Feedback Friday (#82)

Okay, here's one for ya . . .

What's with those people who name their house?

You heard me.

There are people, and not all of them are Tom Cruise-crazy or even insanely rich, out there who spend the time and effort to craft a moniker for their dwelling. In case you haven't noticed by now (and judging by those early returns, you haven't), this is a large, slightly bizarre world loaded to overflowing with somewhat less-than-normal individuals and a significant group of them are out there this very minute, NAMING THEIR HOUSE.

I guess that's just what makes them happy. Sort of like it's a cat or something.

I've heard of naming your boat or your invisible friend or your favorite golf club, but your house!?!

It's a house.

Now, in an effort to not offend everyone and drive away the few remaining PS devotees, I want to say that naming your house is . . . stupid.

Sorry, I tried to make nice, but it just squirted out.

It is a bit silly, though, let's be honest.

If you are currently filing papers to have your westside flat officially named "Percival", you probably stopped reading a few lines ago.

Darn, another valuable reader lost to the whims of maniacal persistence.

Oh well, let's get on with the task at hand and have some fun, shall we?

This week's assignment is simple -

If you were going to name your house, what would it be?

Or, if you already did name your house - where do you live? So I can be sure and avoid that area on vacation.

Seriously, let's hear all about how you've dreamed and dreamed of calling your small North Dakota shack "The Illustrious Mansionala", or how they just don't make signs big enough to print "Homer's All-Inclusive Mosquito Research and Relaxation Resort" upon.

This is your forumn, make the most of it.


Should be fun . . .

Ben O.

Feedback Friday (#81)

Okay, here's one for ya . . .

I finally finished reading the entire Harry Potter book series. Yep, done. All 29 books. In the bag.

And I must say that I found them all to be really good. I know they have a reputation as kids books, but I really got alot out of them. Looking back, I think there is a whole bunch of material in there that is actually a little beyond the childhood realm. Especially in the last few installments, which began to venture quite boldly into the ever-dark and mysterious subject of "death".

My favorite thing about them is the world that J.K. Rowling created. It was believable and even preferable sometimes. Magic and the study and care of it makes for a wonderful backdrop for a bunch of growing kids adventure stories.

So, seeing as how the over-worked, under-paid intern is still on oxygen down in the sub-basement and the last substantially legitimate sighting of Evil Twin Biff was somewhere in North Dakota, I have the place all to myself.

And that means I get to come up with the Feedback Friday question without any unnecessary distractions or intimidation. Feels good to have a unique and un-influenced thought.

So, here it is . . .

Which Harry Potter book was your favorite?

That's it. That's the assignment. Which one did you like the best. And why?

If you have never heard of Harry Potter, or if you actually are a practicing Wizard and therefore don't need to read about magic in a fictional form, tell us about the best book you've read in the past few months.

If you don't read and live in a cave, describe your favorite rock or stone.

There. Everyone should be able to participate.


Looking forward to it - Ben O.

Feedback Monday (#80)

So, I'm watching Star Wars (here he goes again with the Star Wars fetish) and I noticed for the first time, a tiny chink in the armor of complete and total believability. You know at the end of the original movie . . . where the old guy (Grand Moff Tarkin) is presiding over what has to be the slowest chase seen in the history of the cinema? Let me refresh your memory - this guy is driving a giant metal ball of Death Starness and he has to get into position to shoot his "laser" (said in your best Dr. Evil voice) at the Rebel base. The only problem is that there is a pesky planet in the way . . . AND While he is puttering around out there in deep space, a handful of Rebel dudes are buzzing around like gnats, trying to land the Universe's most perfect shot ever, which as we all know, will end the movie.

So, that brings us to my believability dilemma - Remember the handy dandy death ray Tarkin has at his disposal? the one that we have already established, has the incomparable power to destroy planets?

Yes, that one.

Why, does he take his merry time to skirt around the problematic planet? Why not simply fire up that giant ball of hot death and blow the impediment to smithereens?

Hey, I'm no interplanetary expert, but it seems like a good idea in retrospect.



So, with that - why don't we stay in the Star Wars universe for this week's poll.

For the feedback portion of Feedback Monday, what is your favorite movie in the Star Wars franchise?

Tell us all about it. You might even win a prize.


Should be interesting,

Ben O.

(Prize is subject to availability - which at last check was nill.)

Feedback Friday (#79)

Okay, we're back!

Enough with all the mushiness, let's get back to business -

This week in keeping with the election theme we sort of have going here in the land of dwindling returns, we here at Procrastination Station want to know who you would vote for if you could elect anyone you want for President.

