My Facebook Thoughts

Friday, October 30, 2009

Fun Time Friday

Here are some great videos (Yes Gail, enjoy!) from a group called Improv Everywhere.

They organize and plan (that's not Improv) these events or pranks all around NYC (New York City).

Here are my personal favorites.










Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I Thought Jesus Was A Notre Dame Fan

I love a good over reaction. They give us time to take pause and realize how stupid people can be. At Penn State University they have a tradition called the "Whiteout". No, it's not when students go crazy correcting misspellings with liquid paper. It is when, during sporting events, the home fans wear as much color white as possible.
(See video below)




This is designed to intimidate the visiting team. It is not unique to Penn State nor the color white for that matter. Last year the Chicago White Sox deployed a "Blackout" during a one game playoff versus the Minnesota Twins. I don't know if the 40,000+ fans all wearing the same color or the juxtaposition of the "White" Sox fans wearing "Black" worked more, but it was an awesome experience. And it worked, the White Sox won the game 1-0.

Now a couple of Penn State students designed a T-shirt to help motivate fans to wear white.
(See photo below)


Apparently, some people (six to be precise), were offended that the shirt's design looks too much like a crucifix. So, because religion was involved, the shirts were immediately pulled from shelves and made unavailable for purchase. One of those six callers to complain was the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of that region. The ADL's mission is "to fight anti-Semitism…and to seek fair treatment for all citizens alike."

I respect what the ADL sets out to do, but I think they are way off base on this one. Penn State was not having a "Jew Out". In fact, statistically, 1823 of those people in attendance might actually be Jewish.
(
Stadium capacity 107,282 vs. estimated 1.7% of U.S. population is Jewish)

This isn't even a religious issue. It's a fashion issue. If you don't like a shirt don't buy it. I've designed shirts and nobody has bought them, Just T's And Things. You don't see me crying to the...

Wait, I don't have anybody to go crying to beside my wife. And she doesn't like my T-shirts either.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Why Paper Cuts Hurt

I was asked over the weekend if writing this blog was difficult. My response was, "No. It's not". When I get an idea I usually don't have a problem expressing myself. Getting the ideas is the hardest part.

The other hard part is dealing with rejection. On average about 20 -30 people read my blog each day. Many tell me they enjoy how I emote my opinion (I have never used the word "emote" before). Yes, I enjoy the praise. But, what drives me crazy are the ones who request not to get my blog emails. Why do I focus on the critics? I had a friend make that request this weekend.

I'm not so thinned skinned where I'll curl up into the fetal position when somebody says I suck. Hell, my own sister doesn't read my blog unless I post a video (don't anybody tell her I mentioned her here). Plus, If you read the comments of my blog you'll find plenty of hate mail. And I have all those Amish people out there missing my pearls of wisdom. All those I can handle. It's those who don't give me a reason that make me obsess over my words.

I email over 300 people my blog. Most are family and friends. I try not to offend anyone when I express my opinion. I repeat, My opinion.

I have family members that I love dearly (you know who you are), that I know do not share my political opinions. Yet, we still have a good time when we see each other. We'll ever rib each other about our differences (mmmmm ribs! This drool spnsered by Texas Roadhouse). I have a great deal of respect for those relationships because the foundations are like granite.

I have respect for anyone who has true confidence in their convictions. It's like when that anti-God billboard was in the news last week. News media outlets polled people to ask if the billboard offended them. It didn't offend me because I believe in God. If you don't, fine, just don't go forcing your opinion down my throat, and come up with something good to say when I sneeze.

I guess I'll just have to wonder why some don't like me. I'm also going to only post videos at the end of my blogs so my sister will have to look down here if I posted a video. The Amish, well. Maybe I'll print my blog on homemade paper with homemade ink for them. I just want everybody to be happy.

For my sister.


Friday, October 23, 2009

Mr. Rogers Would Approve

I have been working with computers since 1981. I have seen a lot of changes in that time, some good some bad. Each time something new comes out for computers I get excited. Not only because the new technology is very cool, but because I know something cooler will soon follow.

