My plan of writing something every single evening has not quite come to fruition yet. If I just set aside about 15-20 minutes each day, I should be able to do it but for some reason that is so difficult.
A friend of mine came across this blog and was asking me about the title. I figured I should explain. For about 2 years I was without a stereo in my car. That meant no radio or CD's while driving no matter where I was going. Eventually I started bringing my iPod with me for the long trips but on day to day activities it was just me and my thoughts. Sometimes that's a scary thing but more often than not, I felt that I had something interesting going on in my head. I wanted to get some of these inner debates "on paper" and thus the blog was born.
I blame it mostly on my job. I would find myself pretending I was at work and having a conversation with my co-workers on the air. I'd only play one part but the other part would still be coming together inside. There would be an inner list of pros and cons while I tried to anticipate which way my other half would take the argument. I had constant moments of "I see your point but..." Maybe I'm a little crazy but I had to entertain myself somehow. Being trapped on the JFX and the beltway for an hour just to go 10 miles is definitely enough to drive a person insane. Sometimes I'd even imagine myself debating certain people. Sean Hannity was often involved only because he was an easy target. He'd win some of the battles only because he has a team of researchers filling his head with numbers and statistics that he would carelessly misuse to make his point. I was only one man working against a giant spin machine.
Four months ago I finally purchased a new stereo for my car. Since then I've been debating with myself much less and my head felt like it was ready to explode. One friend said I should probably seek professional help for that but I chose the easier/cheaper route of starting the blog. Welcome to my insanity.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Salt Review
I should probably start out this movie review by telling you that I'm not a critic. Because of my job, I'm lucky enough to see a lot of movies before they come out. It's actually my favorite perk of my job. When I say I'm not a critic what I mean is that my reviews are going to be based on what I thought of the movie and if it was entertaining to me. I'm not going to critique the lighting and the way the extras acted in the 47th minute of the film. Why won't I be focusing on that? Because the average Joe (IE: myself) doesn't care about stuff like that. We just want to be entertained. I'm glad we got that out of the way. I also have a different kind of rating system. It looks a little like this...
Opening Night - You must see it in the theater
Rainy Day - Worth seeing in the theater but you don't need to rush out.
On Demand - Rent it On Demand before it hits the stores
Red Box - Worth dropping a buck on it but not much more
TNT - Wait until it hits cable and don't waste any money on it.
There are actors/actresses that just don't need to act anymore. They can be very choosy when it comes to scripts because they already have a great portfolio and plenty of money. Angelina Jolie is one of those actresses. When I hear that she's doing a movie I automatically have high hopes for it because I know she doesn't NEED to say yes. Most of my hopes and expectations were met in this movie. It's a perfect summer action thriller. A little bit of set up and then 90 minutes of action. No dull points in the middle where you start to get bored.
Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) works for the C.I.A. along with Ted Winter (Liev Schreiber). They're both at the top of the game and are brought in to question a Russian defector named Orlov that mysteriously shows up on the C.I.A.'s secret doorstep. Orlov tells Salt about a secret Russian program that trained spies to be inserted into American society, sometimes for decades, until a target date when they'll wreak havoc. He claims that Salt is one of those spies and that's when the mayhem begins. I can't tell you much more because it would giveaway the plot twists.
I really enjoyed this film. It had me glued to my seat all the way through and I never felt the need to check my watch to see what time it was in order to estimate how much longer I'd be sitting there. I also thought Liev Schreiber and Jolie performed very well in their roles but that shouldn't come as much of a surprise.
I give it a Rainy Day rating. You'll enjoy your time in the theater but I don't think you need to rush out to see it immediately.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
What do you expect?
I came across a Wall Street Journal article about unemployment in America. Apparently in the month of June, the unemployment rate fell in 39 states, stayed the same in 6 and grew in 5. Sounds like a positive story to me. I'm waiting to hear the spin that Fox News will put on it later. Surely they will find some negative impact that lower unemployment rates have on the country.
