I love stuff like this. A Facebook friend posted it and encouraged others to answer the questions as well. Not only is it an opportunity for others to get to know a person just a bit, but it is a fun little opportunity for self-reflection, which I believe is always a good thing. Since I have this awesome forum I decided that I wouldn’t just reply to my pal Samantha but would unleash my thoughts on the entire Manoverse. I believe this is the longest ditty I have ever written here, so be prepared. I have included a few links back to things I have written in the past when the subject matter seemed fitting. I pondered splitting  into two entries but decided against it. You’ve been warned.

 

 
1 Are you an animal lover or would you avoid keeping animals at home?
I have a 6 year old pug named Rocco who is the light of my life. I would love to have more dogs but my current living situation prohibits that.

2 Do you like summer or winter?
Definitely summer. I despise winter except for Christmas & football season.

3 Would you diet or would you work out?
Ideally I’d do both, but I am too lazy to work out and not disciplined enough to diet. I did lose 30lbs. a couple of years ago with the help of a nutritionist but I became bored with the program. I felt much better at a lower weight and know, on an intellectual level, that I’d be better off eating healthier & exercising. Unfortunately knowing what one should do and actually doing it are far different things.

4 What do you wear to bed?
Shorts or sweatpants. Come & get me ladies…lol.

5 What’s your favorite clothing brand?
I am not brand loyal at all. If I like how it looks, can afford it, & it is comfortable then I will wear it.

6 When was the last time you cried?
I honestly don’t recall. I am a bit more emotional as I get older so sometimes a memory or something I see on TV will make me a bit misty. For example, I hate those damn ASPCA commercials with that Sarah McClachlan song!! They get me every time!!

7 Which color reflects your personality and why?
According to one quiz I just took it is green because “You’re very in tune with the rest of the world. You put others before yourself, but you strive to be a better person. Sometimes you aren’t satisfied with the gifts you have so you envy the gifts of others, but people admire you when you don’t realize it.” A second quiz says it is pink because of a bunch of stuff: “is the color of peace…in a blissful state or looking for one…try to see the best in others…quietly study the best way to approach problems…see the world through rose colored glasses…shy, intelligent, hard working people who wish they were more a part of the mainstream but may be frightened of moving too quickly…watch what they do or say because they are afraid others might see them in harsh light…want everyone to be happy.” So I have no idea. Personally I like blue & purple.

8 In the animal kingdom, which animal would you be?
An eagle because it symbolizes freedom, honor, nobility, & a little bit of mystery.

9 Do you like tattoos and body piercing?
No, not a big fan. A woman with tattoos or piercings (other than the ears) immediately becomes less attractive to me. I am not saying such things would automatically preclude a relationship (or a friendship if we’re talking about guys), but it’s just not my thing.

10 How much PDA is acceptable?
Moderation is the key. There is a fine line between appropriate affection and slobbering all over each other. Keep it classy.

11 How often do you take a shower?
Almost daily, especially if I am going out & about. However, there are those occasional vegg days when it’s not a priority.

12 What are your favorite magazines?
I was never a magazine person. And now with The Internet magazines are nearly obsolete.

13 What are your favorite books?
I’m a bookworm. I have lots of books that I love. I like classics like Huckleberry Finn, To Kill a Mockingbird, & The Old Man and the Sea. I love biographies. I love sports books, especially about old time baseball. I like fantasy stories like The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. I’m pretty open-minded when it comes to books.

14 What’s your favorite movie?
I spent about 2 years here at The Manofesto writing about my 100 Favorite Movies. There is lots of good stuff in there if you are so inclined to check it out.

15 What’s your favorite music you’re listening to these days?
My taste in music is very eclectic. I love classic rock. Sometimes I get in the mood to listen to classical (Chopin is awesome if you’re looking to relax & unwind) and would like to become more knowledgeable about it. I don’t detest all country music but it’s not really my thing. Jazz & blues are both really cool. I’m a big fan of crooners like Frank Sinatra (and The Rat Pack) & Tony Bennett. I hate rap and don’t really consider it music. I think the past 10-15 years has seen a sharp decline in the quality of music. Maybe that is just a reflection of my age, but there were just so many great songs in the 70’s & 80’s, and even the 90’s had its moments. 21st century music has no class or gravitas.

