Home Depot Experts

I just started working at Home Depot about a year ago, and the one thing that I have determined is that everyone thinks that because you have on that orange apron that you are an expert in all fields. I went to work there in the garden section because that is what I understand"Gardens", but with the end of the season I have been moved temporarily to Kitchen and Bath, something that I know nothing about, but I am learning, but it puts me in the middle of the store next to electrical and plumbing, and people are constantly asking me questions, questions that they already know the answer to but they just want someone to reinforce their beliefs. And a lot of the answers are on the box, if you just read it, But people like to feel as though they are dealing with experts, and they thank you as if you just pulled their child out of a burning building, even when you've done absolutely nothing at all except stand next to them as they find out the information themselves. The phrase "You can do it we can help" should actually be "You can do it your damn self -we'll just sell it to you for a slight profit"

Good To Be A Black Man!

It's a great time to be a black man living in Boston. We have elected a black Governor, The Celtics are the world champions, The Red Sox are the world champions. And we got Obama on his way to the White House. Who could ask for more. Although there is that dispoportinate number of Black men in prisons, and the ones who are fathering children and not living up to their responsibilities, but hey those are only temporary issues. We need to keep positive. Not once this year have we seen a videotape of a brother getting beat up by the cops, not that it's not happening we just haven't seen it. And that whole foreclosure mess is affecting everyone black, white, and Latino. The mostly black Basketball team from America has won a gold meddle, as well as the Williams sisters winning in tennis. Yeah it's a good time to be a black man. I mean we have higher unemployment lower median household incomes, and higher murder rates. But think about it things could be worse. I'm not sure how but they could be. So let's just take our wins and be happy, because who knows what tomorrow may bring.

I have cats!

I have 2 cats and their personalities could not be more different. Puck is the cool and aloof one. He spend most of his time seeing how new things feel on his butt. Yeah anytime you bring home something new he just has to sit on it before moving on to other things. He also like to wake up my wife in the morning to tell her it’s time for him to eat. Without fail every morning at about 5 a.m. this cat comes into the room, hops up on the bed, and rubs his butt in my wife’s face indicating that it is now time for him to eat. Now our cat Eddie is a different story, his whole thing is about sleep, but to Eddie it is important that someone sleeps with him. That is why every night he sits on the stairs to inspire us to go to bed. Once we are in bed his routine is the same. He first comes over to me and sits on my chest hoping to get a rub or 2, and then he gets off and goes to the other side of the bad to sleep on top of my wife’s feet.

Puck is not much of an eater matter of fact he has to take a pill to increase his appetite, but you can’t let him see the bottle, because he runs when I pick it up, so I find myself sneaking around with the pill bottle to give it to him. I find that I often talk to the cats as if they were human, telling them that not only am I leaving the house but where I’m actually going. I think I get this from my wife. She is obsessed with making sure that puck eats, and she actually will ask him what he would like to eat tonight.

Having cats can be an exciting and rewarding experience. When you’ve had a bad day and they come up and cuddle with you, or to watch their antics of chasing flies and trying to escape to the outside world can be lots of fun. But there is the hairballs and cat litter to consider

What Did He Just Say!!!

Did I hear George W. Bush in a conversation with Bob Costas last night that there are no problems in America. What America is he talking about? What about gas prices and the housing situation just to name 2. I'm telling you. I can't wait for Barrack Obama to take over at the helm, At least then we'll have a president who understands the problems, because they can't be fixed if you are denying that there are actual problems

Obama won YEAH! now what? Do we think that Hillery should be the VP nominee? I do, because she brings with her all of the blue coller white people who will vote for John McCain if she isn't on the ticket. She also will bring with her the Hispanic vote, and not to mention Bill. I think having Bill back in the White House would be a good thing. It will give all of those bored pages something to look forward too. Plus could you imagine Bill and Michell Obama out shopping together. I say YES bring on the Clinton's, and let's give em somethin to talk about

Let's Just get it over

The democrats are wasting my time with all of the debates, and campaigning and all. John McCain is just sitting back and enjoying the show. Who is going to be Obama or Hillery? Does it really matter? No , from where I sit there promises are just campaign rhetoric. We will all see that the economy will basically be the same no matter who takes of in January of 09, They are not going to be able to get us out of the war as quickly as they say they will, and no matter who wins there's going to be just as many people on either side upset about the outcome. So why not just flip a coin and the winner is the next democratic nominee, and let';s end all of this bickering.

The Signs Of Our Time!

Boston City Councilman Jerry McDermott’s recent resolution to remove the Citgo sign from the Boston skyline seems to be just another attempt to infuse the debate over George Bush’s policies with one person’s personal politics. Hugo Chavez, by inappropriately and foolishly using the world stage of the U.N. to apparently develop a stand-up routine for the left and a lightning rod for the right should be called to task, and possibly face a reprimand from the U.N. – although I don’t feel that is forthcoming.

But the Citgo sign, well the issue of the sign’s existence is frankly a non-issue. Making it an issue is just one more way to distract the public’s attention from the fact that under the disastrous policies of George W. Bush we as a country have become less effective in helping to shape a positive world view, and have become a laughing stock to even some that were once our allies.

So please, Mr. Councilman, if you are trying to turn the Citgo sign into the next “Freedom Fries,” please stop, and just continue the good work that you have become known for in the Allston/Brighton district you serve. And let us stay away from escalating the hatred, mistrust, and small-mindedness that seems to be the hallmark of this current administration. Let’s get back to the time when being an American was a good thing, something that people around the world could respect. There are issues here and abroad that need all of our attention, from day care for the young and old, the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, -- and soon, Iran. We are dealing with issues of health, our city streets, homelessness, gender equality -- and the list goes on.

Please – let’s focus on the real issues and not get distracted by ridiculous political posturing.

Maurice Rucker