Regarding cynicism

Yesterday I was reading Men's Health Magazine. Yes, Yes, I know it's garbage and the proof was, of course, in the pudding, Paul Walker was on the cover.  Walker is one of those people for whom it is impossible to determine the origin of their success. He's completely talentless, he's not that good-looking, he's not ugly mind you, but seriously, he's no Adonis either, and though he stars in what would have been called B movies back in the day, they're frequently intolerable.

In any case, there was some discussion in a later article about an interview with Matthew McConaughey.  McConaughey seems like he's a nice guy, but I'm not sure he's the Dali Lama when it comes to living well.  Unfortunately, this interviewer portrayed him that way.  His philosophy of life was the hook of this story and they both managed to decry cynicism.

I must take issue with their views.

First, I'd agree that cynicism can hold a person back from success, if they're seeking it. I'd agree it can create a mindset wherein one can end up bitter and unsatisfied and blaming others for their lack of success. Sure!  It can do all of those things. I've seen it employed by people who said they looked for success, yet always needed a bad guy to blame when it didn't work out.  Cynicism is not a tool to be used by apprentices.

It can also be a useful tool.

It can, you know, be used as a tool to keep people from getting too close.  To get them to leave you alone if you so desire.  Like everything else,. it doesn't always work, but most of the time it's very effective.

It can, in short, have nothing to do at all with one's desire for success, or one's fear of it either.  It can simply be a defense mechanism.

Since they don't know how to use it, they oviously haven't explored it's many uses. Poor things.

They also included this little magazine test in which one answers five or six questions to determine their level of cynicism.  The higher the score, the more cynical.  I scored a 9 out of a possible 28.

Pardon my use of the cyber-vernacular but ROFL.

One of the meager points they tried to make, which struck home, was a criticism of the education system. I believe the question went something like, "The education system is hopeless."  And their "constructive" way of rephrasing that was to say "What have I taught him today."

How touchy-feely.

The education system is broken boys.  It needs a complete overhaul.  Mincing around with semantics is NOT going to solve the problem. But it's what a certain ilk does. 

I by the way, bust my butt everyday to teach people something, so I earn my right to the cynicism I employ and my reasons for using it are my own.

Let's make a pact (that's pact, not pack), I won't judge you, if you'll return the favor. I doubt it'll be easy for either of us.

But that's how one learns.


And so it goes:

 

Love, cause it's all you got.

We have only ourselves to blame

What's happening to John Mayer is really not his fault. I mean, he's stupid most of the time when he speaks, yes. But this unfortunate use of the n word really isn't something we should be surprised over.

Should he be contrite and beg forgiveness of those he offended?  Well, yeah he should, but he talked about fags too, so it was an all-purpose offending interview. 

John Mayer doesn't have the sense to tell us he's got a big dick and that he's talented, handsome, and rich, he's got to prove to us that he's cool too with the outrageous  interview and the shocking quote.

We can only blame ourselves when we don't turn our backs on him and make him pay the consequences of his immaturity by ostracizing him.


So, though he's an immature little 32 year old boy, it's our fault when we don't treat him like one.

We turn to our celebrities for so much guidance that it really is our own fault when they prove to be nothing more than children with feet of clay.

And boy so it goes:

 

So thoughts become things huh?

I sure hope so, cause I'm thinking about something right now, it's possible, it's even feasible.  And I fantasize about it all the time.

I'd really like for it to come true, at least in some form, but I fear life, which, as they say, is what happens while one is making other plans, will have other ideas.  If I could make it come true with lots of help from the universe I could do it from now on with no complaint. 

It has several aspects, it depends a lot on outside influence, but it does make me happy to think about it. 

So, even if thoughts don't become exactly the things you want them to. I'm hanging onto this one.

And so it goes:

 

a handsome man with a hairy chest, talk about thoughts becoming things! 

Love cause it's all you got.

problems everywhere

 

Scarlett Johansson bought this Hollywood Hills villa in 2007, about nine years after the "The Horse Whisperer" launched her career. At the time, she paid $7 million, according to data from Zillow. Now the 1931 home is priced to go at $4.59 million.

First of all, my problems should be so extensive that I have to sell my 4.5 million dollar home. 

