashproject.com). The Johnny Cash Project is a worldwide art project, in the most simplistic terms...people from around the globe draw their own personal image of Johnny Cash, basing it on a specific template they are provided with. The key to the picture is to make it personal - YOUR vision of Johnny Cash, the man, the artist, the sinner, the saint. All of the individual portraits are then combined and made into a moving video for the haunting hymn, "Ain't No Grave". It's remarkable that the one-of-a-kind portraits of the Man In Black flow together so well. And the best part of the project - the video will continue to evolve and change as more portraits come in from around the world - so the video I attached is one version - another is sure to follow and will be totally different. The video will change and continue to change as long as the portraits of Johnny Cash continue to be submitted - it's a tribute that grows; dare I say LIVES. And it's awe-inspiring. Enjoy, Beatdowners. Happy overcast and wet Tuesday from Maryland. Until next time...

Monday, April 4, 2011

MLK

"WE AS A PEOPLE WILL GET TO THE PROMISED LAND!". Amen, Dr. King. A man for ALL of us - black, white, red, yellow, or anything inbetwwen. Rest in Peace, MLK - 1/15/29 - 4/4/68.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Doing Nothing Just For Fun - Blogging to Waste Time

Happy Wednesday, Beatdowners!

So I'm down to 2 days left in the current chapter of employment.  On to bigger and better things, sooner than later.  I'm sure I'll blog about it in the very near future...but not today.

Anyhow, 2 days left. 
I've checked out. 
I'm on autopilot. 

I've got to figure out ways to pass the 16 hours (and change left today) in front of me.

I can play Words With Friends on my iPhone (look me up - screen name Stone972).
I can IM with my boy CGD down in Sterling.
I can stalk people on Facebook.
I can come in late, take extended lunches, leave early.

Who am I kidding - all of those are bound to happen anyhow.

So I'll blog to waste a bit of time today...and I'm kinda in a suck mood (out of boredom, frustration, and anxiety), so this will probably be more of a b*tch session than anything.

STILL not a fan of people saying they will do something and don't...and have no intention of doing it when they say they will; seriously Trolls, if you have NO intentions of doing something when someone asks, TELL THEM YOU HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF DOING IT!
No need to lie to save face, lead people on, or inflate your ego...GROW A SET & KNUCKLE UP!  Acting like a Jitbag and Poser makes real people think less of you as a person.

Gnarls Gnarlington - would you please do us all a favor and simply get on my level already?!?!?!?  What level, you ask?  WINNING, 24/7.

This evening, me thinks, is going to start and end with a bottle of red.

I still believe that some people deserve a swift punch right in the neck.

I'm kind of pissed right now about my own EPIC misjudgement; it's such a downer when people, jobs, and/or situations don't turn out to be how they sold themselves and/or appeared to be at first.  Those rose-colored glasses can really paint things much prettier than they will EVER be.

Things that are EPIC FAILS in Facebook pictures:
  • The Duck/Fish Face - you look like fools, not attractive at all, complete fail.
  • Skin tight clothes that show off a love for beer - in the wrong spots.  Nothing like a pot belly busting out of a supposedly "sexy" top.
  • Girls wearing clothes to show off their boobs in hopes that a guy will talk to them...seriously, if you rely on that to get a dude's attention, you are fishing at the bottom of the barrel.
  • The classy pics - you know, the uber drunkeness, the draping yourself over peeps like a cheap suit...stay classy, guys!
Miller Lite is GROSS...I'm thinking a combination of Sasquatch urine and sewer water.  Blah.

Placebo's version of the Kate Bush classic "Running Up That Hill" is friggin' EPIC.

I dug Get Him To The Greek - right up until the Debby Downer scenes near the end on the roof.  I digress, Diddy was a RIOT.  I don't ever want to get Jeffrey'd!

Disappointed I'm not going to Beef, Bourbon, and Beer this Saturday.

Where the Hell is Spring?!?!?  40 degree weather isn't WINNING anymore!

