What are You Going to Watch Tonight?

This is a follow up to this article I wrote earlier this year about how far cable/satellite networks will go(sink) to somehow in their minds obtain a reasonable amount of the market share audience.
Let's go to the TV grid tonight:
I'm not sure about your cable/satellite lineup, but on my system the crummy AMC(formally the great American Movie Classics) and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) are back to back, and tonight both channels are taking advantage of Peter Jackson's new King Kong by showing "classic" versions of the famous monster.
Here is the Difference and I ask what would you watch?
First AMC will play the 1976 version with Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange(babe, but no Faye Wray) edited with commercials or flip to the next channel and watch the original 1933 Faye Wray(babe, but no Jessica Lange) classic, unedited with no commercials.
Honestly I won't watch either one, but if I was forced to make a choice like I'm forcing you to make one, I would choose the original on TCM. Basically because of no commercials. While it's true that the original is also probably a better film, because the 1976 film was pretty crummy, but that really factors little into my decision. I'm actually in favor of a network that wants to show crummy movies. Sometimes I'm really in the mood for them. I extremely object to crummy movies edited with commercials. In fact there are way too many commercials(and don't forget infomercials) on cable television for a service I already pay way too much for, and it's not just the crummy AMC.
Fox Sports Net(FSN) has a good Poker information show on called Learn From The Pro's, which is already a walking ad for Full Tilt Poker, as soon as the show gets interesting the idiot announcer(self-proclaimed) annouces that they "have" to take a break. How about not taking a break.
The worst offender I've noticed lately comes from MSNBC. Have you ever on purpose tried watching Chris Matthews' Hardball? I usually catch the show while flipping channels, and I was always wondering why he was talking so fast all the time. Well, because he is always going to commercial break. I displayed some patience the other day and actually timed out segments, and it came out to four minutes of programming to four and a half minutes of commercials, almost five if you count other MSNBC promos, and don't forget news updates at the top and bottom of the hour, you're only getting almost a half an hour of the actual show!
Ever wonder why people are giving away (and taking) content on the internet?
By the way, The Radioaffliction does not have commercials(just "humorous" segments to help break up segments).
Like I wrote in May, be different. It's okay to play crummy movies, because it's good to have a niche. But if you want to attract an audience (and keep them), just give them what they came for. The crummy movie!
Have a wonderful day,
PAC

Get a New Plan Stan!

I'm in a sports mood today and I'm shocked to hear the news about Stan Van Gundy. I'm not shocked that he is out as coach of the NBA's Miami Heat, nor am I in shock that former Coach Pat Riley is taking over. I am shocked that by now Van Gundy has not spontaneously combusted.
Maybe it's a little personal because for one shining moment Van Gundy was the head coach at the University of Wisconsin when Stu Jackson decided he was too good for Wisconsin after leading them to 1 NCAA Tournament win(in fairness it was their first win in the tournament since the 1940's), and in my opinion only Van Gundy is the biggest Freakazoid in Sports.
What inspired me to write this article is the fact that it is not very often that I agree with or for that matter even listen to ESPN's Steven A. Smith. HOWEVER!
I am in complete agreement with Mr. Smith that Van Gundy will never be accepted as a NBA coach(or any other coach) until he learns how to relax. He is constantly moving up and down, screaming and yelling at officials, players, mascots, and whatever is in his path, and the worst part was he was always in this big pool of sweat!
When he was at Wisconsin, I wanted the Badgers to win, but I just couldn't stand watching this blubbering, blithering, blathering sweat monster parading the sideline.
So my advice to Mr. Van Gundy is, take some time off, enjoy the holidays, find the BIGGEST Chill Pill you can find, and CHILL THE @#$%& OUT

updated 2/23/09

Radioaffliction Podcast Vol.4!

Click here or right click to download for this edition of The Radioaffliction With Host Peter A. Clay!

In this episode:

*Intro- What is The Radioaffliction? And how YOU can be part of the show!
*Pete goes through his Spam folder in search for holiday gifts.
*Rick Harrington's Theater of Masterpiece: Please Continue!
*Pete Interviews himself(?) about a news story about his neighborhood.
*(Former)Co-host Rick Harrington(& wife) joins the discussion about neighbors,speed traps & more.

If you have never listened to a podcast before(especially this one) please give it a try, and tell me what you think in the comment section.
Enjoy!

Rick Harrington's Theater of Masterpiece!

Click here to watch or right click to download this amusing video as Rick Harrington presents his Theater of Masterpiece!

In this Premiere episode:

*The Tabernacle Ballet Presents Frog Lake: A beautiful ballet played to J.S. Bach's Toccata & Fugue in D minor(?). (actually just the Toccata, and keep your eye on the background as a young man tries to hide a prop).
*Rick shows the latest Christmas gifts for kids in Consumer Corner.
*Rick interviews a British Designer(with a bad French accent) on the lastest in Fashion.

Enjoy!

It Can Always Be Worse!

Greetings and a happy holiday season to all! I'm back at it after a three week break from blogging and podcasting to write a novel in thirty days, deal with a death in the family, and start training for a new job for the holiday season.
Well the novel didn't get finished, but the first part is done and an outline is completely done, so what was stuck inside my head for over a year is now out. It could be worse(I have ideas stuck in my head for over twenty years!).
A death in the family is never easy, but in my experience with death, it's dealing with the people that are still alive than coping with the loss of the person who died(although I have to admit that losing a child and a parent did suck). But in this case all pretty much went well. In fact I had a little bit of a chuckle when my family wrote my grandmothers obituary and said that she died unexpectedly at age 93. To me I'm just not quite sure how unexpected it is that a 93 year old person dies. You've got to come to terms with the reality of the situation at some point when a loved one or anyone gets that high on the odometer of life, don't you? Not to suggest that someone could die expectedly(Fred died expectedly today at age 52), but if you really think about it, death is certain and depending on what you believe, it's part of a master plan, so in fact it maybe possible to see an obit that said that Fred died today as expected at the age of 52.
Anyway I'm getting sidetracked, dealing with the family was pretty good actually, it could have been worse. However many things with the family is to be determined. Like what to do with the family house and all the stuff in it, so stay tuned.
Then there is the job for the holidays, and while the extra pay is nice, it's a pain in the butt to get to, since I'm determined not to get a new vehicle until gas prices go back to a reasonable rate(actually it's the cost of insurance that I'm truly offended by), and people become more responsible with how they use their vehicle or this spring! Since Madison has a wonderful transit system I use that, and what would normally take twenty minutes to get from point a to point b, now takes an hour and fifteen minutes. Then I get to work and I'm on my feet for eight hours straight with maybe a twenty minute break in there somewhere, but it's really pointless, and while the people there are fairly nice, they don't really give a crap about me. I work in one company, but I'm supposedly paid by another so they have the attitude that "Hey, you're somebody else's problem", and not really going out of their way to make sure I really know anything, just do your job and go home. And that's fine with me, I meet some really nice people along the way, and that makes the time go by pretty fast, and hey, it could be worse. I was checking out the goings on in my old town of Denver, and caught this article from the Denver Post about a couple of window washers who got stuck when their scaffold stalled twelve stories up and then the wind kicked in and gave them the ride of a lifetime. Check the article out there is video footage as well.
So to wrap this up, if something in your life is not going as planned remember it can always be worse, and that you have the ability to change it anytime you want. Just like George Carlin used to say when he was funny, "If you don't like the weather where you live. MOVE!"
Have a wonderful day,
PAC

Death & Life

The daily rigors of the high life trying to market a blog and podcast, not to mention the effort of writing a novel in just thirty days, came to a brief pause due to the passing of my maternal grandmother at the very ripe age of 93.
The thought of her passing and the (nice) service that followed reminded me of a post I wrote last February, when New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady was preparing for the Super Bowl when, as the mighty ESPN put it, suffered a personal tragedy when his grandmother died at the age of 94!
Now before I go on, I want to remind everyone that our grandmothers lived to the of age of 93 and 94!
There is no way I can think of to say that these are tragedies. Living into your nineties is an accomplishment, and should be applauded. So that leads to the question of the day. Just how to do you approach the subject of one's passing? Would you really go up to someone who just lost a relative who lived into their nineties and say "Hey, sorry about your grandma man, what a tragedy."
I'm not trying to tell people how to feel, and leaning on the side of caution in these matters is probably very wise, but you don't need to go over board, and classifying all deaths as tragedies, especially when we all are going to die(sorry to remind of everyone of that) and depending on what you believe(or have faith in) we all are going to a better place(or different place), so how is that a tragedy?
A simple "I'm sorry about your grandma" has been very nice, because for someone like me and how I feel can reply, "Thank you, Wow 93, what an accomplishment!"
But it also allows someone else in the family if they feel differently to go, "I know how sad, boo-hoo, boo-hoo.", it doesn't automatically label the situation, and allows the person dealing with situation to show how they feel, without assuming how they feel, and that's what I felt ESPN did with Tom Brady. His 94 year old grandmother dies, while he is preparing for the Super Bowl, this must be a tragedy for him! Like there was no other way he could feel.
In my family we have lost a life, and that is a bummer. But that one life has helped to bring life to many others, in fact if she could have held on for a few more months she would have been a great-great grandmother. Now there is an accomplishment indeed.
All I have left to say is:
Thank you Nanny, it was a pleasure to know you!

