Matt Micros's Blog: Rantings, Ravings & Remembrances , page 2
May 10, 2017
THINGS THAT PISS ME OFF AND A MOVIE THAT USED TO
My wife says I’m turning into a crusty curmudgeon and while this post will do little to counteract her belief, I’m plowing ahead with it nonetheless. There are a lot of things that piss me off, but these are a few of my least favorite things (with a nod to Julie Andrews and The Sound of Music):
Geniuses who decided it was a good idea to have construction on two major highways that run parallel to each other at the same time. Do you really need to block off traffic in all possible directions?
Five people watching another person dig a hole on a construction site. Wouldn’t four be enough?
A tax code so complicated that it is nearly impossible to know if you are paying too much, too little, or exactly the right amount. How about doing away with the loopholes and then you pay what you owe? Or is that too simple?
Reality shows on network television. Toooooo maaaach. And how about some reality. Not really truthful to call a show “Dancing with the Stars” when you can’t tell who is the star and who is the dancer.
That no one makes music videos anymore.
Major League managers who feel the need to overmanage. If a guy can’t hit righties and lefties, should he really be in the major leagues?
Congress. All they do is call for investigations of each other. I’m picturing them sitting in a room sipping brandy, saying “Hey listen, we have to make it look like we are doing something. Tell you what. I’ll call for an investigation of you. Then you call for one of Chuck. Then we’ll make sure the investigations last so long people actually forget about them.” Brilliant! CLOWNS. Cue the Bad News Bears music.
Judges who are supposed to be impartial and yet feel the need to inject their opinions into cases.
People who complain about rights violations by rioting and inciting violence. Do you really think you are helping the cause when you hurt people and businesses that support your cause? On the moron scale of 1-10, this one is a 17.
The two party political system. Where are people supposed to go who believe in ideas and not platforms? There are some people that believe in ideas from each party. Why does it have to be one party or another?
People who drive slowly in the passing lane. If you’re not in a hurry, that’s wonderful, but why do you need to block other people? If you’re the traffic police, join the force. Otherwise, get out of the way!
Weather people that can’t get a forecast right until they stick their head out the window. By the way, it’s sunny outside.
Rainy weekends.
People who say they’re going to do something, don’t want any help, and then don’t do it. I think this is self explanatory.
The Motion Picture Academy thinking that most movies can’t possibly be good if they have a happy ending.
Car washes that close at 5:00pm. Umm, are we supposed to go during our lunch hour?
Rude people. (I get that this one is ironic given the title of this article)
Athletes that don’t sign autographs or give an attitude when asked for one. Shouldn’t you be flattered? Besides, you’re making millions. Pay me that much money and you can ask me in the middle of slurping my soup.
Super Bowl Sunday. Wouldn’t it make far more sense, and probably stimulate the economy much more if they played the game on a Saturday?
People who think that punching someone in the face is the answer to any problem. (Hitting them with a car is much more effective.)
But after I’ve been pissed off, there’s nothing like sitting down to watch a movie that doesn’t piss me off.
MOVIE OF THE WEEK
Dead Poets Society (1989) is the story of an unorthodox English teacher at a prestigious New England Prep School who inspires his students through a love of poetry and the classics.
I’m going to be honest. The first time I watched the film, I was pissed off that the kids caved to pressure from the school and their parents to railroad Mr. Keating (Robin Williams) into taking the fall for a student’s suicide. Yes, they stood on their desks at the end in a sign of solidarity and support, but give me a break. The guy was still out of a job. There is no way I would have allowed it to happen. But my parents were great parents and I didn’t grow up in the 50’s. Once I took a step back, I realized the power of the movie and what an amazing actor Robin Williams was. The only actor I know that could combine hilarity with sensitivity. You just felt there was something more inside him waiting to come out. His Mr. Keating was the teacher everyone wanted to know better. The one you respected and learned from because you wanted his respect. Dead Poets has a terrific cast and does a wonderful job expanding on the pressures of adolescence. It’s a must see for any who have not yet seen it.
Until next week, carpe diem, and try not to piss me off…
The post THINGS THAT PISS ME OFF AND A MOVIE THAT USED TO appeared first on Matt Micros.
