Please tell me this election will not be decided by race. What year is this anyway? When you see Obama, do you see a color? Say what you will about him personally, his politics, his intentions or his career. You can even bad mouth his family if you want. Just don't tell me you are voting based on his color. That's just effin pathetic.

New Poll Reveals
Trouble for Obama

He Hasn't Closed Racial Gap
Is US Ready for Black President

After reading this article, I'm not entirely convinced at this poll's accuracy anyway. (I know...Wow...an inaccurate poll...You don't say!) It sure seems like this is just another example of shock headline journalism. Its not news to anyone that African Americans tend to vote democratically. It doesn't matter who is running. Of course, there are exceptions, but look at the history...Seventy something percent of African Americans voted for Clinton. Seventy plus percent for Jimmy Carter. Eighty plus percent for George Wallace for crissakes!

This is not newsworthy, nor is it headline-worthy. While I don't doubt that there is still widespread racism and hatred in this country, the fact that there may be such a gap in Obama's "approval" does not make the leap that his campaign is in trouble because he "hasn't closed the racial gap". And yet, mainstream America eats this crap up, with a bent fork and a dull knife. Once again, all I can do is sigh...

* SIGH *

Make an informed decision people! For the love of God, think for yourselves! Vote for who you believe will do the best job as leader of this country and who will best represent YOU on the worldwide political stage.

If you're voting because you just can't "pull the lever" for the black guy, you don't belong in MY country. If I may speak on the behalf of Senator McCain: (I'm sure he'd say yes...*ahem*) "We don't want your vote, you racist mutha !!!"

ps-

The nationwide telephone poll was conducted with 1,796 adults, and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points. In an effort to measure views of different races, the survey included larger-than-usual minority samples — 297 blacks and 246 Hispanics — with a margin of sampling error of six percentage points for each subgroup. Purposely skewing the poll to include MORE minorities in their sampling is self-serving and irresponsible journalism. But, it does support their attention grabbing and shock headline, now doesn't it????

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We've become a nation of self-absorbed pansies, liars, pussies, cheats and thieves 'led' by a bunch of  say-anything to-get-elected politicians. Regardless of how November goes, I weep for our future. (old line borrowed from Ferris Bueller so as not to take what follows below toooo seriously....)

The economy that made this nation great has almost been eradicated from the face of this Earth. If you don't believe that, you haven't been to Pittsburgh or Detroit recently. Our future as an economic power is firmly hinged upon the US dollar. And, the dollars' saving graces appear to be, currently and logistically, housed in the Bay Area and New York. Soon, perhaps Manhattan goes the way of the steel and auto industries...If one of these major banks "fail", batten down the hatches and reopen those long dormant bunkers, folks. We've got all the ingredients of a catastrophic, self-fulfilling "prophecy cake" laid out on the counter. It just needs to be mixed and put in the oven to make it happen. We're that close.

/// Sidenote for those of you that are investors: If Charlie Gasparino doesn't shut his G-D mouth (every time he opens it, he sells 300 more of his books and the markets find something else to worry about...) I am going to fly up to Manhattan and...well...I've heard people can get prosecuted for internet threats and he's just the type to track me down so that he can sell some more books and make another headline, so I'll let discretion be the better part of valor today... ///

While I'm not favoring either of the two candidates, check this scenario: Americans are so fed up with all the current administrations' b.s.--and I am not downplaying that at all--Obama gets elected in November because we all blindly and desperately yearn for change; and gasoline continues its meteoric rise (both are not only possible, but perhaps likely...), so real estate continues to languish. Then Obama starts slapping the already beleaguered American public with taxes they already can't afford, due to overspending and irresponsible fiscal policy (don't start with the "it will only effect the top 1% of incomes" argument. It doesn't ring true.) or removing current incentives, and we will be in a tailspin this generation, and perhaps the one before it, has never seen. I'm not kidding. The consumer accounts for 70% of our GDP. You think Ma and Pa Jones are still gonna be able to tap their home equity lines (WHAT home equity line???) to pay for the gas in their 9 year old Ford Explorer...nevermind to pay their taxes??? Start saving your pennies, friends. This doomsday scenario may ultimately not play out, but the likelihood is growing every single day. This is one nasty storm headed our way if something doesn't change soon... 

