Growing up dainty.

I grew up being a dainty kid. A dainty kid loving sports. That's a delicate balancing act, if you will.

I remember loving football but hating to get tackled, even being afraid sometimes. There were big kids out there. Before all the crap with my leg went down I was pretty decent in the open field. I had moves. Moves that would sometimes work. I could also throw the ball pretty good and accurate with a tight spiral. I just didn't like getting tackled or tackling anyone. Eventually we all switched over to tag football and found a nice big church parking lot to play in. I did my damage there. I'm sure I set passing records.

In baseball I never wanted to get hit with the ball. It was my biggest phobia. Watching the faster pitchers warm up would make me nervous. It took me about 6 at bats in two games to get used to this. I think I had a tendency to step into the pitches late and also step away. Most of the time I hit em in the opposite field (left field, cause I'm a lefty(meaning more intelligent/creative)). I was a pitcher too. I was pretty good for being dainty. Won the team MVP that year. My average ended up being like .600.

Basketball was another game I enjoyed. Basketball is physical too. Maybe more physical than what people think or assume. I loved shooting from outside and maybe doing an uncontested lay up but I never cared for boxing out or grabbing rebounds. That's how people get hurt. Playing pick up games I'd fear the oafish uncoordinated kids. I saw them as serious hazards. I was timid. But I had a good shot.

Fighting provided great entertainment for me but I would never participate. The only person I ever got violent with was my younger brother but that was when he was much smaller than me. I still like antagonizing people but I will never get in a physical fight. I think that would be embarrassing for all parties involved.

Dainty is no easy road to walk. It must be done with dignity and pride and maybe the slightest hint of masculinity, if possible. God bless.

The Time Portal

He's entered the time portal a few times. The time portal is both warm and fuzzy, not to mention foggy. To the brave soul who has entered the portal everything seems fine. To others, he appears to be slurring his speech and drooling on 'eemself. A jar of peanut butter is one of the few things that can be taken into the time portal.

Eventually you get sleepy.

He was in the portal last Saturday and to those around 'eem he had a shi++y look on his face and a blank stare.

He goes into the portal because life's hard. There are other dimensions to try out. He needs to unwind.

I've seen souls drop full cans of Chesterfield's on the living room floor as if it were nothing. Then they laugh it off. They become like little golf balls rolling through rooms and curving towards the doorways as if the house has little slopes like a putting green. It's both a beautiful and tragic sight. It's always followed by a serious tits up.

Steve Winwood sings of Higher Love.

***For more on Time Travel, check out: http://www.johntitor.com/

Physical or emotional pain: which one is worse?

If you're human you've dealt with both. I've dealt with some. Some of have dealt with it way more than I can imagine. If you had to choose one over the other which one would it be?

Both impact each other. Emotional pain can come from physical pain, and physical from emotional pain.

Physical pain is a broad topic. There is bone pain that can come from breaks/fractures, bone infections and arthritis. Bone breaks are bad but the one I had was more achy than anything. Pain from a bone infection can be quite severe. Mine feels more like a constant kicking in the shin if I stop taking my meds. I've never dealt with arthritis but that can get crazy as all get out.

Muscles can be a good source for physical pain. Cramps are pretty severe and sharp. I tend to get a little nervous if I feel one coming on. Pulled muscles and tares can be pretty annoying. I don't believe I ever tore a muscle.

Then there are migraines, toothaches, intestinal pains, and incisions. All of these can be horrendous. All of these can have serious impact on your life and mood.

Then there is emotional pain.

The two big ones are probably losing a loved one and breaking up with someone. These are very common. Remember how you felt? Would you choose that over arthritis?

Emotional pain, panic attacks, terror, and depression can also come from anxiety and mental disorders. You may feel insecure about something or believe people are after you. Depending on your psychological state you may be able to control this and even snap out of it. Others have no control. Regardless, these are some types of emotional pain. Anything here seem appealing?

