Anything and everything I wanna talk about!
Thoughts
If I Could Make the World a Little Better
Sep 20th
There have been a few too many times in life where people around me speak about winning the lottery, or coming into a large amount of cash some other way (rich-uncle on the verge of kicking it?) Each time folks get into this sort of conversation I sit and listen. Everyone has dreams, hopes, and simple aspirations –I know I do. Everyone always starts with the “I’d buy…” list, and then some move into the “I’d start my own…” list, and when its folks my age there’s always the “I’d get out of college and…” [ruin their life, I’m sure] list.
My list also has most of that, I would buy myself a nice car right off the bat, I’d also start my own business, I wouldn’t leave college, but there’s more. From an early age I was taught that without an education (or some damn good skills,) you simply aren’t worth the air you breathe.. As I grew older I found that to be more and more true, so leaving college is out of the question.
Now here comes the part where I wish I had a few million bucks to spare. I’d love to go out into my community and others, to help empower folks. No cash give-aways, no free cars a-la Oprah, no PC’s in the classroom or libraries, no parks down the street –all of which are good, don’t get me wrong, but not what I’d do. At this point you might be wondering what on earth I have in mind, so here it is: Micro loans, small business training, angel investments, and guidance. Truly empowering folks to help themselves and help their communities for a long period of time.
If I don’t win the lotto some day, or I don’t make it big, I really hope I can accomplish some of what is on that list. Some I can start now simply based on what I’ve learned about business administration, start ups, marketing, and advertising –among other stuff I know and love. I try to go around looking or opportunities to help on a small scale (sometimes as small as helping with a simple press release); but there are a whole lot of thoughts that just spin in my mind after I ask myself how I could possibly make the world a little better…
Running from left, to right, to the right of center; Political madness on every end; Parties hijacked by the extremists; Annoyance builds. My thoughts.
Sep 18th
It seems I can’t get away for the Republican label, which around here (DEEP South Texas,) seems to be a bad word of sorts. Being a stubborn person, I tend to stick to my guns, and usually just try to ignore people who view my politics in an un-friendly manor. Those folks usually spend time trying to explain to me how I’m so wrong about everything. Needless to say, it gets old. I can open up to them about the things I hate about MY party (the Republican Party,) but that’d be opening a can of worms. I could go off on THEM and their liberal, borderline socialist views –but that might be too much for people to handle. I could explain the type of Republican I am –but that might take too long. So, now –I blog.
As a kid I grew up a Democrat, and from an early age everyone around me seemed to paint the political parties in a black or white, rich or poor way. Democrats help poor people, and the middle class; Republicans are all rich white people who only help their selves! –Two concepts that I bought into for the first decade of my life and never questioned. And then at the ripe age of 11, I realized there was more to it than folks had led me to believe.
During the 2000 elections, being a kid (Yes, I’m really THAT young,) I really had no political view. I supported George Bush because I thought he’d been cool as Texas’ governor, and because it was fun to play devils advocate (one of my favorite pastimes,) with the other kids, during their in-school mock elections. At some point I got darn curious, so I got online and read everything I could about what each party stood for. Education, abortion, taxation, and national security, as I took a closer look at what each party was trying to accomplish, I felt I was more in line with the Republican party. It was just that simple, from that point onward, I was a Republican; a quiet Republican. The terrible attacks of 9-11 only solidified this for me during the months ahead –national security got a bigger chunk of my awareness, and will always be the most important aspect of my political views.
By 2004 I remember being in my history class, and being asked who I supported during the democratic primaries. My answer of “George Bush” took my teacher and class by surprise; my first taste of liberal hate. (‘Liberal hate’ tastes a bit bitter, and pretty moist –which I attribute to drinkin’ haterade.)
Little has changed since then, I usually try tell them (the haters) why I lean right, and why I support the candidates I do, but they rarely listen. I also try explaining that I will vote for a Democrat if they are the better candidate –which is completely true, but they dismiss. So then I ask if they’ll ever vote for a Republican, and I usually get a “No!” or “Hell no!” –So much for open minds. If I have time, I tell them how I came to my position on the political spectrum. But it’s a long story, and at some point I’m usually interrupted before I am done.
Meanwhile, as time goes by that story gets longer and longer. At this point, I’m officially a Republican, but my views aren’t in line with those heading up my party, setting the agenda, and making MY party less inclusive instead of more. Years ago when I ran from the far left, I ran to the far right; while there, I realized it wasn’t the place for me. At this point, I’m just annoyed.
