We're all entitled to like different things, regardless of how stupid some of those things may be. Along those same lines we also have the freedom to rant about the things we don't like. Today on my way to work I saw two things that I really didn't like. I only managed to get a photo of one of those things though and let's face it, we all love pictures.For those that don't know I drive a pickup truck. A 2006 Toyota Tacoma to be exact. It's no sports car or luxury vehicle but I've grown up driving trucks and I just like them. (See first sentence of blog.) A truck is great for when you want to get outdoors and travel somewhere that might require a little higher clearance than your average sedan. If you're in the habit of hauling things or helping friends move, a truck is probably your choice vehicle. If you're a plumber, electrician, or work in construction, you probably drive a truck because its features better help you do your job.Now, I'm no plumber or construction worker. I'm a software consultant. However, I was raised in a hardworking, blue-collar family and I maintain a rather blue-collar personality. I enjoy being able to help friends move, or occasionally haul something around when need be. I also enjoy the outdoors and my truck allows me to go some places a car can't. This is why I own a truck and it's my opinion that this is true for most people who own trucks. Then there's this guy (on the left):
<rant>What is wrong with this guy!? First off, as he drives down the I-10 I can't help but notice how the bed of his truck is wobbling, displaying his shoddy workmanship. Beyond the obvious though this man has stripped this truck of all its handy features! He's sitting lower than most of the cars whizzing by so the occasional off-road adventure is out of the question. You'll notice directly to his right is the exact make and model of his vehicle, sans stupidity. Furthermore, hauling anything in that bed more than a few pounds (given his poor workmanship) would probably push his bumper to the ground, sending sparks flying. Hell, I bet he bottoms-out when going over speed bumps!I'm appalled whenever I see something like this, even more so in this case because it's a Tacoma. If that's the look you're going for, save yourself some time and buy an old El Camino.</rant>Wow, I really thought I'd be more up-in-arms while ranting about this. I guess Friday has a way of calming me down.
So I've been tagged. Not being a big blogger (obviously) it was a good thing my buddy Richard (Coyote Squirrel's Random Musings) was kind enough to explain it to me. He actually had to tell me I had been tagged since I've been a horrible friend lately and haven't kept up with his excellent blog. Anyway, here goes...Books:
This is easy. I've got numerous books in play right now but they've all been sitting idle for quite some time. At the top of the list is Cormac McCarthy's The Road
. Honestly I don't know how I've managed to keep my eyes off this book. Next is The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach. I don't have the extra cash I need to start some serious investing, but once I do I'll be ready (that is if I actually finish reading the book). Finally there's The Five Love Languages. I bought this book by Gary Chapman in a failed attempt to save my engagement. Even with that relationship being over I still think there's a lot of value to this book. Eventually I'll finish it and hopefully find better ways to communicate to my friends & family how much I care for them.TV:
Well early last week my DirecTV box took a crap so TV viewing has been limited to the channels over the airwaves. Luckily I have the entire series of Arrested Development on DVD. Seriously, a tear comes to my eye when I think about how long-lasting this show could have been if Fox had marketed it better. (Come on!) Right now there really isn't much on. I like October Road, as cheesy and predictable as it might be. Prison Break has sucked me back in; not because it's good (it's horrible) but because I'm already familiar with the storyline and there's nothing else to watch. My TV is recording the new LOST episodes but I'm currently deciding whether to abandon the island or start watching again (which will undoubtedly lead right back to me wishing I hadn't started watching it again, but it'll be too late. Damn you J.J. Abrams!)Music:
I'm all over the place here, so I'll just touch on a few. In my truck I'm primarily switching back and forth between two albums. V is for Vagina by Puscifer, which is an interesting industrial/trip-hop experiment by Maynard James Keenan and Graduation by Kanye West. On the iPod I've been listening to a lot of acoustic stuff, primarily anything by Mike Doughty, formerly of the 90's band Soul Coughing. Currently my iTunes is blaring out my entire collection of head banging music by Sevendust.Unfortunately, I don't really know five other bloggers to pass this on to, so this game of tag ends with me. I lose. Goodnight.
