The Mailman's Kid

ATTN: NEW LOCATION

2010-05-01T14:59:00.002-05:00

First of all, thank you loyal followers! Second, I have now moved to "tumblr". It seems better than blogspot early on, but only time will tell. I am going to move some of the classic posts from this blog over so don't be too upset...JK. You don't care.

MMK

Fight Each Adversity Resiliently

2010-03-26T00:33:00.004-05:00

Fear. At some point or another, we all have fear.

It isn’t a sign of weakness; indeed once you can recognize it, it’s a sign of strength. Yet, we don’t like to admit fear because we think it to be a weakness. Or we let it happen to us too often. Neither is a healthy practice. Too much fear accomplishes nothing; too little fear leads to mistakes. Here, as in many realms of life (drinking, relaxation, etc.), moderation is key.

When you wake up in the morning, there should be no fear. You have a whole day ahead of you with tremendous possibilities. Twenty-four hours to do with as you please. When opportunities arise, no fear. These opportunities are blessings and would not become present in your life if not for you to embrace them with tenacity and good faith! When challenges arise, little or no fear. Daily tribulations can mangle our ambition, diminish our goals, and—if you let them take full control—dismantle our dreams. But, proper management of fear can make these minute struggles part of your process of achievement, and if you’re a true life warrior, routine.

Roughest is the management of fear in the face of adversity. Adversity strikes at no convenient time for anyone. If I have learned anything from the relatively miniscule amounts of adversity in my life, it is that with adversity comes a challenge: as one who is put through fire and friction, it is your responsibility to be a gem, a precious gem, for others! This doesn’t mean to go out and achieve and make known one’s self! Indeed I have discovered quite the opposite—no! We, I, You, must listen, empathize, and relate to those who come into our previously occupied situation anew! It is irresponsible and downright uncompassionate to sit back and put one’s baggage on a pedestal. I have particular trouble with this.

So again, I write for you, I write for me.

Don’t let fear stop you—don’t let a lack of it kill you.

Cheers.

Squirrel Flavored Coffee

2010-02-13T02:01:00.002-06:00

The precipice of situation is a constant state of being for all of us. “I am beginning a new chapter this week.” “I just need to get focused and finish this project—then I will be relieved.” “It will all be downhill from here.” Whether it is beginning, end, or even middle (respectively), we all tend to rush on to the next thing, the end of one thing, or through something without seeing the beauty in the moment.

If you have ever experienced any kind of inspirational or wise anecdote, you know this principle…Hallmark, Oxygen, and Disney movies are littered with it… Take Pleasure in the Little Things in Life.

Lo and behold, I am a hypocrite! However, I did give this a shot! At the beginning of the semester, I kept a little list of small things I love that I notice throughout my day. Alas, much like everyone else in the meritocracy, I found myself too busy to write my little joys (and even my blog articles!). But here I am. Coming back to them with a little humor and hopefully a little insight.

FAT SQUIRRELS: During the winter, the college campus is filled with squirrels like the warmer parts of the year. The difference during the cold months is that those awesome little brown fluffballs have apparently lost all of their Nutri-Slim. It is really easy to catch yourself watching them climb up trees and scurrying across the sidewalks with considerably less agility.

SCENT/TASTE of COFFEE: Not much to say here. It’s like day-time liquor without stumbling: takes the edge off, makes the people you’re around more bearable, and rather addictive…(Despite the similarities, I wouldn't advise you switching these two around lest you want some more spirited discussion at work/school. And by spirited I mean drunk.)

COOL UNDERSIDE OF THE PILLOW: Duh. Especially if you live in apparently nuclear powered dorm I do.

SO KEEP IT CHILL, AND POST SOME OF YOUR “NOTICEABLE LOVELIES” AS WE SHALL CALL THEM.
Have at it,
Cheers.

Welcome to Deep Thinking

2010-01-25T01:08:00.001-06:00

I think no matter what stage of life we act in we are always searching for direction. Right or wrong. Move or stay. Risk or safety. Every decision is the act of weighing what we perceive to be best. And the long term can be significantly harder than the short term. While we all have different stories, motives, and goals, we all have a responsibility.

While some of the strongest words ever written were those of equality, they simply are not true. We are not all equal. Opportunities and luck are thrust upon many who either have no use for such things, or poor application of their gifts. On the other side of the spectrum rests those that are not given or are sparingly given advancing-oriented opportunities. No we are not all equal, but we all deserve equality. It is the responsibility of the gifted and blessed to give to and bless the emotionally, financially, mentally, or health impoverished. I do not profess this for the sake of deep thinking, hypocritical utterances, or the inflation of my own ego. Indeed I state this for my own conviction. Through models set before me, I have discovered the preparation I do now is not for a workplace, office, or corporation, but for people who have problems and are in need of solutions.

Hypocrisy presents itself as I selfishly indulge in my education, and hopefully continue to graduate school. I cannot control what you think of this notion, but I can remain strong in my own faith that the learning and preparation I do now will exponentially benefit those that I one day hope to serve. Proving yourself to others is easy… proving yourself to yourself is another story.

