Mike's Random Thoughts of the Day.

[J-Ro]

Ugh... stories like that are so heartbreaking when you know that the person is getting beat down even when they try their hardest.
Your friend makes me think of my girlfriend, although she is not going through nearly what he is. She works herself ragged in two jobs so that she can pay for college-- she has had a physically and mentally abusive ex-boyfriend, a financial leech for a housemate and countless other things happen to her that I will not go into for her sake. She is barely able to make ends meet, all the while OSAP (Ontario Student Aid Program, government post-secondary financial program) lost her paperwork and after a re-assessment has now decided that they will no longer cover her.
Anyway, the point is that I know how helpless you must feel right now. I have helped her financially somewhat, but she has told me that I am the best thing that happened to her, simply because I was there when she needed me.

That is the best thing you can do for your friend. Go and visit (if you can, given the hospital's security) and help him get back on his feet. Once he finishes high school, things will improve, I guarantee it. Even if he has to work for a few years before college, he will at least have time to work, eat and sleep at normal hours. That alone will help him get his life back on track.

Sorry for the reeeeeally long post. :)

[Special Ringpop]

Originally Posted by J-Ro

Ugh... stories like that are so heartbreaking when you know that the person is getting beat down even when they try their hardest.
Your friend makes me think of my girlfriend, although she is not going through nearly what he is. She works herself ragged in two jobs so that she can pay for college-- she has had a physically and mentally abusive ex-boyfriend, a financial leech for a housemate and countless other things happen to her that I will not go into for her sake. She is barely able to make ends meet, all the while OSAP (Ontario Student Aid Program, government post-secondary financial program) lost her paperwork and after a re-assessment has now decided that they will no longer cover her.
Anyway, the point is that I know how helpless you must feel right now. I have helped her financially somewhat, but she has told me that I am the best thing that happened to her, simply because I was there when she needed me.

That is the best thing you can do for your friend. Go and visit (if you can, given the hospital's security) and help him get back on his feet. Once he finishes high school, things will improve, I guarantee it. Even if he has to work for a few years before college, he will at least have time to work, eat and sleep at normal hours. That alone will help him get his life back on track.

Sorry for the reeeeeally long post. :)

Don't have to apologize for long posts, I read every one of them. It means a lot that people take time out of their day to comment on this thread for me.

That's exactly what I told him, and he didn't believe me, about it getting easier. I'm glad to know someone else feels the same way; it must be true if that's the case.

Best wishes to your girlfriend as well. I have such huge admiration for people who have to do it all themselves at such a young age.

[Special Ringpop]

Wednesday, March 21st, 2007

Chips and Drink For You?

I'll admit it. Sometimes I say things when I shouldn't, and sometimes I say things that get me in trouble. If someone is being disrespectful or rude, I call them on it, and sometimes maybe I shuoldn't.

Today, I went to Subway. All I wanted was a Subway Club sandwich, really. I was third in line. At the front, was a hispanic man in his thirties or so dressed up like Fonzie from Happy Days. Who am I to judge, I thought. Whatever. Next was a short, stubby middle aged motherly figure behind me, who ordered a Seafood. Then there's me. The scrawny white boy who would sooner mace somebody than throw a fist.

The workers at the Subway here in Dinkytown by campus are almost all Indian or Hispanic workers. I have no problem with that. They are always nice to me, and understand me. No issues.

The man in front ordered two sandwiches, but the problem started with his second. The bread this young Indian woman got out was thin; a bad loaf. She went to open it, and it slightly ripped in the center top piece...completely harmless.

The man lost it, "Forget it! I don't want it, that thing is going to fall apart, put it back! Shine it!" The woman I don't think understood what he was saying, but he was being very loud. The woman thought he wanted a different kind of bread, so she grabbed another piece, and it happened again. It really wasn't her fault, it was just a shitty, thin loaf.

The man lost it and I had finally had enough, I said "Dude, it's all going to the same place anyways, what the hell does it matter?". He laughed and we continued. When he was checking out he said, "And you (me), mind your own damn business, you'd be wise not to get up in other people's business when it doesn't concern you."

