tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41627208886719794702012-02-16T22:05:56.437-05:00Pickumber-writes may feature content that is political, controversial, heart-warming or heart-wrenching, comical, happy and sad. No topic is off limits. Please conduct yourselves as adults of a civilized species. Pickumber-writes reserves the right to remove any posts deemed inappropriate to the discussions.Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.comBlogger251100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-57339286685847383622007-08-19T17:09:00.000-04:002007-08-19T17:19:42.703-04:00

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes, the ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules, and they have little use for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them, because they change things – they push the human race forward. Maybe they have

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-42393363869512330132007-07-07T03:36:00.000-04:002007-07-07T03:39:11.848-04:00

In a recent article on OpEd News, author Robert Raitz uses the 1936 movie Reefer Madness as an outstanding example of how propaganda was used to manipulate the actions of the American public."Tell Your Children, A Paradigm of Dope" gives a pretty good description of the movie that was instrumental in getting marijuana outlawed in The United States. Unfortunately, its outrageous claims of the

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-18788482235815110772007-07-06T02:18:00.000-04:002007-07-06T02:37:24.546-04:00

About seven years ago I was working in the fiber-optic construction business and spent quite a bit of time driving between work crews collecting data. It wasn't unusual for me to log 250 to 300 miles per day and my old 1980 Ford pickup had seen better days. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I inherited a 1995 Dodge Dakota extended cab 4x4. It was five years old and the original owner had

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-10086561193799382132007-07-05T07:36:00.001-04:002007-07-05T07:42:18.304-04:00

www.ghostinthemachine.net/cryingliberty.jpg When Dick Cheney's henchman err... Former Chief of Staff... Scooter Libby was convicted of obstructing a federal investigation and lying about matters of national security, the husband of the CIA undercover operative whose life Libby put at risk felt justice had been done. Joe Wilson, whose wife Valerie Plame's identity as an agent was leaked to the

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-44654979985511030232007-07-04T02:22:00.000-04:002007-07-04T02:41:14.330-04:00

For the last several months, as I've been exploring ways to use my experiences in life, journalism, broadcasting and public relations to earn a living wage, I've been forced to work in the trade I went to college to get out of -- painting. Not the artistic kind of painting, but the kind where you wear white pants and improve the appearance of peoples residences.Honestly, the work isn't that bad

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-32470343367183453982007-07-03T08:08:00.000-04:002007-07-03T08:30:43.918-04:00

When the Vice President's Chief of Staff, Scooter Libby, was convicted of committing several crimes against the American people, I wrote a blog entry on my other blog comparing him to the other Republican scapegoat in the not too distant past, Ollie North. I predicted then that Scooter Libby would be awarded a get out of jail free card from Boy George for keeping his mouth shut about who else was

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-60246801614981529482007-07-02T16:08:00.000-04:002007-07-02T16:24:02.118-04:00

One of the web sites that actually pays a measly sum for some of my writing, Associated Content, is really starting to piss me off. I understand that a lot of things on the internet are there solely for the purpose of generating page views, and in turn advertising revenue. But it seems to me that you need to draw a line between those valuable keywords and altering the writers words (even

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-61215437081058953472007-06-19T17:12:00.000-04:002007-06-19T17:18:44.907-04:00

My good friend Flatch has suggested I try to make a few bucks on a web site called www.payu2blog.com. They will reportedly pay cold, hard cash into my paypal account if I can somehow work an assigned phrase and link into my blog postings. Well, I'm a creative guy that can really use a little walking around money, so I'm giving it a try. I'll let you know how it goes.

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-74090406698536738472007-05-24T13:28:00.000-04:002007-05-24T13:41:40.694-04:00

As I peruse this never ending novel of society as we know it, the Internet, I frequently come across entries written by people who are totally different, yet eerily similar to me. On occasion the entries they contribute attempt to explain the reasons for the very existence of those entries. And so we arrive at one more of those explanations for why I write.I first learned my words had the

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-17464887365791911452007-05-16T01:45:00.000-04:002007-05-16T01:53:38.257-04:00

I may go to hell for thinking this, but Jerry Fallwell doesn't even have to wait until he gets there before being roasted. Prolific Associated Content Content Producer thebarefoot (I think his name's funny) has written a brutally, almost honest report of the Reverend's long awaited passing. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/246359/jerry_falwell_dead_richard_dawkins.html

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-65914200084357456602007-05-11T23:46:00.000-04:002007-05-12T00:04:24.496-04:00

I've come across the greatest blog that I've seen in quite awhile and, excuse the expression, but by God I feel the need to share. It's a blog written by the son of God himself, Jesus H. Christ. In the blog that began in April, J.C. tells his readers of the trials and tribulations of his life and clears up a few misconceptions. He sounds like a pretty decent guy just trying to get through each

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-52737513994695491812007-04-24T13:10:00.000-04:002007-04-24T13:19:17.731-04:00

After writing a very provocative article on Baby Boomers and Generation Y, I recieved a lot of feedback from readers that either really disagreed or thought I was right on the money with my analysis. Thanks to all who have written me.This morning a friend put it into perspective for me. This video says a lot.

