Xpinionated

Xpinionated has moved

2007-06-20T13:53:00.000-04:00

As mentioned earlier this week....okay on Monday, since this is just Tuesday, new posts will now appear at http://xavieredavis.com/Xpinionated. I have also combined the newly created Frivolous Lawsuits xpinionated blog into the new Xpinionated blog....please follow me now....;)

And check out xavieredavis.com as time marches on as well.....plans to have it chock full of digital goodness beyond just blogging! That's the plan anyway

Preliminary Move has begun

2006-06-19T15:39:00.000-04:00

The Xpinionated posts have been imported into xavieredavis.com. The template is still generic but new posts will now appear here.

Dave Chappelle

2006-06-19T11:47:00.000-04:00

Tonite, the wifey and I are headed out on the town. Okay, not really out on the town. But we are going to see Dave Chappelle perform down at the Tabernacle. I accidentally got tickets for the 10:30 show when I meant to get them for the 7:30 show but whatever's clever. I'm trying to decide if I should get a bit of a buzz before hand or not....probably not since it is a monday night and all.....

Xpinionated Moving!!

2006-06-18T23:06:00.000-04:00

In the very near future, Xpinionated will be leaving it's current address to its new home at xavieredavis.com!

For a while now, I have wanted to move out of the 'fake website' and on to the truly hosted environment. All of the xpinionated cycle blogs will be moving in time, however, xpinionated (which is the most popular of the blogs, only slightly ahead of laker purple and gold) will be the first to move.

In addition, I will be leaving blogger more than likely in favor of Wordpress. Moreso, because I'm paying for it as part of my hosting services.....

Libation Lovers Rejoice!!

2006-06-13T13:10:00.000-04:00

A new study says that coffee puts in mad work against cirrhosis of the liver!!!

Researchers report that drinking coffee cuts the risk of cirrhosis of the liver from alcohol -- by 22 percent per cup each day -- but they stopped short of saying doctors should prescribe coffee for that reason

So let me get this straight, I drink five cups of coffee a day and I can binge drink that same night?!?!! Finally, medicine produces some good news...!!!

Beauty

2006-06-12T09:08:00.000-04:00

Is this not a beautiful picture?

Antonio Tarver got his ass handed to him Saturday night and for the first time in a long time, a boxing match ended the way I wanted it to end. Yeah, that's selfish of me but whatever. I passionately dislike Tarver. I've always disliked him. From the first time I heard an interview from this cat, I've disliked him. After getting twelve rounds of leather hor'deurves (sp?), he had the arrogance to say, "Everbody knows my history, I'm undefeated in rematches."

Really? Instead of just sucking it up and actually acting like a 37 year old man should act, that's your response? You and your busted eyes are gay.....

For ATL Bachelors!!

2006-06-11T22:58:00.000-04:00

So while doing a convenient search in the new google search on that sidebar of mine on the right, I found a website called nflcheerleaders.blogspot.com. This website features interesting articles about the outside of the game activities of professional cheerleaders. It's pretty well written and covers several teams, including teams outside of the NFL. Okay, okay, it has pictures of cheeleaders too!!

Anyway, if I were a bachelor, I would have to organize a field trip to the Hilton Atlanta Airport the weekend of June 24-25. Yeah, I live in Metro Atlanta but it would be easier just to plan a trip to the southside that weekend instead of making the drive back and forth. Why would I be so eager to be at a hotel, you ask? Well it's the Professional Routines On Demand Conference. Simply put, professional cheerleaders hunkering down in a single place. The conference is from 9 - 5 so that means cheerleaders will be hanging around the Atlanta area, more than likey the south side given that's where the conference is.....a single man's dream!!!

In a bad way

2006-06-08T08:43:00.000-04:00

I'm pretty bored. Bored in general. I think the boredom starts around 20 minutes after I get to work and lasts until I go to sleep some days.

Penis University

2006-06-07T20:43:00.000-04:00

I couldn't make this up. It's not a university but it is a museum of phallology. Yes, a penis museum. In Iceland of all places. 'The water was cold...it's normally bigger than that!!!'

HUSAVIK, Iceland - Most animals don't have to worry about erectile dysfunction. Seals, walruses, mice, bats, monkeys, chimpanzees and polar bears have a penis supported by a bone. Bulls and goats gain stiffness from fibrous tissues.

That there's more than one way to get an erection was one of several take-home messages for visitors at Iceland's Institute of Phallology - the only known penis museum in the world.

More Bushit

2006-06-07T10:37:00.000-04:00

"You never know what your history is going to be like until long after you're gone." —George W. Bush, Washington, D.C., May 5, 2006

Shoot!

2006-06-06T13:55:00.000-04:00

Now my blog will be cursed cuz I birthed a blog entry on the day of the beast!!!!

Gwinnett County Soap Opera

2006-06-06T13:54:00.000-04:00

In the middle of my busy day I stumbled upon an article about the Gwinnett County LIbrary Director. Apparently, the library director's salary is $127,000 per year. Yes, library directors are making half of what the the President of the United States makes.

When I brought this up with fellow Gwinnettians, the look of shock, awe, and lastly disgust were repetitive. Followed by the question, 'What does a library director do?'

"You! Yes you. Put that book back in it's place!"
"If I have to shush you one mo' 'gain, so help me I will revoke your microfiche privileges!!!"
"DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM!! What part of Dewey don't you understand!!!!"

Now, the article wasn't about the salary raked in by JoAnn Pinder. It was about the prospect of her getting fired. Fired not because of performance after apparently 15 years of providing literary ecstasy to millions. Nope, fired because Phyllis Oxendine, a board member, has haterade pulsing through her veins. Phyllis, ya see, she don't like JoAnn and we think it's 'cause of some mess years ago when Phyllis toiled in the library system. So now that Phyllis is a big wig, relatively speaking, she has recruited two other members to her side to oust not only JoAnn but many others as well, probably for being associated with JoAnn. It's kind of like a bookworm driveby. Phyllis is shooting for JoAnn but she'll take anyone close to her as well.

Now as a member of the soon to be outsourced, I must say that I sympathize with JoAnn. No one should lose a job because of personal vendettas, unless of course you work for the mafia. The sad part is that one of the three ~~hitmen~~ hitpersons on the board is a new member. She just joined last month so it's very likely that Phyllis is straight using the newbie for her personal agenda....ah the politics of it all!!!!!

New Xpinionated Blog!!!!!

2006-06-01T11:07:00.000-04:00

Just a blurb. Started yet another blog. This one will address all the frivolous lawsuits cropping up. Week after week, there's someone else trying to get rich quick...let's call them out....check out Frivolous Lawsuits here.

Domestic Vs Foreign

2006-05-30T15:11:00.000-04:00

Again, my pertubedness is peaked reading an AJC blog today. The author is an honor of an old Saturn and was looking into buying a new car. Since he, or she, has a public voice, he, or she, decided to ask the readers for their opinion.

Opinions ranged from buy used, to ride various commuter options, and finally to buy whatever just don't buy American.

As you faithful readers, all five of ya, are well aware, I am a pro-buy-American-Autos kind of fella. In fact, I tend to get rather adamant about it at times. Mrs. Xpinionated not so much so. It's a common axe to grind between us so we usually don't talk about it too much....

Anyway, here are some interesting stats for you anti-American car people....

Honda Accords, the prima donna of the anti-American crowd, is made with 70% U.S. and Canada parts. The Toyota Camry, it's bowels contain 70% American/Canadien parts. Nissan Xterra has a whopping 80% yeehaw factor. In fact, Hyundai is the most imported of the imports with none of their listed models having more than 10% American/Canadien parts. My source is right here.

This begs the question, what is so foreign about these imports? After all, most of the 'imports' that have actually crossed water to get here are the luxury and high end models. And with import manufacturing plants dotting this fair land of ours and our northern neighbors like a prostitutes rash, it's fair to say that the cars are being built by imported hands. So what exactly is foreign about these cars? Oh, the profit their parent company receives. . . . . . .

