The Rise and Fall of Gunstar 141

And here we are...

2012-01-16T21:37:00.000-08:00

OK, so I'm NOT off to a tremendous start with regards to blogging. I could blame any number of things. Work, which has been crazy. Injuries, which I've had to rehab. A rather busy social life, which I'm DAMN glad for. Stuff.

The fact is that I haven't had anything that earth shattering to say. I spend a lot of time on Twitter, a little on Tumblr, and then the rest on being with friends and the other wayward sidelines I indulge in. I want this year to be about bidness. Work (harder) on my MBA. Possibly change schools. A few side projects with friends. A few side projects of my own. So blogging WILL take a back seat. But Gunstar is my home, and I DO love it. I will post, sporadically. I will find gems that I want to keep. And silly shit that makes me laugh. I might even see if my friends would like to play and make them guest contributors. We'll see.

But there it is. A meandering trail of nonsense that I'm going to call a post. Take from it what you will. And if you would like to play, email me. Or DM me. Or send smoke signals. You get the idea.

Cheers and Happy 2012!

And above all else, Get your Gun on!

Ice Cube celebrates the Eames House

2011-12-18T20:42:00.001-08:00

Laughing Squid posted this cool video of Ice Cube celebrating the unique Eames House in Los Angeles. Check it out!

Because I play to win, and survival's the game...

2011-11-27T19:45:00.000-08:00

A classic 2Pac lyric and a creed I live by. I never purposely wish another harm or ill will, but I'll be double damned if I'm going to let someone hold me down. My goals aren't legendary, my desires reasonably simple. But if you wish to stand in the way of what I want, it should be said that I will fight to win, fight to live. And there is a difference.

There are a lot of bullies who will attempt to enforce their will because they mistake your patience and tolerance for weakness. You need to show them the error of their ways, and if they truly don't get the clue, then crush them. Life is a full contact sport, and not for the meek of heart. I don't suggest you treat everyone this way, only those who for whatever reason want to impose their will upon you when it isn't their right to do so.

Because I play to win, and survival's the game... 2Pac/Strugglin'

2012, Synchronized Robotic Dancing by Genki Sudo and World Order

2011-10-26T23:43:00.000-07:00

Another incredible piece from Genki Sudo and World Order that I once again found by way of Laughing Squid. Check out 2012...

Vid of the Week - Halloween Light Show 2011

2011-10-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

Honest to God, I wish I had this kind of creativity. From Laughing Squid, check out this AWESOME vid of Halloween Light Show 2011 featuring Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO...

Submarine Graveyard

2011-10-04T22:02:00.000-07:00

This is a cool post of some truly fantastic pics of the Submarine Graveyard out in Kamtachka that was posted by Coolio's! Go Big Doggy!

DC Universe Online Trailer

2011-08-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

Vid of the Week - Idiots

2011-08-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

This is a classic from Funny or Die. With Kate Bosworth and Zoe Saldana, how can you go wrong? Let's watch the Vid of the Week - Idiots

Idiots with Zoe Saldana & Kate Bosworth from Zoe Saldana

Vid of the Month - Worst Porn Ever

2011-08-15T21:31:00.000-07:00

Found this gem on one of my old posts, and it DESERVES to be reposted. Enjoy the Vid of the Month - Worst Porn Ever

Two Effn Months

2011-07-13T20:27:00.001-07:00

Wow. I think that's the longest I've ever gone without posting anything. Which says a lot about how much life can change. Come mid August, I will have been at my current job for six months. It seems like yesterday. It truly is amazing how much can change in a short time. I've had incredible horizons opened to me where life seemed like it was nothing but a series of frustrating trials and the light at the end of the tunnel being a train, rapidly approaching. In other cases, a good thing seems to have grown more distant, and harder to keep hold of. Life is never without tradeoffs, it seems.

But it is the second half of the year. Look at what's happened. Look at what's ahead of you. Gauge where you've had success and keep doing it, and if you haven't been successful, change it. I said nothing about it being easy, just do it. Make a conscious decision and take action. You can do whatever you want. Reinvent yourself. Be all that you can be. Cliches they may be, but they are also true.

No matter what, do what you love. I don't know what that is. I don't know what will make you happy. Only you do. So do it. Life is too short.

Assail Life with Impunity and Get your Gun on!

Some brand new shoes...

2011-05-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

Stolen from Ludacris' Act a Fool - "...Just bought me and my cars all some brand new shoes...". Who'd a thought that Chris Bridges would be a life coach?

But the truth is that we need to take care of ourselves and our tools of the trade. My car is like my horse. I love it and do try to take good care of it. That said, I hadn't purchased new tires since I bought it almost four years ago. My front tires were bald. My rear tires weren't much better. I'd break traction in first almost every damn time...

So I finally got a matched set of Hankook tires. What a difference a day makes. No more getting shitty on corners, I suddenly have grip again. Triple Digits? No problem. If it could, I think my car would have high-fived me. It's good to have it back, a menace to society and a little bit dangerous. It was like letting a Panther out of the cage and being allowed to run free...

My point isn't to suggest you be a good consumer and buy shit just to spend money. It's that you need to take care of yourself, and your things. That basic maintenance can make all the difference in the world. It will put spring back in your step and keep your game. Take care of your horse, and your horse will take care of you...

Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy and Get your Gun on...

Vid of the Week - Roll a D6

2011-05-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Love it. Get your save on... The Vid of the Week - Roll a D6

Roll a D6 from Connor Anderson on Vimeo.

Pay it Forward

2011-04-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

For about three solid years, I felt like I was never going to get over life kicking my ass. I kept my chin up, I kept in the fight. I soldiered on, doing what I needed to survive. But honestly, there were days when it just felt like it would make more sense to paint the walls with my brains...

A friend helped me out of my mire, (see The Value of a Good Meal). The timing couldn't have been better, and I'm eternally grateful for his help. It's been a life changing experience for many good reasons.

Sure, I got the job based on my skills, experience and merits. But without his keeping an eye out for me, I would not have my new job. I would probably be on another blistering tirade about how in spite of life's many injustices, you must keep in the fight...

Life isn't perfect, and there are still challenges. But I actually have the ability to do something about them. I remember when I wasn't able to. It's not a good feeling. So I put this out to everyone who IS in in a potential position to help - Do it.

You probably don't have to go more than two degrees of separation to find somebody who could probably use your help. If you can't offer them a job, keep your eyes open. If you know of resources that might help, offer 'em or let your friend know. If it's a simple word of encouragement, it can sometimes offer the hope, the spark that they need. Give it.

I'm not good at thinking or helping globally. But I think that if we can individually help even one person out, that's a pretty fantastic thing....

I now get off my soapbox. Profanity and lewdness will probably resume with the next post.

Help if you can and Get your Gun on!

Vid of the Week - Naughty Girl

2011-03-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

Sexy ass Holly Valance getting down, gettin' funky! Here's your Vid of the Week - Naughty Girl

Live to Fight, Fight to Win

2011-03-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

For all my high talk of keeping in the game, staying the course, keeping a stiff upper lip and just trudging on to live and fight another day, even I am not exempt from feeling like it's all a waste of fucking time and that a nice long jail sentence would alleviate most of my problems, (no rent, three hots and a cot, etc...). It is hard as hell to stay the course every day. It's hard to get rejected, again and again. Get your hopes up for a new job, a change, whatever. Sometimes, you feel like you can't take another step, go through the motions even one more time. It's just not worth it...

Don't give up.

