Chick-fil-Hate

When I was younger, I had always wanted to go eat at Chick-fil-A.  Actually, that isn't entirely true.  Up until a few years ago, I had never even heard of the company.  But, when I went to visit a dear friend in Arizona, she introduced me to the over-priced chicken restaurant.  I actually liked their food and secretly hoped that one day they would open up a location in Las Vegas.  Then, I could stay far away from KFC and El Pollo Loco (powdered potatoes, greasy chicken, and flame-burnt food never really excited me).  With the events that have happened with the company, lately, I naturally have reconsidered my thoughts.

I fully believe that everyone has a right to say what they want.  My issue really isn't about the fact that the owner of the company doesn't believe in, or support, gay marriage.  I mean, the company is owned by religious people.  What do people expect?  With a restaurant that is deeply based in religious principles, it is not unheard of to think that the owner of the company would have this belief.  The issue that I have is the fact he chose to vocalize it.  A company has one goal: to make money.  A company has no business involving themselves in a huge debate where they are going to alienate millions of potential customers.  I don't even own a business and I know that vocalizing beliefs that go against other people's beliefs is a stupid idea.  Your goal is to make money, not...well, not make money.  Aside from not supporting gay marriage, he also vocalized the fact that he donates money to anti-gay groups.  I mean, really?  You take your profits from your stores, and turn around and donate that money to groups who actively search for ways to "destroy" a population.  So, in a way, if you generalize what has been going on with the company - customers are unknowingly donating money to fund groups that want to deny rights to human beings.  A simplified generalization, of course, but in theory, that is what is happening.

Now the furor that is going on over this has become a little annoying.  I see so many posts on Facebook and read a lot of news articles, and I wish this whole thing would just blow over.  But, just when you think it is going to, the owner of Chick-fil-A says something else, and boom!  Back in the news it goes.  After realizing that he made a stupid mistake by vocalizing his beliefs and alienating his customers, he tried to backtrack and say that he and his company were getting out of the debate.  Don't you think it is a little too late for that?!  I mean, I may not agree with what you say, and I clearly do not agree with what you do, but be a freaking man and stick by what you say.  Not only do you come off as an asshole with what you say, but you now have the nerve to not even stand by what you said?  What a complete idiot!

I have never really been one for boycotting places.  Mostly because I am a huge fatty and love food too much.  The fact that there isn't a Chick-fil-A in Las Vegas; however, makes it incredibly easy to boycott them.  So yeah, boycott successful on my part!  Again, I jest.  But really, in all fairness, why would anyone support an establishment that wants to treat human beings like they are less than human beings?  Despite religious beliefs, treating people who are different with intolerance and then citing religion to back up that intolerance is wrong.  However, the religious fanatics cite scriptures to support their beliefs.  Fine, do whatever you want, but realize that is also says in scripture that you should not judge other people.  I am just saying, don't hide behind religion if you are committing your own sins in the process.  That makes you a hypocrite.

It seems that recently my blogs have been a bit political in nature, so to keep going with that theme: Sarah Palin supports Chick-fil-A.  I saw this on the news and really had to laugh about it.  Does she really think that people give a shit if she supports anything?  Got news for you, sweetheart - you defending a company that wants to get rid of the gay community is really going to boost your ratings and popularity with those people and their supporters.  Wow, she really is incredibly stupid, isn't she?

Alright - I am going to end this blog with more of a promise to relax on the political front for awhile.  I have no problem complaining about things that annoy me, but even I have to stop talking about politics for the sake of my sanity.

The Reason I Loathe Kanye West and John Mayer

It is no secret that the thought of John Mayer and Kanye West makes me sick to my stomach.  These two individuals glorify everything that I can't stand about people.  One thinks it is okay to walk around in a green onesie and the other thinks that carving designs in his hair is still trendy.  Both of these people are arrogant and have little to no regard or respect for other people.

Yeah - I will never understand those glasses...

