Just about everyone drives. If you're not in the city, underage, or have some medical condition that prohibits you from driving...or you're in prison right now and are somehow reading this...you've been behind the seat of a motor vehicle for a considerable amount of time. Since you've had such driver's side experience, you've probably gained a few driving habits. When I say habits, I'm not necessarily talking about speeding down a familiar road, or the difference between backing into or driving straight into a parallel parking spot. Those are too case-specific. I'm talking about little 'moves' we all do when in the vehicle, whether we realize it or not. I'll break them down for you:
(DISCLAIMER: I will be referring to any driver that is not me with a masculine pronoun, mainly because I'm to lazy to type in he/she as many times as necessary. I just want to let everyone know that there is no discrimination here. I hate stupid drivers regardless of who they are.)
The California Roll
This is probably the most common driving practice I've witnessed. Basically, this is just the rolling stop. The vehicle approaches a stop sign, slows to a crawl, but never really comes to a complete stop. Apparently, we think that the extra .436 seconds we're saving by just creeping up to the line before taking off again is worth it. This is a soft warm-up considering there isn't really much I can make fun of here.
The Stoplight Creeper
You're at a stoplight on a two-lane road. A car pulls up next to you and comes to a stop with its nose just breaching the arbitrary line the Department of Transportation has painted after determining it to be a safe stopping point.
The light is still red.
Everyone is still stationary.
The light remains red.
Mr. Antsy Pants next to you eases off the brakes ever so slightly, inching his vehicle up and stopping again.
The light is still red.
He scuddles up a little more.
The light is still red.
Ok...at this point, the car next to you isn't even really next to you anymore. This hunk of retarded metal is just about completely in the middle of the intersection, and the cars behind them have moved up and taken its spot, thereby giving the driver no option of changing his mind.
The light changes to green and you advance.
Retardo-car here hasn't moved yet because he has pulled so far ahead by now that he can't even see the light and that it's changed. He only realizes that he is now aloud to move up because you go by him at about 15mph (yes, you've had that much time to accelerate to that speed...THAT'S how far he's moved up). Once he notices that it's acceptable to be where he is now, he presses his foot down unnecessarily hard on the gas and catches up to you. Then he will do one of two things. He will fly by in all his douchey glory, or humbly slow down for roughly ten seconds, THEN pull his douche move. The only thing going through your mind is how much of an ass this person made himself look, and how you wish someone that knows him saw what he did and makes fun of him later for you, because you don't know him and will probably never see him again...unless you're a paramedic.
The Stoplight Gazer
We are at the same stoplight. You're in the same position. Another car pulls up next to you, and again slows to a stop slightly beyond the painted line. But this driver is different...
His car isn't going anywhere. He's obeying the complete stop rule. But he isn't paying attention to the road or the stoplight. He's gazing slightly up and to the left. What the hell is he doing?!
He's watching the stoplight of the traffic moving perpendicular to your own!
The opposing light is green.
His gaze stays fixed, un-averted.
The opposing light remains green.
His attention is undivided.
The opposing light remains green.
His neck has to be hurting.
The opposing light changes to yellow, then to red.
During that time, the driver has shifted his position with his head back into his seat and arms clenched to the steering wheel and shift knob if there is one.
Your light changes to green.
This guy is GONE! He had his vehicle moving at a response time of .235 seconds before your light changed colors. This guy was treating the other lights as a "tree," a drag racing terminology (you know, the strip of lights between the lanes that goes red, red, red, yellow, yellow, GREEN!). Somehow, this adrenaline junkie has found a way to make lack of movement in a mundane scenario an exciting and spontaneous demonstration of faggotry.
The Quick Peek
You're on a highway now. You're actually MOVING now! I guess you're at approximately 55mph. You obey the speed limit like that, I know you do. You're a law-abiding citizen (please tell me you are, because that would just kill me if you weren't). Cars around you are moving at varying speeds, whether it's faster or slower than you, but at moderate paces; nothing extreme. As these cars are moving by you, or you by them, you always do this move...
You look at that driver.
Everyone is moving at speeds that, on average, could kill someone in an accident, but you and that driver both pull your eyes from what's in front of you for just a second to peer at each other.
What are you hoping for?
Single guys (or taken guys with big dreams), are you hoping that you'll see an attractive female behind the wheel? Are you hoping that you both will make eye contact? Are you hoping that you'll both play a cute game of highway tag, then eventually just pull over on the shoulder, run off into the woods or something, and just fuck each other right there?
I do.
Women...I don't even know, and I'm not even going to try to make an attempt at what you're thinking when you look over.
We all do it.
Well, almost all people.
If you peer over, and that person's neck doesn't even make a muscle contusion when you drive by (they must have tunnel vision like a mother fucker!), you think, "stuck-up bitch/prick!"
Tell me I'm wrong...
...You can't, can you?
How about the people that FLY by you at ridiculous speeds? Or how about the ones that are slugging along at 15mph below the flow of traffic?
While they're either in your mirror or still in front of you, they're just objects. They're not even people at this point. They're just cars running autonomously and they're bugging the hell out of you because they've got to be different compared to the rest of traffic.
Oh, but when they go by, you still look.
But it's not the same look, regardless of what you're hoping to see.
No, this look is the gaze of DEATH!
"FUCK YOU, YOU DUMBASS PIECE OF SHIT DRIVER! DID YOU GET YOUR LICENSE FROM A COLLECTION OF CEREAL BOX TOPS?! DOES YOUR LICENSE SAY 'COURTESY OF KELLOGG'S???"
Yeah, they should die.
How about a passenger habit?
The Clairvoyant Napper
How many times has this happened to you?
You're driving somewhere, and it's a relatively long trip. Someone came with you, and he's in the passenger seat. Somewhere along the journey, he dozed off and seems unshakable no matter what you're doing on the road. In fact, he is annoying the shit out of you at this point because of his snoring, and the fact that you have no one to talk to now.
He's ungrateful as shit that you're driving him.
Bitch/Prick
You're nearing the end of your trek, and you're closing in on the final mile. All of the sudden, they are jerked from their peaceful slumber, making horrible sounds and stretching their arms into your line of sight.
By some phenomenon, they knew exactly when to wake up, even though no matter what you did while driving (quick lane changes, braking and accelerating because of shitty drivers around you, etc.), they were never disturbed.
You park the car and get out. You're tired as shit. This guy...He's up and ready to go!
Fuck you...guy. You're driving home, but not in MY car.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Today's Taste Test...You sample me blindfolded and I'll tell you what you just tasted.
Two nights ago, I was watching a documentary of marijuana on CNBC. Now, weed has nothing to do with today's post. What followed that episode, however, was an hour long in-depth advertisement for Coca-Cola they disguised as a documentary. For that, I decided to go ahead and advocate on this situation, and tell you a little bit about Pepsi. Only I could find a way to waste your time with a mock-umentary A&E Biography would pay me to delete, throw my computer into a fire, and then have me smother it with my own body.
Founded by Caleb Bradham in 1893, it was originally created as a possible over-the-counter treatment to bad digestion. It was an instant success as an enjoyable casual drink by his patrons and friends, so Mr. Bradham decided to devote all his efforts into a business. Fast-forward to now and you have a thriving enterprise with a net worth of over $92 billion which expands to other well known names as Frito-Lay, Quaker Foods, Tropicana, and Gatorade. But that has nothing to do with why I am giving kudos to this great, GREAT, company.
The reason I love this company so much, is because they fail so many times! But despite of it's many unsuccessful attempts at something new, they keep creating more and more products that last about as long as fifteen dollars in a back alley at Vegas. Just take a look at all the labels that PepsiCo. has released for their Pepsi brand. (Pepsi Labels) Yes, I know. The link is Wikipedia, but for the most part, all the info is there and accurate to date. That is just the list of Pepsi's. PepsiCo. also controls such brands as Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, Mug Root Beer, 7-Up, Aquafina, and more.
