Social Media, good or bad?

 Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter has connected hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world.  Sounds great doesn't it?  People getting in virtual contact, some renewing their connection, others creating new online friends.  Seems like a great service, but there is an ugly side to this industry.  

First off, yes it's an "industry", data mining is a very profitable business.  Gathering your information, browsing history and click habits and selling them to advertisers is what keeps those sites running.  That doesn't sound too bad, does it?  Although at times it seems like there's more to it.  You might mention to a friend about getting a new hat, then you pop online only to get hit with hat ads. Seems bizarre to think that someone or something is listening to your conversations but your phone is always listening.  Conspiracy theory or plausible?  The technology to have your phone eavesdrop is real, 

Another side of social media is some of those connections can turn into more than online relationships.  Love can bloom, and that can be a wonderful thing.  Although sometimes those people are already involved in relationships, and these new methods of communications can be very enticing.  It starts with some sassy posts, perhaps some private messages.  Then contact information is shared, texting and phone calls follow.  Some people think online relationships are not cheating, others feel it is.  My opinion is that people who think it not cheating are probably involved in one of those relationships.  

Getting people together, organizing parties or events can make social media a fabulous platform,  You can reach many people with little effort or funding.  Problem is sometimes you reach some people you may not want.  Facebook has been called out for allowing some posts that can incite violence, informing of an intent that may not be benevolent in nature.  Of course they leaped into action....

Recently Facebook has been "purging" groups and people they deem unworthy of their services under the guise of their terms.  I have heard from many people who have never been in "Facebook jail" and have had their accounts deleted.  Facebook will not reconsider their decision and will not permit those who've been purged to sign up again.  Freedom of speech versus freedom of enterprise, tough call.  However even though Facebook is a private business, they are also a public entity.  They should act in a manor according to the press and not have the ability to determine at will who and what constitutes hate speech.  The recent inquiries from congress and the evasive nature of Mark Zuckerberg certainly tells a tail in itself.  

Bottom line is that social media is at best questionably useful?  It can cause great harm or great good depending on the intent of the poster. 

Gun review, Beretta 92FS vs 92S

I lucked into a used Beretta 92FS, so far its a great pistol.  I've always been a fan of the 92 series pistols since the military began using them as a standard issue pistol.  The high capacity and double action make it a great service pistol.  So on to my review.

I had purchased a Beretta 92S model some months back from a surplus dealer,  They were used by the Italian police force from what they said.  Anyway they are like the grandfather to the FS and M models.  The primary difference from the 92S and the 92FS is the magazine release is in the heal of the grip rather than by the trigger guard.  Other than that the design and function seems to be the same.  The finish however was very different.  I dont know how the S model's original finish was, but it had a more metallic hue than the solid look on the FS.

The barrel of the 92S looked very good and I did not see any heavy wear.  I assumed from that it was not fired much.  However it did seem to be a bit "rattlish" in the slide and a little more noisy than the FS model which seems tighter.  The trigger action, safety and hammer operate identical. Both are stamped "Made in Italy" (side note; the M model is US made).  They can use the same magazines, as long as the 92S has a slot cut on the left face about in the middle for the magazine catch.  Looks most accessories would work on either model as well, although if your going to replace grips you will need to make sure the magazine release is not covered.

I have fired the 92S, and it was pretty smooth and the action was firm and stable. Seemed pretty accurate for an older gun.  Haven't had the chance to fire the FS model yet but I can only assume it will be the same as the S model, perhaps even a bit more accurate considering there is less play in the slide.

I would say that either one would be a great pistol to add to anyone's collections. The 92S will be considered an antique soon, and they were produced in the late 70's, but that doesn't mean their value will increase much, as the market has quite a few stockpiled.

I actually sold my 92S, only because I really didnt feel the need to have both.  I personally preferred the magazine release by the trigger guard rather than the heal, just what I'm used to.  I would imagine if you can become accustomed to that, it would be a useful firearm.

If you have any questions or comments I'd be happy to hear them.

Whats new?

Some things I've been doing lately.
As I said before, my bike broke down a few years ago, trying to find the time and motivation to fix it.  I bought some accessories for it, a new fairing and some L.E.D. lights.  Since I have it taken apart seemed like a good opportunity to get some other things done with it. I might take the fenders off, shave them down a bit, we'll see if I feel like tackling that job.  I have to fix the wiring and install the fairing and lights so I dont know if I want to take even more apart.  That would mean painting and a lot more than I think.  My wife's bike is all together but needs some TLC.  I''ll tackle that this winter too.

