Vin:

[David]

I've spent most of today working by myself fabricating a dolly to use on my forklift to remove 58k hubs and drums. So I've had a lot of time to think about this in light of events on another thread. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for someone who may be struggling with their sexual orientation. I've learned a lot from my wife who has worked with middle school children for the past twenty five years. The world these kids live in is much different than we remember from a much simpler time. I personally have come to believe that sexual orientation is not a choice and for those who think it is, please man up to keyboard and share with us the day you woke up and decided you were going to be straight. I don't mean to offend anyone. Just some food for thought and a realization of how much of what we say affects these kids.

[fauthpk]

I've spent most of today working by myself fabricating a dolly to use on my forklift to remove 58k hubs and drums. So I've had a lot of time to think about this in light of events on another thread. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for someone who may be struggling with their sexual orientation. I've learned a lot from my wife who has worked with middle school children for the past twenty five years. The world these kids live in is much different than we remember from a much simpler time. I personally have come to believe that sexual orientation is not a choice and for those who think it is, please man up to keyboard and share with us the day you woke up and decided you were going to be straight. I don't mean to offend anyone. Just some food for thought and a realization of how much of what we say affects these kids.

My two cents;

Rob has supported Vinny and took him under his wing. I am not sure what prompted the Dr. Phil photo but I am sure it was supposed to be taken lightly. I could care less if you are straight, gay or have a life's ambition to chop your Weiner off. My obsession with woman was secured the second I got my hands on a nice pair of titties 20 something years ago.

I am not sure how much more we can support Vinny other than taking out our wallets. I see nothing wrong with a good ball busting here and there. As I wrote o Vinny. This is a rite of passage to becoming a man. One day he will be in a position to do the same. I worked construction around his age, nothing major-swept floors, but I got screamed at, laughed at, picked on, etc. I learned to deal with it. Ben handled properly.

Can we get back to talking about trucks.

Peter

[tkobes43]

Can we get back to talking about tits.

Peter

Yes sure, No problem..

Tom

[Rob]

I've spent most of today working by myself fabricating a dolly to use on my forklift to remove 58k hubs and drums. So I've had a lot of time to think about this in light of events on another thread. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for someone who may be struggling with their sexual orientation. I've learned a lot from my wife who has worked with middle school children for the past twenty five years. The world these kids live in is much different than we remember from a much simpler time. I personally have come to believe that sexual orientation is not a choice and for those who think it is, please man up to keyboard and share with us the day you woke up and decided you were going to be straight. I don't mean to offend anyone. Just some food for thought and a realization of how much of what we say affects these kids.

I've never questioned my orientation so haven't really needed to think about it. I've had several friends, customers, aquaintances, and former employees that are gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, and anything out of what would be mostly considered normal, and have treated them no differently than anyone else all my life. I try to be an equal prick to everybody. We have to coexist in this world and bigotry is another one of those things I've not had a lot of patience/tolerance for. It is not my place to condone, or criticize others for their life's choices, but I will advise on how to stay mainstream if I have a clue.

Since this subject has come up in the thread concerning Vinny, I'll say straight out I don't think the kid is gay. I do think he has some personal hangups or problems that need addressed such as very low self esteem, or belief in self worth. A broken family is a tough thing to get through for a young person especially in these trying times. I am happy Matt, (Papa) is there to offer the support or family support base he is lacking at home from the father figure. It is no less than comendable they have the relationship they do. This is what family is all about.

I see Vinny having a hobby that will not attract many friends with the same interest, in the same age group. He is looking to fill that lack of companionship through relationships via the internet, (BMT for one). Most young boys his stated age are just starting to gain an interest in females as are the females becoming interested in males. Typically, automobiles and other major factor extra curricular activities don't enter into the adolescents mindset until the early teen years. Vinny has expressed several times there is no interest in girls, and without participation or sharing of his interest(s) by his peers, it can be a psycological battering to endure.

Vinny needs to learn how to take a joke as the Dr. Phil poster was meant to be; and as it was when sent to me.

Getting rid of Obama is one of the first steps to getting back to mainstream too.

Rob

[JumperAndSon]

Vinny is just fine, we met a Macungie and he was a normal 12 year old kid. Don't mistake his "aw shucks" attitude towards girls as something other than just being a kid. As with my own kids, I'd much rather see him obsessed by a project that he's doing with his papa than any of the alternatives.

I sure hope that the antics on this site haven't soured the Vinster on posting here, I really enjoyed his bright eyed outlook on stuff here.

Tim

[Olivetroad]

Did I miss something?

