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...

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The Fat Tuesday Blog

Happy Fat Tuesday, Beatdowners!

A quick history lesson:

  • All Catholic and some Protestant countries traditionally call the day before Ash Wednesday Fat TuesdayFat Tuesday is called that because of the common Christian tradition of eating special rich foods containing eggs, milk, and sugar before Lent, a fasting season, begins.  What kind of rich foods?  Pancakes is a big one.  Pastries.  Wicked cool stuff like that.

Anyhow, back to the history lesson:

  • Fat Tuesday is more commonly known in the religious community of English-speaking Christian countries (the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the USA) as Shrove Tuesday, and is always the day preceding Ash Wednesday (the first day of the season of fasting and prayer known as Lent).
  • The word shrove is the past participle of the English verb shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of confession and penance.
  • During the week before Lent, sometimes called Shrovetide, Christians were expected to go to confession in preparation for the penitential season of turning to God.
  • Shrove Tuesday is noted in histories dating back to 1000 AD.
  • The popular partying aspect of Fat Tuesday came into play way before any of the the Protestant Reformations, and was more often than not associated with "releasing high spirits before the somber season of Lent"...that's where the whole carnival tradition associated with Mardi Gras comes from.

Not too sure where the beads for boobs aspect came from.

I digress...I'm going to make it count today...I'll get some grub on and party it up a little...because I've got a little list of things I'm giving up for the 40 days of Lent this year...

1. All beef, pork, and poultry - yeah, going that route again.  It's tough.  But it's a sacrifice, and that's what the season is about.

2. Starbucks Frappucino's - I'm addicted to those damn things.  I have one usually ever weekday morning.  It'll be another challenge.  But I don't need the sugar, the calories, or to spend the $2-plus every day.

3. Saying bad words.  I'll start a Swear Jar and put some $$$ in it every time I slip up...and give that to the Easter Sunday collection at Church.

4. I'm hitting the gym again.  Hard.  So what's that giving up?  Being sedentary...lazy.  Being sick for the last few weeks and some other daily stresses have gotten me off my routine, and that ain't cool.  Time to put the proverbial foot up my butt and get it going again...afterall, Summer starts in a mere 83 days away (that'll be Monday, May 30th, which is Memorial Day).

I've got a few other things rolling around in the dome about what to give up...things that would be a sacrifice...but I'll keep them close to the vest...those will be between me and the Man Upstairs.

Until next time...it's party time, Mardi Gras style...make it count...and earn some beads, too! 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Going On



So I'm a mark for music - I love it - the beats, the words, the meanings...it's rare in today's musical landscape for a song to come out that stirs up so much emotion in me...a song that reaches into my soul...a song that takes me back to moments...to places...to people...good, bad, and everything in between.

This song is one that hits me. This song is one that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up every time I hear it. This song is one that takes me back to moments, to places, and to certain people. This song is straight jammin'.

This song is "Going On" by Gnarls Barkley.

The video is brilliant...

Lyrics...posting without permission, I don't own 'em...tough...written by Gnarls Barkley (Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green).


I've seen it with my own eyes
How we're gettin' otherwise
Without the luxury of leavin'

The touch and the feeling of free is
Intangible technically
Something you've got to believe in

Connect the cause and effect
One foot in front of the next
This is the start of a journey

And my mind is already gone
And though there are unknowns
Somehow this doesn't concern me

And you can stand right there if you want

But I'm going on
And I'm prepared to go it alone
I'm going on
To a place in the sun that's nice and warm
I'm going on
And I'm sure they'll have a place for you too

Anyone that needs what they want
And doesn't want what they need
I want nothing to do with

And to do what I want
And to do what I please
Is first off my to-do list

But every once in a while I think about her smile
One of the few things I do miss
But baby I've got to go
Baby I've got to know
Baby I've got to prove it

And I'll see you when you get there

But I'm going on
And I'm prepared to go it alone
I'm going on
May my love lift you up to the place you belong
I'm going on
And I promise I'll be waiting for you...

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

A Quick Opinion

In my humble opinion, all of our country's issues, and dare I say, all of societies issues are a result of two universal debates that haunt individuals, companies, and governments...

RIGHT vs. RESPONSIBILITY

- and -

ENTITLEMENT vs. EMPOWERMENT

I'm finding more and more that we as a people are increasingly on the wrong side of these debates, and it's quite bothersome...

That's all I got for the moment.

Until next time...