THE NUCLEAR OPTION, TACKLING RACISM IN SPORTS, & GOING HOME AGAIN
AS THE POLITICAL WORLD BURNS…
Not much makes sense in the world of politics these days, but one thing that is extremely puzzling is the filibuster rule. For those not familiar with what a filibuster is, it comes from the word “filibustero”, which has Dutch and Spanish origins meaning “robber” or “pirate”. I can’t think of a better word to describe members of the US Congress. Stealing money from the people to accomplish little except investigations of each other.
The filibuster has been in place for 100 years, and allows a Senator to block legislation by speaking against it for as long as the person likes. To get them to stick a sock in it and move to a vote requires 60% of the senators in attendance. Amazing that a Senator can get elected with 50.1% of the vote. A President can get elected with TWO electoral college votes more than their opponent, but it requires 60% to stop someone from droning on and on in the senate. The House of Representatives has no such rule presumably because the people in it are actually interested in representing the people, or because they get bored easily.
The rule (Senate Rule 22) is in place in an effort to maintain checks and balances in our government, so that radical ideas in both directions cannot get passed and also to encourage bi-partisan work in Congress. The problem is that bi-partisan efforts are rare as Senators follow the party line far more often than not, out of fear of being voted out at the next opportunity by the people that voted them in. The rare exceptions are those areas that are decidedly Republican or Democratic but voted for a President from the opposite party.
You might then wonder, how does anything ever get done in our government? The simple answer is that it doesn’t. The last time either party had a filibuster proof senate was in 1977 when Jimmy Carter was in office. The Republicans have had a majority but never a supermajority in the senate. Which brings me to my main question. What is wrong with a simple majority to pass legislation? Democrats fear the “Nuclear Option”–changing the rules to a simple majority to end a filibuster–because of the legislation that could get passed right now with the GOP controlling the Presidency, House and Senate. The Republicans fear what would happen if they lost control of those three. What they are all forgetting is that there is another form of checks and balance. It’s called an election. If one party or the other ramrods through legislation that doesn’t work or isn’t helpful for the majority, they’ll get voted out plain and simply. I’d rather see something get done even if it isn’t perfect, than nothing at all. If it’s nothing, why have such a large and intrusive government? I’m fairly certain the money could be better spent elsewhere. And who knows, when the Senators see the alternative, maybe they will reach across the aisle and work together. One can only hope they are smart enough to see that. Personally, I’m not convinced.
STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES…
Speaking of things that make no sense, what on earth is wrong with the fans at Fenway? Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t fair to broadly paint the entire city of Boston or Red Sox fans as racists based on the idiotic actions of a few, but when I read about the comments being hurled at Baltimore Orioles outfielder, Adam Jones, my reaction was one my wife has heard many times. “What the hell is wrong with people?!” You want to say he stinks, well that would be untrue, but within your rights as an opposing fan. But to call someone out based on the color of their skin or their ethnicity is cowardly, not to mention extremely unimaginative. You can’t think of anything more clever than the most obvious thing that pops into your head? So you’re a clown, a disgusting human being, and an unimaginative one at that. Congratulations, moron. I think what bothers me second most behind what Jones must have felt, is that kids undoubtedly heard these idiots. Kids aren’t racists. They don’t see color. They just want someone to play with. It isn’t until they hear things at home or someone comes into school having heard something at home that they change. Too bad some adults don’t learn from their kids instead of the other way around. And it is for that reason that I’ll always think the world looks like a much nicer place when viewed through the eyes of a 9 year old.
MOVIELAND
In keeping with my tradition of promoting the best movies you’ve probably never heard of, I’ve got a terrific one for you this week. Stealing Home (1988) stars a youngish (compared to his NCIS role) Mark Harmon, Jody Foster, Jonathan Silverman, William McMamara and the late Harold Ramis.
The film is about a washed up 30-something baseball player Billy Wyatt (Mark Harmon) who learns that his childhood sweetheart, Katie (Jodie Foster), has killed herself. The fun-loving but troubled Katie, a few years older than Billy, had a dramatic influence on his life. She indicates in a note, that she wants him to handle her ashes, and so he embarks on a train ride to return to the seaside town where he grew up and hasn’t returned in quite some time. It is a nostalgic look at the joys and pains of his youth as he tries to come to terms with his friend’s death. This movie has a bit of everything. Romance. Friendship. Loyalty. Family. The dialogue is terrific. The acting underrated. And the music score by David Foster memorable. It’s one of those movies that takes you on a bit of a roller coaster ride of emotions but leaves you walking away with a smile and wanting to hug an old friend. It might not be easy to find, but track it down. You’ll be glad you did.
