I was driving to the bookstore today to pick up a paycheck, and I got to thinking that when I first started working there, I never thought I'd be there for almost 4 years. Wow. It's coming to a close soon enough, right before the weather gets nicer. It'll be great to have my weekends back.
Some of the most obnoxious transactions I've ever had there have been in the last few weeks. They are a couple, and they come in with a stack of books to return (with no receipt, naturally) and a bunch of special orders to pick up. I smell something suspicious with these transactions. Maybe they get popular books that we're sure to have elsewhere, real cheap, and return them to our store. With the proceeds from the return, they buy the things they've ordered. With our rather lenient return policy, I am kinda required to take the book back, unless it doesn't come up in our system at all or has been rendered unsellable. While I'll never be accused of being a cheerleader for corporate America, it still pisses me off when the store gets ripped off. They ruin it for everyone else.
3.31.2005
3.30.2005
Monday
My brother and I managed to make it up to the city on Monday to check out the car show. While we didn't buy anything, we did manage to get soaked on the way back to the train station, so that was fun. I wonder how many umbrella-related accidents accur in the city when it rains.
We got to the city a bit early, so decided to grab lunch on the way so that we didn't have to eat at the convention center. The Cheyenne Diner, on the corner of 33rd and 9th across from B&H, rocks. All sorts of greasy goodness.
Overall, the car show was excellent, and I'm happy I chose to go during the week than on the weekend. We were actually able to get in the cars we wanted to get into.
Everything went well, and this year's show was light years better than last years show, especially since my brother came along.
Lessons learned:
* Going with your brother who is just as excited about the car show is so much better than asking an acquaintance from the bookstore and not even getting a response.
* Weekdays are much better than weekends, as the crowds are manageable and not panic inducing.
* When you have to grab a quick lunch, rather than going to a place you think looks interesting, stick with a place you know will have good food. The place I went to last year was nasty. I ordered a chicken quesadilla, and they used chicken pieces that looked very similar to those found in Hot Pockets. Yum.
I put a few pics over at Flickr.
Also, for a small sample, take a look at Take the Wheel.
We got to the city a bit early, so decided to grab lunch on the way so that we didn't have to eat at the convention center. The Cheyenne Diner, on the corner of 33rd and 9th across from B&H, rocks. All sorts of greasy goodness.
Overall, the car show was excellent, and I'm happy I chose to go during the week than on the weekend. We were actually able to get in the cars we wanted to get into.
Everything went well, and this year's show was light years better than last years show, especially since my brother came along.
Lessons learned:
* Going with your brother who is just as excited about the car show is so much better than asking an acquaintance from the bookstore and not even getting a response.
* Weekdays are much better than weekends, as the crowds are manageable and not panic inducing.
* When you have to grab a quick lunch, rather than going to a place you think looks interesting, stick with a place you know will have good food. The place I went to last year was nasty. I ordered a chicken quesadilla, and they used chicken pieces that looked very similar to those found in Hot Pockets. Yum.
I put a few pics over at Flickr.
Also, for a small sample, take a look at Take the Wheel.
So, my brother and I managed to make it up to the city on Monday to check out the car show. While we didn't buy anything, we did manage to get soaked on the way back to the train station, so we had that going for us.
We got to the city a bit early, so decided to grab lunch on the way so that we didn't have to eat at the convention center. The Cheyenne Diner, on the corner of 33rd and 9th across from B&H, rocks. All sorts of greasy goodness.
Overall, the car show was excellent, and I'm happy I chose to go during the week than on the weekend. We were actually able to get in the cars we wanted to get into.
Everything went well, and this year's show was light years better than last years show, especially since my brother came along.
Lessons learned:
* Going with your brother who is just as excited about the car show is so much better than asking an acquaintance from the bookstore and not even getting a response.
* Weekdays are much better than weekends, as the crowds are manageable and not panic inducing.
* When you have to grab a quick lunch, rather than going to a place you think looks interesting, stick with a place you know will have good food. The place I went to last year was nasty. I ordered a chicken quesadilla, and they used chicken pieces that looked very similar to those found in Hot Pockets. Yum.
I put a few pics over at Flickr.
Also, for a small sample, take a look at Take the Wheel.