Jobs have become the main focus of just about every political campaign going on in the country right now. I can't help but wonder why no one has brought up a very obvious point. There is nothing...let me repeat myself...NOTHING that any politician can do to get the job market back on track. They can talk about taxes and incentives all they want but none of it will inspire employers to open their doors and start accepting resumes.
Ask anyone what the biggest lesson they learned during the recession was and they'll all likely tell you that they learned what to live without. Employers are no different. People are so desperate to hold on to their jobs that they're willing to work long hours and take on extra responsibilities without the benefits. I can use my job as an example. When things really started to turn bad my company fired a good amount of people. I currently hold 3 titles. At one time, there were 2 other people there doing the other jobs. The company is paying me about 1/4 of what the salary was for the 3 other employees combined. They're saving a ton of money by having me do all the work.
State/federal jobs are no different. Many of those are funded by taxes. The national unemployment rate is 9.5% which means that 9.5% of able bodied American workers are not paying taxes. That doesn't even include all the people that just don't pay their taxes and anyone that gets paid under the table. States and cities have had to cut hundreds of jobs because there just isn't enough revenue coming in. For all of those people that whine about taxes, keep in mind that without them there would be no police, fire department or schools just to name a few things. When selfish people decide they don't want to pay their taxes, services have to be cut and that means more lost jobs.
Before you decide to vote Republican, Democrat or Independent, understand that it's a dangerous cycle. There won't be more job creation until there's more tax revenue and there won't be more tax revenue until more people are working and making money. Politicians have very little to do with that. Offering a business some kind of tax credit if they hire an unemployed person doesn't work much either because the employer would save more money without the employee. I don't believe we'll ever see job rates at a level they were just a few years ago. Maybe if some magical industry is created that needs to hire thousands of workers there will be some more opportunities but that's about the only scenario I can find.
Jobs have become the main focus of just about every political campaign going on in the country right now. I can't help but wonder why no one has brought up a very obvious point. There is nothing...let me repeat myself...NOTHING that any politician can do to get the job market back on track. They can talk about taxes and incentives all they want but none of it will inspire employers to open their doors and start accepting resumes.
Ask anyone what the biggest lesson they learned during the recession was and they'll all likely tell you that they learned what to live without. Employers are no different. People are so desperate to hold on to their jobs that they're willing to work long hours and take on extra responsibilities without the benefits. I can use my job as an example. When things really started to turn bad my company fired a good amount of people. I currently hold 3 titles. At one time, there were 2 other people there doing the other jobs. The company is paying me about 1/4 of what the salary was for the 3 other employees combined. They're saving a ton of money by having me do all the work.
State/federal jobs are no different. Many of those are funded by taxes. The national unemployment rate is 9.5% which means that 9.5% of able bodied American workers are not paying taxes. That doesn't even include all the people that just don't pay their taxes and anyone that gets paid under the table. States and cities have had to cut hundreds of jobs because there just isn't enough revenue coming in. For all of those people that whine about taxes, keep in mind that without them there would be no police, fire department or schools just to name a few things. When selfish people decide they don't want to pay their taxes, services have to be cut and that means more lost jobs.
Before you decide to vote Republican, Democrat or Independent, understand that it's a dangerous cycle. There won't be more job creation until there's more tax revenue and there won't be more tax revenue until more people are working and making money. Politicians have very little to do with that. Offering a business some kind of tax credit if they hire an unemployed person doesn't work much either because the employer would save more money without the employee. I don't believe we'll ever see job rates at a level they were just a few years ago. Maybe if some magical industry is created that needs to hire thousands of workers there will be some more opportunities but that's about the only scenario I can find.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Hi, my name is...
Two weeks ago I joined a gym. It's relatively expensive but I was able to score a couple discounts because of my health insurance and because I signed up for a year long contract. When I was asked if I wanted to pay month to month or sign up for the year I said, "Let's go for the year. Only thing that would stop me would be if I got fired and had to move." I fear that may become a reality sooner than I thought.
