What the Hunch? I've been interviewed!

For the first time ever, I have been interviewed. Read the full scoop on Hunch!

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Words you might enjoy(e): Installment IV

I haven't blogged about a word in quite some time. I was reading a book today that I haven't read in ages and I came across the word widdershins.

Widdershins basically means to take a course opposite the apparent motion of the sun (Northern Hemisphere). Also, it can refer to circling an object counter-clockwise. You can think of widdershins as the opposite direction as usual.

(via Wikipedia)

International House of...

I read an article this morning about IHOP (that would be the well-known, often 24-hour restaurant, which is the International House of Pancakes) suing IHOP (this is the 24/7 International House of Prayer) for using their name illegally. Now, I understand that IHOP is really unique and you know what it is without even saying the whole name—it's like the USO now in that way—but exactly how is the International House of Prayer using their name illegally? IHOP argues that the organization is using their name to attract visitors.

As an aside, basically, you cannot use the same name when you are competing for the same market. So you can't have two department stores named Target. That's infringement. I am so curious as to how the International House of Prayer is competing with the International House of Pancakes. My thoughts?

• They are stealing their paying customers because these people have decided to pray instead of munch on pancakes.
• They have completely ripped off their logo and building style and are wearing the blue uniforms to persuade possible customers to pray.
• They are making pancakes and giving them to people who come to pray for free.

No, really, all jokes aside, I think this is a case that didn't need to happen. I am giving IHOP some mercy and assuming that they spoke to this International House of Prayer prior to taking them to court. The responsible action would have been for faux-IHOP to change their name. So always be certain to check out any name ideas online before using them so you avoid this kind of situation. What are your thoughts about all this?

Pac-Man-ia

I don't want my MTV

You know how when you were younger, you'd always say to yourself, "I'll never be like my parents" or something along those lines? Well, even if you haven't, I usually thought that when I was in trouble or I wanted to do something and was told no. However, one thing I never agreed with my mother on was music.

When you are young, you fall in love with certain bands and it seems that your parents are bound to hate them due to some genetic trait that causes them to dislike everything you find interesting. My mom would always say that what we listened to wasn't music. She would go on an on about "real music" which was just oldies to me at the time. Now, I have an appreciation for the oldies and my childhood favorites after watching the VMAs on MTV.

First of all, as you all know, MTV is no longer "music television." It's just MTV. It has become a haven for reality television and digitally remastered musicians. There are still good artists out there, but they aren't that mainstream. While I switched between the VMAs and the football game last night, all I heard from the stage performances was noise. There wasn't much else. So when did I become my mother? Why did I start disliking this music? Three reasons:

Music isn't about lyrics anymore—Have you listened to some of the things these artists talk about? I hate listening to the radio because the songs are so pointless. That is if I can even make out what they are saying.

Music isn't about music anymore—The digital beats are sometimes catchy and creative, but more often than not, they are sampled parts of other artist's songs. Talk about being unoriginal. Even worse is that people don't have to be good singers anymore because they digitally enhance their voices.

Music isn't about anything anymore—Music used to mean something to artists. They were expressing ideas or supporting causes. Nowadays, they are just talking about any old thing. The meaning has changed and I don't like the direction it's gone in.

I wont judge you if you like today's music. I just don't feel like I hear much that is worth listening to. What are your thoughts?

Image via Multnomah County Library

Spool of thread

Yes, readers, I am now on threadless. I would love to create something awesome that you'd like to spend your money on—you know, if you were looking to spend money anyway? Check back every few days so you can vote on my submission, Circuit-tree (if it is approved). The little widget in my sidebar makes it easy for you to keep track.

Thanks for your support!

Image via yours truly

Now I lay me down to sleep...

I stumbled across this awesome post about the (and I quote) "Most Coolest Beds," and I decided to share them with you. If you have time, check out WHATtheCOOL for other fun stuff.

What the Hunch?

Halloween is coming up next month and the new costumes are fresh on the racks. If you are trying to decide what to be, there is a hunch for that.

Halloween Costumes - get personalized recommendations at Hunch.com

Television Season

That's right, ladies and gents! With the coming of fall, television networks are about ready to queue up their offerings for our viewing pleasure. What will I be watching? Well, just hit the jump and find out!

Cartoon Chatter | My Life as a Teenage Robot

Every now and then, a cartoon comes out that is funny and somewhat moralistic. Enter My Life as a Teenage Robot. This Frederator produced cartoon had a rather good soundtrack, decent animation and a fairly good storyline. Most episodes have a moral, but unlike other cartoons, you aren't knocked over the head with it.

XJ-9 (better known as Jenny) is a teenage robot created by scientist Nora Wakeman to protect Earth from alien invasions and other disasters. Instead of taking this responsibility seriously, Jenny prefers to hang out with her friend Brad and his brother Tucker. She has her share of odd encounters and romantic interests.

Perhaps what I like most about My Life as a Teenage Robot is that it presents a bit of a homage to animation greats Walt Disney and Otto Messmer. The popular hangout spot for Jenny and her friends is a spot called Mezmer's that has a black cat on its roof (Otto Mesmer created Felix the Cat). One episode pits glove-wearing mice in red shorts against Jenny (Mickey Mouse anyone?). These little Easter eggs are fun for me to see and hearken back to the beginnings of animation. While there are not any new episodes, you can catch some reruns on Nicktoons.

Image via flicker/Fred Seibert