Posts from — June 2007

Everyone knows a person who thinks they know everything. For every story you have, these people come up with a better one. When you are in a conversation, it’s as though they are just waiting for their turn talk. They are not at all interested in what you have to say. They’re inconsiderate slobs who I avoid whenever I can.

So it’s fun at work when our Story Topper sits down with us at lunch. Usually we all get up and leave but once in a while it’s fun to play around with him. We’ll make up outrageous (and fake) stories to see what he comes up with. Everyone at the table knows the gag except the clueless moron who just talks endlessly about nothing. And while he’s blathering on, he continues to eat and spit food all over the table. Like I said, a total slob.

On that note, I have a habit of blanking out if the person talking to me is boring. They’ll be rattling on and I go to a better place in my head. So next time you see me with a polite but empty look, STOP TALKING because you’re boring me.

Coming soon: “The Adventures of Ryan - The Intern.”

Since I’m getting back into the swing of things with my blog, I thought I would review my past comments regarding my rules of etiquette.

In the elevator:

• When the elevator arrives, QUICKLY move inside. Don’t piddle around while I’m trying to be a gentleman by letting you go first. Several times people have taken their time and we miss the car.
• After you enter, make your floor selection and the MOVE OUT OF THE WAY. Other people need to access the panel so don’t stand in front of it.
• If the elevator is full, wait for the next one.
• Never, never, never take the elevator only one (or two) floors. If there is an escalator available, USE IT.

In line wherever:

• Keep your distance and don’t breath down my neck.
• If you’re in front of me, pay attention and maintain proper spacing to the person in front of you.
• When you get to the front, QUICKLY do what you have to do and get the hell out of my way. Don’t wait to decide what you are going to order until you get up to the counter. Use the time waiting in line to figure out what you are going to do.

Driving:

• Don’t tailgate.
• Use your turn signals.
• Don’t tailgate.
• Use your turn signals.
• Get out of my way.

People around the office often ask me to recommend a computer system they can purchase. Usually my answer is “Get a Dell, you can’t go wrong.” But lately I’ve been getting feedback from many people saying they had bad experience with Dell. They report problems with their order, problems with their ever-changing promotions and about parts that are on backorder. Another problem is calling for technical support and the call be routed out of the country. It’s often hard to understand the person and it gets very frustrating for people trying to get help.

Dell and other computer companies are also becoming very annoying with the “crapware” they are pre-loading on their systems. They put limited version of antivirus software, picture editing programs and other crap that bogs down your system and uses up hard drive space. When I get a new system I wipe it clean and reload just the OS minus all the crap.

With a Macintosh you get none of this. You start up the computer with everything ready to go with no cleanup necessary. The customer service and technical support are wonderful and you can even go to a Apple store to get one of their “geniuses” to assist you. Of course this service does cost extra, just like the rest of the computer manufacturers, but it is well worth the money.

So with that, I’ve decided to only recommend a Macintosh system to anyone asking my opinion for a home computer. Sure they are priced higher but you really get an excellent value for your money. Now I’ll say “get a Mac, you can’t go wrong.”