Friday, November 23, 2012

Clothes for the Road


Living in a truck forces one to make choices. Anything you bring along must (with a very few exceptions) serve a purpose. If you can save a few precious inches of space buy having a few multi-purpose items so much the better. But, the one thing you simply cannot do without is clothes. And choosing the right clothes is important.

I can pack enough clothing into one small roller bag for two weeks. The trick is to fold and then roll them. And keeping in mind that you don't need to change your whole outfit every day. While socks, T-shirts and underwear need to be fresh, jeans and khakis can be worn for two days and still look acceptable. I take two pairs of shoes just in case one pair gets wet. I also carry two jackets. One is a hoodie and the other denim. When it's very cold I can layer them.

My choices of clothes are about function. As much as I love a good sweater, it's just not a good choice on the road. A hoodie is a better option because it has a zipper. This allows me to open or close it depending on if I feel hot or cold. While a sweater, or sweatshirt for that matter has to be either on or off.

For shoes I prefer leather loafers and I like them to fit a little loose so I can put them on quickly and easily. If I wake up in the middle of the night needing to use the restroom, I don't want to be struggling with laces. Living this way is akin to the “good 'ol days” when people went out back to use the privy. Although today it's more a matter of going into the truck stop.

When clothes are spent, I have another bag I keep under my sleeper birth. Many truck stops have laundry machines (at an inflated price) available and I make use of them about once every two weeks.

Everything takes up space and space is in short supply on a truck. Anything I can do to reduce the space something takes, I'll at least try.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

I Live in a Truck

I haven't posted to this blog for a while.  There are two reasons for this; 1. I simply haven't had much to say lately and 2. I've moved into a truck and my internet access is somewhat limited.

Let me be clear, I'm not talking about a pickup.  I'm talking about a big, 18 wheeler.  A semi.  I live in it and work in it driving all over the USA delivering commodities.

So, how did I come to this life?

It started several years ago when.  I owned a small business for ten years.  Most of that time I lived very well off that income.  But, as the 21 century began and the economy began to tank I started to struggle.  By 2004 I could no longer hold on and had to close my doors.  Faced with the prospect of being jobless and homeless I decided to get into truck driving.

I signed a six month contract with a company in exchange for the required educational costs and that was that.  But, I didn't like it.  At that first company I had to share the truck with another driver.  And if you think one of these trucks is too small to live in full time, try thinking of two adult men that had never met before sharing it.  I'm sure you understand where I'm coming from.

So, when my contract was up, I quit.  I thought the prospect on homelessness was more attractive than the situation I was leaving.  But, I got lucky and scored a really great job driving for a local company that pain well and had me home almost every night with weekends off.

But, when the fuel prices shot up the small company just couldn't hang on and went out of business.

But, I'd saved a fair amount of money by keeping my expenditures low.  I didn't have to get another good paying job right away and decided to coast for a while.  I was actually hoping that I could just coast the rest of my life sense I was in my mid 40s, single and my son was almost an adult.

The next couple of years were great.  I only had to work three days a week at a dead easy job and could indulge myself the rest of the time.   I was going out every weekend, picking up women half my age and loving life.  Then I met a girl.

Looking back now, I shouldn't have let things go as far as I did.  But, we're all allowed a few mistakes in life.  She became pregnant and I simply wasn't making enough to support a family.  So, with limited options in a poor job market I decided to go back to truck driving.  But, after being out of the business a couple of years no one wanted to hire me.  I had to return to truck driving school and sign another contract, this time for a year.

That was almost two years ago now and I'm still with that company.  I was able to get a local job after about a year though.  But, it sill didn't pay enough to cover my bills.  So, after my girlfriend and I broke up going back on the road seemed like a good option.  This is the advantage of working for a large company.  If you don't like one job, there;s likely another one you can transfer to with out losing any benefits.

I could have stayed local, but sense I'm now 50 years old and have nothing saved for retirement, not to mention a brand new child support payment, I decided to just move into the truck.  This way I have almost no living expenses.  Zero in rent, zero in utilities.  I gave away most of my stuff and what little is left is in storage.

Technology has made this life a little easier.  I have an internet connection through my smart phone that allows me to fool myself into thinking I have a social life as well as keeping me informed and up to date with news from back home.  I have a small DVD player that I'm sure will soon be replaced with something that will store my favorite films digitally.  I can access all kinds of interesting and entertaining pod casts while I drive (although my digital signal is spotty at times) and when I park for the night a I can watch most any TV shows on the web.  So, there no need for a satellite connection.