Another Example of Taking Life Too Seriously!

Interesting story from Minnesota about a women who put up Halloween displays on her lawn of tombstones with "funny" names on them. The classics like "Mike Hunt", "Hugh Jass" "Ben Dover" and others that we used get other people to say, and make a whole bunch of people laugh. Childish? Probably, Immature? Maybe, but offensive?
Well a couple of people in town who probably don't have a sense of humor, or at the very least incapable of moving on with life, have filed complaints with the city.
Kids, if the lady had put signs on her lawn saying "Go &*%$ Yourself!", then maybe you would have a reason to complain(even though she may have a right to say so). In my opinion, people who complain about such "trivial" things, seem to think that freedom of speech (or freedom in general) means the freedom to b*&ch. If we are going have such a thing as "freedom" that means freedom for all, and occasionally having to live with things that you don't like. And if you don't know what to say to your kids when they see the signs. Explain it to them, because they may be the only ones who think it's funny!(Plus they would come up to you in the next three days coming up with new names! Irritating after a while, but it encourages creativity!)
The only reason I'm upset about it, is because there wasn't a tombstone for Al Kohalic!
By the way this post was sponsored by former Race Car Driver Dick Trickle!
Have a Great Day!

For the complete story Click Here!

Rick & Pete Special Vol. 2!

Click here to watch(or right click to download).

Went through the archives today and found six minutes of video.

Sketches include:
Good Morning Madison & Should Madison allow Casino Gambling!

I Smell Bacon! Does Anyone Else Smell Bacon!

There are lot of things going on in the world right now. Gas prices are high, Saddam still thinks he is President(of the U.S. even), Killer Hurricanes, and the Green Bay Packers may have losing season. So what is on the mind of the Wisconsin State Journal's front page today?
Wild Pigs!
Yes folks, wild pigs are taking over Wisconsin! I could barely get out of the house today without being attacked by a pack of swine! No wonder the Packers are struggling with the scent of manure all over the place.
For the extremely informative story Click here!

updated 2/23/09

Radioaffliction Podcast Vol.3!

For volume 3 of The Radioaffliction click Here! Or Right Click to download!

In this episode (former)Co-Host Rick Harrington joins me as we celebrate his 35th Birthday!!!!

Topics include:
* Watching Leaves Change Color
* Innocent Hollywood Crushes (female!)
* Driving Pet Peeves
* The New James Bond
* Movies That Made Us Sad
* Why are People Still Camping?
* Part Two of Peter & Peck Old Time Radio's Version of "The Shadow"

Tell Us What You Think!

Update 10/18/05: All Radioaffliction Podcasts and Videos are available for a free subscription with iTunes! and Yahoo! Or audio only podcasts are also available at Odeo!

No Love for The $2 Dollar Bill!

Cute post from Dorene M Lorenz about a Taco Bell manager who wouldn't accept a two dollar bill, because he thought it didn't exist! Someone straightened him out, but it worries me that I think a lot of people probably believe that there isn't a two dollar bill. It's also a slap in the face to Thomas Jefferson, one of the greatest Americans of all time, author of the "Declaration of Independence" and one of the great editors of "The Bible"(by pretty much taking all the crap out of it). The two dollar bill should be the most practical of all the currencies, which is probably why it's hardly used! What would you rather have four one dollar bills or just two, two dollar bills? It's a nice even number that combined with other currencies, should make life easier, and heck it makes more sense than pennies do at this point. Now before I go any further, I should point out that I myself do not have a wallet full of Thomas Jefferson's right now, but I think tomorrow, let's help out all those bored bank tellers out there and all get ten dollars worth of two dollar bills, and get these things rolling again!

Dorene didn't have a hyperlink to the story so I put it in the comment section!

Update 10/23/05
Throwing a little love for T.J. with the new nickels that have a new profile of Jefferson, and the old buffalo on the back.
Very Nice! The only problem is: It's still a nickel!

How To Make & Eat A Raw Beef Sandwich!

Watch this informative video, as Jim Reid shows How to Make & Eat a Raw Beef Sandwich!
Jim follows our Grandfathers recipe! Yum, Yum!

Radioaffliction Podcast Vol.2!

It's Back! For volume 2 of The Radioaffliction Click Here to listen in your browser or right click to download!

In this episode:
* Intro and Welcome Back
* Hurricane Katrina
* The News You Didn't Know You Needed to Know
* Antique Corner
* Interview Segment: Adam Clay: aspiring author and creator of The Creative Workshop. Talks about his new blog and needs your help to self publish his new book.
* Traveling With Rick
* Raising the Intellectual Level: Why I Don't Think I am Ever Getting Married!
* Something Personal
* Peter & Peck Old Time Radio's version of "The Shadow" pt. 1

Check it out and tell me what you think!

Response from our last show:
"Fantastic! I'm doing cart wheels over the Radioaffliction Podcast!"
--Gail

The Radioaffliction is now available to subscribe on PodcastAlley and Podcast.net!

Rick & Pete Special!

I was having a little fun with the new iMovie this weekend, and found some video clips with my friend Rick and myself, and made this eight minute clip. Right click here to download or just click once to open is a new browser window(may take a little bit to load that is why I recommend downloading).

If you don't have Quicktime already installed click here for the free download!

This is an experiment with video,editing and video on the web, I would love feed back.
Thanks and enjoy,
Stay tuned for the next Radioaffliction!
PAC

Radioaffliction Podcast Vol.1!

It's Finally Here! The Radioaffliction Podcast! For the Latest edition of The Radioaffliction podcast Click Here to listen in your browser or right click to download!

I've been promising this for a long time and it's here. The Radioaffliction is back on the air!

In this episode:
* Intro and welcome back
* The News You Didn't Know You Needed to Know
* Good Morning Madison
* Radioaffliction Classics
* Highway Construction
* Raising the Intellectual Level: How to Tell the "Truth"

If you have any problems or questions please let me know, and please tell me what you think of the show,
Thanks and enjoy,
PAC

Update! You can now subscribe to The Radioaffliction at iTunes! (yea!) And Odeo!

It's Been A Long Time Since I Put a Cute Kitty Picture Up!

Just a Thought!

Last month I wrote (and talked about on The Radioaffliction Podcast) about one of the reasons why I don't think I'm ever getting married. The main reason is it seems that a lot of people get married just for the sake of being married, and while one person may love the other(and vice versa) there is very often something "more" that a person has inside them that they actually seek in another. So why get married? Plenty of reasons, there is peer pressure, you reach a certain age and think "it's now or never", and there are people who think that this is just the way it is, you go to school, get a job, get married, have kids, wait for them to grow up and get the hell out of the house, and then enjoy life! Then there are those who hang moral issues on others and say you need to get married so you can have your hall pass for "knooky", and a reason I didn't think of until last night when I went to see the movie "Wedding Crashers". The movie is very enjoyable but suffers from an all too familiar formula in romantic movies and it almost killed this movie until a late cameo appears and completely saves the film. The formula goes as follows, boy has set behaviors and does what he does and has reasons to justify such behaviors. Boy meets girl and all of a sudden everything comes to a screeching halt, and realizes that birds can sing, and there are such things as stop lights. Boy gets girl to notice him even fall for him, but wait there is some big secret he's kept from her, she finds out and boy loses girl. Boy and girl can't forget about each other, but girl is going to marry another guy anyway(usually a complete putz, and someone you wouldn't invite into your own home, the only exception being Bill Pullman in "Sleepless in Seattle", but he was so sappy it almost doesn't count), so boy has to do something very spectacular in order to get girl back, and they run off into the sunset to what we believe is happily ever after.
There you see is my problem. The romantic movie formula (to me) has some how affected the marriage "theory" of today. These movies only show how people fall in love and never show what it's like to be in love once two people have recognized their souls counterpoint in someone(Owen Wilson's definition of true love in the movie), apparently they think the process just repeats itself over and over again.
So once again I'm left to ponder, but at least I can recognize and define such issues, and will continue to wait for the "more" or my soul's counterpoint.
Until next time,
PAC

Diamond's In The Rough?

Check out poor Erik Pedersen's review Here!
Looks like Erik had to be dragged kicking, screaming and crying to review a Neil Diamond concert(and get paid for it)!
You can tell by his review that he doesn't like Neil Diamond and therefore there was nothing that Neil was going to be able to do to please him. Neil could stand on stage and poop gold for everyone in the audience and Erik would still be upset that he sang "Forever in Blue Jeans"(which by the way Erik is a good song).
I understand that Neil Diamond is in the twilight of his career,(even though he sold enough tickets for four shows at the Staples Center in Los Angeles) and an acquired taste, and it's probably true that some of the songs don't have the same ummph as they used to. But he has a loyal following (Barry Manilow fans are the same way), and will be out and selling out even if Neil goes on stage in a walker or wheel chair.
The concert may not have been good, but Erik's bias going into it, made his review worse.

