I've Got a Theory...

...and if you sang that title, 10 points to you!

Anyway, I have a number of "theories" that I like to kick around.  Some or all may not be actual theories, and probably don't actually hold up to real life facts, but mostly I just find them amusing.  So, I thought I would share.

1. All loud new millennium rockers have a secret passion for dance music.
Maybe it's just the music I listen to, or maybe I am just reading WAY too much into this, but I swear there is something about loud rockers and dance music that just happens.  Now, I use the term dance music not as the specific genre but more generally as like music that you would dance to or might hear at a club, or something w/ lots of synthe and bounce to it. (Ok, I am a little out of my depth w/ describing this, jeez.)  I mean, I suppose it makes sense in a way as the Millenial generation has only given the world 2 new music genres: dubstep and metalcore.  And there is all the synthecore and similar music that actually combines loud post-hardcore like music w/ synthy dancy stuff.  Let's also not fail to mention that there have been many rockin' artists that have moved on to more fancy dancy stuff.  I mean, one day I got curious to whatever happen to Sonny Moore after he left From First to Last, and when I found out I was all "WFT?!?!?!"  Where did that come from?  Plus, while I do very much love "Save Rock and Roll" you can definitely see that Fall Out Boy got some of their dance groove out w/ this album.  (I think Patrick Stump got way dancier while going solo, but let's be honest, I was all "no thank you."  Idk, I admit I love me some poppy dancing music, but not mixed with and/or from my loud rockin' people.  Combining those 2 worlds just kinds of weirds me out.  I like chocolate and broccoli, but you don't see me combining those together.

2. Despite English being their language, Brits don't know the proper use of the letter "r"
I watch a lot of British things.  A LOT.  They have all sorts of adorable language quirks and silly slang terms, some cooler than other.  I mean, no matter if people speak a common language, slang and enunciation is going to differ from place to place.  I get that.  But what bugs me is the complete inability of many Brits to correctly use their "r"s.  And you would think, since they invented the language, they'd know how to use it better.  Besides, this is an epidemic across all sorts of British locals, not just isolated to one part and dialect.  Here is the problem.  They cannot seem to enunciate the "r" when it's there.  For example, "car" sounds more like "caw."  But then they randomly throw them in other words where they don't belong.  Like "banana" would be said as "bananer."  No!! There is no "r" there!  What do they do? Do they not enunciate the "r" in certain words, and then go "oh, crap, I kept off that "r" and now I need to use it in another word.  This r-less word would do."  No! That will no do!

3. People suck but persons are awesome
I have this theory or thought or feeling, whatever, that people as a whole suck, but persons are awesome.  What I mean is that as a whole, people can really be grouped together as a bunch of ass holes.  People start wars, they are bigoted, they promote things en masse that really stupid, etc.  I swear, anytime you think of grouping people together and then describing them as a whole, it is usually as something negative.  It makes me think of Julius Cesar and how the crowd was dumb and easily swayed by a charismatic speaker to take action, w/o really thinking of what was actually a good idea.  But I find that individually, I will often find a person that rocks.  I think many people taken one at a time have a great story to tell.  Granted, there will always be people that you just want to punch in the face, but I think those are outnumbered by people that would stir more sympathetic emotions.  One of my favorite times is when I check out at the grocery store.  There are some very nice checkers there and I always have an interesting conversation with them.  I really doesn't matter about what, I just like the little connection w/ a stranger, and it brightens my day.  And recently I got my hair cut at the beauty school by a nice young man.  I thoroughly enjoyed just listening to all the things he wanted to do and all the interesting stories he had.  It is moments like this when you realize the world is an alright palce and people aren't so bad.

4. Favorites
Do you often read or hear about someone saying they couldn't pick a favorite something b/c they love them all so much?  Like, how they love wine or music or noir films or whatever so much that it would be hard to pick just on favorite?  Honestly, I think that's kind of BS.  Mostly, I just think you haven't given it enough thought or your not that discerning.  No matter how much you love something and how much volume of it you love, if you really took the time to think about or if something in the group really attached to you, you could pick a favorite.  Like me for example, I easily have a bunch of favorites in music, even thought I love soooooo much of it.  I have a favorite band, a favorite song, and I can even name my favorite song of my favorite band.  Plus, I could name my fav song of a lot of bands I like.  Why?  B/c I thought about it and know there are just some songs, for whatever reason, I just love more.  A lot of times it has to do w/ sentimental reasons or it's something I relate to.  With books, however, I don't have a favorite.  I don't even have a favorite author.  I think it's because books take me longer to read, it's hard to compare a lot of them.  And then it's not always easy to remember all that you read, which makes it harder to compare.  And as for authors, I read so many different ones that it's I haven't pinned down one who I like more than the rest.  There are few authors I have read (almost) completely.  But I have favorite TV shows.  And I have a favorite color.  But that's because those things catch my heart and I an drawn to pink more than anything else.