It's really a tough question but I think I'm leaning towards the emotional. You can still be physically healthy and have emotional pain. Whereas most physical pain comes from something going wrong in your body. Most physical pain, I believe, leads to some kind of emotional pain, maybe more than the other way around. While physical pain does seem to be debilitating, I've found a lot of past emotional pain has made me stronger and improve my lifestyle decisions and get busy with something. I've found severe physical pain a much greater barrier and a serious threat to my sleeping patterns and a functioning life.

Which one would you prefer?

Please add to my blog if you feel that I left out something from either topic as I'm sure I have.

related article on pain : http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1850

Ten cheesy "pop" political books

Just some titles I've come across in the past years. We see a lot of these towards election time in the bookstore. These kind of caught my eye. Most likely cause of title and cover. I'm not sure who buys these books. They make me smile. Just silly.

10) John McCain - A Man of Straight Talk
I love the nicknames they give themselves.

9) Living History - Hillary Clinton
She makes me vomit.

8) Conservative Victory: Defeating Obama's Radical Agenda by Sean Hannity 
His radio show is horrible. He is horrible. 

7) Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto by Mark R. Levin 
This guys voice is even more annoying than my own.

6) Arguing with Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government by Glenn Beck and Kevin Balfe
Yes big gov'ment is no good...but Glenn Beck is a thesbian.

5) Truth and Consequences: Special Comments on the Bush Administration's War on American Values by Keith Olbermann
olbermann had credibility under bush but keeps silent under obama....

4) Culture Warrior by Bill O'Reilly
Funny coming from someone who sexually harasses his employees then pays them off...great cover too...

3) Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters by Nancy Pelosi and Amy Hill Hearth 
---------------

2) Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama
I'm moved.

1) The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream (Vintage) by Barack Obama 
Are people still buying this?

About a month into it: Who views dainty bones?

Those of you who read this $h!+, thank you very much!

We've been at it a month and we think it's going okay. One of my favorite parts of blogging is the stats section that blogger.com has set up. It keeps track of where you're getting the hits from and what time of day people are viewing. I find myself checking it religiously.

We're pretty close to having 1000 hits. I realize some of them are my own. I also understand I tend to put a lot of blogs up there. I write here instead of Facebook. I might bring some blogs in from my Facebook.

My Virgin Blog, and Hugs are Frivalous have received the most hits.

Below is a list of where I have received the hits from, if anyone cares:

United States

Canada

Singapore

United Kingdom

Netherlands

Australia

Belgium

Iraq

South Korea

Romania

Thanksgiving/Thankfulness.

What am I thankful for? Here's an extensive list, not necessarily in order of importance.

1. Food
2. Sleep
3. Shelter
4. Fire Company
5. Kutztown heads
6. Mom and Dad
7. "Treats"
8. Writing and playing music with the best peeps on earth
9. Women's pants (on me)
10. My nice bum
11. That I can walk
12. That a place like Amsterdam exists
13. That I have a job that's cool
14. My Mazda 3 (tiptronic)
15. Goodwill
16. Shoes
17. Pharmacies
18. Ron Paul
19. Wham!
20. Looping pedals and sound effects
21. Bass Lines and Rhythms
22. Raunchy guitar noises
23. Gluten
24. Paul Lynch's pesto pizza
25. Habaneros
26. A good bed
27. Canola oil
28. Protection
29. Beef Smoked Sausage on the grille
30. Relaxing

Atari Shorts and Compression Stockings: All at the buffet

I was indecisive about dinner tonight. I ended up at a buffet on the Fifth St. Highway outside of inner-city Reading, PA. The place was empty.....for the most part.

I was drawn in by the Mongolian BBQ sign. When I got up to the booth for the beef and other meats it almost turned my stomach. Nothing looked like anything I wanted to put in my body (that sacred temple of mine). I got the green beans and chicken stuffs from the buffet.

A typical fat Pennsylvania Dutchman(I assume - I assume because lots of them are way overweight and have diabetes) on a little motorized scooter/wheelchair vehicle was going around. He had Atari shorts. These were designed with the Atari logo in different colors all over the shorts. Beautiful. For socks he was wearing knee high navy blue (school girl looking) compression stockings. His shirt is not worth mentioning. An ironic hipster would've envied his approach as he was also sporting a mustache.

