b120 (9.12-1.2024): kiss the ring

kiss the ring [i]

by jay dee

you throw me under bus
i smile (as you sing)
just you and i (not us)
 
i kneel and kiss the ring
_____________________________
 
·        because it’s best for me to do so.
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (9.12-1.2024). kiss the ring. book 120: "i saw it on TELEVISION!" © 2024 by j. martino.

b119 (9.11-1.2024): "i saw it on TELEVISION!"

“i saw it on television” [i]
by any third grader

alternative title: “waaaaaa!”

 
you tell me “it’s lies”
but i swear that it’s true
that’s the difference between me and you
 
why can you not believe
when i shout it out loud
i’m just another lemming in the crowd, because
 
i saw it on television
_____________________________
 
·       yes.  my research methodology is: i interpreted what i saw on television.

·       genius.
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (9.11-1.2024). "i saw it on TELEVISION." book 120: "i saw it on TELEVISION!". © 2024 by j. martino. 

* THAT was insightful (and inciteful)

...a mass-debate that had it all: two very different human beings, with two very different styles and two very different visions of present & future (u.s.a.) america. 

there was fear-mongering.  there were out-and-out lies.  there was anger.  there was a call for unity and talk of our "similarities".  there was a call for freedom from government. 

there was quite a lack of taking responsibility... and both sides dodged some key questions.

in all, one of the master-debaters made me feel hopeful.  the other conjured-up feelings of bullying, hate and fear.

i'm not sure how the voting u.s.a. population will feel, and i'd bet that those with prior aversions to the republican/fox team or the democratic/msnbc team will probably allow confirmation bias to cloud their common senses.  

buckle-up, kiddies!

it's going to be a bumpy ride.

b119 (9.3-1.2024): what do we do now?

what do we do now? [i]
by w. hatt?

alternative title: evolve

 
what do we do when world devolves before our eyes (and how!)
what do we do, what can we do, just
what do we do now?
_____________________________
 
·       we’ve got options:
   o   reflect, with gratitude, in the knowing that we are blessed to have had this moment.
   o   relate… with praise… about the many, many, many days that life went along without challenges.  after all, it has been a wonder-full ride.
   o   acknowledge… that opposing forces can teach us a few lessons about our own potential weaknesses, and then…
   o   take action to flip those weaknesses into strengths.
 
what we can do (now) is i'm-prove.  get better.  avoid repeating the patterns that got us into this mess. we can evolve.
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (9.3-1.2024). evolve. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

* incomprehensible

incomprehensible... for the high-testosterone male... is the fact that, prior to an fsu football game, shot groups of 5, 10, 20 and 40+ scantily, very-scantily-clad tallahassee lassies can be seen maneuvering about -- to get into lines of over 100+ gals -- to get into fraternity pre-game parties.

there is absolutely no way to describe it.

t--s flying, a--es showing, hair & eyes & lips done-up... and the power sway (with the underlying competition)... fueling the day.

really (no... really), you've got to experience a pre-game, around college drive, in t-town.

 

b119 (9.2-1.2024): convenience

convenience [i]

by itsa n. easylife

this morning, i woke up in a clean, comfortable (tallahassee) air bnb home.  i didn’t have bottled water (for coffee), so i hopped into my rental cadillac (back-up cam; side mirror assists; buzzer under the seat as a proximity warning device...) and i zipped over to publix.  

u.s.a. grocery stores are truly amazing.
 

i’m (currently) a mile from the stadium (and college town).  the wifi connection (which allows for unlimited access to everything) is perfect.  

i’m writing this 'post' (on a 'blog') in the spare bedroom of a “quaint bungalow”.   i can (literally) walk to anything!

i have tickets to the game (tonight)... and tomorrow… i’ll drop off the rental car and ease into a thing called an 'airplane' that will get me back to charlotte.  

from clt, it will be a convenient uber ride home.

