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January 31, 2005

Moving: Days Two and Three

That's it! I'm done moving – moving boxes to the new place, that is. Yes, and now I'm completely exhausted, too. I slept pretty darn well last night, the ol' bed never felt softer... it was like sleeping in a vat of semi-gelatin state of Caress.

So Saturday was a good day since I got my fridge out of storage! I'm not sure why, but I love having my fridge back... now I can put stuff in it like be... uh, soda, candy bars... anything I wanna keep cold. The fridge is black and is quite a bit bigger than the fridge that preceded it, but it looks pretty cool in my place (minus the dents in the door - make sure you tie things down when there's only a few things in your truck).

Aaron, Bev, Scoot and Brett helped me on Saturday, we moved stuff in and out of storage and played a pretty big game of Tetris to make sure everything fit into my storage unit. Aaron got stuck on the dolly somehow and Bev created a catchy jingle for Grinders (where we ate afterwards).

On Sunday, the movers came and moved the rest of my stuff. It was a pretty sweet deal, three guys + good rate = a lot of physical labor for Seth and his friends. The movers were finished by noon and I spent the rest of the day vegging and unpacking stuff. I've got a list of things that I need to go and buy at Target, but for the most part, I'm about 75% unpacked.

My new place has so much room, it's practically begging me to buy more stuff – which goes against my whole reason for loft-dwelling, so we'll see how that goes. No real big plans for the place yet. I want to paint some areas and my latest idea of how to decorate the half-bathroom have been thwarted (it would've been creepy-cool, and there's still a good chance it happens anyway). But overall, the decorations ideas haven't flowed quite yet, I still haven't completely figured out where most things are going to end up living.

If you're in the area, come by and check the place out. I love it.

Posted by Seth at 09:29 AM | Comments (2)

January 28, 2005

Moving: Day One

Today I start moving to my new place! I'm so excited. Most things are boxed up and ready to go... and some, well, aren't and that's just how it's going to be. I'll move my wall-stuff, clothes, and plants today - maybe more if I can. Then, tomorrow, Brett, Aaron, and I are moving my fridge out of storage and other things into storage. And on Sunday, the movers come to get the rest of my junk. The goal is to have most of the nicknack stuff gone before Sunday, so they can haul ass through the place – we'll see how that goes.

Tomorrow I also move my cable to the new place, sooooo, there may not be an update for a while. I got things to move people, entertaining my loyal readers isn't my only responsibility (though I wish it would be, imagine reading the muses of Seth on a daily basis, scary thought).

Well, here's to me wishing myself luck for the weekend. I'll catch you all on the flip side.

Posted by Seth at 08:20 AM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2005

Microsoft Hates 192!!!

Being that I'm a web developer (coder, designer, whateverer), I'm well-versed in making sure the sites that I develop work properly in as many browsers as possible*. Sometimes coding out sites is a breeze and sometimes you can get hung up on the littlest of things – a missing comma, a misspelled word in your CSS, etc, can all wreak havoc of enormous proportions.

I noticed this a little over a year ago and just re-remembered it the other day. You won't believe it, but it's a flaw with Microsoft! I know! Weird!

More specifically, this is a problem that only occurs in Internet Explorer** in versions of Windows XP that have the Windows XP style of Windows and Buttons turned on. I noticed one day when making a web form for a client, that the longer the submit buttons became, the worse they looked. After a little investigation, it appears that once a submit button grows past 191 pixels it begins to pixelate.

Click here for some examples. If you're using FireFox, are on a Mac, or don't have Windows XP styles turned on, click here.

Can you see how it starts to turn into crap when the width reaches 192 pixels? The height is a different story – the minimum requirement for height degradation decreases when more text is entered into the submit button (so the more text you put in, the smaller the height can be unless you want pixelation).