Further, if McCain somehow gets in, I'm far from convinced that we would be saved. I am absolutely not touting him as our saviour. He's not. But, for me, he's the lesser of two evils. Obama is not the answer to what this country needs. Sorry, to my predominantly liberal Voxhood, but he's just not. All we know is that we want change, so anything opposite the Bush 'legacy' will solve this country's problems. And, thus, it appears I will once again vote from my silent soapbox, stationed firmly in Purgatory (and home to the hanging chad) for the candidate that I feel LEAST uneasy about...*sigh*   Obama brings hope to the American public. I share that hope. I want this to be a better country. I've just never been one to employ hope as an effective strategy for anything...

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If you are early for an appointment at your client's office, take note of your surroundings and NEVER decide to clean out your car while in the same parking lot as an abortion clinic...

...especially if your backseat has wire hangers in it.

Not a fun morning for me. At all.

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As of this week, I've lived in the same general area for 20 years. Draw a 75 mile radius around where I live now, and I've called it home since the late 1980's. Ahhhh, South Florida....Paradise for a bazillion people; hell for a handful. Guess which side I weigh in on?

I'm not going to turn this into another rant, as the most recent themes of my posts have been ranting and negative. I believe it has alienated much of my already small hood. With few exceptions, I don't think anyone would really care if I vanished into just another Vox ghost on your member page anyway. But, I digress... 

My first career as a Naval officer brought me to Florida initially. As a young and brash Navy pilot, Pensacola, home to the Navy's officer flight training school, was my first introduction to this state. I loved Florida then. I lived on Perdido Key, just a couple of miles from the Alabama state line. The area was beautiful, pristine and calm. And, Skynyrd was always on the radio! Florida was a Godsend to me then. Well, it was, at least through the spring and summer months. Then, I was introduced to the bizarre concept of "snowbirds". By October of my first year here, my once peaceful single lane highway that took me to and from Pensacola NAS became clogged and crowded with these "birds". They would descend upon all of my places in flocks...my grocery store, my eating establishments, my hangouts, my beach. They'd leave their feathers and dung all over my corner of this world and then they'd be gone, as quickly as they came. (though the brevity of their stay never seemed quite so short at the time...) Their migrations were nothing more than a curiousity at the time. It is a source of neverending consternation now, 20 years later.

After flight school, and a year or so abroad with my first squadron, I returned to Florida, stationed in Jacksonville NAS. I didn't like or dislike Jax. I was growing in my Navy career, flying missions in Gulf 1 and, with flight pay and hazardous duty pay, I was beginning to save some scratch for the first time in my life. I was too distracted to notice the comings and goings of my neighbors since I was doing a good bit of coming and going myself. But, Jax was a military city if their ever was one, with three major bases within 20 miles of each other. The snowbird effect was not as pronounced in Jacksonville as Pensacola, but the transient nature of its many military 'residents' added a different source of the migrating flocks that swarmed around my burgeoning life in this state.

I'll condense the next 10 years or so in a few choppy and perhaps non-sensical (to you) phrases:

Met my (now ex) wife

Left military to be with her more than 6 months of the year

My post military career grows like a sewer-fed Florida gator

Realized I didn't like my wife quite as much I first thought (the feelings were mutual)

A late marriage/separation 'error in judgement' turned myself into the ex's baby-daddy

Fatherhood becomes number one priority (no regrets--K is and always will be the best thing in my life)

I grow accidental and somewhat reluctant roots here in South Florida, to afford K some non traditional semblance of a family unit.

*sigh*

I've got a lot of history here in Florida now, and yet, like the many migratory birds that make it temporary residence (and the millions of people that curiously personify and mimic the avian species), I do not call it home. Perhaps few actually do and that is why there is no community pride or civic involvement here.

