Columbus Day 2024

Usually for Columbus Day I go on my usual rant asking the question, why is this considered a day of Italian heritage? The Italians wouldn't back the expedition that Columbus proposed. He had to turn to Spain to get his trip going. So shouldn't we be celebrating the Spanish for their cleverness in backing this man and his notion of traveling West to get to the East? The Italians did NOTHING for him.

It's also brought up that we shouldn't celebrate anything for Columbus because he didn't discover anything. The Vikings had visited "The New World" centuries earlier. Yeah, they did, and there were no permanent settlements and the knowledge was lost to Europeans for years. Once Columbus discovered land and the possibilities it possessed, there was a new race to stake claims in the New World. He provided us with a reason to move on from Europe. 

But lately I have been reading some very unsettling messages. We shouldn't celebrate Christopher Columbus Day because he is the single biggest perpetrator of crimes against humanity the world has ever known. To me, this claim is off base. We are in the process of rewriting history now. Somehow we expect people hundreds of years ago to be on the same wavelength that, really, only a few of us are on today. To this day, there is still slavery, genocide and mass murder around the world, yet no one will say or do anything about it. We can't tell the Middle East what to do, but Columbus should've known better? And, yes, I am well aware of the notes and letters Columbus had written about how easily enslaved the natives would be and the terrible things inflicted upon them directly as a result of his occupation. Similar atrocities were commonplace all over the world in those days. Slavery wasn't new at that time and was never pretty.

The truth is humanity is always evolving. Many cultures have grown and progressed since the dark times that found slavery a perfectly fine industrial model and inequality among the races and sexes perfectly acceptable. What I find unacceptable is blaming important historical figures for things that we now see as unjust. 

Now can we celebrate a holiday for a man who, effectively, doubled the size of this planet for mankind?

 

 

 

Thought of the day: Platypus

Why is it that when people refer to the platypus they call it 

The Duck-Billed Platypus

Are there any other varieties???

Columbus Day 2021

Usually for Columbus Day I go on my usual rant asking the question, why is this considered a day of Italian heritage? The Italians wouldn't back the expedition that Columbus proposed. He had to turn to Spain to get his trip going. So shouldn't we be celebrating the Spanish for their cleverness in backing this man and his notion of traveling West to get to the East? The Italians did NOTHING for him.

It's also brought up that we shouldn't celebrate anything for Columbus because he didn't discover anything. The Vikings had visited "The New World" centuries earlier. Yeah, they did, and there were no permanent settlements and the knowledge was lost to Europeans for years. Once Columbus discovered land and the possibilities it possessed, there was a new race to stake claims in the New World. He provided us with a reason to move on from Europe. 

But lately I have been reading some very unsettling messages. We shouldn't celebrate Christopher Columbus Day because he is the single biggest perpetrator of crimes against humanity the world has ever known. To me, this claim is off base. We are in the process of rewriting history now. Somehow we expect people hundreds of years ago to be on the same wavelength that, really, only a few of us are on today. To this day, there is still slavery, genocide and mass murder around the world, yet no one will say or do anything about it. We can't tell the Middle East what to do, but Columbus should've known better? And, yes, I am well aware of the notes and letters Columbus had written about how easily enslaved the natives would be and the terrible things inflicted upon them directly as a result of his occupation. Similar atrocities were commonplace all over the world in those days. Slavery wasn't new at that time and was never pretty.

The truth is humanity is always evolving. Many cultures have grown and progressed since the dark times that found slavery a perfectly fine industrial model and inequality among the races and sexes perfectly acceptable. What I find unacceptable is blaming important historical figures for things that we now see as unjust. 

Now can we celebrate a holiday for a man who, effectively, doubled the size of this planet for mankind?

The Romani People

 

From my mere two trips to Europe I learned a great many things, but one lesson that is strong in my mind is how terrified people are of Gypsies over there. 

 

The term Gipsy or Gypsy comes from "Little Egyptians" due to a lack of understanding where these nomadic people truly originated from. The answer to that question is India. But the most interesting part of their story is how superstitious people remain about the Gypsies even to this day. In Greece you would see Gypsy camps on the side of the roads and peddlers selling all manner of goods all over on street corners. The curious part was how the locals would avoid the Gypsies at all costs... crossing streets, etc. 

