Waste of tax money on a witchhunt....

I just read another article about the wonderful witchhunt conducted by the FDA and that gloryhound Novitsky.
Lance Armstrong is being investigated based on the claims and accusations of Floyd Landis...a cheat that got caught and stripped of his Tour de France title.
The strange part is LA has been the most tested athlete in the world. What's the point? Would we consider him a hero? Cancer that would have taken the average persons life. 7 Tour de France championships. A cancer cure foundation that has helped countless people. I think so. Seems some people think we shouldn't have a hero anymore...
Lets face it there are drugs in sports. But you just can't give any old schmoe some steroids, epo, and GH and they become the next Barry Bonds. These athletes have the genetics to be there. And lets face it as fans our selfish desire to see more homeruns, faster 100 meter times, and bigger hits is all part of this.  

looking at yourself in the mirror...

I am reading all the reports on the oil spill in the Gulf and BP. A few striking things about this....
BP neglected the safety of the rig workers, they hurried a job to get oil, mucked about getting things fixed.
The CEO went to a yacht race and BP lobbied to release a convicted terrorist....I suppose having all that money from the billions in profits makes it easy to look at yourself in the mirror. Greed does some amazing things.
Sometimes we chase after stuff and hurry through things to satisfy our greed, like ravenous wolves feeding on a deer carcass. We throw aside sanity and reason to fulfill our own needs, careless of who or what gets in the way. The small selfish things begin to bloom into larger monstrous weeds that overtake our lives. When does it stop?
Take some time to think...What we do has long lasting effects that extend past our own lives. Just like the small things that got us to this point, it is the small things that will get us out of it. Not an easy antidote or smooth road but a much more beneficial path.

keyboard warriors

i need to rant....



i am getting sick of the keyboard warriors out there. whether it is a forum or just the nameless faces posting comments to news articles. it is old. all people do is hate lately...



is it the stress or dissatisfaction of their lives? are these folks unsatisfied, unfulfilled, and plain miserable? the internet offers an outlet for that but at what cost? our society has gone from being able to discuss and debate to name calling and insults. very sad and demeaming and a pathetic use of the medium.



criticism should be constructive and not hate filled. compliments should be made more often than not...karma people!

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Like Aretha sang it....

Respect. What is it? Something earned and something given. Often it is taken for granted.

You earn respect as a leader by being the first to do what needs to be done. But you also listen to those around you, which is giving respect. Respect for another person means you tell them the truth, even if it hurts. It is listening to both sides of the story. Respect requires fairness and equity.

How bout a little repsect for people you don't even know? Ever let someone go ahead of you in the grocery line or let a person get into traffic? Open a door for someone or just say hello. Seems we lack that kind of common decent respect that we ourselves would like.

Respect is something that comes back to us. Give it and more than likely you will receive it. Never demand it...

Lost my "Muchness"

Alice asks The Hatter what is "muchness?"

I suppose it is who you are and why you are. Lately I have been wondering that about myself.
Have we been defined by what the world or other people tell us. Been told what to do, where to go, and what to be?
When do we decide to against everything we have been told and find our "muchness?"

Here is a good example. How many people would redefine their lives like this?
http://vitality.yahoo.com/video-second-act-lisa-fisco-20332366

Brain shutdown....

Yes that is what has happened. Why? Maybe it is too much work and stress. maybe it is the stupid people in my life that I let get to me. Kinda feel like someone owes me for peeing on my rug....

What do we do to recharge ourselves? Escape into a bottle, a woman or man's arms, massage at Madame Kame's Palace, or something deeper...

We have to take the time to look at things and sort them out. You might not need to go and do Transcendental Meditation, but take the time to just stop and be quiet. Some find this tough to do and it is.
Our lives are hectic, busy, and filled with a lot of mindless time wasting. Hobbies are great to get that escape and clear ones head, just ask a guy that likes to fish. More than likely they do it to relax.

I have recently decided to start painting and drawing again. Something about it just lets me be free. My mind goes someplace else and lets me heal. I have learned though it is best to just let it flow. Who really cares what you do? Paint a nekkid chick green....splash some color on a canvas ad call it a wave...

Anyway Dudes and Dudettes...let go, let the mind wander....

Friends and family...

I watched "Up in the Air" No not because Clooney is hot...no homo but he is. It was a great movie. Not to give anything away but it hit me....We may never have that "one true realtionship" but we have others.

