My Brain Hurts!

2003-04-09T11:43:00.000-04:00

The Service Industry Today (A Visit To CharterOne Bank)

Customer comments:
I was just in your branch at the corner of State st. and N. Pearl in
Albany NY. I needed to get a roll of quarters so I could feed the meeter,
so time is ticking away.

Nash leaves his window to go have a cigarette and there are three people
in front of me and two behind me in the line waiting to be served. He
left with just one person covering all of the windows.

I know because the customer behind me complained to Nash as he went out
the door, even reminded him that customers come first...but Nash did not
slow down. This customer then complained to a woman entering the area and
she was polite, but as soon as the customer turned his back to get back
into line I saw her roll her eyes.

This makes it very apparent that CharterOne Bank does not think that
customers come first.

I want to know what has happened to the banking industry when customers,
who provide the money so greatly coveted by the industry, can possibly be
treated as cattle, just a dumb animal that provides an end to a means.

A reasponse via email is apprieciated.

2003-04-02T13:04:00.000-05:00

Why did the Chicken Cross the Road?

Here, we have a law that states you must give a pedistrian right of way, especially if they are on your side of the street and in a crosswalk. Naturally, this law is Never enforced.

I don't know how many times I have had plenty of room to cross, and just as I step off the curb the damn car coming at me guns it. And lets say I just make it to the curb...obviously deftly calculated manuver by the driver of affore-mentioned car...that bastard will will come as close to the curb as they can.

Are they trying to give me a suttle hint...something like I am way bigger than you and solid too...so stay off the street...because they own it?

I have a plan...I am going to start usign one of those little-teeny cameras and video them, playing close attention to their face. I will then view these videos and memorize every detail of their glee-filled evil faces. Then I will cruise the downtown area searching...for them...I will show them how to menace a pedestrian properly...when I get done, and the tire smoke clears...there will be a stench in the air and load in their pants.

2003-03-31T10:41:00.000-05:00

I Thought This was Taboo!

2003-03-25T11:23:00.000-05:00

Just a Thought

All that Triple-A (Anti-Aircraft Artillery) that gets fired into the sky has to come down somewhere.

2003-03-21T14:29:00.000-05:00

I Think Hell May Have Just Frozen Over

This one is from The CNN U.S.Page (again, no by-line):

SANTA FE, New Mexico (AP) -- New Mexico could soon regain its title as the "Land of Enchantment" -- complete with its own butterfly, toad and lizard.

A bill that would restore the distinction plus name new official state critters won approval from the state Legislature and awaits the governor's signature.

The Sandia hairstreak -- a small, green-and-gold butterfly found in much of the state -- would become the official state butterfly.

The New Mexico whiptail lizard would be the official state reptile, while the New Mexico spadefoot toad assumes the role of official amphibian.

They would join a list of official symbols that include a state bird, tree, animal, vegetable, gem, grass, fossil, fish, flower, cookie and insect.

The legislation makes New Mexico "the Land of Enchantment" again. The nickname was accidentally deleted from state statutes when that portion of the law was amended a few years ago.

But one colleague wasn't so enchanted.

"It seems to me we spend an awful lot of time and an awful lot of money worrying about these things," said Sen. William Sharer.

I am shocked! There is a politician playing with a full deck in this Country. I guess "they" are right...there is one in every crowd.

2003-03-21T14:17:00.000-05:00

I Say..."Flip Them the Bird"

I cut and paste this from the CNN Entertainment Section (there was no by-line):

S.C.: Free Chicks concert

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) -- South Carolina House members say the Dixie Chicks should apologize for lead singer Natalie Maines' criticism of President Bush by performing a free concert for troops.

Republican state Rep. Catherine Ceips introduced a resolution Wednesday calling for the country music trio to perform for South Carolina troops and their families.

Maines, speaking about President Bush's push for military action against Iraq, told a London audience last week, "Just so you know, we're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas."

Radio stations nationwide are boycotting the Dixie Chicks even though Maines, a native of Lubbock, Texas, has publicly apologized.