I had heard my Greek in-laws recommend keeping distance from Gypsies, but I am an American, this ancient, old world stories are meaningless to me. However, one time on the Greek rail system my wife and I came across another American. This older lady was in love with the country an was telling us about the fun she was having on her trip. Except for the GYPSIES! "You better be careful with them, they can put a spell on you, use mind control, so avoid eye contact!" I was mystified. How can a reasonable person take this turn in their logic stream? It made no sense to me. 

Since then I have something of an amused interest in the Romani people now that I know they are nomadic merchants and magic users. They sound like characters from D&D or a video game. 

 

 

 

Columbus Day 2018

Usually for Columbus Day I go on my usual rant asking the question, why is this considered a day of Italian heritage? The Italians wouldn't back the expedition that Columbus proposed. He had to turn to Spain to get his trip going. So shouldn't we be celebrating the Spanish for their cleverness in backing this man and his notion of traveling West to get to the East? The Italians did NOTHING for him.

It's also brought up that we shouldn't celebrate anything for Columbus because he didn't discover anything. The Vikings had visited "The New World" centuries earlier. Yeah, they did, and there were no permanent settlements and the knowledge was lost to Europeans for years. Once Columbus discovered land and the possibilities it possessed, there was a new race to stake claims in the New World. He provided us with a reason to move on from Europe. 

But lately I have been reading some very unsettling messages. We shouldn't celebrate Christopher Columbus Day because he is the single biggest perpetrator of crimes against humanity the world has ever known. To me, this claim is off base. We are in the process of rewriting history now. Somehow we expect people hundreds of years ago to be on the same wavelength that, really, only a few of us are on today. To this day, there is still slavery, genocide and mass murder around the world, yet no one will say or do anything about it. We can't tell the Middle East what to do, but Columbus should've known better? And, yes, I am well aware of the notes and letters Columbus had written about how easily enslaved the natives would be and the terrible things inflicted upon them directly as a result of his occupation. Similar atrocities were commonplace all over the world in those days. Slavery wasn't new at that time and was never pretty.

The truth is humanity is always evolving. Many cultures have grown and progressed since the dark times that found slavery a perfectly fine industrial model and inequality among the races and sexes perfectly acceptable. What I find unacceptable is blaming important historical figures for things that we now see as unjust. 

Now can we celebrate a holiday for a man who, effectively, doubled the size of this planet for mankind?

Yup

WTF Friday: Public Transportation Woes

Something I wrote in 2002...

In NYC theres always a push to get people to use the Public Transportation more. This lowers traffic congestion, reduces smog, and generates revenue for the MTA.

Well that's all fine and dandy. Except for when the system sucks!

Delays and stuff are expected. But the other things that happen make it an adventure.

Here are some amazing stories from the subway:

The Philosopher Pt 1

One day I get on the train. I was a lot younger, was probably when I took the NYPD test. It was a hot summer day, and even hotter in the subway. I get on the train. There was a man sitting nearby who turned to me.
"Hot, huh?" he asked.
"Yep, very," I responded.
"Did you know there is 10 degree difference down here," he said.
"Really," I said.
"Yes! So If it's 90 up there," gesturing to the surface, "it'll be 100 down here. You following me?"
So now I feel like I am obliged to follow this conversation, so I said, "Yeah."
Then from this point on he starts quizzing me. If it's 100 up there, what'll it be down here?" This went on for about 10 minutes until I got to my stop. I politely said, "See ya" and dashed off. 

Naked People Are Funny! Pt 1

My secretary and her friend get onto the train at the first stop. It was winter time and very cold. So what they sometimes do is shut most of the doors in each car to keep the heat in. A guy was the only one in the car other than the 2 girls. He proceeds to "whip it out" and proceeds to slap the salami. This particular train is set up so you cannot go from car to car. They were trapped in this car with this masturbating maniac. Luckily someone must've seen this and cops came in and grabbed the guy and dragged him off.

Subway Philosopher Pt 2

Another time I was on the train when a middle-aged casual man sat near me. He starting discussing politics and world affairs with me. That was fine. Then he excused himself because he wanted to read a little. At that time he pulled out HUSTLER magazine and commences gawking at the girls in odd positions inside. Mind you there were plenty of people on this train.

Naked People Are Funny Pt 2

My secretary seems to havea knack to be around when the nude bomb explodes. She's sitting on a car when a hefty girl starts screaming. This screaming girl gets up and starts running up and down the car tearing her clothes off. This must've been near the engineer or the conductor because when the train stopped the police were waiting to escort the stripped lunatic away.

