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Archive for the Lifestyle Category
A Certain Tirade – by ‘Toys
Posted in Lifestyle, Style on March 3, 2011 by SweetEnlow
I can see it now, Andy Rooney sitting in his office at the end of “60 Minutes” looking as old and senile as possible, when a flash of lucidity hits him. He looks directly into the camera and says, “you know what I hate? Guys who wear baseball hats because they ‘like the hat.’”
Now, if you are a grown man and frequently wear baseball hats and you’re not at a baseball game or the lake, then, as Keyshawn Johnson says, “C’mon man!” You are likely yet to graduate from the mesh ‘n tee uniform of high school. Anyways, if you do insist on wearing a baseball cap out into public, please don’t wear it just because you like the hat. There is nothing worse than someone wearing a brand new baseball hat with a flatbill and all of the stupid stickers still on. This is how douchebags who “like the hat” wear their hats. There is something distinctly “American” and awesome about pulling an old, worn out ball cap out of your back pocket while having a catch.
A baseball hat should say something about you by showing what team you pull for. If you’re wearing a cap of the hometown team, it is likely not going to raise any eyebrows. But if you are wearing a cap from a team halfway across the country, people might start to wonder why. If someone asks you something about the team shown on your cap and you respond that you just like the hat, well then fuck you. Here is a typical conversation with one of these douchebags in case you’ve never encountered one:
-Me, to douchebag wearing an Atlanta Braves hat: “hey what do you think of the Braves’ chances of winning the NL East this year?”
-Douchebag, who obviously doesn’t know what the NL East is: “uh, I don’t know, I just like the hat”
–This is where I would like to take Javier Bardem’s cattle gun from “No Country for Old Men” and shoot it right through the tomahawk on that piece of shit’s forehead.
Another example:
-Me, to douchebag wearing a St. Louis Cardinals hat: “so, you think the Cards are gonna sign Pujols after the season?”
-Douchebag: “sign poo holes?”
–Bam! Odd Job hat, right there, headless douchebag.
These people fucking suck. I think the reason that I hate them so much is that I have an overall distaste for people in general. I don’t like small talk because I don’t want to hear your stupid fucking mouth flap around talking about things that only people with a room temperature IQ would find interesting. But sport is one venue that I am always game to banter about. Which is why, when I see a stranger while standing in a stupid fucking line at the DMV, I will give them shit for wearing a Cubs hat. When the moron replies that he doesn’t like the Cubs, he just likes the hat, I want to strangle him with the rope that holds up the “wait here” sign. A perfectly good opportunity to make the time less monotonous is wasted on a fucking dimwit. I guess the moral of the story is I shouldn’t assume an ass clown who is wearing a baseball hat would know anything about the latest trades or the extra inning walk off from the night before, I should just assume douche until proven otherwise.
I have to agree with my man Toys. Guys that wear these hats look like idiots. And its not cool in hip-hop to wear a huge hat over your ears either
Guest Blog -Miss V: “No Sense At City Of Portland”
Posted in Lifestyle, Travel on February 14, 2011 by SweetEnlowA friend of mine who obviously lives in Portland gives a little thought on the nature of her fellow inhabitants (I had no idea this how the people were there):
I live in Oregon and work in the beautiful city of Portland. It’s a great town, except for the people.
In their insatiable need to become the ultimate nanny town, the City of Portland is now discouraging people to smell nice.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41585214/ns/local_news-portland_or/
Whatever happened to simply saying to someone, “While I enjoy the scent of your perfume, it’s really strong and my eyes are watering as a result. Would it be possible to dial it back a little? Thanks!”
Of course in Portland, if you want to smell like pee, that’s totally fine. I guess no one ever got an asthma attack from walking past the unwashed who choose to line the sidewalks of Portland and panhandle.
Thoughts anyone? Does anyone else live in a nanny town?
