Nothing new, nothing unexpected. Overall, a good safe speech for the President.

Dear Dubya,
Some things that stuck out for me.
Lots of initiatives/issues talked about in the speech tonight. Nothing surprising was said and nothing that made me throw up or throw anything at the TV. One thing regarding taxes/deficit/economy though: LETTING THE RICH PAY LESS TAXES HOPING IT WILL BE REINVESTED AND INVIGORATE THE ECONOMY AND BE AN ANSWER TO ALL OUR FISCAL PROBLEMS HAS NOT WORKED IN THE PAST AND HAS NOT BEEN WORKING DURING YOUR ADMINISTRATION. Seriuosly, how long does this have to be an obvious bad stratedgy beofre new tactics are tried. Surplus to deficits happened during your watch.

I agree with your points on alternative forms of energy. I liked the specifics.

Oh BTW Dubya, if you really don't like the division between the parties, do your part to be inclusive, be willing to listen, and show some leadership in setting the example of working together. This is a lesson you should take to heart on social security.

Yes we must support our military, no one is arguing that. It is the unwillingness to be forthright or address the problems happening in Iraq especially with the insurgency clearly being more of a problem than anticipated. If you really do have a good plan of action, there must be some parts you can share with the citizens you expect to fall in line.

You can't cut student loan programs and tout the need to get people into higher education.

Our seniors helped build this great country, they deserve medicare and its programs. And so do I some day. Both parties have plans, both can compromise. (See the point about leadership above)

Talk is cheap, backing it up is the test of your integrity.

Posted by Brent at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Work was so slow today, I was going nuts. It takes awhile for traffic to pick up at a new branch so while some days there is a lot of things to do, some days there us just nothing at all. Even with trying to create and find tasks for myself and six other people, I could only fill two hours of the day today with things to do. The other six hours felt like twelve as the day dragged and dragged and dragged and dragged. Did I mention the day dragged? It sounds good to get paid for a full day when you only work a little bit, but I would rather be busy working than bored out of my superior mind.

Posted by Brent at 08:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The State of the Union speech is coming up. I must remember to buy alcohol before it starts. I need the numbness because he is painful to watch speak, even when totally scripted on a teleprompter.

Posted by Brent at 06:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was reading an article today on the existence of brain scans for lie detectors. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging or fMRI, can study the brain and detect tiny changes in blood flow in where the source of lying comes from, the brain. One medical professional quoted said that it is exactly like looking inside your brain and through questioning, reading your mind.

I would be in so much trouble if people were able to read my mind.

Posted by Brent at 06:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

A report in the Washington Post is saying that at least five Midwestern states are considering bills that would ban protesting at funerals. This legislation is in response to the "Rev" Fred Phelps, who is in a tie with Hitler for the worst waste of skin ever, and his followers. This evil shithead is best known for protesting at funerals of people who are gay. Imagine if you were at a funeral for a loved one and some holier than thou idiot and his flock stood outside and shouted at you as you go to pay your last respects. He has now turned his wrath on and is protesting at funerals of soldiers killed in Iraq. According to this evil non-human being, the deaths of soldiers are god's punishment for U.S. tolerance towards gays.
It's sad that we even have to have any kind of a law that keeps people from protesting at a person's funeral. It is even sadder that there are people like this Phelps person and very scary that he has followers. I like to believe however that most people see him and his kind for the evil jokes of human beings that they are.

Posted by Brent at 06:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (5149)

Tonight I attended a wonderful dinner party at Alison and Paul's house. I got to meet some of A & P's friends and had a great evening of food and conversation. I even was sent home with plenty of leftovers so lunch and dinner are taken care of for the next few days! It was a nice evening and a good way to end the week.

Posted by Brent at 11:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (63)

Posted by Brent at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Alcohol is the best way to end a work week. Especially when it is at a bar really close to home. Friday was bar night with the non annoying people from work. There was a party for someone who is leaving. Lots of happy beverages and heart clogging bar food. Good times.

BTW, why do drinks made by other people seem to taste better than drinks I make myslef?

Posted by Brent at 11:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

How do you deal with someone who is much older than you and you have to train them or more specifically, "change their behavior? This person has been in banking much longer than you, thinks they know everything there is to know, and has made it clear that they do want to learn the operational aspects because it would take away time from sitting at their desk and passing time by making colorful binders for filing things?

