The Problem is YOU!

Tags

Education, government, jobs, John Miller, Obama, QBQ

My daughter didn’t score well on the state test because her teacher wasn’t great.  (Failed to mention that said daughter stayed out until 1:30am attending a concert and wasn’t mentally ready for test)

I lost my job because the company just sucked.  They didn’t appreciate my abilities.  (Maybe abilities weren’t shown or used)

The government hasn’t put any programs in place to get me a job and the economy stinks.  I am still unemployed. (UPS, Starbucks, McDonalds etc. are all hiring.  Could be you just don’t want that job? Did you not prepare for a down economy or did you just totally need that new car?)

I think you probably get my point by now.

Life’s problems, in almost all cases, are really YOUR problems.

We create what comes our way probably 9 out of 10 times.

Listening back to Obama’s Speech yesterday (not taking sides or bashing) it dawned on me how much we love to blame others for what we do not do.  Obama and the Dems like to blame Bush for all the things they have done nothing to correct while in power.  Vice versa, the Repubs now want to blame Obama for all the problems instead of coming up with a viable solution themselves.  Blame blame blame and no action.

It is very easy to blame a teacher when your kid does not do well in school.  It is tougher to look in the mirror however and say “I should have worked with my kids more on Math or Science.  They would have done better.”

It’s easy when we lose our jobs to look back at the employer and say they didn’t provide enough training or resources instead of looking at one’s self and saying “I should have worked hard everyday and this might not have happened.”

It is simple to give up, walk away and file bankruptcy to get away from debt you should have never incurred in the first place.  New cars, boats and a house you couldn’t afford.  And then when the economy goes south you look to our hapless government to fix it, lay blame that they don’t do anything, when really it was YOU all along.  There should have been savings in place and a plan for a rainy day so you wouldn’t need to rely on people who cannot even tie their own shoes.

Our life, for the most part, is made up of a series of choice YOU make each and every day, not the choices of others.

So, instead of beating a dead horse I have a question.  Are you running around and blaming today or looking in the mirror and saying “What do I need to do different?

This post was definitely inspired by many readings of QBQ…haven’t read it?  You should.

random (sarcastic) thoughts monday

Tags

Britney Spears, GM, Madonna, Montego Bay, Obama, Tea Parties

Well, another Monday is here and well…..the wierd just keep happening.

This morning, a man in Montego Bay Jamaica attempted to hijack a plane to Cuba….a Candien airliner which was already heading to Cuba through Jamiaca…..ok, is it just me or would not it have been much easier to just buy a ticket?

To add to the already controversial “water boarding” rage it was released over the weekend that 2 different suspects were water boarded more than 266 times…….um…um….if it is effective than why would you have to do it to someone 133 times to get information?  I have an idea….why not just make them listen to Britney Spears for 1 hour as loud as it can go….they will release all the information you will ever need!

GM announced that as US factories begin to close it will more than likely to begin to build cars in China…yep, China.  Increased demand over there for the cars with the big gold gansta logos on the back is fueling this.  So, let me see if I get this…..employees will fight to the end with their unions against GM execs to avoid bankruptcy instead of making some obvious concessions…thus losing their plants, jobs and sales to China.  Maybe I am just confused but I would think the job and a future would be more important than backing a union that got you into this mess to begin with.  I know, I know, I know….peoples parents have all of the pensions, retirement and etc tied up through these unions…but that is a lot of the problem.  There is a solution it is just that “your” unions are not willing to give up their salaries to find it.  Time to realize this friends…..your unions just gave away the farm and you still could end up with nothing.  Common auto workers…TAKE BACK YOUR COMPANIES and retire with what you have rightfully earned.  Kick out the unions.  (wow, that gave me a headache)

Last week there were “Tea Parties” held all over the United States in protest of the out of control spending being done by our Government.  Related stories have called it everything from a GOP rally to…..I love this one…racist.  Racist?  I do not get where people being completely ticked out overspending moves into racism.   If it is in regards to the types of tea being wasted, I think I get it.  I firmly do believe that the tea parties in TN only used 1 type of tea, an Oolang Blend…..what were they thinking!!…that is total racism against green tea, black tea, herbal, and Rooibos….what an outrage!  (no hate email please….I am not making light of racism just the absurdity of our media and what crap they can pull out of nothing)

Madonna, while riding a horse this weekend, was kicked off but did not face too many injuries…none of them serious.  Here is what I wonder….could the horse be the re-incarnation of an African relative of the judge who also kicked her off the adoption process….coincidence?  I think not.

