New Year..New Me...Does Rudeness get you anywhere?

New Year..New Me...Does Rudeness get you anywhere?

Today, I'm at the post office and what I see, makes me change my mindset for the new year. 

A woman walks into the post office today, she is carrying a broken down box that you would typically buy to ship a bigger item in. She already has the look of disgust on her face, as she stands in front of me, while the short line is moving at a slow pace. Huffing and sighing as she got closer to complain to someone...I'm sure she was rehearsing the argument over and over in her head, probably with her being victorious.

She is called up to the counter and she perks up, starting to explain that she was lied too by TV (me too...I'm pretty sure that Amish Mafia is a lie). The box was supposed to be "ship ready" which as, if you've ever mailed anything, you need to put forth a little effort. The box is beat up, mishandled and honestly looks like they used it to walk on. The employee explains that a return like this, must be handled by the post master. It's a $3 box btw... she starts to yell that she works 40 hours week, can't be bothered with this and will stand here until she is paid. 

I'm blown away. (This is my inner monologue today...so follow along)

The employee handles its as nice as possible and explains he can do nothing today. She continues to berate the guy, finally a fellow employee comes over and hands the lady $3 for the refund.

Does being rude and bullying really win??

I stand there with mixed emotions. I start to think about myself..."am I rude?" I know I'm a smart ass...but come on, it wasn't this guys fault, he was following procedure. Yet we are nearly witnessing a "stand in" over a $3 box, that was clearly brutalized and honestly, not returnable. So I start to think, in a society that condemns Bullying and exploits it on every media scale, I think I see it more now that ever. I see it in customer service, from patrons, from people racing to get parking spaces to almost every ridiculous situation you can imagine.

Last year, I struggled with depression, I dealt with anger and was just being a miserable prick. Clearly, being a dick got me no where (and not many blog readers), so I've decide that this year I will take a shot at being nice.

I don't want people to misconceive kindness as a sign of weakness. If anything, this year will be my strongest year yet. I will not accept second rate service, but I will also not deliver second rate Rob. I will put forth a stronger effort in everything I do, I will work hard. I will cut out the negatives in my life. I will stand proud and know I am passing on a positive vibe with a few sarcastic remarks in between.

When you read this...do you think "man, this guys is an asshole" or do you think "being positive and decent to others might be a good change"? I know the saying "nice guys finish last" exists but what if that quote is just there to give bullies fuel and help promote hate (hey, stranger things and theories exist)? Who listens to these quotes anyways? Why put forth energy to be negative? No one ever said "You hear that guy...he spoke to me like I mattered...what an asshole".

The word "asshole" is associated with rude, obnoxious people who lack common decency. Maybe writing this blog will help me stay true to keeping this mindset..who knows. Maybe this is a personal experiment to see the rights and wrongs with society. Will I have success? Maybe YOU can try it too.

Accomplishments comes in many forms.

Accomplishment comes in many forms.

I ended that title with a period because I believe it's a statement, not necessarily a title. Each day in each of our lives, we each make our own accomplishments. Regardless of how small or even, how big, we can see a positive in ourselves.  

What a difference a year makes. The other day I had a moment of clarity, I sent my pal, Steve Corino, a text message "Hey, just wanted to thank you for helping me through the shittiest time of my life." It was random, out of the blue and his response "You're welcome". I have exposed my personal life online and on our Podcast "XOC Podcast" with the hopes that maybe it would help someone else who was struggling. My struggle came from within. I hit 40 and was a depressed mess. My family was almost lost, my life was almost lost...I had no direction.

A change needed to be made; I sat down on my laptop and wrote No Clowning Around. It was a short horror/drama film that is full of personal metaphors. Its an inner battle, a battle that I decided to stand up against. I am, in no way, any spokesperson for depression, I just realized if I wanted my life better, I needed to make it happen...no one else would do it.

The saying "What a difference a year makes" has never rang so true for me. Yesterday, I went to pick up the final edit of No Clowning Around; a movie that everyone involved, believed in, worked hard on and gave their heart too. It was a lonely hour and a half ride home as the Dvd sat on my passenger seat. It stared at me; it made me doubt myself, it made me anxious, nervous and made me feel exposed. 

