I think it's time I start having a theme to my bloggerating. I've been doing this long enough--with no real focus--and I think I'm growing a little weary of searching for random fun facts to write about.
So...as per my recent entry, "I'd have a prescription for filet", I'm going to start paying closer attention to my daily conversations (of which I have so many) and stealing lines from them for use in topicafying my blogs.
This one struck a chord with me, though the person who said it may not (but likely does) know it. [Edit: As I wrote this...I discovered that she clearly does not know it]I feel like I am usually taken way too seriously. I'm aware that I have a serious, stern look for my normal expression. And I know I can be brutally blunt with people. But the majority of the things I say are not meant to be serious. I like to mix humor in to everything. The people that like me are the people that recognize and appreciate what I have to offer.
People who don't understand (I don't want to say they're dumb...just different) my sense of humor, however, not only don't appreciate it, but don't usually enjoy me.
So how does someone change that? I smile a ton, and it's a full-faced smile. Not some fake, way-to-try-to-please-me grin. I laugh at everything worth laughing at. Yet I am hardly approached by strangers to chat. I've been told that I give off a kind of angry vibe when I'm out in public.
Lately, I've been trying to focus on wearing a happier face. The grimace is never a reflection of my mood. So, anyone who thinks I'm angry looking and too serious, take my words with eight grains of salt. I'm friendly as can be, as long as you're not an idiot.
Showing posts with label Rants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rants. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Vehicular Woes
For the last few weeks, I've been getting a potent gasoline odor in my car when I drive. It is even worse if I pop the hood and stick my head in close the engine block. Trip number one to the mechanics, a combination service-tune up-check the problem visit, found nothing wrong with any fuel lines or valves. Trip number two, after the problem worsened, found nothing, but the mechanic tightened everything up free of charge.
Today, trip number three was necessary because the smell had gotten almost unbearable. I called back, and Jason at the Subaru dealership, who has always been really helpful, said go ahead and bring it in right now and we'll take another look. So I did. Less than an hour later, he calls back to let me know it is a problem with a fuel rail underneath my intake manifold. I'm not car savvy, but I get the gist of what that means. There is no liquid leak, which means no real danger of combustion. The vapor leak is right next to my intake, which I'm pretty sure sends some air directly in to the cabin of the car if I have my air flow set to fresh air (ironic).
While they didn't charge me for this visit, it will be in the neighborhood of $1,000 to get it fixed.
Fortunately for me, my sister's fiancee's father runs a car mechanic shop in Millersville. He will hopefully be saving me significant amounts of money. Stay tuned for updates.
Leaving for Minnesota in 3 days.
Tomorrow (or maybe tonight, depending on the outcome), expect a full review of Virginia Tech at Maryland basketball, which I will be attending. Turns out several of my friends will be there, too, so it should be fun. If only I didn't have to wake up at 7:30 tomorrow morning for an appointment with my ENT doctor to hopefully restore my hearing and sinuses to a comfortable state.
Today, trip number three was necessary because the smell had gotten almost unbearable. I called back, and Jason at the Subaru dealership, who has always been really helpful, said go ahead and bring it in right now and we'll take another look. So I did. Less than an hour later, he calls back to let me know it is a problem with a fuel rail underneath my intake manifold. I'm not car savvy, but I get the gist of what that means. There is no liquid leak, which means no real danger of combustion. The vapor leak is right next to my intake, which I'm pretty sure sends some air directly in to the cabin of the car if I have my air flow set to fresh air (ironic).
While they didn't charge me for this visit, it will be in the neighborhood of $1,000 to get it fixed.
Fortunately for me, my sister's fiancee's father runs a car mechanic shop in Millersville. He will hopefully be saving me significant amounts of money. Stay tuned for updates.
Leaving for Minnesota in 3 days.
Tomorrow (or maybe tonight, depending on the outcome), expect a full review of Virginia Tech at Maryland basketball, which I will be attending. Turns out several of my friends will be there, too, so it should be fun. If only I didn't have to wake up at 7:30 tomorrow morning for an appointment with my ENT doctor to hopefully restore my hearing and sinuses to a comfortable state.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Words can't describe tragedies like these
Northern Illinois shooting leaves 7 dead, several more wounded.