It took me over a year of hard looking, applications, interviews too numerous to be named, making it to the 3rd, 4th and even 5th round to lose to someone else. Finally, in my 11th hour, a friend's help got me in the door and into a job I love. If I can offer any one piece of advice, it is this. Besides simple persistence, (which you need), reach out to EVERYONE. Friends, business associates, whoever you can enlist. Going it alone is truly a bitch. Even if all folks can offer is a kind word, it can sometimes be what you need to keep going. A lot of friends, online and off, congratulated the hell out of me when I got my job, and in turn, I was very thankful for all their support. Having an army behind you makes you feel more powerful.

Stay strong. Ask for help. Make it your job to get what you want, whatever it may be. There was a quote from Troy which I love which I feel is germane:

"Myrmidons! My brothers of the sword! I would rather fight beside you than any army of thousands! Let no man forget how menacing we are, we are lions! Do you know what's waiting beyond that beach? Immortality! Take it! It's yours!" - Achilles

Let nothing stand in your way and Get your Gun on!

Vid of the Day - World Order

2011-02-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

Found this over on Laughing Squid, needed to share it. Check out the fantastic Vid of the Day - World Order

2010 - A Symphony of Violence

2011-01-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

This super cool video was posted on YouTube and it reminds me a lot of my work day dreams... - 2010, A Symphony of Violence

Vid of the Week - Get Your Walk On

2011-01-05T22:18:00.001-08:00

I'm feelin' this classic Xzibit video right now. So getcha walk on/getcha head tight/I know you're feelin' this heat/cause it's dead right... The Vid of the Week - Get Your Walk On

2011 - Year of the Badass

2011-01-02T21:06:00.000-08:00

Year of our Lord 2008 and 2009 were not among my favorite. If I'm to be completely honest, I really wasn't that thrilled with this last decade. Not the decade's fault, I'm sure. It started off with a bang in 2000. But there has been a lot of turmoil and strife in the last 9 years. So be it. It does no good to dwell in the past, so I've consigned this last decade to its proper place in hallowed antiquity and we proceed.

We have a whole new decade ahead of us. We have the ability to start fresh, as we do every year. I want to have a good year. I want to have a good decade. Most of us say this every year, but this time, I'm actually taking some action on it. Big plans, followed by some very tactical steps. Bite sized, so that a little bit can get done every day. It's what works for me. Do what works for you. And what do I want to get done?

Lose 50 pounds or lower down to 10% body fat - Sounds like a lot, doesn't it? It's less than a 1/4 pound a day. Exercise, and not eating after 9 p.m., if possible.
A complete redo of my consulting business - An action a day creates a viable business by Q4...
Four sites, completely redone - Again, an action a day...
My MBA - Accounting and an exemption from Finance in the first half of the year, Project Management and Strategic Planning in the bottom half.

It will take work. I will sacrifice for it. Nothing good comes without some effort, in this case some hard effort and sacrifice on my part. And it will be VERY worth it, when I look back on 31 December 2011 to see the results.

I'm using a combination of tools, but I've tied it all to an MS Project Pro spreadsheet. Every day, I check it. Every day, I get to check off what was done. My promise to myself is that I will take that specific action each day. It's NOT always fun, and I don't want to do it all the time. But it's what needs to be done...

I want good things in my life. I want to be share it with someone I truly care about. I want to make a difference and help my friends while doing it. To get this done, I have to start by taking a series of small actions that, over time, will add up to something significant.

The time is now. The time is right. We have the technology. To quote dear Achilles - "Myrmidons! My brothers of the sword! I would rather fight beside you than any army of thousands! Let no man forget how menacing we are! We are lions! Do you know what's there, waiting beyond that beach? Immortality! Take it! It's yours!"

Have a truly incredible 2011 and Get your Gun on!

Vid of the Day - The Warrior's Way

2010-11-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

Holy. FUG! This looks like rock 'em, sock 'em action on steriods. MUST SEE!!!

The Value of a Good Meal

2010-11-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

I had a very important life lesson taught to me last night. Went out to dinner with my old roommate of almost 20 years ago. My best friend. Had a meal at a steak house in the City that was roughly what I spend in 4-6 months on food. It was a life altering experience, literally.

Bold statement? Indeed it is, and with good reason. It made me remember three very valuable things that I've forgotten. First of all, the value of a TRUE good friend. Second, the value that you place on yourself. Finally, that EVERYTHING can be fixed.

I laughed hard last night. I haven't seen my friend in over two years, but it was like I'd just left our old house that morning and was just catching up on the day. It was good to laugh like that, to play off each other and have a good time doing it. To be reminded that there really are people who give a shit about your welfare, your well being.

Second, the meal was incredible, and incredibly expensive. It was literally half a week's wages for me. And that was a shocking reminder of how I've come to accept what should be an unacceptable situation. I don't like the way I'm living. Surviving. It's no way to live. Settling for your situation, accepting what's "given" to you is a mistake. Always strive for better, for greater, if you're not happy with what life has served you.

Finally, in less than five minutes of talking to him, I may have the opportunity to get back into my old field of endeavor, and down to SoCal. Ask, and ye shall receive. Reach out to those who can help you, and you'd be surprised what can happen. Friends, true friends, are there for you when you need them...

Have faith in yourself. Reach out for help when you need it. Live to fight one more day. Because it may take you to where you want to be.

Stay the Course and Get your Gun on!

Video of the Week - Guns for Hire

2010-11-14T20:34:00.000-08:00

If you don't respect AC/DC, then you might as well leave this page and never come back. One of the best bands ever, this song is one of my absolute favorites. Check out this Vid of the Week - Guns for Hire

Live to Fight, Fight to Live

2010-10-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Life is NOT easy. These days it seems like you must TRULY fight for everything that you need, much less want. It can get a little tiring at times....

What are you living for? What are you dying for? Without a motivation, a reason to live, a reason to strive, life is an exercise in futility. You're just going through the motions. I'm there.

What can be a solid reason one moment can be gone the next. And that's OK. Just have that reason, have that love. Life will change, and so will you. But always have a reason to wake up, to strive to be better, to make something that is uniquely your own, to build a better world for you and yours.

A life without purpose isn't much of a life. Find your passion. Find your love. Find a reason to be happy, healthy and wise. And satisfied....

Get a Life and Get your Gun on!

Space Battleship Yamato

2010-09-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

As a kid, I really loved Star Blazers. Now, it seems, that there is going to be a live action movie about the intrepid rise of the incredible Space Battleship Yamato!

Vid of the Week - Wayne Brady

2010-08-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

Funny or Die has given us my all time favorite Chappelle show skit. Check out the Vid of the Week - Wayne Brady

Chappelle Show: Dave's Night Out with Wayne Brady - watch more funny videos

A Line in the Sand

2010-08-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

"Into each life, some rain, must fall/But too much has fallen in mine..." This year has been a carry over of the ass-kicking lesson in reality that 2009 was. Most of the country, the world is having a challenging time financially. Almost 10% unemployment in the USA. It is what it is.

At some point, we can't just let life happen to us. We need to fight back. Stand tall, draw the proverbial line in the sand. Will we instantly succeed? Probably not. Will things get miraculously better? No. Will it be a fight? Most likely, and a hard one. But there is something incredible, something truly liberating about saying "I will NOT go quietly into the night. I will NOT stand by and let life happen to me. Come what may, I will make my own destiny, be my own man".