We got to the city a bit early, so decided to grab lunch on the way so that we didn't have to eat at the convention center. The Cheyenne Diner, on the corner of 33rd and 9th across from B&H, rocks. All sorts of greasy goodness.
Overall, the car show was excellent, and I'm happy I chose to go during the week than on the weekend. We were actually able to get in the cars we wanted to get into.
Everything went well, and this year's show was light years better than last years show, especially since my brother came along.
Lessons learned:
* Going with your brother who is just as excited about the car show is so much better than asking an acquaintance from the bookstore and not even getting a response.
* Weekdays are much better than weekends, as the crowds are manageable and not panic inducing.
* When you have to grab a quick lunch, rather than going to a place you think looks interesting, stick with a place you know will have good food. The place I went to last year was nasty. I ordered a chicken quesadilla, and they used chicken pieces that looked very similar to those found in Hot Pockets. Yum.
I put a few pics over at Flickr.
Also, for a small sample, take a look at Take the Wheel.
3.28.2005
The New Jersey state color is gray
I woke up to find out that the drummer for Crowded House hung himself.
Depression I'm all too familiar with, but I will never know what can make a person take that final step.
Depression I'm all too familiar with, but I will never know what can make a person take that final step.
3.25.2005
Not even the Easter Bunny is safe
What better way to start the Easter holiday weekend than with this:
Easter Bunny Gets Pummeled by Boy at Mall
(sarcasm)Yep, we're so on the right track as a society(/sarcasm)
Easter Bunny Gets Pummeled by Boy at Mall
(sarcasm)Yep, we're so on the right track as a society(/sarcasm)
More I know you I knew you
I was pleasantly surprised yesterday when I got an email from D. Turns out she's been teaching and renovating a house with her husband. More important, she's expecting a baby in July, so I am truly stoked for her!
It's hard to imagine that about 3 years ago we were griping about shiite interviews and unpromising job prospects while attending to customers at Our Favorite Bookstore(OFB). Things change pretty quickly, and thankfully, those changes have steered toward the good for the both of us.
It's hard to imagine that about 3 years ago we were griping about shiite interviews and unpromising job prospects while attending to customers at Our Favorite Bookstore(OFB). Things change pretty quickly, and thankfully, those changes have steered toward the good for the both of us.
3.24.2005
In progress
OK, I have a new guilty pleasure to confess. I've been watching the last few episodes of Jake In Progress, starring John Stamos, and I actually kinda dig it. Yeah, I know! Strange, huh?
ABC has been coming out with some pretty decent dramas this season, starting with Lost.
I guess there are better, more productive things I could do with my time, but I really don't watch that much TV.
ABC has been coming out with some pretty decent dramas this season, starting with Lost.
I guess there are better, more productive things I could do with my time, but I really don't watch that much TV.
Something new
After many long minutes of preparation, Take the Wheel is ready.
As you may have inferred, this site will feature my ramblings about cars, the automobile industry, auto shows, road trips, and various other items about those 4-wheeled pieces of steel that suck up dead dinosaurs and take us to the supermarket.
If you haven't guessed already, I dig cars, and I figure I've done enough posts here to warrant a whole new blog.
Hope you likey likey.
As you may have inferred, this site will feature my ramblings about cars, the automobile industry, auto shows, road trips, and various other items about those 4-wheeled pieces of steel that suck up dead dinosaurs and take us to the supermarket.
If you haven't guessed already, I dig cars, and I figure I've done enough posts here to warrant a whole new blog.
Hope you likey likey.
3.22.2005
If walls could talk
How cool is this? For the first time since it's been around, Abbey Road, the studio where the Beatles recorded almost all of their music, is being opened to the public.
Abbey Road Studio Opens Its Doors to Fans
Man, if rock and roll were a religion, this would be one of its churches.
Abbey Road Studio Opens Its Doors to Fans
Man, if rock and roll were a religion, this would be one of its churches.
3.21.2005
Let's see if you bastards can do 90!
John DeLorean, famous for making the gull-winged car featured in the Back to the Future movies, died today. The cars may have been underpowered and only available in silver, but they certainly looked cool. The car company never got a chance to get off the ground though, and they only made 9000.
3.20.2005
STELLA! No, wait...GATORS!!