The man would just drive around the buffet, lean over and take things back to his table with a child like grin. It was sort of disgusting to watch. I got the feeling he was in his own heaven. Not unlike how I felt when I was in Amsterdam. When he left I took note that he left a couple uneaten pieces of banana cream pie. He also liked clams and surprisingly sushi.

How was this fat ass going to lose any weight hanging out a buffet? Maybe he needed a food intervention. I understand people come in all sizes but this was out of hand. I began to look inward before thinking any more negative thoughts and feelings towards this dude.


Internal Questions that came to mind:

1) Am I not that much better than this pig as I drink and alcohol isn't good for bones? Am I not continuing in unhealthy behavior as he is?
2) Will I end up like this pig for thinking and then writing a horrible blog about him and in doing so placing myself above him?
3) Was he like me at one point and just decided to give up? Will I decide to give up? Have I already decided to give up? Or am I living how I want to?
4) What does this fat fellow do for fun other than eat?
5) Is he diabetic?
6) Who the fuck decided to put that little boy outfit on this grown fat man with salt n pepper hair?
7) What's his favorite Atari game? Outlaw, Combat, Pac-Man, Pitfall?

Other things came to mind but these were the most prominent thoughts. Hours have past and in reflecting on this blog I decided to look to the heavens and say a prayer for the both of us. I've realized we're brothers and my original thinking is strictly my ego. Life is weird and things get flipped around. It wasn't long ago I needed people to empty my piss buckets and bring me food. It all could happen again.

Imagine, a whole blog being inspired by a chubby man with fat legs and Atari shorts. I'm a better man for having gone to this ungodly buffet.

Forgive our vain attitudes.

Help us all to be humble servants of truth and wisdom and love.

Amen.

My fear of AVN.

It's been a while since I wrote a blog. As I was struggling with ideas I came up with this one which indirectly relates to the title of my blog page - Dainty Bones. I was pretty obsessed with this condition after my hip injury. One of the first things I was told (in between morphine hits) was that I could qualify for this disease. It's called Avascular Necrosis. This is what it is:

 

"Overview

Osteonecrosis is bone death caused by poor blood supply to the area. It is most common in the hip and shoulder.

Alternative Names

Avascular necrosis; Osteonecrosis; Ischemic bone necrosis; AVN; Aseptic necrosis

Causes

Osteonecrosis occurs when part of the bone does not get blood and dies. After a while the bone can break off. If this condition is not treated, bone damage gets worse. Eventually, the affected part of the bone may collapse

https://health.google.com/health/ref/Osteonecrosis"

The doctor's assistant came in and drew me a little diagram on a sheet of paper. It's not a hard condition to understand. What I don't like about this is you don't know if you are out of the woods, or, safe from getting it until about 2 years after the injury. My two year mark will coming soon, in May of 2011. Thankfully I'm not feeling a lot of pain, but I am feeling something. This could be because of the cold whether - compression screws. Another positive is that my doctor, who did a swell job on my hip BTW (I'm close to the same flexibility), said I have a 75% chance of being alright.

But what if I'm not?

I get my hip replaced. That's a pretty serious deal. I read Bo Jackson (in his 30s), Prince and Eddie Van Halen had it done. My co-worker had it done. He's in his 60's. He's up and around and feeling great.

The thing that is scary is that they get rid of much of your upper femur and pound a fake artificial joint in there in the bone. That requires a big incision and blood thinner medication to stop clots (rat poison!). The recovery time is remarkably short though. I was laid up and in pain for almost 2 months. My co-worker said he was putting weight on it in 3 weeks.

Hopefully this won't be an issue but I'll probably blog about it if it is.








 

My masculinity is defined by what millionaires do on the field.

There was a time in my life when I was a serious football fan. I would follow everything, even the pre-game shows, days before the game. I would watch all of the interviews. It took me a while to realize that athletes say the same things in every interview, despite what team they are on, or what the standings are. They are trained to give all the right answers to the media.

"We're just focusing on this weeks game."
"They're a fine team."
"They're defense is really impressive on film."

If my team lost my whole week was ruined. It put a really big damper on things. Things could be okay but then I'd recall Sunday's game and be saddened. This is not healthy.

