BootyPop -- Keepin' it Real

'I just want a real man!'

How many times have I heard that mantra? A real man, a guy that isn't going to play games, blah blah blah. Ladies, if you want a real man, shouldn't you start your search for a real man by being a real woman?

When you see a man, you are pretty much seeing what you're getting. Unless you're on some internet dating site, the man standing before you physically will not change much. Maybe, he's wearing a toupee....maybe.

When you see a woman, there was a time when you were getting what you were seeing. Not anymore....the latest trend in dating trickery is bootypop panties. 'Turn that flat into fab!!!'


There was a time when a man's worse nightmare was finding out that the makeup a woman was wearing was doing more than giving her color. We accepted that as a risk. That this person we met in public may very well look considerably different 'unmade up'.

Then there was the padded bra. That appealing sweater the co-ed was wearing hid a dirty little secret. A secret that once it was discovered, it was too often too late to turn back.

Naturally, artificial breasts were the next big player. These weren't as bad because at least the tom foolery was pretty evident from the get-go. No surprises, just a matter of preference for the gentlemen.

Lo and behold, the 90's brought forth the transgender, transexual, trans whatever age. Now men were being tested daily not only only the physical attraction of the opposite sex. Rather they were being tested on whether the opposite sex was actually opposite at all or perhaps surgically opposite or perhaps
pre-op opposite.

Following that trend was botox and the assorted injections. The woman you are now dating has Angelina Jolie lips that magically grew from the Jodie Foster lips she had in her graduation photos?!?

Through all of these phases, one thing could be trusted. A pair of jeans! Yes, a pair of jeans was true to it's word. It hid nothing, it created nothing. What was in those jeans was, well, in those jeans. UNTIL NOW, now we have booty pop panties. Not only are they somewhat unnatural looking, imagine the disappointment for all the booty men in the world when they find out one of their main 'pros' is actually a pair drawers with padding. Her butt doesn't look like those once trusted jeans portrayed. Shenanigans! Shenanigans I say!

Ladies, if you want us to be real. Remember, it starts in your heart of hearts. Don't use of every trick in the book to gain our attraction if you're only setting us up for disappointment. It's not fair to us.....and it's not fair to you!

Another Frivolous Lawsuit

KISS bassist is being sued by a couple claiming he assaulted them as they videotaped him at a Mall in California.
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I am not a KISS fan.  Their Dr. Pepper commercial scares my son and quite frankly is a bit disturbing in its own peculiar way.  What brings this to my attention is the freedom with which the public thinks they can approach celebrities.  The freedom the public takes in speaking with celebrities. The couple approaches a rock and roll icon, with all that entails, and asks him his view on monogamy?  Is this a question they pose to all strangers they encounter? Is this their business? Is it not enough that you likely began video-taping him without his permission? 

And even with that video-taping and provocation, he stated get your shot and go.  According to the 'oh-so-innocent' couple, he then grabs the camera. That doesn't jibe with his statement of 'get your shot and go' which is what the couple stated occurred.  SO what's missing?  Between get your shot and lunging, something was said that the couple is conveniently leaving out.

25 grand isn't the largest frivolous suit we've seen.  But I think the following law should be passed.  If you file a civil lawsuit, and lose, you should be fined.  It serves as a deterrence to the 'I'll sue mindset' as well as help to recoup some of the administrative costs of conducting the trial.  This way litigants will need to think 'Can I afford to lose?'

Full Circle

The Hokies started the season in the Chick Fil A Classic at the Georgia Dome for the 2009 season and will end in the Chick Fil A Bowl at the Georgia Dome on the last evening of 2009.

In a season filled with resounding disappointment (Alabama, North Carolina) and stunning performances (Nebraska – even if a little late, Miami), the Virginia Tech Hokies hope to cap their season off in the Dome much differently than they started it. 

The Tennessee Volunteers will be the Hokies opponents under 1st year coach Lane Kiffin.  To be honest, I’ve no clue what to expect as I didn’t watch any of Tennessee’s games.  From what I’ve heard or at least determined from the scant words throughout the season was that this was more of a rebuilding year.  There had been some fiery words from Lane Kiffin but even those seemed almost like more ploy than anything. 

The Hokies in my oft-noted jaded opinion are still the best team the ACC has to offer.  Georgia Tech won the conference title this year and my hats go off to them.  I will leave it at that as I don’t want to add ‘buts’, ‘howevers’, and ‘what ifs’.  The Hokies have one statistic that has been the mantra since a conference championship became unattainable – 10wins.  The Hokies are one of three teams (Texas, USC) to win at least 10 games the past 5 seasons.  Impressive company and an impressive streak. 

Even better….I’m going to the game!  Yeah, the Hokies have been in town 3 times this year and this is my first game…I suck…I’m lazy..and we lost both games in our previous trips which is probably my fault….nonetheles…I’m going to this one and doing it with a Tennessee fan no less.  The last time I watched a game with an opposing fan, we lost to UNC…..suddenly I feel like I’m going about this bowl all the wrong way…..

Blogging for the sake of Blogging

I’m run down.  Tired.  Out of gas.  Nothing left. 

I got things I need to do professionally and personally but just can’t get the energy up to do a damn thing about it.  Spent.

Why?  Why is Chocolate Thunder down?  Why is Xpinionated hanging on to a thin rope (which is the best rope in this African American’s eyes – we had a bad experience)?  Hell if I know.  I just know I’m tired. 

Maybe I’m getting old and the ol’ body’s givin’ in on me.  See that last sentence?  Too tired to type out full words sometimes.

Or maybe I’m just griping.  I think I’m becoming a grouchy old man.  See, I’m lucky enough to be able to work from home full-time. The downside to that is very limited social interaction outside of mywife and kids.  Even more so this week as I’ve been too tired (see above) to hit the gym like I normally would.  All this is to say that my social skills are deteriorating at an unbelievable pace.

Oh gotta go put the young’un to bed…..

Top 5 Famous/Rich Folks Who Don't Deserve Their Fame

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Since I have never gone a month without at least one entry in Xpinionated, I bring to you the Top 5 Famous Rich Folks Who Don't Deserve Their Fame.

5) Jared from Subway. His diet and weight reduction plan was based on a Subway diet. Are we to believe it was due substantially to his diet and an insignificant amount of weight loss was due to exercise? And if that's the case, why aren't the The Biggest Loser episodes just a bunch of challenges to get to Subway, kinda like The Biggest Loser meets The Amazing Race...The Biggest Amazing Loser Race. Yeah, Jared shouldn't be rich and shouldn't be famous for doing what he should have been doing in the first place.

4) Flavor Flav. Quite possibly the most unattractive human being on TV. Scratch that, outside of Nene from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, the most unattractive human being on TV. And close to the least talented. He was a hype man, not a rapper. Standing next to a rapper does not make one a rapper just as standing next to me does not make you funny. Out of nowhere, the part of Public Enemy that had no talent has returned to the limelight, searched for love from apparently blind and deaf women (that's the only way I can imagine they wanted Flav), and even starred (used very loosely) in his own bad (used very tightly) sitcom. Seriously, his fame hangs on the balance of an oversized clock gimmick.....