Thank krikey I was at work. Otherwise, I would have been stuck in front of the TV, cursing and missing heartbeats. The Gators got close once, apparently, but from what I've read, they were never in it.
Bummer.
Bummer.
All sorts of upsets everywhere
This has been a wild weekend for college basketball. Kansas lost, Syracuse lost, Gonzaga lost, Wake Forest lost, Oklahoma lost...you gotta love a sports tournament in which anything can happen. I spent most of the day veging out in front of the TV with my brother, watching basketball. Nice day.
The Gators play today at 215, but I won't be able to watch, because I'll be at work. It's probably better, considering how close the last game was. Those close games just aren't good for my health.
The Gators play today at 215, but I won't be able to watch, because I'll be at work. It's probably better, considering how close the last game was. Those close games just aren't good for my health.
3.18.2005
Whew, that was close
Here I am sitting in my cube, watching the points reel off. I check at one point and it's 55-35. So, I'm thinking, "Sah-weet! An easy first game."
Silly gator fan. I should know by now.
I go back to work, thinking the game is done, but I check back a few minutes later, and the lead got smaller.
Uh oh.
I again go back to work and check a few minutes later. Now it's a five point lead. Crap. How could the gators possibly blow a 20 point lead?!
It gets worse. With two minutes left, it's even at 60. A few co-workers come over and ask me what the hell happened. This is typical Gator play...clinching defeat from the jaws of victory. It took what seemed like forever for the site to update, and when it did, it showed the Gators up by 3 with 26 seconds left. A lot can happen in 26 seconds. Plus, if you can't be confident with a 20-point lead with 11 minutes to play, you sure as hell can't be confident with only a 3 point lead.
In the ensuing 26 seconds, I'm not sure what happened, but the Gators did manage to pull the game out. Good thing, I would have gone ballistic otherwise.
Florida 67, Ohio 62
Silly gator fan. I should know by now.
I go back to work, thinking the game is done, but I check back a few minutes later, and the lead got smaller.
Uh oh.
I again go back to work and check a few minutes later. Now it's a five point lead. Crap. How could the gators possibly blow a 20 point lead?!
It gets worse. With two minutes left, it's even at 60. A few co-workers come over and ask me what the hell happened. This is typical Gator play...clinching defeat from the jaws of victory. It took what seemed like forever for the site to update, and when it did, it showed the Gators up by 3 with 26 seconds left. A lot can happen in 26 seconds. Plus, if you can't be confident with a 20-point lead with 11 minutes to play, you sure as hell can't be confident with only a 3 point lead.
In the ensuing 26 seconds, I'm not sure what happened, but the Gators did manage to pull the game out. Good thing, I would have gone ballistic otherwise.
Florida 67, Ohio 62
Go Gators, part 2!
Do you realize how frustrating it is watching a box score of a basketball game, without the benefit of sound or video. I have no idea what's going on...
At the half, the gators are up 36-28. More to come.
At the half, the gators are up 36-28. More to come.
3.16.2005
Like, down with the corporations, man
I'm watching South Park, and it's an episode in which Cartman tries to rid South Park from Hippies who have descended on the town for some sort of Bonnaroo-type festival. Cartman saves them all by playing Slayer over the PA system.
Classic.
I'd love to go to Bonnaroo at least once, but I'd eventually get annoyed by the all-hippie, all-the-time atmosphere. I might be politically liberal, but I gave up the hippie-ghost a long time ago.
Classic.
I'd love to go to Bonnaroo at least once, but I'd eventually get annoyed by the all-hippie, all-the-time atmosphere. I might be politically liberal, but I gave up the hippie-ghost a long time ago.
Duh-rilling in ANWR
What's the motivation behind people wanting to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge? If the oil can't be brought to market in 10 years, and the region would only produce at most 2.5% of our yearly oil consumption, the motivation probably wouldn't be to lower oil prices and lessen our dependence on foreign oil NOW.
Anyway, the senate is preparing to vote on drilling in ANWR today or tomorrow. They snuck it into a budget proposal that needs only 51 votes to pass.
Senate Prepares for Arctic Drilling Vote
This has become somewhat of a pattern for me. Wake up, read the news, get pissed, and then blog. I should just stop reading the news and be blissfully unaware. It would make getting up in the morning that much easier.