Second, my problems should be so extensive that I have to sell my 4.5 million dollar home and still be married to Ryan Reynolds. (I understand he's a bit of a dick, but still...well...pretty)

Third, if one can afford a 7 million dollar home that is only really worth 4.5, why wouldn't one just sit on it until the price comes back up a bit so as to minimize the loss? 

One would think she'd have better advisors.

And so it goes:

 

Love, cause it's all you got.

And away we go!

Richard Rothstein at Proceedatyourownrisk is of the opinion that America's Christians true desire is to have homosexuality criminalized.


Let's consider that for a moment.

Let's say that some state such as, oh, let's say, Alabama makes a ruling that the sodomy laws they have on the books should be enforced, thereby landing many homosexuals in the slammer.

Predictably this little peccadillo would wind up in front of the Supreme Court.  

Let's also say that Alabama makes a successful bid to have its ruling upheld under states right's considerations, as Richard points out is likely. 

Is there then a roundup?

Let's say that though I'm an openly gay man that I'm not at that particular time sexually active.  Does the open admission of my homosexuality place me in a position of suffering possible imprisonment?

Where exactly do they draw the line?

Am I afforded the opportunity o leave the country? And if so where in the hell will we all find a place that will take so many people?  

At that point what do I do for a job? How do I earn a living?

Let's suppose I am fortunate enough to find a place to where I speak the language, what skills do I have that will translate to another country?  Do I end up working till I drop dead? Suppose I get sick? Old people do that on occasion, what then?

Where is America's responsibility after having foisted my existence of on another country simply because of who I love? Am I still an American?  And these issues are just the tip of the iceberg; I'm writing down what comes off the top of my head here, there are a host of other issues to be considered.  Will Christian America consider them?

Let's say that though I stay in America that I am institutionalized./imprisoned for my "crimes." Does America take care of me in my old age?  Do I spend the rest of my life in prison because I refuse to renounce who I am, thereby incurring the wrath of the United States judicial system?   They do realize that they’d then be institutionalizing my health care for life, providing my living expenses for life, and though my liberty would be gone, they'd then be paying to keep me alive?  And I'd not be alone in there, there would be millions of us?  Will separate facilities be built for us all?

Talk about deficit spending!

Let's lock up  several million of our citizens just because we don't like their sexual orientation, and then care for them the rest of there lives.  And let's do that to every successive generation until we wipe them out. Since it's not a choice to be homosexual (you morons) how exactly would you wipe us out?  Would you then blame the costs on the liberals?

Another typical example of the short-sightedness of conservative thinking.

I have long said that the next civil war won't be over terrorism, or money, it'll be over morality and religion. The nutbags in the Tea Party are showing what they're made of, and Amedeo Obici's successors want to talk to them. 

And so it goes:

 

Love, cause it's all you got.

 

Que es mas peligroso?

Well?

I'd love to sit here and proclaim that the Tea party is the most dangerous organization in the U.S.

It's filled with people outraged over their inability to express their bigotry and irrational hatred wherever and however they wish.  It's an organization determined to prevent and social progress in this country.  It's an organization that promotes fear. It's an organization that irrationally assigns labels to Obama like Nazi, and the dreaded Socialist. It's apparently being led by Sarah Palin.(notorious for bulldozing anyone who gets in her way) It's everything I hate.

But sadly, though I think it's is muy peligroso do not think it's the most dangerous organization.

I say the most dangerous organization is the Human Rights Campaign. And though I think the HRC suffers from a lack of good leadership, I think the real problem is its membership.

The HRC benefits from a host of people who have not done their homework.

I have recently seen more HRC bumper stickers than ever before. Though I believe these stickers are proudly displayed by people who believe the ideals the name of the organization  bring to mind, they have no idea what the organization is really doing.

Problem is that none of the rest of us do either really. Not only don't we do our homework, we really can't since they organization isn't very transparent.

Joe Solmonese, the obsequious leader of the HRC frequently tells us all how much progress is being made and how the Obama administration loves us.  This is likely only partly true.

The Obama Administration, along with the Democratic Party loves our money. They, like all political parties thrive on our donations.  They take some of that money and endow themselves so they can continue to exist should our largess suddenly end. But mostly they live on free money that we voluntarily give them.  And we give it to the HRC under false pretenses.