Still, it's taking some getting used to.  I am lonely at times.  But, this will pass as I become more and more acclimated to this new lifestyle.  So, for a while at least, this blog is going to be about living on the road in a truck and doing this job.

Yeah I know, it's not nearly as exciting as gratuitous the sex I was posting about.  But, this is what I do now.  No matter how dull anyone else finds it, this is my life.

Friday, October 26, 2012

How to Number Close a Hired Gun

For those unfamiliar with PUA lingo, Hired Gun is a term used to describe the attractive, young ladies that work in bars, nightclubs, restaurants strip clubs and retail stores. These women are notoriously difficult to pick up because they're usually busy working. So, your best bet is to go in during a slow time.

All the standard pick up stuff applies. Look cool, stand tall, eye contact and smile.

I've used this gambit successfully a number of times in low energy environments like a convenience store or fast food restaurant or even a woman working at a motel. It does require a wing man. But, he doesn't have to be aware of your plan for the pick up.

 As I said above, you want to go in when she's not going to be busy. When you walk inside, just go about your usual business. Pick up the things you want to buy while having a conversation with your wing man. It doesn't matter what you're talking about as long as it's not depressing. As you approach the check out counter, look at your target and say something like "oh, it's you again." Be a little playful as you say it.

Then turn to your friend and say "she's in love with me you know. She tries to hide it, but I can tell because every time I come in here she gives me the eye."

 Your wing man will say something like "really?"

 You say "yep," then turn and look her right in the eyes and say, "but she's too shy to ask for my phone number."

Now, watch how she reacts. Did she huff and roll her eyes? If so, just laugh it off and forget about her. She's not interested and there is no shortage of attractive women.

But, If she smiled, blushed and looked down, she's into you.  Say "give me your number."  Do not ask.       But, don't be demanding either.  This is important.

Of course you don't have to have actually been in that store before or ever seen the girl.

If she protests when you accuse her of being in love with you, just say "it's alright, you don't have to lie. We're all friends here. You're just not my type. I'm sorry if I've broken your little heart, but it's really better this way."  Then just laugh it off.   The great thing about this pick up is you don't risk anything.  It's all done playfully and you know you'll get the number before you ask for it.   So, give it a try and let me known how it goes for you.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Another Dating Post

I thought I was done with all this dating and attraction stuff for a while, but I stumbled across an internet radio show on the subject.  It was so far off that I had to laugh out loud.


The show was obviously targeted at women and was two women talking about how to be more attractive to men.  One of the women claimed to be a professional match maker.

They obfuscated, over complicated and confused with extraneous information.  As a man, it was easy to see they had no idea what interests a man and holds his attention.

I'd provide a link to this nonsense, but I don't want to help them spread their nonsense.

So, for the ladies, I'll clear it all up and tell you exactly what men are looking for.  But first, let me tell you what we don't care about.

We don't care that you've accomplished great things.  We don't care about how well you can cook.  We don't care about your skills as a mother.  We aren't looking for a woman to have long philosophical debates with about the nature of existence.

What we do care about is one simple thing; are you going to have sex with us as often as we want without too much nagging or complaining?  And that's really is all there is to it.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Nagging

I've dated many women and if there's one thing they all had in common, it's that they simply couldn't take no for an answer.  What follows is a hypothetical example for the purposes of this discussion.  I'm using this because there is way to compromise.

One day she says:  "I want to get a dog."

He says:  "No, I don't want to live with a dog."

Her:  "Why not?"

Him:  "Because dogs are messy.  They smell bad and I don't like hair all over everything."

She waits a few weeks and brings it up again.  The same argument ensues and he thinks it's settled.

Later they're out shopping and she says "oh, look!  There's a pet shop.  Let's go in."  They argue some more.

I've had arguments like this go on for years.  I have told women no and that if that's what they really need to be happy they should move out and get what they want.  But, they NEVER leave.  They just keep nagging.

I'm finally left with no choice but an ultimatum.  "I'm tired of this.  I will not change my mind.  If that's what you want, move out and get it.  But, if you bring it up to me one more time, I am leaving.  Is that clear?"

Guess what?  She'll bring it up again!

Does she do it just to see if I'll really leave her?  Once I'm gone, what then?

