My Sawdust

Best Album of 2011

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Last year I couldn't decide between two albums in 2010. This year, I have one clear winner. The top album of 2011 is Big Talk's, self titled, debut release.

I know those of you who know me and know who Big Talk is are going to say that I'm being biased. Why is that you say? Well, because I'm a huge fan of The Killers and Big Talk is a rock band fronted by the drummer of The Killers, Ronnie Vannucci, Jr.. And since one of last year's best albums was Brandon Flowers' solo release, I'm going to be accused of being biased. But seriously, after looking over all the 2011 albums I bought, this was the best one. Here is a list of the albums I bought (or received as a gift) this year.

Seth MacFarlane - Music is Better Than Words: A great album but not quite the best of the year.
Patrick Stump - Soul Punk: I was disappointed by this album. I am a huge fan of Fall Out Boy and was psyched to hear this album. Once I got it, I was sad for Patrick. It just didn't live up to my expectations.
Mark Stoermer - Another Life: This is another solo album by a member of The Killers. A good album but not quite up to the level of Brandon Flowers and Ronnie Vannucci, Jr. (Big Talk).
Jon McLaughlin - Forever If Ever: Another solid album but just not the best.
Family Force 5 - III: Another album that I had high hopes for and was sadly disappointed. Not quite as good as their first two albums. It's not a terrible album though, just not great.
Duran Duran - All You Need Is Now: This album is really strong and almost got the best of the year nod, but there are a few swing and misses on the album. I suggest you listen to it.

After looking at all those candidates, it was hands down, Big Talk. Not because it was the lesser of all evils. It's a solid album from start to finish. I like to say that Big Talk is like a really good bar band. For those who aren't sold on it being an album from The Killers' drummer, the other main member of the band is Taylor Milne who used to play with Weezer.

So, there you have it. Another year and another greatest album. Now go log on to your Spotify, iTunes or iHeartRadio, or just go to your local record store and pick up Big Talk. You won't be sorry.

Political Validation

2011-12-19T16:32:00.000-05:00

Look! I don't get it. When McCain was the nominee in 2008, the "republican" talk radio crowd was suggesting we should have nominated Romney because he was a conservative. Now in 2012 people, like Rush Limbaugh, are calling Mitt Romny "McCain Lite" or "McCain Jr." Seriously! Romney is a conservative. But he is willing to have a discussion about policies and hear other ideas. He's not so absolutely stuck in his ideology that he will gridlock Washington. He knows how to work with a democratic house. He had one in Massachusetts while he was Governor.

What dumbfounds me even more is when people like Rush, Dana Loesch, Greg Garrison, and so on, talk about how all the other candidates will "really take it to Obama" and that Mitt won't "stand up to Obama." HELLO! Are you kidding me? Romney was the first to start taking it to Obama. He even has a whole site dedicated to it. ObamaIsntWorking.com And are they not even listening to the debates? All he does is talk about Obama's fail policies.

I described how I feel about the other candidates in one of my previous posts, so I won't go through it again. I just can't see any other candidate beating Obama in the general election. Mitt Romney is the only candidate with the experience, intelligence, money and the squeaky clean image to win this thing. He will work with all parties to make sure this country is on the right track to recovery.

If you can't tell, or if you haven't read any of my previous posts, I am heavily endorsing Mitt Romney. I hope he wins the primary so people can really get to know him and understand that he is the right man for the job.

So maybe that should give me some sort of political validation. That I am not just some sort of drone robot following the commands of my talk radio or FOX News. Since they have done nothing but try to tear down Romney and I am sticking to my guns. I do have a mind of my own...and that mind is set on President Romney.

Can't Stop Listening

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

Ever buy a cd, download an album or whatever you do to own music, and not really care for that album or think it's just ok? Maybe at that time you would give the album a B or C. Not quite an A. Then you go back and pull that album out a few months or a year later and listen to it again and then BAM! It hits you. This album is pure genius. And you wonder how in the world you missed it last time?

This has happened to me recently with two albums. It's not that I hated these albums, I just thought they were OK. Now, I can't get enough of them. I know, you are all siting there, reading this blog, just waiting for me to tell you what the two albums were. Well here you go.

The first album I've recently rediscovered is Oracular Spectacular by MGMT. I've always liked this album. It was always an B+ in my mind but for some reason, just recently, I have fallen in love with this album all over again. I was originally sucked in by "Time To Pretend," but this album is so much more. You have to listen to the whole album to really understand this band. "Time To Pretend" just won't do it. Below you will find the "Time To Pretend" video along with "Electric Feel" so you can experience this amazing band for yourself.

I believe that MGMT is an acquired taste. You aren't going to love it your first listen but you'll kind of enjoy it. You'll find yourself singing the song later and thinking, "I want to listen to that again." Then, you'll search the song on Spotify or GrooveShark and you'll listen to it again. It will grow on you. Seriously though, this band is not for everyone. If you are looking to rock, then this isn't the band for you. They don't have wailing guitars or bass thumping hip hop beats. They are their own monster and it's spectacular.

The second of these two albums was Future Breeds by Hot Hot Heat. When I first heard it, I thought it was just ok. Nothing spectacular. Honestly, I was really looking forward to this album because I loved their last one, Happiness LTD. Future Breeds was a complete departure from Happiness LTD. It had more of a mechanical, technical, experimental feel to it. I know that sounds odd, but seriously, below is a song from Happiness LTD called "Let Me In". It's a great song and what made me fall in love with Hot Hot Heat. After listening to that song, check out the second video "YVR", which is from the Future Breeds album. You might understand what I am talking about. Both albums are great in their own way though I have just recently realized how awesome Future Breeds is. This album is complete genius.

I can't stop listening to these two albums. They are amazing. I hope you at least give them a chance. Enjoy.

Something Political

2011-12-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to write this post for some time. I just haven't found the time to do so. Nevertheless, here it is.

I watched bits and pieces of the Republican Presidential Debate last night and it got me thinking about who I was going to be voting for in the primary. Now, anyone that knows me knows that I am a huge Mitt Romney supporter but I always like to keep an open mind about these things. I've watched a few of the other debates, read many stories online about each one, watched interviews, etc. I like following politics. I find it fascinating. So here is my assessment of all these candidates.

--------------------------------------------------

Newt Gingrich - He may be the smartest man in the room but he keeps tripping over his arrogance. I like what he has to say, most of the time, but there are things that make me question his judgement. One big red flag to me is his personal life. Cheating on his wives is a huge deal to me. That just shows me his moral compass is way off. No matter what you think of President Obama, he is a great husband and a wonderful family man. This will be exploited to the highest if Newt got the republican nomination. Too many skeletons in Newt's closet to become president.

Ron Paul - You know, I was telling my wife the other night. I would love to live in an alternate universe where Ron Paul became president, just to see what would happen. Like when Friends did those episodes where Monica was still fat and Rachel married Barry. But after I got a glimpse into this world, I would probably like to go back to before the Ron Paul revolution. He has some great ideas but most of his ideas are kooky, at best. No worries, he won't get the republican nomination.

Jon Huntsman - HA! a-hem...I mean. He won't get the nomination. Huntsman isn't a bad guy. He just isn't inspiring me. I can't really tell you anything he stands for. He's just white noise in this field. He'll drop out soon enough.

Michele Bachmann - I actually think she would make a decent president but there is just something I don't like about her. I can't put my finger on it. I can't pinpoint it. She says most the right things. She stands up to people and doesn't back down from a fight. Maybe she just needs a few more years to mature into a more polished politician. Not sure why. I wouldn't feel bad voting for her if she were the nominee...though I don't know if she could win the whole thing.

Rick Santorum - I kind of feel the same way about Santorum that I do about Huntsman. He's just white noise in this whole thing. Though he does add some comic relief. He always looks confused. Like he's thinking "how did I get here?" Andy Samberg nailed the impression of Santorum. Rick doesn't instill confidence in me. If we had another 9/11 style attack and he came on TV to address the American public, I think his perceived confusion would just add more panic.

Rick Perry - I was excited to see Rick Perry when he first announced he was running. I had heard so many great things about this man. So when I got to hear him for the first time, I was greatly disappointed. For starters, he seems like Bush 2.0. Don't get me wrong, I liked George W. Bush, but I don't think the country is ready for another Texas Governor who is perceived as a nitwit. Then I started to learn more and more about Rick Perry. He worked on one of Al Gore's campaigns, by executive order forced many young girls to get HPV vaccine, he's soft on immigration, grant tuition to illegals, and, on top of all that, he's not very good on his feet at the debates. I really hope he doesn't get the nomination. It would be hard to vote for Perry as president. I'll just pretend I'm voting for Agent P (for all you Phineas and Ferb fans).

Mitt Romney - Now, for my favorite candidate. Maybe I'm a bit bias, but like I said earlier, I really try to keep an open mind until I reach election day (that goes for democrat or republican...but I'll address that later). Nevertheless, I still feel that Mitt Romney is the best man for the job. He has private sector and government experience (both of which were executive leadership positions). He has spent the last four plus years educating himself further on the world around him. He has proposed plans. Everyone complains that politicians just say that they can fix the economy but never tell us how. Mitt Romney has told us exactly how he is going to fix it. You can download the plans from his website. It's amazing the effort and planning he has done. He is ready to hit the ground running on day one. He is a true businessman who speaks a language that I really understand. As for the flip-flops. He has changed his mind a few times, and we are all entitled to that. I used to be anti-christian anything, but now I fully believe that Jesus Christ is my lord and savior. We can all grow and learn and change our position on topics. FactCheck.org has a list showing the truth of Mitt's flip-flops. There may be a few flips but not to the extent that everyone is making it out to be. Also, people keep saying that he is too squeaky clean. Seriously! This is a downfall? This is exactly what we need. Someone with no skeletons in their closet. No infidelities. No DUIs. No past that is going to be dug up. Nothing bad. Mitt Romney is a great family man with an amazing resume and a squeaky clean image. What more could you want?

