All in Random Stuff
So I'm applying for my mortgage and I need my last three months of bank statements. Now, I keep everything online and shred all of my paper records. I figure, if I really need any information, I can logon to get it or request it over the phone. So, I call up TD Waterhouse, where I have a checking account, and ask for copies of my last three bank statements. No problem, except for the fact that they were going to charge me $10 a statement! What a ripoff!!
Well, goes to show them... I'm emptying that account when I put down my down payment. Haven't they noticed they haven't been getting my direct deposit anymore? Did they think I lost my job? Sorry TD Waterhouse, I'm blowing this popsicle stand.
I just saw VH1's "I Love the 90's - 1997". Michael Ian Black had the best comment on American interest in soccer:
"If it wasn't for the Spice Girls, we might never have known who David Beckham was."
Pure brilliance.
So I got the letter below attached to a LinkedIn invite. This is the kind of thing that gives LinkedIn a bad name.
1) I have no idea who this person is. They identified themselves as having worked for General Motors before and invited me as "a former colleague."
2) I don't even know what a Names Sourcer is. I have a name. I certainly don't need another one, although Pastore and I have briefly considered switching last names, because he looks more Irish than I do and I look Italian.
3) You don't need to be on LinkedIn to do business with me. If you know my e-mail address, then send me what you're offering and I'll look at it. I certainly don't need/want to be connected to you forever.
So, here's the letter. As Steve Rubel says, never e-mail a blogger unless you'd like that e-mail stamped on your forehead for the rest of your life.
"Hi. My name is Maureen Sharib and I’m a Names Sourcer for TechTrak.com. I'd like to link with you on this wonderful networking system of LinkedIn and maybe do some business with you sometime in the future! I source passive candidates holding specific titles in specific companies. Our goal is to save you time (and money!) and help you succeed.
Maureen Sharib
Names Sourcer
www.techtrak.com
Our fee structure can save your project an average of 85% to 95% in hiring fees.
513 899 9628
Maureen@techtrak.com
Invite me to your LinkedIn and ERE networks!"
Check out the link below. They've divided all their reviews into places that you want to 1) cheat on someone, 2) dump someone, 3) take someone that you want to f*ck, or 4) make a scene.
Now, I wouldn't advocate any of this and believe people should have the purest of intentions when choosing a venue. HOWEVER, if you do find yourself being asked to one of these places, now you know why. If I were you, I'd certainly keep the dump list handy.
"Wait a second... oh no... we're going to Caffe Taci? But I thought things were going so well!"
Link: Bar & Restaurant Reviews.
Finally — useful bar and restaurant reviews, divided into four convenient categories that address the common situations that confront us every day.
Today was Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's. Kerri and I hit up the location on 23rd Street between 7th and 8th. You still have time, but as you can see from our pictures, the lines are long. They're also giving out coupons for a free extra scoop on your next purchase (while supplies last). The offer ends at 8PM tonight, so go out and get what's coming to you. Feel free to post your own Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day pics using the "freeconeday" tag, like I did. (PS... Flickr really needs a better way to post multiple photos at a time to my post. I already have today's pictures on Flickr, but now I'm reuploading them to Typepad. That's a real pain in the ass. Otherwise, I love the service.)
Link: FreeNYC: We All Scream For Ice Cream.
April 19th... Free Cone Day from 12PM - 8PM at Ben & Jerry's. I will be waiting outside the one on 23rd between 7th and 8th at least 15 min ahead of time at 11:45 AM. Cherry Garcia is my poison. Who's with me?? What's your flavor?
Link: OnlyOnce: Go Ahead...Make My Day.
After his fascination with the word "sketchball", Fred and I talked once about evaluating character based on some kind of a "sketchball scale". I can't tell you who we'd put on the bad end of that scale, but Fred suggested that, at the very tip of the other end, on the good side, we'd put Matt Blumberg, CEO of Return Path. I met him at the Union Square Ventures Christmas party and I'd have to say I'd agree.
So, it was very fitting when I read Matt's post from today about his attempt to be nicer to fellow joggers in Hudson River Park by waving at them. Only 2 of the 30 even acknowledged him, but, undaunted, he still suggests, "go ahead -- be 10% more friendly or smiley today. See what effect it has on people around you. Make someone's day!"
Please wave to Matt if you see him tomorrow morning. Fred and I will vouch for the fact that he's not nuts. He's just a really nice guy.