What if she had been able to wear me down?  Am I still a strong man, worthy of her respect?  Or has she simply learned that if she nags long enough I'll give her whatever she wants?

Gentleman, your woman will test you every day.  And every day you must pass her test or she will stop loving you a little each time you fail.  She'll feel she cannot trust you to be the strong man she wants you to be.

Leave her before giving in to her. 

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Internet Dating


In the last post I mentioned I use online dating. It started when I was working as a sort of night watchman. All I had to do was make my rounds every hour or so and as long as I did, I could do whatever I wanted in between. I had a laptop and a wyfi connection. So, being a typical man, I thought; “Hey, I'll try to get laid.”

But, I only use the 100% free dating sites. The reason for this is if I'm going to be paying for this abuse she'd better be wearing pink stilettos and fishnet stockings.

If you haven't tried it (c'mon, who hasn't tried it), internet dating is hard. The first thing you have to do is write a profile telling potential dates how cool you are with out sounding you're bragging. And you have to be unique. You have to come up with a way to make your profile stand out among thousands of other men all trying to stand out themselves. Pictures can help with this. Post pics of yourself doing fun things like skiing or playing a sport or indulging in whatever hobby you have. By the way gentleman, if you have the abs for it, going shirtless works no matter what women tell you.

Now you're ready to start sending messages to women. But, what do you say?

You start by reading profiles and looking for common interests. But, that doesn't work because that's what every other guy is doing. You gotta stand out. You gotta be different. You gotta way out there, but in a good way.

At some point I just gave up. I started sending messages for my own amusement. It didn't matter anymore. I just didn't care. I sent long messages, short messages, poems, sexual innuendos, double entendre, back handed complements. Nothing worked. I was sweet, angry, sad, needy, fatherly, happy. I couldn't get a reply to save my life.

Then I stumbled upon it. I crafted a message with all the right elements. It was funny, cute and completely unique. And I'm going to share it with you. I'm sharing it only because you won't be able to use it yourself. Why? Because I've already sent it to every single woman in North America!

Here it is:

“You seem cool. Do you want to rob a bank? I'll drive the getaway car while you go inside and grab the loot. Then we'll fly to Las Vegas, have wild parties with with showgirls and Elvis impersonators, get married in a cheesy, drive through chapel, argue because you don't want to name our first baby Otto (even if it's a girl), get a divorce and spend the rest of our lives growing old, lonely and depressed. But, we'll never forget Las Vegas.”

It was everything I needed without being too long or short and my replies skyrocketed. Suddenly I was able to meet four or five new women a week by remote control. I now had a list of phone numbers I could go through and find a date at a moments notice.

I got cocky. I was having sex with two or three different women a week. Some of them were 20 (or more) years younger than me. It wasn't long before I started introducing them to each other and having threesomes. It was crazy! I was spending more money on condoms than I was on dates.

Then I met her.

A wild, crazy punk girl with a mohawk and covered in tattoos. Our first date lasted three days. I was the happiest I'd ever been.

But sadly, it just didn't work out over the long term.

So, here I am. Back where I started.

Can I do it again? I'm going to give it my best shot.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Profoundly Annoying

So, yeah, I'm on this free internet dating site.  Mostly I just post in the forums.  It's usually fun and sometimes I can learn something as well as teach someone else.

But, there are a couple of women on there I find profoundly annoying.  It seem like they follow me around and question almost every post I write.  They seem to have an agenda to prove me wrong and make me look foolish.  They quote me out of context, they twist my words into different meanings and they insist I answer every nit picking question they ask.

They remind me of when I was in kindergarten.  I'd be enjoying myself, playing in the sand box when some little girl would pour sand down my back for seemingly no reason at all.  I hadn't even noticed she was alive before.  I mean WTF!

Now that I'm older I realize that little girl liked me and wanted my attention.  When she couldn't think of any other way to get it, she used the old sand trick.  Women can be such attention whores.

So, sense I know what's going on, what am I going to do about it?

I'll wait until the appropriate time and call her out.  "For the benefit of those that didn't go to kindergarten,  X is in love me.  She'll deny it of course, but look at the evidence."  And I'll lay it all out.

When she starts to rant I'll just tell her that she doesn't have to lie. It's okay, but I'm just not in the stars for us.  "Can't we just be friends?"