My job has a transient nature. People don't stay in one place for very long in my profession. There are definitely some people that can have long and amazing careers in one city but it's not very often you run into that situation. At this stage of my career I expect to be moving around to find a place where I can take the next step. That's been the story of my life the last few years. I've spent New Years in 3 different cities over the last 4 years. To get a feel for what this is like, imagine reliving your freshman year of college over and over again. No one wants to do that.
It's not always easy to pack up my life and start over somewhere new but I prepared myself for the possibility when I decided I wanted to get into the broadcasting business. Part of that preparation is putting up a wall to keep people out. It's a lot easier to say goodbye when you don't have anyone to say goodbye to. I know that sounds a little depressing and...well...it is. It's mostly depressing when it comes time for me to move. The only friend I've had around to help me move the last 3 years is an old college friend that traveled from New York to give me a hand.
I've started to throw those rules out of the window. My life has begun to blossom in my current situation and that has resulted in my guard being let down more and more. I have been very lucky to meet some great people that have added a lot of happiness and entertainment to my life. It's been a long time since I have had a group of people I could go out and grab a drink with on a Friday night. Troubles at work as of late are making me regret this positive change in my life. There is clear stress between myself and one of my closest co-workers and that is leading me to believe that my time in this city may be coming to an end. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can avoid that situation but unfortunately I think it is out of my hands. I think I need to start practicing my hand shake and use of the phrase, "Hi, my name is..." I do believe that I've turned a corner though. I think the memories I've had with these people will stick with me longer than the goodbyes.
My job has a transient nature. People don't stay in one place for very long in my profession. There are definitely some people that can have long and amazing careers in one city but it's not very often you run into that situation. At this stage of my career I expect to be moving around to find a place where I can take the next step. That's been the story of my life the last few years. I've spent New Years in 3 different cities over the last 4 years. To get a feel for what this is like, imagine reliving your freshman year of college over and over again. No one wants to do that.
It's not always easy to pack up my life and start over somewhere new but I prepared myself for the possibility when I decided I wanted to get into the broadcasting business. Part of that preparation is putting up a wall to keep people out. It's a lot easier to say goodbye when you don't have anyone to say goodbye to. I know that sounds a little depressing and...well...it is. It's mostly depressing when it comes time for me to move. The only friend I've had around to help me move the last 3 years is an old college friend that traveled from New York to give me a hand.
I've started to throw those rules out of the window. My life has begun to blossom in my current situation and that has resulted in my guard being let down more and more. I have been very lucky to meet some great people that have added a lot of happiness and entertainment to my life. It's been a long time since I have had a group of people I could go out and grab a drink with on a Friday night. Troubles at work as of late are making me regret this positive change in my life. There is clear stress between myself and one of my closest co-workers and that is leading me to believe that my time in this city may be coming to an end. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can avoid that situation but unfortunately I think it is out of my hands. I think I need to start practicing my hand shake and use of the phrase, "Hi, my name is..." I do believe that I've turned a corner though. I think the memories I've had with these people will stick with me longer than the goodbyes.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Not worth dying for
There are a lot of things that I would risk my life for. My family members, $1 million and a bag of Herr's potato chips (I've been on a diet for the last few months) are just a few examples. Catching a foul ball is definitely not going to find a space on the list. Is it something I've always wanted to do? Absolutely. I've come really close to catching one on more than one occasion...
1) Citizens Bank Park 2006: I had just returned from a vacation with my family in Florida. There I purchased a screaming yellow track jacket from a Puma outlet store. It was perfect jacket weather the night of the game so I figured it would be the right time to test out my new outerwear. David Ortiz came up and smacked a monster home run heading right to me. I stood up prepared to make a jump for it, or even push the small child in front of me out of the way if need be. The girl I was with was definitely not interested in this but I sure could have used her assistance. The ball started to descend and came right at the kid in front of me. My heart pulled through and wouldn't allow me to push him. The ball hit him square in the chest and his dad was able to recover the souvenir.
