Saturday, November 29, 2008

WTF?!?!?!

This is just going to be a quick blog before I head off to work... I was on the NYT website and an article on the side caught my attention; it was about the black vote in California for Prop 8. The article said that the black vote in California was largely in favor of Proposition 8 which banned gay marriage. WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?! Half of the country sees this as another issue for the civil rights battles that we're all familiar with. Why would a group of people who have been through so much trying to get what they want (i.e. freedom, right to vote, etc.) discriminate against another minority fighting for what they want?!?!?! This really pissed me off. I don't understand the people in this country sometimes. People think that now that they have what they want, FUCK everyone else. Let them fight for it, it's not our problem. I guess that this country is more fucked up than we thought. 

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Time for reflection...

Every so often I believe that people should reflect on what has happened in their life. Now, I've said this many times, my motto is "Live life; no regrets" so sometimes when people reflect they think, "Well, if I hadn't done that..." or "If only I had done that differently...". When I say we should reflect I simply mean thinking about what all you've come through and the things that you've learned from.

Tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I feel it's important to reflect if only to realize what you're thankful for. Too many people take everything for granted; that's a big problem. Of course we're all, at some point in our lives going to take things for granted but it's those who take everything for granted that screw things up for the rest of us. 

I often look back on what has been and then I remind myself that I've overcome all the obstacles that are behind me (which I'm thankful for) and start to look ahead to the future. I know that there are going to be great things in store for me, but at the same time there are going to be hardships that I must get through as well. I truly believe that we're given no more than we can handle. It may seem impossible at times, but look at what you've already come through. 

What are you reflecting on? What are you thankful for?

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Nature's Power and Beauty

We often find our breath taken away by pictures or scenes that we see on the Internet or television. Nature is something that is constantly changing; it brings such joy to our lives. People often talk about the changing colors of fall, the powerful thunderstorms that roll across the country and other natural phenomena as the most beautiful pieces of art, brought to us by nature. I, however, think that there is one thing that sums up the power and beauty of nature in one. 

The killer whale (orcinus orca), the "wolf of the sea" is one of the most beautiful animals and one of the most powerful at the same time. There aren't too many animals that trainers can work together with that are as powerful (and sometimes unpredictable) as orcas. I'm sure most people have seen Free Willy and followed the story of Keiko (Willy) with the rest of the world as he was released off the waters of Iceland; tragically, he died and never really got to live in the open waters (I say "really" because he passed not long after being released). 

Many millions have passed through the gates of SeaWorld parks across the country and have been witness to one of the greatest shows outside of Broadway, the Shamu show. This showcases the relationship that one can have with what is arguably one of the most powerful animals in the world. The grace and elegance that these animals posses is second-to-none. Being able to lift their massive weight out of the water and look like it takes no effort at all is incredible. Let's not be fooled by their grace, however. 

We have all heard and possibly seen attacks by these animals. These animals rarely attack humans, but the attacks they make in the wild are far more impressive. These animals work like well-oiled machines, working together to accomplish something. These animals have been known to attack other whales, dolphins and even sharks. Since these animals aren't around heavily populated beach areas, they don't really get much publicity unless something goes wrong at an animal park; this is why they are under estimated. 

The above and many more facts can be given to show that this animals is (possibly) nature's finest creation, but I'll leave that for you to decide. So for now, if you get the chance to enjoy these creatures in the wild or otherwise, please take the time to do so.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Just be happy!


I've learned a lot in the past 20 years, there's no doubt about that. One of the things that I've learned that keeps coming back to me is that you can't please everyone. I'm sure there has been a point in every persons life where they've taken a step back and thought about the decision they were about to make and if it would make someone else happy, angry or even sad. 

Keeping in mind that you only get one to live, you can't constantly try and make everyone else happy. Happiness comes from within. If you're constantly trying to work around other people's emotions and push your own aside, can you ever make yourself happy? At the same time it's important to be a good friend but you can't put your feelings on the back burner. Sometimes you need to be able to decide if the problems your friends are coming to you with are really worth you pondering over and putting your life on hold to help them or whether you need to find some way out of helping them. If you're able to do that, which a lot of the time I'm not, some people might see that as you not caring and you're being a bad friend. What they need to realize is that you'll be able to be a better friend when you've got your ducks in a row and can think straight.

 

I think sometimes that we're too dependent on one another but then I really get to thinking about it and, at times that's what really keeps us going. Knowing that you have someone there for you is one of the most comforting things in the entire world. Granted, cheesecake at times is more appealing than dumping your problems on someone else but that heavenly dessert is only going to be there for a limited time; a good friend will be there forever. 

I am blessed to have the friends that I do. Some of my friends and I don't talk often, but I know that I can count on any one of them when I need something, anything.


In life I want each of us to find that one thing that makes us happy and hold on to it. Being happy is one of the most important aspects to truly living life. If you haven't yet found that "thing", strive to find it! Having something to look forward to can keep us all going. If at times it seems impossible all you have to do is look back on the times in your life when you thought something else seemed impossible and look at how you got through that. We're all faced with problems and obstacles, but we're meant to get through them. 

Things, especially now with the economy the way it is can seem bleak but there's always that silver lining or the light at the end of the tunnel; keep looking for it. 

Happiness. Live. Love. Strive...

Sunday, November 9, 2008

It's Not Easy

It isn't easy trying to stay positive, I'll be the first to admit that. I think it's something that always needs to be attempted. I'm one of those people that others come to when they're down or need someone to talk to and I don't mind that at all.

