The Mans Life

Crying in movies is for chicks, right? Tom Hank’s also let us know that there isn’t crying in baseball, so why is it Field of Dreams gets me every time? The harrowing tale of Archie “Moonlight” Graham is a real story, of a man who played one Major League game without an at-bat. He instead served the people of Crisholm for decades as a doctor. “If I only got to be a doctor for a minute,” explains Graham “Now that would have been a tragedy.” Also, the relationship between Kinsella and his father is a touching moment, one that I wish I could have in my life with my father. All of that and there is still a baseball element to the story! Prove your sensitivity and rent Field of Dreams tonight!

Every guy drives a little different, and we all seem to agree we’re the superior sex on the road. (My wife just hit me!) Anyway, I have always wondered what the proper level of road rage is. If road rage is unhealthy, I may be in my last days. I cannot stand it when someone is tailgating me. If you have to go somewhere so badly, go around. I also can’t stand people that don’t even hit the speed limit. I go about 10 over and still get passed by yuppies like I’m standing still and slowed down by old timers going about 15. My biggest bit of traffic advice, especially for guys on the interstate, is to go with the flow. You probably won’t get a ticket if you stay back in a pack and you won’t be a burden to others.

Did you think the world of sports was closed to you after graduation? Think again. While nothing may top the pursuit of a state title other than the professionals, you can usually find competitive sports leagues designed with busy adults in mind. Bowling and softball are two readily available options that you can even enjoy with your wife (if you want to!) Both games can get you on the playing field, getting into shape and improving your fitness while making friends and fostering friendly rivalries. See what your community has to offer as far as adult sports, if they don’t you can always start a league of your own!

So you’ve swallowed your pride and you realize going back to college may be the best thing for you. Maybe you even read my last post about teachers, haha. Before you get too worried about the campus life, here are a few factors to consider. Graduates still make more money, even after all the expenses. Be sure to get into a field that interests you. Going into the big money programs can end in disappointment, you may not even get a job after all the time, effort, and money wasted. Choose wisely, you don’t want to constantly change majors. Also, remember that most campuses are mostly female! If you are already obligated to jobs and family, online schools may be your answer.

Teachers are a special group of people. They tolerate relatively low pay for a hard job that entails being a model citizen while helping young people reach their potential. There is a serious lack of good teachers anymore, most are just there going through the motions. I had a few special teachers that gave me life lessons I will never forget – Man to man, like father to a son. Women teachers are great, but there should be more male role models in schools. People like me who lacked a good father figure depended on special male teachers to teach me the subtle nuances of being a man… and how to shave without scratching my face.

Music that dudes will listen to is diverse – it has to do with several factors, but I have noticed it has a lot to do with generations. Guys in my generation dig the same stuff their fathers did. For example, I love Pink Floyd, and I found out my dad has the box set. Maybe it’s ingrained into our heads, or maybe Floyd is just really trippy. Besides digging a few of their father’s tunes, many guys hold songs close that came out as they were growing up. Music can hold many memories, and any song can instantly take you back to a scene. For me, 80s metal can always put me squarely back into the halls of my high school, where I had a mullet, an ELO t-shirt, and all the confidence in the world…

There are plenty of good ways men can give back to the community if they have the extra time. One of the most popular volunteer gigs is definitely the fireman. Women love nothing more than a brave fireman, especially one so financially secure that they do it for free! Every little boy dreamed of driving the big truck and wearing the hat, so why not check out opportunities around you? Also, if you have a little kid in baseball or t-ball, why not become a coach. You’re going to be there anyway, so why not teach the game to some little kids while you’re there?

Women get breast cancer, and we often see efforts to raise money on its behalf. Did you know men can get breast cancer as well? My uncle died from it, so while you may joke when you shower, do be sure and feel about yourself for lumps every once in a while. Report any abnormalities to your doctor – any seemingly harmless lump can be a cancerous tumor. This doesn’t have to be a bedtime routine, simply check the cancer hot spots while in the shower – the chest and testicles being the main ones. Early detection can mean the difference between radiation and surgery, or between treatment and death.

Not to get too graphic, but I think you know what I’m talking about in the title. If you don’t you probably should ask mommy if you are allowed to be on the computer! Anyway, the answer isn’t concrete on size. When women are asked, a vast majority are satisfied with their partner’s size. However, if you are worried because you are trying to get with a woman, remember that width is preferable to length, the measurement most discussed. Also, remember the old maxim about the ship: It’s the motion of the ocean that is most important! Also, avoid those online miracle treatments, they are unproven. Nothing’s going to magically make it bigger, so sorry.

It seems as though men are always looking for the edge to keep them one step above the competition. One look at Mark McGwire or his buddy Jose Canseco from the A’s teams of the 80’s can tell you that. Since straight steroids aren’t widely available to us like they are professional athletes, guys must look toward legal supplements. Whey protein and creatine are always being sucked down by guys looking for the edge. You aren’t going to find it in a powder, gentlemen! These supplements have been suspected as being dangerous for years, and the positive effects are minimal. Many people don’t know the FDA doesn’t have to approve supplements, so they could be anything. Why risk your body on some kind of unproven substance, just get out there and get it the old way!