The Ranting Beaver

So yeah, I haven't posted anything new here for almost a month. A drought like that happens from time to time, but I think this time it is because I am debating on moving this blog elsewhere. Partially because I think Blogger isn't as good as it could be (and others are doing this MUCH better than a Google company, imagine that) and partially because I seem to be the only one posting anymore. I'm not even sure if people are seeing this anymore as we get little or no feedback/comments/etc.

Nothing is happening at the moment, but if I do move this, I will post a notice and go from there.

Thoughts? Comments? Whatever's clever.
- Ken

I've decided that I may not remember all of the things I want to pass on to my kids, so it was best to at least write them down. Here is as good as any other place. Part 3 in the series ...

• Learn to take a joke. Learn to tell one as well.
• Know your strengths and weaknesses. No one can catch you off guard by pointing one out and you never know when you will be asked for them in an interview.
• Like something because you genuinely like it, not because your friends do. That's how you end up listening to New Age music or becoming a Republican.
• Smoking is a terrible, filthy and expensive habit. Don't do it. Seriously.
• If you're going to sing along with a song, either learn the words correctly or do it when you're by yourself. For some reason, people get offended if you don't get the words right, no matter how hard it is to hear the actual lyrics.
• Everyone has dirty or naughty thoughts. There's always the "right" time, the "right" place and the "right" person to share them with. Keep in mind that for best results to have all three of those right before sharing.
• When no one is looking, dance to a song in your head.
• Batting cages relieve a lot of stress if you imagine the source of your stress as the ball you're hitting.
• Just because a book, song, movie, etc. is considered "a classic" it doesn't mean you have to automatically like it. Doesn't hurt to know what "the classics" are though.
• Never enter into a debate without preparing first. Opinions become stronger arguments when you have facts and reasoning on your side.
• Ideas can grow and change when you bounce them off other people. Don't keep them to yourself.
• Always bring a notepad and pen to a meeting.
• Try to have a good story to tell your grand kids on how you met the love of your life.
• Appreciate what you have and don't stress over what you don't have.
• Superstitions don't have any power if you don't believe in them.
• Charm is an under appreciated talent. Not everyone can be naturally charming and some people try too hard to fake it.
• No one says you have to wait until you're old or dying to cross things off your Bucket List.
• Sometimes your words will be all you have. Once in a while they may be not enough. If you've learned to use them wisely, they will serve you well.
• Don't make promises you can't keep. Trust is hard enough to earn the first time, let alone more often than that.
• Don't underestimate the value of just being there for someone and listening to them when they need it. Don't judge or give advice, just listen.

I think I'll end this round on that note. Now that I've done a few of these, it's kind of cool to see them en masse. As always, comments/feedback are appreciated.

I've decided that I may not remember all of the things I want to pass on to my kids, so it was best to at least write them down. Here is as good as any other place. This is another part in the series.

• Never be afraid to come to us with anything. No matter what it is or how old you are.
• If the grass looks greener on the other side, be sure to look for the can of green paint.
• If you have a question, ask it. Guaranteed at least one other person is thinking about the same question and is waiting for someone else to ask it.
• Reality TV is just as scripted as a sitcom or drama. They just make up the details and dialogue as they go along.
• You'll make lots of friends, but they'll really be more like acquaintances. Not all of these people will really like you or can really be trusted. Still they will fill a purpose for you or you for them. This is how the world works.
• Never underestimate the power of an 'inner circle'.
• There is no such thing as 'just the tip'. Ever. Not in money, not in icebergs, not in intercourse.
• Never loan money to family. If you expect or need to get that money back at some point, then you shouldn't be giving it out. If they can pay it back, they will, without you asking. Or they shouldn't be borrowing it.
• Learn to use your hands. They really are a useful tool. Especially in cooking.
  
