My Alcohol

Most of us need a little comfort to help us get through the day. A salve for the scrapes and cuts from all the things you run into trying to get by. Some people take pills; some people drink beer; some seek solace in Marx' "opiate of the masses." I'm not religious; I don't take drugs and I don't drink.


This is my alcohol. I know it's bad for me. I know if I could cut junk food out of my diet, I could have the six-pack abs I've always wanted. Heck, if I could stop eating cake, I could have a lot less indigestion.

But when the daily grind becomes suffering enough, it's hard to volunteer for more of it. So, yeah, it's bad for me, especially when my gym is closed for renovation. But today it felt pretty good.

Why Not Stop Watching?

I came across a web site called FOX Attackers today. A bunch of people who hate Bill O'Reilly yet apparently can't stop watching his show on Fox News Channel are organizing a campaign directed at companies who advertise on O'Reilly's show.

"This is not a boycott," the site says, which could be because the boycott hasn't worked out so well since the site organizers themselves can't bring themselves to turn the channel. "We are simply calling advertisers and informing them about FOX."

What are they going to say? "Dear company: You should not advertise on Fox News Channel because we are upset that Bill O'Reilly has a television show. Nevermind his commanding ratings lead. You don't want all those people as customers anyway."

Ah, and isn't that the problem? As long as there are viewers, advertisers will care less about Fox's agenda than that of the protesters.

I don't have cable so nothing on FNC offends me. But I distrust anyone who would take the time and effort to try to get rid of it. What are they trying to keep me from hearing? Or, more likely, why should I join the cause of people who are apparently too stupid to understand how a TV remote control works.

I'm glad we can get information told from different viewpoints, even if I disagree with them. I read the Wall Street Journal and listen to NPR. And I figured out all by myself that Bill O'Reilly is not worth my time.

Personals

Uh oh, I've been perusing the craigslist personals again. Does this one look like a winner?

Reply to: pers-368963497@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-07-08, 12:11AM EDT

Hi, I'm a single Asian female, 28 years old, 5'6" 110lbs, fit, active. Professional. Enjoys traveling, dining, cooking, reading, rock climbing, hiking, camping. Looking for a single professional male between 26-40 for ltr.

If you are easy-going, college-educated, driven, and goal oriented guy, I look forward to hearing from you. Please write and tell me something about yourself. A pic is welcomed in your response but certainly not a requirement.

Please do not write if you are looking for a one night stand, a fling, married, or otherwise attached.

---

Hi!

I've seen your ad before, which probably means it was written by a computer and not a person and that I will soon find my inbox swamped with spam for Viagra and porn. Seems, though, I'd need only one or the other, no?

If you are a real person, my apologies for not offering a more elegant opening. My cynicism gets the better of me sometimes. Yet I still watch sappy movies with their Hollywood endings and would like to believe in the possibility.

About me: 41 (Just out of your range but look at that picture. Do I look 41?), 5'8", 175 pounds, fit (workouts work), college-educated (I even graduated!), artistic (I've made short films and composed music on guitar and keyboards) and sometimes overly fond of parentheses.

I'm neither married nor seeing anyone, though I do have a cat, which some people consider as much of a turn-off. I don't smoke or drink, but the not drinking thing is not for moral, religious or court-ordered reasons. I'm not a big clubber but I do like to dance and I can do karaoke sober, though you might want to drink heavily before listening to it.

I work a regular job in marketing (boring) and some freelance work in television (interesting) and though I'm not wealthy, I also don't owe anyone any money. I am an avid letter-writer, as you might have noticed, who greatly enjoys reading replies.

Yours will be welcome.

Jack