Thursday, March 31, 2005

Epiphany

You know I like to think of myself..

Wait, what I meant to say was:
You know I like to think of myself as a unique, opinionated, devil's advocate of sorts. But lately, when I take some of these polls on some of the these news sites, I'm finding out that I tend to side with the majority on most things. When did I lose my ability to think freely? Have I lost it? Is this what happens as you age? Or maybe I'm just an average person, nothing too right, nothing too wrong about me.....there's a scary thought for a proud narcissist.

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

My Pops

My Pops was telling me the other night that I should use this forum, this soapbox of mine to say something positive. I argued with him saying that this wasn't a place of negativity but then as I tried to find a purely positive post....it proved to be somewhat difficult. I still don't consider this a negative blog but I do complain quite a bit here. So here's a change....

Dear God,
Thank You. Thank You for the wonderful life You've provided me. Thank You for my parents who showed me so much love and groomed me so well for the challenges of this world. Thank You for my sister, whose guidance showed through some of her harassment (love you Angichelle). Thank You for my Wife whose love keeps me going day in and day out. Thank You for the host of friends and acquaintances with which You have blessed my life. Thank You for my life.

Friday, March 25, 2005

Woman charged with threatening Newton judge | ajc.com

Woman charged with threatening Newton judge | ajc.com

How stupid do you have to be? Cops don't arrest anyone for their trip to her home for domestic disturbance. Cops don't arrest her for implying harm to a judge. Then they turn a deaf ear to her foolish comments as they were leaving. Then she calls the sheriffs department to make official threats....too bad she's already procreated.

Sharpton wants stations connected to violence punished

CNN.com - Sharpton wants stations connected to violence punished - Mar 24, 2005

When will Al Sharpton shut up? You know every three months he has a press conference to keep his name in the paper. But what has he really done? What has he really changed? Why is he even allowed to have press conferences? Hell, I want a press conference. Will anyone show up?

I don't understand the focus of black leadership today. Should we be worried about rap music or education? I'm thinking, the SAT has added an essay portion to make it that much more difficult. Shouldn't Sharpton be making a fuss about education cuts in inner city schools (all schools for that matter)? Shouldn't he be protesting for some of our real problems ie healthcare affordability, education, employment rates instead of worrying about what goes on at HOT 97.

And further, the only station that seems to witness any violence is HOT 97 in New York. So instead of trying to penalize everybody because you're not a hip hop fan, how about getting some added security around HOT 97.

Our politicians have a way of making small problems larger than they appear so they can shift attention from the big problems that they either a)profit from (IRAQ) or b) can't figure out (IRAQ).

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Damnit

You ever not want something but then hear so much about it that you want it? Yeah, that would be how I feel about the PSP. Never been a portable gamer nor have I had a ton of interest in portable gaming but damn if I don't want one of those little buggers!! Temptation must be defeated. Defeated. Defeated. Plus, I have to get stuff for Magdeline....

Political Correctness

Quick post here: UGA cheerleading coach was fired. Atlanta Falcons cheerleader will be replacing the interim spirit coordinator.....spirit coordinator? Damn it man, what's wrong with just saying cheerleader coach. Why change the title now? I mean technically I'm a spirit coordinator on the weekends...I coordinate the vodka spirits with the rum spirits etc... but you don't see me changing my title from anticipatory social innebriation specialist to spirit coordinator....

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

I do

I know I don't always show it
I know it seems like I care
But that's just my shortcomings
I do love you

Those days you think I'm not listening
Those nights you fall asleep alone
You're on my mind more than you know
I do adore you

Magdeline de Magnum - Photo Shoot 1 - a photoset on Flickr

Magdeline de Magnum - Photo Shoot 1 - a photoset on Flickr Don't know if I ever provided Magdeline's entire photo shots....

PC310059

Doubts

For the first time in over ten years, barring a spectacular the likes of which the Lakers have not had this year, it looks like the Purple and Gold will not be in the playoffs. Five straight losses, two games under five hundred and 3 1/2 games out of the 8th seed, making plans in late April and May will not be the same as preceding years.

