Customer Service?

Can you remember when customer service meant something?  When customer's used to be important to companies?  There days companies seem to think they are in business to do us a favor rather than depending on us for their survival.  This is not necessarily true for some businesses who seem to have values and commitments still.  More it is the big companies that feel like we all them something - our business and servitude.

Nothing pissed me off like calling a company for service and the only service is on their terms, or do without!  The cable companies are a prime example of this tactic.  Call for service on their devices and services and they give you the date and times they can come 'visit' you for service.  They often times give a four hour window of time on a certain day they can make a call?  Wait a minute, I have a call from an employee, the will be in sometime tomorrow between 12 and 4.  This is not going to last long.  My customers and business can't run that way so how the hell am I supposed to run my life this way?  Who pays me and my employer for the time I waste sitting at home for your service man to show up at my door?

No one is going to pay anyone for the lost time.  So let's see, you sit at home for a service call provided your boss will give you time off from work and wait.  You wait for the serviceman to come to make his repairs.  This is all for the pleasure of paying their fees to enjoy their service, is it really worth it?  Should not instead the company be catering to the customer who continues the service and pays the monthly fee to allow the cable company to stay in service?  So you would think this is how it would work.  No, the cable company knows you want the service so you are going to suffer the price to wait at their leisure!

Remember when companies used to give you their goods - t-shirt, hats, posters, whatever for free?  What a great way to get 'free' advertising!  Not now adays!  No way, there is big money in selling these items to an all eager public to still do 'free advertising' for their company.  We in general all too eager and willing to pay for their name across our chest.  WTF?  We are willing to pay someone to show our patronage and advertise for them for 'free.'  What sense does this make?  We increase their profits and they decrease our pocket books -  isn't this exploitation of a sorts?  

Aren't there organizations fighting against exploitation of some people?  Ah yes, the few who make the most noise getting the grease (err money and legislation) for their cause.  What about my cause?  I am tired of unfair practices by companies that more worried about their bottom line at my expense and my family and friends.  It will continue though because we are consumers, we buy things of little or no value just to say we are 'cool' and we support and endorse XYZ company.

When did testimonials become so unimportant to 'global' leaders?  Now the testimonials are scripted in some back room and created with high paid 'stars' making exuberant salaries to drive up the price of the things you and I buy.  Oh yeah, it all makes sense to me!  Keep spending your money on stupid things, in stupid ways and drive their profit margin up!  And their market share.

Information is power and Information can be about money too

So many times I have heard this, and experience it - information is power.  How better to win than have more information.  Today though it is easier than ever to get information, the 'computer age' has mad it easier than ever!  Probably the information that holds the biggest concern to you and I is, personal information and how it gets into the hands of 'others.'

Don't worry, just sit back and businesses will 'tell' other businesses about you!  Many State Departments are inclined to sell your information to businesses, and for a tidy profit too!  Businesses of all kinds are buying the information too, insurance companies, car dealers, attorneys, you name it.  And the companies are targeting you too.  At times, it seems almost they are fortune tellers, sending advertisements to your address, just when you need them most.

It isn't just State Agencies selling the information either, many private businesses do it as well, even the credit reporting agencies are selling your information when you meet the buyer's criteria! 

Many private companies, have their hands in the 'cookie' jar of selling personal information too, Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Verizon and many more.  While there are statues that govern the selling of information, many of them protect the buyers and sellers of the information and not actually the individual.  Especially in regards to State Agencies, much of the information is 'public record' and otherwise accessible.  Personally, I have a bit of a problem with some of the information available being public record and easily accessible by just about anyone!

Every time we sign up for a new social network many of the services are 'free' to us.  We pay no subscription fee to enjoy the services but we pay in other ways.  Why do you think SPAM is such a big issue?  Think you are safe?  Think again, there is a plethora of information 'floating' around about you!  Anyone want to know.....? 

Stand up and speak out, it is the only way you will ever know the peace and comfort, the change you desire.

Hey that's not me!

With a common name like mine, I am constantly being mistaken for someone else.  Although a nuisance it is also laughable.  Often times costly though!  It is funny to go to the doctor and learn about all the diseases the other guy had before they learn they have the wrong chart!  Or to go the pharmacy and be mistaken,  man they are not prescribing me the right medication sometimes, I want some of what he is getting!

There is the time I was almost arrested for being a 'cop killer,' fortunately I was the 'wrong' color!  Everything else fit closely enough, we even had the same birthday!   Then when I was getting my license renewed down in Texas, and just as I walking out the door, I heard someone call, "Mr. Johnson, I need to see you."  It was a state trooper and he wanted to take me to the back.  Oh brother what did I forget?  The trooper was very polite and kind as I stood against the wall for height measurement, telling me all the time it was what he thought was a mistaken identity.  After getting measured for height, I was invited to sit in the metal chair (with handcuffs on it!) while they checked a couple more things! 