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-48356501251536772007-04-24T00:09:00.000-04:002007-04-24T00:30:40.846-04:00

Believe it or not, the police will try to trick you into doing things to help them obtain a conviction, no matter how much you've had to drink before driving. Speaking from personal experience, I've learned what you should do to avoid incriminating yourself when they request you perform a field sobriety test. Please remember, driving while drunk or high is not a good idea and as I mentioned in

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-68420348249215975492007-04-18T21:01:00.000-04:002007-04-24T00:33:27.941-04:00

I finally broke down and submitted a news story to Associated Content, simply because it was too funny and unbelievable to ignore. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/219640/stuffed_monkey_lands_texas_couple_in.html

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-1146039624358447282007-04-17T02:09:00.000-04:002007-04-17T02:37:33.864-04:00

I have discovered (or created) a new word that I'm going to share with those of you brave enough to venture to these web pages. My guess is you will help me get the word well known and in common usage by enough people that Webster will have no choice but to officially accept it's definition and include it in the next edition of their etymological tome.The word is: squat-tle \skwat-el\ -

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-1148130463243623902007-03-30T16:04:00.000-04:002007-03-31T21:10:54.363-04:00

Note: I initially wrote the linked article and mistakenly referred to Generation X instead of Y. Not surprisingly, I offended an entire generation of people because of the vague time frames each generation covers. I apologize and thank the many readers that quickly corrected me.)I can't help agreeing with those in the mental health psyco-community who suggested it was best that I not reproduce.

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-46391204899679672012007-03-25T15:35:00.000-04:002007-03-25T15:49:20.386-04:00

Some of America's great creative talent have found inspiration at Chico Hot Springs near Livingston, Montana. Sam Peckinpah, Larry McMurtry, Robert Redford and Moscow's Red Elvis' have all spent some time there, if for no other reason but to recharge. Here's an article that shares the history and all the things that can be found at Chico.

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-56624738897246678422007-03-25T13:05:00.000-04:002007-03-25T13:58:19.583-04:00

For someone who knows his way around a keyboard, has a good work ethic, has experience in an extensive array of professions, and has salvaged a significant degree of brain cells despite many years of behavior conducive to destroying them, I've had a terrible time finding gainful employment. I've responded to hundreds of listings for freelance writers and recieved about four responses -- each

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-87375145159900070662007-03-12T12:15:00.000-04:002007-03-12T12:19:48.166-04:00

From Anne Waymans forum at http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com comes a wonderfully relevant quote for those creative spellers among us:" It is a damn poor mind indeed which can't think of at least two ways to spell any word." Andrew Jackson

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-26314814181861906732007-03-07T14:14:00.000-05:002007-03-07T14:18:27.416-05:00

Scooter Libby, Vice President Cheney's former Chief of Staff was convicted yesterday of lying to a federal grand jury and four counts of making false statements to the FBI. Libby is facing between 1 1/2 and three years in a federal camp for white-collar criminals, if he's not pardoned by the Bush Administration after his appeals are exhausted. The charges come from an investigation of who leaked

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-47344815446886331392007-03-06T13:00:00.000-05:002007-03-06T13:17:24.909-05:00

Perhaps the only thing that could get me to vote Republican would be if this man were on the ticket. In http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/97190/colin_powell_american_hero.html I discuss Powell's gig as Bush's Secretary of State and how he regained my trust and respect.And even though this guy thinks I'm a Ms, The G-Man has a pretty optimistic prediction about who will be President in 2008.

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-68783568581838673672007-02-21T04:30:00.000-05:002007-02-21T04:41:43.191-05:00

Yesterday, February 20th, was the second anniversary of the self-caused death of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. Thompson was an inspiration to many and an idol to me. His brutal honesty and honest brutality came through in the words he wrot. If he felt it, he wrote it or said it regardless of whether it was the politically correctthing to do. As an example, here's a eulogy he wrote in 1996 for former

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-10753124955313462832007-02-20T13:25:00.000-05:002007-02-20T13:47:49.890-05:00

For several years I owned and operated a small residential painting company. I not only was the owner, but the estimator, the PR guy, the customer service guy and sometimes even the helper and laborer. I offered my services for a reasonable price, always tried to give a little extra and did a nice job on the homes I painted. I stayed busy due to word of mouth and was making decent money until… “

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-20268085396968905482007-02-14T08:36:00.000-05:002007-02-14T08:52:28.095-05:00

For most of my life my words have been the bread and butter of my income. Whether spoken or written, the words that originate in my head have managed to keep food on my table most days of the week. I think that qualifies me as a writer.Like many writers, I have certain rituals and habits that tend to make others think I’m a bit off. One of them is that I do most of my best work in the middle of

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4162720888671979470.post-64606576598046096502007-02-10T01:24:00.000-05:002007-02-10T01:34:04.214-05:00

It doesn’t matter if you’re a water buffalo, canary, house pet or person, chances are favorable that you are aware of the use of statistics in our lives. Whether you’re being born, voting, living, or dying you are personally involved with statistics. I was forced to take (and pass) a Statistics class prior to receiving my college diploma, even though I claimed to be a conscientious objector.If

Ron DeYounghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16459709764958666190noreply@blogger.com0