And finally, Obama has ordered the cabinet to cut 100 million dollars out of it’s budget….wooo hooo!  Oh wait, 100 million?  Isn’t that less than .0025% of the budget or the equivalent of me cutting back .25 cents from my monthly budget?  Roughly, the same…but you get the idea.  I am sooooo glad to see the government working hard to be fiscally responsible.  In fact I am so inspired, I am going to cut my own personal budget again….next month I will not purchase that one extra mint for .05 cents from my favorite Mexican restaurant.  Whew…I feel so much better about my budget.  I think I will put it in my savings account and help the bank thrive!

Alright, your turn…add your random thoughts on this wonderful Monday.

random (sarcastic) thoughts monday

Tags

Bruce Pearl, Chevy HHR, College, Eliot Spitzer, GM, Lane Kiffin, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Obama, Phil Fulmer

It’s Monday again and here are my random thoughts for the week.

First things first…for those of you who sent me nasty emails about the use of “sweet Jesus” in my Bunny post, get a life PLEASE!

GM’s new CEO announces that they might in fact have to go into bankruptcy….what a shocker!!!  I cannot believe my ears….the car company that has the gangsta gold Chevy logo on the back of all their cars is wondering why sales are down…..hmmmm….have you seen the HHR?  It looks like a modern day hearse.  Build a car that looks good and you might sell a few.

President Obama last week said he understands how tough it is on Americans right now and that many are having to really cut back…..an ironic statement from the man who runs the only entity in America who is not cutting back right now and in fact is expanding at an alarming rate..our government.

Madonna was denied by a Malawian court the rights to adopt after not following proper procedures for adopting in that country.  Although I do not agree with the 18 months residency piece of that countries adoption policy, I am not sure if I disagree with the judge.  Madonna…a mother….let me repeat….Madonna…a mother….sounds like an oxymoron to me.  Almost like Michael Jackson…a father.

Eliot Spitzer spoke of his regrets and sorrow he caused his family on the Today show.  Shortly there after he weighed in on the economy and financial market crisis.  Later today he will probably announce he is running for President in 2012 since we have all forgiven him.

Colleges all over the country are looking at raising tuition by as much as 15% next year.  They in turn will not look to cut any of the pay of all of the overpaid coaches they have on staff.  For example, the University of Tennessee is currently paying out more than 3.5 million a season to Lane Kiffin (Football coach hasn’t coached a game yet), 6 million to former football coach Phil Fulmer (yep, I said former, the one who wasn’t good enough still gets 6 million…I really want to get fired and get 6 mil!) and a recent pay increase to Bruce Pearl (Men’s Basketball Coach who just threatened to leave and go to Memphis).  By my calculations and very loose at that, that is over 10 million dollars that could have gone to keeping tuition down.  What sound economics!

And finally, Jacky Tran, a Houston man, was arrested for beating the “demons” out of his 3 year old son.  Abuse charges have been filed.  Tran, believes that his house including furniture was taken over by “demons” and at one point through all of his furniture into the yard because they were filled with the creatures.  He also has stated that he believes he is an “angel” sent from God.  What the heck!  Who are these idiots?  Makes you wonder if police brutality is ever warranted?

Your turn….add your random thoughts for today…it’s an all call!

Random (Sarcastic) Thoughts Monday

Tags

ABC, Al Gore, Angelina Jolie, CBS, Charles Manson, Chevy, CNN, Dan Quail, Fannie Mae, FOX, Freddie Mac, GM, John Stewart, Madonna, MSNBC, NBC, Obama, Sean Penn, Waggoner

Some random thoughts for today…..

Al Gore has one up on Dan Quail.  Gore definitely knows how to spell HYPOCRITE…his mansion and all its lights were on during Earth Hour in Nashville….an event he helped promote.  Not the best move after returning home in your limo from promoting your new book.

