Sometimes the Gorilla likes to write about his own personal experiences in life, such as things that happen to him on a daily basis. Many of these same incidents have happened, at some time or another, to each of us. Each and every incident involves some kind of negative human interaction, which in essence, is a test of human spirit. They are things like road rage, people who cut in line, people who are impatient, or those who have no manners; like that guy on his cell phone in church or temple. (Or most recently, the Gorilla actually encountered one of these rude people talking on his cell during a funeral!)
There are dozens of examples the Gorilla (and you) could use, but today, he will bring up just one. The Gorilla was eating lunch today at one of his favorite Subway restaurants and it was a particularly busy day in the place, with every seat taken and people in line. A man entered the Subway and the Gorilla immediately took note of the gentlemen’s demeanor and dress. Although the guy was not poorly dressed, it was apparent that the young guy was in some kind of distress. And the Gorilla, who is ever aware of his surroundings, noticed (as did several other people). The man appeared fidgety and agitated and immediately began asking people for money. Now keep in mind that many people are just plain broke themselves and can hardly afford to spare some change, but every one of these folks said flatly, and even nastily, “no.”
The gentleman continued to ask, ultimately making an announcement as a last resort, if anyone in the room had some money to spare. He went on to explain that his car needed gas (and the Gorilla doubted his story) and that he was broke. Immediately, and without hesitation or any question of the man’s circumstances, the Gorilla reached out and gave the guy some cash. Now keep in mind folks, the purpose of this story is not for the Gorilla to toot his own “do-gooder” horn. It’s just that the reaction from the surrounding lunchers was harsh- some even rolling their eyes with disgust and disappointment.
The Gorilla was not expecting anyone to pat him on the back, however, this reaction was far from expected and evoked a statement from the Gorilla, who felt the need to suddenly defend his actions to these strangers (who were so apparently scoffing at his choice). The Gorilla looked up to see two or three people rolling their eyes or giving some really dirty looks to the Gorilla. “The guy obviously needed it and I had it to give” is what the Gorilla said. Not that he needed to give any explanation at all to these strangers for whom he had nothing to prove. However, the onlookers still scoffed. Many people even looked out the window to see in which direction the guy headed, most likely to prove to themselves that he was indeed lying and maybe even to make themselves feel better for not being the one to get taken advantage of as the Gorilla so obviously had been! Well shame on the Gorilla for being “had” like that! Shame on him for not questioning the whopping few dollars he just unquestioningly gave to a completer stranger simply because he asked for it.
In these volatile times, does anyone need proof that there is indeed “need?” Tis’ better to give than to receive isn’t it not? Doesn’t it just feel better to just give to a stranger in need then to wonder about the outcome if you had not? Or perhaps you don’t bother to wonder or care about these individuals in need. Some people may scoff, yes. And some of you are thinking, “so does that mean I have to give to every random beggar on the street who asks?” No! That is certainly not what the Gorilla is suggesting by any means here, but to be scoffed at by total strangers for doing something good and promoting peacefulness and kindness is utterly backwards. Surely a guy like this one in the Subway and many others like him have reached out to the Salvation Army once in their lives if not more.
Do you question dropping money in the red can as they ring the bell on your way into the Wal-Mart or grocery store? There is really no difference except maybe that the Gorilla got to hand the money directly to the guy who definitely, without question, needed it for something or other. Ours is not to question “why” when we try to help. It is simply to help if you have the means at all to do so. Otherwise, not many would give and there would be no such thing as “random acts of kindness”. Many of you read the leaflets “Bits And Pieces” as does the Gorilla. The next time you read a touching story or quote from this wonderful publication, try to keep in mind that simply reading good things, does not in fact, make you a good person. It is precisely how you handle that real-life event (such as a random beggar in a Subway) that truly speaks volumes about your actions. Let’s keep the Holiday spirit alive and well in this country by living the good rather than just reading about it or watching someone else step up and do it for you.
Finally, it’s the Gorilla’s favorite time of year once again! You know- the time when goodies abound and Santa comes, and also when some very good movies are released. If you know the Gorilla well, than you know how much he loves going to the movies. It is certainly his favorite pastime to be sure, and this time of year always promises some great movie entertainment. The Gorilla watched trailers for several movies, which will be debuting in the coming weeks, so he thought he would share his picks with you. (Remember these are only based on the trailers and the critics’ reviews.) To start with:
So there you have it folks. These are just a few of the great films playing either right now, or are set to be released in the next couple of weeks. There are still plenty more that the Gorilla did not get a chance to evaluate, but these are the ones he will most likely be watching this
People are shooting each other, trampling each other, and getting into fist fights, and no- this ain’t the streets of inner city
Many people literally camped out in front of stores in hopes of taking advantage of deals or “vouchers” offered to only the first 50 or 100 people to enter the store, or trying to be the first to get sale items. Yes, people are crazy-mad trying to get these deals and many others. It seems that some will go to just about any length to do so. That would make you think that people are really trying to save, save, save this year, and therefore, are spending less money than in past years- right? Wrong!