--------------------------------------------------

So there you have it. That is my take on all the Republican candidates. Now, as to where I stand...well first I think you have to understand my voting issues. I believe that the financial security as well as our actual security are tied for number one on this list. I see so many people talking about gay marriage, abortion, immigration, education, green initiatives, etc. but those just aren't on my radar. Well...maybe immigration because I feel it's closely tied to our economy but the economy is still the biggest issue to me.

I don't want to see amnesty for all illegals. That just encourages them to continue to illegally enter our country. I would like to see them go through the process to become legal citizens. Then build a big fence, a huge wall, with military and motes at both Mexican and Canadian boarders. Ha ha. Well, maybe not all of that but we do need to enforce the boarders more.

Now, call me a weird republican but, as for gay marriage, I don't care. Let the gays get married. They deserve the right to be happy just like the rest of us. If you don't like calling it marriage, then call it a civil union or whatever. Basically it's not my hot button issue. American is not going to fall apart because Steve and Bill want to confess their love for each other. None of my business.

I know that this will also get me in hot water but abortion just isn't my hot button issue either. Do I wish it would never happen? Of course...but I don't think it's my right to tell others what to do. If some girl wants to kill her unborn child, she will have that cross to bare with her for her entire life. She will have to deal with that sacrifice. Are there cases where I think it should be allowed? Of course. If it's medically important to save the mother's life, in cases of rape, etc...but again, that's her decision. Not mine.

Don't even get me started on the "green initiative" hoax. Look, here is my feeling. If you want to recycle and you want to bring your own tupperware containers to restaurants so you aren't harming the environment with their styrofoam, then fine! Do that. But don't push it onto me. See my previous blog post. Global warming is a hoax. We can't even predict what the weather is going to be ten days down the road. How am I supposed to believe that some scientists have figured out what the Earth is going to do 100 years from now. I am all for keeping this planet clean. There is no reason to throw a bag of McDonald's out of your car window. That, my friends, is keeping the planet clean. Not adding a tax on high carbon emissions. That is government controlling us and taxing us way too much. But I would like to say that I am all in favor of electric cars and windmill power but only because I think the ideas are really cool, not because I want to save the environment.

So for me, the economy is the biggest issue in this election cycle. And out of all the candidates I believe that Mitt Romney is the man that is going to get this economy working again. He has a plan to help small businesses and big businesses. Cut taxes, cut spending, open up lending, blah blah blah. As a small business owner, I love hearing what he has to say. As I said before, I keep an open mind about these things. If President Obama came out tomorrow with a plan to make the tax code more "fair", since that is what everyone wants, I may support it. Though my version of fair is different from others. I believe that everyone should pay the same percentage. If everyone paid 10% (I'm making that number up, so just bare with me), then it would be fair. So if Bob makes $100 a week and Jane make $1million a week, they would both be paying the same percentage, which is fair. I don't see how that punishes the poor. Bob would pay $10 and Jane would pay $100,000. That way, no matter what you make, you know that you will be paying 10% to the government. Of course, we would all like to pay zero but that can't happen. If President Obama came out tomorrow and said everyone will pay 10% and he would eliminate capital gains tax, death tax and inheritance tax, then chances are I'd vote for him. Or even if he was going to eliminate the tax code all together and start a national sales tax, I might vote for him. But he won't. The democrats want to tax the wealthy. They want to punish those who have large amounts of money. WHY!? Why should those people be punished for having money? Even if they inherited it. Even if they never worked for it a day in their life. Who cares? It's their money, NOT the government's.

Now, I'm not going to go into Obamacare because all the republican candidates are going to try to repeal it. I think an overhaul of the healthcare system is needed but not the way it was done.

So there you have it. Not sure if anyone cares about my point of view but I put it out there anyways. I hope you will take a look at Mitt Romney and hopefully vote for him in the primary and in the general election as well.

I'm Dustin Brenton and I approve this message.

Proverbs 3:5

2011-11-10T10:33:00.001-05:00

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

I'm kind of a big deal.

2011-08-21T13:18:00.004-04:00

I used to be in a techno group called Trance Factory from 1999-2002. We sold albums around the world (online on the old mp3.com website) and had articles written about us. Nevertheless, if you would like to hear some of our music, it can be found at a website called bandcamp. I just recently posted it back online. Enjoy!

http://trancefactory.bandcamp.com/

Cross-Promotion of Blogs

2011-08-01T21:12:00.003-04:00

If you regularly read one of my blogs, I thought you might be interested in my others. Here are the three blogs that I try to update from time to time. Enjoy!

Today's Greatest Song Ever

Basically, I love music...all kinds of music. So when I hear a song, or remember an old track that I love, I post it on this blog and try to add some sort of description as to why I think it's possibly the greatest song ever.

todaysgreatestsongever.blogspot.com

My Sawdust

This is just my random blog. I may post something political, sports related, or some music video. It really doesn't matter. It's my place to sound off about anything.

mysawdust.blogspot.com

My New Band Name

I've always wanted to be in a band. So, whenever I think of a funny, clever, or just a really good name for a band, I find an image and make an album cover. I try to discuss who this new band is and what kind of music they will play. This is basically another creative outlet for me.

mynewbandname.blogspot.com

2011-2012 Miami Dolphins

2011-08-01T20:25:00.004-04:00

First off, I am just glad that there is going to be an NFL season. This season can't start soon enough! Though one good thing did come out of this summer's NFL lockout, this free agent frenzy. I would love to see the NFL do this every year. No trades until the last two weeks of the offseason. That would be fun.

Anyways...let's discuss the Miami Dolphins and what they have done in this offseason and what I predict for their wins and losses.

At this point, the Dolphins don't have a starting QB. There are 4 QBs on their roster but none that I see as the second coming of Marino. I guess Chad Henne is their best option, though I would have rather seen them fork out the extra dough to get Kyle Orton. That deal may not be 100% dead. There are still talks that Kyle Orton could still go to Miami after Denver tells him to sit on the bench or just "mentor" Tim Tebow. So, keep your fingers crossed kids. We may end up with a top tier QB after all.

The biggest news is that Miami signed RB Reggie Bush. That is a big deal. Without Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, they needed a dynamic RB to put points on the board.

And the not so big news, but big in my eyes, the signing (again) of Jason Taylor. I don't know why they let Jason Taylor go in the first place. Oh well, that is water under the bridge. I am super excited to see number 99 in the aqua and orange again.

Now, onto the fun part...THE PREDICTIONS!

PRESEASON

P1 Aug 12 MIA @ ATL - L
P2 Aug 19 CAR @ MIA - W
P3 Aug 27 MIA @ TB - W
P4 Sep 01 DAL @ MIA - L

Preseason record - 2-2

REGULAR SEASON

1 Sep 12 NE @ MIA - L
2 Sep 18 HOU @ MIA - W
3 Sep 25 MIA @ CLE - W
4 Oct 02 MIA @ SD - L
5 Bye
6 Oct 17 MIA @ NYJ - W
7 Oct 23 DEN @ MIA - L
8 Oct 30 MIA @ NYG - L
9 Nov 06 MIA @ KC - W
10 Nov 13 WAS @ MIA - W
11 Nov 20 BUF @ MIA - L
12 Nov 24 MIA @ DAL - L
13 Dec 04 OAK @ MIA - W
14 Dec 11 PHI @ MIA - L
15 Dec 18 MIA @ BUF - W
16 Dec 24 MIA @ NE - L
17 Jan 01 NYJ @ MIA - L

Final Record - 7-9

I hope I am wrong. I hope they win all of their games and go to the Super Bowl.

GO DOLPHINS!

The Killers Preview a New Song

2011-07-21T23:10:00.001-04:00

The Voice, My Voice

2011-07-01T11:39:00.000-04:00

I wish I had the time or talent to be in a band. I think I could be a front man of a band. I'd love to give it a shot one day. There is something very alluring to me about being in a rock band.

I just finished watching The Voice on NBC with my wife when they said there were auditions online. I thought, maybe I'll give it a shot. Though there are probably millions of people doing the same thing. I honestly don't know if I'm a good singer or not. I think I'm ok. I've heard worse. I was in my elementary school choir...but that is all the singing experience I have. Well, I was in a band once but we didn't sing. It was an electronic techno group. We did a little rapping but no singing.

I would love to stand on a stage and entertain a crowd. I go to concerts and think "I wish that was me up there," but I don't know if I have the talent. I would love to be on a show where I have professionals tell me if I have the goods or not. I'm too old for American Idol and I don't have the dedication or time to put forth toward starting an actual band, then playing small gigs, then trying to get my demo heard...so my best bet is to go on one of these TV shows like The Voice.

With all of that said, I don't think I will do it. Just too much of a long shot. Though I do need to become famous one way or another...that is the only way I think I will ever get on Jeopardy. And let me tell ya, Celebrity Jeopardy is way freaking easy.

Well...I'm 30.

2011-06-20T17:04:00.004-04:00

Well...I'm 30. I'm not depressed about it, though I'm not overly thrilled either. But I am happy to be where I am, at 30 years old.