5. The name Chad
Now, if your name is Chad, I apologize for any offense.  Unless this is accurate to you, then I don't care.  So, I have this theory that no real guys were named Chad, but rather it is a name made up by movie people to be given to snobby preppy-boys b/c it sounds, well, it sounds so much like a preppy snob's name.  Think about it, how many movies have you seen w/ guys named Chad where this was true?  Mind blown, right?  Ok, I know that there are actually real guys named Chad.  My fav band has a Chad, and he is neither snobby or preppy.  But let's face it, there are enough of those Chad's in popular culture to make my point at least a little valid.

6. Romeo and Juliet living would have been a real tragedy
Shakespeare describes there never being a tale of more woe than these two story-crossed love birds.  But I would argue that them living at the end would have been the bigger tragedy.  Let's look at the facts.  First, they are really young.  This sweet, "our parents are feuding but we love each other" thing is all hot now, but once that blows over or enough times goes by, and it's jsut going to be annoying.  Their relationship wasn't exactly based on their liking each other for their personalities.  And let's not forget that not many moments before Romeo laid eyes on fair Juliet was he heart-wrenchingly complaining about some Rosaline ho.  Fickle much?  If her can forget Rosaline so quickly, soon it would be, "Juliet who?"  Oh, but wait, they secretly got married.  Good thing they died.  Otherwise, that marriage wouldn't have ended well.  I can see it now.  It's all "yay, we lived and now we can be together b/c our parents now see how stupid they are."  But soon, with the drama over, the romance would soon fade.  Maybe on its own, maybe b/c Juliet finds out she is pregnant and that makes Romeo feel the noose tighten.  Whatever happens, he starts getting fickle again, this time w/ whomever is around.  Juliet finds out, or at least senses something is going on, but it's way back in the day, so no divorce for her.  This is a perfect time for Paris to swoop in, looking all sympathetic (and like way more by Juliet's parents).  Maybe there's a duel for Juliet's honor, maybe Romeo runs off w/ some hussy and Paris picks up the pieces.  Either way, Juliet is never really happy again w/o her 1st love (who is plenty happy off w/ anyone and everyone else).  I mean, in the real version, at least they both still loved each other in the end.  Right?

If You Can't Use It Right, Don't Use It At All!!

I have a handful of interesting pet peeves, many of them odd.  I also have a very strong feeling about people using the language correctly.  I feel that over time it's bad for language in general, and being able to communicate w/ people who supposedly speak the same language.  So, you can imagine that I am big on people using words and phrases correctly.  Honestly, it's not that hard.  If you don't know what a word means or how a phrase is supposed to be used, don't use it.  Because, honestly, you just sound dumb!!

My biggest phrase usage pet peeve is when people use the phrase "Catch 22."  The next time I hear someone use this wrong, I may just scream and throw a public fit.  And part of the problem is that I just recently heard a very intelligent, professional person use this phrase incorrectly.  Yikes!!  It's funny, because I never really heard many people use the phrase, correctly or otherwise.  But for some reason lately people have been using it like crazy, and using it wrong!

Admittedly, it's not an easy phrase to necessarily understand.  I get it, because when I tried to explain it, I found it difficult to explain in words.  That being said, if it is THAT difficult, don't use it! Period!  But, here goes nothing.  I found it most helpful to read the Wikipedia article.  That explained it much better than I can.

The phrase "Catch 22" comes from a book of the same name. (It's a good book but also somewhat difficult to follow).  Basically, Catch 22 in the book is a law about requirements for people in the military, and pops up all the time to cause trouble to the characters in the book.  The basis from the phrase as it is/should be used is an issue faced in the book.

See, what happens is the main character, Yossarian, and a lot of his cohorts are military pilots during WWII.  The government originally told them they only had to fly so many missions before they are discharged from the military.  But over time the number keeps getting increased, so no one gets discharged.  And seeing how it's WWII and the flight missions are crazy dangerous (with most men dying eventually) you can imagine why these guys get peeved. So Yossarian wants to prove himself crazy.  See, under Catch 22, if you are crazy, you can be discharged from the military.  However, for this to happen, you have to yourself prove that you are crazy.  But wait! If you can prove you're crazy, you are obviously sane enough to realize it, and thus not crazy.  It's a Catch 22!  Or to attempt an explanation, it's a problem where just the nature of the problem makes the outcome impossible.

I think the better to understand example comes from the sequel Closing Time (also a really good book). In this book the President is no longer in office (I forget whether he's impeached or resigns).  Therefore, the VP is now the President.  Well, in protest the Chief Justice of the Supreme steps down.  So, the VP wants to get sworn in, but can't b/c there is no Chief Justice to do it.  And the only way to get a new Chief Justice to swear him in is to have one appointed by the President (which they didn't have).  Idk if this is actually possible in real life, but you can see how the problem works.  They can't get a new President w/o a Chief Justice, which they can't get w/o a President.  It's a Catch 22!!