2) Fenway Park mid 90's: I can't recall the exact year but Mo Vaughn was still with the Red Sox. My dad had purchased tickets in the outfield for a nice afternoon game. The fans in front of me had painted a sheet to look like a bulls eye with the words, "Hit It Here Mo," written on it. Sure enough, Vaughn got a hold of one and it started coming our way. Believe it or not, that ball came right to the people in front of me and they caught it in the bulls eye. That was one of the most incredible things I've ever seen at a game.
I know both of those events were for home run balls and not foul balls but I usually sit in the outfield so I don't come across foul balls all that much. They're pretty equal in my book anyway.
This subject popped into my head after I saw that a fan in Texas fell over 30 feet while leaning over the railing to catch a foul ball in the Rangers vs Indians game on Tuesday night. Unfortunately there is no video of the fall but thankfully the man was reportedly doing well and moving all extremities after he was taken out of the stadium. There is video of the players and umpire watching it happen and just the sheer look of horror on their faces is unreal. I have witnessed a man keel over and die no more than 6 feet away from me at a gym and it is quite surreal. You feel so helpless but can't stop watching at the same time. Again, thankfully this man is expected to make a full recovery but there's a lesson to be learned here. Foul balls are not worth dying for.
1) Citizens Bank Park 2006: I had just returned from a vacation with my family in Florida. There I purchased a screaming yellow track jacket from a Puma outlet store. It was perfect jacket weather the night of the game so I figured it would be the right time to test out my new outerwear. David Ortiz came up and smacked a monster home run heading right to me. I stood up prepared to make a jump for it, or even push the small child in front of me out of the way if need be. The girl I was with was definitely not interested in this but I sure could have used her assistance. The ball started to descend and came right at the kid in front of me. My heart pulled through and wouldn't allow me to push him. The ball hit him square in the chest and his dad was able to recover the souvenir.
2) Fenway Park mid 90's: I can't recall the exact year but Mo Vaughn was still with the Red Sox. My dad had purchased tickets in the outfield for a nice afternoon game. The fans in front of me had painted a sheet to look like a bulls eye with the words, "Hit It Here Mo," written on it. Sure enough, Vaughn got a hold of one and it started coming our way. Believe it or not, that ball came right to the people in front of me and they caught it in the bulls eye. That was one of the most incredible things I've ever seen at a game.
I know both of those events were for home run balls and not foul balls but I usually sit in the outfield so I don't come across foul balls all that much. They're pretty equal in my book anyway.
This subject popped into my head after I saw that a fan in Texas fell over 30 feet while leaning over the railing to catch a foul ball in the Rangers vs Indians game on Tuesday night. Unfortunately there is no video of the fall but thankfully the man was reportedly doing well and moving all extremities after he was taken out of the stadium. There is video of the players and umpire watching it happen and just the sheer look of horror on their faces is unreal. I have witnessed a man keel over and die no more than 6 feet away from me at a gym and it is quite surreal. You feel so helpless but can't stop watching at the same time. Again, thankfully this man is expected to make a full recovery but there's a lesson to be learned here. Foul balls are not worth dying for.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
It's not a tumor
I've found that when people in a relationship find out that I'm single they automatically assume that it's not by choice. They also assume that it is their job to cure me of the horrific disease of singleness. It's not a disease. If you were to hug me you wouldn't immediately have thoughts of breaking up with your significant other. Although, I have been told before that I'm quite the hugger so maybe you will.
This calamity becomes especially evident when there is a holiday or major event coming up. On Friday, July 2nd, I went for a walk to try and get some exercise. It was a beautiful evening and turned out to be perfect for a little stroll. On my way back to my house, I walked through the neighborhood and stopped to chat with some of my neighbors. My current living situation may have it's ups and downs but I do have some incredibly nice neighbors. I couldn't ask for better people to share a community with. Their kids were out playing some hide and seek (it took all of my power not to join in), having popsicles and other adorable activities while the parents and I were engaged in conversation. It was all going so well until they asked me what my plans for July 4th were. I told them I didn't have any and it was as if the world was coming to an end. I could see their wheels turning as though they didn't understand what I meant. The first question I received after making this announcement was, "By the way, what ever happened to that girl you went out with a few weeks ago?" That's when it all came together. There is an assumption that I did not have plans because I am single. If the situation were different and I were in a relationship I would undoubtedly have some form of plans.