I had had it. I told him, "Then you might want to think twice about making an asshat out of yourself by making it a public spectacle. You lose your right to your private business when it affects me, and I'm not going to take it. This woman didn't do anything wrong, it was a bad piece of bread, and you treated her like crap. Don't talk to me again, or I'll mace your sorry ass and call the cops for creating a problem. And by the way, Happy Days is over, Fonz."

The mother in front of me started laughing hysterically and clapping, and the workers smiled, but didn't say anything. He left.

The young girl thanked me after he had left and after I paid, I was ready to go back out to my car, but I was afraid he was sitting out there waiting for me. The motherly figure noticed me peeking out the window to see if he was there and she goes, "Hey, I'll walk out with you, what you did was brave, and I'll kick his ass if he tries to touch you."

I was happy to see she would do something like this for a complete stranger. It truly is nice to know that people like this still exist.

Moral of the story: Sometimes you should mind your own business, but speaking up for those who can't makes it all worth it.

As for Fonzie, he probably went back to Potsie and the rest of the crew, for all I know.

[reelbigfish241]

hahahaha, that's awesome!!!

bravo Mike, bravo

[CameronJr9]

Awesome. I'm glad to hear people sticking up for the little people.

I had a similar situation happen before at a Taco Bell years ago. The guy ordered some burrito or something in the drive thru and then came in the store when it had some random ingredient in it. He was furious that the lady didn't tell him the ingredient was in the burrito. It was probably rice or something like that. I spoke up and told him to calm down and that no one ever describes the ingredients at the drive thru...ever. If he doesn't like it, ask for a refund or get something else. He tried to belittle me and whatnot and I stood there like a good little boy and ignored him. Finally he got so irate he just left. Everyone clapped and I got free food.

Scared the hell outta me though. Dude was big and I wasn't ready to throw down.

[00celica]

Originally Posted by Special Ringpop

And by the way, Happy Days is over, Fonz."

[CaliGuy]

Keep em' coming Mike!!!

Damn, if I lived closer to you I would come over to hang out and bullsh!t. We see eye to eye on all these annoying-ass issues! You sound like you actually have a head on your shoulders (a rare thing this day and age in the godd ol' US of A).

I will (hopefully) not be living here too much longer. This country just plain sucks ass...wait, it's not the country that sucks, just the people and government

Have you been to Europe? I love the culture there. Not totally perfect by any means, but far better than here IMHO...

Anyway, I'm off to get high...

[Sirbelch]

So this happened awhile ago, on New Years. I'm 25 and hammered. The clock just turned and the party spills onto the street to yell and celabrate. There are some high school kids from another party up the street standing out side. So i said happy new year and they said F@%k you. I was blown away. This whole time i thought new years was a world wide party that everyone loved thy neigbor for one night. I'm the peace maker in my group, so my girlfriend and i walked up to them and said whats wrong with happy new. They called her a bitch. She lost it and started screaming and yelling. I made her go inside. I went up to them very calmly and asked why they had to say that. All they could do in response was say f u and get out of our face before we beat you ace. I stuck my hand out to make peace with a hand shake and still got the same responce. They kept talking a big game until all the guys at my party ended up on the lawn just in case I said something i shouldn't (cause they know i do) Finally one of them realized that if their friends tried to be the big tough thugs they said they were, they would have gotten beat. He shook my still out streached hand and said happy new year with an honest smile.

Why do suburban kids, and young adults for that matter, think they are all hardcore motha fu@@as that were raised in the middle of Compton dodging bullits their whole lives and how do you loose site of the fact that it is a happy holiday time?
I hate it when aceholes just act all big and tough in front of their friends as long as they have the numbers. When the numbers went my way, I wasn't an ace, I was still trying to make peace with a beer in the other hand the whole time.

[Sirbelch]

[quote=Special Ringpop]

Friday, February 9th, 2007

Oh God, Friday. Finally.

It's Friday. Thank God.

So I went out in the 5 degree weather today and washed my car at a self-service bay car wash. Then dried it outside of said wash bay (got kicked out for "taking too long"). Fear my testicular fortitude.

Anyways, I got home and it was already dirty along the lower door panel. Damn dry, salty roads. I hate winter a great deal.

