Alien's Planet

Corporate Corner, Pt. 2

Stress Fracture — 2008-05-12

\"So What Are The Rules Anyway?\"

The last time I played a game it had a board, cards, dice, and some metal or plastic pieces. I didn�t know that you could play it any other way. Boy was I wrong! Apparently you play with people, and or their lives, emotions, and psyches. It�s a challenge to play with people while at the same time trying to keep them from figuring out the sea of manipulation that they find themselves treading through. If you�re pretty much a straight shooter, you�ll find it very difficult to get yourself completely engaged in this game. It seems alien to you. You don�t completely understand why people don�t say what they mean and mean what they say. The only advice that I can give you is to completely observe everything that�s going on around you. Eavesdrop on all conversations that go on around you. See how all the people around you interact and relate to one another. Start to stockpile this information and file it away as it will serve to help you navigate these uncharted waters.

The rules are as simple as keeping all of your opponents off balance while maintaining a steadfast path. You will keep them on the defensive. This will ensure that you are constantly on the offensive. The balance of power will be in your favor. They will be in a constant state of confusion, flux, and readjustment, while you, will be on a path that leads to victory. Deception is, unfortunately, a necessary skill to learn and maintain throughout this battle. If you can learn to deceive your opponents, without their knowledge, then you have a sound strategy to defeat them in the long run.

Look into the mirror. What I mean by that is to take a long and hard look at yourself through completely objective eyes. You�ll need to see all of your weaknesses and strengths if you are to understand your nemeses strengths and weaknesses. Remember Sun Tzu�
�Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.� The first step in learning your adversary�s tactics is to learn your own fears. Remember, everyone is as fragile as you. The key is not to show how vulnerable you are, but to get to know how vulnerable they are. Don�t exploit this vulnerability too soon, or you risk exposing your tactics to the other players. It is a delicate dance that takes place between all the players of the game. Patience will differentiate the better players from the novices. Learn to keep silent and take notes. It will be difficult at first but it will pay off in the long run.

There are players who are going to try and push your buttons; set up stressors that they hope will trigger you to respond in a negative fashion. This is what I like to call the �Scapegoat Syndrome�. I will cover that I greater detail in an upcoming article. As difficult as it may seem, try and remain positive in their presence and under any negative situation that they may try and produce or provoke. They are trying to trip you up and make you look worse than they. Don�t take my word for it; simply observe the behavior around you. If you don�t show a negative reaction to any of their prompting or provocations, you have already positioned yourself ahead of them in this game. This will bring satisfaction to you and irritation to them. They will have no choice but to acknowledge you as a serious adversary in the game.

Corporate Corner, Pt. 1

Stress Fracture — 2008-05-05

�The Game�

I know that there are a lot of you out there that work for large companies or corporations. In this day and age of mega mergers, strategic alliances, global partnerships, and the like, people like us our striving to maintain our individual identities, personal choices and beliefs. How do you maintain this individualism while managing the charade of corporate Kool-Aid consumption? It does seem that the corporate giants in the ivory towers want to extinguish all that doesn�t conform to their plain vanilla views of the world around them. After all, you are nothing but a number, revenue source, and expendable in their eyes. Whatever happened to the different drummer? Does anyone ever hear that rhythm any longer or are we too wrapped up in the seemingly endless monotonous drumming of �The Game�, getting ahead and getting our piece of the pie before it�s gone?

I say forget about doing what everyone else is doing, and follow your heart. Remember what our parents used to say? If so and so jumps off the Empire State Building, are you going to blindly follow? That is a very risky path to choose. One will certainly risk alienation, outcast stature, unpopularity, etc. Does anyone remember Christopher Columbus or other early explorers? Let�s face it, going against the grain, so to speak, can be painful and costly.

You can go against the grain, be an individual, and beat them at their own game, all while still maintaining your personal integrity. Once you understand �The Game� and how truly ridiculous it is, you can easily beat the bullies using their own psychology and tactics against them. Your weapon is developing the ability to see people as they truly are. Everything we do in every situation we face comes back to how we deal with our basic nature of feeling insecure. It�s really not more complicated than that.

It�s in the employment/corporate environment that we begin to see just how fragile we are. Upon entering into this arena and unbeknownst to us, find ourselves in a battle or struggle for individual survival. This battle is what a lot of people call �The Game�. Quite a few people embrace it wholeheartedly. In an effort to compete, win, and gain upward mobility, they can, and often do, leave a swath of destruction behind them. It is as if playing �The Game� starts to consume them and the better personality traits that they possess, such as compassion, consideration for others, and just plain decency.

