Tuesday, January 31, 2006 |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
WASHINGTON, D.C. — David Bereit, executive director of American Life League, issued the following statement regarding the confirmation of Samuel Alito as justice to the U.S. Supreme Court: "We are extremely hopeful that the confirmation of Samuel Alito will lead to a greater protection of all human life including innocent children at risk of losing their lives to abortion. Justice Alito's confirmation to the nation's highest court offers pro-life Americans reason for hope and optimism about the future. His record suggests that he will help to ensure justice for all Americans – born and preborn. "Justice Alito's confirmation was not an easy victory, but pro-lifers worked tirelessly to ensure that the tragedy of abortion was a focal point throughout the confirmation process. Prior to the vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee, ALL representatives delivered thousands of petitions signed by citizens across the country calling for the approval of Judge Alito. Efforts like this were crucial in helping to assure Justice Alito's confirmation. "Pro-life Americans are praying that Justice Alito will live up to his promise, and uphold a strict interpretation of constitutional law – not legislate from the bench. There is nothing in the United States Constitution that gives anyone a right to kill an innocent human person, by abortion or any other means, and we are hopeful that Justice Alito will recognize that reality in all abortion related decisions that come before him on our nation's highest court." (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Monday, January 30, 2006 |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
This appeared in The Pittsburgh Post Gazette on January 25, 2005 What's the big deal about Steeler football? Being a Steeler fan means so much more than football. It means being from a corner of the world unlike any other. It means being from a place where the people are so tough-minded that they have survived the Homestead strikes and the Johnstown flood. These people have the DNA of hard work, in mills and mines, without the necessity of complaint. They live simply, with no frills. They don't have movie stars or fancy cars. Instead, they have simple traditions like kielbasa and Kennywood. They live in distinctive neighborhoods like Polish Hill and the Hill District. These people are genuine. They don't have chic internet cafes and cappuccinos, but they have The Original Hot Dog joint and Iron City Beer. People from Pittsburgh don't have sunny beaches or fancy boats, but the rivers roll gently, connecting the small towns of people whose histories have been built on strength and humility. People from Pittsburgh don't have the biggest shopping malls or the best nightclubs, but they'll take Friday night high school football and Steeler Sunday over anything. Steeler football means so much more than you think. It symbolizes a diaspora of generations who had the best childhood they could imagine. They ran free without a care or concern in the valleys of those Allegheny mountains. Their blue-collar world was easy ... there was no one to tell them that they lacked material things. There was no one to tell them that they needed more. As the steel mills closed and the jobs disappeared, some of these people had to leave. While the world benefits because they spread their Pittsburgh values, they long for their home where things were simpler and more pure. They teach their kids about Jack Lambert and Joe Greene in hopes of departing not just the knowledge, but the feeling that they represented. They are everywhere, those Terrible Towels. They wave, not just for the team, but for the hearts they left behind. They wave in living rooms in Fort Lauderdale and in the bars D.C. They wave all the way to the Seattle Superdome! They wave for the Rooney family, whose values mirror our own - loyalty, grit, and humility. They wave for football players like Jerome Bettis and Hines Ward, whose unselfishness and toughness have allowed sports to be about the game and the team. Make no mistake that Steeler football is not just about football. MARY STABLEIN LASWSON Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Sunday, January 29, 2006 |
Honestly tho.... I'm kinda even more frustrated now. Why cant people be proactive? I mean.... why all of a sudden today is everyone trying to talk to me and getting pissed off that I dont know what to say or how to respond or even how I feel? I'm out of it... I'm here now and I'm screwed up. Can't people be my friend before I end up being a psychotic asshole? Sure, I'd love to talk to people today but I honestly dont know what to say... I dont know how I feel right now, other than feeling like crap. I've got too much to deal with and there isnt anyone that really cares about it. Oh well.... at least its only like 5 miles from my old apartment to the parking lot and I should be able to carry everything left out in... oh, around 5 million trips.... Sure, I can look at the bright side that it could be 10 miles.... but really.... I tore my body up yesterday carrying stuff.... oh, wait.... I'm superhuman.... I forgot.... yea, today should be no problem at all. Dont try to reach me today... All I'll do is upset you and all you'll do is interupt me from doing crap that I need to get done. (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Saturday, January 28, 2006 |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Cuz right now it says that we Cant come to the phone And I know it makes no sence Cuz you walked out the door But its the only way i hear your voice anymore (its ridiculous) Its