Many years ago, I started using Pandora, the internet radio station.  It was cool and introduced me to lots of new music while gradually getting a better handle on my musical taste for future recommendations.  Then it started sucking more... introducing ads, then instituting a monthly limit to the hours you could use it.  I continued using it ( Read more... )

So why is The Office such an effective comedy?  For the first several seasons, they were constantly struggling with the threat of cancellation, but now the pseudo-documentary style has proven popular enough to not only make that show thrive, but spawn numerous imitation shows like Parks & Recreation, Modern Family, Community, etc.  Has drama ( Read more... )

I took a walk to the library today, and noticed an ice cream truck ambling through the neighborhood blaring its jingle.  I've never really thought before about how nefarious a business model they represent:  creeping past your home broadcasting an inducement to panicked demand for the ice cream RIGHT NOW MOMMY HURRY!!  I imagine a roomful of fat, ( Read more... )

I milked unemployment for 6 weeks, but ultimately a nagging voice in the back of my head convinced me I should try to find sustainable and gainful existence again. So I went back to Trader Joe's. Hey, it's no dream job, but it's easy and no one else has ever offered me better compensation. The store I was at wouldn't rehire me (some noise about ( Read more... )

I went back to Trader Joe's yesterday to ask for my job back. They said it doesn't exist anymore, and it's too slow for them to consider hiring anyone. I might try some other stores in the region ( Read more... )

The economy finally caught up to me on Friday and I got laid off from the best job I've ever had. They were relatively nice about it, at least, saying that it had nothing to do with my performance, they had directives from up on high to cut X people, I was the most junior person in my department, their hands were tied, blah blah blah ( Read more... )

I feel like too often livejournal is used as a way to vent and complain. Especially by me ( Read more... )

I played in a magic tournament last week for the first time in a while. It was up in LA, and the prize was a free trip to Japan to play at the pro tour there. After six rounds I was 5-1, needing one win to make the top 8 and play the elimination rounds. My opponent and I split the first two games, and in game 3 my opponent has to spend a lot of ( Read more... )

Whew, I haven't written anything here in six weeks, and I've been going through some eventful times. I've started working in game design, and it's as cool as I hoped it would be. My boss and co-workers have been very encouraging about my work so far, but the company is currently in a hiring freeze. What will happen in mid-January when my ( Read more... )

I've moved into my new house, and so far I'm loving the modern amenities and the close proximity to work (I've walked to work most days this week). There was some friction with the roommates when I invited people over for a housewarming party last weekend without asking permission (they were all out of town). One of their friends was staying here ( Read more... )