16 What’s your favorite alcoholic drink?
I’m really not much of a drinker anymore. I left that all behind…for the most part…after college. Back in the day I was a big fan of screwdrivers. If someone forced me to drink an adult beverage today I suppose I would lean toward the mojito, but I’m perfectly content with iced tea, skim milk, or water.

17 What’s your favorite vacation idea?
I’ve been dying to go to Vegas for several years…I just can’t get anyone to go with me. I’m not even a big gambler. I just want to see the sights, eat some tasty food, & maybe see a show or two. I’ve never been to the beach and would love to check it out. If money were no object then I would jump at an opportunity to visit Italy. I’d also like to go on a cruise someday.

18 What’s your favorite food?
Do I have to pick just one?? I love chocolate. Sweets are my Kryptonite. I am Italian so of course pasta is a favorite. I also enjoy good old-fashioned comfort food…meatloaf, mac n’ cheese, fried chicken, soup, burgers & fries. I’m not really all that picky. I just love food.

19 Who’s your favorite actor?
Again I can’t pick just one. I think Jimmy Stewart is the best actor of all time. I also like Tom Hanks & Al Pacino a lot. Paul Giamatti has become a more recent favorite.

20 If you found a briefcase of money on the street, would you keep it?
No. I’d turn it in to the cops. Would I be tempted to keep it?? Of course. But, though I do succumb to the occasional pitfall and I’m not always the person I’d like to be, ultimately I do usually end up doing the right thing. I blame my parents.

21 Are you religious?
I have become a relationship over religion kind of guy. One of my Undeniable Truths of Life is that “Faith and religion are two different things. Religion is a public show too often put on by hypocrites, while faith is a deeply personal thing that can change your life. Share your faith, not your religion.” Jesus is the way, the truth, & the life. Unless one is born again they will not see the kingdom of God. I realize that there are those that believe otherwise and I respect their freedom to go in a different direction.

22 Are you a gizmo person?
I’m not exactly sure what this means, but judging from my pal Samantha’s answer to this query I assume it is referring to gadgets. I suppose I am middle-of-the-road on this one. I love my laptop and my iPhone. I’d probably buy an iPad if I could afford it. On the other hand I see the negative aspects of such things. Life was much simpler and people were more…interactive…before all these electronic toys began to consume society. Like many other things they are a double edged sword…both a blessing & a curse.

23 What kind of sport do you like?
I’m a big sports fan. I love football primarily, but also baseball & basketball. Nascar is pretty cool. I haven’t been able to get into hockey & soccer though I have tried.

24 Clubbing or candlelight dinner?
Definitely the candlelight dinner. I’m not into the bar scene anymore. It was fun in college but that was mostly because I was always hanging out with my friends.

25 Earth Hour or Fourth of July fireworks?
Earth Hour is some kind of environmentalist wacko crap. Independence Day, on the other hand, is a real holiday celebrating America’s birth as a free nation. Plus fireworks rule!!

26 Backpacking or a luxury hotel?
My idea of roughing it is when my AC quits working or I have a spotty wi-fi connection. I think backpacking is something hippies do in Europe. I only wish I had the means to spend a few days in a luxury hotel occasionally.

27 Christmas or Halloween?
I have nothing against Halloween. Unlike some religious folks I don’t think that some little kid dressed like a cowboy is doing Satan’s bidding. That being said, I gotta go with Christmas. Citizens of The Manoverse are quite familiar with my unwavering love for everything about Christmas. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

28 Are you a morning person?
Yes & no. Mostly no. I can be a morning person when necessary. If I have to get up early and go to work or keep some other kind of appointment I am more than capable of doing so. However, I am a bit of a slow starter and function much better later in the day. I am a night owl.

29 What’s your philosophy in life?
Tough question. I’m not sure I have a single philosophy that can be expressed in one pithy statement. Throughout our lifetimes I believe we learn things, are shaped by our experiences, and can be influenced by many people with whom we interact.

30 When was the last time you were happy you lied?
Never. I’m not going to say I’ve never lied, but I know it’s wrong so of course I am bothered when it occurs. None of us are perfect, but the older I get the more I have a desire to be the best person I can be.

31 What comes to your mind when you think of your exes?
Ummm…I wish I had a few?? lol

32 Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I am kind of in the middle. Probably more of an introvert. I can lead and I can speak in front of people when necessary, but I’m certainly not charismatic or inspiring. Plus more often than not people tend to annoy me. I spend a lot of time alone and I think I’m mostly okay with that.