Until next week, may the sun shine wherever you walk and the crap stay out of your cornflakes…peace.
The post THE NUCLEAR OPTION, TACKLING RACISM IN SPORTS, & GOING HOME AGAIN appeared first on Matt Micros.
May 4, 2017
THE NUCLEAR OPTION, TACKLING RACISM IN SPORTS, & GOING HOME AGAIN
Not much makes sense in the world of politics these days, but one thing that is extremely puzzling is the filibuster rule. For those not familiar with what a filibuster is, it comes from the word "filibustero", which has Dutch and Spanish origins meaning "robber" or "pirate". I can't think of a better word to describe members of the US Congress. Stealing money from the people to accomplish little except investigations of each other.
The filibuster has been in place for 100 years, and allows a Senator to block legislation by speaking against it for as long as the person likes. To get them to stick a sock in it and move to a vote requires 60% of the senators in attendance. Amazing that a Senator can get elected with 50.1% of the vote. A President can get elected with TWO electoral college votes more than their opponent, but it requires 60% to stop someone from droning on and on in the senate. The House of Representatives has no such rule presumably because the people in it are actually interested in representing the people, or because they get bored easily.
The rule (Senate Rule 22) is in place in an effort to maintain checks and balances in our government, so that radical ideas in both directions cannot get passed and also to encourage bi-partisan work in Congress. The problem is that bi-partisan efforts are rare as Senators follow the party line far more often than not, out of fear of being voted out at the next opportunity by the people that voted them in. The rare exceptions are those areas that are decidedly Republican or Democratic but voted for a President from the opposite party.
You might then wonder, how does anything ever get done in our government? The simple answer is that it doesn't. The last time either party had a filibuster proof senate was in 1977 when Jimmy Carter was in office. The Republicans have had a majority but never a supermajority in the senate. Which brings me to my main question. What is wrong with a simple majority to pass legislation? Democrats fear the "Nuclear Option"--changing the rules to a simple majority to end a filibuster--because of the legislation that could get passed right now with the GOP controlling the Presidency, House and Senate. The Republicans fear what would happen if they lost control of those three. What they are all forgetting is that there is another form of checks and balance. It's called an election. If one party or the other ramrods through legislation that doesn't work or isn't helpful for the majority, they'll get voted out plain and simply. I'd rather see something get done even if it isn't perfect, than nothing at all. If it's nothing, why have such a large and intrusive government? I'm fairly certain the money could be better spent elsewhere. And who knows, when the Senators see the alternative, maybe they will reach across the aisle and work together. One can only hope they are smart enough to see that. Personally, I'm not convinced.
STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES...
Speaking of things that make no sense, what on earth is wrong with the fans at Fenway? Don't get me wrong, it isn't fair to broadly paint the entire city of Boston or Red Sox fans as racists based on the idiotic actions of a few, but when I read about the comments being hurled at Baltimore Orioles outfielder, Adam Jones, my reaction was one my wife has heard many times. "What the hell is wrong with people?!" You want to say he stinks, well that would be untrue, but within your rights as an opposing fan. But to call someone out based on the color of their skin or their ethnicity is cowardly, not to mention extremely unimaginative. You can't think of anything more clever than the most obvious thing that pops into your head? So you're a clown, a disgusting human being, and an unimaginative one at that. Congratulations, moron. I think what bothers me second most behind what Jones must have felt, is that kids undoubtedly heard these idiots. Kids aren't racists. They don't see color. They just want someone to play with. It isn't until they hear things at home or someone comes into school having heard something at home that they change. Too bad some adults don't learn from their kids instead of the other way around. And it is for that reason that I'll always think the world looks like a much nicer place when viewed through the eyes of a 9 year old.
MOVIELAND
In keeping with my tradition of promoting the best movies you've probably never heard of, I've got a terrific one for you this week. Stealing Home (1988) stars a youngish (compared to his NCIS role) Mark Harmon, Jody Foster, Jonathan Silverman, William McMamara and the late Harold Ramis.