I am done asking this person for some time to go over some procedures or trying to set aside time. It is my job to make sure she knows certain aspects of the job, and Monday is ultimatum day. I will tell her we do the training Monday or she gets put in the "employee issues" section of my weekly report that I have to send to the regional manager.

I have better things to do, if you can't be a professional, I'm going to tattle.

Posted by Brent at 10:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Question sent to me from someone whom it was posed to in a discussion group:

At the end of the day are you a perfectionist, anxious, egocentric, who's going to die alone with a million bucks and a thousand regrets...

Or are you the type who can sit and hold hands at the end of the day, enjoy life as it goes by, and think of another person before yourself?

Posted by Brent at 09:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Current favorite TV shows:
- How I met your Mother
- Boston Legal
- Daily Show
- Will and Grace
- House
- King of Queens
- Grey's Anatomy
- Drawn Together
- Countdown with Keith Olberman (news)
- Simpsons (classic)
- Scrubs
- Oldies on TV land and cable (All in the Family, Married with Children, etc)

Do I dare start watching American Idol again this year?

Today I saw an ad for a razor blade with FIVE blades. WTF? Does an artery have to be severed before there is a truce in the war of who can put out a razor with the most blades? Seriously, how close a shave does one need? Layers of my facial skin are disappearing every workday as it is, I don't need any more pieces of sharp metal trying to wear my face down to nerve endings. If only I wasn't too lazy to maintain a beard. I mean the kind on my face, not a girlfriend.

Sometimes I pretend the radio buttons on my steering wheel are phaser controls and I obliterate other cars to get them out of my way. Is it considered road rage if some jackass who never should have gotten a license in the first place is annihilated and there is no evidence left behind? I just do not understand why people, if in the wrong lane that they want to be in and realize it at the very last second, just don't continue on and turn around and come back instead of holding up traffic and almost causing an accident trying to push their way over. It would take thirty seconds to turn around in the next parking lot and come back.

Posted by Brent at 01:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

So we are tyring to get all the details for our big grand opening festivities organized which will include a ribbon cutting, food, and prizes. Also planned is newspaper coverage, the mayor is coming along with local business leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, and many invited guests are also on the agenda. Our genius marketing department also lined up a radio station to broadcast from the branch and promote the opening and give away prizes. The problem is, they got the local rock station whose demographic is like 18-25 year olds, you know the people who have the most money to put in the bank. This was also the station that played Howard Stern before he went to satellite radio. Not necessarily a bad station, but for a bank opening with hand picked invitees based on community status and how much money they have? The regional boss came out today and my boss shared her concern about the radio broadcast being appropriate for a bank and local dignataries. She says, "well let's listen to them now, if marketing approved, they must be good for us." So the first thing we all hear upon turning the dial is a promo for their morning show. An exact quote from one of the personalities: "wouldn't it be great if all women had three breasts and men had three hands?" One phone call later and we now have the local oldies station doing their show from our branch instead.

Posted by Brent at 09:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (459)

... One for the Thumb

One of the Steelers songs being played on radio stations, over and over. It's catchy, gets in your head.

http://www.post-gazette.com/downloads/20060120here_we_go.mp3

Posted by Brent at 09:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I do not advocate military action since our troops are busy elsewhere in the big clusterfuck known as Iraq, but this leading sponsor of terrorism cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Who really believes they just want it for peaceful energy purposes? I think a covert James Bond type of operation needs to be done to sabotage their efforts.

Posted by Brent at 06:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I took my pants to a tailor to get the hem fixed. I tore it out with my foot the other morning. I have got to give myself more time in the morning and not be so much of a hurry. That is a new years resolution I did not keep.

The Steelers are heading to Detroit. I am free if anyone wants to take me to the Superbowl. You buy the tickets and I will pay for parking. That's fair right?

Posted by Brent at 05:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Using a drinking fountain outside a restroom, the water pressure fluctuates at the same time you hear a toilet flushing.

You are at your desk trying to do work and someone who just wants to shoot the breeze sits down uninvited and expects your attention. Umm hello, you can have some of my work to do if you do not have enough.

I cut my finger nails too short and it hurts for three days.

The idiot driver in front of you is day dreaming, yapping on a cell phone, or counting the beads they have hanging for flashing their breasts at Mardi Gras, letting precious time go by and making me get stuck through another light cycle at Pittsburgh's infamous five light, five road intersections. Hey shit-for-brains, you're driving. Pay attention or stay home.