• Someone who argues just to cause trouble is never going to see your point. Don't argue with them or they win automatically.
• Anything you do or say has a certain permanence nowadays. Not everything has to be shared with everyone and once something is out there, it may not be able to be taken back.
• Read everything for yourself. You won't see things through other people's eyes and you'll be better off for the experience. Some books are great, some are not so much -- even if they are so called classics. It's best to read them all and decide for yourself.
• Speaking of books, remember that the point of a book is to tell a good story -- a good thing to remember no matter what book you are reading. Even autobiographies and the Bible.
• Everyone has problems. We're all human. Yes, especially people with money. It's how you handle those problems that matters.
• Mind your own house before paying attention to what others are doing.

That should be enough for this installment. I'll have more again soon. Feel free to comment or give feedback.

Hands down, I think one of the funniest Family Guy clips is probably one of the most subtle ones and likely not everyone else's favorite. Here's the premise:

Peter comes across some protesters with 'Free Tibet' signs. He runs up to one and say's "I'll take it!" and then immediately runs to a phone booth. He dials a number and and says "Hello China? ... I have something you may want ... that's right, all the tea."

It's a well written joke that guaranteed, went over the heads of MANY people. Yet it makes me crack up, even playing it in my own head. Is that wrong? Is it too soon? Probably on both ... that's what makes it funny.

Go look it up or watch the episode it's on. If you don't get it, try reading something other than TMZ once in  while.

Bonus: 500 Internet points if you can find a GOOD clip of it (please share if you do).

(I can't find a good clip of this one on YouTube, but had to share since it was in my head ...)

Had this idea rolling around for a while and given that it is Father's Day, what better time than to kick this off.

I've learned some things from life and I'd like to share these things with my kids, but unfortunately they are too young to really understand or grasp them. By the time they get older, I imagine I will forget some of these things (or perhaps I'll get old and cranky so the views may change and become less relevant). So, I've decided to list them and here is as good as place as any. This is the first of likely multiple posts on the topic ... and away we go.

• Speak your mind so that people know where they stand with you. However, keep in mind how you say something may be more offensive than the actual message you are trying to convey.
• Always keep a sense of humor. Especially when things aren't going well. It will help with your sanity.
• Don't care too much about what others think. It only leads to stress you don't need.
• People who ask silly questions give you an open license to mess with them. Nothing harmful mind you, but enough to entertain yourself for a short while.
• Most people are good. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Until they prove you wrong. And they will.
• Forgiving and forgetting are two separate things. Always. It is possible to do one without the other.
• Never underestimate the power of a belief. People are defensive of their own and will do whatever they can to change yours.
• Never trust anyone who wears a bowtie on a regular basis.
• Everyone has an agenda. It might be an innocent one or a small one or even with your best interests in mind, but they always have a some reason for doing or saying what they do.
• You don't have to agree all the time with someone to love or like them. In fact, a little debate keeps things interesting.
• Always hold the door open for a lady. Doesn't matter if she's 8 or 100.
• Attitudes are contagious and misery loves company. Don't let others catch your bad attitude.

I think that's enough for now. Feel free to comment and let me know if you have some similar ones. Or if you think I am full of BS. Either way should be interesting.

I think it's just about high time I retire the filter between my brain and my mouth. I admired myself more when I didn't care what others thought or who I pissed off.

Given that Americans are so much overweight and some 'fast food' companies are trying a healthier approach, you gotta like the chutzpah of Taco Bell when they rolled out the Bacon Cheddar Gordita Crunch.

I think their goal is to see how many items they can get on the menu that can induce a heart attack in one meal. Just saying ...

My mom now has a MySpace page. You read that right.

At first, I wasn't sure what to think of that. Then I got a bit of pride because she's come a long way - she (a) used to be someone who was somewhat paranoid (probably still a bit) about people having access to ANY info about her and (b) was not the kind of person to get up in front of a group, let alone have an online 'persona'.

Now, this doesn't mean you can go and stalk my mom. Or hit on her. And don't spam her please! We don't want to scare her away. Heh.

But if you know me and her, feel free to add her as a friend. :)

- Ken

Is it just me or is it wrong to have a Chinese restaurant in 'da hood' with the name Ho Mei?

Just want to make sure I'm not crazy here ...