Anyway, the senate is preparing to vote on drilling in ANWR today or tomorrow. They snuck it into a budget proposal that needs only 51 votes to pass.
Senate Prepares for Arctic Drilling Vote
This has become somewhat of a pattern for me. Wake up, read the news, get pissed, and then blog. I should just stop reading the news and be blissfully unaware. It would make getting up in the morning that much easier.
3.15.2005
Another one to add to the list in the attempt to subvert the teaching of evolution in schools by introducing a "scientific theory" called Intelligent design. Bullshit. There's no science behind it. They just dress up theology and blind faith with really big words so it sounds like scientists came up with it.
Battle on Teaching Evolution Sharpens
My favorite quote from the story:
Ah, Kansas.
Battle on Teaching Evolution Sharpens
"The movement is a veneer over a certain theological message. Every one of these groups is now actively engaged in trying to undercut sound science education by criticizing evolution," said Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. "It is all based on their religious ideology. Even the people who don't specifically mention religion are hard-pressed with a straight face to say who the intelligent designer is if it's not God."
My favorite quote from the story:
A prominent effort is underway in Kansas, where the state Board of Education intends to revise teaching standards. That would be progress, Southern Baptist minister Terry Fox said, because "most people in Kansas don't think we came from monkeys."
Ah, Kansas.
3.14.2005
Clear sky
Tonight, as I was driving home, I peaked up into the sky, and thanks to a clear sky, I was able to see a series of planes lining up to touch down in Newark. What a cool sight. Seeing planes up in the sky has always fascinated me, not for the physics of it all, but because within that plane are all these different passengers that have their own story. And then you see a series of planes waiting to touch down at the airport. Therein lies the fact why I find airports so interesting. It's a point where all these paths cross, and coincidence breeds, a mathematician's exercise in probability. Whenever I go to the airport, I'm aware of the possibities, and I keep my eyes open for people I haven't seen in years, even though I'm well aware that seeing people I know is like me winning the lottery.
On a completely unrelated note, right as I type, my parents are on a 22 hour train and ferry ride from switzerland to sicily. I don't envy them the train ride, but sicily! How friggin' cool.
On a completely unrelated note, right as I type, my parents are on a 22 hour train and ferry ride from switzerland to sicily. I don't envy them the train ride, but sicily! How friggin' cool.
Go Gators!!
The Gators beat Kentucky for the second time in a week, and they managed to win the SEC tournament for the first time. If this doesn't scream out momentum, I don't know what does.
They have a no. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament. If they are lucky enough to win their first two games, they can potentially face North Carolina where they will get throttled. Hey, sweet sixteen and conference champs make a pretty good season.
Check out the bracket.
I know the Gators have absolutely no chance to make a big run for it, but who knows, right? At anyrate, by the Final Four, I'll be "anyone but Duke."
They have a no. 4 seed in the NCAA tournament. If they are lucky enough to win their first two games, they can potentially face North Carolina where they will get throttled. Hey, sweet sixteen and conference champs make a pretty good season.
Check out the bracket.
I know the Gators have absolutely no chance to make a big run for it, but who knows, right? At anyrate, by the Final Four, I'll be "anyone but Duke."
3.13.2005
Hipsterriffic
I went to go check out Sick Day's band last night, Mouth of Wilson. They opened (but still played after) a band out of Delaware called Omnisoul. There's a good chance that you'll hear these guys on the radio at some point.
They were a tight band and had some good tunes along the lines of Maroon5, but I thought they were kind of predictable. Also, they were just a bit on the precious side of hipsterish for me, with the trucker hats and ironic t-shirts. I guess, thems the times we are a-livin' in.
Who am I to be critical. They are a signed band, which is huge. I was just watching them on the stage, thinking about how monumental an opportunity that is (even if they do get shafted by the record company.)
If they do get on the radio, I at least get to say "I was critical when..."
They were a tight band and had some good tunes along the lines of Maroon5, but I thought they were kind of predictable. Also, they were just a bit on the precious side of hipsterish for me, with the trucker hats and ironic t-shirts. I guess, thems the times we are a-livin' in.
Who am I to be critical. They are a signed band, which is huge. I was just watching them on the stage, thinking about how monumental an opportunity that is (even if they do get shafted by the record company.)
If they do get on the radio, I at least get to say "I was critical when..."
