RITA'S XXXVII: Habits Old and New

[Lone Ranger]

Nathan had his first football practice last night. He's about a head taller than anyone else on his team. And he weighs more than anyone else as well. It was fairly tough for a first practice, but he was in good shape from swimming all summer. He has a lot to learn, but he was listening to the coach very attentively. About half the team are kids he's good friends with and has gone to school with his whole life (most of his scout troop is on the team). They'll all be at the same Jr. High and High School. So far, so good.

Sounds like he'll have fun. I always found that football was the most rewarding of all sports I played - great bonding, and you have to use your brain a lot more than you might think.

[Matt Algren]

I actually like the political threads, since I tend to get better and more informed opinions (from some posters) than the sound byte lite network news.
The signal to noise ratio is a bit low, though. If people could talk rationally and reasonably without turning it into the same damn argument every single time, I'd agree with you.

BTW, did you switch Scout troops yet?

[Dreadstar]

I actually like the political threads, since I tend to get better and more informed opinions (from some posters) than the sound byte lite network news.

I really should try to stay out of them. 3 years ago, we had a guy actually have a meltdown over the situation. I try to clown them up a bit here and there, like I do ANY thread that strikes my fancy, but MAN they're such serious business.

[Merey]

Second. Look for a dog from a local shelter or rescue agency. They need homes, and they're some of the most loving animals you can find.

Also agreed. Hannah (who I got in April) is 7 years old and one of the most gentle, loving, cuddly cats I've ever had.

[jessecuster3]

I love explaining things to customers that I am not sure I understand myself.

[Winslow]

We live in a really small town...roughly 3,000 people. So he's gone to school, scouts and played sports with the same kids for six years now. About 1/3 the football team are kids from the other town of about 1,500 on the west side of the county. The two combine to make up the junior high that they start at this year.

That sounds like a great experience . . I would have loved to play on a football team with my scout buddies. Those of us that did play went to different schools (private v. public)

The signal to noise ratio is a bit low, though. If people could talk rationally and reasonably without turning it into the same damn argument every single time, I'd agree with you.

There is that. I guess I can sometimes filter that crap out.

I have my pet peeves about the forums too . . ..

BTW, did you switch Scout troops yet?

No, our last outing was last Friday; a sleepover at a minor league baseball game (they let you sleep in the outfield after the game, it's very cool).

Once regular meetings start up in September, I will jump ship. I also want Ross to go to his "board of review" for advancement at the old Troop.

Thanks for asking.

[Lone Ranger]

I love explaining things to customers that I am not sure I understand myself.

I didn't know that you were also a lawyer

[Ed Cunard]

I really should try to stay out of them. 3 years ago, we had a guy actually have a meltdown over the situation. I try to clown them up a bit here and there, like I do ANY thread that strikes my fancy, but MAN they're such serious business.

Remind me? I forget. Your dementia is rubbing off on me.

[Dreadstar]

Remind me? I forget. Your dementia is rubbing off on me.

rickd had a foaming at the mouth breakdown. 4 more years of Bush was more than he could handle.

And no, I'm NOT slamming rick by stating this. He'll tell you the same damn thing.

[Ed Cunard]

Oh, that's right. I'm stupid.

[jessecuster3]

I didn't know that you were also a lawyer

Heh, no, options trading. I am working with a client who is trying to code to trade spreads, as in buying an option and selling the same option at the same time.

[Matt Algren]

Oh, that's right. I'm stupid.
Are you responding to something or is this just a sudden revelation?

[Winslow]

rickd had a foaming at the mouth breakdown. 4 more years of Bush was more than he could handle.

And no, I'm NOT slamming rick by stating this. He'll tell you the same damn thing.

I understand this NOW.

alas . . . .

I have friends that are still Bush Supporters. I just don't talk politics with them. I think I'd have a meltdown, and I value the relationship too much.

[Dreadstar]

Oh, that's right. I'm stupid.

No, you're not. You're smarter than me.

I mean look at today's slate alone.

[Ed Cunard]

Are you responding to something or is this just a sudden revelation?

A little from column A, a little from column FUCK YOUR SHOE.

[Matt Algren]

A little from column A, a little from column FUCK YOUR SHOE.
Lefty's still worn out from last night.

[Winslow]

Why do I have indigestion?

WTF?

I had cereal, orange juice, and a coffee . . . over four hours ago.

[Dreadstar]

Why do I have indigestion?

WTF?

I had cereal, orange juice, and a coffee . . . over four hours ago.

Yeah, welcome to the "second half" bro.

[Lone Ranger]

Heh, no, options trading. I am working with a client who is trying to code to trade spreads, as in buying an option and selling the same option at the same time.

Good luck - I am sure there's some great upside, but I'm always more afraid of the downside.

I've always said that I'll stay away from derivatives - but then when I really thought about it, the value of my house is 100% derived from outside factors.

Yikes!

[Lone Ranger]

Why do I have indigestion?

WTF?

I had cereal, orange juice, and a coffee . . . over four hours ago.

Time to go to low acid OJ, I guess.

[Jared_Humpherys]

OJ always screws up my stomach something fierce.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Man, Sarah works fast. She just sent me a picture of a cute little daschund with blue eyes from our local humane society.

[Matt Algren]

Time to go to low acid OJ, I guess.
The Tropicana Low Acid OJ is delicious.

[jessecuster3]

Good luck - I am sure there's some great upside, but I'm always more afraid of the downside.

I've always said that I'll stay away from derivatives - but then when I really thought about it, the value of my house is 100% derived from outside factors.

Yikes!

Oh yeah derivative are a pain in the ass. I am doing none of the investing, I am just helping programmers write software, so they can trade over my exchange.

[Slam_Bradley]

Why do I have indigestion?

WTF?

I had cereal, orange juice, and a coffee . . . over four hours ago.



You're clearly not eating enough jalapenos, habaneros and the like to keep your stomach in tip-top working order.

[Winslow]

Yeah, welcome to the "second half" bro.

I know.

Tomato sauce, alcohol, and caffeine don't like me anymore.

But I didn't drink that much coffee . . must have been the OJ.

Time to go to low acid OJ, I guess.

I only had one glass . . .it's a drag getting old.

[Winslow]

You're clearly not eating enough jalapenos, habaneros and the like to keep your stomach in tip-top working order.

Heh

Yeah, spicy foods kill me now too.

[jessecuster3]

You're clearly not eating enough jalapenos, habaneros and the like to keep your stomach in tip-top working order.

Don't forget Giardinera.

[Slam_Bradley]

Buncha damn Bugs Bunny haters hereabouts.

[Dreadstar]

Bugs didn't deserve to beat the Incredibles, just my opinion.

But I fully expect it to beat out Fantasia and win, as silly as that seems in my head.

[Matt Algren]

Bugs didn't deserve to beat the Incredibles, just my opinion.

But I fully expect it to beat out Fantasia and win, as silly as that seems in my head.
I don't get Iron Giant being there instead of the Incredibles. What's Opera and Fantasia are impossible to choose between.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Y'know what bugs me?

Those itty-bitty hairs you get on the outside of your ear. Man, they're annoying.

[Winslow]

I always forget about those contests.

Although I took great joy in spearheading the alliance that took out Ireland in the Europe Survivor thread.

[Dreadstar]

I don't get Iron Giant being there instead of the Incredibles.

I'd rather have lost Iron Giant.

[Matt Algren]

I know that there must be more to this, but jeez, this is ridiculous.

Good Samaritan demands justice after being arrested (http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=local&id=5518099)

(New Jersey - WABC, July 27, 2007) - A Good Samaritan is demanding justice after she was arrested by officers who asked for her help.

It was all captured on videotape.

The woman who was busted spoke out Friday about why she stopped to help another woman who was hit by a bus, and about the puzzling way she was treated and arrested by a cop when she told him she had to leave to pick up her daughter.

The 25-year-old mother got out of work at Dunkin Donuts early on June 20. And along the way, she was asked by a police officer to lend some assistance to an accident victim. So she did what any other good citizen would do: she decided to help out. But in the end, she was left in serious legal trouble.

"I didn't know what he thinking, because he wanted to arrest me," Monica Montoya said. "Because I help him."

Montoya says she suffered multiple injuries, including a busted lip, bruised arm and abrasions on her face from being tackled and arrested just for being a Good Samaritan.

"I feel really sad emotional and feel really bad physical," she said.

Montoya's attorney obtained surveillance video from a police cruiser camera and provided it to the media. It shows Montoya apparently giving assistance by providing translation between a Spanish-speaking victim of an accident and a Roselle Park police officer.

It is when she walks away from the camera frame that the confrontation between she and the officer began.