3) Kardashians. Ok, Kim is fine. Not have-her-own-show fine but fine nonetheless. The other Kardashian girls? Notoriety from what exactly?

2)Tila Tequila. Maybe I have the story wrong. I don't care enough to look it up and plus it wouldn't change her position on this list or my feelings about her one iota. But let's take a shot at this: girl opens myspace account, girl puts up progressively sexier pictures of herself on myspace, girl develops a myspace following due to pubescent nature of myspace clientele, MTV gives girl show based on myspace popularity. Meanwhile, there's some poor kid studying his butt off at a community college in between his two part time jobs that MTV, and the rest of the country could care less about.....

1) Lauren from the Hills/The Real OC. It is no coincidence that MTV plays a huge role in the top two personas on this list. Lauren's is a slightly different story. Rich kid living it up in Orange County. No particular talent. Just a willingness to let MTV cameras follow her around while she finds 1,231 ways to put the word 'like' into a sentence unnecessarily while working her way through MTV created drama. Woe is her life as her and her friends hop into the Escalade for another trip to the specialty Boutiques.....Her reward for being a rich kid with no real worries: a spin off show with the same high school drama...just without the high school..

P.S. Lauren excepts top honors in this list on behalf of the entire cast of the Real OC and the Hills.

Balloon Boy and The Great Hoax

A 6 year old boy, ironically named Falcon, flew off into the horizon a couple of days ago in a helium balloon.  Or so his father would have you think.
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Xpinionated is of the opinion that this was a big fat hoax.  One for which Daddy Henne should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  It is no coincidence that there was a recording of the balloon as it floated off.  It is no coincidence that the family was part of a reality show (Wife Swap) and the Richard Henne has been shopping a reality show about a crazy family.  It is no coincidence that Richard Henne was the one to call the news stations and the FAA.

It looks like this guy is simply an attention whore of the worst kind.  One that would employ his kids (ahem Kate, Jon) in his selfish efforts to get a cheap buck on 15 minutes of fame.  Hell, even the kid said, 'It was part of the show'.

On the Early Show this morning, Richard Henne placed a sign on his front door saying 'No more interviews.'  Minutes later he comes out to announce that he would like to hold an impromptu press conference on his front lawn at 10am....with a big announcement he says.

Unfortunately, our media, in its desperate quest for the next big story, will follow up on his press conference.  We will read, listen, watch, and discuss.  And though I doubt Henne will pimp this out into a reality show, he will have at least had his 5 minutes of fame.......
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Documentary Hypocrisy

It was announced that Michael Vick's life will be made into an eight part mini-series on BET.  Needless to say, this has raised the ire of the anti-Vick crowd.

"People who abuse animals don't deserve to be rewarded," PETA's Dan Shannon said in a statement. "They shouldn't be given multimillion-dollar contracts . . . or given the privilege of being a role model."  But directors who drug and rape 13 year old girls should serve no time and live happily in Europe while receiving Academy awards and industry praise?  I wonder which crime our soceity considers worse......

Two points before I go:  1) Most of the more serious serial killers (of humans) have had documentaries, movies, books, etc made on their life.  2) It's on BET which automatically limits it's audience by quite a bit.  Personally, I don't think it's a good move for Vick at this point in his life.  Time heals.  There are going to be a certain set of the population that will thrive on the negative aspects of his life forever.  But the general population will not necessarily forget, but will move on.  By making a movie, you're just keeping the negative in the limelight.

And while I'm talking about Vick, let me make something ridiculously clear -- specifically to my fellow Georgians.  I understand your dislike of Michael Vick in terms of the affect his crimes affected your precious (when they are winning) Atlanta Falcons, but please do not misdirect your anger at Virginia Tech.  Vick did nothing at Virginia Tech.  He was a student athlete with a clean record (yeah maybe not so much for his brother but that's not the point here).  So when you see me rolling in the Mag rockin' my Hokies flag, don't glare at me like I killed your dog.  After all, we don't hate Ohio State University because Jeffrey Dahmer was a student......

Redskins Fan Farewell? Not a goodbye though!

Years ago, my mom made an announcement that I couldn't fathom, couldn't wrap my head around.  She said that she was no longer a Washington Redskins fan.  I don't recall what game or moment prompted the dissolution of the relationship between my mom and the only team my immediate family shared (barring my sister who could care less), I simply remember not being able to comprehend a member of my football watching family not being a Redskins fan.

FlashForward like ABC to find me sitting here realizing that I no longer have the fire in me to cheer for the Redskins.  Too many years of mismanagement have led to too much  heartbreak.  It's like I have battered fan syndrome.  And I keep coming back for more.  The Snyder years have been marred by inconsistency of the worst kind -- the inconsistency that leads to a sliver of hope.  Hope for either the next game or the next season.  Only to be slapped down by the angry villain that is reality.

As of right now, I'm still a Redskins fan.  I have to be.  I've spent far too many years, too many beers, too much money, too much passion, and too many good times not to be a Redskins fan.  Not to mention, those that know me know that I have a pet peeve for people that switch teams, that don't sweat out the bad times.  I can't be those that I talk about and sleep through the night.

However, I will not be investing my passion, not this season anyway.  Yeah, I know, if there's some miraculous turnaround I'll have to eat my fair share of crow.  But here's the thing, I used to get excited for the Redskins games, even in the Brunell years when I knew anything thrown over 5 yards was considered a deep pass for our crew. The Spurrier years held their own kind of disappointing magic as I just knew that somehow things would come together under the ol' ball coach. Each little era held something.  Now, not so much.  Watching virtually every team in the league get better in some way and seeing absolutely nothing in terms of progress at FedEx field leaves one depersonalized from his team.  I can't even build up the passion to hate Jim Zorn.  I think he's a horrible coach but I no longer seem to care enough to tell him how bad he is.

So for 2009, I'm done with the Redskins.  I'll watch their games if their on or follow the scoreboard online. And I truly hope they can turn this thing around.  But I'm not spending any time thinking about it.  I'm definitely not spending any money on it.  When they come to Atlanta this year, I won't be there like last time.  I don't have that kind of free time for something I half-heartedly believe in.  I'm certain my passion will come back one day (when Snyder sells, or becomes a deaf-mute), but for right now my focus will be the Hokies.

The Sucker....Punch

If you're any kind of sports fan, you've probably seen Boise St DE Byron Hout get remixed by LeGarrette Blount.  LeGarrette Blount has since been crucified publicly and nationally -- and deservedly so.  There was also a latent backlash at Byron Hout.

I will admit that when I first saw the punch, I was pleased.   I know this may anger some but quite frankly, let's look at this from the perspective of 5 seconds before the punch.  A deflated, embarassed, and probably still emotionally charged young man is walking off a hostile field in the midst of those that defeated him.  Another young man walks up, taps him on the shoulder to get his attention, and taunts him.  Was MMA'ing him the best decision?  Definitely not.  Was it a reaction, an instinct?  Probably.  But what's lost in this is why did Hout feel the need to rub it in his face?