It's such an odd thing to be a bug in IE since the browser was such an integral part to the OS at one point. What's weirder is the fact that FireFox and Netscape (both Mozilla-based browsers) handle it jut fine, and on a Mac it's a moot point because CSS is ignored on submit buttons (or so I noticed in Safari).

Anyway, my solution would be just to make your own styled buttons in CSS, or super-style them by making graphics and forget about this nonsense.

* I really only care about the following browsers: Firefox, Safari, and Netscape... okay, and Internet Explorer 6.

** Uhhh... can anyone get that Internet Explorer Link to open in FireFox? I couldn't see anything on my PC at work.

Posted by Seth at 03:50 PM | Comments (1)

January 24, 2005

Soup's On

Last week, for the first time in about a year, I was sick. I can't stand being sick (as you may have read in yesterday's post), and when I am sick I'd rather not miss work. Last Wednesday, I had a small fever, so I was ordered to go home.

On my way home, I stopped by Osco Drug to get some things that would help me get better: Juice, soup, cough drops and some medicine. I usually couple those items with a couple naps here and there and the ever trusty echinacea. I usually whip the heck out of any cold that DARE try to get the best of me.

While at home, something caught my attention and prompted me to write an entire blog posting on it. Instead of buying the regular Chicken Noodle Soup that I usually always buy, this time I chose Healthy Request.

Think about that for just a second. Healthy Request. It made sense to me when I was at the store... I was sick, wanted some soup, wanted to get "healthy", so it was the most obvious choice.

But, is it a logical choice? Or is it more ironic that Campbell's decided to make an entire line of soups healthier than others? I mean, people usually don't eat soup to be unhealthy, do they? Granted some people eat soup because they like it, but generally, people eat soup to feel better... and I assure you, no one eats soup to become sick, that's just silly.

I know, this is pretty much a moot point, because Healthy Request is technically better for you than Campbell's other soups – they're 98% fat free, have 30% less sodium than our regular soups, and have no MSG.

Okay, so that was fun to think about... but then when I was on the Campbell's site, I saw this neat little graphic. For those of you who didn't take the time to read it, here's what it said:

Healthy Request Condensed soups now have a convenient Pop Top lid. So guilt-free enjoyment is easier than ever.
[LEARN MORE]

The fancy, space-age, Pop Top lid has its own FAQs??? Are people THAT confused by what a Pop Top lid is? Have these people never eaten, say, Tuna? Have they ever opened a can of soda? Regardless of any of that... did Campbell's customer service REALLY receive thousands of phone calls concerning the Pop Top lids that warranted an entire Frequently Asked Question section?

This is what the web is for people! When I'm about to fix some soup, and for whatever reason can't figure out a friggin' Pop Top lid, the FIRST place I'll turn is the Campbell's Soup web site. Because, if you didn't notice, they SHOW YOU HOW TO OPEN THE DAMN CAN!!! And then, if that's not insulting enough, they give you a list of can openers that WILL work, since most won't.

And And And then... if you still can't open your soup, there is still one other thing that will work... the Pop N' Pull™ Tool. That's right, this utensil "will be sold in most supermarkets beginning in October 2003." So, you'll have to jump back in your car, drive to the store, and HOPE to find one of these utensils... I've never seen one. Don't worry, if you get the tool and aren't sure how to use it, they give you a step-by-step description (with pics) on how to do that.

Just one more thing, read the last question in the FAQs:

Q: I am having difficulty lifting the tab, pulling the tab back, breaking the lid free from the can, or opening the lid without splattering the product. (also note, this really isn't a question)

A: We're sorry you are having trouble opening these lids. The cans and Pop Tops we use have been carefully designed to balance our requirements for product integrity and ease of opening. (translation: that's why we had to show you three different ways to open them on this web site)

This is exactly what the internet is for people, to inform about Pop Top lids. Here's my solution, it seems much simpler.

