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The Greatest Speech Ever Made

Now you know this has to be a great video (moving & powerful) if it's going to inspire me to post something on this blog after nearly 5 months without updating at all. The title pretty much explains it all but for a little more clarity; the speech is from a Charlie Chaplin film The Great Dictator in which a poor jewish barber is mistaken for Adolf Hitler. The video I posted below has images interlaced with the speech for impact & I think it does a pretty good job of helping the message have more impact. Enjoy & share it.

Seriously?!?! Vick gets the key to Dallas?

I just found out about THIS via a Facebook status update for Dallas, TX and I have to say that I instantly became infuriated by what I read. It would seem that on Saturday February 6th, 2011 Mayor Pro Tem, Dwaine Caraway, presented convicted felon Michael Vick with a key to the city of Dallas. If you've seen my blog before or if you follow me on Facebook then you know that I am an animal lover and that I currently live with 4 dogs that I love like they were my children. That being said, it makes me so angry to think that Michael Vick is receiving accolades of any kind given his history of abusing dogs.

There was a journalist in attendance during the ceremony to present Michael Vick with a key to the city of Dallas that had actually adopted one of the dogs rescued from Michael Vick's dog fighting ring. He made a video of his experience trying to approach Vick about his dog fighting past. I found this video very informative with regards to showing that Vick hasn't changed at all despite all the interviews he's done to the contrary.

The one thing that really jumped out at me about this whole situation is that Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway stated that "a great majority" of people would have supported his decision to give Vick the key to the city. I find it hard to believe that "a great majority" of people support dog fighting.

Please watch the video below and then feel free to contact Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway on his Facebook page or via the City of Dallas website to let him know how you feel about his actions this past weekend. You can also read my previous post from 2 years ago about Michael Vick's return to the NFL here.

I need a job!

I don’t know how to describe the feelings that I’m having at this point in my life because it seems there are more emotions running through my mind than I can decipher. First and foremost I have this overwhelming feeling of uncertainty that comes with knowing that my job is coming to an end when there is not another job lined up after it.

I have known for a couple of weeks now that my last day of employment with my current job is October 23^rd. This is the first time I’ve ever been in a situation like this and I’ve been surprised with just how scary a situation it is. Now I know that I still have 9+ weeks to find my next job and the truth is I don’t think I’ll have a problem finding another job. I just wish I already had it figured out. I don’t do well with not having a solid plan for my future.

I’ve always been the kind of person that makes schedules and has a plan of attack for my future. The situation I’m in right now makes me really nervous. Like I said before, I’m not concerned that I won’t be able to find a job because I could pretty easily get a sales job but the truth is I don’t want a sales job. The concern I have is that a sales job is probably the only way I’m going to be able to make the kind of money I need to make in order to maintain my current standard of living.

I have spent just about every moment of my free time over the last 3 days looking for a job and while I’m do feel optimistic with the jobs that I find posted on the internet, I also feel really depressed when I submit resume after resume without receiving any phone calls to schedule interviews. That being said, I’ve already had one interview for a really cool job (with inadequate pay) and I’ve got two interviews (crappy sales jobs) scheduled for tomorrow. You can see how I might be feeling very conflicted with this whole job hunting scenario. There is optimism that I’ll find something but pessimism that I’ll find something I want to do.

Is it my resume that’s keeping me from getting interviews? Is it my lack of specific easily definable experience? Is it that my MBA isn’t from a top business school? Is it the fact that unemployment is still so high that I’m competing with hundreds (if not thousands) of more qualified candidates?

If I could just get a face to face interview I’m sure I could show potential employers the value that I offer. In fact, the vast majority of the interviews that I’ve participated in over the course of my career have led to job offers. That’s why I need to figure out a better way of getting in front of hiring managers. I know I have lots to offer potential employers in the form of marketing knowledge and experience but they don’t seem to get that same feeling from looking at my resume.

Well, like I said earlier, I know that I still have 9+ weeks to find another job and I won’t give up until I find something so it’s time to put my head down and keep plugging away. As I’m sure you’ve heard before, “looking for a job is a full-time job.” It is time to get back to work, so check back later to see how this whole thing pans out.

Glenn Beck is a gold digga'

Have I ever mentioned before how much I love the Daily Show with Jon Stewart? That show is absolutely hilarious and eye-opening at the exact same time. I can honestly say, there isn't another show on this planet that can make you laugh and shutter in fear with one segment. Speaking of shuttering in fear, Glenn Beck and his "hour-long nightly fear-cast" have been called out again by Jon Stewart for Glenn's shill work for Goldline. Jon makes the point that gold sales go up when there is uncertainty and fear in the minds of the American people. That's good news for Glenn Beck since his entire program is about creating fear for his viewers. Well, don't take my word for it. Check out the video below from the Daily Show.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Beck - Not So Mellow Gold
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

5 books everyone should read

What five books should every person read?

