"Holy War"

I ran across this little piece on Yahoo News which I thought was interesting so of course I felt compelled to share it:


My personal feeling is that this practice does seem a little bold on the part of the manufacturer, but is this also another example of "political correctness gone wild" on the part of the critics?

In as much as the war in Iraq is not packaged and sold as a "holy war", I think most of us in the western world ( read as: predominantly Christian world ) would agree that Islamic extremists in the Middle East would like to tie each one of us up and cut us into little pieces. So with that said, maybe it has become somewhat of a "holy war". I don't know for sure.

Anyway, if these pieces of equipment are being made by a manufacturer who happens to be a "believer", has committed no crime by sneaking in a little "plug" for God, and might even see a little something that most people can't or don't want to see, then so be it. It's a FREE country, correct?

Imagine this crap..........the insurgents who try to kill our sons and daughters on a DAILY BASIS are pissed because we're blowing their asses back to Allah with weapons that have scopes inscribed with the word of God! What a shame! And we've got some politically correct freaks that call themselves Americans whining about it!

"Hawks Nest"

I recently received some photos of another ride taken during the 2009 season by myself and some of the good folks from work. Even though the ride took place back in October, the scenery is too beautiful not to be shared.

Although the entire day provided plenty of beautiful scenery, including High Point State Park in New Jersey, our stop in Hawk's Nest on Rte 97, outside of Port Jervis, on the NY/PA border, was probably the most scenic. These pictures are taken from the elevated roadway, overlooking the Delaware River, on the NY side of the state line looking into PA. As you can see, it's a perfect day to marvel at the early change of season as summer begins it's exit, and the early signs of fall become visible.

 

       Manny

                        Rick, Kevin, and Manny

Other high points of the day included a great lunch at a little "Mom and Pop" diner in Port Jervis, a ride over High Point, NJ as mentioned previously, with a grand finale back into NY via the "Black Dirt" region in Pine Island, NY. Thanks to all who participated and made this such a fun day. Also, a special thanks to Manny for the pics. We'll be back in 2010.......loud and proud!

"Dedication"

This year we welcomed a few new riders to the family.......this gentleman being one of them. Motorcycling tends to be one of those things that a person either becomes immersed in, or does for a couple of seasons and drifts away from. It's either a passion or a passing fad.

Well, besides the fact that he rides a beautiful bike and also sports a revolutionary type of cold weather riding gear graciously donated by FedEx, he also holds the distinction of extending the riding season longer than anyone I know. Look at the date in this photo! December 27th!

This level of commitment may possibly go beyond a high level of dedication and create suspicions that this individual may require some form of therapy, but he's still got my complete admiration. Manny..........we salute you, and may you soon be savoring your first ride of the New Year.......some time in January no doubt!

Even the dog looks cold!

"Santa Has Arrived!"

        "Old Saint Nick" has upgraded his ride to an Indian Chief!

"Merry Christmas!"

Well, the holiday season is upon us and work has become more consuming than ever! Things will be a little slow here on the blog until after Christmas because I'll be working like a "superhuman" until then! No problem.......after 23 years of this stuff I've learned to enjoy the chaos. I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season........be good to yourself, and be good to each other.

"Looking forward to hearing from you."

I wish I could take credit for this piece but unfortunately I can't. The article was posted on CraigsList in the "Men Looking For Women" section by some poor unfortunate who had finally slipped over the edge. The "dating game" appears to have robbed him of his sanity, but fortunately not of his sense of humor. One thing is for sure, he does a fine job of conveying the experience of the "average joe" in the dating world. He writes as follows:

Hey Craigslisters! Gather ‘round, lean in close. This is a little story. Once upon a time, I had a business dispute with some lady. As her excuse, she claimed her son had cancer. Guess what? Yeah, he didn’t have cancer. Although, if he did, ripping me off for $20 probably had nothing to do with him having cancer. See how that works?

See, she tried to twist things all around and imply that if I called her on her BS actions, that that meant I was glad her son had cancer? Yeah, guess what? That was completely and utterly absurd because I don’t sit around wishing that kids I don’t know get cancer. Also, what type of woman, upon heairng her son has cancer, thinks to herself “Great! Now I can rip people off, and if they call me on it, I have a great excuse!” I’ll tell you what kind of person – the typical woman who uses Craigslist.

What does this have to do with CL? I’ll tell you what it has to do with CL. CHECK YOUR GODDAMN E-MAIL MORE THAN ONCE A WEEK … if you go around answering ads.

I used to have a lot of requirements for the type of girl I’d like to meet and have a relationship with. Unfortunately, those are all totally moot points because, apparently, even the best girls, can’t seem to get their heads out of their asses long enough to even communicate reliably. I’m not talking about girls whose ads I answered. I’m talking about girls who answered mine, and said things like “you sound intriguing” or “I’m truly looking forward to your next e-mail.” Of course, they had their reasons. All their sons had cancer. Even the girls without kids.

