Tuesday, December 23, 2008

from my youth


Just watched this movie after not having seen it since junior high/high school. It's funny to me, and a select few. I don't think that anyone of this generation might appreciate it near as much as someone from my generation. Geesh. I hate sounding like that, but it's the truth. The spoofs today aren't creative. This is gritty, low-budget, poor acting, 1980's crap- and I love it!
The transfer is fine. It shows the age of the film with all its scratches and dirt flecks in digital glory. There are only three options on this DVD: play movie, select chapter, and watch trailer. No inserts. No nothing. Just good stuff. I mean, look at the cover. Notice the shoes the girl is wearing. Blue Sperry top-siders. If that isn't 80's, I don't know what is.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

cruising the personals again

While waiting for the Nyquil to kick in, I decided to see who is out there on one of these dating sites and must say there are some curious names out there.

What makes you think any self-respecting man will want to get to know someone with a nickname of jaegerbomb911 or MissBeotch or princesadianna or rebel_pride08? The last one just seems to scream racism. You don't call yourself a "princes" (didn't even spell "princess" correctly) when you're in your late-30's. And MissBeotch (late-30's). Really? Sounds like you want someone you can argue with. I know I certainly wouldn't be proud to know that your name reminds me of pure white trash. Don't even get me started on jaegerbomb (very, very early 30's). Sorry, but it's obvious you party way too much for my tastes. Geesh.
Now, I know there is someone out there for these women. I just don't think their nickname is going to get someone's attention that they are hoping to get. I am sure they will attract the wrong man.

Oh yeah, and don't have a nickname that has "just looking" in it. Why even bother if you're just looking? I don't get it. Sounds like you just did it to do something and then you won't act on it. Why waste everyone's time, including the people who have to approve your ad? Really, I just don't get it. Why bother?

Oh yeah, here's another red flag. When a woman posts she has a B.A. and makes $25-$35k, but doesn't post her requirement for the man's income, but she does post that money is a turn-on. Yeah, close that one real quick. I see you're a gold-digger. Perhaps a hooker.

Monday, December 15, 2008

brief, deep thoughts



Have you ever wondered how someone could not believe in God? To contemplate our existence should be evidence enough. There is just no way that our planet can be revolving at just the right distance from an energy source that provides us with some of the basic building blocks for us to survive on without a Divine Being having willingly designed it as such.
When you look at scientific facts, to me it makes no sense that it can all be just simple coincidence that we are occupying this space, this planet. Our home is the only one we know of in our solar system that is capable of sustaining life as we know it. It has energy from the sun, water, gasses, and so much more that we, as living creatures, need in order to survive here and these things are found nowhere else on any of the planets in the near vicinity.
If you sit back, think about our location, how we revolve around the sun, how we rotate on our axis giving us what we need to maintain a healthy life with the amount of daylight we receive and the length of our nights for us to sleep. Think about the air we breathe and how we obtain that. Think about how symbiotic our lives are with some of the simplest forms of life, plants, and how we need and rely on each other for survival. Through photosynthesis, plants survive. Plants give off oxygen, which we need, and we give plants the carbon dioxide they need to survive.
Plants also provide us with food, not only for our selves, but for other things that we consume. Plants give us our atmosphere. These things simply did not appear from nowhere. They were created for us to help us survive. They not only give us foundations for life, but they also protect us in so many ways, the least of which is giving us shelter.
If you just look at the picture, think about your life. Think about how amazing it is. Think about how perfect the location and actions of our planet are. It's not coincidence. It's the work of God.

this is a sad world we live in...

