On Compromise.

A popular thing in the news, and topic of discussion at work, has been the inability of Congress here in the US to pass a budget for the new fiscal year. Now, I'm sure it's very difficult to get over 500 people to all agree on how to spend money, and this is why we have compromise. Unfortunately, it seems Congress didn't get the memo. Now, I'm not going to say that one party is at fault more than the other. That's not what we're here to talk about. What we're here to talk about is compromise, and how it could resolve this situation. I've had the... luxury?... of hearing different arguments about what the hold up is. Spending. Planned parenthood. Just being stubborn. So let's break this down.

Spending? A valid concern for a federal budget. That's what governments do anyway, tax and spend.

Planned parenthood? I'm sorry, no. This should be a separate discussion about whether or not to grant them federal funding. I'm not saying they shouldn't have it, I'm saying it shouldn't be a part of this discussion.

Just being stubborn? Get the hell out. You're an elected official, expected to compromise with others when necessary and do what's best for the people of your nation. Not try to push some petty "we're better than you agenda"

Do you know what I think should be on the federal budget? Things the federal government is responsible for running and paying for. Transportation. Medicare/medicaid. Social Security. The military. Federal employee salaries. Education. Do you know what I DON'T think should be part of the federal budget? Federal funds supplied to outside organizations, like Planned Parenthood or similar programs/organizations. Yes, they are all valuable and good for the American people. They are also NOT government agencies. Do they deserve federal funding and assistance? Most likely. Does that mean they have to be included on the federal budget every year, potentially holding up the process? No.

I would like to see a government learn from it's mistakes. I would like to see a government that listens to the people, rather than themselves. Instead, I see a group of people who can't stop pointing fingers and placing blame long enough to settle a budget and move forward. I see a gathering of toddlers who haven't yet learned how to share. More than that, I'm seeing people who didn't deserve the faith the American people placed in them. I'd like to point out that last part is nothing new, I'm actually consistently disappointed with the attitude and behavior of elected officials.

Here is my proposal to the government of this, or any other nation. Divide and conquer. If you can't pass a large grouping of objects under a single bill, it may be best to split it up into several smaller bills and pass them individually. Especially something as important as the budget. If Planned Parenthood is the issue? Separate it off and work to pass it separately. Work on getting vital issues covered so that people aren't stuck wondering when they can collect a paycheck again. Don't make troops and their families suffer just because you can't agree on something. Thousands upon thousands of people are going to be impacted by a government shutdown, and all I can see are people who don't care. The very people whose job is TO care about what happens to the people of this nation.

Grow up. Compromise is hard, but it's called being an adult.

On Drinking

Apparently I write on Wednesdays instead of Sundays (odd, since Sunday is actually my day off)

Drinking. Plenty of people do it, and that's fine. Plenty of people do it underage, and you know what? I don't really have a problem with that, as long as they happen to be aware of the risks.

1 - Alcohol is poison. This is true, no matter how you look at it. Being drunk is referred to as being intoxicated for a reason. In small amounts, it can be beneficial for things like circulation, and it does do things like numb pain. Regardless, it's still toxic. If you're going to drink, don't complain about feeling sick or losing a few brain cells.

2 - Unknown injuries. Anyone who has gone out drinking a few times and stumbled home drunk can probably tell you a few stories. And chances are at least one involves a bruise, cut, or sore pelvic region from the night before without being able to remember the direct cause. If you're going to drink, be ready for some pain the next day.

3 - You, are a goddamn idiot. I cannot stress this enough. It's probably the greatest risk from alcohol consumption you will ever face. Look at yourself in the mirror. Now accept the fact that you, no matter how smart/clever/witty you may think you are, are a goddamn idiot. If you drink, and get drunk, chances are that you will do some terribly stupid shit. Like call or text an ex that you haven't spoken to in years. Or worse. If you're going to drink, take friends with you, so that the next day we can all laugh at what a goddamn idiot you are.

