Since discovering Twitter, Tweetdeck, and Facebook, the blog and any sort of longer form of writing (more than 140 characters) has fallen by the wayside. A lot of this also has to do with the fact that I have been mostly content with the life that I am leading, rather than pensive and somewhat fatalistic. I normally find it difficult to think of topics when things are pretty much "going fine," and for at least the last year or so that is how things have been.
I think that I started this blog as a way of recording some of the everyday moments that I encounter for incorporation later into my forcoming book. This weblog has had a lot of twists, tweaks, and interations since its inception. Of late, it has been mostly a repository for lo-fi family photos and the like.
To be honest I am not sure whether I should update, revamp, or even torpedo the blog site. For now, it will stay.
Showing posts with label The Horrible Nature of it All. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Horrible Nature of it All. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Friday, May 08, 2009
Some Changes Ahead...
It has been decided that this blog will discontinue advertising notarial services, due to lack of demand. Furthermore It is unlikely that I will renew my commission when the current period elapses. Thank you one and all.
Curious... Wileyman
Are you a regular viewer of Joss Whedon's Dollhouse on Fox, and if so, what do you think of it?
Friday, May 01, 2009
In other news...
I happened to be in a Hobby Lobby the other day when I heard someone page over the intercom, "Would the gentleman having problems with the Ten Commandments please come to the stepping stone aisle..."
Monday, March 23, 2009
Things I Use to Keep Me Informed
Here are the main things that I utilize to try to stay informed about news and events:
Email:
- Today's Papers put out by Slate.com provides a summary of the major newspapers all in one place.
- CNN Political Ticker email subscription provides a summary of what is going on in politics for people outside the Beltway as opposed to the more insider "The Note" by ABC.
- CNN, Foxnews, NPR News, and ABC Breaking News Alerts
Blogs:
I subscribe to two blogs by writers of The Atlantic,
James Fallows and Ross Douthat.
Podcasts
- APM Marketplace - a daily show about the Market that is designed for the rest of us!
- Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, which is my favorite TV or Radio show
- This American Life, also put out by NPR
- CNN Politics Daily a 15 minute video hosted by Wolf Blitzer
- NBC's Meet the Press
Email:
- Today's Papers put out by Slate.com provides a summary of the major newspapers all in one place.
- CNN Political Ticker email subscription provides a summary of what is going on in politics for people outside the Beltway as opposed to the more insider "The Note" by ABC.
- CNN, Foxnews, NPR News, and ABC Breaking News Alerts
Blogs:
I subscribe to two blogs by writers of The Atlantic,
James Fallows and Ross Douthat.
Podcasts
- APM Marketplace - a daily show about the Market that is designed for the rest of us!
- Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, which is my favorite TV or Radio show
- This American Life, also put out by NPR
- CNN Politics Daily a 15 minute video hosted by Wolf Blitzer
- NBC's Meet the Press
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Another Important Podcast about the Economy from TAL
Another great primer for learning more about the Great Economic Downturn in which we are living.
Thanks to Ira Glass at the team at NPR!
Thanks to Ira Glass at the team at NPR!
Will Rush Limbaugh Destroy the Party?
Looks like the Republican Party headquarters will soon be able to move from its offices on the Hill to a phonebooth, as it only has to be large enough for Rush and his microphone.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Colin Powell Interesting Tidbit
"I think the party has to take a hard look at itself," Powell said in the interview, which was taped Wednesday. "There is nothing wrong with being conservative. There is nothing wrong with having socially conservative views — I don't object to that. But if the party wants to have a future in this country, it has to face some realities. In another 20 years, the majority inthis country will be the minority."
"Can we continue to listen to Rush Limbaugh?" Powell asked. "Is this really the kind of party that we want to be when these kinds of spokespersons seem to appeal to our lesser instincts rather than our better instincts?"
"Can we continue to listen to Rush Limbaugh?" Powell asked. "Is this really the kind of party that we want to be when these kinds of spokespersons seem to appeal to our lesser instincts rather than our better instincts?"
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Twitter (!?)