We all know that made-up cancer is very contagious. When your son or whoever, has made-up cancer, it spreads rapidly, to your own fingers. Your cancerous fingers then prevent you from checking your e-mail. Right.

Really now, what the hell more do these girls want? How lazy can you possibly be? You literally want to find a loving relationship by answering one or two e-mails and then doing nothing. Like … seriously, you basically leave even the best-meaning guy no logical course of action or avenue to even get to know you or vice versa. It is like a slug that won’t move, until you put a cigerette near it, and then it moves like an inch away and stops. I should really stop asking these girls out for coffee and instead offer to bring them breakfast in bed. Hey, I could hire some musicians to come play for you too. Anything else you want delivered? How about Canada? I can invade it and conquer for you by noon. No no, don’t get up, no, you need to rest and relax. Men should do everything while you sit on your ass and prove how complicated and important your life is, by not answering e-mails.

Let’s talk about what a spontaneous free spirit is. If I say “hey, this girl is a spontaneous free spirit,” what do you think? Well, you probably think wow, she sounds really exciting, lively, and magical. Now, here is the thing … you don’t prove you’re a spontaneous free spirit by FORGETTING TO ANSWER YOUR E-MAILS. You prove it by answering them, eventually meeting the guy, and spontaneously jumping in puddles during a spring shower while laughing freely. See how that works? See “flake who can’t communicate” does not = free spirit.

I used to say I really wanted to meet a quiet, intense, spontaneous, athletic, creative intelligent girl. But now I’ve discovered that what I want even more than that is A GIRL WHO HAS EVEN HALF THE RESPONSIBILITY AND RELIABILITY THAT SHE DEMANDS FROM A MAN. Oh yes, I said it! Here is one guy not so pathetically desperate for p*ssy that he accepts the double standards that you KNOW most (not all) women have.

Don’t make me prove my point. What? Oh really? Okay fine. You asked for it. Any of THIS sound familiar?

*Girl drives a total piece of sh*t car. Think she would be happy if you show up in a 78 Pinto with a garbage bag for a side window and rust spots all over? NO.

*Girl frowns because you left some socks on your floor or dirty dishes in your sink. Does this girl even HAVE a floor or a sink of her own? NO. She still lives at home or with roomates or in an apartment two blocks from crack dealers.

*Girl tells you she’s going to the movies with “an old friend.” You ask if it is a guy? She responds by acting like you’re a psycho control freak. By her logic then, she should be totally okay with YOU going to the movies with another girl, right? Hahahaha. Hells NO she ain’t.

*Girl has a shitty job as a receptionist or in retail. You don’t mind, because she’s a real cool girl. This same girl won’t date you unless you have a CAREER. See … she has a JOB, but you need a CAREER or you’re not worth her time. Just to prove my point, even women with pretty good jobs demand that their husband has a better one. For example, show me a women who is a writer, interior decorator, real estate agent, insurance agent, educator, or SMALL business owner etc., and I gaurentee that if she is attractive, her husband is a lawyer, doctor, professor, or executive. He’s not a plumber, soldier, or gym teacher. Now, look at guys who have a pretty bad job, like say they work at a shoe store or something? Their girlfriend has an EVEN WORSE job, she is probably on welfare. What I am saying is that no matter if a woman is lower class, working class, middle, or upper, she almost always has a double standard about employment. When you boil that all down, there is a name for it ladies – and it’s legal in Nevada.

*Girls are boring. They never go out and do things on their own. How many girls play paintball? None. How many play poker for money? None. How many have a black belt in a martial art (unless her dad, brother, husband, or boyfriend got one first!)? None. When’s the last time you even saw a girl go to a restaurant, dance club, faire, festival, concert, or any fun event, alone? Never. How many of the world’s great inventions were invented by women? Like none. How many great spiritual or political leaders have been women? Like … 1 in 1,000. Girls can’t even GO TO THE BATHROOM without another girl going with. Girls sit around waiting for some man to TAKE them to a movie, or dancing, or to a concert, or hiking. When a guy is bored, he blames himself, and gets off his ass and does something. When a girl is bored, she whines to her girlfriends, pets her cat, drinks tea, and decides she needs to meet a guy to entertain her and be her tour guide, driver, ATM machine, bodyguard, personal commedian, masseuse, etc. In other words, girls are boring as hell, but they expect their guy to be this infinitely active and exciting source of boundless fun. Girls act like they are on the edge of exhaustion and depression after one bad day at work – but they expect their man to be energetic, upbeat, and active by default without any of the downtime or TLC they claim to need JUST TO FUNCTION NORMALLY, let alone be fun!