The Empty Subway Car

If you see a subway car that is empty you can never tell what you might be in for when you get on. Usually there are two scenarios:
1. Smelly Homeless Guy. You get on the car and are quickly overwhelmed by the cruel stench of body odor, urine, feces, vomit, etc. on this cad. If you can hold your breath for the ride you may not be affected.
2. Heat. Frequently in the summer the train operators seem to mistake the AC switch with the HEAT switch. So it'll be 95 degrees on the platform, then you get in the car and it'll be about 110.

The Casual Stroll

There is nothing worse during the morning or evening rush than those people who have no place better to be. So they take there time. Strolling at a snails pace they love to hold up the staircases and walkways. The if you try to get around them they get annoyed and yell, "What's yo rush?" 

Goal Tenders

Some people love to get on the train and stand right by the door and not let anyone get by them. They actually get annoyed when you want to get around them and into the center of the car so that there is more room for people to get on. I've been cursed out by old ladies who were annoyed when I said "excuse me" and tried to get onto thte train. I thought old people were supposed to be wise? Not these old hags.

People with eyes that are smaller than their asses

I was sitting on the train once. The train was filling up fast. There was a space about 8 inches between me and the next guy. This lard-ass hippo lady starts backing her back bumper into that way-too-small seat. So in a panic I jumped up to save my life and informed her that she underestimated the size of the space and that she could have my seat as well. By the size of her girth I can see the needed to rest her poor knees and ankles from that terrible hefty burden. They could give out at any moment and just think of the death toll! I am a hero!

Client of the day: 04/02/2014

A lady just walked in. 

I prepared her tax returns recently. I was impressed that she gave $200,000 to various charities around the NYC area and felt my faith in humanity being restored. However, when she came in, she's an insufferably miserable and rude old hag. 

It made me wonder how that happens? 

Benevolent to charities but terrible to other people? 

I don't get it.

Spring Forward!

Today started Daylight Savings Time, so that means you SPRING FORWARD and lose and hour of sleep. Ex-Prez GWB changed the dates and, honestly, I really like the change. We used to lose that hour when it was far more precious to me, at the end of March when tax season was at it's worst. At least I can try to make it up during the week.

This weekend marks the unofficial end of Summer 2013

Can you think of a better song to mark this occasion?

Don Henley

The Boys Of Summer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsqcDXizFmE

Nobody on the road, nobody on the beach

I feel it in the air, the summer's out of reach

Empty lake, empty streets, the sun goes down alone

I'm drivin' by your house, though I know you're not home

But I can see you, your brown skin shinin' in the sun

You got your hair combed back and your sunglasses on, baby

And I can tell you my love for you will still be strong

After the boys of summer have gone

I never will forget those nights, I wonder if it was a dream

Remember how you made me crazy?

Remember how I made you scream?

Now I don't understand what happened to our love

But baby I'm gonna get you back

I'm gonna show you what I'm made of

I can see you, your brown skin shinin' in the sun

I see you walkin' real slow and you're smilin' at everyone

I can tell you my love for you will still be strong

After the boys of summer have gone

Out on the road today I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac

A little voice inside my head said

"Don't look back you can never look back"

I thought I knew what love was, what did I know?

Those days are gone forever, I should just let them go but

I can see you, your brown skin shinin' in the sun

You got that top pulled down and that radio on baby

And I can tell you my love for you will still be strong

After the boys of summer have gone

I can see you, your brown skin shining in the sun

You got that hair slicked back and those Wayfarers on, baby

I can tell you my love for you will still be strong

After the boys of summer have gone

WTF Friday: BAX0nator

Ever have one of those days when you wake up and you ask yourself,

"What day is it?"

"The DAY?"

"The DATE??"

"THE YEAR!?!?!"

I do that almost every morning now. I feel like Kyle Reese from the original Terminator, trying to orient himself in this strange place.

He was a soldier on a mission to save humanity. My private war? TAX SEASON! It won't give up. EVER! (Or until the filing deadline!)

From last year

Aw hell

Can I go back to Puerto Rico?

We got home yesterday and it hasn't stopped raining in NY. That's fine. But the washing machine broke down with all our vacation laundry in it. So there goes $600 down the drain for a new one. Fabulous.

Next, those fucking good-for-nothing Occupy Wall Street shitheads are promising to cripple NYC with protests today. Just because they have nothing better to do it doesn't mean I want to get caught up in their lazy nonsense. Will the City disperse those assholes already? 

Today is a gray and gloomy day in the greatest city in the world,  The City, my The City, NYC. Temperatures will actually DROP as the day proceeds. Delightful.

