Did you ever think that the price of gas would have such a down-line impact on so much? I didn’t. I really wish someone who is REALLY smart would solve this issue. I’m tired of the blowhards spewing rhetoric, party lines, or PR agent-smoothed comment - it’s time for some reality on this subject. Hopefully from someone who really knows.

There’s more to this than the price at the pump. That, I do know.

I was listening to Mike & Mike in the Morning on ESPNRadio today and they were reviewing this list. Greeny hasn’t done any of them - much less even has an idea.

1. Patch a radiator hose
2. Protect your computer
3. Rescue a boater who has capsized
4. Frame a wall
5. Retouch digital photos
6. Back up a trailer
7. Build a campfire
8. Fix a dead outlet
9. Navigate with a map and compass
10. Use a torque wrench
11. Sharpen a knife
12. Perform CPR
13. Fillet a fish
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid
15. Get a car unstuck
16. Back up data
17. Paint a room
18. Mix concrete
19. Clean a bolt-action rifle
20. Change oil and filter
21. Hook up an HDTV
22. Bleed brakes <- the only thing I actually haven’t done. But, I’ve watched enough HorsePower TV to know exactly what to do.
23. Paddle a canoe
24. Fix a bike flat
25. Extend your wireless network

It’s a shame that the concept of “Gentleman” is a lost art. However, today, I will try and exemplify this thought and congratulate the Wildcats of Kentucky for their defeat of my beloved L.S.U. Tigers. They outplayed us, out-thought our coaches and showed the enthusiasm that Tigers have displayed in the past. I’m not going to pout or lay blame. I take thy lumps as a Gentleman and will drown my sorrows until the eve of the morrow, Sunday, when thy Titans of Tennessee take the field of battle and redeem thy residence of O’middle Tennessee and redeem the house of Gallent.

Forgive my rant and pretend you’re reading this in the tongue of our Nation’s former rulers - the English. “Laissez les bon temps rouler!” And, roll with this topsy turvy season, we shall.

Here are 9 responses women use in conversations with men. You must know this stuff because you are getting set up.

1. Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
2. Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
3. Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
4. Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don’t Do It!
5. Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
6. That’s Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That’s okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
7. Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you’re welcome.
8. Whatever: Is a women’s way of saying its useless.
9. Don’t worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking “What’s wrong” For the woman’s response refer to #3.

Any more? Drop a comment.

Do you have a son or daughter on the verge of puberty? I do. It’s not all that fun.

There is nothing I despise more that those who think that their life is one constant entitlement. Sure, I’d love to be waited upon all the time - but that’s not how the world works. I was talking to my wife about it this morning and I had this minor epiphany - “you have to give to get.”

I believe that the universe owes us absolutely nothing. However, the universe will reward us when we give. It’s a pretty simple concept, but why is it so darn hard? My guess is that society has become just too lazy.

BTW, the Sammy Hagar reference is about a song called “Give to Live“. Check it out, the acoustic version he did on the Van Halen Live album is great.