Fortunately, I had the wrong color hair, the wrong height and way too many tattoos from the guy being sought for outstanding warrants!  The trooper apologized and let me go on my way!  What a heart stopper!

Collection companies have 'tracked' me down in a bid to collect money!  When finally I did talk to them, we both learned it was the wrong guy they spent all the time and money on to track down.  I had never lived or went to school in Wisconsin! 

Of course all the instances can't end in happy endings!  The last time was also the most dramatic one! 

Last year, I found a contract position that I was most interested in and seemed a perfect fit!  Apparently the company did as well since I ended up there for their application process  Everything was looking good and as I sat through a training class for indoctrination 'they' came to get me. Taking me out of the class, they proceeded to tell me, I had failed the background (criminal) investigation.  Thinking to myself, "No Way."  This was the part of the process I dreaded the least.

Of course I wanted to speak someone and find out what the hell was up.  The Personnel Manager was nice and told me, I would be receiving a letter but not much more.  So I returned home and awaited the letter which came a couple of days later.  I had to laugh as I read the letter and the accompanying report.  As I read the report, I had to think a 'thank you' to the Mr. Johnson's that had been screwing up my life for years!  Still I wasn't mad at them, they just happened to have the same name and other stats.  One had the same birthday and the other had an SSN (Social Security Number) that was one digit off from mine.

Oh I was pissed off though, more so at the company and whoever 'reviewed' the report.  How the hell could they miss out that the persons named on the report looked nothing like me!  One was black and the other blond haired and blue eyed!  I was livid!  How the hell could the company miss such important details, especially after they came courting me for the position!

Of course, I went through all the red tape and procedure 'required' to remove the errant entries on my criminal background but it did nothing to help me regain the lost income, nor did it do anything to correct other errant information with other reporting agencies.  Come on why the hell do I have a 'unique' SS Number?  Isn't this supposed to 'protect' me from such bs? 

This is what we are lettng it come to?

Slowly, bit by bit it is happening and often times without the thought of many people, many don't see it, many choose to think it could never happen, and others think it will not happen in their lifetime.  LOL What comes today will have an impact on life as we know it and on into the future.

In the small town I live in, up and down Main Street there are signs prohibiting cruising (at least the signs define what it is so everyone knows).  Often times I get into conversation with my mother about it, after all it was my mother and father who tell me all the tales of cruising in the days of yore here.  Now a days, I chide my mother's generation, the very ones who 'started' cruising for banning it and depriving the generations after it.  So just remember your children and grand children will suffer the decisions you make now, the things you allow to occur.

Government intervention into our lives is rampant these days and I am often left to wonder if the intervention is meant to help us or control us!  Personally, I think it is a bunch of malarkey and a cleverly planned marketing program to 'put us' where they want us, and sometimes it is just plain BS with the potential to make a buck.   Of course in the long run, it will give government and politicians, more of a chance to control all the 'gold.'

Just how far should government go in affecting our lives?  Look at this, Women Protest 'Veil Ban"  So there first thing I think about when I read this, it is the women protesting.  Not the guys who supposedly 'make' them wear the veils, so who is this supposed to protect?  To me, it sounds like another way to inflict control and potentially raide revenue.  Supposedly the ban is meant to protect women from men, who force them to wear the veil.  So why instead does it have to be a ban?  Instead why isn't the law written to protect the women from men who chose to 'control' them?  It would seem first, the women knew largely what they were getting in to, have a sense of pride in some respects by following the established customs of their religion or 'people.'  The country new the 'traditions' before letting people into the country.  Whether I agree or not, women or anyone else should wear veils, I respect their decision to do so.  Hell, what will you do when the 'banned' women rise up and oppose wedding veils?

Of course, the 'controls' being put into place by the government do not start or stop here, there are countless ways.  How much do say do you want someone else to say about your life?  The Salt Control is coming this year in the US.  The Food and Drug administration will begin 'controlling' how much salt can be applied to foods.     No it isn't the administration's intent to come in your home (yet!) to dictate how much salt you can use but instead to put into place how much salt food producers can put into manufactured food. 

So some in some aspects this 'sounds' good.  Maybe you won't have to be responsible for your own laziness or lack of self control to put the bag of chips down to keep your 'salt' intake down.  And maybe now you won't have to worry about your kids consuming so much of the 'bad' stuff.  Personally, I see it as bs!  Lets spend the money on education for self control and awareness of what is not taught at home.  Salt, especially normal table salts is one of the worst 'poisons' you can take into your body!  Instead of 'no' salt, why doesn't the Administration instead impose sanctions on what kind of salt can be added to food?  While they are at it, why don't they prohibit the addition of the thousands of 'approved' food additives that are harmful?