Montoya says she knows her arresting officer because he buys toasted bagels and espresso where she works. The Columbia-native says she left the immediate scene of the accident to ask onlookers if she could borrow a phone to have someone pick up her 6-year-old daughter, who was finishing up her first day of summer school in Elizabeth.

While sitting in back of the police cruiser, Montoya can be heard crying and asking for help.

In the police report filed by Officer Harold Breuniger, he claims, "Because she was out of control, and I felt she may be a danger to herself and me, I forcefully took her to the ground to control her and then handcuffed her."

Montoya's lawyer calls it a clear-cut case of brutality.

The case will be heard in Municipal Court on August 23. Meanwhile, the Union County prosecutor is also investigating, and the New Jersey attorney general has been asked to take a look at the case.

[Slam_Bradley]

Bugs didn't deserve to beat the Incredibles, just my opinion.

But I fully expect it to beat out Fantasia and win, as silly as that seems in my head.


The Incredibles went away as I was sleeping. Which is sad as I believe it is by far the best animated movie of the last thirty years. And probably the best super-hero movie ever.

However...What's Opera, Doc? is a classic piece of animation. It is the final word on the eternal struggle between Bugs and Elmer. I'm hard pressed to find a single flaw in it.

[Slam_Bradley]

I don't get Iron Giant being there instead of the Incredibles. What's Opera and Fantasia are impossible to choose between.


I agree with this. The two are from completely different places in animation and it's a lot like comparing apples and oranges. They are both incredible pieces of film.

Though on a purely visceral level I prefer Bugs.

[Matt Algren]

I'd rather have lost Iron Giant.
Yeah, that's just wrong, and I love Iron Giant.

Have I ever mentioned the angry PMs I got during the 50 states one? I was joking around about Alabama being a shitty state, and that's apparently one step too far.

It was awesome.

[Guapo Méndez]

Why do I have indigestion?

WTF?

I had cereal, orange juice, and a coffee . . . over four hours ago.

Coffee and orange juice do not like each other, so they have epic battles in your gastric area.

[Dreadstar]

The Incredibles went away as I was sleeping. Which is sad as I believe it is by far the best animated movie of the last thirty years. And probably the best super-hero movie ever.

However...What's Opera, Doc? is a classic piece of animation. It is the final word on the eternal struggle between Bugs and Elmer. I'm hard pressed to find a single flaw in it.

I might see you make this case against Iron Giant. I might even listen to you.

But not Fantasia.

[jessecuster3]

I agree about Incredibles > Iron Giant. I am surprised Bugs got so far actually, its great, don't get me wrong, but its also not very far from the tv show. It is certainly a lot more like a long tv show than Simpsons movie is.

[Lone Ranger]

Though on a purely visceral level I prefer Bugs.

I haven't followed this contest at all - but I have to agree that "What's Opera, Doc" is about as good as it gets.

A couple of Christmases ago, I bought my nephew and niece (then 6 and 8) one of the Warner Brothers Looney Tunes DVD sets. These are kids raised on Playstation, Pokemon and Bratz - so going with some old school animation was a bit of a risk, but I was certain that quality wins every time.

My sister said that she had never seen them as glued to the TV as when they watched those 'toons. She also appreciated the fact that she could watch with them without wanting to blow her brains out.

I just think the greatness of the WB stuff is a bit forgotten in today's world. It's too bad - but it is wonderful that these cartoons are being preserved and released as they have age very, very well.

[jessecuster3]

Yeah, that's just wrong, and I love Iron Giant.

Have I ever mentioned the angry PMs I got during the 50 states one? I was joking around about Alabama being a shitty state, and that's apparently one step too far.

It was awesome.

I think the 50 albums one is going to get heated as well.


Its nice to see I am on Dread's side for at least one of them.

[Dreadstar]

Its nice to see I am on Dread's side for at least one of them.

It usually tends to be at the top of my list, perennially. At the very least, it's ALWAYS in my top 5.

[Slam_Bradley]

I agree about Incredibles > Iron Giant. I am surprised Bugs got so far actually, its great, don't get me wrong, but its also not very far from the tv show. It is certainly a lot more like a long tv show than Simpsons movie is.


I think you're confused. We're talking about the 7 minute short film. It is widely regarded as the best of the best when it comes to animated shorts. I happen to agree with that opinion.

[Matt Algren]

I haven't followed this contest at all - but I have to agree that "What's Opera, Doc" is about as good as it gets.

A couple of Christmases ago, I bought my nephew and niece (then 6 and 8) one of the Warner Brothers Looney Tunes DVD sets. These are kids raised on Playstation, Pokemon and Bratz - so going with some old school animation was a bit of a risk, but I was certain that quality wins every time.

My sister said that she had never seen them as glued to the TV as when they watched those 'toons. She also appreciated the fact that she could watch with them without wanting to blow her brains out.

I just think the greatness of the WB stuff is a bit forgotten in today's world. It's too bad - but it is wonderful that these cartoons are being preserved and released as they have age very, very well.
I really need to get that set. For my nephews, of course, for my nephews.

Yes, that's right.

[Dreadstar]

And, don't get me wrong, Patty Smith's album is excellent, but that is EXACTLY the reason I tried to get rid of South Park early in the animation thread. There's a rabid following that'll push it over the top at the end.

[jessecuster3]

I think you're confused. We're talking about the 7 minute short film. It is widely regarded as the best of the best when it comes to animated shorts. I happen to agree with that opinion.

But how can you compare a 7 minute short to Fantasia or even Iron Giant?

[jessecuster3]

And, don't get me wrong, Patty Smith's album is excellent, but that is EXACTLY the reason I tried to get rid of South Park early in the animation thread. There's a rabid following that'll push it over the top at the end.

Heh, there's a couple of albums that I am staying away from in hopes they will be ignored for a good long while. One of which is my favorite album of all time.

[Dreadstar]

I think you're confused. We're talking about the 7 minute short film.


Basically, you're saying it doesn't belong with the REST of the feature length list. Which is a great deal of my problem with it to begin with.

[Slam_Bradley]

I haven't followed this contest at all - but I have to agree that "What's Opera, Doc" is about as good as it gets.

A couple of Christmases ago, I bought my nephew and niece (then 6 and 8) one of the Warner Brothers Looney Tunes DVD sets. These are kids raised on Playstation, Pokemon and Bratz - so going with some old school animation was a bit of a risk, but I was certain that quality wins every time.

My sister said that she had never seen them as glued to the TV as when they watched those 'toons. She also appreciated the fact that she could watch with them without wanting to blow her brains out.

I just think the greatness of the WB stuff is a bit forgotten in today's world. It's too bad - but it is wonderful that these cartoons are being preserved and released as they have age very, very well.


My boys and I sat at the computer a week or so ago and watched a number of Looney Tunes cartoons that had either fallen into P.D. or were just online, including a number of the "censored 11". I've never in my life seen them laugh so hard at anything. They are pure fun and joy...and they work on levels that are different for 6 year olds, 12 year olds and adults.

[Slam_Bradley]

But how can you compare a 7 minute short to Fantasia or even Iron Giant?

Basically, you're saying it doesn't belong with the REST of the feature length list. Which is a great deal of my problem with it to begin with.


I'm not sure that's what I'm saying, but I can accept it. We've certainly had this argument (as a board, not necessarily as individuals) over comic books vs. comic strips vs. comic panels. On the one hand, they are all animated films, no matter what the length. On the other, there is at least a quantitative difference between a short and an animated feature. The question is...where do you draw the line? Are documentaries not really films? How about silent movies? Three-reelers? I dunno. At least it generates some conversation.

[Lindsay Loyd]

This thread has a lot of posts. I just thought I'd see why. I don't understand. I guess it's for regular posters or something.

[Dreadstar]

This thread has a lot of posts. I just thought I'd see why. I don't understand. I guess it's for regular posters or something.

No, it's not.

Think of it as a non-live chat room.

[Lone Ranger]

This thread has a lot of posts. I just thought I'd see why. I don't understand. I guess it's for regular posters or something.

It's kind of like an ongoing conversation (or rather a series of ongoing conversations) - it can be a bit difficult to follow, but you can also feel free to step right in and post something like "I switching to decaf" and others will likely respond.

Don't worry - you are not the only one who gets confused. I'm lost in here all of the time.

[Matt Algren]

It's kind of like an ongoing conversation (or rather a series of ongoing conversations) - it can be a bit difficult to follow, but you can also feel free to step right in and post something like "I switching to decaf" and others will likely respond.

Don't worry - you are not the only one who gets confused. I'm lost in here all of the time.
On the other hand, Lindsay, you picked a good day to stop in. This is a relatively light posting day.