Don't let life assail you with impunity. Things will happen, some of them will be bad, painful, hurtful. Accept life's slap in the face, stand up and get back in the fight.

Do unto Others and Get your Gun on

What does your dream woman do to you in bed?

2010-07-20T07:39:00.001-07:00

Show up, is the easy answer. I think just be herself, and let the moment happen. If she's feeling frisky, I don't mind her taking the reigns. And if she wants to be manhandled and made a sex toy, I'm all for that too!

Ask me anything

Open Letter to a Roommate...

2010-07-01T17:45:00.001-07:00

Vid of the Week - Like a Boss

2010-07-01T17:37:00.001-07:00

Welcome to your new company! Hope you like the folks in management who are going to lead you. Check out the Vid of the Week - Like a Boss...

It's all about the technique...

2010-05-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

This is a classic Funny or Die video from Bobby Hacker entitled Cars. GET OUT YOUR FUCKIN' CHECKBOOK!!!

Cars - watch more funny videos

Link Dump

2010-05-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

It's been WAY too long since I've done a proper link dump. Here's your threesome for this Sunday...

Formula1.com - I just spent the day watching and re-watching the the Monaco Grand Prix. F1 is the shiznit! Check out the Monte Carlo simulator...

Ilovetorrents.com - If you're still into downloading, this is a FANTASTIC site!

Modern Drunkard - The best. Simply the best!

OK, kids, I have more work to do. Have fun, run amok, and Get your Gun on!

Welcome to the Jungle...

2010-05-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Jungle
It gets worse here everyday
Ya learn ta live like an animal
In the jungle where we play

Yeah, I cribbed Guns 'N Roses lyrics with no shame. I'm on the job hunt right now. It's a bitch. But we do what we have to, right? No matter what, you simply have to keep your head up, and just keep charging ahead. I have sent more resumes, kissed more ass and told more lies in the last two weeks than I probably have in the last 5 years. And will keep doing so until I get myself a salary again.

I'm also looking at getting my old consulting business back up and running. Which means I'll truly be a jack-of-all-trades. Or professional, suit wearing whore. And I can live with that.

In this time, do what you have to and make it through the day. We will live to fight, and prosper another day. With that, I'm wondering if Truck Master is hiring....

Love your Salary and Get your Gun on!

Vid of the Week - Knights of Cydonia

2010-04-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

My wayward sister, @Mia, reminded me of this cult classic of song and vid. Check out the Muse and the Vid of the Week - Knights of Cydonia

5 old school favorites

2010-03-28T18:18:00.001-07:00

Just a link dump today. Let me give you five old school rap favorites...

Tupac - Strugglin'
Because I play to win, and survival's the game...

Ice-T - Bitches 2
I knew this brotha named Mitch, stone playa/He'd meed a girl and in five minutes he'd lay 'er...

Newcleus - Jam On It
I'm Cosmo D from outer space/I'm here to rock the human race...

The Boogie Boys - A Fly Girl
A Fly Girl is a girl who wants you to see/her name, her game and her ability...

The Real Roxanne with Hitman Howie T - Howie's T'd Off
No one is faster than the man with the gangsta hat...

What we do in life echoes in Eternity...

2010-02-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

It was Maximus' initial battle cry in the Battle of Germania in Gladiator, and right now, it's really hitting home. How many of us have dreams, aspirations, that we don't act on? Is it truly better to play it safe than dare greatly? Call it gun shyness, (ignore the pun). As children, we're fearless. As we get our fingers burned, we learn caution...

But how often does this lead to a timid life? How often do we wish we should have done something? Tried to run with an idea, but didn't? Didn't take that chance because of the potential for failure, ridicule, whatever? I know I'm guilty of it. And right now, it's really irritating....

I realize we all have to pay the bills, take care of our responsibilities, but what the fuck is the point of living if it's just going through the motions? I, for one, no longer have a good answer. Without purpose, life can seem AWFULLY hollow.

There is something that inspires you. Whatever it is that gives you that motivation, that kick in the ass, that fire in your belly, that reason to wake up in the morning, RUN WITH IT! Life is too short for us to sit on our asses, hoping that something comes along to pick us up out of this mire. Make your own luck and build your legend. Let your name be remembered among the greats, not among the timid souls who choose to sit on the sidelines, watching life pass you by...

Do something that gives your life meaning. Do something you love. Get YOUR Gun on!

/ Rant

Live for the Moment and Get your Gun on!

Vid of the Day - Wayne Brady

2010-02-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's time to ask the immortal question - "Is Wayne Brady going to have to choke a bitch?" Check out the Vid of the Day - Wayne Brady

Vid of the Day - Cotton Eyed Joe

2010-01-14T22:16:00.000-08:00

OK, c'mon - How could I NOT post this! A remix of a goofy classic, check out the Rednex version, and the Vid of the Day - Cotton Eyed Joe

The New Years, New Decade post

2010-01-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

Yeah, it seems kind of obligatory. But let's do it any way. A New Year is a chance for a fresh start. So let's make some promises we CAN keep!

1. Have more fun. 2009 included WAY too little of the aforementioned. I will rectify that in 2010.
2. Work out - Yeah, everyone says the same damn thing. My goal is not to lose a ton of weight, just get the bod in better shape. Less body fat, more muscle.
3. Work smarter - I've got the work hard part down. It blows. Let's see if I can actually pull off making an 8 hour day produce the kind of income I want.
4. Tweet and Blog more - I love both, they are both an outlet, and I will indulge.
5. Work less/Play more - Yeah, I said it. Weekends should (mostly) belong to me. Not fucking work. And there is WAY to much fun to be had and I was a DAMN dull boy during 2009.

I'm sure there's more I could post, but now coffee and breakfast beckon. Mostly, I want my friends to know that I hope they have a FANTASTIC 2010. We bloody well deserve it!

Make the most of this Year and Decade and Get your Gun on!

Vid of the Day - Clothes Off

2009-12-17T20:32:00.000-08:00

The incredible @capitaln turned me on to this one, and it's OUTSTANDING! Check out the Gym Class Heroes in the Vid of the Day - Clothes Off

Vid of the Week - How to dress like a Ninja

2009-12-15T18:54:00.001-08:00

Fantastic good stuff! Check out the Vid of the Day - How to dress like a Ninja

Cowboy's Vid of the Week - Cars

2009-12-12T22:44:00.000-08:00

Gary Numan AND Fear Factory? How the hell can you go wrong? Check out this remix of a classic, and my Vid of the Week - Cars

formspring.me

2009-12-10T20:59:00.001-08:00

your sister is very hot. I want to do questionable things to her... is that bad?

Many people have wanted to do questionable things with my sister. I'll just let you know that she's armed, VERY dangerous and more than a little fucking crazy. Be prepared to get as well as you give...

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2009-12-10T20:47:00.001-08:00

So, how DID you get out of that (last) Mexican prison you were in?

*bows head in shame* It involved promises of eating a low cholesterol diet, voting my conscience, not flashing my tits at Mardi Gras... I'm so ashamed!

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2009-12-10T20:23:00.003-08:00

Be nice or I'll set fire to your bed again. While you're asleep in it. Again.

You say this like it's a bad thing. This is NorCal. It's cold. I'd LIKE some damn heat! You little delinquent!

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2009-12-10T20:23:00.001-08:00

How is someone as smokin hawt as you still single?

Easy - When you hide heroic ugliness and a shameless disposition towards evil behind a Clint Eastwood avatar, it's only a matter of time before the jig is up...