What in the hell is wrong with the people that do these things? I know the shooting at Virginia Tech wasn't the first of its kind, but by sheer numbers it was the worst in history. One of the biggest fears around the nation was that it would 'inspire' other people to follow suit. It looks like it has. There have been several more shootings around the nation since April. Most recently, a woman opened fire at Louisiana Tech last week, and now this one at Northern Illinois.
It's mind blowing that human beings are capable of something like this. Murders for vengeance, retribution, self-defense, those are things I can recognize as human (not acceptable, but human). But mass shootings of complete strangers? What motivates someone to do that? Things like this make me hope there is a hell, despite my own beliefs. Otherwise, suicide is just an easy way out. Not just easy, but overwhelmingly selfish.
The worst part about it is that, as it says in the article, there's really no way to stop something like this. You can implement whatever kind of warning and crisis systems that you want, but those only kick in after the fact. No one can foresee such a random act of nonsensical violence no matter how efficient their police force is.
This kind of thing hits close to home for me mostly because of what happened at Virginia Tech. I've been to Northern Illinois and made friends while I was there. They all left when Coach Novak retired, as they were all assistant football coaches under him, but that doesn't stop this from feeling a little more personal.
These are the things that make you appreciate the friends you have around you. Especially on a day like Valentine's Day, where everyone is supposed to show some love wherever they go. Even those (sometimes bitter) single folk who have no one specific to share the day with. As I've said before, it's sad that it takes something like this to make you realize how important your daily life is, how much you take it for granted.
Go give someone a hug.
What in the hell is wrong with the people that do these things? I know the shooting at Virginia Tech wasn't the first of its kind, but by sheer numbers it was the worst in history. One of the biggest fears around the nation was that it would 'inspire' other people to follow suit. It looks like it has. There have been several more shootings around the nation since April. Most recently, a woman opened fire at Louisiana Tech last week, and now this one at Northern Illinois.
It's mind blowing that human beings are capable of something like this. Murders for vengeance, retribution, self-defense, those are things I can recognize as human (not acceptable, but human). But mass shootings of complete strangers? What motivates someone to do that? Things like this make me hope there is a hell, despite my own beliefs. Otherwise, suicide is just an easy way out. Not just easy, but overwhelmingly selfish.
The worst part about it is that, as it says in the article, there's really no way to stop something like this. You can implement whatever kind of warning and crisis systems that you want, but those only kick in after the fact. No one can foresee such a random act of nonsensical violence no matter how efficient their police force is.
This kind of thing hits close to home for me mostly because of what happened at Virginia Tech. I've been to Northern Illinois and made friends while I was there. They all left when Coach Novak retired, as they were all assistant football coaches under him, but that doesn't stop this from feeling a little more personal.
These are the things that make you appreciate the friends you have around you. Especially on a day like Valentine's Day, where everyone is supposed to show some love wherever they go. Even those (sometimes bitter) single folk who have no one specific to share the day with. As I've said before, it's sad that it takes something like this to make you realize how important your daily life is, how much you take it for granted.
Go give someone a hug.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Politics Galore
I'm not political by any means. I am capable of having strong opinions, but when it comes to government and politics, I usually let it run its course without me. I got my first taste of true politics (on a very small scale) while helping my dad with his Mayoral campaign in Annapolis. It was an interesting experience, and one that I wish I had been more involved with on the whole.
I know that it is my right as an American to vote, and I've always enjoyed that right. It's harder to think of it as a privilege, because I've never known any other way. When you view voting as a privilege more than a right, it makes the Democratic process a little more significant.
Now, with all the primaries and campaigning going on, I am left--as usual--cramming all the information I can about each candidate in to my head so that I can make an educated choice. For the rest of you who would like to vote but don't know a thing about your candidates, there are a ton of sites out there designed to help you.
Votegopher.com (thank you, Mom) has a decent breakdown of each candidate's background, controversies, etc. Worth a look for a pretty good summary of your options.