Posted by Seth at 02:40 PM | Comments (0)

January 23, 2005

Pitnicky 63

  1. I like cold tap water in the winter
  2. I like putting my cold feet on my calves
  3. I sometimes wish that I could use Simon as a pillow
  4. I crack my knuckles, but I sometimes get annoyed with those who crack theirs
  5. When I put my hands in my pocket, I usually hold on to my cellphone with my right hand and my car key with my left
  6. I claim that I am a morning person, but sometimes I don't want to talk to anyone for several hours after I wake up
  7. I'm not happy all the time, but I like making others happy
  8. Although I love most kinds of music, rap/hip-hop is my favorite... but most times I like quietness the best
  9. I love zombie movies – Resident Evil and Dawn of the Dead were good, but Resident Evil: Apocalypse sucked
  10. If I could eat nachos every night for supper and be healthy, I would
  11. I want to learn how to play the piano
  12. I would like to wear a white t-shirt and jeans every day
  13. I sometimes wonder if I would have played soccer my senior year if I would've gotten a scholarship to some small school on the East coast – but that's a fleeting thought
  14. I aspire to do more crunches and push-ups, but can't seem to get in any rhythm
  15. I'm currently looking to go on a mission trip – if you have any ideas, let me know
  16. I pick my nose and sometimes farmer blow it in the shower
  17. I love hugs
  18. I think I have some anger-management issues
  19. I like to decorate my place, but while I come up with cool ideas, I rarely ever follow through
  20. When I listen to music in my car, I will sometimes get annoyed if someone wants to talk during the song (just listen to it next time, Seth)
  21. New socks are awesome, flannel sheets are even better
  22. I don't eat nearly enough vegetables
  23. I have a texture issue with things I put in my mouth
  24. I want to coach kids in sports
  25. Being with my friends is my favorite thing and wish that I could sometimes put a giant bubble over my favorite times in the past, to preserve them forever
  26. When other people are sad, it makes me sad
  27. I wish I could grow a beard
  28. Sad days aren't fun, and today was a sad day
  29. I love watching my friends play in their many bands
  30. Poor freethrow shooting makes me want to punch something
  31. I don't believe in destiny, but do believe things happen for a reason
  32. I wish I could use the Force
  33. Editing movie trailers is a dream of mine
  34. The only song I'd ever dare sing at a karaoke bar is "Summertime" by the Fresh Prince
  35. I have to learn that I can't help everyone
  36. I'm a flirt
  37. I like entertaining guests, and love making them breakfast
  38. Regret is something I don't like, or want, to do... but I think I do regret some things
  39. There isn't a sensible dare that I wouldn't do
  40. I love to laugh and smile and I'm attracted to others that do it, too
  41. If I won the lottery, I wouldn't quit my job
  42. I get sick maybe once a year, but I don't like to miss work
  43. I know that I'm not perfect
  44. Proving that I'm right is something that I feel like I have to do sometimes – but I don't know why
  45. I'm willing to bet that I'm not as courteous to others as I want them to be to me
  46. I'm a neat freak
  47. People say that I drive like a granny
  48. I'm very creative, but my hands don't listen to my mind most times
  49. I think my hairline is receeding
  50. Corn is disgusting to me, broccoli is a close second
  51. Vanilla ice cream and more-than-enough chocolate syrup is my favorite dessert
  52. I use sarcasm often and can come off as a butt-hole if you don't know me
  53. As I get older, I'm becoming more afraid of heights
  54. I think that Instant Messaging is an odd form of communication, but I do it all the time
  55. Sometimes I don't answer my cell phone because I don't like talking on the phone
  56. I don't like to use straws
  57. I never expected to stay in Kansas City for a long time, but I don't have an urge to move away
  58. I have a mental notebook full of short films and haven't made one
  59. I hate Wal-Mart
  60. I've never done drugs or smoked a cigarette
  61. I don't like doing eating or watching movies alone, but I'm getting more used to it
  62. Cooking out is one of my favorite things to do
  63. I usually have a lot to say, so I usually have to stop myself

Thanks for listening.