[Ed Cunard]

It's kind of like an ongoing conversation (or rather a series of ongoing conversations) - it can be a bit difficult to follow, but you can also feel free to step right in and post something like "I switching to decaf" and others will likely respond.

Don't worry - you are not the only one who gets confused. I'm lost in here all of the time.

Just "in here?"

[Lone Ranger]

My boys and I sat at the computer a week or so ago and watched a number of Looney Tunes cartoons that had either fallen into P.D. or were just online, including a number of the "censored 11". I've never in my life seen them laugh so hard at anything. They are pure fun and joy...and they work on levels that are different for 6 year olds, 12 year olds and adults.

I've got to get my hand on as much WB material as possible - a former colleague of mine had a lot of the censored stuff in reel format (from 70s rep theatre showings), but it would be great to find a user friendly version.

Kat and I also watch a lot of the HB DVDs - many of those are a lot of fun. Different overall vibe than the WB stuff of course. I'm a big Snagglepuss fan. She likes Augie Doggie - but those shorts haven't hit DVD yet (I don't think). We've still got VHS for that.

[Lindsay Loyd]

I guess that makes sense. I don't like chat rooms. It's too much like an actual conversation, and I have a hard time with those. CHat rooms make me nervous like I'm expected to keep up and be interesting.

[Agent Helix]

This is a bad place to come sniffing around for personal validation.

[Dreadstar]

...like I'm expected to keep up and be interesting.

TRUST me. "Interesting" isn't a pre-req.

[Lone Ranger]

Just "in here?"

What? I'm lost.

[thespianphryne]

On the other hand, Lindsay, you picked a good day to stop in. This is a relatively light posting day.

I'm still amazed at how fast we blazed through the last Rita's. We were almost at a thousand a day.


-Das

[Lone Ranger]

This is a bad place to come sniffing around for personal validation.

That's a great point. One of the best posts I've read in a long time.

You're now the front runner for COTM.

[jessecuster3]

This is a bad place to come sniffing around for personal validation.

Ddue, if you don't like me just say so.

[Dreadstar]

Validation at Rita's is actually pretty easy to come by.

As long as you're not a whore about it.

[Agent Helix]

Awww, I can't stay mad at you, jesse.

[Lindsay Loyd]

On the other hand, Lindsay, you picked a good day to stop in. This is a relatively light posting day.


I guess it's nice outside or whatever. I have to meet some people for lunch and I really don't want to go outside. I haven't even opened the blinds yet.

[Winslow]

I guess that makes sense. I don't like chat rooms. It's too much like an actual conversation, and I have a hard time with those. CHat rooms make me nervous like I'm expected to keep up and be interesting.

It's a place to rant, or complain, or talk about real life.

Just be careful of gossip about other posters, or other areas/threads on CBR . . keep that to PMs and live "get togethers." Cronin 3:16

[Agent Helix]

This schtick is gonna get real old, real fast.

[Lone Ranger]

I had a big ephiphany last night.

I thought of a great way to save time.

In stead of issuing a flowery, well thought out compliment such as "That meal was delicious" or "You look lovely in that dress", I'd rather just point to the relevant person and say "Compliment".

That way, they know I've complimented them and we avoided all sorts of unnecessary chatter.

What do you think?

[Winslow]

I guess it's nice outside or whatever. I have to meet some people for lunch and I really don't want to go outside. I haven't even opened the blinds yet.

It's gorgeous here . . the humidity broke which makes for nice sleeping and driving with the car window down.

[Matt Algren]

I had a big ephiphany last night.

I thought of a great way to save time.

In stead of issuing a flowery, well thought out compliment such as "That meal was delicious" or "You look lovely in that dress", I'd rather just point to the relevant person and say "Compliment".

That way, they know I've complimented them and we avoided all sorts of unnecessary chatter.

What do you think?
Compliment.

[Winslow]

I had a big ephiphany last night.

I thought of a great way to save time.

In stead of issuing a flowery, well thought out compliment such as "That meal was delicious" or "You look lovely in that dress", I'd rather just point to the relevant person and say "Compliment".

That way, they know I've complimented them and we avoided all sorts of unnecessary chatter.

What do you think?

Your wife will hate it.

Your drinking buddies will love it.

[Lone Ranger]

Compliment.

Exactly.

Didn't that just feel awesome and efficient?

[Agent Helix]

I had a big ephiphany last night.

I thought of a great way to save time.

In stead of issuing a flowery, well thought out compliment such as "That meal was delicious" or "You look lovely in that dress", I'd rather just point to the relevant person and say "Compliment".

That way, they know I've complimented them and we avoided all sorts of unnecessary chatter.

What do you think?

Wariness....

[Gilda Dent]

If you don't know what's going on, just jump in with a new topic.

I'm not sure what y'all are talking about, but when it comes to animated feature films, I don't think I'd see The Iron Giant, Fantasia, or The Incredibles in my top five. Grave of the Fireflies, Spirited Away, Both Toy Story movies, Pinocchio, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, all would probably come in ahead of those. Maybe two or three more if I had time to think about it.

[Agent Helix]

The Lion King wouldn't be anywhere near my top fifty, let alone five. I don't think that's a movie that's aged well in the least bit. Now Beauty and the Beast, I think that's the last of the great Disney musicals.

[Lone Ranger]

Your wife will hate it.



She's actually all for it. We discussed it last night.

We are beginning to tire of people and conversation - so we are just looking for ways to wrap things up faster.

Of couse, if she looks really, really great in a particular dress, I'll say "Compliment" twice or something like that. I haven't worked out all of the kinks.

[jessecuster3]

I'm not sure that's what I'm saying, but I can accept it. We've certainly had this argument (as a board, not necessarily as individuals) over comic books vs. comic strips vs. comic panels. On the one hand, they are all animated films, no matter what the length. On the other, there is at least a quantitative difference between a short and an animated feature. The question is...where do you draw the line? Are documentaries not really films? How about silent movies? Three-reelers? I dunno. At least it generates some conversation.

Yeah that's true, it is definitely worth discussion.

[Guapo Méndez]

There is sheer beauty in those old Looney Tunes cartoons. I still laugh at these:

Bully for Bugs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxP3j1B4hj0&NR=1).
Hill Billy Hare. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqPv_4RGm5w&mode=related&search=)
and The Rabbit of Seville (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STlXBJJaDIE&mode=related&search=).

[Tadhg]

She's actually all for it. We discussed it last night.

We are beginning to tire of people and conversation - so we are just looking for ways to wrap things up faster.

Of couse, if she looks really, really great in a particular dress, I'll say "Compliment" twice or something like that. I haven't worked out all of the kinks.

Say Compiment, Compliment the way you'd say hubba, hubba.

[Winslow]

She's actually all for it. We discussed it last night.

We are beginning to tire of people and conversation - so we are just looking for ways to wrap things up faster.

Of couse, if she looks really, really great in a particular dress, I'll say "Compliment" twice or something like that. I haven't worked out all of the kinks.

She must have a great sense of humor.

[Lindsay Loyd]

This is a bad place to come sniffing around for personal validation.

Validation means nothing to me.

[thespianphryne]

Both Toy Story movies, really? The first one...okay. But the second wouldn't be on my list.

Also...Lion King?


-Das

[Ryan K]

Grave of the Fireflies would definately be in my top 5. I personally prefer Castle of Cagliostro and My Neighbor Totoro to Spirited Away. But that's me.

[Agent Helix]

We get it, you're fifteen. Moving on.

[Guapo Méndez]

Say Compiment, Compliment the way you'd say hubba, hubba.

doubleplusgood.

[Agent Helix]

Both Toy Story movies, really? The first one...okay. But the second wouldn't be on my list.


-Das

The second one is actually brilliant. Far better than the first. The only part of the second that I don't care for is the cloying montage of Jessie's past, since it's just too far on the side of being manipulative.

[Winslow]

If you don't know what's going on, just jump in with a new topic.

I'm not sure what y'all are talking about, but when it comes to animated feature films, I don't think I'd see The Iron Giant, Fantasia, or The Incredibles in my top five. Grave of the Fireflies, Spirited Away, Both Toy Story movies, Pinocchio, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, all would probably come in ahead of those. Maybe two or three more if I had time to think about it.

Spirited Away would definitely be near the top, or at the top.

I'm not sure about the others.

I agree with AgentHelix though, that Beauty and the Beast is way under-rated . . . I think it's the best Disney animated film.

[Winslow]

The second one is actually brilliant. Far better than the first. The only part of the second that I don't care for is the cloying montage of Jessie's past, since it's just too far on the side of being manipulative.

The homage to great films made me laugh hard in the second one . . .

