Gay bears?

Yeah...okay, this was an interesting adsense ad that popped up this AM. Meet Gay bears. I am afraid to click the link, but almost afraid not too. What would one of these meetings be like? Do bears even care? Just had to share this interesting ad before it went away.

Same Sex unions

Gay marriage is a touchy subject in today’s world. With the upcoming elections, it seems to be a topic of discussion. Some of the candidates support, others support civil unions, others don’t support either. Of course, choosing a candidate on one topic alone is a mistake.

Why should gay marriage not be legally recognized? What part of the constitution disallows it? Currently individual states are the final decisions on marriage. Only one state supports it, Massachusetts. The federal courts have overturned other marriage bans (such as one banning interracial marriage) and a few civil union cases as well.

In my opinion, this is a form of oppression, similar to what the founding fathers encountered when they decided to leave England and travel to the New World. It is the government interfering in the happiness of people. Who cares if you don’t believe in it, believe in homosexuality, or believe in same sex unions? The fact is an increasing large part of the population practices or is in a same sex relationship. This is a large part of the country that is having their very freedoms restricted from them. The very basis of this country was built on freedom. What is being done to same sex couples is stripping this freedom from them.

The main push to hinder and restrict gay marriage comes from religion. Rather ironic, that religious freedom doesn’t extend to recognizing other people’s happiness. Does gay marriage affect people in any way, at all? No, it doesn’t. I don’t want to know what goes on in anybodies bedroom, straight or gay. That’s private between partners. I have never met a homosexual who tried to influence me to change my way (which wouldn’t happen anyway). All they want is happiness, to be with the one they love. Who is the government, or the church, or anybody think they are to restrict this happiness, from a portion of this counties free people?

When all is said and done, the only argument that should be presented is how will this affect people’s freedom? That’s what it is, the freedom to be happy with the person they love. Religion and politics never have, and never will mix. There should be no law stating marriage is only between a man and a woman. Equality, freedom and happiness are at stake for a portion of our country. Nothing will change unless a voice changes it, makes the stubborn masses see that they are restricting freedom. Not the freedom to harm others, influence others, kill others, or steal from others, but the freedom to be happy.

Review: Black Bears of East Tennessee

Black bears are becoming more abundant in East Tennessee. This year with the drought, they also have a more visible presence as the desire for food and water bring them closer and closer to the biggest threat they have, mankind.

Based on current data, there are over 1800 black bears living in the Great Smoky Mountains national park. That is equal to 2 bears per square mile. They can be found in most all areas and elevations of the park. Black bear attacks on people are rare, and most of those come from people interfering with the bear.

When out this fall enjoying the colors in the mountains, whether hiking, camping, or just on a short drive, there is some important information to remember.

• If you see a bear, do not attempt to approach it, pet it, or antagonize it in any way, shape or form.
• When camping, keep all food away from the tent, and suspended from the ground.
• Immediately dispose of any and all food scraps, containers, wrappers, napkins, or anything that may have the smell of food on it.
• When hiking, do not leave backpacks, food, small animals or children unattended. Bears sense of smell is many times greater then ours.
• Never, ever toss or feed the bears, or any wildlife, at any time. A human food dependant bear becomes a nuisance bear.

Food management is one of the easiest ways to prevent hostile bear encounters. Keep your food away from your sleeping area, and out of reach. Very, very rarely do black bears just attack people; although, there has been stories of them actively stalking and killing people. This is in the minority though.

What should you do if you encounter a bear? Keep the bear in your field of view and back away slowly. If the bear has interest in you, and you have food, lay it down and walk away slowly, never turning your back on the bear. If the bear begins making noise, slapping the ground, acting aggressive, it is a sign it is feeling threatened and cornered. Never approach a cub, its momma will be near by. The saying, “mad as a momma bear” comes from this very instance. Cubs are cute and all, but one cry from the cub brings momma running, and at this point your very life is in danger.

If a black bear notices you, and comes towards you, begin making noises, make yourself as tall as you can, look for a branch or rock to defend yourself with. Most experts now agree playing dead is a bad thing to do.

Black bears are wonderful animals, but like all wild animals they need to be respected. Respecting them, their space, and nature will ensure many generations are able to experience the thrill of a mountain drive, and seeing that elusive bear.

Mens Advice: Enduring the heat

Its hot. Hot and humid. Temperatures are in the upper 90's, heat index near 110. The heat takes your breathe away just by stepping outside, you begin to sweat in seconds. That good looking woman in the office next to yours looks good, cool, and very non-sweaty. What should you do next? Well, unbuttoning the top button on your shirt and flexing your fleshy man boobs wont get you noticed, except snickered at. How do you beat the heat and still manage to flash that winning smile?

Dress cool for hot weather. If you aren't required to wear a tie, don't wear one. Wear short sleeves if possible, and if wearing a dress shirt, wear an undershirt. You may think the extra shirt will be hotter, but by wearing an undershirt ( and no, not your old rotted motley crue shirt) you will avoid the unkempt look of having your shirt plastered to your chest, and reduce the amount of armpit sweat you show the world.

Keep that mop on your head trimmed short, keep all facial hair ( if you have any ) trimmed short and close to the face. The hair style may be loose and floppy, but a close trimmed haircut will cut down on the sweat, and keep your hair looking professional for the better part of the day.

If you are going to exercise, get up early before the heat of the day and get in your workout before work. Take a shower before getting re-dressed for work, and make sure you drink plenty of water to cool yourself down. Throughout the day be sure and stay hydrated, snack lightly, and keep heavy meals to a bare minimum. Be sure and wear loose fitting pants and shirts, and light colored clothes as well. Use deodorant! That should be common knowledge, but it is amazing how many do not do this. Keep drinking the night before to a bare minimum, or avoid alcohol all together. If you do sweat, the alcohol smell will be all around you.