Cindi Berger, the Dixie Chicks' publicist, had no comment on the resolution, which passed the House on a 50-35 vote and left some lawmakers angry and others confused.

"I think it's an olive branch to the Dixie Chicks," Ceips said.

"But only after they apologize first for exercising their free speech, is that correct?" asked House Minority Leader James Smith, a Democrat.

The Dixie Chicks have been in Europe promoting their recent release "Home," which won a Grammy last month for best country album.

OK...So South Carolina passed a "resolution" to get a free concert for the troops. I think that if the State of South Carolina wants the Dixie Chix to perform for the troops so damn badly, they should pay for it. I think this is just a stunt to look good to the boys...a see how much we care (under their breath they are saying but notenough to lay out some cash for you).

That Natalie did was comparative to kid saying to another "My father can beat up your father"...because she did not put down the troops themselves, just thier commander in chief. The only good thing that can come out this is, when they play my town, I can get some front row tickets on the cheep...because if the people who have the tickets are so upset, they really shuold not try to profit from this...that would be WORSE than the incident itself.

2003-03-21T11:54:00.000-05:00

Pissing and Moaning Dept

OK, where I live it has been raining for a couple days...I know, at least it isn't snow...BUT...this IS March...you know...in like a Lion and out like a Lamb...Its is April Showers...blah blah blah. I really count on nice weather in March to get over the duldrums of winter.

And while we are talking about it...if the GroundHog doesn't get his act together soon...I say we replace him with a Wart Hog. At least he won't be scared of his shadow and run back into his hole...he will just find the nearest puddle of mud and lay down. This will ensure us an early spring year after year.

2003-03-19T19:04:00.000-05:00

Some Styles Can Be Dangerous To Your Health

Walking from work to my car today I saw a guy wearing his pants waaaay down on his hips, you know, sothe crotch was below his knees...I really think this is a bad idea.

What if you were dressed like that and someone who was twice as big as you, in better shape than you, and mad at you decided they wanted tot kick your ass? You can't get away, you will have no stride, no kick...you can't run...your pants are in the way. Even if you pull them up, you are going to have to hold them up with one hand, and that is definately going to slow down...no doubt about about, you will just have to stand there and take you medicine.

2003-03-19T11:04:00.000-05:00

In the News

OK, as far as I can remember, it all started with Stone Phillips, and quicker than a blink of an eye it spread to Wolf Blitzer...and now I notice Martin Savidge (I have no clue how long he has been on the scene)...Somebody, ANYBODY, needs to tell these people what a fool there name makes them look like, esspecially since they have, or will be coving the war with Iraq.

2003-03-14T15:57:00.000-05:00

A Few Words On Spam

All of these Spams I get in my email claim that I was a willing participant to receiving there messages. They say I signed up with one of their "Opt-In" providers, thus giving them the right to fill up my email in-box.

OK, so I have visited some sights, and yes signed up for the sooper-dooper-stupor cartoon site...or the idiotic animations site. Well, I id not actually read the license agreement, mostly because I am not a lawyer so I don't completely understand what the are saying three different times over in slightly re-worded language to cover their ass completely.

But, I think they should be arrested for impersonating an elected official, namely a congressman or represenative, because they are piggybacking all of these "services" onto a legal document...just seems underhanded to me...slimey...somethig a politician would do...er-ah...does.

2003-03-14T12:24:00.000-05:00

Idea

I have an Idea, I don't want to entirely spill the beans, but lets just say I have a knack for writing things that "Exceed the Limits of Good Taste"

2003-03-13T13:44:00.000-05:00

What Will the Presidents Next Move Be?

After the war in Iraq that is...try this on for size.

2003-03-12T16:12:00.000-05:00

Did You Ever...

...open a Blog that was in a foreign language and notice a Poll that you could not understand...but take a stab at it anyway?

I am starting to make a practice of that.

2003-03-12T10:53:00.000-05:00

T.P.

Warning: This topic may distress those who have a problem dealing with bodily functions...I think you know who you are.