[Davideaux]

What of Watership Down? I haven't seen it in a LONNGG time. Does it still hold up? Scared the crap outta me as a kid.

[thespianphryne]

The second one is actually brilliant. Far better than the first. The only part of the second that I don't care for is the cloying montage of Jessie's past, since it's just too far on the side of being manipulative.

Maybe I should see it again. But what you're complaining about is what I'm complaining about. I hate it when I can catch a movie trying to manipulate me: that'll pretty much ruin everything for me.


-Das

[Lone Ranger]

There is sheer beauty in those old Looney Tunes cartoons. I still laugh at these:

Bully for Bugs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxP3j1B4hj0&NR=1).
Hill Billy Hare. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqPv_4RGm5w&mode=related&search=)
and The Rabbit of Seville (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STlXBJJaDIE&mode=related&search=).

All good.

There's one that I always loved as a kid - can never remember the name (I had my question answered on the old Oddball board, but my brain has lost it again) - Porky goes into a haunted house and the Ghosts sing "Jeepers Creepers".

Anyone remember the name of that one? It used to be in the regular LT rotation on TV in the late 70s, but I haven't seen it in ages, and I don't think it has made any of the DVD collections.

[Agent Helix]

Maybe I should see it again. But what you're complaining about is what I'm complaining about. I hate it when I can catch a movie trying to manipulate me: that'll pretty much ruin everything for me.


-Das

I can forgive that scene in TS2 because the rest of the movie is so note perfect.

[Tadhg]

All good.

There's one that I always loved as a kid - can never remember the name (I had my question answered on the old Oddball board, but my brain has lost it again) - Porky goes into a haunted house and the Ghosts sing "Jeepers Creepers".

Anyone remember the name of that one? It used to be in the regular LT rotation on TV in the late 70s, but I haven't seen it in ages, and I don't think it has made any of the DVD collections.

You mean "Jeepers Creepers"?

[jessecuster3]

When it comes to Pixar, I actually like Bug's Life more than any of them except Incredibles.

[Lindsay Loyd]

We get it, you're fifteen. Moving on.

Actually, I'm 27. I guess not everyone here is as friendly as I thought at first.

That's fine. It's like everywhere else i guess. People like to be mean when they get a chance.

Nevermind.

[Guapo Méndez]

You mean "Jeepers Creepers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeepers_Creepers_%281939_film%29)"?

It's not on Youtube.

[Agent Helix]

When it comes to Pixar, I actually like Bug's Life more than any of them except Incredibles.

Before Cars came around, Bug's Life was my least favorite. It's a cute movie, but it's very flat compared to their others.

Cars, in my opinion, is just a bad movie, period.

[jessecuster3]

Before Cars came around, Bug's Life was my least favorite. It's a cute movie, but it's very flat compared to their others.

Cars, in my opinion, is just a bad movie, period.

Oh yeah I really disliked Cars, it had even less laughs than Monsters Inc.

[Dreadstar]

Your wife will hate it.

Your drinking buddies will love it.

EXACTLY!

.

[Lone Ranger]

You mean "Jeepers Creepers"?

Is that the actual name? That was easy.

Anyone know if that one has shown up in any collection?

[JeffreyWKramer]

So, who has seen STARDUST? How is it?

[Agent Helix]

I don't think the fact that Monsters Inc. isn't as "funny" as other Pixar movies should be held against it. It's a very sweet, heartfelt film. The Incredibles isn't very "funny" either, but it's a frontrunner for people's favorite.

Cars is both unfunny and mawkish. It's a sloppy-eyed paean to a fictionalized "Good old days" mentality that peers back at small town 1950s America with rose colored glasses. It's Doc Hollywood with tires, and it's vaguely unsettling that Larry the Cable Guy ends up being the best part about it.

[Agent Helix]

So, who has seen STARDUST? How is it?

Haven't seen it, but I want to. It's getting pretty favorable reviews, and it's directed by the guy that did LAYER CAKE, so that's points in its favor.

[Lone Ranger]

Actually, I'm 27. I guess not everyone here is as friendly as I thought at first.

That's fine. It's like everywhere else i guess. People like to be mean when they get a chance.

Nevermind.

Don't let one person rub you the wrong way.

There are a ton of CBR members and people have all sorts of different interactions and relationships.

[JeffreyWKramer]

... Larry the Cable Guy ends up being the best part about it.

Always a sign that something is shitty.

[Winslow]

EXACTLY!

.

We're starting to understand each other more.

Mid-life Vulcan mind melding?

[Kid Omega]

I used to LOVE cartoons.... like really, obsessively so. I still have stacks of videotapes with logged episodes of TOM AND JERRY and LOONEY TUNES.

I studied them like crazy, and wanted to be an animator.

But by the time I was in high school, every cartoon kind of sucked, and all I heard were guys like John K and Bruce Timm complaining about how much it sucked until you got your own show, and even then it was kind of a pain.

Then, in college, Cartoon NEtwork started doing some original stuff, but everything moved to flash, and I had no interest in spending all my time doing that rather than drawing. All the guys I know who went into animation eventually quit, because they missed actual drawing so much.

Now there are very few REALLY REALLY good cartoons, and I have mostly lost interest. But if the LOONEY TUNES DVD sets were organized better, I would be all over them.

And now you know something new about me!

[Dreadstar]

So, who has seen STARDUST? How is it?

About the same vibe as Princess Bride, only not quite near the same level.

[Ryan K]

So, who has seen STARDUST? How is it?

I saw it and absolutely loved it. I thought it was a completely enjoyable film from start to finish. Funny, charming, good dose of fantasy action. I really enjoyed it equally as much as something like The Princess Bride.

[Dreadstar]

Jesus, I know I ordered the beef and triple mushroom spicy, but don't you think 12 thai-hots is a bit excessive?

[Lone Ranger]

But if the LOONEY TUNES DVD sets were organized better, I would be all over them.


Agreed - it's too ad hoc for me.

I'd prefer something in chronological order, with every single toon.

[Winslow]

Then, in college, Cartoon NEtwork started doing some original stuff, but everything moved to flash, and I had no interest in spending all my time doing that rather than drawing. All the guys I know who went into animation eventually quit, because they missed actual drawing so much.

What is flash?

[jessecuster3]

I don't think the fact that Monsters Inc. isn't as "funny" as other Pixar movies should be held against it. It's a very sweet, heartfelt film. The Incredibles isn't very "funny" either, but it's a frontrunner for people's favorite.

Cars is both unfunny and mawkish. It's a sloppy-eyed paean to a fictionalized "Good old days" mentality that peers back at small town 1950s America with rose colored glasses. It's Doc Hollywood with tires, and it's vaguely unsettling that Larry the Cable Guy ends up being the best part about it.

Sorry, what I meant was simply that the jokes in Monsters Inc fell flat less times than they did in Cars.


Its directly addresses the quality of the movies when the jokes are just plain awful.

Also, I thought Incredibles was hysterical with a number of laugh out loud parts.

[jessecuster3]

What is flash?

Computer animation that "fills in the blanks" for you.


Most of the cartoons that are emailed to you from a link somewhere are Flash.

[Agent Helix]

What is flash?

It's a software program used for animation. Usually, it's very crude, but it CAN produce some really great results under the right hands. Mostly it just gets used for shit with limited animation and a bunch of pop culture jokes.

[Ed Cunard]

Is that the same thing as the flash player things my computer always wants to update?

[jessecuster3]

Is that the same thing as the flash player things my computer always wants to update?

Yes.





10 characters

[Gilda Dent]

Both Toy Story movies, really? The first one...okay. But the second wouldn't be on my list.

Also...Lion King?


-Das

Yes on both.

I'd actually have 2 slightly higher. And I love the "When She Loved Me" segment.

[Matt Algren]

Now there are very few REALLY REALLY good cartoons, and I have mostly lost interest. But if the LOONEY TUNES DVD sets were organized better, I would be all over them.I agree with this. I'm holding off on them mostly for financial reasons, but the Transformers/Smurfs/He-Man/GI Joe/Voltron/etc sets don't even tempt me a little. I'm too aware of how awful they all were, no matter how much I loved them when I was little.

[Agent Helix]

A couple years ago, I picked up the first season of Transformers on DVD because it was on super-sale at Best Buy. A friend of mine and I watched it, and we laughed about how bad it was, and I've never watched it again. I think that's all the revisiting of my childhood I need to do as far as cartoons are concerned.

[Typo Lad]

Holy cow... Phil Rizzuto died.

[Ed Cunard]

Holy cow... Phil Rizzuto died.

It's sad that I only remember him as the guy from the Money Store commercials.

[Guapo Méndez]

Damn, we lost a bunch of posts.

[Matt Algren]

Even sadder that I had no idea who that is.