Lamar Odom gets a C+. He , when all is said and done, was a disappointment. We knew we weren't getting fair market value for the traded center but at no point did we expect the level of inconsistency I feel these two players have brought to the table. Lamar has been a helluva rebounder. But his fadeaway layups when he attacks (using this word loosely) the hole (and the subsequent crying for a foul to the ref) were probably more harmful than his rebounding was helpful. Not to mention his early season propensity to shooting the 3 ball.

Caron Butler gets a C+. Caron "I'm guaranteed at least one charge per game" Butler had his highlights. But in lies the problem, he seemed entirely too eager to be a second Kobe on the team chasing Kobesque highlights when we could have used his good midrange jumper instead of missed layups or charges.

Chris Mihm gets a C-. Don't even want to give him a whole paragraph. I wanted to like him as much as I wanted to like the two above. But I can't. Weightroom. Two hands. Know when to foul. And lastly, weightroom.

Chucky Atkins was the highlight of our offseason pickups. Though he has faded the past couple of games, his jumper kept us in and won a lot of games for us this season.

Tierre Brown gets a C+. Has been a spark but often is the cause of turnovers due to simple bad decision making

Luke Walton gets a D+. Too hesitant to shoot. Could earn his way to more playing time if he was more willing to take an open shot.

Jumaine Jones B+. Good defense, great hustle. Probably the best pure shooter on the team.

Sasha Vuchachic gets a B-. In his limited minutes, he didn't turn the ball over, and made pretty good decisions when running the team in garbage minutes. Decent shooter.

Stanislav Medvedenko gets a B. If he could guard somebody, he would get 30 minutes a game. His midrange jumper is definitely needed. But his tendency to pick up quick fouls is a liability. Still I have feelings for Slava and know that all he needs is some other tangible to garner some playing time whether it's rebounder, passer, or defender.

Brian Grant gets a B. Despite his complete inability to block a shot, he could body up a player (read: Mihm -> weightroom) and didn't make a whole lot of mistakes. He wasn't the presence we needed in the lane but then again he wasn't exactly replacing the presence we needed in the lane. His baseline 15 footer was pretty consistent. His true weaknesses were more related to circumstances he couldn't control ie his missing knees....

Kobe Bryant gets a B+. You're probably expecting a whole diatribe here but no. He played well.

Vlade Divac and Devean George. I want their asses expelled. Particularly Devean George who was supposed to be back in November, then in January. Now it's the end of the season and this cat hasn't even played. Vlade was a mistake from the get go....salary cap handcuffs these two are!!

The Media

Last night I was angered again by the media. Apparently, there is some scandal concerning Atlanta Boy Scouts organizations inflating their numbers for monetary purposes. What angers me is that for the two hours or so of primetime that I kept seeing the promo for this story, they show Black Boy Scouts.

Now think about this....when you think Boy Scouts....do you ever picture black Boy Scouts. I know I don't. Not to say that there aren't any but in no way is the Boy Scout organization a huge pillar in the black community. But lo and behold, a scandal rocks the organization and the only footage CBS news 46 in Atlanta can find is footage of black boy scouts.

Morning person

I fear that our car pooling efforts may be leading me to becoming a morning person, which is not a good thing. I crack a joke or two in the morning with Mrs Xpinionated where before I spoke none. I say good morning to people in the office, even the chirpy, there's blue bird singing in my head, happy morning people.

You don't understand, for 30 and 1/2 years I have prided myself on my late night stamina. I enjoyed defying the world and getting up when I wanted to and in the mood I wanted to. This can't be happening. Before long, I'll be like my parents waking up a 7 am on the weekend regardless of any necessity.

Atlanta council votes to give itself raises | ajc.com

Atlanta council votes to give itself raises | ajc.com

I wish I had a job where I got to vote on whether or not I got a raise. At first glance, their 39000+ salary doesn't seem like much. That is until Councilwoman Cleta Winslow states that they are part time council members. I wish I had a $40,000/year part time job!

Monday, March 21, 2005

Ah

I feel a funk coming on. Don't know why just feel like one of my blah spells is coming and it's not a good time for it.