Posted by Seth at 09:33 PM | Comments (6)

January 19, 2005

Is this a joke?

With a sore throat and noisy upstairs neighbors, sometimes it's quite hard to sleep... tonight being one of them. So what's one to do when exhausted and in desperate need of sleep? They post a blog entry about our dear ol' president. Below is a screencapture of CNN.com, I promise I did NOTHING to this except add that little drop-shadow.

you're tellin' me!

Posted by Seth at 01:38 AM | Comments (2)

January 17, 2005

May I ask you a few questions?

This whole war in Iraq has been a big deal to most Americans. It was a centerpiece of the recent Presidential election. And now with reports that the United States may send troops into Iran, some Americans are really starting to re-think what is going on.

This notion wasn't lost on CNN, either, as they recently ran one of their famous CNN/USA Today/Gallup Polls asking Americans if we believe that our involvement in Iraq was a mistake.

The following is a screenshot showing one of the questions they asked:

Can anyone tell me what that means? I mean, I understand the question perfectly fine, "Do you think elections in Iraq will or will not be held at the end of January as scheduled?" Wouldn't the responses be "will", "will not" or "no comment"? I would think so... I guess not, since the answers they show are "Yes", "No" and "No opinion". I think either CNN made a huge mistake, Americans are really ignorant, OR 62% really do think that elections will or will not be held. *scratching head*

Yes, I was confounded, so I decided to run my own poll. I randomly selected 100 people from all over the United States and asked them what they thought about the question above. My results were overwhelming:

Posted by Seth at 03:31 PM | Comments (1)

January 16, 2005

We're Number One!!!

You're watching a sports event on television, almost any sport will do, and when going-to/returning-from a commercial break you see a few things. First, you see the game breakdown – the score, how much time is left, the television station, etc. And then, almost every time you see the typical over-bearing fan that screaming into the camera, "we're number one!!!"

In most cases, neither of the teams playing, are number one. Some times, they're not even close. But that doesn't stop the fans from believing it, much less screaming about it on national television. Why do fans do this? Where do they get this insane amount of pride that makes them think their team IS number one and better than anyone else?

I ask these questions all the time, and I attribute the fact that I do to living in Kansas City – which means being surrounded by one of the nation's most prestigious college basketball programs, the Kansas Jayhawks.

It never fails. The argument about how good Kansas is comes up every single basketball season. KU fans are very proud... annoyingly so. I feel like they never see the bad in their team and always think that everyone else is below them. It's a very self-important way to think, and while most die-hard fans of ANY team would think that way, I've never seen it this bad.

But, I digress. The purpose of my writing today is to address the notion of "choking." This was all brought about from a recent argument about KU basketball, but I think it can apply everywhere in the sports world. The questions I propose to you... Is it better to be elite year-in and year-out, or does a team need to win a championship to prove itself? And what exactly does choking mean in the sports world?

Let's look at each question individually:

Is it better to be elite year-in and year-out, or does a team need to win a championship to prove itself?
Good question. I think a goal of many sports programs is to be elite – constantly being in position to challenge the top teams. But I also think that teams want to win championships, too.

The championship means you were the best of the best. You beat everyone else. You finished on top and no one can take that away from you.

Juniors don't pass up the millions of dollars of the pro sports to return as Seniors to simply be an elite team. Michael Jordan didn't come back to the Wizards because he wanted to be on an elite team, he thought they could win it. Dick Vermiel doesn't come back to the Chiefs because he thinks they could be a "pretty good team next year." It doesn't work that way folks, you want to win. No one talks about dynasties that don't win championships.

So, I think while it's great to be an elite team all the time, it's not enough. You must win the big game(s) to be considered the best (not just one OF the best).

And what exactly does choking mean in the sports world?
Maybe we should ask the following teams this question: New York Yankees, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma Sooners (football), yes, even the Kansas Jayhawks. These are just a few teams from recent history that usually under-perform when it matters the most. These are the teams that are among the elite, they have the talent, they have the tradition, but sometimes just can't close the deal.