[Typo Lad]

I've never been int baseball, but I'll always remember trying to fall asleep as my ex-brother sat up listening to him call the games.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

I had a big ephiphany last night.

I thought of a great way to save time.

In stead of issuing a flowery, well thought out compliment such as "That meal was delicious" or "You look lovely in that dress", I'd rather just point to the relevant person and say "Compliment".

That way, they know I've complimented them and we avoided all sorts of unnecessary chatter.

What do you think?

I think you are an evil genius.

If there were a way that I could replace the myriad inane conversations I must go through in my life with only a couple words, I would pay big, big money.

For example:

REPLACE: "Well, Mr. Jones, I understand that you've been wronged and the justice system is corrupt and takes too long and it's too expensive, but my firm really prefers it if the clients pay their bills on time and, seeing as how you're 3 months behind on paying your bill, I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to devote the next 72 hours of my life to your latest legal quagmire."

WITH: "PAY THE MAN!

REPLACE: "I'd like a skim, double shot, half-caf, grande latte, light on the foam in a double cup to walk, please."

WITH: "COFFEE!"

REPLACE: "I understand you're upset that I didn't call but I was only at the bar for four hours, OK, seven, and yes, I am the tiniest bit drunk right now, so couldn't we talk about this later, say, 2013? And by the way, would you mind making me a pizza?"

WITH: "ARGUMENT!"

[Dreadstar]

I've come to the conclusion that CBR doesn't have a hardware problem.

[Jared_Humpherys]

So, who has seen STARDUST? How is it?

Sarah and I saw it with with some friends. Everyone loved it. Clever dialogue, fun story, original characters, and neato fx.

[Guapo Méndez]

Nah, Monica and the other server get snippy at each other. We just survived a bitchslap, is all.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

I've come to the conclusion that CBR doesn't have a hardware problem.

Did you come to that conclusion as you spent the last five or ten minutes trying to log on?

[Mac Danny]

I am full of Hate and frustration due to a general lack of cash flow and the impending suspension of services.

Anyone ever pawn jewelry? I am thinking of that now.

Also, why do I know some many people with Birthdays in August! I am going broke on trips to visit them and gifts.

My company is a month late with the summer bonus we are supposed to get and I am losing what little patience I have.

Time to get a part time job on top of my full time job.

I fuckin hate this.

-Dan

[Dreadstar]

Nah, Monica and the other server get snippy at each other. We just survived a bitchslap, is all.

Then it's not hardware. I doubt if it's software, per se.

[Dreadstar]

Did you come to that conclusion as you spent the last five or ten minutes trying to log on?

No, I came to that conclusion by considering the length of the unemployment line in front of me if the 20 million dollar install we've been doing this month ran into similar problems, if you catch my drift.

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Then it's not hardware. I doubt if it's software, per se.

No, I came to that conclusion by considering the length of the unemployment line in front of me if the 20 million dollar install we've been doing this month ran into similar problems, if you catch my drift.

Ah. Human error. My favorite.

I'm suddenly seeing Daffy Duck screaming, "NO! NO! NO! NOT THE WED ONE!!! NEVER TOUCH THE WED ONE!!!"

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I am full of Hate and frustration due to a general lack of cash flow and the impending suspension of services.

Anyone ever pawn jewelry? I am thinking of that now.

Also, why do I know some many people with Birthdays in August! I am going broke on trips to visit them and gifts.

My company is a month late with the summer bonus we are supposed to get and I am losing what little patience I have.

Time to get a part time job on top of my full time job.

I fuckin hate this.

-Dan

Dude heres a solution. Why not explain to family and friends that due to a money crunch your gonna have to wait to get them gifts. Til your bonus comes in. People would understand I'm sure.

[Guapo Méndez]

There's also the "hey, let's unplug the server to plug the espresso machine" theory.

It was pretty popular at the WoW servers 2 years ago.

[Mac Danny]

Dude heres a solution. Why not explain to family and friends that due to a money crunch your gonna have to wait to get them gifts. Til your bonus comes in. People would understand I'm sure.

The gifts are a small annoyance compared to being owed Money by a company that can't take care of so few employees.

That and my new house being so damn expensive and my wife not working for the entire month of August.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

The gifts are a small annoyance compared to being owed Money by a company that can't take care of so few employees.

That and my new house being so damn expensive and my wife not working for the entire month of August.

Time to think up a plan. Usually when I'm a month behind on a truck payment I'll call and the kind people where its finaced will slide that payment to the back of the book. Perhaps you should call and tell the bank that due to your bonus being delayed or some other thing....could they allow it ?

With the housing market in a slump odds are they'd understand.

[jessecuster3]

I think you are an evil genius.

If there were a way that I could replace the myriad inane conversations I must go through in my life with only a couple words, I would pay big, big money.

For example:

REPLACE: "Well, Mr. Jones, I understand that you've been wronged and the justice system is corrupt and takes too long and it's too expensive, but my firm really prefers it if the clients pay their bills on time and, seeing as how you're 3 months behind on paying your bill, I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to devote the next 72 hours of my life to your latest legal quagmire."

WITH: "PAY THE MAN!

REPLACE: "I'd like a skim, double shot, half-caf, grande latte, light on the foam in a double cup to walk, please."

WITH: "COFFEE!"

REPLACE: "I understand you're upset that I didn't call but I was only at the bar for four hours, OK, seven, and yes, I am the tiniest bit drunk right now, so couldn't we talk about this later, say, 2013? And by the way, would you mind making me a pizza?"

WITH: "ARGUMENT!"

Us single guys would love to not have to do the same bullshit small talk to get a girl home with us and instead just say: SEX!

[Dr. Hfuhruhurr]

Us single guys would love to not have to do the same bullshit small talk to get a girl home with us and instead just say: SEX!

Ooooo, good one. For the married men in the audience that would be:

REPLACE: 3 hours of pleading, begging, groveling, sweet-talking, pretending to listen and this thing called (I think) "foreplay" with: SEX!

[Athena Bast]

free secret books.
cooooool...

I got a really nice hardcover of "The Golden Compass", "The Thirteenth Tale" and "The Book of Stanley".

Those are the ones I managed to get after I survived the "Cabbage Patch Christmas" or "Tickle Me Elmo Rampage" for you younger folk.

[jessecuster3]

Ooooo, good one. For the married men in the audience that would be:

REPLACE: 3 hours of pleading, begging, groveling, sweet-talking, pretending to listen and this thing called (I think) "foreplay" with: SEX!

The one that really pissed me off this weekend:

Replace: No, I am not interested in your rewards card or in donating a book to someone or other.

With: BOOK, CASH, RECEIPT, BYE!

[Athena Bast]

what's this I hear about free secret books?

Once a year Random House does a preview of the books they have coming out in the next year for Chapter/Indigo people.

We get a bunch a swag and books just fer showing up.

[jessecuster3]

Once a year Random House does a preview of the books they have coming out in the next year for Chapter/Indigo people.

We get a bunch a swag and books just fer showing up.

Of course you are also the same people who make me stand there for 5 minutes while you recite a shpiel about some club or other when all we want to do is pay cash for a book.

[Dreadstar]

Replace: No, I am not interested in your rewards card or in donating a book to someone or other.

With: BOOK, CASH, RECEIPT, BYE!

I told a cashier shilling the rewards card:

"Are you going to sell this to me or not?"


EDIT! Yes, I REALIZE they're just doing their VERY DIFFICULT JOB.

I don't CARE.

[Tadhg]

I told a cashier shilling the rewards card:

"Are you going to sell this to me or not?"


EDIT! Yes, I REALIZE they're just doing their VERY DIFFICULT JOB.

I don't CARE.

At this point as soon as the spiel starts I reply with "Less talky, more selly."

[jessecuster3]

I told a cashier shilling the rewards card:

"Are you going to sell this to me or not?"


EDIT! Yes, I REALIZE they're just doing their VERY DIFFICULT JOB.

I don't CARE.

Oh I had an old man this weekend, who after I told him I didn't want the rewards card, then started asking me about donating a book(that they chose) to some retirement home, when I said no to that and he finally rung me up. I paid with cash and still got three receipts and he then explained that if I took the third receipt and dialed the phone number on it to answer a survey, I would get 15% off next time I came to the store.


Needless to say, I will never step foot in that Borders again.

[Michael P]

Scraping the bottom of the barrel leaves me with such an icky feeling.

[Athena Bast]

Collies are the bestest. Mutts with collie in them are awesome.

I've come across "golden doodles" (Golden Retriever and Poodle mix) and "cocker spoodles" (Cocker Spaniels and Poodle mix).

Awful lot of poodle mixes in this town. Rarely see actual poodles which is odd.

