Grandfather died today

My grandfather died today.

We called him Grandfather. He fit that formal-sounding title. He was like a king, a stern man who ruled strongly with love. He could rule a room of people by simply introducing himself, "I am Norman Glucroft." The man.

My work ethic comes from him, though I slack more in 1 day than he did in a year. But when I'm at work, the way I look at things and behave comes from him and my father. I am honored that I got to work with both him and my father. Those experiences are a big part of who I am.

When I think of Grandfather I think of working excellence, unbeatable business acumen, his intensity when making a point, and his laugh. I can hear his laugh right now.

He is one of the greatest men I've ever met and I'm blessed to have him as a forefather. Part of him IS me. I hope he is proud of me.

The last thing I did with him was introduce him to my fiance and then the 3 of us spent a legendary time together looking at old photos and talking about them. I'm glad that happened.

I love you, Grandfather.

Gulf oil spill jokes: proceed with caution

If you're feeling inclined to make a joke about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, some thoughts for you...

Joking about the spill is like making fun of your mom. If you say it, it's ok, but if someone else says it then you're going to have to kick their ass.

I have to admit that I feel a strong negative reaction when someone I don't know makes a joke about the oil spill. Like, you and your friends can make fun of each other but if someone from outside the group goes there, then it's on.

I also internally squirm with annoyance when someone who's not from the Gulf Coast makes fun of the oil spill. Again, the jokes are for the insiders only. If you're not directly affected by the spill then it's best to say compassionate and appreciative things. Why say dickish things?

I joke a lot about a lot of things and I've uttered more than my share of oil spill joke-atrocities. I'm not saying it's off-limits to humor. I'm saying that you should first establish a compassionate, friendly connection on the matter, then rip away.

The oil spill is possibly the worst environmental disaster the United States has ever known, and it's right on my horizon. (Get it? Horizon!? Deepwater Horizon!? Ha ha ha ha ha ha....) (See, humor...)

I'm no ardent environmentalist but, believe me, I love the beach and and I love the Gulf and I love all the animals and plants and THE PERFECT NATURAL BEAUTY OF IT ALL and I hate that it's being befouled by stupid human tricks.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

- mitchell

P.S. The above sentiments apply to joking about any sensitive matter. Think carefully before you speak.

the meek shall inherit the scraps

So much going on...

Booked our honeymoon at River Street Inn in Savannah, Georgia. It's going to be awesome.

There's an epic oil spill in the Gulf.

We found a baby red-eared slider looking all pathetic on the sidewalk and brought it home and named it Gurgi and gave it a nicely equipped aquarium to dwell in. I haven't had a pet of any kind since high school. Gurgi's cool and will be treated royally.

Finally found Cory Doctorow's book, Little Brother, the other day at Barnes & Noble. I've only been half-heartedly searching for it, but I've been doing so for about a year. I didn't realize I should've been looking in the teen section. Yeah, I could've ordered it, but I figured it'd show up when it was time for me to read it. I downloaded the book a while back but we all know it's a pain in the ass to read long works on a computer.

Peace,
MitchellG