Barbaro

2006-05-25T14:07:00.000-04:00

Perhaps I don't get it. Perhaps I'm an unfeeling son of a gun. Maybe I should be more considerate of our equine friends.

Or maybe it's time we realize that this was a horse. It's disappointing that there will be no triple crown...again...this year. It's sad that such potential is lost in such a freak incident. But it was a horse! I understand there's a chance the horse could be put down if recovery does not go well. But we're getting close to a week's worth of sports headlines about a horse.

People are actually sending apple baskets, stuffed animals, and religious statues to a horse! The apples I can understand even though given the monetary advantages of the horse's owner, I'm sure hitting up the local supermarket for some fruit wasn't that much of an obstacle. But stuffed animals and religious statues, that's just overboard...and silly.

Important PEOPLE in our communities are on the verge of taking their last gasp every day and there are folks sending gifts to horses? There are people being paid to 'follow-up' on the horse story?

More Corporate BS

2006-05-25T11:27:00.000-04:00

The telecommunication companies are wanting to create a two-tiered Internet. In a nutshell, if you have a website, you can pay the greedy folks a premium and know that your website will load promptly. Otherwise, no pay off, you are sent to the 'slow lane' of the internet.

It's issues like this that make anything longlasting and great just short and sweet. For the past 15 years, the internet has been home to freedom in the truest sense. The internet was a place of virtual equality. Now, if you can't afford it, your service deteriorates. You no longer reach your consumers, fans, etc at the same speeds. What does that lead to? Possibly losing some of your fans, consumers, ie less visitors to your website. This basically makes effective internet advertising a realm for only those with deep pockets.

And what effect would something like this have on technologies such as VoIP. Does Vonage now have to raise it's cost to cover the hi-speed pipeline fee? Without knowing how this would be implemented, will it be in affect for both dial-up and broadband customers? Will this only affect sites in the continental U.S., since it will take an act of Congress to make this a legal move?

Downer Friday

2006-05-19T10:23:00.000-04:00

So I was talking to a coworker and somehow the conversation got into retirement. So I asked her jokingly, "If I say I'm retired and I'm only 38, will they give me my 401k money?" Of course, I know they won't but I want my damn money when I say I'm retired, not when the gubment says I'm retired. Anway, my coworker gets all serious on me and says by the time you retire they may move the retirement age back again which would make it 69 or 70 years old to retire. Hmmm, they say black men have an average lifespan of 69 years (I know this can be argued 'til the cows come home from the land of honey but just go with it now). So, with this knowledge, I came to the realization that Mrs. Xpinionated (who recently got a promotion, GO HER!) gets my 401k money later and my current check now.

This revelation led to another discussion with a different coworker that hipped me to some other downer news! Social security as it currently works provides the most benefits to white women since they live the longest. As such, the least benefit goes to .. . .yep black men. So this coworker breaks it down for me like this, "Black men are paying social security for white women for all intents and purposes!" To which I respond....."And then folks get mad when we chase one!!!

Killed Softly -- Boredom the new health threat.

2006-05-16T15:14:00.000-04:00

My last email of any importance came at 9:23 am. And even then, there was no action item. People are always running around at their jobs. What they wouldn't give for a free minute....but I'm here to tell you, it's not all that great. In fact, too much free time is demoralizing. I think it is spilling into my non-work life as I spend eight hours a day hoping praying wishing for an email with a task of some kind, getting no satisfaction, then going home de-energized, not tired, but not motivated....

There is an application being outsourced here whose programmers said it would take eight weeks to perform a knowledge transfer to the outsourcing folks. Thecame in, performed their analysis, and said the knowledge transfer would take 18 weeks to complete. ? ? ? If I tell you that I can teach you something in two hours and your response is you'll need six hours to learn it, do I really feel comfortable letting you take over once all is said and done? Aren't you pretty much doubting yourself??? And if you're doubting yourself this early in the process, aren't you asking your clients to have a reasonably large amount of faith in your abilities?

Do you think that it would fly if I told my next employer that I'll probably need a longer orientation to get a handle on things and I fully expect to be paid for this? So why do companies allow outsourcers to do this?

2006-05-12T22:04:00.000-04:00

Should someone tell that John Stossel fellow from 20/20 that the whole Magnum P.I. moustache has run it's course...long ago...

No more Eva

2006-05-12T09:53:00.000-04:00

Okay, I was once among the throngs of gentlemen who thought Eva Longoria was hot. Then I saw her in a People magazine with no makeup on and she looked eerily like Fran Drescher...hotness quotient declined.

Hotness quotient declined further with the whole dating Tony Parker thing. Nothing against Tony except I don't like him but that's not personal....maybe a little bit....but it's more me being a Lakers fan.

Now thanks in huge part to the coverage of the NBA playoffs, Eva is no longer hot. It's like growing up near the beach, since it's always there it's nothing special. The same thing with Eva. If you see her every other night on TV at the Spurs games, well she loses her punch. Add that to seeing her without makeup and she becomes a regular chick. Nothing special, nothing particularly hot.

See it's one thing when you show Spike Lee or Jack Nicholson at a game. They are showing emotion, they are into the game, they are animated. Eva, well, she only seems to cheer for Frenchy. A lot of the time she doesn't even seem to know what's going on, or maybe that's just what her face looks like when she's lost in thought.

In any case, she has moved down in the hot chick power rankings....<- Maybe I should do a hot chick power rankings????

On how the media works

2006-05-11T11:18:00.000-04:00

Hip Hop gets a bad rap, pun intended. In this article from the Associated Press, notice how the title is New York Hip-Hop DJ Fired Over Remarks. Then read the article. Hip hop has nothing to do with the statements made by this dj. None whatsoever. But by simply including hip hop in the article title, hip hop gets yet another ugly mark on its record, pun intended, just because of the negative actions of this DJ. It's funny, when a Rock N Roll Dj gets fired, the type of music the station formerly employing said dj doesn't get mentioned. In fact, only when it is hip hop is the music mentioned.....

Latest ArmchairGm.com post

2006-05-11T10:47:00.000-04:00

Here's the latest from the aspiring sports editor: Referees - A Fan's Worst Nightmare

2006-05-10T11:52:00.000-04:00

What in the hell??!?!?! Why would a person leave their office to have a cell phone conversation among the cubicles and then when said conversation ended, go back into their office and close the door? I'll bother you lowlifes with my phone call but I need complete isolation when I'm not able to bother you!

More Immigrant

2006-05-09T14:09:00.000-04:00

A comment I posted on an AJC article.....

I know several people that would do the jobs so many pro-illegal immigration activists have said Americans don't want to do. Two points about this: 1) It's not that there are jobs that Americans are not willing to do, it's that Americans have to be paid this thing called minimum wage...no under the table dealings....it's that Americans will not do it for as cheaply as someone who is here illegally (and as such doesn't really have anywhere to turn to should they get shafted).
2) Pro illegal immigration activists continually speak as if the illegal immigrants created these new jobs out of nowhere. These jobs were being held down and worked before illegal immigration became so prominent.

Now as a black man, I'm not gonna scream Mexican go home. But I do have a single question, why have so may illegal immigrants become so politicized here instead of protesting in their home country for better conditions?

Interracial Categories

2006-05-09T13:31:00.000-04:00

So when a white person falls in love with a black person it is called 'Jungle Fever'....or at least it used to be in the less PC 80's and 90's. I think the universal term for any and everybody hooking up is. .. .well. . . .hooking up. If a black person falls in love with a white person is it called a 'Cave Cold'?

Stupidity Televised

2006-05-09T12:15:00.000-04:00

So there are people out there who are idolizing, for lack of a better word, David Blaine. 'He's a symbol of mankind going beyond what normal people can do,' said one observer. 'He's got a creative mind like me,' came another intelligent comment.