How Badly Do You Want Free Music?

Yes if you act now! You can get 3 free downloads if you join the Army National Guard!
Not quite sure how I feel about this, either for the user who is looking for free downloads or The National Guard for having to toss a carrot out to get recruits, and why only 3 downloads. 5 I might have considered.
For a more traditional way here's Limewire!

Thanks to The Front Line for the image!

Reason #23,412, Why I Don't Think I'm Ever Getting Married!

Sometimes I come across a blog and I scratch my head, and wonder what someone is expecting to hear when they write their post. This thought came to me when I came across this post from The invisible Writer, where she wonders if she should be upset with her husband for the reasons explained in the post. If you take a look at the post it would not take you very long to answer, Duh, yeah! Some people were quick to comment that she should dump him, which drew an immediate response from her with the classic retort, "Of course, I'm only bringing up the bad things, he really is a sweet guy". I almost commented myself, but I'm hoping this story was more of an embellishment in order to induce comments on her blog than a complete list of actual events. When I see something like this, I go back to the post I wrote waaaay back in March of this year Love:A Reality Check. To me just based on the evidence presented, this is a classic case of someone who wishes to be "married" and is not really "in love". The cliff notes version of my old post was that Love is easy, you love your parents, pets, children, sports teams, co-workers, etc. But when it comes to true companionship, a bond that is lasting and powerful that you are willing to spend a lifetime with someone, there is usually something "more" there than just love. It usually can only be defined as a "know it when you feel it" type of thing. So I'm sure that The Invisible Writer loves her husband but there is something "more" she has in mind and in my opinion she hasn't come to terms with that, she believes because she's married that all this stuff should be all worked out, so much so that she is debating whether or not she should be upset about things that are completely unacceptable to her, and to anybody else for that matter. Likewise I'm sure her husband loves her, mainly because he's married whose wife will bail him out every time he gets in trouble, and clearly by his antics is searching for something more that doesn't really include her, she is more of a security blanket than anything else. I'm sure things can be worked out, but for me, I'll just wait, and wait, and wait (so on and so on), until "the more" comes along. Because the older I get, the stakes get bigger in relationships, and hopefully so will the rewards.
That's all I have for today, don't settle for less when there is "more" out there,
Until next time,
PAC

The Truth Continued!

One little thing I didn't to mention in my post entitled "The Truth From a Certain Point of View" the other day, Truth in advertising! Yes, something that might actually make truth an oxymoron. In fairness some companies are not making such bold claims, they are just generating attention to their product so that we the little people -- I mean buying public will consider their product. Using such techniques as sex as an example.
Being cool is another one, you see them in competitive ads like Coke vs. Pepsi, and Miller Lite vs. Bud Light(feel free to add any foreign ads that I am not familiar with). They kind of force you to defend the one you like better. I think Coke is a superior product, but check my previous post on what making such a claim really means.
Then there is Sex. Sex, Sex, SEX!!!
Yes when the truth can't get the audience or sales of the product you want, you can always rely on sex.
But get this, the Government is getting involved. Well not the U.S. Government(give them time), but in the United Kingdom they have a little gang called the Committee of Advertising Practice. If the sound of their name isn't scary, you can probably imgine from such a name that they probably don't have a sense of humor. The committee has rejected an ad by the Lambrini drink company because it depicted women flirting with a man who was deemed too attractive! I find this hard to believe for a couple reasons, first since I wasn't there where did they find such a guy, and two how can anybody be too attractive, because who is to say.
The committee didn't stop there they declared!
We would advise that the man in the picture should be unattractive overweight, middle-aged, balding etc.
I can see the reaction of the Lambrini executives right now! "You're right, what were we thinking, you guys are so smart, you should have our jobs instead!" I think not!
Can you imagine if that committee made that declaration here in the states! Beer commercials would practically go away, Overstock.com would actually have to say what they sell on their site, and the guy in the Tag body spray commercials would have to be attacked by unattractive - overweight, middle-aged, balding women(which seems to be happening to me when I use the product).
You might be thinking to yourself right now(maybe), "So what your saying is, you would trade "Truth" for "freedom"?
I might respond, "Maybe?", Truth as I have already stated is subject to so many points of view, but then again so does freedom, so much so I fear that truth may have better odds of existing than freedom, especially since everybody believes they are telling the truth, and most people seem to be willing to trade "Freedom" for "Security". But that's a subject for another discussion, and since no one is telling me what I should do tomorrow, freedom lives!
I would probably reply with what I yacked about the other day, and that would be gain knowledge about the products and while I may not find the truth, I will probably figure out what is false. I will probably not be attacked by women(or men) trying Tag body spray(one should not need spray for that).
Experience plays a factor too. Growing up there was a product call Zip shoes, which suggested that if you wore those shoes you would Zip along, and jump all over the place. Imagine my surprise when I landed in the middle of a bush in our front yard with my first few steps. It was also the last time I had Blue shoes!
I do believe however those advertisers should try to be more truthful, or as Dr. Gene Scott "taught" they should act more truthful-ly (devout followers should get that!). I would like to see just one (ONE) home pregnancy company instead of showing some couple all gleeful when they find out they are expecting, have one freaked out chick just go nuts when she finds out she's been knocked up! I may buy one for the hell of it if a company did that, I may just knock a lady up for such a product(That's a joke!).
In conclusion: My advice to the Committee of Advertising Practice, this isn't Crunchy Frog they are putting out. Have a Lambrini drink with some attractive people, and enjoy life for a change. It may not be the truth, it may not be what we wish were true, but no can really say it's false!
Until next time,
PAC

Looks Like He's Made It! Manilow Jewelry!

Yes, Barry Manilow is introducing a line of jewelry he's simply calling the "M Jewelry Line."

So if you need something for that Weekend in New England, or just Trying to Get the Feeling Again, or if you're Ready to Take a Chance Again. Find what your looking for with the "M Jewelry Line." It's a Miracle!

Don't need the bling, check this site out. Get the Barry Bobblehead Doll(Caution:The Nose really makes it bobble frequently!)

Click here for the full news story!

Aren't We Getting a Little Too Sensitive?!?

Boy it sure seems that a Country(U.S.A.) that prides itself on free speech is really having a hard time lately. It could be just a paranoid press that has nothing exciting to report and heaven forbid they report the good things happening around us. But it just seems to me that people are becoming increasingly more offended over silly things(team mascots for instance), and since Janet Jackson worries from the media over fines from Federal Communications Commission(FCC).
Case in point, a Kentucky radio station had canceled Garrison Keillor's "The Writer's Almanac", and here is the reasons why:

Recent poems had included words such as "breast" and the phrase "get high." Another included suggestive sexual content, according to WUKY General Manager Tom Goddell.

WOW! Forget the FCC, I'm writing my congressman(who's actually a woman), better yet let's go to Minnesota and that Lake Whatever it is and lynch the guy, burn him at the stake if we have to.

Well insecure Tom has changed his mind and put the show back on the air thanks to listener support. But why can't Tom admit that he is a paranoid idiot and made a mistake and apologize instead. Just might help ease the paranoia elsewhere.

Here is what I'm getting at. Life is too short(it may be even precious, I haven't decided yet) for this kind of stuff. Yellowstone National Park is a super volcano that could blow at any moment wiping out 3/4 of the U.S., Permafrost is melting(probably an oxymoron then) in Siberia and Canada releasing tons of methane allowing the progression of global warming, and don't forget the terrorists still don't like us and could attack at any moment and that would suck. At any rate something could happen instantly that actually makes survival essential, and then maybe things like breasts would less offensive, or whether that guy drove 35mph in a 25 zone or what a team sports mascot name would be. Heck if all those nasty things happened all at once, Florida State could name themselves the Turds and would it really matter?

Nasty stuff is going on, but good stuff is going on too, and if you can't tell if the glass is half full or half empty, get a new glass(or least put it in the dish washer!). I'm not even paranoid of the nasty stuff happening, I realized a long time ago that at any time, moment, and in an instant the gig is up! And at the moment you have to look at your life and determine, was I a player or a complainer? I'm been kind of an observer, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about that!

That's all I have for now,
Have a wonderful Day,
PAC

Being a Fan Doesn't Mean They're Supposed to Win!

While surfing through the blogoshere I came across an article that reminded me of something that is rapidly becoming a pet peeve of mine(my all time pet peeve is people on the Interstate who try to pass while still on cruise control!).
The post is entitled "How the Cubs Win the World Series"!
He begins his post by stating he is a lifelong Cubs fan. I stop right there and almost click to the next site.
I hate to tell people how they should feel, but you can't be a lifelong Cubs fans and expect them to win. I used to think you should watch/follow them to lose(which are much better odds) but that's no good either.
So here it is, just follow them and see what happens! It's 50/50 chance of one or the other.
Look I know the guy feels, and I admire a person in this day and age of fantasy sports that a person follows a team, but my upbringing has led me to my opinion. My grandfather never missed a Cubs game, and if he wasn't finished with his chores he would have a radio on full blast with six extension cords out to the garden so he could follow the game. However, he would never admit he was a fan,
"Nope, they're not going to win today", and if they managed to pull one out he would say, "Well they got lucky today, they'll blow it tomorrow!"
A healthy attitude, a bunch of bull*&%$, but since he's passed on, I've carried on the tradition. It's kept me sane when their up 3-1 in a series and they blow it, to say "See, I told you so, what else did you expect".
It's just a recomendation that's all, and I think worth a try,
Until Next time,
PAC

I Knew I Should Have Taken That Left Turn in Albuquerque!