Get it?  Not yet?  Well, I find the concept easier to understand w/ examples, so I have another one.  The particular example hits close to home, and given the state of the economy and trouble for young people, it may hit home for a lot of other people as well.  It goes like this: I need a job, but to get a job I need experience, but to get the experience I need to get a job. >_<  I've been there.  Many other people have too.  And guess what?  It's a Catch 22!!!

Get it now?  Well, if not, look it up somewhere else or you just will never get it and thus cannot use the phrase.  Let me tell you what is NOT a Catch 22.  The incorrect use that I always hear is when someone is listing two crappy choices, neither of one which you want to chose, but have to, and then say, "oh well, it's a Catch 22."  But it's not!!!!  If there is choice that can be seen to a conclusion, no matter how crappy, it's not a Catch 22.  It sucks, and I am sure there is a name for that, but not Catch 22.

So hey!  Now you know something new.  And if you want a phrase to explain the immediately above situation, look it up.  And you may learn a few more things.  But whatever you do, just don't use Catch 22 incorrectly in front of me.  I may not have control by then of my reaction.

Oh, the Cleverness of Me!

Okay, it can't be a surprise to people that I think myself so, so clever.  I often regale my friends and family with my wit and humor.  Unfortunately, sometimes I say clever things and there isn't an audience, or a large enough one anyway.  So, I have taken to compiling such cleverness (pathetic, I know) and I'd like to share some with you now.  In no particular order...

(1) While watching a preview for the One Direction film, one of the guys breaks more than one tea cup.  I say to my mom: "Isn't that a felony in England, punishable by death?"


(2) I was discussing Michael Phelps once w/ a co-worker, and how her used illegal plant substances and got in trouble for it.  She was upset that he was doing that, and said something like "Isn't you body a temple."  And I replied "don't they burn herbs at temple, though." Hahahaha.


(3) People talk about emotional baggage, and sometimes you see it in shows represented as actual baggage.  Well, if my emotional baggage were personal baggage, it'd be one of those briefcases you handcuff to yourself, and you have to saw off my hand to get at it.


(4) What if there are actually only very few people who possess criminal stuff, and they just have really awesome pants?  And they purposefully tell others to wear their pants, knowing there is contraband in there.  It's a conspiracy!


(5) I like to drive like I like roller coasters: fast, with my hands in the air.


(6) Or how about, I like my men like I like my coffee: sweet, covered in whipped cream.

(7) I recently went and saw the new Superman movie.  There was one scene when a young Clark and his dad (played by Kevin Costner) were having a conversation outside, and I could see their corn fields in the background.  I suddenly had the thought, "with all of Clark Kent's super powers, he could easily get that baseball field made for his dad."

(8)  I find it quite fitting the I have a B.S. degree in B.S.  And boy do I use it well.

(9) I could never be a trophy wife, you know, unless some guy wants a participation trophy wife.

I Am So A Millennial. Jealous?

Not long ago, I was definitely not a fan of "young people" in general, complaining about all the things wrong with them.  To be far, I hated teenagers practically from the moment that I stopped being one.  But after doing some research and some soul searching I learned that, while a lot of now young twenty somethings are obnoxious and annoying, I do share many traits.   I guess that's what happens w/ generations, where the span sometimes 20+ years.  I think it's more growing up and being annoyed by youngsters, who you so weren't that annoying a few years ago when you were that age.  But I digress.

What really made me realize and embrace my Millennial identity was entering the workforce and really experiencing the differences between my generation and older generations.  So, I thought I would go over some of the characteristics of being a Millennial and then my thoughts.  Here we go!

One of the most broadcasted traits of Millennials is probably the one that pisses me off the most, b/c while it can be true w/ many young adults, it's also unfair to label us this w/o examining the cause.   Yes, the Millennial generation is also called Generation Me.  And Yes, there is often a sense of entitlement among members of my generation, even when such entitlement is unwarranted.  I know more than one person as a young twenty something who just assume someone should give them a job b/c they deserved it, w/o actually getting any education or working hard or doing any trying of any kind. So, yes, that exists.  And true, sometimes I feel entitled to more than I have, b/c I am educated and really smart.  But I was also raised with a great work ethic and the knowledge that most people have to work there way up, so while I know I can and will do great things, I know I have to work for it and pay my dues.

Which brings me to my point: maybe Millennials wouldn't feel such a sense of entitlement if it wasn't for the generation that raised them!  