Daniel Petric killed mother, shot father because they took Halo 3 video game, prosecutors say

How does being "under great stress because of a snowboarding accident that resulted in a severe staph infection," justify this kind of irrational behavior? When you read the article, it is quite clear this was premeditated. Not only that, but he tried to set the story up when his sister and her husband came over to make it seem like an apparent murder-suicide. The death penalty is not the answer. But, this boy certainly doesn't deserve to ever be allowed to walk the streets again. Anyone who can kill one parent and attempt to kill their other parent is not fit for society. His father still loves him and should be allowed to visit him throughout the rest of his (the father's) life. It would be too devastating should the father see his son die. He already lost his wife. I think there has been enough killings in this family.
Some of you may disagree with me, but based on what I have read, the son truly is remorseful for his actions; however, he needs to pay for his crime and that should mean he spends the rest of his life in prison.
This article is not meant to be interpreted as me saying that I believe this video game caused him to kill his mom through acting it out. He was clearly enraged that he did not get to do something he wanted to do. The way the media twists this around into making Halo 3 out to be a violent video game is another story entirely. Perhaps it is of their opinion that Halo 3 is violent. My opinion is it is not. Show me where one drop of blood is spilled. Then, check out Gears of War and get back to me on what is violent.
I'm not saying Gears of War offends me, as it does not. I am just making a comparison of what is truly violent. Of course, this is all a moot point when there are people out there who believe Bugs Bunny and the Road Runner are violent cartoons. Sheesh.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

now, strive for a national title


Oklahoma quarterback Bradford wins Heisman

Oklahoma's Sam Bradford became the fifth Sooner to win the Heisman yesterday. I think that is wonderful, but in my opinion it is more important that he help OU win a national title come Jan 8, 2009. Afterall, the Sooners have lost the last four straight bowl games they have gone to. Hopefully, this will be the season they step back into the national champions' spotlight. Good luck, Coach Stoops.

Friday, December 12, 2008

fyi on ou's sam bradford

Heisman report:

Bradford has directed the highest scoring team in major college football history, leading the nation in passer rating (186.3) and TD passes (48) while throwing for 4,464 yards.

Saturday, December 06, 2008

big xii champions


In an overwhelming display of sheer dominance in the Big XII this season, the Sooners wrapped it up by making history. For the first time in the NCAA, a school scored 60+ points in 5 consecutive games. They were 2pts shy of 60 pts when they beat K St., so it could've been 6 consecutive games.


08/30/08 vs. Chattanooga TV Norman W, 57-2
09/06/08 vs. Cincinnati TV Norman W, 52-26
09/13/08 at Washington TV Seattle, Wash. W, 55-14
09/27/08 vs. TCU TV Norman W, 35-10
10/04/08 at Baylor TV Waco, Texas W, 49-17
10/11/08 vs. Texas TV Dallas, Texas L, 45-35
10/18/08 vs. Kansas TV Norman W, 45-31
10/25/08 at Kansas State TV Manhattan, Kan. W, 58-35
11/01/08 vs. Nebraska TV Norman W, 62-28
11/08/08 at Texas A&M TV College Station, TX W, 66-28
11/22/08 vs. Texas Tech TV Norman W, 65-21
11/29/08 at Oklahoma State TV Stillwater, Okla. W, 61-41
12/06/08 vs. Big 12 Championship TV Kansas City, MO W, 62-21

Sunday, November 30, 2008

big xii south champions


According to the poor excuse of a ratings system, the BCS rankings were released about 30mins ago and here they are as follows:
Rk. Team W-L
1. Alabama 12-0
2. Oklahoma 11-1
3. Texas 11-1
4. Florida 11-1
5. USC 10-1
6. Utah 12-0
7. Texas Tech 11-1
8. Penn St. 11-1
9. Boise St. 12-0
10. Ohio St. 10-2

this is greatness

First of all, it is snowing. When I got out of church about 30mins ago, I was embraced with good sized snowflakes falling all around. Not sure if it will stick or how much will accumulate, but regardless it is snowing which is more than I can say for Dallas/Plano. If anyone knows me, they know how much I have been looking forward to being here when it finally snows. It's not a matter of if, but when, unlike in Texas. I looked forward to experiencing all four seasons and it is happening. Yet another con about living in Dallas/Plano for me.