I have so much to be thankful for. I have a wonderful, beautiful, amazing, caring wife (is that enough adjectives?) and a fun, crazy, smart stepson. My life would be empty if it weren't for them. Oh! I can't leave out our pets Charlie {dog}, Zoe {cat} and Elmo {rabbit}. They make life interesting as well.

I have a great family; from my brother, who has been an inspiration to me since I can remember, is one of my best friends to the most generous, caring, loving, patient, amazing parents anyone could ask for. As well as adorable nieces and nephew (that call me Muncle), wonderful grandmas, fun in-laws and the rest of my family that I know would be there for me if ever I needed something.

I also look at where I am in my career. I am the creative director and Partner of my own marketing & advertising agency (Eclipse Marketing & Advertising). I have the world's best business partner (it also helps that he's my best friend). I've helped my wife start her own candle business (Candles That Care). My long-term goal is to go back to school and get a bachelors degree so I can teach. I taught a couple classes a few years ago at Ivy Tech and it was amazing. Maybe some day...but right now it's advertising and candles for me.

I'm also very happy with where I am, spiritually. I fully accepted Christ into my life 3 years ago and it's made a huge impact on where I am today. I know that I am where I am today because of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I didn't always see that. Even when I didn't fully trust and believe in Him. He was always there for me, guiding me, and pushing me in the right directions. Everything in my life has happened for a reason to lead me where I am today. And I try to give thanks everyday that He never gave up on me.

It's taken 30 years to get to where I'm at. I look forward to everyday and look forward to another 30 years (plus many more). I wonder where I'll be in 30 years...hopefully retired, living on the beach somewhere (I hope it takes less than 30 years to get there).

And so it begins! 2012

2011-06-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

It's been three years since Obama defeated McCain to be President. McCain was never my choice for the GOP. I have been a Romney supporter since I first learned about this guy back in 2006 (along with Rudy Giuliani). Romney has so many qualities about him that I admire. Faith, family and most importantly, he knows how businesses run (large and small). That is what this country needs right now. We need someone who has ran a business and who knows what to do to get this economy going again. Someone to cut taxes and create jobs.

Now, I'm not going to bash Obama. That is not my style. I don't care about his birth certificate or that people say he's a Muslim. That isn't want I am looking at. He seems like a good guy. I think I would have a good time hanging out and playing basketball with Obama but it's his policies that are lacking. They are not job creating policies. They aren't tax cutting policies. Even though he says ObamaCare will lower the cost of health care...I just don't believe it. It doesn't make sense.

After watching the first republican debate this week, I have a close second to Mitt Romney. They all had their good points and some came off a little crazier than others. But for me Herman Cain seems like a good choice as well.

Herman Cain and Mitt Romney have one big thing in common. They are both businessmen first and politicians second. That is what I am looking for this time around. We need someone who has worked and ran a company in the private sector. Someone who knows what it takes to get this economy growing.

What it takes is less government and lower taxes. Plain and simple. Lower the tax rate on everything. Allow everyone to keep more of their own money. We the people have worked hard for our money. Not the government. We deserve to keep it. And that goes for everyone: rich, poor and middle class. If you made $100 last year or $100million last year, you should get a tax cut. If your business has one employee or 50,000 employees, you should get a tax cut. Allow the people and the private sector to decide how money is spent. Not the government.

I am excited to see how this race turns out. If we were voting for the primaries today, my vote would be for Mitt Romney. But who knows what the next year will bring. When all of this is said and done, I may be singing the praises of an unknown or maybe Herman Cain. Last election I originally was pulling for Rudy Giuliani until I learned more about Mitt Romney.

Do I expect Obama to be a one term president? I don't know. There are days when I think the GOP could defeat him if we had anyone on the ticket. Then there are days that I don't think the late Ronald Reagan could even win this election. We'll just have to see how all of this turns out.

Let the race for the White House begin!

What The Hell?

2011-03-08T08:45:00.003-05:00

I can't get this song out of my head! Oh well, it's not a terrible song. Ya know, on second thought, I actually really like this song. Now it's your turn. Enjoy Avril Lavigne's "What The Hell" and see if you are still singing it a week from now. Enjoy!

Whatever happened to Deltron 3030?

2011-03-05T22:43:00.000-05:00

My New Theme Song

2011-03-02T12:28:00.001-05:00

New Blog - My New Band Name

2011-02-21T23:25:00.004-05:00

http://mynewbandname.blogspot.com/

I have started a new blog. This blog will chronicle all those times I have said "that's my new band name." Basically, I will probably never be in a band but I have dreams of one day making it big in the music industry. So I have to keep an arsenal of names ready, ya know, just in case.

My goal is to title the blog post after the new band name, post a mock album cover, and maybe a blurb as to where the name came from. As for the album cover, if I have a photo in mind I will use it. If not, I will just randomly choose an image from Flickr.

Well, I think that about explains it. I hope you all enjoy and please feel free to comment.

Also, we will be accepting albums from our fans. We will call it a FAN BAND post. We will randomly post a FAN BAND album. All entries must be 500pixels X 500pixels at 72dpi. Please include a short blurb explaining the name and album as well as giving credit to where the images came from. Please send all albums to dbrenton13@hotmail.com.

http://mynewbandname.blogspot.com/

Thanks!

Super Bowl XLV Prediction

2011-02-06T11:04:00.003-05:00

So tonight is the Super Bowl and I am going to make a prediction of the winner and the score. Last year I did this earlier in the playoffs and was way off...well, not way off. I predicted Colts v. Vikings with the Colts winning. And, as we all know, I was partially right. Colts were in the Super Bowl but other than that, I failed. So I thought, let's give it another try but after I know what the teams are. So here it is.

SUPER BOWL XLV

Green Bay Packers 21 - Pittsburgh Steelers 17

GOP 2012 Presidential Candidates

2011-02-06T01:53:00.003-05:00

Back in July 2009, I was posting about Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin and Mike Pence. Now that the 2012 Presidential race is almost upon us, it's time to look at the GOP field. And by the GOP field, I mean who I want to be our next candidate.

I am still a huge Mitt Romney supporter and it looks like he is gearing up for another strong run for the nomination. He has been on TV more times in the past week than reruns of Two and a Half Men (that show is on ALL THE TIME!). I didn't get to see all of his television appearances but the one I did catch was him on the Late Show with David Letterman. He was pretty funny. Check it out.

So, obviously, I want Mitt Romney to be our next presidential nominee but I have two other hopefuls. Both are Hoosiers. Mike Pence and Mitch Daniels. These men would do amazing things for this country. Look at what Mitch Daniels has done for Indiana in these tough economical times; increased jobs, saved taxpayers money, set a cap on property tax, etc. There are too many things to point to. He has done an amazing job.

As for Mike Pence. Well, he talks the talk. But he's not a Governor. He's a Senator. As much as I like him, I would take Mitt & Mitch over Mike. I like someone who has executive experience.

We'll just have to see how all of this pans out in the next year or so. I'm sure in a year from now, we will be talking about new people that aren't even on our minds right now. These are exciting times for our country. GO MITT!

Greatest Album(s) of 2010

2011-01-16T09:53:00.002-05:00

I had a friend on facebook ask, "what was the best album of 2010?" For me it was a toss up between two albums. Brandon Flowers - Flamingo and My Chemical Romance - Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.

At first I went with My Chemical Romance. Their album is epic. Every song on this album feels larger than life. It's telling a story from one song to the next while still allowing each song to still be its own. I knew I was going to love this album when I saw the video for "Na Na Na." It's like they have meshed Mad Max with Family Force 5 and some old home movies. I love it.

Then after I gave my answer of My Chemical Romance having the greatest album of 2010, I spent the week driving around listening to Brandon Flowers - Flamingo and remembered how amazing this album was. There are so many musical influences and you can really understand the ups and downs of Brandon Flowers' life. The difference from this album and My Chemical Romance is that MCR wrote their album with their minds, while Brandon Flowers' album is from the heart. He sings about his hometown, faith, friendship, and even a song about The Killers and their growth into maturity as a band (at least that is what I believe the song "Swallow It" is all about). So then I switched my vote to Brandon Flowers - Flamingo.

I would also like to point out that my friend who asked about the greatest album of 2010 said that his favorite album was Monitor by Titus Andronicus. I've tried listening to it but I just don't get it. Nevertheless, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. And my opinion is that Brandon Flowers and My Chemical Romance produced two of the greatest albums I have ever heard this year. So because of that they are co-winners of the Greatest Album of 2010.

So what was your favorite album of 2010?

September 14th Can't Come Soon Enough!

2010-08-19T11:13:00.000-04:00

New Song Sounds Like Old Songs

2010-08-04T12:09:00.003-04:00

My most favorite band in the entire world are The Killers. Their lead singer, Brandon Flowers, is putting out a solo album. He released this song yesterday. It sounds like an old time country song. Very different from what The Killers have done. Enjoy.

BRANDON FLOWERS - CROSSFIRE

2010-06-11T09:52:00.005-04:00

The first song off of Brandon Flowers' solo cd, Flamingo. The song is titled "Crossfire." ENJOY!

Keep checking BrandonFlowersMusic.com for updates.

WHO IS THE BEST ROCK/HAIR BAND? YOU DECIDE!

2010-06-04T16:36:00.001-04:00

Introducing a new blog, BAND BRACKET!

You decide who stays & who goes!

BandBracket.blogspot.com

Miami Dolphins Prediction

2010-04-21T08:58:00.003-04:00

The Dolphins Schedule was released yesterday so I decided to make my predictions. Of course being a HUGE Dolphins fan, I would like to see them go undefeated but the likelihood of that happening is zero. So enjoy this prediction with the Dolphins winning the AFC East.