 When I first started thinking about the answer  to this question I thought it was going to be simple, but then as I narrowed down my list I realized that it's a lot more difficult than I thought. Below is my list of 5 books that I think everyone should read and it surprised me to see how many of the books on my list focus on religion. Especially because I don't consider myself to be a terribly religious person.

1. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Trilogy in Five Parts by Douglas Adams.

    First off, this may be called a trilogy but there are actually five books in the series. I know the question asked for five books and my first suggestion already maxes out that limit but when you consider that you can buy all five books bound into one, I think it's safe to add this title. This was the first book I ever read and therefore holds a special place in my heart. The religious, economic and political commentary throughout this series of books may be 20 years old but it is still pertinent today. The humor used to comment on our species as a whole makes this a fantastic read. BTW, 42.

2. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

    The second book on my list of must reads is added because this is the book that turned me into a reader. When I was in college I had a job at bookstore and truthfully when I started there I wasn't much of a reader. For some reason though, this book turned me into a reader and for that I recommend everyone read this book. Be aware that this is a difficult read and I'll bet I reread every chapter at least twice due to the complexity of the material. That being said, check it out and enjoy.

3. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

    This is a book that everyone should read no matter how many books you're limited to reading. This book was originally published back in 1937 and it is just as important and relevant today as it was 80 years ago. I promise you this book will change the way you look at the world around you, and if you're smart it will change the way you interact with everyone you come in contact with on a daily basis.

4. The Bible

    Now the reason I have added this book to my list may surprise you. I get a lot of grief when I tell people that I think the Bible is the greatest work of fiction every written. I am not saying that everything written in the Bible is fictitious but I am saying that I don't think it is 100% the truth either. I think the Bible gives humans a good guide for how to live life but I also don't think it is the true word of God. I think everyone should read the Bible because of it is the best selling book in the history of the world and if that many people have read it then you should too. If for other reason than to have a better understanding of the vast majority of people around you.

5. God's Debris by Scott Adams

    The final book on my list is from the very same author who created the comic strip Dilbert. You wouldn't think a cartoonist could write such a thought provoking book about about quantum physics, God, dating, etc. but he did. Even though this is a relatively short book, I highly recommend it because as a theory for the creation of everything it fits my outlook quite nicely. I actually look at this book at a "Bible" of sorts because it follows a Buddhist outlook that I think fits my ideologies on God quite nicely. I actually read this book in one sitting and I bet you will too.

Attention Stupid BMXer at Lewisville Skatepark

First off, I want to update everyone about the current hours of operation for the skatepark in Lewisville, TX. As you may or may not know by now, the skatepark opened its gates for the first time last Saturday and was open all weekend. I got the chance to ride there and really enjoyed the place. A friend of mine called me today and told me that he was told by a Parks & Rec guy that they are going to open the park every weekend (and only on the weekends) until Monday Nov. 2nd when they will start being open every day of the week. Good news.

Hours of operation: 8 am to 10 pm.

Now on to the bad part of what my friend told me.

Apparently, last weekend some BMXer collided with a skateboarder and (according to the third-hand story told by the Parks & Rec guy) was somewhat belligerent towards the skater afterwards. The rumor is that he was even an ass towards the skater's parents when they confronted him about the matter. Now, I obviously wasn't present during the aforementioned collision and the interactions afterwards but if what I heard is true than I personally feel like beating that BMXer over the head with his own bike. Seriously!

Why? Because attitudes and reactions like those exhibited by that dumbass last weekend could potentially lose all BMXers the right to ride at that wonderful skatepark. Being a 31 year old BMXer who truly and deeply appreciates the fact that I now have a local park to ride, I am angered almost beyond words to think that some immature teenager could be responsible for influencing the city to take away my right to ride my new home away from home.

Whatever happened to people showing each other the common decency of being concerned about the well-being of a fellow skatepark enthusiast? I must admit that I have no idea how old either the skater or the BMXer in the above circumstance is, and I didn't see how it all went down. So I am merely speaking from the details I was given and the image I created in my mind. That being said, I call upon all BMXers and skaters that plan on shredding the Lewisville Skatepark to be mature, responsible and aware of how your actions affect everyone that will hopefully enjoy that park on a regular basis. If we can do what we should do with regards to; cleaning up after ourselves, being respectful of others. and doing our best to avoid collisions then we can all have a park that we can use for years to come. I implore you, be respectful of your fellow human being (more importantly a fellow skatepark enthusiast) and DON'T SCREW THIS UP FOR ME.