3.12.2005
More on social security
Bush: Much 'Educating' to Do on Soc. Sec.
I really like the "hand-selected audience" bit. He can "educate" people until he is blue in the face. Maybe the people have been educated and simply don't like his solution. It's probably hard for him to comprehend that notion, so I suppose he'll keep going from state to state, preaching his social security gospel to the choir. Tool.
Report: Gambling Co. Foots DeLay Junket
So, Rep. Tom Delay, R-Texas, takes a trip to Scotland and goes golfing. The trip is paid for by a tribe that runs a casino and by a gambling services company. Latre, Delay voted "nay" gaming-related bill that the tribe and the company opposed. I sense no crookedness there whatsoever.
I really like the "hand-selected audience" bit. He can "educate" people until he is blue in the face. Maybe the people have been educated and simply don't like his solution. It's probably hard for him to comprehend that notion, so I suppose he'll keep going from state to state, preaching his social security gospel to the choir. Tool.
Report: Gambling Co. Foots DeLay Junket
So, Rep. Tom Delay, R-Texas, takes a trip to Scotland and goes golfing. The trip is paid for by a tribe that runs a casino and by a gambling services company. Latre, Delay voted "nay" gaming-related bill that the tribe and the company opposed. I sense no crookedness there whatsoever.
3.11.2005
I know you I knew you
I've noticed a trend that I'm not particularly fond of. The idea has been mulling about my brain for a while, but I've only just nailed it down. The longer I haven't seen an acquintance(usually female, in this case), the more shy i am in approaching them. Why this is, I don't know.
Here's the weird part of this. I'm perfecly ok when I email them. It's only when I'm with them one-on-one that I clam up.
The first was D. We shared horror stories about job interviewing and developed little writing exercises so that we wouldn't go crazy. I think we got on pretty well. However, time goes on, I got another job, as did she, and I never really saw her again. The one time I did was during an inventory evening when she came in to help out. It had been so long since I had seen her, and I only really approached her once. I was at the registers for the whole evening and she was at the information counter. I went up there once, akwardly said "hello," and walked back up to register because I "thought" I had a customer. I saw her once in a town on the deleware, but I couldn't get past the shyness, so I kind of walked the other way.
Overall, I was thankful that she was around at the bookstore, and I hope I was supportive as she was too me.
The next one is more confusing to me. I really like this girl, and I would have realyl dug being her friend. However, I work part time, and she has left the bookstore altogether. I email her frequently, and she often responds, so we still have a fairly strong acquintance.
I've seen her twice at the bookstore, and both times, I've tried to pretend I didn't see her. This shyness is annoying and breaks me up, and I don't know where it comes from. She just came back from a trip to Italy, so it's not like there would be nothing for us to talk about.
This happened again just tonight. I went in researching a car (I'm a geek), and she had come in to meet her good friend. I passed her as she was reading a magazine. I clammed up again, and I couldn't say anything. I don't even know if she saw me.
It might be better if she didn't, because I wouldn't want her to get the wrong impression. I do like her, even though the actions I take don't quite match up.
I will need to work on that. I can't clam up when I see people whom I haven't seen in a while, but I really want to catch up with.
I feel I've missed another opportunity, and who knows if I get another.
Here's the weird part of this. I'm perfecly ok when I email them. It's only when I'm with them one-on-one that I clam up.
The first was D. We shared horror stories about job interviewing and developed little writing exercises so that we wouldn't go crazy. I think we got on pretty well. However, time goes on, I got another job, as did she, and I never really saw her again. The one time I did was during an inventory evening when she came in to help out. It had been so long since I had seen her, and I only really approached her once. I was at the registers for the whole evening and she was at the information counter. I went up there once, akwardly said "hello," and walked back up to register because I "thought" I had a customer. I saw her once in a town on the deleware, but I couldn't get past the shyness, so I kind of walked the other way.
Overall, I was thankful that she was around at the bookstore, and I hope I was supportive as she was too me.
The next one is more confusing to me. I really like this girl, and I would have realyl dug being her friend. However, I work part time, and she has left the bookstore altogether. I email her frequently, and she often responds, so we still have a fairly strong acquintance.
