Tampa voters, thanks for nothing.

Gather round youngsters and listen to a scary campfire tale. Be warned, this nearly-real story, happened right around here to a friend of a neighbor's uncle's cousin, honest. You might never sleep again, just so ya know. It happened oh so not long ago. You see there was this monster who went around exploiting good and decent folk, just like me and you, your brothers, your sisters, sons and daughters. He ate them up and spit them out. This big bad monster wanted to put dens of evil on every corner, fallen women on every block. He even wanted to recruit in schools for his army of darkness. He was the devil himself I tell ya. As part of his diabolical plan he was gonna establish the evil empire right here in good old Tampa Bay, and he was gonna do it with your help. All he had to do was get elected to office and the scheme was well on it's way...
As with many of these tales the monster was banished and the hero triumphant. Well, not quite. Sure, Tampa can sleep well. The big, bad boogieman was defeated, but that was no hero. More like a Frankenstein tale, the villagers rose up and defeated the monster. The victor wielded fear like a sword and used the electorate as a shield to thwart the usurper. I guess Tampa just wasn't ready for a stripper king. The nothing was their preference.
Granted, Mr. Redner didn't quite help his cause by the Jiggly Room offer, but pure and simple, this race was lost on fear. Miller's campaign resorted to scaring people to the polls to keep the Devil out. She couldn't present her initiatives because she had none. She couldn't stand on her record, because no one, including herself remembered it. So she resorted to that tried and true tactic of attacking character. Unfortunately it was all too easy, given Joe's past. I suppose it worked and we get four more years of yawns from the district one seat. The victor is spoiled or something like that.

Fence sittin' is for birds and I don't see your wings

Some call it waffling, others say they're bein' wishy-washy. You might just call it indecision. Whatever you call it, I'd say most times even a bad decision is better than no decision. Just the other day I'm sitting at a light and a feller is walks up to the intersection(no walk/don't walk sign at this one) and he pauses, he looks at the road, then at us, the stopped traffic, then at the road again, then back at us, and takes a fair amount of time making up his mind. I'm pretty sure y'all can guess what happened. That's right he hoofs it across just about the time the light is turning green. If he would have committed himself to crossing after a safety check he'd have cleared the road just fine, but he wasted so much time decidin' that he put himself in harm's way. How about other situations? What do you want for dinner? I don't know, what do you want? Back and forth it goes, just make a damn decision already. It's not that hard.
Giving choices careful consideration is completely different from sittin' the fence. Seems like too many folks are afraid to commit and turn out wrong. There ain't nothing wrong with being wrong. Hell, we get more out of screwing up than we get out of getting it right, or even worse, gettin' lucky. And the real problem with fence sittin' is that all too many times nothing gets done until you make a choice. I'm here to tell you folks, time only goes one way, and you can't get it back once you let it go. Take your time sure, but unless someone is going to die or go broke on a bad choice, get on with it already. Just remember if you take too long, someone might die or go broke waiting on you.
I remember when I was a youngin' Sometimes I'd get to pick out what side items we were going to have with dinner. I'd stand in front of Memaw's pantry hemmin and hawin' trying to decide which vegetable I wanted and they were all so good, that it wasn't an easy choice. She'd finally tell me "Shit or get off the pot, dinner was waiting." Yep, she was a spitfire, but she was right. It didn't matter much what I picked, but we weren't eating until I did, so get on with it. So there you go. Shit or get off the pot, that reminds me of today's election and the candidates. I'll let you guess what I mean by that. Get your ass out and vote.

Life's tough, it's tougher if you're stupid

I think it was John Wayne that said that. Ain't it the truth? If we all just stopped to think for a second, I'm pretty sure we'd find that life would be a lot easier. I want to expand on that idea though and say that being stupid doesn't just make your own life hard, it makes it harder on everyone. Sure missing your turn-off because you're yapping on the cellphone is gonna add some time to your drive, but now as you poke along looking for the best place to turn around or slam on your brakes or whatever, the rest of us are drawn into your chaos. Don't get me wrong, I'm not just talking stupid as in a lack of intelligence, I'm talking stupid as in distracted, or thoughtless, or anything where we lack thought or forgo a pause to think about what we're doing and the consequences it might have. And we're all guilty of it. It's is like a black hole, a vortex of idiocy that draws in everything around it. So, in other words Stupidity Sucks. The dominoes of dumbness. Whatever you want to call it.

We could all stand to put just a bit more thought into our life and maybe it wouldn't seem so tough.