After that she'll likely realize there's nothing she can do to escape my trap, shut up and move on.  The smart ones always know when their beaten.

Feel free to comment.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

What's Going on with the GOP?

I don't usually write about politics.  I don't think it's a strong area for me.  But, I just can't help asking what's the GOP thinking about?

They deny evolution.  They deny climate change.  They are currently arguing that we should deregulate business even more and lower taxes on the wealthy AGAIN to fix our economic problems.

That's what we've been doing for the last 40 years!

After the Great Depression there were laws, taxes and regulations put in place an there wasn't a financial crisis for until we started making changes in the 80s.  First there was the savings and loan scandal.  Then Chrysler had to be bailed out.  Then another and another and another right up to our current housing and banking problems.

Isn't it obvious to everyone that maybe more deregulation isn't the best thing for America?

Just going back to taxes, laws and regulations like we had in the 50s won't solve everything.  There are other problems having to do with technology and globalization.  But, it ain't a bad place to start.

What do you think?

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Women Are Brats

Women like to say; "the only difference between a man and a boy is the size of his toys."  And I suppose that's true to a certain extent.  But, women have their immature side as well.

What follows comes from my own experience in relationships.  It's not meant to be insulting or misogynistic.  It's simply what I've learned about living with women.  If anyone disagrees, feel free to give your views in the comment section.

Women are selfish brats.  Like children, they will push a man's limits just to see what they can get away with.  If a man does allow her to get away with something, she will lose respect for him.  And she will grow to despise him for what she perceives as weakness.

How do we men handle this?  Usually we give her what she wants.  We don't care as long as she'll shut up.  But, this is exactly the wrong thing to do.  This will lead us down the path of becoming her "bitch."

Why do we do it?  Because we're told that relationships take work and compromise.  Well, I'm here to tell you, for the most part, that's BULLOCKS! 

It's been my experience that there is no compromise in relationships (but, there is work).  One person gives in to what the other demands.  And once you give in the first time she'll have more demands for you to give in to and it doesn't end until you're a pussy whipped shadow of the man she was once attracted to.

When the stand up comic, Sam Kinison said "I don't condone wife beating, BUT I UNDERSTAND IT!" this is what he was talking about.  Women will drive men crazy with their nagging and complaining.  We may even break one day and do something we regret if we don't find a way of dealing with her.

So, what's the answer?  How do we continue our relationship and still keep our manhood? 

By being firm.  When we say no, and we must mean no.  We cannot bend or break under her pressure.  We must put a foot down and say "enough."   No matter how much she cries or screams or throws tantrums.  We must see it as the selfish, childish, bratty behavior it really is and treat her as we would a selfish, bratty child.  By ignoring her.

We cannot reward he bad behavior by giving her attention.  We tell her she's acting like a brat and we leave her to it.

She'll try to bait us into arguing, but we cannot get into it with her.  We must remain calm and in control.  If we have to get in the car drive away for an hour, so be it.  Tell her, "you are out of control and I'm leaving until you calm down."  Then go and have a coffee.  If she blows up your cell phone, turn it off.  Call her in an hour and see if she's better. 

This is the way to earn her respect and her love.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

What's all this for?

Nobody reads this blog.  And that's okay by me.  I didn't start it to become famous or to make money or any other nonsense like that.  I had a much lower form of nonsense in mind.

I write this blog simply for my own pleasure.  I sometimes find it helpful to put things down in writing, to clear them up in my own head.

Truthfully, I can't understand why anyone would want to follow this blog anyway (BTW no one does).  After all, I'm just a grumpy old bachelor with a crummy job (that I actually like), living in a tiny apartment, trying to avoid social interactions with as many people as possible.  That means no sex life, at least for the time being.

It's not that I don't like people.  On the contrary, I very much enjoy the company of people.  I love a passionate exchange of ideas, laughing with friends, going out and picking up attractive ladies and bringing them home to indulge in the pleasures their firm, young bodies offer.  I just like it in small doses.  I prefer to keep others at a distance.  This allows me to avoid most of their drama and keeps me a little closer to sanity.

All I want is my little space to fill with only the things that make me truly happy.  A tiny place I love so much that I don't want to leave.  My own little oasis of peacefulness and serenity, hidden away from the rest of the world and built to suit my needs.  Populated with a minimum of stuff.

