Pro-Life and Republicans

Before I write this post, I want to be clear, I'm not "pro-abortion" of course and I'm not even "anti-pro-life" though I am admittedly very squarely in the pro-choice category.  That said, this post is about the relationship between Pro-Lifers and Republicans.

While not all Pro-Lifers are Republicans (I'm guessing, though all anecdotal evidence shows otherwise) there is an odd dichotomy here.

Of course Planned Parenthood has been a major source of debate over the last few weeks/years, and while the videos have been proven to be highly edited and misleading the organization is still under attack by the Republican party and Pro-Lifers alike.

But, here's the thing.  Do Pro-Lifers realize that IF abortion was to be criminalized across the US that a majority of those 300,000+ babies born would end up in the adoption system?

Do Pro-Lifers realize that beyond their Pro-Life stance the Republican party is also against taxes (at least on the wealthy) and so-called "hand-outs"?

What do Pro-Lifers think will happen to these 300,000+ babies (EACH YEAR) that end up in the U.S. adoption system?

If they think taxes are high now...

If they think welfare is a drain....

Just wait until there are 300,000 more babies every year burning through diapers and formula and clothes and housing and schooling on the government's (and thus taxpayer's) dime.

So, Pro-Lifers, are you ready to go Democrat?

The BS Report

Well, it's been a long time since I've blogged.  So long in fact that Blogger went ahead and changed the whole blogging process.... My bad!  Sorry that I've slacked.  But, school is all but officially over and I'll get at least some of my life back...

I know I've talked about this one before, but this article and situation really fires me up.

I have no problem with the Minnesota Vikings, but why are citizens forced to pay for private stadiums??  Seriously.  Further, what does this have to do with cutting taxes on businesses?  "Republican leaders also have said they don't want to pass a stadium bill unless they can reach a larger deal with Dayton that includes tax cuts for businesses."

All around this is a sham. 

The NFL is a money making machine and NFL owners set ticket prices at exorbiteantly high rates.  They can easily afford their own stadiums. 

If I can't get tax money to pay for rent on my business why should an NFL owner??

Since I've been out of touch for a while I'll also add this related, but different note...

How is it that Ticketmaster is not a monopoly?  I tried to buy tickets for a show and the ticket price was $54.  For 2 tickets that should be $108.  Somehow after a "convenience fee" the price was $133.  Then Ticketmaster has the gal to try to charge me a "processing fee" off $5.50 on top of that.  What the hell???  Ticketmaster thought they deserved over a third of the total costs?!?!  For what exactly?  That didn't even include shipping cause of course I could just print my tickets...
And of course you can't just buy tickets from the venue online because they always direct you to Ticketmaster....
I call BS on the whole thing.

100 (or 50+) Rules to Live By #3

-Don't be the embarrassing "old guy" inappropriately hitting on college girls at the bar.

-If you're going to be labelled make sure it's positive.

-Everyone is someone's role model.  Own it.

-Cigarettes don't make you look cool.  They make you look ignorant.  (Did you know that cigarettes are bad for you AND those around you?)

-Always try things.  But never "just fitting in".

-The ultimate is dying with a smile on your face.  Since you can't know when that time will come make smiling a habit.

-Love means putting yourself second.  If that other person also puts you second rethink your stance.

-Turn off your TV, Facebook, and Twitter for a week.  See what you can do.  And don't worry, you've got DVR.

-Stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to expand it.

-Reconnect with that old friend you still think about every now and then.

100 (or 50+) Rules to Live By #2

-You've spent a lifetime building a network.  Use it.

-He/She may be your best friend, but he/she is still not a mind reader.

-Don't be a douche.

-Don't live beyond your means.

-No one is out of your league.  Act accordingly.

-Fuck 'em if they can't take a joke.

-"So I just try, fail and try and try again.  Cause someday I swear I'm gonna get it, Cause I'm convinced giving in is the worst thing there is." - Straylight Run

-"Just so I can say I did it" is not a reason to do something.  “For the Story” (FTS) might be.

-Don't settle.

-"You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks or even months over-analyzing a situation; trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could’ve, would’ve happened…or you can just leave the pieces of the floor and move the fuck on." -Tupac Shakur

-Help others… Don’t be used by them.

100 (or 50+) Rules to Live By

Previously I wrote some Rules To Live By.  It was inspired by another blog I read but my list was created pretty quickly.  Recently (probably inspired by the New Year) a lot of these lists have come to my attention.  Though many are good, I figured I'd take another shot.  And let's be honest, I have no idea who reads this blog, so this is really more for me than you.