been months And for some reason i just (cant get over us) And im stronger then this (enough is enough) No more walkin round With my head down Im so over being blue Cryin over you And im so sick of love songs So tired of tears So done with wishing you were still here Said im so sick of love songs so sad and slow So why cant i turn off the radio? Gotta fix that calender i have Thats marked July 15th Because since theres no more you Theres no more anniversary Im so fed up with my thoughts of you And your memory And how every song reminds me Of what used to be Thats the reason im so sick of love songs So tired of tears So done with wishing you were still here Said im so sick of love songs so sad and slow So why cant i turn off the radio? (Leave me alone) Leave me alone (Stupid love songs) Dont make me think about her smile Or having my first child Let it go Turning off the radio Cuz im so sick of love songs So tired of tears So done with wishing she was still here Said im so sick of love songs so sad and slow So why cant i turn off the radio? (why cant i turn off the radio?) Said im so sick of love songs So tired of tears So done with wishing she was still here Said im so sick of love songs so sad and slow So why cant i turn off the radio? (why cant i turn off the radio?) And im so sick of love songs So tired of tears So done with wishin you were still here Said im so sick of love songs so sad and slow Why cant i turn off the radio? (why cant i turn off the radio?) Why cant i turn off the radio? "So Sick" by Ne-Yo (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Best Buy Working Towards Ending Mail-In Rebates My favorite comment post:
Truly, Best Buy is an evil company.... I wish more people had Google's company motto of "Don't Be Evil" and actually follow it the way they do. *sigh* ... in a perfect world ... (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Thursday, January 26, 2006 |
Please keep me in your prayers that God would lead me in the right directions. Thanks! (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
*sigh* I hate corporate america.... I really really really do :( (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Wednesday, January 25, 2006 |
Scott Paulsen In the 1980's, as the steel mills and their supporting factories shut down from Homestead to Midland, Pittsburghers, faced for the first time in their lives with the specter of unemployment, were forced to pick up their families, leave their home towns and move to more profitable parts of the country. The steel workers were not ready for this. They had planned to stay in the 'burgh their entire lives. It was home. Everyone I know can tell the same story about how Dad, Uncle Bob or their brother-in-law packed a U-Haul and headed down to Tampa to build houses or up to Boston for an office job At this same time, during the early to mid-eighties, the Pittsburgh Steelers were at the peak of their popularity. Following the Super Bowl dynasty years, the power of the Steelers was strong. Every man, woman, boy and girl from parts of four states were Pittsburgh faithful, living and breathing day to day on the news of their favorite team. Then, as now, it seemed to be all anyone talked about. Who do you think the Steelers will take in the draft this year? Is Bradshaw done? Can you believe they won't give Franco the money - what's he doing going to Seattle? The last memories most unemployed steel workers had of their towns had a black and gold tinge. The good times remembered all seemed to revolve, somehow, around a football game. Sneaking away from your sister's wedding reception to go downstairs to the bar and watch the game against Earl Campbell and the Oilers - going to midnight mass, still half in the bag after Pittsburgh beat Oakland - you and your grandfather, both crying at the sight of The Chief, finally holding his Vince Lombardi Trophy. And then, the mills closed. Damn the mills. One of the unseen benefits of the collapse of the value systems our families believed in - that the mill would look after you through thick and thin - was that now, decades later, there is not a town in America where a Pittsburgher cannot feel at home. Nearly every city in the United States has a designated "Black and Gold" establishment. From Bangor, Maine to Honolulu, Hawaii, and every town in between can be found an oasis of Iron City, chipped ham and yinzers. It's great to know that no matter what happened in the lives of our Steel City refugees, they never forgot the things that held us together as a city - families, food, and Steelers football. . . . . It's what we call the Steeler Nation. You see it every football season. And when the Steelers have a great year, as they have had this season, the power of the Steeler Nation rises to show itself stronger than ever. This week, as the Pittsburgh team of Roethlisberger, Polamalu, Bettis and Porter head to Denver, the fans of Greenwood, Lambert, Bleier and Blount, the generation who followed Lloyd, Thigpen, Woodson and Kirkland will be watching from Dallas to Chicago, from an Air Force base in Minot, North Dakota, to a tent stuck in the sand near Fallujah, Iraq. I have received more email from displaced Pittsburgh Steelers fans this week than Christmas cards this holiday season. . They're everywhere. . . We're everywhere. . . . We are the Steeler Nation. And now, it's passing from one generation to the next. The children of displaced Pittsburghers, who have never lived in the Steel City, are growing up Steelers fans. When they come back to their parents' hometowns to visit the grandparents, they hope, above all, to be blessed enough to get to see the Steelers in person. Heinz Field is their