How To Avoid A Dollar Store Christmas
"...walking home from our house Christmas Eve."
So, my office is doing the annual Adopt A Family drive for the holiday season. I usually participate, but this year, things are so tight that they should be adopting ME! In any case, my biggest pet peeve is that people just bring in the cheapest shit! It's such an insult. These families have fallen on hard times, but they're not BLIND.
When I've participated in the past, I bought toys for those kids as if they were my own kids. I took the time to match the most awesome, sought after stuff, paired with the appropriate age group. When I was still at Diamond, I adopted this kid named Tyquan. I swear, I gave Tyquan a kick ass Christmas.
When it comes to these office drives, I feel a lot of people operate under the assumption that "these kids will be happy to get anything". While that might be true in some cases, I don't believe it's true in ALL cases. Sure, in terms of giftgiving, "it's the thought that counts". I feel that a lot of people in the office just aren't putting a lot of thought in. They can't possibly be that cheap. Sure, we've all got that old aunt who treats the Dollar General as a one stop shop. I just think it's kind of messed up when these people are out chasing Zhu Zhu Pets (THAT reference is gonna sound dated a year from now) for their own kids, yet they throw a generic $5 "doll & dress set" or a game of "Line Up Four" into the cart for faceless little Shaniqua in Druid Hill. And don't even get me started on the donated food!
I'm glad & thankful that there are people willing to help these families, but I feel like they could be doing more. Considering I didn't contribute, I realize I'm like the guy who didn't vote that's criticizing the current administration. That said, from what I've seen, I'd rather not have my name attached to something so half-assed.
My grandmother used to have my mom write her checks out @ holiday time. She was always telling her to write the check for $11 or $13. My mother tried to explain that those were dumb increments; round them off. Give $10 or $15 - don't give some random ass odd number. My grandmother thought "they should be happy to get anything", but it still looks...off. That's the case here: these people think they're doing something good, but their contribution is a bit off.
So, what's the takeaway message? If you're gonna do something like this, make the effort to go all in. Don't get them cheap stuff just because "they should be happy to get anything". They could've bought that dollar store shit for their kids themselves. Don't insult by not thinking things through. Not a sermon, just a thought.
Subway Commercials Should Come With An Ingredient List
"I'm not a one night stand kind of guy. I wanna bang you a couple times."
I hate when Subway creates a new sandwich. Why? Well, because nobody knows what's supposed to go on it. In the commercial, it is clear that there is a set ingrediant list for the concoction, yet the first thing the counter girl asks is, "What do you want on it?"
I don't know! YOU tell ME!
Then, I find myself saying, "I want what's on it in the commercial." Back when I was @ Toys "R" Us, I used to hate the "I want that thing from the commercial" request, because it assumes that part of our training involved watching countless hours of Cartoon Network. That would have been nice, but I watched Cartoon Network on my own, and I didn't get paid for it, thank you very much!
In any case, I find it hard to believe that there's no corporate-mandated list of the items that comprise each sandwich. Throw me a bone here, Subway! I really don't need free will getting in the way of my fast food enjoyment. I don't need to have a say in everything. Sometimes, I just need a Puerto Rican woman to grab me by the hair, and say, "You're going to eat this honey mustard and horseradish, and you"re going to like it!" Or something to that effect.
End of Cyberbattical: Looking Ahead
"The penis is the navigator!"
Welcome to the season premiere of williambrucewest.com. I know it's been awhile, but Leon's people came after me for that last post. Here I was thinking he should be grateful for the attention, but I guess I thought wrong. I can't really get into details, but the whole ordeal ended with me being thrown from a speeding limo.
Actually, the real reason I was gone was because I took a bit of what I like to call a "cyberbattical" (or cybattical - we're open to either term). Between the site, facebook, Twitter, and everything else, I was just too connected. I had a ton of information being dumped on me, yet none of it really held any value. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love a streak. I wanted to see if I could go a week without all of those sites, and that eventually turned into 1.5 months. I chose a good time, however, as I missed the overload of info regarding MJ's death, Jon & Kate, and countless other "media frenzies". In terms of the blog, however, I guess the break can't fully explain why I've been gone, as I haven't posted since April.
In any case, I've stayed away because I really didn't have an angle. Didn't know what to write. At times, I feel I'm too mean. It's easy to harp on celebrities and whatnot from the anonymity of a blog (or, as anonymous as one can be when the URL is his full name). As we've seen in recent press, those uppity mofos have lawyers and they will come after you!