Think about.  Granted, I have no actual statistics, but from personal knowledge I can deduce that the majority of Millennials were raised by Baby Boomers. Duh, duh, duh.  And let's be real, Baby Boomers are probably, as a single generational entity, super greedy and selfish.  I have heard and read so much about that generation.  They are (probably) the ones who killed our environment and busted our economy.  But beyond that, think about how it was as a kid being raised by the Baby Boomers.  In my lifetime technology has advanced and changed more than it probably has over the rest of time, ever, or pretty darn close.  And I always felt that as a culture during my lifetime there was this sense of you had to have the most recent gadget, item, outfit, technology, whatever, and if your parents didn't buy it for you they were bad parents.  Ummm, I pretty sure this mentality wasn't the Millenials' fault; we were just kids!  Rather, it was our parental generation, buying us stuff by creating and giving into this idea.  So, when you are raised w/ the mentality that it's culturally required to get everything new and what you want when you want it, then how can older generations be shocked that we have a sense of entitlement.  Granted, it's not true that every kid got every new thing when it came out, but those of us (myself included) who couldn't keep up w/ trends (often b/c of money) we definitely felt disadvantaged b/c of the way the attitudes were.

But it gets better!  Because not only did the Baby Boomers raise a generation to expect everything, they are also the jerks that brought you the unpaid internship.  So, all the opportunity that the Baby Boomers got to make themselves successful, they took away from our generation just in time for us to enter the workforce, so they could get even more while we may just be screwed as a generation.  Well, maybe, if you count your success and worth as a person by money, which I don't and as a generation, we don't all do either.

That's probably my favorite part, and the part I most relate to, as a Millennial: Not necessarily subscribing to the old fashioned way of living your life.  Older generations expect Millennials to enter the workforce and have the same attitudes about it.  They expect us to want to enter big fancy jobs, work 1000+ hours a week (Hyperbole is the best thing ever!!), all for the sake of one day being a big fancy head honcho.  Millennials, however, as a generation don't feel that way.  Look at the lawyer market, for example.  Many younger lawyers now are not interested in the big law jobs, working ridiculous hours to one day become a partner.  The law market is changing, partly because younger lawyers don't really want to marry a law firm and become a partner.  People are wanting jobs that give them more time w/ family.  I personally really need my time outside of work for identity purposes.  I like my time to indulge in other activities, and even at work I like to be able to express myself as an individual (like my totally nerded out cubicle.)

Another characteristic is that we are more creative.  I think this is a real plus, especially in the workforce.  Sometimes older generations can be scared or put off by Millennials' different way of thinking and doing things.  However, if we learn to embrace each other I think there are great opportunities to make some great things happen in the workforce.  I think Millennials could learn some things from older generations, and I think Millennials can bring some real creativity and innovation if given the chance and understanding.  Personally, I am always thinking differently and coming up w/ odd ideas.  I love to write and I love music, which I think in general helps expand my mind to make me better at ideas and thinking.

Now, there are other qualities, and it's an interesting exercise to look into, so if you are interested I suggest you do some learning like I did.  I am only going to discuss one more aspect, but it's the one that I think makes a big difference: technology.  Technology is everywhere.  And it's always changing. I remember, vaguely, a time before the Internet.  I sometimes have found memories of Dos.  But I also am so glad to be rid of dial up and crazy slow Internet.  Did you know some people still have AOL? Who knew that even still existed?

That's why I think Millennials have a double advantage over older generations when it comes to technology.  First, we grew up using technology for practically everything.  It's nothing to me to have to use a new program because I am used to technology.  I used to think it funny when reading job descriptions and them saying you have to know how to use a particular program.  For me, a program is a program is a program.  I know from past technology use that programs often have similar functionalities and are made in a way that an experience tech user should be able to use it w/o much trouble.  Words are used in similar fashion and often things are set up in familiar ways.  I learned a lot on Excel just be thinking "hmm, I know how to do x, I wonder if I just mess around w/ a few things then maybe I can do y."  But then I realized that some older people aren't use to technology.  They can't just troubleshoot on their own.  To them, each program is an entirely new beast that's daunting to learn and they have to be shown everything step by step to do anything.  And it's hard for some people to learn technology and become comfortable with it.

The second advantage we have as a generation is not only are we used to technology, but we are used to it constantly changing.  Just think about it.  Now matter how cranky people get when Facebook changes, and no matter how long I put off updating iTunes, once the changes are made, I get used to them and get over it.  Unless the changes are so bad that it makes functionality unmanageable (and that rarely happens) we just tend to grumble and move on.  And sometimes we get really excited about new stuff!  Older people, on the other hand, can have difficulty w/ such rapid change.  They are just getting used to some technology, which was already difficult in the first place, just to have it change, and they aren't adapted to adjust.

So basically, I identify w/ my generation, even if I am on the cusp right there in the front.  Maybe, as am older Millennial, I have a chance to lead my younger peers and teach them well, and to help bridge the gap.  Maybe? Idk.  What I do know is that I like being a Millennial. I don't think we are better than any other generation.  However, we are here, we're coming up in the world, and I think other generations need to be ready for us and learn to work with us.  It could be fun, right?

