Scrambling for the remote, finding the MUTE button and pressing it.......HARD. It doesn't work - you point the remote at the TV screen, furiously punching the buttons so hard that you hear the plastic remote cracking in the palm of your hand. Snapping your elbow as you fling your arm straight, you press the button again. And then silence. Thank God.
With the middle of football season among us, post-season baseball in full force, the beginning of Nip/Tuck season 6 (my favorite), poker after dark, SYTYCD or whatever show it is that you enjoy watching on the BOOB; this is, without a doubt - the time of year that is considered to be the PETRI dish of consumer television marketing.
I'm talking about TV commercials, people. I PAY to see them in movie theaters, I pay to see them at home. And I'm here to report that it sincerely SUCKS.
Insurance companies, car companies, that hideous JACKPOT Pizza Hut commercial, movie premiers, beer companies, pill manufacturers, credit card companies, etc. What do they all have in common? They are all victims of believing that they are going to generate profits by ignorantly PUNCHING us in the BRAIN with useless deals of low interest rates, a big ring of cheese around the crust, cash back, a can that turns blue, or anti-fungal foot cream. Its sad to say while I pay no attention to these assholes, some people are so addicted to these commercials, that they cannot resist WHIPPING out their credit cards and automatically enrolling in the free shipping program for the 1/2 ounce gold COMMEMORATIVE collectors coin, with the U.S. coat of arms on it, that is worth NOTHING.
Well, not me. I hate it. As a matter of fact, I hate TV commercials more than I hated studying the "Fundamental theorem of limits and infinitesimals" in my remedial college Calculus class. And for me to hate something more than a CLASS that I FAILED 4 times, is ridiculous. For these companies to insult my intelligence over and over and over again -to the point where I see a commercial for "Longitude"- the male enhancement pill, 3 times during one show; they should realize by now that they are only digging their own grave.
The inception of the DVR was truly amazing. It allows us to record all our favorite shows so we can fast forward through all the BULLSHIT. But, there is only so much digital information that our DVR's can save in one month, and whether you are watching HEROES, Little People Big World, Friends, CSI, American Idol, iCarly, or Sesame Street, you are COMPLETELY screwed.
These companies are becoming the PUNCH line of every joke, at every happy hour, in every bar or "meeting place" in America. I am not listening any longer. I have had more than enough exposure to the LACKLUSTER problems that MOST of the people living in this country have. Blah, BLAH, fucking Blah. Whether its a pile of food they are about to eat, getting a hard-on, a fungus on their toe, ACNE, bad credit, gardening problems, or having a small DICK. From now on, I'm tuning OUT.
I am also ashamed to CLAIM the people in these commercials as my fellow Americans.
This brings me to that LOUDMOUTH prick, Billy Mays - God, rest his soul.
Billy Mays had no idea how MISERABLE he was making my life. And still is. Orange Glow, Fix-a-scratch, Oxy-Clean, The AWESOME AUGER, (What The F?) and whatever else that guy found necessary to bludgeon my eardrums with. Its makes me wonder how his wife and kids attempted to make a happy life living with someone whose communication skills would be more appropriate at a WWF wrestling match, than at a dining room table.
When Billy Mays died, apparently the autopsy reported that he had cocaine in his system. Now, this is amazing to me. Unless Billy Mays had a cocoa plant on his windowsill at home, I find it perplexing how he got his hands on ANY type of street level, illegal substance. I cant believe that anyone selling DRUGS on the street would even consider this prick as a customer. He had the loudest mouth, and WAS the most annoying person in America, who loved to SCREAM at the top of his lungs about NOTHING. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Not to mention - he was on TV, embarrassing himself!!! I guess the almighty power of the dollar outweighs the potential 20 year BID one might do, if caught slingin' to this guy.
I apologize for regressing. Lets move on...........
To Howie Long.