Now, let us not make the incorrect assumption that I am a gay conservative.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  But let's not look at the organizations created to further our civil rights movement through rose-colored glasses.  Let's dump their dirty laundry out on the table and go through it in full public view. 

I read this morning, and article on cnn.com about this very subject which obviously sparked this diatribe, and at the end John Avton, the author, quoted Eric Hofer who said in his book "True Believer" that "Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business and eventually degenerates into a racket."

He was referring to the Tea Party movement, and though I hope he's oh-so-right about them, I'm dismayed that it applies in triplicate to the organizations created decades ago through the blood sweat and tears of those of us who were trying to accomplish something by marching in the streets when it was unfashionable and very disruptive to do so.

The HRC was born out of a struggle to save lives in a time when no one believed those lives were worth saving.  The memory of those lost should not be trampled upon to simply pay lip service to our civil rights. The HRC is not accomplishing much on our behalf, and we should stop paying them to do so.

And so it goes:

 

Love, cause it's all you got.

You do not talk about fight club!!!

As if made to order a couple of morons currently working in education at P.S. 65 in Queens New York made my case about the incredibly sorry state of education for me.

They started a fight club in class.

Apparently they, in their teeny tiny little minds decided that the best way for two kids to settle a dispute was to wrestle it out in the classroom.

And parents still don't revolt.

I am a responsible teacher. (mind you I'd never teach elementary or secondary)

But I think of the students first. I treat them as though they were there to learn and not be taught to act as though they were simple-minded fools who need to resort to physical violence to solve differences.

They seem to respond to that.

Why do you suppose that someone would think the opposite was true, especially for elementary students?

Why do you suppose someone would hire these two morons?

That's the person we need to find, the simpleton who thought hiring these two musclebrains was a good idea.

Fire the dummies, and flog the hiring manager in the town square. HR is universally fucked up and it's showing all over the employment spectrum. Do we know that? nope.

Almost every person I know who has to deal with HR departments to hire staff complains that not only do they get idiots for applicants, but they later learn that perfectly qualified people are turned away at the door! Why?

Do you suppose that HR is being run by people who are taught, as are those in education, that the lowest common denominator comes first? That the Johnny who can't read needs to get the first job or he'll end up selling cigarettes at a convenience store?

Well, heaven forfend! Let's put this guy in front of a classroom instead!

I'm posting the video here cause the administrator is a picture perfect example of exactly the root of this problem.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Everything that doesn't involve steak is incomprehensible to this guy.

at least we have HGF!
And so it goes:

Love, cause it's all you got.

Gray again!!!

You are: The Nurturer (ISFJ)

In general, ISFJs are sympathetic, loyal, considerate, and conscientious. They will go to any amount of trouble, when it makes sense to them, to help those in need. ISFJs operate most comfortably in situations where the rules are well defined and where traditions are to be upheld. They focus on providing practical help and services for others, and for the organizations they serve. They are often self-effacing in getting the job done, and they are willing to make necessary sacrifices, especially for their families. They are at their best quietly providing assistance and making sure things are in proper order. Read more about the ISFJ life, the ISFJ at work, or the ISFJ in love.

