Archive for the ‘Rants’ Category

Superbowl Suckage

Monday, February 4th, 2008

We went to Applebee’s for some food and to watch the game. The place was pretty much a ghost town. We found a table with a nice view of the TV and we were set - or so we thought. Although the game was on, the volume was not. When we asked the waitress to turn the volume up she let us know that management wouldn’t let her turn the sound on.

Apparently the Applebee’s we were at didn’t pay the NFL for the right to show the game (all public establishments have to pay). I guess the manager thought it would be ok for his customers to see the game but not hear it. Not that hearing it is all that important. Who wants to listen to the old ‘n busted commentators any way? But that didn’t stop me. I was quick on the draw. From my jacket pocket I whipped out my scanner and tuned it to the frequency of the TV channel airing the game (FOX). I turned it up just enough for everyone at our table to hear and presto! We now had audio and video. It wasn’t a perfect solution. Since the TV was getting its picture via satellite the scanner’s audio was about 4 seconds ahead of the picture. It was actually kinda cool though. If there was a touchdown we’d know well before the rest of the people watching on TV.

The audio being ahead a few seconds bugged me during the commercials. I was looking forward to a couple of good laughs. But as it turned out the spots this year were stupid. Really stupid. Did you notice that most of the advertisers used cutesy animals—squirrels, horses, camels, pigeons, mice, dogs, pandas, and lizards—to endorse their products. Lame. I honestly couldn’t tell you what two-thirds of the ad’s were even promoting. If I had a company and was going to spend 2.7 million for 30 seconds of airtime I’d at least want to be sure people knew what I was pushing. Even the Victoria’s Secret commercial was a let down compared to the “exposure” that the Godaddy.com ad brought to the table. Even though FOX wouldn’t air the Godaddy ad it still managed a lot of hype. It’s sad really this year the big game drew more viewers than ever before. 97.5 million viewers to be exact. I mean seriously, the one time per year people actually want to watch commercials and the spots were pathetic.

Not being a huge football fan I usually watch for the halftime show and the commercials. FOX most likely chose Tom Petty to perform at half time to ensure there wouldn’t be a repeat of the “wardrobe malfunction” that still plagues CBS.

Tom didn’t have any dancers on stage. Boring.

The whole 2nd and 3rd quarter of the game neither team scored. Boring.

They only panned the camera on the cheerleaders once for a total of 5 seconds. Boring.

Personally I think it’s all backwards. I think the main focus should be on the cheerleaders rather than old guys in spandex. Who wants to see a dude smack another dudes butt when you could watch cheerleaders do that… I’d pay money to see that and I’m sure the price of a 30 second spot would quadruple. Hmmmm half naked girls or dudes in spandex. What you rather see more of? All I’m saying is that the superbowl would suck a lot less if only… :)