So I got a Twitter account, but I have no idea what it is or how to use it. Please advise?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Tribute to the Adidas Samba
Since this blog has degenerated into things that I mostly like and find useful, I would be remiss if I failed to mention one of my longest running (no pun intended) favorite things: The Adidas Samba 
I have been wearing this shoe (or the somewhat comparable but for me more short-lived Adidas Gazelle*) since I first took up indoor soccer at age 11 or 12. The shoe style has stayed with me ever since. It's very comfortable to wear around, athletic looking, slightly preppy, and universally recognizable. Right now I have three different pairs in my closet. One is strictly relegated to yard work status, one is for everyday wear, and one is my "dress" indoor soccer pair.
I cannot think of a single article of clothing that I would most closely associate with myself than these shoes.
*although the Adidas gazelle was a comfortable shoe and very practical for playing indoor soccer, it just never caught on as one of my favorite things. However, the Gazelle is much more universally beloved than the Adidas Zissou shoe featured in the movie Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
I have been wearing this shoe (or the somewhat comparable but for me more short-lived Adidas Gazelle*) since I first took up indoor soccer at age 11 or 12. The shoe style has stayed with me ever since. It's very comfortable to wear around, athletic looking, slightly preppy, and universally recognizable. Right now I have three different pairs in my closet. One is strictly relegated to yard work status, one is for everyday wear, and one is my "dress" indoor soccer pair.
I cannot think of a single article of clothing that I would most closely associate with myself than these shoes.
*although the Adidas gazelle was a comfortable shoe and very practical for playing indoor soccer, it just never caught on as one of my favorite things. However, the Gazelle is much more universally beloved than the Adidas Zissou shoe featured in the movie Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Two Other Computer-related Tools I like
My last laptop we had a lot of problems with it getting too hot sitting in your lap, so last May when we patriotically spent our stimulus check to help heat up the economy, we got a laptop chill pad to help cool down our technology. It is a Targus chill pad with 4-port usb hub. It has been great for us.
We also decided to get a Microsoft wireless optical laptop mouse, because it got irritating to have the cord in the way, and it also cramped one's fingers to use the touchpad. I can't imagine working without it. And yes, we usually plug in the wireless part to the usb hub chill mat.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Kudos to Leth Bong
We recently received a British comedy series called Yes Minister which is a very amusing take on the strife between political/Schedule C types working in government and the civil service. It's very realistic, and reminds me of what it was like working in the US DOL during my summer stint there.
Check it out if you get a chance.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Some Humor from Moel Joughon
We--managers and supervisors--have to complete a daily manager-on-duty report so that the next shift is prepared to deal with the more notable incidents. Here are a few of my favorites (all for real):
“We had a guest that slipped in vomit that [associate] dealt with. Had to drain the fountain again tonight because some others couldn't make it from the bar to the elevator without a barf stop."
"[Top-tier loyalty club guest] a little miffed because a baby crawled over to his balcony from the neighboring room and pooped on his balcony."
"[Top-tier loyalty club guest] was checked into a handicap-accessible room by [associate] without being notified. He was not happy about that, especially since he is a [frequent-traveler club] member. So [associate] moved him to a room close to the old one. Well, he still was not happy about that room, and he waited over 15min for his luggage and new keys to be delivered which did not make him happy (his blood pressure went up very high)."
“Room 1111 was Mr. and Mrs. Xxxx. Mrs. Xxxxx claims a cockroach ran across her arm last night and scared her like you would not believe. I room-moved the Xxxxx party to room 0000. Mrs. Xxxxx would like us to pay for her and her child to return home due to the trauma and discomfort that this has caused. Both I and [associate] from Loss Prevention informed Mrs. Xxxxx that we could not do that for her but that we would be happy to buy her breakfast, comp a movie, or something, but the flight home was out of our ability—just in case she comes to the desk.”
“Valet – Had a few complaints about the valet at 11:45 pm. Vehicle owner said the [one] driver was speeding. [Associate] and I went to investigate, and he was driving fast, and to make matters worse, the car we observed him speeding in had a flat tire. The owner, however, was drunk and did not get upset. [Valet driver] assisted our staff in putting the spare on the vehicle.”
