Ramblings of an Average White Guy

Cleaning Up
Well, Oldcatman made a reference in his blog today about how much he doesn't like to clean up. He also mentioned that you could ask me about it? Okay, before I'm asked, here's my response. As you can guess, he doesn't much care for it. In fact, when I lived with Oldcatman and my brother, it was my job to do the housework. Now, you might think that is a terrible thing for a teenage boy to have to do. But, since I like a clean house, I didn't mind. Plus, it got me out of going fishing. Okay, that requires an explanation. See, during the summer when my brother and I were out of school, Oldcatman used to love to go up to Pinecrest lake in the Sierra's and trout fish. Now, I was okay with this the first hundred times or so, but after that, I just couldn't take it anymore. So, Oldcatman and I argued about me not going fishing. Basically, Oldcatman refused to let me stay home and watch TV all day. So, I came up with the idea that I would stay home and clean up the house. This seemed to appease the Oldcatman, so I was allowed to do so. Well, when he and my brother came home, the common areas of the house were nice and clean. The only rooms I didn't clean we're Oldcatman's bedroom and bathroom and my brother's room. As the summer went on, I would sometimes be offered a couple of dollars to clean Oldcatman's bathroom. Since I had gotten pretty good at cleaning, I soon started to bake while he and my brother were gone. This started the trend of whenever we had a family birthday, I was responsible for baking cakes. I can also bake assorted candies and cookies. Turns out to be a useful skill these days. Back when I lived with Dad and my brother, it was a classic case of Felix (me) and Oscar (Dad and my brother). My wife used to admit that I was a better housekeeper than she was. To this day, I can clean a house better than most.

Tuesday Bowling
This is getting ridiculous! I had another good night this evening. I bowled a 244, 243, and a 200 for a 687 series. This makes my Tuesday night average an unbelievable 213 through 15 games. Amazingly enough, that only rates me as the third best average in my league. But, seeing as how we have 100 people (counting males and females) in the league, I'm pretty happy about that. One of the interesting things about my average is that I don't have one of the top three series whether scratch or handicap, and I only have a third place for best scratch game (not in the top three for handicap game). I look at those facts as a measure of consistentcy. My average is not based solely on one or two great games. Rather, it is based on a number of good games. I'd rather have 10 good games with a high average than an average solely dependent on one out of this world score.

Baseball Playoffs
The San Francisco Giants won their playoff game today. I am rooting for them to win the whole shooting match. I really respect the abilities of Barry Bonds (although, I do wish that he hadn't broken Mark McGwire's home run record). Sometime during the 2005 season, Barry will set the new career home run record. I look at career stats as a better indicator of a players greatness just because of the length of time someone has to work to achieve a goal. It's the same with Jerry Rice, individuals may better his single season marks, but his career totals are just awesome.

Visiible Underwear
This is a comment/question for any ladies who may read this. Do you intend to show me your underwear when you sit down? Twice today, I viewed a woman (don't know if lady is the right term here) who, while she was sitting down, I got a look at her choice of underwear. I'm not talking about an occassional peek at the very top of them, I'm saying I got a consistent look at the top 3 to 4 inches of the back of her underwear. One woman (at school) had on a white thong. The other woman (at the bowling alley) had on leopard skin bikini briefs. Don't women think about how much is revealed when they sit down in their jeans? Or, are they aware of what they're showing and don't care or what? Anyone got any ideas? Now, I will freely admit that one of the things that turn me on the most is a view of a stocking (not pantyhose) with or without a garter when a lady is wearing a slit skirt/dress. Somehow, visible panties showing above jeans or pants just doesn't do it for me though.

Broncos - 20, Lions - 16
Okay, not the greatest game the boys in Orange/Blue/White have played this season, but an ugly win beats a pretty loss. The boys are now 4 and 0 and are heading into the first big game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs. This promises to be a good game, but Denver needs Clinton Portis to be in the line-up if they are to have a chance to win. Two strong offenses and two defenses that have yet to be really tested. Should be fun to watch. Oh, and I found out something interesting. My seats face due south at the stadium. That means if I don't wear sun-screen (like I didn't), I turn into a lobster on the right side of my face and get little sun on the left. Thankfully, it disappears quickly.

Another Sunday Activity
I went to church Sunday morning with my daughter for the first time in many many months. Now, I'm not going to get "religous" on anyone, but I do have something to say. Everyone should be involved in something, be it church, social club, group therapy, bridge/poker group, or whatever. Having even a small circle of people that accept you as you are is very uplifting. My friends from church are like that. I expected people to look at me as if they were thinking, "Oh! Look who decided to show up". Instead, everyone was happy to see me and let me know that they were happy I was there and to let them know if there was anything they could do. I strongly suggest that each of you (what readers I have) get involved with a group of people who share a common interest, love, joy, or whatever. Just so that you have someone that supports you just because you're you.

Full Day Yesterday
Yesterday's schedule was church, football game, visit with friends, and dinner with said friends. I was busy from the time I woke up until the time I went to bed. This explains why I didn't post yesterday. But, I have to tell you. I had one of the best weekends I've had in a long time. I was out and about almost all weekend. I golfed, dined, worshipped, spent time with, and dined again with friends. Just about a perfect weekend. I won't go into details, but perfection this weekend would have involved not going to bed alone on one (or more) of the nights. Hey, a guy can hope.

I'm Not Kidding
Hey, I'm serious. I actually do read the articles in Playboy. And, yes, I do look at the pictures. But, I'm old enough to realize that the odds of me (at age 42) of meeting and becoming intimate with a Playmate are very slim. I enjoy the pictures for the beauty that is the female form. I love the curves, coloring, and softness that a pictorial of a nude woman offers. I'd much rather enjoy the real thing though (Geez, two sexual references in one night's posting - I've got to get a lady into my life).

Golf Game
Well. this mornings golf game was nice. Nice means that I hit enough good shots to be happy and few enough bad shots not to piss myself off. I am definitely a better bowler than golfer. But, I honestly believe that if I could only do one, it would be golf. I just love the challange of the sport. It's just you against the course. I had a couple of pars, including a couple of realistic chances at birdies. I also had a few bad holes, but even on them, I managed to hit a good shot or two. Plus, the Colorado fall weather was just wonderful. Mid seventies and nary a cloud in the sky. Occassionally a bit of a breeze.

Dinner Out
My daughter and I went to dinner at a Country Club this evening with our former next-door neighbors. Very nice dinner and atmosphere. The best part of the evening was simply catching up with my friends. It was also fun to watch my daughter play with their daughter. The two of them have known each other from the day that the younger one (my friend's daughter) was born. We've already made a date to do dinner again in the next couple of weeks.

Playboy Magazine
Received my next issue of Playboy magazine today. I must be getting old. I actually read the interview (Quentin Tarintino) and an article or two before looking at the first pictorial. I have come to the conclusion that some of them pictures need to be a little less revealing. I miss the days when the ladies posed in lingerie (garter belt, stockings, and heels are my ultimate turn-on) more. Now, it seems most of the pictures are of young blonde things who will end up being Hef's future girlfriend.

Broncos game tomorrow
I'm going to make a prediction here. I predict that the Broncos will win by at least two touchdowns tomorrow. My daughter and I will be at the game rooting the home team on. I'm trying to decide if I want to buy a Bronco jersey and if so, which player. I'm thinking that if I do buy a jersey, it will be a linebacker or Ed McCaffery. My daugher already has an Elway jersey so will be trying to get some other souvenier out of me tomorrow.

Bland Stuff
I apolgize for the bland nature of the postings today. I just had a nice day and evening and am both tired and feeling very comfortable about things tonight. The combination causes me to view the world with rose-colored glasses. I can't really think of anything weird in the way of questions to list. Oh well, ya gotta enjoy these days when you get them.

Season Premiere of CSI
Wow! I love it. Gil can hear now and Kat looks as hot as ever (Thanks for the picture Dad). You know you've enjoyed an episode when it ends and you're sorry it did. I wish I didn't have to tape the show and watch it later, but I can live with it. I spent part of the day today watching some of year two's shows. I simply love this show. It's intelligent, witty, entertaining, and I learn a lot.

Music
As part of my free evening tonight, I went to Barnes & Noble and just looked around. I ended up in the music section and ended up buying a few CD's. One of them, I am listening while I type this post. It's an older CD, but it's the Steve Miller Band. It's call the Encore Collection, Extended Versions. Basically, it's a CD of live performances of several songs including The Joker, Fly Like An Eagle, and Living In the USA (playing right now, I'm typing to the beat). Nice rocking versions of some of their greatest hits. Just the thing for a Friday night. Oh, the other CD's I purchased were Harry Connick Jr's - Other Hours (Jazz), The Rippingtons - Let It Ripp (also Jazz), and Blondie - Greatest Hits (Rock). The reason I bought the last one, other than I like the music, was that their song "The Tide is High" has been done by a currently popular all-girl group that my daughter is familiar with. So, I thought it was important to introduce my daughter to the original.