My hatred for Kanye West started long before his run-in with Taylor Swift, although that did cement my extreme dislike for his egotistical antics.  He hypes himself up way too much, yet doesn't deliver on it.  He is also a cry baby.  Who throws tantrums when they don't get their own way, aside from a child?  Exactly.  No self-respecting person does that.  Act your age and grow the hell up!  I have never, in my life, come across someone who has such an undeserving respect for himself than Kanye West does.  In his effort to climb to the top and be the best, he steps on everyone else around him.  He has absolutely no respect for other people.  It is either Kanye's way, or no way.  But, in all seriousness, the reason why I dislike him the most is because, in my opinion, he has zero talent.  I don't have much talent either.  But then again, I don't rap and think I am the most amazing person either, do I?

He also made a comment that he thinks the Bible should be revised because he believes he should be a character in it.  He says, "I bring up historical subjects in a way that makes kids want to learn about them. I'm an inspirational speaker."  He also comments, "I changed the sound of music more than one time... For all those reasons, I'd be a part of the Bible. I'm definitely in the history books already."  I mean, seriously?!  Are you freaking kidding me?  You are a rapper.  Explain to me, please, how you are considered to be a motivational speaker.  I mean, do you even understand what you say when you speak and how utterly ridiculous and asinine you sound?  And I would love to see what history book you are in.  You don't make history, my dear Kanye, you make music.  Bad music.

Kanye - showing that immaturity, disrespect, and
shitting on a teenager's success makes him awesome.

The Taylor Swift incident was by far the icing on the cake.  I don't even like Taylor Swift, and I agree that she shouldn't have won the award, but what nerve does he have for going up on stage and doing what he did?  I mean, you know that you screwed up when everyone is embarrassed for you.  And then, on top of that, his apology wasn't even legitimate.  It was forced.  People don't do things like that and then meaningfully apologize.  No, he was trying to save his reputation, which, by that point, had no chance of going back up (not like it was that high to begin with...).  He disgusts me.  Arrogance is a turn off, especially when someone has no reason to be arrogant.  You are done, Kanye.  If you want to be popular by stepping on the throats of everyone else, turn to politics.


Now let's talk about John Mayer.  If it is even possible, I despise him even more than Kanye West.  This is another individual who exudes arrogance.  His songs are lyrical nightmares.  I mean, take any song that he has ever done and read the lyrics.  Who comes up with this garbage?  His music and his personality do not mesh, as anyone might notice if they have ever listened to or read an interview with him.  He is the biggest douche bag when it comes to interviews.  You want to be famous?  Fine.  You think you have talent?  Fine.  Give a decent interview where you don't show your disdain for having to appeal to your fans.  You want a huge fan base, but you want to do nothing in order to earn it.  If you don't believe me, look at some of the shit that he has said: "My two biggest hits are 'Your Body Is a Wonderland' and 'Daughters.' If you think those songs are pandering, then you'll think I'm a douche bag. It's like I come on very strong. I am a very…I'm just very. V-E-R-Y. And if you can't handle very, then I'm a douche bag. But I think the world needs a little very. That's why black people love me."  Um...what does that even mean?  You are so wrapped up in yourself and how great you truly believe you are, that you don't make a damn lick of sense.  Even the interviewer had no freaking clue what he was talking about.  Are you on meth?



It get's better: "When I watch porn, if it’s not hot enough, I’ll make up backstories in my mind. My biggest dream is to write pornography."  I think this would be an absolutely perfect job for him.  Write porn, that way you won't write songs anymore.

Lastly, the worst thing I have ever read, "Life is like a box of crayons. Most people are the 8-color boxes, but what you're really looking for are the 64-color boxes with the sharpeners on the back. I fancy myself to be a 64-color box, though I've got a few missing. It's ok though, because I've got some more vibrant colors like periwinkle at my disposal. I have a bit of a problem though in that I can only meet the 8-color boxes. Does anyone else have that problem? I mean there are so many different colors of life, of feeling, of articulation... so when I meet someone who's an 8-color type... I'm like, 'hey girl, magenta!' and she's like, 'oh, you mean purple!' and she goes off on her purple thing, and I'm like, 'no - I want magenta!'"  The dude is clearly stoned or drunk.  All the time.  What incoherent babble!  I had to read this three times, and I still have no clue what the f**k he is talking about!

