Friday, August 31, 2012

Music Friday



I will just let the song speak for itself.  It's time for some football to come back to us.  I've been pumped for a while. My South Carolina Gamecocks are already through with their opening issues.  They won against Vanderbilt last night in a tough game.  Vanderbilt isn't the same lousy team full of nerds anymore.  They're the truth.

This also gets me pumped for the NFL season.  My Packers are looking pretty nice for preseason.  However, it's preseason.  So it's pretty boring.  It's a battle to see who will be a starter vs a scrub.  The worst is the ever long battle for the right to be on the punt return team.  So intriguing.

Point being, I will be enjoying football for a long long time.

Feel free to bear with me.  Or join me somewhere for chicken wings.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Running and Stuff

So for the last two weeks or so, I've decided to run my neighborhood every morning.  It's not a marathon or anything, just a mile long run around town.  I have to say that I am feeling a lot better.  It's good to breathe in that fresh air while I get my heart pumping.

I'm so happy that I decided to do this.  I can feel my body feeling better.  I can see my confidence growing with every step I take as I run.  I've always been more of a sprinter than a long distance person.  I think if everyone took the time to do something active, life would be a lot easier.

I think we have an issue in America.  There are way too many people who don't do the little things to make themselves healthier.  I'm not saying that we're all terrible, but we can do better.  When people are allowed to sue McDonald's because of their weight, it's time to rethink our lives a little.  It's time to do a little something to help ourselves.  A simple walk, taking the steps instead of the elevator, or not getting fourths at dinner time can help a lot.

I've decided that from now on, I will be a little better about what I eat.  I won't say that I will be the perfect dieter, because this isn't a diet.  This is a conscious decision to not be a freaking pig and move a little more.

The end result, shoot, I'll be the hottest dude maybe ever.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Turn Back Tuesday

Today's blog rewind goes back to a day I got particularly frustrated with anyone in a grocery store.

ENJOY

It seems like a lot of people don't know how to do simple things anymore.  I know people that can't even read an analog clock.  There seems to be a lack of basic skills now.  I just posted a picture of a list of tweets that showed people's lack of knowledge of what a vowel is.  Another set of tweets couldn't believe that a man could be an astronaut, a cyclist, and dead in a week.

There seems to be some stupidity going on here in America.  I don't know who is to blame for it, but I do know that it's not nearly as profitable to be smart.  What happened to people being able to put a quarter in a pay phone when they needed help?  What happened to being able to read a map?  Now we have machines telling us when to turn.

Seems like we don't like doing the hard stuff that our forefathers were known for.  Seems like we just want to be served without being willing to work hard at serving ourselves.  It's time for us to be able to do any and everything put in front of us.  It's time to kick the door of opportunity down and get at it.  With the grace of God, you can do anything.  Stop being dependent on any and everything in your face to get you where you want.  You rely on God and the abilities that He has given you to beat out every adversity you come across.

And for Pete's sake, stop bringing the whole store to the self checkout...please.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Monday Top Ten

This week's top ten is dedicated to my first week of the new school year.  I'll countdown the highlights.

10.  Familiar Faces
It's good to go to the school you worked in the year before.  Sometimes it's just nice to go into a school and know a majority of the people.  Lucky for me, the familiar faces are cool.

9.  Crazy New Bus Lot
The county put together this new route for the buses to go through to get to the middle school behind my school.  It's fun to watch people try to maneuver this smoothly.  They never get it right.  Probably never will.

8.  PTA
Our PTA hooks us up.  They do food and stuff better than anyone I know.  They're supposed to hook us up with hot dogs with the fixings this week.  Sweet.

7.  Funny People
My co-workers are very funny.  I'm the funniest, but sometimes I meet people that can keep me on my toes. I'm appreciative of that.

6.  The Secretary
She loves me.

5.  The Kids Not On My Watch
Without getting into too much, I meet some kids that I really don't work with.  They are some fun kids.  Very kind and sweet.  They are also pretty polite.

4.  The Teachers' Lounge
It has a television.  I catch Price is Right almost 3 times a week, depending on my lunch time.  Plus, it's always good to have a quiet place to eat my home made lunches.

3.  My Kiddos
I love my kids.  They are so awesome.  Even the ones I don't directly work with, they are great.  I just love their progress.

2.  My Co-Workers
I have some awesome co-workers.  Which is great because sometimes I don't get that lucky.  I'm blessed to have people who I can really rely on to get it done.

1.  The Clock-In Machine
It talks to me.  It says, "Welcome" and "Good Bye" in the sweetest voice.  Imagine Marilyn Monroe singing Happy Birthday To You to JFK.  Now imagine her welcoming you to work every morning.  She's the highlight of my day.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Open Letter Saturday

My open letter goes to some people I know.

To Those Who Will Be Enjoying My Cookies:

Hello all.  I hope this letter finds you in good spirits.  This evening, since about 7pm or so, I've been slaving over a hot oven making cookies.  I'm making these cookies for my church family and school family.  I worked hard on these cookies.