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2009-12-10T20:18:00.001-08:00

Did your mother drop you on your head as a child, or maybe she just let you eat paint chips when our dad wasn't around?

Since this sounds like my Sister wrote it, I can only assume you were just jelis of all the attention and that I got the BIG paint chips! Ha. HA!

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2009-12-10T20:08:00.001-08:00

Why do you even fight the girls at every corner?

When they mass in somewhere between Jabba the Hutt and a Mack Truck, you have the fear that they may eat you after the fact! I am NOT a damn snack!

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2009-12-10T20:05:00.001-08:00

How do you keep the girls from pulling off your pants and taking advantage of you at every corner?!

It is a challenge, I won't lie. But the use of a studded leather codpiece, and several stunt doubles usually gets me out of harms way. But once in a while....

Ask me anything

Hell March

2009-11-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

2008 had been, to my way of thinking, one of the worst years I'd experienced. I'd jumped from one set of industries, (online recruitment advertising for a major newspaper), to financial services. By the end of the year, I was wistful for my old salary, and the simple complications of people not wanting to buy from me. 2009 has made all that look like a cakewalk...

This has been one of the most challenging years of my life. Personally, professionally, financially, etc. And I'm joined by millions of others who have had to trek through this same hell. Blame can be thrown many directions, but the fact of the matter is that when it all comes down to it, it still doesn't help us day to day. So my words of total wisdom and complete knowledge? Survive. Do what you have to do. Work three jobs. Max the cards out then make outlandish promises to the credit card companies*. Raid your retirement savings*. Borrow from friends*. Do what you need to. Not because I'm some blind optimist, but because it will allow you to fight another day. When the sharks circle, you can have one of two attitudes - 1. I'm fucked, and fish food, or 2. About time lunch was served...

Tough times don't last. Tough people do. Make sure you're one of them....

Kick Ass in 2010, Take Names and Get your Gun on!

*Not to be construed as sound or any other financial advice. Just a rant

Vid of the Week - Jump Around

2009-11-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

Drop an old school beat! Back in the day when Everlast and DJ Lethal were still on the same team. Check out this classic from the House of Pain, my Vid of the Week - Jump Around

You Fight Me

2009-10-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

I was in the middle of being truly frustrated when I heard this Breaking Benjamin song come on. Because of this wretched economy, a lot of people are suffering. Waiting to make a next move, sticking with a job they may hate because of the uncertainty and difficulty in finding something better. I thought I was in the same boat. Turns out, I'm not...

I currently hate what I do. Insurance is boring. Tedious. Investments can be the same. Trying to sell them can be as much fun as masturbating with broken glass with market conditions what they are. I have found myself focusing on other activities that I like rather than deal with the frustration and aggrevation of trying to do what I do for a living. My problem was one of perspective.

I've been in the financial services business, off and on, for over 15 years. Right now, it IS tough to be in the business. But there are reasons I truly love it. Not for any altruistic reasons. Not even for the most basic - to make money. I like it because I occasionally get to solve very complicated problems, and get paid well for it. To me, that is really cool. Giving it some thought, I actually got kinda excited, because I remembered why I LIKE doing what I do...

My sincere hope is that, if you are doing something that you may not love, to think about the aspects of your job that you do, or did, like. See if there's a way to reinvigorate that passion. Doesn't mean you'll keep your current job forever. But why not be happy, enjoy what you're doing for now? And if there really is nothing, then maybe you really do need to change what you're doing. I didn't say it's a perfect solution.

Life is too short. We have to work too hard. We might as well have a good time doing it..

Live Hard and Get your Gun on!

Keep your shit the hardest

2009-09-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

These are troublesome times
And the crime prevails
And the dark side keeps a niggaz ass in jail
Bada-boom-bada-bing some of this and some of that
I've got to boogie for a minute but you know I'm comin' back

No, I'm not DMX, and I'm not suggesting that you bust rounds and cause a ruckus to get what you need to done. But I had Keep Your Shit The Hardest come across on a random play, and there is something about the angry tone and lyrics that struck a chord. Get Angry, you Sons of Bitches!

This has been a fucked up year. Yeah, we can be honest about that much. But are you going to meekly accept it or are you going to do something about it? I've had my moments where it seemed easier to say Woe is Me. But you know what? Doesn't make anything better...

My solution? Get Angry! Don't accept life for what it is - Do something about it. Not making enough money? Then find a way to make more. Feeling down? Then kick your own ass and get it in gear! Want more out of life? Then TAKE IT!

This has been a rude awakening for many people. I can honestly say that I'm surprised at how it's humbled me. But you know what, it's also given me an appreciation for everything I took for granted. And now it's time to take back what's rightfully mine...

So with all the woe, and discontent, and bad news and other bad shit, you can choose to lay down and accept what's happening. Or you can knuckle up and take this bitch called life on and get what you're due.

Keep your shit the hardest!

Get Some and Get your Gun on!

Vid of the Week - System

2009-09-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

From the Queen of the Damned soundtrack, check out the Vampire Lestat and the Vid of the Week - System

Vid of the Week - Speed Racer

2009-08-30T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sponge did a remake for the movie of the classic theme song. Check out the Vid of the Week - Speed Racer

2009 - Year of the Troll

2009-08-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

2008 and most of 2009 have sucked, professionally. I decided to make a jump back into financial services just in time for one of the WORST markets in history. To make ends meet, I've had to take on two part time jobs, just to barely scrape by. But what annoys me most is that I've accepted what life has handed me and allowed it to steer my course, instead of vice-versa. That changes here, now...

Life is a tricky bastard and will throw curve balls at you whenever it can. Fate doesn't always have your best interests at heart. But you can't let yourself be a victim of its circumstances. Sure, you'll have to deal with some crap, and sometimes even true tragedy. But you make a choice as to whether you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, or you can choose to accept what's handed to you, sometimes to lay down and die. Life is a full contact sport, and you WILL pick up a black eye or two in the process. But you CAN fight back. You won't always win, but you sure as hell won't always lose.

Add to this that I've been a bachelor for the last five years now. I've noticed that I've slipped, my standards have become abysmally poor. I've done what I've needed to, and I've survived, but I've accepted a lower standard for myself. I haven't been taking care of myself. I've made a choice, conscious or not, to live that way. I now make a conscious choice to change that.

We face many external obstacles, challenges that we can do fuck all nothing about. But we CAN choose how we will fight, how we will live. Knowing yourself, your strengths and weaknesses is half the battle to winning any war. You won't win every fight. The secret is that you don't have to...

Live how you WANT to live. You will have to fight for it. Nothing good comes without some effort, some struggle. But do you REALLY want to live anything less than what you dream? Do you really want to settle for what someone else has in mind for you? Make your own luck. Make your own destiny. Choose Life!

The catalyst for this rant is, of course, love. I found someone I care very much about. I want better for myself, because I don't want her to see what I currently am. Because it's NOT me. I know not what the future holds for us, but I want there to be options, and I want her to see the REAL me. Not this current incarnation. I like the fact that she accepts me for who, and what I am. But I'm not happy with it. Therefore, I am going to make changes...

That was a really long winded, chest beating post. The short version is that you should NOT just meekly let life hand you bullshit, and ask for seconds. Send it back to the kitchen and ask for Chateau Briand, medium rare. Accept nothing less than the best for yourself. Otherwise, you'll get whatever that lazy chef is cooking...

Rise Above and Get your Gun on!

