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Thursday, September 25, 2008

Awesome Cat Videos

For the cat lovers out there ! :)

UFC Fighting Cats




Ninja Cat Comes Closer Without Moving

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Identity Theft Made Easy

This past weekend, while at the mall, I was perusing a display case of my beloved Swarovski crystals, when I overheard the manager of the store taking a phone order from someone in a remote location. While I was perusing the cabinet, I overheard the store manager take the order, and then repeat back the person's name, address, phone number, credit card number and expiration date - loudly - in full earshot of half the store.

Wow.

In this day and age, with all the identity theft and credit card stealing that goes on, this was entirely irresponsible. What would the person placing the order think if he or she knew that their personal information was just announced to a busy store full of weekend shoppers ?

As someone who has had her credit card number stolen and misused a whopping three times, I could not remain silent. After the manager finished the phone call, I approached her. "I could have stolen that person's identity with all the details you just broadcasted throughout the store . You really shouldn't repeat that kind of information with customers around."

I hope she will heed my warning. There is no excuse for this kind of carelessness.

Friday, September 19, 2008

What Will Your People Do When The Network Goes Down ?

This is precisely why I take my job so seriously. Wouldn't want my clients to do this to pass the time....

http://trava.kiev.ua/archives/4579

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Common Sense

When a building is evacuated for a fire, and there are roughly 300 people in the parking lot, what ever would compel someone to attempt to drive their car through the crowd to get where they are going ? It happens every time. And during yesterday's incident, it happened twice.

This is the exact reason why we shut off traffic flow during such events.

People still don't understand this concept. And it utterly boggles my mind.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

The Best Wedding Vows Ever

In addition to the promises to love, understand and support one another...

Guy: "I promise to always put my cans in the recycle bin."

Girl: "I promise to always run it out on the way to first base."


Yes, they wrote each other's vows, and repeated the promises for all to hear.

Priceless !

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Awwwwww....

I caught my kitties doing this the other day:



With all the fighting and wrestling that these two do, it's nice to see some love and tranquility for a change. :)

Monday, September 08, 2008

Grumpy Person Alert

In my 8 years at this company, there has always been an unspoken rule about early-morning meetings that occur before the normal business hour of 9am: Give the attendees some form of appreciation for showing up outside of their normal working hours. This has historically involved a few dispensers containing good-quality Peet's or Starbucks coffee, and at times, a nice assortment of small bagels, fruit and pastries.

This morning, a MONDAY no less, at the bright and early hour of 8:00, I arrived for a corporate-mandated certification meeting, to find a standing-room-only meeting room, filled with attendees, but completely devoid of any refreshments whatsoever. I had forgone my morning coffee to arrive on time, thinking that it would be supplied -- and when I arrived, none was to be found. Only some jockeying for the last remaining seats, and a room full of half-awake, pissed off people.

Arrggh. Slinky is not a happy camper right now.

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Badge of Honor

At 16, Daniel has been seeking an activity that he can be passionate about; one that he can look forward to doing, that does not involve a cell phone, Internet access, or a video game console. When I invited him to the dojo where I now study Krav Maga, that passion within him was discovered.

Danny has always been a fan of the UFC, since before Daniel was born. Both kids have grown up with Dad watching the fights whenever they were broadcast on cable TV. After witnessing the supportive, teaching environment of the dojo, and participating in a strenuous workout himself, Daniel's interest was piqued. He and I signed up together, myself for Krav Maga, and he for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. Danny and I encourage this greatly, as it is a healthy form of competition that is motivating him to eat healthier, exercise and take care of his body. It is a win-win all around.

Except when one gets hurt.

Having been in Martial Arts for 3+ years myself, I understand all too well the propensity for injury, especially when starting out. I suffered various mishaps myself during my years of training and sparring, and still do from time to time. Unfortunately, Daniel got his first taste of this on Thursday night in BJJ class.

He had a mount on his opponent, however with his legs incorrectly positioned. When his opponent broke out of the hold and reversed his position, Daniel's knee was awkwardly twisted. He immediately experienced a stabbing pain, necessitating an early end to his class experience.

Luckily, the doctor believes that it is only a sprain, and that it should resolve itself within a few days. In the meantime, Daniel has been outfitted with a brace and crutches to speed the healing process.



Although one never wishes to get hurt, I have always worn my injuries with sense of almost-pride, as proof that I play hard and am not afraid of the risks of my activities. I believe Daniel found it comforting when I told him "Hey, at least you got hurt doing BJJ, instead of something lame like falling down the stairs." All joking aside, Danny and I are very thankful that it was a minor sprain that will likely resolve itself within a few days.

I asked Daniel today, "How are you managing with the crutches ?"

He replied, "It's alright. I get a lot of attention when out in public and stuff."

"Oh really ? It sucks to be injured, but the attention is kind of cool isn't it ?"

"Yeah. But having my leg stretched out in this brace makes it really hard to take a crap."

"Yikes. Sorry to hear."

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Hahahaha !!

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

In a World...

"Don LaFontaine, the voiceover king whose 'In a world ...' phrase on movie trailers was much copied -- and much parodied -- has died, according to media reports. He was 68."

How sad. He was undoubtedly the voice of Hollywood. And a great source of hilarity in that otherwise-stupid Geico commercial.

Link: [CNN Article]
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