I just want you all to know that I'm doing this because I love y'all.  I'm doing this because I appreciate what you mean to me in life.  You have had such an impact on what I have become nowadays.  I do this because you bring joy to my life.  My cookies were made with love.  It's also made with a lot of chocolate chips, so if you're diabetic, you'd better have your sugar in order.

People often ask me what made me so good at making cookies.  It's simple, I like to cook.  Cooking is fun for me.  It brings a smile to my face when I make something from scratch.  When I create a great dinner or an awesome salad, it shows people my artistic side.

I thank you all for enjoying my cookies.  I know this is kind of presumptuous to assume you'd automatically enjoy my cookies, but truth be told, I haven't heard a complaint yet.  I've been baking cookies since 2004 if it gives you any idea how good I they have been.  I know some people probably held their complaints back, but that's on them.

Enjoy the goodness of my cookies.

Regards,
Tyrone

Friday, August 24, 2012

Music Friday



Sometimes you have to just party.  Sometimes you just have to smile and enjoy life.  Sometimes you have to get off the stupid train and get on the play time train.  Jodeci's song tells us that.

The Bible tells us that, too.  It says to enjoy life sometimes.  We should do that.  However, that's not what I want to talk about.

I have a pet peeve.  It's not a huge pet peeve, but it can grate on my last nerve.  It's white people's horrible execution of the Cabbage Patch dance.  It seems like just when they figure it out, they try to add something extra to it.  It's like a great dish in a restaurant.  You can't just throw anything into it and think you're improving it.  You have to just go with what works.  One day they'll realize this and make life a lot easier.  And a lot less people will lose an eye in the club.

White Girl Dance Face
And please don't make that face.


Please...

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Videos...funny videos

This video never gets old.  It's a perfect storm of natural consequences and pure genius.


Pretty much my favorite Ric Flair promo of all time.  There's even someone for us black folks out here.


This is one of the 13,684 reasons I'm naming one of my kids Barkley.


Still a great song after 2 years

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Hectic Hump Day

It's that day again.  The day I just let out all of my thoughts.  Feel free to follow along.

1.  I've taken up jogging.  Over the past three days, I've tried to run/walk a mile or so a day.  It's taken a lot of effort to drag myself out of bed earlier than normal to do the runs.  However, I must say that I feel so much better.  I do wish that I could get a decent pedometer app for my phone.

2.  After the first few days of school, I can say that I know I'll enjoy this year.  There are some great people in our group this year.  Kind of excited.

3.  Apparently Paul Ryan was in Roanoke or something.  Okay.

4.  Watched that Chris Rock movie Bad Company again.  Absolutely hilarious.

5.  So apparently there's a bit of controversy over the new game show based on Bible knowledge.  Sign me up.

6.  Just wondering how high my roommate's dish pile will get before he washes them.  Consider the fact that I've washed every dish I've used.

7.  Speaking of, if anyone knows of a nice job for my other roomie, let me know.

8.  Funny how excited people get when someone you actually know adds you on Facebook.  It's like all that time you spent talking and socializing means nothing until they click "CONFIRM."

9.  I've noticed that Atheists spend a lot of time trying to deter Christians from their faith.  They sure do put a lot of effort into telling everyone that God doesn't exist.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Turn Back Tuesday

Not quite sure what I was thinking with this particular blog.  I just had a couple of things on my mind.  My frustration with the radio combined with my appreciation for Nancy Grace.


My frustration with radio continues to this day.  Not all of it, but most of it.  I can't stand about 87% of the radio stations on this planet nowadays.  It's terrible.  Music isn't even music anymore.  It's some dope with a computer.  This doofus named Skribbitz or something has some weird sounding stuff coming out of the box.  Isn't that the game Harry Potter plays all the time?  Anyway, I wish the radio were better than it were.  I just wish I had an auxiliary jack so I can hook my phone up to the radio in my car.  I love Pandora.  The best Internet radio station on the planet.  I'm going to make a wish that all radio stations just shut off and just hook up to Pandora.

As far as Nancy Grace goes, well I'm not sure.  Now I work through the evening.  I don't get to watch most prime time shows unless they're On Demand.  I'm a fan of good honest television.  I'm a fan of people telling it like it is.  The problem nowadays is that all these news channels are just spouting off their opinions.  There is no real journalism and honesty anymore.  It's all about pushing their agendas.  It's really a shame.  Bring the news back and leave your opinions at the door.


Monday, August 20, 2012

Monday Top Ten

So the first day of school is coming up for a lot of people.  Roanoke County actually starts tomorrow.  Some have already started, and others will start when God intended, after Labor day.  Today's top ten is in dedication to the first day of school and the top things I feared the most.

10. School Bully
Contrary to popular belief, I wasn't always this amazing buffet of manliness.  At one point, I was a skinny drink of water with no muscle whatsoever.  I was worried every year that I would have one person realize that I was just tall and nothing else.

