Today, I was told, after a fashion that the way that I speak puts others on the defensive, and furthermore that my mode of discourse comes off as being adversarial. To that, I have to say that, if anyone is put off by the way that I speak, that he should not hesitate to go take a long run down a very short pier. I mean, really -- when have you ever been called in for a meeting with your manager to hear such a load? Listen, I am not a wealthy man. I have little in the way of material goods, but I am thankful and proud to have developed a relationship with the English language that affords me such a -- a compliment. That's what it is, after all. This reminds me of a time that I was referred to as a "temperamental artist." First off, I find the phrase to be redundant. Since when has a true artist been anything but temperamental? And, what artist could hope to find his passion, and tap into it without colliding with his own temperamentality? Puh-leeze. It's not my fault that I must deal with people who are, at best functional illiterates.

Note to self: today I was accused of sleeping on the job -- really -- SLEEPING. The accuser could not say WHEN this allegedly happened, so the point is less than moot. Furthermore, I was accused of mouthing off to a member of another department, when asked what I was doing in a particular location in the facility (something which did NOT happen). I might suggest that one of the individuals bringing these charges does, herself doze off at her desk from time to time. And so do others! I could go on, but I will curtail this tirade so that I can return to the pressing business of business. I also have some pressing to do.

Note this well: the world has but a single problem: people. I wish with all of my heart that this were not true. Ask yourself: When has the action of any person, or group of people actually done the world a deal of good? Think carefully. Be careful not to jump to the answer that any doctrine born of man has successfully promoted man's love for his fellow man, or that any leader has ever been effective at cleaning up mother Earth. But, please do ponder the question. I'd be interested to hear some answers.