"How to suck at your religion" by The Oatmeal

I could try to write a post about the issues I have with religion, but The Oatmeal does it so much more eloquently.

As Matthew Inman states, I don't have a problem with anyone practicing religion themselves, just don't be an asshole about it and try to force it upon others.

Check out the full post here, but a few highlights and some of my biggest peeves:

P.S. Aggressive Door-to-door, Bike-riding Jewish Missionaries would be awesome.

'Interstellar' Review and Thoughts

First things first, I thought 'Interstellar' was a great movie.
Definitely another must-see and not as scientifically-demanding as many people may believe (i.e. you don't need a PhD in physics to understand it).




That said, being a logical, scientifically-minded person, there were a few discrepancies that I had issue with.

Obviously SPOILERS in this section, so continue at your own risk! (After the break)

'Big Hero 6' Review and Thoughts

First, this isn't much of a review. I thought this movie was awesome.
Funny, captivating, exciting; it had it all. Even Disney's must-have depressing storyline.
Since Jon Lasseter's taken creative control, Disney has gotten its groove back and is on a roll with the hits again. (Please bring back more traditional animated films!)

I won't say anymore about how much I enjoyed it (again, not a review), but I definitely recommend seeing it.


One final thought:
(Spoiler! - only if you haven't seen the trailer).

The scene from the trailer is below, but apparently "low battery" results in Baymax exhibiting the same behavior as a drunk person.



I thought this scene was great on its own, but in my own special brand of humor, I thought it was especially funny in a kids' movie that could result in some awkwardly hilarious situations.

"Mommy, I liked the part where Baymax comes home and acts like daddy!"

"Daddy, you just need to recharge your batteries! Hold these two wires while I plug them into the outlet..."

Tips for a Better Resume

I don't believe in the "perfect" resume, but here are some helpful hints to a better one from Business Insider's "Instant MBA" newsletter:

Don't Forget to Vote!

Regardless of your political beliefs, please make an effort to vote in these mid-term elections!

Our system is broken, but if you can't make the small effort to familiarize yourself with the candidates and ballot issues, then vote on them, you cannot expect change to occur any time soon.

(Doghouse Diaries)

How Engineers View Meetings

Luckily, most of the companies I've worked for/meetings I've attended have been led by engineers, but I have been in a few like this.

"The Expert (Short Comedy Sketch)"


Anyone else been in meetings like this?
Has anyone been guilty of asking for the impossible?

Mike Rowe on Job Hunting & Life

A friend shared this "Hey Mike!" (Mike Rowe's "Dear Abby" equivalent he posts on his Facebook page) a while back.

It's seriously inspiring.

Saturday Mail Call

Hey Mike!

I've spent this last year trying to figure out the right career for myself and I still can’t figure out what to do. I have always been a hands on kind of guy and a go-getter. I could never be an office worker. I need change, excitement, and adventure in my life, but where the pay is steady. I grew up in construction and my first job was a restoration project. I love everything outdoors. I play music for extra money. I like trying pretty much everything, but get bored very easily. I want a career that will always keep me happy, but can allow me to have a family and get some time to travel. I figure if anyone knows jobs its you so I was wondering your thoughts on this if you ever get the time! Thank you!

Parker Hall


Hi Parker

My first thought is that you should learn to weld and move to North Dakota. The opportunities are enormous, and as a “hands-on go-getter,” you’re qualified for the work. But after reading your post a second time, it occurs to me that your qualifications are not the reason you can’t find the career you want.

I had drinks last night with a woman I know. Let’s call her Claire. Claire just turned 42. She’s cute, smart, and successful. She’s frustrated though, because she can’t find a man. I listened all evening about how difficult her search has been. About how all the “good ones” were taken. About how her other friends had found their soul-mates, and how it wasn't fair that she had not.

“Look at me,” she said. “I take care of myself. I've put myself out there. Why is this so hard?”

“How about that guy at the end of the bar,” I said. “He keeps looking at you.”

“Not my type.”

“Really? How do you know?”

“I just know.”

“Have you tried a dating site?” I asked.”

“Are you kidding? I would never date someone I met online!”

“Alright. How about a change of scene? Your company has offices all over - maybe try living in another city?”

“What? Leave San Francisco? Never!”

“How about the other side of town? You know, mix it up a little. Visit different places. New museums, new bars, new theaters...?”
She looked at me like I had two heads. “Why the hell would I do that?”

Here’s the thing, Parker. Claire doesn't really want a man. She wants the “right” man. She wants a soul-mate. Specifically, a soul-mate from her zip code. She assembled this guy in her mind years ago, and now, dammit, she’s tired of waiting!!

I didn't tell her this, because Claire has the capacity for sudden violence. But it’s true. She complains about being alone, even though her rules have more or less guaranteed she’ll stay that way. She has built a wall between herself and her goal. A wall made of conditions and expectations. Is it possible that you've built a similar wall?

Consider your own words. You don’t want a career - you want the “right” career. You need “excitement” and “adventure,” but not at the expense of stability. You want lots of “change” and the “freedom to travel,” but you need the certainty of “steady pay.” You talk about being “easily bored” as though boredom is out of your control. It isn't. Boredom is a choice. Like tardiness. Or interrupting. It’s one thing to “love the outdoors,” but you take it a step further. You vow to “never” take an office job. You talk about the needs of your family, even though that family doesn't exist. And finally, you say the career you describe must “always” make you "happy."

These are my thoughts. You may choose to ignore them and I wouldn't blame you - especially after being compared to a 42 year old woman who can’t find love. But since you asked...

Stop looking for the “right” career, and start looking for a job. Any job. Forget about what you like. Focus on what’s available. Get yourself hired. Show up early. Stay late. Volunteer for the scut work. Become indispensable. You can always quit later, and be no worse off than you are today. But don't waste another year looking for a career that doesn't exist. And most of all, stop worrying about your happiness. Happiness does not come from a job. It comes from knowing what you truly value, and behaving in a way that’s consistent with those beliefs.

Many people today resent the suggestion that they’re in charge of the way the feel. But trust me, Parker. Those people are mistaken. That was a big lesson from Dirty Jobs, and I learned it several hundred times before it stuck. What you do, who you’re with, and how you feel about the world around you, is completely up to you.

Good luck -

Mike

PS. I’m serious about welding and North Dakota. Those guys are writing their own ticket.

PPS Think I should forward this to Claire?

I think almost everyone can relate to it at some point in their life and use some of its inspiration to keep pushing yourself to do your best and take action.

Also- North Dakota and Alaska. If you're willing to live there, you can make a lot of money.

Well, it wasn't a bomb...

Part of Babson College was in lockdown last Friday (January 24th) because of a bomb scare.

Turns out (unsurprisingly) that it was not a bomb.

Yup.
Wonder who called that one in...