I really need to write more blogs. Or else change the name to "weekly/bi-weekly thoughts". Or better yet, "whenever the thought hits me".

This is the "season of giving", yet I pass the bell ringers everytime I enter Wal-Mart. In my defense... I normally use a debit card and seldom have change in my pocket. Yes, I could put a dollar bill in the bowl, but why temp the ringer with easily concealable currency. If that guy or gal is going to run off to their Nascar bookie with donated money, they better be jingling all the way.

I get a bit upset seeing the athletes and celebrities on TV who have committed multiple drug offense (IE: D. Strawberry, Downey Jr.). What upsets me (or causes me a moment of frustration) is that we are lead to feel pity. "They are victims." Cut the crap. I get enough of that on the "Lifetime" channel. I am not talking about the common Joe who has a drug or alcohol problem. I am pointing out the people who have a gift to perform or excel in a certain sport (not to mention buy their way out). Don't get me wrong. I have compassion for the peasant who gets "mixed up in drugs" or "was never given the same opportunities". I am pro second chance and believe in a certain level of public assistance to aid in the cause. Sinkholes I oppose. I have a problem with the famed being victimized and given multiple chances at the same time we are supposed to feel sorry for them. These folks have the opportunities to be clean. Do it. Get help. I don't pity you...totally.

BTW... on the topic of drugs. I am a Gen-X'er. As much as a try to dissassociate from the stereotype, I am one. I grew up with all the other Gen-X'ers who were pounded with TV ads. We grew up watching a crying indian (Native Am.) who was upset by the litter. We grew up seeing the American Heart Association symbol (...and it wasn't a Phillip Morris ad). We grew up with Nancy Reagan and her cause. We also saw the egg and the frying pan. ....... But for some unknown reason, we (my generation) still have smokers, drug abusers, and kids throwing straw wrappers out of their beat up, crappy, rusted Datsun 210 window while pulling out of the drive through lane. I ask my fellow Generation X'ers to give me a good reason why you do these things. Why do you think smoking is good for you? Why in the hell do you think Meth is fun? Why is it so hard to put the straw wrapper in the brown McDonalds sack and dispose of it later? Tip to live by: keep your trash in your car and dispose of it at the gas station. There are trash receptacles at almost every one. Tip2: Smoking not good. Tip3: Meth bad. Mantra: Don't be a dumbass.