football Mecca. And if a ticket isn't available, that's okay, too. There's nothing better than sitting in Grandpa's living room, just like Dad did, eating Grandma's cooking and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. . . . Just like Dad did. So, to you, Steeler Nation, I send best wishes and a fond wave of the Terrible Towel. To Tom, who emailed from Massachusetts to say how great it was to watch the Patriots lose and the Steelers win in one glorious weekend. To Michelle, from Milwaukee, who wrote to let me know it was she who hexed Mike Vanderjagt last Sunday by chanting "boogity, boogity, boogity" and giving him the "maloik". To Jack, who will somehow pull himself away from the beach bar he tends in Hilo, Hawaii, to once again root for the black and gold in the middle of the night (his time), I say, thanks for giving power to the great Steeler Nation. All around the NFL, the word is out that the Pittsburgh Steeler fans "travel well", meaning they will fly or drive from Pittsburgh to anywhere the Steelers play, just to see their team. The one aspect about that situation the rest of the NFL fails to grasp is that, sometimes, the Steeler Nation does not have to travel. Sometimes, we're already there. Yes, the short sighted steel mills screwed our families over. But they did, in a completely unintended way, create something new and perhaps more powerful than an industry. They helped created a nation: A Steeler Nation. (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Lemieux Retires from the Penguins I am very proud of coming from Pittsburgh and I am certainly proud of the Steelers right now (couldn't tell, could ya?). But this truly is sad news for the city of Pittsburgh. The Pens have lost alot of attention in the past few years but I believe that Mario will remain in the hearts of Pittsburghers forever. Even if the Pens do leave Pittsburgh, the legend will live on. (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Something wonderful to me To watch it grow inside yourself To feel your heart beside itself Sometimes it hurts to love so bad (when you know you've given all you can) Sometimes it hurts to even laugh (you do your best but still it's much too sad) Sometimes the pain is just too much And it hurts like hell that's the way it feels True love it has no hiding place It's not something you just put away It's always there inside of you And It shows in everything you do Sometimes it hurts to love so bad (when you know you've given it your best) Sometimes it hurts to even laugh (you feel thousand miles from happiness) Sometimes the pain is just too much And it hurts like hell that's the way it feels Here we are the two of us So full of love, so little trust But dying for some tenderness But too afraid to take the step Sometimes it hurts to love so bad (when you know what it can put you through) Sometimes it hurts to even laugh (there's nothing funny if it's killing you) Sometimes the pain is just too much And it hurts like hell that's the way it feels I know if there is any chance For us to find out happiness We've got to learn to let it go Forget all the pain we know Sometimes it hurts to love so bad Sometimes it hurts to even laugh Sometimes the pain is just too much And it hurts like hell that's the way it feels "Hurts Like Hell" by Aretha Franklin (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Tuesday, January 24, 2006 |
This is by far the best news story to hit the planet. And please note that this is NOT a joke site.... this is a true report. (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
I know, its sappy... But I really am amazed and I know that someone who can care for Jill might be able to tolerate me..... Maybe :) kim... I know you read my blog so I just want to thank you for being you. (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
So why is my room haunted now with The Creator? Because for the first time in a VERY long time, I actually picked up a book to start reading. Oddly enough, my pastor kinda threw this book at me on Sunday.... I dont read... not only does he tell me I need to look over this book but he shoves me the sequel to it. I'm like wtf.... Mike... I have 2 books sitting in my room now that I really want to read... "Just take it home and look it over... you can bring it back next week if you want" .... "No, Mike, it's ok... it looks interesting... I'll just bring money for the books next week" .... then I think to myself "ok, why not... I have plenty of books in my room that I'll never read but at least it makes me LOOK like I have good intentions".... So tonight I pick up this book? Why? Well, its obvious... my room is haunted. Thats why. I * R E A D * T H I S : The reply came: "David, as a boy, spent many cold and lonely nights alone with his sheep. It was then that he learned to hear my voice, You, my son, are not the first to have this sort of experience. There were countless nights when David found warmth and comfort in me and me alone. In that training period, David grew accustomed to the sound of my voice, just as his sheep had grown accustomed to his. He loved me and obeyed me." From God.Com by James Alexander Langteaux (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Patiently waiting by the phone Hoping that you will call me home The pain inside my love denied Hopes and dreams swallowed by pride Everything I need it lies in you From "Broken" by 12 Stones (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Monday, January 23, 2006 |
honestly tho..... I don't get it. (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Sunday, January 22, 2006 |