Shaving?
While shaving last night before I went bowling (I'll explain later) I suddenly wondered who came up with the idea of shaving. Now, I assume during the early days of cavemen and for many years that shaving was not even known. So, when did someone suddenly think of the idea of scraping their chin/neck with a sharp object to remove hair? And, how did people feel when they saw the first guy with a clean-shaven face. That had to be a big difference for everyone. I would really like to know who was sitting around and suddenly thought; Hey, if I dragged this knife across my face, I could get rid of this beard (if that's what it was called then). And, why'd they stop at the face? Why not shave their eyebrows, chest, arms, or legs? Who was the first person to sport a goatee, a soul patch, a fu manchu mustache? And what did people think?

Which brings us to Fads
How do fads start? And I don't necessarily mean things like bell bottom jeans. Think about the first person who ever decided to sport a soul patch. Now, everyone up to that point either stopped at a goatee or went clean-shaven. Suddenly someone decides just to leave that little square/rectangle on the mid-point of their chin. And somebody decided it was cool and copied them, and so it spread. But, how fast could that happen? Think about slang. The first time a brother (sorry, not being racist, just realistic about who uses this term) spoke the phrase "Word" to another brother, what did the second one think? And, just how did it spread to be a commonly used phrase? Is there someone who is in charge of spreading what is now the popular slang? I can never figure out how fads spread. I understand clothing fads/trends, a designer presents something at a show, people see it and copy it. Okay, makes sense. But a new phrase? How does that spread? God, I spend a hell of a lot of time worrying about weird shit.

Currently Playing
Your Cash Ain't nothing But Trash - I believe it's an old fifties song. The only other version of this song I've heard was done by Huey Lewis. Anyway - it's a cool song, I recommend either version.

Still more things to ponder

Why do crash course and collision course mean different things? Isn't a crash or a collision the same thing?

Why do we call almost crashing or colliding with something a near miss? We've avoided hitting something, so shouldn't it be a near hit? Shouldn't a near miss be when we almost avoided hitting something but still managed to hit it?

Hey, I actually have weekend plans!
Being unemployed, I usually don't care about or really notice weekends. The only difference usually is that my daughter is home during the day. The last three weeks though she's been off-track (vacation), so that difference disappeared. So, the fact that it was the weekend had no special meaning for me.

But, lo and behold, I actually have plans for this weekend. Friday night, my daughter is having a sleep-over at a friends house. This means that I can go out and do something. Have no idea what I'll do, but the chance is there. Saturday morning, I'm going golfing with a friend of mine. Saturday night, my daughter and I are going to dinner with some friends of ours who used to be our next-door neighbors. Sunday afternoon, we're going to the Broncos game. I can't believe I actually have a social calendar this weekend.

Funny Dilbert Cartoon
Saw a Dilbert cartoon a day or two ago that I found humorous. In it, Alice (the main female character) was talking to a secretary about a three page e-mail the secretary wrote and sent out. Alice was holding her hands slightly apart and was telling the secretary about using this gift of "blank space" to separate long, rambling, unrelated sentences. Finally, Alice told the secretary that next week she'd introduce her to a little curly thing she likes to call a comma. I've read a number of blogs that could use Alice's gifts and introduction.

New Season of CSI
Tonight's the first episode of the new season of CSI. Unfortunately, I will be at bowling while it's on. But, thanks to the fact that I can actually program my VCR, I'll have a tape of it to watch when I get home. The episode title is Assume Nothing and it's supposedly part one of a two-parter. Yippee.

Okay, I said I knew how to program my VCR. Well, technically that's true, but I do have my limits. One is that since I have a VCR, DVD, and Digital Cable, I have a hell of a time getting things set up properly. Even though CSI is on channel 4 for me, I have to have the VCR record channel 3 and have the cable set to channel 4 and turn off the DVD player. Once I tested my programming, I decided not to mess with things and possibly mess them up. This means that I left my TV on and turned to channel 4 and I'm not touching it until I get home. This also means that I got to listen to the Dr. Phil show. Who is this moron and who made him an authority? God, I heard only part of the show and I wanted to reach through the TV and kick his ass. In the part of the show I heard, I think this fool mentioned the phrase "own and live with your decision for a week" about a half dozen times. He kept saying things like "I hear you saying this, but I don't hear you saying -----", and "Are you making a decision for your benefit, or for -----". How much pyscho-babble can this guy spew in a hour? I never once heard the guy actually offer advice, only ask questions that were intended to make the guests (another bunch of losers) or embarrass them. No wonder I don't watch much daytime television.

Questions to Ponder

Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways

Some music used to be called Rock-n-Roll, now it's just Rock. Where'd the Roll go?

Speaking of things disappearing, what happened to Roebuck's (as in Sear's and Roebuck's)?

If all the world's a stage, and mankind merely the actor's, who's in the freakin audience?

Why do golfers (me included) still call it a 3 Wood when the head is some sort of metal and the shaft is graphite?

And finally, why do people always claim someone is so unpopular, they couldn't get elected as a dog-catcher? Have you ever voted for a dog-catcher? I haven't.

Is size that difficult an issue?
My daughter and I ordered pizza for dinner tonight from Pizza Hut. While I was ordering, I asked the kid on the line "What's your smallest size pizza?". Now, I was expecting the answer Personal Pan or Small. The answer I got was "Medium". How the fuck can your smallest item be called medium? Isn't the definition of medium something akin to a size between something small and something big?

This is similar to the adventures of ordering a cup of coffee at Starbucks (which I do quite often, I recommend the coffee latte). Starbucks has three sizes: Tall, Grande, and Venti. Okay, so their smallest size is called Tall. The one in the middle is Grande, which I thought meant something big. And the largest size is Venti which I have no freakin idea what that means. What's wrong with small, medium, and large? Are they afraid we won't think the coffee is hip or chic enough if we call it a large coffee?

The bowling alley where I bowl now has three sizes of soft drinks you can order. The smallest drink you can order is called a large. Okay, granted the cup may be larger than some, but if it's the smallest drink you serve, so call it a small, damn it.

Another Bowling Note
I was thinking about my posting yesterday concerning my bowling scores from last night. Something I haven't mentioned is that I participate in something called "Brackets". This is a bet where 8 people contribute money (in this particular one, $10). Each person selects a number between 1 and 8. Then we use an Ace through Eight out of a deck of cards to determine who bowls who. We have someone randomly select cards. Whoever has the number that matches the drawn card gets put in the first spot, the next matching number in the second spot, and so on until all 8 spots are determined. So, whoever got the first spot is competing against the person in the second spot, third against fourth, fifth against sixth, seventh against eigthth. Whatever score you bowl in your first game gets used for your bracket score. If you beat your opponent, you advance to the next round and compete against one of the other winners (example, 1 beats 2, 4 beats 3, so 1 now is competing with 4). Again, you bowl your next game and use your score. If you beat your opponent, you move to the finals, if you lost the second game, you go to the consolation round. If you win the third game, you're the winner and receive $50, if you lose the third game, you get $20. The winner of the consolation gets $10.

Okay, back to my main point. I compete in two brackets each week. I have been doing this for 3 or 4 years now. When I first started doing the brackets, I was always worried about who I was competing with. My first year or two, I was always the lowest average bowler in the brackets. I just had to hope I had a good game or my opponent had a bad one (or at least not as good as mine). Well, it suddenly occurred to me last night, that I'm now the second or third highest average in the brackets. It made me wonder if anyone else now was worried because they were against me.

I'm by no means trying to brag here, but I have to face the fact that based on a 209 average in my Tuesday night league, I am a damn good bowler. When people previously asked me if I was any good, I'd always say it depended on their definition of good was and that I had an "x" average. But, I think most people who know anything about bowling would say that a 200+ average was a good bowler. I've just struggled with calling myself good or being comfortable with my average. For so many years, I thought that people wouldn't like me if I didn't bowl well. But, I finally met some folks who liked me, not my bowling score. When I stopped equating score to likability, I started bowling much better. Some people just don't learn fast some times.

Broncos- 31, Raiders - 10
Sorry Dad, but the Broncos put a whoopin' on the Raiders last night. The boys thoroughly outplayed the Raiders here in Denver. I hated to see Romo (Raiders #53 - love the intensity he brings to a game) or Jerry Rice (the greatest receiver of all time) get beat like that. But, at least it was to the Broncos. Now, we just need to not over celebrate the victory so that we can do the same to the Detroit Lions this Sunday. My daughter and I will be attending our first regular season game that day.

Tuesday Bowling's the best
Well, another good night at bowling this evening. Bowled a 646 series. That brings my average up to 209 in this league. Overall, even with struggling on Thursday nights, I have a 195 average in the two leagues combined. My team, in our new sharp bowling shirts, won 4 points tonight (1 point for each game one and 1 point for series). That should put us close to first although it's really too early to worry about that. We kicked some serious butt tonight. The least amount of pins we won a game by tonight was 74 and we won series by over 300 pins. All three of the guys on the team had over 600 series.

Okay, I missed this past weekend
Had a couple of comments/e-mails yesterday welcoming me back to blogdom. It wasn't that I didn't want to post something, it was just that I was drop dead tired and wasn't feeling very well. I had a few late nights, a few days of eating poorly, and a mild cold combining to zap any creative energy I might have had. I'm working on taking better care of myself. Hopefully, I won't have any unplanned days missed again.