A friend of mine that lives in North Carolina OD'ed last night. Quote]


My uncle killed himself on 11-14-05. He was the most loved person in the family because he kept us crying because we were laughing so hard. It was the worst i have ever felt because I always wonder if there was something I could have done. The family will never and has never been the same, how can it be? I, like most people at some point in time, have thougth about taking my own life, but never could because it was never that bad. It is a very selfish act as well. He was loaded on meth when he did it. Hard drugs are bad, mmmmmkay.

[reelbigfish241]

Originally Posted by Sirbelch

So this happened awhile ago, on New Years. I'm 25 and hammered. The clock just turned and the party spills onto the street to yell and celabrate. There are some high school kids from another party up the street standing out side. So i said happy new year and they said F@%k you. I was blown away. This whole time i thought new years was a world wide party that everyone loved thy neigbor for one night. I'm the peace maker in my group, so my girlfriend and i walked up to them and said whats wrong with happy new. They called her a bitch. She lost it and started screaming and yelling. I made her go inside. I went up to them very calmly and asked why they had to say that. All they could do in response was say f u and get out of our face before we beat you ace. I stuck my hand out to make peace with a hand shake and still got the same responce. They kept talking a big game until all the guys at my party ended up on the lawn just in case I said something i shouldn't (cause they know i do) Finally one of them realized that if their friends tried to be the big tough thugs they said they were, they would have gotten beat. He shook my still out streached hand and said happy new year with an honest smile.

Why do suburban kids, and young adults for that matter, think they are all hardcore motha fu@@as that were raised in the middle of Compton dodging bullits their whole lives and how do you loose site of the fact that it is a happy holiday time?
I hate it when aceholes just act all big and tough in front of their friends as long as they have the numbers. When the numbers went my way, I wasn't an ace, I was still trying to make peace with a beer in the other hand the whole time.

Go listen to a the song called "Suburb Thuggin" by a band called El Pus. best. song. ever. haha

edit: just tried to get to their myspace and apparently they broke up.

[FG-Habanero-NavI]

[quote=Sirbelch]

Originally Posted by Special Ringpop

Friday, February 9th, 2007

Oh God, Friday. Finally.

It's Friday. Thank God.

So I went out in the 5 degree weather today and washed my car at a self-service bay car wash. Then dried it outside of said wash bay (got kicked out for "taking too long"). Fear my testicular fortitude.

Anyways, I got home and it was already dirty along the lower door panel. Damn dry, salty roads. I hate winter a great deal.

A friend of mine that lives in North Carolina OD'ed last night. Quote]


My uncle killed himself on 11-14-05. He was the most loved person in the family because he kept us crying because we were laughing so hard. It was the worst i have ever felt because I always wonder if there was something I could have done. The family will never and has never been the same, how can it be? I, like most people at some point in time, have thougth about taking my own life, but never could because it was never that bad. It is a very selfish act as well. He was loaded on meth when he did it. Hard drugs are bad, mmmmmkay.

That's officially the saddest thing i've ever read...thank u for depressing me before I go to bed all alone..........

[CaliGuy]

Originally Posted by Sirbelch

My uncle killed himself on 11-14-05. He was the most loved person in the family because he kept us crying because we were laughing so hard. It was the worst i have ever felt because I always wonder if there was something I could have done. The family will never and has never been the same, how can it be? I, like most people at some point in time, have thougth about taking my own life, but never could because it was never that bad. It is a very selfish act as well. He was loaded on meth when he did it. Hard drugs are bad, mmmmmkay.

Word. I know 4 people now that have OD'd...Aquaintences. Crazy how as I got into my mid 20's people started dropping off like flies.

[Special Ringpop]

I think as the United States economy and issues continue to grow more dismal, we're going to be seeing a lot higher of a suicide rate, mark my words.

[FG-Habanero-NavI]

^^ Writing that down.

[J-Ro]

Originally Posted by Special Ringpop

I think as the United States economy and issues continue to grow more dismal, we're going to be seeing a lot higher of a suicide rate, mark my words.

I think that has a lot to do with the fact that our good friend Dubya is throwing billions to wage war rather than solving problems on his own soil. For those members in the military, please don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to downplay your selfless and valiant service, but the longer money is left out of social services, the worse these problems will become, and I fear that it will happen so gradually, no one will notice.