If you're like me, you'll enjoy a site like this one because it is a little more personalized and hands-on: Politicalquiz.net offers a survey. According to your answers, it analyzes your political preferences. The percentage by each candidate shows how closely they match your answers.
My results:
I think I'm happy with that result. I've been leaning towards Obama without really knowing much about anyone. I think his lack of experience won't be as big of an issue as people are making it. He will have so many experienced Cabinet members and advisors to make sure he isn't being an idiot. Most of the people whose opinions I trust are prO-bama (I've coined a new catch phrase right there, by the way). He is spiritual and religious, but according to his bio, he studied all of the religions before deciding on which one best matched his ideology, and I can respect that. I am not religious by any means, but I can make that claim with conviction because I have studied all of the major world religions and can confidently say I disagree with most of them. Buddhism is the closest match for me, but I wouldn't dare call myself a Buddhist.
Back on track, I have decided to involve myself a little more in the political process. I might as well enjoy the privileges of being a US citizen as much as I can.
On another, government-control related note, the new smoking ban is phenomenal. I completely understand people's issues with the government controlling private business practices, but at the same time, I am all for abolishing people's right to smoke. It may be the most ridiculous habit imaginable. I am usually good at understanding why people do the things they do, but smoking will always baffle me. It isn't mind-altering. There are no benefits. It makes everyone and everything around you smell horrendous. If anyone can explain to me the purpose, I'm open to suggestions. But for now, I'm going to openly applaud the government for stepping in on this one. It makes my bar experience infinitely more enjoyable.
So, anyone who takes the quiz and wants to post their results, feel free. As always, I want feedback. It's nice to know people are reading.
I know that it is my right as an American to vote, and I've always enjoyed that right. It's harder to think of it as a privilege, because I've never known any other way. When you view voting as a privilege more than a right, it makes the Democratic process a little more significant.
Now, with all the primaries and campaigning going on, I am left--as usual--cramming all the information I can about each candidate in to my head so that I can make an educated choice. For the rest of you who would like to vote but don't know a thing about your candidates, there are a ton of sites out there designed to help you.
Votegopher.com (thank you, Mom) has a decent breakdown of each candidate's background, controversies, etc. Worth a look for a pretty good summary of your options.
If you're like me, you'll enjoy a site like this one because it is a little more personalized and hands-on: Politicalquiz.net offers a survey. According to your answers, it analyzes your political preferences. The percentage by each candidate shows how closely they match your answers.
My results:
Conservative/Progressive Score - 7 - Social Moderate
Capitalist Purist/Social Capitalist Score - 9 - Social Capitalist
Libertarian/Authoritarian Score - 4 - Libertarian-leaning
Pacifist/Militarist Score - 3 - Moderate-Pacifist
You are a Democrat.
John Edwards - 96%
Barack Obama - 94%
Chris Dodd - 88%
Bill Richardson - 83%
Joe Biden - 81%
Mike Gravel - 81%
Hillary Clinton - 79%
Dennis Kucinich - 73%
Ron Paul - 65%
John McCain - 63%
Romney, Huckabee, Brownback, Thompson, Giuliani, Hunter, Tancredo range from 63%-31%.
I think I'm happy with that result. I've been leaning towards Obama without really knowing much about anyone. I think his lack of experience won't be as big of an issue as people are making it. He will have so many experienced Cabinet members and advisors to make sure he isn't being an idiot. Most of the people whose opinions I trust are prO-bama (I've coined a new catch phrase right there, by the way). He is spiritual and religious, but according to his bio, he studied all of the religions before deciding on which one best matched his ideology, and I can respect that. I am not religious by any means, but I can make that claim with conviction because I have studied all of the major world religions and can confidently say I disagree with most of them. Buddhism is the closest match for me, but I wouldn't dare call myself a Buddhist.
Back on track, I have decided to involve myself a little more in the political process. I might as well enjoy the privileges of being a US citizen as much as I can.