I would like either a Rott, or Bermese Mountain Dog, or a Golden.

[jessecuster3]

I know we aren't supposed to do this, but I laughed out loud at this (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=5302916&postcount=9).

[Tadhg]

Scraping the bottom of the barrel leaves me with such an icky feeling.

You're not proofing for Wizard are you?

[Michael P]

You're not proofing for Wizard are you?

Would that be better or worse than register monkey?

[jessecuster3]

You're not proofing for Wizard are you?

You are assuming they have someone to proof in the first place.

[Dreadstar]

You are assuming they have someone to proof in the first place.

OK, jesse made a decent funny.


I told you guys he wasn't that brain-damaged.

[Tadhg]

Would that be better or worse than register monkey?

I'd say worse. Unless you're a register simiiform for Toys R Us.

[Athena Bast]

Man, Sarah works fast. She just sent me a picture of a cute little daschund with blue eyes from our local humane society.

Those are the cootest widdle tings. My favourite small breed dog.

[Mac Danny]

I think you are an evil genius.

If there were a way that I could replace the myriad inane conversations I must go through in my life with only a couple words, I would pay big, big money.

For example:

REPLACE: "Well, Mr. Jones, I understand that you've been wronged and the justice system is corrupt and takes too long and it's too expensive, but my firm really prefers it if the clients pay their bills on time and, seeing as how you're 3 months behind on paying your bill, I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to devote the next 72 hours of my life to your latest legal quagmire."

WITH: "PAY THE MAN!


"QUIT BREAKING THE LAW ASSHOLE!"

http://arkansastonight.com/uploaded_images/liar-764977.jpg

[Jared_Humpherys]

Those are the cootest widdle tings. My favourite small breed dog.

We have a daschund named Popper. Long haired male, supposed to be minature, but not. He's goddamn huge. He's a sweetheart, and a total slave to the brush. Him and the puggers got along great.

[jessecuster3]

OK, jesse made a decent funny.


I told you guys he wasn't that brain-damaged.

Maybe you would understand more of my jokes if you weren't so senile.

[Lone Ranger]

Holy cow... Phil Rizzuto died.


I'm reminded of the scene in Sea of Love where Pacino scams the bad guys by posing as Rizutto.

RIP Scooter

[Dreadstar]

Maybe you would understand more of my jokes if you weren't so senile.

Weird, I was thinking the senility was acting in my favor on this count.

[Mac Danny]

I know we aren't supposed to do this, but I laughed out loud at this (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=5302916&postcount=9).

Was it mandatory that they be in alphabetical order or did he do it manually?

According to the post, he seems to have done both.

[jessecuster3]

Weird, I was thinking the senility was acting in my favor on this count.

Nice one.











Bastard.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Would that be better or worse than register monkey?
Hey, it's better than begging your parents for money.

[jessecuster3]

Was it mandatory that they be in alphabetical order or did he do it manually?

According to the post, he seems to have done both.

I believe the word used was mandatorily.

[Tadhg]

Hey, it's better than begging your parents for money.

Lena is wise.

[Chris Nowlin]

Was it mandatory that they be in alphabetical order or did he do it manually?

According to the post, he seems to have done both.

You're not up on the evolution of language. Manditorially is the word you use for manually doing mandatory things

[Slam_Bradley]

I had a big ephiphany last night.



Were you able to get it down in one flush?

[jessecuster3]

C&C I am glad you are here, now I won't be the only one made fun of.

[Chris Nowlin]

I wish half my students would drop.

I need to start giving a really hard quiz as early in the quarter as possible to scare them away.

I could grade, let's say, 10 homeworks and be ok with it

[Lone Ranger]

I think you are an evil genius.

So many wasted letters, but I'll take it as a compliment

[Lone Ranger]

Were you able to get it down in one flush?

You have a shitty sense of humour

[jessecuster3]

You have a shitty sense of humour

Oh come on, you don't need to poo-poo him.

[Athena Bast]

Even sadder that I had no idea who that is.

The spoken word baseball commentary in the middle of "Paradise by the Dashboard Light"

[Slam_Bradley]

Jesus, I know I ordered the beef and triple mushroom spicy, but don't you think 12 thai-hots is a bit excessive?


Absolutely not.

[Dreadstar]

Absolutely not.

My asshole will disagree later.

[jessecuster3]

Absolutely not.

You should try some of this spicy tuna roll I am having, my sinuses just cleared. Of course it also doesn't help that there is more wasabi than soy sauce in the dish.

[Tadhg]

My asshole will disagree later.

That's my favorite part.

[jessecuster3]

My asshole will disagree later.

Why would Ed disagree?

[i_mmmchocolate]

My boss is going to Australia to visit a friend in Sydney soon. She'll probably be there for at least two weeks.

Yay!

[Athena Bast]

Of course you are also the same people who make me stand there for 5 minutes while you recite a shpiel about some club or other when all we want to do is pay cash for a book.

I only recite the schpiel if you ask. Mostly I'll just you you could save 12 dollars of the 120 your spending if you just want to spend another 12.

I can't stand it when I say a genuine hello and the customer just says "No and No and paying cash".

I don't understand why people have to announce they are paying cash or credit or debit because of ooooh the stress of my pressing a button.

I'm no pitch seller. I don't really care to shit the I'm forced to sell so the more of the day I can get away with saying it I will. But I still can sell it without talking about it.

[Chris Nowlin]

I wish I had friends in Australia

[Slam_Bradley]

You should try some of this spicy tuna roll I am having, my sinuses just cleared. Of course it also doesn't help that there is more wasabi than soy sauce in the dish.


I have no great desire to roll around with tuna, spicy or otherwise.

[jessecuster3]

I only recite the schpiel if you ask. Mostly I'll just you you could save 12 dollars of the 120 your spending if you just want to spend another 12.

I can't stand it when I say a genuine hello and the customer just says "No and No and paying cash".

I don't understand why people have to announce they are paying cash or credit or debit because of ooooh the stress of my pressing a button.

I'm no pitch seller. I don't really care to shit the I'm forced to sell so the more of the day I can get away with saying it I will. But I still can sell it without talking about it.

Because with cash it is supposed to be fast, with credit you have to wait for the little machine to do its thing and that gives the teller more time to try to start talking to you. I wish they had drive through bookstores sometimes.

[jessecuster3]

I have no great desire to roll around with tuna, spicy or otherwise.

Have you ever eaten sushi?

[Tadhg]

Because with cash it is supposed to be fast, with credit you have to wait for the little machine to do its thing and that gives the teller more time to try to start talking to you. I wish they had drive through bookstores sometimes.

Amazon Prime is a wonderful thing.

[Chris Nowlin]

Amazon Prime is a wonderful thing.

Man have I thought about that, because I order a ton from there.

But it's such a luxury I don't need.

I'm never in a hurry to get my stuff, and a wee bit of planning and I can always use super saver shipping

[Athena Bast]

Oh I had an old man this weekend, who after I told him I didn't want the rewards card, then started asking me about donating a book(that they chose) to some retirement home, when I said no to that and he finally rung me up. I paid with cash and still got three receipts and he then explained that if I took the third receipt and dialed the phone number on it to answer a survey, I would get 15% off next time I came to the store.


Needless to say, I will never step foot in that Borders again.

I can tell you that 99% of the time we forced to say it because of secret shoppers and if we don't upsell, and do our schpiels and promotions we have to here it from our bosses who don't know their asses from a tea kettle.

I respect my customers as best as I fucking can and I hated when I get disrespected for just saying hello. Most of the time I just ask if you have the card and depending on the mood I'll ask my follow up. Generally I don't care about the damn card. I do care about books and reading. That's why I'm there.

I don't mean to rant but I'm sick and tired of being unable to defend myself at work because we're scared to loose the $9.99 of people who only come in to buy what ever book Oprah is shilling or whatever other brainless talk show host is pooping on.

[jessecuster3]

Amazon Prime is a wonderful thing.

No, the truth is, nothing beats a nice walk through a bookstore, being able to open and flip through any book, and hold it in your hands immediately.

[Athena Bast]

We have a daschund named Popper. Long haired male, supposed to be minature, but not. He's goddamn huge. He's a sweetheart, and a total slave to the brush. Him and the puggers got along great.

OMG.. I adore those. Their legs blend in with their hair and they kinda look like little hovercrafts.

[Chris Nowlin]

No, the truth is, nothing beats a nice walk through a bookstore, being able to open and flip through any book, and hold it in your hands immediately.

No, the truth is, nothing beats saving 40% while never leaving your seat

[Slam_Bradley]

Bunny haters.