In my place I calmly sit alone, play my guitar, watch old movies, surf the web and contemplate exactly how I'll be able to provide a valuable service to the world (that means people willingly giving me their money) without doing anything.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Alone Time

I really enjoy my alone time.  I'm alone while I work and I come home to an empty apartment.  Most days I talk to only a couple of people and it's seldom more than saying hello.

Being single is wonderful!   I don't have to worry about anyone else's feelings.  There's no one asking me to do anything and I only need to clean up after myself.

If I do want some social interaction it's easy enough to go out and visit a friend or meet someone new someplace nearby.

Why do people want to be in long term relationships?  I used to think I wanted to be in one, but after many attempts, I've come to the conclusion that I'm really happiest living on my own.  It's much less stressful.

So, that's my plan.  To live out the rest of my life as an old bachelor.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

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Soon I'm moving into the smallest apartment I was able to find in my area.  It's just 443 sq ft and it's the kind of place I've always tried to live in.  I like tiny apartments.  I like that it costs less to rent and I like that it costs less to heat and cool.  I like that I can clean it from top to bottom in just a couple of hours and like that it will force me to radically, ruthlessly edit anything extraneous from my life.  That will leave me with only the things that make me happy.

There have been so many technological breakthroughs that allow us to digitize so many things that once took a lot of space.  All my music and photos are already stored in a digital format.  I still want a few photographs of my walls of course, but the old photo albums are a relic of the past.

I store my DVDs in cases that resemble books.  However, I still need a DVD cleaner and player.  Neither of these take up much space, but in a place this small, anything I can digitize will be an advantage.  So, if anyone reading this knows of a gadget that'll store movies in a more efficient way, feel free to let me know about it in a comment.

So, what do I need to be happy?  What do I want to do in my new tiny apartment?

Aside from the obvious things like a bed, dining table and chairs I want a home office, room for guests to sleep over and space for my guitars.  The challenge will be finding clever ways of storing the stuff I must have in a way that leaves enough space for the things I want.

I'm a man of limited means, so it won't happen overnight.  I'll have to buy things sporadically, as I can afford them.  However, I have high hopes for the end result.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

I Will Not be Defined by Women's Desires.

I saw this in a friend's Facebook time line  and felt a need to comment.


First of all, it's obvious to me that this was written by a woman.  I don't know about other men, but I'm not going to be defined by what a woman thinks I should be.  I am a MAN and I live the life I want and what a woman wants is her problem.  After all, this is the 21st century.  Women don't need men to come to their rescue.  Right?  Isn't that what they tell us? 

"A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle."  That famous, feminist slogan suggests that men are superfluous to women's needs.  Yet, women are still trying to tell us how to behave.  This is bullocks!

I will live my life as I see fit.  I will not be told how a man should be by someone that stands to gain by my acceptance of her ideas.  Why should I?  How does it benefit me?

If I choose to allow a woman in my life it is because she is an asset to me.  Once she becomes a liability, once she becomes a source of stress, it's time to remove her.

Think about it gentleman, other than sex, what does a woman have to offer
that you don't already have?


Monday, July 30, 2012

How I Became an Atheist.

I really didn't want to be an atheist.  I wanted there to be a God.  I wanted to believe there was someone there.  Someone tending the fires, so to speak.  Someone to go to when my life wasn't going right.

When I was about nine years old I asked my mother why God let bad things happen to good or innocent people.  Why did little babies get sick and die?  Why did tornados rip apart people's homes?  She couldn't answer me.  So, she had me talk to our preacher.  But, he wasn't any more help.  I was told to have faith and to believe that God really was good, but did things for reasons we puny humans couldn't understand.

Even at such a young age I could tell this was bullshit.  But, I still needed to believe.

A few years later I thought I'd find my answers by reading the Bible.  And I did.  I read the whole thing cover to cover.  Even the really dull parts that don't say anymore than who begat who begat who.  I discovered the inconsistencies along with some things that seemed morally repugnant to me.

Sense I knew seeing someone from a church would be useless, I started reading books by biblical scholars.  Books by the people that made their living teaching the Bible in seminary and divinity schools.  People that had studied history and spoke ancient Greek and could put things into perspective for me.

It didn't help.  On the contrary, it moved me farther away from the God I was trying to get next to.

Next I began reading books that gave the opposite point of view.  I read about Satanism and evolution and cosmology.  I discovered these books made more sense to me.

But, I still wasn't ready to give up on God.  I became agnostic.

