May 29, 2008
“I can sense that you’re a terrific lover, and it intimidates me a little.”
Lame Guy
I wrote this in a post yesterday and I got to discussing it with someone…this post is the continuation of that.
4) They just want to see a woman get in. (I’m sure there is a dude out there campaigning for Hillary and getting much ass from it - “Women are equal baby…let’s talk more at my place”.)
me: “Hey…let’s get together…and talk about how Hillary’s gonna win.”
me: “I’ll pour the wine…you talk about potential v.p.’s”
me: “You right, they are being sexist…another drink?”
me: “She’s worked hard for what she has and she really cares…I identify with that caring…are you comfortable?”
Breez:“Let me take your sweater”
(clinton supporters always wear sweaters. ALWAYS)
me: “It really hurt me to know that Bill cheated on her…how could he do that?”…(tear)
Breez: “I’m so disgusted…I need a little more wine. Would you care for more as well?”
me: “Thinking about it upsets me so…please, would you hold me for a minute?”
Breez: “You seem to be carrying some tension in your arm muscles…do you need a massage?”
me: “I think it’s from carrying the burden of the world”
WWWD:
“I never take anything on faith or at face value.”
Wolverine
May 27, 2008
Blanche DuBois: “Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers. “
“Where have all the good men gone and where are all the gods?
Where’s the great white Hercules to fight the rising odds?
Isn’t there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need”
Bonnie Tyler - I Need a Hero
I’ve heard several times in reference to Hillary Clinton, women state that they had a chance to help a woman become President in their lifetime. The more I’ve listened to people talk about her the more I think alot of people want to vote for her based on a few reasons.
1) Safety Net - People who assume a Hillary Administration will be just like a Bill Administration so she’s a safe bet.
2) They aren’t quite comfortable with Barack Obama.
3) They’re just racist…and don’t trust Republicans.
4) They just want to see a woman get in. (I’m sure there is a dude out there campaigning for Hillary and getting much ass from it - “Women are equal baby…let’s talk more at my place”.)
Frankly, right now I’m disgusted, not for some of the stories you’ve read over the weekend, but for a reason alot of women should be disgusted. I keep thinking of all the people who described her as a positve example of a strong intelligent woman. Someone little girls could look up to. Really…when we see her now is that what we see? I’m not even getting into what I feel are some dirty campaign issues…or her mismanaging of the campaign resulting in about $20 million in debt. I don’t mean her lies. I’m not referencing her statments about the qualifications of her and the Republican candidate at the expense of the Democratic front-runner. I’m not talking about her focusing on the Super-delegates, then after some wins and skewed math, going the opposite direction and saying they don’t have a right to go against the will of the people (even though the people seem to want Barack). I’m not talking about her agreeing with rules and disagreeing when she needs assistance. I’m not talking about her flailing her arms around like an octopus playing the drums and striking everyone in close range.
I have alot that I could cite…but what really bothers me is this:
At this moment she is the worst example for a mother to show her daughter…if she wants her to be strong and independent.
Let’s just look at some of the things that have shown this lately and I’ll translate for you.
This is from C.N.N.:
The first scenario is if Obama ignores Clinton and her supporters and makes the vice presidential offer to someone else.
One insider said, “This would be a total dismissal of her and totally unacceptable.”
“This could mean open civil war within the party,” another said. “A rupture in the party. If he doesn’t offer at all, you’ve got a breakdown. A real resentment there.”
Another source said it would not mean Clinton would refuse to campaign for Obama. But she would do so the way President Clinton campaigned for Al Gore, which the source characterized as “aloof.”
Another source said it would affect the willingness of some women’s groups to raise money for Obama.
The second scenario they foresee is for Obama to publicly offer Clinton the vice presidential spot, with the understanding that she would turn it down. But several Clinton friends say “the problem is, the two sides do not trust each other” to follow through on this.
The third scenario they envision would be trying to get both the candidates to sit down face-to-face and work out an agreement suitable to both parties. Some Clinton insiders say some points to consider would be how to help pay off the Clinton campaign debt — roughly $30 million — or whether he would offer support for a possible Clinton effort to become Senate majority leader.
1) He has to pay attention to her and validate her efforts…nevermind that she has been shitting on him because he “lacks experience”.
2) He better give her something…after all the time and effort she put in…wait they weren’t married were they?
3) Get the fuck outta here! Is that like child support?!?! Who the hell helps the person who ran against them pay off camaign debts?!?! Especially when you consider that half of the debt is money the campaign owes her. So he’d basically being paying her for running against him? Imagine him or John Edwards saying something similar.