You can't pick the ones that are actually running, that's boring.

We want to know about your dream candidate. Who is it?

But, we're not finished there. No sir!

You also have to defend your position and explain why Bret Favre would make a good Commander and Chief. What is it about Paris Hilton that you think makes her the perfect fit for the Oval Office?


This should be interesting - Ben O.

BTW - for those of you currently living outside the continental USA, tell us about your nomination for King of the World. (I always feel like I should be standing on the bow of a big ship when I say that.)

Feedback Friday (#78)

Okay, here's one for ya . . .

So, it's Sunday and I'm checking out the ads that come bundled in my Sunday Paper. There's all the usual stuff, but one thing hit me as really telling of where we are as a society here in America.

There's a point, so hang in there.

Apparently, there's a new Aerosmith version of the overwhelmingly popular Guitar Hero video game. Hey, I love playing guitar and I even like Aerosmith a little (Their older stuff), but admittedly - I haven't played the game yet.

I know, I know. I've already been told that it's the coolest game ever and I need to venture out of my cave and give it a try. Send me a signed cashier's check for the purchase price and I promise I will.

So, back to the events at hand on Sunday.

I'm flipping through the paper and one of the ads for Aerosmith's Greatest Hits on CD at the new mega-store, "Best Circuit Warehouse City", actually said this -

"Contains songs heard in Guitar Hero"

What!?!

Did I miss something? The CD that has been out since before CDs were invented, has songs contained on it that are from the video game that is younger than my flim?

Am I reading this correctly?

It was in that very moment that I new I was old.

And . . . if you are still reading this, odds are that you are old too.

So, for today's assignment - let's hear all about the goofiest thing you've seen lately come out of our "Miley Cyrus is cool and Pink Floyd is gone" culture. What headline or advertisement out there makes you feel old or out of touch?

This should be interesting.

Ben O.

Feedback Friday (#77)

Okay, it's that time again.

The best day of the week, IMHO.

So, I'm watching the most craptastic movie of the season thus far, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Space Aliens and a Bunch of Other Cheesy Sillyness" and it occurred to me that I just threw away $9.75.

I almost started crying. Not at how tender the reunion scene is between our beloved hero Indy and his first, true love Marion. No, that was beyond lame. I was tearing up at how long I had worked to earn the money I spent purchasing the ticket for that crap-fest.

Here's something else - Cate Blanchett (who I normally actually like in films) was so unbelievably terrible. I was embarrassed for her and her family and her pets and her first grade teacher. I think we should have a system whereby actors who win academy awards, but then come out and lay steamy turds on screen . . . should have to give up their Oscars.

Sound fair?

I thought so -

Where am I going with all of this?

I'm going right here -

This week's assignment is for you to tell us all about your nominee for the First Annual "Okay, that portrayal sucked the big one, now hand your previously won oscar back over . . . pronto" Award.

It's simple, really. Just pick an academy award winning actor or actress who you think stunk up the screen in a film they were in after having won their award.

What is it about actors - they win the dang thing and then suddenly think they can speak every accent fluently and are God's gift to the silver screen?

Anyway, this should be fun.

I'm so looking forward to reading your comments.


Ben O.

Feedback Monday (#76)

Okay, a few weeks back I told you about the strange disappearance of Evil Twin Biff. Well, here we are today and he still hasn't been heard from. His desk remains as unusually clean as the day we discovered he had a desk. His parking spot has, for the past month, been inhabited by this strange little man with a hot dog and gyro stand. And, even though we figured it for a longshot, he has yet to return to his favorite new restaurant, that new Star Wars themed Asian restaurant that he loves so much - "Padmei Thai".

It's like he just vanished. Walked out into the cornfields never to be seen or heard from again.

Until that is, this morning . . .

I have in my hot little hand a veritable beacon of hope amidst the bleak and desperate vortex of insanity revolving around Evil Twin Biff's inexplicable disappearance.

It's a note.

From Biff.

Written in what appears to be either chocolate fudge or something infinitely less exciting than chocolate fudge. I know the anticipation is palpable, so I won't prolong the agony any further.

Here's what it says -

"Gone Walkabout. Took the laptop and the petty cash. Guess where I am. No, really - Guess."

It goes on to say -

"It'll be fun. Everyone loves a riddle. A puzzle. And this will be the biggest mystery to hit the internet since the confounding popularity of Facebook.

So, with that I bid you farewell. At least until somebody guesses where I am.