Vid of the Week - I Will Not Bow

2009-08-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

Love Breaking Benjamin, and this is a great call from @SKILLETfan01 over on Twitter! Check out the Vid of the Month - I Will Not Bow

Men grow older, not up

2009-08-09T21:10:00.000-07:00

I am a man. I have an adult job, drink adult beverages, and wear big boy boxers. That said, the simple fact is that for all intents and purposes, I really didn't mature past age 5. Fart jokes are still funny. I love blowing things up. I still secretly believe that girls have cooties, (and I DOUBT I'm wrong)...

I'm not alone in this. Most men that I know are the same. 8 to 80, we're all still boys at heart. We put on a good face, but when it comes right down to it, we're still those bad little boys running around First Grade class, hollering at the top of our lungs, eating paste and pulling little girls hair, (when we're not throwing rocks at each other and some such). Most women suffer under the delusion that they are dealing with a grown, mature man who's put away his childish toys. Ladies, let me disabuse you of this fallacy - EVERY man is a little boy at heart. Nothing you do will change that. You can try all you want. You can try to reverse the laws of gravity, while you're at it Probably have better luck...

Work with what you've got. Don't try to make the Eiffel Tower out of Play-Doh. Don't believe that you're going to get a man to behave himself. You'll only piss yourself off and probably give your wayward manchild fodder for a joke...

A Public Service Announcement from your "friendly" Cowboy. Now to go find some paste - I'm hungry...

Blow Shit Up and Get your Gun on!

Can't Touch This

2009-07-28T23:56:00.000-07:00

A serious piece of awesomeness stolen from Olivia Munn's blog - Can't Touch This

Not for the meek of heart...

2009-07-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

I'm a profane, irreverent megalomaniac. And I have a good time doing it. It's in my nature. Most of my friends accept the fact that they're going to hear some fairly absurd things come out of my mouth. Sometimes they'll laugh, sometimes they'll stare in open-mouthed wonder that such a thing could actually be uttered out of a human mouth. I've been told that some of my utterances prove my part demon nature. I've even heard I could make the Devil blush! High praise, if you ask me...

But the point is, for better or worse, that I have come to be comfortable with who I am. My friends may shake their heads, and they may wonder how any human being's synaptic process could be that skewed, how that many neurons could misfire. But they're still my friends because they too have their quirks, as do we all. We have to wear many faces during our lives, our day to day existence. We sometimes have to subdue our basic nature so that we don't totally offend and appall the majority. But trying to suppress your basic nature is a mistake. Not being yourself, not being who you are, not saying what you really feel can be of more harm to you, in the long run, than to any you might offend.

BE YOURSELF! Life is truly too short not to be. Don't go out of your way to offend, but be who you are. Profane, sexy, silly, subversive, submissive, dominant, whatever. Enjoy who you are, and you'll be AMAZED at how many others will smile with you...

Dei dono sum quod sum - By the Grace of God, I am who I am

Run Amok and Get your Gun on!

Subject to change without notice...

2009-06-14T09:56:00.000-07:00

That's life for you. Sometimes, you'll make a change because of where you are, and sometimes things will happen to you, and you'll have to adjust and adapt. Life is a full contact sport, and not for the faint of heart. It can be a capricious, wayward bitch one moment, and it can be a wonderous and incredible thing the next. It can also pass you by in a heartbeat, and will NEVER wait for you to catch up.

No matter where you are in life - Up, down, smiling, frowning, know that things can and will change. It's inevitable. But for God's sake, please play. You may not always win, but you won't always lose either. There is nothing worse than being on the sidelines for this incredible, dangerous, fun, scary thing we call life. Go live it and see what happens. You might really enjoy it!

Get ready for battle and Get your Gun on!

The Modern Warfare 2 Trailer

2009-05-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

Violence in video games? Check! Check out the ultra violent, ultra cool lookin' trailer for Call of Duty - Modern Warfare 2

90 Miles from Yuma, on the Highway to Hell

2009-05-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

For some odd reason, this was the title of a mix tape that I made, back when mix tapes were still made. Probably the reason Just Saying No is such a good idea. Anyways, it make me think back to some past journeys, and my current (mis)adventure(s). Life is fluid. Thinking you'll just be able to travel a straight path is an illusion. At least in my experience. It's about ups, downs, smiles and frowns. Great glory, heartbreaking agony and defeat. If you don't try, if you don't dare, if you don't risk, you are bound to lead a very lackluster life. Our greatest victories usually come after some of our most painful defeats. Do you sit on the sidelines, instead of getting in the game and playing, because you'd rather not take a painful hit? Do you choose to play it safe, rather than strike out on your own, take the risk of greatness, or ruin, and instead settle for a life of quiet desperation? Do you not try for love, even if it can lead to heartbreak and pain? Life is Risk. If you don't take chances, you sentence yourself to a prison of your own making....

Teddy Roosevelt's quote from Citizenship in a Republic will always stand out to me - "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

And on a lighter note, if you've never seen Texts From Last Night, GO NOW! When you can find gems like "(812): Rocking a Headband at the strip club, because of Rock of Love this shit is like their kryptonite, I smell like stripper butter and back child support." and "(830): If I was Danny Tanner and my wife died and left me with three kids I would hire a nanny rather than bringing in the sexually promiscuos uncle with a fetish for leather and rebellion and my obviously mentally ill (possibly gay) best friend Joey, who has never had a girlfriend and consistently talks in cartoon voices... a nanny is just a better choice", how can you NOT love this site?

Live Fast, Die Hard and Get your Gun on!

The size of the fight in the dog...

2009-04-26T01:52:00.000-07:00

It's nice to have the occasional good day, to balance out the tough ones. The Law of Large Numbers, as applicable to Sales, says you will have X number of absolute crap days of getting kicked in the teeth and beaten like a step child before you have that one day that makes it all worth while. Problem is, X is a variable. May be 1. May be 15. May be 10 to the 44th power. You can probably stand after one punch. Or two. Three. Four. But after 10, etc., it gets a little tougher to keep in the fight. And staying the duration is ALWAYS what it's about. You may learn it's not a fight you want to be in and bow out. You may find that you just don't have the endurance to stay the course. You may not want to just stopping fists with your face....

But if you stay the course, and keep in the fight, you may find that you get your chance to strike, and make your mark, and that it WAS all worth it. And that is a sweet and wonderful feeling. I can't say I've landed that knockout punch yet, but I got three good jabs in over the last couple days that may help get there. And I've found that it was because of having a good corner, (e.g. good friends). In particular, I owe a big debt of gratitude to a new friend, who has been incredible in her encouragement and support, and just being there. It's amazing how MUCH of a difference that makes. I'm used to fighting with a broken sword against Hell's Legions all by myself. It's incredible knowing that you have some support behind you to bolster your spirits and gird your loins, metaphorically speaking.

In summation, fight the good fight, but don't do it alone, if you don't have to. You'd be amazed who can, and will help you, and what a difference it makes!

Raise your Swords and Get your Gun on!

Kalinka

2009-04-26T01:44:00.001-07:00

The End of All Hope

2009-04-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

Love Hellgate London and this Nightwish tune. One particular reason is the combination of the tune, with the fight. In this day, this time, this moment, it DOES feel like a fight, every goddamn day, just to survive. We may not be fighting horned, tailed denizens of Hell, but we DO have no shortage of demons to fight these days. And it can feel like you're VERY much alone, sometimes, in this fight. But know the hordes shall not prevail. Know you have allies, who will help. That you will succeed, you WILL conquer. It may not be this battle. It may not be the next. But keep in the fight, NEVER falter, NEVER fail and NEVER die! You will be triumphant! We ALL will succeed!