I haven't been doing my woodworking hobby lately, garage is too packed to do anything.  Tow motorcycles,  3 tool boxes, a few ladders and an old china hutch from my mothers estate. Its in need of a good restoration but thats not a job I want to do either.  I think I'll just sell it as is and let someone else worry about the rest.  I need to get some of the crap out of there, I need some space in there.

Started tearing up the basement, getting water in so I had to pull the paneling off to see where its coming from. Going to have to get the basement sealed, I think a french drain will be the best option. I am not about to dig up the foundation so I will have someone do that for me. My dad had it done to his house before he past away. Kind of a side job for the contractor so its a lot less than going with some big outfit and they did a pretty good job. But I really cant do anything with the basement until I get that done. I would like to put a bedroom and a bathroom down there. On top of all that the roof needs to be replaced and we need new windows.  I'm going to look into a home improvement loan I guess.  No way I can save enough up to do all that. 

I took a job as a service manager last year, made the mistake of working for a shady dealership.  However I think it worked out for the best.  I was working with Ford before I took the manager position, and when that turned to shit I got a job with a different Ford dealership.  They pay better and there is a little better atmosphere, and less chaotic.

Health wise, I'm still kinda fat and a lot older. There were times I never thought I'd make it to 50, but now I'm 53 and really wish I was a younger man.  I need to hit the gym more, but just like my bike, that motivation sometimes is very hard to find. We are going to the Caribbean islands in February and I'd like to be in a bit better shape.  As they say, just do it....   but talk is cheap. 

My wife and kids are doing well all things considered.  Both my kids are still at home and are working so they aren't leaches.  We are trying to guide them onto a path of Independence, but that path is not as easy as it was when I was younger.  They both are really good kids so I cant complain too much.  My Wife changed companies as well, the job before was really causing her a lot of grief and there was few rewards. Then they bitch and gripe about things even though she's sacrificing her time and sanity.  Fuck them.....  She found a job that may not pay as much but has a lot less stress. She's happy with that,. 

Thats about it,

Been a while since I've posted.

Its been several years since I've posted anything here. Some things have changed, I am a lot older, but not any wiser.  I've switched jobs a few times, same career path though.  My motorcycle broke down a few years ago, still half assembled in my garage.  Just seems when I have the time to work on it I dont have the ambition. When I have the ambition I dont have time. Wife and I are still together, I wasn't too sure that would happen in 2013.  I can be a pretty big asshole sometimes. I am happy she puts up with me. Our kids are adults now but still live at home. They have jobs, but it would be pretty tough for them to make it on their own.  I dont mind, I'd hate to see what I'd become without my family. House needs work, money is always the issue. We were thinking of moving to a warmer climate, but that's probably another pipe dream.  It will take us years to get the house in a salable condition, well were we could get a decent price for anyway. If it happens I was thinking maybe even Texas, I hate snow.

My Father past away a short time ago. My mother past several years ago, and two of my brothers have past as well.  Since my father past I've been pretty depressed, more so than usual. That black feeling that you're nothing but a speck, insignificant.  Sometimes I feel like I'm lost in a fog. I think that's described as chronic?  I've even caught myself thinking that I just don't want to do this anymore.  My father had so many friends visit his funeral, friends from high school, friends from when he worked, golf and bowling buddies. It showed me how much of an impact he had on people.  I was recently given 4 tickets to a Packer game, I couldn't think of anyone I could share the tickets with.  How sad is that?  I've never been the really social type, so I dont have a lot of friends, I guess my funeral will be pretty quiet.

Not everything is cloudy and gloom. We had our first real vacation in a long time a few years back. Took a cruise!!   That was fun, we went to the Caribbean Islands, Grand Turk, St. Martins, Puerto Rico  and an island called Half Moon Kay.  That must have been the most beautiful island I can imagine. White sand beach, clear water, palm trees the whole picture.  I also discovered that salt water and cell phones dont get along.  So when I got back home I had to buy a new phone.   *SIGH*
I guess there has to be some rain once in a while.

