HUMAN HAMSTERS

The other day I rambled something about human barnacles -- you know, those people who hitch their wagons to someone else's star and end up stuck when the star fades.

Today's rant is about human hamsters.

First, I've nothing against the little rodents, think they are pretty cute. I'm fond of how they use their wee hamster hands to stuff nuts and other goodies into their cheek pouches until their faces look as if they might explode.

But when they are done looking uber adorable, they start running on those wheels and that's when I'm completely turned off.

The wheels squeak and squeak and squeak, and there's nothing you can do about it. But the hamsters are impervious to the noise, though nowhere near as impervious to the tedium of constantly running on a puny wheel in a puny cage.

I've met a few people like that, folks who thrive on ritual and freak when something new comes along. I wish I could understand what drives them to enjoy the sensation of one foot in front of another day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year.

I know, I know, to each his own. And yes, it takes all kinds to make the world go round. But I doubt that at there's a hamster at the center of the earth. At least, I hope not.

Amen, and pass the pellets.

POLITICS & HUMAN BARNACLES

I'm writing about barnacles and this is actually a photo of mussels but hey, it's the best I can do. They are both critters that stick onto things and hang on for dear life.
My point -- elections are over and it's time to harvest the human barnacles.
You know what I mean -- those people who work on campaigns so they end up with a political plum job which in some cases require they do very little, never mind show up.
Just like these mussels, the human barnacles hitch themselves up to the candidate-du-jour and hang on for dear life. Presumably, the reward comes at the end when they are appointed to a position within the administration.
But wait -- think before you hitch, I say.
This photo was taken two days ago when I spotted a number of floats that were pulled out of the water for the winter. The shellfish on them went along for the ride -- and are now sitting in the sun and fresh air, nowhere near water.
They will languish there until spring.
Whether or not these creatures make it until then is anyone's guess -- but it's a grim reminder of what can happen to you when you hitch your life, your career and your hopes to a single entity just like the creatures in this picture. 
Isn't it better to make your own way? At least you'll have some control and not be left high and dry.
Amen, and pass the lemon, please.

VOTE THEM OUT!!!

I have not blogged here in awhile, well, a long while. Some of it has to do with the fact that I'm working on a novel so after I'm done with that for the day, there's not much left.

However, with the election right on top of us I've got a terrible yen to say one simple thing.

VOTE THEM OUT.

Seriously. Tomorrow when you go to the ballot box, pick anybody -- ANYBODY-- who has never held public office before. That's right, do NOT vote for anyone who is either "taking it up a notch" by running for another office or is a career politico who can't run for his/her current office due to term limits.

Looking around at the current economic mess in my home state, I can't help but think that all of those who are now holding office are semi-responsible or at very least, quasi-responsible. 

That said, I don't understand how anyone in their right mind would choose to vote for one of them again, given that it will potentially be more of the same.

So tomorrow -- VOTE THEM OUT and keep your fingers crossed.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

Amen, and pass the mustard.