9.  My Pen Running Out of Ink
This goes back to the third grade and a traumatic experience.  We just read a book about invisible ink and at the same time, we had a spelling test.  Well the cheap pen that the teacher supplied us with, the ones with the erasers that never worked, ran out of ink.  Instead of giving me a fresh pen to work with, my teacher thought she'd be the funny one and mock my plight.  She put my test on the heater and said that maybe the ink will show up with heat.  Lucky for me, I had a mother who didn't put up with that.  When I told her what happened that day, my mother wrote a letter to the teacher.  I'll paraphrase for the sake of brevity:  "Since your pens are super cheap, I'll be supplying my son with his pens for the rest of the school year.  Maybe you can invest in better pens instead of investing in mocking 9 year olds for things they can't help."  My mom is awesome.

8.  Going Number Two
I'll never forget.  It was the fourth grade.  I had just moved to South Carolina and was just settling in to my elementary school.  I had to go to the bathroom pretty badly.  I go to the restroom and realize that the bathroom toilets didn't have doors.  Against my better judgment, I went anyway.  Of course a bunch of dudes walked into the bathroom, saw me and kept calling their friends over to laugh at me.  Yes, you read that right.  People were lining up like a carnival ride to see The Incredible Pooping Tyrone.  For most of my school career, I refused to do number two in a school.  South Carolina Public Education System, ladies and gentlemen.

7.  Teacher Spittle
My second grade teacher had a horrible spitting problem.  Every time she spoke to you from about 5 feet and closer, you caught the saliva.  And she had a large nose, so it sprayed more than normal.  It was awful.

6.  My Haircuts
My mom loves long hair on males.  Of course, I was the guinea pig.  Mom would let me go to school with large Afros and bad haircuts.  I'd tell mom that I just wanted a low cut and she'd tell me how my hair didn't need cutting.  That made for a lot of mockery.  I know, those who mocked me weren't my real friends...

5.  Sweating
This only happened in middle school.  Of course, when you are in middle school, you have a terrible odor that you just can't get rid of.  However in middle school, we also had before school flag football.  Everyday we'd have flag football games.  No matter how much deodorant I used, it never worked after these rousing games of football.  It was terrible.  It lead to me not wanting to do anything physical for pretty much the rest of my high school life for fear of sweating.

4.  The Pretty Girl
Every school year since Kindergarten, there has been that one girl that I couldn't help but love and plan my wedding for.  I remember in 8th grade, it was Danielle Hosey.  That was her name she went by.  I can't remember her actual first name, so don't bother trying to find her.  P.S. I tried 3 times.  Anyway, every year there was that one girl I wanted so badly to just talk to and ask out.  However, I never got past giving them the answers to their homework.  Although if I could get past all that, I wouldn't be the adorable and available heartthrob I am now.

3.  Falling Down
I was kind of clumsy growing up.  I was all legs.  I was freakishly tall.  I had no idea how to use my height.  So every year, I was worried that once or twice, I'd fall over in front of the wrong people.  I did a few times, never on the first day of school.

2.  Having a Soggy Lunch
I used to bring my lunch to school sometimes.  It was just some of my favorites.  Bologna and cheese sandwiches, soup in a thermos, or a Lunchable.  However for some reason, every year I brought my lunch to school, at least once something would spill and ruin it.  Bologna and cheese coated in milk is disgusting.  Soup all over the lunch box, not a good look.  Terrible days.

1.  Throwing Up
I am proud to say that in the 29 years and 42 months I've spent on this planet, I've only thrown up 4 times.  The first time was the worst time.  I was in the second grade.  I had been having terrible stomach pain all day.  Add to this, it was the math section of the standardized tests.  I was sitting next to the pretty girl for that school year, Joye.  All of a sudden, I toss my cookies all over my test, my body, and Joye's shoes.  Of course my first reaction is to keep doing my test.  My teacher said to go to the nurse.  I asked why.  She said because of the throw up.  I did what anyone would do, completely deny it.  Ever since then, I just had this fear that something would come up at the wrongest time possible.

There you go, a little humor for the first day of school.  Enjoy and share.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Open Letter Saturday

Today's the day I write a letter to someone or something or some concept.  Today's letter goes out to something near and dear to my heart.

Dear School People,

Now when I say school people, I'm talking to teachers, aides, and students alike.  I just want to let you know that it's about that time for all of us to get together and work at being smarter and better than you were before this summer.

To teachers and aides, I say this:  It's going to be tough.  Welcome to life.  It's going to be rough.  We'll have students in our lives that will be tough.  We'll be working with kids that don't want to do what we think is best.  We're going to deal with parents that are stubborn and think nothing we do is right.  There are going to be days where you'll want to give up.  There will be days where you'll want to just drop everything and serve burgers.  Don't go there.  You were put on this planet to teach kids.  You were brought to where you are to improve the lives of kids.  You were brought to the school you're in because you were told you were the best person for the job.  It's our job to prove the higher ups right.  If you're looking to improve your rank, you do your darnedest to make everyone out there want you.  I worry about some of the kids.  I see some silly folks out there that could use our help more than ever.  Be thoughtful of that.  Don't give up on them or yourself.  Be tough.  Don't accept second best.  Get the most out of who you're working with.  This isn't a job anymore, it's an adventure.  It's a mission.  A mission to create a future.  When we get put into homes when we're old and grey, I kind of want to leave the country in good hands.

