Potpourri

Generally when I post here, there is a theme. A cohesive ideaology, flowing from paragraph to paragraph like flocks of crazy women to the Michael Jackson trial. But this post isn't one of those. This one is a roller coaster of updates, ideas, and general comments, none of which has to do with the other. So...are you ready? Buckle your seat belts and let's go. And do remember--everything stated here is strictly my own opinion. If you don't agree, though, chances are you don't agree with a lot of people. Hehe.

First: An update on Netflix, one of my favorite services on Earth. Recently an online customer service survey rated it the #1 company online, which is amazing. So if you need movies at home without driving down to Blockbuster in your PJ's, looking like death has just greeted you in the most personal way, it's your best bet. But why do I mention this? Because a very neat new feature lets you automatically see (if you're a Netflix member) how I've rated movies that I've watched! This can be done for any Netflix member, so if you're currently a subscriber let me know and we can share ratings and movie lists. It even asks funny little quiz questions such as, "How do you think Andy rated Dumb and Dumber?" or states "These are the movies that you most disagreed on..." Fun! You can also maintain separate movie queues for different family members now, so for instance Kelly and I can keep our own queues of movies to watch...and when we return them it sends one from the appropriate queue. Only I booted Kelly 'cause she didn't watch enough movies, but theoretically it works.

Second: If you're really bored or a super avid reader, I actually have a list of all of the books I've read. Ever. I know some of you are rolling your eyes, thinking this moves me to uber-geek status, but remember...we don't have to be the same to love one another! [Edit: I had this posted on the web, but have since cancelled that account. I can e-mail you the list if you're interested, although I don't expand off-the-chart demand on this.] Of course, I have a nifty little tool that did this in far less time than it would seem. It queried books by title on Amazon.com and used the info there to build the list and web pages. A little bonus of being a Mac guy now.

Third: Disc golf is a heck of a lot of fun, if you've never tried it. Find a course near you and go play...it's free. It doesn't matter how old you are, how many dogs you have that need to be let out, or how terrific disc golfers like Cliff Seals intimidate you. Just get out there and try it.

Fourth: Yes, UGA graduates can indeed count this high. Stop smirking.

Fifth: Just a shout-out to my parents, who are two of the best people on Earth. It pains me to say this (and I rarely do publicly), but it's undoubtedly true. :)

Sixth: I've found that my likely official transition date to the new job will be August 31. Of course, the lines will be very blurred in between now and then, but I certainly have something to look forward to. I can't wait to start!

Seventh: If any of you out there purchase and sign up for TiVo, please refer me! I can get a lot of really cool stuff, and I did recommend it in this post. Of course, it's up to you! All you need to do is pass on my e-mail address: mail@andymurphy.com.

Eighth: How many of you are overjoyed now that the National Hockey League will suit up and play again? Please raise your hands...oh, okay, that's what I thought.

Ninth: I highly recommend that you not smash into a partially-shredded tire on the interstate if you can help it. First of all, you will make your wife scream an uncharacteristic burst of profanity, and second, you will cause a bit of visible damage to the front of your car. Does anyone fix dents out there?

Tenth: Diet Coke with Splenda is the bizzomb (i.e. bomb). I love the stuff and it has no calories or sugar. And I hate regular Diet Coke. Of course, it doesn't taste as good as the real thing, but it's much more doable.

Whew! That's it for now...if you have made it this far, please advance two spaces. Thanks again for reading, and have a terrific week, campers!