“Whatever you hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

Follow this, but also make sure what you are doing is benefitting those that need your might.

Don’t give up on giving. I write this to help you….but I write it to help me, too.

Hope this was a good break from my typical sarcasm.

Peace.

Makin' it Rain: Knowledge Style

2010-01-19T20:40:00.004-06:00

I’ve got answers.

I’ve got answers to what everyone is asking. Just take a gander at Google’s search bar after typing just a few question-oriented words and you’ll see what people are looking to the internet for. No more searching will be necessary for three simple questions plaguing the internet, the United States, and probably the World. Oprah and Dr. Phil can’t match the lessons and messages I am about to regurgitate….fo sho.

For starters, why can’t we own Canadian servants? How many times do you do some sort of mundane task and think, “Why isn’t a Canadian here against his or her will, for the sole purposes of carrying out my bidding?” I am sure it numbers in the hundreds. The answer is simple: Canadians are hard to catch. Unless you have been living under a rock for the last ten years or so, you know that Canadians have not only had dominant athletes in their domestic version of football, but also at the Olympic level. At the past three Summer Games, Canada has had two silvers and one gold medal from two prominent sprinters: Pierre LeDouche and Stephen Colbert.

Another question that has been on the minds of many people across the world is “why are American Troops still in Iraq?” Countless theories with well substantiated evidence have been provided from government sources and abroad, but none have offered the true answer until now. Iraq has something we want….and it’s not oil. No, no, it is camel meat. A little known fact that many are not aware of is that camel meat is a key ingredient in hotdogs, which have become more and more scarce ever since demand for hotdogs spiked as a result of a new diet hitting the scene. This leads me to my final answered question:

What is the best way to lose weight? Eat some hotdogs. And by “some hotdogs” I mean hotdogs at every meal. Hotdogs have a special chemical in them, known as Noselfrespsexetrol, that breaks down fatty buildups and transforms them into neurotransmitters that go to your brain that instantly make you feel terrible about yourself. Obviously, the neurotransmitter is a slight side-effect, but once you catch your Canadian servant, you will feel much better. I promise.

There you have it. Consider yourself informed.

Cheers.

Team Deathmatch on Isolation

2010-01-07T01:29:00.002-06:00

War is hell. So, let’s stop it.

The most costly wars of recent memory for America have all been waged in developing countries. Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalian pirates? These wars have combated terrorism, employed guerrilla tactics, and have cost countless lives. The question remains to be answered though—what will achieve peace?

In developed countries, governments come to agreements. Treaties are signed, debts are paid, and the two countries move on and try to salvage some kind of compromise. What allows these countries to move on? How can peace be achieved? The ultimate solution comes from economic development: the video game system.

Video games have become more violent as graphics and gameplay have advanced, prompting many concerned parents to speak out against the subsequent effects of such desensitization. Granted, we have seen many events in recent years since Columbine that may have demonstrated public desensitization, and I do not diminish those events, but what we don’t realize is that these games keep war and conflict at low levels around the world.

Think of inflation. Governments use expansionary fiscal policy to create economic growth little by little. They raise taxes and increase spending, allowing the demand of the economy to increase and the production possibilities to follow. These economic decisions are made knowing that mild inflation may occur, but you’re sacrificing the small evil, for what you try to substantiate as a greater good.

Let’s trade up some of the parts of the metaphor. Consider video games to be the expansionary fiscal policy, the inflation to be the rise in public shootings, and the economic growth to be eventual world peace. As we spread our “expansionary fiscal policy” to the rest of the developed and developing economies, we are in turn spreading peace. The video games will pre-occupy and distract terrorists from their anti-infidel agenda as they try out new games targeted at their audience. Such as: “Death 2 America”, “Grand Theft Camel”, “Super Ahmed Bros.”, “American Invaders”, “SimVillage”, “Bomberman” (wouldn’t change from original title), “Tomb Raider” (Lara wears more clothes), and destined to be the most popular would be “Worship Hero”.
So don’t send money to help the starving in Africa, or care packages to the impoverished in the Middle East. Only through wireless internet, an Xbox 360, and Grand Theft Auto can we spread peace.

***This whole article is a joke, I promise. If it makes you a little upset or uncomfortable, go play a video game***

The Greatest Game with Butterflies in it Ever.

2010-01-04T01:52:00.001-06:00

I was initially planning to make this article a biting analysis of Grand Island. However, as fun as I think that could have been, I couldn’t bring myself to publically ridicule my hometown of nearly twenty years.
Instead, I will tell you of my plans for this blog in the next year, since it has seemingly appeared out of the blue.

Subsequent to this semester, I will *hopefully* be serving as an intern to Congressman Adrian Smith in Washington, D.C. This isn’t nailed down yet, but as I said—hopefully. Success would mean living with my eldest sister, Becky, and her husband, Mike, for roughly eight weeks. I would be given the opportunity of not only learning through the internship, but also cooking from Becky, and how to best manipulate my wife from Mike…truly a valuable skill. I will keep up my posts while in the nation’s capitol and let everyone know what’s up with what’s going down (Interns are good inside sources to national intelligence, just in case you weren’t aware).