To students, I say this:  You are not just the future.  You're the present.  You're alive right now.  So, in essence, you're trying to make yourself just a tad better than you were a couple of months ago.  You're closer to being an adult.  When your teachers are all over your behind, it's because they want you to succeed.  They want you to be amazing.  They want your life to be fulfilled.  I understand that adults are boring and just want you to do work.  However, when you're an adult, there will be even older adults telling you what do and how to do it...in a boring way.  These adults will want you to do boring, tedious back breaking work.  Some of you may get the opportunity to be those boring adults.  However, being an adult pays the bills.  Don't allow yourself to be brought down by people who aren't dedicated to getting better.  If the friends you surround yourself with don't have your best interest at heart, you need new friends.  If you're not sure what your best interest is, I'll tell you:  be a better person.  Your definition of better may be stranger than mine, but I promise you that if you go the path of terrible people, your life will not be fulfilled.  Oh you'll have a nice time for a minute, but in the end, you'll be less successful than the "boring" people.  When your teachers give you an assignment, get it done.  Don't slack off.  Do something that people can be proud of.  If you're not sure how to get to that point, ask me.  I'll tell you exactly what you'll need to get people proud of you.

To everyone, have a blessed school year.  Don't give up on each other.  Make each other better.  Life gets easier when you have support, so support each other.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Music Friday



I have a food review.  Carrabba's is amazing.  If you've never been, you owe it to yourself to get it.  I was smart and got the 3-Course meal for 15 bucks.  I was so good.  I started with the spinach and goat cheese flatbread.  Don't sleep on goat cheese, people.  That stuff is like crack, except without the desire to do unsavory things just to have it.  Then I had the Caesar Salad.  I love Caesar Salad.  Julius was a genius if he truly had a hand in the creation of it.  Everytime I see a Caesar Salad, I think of the episode of Kitchen Nightmares where the terrible kitchen staff tried to put carrots in the Caesar Salad.  Finally, my entree was the Champagne Shrimp and Scallops.  Oh my goodness.  I love pasta.  I love seafood.  I don't know how they got that seafood there to taste so yummy in the middle of the mountains, but wow.

All of that was 15 bucks.  That is date night material gentlemen.  If you have a lady you think is pretty and want to really impress her, take her Carrabba's and buy two of these deals.  You will be full.  You will be impressed, but most importantly...she will be impressed.  She should be thankful for the free meal, and even more thankful that you are thrifty enough to do this.  It shows a bit of initiative.  Point being, get on this train now.  It says it's only for the summer, so get on that horse, NOW.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Head Hurts, But Not Anymore.

You know, sometimes I have to just sit back and wonder why things are the way they are.  I have to question if I'm doing something wrong.  Truth be told, I'm a little gobsmacked at things that have happened.  I seem to have a lot of things going on at once.  I don't get why it happens to be a torrential rain on you.

I think back to Job and how he was attacked constantly by Satan.  I know there's a reason for it.  It's because Satan wasn't happy with the testimony of Job.  Not comparing my struggles to Job, not by a long shot.  However it does say something when Satan is so threatened by you that he feels the need to attack you.

I think about Daniel and all the times he was attacked by people who didn't quite get his faith in God.  I don't normally get attacked by people for my faith in God, but it does seem like my faith can be the stumbling block of some people.


Well, let me tell you all something.  God is good.  I'm typing this in the middle of an amazing gift from my Lord.  I decided to keep my frustrations with life at times up to remind me that things get better in the morning.

Truth be told, I was going through a trial that I really didn't think I'd get out of.  I was hurting, broken hearted, and torn.  I wasn't sure where joy would be coming from.  However, God in His amazing grace and sovereignty, has been overwhelmingly good to me.  I don't deserve a second of it, but God is good anyway. Next time you're feeling like it can't get any better ever, just remember that joy comes in the morning.  Daniel survived the lions' den.  Job got double his wealth.  In the end, God is the winner.  He is the greatest.  He is the Provider, the Healer, and the Comfort.  Take refuge in Him.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Hectic Hump Day

Today's that day where I just feel like telling you what's been on my mind.  Feel free to join me.

1. I hope this isn't true.  I hope there's a plausible explanation, because there is no excuse for this kind of thing.  I don't care if it's Democrat, Republican, Independent, Green, or Libertarian, there is nothing you can say to explain this statistic.  Again, that's if it's true.  People will put anything on a poster to get their way in politics.










2.  All I'm going to say is that I covet your prayers.  It's been kind of rough, but I think God has a plan through this.

3.  I know it sounds cheesy, but I really appreciate my friends.  Sometimes, I need people more than I want to admit.  Not to do anything, just to be there.  Just to talk to.  Truth be told, I feel like at times, I've wasted my energy on people who couldn't give two boo boos about me or my life.  I dealt with that with the last girlfriend I had, and I refuse to deal with ungratefulness again.