It's a conversation, not a competition

I've posted about this before, but it just keeps happening so I thought I'd gripe again. What is it with folks that feel like they have to be louder than anyone else around? For instance, the other day out at a restaurant there's a group of three fellas having lunch. The ambient noise is at a reasonable level, when all of a sudden these guys start trying to talk at the same time, and as one gets louder, the other one ramps up his volume. Before long it's like being at a Who concert, exceptin' it ain't music, and it ain't something I want to hear. I see this all the time. It's usually worse at places where you have to speak up even to have a conversation, but it happens often enough just about anywhere that's not too formal. Why not pause and allow the other person speak and converse in turn? When did it become acceptable to just try to outtalk the other? Is there a competition I'm not aware of? Will the loudest guy win? What's the prize? For these folks I hope it's a balled-up sock in the mouth.

Support Cappy's in Seminole Heights

Tomorrow evening (Thursday, March 21, 2007 6:00PM) at the City Council meeting Cappy's will come before the council for rezoning consideration. This could be a make-or-break situation for them. I've posted previously about some of the issues and more information can be found at the Seminole Heights Blog and the Tampa Heights Blog

If you're able and have an interest in the neighborhood, please show your support for this burgeoning establishment. And to update my earlier post, I've eaten at Cappy's a few times, and it is mighty fine pizza.

How much time do you devote to being a good citizen?

Occasionally I push the seek button on the radio, yesterday morning I overheard that Fisher show talking about Joe's get out the vote offer. I paused just a bit and caught them discussing that they don't vote, and that really don't know what's going on with local politics. As things often do, that got the old gears turning. What should a person's commitment to staying informed be if they're to be a good contributing citizen? Unquestionably, there is too much information to gather, collate, and absorb it all, but shouldn't we all be setting aside at least part of our day or week to know what's going on around us? Used to be we could count on reading the morning paper and watching the evening news and feel at least partly that we were getting objective reporting of events. Now everything is slanted, skewed, interpreted, and spun. It takes some concious effort to dig through the fluff just to know what's happening in our local, state and even federal government. I reckon the blogging world is a little better plugged-in than most folks, since that's pretty much what most blogging is, and bloggers tend to dig around non-traditional sources for their info. But what about the other folks, still reading the paper and getting the sound bites between the Anna Nicole and Diaper Astronaut stories? Working full time, raising a family, and managing a home doesn't leave a whole lot left in most folks day. Trying to stay informed is a form of work just the same as cooking dinner, taking out trash, changing diapers, or going to the office. Do any of us set aside time specifically for being good citizens? Do we make sure when we manage the hours in our days, that there's at least part of that time for either reading about or(even better) discussing what's happening in our world. The older I get the more I found the drive to stay in touch with current events, real current events, not the tabloid crap we get fed these days. I consider being informed a minimum level of participation as a good citizen. We should all be doing it. After that, what do we do about it? Some folks volunteer, some go into politickin', a few attend meetings, others write letters, some of us blog. There's all sorts of ways we can contribute and get involved. I know that most folks may never even find the time or ambition to even reach the first level, but I've learned something else as the years have kept on coming. The more I know, the more I want to do something about it. (I hope that isn't the Achilles' heal to all this, maybe ignorance truly is bliss) After a time though it becomes rewarding, and even fun at times. Granted there's only so many hours in the day, and like goldfish, tasks always seem to grow to fill whatever time we allot them. I figure in a lot of ways I'm just preaching to the choir by posting this on a blog, because I guess if someone's here they're already getting more informed than the papers and TV allow, but maybe we can all take the next step and get involved as well as get informed. Gotta go, American Idol is on. Just kidding folks.

If the vote is a-rockin', don't go a-knockin'

I read that Joe is giving a little tit-for-tat by granting entry for his nudie bar for free with an "I voted" sticker. Do they keep track of how many of those are distributed? I can see some fella peddlin' them on the street after a few rolls of the stickers "fell off the truck." "Psst, over here...wanna vote? Wink, wink. Vote once for $5 or five votes for $20. I suppose if it gets folks to the poles, I mean polls, it's a good thing. Did you just vote or are you just happy to see me? I'd be curious to see if they release numbers to see how many voters they get to the ballot box. Nudie bar or not, just get out and vote.

Walk softly....

Thank you to Tommy at Sticks of Fire for the mention. It was nice to see some referrals other than the ones about which I was complaining. They say that misery loves company and while grumpiness isn't misery, it's nice to know I'm not alone, my regular readers make this all worth while. Thank you to all the folks that put a little Grumpy into their day.