There are few, if any, organized adult athletic leagues. There is little support for our sports franchises, even those with some history. And, you want to talk about bandwagon fans??? Holy crap. As a lifelong Red Sox fan, I suffered through a lifetime of mediocre teams, crushing defeats and heartbreak seasons (Its obviously easy to be a fan with their recent success). But, I was always a fan and always supported them. Yes, even when they were in last place. Florida Marlins games are rarely more than half full, despite a good bit of young talent, a winning team and two World Series rings in their short existence. Why? Because there are so many like me, that live here and don't call it home. It may have taken me 20 years to figure out why I don't like living here, and the answer was simple....This just isn't home. The word itself connotes comfort, contentment, and peace. I'm sure I'm the cause of my own discontent, but nevertheless, I possess none of these here, and likely never will. Boston is home...even if I am relegated to living out the rest of my life here in the Swamp, also known as God's Waiting Room.

Some of you may say, "So quit yer bitchin and change it!" This does not fall on deaf ears. I am usually the first person to stand up and tell people to change their life if they don't like it. It won't change by itself, and I am not one of those people that "allows things to happen". I make it happen, or it doesn't happen...period. Maybe I am no different than the previously mentioned and forsaken snowbirds. I am, perhaps, the beautifully colored bird that dreams of flying away, never realizing that its wings have been clipped and there is little possibility of doing so. I am, to a great extent, mired in the Everglade-muck marsh that is the circumstances of my life. I can't leave my clientele, who have depended on me for 15 years now. Morever, I simply can't leave my K. My devotion to both, but predominantly to K, is beyond question.

I'm really not sure where I'm going with this post now. I started this post wanting to reflect upon my own personal growth over 20 years...Having become a much more accepting, unselfish, tolerant, and giving human over 2 decades...I am a great partner in the law firm of life: Deus, Pater, Populi and Greenberg, LLC.  haha    Now? Pfft. *shaking head* Well...

In short, I know there are indeed many worse places to have planted some accidental roots. And, the (crab)grass is always greener in Colorado. (right?!) These roots may ultimately be nothing more than some deep seeded weeds that happened to have sprouted a couple of beautiful blooms from their unremarkable stems over 20 years. Only time will tell if these unique and gorgeous flowers will thrive here and are indeed worth the current sacrifice, but, it sure feels like it is. (I am referring metaphorically to K and my career, the two positives that keep me here.) The hot Florida sun shines down on them every day, and brings them life that reflects back upon me. That, is the sole reason behind my reluctant smile...

Perhaps another 20 years in the Swamp won't be so bad after all...

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Exhibit A, for my recent rant posts. What makes these two douches think that stealing someone's identity and using their credit is ok? There are indeed criminals capable of far worse....after all, they didn't kill  anyone, but still... This is the kind of thing that just makes me want to throw up my hands and pack it all in. What happened to an honest day's work for an honest day's pay?

Jet-setting Philadelphia Couple to Admit Fraud

In this photo released by the Philadelphia Police Department, shown is Jocelyn Kirsch,and Edward Anderton of Everett Wash. Kirsch, and Anderton, accused of stealing the identities of more than 16 people to live expensively and travel the world in style, have agreed to plead guilty to federal charges, an attorney said Monday may 12, 2008. Their alledged fraud scheme, estimated at over $100,000 in the past year alone, paid for jaunts to Paris, London and Hawaii. And, no trip around the world on a stolen dime would have been complete without Kirsch's stop at a salon for $1,700 worth of hair extensions!  

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A review, by the venerable music enthusiast, Crush:

Death Cab for Cutie's (DCFC) new album, Narrow Stairs, is due for release next week. Even though this isn't technically indie music anymore (the band signed a major contract a few years ago), DCFC has its roots firmly planted in the indie arena.

I wasn't a fan of this band until recently. They've drifted on and off of my personal music radar screen over the past few years, as they've grown in popularity, but always escaped my interest. Yet, I can't get enough of their latest single, I Will Possess Your Heart. This is a song you'll either love or hate, in part due to the 4 minute plus instrumental "intro". In my opinion, the intro is what makes this song so unique and likeable. There are haunting keyboard chords pounding feverishly, between a stiff and memorable bass line. It builds to an emotive crescendo once the lyrics do finally kick in. There aren't many lyrics to begin with. What few words are included, seem simple and sophomoric on paper. Combine them, though, with the musical indulgence of each of the band's musicians, and you have a modern day masterpiece, albeit not one made for radio play or mass appeal. (Was indie music ever destined or desired for radio waves?)