Eventually you grow up and deal with your own problems and work at your own life. If not, you remain trapped in the mental illness and vicarious living through your sports team. Luckily, other stuff came along and I grew up. I still watch the game on Sunday but that's it. Three hours a week is okay. If that.

There is a bigger problem though. While most of us grow up and move on to other things, a large amount of people, men, are still worshipping their sports teams and players. We know more about the stats of players than what's going on in government. Instead of getting upset with the raping and pillaging of the treasury, we get ticked off at a bad call in a game.

Alex Jones (whatever you may think of him) thinks pro sports and entertainment in general is a conspiracy. A conspiracy to get our attention off of the abuses of government. Whether it is or not remains to be seen. If it is though, it's working pretty well. If the energy and knowledge about athletes and teams was spent researching the evidence given for the Iraq war would it have happened so easily? Would the bailouts have gone through. Would Obama-care have gone through? Would we have the same pathetic luke warm, puppet candidates we always have running for office, or would we get someone in who was for real change and individual liberty?

These things remain to be seen.

Hugs are Frivalous.

I'm coming clean on hugs. I think they're frivalous. The only time hugs are relevant are in "intimate" scenerios, or when one is drunk. Sometimes the 2 are combined.

I'm tired of getting weird looks if I decide to shake a girl's hand. I'm cold. I come from the cold Germanic von Stiehl line. I think most of the time girls impose hugs on guys. But then they leave and don't want anything else. If a guy really likes their hug than he is a dirty man(sometimes this is true - see below). I don't understand it.

I love my parents as any other person loves their own but I feel no need to hug them. What is the point? We know the deal. That is that.

When are hugs necessary?
1) After a jolly night of drinkin with the fellows
2) As a prelude to a physical encounter
3) Or just being polite to someone who is dependent on hugs (after all, you don't wanna appear cold)

Do I ever like hugging?
Yes, but, it has to be the right woman. And I prefer to be naked. This usually occurs as often as the cicadas come around.

Men who hug a lot.
Most men who hug a lot, in my experience are creeps who just like to feel a woman's body against them (nothin wrong with that, but they get all horned up). Many of them talk warmly as if they care, but it is all a game to get some ass. And, of course they are perceived by most as warm and compasionate, whereas people like me who speak truth to power come across as cold. Yeah, I'm a victim. Life's hard.

This is it on hugs. Enjoy. God bless.

The importance of having a good hair day.

I showered and shampooed last night before bed. When I sleep with a wet head and wake up the next morning it's always a question as to whether I'm going to have a good hair day. It sometimes keeps me up at night.

Well, I did and I am. (having a good hair day)

My hair is at a good length these days. It's a nice brownish color. I really like whats going on with it. At this length it's always essential that I keep it washed. When it's greasy, and if I haven't shaved I look like a drunk (which of course I'm not). Washing it a couple times over gives it great body, though I lose control.

<<In the past with shorter hair styles and shorter bangs especially, I kind of like to keep it mildly greasy so I can gain some control. You see, as nice as my hair is, it's only downfall is that it's extremely thin and tough to control.>>

Now, I need the flow and the body. Washing it gives me that. Picture hockey legend Guy LaFleur skating down the ice with no helmet and his hair flowing back. That's what I'm about these days.

So what does all this mean?

It means it's vitally important to have a good hair day. It gives you confidence on the job and when running serious game at the local establishment. When we have good hair we can hold our heads high. I wasn't blessed with the prettiest face, maybe my ears are slightly too big, maybe my jawline could be stronger and more chiseled, but hair is something I, we can control. It's up to us to decide what type of hair goes with what type of skull.

Truth be told I don't spend hours on my hair. It happens. But, we must be willing to recognize when a hair style approach doesn't work. It's a feeling thing, vibes and whatnot. Evaluate your hair and decide whether your approach is working.

Don't f#$@ around with your hair!

Mallwalking, Michal, and me. (Soft hands get softer)

I'm short on cash this week. I mean, I have enough just to live off of 'til payday. Instead of gallivanting somewhere in my window of time I headed over to mall to look at shoes and mediocre products and clothing.