Second, let's give a big round of applause to the Sooners of Oklahoma and their hard-fought game against the Cowboys of Stillwater, a.k.a. Oklahoma State. They were as well prepared for them as they always have been and kept it a tense and close game up until late in the 4th quarter when OSU was finally stopped and forced to punt. The final nail in their coffin happened when their quaterback fumbled the ball with less than 3mins remaining in the game. OU wrapped the game up by running the ball in order to keep the clock ticking when rushed up the middle for a 28-yd TD.
One might think OU was trying to run up the score, but all they were doing was trying to run out the clock. It was the fact that only one OSU defender literally got one hand on Brown before he scampered in the end zone as to how the score was increased by 7 more points at the end. All OSU had to do was stop the run, which everyone knew OU was going to do at the end to try and win without rubbing OSU's nose in it. Stoops knows how bitter this rivalry is and didn't need to add fuel to the fire.
The only question remains- how well will OU prepare for their next game? Will it be in the Big XII Championship against Missouri? If they win that, will they go onto the National Championship game? Who will play in it? Only time will tell. Stay tuned! It hasn't been this exciting in many, many years with a 3-way tie for first place in the Big XII South.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

congrats to OU!


Way to go, Sooners! If you did not know, the Sooners of Oklahoma completely wrecked Texas Tech last night 65-21 and the end result is OU wrecking the stupid BCS. They should be ranked higher than UT now since they not only beat a #2 team, but also beat the team that handed UT their loss, regardless of OU losing to UT. Florida doesn't have near as tough a schedule as OU has, either.
Yes, the BCS is rotten.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

gmail

I have to applaud Google and their update of Gmail. If you do not have an email account with them, I highly suggest it. Not only is it a nice e-mail, but you can now customize it with themes. It seamlessly works with all Google products, too. Sign up now!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

night sky

I have to say how nice it is to look up and see the stars like I have never seen them before. Every night I can see all the stars in the night sky and it is amazing. I will add that to my list of positive things about living here.
The trees are so beautiful here. So many colors from blood red to orange- they are so vibrant on some trees that they look fake.
The temperature here has been as low as 24 and that has been so refreshing. I am looking forward to what winter brings.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

personal ad no-no #4

Wow. It's blurry for starters. Then, it's taken in their garage. Finally, it's taken in a manner that would have equal results if she had just a headshot taken. Really, I do not get why this was taken inside a garage. Really? Really.




P.S. Just in case anyone is wondering- yes, I created my new banner all by myself. Tutorials make me look like I know what I'm doing. Also, we got Photoshop Elements 7 up at work and I have to say it is quite the snazzy little program for the PC under $100 shipped from Amazon. It's all you need as long as you're not doing artwork as a professional. I highly recommend it.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

personal ad no-no #2 & #3

Seriously. I don't know if it's just another example of the wrong pic to take for your personal ad or if it's just sad that this was deemed an intelligent decision. I highly suggest not taking a pic, or in this case two pics of one's self hoping it will win the attention of some special man while in a public rest room. It does not matter whether or not it is in the rest room in your office, not at your local bar or other favorite haunt. It just doesn't seem appealing to see unisex gender sign indicating which sex is allowed to use it. Nor is it attractive to see the giant hand towel dispenser, possible mop handles and air freshener. It is just too painful to take one's eyes off this lack of thought.
I'd think the only man she'd attract is one in the custodial arts. If that's her target, then she's definitely on the right track.


Even worse is the fact she has other pics on her profile taken by someone else. Why couldn't she wait until after work and have someone take her pic. She obviously thinks she looks good in her outfit, so why spoil it in this manner when it could have been taken outside or maybe even at her desk?

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

personal ad pic no-no #1

Suggestion: when posting a personal ad, I would please use some common sense. If you are going to use the mirror to help you take your pic, at least clean up the area around the sink. Make it look like you have some pride and hygiene. I would also like to add, please do not have proof in your pic that you eat in the bathroom. It'd be bad enough if the plate was empty, but the fact it clearly shows you are in the middle of eating a meal in there, for whatever reason, just sends chills up my spine. I'd be scared to know what your bedroom looks like, not to mention the rest of your place.

No, I am not dating right now, nor am I seeking out dating at this moment. I was looking through a very well respected online dating site and came across a big no-no. I'd expect to find this on Craigslist, but certainly not on probably one of the top 3 dating sites.
No, you are not seeing things, either. There is a fork that actually has some food on it as though she took a bite and thought now would be the most opportune time to take a pic. Crazy, I know.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

interesting OU football facts


The Sooners have been participating in college football since 1895. Calling Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at Owen Field home, the team has won numerous bowl games, 41 conference championships (including every Big Seven championship awarded), and seven Associated Press National Championships, making the Sooners football program the most decorated in the Big 12.