I was just thinking about this in church today.... and literally started crying because I missed it.... because I realized that she was the only person in my life that ever really gave a care that I was hurting.... or maybe others do too but just dont show it... the thing was, she showed it. And alot of times, I feel that sometimes people dont really care about me, they just do something because they are sick of dealing with me..... another thing going through my mind is something that I dont want to remember but I remember so well.... Shortly before moving to VA, I fell into a really depressed state and just started crying uncontrollably.... My parents couldnt deal with it.... and my mom just plain got pissed. I remember her grabbing me and looking me in the eye with a really mean look and saying "I'm tired of pussy footing around with you" .... now im not saying that my mom didnt care.... but I realize how much of a burden I have been to people around me and that I still am.... but the thing is.... in my life, Tiff has been the only one that never yelled at me about how much of ass I was.... she was the only person that had an idea that I couldnt control the way I was in those depressed states.... she realized that she couldnt do anything and the best thing should could do was just grab my hand and let me know she was there. So yea, I miss Tiff.... I miss what I had when I had hurt. No doubt that I became too much for her as well and thats why she left me.... but at least she never attacked me for the things I couldnt control. I'll probably never have that again... and I guess that's just my loss.... but I do miss it, and most likely I always will. (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
 I'll be in PA from Feb 4th till Feb 6th.... Anyone wanna join me? (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Sing along: Here we go, Steelers, here we go.... PITTSBURGHS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
As fans of the NFL, we congratulate you. We know the effort it takes to convert five Patriots turnovers into 24 points. And just like you, we'll overlook the fact two of those came on muffed punts and kicks. Todd Sauerbrun leads all NFL punters with forced fumbles for good reason. Every good returner in the game is subject to fumbling after being hit by the punter accused of using steroids. We're in this position again, as you may or may not remember. Denver traveled to Pittsburgh for the AFC Championship game in 1997 - en route to your first Super Bowl win. We would like to remind you of three things before this game: 1. No John Elway. 2. No Terrell Davis. 3. No Kordell Stewart. We're sure you were happy as pigs in feces over the 'mighty' Colts losing to those lucky Steelers, but you should be reminded that Pittsburgh has won two consecutive playoff road games, and Invesco Field doesn't intimidate us one iota. Even Elway himself has said fans there are too busy eating cheese and drinking wine to make any noise that would trouble a visiting team. Also, we are taking this moment to acknowledge a recent trend, where our opponents have to buy ad space in local newspapers and radio stations begg" (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
I do have a lot on my mind but the Steelers are playing so my mind just stops and focuses on the Steelers..... We'll visit that later.... For now, again I say.... G O * S T E E L E R S ! ! ! ! (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
I'm at church and still in a good mood so I wanted to take the time to (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Actually, I rarely take the Xanax.... and taking the Xanax isnt to sleep when I do take it (for the most part). Yesterday was constant border of panic for me.... had a couple attacks yesterday.... and I just needed to relax my chest because it hurt like hell.... It was a nice side effect last night that it knocked me out but that wasnt why I took it.... Seriously, yesterday was the first time in at least 6 months that I took it with the exception of a couple days ago.... Dependencay is a fear of mine after watching what happened to my aunt so its not something I'm going to fall into.... so please dont worry about that. If I get to a point where I cant sleep, maybe I'll see about the Ambien.... but not being able to sleep hasnt been an issue. As for not seeing how things can be so bad.... in all honesty, I dont either.... but the fact is that they are.. and when I say that they are,I mean that they are in my head. Truthfully, yes, there were a few things that hurt me yesterday.... and they were things that were justified.... the problem wasnt in them hurting me, it was in HOW MUCH they hurt me. This is becoming a yearly thing it seems.... well... almost yearly but I guess more so every 10 months.... last time I hit this was shortly after I moved down here when I ended up in the ER... and of course it was shortly after that that Tiff decided to give up on me and it snowballed that for a few weeks... the things snapped and I was better.... I think I need to somehow find a way to get to a psychologist/psychiastrist and figure out if the "touch of something else" (other than ADHD) is actually BiPolar and not clinical depression..... Of course, it doesnt help that I'm out of Zoloft and I cant get the freaking doctors office to call me back! The good news is this.... I feel pretty good right now.... I'm up and I'm getting ready for church and, well, anyone that knows me know that if anything can cheer me up, its a Sunday morning at New Life! And actually, it seems I have found 3 good options for doctors so sometime this week I'm gonna make an appointment with one of them and then I will work with them on finding out if I need a psychologist/psychiatrist. (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Saturday, January 21, 2006 |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