4.  On that same line, I've noticed that there are people on this planet that just don't know how to appreciate you being a friend.  Seems like this planet is full of people who think that you have ulterior motives when you're genuinely kind.  People just aren't thankful anymore.  And sometimes, I'm just as guilty of being ungrateful.

5.  Hotel Hell, good show.  Gordon Ramsay is amazing at helping businesses just get better.  He needs to come to Congress.

6.  God is too good.

That's all for now.  God bless you all.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Turn Back Tuesday

Today's flashback goes back to the whole Lindsay Lohan saga.  I still have a strong opinion about how terrible the justice system in America can be at times.  I'll explain after you click the link below.

CLICK HERE FOR FLASHBACK

I have to tell you that seeing what some people are willing to do to get out of taking responsibility for their own actions.  It's ridiculous how many famous people can get little to no punishment for heinous crimes.  It's also ridiculous how many lawyers are willing to spit on the justice system just to make a quick buck.

There is such a terrible divide between us that don't make money and those that do.  There is just a terrible chasm that allows those who can't afford high dollar lawyers and those who can't.  It's a shame that guys like Charlie Sheen gets umpteen amounts of chances while kids in the inner city get absolutely no chance to improve themselves.  It's a shame that even in suburban America, there is a bell curve compared to other people.  I watched an episode of Judge Mathis once where a Caucasian woman said she had just been released from 30 days in jail for drug trafficking.  That's amazingly shocking to me.

It seems like there isn't nearly enough give and take for certain people when it comes to criminal activity.  It should be the same for all people.  If you're going to hit an African American teenage boy with 20 years for an attempted murder, a Caucasian television and movie star should get the same.

One day all will get their justice from the Lord above.  It will be fair, swift, and righteous.  However, God hasn't called us who are reading this home, yet.  So I'm thinking He'd like us to do a better job of carrying justice the way we should.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Monday Top Ten

Today's top ten is dedicated to the past two weeks of the Summer Olympics.  I give to you, the ten coolest things I saw during the Olympics.

10.  USA Men's Basketball's Performance vs Nigeria
That was an amazing display.  When a team shoots 70+ percent from the field and breaks about a dozen records, you can't help but be proud.  Look, I understand that Nigeria was new to the Olympic basketball front, but they chose to have 5 dudes crash the boards and leave a USA player free to the basket.  The point is, that an awe inspiring performance.

9.  McKayla Maroney
The face that can launch 1000 memes.
Her skills on the vault were amazing.  However, the coolest thing about her was her amazing non-impressed face that has become an Internet sensation.  Sad that she didn't win the gold medal in her signature event, but she's still amazingly good at the "I couldn't care less" face.





8. The Jamaican Sweep in the 200 Meter
I really don't know why I loved it considering it meant knocking out Americans, but for some reason it was just cool to see.  I mean Jamaica is a very small country.  Not a lot of money outside of the resorts that people win trips to on The Price is Right.  It was cool to see their joy and excitement

7.  Kayla Harrison
Up until her, no American had ever won a gold medal in Judo.  She changed that.  It was awesome to watch her joy as she realized just how big it was.  It was also just as awesome to see her thankfulness to her coaches and support team.  You want to see that from champions.

6. Jordan Burroughs and Jake Varner
These are the guys who won gold for USA in wrestling.  After Kurt Angle won the gold in 1996, there have been a lot of high expectations for US Wrestling.  The fact is, there is a lot more dedication from other countries in wrestling.  When I see an American wrestler win, I get excited.  I think it's because wrestling is one of the purest forms of combat.  Two guys grapple until one is victorious.   It goes back to biblical times. It's amazing to watch.

5.  Allyson Felix and Sonya Richards-Ross
How amazing was it to see them finally win their individual gold medals.  All that disappointment finally cured.  What a feeling to watch it happen.

4.  USA Swimming
How awesome was it to see our nation dominate the swimming.  Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte were the main players, but so many other swimmers did so well.  I was pretty proud to watch it.  If only I knew how to swim, I'd probably appreciate it more.

3.  Michelle Beadle
SportsNation is nothing without her
She was anchoring the NBC Sports Network's morning coverage of the games.  I love that woman, I'd marry her.  She likes wrestling.  She loves Brett Favre.  She loves sports.  Plus she's mad cute.  Come on.










2. Lolo Jones
Yeah, she's cute
A lot of people have questioned her dedication to the sport of track and field.  Did it ever occur to anyone, particularly the two Americans who criticized her, that maybe they were just better that day?  It happens in sports.  Sometimes, the better man or woman wins.  It's not fair to question someone's heart and determination just because they happen to be a little more attractive than you and get more endorsements.  We're a visual society.  We appreciate a pretty face.  I know I sure do.





1. Gabby Douglas
Just read this.
I don't have to say anything, just read the quote and you'll see why she's number one on my list of the best things about this year's Olympics.

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Open Letter Saturday

I haven't written an open letter in a while.  Been so tied up and busy with things that I just hadn't had the time nor the energy to do it.  Today's open letter goes out to something I feel has ruined our country.