The presumed logic is that since Blount spoke the words 'We owe this team an ass whooping' earlier in the week the mouthy Blount should have expected some backlash.  However, Blount's statement was in reference to last year's game where two Oregon player were hurt and taken out of the game on arguably dirty plays.  So for him to state that we owe a team an ass-whooping, in that context, isn't taunting. It is a reference to what many feel was dirty play last year.

All this is to say, the punch that sent Hout's spit flying was actually dirty repaying dirty.  Unfortunately, this could very well end Blount's football career.  For what it's worth, Blount had been suspended earlier in summer workouts for his aggression so he is no angel in this matter.  But for such an unnecessary event to happen and quite possibly ruin this young man's chances at doing and succeeding at his life's goals, well, that is the real tragedy.  Hout was Sucker punched indeed, but he was also a sucker and deserved the punch.

I wonder if the public's reaction would be the same if say Terrell Owens taunted Brian Urlacher and Urlacher hauled off and punched Owens when he wasn't looking?

Warmth

My wife and kids went to Florida Sunday for a mini vacation.  Due to work obligations, and the fact that I didn't want to drive to Florida so I could be stuck in a house working while everyone one else was upping their vitamin D intake, I stayed in Georgia.  I thought I would take advantage of the empty house by living pseudo-bachelor.  Work during the day, drink during the night.  All that I really did was learn that I'm no longer the drinker I once was.

Then came the trip back for Mrs. Xpinionated.  Natalia apparently had had enough of car travels and pitched a holy fit for 70% of the drive by my estimations based on phone calls from a slightly more than exasperated Mrs. Xpinionated.   To ease the situation, I drove out to meet my wife and take the fed up little angel.  As luck would have it, construction forbade us to meet as planned and as she headed north, she passed right on past her knight in slowing traffic.

Anyway, after miles and miles of dashed lines, we make the switch.  And their was this warmth in me.  Just seeing my little girl, then seeing the half smile of recognition on her face melted me.  She could have cried the rest of the way home (she did not) and I wouldn't have cared a single bit.

F

Later, as I'm taking my son out of the car in the sleepy kid fashion where every body part is virtually dead weight, he barely opens his eyes, smiles, and hugs my neck.  I felt so loved right at that moment.  He then fell asleep on my shoulder with a smile on his face.  I put him to bed and he wouldn't let go of my neck. . .  and I didn't want him to....

Cowards

Explicit Language below

Yet another gunman goes off killing people who had nothing to do with his woes.  Gun advocates wonder why folks are in favor of tougher gun control?  Because it is still apparently too easy to get guns and shoot innocent people because "you're lonely".

As it appears to me, this guy could have easily ended his own existence if he felt his life was so horrible.  I'm not an advocate of suicide, but I get pissed off at murder-suicides -- particularly murders of people you don't know, that don't know you, that have absolutely nothing to do with your pity party, and just happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.  Instead of ending your life, you want everyone to know how sad you were, how picked on you were, how completely unable you were to cope with life.  Fuck you!

I want to be able to go to the gym and not worry about the poor guy that can't get a date shooting the place up.  Here's an idea, stop blogging about your preparations to kill and try to meet some live people somewhere.  Or, talk to a psychiatrist see if there's some social issue you're having (which apparently there was).   Or talk to a coworker.

I am refusing to place the names of these gunmen on my blog for the simple reason that to do so would give them the fame for which they killed.

I believe we need stricter gun laws in this country.  I know the right to bear arms is a constitutional right.  But, honestly, the doctrine was written when regular citizens were taking up arms against armies of foreign countries...so yeah it made sense then.  Now, not as much. Until gun advocates can come up with a way to limit guns getting in the hands of unstable people (and I don't have a solution myself but then again guns taken from everybody would be fine by me), then I think we need to limit guns as much as possible.  Guns don't kill, people kill.  But they would do it a helluva lot slower if they didn't have the gun!
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Racist vs Prejudiced

The post-racial harmony America was expected to bask in after President Obama was elected has fallen under a cloudy cover.  The latest story that caught my eye was concerning the Boston police officer who referred to Henry Louis Gates and/or Gates' actions as a 'banana-eating jungle monkey' in a mass email. . .  three different times.  In any case, the result was administrative leave for his words, something mass emails can do; especially if you're silly enough to send them to members of the National Guard and the BOSTON GLOBE!

As expected, he later stated that he was not racist and he has friends with race qualities yada yada yada.  The thing is, he was right.  He's not racist, he's prejudiced.  In fact, most of us are prejudiced to some degree.  But that's not my point here.

My point is we throw the word racist around quite often when in fact we mean prejudiced.  In order to be racist, you must have power over someone or some aspect of their being.  A boss can be racist. A boss can fire you because he does not like that you're Scandinavian.  A politician can be racist.  Enforcing policies that keep, say, the Native American trapped on a reservation.  And yes, a police officer can be racist as well.  However, in terms of what this guy did his actions were prejudiced.  He used a racial slur to insult and influence but ultimately his email held no power over anyone else's actions.

With that said, I am not surprised it was a Boston police officer.  I am surprised that they gave this guy a gun but not for the reasons you might suspect.  My surprise arises from the fact that his decision making in sending a strongly worded email to THE BOSTON GLOBE under his real name identifying his real job and not seeing the consequences makes me wonder who exactly he would be helping with a firearm in public. Officer, at least go to the library and create a fake email account...did you think the Globe would keep it all hush hush for you?

Back to my point, we throw the word racist around because it is seen as much more damaging to reputation and character.  Prejudice implies a pre-judging with a possibilty of changing.  In effect, it's admitting having opinions about a something or a group of people without having any hard facts to back them up.

Racist, on the other hand, is a principle.  It's a belief in some form of superiority based on something no human even gets to choose for themselves, race and/or skin color.  It implies a lifestyle almost.  There is little to no hope of change for a racist save for a life-changing event, and even then it's not guaranteed.

So the public, the media, and the leaders throw around the word 'racist' any time they can. It stirs the pot, moves the food around the plate, but it's not really accurate (much like my 'moves around the plate' analogy).

Xpinionated's Greatest Hits

Due to my own need to reassure myself of my greatness, I happened to realize that the special Xpinionated's Greatest Hits section was still linking to my old site that has passed on. Dead links be damned. Xpinionated's Greatest Hits has been restored...enjoy or detest....whatever

At least it's not my tax money . . .

Masssachusetts congressman Richard Neal is concerned. The White House may very be outsourcing it's beer for the historic Obama-Gates-police officer a letter stating an all-amAmerican  (as he has become affectionately known) happy hour event planned for the near future. President Obama's beer choice is Budlight, now owned by the Belgian company that produces the fine Stella Artois libation. Mr. Gates and Mr. Police officer will be enjoying Red Stripe or Becks, and Blue Moon respectively.

But not if Congressman Neal has a say so. Apparently he has penned a letter to the White House suggesting an All-American beer...Samuel Adams.