Isn't it sad that the Orioles would be considered to have a successful season if they finish .500?  I remember as a kid when they were playoff contenders more often than not.  I wish we had an owner that would put a winning team on the field, or sell to someone that would.

84 days until U2 brings their 360 tour to M&T Bank Stadium - so psyched!

I give advice that is usually dead on and to the point; if you ask me for it and don't take it, you have one person to blame, and it ain't me.

I could go for some Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish.

I can't remember the last time I went on a date; that's sad.

I'm looking forward to sitting at MR Ducks in OCMD often this summer enjoying Orange Quacks, canned beers, and wicked good company.

BOOM.

It's a problem.

DTB.

WTF is "Spongebobbin'"?!?!?!?

I'm after a solid 24 hours of ME time.

I BRING IT.

That's enough for now...I gotta pee.

Until next time...

Monday, March 28, 2011

A Monday Blog...or On Success

Happy Monday, Beatdowners.

It's Monday - my final week here at Shepherd Electric Supply.  Overall, it's been an "enlightening" run here since last May.

I've come to realize that the only thing worth doing is something you are passionate about.

I've come to realize that money shouldn't be THE deciding factor when accepting a position.

I've come to realize that respect is critical in the workplace; when you don't get it and you know you've earned it, there is a significant disconnect.

I've come to understand that sometimes, no matter what, perception takes precedence over reality.

And most importantly, I know that much better opportunities are right around the corner...opportunities that will unquestionably lead to success for yours truly.

Success.

I dig that word.

Seth Godin (entrepreneur, author, and public speaker) wrote a book called "Poke the Box" (snicker, snicker) that spoke of success...

One thing he said makes more than perfect sense...he said that being successful doesn't necessarily mean succeeding every time; rather, being successful is all about getting another chance to succeed.

Makes sense, doesn't it?

I'm looking forward to my next opportunity to succeed, which is right around the corner.

If you try and don't come up smelling like roses today...if you get knocked down a few notches...get back up and in the game...go out and grab another opportunity to succeed.

That's all I got at the moment.

Dominate the week.  Bring it!  DO EPIC SH*T.

Until next time...

Friday, March 25, 2011

The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

TGIF Beatdowners!

Let's take a quick trip back to December, 2007.

"The president does not have power under the constitution to unitarily authorize a military attack in a situation that does not involve stopping an actual or imminent attack on the nation."

Do you know who said that?

A young man from Chicago, Illinois who happened to be running for President of the United States.

That's right.  President Obama said those very words, as part of his campaign...his campaign that focused on saying how God-awful the then-current administration was.

And yet here we are, 3 years and 3 months later, and he's chucking Tomahawk cruise missiles into Libya.

Don't get me wrong, Moammar Gadhafi is a nut job and needs to go.  Bravo to the US and our Allies for the action.

But seriously...THIS is what's wrong with the political landscape today; President Obama campaigned SO hard against President Bush and his decisions, especially on military action.

And when he's the Commander in Chief, he makes a call that would have unquestionably crucified W.

It's garbage.

It's a game to the trolls in DC.

It's not to me.

And it shouldn't be to you.

The two party system is broken.  All it is anymore is "where image takes precedence over wisdom, Where sound bite politics are served to the fastfood culture, Where straight teeth in your mouth are more important than the words that come out of it (Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Television, The Drug of the Nation)".

Enough is enough.

Term limits.

Of the people, By the people.

WE THE PEOPLE CAN.  WE THE PEOPLE WILL.

Until next time...Keep on rockin' in the free world.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A WTF Blog

Happy Wednesday, Beatdowners.

Warlocks vs. Trolls - choose your side!

Tomorrow is the most excellent holiday of St. Patrick's Day - get your Irish up, and be safe out there!

A quick one for this glorious Hump Day...glorious b/c it also is technically my Friday, since I am not working tomorrow or Friday this week...

I digress...