Side note...that's not necessarily true. There are a few things that bore me to tears. Fireworks, and parades are two of them. I know that makes me sound like I'm wearing an Osama bin Laden t-shirt right now but that's not true. I'm of the belief that if you've seen one fireworks show, you've seen them all. Same with parades except I think my distaste for parades goes back to my childhood. I had to march in every town Christmas parade growing up as a part of either my elementary school, sports teams or cub scouts. There was no way out for me. On the lucky years when I wouldn't have to march, or I'd duck out early, I was forced to grab as much candy off the ground as I could as if it were going to be our dinner for the rest of the holiday season.
Saturday, July 3rd, I went to the gym in the morning to get in a quick workout. All of my workouts are quick these days because I have a monstrous knee brace on my right leg. I can only do half of my normal work because all exercises that involve muscles below the belt are out. When I returned home one of my neighbors was out playing soccer with his nearly 3 year old son. He called to me from across the grassy knoll and at first I thought it was because his son kicked the ball by him and he needed some help chasing it. A lot of good I would be here. I can barely walk let alone kick a soccer ball. However, that was not his goal. He came over and asked, "How old are you?" This question is nearly always followed with, "Are you single?" Sure enough, he did not disappoint and did come through with the follow up. I answered both and he then told me he knew someone he wanted to set me up with.
I'm not opposed to the idea of a set up but there are some things that I don't like about it.
1) It makes me feel inadequate. It's as though that since I'm nearly 30 years old and I'm single, they think I do not have the capacity of finding a woman on my own.
2) It creates a dangerous situation. If things go well that's fantastic but if they do not, it can be horrible. If it doesn't work out there are the constant glares from the setter upper that scream, "what was wrong with her huh? Do you think you're too good for her?" Fair questions but the reality is probably something much more simple like she's a huge Yankees fan or something.
3) No one will ever know what is perfect for you. I flat out do not like the phrase, "She's perfect for you." I've always wondered how people know that. Especially people I don't talk to very much.
4) Physical attracting is important. The initial physical spark must be there but I'm looked at as a pig if I ask the setter upper, "Is she cute?" More disapproving looks come after that question. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but it is my eye that is important.
That wasn't the only set up attempt over the weekend. On July 5th my roommate said she knew someone she wanted me to meet. She suggested that we all go for a bike ride. Sounds cute right? Well it isn't considering I can't bend my right knee. Somehow my roommate had forgotten that I had this obscene device on my leg for the last month, and could have it even longer.
I guess the moral of the story is that not everyone that is single doesn't want to be. Would I like to wake up next to the woman of my dreams every morning? Yes but Scarlett Johansson is unavailable. I may not be making a conscious effort to stay single but I'm certainly not trying too hard to not be single.
This calamity becomes especially evident when there is a holiday or major event coming up. On Friday, July 2nd, I went for a walk to try and get some exercise. It was a beautiful evening and turned out to be perfect for a little stroll. On my way back to my house, I walked through the neighborhood and stopped to chat with some of my neighbors. My current living situation may have it's ups and downs but I do have some incredibly nice neighbors. I couldn't ask for better people to share a community with. Their kids were out playing some hide and seek (it took all of my power not to join in), having popsicles and other adorable activities while the parents and I were engaged in conversation. It was all going so well until they asked me what my plans for July 4th were. I told them I didn't have any and it was as if the world was coming to an end. I could see their wheels turning as though they didn't understand what I meant. The first question I received after making this announcement was, "By the way, what ever happened to that girl you went out with a few weeks ago?" That's when it all came together. There is an assumption that I did not have plans because I am single. If the situation were different and I were in a relationship I would undoubtedly have some form of plans.