On another, government-control related note, the new smoking ban is phenomenal. I completely understand people's issues with the government controlling private business practices, but at the same time, I am all for abolishing people's right to smoke. It may be the most ridiculous habit imaginable. I am usually good at understanding why people do the things they do, but smoking will always baffle me. It isn't mind-altering. There are no benefits. It makes everyone and everything around you smell horrendous. If anyone can explain to me the purpose, I'm open to suggestions. But for now, I'm going to openly applaud the government for stepping in on this one. It makes my bar experience infinitely more enjoyable.
So, anyone who takes the quiz and wants to post their results, feel free. As always, I want feedback. It's nice to know people are reading.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Covering a lot of ground here
After a season of perpetual disappointment, heartbreak, false hope, and tragedy in the Redskins camp, I finally resigned myself to accepting our shortcomings. This week, in my fantasy football playoff semifinal, I'm up against the #1 seed, whom I beat to close out the regular season. In what turned out to be a very close match up (only because I benched Aaron Stecker and Tony Scheffler in favor of Marshawn Lynch and Tony Gonzalez), the outcome of the game came down to my defense versus his tight end. Ironically, that would be the Giants DST versus Jeremy Shockey.
All season long, the Redskins offense has been very turnover and sack prone. And the Giants have been very good at causing turnovers and getting sacks. However, tonight, the Redskins exploded for a pretty thorough shellacking of the Giants defense (though they still might not win). So, they pick the one time it really matters to perform. That means I lose anywhere from $100 to $490 in fantasy championship money.
On the other hand, the Giants have looked absolutely pathetic on offense. They must have dropped at least 10 easy-easy-easy passes.
Virginia Tech basketball dropped another close game to ODU today. We had every opportunity to win the game, despite trailing for the entire showdown. The team is just too young. So much talent, but just not very smart on the court yet. They get excited and make rookie mistakes. It's understandable, but it's a frustrating turn from last year's team that was led by three 4-year starters and a couple of experienced sophomores and juniors. I'm very excited to see how Jeff Allen and Malcolm Delaney develop in the next couple years. Even throughout this season, once we get in to the rough 'n' tough of the ACC schedule meat.
In other news...
Christmas is coming all too soon, considering I didn't get my act together and order people's presents online ahead of time. I have about 1 day (tomorrow) to do all my Christmas shopping before I'm out of town for the majority of December. Guess it's going to be a long day. Hopefully it will be painless and efficient. Fortunately, my sister will be joining me for some company and to do some shopping of her own. Maybe once all is said and done I'll find someone who wants to see I Am Legend later on. I wonder if I have any recently unemployed friends who could be free...
I'm excited about my trip to New Orleans on Wednesday. My first trip there was marred with equal portions of illness and sadness. I caught some sort of stomach virus that was so painful I could barely walk. I ate about 3 bites of food the entire 4 days. After suffering through what should have been a Sugar Bowl win for VT over Auburn (one dropped touchdown pass away), I puked at the bus station waiting to get home so that I could suffer in peace and quiet at the house we rented.
This time around, Jay and I will have the city to ourselves. Bowl set up should be pretty cut and dry. We've been to the Superdome before, so they know what we need from them. Jay and I can get things set up quickly and just enjoy the city experience (read: spend the entire trip in the French Quarter and recount our lost memories via photographs when we get home on the 22nd).
That'll about do it for tonight. Long day of busy-ness tomorrow, so I need me some rest.
All season long, the Redskins offense has been very turnover and sack prone. And the Giants have been very good at causing turnovers and getting sacks. However, tonight, the Redskins exploded for a pretty thorough shellacking of the Giants defense (though they still might not win). So, they pick the one time it really matters to perform. That means I lose anywhere from $100 to $490 in fantasy championship money.
On the other hand, the Giants have looked absolutely pathetic on offense. They must have dropped at least 10 easy-easy-easy passes.
Virginia Tech basketball dropped another close game to ODU today. We had every opportunity to win the game, despite trailing for the entire showdown. The team is just too young. So much talent, but just not very smart on the court yet. They get excited and make rookie mistakes. It's understandable, but it's a frustrating turn from last year's team that was led by three 4-year starters and a couple of experienced sophomores and juniors. I'm very excited to see how Jeff Allen and Malcolm Delaney develop in the next couple years. Even throughout this season, once we get in to the rough 'n' tough of the ACC schedule meat.