College life
I'm really enjoying my college courses. I've met some great people in my Accounting class and we really seem to get along. Add that to having some good instructors and it just comes out to a very enjoyable experience. Plus, I seem to be doing well in both classes so it's easy to see why I'm having a good time.

Halloween
Are your grocery stores selling Halloween stuff already? My local Safeway has had candy, cauldron's, decorations, and other assorted goodies out for a little over a week now. Plus, this week they started selling pumpkins. Now, who expects pumpkin purchased in late September to be any good come Halloween? The longest a pumpkin (carved or not) has ever lasted for me is two weeks. So, who is buying these things? I guess you can make pumpkin pie out of them. But, come on, that's why they sell the cans of pumpkin, so you don't have to work so hard. By the way, how do you turn a real pumpkin into a pie? Shows you how sheltered a life I've led.

Suggestions
I'm looking for suggestions on what to write about. Specifically, I'm interested in knowing if anyone wants to read more about me, my life, my griping, things I find odd, or what. Let me know, I have my own ideas, but I'm curious if anyone has any preferences.

Are you ready for some football?
Today is the home opener for the Denver Broncos. The game will be on Monday Night Football this evening against the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are the Broncos biggest rivalry. No other games on the schedule (including the season opener) get the intensity that Broncos/Raiders games get. While I was out today, it seemed that half the people (myself included) had some sort of Bronco gear on. If you watch the game tonight, notice how much orange is worn. The mayor of Denver has declared today to be Orange Monday and the papers are running ads trying to get everyone to wear orange tonight.

Why do you eat?
Sounds like a dumb question, but I'm heading somewhere with this. As strange as it sounds, I am basically bored with food and the process of eating. I eat when I'm hungry or my body tells me I need to. I'm not married to the idea of eating an early morning meal, a midday meal, and then an evening meal. If I'm not hungry, I just don't eat. And often times when I'm eating just because my body is shaky and telling me I need food, I'm at a total loss for what to eat. All I'm trying to do at that point is to stop the hunger pains, shakiness, or weakness that I'm experiencing. At those times, I don't care about what I'm eating, just that I get something into my system. Now, when I'm occassionally hungry for something, like mexican or italian food, it's a different story. Then, I feel like I'm supporting a desire even it the desire is just for an enchillada or plate of spaghetti. It becomes a more mental fulfillment than a physical one. The only thing I really like about eating is when you share a meal with friends or family. Then, it's not the food that makes it enjoyable, but the company and conversation. I'm definitely one of those people who would be happy if they would invent pills that filled you up and provided the nutrients you needed. Then, I could forget about the hassle of thinking up what to make, cooking it, eating, and then clean-up. I could just pop my pill and get on with life. I imagine they've already come up with the nutrient part of that equation, it's the feeling of not being hungry that they have to work on.

Monty Python, the musical?
Read an short blurb in the paper recently that Eric Idle is working on turning the Python movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" into a musical. Is this neccesary? I know it worked for Mel Brooks and "The Producers", but come on. I'm just not a big musical fan. I've liked a few - Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, but generally don't care for the format. It's the West Side Story bias I guess. I mean really, how tough can a gang be if it's doing a dance number in the middle of the street. That brings up a question. How is it that one of the characters in the movie can run down a street in Spanish Harlem in the middle of the night screaming the name Maria and only one girl responds?

Were our toys annoying to our parents?
My daughter bought a doll with her allowance this past weekend. Part of the package that the doll came with included a working microphone and amplifier. Now, as you can imagine, you don't get the highest quality electrical equipment when you buy a doll. So, what I end up hearing a lot of is static, fuzzy words, and feedback. Makes me wonder if I had noise making toys that upset my parents?

The shirts are here! The shirts are here!
First, my apologies to Steve Martin and the film The Jerk (you know, the phone book scene). But, my Tuesday night bowling team shirts arrived today. Our team shirts are red and black polo's with our names on front and our team name (Noi Cattivo - Italian for We Bad) on back. To give you an idea of how dense I can sometimes be; at some point while I have this shirt on, someone will call me Bob. And, I will wonder, how did this person know my name? Only later will I realize that my name is on the damn shirt. Don't laugh (well, okay, laugh all you want), I know this will happen because I used to own a belt buckle that said Bob and wondered how people knew my name. I can program a million dollar plus computer, but sometimes can be as dense as a rock.

The joy of Microsoft
I had an experience today with the Microsoft help line that reminded me of an old joke we mainframers used to tell. The joke went like this:

A helicopter pilot and a traffic reporter were flying around one afternoon in Seattle. Suddenly the fog became very thick and the pilot was having trouble determining his location. He could barely make out a tall building and headed toward it. He wrote a sign stating "Where are we" and held it so the building occupants could read it. A few minutes later, he and the reporter saw someone holding a sign reading "You're in a helicpoter". The pilot waved and immediately flew off to the left until reaching the airport. "That's amazing" said the reporter, "how did you know where to go when we saw that sign?". "Well" said the pilot", "the information we were given, while technically accurate was of absolutely no value, so, I knew we were at the Microsoft building"

Anyway, I called Microsoft today to try to figure out why some of my software wouldn't let me do what I wanted to do. Well, after 10 minutes of phone prompts, advertising, and being on hold, I finally got a human being. And, it turned out to be a help desk in India with people who barely speak English and have no comprehension of what you are asking. I swear that these folks must have a list of questions and answers in front of them. If you ask a question on their list, they can help you. But, they have no comprehension of how the average American speaks (meaning phrasing, slang, and cliches). Trust me folks, I've worked with these people, it's not easy. You have to be very thorough in your explanations, use no slang or buzzwords, and not be sarcastic, funny, or anything not to the point. And to make matters worse, I still have to call them again tomorrow.

Timing is everything
Was watching a show I enjoy this evening (Real Time with Bill Maher). Mr. Maher and the panel were discussing all the activity that is going on concerning people still trying to discuss whether we should have acted against Iraq. Look, I know it's important at a later date to believe that we can trust our government when they say we need to act. But, right now, it's not that important. What is important is getting a plan together for us (meaning the soldiers) to get the fuck out of dodge. Have your silly should we or shouldn't we arguement later. Soldier's lives are in danger. Find a way to get them out of there. Nothing is more important that supporting our troops right now. Some damn politician arguing that we should not have gone right now is a self-serving vane asshole. They are trying to make themselves look good at the risk of our soldiers. I don't agree with everything my father says about President Bush, but I do agree that he needs to stop worrying about how he looks, how his daddy has been avenged, and re-election and start worrying about the men and women in our armed forces who are facing danger every day. As Pink Floyd sings on the Wall album - Bring The Boys Back Home!

Isabel and Colorado
Living here in Colorado, all I know about Isabel is that it is a big hurricane/tropical storm hitting the east coast. It was a bit windy here yesterday, but I'm sure that Isabel had nothing to do with it. I have trouble understanding people who live in an area that is constantly hit by these storms. I'm sure the Carolina's and Virginia are beautiful areas, but geez, it seems these folks are getting slammed yearly by these storms. At what point does someone just say fuck it and move inland? I feel the same way with people who live in Tornado alleys. Certain towns in Oklahoma get hit every friggin year, and yet people still live there. Wow, they must be tougher than I am.

Thursday bowling struggles continue
Well, I failed to match my bowling average of Tuesday night's again this evening. I did do better than last week, so I'm improving. I also learned that we have a different person running the lane prep machine (the machine that applies oil to the lanes) than on Tuesdays. So, now that I know that, I've just go to go in on Thursdays knowing the lane conditions are going to be spotty and plan/prepare for that. Knowledge of the lane conditions is vital to doing well. Now that I know what's going on, I'll be able to adapt more easily. The good thing is that my team (I'm the captain) won all four points tonight. We're bowling the team that was in first place going into tonight next week. So, even though we're struggling, we're still in good shape.

What's going on with the news?
Nothing has been happening here in the Denver metro area lately that's generating much of a reaction out of me lately. Things are just going pretty well for the area even considering the economy and such. Damn, I need something to happen so that I can get riled and really have something to rant about.

License Plates
I saw a personalized plate today on a car I was following. It made me think of the fact that Colorado has somewhere near 100 different plate designs. You can get a plate for being a generic veteran, a Marine, soldier, air force, fire fighter, alumni of Colorado University, Colorado State University, or a 5th generation Coloradoan. Why do people get these plates? I mean, it costs you an additional $25 a year to have a personalized or specialized plate. My problem is that I can't think of a cute 6 or 7 letter slogan, abbreviation, or comment that I'm willing to pay the money for. It's the same with bumper stickers, some are fairly funny when you see them the first time. But, funny enough to have constantly on your vehicle? I don't think so. Plus, I'm a bit of a snob in that I don't think a bumper sticker belongs on a Lexus (I own/drive a Lexus RX 300). Oh well, I'm at least thankful for the people who do have bumper stickers on their car for my reading amusement.

10 Days and Counting
Well, there are ten days to the Denver Broncos versus the Detroit Lions game. This will be my first ever regular season Bronco game I've attended. The crowd and excitement level was great at the exhibition game I attended. I can't wait to see what it's like during a regular season game.