33 What’s your idea of romance?
Hmmm. I suppose most women wouldn’t consider me very romantic. I haven’t really had much opportunity to flex those particular muscles. In my mind though I think of romance as being completely comfortable with someone. A deep philosophical conversation can be romantic. Laughing at a silly movie together can be romantic. A text or a phone call “just because” can be romantic. Holding hands & snuggling can be romantic. Intelligence is romantic. Roses & champagne & chocolate are just fine, but people need to realize that a) those are just things and things are temporary, and b) they are empty gestures unless there is that level of comfort & respect that I mentioned. Women are sold a line of BS from time they are little girls about the ideal of a tall, dark, & handsome prince sweeping them off their feet and making their lives a fairy tale. I believe this is part of the reason that the divorce rate is so high. No man can live up to those lofty expectations…especially if he is a misogynistic drunkard with issues like jealousy, insecurity, & a need for control, which sadly describes far too many men. Cynical?? Yes, but nevertheless true. Aim high ladies. There’s nothing wrong with that. But stop thinking life is a Reese Witherspoon movie or anything like Sex & the City because you will be disappointed.

34 Would you like to live in the countryside or in a metropolitan area?
My preference would be a somewhat secluded country-esque spot with access (i.e. less than an hour away) to a city with some culture and entertainment options.

35 When did you lose your virginity?
Right after college. And actually I wish I still had my virginity.

36 What’s your favorite body part of the opposite sex?
Do you want the romantic answer or the horndog answer?? The former would be a woman’s eyes and her smile. The latter would be the boobies!!

37 What’s the wildest thing you’ve done sexually?
I can honestly say that I don’t think I have ever done anything that would be considered wild or weird…especially in today’s “anything goes” culture.

38 Do you think money can buy happiness?
Yes & no. I think financial security alleviates a lot of stress & pressure. Having money is a nice thing that comes in handy on occasion. But there are a lot of folks who, as my grandmother would say, don’t have a pot to pee in that are perfectly content, while conversely there are many people with ample fundage (I’m looking at you Hollywood) that, to paraphrase U2, seem as if the still haven’t found what they are looking for. Love, friendship, peace, honor…all are much more important than money.

 

39 The world would be a better place if…?
Reality TV would go way…immediately.

 
40 Do you have any social causes that are close to your heart?
I’m not really a cause kind of guy. I bear no ill will toward dolphins, spotted owls, those little kids in Africa that Sally Struthers apparently steals food from, the adorable puppies that need adopted from the animal shelter, or anyone who suffers from the various diseases that can seemingly be cured by wearing little ribbons of various colors…but you probably won’t see me out crusading on their behalf. I do serve as the President of my local literacy organization’s board of directors, so education is something I admire, and I am involved with various ministries thru my church.

41 What do you do over the weekends?
It varies. I usually go to church on Sunday then come home and watch baseball & Nascar. Sometimes on Saturday I just vegg out (especially during football season), but a lot of times I’ll go to the grocery store or go see a movie. Sometimes I go out to dinner with my family. If there is something going on at my church I am usually involved. This coming weekend I’m going to check out an indy wrestling show and will probably spend an evening at one of the better fairs & festivals that pop up this time of year.

42 Would you mind if I had a best friend of the opposite sex?
This question, I am assuming, is theoretically speaking of a potential romantic partner. No I wouldn’t mind. I have known a lot of women who seemed to have more guy friends than female friends. As long as you aren’t cheating on me it’s all good.

43 Which was the worst phase in your life?
I have had a few valleys. I moved back to my hometown 6 months after graduating college, and I still consider it the worst mistake of my life. I lived at home with my parents for 5 years, and as much as I love my family it sucks to be living under your Mom & Dad’s roof when you’re in your mid-20’s. My mother died in 2000 and honestly I don’t think my life has ever been the same. In 2006 I began a 2+ year journey that I refer to as The Unfortunate Incarceration during which I had an ulcer on my tailbone that resulted in me spending six months in a “skilled” nursing facility, over a year homebound, and a couple of stints in the hospital.