What can we do? We have to play that game to survive, right? Popular belief may suggest that one must play the game to some extent in order to function, advance, or just plain survive. I am not convinced of that. I believe the key is to understand the fellow players in this so-called �Game�. Once you have understanding of their behavior, and how they respond in certain situations, you can anticipate their moves well in advance and avoid possible confrontations later. This does take time and patience, as any worthwhile skill does. While trying to learn these survival skills, it will be difficult, as you will no doubt have to take in some BS and abuse from some of the more aggressive �Players�. In time, that will serve to strengthen your resolve, and build up your resistance to such misbehavior.

We need to arm ourselves with a boatload of humor to get through these trials by fire. You�re going to have to see this game in a new light, the light of truth, with a humorous spin, that is. Through the next, oh I don�t know how long, time frame, I�m going to take you on a journey into this game, and the corporate arenas that we find ourselves in. I will show you the humor in the rules, terminology, and the overall structure of the game. Once you can laugh, you can begin to cope, and then you�re on to victory my friend. I�ll be your guide for the foreseeable future. We will explore the board together. Now, I have dibs on the Top Hat. What about you? I suppose you want the car, right?

Meme #1 for 2008

AlienCG — 2008-01-01

I lifted this meme from Tara over at Eclectic Spaghetti. I haven't answered questions in a while, so I thought I'd try this one out.

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night.
My Aunt.

2. What were you doing at 8:00?
Drinking coffee and working on the crossword puzzle.

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Driving through the snow to get home.

4. What happened to you in 2006?
I bought a house.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
(Referring to the weather) "This sucks!"

6. How many beverages did you have today?
Quite a few.

7. What color is your hairbrush?
Black

8. What was the last thing you paid for?
A hard drive and a CD/DVD Burner

9. Where were you last night?
Casa de Alien

10. What color is your front door?
White

11. Where do you keep your change?
Wherever it lands

12. What’s the weather like today?
Crappy

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?
Butter Pecan

14. What excites you?
I'm a guy, what do you think excites me?

15. Do you want to cut your hair?
Already done

16. Are you over the age of 25?
Yes, but I don't act like it

17. Do you talk a lot?
No, I talk too much

18. Do you watch the O.C?
Why would I do something like that?

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
Yes

20. Do you make your own words?
Only when there isn't a word befitting a situation

21. Are you a jealous person?
Not really

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’.
I don't have one of those

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’.
I don't have one of those either

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
Evil-E

25. What does the last text message you received say?
"Your bill is ready for review" (I don't pay for the phone, but I get these messages)

26. Do you chew on the straw?
If I have one, yes.

27. Do you have curly hair?
Only when I let it grow

28. What’s the next place you’re going to?
Bed

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?
I don't associate with rude people

30. What was the last thing you ate?
Pork, sauerkraut and spaetzels

31. Will you get married in the future?
I have no freaking idea

32. What was the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
Pi: Faith in Chaos

33. Is there anyone you like right now?
I like all beings

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
This morning

35. Are you currently depressed?
Not really

36. Did you cry today?
No

37. Why did you answer and post this?
It was something to do

38. Tag 5 people who would do this.
If you feel like doing, do it. If not, don't.

Tara's Interview Questions

AlienCG — 2007-08-23

1. Of all the places you've traveled to on business, which state is your favorite and least favorite, and why?

My favorite, by far, is Minnesota. The people are incredibly friendly, there's a lot of beautiful scenery to see and enjoy. It also seems that any company I work for there is very calm no matter what problems arise.

I won't include the whole state, but West Texas is not a favorite of mine. There's nothing to see there, it takes a long time to get from one place to the next and the people aren't all that friendly.

2. Someone discovered your blog and noticed that you've got a good garden started. They buy you a huge greenhouse for your backyard. Aside from the veggies and herbs you already have, what else would you grow in your greenhouse?

Sage, Rosemary, Parsley, Cilantro, Oregano, Onion Chives, Jalepenos, Poblano Peppers, Zucchini, Summer Squash, Bell Peppers (Red, Green and Yellow), Carrots, Peas, Shalots, Cauliflower, etc., etc...

3. What is your favorite movie about extraterrestrials and why?

Though it's been a while since I've seen it, I would have to say Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I would like to think that if and when the aliens finally visit us, they will come in peace.

4. What is your favorite movie about supernatural phenomenon and why?

The Exorcist. This movie is so well written and just scary as hell. I could watch this movie over and over, but I have to buy it first.

5. While earning your Associates degree, was there any specific instructor who inspired you?

Mr. Doug Hubert. He had a great style of teaching, he never gave up on any of his students, even after he left the school. He believes that having fun is as important to education as learning is. He showed up on our graduation night to congratulate us. I'll never forget anything he taught me. Here are the rules, if you'd like for me to dream up 5 different questions for you.