The film is about a washed up 30-something baseball player Billy Wyatt (Mark Harmon) who learns that his childhood sweetheart, Katie (Jodie Foster), has killed herself. The fun-loving but troubled Katie, a few years older than Billy, had a dramatic influence on his life. She indicates in a note, that she wants him to handle her ashes, and so he embarks on a train ride to return to the seaside town where he grew up and hasn't returned in quite some time. It is a nostalgic look at the joys and pains of his youth as he tries to come to terms with his friend's death. This movie has a bit of everything. Romance. Friendship. Loyalty. Family. The dialogue is terrific. The acting underrated. And the music score by David Foster memorable. It's one of those movies that takes you on a bit of a roller coaster ride of emotions but leaves you walking away with a smile and wanting to hug an old friend. It might not be easy to find, but track it down. You'll be glad you did.
Until next week, may the sun shine wherever you walk and the crap stay out of your cornflakes...peace.
April 26, 2017
SANCTUARY, SANCTUARY, DRAFT DAY DUMMIES & NOBODY'S FOOL
Speaking of things that make no sense....PMI. Private Mortgage Insurance. For those that don't know, PMI is required for anyone who puts less than 20% down when buying a home. It serves to help the lender, but is paid for by the BUYER until they reach 20% equity in the home. If a house is foreclosed on, and the bank is forced to sell at a loss, PMI pays the bank the difference. But here's the kicker that most people don't know...The private mortgage company then can come after YOU to recoup their losses. You pay for the bank's insurance and then the insurance company comes after you. Whaaaaaattt??? What's the point of having the insurance to begin with? If they aren't going to cover anything, what's the point in paying for it? Here's another thought. Wouldn't the number of foreclosures likely decrease if people weren't required to pay an extra $200-$600 a month in PMI? And isn't that the objective? Fewer foreclosures help the banks, help the mortgage insurance companies, and helps the owners. Now why would we want to do anything that does that?
AS THE SPORTS WORLD TURNS...
With the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the question of character is a frequent topic. In particular where domestic violence or violent backgrounds of potential draftees are concerned. Joe Mixon, a star running back from Oklahoma once punched a woman in the face so hard, she required 8 hours of reconstructive surgery. Caleb Brantley, a 300 pound defensive lineman from the University of Florida also punched a woman, knocking her unconscious. Yes, she pushed him first and words were spoken, but c'mon man. Seriously? I have three thoughts on the subject. 1) I am sickened when any person gets violent with another. There are alternatives to solving problems. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a pacifist. But violence should be a last resort. Let the air out of their tires. Pour some sugar in their gas tank. Give them a hot foot. When did we lose our creativity in payback and solving disagreements? 2). The violence won't stop until these people lose something of value. If they go undrafted, and are forced to work long hours for low money just like the rest of us, maybe the next person will think twice before acting. 3). Any team that drafts one of these clowns will be a team I actively root against. Stand for something other than the almighty dollar, NFL owners.
MOVIE OF THE WEEK
Like a good story? Sharp, witty dialogue? Enjoy a heart tug or two? Tired of critics who claim a movie is good simply because it is different with its horribly depressing ending? Have I got a movie for you. Nobody's Fool (1994) stars Paul Newman, Jessica Tandy, Bruce Willis and Melanie Griffith. Donald "Sully" Sullivan (Paul Newman) is an expert at avoiding adult responsibilities. At 60, he divides all his time between a local bar and the occasional construction job. When his estranged son, Peter (Dylan Walsh), arrives in town, bringing with him a son of his own and a sob story about his failed marriage, Sully finds himself assuming the roles of both father and grandfather. After a life of unchecked self-indulgence, he wonders if he is up to the task.
Let me tell you that this movie is one of my all time favorites. The dialogue is understated but hilarious. Jessica Tandy's character is a school teacher who had taught Sully, and has always had a soft spot for him. When she asks him why he always bets on the trifecta horse race every day, Sully responds with, "Because it's due to come in one of these days." Her response, "That's exactly how I feel about you, Donald."
A movie about family, loyalty, and friendship. The acting is superb. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. You won't regret the time spent.
Until next week....
April 18, 2017
CHARACTER NAMING CONTEST
Friday, April 7, 2017 – Friday, April 21, 2017
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A CHARACTER NAMED AFTER YOU IN MY UPCOMING NOVEL?