Next we have Bill’s claims like this:
“I can’t believe it. It is just frantic the way they are trying to push and pressure and bully all these superdelegates to come out,” Clinton said at a South Dakota campaign stop Sunday, in remarks first reported by ABC News.
Exsqueeze me? Baking powder? Wasn’t she the one saying before that the super delegates need to not feel pressure to vote the way their states vote? Wasn’t it her supporters sending letters to super delegates?
I couldn’t find a link for the last one, but the issue was if Obama picked Governor Kathleen Sebelius (who the democratic party loves) instead of Hillary it would be a slight to Clinton.
Get the hell out…that’s like a slighted ex-girlfriend who’s mad cause you never took her to that restaurant she wanted to go to…but now you’ll take your new girl? So now all her friends are going to shit on you and this new woman…cause she’s not Hillary.
None of these things indicate a strong independent woman. She comes across more as vengeful ex-girlfriend then someone who can stand on their own. She (and her supporters) have become the antithesis to what they initially intended to be. I won’t even get into the sexist claims. What matters to me is the vehicle they are using. Someone who has mismanaged their money, lashed out at their rival and favored the eventual rival, switched positions on how votes should be handled and now lays everything at the feet of sexisim and people being unfair….this should be the example for young girls? The basic tone of what I’m reading now is…if women’s groups and Hillary supporters are to assist Obama in the general election…he has to give Hillary something…really. What happened to what’s best for America? So out of spite you won’t support someone of the same party who’s views on policy are very close (as many have pointed out) and would subject America to at least 4 more years of what Hillary wanted to “save” us from? That’s not strength, that’s not independence…and it’s a very poor example of character.
Edit:
WWWD?
Wolverine: “Like it or not,girl, we’re heroes. We’re supposed to stand for something. If we break the rules — or throw ‘em away — why should anybody follow ‘em?”
May 20, 2008
Captain America: Doesn’t matter what the press says. Doesn’t matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn’t matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world - “No, you move.”
Spider-Man: (Pause) Can I, like, carry your books to school? For the rest of my life?
Captain America: Come on… time to get you back to the rest of the group.
Spider-Man: I mean it. I can give you my lunch. My aunt made tuna sandwiches. Again.
In keeping with the comic theme and since I posted this on a website as a response to why dudes like comic books. I figured I’d throw this up here. I’d also like to mention I’m considering becoming a pastor…anyone interested in joining The First Church of Wolverine give me a shout. Praise Logan!!! Snikt!!!
When I look around there is no other place to get better examples of decency, manhood and confrontation of social issues then comic books. I can name very few sources that I have learned more from (I knew what magistrate meant at 10 because of the X-Men) First I’ll say go watch an episode of the Old Adam West Batman tv show…then realize that it is to comics what Weird Al Yankovic is to music….no substance. Shout out to Stan Lee…he created or co-created all the titles below. Before him Superheroes were just powerful role models…he made them powerful role models with the problems that the rest of us have.
For some background first, here are some facts about comics:
Captain America was fighting the Nazis in comic pages before America ever got into WWII.
Spiderman dealt with drug abuse in the 70’s…when people didn’t think it was a problem.
The X-Men (one of my favorites) is a statement about racism…a group of gifted people sacrifcing and using their gifts to do good for humankind just so they can be accepted…meanwhile alot of the people they help hate them only because of what they are. Two of the most prominent figures are based on MLK and Malcolm X.
The Fantastic Four is really about dysfunctional families.
The Incredible Hulk is about mental illness, dealing with emotions and self control.
The best example of what comics really are (I think) is found in Spiderman (I recommend the first two movies). A boy who was basically a genius, yet an outcast amongst his peers gains power and because of his inaction the person who represented morals and decency in his life is killed, so he dedicates himself to using his power to help others (With great power comes great responsibilty). As powerful as Spiderman was…not much changed for his true self…Peter Parker…matter of fact they got worse. His relationships became strained, he couldn’t keep a job, he was perpetually broke. His main source of income was selling pictures of himself in costume to someone who painted him as a criminal. Despite not getting his wishes and constantly suffering…he still used his power for the good of others and not to elevate himself. He lost jobs, missed dates and his grades in college suffered because he was always shooting off to help someone. Worse he could never take credit for it because it would expose his loved ones to harm. Eventually his Aunt (who raised him) and his girl (who he married) found out and like most decent men that was where his praise came from. People knew Spiderman was a hero…but only those two knew how much Peter Parker sacrificed. I always use Spidey because he has the setup to explain it…few of us have an “Uncle Ben” in our lives so it was from Spiderman that we not only got the message, but got the example. In effect Peter Parker became our Uncle Ben. I can’t name another character in any form of fiction that is a better representation of honor, humility and morality.