OK...I buy one ply toilet paper for the house, a consession I made when I started living with my wife. But that T.P. has some weight to it's one ply. Public bathrooms on the other hand, well, lets just say that tissue paper (the kind you use in wrapping gifts) is stronger than what is supplied.

Think about it, you are using this paper for something rather disgusting, wiping your ass. And you want a good strong barrier between you and the waste matter you trying to remove. That is probably why Charmin sells so well, two luxurius plies of paper. But when you get that utra-thin course stuff...it almost puts you off going to the bathroom in public. Hey, do I sense a consiracy here...are they trying to save money on water as well as toilet paper by supplying shit toilet paper?

2003-03-11T16:45:00.000-05:00

In The Knee-Jerk Reaction Dept.

I say that if Turkey wants to refuse use access to their country just because we only offered them a measily $25 Billion, and they think they can get more...we side-line the invasion into Iraq, and take-out Turkey instead. It would serve those greedy SOBs right.

Not that I am for any war...but hey, this is the Knee-Jerk Dept., right?

2003-03-11T00:08:00.000-05:00

Everybody Loves Rayman

Tonight this show did a huge dis-service to married men, beyond the usual type-casting of men being "Idiots" and women being bitches.

Tonight they disclosed a greatly guarded secret of men...screw things up so you aren't ask to do them again. That's right...the cat is really out of the bag now, no more coasting for us gents...our wives are wise to our shenanigans.

Actually, Bill Cosby did it in an HBO special years ago, but much time has passed and how many homes have HBO? This was NETWORK TV, and one of the top rated shows too-boot! So just start to suck it up guys, start doing the laundry, dishes, vacuming...but a word of warning as well, if you insist on your wife using your circular saw to make the new nick-nack shelf she has been wanting for the last two years and she cuts off a finger, it will only mean MORE work for you in the long run.

2003-03-10T15:55:00.000-05:00
Question

Why is it when you are crossing a street with the walk signal (we now have audible tones as well as the flashing lights) it only gives you enough time to get two-thirds of the way across the street? I think someone should stop when it switches to "Don't Walk", and then just stand there and hold traffic up until the next cycle...they could yell "HELP ME...PRESS THE BUTTON - PRESS THE BUTTON...SAAAAAVE MEEEEE!" while they stood there and create a major scene. When it is done...it should definately be vidoe taped.

2003-03-07T15:23:00.000-05:00
I Little Pissing and Moaning!

Those BASTARDS! H.B. Reese Candy Co. has reduced the size of the fund raiser Reeses Peanut Butter Cups by one Cup! That's right, now instead of getting four (4) Peanut Butters Cups for a Dollar donation (*which you get back if you go to subway) you only get THREE (3)! The CHEEP BASTARDS! Such is the word corporate shinanigins...they are always reducing the size and not changin the price...Got to increase that profit margine...my ballon payment on my third yatch is coming due!

*You don't really get the money "back", you save a dollar on a purchase of a foot long sub and 21 oz. soda...so don't go in there expecting them to hand you dollar!)

2003-03-06T14:14:00.000-05:00
In The Thanks, But NoThanks Dept.

Search for culinary schools on the web and you'll find over 37,000 entries!

House of Education has painstakingly researched culinary schools and identified the very best. Every culinary school certified by House of Education offers:

The esteemed Le Cordon Bleu program
The ability to earn a degree in as little as 15 months
Extensive job placement assistance
Financial aid for students who qualify

I think the House of Education is a subsiderary of the International House of Pancakes.

2003-03-06T13:16:00.000-05:00
The Weather Today is Trying to KICK MY ASS!

We have had the 8th snowiest winter in history for our region, and it was just starting to get to managable point due to thawing...but it got cold and started to snow again. Don't get me wrong, I love the snow, but when March rolls around I am ready for that once white, now gray, stuff to go away.

So I am out running a couple errands at lunch time and there is just enough snow to cover the ground...er-ah...I mean ICE! I slipped and almost went down twice (not in the same spot). So I am putting up the good fight!

2003-03-06T10:58:00.000-05:00
My Area Made The News!