Interesting Story that came across the wire(actually it was a RSS reader) about passengers on a cruise ship bound for Bermuda, but when they wake up they're in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Not a bad place to be this time of year I'm sure, but not Bermuda, and not what most of the passengers were expecting.
The ship was diverted due to Tropical Storm Franklin, and after a quick stop in Canada(once again, not a bad place to be this time of year, point being I'm sure it could be worse!), a nice trip back home to New Jersey(one more time, not a bad place to be this time a year, but not Bermuda!).

The reason I would have chosen this story for discussion on The Radioaffliction, if we were still on the air, or if I would get off my lazy butt and do the podcast I've been promising for months, would be to discuss the "attitudes" I'm sure some of the passengers might have. The ones that need immediate satisfaction or else the world is coming to an end. I'm sure some people are upset and have a reason to be disappointed, especially since one couple was planning to get married in Bermuda(which is romantic, but hey, how many people can say they got married just off the coast of Halifax!!!), and I'm sure the cruise line will do what they can to compensate. Besides, better safe than sorry, right!

But that's not enough for some people, it's not over until they've yelled, kicked, screamed, and for a lack of a better word(sorry kids) Bitched, and basically annoyed everyone employee on the cruise ship. To have the kind of conversation that some how the Captain will suddenly change his mind.
"You're right, what was I thinking! After all it's only a Tropical Storm, it's not like it's a hurricane! Everyone back on board, we're going to tough this out. This guy's(or gal's) powerful, forceful, angry words has made me see the light!"
The point is this, #$%& happens, and there are going to be times in life where you can't change what is happening, not that I'm trying to tell someone how to feel or react but these are the little tests in life that I think we take for granted. No matter what happens, try your best to enjoy it! Heck, you now have to something to talk about on Thanksgivings from now on!

Have a great weekend!
PAC

Man, I Hope I'm This Happy When I'm Arrested!

Most likely I'll be saying !@#$ $%&*!

Click here for the young lady's story from The Smoking Gun!

Upset of the Year! Canada Wins Award for Dumbest Government!

By reading some of the blogs out there, I'm sure this comes as a great surprise to many here in the U.S., especially with the other nominees, Iran, North Korea along with the mighty U.S.A. at the World Stupidity Awards!

I was a little surprised but then I thought about it a little, and while the U.S. maybe the most hated Government, it may not be the dumbest(Since I'm sure most Governments qualify as dumb). I had to look no further than my own blog to see how Canada qualifed, last May I caught an episode of the Prime Ministers B*&%$ing session- I mean question time!

Follow You, Follow Me

A little bit of a sports theme today, because I think I'm the only one who isn't getting it. Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers had an incident with a cameraman a while back, that got him suspended(pending an appeal) for 20 games. The incident happened on the field during warm ups and the cameraman's excuse after Mr. Rogers asked that he not point that camera at him, was that he was just doing his job. Fair enough, the players are on the field, and it's your job to cover the game and the players in it, you shouldn't have your camera thrown off your shoulder!
Well a 20 game suspension(which is STILL pending an appeal) is not harsh enough, Mr. Rogers has been arrested for assault, and since he publicaly apologized and ate crow at the All-Star game last week, he tried to do the right thing and turn himself in.
But wait! What's there right next to him while he's being fingerprinted(I REPEAT WHILE HE'S BEING FINGERPRINTED!), another cameraman?!?
Strangely enough Mr. Rogers doesn't approve of him being there, so he has a few words with him, just words, he doesn't toss aside the deputy next to him and smash the cameraman with the deputy's night stick, just some words, terse perhaps but just words, and the cameraman intelligently replies "I'm just doing my job!"
So the Sports Talk crowd today had a field day with Mr. Rogers with such comments like, "He just doesn't get it!", "What kind of idiot would do that!"
Point #1. I already know what kind of an idiot he is by his first reaction to the original cameraman, his lame public apology which was somehow supposed to explain his deserving to play in the All-Star game. So the proof was already in the pudding.
Point #2. Doesn't anybody have a problem with a cameraman filming while fingerprinting!!!!!!!! Spare me the "He's a public figure, He's in the news, The cameraman has a job to do and he's just doing it!!"
C.R.A.P.!!!!!!
Why not follow him into the bathroom to make sure he wipes! Or puts the seat down after at least!
Even better, do the more intelligent thing watch him go into the police station, wait for him and when he comes out, film him and ask the great question "How did it go in there?"
I do not condone the actions of Mr. Rogers at all, and believe he is getting what he deserves has far as punishment goes, but this silly CNN(media news in general) style coverage of an idiot, is well idiotic.
I feel better now, how about you!
Have a great day,
PAC

It's Been Such a Long Time!

Just in case you were wondering, if you're going to walk from the Madison Airport(Dane County Regional Airport officially) on Madison's North East side to Elver Park on Madison's far West side, it will take you about four hours and five minutes(16.5 miles), depending on how long you hang out downtown, and chill out by Lake Mendota!
Just in case you ever have to do that!

Regular reports to resume again, shortly after I rest my sore feet!
Until then,
PAC

What's Left!!!!

In the last two weeks two secrets have finally been revealed.
1. How Anakin Skywalker (finally) became Darth Vader and
2. That W. Mark Felt is "Deep Throat"!

In the case of emotionally tortured Mr. Skywalker, we knew this was coming, and while Obi-Wan gave it scouts try to save him, we knew that he would fail and leave him as a lump of scarred flesh, only to rescued by the Emperor, and become the Bad guy we remembered. And that he wouldn't be Anakin again until his son who after just becoming a Jedi could have destroyed the Emperor himself, sacrifices himself to the powers of the Dark Side, until his father can no longer face the pain, and become good again, destroying the Sith, saving his son(and the Jedi), and restoring balance to the force.

In the case of Mr. Throat-- I mean Mr. Felt. This was one the greater mysteries of our time, and the revealation has left me with a little feeling of dissappointment. For one thing I had $20 riding on that it was Alexander Haig, and second what was unknown is now known, and now it's time to move on. That's it! All that build up and POOF! Kind of like when we found out who shot J.R.!
There will be a little debate on whether he is a hero, as his family feels or a sell out like the wonderfully heroic G. Gordon Liddy thinks. But that will come and go faster than Jennifer Wilbanks my emotionally tortured runaway bride, who never hooked me up with the blonde police woman escorting her away from the press.

Now for me the question remains, what's left! What else is out there are we just dying to know, but haven't or aren't willing to figure out yet. Could it be the cure of a major disease, and if it's found will I have the same feeling as when Mr. Felt was discovered. "Wow that's it! All that moral debate over stem cells and all you had to do was eat the leaf of an oak tree!"
Could it be the one really big question, the one I'm even avoiding (on this blog anyway), Is There a God? A simple question really that seems to cause more pain than it really intended, and it's becoming more of a fight between the people who feel that they have a fantastic computer in their head that can do almost anything, including a little thing called rational thought vs. people with books, and a little thing called faith. The problem I feel, is that the answer came and went a long time ago, and nobody liked the answer, therefore the queston(s) persist.
That's all I have today,

Have a great weekend,
PAC

Find Your Niche, Keep Your Niche, and Try Not to Scratch It!