Spell Checking
I just did a spell check on my post to this point. The spell checker did not like the word Coloradoan. What the hell? Coloradoan, a person who lives in Colorado. Who set this spell check up? Damn, I hate when you use private spell checkers and their list of words is incomplete.

Someday's Life is Good
Did you ever have one of those days where everything with a person in your life just went so well? I've had one of those days with my daughter. It just seems like everything today went so well. We laughed, danced, rough-housed, and just had a lot of fun. We watched her Lizzie McGuire movie and just had fun doing it together. It was also funny that while watching the movie, she was drinking a Coke, and after doing so let loose some hellacious burps. I know that sounds gross, but when something like that comes out of a sweet little nine year old, it's totally funny. She's now decided that she's going to be a pop star when she grows up. She made this decision because in the movie they mention that the record company buys anything the stars want. So, she is going to be a pop star and have them buy her a car (Ford Mustang Convertible) and lots of shoes and clothes. Keep dreaming, kiddo! Oh, and if you want to see a picture (well, part of one) of my daughter and the Oldcatman, click here

Where am I from?
Yesterday, I listed all the various schools I've attended. That got me thinking about where I've lived during my life. People always ask, where are you from? Well, after looking at this list, you'll see why that question perplexes me.

• Los Gatos, CA - Born - no idea where I lived
• San Jose, CA - White Road, first memory of the Oldcatman
• Eureka, CA - Either 6th or N street, at least that was the intersection we lived on. My brother was born here.
• Santa Rosa, CA - can't recall the street
• San Jose, CA - not far from the White Road house
• San Jose, CA - Concord Avenue after my mom and Oldcatman divorced
• San Jose, CA - Via de Adrianna Street after my mother remarried
• San Jose, CA - After my mother died, it wasn't far from the previous house, but now it was my brother, dad and I.
• Sonora, CA - Salamandar Road (at least I think that was the name)
• San Diego, CA - United States Marine Corp Recruit Depot - Marine Boot Camp
• Quantico, VA - USMC Computer Sciences School
• Camp Pendleton, CA - Just north of Oceanside, CA - my first official duty station
• Camp Smith, HI - Up the hill from Pearl Harbor on Oahu
• Aiea, HI - Off-base housing that I moved into after marrying my first wife
• Belton, MO - Lived on the Richards Gebaur Air Force base which was the only military housing in the area
• Kansas City, MO - The first house I owned, with my first wife
• Blue Springs, MO - An apartment on the west side of town after divorcing my first wife
• Blue Springs, MO - Southgate Ave - Moved into my girlfriend's/fiancees/wife's house
• Denver, CO - Harvard Ave - An apartment in the southern part of Denver
• Englewood, CO - S Spruce Circle - My wife and I purchased our first home together. Also, the first home of my daughter
• Highlands Ranch, CO - My current home

As you can see, I've had a lot of experience packing/unpacking and moving around. So, where would you say I'm from. Out of all the places I've lived, Denver (and it's surrounding suburbs) is the longest I've lived in any one place followed by San Jose and then Kansas City. The first home here in Denver is the longest period that I had the same address. We're coming close here at our current address, but still have a little ways to go.

Comment I Read Today
Saw a comment in the Highlands Ranch Herald (our local paper) that I liked and wanted to share. The comment was "Attack the message, not the messenger". I like that. It's true that if someone says something we disagree with, we should argue with the message first, not the person stating it. If you don't like what someone says, tell them why and what you believe. Don't attack or insult them instead of presenting your view. People will listen to an opposing position as long as they don't feel that you are insulting them personally. Good advice!

How do you sleep?
Found an article on MSN.com today about sleep positions. According to this article, I have a brash and gregarious personality based on the fact that I sleep on my stomach. Now, my first reaction to this is amazement. I'm simply amazed that some scientist is studying the relationship between how one sleeps and personality types. People dying of diseases all over the world and this yahoo is trying to figure out what personality type has to do with sleep positions. Thankfully, there is no mention of any federal (read - tax dollars) assistance for this "study".

Bowling
Well, the Tuesday/Thursday mis-match continues. I bowled a 636 tonight with a high game of 269. I'll save you the math and let you know I had one game in the 190's and one in the 170's to go with the good game. Any body have any ideas on how to regain arm strength between these two days?

Apologies to fellow Bloggers
I realized today that I read a few Blogs regularly that I haven't add to my link list. So, I want to take this opportunity to apologize to those that I read but don't publicize.

Another Denver Odd Law
Did you know that in Denver, it is illegal to park a car on a public street for the primary purpose of selling the car? Basically, if you park a car on the street with a for sale sign in it, you run the risk of being ticketed. Now, the police freely admit that this is not strongly enforced, but come on! How desperate can the city be to collect funds that they need to go find cars for sale. Hell, the local Safeway lot alone should be good for the city's office supply budget.

A little background
Thought I'd give you a little more background on me and my life. For some reason, I was thinking about my history in various schools today. So, I thought I'd give you a list of where I went to school. Now, I know this is not that exciting, but it is interesting when you consider that my wife attended four schools her entire life including college. So, here goes:

• Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 1st half of 2nd Grade - In Eureka, CA
• 2nd half of 2nd Grade and 1st half of 3rd Grade - In Santa Rosa, CA
• 2nd half of 3rd Grade and 1st half of 4th Grade - White Oak Elementary School in San Jose, CA
• 2nd half of 4th Grade, 5th Grade, and 6th Grade - Sherman Oaks Elementary Schook in San Jose
• 7th Grade and 1st half of 8th Grade - Blackford Junior High in San Jose
• 2nd half of 8th Grade - Bret Harte Junior High in San Jose
• 9th Grade - Castillero Junior High in San Jose
• 10th Grade - Leland High in San Jose
• 11th Grade and 12th Grade - Sonora Union High in Sonora, CA

As you can imagine, I have quite the assortment of yearbooks. I have a yearbook from a different school for every year between 7th Grade and 11th Grade. Now, I should mention that the change in school between 6th and 7th was normal. It's just the change in school between elementary and junior high. Same with the change between 9th and 10th, it was the normal jump from junior high to senior high (at least in my district). The rest of the changes occurred due to (in order) my father's job change (twice), my parent's divorce, my mother remarrying, and finally, my mother's death. It's no wonder that I survived the duty station changes in the Marines, hell, I'd been doing it most of my life.

Words....Part II
Reaction to yesterday's posting about certain words and their usages by people has been interesting. Most people seem to agree that it's okay for blacks to use the term nigger amongst themselves. Folks seem to think that it's not okay for other races (basically whites) to use the term since it is generally considered an offensive and inflammatory racial slur. Okay, I see their point and agree with them. But......

One of my points was that I objected to the biased or prejudicial thinking that occurs when someone uses the word. If you don't know me, how do decide whether I'm using the term as a slur or one of endearment (for lack of a better term)? If you heard me say "Hey nigger, what's happening" to a black person, what do you think? Your reaction indicates whether you are prejudiced or not. How do you know whether I know the individual or not? And even if you knew that, do you know the level of our relationship?

This particular term carries so much baggage that I would never use it. I have some very good friends who happen to be black and I would not put them through having to explain to anyone why they'd allow me to use the term. Similarly, I would never call anyone a Wop, Kike, Mick, or Spick. That is my own personal feeling that I don't classify people that way. Again, a big part of my point was the objection that because I'm white, the use of one of these terms is automatically deemed to be offensive.

RIAA and Lawsuits
There has been a lot of strong opinions concerning the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) filing lawsuits against people who are swapping files on the net. I guess I feel like adding my two cents worth.

Basically, I feel that suing kids as young as 12 is a bit on the heavy handed side. However, I do support what the RIAA is trying to do.

Folks, we're talking about the rights of the owner's of these copyrighted items to profit from their work. If instead of purchasing a song, you copy it from some website, you have acquired something that someone owns without paying them for it. That is the definition of stealing. These artists have created an item (in this case, a song or album) that they intend to produce and profit from. The swapping of music deprives them from that opportunity. If you want to have a copy of a song, you have to purchase the album or single thereby paying the artist for his creation.

The arguments that CD's are a rip-off when looked at based on cost to produce vs. selling price holds no water in this discussion. It doesn't matter if the record company is trying to make a 10% profit or 200% profit. They have that right as the producers of the CD. You, as a consumer, have the right not to buy the album. If enough people stop buying CD's because of cost, the companies sooner or later will have to reduce the price to stay in business. But, when millions are willing to provide a company with a 200% profit on an item, why would the company be willing to reduce their price?

And, you can't compare swapping music on the net to a book in a library or movie at Blockbuster's. A library makes available copyrighted items for your reading pleasure. Libraries will do their best to remind you that the books are copyrighted and any violation of the copyright laws can have legal ramifications. It's the same with a movie. Blockbuster will warn you (and so will the tapes) that you are not to copy the movie in violation of the copyright laws. It's not the listening or viewing that's the issue, it's the copying. Copyright laws define what constitutes unauthorized duplication of an intellectual property. And, whether you agree or not, swapping music on the web is currently unauthorized.