My paycheck is spent before I get it.

Loudmouth idiots are given time on news shows to spew their lunacy.

You have a booger that won't come out when you blow your nose. You can feel it in there, it just doesn't come out. Do you live with it or do you mine for gold?

Posted by Brent at 05:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

My city

In the near future I hope to photograph the city myself, bringing out more of what I experience. There are many landmarks and unique architecture that catch my eye that I would like to photograph. But for now here are some pics of my neighborhood from city sources.

These are all local pics of my neighborhood, everything is within walking distance. Of course there is much more, but this is a good sampling.

My Apt building

Street level

My tunnel commute

Schenley Park

Carnegie Library, a short walk

Up Murray Ave, Barnes and Noble is a frequent destination while out walking

YUM

Movie theater right around corner

Murray Ave and Forbes

Posted by Brent at 12:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

A Long work week, that was actually only four days, ended yesterday. Or to quote a co-worker who was quoting an article from The Onion, "a shit storm of a work week." That little saying will no doubt work its way into the regular sayings we have at our company. It ended on a good note though as me and a couple coworkers from another branch schemed to leave early Friday and have a couple beers to end the week on a high note.

My transfer papers are still screwed up even after being in Pittsburgh for almost two and a half months now. That means my raise that was supposed to start first of the year has not begun yet. I guess I don't need the money so no big deal. Ha, yeah right. At least it will be retroactive back to Jan 1st so I will get a nice lump sum, hopefully in February. There is no sense in bitching about it to anyone because it is the culture of the company, nothing gets done or rolled out in an efficient manner. So cei le vie.

Posted by Brent at 01:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With the high rate of attacks on women in secluded parking lots, especially during evening hours, the Minneapolis City Council has established a "Women Only" parking lot at the Mall of America. Even the parking lot attendants are exclusively female so that a comfortable and safe environment is created for patrons. Picture of the special lot in link below

Posted by Brent at 09:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (143)

Excerpts from a colum by Paul Strand and ran with by the so tolerant folks at CBN regarding the " gay agenda " since the sucess of Brokeback Mountain. My own two cents in bold italics.

WASHINGTON - Brokeback Mountain is the biggest, boldest attempt yet by Hollywood to gain sympathy, if not outright support, for those practicing the homosexual lifestyle.

Umm, it's not something that's " practiced", it's called living. Speaking of living, you should get a life and stop worrying about others.

As CBN News reports, it is not just an isolated effort. There is a well-planned propaganda campaign at work -- a campaign laid out all the way back in the 1980s.

Yeah it's all part of a big plan, not just a movie.

There have been homosexual movies for years, but they are usually marketed to gay and art-house audiences. But not with Brokeback.

"They are marketing Red State, Bush-country America," Kupelian said.

Wherever eyes and minds need to be opened.

"The main thing,” the authors said, “is talk about gayness until the issue becomes thoroughly tiresome…You can forget about trying right up front to persuade folks that homosexuality is a 'good' thing. But if you can get them to think it is just 'another' thing, meriting no more than a shrug of the shoulders -- then your battle for legal and social rights is virtually won."

Oh the horror, acceptance and rights. It must be so hard trying to be a good Nazi these days with so many people trying to live together in this world.

Some day I may pontificate more on this, god knows I have things to say, but I don't have the strength tonight.

Posted by Brent at 08:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Had the big pow wow today about the changes to job and compensation. That means it was another day spent downtown. I kind of like having our noon meetings in the city because rather than going to my branch in the morning and heading back downtown, I just don't go to the office first so I get to sleep in. The info we got was about what I expected. The jobs between managers are simply getting more defined. I am an operations manager and they are basically drawing a distinction between operations and sales by having an ops manager and a Sales Manager. I am still responsible for some sales numbers, but the main focus is operations which consist of audits, compliance, employee issues, training, and the like. The compensation side was made so as not to have bonus and incentive pay depend so much on sales for my position. The incentive pay is still there, just not based heavily on sales. And it will be paid monthly instead of quarterly. I am optimistic it will be a positive change. I will just have to see if those monthly numbers equal or surpass a full quarters numbers

Posted by Brent at 08:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Corporate Lesson 1:
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower, when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next door neighbour. Before she says a word, Bob says, "I'll give you $800 to drop that towel." After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 dollars and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks, "Who was that?" "It was Bob the next door neighbour," she replies. "Great!" the husband says, "did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?"