I kept looking.  I read the writings of the famous religious leaders like Martin Luther and Markus Aurelius.  But, it didn't help.  It started to seem like these were men grasping for straws, desperately trying to hold onto their own idea of God.

As I grew older, God made less and less sense.  God began to look like a children's story.  Like Santa or the Great Pumpkin.

I sat down in a dark, quiet room and I thought "is there really a God?"  Then, for the first time, I allowed myself so say "maybe there is no God.  Maybe this is just something to keep people from fearing death too much."  And that tiny flame began to grow inside me.  I couldn't stop it.  Everything I understood about the world confirmed it.

I simply couldn't fight it anymore.

There is no God.  There is no heaven or hell.  There is only this life, this world and this universe and it's a beautiful place filled with more things than anyone could ever want.  This is an amazing place and sometimes I still feel a desire to thank someone for it.  But, there is no one to thank.  Just my lucky stars.

I guess that'll have to be enough.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Finding the Inner Jerk

I want to be clear here.  If a woman does the same job as a man she absolutely should be paid the same.  Assuming she really is doing the same job, working just as hard and putting in the same hours.  I am a firm believer in equal rights for all people no matter their age, sex, race or whatever.

Having said that, I've seen some problems.

I guess it was back in the 80s when women started finding their inner bitch.  Supposedly, this was about asking for their fair shake in a "man's world".  They believed standing up for their rights made them a bitch.  Women began to take pride in being a bitch.  But, many women have taken this concept too far.  They have gone beyond being equal and now, often have a sense of entitlement that they deserve more than what they've actually earned.

Men, it's time for us to put these "bitches" in their place.  We have to stop putting up with women's garbage.  They are certainly due what they've earned, but that's where it has to end.  Once they cross the line it's up to us to say "NO.  Stop.  I've had enough of this crap."

Of course by doing so women will call us jerks.  (actually, they'll likely use a stronger word that starts with ass and ends with hole.)  But, we have to remain firm.  We have to stand up for ourselves because no one else will.

It's up to us to hold women to their word and make them take responsibility for their actions.  After all, this is the 21st century.  Women don't need men to come to their rescue anymore.  If her car breaks down, if her roof leaks, if she spent her rent money on shoes and we come over and fix her problems, we should be paid for our time.  Money, a home cooked meal, take us out to dinner or whatever.  We did the work, we earned the payment.  If she's not willing to pay, let her walk.

Of course she tell everyone what a jerk you are, but so what?  Would you rather be known as a jerk or a pussy?

So, sack up gentleman and stop putting up with that bitch's nonsense.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Is the USA an Outdated Concept?

I'm a fan of Tom Leykis (www.blowmeuptom.com).  He has a show that's both informative and entertaining.  He used to be on the radio, but he was fired.  So, now he does a live call in show over the internet.

He says (and I agree) that radio is an outdated concept.  No one listens to radio anymore. At least not the way we once did.  If I do listen to radio, I'm tuned to NPR.  But, most of the time, I'm listening to my MP3 player or a pod cast or his show or nothing at all.  And satellite radio?  Why pay for all those channels I'll never listen to when I can find better stuff on my smart phone?

My point is that the good ol' USA may be like radio.  Are we facing a future where our best and brightest may have to leave in order to find work and make a decent living?

The USA is going to have to re-invent itself or things may change for Americans in a very bad way.  This scares the hell out of me.  I've re-invented myself once already. Will I have to do it again?

The right wants to lower taxes and deregulate and give almost everything over to the private sector.  But, we've been going down that road for the last 40 or so years and things haven't gotten better.  On the contrary, they've gotten worse!

The left wants to raise taxes on the wealthy and put the restrictions back in place, the way things were back in the 1950s.  That was a good time for us, but will it solve the problem?

The fact is the USA is going to have to evolve, the way Tom Leykis has.  We're going to have to look at our future, assess our strengths, avoid our weaknesses and come up with a plan that will keep us all above the poverty line and we need to do it fast.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Downsizing Life


Technological is pretty awesome. I really like how it affords me the opportunity to save space, time and money in so many ways.

Years ago I had a big collection of records. It took up a lot of space, not to mention the turntable, stereo, speakers, and shelfs that had to go along with it in order to enjoy my music. Now, it all fits into an MP3 player the size of a Zippo lighter and I never have to flip a record over! I can just hit the play button and enjoy hours of music.