Taking my focus away from celebrities, I thought I could get back into anecdotal mode, sharing some stories from the life of "The Real Will". Sadly, I've got a bit of a hater streak going on right now, so that wasn't gonna turn out well. For example, I toyed around with the idea of a "Match the hygiene difficiency to the correct girl I dated" article. Or my post about how Fox Reality Channel should launch a show called "Pregnant, Or Just Fat?". Or my critique of facebook wedding pictures. Yeah, like I said, wasn't gonna turn out well.
So, in this, our "pick up where we left off" post, I figure I should just give a bullet point summary of the things you didn't hear about on CNN.com
- Back in July, I saw Tiger Woods at the AT&T National. Now, I know what you're thinking, but I really saw the guy. I mean, I was about 20 feet from him. Could've pantsed him, and I seriously considered it. The thing is, Tiger's a lot more cut than he looks on TV. I think I got disillusioned by all those Chappelle Show parodies, 'cause the dude is built. So, I just did my golf clap and sat my ass down.
- I also quit Toys "R" Us. Yes, again. It occurs to me that I never actually posted that I even went back. That was one of those "I'll fill you in later" promises, where I never revisited the story - there are a lot of those. Anyway, I went back to TRU for part time work back in November 2006. After they closed down my Wheaton store, I found myself in Columbia because it was on the way home from Diamond. In any case, the money always sucked 'cause they usually only gave me about 7 hrs a week, but I always said that I was working there for the people. They were cool. They were into the geeky stuff that I liked. I felt that, basically, I was being paid to hang out with my friends one day a week. Lindsay, of course, hated it because it was time that we could be hanging out, plus I was losing my mind trying to get by on a one-day weekend. All of this changed when I got an erroneous review, and they didn't want to give me my raise. My TEN CENT RAISE. So, I quit and never looked back. Well, I looked back, 'cause I still went for toys (it is a toy store), but I don't miss the work. I guess the sad thing is that those friends broke into thirds: when I left, a third of them had quit/been fired, a third of them still keep in contact via facebook, and the other third forgot me quicker than Peter forgot about Jesus. Guess I didn't mean as much to them as I thought.
HOLY SHIT! Breaking News: Disney's going to buy Marvel?!!! OK, looks like I've finally got my inspiration back. Looks like I chose a good day to come back!
Before closing, I'd also like to highlight some positive things, seeing as how schaedenfraude's only going to get me so far.
- James and Jenn celebrated their 10 year anniversary. 10 years since I first met them on the steps of Arts Quad, the 2nd day of orientation. Yup, those orientation hook-ups can last! Congrats, guys. Also, Jenn, PLEASE redesign my site. You know, when you're not held up with pesky grad school stuff. Love ya!
- My bestest friend, Tarek Sultani, got engaged a few weeks ago. In a whirlwind, romantic courtship, he found the woman of his dreams and sealed the deal with a helicopter ride and a proposal. Way to set the bar high for the rest of us 
In any case, I know he's happy, and I wish him and Miss Hanna the best!
OK, that's enough rambling. I'll be back for more later...
Where Has Will Been Lately?
"She's got her own thing; that's why I love her."
Man, I haven't written one of these things in a while. Honestly, I haven't really missed it, but it was brought to my attention that some people think it's weird that I actually pay money for this site ('sup, Jamie!). So, I'd better get my money's worth.
I realized I don't blog because I don't really have anything to say right now. I'm actually really happy, so no angsty bitter posts. I hardly have time for TV these days, so no pop culture posts. And my internet is pretty limited to facebook on my phone, so I'm pretty sure no one wants to me to write about how Marcus Keith Dowling is attending Taxlo.
So, bottom line, I'm pretty boring, but it's an awesome boring. Can't knock it. It's just funny to me how people can change. I stumbled upon Power Rangers: Jungle Fury last night, and didn't know what the fuck was going on. Did that show ever make sense?! No, really, I hadn't watched Power Rangers in 2 years, so I wasn't sure if it was the show or me. I *am* almost 27, but I hate the fact that it made absolutely no sense to me. Felt like I was getting old.
Another odd twist is that I've become a bit of a gamer. No, not that D&D stuff the Diamond guys had me dabbling in (did I ever write about that?), but games of the video variety. To narrow it down, pretty much any game that involves a fake guitar is OK in my book. Sorry folks, but my commitment's to my music & my band right now. Oh, you didn't know I had a band? Yeah, it's called Sex Corvette. I'd explain the origin of that name, but I'm not sure you're all cool enough to handle it. I've also got a side band, Fornication Wagon, but that's just really something to keep me sharp for the SC gigs. Gotta tell ya, SC is taking the world by storm! We've got a jet, a sound guy, and we're about to get into the Hall of Fame. And don't even get me started on the guitarist - she's hot as shit. I can definitely see a Gwen/Tony thing brewing (you know, without the whole breakup & umpteen songs chronicling the ordeal. Seriously, I'm sure there had to have been concerts where Tony wanted to stand up during Don't Speak & just tell Gwen to shut the fuck up. But I digress...)