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My Ideal Woman

Friday, January 4th, 2008

1 Is never disrespectful to anyone, EVER. Especially me.
2 Has an overall optimistic attitude about life
3 Clicks well with me on levels that I can’t even describe
4 We converse well with each other
5 Appreciates when I am supportive towards her issues
6 Meshes well with a perfectionist… I try to curb it but it’s part of who I am
7 Doesn’t consider herself a “bad girl” — I’ve never been attracted to bad girls
8 Can easily tell when I’m joking/kidding… I joke around a fair amount
9 Has a college degree
10 Would never, ever, EVER hit me… wouldn’t even think of hitting me
11 Trusts me completely
12 Fully understands the meaning of foreplay
13 Doesn’t smoke
14 Sincerely appreciates me for all that I am
15 Sarcastic!
16 Doesn’t expect me to tag along with her everywhere… I have my own stuff to do
17 Doesn’t get bothered that I do swear sometimes
18 Is culturally aware
19 Is not part of an organized religion
20 Ideally a republican
21 Likes to be around my family… they’re fun!
22 Appreciates and respects her mother
23 Has a separate life from mine but our lives mesh well together
24 Understands that I sometimes feel the need to tell people off… I try not to, but it happens sometimes
25 Likes to stay in shape, or at least strives to stay in shape
26 Has a decent paying job… I obviously don’t mooch as I have a job of my own, but it’s nice being with someone who is financially stable
27 Doesn’t have kids from a previous relationship
28 Appreciates history, social issues and politics
29 Protects me when necessary
30 Likes to kiss (and is great at it)
31 Treats me as her equal…
32 Likes that I will eat a lot sometimes but that I take care of my body and stay healthy
33 Enjoys taking control in the bedroom about 40% of the time. ;o)
34 Wants to travel to Europe eventually
35 Enjoys teaching me new things, but not in a condescending manner
36 Doesn’t mind that my fashion sense sucks a lot
37 Enjoys a sporting event every once in a while but is not a football maniac or someone who has to watch sports every weekend.
38 Plans special weekend getaways every once in a while and knows that I will do the same
39 Has a sexy figure
40 Understands that I like to be independent but still crave comfort at the end of the day
41 Likes to play
42 Types efficiently
43 Sincerely listens to what I have to say and knows that I will do the same for her
44 Likes to hold my hand… even if we’re hanging out on the couch or something
45 Has nice friends that are not disrespectful
46 Kisses me slowly but knows when to kick it up a notch… or five
47 Doesn’t constantly complain about life… or even little stuff
48 Knows when I go out with friends that she can trust me
49 Knows when/how to use the phrases I love you, thank you, and I’m sorry
50 Understands how to deal with me when I go through a depression
51 Preferably doesn’t drink alcohol, but if she does she drinks responsibly
52 Preferably does not have any tattoos, but if she does… they definitely shouldn’t involve ex-boyfriends
53 If we’re mad at each other, she has the decency to want to discuss the problem
54 Likes to workout together sometimes
55 Knows how to cook a little bit, but also has faith in my ability to cook a decent meal
56 Younger than me
57 Appreciates that I am a little hard to handle sometimes
58 Enjoys holding me at night… but not allllllllll night. ;)
59 Keeps her hair long… but not too long
60 No opera, or folk music please…
61 Likes listening to jazz every once in a while
62 Someone who is a lot like my mom
63 Knows that I don’t mind when she complements another male
64 Gives great massages
65 Is turned off by ditzy girls and guys that like to show off.
66 Doesn’t feel that we need to be around each other all of the time but appreciates the time that we do spend together
67 Lets me know when she wants a little space or some time alone…not a big deal
68 Has several hobbies
69 Knows when to act appropriately in public…
70 Would like to own a dog
71 Keeps her house/apartment clean…
72 Doesn’t do things to make me jealous and knows that I follow the same rule
73 Likes to stay up late talking every once in a while
74 Doesn’t swear directly at me. Ever. Period.
75 Cries every once in a while
76 Holds me when if I were to cry
77 Doesn’t purposely start fights with other girls but will finish them if needed
78 Has relatively nice handwriting
79 Pulls me close to her when we kiss
80 Knows the difference between sex and making love.
81 Is ok with doing nothing every once in a while
82 Can forgive and forget (doesn’t hold a grudge)
83 Likes kids, loves their own unconditionally
84 Believes in strict monogamous relationships
85 Doesn’t need constant reassurance. (Is secure with herself)
86 Understands family is super important.
87 Likes spontaneous adventure and surprises.
88 Is ok with the fact that I am sort of computer geek.
89 Supports and encourages me to obtain my dreams and life goals.
90 Is supportive in good times as well as when things are tough.
91 Smiles at me for no specific reason.
92 Takes initiative.
93 Is willing and feels comfortable enough to talk to me openly about her deepest desires, secrets, etc.
94 Listens contently rather than just hear me.
95 Whips me into shape when I am clearly out of line.
96 Recognizes all my imperfections and still stands by me %100
97 Never settles
98 Is ok with buying generic brand products.
99 Knows that I love her even if I don’t say it as much as I should.
100 Calls me unique pet names known by just the two of us.
101 Is willing to help others without being asked to do so.
102 Wears perfume (the good stuff, and not too much of it)
103 Understands relationships require compromise and sacrifice.
104 Defends me when others are smearing me.
105 Is ok with PDA
106 Uses very little makeup, if any at all
107 She acknowledges my feelings and validates them
108 Spends at least 20 minutes everyday talking with me without any outside interruptions.
109 Doesn’t assume I can read her mind
110 One word: Chocolate
111 Knows the power of the “little things” and does them often.
112 Is a hopeless romantic
113 Gives me room to make mistakes
114 Doesn’t expect me to know all the answers
115 Stands up for herself
116 Thinks before she speaks
117 Has goals and dreams for the future
118 Stands firmly on her own two feet but isn’t afraid to ask for my help when she needs it
119 Knows when to fight and when to surrender
120 Can apoligize if needed
121 Doesn’t need to drag me shopping with her (especially when it’s clothes shopping for her)
123 Enjoy’s the occasional road trip, but doesn’t really like to travel (other than vacation)
124 Knows the extreme intoxicating power of the color red ;)
125 Would wear red lingerie for me ;) (or any lingerie for that matter)
126 Is verbal during love making and/or sex
127 Can agree to disagree
128 Would agree to and partisipate in couples counseling even if the relationship was going extremely well
129 Would be my biggest cheerleader
130 Would hold me accountable when I procastinate
131 Belives in fate (everything happens for a reason)
132 Has an imagination without boundries
133 Has a sence of justice
134 Has a deep concern for everyone she loves
135 Able to give honest criticism when I ask
136 Has a willingness to try new things
137 Ability to change her mind (not too stubborn)
138 Has a good fashion sence (a sense of style)
139 Ability to take a stand
140 Belief in herself
141 Belief in me
142 Sence of fair play
143 Knows the signifgance of the number ‘143′
144 Sence of community
145 Has a generous nature
146 Courage
147 Passion
148 Ability to know what to say and do when I need comforting
149 Ability to inspire me
150 Shaves her legs more often than not
151 Doesn’t lie to me
152 Put’s up with my humor
153 Makes a mean dinner
154 Drives when I ask her to
155 Allows a television in the bedroom
156 Every once in a while allows music when falling asleep
157 Know’s when to hold’em
158 Know’s when to fold’em
159 Knows when to walk away
160 Knows when to run
161 Is creative in the kitchen
162 Listens to my advice (sometimes)
163 Is kind to strangers
164 Is a night person like me
165 Is not overly happy in the morning
166 Doesn’t fix what’s not broken
167 Has similar political views as me
168 Likes (wireless) gadgets
169 Lets me buy new geek toys
170 Doesn’t hog the covers
171 Supports my wacky endeavors
172 Gets jealous when I talk to other women
173 Looks before she leaps
174 Doesn’t forward chain mail / email jokes
175 Believes in moderation
176 Doesn’t always agree with me
177 Knows spirituality is different from religion
178 Doesn’t force me to go grocery shopping
179 Loves Christmas as much as I do (a lot!)
180 Can keep a level head in trying situations
181 Doesn’t expect me to do everything
182 Can finish my sentences
183 Always looks for and finds the positive in everything
184 Can make me laugh or smile even at times when I don’t want to
185 Refuses to ever completely grow up
186 Can open up her heart and life to me
187 Is as much of a dreamer as I am
188 Doesn’t take life too seriously and lives for the moment
189 Not afraid to be an (educated) risk-taker
190 Has a BIG heart
191 Determination and conviction: Once she sets her mind on something, nobody can change it