[Athena Bast]

So many wasted letters, but I'll take it as a compliment

Because I've never been in one my nation's court room, luckily, so I gotta ask, y'all wear the black robes?

[Chris Nowlin]

We have a daschund named Popper. Long haired male, supposed to be minature, but not. He's goddamn huge. He's a sweetheart, and a total slave to the brush. Him and the puggers got along great.

We babysit dogs so we've had a good variety.

The cutest thing ever was the pug and great dane making friends. They loved to play and wrestle together.

I know it's hard to picture how that works

[Slam_Bradley]

No, the truth is, nothing beats saving 40% while never leaving your seat


I'm all about bang for my buck. I refuse to pay full retail for anything if I can avoid it.

[DarkBlade]

raagggh. fuckall.

Stupid ow day, my section of the room looks like CRAP next to everyone else's and I'm so still not done, and it's pretty much the worst corner to have because there's almost no storage. I'm tempted to pick up a damn cabinet from goodwill or something, etch my name into it, and take it in. Especially if it locks.

And I've only gotten half of the crap I need to get yet because I can only get the folders and binders and stuff at walmart; the chalk and erasers and holder and border things I have to get at United Art & Education. And walmart was out of pushpins and they only had three red folders left. Damnit.

Seriously, I thought at least new chalk and erasers are dispensed every year from school stores or something.

Also, cue sulking because I do not get a big white board. I have to use the chalkboard in my area. Really do not want to put out for the expense of a white board too, so it's chalk and holders for me.

But grr, I'm too fuckow to keep running errands. Setup, bank, post office, walmart, and TRIED to go to ChikFilA as I have a coupon for a free sammich.. it's new and the only one on the south side of town. At noon, I could not get into the lot. At 1:30, the drive-through was still packed, and the inside lines were 10-12 people deep.

Fuck that. I came home and had cheerios for lunch. Though I really want mexican. *sigh*

[Athena Bast]

Because with cash it is supposed to be fast, with credit you have to wait for the little machine to do its thing and that gives the teller more time to try to start talking to you. I wish they had drive through bookstores sometimes.

The cash is also seen by management type people as another opportunity to sell shit because you're largely a captive audience at that point. Mostly to make up for just in case the floor people didn't see you pick up that book and we tell you the author is coming in whenever. I hate talking about promotions because most of the time they don't give a rat's ass.

Some of us follow blindly what our bosses say, some of us don't give a shit, and the rest of us try to find a happy middle ground.

Personally, I wish we didn't have to do that. The floor staff should be good enough that I shouldn't have to cover their asses. I'll ooh and ahh over your purchases and talk about what's cool in what you're getting but at that point I shouldn't be selling you more shit.

[jessecuster3]

Amazon Prime is a wonderful thing.

raagggh. fuckall.

Stupid ow day, my section of the room looks like CRAP next to everyone else's and I'm so still not done, and it's pretty much the worst corner to have because there's almost no storage. I'm tempted to pick up a damn cabinet from goodwill or something, etch my name into it, and take it in. Especially if it locks.

And I've only gotten half of the crap I need to get yet because I can only get the folders and binders and stuff at walmart; the chalk and erasers and holder and border things I have to get at United Art & Education. And walmart was out of pushpins and they only had three red folders left. Damnit.

Seriously, I thought at least new chalk and erasers are dispensed every year from school stores or something.

Also, cue sulking because I do not get a big white board. I have to use the chalkboard in my area. Really do not want to put out for the expense of a white board too, so it's chalk and holders for me.

But grr, I'm too fuckow to keep running errands. Setup, bank, post office, walmart, and TRIED to go to ChikFilA as I have a coupon for a free sammich.. it's new and the only one on the south side of town. At noon, I could not get into the lot. At 1:30, the drive-through was still packed, and the inside lines were 10-12 people deep.

Fuck that. I came home and had cheerios for lunch. Though I really want mexican. *sigh*

Chik-Fil-A sucks! And they aren't open on Sundays because the owner is bible beater.

[Matt Algren]

Chik-Fil-A sucks! And they aren't open on Sundays because the owner is bible beater.
mmmmm...Chick Fil-A.

And I don't blame him on the Sunday thing. If I owned a business, I'd at least consider it.

[jessecuster3]

No, the truth is, nothing beats saving 40% while never leaving your seat

Show me the last book you bought on-line and how much it cost at the big bookstores like borders. I will bet you the price of it right now, its not 40% cheaper.

[jessecuster3]

mmmmm...Chick Fil-A.

And I don't blame him on the Sunday thing. If I owned a business, I'd at least consider it.

Why? he didn't work there, all he did is make sure that my fast food money went elsewhere at most 1/7th of the time.

[Chris Nowlin]

Show me the last book you bought on-line and how much it cost at the big bookstores like borders. I will bet you the price of it right now, its not 40% cheaper.

Fine, it's 30-40% off retail.

Borders is often retail in-store.

[jessecuster3]

Fine, it's 30-40% off retail.

Borders is often retail in-store.

I still question that. Everyone is discount now. Didn't you buy that Gene Wolfe 2 for 1? how much did you pay?

[Chris Nowlin]

But it was the X-Factor vol. 1 paperback for 10.19, which is 32% off retail.

What is it at Borders

[Chris Nowlin]

I still question that. Everyone is discount now. Didn't you buy that Gene Wolfe 2 for 1? how much did you pay?

I didn't buy any Wolfe anything

[Ray R.]

I only recite the schpiel if you ask. Mostly I'll just you you could save 12 dollars of the 120 your spending if you just want to spend another 12.

I can't stand it when I say a genuine hello and the customer just says "No and No and paying cash".

I don't understand why people have to announce they are paying cash or credit or debit because of ooooh the stress of my pressing a button.

I'm no pitch seller. I don't really care to shit the I'm forced to sell so the more of the day I can get away with saying it I will. But I still can sell it without talking about it.

I don't get the venom and vitriol directed at cashiers personally. It's not like you're knocking on my door selling magazine subscriptions. You do what you do because I could be some corporate clone checking up on you and you have to recite the spiel in order to keep what little job security you get to have.

You have a problem, write a letter to Borders or Barnes & Noble corporate headquarters. Otherwise, I can spare one minute of my life for another wage slave trying to get through another day and play along.

If we had as much common courtesy and patience as we do a misguided sense of entitlement about our sacred need for convenience the world would be a better place.

[darkhanamaru]

hi all. I am unfortunately working at home while my landlord rekeys my apartment. i actually wanted to go to work today but my lock seized up this morning. how are you all doing?

C

[Matt Algren]

Why? he didn't work there, all he did is make sure that my fast food money went elsewhere at most 1/7th of the time.
Because he doesn't think people should work on the Sabbath, and that he shouldn't facilitate their working. He's willing to lose 1/7 of his business for that decision.

[Puma]

Back from the Doctor's. I'm getting an MRI done because he thinks I have cartilage damage in the meniscus and tendonitis in the patella tendon. If I do have cartilage damage it will mean surgery again.

[Ray R.]

I'm all about bang for my buck. I refuse to pay full retail for anything if I can avoid it.

Goodwill and the Salvation Army have me on their frequent buyers program. Every other month I get an irregular T-shirt two sizes too small as a gift.

The only thing I pay close to retail on is groceries, and that's only because I have to.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Back from the Doctor's. I'm getting an MRI done because he thinks I have cartilage damage in the meniscus and tendonitis in the patella tendon. If I do have cartilage damage it will mean surgery again.

Sorry to hear that, Puma. Hope everything goes well.

[Chris Nowlin]

Back from the Doctor's. I'm getting an MRI done because he thinks I have cartilage damage in the meniscus and tendonitis in the patella tendon. If I do have cartilage damage it will mean surgery again.

Uggh. That sucks. I'll hope for the best, for what it's worth

[Ray R.]

Back from the Doctor's. I'm getting an MRI done because he thinks I have cartilage damage in the meniscus and tendonitis in the patella tendon. If I do have cartilage damage it will mean surgery again.

Ouch. Hang in there, Puma. Bad joints absolutely suck. I feel your pain and wish you good tidings there.

[Ray R.]

hi all. I am unfortunately working at home while my landlord rekeys my apartment. i actually wanted to go to work today but my lock seized up this morning. how are you all doing?

C

I wish it was only my lock that seized up in the morning......

And I wish there was anything unfortunate about working from home.....

[jessecuster3]

I don't get the venom and vitriol directed at cashiers personally. It's not like you're knocking on my door selling magazine subscriptions. You do what you do because I could be some corporate clone checking up on you and you have to recite the spiel in order to keep what little job security you get to have.

You have a problem, write a letter to Borders or Barnes & Noble corporate headquarters. Otherwise, I can spare one minute of my life for another wage slave trying to get through another day and play along.