There's also plenty of echo and reverb that offset the melodic tones, giving it an edginess that almost feels misplaced in this song....almost. They clash with the enunciating velvet voice of Ben Gibbard, the band's singer and keyboardist, but somehow it all works. In a few words, I'd characterize it as hardcore emo-indie. And, its good.

The video aint too bad either. You can feel the song's "author" stalking the subject femme fatale. (Does anyone recognize the actress? She looks familiar, but I can't place her.) The video goes a long way to justify the 4 minute intro. You can feel her angst and confusion; his frustration and hope. He's in her head, but he wants more. He wants to possess her heart, her being. She feels him, as she journeys in far reaching corners of the world. She is depicted in day and night; cold climes and warm; north, south, east and west....traveling the world alone, and yet she's not necessarily lonely. He's with her in spirit, but is she happy that he accompanies her in this way or is she attempting to run from his grip? Is she sullen or determined? Is she content in her solitude? Depressed or merely contemplative? That's up to your interpretation, and may be dictated by the station of your own personal love life, I'd guess. 

The first time I heard this, I wasn't sure if I liked it or not. It took a second and third listen to know I did. You don't have to be an indie music fan to appreciate this, but even if you are, you won't necessarily like it! Its unique and eclectic and catchy and maybe even a little annoying, depending on your mood. It is emotive, if nothing else. I like it. Hope you do as well. My guess is that the musicians in my hood will enjoy it. The music enthusiasts that might not have ever "played" music, may not... Meh. Just a hunch. Its a good 8 minute distraction from your workday or a great lead-in to your music-filled weekend...Enjoy!

the album is to be officially released on Tuesday, May 13

I Will Possess Your Heart OFFICIAL VIDEO

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Red Sox-Yankees Dispute Turns Deadly

NASHUA, N.H. (May 5) - After a Red Sox-Yankees argument spilled outside a bar, a Yankee fan aimed her car at a group of people to scare them and didn't brake, hitting and killing a man, authorities and witnesses said.

The Red Sox-Yankees rivalry took a deadly turn over the weekend when Ivonne Hernandez, a New York fan, allegedly struck and killed a Boston fan with her car. Check the gallery to revisit other shocking moments from one of the most heated rivalries in sports.

The Yankees fan, Ivonne Hernandez , was arraigned Monday on reckless second-degree murder and drunken driving charges and was held without bail. She did not enter a plea.

Hernandez , 43, was speeding early Friday toward a small group that included the man, Matthew Beaudoin, 29, and never hit her brakes, a prosecutor said Monday.

"She accelerated at a high speed for about 200 feet. She went directly at this group of people," prosecutor Susan Morrell said. "She indicated to police that she wanted to scare this group of people. She thought they would get out of the way."

Beaudoin died of massive head trauma at a hospital, Morrell said.

Hernandez , of Nashua, was arrested at the scene. She said she had been drinking and refused to take a breath-alcohol test, said Morrell. Hernandez said she had been in an argument with the group.

Hernandez 's public defender, James Quay, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Authorities won't describe the argument, but witnesses said it heated up when Hernandez identified herself as a New York Yankees fan. Like the rest of New Hampshire, Nashua, 45 miles northwest of Boston, is Red Sox country.

Bartender Tanya Moran said the argument spilled outside, and at least one person in a group that included Beaudoin began chanting against the Yankees when they saw a Yankees sticker on Hernandez 's car.

Hernandez allegedly gunned her car and struck Beaudoin and Maria Hughes, 21. Hughes had only minor injuries, which Beaudoin's sister Faith said was because her brother shielded Hughes, a friend.