I re-read this and the only gay reference was Vinny saying that it was "gay" to post the funny pic of Dr. Phil. As in gay = stupid. I don't know why anyone would think Vinny was gay?

Unless he has aged overnight, the last time I checked, Vin was 12 years old? No 12 year old should honestly even be thinking about girls in a sexual way yet!

My middle son is 12 years old and like Vin he doesn't give a crap about girls, but he loves old trucks. This does not make him gay! This makes him a normal 12 year old boy. The problem is that normal is silent. Weird shit gets our attention and is what makes the news, so then if you don't use your brain, you can fall into the trap of thinking that what you see is the NEW normal. It is a sad commentary on our society that we even wonder about kids if they are gay or not. I agree with David that the world we throw our kids into is totally different and much more difficult than it was when the majority of us grew up. That is why my wife and I homeschool our kids. It may not be this way everywhere, but at least in my corner of the world, the best thing I can do is refuse to buy into the bulls*&t that I see coming out of our local schools about sexual orientation, lack of parental discipline, animal rights, socialist ideas, etc. I may fail miserably as a parent, but it won't be from sitting on the sidelines and not taking an active role. It tears me up when I see young boys that don't have dads around to help them know what is really normal and what is not, and protect them from the way our society hands out low self esteem if they are not rich and at 12 dating a hot blonde.

The last thing Rob wanted when he posted that photo at the start of this thread was to upset anyone, especially Vinny. If Vinny's feeling are hurt, well, that is a mistake on his part. As someone that has frequented this site as much as Vinny has, and been the giver and taker of jokes in the past, he should know that everyone on here appreciates what he adds to this crazy clown show and no one would intentionally drive him away.

Sorry for the rant!

[ajt3138]

what a great site. and this discussion is one of the ways that keeps this site interesting enougfh that i log in almost every day. ther is always a great joke and moren than enough mack info to keep the attention of any normal person.aj

[David]

Did I miss something?

I re-read this and the only gay reference was Vinny saying that it was "gay" to post the funny pic of Dr. Phil. As in gay = stupid. I don't know why anyone would think Vinny was gay?

Unless he has aged overnight, the last time I checked, Vin was 12 years old? No 12 year old should honestly even be thinking about girls in a sexual way yet!

My middle son is 12 years old and like Vin he doesn't give a crap about girls, but he loves old trucks. This does not make him gay! This makes him a normal 12 year old boy. The problem is that normal is silent. Weird shit gets our attention and is what makes the news, so then if you don't use your brain, you can fall into the trap of thinking that what you see is the NEW normal. It is a sad commentary on our society that we even wonder about kids if they are gay or not. I agree with David that the world we throw our kids into is totally different and much more difficult than it was when the majority of us grew up. That is why my wife and I homeschool our kids. It may not be this way everywhere, but at least in my corner of the world, the best thing I can do is refuse to buy into the bulls*&t that I see coming out of our local schools about sexual orientation, lack of parental discipline, animal rights, socialist ideas, etc. I may fail miserably as a parent, but it won't be from sitting on the sidelines and not taking an active role. It tears me up when I see young boys that don't have dads around to help them know what is really normal and what is not, and protect them from the way our society hands out low self esteem if they are not rich and at 12 dating a hot blonde.

The last thing Rob wanted when he posted that photo at the start of this thread was to upset anyone, especially Vinny. If Vinny's feeling are hurt, well, that is a mistake on his part. As someone that has frequented this site as much as Vinny has, and been the giver and taker of jokes in the past, he should know that everyone on here appreciates what he adds to this crazy clown show and no one would intentionally drive him away.

Sorry for the rant!

I don't think anyone is calling anyone anything. It's just a realization that without cognizance of an entire situation, "just words" or a "joke", MAY have unintended consequences. Who knows what anyone is going through at any given time. I for one would hate to see some kid go and do something really stupid because they got to the point where they just couldn't take it anymore.

[1958 F.W.D.]

Ohhhh the stories I could tell......I grew up "on the wrong side of the tracks" in a town where the parking lot at the high school was filled with beemers, mercedes, and other top-line cars that the kids drove to school every day, courtesy of their Doctor, Lawyer or other high-paying professional parents. I was growing up in the right-hand seat of two F-model macks on weekends and summers (at least until I was about 12.) I hung out with my Dad at the local gas station where I pushed the broom, pumped gas, broke down and mounted tires, changed oil, etc etc. I was overweight, always the last kid to be picked in gym, never got invited to parties, and was ridiculed for being a volunteer firefighter and wanting to be a career firefighter. I know what it's like to be persecuted, and I also know what it's like to be "tested" or have your "balls broke."

