The Crazy Ones

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes, the ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules, and they have little use for the status quo.

You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them, because they change things – they push the human race forward.

Maybe they have to be crazy…because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

- Steve Jobs --1997

Propaganda: When will the Masses Smarten Up?

In a recent article on OpEd News, author Robert Raitz uses the 1936 movie Reefer Madness as an outstanding example of how propaganda was used to manipulate the actions of the American public.

"Tell Your Children, A Paradigm of Dope" gives a pretty good description of the movie that was instrumental in getting marijuana outlawed in The United States. Unfortunately, its outrageous claims of the effects of marijuana left anyone in the know swinging from the chandeliers. The movie has become a cult classic and has recently been turned into a Broadway musical.

The point of the article is to illustrate how the government and special interest groups still use similar types of propaganda to instill fear in the American public which results in knee-jerk reactions based on emotion. These reactions are as unwise now as they were then, and the article leaves me wondering if the masses will ever quit falling for it.

Starving Writer Promotes Regular Maintenance

About seven years ago I was working in the fiber-optic construction business and spent quite a bit of time driving between work crews collecting data. It wasn't unusual for me to log 250 to 300 miles per day and my old 1980 Ford pickup had seen better days. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I inherited a 1995 Dodge Dakota extended cab 4x4. It was five years old and the original owner had obviously taken pretty good care of it.

Since I virtually lived in my vehicle and spent most of my time around utility construction sites, the white pickup was transformed to a dingy grey quickly. Determined to take care of the pickup despite the heavy use and high miles, I got
bi-monthly oil changes and routine maintenance, and I took it to get detailed once a week.

Like many things in this world, the fact that I was earning incredible pay for my job made these preventative maintenance items easy to keep up with. Now that I'm a starving writer who's never sure how next months bills are going to get paid, I don't have the luxury of hiring out those tedious duties, but still appreciate the importance of taking care of a vehicle. Also because I'm a starving writer I know that I can't afford to replace this vehicle.

About every 4,000 miles I go buy oil, filters and various automotive detailing supplies and do the maintenance myself. My odometer has gone from 50,000 miles when I got the pickup to 180,000 miles and still runs and looks pretty good.

Until I find that elusive job that pays a livable wage or get that best selling novel published, I'll be pampering my pickup and changing my own oil. I don't know how long it'll keep going but at 180,000 miles I'm starting to really hope I get that big break soon. All things die eventually -- no matter how well they are cared for.

Liberty Cried

www.ghostinthemachine.net/cryingliberty.jpg

When Dick Cheney's henchman err... Former Chief of Staff... Scooter Libby was convicted of obstructing a federal investigation and lying about matters of national security, the husband of the CIA undercover operative whose life Libby put at risk felt justice had been done. Joe Wilson, whose wife Valerie Plame's identity as an agent was leaked to the press by Libby, told reporters, "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."

I can't help wondering what Wilson thinks now that Bush has picked up one of his presidential pens and commuted Libby's 30 month sentence. It appears we are not a nation of laws and we are no longer a democracy. Bush's act proves that the administrations fall guys are in fact above the law. Ambassador Wilson now says Bush is "corrupt to the core." Do ya' think?

Painting the World with Communication

For the last several months, as I've been exploring ways to use my experiences in life, journalism, broadcasting and public relations to earn a living wage, I've been forced to work in the trade I went to college to get out of -- painting. Not the artistic kind of painting, but the kind where you wear white pants and improve the appearance of peoples residences.

Honestly, the work isn't that bad and I was always proud of the work I've done to beautify a persons surroundings. And painting a luxury home can earn a guy some pretty decent financial rewards. Most importantly, it always gave me a good feeling when I left a home in better shape than when I found it.

But I don't want to do that for the rest of my life. I want instead, to take my creative skills, education and experience, and use them to help make our world a better place than when I found it. I think the best way I can do that is by communicating with the masses, utilizing my writing, reporting and personal communication skills to bring people together. Beautifying the world one house at a time is nice, but I think I am intended to beautify the world on a much larger scale.

Now if I can figure out how to earn a living in the process, I can retire my paint brushes for good and start paying for that education...

Libby Walks; Joins North in Annals of the Neutered

When the Vice President's Chief of Staff, Scooter Libby, was convicted of committing several crimes against the American people, I wrote a blog entry on my other blog comparing him to the other Republican scapegoat in the not too distant past, Ollie North. I predicted then that Scooter Libby would be awarded a get out of jail free card from Boy George for keeping his mouth shut about who else was involved in his criminal actions.

