Generations - Part 2

Answering Machines:

Baby Boomers:
Answering machines are used to leave brief, yet concise messages.

Gen X:
Answering machines are used to leave long detailed messages just in case the person we are calling does not have enough time to get back to us.

Gen Y:
Are you talking about voice mail?

Language/Idioms:

Baby Boomers:
Cool, Far Out, Slip Me Some Skin, Way Out

Gen X:
Tubular, Gag Me with a (utensil), Wicked

Gen Y:
WTF, LMAO, LOL, ROFL

Sex:

Baby Boomers:
First we were very uptight about it, then we advocated it, now we are shocked about what we see on TV, the internet and what the younger generations are wearing.

Gen X:
First we were relaxed about it and now we are somewhat disturbed with the amount of it in society but freedom of expression should be an important part of society.

Gen Y:
Yes, baby Yes!

Heroes:

Baby Boomers:
George Washington, FDR, Eisenhower, JFK, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Gen X:
Madonna, Mel Gibson, Magic Johnson

Gen Y:
Picachu, Harry Potter, Eminem

-WTS

Even More on Generation Y

Okay, here is yet another article on Gen Y.

I guess I better finish the second part of my article before some smartie steals the thunder...

-WTS

Truth is Truth

Funny how that no more than 12 hours after I posted the article on the generations, FARK posted a link to this article.

-WTS

Generations - Part 1

I was looking at my family pictures the other day and realized that within my own family unit, there are three generations represented. Thinking about conversations, habits, and lifestyles of my family, I began to observe different attitudes and viewpoints about different aspects of the world we live in.

I am beginning a series of observations to describe the differences in the three generations that are prominent in our society. I am of course talking about the baby boomers, Generation X and Generation Y. I know that Gen Y hate that title because it makes it seem that they are emulating Gen X, but for now accept my apologies and play along...

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

Television:

Baby Boomers: They were there to witness the birth of television.

Gen X: They were there to witness the birth of cable television.

Gen Y: With digital television, they have over 999 channels to choose from and still cannot find anything to watch

Music:

Baby Boomers: They defied their parents by listening to Rock-n-Roll in the fifties and switched to protest songs in the sixties.

Gen X: They were fortunate enough to avoid the disco scene of the 70s. They too defied their parents with heavy metal and new wave music.

Gen Y: Listen to remakes of songs that the previous two generations listened to and think the songs are new.

Video Games:

Baby Boomers: What are those?

Gen X: Pac Man, Pong, Defender, Space Invaders, Galaxian, Missile Command, and Asteroids rule!

Gen Y: If it isn’t rated “M” then it ain’t worth playing.

Scary Movies:

Baby Boomers: Psycho was the scariest movie EVER made and they screamed when Anthony Perkins came out dressed as his mom.

Gen X: Halloween, Jason, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Phantasm were the movies that set the bar on horror flicks. Any of the movies based on a King novel were not worth the money to go see.

Gen Y: Goes to horror movies and laughs at the real gory parts and can eat spaghetti during any of the installments of Faces of Death.

Computers:

Baby Boomers: Have grudgingly acclimated to using computers to do basic things such as balancing checkbooks and even dabbled in online surfing and email.

Gen X: The first generation to drive the market on what computers are needed for. They are proficient in online surfing, media manipulation, chatting and email.

Gen Y: Doesn’t understand what the fuss is about. They were the ones to crack the codes
on DVDs and can write worms, Trojans, and viruses in their sleep.

Records:

Baby Boomers: They saw the radical change from 78s to 45s to 33s. They amassed collections ranging from Elvis to the Beatles. Boomers have slowly made the transition to compact discs only because the local retail shops quit carrying needles for their record players.

Gen X: They may have had a collection growing up but now either have a decent CD collection or have an iPod crammed with their favorite Retro music.

Gen Y: What’s a record?

-WTS

SO, this is Winter?

Just thought I would share this with my readers up north...

-WTS

SO This is Christmas?

It is ten in the morning and I have not made it to bed yet. Things have been really strange and I think that once I get this stuff out of my head, I will be able to slip into sweet slumber.

I met a couple last night up from Corpus who's truck was towed. They left their money in the truck and when I met them last night, they were huddled together on a curb, trying to keep warm. The husband kept explaining to me that he was not a bum and that his wife did not want him to ask for handouts. I gave the man what I had, about ten bucks, and told him to have some burgers at the McD's across the street. I was pretty peeved that someone had the temerity to take away this guy's truck since it basically left him stranded miles and miles away from home. The other thing that got me broiling is that the man's brother told him that he could not come to help him out until sometime the next morning.

What kind of shit is that? True, I do not see totally eye-to-eye with all of my siblings, but there is no way in hell I would leave them stranded outside in a another city with no money for food and shelter. Not to use a cliche, but its fucking Christmas, where is the love? I wanted to do more, but did not have enough cash on me to get them a room and I still feel like shit for not doing it. I have this couple stuck in the back of my mind and wonder if they found a place to rest.

