January 31, 2012

Horror, Thriller, or Psych Thriller?

I get to watch “Paranormal Activity 3” this weekend. The first one freaked me out...bad. The husband was out of town and I watched it alone, in the dark, with my deaf dog. It’s amazing how many sounds you hear that aren’t there when you’re afraid some demon is coming down the hallway to drag you off by your feet.

Here’s the weird part, I don’t believe in demons. I don’t believe in hell. I do sort of believe in ghosts because of a few personal experiences, but I could’ve been mistaken. So, why do movies about demons freak me out so much? I was raised an Episcopalian, so there was no real “fire and brimstone” lecturing. Religion in my house was an afterthought.

Part two of this post: Do you like horror movies, blood/gore movies, thrillers, psych thrillers and what movies can you recommend. I personally prefer psych thrillers, but love a good horror movie and don’t mind gore. “Saw I” was great, the rest not so much. I thought “Hostel” was dumb. I also like computer games with a horror/thriller story. “Silent Hill” was one of my favorites.

January 27, 2012

Are there any arrogant/obnoxious people that you admire?

I can think of two, right off the bat. Shorty from Pit Boss and Anthony Bourdain.

I've got Shorty's new book on my short list (no pun intended, but...heh). The man has had a tough life. Some of it self-inflicted, but what a turnaround and what a heart.

I have a not-so-secret crush on Anthony Bourdain. His arrogance intrigues me, his humor turns me on and his compassion has left me in tears. I bought one of his books for the husband for Xmas and will be stealing it once he's done with it.

It's Friday, I'm bored. Gimme sumthin' to think about besides Newt's dumb ass.

January 25, 2012

My boss "watched a few minutes" of the SOTU

So, I asked, "Which few minutes and what did you hear?"

Him, "I don't remember. It's all just words. He hasn't done anything and I don't expect him to."
Me, "He hasn't done anything? Okay. But, when you say you don't expect him to, do you mean that you expect him to try, but he'll run into GOP obstruction on even the most basic and simple bills?"
Him, "I don't know what you're talking about."

My boss "thinks" he's a Libertarian (he has no clue what it means). I told him that when I was little, the SOTU was damn near the only thing on except for PBS. My father made me watch it and discuss it when it was over. I told my boss that it's a shame that people just don't give a shit anymore and, yet, they're still allowed to vote.

He just shrugged his shoulders. This is the same guy that doesn't pay any attention to politics until "two or three weeks before an election" and then bitches for the rest of the year.

I need a damned hug...or a drink. Has anyone else had this experience today?

January 24, 2012

The Good Boss Thread

1. Bob: Sold his cherished Porsche so he could cut his pay and give us Dental/Vision and a better health plan.
2. Bob (same one) and Dave: Always put the employees first, clients second, company third, themselves dead last. I had to "fire" them several times for working too hard and not delegating.
3. Pat: Would make me take his Trans Am to meetings, etc. in the winter because my VW Bug didn't have heat. (P.S. Trans Ams SUCK in the snow!)
4. Scott: Would give "bonuses" whenever he could, despite the crappy economy.

Good bosses know that increased profits come from loyalty. Loyalty comes from genuine love and respect. Right to Work kills the basic trust that is the foundation for any of it. Instead, it creates an atmosphere of desperation and fear. No pride, no loyalty, no sense of family.

January 23, 2012

I'm stumped.

I'm a Bears fan, heart and soul. Was hoping the Packers would make it so I could pick whoever could kick their ass. Okay, no Packers. Prayed for the Saints, since my family is from LA and I love Drew Brees. No Saints. The husband is a Chargers/49ers/Bears fan (yeah, he doesn't have a clue). None of them.

Can anyone give a diehard Bears fan any reason to pick either the Giants or the Pats? Years ago, an old bf was a Pats fan, so I was one by default. But, my heart isn't in it. I'd like to have a reason to watch the Bowl other than the husband's fried zucchini and nachos.

If it helps, I can't stand Tom Brady. But, is that enough reason to pick the Giants?

January 17, 2012

Got my Obama - Biden Calendar today!!!

I had to show it off to my Libertarian boss and Conservative pressman. They just rolled their eyes. I told them they're just jealous 'cause Romney isn't as photogenic. They groaned. Neither likes Mitt.

It's hanging next to my desk. Only complaint, the numbers are really, really small and I can't see fer shit.

January 16, 2012

Game Controller for iMac???

I've been all over the internet, read every review, looked at every damned thing I could and can't find a solid answer on whether any of them will work. Apparently, Logitech's "Mac Only" controller sucks, which is sad because I've always had a lot of faith in my Logitech mouse(s) and keyboards.

There is one common opinion that the regular XBox controller works, but no the PS3.

January 16, 2012

Boredom, Kids & Holidays

I'm at work...alone. Boss gave everyone the day off, but I have customers coming in.

So, I started thinking about the holiday and wondering what you did with your holidays as a kid or what you do with your kids on a holiday. When my son was little, I'd take all the holidays off that he was given off. For each holiday, we would do something together to educate ourselves about the person/event. For MLK Day, we'd go to the library or find one of the many special events going on (Chicago...not Arizona ). Even Xmas break, I'd take the time to expose him to the many different holidays being celebrated at the same time (we were Pagan/Buddhist), sometimes even attending a local place of worship if they were open-minded enough.

I was one of those horrible parents that insisted that my kid learn why he was getting an extra day to sleep in. We always had such a great time. Just the two of us, lunch and often ice cream or fun dinner at the end of the day. I never heard, "I'm soooooo bored!!!".

January 14, 2012

Recommendation for a book on living on low income budget?

My son gets out of the Marines next month and will be moving with his wife to Phoenix to start school in May. He'll be working part time, but his wife will have an extremely difficult time finding a job due to her poor English and inability to drive. But, she's an amazing artist, so I'm trying to encourage her to start marketing.

I've been searching for a book to help them figure out how to live on next to nothing, but there are soooooooo many books out there and very little review information. I trust you people. His wife is amazing with a budget (despite my son's expensive tastes), but their income will be cut to less than half of what it was. I've already decided that I'm buying the damned Sunday paper every week and mailing them coupons. When they come up here to visit, I'll have the husband take them to Costco to bulk shop. Any other hints?

January 13, 2012

OMG! I can't feel my tongue!!!

At Walmart they have these mints that are supposed to feed the hungry (Project 7). I've been curious about them and I needed some mints. HOLY COW!!!

Oh...God...now my throat is numb.

Okay, at least now I can look up the company and find out if I'm really feeding seven hungry people or if I just caused long-term damage to my sense of taste for no reason. I think next time I'll try the gum that says I'll be planting 7 trees.