I’m annoyed at the way that my country, my party, and my vote aren’t what they should be. I’m annoyed with my new president, I’m annoyed with congress, and I’m annoyed by those in my party who only play inside party lines, as well democrats who do the same. After an elections dominated by promises of hope, change, honesty, and openness… almost no one is rising to the occasion. I’m frankly saddened by our government getting deeper and deeper into all of our lives, and all the bureaucratic nonsense to come. Like I said, the annoyance is building as our political parties are hijacked by the extremists.
Luis Rocks just like Gregory House?
Dec 19th
So I was having one of those conversations where I can’t shut up about how I’m totally into watching way too much TV, and when I was listing my favorite shows the first one was Fox’s House.
Before I even managed to get to the second show on my list, I got a response that I didn’t exactly expect. My buddy says “House reminds me of you, a total smart-ass who’s a dick with people.” I wasn’t sure how to feel about this. On one hand, House is effin’ awesome. On the other, he simply doesn’t seem human in terms of giving a damn.
So now I’m just wondering how many people think I’m a smart-ass who’s also a jerk. I’ve been called an asshole by my closest friends plenty of times, the same friends who know I’m pretty damn reliable. I’m also right often and can be cocky and don’t shy away from saying “I told you so.” But is that really so wrong?
I digress.
My New President (Elect)
Nov 5th
Barack Obama is my new president, and It sucks. John McCain was the better choice and I feel sick to my stomach about having him lose. He was the strongest, smartest, and most patriotic. He gave up so much for this country and the country couldn’t look past the mans party and see the man and what he’s given for all of us. Un-liked by his party, loved by almost no one –a true maverick.
Now I suppose nothing can be done. I hope that Obama can rise past being the most partisan and liberal senator and realize that he represents a diverse and CONSERVATIVE America. John McCain said our best days were ahead of us, I know he is right. I’m just not sure our best days will be within the next four years.
I’ll stand by our president as I’ve stood by Bush and I’ll be optimistic, but with the same breathe I’ll speak up when I feel he’s wrong and I’ll talk to people about him. This year I got a handful of LIFE TIME Democrats to vote for a Republican –there are others out there who will do the same.
Now I’m left feeling empty but with a sense of urgency to seriously figure out if I should follow my true passion in life –and enter politics.
Live Results and Insight
Nov 4th
It’s just about noon here and I’ll be starting my live blogging in a moment and once again it’s sure to be fun. Through the night there are a few key states I’ll be paying more attention to. Pennsylvania is at the forefront with its 21 electoral votes that can make McCain – Palin victory or simply make it even tougher. There are other states I’ll mention during the night like Ohio, and Florida but to keep things simple on here I’ll talk about it later. So now, I’ll be waiting and hoping for McCain to win knowing fully well that this is too tight and simply anyone’s guess.
I already feel the tension building up and it’s bitter-sweet. If Obama wins the world isn’t going to end, I’m not moving to Canada and the sun will shine tomorrow, but frankly –It’ll suck. McCain has a shot and I’m going to be watching the numbers all night and blogging live.
From the White House in DC to out elected officials in the RGV –I’m covering it tonight. McCain – Obama. Cornyn – Noriega. Cuellar – Fish. I’ve got it covered.
[To catch-up on the last thing I posted refresh your broswer and this post will reflect the updates]
I’m a Marketing Major, Damn it! Some thoughts on life, Politics, and even Paul Newman.
Sep 27th
For years and years I was the go-to guy for a lot of peoples PC problems, I honestly can’t get away from people thinking I can fix their problems. Don’t get me wrong, I can fix just about anything and I’ve been able to take apart or build a pc with my eyes closed since I was 12, but that’s besides the point. I don’t like doing it, I don’t wanna spend time doing it, and it bores me to death. This brings me to my next point;
People always ask what my major is, when I tell them I’m a marketing major they tend to look at me. They stare and say something along the lines of, “why not something with computers?” with a puzzled look on their face. It seems like I can’t get away from people second guessing my career choice! 
It gets annoying but I deal with it. But I do wonder what they’ll do if I go through and actually go for a double major –the other most likely being journalism or poli-sci. Yikes!
Meanwhile I missed the first presidential debate last night, (long story involving pre-syncope, ha!) But I caught the end and after debate coverage along with the C-Span rerun. I honestly thought McCain and Obama did well. McCain should have and could have hit harder (not that he was easy on O). Obama was too text-book sounding and as always, was hesitant when things were trying to made as clear as possible –AS ALWAYS. With no clear winner, Obama is the winner simply for not being knocked the hell out of the ballpark.
So today, Paul Newman died. He’s been such a part of American culture for so long it really sucks. I hated his politics, especially his support of Ned Lamont against Senator Joe Lieberman in ‘06. But he did a lot of good during his golden years, so he was cool in my book.