In other news, I won a foosball table on St. Paddy's day. I'm either going to sell it (thought I had a buyer but he's turning out to be a little shady) or donate it to Jeffrey's since I really don't have much use for it. I could keep it in hopes of one day having a basement\gameroom thing but that's at 7 to 10 years from now so it seems a little early to start collecting stuff for that.

My boy was in town for the weekend. We did it up proper....pretty good time....probably part of the reason I'm in a blah mood....sleep deprivation (even though I tried my damndest to make it up in naps on Sat and Sun) and coming down off the high of hanging out with him.....

Thursday, March 17, 2005

And don't we use the word 'Hero' a little too loosely.....
Ok, ok....enough of Ashley Smith. Give her the reward money and please for sanity's sake, let her fade. I read her account and quite frankly it doesn't sound all that believable to me. Running out for cigarettes at 2 in the morning? Sounds shady. Following him as he moves his truck? Uh, that's when you call the police instead of picking him back up like an old friend....sounds shady. Cooking him breakfast and reading to him? Sounds shady.

Sounds to me more like she knew the cat long before he got to her apartment......this guy who has killed three people in less than 24 hours, beat up two other people, is suddenly the star of 'Guess who's coming to dinner?' I'm having trouble buying it....no really, this story sounds a little bit more than shady. An alleged rapist, takes a shower in your apartment but is considerate enough to throw a towel over his female hostages head for modesty???? Sounds shady
I don't know sometimes.
I don't know if I did something.
Don't know if I said the wrong thing.
Don't know if I can make her happy.
Even if I can, don't know how.....

ESPN.com: Page 2 : Who's at fault? Shaq? Kobe? Us?

ESPN.com: Page 2 : Who's at fault? Shaq? Kobe? Us?

An objective article on the Kobe\Shaquille saga? On ESPN.com no less? Unbelievable

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Scenario: Stepping out of the shower, preparing to get dressed, with a shirt in hand

Mrs. Xpinionated: They say it's supposed to get colder later this week
Xpinionated: That's alright I'm only getting dressed for today....

Plans for Magdeline

I really don't have much to say today so I thought I'd lay out the plans for Magdeline de Magnum:

1) 20" rims - They will be black with chrome accents. I haven't decided on which ones yet but there are some Zenettis I kind of like.
2) Eichbach Springs - Lower the car an inch or so to help the tires fill up the wheel well
3) Splash Guards - to handle splash.....
4) K&N Air Filter - Slight improvement on MPG
5) Smoked Tailights - There's a guy that is supposed to be using Magdeline as a test vehicle for creating vinyl overlays (as opposed to smoking the taillight casing) but it's been about a week and I haven't heard from dude
6) Smoked Headlights - See it's an all black car so I want to build on that .....
7) Rear Speakers - I have no intention of changin gthe head unit, at least not anytime soon. But the 'premium' speakers aren't performing to my satisfaction. And since the head unit came with a digital amp, I imagine aftermarket speakers will take advantage where the factory ones lack
8) Front Speakers - who am I kidding...they will all be replaced eventually
9) LED Taillights - Visually appealling and safe...what better mod can you get other than that?!?!
10) Custom paint - Not fully decided on this yet
11) Rear Bumper Scratch Pads - To protect during loading and unloading
12) Custom Grill - I want to go with the insert, preferably a mesh but the less pricey overlay may work as well.

I've come to the conclusiion that there is absolutely nothing the wifey likes about my car. Though that saddens me I must see the silver lining, this means she has no creative input on anything I choose to do to the car.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

HOV Lanes

I know there are going to be some folks who disagree with what I'm about to say (sorry ChakaBlnd), but I don't think you should be allowed in the HOV lanes if there is only 1 licensed driver in the car. That would mean driving kids around does not constitute usage of the HOV lanes.