Computer technology is all about improving what is currently available. Computers get faster, hard drives get bigger and computers also get smaller. In my small home office I have more computer power than when I used to work for a major waste corporation in the 90's. What's missing is the co-workers. The people I use to work with were some of the most talented and friendly people I have ever met.

I miss the "water cooler" type conversations. Since I work for myself it's only me here in my home office. However, there is new computer technology that is helping to fill the void of being home alone at work. I'm talking about Facebook.

I keep up on popular websites. I've seen the other social networking websites like Twitter and MySpace, but Facebook has grown on me. To me Twitter reminds me of a four year old that keeps tugging on your arm trying to tell you something. And MySpace is like walking into a 16 year old's bedroom with posters on the wall and music playing on the radio.

Facebook reminds me of the break room at my old companies. You'd see coworkers there and you'd chit chat about whatever was going on in the world. But the cool thing about Facebook is that it's like your in the break room with coworkers, family, friends, celebrities and kids from your neighborhood.

In Facebook I have 186 friends. Many are family, some are friends, friends of friends, former co-workers, celebrities and even one former teacher. Everyday someone has something to say. Some days the comments are more interesting then others, but they always stir some conversations.

Since I have been on Facebook I have met many former students from high school (Homewood-Flossmoor Class of '84). I never spoke to them back then, but have found many to be quite enjoyable.

I am able to connect to local celebrities, mostly from WGN Morning News (even got quoted on air once).

For the disabled, Facebook is a wonderful way to "get out" and connect with people when they possibly couldn't otherwise.

Social networking sites are not for everybody. Those that normally didn't interact with people still might find it difficult in the cyber world. But, they'll never know unless they try. So give Facebook a try. Won't you be my neighbor?

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Prevent H1N1 (Swine Flu) - Good Advice
(Popular E-mail traveling around)

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an (Intensivist and Thyroid specialist) having clinical experience of over 20 years.

The following message given by him, makes a lot of sense and is important for all to know.

The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is.

While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced (instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):

1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of your face (unless you want to eat, bathe or brush your teeth).

3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.

4. Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water . *Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities, but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.* Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at the drug store and relatively inexpensive….under $15.

5. *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C and other citrus fruits). *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6.*Drink as much warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Blago Boy


Rod Blagojevich is trying again to get on a reality show, Celebrity Apprentice. Federal prosecutors are trying to block his involvement citing that his weekly appearances "could taint the pool of prospective jurors in the case."

In an effort to gain publicity for his "show" Blago launched a giant hair shaped balloon over Illinois. After several hours the balloon finally ran out of air. In the above photo, Blagojevich is seen trying to catch the balloon in order refill the balloon with hot air.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Boycott Boycotts!


Over the course of time man has utilized the boycott to make a point. Some points good some points bad. Recently I posted a video on my YouTube page that was a tribute to the now closed Kiddieland.



The video has been viewed over 300 times. Yesterday one viewer left the following comment;

"There are rumors costco bought the land that was once kiddieland

BOYCOTT COSTCO! "

While I respect this person's passion about the closing of Kiddieland, I have no plans to boycott Costco. Two reasons why;
  1. It's not Costco's fault Kiddieland is closing
  2. I don't have a Costco membership
Kiddieland's LAND owners wanted to sell their land instead of renewing the lease to the Kiddieland PARK owners. Sadly, they are all the same family. Greed got in the way.

But then I started to think about other boycotts. Good ones.
I'm not a fan of PETA so I'm not going to purposely boycott fur. However, I don't normally wear fur coats for two reasons;
  1. So as not to be mistaken for a bear
  2. So as not to be mistaken for a pimp
(Granted either are rarely seen in wheelchairs.)

I was led to the Ethical Consumer website which lists many boycotts. This site has so many boycotts it is really hard to choose a good one.

So I did more research.

I found;

Boycott Cheetos
Boycott Letterman (This site does a poor job telling us why.)
Boycott Whole Foods (Owner doesn't want healthcare reform.)

I really couldn't find a boycott I could really get behind. All boycotts are important to the organizers and I respect their voices.

I just hope the boycotters have a clear focus on who or what they are boycotting for.