Uh, no. The guys is an attention whore. Much like us bloggers but more of an extreme case. Where blogging as an attention whore type activity would rank as a mosquito bite, this guy is herpes. He's not creative, he's not intelligent. He basically needs it....attention is his heroin.

Sadly, attempting to drown yourself for entertainment constitutes entertainment these days.

Stupidity Televised

2006-05-09T12:14:00.000-04:00

The hardest thing

2006-05-08T14:47:00.000-04:00

The hardest thing to do is to step back and evaluate yourself. I mean truly look at yourself and figure out what it is you want, what makes you happy, what impression do you want to leave on this world. If you've never sat down and done this, it becomes a more daunting task, a task which I face now, as time speeds along.

Triggered mainly by my current work situation, I'm having second thoughts about my chosen field of work. Along with those second thoughts come the obvious questions of what else would I do? Therein lies the problem. For as long as I can remember I've always said I would work in computers when I grew up. Never really entertained thoughts of doing anything else. Now, this whole IT thing isn't exciting me. I go to work because it pays for the lifestyle that keeps me happy. The work isn't fulfilling, captivating, or at all life enriching.

Perhaps it's because it seems as if I've been doing the same thing for nearly eight years now. So maybe looking into some other area of IT is what I need to do. But I have had several affairs with other technologies but after the initial newness, my attention wanes...quickly.

Maybe I should just start with a list of keywords of things I like or like to do and see if there are any obvious patterns....

Driving Pet Peeves

2006-05-08T13:16:00.000-04:00

The top ten list as produced by Hagerty Insurance is as follows

Distracted drivers talking on cell phones

Slow drivers in the fast lane

Pushy drivers who tailgate

Drivers who weave through traffic to gain one or two car lengths

Obnoxious drivers who speed up to keep you from changing lanes

Hasty drivers who change lanes without signaling

'Road Rage'

Motorcyclists who race down the middle of a lane, between cars

Women applying makeup and men shaving

Drivers who leave their turn signal on for miles

I have to agree with all of them. I am guilty of probably one or two or four. Let's see: I may tailgate but that's only if you're a slow driver in the fast lane so I don't know if that counts.
I do weave through traffic but I usually get more than one or two cars up so I don't know if that counts. Plus that is also only when there's a slow driver in the fast lane.
I usually let folks over but not if they are a)in an unmarked van, typically that signifies slow driver, b) they are getting in the left lane but not passing anybody, and c) if it's bumper to bumper traffic and you have a vehicle I wouldn't be able to see around. So I don't know if that coutns
I do experience Road Rage episodes but of course that's due to other things on this list....so I don't know if that counts.

Illegal Immigration . . . .Again . . . .A Letter

2006-05-03T09:45:00.000-04:00

Well when you put it this way......

Dear President Bush:

I'm about to plan a little trip with my family and extended family, and I would like to ask you to assist me. I'm going to walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and I need to make a few arrangements. I know you can help with this.

I plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here.

So, would you mind telling your buddy, President Vicente Fox, that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting the following:

1. Free medical care for my entire family.

2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not.

3. All government forms need to be printed in English.

4. I want my kids to be taught by English-speaking teachers.

5. Schools need to include classes on American culture and history.

6. I want my kids to see the American flag flying on the top of the flag pole at their school with the Mexican flag flying lower down.

7. Please plan to feed my kids at school for both breakfast and lunch.

8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services.

9. I do not plan to have any car insurance, and I won't make any effort to learn local traffic laws.

10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from Pres. Fox to leave me alone, please be sure that all police officers speak English.

11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my house top, put flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals.

12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, and don't enforce any labor laws or tax laws.

13. Please tell all the people in the country to be extremely nice and never say a critical word about me, or about the strain I might place on the economy.

I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all the people who come to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that Pres. Fox won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely.

However, if he gives you any trouble, just invite him to go quail hunting with your V.P.

Thank you so much for your kind help.

Sincerely, John & Jane Q Taxpayer, anywhere, usa :<})

About Nasty.com

2006-05-02T11:33:00.000-04:00

So I was reading up freelance writing here on About.com. I came upon the following statement as they were talking about practicing your craft and repetition as a means of bettering your writing skills:

Make this a weekly habit like brushing your teeth.

That's just nasty. Brushing your teeth weekly? Guess that's why you would be a writer instead of a speaker. Perhaps it was not meant as I read it but it doesn't matter now because that's the way I read it.

Immigration Monday

2006-05-01T09:54:00.000-04:00

Odd thing this morning was. Last night, the news kept telling of us impending traffic doom due to construction and speed limit reduction. Didn't happen. In fact, traffic was absolutely beautiful this morning. Mrs Xpinionated and I couldn't figure out just what was going on...then it hit. Hispanics were playing hookie today to protest and boycott. So now we have figured out that Atlanta's horrible traffic is caused by teachers, parents, and Hispanics. Because if you take just one of those out...the commute drastically reduces!!

Something else odd I thought of today. Instead of so much protesting in this country to make your lawbreaking legal, why not take that energy and effort back to your home country and protest for better living conditions so you don't have to come to this country illegally?

Lastly, why do Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Do we think Mexico is celebrating July 4th?

Disclaimer: I hope this post doesn't come off as racist or prejudice. That is the last thing I would want. Just for the record....I don't like anybody.....

Our Anthem

2006-04-28T14:41:00.000-04:00

As probably one of the most talked about events for Friday, April 28, 2006, I would like to add Xpinionated's two cents concerning a spanish version of the Star Spangled Banner, the U.S. National Anthem.

First and foremost, I want to say that I immediately had a mental backlash when I saw the poll on cnn. I assumed that this was being done by a hispanic person living in the U.S. However, from the article I read on ajc.com, the song was actually produced by this British dude....to honor America's immigrants. Since when do foreign folks rewrite domestic songs? Does that even make sense?

Secondly, this fiasco has forced to me to publicly (as public as a little read blog can be anyway) admit to agreeing with George Bush. He said something that many Americans feel and is somewhat hard to argue against. He said he's against our national anthem being sung in Spanish. He feels that anyone living here should sing the song in English. Furthermore, he feels anyone living here should learn English. I agree. I'm not saying immigrants need to abandon their culture or language. I'm simply saying that trying to form your own country within a country is . . .well . . it's rude!

Lastly, how often does an illegal immigrant sing the national anthem? Often enough for them to have a spanish version? Hell, Americans don't even sing all that often outside of sporting events. And even then half of the time it's mumbled along with the famous person singing it over the PA. This whole thing almost irks me more than the make illegals legal thing.

Speaking of that, my stand on the illegals thing is that I'm pretty sure I support some kind of immigration reform that allows for immigrants to obtain entry into this country at a quicker pace. The time it takes to get into the U.S. is often an excuse I hear for why so many choose to enter illegally. I'm also in support of providing tax money footed services to TAXPAYERS. If you're not paying taxes because technically, you're not even supposed to be in the country, then no services for you. I understand that some of our tax money will go to help people that aren't paying taxes, but as long as they are U.S. citizens, I can handle that. I'm not in support of some big wall. That's just kinda stupid. This ain't China....As far as the economic boycott planned for Monday, I just want to understand. You're going to skip work to emphasize how hard working you are?

I personally have decided to not celebrate Cinco De Mayo. Don't get me wrong, I'm probably gonna get a bit toasty. But it will toasty powered by good ol' budweiser, or red stripe, or Stella Artois, or Long Island Ice Tea, or Rum and coke, or Paul Masson Brandy, or Killians Irish Red, or. . . . . but definitely not by Margarita, Tequila, Corona, Don Pablo. .. . . And definitely no Nachos, or quesadillas

Completely off

2006-04-24T16:16:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had a completely off day? Wake up late, traffic on the commute, nose full of phegmatic material that apparently has an undying source, scratchy, itchy dry eyes, unrelenting weariness...and utter boredom comprise my off day.