[J-Ro]

Originally Posted by Special Ringpop

Wednesday, March 21st, 2007

Chips and Drink For You?

Kudos for stepping up and calling a jackass on being a jackass. I really don't think that's done often enough. I think most people, myself included, would rather stay quiet to avoid a confrontation.
I actually had a somewhat similar incident, also at a Subway, ironically.
My girlfriend and I came in to get lunch one weekend and these two guys, probably in their late 20s came in, and were very loud and cocky. One guy sat down while the other came to the counter and started talking about how much the young woman behind the counter and my girlfriend looked alike (they really didn't, but I guess he thought it was a good line). It took him a minute or two, but once he realized that the woman beside me was my girlfriend (duh) his volume went down a little bit.
Unfortunately it didn't stop there. The two guys were obviously egging each other on and they started making comments to every woman that walked in. People were irritated, but obviously not doing anything.
Finally, on our way out, my girlfriend turned to one of the guys and said, "You'd better stop treating women like a piece of meat or you're going to end up losing your balls."
The guy had obviously never been talked back to, let alone from a 5'2", 115 lb woman, so after sitting dumbfounded for a second, he came out with the stellar return, "I don't have any balls."
The argument escalated in the parking lot for a minute or two, then the two guys left. I doubt they learned anything, but I thought it was cool for my girlfriend to call them on their stupidity, and I'm sure everyone else in the Subway appreciated it too.

Another long post for you Mike :)

[cojaro]

"Not so random, but still a thought" thought: Why are Memphis cops so corrupt?

[twistedframe]

I don't know how I managed to miss this thread for so long but boy am I glad I found it now. Mike, you have some very good insights. I too am a believer in its the small things that make the biggest impacts sometimes. I think its so funny that something as small as people not saying thank you after I hold the door for them can put me in a foul mood. To the same extent it amazes me that when people are polite it almost catches me off guard and makes my day just a little better.

I don't get how some people can walk through the world everyday and not treat others with the simplest of common courtesies. Does it really take that much time out of your busy day to hold the door for someone or to say please and thank you to people whether you are paying them for something or not? I dunno maybe I was raised old fashioned but these things really affect me on a daily basis.

Anyway keep 'em coming Mike!

[Special Ringpop]

Monday, April 9th, 2007

Free Speech and the Borderline

I've noticed a disturbing trend in the last few years, escalating rapidly just these past six months. This trend is the occurrence of high profile celebrities, politicians, and individuals to say some of the most repulsively racist, sexist, homophobic comments I have ever heard.

"What's the problem? It's free speech!" Yes, it is free speech, but the problem in this scenario is that these alleged role models normalize hate speech. It's one thing to not be fond of a particular group of people: everyone is a little bit racist, sexist, homophobic, or what have you, but there is a difference between when you say something like that and when Michael Richards or Tim Hardaway say something. These people are idolized by a younger generation, and their hate-filled (and yes, it is hate filled, especially Tim Hardaway's comments) opinions become acceptable to do.

My beef is that the second these people say it, they turn around and say "I am so sorry, that's not what I meant." or "I'm getting treatment."

That is not how it works. That does not make it right. The deed has been done and the words have been said. The damage is caused regardless of whether you "didn't mean it that way". The reason I post this is because I just read about Don Imus's calling of Rutger's female basketball players "nappy-headed ho's"

Just when are we going to start standing up for people, regardless of whether we may agree with them or not (for whatever reasons) and say that vulgar hate speech is not welcome.

There is no way around it. Free speech doesn't mean it's not hate speech, no matter how you look at it.

Here is a list of recent offendors:

Mel Gibson- "Effing" Jews… The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world"

Ann Coulter- "I was going to have a few comments about John Edwards but you have to go into rehab if you use the word faggot." --at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference" (she got applause and cheers for this, by the way)

Michael Richards- "Fifty years ago we'd have you upside down with a "effing" fork up your ass." (to an african-american male)

Don Imus- called Rutger's basketball girls "nappy-headed hoes"

Fred Phelps- runs the website godhatesfags. Also protests military funerals of those killed in Iraq because we're a country that harbors "fags".