No one expects a #16 seed in the NCAA Tournament to win it all, so when they lose, it's no surprise. Everyone expects the Yankees to win when they spend $200+ on paying their players. When they don't win, it's a complete let-down. When the Lakers lose in five games to the Pistons, even when their talent level is much higher and since they've won the past several NBA Championships, it's a let-down. When the Eagles loses three straight Divisional Playoff games three years in a row (the last two years at home), that's a let-down. When the Oklahoma Sooners and the Kansas Jayhawks lose in the Championship game, that's a let-down.

I think that's the definition of choking, when a team that is expected to win, doesn't. It can also mean a team that has had numerous chances to prove itself, can't get it done.

It's bad enough when a team's fans are over-bearing, but it becomes oh so sweet when they can't talk because their team doesn't win the big game(s). So, keep on shouting "we're number one" all you want, because unless your team isn't number one after that last game of the season, then you're just wasting your breath and energy.

Posted by Seth at 03:18 PM | Comments (1)

January 14, 2005

Creeeeeeeeeeek...

... that was the noise my bones made this morning when I tried to get out of bed. Ouch! I played in our first basketball game last night, and though we didn't win (lost by six), my body sure does feel like we played for 17 hours. It's hard to not be active for several months and then play a very fast and physical game, and it reaffirms my goal to stay active and exercising more regularly. Luckily, SHS has a wellness program, so if I join up to some health place I think I can get reimbursed... now will I ever go. Hmmmmm.

Today is unofficially the end of my first month at SHS. So far, so great. The pace here is definitely much slower than VML, which is good because you can concentrate on the quality of the product much more and strive to do the project right the first time around. The biggest challenge being here will be educating the client AND other employees about what we can do in the interactive world. But I wanted a challenge, so I welcome this with open arms.

This week I participated in two video conferences. If you've never done one, they're very strange, you have to make sure you're paying attention the whole time and not doodling on your notepad. Or, when you think the other people can't see you, don't make a fist and punch your hand like you're puttin' the smack down on someone... more than likely, they CAN see you and will think you're an idiot.

It's getting closer to time to move. I suppose I should start packing now, ugh, I've become numb to moving. But my new place is going to rock, I can't wait. Simon says he can't wait, either, but he's a lazy jerk.

That's all I've got for now... I'll put up some new links for your viewing pleasure (see right).

Posted by Seth at 09:15 AM | Comments (1)

January 09, 2005

Top 100 Trailers of 2004

In my spare time, instead of just writing to my precious little blog, I also help a friend of mine (Alex) run a site called Trailer-News.com. The purpose of the site is to review movie trailers that have just come out. We comment on trailers and then rate them on a scale from one to 20 – we try to be objective about how the trailer is made, not the quality of the film itself.

For the past three years, Alex takes all of the trailers he rates in one year and creates a Top 100 Trailer list – talk about an under-taking. Here

Posted by Seth at 09:58 AM | Comments (5)

January 06, 2005

Back up to old tricks?

Microsoft is in the news again today, this time offering a new product to those who have the Windows operating system. As many people are fully aware now, Windows is extremely succeptible to viruses and spy/adware. So what does Microsoft do, they offer a new security program.

Here's the funny thing, CNN reports:

The program, with monthly updates, is a step toward plans by Microsoft to sell full-blown antivirus software later this year.

My thoughts:

I think this is just another way to corner the market. Again.

Posted by Seth at 11:40 AM | Comments (0)

January 05, 2005

Climb upon my faithful steed...

While surfing the web today something popped into my head and said, "look for a picture of a guy with long hair, riding a horse." So, I went to Google Image Search and typed "stallion," thinking that would give me the image I wanted. I don't know if it would've because I found this (see below), instead. Now tell me, what is the horse saying???