Just because you can copy something, doesn't make it right. This is an issue that's going to have to be worked out somehow. But, until it is resolved, swapping music on the net is a violation of a law. So, if you are violating this law, don't complain to me when the authorities come after you.

Positive Effects of Blogging
Reading the Oldcatman's post today reminded me of one of the positive effects of Blogging. Specifically, that it has provided my father and I another item which we now have in common. If you read both of our sites, you've no doubt noticed we feel differently on any number of items. My father is a person who is very creative, free-thinking (however you define the term), adventerous, and artistic. I, on the other hand, tend to be more linear thinking, guarded, and willing to adhere to rules. An example of a difference is that my dad can take a blank canvas and create a picture, I can take a piece of graph paper and design a plan. My dad is more willing to look at something as okay if it doesn't bother someone else where I'd look at whether that something was legal or not first (see the RIAA comments as an example, not that I know how he feels about that issue). These differences over the years have caused us any number of problems. But, we're trying to look past our differences and concentrate on the things we do have in common. Obviously, we're father and son, we both love my daughter, we're both sports fans, and now, we both Blog. So, I thank the creator of Blogging (whoever he, she, or they may be) for that.

Ben and Jenniger have split?
On my way to Blogger to write today's post, I noticed a MSN article concerning the possible break-up of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. My first reaction was shock, but then I realized I'd just had a bit of static electricity. Who freakin cares if these people get married or not? I would prefer to be unemployed than to have to be a reporter assigned to covering this "news" story. My god, are there actually people who really care about this? Are they nervous about if and when the wedding will be? Why? I simply cannot understand people who worry or care about some actor or actresses personal life. Unless of course if they were actually involved somehow. Now, liking a personality because of how they look, or you like their movies, books, or TV show is one thing. If you are sad because John Ritter died because you liked his TV show, okay, that is logical. But, if you are sitting around worrying whether Ben and Jennifer's nuptials go okay, then you need a hobby.

Words
I was reading the newspaper this morning and came across a couple letters to the editor concerning a recent Doonesbury comic. The strip in question concerned masturbation. Evidently, a large number of papers chose not to run the comic (including the Denver Post) because of the possibly offensive theme of the strip. One of the letters stated that they (the letter writer) were offended because the paper cowardly refused to use the M-word in the comics. The M-word? It's called masturbation folks. If the word offends you, you need to grow up. Using M-word in place of the actual word makes one look a little weak. If you read an article that said that someone used the N-word, would you know what they meant? If you did, what's the difference between the actual word (nigger) and the cutesy phrase? If you don't know what N-word stands for, then the use of the term is meaningless. I also read an opinion last week where the writer used W-word when writing about someone being called a wetback. Let's take a step back here folks, these are all just words. The word itself may have a definition in the dictionary, but overall, it's how you interprept the meaning that gives them any weight. Want an example? Okay, let's say one black man walks up to another and asks; Are you my nigga?. No problem, right? Okay, let's say I walk up to the same black man and ask the same question. Am I racist and according to who? Maybe I asked the question because the first black man received a favorable response and that's what I wanted. So, just because I'm white, I can't use the word nigger (or nigga) but a black person can? Why? I'm a racist if I use the term but a it's okay for a black person to use it. Hmmm, seems were pre-judging what I mean if I use the term. Isn't that the meaning of prejudice? Now, I don't go around calling black people niggers. But, if I did, why is it okay to assume it's because I am a racist/bigot or whatever? If it's not okay for me to use the term because it's demeaning to blacks, then it still should be demeaning if a black person uses it. If it's not, then you've proved my point. If you are a black person and think it's okay for a fellow black person to use the word but not a white person, you are as prejudiced and bigoted as those who use the word to be offensive.

Scheduling My Writing
Well, for those of you who noticed, yes I did miss my posting yesterday. Normally, I sit down at my computer at night to compose my daily posting. Well, yesterday was no different except that by the time evening rolled around, I was just too tired to sit down and think about or type my post. Add that to the fact that I needed to get up early this morning and viola, no post. Now, I felt bad about not writing anything for a little bit, but later thought of an important question. The question is, why do I write posts, and for whom? The answer is that I write these for my own personal enjoyment and basically only for me. Yes, I do enjoy the fact that people read these and comment on them. But, when I sit down and write, I write things I feel strongly about, things I wish to gripe or rant about, goofy shit that just happens to cross my mind. I don't sit down and type something simply to get comments from people. I would like to think that if I don't post something on a given day that someone would be dissappointed because there's nothing new to read (okay, it's hoping for alot). But, I'm doing this for fun. I don't want to feel that I am obligated to type something everyday. If I don't feel like posting, am sick, or have an evening engagement, I may not post. I'm okay with that idea. I've read a few blogs lately where it seems like someone wrote something not because they cared about the subject, just they felt they had to post something. I don't want to do that. I want what I write to be about something I care about, not an obligation.

Colorado has a new mass murderer
The newspaper the last couple of days has had a story about a male here in Colorado who, while being questioned as a suspect for one murder, confessed to the police to committing five other murders. So far, the police have found two of the victims that this person said he killed and buried.

Okay, so now my issues with the news media. The term "alleged murderer" is one of my favorties. If someone confesses to killing someone and tells you where they buried the body, I think we can drop alleged from the vocabulary. Yes, I know we're all innocent until proven guilty. But, come on. You don't suddenly become a murderer after a court finds you guilty of murder. At that point you are a convicted murderer. Before then, you are an untried murderer. Either way, you still are a murderer. A jury verdict does not make you a rapist, burglar, con-man, or murderer. They simply convict you of the crime that (usually) you've already committed (with my apologies to those who are convicted yet actually innocent).

Secondly, and this is a popular theme in crimes like this, there have been all sorts of interviews with friends, family, and neighbors spouting the usual comments. You know the ones, "he's such a quiet person", "he's a loner and kept to himself" (which is always funny to me because how could you be a loner without keeping to yourself?), "I can't believe he is capable of something like this" (you never hear someone say "I always knew he would be a mass murderer"). People always say that it's always the quiet ones who cause problems. But, to quote George Carlin, if a guy is quietly sitting at a bar reading a book, and another is waving a machette and yelling that he's going to kill the next person who walks in the bar, which one are you going to keep on an eye on?

Golfing
Went golfing this morning. It was a fine late summer day here in Colorado...Not. It was just below fifty degrees, little windy, and threatening to rain when I teed off. Hey, check the calendar Colorado, fall isn't for a little over a week. Oh well, I can't be too upset about the weather since I was the nut-ball that was outside hitting a little ball around. We golfers must be a demented bunch. I say that not only because of the frustrations the game presents, but the fact that I wasn't alone on the course. There were plenty of other golfing nut-cases outside in the cold (sounds weird saying outside in) hitting our little white balls while our other balls are so cold they're turning blue.

College Football
I was watching a little football on TV today. Would someone please tell me why 111 thousand people will go to a college football game? While I enjoy the games, I don't understand the fanaticism of college fans. Of course, the same number of people will go to a NASCAR race and root their favorite redneck around the track. So, at least the football fans at least have an attachment to the school they attended. Like I said, I just don't understand the huge crowds at these games.

Heroes
What makes someone a hero? After 9/11/2003, it seems that everyone considers all fire fighters heroes. And, I've already spoken about how I feel about Jessica Lynch being deemed a hero. According to Merriam-Webster, a hero is one that shows great courage or an object of extreme admiration and devotion. Now, the fire-fighters that lost their life in efforts to save those that were in the twin towers certainly qualify for hero status. But, not all fire-fighters are heroes. Just because you have a job that may require you to act heroically, doesn't mean anything. It isn't until you actually put the life of someone else before yours that you qualify. I was an active duty Marine. I felt at the time that I was willing to give up my life for my country. But, I never actually faced that. What if I was faced with that situation and instead of fighting I ran? Not very heroic is it? A hero is someone who has done something, not just a person in a job likely to face that situation. So, to the true heroes of 9/11, I salute you and pray that God takes care of you. To the psuedo-heroes since then, do not expect my respect until you prove worthy of it. Heroes are created by action and deed, not by job title.

Thursday Bowling
Okay, after that last post, it seems odd to switch to something minor like bowling (in the grand scheme or life). But, I don't dwell in the past, so I must move on. Anyway, my bowling tonight was semi-okay. I think right now my problem is two-fold. One, is I need to learn to concentrate more in this league. It's not as tough as my Tuesday league, and I think right now I'm guilty of slacking off a bit. Secondly, I think I am still adjusting to bowling twice a week. I seem to be suffering from a little tired arm syndrome and I need to work on that. But, I feel good that I have recognized the problems and I guarantee you that I will solve them shortly.

Colorado Colleges
Oh, you'll love this. Seems that our Republican leaders here in Colorado are now up in arms over the fact that an overwhelming majority of the professors in this state are liberal. They are calling for a more balanced representation in the teaching positions. Now, I'm a registered Republican and consider myself a moderate to conservative thinker. But come on folks. If you don't like the teachers at a college because they're too liberal, don't go to that school. It's that easy. It's the same with a TV program, a radio station, or a book. Nobody is forcing you to watch, listen, or read. Take a little personal responsibility and do things that you enjoy. Just because you don't enjoy a book doesn't mean that the book should be banned. You have the choice between buying/reading the book or not. I so wish that more people knew how to say or the meaning of the phrase, "it's my fault".