Draw your Sword and Get your Gun on!

Star Wars, Dallas Style....

2009-04-02T23:10:00.001-07:00

Finish this Sentence...

2009-03-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Finish This Sentence...This fun little game came from the minxy and wonderful Shibari. Let's play, what say...

1. My relationship...... is currently only an online affair. Don't know if it will go further. Hope it does...

2. Maybe I should... learn to be more realistic about my expectations of others.

3. I love.... and therein lies the problem.

4. People would say that I'm......any number of things. Often complimentary. Sometimes not.

5. I don't understand.... Where the hell I'm supposed to fit into the grand scheme of things. Sometimes, I feel like the driving
force, sometimes I wonder why I was put on this dirtball...

6. When I wake up in the morning......I'm kinda surprised.

7. I lost.....my ability to see the world with an open mind. I find I'm MUCH more judgemental and cynical.

8. Life is.....a goddamn battle, at times...

9. My past is......my sins remembered. I can remember some very good times, but I can also remember some heroic fuckups, missteps and the people I've hurt doing it.

10. I get annoyed when.....people lie to me, or keep things from me. I don't always LIKE honesty, but I do appreciate it. I HATE not knowing, for better or for worse...

11. Parties are......Fun, if I'm with the right group of people. Otherwise, it's just free booze and food and I'm out pretty quick. Hate large groups of people I don't know...

12. I wish.......I had a true love, partner in crime, with me right now. It sucks going it alone...

13. Dogs......I wish I could have one again. Only reason I'd want a house.

14. Cats..... are appetizers or furry, screeching hairball machines
15. Tomorrow......Had better be better than today. I'm tired of being tired and getting my ass kicked. I live to fight another battle, but this can only go on for so long...

16. I have a low tolerance......for bullshit. For people who lie to me and think I'll still be their friends. For people who keep secrets from me, thinking that I won't find out. I have a low tolerance for a lot of things.

17. If I had a million dollars......I'd be debt free, have money in the bank, and I might even own my condo down in Santa Barbara. I'd have options.

18. I'm totally terrified.....of failing

19. My significant other....... is a question mark. I don't know if she's ready for me. Such is war.

20 My life is : Really a fucking fight right now. I'm SO close to some really good shit, but I'm REALLY tired of having to fight this hard to get it. Even I have my limits...

21. Yesterday: Was a long, busy, productive day.

22. My parents... and I haven't talked in over 15 years. No plans on changing that. Such is war.

24. The person who posted this first is.....Someone I love, someone who makes me smile, and someone who frustrates the hell out of me at times...

25. In 6 months......Kicking ass, taking names and back on top of the world again.

26. In 5 years.....Kicking more ass, taking more names and have a true partner in crime at my side!

27. If I could I WOULD : Be the best that I could, and take care of the ones I love and care for.

28. When I was 21...a delinquent shithead

29. When I was 30... Celebrating my birthday in New Orleans, with some really good friends, and trying to figure out what I wanted to really do with my life...

30. When I was 7.....I was a kid in Balboa, playing with Hot Wheels, watching Scooby Doo and generally having the best time of my life, in reflection...

Vid of the Week - White Chicks and Gang Signs

2009-03-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

C'mon, you know you love them! Check out the Vid of the Week - White Chicks and Gang Signs

Play the hand you're dealt

2009-03-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

Life can be a miserable, rotten bitch at times. Life can also make you the happiest man alive, when things go your way. You will NEVER have just one or the other. Until death, I guess...

Recently, life has been a challenge. Not just for me, but for lots of folks. I've had no few challenges maintaining even a semblance of optimism. I've had no shortage of serious doubts about my chosen career path, certain aspects of my personal life, some friendships, lots of shit. When it rains, it pours. But I decided to hang in there, live and fight another day. Had nothing to lose, everything to win. Now, finally, it's like breaking the surface, getting that first, incredible breath of air when you've been drowning. I believe more goodness will come, but not without a fight. Not a one of us will have an easy time, in the next couple of years. A lot will change. But I sincerely believe that if you have the strength to just fight like hell to the end of the day, you have a chance for one more. With the possibilities there of. Stay in the fight, get what's yours.

Be Tenacious and Get your Gun on!

Vid of the Week - JukeBox Hero

2009-03-01T20:37:00.000-08:00

A certain someone I know REALLY likes this song, so I figured it would be in my best interest to learn the lyrics. Check out the Vid of the Week - Jukebox Hero

It's the little things...

2009-02-27T23:35:00.000-08:00

I truly believe that your friends are the family you make. Some will fall out of your life, because of their deeds and words, and new ones will come in to replace them in your fold. From my previous rants on the subject, you know I have some pretty strong definitions of what I consider a friend. Someone who's willing to go to bat for you, come hell or high water, public opinion be damned. And sometimes, it will cost them dearly. And that doesn't make them falter a heartbeat in lending a hand, or defending you. And they do it not because they know you'll return the favor, or make it up to them. They do it because they believe in you, as a person.

Another true quality I believe every true friend has is the ability to pick you up when you're down. It doesn't have to be major, sometimes just a few words. But the feeling they evoke, the sense of well being? Priceless. Example given - I have a really cool friend, and partner in crime that I met on Twitter. Her name is Shibari. She's put up with more of my bullshit, and ranting, and raving and general stupidity than any human should have to suffer. She's also been able to turn days around , put a smile on my face, when I felt like the goddamn sky was falling down on my head. With a few simple, but heartfelt words. You can't buy that. It has to be given. And when it is, it can make you feel like Superman! Or, at the very least, make you laugh, possibly at yourself, and get you out of the funk you're in. Either way works. But it's SO important!

In conclusion, the moral of this ramble is that if you don't have people in your life like this, then find them. If you have people who are ANYTHING less, or try to hurt you or make you feel less than happy or perfect, then ditch their asses and tell them to get bent. Life is too short, and too painful as is. Be Happy! Have Fun! Run amok and act badly with like minded compatriots!

Be Excellent to Each Other and Get your Gun on!

Whoop that Trick!

2009-02-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

From the Hustle and Flow soundtrack, my favorite war chant - Whoop that Trick!

Because I play to win, and survival's the game...

2009-02-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

I rediscovered an old 2Pac song I happen to love, called Strugglin' It was from his second album, when he was comin' up, and it has lyrics that strike a chord. I'm back in that serious FTW mode. Life has done its level best to see if I would fail, I would fall. I haven't. Now you'd best be prepared for me to take my turn and see if your ass is still standing when I come after you. It's OUR turn to get what's ours! Take no prisoners, assail life! It is true that only the strong survive, so find that core of courage and put yourself on the warpath. Accept no less than what is your due...

A Mushashi quote I just found on Twitter sums it up nicely - With your spirit calm, attack with a feeling of constantly crushing the enemy, from first to last.

Kill at Will and Get your Gun on!

Wherever I may roam

2009-02-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

Life is an adventure, there is no question. Sometimes you reachthe sublime heights of joy. Other times you learn of the depths of misery and despair. I'd mentioned a couple weeks back that a friend of mine, who I'd been in Vegas for my birthday weekend, died in Afghanistan. Had to go pick his body up with his wife last weekend. What was amazing to me was that, while she was sad, she reflected on the good things that were, and how much fun her and her husband, my friend had had together. The amazing daughter they'd created. It was truly inspirational. No doubt, she will have hard times, and I'll try to be there for her. But I know she'll survive, and I believe that she'll even be a stronger woman for it.