If we had as much common courtesy and patience as we do a misguided sense of entitlement about our sacred need for convenience the world would be a better place.

I know its not the cashiers fault I just think that compared to every other store out there, bookstores and Best Buy are the worst for keeping you there when you could be done with the transaction already.


Show me any other industry where you have to wait through a shpiel before you can pay.

[Ed Cunard]

I still question that. Everyone is discount now. Didn't you buy that Gene Wolfe 2 for 1? how much did you pay?

I got mine for $6 at the used bookstore in my hometown.

[jessecuster3]

Because he doesn't think people should work on the Sabbath, and that he shouldn't facilitate their working. He's willing to lose 1/7 of his business for that decision.

And that's exactly why I stopped eating there. I don't need to be told how to practice my own religion.

[jessecuster3]

I got mine for $6 at the used bookstore in my hometown.

Good for you, you saved or 60% from what I paid.


I unfortunately do not live in a college town.

[Puma]

Sorry to hear that, Puma. Hope everything goes well.

If the pain will end I will be very glad.

and thanks for the kind words guys.

[Ed Cunard]

Good for you, you saved or 60% from what I paid.


I unfortunately do not live in a college town.

No, no, no--my hometown. It's not so much of a college town, really. I was out there Saturday for some drinking and such.

[Ray R.]

I know its not the cashiers fault I just think that compared to every other store out there, bookstores and Best Buy are the worst for keeping you there when you could be done with the transaction already.


Show me any other industry where you have to wait through a shpiel before you can pay.

Oh, I'm not arguing with you jesse. I just think the frustration is misdirected, that's all. I tend not to blame the soldiers in the trenches for the asshole decisions made by the generals sitting in the air-conditioned bunkers.

And unfortunately, even if the sellthrough rate is nominal, and there are more pissed off people than happy customers, the bean counters don't care as long as the monthly targets are reached. That puts the impetus on the cashiers, not the bean counters.

[Ed Cunard]

I also picked up two Lawrence Bloch books on Nate C.'s suggestion, and two Walter Mosley books because Lone Ranger reminded me of him.

[Lone Ranger]

Back from the Doctor's. I'm getting an MRI done because he thinks I have cartilage damage in the meniscus and tendonitis in the patella tendon. If I do have cartilage damage it will mean surgery again.

You might just need a scope & scrape - I had one done when I was 19 and the recovery time was quite short.

It should make things move a lot better for you. Hang in there.

[Dreadstar]

And that's exactly why I stopped eating there. I don't need to be told how to practice my own religion.

How is he tell---




...nevermind.

[Ray R.]

And that's exactly why I stopped eating there. I don't need to be told how to practice my own religion.

How is being closed on Sundays telling you how to practice your own religion? All it's telling you is that you can't have a chicken sandwich from Chik-Fil-A on a Sunday.

I don't mean to single you out, but really, dude, you need not to let these things bug you. You're going to get hypertension.

[Agent Helix]

jesse, between the cashiers thing, and the Chik-Fil-A thing, you should really just quit while you're way, way behind.

[Ray R.]

I'm not if I owe you a Coke or not, Dread. Maybe I owe you a "C"?

[Ed Cunard]

Probably from all the greasy fried Chik-fil-a chicken, AMIRITE?

[thespianphryne]

And that's exactly why I stopped eating there. I don't need to be told how to practice my own religion.

But he's not telling you how to practice your religion, is he? He's taking Sunday off and giving Sunday off to his employees as well. If he decides he doesn't want to keep his business open one day of the week, it's his call. Chick-Fil-A is hardly something I'd call an essential service that violates some sort of social covenant by being unavailable one day of the week.


-Das

[Lone Ranger]

I also picked up two Lawrence Bloch books on Nate C.'s suggestion, and two Walter Mosley books because Lone Ranger reminded me of him.

Which ones did you get?

Let me know what you thought of them. I'm almost done with Fearless Jones - it's been a very enjoyable ride.

[Puma]

You might just need a scope & scrape - I had one done when I was 19 and the recovery time was quite short.

It should make things move a lot better for you. Hang in there.

I had one of those when I was nineteen and yes, it would be great if that's all that's needed. Guess I find out in a few weeks.

[jessecuster3]

But he's not telling you how to practice your religion, is he? He's taking Sunday off and giving Sunday off to his employees as well. If he decides he doesn't want to keep his business open one day of the week, it's his call. Chick-Fil-A is hardly something I'd call an essential service that violates some sort of social covenant by being unavailable one day of the week.


-Das

You never lived in Atlanta, they had commercials and all sorts of bible stuff sponsored by Chik-Fil-A.

[Puma]

But he's not telling you how to practice your religion, is he? He's taking Sunday off and giving Sunday off to his employees as well. If he decides he doesn't want to keep his business open one day of the week, it's his call. Chick-Fil-A is hardly something I'd call an essential service that violates some sort of social covenant by being unavailable one day of the week.


-Das

I actually miss the days when the vast majority of businesses closed on Sunday. Not because I'm religious but it was nice having a day when everything slowed down.

[Ray R.]

You never lived in Atlanta, they had commercials and all sorts of bible stuff sponsored by Chik-Fil-A.

I must have missed that bible stuff up here in Virginia.

Kind of like you're missing the point.

[Lone Ranger]

But he's not telling you how to practice your religion, is he? He's taking Sunday off and giving Sunday off to his employees as well. If he decides he doesn't want to keep his business open one day of the week, it's his call. Chick-Fil-A is hardly something I'd call an essential service that violates some sort of social covenant by being unavailable one day of the week.


-Das

Well said.

It wasn't all that long ago that Toronto was closed on Sundays.

People complained that it was a throwback to more puritanical times, but I honestly just enjoyed the relative serenity.

[jessecuster3]

I must have missed that bible stuff up here in Virginia.

Kind of like you're missing the point.


OK, and everyone whose sabbath is not on Sunday missed the point, too?

[Chris Nowlin]

Sorry, Jesse. I gotta side with everybody else on this. He can run and promote his business as he chooses to.

You're welcome to not patronise him, but there's no room for indignation here

[Lone Ranger]

OK, and everyone whose sabbath is not on Sunday missed the point, too?

I don't think the Supreme Court is going to have to sit through a Consitutional argument by Seventh Day Adventists demanding to clog their arteries on Sundays.

[thespianphryne]

You never lived in Atlanta, they had commercials and all sorts of bible stuff sponsored by Chik-Fil-A.
Okay, so the guy is vocal about his religion and what he says gets on your nerves. Fair enough reason to avoid him.

I actually miss the days when the vast majority of businesses closed on Sunday. Not because I'm religious but it was nice having a day when everything slowed down.

I'm sort of split on the whole thing. I do miss the slowed down feeling, but I also want everything todayrightnow. This is one of the reasons I love NYC. Businesses open into all hours of the night (not in all neighbourhoods though).


-Das

[Dreadstar]

OK, and everyone whose sabbath is not on Sunday missed the point, too?

You're really not making a lot of sense right now. There are a lot of non-Christian businesses that close on Saturday, for example.

[Chris Nowlin]

OK, and everyone whose sabbath is not on Sunday missed the point, too?

Blah?

He can be closed when he wants to. If somebody's say is Saturday, they can close their own business on Saturday.

Or not go to businesses on Saturday

[jessecuster3]

I don't think the Supreme Court is going to have to sit through a Consitutional argument by Seventh Day Adventists demanding to clog their arteries on Sundays.

Believe it or not, but Judaism's sabbath isn't on Sunday either.

[Chris Nowlin]

Believe it or not, but Judaism's sabbath isn't on Sunday either.

I've long since lost the flow of your argument.

[Matt Algren]

No, no, no--my hometown. It's not so much of a college town, really. I was out there Saturday for some drinking and such.
That reminds me. A friend of mine (he's in his mid-80s) used to get dance lessons from Gene Kelley in your hometown. Usually from his sister, but every once in a while, she wasn't there and he'd get lessons from Gene.

Now get the tissues and clean up.

[Dreadstar]

I've long since lost the flow of your argument.

Me too....

[Ed Cunard]

Which ones did you get?

Let me know what you thought of them. I'm almost done with Fearless Jones - it's been a very enjoyable ride.

The Mosley books I got were DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS and... FUTURELAND? A collection of Sci-fi short stories I've been told I should read.

[Agent Helix]

Well said.

It wasn't all that long ago that Toronto was closed on Sundays.

People complained that it was a throwback to more puritanical times, but I honestly just enjoyed the relative serenity.

All of Toronto?

SORRY, CITY IS CLOSED, PLEASE GO TO OTTOWA. SEE YOU ON MONDAY!