Cable and Satellite TV sure is getting interesting these days, because the networks are scrambling around trying to get who they can as often as they can for as long as they can. In the past few years a lot of networks (AMC,TLC,GSN,Headline News,MSNBC,& G4/Tech TV to name a few) have given up their "Niche" programming in order to somehow obtain a larger audience and please the masses. So instead of standing out and being different and pleasing a number of core fans that can form a base and basically with them and a website can do the marketing for you, they get basic programs or what some are calling "dumbed down" programs. AMC is the worst offender at this. AMC used to stand for American Movie Classics, but no longer. They felt that Turner Classic Movies was doing a better job(which they were) and gave up, shortened their name to AMC and now play such classic movies like tonight: Jaws III (I'm betting not in 3D like the original theatrical version) followed by Jaws:The Revenge! If that wasn't bad enough, they are edited with commercials!!! That sure is appeasing the masses. Because that's what most people want when they are spending close to $1400 a year for cable or satellite service in the first place is crappy movies, edited with commercials.
Now I can't write an article like this without talking about my favorite king of contradiction, the great sports network that I will never mention by name, but their initials are E.S.P.N. Yes that's right the network that has every cable and satellite company by the you know whats, feels that a fantatical sports fan base is not enough, and is getting in on the "dumbed down" programming. It seems like they are having a hard time figuring out what to put on their main network(Here's a hint:SHOW SPORTS!!)! "Hmmm, how about on a Thursday prime time let's show the movie "Days of Thunder"(Great, a crappy sports movie edited with commercials! SHOW SPORTS!). "How about this, we get teammates together and make a show like The Newlywed Game"(How about this:SHOW SPORTS!)! "Wait, I've got another one, we get this fat guy who knows all about sports trivia, and others guys to try and beat him(SHOW SPORTS INSTEAD!!). And we can't figure out what to do overnight, so let's just show the same Sportscenter for 12 hours straight(why is it so hard to SHOW SPORTS!)! Even Sportscenter has reduced itself to using old network news ploys to retain viewers. "Shaq didn't win the MVP, Was Racism involved?" only to have two people and the announcer with great hair to say that it wasn't.
This is old school economics that says there is a fixed number of channels, and fixed number of viewers, that don't apparently know what to watch and when.
But they should use the new school of economics that says, because of technology there are an unlimited number of viewers with all kinds of viewing needs and wants (and note to all networks, infomercials is NOT one of them), just let me know when it's on, and if I can't watch then, I can record or TIVO it! Really not that hard folks. And since I always like to leave things on a positive note, the one network that seems to be doing an okay job at least is GSN, formally Game Show Network. When they started they showed nothing but old game shows, but when they got bought out by Sony, and since they are a major corporation, they needed to make a profit, so out went the old shows and in with some crappy new ones. But now they seem to have a good mix of old shows (Match game(the best), Family Feud, Pyramid(Dick Clark)) with new ones that aren't as crappy. And finally you don't see CSPAN doing cooky things to try attract an audience, and they now have 3 channels plus the internet!!
The moral of this story and life is, don't be afraid to be different!
That's all I have today,
PAC

Go Ahead, Ask me Anything!
It's Friday! And I'm stuck at the Madison Airport until midnight, so I'm opening up the phone lines (that's an expression) and allowing you the viewing/listening audience to ask me anything! You can use the comment section or email me an audio question by recording your question and sending in .mp3 format to radioaffliction@gmail.com and I'll put it on the next Radioaffliction!
In the comments section is examples of previous Ask Me Anythings!

Enjoy and thanks
PAC

When Gold is Not Good Enough!

Here is a story close to home for me! Marquette University in Milwaukee ever since it changed it's nickname for it's sports programs from Warriors to Golden Eagles waaaay back in 1993, has had complaints from students and mostly alumni. This all started when the University got complaints from local Native American groups about Marquette's use of their logo and mascot. At least that's my opinion of what they should have been upset about. I'm really not sure what claim they have to the term "Warrior", indeed some of them were, but the Vikings were warriors, Attila the Hun, Constantine, The Crusaders, Hey George Washington was even a warrior, fought in two of them, Eisenhower for crying out loud, and what about Darth Vader! And with nicknames like Redskins, Indians, and Braves out there, whining about Warriors is pretty thin. But Marquette is a Catholic run school and therefore principle is more important than principal, and so bye-bye to Warriors and hello Golden Eagles. The University doesn't get it however, they think people don't like Golden Eagles, and that's not true for the most part. What they don't like is that it's not the Warriors. So bowing to pressure, and the fact that some very nice people were willing to make (sizeable)donations if the University changed back to Warriors, they decided they would have a panel look at changing the name. I think everyone thought that if they were going to change the name, it would go back to the Warriors, or after some careful study say, "You know right now isn't the right time, being at war and everything, and the Native Americans still aren't really happy about it, so we aren't going to anything right now, it's the Golden Eagles, so just live with it". I could accept that, and I think most people would still grumble a little then move on with life after a little while, but what does the Univerisity do. They make a major press conference, send out thousands of letters to Alumni to announce the new nickname and logo to: (get ready Warriors fans!)
THE GOLD!!!!!!!!!
Yes that's right ladies and Gentlemen, your new team the Marquette Gold!
It does make sense in one regard, they are moving into the Big East Conference, there will be the big game with The Orange of Syracuse for the battle of the Orange and Gold! (Excited yet!)
But so far only the University is happy with the change, although I haven't heard from the Native Americans yet, everyone else is still up in arms. I'm surprised there isn't a religous nut out there complaining of a nickname that has ties to materialism. Give it time.
My advice to Marquette is this, your students and alumni are your life blood, kind of like your children or pets. And while you try to guide them and teach them rights and wrongs, there are just times the only way you can shut them up, is to GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT!
Go Warriors!
Have a great weekend,
PAC

BUMMERS!

Bummer #1

I was a little sad to see that Dr. Gene Scott passed away a couple weeks ago. In this crazy world in which I am trying to come to grips, and find understandings, especially in Religion, I always found Dr. Scott a little refreshing and entertaining. I first came across Dr. Scott on my grandparents satellite dish, and then on a over the air station in San Francisco, and I just thought it was interesting how he would sit and smoke his cigar waiting for people to call, and how he could get everyone in his studio to stand at attention, "Yes SIR!!". I don't think he affected my beliefs one way or the other, but if I was ever bored, he was always on the air, and I'm glad that his website still broadcasts his shows! Click here to check it out! It looks like his daughter Dr. Melissa Scott has taken over, she has the same demeanor, but is much cuter!* (* check update below)


Farewell Dr. Scott!
This link has more info on the passing of Dr. Scott

Bummer #2

With the upcoming election in the United Kingdom on Thursday, there has been no Prime Ministers questions the last couple of weeks, so another loss of entertainment. But it has brought up an interesting question. Prime Minister Tony Blair's approval rating according to the funny papers is at an all time low, however in the election the voters are not voting for a particular person, but the minister in their district on the political party to which they are affiliated with. And which party has the most ministers the leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister. So what do you do, in my district the Labour party candidate could be a cool guy, but I don't want Tony Blair to be Prime Minister, do I vote for the conservative candidate even though he is a dufus. In some ways I suppose it makes as much sense as our Electoral College. So good luck U.K. and happy voting!
In the meantime CSPAN is showing the Canadian Prime Ministers questions, and it is extremely disappointing. I have never swore on this blog, and this is pretty tame, but all it is, is one Bitch session. What is the point! The opposition leader starts the questioning, and I'm paraphrasing, "Prime Minister, isn't it true that you suck, and all your programs suck, and that our programs are better, but because you suck, you won't even listen to our proposals because you're too busy sucking all the time!"
And the Prime Minister responds "That is a fabrication, I can't possibly suck that bad, because you suck worse!" And on and on and on. And to further tick off an American watching, a minister will come on and tell the Prime Minister he sucks in French! It was like watching a Sports reporter asking a player or coach after a loss "Why did you lose the game?" Duh, what do they really expect them to say? "We suck, or They scored more points than us!" The point I'm trying to make is, what is the point! If you are going to ask questions, ask a question that has some sort of a chance of getting an answer. Britain gets a little tense sometimes, but it actually seems like they are trying. I didn't understand one thing in Canada(despite the French) that showed they were trying to make any progress or solve anything. I could be wrong so if anyone in Canada can help me out I would be grateful.

Bummer #3

Ever since I was in high school I developed a nickname Claymate (my last name is Clay if you didn't catch it), so a young lady who had the privilage being my special friend would be a claymate. Well I find out now that fans of Clay Aiken are called "Claymates". This is completely unacceptable! I could wait it out, and hope his career tumbles, but hey Barry Manilow is still around, and I'm an easy going guy, so for now I have changed my email address to radioaffliction@gmail.com
Probably works better for the site, and when the show comes back on the air!

Well that's all I have for today,
Enjoy,
Until Next time,
PAC

* Update:
Turns out Melissa Scott is actually Dr. Scott's wife. Check the comments for all the details

The Truth Can Set You Free! Really It Can! Trust Me It Can Work!

Let's take the story of poor Jennifer Wilbanks since everyone thought that's what I wanted on my TV on a Saturday afternoon. A 32 year old medical assisant from Georgia who was supposed to get married yesterday to John Mason. But hold on! Jenny has plans of her own. Maybe she has come to her senses, well aparrently not completely, but something is on her mind that says, "I've been thinking about this and I know you're going to hate me, but I don't think I can do this, I know everything is paid for, and I know I love you, but I just don't want to get married right now."
Now it's that so hard to say!
Of course it is, but let's dig a little deeper into this. If you have followed some of my posts in the past you'll find I've written about relationships and people who fall in love and get married because they believe they have to, not that they really delve deep into their soul about what they want to be and who they want to be with. Now think of the pressure of an unmarried 32 year old woman who is with a nice enough guy. Pressure from family, friends, and even ones self to say, "Hey, if not this guy, who?" So what is a person supposed to do when you have something this big on your mind, and you don't think telling the truth will help you out. Runaway! I can see that, but hoaxing a kidnapping, that's about 27th on my list of things to do in that situation.

Personal Traditions - When to Give in or Give UP!

Personal Traditions - When to Give in or Give UP!