Dealing with this will certainly attain me that Sainthood I so greatly deserve, shouldn't it?

If not...

Can I go back to Puerto Rico?

Ferret Face

I assume that The Hangover 2 just hit DVD and / or pay-per-view because it as the in-flight movie and the cable at this hotel has been pushing it hard. I finally figured out what I didn't like about that movie, Bradley Cooper. The name ferret-face comes to mind. He looks like a fucking weasel. Why is it that every dude named Bradley looks like a fucking weasel? Can't trust a guy like that.

A very strange thing happened in CT

Today is my birthday. So Mrs. bax0jayz was thoughtful enough to plan a whole weekend around my birthday and Halloween, as I truly enjoy it to be celebrated. Also she packed up some outfits so I can have a few shoots in the can for this website. She wanted to be featured as a sexy nurse this year. Here's a first pic...

And the one I took directly after...

WTF is that smudge on the bottom right-hand corner of the first pic??? Keep in mind, we were in a well lit room and I was using THREE FLASHES for this shoot. There were no shadows in any of the other photos!

I've seen enough programs about the paranormal to know the following:

• Connecticut is the MOST HAUNTED STATE in the US.
• Unexplained shadows in a photo might be photographic evidence of paranormal activity.

What was it? Who knows. But it would be cool if I got a shot of something weird!

Happy Halloween!

Did God just SMITE me???

I've been having some theological discussions with friends lately. As I have friends all over the scale, from non-believers, to Bible thumpers.

The common theme that we've keep coming across has been, only through Christ can you get your ticket to heaven, because Jesus is your conduit for forgiveness of sin. By praying to God, and asking for forgiveness, you are forgiven and you create a place on line for yourself at the Pearly Gates. It doesn't seem to matter if you live your life as a good person, without Christ, your soul is doomed. On the other hand, you can be a horrendous person, but as long as you pray and ask God for forgiveness, it's okay.

So last night my friend and I were discussing it, and went all out on it. I told a joke that I want to be more like this guy Dan, but I can't fit seven cocks in my mouth at once, then apologized to God for being a douche. Hey, it's okay, I said sorry! My friend and I went on like that ALL NIGHT with a good laugh.

This morning I awoke and stumbled into the bathroom, and started washing up. While I had my face in the sink washing it, I remembered last night's discussion and started chuckling again. Sorry, God! Ah priceless! I opened my eyes and noticed blood in the sink.

BLOOD?!?!

I looked at my reflection in the mirror. There was blood flowing out of both of my nostrils. I haven't had a nosebleed like this in years. It took a moment to stop the bleeding. After that was over I had to ask myself, Did God just SMITE me?!?!

***Groan***

What's the diff?

WRXP 101.9 in NYC fired the entire air staff

Last night at 10 PM was when the final live airshift at NYC's 101.9 WRXP, The Rock Experience.

The "rock ipod" format station, led by Matt Pinfield has let go of the entire air staff and there is no word regarding the future of the station and format. Usually when a station burns everything tot eh ground like this it means that there will be a change in format. Who knows what's next? Yet another Top 40 station? Another urban station? Maybe Spanish? Time can only tell. But NY is in dire need for more rock stations. XRP was the ONLY station paying new rock music in the area.

Weekend Box Office: 06/20/2011

Box Office

1. Green Lantern $52.7M

2. Super 8 $21.2M
3. Mr. Popper's Penguins $18.2M
4. X-Men: First Class $11.5M
5. The Hangover Part II $9.63M

Despite taking the #1 spot, Green Lantern was considered a disappointment in comparison to the openings of other superhero movies. Maybe it's because no one gives a crap about Green Lantern. A dude gets a power ring from an alien that has to be recharged from a lantern? Plus DC characters are just so boring. Pass. I'm waiting for DVD. In fact, I can't wait for BAD TEACHER to come out this weekend. I want her to sit on MY face!

Karma

Earlier in the year Mrs. Bax0jayz put in for some vacation time. She requested October 28, 31, and November 1. Her supervisor told her that she was NOT permitted to take off the first three work days of any month because of the monthly closing of the books. My wife went to Human Resources with this issue and they backed up management.

As a result we couldn't go to New Orleans for Halloween, again, this year.

But it seems that fate was listening and decided to punish her bosses. My wife has been called in for Jury Duty. First day? TODAY. First day of the month, first day of the close, and she's expected to be out for a while. Karma is a tough thing to fuck with.