Wait, he took the time to do what?  And on the taxpayer's dime?  Or at least the Massachusett's taxpayer's dime....As if the entire White House Happy Hour episode wasn't enough, now we have other branches of government worried about beer.  If they are that bored, why don't they work on getting a college football playoff.  Or jobs for the unemployed...not necessarily in that order of course..

Owens mouthing off again. . .correctly?!?!

Terrell Owens stepped up to the plate in opposition to an extension of Michael Vick's suspension this morning.  Owens argument is simply that Vick should be allowed to play immediately should he be picked up by a team, and I concur.  Though I've never been an opponent of Terrell Owens, except when he played for the Cowboys (I'm a Skins fan, it's part of the membership), I never thought I would actually agree with much that he said publicly.  But with this I am in agreement.

Michael Vick committed a crime.  To many, a grotesque and heartless crime.  Michael Vick served his time. He's lost two years out of his career (by his own hands admittedly) in a profession where every single year is to be cherished given the lack of pro football career longevity.  On top of that, his fortune is gone.  The money he made, not from his criminal deed, but from his talent is no longer.  Lastly, he has no one he can trust as his so-called friends bailed on him as soon as possible.  At this point, outside of his family there is no one Vick can (or should) fully trust.

Now I don't want to make Michael Vick out to be a victim here.  Like I stated, he willfully chose to commit a crime.  My point is simply this, how many other ex-cons are officially prevented from returning to their livelihoods (if they had one as many turn to crime due to lack of a constant livelihood) when their crime had absolutely nothing to do with their job.  It would be one thing if Vick had gone to jail because of an NFL gambling ring that he financed.  But that's not the case.  From the standpoint of his job, he did nothing that would suggest his job should be permanently taken from him.  Those that suggest otherwise are speaking from a purely emotional standpoint.

I understand some American's obsession with dogs.  In no way am I condoning what he did.  But after two years in prison, and not a 'Martha-Stewart-I-am-a-famous-person celebrity prison -- but Leavenworth, his debt to society has been paid.  If not by his prison sentence, then by his financial loss.  If not by his financial loss, then by his personal losses.

Race Card Misused

Henry Louis Gates, not sure why he gets to use three names but anywho, was arrested at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts after a neighbor reported a break-in at Gates' home.  What could have turned into a simple misunderstanding has now gotten President Obama making statements, CNN following the story, and a host of race related discussions occurring.

This is the race card in action, unfortunately.  First, without knowing anything more than what CNN has produced, it seems to me that Gates acted somewhat obnoxious and the arresting officer also overreacted.  To be fair, the officer was doing his job in responding to a possible break-in.  To be fair, Gates has a right to be perturbed at this intrusion.

At the same time, the matter could have been over in less than fifteen minutes had Gates shown his identification immediately when requested by the officer.  Just because you're a celebrated professor doesn't necessarily mean everyone knows who you are.  Secondly, the anger Mr. Gates is projecting shouldn't be at the police officer.  Instead, it should be at the neighbor who is the one that racially profiled him.  A better question would be, why the hell doesn't your neighbor recognize you?

Granted, the officer may have gone too far in terms of actually arresting Gates.  And the charge of  'loud and tumultous behaviour in a public place' doesn't really fit for an argument on a private residence.

But all things considered, I don't think the officer has anything to apologize for.  I don't think President Obama should have even mentioned this, much less call the police officer's actions stupid. At some point I imagine the President will have to make a statement about some kind of serious racial incident and having this as a precedent will weaken his words when the time comes.

As a black man, I don't feel I have ever been racially profiled.  I don't say that to imply it doesn't happen.  Hell, I will readily admit that I racial profile myself depending on the situation I'm in.  I acknowledge that every run in I've had with police officers has been warranted (all traffic violations).  When the cops have pulled me over in my rimmed out Magnum, I was speeding, I was crossing a solid white line, and I was tailgating.  Each time, I was treated with respect and one time was even given a compliment about my car.  I've even had an officer check my tinted windows for legality as we shared a beverage at a bar.  What I'm saying is this:  Racial profiling does occur.  However, my experience has been that cooperation leads to a much swifter and agreeable outcome.  Not only that, I'd rather have police officers spend a little more time investigating a call than doing nothing for fear of being called racist.

Officially Old?

I'm on the precipice of 35 years old. I'm injured from running full speed -- 3 or 4 weeks ago! My thumb is so swollen it looks like a pig without the blanket. I drink two beers and think I may be reaching my limit. I no longer feel any excitement for the Friday nights I use to cherish. I read. . .and read . . . and read.

It's not all bad. I've got some beautiful kids and wife. I just wonder if I'm going through a mid-life crisis or if I'm in a funk or what. I do find myself often bored, bored by everything....

Something is Missing

And I don't know what. I've been prone to mood swings of pretty large proportions for the past few weeks. I feel kind of bored. Maybe it's a mid-life crisis. I don't know what 'it' is but 'it' is missing.....

King of Pop - The Memorial

I admit.  I did not watch Michael Jackson's memorial service.  Nor did I plan to watch it.  I did however let my curiosity get the best of me for the briefest of moments.

So I logged in to cnn.com, like most other working Americans trying to not work, and began watching.  Within a minute, I had closed the tab, annoyed.  CNN chose to allow the posting of Facebook statuses alongside the live Memorial.  Although I'm sure the intentions were good, the result was disrespectful in my opinion.  Trying to watch the memorial and understand, feel, sympathize, and generally say farewell to Michael Jackson while being inundated with the kind of negativity only the anonymity of the internet can provide was in a word, disheartening.  From people giving their opinions on dress to outrageous comments about who should and should not be allowed to say some words about Michael Jackson, the experience didn't move me to tears....it moved me to wordpress where I could express my thoughts to those who choose to read them.

I think my biggest issue was with the folks who took the opportunity of having a much larger audience to expound on their dislikes of presenters at the memorial.  As if that was the whole point of this affair.  'What does so and so have to do with it?' was a common theme.  What does it matter?  They were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to say some kind words during the memorial, is that in any way bad?

RIP, MJ.  You will be missed.

Overheard at Work

"Do she feel sick cuz you know how she be throwin' up just to be throwin up? Maybe she got something when she bit that little girl?" -- Assuming this little girl is young enough to still bite other kids, do they have a bulimic baby on their hands? Throwing up just to be throwing up?

Decision Time

I have definitely not been writing here as often as I once did.  I don't know if it's the combination of kids and lack of creativity, or if I have a case of writer's block.  Maybe the depression of knowing that I'm the only one reading this stuff has finally gotten to me.

In any case, my domain name is up for renewal and I'm contemplating letting it go.  It's nice having my own spot on the net, true, but I could certainly have a free spot just as easy.  Especially considering the infrequency with which my eloquence graces these humble pages.

For example, I'm working now.  Contract gig for a former employer.  Definitely blog worthy news there, right?  Yeah, didn't even cross my mind to mention it here.

Or what about the crazy playoffs the NBA has seen this year?  When's the last time I even mentioned sports here?