When you've laid your hands upon me And told me who you are I thought I was mistaken I thought I heard your words Tell me How do I feel tell me now How do I feel How does it feel? How should I feel? Tell me how does it feel? To treat me like you do Those who came before me Lived through their vocations From the past until completion They'll turn away no more And I still find it so hard To say what I need to say But I'm quite sure that you'll tell me Just how I should feel today I see ship in the harbor I can and shall obey But if it wasn't for your misfortunes I'd be a heavenly person today And I thought I was mistaken And I thought I heard you speak Tell me now How should I feel Now I stand here waiting... I thought I told you to leave me While I walked down to the beach Tell me how does it feel when your heart grows cold How does it feel? How should I feel? Tell me how does it feel? To treat me like you do "Blue Monday" by Orgy (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
In related news scientists have confirmed that the earth is indeed round. I'm glad that people share the idea that I have (reference to most of the comments left). I simply do not want to support a company that is completely and utterly evil. Here are a couple comments from that page that I really think fit: Unlike some people, I have NO problem with the music they produce. I'm one of those losers that like Green Day. I like mainstream music like Dashboard Confessional, Fall Out Boy, or even Justin Timberlake. Big fucking deal. Sue me. However, I can't buy msuic from them on principal. Just like I wouldn't buy blankets from the online Al-qaeda shop, I can't buy music from them. Yes, an extreme example but it lays out my point in black and white: I don't buy things/support people/companies I think are "true evil". I don't buy from Walmart, I don't buy music from the RIAA, and I don't buy ten year old girls from the local human trafficker. --mboverload I would have thought with the high standards employed by the RIAA in its lawsuits, it would intimidate anyone out of file-sharing. (View Links: Link 1 - Link 2 - Link 3) --RandomPrecision Suing people tends to piss them off, making them less likely to buy from you. --Pantero Blanco "The International Federation of the Phonographic Industries (IFPI) said it was 'containing" the problem and more people were connecting to broadband." Who cares what they say, nobody uses phonographs anymore. And we thought the RIAA had an outdated business model. --Supurcell If by "new and flexible", he means, "irritating and tedious", then no- I don't think DRM is misunderstood at all! --deep44 .....Just how outlawing liquor in the 30's made it more popular than ever. --ztwilight Whats the point though, why all this fus, it's just people trying to share enjoyment. It's not like money makes people happy, if the artists are good then they sell tickets, that's where the real money is. --eneville (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
 (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
This is the first time in history that .5mg of xanax is having no effect (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Friday, January 20, 2006 |
So basically, you'll probably find me going into my shell again.... ignoring people around me because if I'm around people, I'll just constantly upset them and bring them down. Already in the last week I've apparently hurt my friends a couple times by acting ways that I didnt even realize I was acting.... It's no wonder I'm single..... no one is ever going to truly love someone that's such a mess like this.... no one is ever going to want to deal with it.... and no matter what people tell me, I know they'll leave and not deal with it. Its happened too many times.... in fact, I convinced myself that I wouldnt let anyone near so that this disaster wouldnt happen again.... then Tiff came along and for some reason, I went against that... I opened up.... she told me she loved me and that she never would leave me and that no matter what, she would be there for me..... well, look now.... she's so far gone that I dont even know who she is anymore. Not only did she leave, but she left in one of the worst possible times..... So you want me to believe that YOUR never going to leave me? Right.... Its not that its anything against you (whoever you are, reading this), but its that I've had my life experiences and I've learned that I can't trust those promises anymore.... seems that no one is about keeping that promise. What hope do I have? I'm just going to be a misserable single human being the rest of my life.... and maybe for a few months in a row, I'll actually feel good about myself.... but either way, this isnt the ideal life..... it sucks.... So really.... what hope do I have? (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
I gotta fix the Samurai so that I can save money I guess. I give up.... (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
So on my way home from work a heard a song on The Fish (XM032) that Aside from all the recent stress, things are pretty well. I walked out I still have some things on my mind and there certainly still is pain in Good Night (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
Thankfully, my shift is just about over so I can go home soon and get to bed I guess..... At least I had a few hours of happiness today.... that was more than I can say for the last week combined (C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |
(C)2003-2008, Bob K Mertz - Some Rights Reserved |