So I finally caught up a little bit and got a mp3 player. Now the hard part of determing which songs are truly my favorite. IN my enthusiasm I just threw entire albums on it but now I'll have to go back and clean that up a bit so only favorites are playing at any given time.

I really don't have much to say right now.

Damn Video Games

2006-04-21T09:55:00.000-04:00

Eight-year old steals teacher's minivan, drives home safely

That's what sibling-blog BloggingBaby asked after posting about an eight-year boy who stole, then drove, his teacher's Dodge Caravan back to his home. According to the Modesto police who eventually 'lectured' the tiny van-jacker, the boy, who is not named, finagled the teacher's keys from her purse and adjusted the van's steering wheel and seats to accommodate his less than four-foot height for the impromptu joyride. The police are even unsure what route he took in his drive. There was no visual damage to the minivan nor missing items.

The boy is currently suspended from school and is probably home right now playing Grand Theft Auto.

Ever Noticed

2006-04-20T10:30:00.000-04:00

Widow, 84, Wins Record $10M Slot Jackpot

Have you ever noticed how many elderly folks win lottos and jackpots? Is that a rule?

Correction and Apology

2006-04-07T10:21:00.000-04:00

I would like to extend an apology to Dijana Ahmetovic. I mistakenly attributed the immigration opinion from ajc.com to this person. I sincerely apologize for this and for any inconvenience it may have caused you. The post has been corrected.

My vote has been cast

2006-04-05T14:13:00.000-04:00

In 2008, I will be voting for 'They'. Yes, I know it's a bit premature to have made a decision without knowing their principles or agendas. But for as long as I can remember, 'They' have known what's best. 'They' are the next party to join the political fray, perhaps under the Third Party ticket. That's what 'They' are saying right now.

'They' say nothing can be worse than Bush's regime has been. 'They' have the answer, advice, and good ol' confidences of most everyone. I mean, how many times have you heard someone say 'They say that's good for you.' Or even going over the heads of those in the medical profession, 'The doctor says I should lose weight but they say eating cheerios lowers cholesterol.'

In fact, if 'They' say it, it becomes truth almost regardless of the hard circumstances. Seriously, the experience 'They' have is just that powerful!!! Politics? 'They' say 'they' don't have weapons of mass destruction, said Bush. Lo and behold, 'They' didn't!!! Social Settings? 'They' say peeling the label off a beer bottle is a sign of sexual frustration. Ding Ding Ding, correctamundo. If you're busy peeling labels, chances are you're not chasing the opposite sex (or same sex if that's your thing cowboy/girl). Therefore, you are sexually frustrated. Honestly, is there anything 'They' don't know?!?!?!

So, join me, and vote 'THEY' in 2008!!

The Head Tingler

2006-04-05T13:54:00.000-04:00

Eating pineapple chunks makes my head tingle. I haven't decided if it's tingling in a good way but it's not bad enough to make me stop eating the pineapple.

My job will officially be stolen August 31 by outsourcing. Maybe it's for the best, a career change perhaps? Do strippers get outsourced???

Magdeline has new shoes. You may remember me mentioning the final participants for Magdeline's Smell my feet contest (a contest I just made up 4 months after it began). Well, the initial winner was the wheel in the bottom right corner. Then, I came across the eventual champion, the Forte F15 Miami. They arrived almost two weeks ago and were installed this past Friday. Needless to say, Magdeline is lookin' as good as a pork barbecue sandwich the day after giving up Islam. . . (just an analogy people, not an opinion on Islam. In fact, the words, ideas, and contents of this post are not necessarily opinions of the author...unless otherwise stated as an opinion of the author, or understood as an opinion of the author).

See the winner! And see a bigger version here.

Immigration Op-ed

2006-04-03T14:05:00.000-04:00

Students sound off about illegal immigration | ajc.com

This is an immmigrant country

I was not in support of (Ga.) Senate Bill 529 because my family is an immigrant family to this wonderful land. Fortunately my family is legal, but there are many unfortunate ones out there.

We came to this land for one reason - to find freedom and find our dream. Dreams to live in a house, drive a nice car and for children to be in school learning. Now, after the legislation was passed, those dream have been crushed into pieces.

This is called an immigrant country; there's no right to drive them back to their homeland country.

Imagine ourselves back when Europeans migrated to the New World. They were illegal. Did the Native Americans propose a law to drive them out? No. They opened their hands and welcomed then. But afterward, the immigrants repaid them by taking over their land.

I think if the Native Americans didn't say anything when the first illegal immigrants came, then today's illegal immigrants should be fine. They play a big role in our economic society.

Do you think this person who appears to be pro illegal immigration realizes how much they played into anti- illegal immigration arguments with the line But afterward, the immigrants repaid them by taking over their land.?

Life Change

2006-03-28T20:35:00.000-05:00

My job is in jeopardy, thanks to good ol' offshore outsourcing. I wonder what corporate America is going to do when the Americans they keep laying off can't afford the products and services they keep shipping to India and Mexico to be produced?

In any case, I'm considering a career change. The problem is that I've done the same thing for my entire career, so I don't know what I'd want to do. The IT industry is too shaky for my taste with no faith in American workers, and the requirement to stay current when the next thing is never really known. I've never even really thought about what else I'd like to do.

I did a career evaluation test thingy. I scored higher than 95% of test takers in having an affinity for writing. I do have four blogs though I haven't updated as much as possible. I scored higher than 80% of folks in careers dealing with people. Odd since I've always said I don't like people.

So putting one and one together, it looks like I need a job where I can write and affect people. I should be a cop so I can write tickets!!!

Lewd Bumpersticker

2006-03-27T23:48:00.000-05:00

So this lady in Dekalb County, Ga got a ticket for her lewd bumper sticker. It read "I'm getting tired of all the Bushit". That's funny, not ha ha funny, but cute funny. It's not $100 ticket funny.

In a country where free speech allows Bush to give speeches that make us much sense as that guy from the Goonies having actual speaking parts in a movie, our police force is worried about a bumper sticker. Meanwhile, we have people actually breaking written laws. In fact, was the officer tailgating in order to read the bumper sticker?

Just a note

2006-03-27T13:12:00.000-05:00

CNN.com - Report: Sleep 'divorce' counts - Mar 27, 2006

Sohela Ansari told friends that her husband Aftab had uttered the word "talaq," or divorce, three times in his sleep, according to the report published in newspapers on Monday.

When local Islamic leaders got to hear, they said Aftab's words constituted a divorce under an Islamic procedure known as "triple talaq." The couple, married for 11 years with three children, were told they had to split.

The religious leaders ruled that if the couple wanted to remarry they would have to wait at least 100 days. Sohela would also have to spend a night with another man and be divorced by him in turn.

And this is where we are sending American jobs???

He Runs Our Country

2006-03-20T16:32:00.000-05:00

"Because the — all which is on the table begins to address the big cost drivers. For example, how benefits are calculate, for example, is on the table; whether or not benefits rise based upon wage increases or price increases. There's a series of parts of the formula that are being considered. And when you couple that, those different cost drivers, affecting those — changing those with personal accounts, the idea is to get what has been promised more likely to be — or closer delivered to what has been promised. Does that make any sense to you? It's kind of muddled. Look, there's a series of things that cause the — like, for example, benefits are calculated based upon the increase of wages, as opposed to the increase of prices. Some have suggested that we calculate — the benefits will rise based upon inflation, as opposed to wage increases. There is a reform that would help solve the red if that were put into effect. In other words, how fast benefits grow, how fast the promised benefits grow, if those — if that growth is affected, it will help on the red." —George W. Bush, explaining his plan to save Social Security, Tampa, Fla., Feb. 4, 2005

Technology

2006-03-20T11:40:00.000-05:00

Has anyone notice the technological revolution occurring in our society? No, I'm not talking about the internet, or automobile manufacturers, or even the space program.