Arrogance is one of my biggest pet peeves, especially when people have no reason to feel that they are so great.  Not one thing that either Kanye West or John Mayer has ever done explains why they think that they are the best at anything.  Neither one of them go out of their way to help people in need, or do anything that truly makes them great people.  No.  They sing/rap.  They write bad music.  They embarrass themselves every single time they open their mouths.  What role models!

Your Enemy in the Digital Age...

So I ordered pizza tonight, and I was really excited to sit on my bed, watch a movie, and get fat.  That is usually how I spend my Sunday night.  Actually - it is how I spend all my nights, but I digress.  I recorded Titanic awhile ago, and yes, I own it on DVD, Special Edition DVD, Widescreen Special Edition VHS, and Full Screen Special Edition VHS.  However, I always like to record it while it is on.  It gives me something to do for over 3 hours, and I don't have to stop eating to hit play on my DVR (whereas going to the living room, getting the movie, and putting it in would be way too much exercise).

So I am getting into the movie, realizing for the hundredth time that the acting really is quite bad, but still enjoying my guilty pleasure, when all of a sudden my screen starts to pixelate.  Then I lose the sound, and my screen turns black.  The entire movie was completely ruined.  So, I had to delete the movie off of my DVR, which I couldn't do, because my entire DVR box froze the minute I tried.  And this was all thanks to Cox Communications.

I have had Cox Communications for a really long time and haven't really had problems with their service until recently.  Ever since I switched to an HD DVR box, it has been complete and total hell.  I know many of you have Cox, but I am sure a lot of you do not.  Their service areas are as spotty as their customer service skills.  The problems with them started when I first got my HD television.  I immediately called them to get an HD DVR box.  Seems simple enough, right?  Wrong.  They came out, gave me the box, and left.  No component cables, no HDMI cable, not even batteries for the damn remote.  Fine, no problem.  I bought them myself.  Ever since that day, the pixelation and sound distortion started.  I have called numerous times complaining about it, and I always get the same response: "Really?  Nobody else has reported this problem..."  Are you kidding me?  I can name ten people off the top of my head who have this problem and who have called in.  I can also point you to a website that does nothing but complain about Cox and the problems you claim to not know about.  Further, I have called about this problem many, many times.  So, clearly, it has been reported!  The lady I spoke to said she would reboot my cable signal.  That worked for about 10 seconds.  So, I called back, even more mad than before.

After talking to an automated robot (because, you know, they are SO helpful in calming down someone who is incredibly irritated and pissed off), I screamed for a representative.  To which, the automated robot said something about "billing and payment menu."  Apparently my loud, high-pitched hissy fit sounded like I wanted to pay my bill.  After speaking calmly, and talking down to the robot like she was stupid, I finally got a hold of someone.  He said he would send out a technician.  To make an incredibly long (like 2-years long) story short, I have now had 3 technicians come to the house, claiming nothing is wrong.  I have also received a new DVR box which is worse than the first one.  I still have horrible pixelation and sound distortion, yet I am paying well over $180 a month.

I think my biggest gripe about Cox, aside from the crap customer service, is their incessant need not to produce quality products or deliver quality television service.  Why go into business providing so many promises but absolutely no actions?  I know why - it is because of the lack of options out there.  They know they are the biggest, so they think they are the best.  And with that mentality, they could care less about the service they provide.  Why have a great television with all of these amazing bells and whistles if I can't even enjoy a simple HD movie on an HD channel from my cable provider?  Why do I waste my hard-earned, or even my not so hard-earned, money on a company who could give two shits about the quality of their service?  Do any of my Vegas people have similar issues?  If so, can you point me in another direction for a better company?  I have as much dislike for Cox as I do for Kanye West (that will be my next blog, folks).