Everyone needs to have that one person who they can just talk to and if I can be that one person for someone, I feel incredibly blessed. If we keep everything in because we are afraid that we'll be burdening someone else with our problems it does nothing else but create more problems for our self. People were made to listen to one another and we should all try to do that. I think that some of the people who commit suicide really, deep down just needed someone to talk to and someone to listen. Not necessarily someone to give advice, but just to listen. They feel trapped and don't know who to turn to or where to go.

If you can open up to just one person, think of what that could mean to them. If you open up to them, they, in turn may open up to someone else. We can all make a difference in this world, even if it's one conversation at a time.

In the words of Dr. Frasier Crane, "I'm listening...".

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

History Has Been Made

Ladies and gentleman, just moments ago the entire world witnessed history in action as Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. This is a great victory for not just this country but for the world. We now have someone who, I truly believe is going to stand up for each an every American and not give up.

There are still a few states that haven't been declared for a specific candidate but right now it doesn't really matter. There have been so many people for both campaigns that have worked so hard for this one night. I really can't find the words right now to complete this blog, so I think that I'm just going to post it and wait for the acceptance speech from the next President of the United States.

Obama '08

Monday, November 3, 2008

Times Are Changing

This is something that I wrote a couple months back when I was at work... just thought that I'd share it w/ you!

In my everyday life, having grown up in the generation that I have, I’ve seen things that my parents and grandparents hoped that I would have never had to see. Things they hoped that I would never have to live through because of the sacrifices their generation and generations before made for the sake of their country and their families freedom.

In speaking with one of the guests that frequent my place of business, I realized when people say, “you kids have it so much easier today than we ever did growing up” that they’re wrong and there are so many things that we can say to prove that. We are currently fighting a war that we should have never been involved in the first place. We are always looking over our shoulder for terrorists that are just laying in wait to strike us down when we are at our weakest. We are constantly watching the stock markets in fear of another “Black Friday”. We are always wondering when we wake up in the morning whether we are going to have a job to go to tomorrow or fearing that we will be sent home early and we’ll have to figure out a way to tell our family that we were just laid off. We are struggling, with the rising cost of gas and other things that are so essential to everyday life to make it day-to-day and with that more and more people are living paycheck-to-paycheck than ever have before.

There is an obvious issue with national security in this country since 9/11; however, the government is trying to take things too far. It seems that any phone calls that may seem “suspicious” to the government may now be monitored and the reason for this is to protect the interest of national security in this country. I hardly think that monitoring phone calls of normal, everyday citizens such as you and I pose any a threat to the future of this country. What would help is if the FBI and the CIA would start sharing information that they receive instead of being so territorial and possibly putting the country at risk. Sometimes I wonder if the members of the Bureau and the Agency forget the oath they took to protect their country and the citizens that inhabit her.

In the past few years, but more prevalent in the news this year, we have people speaking out on key issues and calling people out on issues that need to be brought to the attention of the American public. Instead of us being guaranteed this right under the First Amendment we are finding ourselves punished by the government, but they’re doing it in a way that seems subtle at first. Suddenly, normal Americans, some of whom may have just coincidentally released a New-York Times Bestseller or are a journalist for a major news organization are now finding themselves on the “No Fly” list as suspected terrorists simply because they do not agree with the way the country is being run and are speaking out either on their own free will or because it’s their job to do so. Are we all of the sudden turning in to Communist China where speech, television and even how many children a family can have is being regulated by the government?

The end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 are going to be all about change, regardless of how you look at it. For the first time in history, we have an African-American male and a man who, if elected will be the oldest man ever to take the oath of office as President of the United States in contention for the most prized seat in public politics. Both men, Barack Obama and John McCain have differing platforms that they are running on and both have found a way to back up what they’re looking to get done. Obama and McCain also have strong forces behind their campaigns from Bill and Hilary Clinton and Al Gore on the Democratic side of the aisle to George W. and George H.W. Bush on the Republican side. Regardless of who the President-Elect turns out to be, we need someone who would leave the partisan politics of today behind and start reaching out to the other party and work together to get things accomplished.

Having, for the past 8 years, been lead by a President that seemingly only cared for the country after the despicable acts of September 11, 2001 we, as Americans, have been constantly left to believe that we are still the strongest nation in the world. We have been left to believe that nothing more would happen to the United States of America, a country that once was revered for the power and strength of its military. However, with the world news that is constantly breaking regarding the newest current threat level just issued by the Department of Homeland Security or the current actions being taken against our fighting men and women overseas it is constant proof that this country is living in a world of fear that never should have been. Let’s face it, ladies and gentleman, we’re not who we think we are anymore. We are not what the faces of Washington want us to believe. We are now a nation struggling to live for tomorrow.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

All Eyes on America

Next Tuesday, all eyes will once again be on America as we get ready to elect the next President of the United States. Regardless of who wins, there is no doubt that history will have been made that night. Leading up to November 4 we have already seen history made with the record turn-out for early voting in the just under 40 states that allow it.

At a time in our country's history where we can't afford any more instability that is exactly what we're facing. I, however, have faith that the two parties will pull together and at least try and get something accomplished over the next 4 years. Both parties have already called for change, now we just have to see if we can meet in the middle somewhere to get things done.

The winner of this election will almost certainly impact the way that we are viewed as a country to the rest of the world. We, as a country, need to learn how to play nice in the sandbox; it's going to be something that we have to learn all over again. I think that we have two men who would be great leaders, don't get me wrong, but they would each be great leaders in different times. The time for a leader who is willing to break boundaries and try and make nice with other nations who we haven't been the most loyal ally to is now. I'm sure that it's well known to everyone who I'm going to be voting for, but now isn't the time for me to plug my candidate.

Now is the time to get out and vote. Now is the time to make your voice heard. Now is the time to make history. Regardless of your political stance, make sure that you get out and vote.

We need to make America what it once was, the land of the free and the home of the brave.