Family...For most of us our family knows us the best. They shaped our lives and influenced who we are today. Family helped turned us from drooling pooping infants into drooling pooping adults that can clean up after ourselves. Even if we don't have a great relationship with family they are still family. We tolerate thaem and wish them well. If it's bad we still have the oppurtunity to forgive and make amends. For the most part family is there when you need them. hopefully you are there when they need you. They will see you at your worst and be there for your best.

You can't choose your family but ou can pick your friends. They are kinda like boogers, some are worth keeping around till they are crusty. True friends help you move and dispose of bodies...these are the friends that will have your back even if you started the fight. The good friends will also hang around when the doo-doo hits the fan. A good friend knows how to motivate and encourage you, but they wil also call you on your BS.

Friends and family should aks for nothing in return. They do what they do out of love and respect for you as a person. But I ask can you do the same in return?

Remember

The first holiday



Originally, the holiday was known as "Decoration Day." It was started by a Civil War general named Gen. John Logan, who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. General Logan sought a way to help the country come back together after the horrors and divide of the Civil War.






The holiday was first observed on May 30, 1868, and Gen. Logan chose that date for two very important reasons: First, the day did not mark the anniversary of a Civil War battle, and second "flowers would likely be in bloom all over the United States." Indeed, many took flowers to Arlington National Cemetery, an activity that still occurs every year.
---- from Yahoo buzz

I sit here today thinking about sacrifice. Working today on a holiday...pissed because I would rather sleep in, watch a game, drink some beer, and have a cookout.  That's not sacrifice. Giving everything you have so the rest of us can enjoy this holiday, that's sacrifice. How many of our servicemen and women are out there "working" today? How many will never experience what we are because they laid down the one precious thing we all take for granted?
http://www.remember.gov/MomentofRemembrance/tabid/54/Default.aspx

Please take a moment to remember those that served or are serving. Thank a veteran, let them know you are grateful, give them a hug.

Movie Music....

How did i miss this????   http://www.lebowskifest.com/
I suggest all the dudes check for a fest in your area.


Now back to the show....

Wanted to do something about the songs or music we love from our favorite movies. Something about a song and the images that make the movie memeorable. Who can forget the opening scene of Caddyshack?
"I'm Alright" by Kenny Loggins and a dancing gopher... Pure classic!! Of course Mr. Loggins  gets credit for another great movie song, "Highway to the Danger Zone" F-14's,  Tom Cruise and Val  Kilmer (no homo), Goose and Hollywood... Brings back summer days of the mid 80's and a first kiss.

Speaking of love, ok maybe lust and a lot of raging teenage hormones, Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Phoebe Cates....Thanks to the Cars " Moving in Stereo" we have one of the hottest scenes ever. We all hoped we never got caught like Brad...haha!

Motivation is the key to doing anything. Who hasn't cranked up the theme from Rocky when we needed that little extra something. How bout the training scene in Rocky 4 and the song "Hearts on Fire" Pure classic right there... Another one to dig out is "One Vision" by Queen. Made the movie Iron Eagle. Don't we all wish we could just hop in an F-16 and rescue our dad? 

Of course there are some songs that just plain bring out the fun.... Blues Brothers is full of great music. But the one that stands out is "Rawhide" Who can forget John Belushi cracking the whip behind the chicken wire? Makes me want to head out to Billy Bob's Country bunker and throw beer bottles....
But the greatest party song has to be "Shout" by Otis Day and the Knights. Who didn't put on a toga and do the alligator like the members of Delta Tau Chi? Definitely worth doubel secret probation.

I am sure everyone has a list of songs that they love from other movies. Please share! This is the stuff that makes us laugh, and dare I say it? Cry...yup Dudes can do that. Hope these songs bring out some good memories and times. If not just always look on the bright side of life....

Got nuthin but a couple movies....

For whatever reason Dude has nothing to blog about this week. Writers block or just a slow week? Who knows....

I did manage to watch Sherlock Holmes and Ninja Assasin. 2 very good dude movies. Action ansd excitement!

Robert Downey Jr. definitely played a great Holmes. but he took it another level...showed the character had flaws and was a little rough around the edges. Certainly not the classic version of Sherlock Holmes.

Ninja Assassin....wow! Want a good martial arts flick? This is it. The fight scenes are off thechart. probably the best was the chase in the roundabout. Dodging cars, fighting.... Throw in the classic ninja movie actor...Sho Kosugi!! Remember him? What you have is one heckuva ride!