My Literary Boyfriend

So, recently, an amazing friend of mine asked me who my ideal literary (i.e. from books) boyfriend would be.  I found this a tough question, to which she then allowed me to combine more than one man.  I was glad for this, since I found any individual difficult to meet all of my personality interests in one.  Idk if this is b/c literary characters aren't dynamic enough, or if I just have too many, crazy requirements.  If you remember my discussion of Sense and Sensibility, you'll note I basically want me, with a penis, and perhaps some tattoos and facial piercings.  It's like that SNL skit for MeHarmony.com, where the cast were matched w/ a person of the opposite sex that was just them in drag.

So, I thought this idea of my literary boyfriend was interesting, and therefore perhaps worth a blog post.  Plus, I had a number of thoughts about it that I thought I should put together, as I have expanded more on my reasoning for each man.  So, I guess these are in the order in which I thought of them, so I can walk the thought process through.  I really think that if this dude were real, it could be awesome, or insane.  Here goes nothing...

(1) Fitzwilliam Darcy
I cannot help it!  I am such a Pride and Prejudice fan, and I love the relationship b/t Lizzy and Darcy.  (Perhaps one day I will regale you with my thought on P & P).  Admittedly, what I love so much about that relationship is the interplay of how they were mean and disliked each other, but then fell in love.  And as someone who's had a history of enjoy the witty (and sometimes admittedly mean) banter, I am naturally drawn to this relationship.  Plus, as I see myself as very Lizzy Bennet-ish, it would make sense that I could love a Darcy if she could.

But more than that, I love his loyalty to his friend and how he loves his sister.  I also think that if he were around in a modern setting, he'd be perhaps less rigid, you know w/o the formal class system and all the propriety.  I recently watch The Lizzy Bennet Diaries on YouTube, which is a web series that sets P & P in modern times, and I love they way they portray Darcy there.  I imagine he'd be like that, perhaps rigid and pompous seeming, but also really kind of shy and awkward.  And hot! Not that I've ever seen a version of Darcy that I didn't find hot. ;)  Lastly, I'd love a guy with a house like Pemberly. Jk.  While that's true, it'd be more a fringe benefit than an actual attraction, b/c let's be honest, I couldn't put up with an ill-fitting boyfriend just for the house, even if Pemberly is awfully nice.

(2) Peeta Mellark
Just for clarification, this is in a "he wouldn't be too young for me" sort of way.  And besides, it's more that characteristics and not the actual character, since this is an amalgam that I am creating.  Plus, I have this issue.  It's like, when I was a teenager, all the celebrities I liked were in their 20's, so I couldn't wait to be in my 20's so they'd be age appropriate.  Only, once I got into my 20's, now all the celebs I like are in their 30's (despite being a mostly different group of guys).  So, I guess w/ the combined ages of all the guys, more at the end of their stories than the beginning, the composite guy would be age appropriate.  Also, 1/2 English.

So, anyway, I love Peeta b/c he's sooooo romantic.  He says the most amazingly sweet things.  Katniss may have issues with those things he says, but I just eat them up.  *swoon*  I also like how he's not the alpha male type.  He's strong and fights, but emotionally he's so much more sensitive than I think an average man is.  I like this a lot.  Plus, who wouldn't want to marry a baker?  I also REALLY love bread.  Okay, granted, I think that in real life Peeta might not be that interesting, and I don't see him as the type to have Doctor Who marathons with me, but everyone could use some romance, right?

(3) Rhett Butler
MmMmmMMMMmMMmmmm... Wait, what?! Sorry, I got distracted.  I absolutely LOVE Rhett Butler (and the casting in the movie = so hot!!).  This may be another draw b/c of the drama, only I am so NOT a Scarlett O'Hara.  I just love Rhett's sass and his just being all manly and doing what he wants and being direct with it.  Plus, I think beneath it all he was sensitive and caring, and he was definitely determined.  With me, he wouldn't have had to be such an ass, since I would be such a bitch.  However, I am glad to add some other dudes in the mix, kind of mellow him out.

(4) George Weasley
So, when I originally gave my answer, I thought I was confident in it and therefore done.  However, upon further introspection, I realized that my literary boyfriend, while romantic and w/ a strong personality, he'd be kinda boring, or at least too serious.  So, I thought, where do I get some humor?  I am at heart a humorous person, so I needed my guy to have a source of humor.  And that's when I realized the person person to add: George Weasley.

You may wonder, why George?  And not some other Weasley.  It's funny, b/c I always loved the fun that Fred and George always had.  Yet, I definitely had a preference for George.  I used to think I was a little nuts for liking one more than the other, but then I read something from J.K. Rowling that said there was a difference, where Fred was more the leader and George was more reserved about some stuff.  That was what I saw, and I think that's why I like George better.  And, I know this is going to sound bad, but I picked the right one, right?  Only, my amalgam guy is going to have 2 ears, but he should totally be a ginger.