I also had to let my mom know that I would not be able to come up to see them today mostly due to the fact that I have not really slept in days and being around my siblings and their broods make me a bit edgy. It is kinda petty, but I can handle my siblings one at a time, I in fact keep in constant touch with one of them. But holy crap, when I have to be in the same room with screaming kids and such, I tend to become highly annoyed. I know my mom loves to have all of us together, but for one reason or another I have to disappoint her once again and stay home.

So, my three loyal readers, I want to wish you a merry Christmas thanks for listening to my whiny dribble and thanks for your humor, love, and reflections.

-WTS

The Quest for Carl

Call it a quest for grease.

Growing up, there has always been a Carl's Jr. in my life. Where I once lived, there were two within a 10 minute drive. I only mention this because they have a bacon cheese burger that will take you to the next dimension and give you that giggly feeling that can only be achieved during climax. You know, that part when you become a face contortionist...

They are that good.

Unfortunately, a series of poor decisions made by corporate caused BK to take over all of the Carl's in my town and the only place I can get that feeling again is west of El Paso.

It is frontier justice that the BKs that replaced Carl's have curled up and disappeared. (Hah! Take that you British imitation of an American establishment)

You can only imagine the great feeling of happiness that I experienced when the traveler known as Rob informed me a Carl's that is near my home town. Today, I packed an ice chest and went on my quest. After a few wrong turns, I found it buried in a Love's truck stop and Heaven ensued.

Thanks R for the information and if my bad cholesterol levels go off kilter, I know who to call...

-WTS

I Met St. Nick

There are sometimes when I least expect it, something occurs that breaks my cynic outlook on all things commercial.

I was standing in line at the local gas-n-go outlet with a Monster energy drink in one hand and a Pepsi One in the other. I was anticipating another long night of paperwork and benality. Standing behind me in a simple sweatsuit was a man that greatly resembled Santa. This man was the real deal complete with whiskers and twinkling eyes.

I introduced myself and shook his hand. I am not even sure at this point why I did so, it just seemed the right thing to do at the time. Anyhow, I asked him how his winter season was going so far and he chuckled and informed me that he has been quite busy. We were interrupted by a small child who was bashfully tugging on the man's sleeve.

He gave me a slight grin and pardoned himself as he turned to the little girl. "Yes, my dear," he chucked at her, "what can I do for you?"

The girl quickly began to twitch the bottom of her jacket. She stammered a bit and asked if she could talk to him a bit. He smiled and stepped out of the long line and bent over so he could talk to her face to face. "Yes, I would be glad to talk to you."

The girl stammered a bit and by this time I was in a state in between laughter and childhood euphoria. The feeling was so weird and so forgotten. I was standing inline with the REAL Santa and here was a child wanting to give her list to him. I stepped out of line as well, intrigued and I will admit a bit curious. I glanced over and spotted the girl's mother who was patiently waiting by the counter. The night was biting cold and both the mother and daughter were not exactly dressed accordingly.

The girl giggled and whispered into Santa's ear and then ran off to join her mother. They both waved goodbye and went out into the night. The man chuckled and waved back. As we were taking our places back in line, I turned to him and asked, "I bet you get that all of the time, huh?"

He smiled and nodded, but his thoughts were to himself.

I tried another stab at conversation since the line was long now and my curiosity was truly peaked. "So, do you make a ton from parents who want to bribe you just to look at their kids?"

He smiled once again, nodded, and once again kept to himself.

It seemed that he was determined to finish all conversation, so I left him alone. I made my purchases and was making for the door when a mittened hand grabbed my arm. Typically, this will result in one of us getting punched.I turned quickly and saw the man. He smiled and said, "You know, I make about four thousand dollars in personal appearances during this time of the year." He paused and took a deep breath, "I find that the money means little I just like working with the kids."

I laughed a quick laugh and told him that I was a teacher and understood.

The man looked at me and for the first time I noticed that there was trouble in his expression. "That young lady, she wanted her daddy back from Iraq for Christmas."

"Shit," was all could manage.

He looked at me quickly and I realized I had just cursed in front of Santa. "Sorry, "I mumbled,"bad habit."

He looked out on to the gas pumps and sniffed a bit, "Yeah, you are right to use that word." He once again paused to sniff, "I told her that I would do my best to make sure that her daddy makes it back safe but I may not get him home by Christmas."

I smiled sadly and said, "Well chief, I think you made a difference in that little girl's mind. She now knows that Santa is watching over her daddy."

He just sadly smiled, sniffed and shook my hand. I stood there in the cold and watched him get into a beat up Nissan and pull out.

A few weeks ago I was determined to write a post on the history of St. Nick and how everything is too PC and too commercial. After meeting this soul, I will pass this year and just reflect on the meaning of what that bearded man represented to that little girl...

-WTS

Another Victory?

In an unusual move, the Senate decided to let the sinset amendments of the Patriot Act to die. Celebrations are early since the amendments have until the 31st of December to expire. Reports in the news of abuses of the Patriot Act are coming to surface and those who are suprised by this are either members of the immediate family or stockholders in Arizona oceanfront property.