Dude Food Part Duex....Frugal Dude.

Sometimes a dude has a long bad day. It becomes so easy to just stop off somewhere and grab fast food. Even better is to sit down and let a pretty waitress serve you. But if you add it up you can spend less when you do it yourself. Plus I have seen some restaurant meals with 3000 calories and a weeks worth of sodium in them. So doing it on your own allows you to control exactly what you put into the food, especially if you have managed to piss off the wait staff and cooks.

A little planning  goes a long way when time is short. Busy dudes seem to squeeze more in when there is a lot on the plate anyway. Want to cook up something quick and easy? Watch 30 Minute Meals...heck Rachael Ray does it! You might say " Dude, I can't cook!" Dude says " If you can read you can cook!"  Just buy a cookbook or download some recipes off the interwebs. Some of the food is so simple you will want to cook it all the time. And...dudes, the ladies are impressed with a man that can cook.

I also find cooking as a way to escape and test myself. Nothing beats watching other people rave about the food you have cooked. One warning...if you experiment with a new food, spice or recipe, try it yourself first.
best to upset your stomach or contract food poisoning on your own.

Dude Food.....Part Uno!

Eating is essential. Eating healthy is great, combine that with exercise and you might be around for a long time. Even though it helps to eat healthy we have to have some balance with our diet. Yup that means some junk food every once and awhile. It is essential for sanity and your body.

Speaking of cheating...We all have our favorite. It could be Reeses Puff cereal, Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey, Pizza Hut, or even some homemade concoction like a Luther Burger. I workoed out pretty hard and wanted something to satisfy the hunger...I headed to what is now my favorite cheat place...5 Guys!!
Everything is to go and in a brown paper bag. The burger was amazing and top notch with everything I wanted on it. Ogh yeah they ahve an amazing selection of toppings... I ordered a regular fries and was surprised to find that the overflow in my bag added up to another regular! Always love the overflow fries...
Oh yeah the fries tased great, even a day later.

Buffets....I have destroyed a few in my life and even closed one once. What on earth is better than all you can eat Chinese or steak and shrimp? My goal is to head to Vegas and devastate a buffet there. These happen to be the best places to hit after a hard day of training.

Lets not forget dessert. Something sweet often hits the spot. Yes sugar and chocolate can be good for you. but keep it in moderation...choclate when stressed out can become your best friend. So many choices when it comes to chocolate: dark, milk, white(yes not technically cocoa..) Now lets not forget everyones fav, ice cream! We all scream for it! 31 flavors or some strange blended cocncotion. All palates can be satisfied.

Ok enough food talk I am hungry....
Stay tuned for part Deux!

The Dude's Poetry Corner

This is Where I Win.....

Under the bar on a day
I do not want to be there.
 When lead fills my legs
  and jelly my arms.
     This is where I win!

One more rep seems
impossible and I get it.
  The pain in my head
  and my heart blinds me.
     This is where I win!

The voices call me
quitter and loser, ignored. 
   Weakness is banished
    from my memory.
      This is where I win!

At 4:30am and 10:00pm
   And every 2 hours inbetween
       This is where I win!

16 ounces
  12 inches
    1 repetition
        This....
           is.....
             where.....
                I....
                 WIN!

Sometimes It Needs To Be About Nothing

Rest, medidtation, vacation, vegetating or whatever you want to call it. Our minds and bodies need it. Checking out of reality, just for  a bit, can be refreshing and invigorating. Often it can give us inspiration and motivation.


We need to get lost somewhere. Shut off the phone and email and go. A long hike throught the woods, a scenic drive, amausement park, or even a good book can take us away from the "grind" that life can be. Hobbies are excellent escapes. Golf, fishing, painting offer the chance to get out and see something you might not normally view.
Look around and take in the sites, you might be surprised with what you see.


You can meditate,  just learn to slow down and be patient with this. Breathing is essential to this so learn it properly. Have a beach nearby? Get to one and just listen to the waves. Even better go out in the yard, lay down and watch the clouds....Yes is can really  that simple.

The Not So Easy Road....

