The Real Memphis Mike (don't settle for imitations)

The other day, a neighbor of mine decided to fly the flag upside down, feeling that the country is in distress. I won't lie; this pissed me off. Big time. Sure, our country is in a mess right now...but it's mostly a mess that we brought upon ourselves. Are we in distress? Hell no. Most of our problems are easily fixed if We The People WANT to fix them...but we don't...otherwise we would. Before I go any further, allow me to attempt to demonstrate what the flag means to me. I've spend some fair chunks of time overseas. When I return home, I, admittedly, get a lump in my throat when I see our flag. That's right; OUR flag. It is a symbolic representation of our country, it's people, and it's history. When I was a kid, I was in the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts. At that point in time, I'd have recommended the experience for every boy. It was a positive experience for me. Aside from studying history in school and at home, I learned more in the sco...

We're all special. Mr. Rogers said so . But, in as much as we're all special, doesn't that diminish the specialness of being special? Most of us are bullies and probably don't even realize it. Worse, most of us will probably argue that we're not because we are so certain that our beliefs are important and true. Sure, you're passionate about your beliefs...but at what point does that passion become aggression? Say, for example, you're a vegan. You hate going to your local grocery store because they sell meat and meat byproducts. You've explained to your friends and loved ones (and many strangers too) how bad meat is for you, how cruel the slaughter of animals is, and blah blah blah. You really must be tired and exhausted from all of that preaching. You've exchanged some words with the lady, making just slightly more than minimum wage, who works at the meat counter. She's probably had a rough day, you know, killing all of those cute cows and ...

I read a great quote this evening and I'd like to share it with everyone. Hopefully you'll all take the time to remember it and pass it on, especially to the younger generations. It goes like this: "There's always someone willing to die and take you with them." I've buried a lot of friends over the years. Some died from diseases like cancer. Some died from AIDS. Some OD'ed. Some were murdered. The one thing that they all had in common was that they trusted someone...perhaps more than that person had earned. While not so much an issue to someone with an illness like cancer, it's definitely a concern regarding HIV/AIDS.  Two people meet, they feel that intense attraction, and common sense flies out the window. Use some protection! Unless you and your partner are tested prior to each sex act, you really don't know what, if any, diseases that person may or may not have. It's sexual Russian Roulette, and just not worth it. I know a lot of pe...

Askhole - A person who repeatedly asks for advice from multiple individuals, only to ignore aforementioned advice completely. The askhole will choose the least logical option (usually their own), skipping merrily down the path into unbridled oblivion, blissfully and willingly oblivious throughout the entire ordeal. (courtesy of UrbanDictionay.com) Just a thought on advice: If you're going to ask someones advice, ask a person who is likely to suggest against what you want to hear. Why? Simple. Asking advice in order to hear what you want to hear is self-serving. It means that you already know what you want to hear...but just want to hear it from someone else. That relieves you of some of the responsibility, should things go wrong. When you ask the advice of someone likely to suggest against what you want to hear, you are likely to find yourself arguing FOR the points you want to hear, and you will learn to trust your own judgement and opinions, rather than relying on those...

Some would say that Western society is becoming increasingly more violent. Some will put the blame on violence in movies and on TV. They'll say that we have become numb to violent images. There have been numerous studies on this, all with different finding. BUT........ Let's say that this is the case. How about we try something different...an experiment if you will. Let's replace the violence with love, affection, and sex. What would happen? Would people become less violent and more loving? Would more people have sex? Sure, at first there would be cries of outrage...but that hasn't seemed to put an end to violence on TV or in movies. If anything, it's increased in frequency and intensity. So why not give it a shot? Come on Hollywood! Bring on the love, affection, and sex!!!!!!!!

The terrorists have won...and you can't deny it. Sure, many of you out there will argue the point, but the fact is, they won. I knew this back in late 2001, the first time I had to show my ID to enter a building. I was downtown, taking a client to a doctor's appointment. There were no government offices in the building. On the ground floor there were a few shops, and upstairs there were offices: doctors, accountants, a photographer, but no government offices. Still, as we entered the lobby, my client and I were stopped by security and asked for our identification just to enter the building. Of course, I had my driver's license with me...no problem there. My client, on the other hand, had no ID on him. Luckily, I had some paperwork on him and assumed responsibility for vouching for his identification. I remember being confused, irritated and downright angry to be asked for our "papers". I felt like I was in a bad World War 2 movie! "Papers please!", I...

Don't give up. You're allowed to be angry. Just be sure why. Something has to give. Bend, don't break. Learn to be more humble. Never lose your dignity. You are loved. Suicide is not an option. You still have more to lose. Try not to lose it all. You have faith. Use it. Fight for what's right...but choose your battles wisely. Show love, kindness and respect to others. Pride is a sin. Know the difference between 'want' and 'need'. Remember what Gram said about money. ;-) Don't stick any beans up your nose. There is humor in everything, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. Be responsible for yourself first. Think before you speak. Look before you leap. Eat healthily and responsibly. Getting drunk can be fun but it's never the answer unless someone asks what you're doing while you're doing it. Take your medicine when you're supposed to. Today may be bad. Tomorrow may be worse. The sun will still shine...som...