Ok, where was I even going with all this? Oh yeah, I was explaining why I haven't written lately. See, when I blog from TRU, I just lose all focus.
Speaking of Toys "R" Us, I had a situation that I've never experienced in all my years with the company. You see, I was on a ladder, stocking shelves, when a case of Wall-E robots tumbled over into the next aisle. I had just enough time to emit a telepathic "Ohhh fuuuck!!!" before it was too late. I got to the other side to find that the ghost of Walt Disney had used his ghost powers to clobber an old black lady. They always said old Walt was a racist. All kidding aside (you think I want the Disney corporation on my ass? We're cool, Mickey!), it scared the shit out of me. First off, I really wanted to make sure she was OK. I was reared by enough old broads to have a soft spot in my heart for them, especially when they're the first victims of the Robot Apocalypse.I was also scared that I was gonna get sued. Everyone asks,"Did you laugh?" I always *want* to say,"Hell, no! Don't be an asshole" but instead it comes out as "Hell, no! I was too scared thinking about being sued!" Hey, at least I'm honest!
Anyway, I should probably get back to work. Then again, maybe the store is safer with me hiding in the back blogging.
I think this was just a long, rambling way for me to explain where I've really been. A few months ago, I met a really amazing woman. A few months after that, I actually met her (don't ask...). Let's just say that the whole experience changed my life for the better. So now I have an amazing person in my life, as well as a new reader, in the form of her younger sister (who I'm looking forward to actually meeting). Anyway, you truly are a blessing, Lindsay. I thought my 5 readers should know that 
Dolemite Never Got To See The Black President
"I can see Russia from my house!"
So much has happened since the last post, so we're gonna go with bullet points this time around.
-"President-Elect Barack Obama". Holy shit! I don't know if that'll ever sink in for me. It looks like Sam Cooke was right.
-If I never see Todd Palin again, it'll be too soon. That guy is Prince of the Douchebags. That's right, he's not even worthy of the position of King. I can't believe he was almost Second Douche of the US. Just looking at that guy bothers me. That damn goatee - he looks like the old sketchy guy who hangs out with high schoolers & buys them beer.
-Dolemite died?! He never got to see the black President! I'd say he would've been proud, but I highly doubt that. Dolemite was a hater. I mean, we are talking about the same guy who released "This Pussy Belongs to Me" & "This Ain't No White Christmas". Not exactly the kind of guy full of warm wishes. He'd probably say he should've been the 1st black President (there was, after all, "Dolemite for President"). In any case, I'm sure he'll be missed by pimps, prostitutes & drug dealers across the natipn - especially those to whom he owed money.
-Neal Hefti died?!
If you don't know who that is, he composed the theme song to the 1960s "Batman" TV show. Yes, the "nana nana" song. It's some of the best surf guitar this side od "Miserlou". Here's hoping he's still composing in that Gotham City in the sky.
-BET named Lil Wayne Best Lyricist?! Really? Were those even words that he was spouting? I thought BET was supposed to get BETTER after Hudlin's departure! Who'd have thought that one man could make BET worse than it already was? Sure, he got rid of a lot of booty videos, but then he greenlit shows, like "Somebodies", which felt like they would've been on SNICK, if it weren't for all the booty in them. Looks like Marvel's over Hudlin, too, as he's off of Black Panther. Where ever he ends up, let's hope he learns to suck less.
Man, this BlackBerry bloggin' is rough! I apologize for formatting errors, and I'll be back to normal once I get a chance to get back on the "real Internet". Just not enough hours in the day...
So That *Wasn’t* A Pokeball On People’s Cars?
"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet"
So, I'd like to do something different, and actually post about myself, rather than pop culture trivia this time out. Allow me to share a story with ya, a story that shows just how clueless I can be sometimes.
You see, for the past few months, I've been seeing a sticker on the backs of people's cars, and I had no clue what it meant. Sure, if I'd gotten close enough, I would've been able to read it, but from driving distance, I was left wondering what that sticker meant. Honestly, the first thought that came into my mind was "What's with this recent Pokeball craze?" I mean, sure you see soccer moms with the ball magnet, or you see the baseball fans with the whole "fake-ball-shattered-glass" thing in the window, but I never knew so many adults to have a Pokemon fixation. I was beginning to feel left behind, like when I missed the initial wave of the Harry Potter phenomenon. Well, the other day, I got close enough to the sticker to see what it was all about. This is what I saw:
Come on, that doesn't look like a Pokeball to anyone else?! I can't be the only one to make that mistake. Anyway, I guess it just goes to show how out of touch I can be when it comes to the things that matter.