i’ll call in sick, rest all day, and bartend at a grocery store from 5:30-9:30 pm.

i’ve met several very nice people on this trip.  the destin air bnb condo was perfect.  the grouper sandwich at the back porch, was (as usual) delish!  talked with several people (at the beach).  bought scallops at winn dixie and cooked two great meals at the condo.
 

in t-town, maze swapped-out a keg so i could get a hazy ipa.  i met the tried & true guys at the corner pocket bar  grille, and even chatted with jeff cameron and tom lange.  back at the hotel indigo, i met alyssa and had a great conversation while maze was his amazing self.
 
after my next coffee, i’ll go to planet fitness, work out, and then plan my day.  it will center around remote school ‘work’, tailgating, pregame, and live entertainment.

all the while, i've been able to communicate (fun things, like "florida family values hawk tuah") with friends, family and neighbors via texting... sending pictures and maintaining connections.
 

imagine going back (just a few generations) and trying to explain to someone... what life is like in 2024.

life, as it is for joal martino in the u.s.a. …is ease-y!
 
i’m grateful for the conveniences.

___________________________________

[i] martino, j. (9.2-1.2024). convenience. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (9.1-1.2024): are human/romantic relationships going extinct?

are human/romantic relationships going extinct? [i]
by joal

sex… is more than just reproduction.  for humans, sex can be a form of communication, a release of pressure, a stress reduction practice, fun, a means of connection, a dance, erotic, etc.
 
in 2024, however, sexual release and experience can be simulated (both mentally and physically) via digital means and/or devices.
 
men and women no longer need each other.  he can get-off quite easily (without the complications of a relationship) and she can sleep comfortably, with her dog in the bed. 
 
no worries about pregnancy, break-ups, arguments, etc.
 
what does sex mean (for me) in the future?
 
i’m not sure.  i’ll certainly enjoy it whenever/wherever and with whomever… depending upon the circumstances.  if i connect with a cool gal who i’m able to vet slowly, i may even enter a committed relationship again.  it isn’t necessary, however.
 
do i want a girlfriend?  yes and no.
 
i like the idea of sharing my experiences, i like the idea of great sex, and i like the idea of great communication & connection.  on the other hand, i like the idea of variety.  i like to have options.  i don’t like feeling obligated.  i don’t want to feel responsible for someone else’s feelings.  i like fun.
 
as an older man, i’ll continue to meet people, and i’ll continue to flirt with women, and i’ll make decisions about the options that i have int the future.  it’s a no pressure situation.  i see it as all positives.
 
one thing is for sure: i’m not going to live my life with a roommate (who i occasionally attempt to seduce) who has the power of not only saying “no”, but who also has the right to forbid me from experiencing sex elsewhere (including in my mind).
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (9.1-1.2024). are human/romantic relationships going extinct? book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.28-1.2024): presidential? (pardon)

presidential? (pardon) [i]
by wassa president

presidential? (pardon)
presidential play
presidents take precedent in presidential ways
_____________________________
 

·       as the presidential play continues…

·       pardon me, but ‘presidential’ implies... leadership; empathy with strength; compassion with assertiveness... and class.
 
not a name-calling, 3^rd grade ass.
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.28-1.2024). presidential pardon. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.27-1.2024): pathalogicalize

pathalogicalize [i]
by i. ben fooled

a leopard without spots
a king of great disguise
a champion of my-stery:
a mass-debate of lies
_____________________________
 
·       pathological: abnormal or deviant, as in dis-ease.

·       lies (untruths): statements and musings that can tend to be erroneous more than 5% of the time.  'truth' is determined at the 95% level of significance.

·       lie-er (liar): the perpetrator of the lie.

·       lie-ee: the recipient of the lie.  often (partially) responsible, for communicating (to the lie-er) what the lie-ee “wants to hear.”
 
a pathological liar (someone who lies incessantly & blatantly) would be powerless without the lie-ee being ignorant or uncaring – in regard to the lie.  sometimes, people don’t have the resources or desire to seek the truth.  sometimes, the lie (the blue pill?) is easier to swallow.
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.27-1.2024). pathalogicalize. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino.

