CI #102 -- New Media Internet

What do you do with that interminable split second before the elevator closes? You take the time to notice the little things, including random tenants in a random building.

Like these mysterious outfits.

Sure, Media Most International and Overseas Media are intriguing, but they're no "New Media Internet."

Yeah. A couple questions. Is it really possible that "New Media Internet" is the company's real name? What do they do?

One can only assume they're involved in the following:

-Internet Web Sites
-Multimedia Videos
-Web Internet Blogging
-Audio Podcasts

Also, Who are their chief competitors? Web Business LLC? Or do they more often run up against the large conglomerate Company Incorporated?

As it turns out, New Media Internet is in fact their name. And they recently trademarkia'd KINOLUBITEL. Good for them.

CI #101 -- Mets hats

Being from North Carolina and an NC State alum, I've always identified with the NY Mets.

Whether in *long-term performance, player signing (or recruiting), or merchandising (let's be honest -- it's the most important part) they're consistently overshadowed by the Yankees (or Tarheels).

As much as I hate to admit, it's true. When's the last time you saw anyone giving national coverage to a Wolfpack hat? Seriously, when was it? To be fair though, would you wear this?


Of course, there's a certain amount of pride that comes with playing or aligning with the underdog. Whim Quarterly's own Brock Mahan and I have discussed the connection between indie rock and Mets hats in the past. At an average show, you might find a handful of Mets hats but probably zero Yankees hats.

Why are indie rockers the only ones not wearing Mets hats?

CI #100 -- HDTV

I just bought a new TV. Because my old one broke. You buy something for $200 in 1996, and you'd think it would last! Harumph! Things ain't like they used to be.

But now, having taken the leap into the 21st century and purchased a bright, shiny new LG LCD HD TV (we really have to do something about those acronyms), I find myself asking Why? What's the point?


You turn on the TV, and it's crap. Even in all it's HD 1080p glory, crap is still crap. The effect is a net decrease of enjoyment because ... this is supposed to be awesome!

Don't get me wrong, I love Becker as much as the next guy -- especially the one where he's hilariously insensitive to an unsuspecting patient, but I can see it only so many times. My new TV is just a big, expensive reminder that there are better things to do with your time (For the record, I have this week off from work, so that's not necessarily true).

It's like walking into a house of mirrors after stuffing your gut with a 16-ounce burrito. Something that was supposed to be joyous turned into a reminder that your life desperately lacks guidance.

Also, do we need QVCHD? It seems contradictory with respect to their business model. You're just that much more likely to notice that their cheap Samurai swords are likely to break and "Ohhh, get me Odell!"

CI #99 -- Gold Prices

In the war for your wares on Graham Avenue, you must ask yourself Which is better: "best prices"* or "highest prices"**?

(*Tivoli Jewelers. **Romance Jewelers. Yes, I agree. It would work better if the picture were better.)

CI #98 -- Swimming pool

I was talking with some friends the other night, and the discussion evolved (devolved?) into long-term quality of life issues. I think we'd all like to own a house at some point and possibly have 2.5 kids (minivan, picket fence, pressure washer negotiable).

And unless we get our own reality show or become a science teacher and start cooking meth (neither are recommended), we realized there's a pretty good chance we'll have to leave New York to do it.

(For the record, I find the ability to even choose to do this is a luxury. Also, remember of course that if you choose not to decide, you still have made a CHOYCE!)

All of a sudden, we were playing house. It was so cute. No, actually it was nauseating. (Someone please play Kill 'em All stat!) But the subject of a pool came up.

And I wondered, Is it wrong that I'm totally up for having kids but don't want the responsibility of a pool?

Before you decide, at least hear me out.

"Kickass, a pool!"