A little thought occurred over some discussions I have had the last few days. Nothing in life is easy or not as easy as we want it to be. We choose the easy route instead.  This path of least resistance is less stressful that is for sure ,but we need stress to grow and change for the better.

more-carbs-less-cardio-fat-ass by John Romano


Exercise, diet, competing or just the struggles of life force us to look at ourselves deeply and discover who we really are. It can be interesting to look at ourselves when the doo-doo hits the fan and splatters all over our face. The person we see can be frightening and send us running and screaming. Some will just look wipe the crap off and move on.

Instant Karma, Just Add Water

Call it whatever you like: karma, sowing and reaping, butterfly effect, but we cannot deny that there is some force out there that affects a dude's life. A dude has to realize that our actions and attitudes have long ranging consequences.

Anything from a simple smile and hello to saving someone from a burning building creates ripples in our life and the  universe. We all hope that some of the good we do comes back to us in some way, shape or form.

Don't wait around for it or demand it. Let the good come to you when you least expect and be pleasantly surprised. Sometimes this payment will take a lifetime, or many if you believe in reincarnation. It may show up in the most pleasant of circumstances or strangest of situations. These events may even benefit our loved ones and do so in beyond anyones expectations. But, the bad stuff can do the same....

This is a 2 way street. You do pay for the bad things. Often it exacts a vengenace that can be harsh...now this isn't to say all bad things are our fault. Also a good thing to keep in mind: Never wish bad on anyone, no matter how terribel thay are or truly deserve it. This Karma stuff is quite like the weather, unpredictable. Can be deadly or it can be pleasant and refreshing.

Laundering your Karma....can it be done? If you like "My Name is Earl" and have a list then yes! We could all go out and right some of the wrongs we have done. A simple apology or helping hand do wonders. Think it is laundry day...

Dude Speak

Obviously the word Dude and all its variations...Dudebro, Dudesis, El Duderino, His Dudeness...What does it mean? A cool and calm attitude. Doing your thing. Laid back. C'mon lets face it we all want to be "The Dude"

Nicknames...all Dudes have them or give them. It is an honor to be given a nicknam by a Dude. They are good natured and display a Dude's nature. A Dude's nickname should be worn like a medal or badge, maybe even a great pair of tits...The derisive nicknames are often used on the d'bags dudes run into. These nicknames fly right over the d'bags head and yet they think we are being nice to them.

Third person...A true Dude can master this technique of Dude Speak. This requires confidence and the laid back attitude. Not for the new Dude but the experienced Dude. The trick is to use your Dude name. Be warned though, overuse can lead to d'bag status. Once you hit d'bag you have a long road to come back to the fold of Dudedom. Tread lightly dudes...

Dudes speak their minds....Honesty over truth when a Dude speaks. Honesty can be brutal, emotional, and painful. Truth can be twisted, like being politically correct, and therefore quite dishonest. Or truth often smells like Bullsh!t. P.C. speak is all that...DO NOT BE P.C.!!  Call it like it is. At the same time the line is thin and can be crossed very easily with an LCD insult or mispoken word.  Like the messenger in 300 said "Choose your words wisely."

Wimmens....Keep it smooth and simple when talking to the ladies. You like them, tell them. Tell them what you like, but careful on the vulgarity. Or save it for the bedroom. Also practice silence, the best part of music is the pauses between notes. A good look and smile will go farther than any words you can utter.

Finally, words carry weight and power. Do not waste the words you speak or throw them out there haphazardly. Listen more than you talk, after all you have 2 ears and one mouth.

A Dudes hair....

Lets face it hair can be good or it can be downright nasty...Ever see that guy in a speedo that looks like he is smuggling permed weasels?

Manscaping is an art. You have to get it right. Too much off and you can look like an overgrown baby New Year. Too little and you might be spray painted by some overzealous PETA members or cast as a Wookie in the next Star Wars.

But what to take off? There are ladies out there that still like that Burt Reynolds hairy chest. Arms...only if you are a drag queen. Back...ok this is my opinion...hell yes! The junk and nether regions, might be good to trim that stuff up. Just be careful down there and dont forget the crack! Legs are a maybe.

How to do it...Wax, shave, Nair...so many options. All work well but some might require an extra hand. I am not going to give instructions. Just do what works for you.

The stuff on top... Unless your job discourages it, facial is cool. If you like it. Some guys love shaving.
Own that shit when yo grow it! Make it you! Goatee, van dyke, beard, fu manchu, soul patch...so many options. Brave dudes go for the pork chops... If you have a full head of hair relish it! Let it it go! Take care of it though. Nothing nastier than dirty hair and dandruff. Then there are the bald heads... Easy and economical. Careful the first time.