Out of the most dire adversity can come true strength. I have been lucky enough to have some incredible friends in my life who have been a constant source of it for me, as hopefully I have been for them. You are not alone. There are people who have your back. That will ride with you, come hell or high water. In spirit, or in flesh, you never walk alone...

Never Falter, Never Fail, Never Die and Get your Gun on!

Never a dull moment

2009-01-29T23:45:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've noticed some rather big changes. Where I used to be a link dumper, this is now becoming my personal therapy session. So is Twitter. I live there, nights anyways, so if you actually want to see my foul mouth and ill-tempered ass in action, go there.

I'm finding life to be full of surprises. From death comes new life. What was written off as beyond any hope of redemption becomes viable again. From fear comes strength. Out of animosity comes love. Odd recalibrations of diametric opposition. A lot of change, mostly for the better. Still trying to get a handle on how life can whipsaw this much, but I guess you just have to take some things on faith. And be thankful for them. While I have had some challenging times recently, it has give me the chance to be very thankful for what I do have. You can choose to be a selfish fuck, completely inwardly focused, or you can make a decision and do something for others, and therefore have them do unto you. I'm not always the quickest to catch on, but I DO eventually get it.

Look for opportunities to help. Start with those closest to you, and then branch out. I'm not suggesting random altruism. I mean bolster your own defences. Those you help closet to you may be your staunchest allies when the chips are down for you. Make your own army!

I have to sign off, but I leaveyou with this one thought - Fear is the little Mindkiller. If you let it rule you, your battle is already lost.

Live Hard and Get your Gun on!

Eddie Izzard explains WWII

2009-01-25T21:02:00.001-08:00

Band of the Hand

2009-01-17T18:17:00.000-08:00

Listen to me Mr. Pussyman
This might be your last night in a bed so soft
We're not pimps on the make, politicians on the take,
You can't pay us off.

We're gonna blow up your home of Voodoo
And watch it burn without any regret
We got the power we're the new government,
You just don't know it yet.

Bob Dylan's song is a poignant reminder to me that it's not about layin' down and accepting the inevitable, but fighting for what's right. I've helped one friend get out of her funk, and now she's on her feet and runnin'. Workin' on helpin' another get a job. On my part, it's been working on getting out of the mire, internal and external, that has allowed me to think some truly dark thoughts lately. Sometimes just surviving the moment, no matter how painful, is all we can and what we need to do. Out of your darkest hour can come your most shining triumph. We will ALL have pain and misery and suffering and Hell that we will go through. But if we remember that we're not alone, tomorrow is another day and that we CAN and WILL survive it, there is NOTHING that can't be done! Should the Man be holding you down, remember to draw a sharp blade and slit his belly. My Scottish ancestors actually developed a blade simply for the act of knifing someone who forced them into submission. Nemo Me Impune Lacessit - No one assails me with impunity...

And remember this, first and foremost - If there are people in your life who are baggage, ditch 'em. A friend, by definition, is someone who is there in your WORST moments. Who doesn't judge you by your fuck-ups, but is there to help pick you up. And kick your ass. And do what needs to be done to get you back on your feet. Anything less is not, by my definition, a friend.

Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory lasts forever

Carpe Jugula, and Get your Gun on!

"Tell my wife and children I love them" with his last breath"

2009-01-11T09:01:00.000-08:00

One of the opening lines to Kid Rock's Amen. A friend of mine was declared KIA seven minutes before I was due to call his wife that his patrol had gone missing 48 hours prior, and was going to be officially declared MIA. His wife knew what's what, and that he'd taken a dangerous job, but talking to his daughter was something I wasn't prepared for. There really is no manual for telling a little girl that her daddy was brave, and protecting folks like her mommy and her, but that he'd fallen in the line of duty and wouldn't be coming back...

Life is too short. Don't make the mistake of thinking that a friend or love one will be around tomorrow. Say what you need to right now. Or regret it later.

And to my brothers and sisters in the 2/1194th, Never Falter, Never Fail and Never Die!

And Get your Gun on!

No Alibies

2009-01-09T22:58:00.001-08:00

I beg your pardon, hello darlin'
This is me you're talkin' to...

Have a friend of almost 20 years who is about to someone I don't talk to ever again. My friends share certain common personality traits with me. Their usually nucking futs. They have no few personality quirks. They may have some disgusting habits. They're almost universally dirtbags. And when they give their word, you can take it to the bank, figuratively and literally.

Until now.

Now, I have a friend who has consistently lied to me. I turned a blind eye, early on, thinking it was just circumstance. No. The evidence was there, I just choose not to see it. Now, after all is said and done, he'd going to have cost me almost $15k. I'd like to say it's not the money, because it is. I went out on a limb to help him. Told him I needed it repaid, quickly. Now I'm getting jacked around. And he's now a debtor, instead of someone who I would have once have gone to the wall for.

Life will throw shit like this at you. It's not always pleasant, and you don't always get what you want. I'm sorry to have lost him, and I hope, for his sake, he eventually gets his shit together. Before someone puts a bullet or two between his eyes...

Beware in Time and Get your Gun on!

And in with the New....

2009-01-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

From what was the train wreck that was 2008, (at least on my end), 2009 is inspiring a renewed sense of optimism, and dare I say hope! Still broke as hell, but that will turn around shortly. Met someone, albeit online, who is shaping up to be a delightful partner in crime and playmate. May or may not go anywhere, but it's nice. I actually feel like things are on an upswing.

And, of course, this all has the possibility of crashing down. But with date roll, I believe, comes a new, clean slate. We can choose our own destinies. It may not turn out exactly the way we want it to, but that's life, and that's OK. I choose to believe I wasn't put on this planet to be alone, or to suffer. With each moment, we make choices. Choose life....

I sincerely hope for the best for all! Get out there and Get YOUR Gun on!

Movie Etiquette

2009-01-03T00:09:00.001-08:00

Out with the Old - In with the New

2008-12-31T18:28:00.000-08:00

*clink clink clink clink* People! It is time to rejoice! We know what a demonic and evil beast was. But the Dragon has been slain! We make feast of its corpse and get ready for a New Year! Celebrate what is to be, not the evil of what was!

1. New Friends and New adventures. While 2008 wasn't exactly my favorite, it did yield a few new gems. Meeting a vixen the likes of Shibari, and a few select others good new friends, have made me look forward to the coming year.

2. Approach the New Year with optimism, and caution. Trouble doesn't go away simply because you make platitudes and hope for the best. Acknowledge the presence of evil, prepare for it, but don't be debilitated by it. Don't go into the dragon's lair blind....

3. Live. It's too easy to get caught up in the miasma and crap that can do it's level best to fuck us up, make us feel like less than we are. Enjoy life for what it offers, and if it isn't doing what you'd like, then make it better!

My send off song for 2008 - Water by Breaking Benjamin. "My engine's runnin' on dry, my head's so fucked up inside..." Lapdance, by NERD will bring in the New!

Now go boldly forward and make 2009 a year that makes them scream YOUR name!

Kick Ass, Take Names, and Get your Gun on!

Second to last post of the year

2008-12-30T23:08:00.001-08:00

Okay, we're almost there. This foul Year of our Lord, 2008, Anno Domini, will soon be put to rest. It's like slaying the evil dragon that's decimated village after village. A rapacious creature hellbent on the wanton destruction of life, and the pursuit of happiness. NEVER! Stand tall, my warriors! Raise your swords on high, Cry Havoc, and let us go once more into the breach, and into a new, brighter tomorrow. Mixed metaphors, anyone?