PRESEASON

Aug. 14 Tampa Bay

Aug. 21 at Jacksonville

Aug. 27 Atlanta

Sept. 2 at Dallas

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

Sept. 12 at Buffalo - W

Sept. 19 at Minnesota - L

Sept. 26 N.Y. JETS - W

Oct. 4 NEW ENGLAND - W

Oct. 10 Bye Weekend - BYE

Oct. 17 at Green Bay - L

Oct. 24 PITTSBURGH - L

Oct. 31 at Cincinnati - W

Nov. 7 at Baltimore - W

Nov. 14 TENNESSEE - L

Nov. 18 CHICAGO - W

Nov. 28 at Oakland - W

Dec. 5 CLEVELAND - W

Dec. 12 at N.Y. Jets - L

Dec. 19 BUFFALO - W

Dec. 26 DETROIT - W

Jan. 2 at New England - L

DOLPHINS RECORD NEXT YEAR: 10-6 & win the AFC EAST

Spaceship Adventure

2010-03-15T14:37:00.002-04:00

STEVE!

2010-01-29T09:41:00.000-05:00

Where I Want To Be

2010-01-27T10:46:00.001-05:00

Driving The Strip & Viva Las Vegas

2010-01-26T12:58:00.001-05:00

May I Say, Paradise.

2010-01-25T14:55:00.001-05:00

What is your identity?

2009-12-11T09:55:00.003-05:00

What identifies you? Is it your family? Your job? Maybe it's a moment in time, like when you were on Beauty and the Geek. Or maybe it's your personality. Are you always happy or always cranky? I think we are all searching for our identity and yet, I'm sure our identity is different depending on who you talk to. One person might see you as the "Mr. Fix It" while someone else might see you as "the funny guy".

I can see why people can go through an identity crisis. Trying to figure out who they are in this life.

I often wonder what my identity is to others. I used to think my job was my identity. I'm a "graphic designer" but now I'm happily married to a wonderful girl with a wonderful stepson. So now am I a "family man"?

What about my friends who like to hang out with me? Am I the "smart one" the "funny one"? With my close high school friends, I think they would consider me the "smart one" but my college friends might see me more as the "funny one". I'm not sure.

What do I want my identity to be? I don't know really. I guess when people think of me I want them to think of me in many different ways. I want to be known as successful, funny, smart, caring, happy, family man who cares about the people around him. But ultimately isn't that what everyone wants? Don't we all want people to think that about us?

When my grandpa passed away a few years ago I put into words who I felt he was. The best word I could use to describe him was "protector". He protected freedom when he fought in WWII. He protected the people when he was a police officer. He even protected us kids when we would visit the farm by telling us to "watch out for those crazy drivers", as we would throw rocks off of the bridge into the creek. That is a great identity to leave behind.

Maybe that should be the goal. Do one thing and do it so well, that everyone knows you that way. Sure, when I think of my grandpa more words come to mind but "protector" is the one that stands out.

I wonder what word stands out in people's minds when they think about me, my family, my friends? I wonder what they think about you.

Candles That Care & Riley Children's Foundation

2009-12-02T22:40:00.002-05:00

I'm proud to announce a partnership between Candles That Care and Riley Children's Foundation!

Whether you're shopping for yourself or those on your Christmas list, check out our new Riley store, cinnamon Riley candle and Riley Christmas ornaments. Go to candlesthatcare.org and click on the Riley red wagon. Thanks for your support!

Cartoon From 1948 Still Rings True Today

2009-11-23T09:20:00.004-05:00

This is a great old cartoon. It was made in 1948 and it still rings true today. No matter who is in office, republican, democrat or independent, don't let them take your freedom. It is the most important thing we have in this country. It's our number one natural resource and the reason we are the most successful nation this world has ever seen. We have no reason to be ashamed of our freedom, no reason to be afraid of our freedom, and have no reason to apologize for our freedom.

"Make Mine Freedom" is spot on and it's fun to watch because it's a cartoon (haha).

Enjoy.

Super Bowl XLIV Predictions

2009-11-10T12:28:00.008-05:00

NFC Championship: Cowboys v. Vikings (or possibly Saints)

AFC Championship: Colts v. Broncos (or possibly Patriots)

Super Bowl Prediction: Colts 24 - Vikings 21

World Champions - Indianapolis Colts

CandlesThatCare.org Is Finally Here!

2009-09-26T22:09:00.002-04:00

CandlesThatCare.org is not your typical candle company. Yes, we have many of your favorite scents, but you would expect that from any candle company. So what makes us different? We are a candle company with compassion. A portion of proceeds from each candle is donated to an organization that helps people in need. So, the next time you light a candle, you could be helping an abused child, a grandparent with Alzheimer's, a mother with breast cancer, or a troop serving our country overseas. Together we can change the world, one candle at a time.

62 Things I Read In An Email

2009-09-24T10:21:00.003-04:00

This is one of the most hilarious emails I have ever read. So much so that I felt it warranted a blog post. Enjoy.

1. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

2. More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

3. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

4. I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

5. Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

6. That's enough, Nickelback.

7. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

8. Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?

9. Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

10. There is a great need for sarcasm font.

11. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the f was going on when I first saw it.

12. I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

13. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

14. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

15. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

16. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to finish a text.

17. A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

18. Was learning cursive really necessary?

19. Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

20. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

21. Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

22. My brother's Municipal League baseball team is named the Stepdads. Seeing as none of the guys on the team are actual stepdads, I inquired about the name. He explained, "Cuz we beat you, and you hate us." Classy, bro.

23. Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

24. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

25. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

26. Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

27. What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

28. While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

29. MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

30. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

31. I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

32. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

33. I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an overweight woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night."

34. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

35. Bad decisions make good stories

36. Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

37. Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

38.If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

39.Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be
a problem....

40.You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

41.Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

42.There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

43. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

44. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

45.I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

46.I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

47. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

48.When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.

49. I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

50. Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles...

51. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

52. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

53. It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

54. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

55. Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

56. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I’d bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

57. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

58. It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.

59. I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

60. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

61. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

62. The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner.

You Know Who Makes Me Laugh?!

2009-09-06T16:20:00.003-04:00

You know who makes me laugh? Gilbert Gottfried. I think he is freaking hilarious. I'd love to see his stand-up. I watched him on the Roast of Joan Rivers and he was side-splittimg hilarious. Here is his bit from that show.

(Warning: This contains offensive language.)

Cool Guys Don't Look At Explosions

2009-08-27T17:00:00.001-04:00

Vegas Baby!

2009-08-24T17:00:00.000-04:00

Did you catch the theme in all four of those videos above? Let me give you a hint...VEGAS BABY! Okay that wasn't so much of a hint as it was the answer. Nevertheless, maybe you can help me understand this affliction of mine. I love Las Vegas.

I have been to Sin City five times and I can't seem to get enough of it. This would make sense for someone who loves to go to strip clubs, for someone who loves to party and get drunk, or someone who loves to blow wads of money on casino games, hookers and blow (that's cocaine for all you squares, haha). But I don't do any of that stuff.

I'll have the occasional alcoholic beverage and when in Vegas I'll have a few more than I would at a bar in Indy (which means I will have two drinks in one day in Vegas. haha. woo hoo, party!). And I do enjoy playing slots and occasionally I'll belly up to a roulette table and possibly, if I'm feeling brave, the black jack table for a hand or two. I may even throw a few dollars down on the Colts and Dolphins to go to the superbowl or something crazy like that but I'm not the kind of person to sit at a slot machine and pump dollar after dollar into it hoping to win all the money back that I lost last night. I know how much I can lose. I go to Vegas knowing that I will walk away with less money than when I showed up. If you go to Vegas to strike-it-rich, then you have already lost.

My problem is I love Las Vegas. I love movies, music, anything that has to do with Vegas. I love it. The problem is that I went to Las Vegas in December. It was a Christmas Gift from my girlfriend (who became my fiance in Las Vegas). I thought that this would cool my desire for wanting to go back to Sin City for a while. And I was right. It did cool down my desire to go back...for about six months. Around June I started thinking about Las Vegas again. This time I was talking to my dad about going.

He and I went several times when I was a teenager for spring break. We had a blast every time. Of course he and I had fun no matter where we went. One year we went to Gettysburg, another year Mammoth Cave, and then Pigeon Forge. We went all over the place. Until one year I suggested Las Vegas just as a joke. He said, sure, why not. And that is where it all started. The very first night there I knew that this city was awesome. We got in around 11:00p.m. Then got to our room at Circus Circus (remember I'm 14 at this time). He said, "you want to go walking around?" I thought that it was going to be bed time so I said "YEAH!" We walked around a bit until we realized how hungry we were. So we went to Slots-Of-Fun and had a 99¢, one-pound chili dog. Oh MY! I don't think I've had such a delicious chili dog since. It was the greatest thing. That was one of my favorite memories with my dad. Sitting in a casino at age 14, in Las Vegas around 1:00a.m. eating a 99¢, one-pound chili dog.

Maybe that is why I keep wanting to go back to Vegas so bad. Maybe I want that feeling again. I had such a great time when I was there as a teen that I want to go back there. Maybe this is a "reverting to my youth" thing. Let's look at other things in my life. My favorite car I ever owned was when I was 16, my Honda Del Sol. My favorite band ever is Def Leppard (and The Killers, who are from Las Vegas, but for this example Def Leppard works best) and I listened to them when I was a kid. Maybe the reason I love Las Vegas is because it reminds me of being a teenager?