That's really all I've got. I can't think of anything else to write about right now.

Stay frosty.

On Love

I realize this isn't my standard "update" day, as set by my first post, but eh. I'm a bit bored and feel like writing.

It's no secret amongst my friends and family that I tend to have absolutely horrible taste in women. It's not so much that they're bad people, just that they're bad for me. I usually have little to nothing in common with them, or I just want different things in life. That, or they're in a relationship already.

What follows are 3 steps to a lasting relationship.

See, the thing with relationships is this (as I see it): You don't want a perfect person, and you don't want a person that's perfect for you. Ideally, everyone should find a person who they can love despite their numerous flaws. I've known precisely one girl I found to be absolutely perfect for me, and you know what the problem with that is? I'm pretty sure I'd get into a routine and be bored. We got along so well that we never disagreed on anything, we had all the same interests, and it was just... boring. Never dated her, either.

So step 1 - Open your eyes and accept the person as they are, with the understanding that sometimes you will get upset with them.

The other thing I've noticed is that most people change when they date a person. And the change is, ususally, specific to the partner. People who swear up and down that they're never going to change for anyone? Lying. Bold faced, through their teeth, lying. EVERYONE changes for someone, they just don't like admitting it. Case in point, during my last relationship, I was much more "affectionate" than I normally would be, because it made her happy. It would have made me annoyed. Or, a woman whom was interested in me, told me that she liked all the things I do (in response to me telling her we had nothing in common).. She swore that she wouldn't change who she was for anyone, blah blah blah... Here's the thing. We really don't have anything in common. She proceeded to tell me she plays video games (she doesn't), she likes the same music as me (she doesn't), and that she likes Doctor Who (as all people should, but she hadn't even seen it at that point)... So I did what I would do to anyone else, and called her on her false statement. So she watched The Doctor, said it was ok, but in reality she doesn't like it at all. She was changing who she appeared to be so that I would be interested in her. And that's silly. That's setting up your relationship for failure before it even starts. I should know, I've done it myself quite a few times. Also, never dated this girl. I'm fairly confident that I never would, either.

Step 2 - Everyone changes, learn to not try and hide it.

I really don't even know why I'm writing this, as I know that neither of those is even going to matter to me or anyone else. It all boils down to step 3.

Step 3 - Be with someone you love, and let yourself be happy.

And thus, step 3 trumps the other two. Sure, you may make some mistakes along the way, but hopefully you'll end up with someone you should be with. Or, you'll meet someone you love and let them go be happy with who they love. I've only done that once, though, so hopefully next time I'll get to keep her.

On Hygiene and Swagger

So, as many people may not be aware, today is the launch date of the new Nintendo 3DS. Some people, myself included, chose to preorder one and pick it up at midnight (I went with the blue system, by the way)

Midnight launches are a funny thing, because you can usually get a pretty solid picture of the target demographic. Is it a first person shooter? You'll see that the majority of people are college age, angry, and probably high. Sports game? Similar, but more likely drunk than high, and there in force with their "Bros". The only other kind of midnight launch I had attended prior to this one was for World of Warcraft expansions (yes, I am a WoW kid), which had a nice mix of casual gamer, long suffering spouse/partner, and obsessive individual. And I do mean obsessed. People in costume, role playing as their favorite class/NPC/etc.

So anyway, midnight launch for the 3DS... I head to my local video game store expecting mostly parents, and find... well... two. And they weren't there for their children. The largest group there, which I assume were the "Alpha" members of the pack, were mid 30's, horribly overweight, and reeking of stale body odor. The kind you only get after not showering for a week. Their clothing was stained and discolored in a way that implies a certain level of effort, and pride. Physically intimidating, not through force of presence, but fear that whatever social disease they had may be contagious.

And then they started speaking.