44 What was the happiest moment in your life?
I didn’t realize it at the time but my childhood was pretty great. However I think the gold medal has to go to my college years. I probably spent a bit too much time having fun rather than studying, but since a college education doesn’t seem to mean diddly squat anymore (especially in WV) I am perfectly fine with how I spent those awesome years.

45 Do you judge a book by its cover?
Of course we aren’t supposed to but as human beings it is undeniable that we do so more often than we’d care to admit. The key is getting past that initial judgment and finding out what’s underneath the outer surface. Sometimes we find out that someone we overlooked or found fault with is actually pretty great, while there are occasions when we discover that someone we thought was OMG hot is actually nuttier than a damn fruitcake.

46 What’s your political stance?
I am very very very conservative.

47 Do you watch porn and what’s your view on it?
Let’s be honest…as a red-blooded American male of course I have watched it. I don’t find it particularly compelling though. The acting is atrocious and the storylines are stupid. I once took my friend Greg to a strip club for his 21st birthday. At some point in the evening I said to him “You look bored”. He replied “Well you can’t touch them and you can’t take them home with you, so what’s the point??”. Two decades later I still think it may be one of the more profound statements I’ve ever heard.

48 Do you believe in karma?
Ehhh…kinda sorta not really. I believe that sometimes people get what they deserve both good & bad, but I think it is more a function of the way a person leads their life funneling them down a certain path. If you are mean to people you may get away with it for awhile but statistically speaking you will probably cross the wrong person eventually. And if you are a decent person who treats people fairly and tries to do the right thing more often than not then at the very least you can look at yourself in the mirror every day knowing you did your best.

49 Do you plan your life or live for the moment?
I am by no means an obsessive planner, but neither am I all that spontaneous. There are reasons for this.

50 Do you think life is fair?
Hell no.

51 If you were marooned on an island, what are the five things you would take with you?
This is one of my favorite questions of all time. I have seen it in various surveys. I think a person could go one of two directions with the answer based on whether or not there is a chance you can somehow work your way back to civilization. If yes then of course the items selected should be more practical & useful in the effort to get off the island. But I prefer the other scenario in which it is assumed that you’ll be on the island for the long haul and whether or not you ever escape is completely out of your control. I will also not cop out and assume that this island magically has Internet access or cable TV. Therefore, I will allow myself one work of fiction which would be the complete works of Sherlock Holmes. I would also want a Bible. Of course I’d want my dog Rocco by my side. I’d assume we could find stuff on the island that he could eat. A solar powered radio because music, in the words of Plato, “gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Oh…and a big ol’ knife. A guy’s gotta eat.

52 Would you sulk or would you confront?
I am a very non-confrontational person.

53 Are you addicted to anything?
Chocolate

54 Any current news that’s caught your attention?
I haven’t been paying as much attention to the news lately. It’s just too depressing most of the time. And there is way too much leftist bias.

55 What are your favorite apps that you use often?
I play a lot of air hockey on my phone. And of course there is Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, & ESPN. I also like Words with Friends and Paper Toss which is exactly what it sounds like.

56 Are you an optimist or a pessimist?
I am a Samist.

57 What do you have for breakfast?
I love breakfast food although I don’t always have it for breakfast. I can’t eat really early in the morning when I first get up. When I do eat breakfast the food varies. I like cereal. I like sausage & eggs. I am a big fan of anything with syrup…pancakes, French toast, waffles. I’ve been trying to eat more oatmeal because it is healthy and it actually tastes pretty good. When I go out for breakfast I like sausage gravy & biscuits.

58 How often do you make your bed?
I’ll just say that my unique circumstances make this question moot.

59 If you knew you were right, would you take a stand even if you know you would make a scene in public or would you let it go?
I have finally figured out that arguing with people is a pointless exercise that just leaves me frustrated. That’s fine since I am non-confrontational anyway. They’ll either figure out the truth or go thru life wallowing in ignorance. I know what I know, think what I think, & believe what I believe. It’s not my job to enlighten the masses.

60 What’s an absolute no-no in a relationship?
I’m not sure I have many deal breakers. I’d like to think that if I’ve made the decision to be with someone that I’ve also made the conscious choice to overlook minor flaws and compromise about conflicts. Honesty is important. I don’t think I could get past cheating. I probably wouldn’t get involved with a drug user. I think any potential mate would have to atleast respect my faith and sociopolitical views even if they didn’t completely agree.