Don't get me wrong. I don't want to live there. It would be a fun place to live for a single guy, maybe. But since I am married with a step-son and I own a company here in Indy, I figure Las Vegas isn't the place for me. I just want to visit there every six months or so. haha.

I need to overcome this affliction somehow. I thought maybe going to the casinos around here would help but I fear that would only perpetuate this emotion inside of me. Maybe you can offer up some reason as to why I love Las Vegas so much. Maybe one day I can overcome this affliction and not be drawn to all things Vegas but until then I guess I will just suppress this urge and travel elsewhere.

...bright light city gonna set my soul on fire....viva Las Vegas....VIVA LAS VEGAS!!!.....

Shameless Plug: MoviesForNobodies.com

2009-08-12T15:40:00.000-04:00

Goodbye Fall Out Boy?

2009-08-07T17:39:00.002-04:00

Fall Out Boy's "What A Catch, Donnie" is a great song and a great video. (Nevermind the website that is splashed over the video. That is not part of the real video.)

Some people are saying that this is Fall Out Boy's goodbye. From the looks of the video they might be right and it makes me a little sad, if that's true.

The video shows Patrick Stump alone at sea fishing out Fall Out Boy memorabilia when he sees a sinking ship in the distance. He comes to the rescue of all these people on life boats. These people are the other members of Fall Out Boy and other bands they have worked with. The video ends with Pete Wentz saluting Patrick and going down with the ship.

Is this the end of Fall Out Boy? Is Pete leaving the band? Are we all reading too much into this song and video? Let's hope this isn't the last we hear from Fall Out Boy. They are a great band that could be around for years to come.

Never Buy Batteries Again!

2009-07-30T16:28:00.001-04:00

Miami Dolphins Rap

2009-07-29T12:28:00.000-04:00

Favorite Funny/Death Scene and Shameless MoviesForNobodies.com Plug

2009-07-28T11:04:00.007-04:00

*WARNING: THE VIDEO BELOW IS EXTREMELY GRAPHIC! IT CONTAINS PROFANITY, VIOLENCE & GORE!*

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

On MoviesForNobodies.com we discuss all kids of movies but recently we've seemed to discuss horror movies a lot. We recently talked about movies like "SAW" and "Final Destination". These movies aren't here to scare you so much as to show you the most creative kill. All these creative death scenes got me thinking about what some of my favorite kills were in movies.

I would have to say, without a doubt, that the Huey Lewis, Ax Murder scene in "American Psycho" is my all time favorite kill scene in a movie. Hands down. I love the way it mixes comedy with the uncontrollable rage of Christian Bale's character.

Don't forget to join in our many discussions at MoviesForNobodies.com and listen to the weekly podcast.

Killing Dogs Is OK In The NFL

2009-07-27T17:22:00.005-04:00

SERIOUSLY! Michael Vick was just reinstated into the NFL. Way to put your foot down Roger Goodell.

Michael Vick is a despicable human being. People just hear that he was involved in a dog fighting ring but they don't seem to remember what he did. This is a quote by Kelly Naqi from ESPN.com on November 22, 2008.

The report, dated Aug. 28, 2008, says, "Vick, Peace and Phillips thought it was funny to watch the pit bull dogs belonging to Bad Newz Kennels injure or kill the other dogs." The report has names and phrases redacted in order to protect the anonymity of certain individuals who cooperated with investigators.

The report also states in mid-April of 2007, Vick, Peace and Phillips hung approximately three dogs who did not perform well in a "rolling session," which indicates the readiness of a dog to fight. According to the report, the three men hung the dogs "by placing a nylon cord over a 2 X 4 that was nailed to two trees located next to the big shed. They also drowned approximately three dogs by putting the dogs' heads in a five gallon bucket of water."

Vick initially told authorities "while he assisted Phillips and Peace in the killing of the dogs, he did not actually kill the dogs," but "helped Phillips toss several dogs to the side," according to the report.

However, the report says Vick took back that statement when he failed a polygraph test. "Vick failed the examination as it related to the killing of the dogs in April 2007. Ultimately, Vick recanted his previous statement wherein he said he was not actually involved in the killing of six to eight dogs. ... Vick admitted taking part in the actual hanging of the dogs."

Vick, the report says, paid someone whose name was redacted $100 to dig two graves for the dog carcasses. "Based on past circumstances," the report says, "Phillips and Peace did not like [Vick] to do any type of work that could injure him and jeopardize his NFL contract." When the person who dug the graves refused to bury the animals, the report says, Vick, Peace and Phillips buried the dogs themselves.

This is not a sane individual. This is what serial killers do. They torture defenseless animals. Would a sane person hold a dog's head underwater to drown it because it wouldn't fight? NO! They would not.

I understand that the punishment should fit the crime and I do believe that some people are rehabilitated from prisons. But this is something that needs a deeper look. He wasn't in prison for very long and was only banned from the league while he was in prison. That's not a punishment. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets into trouble, maybe not dog fighting, but he will be in trouble in the next two years. You wait and see.

As for the NFL. This is an organization that people strive to be a part of their whole life. People would give anything to play one NFL game and he took all of that for granted.

I'm in favor of a no tolerance policy. If you are guilty of a crime you are banned for life. Even if you are caught with weed, you are banned for life. I know that hurts my Dolphins but Ricky Williams had his chance and blew it (no pun intended). Yes he is a valuable running back for the Dolphins but if I had it my way, he would be out of the league. I pray that Michael Vick does not join the Dolphins too. I've read rumors that say he would be a good fit down there. That would be the worse thing ever.

Why do we let these people get by with a free pass? If you got in trouble for dog fighting and went to prison for two years, then asked your employer for your job back would they take you? Hell no! They would tell you to take a hike. No employer can take that kind of risk.

Today is a sad day for the NFL and for the kids that look up to these stars. See little Billy, if you are a rich football star you can do whatever you want and get a slap on the wrist. When I grow up I want to play in the NFL and kill dogs by hanging them and holding their heads underwater. Reach for the stars, little Billy...reach for the stars.

Why Did This Person Bother Me?

2009-07-26T11:32:00.008-04:00

Let me start out by saying this blog is about me and a reflection on my emotions. This is not about me passing judgement on anyone else. It may not seem like that at first, but just keep reading, it will make sense.

So I went out to eat recently and I noticed a lady taking home her dinner. Which normally isn't something that I would comment on. We all take home food we don't eat but she refused to use the styrofoam container given to her by the restaurant. Instead she pulled out a tupperware container and put her food in there.

I happen to know this lady (no, it's not my wife). She is an Obama supporter and pretty bold about it. Which is fine. We have the freedom of speech in this country. That is why I can type this blog. She is a nice lady but for some reason her pulling out a tupperware container really grinded on me. I thought to myself, "how unbelievably pretentious". Then I heard someone at the table compliment her on bringing the tupperware and I wanted to pipe in and tell them how dumb it was. Someone also said they they were going to recycle the styrofoam container to this lady. I guess the tupperware made everyone feel guilty and somehow it made the lady a better person than the rest of us. I, on the other hand, wanted to grab more styrofoam, stand on a chair and announce that "I was not going to use it and I was not going to recycle it". I wanted to make this a fair and balanced conversation since everyone else was going out of their way to say how wonderful it was that she brought a tupperware container.

But I did not say a word. I know when and where to speak my mind. I grinned through my teeth and just went about my meal. I knew that even if I said something, that it wouldn't matter. This person is so stuck in their beliefs that I would have just been a gnat that was buzzing in their ear. Kind of like myself, if she would have tried to convince me to recycle. I feel that recycling is like trying to empty the ocean with a thimble during a torrential downpour.

Then I began to, dare I say, admire her. There are so many people in this world that are posers. They talk about saving the environment and then they change their light bulbs to the coil bulbs and think they saved the world. There are people who say they want to make a difference and never do anything to make that difference. So, I began to admire this lady. She believes in something and she lives her life that way. I am a big believer in leading by example. She is doing just that, even if I don't agree with it, she is taking a stand and living her life that way.

Now, on the flip side, I don't agree with her and that frustrates me. So I began to ask myself this question, What bothers me more...people who are so engrained in their beliefs that they are nazi like or people who preach about doing something and never do it? The obsessed or the posers? I honestly don't have the answer. I am still reflecting on this.

After all was said and done, she wasn't bothering me. She didn't ask me why I didn't bring a tupperware container and she didn't try to get me to vote for Obama. She was just living her life and trying to make the world a better place, in her eyes. So why does that bother me? Some would say because it makes me feel guilty that I am not doing the same. I disagree. I have given this much thought. I think it's because I am afraid of these people being in charge and forcing their beliefs on me. I don't want the government or anyone forcing me to recycle.

If they want to force recycling on people, I have a great idea that will create jobs and encourage recycling. How about we all throw our trash away in one bin. Then it goes to the "sorting plant" where we have "sorters" who will decide what can be recycled and what cannot. That way, I don't have to worry if this bottle is a 3 or a 2 and if it can be recycled. Leave it up to someone else and it will create jobs. I'm still not 100% on board with this idea but I feel it would be a bi-partisan compromise.

So, I applaud this lady and her audacity to create more work for herself and try to change the world. I however will not be entertaining this idea. That is what makes this country such a great place, freedom. She can do what she wants and I have the freedom to blog about it.

Encouraging News for GOP and Mitt Romney

2009-07-23T11:53:00.004-04:00

Once again, I know 2012 is a long ways out but we can always have fun looking at polls and stats right?