I've seen her twice at the bookstore, and both times, I've tried to pretend I didn't see her. This shyness is annoying and breaks me up, and I don't know where it comes from. She just came back from a trip to Italy, so it's not like there would be nothing for us to talk about.
This happened again just tonight. I went in researching a car (I'm a geek), and she had come in to meet her good friend. I passed her as she was reading a magazine. I clammed up again, and I couldn't say anything. I don't even know if she saw me.
It might be better if she didn't, because I wouldn't want her to get the wrong impression. I do like her, even though the actions I take don't quite match up.
I will need to work on that. I can't clam up when I see people whom I haven't seen in a while, but I really want to catch up with.
I feel I've missed another opportunity, and who knows if I get another.
3.10.2005
Notes on a drive home
Just flipping the channels on the way home from work, and driving around town.
1) Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O'Sullivan. I should be given points just for remembering this dude's name. One of many one hit wonders from the 70s.
Can this song be any more depressing? Check out these lyrics:
Depressing song Martini:
2 parts of Left at the Altar
1 part of Suicidal Tendencies
2 parts each of Death of Father and Death of Mother
1 part of overwhelming loneliness
Finished off with a twist of self-pity
2) Suspicious Minds - Elvis. This was the King's last number one hit, in 1970. The part I love about the song the most is the fake fade out. Just when you think Elvis is finishing up, there he comes again, just as strong as ever. Classic.
I just finished watching Wil Wheaton on CSI, a show I don't normally watch. He was awesome! I've been reading his blog since late 2000. While he's a great writer, it's great to see him on the screen again. Why this dude doesn't get more work is beyond me.
1) Alone Again (Naturally) - Gilbert O'Sullivan. I should be given points just for remembering this dude's name. One of many one hit wonders from the 70s.
Can this song be any more depressing? Check out these lyrics:
In a little while from now, if I'm not feeling any less sour
I promise myself to treat myself and visit a nearby tower
And climbing to the top, to throw myself off
In an effort to make it clear to who-ever what it's like when you're shattered
Left standing in the lurch, at the church with people saying
"My God, that's tough, she stood him up, No point in us remaining
We may as well go home", like I did on my own
Alone again, naturally
To think that only yesterday, I was cheerful bright and gay
Looking forward - wouldn't you? The role I was about to play
And as if to knock me down, reality came around
And without so much as a mere touch cut me into little pieces
Leaving me to doubt, talk about God in his mercy
Who if He really does exist why did He desert me
In my hour of need, I truly am indeed
Alone again, naturally
It seems to me that there are more hearts broken in the world
Than can be mended, Left unattended
What would you do? What would you do?
Looking back over the years and whatever else that appears
I remember I cried when my father died, never wishing to hide the tears
And at sixty-five years old, My mother, God rest her soul
Couldn't understand why the only man she had ever loved had been taken
Leaving her to start with a heart so badly broken
Despite encouragement from me no words were ever spoken
When she passed away I cried and cried all day
Alone again naturally
Depressing song Martini:
2 parts of Left at the Altar
1 part of Suicidal Tendencies
2 parts each of Death of Father and Death of Mother
1 part of overwhelming loneliness
Finished off with a twist of self-pity
2) Suspicious Minds - Elvis. This was the King's last number one hit, in 1970. The part I love about the song the most is the fake fade out. Just when you think Elvis is finishing up, there he comes again, just as strong as ever. Classic.
I just finished watching Wil Wheaton on CSI, a show I don't normally watch. He was awesome! I've been reading his blog since late 2000. While he's a great writer, it's great to see him on the screen again. Why this dude doesn't get more work is beyond me.
Are those bullets?
Last week, a car carrying a freed Italian hostage was shot at, killing an Italian intelligence agent. Much controversy has ensued. Read the lastest. I found this quote rather interesting:
Are you kidding me?! Who do they think they are dealing with? This administration is almost defined by a lack of accountability.
I have no idea what happened that Friday, and I'm not wont to believe in conspiracy theories, but come on!
The idea that Calipari was killed by friendly fire is painful to accept, the premier said. But he reassured lawmakers: "The United States has no intention of evading the truth."
Are you kidding me?! Who do they think they are dealing with? This administration is almost defined by a lack of accountability.
I have no idea what happened that Friday, and I'm not wont to believe in conspiracy theories, but come on!