Well thats all I got today. Been hectic the last few days....

That Special Lady and Dudettes

Dudes...lets discuss that Special Lady in your life or maybe you know a Dudette. Single dudes take note. What is it that makes them special and what makes a dudette? That Special one will let you be yourself. She will let you watch the game and even make you something to eat. A few will watch with you but know it is "Sacred" time. They ask questions to show interest but really they are interested in the guy in tight pants.

The Special Lady will support you and your endeavours, as crazy as they may be. She will be your muse and pillar of support, cherish that!  She lates you have guys night and knows you will come home to her. Why? Because she knows you need your time. She will call you out when it gets too insane, listen to her. She often is the voice of reason.

Now here is where the work starts...She will expect the same treatment in return. Let her have her time, but be there for her when it all goes wrong. Even if it doesn't seem like the world is ending to you, it is to her!
But...this is a big BUT...never offer the male answers or solutions. The oil of emotion does not mix well with the water of logic. Hold her and tell her you understand, even if you really don't. One more secret...compliment her often! Notice her hair or new outfit. Might get you lucky later...

Dudettes....these are some special women. I know a few.  They embody the typical womanhood traits discussed above but with a few exceptions....

1. They really love sports. Probably know more than you and do not miss any games, even to go shopping.
2. Dudettes will tell you exactly what they want and when!
3. They handle their own business and are tough. But they will let their emotions through...handle them carefully
4. They take care of themselves for themselves....compliment them anyway!
5. dudettes will be your best buddy and if you are lucky the most fantastic lover.

Again I am foiled in my review of Gladiator. Came home to find Rudy on CMT. Who does not like this movie? Based on the true story of "Rudy" Ruettiger. It is a true underdog/ dream come true movie. Heck you can't beat a story with football, especially Notre Dame football. The scenes shot at the campus really show off how inspiring the place is. Heck I had the same reaction the first time I was there as Ned Beatty/Daniel Ruettiger Sr. did when he got off the bus to see the game. Definitely a must see if you haven't or watch it again if you need a little attitude adjustment.

Oh and here is the real Rudy's site.... http://rudyinternational.com/ 

You and Your Dewey Cox

I was going to do a Dude review of Gladiator (the greatest dude movie) but walk Hard came on last night and I was compelled to watch... Not the best but I laughed pretty damn good. The songs were great, hilarious even! Especially the duet with Jenna Fischer (she makes my cute/hot list) The cameos helped make the movie.
Not on my must buy list but worth watching if its free.

Lets discuss Dudettes....
Yup I said it...ladies can be dudettes... Just like dudes, it is all in the attitude. There needs to be a cute factor to it, a strength outside and inside, a sense of humor, and the ability to hang to the dude credo....lift, eat, drink, and bang. So ladies if you got what it takes sign up!

Speaking more of the ladies...we have to have a daily dudette or hot chick anyway...

I present the Monique Minton...

http://momofitness.com/
http://contest.bodybuilding.com/bio/66792/
http://www.myspace.com/moniquefanpage














Well I am going to abide for now....

The Dude Abides

So I watched The Big Lebowski last night. Decided it was a perfect way to sum up what this blog is about...Being a Dude.
1....Do it your way. Do not compromise because the world wants you to.
2....Your friends might fucker it all up, but they are your friends. They will probably
help you move too.
3....Do what you want with passion. Remember it is just a game after all.
4....Have a signature. Wear a robe or tux or kilt, make it define you!
5....Keep it simple and uncomplicated. White Russians are easy.
6....Last but not least....HAVE A PAIR OF TESTICLES!!!


So is it that simple? Yes it is. There are a few extras that could be thrown in for my dudes...
Lift big, Eat big, Drink hard, Love hard (or Fornicate well)


My goal is to throw out there waht dudes like and need. Movies, music, women, exercise...Oh yeah lets not forget food and drink!
I am open for suggestions or even to try something out for the good of dudedom. Comment or email me if you know or have something interesting to put up. Also feel free to share your dude experiences....

Dude is abiding.

A New Adventure...

Long time ago somewhere in this galaxy while contemplating a pint of Guinness I came to the conclusion that Dudes just are.
I am offering this blog for all Dudes, oh and Dudettes, to find what it takes to be a Dude...