Then there's the birth of my daughter which got nowhere near the airtime the birth of my son received. Cuz I'm lazy and don't write too often.  And when I do I do it on bleacherreport.com or helium.com.  At least I know someone is reading stuff there.  My readers here, geez I would have to all but ask for comments directly and maybe, just maybe someone would hit me up with some feedback.

My point is:  Should I do this anymore? Has Xpinionated seen it's run?!?!

Woman bites lover's penis off in car crash | Metro.co.uk

Woman bites lover's penis off in car crash | Metro.co.uk
That has to be some very major karma at play. 

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Prescription Follies

So I go to the pharmacy to renew my Advair prescription for long-term control of my asthma.  The pharmacist informs me I have no refills left.  They will need to contact the doctor to authorize some refills.  If you're like me, then you don't refill most things until you're out of them.  Ink jet cartridges, gas, milk, prescription medicines.  These are all things that do not make the list of 'Stock up on for a rainy day'.  Needless to say, I'm out of Advair (even as I write this, out of breath, wheezing, and generally unwell ;) and it's the middle of pollen season which in Georgia is basically an all out attack on the breathing impaired by so-called sweet Mother Nature.

My doctor's office informs my pharmacy that I will need to come in for an appointment in order to get a refill.  This is where I get overly confused.  If Advair were intended to, say, cure my asthma then I would understand the need for multiple doctor's office visits for a checkup.  But it is not.  It is intended to help control the condition, a condition which hath no cure by the way.  So pray tell me, why must I go to the doctor's office to pick up a long term medication (and by long term, I mean forever) intended to only mediate the symptoms for a disease I have had for at least 28 years of my life and for which disease there is no cure?

So I called my doctor's office and informed them that I needed to get my 'scripts refilled.  Sweet-voiced Mandy says that it has been quite a while since the original 'script was given out and the doctor would like to see me.  To which I reply, 'I can assure you I still have asthma.'  After all, I have a reckless and fearless two year old toddler and a nine week old baby who would love nothing more than to display their combined efforts at driving any reasonable adult crazy with love for their cuteness and despair for their toddlernoisiness.  To no avail go my pleas so I schedule an appointment for later today.  As I write this, I can only hope that my kids do their best to drive that entire staff crazy in protest to the healthcare industry practice of forcing office visits to renew prescriptions for incurable diseases.

A Day at the Department of Labor

I woke up this morning with every intent of raising hell.  After all, this was going to be my third trip to the unemployment office for the same issue.  I'm not gonna wait in your damn lines.  It will not be another three hour sojourn of staring at closed doors hoping the next time someone appears it will be my name beckoned.  Nope, not for this cat, not this time.

'Fill out your SSN and name and bring this back to me.'

Ok, so I punked out as I often do when psyching myself up to be rude and confrontational.  Plus, she was too darn nice especially compared to the first time I dealt with this particular steward of the office of the "No Longer Bountiful".  It's probably a sad sign when you recognize the department of labor staff.

There's the 1960's black elderly lady.  Never smiles.  Rarely uses a voice that can be heard halfway across the room, let alone halfway across a room full of cell convos, children, and 100 unhappy jobless folks.

There's the single, happy to help lady.  She's the one I imagine leads all attempts to round the troops up for happy hour and war stories.  Sh has also had the same outfit on for three of my four visits.

There's the huge hispanic (or maybe samoan) guy that walks around the computer termnals being used by first time filers.  Seriously, this is his job!  Of the four visits I've made encompassing nearly eight hours (and counting), this guy has provided assistance to, like, 10 people.  Really?  Really? I'm sure he has helped more that I haven't seen but as a graduate of the process for which he provides assistance, there just aren't a lot of places where one can go wrong.

But I digress.  I fill my form and throw my previous visits out there.

'Well you picked a good day, we're slow.'

Yippee!  I picked a good day to do what I had already been here twice to do.

For what it's worth, my wait is 15 minutes before happy hour girl cries my name, incorrectly.  She appears truly alarmed at my lack of received funds.  My spirits rise as I sense that maybe something will get done this time.  My first visit for no benefits received, I waited three hours, and at 4:30 pm 1960's black lady uttered my name.  I went back and after five minutes of her disappearing to make copies, she tells me the folks that would review my claim leave at 4:30 pm.  Bitches!!  My second visit was the asian guy with a minimal grasp of English, which is fine.  Considering that this is Gwinnett County, there are more ethnicities in a single square mile than bare boobs at Mardi Gras.  He is flabbergasted at what has become eight or nine weeks of unemployment insurance futility.  But my hope wanes as seems stuck on my former employer's official name.  Fast forward to today, the happy hour lady is going to help me.  She even has a new outfit on which has to be a good omen.

'Someone will call your name,' she says after thoughtfully telling me stuff about my claim that I already knew.  Oh Happy hour lady, et tu Happy hour lady?  Et tu?!

<SIDEBAR> Is there anything sadder than the cat trying to be hot at the unemployment office.  Sunglasses de Super Trooper don't make you look any more employed.  Silly perhaps, employed no.  Two places you don't need to try to pick up a mate, the unemployment office and the free clinic....

Finally, about 45 minutes later, the Asian man butchers my name to the point where he resorts to just spelling it.  I walk over to him, ready to go back into his cube and discuss in length my situation.

'You'll get your money tomorrow or Tuesday,' he says quickly.  Not sure why I wouldn't get it on Monday as opposed to Tuesday.

'Are you sure?' I say because well, this is the third time I've been to the place for this.

'Yes, we approved this morning.'  Uh, so why didn't they approve the first two times I strolled through..ah forget it.

UPDATE -- Money is coming in but is 53 bucks short every week.....Damn iT!

The 2009 Job Search

There was a time when if you lost your job, your next step was to go and apply for new jobs.  This is still logical to me.  However, every career resource, counselor, career coach, and 'they' in general now tell you to not spend your day applying for jobs on the internet.  Instead, they say network.

Get out and meet people. Go have coffee or lunch.  Here's the problem with that approach.  First, the networking approach is great if you're the kind of person that loves chitchat, loves to sit and talk, loves to make conversation.  But what if you're not that kind of person.  What if you have conversations with people because you have something very specific to say.  I love my family and friends dearly.  But they will probably tell you I am one of the least likely people they expect to get a just-to-say-hello phone call from.  Those same friends will tell you I'm just as amiable, friendly, and non-introverted as can be in a casual atmosphere.  I'm not comfortable talking to people if I know in the back of my mind I want something from them.

Two, getting out and meeting people costs money.  And well, I'm unemployed.  Going out for coffee and lunch to network isn't something I can readily justify.  Further, I hate the feeling that some of my employed friends feel the need to pay for things if I do meet them out.  I understand that's probably an ego thing that I should quickly get over but it's part of me.  I've spent a good part of my adult life asking for help from no one other than my parents and that I have kept to a very strict minimum, intentionally.  I pride myself on truly being grown and even the task of networking seems a little bit like asking for a hand.   I know it's illogical....

Third, most of the people that I have had the fortune to network with have, well, been unemployed themselves.  And I understand the networking mantra is that every connection counts but unemployed people getting together with other unemployed people is kind of like alcoholics gathering without a moderator.