Make no mistake, these were true masters of their field. They spoke of things that most would never have the drive to research. About Pokemon. They discussed the intricacies of breeding to attain the best possible statistics and moveset for a particular breed. How it takes generations of carefully selected breeding pairs to maximize results. The advantages of trading "Stud" units amongst friends to reach the greatest potential, and spreading the fabled "pokerus" amongst one's inner circle. Make no mistake, there are 6 year olds at pokemon tournaments that fear and idolize these individuals. I'm sure that, were it not for the total lack of personal hygiene, they may even befriend some of the little tykes. And while they may impress those of smaller stature and younger years, all they did was creep me out.

Who looks that in-depth into a game aimed towards children? A fun game, to be sure, but a kids game nonetheless.

It was at this point, stamped receipt in hand (you get your receipt stamped after paying off the system, so that you may then get said item at midnight) that I pulled out the PSP to pass the time. I had roughly a half hour to wait, and I didn't really want to socialize for fear of the aroma overwhelming me. My best guess is that I would either pass out or vomit, probably both. I started up the disc (Crisis Core, for those wondering) and proceeded to mind my own business.

After around 5 minutes, one of the Pokefans waddles his way over to me, with all the swagger he can muster under the weight of sweat and dirt caked to his skin.

"Oh really? REALLY? You're going to play a PSP. A PSP! At a NINTENDO launch party. Oh man. Oh god. What kind of jackass would play a SONY PRODUCT at a NINTENDO LAUNCH PARTY"

..I feel it prudent to mention, a midnight launch is not a "launch party"... it's just people picking up an item at midnight. Launch parties tend to involve music, food, drink, and people you actually want to talk to. The staff is usually awake and attentive, excited to be there. This had none of those things.

Taking a deep breath of what little fresh air remained, I watched this lumbering behemoth slowly close the distance between us. Not for dramatic effect, but I fear because it's all the speed his underdeveloped legs could muster.

"Look, I'm just here to pick up my 3DS. I'm not in the mood to exchange witticisms. Saunter back over to your friends there and mind your own business."

He lets out what, I imagine, would be described as a guffaw. "You probably don't even know the first thing about video games. Pf. A PSP. Only a loser would buy a Sony product, everything they make is junk! That's like... like... like buying an Xbox!"

I do, for the record, own both a PS3 and an Xbox 360. As well as a wii. I'm also writing this on a Sony Vaio which has served me quite well. It's also worth mentioning that this same gentleman had already given his Playstation Network ID to the cronies he had gathered.

"Right... Well then. Since you seem intent on cementing your Alpha Male status. You already mentioned to your little hobbit gang that you have a PSN account, something you would only need if you owned either a PSP, a PS3, or both. Sony is actually known for making generally good products, with the exception of the early model PS2 with it's optical laser error..." I'll spare you the rest of my rant. Needless to say I know a considerable amount about electronics, and video games in particular. I retain information very well, and I get bored enough to read articles quite often.

The brute is stunned. Flabbergasted, even. His gang is trying to egg him on without drawing attention to themselves, lest they be shamed as well. One of the employees holds back a laugh as I nonchalantly return to my game.

"Oh yeah?? OH YEAH?! Well... well.. I have a shiny scyther, with all the best stats and moves! I beat New Super Mario Brothers without dying all the time! I'm better at any game you can name than you!"

I can't help but sigh. "Look. I play games for fun, but I'm fairly certain most of the ones I enjoy, I can beat you in. But it's irrelevant, as I've still accomplished something far more meaningful than anything you've bothered to mention"

"Yeah, what's that?"

"I've mastered the intricacies of soap, shampoo, bodywash, and deodorant. I know how to use a clothes washer and dryer, as well as the appropriate chemicals. I can eat without getting it all over my clothing. Also, I've actually had sex, multiple times, without ever having to pay for it"

His face turns beet red. Head hung in shame, he slinks back to the safety of his crew. Roughly 15 minutes pass and I leave, 3DS in hand. I can't help but overhear the behemoth remarking to one of his cohorts "I've had sex! Really! I mean, yeah, it was back in high school... and we were both really drunk... but I've had sex, honest"

I chuckled, got in my car, and drove home.