And finally, I end with a question. When will people wise up? There’s more to politics than rich and poor, Republican and Democrat, Red and Blue, and right and left. I’ve been a Republican for a long time (be-it a somewhat liberal one as far as Republicans go.) But I still get people looking at me as if I’m an idiot. The fact of the matter is I know more about politics than most people who I talk to on any given day. I can identify just about every big-shot political player by looking at them, Republican or Democrat. I know a lot of bills major senators have passed in recent years and I know what they are for. I don’t open my mouth based on bullshit or what I’ve been told to believe, after all I come from a long line of Democrats. I’m simply doing what I know is right and supporting who I believe is right for the ever important job of representing me. I invite any one to debate me on any political matter just don’t demonize me, call me a “traitor,” “hater,” snob, jerk, or idiot. All of which are popular lately. Substance is everything. 
Not Going Green but Greener is Good
Aug 10th
“Going green” isn’t easy. Over the past couple of months I’ve taken steps towards being a bit nicer to my host, otherwise known as planet earth. While reading The Monitor today I found out that a new wind farm is going up in Kenedy County and I think it’s great. So I decided to share some of what I’ve personally done to help clean up our increasingly mucky planet.
- I’ve switched to an all-renewable electric provider and there is A LOT of them to choose from and even if you’re simply trying to reduce your energy bill alone you should checkout www.powertochoose.org; which is a service by the Public Utility Commission of Texas which compiles info about electric providers, their prices and renewable energy content. Visit the site, compare providers and lock in a good rate and opt for 100% renewable energy.
If you’re too lazy you can visit Green Mountain Energy –they have decent prices per kWh.
- I’ve also gotten all my electrical junk and plugged them into power-strips and when I’m not around I’ll unplug the whole strip and kill all wasted energy. There are some disadvantages to this with some electronics being “reset,” but for the most part you don’t need all your junk sucking juice out of not only the grid but your wallet!
- I also unplug my PC’s when not in use, this one was hard to adapt to but once again a power-strip means only one thing being plugged in (ideally.) Any reduction in power use helps, even that damn light on your pc junk! I also realized I didn’t need my laptop plugged in and on all night, which means I don’t sleep within a few feet of a PC just waiting to be used for hours on end.
- Over a year ago I switched to energy-saving light bulbs, the switch took over 70 bulbs and was pretty costly but worth it. While on the bulb subject, do you really need a working bulb in each socket? Energy saving or not un-screw bulbs you don’t really need.
- I’ve also tried to reduce my use of my hand-dandy clothes dryer. While it leaves our clothing nice and fluffy… it’s an energy hog. I’m at the point where I’m using good old-fashion clothes lines and sunshine. While this is a pain in the –uh, neck. It’s really a great step to take and it’ll reduce your power consumption dramatically. I will admit towels were really hard to get used to, getting out of the shower and not having my usually fluffy towel was scary for a while, its worth getting used to. It worked for as long as people have had wet clothing (for ever,) so there’s nothing wrong with using nature to do your laundry drying.
- I also take it easy on the A/C, living in South Texas this is a major pain, but do you really need to have your home at a chilly 74 degrees or lower? 78, 79, 80 degree temperatures on the all feel fine in a well insulated home with ceiling fans and stuff. A programmable thermostat also goes a long way but I’ve been a fan of all digital for a long time and haven’t made that leap yet.
There are a few other small things I’ve done but those were the most important. Month after month I’ve gotten better and better at saving power. I’ve also gotten my family and friends to think about making changes in their life. Power consumption at home has gone down about 30 to 35 percent. Being a heavy PC user and TV addict I’m looking into getting solar panels for those items alone, a solar water-heater is also on the list.
While I’m not totally green and won’t ever be, I’m just trying to kick some bad habits and save some cash.
Blogging For Cash: No Tips or Tricks, Just a Rant
Aug 3rd
Fox and Friends just had a segment about making money off blogging. While that sounds fun –it really isn’t all that easy.
While I’ve almost screamed “CONTENT IS EVERYTHING”, there’s more to it than that. You need a good looking blog and something that makes YOU stand out. Judging by the amount of comments I get, I haven’t found my niche, but I don’t need to. This is my spot on the web to rant and establish an online reputation for myself in a subtle way.
I know I get hits, I keep track of it, the lack of comments doesn’t mean there is a lack of readers; yet, lack of comments can turn away a new commenter.
blogging is simple and complicated at the same time.
Ehhh, I’m running on no sleep, I’ll stop typing now.
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