Anyway, that realization forced me to confront something I hadn't said outright, and officially throw my hat into the Obama camp. Hell, I was always there, but it was more fun blending into the crowd on the sidelines. I love how Jason at work (yup, I'm calling you out) was so certain that he knew who I was voting for, with his, "I know your kind". Well, I guess you called me wrong. I believe in change, and I believe that Senator Obama is the best man for this job this time out. I'm eager to see where he takes this country, and I can't say I ever thought I'd see this in my lifetime. I could take the race stance, and simply say, "I'm voting for the black president". I could take the party line, and say "I'm voting for the Democrat". But I'm going to take the logical approach, and say that I'm voting for the best man for the job. Here's hoping he's as good as America's other black president, David Palmer (c'mon, I had to get a little pop culture in there!). A part of me regrets that I didn't really do my part in this campaign, but one of the most important things we can do at this stage is vote. Seeing as how the 5 people who read this site are already voting for Obama (except Brett, probably), I'm pretty much preaching to the choir. So, this is me, apologizing for my former political ambivalence, and I'm officially saying, "Senator Obama, I choose you!"
Speaking of change we can believe in, (and on the pop culture tip), there are heavy rumors coming out of the UK that actor Paterson Joseph is slated to be the next Doctor Who. Now, geeky as I am, I've never seen an entire episode of Doctor Who. I couldn't really get behind it because it was shitty for about 30 years until someone got the bright idea to up the production values. Seriously, that character spent the 60's thru 90's fighting trashcans with laryngitis. All of a sudden, someone said, "My word, the Doctor could use a new shine" and everything got all hi-tech and pretty. Anyway, this casting, if true, would be groundbreaking because Mr. Joseph would be the first black Doctor. Of course, there's been vocal opposition, but who cares? You can't please sci-fi fans. We takin' ova! First, the White House. Next, time & space!
While we're on the matter of change, I was convinced that I had "Good Luck Chuck'd" pretty much every woman I'd ever dated, but I forgot that they'd changed the laws in some states, so now I get to add one more to the list: congrats to VA & Jess! You've got yourself a good woman, Jess, so treat her well. As much of a hater as I can be at times, I'm truly happy for you guys.
While we're on the marriage thing, I'd also like to congratulate Davis & Jess (different Jess - but, man, wouldn't that be weird?!) on their 2-year wedding anniversary. Never before have I met a couple so perfectly matched, yet you'd never believe it at first glance. Their whole union should be an inspiration to all of us, and no they didn't pay me to say any of that. Hell, they don't even read this thing, so they'll probably never even see it. I guess I'm just in a different kind of mood tonight.
And to cap this whole sentimental thing off, I'd also like to congratulate James & Jenn. They think I forgot, but those kids have been together 9 years now. NINE YEARS. They met the second day of orientation, and haven't really been apart since. I don't even have the words, but I know that without them, y'all would be reading this one some livejournal with some cartoon avatar instead of the site you have before you. Besides the site, they're good people, and they make up any portion of my Cornell existence that didn't involve Last Call (and many portions that did). Nine years?! Dayum! That's impressive.
Before signing off, I'd like to give Marcus a "Carol Burnett Ear Tug" and thank him for the link. OK, enough grab-assing. Next time, we'll talk about something cool, like Batman. Promise!
- RT @MeisterShake: Seriously folks, WHY THE FUCK would I care about YOUR horoscope? Stop tweeting it.
- A midget!!! #SNL
- I love how that Bon Iver photo was like Find The Black Guy. Oh, there he is! Between Chad and Tyler!
- If y'all wanna make fun of Lana Del Ray, you can make fun of this dude's Eunuch Wails.
- This dude is just making noises - like the kind you make when you catch your balls in the zipper. I hope the internet takes notice!
- This Bon Iver song sounds like Johnny Hates Jazz. Not complaining. I just need bigger shoulder pads.
- That's why Harlem Nights is such a good movie - it passes the torch, but you'll never get that much black talent in the same movie again.
- When is Tyler Perry gonna get cracking on the black version of The Expendables?
- If I investigated rape cases, like on SVU, my first question to the vic (that's Cop Talk) would be "Did he look like Guy Fieri?"
- Ten seconds, gun to your head - who won The Voice last season?
From The Vault
- Man, I'm Becoming THAT Comic Blogger...
- Jonas Bros, MTV Dating Shows, and College Road Trip
- One More Day, Reused Reality Sets, and WGA Strike
- Last Call SUX
- Wherein I Discuss The WB's "Savannah" and The Concept of "The New Tuesday Night"
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