GM’s CEO Waggoner resigns after Obama asks him to do so…woo hoo…Let’s all rush out and buy Chevy’s!  Well, maybe not…Waggoner or no Waggoner the problem with your company isn’t him or your unions…your problem is some really ugly cars.  And puh leeze get rid of the gangster Chevy logo on the back of all your cars.

According to CNN the Manson Family (Charles Manson that is) are longing for their freedom from prison.  Hmmmm…should have probably thought about that before murdering.  Don’t know, just saying.

Jack Cafferty from CNN writes today that “most of believe our schools are getting grades of a C or D thus adding to the decline in preparing our kids for the workforce”.  I disagree…I think we as parents should receive the C or D grades.  We are the ones allowing our kids to “cop” out on learning.  Remember, you raise your kids, not their teachers.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may have new jobs….to help finance smaller banks.  Wow, now this is a genius move.  Are we trying to show smaller banks how to fail?  Please give me a list of all the banks Freddie and Fannie are going to help so I can be absolutely sure none of my money is in them.

The video gaming industry is posting increases in the tech sector much to many peoples amazement.  Not mine….Video games are up because we are sick of the news stations.  Much like John Stewart, Video Games provide more accurate and up to date news stories than do CNN, FOX, MSNBC, HN, ABC, CBS, NBC…Did I miss any?

Madonna is once again oversees adopting a child in Malawi….the judge has forced her to wait until Friday for his decision.  I am so glad to see that a strong role model and ambassador from the United States is in Africa adopting a child.  PLEASE can we send Sean Penn next with Angelina Jolie.  Then the world will see us unselfish, truly caring Americans.

I’m done.  Your turn at the wheel.

Congress-Serving Pork For Dinner

Tags

Congress, HR1, lobbyist, Obama, pork spending, Tim Geithner

Well, we wanted change.

What did we get…the same ole crap that we have had for a long long time.  It just speaks better and looks different.

A Congress that once again goes against what the people want (78% polled to be exact), and ladens the new HR1 Stimulus Bill with tons of pork spending.

A bill that we were assured by President Obama would be free of pork.  But then again, he is also the same President who just told us a few days ago that NO lobbyist would be allowed to work for his administration but as of today he is changing his tune to hire a lobbyist to work with Timothy Geithner.

I am all about giving the new administration a chance but this is not a great start especially when trying to win the trust of the American people.

Here are just a few examples of the pork in the spending bill…and trust me it is only a few of the items.  The bill itself is hundreds of pages and way to long for my blog.

Pork:

• $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, which recently spent $95,000 for the American Ballet Theatre in New York City; $300,000 to restore an outdoor sculpture collection in Miami, Florida; and $190,000 for various artistic endeavors in San Francisco, CA;
• $335 million for STD Education and Prevention, such as the CDC’s transgender beauty pageant to advertised HIV testing, and an STD awareness event that taught participants how “to flirt with greater finesse;”
• $600 million to buy new cars for government workers, on top of the $3.5 billion already spent each year on government passenger cars;
• $150 million for repairs to the Smithsonian Institution, which recently spent $31,000 for designer upholstery, and $4,000 for a heater for the lap pool of their most recent Director; and
• $1 billion for the follow-up to the 2010 Census, which does not even begin until April 2010.

And this is just the beginning…a bulk of this bill is not even geared towards jobs…insane.

So, What do you think about the bill, HR1?  Do you think it has a chance at stimulating the economy and creating jobs or is it just another typical bill from our typical government?

Facebook- Social Revolution

Tags

BBQ, causes, church, economy, Facebook, Football, friends, Krispy Kream, Obama, pastors, social revolution, war, Weight Watchers

The 60′s brought Peace, Love and Happiness.

The 70′s, Disco and designer drugs.

The 80′s and 90′s, sex, drugs and rock n roll.

2000 and the turn of the century, the New Millineum and the digital age.

As for 2008/2009, Facebook.  The simple web-site that is as addicting as a designer drug but far more time consuming. Realeased long before now but really coming to light with the 20-60 something crowd.