Looking back, i think about some of the stuff I went through. Call me a primma donna, but I'm sitting here thinking that maybe 12 years old is a bit young to go through this kind of stuff. I dunno, could be me. I wouldnt change anything about my childhood or teenage years- but I have to wonder if I would be any different now. And now that I am a father of three of my own- wow doesnt THAT make you think hard!!!!

I think cutting Vinny a break may be warranted here. At the same time Vinny needs to learn to take what we all say with a grain of salt....But thats just it.....LEARN......And at the same time, maybe we shouldnt push his buttons so hard.......

[fauthpk]

Ohhhh the stories I could tell......I grew up "on the wrong side of the tracks" in a town where the parking lot at the high school was filled with beemers, mercedes, and other top-line cars that the kids drove to school every day, courtesy of their Doctor, Lawyer or other high-paying professional parents. I was growing up in the right-hand seat of two F-model macks on weekends and summers (at least until I was about 12.) I hung out with my Dad at the local gas station where I pushed the broom, pumped gas, broke down and mounted tires, changed oil, etc etc. I was overweight, always the last kid to be picked in gym, never got invited to parties, and was ridiculed for being a volunteer firefighter and wanting to be a career firefighter. I know what it's like to be persecuted, and I also know what it's like to be "tested" or have your "balls broke."

Looking back, i think about some of the stuff I went through. Call me a primma donna, but I'm sitting here thinking that maybe 12 years old is a bit young to go through this kind of stuff. I dunno, could be me. I wouldnt change anything about my childhood or teenage years- but I have to wonder if I would be any different now. And now that I am a father of three of my own- wow doesnt THAT make you think hard!!!!

I think cutting Vinny a break may be warranted here. At the same time Vinny needs to learn to take what we all say with a grain of salt....But thats just it.....LEARN......And at the same time, maybe we shouldnt push his buttons so hard.......

All of us got our balls broken at one time or another. I drove a 1952 Dodge M37 to school and I hated it then. I would give my left nut to have that truck back. I still live in the same town I grew up in. Mst of the "cool" high school kids are either dead or so burnt out its sad. If I had children I feel I would prefer them to read some of the posts on here rather than somewhere else.

Kids need to understand that high school sucks. The one who look like tey ave their shit together don't. My greatest accomplishment was getting into college. There I was able to be myself surrounded by guys and gals with the same interests. In my sophomore year I became an RA and made it my number one policy to help the guys on my floor realize their full potential. Door was always open for them.

Bottom line to you guys as parents, uncles, sons, and grandparents. Turn off the television and spend sometime with your kids. Understand wat s going on in their lives. My Dad had the best advise. If you start a fight, your on your own. If you are getting bullied ad you need to take care it I will support you 100 percent. After that chat I felt the old man ad my back. I was comforted in the fact that he knew I would stick up for myself rather than be pushed around.

Peter

[HeavyGunner]

Don't feel bad Vin, I just got done training this month and had to put up with this egotistical little bastard that seemed to think you weren't a driver unless you have driven in the Oil fields. That little prick pecked and belittled me every chance he got. No matter what I did it was dead wrong and he would yell at me. I see my self as a big, gentle person with a decent amount of patience. The last day of training he started on a four letter worded rant at me and I stopped the truck and said "I have had it with you pecking at me with no constructive criticism you sawed off son of a bitch. If you are such a super trucker you drive this mother f&@$)!!" he drove the rest of that day and now we are decent work acquaintances. It sucks getting picked on but suck it up and you will make it. Stick up for yourself 'cause no one else will in life.

[slpwlker]

Don't feel bad Vin, I just got done training this month and had to put up with this egotistical little bastard that seemed to think you weren't a driver unless you have driven in the Oil fields. That little prick pecked and belittled me every chance he got. No matter what I did it was dead wrong and he would yell at me. I see my self as a big, gentle person with a decent amount of patience. The last day of training he started on a four letter worded rant at me and I stopped the truck and said "I have had it with you pecking at me with no constructive criticism you sawed off son of a bitch. If you are such a super trucker you drive this mother f&@$)!!" he drove the rest of that day and now we are decent work acquaintances. It sucks getting picked on but suck it up and you will make it. Stick up for yourself 'cause no one else will in life.