According to a Rasmussen Reports article and poll, if the 2012 election were today with Mitt Romney running against Obama, they would be in a dead tie at 45% (with Palin not too far behind at 42%).

I was a huge Mitt Romney supporter in the primaries last year. He may have been the only person that could have defeated Obama, though I'm not sure anyone could have really beaten Obama last year. But if the economy keeps tanking and things aren't turning around, people will change the leader. If we don't see some hope and change by 2012, I think we'll all hope for a change...of leadership.

Great Radio Station!

2009-07-22T16:22:00.005-04:00

For those who haven't heard already, I have a new favorite radio station. 107.9 The Track. They play ANYTHING! It's awesome. Earlier I heard Janes Addiction, Bobby Darin, Hootie & the Blowfish, Def Leppard, Whitney Houston, Sir Mix-A-Lot, The Police, Baltimora, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Poison, Journey, No Doubt, Pink, The Four Tops, Lynard Skynard, Black Eyed Peas, Goo Goo Dolls, Wham!, Foreigner, Bee Gees...on and on and on!

I end up listening to songs I don't even like because I want to see what they will play next. Usually it's a song that I love. I'm telling you, give this station a chance. If you turn it on and they are playing something you hate, just muscle through it because something great is coming up.

I only have one problem with this station. At 11:00 they do the Motown Cafe. I don't know how long it is, or how many songs they play because I tune out. By the time I come back at 1:00, it's back to normal good music.

Their online stream is great. I don't have any problems with it dropping out like I used to have with other stations. Go to 1079thetrack.com and give it a listen. It will be worth it. I promise.

The reason I am pushing this station so much is because I don't want it to go away or change formats like JackFM did. JackFM was awesome when it started then it switched to classic rock. I enjoy some classic rock but why did they change? We had enough classic rock stations. I think The Track has found a great thing here. Don't ruin it.

Hot Chicks with Douche Bags

2009-07-20T11:39:00.003-04:00

Look! I don't know how I stumble across this stuff. I promise I am working. I use the internet for work and occasionally I run across something funny like this site. Please enjoy and you're welcome.

http://www.hotchickswithdouchebags.com

Romo: Funny or Die

2009-07-17T13:53:00.001-04:00

I just thought this was funny. Enjoy.

Tony Romo: Product Spokesman from Tony Romo

Please Stop Using Double Spaces After A Period.

2009-07-17T11:09:00.005-04:00

My new crusade in life is to tell everyone to stop double spacing after a period. We use to do that with typewriters and old word processors but we don't have to do it anymore. Many programs will eliminate the extra space or simply won't let you type it. Thank you to those programs.

To all of you that still double space after a period, please stop this as soon as possible (unless you are using MLA style. According to Yahoo Answers, MLA style is used for publications that deal with Literature, Art, History, Foreign Languages or the study of Linguistics.)

Thanks for allowing me to rant about something that really doesn't amount to a hill of beans but for some reason it bothers me.

GALLUP: Romney Edges Palin, Huckabee in Early 2012 GOP Test

2009-07-16T12:29:00.009-04:00

Yeah, I know...2012 is WAY too far away to take these polls seriously. But we can still have fun projecting, can't we? Romney and Palin are big favorites. But look at the Favorability % of Sarah Palin. She is at 72%. I'm still rooting for Romney but who knew so many people liked Palin. According to the media everyone hates her.

Read this story and see the polls from Gallup.com.

ObamaCare Yay Or Nay? The Truth About Canada!

2009-07-15T13:46:00.003-04:00

My brother sent me this video. I think it's a real eye opener for many people. Sure universal healthcare sounds like a good idea but at what cost.

Below is a 20 minute video showcasing our possible future Healthcare system. Try to watch the whole thing, because there are some really amazing facts and statistics at the end (plus the guy is really funny). I know 20 minutes is a long time, but I think it’s worth the watch. It’s eye opening and every American should see it. Pass it along.

Top 5 Comedians

2009-07-14T18:30:00.000-04:00

So yesterday I was listening to 93.1 WIBC's morning show when they did this Top 5 at 45 bit. At 8:45 they choose a topic and give their Top 5. This day was Top 5 Comedians of all time. I know that everyone has their own opinion on comedy (that's why Katt Williams still fills auditoriums) but some of the comedians they were throwing out there were no where near my Top 5 Comedians of all time. They had people like Jeff Foxworthy, Whoopie Goldburg and Rosanne Barr. So, I decided to come up with what I think are the Top 5 Comedians. Please feel free to disagree or throw in the obligatory "but what about (insert name here)".

Honorable Mentions: Daniel Tosh, Brian Regan, Carrot Top (yeah...I said it! Carrot Top!), Dimitri Martin, Greg Hahn

Number 5: Andrew Dice Clay

Number 4: George Carlin

Number 3: Gallagher

Number 2: Jim Gaffigan

Number 1: Mitch Hedburg

Oh wait! I forgot about Steve Martin....Maybe he should be 5th and Dice goes to 6th? Oh no...what about Jerry Sienfeld? Damn it! Whatever it's already been blogged. I'm done. Haha.

Original Cartoon (No, Not Spongebob Squarepants)

2009-07-11T16:05:00.005-04:00

With all the silly and just downright awful cartoons out there you are bound to find a diamond in the rough. I have found a cartoon that I think it really funny, original and extremely creative. The intro is claymation, but the rest of the cartoon is not. I love the character design and it doesn't hurt that Brian Doyle-Murray voices one of the characters. This cartoon is "The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack".

According to Wikipedia, here is the overview of the cartoon.

Flapjack is a young boy raised by a talking whale named Bubbie. He leads a peaceful life until the duo rescue a pirate by the name of Captain K'nuckles, who tells Flapjack of an island called Candied Island, which is supposedly made completely of candy, and the sea around it is lemonade. Inspired by the adventurous pirate, Flapjack, Captain K'nuckles, and Bubbie get into strange predicaments and "misadventures" in search of Candied Island and the coveted, highly sought-after title of "Adventurer." The three spend most of their time in Stormalong Harbor, where they eat candy and get into mischief.

The show is largely built around a series of contradictions and contrasts. K'nuckles is developed as a "good for nothing" and disloyal, with Bubbie being more sincere and loyal to her adopted son. Another contradiction is that of the "real adventurers" which are depicted as tough. The tough guys of the show are also depicted as hunting candy, which is the real treasure. The candy seems to have alcohol like effects; including intoxication on consumption of large amounts, hangovers and dependence (Captain K'nuckles is always in possession of a "flask" of maple syrup).

The humor is considered "uncomfortable", building an awkwardness and deliberately misleading the appearance of the situation, before delivering the punchline.

The backgrounds were chosen to be reminiscent of the 1800s.(It may be in the present, seeing as there are many present day objects like fans and garbage cans) The three main characters, Flapjack, K'nuckles, and Bubbie are drawn in a more "cartoon-like" style than the rest of the world, which is drawn in a more realistic manner. This lends contrast between the world of Flapjack and the "real world" of Stormalong Harbor

Funny Commercial? I'll Let You Decide.

2009-07-10T12:23:00.002-04:00

Look. I don't really understand why this commercial is so funny. It's cute. But people have been going ga-ga over this commercial. I've seen it on the news, friends have sent it to me via youtube and I've seen it posted on facebook. It must be hilarious. So...people want to see it. I gotta give the people what they want. Right? So without any further delay, I give you Babies On Roller Skates.

Step Into The Ring

2009-07-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

I looks like Mike Pence has started his bid for the Republican nomination in 2012 and might I say...YES YES YES!!! I don't know if I am looking forward the next election because I had so much fun following the last one but I cannot wait for 2012.

I keep going over and over the possible nominees and wondering if they can dethrone Obama. I honestly doubt it. I think it will take a miracle for the Republicans to win in 2012 over the Obama celebrity but that can't stop us from giving it all we got.

Mike Pence seems to be some one with strong conservative values who is gaining a lot of praise from the national media. Not just the local WIBC team. I've not heard any dirt on him yet. I'm sure if he got the nomination we will hear all kinds of stuff about him...but we'll wait to see when that time comes.

But what about Sarah Palin? Honestly folks, I'd love to see Sarah Palin in charge. I think she would do a great job BUT I think she has been beaten up on so much by the media and comedians that there is no way she could win. People think she is some crazy, idiot that doesn't understand anything because she lives in Alaska and says things like "you betcha". I thought we wanted a president that could connect with the common man. She seems like a neighbor, a mom, a friend...she doesn't seem like a lawyer, a ceo or a suit. I thought that is what people wanted. Oh well. Good luck Sarah but I just don't see it happening.

Now onto my pick from 2008, Mitt Romney. I still think Romney would be the best choice. Maybe with Pence as the VP. Wow! I just came up with that and it sounds like the greatest thing ever. Romney/Pence 2012. Holy cow that is awesome. Romney knows how business works. He knows finance. That is what we need (right now at least...who knows in 2012...but for the sake of this blog let's pretend things don't change). We need someone who knows money and finance. Mitt Romney not only understands these things but he knows how to get small businesses running so they can hire people and start putting americans back to work. He has executive experience on the business level and on the government level. Plus, he just looks presidential. Even if you don't agree with his politics, you can at least agree that he looks presidential.

There are a few others that I would like to see try for the nomination like Mitch Daniels or Bobby Jindal but both have said they are not looking at running in 2012. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

No one knows what the future will bring. Maybe all these things that the Obama administration is doing seems crazy right now but maybe in 2012 we will all agree it was the right thing. Maybe the economy will turn around. Maybe we will bomb North Korea into rubble. And maybe McDonald's will start serving breakfast until 11:00a.m.(fingers crossed). No one knows what the future will bring. We'll just have to sit back and watch the show unfold.