“Ms. Xxxxx is disputing some of the pool bar charges her brother billed to the room. The brother wrote both the room number and last name on the tickets after they finished drinking together, but Ms. Xxxxx claims she did not authorize her brother’s charges, and she feels we are now responsible. She has even offered to give us her brother’s contact info so we can collect from him.”
“We also had Mrs. Xxxxx in room 0000 come to the desk very upset wanting to see a manager, because her room key had to be re-programmed & she didn’t have a picture ID with her so security had to meet her by her room. She said how great [associate] was yesterday helping her fix her reservation so she could stay here. If [associate] had been so great, I could not really see what she was so mad about. She kept saying having to get a second key ruined her whole experience here. I apologized and offered her a pay-per-view movie, but she was still unhappy, I really didn’t offer more because if we gave out something every time we had to re-make keys we would be out of business.”
“4th wing poolfront suite – Someone tossed a large circular, amber-colored thick glass vase with a painted white interior from the balcony onto the [restaurant] patio, and, of course, it shattered. HSKP, please call security if a vase is missing from any 4th wing poolfront room or suite so they can note in their records. No guests were injured, fortunately.”
“0000/ Xxxxx - Has a jazz band and party in his suite. Several complaints from nearby rooms; had to comp room night for Xxxxx in neighboring rm 0000 (upper-tier loyalty club guest)."
“Complained of karaoke party in room 0000; security was dispatched. Guests in 0000 were blaring their music and told security they were going to party all night and didn't care what they said. Soon after, neighboring room called the police. (Incidentally, both of these rooms are with the same group.)”
“However Mr. Xxxxx in 0000 (res 00000) had an amazing time last night. He got a little intoxicated and decided to throw pancakes off of his balcony on to passing cars. Believe it or not we had no guest complaints due to this.”
“Mr. Xxxxx was golfing with his son on 8/13 on the [primary] course. On the first hole, Mr. Xxxxx 's son hit an errant tee shot which broke a window at [neighbor's] residence. Mr. [neighbor] was home at the time and he came out and spoke with Mr. [guest]. Mr. [neighbor] gave him his phone number and they parted ways. After 9 holes, Mr. [guest's] son came into the golf shop and gave us his father's name and phone number and explained what happened. Mr. [guest] called me this morning and asked for advice. I told him that the resort is protected from liability, and we do not get involved. After speaking for several minutes, Mr. [guest] said the resort should pay for it since he spends a lot of time at [chain name] properties.”
“I got a call today from Mr. Xxxxx (top-tier loyalty club guest); he was trying to speak with the manager on duty or the resort manager. He tried to call reservations yesterday at 07:00 pm to make a booking for a room on Aug 30th & check the chances of getting an upgrade. He complained that the lady who spoke to him was “rude & snoopy.”
“Wife saw rodent by pool which made her jump off her lounge chair, and she claims—ruined the pedicure she got at our spa."
“We had a guest that slipped in vomit that [associate] dealt with. Had to drain the fountain again tonight because some others couldn't make it from the bar to the elevator without a barf stop."
"[Top-tier loyalty club guest] a little miffed because a baby crawled over to his balcony from the neighboring room and pooped on his balcony."
"[Top-tier loyalty club guest] was checked into a handicap-accessible room by [associate] without being notified. He was not happy about that, especially since he is a [frequent-traveler club] member. So [associate] moved him to a room close to the old one. Well, he still was not happy about that room, and he waited over 15min for his luggage and new keys to be delivered which did not make him happy (his blood pressure went up very high)."
“Room 1111 was Mr. and Mrs. Xxxx. Mrs. Xxxxx claims a cockroach ran across her arm last night and scared her like you would not believe. I room-moved the Xxxxx party to room 0000. Mrs. Xxxxx would like us to pay for her and her child to return home due to the trauma and discomfort that this has caused. Both I and [associate] from Loss Prevention informed Mrs. Xxxxx that we could not do that for her but that we would be happy to buy her breakfast, comp a movie, or something, but the flight home was out of our ability—just in case she comes to the desk.”