To keep it interesting…
Posted in Lifestyle on February 4, 2011 by SweetEnlowI have been thinking a lot lately about my blog. Recently, I realized that I want to incorporate as many people in to this blog as I possibly can. I really enjoy writing and expressing my ideas. However, I enjoy even more discussing my proposed ideas with friends, colleagues, and the like.
Fortunately, I have a diverse set of friends who are very intelligent – and biased. Clearly, my conservative, military friends are going to provide a different outlook on Afghanistan than one of my friends in graduate school. So, that being said, I want people to – instead of voicing their opinion to me verbally, or through Facebook, or something like that – write me an email or facebook message with an idea they have and then formulate an argument. Considering I am very particular about my company, I know most posts will be interesting and will strike a chord with more people then I can alone. If they are not, I won’t let it be posted – I guess like an editor. Moreover, it doesn’t have to be an argument – recommendations for books, music, movies – anything you think is interesting…
I started this blog more than a year ago with this idea, but I never stressed it. When you begin a blog, it really is about you personally – don’t believe me? Just take a look at some of the blogs going around. I know people have a lot to say, but don’t want to go through the hassle to build a website with a caricature of their face as the slogan 
. Allow my website to be that forum where you can argue how you feel – maybe about just one thing, or maybe about many others.
In addition to increasing the popularity of my blog (which I have always wanted), it will fill my sometimes weeks void of writing good material. I have a full time job, want to fight professionally in MMA, and constantly trying to attain more knowledge. Sometimes, writing a blog takes a backseat – but it won’t if people contribute.
So, please, let me have it.
The Economist: War’s overlooked victims
Posted in Lifestyle, Military on January 19, 2011 by SweetEnlowIf you subscribe to the Economist, please check out the fascinating, yet sad article on rape in war. If not, here is a link.
http://www.economist.com/node/17900482
I particularly thought this quote was of interest in, among other things, a evolutionary psychology sort-of-away, “The Anarchy and impunity of war goes some way to explaining the violence (of rape). The conditions of war are often conducive to rape. Young, ill-trained men, fighting far from home, are freed by social and religious constraints. The cost of rape are lower, the potential rewards higher. And for ill-fed, underpaid combatants, rape can be a kind of a payment.” (remembering that rape was once a payment to the victorious side in battle)
There is a lot of interesting points of discussion revolving around that simple quote – military discipline, simple economics, rewards of serving to name just a few. Just wanted to put it out there.
Guns
Posted in Lifestyle, Military on January 11, 2011 by SweetEnlowAs most know, we as America had another fatal, unprovoked shooting in Arizona only a few days ago. As I recall, 6 dead – including one Federal judge, 13 wounded, and one congresswoman in critical condition. What a shame.
This situation undoubtedly brings up the question of America and its gun policy. Of course, this topic has been brought to forefront many times – namely, Michael Moore’s film, “Bowling for Columbine.” But coming from a profession where I literally carry around an Assault Rifle as the foundation of my job, I feel I can provide some unexpected, unique feed back. Most gun haters I think tend to be extremely left-leaning, if not unrealistic. Thus, my following commentary.
To begin, I think the whole modern American culture surrounding guns is more than ridiculous. Yes, people have a rite to bear arms under the second amendment. This I am fully aware of. However, is that really necessary today? Notice I how inserted the word “modern” in front the “American culture” above. Yes, as westward expansion took place, life was probably somewhat Hobbesian – as in, short, nasty, and brutish. People needed to often hunt for food, as well as protect themselves from others. But, NEWSFLASH, those environmental settings no longer exist. We live in the safest era in human history. The only thing that keeps America from being extremely safe is, well, guns themselves. Understand that many things have been legal/illegal in this country that are now considered more than absurd. No one goes around stating that we should still maintain slave labor or that women shouldn’t be allowed to vote.
