I'm sure by now most of you know of MissSpeech's fantastic news (and 'tis awesome news at that). It has been very interesting being a part of the various changes going on (some cool, come strange, and some downright frightenting). We're finally getting past all the nausea, and are now delving into the weird and wonderful world of cravings. I don't have a lot of data points yet, but there's been a few really good ones recently:
1. Casa Ole twice in a week (take THAT, Doc!)
2. La Fiesta and On The Border within 5 days of each other (love that Tex-Mex)
3. Pillsbury flakey biscuits and snowcones at 9:00pm
4. PB&J every morning as a "pre-breakfast" snack
5. Szchlotsky's pizza. Twice in the same day. Within two hours. (It was the kid size, and the only thing that sounded good)
6. Frozen hashbrown patties
Personally, I'm having a great time with this, as I never know what's coming next, and it's kind of fun. I've gained a bit of weight, however. MissSpeech has not. Arg.
Anyway, we're having fun (now that she feels a bit better) and we'll keep you posted.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Customer Service Thread. Yay!
Came across this a while back and meant to post it, but forgot. So here it is.
The girl that wrote this has clearly had enough of customers abusing employees for not apparent reason (Read the whole thing, it's not that long). Colorful language warning:
She's absolutely correct. People believe "The customer is always right" is some sort of gospel law.
It's not.
You're usually wrong, and many businesses are not putting up with your nonsense anymore.
Now, are the times when a verbal assault is warranted? Oh, yes indeedy. But people who demand some kind of compensation because things are exactly perfect are starting to get on my last nerve. Grotesquely wrong? Sure, you might deserve a coupon or replacement. Slightly overcooked, wrong kind of cheese, whatever? Shut up and eat your sandwich.
Now, I know some of you are thinking, "B..b..but, I PAID for it! Doesn't that entitle me to something?" Not really. It entitles you to a good faith effort. It entitles you to an attempt. It does NOT entitle you to perfection.
And I'm not picking on you who recieve a messed up order, really. I'm REALLY agitated at those that loose your farking minds due to your own stupidy or misunderstanding of something. Oh, and those of you who will hold up a line for 15 minutes to save $.7 on a taco.
I'm ranting today, but I'll leave you with this gem:
"You can always judge a man's character by how he treats the waitstaff."
The girl that wrote this has clearly had enough of customers abusing employees for not apparent reason (Read the whole thing, it's not that long). Colorful language warning:
I have a theory about asshole customers: I think they only act that way because no one ever calls them on their bullshit. The poor kids behind the counter can’t stand up for themselves lest they lose their jobs and other patrons look the other way claiming ‘it’s none of my business.’...
...The phrase ‘The Customer is Always Right’ is the single worst philosophy that has ever been adopted by American culture. It gave an entire generation of people the green light to be as impolite, unreasonable, and demanding as their little hearts desired because they were always going to be considered right...
...instead of suffering negative repercussions for their appallingly disrespectful behavior, they are awarded with free coupons and plenty of ass kissing.
She's absolutely correct. People believe "The customer is always right" is some sort of gospel law.
It's not.
You're usually wrong, and many businesses are not putting up with your nonsense anymore.
Now, are the times when a verbal assault is warranted? Oh, yes indeedy. But people who demand some kind of compensation because things are exactly perfect are starting to get on my last nerve. Grotesquely wrong? Sure, you might deserve a coupon or replacement. Slightly overcooked, wrong kind of cheese, whatever? Shut up and eat your sandwich.
Now, I know some of you are thinking, "B..b..but, I PAID for it! Doesn't that entitle me to something?" Not really. It entitles you to a good faith effort. It entitles you to an attempt. It does NOT entitle you to perfection.
And I'm not picking on you who recieve a messed up order, really. I'm REALLY agitated at those that loose your farking minds due to your own stupidy or misunderstanding of something. Oh, and those of you who will hold up a line for 15 minutes to save $.7 on a taco.
I'm ranting today, but I'll leave you with this gem:
"You can always judge a man's character by how he treats the waitstaff."
MissSpeech Will Love This
This photo was taken at the NY Licensing Show, and is the poster for an upcoming movie (by Dreamworks, I think). She loves this book. So, this one's for you, Speechy!
Monday, June 09, 2008
Gas Prices Matter? Maybe so...