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Vox has been such a useful resource in helping me deal with the girlfriend's bulimia (again, thank you all!) that I thought I would seek advice on another topic:

I'm in the market for a trail or mountain bike. I've done some research, but its overwhelming for a novice like me. The last bike I bought was a 10 speed Italian racer. It is probably 15 years old now. I'm looking for something a bit more modern and hip...something that will make me want to ride in between run days. I was close to buying a 29 inch Motobecane today and read some negative things, so I thought I'd check in here before I go any further.

Armed with my limited knowledge, but none of it firsthand, here's what I think I want:

*29 inch wheels

*at least 20 speeds

*a comfortable and ergonomic seat for long rides

*lightweight, but doesn't have to be the lightest. Something around 25 pounds is fine. I know some bikes can be as light as 19 or 20 pounds. I don't need that or the pricetag associated. (most of these seem to run $1800 or more)

*I'm willing to spend as much as $1200 or even $1500, but my target price range is $600-$1000. I've seen a few 2007 models that appear to have everything I want or need for under $1000. Owning the latest and greatest 2008 model is not a priority for me.

What I'm looking for from you is a reliable brand or manufacturer, a good retailer, and maybe even a specific model recommendation. You might even advise me as to an absolute necessity that I may have overlooked (brakes seem like an obvious feature, and I don't think I need the $800 version. If the brakes stop me from moving forward or backwards without putting me over the handlebars, I'm good with that.

Also keep in mind that I live in Florida. The highest point of land is 119 feet above sea level (*coughing*  that barely qualifies as a hill !) and we frequently have over 95% humidity (ah, I love Florida for so many different reasons....hope you noted the sarcasm). That may come into play in the bike's composition, but I'm not sure.

Feel free to PM me if its easier or better for you. THANKS!

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I'm feeling quite cynical and pessimistic these days. Throw in a heaping measure of negativity, and you've got one cranky, crotchety Crush. I've resisted the urge to post much. Everyone has issues in their life. Why would anyone want to read about someone else's woes, issues, and pessimism especially when they can appear quite trivial compared to most?

After a short PM conversation with one of my select and beloved hood mates, I've decided to post what was on my mind today, despite its cynical nature. As she puts it : "You should let it out.  If you can't spew negativity and cynicism on your own personal blog, to a bunch of people you don't know, then who CAN you spew on? "  She's right. While I don't personally know any of you (my choice, and my apologies) I do feel some connection to the handful of you that bother to drop by on occassion. So, with apologies in advance for its curt and negative tone, here's what I've been thinking all morning:

You know those Liberty Mutual insurance commercials characterizing the theme of "pay it forward"? Here's a couple:

Liberty Mutual Ad (1st edition): "Half Acre"

Liberty Mutual Ad (2nd edition): "The Part Where You Let Go"

Feels good right? Makes you feel good about yourself and the bazillion people you share this place with? Good. Then you should exit this blog and go about the rest of your day with that feeling. Go ahead... Go!  Be gone with you!

*whistling*

*waiting*

*tapping foot anxiously*

NO? Still here? Ok, but be forewarned....Good mood/buzzkill ahead:

You really wanna know what I think of those ads?

Pure, unadulterated and complete bullshit.

(You asked for it, and I warned you...)

I can't tell you how many times over the past few months that I have gone out of my way to assist my fellow man/woman only to watch in disgust and contempt when there is no gratitude expressed, no thank you, no pay-it-forward. I'm not looking for any recognition or award. And, no, I don't want a medal. (I have several that I earned while protecting the taken-for-granted freedoms of a bunch of thankless gen Y'ers.) Just a simple nod, acknowledgement or inspired good deed would have been nice...

Everyone completes a good act every now and then. I'm no altruistic, compliment-monger. I simply would like to see my fellow man, having evolved into something above the hunched over, grunting Cromagnon incapable of human compassion, or gratitude.

So, when you watch me give up my seat to a mother and her baby, and you continue to sit your fat, 23 year old, sideways-cap-wearing, cell-phone-talking ass in your seat, while the elderly woman next to you struggles to hold the handrail (she almost fell in your lap twice and you looked at her annoyed that she kept bumping into you), you can bet that I will publicly humiliate you the way I did. I would only be a true cynic if I felt good about humiliating you this morning. You know what? I did.