The mall has a very limited selection of shoes. I checked a few department stores and shoe stores and it's pretty sad. I like looking at shoes and produc's. Sears had some really nice colored green and sky blue docker pants for 10$. If they are there on Friday I'll get 'eem.

(I'm still in awe that department stores are still in business and wonder who shops there.)

Walking through the main section of the Mall towards the other end was a kiosk for dead sea salts. Three years ago I was suckered in there. These ladies are quite aggressive as well as flirty-not to mention hawt. The last time I went I ended up getting stuff. Stuff I ended up using and liking a lot. I never get that stuff. I can't complain. I'm sure it's over priced though. Tweet ripped on me for getting it and being conned, but ended up using it..maybe more than I did. MOTHER!

Michal (Mik hal) came up to me this time. A different girl, but grinning brightly. I guess I fit the appearance for a sucker, or married, most likely sucker (they're not necessarily mutually exclusive). This time I knew what I was dealing with. I knew I had little money. So, I decided to just enjoy the treatment on my soft delicate hands.

She approached me and asked if I was married. I said NEVER. She lured me over to her stand and started talking about the Dead Sea and why it's called the Dead Sea (nothing can survive in it-makes sense). I put the stuff on my hands and began to rub them together. It felt nice and now my hands smell nice.

She asked if I'd ever used lotion before. I smiled and said, "only in special occasions."

She chose to ignore that and continue on. I was trying to throw her off but she stuck to her points. She had a strong Israeli accent too.

When it came time for the sale I had to disappoint her and tell her I had limited cash flow. I politely offered to take her to the ATM so she could read my balance for the week. She seemed sad. I was happy to enjoy the moment and free treatment. Life's short. Live it up.

Stiehl's Choice: Top 10 Yacht Rock songs

Here they are, don't send me hate mail over this. I know yacht rock fans are an easy going yet passionate bunch. This was inspired by a party we threw at the house back in September. It got rowdy. Yacht Rock was the theme and Yacht Rock came thru that night.....enjoy, please comment with your list.

10) I'm All Right - Kenny LogginsJust an uplifting. Kenny speaks truth to power in this song. We've all felt all right, at one point, only to have people worrying about us. Kenny rises above it all. This was rightfully chosen for Cadyshack. Thanks Loggins.

9) Swept Away - Christopher Cross
Haven't we all been swept away at one time or another? Christopher puts that feeling into song. A song we can all connect with.

8) Shine Sweet Freedom - Michael McDonald
Written in the 80's. A time to celebrate freedom. Used for a movie starring Billy Crystal. The video is a must see. Especially the end, when they're all having beers together, McDonald, Crystal and the other star of that flick.

7) Baby Please Don't Go - Chicago
Peter Cetera's angelic voice begging his love to please don't go makes it at #7. How could any woman (or man) leave Peter Cetera with vocals like that (and hair too).

6) Baker Street - Gerry Rafferty
This song builds nicely. One of the few yacht rock songs that is hard to mock. Nice use of saxophone in the chorus. Well constructed song.

5) Higher Love - Steve Winwood
"Think about it, there must be higher love." A proposition set forth by the ex-band member of Traffic. He's asking you to think about. This song has like 4 bridges and the most fake sounding trumpets ever. The beats sound nice in my car. I'd be lying if I said this song doesn't fire me up.

4) Next Time I Fall in Love - Peter Cetera ft. Amy GrantGood concept. Incredible control of vocals. Amy Grant teams up with the Chicago's ex-frontman for a moving duet.

3) All Right - Christopher CrossCross, singing to a lover, tells her it's gonna be all right in this soft yet upbeat ditty. You can almost move to it. Legend Michael McDonald joins in on the chorus. This one puts a shitty smirk on my face.

2) Sailing - Christopher Cross
Yes, "the canvas can do miracles." Chris paints a scenic and joyous picture of his warm childhood memories of sailing. This song is like water. It just flows. Nice simple piano solo after the second verse and chorus.