Now, think about most of the shootings that have occurred over the years. Many have been from some punk teenage kid(s). This latest shooting came from an deranged young man in his early twenties. If I recall correctly, the Nebraska mall shooing only a few years ago was a teenager. And surely no one can forget the atrocities of Columbine (as a prior jock and lover of my high school, few things make me as mad as watching those lunatic trench coat mafia kids killing other people, particular the popular kids). Among everything that is wrong with these situations, it seems odd that many forget to mention one of the most important aspects – that is, how in the hell did these people even have the right to attain semi-automatic weapons? Clearly, a stricter gun policy should be invoked, but is that really enough?
Surely no one can argue that guns do not do more harm than good. Murders in this country are almost always completed with gun, as are robberies and many rapes. Gun proponents always like to argue that “guns stopped (insert number) robberies last year.” Maybe so, but that only stems from the fact that guns are so readily available. Ironically, gun usage only propagates more gun usage. This is in direct contrast to their supposed purpose – security. Unlike something like drugs – which only affect the individual (which some know I am favor of complete legalization), guns sole design is to hurt other people – that is the very nature of the weapon (excluding hunting obviously which I think is ridiculous also). I am usually never in favor of massive government involvement, but when it comes to regulating something whose sole design is the injury or murder of another human, then I really don’ have a problem with bureaucratic oversight. What is wrong with making someone wait an extra six months, or even a year, to attain an assault rifle? But then again, why would someone even need an assault rifle?
In addition, the whole gun culture I think represents a powerful example of what is wrong with much of American politics – that is, lobby power. Any type of gun regulation is immensely difficult because the NRA organization yields the influence it does. The video is a little off topic in that it doesn’t flow that well with my post, but Michael Mooore, as much I don’t like him, asks some poignant questions; questions well worth answering in full. It’s a shame the leader of the NRA is so pathetic in his response.
In a further side-note, Moore would have been much more powerful, in my opinion, if he didn’t have that cheesy ending with asking Heston to look at the picture of the murdered girl.
To conclude, I mentioned earlier that the nature of my profession – a soldier – is simply the management of violence (fortunately I haven’t had to actually experience that yet). Ironically, once I leave the military, I would prefer to never have to see a gun again. Not because I don’t like guns. On the contrary, many are fascinating pieces of machinery and history. But because I know that if I am looking at one, it will likely be at the helm of law enforcement agent – meaning I fucked up royally, or at the hands of a bad person. Both of which I prefer not to happen.
The saddest thing is that, though I am not in favor of personal gun possession, I will have a weapon in my house. How could you not in this country?
The idea of being “Spiritual”
Posted in Lifestyle on January 9, 2011 by SweetEnlowI am an Atheist. Moreover, I am an ardent opponent of religion, both organized and “other.” Being an officer in the Army, I surround myself (usually) with highly intelligent people who also (usually) tend to be Christian. Needless to say, my personality typical stirs up quite a bit of discussion or just straight argument. Excuse me, but I just can’t sit back and listen to absurdities.
I have recently been coming across a reoccurring theme among my Comrades. That is, they are no longer religious (how could you be?? they say), but simply “spiritual.”
I first heard this concept from my Dad when I was maybe 8 or 9. My Dad is an interesting character – highly rational, but loyal to his roots. He is so loyal to his Southern identity (Mississippi and East Texas) that he can not bring himself to admit he is not religious. It’s almost a feeling of “If Robert E. Lee was Christian, so shall I.” Yet, sometimes, he will boost that he is much more akin to Indian (Native American) spirituality than to any since of Western Religion. I think it helps him reconcile the fact that since he knows I am not religious it can somehow reassure him that I will not burn in hell. He thinks, “well an organized belief is not necessary, but respect for a higher power I know my son has.” I don’t
But what does it mean to “be spiritual?.”