Part of this post is frustration.  I'm tired of looking for a job.  I'm tired of trying to network.  I'm tired of feeling pretty useless.  Friends and family, do not worry.  This is a vent.  Though I do feel useless, I know I'm not useless and I know my place in this world not only for me but for my family and friends.  Still, a large part of my self esteem was, unbeknownst to me, tied to my being a head of household, to pulling my weight.

Kid 2 vs Kid 1

Kid number two is a beautiful little girl with gastrointenstinal issues.  Maybe Devin had the same 'unable to go but spend every waking moment pushing' syndrome too but I surely don't remember it.

Natalia has much more weight on her, real baby fat.  Devin had bones.  Bones and skin.  Of course Devin was an early arrival who had a lot of turbulence  on the trip so not really comparing apples to oranges here.

She's sleeping three to four hours a stretch so we can only hope that starts to increase.   The first week out of the hospital, after being a model patient, she cried for so long and so hard that we actually called the emergency nurse help line.  As we waited for their call back, Natalia decided to calm down and go to sleep.  Kind of like when you have a car problem and it never happens at the mechanic.

The little princess looks just like her brother, so much so that it's uncanny.

Lakers - The Greatest NBA Franchise!

It happens anywhere NBA fans congregate.  My team is better than your team.  Eventually, the discourse evolves into the past successes of the teams involved.  However, when the discussion involves to the greatest franchise the NBA has seen, there are only two teams that can be considered:  The Los Angeles Lakers and The Boston Celtics.

So how do we define the greatest franchise in NBA history?  Titles?  Playoff appearances?  Rivalries?  Overall win/loss records?  There are no standards for this sort of thing.  No guidelines that indicate what should and should not be considered in the discussion of the greatest of all time.  I think it would be best if all were considered.  Disclaimer:  I am an avid Lakers fan.

Most NBA fans are aware that the Celtics hold 17 NBA titles while the Lakers organization sits at 14 titles.  At first glance, the edge here would go to the Celtics with three more championship rings.  However, if you take a closer look, the bulk of their championships came in one fantastic time period with 8 in row in the sixties.  There is one crucial point that is often overlooked.  Winning the initial NBA Finals championship -- which was also their third straight title counting the two previous years in the NBL and BAA -- began a run in which the Lakers would win five of the first six NBA championships.  The Lakers franchise dynasty actually began before the Celtics dynasty emerged, contrary to popular (and reported) belief.

Including this season, the Lakers and Celtics have been staples in the postseason. The Celtics have made the playoffs 46 times in 63 seasons, an amazing 73% postseason appearance rate. They have been division champions 26 times, won 20 of the 31 Conference Finals they’ve appeared in, and currently rock a 17 – 3 finals record.

In comparison, the Lakers have made the playoffs in 56 of their 60 seasons, a 93% clip! The Lakers history (including the Minneapolis years) includes 28 division championships, 29 of 37 Conference Finals won, and a underwhelming 14-15 Finals record.

So with all these numbers crunched, it looks like we may still be knee deep in indecision. I think the final leverage comes in the definition of the word dynasty. As defined by dictionary.com: dynasty – a family or group that maintains power for several generations. The Celts have maintained power at several different stages in their NBA history. The Lakers have maintained power at all stages in their NBA history. Every twenty years or so, the Celtics seem to have a re-emergence – the 60’s, 80’s, and possibly the 2000’s. However, the Los Angeles Lakers were winning titles in the 40’s, 50’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 2000’s. Granted the Celts did win titles in ’74 and ’76 but they were hardly considered the dominant team of the decade. In fact, the only decade for which they can claim dominance is the 60’s. On the other hand, the Lakers can claim the 50’s, 80’s, and arguably the 2000’s as ‘their decade’.

With two teams so close in every way, it is definitely an argument that can go either way. In this author’s eyes, the Lakers are the greatest franchise in NBA history.

School Warns Parents Dead Daughter Can't Go to Prom

School Warns Parents Dead Daughter Can't Go to Prom
How disturbing it would be to receive a letter from your deceased daughter's school saying her lack of attendance is going to prevent her from going to prom!

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Robbery

"UNC, we the referees of the ACC have decided that in lieu of playing games, we will hand you the ACC Tournament title. With our favorite player, Tyler "Will be shit in the NBA" Hansborough, on the floor any and every call will be given to the baby blue."

Absolutely disgusting. There is no reason UNC should have won that game. VT outplayed, despite Raycom broadcasting's horrible (and noticeably biased) commentary, UNC from beginning to end. It's hard to beat the number 1 seed and the refs. How can one team have only had three fouls called against them with less than a minute left in the second half -- a team that has been playing from behind which usually results in a team being a bit aggressive? How can a VT lose by only three with ten less free throw attempts? Because VT outplayed UNC. Imagine what may have been had the game been called evenly? Tyler Hansborough shot one less free throw than the entire Hokies team.
As of 2:30 pm March 13, 2009, the officials for this game have been deleted from the box scores on Foxsports.com, sportsline.com, and espn.com. I wanted to look up some stats on their officiating tendencies but their names are simply not available. Odd.

After 15 minutes of searching, I found the trio responsible for this travesty of officiating:

Karl Hess, who has officiated 10 UNC games this year (the most for any team he's officiated this season)

Ray Natili, who has a more even keeled officiating resume across ACC teams.

Brian Dorsey, who also has an even keeled officiating resume across the ACC.

Interestingly enough, all three officials have worked more UNC games than VT games. Referee info provided by statsheet.com

Sign of the Times

Dr Sister Xpinionated In law works at a hospital in Newark, New Joisey. Talking of guns at lunch, she mentioned that the hospital has seen an influx of pistol whippings because no one can afford bullets. That is heeeeelarious.

Great Quotes from Daytime TV

Daughters: We never go on vacation
Mom: Uh, 6 months off.
Daughters: Rehab doesn't count, mom!

Shaq vs Stan Van Gundy

All-timer from an old-timer - CBSSports.com
Ok.  I've tried and tried again.  I've held on to the grudge for nearly five years.  Shaquille O'Neal left my beloved Lakers in a horrible fashion.   His jerseys were thrown into a corner in my closet awaiting my first bonfire.  No one in my household was allowed to call him Shaq for nicknames are reserved for friends and family and he was no longer either.  His commercials caused an abrupt channel change on my remote.   Nothing Shaquille O'Neal related was tolerated in the Xpinionated household. 

Alas, Shaq has worn me down.  No worries, I'm still a Lakers fan and will still call him all sorts of vulgarities should he attack the purple and gold family.  But as it stands, his last tirade against Stan Van Gundy, of all people, has won me over for now. 

I think it started with his formal apology to Kobe indirectly.  This occurred a while back when he finally acknowledged publicly that Kobe had nothing to do with the O'Neal trade admitting it was an executive decision.  Oddly enough, the media whose sources regarding Kobe's involvement in the O'Neal trade were never verified or substantiated have finally stopped including Kobe as a sidenote to O'Neals trade. 