[ii] it is my experience that the author of this thoem (i. ben fooled) often plays a large role in being lied to.  he (often) wants to hear it, he (often) rewards the liar for telling it, and he (often) becomes a perpetrator of it (for his own benefit, of course).

[iii] pathalogicalization... is the dance of the liar, the lie-ee and the audience (standing-by: too tired, too lethargic or unmotivated to intervene).

* ...and so it begins...

after a glorious summer of relaxation and partying like a rock star (including rhode island, gatlinburg, and dublin)... it is time to get back to workplay.

i weighed-in at 218.4, but i'm reframing it as "something to work with."

my goals are similar to past years, and center around wellness:

• under 200 lbs, under 40" waist, under 25% fat
• 195, 38" and 20% would be nice.
• of course, the pathway is a reduction in consumption and an increase in exercise:
• veganorganic, low/no alcohol, water
• upper/lower gym days
• get up go!
• tea as a substitute for coffee/beer 

i've got all of the tools: knowledge, coaches, gyms, $$

other goals include:

1. finding a yoga class or studio

2. daily chair massage; bi-weekly massage

3. social network (but this time) of high caliber (not drinking buddies)

4. clutter

5. planned thanksgiving & christmas

6. helping students (like shawn)

7. prepping for and surviving an election

8. daily sunrise walks

9. night time preparations

* when i take a big-picture look at all of these things, alcohol (and food) consumption remains squarely in the center.  oftentimes, my poor food choices come after drinking.

i need to invest in positive things to do at night (meet-ups, volunteering, connection).

i need to reconnect with my purpose (ripple-effects).

more to follow, but let's go!

this morning:

• weigh-in: 218.4, no circ measurement, no wake-up stretches
• coffee (not tea)
• massage chair and guided meditation!
• contemplation
• walk  

last night, after getting back from dublin, i completed my first alcohol free day in months!  i was productive, washing clothes and getting the car washed/detailed.  didn't eat airplane food.  only water.  set out the feeders and even saw a couple of birds.  early to bed.

let's set the bedroom clock, file some paperwork, and do this with a smile!

b119 (8.14-1.2024): thank you for the summer

thank you for the summer [i]
by grat e. full

thank you for the summer
thank you for the smiles
thank you for the time (to think) to sit (and be) awhile
thank you for the scene and green and (so serene) and hummers
thank you for the moments
thank you for the summer
_____________________________
 
·       summer moments on the back deck: plants, fountains, hummingbirds and autonomy.

·       it’s hard not to be grateful, when you are grat e. full.
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.14-1.2024). thank you for the summer. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.13-1.2024): dirty deathbed wishes

dirty deathbed wishes [i]
by ima like & shesa dirty

dirty deathbed wishes
with thoughts of what comes next
"i wish i’d taken risks" …and
"i wish i’d had more sex"
_____________________________
 
·       we don’t need a scientific study to know that (upon the death bed)… even if they lie and say otherwise, most wish that they’d taken more risks, laughed more, and had more sex.

·       the death-bed-er is not going to rehash the (oh! so exciting!) story of the time while, at home alone, s/he experienced a ‘clean’ salad (without dressing, without company, and without passion).
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.13-1.2024). dirty deathbed wishes. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.12-1.2024): summer solar lights

summer solar lights [i]
by sonofa sun

summer solar lights (a tad miss-taking in the night)
was it soul (or solar?)
solar summer nights

 

a way to soul-ar heights

_____________________________
 
·       out by the summer solar lights… delight!
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.12-1.2024). summer solar lights. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.8-1.2024): kitties got some balls!

kitties got some balls! [i]
by who woulda thunkit

much to my amazement
an answer to the call
battling cray-crazement
kitties got some balls!
_____________________________
 
·       amazingly, several democrats have (recently) stood-up to the bully, which is something that the bully-republicans have refused to do, again and again and again.  those with balls include:
   o   harris
   o   walz
   o   shapiro
   o   buttigieg

·       the dems need to call-out the pussy-bullies (e.g. the ted cruzer-types) …and highlight the pussification of the republican party, who can officially be called ‘wimps’.