1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview Me". (Perfect strangers are welcome, as well.)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

L.B.'s Interview Questions

AlienCG — 2007-08-23

L.B. sent me these questions a while ago and it totally slipped my mind. So, in the meaning of fairness, I have posted those questions and my answers.

Thank you for playing, Alien! Here are your questions. Simply post them, along with your answers, in your blog. I look forward to seeing what you have to say....

1. Through a series of mysterious circumstances you become required to choose one group or person to record all of the music that you will listen to for the rest of your life. Who gets the honors and why?

I would have to say (big surprise) Pink Floyd. I have been a fan for many years and enjoy their style. They have intelligent lyrics, great music and their style is completely unique.

2. You are hosting a dinner party and can invite five guests, living or dead, real or fictional. Who's on the guest list and why?

Guest #1: Dr. Zahi Hawass, Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. I love Egyptian history and Dr. Hawass is a fascinating source of information.
Guest #2: Dr. Michio Kaku, Theoretical Physicist at City University of New York. He has the ability to explain the most complex ideas in simple language.
Guest #3: Seth McFarlane, Creator of Family Guy. I just want to find out where his ideas for the show come from.
Guest #4: Edward R. Murrow, the last great journalist. Murrow is the man who stood up to Andrew McCarthy during the Red Scare of the 1950's. He also knew how to write some of the most eloquent commentaries.
Guest #5: Evil-E. I know, he's my brother, but he is also one of the most interesting people I know. He's also good for a conversation.

3. Would you rather have to eat a live fly with every meal for a year or go grocery shopping naked, up and down each aisle, long check out line, on a Saturday afternoon?

I've heard that flies are an excellent source of protein and other nutrients. I would not want to go shopping naked. That freezer aisle can get pretty cold.

4. You are receiving an award. Yay AlienCG! What is the award for and who is presenting it?

This is a tough question. I have no idea what I could have done to receive an award. Unless it's for growing a great number of cucumbers in crappy soil during my first year garden. This award would be presented by somebody from HGTV (not one of the interior designers).

5. What would your perfect day be like? Tell us, in as much detail as you wish, what happens from the time you arise until the time you lie down to sleep again that night.

My perfect day is spent doing as little as possible, but enjoying my home as much as possible. I would sleep in until about 7am. When I finally do get up, I throw on a pair of jeans and t-shirt, start the coffee (weekend coffee, that is) and run out to get a newspaper. When I get home, I put on a pair of sweatpants, pour a cup of coffee and sit and read the paper and do the crossword puzzle. During that time I will also make myself a plate of pancakes for breakfast. I will skip the details of the personal business that I tend to. After that, I will check out the daily blog entries, post comments and write a post of my own on what a perfect day I'm having. Then, at about noon, I will head up to the gyro place for a jumbo and go back home. After lunch is finished, I retire to the basement to either shoot pool or play a video game (or both). Later on, I make something for dinner or go over to the parents' for dinner. When I get home, I take a shower, pop in a movie or one of my X-Files discs and veg out on the couch.

A CD for Every Occasion

AlienCG — 2007-06-20

What CD would most likely listen to for the following:

A Long Drive: Tom Petty's Greatest Hits

A Good Mood: Dropkick Murphys, Do or Die

A Bad Mood: Slayer, Reign in Blood

Chilling Out: Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon

Shooting Pool: Pearl Jam, Ten

A Down Mood: Mazzy Star, She Hangs Brightly

Going for a Walk: Fleetwood Mac, Rumors

I'm not tagging anyone, but if you really feel like doing it, please go right ahead.

Obsolescence

AlienCG — 2007-05-24

Thanks to Furtive Wangler and Tara for the inspiration on this one. They both recently posted on the end of the cassette tape and their memories regarding this medium. I was thinking about all of the technology that has gone by the wayside.

1. The 8-Track cartridge
Admittedly, I am a bit too young to remember this medium. I have heard they did sound better than the cassette tape.

2. The Videodisc
The Videodisc was the precursor to the laserdisc. The Videodisc was an analog medium for movies that only lasted about three years. The discs were about 12 inches in diameter which made them inconvenient. Dad won one of these from a local radio station and we watched many movies on it.

3. The Laserdisc
The Laserdisc was the precursor to the modern DVD. It was the first digital medium to be released to the general public. As the name states it used a laser to read the data off of the disc.