It turns out that on Black Friday the average person spent about $373, which was actually 7.2% MORE than last year’s holiday shopping season! And 54.7% of those shopped at discount stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy. And we’re in a recession? It really makes the Gorilla wonder where the people are getting the cash or even credit to buy this year. Most people are completely maxed out on their credit limits, and credit card companies aren’t exactly eager these days to give them even more credit- so what gives?
Perhaps people are saving money due to lower gas prices, or it is the sign of a resilient consumer’s willingness to spend. Either way, retailers are certainly encouraged by the sales although many acknowledge that it could be just a rush to the shopping season that could easily wane in the coming weeks.
Well, we shall see, but in the meantime, it is nice to see that people are spending what appears to be cash, and giving the economy a nice infusion of hope that things will get better. How will we feel after the holidays? Well that remains to be seen, but for now, we will enjoy it.
We are all looking forward this year to the enjoyment that Thanksgiving can bring, especially when, as the Gorilla has mentioned so many times before, the economy is so bad and things aren’t exactly, well, fun right now. The Gorilla would like to recommend that you enjoy some of the little things life has to offer like helping the one you love prepare some of the feast, watching some great TV programming, or just being with your kids or Grandkids. And yes, as a last resort, there certainly is some great programming on television right now, which is precisely the reason the Gorilla mentioned it.
Studies have shown that when times are tough, it is okay, and even somewhat healthy, to focus on other things, and entertainment is a great outlet to get us all thinking about things other than the horrible economy and the fact that we are all broke; a lot of us anyhow! The Gorilla will tell you one thing; the movie theaters have been more packed than ever these days, so that should tell us all something about escaping from reality. And it is perfectly understandable given the circumstances.
Movies are, for the most part, relatively (not entirely) affordable to most of us, and they provide a great escape to the mundane and the stress.
So, sit back and relax this Thanksgiving and how bout’ that Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? The good thing is- there are still the little things in life, and we can all be thankful for that. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Well people, it’s almost here. No, not Thanksgiving, but that- ‘dreadful’ to guys, ‘exciting’ to most women- day after Thanksgiving, otherwise known as “Black Friday.” Ah, yes, and black it very well might be, or should we predict red this year. The Gorilla just received an email advising not to buy store gift cards for the holidays because a good many of those companies will be closing some or all of their stores shortly after the holiday season is over.
The Gorilla received a list of stores that seemed to be a mile long, and included stores like Kohls, Ann Taylor, Sharper Image (we know it has been in trouble), J. Jill, Eddie Bauer, Talbots, Gap, Footlocker, some Macy’s locations, and even a few Home Depot stores just to name (literally) a few. The list was so long it was depressing!
Many of us are scaling way back this year and that seems to be a common theme during this time of bad economic turmoil and woe. In conversations the Gorilla has been having with friends and family. and simply just people he sees on a day to day basis, everyone is singing the same tune. It is a blues song called, “I ain’t got no money!”
All over the U.S., people are pretty much all thinking the same thing; “it’s gonna be a tough holiday this year!” Well, at the very least, it is a good opportunity to examine your life and what you have that is truly important- like family and good friends. With fewer people to buy for this year due to lack of funds, the good news is you can avoid the shopping frenzy (there won’t be one this year anyway), and concentrate on enjoying a little yule tide bliss, free from the pressure of what to buy and for whom! Hey, every dark cloud has A little silver lining!
A year ago, well heck, just a few months ago, many people may have scoffed at the thought of working at places like Wal-Mart, Target, Starbuck’s or McDonalds. Today, those people still have their jobs, and those who scoffed are very likely out of work, broker than heck, and unable to maintain the posh life they once comfortably afforded. A new respect must be given to those hard-working individuals, who refused to live beyond their means, and kept their lower-paying jobs, despite the fact that they didn’t earn a big income and drive a fancy car.
Those of you, who worked on Wall Street and frequented the corner Starbuck’s around the block from your fancy office, know exactly what the Gorilla is talking about here. You with your Blackberry, big expense account, BMW, and six figure-plus salary know who you are. Don’t say you didn’t look down upon that guy or gal in the green apron, who waited on you all those mornings on your way to work. The one who you saw day in and day out, but never bothered to exchange niceties with except maybe a mere “hello” (and perhaps not even that).
You were much too important, too much in a hurry, and too busy to do more than say just the bare minimum each morning. But now, with many formerly wealthy, “set up,” and highly experienced businessmen out there literally on the street corners, holding up signs that say “hire me,” the shoe is very obviously on the other foot. Alas, what is this the Gorilla sees? Could it be that a spoiled society is finally being humbled?