Surely, most are not speaking in terms of the Sam Harris concept of spirituality – that is, an out of body experience created by the vast intricacies and power of the brain. Rather, it seems being “spiritual” allows one to go through life living rationally, addressing issues with reason rather than religion, yet still giving one the comfort that, IF they are a good person AND there is a god, they can still make it through the so-called Pearly Gates. Clearly, a spiritual person has given up on the absurd notion of Christianity (or Islam etc…) – or else they would be Christian. Yet, they haven’t given up entirely on a romantic notion of “god.” It is much like Pascal’s wager – you don’t know if you believe anything, but – just in case – you will believe something so you can make it into heaven. (Side-point – I find it ironic that spiritual people or even agnostic ones always reference an after life in a Christian sense – Heaven, Pearl Gates, Masculine God…)
Moreover, I have noticed that spiritual people often tend to lead decadent lifestyles. If one is devoutly religious, it is difficult to snort Coke, buy hookers, and cheat on your wife. Yet, spirituality gives many the loop hole to behave in such a way. How often have you seen the gold-chain, cross wearing Rappers simultaneously rap about “fuckin hoez and gettin paid?” Ideas clearly in opposition to the greater christian values of abstinence and poverty. In addition, consider these ridiculus so-called Christian business men who make millions of dollars through corporate pay. Somehow these men rationalize what they do with Christianity because they practice more in the “spiritual” sense of the word… as in never going to church, cheating on their wives, and stealing money from their share holders. There are few things more in contrast to christianity than Capitalism, yet somehow the proponents of capitalism always vote Christian.
Lastly, I feel some people think being spiritual romanticizes an otherwise taboo subject allowing them to reconcile their obvious cognitive dissonance. That’s right, (at least among my more intelligent friends) being religious is Taboo. Fortunately for me, and whether you like it or not, as the world becomes more and more intelligent – which it undoubtedly will, being religious will soon become among progressive societies what is today Atheist – that is, a minority and an outcast. It already is in my beloved Germany. In fact, my German friends have a perfect word for these types of people, Behinderte – simply meaning “disabled.”
If you are spiritual, you kind of get the best of both worlds. You can thawrt off the atheists who criticize lack of reason, yet you can still manipulate your way into the world of “believers” – unfortunately something important in modern America. You possess the intellect of what is expected in this modern culture, yet still maintain the comfort of knowing your life is worth living and that you will be taken care of once you are dead. An interesting way to cop out of how you really feel I think. You are a non-believer. Have the gaul to say it
Debate
Posted in Lifestyle on December 11, 2010 by SweetEnlowI just spent this Thanksgiving weekend with one of my closest friends, Tobias. Tobi is from Germany and, like many Germans – and Europeans alike, the ability to converse makes Americans look like total turds. Nonetheless, our always great conversation inspired this post…
Have you ever thought about every American’s favorite saying, “Ohh, no no, I don’t want to talk about religion or politics.”
Ponder that for a second.
I honestly cannot think of a more ridiculous thing to say in life. What is the problem with discussing ideology?? Adults should have the ability to talk about their passionate beliefs dispassionately. The sad thing is that I could go up to just about any religious person in the country, except maybe Francis Collins, and have them want to murder me within 15 minutes. It wouldn’t even be difficult. Spout something like, “Well, you know that Christianity is not the first Mediterranean religion to celebrate their god’s birthday on December 25,” and I can fire up just about anyone. OMG, it’s a WAR ON CHRISTMAS!!!!!
Why is this an issue? I once read that people are only really passionate about things that they are not really for certain about. If that is the case, shouldn’t people want to debate issues like religion and politics to sharpen their rhetoric and argumentative ability? If I were a devout Christian, I would want to know every Atheist argument and the counter. And if I were unsure about some of my beliefs, like Health Care or something, then I would want to debate with everyone to gather more information to help formulate an educated opinion. Aside from some of my closest friends, I have found that this ability is severely lacking here in the States – if not nonexistent… which is fucking pathetic.
Definitely like some feedback on this one.
