Grant's Gold Watch

In 1857, years before he was a general in the Civil War and long before becoming President, Ulysses S. Grant pawned his gold watch for $22 to buy Christmas gifts for his pregnant wife and their three children.

Read more about this and see a photocopy of the pawn ticket here.

I'm Ashamed To Be a Fan

I saw that posted on the Facebook and other Dallas Cowboy fan sites today after the blowout loss by the 'Boys Monday night against "da Bears".  I also saw "I'm embarrassed by them!"

I was disappointed, sure; a win would have kept them tied with the Eagles at the top of the division, but embarrassed?  Ashamed?  No, of course not.  I slept like a baby last night and only got annoyed today when turning to a sports show on TV or on the radio where I had to watch/listen to so-called experts who list all the things wrong with the team or what they would have done differently. 

Sure, it's easy to look back with 20-20 hindsight and say what should have been done, but if they're so smart, then why are they not coaching an NFL team instead of calling in to a radio or TV show (or hosting one) and griping? It's one thing to have a former player or coach critique the team's play, but for some schmuck on the couch to pretend to be an expert...well, that's too much.  Those armchair quarterbacks upset me more than how the Cowboys play.

Look, if you're ashamed of your team, then maybe it's time to root for another one;  I know I would.  Then again, I know I have absolutely nothing to do with the Cowboy's success OR failure.  Wearing a Dallas jersey and screaming at the TV doesn't help, no matter how loud you yell.

Embarrassed by the team?  Not me;  I get embarrassed when I accidentally pull out in front of someone while driving, or look down after I've been into a half dozen public places and see that my fly is unzipped.  (so THAT'S why people were giggling!) If you're embarrassed by one or more of your friends - who root for other teams - making fun of your team...well then, you really need new friends.  Both your and their priorities are in the wrong place.

I used to get upset when I was a kid and Dallas would lose...then again, I was 12 yrs. old and they were an important part of my life - along with many other things I now wonder why I set so much store in when I was that age.  I was immature, and I think that's the problem with a lot of these "ashamed" and "embarrassed" fans. 

Grow up.  It's just a game.  At the end of the season, only one team's fans will be happy, that's the way it works.   If you really want to be upset by games, then watch C-Span and the games our politicians play.  Now THAT'S something that should make you embarrassed and ashamed.

Christmas Presence - Simon's Cat

Breaking Bad Caricatures

I wish I could post one of these hilarious caricatures as an example, but I don't have permission, so just go to the site to view.


Breaking Bad characters as you’ve never seem them before

ochlophobia

ochlophobia och·lo·pho·bi·a[ok-luh-foh-bee-uh]
noun Psychiatry
an abnormal fear of crowds

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I don't know if it's to the point of "abnormal", but I definitely don't like crowds. Most of my fear stems from seeing both movies and real life video of crowds panicking and storming the exits, trampling over anyone who has the misfortune of falling down in front of the mass of people. Crowds also stink: body odor, flatulance, bad breath, too much hairspray or perfume...just thinking about it makes me gag.

Crowds are also the reason I haven't been to a pro ball game in years or a concert. Nah, just let me watch on TV.

I Want to Punch This Quiz

I take these quizzes and save them to a Notepad document to post later because I don't like to publish too many of them in a short space of time on the blog; I must have taken this one after participating in a political forum and been really annoyed. I generally only get aggressive when someone is aggressive to me first.

If I'm aggressive, it has to be George Bush's fault.

You Are Aggressive

Your anger and cynicism have morphed into something more extreme: aggression. You find it easy to be annoyed, and it's almost as easy for you to lose your temper. While it does feel good to get out a little low level anger now and then, aggression can be dangerous. If you can't control your temper, you could end up hurting yourself or someone else. Be careful!

Are You Cynical, Angry, or Aggressive?