From an article on foxnews.com titled "President Obama's Final Four Picks", written by Ms. Kimberly Schwandt...
"Critics have charged the president shouldn't be spending so much time on sports, like playing golf or filling out the bracket in a time of international crisis -- with Japan's earthquake aftermath and the situation in Libya intensifying."
Are you !#$%ing kidding me?!?!?

I very rarely defend any politician, let alone on that I'm not a fan of at all...but to these critics, I have one thing to say...

Eat a bag of sh*t.  You suck.

Yes, he's the President of the United States.

Yes, the world is facing unprecedented challenges, with Japan and the situations in Libya and Bahrain being at the forefront.

But c'mon, guy.

He's a HUMAN BEING.  He isn't SUPERMAN.  He has the right to pursue hobbies just like the rest of us.

That's a big friggin' problem for yours truly - the elevated superstardom that comes with our elected officials.  They aren't the end-all, be-all. 
They are just like you and I (although probably a TON richer). 
If we treated them as such, maybe they'd pull their head's out of their butts and do what the majority of their constituents ASK for rather than what the top bidder(s) pay them for.

Way to go, Mr. President...I hope you filled out a few brackets, joined a pool or two, and I wish you luck with your picks (except for the Blue Devils - NOT a fan). 

Go hit a round of golf, run the rock with some friends, have a beer with some buddies, whatever floats your fancy. 

You (and everyone else in DC) need to remember that you are one of the people you represent.

That's all I got for the moment.

Erin go Bragh?  More like WINNING go Bragh.

Until next time...

Monday, March 14, 2011

Sheen-isms

So I'm having a total crap day.  Been having a few of them, to say the least - trying to make a change.  We'll see.

Anyhow, the capper - my iPod deletes all 16,522 songs it had on it.  And I can't seem to re-sync with iTunes.

I'm about to go Charlie Sheen up in this biz-atch.

Speaking of Charlie Sheen, I've collected some of my favorite Sheen-isms, as I've come to call them - I'll probably use this fodder for my Facebook status updates for a bit...

Enjoy.

"People are mystified by this odyssey that refuses to quit calling itself Charlie Sheen."

"Winning, anyone? Rhymes with winning. Anyone? Yeah, that would be us. Sorry, man, didn’t make the rules. Oops!"

"I am battle-tested bayonets, bro."

"I’m so tired of pretending my life isn’t perfect and bitching and just winning every second and I’m not perfect and bitchin’."

"Look what I’m dealing with, man, I’m dealing with fools and trolls."

"It’s just strafing runs in my underwear before my first cup of coffee, because I don’t have time for these clowns."

"They lay down with their ugly wives and their ugly children and just look at their loser lives and then they look at me and say 'I CAN’T PROCESS IT,' well, no, you never will, just stop trying. Sit back and enjoy the show."

"You have the right to kill me, but you do not have the right to judge me. Boom. That’s the whole movie. That’s life."

"Check it, Alex, I embarrassed (Two and a Half Men creator, Chuck Lorre) in front of his children and the world by healing at a rate that his unevolved mind can’t process."

"I’m sorry man, I got magic and I’ve got poetry in my fingertips, you know, most of the time, and this includes naps. I’m an F-18, bro."

"Oh wait, can’t process it. Losers. Winning. Buh bye."

"I’m not fair game. I’m not a soft target. It’s over. There’s a new sheriff in town. And he has an army of assassins."

"There are parts of me that are Dennis Hopper."

"I don’t live in the middle anymore. That’s where you get slaughtered. That’s where you get embarrassed. From the prom queen."

"The only thing I’m addicted to right now is winning."

"I’m not Thomas Jefferson. He was a pussy."

"I dare anyone to debate me on things."

"I have a disease? Bullshit. I cured it with my brain."

"If you’re a part of my family, I will love you violently."
 
"I have defeated this earthworm with my words. Imagine what I would have done with my fire breathing fists."
 
That's all I have at the moment...goodnight, Warlocks...or Trolls, whichever side you're on.
 
Until next time...