I could only imagine how big their R&D department is, because it seems that they know that flavors come and go at an alarming rate. So, if failure in short time is included into the equation, PepsiCo. always needs to stay ahead of the game. Once one flavor disappears from the current fad, R&D delivers with yet another short shelf-life phenom. It almost seems like every idea they put on paper in the conference room gets put into action. "So bob, what do you have for us for next week's new Pepsi?" "Well....it's barbecuing season, so I thought I'd come up with a compliment to the grill's #1 meat. Introducing......PEPSI BEEF!" "EXCELLENT! GET THE DESIGNERS ON THE PHONE AND GET TO PRINTING THOSE LABELS! BUY OUT McCORMICKS AND ARTIFICIALLY RECREATE THE FLAVOR." "One more thing boss; just a toss-up; how about, it starts pink, and when it gets cold enough, turns to our classic Pepsi brown?" "DEAR LORD, BOB! YOU'VE GOT A HIT!!" Not to mention, it also seems like instead of a sample location to test the product's success, the release it nationwide with no fear!
Pepsi definitely has the testicular fortitude to try anything with their money at least once. Along with expanding their market with failed flavors and other edible companies, they have divided a portion of their income to various advertisements targeting EVERYBODY! Regardless of that television station, newspaper, magazine you enjoy, you WILL see a Pepsi ad with that specific group of people targeted. (let's stick to TV for now). CBS, FOX, BET, TNT, History Channel.....LIFETIME...will ALL have some Pepsi-mercial with its own personality it seems. Pick a sporting event, concert, PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE! I could almost be tempted to bet you any amount of money that Pepsi is there somewhere. It's not just because they have the money to do it, it's that they have the money, and they DO do it!
With competition like Coca-Cola, RC Cola, and the various store brands with similar brand names like Mountain Lion, Dr. Thunder, and Squirt, Pepsi always needs to stay on their toes and keep their products on the top of the ladder and on the front of the shelf. So kudos to PepsiCo for their continuing failures, but never stopping to think twice about them!
Founded by Caleb Bradham in 1893, it was originally created as a possible over-the-counter treatment to bad digestion. It was an instant success as an enjoyable casual drink by his patrons and friends, so Mr. Bradham decided to devote all his efforts into a business. Fast-forward to now and you have a thriving enterprise with a net worth of over $92 billion which expands to other well known names as Frito-Lay, Quaker Foods, Tropicana, and Gatorade. But that has nothing to do with why I am giving kudos to this great, GREAT, company.
The reason I love this company so much, is because they fail so many times! But despite of it's many unsuccessful attempts at something new, they keep creating more and more products that last about as long as fifteen dollars in a back alley at Vegas. Just take a look at all the labels that PepsiCo. has released for their Pepsi brand. (Pepsi Labels) Yes, I know. The link is Wikipedia, but for the most part, all the info is there and accurate to date. That is just the list of Pepsi's. PepsiCo. also controls such brands as Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, Mug Root Beer, 7-Up, Aquafina, and more.
I could only imagine how big their R&D department is, because it seems that they know that flavors come and go at an alarming rate. So, if failure in short time is included into the equation, PepsiCo. always needs to stay ahead of the game. Once one flavor disappears from the current fad, R&D delivers with yet another short shelf-life phenom. It almost seems like every idea they put on paper in the conference room gets put into action. "So bob, what do you have for us for next week's new Pepsi?" "Well....it's barbecuing season, so I thought I'd come up with a compliment to the grill's #1 meat. Introducing......PEPSI BEEF!" "EXCELLENT! GET THE DESIGNERS ON THE PHONE AND GET TO PRINTING THOSE LABELS! BUY OUT McCORMICKS AND ARTIFICIALLY RECREATE THE FLAVOR." "One more thing boss; just a toss-up; how about, it starts pink, and when it gets cold enough, turns to our classic Pepsi brown?" "DEAR LORD, BOB! YOU'VE GOT A HIT!!" Not to mention, it also seems like instead of a sample location to test the product's success, the release it nationwide with no fear!
Pepsi definitely has the testicular fortitude to try anything with their money at least once. Along with expanding their market with failed flavors and other edible companies, they have divided a portion of their income to various advertisements targeting EVERYBODY! Regardless of that television station, newspaper, magazine you enjoy, you WILL see a Pepsi ad with that specific group of people targeted. (let's stick to TV for now). CBS, FOX, BET, TNT, History Channel.....LIFETIME...will ALL have some Pepsi-mercial with its own personality it seems. Pick a sporting event, concert, PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE! I could almost be tempted to bet you any amount of money that Pepsi is there somewhere. It's not just because they have the money to do it, it's that they have the money, and they DO do it!
With competition like Coca-Cola, RC Cola, and the various store brands with similar brand names like Mountain Lion, Dr. Thunder, and Squirt, Pepsi always needs to stay on their toes and keep their products on the top of the ladder and on the front of the shelf. So kudos to PepsiCo for their continuing failures, but never stopping to think twice about them!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Are you actually driving a PLANE to work everyday?
So, I was driving home today after work, where I was driving all over and delivering specific items I can currently not mention, but can say it involves a certain biological current event. Anyway...while driving, I realized that my truck had very little in the way of technological advancements compared to other vehicles on the road. Other than the CD player, which is a replacement for the factory installed AM/FM radio that had no CD or cassette features, my truck doesn't have anything that resembles anything invented after the bronze age except for the airbag (which I hope I NEVER use, so that doesn't count). Shit, that radio barely played AM/FM at times! In my defense, it is a 2002, so it's not necessarily THAT old in comparison to other vehicles still in operation. At times, I envy those who have more automobile accessories than I do. But then, it got me thinking...
I don't need those things!
And by those things, I mean, these specific "enhancements" to our motor vehicles.
Ignition Buttons
This is a fairly new feature making its way through all models throughout North America and in other foreign nations. The benefit is for those who either don't have the ability, or is too lazy to find their key and turn it in the ignition. They don't have to fumble through their pocket or handbag for the key because the car recognizes, via electronic signal, that the key is within the vicinity of the car.
I want to point out one MAJOR flaw in this "incredible" convenience. So your key just happens to be within the area and you don't have to fish around to find it. I'm curious...what did you use to get IN the car in the first place? Did you have to fish through your pocket or handbag to pull out your keys, which has the remote to unlock the door? The keys are out! You've already made the effort of key retrieval to get into the car! Just put the freaking thing in the slot and turn! That is, of course, after you've sat down in your seat.
Heated Seats
There is nothing like a cold, winter morning when the frost has collected on your windshield and the engine needs the extra few moments to warm up. There is nothing like it, because it SUCKS! Problems start to collect once you've finally scraped a sizable viewing hole on each of your windows, when you've gotten yourself inside the car. I don't know about any of you, but it doesn't seem to matter how long I've let my engine warm up and the vents start to blow warm air through the cabin, that I'm still hunched forward during half my trip to work because it's too cold on the surface of my seat to lean back comfortably. Oh, if only my seat produced its own heat!
Wait, NO! No I don't! If I did, I wouldn't have a reason to write this!
Heated seats? Really?
The biggest problem I have with this is that for 8 OTHER months out of the year, it's never touched! If anything, most people are cursing the intense heat on the inside during the summer, that they wish it was chilled for them (never satisfied, eh?).
I'm not going to lie, I've tried these out. The first time I used it, it freaked me out! When the heat activated (I unknowingly turned it on), the seat warmed instantly to a very high degree. I literally thought I just crapped myself, and got out of the vehicle and to the nearest bathroom to check. Yeah, heat seats aren't for me.
Cruise Control
This feature has been around for a while. I use it on numerous occasions. I admit to be victimized by this little time bomb.
When you're driving (without cruise control), where is your foot? It's on the gas pedal, correct? The last time I checked, the gas pedal is probably the closest my foot can get to the brake pedal without touching it. Cruise control allows, and almost encourages the driver to relax his/her legs. More often than not, what do we do? We pull our legs closer to ourselves, sometimes even crossing them. We've actually caused an even SLOWER reaction time to incidents around us by allowing us to relax and move away from two of the three tools of basic car movement! Cruise control is like that friend you had back in school that convinced you that playing hooky every once in a while was alright and wouldn't keep you from educational progress (or as how they would put it: youz aint got nothin ta worry about skhool is gonna B der 2morro).
Precise Temperature Control
First, isn't it enough that people argue enough about what exact degree the thermostat at home is set to? No one ever yelled at someone else with the comment, "will you please quit changing the temperature control from mostly red and a little blue to moderately red and slightly more blue?!" Enough said.