“Valet – Had a few complaints about the valet at 11:45 pm. Vehicle owner said the [one] driver was speeding. [Associate] and I went to investigate, and he was driving fast, and to make matters worse, the car we observed him speeding in had a flat tire. The owner, however, was drunk and did not get upset. [Valet driver] assisted our staff in putting the spare on the vehicle.”
“Ms. Xxxxx is disputing some of the pool bar charges her brother billed to the room. The brother wrote both the room number and last name on the tickets after they finished drinking together, but Ms. Xxxxx claims she did not authorize her brother’s charges, and she feels we are now responsible. She has even offered to give us her brother’s contact info so we can collect from him.”
“We also had Mrs. Xxxxx in room 0000 come to the desk very upset wanting to see a manager, because her room key had to be re-programmed & she didn’t have a picture ID with her so security had to meet her by her room. She said how great [associate] was yesterday helping her fix her reservation so she could stay here. If [associate] had been so great, I could not really see what she was so mad about. She kept saying having to get a second key ruined her whole experience here. I apologized and offered her a pay-per-view movie, but she was still unhappy, I really didn’t offer more because if we gave out something every time we had to re-make keys we would be out of business.”
“4th wing poolfront suite – Someone tossed a large circular, amber-colored thick glass vase with a painted white interior from the balcony onto the [restaurant] patio, and, of course, it shattered. HSKP, please call security if a vase is missing from any 4th wing poolfront room or suite so they can note in their records. No guests were injured, fortunately.”
“0000/ Xxxxx - Has a jazz band and party in his suite. Several complaints from nearby rooms; had to comp room night for Xxxxx in neighboring rm 0000 (upper-tier loyalty club guest)."
“Complained of karaoke party in room 0000; security was dispatched. Guests in 0000 were blaring their music and told security they were going to party all night and didn't care what they said. Soon after, neighboring room called the police. (Incidentally, both of these rooms are with the same group.)”
“However Mr. Xxxxx in 0000 (res 00000) had an amazing time last night. He got a little intoxicated and decided to throw pancakes off of his balcony on to passing cars. Believe it or not we had no guest complaints due to this.”
“Mr. Xxxxx was golfing with his son on 8/13 on the [primary] course. On the first hole, Mr. Xxxxx 's son hit an errant tee shot which broke a window at [neighbor's] residence. Mr. [neighbor] was home at the time and he came out and spoke with Mr. [guest]. Mr. [neighbor] gave him his phone number and they parted ways. After 9 holes, Mr. [guest's] son came into the golf shop and gave us his father's name and phone number and explained what happened. Mr. [guest] called me this morning and asked for advice. I told him that the resort is protected from liability, and we do not get involved. After speaking for several minutes, Mr. [guest] said the resort should pay for it since he spends a lot of time at [chain name] properties.”
“I got a call today from Mr. Xxxxx (top-tier loyalty club guest); he was trying to speak with the manager on duty or the resort manager. He tried to call reservations yesterday at 07:00 pm to make a booking for a room on Aug 30th & check the chances of getting an upgrade. He complained that the lady who spoke to him was “rude & snoopy.”
“Wife saw rodent by pool which made her jump off her lounge chair, and she claims—ruined the pedicure she got at our spa."
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Manic Pixie Dream Girls...
This was an interesting discussion on NPR...
"The Manic Pixie is, in his words, 'that bubbly, shallow cinematic creature that exists solely in the fevered imaginations of sensitive writer-directors to teach broodingly soulful young men to embrace life and its infinite mysteries and adventures.'"
What do y'all think, especially Wileyman?
"The Manic Pixie is, in his words, 'that bubbly, shallow cinematic creature that exists solely in the fevered imaginations of sensitive writer-directors to teach broodingly soulful young men to embrace life and its infinite mysteries and adventures.'"
What do y'all think, especially Wileyman?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
WALL-E
It's a little bit late to be seing it for the first time, but we're cheapskates. So we went to go see WALL-E tonight and A. really loved it. She has been talking about the robot for months now and she is really glad to have seen it.
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