I am a Chevrolet guy - I don't follow Chevy on the NASCAR "sprint cup" circuit or anything, but I do like Chevrolet model vehicles. What I DON'T like is the fact that Howie Long; quite possibly the dumbest man in the world, has been chosen to represent the brand that arguably BUILT America.
Here's why.
I'm sure you have seen the commercials where Howie Long is berating Ford truck drivers, and comparing them to modern day working PUSSY'S. Pointing out that they left their "Man step" down, or that their MANICURE looks great.
Wow.
I cant believe that a panel of people that auditioned this Neanderthal said "Lets let Howie Long be our spokesperson for our breakthrough model vehicles, especially when the economy is in the CELLAR to begin with." Someone must of agreed then and said, "Oh yeah, absolutely. Motor City (Detroit) is bankrupt right now, but lets put some make-up on Howie Long, give him a sport coat, and bring this company back into the black." - Ok. Give him a signing bonus too.
Instead of Howie saying “Hey man, you left your fucking step down,” Howie Long opted to let the guy know in the biggest JACKASS fashion available. Howie pretty much said, “Hey man, you left that step down on your truck. You know, the one that you use because you’re not enough of a man to get out of your truck without it."
The SAME commercial asks the viewer whether they would rather have a “man step” or a "WARRANTY" hahaha! - Yeah, because those two items are OBVIOUSLY connected. The fact that this commercial hinges on a connection between a collapsible, composite step and a POWERTRAIN warranty makes me hope someone involved with this marketing campaign got sent to the FIRING squad.
Holy Mother of Mary.
The target audience; in my opinion, for 99.2% of the commercials that I see on TV generally target the MALE audience. This is due partially to the amount of MASCULINE shows and CHANNELS that I choose to watch, like sports, poker, and COPS. I do admit that the resume of my DVR "scheduled series recordings" leaves ALOT to be desired. However, from some of the more mainstream shows that I do watch, I can tell that there seems to be a growing segment of commercials targeted to the females in this world too.
Case and Point:
Have you ever seen the goddamn commercial for "BUMPIT'S". The accessory you put onto your freaking HEAD to make your hair look, ummm.........bigger? The commercial goes something like "Bump your bangs. Bump your pony tails. We have black Bumpit's, blonde Bumpit's, and brown Bumpit's".
Jesus Christ Almighty.
Like girls don't have enough problems getting ready at night, lets add one more component to the already-impossible-equation. Come on Bumpit people (I refrained from calling them "Executives"), lets face it, these pathetic things you are marketing are soon going to achieve the status of a "BOBBY PIN", that I see every day lying on the ground outside the Getty MART. And to think that someone actually "patented" this idiotic thing, well.........makes me sick. To say the least.
What is America coming to?
Howie Long. Man steps. Bumpits. Billy Mays. Awesome Augers. Extenze pills. Closet organizers. Vegetable Choppers (don't even get me started on that clown) The list goes on. And on. And on.
It is sad to say that we are ALL helpless victims, and at the MERCY of our TELEVISION sets and stuck WATCHING these ridiculous corporate marketing strategies as they invade our time at home, which SUPPOSED to be considered peace and quiet.
There is no ESCAPE. Are these commercials reflective of the level of education in our American society?
You decide. I give up.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Thanks. Give. Ing.
With Thanksgiving, and the beginning of the 2009 Holiday Season just around the corner, I think its appropriate to talk about the magnitude to which we all give thanks for the life we have been blessed with this year.
As the beautiful season of Autumn is among us on the East Coast and the leaves begin to change, and the temperature drops - it's so easy to put our winter coats on, get in the car, show up somewhere on Thanksgiving day, sit down at a dining room table, throw the football game on and say "Pass the stuffing, Pops" without fully understanding the good fortune that lies in that pile of mashed potatoes you are about to drink.
The term "Thank You", in my opinion, is used ENTIRELY too loosely in today's day and age. And for those that know me, I am as much at fault as the next guy. Sure.......... you go to Dun'kin Donuts and get your Turbo Hot with extra cream, and extra sugar, and you politely say "Thanks" to the Indian that is handing it to you through the window. Yes, certain things deserve some degree of politeness; However, I believe that there is a conceptually inept disguise in the universally accepted phrase that displays a courteous and somewhat informal expression of gratitude.