1) I Keep Forgettin' - Michael McDonald
Maybe one of my favorite bass lines in any song ever. Yes, and I'm being serious. It was so good it was used in the rap song "Regulate" 15 years after McDonald put it out there. I shake it every time it comes on. Turns out its fun song to dance to drunk with your shirt off at a party. Just a great groove over Michael's smooth voice.

Weis Markets(2010)/Giant Eagle(1994): After Hours.

I slept most of the day after your work, yesterday. Work ended at 10AM so I got a lot of sleep. Had a brief stint at the Fire Company in the late afternoon, then came back home for more rest. I had bigger plans, but energy and morale was lacking.

I woke up at 10pm and decided I needed some good nourishment. I went to Weis. I was gonna do other things but money is tight til Friday. Weis plays pretty good music for being a supermarket.

Weis had few customers, but many were there stocking the shelves. This was around 11pm. I'm not sure what it is but I always get a peaceful/happy feeling pushing the cart around. Being surrounded by food gives me joy. I consider the possibilities.

Watching the workers stock the shelves reminded me of my summer in 1994 when I did the night shift at Giant Eagle, down the street from my house in Pittsburgh. There were some characters I worked with...


Walt Bigballs
Old Walt lived across the alley. He must of been in his 50's. He used to sunbathe in the little backyard of his apartment in his underwear. We used to mock him (not to his face), me, my dad and my brother. He spoke like a dumb pollock. Occasionally he'd make weird noises while stocking shelves. Sometimes he'd sing. I think he had mental issues. I think he's still alive. I remember it was birthday once and a co-worker asked him what he did. I think he said he went down to Liberty Ave. This was a street notorious for street hookers and peep show booths.


Ziggy
This dude was another character. Another pollock with a limited education. He was a funny and we used to joke around. Occasionally we'd bust on Walt. We were supposed to go to a Pitt game but that never happened. He had a beard and missing teeth. I think both Ziggy and Walt liked to drink a lot.


Jeff
Jeff was the guy who trained who trained me. He was a big black dude. He knew how to run shit and was very nice as a manager. He and the other 2 guys mentioned of course saw me as this extremely naive kid. I was 18 years old, but skinny and looked about 14 years old.

There were other characters there too. I don't remember their names. One short fat dude would walk around and if he saw you, he'd compulsively ask, "you havin fun yet!?" I guess not unlike how I throw out repetitive phrases and questions. There was a very flamboyant dude with a shaved head and mustache. He worked in dairy a lot. He would speak of his boyfriend sporadically. Then there was big breasted black chick who I would think about quite often at that age. Some used to make jokes about if we ran out of milk in the dairy department we wouldn't have a problem.

Generally everyone got a long. It was a weird shift. Involving interesting, quirky and maybe some fV<ked up people. I felt like I owned the place walkin' around there.  I remember they cranked a lot of Elton John and Phil Collins over the radio. Sometimes I would treat myself to pepperoni in the deli on lunch breaks. I ate a lot of shitty food on lunch breaks. I always felt physically warn out after work.
This was my first real job. (No, I didn't tare up the paycheck!)
I'm surprised I remember all of this.

West Reading Fade-away

I had another window of time from 6pm to 8pm so I went back into West Reading.
Stopped in at Viva. Lots of good looking people around, including the bartenders and waitresses that were serving me and the two cougars that were sitting a few seats down from me. People there either have money or they pretend to. Most of my outfit was purchased at Goodwill. I was still the best dressed soul in that place though I was having a mediocre hair day (DAMN!).
In the bar, behind the bar I was sitting at (yes, there are 2 bars in this place, maybe more) was a one man acoustic act covering popular favorites. I think he played Losing my Religion. He sung on key and was flawless. He also had the unique skill of making every fv<k!n song sound the same, lifeless and boring. To his credit he was handsome, and a few young Reading professional chicks stuck around to hear 'em. I assume that's good culture for them. If I was in his shoes I would've parted the Red Sea, so to speak. I mean, they would've left. I shouldn't really criticize any one's performing as I tend to make a drunken spectacle of myself and I have narrow shoulders.
I got a burger and Hoegaarden. The burger was okay. The best burger I ever had was in Shadyside (Pittsburgh) at the Elbow Room, on Ellsworth Avenue (1988). Nothing I've had since then compares. At least they made it rare. The bartender who served me reminded me of a dutchie version of John Stamos (from Full House). Meaning he was good eye candy if I was a homosexual or a girl. He was eye candy none-the-less.
On the television screen they had ESPN on and I found out the old manager of the Big Red Machine (1970's era Cincinnati Reds) Sparky Anderson died today. He was born in 1934. Only four years older than my dad. That made me realize the old folks won't be around forever. That's a sad thought, but it's life. I'm happy my parents take better care of themselves than I do. Maybe they'll out live me.
There really isn't anything deep or thoughtful you're left with when you leave West Reading. On a bright side I found a spot with good looking yuppie snapper, but those types want nothing to do with me. Most types actually. I want little to with them, maybe five minutes worth. I have a bad attitude towards a lot of things.
I pulled out of the parking lot in the Mazda3 listening to a little Al Stewart, wondering if this was indeed, The Year of the Cat.