Doctor Who Could Use Some Shapening Up, and I've Got Some Ideas ;^)

So, as you may have figured out previously, I am a huge fan of Doctor Who (well the reboot, as I've not watched the classic episodes).  However, I did notice that lately, especially the 2nd half of series 8, it's been a bit of a let down.  I was particularly frustrated w/ the Clara mystery, as I tried to figure it out on my own, yet it turned out to be something that wasn't hinted at at all during the season (not like previous mysteries) and then it was revealed and solved all in such a short time that I found it disappointing.

However, as a fan of some serious sci-fi fantasy, I know that many times shows can hit lulls and low points, (like, say, Supernatural season 6, geez).  So, with some analysis of past mistakes, a few new clever ideas, and some great writing, I think it can get back up to snuff.  Plus, there is an impending announcement, which could give a needed boost in the form of a new Doctor.  And, since I have lots of thinking time and power, I came up w/ a few ideas myself. And knowing all too well that ideas are not legally protected, I mention them with all full knowledge that they can be taken by the show's writers, and if they are any good, please do take them.  I just would like to reserve bragging rights.  :^D

1. Step down, already, Steven Moffat!  This needs to happen. Yes, he's done a lot of great things for the show, even things that make your head ache from the tears and make your heart break.  But it just seems to me that whatever he had for the show has been spent and it's time to hand the reigns over to someone else.  Besides, you want to go out on a high note.

2. Pull a Claudia Brown/Jennifer Lewis time oopsie.  I like other English sci-fi, like the ever so awesome Primeval.  (Side note: Andrew Lee Potts, future Doctor?  Think about it, it'd be awesome!)  Anyway, if you've never seen the show, basically there are these anomalies in time that lead all over Earth time, and lots of prehistoric creatures sneak through.  Well, at one point the super bitch Helen messes with time to somehow cause the rewriting of her estranged husband's love interest's life history. So, suddenly Claudia Brown is Jennifer Lewis and no one has any memory of the 1st version of life other than the poor, heartsick husband.  They totally need to do this on Doctor Who! Have the Doctor meet a companion, get everyone to love her to bits, and then have the Doctor screw with time somehow to where suddenly she disappears from where ever they are.  Then, the Doctor finds her somewhere back on Earth as a whole new person, that we then get to know and love, although there are marked differences.  The Doctor can either remember her or not.

3. Make many people's fan fiction fantasy come true!!  I particularly love this idea because it brings together plot points from David Tennant's Doctor, it involves casting an already one considered actor, and it makes some serious fantasies come true.  Okay, first, you they have to cast Russell Tovey as the Doctor (preferably soon because people aren't getting any younger).  Now, if you've seen Doctor Who you may remember that Russell Tovey was on the Titanic episode, where he played the assistant pilot, captain, driver, whatever of the space Titanic.  His character was Alonso.  You may also remember he pops up again at the end of The End of Time, where the Doctor (played by David Tennant again) helps Captain Jack Harkness get flirty w/ Alonso.  So, you may be catching on to what I've done here.  The Doctor is now Russell Tovey, who realizes at one point "hey, I've met this guy before."  Then the Doctor goes onto the space Titanic because he knows he already did and has to help his earlier self save people.  He also picks the name Alonso because he did say he always wanted to say "Alonse, Alonso."  Bit too much of a coincidence, right, unless he did it for himself!!  But wait, there's more!  This also means that he set his future regeneration up with Captain Jack.  And of course as it already happened, and the Doctor can't not give his friend a nice time, and it would be awesome, the Russell Tovey version of the Doctor hooks up with Captain Jack.  I know Jack's wanted it, and I know the fans have wanted it.  So, why not, right?

4. Captain Jack Spawns.  How about the Doctor gets a new companion who, through a season of hints and buildup, turns out to be the child of Captain Jack?  I know I've played the scenario out in my head a number of times.  I also know I can't be the only fan who has thought about it (i.e. rumors about Clara).  You could even make her an American.  I of course volunteer to play her. Obviously.  My scenario has always been some variation of the US government somehow farmed out Captain Jack's genetic material for secret government experiments.  The experiments could be like trying to make everyone not die like Jack does, they have some alien DNA they are trying to splice with human to make super humans and need resilient genetic material, or something along those lines.  And then she'd have some extra human power, like not dying like her dad, aging really slowly, or super smart.  Then, she meets the Doctor, he learns her special powers, and then the mystery is solved.  The daughter meeting her father can be optional, but more fun for audiences.  Maybe meet him as the Face of Boe AND Captain Jack.