Warning: If the city changes their policy on allowing bikes in the park because of situations like the one listed above: I will personally find out who is responsible for these situations and make your life a living hell until I have completely ruined your life and consequently grown bored of you. Please spread the word.

Seriously, tell everyone you know who is going to shred the new Lewisville Skatepark to be respectful. I mean it.

Letter to Kanye West

So I didn't watch the MTV Video Music Awards, and I abstained intentionally. In fact, while flipping through the channels that night I almost got sucked in a couple of times.

As seems to be the case every year (thanks to a well trained marketing machine) the VMAs have an "outrageous" moment that makes you wished you had watched it live, and this year was no different.

This year Kanye West bum rushed Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for something, complaining that Beyonce should have won instead. Because Beyonce is an adamant professional (even though I hate her music & it makes me hate myself for finding it "catchy") she let Swift finish her speech when Beyonce won the a Moon Man for video of the year I think.

MTV Shows

MTV Shows

Anyways, the reason for the post is to bash on Kanye West a little bit. I have never ever, ever, ever, never ever, ever liked Kanye West. I have known that is a douchebag from the first time I remember learning of his existence. I must admit that there is one song he's done that I liked but only because of the video below. I actually hate the lyrics when I think about who's rapping them but the hands make it way cooler.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Kanye West has made so many blunders during live appearances over the course of his career. He compared himself to Jesus Christ (even though I don't have a problem with that per se), the George Bush comment after Katrina (once again, no problemo) and of course the latest dumbass moment (this one I seem to have a problem with). I was so incensed by what I read that I only watched the video right up to the point where he interrupted. I couldn't even give him the satisfaction of watching him make an ass of himself. That being said, I decided to write a letter to Kanye West so I posted it below.

I do feel that it is fair to give Kanye's side of the story so I'm posting a link to his blog where he apologizes for his behavior. He also went on Jay Leno's new prime time show where he asked to say a few words before his scheduled performance . He then promptly took the stage and performed after apologizing.

Dear Kanye,

You are an arrogant, boneheaded, selfish, greedy, silly fool. From what little I know about your mother, you have shamed her memory. She deserves better than that and your behavior over the entire course of your career has been cold, calculated (yet some how idiotic at the same time) and appalling. I hope you really do take some time off and find that decent person that is hopefully buried somewhere deep inside of you.

Sincerely,

Nudnik

HABU

Philadelphia bans cellphones on bikes & skateboards

Are you serious? According to NPR the city of Philadelphia has banned the use of cell phones on any thing with wheels. The ban on motorized vehicles has been spreading all over the country for the last couple of years but Philly has gone WAY to far. I can't believe that we are letting the government regulate us this much. I personally will never live in Philadelphia because of THIS story from NPR.

NYPD Assaults bicyclist

So I stumbled upon a website that is promoting a documentary called "Still We Ride" the movie and it immediately reminded me of the video below. Quoted from the "Still We Ride" homepage:

On Friday August 27, 2004 just days before the start of the Republican National Convention, a massive police operation was underway. By the end of the night 264 people were arrested. It marked one of the largest mass arrest in New York City's history and the arrested had done nothing illegal.

 

For many New Yorkers, August was the first time they heard of what has become a monthly ritual for New York’s bike community: a free-forming ride called Critical Mass.

 

Still We Ride is a documentary that captures the joyous atmosphere of this August ride before the arrests began and the chaos that followed. It recounts how this ride first started in San Francisoc over 10 years ago and chronicles the police crackdown and resulting court battles in over the last twelve months. This movie takes on issues of civil liberties, surveillance, the power of mainstream media, and the benefits of alternative means of transportation.

I haven't seen this movie yet but I plan on trying to find it somewhere. Now back to the original reason for this post. The website above reminded me of a video taken in July of 2008 that shows a New York City police officer literally knocking a Critical Mass participant off his bike. The cyclist gets knocked down hard. I have read about this video and supposedly the cyclist was breaking the law by not having the proper lighting on his bike for night time. When I see this video I feel a strong wave of anger come over me. I'm not one to bash on cops but this particular cop needs to be fired. Feel free to read up on Critical Mass to find a ride in your neck of the woods.

F!!! Michael Vick!!!

Should Michael Vick be allowed to play football in the NFL? That is a topic of discussion these days since his release from prison after serving time for the crimes he committed when participating in the Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting ring. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Monday that Vick is immediately eligible to practice with a NFL team and is allowed to participate in the last 2 exhibition games of the preseason (if any team is interested in having him).