Over on Consumerist, there's a discussion where people are incredulous as to why a guy on eBay purchased a $50 Target gift card for $55.71. While on the surface it seems ridiculous, there may actually be a legit reason for it (and a whole host of illegitimate reasons). Consider:
Ipinok needs a gift card from Target but he is 25 miles away from the closest Target store. Ipinok drives a Suburban and it will cost him 4 gallons of gas for the round trip + time to go to Target to get that $50 gift card. 4 gallons of gas will cost him at least $16 dollars this day. So,
$50 gift card + $16 gas = ($66 + time involved) > $55.71 bid price
Therefore, paying $55.71 with free shipping is well worth it, plus no need to spend the time going to Target and wait in line.
It used to be, you really didn't have to factor in gas prices when driving around purchasing an item (unless you drove around ALL DAY). Now, it can be CHEAPER to over-pay, and not spend the gas money. It also completely destroys the age-old adage of driving all over town to save $.04 on a gallon of gas. The cost savings is no longer cheaper then the gas being used.
A little practicale eco-thought for the day. I'd be interested in hearing your stories on how gas prices have changed (or will change) your behavior.
Ipinok needs a gift card from Target but he is 25 miles away from the closest Target store. Ipinok drives a Suburban and it will cost him 4 gallons of gas for the round trip + time to go to Target to get that $50 gift card. 4 gallons of gas will cost him at least $16 dollars this day. So,
$50 gift card + $16 gas = ($66 + time involved) > $55.71 bid price
Therefore, paying $55.71 with free shipping is well worth it, plus no need to spend the time going to Target and wait in line.
It used to be, you really didn't have to factor in gas prices when driving around purchasing an item (unless you drove around ALL DAY). Now, it can be CHEAPER to over-pay, and not spend the gas money. It also completely destroys the age-old adage of driving all over town to save $.04 on a gallon of gas. The cost savings is no longer cheaper then the gas being used.
A little practicale eco-thought for the day. I'd be interested in hearing your stories on how gas prices have changed (or will change) your behavior.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Angelina Jolie Has A Brain And A Gun
Every once and a while, there emerges news from Hollywood that give a since of hope about some the people that live there. Angelina Jolie is one of those people.
The pregnant mother of four told the U.K.'s Daily Mail that she owns guns similar to the ones she used in "Tomb Raider." Jolie and partner Brad Pitt are not against having weapons in their house for security reasons, she says.
"If anybody comes into my home and tries to hurt my kids, I've no problem shooting them," she said.
Sadly, I bet there's several lefty producers in H-wood rethinking offering her projects just because of this. But still nice to know that not every one on the left-coast is a complete moron. Maybe I'll check out her new movie Wanted after all.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Well, How 'Bout Them Apples
Obama Clinches Democratic Nomination. Here comes the math:
Figured JTapp would appreciate this:
Welp, that's pretty much it. Now McCain has something to focus on. This should be interesting.
The tally was based on public declarations from delegates as well as from another 15 who have confirmed their intentions to the AP. It also included 11 delegates Obama was guaranteed as long as he gained 30 percent of the vote in South Dakota and Montana later in the day. It takes 2,118 delegates to clinch the nomination.
Figured JTapp would appreciate this:
Welp, that's pretty much it. Now McCain has something to focus on. This should be interesting.
Hillary! To Concede Race To Obama!
According to CBS news, the Hill-dog is dropping out of the race.
But what's this (in the very next farking paragraph)?
So, as with all things Clinton-related, it means absolutely nada. It depends on the definition of "is", you know. See, the problem is, she's still something like 11 million dollars in debt, so if she drops out, she's in a world of hurt. If she stays in, she might be able to recoup some of her dough.
So, will she drop out tonight? Probably not. But I have been fooled before.
Oh, and for a REAL laugh, head on over to hillaryis44.org. The word "delusional" doesn't even BEGIN to cover it.
UPDATE: Well, that didn't last long. Oh well.
Hillary Rodham Clinton will concede Tuesday night that Barack Obama has the delegates to secure the Democratic nomination, campaign officials said, effectively ending her bid to be the nation's first female president.
But what's this (in the very next farking paragraph)?
A senior Clinton campaign official confirms to CBS News that Hillary Clinton will "acknowledge but not concede" the race tonight. The official says "she has no plans to concede the race tonight."
So, as with all things Clinton-related, it means absolutely nada. It depends on the definition of "is", you know. See, the problem is, she's still something like 11 million dollars in debt, so if she drops out, she's in a world of hurt. If she stays in, she might be able to recoup some of her dough.
So, will she drop out tonight? Probably not. But I have been fooled before.
Oh, and for a REAL laugh, head on over to hillaryis44.org. The word "delusional" doesn't even BEGIN to cover it.