Case and point:
About a month ago I was in a CAB coming home from grad school. I am not driving these days (thanks to the PA point system) and needless to say, I have learned to make friends with most of the the local drivers on the Reading CIRCUIT. My first week humping rides, I made friends with a cabbie named George who, if I had to guess is 55 years old, he VERY closely resembles Jerry Garcia and obviously had some trouble making, and keeping dentist appointments during his youth. However; a nicer guy you COULDN'T find. He was happy to give me his cell number for prompt door-to-door service, and I looked forward to seeing him each week and giving him a nice tip at the end of each ride, which gave George the incentive to pick me up at the drop of a hat, if needed.
This particular Monday, though, George was not working, so I had to deal with the SWITCHBOARD. Christ. Let me tell you guys something for those of you who don't live in Reading.
OK, in Reading, PENNSYLVANIA. ENGLISH is no longer the primary language. Spanish has become the verbal CURRENCY here, so in order for me to place an order for a ride, I had to first ask for an English speaking operator in such a way that I wouldn't be considered rude or arrogant, and for those of you who know me; know, that being pleasant in a situation like this can be a real challenge. In other words - If I was calling in a "meat lovers thin crust", and a 2 Liter of Dr. Pepper, Id be FUCKED.
Going through the switchboard also means that after the 14 minute "crash test Spanish course" I could possibly be waiting outside for ANOTHER 20 minutes for a ride in a car that hadn't passed a 55 point STATE inspection exam in DECADES.
Its a local fare, about 3 miles, which usually costs me about 6 bucks. With the tip? I'm looking at about 8 bucks - GIVEN there is healthy conversation and/or a healthy environment (Cigarette smoking doesn't count). For example, I usually try and get it the front seat and ride GUN. If this happens...........extra $2 tip. but if there is a weeks worth of Wendy's bags on the front seat or the drivers BRIEFCASE, with his law school homework in it, I happily ask if I can sit in the back. I don't know what it is about cab drivers and briefcases, but its a VERY popular accessory. The last time I checked, when the meter isn't running - they aren't studying for the LSAT's. I don't know what else could be in there.
So anyways, I finally land a ride which only took about 18 minutes. I HEAR the guy approaching me from about 200 yds out and it sounds like the master cylinder and Transmission casing are in the UFC octagon with RAMPAGE Jackson wearing brass KNUCKLES. or better yet, It almost like I was on #2 at Galen Hall golf course and I hear someone scream FORE at me as loud as they can. I ducked, and immediately look back toward this CLAMMERING noise and I see this guy casually failing to stop at a stop sign, and BLATANTLY ignoring the speed limit, all the while looking around for his customer. I say to myself "Here we go", I pick up my bag off the ground and proceed to wave him down.
He pulls up, and I try to pull my patented "shotgun" move; however, the front seat looked like the Phillies DUGOUT after a 13 inning game against the Dodgers in the NLCS. So, I obliged to sit in the back, put my examination gloves on and buckle up.
I'm finally on my way. After about 2 minutes of checking text messages en route - like a school girl, I start small talk and ask the driver "Hey, what do you think about the Eagles this year."
Now, I live in the middle of Eagles country where everyone "dry shoots" over the Eagles, but little does he know - I HATE the Eagles, so its a loaded question. I'm just curious as to what kind of guy I'm dealing with.
Without missing a beat, he looks at me through the rear view and says "I don't watch sports, I don't have the time." Wow. "OK bud. That's great.......Go fuck yourself" - I felt like saying, but instead I kept quiet and thought to myself ........"Fair enough, he's a hard worker."