Now on to my latest gripe. I was chewing the fat the other day with someone about traffic, and rail, and buses. One of their first points was a knock on the trolley for not making money. Now I've worked around engineers long enough that you can put a value on pretty near everything. So it got me to thinking. I'm sure it's out there, but when you add up all the costs of building roads, maintaining them, enforcing traffic, how does that compare per person per mile to buses or rail? Now I know buses use roads so there's got to be some crossover cost. I mean if you're job as the government is to move people, wherein is the expectation of profit from something like the trolley, will a light rail face the same expectation of profit? Then I wonder too, having also spent my fair share working around government folks, that isn't improving the efficiency of transportation self-defeating when you look at the bottom line? I mean a huge portion of the transportation coffers are filled by gas tax dollars which would decrease if more people were moved on mass transit. Less funds would be received by law enforcement if fewer people were driving and receiving moving violations. I figure that less coffee would be bought at Starbucks, or Dunkin Donuts. Less fast food would be consumed. So maybe the whole Tampa economy is dependent on the automobile. I think the only way to change that is when population density reaches a critical mass.
Quandary number two. Government often works under the principle of spend what they give you so they give you at least that much next year and hope for more. If you cut spending or make it cheaper they will make you do even more with even less next year. So if any transit system made money or even saved tax money it would just mean that you'd be asked to make it better next year.
Making biking and walking would be even worse, as people get healthier, then the whole medical economy would collapse. Those folks wouldn't spend any money on gas tax or fares. Maybe pay toilets and increased shoe sales would recover some of that revenue. That and charging for increased water use for the requisite showers.
It's all a conspiracy I tell you. It's not the military industrial complex we should worry about it's the coffee-fast food-DOT triad that's scaring me.

Do I need my passport to go grocery shopping?

I've intentionally avoided this topic until now, but last night was the last straw. I don't have a problem with folks coming over from other countries. That's what America is and was, a nation built by the pioneers from other nations who struck out to make a new and better life. I was out last night, and I needed a few items so I stopped into a store I don't normally frequent. We're not talking about a bodega, this was a mainstream chain, recently remodeled, all fancy and such.
I was pretty disgusted when I looked up to the store locater signs and every other line was in Spanish. It blew this old man's mind. Oh how we have come so far, that collecting a few more sawbucks is worth bending to those who refuse to make an effort to become real Americans. Language can be a great barrier to understanding, so I feel it is the part of the guest, visitor, or newcomer to make every effort to integrate. Every other immigrating people have made this effort. Language is also a major part of the identity of a nation and culture. Why now are we, as a people, the ones to give up part of our identity, just so we can sell a few more sacks of groceries? When I've traveled abroad, it was my responsibility to muddle my way through to communicate my needs and wants. Why do we spend so much money and effort to kowtow to the newcomers?
I hear so much about the work ethic and spirit and all the positive spin on immigrants, particularly the illegal immigration problem the nation is facing. Doesn't the fact that we cross the divide and print so much in Spanish imply that they aren't intelligent enough to learn English? I reckon that I'd feel insulted if I was making an effort to learn English and someone assumed I had to have it in Spanish, but that's just me.
I know this is a sore subject, but I had to say something. Let the arrows fly. Grumpy's got a thick hide.

Anybody here not looking for hookers in Tampa?

Regretfully the overwhelming number of referrals I get to this little blog thing is folks from Yahoo or Google looking for hookers in Tampa. I'm telling you, naming a bait shop that ain't a bad idea. For all you wingnuts who did come here looking for hookers, try the massage parlors or those places in Drew Park. Stay off Nebraska, those sorts of "ladies" are now few and far between, and you're more likely to pick up a cop or get videotaped. Mrs. Grumpy and I still call in every one of those gals we see, I've heard the neighbors are doing the same. I'd love to post the mug of every john they pick up here, but the police web database doesn't allow me to search that easily, and I don't have the time to constantly sift it. If I figure out a way though, that's gonna be a pet project of mine. Maybe a little shame will keep them away.

She's got personality

A younger acquaintance of mine recently decided to change jobs. I gotta wonder what folks are thinking when they're trying to hire someone these days. This was the craziest thing. This one place took her through an interview with their Human Resources department. That went well, so then she's scheduled for an interview with the person she'd be working with directly and to meet some of her potential co-workers. OK, that one was good. Next up and about 3 weeks after she first sent her resume she's scheduled to meet with the Regional Manager or some such fella. As far as she knew, that went pretty well too. Next stop, the job offer right? Nope, then she gets sent a personality profile. What the hell? Why not have that be the first step? Everyone involved had several hours of their time completely wasted by this point. She'd already taken another job by this time, so it was all a wash for her. I guess maybe they didn't have anything better to do.