If you have a flashy convertible, it is best to keep the top up and the AC on. Sure, it may use a bit more gas, but in hot humid weather you will overheat quickly, and still sweat.

Not much you can do about the heat, but following these simple steps will help ensure if she looks your way, she probably won't wrinkle her nose and look away.

Boomsday Labor Day Celebration

Labor Day is fast approaching, and with it the end of summer, the beginning of college football. Here in Knoxville Tennessee; however, Labor Day is so much more. One of, if not the largest fireworks displays will occur on Labor Day. Boomsday has been going on in Knoxville for over 10 years. Over 325,000 people view this display, over the riverfront in downtown Knoxville. The fireworks display last for 30 minutes, is perfectly choreographed to music, and is absolutely amazing. The Henley Street Bridge is closed down the morning before Boomsday to allow for the fireworks to be put in place on the bridge. Under the bridge, near volunteer landing will be food, drink, games, activities, live music, and lots of people enjoying the show.

This attraction draws people from all over the country. Sure it’s great for Knoxville’s economy, but its better for the people. Getting to meet and interact with everybody is one of the big draws, in addition to the fireworks. People watch the show from the road, Volunteer landing, downtown Knoxville, even their own boats. If boating in, be sure and leave early enough, the Vol Navy is usually out in full force, and the water ways can be a bit crowded.

There is no fee to enter the festivities, and they begin at noon on September 3^rd. Parking has been known to be a problem, but recent changes should alleviate that headache this year. For visitors coming in to Knoxville be warned road construction is affecting I-40 east and west bound, coming from the east into Knoxville. If coming for 40 east or 81, be sure and take the 640 bypass to 275. This will let you bypass the bulk of the road construction. Lodging can be found all over Knoxville, but anything in the merchant road exit area will be most convenient.

Some other things to do in Knoxville while visiting for Boomsday include clubs, fine dining, the Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove, Cherokee NC Harrahs Casino (1.5 hours away), Pigeon forge, Dollywood, and Gatlinburg.

Boomsday is always an exciting event, lots of fun, and best of all, fireworks! Come see and enjoy all the fun.

Men welcome to the 30's

So, you have hit 30, you feel your life is over when in reality it is just beginning. As long as we men are in our 20’s we still can maintain that 20 something mentality. Once we hit 30, our perspective changes. We look in the mirror and notice that our stomach no longer shows that 6 pack, but appears to be the result of many 6 packs. Our guns are without ammo, we have some wrinkles, our hairline may be receding, our butt is disappearing, and our pecs are soon becoming fleshy man boobs. We are hit with the realization that we are getting older.

Some men handle this well, start back to the gym, eat better, cut out the late night beer drinking, quit smoking, and have a complete lifestyle change. Others shrug, figure there is nothing to do about it, go buy a fast car to compensate, and try to live with it.

Life doesn’t end in the 30’s guys, it just begins. At this age we should have a good idea what we are doing with our lives, most of us married or divorced, have kids, have a career. We have work commitments, family commitments, children’s sports, wife/girlfriends, and hopefully good credit by this time. We feel pulled apart in many directions and feel at times that we never have enough time for everything. Obviously we put our kids and significant others first, and our jobs, then ourselves.

There are some things we can do to ease the stress of the 30’s and get some of that energy back.

• Get plenty of sleep: We aren’t spring chickens anymore. We can’t go all the time on just 5 hours a night. Make sure you have a comfortable sleeping environment, no TV in the bedroom, no computers, nothing that gives off any ambient light.
• Eat healthy: It’s hard to eat healthy in a world of constant being on the go, but make it a priority to try and eat the healthiest you can when you can.
• Couple time: Schedule some time for just you and your wife/girlfriend. You all are both going in opposite directions all day long; you need to re-connect frequently to keep that bond intact and growing. Relationships aren’t a whim, they are a commitment.
• Exercise time: Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of exercise in a day. This relieves stress, keeps the blood flowing and actually gives you energy.

These are just a few tips to help us men cope with the fact that we aren’t getting any younger. Getting older is a fact of life, and in reality, it sure beats the alternative.

Blog writers union

Some bloggers blog as a means to express themselves, helping others, actual reporting and investigations, or a means to supplemental income. The internet allows anybody with an opinion to express it to the world. A group of bloggers recently met to discuss the possibility and feasibility of forming a Union. They wish to qualify for insurance, set standards and regulation, and turn blogging into more of a profession. It is to be expected, with the presidential election upcoming, that bloggers feel they have a hand in the decision making of America. I believe this is what is driving this movement at this time. Most any message board contains links to blogs, people swear by their favorite bloggers, their work is considered law by many.

Anybody can post a blog, make it look real, and get famous for it. These are the type that need to be avoided. Anything written on-line needs to be verified as much as possible. Benefits of belonging to a coalition of bloggers would be more credibility, more exposure, press passes and the above mentioned insurance and possible more income.

A big downside, and one voiced by others as well is the fact that blogging currently allows people to express their view and opinion as well. Under union or coalition rules, they feel that they will become controlled, or not even allowed to voice certain viewpoints. Even though news reports claim that they are unbiased, most everybody has some bias to their writing. Even Fox news, claiming to be fair and unbiased, has a visible slant to most of their stories. For every blogger that thinks Bush is the greatest and reports his victories, there is a blogger that points out his weakness. Freedom of speech allows these viewpoints, in addition to the fact that there is no governing body forcing them to write with a specific slant. All viewpoints are considered and expressed through the blog empire now.

Some bloggers are very professional in their writings, others not as much, and still more that just write because they enjoy writing. Thousands of people daily log on and read their favorite blogs. A blog union will create a rift in the blogging community, and a sense of elitism could develop among those who are union, and those who are not.