I'm a pessimist (cracking of necks in agreement). It doesn't take much to get me going. I only have to get the inkling of some kind of process and I'm all over it like a mad woman's shit. I usually find injustice in each directionmy stiff neck tries to twist. At home I shout and use trench language, especially when I see right wing thugs like Howard and Abbot on T.V

Not that long ago I saw the film "American Splendor". This biographical film is about Harvey Pekar, Cleveland file clerk. He is also the author of his own autobiographical comic strip. Harvey Pekar documented decades of his unremarkable daily existence. It was a sometimes depressing yet hilarious insight of a man living in a state of extreme angst. I felt very strongly for this bloke and understood quite well where those thoughts can originate from.

There is one scene where Harvey is waiting in line at a checkout in a supermarket, while a dithering old Jewish lady argues with the cashier over the validity of some discount coupons. After waiting an excruciating amount of time (like you do), Harvey curses, dumps his goods and storms off.

It was only a week later that I was subjected to the same situation. Waiting with ticket in my hand at the Safeway deli, the same type of Jewish lady is holding everyone up in the queue while two attendants are exasperated over a tiny portion of fish:

"THIS ONE ??, IS IT THIS ONE ??

says the red-in-the-face deli girl, while the other deli girl behind the counter stretches out painfully to reach the slimy morsel. Finally retrieving it she sings in falsetto voice worthy of winning the Herald Sun Aria:

GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH !

But old Mrs Goldblatt took no notice, getting her piece of fish for a measly $3.50. The fish would most probably have been minced up for Gefilte Matzo Balls anyhow.

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I try really hard to be a nice person, though as I age I get crankier and less tolerant. I suffer fools less and my dislike for the corporate world gnaws at me more and more.

With the last elections both in OZ and U.S, the trend in thinking is going retrograde. The goons Howard and Bush represent a backward thinking in all that was achieved in the 60's and 70's. Employment relations, human rights and unions are all disregarded and are becoming a thing of the past. It is the "me first" generation that is swelling into a tidal wave of greed and nastiness.

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Though now.I have found a new release. No it's not a quick blast of heroin behind the garden shed just before I get called in for the Sunday roast.

It's cycling. Three months ago I bought a bicycle. It's a big bastard, having to accommodate my long orangutan arms and legs. A hybrid with a light aluminum frame, it goes like the clappers. I ride it everywhere, ! have the backpack and silly helmet and because I cannot turn my head I have a small mirror attached to the helmet. It's Revenge Of the Nerds meets The Borg.

The Hybrid Hanger

Miss Maude has cautioned me with the utmost urgency against purchasing the much needed cycling nicks. Stern warnings on "inappropriate attire will result in disciplinary action". Not to mention the shock and awe of the general public when exposed to the X-rated garment.

The cycling has given me a new lease on life, in both mind and body. Just like tackling the hills on the bike, I seem to now handle life's more difficult tasks with ease. Whereas before, I would groan and moan endlessly.

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This will be the last entry for the year, I know it's been a bit light on. The new job at "The Bird of Prey" in Moorabbin has been a real drainer. So I thought, get a quick one in before Christmas.

And you know I like to get a quick one in.

Happy Christmas.

Michael

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