In my mind, the Balloon Boy saga was over as soon as I heard two words: Wife Swap.

A normal, civilized human being would never appear on that hideous show. Unless of course you’re a wannabe actor with an ego the size of a – well – large helium balloon. Actually, would any decent person appear on a reality show? More →

I hate politics. It’s the simplistic polarization of complex people that pisses me off the most. To think that a diverse mammal such as human beings can be divided into two groups and place all of their core beliefs and values under a single tent is not realistic. But people love to pick sides – especially when it comes to technology. More →

I am tired of all of the political posturing by lobbying organizations and opportunist politicos regarding the “ban on texting” while driving.

Jack of All Blogs is not arguing that dexting (texting while driving) won’t lead to catastrophe…it most certainly could. However, our position is that all drivers should have both hands on the wheel at all times (well, 95% of the time). If you do not, you should be punished. More →

Cable companies across America have developed “Triple Play” plans. These are one-bill packages that deliver TV, phone and Internet service – each at a “discounted” rate.

In theory, it makes perfect sense; the more services you use from one company, the greater the savings. But here is the rub… More →

There’s only one thing I hate more than a high-pressured sales pitch and that’s when someone tries to sell me something I already have.

These people mean well. After all, they are being complimentary. But the Jack of All Blogs knows what he has…that’s why he bought it in the first place. So feel free to pour on the praise, just keep the sales pitch at home. Allow me to illustrate… More →

The printed store circular must die…at least in its current, unearth-friendly form.

Several times a week there is bunch of paper rolled up into a plastic sleeve that is left on my lawn. This special delivery bothers me for several reasons: More →

I’ve sat in on dozens of Webinars, conference calls, and meetings on how to leverage the power of social media. And every time I am tempted to tell the fat cat corporate as*hole who set the whole thing up that they are wasting their money and my time. One day I might just do it.

The reality is, people are making serious money pedaling their so-called expertise on this “exciting new medium.” Meanwhile, as they waste our time, some kid is sitting in a basement in Converse County, Wyoming making up his own rules – and enjoying Web success. More →

I’ve often struggled with career decisions. Even back in school I was always unsure about what I wanted to do. But over the weekend the stars aligned, I heard a voice from above and my idea of a dream job crystallized:

CIVILIAN DRIVER EVALUATOR More →

“The summer went by so fast.”

No it didn’t. The Earth moved around the sun at relatively the same speed as last year…and the year before…and so on.

OK, so maybe summer only lasts 90 days this year instead of 93. Whatever. Each of those days consisted of 24 hours. No more, no less.

I get it. You don’t mean the words literally. What you’re trying to say is that you filled your time up with so many fun, sun-soaked activities, that the time “flew” while you were having fun. Or, since so few people enjoy the cold weather, you are playing the odds – appealing to the masses – with your impending dread of the winter solstice.

Jack of All Blogs realizes that Labor Day is the “unofficial” end of summer (put away those white shoes!) but there are still 15 days of summer AFTER the holiday. Don’t shortchange yourself. It’s up to you to squeeze every last drop of enjoyment out of the warmest season. The days are still “long” (until we foolishly change back the clocks and return to “standard” time) and the weather warm enough. Get off your ass and enjoy it!

Now settle in for a long winter. And let the “I can’t wait for summer” chatter begin.

SCENARIO 1: You’re sitting at a traffic light. There’s a car stopped behind you. Out of boredom and impatience you ease gently off the brake and roll forward. You move mere inches. A quick glance in the rear-view mirror reveals the car to your rear is doing the same.

SCENARIO 2: While waiting on a slow-moving line at the supermarket, you begin to grow impatient. So much so, that you feel you need some sort of ‘release.’ You start to mutter aloud about how many items are acceptable on the express lane. Guess what follows…before you know it the other people online start to mutter also. Now everyone is expressing their annoyance.

Tap your feet – so will they.
Gotta sneeze? They will too.
Don’t even get me started with yawning!

Has this kind of copycat behavior always existed? I have trouble picturing two horse and buggys jockeying for position as the approach the Deadwood saloon. But anything is possible.

Next time you find yourself slipping into parrot mode, I am challenging you to be part of the solution – not the problem.

It’s OK to be influenced by mentors, intellectuals and other people you hold in high regard. But when you’re mimicking the uneducated jackass sitting in that beat up Camaro, it might be take to take a look in the mirror and ask yourself: is that who I want to be like?

You are an individual…now go act like one!