Hate
If you've noticed, I don't use the word hate often. Merriam-Webster defines hate as intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury. I tend to think that you can only hate something you are passionate about. I don't like hearing people just toss the word around. Hate is an intense emotion. I don't hate many things in this world. I hate that my mother and wife died too early. But, I am passionate about my feelings toward them so I feel hate is an appropriate emotion in this respect. I hate when I bowl poorly because I so love to bowl and do well. But, I don't hate a TV show. If I don't like the show, fine. But why say hate when I have no concern about something. When people say they hate something, I always wonder whether they are truly passionate about that item or just lazy. I know it's a word, and you can take it based on what it means to you. But, I don't like the de-valuing of words like hate or hero. It lessens their meaning to use them indiscriminately.

Second Season of CSI
I purchased the second season of CSI on DVD today. One of the neat things about this set is that I never saw the original broadcasts on TV. I bowl on Thursdays and CSI is on before I get home. So, the first three episodes I've seen so far have been basically brand new for me. If you are a fan of this show at all, you have to get these discs. The show is wonderful. I wish it had been on while I was in school. If it had, it would have provided me with an understanding of why science is or can be important. PS - My daughter wants me to let you know that the show can be scary for little kids.

Highlands Ranch Happenings
Remember a week or so ago I mentioned that in Highlands Ranch it was illegal for kids to play in the street? Well, the feud I referred to in that posting has prompted the county commissioners to consider turning the street in question into a play area. Yep, it is possible for the county to designate a street as a play area in which all street activities would be legal. So, the county is going to investigate whether this particular cul-de-sac deserves this designation. If they so decide, the one family that has been reporting to the police will be out of luck. They'll either have to accept the kids in the street (and knowing the other parents won the feud) or move. Ouch! This will continue to get ugly.

Male Stereotypes
My daughter went over to a friend's house today to play. When I picked her up, her friend's mother was all apologetic about her house being clean. She mentioned that considering that I was a single male, she was amazed how nice my house always looked. Now folks, I hate to break this to you, but I am a good housekeeper. I'm not Martha Stewart good, but I do keep a pretty good home. I can't blame it on the Marines, because I was like this before I enlisted. In fact, I first started really working at keeping a house clean when Oldcatman gave me a choice between going fishing and cleaning around the house. After that first time, I would trade cleaning up for any number of things. And, I found I was pretty good at it and found I liked the look, feel, and smell or a clean room. Maybe I have a gay streak (another stereotype) in me. Nah!

Pro-Choice or Pro-Life
How do you feel about abortion? For the record, I feel that a woman should have the choice about terminating or continuing a pregnancy. Now, I also think that the man should have some say. But, ultimately, I think the majority of the decision is with the female. I call that position, pro-choice. Notice I said pro-choice, not pro-abortion. I would prefer that every conceived child be born into a loving family. But, even I am not that naive. A lot of the pro-life side would claim I am pro-abortion or the opposite of pro-life which would be pro-death/anti-life. None of those identifications is true. I am simply pro-choice. The only thing that implys is that I am not pro-no-choice. It doesn't mean that I want abortions to continue, or grow in frequency. It simply refers to my feeling that a woman controls all functions of her body. My biggest problem with pro-lifers (and this is a generalization) is that they don't seem to care about the child after they are born. I've never met a pro-lifer who also worked with needy mothers and their newborn children. So, what great benefit is there to forcing a child to be born to a drug-addict of a mother. Sure, the kid is born, but what type of life does it have. Forcing a child to be born just so you feel good is an extremely selfish act if the child is doomed to a miserable life with an absent or abusive parent.

September 11
Okay, I'm not a big Bush fan. But please, everyone, take the time tomorrow to remeber (or not) the events of two years ago in your own personal fashion.

Redemption
Okay, so Thursday was just a fluke after all. Tonight at bowling, I had a 597 with two 200+ games. I was really nervous about tonight wondering if Thursday was the begining of a trend or truly an off night. Well, I've got my confidence back. My only problem tonight was the fourth frame. In each of the three games, I had a 3-10 baby split. And, I couldn't manage to pick up a single one. Damn! Oh well, at least now have a shot I know I need to practice.

Feeling Stronger Every Day
With apologies to Chicago (and their song of the same name), I'm feeling better these last couple of days. I have got to learn that I can't sit at home alone all day. Something about it makes me feel isolated and lonely. The last couple of days, I've been busy doing errands, school, bowling, etc. and I feel fine. It's the feeling that I'm in control of my day that helps me feel better. I just have to remember that. Sometimes, I feel trapped in my own home and I really detest that feeling. Home is where you should feel safe and loved, not confined.

How would you take this statement?
Yesterday, at my orthodontist appointment (had I mentioned that I have braces?) my technician (a cute female) told me, while she was working on my bottom braces, that my tongue seemed happy to be playing with her. Now, I ask you, how would you take that? I started laughing. She said that I was wrong because my mind was in the gutter. I told her that I wasn't the one who just made such a loaded statement. I need your vote, was I rude or was she guilty of baiting me?

Problem with Tues./Thurs.
The only thing I don't like about going to school is that I don't get a chance to read my newspaper. Now, ever since I was in Boot Camp, I've viewed reading newspapers as a break. I just enjoy finding out what's happening in the world, my state, and community. But, on the days I have school, I don't get that opportunity. I really miss it. To me, there is no better way to start the day than with a newspaper, cup of coffee, and a cigarette. Okay, if my wife was here, I can think of one better way. But she's not, so I have to stick with my original statement.

Young Frankenstein
My daughter and I watched one of my all-time favorite movies yesterday. No matter how many times I see Young Frankenstein, I still laugh. I love the "put the candle back" and "give him a seda-give" bits. That and Frau Bluecher. Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder were definitely "on" when they wrote that movie. One of my other favorites is Blazing Saddles. I love the Mongo bits including "Mongo only pawn in game of life". Still another one of my favorite movies is Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I love the scene where "Naughty Zeus" has lit the grail beacon and the punishment for the convent must be spanking and oral sex. God, I have a warped sense of humor.

Rest In Peace Warren Zevon
Warren Zevon, singer of songs such as Werewolves of London, Excitable Boy, and Johnny Strikes Up the Band died in his sleep last night. Speaking for fans such as myself, I say thank you for the music and may you rest in peace.

Sorry about yesterday
Well, I apologize for missing my posting yesterday. I'd like to tell you Blogger/Blog*spot was down, I had computer problems, or an emergency occurred requiring my attention. But, that would be a lie. The truth was that I mentally was not up to doing a posting. I spent a great deal of this past weekend in what I usually call a low bio-rythym day or blue funk. Basically, during these times, I tend to fall into a trap of thinking of everything I don't have. I don't have my wife anymore, I don't have a girlfriend/female companion, I don't have a great deal of friends, I don't have a job, etc. And, the more I dwell on those things, the sadder, lonlier, and more frustrated I get. None of those emotions are great inspiration for my writing. I'm glad to say that my mood has improved. Basically, my daughter and I did some cooking together, watched a little TV, and played some games. I can't tell you what a positive effect that little girl has on my disposition. Whenever I think that my life is meaningless and not worth a whole lot, I just need to make my daughter smile or laugh and I snap out of it. I still think at times that my daughter would be better had her mother been the sole parent, or if she lived with someone else (and had the inheiritance from me). But, thankfully, I'm too damn selfish to give up spending the rest of my life with my daughter. (Note - please don't worry that I'm planning on doing anything foolish to myself. It's just that I want the best for my daughter and I sometimes doubt that either I'm the best for her or that I can always do the best thing for her.)

Lighter Side of Life
Geez, it was depressing just typing that last item. Need to shift gears a little. So, here's a few odd thoughts and questions.

• Why do people say someone lost their spouse when the spouse dies? Not to be disrespectful, but I didn't lose my wife. I know exactly where she is. I like to think of it as passing away.


• What were the items before CD's or Cassette's called? Do you believe that 75% of my accounting class had no familiarity with a vinyl record album? Even less than that had heard of a 45 single. Ouch, I feel old.


• What exactly is pre-boarding an airplane? When we're at the gate waiting to board, isn't that pre-boarding? And why do they tell us to get on the plane? Shouldn't we get in the plane?


• Why do women put on a pair of panties or pants, but only a bra?


• Why when you order a large coffee at Starbuck's do you get the smallest size they offer? In Starbuck's lingo, large = small, tall = medium, and venti = large.

Speaking of Starbucks
Say what you will about the number of, location of, or anything else about Starbuck's Coffee Shops. But, I spent a couple of hours at one today. I was sitting outside enjoying the most pleasant weather, drinking a Venti Latte, having a cigarette (or two, three) and doing my homework. Another pleasant way to spend my time. (My daughter is volunteering as a library aide (at age 9) at her school, so she had to go work).

Broncos 30, Bengals 10
Broncos in an unimpressive fashion beat the hapless Jon Kitna led Bengals yesterday. I feel sorry for Kitna because with every mistake he makes, the chants for Carson Palmer will get louder. Broncos record 1 - 0.