It’s an ironic scene to picture: Here’s that very same pampas “you know what” just a few short months later, jobless, looking into the Starbuck’s window, envious of those that have work inside. (Albeit maybe not for long!) Perhaps that same now desperate guy should go into that Starbucks he frequented all too often and ask for a job from that girl or guy he so casually dismissed as a “nobody.” But then again, chances are, he/she will remember your smug attitude and wave you off with a dismissive “yeah yeah- just fill out this application and we’ll call you.” Sure they will, and isn’t it funny..why should they? You really don’t deserve it anyway.
It is eerily reminiscent of the great depression isn’t it? Although no one is exactly jumping out of windows quite yet, (not that the Gorilla knows of anyhow) it is so depressing and quite honestly scary as hell! So where are all those Bears Sterns and Lehman guys now? Don’t think for a minute they are working at Wal-Mart or Starbucks, no. They are still in shock and disbelief and well..denial. They haven’t gotten over the loss of their private jets and houses in the
No, most likely they will try getting positions at private firms, perhaps in the same type of business related to what they know well, but with a much smaller salary. Hey, that’s okay, as long as they get something just “for now” to pay those hefty bills that unfortunately have not disappeared along with their lofty jobs. Now don’t get the Gorilla wrong here, there is an enormous amount of pity that he feels for those nice, hardworking folks who have lost their jobs. But only for the ones who always had respect for those who were in lesser positions in life than themselves; those men and women who were successful, but gave back, didn’t live well beyond their means, and who didn’t take advantage of their employer’s wealth. But unfortunately, the Gorilla can’t help but be sarcastic and even cynical about the “other types” since he personally knows quite a few of them through business dealings and the like.
He has witnessed first hand the deplorative actions of these certain types of men and women in business. The dishonest way in which they made deals, the haughty demeanor they carried with their large incomes, their narcissism and constant disregard for others’ well-being or feelings. There are so many of them and they are getting their come-up-ings and the Gorilla can’t help but giggle at the sudden shock; the sudden reality; the sudden humiliation; and finally at the long-overdue opportunity to be humbled at last (albeit through tough economics indeed) but at least they are at last humble- even if it is forced. And in a way it is a purgence of the bad, the ugly, the selfish and the dishonest. Good riddance to you, and may you all learn your lesson. And for all of us who are already humble? Well, we always knew that money won’t make or break us either way in the end.
Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go! But even if it’s not exactly Grandma’s house, the Thanksgiving holiday can still be fun, albeit a little stressful. Let’s face it folks; this ain’t exactly your Grandmother’s Thanksgiving holiday!
The Gorilla remembers being a small child and the thought of Thanksgiving was a happy and exciting one, and yes, it did take place most often times at Grandma’s house. Well, those days are long gone and so is Grandma (may she rest in peace). Nowadays, we head on over to another relative’s home to grab some turkey, and some heartburn (not necessarily caused by the food) and we make the “best” of an awkward family gathering.
Today, the topic of conversation will be inevitable; it will be in some way shape or form about the misery of this economy! And since these aren’t the good old fashioned Thanksgivings of our childhood, it’s bound to be a tad awkward. C’mon- many of you can relate and you know it’s true! It’s never easy when Uncle Jimmy lights up that stogie and starts in with all his, “back in the day” stories, or when Aunt Miriam brings her famous casserole (yeah, it’s famous for being awful!). Or how about when your sister-in-law starts soliciting you for financial advice for her husband (your brother) as a way to hint that things aren’t going well. (Oh no, here it comes, the old lead up to the “can we borrow a few bucks?” question again!) And you suddenly start to feel like you are a character in the “Christmas Vacation” movie alongside
Yes, we are all victims of certain family gatherings at Thanksgiving and it’s tough to avoid it. This year, the Gorilla decided to spend a nice quiet evening alone with his lady Gorilla and kids, and just when the coast seemed clear on that front, the ringing of that old telephone put that notion to rest. The family wants us to join them for a Thanksgiving feast at their house, once again raining on the Gorilla’s nice quiet little parade of Holiday Turkey bliss. (Sigh). So join his wife’s family he will, once more- after all, it is the “right” thing to do like it or not. Yes, the Gorilla’s sister-in-law (in this case) is a decent enough person; always charming and intentionally hospitable no matter what the occasion. And even though the Gorilla and his wife must be sharing the Thanksgiving table with all of their in-laws as well, (more people than he would have preferred), at least the family tradition- forced or not- is still very much alive and well in this great nation we call the U.S.