Oklahoma has scored the most points in Division I-A football history despite the fact they have played over 60 fewer games than the second place school on that list. OU also has the highest winning percentage of any team since the start of the AP poll in 1936.

The Sooners possess seven national championships in football, with the 1950, 1955, 1956, 1974, 1975, 1985, and 2000 seasons featuring the top team in the Associated Press final poll, and the 2000 Bowl Championship Series National Championship as well. This ties Alabama for the most national titles of any Division I college football team after the end of World War II (which is commonly used as the division between eras in college football).

In addition to these seven acknowledged national championships there are also nine additional years in which the NCAA's official record book recognizes the Sooners as national champions: 1949, 1953, 1957, 1967, 1973, 1978, 1980, 1986, 2003. The University of Oklahoma does not acknowledge these additional "championships", as they were not awarded by the Associated Press, United Press International (UPI), USA Today Coaches Poll, or the Bowl Championship Series (BCS).

Info was obtained from the following: College Football Data Warehouse, Soonersports.com, the University of Oklahoma, and ncaa.org.

random writings

I know it has been a while. I moved to Fayetteville on the 23rd of Feb, 2008. I look back at those pics of my truck and my old apt parking lot and it brings back tension. I honestly never realized just how unhappy I was living not only at that apt complex, but in Plano.
I have no regrets. I have lost some friends along the way. I didn't think that was possible as I was under the impression that they were supportive of my move here. But, alas, that is not the case.
When you tell an alleged friend that you are moving, they are not supposed to say it's going to be the biggest mistake of my life and that I will regret it. They are not supposed to ignore your multiple attempts at contacting them, right? Here is an excerpt from an email I sent to this person, "I am curious as to why I emailed you at least 4 times (2/29, 3/28, 4/16, and 4/19) and never got a reply from you until the one on 5/1 which, on my end, felt very rushed and impersonal (Really good...busy, but good. Glad you are doing well...talk with you soon.), and now I get an email from you and it is very friendly and you coincidentally are having problems with your new phone."
When I called this person out on her behavior, this is the response I received, "Well the only emails I got were about how much it sucked here and how glad you are that you made the move. And you even went as far as to say you only wish you had done it a long time ago...wow that make a person feel real good." Funny thing is the move was all about me. It was so refreshing to move to a place where I felt like I belonged. It's so sad that you tried to make me feel bad for sharing my happiness with you. I thought that is one of the many things friends are for: sharing the good times. I guess I was wrong in that I was always there for you when you needed to vent about how miserable you were. The entire environment is some place where I feel I finally belong, and yet, you cannot be happy for me that I am happy for once in my life? Are you seriously that selfish of a person to even throw it back in my face that I am somehow making you feel bad? Since when was it ever about you and why would it ever be about you? I never said, jokingly or not, that I was wanting to get away from you. I wanted to better my life and myself. After all these years, it is time I do something for myself for a change and it's a shame you cannot handle that and be supportive like an adult friend. I was supportive of you when you accidentally got pregnant by a guy who wasn't divorced, and come to think of it neither were you. I was supportive of you marrying him for all the wrong reasons. But, you cannot be supportive of me finally making a positive change in my life? Are you serious?
Needless to say, that friendship has since been severed as I do not need that type of deception in my life. I do not need that type of selfishness nor negativity poisoning my life. I do not need that type of materialistic mentality dragging me down. I do not need to be a part of the awful things you say about your husband and his children, not to mention how messed up two of his children are. It's not my fault you chose that life and put yourself in a situation that you are unhappy in.
I hope that one day you do find genuine happiness because when I left you, being happy was one of the many things your life was missing.
I am thankful that I have put that relationship behind me and the great state of Texas for that matter.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

why not?

I see, Texas. I get the message loud and clear. We are obviously breaking up on bad terms and my vocalizing my displeasure for you made you retaliate. I see how it is. I've given you a massive amount of sales tax, tollway funds, state inspections, and vehicle registration fees. I haven't littered you. I haven't even won any lottery money from you, not that I played more than $50 worth since your inception. But, I hear ya'. I get the hint. I'm not going to say I will never step foot back on your property, but it certainly will not be any time soon and Saturday cannot get here quick enough.