Why not instead of 'attacking' the tobacco companies, make them straighten up their acts!  It would make me feel good to see the same 'attacks' occur on the alcohol companies.  I have seen far worse damages done by people who drink than people who smoke!  When was the last time you were hit by a 'smoking driver?'  Hell, the president still smokes!  Of course he can probably afford to!  I wonder is he is sending Secret Service agents to the corner market for him in the middle of the night?  What if he dropped a lit cigarette in his lap and uttered the wrong words at the wrong time, or made the wrong move? 

Change is coming just make sure it is the change that you want in your life before you buy in to it and accept it!

Almost? Maybe?

The oil spill has now been going on for just shy of a month now and it will be months probably before it stops.  Still the oil continues to 'spew' to the toll of an estimated 210,000 gallons to 4.2 million gallons a day ( a barrel equals 42 US gallons).  It won't be for a few more days until the next attempt to stop the oil spill occurs.  A couple of different procedures are in line to be tried.  One is comprised of shooting 'heavy mud," the top kill method,  into the well to stop the flow of oil.  If the "top kill" fails, they will try the "junk shot."  This entails shoot knotted rope, pieces of tires and golf balls into the blowout preventer (Man is that a misnomer!  I hope they at least castrated the guy(s) who invented that apparatus). 

So now they are planning to use one or possibly both of these methods, with the hope it 'might' stop the blow out.  WTF?  Has anyone considered the out come of using these methods and what further damage can be done from it? Regardless of what works, it may be months before the spill is stopped.   At what cost?  Tar balls washing ashore in Florida, were said not to be coming from the oil spill in the Gulf.  What the hell?  They can't stop it, how do they know where the tar balls are coming from?  They are now analyzing currents and tides to determine where the oil spill might reach.  Let me take a wild guess here, the oil spill is going to end up wherever the hell Mother Nature wants for it too!   Any takers on that one?

Another thing that is really chapping my butt about this, government sanctions are now being called for to prevent similar accidents in the future.  When I was responsible for developing procedures, or reviewing processes there had to be a 'fall back' procedure, first to recover from an accident (sustain business) and prevent waste (a spill)?  Why the hell isn't the industry implementing their own controls, first to protect OUR earth and secondly their profits?  Oh yeah the government can collect more money (fines).

It is rather ironic that this spill is being called the "Obama Spill,"  which is kind of funny but has some 'officials' calling it "inflammatory. "I think it's inflammatory to call it the Obama oil spill, and wrong," Oberstar said.  Come on now, isn't Obama who approved deep ocean drilling continuing the policy of his predecessor?  In my mind, you do not approve something before you fully understand the implications and possibilities, not after wards! 

Some say the spill could have been contained faster, if the Coast Guard and other agencies had better plans.  Why wasn't this planned for before it occurred?  Ah yes, we make the profit and react when a situation occurs.  What a plan! 

Kevin Today: The Things We Do To Our Mother

Kevin Today: The Things We Do To Our Mother

Career Politicians

It just blows my mind that we have elected 'officials' that have been in office since I was in junior high, since many people were even born.  Having politicians as old as my great grandparents is like grandparents raising their grand kids, it is nice and sweet and seems like a good idea, but in the long run, the kids miss out!  There is that generation gap thing going on - a different way of thinking. 

After all we have term limits for the president and others, not that they can't screw things up in four years, or eight if re-elected, why should 'lesser' positions be given more of a chance?  Power breeds corruption.  People need to bear this in mind when considering political candidates.  One of the big things, just like listening, someone has to hear as well.  When speaking the person speaking has to believe it not just say it.  Too often it appears that the things we say fall on deaf ears.

You know I totally believe and agree that membership has its benefits, but at the same time it should have its limits too!  Why are members of Congress, allowed to participate in 'insider' trading and you and I would go to jail for it?  There are countless episodes where elected officials have believed themselves to be above the law, it is sickening.

How often and how many takes 'stands' behind party loyalty?  This is too easy a cop out and used far too frequently!  The parties have dissolved so greatly that to stand back and look at them is almost like looking at one.  It is not a happy marriage though, but instead an illusion to keep us at bay and their agenda seemingly just.  Look though at how the political machine behaves, it won't be long before the two parties merge into one, if we allow it.  We, as a society are stuck on branding and classifying, for our own security.


We all want change, hell is that not what the last election was founded upon?  Sadly though we look for change in the wrong places and seemingly gladly accept whatever is dealt to us, just thankful for the change (movement) even if in the wrong direction!  It saddens me greatly to stand in line at the grocery store, or to sit in the restaurant and hear others bitch to their family and friends, yet remain silent when it really matters.  When finally others take action and decide to voice their opinions, the fight will be longer and harder.

Don't bitch if you don't work to elicit the change you want.  Don't be misled to think that voting alone will bring it.