About another 1/4 mile down the road, we pass a local Fire Company. It's now about 10:45 pm, and there is 15 guys standing outside talking and shooting the breeze. I looked over at them, really never having seen that much traffic at a small fire company at 11 pm on a weeknight before; curiously, I asked the driver "Hey. What goes on in there at night? Do they have a bar set up in there where people go and hang out?"
This goddamn disgruntled GUY perks up in his seat, clears his throat - which sounded so gross and very well could have been used as a commercial for Lung Cancer Awareness- looks in the rear view mirror at me and says " I don't know what they do in there. ugh. ugh. You would have to ask them........ugh. ugh.........Why didn't you roll the window down and ask them yourself? ugh. ugh. How would I know what goes on in there? ugh"
Wow!!!! OK asshole, I didn't ask you why your parents got divorced. And I didn't know the criteria for being a cab driver in Reading, PA was that you had to be a complete shit-dick. Hey Jerk-off, doesn't it fucking occur to you that I am in my late 20's, I'm wearing a white POLO jacket and matching U.S. Open Ralph Lauren tennis shoes, coming from a UNIVERSITY, late at night ........and that the possibility of me giving you a GOOD tip would be pretty good?
Apparently not.
I told the guy where I lived, which was about 250 yds ahead, and for the rest of the ride I was COMPLETELY silent. I was silent with PAIN. I was soo mad at the idea that this CAB DRIVER just beat me at my own game of "one-ups-man-ship" and my inability to continue a pleasant conversation based on the possibility of me PAYING him made me sick. He had the last word, and I was silent.
So here's the kicker............
The cab came to a halt outside my apartment and I couldn't wait to get the F out of that car, call George - my "go-to-guy" and tell him what a shit head this guy was.
I pulled out my wallet. Paid my fare, and tipped the guy a buck. And then........get this
I said................"THANK YOU" to this specimen. I couldn't believe what just happened. I was so incredibly disappointed with myself.
The point being.............alot of times I half-heartedly say Thank You to people and I don't mean it. In this case, I CERTAINLY didn't mean it. What I did mean to do was.......... dump my full Snapple bottle of CHEWING tobacco spit onto his back seat, get out of the car and slam the door shut so hard that all four tires go flat.
Instead I said "Thank You"
So, this Thanksgiving when you are spending time with the Family members you love, don't simply say "Hey Thanks"..............that is what you tell the waitress at Chili's for bringing you ketchup. Look them in the eye, and SINCERELY tell them "Thank You." Thank them for more than just bringing you into this world.................Thank them for putting up with you for your whole life. And most importantly, thank them for providing a holiday setting that will not only be remembered for ages, but CHERISHED for generations.
As the beautiful season of Autumn is among us on the East Coast and the leaves begin to change, and the temperature drops - it's so easy to put our winter coats on, get in the car, show up somewhere on Thanksgiving day, sit down at a dining room table, throw the football game on and say "Pass the stuffing, Pops" without fully understanding the good fortune that lies in that pile of mashed potatoes you are about to drink.
The term "Thank You", in my opinion, is used ENTIRELY too loosely in today's day and age. And for those that know me, I am as much at fault as the next guy. Sure.......... you go to Dun'kin Donuts and get your Turbo Hot with extra cream, and extra sugar, and you politely say "Thanks" to the Indian that is handing it to you through the window. Yes, certain things deserve some degree of politeness; However, I believe that there is a conceptually inept disguise in the universally accepted phrase that displays a courteous and somewhat informal expression of gratitude.
Case and point:
About a month ago I was in a CAB coming home from grad school. I am not driving these days (thanks to the PA point system) and needless to say, I have learned to make friends with most of the the local drivers on the Reading CIRCUIT. My first week humping rides, I made friends with a cabbie named George who, if I had to guess is 55 years old, he VERY closely resembles Jerry Garcia and obviously had some trouble making, and keeping dentist appointments during his youth. However; a nicer guy you COULDN'T find. He was happy to give me his cell number for prompt door-to-door service, and I looked forward to seeing him each week and giving him a nice tip at the end of each ride, which gave George the incentive to pick me up at the drop of a hat, if needed.