Something Funny

2009-07-09T15:37:00.002-04:00

I was thinking to myself...I need to post something funny. So here it is. A few classic short videos from Barats And Bareta. Enjoy!

{Classic Post - 11/05/08} Election: Final Thoughts

2009-07-09T09:02:00.004-04:00

This post was originally on my MySpace page on November 5, 2008, Election Night. This was my attempt at bringing together friends and families after that brutal 2008 election. It was time to move on and let it all go. It was time to look ahead. I would love to start my own political blog but I don't have enough ammo to keep something like that going. So from time to time you will get a dose of what I would write about on my politics blog here at My Sawdust. Enjoy.

As I sit here in my office, FOX News on in the background discussing the likelihood of Virginia going for McCain or Obama, I had this release come over me. After tonight, my life can get back to a sense of normalcy.

No matter who wins this election (I hope McCain but I really think it will be Obama), this great nation will go forward. People thought when Clinton took office it was going to be the end of the world. When Reagan took office they thought he was a cowboy that was going to start a war with the Russians. We can go back through history and see that none of this was true. Sure we have had some Presidents that weren't as great as others (Jimmy Carter). But when all is said and done, we are the greatest nation in the world and we will continue to be so.

So many people in the last eight years have hated, absolutely HATED President Bush. I don't understand all this hatred. He is just one man. Our country is ran with a system of checks and balances. One person cannot make a decision without it going to congress, the senate, etc. It has to pass a chain of command. Nevertheless, President Bush has been a great President. He has faced the horror of 9/11 and we took the war to the middle east instead of on our turf. Was Iraq mishandled? Yeah, it was. I think we needed to get Saddam out of power but maybe we needed to flex our muscle a little more. We tried talking to Saddam year after year, even back to Bush Sr. Nothing worked. So we finally went in with the "shock and awe", which was AWESOME. We went in to that country and took it over in less than a day. Then just floundered around like a japanese acrobat with an inner ear infection (thanks Dennis Miller for that metaphor). Back to my main point: Hatred. Why did so many people HATE this man? I pledge to you, TODAY that I will not show the same hatred for Obama, if he wins the tonight. He will be the President and will have earned my respect. Do I disagree with Obama? Yes. Will I continue to disagree with him? Probably. But there is a difference between disagreeing with someone and hating them.

As for John McCain. He was never my first choice for the Republican Nominee. I was a Mitt Romney, Rudy Guiliani and Fred Thompson fan. McCain has not held the conservative values, that I hold, throughout his career. I disagreed with him on immigration and climate change just to name a couple of issues. And I was not 100% on board with McCain until he chose Sarah Palin from the Great State Of Alaska to be his VP. This was a GREAT CHOICE and fired up our party like many have never seen. She holds conservative, Reagan values: God, Guns, Small Government, Low Taxes, Fiscally Conservative. This was an AMAZING choice. Rush Limbaugh went from calling McCain just McCain to McBRILLIANT. I have to agree with him. Sarah Palin has been the reason I was excited to vote for John McCain. Before her, I was ready to vote for McCain but only to vote against Obama. After her, I was ready to vote for McCain/Palin!

An Obama win might be the best thing for the Republican Party. This might show this party that you don't win elections by tilting to the middle. You win by being who you are. Maybe in four years we will have Sarah Palin running for President, maybe Mitt Romney again, what about Bobby Jindal or even one more try for Rudy Guiliani or Mike Huckabee. And you might think this sounds crazy now but maybe Mike Pence. I could see him running in four years. He has received a lot of praise in the last year or so.

So, as I sit here, in my office with FOX News on, I sit and wonder to myself...Do I want McCain to win? Sure I do. For a multitude of reasons. But what will happen if he loses? Tomorrow the sun will rise, there will still be an east and west, Full House will still be in syndication (Thank God), The Killers new cd will still come out later this month, life will go on and this country will prevail as it has for over 230 years. This is a great nation. The greatest nation this world has ever seen. Tomorrow we are no longer Democrats or Republicans. We will once again go back to just being friends, neighbors, family, co-workers....we will all be AMERICANS.

God Bless America.

Conan Is The Devil

2009-07-08T23:37:00.005-04:00

I'm pretty sure that Conan O'Brien is the devil. My bedtime use to be around 11:30. I'd watch the beginning of Jay Leno then fall asleep. For some reason I am totally drawn in to Conan. I can't stop watching it (even though he just made two lame Sarah Palin jokes). So after Conan ends I end up watching part of Jimmy Fallon. I enjoy Fallon and Craig Ferguson. I could stayup all night watching tv. YAWN! I should really hit the sack. Wait! Conan is doing a skit.

Independence Day

2009-07-03T14:10:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow we celebrate the 4th of July, Independence Day. A great day. Possibly my favorite holiday. We get to celebrate this great nation we call home. This amazing, beautiful land that we are so fortunate to live upon. This is the greatest nation ever and there is only one word that describes why: Freedom. We are free. Thank God we are free. We need to give thanks to those who put their lives on the line and those who've lost their lives giving us these freedoms that so many take for granted. Thank you to everyone out there who has served or is currently serving to keep our country safe and free.

I have two videos that I want to share with you today. One is the Preamble of The Constitution of the United States read by Captain James T. Kirk. The other is the greatest speech by a movie president in the history of cinema. I'm talking about none other than Bill Pullman's speech in Independence Day right before mankind is about to battle the aliens who threaten to eliminate our existence. Please enjoy both of these videos and have a happy and safe Independence Day.

God Bless America.

You Are Witnessing Greatness

2009-07-01T15:00:00.004-04:00

I would like to start off by saying I have pretty much stopped listening to rap music all together. There are still a few people that I will entertain the idea of listening to but for the most part my rap days are over. I enjoy listening to artists like The Killers, Hot Hot Heat, Cage The Elephant, My Chemical Romance, The Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse and of course Def Leppard.

So the other night, I tuned into BET (yet another thing I never do) and saw their awards show had become a celebration of Michael Jackson...kind of. You still had artists singing their own songs but for the most part, it was a night to remember MJ (kind of like my other blog).

Beyonce had just won an award for best female singer when the next act was about to start. They rushed her to her seat and told her it was about to get crazy in there so she needed to sit down. I thought to myself, what in the world is about to happen. Then this happened...

This was one of the single greatest rap performances I have ever seen. I'm not sure what it was about it. Maybe the live music. Maybe the bright lights and explosions in the background. Or maybe just the brilliance of Jay-Z on the mic. This was something special.

Even in my "rap days", I never really enjoyed live rap performances. I just didn't see why it was so great live. Bands play instruments and singers showcase their voices but rappers just rhymed words and remembered those words. And yet, with all that said, I get a chill every time I watch this performance.

For the time Jay-Z was on stage everyone in that building had forgotten about the death of the King of Pop because they were reminded of the King of Rap. (I'm going to go listen to some Bon Jovi now.)

Welcome To Wherever You Are

2009-06-29T17:10:00.006-04:00

With all the celebrity deaths recently, it's made me take a look at my own life. Where I am. Where I want to go. I've had an opportunity to sit back and enjoy all the wonderful people and things that I am surrounded by everyday. I thank God everyday that I am alive and I know the people I know. I have come to a point in my life where I am no longer stressed out by the little things...and sometimes even the big things. I know that life has a way of working itself out. You might be in a struggle now and maybe you have been in this struggle for years but trust me, if you know what you want, and you keep your eyes on that goal, you can do anything. Just remember, no one is going to hand you anything. No matter how much the government says they will give you something for free, it won't happen unless you get off of your butt and get it yourself. But I'm off on a tangent.

We've lost David Carridine (72), Ed McMahon (86), Farrah Fawcett (62), Danny Gans (52), Billy Mays (50) and of course Michael Jackson (50). That is a lot of people to lose in such a short time and some of them at such a young age. Fifty is no longer old age and as far as I'm concerned neither is sixty. I plan on living forever like some sort of vampire or highlander. Haha, nah...I just hope I'm old before I die.

I feel like I have spent my life waiting for everything. I can't wait to get to high school. I can't wait to drive. I can't wait to graduate. I can't wait for college. I can't wait for a real job. I can't wait for this house to sell. I can't wait to get married. I can't wait to retire. I can't wait to move to Florida. Everything in life is about waiting. I feel like I have waited my way through life. That Florida thing has been with me my whole life. I can not wait to move to Florida. I can't right now because I have started a company and I want this company to be the best it can be. And I will continue to make this company the best, if that takes 5 years or 20 years (let's hope for 5).

My fear is that I work until I am 50 and I then move to Florida. I know that 50 is not that old but Michael Jackson and Billy Mays both died at 50. I want to do it soon before anything bad can happen. So this is a warning to all my friends and family. I will be moving to Florida, someday. Hopefully sooner than later.

Everyone asks, why Florida? I have a couple responses. One, whenever I am down there I feel at home. Not like I feel when I am in Vegas, Hawaii or Ohio. When you are on vacation you have a feeling that you are not in your element. I don't feel that way in Florida. I have always felt a connection whenever I am there. Like, I'm supposed to be there. Two, I hate snow. I don't want to drive in it. I don't want to shovel it. I don't want to play in it. I want nothing to do with it. I think moving to Florida is my goal in life. If I make it to Florida in my 30s, then I don't really know what the next step would be. I guess to enjoy it. That is what I want. I want to get down there when I am young enough to enjoy it or before I have a heart attack or something happens to where I can't go.