SLOW DRINKERS, GIANT BALLBAGS & SMELLY BASTARDS is out and you could be one of the first kids on the block with a shiny, gold (colored) autographed copy of it…All you need to do is help me name the two villains in my upcoming novel, The Untold Tale of Shady Badesso. They are escaped prisoners on the run and I need some nefarious sounding names for them. The winners will not only receive signed copies of Slow Drinkers, but the names will make it into the book, as will YOUR name. You will have a character named after you! 23 other people will also receive signed copies of the book.
To enter, simply click on the link below and fill out the form. The winner(s) will be announced on Saturday, April 22nd.
http://mattmicros.com/naming-giveaway/
April 17, 2017
Silly Airline: Tricks are for Kids, Trump, Taxes, Teen Movies & Tebowtime!
About 2 to 3 times a week, my wife and I will be watching the news or having a conversation about something that happened that day, and I’ll respond with “What is wrong with people? It’s common sense. I could have tax reform done in a day.” To which she always responds, “Yes, you should be a lead economist. I just don’t know where you will find the time.” Of course, I pick up on the fact that her voice is dripping with more than a little sarcasm, but I ignore it because I truly believe I could solve the world’s problems if only I were given the chance.
Today, I’m going to take my shot at a few of the problems in the news and how I would handle them. You can be the judge if I shouldn’t quit my day job. 
Silly Airline: Tricks are for Kids, Trump, Taxes, Teen Movies & Tebowtime!
Today, I'm going to take my shot at a few of the problems in the news and how I would handle them. You can be the judge if I shouldn't quit my day job. ;)
BUSINESS
THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY: Yes, United Airlines has been in the news this week with the horrific way they, along with airport security, handled an overbooking situation on one of their flights, but it really could have been any of the airlines. They ALL overbook. The thing I don't understand is why? Even if a person doesn't show for a flight, the seat is already paid for. Why the need to try and double sell a seat? Wouldn't selling exactly the number of seats on the plane and having a few no shows provide a bit more flexibility in helping stranded travelers? When they all show up and you need to offer vouchers, that basically eats up your additional profit, not to mention leaves you with some bad word of mouth in the best case, and some extremely damaging PR in the worst.
The airline industry is such an unequivocal mess in terms of price, service, inconvenience and comfort, one wonders how they stay in business. The answer to that is fairly simple. They have you over a barrel. For longer distances anyway. Unless you have a week to reach your destination, driving or a horse and buggy are simply out of the equation for travel. Interestingly, flights of an hour or less might not actually save you any time at all over driving or the train when you factor travel time to and from the airport, check in, security, boarding, and baggage claim. But try driving 5 hours each way for 3 days in a row and get back to me.
So the airlines can charge what they like and most people will be forced to pay it. They can even overbook to maximize profits. So how do you fix it?
1. Regulate the airline industry. Let the airlines charge what they want, BUT the same type of seat should cost the exact same price. No variables allowed whatsoever. Competition will keep the costs down. If an airline charges too much, they'll have a number of empty seats. If the airlines collude to set prices, well, that opens up a whole new can of worms. For starters, it's illegal. But it's also difficult to prove. And now, with all the airline mergers and four airlines controlling 85% of the domestic travel, the competition has dropped. Competition is the backbone of a capitalistic society. If the airlines want to eliminate competition, then the government needs to step in and regulate prices. Plain and simple. Check. And checkmate.
2. Eliminate overbooking as a practice. Airlines do it to maximize profits. People that buy refundable tickets and don't show for a flight is lost revenue for the airline. So don't sell refundable tickets. I can't return a car after the three day period. I can't return a ticket to a concert. Why should I be able to return an airline ticket Insurance was created for those that are worried about the unforeseen coming up. With no refunds, and every seat sold, the airlines will get their money. But it doesn't enable the airlines to maximize their profits. You can't sell the same car to two different people. Why on earth should you be allowed to sell the same seat to two different people? Regulate the industry that won't regulate itself by making it illegal to do so. Or make it so people need to agree on a price with the airline to be involuntarily removed from a flight. No maximum amount. Everyone has their price. But it could be steep. Once that happens a few times, overbooking will be a thing of the past.
POLITICS
TAXES: TO REFORM OR NOT TO REFORM, THAT IS THE QUESTION...