In other news...
Christmas is coming all too soon, considering I didn't get my act together and order people's presents online ahead of time. I have about 1 day (tomorrow) to do all my Christmas shopping before I'm out of town for the majority of December. Guess it's going to be a long day. Hopefully it will be painless and efficient. Fortunately, my sister will be joining me for some company and to do some shopping of her own. Maybe once all is said and done I'll find someone who wants to see I Am Legend later on. I wonder if I have any recently unemployed friends who could be free...
I'm excited about my trip to New Orleans on Wednesday. My first trip there was marred with equal portions of illness and sadness. I caught some sort of stomach virus that was so painful I could barely walk. I ate about 3 bites of food the entire 4 days. After suffering through what should have been a Sugar Bowl win for VT over Auburn (one dropped touchdown pass away), I puked at the bus station waiting to get home so that I could suffer in peace and quiet at the house we rented.
This time around, Jay and I will have the city to ourselves. Bowl set up should be pretty cut and dry. We've been to the Superdome before, so they know what we need from them. Jay and I can get things set up quickly and just enjoy the city experience (read: spend the entire trip in the French Quarter and recount our lost memories via photographs when we get home on the 22nd).
That'll about do it for tonight. Long day of busy-ness tomorrow, so I need me some rest.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Memory cues
Have you ever had one of those moments where you're out...maybe at a bar...and all of a sudden you catch this scent. And it reminds you of something. Who knows what it is. But it's something. You know the smell. It brings back a flood of latent memories that you can't quite piece together. Each little nostalgic moment comes racing back in to your head, but disappears the instant it starts to have meaning in your mind.
Why is that?
How can something so common as a perfume spark such a complicated reaction in the human brain? It's blatantly familiar, but to the point that it is painfully hard to remember why.
I've heard people say that smell is the sense most closely linked with memory. You smell bread baking, it reminds you of your mom's house as a child. The smell of pine trees equals Christmas. Pumpkins smell like Halloween and Thanksgiving. The smell of fresh cut grass is such a powerful reminder that spring is here. And it is all taken for granted. In the winter time, when your sense of smell is generally limited to recognizing the crispness of the frosty air, you think snow.
But sounds, textures, even sights can't bring back such strong memories. Unfortunately, you have to take the good with the bad in this case. They don't bring back anything nearly as strong. But they also won't put you in a place where you have the memory on the tip of your tongue but you can't quite place it.
Needless to say, it happened tonight. And the worst part about it was I identified the culprit. I had to track it down in a crowded bar. But the owner was completely hush-hush as to the brand of the perfume. If you ask me, that's selfish. Now, I have the smell stuck in my nostrils and the frustration of not being able to place it in my mind all night.
I guess I can file this post under rants.
Losing sleep begins....
...now.
Why is that?
How can something so common as a perfume spark such a complicated reaction in the human brain? It's blatantly familiar, but to the point that it is painfully hard to remember why.
I've heard people say that smell is the sense most closely linked with memory. You smell bread baking, it reminds you of your mom's house as a child. The smell of pine trees equals Christmas. Pumpkins smell like Halloween and Thanksgiving. The smell of fresh cut grass is such a powerful reminder that spring is here. And it is all taken for granted. In the winter time, when your sense of smell is generally limited to recognizing the crispness of the frosty air, you think snow.
But sounds, textures, even sights can't bring back such strong memories. Unfortunately, you have to take the good with the bad in this case. They don't bring back anything nearly as strong. But they also won't put you in a place where you have the memory on the tip of your tongue but you can't quite place it.
Needless to say, it happened tonight. And the worst part about it was I identified the culprit. I had to track it down in a crowded bar. But the owner was completely hush-hush as to the brand of the perfume. If you ask me, that's selfish. Now, I have the smell stuck in my nostrils and the frustration of not being able to place it in my mind all night.
I guess I can file this post under rants.
Losing sleep begins....
...now.
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