(I love sappy endings to blogs-(this was done intentionally))
(Viva's food is over priced for what you get, you're also paying for atmosphere too)

...more meaningless drival

Now that I got my rocks off engaging in political discourse, mainly online, I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. I don't think I've changed any hearts and minds. Rather, I've upset some and generated a response from others.
No, it's true, I have not matured yet. I still enjoy this. To me, I'm making an impact on people. To my credit, I believe everything I write, and I try to be as truthful as possible. To my discredit, I can come across as confrontation and sometimes rude, hopefully cold too.
I've figured out just what I want in this life.
Aside from sleeping in a warm bed, good friends and good food, I'm pretty much occupied with amusing myself. It's why I push buttons. It's why I know the buttons to push. I'm not very bright, but I do know the correct buttons to push. I know what will set someone off. I wish I could use these horrible skills for something positive like getting laid. I'll leave that up to alcohol and my good hair.
Does anything meaningful come out of a life that is lived solely for amusement purposes?
I don't think so. Not by itself. Maybe it can be channeled in some way that's edifying to mankind. I write songs and maybe I've put a little bit in there that I'm not aware of. I do not know.
I'm not getting any younger. I'm not sure if I can hang my hat on anything yet. I've chosen quite a simple path. I don't think it's old yet. Maybe it will be in two years. I hope not.
It's a very good thing I haven't had the opportunity to start a family. I can't fathom why or how others do. It's a chore to take care of myself.

Politics/Election Results

Last night was election night. Regardless of what you think about our current system, it is kind of a fun event. It used to have a lot more meaning for me though. Maybe I've grown into an old man. It's tough to take this system seriously. These aren't new or profound words, but the system has come down to money. Seems we vote so we can get stuff. We vote for the candidate who we think will spend money, money which has been taken by coercive means, and put it towards the stuff we think we need.  Whether it's the military industrial complex, faith-based initiatives, health care, public radio or the arts. We all have our grand ideas about how this stolen money should be spent in the most moral and efficient way.

So this brings us to the Tea Party. They're against all that stuff? Maybe.

I think many of the supporters were quite late to the show. The show being Ron Paul's candidacy. While he was mocked by his fellow republicans, RP is probably the most responsible for getting these people started. Unfortunately, Tea Party-ers don't fully endorse his platform. While many of them rail against the authoritarianism of the state, many still hold firmly to the failed war on drugs, the military industrial complex, and the IRS.

I got a little sick when I heard Sean Hannity(maybe the lowest form of human out there) was becoming warm to Rand Paul. That's not a good sign.

So, as these results go, I can be a bit happy that there will be gridlock. The foolish statism that has and is devaluing the currency as we speak may be stopped. On the other hand, strange things happen we people go to Washington. George Bush ran on a small government platform and non-interventionist foreign policy and did the exact opposite, growing government more than Clinton. Will this not happen again if a republican president is elected in two years? Who knows.

So, nobody argues we're in a mess. Much of it brought on by previous administrations, but continued and made worse by this one. We got here by politicians creating unsustainable programs for their constituents and friends, and two expensive wars and military spending. Creating more programs and debt clearly won't solve the problem, just create new ones.