Sunroofs
Look. It's either a top, or no top. There IS no question! What are you getting with the sunroof that you're not getting with the windshield, except a greater opportunity to get throat punched?
Honestly, I could go on forever with feature after feature. Honestly, who thought of Vulcanized rubber?! GRAH! Anyway, I'll stop for now. Add on if you'd like.
I don't need those things!
And by those things, I mean, these specific "enhancements" to our motor vehicles.
Ignition Buttons
This is a fairly new feature making its way through all models throughout North America and in other foreign nations. The benefit is for those who either don't have the ability, or is too lazy to find their key and turn it in the ignition. They don't have to fumble through their pocket or handbag for the key because the car recognizes, via electronic signal, that the key is within the vicinity of the car.
I want to point out one MAJOR flaw in this "incredible" convenience. So your key just happens to be within the area and you don't have to fish around to find it. I'm curious...what did you use to get IN the car in the first place? Did you have to fish through your pocket or handbag to pull out your keys, which has the remote to unlock the door? The keys are out! You've already made the effort of key retrieval to get into the car! Just put the freaking thing in the slot and turn! That is, of course, after you've sat down in your seat.
Heated Seats
There is nothing like a cold, winter morning when the frost has collected on your windshield and the engine needs the extra few moments to warm up. There is nothing like it, because it SUCKS! Problems start to collect once you've finally scraped a sizable viewing hole on each of your windows, when you've gotten yourself inside the car. I don't know about any of you, but it doesn't seem to matter how long I've let my engine warm up and the vents start to blow warm air through the cabin, that I'm still hunched forward during half my trip to work because it's too cold on the surface of my seat to lean back comfortably. Oh, if only my seat produced its own heat!
Wait, NO! No I don't! If I did, I wouldn't have a reason to write this!
Heated seats? Really?
The biggest problem I have with this is that for 8 OTHER months out of the year, it's never touched! If anything, most people are cursing the intense heat on the inside during the summer, that they wish it was chilled for them (never satisfied, eh?).
I'm not going to lie, I've tried these out. The first time I used it, it freaked me out! When the heat activated (I unknowingly turned it on), the seat warmed instantly to a very high degree. I literally thought I just crapped myself, and got out of the vehicle and to the nearest bathroom to check. Yeah, heat seats aren't for me.
Cruise Control
This feature has been around for a while. I use it on numerous occasions. I admit to be victimized by this little time bomb.
When you're driving (without cruise control), where is your foot? It's on the gas pedal, correct? The last time I checked, the gas pedal is probably the closest my foot can get to the brake pedal without touching it. Cruise control allows, and almost encourages the driver to relax his/her legs. More often than not, what do we do? We pull our legs closer to ourselves, sometimes even crossing them. We've actually caused an even SLOWER reaction time to incidents around us by allowing us to relax and move away from two of the three tools of basic car movement! Cruise control is like that friend you had back in school that convinced you that playing hooky every once in a while was alright and wouldn't keep you from educational progress (or as how they would put it: youz aint got nothin ta worry about skhool is gonna B der 2morro).
Precise Temperature Control
First, isn't it enough that people argue enough about what exact degree the thermostat at home is set to? No one ever yelled at someone else with the comment, "will you please quit changing the temperature control from mostly red and a little blue to moderately red and slightly more blue?!" Enough said.
Sunroofs
Look. It's either a top, or no top. There IS no question! What are you getting with the sunroof that you're not getting with the windshield, except a greater opportunity to get throat punched?
Honestly, I could go on forever with feature after feature. Honestly, who thought of Vulcanized rubber?! GRAH! Anyway, I'll stop for now. Add on if you'd like.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
People love me as much as I pretend to love myself? When did THIS happen?
First, I'll start with this...
COME BACK! I NEED YOUUU!!
I tend to joke about being a narcissistic bastard whose only job is to belittle those around me by exaggerating the high points of myself.
Don't be confused, I really AM perfect, though.
I am a person who craves attention. I feed on it like a vampire bat feeds on the ankles of cows; like many species of beetles feed on the excrement of cows; like flies feed on the eyelids and other soft spots of cows; like piranhas feed on the hides and innards of cows...you get the point. (yup...cows)
When I realized that I gained a following, I, (no lie), instantly acquired writer's block and had no clue of what would be a good topic. Then I remembered why I created this blog. I wanted to show everyone what life on earth is actually like through my perspective. Now, since I have seriously failed on my end of the bargain to supply this experience for you to live vicariously, I am going to hop on this much MUCH more...starting tomorrow.
Yup, I just weaseled my way out of this one too!
Anonymous said...
I wast just looking at your blog postings, and you've seriously had no comment yet on any of them? What? Crazy. Unless you've been deleting them. BTW, if I was younger and cuter and lived closer to where you do, I would seriously hunt you down for intense conversation.
COME BACK! I NEED YOUUU!!
I tend to joke about being a narcissistic bastard whose only job is to belittle those around me by exaggerating the high points of myself.
Don't be confused, I really AM perfect, though.
I am a person who craves attention. I feed on it like a vampire bat feeds on the ankles of cows; like many species of beetles feed on the excrement of cows; like flies feed on the eyelids and other soft spots of cows; like piranhas feed on the hides and innards of cows...you get the point. (yup...cows)
When I realized that I gained a following, I, (no lie), instantly acquired writer's block and had no clue of what would be a good topic. Then I remembered why I created this blog. I wanted to show everyone what life on earth is actually like through my perspective. Now, since I have seriously failed on my end of the bargain to supply this experience for you to live vicariously, I am going to hop on this much MUCH more...starting tomorrow.
Yup, I just weaseled my way out of this one too!
Monday, November 9, 2009
What I want the internet to give me for Christmas...
Christmas, Channukah, Kwanza, Spaghetti Monster Present Day...WHATEVER you want to call it...I don't care. I'm calling it Xmas for short, and we will all just read it without the religious strings attached to it from now on. I live without religious strings everyday! ;-)
Anyway...
Xmas is right around the corner, and its obvious if you've been to any retail store (that is, if you've had any spending money lately). Well, instead of making a list of material possessions (which in my mind, seems awfully greedy considering you KNOW you're not going to get everything on there, leaving SOMEONE at the end feeling bad that they weren't able to sustain your want want wants), I'm going to create a list of things I want the internet to do for me.
1. Twitter - Please quit adding things!
It's one thing that You've added the @replies, hashtags, DM's, the brand new lists feature, and the soon to be new RT button. The beauty of Twitter is the simplicity of it. It's free, accessible everywhere, and connects everyone with simple messages who normally would have never talked before. There were other social networking sites (I won't name names) that started the trend of mass addition of these so-called "features" that were going to benefit the user. The addition frenzy went so out of control, that users flocked to other sites, the public made mockeries of them, and the name became too familiar and out or date, which started the pattern all over again on the next popular site (ok, I will name names, IN ORDER! Livejournal, Friendster, Hi5, Xanga, MySpace, Facebook, and now Twitter). My advice to you, Twitter, is to quit while you're ahead. Just stick to maintanence, security, and the prevention of the #failwhale, instead of adding more reasons for the whale to be beached.
2. Myspace - Just Die!
I just want to say,
Tom, you did a wonderful job with creating the site and allowing those to customize their own personal page and blog to those that are close to them or to anyone willing to read it. It blew up in popularity! It was the "in" trend! It was the base benefit for other products on sale. Theeeen you sold it. You became rich as hell for a product you originally offered fo nothing but advertisement banner deals. Sweet!
Dick
Look what you left us with! We now have this empty shell of a social networking site run by soulless creatans only interested in monetary gain. Myspace became the Starbucks of websites! Facebook is the new trend, and Myspace is slowly decaying into nothingness. The best thing for Myspace to do at this moment is to just cut your losses and delete the whole thing.
3. Are You Single? - YES! QUIT REMINDING ME, ADS!
Have I ever clicked any of you? NO! Quit bothering me!