Forever Yours - Biff

P.S. I had nothing to do with that unfortunate "Little Bo Peep" incident in Wichita that the news has begun reporting about. Honest, I wasn't even in Kansas."

So, the rest of this post is merely academic.

Today's assignment is as straight forward as they come.

Guess where Evil Twin Biff is. It's that simple. Together we can find him . . . I believe it in my heart of hearts.

Thanks for all your help -


Ben O. (on behalf of the Management)

Feedback Monday (#75)

So, I see that Madonna has been inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Well, while we're at it, why not just let a little more of the riff raff come scurrying in?

The truth is that I don't have too much of a problem with Madonna, even though I would argue that she has never recorded a rock 'n' roll song in her life. She has always been a larger than life personality and her music has certainly transcended beyond the mere moment into history.

I think the true issue here is with the name of the building, not who has been sneakin' in lately.

It should really be something more like "The If your Career Lasts Long Enough and You have at Least a Handful of Decent Songs" Hall of Fame.

Am I ruffling anybody's feathers here?

Good.

For that matter, did you know that Miles Davis is already in the Hall of Fame? Not the Jazz Hall of Fame, the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

Strangely, I don't even have too much of a problem with this either. Miles was an amazing artist and certainly deserves to be enshrined in some hall of fame somewhere.

When you get right down to it, Hall of Fames are a tad bit silly anyway. So there's a building in Cleveland (why the heck did they pick Cleveland, btw!?!) and supposedly the best rock 'n' roll musicians of all time are enshrined there. If I were to walk in the front door would I see a plaque for KISS or possibly Journey or what about Guns 'n' Roses? No you say?

Well, that sort of proves my point. I would go if I ever found myself near Cleveland (which I probably never will) simply because I love music. But, just because some dudes pick A over B to be enshrined doesn't mean that B doesn't totally rock the house. Many a riff will go ringing on through the night to go unnoticed by those that wield the power.

So, on that note let's transition into this week's feedback question. Don't worry, it's related to the info above.

Who do you think should be inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame that doesn't already have that credit next to their name?

Bring it on - let's get the heated debate started.

Should be interesting - Ben O.

Feedback Monday (#74)

Okay people, here's one for ya . . .

Yesterday was, as everyone knows, the Academy Awards. The Oscars (as those of us "in-the-know" like to call them) were predictably inflated and pompous, but somehow still entertaining. The Coen brothers have always been one of my favorite film making teams, so it was certainly nice to see them get some well deserved recognition. I have to say, however, that I was a little sad for George Clooney . . .

Okay, that's a lie.

Seeing as how it's that time of year, and the writers are all happily chained to their IBM Selectric type writers again, let's pose this question on a lovely Monday here on Earth -

What was your "Best Picture" of the year?

That's it. That's the assignment.

What was, in your opinion, the best film made this past year?

And, NO, Driving Miss Daisy was not made this past year. I know that it is perennial favorite around here (Evil Twin Biff actually owns props from the set . . . I won't mention what they actually are), but perhaps we could move on and focus on some of the newer movies gracing the empty and soon-to-be extinct Blockbuster Video shelves.

Can't wait to read all about it -



Ben O.

Feedback Monday (#72)

Okay, here's one for ya . . .

So last night we were all deprived of the annual privilege of worshipping and celebrating the best and most praise-worthy individuals that live on this planet - movie stars (and TV actors, I know how the Golden Globes works.)

Let me just be the first to say that I didn't really miss it all that much. Am I just being a "Mr. Negative-Pants" or are some of you out there joining me in not being terribly upset about the cancelled awards show? Hey, I love a good movie as much as the next guy (even if the next guy happens to be named Roger Ebert), but couldn't we just get together once or twice a decade and celebrate the movies? Does it really say in the Constitution that we as Americans are required annually to sit through a 17 & 1/2 hour long Hollywood love-fest?

I humbly submit that our beloved founding fathers were wise beyond their years in shaving that portion out of the final draft.

That's just me, though.

Okay, let's be honest here people - not even George Clooney's mother wants to listen to him deliver yet another bloated, over-opinionated acceptance speech for some artsy-fartsy "indie" (Whatever that means!?!) film that nobody will ever go see, but everyone always seems to want to talk about. It's as simple as that.

The only part I actually missed was that infinitely awkward moment where the nerdy costume designer (who they never let out of the sub-basement workshop) is about to finish his speech and they start playing the "That's it, you're done" music and he holds onto the podium for dear life as they mercilessly send in the bouncers to drag his pathetic carcass off into never-ending oblivion.

That's always worth a laugh or two.