3.09.2005
Blah
Ever have one of those nights when you try to be cynical and sarcastic, but you just can't seem to gather the energy to care? All the witty one liners aren't hitting their mark.
I was going to post something about politics. I usually latch on to one thing that pisses me off and then go from there. However, with Congress firmly entrenched in a republican majority for at least two more years, everything's going to piss me off, so I'm going to have to find another way. For now, it's basically nuthin' except screw the people over this way, screw them over that way.
I did have a great customer yesterday:
Me: Hi! How's it going? Did you find everything you were looking for?
Him: Blank stare
Me: Would you like to receive coupon in your email?
Him: Deer caught in headlights gaze
Me: Have a nice night.
Him: Look over yonder glance
Now, the dude didn't seem to have a hearing aid, but I'm going to put the last of my faith in humanity in the idea that maybe he didn't speak English.
I was going to post something about politics. I usually latch on to one thing that pisses me off and then go from there. However, with Congress firmly entrenched in a republican majority for at least two more years, everything's going to piss me off, so I'm going to have to find another way. For now, it's basically nuthin' except screw the people over this way, screw them over that way.
I did have a great customer yesterday:
Me: Hi! How's it going? Did you find everything you were looking for?
Him: Blank stare
Me: Would you like to receive coupon in your email?
Him: Deer caught in headlights gaze
Me: Have a nice night.
Him: Look over yonder glance
Now, the dude didn't seem to have a hearing aid, but I'm going to put the last of my faith in humanity in the idea that maybe he didn't speak English.
The new Harry Potter book
Soon to be on bookshelves near you, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I'm looking forward to it.
3.08.2005
Ice
It's cold and windy, plus there's ice everywhere. And yesterday, it was so nice. Maybe it was too nice. I sense a weather-based conspiracy.
I have to brave the roads now to go to work.
GRRR.
I have to brave the roads now to go to work.
GRRR.
Act unnaturally
3.07.2005
Disgruntled
A friend at the bookstore pointed me to the Disgruntled Bookseller's Blog. From what I've read, I dig it and can completely relate. Give it a read.
We actually caught a dude trying to rip us off. He apparently took a book off the shelf and then tried to return it for store credit. He's done this several times, we think, but have had no way to really nail him.
He said he bought the book a few weeks ago but didn't have the receipt. The book had our sticker on it, and when we told him that we hadn't sold it in a few years, he said, "well, so maybe I should just take it back to the bookstore I bought it at." Whereas, we replied, "No, the book came from our store. We haven't sold it since 03, not a few weeks ago like you said. There's some fishy going on."
Since we actually have no way to prove he nabbed the book, he walks off toward the magazine. A few minutes later, I see him at the new release table, and he's just kinda waiting there, figuring out what to do. He drops the book on the table and heads out. Prick.
At least he won't come back.
We actually caught a dude trying to rip us off. He apparently took a book off the shelf and then tried to return it for store credit. He's done this several times, we think, but have had no way to really nail him.
He said he bought the book a few weeks ago but didn't have the receipt. The book had our sticker on it, and when we told him that we hadn't sold it in a few years, he said, "well, so maybe I should just take it back to the bookstore I bought it at." Whereas, we replied, "No, the book came from our store. We haven't sold it since 03, not a few weeks ago like you said. There's some fishy going on."
Since we actually have no way to prove he nabbed the book, he walks off toward the magazine. A few minutes later, I see him at the new release table, and he's just kinda waiting there, figuring out what to do. He drops the book on the table and heads out. Prick.
At least he won't come back.
3.06.2005
Car dreams
One of the great things about having my brother in the area is that we can talk cars to no end. We've been discussing buying an old car together that we could share on the weekends. Granted, I'd have to stay at Borders for a while, but so what, life is short. We've spent a whole bunch of time on ebaymotors. The sellers put quite a few pictures of the cars they want to sell, so one gets a good idea of what the car looks like. And since we are so detail oriented, we can find the weak spots and the blemishes of the cars we look at.
Anyway, a few weeks ago, we almost put a bid on a 1992 318 convertible, manual. While the four-cylinder beemers aren't necessarily the ones you want to get (kinda underpowered and potential clutch judder), this model was in pristine shape. The guy really took care of it. Alas, we didn't bid.