Wild Stallion

Posted by Seth at 02:21 PM | Comments (2)

January 03, 2005

Do not attempt.

There's a commercial that I've seen on TV for a while now that just bothers me to no end (not really THAT much, but it bothers me – 'to no end' was an elaboration). The commercial is for a Jeep vehicle. It starts off with a volcano in the background that has a constant stream of smoke coming out of it. Then, rocks are landing in the foreground and eventually a Jeep Grand Cherokee lands, too.

A little after the Jeep lands, in small type at the bottom of the screen, the words "Do not attempt." are shown as the Jeep drives off back towards the volcano.

Uhhh... do not attempt what? Getting blown out of a volcano? Or... do not attempt driving towards a volcano? Or... do not attempt to recreate this obviously fictitious commercial, because if you really hurled a Jeep 500 yards away from a volcano it would crumple into a ball on impact??? Guess that creates a whole new meaning to the term "off-road."

Thanks Jeep, I won't try ANY of those.

Posted by Seth at 10:26 PM | Comments (0)

January 02, 2005

No-Gall.com???

While reminiscing about not having a gallbladder anymore, the best idea (in a loooooong time – two days) came to my head. There has to be a way that I can pay homage to my body and the millions of gallbladder-less people out there. Not only that, but educate those who still have gallbladders what my life is like now (sans-gallbladder – stay with me here, gosh).

We all know that blogging has become a VERY popular thing (not to mention who might be named people of the year). We also know that those who blog regularly (sounds dirty... it's not, I assure you) (well, I guess it could be) need to have access to their blogs 24-7. So God created MoBlogs – or mobile-blogs.

To MoBlog, all you need is a text-messaging-capable cell phone. You send a message to a particular email address and – DING – the message gets posted to a site. Cool concept, eh?

Still with me? Okay, so how does this fit in with me and my non-gallbladder-having-self? Well, since I had the surgery, I've experienced what many gallbladder-less having folk experience... the sometimes-sudden urge to haul ass to a toilet so that they can relieve themselves. [You see, without a gallbladder, fatty substances aren't quite broken down like they used to be. Which results in a mess, sometimes. NOTE: If you're new to not having a gallbladder, make sure you're always around a clean restroom (hell, any restroom) for a while after you eat... you never know.]

Here's the idea. I create a MoBlog dedicated to informing people that I'm, once again, on the toilet somewhere because of something I ate. I could let you know where I ate, what I ate, and how long it took to cleanse my system. And once it became popular, I could have other contributors, too. All of our posts could contribute to some weird coffee-table book or a "beware" list of sorts. I'm sure I could win a Bloggie with it.

Or... not. Sorry if I sicked you out. I'll shut-up now.

Posted by Seth at 09:46 PM | Comments (4)

Loft Crazy

When I quit VML, people asked me how much time I was taking off. My reply, "one day." They all thought I was looney. So, to everyone who asked that I had to explain that SHS let everyone off between Christmas and the New Year and that I would take my break then.

Several days before our Holiday Break commenced, SHS said that our first day off for the new year would be the 3rd and that we didn't have to come back until the 4th. The day before Christmas Eve, they informed us all that they made a mistake, and that we WOULD actually be working on the 3rd... but if you already had plans made that you could still take off... and if you wanted to come in on the 3rd and take a free day at some other point in the year, that would be okay, too.

So, I figured that I would take tomorrow off...

BUT I'M GOING CRAZY. My total lack of motivation has been disturbing, lately. The past few days have been dull and very routine-like:

Great vacation, eh? I'm going to go to work tomorrow, just to get out of here. There's not a lot I can do around my place right now, anyway, unless I wanted to pack everything up – a month early. No thanks. I've been trying to think of decoration ideas for the new place, but am really holding off on that since I've convinced myself that I should wait until I'm in the place and know how much spacing I have. I'm in a state of limbo... no, I'm not walking around my place trying to slide under horizontal bars of varying height... the "in-between" two things limbo.