Politically Correct

What the hell is this?  Since when did I need a 'tick' to tell me how to speak and how to speak correctly?  By the way I am waiting on a copy of the dictionary.  In actuality, I am sick and tired of the term and someone else telling me how I should speak!  Two things I grew up with, the Golden Rule and the knowledge I had better have enough 'lead' in my ass to back up anything I said or wrote!

For the most part, I am respectful of others. You are either a Lady or a Gentleman, not a Gentle Person.  That is something we should all be, a gentle person.  I want to know if I am going to be fishing with a fisherman or a fisher woman.  How the hell else do I know whether to bring beer or wine?

It seems to me that being told how and what to say is just a wee bit controlling and in violation of the First Amendment here in the States.  Not to mention the vast amount of money getting this 'term' publicized enough to get it to take hold.  Come on, how much money and effort could have been saved by enforcing the Golden Rule and common sense?  To think it would have been so far reaching and not near so complicated!

Magic Pills

Just about everyone wants to lose weight, or at least a good portion of us or so it would seem.  According to Newsweek, the annually approximately 40 Billion Dollars is spent on the diet industry.  The ads are everywhere and you can hardly miss them; TV, the Internet, Billboards, Magazines, ect. Just about any source of advertising you can find ads for diets.

Diet plans remind me of a time I went to the doctor and we were discussing a health concern.  His response was something like this, what do you want?  To give up the habit and miss out completely, or do you want to continue to enjoy it by taking this (magic) pill that takes it all away?  I thought to myself, "Hell Yeah," I am all about magic pills especially those that deliver, the quick and easy way to atone for my weaknesses!

In the end, the pill did not work the magic intended on me, so I was left to seek out more effective methods that would work for me.  Countless 'magic pills' and processes did not have the desired result.  They were all temporary, if they had any desired affect at all but almost always leaving me disappointed.  My disappointment remained with me as I read and heard of more 'magic pills' that always fell short of meeting their mark and intended result.

Then quite mysteriously I discovered the 'true' cure - it was in me!  Hard to believe but when I took control of how and what I was consuming things started to change!  Yes, it was within my power to change things to be what I wanted.  I did not have to give others my faith or my money to know the change I desired! The amazing thing other than my discovery was that it was better for me than most anything being marketed to me, plus I saved some hard earned fun coupons.

Be in control and take charge!  Stop throwing away your dollars and putting your faith in someone who wants those dollars.  Take charge of your own life and stop putting it into the hands of others who only seek to make a profit!

For years to come

It is saddening to me to hear of a natural disaster any where in the world, of the damage done and the lives lost.  In some way these events touch the lives of everyone whether they realize it or not.  Even more heart wrenching and confusing is when one of the disasters is related to the efforts of man.  Often times I wonder how much will the human race stand for before they say enough.  Rather than boycott and prohibit negative behavior, we see content to 'slap' a company on the wrist, accept their money for the fines (bribes) they pay and await the next catastrophic event caused by our greed.

Yes, I am talking about the recent Gulf of Mexico, oil spill from a BP operation.  It does not matter the 'recovery' efforts that are put into place, the damage is done.  The damage and killing of wildlife and coast lands has all ready occurred before the first 'recovery' operation was launched. Really though how many people consider nature?  How many people are looking beyond the lost oil, the lost business and the cost of oil of a result of this tragedy.

While I have no pity for the oil company, they should pay again (yes BP oil has an extensive record of causing damage to our world).  The company will continue its exploration and drilling, amassing it's exuberant profits despite this disaster.  The consequences to them are minimal in the big picture, they will pay some fines, other restitution and say we're sorry.  To the rest of the world, we will pay for the mistakes and greed over and over in many ways for years to come and mostly bitch about the cost or shortage of oil.

If we do not wake up and stop depending on others to look out for our best interest, we will pay the ultimate sacrifice.  

Companies like BP, are not help truly accountable for their mistakes, the consequences add up to dollars instead of true consequences such as closure.  Such companies do not lead by example to ensure and maintain our lives but instead their example is of the benefits of profit and greed.  We do not live in an infinite world, there is an end to all things and we should be forcing companies to operate as such, not by continuing to support them as they suck the resources, the life from our planet, our home.  We should all be looking to the future and measuring its success not by the size of our bank account or the number of our possessions, instead by the actions we perform and the life we leave behind for others.

If we do not wake up and take action, rather than being led down the primrose path in our rose colored glasses,

Why do I Blog?

Some one asked me about why I blog.  "My" blog has changed immensely from what it is today from what it was originally intended that's for sure!   As well my idea of blogging has changed immensely too.  The original thought behind keeping the blog was to keep family and friends, as well as anyone else interested 'up' to date on what is going on with me.  Ha!  that did not last long and the interest was pretty well lacking!