A few notes:

1 - I'm doing this list in chunks.  1 so it looks like I'm posting more often and 2 because I want you to digest it.
2 - I couldn't come up with 100 "rules" without them starting to become just silly.  I hope you will submit yours to me and I can round out the list with those provided by my readers (all credit given to the submitter).
3 - I'm not going to pretend I do everything on this list, but this if I was the ideal version of myself, I would follow every one of these "rules"... in 2012 I'm going to try to follow them more closely.
4 - I tried to put this list in some "from most important to least important" order, but that didn't really seem feasible.  Feel free to create an order out of these and let me know.
5 - I apologize if there is a tilt towards the male centricity.  I am who I am and my perspective is thus. If my female readers wish to add their perspective please see note #6!
6 - Feedback and your additions are encouraged.. good or bad.


-See the world.

-Show your commitment to your country once every four years.  Vote.

-I don't know if laughter is an emotion, but no matter how bad my mood or how sad I feel, laughter is the easiest way to break out of the funk.  Find your laughter.

-Throughout your life you'll take steps backwards.  With diets, friends, family, jobs, whatever.  Make sure you rebound with 2 steps forward.  Whatever it takes.

-Read.

-Don't just think about it. Do it. 

-Whatever was the first thought you just had, GO!  Finish this list later.

-Be spontaneous.  Even if it's scary.

-"Serious" is a great place to visit, but it's no way to live.

-Speak up.

The De-unification of the United States

Again, I need to preface all of my political ramblings with the disclaimer that I don't much care for or follow politics, and as such sometimes I can be accused of "talking out of my ass" or being misinformed.  Still, I do hear things from time to time and I am sure that my common sense and integrity is stronger than that of almost all politicians...

So, without further ado:

1 - When the hell did the country become so divided?  Why are all politicians seemingly on the far left or the far right?  Why is "moderate" a dirty word?

2 - What the hell happened to "sportsmanship" (for a lack of a better word)?  Didn't there use to be a time that even if you lost an election you supported the winner?  Particularly when that winner is the President of the United States and he is chosen by the people he is meant to represent?  Why can't politicians get this?  Why can't they support "the winner" and those that elected him.  [This is not a pro-democrat argument but a pro-UNITY argument.]

3 - Why can't we get stability in this country?  Obama passed his "Obama-care" for example.  I understand it was/is controversial, but it was passed.  Now, before it truly even goes into affect Republican candidates are declaring that if they are elected to Presidency they will repeal it.  What the hell is that?  Obama spent a great deal of his time in office struggling with all the push back from the Republicans and making concessions and "deals" to finally get it passed and now Republicans are saying "eh, never mind"?  And then what?  They'll spend half of their presidency fighting to put something else in place?  This isn't progress.  This is the definition of running in place. If politicians could stop politicking for just 2 years we might actually get something meaningful.

4 - While we're on it, why the hell can't someone just go into office and let their accomplishments speak for themselves?  I'm sure I've talked about this before, but it's ludicrous that our elected officials spend most of their time in office campaigning for re-election or their next move.  DO THE JOB YOU'RE ELECTED TO and if you do it well enough trust that will be enough.  You are paid way too much and compensated way too greatly (pensions and life-time health benefits, for example) to do NOTHING... 

USPS

I imagine most of my readers have heard of the struggle of the United States Postal Service.  I imagine that most have heard reports that USPS services are going to be reduced and possibly even eliminated altogether.  I just wanted to take a minute and tell you that this is not something that should be taken lightly.  I don't have statistics (though I'm sure you can find them easy enough online), but believe me when I say that we NEED the USPS. 

I know that in these times of online billpay and paypal the envelope and stamp is nearing obsolescense, but what about birthday cards, wedding invitations, seasons greetings?  Believe me, FedEx and UPS would love to deliver your letters, but that's not cheap now and would only become more expensive without USPS competition.  And let's not forget FlatRate boxes for our Ebay and Amazon sellers.

Finally, consider the unemployment situation in this country.  Does anyone reading this think we need more people jobless?  

I could end this post with a call to action: stop paying your bills online, but I know that's unrealistic.  Instead I will just ask you all to at least follow this situation.

Church and State

Please note that I have no biases against any religion.  I will openly admit that I don't agree with organized religion, but my belief in G-d really depends on the day.

I wanted to make sure that is documented before I get into this post. 