Side note...that's not necessarily true. There are a few things that bore me to tears. Fireworks, and parades are two of them. I know that makes me sound like I'm wearing an Osama bin Laden t-shirt right now but that's not true. I'm of the belief that if you've seen one fireworks show, you've seen them all. Same with parades except I think my distaste for parades goes back to my childhood. I had to march in every town Christmas parade growing up as a part of either my elementary school, sports teams or cub scouts. There was no way out for me. On the lucky years when I wouldn't have to march, or I'd duck out early, I was forced to grab as much candy off the ground as I could as if it were going to be our dinner for the rest of the holiday season.
Saturday, July 3rd, I went to the gym in the morning to get in a quick workout. All of my workouts are quick these days because I have a monstrous knee brace on my right leg. I can only do half of my normal work because all exercises that involve muscles below the belt are out. When I returned home one of my neighbors was out playing soccer with his nearly 3 year old son. He called to me from across the grassy knoll and at first I thought it was because his son kicked the ball by him and he needed some help chasing it. A lot of good I would be here. I can barely walk let alone kick a soccer ball. However, that was not his goal. He came over and asked, "How old are you?" This question is nearly always followed with, "Are you single?" Sure enough, he did not disappoint and did come through with the follow up. I answered both and he then told me he knew someone he wanted to set me up with.
I'm not opposed to the idea of a set up but there are some things that I don't like about it.
1) It makes me feel inadequate. It's as though that since I'm nearly 30 years old and I'm single, they think I do not have the capacity of finding a woman on my own.
2) It creates a dangerous situation. If things go well that's fantastic but if they do not, it can be horrible. If it doesn't work out there are the constant glares from the setter upper that scream, "what was wrong with her huh? Do you think you're too good for her?" Fair questions but the reality is probably something much more simple like she's a huge Yankees fan or something.
3) No one will ever know what is perfect for you. I flat out do not like the phrase, "She's perfect for you." I've always wondered how people know that. Especially people I don't talk to very much.
4) Physical attracting is important. The initial physical spark must be there but I'm looked at as a pig if I ask the setter upper, "Is she cute?" More disapproving looks come after that question. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but it is my eye that is important.
That wasn't the only set up attempt over the weekend. On July 5th my roommate said she knew someone she wanted me to meet. She suggested that we all go for a bike ride. Sounds cute right? Well it isn't considering I can't bend my right knee. Somehow my roommate had forgotten that I had this obscene device on my leg for the last month, and could have it even longer.
I guess the moral of the story is that not everyone that is single doesn't want to be. Would I like to wake up next to the woman of my dreams every morning? Yes but Scarlett Johansson is unavailable. I may not be making a conscious effort to stay single but I'm certainly not trying too hard to not be single.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
My first post
I'm sitting on my extremely uncomfortable futon killing time. I seem to have a lot more of that these days yet I feel busier than I've ever been. Some would tell me to spend some time outside and soak up the sun. I already checked that off my to do list for the day and now my already tanned skin is on fire. My Irish and Canadian heritage does not allow for a lot of tanning. It's normally a burn or nothing. Tonight is looking to be an early night.
I'm watching Finding Forrester for the first time in 8 or 9 years. I forgot how much I really enjoyed it. This movie is partially my inspiration for starting this blog. Sean Connery's character, William Forrester, says, "The first key to writing is to write. Not to think." I found that to be an interesting statement. Truthfully, I've never been much of a writer. Most of my thoughts end up coming out of my mouth in some form of heated discussion or witty banter. OK, I use the term witty very loosely.
My plan is to post something here every day. Will that happen? I hope so. It would be fun to share some thoughts on a regular basis. For now, I'm going to finish my movie and wait for people to get off work.
I'm watching Finding Forrester for the first time in 8 or 9 years. I forgot how much I really enjoyed it. This movie is partially my inspiration for starting this blog. Sean Connery's character, William Forrester, says, "The first key to writing is to write. Not to think." I found that to be an interesting statement. Truthfully, I've never been much of a writer. Most of my thoughts end up coming out of my mouth in some form of heated discussion or witty banter. OK, I use the term witty very loosely.
My plan is to post something here every day. Will that happen? I hope so. It would be fun to share some thoughts on a regular basis. For now, I'm going to finish my movie and wait for people to get off work.
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