Facebook is a complete social revolution.  A way to connect with friends who you forgot existed or girlfriends you only occasionally thought of thanks to a photo that re-appeared in an old box when cleaning out a closet.  A place where you can share with friends your political beliefs if they care or not, while also sharing a bunch of random causes that make no sense to anyone including the sender.  You can join groups, create them, or simply become fans of just about anything pop culture.  You can add pictures and video of your family for your friends to see.  You can even post updates of what you are doing during the day.

Best of all, you can build a list of friends a mile long who you don’t even know as long as they say they are your friend.

Facebook is addicting.  But why?

Here is my theory.

Now, this is an obscure theory, but go with me here.

Over the past 20 years we have really had it pretty good.  Most of us had good jobs, were busy raising families, going to school, buying houses, and our life track was going forward pretty nice.

When things started to go a bit south with wars, a worsening economy, job losses and such, we started reaching out.  Reaching out for what is good in our lives.  Re-connecting with friends and family who bring about good memories.

And if you really look at your friends on Facebook, they rarely to ever put something bad in their lives on the page for all to see.  Most often, it is the things they love.  College Football Waves, Favorite Shows, Fun Groups and weekend updates  from the neighborhood BBQ.  Some Pro Football trash talking is always in play.  My pastor friends post cool updates from their churches and tidbits of wisdom now and then for us to live by.  Most of all, it is just fun.

So, in a nutshell….Facebook is our escape.  Our escape from the real world and what we tend to face each and every day.

I am not saying that we hide behind Facebook, just that it has become our place to live within friendship.  A digital coffee house if you would.  The spot where all is good in the world.

I recently tested this theory.  I posted a comment in my updates.  One that was negative towards a new Obama policy.  Within 2 hours I had dozens of comments defending his actions even from people who I know did not vote for him.  The next day I posted something completly positive.  Number of comments=0.  You ask, how does this tell anything…simple…people did not want the negative on the site and they jumped on it like Krispy Kreams at a Weight Watchers convention.  The positive comment…normal for them, back in the comfort zone…no need to comment.  Maybe not a statistically telling trial but as deep and accurate as most exit polls.

So, here is my question for you.

Do you think Facebook is a Social Revolution?  Do you think it is really a place we go to live in the positive and hide from reality or do you feel it is simply a place we re-connect with friends?

ps.  I personally love Facebook.  Really like catching up with old friends!

Letter To The Obama Daughters

Tags

Barbara Bush, George Bush, Jenna Bush, Obama

I saw this video the other morning on the news and was intrigued.

Intrigued by the thought of what it must be like or have been like to be the child of a President.  Through the good, bad, happy and sad.  Wars, recession and White House Dinners.  And most of all, the media watching every move.

This is the video letter that the Bush daughters made for the Obama daughters.  I find it absolutely amazing no matter what your political beliefs.

Let me know your thoughts.

False Hope

Tags

Bush, Congress, Conservative, Democrat, election, inauguration, Liberal, media, Obama, press, republican

First of all I am glad the inauguration is over.  Not in any way because of who is in office or cabinet, but because I am really tired of it being the only piece of the news cycle….for two years!

That said, while watching the inauguration I couldn’t help but feel sad for a lot of the people there and around the country.  I feel sad for Patty.

If you did not see it, one news station was interviewing a lady named Patty (think it was CBS) in the inauguration crowd, and she said  “I am excited because I am not going to have to worry about my house payment or putting gas in my car any more.”

I personally do not recall Obama ever making this claim and in fact have heard him state several times that there has to be a level of personal accountability from all of us, government included.

So why is it when there is a changing of Presidents that there is a huge faction of society that creates false hopes?

It happens on both sides.  This is not a left wing or right wing thing, Republican or Democrat, Liberal or Conservative.  There is always about 50% of the population that is not happy with who is in office.  And then there is the smaller percentage who create a belief and hope structure that is based on lord knows what.  They view who is in office as a savior.  One who will provide everything they need.

We are accountable for our own well being.  If we want more income, it is our responsibility to work hard to obtain it.  If we want a better marriage, it is our responsibility to do what it takes to make it better.  If we want more friends or a stronger faith, it is our responsibility to reach out.