This is a hot button topic these days, with President Trump making this one of his core promises on the campaign trail. Tax reform should be a cause that everyone can rally behind should it not? Pump the brakes, young NASCAR racer. Critics of the President sight his lack of transparency in releasing his personal returns as a necessity before agreeing to support any tax reform. Why? Because they want to make sure he isn't going to benefit from such decisions. Really? When did we become a country of sniveling little brothers and sisters, ratting out our older siblings because we feel they got something we didn't? Personally, I couldn't care less if Trump releases his returns as long as everything in them is legal. And I'm fairly certain that with the IRS auditing his returns, if there was something illegal in them, we would know about it. But what if he pays a lower percentage of taxes than I do? Or worse yet, what if he pays less taxes overall than I do?? I circle back to my original response. As long as it's legal, I have no problem with that. Well, I might have a problem with it, but it isn't with the president. It is with the people that created the loopholes to begin with. Yes, those same people in congress that are screaming for President Trump to release his returns. What amazes me is how the government runs its business. How on earth can you run a business without having any idea how much money you are going to bring in to cover your expenses? It is no wonder we are constantly running a deficit. If I ran my business that way, I'd be out of business. So how do we fix it? It's pretty simple really. Eliminate the loopholes. What you owe is what you owe. It would certainly make it easier to balance the budget if you knew what you were going to be bringing in. What about charities? Sure, you could leave that in as a write off, but I've never understood the logic behind the argument that if we did away with write offs, no one would donate to charity. People donate to causes they believe in IF they have the money to do so. But a write off isn't a one for one trade off. No one is going to donate $5,000 they don't really have to spend so they can save $750 on their taxes. Not sure what I mean? Let's look at an example. A married couple filing jointly makes $75,000 a year. Under our current tax code, this couple will pay a 10% tax on their first $18,550 in income and then 15% on their income from $18,550 to $75,300. It comes to a total of $10,317.50 in taxes, leaving $64,677.65 left after paying it. In contrast, let's say this same family donates $5,000 to the American Cancer Society (a very worthy cause). They now have $70,000 in taxable income instead of $75,000. Calculated the same way as above, they would now pay $9,572.50. That is $745 less in taxes you say! Yes, it is, but you are also left with only $60,427.65 in income after the taxes have been paid. That is $4,250 less in disposable income. If someone said to you to invest $5,000 to save $745, what would our response be? Take a leap off the George Washington Bridge I'm going to guess. The point being as a business deal, it is bad business. And the real point being, that people don't give to charity for a tax write off. They give because it's worthy and they have the money to do so. Period. But if people don't want to buy into my argument, you can keep that as your only write off. You'd still have a much better idea as to what income would be coming in to run the government, and in turn, what money you have to spend.
Let's circle back for a moment to Trump's tax returns and who benefits most from reform. If the reforms were across the board cuts, the uber wealthy would benefit the most of course. As they should, since they pay the most taxes to begin with. The top 5% (income wise) of the people pay more than 60% of the nation's tax base. Think about that for a second. 5% of the people pay 60% of the taxes. If someone said to you, they were going to give you $2,000, but you had to pay a dinner bill of $1,200 or they were going to give you only $900, but you didn't have to contribute at all to dinner, which would be a better deal? Personally, I'd take Option B. Obviously that is an extreme example that wouldn't happen under our tax code, but what does happen under our progressive tax code, is that a couple making $150,000 more in income than another couple, only makes about $105,000 more once taxes have been paid. Still a sizable amount of money to be sure, but it also serves to illustrate that the uber wealthy (of which I am not), if you eliminated the loopholes and write offs, would end up paying more than their fair share. So when people complain that the rich would potentially get too much of a break under tax reform, I'll admit, I don't understand the complaint. I don't care if someone else gets a break, or even more of a break, as long as I get one too. And sure, the break will be more for the millionaires, as it should be, because they pay more in taxes to begin with! My solution? Eliminate loopholes and minimize write offs. Create MORE tax brackets, not fewer. There is a big difference between a family of four making $435,000 a year and one making $4,000,000 a year and yet those two are treated exactly the same. Closing the loopholes and adding tax brackets would accomplish two things. 1) We would have a better shot at balancing the budget. 2) The uber wealthy would likely end up paying MORE in taxes even if you lowered their tax rates.
AS THE SPORTS WORLD TURNS...