This particular Monday, though, George was not working, so I had to deal with the SWITCHBOARD. Christ. Let me tell you guys something for those of you who don't live in Reading.
OK, in Reading, PENNSYLVANIA. ENGLISH is no longer the primary language. Spanish has become the verbal CURRENCY here, so in order for me to place an order for a ride, I had to first ask for an English speaking operator in such a way that I wouldn't be considered rude or arrogant, and for those of you who know me; know, that being pleasant in a situation like this can be a real challenge. In other words - If I was calling in a "meat lovers thin crust", and a 2 Liter of Dr. Pepper, Id be FUCKED.
Going through the switchboard also means that after the 14 minute "crash test Spanish course" I could possibly be waiting outside for ANOTHER 20 minutes for a ride in a car that hadn't passed a 55 point STATE inspection exam in DECADES.
Its a local fare, about 3 miles, which usually costs me about 6 bucks. With the tip? I'm looking at about 8 bucks - GIVEN there is healthy conversation and/or a healthy environment (Cigarette smoking doesn't count). For example, I usually try and get it the front seat and ride GUN. If this happens...........extra $2 tip. but if there is a weeks worth of Wendy's bags on the front seat or the drivers BRIEFCASE, with his law school homework in it, I happily ask if I can sit in the back. I don't know what it is about cab drivers and briefcases, but its a VERY popular accessory. The last time I checked, when the meter isn't running - they aren't studying for the LSAT's. I don't know what else could be in there.
So anyways, I finally land a ride which only took about 18 minutes. I HEAR the guy approaching me from about 200 yds out and it sounds like the master cylinder and Transmission casing are in the UFC octagon with RAMPAGE Jackson wearing brass KNUCKLES. or better yet, It almost like I was on #2 at Galen Hall golf course and I hear someone scream FORE at me as loud as they can. I ducked, and immediately look back toward this CLAMMERING noise and I see this guy casually failing to stop at a stop sign, and BLATANTLY ignoring the speed limit, all the while looking around for his customer. I say to myself "Here we go", I pick up my bag off the ground and proceed to wave him down.
He pulls up, and I try to pull my patented "shotgun" move; however, the front seat looked like the Phillies DUGOUT after a 13 inning game against the Dodgers in the NLCS. So, I obliged to sit in the back, put my examination gloves on and buckle up.
I'm finally on my way. After about 2 minutes of checking text messages en route - like a school girl, I start small talk and ask the driver "Hey, what do you think about the Eagles this year."
Now, I live in the middle of Eagles country where everyone "dry shoots" over the Eagles, but little does he know - I HATE the Eagles, so its a loaded question. I'm just curious as to what kind of guy I'm dealing with.
Without missing a beat, he looks at me through the rear view and says "I don't watch sports, I don't have the time." Wow. "OK bud. That's great.......Go fuck yourself" - I felt like saying, but instead I kept quiet and thought to myself ........"Fair enough, he's a hard worker."
About another 1/4 mile down the road, we pass a local Fire Company. It's now about 10:45 pm, and there is 15 guys standing outside talking and shooting the breeze. I looked over at them, really never having seen that much traffic at a small fire company at 11 pm on a weeknight before; curiously, I asked the driver "Hey. What goes on in there at night? Do they have a bar set up in there where people go and hang out?"
This goddamn disgruntled GUY perks up in his seat, clears his throat - which sounded so gross and very well could have been used as a commercial for Lung Cancer Awareness- looks in the rear view mirror at me and says " I don't know what they do in there. ugh. ugh. You would have to ask them........ugh. ugh.........Why didn't you roll the window down and ask them yourself? ugh. ugh. How would I know what goes on in there? ugh"
Wow!!!! OK asshole, I didn't ask you why your parents got divorced. And I didn't know the criteria for being a cab driver in Reading, PA was that you had to be a complete shit-dick. Hey Jerk-off, doesn't it fucking occur to you that I am in my late 20's, I'm wearing a white POLO jacket and matching U.S. Open Ralph Lauren tennis shoes, coming from a UNIVERSITY, late at night ........and that the possibility of me giving you a GOOD tip would be pretty good?