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Nice guys don’t finish last, passive guys do.

Monday, May 14th, 2007

Nice guys don’t finish last, passive guys do. A loud and brash “jock” who asks a girl out on a date may or may not be nice, but he will always get more dates than the “nice guy” who just watches from afar. Don’t confuse being passive, self-centered, miserable, and living your life through other people as being nice. Being nice is about considering how your actions affect people and giving people pleasure. That includes yourself, you know. At the end of the day, why do you treat people nicely? Because you think/feel it’s the right thing to do? Are you rewarded with positive feelings when you do nice things for people? Think about that hard. If it makes you feel bad, it’s probably not a good thing to do. If you’ve tried being a “best friend” or a “slave” or whatever and it makes you feel bad, perhaps you shouldn’t do it anymore.

I’ve heard it said it’s the excitement of bad guys girls crave. Girls into that sort of thing don’t like situations that are really dangerous; they just like the fantasy and the thrill, it’s like a roller coaster ride. You can be exciting without being “dangerous.” Perhaps you go out clubbing every night, or you know a lot of people and get into the cool parties. Perhaps you’re into art or something and so is the girl who you like. She might find that exciting! While being “bad” is seen by a lot of people as being cool and exciting, not everyone is into that sort of thing.

The truth of the matter is, after the physical side of things (don’t tell me that’s not important; how often do you go and talk to the ugly girl to check out her personality?), it’s about confidence and action. Most girls don’t want a doormat for their lover. Girls like to be pursued; it makes them feel wanted. Of course, it’s just no fun if they aren’t into the person doing the pursuing. You have to sell yourself. Be strong minded and go in for the kill. If you’re coming across as confident, amusing, and in control, you will do far better than if you come across as a needy, clingy, desperate wimp! Positive traits are called that because they make people feel positive emotions. Wouldn’t you just love it if the girl you had your eyes on made all the moves on you? What makes you think she’s any different?

So called “nice guys” don’t seem to have their own passions, their own excitement for life; they never show the girl anything new because they figure they are supposed to be passive. Sadly enough this is not the case! “Nice” guys, you can get all the girls you want: keep on caring and wanting to please (that’s wonderful!), it just takes a little perspective on what women want. Women don’t want a man who will blandly agree with them on everything; they want someone who will talk with them, listen well, and yet challenge their views. You should have your own opinions and your own exciting life, even as you care deeply for theirs. That way, you can both introduce each other to new things, and it’s called “romance,” not friendship. You can take a playful attitude towards romance, and try different things sometimes to play with emotions and see what happens. Things like jealousy and nervousness can go too far; but if taken with a playful attitude, they create drama. Don’t avoid these things completely. Again, it is drama that makes the difference between friendship and romance. Being “nice” doesn’t mean you always sit back and wait for her to do things; try something new, take initiative. If you really care about her, you will know that she will really enjoy it. She will start to take initiative on things as well. You will have a huge advantage over the mean guys!