4. The Best New Game Online! This Sexy Lady Invites You Warmly Into Out Guild - Read #3
nuff said
5. Email - Make it relevant again.
I miss going to my email and seeing something of meaning in my inbox and not loads of advertisements, ads, or just bills. I remember a time where junk mail was a surprise! Remember that? It was so convincing back then, because it was so rare! I actually believed at one point that I was going to get a free Sega Dreamcast if I just clicked through the plethora of links to my final destination. Yes, I learned a little bit about my online naivete with my first virus, but it was so uncommon at that point. But the thing is, I had mail! I had real mail from real people telling me real things! Bring that feeling back!
6. Give me something new to do. - Period...I'm bored
That is all. Care to add anymore, people?
Anyway...
Xmas is right around the corner, and its obvious if you've been to any retail store (that is, if you've had any spending money lately). Well, instead of making a list of material possessions (which in my mind, seems awfully greedy considering you KNOW you're not going to get everything on there, leaving SOMEONE at the end feeling bad that they weren't able to sustain your want want wants), I'm going to create a list of things I want the internet to do for me.
1. Twitter - Please quit adding things!
It's one thing that You've added the @replies, hashtags, DM's, the brand new lists feature, and the soon to be new RT button. The beauty of Twitter is the simplicity of it. It's free, accessible everywhere, and connects everyone with simple messages who normally would have never talked before. There were other social networking sites (I won't name names) that started the trend of mass addition of these so-called "features" that were going to benefit the user. The addition frenzy went so out of control, that users flocked to other sites, the public made mockeries of them, and the name became too familiar and out or date, which started the pattern all over again on the next popular site (ok, I will name names, IN ORDER! Livejournal, Friendster, Hi5, Xanga, MySpace, Facebook, and now Twitter). My advice to you, Twitter, is to quit while you're ahead. Just stick to maintanence, security, and the prevention of the #failwhale, instead of adding more reasons for the whale to be beached.
2. Myspace - Just Die!
I just want to say,
Tom, you did a wonderful job with creating the site and allowing those to customize their own personal page and blog to those that are close to them or to anyone willing to read it. It blew up in popularity! It was the "in" trend! It was the base benefit for other products on sale. Theeeen you sold it. You became rich as hell for a product you originally offered fo nothing but advertisement banner deals. Sweet!
Dick
Look what you left us with! We now have this empty shell of a social networking site run by soulless creatans only interested in monetary gain. Myspace became the Starbucks of websites! Facebook is the new trend, and Myspace is slowly decaying into nothingness. The best thing for Myspace to do at this moment is to just cut your losses and delete the whole thing.
3. Are You Single? - YES! QUIT REMINDING ME, ADS!
Have I ever clicked any of you? NO! Quit bothering me!
4. The Best New Game Online! This Sexy Lady Invites You Warmly Into Out Guild - Read #3
nuff said
5. Email - Make it relevant again.
I miss going to my email and seeing something of meaning in my inbox and not loads of advertisements, ads, or just bills. I remember a time where junk mail was a surprise! Remember that? It was so convincing back then, because it was so rare! I actually believed at one point that I was going to get a free Sega Dreamcast if I just clicked through the plethora of links to my final destination. Yes, I learned a little bit about my online naivete with my first virus, but it was so uncommon at that point. But the thing is, I had mail! I had real mail from real people telling me real things! Bring that feeling back!
6. Give me something new to do. - Period...I'm bored
That is all. Care to add anymore, people?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I Know What I Want to be for Halloween!
Yesterday after work, I went to my friend's house for a game of risk with him and others. During our game, we started discussing what we were going to be for Halloween. Our evening is already planned, since one of our friends was born on October 31st. Unfortunately, he was in basic training last year, which happened to be his 21st birthday. So this year, we are going to go either to Philly or New York and do the ultimate bar hop! After a few suggestions that I was definitely not feeling (prostitutes, the Ambiguously Gay Duo, etc.), we came up empty for a while. But it got me thinking...
I've been told on multiple occasions that I have a slight resemblence to Hugh Laurie. With the popularity of House M.D. with the 6th season premiere just last night, and the public's love for the personality of the character, Dr. Gregory House, I decided almost instantly that I will be House for Halloween. Tell me what you think...
Now, I wouldn't mind of course, being paired up with a very lovely Olivia Wilde. Anyone want to dress up in a doctor's jacket and be called Thirteen for a day?
hmm? (I swiped the picture from dosomething.org even though they don't know yet that I'm using the picture. you should check their site out by the way -wink-. Actually, it's a really cool site. I've been skimming through it instead of finishing this blog.)
But yeah, this is what I'm going to do for Halloween. If you're in the Philly area (since it's the more sensible of the two options and we'll likely go there anyway), let me know and you can join the party!
I've been told on multiple occasions that I have a slight resemblence to Hugh Laurie. With the popularity of House M.D. with the 6th season premiere just last night, and the public's love for the personality of the character, Dr. Gregory House, I decided almost instantly that I will be House for Halloween. Tell me what you think...
Now, I wouldn't mind of course, being paired up with a very lovely Olivia Wilde. Anyone want to dress up in a doctor's jacket and be called Thirteen for a day?
hmm? (I swiped the picture from dosomething.org even though they don't know yet that I'm using the picture. you should check their site out by the way -wink-. Actually, it's a really cool site. I've been skimming through it instead of finishing this blog.)
But yeah, this is what I'm going to do for Halloween. If you're in the Philly area (since it's the more sensible of the two options and we'll likely go there anyway), let me know and you can join the party!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Where do people come from?
It's amazing how simple the answer is to the question most asked by children. "Where do babies come from?" I think it's amazing because the question is so vague and broad that some people can be satisfied simply by mentioning conception whereas others' thirst for the answer will not be quenched until they know the origin to our species. Of course, as everything else does, it got me thinking...
Where did I come from?
I thought about this momentarily, then wiki'd my name. It turns out that the history of my first name, Steven, can be traced to England, where it was first recorded in Homer's Iliad. Saint Stephen apparently was the first martyr. My last name (which is obviously a lot more relevant to my lineage) stems from Southern England as well. My name, in its entirety is very popular. There is a website, www.howmanyofme.com that will display the number of people that you share your name with. I share my name with 2443 other people here in the U.S. My first name is the 26th most popular name used, and my last name is the 26th most popular. I'm very average as far as names go. My name doesn't tell me much about where I came from though. Granted, in today's international culture web, it is much more difficult to accurately trace your origins without a decent head start. Luckily, I have just that. On my mother's side, I come from a long line of Italians with the surname of Fertitta. The surname is especially popular in Maryland and New York (Baltimore and New York City...yeah, do the math, I think it's mafia related too). HA! I just googled 'Fertitta' and it confirms my suspicion. I come from a Sicilian family of mobsters!
Yes, I haven't posted in a while and today's is equally as lazy, with more typing. However, I found a little gem about my life, and I'd like for you to try a little bit of research. You might be surprised as to what you find. I would also love to hear any special stories you miht come across.
Where did I come from?
I thought about this momentarily, then wiki'd my name. It turns out that the history of my first name, Steven, can be traced to England, where it was first recorded in Homer's Iliad. Saint Stephen apparently was the first martyr. My last name (which is obviously a lot more relevant to my lineage) stems from Southern England as well. My name, in its entirety is very popular. There is a website, www.howmanyofme.com that will display the number of people that you share your name with. I share my name with 2443 other people here in the U.S. My first name is the 26th most popular name used, and my last name is the 26th most popular. I'm very average as far as names go. My name doesn't tell me much about where I came from though. Granted, in today's international culture web, it is much more difficult to accurately trace your origins without a decent head start. Luckily, I have just that. On my mother's side, I come from a long line of Italians with the surname of Fertitta. The surname is especially popular in Maryland and New York (Baltimore and New York City...yeah, do the math, I think it's mafia related too). HA! I just googled 'Fertitta' and it confirms my suspicion. I come from a Sicilian family of mobsters!
Yes, I haven't posted in a while and today's is equally as lazy, with more typing. However, I found a little gem about my life, and I'd like for you to try a little bit of research. You might be surprised as to what you find. I would also love to hear any special stories you miht come across.
Friday, September 11, 2009
I'm Going to Rip Space/Time a New Hole!
I hear complaints from people constantly about how they wish they could go back to a point in their lives so things would be different now. "I wish I could go back to (insert moment in lifetime here) and do this one thing differently. My life would be so different now." Every time I hear this phrase or anything similar to it, I ask this question, "where do you think the people you've affected will be at this point if you decided to do what you did differently? Furthermore, would your other plan have been a guarantee to become what you are wishing you would be now?" I admit, I get these thoughts in my head on occasion, but I remember my beliefs in time and space. Today, I'm going to invite you into my thought process for a few minutes. You'll discover things that you may not have even fathomed had I not said anything. You might even think that I'm a loony and I have way too much time on my hands. On a lighter side, you'll also peek into my artistic talent (or lack there of) with two hastily drawn graphs on paint. The law of conservation of matter and the law of conservation of energy respectively will be mentioned within this post, as well as a very vague description of my interpretation of the space/time continuum.
I'm going to start with that question, then dig deeper within the subject afterward. So, what would you think your life be like now if you changed your decision at that specific point in time? Assuming you had a knowledge of what would happen after if you repeated the choice you made the first time, you would obviously take the other path in hopes that something good would come out of it. Mine for example, would have been my first tenth grade year, where I would have put forth more effort in my work and passed it the first time around. However, when I think about what could have been, I also remember that because I failed that grade, I inherited a more competent, friendlier, and knowledgeable teacher in the subject that held me back from advancement (ironically, I failed English). I could have gone to my counselor, and transferred to his class the first year, but at the time, I had no knowledge of his teaching methods compared to the one I was already learning from. So let's say that I want to go back in time, transfer to his class, graduate a year earlier, attend college (which I have yet to do in this time span), and be in a new position than I am now. Here is what I envision would happen.
This poorly drawn chart shows the multiple choices (granted, much simpler than a normal human's complex life) one can make throughout the point of time where they wish they could change time and the line they have already lived up to now. The top represents the immediate point where the choice in question was made. The bottom parts represents present day, and the decisions you've made to lead you to where you are now or what you could have made had you done something different. Let's say the black line represents the exact path you've chose to this point, and the red lines are the ones you've chosen against, or never knew existed because they never were brought up in front of you in the first place. Now, I want you to start at the top, and work your way down and at some point (it can be the very beginning), step into a red line, and continue through it until you reach a dead end. Once you find the end, look back at all the possibilities that were left in front of you that you won't experience because of the path you chose. Then, think about where you broke from the path that you have already lived. Do you think you'll miss the impact you've had from that point to where you are now in this present day? These are the types of things I wish people would think of when they make that wish.
If a person was able to go back to that point, and change his decision, a hole would be created. Something would have to fill that spot. Whatever was in that hole needs to be filled by something else, causing ripples throughout space/time that can not be empty. Every nanosecond and smaller needs to replace what you ripped out with something else, causing major shifts in history and altering the future. People normally call this the "Butterfly Effect," but since the movie of the same name was released, I chose to rename it. Now, I coin it the "Space/Time Pyramid Scheme." Kidding! But in a nutshell, yes, it is the "Butterfly Effect."
Now I would like to get more in depth with time travel itself. Everyone in quantum physics and studies in space/time always fascinate about having the ability to travel through time. People always dream of traveling back in time, and changing history into something more utopian. Here is my theory, illustrated to help explain what I mean.
Enlarge the picture by clicking on it if you have to.
I will explain this in the 2nd person perspective.
We will start this from your life span. You are born, raised, and you reach a point in your age where you discover time travel, and find a way to travel back. You DO travel back in time to a specific point and witness the events that actually happened at that moment in history. For the period you are there, you shape the course of history with your presence. After some time, you return to your time period and continue on your life, and nothing has changed, regardless of whether or not you made the effort to change it. Want to know why? You were supposed to be there! In fact, you've already been there! You did everything exactly how you've done it before!
I believe that time is a straight line. Time, as logic dictates, is purely one-dimensional and can not be shaped, molded, bent or broken. I've also had thoughts of time being abstract and imaginative. The main fact that keeps me sticking on the side of logic, is age and aging. Things are given life, then die off. Objects are molded into shape, then crumble into dust. I don't think that this would happen naturally without an intangible element such as time. I'm getting too far off topic.
What I'm trying to say is that the time line that you live on has occured, is occuring, and will occur again from multiple perspectives, and by you. You may have found a way to travel back in time, but because time exists in a straight line, that moment of history has already welcomed your presence by occuring with you in it, even for such a short time. That time will eventually lead to your birth, aging, and eventual travel to the point where you've existed before. Though to you it will feel like you've traveled through time and into the past or future, all time sees is a point in which you've moved from one spot to another. It's rather anti-climactic considering the achievement of man being able to accomplish such a feat, but that's how I envision it. The technical part of it is where my brain really took it out to left field.
I believe in fundamental laws. One of the most basic of these laws is the law of conservation of matter. This is a simple law stating that matter cannot be created nor destroyed. The law of conservation of energy is just about the same in its basic form. In order for time travel to be possible, instead of just "popping up" in an arbitrary point in time, one would have to replace the matter and energy leaving one point, and expel of the excess in the destination point. This would require a chamber that would literally swap the matter and energy needed from two points in time.
I'm not going to lie, it's past 1a.m., and I am growing increasingly tired. I apologize for the sudden stop in this post, but I'm fairly certain I've covered a bulk of my theory, and don't want to bore you, the audience. I will post more later in this very topic tomorrow, possibly. If not, a new post will emerge and I promise it will be more light-hearted and easier on the brain, if for some reason I may have caused any stress on yours today.
I would also like to reiterate that I am severly uneducated in this field, and that the ideas I come up with are purely from the information that I have obtained and retained about time and space. It is by no means scientific or factual. I am merely stating a possibility, and it is highly opinionated. If you enjoyed what I have had to say, I would love to hear about it. If you have any theories of your own, please, I'd love to hear them too. I am an open book and would relish in the opportunity to pick the minds of others.
I'm going to start with that question, then dig deeper within the subject afterward. So, what would you think your life be like now if you changed your decision at that specific point in time? Assuming you had a knowledge of what would happen after if you repeated the choice you made the first time, you would obviously take the other path in hopes that something good would come out of it. Mine for example, would have been my first tenth grade year, where I would have put forth more effort in my work and passed it the first time around. However, when I think about what could have been, I also remember that because I failed that grade, I inherited a more competent, friendlier, and knowledgeable teacher in the subject that held me back from advancement (ironically, I failed English). I could have gone to my counselor, and transferred to his class the first year, but at the time, I had no knowledge of his teaching methods compared to the one I was already learning from. So let's say that I want to go back in time, transfer to his class, graduate a year earlier, attend college (which I have yet to do in this time span), and be in a new position than I am now. Here is what I envision would happen.
This poorly drawn chart shows the multiple choices (granted, much simpler than a normal human's complex life) one can make throughout the point of time where they wish they could change time and the line they have already lived up to now. The top represents the immediate point where the choice in question was made. The bottom parts represents present day, and the decisions you've made to lead you to where you are now or what you could have made had you done something different. Let's say the black line represents the exact path you've chose to this point, and the red lines are the ones you've chosen against, or never knew existed because they never were brought up in front of you in the first place. Now, I want you to start at the top, and work your way down and at some point (it can be the very beginning), step into a red line, and continue through it until you reach a dead end. Once you find the end, look back at all the possibilities that were left in front of you that you won't experience because of the path you chose. Then, think about where you broke from the path that you have already lived. Do you think you'll miss the impact you've had from that point to where you are now in this present day? These are the types of things I wish people would think of when they make that wish.
If a person was able to go back to that point, and change his decision, a hole would be created. Something would have to fill that spot. Whatever was in that hole needs to be filled by something else, causing ripples throughout space/time that can not be empty. Every nanosecond and smaller needs to replace what you ripped out with something else, causing major shifts in history and altering the future. People normally call this the "Butterfly Effect," but since the movie of the same name was released, I chose to rename it. Now, I coin it the "Space/Time Pyramid Scheme." Kidding! But in a nutshell, yes, it is the "Butterfly Effect."
Now I would like to get more in depth with time travel itself. Everyone in quantum physics and studies in space/time always fascinate about having the ability to travel through time. People always dream of traveling back in time, and changing history into something more utopian. Here is my theory, illustrated to help explain what I mean.
Enlarge the picture by clicking on it if you have to.
I will explain this in the 2nd person perspective.
We will start this from your life span. You are born, raised, and you reach a point in your age where you discover time travel, and find a way to travel back. You DO travel back in time to a specific point and witness the events that actually happened at that moment in history. For the period you are there, you shape the course of history with your presence. After some time, you return to your time period and continue on your life, and nothing has changed, regardless of whether or not you made the effort to change it. Want to know why? You were supposed to be there! In fact, you've already been there! You did everything exactly how you've done it before!
I believe that time is a straight line. Time, as logic dictates, is purely one-dimensional and can not be shaped, molded, bent or broken. I've also had thoughts of time being abstract and imaginative. The main fact that keeps me sticking on the side of logic, is age and aging. Things are given life, then die off. Objects are molded into shape, then crumble into dust. I don't think that this would happen naturally without an intangible element such as time. I'm getting too far off topic.
What I'm trying to say is that the time line that you live on has occured, is occuring, and will occur again from multiple perspectives, and by you. You may have found a way to travel back in time, but because time exists in a straight line, that moment of history has already welcomed your presence by occuring with you in it, even for such a short time. That time will eventually lead to your birth, aging, and eventual travel to the point where you've existed before. Though to you it will feel like you've traveled through time and into the past or future, all time sees is a point in which you've moved from one spot to another. It's rather anti-climactic considering the achievement of man being able to accomplish such a feat, but that's how I envision it. The technical part of it is where my brain really took it out to left field.
I believe in fundamental laws. One of the most basic of these laws is the law of conservation of matter. This is a simple law stating that matter cannot be created nor destroyed. The law of conservation of energy is just about the same in its basic form. In order for time travel to be possible, instead of just "popping up" in an arbitrary point in time, one would have to replace the matter and energy leaving one point, and expel of the excess in the destination point. This would require a chamber that would literally swap the matter and energy needed from two points in time.
I'm not going to lie, it's past 1a.m., and I am growing increasingly tired. I apologize for the sudden stop in this post, but I'm fairly certain I've covered a bulk of my theory, and don't want to bore you, the audience. I will post more later in this very topic tomorrow, possibly. If not, a new post will emerge and I promise it will be more light-hearted and easier on the brain, if for some reason I may have caused any stress on yours today.
I would also like to reiterate that I am severly uneducated in this field, and that the ideas I come up with are purely from the information that I have obtained and retained about time and space. It is by no means scientific or factual. I am merely stating a possibility, and it is highly opinionated. If you enjoyed what I have had to say, I would love to hear about it. If you have any theories of your own, please, I'd love to hear them too. I am an open book and would relish in the opportunity to pick the minds of others.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
A Day Without Cats, AGAIN!
Now for the fun stuff!
and now for some non-cat images, inspired by cat images!
A Day Without Cats....BLASTPHEMY!
09/09/09
Today, a certain website attempted to create a day without cats. Today, I will fight against it! In fact, here are pictures of my cat, Chippy!
Today, a certain website attempted to create a day without cats. Today, I will fight against it! In fact, here are pictures of my cat, Chippy!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Do You Smell Something?
Heh, I figured one day, You would start to see me eccentric side. Today, you get to catch a glimpse.
The end of summer is very near, and I felt it today. But what was weird about it, was that I caught it by a sense that usually triggers in the spring. I cut my lawn yesterday, and my once white shoes showed with defining proof that I had performed the deed of decapitating thousands of blades of grass. At the same time, I was racing against the weather with clouds above me looming over, playing with my patience and toying with me ominously. Today, however, the clouds cleared temporarily and the aroma of chlorophyll coated pastures were prevalent in the air outside my house. The scent lingered to my work as well, since the lawns there were neatly shaved today. This got me thinking...
I think I have a well honed sense of smell. What is more intriguing is that I find odd scents very alluring. Freshly cut grass is top on my list. Granted, that's not as bad, considering that most people don't find the aroma of grass very offensive. Let me compile a list for you and let you judge for yourself what is offensive or not. Here is the list of scents I love to smell:
Fresh cut grass
Gasoline (at the gas station, or when filling up the lawn mower. NOT HUFFED)
Dirty leather, like a baseball glove covered in dirt and my sweat and aged over years
Car exhaust (to an extent...10 seconds at a stop light is enough for me)
A freshly cracked book, the scents between the newly pressed and printed pages (also new magazines)
A new shower curtain (something about an odd scent while naked is amazing!)
Chicken manuer (yeah, how about that one?)
Burned rubber
I LOVED the smell of NYC! Not just Manhattan, but everywhere in the city smelled great!
I'm not going to include the stereotypical ones, like the new car smell, or the aroma of coffee floating through the air currents of the house. I'm sure that a vast majority of people have similar tastes in fragrences like those. It's ironic, that with such a wide array of redolance auras that I enjoy, that I would be self-conscious about my own scent.
That is correct. Other than one or two physical imperfections that stay a fixture in my mind, I have a mental blockade regarding my body odor, which is rarely ever offending. In fact, I'm told on a repeated basis that I smell incredible! I HAVE to smell good. You will never be around me where I smell like a sweaty, jocked up gym bag monster. Though the second I catch a whiff of an offneding odor and can't trace its source, I instantly assume its me. With sensitive receptors like mine, it happens more often than not. It's never me though. Silly self-esteem.
But let's not get too far off-topic. Whether it is nostalgia, or just the neurons in my brain telling me that the chlorine wafting from the pool is pleasing to me, I gain a sense of enlightenment from these aromas. Do you have any odd, yet pleasing scents that may or may not be normal to the average person?
The end of summer is very near, and I felt it today. But what was weird about it, was that I caught it by a sense that usually triggers in the spring. I cut my lawn yesterday, and my once white shoes showed with defining proof that I had performed the deed of decapitating thousands of blades of grass. At the same time, I was racing against the weather with clouds above me looming over, playing with my patience and toying with me ominously. Today, however, the clouds cleared temporarily and the aroma of chlorophyll coated pastures were prevalent in the air outside my house. The scent lingered to my work as well, since the lawns there were neatly shaved today. This got me thinking...
I think I have a well honed sense of smell. What is more intriguing is that I find odd scents very alluring. Freshly cut grass is top on my list. Granted, that's not as bad, considering that most people don't find the aroma of grass very offensive. Let me compile a list for you and let you judge for yourself what is offensive or not. Here is the list of scents I love to smell:
Fresh cut grass
Gasoline (at the gas station, or when filling up the lawn mower. NOT HUFFED)
Dirty leather, like a baseball glove covered in dirt and my sweat and aged over years
Car exhaust (to an extent...10 seconds at a stop light is enough for me)
A freshly cracked book, the scents between the newly pressed and printed pages (also new magazines)
A new shower curtain (something about an odd scent while naked is amazing!)
Chicken manuer (yeah, how about that one?)
Burned rubber
I LOVED the smell of NYC! Not just Manhattan, but everywhere in the city smelled great!
I'm not going to include the stereotypical ones, like the new car smell, or the aroma of coffee floating through the air currents of the house. I'm sure that a vast majority of people have similar tastes in fragrences like those. It's ironic, that with such a wide array of redolance auras that I enjoy, that I would be self-conscious about my own scent.
That is correct. Other than one or two physical imperfections that stay a fixture in my mind, I have a mental blockade regarding my body odor, which is rarely ever offending. In fact, I'm told on a repeated basis that I smell incredible! I HAVE to smell good. You will never be around me where I smell like a sweaty, jocked up gym bag monster. Though the second I catch a whiff of an offneding odor and can't trace its source, I instantly assume its me. With sensitive receptors like mine, it happens more often than not. It's never me though. Silly self-esteem.
But let's not get too far off-topic. Whether it is nostalgia, or just the neurons in my brain telling me that the chlorine wafting from the pool is pleasing to me, I gain a sense of enlightenment from these aromas. Do you have any odd, yet pleasing scents that may or may not be normal to the average person?
Monday, September 7, 2009
Women's Magazines
(if I don't specify man or woman, where it says man, fill it in with woman if it is more your style)
Today, while spending time with my friends, we happened upon a magazine targeted towards the female audience. I will not specify the name, but I will say that they are all pretty much the same to me. A cover story caught my eye, and it stated, "12 ways to know your man is into you." We proceeded to open it, and after about fifteen pages of ads, we finally discovered the table of contents in order to find the story we were looking for. That brings me to another point, but I'll get to that in a minute. Us men read through the tell-tale signs that women will be looking for, and we about died laughing at the expectations they're making women think their men are or are not doing.
Women, if you EVER come across one of these lists, do NOT believe them! The first sign on this specific list was "They go the extra mile for you," to which they use an example of men making the bed just right, leaving no creases, smoothing out wrinkles, and fluffing the pillows. This might just be me, and all of my friends, but you'll be lucky if we throw the sheet back over the pillow when we get out of bed in the morning. We all also unanimously proclaimed that regardless of who we were with at the time, that habit will more than likely not change. Think about it. If you are already with us, and you were fine with us to this point, do you think that we'll change habits when they haven't been a problem before?
Now don't get me wrong. There were some signs that are truthful, but they're surrounded by so much fodder, that you'll never know what to believe. For example, there was a sign that we will respond to your text messages almost immediately most of the time. If someone is into someone else, they're going to be very responsive to that person. That's common sense though. Women, if a man or woman that you're interested in texts you, you're more than likely going to respond. These signs, the ones that show that someone is interested, work both ways. If it's something you would do if you were interested, more than likely, they're doing it because they're interested. These magazines always make these "fail-proof" lists claiming they know the secret formula to the male psyche. What they aren't telling their audience is that they only know a select few males, and those men don't equate to the average man. If you really want to know, ask your male friends. They're the men you are around the most, and you're more likely to be attracted to a man that you'll feel comfortable around. They'll provide you personally with the most accurate protrayal of a man, especially if they know said person.
The other thing I noticed was the amount of ads. The magazine spanned roughly 350 pages, and only 100 of them were articles. There is a problem with a magazine when two thirds of it are purely advertisements. The problem is even worse when the prime demographic includes self-conscious, gullible people with disposable income. From a business standpoint, that's a goldmine! From a more personal level, it's horrible to make people think that spending more money on frivolous items will make them more attractive. HA, that's probably why I'm still single. I can't stand women that try to do extra to catch a man. Can you imagine how disappointed a man will be if they gained feelings for someone, only for them to transform and regress into their normal self? Even if their normal ways are perfectly fine, it was not who the man fell for. (yes, it works the other way too. hence the reason why I'm always myself.)
This is a message from Steven to all the women. Just be yourself! Don't be what you think the other person will like. The best relationships are those that you don't have to change anything about yourself in order for him to be happy. Isn't it easier to just be you? Don't listen to these magazines. Form your own opinions about men. And if you really want to know what men like, ask the one you're interested in directly. Every man is a case-by-case situation, and these women's magazines can't generalize these concepts. Be confident in your own abilities because you're you and that's what you're best at.
Today, while spending time with my friends, we happened upon a magazine targeted towards the female audience. I will not specify the name, but I will say that they are all pretty much the same to me. A cover story caught my eye, and it stated, "12 ways to know your man is into you." We proceeded to open it, and after about fifteen pages of ads, we finally discovered the table of contents in order to find the story we were looking for. That brings me to another point, but I'll get to that in a minute. Us men read through the tell-tale signs that women will be looking for, and we about died laughing at the expectations they're making women think their men are or are not doing.
Women, if you EVER come across one of these lists, do NOT believe them! The first sign on this specific list was "They go the extra mile for you," to which they use an example of men making the bed just right, leaving no creases, smoothing out wrinkles, and fluffing the pillows. This might just be me, and all of my friends, but you'll be lucky if we throw the sheet back over the pillow when we get out of bed in the morning. We all also unanimously proclaimed that regardless of who we were with at the time, that habit will more than likely not change. Think about it. If you are already with us, and you were fine with us to this point, do you think that we'll change habits when they haven't been a problem before?
Now don't get me wrong. There were some signs that are truthful, but they're surrounded by so much fodder, that you'll never know what to believe. For example, there was a sign that we will respond to your text messages almost immediately most of the time. If someone is into someone else, they're going to be very responsive to that person. That's common sense though. Women, if a man or woman that you're interested in texts you, you're more than likely going to respond. These signs, the ones that show that someone is interested, work both ways. If it's something you would do if you were interested, more than likely, they're doing it because they're interested. These magazines always make these "fail-proof" lists claiming they know the secret formula to the male psyche. What they aren't telling their audience is that they only know a select few males, and those men don't equate to the average man. If you really want to know, ask your male friends. They're the men you are around the most, and you're more likely to be attracted to a man that you'll feel comfortable around. They'll provide you personally with the most accurate protrayal of a man, especially if they know said person.
The other thing I noticed was the amount of ads. The magazine spanned roughly 350 pages, and only 100 of them were articles. There is a problem with a magazine when two thirds of it are purely advertisements. The problem is even worse when the prime demographic includes self-conscious, gullible people with disposable income. From a business standpoint, that's a goldmine! From a more personal level, it's horrible to make people think that spending more money on frivolous items will make them more attractive. HA, that's probably why I'm still single. I can't stand women that try to do extra to catch a man. Can you imagine how disappointed a man will be if they gained feelings for someone, only for them to transform and regress into their normal self? Even if their normal ways are perfectly fine, it was not who the man fell for. (yes, it works the other way too. hence the reason why I'm always myself.)
This is a message from Steven to all the women. Just be yourself! Don't be what you think the other person will like. The best relationships are those that you don't have to change anything about yourself in order for him to be happy. Isn't it easier to just be you? Don't listen to these magazines. Form your own opinions about men. And if you really want to know what men like, ask the one you're interested in directly. Every man is a case-by-case situation, and these women's magazines can't generalize these concepts. Be confident in your own abilities because you're you and that's what you're best at.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The Blonde Stereotype
I was at the bar last night with my friend, Adam, and he made a very startling observation. "Look at that girl over there being surrounded by five guys," he said, "she has dyed her hair WAY too blonde!" He then went on to say, "does she like being perceived as an idiot?" After some time went by and I was finished laughing, I thought about that comment for a second.
Why do women dye their hair blonde, knowing what the consequences are? Other than the aesthetic value, which in itself is purely opinionated, the stigma attached to the style should be enough of a deterrent (unless of course they enjoy the attention of slobbering, brainless flies with their popped collars and gelled hair circling them in public). "Iconic" figures like Paris Hilton, Brooke Hogan, Britney Spears and others with the blonde look receive the most negative media attention, granted most of it was self-inflicted. Whatever happened to "learn by example?"
To me, blonde hair is a red flag. I'm the type that gives everyone a chance, and let them dig their own graves once they open their mouths. The only problem with this is, I haven't come in contact very often with an intelligent blonde. The reason for this is because all of the ones smart enough to know what would happen if they appeared at a bar or club are the ones that find private gatherings or stay home. The ones that crave the attention or are not smart enough to catch on that they are targets for a quick fling or worse are the ones that dress up in their heels, rhinestone blanketed blouses, and form-fitting pants or short skirts. If for some reason, the planets aligned and the sun itself imploded into a vortex of nothing, gravitating everything nearby into it and composing everything together into a singularity, and a smart, intelligent, clever and witty woman with blonde hair decided to come out with some of her friends to a local bar, the chances of any smart, intelligent man with common sense being able to even get a few words in without getting butted out by yet another douchebag with ulterior motives are still lower than the chances of winning the lottery.
If you're thinking, "you have no room to speak, you're going to these places," you're completely justified to this point. This isn't a flame towards the style, nor is it a "nice guy" plea. It is merely an observation that I've experienced and there hasn't been much to prove me wrong. (You can think of me as the creepy stalker in the bushes with the binoculars.) I've been going to bars with friends recently because most of the time, the happenings within those over-21 confines are more entertaining than anything on TV, especially when I'm sober! most of the actions I am referring to don't even involve me at all. These are what I witness.
My real question is, why aren't the other hair colors appealing? I have a soft spot for brunettes myself, and dark black hair is a close second (deep red really gets me too). Is blonde hair really so aesthetically pleasing, that none of the others have the popularity that blonde does? Are the stereotypes of the other ones, though mostly positive, a deterrent? Yes, the redhead has the stigma of being intelligent, but at the same time, pompous and self-centered. The brunette has this "girl next door" feel to her, but they're not into meeting anyone at bars or clubs. Are these really as bad as the popular, yet dumb enough to be convinced into anything stereotype? I'm not judging solely on stereotypes, but there has to be an explanation as to why, and that leaves them suspect. If anyone knows a probable reason to why, I'd love to know. And if you're a blonde and you'd like to voice your opinion, please do.
Why do women dye their hair blonde, knowing what the consequences are? Other than the aesthetic value, which in itself is purely opinionated, the stigma attached to the style should be enough of a deterrent (unless of course they enjoy the attention of slobbering, brainless flies with their popped collars and gelled hair circling them in public). "Iconic" figures like Paris Hilton, Brooke Hogan, Britney Spears and others with the blonde look receive the most negative media attention, granted most of it was self-inflicted. Whatever happened to "learn by example?"
To me, blonde hair is a red flag. I'm the type that gives everyone a chance, and let them dig their own graves once they open their mouths. The only problem with this is, I haven't come in contact very often with an intelligent blonde. The reason for this is because all of the ones smart enough to know what would happen if they appeared at a bar or club are the ones that find private gatherings or stay home. The ones that crave the attention or are not smart enough to catch on that they are targets for a quick fling or worse are the ones that dress up in their heels, rhinestone blanketed blouses, and form-fitting pants or short skirts. If for some reason, the planets aligned and the sun itself imploded into a vortex of nothing, gravitating everything nearby into it and composing everything together into a singularity, and a smart, intelligent, clever and witty woman with blonde hair decided to come out with some of her friends to a local bar, the chances of any smart, intelligent man with common sense being able to even get a few words in without getting butted out by yet another douchebag with ulterior motives are still lower than the chances of winning the lottery.
If you're thinking, "you have no room to speak, you're going to these places," you're completely justified to this point. This isn't a flame towards the style, nor is it a "nice guy" plea. It is merely an observation that I've experienced and there hasn't been much to prove me wrong. (You can think of me as the creepy stalker in the bushes with the binoculars.) I've been going to bars with friends recently because most of the time, the happenings within those over-21 confines are more entertaining than anything on TV, especially when I'm sober! most of the actions I am referring to don't even involve me at all. These are what I witness.
My real question is, why aren't the other hair colors appealing? I have a soft spot for brunettes myself, and dark black hair is a close second (deep red really gets me too). Is blonde hair really so aesthetically pleasing, that none of the others have the popularity that blonde does? Are the stereotypes of the other ones, though mostly positive, a deterrent? Yes, the redhead has the stigma of being intelligent, but at the same time, pompous and self-centered. The brunette has this "girl next door" feel to her, but they're not into meeting anyone at bars or clubs. Are these really as bad as the popular, yet dumb enough to be convinced into anything stereotype? I'm not judging solely on stereotypes, but there has to be an explanation as to why, and that leaves them suspect. If anyone knows a probable reason to why, I'd love to know. And if you're a blonde and you'd like to voice your opinion, please do.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Do You Love Your Search Engine?
Ladies and gentlemen, this is officially my first observation.
Not too long ago, search engines like Yahoo and Google implemented a new feature to their search bars. The idea was to increase convenience by dropping down a list of the most popular keywords or phrases that have been searched before by what you've already typed in the box. The problem with this feature is that the phrases that come up can be offensive, crude, extremely obscure, or just plain silly. For example:
I went to Google and typed in "I am" and this is what was shown...
...I AM EXTREMELY TERRIFIED OF CHINESE PEOPLE!!!
Was there a common phobia that I didn't see on the Dr. Phil show recently that opened the floodgates around the world, letting people express their fears of a select group of 1 billion plus people?
What is the worst search engine prediction you've ever come across that had you scratching your head or laughing so hard, you actually clicked it to see the results? It can be Google. It can be Yahoo. It can be ask.com, Bing, even AskJeeves if people still use that. I want to know what results you've gotten from such a minimum amount for the engine to work with.
Not too long ago, search engines like Yahoo and Google implemented a new feature to their search bars. The idea was to increase convenience by dropping down a list of the most popular keywords or phrases that have been searched before by what you've already typed in the box. The problem with this feature is that the phrases that come up can be offensive, crude, extremely obscure, or just plain silly. For example:
I went to Google and typed in "I am" and this is what was shown...
...I AM EXTREMELY TERRIFIED OF CHINESE PEOPLE!!!
Was there a common phobia that I didn't see on the Dr. Phil show recently that opened the floodgates around the world, letting people express their fears of a select group of 1 billion plus people?
What is the worst search engine prediction you've ever come across that had you scratching your head or laughing so hard, you actually clicked it to see the results? It can be Google. It can be Yahoo. It can be ask.com, Bing, even AskJeeves if people still use that. I want to know what results you've gotten from such a minimum amount for the engine to work with.
THE MAIDEN VOYAGE!
HELLO EVERYBODY! This is my new blog. I'm very proud to have this up and running now.
I think I'll talk about myself a little bit on my first post so you, the reader, can get a feel for the type of person I am and what to expect from this page.
FOR EXAMPLE:
I am the type that will not pull any punches with what I'm thinking. I am not a racist or sexist, nor am I religious. I never make fun of something that someone can not control, but the second they do or say something stupid, I'll be all over them! I play with stereotypical personalities and point them out when I see them for the goal of humor only! This is not an apology in advance, but a warning for those who are sensitive and defensive, or find certain subjects offensive.
At the same time, I want to hear some responses about what I say, whether or not you agree or disagree. One of my goals with this blog is to spark conversation. My eyes see the world through many perspectives, mainly because I tend to advocate against myself. The problem is that all these perspectives are still my own. More eyes are better than two.
I never stop learning and never want to stop. I want to be able to debate with the highest intellectuals on earth and discuss the most obscure topics known to man.
The thesaurus and spell check are my best friends.
I enjoy talking about current events, mainly because they're current. This blog is about the things I see, and the things I'm going to see the most are current events.
I, on Wednesday, September 9, in rebellion of t3h intertewbz, will be displaying a picture of my cat, Chippy. He is the most adorable 15lbs of tiny tiger I have ever bonked heads with.
I will post links to sites I happen to come across that I find interesting, funny, debatable, and something you would like to see.
And that's it for now. I hope that gives you an idea of what is to come. Once I get knee deep in topics, you'll be able to make the decision yourself, but I'm confident you'll stick around.
Til next time!
I think I'll talk about myself a little bit on my first post so you, the reader, can get a feel for the type of person I am and what to expect from this page.
FOR EXAMPLE:
I am the type that will not pull any punches with what I'm thinking. I am not a racist or sexist, nor am I religious. I never make fun of something that someone can not control, but the second they do or say something stupid, I'll be all over them! I play with stereotypical personalities and point them out when I see them for the goal of humor only! This is not an apology in advance, but a warning for those who are sensitive and defensive, or find certain subjects offensive.
At the same time, I want to hear some responses about what I say, whether or not you agree or disagree. One of my goals with this blog is to spark conversation. My eyes see the world through many perspectives, mainly because I tend to advocate against myself. The problem is that all these perspectives are still my own. More eyes are better than two.
I never stop learning and never want to stop. I want to be able to debate with the highest intellectuals on earth and discuss the most obscure topics known to man.
The thesaurus and spell check are my best friends.
I enjoy talking about current events, mainly because they're current. This blog is about the things I see, and the things I'm going to see the most are current events.
I, on Wednesday, September 9, in rebellion of t3h intertewbz, will be displaying a picture of my cat, Chippy. He is the most adorable 15lbs of tiny tiger I have ever bonked heads with.
I will post links to sites I happen to come across that I find interesting, funny, debatable, and something you would like to see.
And that's it for now. I hope that gives you an idea of what is to come. Once I get knee deep in topics, you'll be able to make the decision yourself, but I'm confident you'll stick around.
Til next time!
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