Archive for the 'Rant' Category

• 6.5.07 "Commitment" is posted in Rant, Reflections, Work & Career

Sometimes I wonder how it is that people can live with themselves. I respect those that have different values and I recognize that we all have our weaknesses–but from where I stand there’s no reason why people say they’ll do things and then don’t. Sometime between birth and eighth grade it became apparent to me that commitments were not to be broken and that there really isn’t much ambiguity–you just do the things you say you’re going to do and there’s nothing more to it.

Let me make this clear–I’m not talking about attempting things and failing or missing a deadline. I’m not talking about New Year’s Resolutions or personal challenges that don’t pan out after a few weeks. And I’m not talking about times when there is a psychological or societal pressure to say something. I’m talking about when things are cut and dry–when you say you’re going to do something and the person you say it to has every reason to genuinely believe that you’ll do it.

In general the things that bug are me are really small, like saying that one’s going to call (without any prodding on your end for them to) or canceling multiple times for reasons like, “I’ve had a long day.” If I’m making time for someone then I know they’re making time for me, and I’m not going to mess up their day even though it’s not convenient for me.

One of my all time pet peeves (more…)

• 3.24.06 "France, what are you doing?" is posted in News, Rant

I think the last line of this Washington Post article pretty much sums up the stance of (parts of) a society that just doesn’t get it. Antoil Ethuin, owner of a bike rental shop that was just vandalized by the riots, began his comments on the latest “protests” in Paris…

“My country is broken,” said Ethuin, gazing at the smoldering automobile carcasses a few yards away and the carpet of glass shards, broken dishes and computer pieces covering the sidewalk in the heart of one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods. “I never imagined I would ever see this in Paris.”

But this last sympathetic addition of his is what truly scares me:

“They have no jobs,” he said. “It’s not their fault.”

I don’t usually express my political or economic opinions online…but not attributing fault to the most ironic display of violence France has seen this century worries me that the country doesn’t recognize where it’s headed or what’s to blame.

What do I mean by irony? (more…)

• 1.24.06 "Dating my mom…" is posted in Rant, Reflections

I think one of the unique things about significant others is that you can call or email each other twice without getting a response in between. With most people it’s customary to wait a week or two before calling a second time (unanswered)…you wouldn’t want to seem needy and you don’t want to annoy them. But with a girlfriend it’s okay to send them an email in the morning, to pick them up in the evening from work, and to call after you’ve dropped them off the moment they walk in the door. Or to just happen to call a few times a day, leaving a few voicemails. It’s a sign of affection. Sadly the most affectionate person in my life is my mom. (more…)