Apparently not.
I told the guy where I lived, which was about 250 yds ahead, and for the rest of the ride I was COMPLETELY silent. I was silent with PAIN. I was soo mad at the idea that this CAB DRIVER just beat me at my own game of "one-ups-man-ship" and my inability to continue a pleasant conversation based on the possibility of me PAYING him made me sick. He had the last word, and I was silent.
So here's the kicker............
The cab came to a halt outside my apartment and I couldn't wait to get the F out of that car, call George - my "go-to-guy" and tell him what a shit head this guy was.
I pulled out my wallet. Paid my fare, and tipped the guy a buck. And then........get this
I said................"THANK YOU" to this specimen. I couldn't believe what just happened. I was so incredibly disappointed with myself.
The point being.............alot of times I half-heartedly say Thank You to people and I don't mean it. In this case, I CERTAINLY didn't mean it. What I did mean to do was.......... dump my full Snapple bottle of CHEWING tobacco spit onto his back seat, get out of the car and slam the door shut so hard that all four tires go flat.
Instead I said "Thank You"
So, this Thanksgiving when you are spending time with the Family members you love, don't simply say "Hey Thanks"..............that is what you tell the waitress at Chili's for bringing you ketchup. Look them in the eye, and SINCERELY tell them "Thank You." Thank them for more than just bringing you into this world.................Thank them for putting up with you for your whole life. And most importantly, thank them for providing a holiday setting that will not only be remembered for ages, but CHERISHED for generations.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Thanks K. Meeney, RIP JOE
Well Guys. Here it is. My first "Blog". Up until a few months ago, I had no fucking clue what this word meant. Even with the Social Networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, "J" Date, lol, etc. and all the GIGANTIC computer transformations we have witnessed in the past 10 years, somehow I missed the whole concept of "blogging". To me, a "blog" was a pile of crap that was left outside a public "Port-A-Potty" at the Tweeter Center in Camden, NJ - after a Pantera concert. I had no concept of the word or its meaning. I have lived on this earth 29+ years and finally, on this date (October 16, 2009) I have decided to cave in, put my thoughts on paper and write about my life and some of the events that have shaped it, both good and bad.
Several recent events have caused me to stop and think to myself that I could be doing something to chronicle my journey through life, and depict some of the events that I have witnessed and/or been apart of.
First of all, I would like to take the time and thank an old friend from back in the day at Blair Academy: Keith Meeney. Keith, at one point in time, I considered you a great friend to me, and always admired you as a person, and after reading YOUR blog, and recognizing some of the efforts you have made through you posts a few nights ago, and EXPLODING with laughter, I really felt something powerful. I envisioned you at your computer in Southern California, typing about that douchebag parking ticket cop, who wrote you a ticket, and how f'ing pissed you were, and something hit me: I really liked reading about your trademarked insights (carrying condoms in your pocket to a first date, relationship advice, marriage, and movie quotes, to name a few) and thought to myself "One day I'm gonna do something like this, so the people that Ive been geographically separated from can still laugh (or cry) at some of my half-assed theories of life."
Keith, Thanks for the inspiration bro! I know its been a while - but I hope all is well (I really hate when people say this to me over the computer, especially when I haven't seen them in a while But it is the truth Meeney) - I really do hope all is well with you, and that you have found happiness in life, and have surrounded yourself with positive people. You are one major reason for me sitting here writing this today. And for that, I am thankful. So again, Thank you.