I'm talking about the cosmetic industries technological resurgence! The number of eyeliner thingies that can create an illusion of having more eyelashes than you actually have. Volume that rivals that of supermodels? Available at Wal-Mart? Kiss me in the morning and just walk away.

And let's not forget the technological innovator that Gillete has become. They have managed to use fusion (they never specifically say what they are fusing...or maybe I just forget) in creating the best razor that money can buy, ironically called Fusion by Gillette. And here I was thinking it couldn't get any better than the sports car infused Mach III.

Want fuller lips?? Screw genetics, and surgery. Just get you the newest volume maximising lip stick. It creates lips where before there were none!

Seriously, how is it that the cosmetic industry can just make any old claim they want to and not be checked on it? They all mention 'studies that show' this or that but they never actually mention the name of the study. Put it on your website, let me get informed, I wanna overstand!

It's all just false advertising if you ask me. Which you didn't...directly anyways but by reading this you are....so there!

Sudoku

2006-03-16T11:20:00.000-05:00

I finished my first Sudoku puzzle!!!

http://ironsudoku.com/

Overpaid, Unpatriotic Baseball Pricks

2006-03-14T10:17:00.000-05:00

FOX Sports - World Baseball Classic- U.S. no longer envy of baseball world

Time for all those American kids to stop playing video games, not to mention football, basketball and soccer.

Of course, Xpinionated is going to have a completely different spin on this. And the title was just to get your attention...

A while back when the U.S. basketball team came up with only a bronze in the world championship, every sports fan and media pundit blamed the performance on players not wanting to play, too much thuggery on the team, a lack of patriotism, the crybaby players et al

Now the U.S. baseball team is sucking arse at the inaugural WBC, but you don't hear cries about overpaid athletes, or why aren't the best players showing up for their country. You hear none of the negative talk about the players that followed the U.S. basketball team....why is that?

I'll have to pull that whole race card on this one. The reason sports fans in this country are so quick to criticize the NBA over any other sport is because of the visibility of it's athletes and it's counter-culture of the players when compared to the fan-base. You've got a league that is approximately populated with 90% black players whose fanbase is far from 90% black. Football is probably the closest in terms of volume of black players but they have helmets and shoulder pads so their blackness isn't as evident to the casual suburban fan who enjoys soft rock and a day out on the boat. With baseball, however, the players look mostly like the fans. A majority of baseball players are not tatted up, don't have cornrows, look like your average person even down to their athletic(and I use that so sparingly) build. So to insult and blame a baseball player is almost like blaming the guy in the mirror....not the case with B-ball.

ESPN Blunder

2006-03-10T14:06:00.000-05:00

A Funk

2006-03-10T11:36:00.000-05:00

I am very irritable as well as irritated. I don't know why. I think I'm kind of bored and when I'm bored I'm irritable. I guess I'm in a funk and it ain't the p-funk.

A list of irritations as follows:
1) Q100 - Most ridiculously irritating, relationship destroying, male-bashing, pop whore of a station ever experienced.

2) Work - As challenging right now as saying the alphabet backward (which I've practiced so it's not that hard).

3) Social Life - I guess it's because I'm not really looking forward to anything right now. For the past week or so I think I'm most excited about a beer and cigar to end the night....

4) Corporate America - Watching corporate america is like watching an adult movie you've seen before...the poor workers just keep getting it and getting it....

5) My Blog - I have tried to keep it relatively clean because my folks read it as well as some other folks that I would never use adult language in front of. However, I find that instead of using less abrasive language, I simply don't blog. So this is a warning to easily offended folks. Language and topics may very well be varying in degree of adultiveness!

6) My Watering Hole - They wait until the weather starts to warm up to enclose the balcony?!?!? People want to sit outside now!

7) Television - I can't wait until Primetime gets that thing we used to have back in the day...what was it called....uh, oh yeah originality. Quite frankly, virtually every show is either a) a teeny-bopper oh-my-god-I-can't-believe-my-life-in-high-school-is-soooo-bad show, b) a reality show that would make you believe 98% of America is caucasion, athletically built, romantically available, and well-employed, c) a show where somebody is killed by an obvious person or for an obvious reason but in the end nothing is as obvious as it seems, or d) a 'God, please don't let me ever go to the hospital' medical show with more behind-the-scenes-and-would-affect-the-patient's-life drama than can be imagined. Grey's Anatomy is not included in this. Actually it is, but it has grown on me....

I think a lot of it is waking up and having negative desire to go to work. I know, life and work is what you make it. But I could use a little assistance......

Naked Bikers Ignore Safety while biking for Safety

2006-03-10T10:52:00.000-05:00

ESPN.com - MORESPORTS - Mayor opposes nude cycling race on safety grounds

The mayor of a New Zealand town wants a nude cycling race to be called off because the participants won't be wearing helmets.

Can you imagine how uncomfortable a bike seat must be without the comfort of clothing....not to mention the sweaty stench of balls that will forever be left in the material on the bike seat.

Yeah I'm bored again.

Xpinionated Online - My Wit is for Sale!!!!!

2006-03-09T22:34:00.000-05:00

Can you imagine, my blog humor + good ol' American cotton, together for the first time for public consumption? Well, imagine no more, just go to Xpinionated Online

A feeling of loss

2006-03-09T16:02:00.000-05:00

Does anyone feel empty now that the Winter Games have ended and media hype has calmed? Yeah, I don't feel it either

New Record

2006-03-09T08:43:00.000-05:00

I've been here 10 minutes and I'm already bored.

Offshoring

2006-03-08T10:54:00.000-05:00

I was just talking to a coworker about offshoring and outsourcing. Seems like there is a possibility that some of these foreign countries that have made outsourcing their specialty may be facing a labor crisis in the reasonably near future. They are running out of folks to steal jobs. So now we have that whole supply and demand creeping up. Less folks to outsource work to means higher demand. Higher demand means higher costs. Higher costs means less benefit. I almost wish there was some way we could let our backlash be known so that the corporate America would have to take a bite in the ass on this one.

In-De-fat-ig-ab-le

2006-03-06T10:10:00.000-05:00

My indefatigable optimism has suddenly become very defatigable. In fact, it may now be lingering on pessimism.

CNN.com - Bush: Outsourcing painful, but remedy is worse - Mar 3, 2006

2006-03-03T13:21:00.000-05:00

CNN.com - Bush: Outsourcing painful, but remedy is worse - Mar 3, 2006
Isn't funny how the people whose job has absolutely zero percent chance of being outsourced are pro-outsourcing? You know, like CEO, CFO, CIO folks who know their job is not going to New Delhi are all for sending the average person's job overseas.

Corporate America is becoming a canker on Satan's ass. They pay less, reward less, want more, and then send your job to somebody overseas. THe whole time hoping that you'll remain a customer!

Accomplished

2006-03-03T10:22:00.000-05:00

It only took approximately three weeks, but I estimate by the end of today I will have finished three pounds of skittles!!!

My teeth would like to thank all the people who supported them through this sweet, hard, enduring, crunchy ride.

Maturing

2006-02-26T23:23:00.000-05:00

So I had another bachelor weekend with the wife out of town on business. But you know what, these just aren't as much fun as they use to be. They always start off with a bang but in all actuality, I'm pretty much ready for her to get back home after 36 hours or so.

When she leaves, I'm thinking I'll be out four, five nights in a row. Maybe spend the weekend at my local watering hole. And though I usually end up out, it's just not as much fun. It's almost like it's not fun because I didn't have to get permission or something. A lot of time I find myself walking around the house just kind dazed and confused wondering what to do next.

Oh well, I guess that's love.....

Music to me ears

2006-02-22T14:35:00.000-05:00

You know how some people talk just to hear themselves talk....?

I blog just to hear myself type....

Bode - who?

2006-02-22T14:19:00.000-05:00

Admittedly, I have not watched much of the Olympics. Just not a winter Olympics fan. But I have seen, repetitively, commercials for this Bode Miller character. Now this is where you guys can comment and tell me who the hell he is. As I understand, he's a medal-less skier....so why the hype and commercials etc?