Moral of the story: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Corporate Lesson 2:
A priest offered a lift to a Nun. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?" The priest apologized "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak." Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, "Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory."

Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.

Corporate Lesson 3:
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish." "Me first! Me first!" says the admin. clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world." Poof! She's gone. "Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life." Poof! He's gone. "OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."

Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.

Corporate Lesson 4:
A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A rabbit asked him, "Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?" The crow answered: "Sure, why not." So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested. A fox jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very high up.

Corporate Lesson 5:
A turkey was chatting with a bull. "I would love to be able to Get to the top of that tree," sighed the turkey, but I haven't got the energy." "Well, why don't you nibble on my droppings?" replied the bull. "They're packed with nutrients." The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree. Soon he was spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.

Moral of the story: Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won't keep you there.

Posted by Brent at 08:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

That is all, back to my nap.

Posted by Brent at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I had hopes for Pittsburgh to get back into winter mode the last couple days as the temperatures dropped and flakes started to fall briefly from the sky. However, my hopes were soon dashed as the flakes stopped without so much as a lingering dusting on my car windshield. In fact today the sun was out and I went to the self wash car wash and cleaned not road salt, but just plain old road dust off my car and even vacuumed out the interior. Maybe doing that will make it snow. If nothing else I am sure it will at least rain now. Pucker up Ms. Nature.

Posted by Brent at 02:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Just got back from seeing Brokeback Mountain, which opened in Pittsburgh tonight, with Alison and Paul. It was great movie. To quote Alison, it was " wonderfully depressing. " It was not totally what I was expecting. From the preview hype and stories I heard I was expecting more of a single plot about the relationship between the characters played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger. Rather, there were unexpected story lines with both going off and living " straight " lives with spouses and kids through the 1960s and 70s. As a gay man, it impressed me how this movie can cross gay/straight lines without stereotypes and be a movie that shows two human beings. To me it is more real world than many of the stereotyped people and situations we see in movies. It is nice to see this aspect in a big Hollywood blockbuster. And Heath Ledger does an excellent job of portraying a man torn between decisions he makes. The chemistry between the stars is evident very good and really showcases their talent. I could go more into the story but to save from spoiling it for anyone, I suggest you see it on your own. Gay, Straight, or alien from outer space, it is a good flick to put on your must see list.

Posted by Brent at 10:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

A local prosecutor in Michigan is being investigated for checking the background of a judge through the law enforcement computer system. This system is supposed to be used for background checks and arrest records during official business only such as traffic stops, arrests, and investigations. It seems he did it because he did not like the way the judge ruled in a DUI case that his office prosecuted and wanted to dig something up on her.

For me this kind of thing, that I am sure happens more than we know, helps prove that given the tools, there will always be some people that will invade privacy and abuse their authority. Some kind of promised code or honor system intended to make people play by the rules cannot be enough reason to give up rights to government. Spying on and investigating American citizens without going through courts or a cause process is a dangerous direction to take. And people in government requesting or expecting this kind of leeway scares me little bit.

Posted by Brent at 06:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Random thoughts while waiting to be picked up for movie night.

I cut my tongue on a Krunchers potato chip today. Those things are hard. It was a major slice too, big bloody napkin and all. My coworkers did not believe it was a chip, but it was. I should go back to Panera and stick my tongue out at the manager, maybe I can get a free lunch.

I wonder just how big of an incompetent fuckwad you have top be to work at the Pennsylvania DMV. I mean seriously, is there a test given at hiring that determines how big a dolt you are and those people are given the job of handling phone inquiries? I am sick of being in phone hell whenever I call a so called customer helpline.

It is 68 degrees today. This is ridiculous. We are supposed to be buried in fun white snow by now. I will have to kick my snow dance a notch. BAM.

Work has been getting busier, it is good though. The day goes by faster.

Posted by Brent at 06:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

It has been way warm the last week or two. It will get close to 60 on friday. Where is the snow? I do not like spring time in January. I shall go outside and do my snow dance.

Posted by Brent at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by Brent at 10:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

My bus ride was successful which was good. Totally worth $3.50 (1.75 for two buses in a.m.) and the $1.75 for the ride home since the alternative is $12 to $14 for parking depending on how far you want to walk and the hassle of driving downtown in rush hour. The all day meeting/seminar was boring as it was a re-cap of information I have gotten before in Michigan but it is easier for someone in corporate to make it mandatory for everyone rather than figure out who needs to go and who does not.