Next was Shaq's slowing down of the Suns offense.   I was pleased to see them slow down though they have since picked it back up.  Add to that the dismantling of a their title contending team and you can see how the grudge could start losing momentum.

Then the all-star game.  The Jabberwockies.  Shaq and Kobe's playful one on one.  The maturity level showed by both. 

Lastly, I read about the war of words between O'Neal and Van Gundy.  This is just funny stuff.  Van Gundy sends a three sentence appetizer to Shaq.  Retorting Shaq gobbles the coach, his brother, his star player, Patrick Ewing, and generally anything loosely associated with Stan Van Gundy in a 537 word (minus the expletives) monologue that rivals anything the WWE/WWF has ever produced.

For all my grudges, loyalties, and misgivings I have to admit the guy is classic.  In his words:  "It's what I do.  I've been doing this since 1992.  If you don't believe it, Google me."

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The Bachelor - The He's Just Not That Into You Finale

Finally, The Bachelor gets good! After years of pseudo happy endings, we finally get the Jerry Springer finale we all longed for deep down.

The Bachelor: Hey, you know when I said forever and love....?
The Winner: Yes, twas the greatest day of my life
The Bachelor: Yeah, uh, my bad. I meant to say that to your home girl not you.
The Winner: I thought everything was perfect. You bastard.
The Bachelor: I can't stop thinking about shorty.
The Winner: Don't call me, don't text me.

And then Jason cries. Again. For the umpteenth time. There's no man crying on national TV. Yeah yeah...trying to get that sympathy pitch from the female demographic but you gotta know they hate you now. You took Melissa (how hot it was that she kept referring to herself in third person) and dragged her heart through the mud...on national TV. So no sympathy for you crying wooliewag!

Jason has to be the cryingest man ever to grace the airwaves. Every highlight ends with this guy crying. He cries more than the women he's playing.

Molly says she wants to know when Jason made the decision to choose Melissa. What she really wants to know is if that last night when she was giving it up to Jason, did he already know?

Molly's initial reaction? WTF! Then after a couple of minutes, wait....does that mean I win? Did he just ask me out for coffee or drinks?

The Bachelor: I made a mistake...I wanna be your lover!
The Runner-up: So what about Melissa?
The Bachelor: Uh I screwed her over....again, my bad
The Runner-up:
The Bachelor: Let's start over . . .
The Runner-up: Motherf***** please

That last bit was my interpretation but I'll wait and get her answer.......BOOOO.....she's giving him another chance. She basically rented him out to another chick for three months and now she's getting Molly's hand me downs (or tag backs or something). Oddly enough, Jason still hasn't answered the question of why he chose Molly over Melissa.

Wouldn't say we're floored? Entertained, perhaps. But floored? No. Chris Brown putting a beat down on Rihanna -- floored. Bachelor flip-flopping -- not so much floored. Historic? This host is full of 'em. There's nothing historic about a guy dating 30 women for three months and be looked at as a moral compass.......The annals of history are going to ignore this........

60+ degrees all week and now there's sleet...Mother Nature is on meth!

It's official. I hate HGTV....17 shows that are all the exact same EXCEPT they have different names. Hidden Potential. My House is Worth What? Blah Blah blah

Overheard on one of Devin's shows, "We wanted to be careful but we forgot to remember". Ah, if only adults could use excuses like we forgot to remember.....

I'm starting to have discussions and arguments with Dora the Explorer and the hyper monkey Boots. My sanity slips slowly but surely, week after week. I've actually considered sending a strongly worded email to the creators/writers of Franklin....I shouldn't care this much

I'm wishing on a star......kinda in a weird way...just rambling really...i can do that cuz there's nobody reading this....I wish there was...don't get me wrong...it looks like my biggest mistake was moving from blogger to my own hosted site.....my biggy pants was I?!?!

Joys of Fatherhood

For the past 4 minutes, lil man has been zipping and unzipping his dvd carrying bag thingy. He zips, gets to the end and goes, 'Heh, heh'. Then he zips it back and goes, 'Heh, heh'. That, my friends, is how easy a two year old can become preoccupied with the little wonders of the world.

Spending so much time with lately has been a joy, and a frustration, but mostly a joy. I understand him better. I think he listens (and obeys) me a little bit better. He definitely has become attached to me which could pose a problem once I acquire some gainful employment. It's amazing to me how he seems to treat me and Mrs. Xpinionated differently. He tends to be very needy with her. With me, he could go an hour without noticing me in the room, just playing or watching Dora or reading his books. Maybe it's because he's used to seeing so much of me now?

Oddly enough, it hasn't really hit me yet that I will be a father of two in a week's time. Natalia Elizabeth is scheduled to arrive around 11:30 am next Wednesday. I know Mrs. Xpinionated thinks that I'm not as into this pregnancy as I was with Devin. I admit that I haven't been as awed but I think that's to be expected. I also know that I tend to not get excited about things until the last minute. I'm sure next Wednesday will be just as awe inspiring the second time as it was the first time around.

One of the lessons I've learned in daddy daycare is that you don't give the kid his favorite food first at lunch.  In fact, when he's most hungry, you catch him with the food he likes least.  He's hungry enough to give in and eat it.  As he gets through it, then you start showing him the goods.  It's a win win.  The kid eats and I don't end up arguing with a two year old, which is worse than arguing with a woman -- just because of the lack of a two year old's vocabulary.  The two year old is still going to be more logical in most cases.  I should shut up now....

H-O-R-S-E cents: NBA sells slice of Americana to glue factory - CBSSports.com News, Fantasy, Video

Because H-O-R-S-E is like apple pie and virginity: innocent and fresh (not even sure what that meant, but you get the point).

H-O-R-S-E cents: NBA sells slice of Americana to glue factory - CBSSports.com News, Fantasy, Video

Heeelarious. 

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Layoff Lessons #3

Week 6 begins and still no solid leads of any kind. It's starting to get the best of me. I'm moody, short tempered, up and down and quick to be down.

I just feel like I'm starting to be identified as unemployed. Whenever we go to a friend's house, my job status comes up...something that never happened when I had a job. Folks are always asking how the job hunt is going. I understand that they are concerned and mean no harm. But I take being unemployed personally. I feel like a letdown, like I'm useless.

And I know the time I have gotten to spend with lil man is priceless. But, right now, the only time I truly feel like ol' Xpinionated is when I'm in the gym. No one there knows I've been laid off. Hell, last night when I caught the end of the Lamar Odom coming out party against Cleveland, people were asking me how I was after not seeing me for quite awhile. Just to maintain my senses, to hold on to the old Xpinionated for a little while, I lied. I said everything was fine. I didn't want to network. I didn't want the name of a friend of a friend. I didn't want to tell people what I do. I just wanted to watch my game in my old watering hole.

It sounds selfish maybe, I don't know. Maybe this is just a down time although this downer has lasted a good part of three days now.

Oh well, luckily I'm not the type to act rashly....I'll just figure it out I reckon.