I could teach a boy more about being a man then by using an example of a athelete, politician, business man or whoever. Also because people see them as being for kids it’s the only place where at a young age you can read something that will treat you like an intelligent person instead of dumbing things down for you and staying in “safe” places.
May 14, 2008
“Well, I love mysteries. No, really, I do. ‘Cause I can usually solve a mystery by beating the snot outta somebody.” Wolverine
Going with my new life motto. I’ve decied to take some scenarios to test it out. So now I ask you to submit your questions to the first installment of: What Would Wolverine Do?
EDIT:
In the spirit of WWWD while analyzing my situation at work…I moved myself and the literacy instructor out of our cubes and into an empty office. Closing your door is a beautiful thing.
While I wait for your queries…I’ll leave you with some quotes from the Killer Canuck.
“I’m the best there is at what I do. Thing is, what I do isn’t very nice.”
“You ain’t done makin’ mistakes, bub, not by a long shot.”
“A man comes at me with his fists, I’ll meet him with fists. But if he pulls a gun - or threatens people I’m protectin’ - then I got no sympathy for him.”
“Any outfit that’ll take me as a member’ll admit anyone.”
“I don’t carry no grudges, bub - I work out my aggressions on the spot!”
“We ain’t winnin’ this shootin’ match by tip-toein’ through the tulips, darlin’.”
Unfortunately, the best intentions don’t always equate t’ the best actions.”
“Never met Razorfist. Heard of him though. Had his hands surgically replaced with super-keen swords. Always wondered how he eats or gets dressed.”
“By rights, we should both be history. But Fate’s a fickle dame. She’ll do the darndest things sometimes to keep her great game interesting.”
“I never take anything on faith or at face value.”
“Music to my ears, bub! Step right up! Be the first in line to meet your ancestors!”
“What is it with X-Men?! We’ll tackle Magneto or even Galactus without a second thought, but heaven forbid any of us, man or woman, can ask someone out on a flamin’ date! Pop the question, get an answer, deal with it, an’ move on.”
“I should hate myself when I get like this. Everything goes red. Don’t even know if I’m talkin’ or just howlin’.”
“I’m not impressed. I knew a sailor who could make the hula-girl on his bicep do the hootchy koo.”
“He was paraphrasin’ Nietsche, ya illiterate midget.”
“That was nothin’ - I get body-slammed by giant aircraft every alternate Tuesday.”
“I take my regrets out every nights and dump ‘em in the trash.”
“I think you’re missing all the hotels from your Monopoly set, lady.”
“You boys have guts … too bad they’re all over the floor!.”
May 12, 2008
“Well I wont back down, no I wont back down/ You can stand me up at the gates of hell/But I wont back down”
Tom Petty
So I have made a choice. I actually had the choice made, but I am just going to acknowledge it. I’m standing firm. Perhaps I should start job hunting and posting resumes and all that. The hell with it though. I’ve been here too long and done too much to get my Alan Wickers all twisted. I’m going to be here and that’s how I’m acting. I’ve worked to hard to have someone who holds a position for a year come and sweep me away. Not to mention I’ve got backing so the hell with it. I’m living by a new saying…W.W.W.D. - What Would Wolverine Do? (See Catherinette, I found where he fits in). The Killer Canuck wouldn’t work on his resume. Well, he’d probably come in smoking a cigar and give homeboy the middle…claw. I may not go that far…but I will do me and for the last 7 years this has been a part of me. I won’t abandon those who rely on me. I may have an extra beer when I go home though…sue me. I won’t attempt to wow this cat either. I figure if you can’t be impressed with what I’ve shown you so far then nothing will impress you. Here is an interesting figure though:
In a 5 year period we enrolled 366 young people. In the same period we had 343 job placements. That’s not too shabby. I know what I’ve accomplished that would never count in numbers and that’s what I will rely on.
May 9, 2008
“Nothing is worse than active ignorance.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832)
Yesterday I was to have a 5pm meeting with the Chairman of the Board (No Frank Sinatra…not at all), this meeting was based on him not having an idea about what I do. So he didn’t even get her until 5:30 which sucks for me cause I basically sat around waiting. Then for about an hour I tried to explain to him what I do and have done for the last 7 years. It doesn’t take me that long to explain it to clients. Didn’t take that long to explain it to a developmentally challenged person…and that’s not a joke. The worse part is, if it wasn’t for the new director I might have been here even longer.