TEBOW TIME
Tim Tebow is a tremendous all around athlete who is now trying his hand at professional baseball after his football career didn't pan out the way he and his legion of fans would have liked. He is also by all rational accounts a terrific person. Humble. Kind. Hard working. Generous. So why the hate?
I simply don't get it. I'm not a Florida Gators fan. I'm not a bible thumper. But I can't help but root for the guy. In a world of professional athletes and entertainers that beat their spouses, drink too much juice (booze), take too much juice (steroids), shout drunken slurs, and start bar brawls, Tebow is a breath of fresh air.
He stops to sign autographs and take pictures. He started a foundation that helps children with special needs. He even comforted a fellow airline passenger and a fan at a baseball game, both of whom had collapsed. They should be giving this guy a medal, not grief. Those that argue he wasn't a good football player, I'd argue he was, but his style didn't fit the NFL game and none of the coaches nor fragile starting QBs wanted to deal with the circus following for a backup QB. But that's somewhat irrelevant. Those same people are now arguing he doesn't deserve a chance to play minor league baseball because he hasn't played in more than ten years. "So what" is my response to that. Every day people get a break because of who they know or what talent they bring to the equation. Kids are accepted to college because they play the flute. Or because they scored well on a standardized test. Adults get jobs because they know someone who knows someone. Tebow is a tremendous athlete with an outstanding work ethic, who has been a leader on every team he played. He won a Heisman Trophy and two college national championships. How could that be bad for any team, even if he hit .100? The answer is that it isn't. Haters are gonna hate, but deep down in their heart of hearts, they know they're wrong. They know they are not capable of a rational thought where he is concerned. Maybe it's jealousy. Maybe it's insecurity. Maybe it is uncomfortableness at his unwavering faith that he wears openly. Whatever the reason, it's time to get over it. It's Tebow time.
ENTERTAINMENT
Lost in the glut of superhero movies and reality television is the ability to tell a good story. It doesn't need to be complicated. Maybe it's teen angst. A character driven romance with the music of the gods. Movies like Pretty in Pink, or the lessor known Some Kind of Wonderful, both John Hughes classics. Or the adult version of the other side of the tracks romance, Cameron Crowe's, Jerry Maguire. Those stories were about love, loyalty and friendship. And that's the problem with the film industry these days. It doesn't stand for anything. The top 15 highest grossing movies of 2016 were dotted with animation, superheroes and a pair of rogue Star Wars movies. Not a single feel good romance in the lot. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with a superhero or a clever children's film. But where are the simple stories that make you feel a little better after you've seen them than before? They aren't for everyone, but those that agree, I've got one for you to check out from 2013. The Way, Way Back stars the underrated Sam Rockwell as a well-meaning, but irresponsible manager of a water park who befriends an awkward teen who is there for the summer. It is a simple story of an unlikely friendship, single parent family dynamics, with a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure. It is the sort of story whose description doesn't come close to adequately describing its virtues. With understated direction by Nat Faxon (Academy Award winner of the Best Screenplay for 2012's The Descendants) and Jim Rash, let me just say, The Way, Way Back is clever, witty, sweet and wonderful. Do yourself a favor and dial it up on demand.
More to come next week, folks. Until then, do something nice for a stranger, and do something nice for yourself by doing something nice for a stranger. ;)
February 20, 2017
SLOW DRINKERS, GIANT BALLBAGS & SMELLY BASTARDS
“Jim Reilly woke up dead one morning and was really pissed off about it. He snapped open the paper while sitting on the can, the way he did every morning, and found himself staring at an old picture of himself in the Obituary section on Page 6…”
With the Irish Wake just three days away, his best friend convinces him to play along so they can find out who is responsible for the sick joke. The resulting chaos sees Jim reunited with old friends, acquaintances and family members–most of whom he hasn’t seen since his wife passed away three years earlier. Is it better to have loved and lost, or never to have loved at all? That is the dilemma Jim is faced with. How do you move forward when the person you have shared nearly every experience with, good or bad, for most of your adult life, is no longer around? The answer for Jim is that he can’t. He’s stuck in neutral, going through the motions of a life that very much needs him as an active participant. That is until his older brother returns from the sun swept beaches of Santorini for what he believes to be his brother’s wake, only to find his brother is still alive–sort of.