Even though I am still here in Indiana, which I love (I don't want all my love for Florida to be mistaken as hatred for the Hoosier state. I love this state too. Just not the weather). Even though I am here, I am extremely blessed. If I never make it to Florida, I will still be a very happy man. I have a wonderful life. I own a nice house and a nice car. I have a beautiful wife who means the world to me and a stepson that I enjoy spending time with. I have a brother who has been more than just a brother to me. He has been my best friend. Not many people can say that their brother (who is eight years older) is their best friend. He has a beautiful family, a wife and three kids (two daughters and one son). They love me so much. They call me Muncle. It's a hybrid word from Monkey and Uncle. I love that I have a nickname. I never really had one before and it took a two-year-old to give it to me. I have wonderful parents. My dad is possibly the coolest dad ever. How many kids can say that their dad was on the S.W.A.T. team? This man would risk his life every night to protect not only his family but everyone in the city of Indianapolis. The older I get, the cooler he gets. My mom is the most kind hearted, giving person you could ever meet. I don't think I could ever thank her for all the things she has given to me. I have so many other wonderful people in my family. I could go on for hours about my stepmom, grandmas, in-laws and people who call me their adopted son but I must move on or I'll bore the readers. (which I'm sure was accomplished by paragraph two). For those of you who are bored...enjoy this little interlude. Not only do I have a wonderful family but I have great friends. My business partner and I have become closer friends than could have ever imagined. He and another friend of mine helped me to see what all God has to offer and what Jesus did for me. Because of those two people I was baptized in February of 2008. I still stay in contact with two guys from college who have become close friends as well and a great distraction during those long work days. I look forward to our random email conversations about celebrities with beards, football predictions and sauce. I even stay in contact with a college professor of mine. He has been a friend and a great mentor to me.

Look, I'm not really sure what I am getting at here. I just felt I needed to let everyone know how much they mean to me and that I never take one moment of this life for granted. Life is too short to be upset about that guy who is driving too slow in front of you or angry at the politician who is ruining your life. I'm not saying you should bury your head in the ground and not care. I'm just saying, don't let it consume you. There are too many great things in this world to enjoy. There are too many wonderful people in your life to let one or two bad people ruin your day. We all have grumpy days. I do too but there is a time to just enjoy life. And after all the tragic deaths we have witnessed in the past month or two, doesn't it make you think about your own mortality? Don't you want to spend the majority of your days in a happy place?

My dad said to me recently that he is going to change is outlook on life. He is going to approach everyday like he was a dog. To a dog, every meal is the best meal ever. Every car ride is the best ride ever. And every time they see you is the best day ever. So next time you sit down to eat your McDonald's, White Castles, Filet Mignon or Sushi, just think about it being the best meal ever. And the next time you go for a ride in the car, roll down the windows and just enjoy the breeze on your face. And the next time you see that loved one or friend, enjoy that moment. Think about how much that person means to you. Give them a great big hug because life is good...it's short...but it's good.

My Friends Blogs & Websites

2009-06-25T15:34:00.004-04:00

Here is some shameless promotion for my friends and family's blogs and websites.

Admit it; You like it. - http://admitityoulikeit.blogspot.com/

Chuck is exploring all the things you are too cool to admit that you like.

Ballistic Biscuits - http://ballisticbiscuit.blogspot.com/

Stephanie brings you funny clips and stories.

DarinSauce - http://darinsauce.blogspot.com/

Darin is a strange fellow. You never know what he's going to post.

Movies For Nobodies - http://www.moviesfornobodies.com/
My brother, James, & his fiends from New Jersey have been doing this podcast for several years. I have occasionally appeared on the show but not recently. They have a new site. If you love talking movies with your friends, you will LOVE this site.

Movie Guys - http://www.movieguys.org/
These guys have become friends through Movies For Nobodies. This is another website discussing movies. It's a lot of fun and pretty informative.

The Laundry Narrative - http://thelaundrynarrative.blogspot.com/

Fia mostly tells you about fashion and sometimes about her family.

Well Water & Dog Slobber - http://wellwaterdogslobber.blogspot.com/

Scott documents the goings on of his life while occasionally giving words of wisdom.

and last but not least...some shameless promotion for myself.

Today's Greatest Song EVER! - http://todaysgreatestsongever.blogspot.com/

My other blog has a new song posted EVERYDAY, and each one is the greatest song ever!

MySawdust - http://mysawdust.blogspot.com/

This is the blog you are reading right now! It's just ramblings of mine. Whatever I want to talk about, this is where it goes.

I hope you enjoy these other blogs and that you continue to enjoy mine as well.

Later Taters!

Mini Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich

2009-06-24T23:18:00.002-04:00

I just saw this commercial and was in awe of it. For some reason, I loved it. You will not be able to stop singing "mini buffalo ranch chicken sandwich". Enjoy!

3 Songs Everyone Should Be Listening To

2009-06-24T12:10:00.000-04:00

{Classic Post - 8/11/06} Chickens Chickens Everywhere & Not A Single One To Eat

2009-06-23T14:44:00.000-04:00

This post was originally on my MySpace page on August 11, 2006. I love the story so much that I felt I should share it again. Enjoy.

So the house next to my place of employment in Urban, Southside Indianapolis has free range chickens! I call them free range because they are allowed to roam wherever they want. I get to work and they are in the parking lot. (sometimes i feed them part of my breakfast...ie cherios are their favorite).

Well, today was just like any other day. Get to work, chickens on the hill next to my building. Then at about 9:00 I hear a coworker say "the chickens have came over looking for more cherios." (a call back to my earlier attempt to make friends with these creatures). Well...my office is basically underground. Our window is at ground level. So we look out the window and there is a chicken making his way to the window. At this time i felt i should reward the chicken for making his way over here. So I proceeded to dart over to our snack area and grab a handful of tasty, cheesy goldfish. (mmmm, goldfish).

From what I can tell goldfish is kryptonite to chickens. Here is what happened. I opened the window and acted like i was a chicken. For those who know me, know that I have an uncanny ability to impersonate farm animals. So i start saying "bak bak bak" trying to communicate with the stranger. He perks up and take a few steps toward the window at this time i gingerly toss out a couple of goldfish. To which the chicken looks at , and then turns and runs like hell. Which can only mean one thing.

Goldfish are the bane of the chickens exsistence.
Either that or he mistook it for a Chicken in a biscuit.

(the story you just read was true and not made up for a cheap laugh....i hope you laughed...because I did)

My New Obsession

2009-06-22T20:34:00.000-04:00

I have an obsessive personality. Anyone that knows me knows that this is true. I'm not just a Miami Dolphins fan, it's so much more than that. I am not just a fan of The Killers, I'm overwhelmed by their greatness. When I started writing my new blog, it wasn't just a blog, it became more to me. Well...it's happened again. I have a new obsession: grilling.

I love grilling. I have never owned a real grill before. Sure I had a small grill but it was a tailgating grill. It had a cooler in the bottom and was more like a George Foreman grill. Not a real grill with a big propane tank under it with fire spewing forth. Well, now I have that grill and let me tell you. It is awesome. I have so far cooked...I mean, grilled, burgers, hot dogs, chicken and steak. I need to get some corn on the cob and some brats. I love brats with some mustard. Mmm, mustard. Here is my undeniable truth of life #472: you can never have too much mustard.

It's also great to sit outside and grill with the family. Tonight I grilled out while my stepson plays on his new swing set and my beautiful wife sat on the deck and we talked about our day. It's not just about cooking some delicious food outside. It's about spending time with friends and family. How many parties have you been to where all the men gather around the grill and poke at the meat like they know what they are doing? It's a great place to gather and share a diet coke, a beer or whatever. It's a wonderful thing. There is something primal about cooking over a fire and gathering in a pack around meat, like a group of wild dogs just waiting for a bite.

So, there you have it. My new obsession: grilling. I'd love to hear any funny grilling stories, recipes or just some tips to grilling. I look forward to your posts.

What is My Sawdust?

2009-06-18T16:56:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my new blog. This is a blog full of ramblings. If I see a good movie, this is where I will discuss it. If I hear a funny joke, you can read it here. If I trip over a garden hose and land face first into a rake...well, I'll probably be in the hospital. But when I get out, I will post my story on "My Sawdust".

Why is this blog titled "My Sawdust"? Sawdust is whatever is left over after you finish a project. So, this is what's left over...my sawdust. I got the idea from The Killers. Their 3rd CD was titled Sawdust. It had nothing but B-sides and covers. It was all the tracks left over from their previous two CDs as well as a couple demos and remixes. I thought it was a cool name and I love The Killers so why not pay homage to them by naming my blog after them as well.

As for the chicken picture at the top. There is no real story behind that. I got the picture from Photos.com (a stock photo site) and was playing around with it in photoshop when I ended up with what you see. I guess if there has to be a tie in it would be that one of my first blog posts was on myspace. It was about some chickens that I had tried to become friends with. It was a pretty funny blog. I should post it on here someday.

Please forgive any grammar, spelling or punctuation mistakes. I will do my best to be accurate but sometimes my fingers get typing faster than my brain can handle. I hope you all enjoy my new blog. Don't forget to click on the links in the body copy. They always lead to something interesting. I look forward to your comments.

thanks and enjoy,

dustin brenton

p.s. - don't forget to check out my ongoing search for Today's Greatest Song EVER! at http://todaysgreatestsongever.blogspot.com/.

Test Post

2009-06-17T09:44:00.000-04:00

This is just a test blog to see what my site will look like.

Hey a link!

Well that is all for now.