Tonight is Wednesday Night. That used to mean something to me and my friends for many years. It's starts again this evening and it will interesting to see how the evening will develop. The reason or the excuse for the weekly get together is to play volleyball at a local pub, a pub that shows sports. Like I said volleyball is the reason, but in the meantime, before, after, and during volleyball, massive amounts of a fermented malt beverage was consumed. This was a tradition that started way back in 1992 (for me at least, for some of my teamates it goes back to 1989), and what times we've had. The late nights, and the times when we would embarrass a team or ourselves on the court, but after the game we would bring all the tables together and party all night long! But the days and the years have changed. Priorities and hair styles, and life styles for some have changed. Even team members have changed, I was gone for two years before coming back during the summer last year as a sub. Now I'm back as a full team member, and I'm curious how the night will go. Will the past come back to life, and have a rip roaring time, and will I arrive to work in the morning with a nasty headache, or has age, wisdom, and maturity (and I'm trying night to laugh when I type this) taken over. I guess what I'm afraid of is all of us coming right at game time (we used arrive a couple hours before the game) play the game, maybe have a beer or two, maybe a burger then leave. Now I'm not sure myself if I can handle an all nighter. The point I'm taking way too long to get at is, this used to be like a sacred day! It's not about whether or not we drink all night long, it's just that we would look forward to Wednesday night, have fun, discuss things in life, and share good times with ourselves and others. Now it seems like it's like everything else in life. A distraction, something that needs to be planned around, put on the calender in a time frame like everything else. It still means something to me, but maybe it's just the memory, and nothing or no one will take that from me, but me it shouldn't be that hard to have one night (out of 7), but that's life. Either way it will be nice to get out, see friends and play some volleyball.
Have a great Wednesday Night!
PAC

??????????????

Did you ever get a comment on your blog that you just didn't understand why someone would take the time to respond! My case in point is this one from PiKKeL WeeZeL!

This is exactly why people from Wisconsin shouldn't write blogs. You have cats? Reason number two that you shouldn't have a blog.

Not quite sure what being from Wisconsin has to do with anything that he would be commenting on (his comment came from last post Back in Action), and besides when I got the cats, I was in Colorado. So should people who have cats in Colorado be allowed to have blogs? If I had to sterotype (like WeeZel did), I would have to say that he/she is stuck in Illinois because he/she can't afford the raised toll prices.
Or is still upset that his/her favorite team got their butts kicked by the Packers, and just can't let go!
It's okay WeeZel, I forgive you. So when you get a chance to leave your sheltered life, come visit, bring the family to the Dells, or go to Mt. Horeb and visit the Mustard Museum, or if you're a little more ecletic, visit Door County. Have fun, and if you send me your address I'll make sure you get a cheeshead for Christmas!


What did these innocent sweet children do to upset PiKKeL WeeZeL!

Satisfying Our Discontent(?)

Got a comment from Sunbather on the "Love:A Reality Check" post on how people simply stay in relationships basically for the sake of being in a relationship, and wondering where the love is, or the wife who has the marriage but not the romance. And Sunbather's comment was:
I know that our discontent is an evolutionary necessesity, that without it there wouldn't be any progress, but man, sometimes I just want to rest from the search for more. Sometimes I am deeply envious of those who have learned how to settle for less.
But I'm sure this is just a phase.
First thank you for the comment, and second I sure hope like hell it's just a phase!
Being envious of those who have learned how to settle for less??????????
I'm sure that's the easy solution, but that's where these problems come up. Sure it's great to be in a relationship with someone, but should you really have to wait 5 years before you decide to make a commitment, I should just settle, and be thankful I have someone. The wife who doesn't think it's romantic enough that her husband sit around on the couch in his underwear eating buffalo wings and goes to her, "Here honey, lick the sauce off my fingers!" She should just settle, and thank her lucky stars she's not an old maid.
I don't think our discontent is an evolutionary necessity. Our discontent comes from not being patient, and not realizing or coming to terms with who we are, who we want to be, or be with, what we want to be or do. You don't need Tony Robbins or for that matter Jesus to tell you that you can have whatever you want. Does it take a lot of work. Sure seems like it, because that's where a statement like settling for less comes from, but since you want more (and face it we all do), then expect more, be more, do more and maybe it's not so hard. Didn't JFK say we don't do things because they're easy, and we shouldn't especially when it comes to our ultimate satisfaction.
I envy people who are with people that they absolutely adore, and through the struggles press on. And I'm sad to say I don't see it very often, but when I do, it just inspires me more, that the "more" is more important. Don't settle for less, because your "more" could just be around the corner! Hang in there!
That's all I have for today,
Until Next Time,
PAC

Interview with Past Radioaffliction Co-Hosts!

In this audio post I interview former co-hosts Rick Harrington & Matt Kendall

Spam A-Lot!

Hello, and Happy Tuesday! I hope spring has sprung where you live, because it's having a tough time springing up here! I actually had a tough time scraping the windshield this morning because the frost made a cool pattern and I didn't want it to die! But had to get to work, so tough cookies.
I'm training new people in our new office this week, and that's been a lot of work, moving and teaching people new things, but sometimes things settle down, and can actually get quite boring. I did the normal stuff, checked my email, my ebay auctions, stock portfolio(still not rich yet!), website stats, another email account, checked the news, and still nothing going on here at the office. Crap, now what. So I thought I would check my bulk email folder! What fun! I have blindly just let mail goe into this folder and just empty it when it gets too big. But no more! Just look at all the things I've been missing that I can use in my life! 22 credit card applications, 9 of the pre-approved! 9 Auto loans, 6 Directv units (although I think a couple were Dish Network!), 16 home refinace offers, also I can get cash by tomorrow! 5 new cell phones, and offers for more ring tones for those phones, don't forget affordable health care and life insurance, plenty of those, and I can get a degree in criminal justice! I don't how I gotten along without the right Martini glasses all this time, and finally the best hair barrettes ever made(in the description they say "Hair's the details! Man that's funny!)!
So if you feel something is missing in your life, it could as close to you as your bulk mail folder!
Have a great day!
PAC

A Love Follow-Up!

After my lengthy discussion on love the other day, I came across another blog from a woman which I felt proved my point, or at least the point I was trying to make to the question that was at hand.
This is what was at the top of her blog for the day:
What Do You Want Out of Life?
1. To be a GREAT Mother
2. To be a GREAT Wife (first two is hard to argue with, good to have goals)
3. FOR MY HUSBAND TO ROMANCE ME (this is where we need a judges ruling!)
...........................................
(this is the rest of her rant)
Is it so hard? Women are simple creatures! No really
we are! All we want is to be appreciated. See its not
hard!
(Now back to me)
Two points that I can add to this,
Point 1 is a follow up to what I wrote about last Thursday, is that self matters. What are you doing that makes you feel like you should be romanced? Just being his wife I guess is reason enough, therefore what are both of your ideas of what romance is? In his mind maybe he is, to some people coming home with a bucket of chicken wings and sitting with him on the couch and watching him slam them down watching football is romantic. That leads to point 2 (and when I get to quote Tony Robbins it's a good day), which is the quality of your life(or marriage) is equal to the quality of your communication. Spouting off to the blogoshpere is okay so that you are not bottling stuff up, but it's not who you should be talking to. Talk and find out what makes both of you happy. Men are simple creatures too, but remember it's not simplicty that we ultimately are searching for. Loving is easy, it's all around like I said Monday, and don't lie, even if he starts romancing, you're going to want a little more. It's your complexities and your ability to communicate and show them, is what makes you lovable and capable of "more"!
I welcome comments on the subject, I want to make sure I'm on the right track and not coming off as insensitive.
Best wishes again to all searching for "more!"

That's all I today, comments are always welcome,
have a great day,
PAC

Love: A Reality Check!

Once again while surfing the blogs, another hot topic (giving God & Politics a day off) is love and relationships.
I came across this blog, and it’s the question and the writers response that inspired me to view my thoughts on the subject.
The question was from a woman who had been with a man for over five years, and she asked the host if she really was in love, or was with someone she was just used to!
His response was maybe a little jaded (admittedly), because he was skeptical of love, and thought of it more as an illusion.
In my opinion the answer to her question is, it’s both.
There is the life long debate about loving, and being “in love”, and the difference between the two. The fact that she has spent five years with the same guy shows some of evidence of love there. I’m sure there’s affection, and caring, and other things(!), but now after five years, is this it? Is there more? Or Isn't There More?
In response to the response, that “true love” as a mere illusion, I offer this to both of them.
Love is defined is a strong positive emotion of regard and affection. I think that most of us can agree that this exists and is all around and therefore love defined as such is a reality. I love my parents, my brother, my friends, my co-workers, my cats, and yes even my ex-girlfriends. I don’t hesitate in sharing my feeling for these examples and have a strong positive emotion of regard and affection for them.
What happens is that we have inherent and instinctive “needs” for companionship and the melding of our lives with someone else. We are to be brought up and educated to provide commerce and at some point we get together with someone and get married and have children and the process starts all over again. For a lot of people this seems fine, but for some of us there seems like there should be more.
It’s the “more” that we are ultimately searching for. We called it love, and it is very often mistaken for love, because it is a very key part of it, but it is so much more. This we can debate as illusion, because it is not defined, and if you could ask ten people what the “more” means to them, you will probably get ten different answers.
In searching for the “more”, self matters. You must come to grips with your “aberrations” and really self evaluate what the “more” means to you, and why you want to invite another into that. I have seen so many fine and affectionate people simply give themselves up in the name of “love”, without ever exploring themselves and the wonderful things that actually make them “loveable” to fill this “need” to be loved, or married or a parent, and never asking why, and giving themselves enough time for them to get a honest answer.
In my opinion five years is enough time to figure out if there is “more” there or not. It’s scary to have to decide to move on or not, but it’s even scarier to realize that there could be someone that gives you “more” all along.
My best wishes to all of us who are searching for “more”!

