I just finished a very hard run (my weekly time trial against Keith) and because this particular trail run was so difficult (wet, slippery leaves!), my mind drifted to things that really bug me right now so here is a list of five things that people must stop:
(1) Honking at runners: Running, for me, requires a fair amount of concentration. I listen to some in depth podcasts or my favorite music, and those combined with trying not to trip, take all my focus. Few things tick me off more than (and I believe I speak for all runners here) a startling horn blast followed by a stupid beauty pageant wave. Trust me when I tell you that my return wave is fueled by loathing. Stop it!
(2) Polling foreign nations on our presidential election: I understand that the world is shrinking and we are becoming a global society. However, I personally couldn't care less what the Australians think about my presidential choices. Could they possibly understand the issues better than me, a citizen of this nation? How is it that we ask their opinions? If you can find me a German, Egyptian, Kenyan or Canadian who wants to see Americans more free, more industrious, more safe, more rich, and more stable then I'd be inclined to listen. But I've lived abroad and at this point, my perception is that the rest of the world would love to see America drop down a notch or two to "even things out" on the world stage. And so their interest in the United State's future does not exactly parallel mine. This headline just in -- "Mother Russia supports Obama." Shocking!
(3) Posting an automatic playlist on your website/blog: I have iTunes and I don't need your site blaring at me when I check it out. I want to read your comments and see your pictures but attack me with your favorite Kenny Chesney song again, and I'm done.
(4) Fussing over getting everyone to vote: Of course, any person who wants to vote should be provided the means and opportunity to vote. We should make it as convenient and appealing as possible. Voting is one's right and privilege. Still, there are a good number of people out there who will not vote. And, for some reason, there is a push to get everyone to the voting booth. I don't get it. If you care, you have likely invested some mental energy in studying the issues (or at least "an issue") and have something to vote for or against. But having a part of the populace walk into the booth and start pulling levers because they were told to do so by some voter registration group, or an MTV chant, or a hyped Spielberg commercial, just can't be good. Surely both sides can agree that an uninformed voter is more dangerous than a non-voter. So, if your main reason for registering to vote is to get that free pack of cigarettes from ACORN, by all means, enjoy the smokes but please don't place your thumb print on the ledger come election day.
(5) Returning to Standard Time: I simply cannot understand the reason for this tradition. The various websites I visited investigating this annoying habit all noted that since it's inception in 1918 Daylight Savings Time has been nothing but positive. Stated reasons for DST included: less violent crime, fewer traffic accidents, safer trick-or-treating (yes, this was listed on numerous sites, including the official U.S. Naval Observatory site), energy conservation, and increased voter turnout. What's not to love? So why the insistence on returning to Standard Time at 2am on the first Sunday in November. All I know is this practice favors morning people and discriminates against me and my fellow night people. Standard Time Act makes for a darker, heavier, more depressing winter season and I want to know what it will take to repeal this act. More importantly, how did this vital issue escape the 2008 Presidential debates?
I warned you that my entries would contain more angst than usual. Ten days and no sugar!
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5 comments:
Your #3 is up on the top of my list, sometimes it scares me when I click on a blog link and someone's favorite song is blastin' in my face as I am looking at pictures of their kids walking along the beach holding hands with their dad (you're with me - right).
by the way (or should I say Keith was right) it was me who wrote the go Obama, go go Obama entry. -Jandee
Perhaps we should take more interest in what other countries think. After all, if Obama is elected, we potentially will be headed down the road to becoming a socialist country (let the people who work hard for their money pay for those who are lazy or irresponsible). In that light, I would be interested in what other countries think because perhaps they favor those politicians who closely resemble their goals or ideals, which may or may not be a good thing. And you're right, other countries want to see the U.S. come down a notch or two because then the standard of livings will even out. I'm all for other countries achieving lifestyles that we enjoy here in the U.S. I have always thought it unfair that some people starve while our country has every thing known to man. BUT, I also believe in personal accountability and that people who work hard should be rewarded for their efforts. If we become a socialist-type country, then the motivation/incentive for hard work and competition will be diminished, we will all stand in line for medical care, etc. It makes sense, then, why so many countries take an interest in our presidential election. Depending on who wins, these other countries may stand to benefit and we stand to lose.
The horns are annoying, but I think dogs are worse. As a dog approaches I never know if I am going to get licked, sniffed, or bitten. It reminds me of being single. The worst!
Ooh! Look at me! I found yor blog via Facebook (what did people DO in their free time before all this? Read books or something??)and am excited-- yet intimidated by your educated thoughts and political topics (me not good at smart..) BUT, appreciated your voting perspective. I am one of those uninformed non-voters.. and YOU get it! I don't vote, cause I don't do my research. So glad people like you, DO.. and I plan on growing up sometime before the age of 40 (oh wait.. that's too soon..) or 45-- and gettin' on the current events bandwagon. Come find my blog at www.justjogging.blogspot.com
You will learn nothing.. but perhaps chuckle.
ummm... Joc, I have a new blog. But if you ever visit it I think you better chase it down with just a spoon full of sugar. It might be a little hard for you to swallow otherwise. :) onthefrontporchswing.blogspot.com
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