MadMusicArchives Back and Running!

Received an email from Wayne of the madmusicarchives.com. He was letting me know that his website has added a new podcast section free for the masses. As you may recall, I blogged the demise of the Dr. Demento archives section of his website that was forced to be taken down due to the music industry being a complete bunch of bastards.

Now, Wayne has taken on the onerous task of taking our favorite novelties and spinning them for us himself! Now before you music industry fucks begin to sharpen your knives once again, Wayne is paying the recording industry their tribute.

His continuation of brining back novelty music depends on donations. So, take a moment to visit Wayne's website at Mad Music Archives You can also check out the pocasts here.

Rock On!

-WTS

The Birth

One of the more difficult things about being a historian is taking an honest and frank look at the past without offending so many people that they come looking for you with torches and rocks. I am not aiming to do such at this juncture, I just want to take a look at a series of events that happened approximately two thousand years ago that are still affecting our society today.

Talking about the birth of Jesus is a risky proposition at best. It goes without saying that if people like the Good Pastor gets a wild hair, I am sure I will make his list of people to condemn in a flash.

Part I - The Birth

Many historians have great difficulty in determining the actual birth date of the man known as Jesus. I have seen dates ranging from 4 BCE to 7 CE and even then it boils down to a best guess. We can place the place of birth to be Bethlehem and his parents to be Joseph and Mary.

When it comes down to it, we have precious little information on an event which changed the religious face of Europe and every other continent that Europe decided to influence through colonization and assimilation. the primary source of information is the Bible and even that has some gaps on the chronology of Jesus' life. It is detailed on the birth of Christ but leaves out the season of his birth. We can assume somethings like is must have occurred in warmer weather since the Shepard's are traditionally shown in light clothing.

As an interesting tidbit, you can visit the skeletons of the Three Wise Men next time you are in Cologne. Read About It HERE (I checked the article for accuracy)

Yes, I am suggesting that the birth did not occur on December 25th and current research is pointing in that direction. If you go back to Papacy decrees, you will come across a little decision around 300 CE stating that the birth of Christ will be celebrated at the time of winter solstice. This decision was based on the conflicts that occurred in places where Christianity was just taking root.

The RC Church knew that Christianity may not take root if pagan (a term used during that era to describe religions other than Christianity) faiths were allowed to continue. The winter solstice celebrations kicked off around the 21st of December on the modern calendar and continue for several days. The Bishop of Rome finally decided upon declaring the 25th of December as the official day in hopes of disrupting pagan rituals. Another problem was that the eastern Christians celebrated the 6th of January as the birth of Christ. Eventually, the two beliefs reconciled and the 25th became the birthday and the 6th became the epiphany. OBTW, the amount of days from the 25th to the 6th are in number 12. (Now you know why idiots are giving pear trees to each other)

So what does this have to do with Santa Claus?

Was Charlie Brown Correct?

Every year at this time, I hold my hand and tell myself that I can get through the six weeks of madness known as the “holiday season.” Year after year, I fail miserably only because I come across something that screams “Idiot” at the top of its lungs. Last year I ranted about the incessant amount of money people are pouring into the cash registers of those who sell lawn ornaments and flashing lights. I also wailed about the fact that people lose their minds around this time of year.

Well, I held out as long as possible this year, but enough is quite enough. I ran across an article from Australia that talked about the fact that mall Santas are not allowed to utter the phrase, “Ho, ho, ho,” because we don’t want to scare the children. Nor are they allowed to pat kids on the head due to certain religious restrictions. In order for children to sit on Santa's lap, parents must give express permission and even when a picture is snapped, both of Santa’s hands must be in full view. Cripes!

I had to read the freakin’ article several times just to ensure that I was not reading something from The Onion or National Lampoon. Unfortunately, it gets better. The word “Christmas” has been struck from the national chains’ vernacular. Now everything is “Winter Holidays” or “Winter Celebrations.” School Districts are no longer using the word “Christmas” on their calendars and teachers are “strongly encouraged” to use other words to describe the holidays that occur in December. Cities are avoiding anything related to the actual reason for the holiday in any of their displays.

Christmas has become too politically correct.

Let's also remember the scenes from the recent "Black Friday." Did you know that the term "Black Friday" does not mean something negative, such as the "Black Tuesday" of stock market crash? Retailers call it "Black Friday" because on the ledgers, that one day will get retailers out of the red and into the black. Anyhow, I was once again sickened by the visions of grown men beating up each other over a freakin' laptop or people being trampled on just to get into the store. Ironically (or maybe not) most of the scenes occured at WalMart...

Christmas has, as Charlie Brown predicted, become too commercial.

The question before us, or at least before me, is to find out what Christmas is really all about and the true meaning behind it. In the upcoming days, as time allows, I am going to delve into traditions and symbolism that makes up this season. Hopefully, when all is said and done, I will have come to some kind of conclusion. What it is, I am not sure at this point. But I hope you will be able to take this journey with me with an open mind and an even more open heart.

-WTS