That's All I Have today,
Happy St. Patricks Day,
PAC

Is The Fat Lady Humming for PBS?!

It's nice to see that I'm not the only one who believes in the irrelevance of PBS!(referring to my 2/17/05 post)
Here is George Will's article I found in the funny papers yesterday!

Nintendo vs. Sega Revisited!
I have tons of things to do and get organized this weekend and thanks to a couple peoples blog's (Jason Barrow's was one) I've been playing some Nintendo games I played 15 years ago!
Everyvideogame.com is an evil site that has every old Nintendo game plus Sega and Arcade games as well. What's worse is you don't have to download anything they play right on your browser through Java!
My sore fingers healed about 7 years ago and are starting to feel the pain again. I'm sure I'll get tired of it before too long, and if anyone find's Atari 2600 or anything else I may have to be institutionalized!

Helpful Hint For the Day!

OnStar! or Else!

Did anyone catch the new OnStar commercials this past weekend while networks were trying to show "Sports" programming and on the Oscars! The ads that suggest that if you don't get OnStar you're a terrible, unfeeling, money stuffing, human being.
Before I go on I must add that this is not like me. I'm coming to terms with the fact that I am getting old! I hate complaining, in fact I think there is way too much of it these days, and it's not getting anybody anywhere any faster than if they would just try and be nice! And I'm begging people, please stop bashing President Bush, it's only enhancing his "legacy" and was one of the reasons that he actually got elected this last time.
Anyway,
So I don't like to complain, and in the past when I would see a commercial like this I would say, "Oh, that was nice. Now could someone please pass the bean dip!"
But Sunday I had a different reaction when I saw the ad, it was more like, "WHAT THE @#$%$#, THE MOTHER-@#$%^&%$##'S, how dare you! With that heart tugging music in the background, and the cute kids saying, "You wouldn't let your kids ride without a seat belt would you?" "So why wouldn't you use OnStar!"
Because I don't want to! Seems like a good response to me and I shouldn't be made to feel like a heartless bastard if I don't get the service.
First off it's only available on GM vehicles and I don't drive them and I don't plan to. So they are also implying that if you don't own a GM product you're a heartless bastard, and get this, if you read the fine print in the commercial that the service is available on most but not ALL GM vehicles. So they're also saying that if you don't get the right vehicle you're not only a heartless but cheap bastard as well!
I realize I'm probably making more out of this than is really necessary, I really believe that GM is doing this has a last ditch effort because they can't give the service away, and I would probably be less offended by the campaign if the program wasn't exclusive to GM. The fact for me is that I drive Toyota and Ford, and I when I drive I have a cell phone with me, and one time when my car started on fire, not only having the phone saved my life, but ended up saving the car as well. So I believe that is a reasonable alternative, so I feel I don't need a guilt trip to consider a new product.
Now that is over, I must point out that the Sun is shining and it's a wonderful day!

Beyond Belief!

One of my daily reads is Ran Selig's website (he doesn't like the term blog) No Relgion Now. A nice site that's a little on the cranky bleedin liberal side, but he brings up good topics and makes you think about things that really need to be more thought ought.
What's Good: He allows comments even if you don't agree with his position(just try to have a thoughtful comment, but that's what we all ask isn't it!), and he always responds.
Constructive Criticism: Most of the people who participate already share his views, and sometimes his use of language is a little tough. If you're main focus is to get people to think beyond their belief systems, he might in one of his statements say that Pat Robertson is a $%#@er. Now that might be true, but if I'm a follower of Pat Robertson (just for the sake of arguement!) and I may be willing to move beyond that. Calling him a $%#$er is probably not going to convince me.
But anyway, besides the plug, on his site today I came across a link to the BBC radio program (or programme to them) Beyond Belief. And since this site was intended to have audio programs. Here is a List of available programs. It is BBC so it's a little monotone, but discusses a number of issues that show that there is more to believing than just believing! Plus listening to one of the programs (programmes!) I got my quote of the day, week, year or whatever!
"You can take things literally, or you can take them seriously!"

That's all I have today,
Until next time,
PAC

Reason #2415 Why I Shouldn't Drink Mt.Dew!
Go ahead and try to listen to 4 minutes of Pete!
1. I was trying to bring up a couple interesting topics in just 4 minutes, and
2. I had Mountain Dew with lunch! (they didn't have Diet Rockstar!)
So I'm talking real fast, but I didn't want to re-record, plus it's kind of funny.
Tell me what you think!

Until next time,
PAC

So Just What is Tacky These Days?

I found this story I wrote in my notes from a couple years ago when my office was in a hotel in Boulder, CO. It made me laugh so I thought I would share it with all of you!

An interesting situation happened to me recently, and it happened in the men's room. Now I will try not to be tacky while explaining it, but I went into the men's room, because that's what I do from time to time when nature calls, and went to the urinal, because that's where I do it. Behind me in the sit down stall with the door open, a man is standing doing #1 and talking on his cell phone. In other words doing business while doing the business! I snicker a bit, and I probably say to myself "Now I've seen everything!", and move along with my process, although trying to listen in on what the conversation is about that is so important that it can't wait a two minute bathroom break.
Another gentleman walks in, and goes to the far urinal leaving the traditional one space in between, because he would be tacky to use the urninal right next to mine. He is astounded by what's happening in the stall behind us, and he says to me, "His he talking on his cell while going to the bathroom?" and I said "Sounds like it." And he responds with "Well that's pretty tacky isn't it?" and I said "Well?" in a kind of "to each his own" kind of way, and wasn't quite sure a grown man should use the word "tacky" in public.
So when Mr. Talker leaves his stall and goes to wash his hands, while still talking on the phone, the man next to me yells from his urinal "That's Tacky!"
The first guy doesn't acknowledge him and continues his conversation on the phone, while continuing to wash his hands, and at this point is actually displaying some talent. I am now in an uncomfortable position, so I get done and wash my hands quick and get out, while the second guy finishes and while washing his hands says to the guy again, "That's Tacky!", while the guy is still talking on his phone. I bolt out the door at this point, because I'm about to bust out laughing. There is something about a potentially confrontational situation that I find funny. But it left me with a little bit of a dilema.
What is less tactful?
Talking and doing business on the cell phone while going to the bathroom, or yelling at someone and telling them they're being tacky while they're going to the bathroom, when he is going to the bathroom!
As I get older, I seem to be more forgiving to a person doing a tacky act, than to a person who cries foul at a tacky act. I was willing to laugh off the first guy, but with the second guy, I actually wanted to take the first guys cell phone and beat the crap out of the second guy, OR while I'm going to the bathroom, and when the second guy yells "That's Tacky", I quickly turn to him and "WHOOPS!"
Now that would be tacky!

One Sport Down - One Going Down in Flames!

Thank you National Hockey League(NHL), for finally doing the right thing and doing what you had planned to do all along. Cancel your season. In case you hadn't noticed there hasn't been any hockey this year. Did you miss it? No, neither did I. Two reasons, one there is still hockey in my town (ON Wisonsin! GO Badgers!) if I wanted to see it, and two I've been following English Football, which is pretty much like hockey, just played on a bigger field, with more players, no ice, no sticks, just as much scoring, better fans sitting in the stands drinking beer and singing songs, and players getting red carded (kicked out of the game) for nailing a guy in the back of the head (just like they do in Hockey!). So there is nothing to miss. So long NHL, you're not missed and even if you come back no one will notice.
Next up:Juiceball-- I'm sorry, I mean Baseball.
Baseball isn't going away, but with the steroids controversy, and all the talk shows, interviews, opinions, Sportcenters, and Behind the Lines, you may not even know the games are being played!
For the record, the controversy isn't that some star players were taking steroids and in the process some long standing records were or will be broken. It's the culture of the whole league that has allowed a player using steroids to flourish. With two expansions, moving a crappy American League team making them a crappy National League team, and at least 16 new stadiums, with the exception of Seattle all seeing increases in home runs. A player in these conditions shouldn't need steroids to hit 30 or more home runs, but why settle for 30 or 35 when with a little juice you can hit 50 or 60, get more bucks ($$$) and more babes! Should be a fun season. And who knows maybe the games will be good too.

Coming Soon: 24 Hours of Pledge Drives!