The Beautiful Woman Benefit
Posted in Lifestyle on November 30, 2010 by SweetEnlowMany know that I have a great interest in fashion and that I enjoy to play dress-up when I go out. Yet, unless I am New York City or Chicago, people will gawk at what I am wearing. It’s even worse around military guys. Whatever … fuck ‘em for judging.
I wrote a post 6 months ago where I talked about the importance of dressing appropriately for the situation. The same rules apply. Clearly, I am not going to get dolled up in Lawton. However, when I do want to look tite in maybe Tulsa or somewhere similar, it’s always annoying when you have to constantly comment of what you wearing. Seriously.
I was essentially single for the last two years until only recently, and getting looked at by guy’s and girls for the way I dressed was always an issue of content for me for that entire time. Yet, now that I have Babi, who is nothing short of striking, the situation changes. I have gone from being the guy who dresses “weird” – or another intelligent word like “stupid” – to being the guy who wears whatever the fuck he wants and yet has a beautiful woman with him.
Why?
If you can’t already figure it out, it is because I (or anyone obviously) go from looking “different” – in not a good way – to looking interesting because of my woman. No longer do I look like I am trying to hard to be cool, but simply that you are cool. I am not alone kicking it with bro’s, but rather hanging with a tite girl who loves me and who other people want to get with (like Snoop Dawg – true story).
The same rules apply for the guys who don’t like to wear cool clothes, but rather like to wear sweat pants and cut-off T-shirts to the bar – like Mayville or Fortsch. Both these guys basically do the opposite of me and yet both have hot girls who love them. They basically go from looking like bums to becoming the guys “who do.not.give.a.fuck. It’s the power of the beautiful woman.
So, if you fortunate enough to have a beautiful girl like you – up your style game (or continue to not give a shit). You are now above being judged.
Health Care and Michael Moore
Posted in Health, Lifestyle on November 15, 2010 by SweetEnlowWe all know health care is currently a ferocious debate emboldening the whole country. In fact, it seems as one of the few issues where everybody takes a substantial interest. Everybody has their own opinion. Ironically, I am still up in the air on what exactly I want to say about it. At one point being ardently opposed, I am now rather lost (thanks to a few great discussions with that Brother Brou). Moreover, Brou recommended I check out T.R. Reid’s book, “The Healing of America” which is both fascinating and, for America, deplorable.
Oddly enough, after one of our ongoing discussions on the matter, Brou and I stumbled, late night, across one of my favorite shows, “Real Time with Bill Maher.” While I definitely disagree with many of Maher’s statements, I think he gets a lot of things right and, moreover, is a critical thinker. But what really captured me about his final episode this season was the character, or maybe caricature, that is Michael Moore. Here is a man who is so passionately involved with his own agenda that he seems like he might have a heart attack every time he proselytizes (as shown on Maher’s final episode with his tirades over W). While Americans use the saying “I thought I was gonna have a heart attack” colloquially, it seems with Moore that he actually might literally have a heart attack every time he gets upset or excited.
This comical fact is the point of this post. Here is man, Moore, who polarizes himself for a massively important issue (among others), health care. Yet, he embodies the modern day American specimen THAT IS THE UNDERLYING CAUSE OF OUR PROBLEMS - that is, a fat.fucking.slob.
How can Moore personally preach the wonderful characteristics of national health care when he (and others) is exactly the reason people do not want it to exist. This man is almost certainly guaranteed one of the following diseases – cardiovascular disease, Type I diabetes, or cancer. All which besides cancer (which is entirely debatable) are self-inflicted diseases. Personally, I do want to have to forgo my income to pay for someone who is an undisciplined, gluttonous fool. It baffles my mind that a man who cares so much about America and its health can personify everything that is wrong with it.
I am saddened by the unfortunate people who do things right, yet do not receive proper care. It is a blemish on our great country. But to pay for someone else’s terrible lifestyle is something I just can not do.