We took a 2nd cruise in January, went to Mexico.  Didn't really care for that, beach wasn't anywhere near as nice as the Caribbean.  Doubt if I'll go back,  Don't get me wrong, the people were nice, cruise ship was nice, food was good.  Just seems like the beaches are not kept up. Lot of seaweed and several of the beach chairs were broken and the drinks were heavily watered down.  About halfway there, some guy supposedly tossed his wife overboard, the ship had to stop and attempt to look for her. Went in circles for a few hours until the Mexican Coast Guard begrudgingly took over. As far as I know the body has not been recovered. That event may have contributed to the somber mood of the trip.

After the cruise we spend a few days in New Orleans, French Quarter.  I liked that a lot. We may have been in a haunted hotel.  One night I was having some trouble falling asleep. (I know, how unusual for me....  )  but I "felt" some movement and opened my eyes and saw a fuzzy figure standing on the other side of the bed.  must have been my wife. She walked towards the bathroom.  I was a bit more awake now, but decided as soon as my wife gets out of the bathroom I'd go as well.  After some time of her not coming I was getting impatient. I sat up and there was my wife still in bed sleeping.  I dont think I fell back asleep and missed her coming out.  I decided to ask, she said she hadn't gotten out of bed at all.  Well that certainly wakes you up....  I get out of bed and go to the bathroom to look around, nothing.  Needless to say I didn't sleep much after that, not sure about my wife. The next few days were uneventful ghost wise. Had fun though, would definitely consider going back some day.

We are planning another cruise. Going back to the Caribbean side, but we are taking our kids.  We didn't really take any family vacations and that has always been one of my biggest regrets. My children deserve a better father. Sorry, the negative stuff was supposed to stop after the first two paragraphs. I hope this family trip will help my kids understand that I think the world of them.

I think that's enough for now, nobody reads this shit anyway.

Lets have a chat

I am not hard to understand, at least I don't think so.  I am still a few years away from 50, but still see myself as a 26 year old.  You thought I was going to say a teenager?   hell no, I wouldn't want to go through that again.  I didn't do well in school, not that I am (or was) dumb but didn't apply myself.  Because I hated school, going to college was not an option.   I was pretty reserved, even shy when growing up. I didn't have a lot of social skills and had few friends

I met Beth through one of those few friends.  Those were the happiest times in my life, I still think back and smile.  Beth made me feel good about myself, and I quickly fell in love with her.  We dated for several years, then I asked her to marry me.  Thankfully she said yes!  We were married October 27th, 1990, I was 26 years old and Beth was 23.  The quintessential young couple struggling to make it.  I believe we struggled far too much, those hard times we are supposed to be laughing about now are still around.  We didn't have a lot of money, so we didn't do much.  We hardly ever took vacations and always had to strain to make ends meet.  I think that's coming back to haunt us. 

I tried several jobs before I found one that provided me with a decent income with the skill set I had. I started working at Firestone as a service advisor.  Beth had started college but didn't finish.  I always thought I was somehow responsible that she quit, couldn't tell you why however.  She got a pretty good job at George Watts and Son as an assistant to the buyer.  She worked there for several years.  I was promoted to Store Manager after some years, and I was sent to the Firestone training center in Indiana for a 2 week Manager training class.  It was there that Beth called me and told me she had something important to tell me.  She wanted to tell me when I get back but I kept asking, I was going to be a father!

I was shocked, I never thought of myself as a dad.  Beth asked how I was, I told her I was happy.  I was also very concerned,  I am going to be a dad. We had a boy, and I made many mistakes as a new father.  Some of those mistakes make me cry when I think about them.  I could only hope my son wouldn't be as screwed up as I was.  Every parent wants their children to be happy and successful.  I didn't know if I had the ability and patience to be a good father.  We later had a daughter, and I had some practice being a father but still had the lions share of mistakes.  I can only hope they are emotionally equipped for the harshness world. 

As a family we still took few vacations, and didn't do a lot of family things.  I fear that our legacy will not be an exemplary one.  Our children are nearly grown, and I truly hope they are happy.  As for Beth and I, we are still struggling.  Our marriage has been so full of problems and stress I pray Beth is willing to stay with me.  I was (am) not the worlds greatest husband.  I need to talk to her more, let her know how I feel.  Let her know I love her more than anything and that I see her as the beautiful girl I fell in love with or she will be gone from my life forever.   This is me in a few paragraphs, some happiness and some hardship, and a hope for a happy future.