I live in the Capital Region of NYS, and we have this mall, you may have heard of it...Crossgates Mall...yeah, the one that has the police arrest people for wearing shirts with slogans for "Peace" on them. Ok, so they didn't quite have them arrested the first time people did this, just kicked them out and had the Police follow them until they left the parking lots. But this week, they had a man arrested. I read it on CNN OnLine...so the news in International now! And here is a kick in the nads...he bought the shirt in the mall!

Crossgates has dropped the charges after they were the site of a demonstration yesterday regarding the incident. But the damage is already done. I feel a poem coming on.

I took ten minutes last night to create a couple of "Boycott Crossgates Mall" signs that I put in the back window of my car. I think it would serve them right if everyone who was against the war did not shop at that mall.

2003-03-05T21:07:00.000-05:00
The Down Side

I now know what the down side is to getting good sleep...I have more energy...I know, I know, it sounds like a good thing...and in many instances it is...except that for some strange reason I seem more compelled to do more house-work!

2003-03-05T16:37:00.000-05:00
One of My Quirks

When ever I feel low, I either watch the news, or go to a news website...there is nothing quite like throwing gasoline on a fire to pull yourself down into full-fledged depression.

2003-03-05T15:56:00.000-05:00
In the Here We Go Again Dept.

CNN Reports about Feds taking over internet domain names

2003-03-05T11:15:00.000-05:00
It Might Not Matter to You
What is it with this country? Our values seem all messed up! I s'pose it is
due to capitalism.

My employer, a State Agency, just issued a new policy: Absenteeism Control

This is one little tiny piece of the new policy:

4. Use of Sick Leave The following steps will be considered by the
supervisor when dealing with sick leave usage other than those described previously:
Employees with less than 25% of their total possible sick leave accruals (based
on their years of service [see Appendix A]) should have their attendance record
reviewed by the supervisor to determine the reasons for their above-average
utilization. If such a review indicates that there is a reasonable explanation
for the current accrual balance, then no action is to be taken. Employees whose
use of sick leave demonstrates a pattern of usage connected with regular days
off, paydays, approved leave or frequent other absences.

Then they go on to state this in the appendix:

NOTE: These charts are for reference only. No disciplinary action may be
taken against an employee solely on the basis of their leave accrual balance
and no disciplinary action will be taken for time and attendance issues that
are more than twelve months old.

So when I read this, what I "hear" them saying is..."Here is a hole bunch of
time off for you to use when you are sick, but you can only use 75% of it unless
you want to be hassled by your supervisor"...then they whisper softly..."We
can't really do anything if you don't follow the rules though."

This whole thing really bothers me, I hate it when "they" tell me how to use my Earned time.
just leave me alone. It seems to me that the issuance of this policy, in-light
of the USA P.A.T.R.I.O.T. Act and the Homeland Security Act, is just another
step toward fuedalism.

This seems to be a major mind set. I was talking with
a friend at work, who used to work for a dot-com, and he told me that the company
he worked for was bragging to every one that one of the employees worked all
weekend when his young child was sick in the hospital! Hearing that made my
heart ache, I mean physically, their was a hollow spot in my chest. It is there
now as I write about this.

The advertising industry doesn't help either. Have
you seen Dayquils ads...basically they say take Dayquil and you can go into
work (and infect everybody else there).

I think differently, first of all, when
I feel shitty, the last place I want to be is at work. I just want to be curled
up on the couch with the TV on and remote in-hand. And secondly, I don't want
to spread tmy germs to others, and make them feel the way I do.

We need to re-evaluate
our priorities, I say, if you are sick, stay home...and if you use up your sick
leave, then you go off payroll. That is that, no hassles about how you are a
bad employee. I guess this makes me a forward thinker in this Country.

2003-03-04T13:46:00.000-05:00
From now on...

I am not sleepy...I am NOT sleepy...

This has been my mantra for years, but thanks to modern science, and a little bit of clear thinking for a change on my part, I am not suffering from sleep apnea any longer. Don't know what really held me back from going to Sleep/Wake Disorder Clinic for so many years, All I know is that I am so glad I finally did!