I pulled up to my house and sat out front, just thinking. Thinking of the journey, I can only assume it would be like seeing the finish line of a marathon, but since I'm a lazy turd, I can only assume. I unlocked my door, walked in and of course, I had too pee, since I suffer from Old Man Bladder, but quickly gave it a shake and headed to my Dvd player. As the menu appeared, I could only feel excitement build.

I sat and watched for the next 30 minutes, enjoying something I had helped create. For many, the metaphors will go unseen, but I created this for me. It was me taking my life back. It was me taking a stand against the demons that try to poison our mind, it was that moment in my life that I will never forget.  Even as I type this, I'm teary eyed. The feeling was similar to seeing my children for the first time, it was a overwhelming mix of emotions.

As the movie progressed, I began to have tears stream down my cheeks, but for once, it wasn't because of disappointment or self doubt, it was because I was proud. It was an accomplishment. I reached a goal and no one will ever take that away from me. Sure, the movie will go unseen by many, some will think its shitty, but there will be a few that will enjoy it. I look back at this as a monumental moment in my life. People make movies everyday, people accomplish goals everyday but, it's up to YOU to recognize that moment. You have to work for it.

I am no motivational speaker, I'm only someone who stood on the edge and didn't jump. As the weekend approaches, let me encourage you - take a minute for yourself and make yourself better. Let the negativity go...work hard, if for nothing else, for just YOU. You control your outlook on life, everyone gets in a rut, take your life back. Be the best you can be...accomplish YOUR goal today. Don't worry about the haters...they hate because they are scared to risk being successful. Success is in your heart.

Thank you to those who believed in me, you made this possible. 

The New Kids - It's NOT just Friday for Sean!

The New Kids

(It's NOT just Friday for Sean)

Most people instantly think of Friday the 13th when you mention Sean S. Cunningham, BUT he is just so much more than that. I have been on a bit of Cunningham kick as of late recently watching some of his other 80's efforts.

Now, growing up as a product of the 80's, witnessing films like Porky's, Hardbodies and My Tutor take over the late night airwaves. One of Cunningham's films, "Spring Break" was always one of my favorites. Sure, it won't win any awards but dammit, as for a skin, summer, fun flick...I actually like it. I will look at Spring Break another time, cause for me, a film like that requires it's own review...haha...I know, "Come on Dimension!!"

This morning, waking up early, flicking through Crackle (if you don't visit Crackle.com, you should..it's FREE and has BOTH of these films on it plus a HUGE Godzilla selection) I decided to watch "The New Kids" that was another Sean S. Cunningham outing in 1984/85.

The New Kids is not just another run of the mill...new kids come to town, then get bullied..followed by revenge flick...ok, it kind of is BUT..let's first look at the cast. James Spader, whom has been thrust back into the spotlight by guest starring as Robert California on The Office. Plus, Lori Loughlin, yes..pre-Full House with her amazing feathered hair...it is really sick, plus Lori was in one of my favorite films ever - RAD! John Philbin, who many know from Return of the Living Dead (Amazing) but was also "Turtle" in another one of my favorites..North Shore. Tom Atkins is briefly in this one..but still gives it some street cred for me.

The story, cut and dry...brother and sister are Army brats, their parents die, they move to Florida, soon to be opening "Fun Land" amusement park, where they get bullied. Things get out of control, a bloodbath ensues. James Spader plays the bully, Eddie Dutra, who is a scumbag, not on the scale of Matt Dillion as Moody from My Bodyguard, but still a scumbag and apparently an Albino (weird). Philbin plays one of his sidekicks and does a great job. Lori Loughlin does her best to keep her hair looking good....something about her, it oozes sexy (....ok, sorry). The film is a bit better than most, but still not a must see. I recommend this based on it's free to watch.

The standout features - You can tell Cunningham was coming into his own with this one. His use of subtle music was great. His lighting and camera angles were used great to build some drama or even showing typical. life. (oh yeah...I notice these things..haha). A lot of quick cuts to hide the lack of special effects on some of the kill scenes. he does use a few uneasy spots with some animal killings...never easy to watch. I was pleasantly surprised to rewatch this one and enjoy it. It's a bit gritty....it has a few lows but worth checking out. Judging by the poster art, it's possible to be fooled by thinking it would be more brutal than it is.

My overall rating - This is a rental. If you watch it and like it, then buy it. I don't know how often, even though it's currently free to watch, I will revist it.

Watch it Here - http://www.youtube.com/movie?v=SFAtDIT2L94&feature=mv_sr