So 'my' blog morphed a bit and I began to write about a more varied number of things.  Sometimes I will write and re-write something numerous times before I post it and my 'box' is full of half-finished articles for me to return to.  Sometimes the 'technical' side of me comes out in something I am writing and it begins to sound all technical, filled with facts and figures.  These things can be found in numerous places and I don't want to quote, copy or possibly give out false information.  So instead I write largely and mostly of the things I feel and experience.  Though I am not great person with all the answers to an issue, my hope is to inspire thought in others, to think!

Apparently the articles do invoke thought, at least I hear about it on an almost daily basis from those who do find their way to the blog.  Sometimes the things I write of are happy and sometimes sad, occasionally informational, thought provoking and some times silly.  The things I write are often times inspired by you and sometimes they are 'about' you.  Sometimes, often times about me and my feelings and my life.  Sometimes I laugh, smile, cry and get angry while writing but that should come as no surprise!  It is not my intent to make any mad or angry but sometimes, or from what I 'hear' the writing can touch me and others so how could it not provoke feelings of emotion?  In some way I hope that the stories help someone and do not ever cause 'harm.'

Each of of us has a 'story' to tell, this is called wisdom and experience.  Sadly though all too often enough stories are not told and even more sad, sometimes when they are the words of the stories fall on deaf ears.  Though I am not the wisest or most experienced, I have lied some years and I have tried and still do try to pay attention, both to my experiences and those of others.  Be it a blessing or a curse, I have, o at least I feel I have the ability to convey these things in these words to share with others.

Think and don't forget to breath.

I propose something new

Yes, it is time for a change because I can see it has only gotten worse since my time in the computer world.  Something has to be done to stop the proliferation of spam, fishing programs, BOTS, Trojans, Viruses, etc.  It seems both myself and virtually anyone who uses a computer suffers from increasing attack from the guilty parties.  My arsenal is large and powerful against their attacks yet they keep coming, learning of new vulnerabilities and weaknesses.  After numerous 'assurances' that this program would 'stop' that I still continue to amass my fortune through all the bogus lotteries I've won, my stock options and companies amassed are immense though none are in my name since I refuses to submit, and there are so many beautiful and wonderful women around the world who are in love with me and want to send me pictures as soon as I email them!


Really thought the security companies continue to get richer as each of us sign on and subscribe to their continuously updated software packages meant to innoculate us from potential viruses, erase all traces of spyware and adware from our machines.  No matter how much time, energy and money we throw at it the onslaught continues and the inconveniences and threats of danger occur.

The time is now for change, a new strategy to protect us and decrease our investment of time and money. A deployment of new strategies and new energies must be deployed to protect us!  My proposal is this, make those who have the the most to gain and loss in the battle.  Yes instead of fining and jailing the perpetrators let us change our strategies to the vendors and developers who enable 'the bad' guys to reek their havoc.

These companies and individuals want to make a profit, that is great and they should but not at the expense or exploitation of others.  Pay to enjoy the profit and take ownership that without them there would not be a profit.  Take responsibility and stop looking to regulatory agencies to do the policing for their profit.  If there are problems caused by your product or service, you should be responsible for cleaning up the problem.

My suggestion is this, every time there is exploitation by a spammer, a trojan, a virus or what ever, levy the fine and or prison sentence against the manufacturer of the product or service.

Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am

Recently a friend asked me what sex meant to me and I thought about it for a bit and the title of this subject came to mind.  Once I may have had that attitude but no more, though I know many people who do.  There is a big difference between sex and making love, unfortunately many people equate the physical act of sex to the emotion of love and showing it, sharing it with another.


So many things going on with the body and mind at once!  The sensations, the joy, the happiness, the release of endorphins in the brain.  We 'all' want it and we want it now!  Ah yes, the immediate satisfaction that is derived by 'getting our jollies.'  Really though, what are you wanting quality or quantity?  How many times and how much time are we willing to expend, rather than spending the same on quality?  For a large part though, it seems that quality is elusive with everyone largely looking out for themselves and their own satisfaction.  Point One, why people so often take quality over quantity?  There are too many selfish people?  Maybe they are in too big of a hurry to 'return' what they 'receive?'

Take your time to learn and explore.  What the hell!  Why did we spend so many hours in 'sex education' and so few people know much more than how babies are made, if that!  Sometimes is seems that people forget even that! Open your minds and hearts a little before you open your legs or take the plunge and get to know the person you want to get in the sack, or think you do. I f getting to know yourself and your partner what is all the uproar about tantric sex?

Is it that instant gratification is so important?  Do we need it write now and then maybe have some regrets later, or just push it out of our minds?  Come on think before you act.  If you need it right now and don't have a partner, pull out your toys or pull it with you hand!  Think quality, not quantity!