5.  I have a fun plot idea.  Have 1/2 of an episode, or maybe a whole one, where the Doctor and his companion are doing something trying to save whomever.  The tone should be scary or intense.  During the whole escapade they get little clues or help from an unknown source, like a door that suddenly opens or rocks thrown at them to get their attention.  Then, once they figure everything out and save the day, they realize that all those little clues were done by them.  (Something in the end can give them the hint.)  That way, in the 2nd half or the next, related episode, they have to trace all their steps to help themselves out in the exact same way, without letting their past selves unto that it's them.  The companion can ask something like "what happens if we fail" and the Doctor can reply with something like "everyone we saved could die, the Universe could implode and cease to exist, or nothing.  I don't know."  The second bit can be really funny, like how they dodge, zigzag, and weave to avoid getting noticed.  I know there are some episodes with elements like this, but I think it'd be cool to see something more complex, especially where they HAVE to do the same thing.  I get so tired of them changing the past to fix issues.  It's kind of like how Harry and Hermione go back with the time turner in Prisoner of Azkaban, where they HAVE to get things done the same way.

6. Let's Have Some Consequences.  I think there is a little too much of something really bad happens, like a death or the end of the Universe, and then time gets changed to fix it all right again.  Honestly, the show needs to go back to where there are consequences to actions, and the day is saved through honest smarts and hard work, not just rewriting time.  And there need to be consequences, like with Donna and Rose.  But there need to NOT be consequences like with Amy and Rory, where it's total B.S. because they've been saved 1,000 times before, so enough making things up that seem against all the other B.S. that gets pulled and yet made alright in the end.

7. Doctor Who does The Tudors.  This is really more of a hope of mine, since if I were ever to be asked to travel in the Tardis with The Doctor, I'd request to go to Tudor England and meet Henry the 8th.  There are plenty of fun points in his lifetime to make for some fun Doctor Who.  While I love Jonathan Rhys Meyers, I always thought he was too hot to play Henry VIII, especially in the later years when I'm sure the real king had some crazy STD issues.  It would be fun to play up some of those historical inaccuracies.  Plus, it'd be funny if King Henry wanted to make the companion his next wife. I also liked to say that King Henry would have been very displeased to see himself played on TV by an Irishman, and so a line from the Doctor to that affect could be funny.

8. Let Joss Whedon executive produce the show.  Okay, I know that Joss Whedon is currently tied up with Marvel, and would probably never even want to do Doctor Who, but as an epic nerd fan, and a very loyal Whedonite, I wouldn't mind seeing what would happen. ;^)

Dayna's Fantasy Doctor Casting

Since the identity of 12 is imminent, I thought it would be fun here for a moment to fantasize about how could play the Doctor, despite the improbability.  Most likely it will be some actor I've never heard of, but I went through my list of fav British actors and picked a few I'd like to see, even if just for kicks.

Rupert Grint: I think he's adorable, and the Doctor wants to be a ginger.

Liam Neeson: This is a long, long shot, but it would be badass and epic!  Plus, think of all the fun references that could be made.  There could be light sabers, and someone could kidnap the companion.  Maybe one episode the Doctor could have his consciousness transferred to a lion. So many awesome and/or ridiculous things could happen.

Alan Rickman: We could always have a more serious, moody Doctor.  This would be very interesting, right?  Plus, he's still pretty fine for someone his age.

Dominic Cooper:  While I do highly appreciate the yumminess of David Tennant and Matt Smith, why not a just plan crazy hot Doctor?  MmmMMmmMmMmMMMMmmmm...Ooops, sorry, got lost in thought a moment.

Jack Davenport: Personally, I absolutely love Jack Davenport.  He's hot, a great actor, and awesome.  I think he also has a great acting range for the Doctor.  Mostly people may know him from very serious roles, but he is also hilarious, which I think someone playing the Doctor really needs.  Plus, I read somewhere the show people wanted someone older, but I am sure the fangirls want someone delicious. So, for me at least, this idea works.

Michael Gambon, Ian McCellan, or Christopher Lee: Can you see a theme here?  Maybe an epic wizardly sort would be a fun idea.  The long white beard and hair can be optional.

Benedict Cumberbatch: It may be too much awesome (and time commitment) for him to be Sherlock Holmes and the Doctor, but I think he'd be good, even if maybe on the more serious side.

Andrew Lee Potts: (Also see note above).  Granted, I wasn't the biggest fan of Conner Temple and Primeval at first, and didn't see what all the girls on the Internet were all crazy about.  But he grew on me, and I saw him in the Alice in Wonderland reimagination "Alice" done on scyfy where he was the Mad Hatter.  I think the Doctor needs someone with a bit of goofiness to him.

Paul Bettany: Seriously, who doesn't love him?  I think this would be fun.  While I am throwing all kinds of crazy ideas out here, let's add this one to the pile.

Matthew Lewis:  I'm thinking we need a Doctor who was in Harry Potter (you know, for more than 5 minutes w/ a better character than the not so great hack job they did w/ Barty Crouch Jr.'s character).  Besides, he can be all "So what Harry Potter got to be the Chosen One.  I get to be the Doctor."

Okay, I think I have reached the bottom of my barrel of ideas, as bad as most of them probably are.  But who knows, maybe one of my bad ideas could give the show's people a good idea.  It could happen, right?