* anyone who would let a man insult his wife, and then cower to him, is a wimp.
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.8-1.2024). kitties got some balls! book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.7-1.2024): don't get overconfident, kitties

don’t get overconfident, kitties [i]
by don t. getover confident

the cat-ladies and transformers and major-miners need to unite, communicate and take action behind an enlisted, gun-totin’, child-feedin’ veteran and a woman who is (by definition) diversity.
 

don’t get overconfident.  

now… is the time to get to work.
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.7-1.2024). don’t get overconfident. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.6-1.2024): family picnic

family picnic [i]
by don t. talka boutit

it kinda feels like one, right now: the disagreement phase is in full swing.
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.6-1.2024). family picnic. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.5-1.2024): he named his daughter 'hope'

he named his daughter ‘hope’ [i]
by he exudes hope

he named his daughter ‘hope’
not pride nor princess/pope
he’s proved that he’s no joke
he named his daughter ‘hope’
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.5-1.2024). he named his daughter ‘hope’. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.4-1.2024): he named his children 'pride'

he named his children ‘pride’ [i]
by hesa proud

he named his children ‘pride’
he spans this great divide
it tears him up (inside)
he named his children ‘pride’
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.4-1.2024). he named his children ‘pride’. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.3-2.2024): man on the run

man on the run [i]
by notta muchavah man

man, he’s on the run
he thought this would be fun!
in bully-terms (he one)
oh man: man on the run
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.3-2.2024). man on the run. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.3-1.2024): dead fly, part II

dead fly, part II [i]
by i usta fly

…because now… he is in two parts.
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.3-1.2024). dead fly, part II. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.2-1.2024): it might just be a honeymoon

it might just be a honeymoon [i]
by honey m. o. onsend

it might just be a honeymoon… but it sure feels like one!
________________________
 
·       my suggestion would be to wallow in the honeymoon – while you can.  then, as it fades, try to figure-out ways to keep that feeling alive!
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.2-1.2024). it might just be a honeymoon. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.1-2.2024): come along

come along [i]
by iwanna come & a. long

come along… and experience the ride of ‘turn-about (fair play)’, a book that finds its roots (and way)… in game theory, politics, religion… and all of those other things that should not be discussed at a family picnic.
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.1-2.2024). come along. book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino. 

b119 (8.1-1.2024): turn-about (fair play)

turn-about (fair play) [i]
by any onewat ching

turn-about (fair play)
cohesion on display
cooperation? (hey!)
turn-about (fair play)
 
and now it’s underway
________________________
 
·       the title of this thoem begets a new book, entitled: turn-about (fair play).

·       turn-about (fair play) is (yes) a political statement.

·       the bully will now have to prove that his policies are better than the (former) pussy-policies.

·       all of a sudden, the pussy-party has sprouted some balls, and has decided to do what the average citizen has been hoping for (for a long, long time):
   o   they fight back!  they refute bullsh-t!  they counterpunch!  they even (should i dare say it?) jab!

·       the feeling is (well) fab.
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (8.1-1.2024). turn-about (fair play). book 119: turn-about (fair play). © 2024 by j. martino.
 
*note: three weeks ago, i despised both parties and was going to write myself in as president.  but… now, is there a glimmer of hope?  does someone really care about the average joe -- over the mega-dollars of the super-rich?
 

stay tuned (not here, but into your own knowingness). 

it's all a game, still, but 

(for a moment), 

it might be fun to play a little.