I currently live in the South... Borderline "Bible Belt" territory.  Recently there has been news about prayers in school - specifically about public schools using the PA systems for pre-game prayers at football games.  I wanted to take a minute to make something very clear.  The separation of Church and State is one of the fundamental ideals of our constitution and society.  Unless every child in said school is of the same religious background (or pays to go to a private school knowing full well that the school has prayers) this is not even a debate.  There should be NO school prayers.  No child should be forcefully alienated by principles, teachers, coaches, parents or other students for any reason - particularly religion.  On the news today I saw a lady explain how forcing the school to stop public prayers was limiting the right of religious freedom.  On the contrary the prayers are forcing religion on others.  No one is saying students and parents can't pray before games.  They are simply saying that it should not be a school function or forced upon anyone else. 

On a similar note do you know how you can tell when you've entered the "Bible Belt"?  When the ludicrous number of churches is only rivaled by the ridiculous number of "adult" stores.  Really I know this might come off as funny or condescending, but it's completely true.  And just kind of sad!

Spoon fed.

I found this to be pretty powerful!



http://blog.sustainablog.org/the-plastic-spoon-and-oil-addiction-in-america/

Thanks Mike C. for sharing.

Abort, Abort

This fits in with my current theme of griping on our government...

http://richarddawkins.net/articles/642186-states-enact-record-number-of-abortion-restrictions-in-first-half-of-2011

Beyond making abortion illegal, how many more restrictions can you put on it?  Seriously, I'm asking.. it's either legal or it's not.  For F's sake... I don't care what political party you support and I don't care about your thoughts on abortion.  Really, I don't.  Bottom line is that this country has many, many more important issues to worry about.

And on a related note... When the church stops molesting little boys I'll take their pro-life stance just a little more seriously...

Thanks Emmylee for sharing.

Netflix Wins!

By now everyone knows that Netflix is upping their price.  It's been on the news and all over Facebook.  Outrage seems everywhere.  I have 3 points to make on this issue:

1 - Netflix has been talking for some time now about getting everyone onto their streaming service.  They do not like supporting the DVD service.  It is not cost effective for them (from buying rights to the newest movies to the shipping costs, etc. the larger the service grows the more of a losing proposition it becomes).   To everyone that thinks they are somehow "sticking it" to Netflix by canceling the DVD portion of their service, I'm sorry to say you are playing right into their hands... (I still think it makes sense to cancel the DVD portion, but that's personal opinion).

2 - Does Netflix plan to do anything about it's lack of quality streaming options?  I can't tell you how many times I try to find movies/tv shows on streaming that are only available via DVD.

3 - Throughout history it has been illegal to undercut a business to drive them out and then exorbitantly raise your rates.  Isn't this basically what Netflix has done with Blockbuster?  I'm not claiming them a monopoly and I understand why the government would let them get away with this, but shouldn't someone at least ask the question?  Especially as the governments go out of their way to look out for companies such as Netflix with their anti-piracy laws?  Again, I just wonder if the government is focusing on protecting the right people...   

Party Poopers

I hate talking politics.  Mostly because I'm not as educated in this particular field as I probably should be (the naunces bore me), but also because political parties and leanings make no damn sense.  Why does being a Republican mean that you have to be for limiting government AND anti-abortion?  Why does being a Democrat mean you have to be for taxing the rich AND national healthcare?  These 2 set parties with their set ideals artificially create political robots and do-nothing governments.  And it just annoys me to no end.  Even Obama and his "Change" campaign hasn't really changed anything.  

Anyway, now that I've told you why I hate talking politics (which in summary is because I hate politics!), let me go ahead and talk politics...

How the hell do governments just shut down?  Governments who continue to collect taxes while they take what amounts to a vacation - somehow I doubt that come April taxes will be prorated for these "days off".  And how do governments justify closing public zoos, parks and libraries during a major National Holiday?  A time when the zoo probably brings in it's highest yearly revenue?  How is this nonsense allowed to happen?  Because the 2 parties and their petty differences can't unite on a budget?  Here's an idea.  Focus on the important stuff (and maybe the revenue generating stuff - like the zoo on a holiday weekend) and stop being just a punchline...

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/07/05/137620057/go-to-work-minnesotans-vent-as-state-government-shutdown-continues

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/05/opinion/05brooks.html?_r=4

Get A Psychic

I can only assume that it's a national commercial, but have you all seen the commercial for "California Psychics"?

If you haven't, check this out...




Now, I admittedly don't believe in Psychics, but hey, I do believe in aliens, so who am I to judge... But seriously..... I also know my readers are smart, but sadly there are people dumb enough to buy into this.... And I'd just like to take a minute and maybe stop just 1 person from getting scammed...