If I don't switch, quick, I am going to end up taking my DVR box back to Cox and using it as a soapbox while I gather the masses and preach on about the hazards of choosing Cox for their phone, Internet, and TV service!  I will preach on, my brothers and sisters, about the pointlessness of speaking to a robot on the phone to fix my issues!  I will preach on, ladies and gentlemen about the anguish I feel in my heart because I can't watch a 15-year-old movie on my DVR because I am too lazy to walk to the living room!  Can I get an AMEN?!

Uneducated Politics

There is nothing I hate more than discussing politics with people.  Why?  Because I find so little people intelligent enough to hold a rational conversation where all views are respected and considered.  If you are against something, you are automatically considered to be a liberal.  If you hate taxes, you are automatically conservative.  Name calling and disrespectful comments turn politics into a migraine headache.  The purpose of my blog today is to explain my thoughts and feelings on politics.

Today I was told that I was un-American.  In a nutshell, I was called this because I made a mention that a group on Facebook twisted opinions into unrealistic facts.  I had a problem with it, so I made a comment.  Man, did I get attacked for that!  I was called a "liberal" and "un-American" because I chose to stand up for something that I felt was wrong.  I am sorry, but if you call your Facebook fan page one thing and talk about something completely unrelated just to start fights and fuel unnecessary name-calling, your page loses credibility and respect.  Hiding behind being American, and then posting your negative, uneducated opinions and comments on what you think our president is doing, clearly pushes your own agenda and is not respectful to the amount of diverse opinions and beliefs in this country.

First of all, I do not consider myself to be liberal.  Sure, I do have liberal views on some issues, but I also hold very conservative issues on others.  Although this is my blog, I do not feel the need to express those liberal and conservative issues.  My beliefs are my beliefs, and although I can be vocal on certain aspects, and I may have not always been respectful of other opinions, I have since changed my views and feel that everyone is entitled to their opinion, whether or not I agree with it.  However, progress is seriously inhibited when petty disagreements (based on uneducated opinions and not facts) are constantly thrown in everyone's face. 

Our goal as Americans should be to unite as a people and make our country the best.  How is this ever going to happen when all we do is tear people down whenever someone has an opinion they do not agree with?  What ever happened to having a diplomatic conversation?  What ever happened to acceptance and tolerance for the greater good?  Whatever happened to thinking about other people, instead of thinking that the government/country owes you something?  People in this day and age are more worried about complaining about something they do not agree with (or understand), rather than seeing the positive benefits of that same thing helping millions of other people.  We no longer seem to be the United States.  We are not united anymore.  People are too worried about themselves to see the positive for anyone else.

I am not saying that people should not voice their concerns or their opinions.  I am very opposed to that, because when opinions are not voiced - progress isn't made either.  But there should be a correct, educated way to voice opinions and concerns.  Hate-filled speech, ridiculous name-calling, and twisting facts is not the way to voice an opinion.  Also, hiding behind religion to fuel hate, anger, and fear towards a person or group of people is not right either.  People need to be responsible for themselves and stop using religion to further their own agendas.  Your interpretation of what your religion says about other people should not necessitate that laws should be made to prohibit something.  We are supposed to live in a country where there is a separation of church and state, yet religion and religious beliefs are behind so many people's hate towards other people. That hate does nothing but spawn nasty politicians and fuel laws that trample on someone's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  But, it is alright because your religion says it is OK?

People are always going to take issue with who runs our country.  It is easier to make that person a scapegoat rather than listen to what this person has to say and think about how this person is trying to make our country better for everyone.  If you don't like what our elected leaders are doing, instead of complaining, run for president!  Not that easy?  Of course it isn't - neither is being president.

I think that I have been very diplomatic in my blog, up until now.  My thoughts are this, and I feel that the solution to the problem of people who do nothing but complain about our president, our country, or our people is simply this:   If you don't like it, then get the hell out.

I am not looking to start a debate among my friends or my viewers, rather I am trying to explain my stance on politics.  I am not bashing any sides, nor am I bashing religion, as I respect the fact that everyone has their own views.  If you do choose to comment, I ask that you be respectful with your replies, as I will not tolerate personal attacks regarding my views.  And please, always remember, be educated about any topic before you criticize or approve of it.