I guess I would be boycotting bad boycotts.

Stand with me people and do nothing, for a change!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Maybe I Wont Be Just A Ghost

The following video will push the envelope for every Halloween fan this season.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Those French, They Make Me Laugh
(draws big puff from cigarette)

I saw an article that made me laugh.

People in France are up in arms that McDonald's is opening a "restaurant" at the Louvre. For my uncouth reader, I'm sure there's only one, the Louvre is the world famous art museum.

The puckered Parisians are insulted that lovers of fine art will have to look at the McDonald's Golden Arches after looking at the Mona Lisa. In the land of great food, citizens could actually order a Big Mac. Or as they say in France, Le Big Mac (albeit while hiding their face).

The finicky French were also disturbed when last year a, you'd better sit, Starbucks opened close to the Louvre. I would think they would enjoy the arrogance that comes free with every cup, but what do I know, I drink tea.

At first I was feeling France's pain. As I travel around our great country I am saddened at how so many towns have been cloned. Little America looks almost the same in every town you visit.

Then the article threw cold water on my face. Outside the USA, France is Mickey D's number 1 growing market.

You like us, you really really like us.

Personally, I can't stand McDonald's anymore. For a fast burger I'd rather Burger King or Culver's. Something with flavor.

But now that I know France is turning to regular people food they don't irritate me as much. I know their dirty little secret. Next they'll be watching the Simpson's, reading Archie comics, drinking Kool-Aid and spraying cheese out of cans.

(blows smoke in face of reader)

Friday, October 02, 2009

Good Bye Billions of Dollars

Dear Conservatives, stop grinning.
Dear Racists, stop laughing.
Dear Anti-Chicago 2016, shut up, just shut up.

If you haven't heard, the Olympics will not be coming to Chicago. I'm sure you've heard Chicago was booted from contention after the first vote.

I was amused by a very popular web report whose headlines read, "The World Rejects Obama!"
First, let me say my Facebook page scooped the story over this popular conservative web reporter.
Second, what the Olympics have shown the world is that they are not about politics and popularity.

The World did not reject Obama.
The Olympics have chosen another country.

Plain and simple, nothing more nothing less.

As I write this, Rio and Madrid remain to be selected. I believe Madrid and longtime Olympic President Juan Antonio Samaranch will be rewarded to host the games.

Even if Rio gets the bid, that too will be great. They will be the 1st South American country to get the games. Bravo!

I was able to hear some of the speeches made by the Chicago bid. The one thing lacking was how the world would have benefited from Chicago. The speakers told personal stories, which were nice, but not what the Olympics needed to hear.

Look, Chicago will be fine. The Cubs have helped them accept failure.

I hope the city continues to look at the south side for more development. You can only put so many people on Navy Pier.

I have been a big fan of Daniel Burnham, the designer of the Chicago Plan a hundred years ago. He said,

"Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably will not themselves be realized."

We need to go back to that plan and philosophy of making, not only Chicago, but the whole state a better place. A place of awe.

Thursday, October 01, 2009

You Can't Please Everybody

In my 44 years I've learned that you can't please everybody. There is no 100% and unanimous is a myth.

No matter how good or bad something or someone is some will like and some will not.

Recent examples.

Barack Obama
Kanye West
Chicago's Olympic bid for the 2016 games


Our president is a world wide popular icon. Of course, he has those who think he should be anywhere but the White House.

Kanye West loves himself more than any one man could or should. He has been vilified for stealing Taylor Swift's spot light at an awards show. Yet, there are many in his corner more than willing to hold his mirror for him.

Chicago's Olympic bid for 2016. I've never heard anybody criticize the actual Olympic games. There is huge support for Chicago to get the 2016 games. Anybody that has ever visited Chicago knows this city deserves to be the center of attention. Not to my surprise, there are people who don't want the Olympics coming here. They have concerns that taxpayers will be stuck with the bill.

I guess this world would be a dull place if everybody agreed all the time. I know it would make writing this blog more challenging.

Here's to diversity. Can we all agree that that is a good thing?

Probably not.