Why all the hubub bub?

Over at the Seminole Heights blog there's quite the stir about the recent election. The worms have been coming out of the woodwork venting their poison. I understand folks getting antsy about Joe Redner. He is definitely a controversial fella. His sordid past and questionable business might make folks a little squirmy. What I don't get is why folks are so nasty to one another and can't get along and discuss it like the adults we are all supposed to be. Jeff Harmon had some valid points against Joe and some others had some valid reasons in support of Mr. Redner. Those kinds of comments make people sitting the fence think about it and might even help make up their minds. Personal attacks against Randy, and calling folks juvenile for even considering voting for Joe, that's the way to sway 'em to your point of view. Get a grip people. Hell, I figure if he can get folks to the polls either for or against him, then he's done a good thing. 15% turnout, my Lord. 85% of the city should positively be ashamed of themselves.

Looks like I'll get to vote for both Joe and Randy

Given the lack of turnout in Seminole Heights, I think Randy Baron had a pretty good showing. I hope he tries again next time. He can always count on Grumpy's vote. Now it appears that we get a chance to shake things up a bit. He's what some folks might call unorthodox, but I think we need to get someone like Joe on the council for a couple of reasons, not the least of which is to show folks that it can be done. Miller needs to hit the road. She hasn't done anything noteworthy during her time on the council and it's high time we get the deadwood out of there. Good show by Mulhern. Glad to see that one go the way it did. Also, I'm glad Pam got another shot as well. I'd like to see her get some of those grand plans to the finish line. To all those who voted, no matter for whom, Thank You. To those of you who didn't Shut the Hell Up already, you failed to exercise the only voice that matters in these things.

Bad attitudes and random acts of kindness

The only reason I am relaying this part of the story is to provide a bit of background. I prefer acts like this be subtle and details kept only between the parties involved, but to set the scene I need to illuminate more than I like. Mrs. Grumpy and I were making our monthly trek to the grocery store, the bigger Publix up on Busch because it has a broader selection than the one here in Seminole Heights. As such, we have quite the load to place on the belt. There was a young couple in line in front of us. I was occupied with transferring items so I didn't get all the details of their plight, but it seems that their credit card was declined. They did not have cash to complete the transaction and the young man dashed out to the car, I reckon to find the rest. The cashier had already finalized the register and it was awaiting a credit card or something and he was unfamiliar with how to back out of it. All the goods had already been bagged and placed in the cart. Mrs. Grumpy decided to pay for the order. The cashier then proceeded to blurt in a smart-ass tone "Well, you must have plenty of money." How rude! First, what business is it of his, and why did he feel necessary to inject such negativity to this situation? He then cursed several times under his breath while manipulating the register. This is what I can't figure out. Why would a person who seems to have such disdain for people work at a job that requires constant interaction with other people. I will be the first to admit that I am not the most people-friendly person(They don't call me Grumpy for nothing), so I would never choose to work in a field where I need to deal with strangers all the time. I can understand having the occasional bad day, but when we spoke to the manager, it was apparent that this wasn't the first time. I wish this was an isolated event, but bad attitudes are permeating society. From restaurants to retail, from doctors to driving. I guess it sounds funny, Grumpy complaining about bad attitudes, but being grumpy isn't the same as being rude. Anyhow, I reckon the manager is going to coach the young man, and maybe he can learn from this. The young couple did give us some cash just before we were leaving the store. They were only short eight dollars. I reckon we had plenty of money.

What next, are they gonna tell us what color curtains we can hang?

Neighbors want nooses removed

Where the hell do people get off trying to tell someone what they can or can't hang in their windows. You can infer whatever you want about damn near everything, so of course some folks are saying this is racially motivated. Nevermind that maybe he's got a facination with the macabre. I've had neighbors that had skulls and gargoyles and other gothic stuff, didn't mean they were devil worshippers. Or maybe he forgot to take down some Halloween decorations. I know folks that keep Christmas lights up all year long, and that don't make them anti-Semitic. Not that I agree with what he's saying, but, even if this fella is using it as a racial statement it's his right to do it in his own house, just as much as it's my right to fly an American flag. A campaign sign for someone like Ronda Storms, or Mary Gray Black is a hate symbol to some of us folks, y'all ought not be able to put those in public view either, right?
If those folks up in arms about the nooses want to actually accomplish something, they should be good citizens and parents. Use it as an opportunity to teach the kids about an ugly part of our past and some of the vestiges of that way of thinking. Then teach them how to show restraint and tolerance for that which is different. Teach them those things that make this country great.