So look, whether you are headed to your mother’s, your brother’s, or your Aunt Sally’s, no matter how weird and sometimes obnoxious some of your family members can be, remember one thing, there’s plenty of people out there in the same boat as you friend, so enjoy the feast and relax, and thank heaven it is only for one night a year!
Bad economic times don’t give breaks to those who are going through a divorce, so many couples are putting off getting divorce as a result. Putting off getting a divorce because the economy is bad? This is not just a rumor folks…this is a fact. Divorce attorney’s everywhere are claiming that many couples are simply too strapped to start divorce proceedings so they are putting their impending divorces on “hold” until it is economically more “feasible” for them.
Some couples actually in the middle of a divorce are even suspending proceedings until further notice. The Gorilla finds this interesting, but yet realistic at the same time. Unfortunately for many ex-spouses, those paying child support and alimony are headed back to their attorney’s offices in droves, to lower their financial obligations. The Gorilla’s friend- a successful divorce lawyer- says that this is very common right now, and he’s glad, because with less people getting divorced due to the tough economy, helping people to revise their support obligations is now his primary source of income.
Think about the irony of this situation folks. Most divorces are due to money problems! The Arnerican Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers polled its members this week and the numbers are interesting. Here’s what they found; 37% of the group’s 1,600 members said they saw a decrease in divorce cases during national economic downturns. Forty-four percent said they saw no change, and 19% said they saw an increase.
So does this mean that some marriages could be saved as a result of the delay? Well, that could be true in a few cases, but all in all, marriage counselors and divorce attorneys alike say that it is just delaying the inevitable. However, for those getting alimony and child support, there will be a certain sense of shock for them suddenly having to get used to a lower income from support! But hey, your ex can only do so much about it now that he/she is making a lot less money!
The Gorilla had the opportunity to go on a short vacation last weekend and what he observed at the resort was interesting, considering and was a direct reflection of how bad the economy is right now. To start, the trip was planned well in advance, but although tickets were purchased months in advance, the cost for two round trip tickets from
But wait- the Gorilla thought the price of gas had gone down! It has, but that price decrease has not yet “trickled down” to the airlines. (Give it a couple of months folks!) Upon arrival at the
But, no. The feeling of “normal” had certainly been absent on this particular trip and it was an eerie tell-all of just how badly the economy in the
Even though, in this case the resort definitely lost money on the Gorilla, most often times, these resorts are “betting” on the fact that people will lose a ton of money gambling, which would obviously far exceed the cost of this fabulous room. Normally, it is a win-win for the resort. But, the Gorilla digresses! The point is, the resorts are desperate! How bizarre to walk through this normally packed casino, and find it almost empty.
However, the moral of this story is that if you want a cheap and affordable vacation, now is the best time ever to take it. So many resorts are practically giving away rooms, food allowances and more in the hopes that you will come and spend money at their establishment. So, yes times are economically tough for everyone, but if you do get the opportunity to take a short get-a-way somewhere, it could cost you a lot less right now than you would have believed. Happy Traveling!
The DTV craze is about to hit and the Gorilla can’t help but think about it. Each day, at least twice a day, advertisers and celebrities show up on the tube to let everyone know that by February of next year, every TV must be switched over to a digital format via a converter or new TV, or risk the chance of losing a clear picture or getting any picture (or station) at all!
The new format will be used by not just some stations as they are now, but by everyone- rendering the old format completely obsolete. But is everyone getting the message? The Gorilla feels sure that there is that little old guy sitting in his trailer home, using his old fashioned antenna, who is just not keen to what is going on with the change. There will probably be many “old school” people who will be stuck with the static and without a signal. But, why digital? What’s wrong with what we currently have? Is it just the pressure and power of progress? Well, no not exactly.
Federal law requires that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format. Why? Well for a couple of reasons actually; first, because all-digital broadcasting will free up frequencies for public safety communications (such as police, fire, and emergency rescue). Also, digital is a more efficient transmission technology, which allows broadcast stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, as well as offer more programming options for consumers through multiple broadcast streams (multicasting). In addition, some of the freed up frequencies will be used for advanced commercial wireless services for consumers. It is not just because we live in a world where everything must be newer, bigger, better, clearer, like one might think!
The Gorilla owns a plasma screen TV that has such an excellent picture, (and no, it’s not HD) he couldn’t imagine something even better. There just seems to be no point to it. But it is the new format and the new way of things, and it is what TV stations are using, leaving us, the viewer and consumer, no choice.
In the end, it will be a change for the better. So in light of the new change, the Gorilla urges you to help that little old man or lady out there who you may know, and might be a little out of touch. Sometimes a television is the only connection for these people to the outside world and they need this lifeline more than you or I. In the meantime, enjoy the last couple of months of the current analog format because as of February 19th, 2009, if you aren’t on board with the new format, you will be looking at fuzz on your TV screen!