You know as wonderful as sex is, there can be a downsize to it.  Call them consequences or whatever but it can literally screw you sometimes!  So many times I have heard from both sexes, 'man, if I can only get them in bed with me, then they will love me.'  This comes from guys and girls!

Hello, wake the hell up and smell the coffee, I have never heard of anyone that good and if there is, I want to meet them!  Hell maybe they can answer some questions or give me some tips. Of course making you love them is only thing.  People get PREGNANT from sex or did you skip class that day? Thia goes both ways too!  Women trying to 'catch' the guy with a baby.  Or guys thinking that if they get a girl pregnant no one else will want her.  WTF, people are willing to screw up the lives of not only two people but even worse a third, innocent life?  All for their stupidity?  My thought is they should never have sex again!  I won't even mention the fiscal ills!

Quality not quantity!  People are just stupid about sex!  Years ago, I was on a ship and we made a port-a-call.  For 'weeks' before we hit shore we were told to 'be careful.'  There were diseases that scared the hell out of penicillin, in fact there was no cure for some of them.  My ship-mate was getting out in six weeks and going home - to his wife and kids.   He was with not only one, but two 'working' girls that night!  How the hell could he being so close to going home, risking taking something home to his 'innocent' wife?  And risk his life?  Sorry, I have yet to meet anyone that was worth all that!  These days, if you are found out to have an STD, AIDS, the hospital and health department, they want a list.  The list of being everyone you ever had sex with.  Then 'they' want you to make contact and 'tell on yourself.'  Now for me, it would be tough to talk to some of the people (women) in my past, little alone some I had 'been' with to tell them, I was infected.  Hell, with some of them it might mean facing their parents too!

Ah yes, the time I did a 'rape' investigation where this guy met a woman in a bar and they ended up on the hood of his car.  (exhibitionism?)  Well the 'girl' called foul and said it was rape, or at least she told the cops and her husband.  Hello, the 'suspect' went to jail, had to call his parents (his mom) to tell them he was arrested for rape!  Something I am sure we all want to tell our mothers.

Somehow it didn't all add up so an investigation was launched and all hell broke loose.  The woman who was supposedly rape confessed, it was all bs.  Just a story she fabricated to tell her husband, so she wouldn't have to explain why she was so late from girl's night out! Yes, she was screwed and divorced too!

All the quantity she can get!  While in California, I had the opportunity of meeting a woman who was recently divorced.  During the course of our first 'date' she wanted to take me home and add another notch to her head board.  During the course of conversation I learned that her goal was to 'have' as many men as she could to make up for all the years of 'bad sex' while she was married!  Now why the hell would someone stay married if sex was so important and so bad?  Well, I knew two things; she wasn't getting me in bed that night or ever and two she was never going to get enough to forget the bad!  

The horror stories are countless, with many more and many I don't know!   I could share but would it really matter - sex has a tendency of making people stupid.  So what do you want?  Quality or quantity?  As for me, I am holding out for quality and the real deal.

National Stroke Awareness Month

Undoubtedly a stroke can rock your world, in a bad way and for most people the term stroke in relation to them does not even occur.  There are seemingly any number of mysteries shrouding strokes, with no two being the same, both in the symptoms and the recovery process.


Since my stoke, I have done countless hours researching strokes along with potentially every imaginable cause, solution and prevention.  From my laymen terms, it seem like just about anything can cause a stroke, including too much or too little sleep.  Largely in the past, I have scoffed at going to the doctor finding them to generally be a waste of time.  Who knows my body better than me?  The body is an intricate 'machine' with numerous moving parts and working systems.  Even if you choose an alternate treatment program to a disease or problem a doctor can help you in identifying the problems and diseases early.


A stroke is a brain injury, a TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, which can bring with it innumerable side affects and conditions.  Do what you can to educate yourself, find out potential underlying problems and take action.  The investment of time in the forefront can save you a lot of hassle and lost enjoyment in the future.  As funny as it sounds, I was lucky with the outcome of my stroke, I can still walk, talk and think, not everyone can. 


A special thanks to my friend Connie, out in California, knowing of my stroke and learning of the national awareness month, went and set up a raffle for a gift basket with the proceeds to go to National Stroke Association.  Thanks for her help and efforts in helping!

Stroke Warning Signs

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

STROKE STATISTICS

• Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.
•  More than 143,579 people die iin U.S. from stroke
• Stroke is the leading cause of long term disability in the U.S.
• Each year, about 795,000 people suffer a stroke. About 600,000 of these are first attacks, and 185,000 are recurrent attacks.
• Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65. The risk of having a stroke more than doubles each decade after the age of 55.
• Strokes can—and do—occur at ANY age. Nearly one quarter of strokes occur in people under the age of 65
• Stroke death rates are higher for African Americans than for whites, even at younger ages. 
• Among adults age 20 and older, the prevalence of stroke in 2005 was 6,500,000 (about 2,600,000 males and 3,900,000 females).
• On average, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke.