“Nice guys” are insecure and think that by pleasing others, others will like them. Nice guys think that being nice means spoiling a girl in every way, doing everything she wants. A relationship is supposed to be a give and take, and even the most selfish person will eventually get tired of always being on the receiving end. A partner who grants any whim or desire without having any of his own is bound to become boring. No, this is not because nice = boring, or because mean = exciting. Rather, it’s because fulfilling relationships of any kind (including non-sexual relationships like friendship) are made richer through the depth they develop, as you discover the layers that make up the other person. If a guy doesn’t come back with opinions and desires of his own — even if they contradict hers, or perhaps especially if they do — he seems one-dimensional. If she like’s romance movies, she’d like her guy to be willing to see one with her sometimes even if he doesn’t like them, but she’d also want him to ask her to see an action or art movie with him… She want’s to feel like he has a variety of interests and that he wants her to become a part of his life as he is a part of hers. A submissive guy who spoils her makes her feel like he just wants to tag along in everything she wants to do, like he doesn’t care enough about anything to assert himself. Also, a guy who “spoils” her is the equivalent of a “yes-man” in business, or the teacher’s pet in a classroom: She end’s up feeling like he will agree with anything she say’s or want to impress me, not because he actually values her opinions or feelings. There seems to be a problem with the word “nice.” Nice doesn’t have to mean lap dog or spineless jellyfish.

A female friend of mine had this to say regarding her “nice guy” experiences:

“Nice guys tend to be clingy, and I can’t stand not having enough room to breathe. They tend to need to be mothered and protected, and I’m not ready for children. They tend to be passive, and that annoys me.”

Have plenty of self-confidence. Have a good command of who you are and what you have to offer — Like yourself and be happy with yourself. This will require proactive change in your life.

Many women say they want someone who is confident, witty, and in control. I made a few changes in myself as well. I’ll never be confused with Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt. But I committed myself to fitness, and through a strict diet and strength training routine, I lost weight and put on muscle. I pay close attention to grooming and how I dress. I smile, make eye contact, flirt some. I don’t mind getting a bit racy at times.

And, unlike the past, I don’t just stand back in the shadows and wait to be introduced. I’m not afraid to politely step up to the plate and introduce myself and initiate conversation.

Another point to consider is that people need the bad to appreciate the good. Be very careful here or you will ruin everything. Why not be a little late once in a while? It will make her appreciate the times you are on time a little bit more, and of course, after the argument that follows, the making up is always fun.

The nice guy lives to please everyone around him at all costs — even if it means he has to sacrifice his own happiness. The nice guy does not practice the game of challenge and eventually gets dumped as the girl he loves becomes bored with all the niceness.

The so-called “jerk” is a strong, dominant, untamable man who knows the dating game and how to prioritize his life — putting himself first. He won’t let people walk all over him, and by doing so, he effectively becomes a challenge.

The reason women prefer to have nice guys as simple ‘friends’ is because they are listeners, thinkers, and nothing else. They are caring and trustworthy; but, unfortunately, they usually do not have the “fire” that the jerks have. This “fire” is absolutely necessary in a relationship because it adds challenge and excitement. If it is not obtained, boredom will choke the relationship to death.

Women want excitement, not boredom; so by becoming a CHALLENGE, women will not become bored.

After all, almost every activity humans do is enjoyed more when it is more challenging.

Written by: Joe Perrin

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Writing blog posts and email using online editors is a bad idea.

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007

 I am extremely upset right now! I spent over 2 hours writing the “about” section for this website. I was using the editor built-in to Wordpress. When I clicked on the button to publish it errored out and when I used the back button on the browser the page was expired. I lost all of what I had written. I hate that. It’s happened in the past and so usually I write posts in an offline editor so I don’t lose everything in case of an error like what just happened to me. Wordpress team: Where is the auto-save?! I am not happy. Someone please tell me there is a way to recover what I wrote.

BTW, I use Microsoft’s online version of Outlook (OWA) which is guilty of the same problem. I’ve written lengthy emails on the online editor only to have the page error upon hitting send. This is insane. I guess I’ll just get into the habit of copying the entire post to the clipboard before posting. I am frustrated and upset that 2 hours is totally wasted. I’m going to bed before I go nuts.

UPDATE: Brian Blood over at Network Jack posted about how he modified the Wordpress database to recover the last 2 revisions of a post. It wont help me in this case but I’ll implement his method for preventing the problem in the future.

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