Dear Politics,

I don't know if you're just lazy, or you're just negligent.  All I see are ads attacking the other party.  All I hear are, "take down this party" or "stop that party".  There is a problem.  There are more than two parties.  It's so disrespectful to people who are running for President, or any public office for that matter, who may not be a Democrat or Republican.  There are people working their tails off to campaign, and you ignore them because they don't have the donkey or elephant on their little tag.  It's really annoying.

Look, I get that people can only work in spurts of two at a time, but we need to open our eyes to everyone else out there.  Some who have their own patterns for living that works for both the left and right.  However, you choose to ignore them to make this a gang warfare type issue.  It's really a shame.  I thought gang warfare was for the inner cities, not for high dollar politics.

And I have to say that anyone registered to one or the other party need to think for yourselves.  Stop allowing msnbc and Fox News to tell you how to think.  All the time, I see people just spouting off what they heard on cable news instead of really thinking for themselves about things.  I'm sure Mitt Romney is not a money grubbing snob just as much as Barack Obama is not a Socialist wealth spreader.  Try really reading what they think before making a decision.

And truth be told, I'm voting for myself as President because neither guy, nor any of the other outside party candidates appeal to me or what I want more than I do.

Sincerely,
An Annoyed Citizen of America.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Music Friday

I haven't done this on a Friday in a while.  Figured I'd hook you up with a song I think I'll play at my wedding to Lolo Jones...or whoever.  No, definitely Lolo, if she'll have me.
I don't know you, and I'm kinda crazy.  Here's my blog, so marry me maybe?















I know I post Charlie Wilson a lot, but he's awesome and can sing.  So, shut up.  Anyway, what happened to good love songs like this.  There used to be a time you made a mixtape with at least three Boyz II Men songs, and the girl was putty in your hands.  Now it's junk about how they met her at a strip club or got them super drunk just to talk to them.

We used to earn our women.  You write a cute note that says, "Do you like me, check yes or no."  Girl checked yes, you got a girlfriend till at least recess.  Girl checked no, you put gum in her hair, then she's your girlfriend until tomorrow's recess.  Girl threw note back at you, you pull her hair, she's your girlfriend until the 3rd grade assembly.

Point being, women weren't so easily swayed into your arms.  You worked your tail off.

I know one thing, I'm earning Lolo's love.  Or whoever...but mostly Lolo.  Until I marry her, I'll be singing this song...forever.  Love that Patrick Swayze.






Thursday, August 9, 2012

Olympic Fever

Usually, I only get excited about a few sporting events a year.  However, the most exciting sporting event to me is the Olympics.  I love both the Winter and the Summer Olympics.  I just enjoy watching all the different games and events.  Some are pretty odd, some seem like anyone can do it.

My favorite event of the summer games is probably basketball.  I just love seeing our NBA stars putting beatdowns on other countries.  Nothing against Brazil or Argentina, but you can't beat my country in basketball, and that makes me proud.  When watching the best of the best working together in harmony, it makes me happy.

I don't know about you, but I go absolutely nuts for curling.  That's a Winter Olympic event.  If you don't know what it is, it's the one with the rocks and the brooms.  It's so amazing to see the control of the sliding stone by these people.  It's something I seriously want to try to do.  I really think I could do it.  I mean if a woman who was 5 months pregnant can do it, I can do it.  You'd think.

I know one thing, I get super patriotic around this time.  I want my country to win every gold medal possible.  I know it's improbable due to our country's lack of dedication to certain events compared to other countries, but I do want that.  I want to see our country on top of the medal count every day.  I feel a bit of pride in my body when I hear my national anthem being played and see my flag being raised higher than everyone else's. If you don't feel those feelings as an American, feel free to leave.  Seriously, stop taking our money and wasting your time.  Go somewhere else with that noise.

And of course, women's volleyball (both indoor and beach) is a fun time...sorry to the water polo teams.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Hectic Hump Day

Today's Hectic Hump Day is a picture show.  Enjoy.

This picture is so cute.  It's all about the Pug Life, my dogs.
As you can see, silver medalist, McKayla Maroney was not impressed with Magic Mike.  Neither were the critics...but old women still loved it.
Lucky for her, Chat Roulette does not have a purse snatching feature.
The Universal White Girl Dance Face.  Every White woman I've ever seen dance makes this face.
This needs no words, just amazing.
The Mars Rover's first picture has come to us.  As you can see, nothing out of the ordinary.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Turn Back Tuesday

Today's flashback takes me to when I described my favorite sports teams.

Click HERE to learn about my favorite teams.

I've realized that I really don't have a centralized set of teams that I like.  Truth be told, I like it that way.  It makes me unique.  Plus, it becomes a pretty good conversation piece.

"Hey, Tyrone.  You from Chicago?"

"Nope, just love the White Sox."

"You from Wisconsin?  You sure do love those Packers."

"Nope, I just have an affinity for teams that have the best quarterbacks ever."

"Tyrone, I know you're not from Oklahoma."

"You're right."