 STROKE PREVENTION

1. Know your Blood Pressure 
2. Find out if you have atrial fibrallation.
3. If you smoke, stop
4. Drink alcohol in moderation
5. Find out if you have high choleterol
6. Find out if you are diabetic
7. Exercise
8. Enjoy a low sodium diet 
9. Check to see if you have circulation problems

The Perfect Food

Really you have to consider this 'food' to be the perfect food despite its origins and your preference.  Of course I am talking about pizza.  All ready I can hear groans of disapproval but I must continue on.  This is the perfect food for a number of reasons despite the fact, if it is good, it is hard to eat while you drive.

First and foremost, pizza is the perfect food since it contains all the food groups in one dish.  You have your crust or your bread, the tomato sauce which may be classified as either a vegetable or fruit depending, the dairy layer consisting of the cheese and the top layer, or the meat.  If you are on a special diet or don't particularly care for a certain part you can just leave it off the pizza, except for of course the bread.  Really though doesn't bread go with every meal for most people?  And who doesn't like cold pizza for breakfast?

Other things that make pizza the perfect food, they deliver it!  How many burger joints deliver their fare to your door?  Very few I bet!  And this can be said of virtually any other fair you wish to talk about.  Maybe this is because was sold in the streets on the days of old.  Another plus, unless you are like me and eat pizza, usually, with a knife and fork, you do not require any eating utensils or plates.  Pizza has to be one of the most versatile foods there is, you can put essentially any topping you choose and in some place choose different types of crust and how the pizza is made.

Pizza the perfect food!

Greeting Card Holidays and Engagement Rings

The year has progressed (rather quickly) and once again Mother's Day, is on our heels and will soon be here.  A sure sign spring is here (or should be) and then on to summer and Father's Day, shortly thereafter.  The particular holidays are commonly referred to, at least by me, to be "Greeting Card Holidays" and are complete rubbish!  While their origin might have been good and serve a purpose, I am more apt to believe the holidays were contrived in a 'think tank' somewhere with the sole purpose of sounding good while driving up revenue for the greeting card companies and all associated.

Now before you go thinking ill of me and calling me names, I am far from it and honor Mothers and all the other things these holidays are meant to celebrate.  Personally though, I believe the honor your spread around special on these days should be exhibited daily, while the hell should have to be reminded of 'the special day' to take action?  IMHO, the love, gratitude and feelings meant to be expelled to our loved ones should be shown on a daily basis, at least as often as we can without reminder or contributing to profit of some company.  Hell, really show you care and make your own card(s)!

So instead of waiting for that 'special occasion' do something nice and special today.

I wish I had introduced myself but

No, it was not to a female, though there may have been occasion when I felt like kicking myself later.  The introduction I speak of now, is to my neighbor.  For six years, I lived in the same house and never once did more than nod my head at them!  Chances are, you are just as guilty as I am about this.  It is a shame that people are too busy (insert just about any excuse you want to here - I have) to introduce themselves to their neighbors anymore

It seems that are many organizations whose goal it is to get neighbors out on the streets, but I wonder how successful they truly are.  Have you ever seen attendance at an HOA (Home Owner's Association) meeting?  Group dynamics are hard however you go about it, place, time, agenda, or otherwise.  We are all just too busy, or don't want to get involved,  so we leave things up to others to take care of (and hopefully they will).

Albeit slowly, the tides seem to be turning somewhat as people are increasingly getting fed up with the way things and either joining in with their neighborhood groups, or forming new ones.  You know, a neighborhood watch group can be as simple as getting to know your neighbors and agreeing to 'keep on eye' on things.  We all know it is impossible to see everything 24/7, even with a video camera.  Though there are those who will tell you how beneficial and necessary they are to keep crime down.  We have to learn to depend and trust others again (our neighbors, friends and family) and stop depending on others and paying others for own responsibilities! 


By becoming so active with a myriad of activities we are to busy to be active (and take action) in our own communities.  Hell, the latest episode is much more important than getting out and doing some yard work, or taking a walk around the neighborhood (community).  When you get to know and recognize your neighbors, you know who is 'supposed' to be there and who isn't.  By taking control and regaining control of your neighborhood (community) effectively you lessen the community's dependence on local "peace keepers" (the police) and reduce effectively the tax burden!  We don't need more cops, we need to be more actively involved.

The Advent of Technology

One thing I always say, 'Technology is great, as long as it works.'  Over the past thirty years I have been actively involved in the technology field as a computer engineer and watching the technological advances has been amazing!  In almost every market the advances, especially in technology, have been monumental.  They have made lives and profit so much longer (larger), easier (less work) and enjoyable and a whole lot more.  With every upside though there is a downside, and unfortunately we do not always look at or consider the downside of things.  No as a civilization, as a whole, we are looking for the 'biggest bang for our buck.'  While many 'people' are just looking for big bangs with more bucks!