McSleepy

2006-02-22T10:28:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am going to go on record. Partly because I am sleepy, partly because I believe what I'm about to say to be true.

I am a closet. . . . . Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy fan. There, I said it! NBA All-star game this past weekend, yeah only saw what I could during commercials of the aforementioned telecasts. Maybe Mrs. Xpinionated is finally wearing down my masculine rebellion . . . . I shiver at the thought, though not as bad as I once did....

More on Black Gold

2006-02-20T10:06:00.000-05:00

Apparently, there are some that are angry that Shani Davis decided to pursue individual gold at the Olympic games. I understand those that say he's not a team player. And in some regards, I respect their point of view.

But alas, the man trained for a specific event. The man doesn't train with the National program. So it appears that his so-called snub isn't in fact a snub.

In addition, there are those that are upset because he didn't take part in the team pursuit which the U.S. didn't do well. It's speculated that perhaps they would have won gold giving Chad Hedrick a chance for five medals. So let's get this straight, let's be mad at someone for pursuing their individual glory at the cost of someone else's . . individual . . . glory?

Black gold!

2006-02-18T15:36:00.000-05:00

Davis Does It His Way, and Makes History | ajc.com

Shani Davis knew what he was doing. Davis became
the first black to win an individual gold medal in Winter Olympic
history Saturday, capturing the men's 1,000-meter speedskating race.
"I'm one of a kind," Davis said, fully aware of how much he stands out
in the mostly all-white sport.

And so

2006-02-14T12:10:00.000-05:00

It is St. Valentine's Day. Luckily, as I may have hinted 365 days ago, I am not Catholic and thus I am not forced to celebrate.

The Olympics are going on but since it is the winter version, my interest is far from piqued. In fact, only yesterday I learned where the heck Torino is. And today, I can't remember the answer.

I didn't realize until I had the misfortune of watching last night that the Bachelor has had 11 seasons. 11 seasons and what 3 marriages. You know, speaking of ineptitude, am I the only one that finds these reality shows ridiculously racist. Yep, the race card. I'm throwing it out there. Are there no single, rich ethnic folks looking for love in all the wrong places. Do black, asian, or hispanic men not seek to air their courtship of 15 young sexy ethnic women on TV for millions to behold. Or is it the ethnics are good enough to laugh at, dance to, or bet on, but when it comes to watching them fall in love, date, or otherwise live their normal lives, it's just not must-see TV?

Ever notice ABC's flailing attempt at diversity with the Bachelor or Bachelorette? You'll have the caucasion Bachelorette, the 20 dudes she gets to choose from including the one black guy that never, ever gets past the second episode. Indeed, he's lucky if he gets to talk on camera. The Bachelor is like the new Friends--a make believe world where very few ethnicities ever appear....

Wah!

2006-02-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

FOXSports.com - NFL- Gay Ex-Giant: NFL discriminated against me
Gay Ex-Giant: NFL discriminated against me

What a crock! My wife (if she reads this) is going to think I think that this is a crock because of his sexuality. Though I do have my share of issues with homosexuality, this rant has other origins. Or maybe not. We'll see....

The reason I think this is a crock is two-fold. This ex-Giant of homosexual tendencies has found his way into the news often in the past couple of weeks. Personally, I think he's run into some financial issues, though I've no proof. But hear me out:
1) He came out of the closet 10 years ago. So his homosexuality is not new.
2) He wasn't a particularly great player so his name wasn't known until his sex pref was.
3) If he only wished to get media access to express views on HIV, why did he request a party media access badge as well?
4) If he truly feels so slighted, why did he go with a celebrity lawyer (especially since he's not a celebrity) who could grab the media's attention much easier than his name alone could?
5) Now that he has the media attention, why hasn't he spread his message about the dangers of HIV?

I'll tell you why. Because his mission was never to spread a message about HIV; it was to get back at the NFL. This Roy fella is bitter. Bitter that his sexuality has barred him from a fraternity that was once so dear to him. I'm not saying that that is right, I'm just calling it like I see it. His sole plan is to tarnish the NFL in any way possible. Just my xpinion.....

Being Black

2006-02-06T11:13:00.000-05:00

Being black is not a choice
Nor is it a privilege
Living under suspicion is a burden

Being black is not easy
Scanning every room you enter as mere instinct
Living on edge just in case

Being black is a fear
Seeing hatred or fear in unknowing eyes
Living a life in third person

Being black is a judgement
Judgment based on groupthink
Living not as an individual but as a group

Being black is confusion
No leadership, no direction
Bringing truth to despair and stereotype

-Xavier Davis - 2/1/2006 - Written in reference to an old lady's statement that she left a mall in Atlanta because she was scared. 'They have malls in Raleigh but not like that one'. She was in Lenox Mall, one of, if not the most popular mall in Atlanta. What she was scared of as I understood it were the numbers of young black people in the mall.....

Super Bowl Censorship

2006-02-06T08:40:00.000-05:00

So in the efforts to appease the Parents Television Council, among other "let's censor the world so we don't have to parent our children" organizations, the NFL and ABC did all they could to make sure the Super Bowl was as family friendly as possible.

Oddly enough, the show following the Super Bowl (and one which I like), Grey's Anatomy, started off with one of the male character's fantasies about his three female coworkers....in the shower...together.....waiting on him. NOw it's probably safe to assume that all the families watching the Super Bowl did not immediately jump into bed. Super bowl parties take time to end, people linger, some may even try to sober up. So while the NFL and ABC are doing their best to tone down GoDaddy.com, they overlook the foursome fantasy in the shower on Grey's anatomy???

Hoping this was a joke

2006-01-29T01:05:00.000-05:00

This appeared on a website about dumb newsgroups. I sincerely hope this was a joke but I fear otherwise....The Six Dumbest Newsgroups: "From Kathleen Gee:
I realize you think people who talk about dogs and cats are boring, which is your right. (If you think those people are boring, hang around people who talk about nothing but their kids. Shoot me now!) And I realize you think discussions about pet rats are absurd which, again, is also your right. I just wanted you to realize that pet lab rats and the wild sewer rats that eat garbage outside your window have as much in common as dogs do with wolves. They're related genetically, and that's about it. Pet rats know their names, come when they're called, learn to do tricks, and become devoted. I had to return early from a trip once when my husband called me and told me my rat Tailspin had stopped eating and was dying from apparent loneliness. I'll never forget the reunion. Tailspin leapt over six feet into my arms the moment he saw me. Does he sound like garbage-eating vermin to you? If you want a small pet, rats are much better than chihuahuas. For one thing, they don't try to bite your ankles when you aren't looking. I realize people don't understand, and I don't expect them to. I certainly don't expect you to now find rats adorable. I just wanted you to know that rat groups aren't all that stupid â€” if you happen to like rats. As for the rest of your picks, no argument from me."

Sign of the times

2006-01-27T13:58:00.000-05:00

Toyota in Nascar? I don't even watch Nascar but that's not right. That will definitely take some time getting used to. Is this some ploy to get suburban soccer moms and dads into Nascar?

When I think Toyota, fast is never the first word that comes to mind. Think about Chevy, get Corvette. Think about Ford, get Mustang. Think about Dodge, get Viper. Think Toyota, get . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Camry? Even Honda has the s2000 which comes to mind. I'm sure there's a fast car in Toyota's lineup somewhere but that somewhere is nowhere near the forefront.

Really Boring weekend coming up

2006-01-26T16:24:00.000-05:00

I'll be stuck in the house all weekend....mind has already begun to lose itself.....

Al Sharpton Criticizes 'Boondocks' | ajc.com

2006-01-26T13:57:00.000-05:00

Al Sharpton Criticizes 'Boondocks' | ajc.com: "Al Sharpton Criticizes 'Boondocks'"

As a black man I must say this, when will Al Sharpton shut the f#%@ up? Of all the issues facing blacks in our society, he chooses to voice his opinion about a late night cartoon show which at least has the nuts to constantly challenge society's mores. This is the sad state of black leadership.....