So my question to you is this:

How do you think people like Patty obtain these false hopes?  Are they believers in every thing they hear or just so desperate that they reach for anything?

I just don’t get it…help me understand.

Hello Mr. Congress Person..You Listening?

Tags

Bailout, Bush, charity, Clinton, Congress, inaguration, Obama, senate, stilulus

When polled roughly 70% of Americans do not want a bailout or stimulus.

Not 350 Billion, not 700 Billion, nor 1 Trillion.  NOT AT ALL.

Yet Congress votes in the remaining portion…once again without oversight when the first one had no impact at all.  And even better, there was pork added to it.  And now, they are looking at another 850 Billion.  Here is an idea, give me my portion of that and see if I can stimulate the economy….Bet I Can!

When polled once again regarding money going to the automakers, people really spoke up against a bailout for them…no luck.  Congress and Senate ignored us and did it anyway.

A vast percentage on Congress and Senate donate their salaries to charity.

But this week finalized and approved an increase in those salaries during a time of economic uncertainty.  Good for the charities I guess.  I think however I would have rather chosen which charities to give MY money instead of the government.  Their choices with money are really poor, so how are they going to make a logical one here.  Mr Congressman, where will you donate your salary?  “Um, I think I will donate to the M&M Candy Foundation providing chocolate to all the countries youth.”

This next week capital hill will be buzzing with excitement and the inauguration of Obama.  Rightfully so.  It is historic, it will be attended by thousands upon thousands, and for the first time in 20 years there is neither a Clinton or Bush in the ticket.  Yeah!

But here is what is crazy.  Bush was creamed in the press for his inauguration costing 40 million dollars, which I agree is high and a stupid waste of money.  Not all of it but a bunch of it.  Obama’s inauguration is estimated to pass 160 million dollars in total cost.  Outrage?  Nope.  What an absolute waste of money in a time of economic trouble.  Now, 41 million was raised in private funds.  Bush and Clinton also raised a huge portion as well in private funds.  Difference….the taxpayers were left on the hook for 1-6 million dollars in their inaugurations.  Obama’s?  Taxpayers portion will be 100 million.  Not cool.  Could there not have been a really kick butt inauguration thrown for 60 million?  After all it is still 20 million more than Bush or Clinton and still 100 million less than we are spending.  Better yet, a whole lot less burden on the taxpayers.  60 million, I could have thrown one cool gig.  Finger foods, strobe lights, a DJ, blow up bowncies for the kids, balloons and maybe even a really big cake!  Oh, how is congress part of this?  They have to agree to release funds to the White House for these types of events.

The moral of this long winded story….Congress and Senate no longer are listening.  Instead, all you get is an email when you write them that says, “I appreciate your concerns at this time.  I have had to make some difficult decisions that will not be popular.  I feel however that in these trouble times, it was the best decision.  I will be running for re-election in X number of years and I would appreciate your vote.”

And you know what, why should they listen.  We haven’t been sending a message to them that we will replace them when they do stupid with lots of 000000 on the end of it.  After all if I had a 9% approval rating in my job I would be unemployed.  How about you?

So here is my message to Congress…Start Listening or We Will Replace You!  Stop acting like a bunch of children in a candy store.  Stop spending my money on stupid crap this country cannot afford.  Start acting like a leader if you know how.

Writers Block

Tags

Education, Faith, Obama, Politics, Religion, Writers Block

Today I sit and wonder, what do I write.

My friends will tell you that I am not usually short of words, but today, nothing.

Nothing about politics, the war, other friends blogs or my kid.

Nothing about Hockey, although a great win last night, Titans or BCS Championship.

Nothing about church, faith, or a whine about what I like to call bad Christians.

Why is it that sometimes we are just at a loss for words?  We are always thinking and moving even in our sleep.  We always have opinions about politics, religion, schools and friends.  We are really always wanting to share something.

So how can it be that with all of this, nothing to write about today.

Ideas?  Throw them my way….but please do not get me started on the BONE HEADED appointment Obama has made with Secretary of Education….and they say he is not part of a good ole boy system?????