Taking An Interest A Bit Too Far…
It wasn’t my intention to write about Indiana Jones again today, but when I read this article, I just had to share. A man named Michael Ryan has been so obsessed with the character of Indiana Jones since seeing “Raiders of the Lost Ark” back in 1981, that he has worn a fedora ever since and even named his son Harrison (his wife wouldn’t agree to Indiana). He estimates he has spent about $50 000 on his hobby. Personally, I think he’s too busy trying to live Indiana’s life to create and live his own dreams. To read the whole sordid tale, click HERE.
Do you know anyone like this - someone who has an obsession that borders on unhealthy? Maybe it’s a hobby or a collection that’s out of control. I’m sure there have been PhD theses written on the need to possess a collection and live vicariously through it. Do you think it’s harmless? Am I being too hard on this guy? Share your thoughts by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below. Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is OBSESSION. It’s good until May 25th.
I will be away next week, but hope to update my blog a few times, so keep checking back. :)
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Hey Carly, well you know that woman child I told you I work with - the one with the ATROCIOUS spelling/e-mails? Well, she’s OBSESSED with Law & Order SVU, and even so much as has a pic from the show as her desktop wallpaper. What’s worse is her husband (yes, she’s married, something ain’t right in the cosmos I’ll tell ya) is a Leafs fanATIC. I love the Leafs, I bleed blue & white, always have, always will BUT…he’s got Leafs seat covers, steering wheel cover, walks around wearing a Leafs jacket & ball cap, and lord knows what else he has. He was off on disability (I’d like to say mental, but you’re probably thinking I’m picking on them enough) and when he finally got an E.I. cheque, guess what Buella & Buford done did? When oft to the Dixie Value Mall so he could get a $40+ Leafs crest for his jacket. Oh dare to dream.
Cheers,
Lee Ann
Carly’s Note: Wow. I’m speechless. Not even Harold Ballard had Leafs seatcovers!
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
There are worse people than this guy, Carly. I remember watching an episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels a few months ago, and Gene’s wife, Shannon Tweed, actually flooded parts of Gene’s office, ruining some of his possessions. So she had to find a fan who had lots of KISS/Gene Simmons memorabilia and replace the damaged items before Gene found out. One fan actually gave Shannon some items as he had multiples of everything, and I don’t think he ever asked for anything in return. I think he was just happy to have met Shannon and be on the TV show too.
If I had the money, I’d surely dress up my house in a Toronto Blue Jays motif, but really, I’m not that crazy.
Carly’s Note: Jays motif? That’s why men are given the den or the rec room to with as they please. It’s a special woman who appreciates a sports theme in the living room.
May 23rd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Hey Carly,
Where ever you are going, I hope you have a great time, we’ll miss you!!
April
Carly’s Note: Thanks, April! I’m at a conference, but I wish I were on a beach. I always wish I were on a beach. I don’t think the thought “I’m really sick of the sand and sun” has ever crossed my mind.
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Well, I do have my shrine of devotion to Carly Klassen… er… um I meant I’m taking Harley Classes… yeah…that’s it…. :p
I confess that I have a bit of a DVD addiction, but it’s not too bad. I just like having a collection of flicks that I enjoy.
As for this guy - meh - to each their own I suppose. I loved ‘Raiders’ as much as the next guy, but I’ll just stick to enjoying the movie.
Have a good week off!
-S.B.
Carly’s Note: Thanks for the laugh, Sean! The DVD addiction is alright as long as you watch them. Don’t fall into the “why rent it for $5 when I can buy it for $12?” trap. If it’s not useful, it’s clutter that you’ve paid an extra $7 for. Getting rid of clutter is my new addiction!
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Hi Carly:
Wow, i get the honours, first comment
I think you might be a bit hard on the guy for his collection, i realize
that $50,000.00 is alot of money, but when you put it into perspective
that he’s been collecting since 1981 - 27 years, that’s a long time.
He could have been channeling his money into other stuff like drugs,
booze and smokes and have nothing to show for it except the memories
of a good time which fades.
Lots of people collect memorabilia, some of the stuff is more expensive
than others, some collect cards, CD’s, books, art, cars, figurines, stamps,
model trains, military things, you name it, the list is endless.
For alot of people it is a prized collection that they have put some effort
into it over many years, for some these collections are also a way of
expressing their creativity, it gives them a common thread where they
share their knowledge and collections with others at gatherings, for some
these are a hobby which alows them to relieve stress to get away from
everyday mundane or demanding jobs or co-workers.
As with everything there are the exceptions to the rule where you
have the excessive compulsives that have lost touch with reality and
have lost their focus on life and these things have turned into their lives
which as the saying goes “different strokes for different folks ” you just
kind of smile and walk on by thinking this person is just plain weird
and really needs to get a life, but you get the picture
Anyway, without rambling on i’ll draw this to a close, enjoy your week off,
and as usual, i always enjoy your show.
Take care
Joe
Carly’s Note: I respectfully disagree, but appreciate your comments (and your good wishes). Thanks for presenting the other side, Joe.
May 25th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Its somewhat unhealthy.
The ones who scare me are the people who are really into star wars/star trek w/e. People like comic book guy on the simpsons worry me a lot more then this guy.
Carly’s Note: He doesn’t scare you because he’s the only one we’ve heard of. If there were a convention where everyone dressed as Indiana and showed off their bullwhip skills, you’d be scared of him, too.
May 25th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
How about people who update their blog while they’re on vacation. Thats kind of obsessive, Nawwww…… I’m just pokin’ fun at you Carly. Damn… I just said “pokin’” and “Carly” in the same sentence, now that’s HOT!!!!!!!
p.s….I think I just broke my alchohol/keyboard rule.
Carly’s Note: I’m not on vacation, I’m at a training session, so updating my blog is a welcome break and your comments were a much needed laugh.
May 26th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Hi Carly,
I have some friends that have had Labrador Retrievers for many years and their home is dominated by pictures and figurines of these dogs all over the place! Mind you this breed is very popular and these dogs are very nice so it is quite nice.
Another friend is a huge Miami Dolphins fan so he has indoctrinated his son into all this promotion before the lad knew what hit him. i think his room was covered with Dolphins paraphernalia before he could walk or talk.
My only “obsession” was in high school when i played football and we were a football crazy school. it wasn’t until university that you learn that there is a lot more to life.
Have a great day and really enjoy your show.
Carly’s Note: Thanks, Dave. I don’t think I could sleep in a Miami Dolphins bedroom - not the most tranquil colours.
May 26th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Carly,
Tried the bonus code and it told me I already used it! What’s up with that?
Carly’s Note: Sorry, Cathy. I’m off-site, so I can’t look into it right now.