Monday, November 5, 2012

Nobody Asked Me, But -



  • There are whole generations of people from across all demographic groups who have never taken the time to learn how to say, “please”, “thank you”, and “I’m sorry”.

  • I haven’t always agreed with him politically, but there’s nobody at handling a crisis – at least one caused by Mother Nature – than New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.  Hands down, he’s the “lead from the front and get things done” kind of guy you want in charge


  • After riding out Hurricane Sandy, I’m not traumatized by the storm.  I’m traumatized by the indifference of so many people about the devastation it caused (substitute Katrina, Irene, tornadoes in the Midwest, the earthquake in Haiti, etc. for Sandy).  Too many people don’t care until it impacts their own comfort and convenience.

  • The randomness of fate and the power of Mother Nature are two of the biggest equalizers in life.

  • Writers write.  Plain and simple – if putting words on paper for others to read is your chosen profession (or dream – desire – passion), then suck it up, tough it out, and stop bitching about editing and rewrites and word counts.  It’s petty and small to hear somebody whining about the “rigors” of writing….go pour concrete, pound nails, or sweat on a highway work crew for a couple of months and change your perspective.  Shut up and write.

  • Anybody who knows something about football knows that Tim Tebow isn’t a serious answer to anything related to the sport.

  •  If the urban oasis by the sea that I live in is a microcosm of small town politics, it’s often the people from the “wrong side of the tracks” who show up at town council meetings to address problems like gang violence, drugs in the neighborhood, schools, and education for their kids.  They’re the ones who are taking steps to make things better.  The people who should do more because they have more are the ones who get involved only when it concerns dog parks and inappropriate bathing attire on the boardwalk.

  •  Cory Booker has future President written all over his resume (if not the Oval Office, then make room for him in the Senate)

  • There’s a kind of coolness to the music of Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, and Carl Perkins that never goes out of style – something that feels like the innocence of high school, fast cars, and the open road.

  • I believe that the worst of times can bring out the best in people, and that we can put aside our differences to work together and make things better.  That’s how it’s supposed to be.  I’ll keep believing that until they carry me out of the room and turn off the lights.

My thoughts and prayers to my friends, neighbors, and everyone affected by the hurricane and its aftermath.  Stay strong.

4 comments:

  1. Random thoughts that are not so random as they are sort of the things that everyone thinks much of the time. :) Great post as usual!

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  2. To your first point I would add, "excuse me." I am so tired of encountering people in any setting that don't seem to know basic manners. Not that anyone needs to beg my pardon but it is just useful in interaction. Instead of avoiding eye contact and scooting in front, or if too slow for that, sighing your exasperation at finding someone between you and your goal, just look up and acknowledge another person is in your sphere. Then open your mouth and say, "excuse me." If it's me I'll nod and say, "After you."

    Didn't think my thought would go all diatribe there but as Steve Martin would say, "Excuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuse me!"

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  3. On point 2 I agree about not always agreeing with his politics but I do think his loose cannon nature and tendency to lose his temper are generally signs of an honest man. Polished control is generally practiced by people you better be wary of. He seems tough and has a sense of humor. Not bad things these days.

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  4. I hope things are getting better post- Sandy. I know when your area is knocked down, (Charlie,Frances,Ivan,Jeanne, 2004)it seems like you are alone with way more than you can do. But people do care and are trying to help. I wonder if it isn't squeaky wheel syndrome. Maybe NJ is too self sufficient to get their share of guv'mint grease. I for one applaud folks up there showing the grit and gumption to get themselves back to normal whether anyone pitches in or not.

    Hang in there. You're bound to have some stories!

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