I'm not gloating, but writing this instead to explain the future prescription drug addiction that I'm now predicting I'll be afflicted with if someone doesn't stop this madman named Bush. He didn't even have the decency to wait until Libby started serving his time before commuting his sentence.

How long will the American public tolerate this administration thumbing their nose at the Constitutional laws that define precisely how this country should be run. Who is going to stop this crap? Maybe his mom, Barbara, or his brother, or anyone? Beuller.... Beuller....?

How Much is Enough

One of the web sites that actually pays a measly sum for some of my writing, Associated Content, is really starting to piss me off. I understand that a lot of things on the internet are there solely for the purpose of generating page views, and in turn advertising revenue. But it seems to me that you need to draw a line between those valuable keywords and altering the writers words (even headlines) so that they are more search engine friendly. Recently, they've not only been changing the headlines, but some Content Manager who suffers Napoleon syndrome is altering the titles so they don't even represent the article.

Crap! Use some common sense AC. I'm on the verge of following several other of your former writers away from that kind of BS. Just look at the one's you've lost in the last two months. Personally, I participate with AC for the comaraderie of other writers. But the ones I have gotrten to be good friends with are all jumping ship. Keep changing the headlines of my articles and I'll be overboard with them

Taking Care of Business

My good friend Flatch has suggested I try to make a few bucks on a web site called www.payu2blog.com. They will reportedly pay cold, hard cash into my paypal account if I can somehow work an assigned phrase and link into my blog postings. Well, I'm a creative guy that can really use a little walking around money, so I'm giving it a try. I'll let you know how it goes.

Writing: Fighting Injustice Armed only with a Keyboard

As I peruse this never ending novel of society as we know it, the Internet, I frequently come across entries written by people who are totally different, yet eerily similar to me. On occasion the entries they contribute attempt to explain the reasons for the very existence of those entries. And so we arrive at one more of those explanations for why I write.

I first learned my words had the ability to incite discussion when I was writing copy for TV ads. I’ll never forget the Mother’s Day morning years ago, while I was standing in the line for the champagne brunch buffet at the Hilton, I heard the people behind me discussing a television commercial I had written and produced. Two total strangers were discussing the message my words were meant to transmit. It was the first time it really occurred to me that people were communicating as a result of what I was writing.

Here's the long answer.

Fallwell's Death Article Funnier than a Carload of Clowns

I may go to hell for thinking this, but Jerry Fallwell doesn't even have to wait until he gets there before being roasted. Prolific Associated Content Content Producer thebarefoot (I think his name's funny) has written a brutally, almost honest report of the Reverend's long awaited passing. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/246359/jerry_falwell_dead_richard_dawkins.html

Even Jesus Christ is a Blogger

I've come across the greatest blog that I've seen in quite awhile and, excuse the expression, but by God I feel the need to share. It's a blog written by the son of God himself, Jesus H. Christ. In the blog that began in April, J.C. tells his readers of the trials and tribulations of his life and clears up a few misconceptions. He sounds like a pretty decent guy just trying to get through each day, not unlike the rest of us. Check it out.http://jesuschristscoolblog.blogspot.com/

Generational Realities

After writing a very provocative article on Baby Boomers and Generation Y, I recieved a lot of feedback from readers that either really disagreed or thought I was right on the money with my analysis. Thanks to all who have written me.

This morning a friend put it into perspective for me. This video says a lot.

How to Avoid DUI Convictions

Believe it or not, the police will try to trick you into doing things to help them obtain a conviction, no matter how much you've had to drink before driving. Speaking from personal experience, I've learned what you should do to avoid incriminating yourself when they request you perform a field sobriety test.

Please remember, driving while drunk or high is not a good idea and as I mentioned in previous articles, a conviction can end life as you know it. While my expertise is limited to practical experience and many attorneys agree with the points I mention in this article, it is not intended to replace professional legal counsel.

Stuffed Monkey Leads to Drug Bust

I finally broke down and submitted a news story to Associated Content, simply because it was too funny and unbelievable to ignore. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/219640/stuffed_monkey_lands_texas_couple_in.html

New Word Discovered

I have discovered (or created) a new word that I'm going to share with those of you brave enough to venture to these web pages. My guess is you will help me get the word well known and in common usage by enough people that Webster will have no choice but to officially accept it's definition and include it in the next edition of their etymological tome.

The word is: squat-tle \skwat-el\ - transitive verb: The manner in which one moves between the toilet and the closet containing the spare roll of toilet tissue.

I've been known to invent some pretty creative words in the past, but this is more than an attempt to win at Scrabble.

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.