When they say "our psychics are most powerful from home" this is code for "we will Google you or get your personal information from any number of places while we sit on our computers at home and pretend to be reading your aura."  When they say we "guarantee every call" they mean "we guarantee to answer every call and probably tell you information that will make you happy because we know you won't call back if we give you bad news".

Maybe all psychics are not complete BS artists..  But just as phone sex workers aren't actually having sex with you, phone psychics are also definitely not reading your future...

For the Ladies: Setting Up Friends

Last night the issue of setting up friends became a topic of importance.  Now, for guys, setting up friends is relatively straight forward.  "Dude, I think she likes you" or "Take a shot"...  BUT, for ladies (as with everything) it's a whole nother situation.  With ladies it's not straight forward.  It's about the games. 

If a girl is trying to set a guy up with her good female friend she inevitably promises to "talk you up" and make a good impression for the guy.  But, this is the kiss of death.  Girls (like guys) like what they can't have.. or at least like the chase (at least a little).  Talking up a guy to your female friend is like saying "yeah, he's totally into you and this is why you should like him back.".  It screams "he's desperate and you're single".  It makes both parties look less than awesome. 
Rather than that, here's some advice... The key is to talk up the girl.  Tell your female friend that she's awesome.  That she's worthy.  That maybe she has the chance.  This makes that female friend think the guy is a catch without actually saying it.  It also allows the guy to make the REAL first move - allowing for the "thrill of the chase" and even more importantly it doesn't leave either feeling like it was a set-up...

*I know some of you are agreeing with me and yet others (who know I'm right - or eventually will) are questioning my expertise.  Well, here it is... I'm that guy.  Or rather, I've been that guy.  I've been in the friend zone.. WAY too often.  But, it has allowed me to see the inner workings.  I know what I know.. and what I know is legit.  (Still, I'm totally open to your feedback -positive or negative)

** And of course, I admit this is GENERALLY speaking... (as is everything I post on this blog.)

Goals

Recently goals have become a big part of my life.  With so much going on it's becoming too easy to let things go.  The gym, my writing, this blog. 

The only way I know to stay on top of things is to create goals.  To give myself something to shoot for.  Still, I have learned (through experience and even classes - management classes in particular) there are some rules to create meaningful goals.  Below are a few of these rules:

1) Goals must have deadlines.  A goal cannot serve to motivate you if there is no timeframe in which it must be attained.  The goal date should also be visual.  By that I mean it should be fairly short-term.  Think about the difference between a goal you have to hit in 3 weeks and one you have to hit in 3 years.  Which is going to get you more motivated?

2) Goals must be narrow.  Don't go to the gym "to get bigger"..  Go to the gym "to bench press XXX amount of weight".  Don't say "I want to post more in my blog", say "I want to post 15 times this month"..  See the difference?

3) Maybe most importantly, goals must be attainable.  Don't set a goal of "bench pressing 200 lbs in 3 weeks" if you're starting at 90 lbs.  You'll get discouraged by your lack of progress and give up before you ever started..

4) When you hit a goal, create a new one.  Don't settle. 

Go out and set some goals.  Follow the above rules.  Then report back.  Did you hit the goal? 

The Gift's Rules to Live By

I don't have a child.  I don't have one on the way.  But, here are some rules I try to live by and some things I definitely plan to pass along to any male heirs (or nephews).

Note: I put this together over night.  It is obviously a work in progress and it's sure to change.  I will try to keep you all updated.  Suggestions completely welcome!
Note 2: I'm a guy.  This list is shifted towards boys/men.  If any of my females readers would like to submit their own version, I'd be glad to post it!

In reverse order:

20) Always open and hold doors for women. Chivalry really does never go out of style.

19)  Use your turn signal, damn it.

18) Spacing. The key to driving is good spacing.

17) Clothes don't make the man... but they sure help with first impressions.

16)  Never throw the first punch… But always throw the last! Unless someone of authority is coming. Then play innocent.

15)  Work hard, Play harder.

14)  Learn to cook. You’ll never go hungry and you might just impress a girl or 2.

13)  Your family are the people you love. The people you care about. The people that care about you. Sometimes that has nothing to do with blood.

12)  Gifts are not just for special occasions. Neither are kind words.

11)  Respect not fear.

10)  Make it count… whatever you do go all in or don’t bother…

9)  Friendships are 2-way streets.

8)  Quality over quantity when it comes to friends.

