Friday, January 25, 2008

January 25, 2008 Male Rituals

This is influenced by an article that was forwarded on to me by a West Coast friend. Much has been debated about the enigma that is the male interaction. Some call it bromance; others call it gay. Over the past five months, and during college, I have lived in close contact with members of the male species, observing their actions, mating calls, feeding habits. One very interesting topic that this article has pointed out is the male greeting habits.

After many years as a scientist studying out in the field, I have observed certain trends and patterns to their behavior. We will start with the initial “morning” greetings. It is commonplace for the males to simply grunt to each other while walking past each other, usually during their daily trips to their preferred bathing holes. Somewhat slow moving, even lethargic, are these males. Outsiders witnessing these interactions for the first time might even believe these males, all members of the same herd, were complete strangers. It is not usually until later in the morning after they feed and consume a liquid stimulant found in local beans that they seem to be responsive to each other. Occasionally groups will sit, transfixed on viewing the entertainment of other males like themselves compete against each other for the ultimate prize: pride. After this, the males usually go off on their own within a reasonable distance of their dwelling to perform tasks in order to be able to eat at night, and the next morning.

After long days of performing in order to gain nourishment, these males reconvene to describe their experiences out in the wild. Some days are better than others, and some days require the consumption of more liquid substances, these ones sometimes bringing out different moods and personalities of these males, but most commonly just making them docile and complacent. However, aside from their morning greeting rituals, their pre-hibernation commencements are equally as interesting. Sometimes they will wander off without acknowledging others, other times, long elaborate rites are performed.

I’ve decided to apply these practices in my own life, living amongst other males, such as myself. Sometimes a simple, “mornin’” or “what’s up” will do the trick. Maybe I like to mix it up with a “g’mornin’ sunshine.” It sets a nice tone for the day. At night, we’ve been experimenting with some new procedures. “Goodnight fuckface” has been used, however didn’t quite seem to catch. Last night, hugs and “I love you’s” were tossed around. Maybe we’ll move onto ass-slaps and a “Goodnight Champ!” next. Maybe.

Song of the Week: “Spottiottiedopaliscious” by Outkast. Smoothest trumpet sample ever.

Quote of the Week: “Television is called a medium. This is because it is neither rare, nor well done.” - Anonymous

Random Fact of the Week: Abraham Lincoln faces to the right on a penny while all the other presidents face to the left on US coins.

Picture of the Week: Screw Mr. Potatohead, I want a Mr. Giggles!

Until next week, knowing’s half the battle,


Fred

Friday, January 18, 2008

January 18, 2008 Forbidden Words

There are certain words that irk people and make them cringe. I’m not really sure why these words do this to people, but once you find that word for someone, take note. A common word I’ve heard a lot lately that seems to stir up some reactions is the word ‘moist’. For some reason a lot of people just can’t stand this word. “I decided to bake last night and made a nice moist chocolate cake.” Eww you say? Nay! The only problem is that there are no good synonyms to use in that sentence. I made a damp cake? Nah. I made a soggy cake. Sounds like heaven to me, next. I made a wet cake. Just gets worse and worse. Looks like we’re stuck with moist on this one.

What about the word ‘panties’? Seems like a lot of girls have a problem with this word. But again, better alternatives? Undies? Underwear? Undergarment? I don’t know, you tell me, these words aren’t part of my regular vocabulary. Girls should all just buy thongs. Makes it easier for everyone, guys will enjoy it, and girls won’t have to hear that gross word ‘panties’ anymore. Win win.

I’ll let you in on a little secret though. If you want to see me cringe or throw up a little in my mouth, there are a few words that really get me. Fantabulous. Give me a break. Ridonculous. Poke me in the eye with a banana. Or just abbreviations in general. Those are bad news. Anytime I hear something like that, I quickly think of three different ways to turn the person mute, one of which definitely does not involve a rooster, scotch tape, and a teddy ruxpin bear. Yeah . . . really don’t like abbreviations.


Song of the Week: “Have Your Way” by Lightnin’ Slim

Quote of the Week: “Tell a man there are 300 Billion stars in the universe and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint on it and he'll have to touch to be sure.” - Jarger

Random Fact of the Week: Most elephants weigh less than the tongue of a blue whale.

Picture of the Week: Crasians.

Until next week, choosy moms choose Jif,


Fred

Friday, January 11, 2008

January 11, 2008 Cop-Out

So this week was a pretty hectic one; woke up this morning slightly hungover, mostly just tired. I usually come up with some sort of idea in the shower, but all I did in it this morning was stare at my feet, laugh at the random thunder, and hum “Peanut Butter and Jelly” to myself (you know, the one from Sesame Street). So all I’m giving you today is a video; however, it’s not just any video, this is a special video. Some of you may have seen it already, but it’s seriously the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. It’s very work appropriate, so watch it. Be that cool kid at work that sends out the video. The girls in the office will be throwing panties (foreshadowing for next week) your way and the guys will probably offer to dig you out anytime a snowstorm comes. I guess by the rule of inference Modus Ponens it makes my old man the cool kid in the office. If you send out this video, you are cool. Pops sent out the video. Therefore, Pops is cool. I was jonesing for some logical reasoning today. Enjoy the video.

Wingsuit Basejumping


Song of the Week: “Journey to Anywhere” by Ugly Duckling

Quote of the Week: “The higher you are on the flagpole, the more your butt shows” - Roger Clemens, in regard to receiving criticism

Random Fact of the Week: There’s a superman somewhere in every episode of Seinfeld.

Picture of the Week: I love entertaining and enjoying views, I really do!

Until next week, on the journey to anywhere, you can draw your own map,


Fred

Friday, January 4, 2008

January 4, 2008 Phrases That Have Forever Been Tainted

There are certain phrases that are used in everyday language that have become tools for marketing or have been used by celebrities. There are also a small percentage of these phrases that actually catch on, and completely change the way you think about that word. Take “That was easy” for example. This innocent phrase has now infected millions like the bubonic plague from days of yore. It is almost impossible to say that phrase now without someone gleefully adding their two cents with “EASY BUTTON! Haha I’m so clever!” Goddamn Staples, ruining the fun for everyone. I gotta give them credit though, it’s probably one of the most successful branding campaigns ever.

And what about “It’s getting hot in here.” I know what you just thought, you can’t deny it. That song has forever morally corrupted so many individuals. That presents for an awkward setting when people at work say it during meetings. There’s one conference room that’s notorious for heating up quickly, and inevitably someone has to say it, “It’s getting hot in here,” and I look around the room and can count the number of people that are thinking, “So take off all your clothes.” Well so much for that one. I think I’ll just switch to, “It’s uncomfortably warm in here.” Maybe that one will elicit some different responses.


Song of the Week: “Little Wing” by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Just makes me want a nice glass of whiskey and a comfortable chair.

Quote of the Week: “How much money do you have in your wallet?” – Bar Manager in DC
“I don’t know, like $90.” – Me
“Great, we’ll take that.” – Bar Manager. Long story.

Random Fact of the Week: Shanghai, China boasts 4,000 skyscrapers - double the number in New York City.

Picture of the Week: Dear Polar Bear: You just got Global Warmed.

Until next week, but what about me and my blue collars?


Fred