The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

Know anyone who always seems to expect the worst in just about any and every given situation? I have a feeling most everyone has at least one close friend or family member that's like this. Well, like most other people (I have to imagine), I know someone like this as well, and it just seems to get worse with age. It usually involves health worries, but can involve other areas of life as well. Here are just a few examples I've heard over the past couple of years: Me: "My right big toe hurts." Them: "I hope it's not gout." Me: "No, I think it was due to an intense workout yesterday." Me: "My right hand is sore today." Them: "I hope it's not carpal tunnel." Me: "No, I just think I slept on it funny." Me: "I think I strained a groin muscle the other day." Them: "Hernias run in your family, you know..." Me: "No, it's not that. I probably overdid it...

ESPN just reported that quarterback Michael Vick will be restructuring his contract to stay a Philadelphia Eagle for another year. The contract will be good for one year and while new head coach Chip Kelly said there will be competition for the starting quarterback job, it seems to be all but a given that Vick will be the starter. Is this a good or bad move by the Eagles? That's highly debatable. While I feel that Vick is a much more suitable option in Chip Kelly's offense than Nick Foles, I personally think San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith would have been the best of the three quarterbacks. Smith has decent size and isn't as prone to getting banged up following multiple hits in the backfield than Vick. He's not as quick as Vick, but has better speed than Foles. He's also less turnover prone than either of those two quarterbacks, with a higher completion percentage than either as well. While Smith isn't as dynamic as Vick at times, he's more prov...

Judgmental Ignorance When I walk into a room, What do others see? What do they think? What do they feel? When I open my mouth, What do they hear? Do they understand? Do they care? Leaving friends at a bar, Words inevitably spoken about me, Never knowing what they are, What they truly think, When separated from family, My name is mentioned, Judgments and worries, Fears and questions, Looking a woman in the eyes, Ignorant on how to read, Does she see anger and deception? Kindness and honesty? Walking toward the mirrors, All staring at me, Ignorant of their judgments, Not knowing what they see, I stare into the mirror, All others are forgotten, Helpless to what they see or hear, Walking toward them with confidence.