My ramble's point is that we are done, figuratively and literally with what, (for me, and many of mine), has bee a pretty shitty year. 2009, even if it is 48 hours, (or less) away, is a symbolic, fresh start. Take as little of the pain baggage with you as you can. There WILL be new challenges, but there will also bring new reason to hope, cheer, smile and maybe even have a little fun!

May you have a VERY Happy New Year and Get your Gun ON!!!

Cowgirl of the Day - Ashton Taylor (Merry X-Mas!)

2008-12-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

Check out this hot gallery of Playboy cybergirl Ashton Taylor that I found via Daily Niner. And know I'm going down to the farm soon to see my Cowgirl of the Day...

And to all my friends, I wish I hope you had a very Merry Christmas, and that the Big Man kicked you nothin' but love!

Have Fun and Get your Gun on!

Wallstrip

2008-12-25T10:42:00.000-08:00

Damn, I forgot how funny Julie Alexandria can be! Check out Wallstrip.com...

Blow me away!

2008-12-25T10:41:00.000-08:00

Check out this fun new toy for destroying a friend's website - Net Disaster!

Final Fellatio X-2

2008-12-19T21:40:00.000-08:00

Apparently, this is a RATHER popular game, and I keep getting hits for it. So have at it and get your sex game fix with Final Fellatio X-2....

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-12-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Me! Got this cool song from a good friend, and now I'm making it mine! Now try to imagine four shaved head, scarred drunk, mean lookin' guys singing this song all around Las Vegas....

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Highway to Hell

2008-12-04T20:41:00.000-08:00

No stop signs, speed limits, nobody's gonna slow me down.... This, of course, will be my theme song next Friday as I head off to Vegas for my 41st birthday. You can expect no updates until later the following week after what is sure to be that fiasco. 2 scheduled, 2 tentative fights. A crazy ex-Russian Army Ranger who just got cashiered, 2 knuckleheads who served on different ends of Afghanistan, and a DOD buddy who really has no self control and likes hitting on married women. Two days at the MGM Grand. This could be bad....

Thankfully, I have a week to put my affairs in order, make amends with those I've offended, (and am sure to offend), and make sure that my attorney has a little extra something on retainer, just in case.

I may die. And if so, I could go to my grave knowing I've lived a full and wonderful life with very few regrets. And THAT is something!

And I'll share my best present! Attu got me my own football team!

Have a Great Weekend and Get your Gun on!

More fun over at Cardinal Sin, if you need to be led into temptation....

Boba's Back

2008-11-25T18:30:00.000-08:00

The Agony and The Ecstasy

2008-11-24T21:02:00.001-08:00

Very weird week last week. Four 12 hour days and a whole lot of chaos. Good stuff. What capped it though was finding out a friend wasn't as good as his word. This is a friend I've been through the wars with. He's bailed me out of a couple of tough situations. But he flat out lied to me about something he promised he'd do. And a 20+ year friendship came to an end. I'll tolerate most anything, especially from a friend. But not that. Say you can't do something, I'd understand. This was business, after all. It would have been totally understandable. But he said he'd come through, I counted on the fact he would, and not only did I lose out on some business, but I lost a LOT of face at work. All by something, that if he'd been up front about, could have been avoided. And that's a shame.

On the plus side, I have a new toy - Blip FM. Come check out the Cowboy's new station and rock the fuck out!

And now, your Cowgirl of the Day - Haley Hart

Heathen Love God!!!!

2008-11-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

How can I be so bold as to proclaim that status? Because my ass is now a Minion of the one, the only, the incredible Mia! My favorite little Bunny Rabbit linked me and made my whole damn day! You don't get your ass over and give her some love, you might as well just start runnin' now....

One week away from the beginning of the end of the year - The Holiday season. I like it because it means four day weekends, my Birthday, Christmas and LOTS of days off. There is a Vegas trip in less than a month. There is heathen, drunken celebrations with all my orphan boys and girls who are wayward and had strayed from the family flock. Let the festivities BEGIN!!!

And for your gratuitous hottie moment, Attu gives us Girls we'd like to see playing Guitar Hero...

Come sit on Santa's Magic Lap and Get your Gun on!

Get out your fuckin' checkbook

2008-11-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

Funny or Die gives us a look at my new promo for my used car lot...

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

A New Day in America

2008-11-05T21:59:00.000-08:00

If you are an American, and weren't watching the election, I sincerely hope that it was because an Afghan tribesman was busting rounds in your direction. If you didn't watch history happen last night, you didn't participate, then you have NO RIGHT to bitch about what happens next. For better, or for worse, we have a new President. And while I'm concerned about his lack of experience on any number of fronts, I BELIEVE that this man can motivate and utilize his resources and can give some hope to a embittered country, and world. He has a hard road ahead of him, and likely, he will be bitterly criticized once he takes action, because he TRULY has a no win situation ahead of him. But I hope he CAN pull a rabbit out of the hat, and get the support he needs to take action, to get things done. Good Luck, Mr. President!

/ Political Diatribe

Now a tribute to a long, lost friend - Flip, over at Coolio's! Quit reading my hackneyed crap and see a true master and linkdumper in action. And by all means, scroll down the page and see Obama's 4 November speech again...

Barack Obama, our 44th President

2008-11-05T21:50:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer - I normally vote Republican. Has to do with the fact I'm in financial services, and my views on fiscal policy are conservative. I think John McCain was the better, more experienced candidate of the two. But John McCain was a horrible politician, from a marketing and presence standpoint. Without question, Obama ran a better campaign, (thank you David Axelrod), MOVED people as no other candidate since Kennedy, and with this speech, made his initial mark as our 44th President of these United States....

Obama Speech, Part 2

2008-11-05T21:48:00.001-08:00

Rollin' with Bob Saget

2008-11-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

I have not the words. Watch. Laugh...

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

The Art of War and a hot Cowgirl

2008-10-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

Re-Spect WALK! Are you talkin' to me? There can be nothing more soul satisfying than some good, belligerent metal to end a perfectly worthless Monday. I DO sometimes try to have a somewhat positive attitude, but sheer work stupidity and the accumulated bullshit from the weekend always seems to gang up on me. I fight the good fight, get out at 6:30 - 7 p.m. and take my mad out on the heavy bag. But sometimes it's just not enough, for a man like me. Hence the rant. I still sometimes wonder why we run this treadmill called life, doing what we do, going through the motions when we TRULY don't give a fuck. If I went to work, saw smoking rubble where my office once stood, I wouldn't look back. And I suppose that's bad. But when the eight hours you spend simply equates to a paycheck, not a passion, how are you supposed to feel?

And now for something completely different - Your Cowgirl of the Day

Pipe, Wrench, Fight

2008-10-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

Mia, being a pro. posted another classic vid! Check out Pipe Wrench Fight!

I need a massage...and a lapdance

2008-10-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Moving. What a WONDERFUL experience! Makes you remember muscle groups you'd UTTERLY forgotten about, and how much it sucks when then are sore. So I solicit you, my loyal audience, to go pay for the Swedish Bikini Team to come give me a massage. And a lapdance. Every one of 'em. Send me some viagra/cialis, just in case. And gatorade. And lube. And heart medication. And cocaine/uppers....

I may die, but goddamn it, I'll die with a smile on my face!