So, what part did you miss the most?

That's the assignment this week.


Looking forward to it - Ben O.

Feedback Friday (#71)

Okay people, here's one for ya . . .

Wouldn't it be great if there was a giant tape recorder (anyone under 23 please utilize Google to learn what a "tape recorder" is)out there for each one of us just whizzing away while we go about our daily lives? Then whenever we say or do something totally awesome (which, of course, we do all the dang time) we could just plop ourselves down on the couch with an extra-size bag of Doritos and enjoy the playback.

No takers?

Oh well.

It does give me an idea for our weekly (or bi-weekly . . . or semi-per-annually) feedback session we like to call "Feedback Friday".

This week we here at company headquarters want to know about the goofiest, funniest, strangest thing you have ever said (or heard said by someone else) to a child.

Now pay attention 'cause the gray area gets a bit muddier right about now -

This isn't "Kid's say the Dang-darned-est Things" ala Bill Cosby. We all know that little girls and boys can say some really funny-cool things. I'm all about that, but not today. (Incidentally, if you want to read a PS post about something funny I overheard a kid say - check this out).

Today we want to hear about the bizarre words you have discovered leaving your mouth in response to something your child has done.

I'm gonna go ahead and get the party started this week with a pretty decent lil' gem I muttered less than 24 hours ago in what could pretty safely be described as the only logical and natural response (once you hear the statement) to something my beautiful lil' boy was doing at the time -

"Son, please stop licking the dishwasher."

You get the picture -

Ben O.

Feedback Friday (#70)

Okay, here's one for ya . . .

So, I'm sitting there on the couch at 2:11 AM in my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pajamas watching the last few minutes of a documentary on The Discovery Channel about this team of researchers on a 17 year long, immersive, in-the-wild, grizzly bear artificial insemination program; when this commercial comes on with one of those infinitely-less-than cute Christmas songs playing in the background and a thought suddenly pops into my head . . .

Let's do a Feedback Friday questionnaire about Christmas Music. But let's mix it up PS style and ask about Christmas Music that isn't really Christmas Music. That will be so genuine and so original that the readership of the blog can do nothing but instantaneously skyrocket into the stratosphere.

Okay, then. It's a done deal.

So, that's the assignment today -

Tell us about a Christmas song that you either like or don't like that you think shouldn't be a Christmas song. Everyone has heard them. They get snuck in there alongside the likes of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", "Deck the Halls" and "I Saw Mommy Down in the Basement Bottling Moonshine with Santa" like nobody was paying attention.

Listen here Mr. Man. We are paying attention.

We're no dummies.

So, that's what we want to know about today.

I can't wait to hear your thoughts and/or opinions on the "Poser Christmas Song" subject.


Ben O.

Feedback Monday (#69)

Okay people, here's one for ya . . .

All Hallow's Eve is creeping ever closer and I haven't even trimmed the words "Trick or Treat" into the hedge yet.

Oh, the shame of it.

The good news (yep, there's good news) is that I did get the check written for this year's dues to The Creepiest Guy Around Society, so that shipment of dry ice and recycled fake spider webs should be arriving any minute now.

And, yes . . . that is a lightsabre and not merely the proof that I'm glad to see you, residing in my pocket. (Guess what I'm going as this year. Go ahead - guess.)

So, since it's way too scary around here for anything else - this week's Feedback Question simply must coincide.

Here goes -

What scares you the most?

That's it. That's the assignment.

Tell us all about that secret fear. The thing you never tell anyone about because it's just too frightening and you're worried about sending yourself into a shaking fit from which you might never return.

Woooooooo Haa Haa Haa Haa Haa

(Can you feel the artificially enhanced spookiness already?)


Should be fun . . .


Ben O.

I Don't Think That's Legal, Dude

Okay people, here's one for ya . . .

It's Friday and you know what that means?

No, and shame on you for thinking that.

Actually, we like to do a little thing we call Feedback Friday on . . . Friday (or Saturday or Sunday or Monday or - you get the picture.)

But, for some reason I'm feeling a little adventurous this week.

So, we're gonna combine the Super Fantastic Caption Contest with Feedback Friday and have something called -

The Super Feedback-tastic Friday Caption Contest.

Hopefully the moon will remain in orbit and the neighbors won't need to alert the authorities . . . again.

So, here is the picture and please be sure and leave a wonderful caption along with any additional thoughts and/or ponderings that might be pertinent.



Should be fun . . .


Ben O.

Feedback Monday (#68)

Okay People, here's one for ya . . .