UPDATE: Well, that didn't last long. Oh well.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The GreatMoose Reviews The Movies!
I'm trying to start a new semi-regular section of this blog, a piece where I review movies (usually on DVD) for my reader(s). I know sometimes it's hard to pick a movie when you're at the video store and staring blankly at the wall of new releases, especially if you're with your significant other, as they will invariably wish to view something else. SO, I will offer up my opinions and recommendations, in the hopes of staving of a disheartening experience at the video store.
MissSpeech and I rented a Will Ferrel movie called Stranger Than Fiction tonight, and in short, it was INCREDIBLE. It's certainly not your typical Ferrel movie, as it's not really a comedy (although it IS extremely funny at times), it's more along the lines of The Truman Show in tone (at least to a certain extent).
The movie is about an IRS auditor named Harold Crick (Will Ferrel), who begins to a hear a voice that appears to be narrating his life. It seems inoccent (if a bit strange) until the voice mentions his imminent death. This causes Harold to try to determine the source of the voice, and what is really going on.
The whole premise could have been used as a joke, but thankfully the film goes where such an idea should lead, into some pretty serious territory, and has a very poignant message at the send.
It's very funny, very emotional, and ultimately life-affirming. Even MissSpeech, who tends to fall asleep at the drop of hat these days (due to her 'condition'), stayed awake and alert through the whole thing. You really are drawn into trying to figure out what is happening the poor Harold. It's highly recommended (even has a 73% Fresh rating on RottenTomatos.com). Check it out when you get a chance, you won't regret it.
GreatMoose rating: 4.5 (possibly 5) Antlers
MissSpeech and I rented a Will Ferrel movie called Stranger Than Fiction tonight, and in short, it was INCREDIBLE. It's certainly not your typical Ferrel movie, as it's not really a comedy (although it IS extremely funny at times), it's more along the lines of The Truman Show in tone (at least to a certain extent).
The movie is about an IRS auditor named Harold Crick (Will Ferrel), who begins to a hear a voice that appears to be narrating his life. It seems inoccent (if a bit strange) until the voice mentions his imminent death. This causes Harold to try to determine the source of the voice, and what is really going on.
The whole premise could have been used as a joke, but thankfully the film goes where such an idea should lead, into some pretty serious territory, and has a very poignant message at the send.
It's very funny, very emotional, and ultimately life-affirming. Even MissSpeech, who tends to fall asleep at the drop of hat these days (due to her 'condition'), stayed awake and alert through the whole thing. You really are drawn into trying to figure out what is happening the poor Harold. It's highly recommended (even has a 73% Fresh rating on RottenTomatos.com). Check it out when you get a chance, you won't regret it.
GreatMoose rating: 4.5 (possibly 5) Antlers
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Runaways Coming To The Big Screen!
Now THIS is seriously cool news. Runaways is one of the best comics written today, with extremely relateable characters and very cool plotlines.
It's got my favorite comic character, Molly Hayes (aka Bruiser, Princess Powerful), whose mom is a Speech Therapist (an evil one, but what ya gonna do).
She's great in that when she uses her power (super-strength), she gets really tired afterward and falls asleep. It's great.
This is probably my favorite pic of Molly, standing in front of Frank Castle (The Punisher), cause she could totally mess his stuff up.
I really need to pick up the colletions of the series. If you haven't read it (or even you don't read comics), you're really missing out. It's really good stuff. I wonder who'll they'll get to play the crew...
As opposed to other Marvel characters getting the silver screen treatment, such as the Hulk and Spider-Man -- who have been around since the 1960s and are pop-culture fixtures -- the heroes in "Runaways" are relatively new, with the comic series launching in 2002.
"Runaways" follows a group of teenagers who find that some family secrets are bigger than others when they discover their parents are actually super-villains. Running away from their homes, the teens band together and begin a journey of discovery, both of their parents' origins and of their own inherited powers, while trying to make up for the evil done by their folks.
It's got my favorite comic character, Molly Hayes (aka Bruiser, Princess Powerful), whose mom is a Speech Therapist (an evil one, but what ya gonna do).
She's great in that when she uses her power (super-strength), she gets really tired afterward and falls asleep. It's great.
This is probably my favorite pic of Molly, standing in front of Frank Castle (The Punisher), cause she could totally mess his stuff up.
I really need to pick up the colletions of the series. If you haven't read it (or even you don't read comics), you're really missing out. It's really good stuff. I wonder who'll they'll get to play the crew...
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
It's Finally Happening
They're making a movie about the Branch Davidians.