Terrell Owens commented on the commissioners consideration to extend the suspension for Vick by 4 games saying, "... it is unfair to Michael Vick... It is almost like kicking a dead horse in the ground." In response to this quote I would like to start off by saying, I'm glad he no longer plays for my favorite team (Dallas Cowboys). Secondly, what about being unfair to all those dogs that Michael Vick abused and killed. F!!! T.O. as well!

Most of the dogs taken from the Bad Newz Kennels were euthanized but those that were lucky enough to be deemed salvageable were sent to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT. A journalist for the Los Angeles times wrote an article yesterday about Michael Vick and did so from the perspective of "Georgia" (a Bad Newz Kennels rescue) and the end result might surprise you. That is if you've never looked into the loving eyes of a dog.

My mother has an idea for a book and the title, "Everything I ever need to know I learned from my dogs" explains the concept pretty well I think. Growing up I was always surrounded by dogs and at one point we had 13 dogs (we lived on 200 acres). The love a dog is capable of sharing with the humans in their life is greater than I think even humans are capable of and that is one of the lessons we should learn from the Michael Vick dogs. These dogs had horrible things done to them and they were forced into doing even more horrible things but all the while their desire to please kept them doing what they had to do.

When I think about all the terrible acts that were committed on these dogs, I can't help but picture any one of the four dogs I currently share my life with, or the countless dogs that have been a part of my life in the past. The look that my buddy Collins gives as he's laying on the floor looking up at me is so cute it could literally melt the heart of even the most hardened bastard. I couldn't imagine looking at him and deciding that I needed to beat or abuse him so that he would fight and kill another dog. The thought of what those poor dogs were subjected to is too much to handle. I would have to agree with my mom's sentiment that everything I ever needed to know in life I learned from my dogs.

The dogs in my life have taught me unconditional love, free will, loyalty, independence, a desire to please, a need to protect the ones we love, awareness, as well as so many other very subtle lessons that go unnoticed on a daily basis. I would like to say thank you to my mom, my wife and my dogs (& the cats) for teaching me what love is truly all about.

Best Friends Animal Society:

Twitter, Facebook & MySpace

Izzy and Collins, two of the best teachers in the world.

Blog topic ideas

Driving towards Florida for my next Show Car loop and I thought up a few potential blog topics. The first one would definitely be the most controversial.

My theory on the after life & spirituality

My arizona skatepark story

Ode to BMX

Life on the road story

Something marketing related

More to come

Yankees Suck? Rangers Suck? You decide.

So I was driving into work this morning and I heard THIS story (and THIS story from the Yankees side) on the radio which to be perfectly honest with you really pissed me off. Not because I can't understand why someone would be offended by the word "suck" but because of the implications of the Texas Rangers' actions. The short and sweet of the story is this, a Rangers fan (& her husband) went to a game against the Yankees and her shirt said, "Yankees Suck." A fan (I use that term loosely in this case) complained about the woman's shirt saying it was offensive and therefore she had to change shirts or leave the ballpark.

Like I said before, I understand why someone might find the word "suck" offensive, even though it is used very freely in lots of settings. For example, "I suck at Math." I am not so naive as to think that "suck" can't be construed to mean fellatio but I think most people in the U.S. at least understand that it also means "an area of deficiency." Besides in it's first connotation, isn't that a good thing? Sorry, didn't mean to go there but I felt I had to anyways.

What really drives me crazy about this story is what it means for anyone who attends a Texas Rangers baseball game. As one listener on the radio (very cleverly) pointed out, this story gives me an idea of how to get a clear unobstructed view of any game by merely telling security that the person sitting in front of me is wearing a shirt that is offensive. That's right, the next time I see someone at a Rangers game that is wearing a yellow t-shirt, I'm going to complain that it is offensive and have them removed from the ballpark. Who gets to determine what is offensive and why is the management allowing individuals to make that determination. The Code of Conduct at their stadium states, "Any person wearing clothing with language… that may be offensive to another guest may be denied entry into the stadium, or ejected from the stadium without refund." Apparently "suck" is profane.

It would be absolutely impossible to allow that many people into a confined space (like a stadium) and not offend anyone. If you have more than one person then there is a really good chance that at least somebody is going to be offended. What we have to do is go back to "the good ol' days" when some people just had to be offended. The days of trying to appease everybody makes for a very boring world. Diversity and variety is what makes the world an interesting place. I know this has been a bit of a rant but it just drives me crazy that we as a society have become so concerned with making sure everyone is happy that we have lost some very basic rights and freedoms. Like the freedom to say...

The Texas Rangers Management Sucks!!!!!