ISFJ Life
ISFJ children are conscientious, diligent, and rarely a behavior problem to their parents or teachers. They like to know what is expected, and then they will dutifully and quietly follow through. In some respects, ISFJs behave like "perfect children" because they try to please their parents, teachers, and those in authority. They work to meet others' requirements, if they are in keeping with the ISFJs' value system, even if this involves a sacrifice on their part.
Security and routine are very important to ISFJ children. For some ISFJs, this means knowing exactly who is going to be there after school to take charge or who will be invited to play games with them. This need for security and order also applies in school. ISFJ children like to know exactly what they are supposed to do in school and like to feel certain that they have the skills before being called upon. ISFJs need gentle nudging to move beyond their comfort level.
ISFJ children often want to practice their skills individually before showing them to others. This is especially true if they will be evaluated on these skills, because they want to be sure they know what they are doing before they demonstrate their skills to the world.
ISFJs may worry a lot about any number of things. This is apparent even in young children. ISFJ children are particularly introspective in the face of adversity. Because of their inward focus, it simply does not occur to them to share their problems with others.
ISFJs usually have a few close friends whom they are likely to keep as close friends for a lifetime. They often belong to at least one social group. They avoid center stage and contribute willingly in quiet, practical, behind-the-scenes ways. When comfortable, ISFJs can radiate their feelings and thoughtful values outward to others. They are often accepted for their kindness and quiet friendliness. They typically select a few special friends and nurture these friendships over long periods of time.
ISFJs shy away from disharmony and try to maintain cooperation at all costs. They may be more cautious and conservative than many of their peers. ISFJs can often come up with good excuses for what they do.
As young adults, ISFJs set goals with a variety of time frames, ranging from daily goals to long-range ones. If ISFJs have goals of summer vacation trips, they begin to save their money months in advance, gather accurate information on costs, and make lists of what to take. Few details are left unattended to. Because their focus is on the actual and the real, they know their plans can change. They accept this as "life", even though they would prefer to have things work out. They try to have things in order each day so they will not have to worry too much about tomorrow.
In their careers, ISFJs are often likely to take what comes along; for example, they may accept the first job offer, rather than continue to look for something else and remain in a state of flux. Once in a job, they generally try to make the most of it, since the known is preferable to the unknown. If the ISFJ is not in a job that provides intrinsic satisfaction, he or she feels uncomfortable. yet may be slow in looking for anything else. ISFJs are loyal employees who diligently work at whatever tasks are given to them.
ISFJs are likely to have done some retirement planning. Since they tend to save money throughout their lives, they often have the financial resources to live comfortably in retirement. In their retirement days, ISFJs focus directly on their families and carry on family traditions and histories. The ISFJ delights in encouraging grandchildren and other family members in projects that continue the family's customs and heritage.

ISFJs at Work


At work, ISFJs contribute loyal, sympathetic, consistent, and considerate service to others. They are known for their kindness, and for their willingness to go to any length to help those in need. They take the practical needs of people into account when they do their work, and their strong follow-through skills allow them to carry out organizational goals. They do at least what is expected of them, and oftentimes more, without attracting attention to themselves. They are painstaking and responsible with detail and routine, and feel it is important to have the right things in the right places at the right times.

Work Setting
ISFJs prefer an occupational setting that is attentive both to peoples' needs and to getting the job done. They like peers who are as conscientious, precise, and accurate as they are. They feel most comfortable if the organization provides security and if their work is clearly structured with practical service-oriented outcomes. They are calm, quiet, and efficient in their work habits. They prefer a work space that allows for privacy, since they like to concentrate deeply on their work and avoid interruptions. Because interruptions make it difficult for ISFJs to recover their train of thought, they need to plan time alone in order to be most productive.
ISFJs like to have everything organized in a manner that they have decided is appropriate. They cannot work when things are out of order. Everything has its place, both at work and at home. Their offices and their homes may contain special knickknacks and mementos that have personal meaning to them. Usually these knickknacks are put in a special and definite spot.
When things are in disarray, ISFJs like to reorganize them immediately and often cannot leave their work until order is restored. They become distracted by disarray, finding that before a project is started, everything must be in its place. ISFJs enjoy ordering and structuring the small things of life; they may overorganize.
ISFJs tend to organize around their values. They will often set their priorities in terms of the people who are most important to them, usually putting their family's, and then their boss's or their organization's, needs first. ISFJs do what is required to serve their key values.

Occupations
To perform well at work, individuals may need to use all of the eight preferences at the appropriate time and when required by the situation. Knowing this, people tend to select occupations that allow them to use the preferences that are most natural to them.
ISFJs are attracted to occupations that require dedication to others, service, attentiveness to details, and thoroughness. They would rather work with things that they can see-the tangibles that result in something worthwhile for people.
While ISFJs can and do enter all occupations, some are more appealing to them than others. According to available research, some occupations (in alphabetical order) seem to be especially attractive to ISFJs: bookkeeper, clerical supervisor, curator, family practice physician, health service worker, librarian, medical technologist, nurse, preschool and elementary teacher, typist, and other occupations that allow ISFJs to provide practical and helpful service to others. These occupations are not meant to be an exhaustive list, but serve to illustrate some areas that an ISFJ might enjoy. If your specific occupation, or one that you are interested in, is not listed here, think instead of its general characteristics and ask yourself how those fit with your type.

ISFJs in Love