I learned today that my title is changing and even my pay structure. The title I was expecting, but going from base salary and incentive quarterly bonus program to base salary and monthly incentive compensation was news to me. According to my bosses, they think I should make more in the new program than I do on the current plan. I am skeptical because big corporations do not usually make changes that will cost them more. But I can see the reasoning behind it and will give it a chance. Like I have a choice, but better to have a good attitude about it. My raise also starts this month and will be retroactive to January 1st, so that is a bright spot. I am wanting to strangle a particular coworker a bit less this week so that is good.

Posted by Brent at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

If a cat poops in your desktop Zen garden, does raking it bring you peace?

Posted by Brent at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

There are changes coming at my work; organizational and title changes along with re-assignment of duties. The skepticism here among employees is not too bad. I am a bit more skeptical than others because I know that my company does not institute change well. It is usually a scenario where things get rolled out and fixed later rather than thoroughly thought out in the beginning. This has, in the past, caused low morale and people feeling like they were left hanging in the lurch while figuring out where they fit in. good employees have left the company because of this. I think that since Pennsylvania is a smaller region, the changes will come with less impact. I am also optimistic that they will be for the better. I personally have been told that I will like the changes. Once again I will be optimistic and have a positive attitude, may as well go into it expecting the best because attitudes can effect outcomes.

Posted by Brent at 03:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Tomorrow is another meeting Downtown at Gulf Tower, company headquarters here in Pittsburgh. Once again rather than fighting rush hour city traffic and paying $12 for parking, I will be boarding a bus and letting someone else get me there. The last time I attempted this, the journey was less than successful. In fact, I think a bus ride that requires one to be picked up in a car quite far from the planned destination is probably the most unsuccessful it can get. Long story short, Alison rescued me in the morning and Paul rescued me in the evening and I did not get my moneys worth from the Pennsylvania Port Authority bus system. But I am determined this time will be different, although I will remind them to keep cell phones handy. I am finding my street that I need to transfer at in the morning and at the end of the day I will remember where the last stop is that is closest to my apartment before I get chauffeured out to BFE in the dark of night.

Posted by Brent at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Occupation of Iraq.

Soviet style eavesdropping on American citizens on American soil ignoring US laws then publicly declaring on the record his office to be above our laws thus making a mockery of the US Constitution provisions of checks and balances. Ghost of Nixon?

Numerous recess appointments to subvert congressional oversight or investigation on jobs that require Senate approval. Um, could that be because of the lack of offering unqualified candidates since searches only happen within the inner circle of his administration.

Strained relations with allies around the globe and worsening relations with those that we should be seeking common ground or compromise. The world is getting smaller, can our government search for ways to provide security without shutting us off from the rest of the world?

Views on civil rights? Enough said.

I certainly do not have all the answers, but it amazes me how the Bush administration can be so bad at working on public perception.

Posted by Brent at 02:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I am seriously thinking of joining a local running club. They meet three times a week to run the trails in Schenley Park and streets through my neighborhood. It would be kind of a social outlet too as eating out is the norm after runs and dues and volunteer time go to help local charities. I used to run regularly back in the day. And more recently I started again while still in Michigan after I sold my bicycle before moving, just a couple miles a few nights a week after work. I have only gone out for a run a couple times since moving to Pittsburgh, opting instead for long walks through the hills of Squirrel Hill and the stair wells of my building.

Posted by Brent at 01:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

My Caribou Coffee drinking partner is sick, so I am on my own to read the Sunday paper, play on my computer, and people watch while downing some dark roast caffeine filled goodness. In a coffee shop, I spy . . . .

Huge lady in a huge fur coat that looks like it has not been cleaned since she bought it in 1950. You look like a giant pile of road kill.

An elderly couple sitting down nearby and obviously getting their first cell phone, complaining to each other about how the cell phone store next door is ripping them off by charging them to get wireless service when the already have a line in their house. Should I interject and tell them the horse and carriage has been replaced by a magical space age motorized contraption?

Two young girls who are allowing people behind them to order while they decide and that customer thanking them. They then say it is just good manners. That is refreshing these days.

A man needing a coffee fix who, from all appearances, has not been near a shower, razor, or comb in several days and whose sole effort undertaken in leaving the house today was to put on a stained Steelers jersey. Could everyone please let him go to front of line so he can get out of here before the grossness decides to linger.