Do I really need a row of shelves to store my DVD collection the way I did with VHS tapes? Wouldn't I be better off with a sort of book thing to keep them in? Just make sure they stay alphabetized for easy access and I've cleared up more living space. For that matter, maybe I'm behind the times and there's already some kind of movie gadget that'll hold my mobster film collection in a matchbox.

I used to hang all my clothes in a closet. Now, I fold most them and put them on a shelf. I was shocked at how many clothes could be stored in a small space by doing this. The only thing still hanging in my closet are a few dress shirts and a suit and some jackets. I now have enough room in there for a small computer desk if I wanted.

I really don't need a refrigerator as large as the one I have. I never have leftovers and I buy just enough food to last a me week. I think I'd be better off with something like an electric cooler.

And what about that four burner range? I've never used more than one burner at a time. As a single man, I have no need for a large oven and could get by just fine with a small convection oven. I pretty much think microwave ovens are useless. I don't use them at all.

So, what am I going to do with all that extra space?

Why not just eliminate it? After all, I didn't feel the least bit claustrophobic with all that stuff there. Why would I feel closed in if I just lived in a smaller space?

Living in a smaller space means lower heating and cooling costs and who couldn't use more money in these tough times?

That's what I've been thinking about lately. How to conserve space and make the most of it. The smaller I can make my living space, the less it'll cost me in both money and time to maintain it. When My lease is up, I'm looking for the smallest apartment I can find.

So, if anyone reading this has ideas about saving time, space or energy, let me know about it.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

There's the Door

I've noticed a pattern with relationships in my life.  I'll get into a disagreement with my woman and to keep the peace I'll give in to her.  This is the first step down a road leading to the wrong place.

Once she learns she can manipulate me with emotional outbursts she'll start using this tool more and more.  Foolishly, I go along.  I'm thinking, "whatever you want, just shut up!"  After some time she's doing whatever she wants without a thought about my wants and needs.  She now sees me as a useless lump taking up space in her life.  She doesn't care about me and worse, she has no respect for me.  And she's right, I've lost my balls.  I handed them to her on a silver platter saying "here you go honey, I don't need these anymore."

Well gentleman, I've found the answer.  I now understand how to get my power back and earn the respect I should have never lost.  It's just three simple words.

There's the door.

It's so easy!  Just tell her if she's really that unhappy she's free to go because you're sick of hearing her nag and complain.  Just pack her shit and hit the bricks.  I'm sure we'll both do just fine on our own.

But, You know what?  She won't leave!  You can bet your last dollar on it.  She ain't going anyplace.

This is a total power flip.  Now she's playing YOUR game, dancing to YOUR tune.

Use this power wisely.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Masculinity Crisis

What does it mean to be masculine in 21st century America?  With the rise of feminism and the gay movement it seems a lot of people want to redefine what it means to be men and their roll in the home.

On the one hand, women say they want an equal partnership, but on the other they say they want a man to sit at the head of their tables.   A man they can respect.  I don't know about you, but I'm confused.

I think this is the root of many relationship troubles.  Women want a man to lead as long as he's leading where she wants to go.  But, if he's going where she wants, he isn't really leading is he?

If a woman wants her man to lead, she must submit to his leadership.  Submit is a word many women don't seem to like the taste of.  Why should she submit to him?

Because she wants him to lead.

What if she doesn't like where he's taking them?

Therein lies the trouble.  Now the arguments start.  She no longer wants him to lead.  She no longer trusts his vision.  Now she wants to lead.  But, in doing so she loses respect for him and he can no longer sit at the head of her table.

Someone must take the lead.  One partner must be dominant while the other submits.  There is simply no other way.

We men just want our women to be happy.  If you want to follow us, we will lead you.  If you want to take the lead, that's okay too.  We'll take the backseat.  We really don't care.  But, women don't seem to respect a man that submits to them.  Women seem to want to "marry up."   Where does that leave men?

It beats the hell out of me.

For me the solution is to keep things separated.  This is my life and I'll take of it.  You can do what you want with your life.  You don't tell me how to run my life and I won't tell you how to run your's.

Hopefully, we can find a place to meet in between our lives.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

It's Just Sex

I don't insist on having sex with a woman on the first date.  I leave this up to her.  If she wants to, awesome!  If not, that's cool too.  However, if we don't have sex, I have no reason to ask her on a second date.

