The NRA, the GOP, Manti Te'o and Lance Armstrong. What do they all have in common? According to recent headlines they've all been involved in some sort of Scam, Sham or Flim Flam either recently or in the case of the NRA and the GOP, basically that's all they do. If Armstrong is to be believed (And from what he's admitted, why make up more BS now?) his use of PED's (Performance Enhancing Drugs) didn't give him a competitive edge but put him on a level playing field and his work ethic made the difference (kinda like baseball in the 90's). Now, as to Manti Te'o, here's a 21 year old who's incredibly naive and gullible or a narcissistic prick who thought he was so much smarter than the world he would never get caught. At this point, I'm not sure which one Te'o is, I'm still waiting on more info. (As of now I'm leaning on naive, but I have this nagging suspicion it may be the latter.)
We've had our own share of scams, shams and flim-flams here, it's only natural that in a community of givers that takers will come in and take advantage of that generosity, but just because we're givers, that doesn't mean all of us are stupid and naive. On this site we'll continue to have to guard against those who try to use our generosity to their advantage.
Which brings me to Manti Te'o. Is he a victim or an instigator of a growing phenomenon, Munchausen Syndrome by-Proxy, On-line. Where as when one hears about Munchausen Syndrome by-Proxy (MSBP), a child may be at risk, the online version doesn't even require a real person, however it also involves the person suffering from MSBP On-line, inserting themselves in others events constantly focusing attention to themselves instead of those experiencing the event. Time will tell about Te'o.
When we talk about Lance Armstrong, there are too many opinions going on to sort out. Even he has admitted to being an ass, but his greater guilt depends on whether you feel vindicated betrayed or let down by his revelations. I'm going to sit back and let things settle a bit before I come to a conclusion.
The NRA and the GOP have more or less a symbiotic relationship. Each depends on more or less the same group of individuals ginned up to a frenzy enough to pull out their credit cards and send them money. We've watched them do it for more than a generation, the internet has only allowed their fundraising to be more efficient than mass mailings (email vs snail mail).
I have no real conclusion to all of the above, just a cautionary word to be on guard and try not to be too cynical.
On with the games!!
Mojo Friday Guidelines
1) If you comment you have to recommend all comments. (in order to receive mojo you have to give mojo. It's only good mojo manners.)
2) Everything you say may be taken as a joke (so if you ask a question, expect a silly answer)
3) You must recommend the diary (and pimp it unapologetically)
4) You don't have to comment to recommend.
5) You can't steal my idea (right, like that ain't goin' to happen)
6) Please, no pictures or YouTubes until after 300 comments. Now, after 100, use a little common courtesy and be responsible in the number.
7) Mojo mojo mojo mojo, mojo mojo mojo.
8) TexDem (that's me) is not bound by the guidelines. Heh
Mojo Friday Goals
A. At least 300 different commenters and 1000 comments by 1:30 PM EST and 1500 by 5:00 PM EST Friday Night that it's posted.
B. 100 recommends for each comment, at least.
C. Stay on Recommend List at least five hours (this requires some strategic planning by you guys, refer to guideline #3)
D. At least 200 diary recommends. 300 would be better, spread the word.
E. And always, fun fun fun.
F. Have at least 75% average participation rate as seen here in the Mojo Friday Postgame Show by Woodtick and bjedward.
G. (New) Have at least 30 kossacks over 90% participation (see here for some tips).
H. Overload the servers with recommends, not to mention dominate Top Comments Mojo list. (we do tend to mess with the site with all of our recommends at one time)(also, to dominate the Top Comments Top Mojo we need at least 50 comments with over 200 recommends, see guideline B)
I. That's enough for now. (Have a suggestion? Post it.)
MKinTN posted a diary to help everyone achieve greater success called How to Succeed at Mojo Friday Without Really Trying.
For those of you new to MF (Mojo Friday) we have our own lingo about a few things. Thank's to MF'er Jez (the link will explain) go to this diary for a little more fun and explanation. Official Mojo Friday Snecktionary.