I'm driving in to work this morning here at the beautiful and spacious Procrastination Station compound and it hits me that the Colorado Rockies are one lil' teensy weensy win away from going to The WORLD SERIES.

I said WORLD SERIES.

How do you believe it!?!

The thing is that not every fan likes the same sport.

Baseball might not do it for you.

Hey, that's cool.

So, I'm wondering what our readers' favorite sports are . . .

That's the assignment.

I'm not naive. I know there are a few people on Earth who don't live in the USA, so let's hear all about those fun, interesting sports you have where you live, that we don't even know how to pronounce.

This should be educational -


Ben O.

Feedback Friday (#67)

Well, it's Friday and that can only mean one thing.

Hello!?!

Why do I suddenly feel like I'm typing into the void?

Has it been that long since we posted?

Don't give up on us, we're still here . . .

Dwervis McTabernash (the underpaid, overworked intern), Evil Twin Biff and myself. Oh, and that hot chick in accounting.

We're not going anywhere, believe you and me.

So, let's get to the feedback before you forget why you stopped by.

This week, we want to know about your favorite month.

That's all there is to it this time around.

Tell us all about your favorite month . . . and why.

We always want to know why.

Should be fun -


Ben O.

Feedback Monday (#66)

So, I'm up bright and early and wondering what we can ask the masses this week and it occurs to me that we have not been too terribly supportive of the literary world lately.

That's gotta change, my friends.

A blog that doesn't promote the finer aspects of life is a little like a hot air balloon without a complete collection of potato chips that look like Bob Hope.

I'm not sure what that means . . .

Anyway, this week's question is our humble attempt at pulling ourselves out of the dark ages and once again lifting up the arts.

So, let's get right to it -

Who is your favorite character in literature?

That's it . . . that's the assignment.

Tell us all which fictional character you are fondest of and why.

It's not like there aren't a freakin' bazillion dudes to choose from.

Maybe it's the way Professor Moriarty was written so slyly into the shadows or how Jason Bourne never quite comes to terms with the pieces of his life as he discovers them, or it might even be the result of that enormous man-crush you've had on Mr. Darcy since you discovered the joy of reading back in junior high.

Let's hear all about it -

Should be fun.

Ben O.

Feedback Monday (#65)

Okay, here's one for ya . . .

The end of the world did not occur this past weekend and subsequently I now find myself sitting at the same flickering screen I always find myself sitting at after having just awaken from yet another end-of-the-word-less weekend.

So, what does that mean for you?

It means we need to get some feedback up in there.

And pronto.

This one's good, though. No need to hang your head and get all discouraged. The idea here is to have some fun connecting with each other and learning from what others have to say.

So, without any further belaborement (is that a word?) . . .

What would you be doing (professionally) if you could do anything you wanted?

That's it, that's the assignment.

Now, be careful with this one. Nobody won the Paris Hilton lotto here. You still have to work at an actual job and there are no trips around the world involved here, unless you want to be a cruise ship skipper.

This is simply the typical what is your "dream job" question that I'm sure I'm already being investigated for stealing from at least 13 blogs.

It should be fun and I know that I can't wait to hear what everyone has to contribute to the discussion.

Ben O.

Feedback Monday (#64)

Say hey - it's Monday!

So, the big Summer of '07 is about half over and what do you have to show for yourself Spicolli?

I thought so, Mister!

We needeth feedback and that's where we've decided to go this morning, devoted readers (excuse me, I mean reader).

We want to know all about the things that you planned on doing this summer but haven't. Fortunately the heatwave ain't completely over yet, so let's name 'em and claim 'em.

Think of it as one part homework and one part life-goal reminder.

Should be interesting at the very least . . .

Ben O.

Feedback Monday (#63)

Okay, here's a good one for ya . . .

Naturally every single person out there who has ever read a word of this drivel is absolutely perfect.

But, let's pretend for a second that there was actually some little thing about yourself that didn't quite meet with those ultra-high standards.

In this fairy-pretend land . . . let's say that you could magically change that part of yourself and instantly become all that you were meant to be.

And you and the giant toad and the little people would all ride off into the Hollywood induced sunset.

Unfortunately, the World (even the pretend World here within the comfy confines of Procrastination Station) won't allow for such shenanigans.

Even so, that's your homework assignment this week.

We want to know all about that part of yourself that you would change were you able to do so.

It can be a physical trait, a supposed personality flaw or even an inability to understand and appreciate the humor of certain Scandinavian comedians.

We just want to hear about it.

So, let's hear about it.

Ben O.