I feel…alot of ways about this…consider I’ll be going into my 8th year in this position in August. I worked a short walk from here for a year before I got this job. So I’ve been working in this area for almost a decade. this organization is only 13 years old. Alot of the “residents” on the board haven’t lived here for 5 years. I’ve had clients basically grow up with me. I’ve seen dudes from High School to the Navy. I’ve seen clients become my co-worker and move on to another job. I have clients from Baltimore City Community College to the University of Hawaii. I’ve had clients get a role on the WIRE. I’ve had clients speak to the State Legislature. I’ve gone to conferences in the last few weeks and had a former client set up next to me representing another community agency. I’ve had clients listed in obituaries. I’ve had clients pulled out of the harbor. I’ve had clients with mental issues. I have clients working for the city. I have clients that can get you a burnout. I have clients that can rent you a car. I have clients that have children. I have clients that have lost children. I’m sure most people would feel a kinda way about having to explain what they do to a person who has some authority over them…despite how tenuous it may be. It’s even worse when you do something that your clients, their parents, families and even random strangers value…but the chairman of your board questions it’s validity. Get the hell out of here.
May 5, 2008
…comic books could explain everything.
Then Barack Obama would be Charles Xavier…
and Rev. Wright would be Magneto.
X-Men has been interpreted as a representation of the civil rights movement. Stan Lee, during an interview, admitted to creating the comic based on fear and prejudice. Creating during the 1960s, X-Men easily represents two influential civil rights leaders, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Magneto serves as a representation of Malcolm X due to his violent methods of living along with humans. In order to do so, he tries to conform the rest of the human civilization by turning them into mutants. Professor Xavier carries many of the same methods and ideals as Martin Luther King Jr. Xavier wants to coexist with the humans as equals.
Mind you, I agree with alot of what the Rev. said for the purpose of this post just follow me.
Xavier and Eric Magnus Lehnsherr(Magneto) were friends as young men. Both were mutants (though they didn’t initially admit it to one another) and debated regarding the consequences humanity faces with the rise of mutants. They knew they would face fear and hatred from humans that something had to be done. Xavier proposed working to establish peace. Eric thought otherwise. You see Eric was Jewish and he had survived the Holocaust. He figured that mankind would only try to destroy mutantkind. The only way he could see their salvation was through the domination of man. Unlike other villains he didn’t only try to rule men. Alot of the time he went about trying to claim areas of land or islands that mutants could inhabit free from fear. He even entombed Red Skull not for power, but because he was an unrepentant Nazi war criminal. However his plans were usually foiled by…Charles Xavier and the X-Men. Xavier founded the Xmen through his “School for Gifted Youngsters”. The purpose of the school being to provide a safe haven for mutants while teaching them how to use their powers while at the same time recruiting them into a team of superheroes that would provide humans with an example of mutants doing good.
Two people on different sides of the same issue, molded by their pasts. They see the same things and just have different methods of going about it. What’s unique is that in the world of comics most “arch-enemies” would just duke it out…but these two were actually friends. Their groups would fight right off, but Xavier and Magneto would basically resume their debate before they ever fought. Each at various points in time would wonder if the other was right. Each would be looked at by the world in different and sometimes the same light. It was one of the better relationships in comics, I think, almost like conflicting opinions in one person. Both suffered and alot of that suffering came at the hands of those they were at odds over. What’s more…both of them cared.
May 1, 2008
“My job consists of basically masking my contempt for the assholes in charge, and, at least once a day, retiring to the men’s room so I can jerk off while I fantasize about a life that doesn’t so closely resemble Hell.”
Lester Burnham
Yeah, yeah I didn’t post in a couple days. I’ve been busy, sue me! In between not winning the Mega-Millions lottery alot of stuff is going on.
1) The Chairman of our board told me the other day that he has no idea what I do. That’s a confidence builder.
2) The Vixen and I are going to Atlantic City in June. So what are your plans for your stimulus check? Mine involve Blackjack.
3) I went and did a presentation at the City Jail.
4) I still haven’t found a grant that I can apply for that will pay me to just be a cool guy and give advice.
5)Keesha thinks I (and some of you) have problems…peep the last comment.
6) I am still a Star Wars geek…but I will geek out for Alien related information.
7) My roommate is gone and the Cat is demanding all my attention.
8) I still like beer especially Sam Adams Cherry Wheat…mmmmmmm.
9) I need better olives and more Vodka and Vermouth.
10) My old boss is coming here over Memorial Weekend…I miss her…these new cats suck.
11) How the hell are you?