Alternatives to Blogger
Okay, looking for suggestions here. Blogger and all Blog*spot sites were down most of today. This is the third time I've noticed a prolonged period of not being able to get here. So, I'm now researching alternatives. Anyone have any ideas? If need be, I'll go the web-site route and buy a domain name and use some commercially available software to support this blog. Anyone have any experience with Microsoft FrontPage 2002?

And I wonder why I'm a Republican at times
Story this morning in the Rocky Mountain News concerning a woman who was supposed to be considered a welfare success story. This is a woman who has five children and was on welfare. She now has a job that pays more than she got on welfare. She still gets food stamps, rent subsidies, and healthcare from the government. Okay, congratulations ma'am, I applaud you're willingness to get out there and do your best for your family. Here's where I get upset though. This woman had her first child at age 16. She went on welfare a couple of months after that (after dropping out of school). Then, while on welfare, she had four more children. She has never been married to anyone of the three males who are the sperm donors (to call them fathers insults fathers). None of the fathers (of course) pay any regular child support. In fact, two of them are in prison and the third just dissapeared. She even had an abortion while she was on welfare. Okay, I'll give any welfare recipient one "grace pregnancy". I figure that, save abstinence, no birth control is 100 percent effective. But, after that, don't expect me, the state, or federal government to support your stupidity. Just because you can't shut your legs does not mean I have to have my tax dollars supporting you.

Major Award for me
I want you all to know that I have received an award for best overall Blog site. Yep, the Society of Estonian Bloggers in Highlands Ranch (SEBHR) has given me this award. It's not a big group yet (In fact, I just created it an hour ago) but keep your eyes open. It's going to be a player in Blogdom. Hey, if we can have the Latin Grammy's and the like, I can create my own organizaition.

Opinion, anybody?
Was speaking with the Oldcatman this morning. I told him that the only disappointing thing about blogging (at least for me so far) has been the lack of any real non-agreeable comments. Now, I don't want people to insult, trash, belittle me or the like. But, don't you ever wish someone would write a comment in opposition to something you say. Isn't the idea of a debate about a subject you feel strongly about appealling? Oldcatman and I agreed that we both love meeting and discussing things with others. I love reading Maizzy, Mookie, and Tasberry (see links at left above) and finding out about them. I've written a couple of times to them. That's the neat part. I would never have met these ladies if not for Blogging. But, I'd still like to meet people who disagree with me. Why do we disagree? Where do we disagree? Can either of us sway the other person towards our point of view? I want the back and forth that a debate can offer.

Be nice Oldcatman
Geez, my own father ragging on my two main sporting interests. First, he doesn't care enough about golf to actually spend time criticizing it. Then, he actually does write about bowling. And yes Dad, smoking is still allowed in bowling alleys. Although, they usually do have certain smoke-free times for open bowling. You are right, bowling balls (even the house ones) aren't just black anymore. The one I use most often (I own four) is a purple, blue, green, and brown mix. When I purchased it, it had a grape smell to it (why, I don't know). You can buy clear bowling balls that have a beer bottle, skull, or rose imbedded in them. Or, they come with designs of football teams, NASCAR cars, or Disney characters on them. It's just not your parents sport anymore. Come on Dad, one day after I express dismay over a bad night and you're going to put my sport down? Be nice!

Who buys/wears this stuff?
Received a catalog from the Playboy store in the mail today. I open the cover and there are some very sexy ladies wearing these different lingerie items. Now, some of these look like you could wear them during the day. But others, like a fishnet dress, you really have to wonder about. Okay, if a lady came over to the house wearing that outfit, I wouldn't turn her away. But come on folks, the only time a lady walks up to a house in a fishnet dress is in a teenage boy's fantasy or a porno movie. I would bet that over 90 percent of these dresses are sold to guys who then have to beg and plead with their lady to wear the thing. Wouldn't it be funny if some senior citizen male bought it for Ethel down at the home. And Ethel, being the wild woman puts it on and her geriatric boobs slip through the fishnet? (God is going to punish me for that comment).

Latin Grammy's
There was an editorial today in the Denver Post stating how great it was that the Latin Grammy's were on a national network recently. It talked about the progress society as a whole and Hispanics were making. Now, I'm not a racist, but I really dislike things like the Latin Grammy's or NAACP awards. It's not that I don't want any of these musicians, actors, or whatever to be recognized for their work. It's just that I object to limiting the awards to one group. If they tried to have a White Persons award show (other than the Country Music Awards), there would be a terrible outrage. How dare they exclude minorities. Well folks, the Latin Grammy's excluded blacks and whites, where's the uproar. Oh, it's okay for a minority to exclude because they've been excluded for so long, bull honking shit. Exclusion is exclusion.

Random Thoughts
September 25, 2003 - Griss, Cat, Nicky, Warrick, and Sarah resume solving cases as the new season of C.S.I begins. It's the best show that TV has to offer.

Pink Floyd is still the greatest band of all time. Please, oh please David or Roger, release some new material.

Why is it still call the NAACP? Shouldn't (in this PC world) it now be called the NAAAA (National Association for the Advancement of African Americans?

I detest the word "arguably" as in Joe Blow was arguably the best quarterback in the history of the NFL. Hey, either Joe is or isn't the best. Get off the friggin fence and take a stand. Or are you afraid someone might disagree with you?

Marital woes for the Colorado Governor
Well, it seems that being Governor of Colorado has put a strain on Mr. and Mrs. Bill Owens. It was announced that they are going to separate. Now, ordinarily, this wouldn't be that big of a deal. Marriages end all the time. The problem is, is that our Governor has come out against same-sex marriages because he feels the would weaken the sanctity of heterosexual marriages. And, of course, now we're seeing all sorts of letters to the editor rubbing it in that his marriage is having problems. Well, I hope the things work out for the Owens', not for political motives, just because I know that a divorce can be an ugly life event. And to all those who are pro same-sex marriage, lay off or be willing to put up with the trash that occurs when a few of those civil unions / marriages fail.

Same-sex Marriages / Civil Unions
Okay, I brought it up. Now, I guess I have to take a stand. I am totally against civil unions and am not sure (yet) how I feel about same-sex marriages. How can I distinguish between the two? Well, most people who have campaigned for civil unions have always stated that it would provide them with the benefits that a heterosexual marriage provides the partners. Benefits such as health care decisions, beneficiary rights, and survivor benefits. I have not heard one advocate say anything about the responsibilities that go along with it. These would be obligations such as loans, credit, and taxes. When someone states they will accept those responsibilities, then I consider how I feel about civil unions. As far as marriages, I don't know. One of the arguements against same-sex marriage is the inability to naturally reproduce which exists in most marriages. Well, I've had a vasectomy. So, if I ever re-marry, I can't reproduce. Therefore, that arguement holds no water. Oh, I'll just admit something. I don't consider myself to be homophobic. But, I just don't feel comfortable with the idea of two men getting married. So, that's what I'm fighting while thinking about this topic.

Bowling
Oh jeez. I guess even the world's greatest bowlers have off nights. Well, I certainly had one tonight. I won't admit to the final total, but I bowled my first sub 500 series in more than a year tonight. Guess I was due for an off night. Oh well, I had a great time with my team-mates and opponents and that's more important than my series total (Keep repeating that and I may believe it). Hey, one bad night does not mean much anymore than one great night means everything. You know, the more I think about it, the more I'm not worried about it. I know I can do better. So I had a bad night. Oh well, as my opponents stated tonight, watch out next week when I bowl like I can and have a nice fat handicap.

Family History
Couple of things I want to say about this topic. Thank you to all for understanding that my real father is Oldcatman even if he's not my biological father. I said it yesterday and I mean it, Oldcatman has always been the one I've known and loved. So, who I am is attributable to him and I happen to think I'm okay, so he did a great job. Secondly, I wanted to clear up one thing I may have confused folks about. My sister is the result of my mother's first marriage. Next, I was the result of an affair my (then single) mother had with an Irish police officer (Oh, it that doesn't bring up stereotypical thoughts). I also supposedly have a sister that has the same father as I do and obviously the same mother. But, I've never met her and didn't even know she existed until I was thirty-one. My brother is Oldcatman's and my mother's child. (Hey, I don't have a family tree, it's a friggin' bush). I say all this because I don't want you to think to poorly of my mother. Perfect, she wasn't. But I loved her with all my heart (She passed away when I was 15).

Speaking of Stereotypes
Saw a comic in the paper today (Mallard Fillmore). In it, the main character Mallard was stating that it's a good thing that the people in "Queer eye for the straight guy" (or whatever it's called) are participating in a reality TV show. If any of these guys were in a movie, the movie would be blasted for blatant gay stereotypes. And you know, that's right. So, I guess stereotypes aren't always wrong or bad. Gee, when it's popular with a minority, I guess those things don't matter. What does that say when they do complain?

Another Blogging question
Okay, it's September. Now how do I get my August posts into the archive? Can anyone help me with this?

Writer's block
Geez, nothing happened worth mentioning today. Nothing too exciting in the news. Colorado Rockies out of the pennant race (not that that is news). What do I write about today?