Visa latest sponsor to support Phelps after apology for pot shot - World Sports Report - CBSSports.com

Visa latest sponsor to support Phelps after apology for pot shot - World Sports Report - CBSSports.com

So in 2004, Phelps' DUI gets swept under the rug for all intents and purposes.  Then, smart guy that he is, Mr. Untouchable decides to smoke weed on camera -- something most potheads wouldn't even do. 

What happens?  Visa says "He said sorry...geesh, whaddya want from the guy...some accountability or something?"  I wonder if a black athlete would be let off the hook so easy...DUI, weed smoking, and still National hero?!?

Yeah, I brought the race card into it.....sorry, but that's the only thing right now that I can see that is keeping this guy on his pedestal....

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Obama to set executive pay limits - Yahoo! News

Obama to set executive pay limits - Yahoo! News

This is something that I believe is long overdue.  Especially in the position that I'm in now with no job, it is disgusting to hear about CEO's getting huge bonuses while my tax dollars saved their job.  Something about having your job saved and receiving a bonus at the same time don't sit well with your boy. 

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Not just a football school?

Virginia Tech, known primarily for it's football team, is now making some noise as a basketball school. Granted, with two straight losses in conference play, I may be a bit premature. However, the Hokies have seven losses this year but a total of 38 points. That averages out to just under 5.5 point differential per game. It gets better. Exclude the 25 point pasting Duke put on the Hokies and you have six losses by a total of 13 points; just over 2 point differential per game. In reality, that's six losses that basically came down to a missed free throw here and there or an offensive put back given up.

This is to say that I've been watching the Hokies roundball crew from a distance the few years. This year, I've been paying more attention. We're a young team doing some nice things in one of the tougher bball conferences. Keep an eye on these youngsters!

Oh and the Hokies wrestling team is 17 - 1 and in the top 15 in the country!

Layoff Lessons #2

There is something else that being unemployed has taught me. I have a great family. My wife is doing her best not to lose her mind and has been acting as my personal hype man. If you're a patient at her dental office, she will be collecting your email and company information. Thanks love.

My son, though a handful, is great. I've literally spent a month with him every single day. No eight hour break for work. Just me and him during the day and he definitely makes me smile more often than he makes me scream. It's almost like he knows that I am busy and he goes and plays by himself. Don't get me wrong, looking for a job while caring for him has proven to be pretty difficult at times but we're managing. And I feel like I know him better than I ever have. Mrs. Xpinionated still understand his baby talk a little bit better than I do but he seems to be listening (and obeying) me a little bit more.

He's a great kid!

Persecution Complex

I'm starting to wonder if I have persecution complex, am I being too sensitive, or what? But I always feel like I end up being the asshole no matter what the situation. I get asked to do something, I agree to do it, but I apparently don't do it fast enough so I'm the asshole. That's pretty much the story most of the time.

I don't know if the job loss is making me more sensitive, depressed, or what. I know I am an emotional rollercoaster with the highs usually just a front to maintain some semblance of myself. I can't say what's going on in my head so I try to turn it off by focusing on the next hour and the next hour only. I wait for the fog of feeling useless evaporates before I ponder the future. Luckily my personality is such that my fogs disappear just as quickly as they set in. But starting this fourth week of unemployment I have definitely noticed how quickly I'm annoyed, offended, and generally ticked off.

Got to be better.....

Layoff Lessons: #1

Anything more than a two week vacation is unnecessary.

All those years I wanted to take a long vacation but I didn't realize the monotony of it. Maybe it's because I don't have a job to go back to that is making me a bit negative about it.

Understanding Female Psyche

Again I'm made to feel like I'm wrong for not asking my wife if she wanted to go to the game next Friday night. Maybe I should back up.

The owner of one of my old watering holes gave me four tickets to an Atlanta Hawks game on the 23rd. I told my wife about it and she says something to the effect of that's nice. Later in the week, I tell her that I invited two friends to the game and again she says something to the effect of that's nice. Today, my phone goes off with a text and I tell her I sent a message to another friend about the game. To which she now replies, "Inviting everybody but your family."

?!?!??!

At no point, has she ever expressed a desire to see the Atlanta Hawks. In fact, the only pro basketball games she watches are Lakers games and that's because of my die-hardness. And now suddenly....

It changes my mood because I'm made to be the uninterested father like I've done something wrong. It happens with other things....after the fact, the situation is made out to be like I'm trying to avoid spending time with my family.

Judge Joe's Fetish

In my 'transistion time', I have been exposed to a lot of daytime tv. I have a schedule if I'm watching TV:

9am - Jerry Springer

10am - Maury

11am - Jerry

Noon - Video Games

1pm - Jerry

2pm - The Steve Wilkos Show

3pm - Judge Judy (though I hate her passionately)

3:30pm - Judge Joe Brown

4pm - Judge Judy (though I hate her incrementally more at this point of the day)

4:30pm - Divorce Court

5pm - Judge Mathis

With all that said, I've noticed something with Judge Joe Brown. Every person in the audience is female. And not a broad range of females. All relatively attractive (especially the front row) and between the ages of 25 and 40 (cuz milfs and cougars are all the rage). Judge Joe is married I'm assuming. But he's taking full advantage of his fame isn't he? The last flaunting of Judge Joe's game is at the end when the audience is leaving the courtroom. All leaving are leggy, sexy, ladies whose exact purpose is still undetermined.

Maybe I should have been a judge?

In other daytime TV nuggets, the following exchange occurred:
Steve: So why did you beat her?
Guest: Because she was immature.
Steve: How so?
Guest: Because she was immature and smoked.
Steve: You beat her because she was immature and smoked?!? She was 19, of course she was immature.

I can't make this stuff up!

The Athlete Story You Don't Hear

Myron Rolle, Florida State University grad and NFL prospect, has decided to pursue his master's degree at Oxford putting his football career on hold for one year. Using his Rhodes scholarship, the graduate student is forgoing millions of dollars that would be available in just a few months for the chance to enhance himself and his community after his playing days are over. This is a great story on so many levels. The fact that this young man chooses to postpone fame, glory, and money in a consumption society for his own, and presumably in the future, his community's advancement is the real stuff of which role models should be constituted.

Great Quotes from Cops

Cop: What was your license suspended for?
Suspect: Driving without a license.

Classic.

Facing Unemployment

There is a certain amount of fear and trepidation one faces when employment is uncertain. There is self doubt, questioning, and a negative vibe for me. Am I qualified for anything? Am I caught in that scary scenario of too qualified for some jobs and under qualified for the jobs I want? Is this the time to look into career changes and if so is it possible to maintain income level while moving to something in which I'm unproven?

I don't know.

Elmo Rips the Mic - No Jive

It's great when Devin sings the chorus...a two year old yelling 'No Jive' is priceless!

BCS Success

With a 20 - 7 victory over the Cincinnatti Bearcats, the Virginia Tech Hokies ended their bowl futility of recent years winning the Orange Bowl.  The win caps a roller coaster season which saw the Hokies finish with their fifth consecutive 10 win season.  Congrats to this young team.  Next year looks increasingly promising as 18 of 22 starters return to a team that started this season with only 60% of the squad having had played a college game ever in their life!

GO HOKIES...GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE!