Now I've heard a lot of people grumbling about the mediocrity of ESPN's college football gameday package, that they don't really show the big games that most people want to watch, but more of the "battle for third place" close matches that are the fanatics dream, but that doesn't seem bad to me. For one, if you’re going to sit down and order, what is it, like 30 games a week, I figure you probably are a fanatic, so those close games for third place will be more fun to watch than the blowout of a #5 team amassing 65 unanswered points against an unranked opponent. That being said...
What the hell were you thinking, ESPN? I've been looking forward to the MN vs. Ohio State game for the whole week! Here's a chance to watch two teams ranked in the top 25 of the nation grind it out, and what do they play instead? A ranked Wisconsin team blowing out a pitiful unranked Illinois team. It makes no sense. Want the expert’s opinion on which game to watch? Fine, check with the experts if you want, but don't expect to actually be able to watch the good games. (See the must see rating at the bottom of each game match up summary.)
And if you feel like being entertained by other peoples rantings, check out this entry. Every one of you will object to at least one of his categories, but you should also be able to enjoy several of his others.
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Friday, October 28, 2005
Hit me baby one more time!!!
Since most of you don't ever check out the City Pages, I decided to glean this gem for you. I especially love the comment.
Be a real rock star!
I was going to publish this as a comment on Dan's blog, but I decided I would save my sage advice for the halls of Off to the Races. I might even make this a weekly feature.
To address MP - Yes, lighters do get hot if you hold them like you would for lighting a cigarette. However, there is a way to wave your lighter during your favorite song without getting burned. Using your thumb and forefinger, make a letter "C" (or backwards “c” if you’re one of those folks who can’t do anything with their left hand). Now, cradle the bottom of the lighter on your thumb and against your middle finger (the rest of your hand is wrapped in a loose fist). Now light it using your index finger and keeping your finger towards the edge of the 'button'. Viola! While Hey Jude might warm your finger a little, this method will allow you to light up the night for almost all top 40 power ballads. Plus, now you won't look like a pathetic poser for raising your cell phone at your favorite anarchist bands' rock concert! For all you sissies out there, if your little bitty finger does get too warm, change it. The middle and even ring finger will work just as well. Personally, I have trouble using my pinky for much of anything except the shocker, but if you want to try using that too, go right ahead.
Next week: How to handle those moshers, and crowd surfing etiquette after that.
To address MP - Yes, lighters do get hot if you hold them like you would for lighting a cigarette. However, there is a way to wave your lighter during your favorite song without getting burned. Using your thumb and forefinger, make a letter "C" (or backwards “c” if you’re one of those folks who can’t do anything with their left hand). Now, cradle the bottom of the lighter on your thumb and against your middle finger (the rest of your hand is wrapped in a loose fist). Now light it using your index finger and keeping your finger towards the edge of the 'button'. Viola! While Hey Jude might warm your finger a little, this method will allow you to light up the night for almost all top 40 power ballads. Plus, now you won't look like a pathetic poser for raising your cell phone at your favorite anarchist bands' rock concert! For all you sissies out there, if your little bitty finger does get too warm, change it. The middle and even ring finger will work just as well. Personally, I have trouble using my pinky for much of anything except the shocker, but if you want to try using that too, go right ahead.
Next week: How to handle those moshers, and crowd surfing etiquette after that.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Sneaky Sneaky, just don't Peek-y!
What are those Google Guys up to now? Seems that they might be expanding their services. Again.
And it looks like officials on the East Coast are worried that certain criminals might try to put more than candy in the mouths of little ones come Halloween...
Yeah, I know, that's really sick. I tried wording it differently, but every time I ended up using words that would have triggered specific search result traffic that I'm not looking for, if you know what I mean.
Oh, and I think Rome just became the greatest city to live in if your name is Max, Jake, Buddy, Bailey, Sam or Rocky. I guess it wouldn't be too bad if you were named Goldy either.
And it looks like officials on the East Coast are worried that certain criminals might try to put more than candy in the mouths of little ones come Halloween...
Yeah, I know, that's really sick. I tried wording it differently, but every time I ended up using words that would have triggered specific search result traffic that I'm not looking for, if you know what I mean.
Oh, and I think Rome just became the greatest city to live in if your name is Max, Jake, Buddy, Bailey, Sam or Rocky. I guess it wouldn't be too bad if you were named Goldy either.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
A Penny for Your Thoughts
I know this is long, but I would appreciate all comments possible.
So here's the deal folks. I've been looking for a job, and I have a couple options now. Option One is a Team Lead/entry level management position at, let's say, big box retail company A. The second option is just a plain entry level position (not management) as an animal assistant at a research lab. So I would be cleaning cages, feeding, recording how much was eaten, how much the animal weighs, so an and so forth.
Here's my thinking: Entry level management - Great opportunity in a store that is in the process of rebuilding. Last manager was lackadaisical and new manager is working hard to bring it back up to par. Being part of that effort will look GREAT on a resume (assuming it succeeds). Also, getting experience in management is HUGE because when I move on I can always apply for another management job wherever I go and be a top candidate.
Research Lab - First glance and it's obvious, money. The lab job pays about $.75-1.00/hr more to start, but that's not all. It has a regular work schedule. Every day of every week I would be working from about 7 to 3. That means several things: one, I could get a weekend job (which I would) that would bring in about 400 extra dollars every month, which I would save for when I resume school next year, and two, this winter I could easily take a handful of classes at the local community college.
Negatives: Retail management job - schedule. All management is on a rotating shift. Open the store one week, close the next. Some weekends I would be working nights, some weekends I would have mornings, and some I would have off. Until the store gets back on track I would also probably be putting in overtime, which I'm fine with, but would further complicate the schedule. A second job would be impossible. Now I spoke to the manager about school after the interview, and he says he is fine with it, and even encourages it. He also noted that it couldn't completely take over my schedule though. The example he gave was another team lead that is going to school, but has classes EVERY evening of the week. He didn't exactly say that he was going to have to fire that guy, but he made it clear that his schedule was unacceptable. So I could still take several classes this spring, but it would be more difficult than at the lab.
Other job - It's not management. There are few opportunities to advance. It would be a good job for now, but I wouldn't be keeping it for much more than a year, and then I would be right back to where I am now. An entry level worker with few marketable skills. (I also have several warehouse "pick and pack" job opportunities with a similar situation as this lab job as far as schedule and advancement opportunity-wise.)
Final thoughts: I like the retail job because wherever I go after this I can always go for those management positions. It would also give me hard numbers to put on a resume. (ex. Was part of the management team that increased total store sales 13% over a six month period. Increased sales in my department by 14%...) The lab though... easier for classes, and more pay (much more when you figure in weekend job). They both would adequately pay the bills, so I wouldn't worry about starving if I took the retail job, but I would not be able to save as much money for next year. (I will be receiving GI Bill benefits next year, but still, having extra money saved to help with books or something is never bad.)
Also, I haven't given a final answer on either job offer. During the first/preliminary interview for the retail job (there was a preliminary phone interview and then a face-to-face) I gave my required pay range as $XX-XY/hour. My offer is at the minimum $XX/hr. I think I could get that up, but have no experience with salary negotiations. Any suggestions for tactful but effective negotiations? (I was thinking maybe big bro would...)
I know this is long, but your opinions are appreciated.
So here's the deal folks. I've been looking for a job, and I have a couple options now. Option One is a Team Lead/entry level management position at, let's say, big box retail company A. The second option is just a plain entry level position (not management) as an animal assistant at a research lab. So I would be cleaning cages, feeding, recording how much was eaten, how much the animal weighs, so an and so forth.
Here's my thinking: Entry level management - Great opportunity in a store that is in the process of rebuilding. Last manager was lackadaisical and new manager is working hard to bring it back up to par. Being part of that effort will look GREAT on a resume (assuming it succeeds). Also, getting experience in management is HUGE because when I move on I can always apply for another management job wherever I go and be a top candidate.
Research Lab - First glance and it's obvious, money. The lab job pays about $.75-1.00/hr more to start, but that's not all. It has a regular work schedule. Every day of every week I would be working from about 7 to 3. That means several things: one, I could get a weekend job (which I would) that would bring in about 400 extra dollars every month, which I would save for when I resume school next year, and two, this winter I could easily take a handful of classes at the local community college.
Negatives: Retail management job - schedule. All management is on a rotating shift. Open the store one week, close the next. Some weekends I would be working nights, some weekends I would have mornings, and some I would have off. Until the store gets back on track I would also probably be putting in overtime, which I'm fine with, but would further complicate the schedule. A second job would be impossible. Now I spoke to the manager about school after the interview, and he says he is fine with it, and even encourages it. He also noted that it couldn't completely take over my schedule though. The example he gave was another team lead that is going to school, but has classes EVERY evening of the week. He didn't exactly say that he was going to have to fire that guy, but he made it clear that his schedule was unacceptable. So I could still take several classes this spring, but it would be more difficult than at the lab.
Other job - It's not management. There are few opportunities to advance. It would be a good job for now, but I wouldn't be keeping it for much more than a year, and then I would be right back to where I am now. An entry level worker with few marketable skills. (I also have several warehouse "pick and pack" job opportunities with a similar situation as this lab job as far as schedule and advancement opportunity-wise.)
Final thoughts: I like the retail job because wherever I go after this I can always go for those management positions. It would also give me hard numbers to put on a resume. (ex. Was part of the management team that increased total store sales 13% over a six month period. Increased sales in my department by 14%...) The lab though... easier for classes, and more pay (much more when you figure in weekend job). They both would adequately pay the bills, so I wouldn't worry about starving if I took the retail job, but I would not be able to save as much money for next year. (I will be receiving GI Bill benefits next year, but still, having extra money saved to help with books or something is never bad.)
Also, I haven't given a final answer on either job offer. During the first/preliminary interview for the retail job (there was a preliminary phone interview and then a face-to-face) I gave my required pay range as $XX-XY/hour. My offer is at the minimum $XX/hr. I think I could get that up, but have no experience with salary negotiations. Any suggestions for tactful but effective negotiations? (I was thinking maybe big bro would...)
I know this is long, but your opinions are appreciated.
Monday, October 24, 2005
One fish, two fish, three fish, four!
Friday, October 21, 2005
Only in California...
Forget killer 14 foot sharks, (the surfer dudes and dudettes can handle them) what you really have to worry about in California are those damn Killer Deer!
Would be Killer Shark
Those pesky Killer Deer!
and here
you know what's really funny? That buck was only a three pointer. It was so tiny not even a hunter would shoot it.
And yes, I know the article says he saw "a six foot deer." I saw a picture of it last night on the news and it was really the size a sheep. Baaaaaa.
Would be Killer Shark
Those pesky Killer Deer!
and here
you know what's really funny? That buck was only a three pointer. It was so tiny not even a hunter would shoot it.
And yes, I know the article says he saw "a six foot deer." I saw a picture of it last night on the news and it was really the size a sheep. Baaaaaa.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Way to go Chokesota
Really, what did they have to do? Nothing, but somehow they messed it up anyway. Nice going.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Idiot
It looks like the nation's idiot made another mistake. And like so many of his other blunders, this one isn't funny either. Let's hope the senate has the balls and wisdom to deny this incompetent crony the position. "But we don't know anything about her," you might say. True, but I for one do not trust anyone who has ever declared that "The President is most brilliant man I have ever met."
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Dude's a machine!
So I called Josh this morning to see how far he had driven, (thinking he was probably nearing the western border of Nebraska) and lo and behold, the dude was at the western border of Wyoming! Now that's a jaunt! Here's a map for curious people.
On the topic of guys at the top of their game... The coolest cooking dude on TV award definitely belongs to Sam the Cooking Guy. Completely unpretentious, he's won 4 Emmy awards for his "big in taste and small in effort" easy-goin cooking style. "4 Emmys," You ask? Yep, that's right. Unfortunately you must need 5 Emmys to deserve national syndication, as that's the only possible reason this sultan of suave isn't on air in every city. Now I know most of you refuse to cook anything that doesn't come prepackaged in a box, but were you to ever actually want to make something that could impress someone, (like a certain young lady) cruise over to his site for some monster meals.
On the topic of guys at the top of their game... The coolest cooking dude on TV award definitely belongs to Sam the Cooking Guy. Completely unpretentious, he's won 4 Emmy awards for his "big in taste and small in effort" easy-goin cooking style. "4 Emmys," You ask? Yep, that's right. Unfortunately you must need 5 Emmys to deserve national syndication, as that's the only possible reason this sultan of suave isn't on air in every city. Now I know most of you refuse to cook anything that doesn't come prepackaged in a box, but were you to ever actually want to make something that could impress someone, (like a certain young lady) cruise over to his site for some monster meals.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
pete and repeat
So did anyone actually even try "Sombrero Sling"? While flash games are definitely not as "cool" as they once were, (like five years ago) I still thought this one was at least worth two or three tries. Did everyone really think it sucked so bad they didn't even bother to try, or has no one actually played it?
Hint: You can "shoot" your sombrero further by clicking. You get three rounds.
Hint: You can "shoot" your sombrero further by clicking. You get three rounds.
pete and repeat
So did anyone actually even try "Sombrero Sling"? While flash games are definitely not as "cool" as they once were, (like five years ago) I still thought this one was at least worth two or three tries. Did everyone really think it sucked so bad they didn't even bother to try, or has no one actually played it?
Hint: You can "shoot" your sombrero further by clicking. You get three rounds.
Hint: You can "shoot" your sombrero further by clicking. You get three rounds.
Monday, October 03, 2005
What a pair of gams...
While at Albertson's (think Cub or Rainbow) this afternoon I saw quite possibly the best set of legs ever... Perfect, absolutely jaw-dropping amazing.
Anyway... I just had to say that. Get it out of my system and all, you know. (They really were that nice) I’m done now.
I've been watching ROME lately, and I'm loving it. Granted, I have always been a history buff, and a fan of that particular era, but even the casual viewer should enjoy it plenty. Great cast, great acting, amazing sets, well directed... And who ever knew Caesar’s great-niece was such a cutie? (Or would she qualify as a hotty...? Watch the first couple of episodes and let me know your opinion.) It's just a good show all around. We get free HBO on demand, so I don't know if it is free for regular cable/dish subscribers, but even if most people have to pay that shouldn't be too big of an obstacle for y'all.
I finally picked up the new Postal Service cd today. (It’s not really a new release, but it's their latest full length.) I've been trying to find this album for SO long now it's amazing. I saw it once or twice before at Cheapo, (god bless that place) but it always was when I had no money with me, so you can imagine finding it today when I had a crisp new twenty-spot lining my pocket was like hitting the jackpot for me. They're pretty, well, unique I guess, so you'll probably either love 'em or hate 'em. All the same, check them out. I've been on a weird synth/british/indie/alt rock/pop fix for a while now, so I want to know if people think I'm going crazy music-wise. They're put out by the same label that does fellow mellow monsters The Shins, if that means anything to anybody.
Anyway... I just had to say that. Get it out of my system and all, you know. (They really were that nice) I’m done now.
I've been watching ROME lately, and I'm loving it. Granted, I have always been a history buff, and a fan of that particular era, but even the casual viewer should enjoy it plenty. Great cast, great acting, amazing sets, well directed... And who ever knew Caesar’s great-niece was such a cutie? (Or would she qualify as a hotty...? Watch the first couple of episodes and let me know your opinion.) It's just a good show all around. We get free HBO on demand, so I don't know if it is free for regular cable/dish subscribers, but even if most people have to pay that shouldn't be too big of an obstacle for y'all.
I finally picked up the new Postal Service cd today. (It’s not really a new release, but it's their latest full length.) I've been trying to find this album for SO long now it's amazing. I saw it once or twice before at Cheapo, (god bless that place) but it always was when I had no money with me, so you can imagine finding it today when I had a crisp new twenty-spot lining my pocket was like hitting the jackpot for me. They're pretty, well, unique I guess, so you'll probably either love 'em or hate 'em. All the same, check them out. I've been on a weird synth/british/indie/alt rock/pop fix for a while now, so I want to know if people think I'm going crazy music-wise. They're put out by the same label that does fellow mellow monsters The Shins, if that means anything to anybody.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
tssk tssk
I must say folks, I am disappointed in all of you. In the last 4 posts, I registered only one comment. Now I understand if a person wouldn't want to divulge what supposedly was in their subconscious (like Adam secretly prefers little boys), but what about the others 3 posts? First I hunted up a little flash game for you to play/waste time on while at work and NOBODY even registered an attempt! Come on, where's the competitive spirit?!? No booya's or smackdown layings? I also understood when nobody had a comment on the San Andreas article or my other news gatherings (despite my provocative mockery), as they weren't really controversial, but then I ask for opinions on a show, and still got nothing. Well you know what? All y'all go fuck yo'selves.
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