The moral of the story is, I hope, clear. Hygiene is key to everything in life. Just because someone isn't boasting, that doesn't mean they can't win an argument. And of course, don't start something if you lack the swagger to back it up.

On Overreaction

With the terrible tragedy that has befallen Japan (do you like how I start this blog with a current event everyone is talking about?) I've had the unique opportunity to observe something I see on a daily basis, on a much more pronounced level.

I'm talking about people overreacting. In this case, to the problems currently plaguing the nuclear power station in Japan.

The people I work with tend to react in the same way to any given crisis/problem/papercut. Whether it's over reacting, under reacting, or somewhere in between, at least they're predictable.

The majority of events that we deal with are, however, local. A car broken into in our parking lot, a change in company policy or benefits, etc... You know, the kind of thing that you expect people to react to. Japan is not one of those things (at least not for this type of reaction)

When the earthquake and tsunami hit, most of my coworkers took the approach of "Well, that's terrible, but it's not our problem so please stop telling us about it." Some of us were more of a mind to donate some money to the relief efforts. However, everything changed with the news that there was now a danger of nuclear meltdown.

One of the individuals I work with, let's call him Ethan, is immediately worried. "What if the radiation gets here and we all get cancer? They need to fix this, or it's going to be the end of the world!" By this point, numerous scientists from various countries have already pointed out that the radiation would have to travel thousands of miles before reaching the west coast (I'm in the midwest, by the way), and prior to reaching it would dissipate. I would like to point out that now, quite a bit later, this statement has not changed. In fact, it's been reinforced with diagrams and further explanations. Science!

This led to a discussion, as I am the type of person to call people out on their silly thoughts. Silly, silly thoughts. The basis of his argument - You're not a "nuclear scientist". The basis of my response - You don't need to be a scientist to understand the basics when spelled out for you.

After this I realized just how many people in our building, and others in the community, share his fear that radiation will sweep over the world from this single plant, destroying life as we know it. Disregard the fact that the world didn't end when Chernobyl had a meltdown. Three Mile Island, while classified as a nuclear catastrophe, didn't even extinguish life in Pennsylvania. Both of these arguments are struck down as they were "too long ago" for the technology involved to cause this level of disaster. In case anyone is wondering, Chernobyl was actually in use for nearly 15 years AFTER the reactor meltdown (just a fun fact)

Now comes the fun part. Nuclear weapons. We bombed Japan (twice), something that a few people seem to forget. And these bombs didn't just explode, they irradiated. Not only did Japan bounce back (over time, of course), but the spread of radiation due to winds and whatnot didn't destroy life as we know it. We did nuclear testing in areas of our own country, and STILL we haven't destroyed it. The fear I'm seeing is completely baseless and unwarranted. It's a knee jerk reaction that shouldn't be there. And it happens all the time, all over the world. His solution? Bury that entire AREA of Japan in concrete. Not just the damaged reactors, but the 12 mile area that he saw on CNN as a "potential impact" region. And he is PISSED that it hasn't been done.

I ask of you, anyone who ever eventually finds their way to here and reads this... Don't over react. Take a few deep breaths and review the facts. And then? Help. Help other people understand what's going on, and do what you can to help out. Not just for this, but any other tragedy. The human race isn't going to get anywhere if we don't all help each other out.

Never Let Morality Get In The Way Of Doing The Right Thing.

I intend to write a post in this blog at least once a week, every Sunday, to talk not about myself or what's going on in my life... But just my observations of things in the world as a whole (peppered with life experience. Let's be real here, this is a real person writing)

None of this "Today I met this totally hot girl!" or "Man, that party Chad threw was OFF THE CHAIN, BRAH!" nonsense.

First entry coming on 3/20, wahoo