"You're not really from Seattle either, are you?"

"Nope, just loved those Sonics."

I think the main reason I love these sets of teams is because I'm not good at following the crowd.  I like being an original.  I love the fact that I have such a wide array of teams that I like.  I do wish to take a road trip to see these teams.  I want to go to Lambeau and see the Packers...except they're booked for the next 100 years or something like that.  I want to go to Comiskey (U.S. Cellular Field) to see the White Sox, and that's a goal I think I can achieve.  I have tons of friends in Chicago that would put me up, no problem.  I have friends in Oklahoma City that could put me up and then take me to a game, no complaints.  One day, I will see my favorite teams in person.


And I will cry.  Tears of joy.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Monday Top Ten

First of all, I'm sorry I didn't post Friday or Saturday.  Friday, I was out too late watching a movie at a friend's.  Saturday, I was helping my good friend with his race car and didn't get in until an obscenely late hour.  Just a heads up, Cook Out is an awesome place to eat.  They have Cheerwine.  Speaking of restaurants, my top ten is pretty much about the controversy of Chick-Fil-A.  I give you all, the top ten things I learned from the Chick-Fil-A controversy.

10.  People are stupid
Hello, McFly
I got this from a 15 year old that goes to my church.  It sums up the silliness that some people have.  The absolute outrage from what was said by Dan Cathy is hilarious.  I wasn't really necessary either. It just seems like our country is just looking for a reason to protest.  On pretty much either side of the spectrum, I might add.




9.  The Cathys are raking in the cash
Last year, Chick-Fil-A raked in over four billion dollars last year.  I think they picked up that much alone last Wednesday.  So many people went there to support Chick-Fil-A and the values that Mr. Cathy and others hold true.

8.  Atheism is big
Atheists' number one weapon, clever memes
One thing I've noticed, at least on my Facebook page, is that the atheists really showed off their behinds when this whole thing went on.  This here picture was the rallying cry they used.  Truth be told, it's pretty ignorant of the Atheists to just tell Christians how to be Christians.  Jesus said to love God with everything and love our neighbor.  James said that true religion is caring for orphans and widows and being spotless from the world.  Atheists seems to want to call out Christians on their mistakes.  They should worry about their future, not our past.

7.  There are a lot of Christians
Couldn't help but notice that a lot of Christians showed up.  Some were there to show support for the Cathy family.  Others were there to show the homosexuals who's boss.  Some were there to eat chicken with several hundred of their closest friends.  Whatever their reasons, the point is there are a lot of Christians in America.  It's good to know that I'm not alone.

6.  There's a double standard in America
Homosexuals have begged and pleaded for the right to be understood, accepted, and treated with respect.  And truth be told, I am totally on their side when it comes to be given the certain rights granted to us by the Constitution and the Bible.  However when someone Christian wants those same rights to free speech and religion, it's automatically deemed intolerance.  It's really not fair.  No matter how peaceful that Christian is, they're deemed hateful.  Dan Cathy said nothing hateful, and he was automatically deemed to be some kind of intolerant, hateful ogre.  Maybe someone should learn that everyone has a right to an opinion and just as much a right to express it.

5.  I hate lines
I refused to eat there that day for one reason.  I won't wait in line too long for anything.  I love Chick-Fil-A.  I will continue to enjoy the good food and better milkshakes.  However, I refuse to wait in a mile long line.

4.  People listen to Mike Huckabee
This was all his idea.  He declared a Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day.  All he said was, "go to Chick-Fil-A and eat."  Amazing how many people just said, "okay."  Maybe he should run for President.  Seems to have more friends than Romney.

3.  I missed Obama's Birthday
Apparently, sometime over this week, it was the President's birthday.  Oh wow.

2.  I didn't hear much about the Kiss-In
Did anyone else?  I didn't think so.  You're not going to offend people who work in a restaurant by kissing.  In fact, I'd venture to say that there are a good bit of homosexuals that work at Chick-Fil-A.  I think they like getting guaranteed Sundays off.  Most people do.  Point being, trying to offend people on purpose is rarely a successful venture.

1.  This election year is going to be insane
Look, I have no ties to either party.  I don't like how the two main candidates have been behaving.  I don't like how other candidates are ignored because they're not in the two main parties.  There are some people who are truly have great ideas, but because they don't have an elephant or a donkey attached to them, they're dismissed.  Election day is going to be epic.  It's going to blow up all crazy like in November.  I think I'll write in my mom.  She's the most level headed person I know.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Annoyed

I'm absolutely sick of the double standard that is America.  It seems like people are all about equal rights, but truth be told the rights aren't equal.  Not by a long shot.  This whole Chick-Fil-A thing is amazing.  

I believe in Dan Cathy's right to a) spend his money any way he wants, and b) say whatever he wants.  I'm still trying to figure out the exact hate speech he used in that interview.  Fact of the matter is, there was nothing hateful.  He explained what he felt was a true Biblical marriage.  I don't see what's wrong with that. 