Here is the 2nd reason for my blogging endeavors:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009, (two days ago) I lost one of my best friends in the world to the terrible disease of colon cancer. He was 31 years old. I knew after having contracted the disease in 2006, that the idea of him not being around in 20 years was VERY real, but now that he is gone, and his contact information in my Blackberry is no longer gonna send funny text messages and videos of his prized hunting trophies, I am really scared for everyone who has been diagnosed with this disease. Cancer is a disease that holds no mercy. It is like a vicious tornado that starts in the Midwest and moves to the east coast, similar to the effects of KATRINA. Just 4 months ago, my buddy was traveling the country with his daughter and friends, putting up hunting stands in the woods, watching preseason football, enjoying the company of family and friends like nothing was wrong. NOTHING. After seeing him bed ridden just 7 days ago, barely able to talk, let alone walk, seeing how skinny and lifeless the disease had made him at 31 years of age........I realized that Joey's days were numbered.
Let me tell you all the kind of person Joe was: Joe was a sincere friend that I used to tell my inner-most secrets to, I spent Christmas and Thanksgiving Day with him and his family many-a-years. Joe would drop anything to come help a friend in time of need, and never asked for a favor in return, and we went EVERYWHERE together. If Joe cut a fart (which he did regularly, lol)I could tell you what he had to eat that day. That's how close we were. Joe never lied, cheated, or stole anything in his life, never did drugs, drank in excess, and was one of the only people that; as a teenager, I could bring into my parents home, because even THEY knew he was a great influence on me. He worked very hard, ran a business - rain or shine, made an HONEST living, and 6 years ago brought a daughter into this world, whom he taught morals to, enrolled in a Catholic School, and showed her an AMAZING childhood. The kind of friend that is hard to come by and truly one of a kind. I still cant believe that Joe is gone.
Life is funny sometimes. Why Joe? Why God? Why would you take someone from our lives who never did ANYTHING wrong to anyone? Sometimes its the most innocent people that are taken from us and offers no explanation as to why. Even As I sit here watching COPS on a Thursday night - home alone, and the New Mexico state troopers have some red-necked, armed robber pulled over to the side of the road at a standoff. THIS GUY is on Crystal Meth, his girlfriend is pregnant out of wedlock, his F-150 is stolen - no plates, he is wanted for murder, just violated his parole, all-the-while he just fired 8 shots out of a pistol into the side of a Ford Crown Vic, in an attempt at a police officers life. Now, this asshole TRIED to kill somebody and STILL will be given a second chance at life. Let me be clear here, I'm all about second chances, because I know ALL TOO WELL about second chances, because Ive been given too many. But my point is, I bet that this happy camper/cop-killer will live to be 98 years old in a state prison somewhere, getting regular visitations from his family, enjoying holidays, etc. Does he deserve to live that long? Well, I'm not at liberty to make that assumption or label someone in anyway. However, if life was a "Scantron Test" my guess is that this guy would have failed. Miserably.
Ill never know why God removed Joe S. Farina from my life, and the lives of all the people he has touched. All I know is that he is done suffering and is smiling down from above. And for that I am happy. Life is too short and fragile to just live every day taking EVERYTHING for granted.
The events of Joe's passing really made me realize that in life, ANYTHING can happen. Like Ferris Bueller said "Life moves fast. If you don't stop once in a while to look around, you might miss it."
This post is Dedicated to Giuseppe S. Farina (4.6.79- 10.13.09)
Stay tuned for more.....
Several recent events have caused me to stop and think to myself that I could be doing something to chronicle my journey through life, and depict some of the events that I have witnessed and/or been apart of.
First of all, I would like to take the time and thank an old friend from back in the day at Blair Academy: Keith Meeney. Keith, at one point in time, I considered you a great friend to me, and always admired you as a person, and after reading YOUR blog, and recognizing some of the efforts you have made through you posts a few nights ago, and EXPLODING with laughter, I really felt something powerful. I envisioned you at your computer in Southern California, typing about that douchebag parking ticket cop, who wrote you a ticket, and how f'ing pissed you were, and something hit me: I really liked reading about your trademarked insights (carrying condoms in your pocket to a first date, relationship advice, marriage, and movie quotes, to name a few) and thought to myself "One day I'm gonna do something like this, so the people that Ive been geographically separated from can still laugh (or cry) at some of my half-assed theories of life."
