The Ranting Beaver

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.

This cracked me up, but I suppose you have to be a fan of the show to enjoy it. Or high (as much of Adult Swim's demographic likely is).

I know it's a bit of an oldie, but I overheard the song today at lunch and had to go watch the video again. Since it's Friday, you should sit back and enjoy it too. See how many 'web celebs' you can recognize here.

Some of my recent work, trying to keep the skills sharp. Clicking will take you to my DeviantArt page for a larger view. Feel free to comment if you like either of them.


JVN Originals Logo by =kniel187 on deviantART


Talented Octopus Logo by =kniel187 on deviantART

It's funny, you don't know how bad the healthcare industry is until you have to deal with it. I recently had to be in the hospital and while I was appreciative of the care I got, it blows my mind how inefficient the whole process is. For example, every time there was a new nurse on duty, I got the same 10 questions and had to re-explain what was wrong with me. I mean, don't they write this stuff down? Don't they have all the information on a computer? I am all for not assuming with patients, but shouldn't you reserve that for the important stuff -- like what medication was I given an hour ago and not how many days was I ill before I came into the hospital? On top of that, some of the equipment being used had to be almost as old as I am. I don't live in some backwater town, they should at least have more recent equipment. I know they charge you $300 for a box of tissues - where does that money go really?

I know we have issues with insurances (thank god I actually have insurance!) but realistically, I wonder how much time and money is actually wasted that gets billed to the insurance companies. Part of the problem certainly is the antiquated system that the hospitals have become. I think we need to review how this can be more efficient just as much as we are reviewing how insurance companies handle patients.

I know a lot of people are not crazy about the government option, but perhaps now that they will be involved a few of these items will be questioned. Maybe not, but one can always hope.