Life, as I know it
That may sound like a weird way to head a post concerning my life. But, as you will read in future posts, not all of my life has occurred as I remembered it. Strange? Yes, but I'll hopefully clear that up soon.

First of all, I need to tell you something about my father and I. As those of you who have read this site and Oldcatman's Brain Farts know, I am the "Denverite son" of Oldcatman. Technically speaking, this is not one hundred percent accurate. Oldcatman is my adoptive father. I have never known my biological father. Notice that I said "biological" and not "real". Oldcatman is my real father. He is the one who loved, raised, instructed, punished, and stood by me. The fact that I did not come from a sperm donation of his is immaterial. I do know that my biological father was Irish, a cop, and was having an affair with my mother. Oh, and he still lives in the San Francisco Bay area. One other thing that I know is that I have five half-brothers and sisters that I have never met.

When I stated "as I remember it" above, I was referring to the fact that I'm not sure of my own family history. Hell, I didn't find out about Oldcatman being my adoptive father until I was thirty-one. I grew up thinking I was half Italian. My other half is Estonian. My mother came to America when she was a teen-ager. Anyway, here I was, a red-haired, freckle faced, light-skinned kid. Not exactly the typical description of an Italian. So, finding out I was part Irish was a huge relief. It explained a lot about how I looked. So, for the better part of thirty-one years, I kept getting the same "you don't look Italian" line thrown at me. Naively, I told folks that, yes, I am a good Italian boy. Oh well, to all of you I corrected, I'm sorry, you were right.

So, in the upcoming days (weeks) when I right about my history, please keep in mind that I'm writing based on what I know. Oldcatman may correct something, but I'll be stating things from my recollection.

Here's one thing I'm pretty sure about. I was born in Los Gatos, Ca which is a town south/southwest of San Jose and the bay area. Now, I've never been told where I lived there, or for how long. I have one minor recollection of living a couple of doors down from my grandfather (Oldcatman's dad) when I was very little. The next thing I can recall is living in Eureka, Ca which is a town way up north in CA. Eureka is where my brother (technically, half) was born in 1964. I also have a sister (again, half) that was born in 1957 in San Jose, CA. I believe my mother was born in either Tartu or Parnu Estonia.

Okay, well, now you know the cast of characters that make up my family. In the upcoming days or weeks, I'll fill you in about my life. It's not the greatest story ever told, but I hope you'll find it interesting.

I'm not alone
A little while back, I wrote a rant against people who use their cell phones in ways that I considered rude or inappropriate. Well, it looks like I'm not the only one who feels this way. Check out this article I found on the web concerning cell phone usage.

What makes a hero?
Saw an article today that said that Kelly Lynch (the Army private) had signed a book deal worth one million dollars. Most everything that has been written about this woman calls her a hero. Why? What heroic act has she ever done. Being captured by the enemy and then rescued by fellow soldiers does not make one a hero. All of this is because she is a female. Doubt it? Quick, name just one of the guys that was captured when she was. Just because she is one of (if not the first) a few women who have ever been captured during a war, does not make her a hero. A hero is someone who risks life and or limb to save another. We have gone so overboard about calling people hero's that the term is becoming worth less and less. And, I say this not as strictly a male, but as a former active-duty Marine.

Favorite bowling league begins
Well, tonight was the first night of my favorite bowling league. Of all the leagues I've been in over the last 10 years, this just has to be my favorite and the best. Why? For one, I love my team. I am part of a team with two couples who have to be some of the greatest people I know. Secondly, there are a lot of people in the league that I just enjoy being around. Lastly, there a number of really good bowlers who I love to face. It's just fun to have the head to head challange against these folks. Win or lose, it's always a pleasure to face them and try and beat them. I consider losing and being out-bowled two different things. If I'm out-bowled, congratulations to you. You have beaten me while I was giving it my best effort. Losing to me is when I don't bowl the way I can. Sure, some nights the pins aren't going to fall your way. But, losing is when you consistently miss one or two pin easy spares. I absolutely detest that.

Anyway, my team tonight won four points. We get one point for each game won and one point if we have the high series. Individually, I did okay. I bowled a 636. Now, a lot of people would call that better than okay, but I'm not ready to do so. I feel like I could have done so much better. I had a good line tonight. It was just a case that if I didn't strike, I didn't leave myself many makeable spares. Oh well, at least I didn't set my average too high.

My team is going to get matching bowling shirts this year. Hopefully, we will have them prior to next week's bowling. We've also decided that my daughter needs a shirt. Instead of her name, we're going to put "Mascot" on the front of her shirt. My daughter has decided that she has a magical finger that can help us get strikes or pick up spares. So, since she's doing that for us and is always rooting for us, we're making her a part of the team.

Oldcatman is writing family history again
My father (at my urging) is writing about our family history again. I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading those posts. You see, we had a major communication problem (I don't say issue) in my family. Looking back, it seems nobody talked about anything of any importance. It has only been in the last 10 years that I have learned anything of substance about my own family. So, reading my father's postings about my own family has been as informative to me as it has to everyone else. There are things that I need to explain (and I will) about my family (from my perspective), but I'm not quite ready to do so. I need to be able to express what I have to say in a way that does not insult, offend, or injure my family members. God help us, my family and personal history is not anything like "Ward, June, Wally, and Beaver Cleaver" (Speaking of which, can you imagine the shit that a boy with the nickname "Beaver" would take these days?). But, it is my family and history and it is something I cherish and hold very dearly.

Sept. 11th is coming
As we all are aware, the two year anniversary of Sept. 11th is less than two weeks away. This fact has been the focal point of many articles and blogs that I've read lately. One of the best blogs I've read on this subject was written by Rachel Lucas (See 8/26/03 Damn the Media).

Ms. Lucas reminds us that the networks are not planning any special programming that day to commemorate the events of that day. She speaks very eloquently about what that day meant to her, how it made her feel, and how it has changed her. Ms. Lucas makes many fine points and I agree with a lot of what she has to say. However, I don't agree with everything she wrote and the rest of this posting is my reaction to those items where Ms. Lucas and I disagree.

First (this comment is speaking as a widower) if I lost someone that day, I wouldn't want a national news report reminding me of it every year. Now, I know the events of that day impacted more than just those who were injured or lost a friend or relative. But, I feel it's more important to respect their wishes and feelings about having a TV show bringing that day back in to their face. Two years is not that long of a grieving period. Especially when you are constantly reminded of the loss as these people were in the first few months after 9/11.

Now, while I agree whole heartedly with Ms. Lucas about the ridiculous choices the media makes concerning what to constantly report on (Laci Petterson, Kobe Bryant, and in Colorado - Jon Benet Ramsey), I still don't understand what she wants the media to do. Do we need to see the planes crash again? I don't know about you, but I can vividly picture that image as I sit here and type. I don't need to see it again. Do I need to be reminded about how people came together? No, I don't. I know they did and it saddens me to see some of that unity slipping away as time passes. Many fine things happened in the months that followed that day, but I don't need that anniversary to remind me of those things. In fact, I'm not sure that speaking of and praising all the wonderful events, help, and support that occurred after 9/11 is an appropriate subject on the anniversary day. I would totally support a national moment of silence, but to celebrate anything would seem disrespectful.

The events of 9/11 happened less than two months after my wife passed away. So, maybe that clouds my opinions about everything that was done following that day. One thing that I have had a tremendous problem dealing with about 9/11 is all the money that was donated to the families. Now, on the surface, that sounds terribly cold. But look at it from my point of view (at the time). 3,000 families lost a husband, wife, mother, father, brother, or sister. Countless more people lost a friend or co-worker. My daughter and I lost our wife/mother. So, where's the donations for us? Why are the lives lost on 9/11 worth money and my wife's life not worth anything? Is it the sheer number of people who died? More than 43 thousand women lose their life to breast cancer (which is what claimed my wife) every year. Where is the financial support for the families of those women? Yes, the victims of 9/11 were murdered and my wife died of a disease. But, does that make the loss any different? Not to me. No matter whether you lose a spouse through murder, disease, accident, suicide, or whatever, the fact remains that they are gone. Why does one form of loss merit financial assistance when another doesn't. What do I tell my daughter when she asks why money is donated to those families but not to us? Do you want to tell her that her mother just didn't die the right way? I certainly don't.

I will close this post with the following: I will always remember 9/11 for what happened, how it affected me personally, how it affected America, and the world. I respect the rights of others to commemorate that day as they see fit, however, I don't want a TV show, magazine, or newspaper telling me how I should feel or react to that day. I also respect and appreciate comments such as those by Ms. Lucas. I think that communication about that day is an important thing. Loss is one of the most personal emotions a human can experience. No one experiences it the same way. We each deal with and feel about it in our unique ways. Each and every one of us needs to remember 9/11 as we see fit. However you feel and whatever you do on the anniversary of that day is up to you. I only hope that you choose to remember the day as you see fit not how others think you should.

Climbing off my soapbox
After that last post, I don't feel that it would be proper to talk about trivial subjects or make jokes. Therefore, I am going to end this day's postings by stating that I hope each and every one of you takes at least a moment on 9/11 to reflect on what that day means to you. Thanks for letting me speak my piece and for reading my comments.