The double standard comes when we choose a particular issue to kind of latch on to without going through the entire gamut.  Particularly how my fellow Christians jump on the traditional marriage bandwagon.  However, we need to be jumping on a lot more bandwagons.  What about the bandwagon of racial equality?  Truth be told, there is still an unacceptable amount of racism in this country that hasn't even been addressed by fellow Christians at times.  What about the kids that go home from school hungry?  When was the last time someone headed up a drive to keep kids fed?  Let's not get so enamored with one issue that we don't do what James 1:27 says, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."  Basically, it says to help others and keep out of trouble.

On the other side, I have an issue with those on the side of homosexual rights.  Look, I agree that you shouldn't be ostracized, mocked, beaten, or denied basic American rights.  However, you do reap what you sow.  The lifestyle you live can lead to some pretty bad things.  I'm not saying that you deserve it, not by a long shot.  However, there are some terrible people out there who want nothing more than to see you destroyed.  I also have an issue with the liberal usage of the word "intolerant."  If a person says that you're going to Hell because of your lifestyle, they're wrong.  However if someone is asked what they think marriage consists of, and they don't include homosexuality in it, it's not intolerance.  You also can't come at Christians with a wagging finger and grumpy voice when they state their stance.  That's a little more intolerant, at least that's what I think.

My point is this.  God has the ultimate say.  His word is pretty much all you need to know about how he feels about everything.  I believe God is very disappointed in His people.  Not because America has been a little off in their following of the Lord, but because they have been completely forgetting James 1:27.  There are people hurting right now.  I don't think God minds the whole gay marriage thing when there are other things that need to be addressed.  Poverty, debt, and hunger are much more important.  There are so many orphans that are hurting and needing love.  There are kids that are being hurt by their own parents.  What about the whole Penn State thing?  That alone should have had Christians marching to Penn State to tell them  what for.  What about the hungry kids that come to school everyday for their only meal?  Can we do something about the corruption in government?  We should be marching to Washington to tell senators and congressmen that the people are who they should be working for, not the big businesses that pay for their campaign.  

I want peace in America.  I want us to be united.  We should be praying for politicians and the persecuted.  We should be assisting in helping people become better.  The more you love people, the more likely they are to want to hear what you have to say about the Lord.  Let's try loving people.  Yes, God has rules.  Yes, God has order.  However, God is love.  When Christ met with all the sinners and transgressors, He didn't arrange boycotts or beat them over the head.  He loved them, met them where they were, and asked about their story.  Oh, that we would do the same.

One day...we'll do it like Jesus.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Hectic Day

I figured today would be a different day.  Instead of going through my random thoughts like I usually do every Wednesday.

As you all know, today was Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day as decreed by Mike Huckabee and others on the political right.  I'll give the rundown.

Chick-Fil-A President Dan Cathy was asked by the Baptist Press, a Conservative media outlet, about his take on marriage.  Cathy said he supported traditional marriage between a man and a woman.  That's pretty much all he said.  He didn't say anything offensive.  He didn't condemn anyone in the interview.  He simply said what he has read in the Bible.

Now, the backlash from this has been amazing.  Gays and lesbians were immediately calling for a boycott of all Chick-Fil-A stores.  The mayors of both Boston, Massachusetts and Chicago, Illinois basically said Chick-Fil-A would not be welcome in their cities.  Now my issue with that is this.  Chick-Fil-A is a billion dollar franchise.  It made 4.1 billion dollars just last year.  Now, I may be a little off on my statistics, but isn't the unemployment rate at about 8 or 9 percent?  Chicago and Boston have millions of people, I'm sure a lot of them are without work right at this moment.  To deny a company a chance to give people jobs because you don't like something they said.  You make your economy stay stagnant because of a belief someone has.

At the same time, I have an issue with those who went to Chick-Fil-A simply to "show those gays who's boss."  Look, I love Chick-Fil-A.  It's a great place to eat.  They have good milkshakes.  However, just to show some people up is just silly.

I met Truett Cathy when I was in college.  He was nothing but nice and gracious to everyone he encountered.  He's been that way in hiring practices as well.  In fact, I'm pretty sure there are homosexuals that work at Chick-Fil-A who haven't received an ounce of persecution, and I'm almost positive that's how Mr. Cathy would have it.

Look, the Bible is pretty clear on pretty much everything.  However it seems like opponents of homosexuality like to gloss over the loving thy neighbor part of the Scripture.  It seems like people just want to hate and condemn homosexuality instead of be a friend to them.

It seems like there is a totally messed up view of tolerance among Americans.  Tolerance doesn't mean accepting negative things.  It means willing to help those who need help despite their differences.  Yes, that means we can get over ourselves and try to be cordial with everyone.  We tried it when I was at Liberty.  The late Dr. Falwell had a summit at Thomas Road Baptist Church between some pretty strong Conservatives and a group of homosexual Christians.  No, that is not an oxymoron.  It went well.  Met some interesting and very nice people.

The point is, we all can work well together.  We all can be tolerant without being hateful.  We all can work towards the peace without compromising what God says.

Sometimes I wish people could be as free to love one another as dogs are to their owners...