You might think I’m only referring to lame girls – gold diggers, drama queens, sluts, idiots, and so forth. Nope. Anyone can spot those. I avoid those girls a mile a away. I am talking about girls who are smart, good looking, and creative. The dirty little secret I have found is that even great girls like that tend to ACT LIKE JERKS. It is really that simple. Hey girls, ever meet a really great guy that you liked a LOT? What happened? I’ll bet he acted like a jerk. Didn’t do what you wanted him to, did he? Maybe he led you on, maybe lied, or turned out to be not who you thought. Did you ask yourself why it didn’t work out, why that great guy acted like a jerk? Because he could, that’s why. The same exact reason that YOU act like a jerk to countless guys, some who deserve it, maybe some who don’t. Because, even though you are smart, good looking, and creative, you take that free pass to act how you want, act like a jerk, act self-absorbed, dramatic, or just plain flakey and nuts. Why? Because you can. Because from age 16-40 most “men” will take your crap. And you can’t find a man you like because deep down, no woman respects a guy who will take crap, even from her.

And another thing! Umm … actually, I think I said everything. Oh sh*t, I can’t really post this ad here unless it is a singles ad, can I? Okay then …

Male, 35, no baggage, decent shape, ever so slightly sarcastic subtle witty conversationalist, incredible career as a hot dog vendor, enjoys movies and ya know … things. Seeking activity partner and hopefully longterm relationship with great gal 18-40. Looking forward to hearing from you. :D xoxoxox <3

This guy is out of control! Sadly though, there is some truth to his rant. "Hat's off" to him for conveying his frustration in such an entertaining fashion and many thanks to AuntieBananas for unearthing this gem. We both enjoyed it tremendously and I appreciate her open-mindedness in sharing it with me.

“Remember Me?”

Recently, I had a chance to experience something that seems to happen all too frequently in on-line dating. Initially I thought it was a result of people trying to manage too many connections at one time, but now I'm thinking in some cases it's a little more involved. One things for sure, it's a bad character statement under any circumstances.

I had a lady contact me who seemed like a pretty pleasant soul and I liked her sense of humor. We seemed to have some mutual interest in each other so we began a running dialogue of messages.

She didn't seem to feel to inclined to get very “personal” , but she had spoken a little bit about her job so I elected to break the ice a little more by telling her about what I did for a living. A little personal, but not too intimate. I wrote:

“I work for ( deleted ) at ( deleted ) in ( deleted ). I spent 15 years as a courier, and the last 7 in another department that works directly at the ramp. We do ground support for inbound flights and heavy trucking. I "float" the operation and do everything from operate heavy equipment at the ramp, tractor trailer runs, and local pick up and delivery. Our primary functions are to haul truckloads of small packages to courier operations without immediate airport access, and deliver large overnight deliveries.............”

THE NEXT DAY......she wrote me:

“Did you say you're a trucker? Cross country or just local? “

…......and then continued on about herself. Call me hypersensitive if you like, but I got the feeling that she really didn't pay much attention to what I had to say. It just didn't give me the feeling that I really had much of her attention.

Anyway, I responded to that message from her with a copy of the previous message that I've shared here. Now this gets even better. Here's what I got from her next:

“I thought you had mentioned ( deleted ), but wasn't sure. Once a trucker always a trucker. Nothing wrong with that. It's good, honest work; usually. I've know truckers that stole from their bosses all the time. But in your line, I'm sure there wasn't any chance to even get tempted.”

Now what the hell was that all about? “ Once a trucker always a trucker.”........what is that supposed to mean? I haven't a clue? And why in the world would she feel compelled to tell me, “ I've known truckers that stole from their bosses all the time. But in your line, I'm sure there wasn't any chance to even get tempted.” Like I don't have enough moral foundation and self control to avoid any remote opportunity to steal something from work? Holy crap! Is it me, or does this lady have no “people skills” at all ?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Oh well, it's a crazy world with some very unique people in it. It's a good thing I have a sense of humor!

"It ain't easy!"

As much as this blog is a lot of fun and all commentary is welcome, I do have to deal with ignorant people and harassment occasionally. It's not all "wine and roses"! Although I never have a problem with someone disagreeing with me, I do have a problem with rude, nasty, disrespectful comments.

My post on "Red Flags" received a comment from Anonymous ( the idiotic stuff I get is always from "Anonymous" of course! ) which simply said, "lame". "Lame"..................that's it. Well, it's easy to see that there's a complicated thought process going on there! And it's even easier to be bold when you don't have enough character to come out of the dark. You can say anything when your a "nobody".

Anyway, I commented back on their response assuming it was a reaction to my post. Here's the return comment I received:

"actually the "lame" comment was in reference to your reply to auntie bananas not to the article..your such a f@cking dork, hows that for eloquent?"

Nice, huh.............and this is mild compared to some of the stuff I've received. I wish there was a way to block people with personality disorders and tortured souls from commenting on the blog, but Blogger hasn't worked that out yet!