Sam Reilly has lived his life in a never ending quest to squeeze every last drop out of it. He’s run with the bulls at Pamplona, attended the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics, ridden a bike through the Swiss Alps, toasted with celebrities at film festivals, surfed the blue sea just off the coast of the Greek Islands, in addition to living in a small Upstate New York town where the most exciting things were Sunday night Bingo at the local church and Friday Night football at the high school. The responsible way Jim lived his life is what enabled Sam to live the carefree lifestyle he had grown accustomed to, and now it was time to return the favor. The irrepressibly likable Sam takes Jim on an unexpected and unintentional laugh riot journey through a cast of characters that include slow drinkers, giant ballbags and smelly bastards. A story that is just as sure to tug at your heart as it is to give you a belly laugh, Jim finds that it took dying, to actually bring him back to life.
Arriving at book sellers everywhere (paperback and ebook) in March.
The post SLOW DRINKERS, GIANT BALLBAGS & SMELLY BASTARDS appeared first on Matt Micros.
October 16, 2016
DESTINARE
After hearing the bad news, Joe Moretti found himself faced with a difficult decision. He could either fight for his life, or peacefully accept his fate. Unfortunately, his decision wouldn’t simply affect his life. What if he wasn’t around in a year to save 3 year old Diana Doyle from falling onto the tracks in front of a moving train? And what if she in turn wasn’t around to become a doctor with the ability to save lives? Maybe even the life of someone Joe cared deeply about? Destinare is a story that examines how each person’s life is connected in ways we don’t even realize. One person’s life affects another. Which in turn impacts another…and another…and another…until the circle is complete and we finally reach our destiny.
“The unexamined life is not worth living” is attributed to the Greek philosopher, Socrates, while he was on trial, and eventually sentenced to death for “corrupting the youth” of society and “impiety”. From Socrates simple statement, Destinare was born. All too often we go through life following a routine. Work. Eat. Watch TV. Sleep. Get up and do it all over again. When we don’t want to do something, more often than not, we don’t. But what is the impact of those decisions? How does what we decide to do (or not do) affect others? Those that choose to take their own lives usually leave a swath of destruction behind. Certainly they were suffering, but what about those they’ve left behind? If they had somehow been convinced to take the time to see how their decision would impact others, would they have acted differently? Or did their decision force others to examine their own lives, to be more introspective? Then again, do we really control our own destiny or are we simply following a path that has been laid out for us? From the Italian word, destino, meaning destiny or fate, Destinare is a fictional story of love, friendship, sacrifice and the never-ending battle to achieve self-awareness. It examines how we arrive where we end up in life, and whether we are, in fact, the “masters of our fate, the captains of our soul”. (William Ernest Henley)
Arriving at book sellers everywhere (paperback and ebook) Monday, October 17th.
The post DESTINARE appeared first on Matt Micros.
March 9, 2016
A Non-Politician We Can All Believe In
Where I fall on the political spectrum is somewhere in the middle. I would describe myself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal, which basically leaves me more often than not, without a party or candidate to support come election time. This year is no different as I find myself equally disgusted by both parties, the establishment and the candidates themselves. On one side we have a mudslinging contest in which people are more concerned with telling people who NOT to vote for, than actually pushing ideas of their own. On the other, we have a candidate being investigated for a possible felony indictment. All are running for President. Seriously?
Interestingly enough, last summer I released a book called The Greatest Mann in the World--the story of what happens one December morning when Americans wake to find it is snowing in Southern California, sunny and 80 degrees in our nation’s capital, and pitch black in Seattle in the middle of the day. All are the result of a freak tilt in the earth’s axis that is unlikely to correct
itself anytime soon. The resulting environmental shift throws an already weak economy into further disarray during a Presidential election year. Unhappy with both major political parties, a billionaire businessman springs onto the scene and funds a party that will accept nominations for the highest office in the land from any U.S. citizen. All eyes suddenly settle on Yale educated, high school administrator, John Mann. There’s only one problem–he doesn’t want the job.The book is fiction, with bits of humor, friendship and romance sandwiched around a dose of real frustration over the political system. Written long before the current chaos, the book has become timely, and if you feel as I do, you might enjoy giving it a read. You don't have to enjoy politics to enjoy the book. You simply need to love our country and want better things for it.
It's available in both paperback and Ebook versions.
http://mattmicros.com/books/the-great...
Rantings, Ravings & Remembrances
- Matt Micros's profile
- 89 followers