The NHL may have company soon. PBS is struggling to find new revenue sources, it's President will not seek another term, is losing some corporate grants, and now has to rely on a Republican Congress for Government grants, which some Republicans consider PBS to be too liberal and elitist.
Bummer! Click Here for full story!
I don't mind PBS, but I also get a least a hundred other channels that show such things as English Football, Old Game Shows (Match Game!), constant News & Opinion, just the weather, video games, old National Geographic shows, BBC programs, Military programs, music videos (rap,classic rock, R&B, Hits, and not mention at least 30 other audio only music channels), college sports, sports news only, Poker, traveling, A Leopard eating a Zebra, Chef cooking against another chef, Old Sitcoms, Cartoons, Way too many Children's programs, People pretending to do a Newscast, Stand Up Comedy,Fashion, Home Shopping, Infomercials, City Government, National Government, God gets two channels, and a channel named after a greeting card!
Even if most of these channels have commercials, WOW! I have a little thing called Tivo that makes them go away. So I apologize if I have very little sympathy for the struggles of PBS. But I wish them luck, and look forward to their begging and pleading-- I'm sorry pledge drives.

Comments & Prime Minister Withdrawel Symptoms and a Follow up

There is no Prime Ministers Questions this week in the U.K. and has I mentioned in a previous post I find them most entertaining. Thanks to "apples" for her suggestion in her comment that Australia's is also entertaining, and what I've read about their Prime Minister John Howard I would think so. I did a search and couldn't find a broadcast archive, so if someone knows one please email the link to me or use the comments, because they're always welcome as well!
And It's Here!

To all those loyal readers Lime Coke is Here!
Details to come!

That's all I have today,
Until Next time,
PAC

An Apology!

I want to take this moment on my website to apologize.
I'm really really, very sorry.
To my loyal readers, people passing by, to my co-workers, my family, my kitties and once again ALL my ex-girlfriends. I am truly very sorry.
When I wrote to other blogs I spoke the truth, and anyone who says something else or is writing a book on it, is delusional.
So once again let me say just how sorry I am, and that someday and I will actually be able to tell you why!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Jason Giambi, I was having a bad day yesterday, and if this whole situation wasn't so very, very, very, VERY sad, I would laugh my ____ off! Like I said yesterday with the Readers Digest article, unless you really have something to say or something to get off you chest, don't bother! I've got plenty of things to worry about. Like what kind of sports I might watch this weekend, Auto racing is back with the Bud Shootout(nah, kind of like Pre-Season Football), The Pebble Beach Golf Tournament(maybe if it's in Hi Def, and once again need a nap), Plenty of College Basketball(Not unless I really have to, and there's nothing on the Food Network, although I might check on the Wisconsin/Illinois game), College Hockey!(maybe because it's the only Hockey there is, and it's between the two places I've lived in the last two years(Wisconsin/Denver)),WAIT the NFL isn't over yet, there's the Pro Bowl(yick, Preseason Football is better! Arena Football is better!)! Plus a million other things I need to do. So don't waste my time, with maybe, or I can't tell you right now.
Thank you,
Have a fabulous weekend,
until next time,
PAC

Just Babbling!
Just a couple thoughts for today that hopefully won't turn into a full fledged rant. I'm a little antsy, I feel like I could write a novel right now, and I have plenty of energy, since I've had two diet Rockstars!! However when I start typing my thoughts get cluttered, well think of this way. Picture a funnel, and at the top are all my thoughts, but what's coming out is a single slow little stream. But I'm plugging away!
Okay,
I got a email from my brother the other day after he read my last post on Truth and where is it, and how when someone says one thing, right there is someone that says something else or that their wrong. So my smart alec brother after reading what I said, said - YOUR WRONG!!!
And by the way the way the hits just keep on coming. First someone says Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Donovan McNabb was puking, and couldn't call plays during the last drive in the Super Bowl, and like clockwork, he comes right back and says "Liar, Liar Pants on Fire!".

I know her link is on the sidebar, but I need to give a shout out to a nice blog As the Law Books Close, which would be a good title for a Soap Opera(my title would be "As The Blood Flows").
First my website is on her sidebar as a "must read", and that's very nice(thank you!), but she wrote a very good post about what she is going to do for Valentines Day, which kind of goes with some things I wrote on the mighty subject of "Love".
Which you can review HERE!
She has a very healthy attitude about spending it with herself(which she could be crying uncontrollably and eating a half gallon of Cookies N' Cream Ice Cream while writing it!).

This struck me while reading the new Readers Digest on a possible new clue, by using digital technology that may prove a shooter at the grassy knoll in the JFK murder.
Hmmmm, here's a thought. How about use the technology, test it out, make a conclusion, and then tell me if it worked or not!
Just a thought,

That's all I have today,
Have wonderful day,
Until next time,
PAC

Eight Words with two Meanings
I received this in an email, and I thought I would share them with everybody!
Enjoy,
PAC

1. THINGY (thing-ee) n.
Female...... Any part under a car's hood.
Male..... The strap fastener on a woman's bra.

2. VULNERABLE (vul-ne-ra-bel) adj.
Female.... Fully opening up one's self emotionally to another.
Male.... Playing football without a cup.

3. COMMUNICATION (ko-myoo-ni-kay-shon) n.
Female... The open sharing of thoughts and feelings with one's partner.
Male... Leaving a note before taking off on a fishing trip with the boys.

4. COMMITMENT (ko-mit-ment) n.
Female.... A desire to get married and raise a family.
Male...... Trying not to hit on other women while out with this one.

5. ENTERTAINMENT (en-ter-tayn-ment) n.
Female.... A good movie, concert, play or book.
Male...... Anything that can be done while drinking beer.

6. FLATULENCE (flach-u-lens) n.
Female.... An embarrassing by-product of indigestion.
Male...... A source of entertainment, self-expression, male bonding.

7. MAKING LOVE (may-king luv) n.
Female...... The greatest expression of intimacy a couple can achieve.
Male.. Call it whatever you want, just as long as we do it.

8. REMOTE CONTROL (ri-moht kon-trohl) n.
Female.... A device for changing from one TV channel to another.
Male... A device for scanning through all 375 channels every 5 minutes.

The Truth!!! It's Out There Somewhere!

It's inevitable isn't it. One person says one thing, another is right there to say "No, it isn't." They will go on & on, and others will get on board for one side or the other and make their case, and hopefully some common ground is met and life goes on. But there's someone that asks "Well, which is it?", and nobody knows for sure, that's when such phrases as "Well, it's somewhere in the middle" come into existence. Is that good enough though? Was one right? Was one wrong? Were they both a little right? And what doesn't get noticed enough in my opinion is Were they both wrong?
That's the common practice I've noticed in both houses of the U.S. Congress, and somewhat in other countries as well. I weekly watch the Prime Ministers questions from the U.K., it's informative and very entertaining(I used to watch the Canadian one as well, it just wasn't as entertaining). I'm waiting for the day when Prime Minister Tony Blair answers one of Michael Howard's(the leader of the opposition party)questions by replying "Michael, you ingnorant slut!" It gets pretty dicey sometimes, but being British it remains mostly civil. I'm not taking sides but there is something to what Mr. Howard says every week when is he asks a question, Mr. Blair goes right into rhetoric, and how his government has created two million jobs since they have been in office and so on and so forth, which Mr. Howard always replies "Once again, he hasn't answered the question!". This goes on and on, and the observer(being me in this case) is forced to ask or ponder, "Which is it?". Just because one asks a question, and doesn't get a firm answer, has he successfully relayed an alternative that 1. Makes sense, and 2. has somehow proved the other side wrong!
This thought process came to me this morning when I was looking at the funny papers, and on the news that former baseball player Jose Canseco will reveal in his new book that not only did he take steroids but helped others take them, and witnessed others take them, and he names names. Which immediately drew quotes from some players and their former manager to say it's a bunch of rubbish and it's not true. So which is it? Can it all be lies? I actually give Canseco a little credit for completing it, he said about three years ago he was going to write the book and name names, and wasn't taken very seriously, especially when he stated that about 80% of players were on steroids. However when test results were revealed by the league it was more like 7%. But is that the truth?
I recently read "The Da Vinci Code", and within a work of fiction it stated a number of things about Jesus, and some people got upset. But these things weren't true were they? It's just fiction isn't it? Or is it? Or was the truth layered around a fictional story to make it more understandable? And now there are books for both sides of the debate. So, which is it? Do we really want to know? Can we accept such a truth and still have faith? We used to believe the Sun revolved around us, why was it so hard to accept that. Doesn't look any different to us does it, and think of what we learned from that, and our place in the universe.
Are we so entrenched in belief or faith in one side or another that we cannot accept what maybe true!
To me, I don't need the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but I don't want to be completely lied to, in order to join or choose a side, and if I have a question try to give me an honest answer, and not I can't answer that because it goes against my faith. And to my religous friends please do a little better job of answering some questions than by answering "I may be wrong, but what if I'm right!".
I saw that twice from the TV services yesterday, plus I've heard it before.
We can all do better, and this truth is out there somewhere.
But are we really looking for it, and will we accept it if we find it? Will we do it together, or keep taking sides!
How about that for a Monday!
Hope you a had great weekend and cograts to the Patriots! They are best team (aren't they?)!
That's all I have today,
Until next time,
PAC