Too often in society all we are looking for is a solution, an answer.  Far too often we accept solutions and answers without considerations or thought of the consequences or the outcome, until we realize we have to atone for our wrongs, or at least try.   For years, many of lived with the luxury of the petrochemical boom and now we pay the price, and still we bitch about it.  Look at cell phones and the potential for health issues but the cell phone technology continues to grow.  Microwaves, medicine, energy, virtually every field can brag about the advances and changes they have made to increase our productivity. 

Answers and solutions, are fine and well, all needed for the change required of the world and society.   Looking around I see so much of the aftermath of quick fixes and have to wonder what will occur with the ones put into place today?  The windmill farms, the banks of solar panels, the dumping of chemicals into the ocean to 'correct' our mistake for an an oil well 'leak.'  What will the outcome, the consequences of these things be; to our planet now, in the short term and in long term when we are gone?  Just look at all the ghost towns of recent years!  Built by our ancestors, the hulks now remain for us.  Who is responsible for the cleanup?  The waste disposal?  The explanation to people?  Who profited from it all?

Quick solutions do not equate instant solutions.  Often time though more expense, more waste and more loss.

The Things We Do To Our Mother

The 'mother' I am talking about is one that each and everyone of shares, it is Mother Earth, and we are doing terrible things to Her.  Not everyone is responsible but bets are everyone of us is at least indirectly responsible.  While I could list any number of ills, we have caused her, in this case I am talking very specifically about a big problem.  A very Big problem, twice the size of the continental United States!  It is a 'new' island called the Plastic Island, and it is floating in OUR ocean between  from Hawaii to Japan.

What is being touted as the earth's largest garbage dump, extends from about 500 miles off the coast of California, past Hawaii and on towards Japan.  The 'plastic soup' as it is often referred is held in place by swirling underwater currents.   It is estimated the flotsam weighs approximately 100 million tons and is comprised of debris, such as crates, chemicals and plastic.  Most of the plastic the size of pencil erasers due to the decomposition of larger plastic items.  Very 'human' waste has also been found such as disposable diapers and water bottles with most of the debris coming from passing ships and oil well rigs.

You know I often wondered where all the trash we dumped over the side of the ship would end up!  The idea, or concept belayed was that it would float to the bottom of the ocean and 'disappear.'  Being young and foolish as the time, I didn't give it a second thought, until just a few years ago.  Since the 'island' is dependent on currents, the currents sometime head towards land masses and 'burp' resulting in a coating of debris on the land mass.  How nice to think about going for a vacation and seeing this.  Worse yet, walking on the beach and absorbing it into the body!


We all need to be good stewards of the earth, the home provided to us and ensure that is it kept 'pure' and not made into a giant refuge dump.  So next time you think about buying some convenience, think about the packaging it comes in and where it is going to end up and how long it takes to decompose.

I have a secret to share with you

Okay maybe it is only a secret if you have not heard this before.....we are all going to die!  Despite the thoughts of some who know me, I am not predicting the future again, merely stating a fact.  Sadly this a reality no matter how hard we try to outsmart it all, no matter how much plastic surgery we have nor how much money or power, or toys in our house or garage.  Another thing, no matter what we acquire in this life it doesn't mean beans afterward.  No matter what we do, no matter who we listen to our number will be up someday.

Yes, I once became disillusioned by the illusion and nearly let it get the best of me, in some ways maybe it did get the best.  My quest to 'climb the ladder," to capture fortune and power became almost consuming of me.  The thing about it, I was almost willing to take anyone down on my way up.  Not realizing it at the time, I lost a lot, of me and the people dear to me.  The more I had, the more I wanted.  

The things that people strive for almost their whole life and often times never achieve, I did.  A job of power, a six digit figure and all the toys and possessions a person could want.  Even with it all, I did not seem satisfied, it felt as if something was missing with it all.  Though life felt complete according to society, I had 'made' it to the top and only had up to go from there.  The climb up was not without its price and its sacrifices though.  At the time it all seemed worth it but in the end and now, I feel as if I wasted a lot of my life pursuing the wrong things.

At the time, I was in a position that I was good at, respected in and admired by some.  Even with all that I had, I was told there was more to be had and I wanted it.  The further I went and the more I earned and learned, it seemed the more I wanted, and needed to be happy, or I thought.   

 Every two weeks when it was pay day, I all ready had planned on what new toys to buy or clothes to add to my collection.   Yes, I was a great consumer and had every credit card imaginable to prove it!  That a closet full of clothes with designer and name brand labels.  Man, I thought I was on top of the world and never coming down. It was necessary for me to acquire, to show off my success!  My closets, my house, and my garage were full so surely my life must be as well.