OMG Quick Monday Blog

First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of the people of Japan - the victims of the earthquake and tsunami, their families, and the millions left to clean up, endure, and move forward.

A few OMG factoids about the quake:
  1. The earthquake was the world's fifth largest ever recorded.
  2. The tremblor caused a rift 15 miles below the sea bed that ran 186 miles long and 93 miles wide.
  3. The quake moved - yes, MOVED - Eastern Japan about 13 feet closer to the United States.
  4. The quake shifted the Earth's axis by 6.5 inches.
  5. The quake shifting the Earth's axis caused the day to be shortened by 1.6 microseconds.
  6. The quake caused Japan to sink down about 2 feet.
Holy smokes...pretty mind boggling...

Again, God Bless the people of Japan...

Until next time...

Friday, March 11, 2011

Surviving Z-land

TGIF, Beatdowners.

I've totally checked out for the week, so here's another time waste blog.

Actually, strike that.  This is a good one.

A survival guide.

The zombie apocalypse is on the horizon.

Are you ready?

I'm borrowing most of these from the movie Zombieland - sue me.  They know what they're talking about.

1. Cardio - zombies will get the fattys first.

2. The Double Tap - two shots to the dome to put the living dead down for the count.

3. Beware of Bathrooms - zombies lurk in the stalls.

4. Wear Seat Belts - never know when you are going to have to jam on the brakes to throw a zombie off your ride...don't need to help their cause by flying through the windshield and splattering on the road like roadkill...for the zombies to eat.

5. Swiss Army Knife - have one, and use it a la Macguyver...it could be a key to your survival.

6. The "Skillet" - solid household items - like an iron skillet - may save you from the undead if you have no other weapons around...just make sure to whack the sucker TWICE (see Rule# 2) in the dome.

7. Travel Light - too much stuff slows you down, making you slower, making it easier for the undead to go nom nom on your brains.

8. Get a Kick Ass Partner - hanging with unawesome types will surely lead to being eaten.  Maybe keep a third wheel - someone slower than you - to use as a sacrificial lamb to the zombies when necessary.

9. S'mores Pop Tarts - they'll make you think of better times, keep you nourished, and are just plain AWESOME.

10. Don’t Swing Low - if using a bat or a sword or an iron skillet (see Rule# 6), don't swing for the zombie's stomach, their junk, their knees, or their shins.  GO STRAIGHT TO THE DOME.

11. Use Your Foot - whether it's running from the undead, jumping over fences to evade them, or kicking their head's in - use your feet.

12. Bounty Paper Towels - keep them handy - killin' zombies is a messy business.

13. Shake It Off - don't dwell on the times a zombie almost makes a meal out of you.  Shake off the encounter and get back to working for Zombie Kill of the Week.

14. Always Carry A Change Of Underwear - encounters with zombies may literally scare the sh*t out of you.

15. Bowling Ball - another solid object able to smash a zombie with - you can even throw one at them so you don't have to get too close to them ugly, brain-munching horrors.

16. Opportunity Knocks - knock before entering - you'll hear the undead moan and groan and know to be ready to kick some zombie butt.

17. Don’t Be A Hero

18. Limber Up - you don't need to pull a muscle and incapacitate yourself, becoming easy prey for a gaggle of zombies.

19. Break It Up - sometimes you need to blow off some steam...and a perfect way to get rid of the stresses of surviving the zombie apocalypse is to go bat-sh*t crazy and smash some stuff.

20. It’s A Marathon, Not A Sprint...Unless It’s A Sprint, Then Sprint - take your time making your way through the world after the zombie apocalypse...rushing everywhere will wear you out and make you a prime target to be a meal...but if you have a gaggle of the undead coming for you, run your ass off.

21. Avoid Strip Clubs - nothing worse that a naked zombie coming to chomp your brains.

22. When In Doubt Know Your Way Out

23. Fire - always have a way to start a fire...lighter, flame thrower, etc.  Zombies hate fire.

24. Use Your Thumbs - zombies seem to forget that they have opposable ones.

25. Shoot First

26. A Little Sun Screen Never Hurt Anybody

27. Zombie Kill Of The Week - get a little creative...put 'em down with some flare...work for the Zombie Kill of the Week.