Of course, as any Central Texan knows, it didn't actually happen IN Waco, but whatever. I gotta say, my views on it have changed almost 180 degrees from when it first happened. At the time, I was a freshman in high school, and figured the government wouldn't be assaulting that place if they didn't have a good reason. Now, hindsight is 20/20, but it sure looks like none of this should have ever happened.
The ATF went in ostensibly looking for "illegal weapons", but it turns out that none of the weapons were, in fact illegal.
Why didn't they just arrest Koresh when he went for his morning run (like he did every day)?
Was it really necessary for a freaking stand-off?
I've become much more jaded vis-a-vis the government in my old age. This'll be interesting.
"Waco" centers on the 1993 stand-off at Waco, Texas, when the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives attempted to arrest David Koresh, leader of the Branch Davidian cult. Four ATF agents, Koresh and 76 of his followers died.
Of course, as any Central Texan knows, it didn't actually happen IN Waco, but whatever. I gotta say, my views on it have changed almost 180 degrees from when it first happened. At the time, I was a freshman in high school, and figured the government wouldn't be assaulting that place if they didn't have a good reason. Now, hindsight is 20/20, but it sure looks like none of this should have ever happened.
The ATF went in ostensibly looking for "illegal weapons", but it turns out that none of the weapons were, in fact illegal.
Why didn't they just arrest Koresh when he went for his morning run (like he did every day)?
Was it really necessary for a freaking stand-off?
I've become much more jaded vis-a-vis the government in my old age. This'll be interesting.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Obama Draws A Whole Mess O' Folks
At rally this weekend in Oregon, St. Obama The Hopeful drew 75,000 worshippers and acolytes, bringing them his hopeful message of hopefully changing hope, with a side order of hope and change.
He then promptly fed them all with a open box of pop-tarts and a bottle of Diet Dr. Pepper. Amen.
He then promptly fed them all with a open box of pop-tarts and a bottle of Diet Dr. Pepper. Amen.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Sweet new Hellboy 2 Poster!
This thing is freakin' cool.
I love me some Hellboy. He's a fantastic character. The first movie, while flawed, was a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to the character and his world. It had all off-beat humor and creepiness of the comic, and told a pretty simple but effective story. It's also one of the most "Christian" movies to come out in a long time. While it's never explicitly stated that Hellboy is a christian, he DOES believe in God, and works in His service against Satan. It's a pretty cool idea. And it's great to see Ron Perlman getting to be the star of a film again. He's absolutely perfect for Hellboy. I can't wait to catch the new installment.
"Believe it or not, he's the good guy." That's just great!
I love me some Hellboy. He's a fantastic character. The first movie, while flawed, was a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to the character and his world. It had all off-beat humor and creepiness of the comic, and told a pretty simple but effective story. It's also one of the most "Christian" movies to come out in a long time. While it's never explicitly stated that Hellboy is a christian, he DOES believe in God, and works in His service against Satan. It's a pretty cool idea. And it's great to see Ron Perlman getting to be the star of a film again. He's absolutely perfect for Hellboy. I can't wait to catch the new installment.
"Believe it or not, he's the good guy." That's just great!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Quote Of The Day
"You know what I pray for? For the strength to change the things that I can, for the inability to accept the things that I can't, and the incapacity to tell the difference."
- Calvin of Calvin & Hobbes
There really is no debate. Calvin & Hobbes: Greatest comic ever.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Wow, Even SNL Has Bailed On Hill-Dog
This weekend's Saturday Night Live NAILED it. It would have been funny, if it wasn't EXACTLY true. You could even hear the audience's laughter die off as they realized it was true. Check it out:
Friday, May 02, 2008
2 Outrageously Cool Hancock Trailers
If you didn't know, Hancock is Will Smith's new movie. He plays, well, he plays a bum. An alcholic, homeless "superhero" bum. Sort of. It looks like an absolute riot. The first trailer is actually my favorite, but the second is probably the best. Lemme know if you're pumped for this!
"Do I have permission to touch your body?!"
"YEEESS!!"
"It's not sexual!"
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Will Smith is just about the only TRUE movie star we have today. He is only actor I can say that most people will go see no matter what movie he's in. That's how movies used to be, you know. You went for the actor first, then the story. Smith is that guy.
I like.
"Do I have permission to touch your body?!"
"YEEESS!!"
"It's not sexual!"
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Will Smith is just about the only TRUE movie star we have today. He is only actor I can say that most people will go see no matter what movie he's in. That's how movies used to be, you know. You went for the actor first, then the story. Smith is that guy.
I like.
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