Pat Robertson- claims that God talks to him regularly and "The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians."

Jerry Falwell- “AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals”, "If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being”, blames gays for 9/11.

Tim Hardaway- "You know, I hate *** people, so I let it be known," Hardaway said. "I don't like *** people and I don't like to be around *** people. I am homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States.First of all, I wouldn't want him on my team. And second of all, if he was on my team, I would, you know, really distance myself from him because, uh, I don't think that's right. And you know I don't think he should be in the locker room while we're in the locker room. I wouldn't even be a part of that"

Many of these people have also said worse things about just about every other minority/religion there is; I don't mean to beat a dead horse with all the anti-*** rhetoric, but it seems that *** is the new black, and I mean that as polite as I possibly can. Because there is no proof of homosexuality being chosen or ingrained (ask any *** person, they'll tell you its no choice), and the bible condemns it, it is open to fire.

Minorities have a long way to go with any of these people freely speaking such things about women, african americans, hispanic americans, asian americans, and others.

[CaliGuy]

Originally Posted by Special Ringpop

Monday, April 9th, 2007

Free Speech and the Borderline

I've noticed a disturbing trend in the last few years, escalating rapidly just these past six months. This trend is the occurrence of high profile celebrities, politicians, and individuals to say some of the most repulsively racist, sexist, homophobic comments I have ever heard.

"What's the problem? It's free speech!" Yes, it is free speech, but the problem in this scenario is that these alleged role models normalize hate speech. It's one thing to not be fond of a particular group of people: everyone is a little bit racist, sexist, homophobic, or what have you, but there is a difference between when you say something like that and when Michael Richards or Tim Hardaway say something. These people are idolized by a younger generation, and their hate-filled (and yes, it is hate filled, especially Tim Hardaway's comments) opinions become acceptable to do.

My beef is that the second these people say it, they turn around and say "I am so sorry, that's not what I meant." or "I'm getting treatment."

That is not how it works. That does not make it right. The deed has been done and the words have been said. The damage is caused regardless of whether you "didn't mean it that way". The reason I post this is because I just read about Don Imus's calling of Rutger's female basketball players "nappy-headed ho's"

Just when are we going to start standing up for people, regardless of whether we may agree with them or not (for whatever reasons) and say that vulgar hate speech is not welcome.

There is no way around it. Free speech doesn't mean it's not hate speech, no matter how you look at it.

Here is a list of recent offendors:

Mel Gibson- "Effing" Jews… The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world"

Ann Coulter- "I was going to have a few comments about John Edwards but you have to go into rehab if you use the word faggot." --at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference" (she got applause and cheers for this, by the way)

Michael Richards- "Fifty years ago we'd have you upside down with a "effing" fork up your ass." (to an african-american male)

Don Imus- called Rutger's basketball girls "nappy-headed hoes"

Fred Phelps- runs the website godhatesfags. Also protests military funerals of those killed in Iraq because we're a country that harbors "fags".

Pat Robertson- claims that God talks to him regularly and "The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism, and become lesbians."

Jerry Falwell- “AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals”, "If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being”, blames gays for 9/11.

Tim Hardaway- "You know, I hate *** people, so I let it be known," Hardaway said. "I don't like *** people and I don't like to be around *** people. I am homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States.First of all, I wouldn't want him on my team. And second of all, if he was on my team, I would, you know, really distance myself from him because, uh, I don't think that's right. And you know I don't think he should be in the locker room while we're in the locker room. I wouldn't even be a part of that"

Many of these people have also said worse things about just about every other minority/religion there is; I don't mean to beat a dead horse with all the anti-*** rhetoric, but it seems that *** is the new black, and I mean that as polite as I possibly can. Because there is no proof of homosexuality being chosen or ingrained (ask any *** person, they'll tell you its no choice), and the bible condemns it, it is open to fire.

Minorities have a long way to go with any of these people freely speaking such things about women, african americans, hispanic americans, asian americans, and others.

Can we add pot smokers to the list???

Seriously, those listed comments are pretty f'n bad. Rediculous actually.