Many random and neutral people quietly and quickly entering and leaving with their orders. Stop and do something to amuse me please. Dance Rummy, dance.

Another person typing on a laptop across the room. Is he doing homework, playing games, writing a letter or what? Perhaps he is sitting there in all his superiority making notes about the people around him.

Posted by Brent at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The Picto-Personality Test You are a person who is incredibly tranquil and values peace above all else. When alone, you like to relax and do exactly what you feel like doing at the time. You are romantic, and when you are with your partner you like to woo them with your imagination. In the future you will have a good family life and lots of friends.

Take this Test at QuizGalaxy.com

Posted by Brent at 10:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Drivers that do not let you merge

Customers that just cannot see how wrong they are and how right I am.

Weak coffee, stupid gas station brown water. I was desperate.

Warm weather. WTF, it is January and 48 degrees. I want snow.

Posted by Brent at 06:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Saw The Producers the other night. It was part of the New Year Eve festivities with Paul and Alison. It was good. Very lively and very funny, the action never slows down. Mathew Broderick and his facial expressions are hilarious and Nathan Lane is, well, Nathan Lane. Uma Thurman also stars as the leggy showgirl along with other recognizable faces playing unusual characters. Plus, who knew you could laugh about Hitler. Political correctness has no place in this production with its Dancing Grannies.

Next on the list to see:
Brokeback Mountain
Rumor Has It
Fun With Dick and Jane
King Kong

Posted by Brent at 06:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Summarized from an article in The Washingotn Post.
Jack Abramoff, a lobbyist and Washington insider is cutting a deal with the Feds in his corruption case after pleading guilty to fraud, tax evasion, and bribery. I know it is not shocking to hear of someone in Washington being less than honest, but the interesting part that has yet to come out is the information he is required to give as part of his plea deal. He is to provide evidence about members of congress whom he has lavished contributions, trips, jobs for spouses, etc. So it will be interesting to see who gets tangled up in this latest debacle.

Posted by Brent at 06:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

2006 is here. What the heck happened to 2005? And I thought we were supposed to be flying around in hover cars and jet packs by now. Computers were supposed to make paper obsolete and Jupiter was going to be a vacation destination. Maybe I watch too much TV? Anyhoo, 2005 started out not bad but kind of boring and uneventful with the first few months just bringing more of the same in life. Same job, same apartment. It got a bit more interesting when a work promotion gave me a little more hope in my job and a little more money in my paycheck. But then I was bored again and more contemplative about life in general. This brought a trip to Pittsburgh, which led to more contemplation and the big move. New apartment, new surroundings, and new experiences. Same job, but in many ways completely new since the differences between Michigan bank and Pennsylvania bank are like night and day. Miss the family, friends, and some of the coworkers in Michigan, but also happy to be with family here and nice new coworkers. So that leaves resolutions for 2006. Some are the obligatory ones that everyone has every year, but I am also trying to be creative to go along with the whole new life/attitude thing I got going on. I will try to be realistic too.

Exercise more. The hills in Pittsburgh help, and 20 more lbs gone would be awesome.

Read more. I enjoy a good book and with all the time I spend in coffee shops, no excuses. Just maybe I could watch less TV? Difficult, but an attainable goal.

Save money, invest more, and pay off credit cards. I kick myself for running them up. Having a nice chunk of money in savings is a great feeling and brings some peace of mind.

Ride cycles more, bicycle and motorcycle. Scenery, roads, and hills in the greater Pittsburgh area are perfect for both hobbies. What a good way to see more of my new state.

Stop over thinking things all the time. Just take things as they are and go with the flow more. This trait can be good in my work life as being anal is necessary to be a lawfully compliant banker, but personally and after 5:30 I will worry less. This process has begun with baby steps already so just need to grow this mindset little by little.

Drink less coffee. HA, just kidding.

Take pictures. I lack pictures of family and friends.

Along that line, I would like to add photography as a hobby.

Give back to community and my fellow man. Volunteer, spread goodwill, give more to charity, whatever it takes to become more involved in the world I live in.

Rally against ignorance and those who hate. The world is getting smaller and selective reasoning, closed minds, and ignoring reality aint gonna cut it. I am all for family values, faith, and the like, but get a clue. Or at least listen when someone disagrees.

Well, that is the short list that hits the overall agenda. I guess there are also smaller related goals that fit into the categories above but the main points have been hit.

Posted by Brent at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)