4. The Vinyl LP
One of the longest lasting music mediums and not technically obsolete. Unfortunately, the popularity has gone down drastically because of the CD. There are studios that are still pressing these platters for release. Don't give up the ship.

5. The Cassette Tape
The cassette was a necessity for many people. It was one of the first media to allow people to record their favorite songs. It was also used as a data device for old computers back in the 80's. The cassette was replaced by the equally portable and longer-lasting CD.

6. The Floppy Diskette
It all started with the 5 1/4" diskette and then the 3 1/2" plastic covered diskette. It was the primary data storage medium since the advent of the personal computer. Once again, the CD would be the end of this one too.

7. The Videotape
It all started with a knockdown, dragout fight between VHS and Betamax. VHS would end up being the winner and hold onto its championship for many years. It would see the rise and fall of the videodisc and the laserdisc. This time it would be the cousin of the CD, the DVD, that would put the videotape on the ropes.

So, when will the CD's godfather-type grip on electronic media finally be overthrown? What could possibly come next?

Tuesday Meme (Thanks, Tara)

AlienCG — 2007-03-27

1. What time is it?
7:15 pm

2. What is your full name?
Alien Eduardo Ricardo Coffeeground XXVII

3. What are you most afraid of?
Large, mean dogs

4. What is the most recent movie that you have seen in a theater?
Office Space (Cult Movie weekend at the Cedar Lee)

5. Have you ever seen a ghost?
No, but there's always hope.

6. Where were you born?
Earth

7. Ever been to Alaska?
Does South Dakota count?

8. Ever been toilet papering?
Isn't that a bit personal?

9. Loved someone so much it made you cry?
Nah

10. Been in a serious car accident?
Nope

11. Do you plan to have any more children?:
I'm not permitted to spawn

12. Favorite day of the week?
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays

13. Favorite Restaurant?
Arthur Bryant's in Kansas City

14. Favorite Flower?
I dunno

15. Favorite Holiday?
Christmas

16. Favorite sport to watch?
Ice Hockey and Football

17. Favorite Drink?
Iced Tea

18. Favorite Ice Cream?
Butter Pecan

19. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Sonic

20. What color is your bedroom carpet?
Beige

21. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
Written, once, Driving, thrice

22. Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail?
Somebody that wants me to buy Viagra

23. What do you do when you are bored?
I fly out to the fourth moon of Jupiter for a quick bite and a concert

24. Bedtime?
When I fall asleep

25. Who will respond to this e-mail the quickest?
Probably a spammer

26. Who is the person you sent this to that is least likely to respond?
Anyone that matters

27. Who is the person that you are most curious to see their answers?
You know, that guy who wears a shirt

28. Favorite TV shows?
Family Guy, Mythbusters, Dirty Jobs, Good Eats, The Simpsons, Seinfeld, American Dad, M*A*S*H

29. Ford or Chevy?
Any other choices?

30. What are you listening to right now?
Somebody's car with an annoying bass kicker

31. How many pets do you have?
I have an artificial plant

32. Which came first the chicken or the egg?
The horse

33. What would you like to accomplish before you die?
That whole time machine thing

34. How many people are you sending this e-mail to?
I'm not a freakin' spammer

35. Time now?
7:32 pm

The Moon Landing

AlienCG — 2007-03-04

The debate rages on, for many years. Did man land on the moon? Was the whole thing filmed on a soundstage in Hollywood? Is it even possible to replicate a moon landing?

I believe that man did go to the moon six times (Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17). I have read both sides of the conspiracy and the believers use conventional wisdom and earth-based calculations to make their arguments. This is all well and good, but the moon is not earth. They do not have the same gravitational acceleration and the moon does not have an atmosphere. The fact that there are no stars in the photographs is evidence that we were there. Ever try looking at the stars with street lights glaring in your eyes? It's nearly impossible. I'll leave it at that, what do you think?

Introduction

AlienCG — 2007-03-03

I've been thinking about this idea for a while, but I wasn't sure how it would go over with everyone. I have created a new category for posts about aliens, UFO's and conspiracies. I've always been interested in these things and I actually had a forum for these topics back in the early days of the Planet, The Weirdness Forum. Unfortunately, I was unable to generate enough interest in it so I shut it down (I also had a major technical glitch that paralyzed it). I thought about resurrecting it and I still may, depending on the response to the new posts. I'm not looking to be entirely serious, these discussions are for fun and entertainment purposes only. They are going to cover Roswell, crop circles, the Moon landing, Planet X (trust me, this one is funny and ridiculous), paranormal phenomena and many other things. I believe in some of these things, but I'm skeptical when it comes to others. Feel free to submit ideas for posts or even posts of your very own for discussion. This could be interesting.