the alpha dog

I'm obsessed.  I realized this year that on my ongoing quest to be smarter, I study new and fascinating people. But if they have a really polarizing personality then I'm screwed.  My obsession will typically last for about a 2 month period.  Now, these obsessions are harmless to everyone involved (including my subject matter) but me.  Mostly because they'll occupy a large chunk of my time.

Take Mickey Rourke for example (yes, I realize that being obsessed with him might take me off course on the smarter quest).  When I watched the Wrestler, I was in awe of his acting, his face and how raw and real the story was. Maybe this had something to do with the fact that I grew up watching Wrestling with my dad, regardless it sent me on a hunt for more information - taking me back to '9.5 weeks'.   Then I dug even deeper - watching his movies, going through old pics, his story of his rise and fall, his tumultuous  divorce.  I was hooked and in admiration.  I realize he's not a stellar guy and was a dick to a lot of people, but that's probably what intrigued me - that even though he wasn't a saint he was successful and crazy talented. 

And now, for the last few months its been Steve Jobs. Christ, I've watched "Pirates of Silicon Valley", read the book iCon (you must too), downloaded podcasts and have generally been studying his (and Bill Gates') career for the last 2 months now. I've even written a blog or two about him.

Aside from these two gentleman, these attractions are grounded in the reality of my everyday life.  I like the Alpha Dog.  It's probably fair to say that, without intentionally trying, I too will find myself trying placing myself in the Alpha Dog position (really, I'm a harmless pup). But if you get a stronger and charming Alpha in the room with me, I start peeing on the floor and they make me their bitch.