Wait, before you get into that kids are people too thing, let me explain. The initial, and current, purpose for HOV lanes is to encourage carpooling. Carpooling inherently means driving multiple people around in a single vehicle who otherwise would be using additional vehicles. Kids don't drive, hence they shouldn't be considered a carpool. Now I know in some instances folks are driving other people's kids around but in most situations on the interstate, during rush hour, that is not the case. Add to that that most people drive slower when driving their kids around (as they should, my driving changes with kids (and my parents) in the car) and you see why I'm against kids in the HOV.

Friday, March 04, 2005

Martha Stewart

I had recently become a fan of cnn.com. I found their front page was a quick way to keep up with the world. But the fact that their main story has been about a freed convict all day is disgusting. There has got to be something more newsworthy than the towel lady walking around her house and sending out hot chocolate......
No concentration. No big plans this weekend just no concentration right now. Ready to go and I shouldn't be but, I am. Oh yea, I am!
I have a sore in my nose....and it's ruining my FRIDAY!!! Something told me to leave that nugget in there....but oh no....had to get it and now my nose is damaged!!!!

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

50cents

His new album comes out tomorrow. I, personally, will not even consider buying that garbage. Wanna know why? 'Cause I am unbelievably tired of 'the same ol' two step with a little twist'. Every song he puts out sounds like the song he put out last week with a different guest performer. I listen to SHADE 45 most of the time, Eminem's station. So no doubt, I hear a lot of 50 cent (when I don't switch the station) and I can't believe how many songs he has circulating that sound exactly the same....ridiculous. Alas, since our pop culture is driven by people too young to drive, we are doomed to hear this dude's insult to hiphop continue....

Me and the wifey

Me and Mrs. Xpinionated noted last night how Paula Abdul is always making comments concerning pitch and tone to the contestants on American Idol. You know, it would be one thing if Paula Abdul were a serious singer. Or even if she could carry a tune in a bar....but let's get serious, 'Straight Up Now Tell Me' is not going to go down in the songstress hall of fame. 'Opposites attract'? It had an animated cat in the video, and no one seems to be able to remember exactly how the damn song goes. And me and Mrs. X tried our damndest last night to remember to no avail.

And since I brought American Idol up, I'll admit I will watch the show with the wifey in order to spend time together. Hell, I'll even admit to enjoying the first few episodes when I get to see all the people who didn't make it. But this year's crop of contestants truly, truly, truly, truly suck. Don't know if I an emphasize it any more than they are awfully nasty. Embarrassing even. It's a crop like this that could cancel a show. Of course, now that I can vote with my Cingular phone, there's no reason to.....

Oddly enough

A while back I was chiding the Atlantic division for having every team on a losing streak....nevermore, every team in the Pacific is on a losing streak as well, granted most of those teams are above 500 but still....

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

dedication

Yep it's 1:50 am and I'm working. I guess I deserve it. Could have done some things different that would have probably resulted in my sleeping now but no, my lack of willpower has bitten me again.

Weird dream last night. I was in the this room with like 20 other people. And this nondescript person walks in and tells us it's our last chance to leave. No one else leaves so I decide to stay as well. Then the room gets taken hostage. So being the good husband that I am, I realize I need to step outside and tell the wife that I'm going to be late on account of being taken hostage. Strangely enough, I'm allowed to go into the other room to make said phone call. When I return (don't remember much about the phone call), everyone in the room has been killed, so I turn and run into the closet to hide thinking maybe they forgot that I had to step out. Lo' and behold a woman comes to my closet and points a gun at me. Then she starts talking (about what I'm not certain) but as she is talking I grab the gun and make a run for it, well I don't grab the gun I redirect it's aim. So now I'm running down a street in any suburb, Usa and I am being chased by this woman and a guy I work with who used to be affiliated in some form or another with the Nation of Islam. I'm thinking, why are you after me of all people? Somehow, I end up with a shotgun and hold up another lady who's washing her car or doing yard work and ask her to drive me to the airport so I can get back to Atlanta. She agrees, mainly because of the shotgun, and I'm sitting in the backseat. As we drive I feel like everyone on the road is following us so I lay down. As I'm laying there, my stomach starts to hurt....then I wake up and go pee....and I'm kinda pissed 'cuz I could've woken up anytime instead of being scared half to death.