7)  You'll make millions of memories in your life... let the bad ones go.

6)  Make mistakes. Make lots of mistakes. Learn from them.

5)  Regrets are natural. Letting them define you is not.

4)  Never lie to yourself.

3)  Don’t put the “P” on a pedestal. But worship the woman to whom it belongs!  (this is unisex, by the way.)

2)  If you ever feel alone or that no one in the world can understand what you’re going through, turn on the radio. There’s someone singing about it right now.

1)  Religion is choice... being a good person is not!



* I'm not going to lie and say I fully live by these "rules", but I try.  And at the end of the day I'm pretty proud of the man I've become!  A huge thank you to all those who've helped me understand and helped make me who I am.. Noteably my parents and one Ryan L. (my personal positivity coach).

1001 Rules for My Unborn Son

This blog recently came to my attention and it's pretty good...  More importantly though, it's pretty inspiring. 

I don't agree with everything on here obviously so I've been working on a list of my own.  It likely won't have 1001 things (more like 20), but I'll get that up as soon as possible.

In the mean time you know I always give credit where it's due, so before I throw out my list I wanted to give you the "original" (I'm sure this isn't the first list of it's kind, but it's the one that inspired me).

http://rulesformyunbornson.tumblr.com/

Unseasonable...

I don't want to sound like an asshole here (if not here, then where?), but can't we (as a society) work on our fundamentals of the English language?

I really don't mean to sound harsh, but I've tried typing this several times and each time I read it I feel like I'm just taking cheap shots.  This is certainly not the intent.  Still, this must be said....

In the winter, there is no such thing as "unseasonably cold" weather.  This is exactly the season for cold weather.  There is no season where you would or could expect colder weather.  If you're trying to make the point that it's unusually cold, go ahead and say that..  No, you wouldn't expect the South to see temperatures in the 20's even in the winter.. and that's totally fair to say.. but still, there is no season colder than winter so if you were to get 20 degree temperatures this is exactly the right season. 

Some other adverbs you can use are:  unnecessarily, unreasonably, and ridiculously.... you get the point.


*Disclaimer:  I admit I am a bit critical here because I see what social media and texting are doing to the language and I fear for the day my niece writes "nite" instead of "night" on a school paper..

Leagues

I want to take some time today to clarify something... This concept of "leagues".  I don't know how to define leagues in a simple way, but I'm not talking about baseball leagues or organizations, etc.  I'm talking about "she's out of my league" leagues.. 

From our informative/school children days we are taught that there are jocks/cheerleaders and geeks/nerds.  And we are taught that they can't possibly coincide peacefully.  I know people believe in this concept of leagues. I know there are movies and television shows and books that emphasize these leagues... I know that in high school there is some realism behind this concept - when "cool" is the only thing that matters...

Truth is, however, after high school they just simply don't exist... 

Just think about it... if 1 person in that so-called upper echelon league is willing to "slum it", then there can be no such thing as leagues... If you approach all girls (or guys) as if they are that one exception - that one who is willing to 'settle' then you've already conquered the first step.  Eliminating this imaginary barrier. 
In fact, How I Met Your Mother (one of the best shows on TV) clearly demonstrates that in each relationship (I'll accept that this may be an over-generalization) there is always one "reacher" and one "settler".. This too illustrates my point... there are no leagues...

Sure they're are going to be some people just not interested, and maybe it is because they are too good for you (let's face it, leagues or not, some people just suck).. but more likely it's because you project this 'less-than-worthy' image out into the world.. and they conversely have no lack for self-esteem. 

Now that you hopefully understand there are no leagues (and that anyone is within your reach), all you have to do is gather some self-esteem and allow yourself to realize you are not someone to be settled for!

Addendum:  I was just asked a very good question..

"Is being in a settler/reacher relationship healthy? I wouldn't want to be in a relationship where I feel like the other person settled for me or that I felt that I had to settle."

I respond to this as such:  "The key is if the two people in the relationship know that they are settling.. In practice there is only a settler/reacher in the eyes of everyone else... When you're with the right person you'll both feel like you're reaching.. cause you'll both feel like the other is amazing..
It's only your friends that will look at the 2 of you and see that she's too good for you, or you chose a loser, etc.."
 
I hope this helps to clarify things.  Keep the questions/feedback coming!

Exhibit A

Walking through the halls of school today I heard one girl talking to another:

"Yes. I broke up with him, but we were still talking, like on the phone and stuff, so yeah, I feel like he cheated on me."

For the sake of not offending my audience or alienating anyone I'll stop this post here....