Yeah someone like that you need to put in there place the first time he mouths off to you. Your a better man then me He would still be walking or they would be still looking for his body

[HeavyGunner]

Yeah hindsight being 20/20 I should have had it out with him the 2nd or 3rd day and he wouldve never messed with me but I was just trying get thru it and be done. This idiot actually chewed my ass for taking the interaxle lock out when I got to the pavement the first day. He told me that he always leaves it in and it won't hurt a thing to which I replied then why can I unlock them if they in theory never need to be? He is a real gem. Think he watched too many gay reality shows 'cause he uses the same corny lines they do like you don get any respect until you (insert dramatized job here).

[slpwlker]

Yeah hindsight being 20/20 I should have had it out with him the 2nd or 3rd day and he wouldve never messed with me but I was just trying get thru it and be done. This idiot actually chewed my ass for taking the interaxle lock out when I got to the pavement the first day. He told me that he always leaves it in and it won't hurt a thing to which I replied then why can I unlock them if they in theory never need to be? He is a real gem. Think he watched too many gay reality shows 'cause he uses the same corny lines they do like you don get any respect until you (insert dramatized job here).

Yeah you can leave it in and tear stuff up. Sounds like this moron needs to go to La or Fl where the dirt is totally different and let him be the rookie again

[randyp]

Yeah someone like that you need to put in there place the first time he mouths off to you. Your a better man then me He would still be walking or they would be still looking for his body

Amen slpwlker, me and him woulda got some shit straight real early in the game, or one of us woulda been gone. I dont tolerate such as that real well. randyp

[Olivetroad]

Yeah you can leave it in and tear stuff up. Sounds like this moron needs to go to La or Fl where the dirt is totally different and let him be the rookie again

Why do you always have to pick on Hatcity?

[storkmack]

Think he watched too many gay reality shows 'cause he uses the same corny lines they do like you don get any respect until you (insert dramatized job here).

Haul combines. Had a guy tell me once, that you haven't done any real trucking until you have hauled combines. Everyone one has a niche they get into and hopefully they get good at it. You have reefer guys, freight peddelers, lowboy guys, dump truck guys, OTR guys, flat bedders , grain haulers and tanker yankers. If you get a guy in telling you that he has pulled every type of trailer out there, behind of every type of tractor ever configured, he is full of shit and there is a reason he is looking for a job. -Brad

[burnstransport]

Haul combines. Had a guy tell me once, that you haven't done any real trucking until you have hauled combines.

Once passed a T.T. unit on the shoulder with the triangles out and the hood up, couple minutes later some wisecracks went over the CB, followed by tongue in cheek reply "Don't care what you say, this is REAL truckin' right here"

Got a chuckle and never forgot that one. So I guess until you break down you're not a real truck driver (Guess I'm a real driver many times over)

[randyp]

Seems like the only ones I run into, all they pull on is a bottle or a can. Fellow stopped by where I was working yesterday, got out of his truck with a can of beer, and asked me if I had any truck driving jobs. He had one hell of a beergut on him, I dont think my truck seats even go back that far. I told him he was already violating the open container law, he said piss on that law, i says, well, dont have any openings right now, but thanks for stopping. People are unbelievable sometimes. randyp

[Rob]

Once passed a T.T. unit on the shoulder with the triangles out and the hood up, couple minutes later some wisecracks went over the CB, followed by tongue in cheek reply "Don't care what you say, this is REAL truckin' right here"

Got a chuckle and never forgot that one. So I guess until you break down you're not a real truck driver (Guess I'm a real driver many times over)

Does runnin out of fuel count??????????

Rob

[burnstransport]

Does runnin out of fuel count??????????

Rob

Only if you put out your three triangles and give a good show

[Brian Blaylock]

This so called gentleman had no right to talk to you or anyone else the way he did but I have agree on the part if you can drive a winch truck

In the oilfields you can drive just about anything else anywhere you want to and make it do what ever needs to be done when you get there

[mike69mackman]

Just my opinion but vinny needs to relax a bit . I told him before if we didn't like him we wouldn't pick on him. It's not like we're serious. His presence on this site brings a touch of youthfulness here. But I think pArt of his problem is maturity, he's young and needs to grow up a little bit. Sure would hate to see him leave this site. Actually he reminds me of myself at that age lol. The thing I like about this site is all the different folks and things on it. We can talk Mack's,tractors,politics or anything. And the friends I've made on this site are great especially the support you have given me with this health issue of mine, you wouldn't get that kind of encouragement anywhere else. I'm proud to be a member of this site and thankful for the friends I've made.

[Rob]

Only if you put out your three triangles and give a good show

I used to be able to hike my pantleg up over my calf and get anyplace I needed to go but not no more........

Guess I'll never be a trucker.

Rob

[Freightrain]

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