What happened is this: last night at approximately 7:20pm, I was rear-ended by a 17-yr old kid driving his mom's 2004 Jaguar while sitting at a stop light. Yes, sitting at a stop light. There were 4 or 5 vehicles in front of me. His excuse was the anti-lock brakes locked up and he took his foot off and was too late in re-applying the brakes. Now, forgive me if I'm wrong, but if the brakes locked up, that means you've stopped, correct? So, why in the world would you want to move forward after you have stopped when you did indeed intend to stop? At any rate, you can see the end result of his either poor decision making abilities or his lie. Oh yeah, and he was wanting me to go to an ATM so he could just give me cash. I guess he thought he was smarter than a grown man over twice his age. Either way, I am now given the gift of a massive inconvenience of having to deal with their insurance company, having to pay for a rental car out of my own pocket, and hoping this will get rectified by Friday since I am moving out of state this Saturday. The only, and I mean only silver lining in this is neither of us was hurt and it does not appear there is any body damage to my truck- just the bumper and bracing/mounts. So, it should be a quick fix. Right?


Sunday, February 10, 2008

it's official

I am moving out of state. It has taken me a long, long time to finally realize I do not fit in Dallas/Plano. I'm thankful I realized this before it was too late. I am excited (and, for those of you who know me- stressed, too) about leaving here in less than two weeks. I am going to be in a much healthier environment where there are more opportunities for me to be happier in business and my personal life. I am going to actually have a future to look forward to.

That's all I have to say for now.

Friday, January 04, 2008

trust- why is it so difficult to be honest?

She Said, He Said -- Literally
DEAR MARGO: My new boyfriend is extremely uncomfortable with any contact I have with my ex-husband, whether it's phone or e-mail, even in regard to business. I am absolutely forbidden to have even a 30-second phone call. Is his reaction appropriate, or should he stay out of my relationship with my ex-husband since it does not involve him?

--- C.V.

DEAR MARGO: My girlfriend recently wrote to you regarding my uneasiness with her continued contact with her ex-husband. I'd like to set the facts straight. First of all, I never "forbid" her to do anything. I'm uneasy with her contact with the ex because she cheated on me with him and lied about it for six months. Even after the truth came out, she couldn't be honest about simple things like saying she called him. All I'm asking from her is that she keep her contact with him to a minimum and conduct it in a businesslike manner. (The divorce is almost final.) What's so wrong with asking her to take my feelings into consideration? Perhaps providing you with the full scope of the situation will help you render your advice. Thanks.

--- D.B.

Before I had read the boyfriend's version, I would have answered her this way:

He certainly sounds unreasonable, insecure and far too controlling in his approach. I would have added that I didn't think anyone over the age of 8 could be "forbidden" to do anything. I was taking her at her word that there were no lingering embers between her and the ex. My recommendation probably would have been to get her boyfriend to lighten up, bag the jealousy and go forward. Or not.

After reading his letter, however, the whole picture changed. The particulars had the ring of truth, and I then felt she was presenting a slanted picture to get me to come down on her side. Weighing both versions, a la Judge Judy, I would have to agree with the boyfriend in his request that the communication between the two of them be open and aboveboard, and that the dealings with the ex be brief. I would also compliment him for being able to get past her cheating. Not every man could. There is something particularly galling about cheating with an ex, not to mention lying about it.

Readers occasionally carp that I don't have both sides of the story when I answer letters. I think that is just the nature of this kind of column, and it is unrealistic to expect people to write me in pairs. Plus ... I have no desire to be Judge Judy.


Why can't ex-'s remain just that; ex-'s? Why is it so difficult to be upfront and honest? If I was that guy, after having knowledge of her letter and how it is so skewed and twisted to make her appear to be the victim, I would no longer be in her life. For whatever reason, that guy gave her ample opportunity to demonstrate her desire to be forgiven, yet she has once again lied and deceived him by making him appear to be the bad guy.
I would have two words for her: buh-bye.