28. Double-Knot Your Shoes - stopping to re-tie a show will lead to your brains getting munched on.

29. The Buddy System - two is better than one when fighting off gaggles of zombies.

30. Pack Your Stain Stick - you're going to get dirty...this one kinda couples with Rule# 12.

31. Check The Back Seat - nothing worse than thinking you have a ride out of a zombie infested area only to have one of the undead chilling in the back seat of your vehicle ready to chow down on you.

32. Enjoy The Little Things

Now you know.  Live it.  Learn it.  Know it.

Federal Hill Irish Stroll tomorrow (Saturday, 3/12)http://www.lindypromo.com/fliers/110312_FedHillIrishStroll.jpg

Until then...or the zombie apocalypse, whichever comes first.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

A Wasting Time Blog

Holy Rain, Beatdowners!

I've checked out for the day and need to waste some time, so I'll throw some randomness down here to pass the time.

I got the Pandora Radio app for my iPhone - it's wicked cool.  I like it and highly suggest you sign up for it, even if it's just on your home PC.

I think I've heard that a certain original band member may be returning to my brother's band Voodoo Economics - and if so, it would behoove you to DRUM up a gaggle of people and get yourself to Cheeseburger in Paradise in the Dena on Saturday, March 26th to get your 80's on.

I'm hoping March ends with a bang and April brings some new and exciting opportunities all around...keep your fingers crossed, Beatdowners.

$4/gallon 87-octane gas will be a reality much sooner than later in Maryland.

104 days until U2 rocks M&T Bank Stadium - and I'm super stoked for it.

The iPhone - I'm a believer.

I'm still not a fan of people that say they will do something and don't; it happens far too often from far too many people.  Don't say it if there are no intentions...all you do is make people - more importantly ME - think less and less of you.

Get on my level already.

Morrissey is a genius.

I'd rather be sitting at the bar at Cheeseburger in Paradise right now, chatting it up with the likes of Shannon, Ashley, Megan, Drew, Casey, Jason, John, Tiffany, Alicia, Ryan, etc.

I'm split on that last statement...I really wouldn't mind being at Brian Boru right now, either.

How Soon Is Now?

Stop Me If You Think That You've Heard This One Before.

Sustainability - read up on it; I'm a believer.  Critical for our futures, as well as the next generations.

The Terps WILL knock off NC State tonight - bring on the Blue Devils!

Some people deserve a punch in the neck.

Some of the biggest disappointments I've felt are when people don't turn out to be how they sold themselves/appeared until the rose colored glasses came off.

I'm ready for warmer weather...like NOW.

"Anyone that needs what they want and doesn't want what they need, I want nothing to do with...".

Doing things differently leads to something exceptional.

I concur with Ferris...I don't believe in -ism's, I just believe in me...and I think that was ripped from John Lennon.

Some people have no clue what is going on in the very fiber of everyday life; they scare me, and are far too often in leadership roles.

I remain steadfast in being proud to be AWESOME.

I think it's high time I win a major lottery jackpot.

One of the greatest things in life is when the Littleheads are excited about something, proud of themselves, or laughing...I truly think that is one of God's ways of saying, "Hey Stone, I'm right here in front of you".

I was talking with a veteran today...as a quick aside, I said "Thank You".  I saw a tear come out of his eye.  Whether you agree with any conflict our men and women are serving in today or have in the past, we owe our thanks to them each and every day...if you know a veteran or someone serving in the military today, THANK them.

Pardon Me.

Wish You Were Here.

Are You In?

"Every once in awhile, I think about her smile, one of the few things I do miss...".

Victor Hugo says it best..."Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent".

I'm craving an Ann's chocolate shake.

Really, really glad tomorrow is Friday.

It's quittin' time.

I'm out.

Until next time...