Al Sharpton, with his permed 'trying to pass' haircut to his usually shallow causes, has done more harm to the state of blacks in America than help. I didn't see the episode of the Boondocks to which Al Sharpton is referring. In my mind, that's beside the point. The point is two-fold: 1) It's a cartoon show. I mean, really, a cartoon show born from a comic strip. One man's creativity, and Sharpton wants an apology? 2) It would be different if Sharpton had a problem with the show all the time. THe show usually crosses the line. But don't go expecting special apologies when crosses the line AND you are offended. You may have to turn the other cheek on that one.....

Newbie at this

2006-01-25T22:27:00.000-05:00

I'm still learning this graphics thing (can't say photoshopping since I used Fireworks) but I knew something had to be done. Let me know what you think....and if you think bad, let me know what to do to fix

Heidi Klum and Seal

2006-01-25T21:35:00.000-05:00

So what do you change your last name to if your husband has never had a last name? It should be a rule that if you get married and you have gone by say Sting for a majority of your life, you should have to change your celebrity name to include you surname. Sting Johnson....Seal McVey. They could catch on....

That's Primetime for ya

2006-01-25T21:34:00.000-05:00

So I'm sitting with the wife watching Lost. I'm not a big TV fan. So I look up at the TV and notice that they have makeup on. Not makeup to make them look stranded, nope. The Maybelline type stuff...ok maybe it floated in. I'll move on.

The black guy's shirt is tattered, beat up like he's homeless or, well, lost. Meanwhile, some of the cats look like they're wearing Lucky Brand clothing.

Or maybe it's the washing machines that have taken Mr. Reality and evicted him from this series. My rule of thumb, deserted islands don't have electricity or modern day conveniences for that matter. But definitely not electricity. It's kind of like that old saying, you can't discover a place if there are already people there. Twist that a wee bit (or a lot) and you have: You can't be Lost on a deserted island if you have electricity......

Still not sure

2006-01-25T15:06:00.000-05:00

Here it is 2006, I'm 31 years old, happily married and still don't know what I want to do with my life as far as having a purpose. Destined for the life of work (which I don't particularly enjoy) while looking toward the weekend? Working for a paycheck instead of getting paid doing something I love? The problem is I don't know what I'd do if I had the option to do what I love. I like a lot of things but when I have to do them the pleasure leaks out a bit. So I don't know if I could ever do what I love since what I love wouldn't be loved anymore if I had to do it......Time for self evaluation I 'spose.

I got a palm pilot on the 2nd. The Palm T/X. Handy little gadget. I had wanted one for awhile although I'm typically not the planning type of person. I must admit it has helped me remember stuff that I formerly would forget...funny ideas for t-shirts, stuff for my other blogs (which I'm sure you are going to click on over there on the right, under the Xpinionated Webring...yep right there, now click!), stuff my wife wants (although I could just put everything and keep the list concise), and the Lakers schedule. Plus, it's equipped with Bluetooth and Wifi so it is my internet in a flash machine. Then I added the Bookworm game....horrible idea....horrrible horrible, craptacular idea....but I do love spelling!

2006-01-24T16:21:00.000-05:00

Has it gotten to a sad state of affairs when I can't decide between playing ball tonite or watching American Idol??

Gwinnett files counter-claim in Taser-related civil suit | ajc.com

2006-01-19T13:57:00.000-05:00

Gwinnett files counter-claim in Taser-related civil suit | ajc.com: "County attorneys also stated that those studies were not conducted on the same weapons that were sold to the Gwinnett Sheriff's Department. Another complaint was that the department was never warned that repeated or prolonged use of the weapon could lead to death."

Lots of nerve takes this. The company didn't tell us that prolonged and repeated use could lead to death. Ok, what about your own training? We have anywhere from 4 to 7 cops working on one guy. THe guy is handcuffed and manacled, so no real movement for his arms or feet. Is there any reason in hell to tase the guy. You knew he was on medication that he hadn't been taking. Why not put him in a room until he wears himself out? You already had him restrained so what was the tasing for.....

Other stupid rules of thumb

2006-01-19T10:01:00.000-05:00

Another stupid rule of thumb: Don't wear white after labor day. Why? Is it because the weather will get it dirty? Well, summer is a pretty dirty time of year too what with the smog, grass stains, barbecuing juices, salt water, fresh water, sweat, etc....And does that mean you can only not wear white from Labor Day to New Year's? I mean technically, come January 1 it's before Labor Day, and with the rule explicitly stating after Labor Day, I'm thinking it's a go come Jan 1.

And what is a rule of thumb? Where did that expression come from? The only rules I have for my thumb is stay outta holes you have no business being in. Other than, I let my thumb run the show from it's end....rules of thumb...we are a silly species....

Annual review

2006-01-17T13:18:00.000-05:00

I'm about 10 minutes from my annual review and I'm pretty nervous. I had a bad experience with annual reviews. I was laid off during my annual review with Radiant Systems (shady, straight shady). So now I go into each one thinking of what I will tell Lady X if the situation raises its ugly head once more.

P.M.

2006-01-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

Why do we said good afternoon but not good beforenoon? And why does afternoon end in the evening? It's still after noon. And even better yet, I think the world would be a bit more punctual if we said 'Good afterone'. It would be like a constant heads up on the time.....

The Must Have Music

2006-01-16T15:59:00.000-05:00

I rarely go spoutin' off about music nowadays. It's just hard to find anything unique enough or good enough to spend a bunch of thought on...or even a little thought for that matter.

Until this past christmahanukwanzaamas, Lady X got me three CD's, two of which I haven't been able to put down. My favorite CD right now is Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable. It's like the rebirth of R. Kelly both with Jamie's vocal range, and Jamie doesn't leave you with disturbing thoughts when you ponder upon his possible inspirations for some of the freakier stuff. Three Letter Word is my favorite.

My second in cd command is Dwele's Some Kinda. Neo soul with identifiable lyrics, hot beats on every track, and great delivery makes this the chill cd of the new year. Favorite jam? Flapjacks.....

The other CD was Anthony Hamilton. The only reason that I haven't gotten into this is because of the previous two compositions. I can't get Jamie or Dwele in and out of the stereo fast enough leaving little time for me to get into Mr. Hamilton. From the couple of times I listened, it was okay though.....

Why is that?

2006-01-12T12:52:00.000-05:00

Have you ever noticed that only men get questioned about who dresses them? I've never heard a man go up to a female coworker and say....'So, does your husband pick out your clothes?' I've heard this countless times. I know it's meant as a compliment but it has an underlying insult. Oh well....

By the way, I dress myself! Unless we're playing dressup . . . .

Damn Holidays

2006-01-10T15:07:00.000-05:00

I keep thinking the day after tomorrow will be friday but alas, no four day weeks for me for a while..

Catching up

2006-01-10T11:49:00.000-05:00

I kept hearing about Torino 2006 and kept wondering what the hell is that. Then I remembered the Olympics alternate every couple of years and it's the white people's turn, oops I meant, the winter Olympics this time around ;)

DJ Fingers

2006-01-10T10:11:00.000-05:00

Lejo dj - This is funny

Whizzinator awards

2006-01-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

Funny, funny....part of the whizzinator awards....

National Football League - CBS SportsLine.com - The Whizzinator II

The Oakland Raiders: Starting with their 31-10 loss to Denver, they became the first team to broadcast games to the Navajo Nation in Navajo. "Raider Nation and Navajo Nation unite," Patty Herrera, director of multicultural initiatives for the Raiders, told the San Francisco Chronicle. "It couldn't be more perfect." Great. First we take their land; now we give them the Raiders.

Passing thoughts

2006-01-05T15:34:00.000-05:00

1) Why doesn't anyone ever get a 'lower' respiratory infection? You only seem to hear of upper respiratory infections....