If anything good comes from this it will be the ending of programs we can't afford. I'll believe it when I see it.

(I didn't vote)

Stiehl-isms....

I'm a repetitive person. I like to repeat some of the same phrases over and over again. Below are some of my favorites used in everyday situations, whether I'm at the house or at the Fire Company. I will list sources if they are known or necessary. These are obviously not original, just redundant. Here we go, enjoy!


God bless. or God Bless! - just a general sentiment of well being passed from me to you. This can also be used as Fu<k you!. It's mostly used when someone is leaving.

How you holdn' up? - a common question, either directed to my drunken friends who have been on a binger, or, the bartender/waitress that looks a little warn out. I'm really curious when I ask this, though its been asked so many times it seems not genuine.

I'm Holdn' Up! - Danny's usual response. Whether it's true or not always remains to be seen.

One Day at a Time - A common response to, "how you doin?" or "how you holdn' up?". I use this in the workplace, at the bar, or  everywhere. This ties into Life's Hard (see below).

Tits up - A friend of mine in the war(s) used this a lot when he came back from his first tour. It means dead. We also use it for passed out or sleeping. I like this one a lot.

Class shows - My father used this a few times, I believe in the late 80's or early 90's when referring to the better football team (in this case Penn State) pulling out the victory in the end. This one has caught on nicely. Thanks dad, I hated you when you said it. (He's always been ahead of the curve).

In your travels - Another gift from dad. My dad, and now I, enjoy dosing on the couch. He didn't wanna be too impolite when asking mom to bring 'eem a drink, so he would preface it, "in your travels, could you bring me a beer"(for instance). This has become very useful at the Fire Company.

Catch as catch can - My aunt used this and it just sounds really silly. It works in almost any situation.

Life's Hard - Life is hard. There is mail, and sometimes knocks on the door. Maybe you need a drink or two to get by. Lots of pressures. "Life's Hard" reiterates this in 2 words. It's the commonly agreed upon position on 233 Noble Street.

'EEM - instead of saying "get him", you say "get 'eem." Maybe a redneck way to say "him". Phil Simms of CBS uses it a lot when announcing football games. My young brother was first to call attention to this and exploit. I soon followed. Now others do.(other examples: "Struck 'eem out", "Buried 'eem!", etc.)

I may add to this later, but for now, this is what I have and what I say at this moment. Feel free to add any I've missed. There have been many in the past that I can't remember now. Help me somebody.

Week-end update: Rockn'Roll, Kutztown Football Game, Mini Steeler Party

I had a swell weekend. I kept it all local.

Friday
The band had a show at the Fire Company. We played with 2 great bands, Wet and The Wallace Brothers Band. Set up was around 2pm. I can't lift much, but, I did what I could. Dave Keller did an excellent job with set-up and sound. Lighting was pretty good. I love the Fire Company, but, their lighting is really not appropriate for gigs.
I was a little nervous before hand. There were other parties going on and I had wondered if we'd get a good crowd. We did. We got a very fun lively, drunk, silly, Halloween crowd. Wet opened. They were great.
We played next and it was quite fun. Maybe the most fun I've had up there. Maybe not the tightest I've ever played but people were watching, dancing, and I got sprayed with silly string while playing.
Wallace Brothers closed it all out. We continued to dance. They rocked as well. I thought it was a good mix of bands and a great night.
Saturday
I slept until 3pm. Got food. Then went to the Kutztown Game with friends. Ever since I've become familiar with their team they've always been pretty pathetic. This year is different. They're undefeated.
The Bears played their West Chester rival and came back from a 10 deficit in the 3rd and 4th quarter. The stadium was a packed. It's a cheap ticket. Well worth it this year.

SundayI had a few friends over to watch the Sunday night game. I made a spicy chicken stew with Caribbean flavors. I used the peppers from my Garden. It worked out well. Most people were able to eat it. I have left-overs for lunch. The Steelers lost cause of a fumble, otherwise it was a good game. I didn't yell at the television.

Now it's Monday.
It'll be nice to have an extra hour next weekend.
For now, things are okay.