This morning, I found another potential Beemer, a 1973 BMW 2002 tii roundie (round taillights). This is one of my dream cars. It's the same one my grandmother had in Switzerland, some of my first memories are of riding in that car.
This one on ebay was MINT, minus a few paint blemishes, which weren't even that bad. No rust, no dings, interior in great shape. I think I could have convinced my brother on that one.
However, I get home tonight to check on it, and it was already gone. I have a feeling someone called the seller and gave him a great offer. Bye Bye auction. Oh well.
I can keep dreaming.
Anyway, a few weeks ago, we almost put a bid on a 1992 318 convertible, manual. While the four-cylinder beemers aren't necessarily the ones you want to get (kinda underpowered and potential clutch judder), this model was in pristine shape. The guy really took care of it. Alas, we didn't bid.
This morning, I found another potential Beemer, a 1973 BMW 2002 tii roundie (round taillights). This is one of my dream cars. It's the same one my grandmother had in Switzerland, some of my first memories are of riding in that car.
This one on ebay was MINT, minus a few paint blemishes, which weren't even that bad. No rust, no dings, interior in great shape. I think I could have convinced my brother on that one.
However, I get home tonight to check on it, and it was already gone. I have a feeling someone called the seller and gave him a great offer. Bye Bye auction. Oh well.
I can keep dreaming.
Go Gators!
Finally, something to cheer about with the Gators! I didn't get a chance to watch the game, as I was working at the bookstore, but the GAtors finally beat Kentucky at home. From what I hear, it was a great game too, and everybody rushed the floor. Drag I couldn't watch it, but the adrenaline might have killed me.
3.03.2005
Flinging wet socks across the sky
I've never liked doing laundry here at my apartment complex. It's like playing laundry roulette, as sometimes, the washing machines didn't drain or the drying machines didn't dry. I'm a pretty laid back guy, but if anything in this world has the power to set me off, this does.
Anyway, the good people at Rectangles R Us must have heard the outcries of The People, because a few months ago they installed a set of completely new washing machines and dryers with all sorts of flashing buttons. I even tried them out a few times, and they worked!
I was lulled into a false sense of security. I was under the mistaken impression that by putting quarters into the machines, they would do what I asked them to do. Silly me.
I have a feeling that putting quarters into these machines is just part of the pagan sacrifice you have to do to get these damn things to do your bidding. While I sacrificed my quarters, I didn't bow down on the alter of the laundry Gods or do the little laundry dance. That must be where I messed up.
Well, now I have two loads of laundry that aren't anywhere close to dry, so I have to scrounge up some quarters somewhere to dry them again. (I can't be that unlucky that it wouldn't work a second time, right?)
Anyway, the good people at Rectangles R Us must have heard the outcries of The People, because a few months ago they installed a set of completely new washing machines and dryers with all sorts of flashing buttons. I even tried them out a few times, and they worked!
I was lulled into a false sense of security. I was under the mistaken impression that by putting quarters into the machines, they would do what I asked them to do. Silly me.
I have a feeling that putting quarters into these machines is just part of the pagan sacrifice you have to do to get these damn things to do your bidding. While I sacrificed my quarters, I didn't bow down on the alter of the laundry Gods or do the little laundry dance. That must be where I messed up.
Well, now I have two loads of laundry that aren't anywhere close to dry, so I have to scrounge up some quarters somewhere to dry them again. (I can't be that unlucky that it wouldn't work a second time, right?)
3.01.2005
Get me the map
I'm getting wanderlust. I was planning on going to florida at the end of the month to visit friends, but the flights I'm finding kinda bite. I was working today, only dreaming of elsewhere.
I had a friend who left for Italy today for a week's stay, so I guess I'm sort of envious. I have a calendar of italy at work, and I would love to visit the Amalfi Coast. I couldn't think of a place I'd rather be right now.
While Florida would be a blast, I want to see something different. Sick Day was suggesting New Orleans, which might be quite fun. Never been.
I need to travel.
I had a friend who left for Italy today for a week's stay, so I guess I'm sort of envious. I have a calendar of italy at work, and I would love to visit the Amalfi Coast. I couldn't think of a place I'd rather be right now.
While Florida would be a blast, I want to see something different. Sick Day was suggesting New Orleans, which might be quite fun. Never been.
I need to travel.
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