The only reason I take a woman out is because there's the possibility of having sex.  If she doesn't want it, there are plenty of women that do.  Why should I waste my time with a woman that wants to drag her heels?

Don't get me wrong, I respect her decision.  It's her body and if she'd rather go home and diddle herself to Johnny Depp movies, she can knock herself out.  But, I'm going home and sending a text to a booty call.

Now, I know women want sex as much as men do.  So, why would she want to wait?   Because she doesn't know you well enough?  That's a valid reason.  But, if I planed our date properly, it shouldn't be an issue.

The only other reason I can come up with is she's playing hard to get.  That means she's attempting to increase her value in my eyes by making me think her stuff is so special because she doesn't give it away to any guy that comes along.  Well, that's a head game and I don't want to play.  She doesn't have anything other women don't have and it's not any  better either.

It's just sex after all.

Living Your Dreams

When I was young that's what everyone told me.  "Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life," they said.  But, when my dreams seemed to lofty or they weren't what others had in mind, they changed their tune.

"Get an education so you'll have something to fall back on," they now told me.  But, I was stubborn.  I knew what I wanted even if I didn't know how to start.

Eventually, I met a man that saw something in me.  He thought I had talent and the right attitude and gave me a chance.  I worked hard and learned a lot from him in the next few years.  I saved my money and was able to start my own business.

But, I hadn't learned enough.  The one thing I hadn't learned was when to quit.  After ten years, business slowed down and I couldn't afford to stay open.

I was one of the lucky ones.  I was able to live my dream and live well for 15 years.  These days things are tougher.  I still have dreams, but there are bills to pay and responsibilities to be met.  My dreams have been put away.  Now I just work and consider myself lucky I don't have a job I hate.

The truth is we cannot all live our dreams because we need people to work in the sewers.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Things I Learned From Mobster Films


I truly enjoy a good mobster film.  The Godfather, Mean Streets, Bugsy and even Get Shorty.  But, I don't love these films for the action and violence.  I love them for the wisdom that comes from the rules they have to live by.  I've found many of them are applicable to my mundane, every day.  Here are just a few;

A Well Dressed Man Always has the Advantage

The way you present yourself tells the world how to treat you.  Dress like a pot smoker, get treated like a pot smoker.  But, dress like a respected member of the community and get treated like one.

We all make judgments about others based on how they look.  We cannot help it.  It's part of our survival programming.  So, it just makes sense to look as good as you can sense you will likely be dealing with more strangers than friends most days.

That doesn't mean you should wear a suit and tie all the time, just put some effort into your appearance.

Present an Air of Cool, Confidence

When others are given the impression that you know what you're doing, they naturally trust and follow your lead.  So, stand up tall, look people in the eye and don't forget to smile.

Don't Say More Than You Have to

Giving out too much information is a sure way to lose a good deal.  Tell people what you want, what you're willing to do in exchange and allow them to assume what they will.

Don't Rat Out Your Friends

I used to fill my car's gas tank on the way home from work.  It was after dark, but I always went to the same place and used the same guy.  He'd turn the pump on for me before I'd paid him which saved me a walk inside to pay and a walk back in after filling up to collect my change.

One night his boss was there and another guy was complaining that the pump wasn't turned on the way it always had been.  The boss said it was company policy to be paid first and asked who had been turning the pump on for him.  The fool pointed at the man that had been hooking us up and that was the end of that deal for everybody.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Attributes of a Modern Gentleman

*He's well mannered and polite, but that doesn't mean he suffers fools easily.
*He says what he means, but he may not tell you everything and you may not like what you hear.
*He doesn't play head games and he doesn't put up with them.
*He strives for a stress free life and works to eliminate any chaotic influences.
*He can be ruthless when it's called for.
*He maintains a cool head and seldom gets in a rush.
*He never complains. If something troubles him he gets rid of it or gets used to it.
*He puts his income above everything else. Because without it, he cannot meet the needs of anything else.
*He doesn't give his word lightly and when he does it's not easily broken.
*He knows himself and what he needs to be happy.
*He knows his strengths and weaknesses.
*He's open minded, but doesn't change his views easily.
*He doesn't argue, but may enjoy a passionate exchange of ideas.
*He doesn't force, he persuades and influences.
*As for sex, he'll let his desires be known. But, if the attraction isn't mutual, he'll move on quickly.  He knows there are plenty of fish in the sea.