2) Why do stay at home moms find the most inopportune times to not stay at home??? Some of us only have an 30 minutes left for lunch, not the rest of our lives.....

3) Some days I'm alright, but is anyone ever allleft, or allwrong for that matter?

Two Headed Snake for sale

2006-01-03T12:25:00.000-05:00

href="http://www.accessatlanta.com/entertainment/content/shared-gen/ap/Feature_Stories/Rare_Snake_Sale.html" Snake for Sale for $150,000 | AccessAtlanta "ST. LOUIS — For sale: One snake. Albino. Has two heads. Asking $150,000 or best offer. The World Aquarium in St. Louis has been home to We, a one-of-a-kind two-headed albino rat snake, since 1999. President Leonard Sonnenschein has decided to sell the reptile, and bidding on eBay will start at $150,000."

Rude work folk

2005-12-28T14:00:00.000-05:00

Don't you hate rude coworkers. I am in a position where folks only really talk to me when they need something. Generally speaking, if you need something of someone else, you tend to ask considerately, politely, and usually unsarcastically. Except for those that think they are owed support. Granted it is my job to provide my support but I am not at your service. So if you need something, show me the same consideration you would show anyone else or you best believe you will not receive the service you expect.....

Police say Missouri woman swallowed cell phone whole to end fight | ajc.com

2005-12-25T16:58:00.000-05:00

Police say Missouri woman swallowed cell phone whole to end fight | ajc.com: "Police say Missouri woman swallowed cell phone whole to end fight"

Womenfolk are crazy, just plain and simple...;)

Stupid Hip Hop Lines #2

2005-12-22T10:02:00.000-05:00

Artist: Jadakiss

Song: Why (not sure if that's the name, but he asks why alot so I'm going with it)

Lyric: Why they make the new 20's, cuz I got all the old ones...that's why!

Stupidity: Really Jada, you went out and bought all the 20 inch rims that were available? Come on dog, you sound stupid saying that. Here's why, earlier in your song you say something about you're selling the least. So if your album ain't sellin', how are you buying all the 20's. Not to mention you would need a lot of cars for all those rims. It disturbs that your machismo came in and messed what was a decent song with social commentary, kind of devalued the rest of the song.....

Some more guidelines

2005-12-22T09:21:00.000-05:00

Rules to proper drive thru etiquette:

1) If your window doesn't go down, don't use the drive thru. The car window and the drive thru work hand in hand. One works very well with the other. Opening doors in the drive thru is inefficient and quite frankly threatening (depending on your neighborhood, car type, style of dress, current song on radio, etc).

2) If you're buying more than just food, things like calendars, toys, promotional items, don't use the drive thru. Think of the drive thru as a prostitute at a seaport, get in and get out. No lingering, sampling the wares. Get food, get going.

3) If you're not sure what you want, don't use drive thru. Go inside, peruse the menu, see what fancies your delight. But don't make me sit behind you as you stare at fast food menu that has changed minimally in the last 15 years.

4) If you're buying for the office, don't use drive thru. It just isn't fair to the people who are using the drive thru for it's intended purpose which is quick orders--get in and get out. You office lunch purchasing departments are being lazy. 'I don't want to carry all that food'. Is your office coming down to your car to eat? No? Then the food will need to get to the eaters now won't it?

5) Exact change is great unless you are already at the cashier's window. At that point, just give them the dollars and get your change. The time wasted as you search for that which should have been in your hand already is longer than the time it would take for your fast food service professional to provide you with change.

Balled Tonite

2005-12-21T23:15:00.000-05:00

Played ball tonite and actually surprised myself a bit. I was jumping with the spring of a 27 year old xpinionated. Hustling, getting to the ball, hell if I could have made my layups I would have had a great day. But it felt good. Felt real good.......

The truth about Bread

2005-12-21T12:20:00.000-05:00

Taken from www.eskimo.com
--
Research on bread indicates that:

1. More than 98 percent of convicted felons are bread users.
2. Fully HALF of all children who grow up in bread-consuming households score below average on standardized tests.
3. In the 18th century, when virtually all bread was baked in the home, the average life expectancy was less than 50 years; infant mortality rates were unacceptably high; many women died in childbirth; and diseases such as typhoid, yellow fever, and influenza ravaged whole nations."

Read More: "!!! BREAD IS DANGEROUS !!!

Comments Working

2005-12-20T10:03:00.000-05:00

For really, they are working...don't believe me...try 'em and see!

5 rules to using Wal-Mart Self Checkout

2005-12-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

During my drive home yesterday, I needed to stop and pick up a couple of birthday cards for my Nephew and my Pops. I'm thinking run into Wal-Mart (bad idea during the holiday season) grab some cards and be on my way. Running into Wal-Mart wasn't the problem, grabbing the cards went pretty well, being on my way sucked. I go to self checkout because I just have two cards and didn't really crave the human interaction, plus the machine says 'Welcome to Wal-mart' with so much more sincerity. So my waltz through Wal-Mart's self checkout produced the rules below....and they apply to any self checkout actually...

Rule 5 - If you don't know how to use self-checkout, don't choose to start during the holiday season, at rush hour!

Rule 4 - If you have fruits or vegetables, just go to a human who knows how to quickly take care of that sort of thing....in fact alcohol requiring id checks is on the fringe for violating self-checkout consideration bylaws.

Rule 3 - Form a single line and let the next person go to the next available self checkout machine. Don't stand behind a machine even though you see other people waiting...shady ass!

Rule 2 - If you have more than 10 items, go to a regular line. You're gonna run out of bags and places to put stuff.....

Rule 1 - If you are paying by check....I shouldn't have to explain this one .. . . . please go to the regular line. The fact that you still use checks is a whole other post but don't make us relive the early 90's with you....

Comments broke again

2005-12-19T14:19:00.000-05:00

I've been informed that the commetns functionality is functioning so I'll have to get on that....

Quite Possibly

2005-12-15T16:07:00.000-05:00

Quite possibly, the most least effective forms of human communications is trying to talk to a baby over the phone. If the baby can't speak to you in person, what reaction do you expect to get over the phone? It goes:
GLowing Grandma: Hi, hey, , hey
Baby:
Glowing Grandma: what're you doing, hey, (then a little louder, cuz volume will teach the baby to talk), HIIIIIEEEE, HEEEEEYYYEEEEE
Baby:
Mother: Guess he doesn't feel like talking now.....

Yes, useless communication......

Why Can't I Own a Canadian?

2005-12-12T16:15:00.000-05:00

This is such an interesting way to put things....

FOXNews.com - U.S. & World - No Jail Time for Florida Teacher in Sex Case

2005-11-22T14:13:00.000-05:00

FOXNews.com - U.S. & World - No Jail Time for Florida Teacher in Sex Case: "The deal provides that Lafave will not serve one day in jail in connection with multiple sex acts with a 14-year-old student unless she violates the terms of the plea agreement, which includes three years of house arrest and seven years' probation.

'To place an attractive young woman in that kind of hell hole is like putting a piece of raw meat in with the lions,' Lafave's attorney, John Fitzgibbons, said in July of the possibility of jail time. 'I'm not sure she would survive.'"

So no jail time because she's pretty? There's horse fecal matter....reverse the situation and have a male middle school teacher sleeping with a student...multiple times....and in the company of other teens and they would have thrown the book at him. He could have looked like Matthew McConannahguay and he still would have to be worried about his rectal virginity.

And house arrest as punishment? I think most people do all they can to spend as much time at home as possible. Who is going to pay for her 'house arrest' since she doesn't have a job? Ridiculous verdict...just like the Tampa Bay white girl who knowingly ran over some black kids and left the scene....her punishment...some house arrest...meanwhile in the same Florida city a black truck driver hits a minivan and gets like 5 or 15 (can't remember which) years in prison....and he didn't leave the scene.....