I'm tired of sharing this planet with the self-absorbed, entitlement-mentality, self-indulgent buffoons that seem to crawl out from under every single rock in my path. I'm quickly becoming the maladjusted cynic that I thought I could never be...

Perhaps I only need to pack up and finally leave this God forsaken swamp (the paradise that is Florida...ha! ) once and for all. Or, could it be that this viral infection permeates us as a country? Or, worst of all, can it be that the entire human race is actually DE volving??? I know. I know....Let " it " begin with me, right?  *sigh*  I'm exhausted.

And there you have it....Now, go and "HAVE A NICE DAY!"  (insert retro smiley face on yellow t shirt here) 

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Since I seem to have been relegated to reminding everyone around me of the lesser known, (but no less important) holidays and observances, I want to take this opportunity to scream:

IT'S EARTH DAY, MOTHER EFFER!

Can I just tell you how annoying it is to live on the same planet with 95% of you? (As M points out, that's probably on the high side...I'm not a cranky SOB that can't get along with anyone. I was just seething when I wrote this.) You're supposed to be my fellow man, woman, neighbor. I'm supposed to love you for the fact that we are one, in mankind. Fuck that. Just because we're the same species does not entitle you to my understanding or acceptance; nevermind my love or affection. Sometimes, I'm not entirely convinced that we are of the same species, anyway. We may not even be of the same genus. (That's genus, not genius, whizkid...)  Spaceship Earth, my ass. Drop me off on Mars, 'cuz I wanna get off. I'm tired of sharing this planet with you.

Here's what I've seen so far, today, Earth Day 2008:

*Four cigarettes carelessly discarded onto the ground. (By the way, I am not challenging your right to smoke...just don't fuck up OUR Earth in the process. I am forced to share it with you, remember?)

*Cans and bottles tossed in the garbage at my workplace, instead of walking the extra three steps to the recycle bin.

*A McDonald's to-go bag tossed at 70 mph on a major freeway; its contents spilling "harmlessly" into the median.

*The typical rush hour traffic jam, full of people alone in their cars. (myself included)

*An 88 page document copied onto 88 pages of paper instead of using both sides. This may seem trivial, but it irked me nonetheless.

So, nobody really celebrates Earth Day. I know. That's ok. I can only concern myself with myself, right? I don't expect nor desire a planet full of Crush-clones. (Oh God, no!) In the past, I've posted about our apathy towards such other observances like Veteran's Day and Flag Day. I know I'm unusual in observing these, and that perhaps VDay and Flag Day are only pertinent to someone like myself, with a former military history. Appreciating what Veteran's Day is, and actually observing it, are two entirely different things. I know this. But, c'mon! Earth Day is about ALL of us. We share this crazy blue marble, and I am doing my part in trying to pass the metaphorical baton to the next generation. Are you? No, you're not. (addressing the majority of you that aren't, obviously)

I wore green today, and three people asked me if I thought it was still St. Patrick's Day...

*sigh*  Why do I have to be encumbered with these horrible social afflictions of respect, courtesy, responsibility and honor in this world of self-serving dolts??? It would be so much easier to be like you: (again, not you, but YOU!) simple and blind and clueless to it all.

By the way, while I'm ranting: Just because you drive a hybrid does not make you a better person than me. You drive a hybrid because you want people to think that you are socially conscious and because its "in" to be "green". You drive it for all the wrong reasons. Sure, you're not fouling the environment like I am with my petrol-ingesting, carbon-spewing Audi, but you bought your Camry hybrid to look down your nose at every one else that doesn't drive one, and to fulfill yet another shallow egocentric desire. Your rationale is ill founded, and you don't score any Earth Day points with me....Meanwhile, your other car is a Cadillac Escalade! Get the fuck out of my face, you self-serving, pseudopragmatic prick. If you're going to scold me today (Earth Day, remember?) for driving a gas burning auto, at least have the decency to drop your cigarette butt in the trash bin, mmm kay?

Spaceship Earth, indeed!  Since it's St. Patrick's Day, I think I'm gonna go get plowed on some green beer....right after I clean up the waterway behind YOUR house...

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