Keith, Thanks for the inspiration bro! I know its been a while - but I hope all is well (I really hate when people say this to me over the computer, especially when I haven't seen them in a while But it is the truth Meeney) - I really do hope all is well with you, and that you have found happiness in life, and have surrounded yourself with positive people. You are one major reason for me sitting here writing this today. And for that, I am thankful. So again, Thank you.
Here is the 2nd reason for my blogging endeavors:
Tuesday, October 13, 2009, (two days ago) I lost one of my best friends in the world to the terrible disease of colon cancer. He was 31 years old. I knew after having contracted the disease in 2006, that the idea of him not being around in 20 years was VERY real, but now that he is gone, and his contact information in my Blackberry is no longer gonna send funny text messages and videos of his prized hunting trophies, I am really scared for everyone who has been diagnosed with this disease. Cancer is a disease that holds no mercy. It is like a vicious tornado that starts in the Midwest and moves to the east coast, similar to the effects of KATRINA. Just 4 months ago, my buddy was traveling the country with his daughter and friends, putting up hunting stands in the woods, watching preseason football, enjoying the company of family and friends like nothing was wrong. NOTHING. After seeing him bed ridden just 7 days ago, barely able to talk, let alone walk, seeing how skinny and lifeless the disease had made him at 31 years of age........I realized that Joey's days were numbered.
Let me tell you all the kind of person Joe was: Joe was a sincere friend that I used to tell my inner-most secrets to, I spent Christmas and Thanksgiving Day with him and his family many-a-years. Joe would drop anything to come help a friend in time of need, and never asked for a favor in return, and we went EVERYWHERE together. If Joe cut a fart (which he did regularly, lol)I could tell you what he had to eat that day. That's how close we were. Joe never lied, cheated, or stole anything in his life, never did drugs, drank in excess, and was one of the only people that; as a teenager, I could bring into my parents home, because even THEY knew he was a great influence on me. He worked very hard, ran a business - rain or shine, made an HONEST living, and 6 years ago brought a daughter into this world, whom he taught morals to, enrolled in a Catholic School, and showed her an AMAZING childhood. The kind of friend that is hard to come by and truly one of a kind. I still cant believe that Joe is gone.
Life is funny sometimes. Why Joe? Why God? Why would you take someone from our lives who never did ANYTHING wrong to anyone? Sometimes its the most innocent people that are taken from us and offers no explanation as to why. Even As I sit here watching COPS on a Thursday night - home alone, and the New Mexico state troopers have some red-necked, armed robber pulled over to the side of the road at a standoff. THIS GUY is on Crystal Meth, his girlfriend is pregnant out of wedlock, his F-150 is stolen - no plates, he is wanted for murder, just violated his parole, all-the-while he just fired 8 shots out of a pistol into the side of a Ford Crown Vic, in an attempt at a police officers life. Now, this asshole TRIED to kill somebody and STILL will be given a second chance at life. Let me be clear here, I'm all about second chances, because I know ALL TOO WELL about second chances, because Ive been given too many. But my point is, I bet that this happy camper/cop-killer will live to be 98 years old in a state prison somewhere, getting regular visitations from his family, enjoying holidays, etc. Does he deserve to live that long? Well, I'm not at liberty to make that assumption or label someone in anyway. However, if life was a "Scantron Test" my guess is that this guy would have failed. Miserably.
Ill never know why God removed Joe S. Farina from my life, and the lives of all the people he has touched. All I know is that he is done suffering and is smiling down from above. And for that I am happy. Life is too short and fragile to just live every day taking EVERYTHING for granted.
The events of Joe's passing really made me realize that in life, ANYTHING can happen. Like Ferris Bueller said "Life moves fast. If you don't stop once in a while to look around, you might miss it."
This post is Dedicated to Giuseppe S. Farina (4.6.79- 10.13.09)
Stay tuned for more.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