Oh, and I really want to ring the neck of my upstairs neighbors.

"Grosse Pointe Blank" is on right now... just what I need... more TV.

Posted by Seth at 10:12 AM | Comments (0)

January 01, 2005

Spend more money.

Growing up in Fayetteville was great. My family moved several times and if you add in college years, I've lived in nearly every area that Fayetteville encompasses. It's a small town, its estimated population in 2003 was around 62k. That number grew significantly since I moved back in the early 80s – I still remember seeing signs that said the population was 36k – and that number is only going to increase with Wal-Mart and their ever expanding empire.

But I digress. Yes, growing up in Fayetteville was great because it was a small town. I could walk, or ride my bike, almost everywhere (and did). I never felt scared, or out of place anywhere. In fact, Fayetteville is one of those towns that wherever you go, you just might run into someone you know (when I'm in town and don't see someone I know everywhere I go, I start to worry).

Yes, Fayetteville rocks. The winters can be kinda cold and dry and the summers are hot and extremely humid, but the charm of the town is second to none. However, one of the biggest complaints growing up there was the lack of big(ger) city things: restaurants, stores, things to do, etc. We didn't have the Gaps, the Olive Gardens, or the Dunkin' Donuts of the modern world – you know, the things that Americans "need."

Every time I head home to Fayetteville (or Hot Springs, or Benton – where my grandparents live) there's something new. Whether it be a restaurant or store, something more mainstream has been inserted into the city. And every time I'm there it never fails that someone mentions:

Did you see the new _______ over by the Mall? Yeah, we're big time now.

What does that mean, exactly? Does the simple addition of a Panera Bread or Fuddruckers mean that Fayetteville, or any other city, is ready to steal citizens away from New York or Los Angeles? That's highly doubtful. I don't know anyone that says, "man, if Fayetteville just had a Red Robin, I'd totally uproot my family to move down there."

No one says that. So what is it? Are families better off now that there are five new franchise restaurants and a Target (which I WAS happy about)? Or is it that the area population is now becoming large enough for these places to go build in Fayetteville?

My guess is the later. And if that is the reason, then where is all the information that says "when population hits x, build these places"? I mean, sure Northwest Arkansas is booming now, but there's still no stores like Pottery Barn, JCrew, or Apple Stores. Does that cause concern among Fayetteville citizens? Probably not, but I'm sure people would love it if those stores would come in there... just like Kansas City is hopeful to get a new Trader Joe's or an ESPN Zone Restaurant downtown. But if we get those two, do we then become "big time?"

It's a vicious cycle. A cycle that is only fueled by people comparing cities and somehow justifying that cities are more equal because they share something in common. New stores or restaurants in your city won't give you new status, I think companies like Forbes, CNN/Money and Sperling are the ones that can officially declare that.

The "big time" talk has become a sort of city "small talk." After you talk about the weather and sports, you move right on into what cities have what places:

"You ever eaten at a Cheesecake Factory?"
"Yeah, we've got two where I'm from."
"Ah, that's cool... I was down at the Williams Sonoma the other day, they have some cool stuff."
"I know, the one downtown in my city is two stories... I think it's a flagship store."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Hmph. Let's go eat a giant burrito from Chipotle."
"What is that?"
"YES!!!!! My city wins!"

Can't you see what "The Man" is doing to us? They're turning us against each other, all so they can make a buck! Don't fall for it!!! Continue eating at places like Hugo's and Harry's Country Club. Keep drinking coffee at Common Grounds (or the library) or Cup & Saucer. And for heaven's sake, shop anywhere but Wal-Mart.

Oh, and if you're at all interested what the hot franchises are right now, then click here.

Posted by Seth at 06:06 PM | Comments (0)

Happy the New Year!!!

Ten dollars says that no one REALLY knows the words to that dang song!!!

Posted by Seth at 01:04 AM | Comments (2)