Generation Y is not Ready! Oops!

Note: I initially wrote the linked article and mistakenly referred to Generation X instead of Y. Not surprisingly, I offended an entire generation of people because of the vague time frames each generation covers. I apologize and thank the many readers that quickly corrected me.)

I can't help agreeing with those in the mental health psyco-community who suggested it was best that I not reproduce. While I did have a significant role in raising my girlfriend's 18-year-old daughter, Bob, at least I didn't contribute to the gene pool... as far as I know. A few of Bob's recent personal choices have me concerned.

To be honest, I don't think most of my generation was ready to raise kids. That's why the aging baby boom generation and the rest of the world born before them is scared. Generation Y isn't interested enough to be concerned. This article explains more.

The Mountains and Nature's Jacuzzi

Some of America's great creative talent have found inspiration at Chico Hot Springs near Livingston, Montana. Sam Peckinpah, Larry McMurtry, Robert Redford and Moscow's Red Elvis' have all spent some time there, if for no other reason but to recharge. Here's an article that shares the history and all the things that can be found at Chico.

Damn, I've Been Busy

For someone who knows his way around a keyboard, has a good work ethic, has experience in an extensive array of professions, and has salvaged a significant degree of brain cells despite many years of behavior conducive to destroying them, I've had a terrible time finding gainful employment. I've responded to hundreds of listings for freelance writers and recieved about four responses -- each wanting to pay little or nothing for my words. I've applied for about 50 traditional positions that I felt I was a perfect candidate for and have recieved two rejections and one request for more information which was followed by one of the previously listed rejections.

Perhaps this is because of my anti-disestablishmentarianism and vocal opposition to political corruption. It might be I don't know how to effectively ask for jobs and am presenting myself incorrectly. It could be my age or for all I know my last name. I simply can't figure it out.

The calls that I won't answer are becoming more frequent and the pile of things I need to pay is getting taller.

So I've been trying to take my mind off of it and after spending two or three hours a day applying for work, have been escaping to the yard to do some long overdue yard work. While this doesn't pay, I've managed to work off some of the extra weight I've gained as a slave to the keyboard. This morning, I put on and actually buttoned a pair of pants that were too small last month.

The $170 fuel pump went out on my pickup the other day and I actually managed to change it myself. Whoever decided these belonged inside the gas tank really pisses me off. And of course it had to happen the day after I nearly filled the tank.

I had an interview with Nielsen Media Research Friday in Nashville. I took some critical reasoning tests and should find out if I passed or not within the week. If I do, I'll go onto the next phase of the application process, which will include another interview and background check. The job has some pretty good benefits and will enable me to pretty much be my own boss. Not holding my breath yet, as there are about 20 out of 140 still in the running for two or three positions available.

So, if I've been less than attentive to my friends, family, acquaintances and my fan, please accept my sincere apologies. I've been damn busy and in a pissy mood. You probabvly haven't wanted to hear from me lately. Nonetheless, I truly am trying to remain positive.

I started this post to tell readers they should now be able to leave comments here. I've had a few people tell me they weren't allowed to. If you still have problems, let me know and I'll get it fixed. In fact whoever reads this should at least let me know you were here and leave a quick comment. Thanks.

Quote of the Day

From Anne Waymans forum at http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com comes a wonderfully relevant quote for those creative spellers among us:
" It is a damn poor mind indeed which can't think of at least two ways to spell any word." Andrew Jackson

Scooter Goes on Vacation

Scooter Libby, Vice President Cheney's former Chief of Staff was convicted yesterday of lying to a federal grand jury and four counts of making false statements to the FBI. Libby is facing between 1 1/2 and three years in a federal camp for white-collar criminals, if he's not pardoned by the Bush Administration after his appeals are exhausted. The charges come from an investigation of who leaked the identity of an undercover CIA agent to the press.

The CIA officer was Valerie Plame, who is married to one-time ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV. Wilson had accused the White House of using flawed intelligence to justify the war in Iraq, which makes him a hero in my book. He referred to a CIA mission he took to Niger in 2002, which found no merit to claims that Iraq was trying to buy weapons-grade uranium. Plame was outed eight days later.

Here's the clincher. Wilson told reporters after the verdict was announced that the conviction shows even a top White House official is subject to the American justice system. "We see this as a reaffirmation that we are a nation of laws, we live in a democracy. The verdict shows no man is above the law."

There you have it, folks. The husband of the victim doesn't seem to have a problem with the fact that Libby is the only person being held accountable. It is almost painfully obvious that Libby is the Bush Administration's Oliver North. I honestly believe a helluva lot more than one top White House official was involved with this massive breech of security.

According to an article in the Washington Post, Wilson, who with his wife has filed a civil lawsuit against Libby and several top administration officials alleging that they disclosed her identity. Why aren't more officials being charged?

Finally, what's the deal with the 1 1/2 to three year sentence if the guy isn't pardoned by his partners in crime? If you or I were convicted of four felonies involving national security, do you really think we'd get off that easy? There are people being held longer than that at GITMO who have never even been charged with a crime, let alone convicted. And I assure you, GITMO is not a summer camp for white collar criminals.

So Mr. Wilson, good luck with the law suits. I'm glad you think justice has been done and that this proves no man is above the law. If it were my wife whose life had been put in danger, I wouldn't have been satisfied quite as easily. Perhaps that's a flaw in my character.

Colin Powell in 2008?

Perhaps the only thing that could get me to vote Republican would be if this man were on the ticket. In http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/97190/colin_powell_american_hero.html I discuss Powell's gig as Bush's Secretary of State and how he regained my trust and respect.












And even though this guy thinks I'm a Ms, The G-Man has a pretty optimistic prediction about who will be President in 2008. http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/12287/gary_the_gman_toms.html I agree 100% with his assessment and hope many others do also.