Retail Therapy? I'm Gonna Need Therapy!

I go shopping.  Big shocker, I know.  Everyday millions (billions maybe, idk the stats) of people go shopping.  And I know working in retail or food service isn't the most glamorous job.  And often times the people working there aren't the smartest or most mature people in the world, but there are some issues I've noticed that I think can be easily addressed.

For the love of all things holy, be nice.
Okay, I know that working these kind of jobs can be stressful, but everyone at one point in their life, and if you have a job probably all the time, has to be nice to someone even when pissed off or stressed. It happens.  But being able to put that aside and do your job is a good thing.  It shows maturity.  Besides, I try to be as nice and polite as I can be.  I say "thank you" and "you too" when told to have a nice day.  I go out of my way to be a customer that makes the day suck a little less.  So, please, do me a favor: be nice!  Because you get paid to be nice, and I don't, so unless you want me to be a bitch to you, do your job.

This is particularly bad when you frequent a place and have to see the bitchy person a lot.  Like how I can't stand the lady at Starbucks.  And she seems to wait on me every time I am there.  Boo!  I really should just get a new Starbucks, since they are everywhere!!  Maybe the sucky barristas should think about this when being rude.

Work is not social hour
One of my biggest pet peeves is when I am at the cashier, and the cashier spends most of the time chatting with a co-worker or friend.  Guess what!  You don't get paid to talk to your coworkers, you get paid to talk to me.  So until your coworker hands their paycheck to you for talk time, pay attention to me.  Besides, it's also good etiquette for your fellow coworkers, since the other good workers don't want to pick up your slack b/c you are being a chatty Kathy.  That will cause them to talk trash about you behind your back. :P

Your merchandise sucks, so leave me alone!
Sometimes, I like to do some browsing, especially when I go to a store I have never been to, or I am just killing time.  And when I browse, I might leave the store in 2 seconds because there's nothing interesting to me.  So, I can't stand it when I enter just to look around, and the employees hover.  Say hi, ask me if I need help, fine.  But when I say I am just looking, leave me alone!!  If I need help I will ask.  Otherwise, I feel uncomfortable when you won't leave me alone.  It's even worse when you walk into a store and soon realize the merchandise is too expensive or butt ugly, or both.  Because then I have to feel awkward and somehow end the conversation so I can sneak out without being rude.  Oh, and recently I felt compelled to try something expensive and butt ugly on, just to appease the stupid store clerk.  Boo!  I can't take the pressure! Leave me alone already!!


But let's change perspective here for a bit, because while some people suck at their customer service, some people just suck as customers, so having worked in retail, I have some pet peeves of customers.

For the love of all things holy, be nice.
When you have to talk to people all day, and often times be on your feet all day, it can be exhausting.  So, it doesn't help when customers are douchbags!!  Unless it's one of the few occasions where the particular business and/or employee has pissed you off, be nice.  It's not those people's fault your spouse pissed you off or you had a bad day at work.  It's a normal, decent person thing to be nice even when you aren't in the best mood.  Also, it will increase your service because employees like getting positive customers.

Your mom doesn't work here, so clean up after yourself
I get really frustrated as a customer when I go to a store and it's thrashed.  And it's a million times more frustrating when you are an employee and have to clean up the mess.  So, I have some advice.  Retail employees have enough time (maybe) to either help you with your inquiry or clean up after your mess.  So do them a favor and either put things back or leave them alone!  It's not hard.  They even have places where you can place merchandise you don't want, so don't stash it wherever.  Fitting rooms are the worst!!  Don't be a douchbag and leave the things you try on in the fitting room.  There's a rack for that.  The worst is when people are super douchy and lazy and leave the merchandise all over the floor. I swear, some retail employee should find the office you work in, go there, and throw your files all over the floor.  Then maybe next time you will have some more consideration when you try stuff on.  Personally, when I go to fitting rooms, I try to find a room where someone left their stuff, so that when I am done I take me stuff and their stuff to the rack.  I know what a nightmare fitting rooms can be, so I like to help out a bit.

Terrible parents
No matter if you are an employee or even a shopper, irresponsible parents are the worst!!  I can't stand when parents are mean to their kids in stores.  I really just want to give them a piece of my mind (since I can't slap them or call CPS).  Your baby is crying nonstop for an hour while you shop?  Hmmmm...  Maybe you should take it home and take care of it!!!
But the most annoying thing is when parents lose track of their children.  Kids are messy, and like to throw stuff around.  It's not the employee's job to watch and clean up after your kids.  I swear, anytime a kid gets lost, they should become wards of the store, and given out to better homes.  That'll teach parents to mind their kids.  Oh, and btw, the store intercom is not a toy!!  >_<


But really, people, it's not that hard to be a little nicer.  If we all just watched ourselves, then we wouldn't have to worry whether the person we are interacting with is a jerk.  It's not that hard.  Seriously!