Unlike the uncertainty of the summer, I will most assuredly be studying abroad in Middelburg, Netherlands for the fall semester of 2010. Much to my mother’s displeasure, I will be in a country of legal marijuana use, a 16-year old drinking age, and glorious prostitution. I call it cultural immersion. My course load is not yet defined, but I will most likely be taking some international law and economics classes. It will not be imperative for me to learn Dutch for my trip, but I purchased the level 1 Rosetta Stone software just to be safe. My family members are planning trips to come see me, so if you need a reason to travel abroad, let me be it. I am also going to keep the blog going over there as well, recounting my ventures of sin and corrupt—I mean travel, culture, and intellect.

I will keep it short for now. Sorry this article isn’t a satirical argument against socialism. It appeard you all enjoyed that one maybe too much.

Become a follower to make me feel better. I’ll write no matter what, I just need reassurance since my oldest sisters have teased, taunted, and criticized me over the years to the point that—just kidding, I have an ego.

Cheers.

I am heavily Left...handed.

2009-12-30T03:44:00.005-06:00

To be truthful, socialism is a beautiful thing.

Because when you think about it, the institution of socialism combines many of the things we are taught growing up and even some of the fundamental nuances of numerous religions.

Sharing--What's mine is mine and what's yours is yours!...Right? Wrong! How greedy of you to think such a thing! Instead, I will make my money, you make yours. I will buy my boat, you buy yours. I will take my vacation, you take yours. When all is said and done we will share what we have accumulated. Harmonious living will be the rhapsody of society as you and I enjoy our boats together. Did I mention that my boat is remote-controlled? It's all I could afford, so I hope you don't mind me bringing it on your yacht? Also, be sure to clear your schedule for that shared vacation this summer! I will pay for the week in beautiful Peru, Nebraska, and you go ahead and book that cruise for us! Sharing is caring...my sarcasm is blaring.

Equality--Rags to Riches? To heck with the American Dream! Why would you need to go from rags to riches when you could go from government rationed rags, to more government rationed rags? Besides, it works great in public education. As long as we are treating every student as the same learner, we may as well be treating every worker as the same earner. Additionally, social equality makes for a much steadier economic market. By knowing what each industry will produce and how much will be consumed, we can eliminate that silly thing capitalism calls "consumer confidence". Aggregate demand will be a thing of the past, and at last we won't have to worry about what to do with our earnings--Thanks Socialism! By accepting market predictability, we will only be losing innovation, faster technological development, productivity incentives, and ultimately, sustained economic growth. All of which are just minor opportunity costs. Like they say "If it ain't broke, don't make it more efficient!"

Don't worry though, America. We are so close to socialism, you can almost feel it in your bones, nerves,and surgeries(as a result of the soon-to-be government-run health care)?

***Please note***

The above post is meant to be funny. If you find this not to be true, please (1) forgive my poor communication skills, and (2) know that socialism is not cool.

Forever.

(As an additional clause, it may seem strange that the son of a mailman would be unhappy with socialism as a subtle form of it contributed to my family's livelihood. However, I would like to note that my father was not a fan of his job as he once rated it as a 3/10 in satisfaction...besides, privatized mail is going to run USPS off the map eventually anyways.)

Don't sWheat It.

2009-12-25T13:43:00.002-06:00

Home cooked food is scarce or nonexistent on college campuses. My own university is no different and I took a hopeful stomach home with me.

My first few days of break were great with plenty of my mom’s home cooking, which can include spaghetti, runzas, or chili. Basically if it’s loaded in carbs and my mom cooks it, I love it. However, my sister also joined us back home for break and she brought her healthy lifestyle with her. I find exercise fun, but downsizing meals and making healthy food choices? I am a man. I eat man food. I eat man amounts. Please quiet your laughter.

On one particular evening, I was asked by my sister how many burgers I wanted, and since I was off to play basketball within the hour, I decided I better just have one to avoid any indigestion on the court. Minutes later, I arrived at the dinner table to be greeted by less than desirable portions and content.

What my sister had served me was a turkey burger on a wheat bun. The burger was similar to that of a McDonald’s single patty on a bun that was soft as bread, but thin like a graham cracker. It was comparable to feeding a 300 pound offensive lineman a pack of fruit snacks. The trend of whole wheat and whole grain didn’t stop at graham cracker buns, but continued on to multi-grain chips, whole grain peanut butter, and whole grain mustard. Upcoming grocery items to our home include whole grain milk (made from whole grain cows), whole grain candy (made from multi-grain sugar cane), and of course whole wheat beer (which is actually real and delicious).

The holiday spirit at my house is most accurately represented by the nativity scene…mostly because the hay that covers the floor of the manger is also infused into every meal I consume.