Showing posts with label Stretching It. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stretching It. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

We Are Hot Chicks Wednesday: Festival de Cannes

No, it ain't May, and we ain't in southeastern France. We're just chillin' here in the House, feeling nostaligiac about late summer, the back-to-school feeling, the brink of football season, and, well, cannes. We like the French Riviera, and we certainly like movies. Moreover, we're interested in language, such as, how the city got it's name.

Yes. We're interested. We're not sure, but we can always consult Old No. 7's Wikipedias, which tell us that the name possibly comes from the word "canna," known as a reed, which might make sense given that the area allegedly overlooked some swampy grounds when it was inhabited by Romans in the 10th century. More tids and bits of romantic interest, just after the jump.

Having gone back to school a time or two in late August, I learned, among other things, that the word "can" has tons of meanings. For instance, my father's favorite childhood game was "Kick the Can," wherein craftier, more inventive youths than those of our era, played a version of "Hide and Seek," wherein the seeker would hide his eyes while the hiders tried to avoid being tagged "it" and successfully kicking the can before being tagged.

While that sounds like fun, I prefer less complicated uses of the word, like: "I like to drink cans of beer," or "I can not make it into work today." But there are plenty of other meanings behind the word.

Vanessa Raia



"Can" can mean a lot of things, like its role in this sentence, which suggests having the ability to do something, like Vanessa's ability to look the part of the cowgirl.



It can also mean "to have the right to," like Miss Raia's God-given right to purchase, and wear, this swimsuit.



She can also own more than one should she desire,



and she can choose to have this one be just for the home.



She also knows how to boulder, or, she can scramble around on rocks.



The word may also be affiliated with requested permission, such as: "Can I sit down with you here?"



And sometimes, it indicates granted permission: "You can do whatever you like."



Other rarer uses of the word in this fashion suggest a sense of minimalism: "We can, butt we probably shouldn't.

Amanda Brette Pogrell



In other instances, the word might suggest disbelief: "Can you believe your own eyes?"



In still others, the meaning could imply a need for help: "Can you give me a hand with this?"



"Can" also has a lot of slang meanings behind it. In the film industry, the phrase "it's in the can (and ready for release)" is common.



In the military, it can mean "a destroyer,"



or "a depth charge."



In laymen's terms, one might use the word to suggest putting a stop to something, like "You better can that behavior before you get me in trouble."



Contrarily, it serves the purpose of denial, or limitation: "I can not give you anything better than this."



Perhaps a more familiar form of slang regarding "can," is when the term is used to refer to the lavatory, such as the fancy one inhabited here by Amanda Brette Pogrell.

Gabriela Vergara



It's possible that some folks use it to refer to their laundry facilities, too.



The options with this word seem endless. It may imply termination from the work place, like those of you interested in Miss Vergara might wind up if you stall too long inspecting these images of her.



"Can" is also a style of lighting, one that's quite different from the lamp, I might add.



A "can" might mean a bucket, or pail for toting and storing liquids.



Other times it indicates a drinking cup, like a tankard, or even that random vessel of water you use to fill the iron.

Jesse Preston



Sometimes "can" suggests probability or possibility, like when Jesse Preston asks if you can guess what she got you for Christmas.



In other situations, in hints at inference: "I can tell something's troubling you."



Back in the world of subjects, though, a "can" can be an airtight container, one you might use to tote your lunch and dry goods in on a boat trip.



Ever-utilitarian, it is also used to imply recording, like: "Can an image of that beach."



It's descriptive as well, and may be used to describe the quantity contained within something.



Sometimes it's used to refer to buoys, or items with round bottoms and conical tops.

Bethany Marie



As we've shown, the term "can" has many meanings.



Bethany Marie displays one here; allegedly "cans" are slangly used to indicate buttocks.



Also in the slang department, "can" is used to refer to jail, i.e.: A nude romp in the park might get you thrown in the can, regardless of whether or not it was worth it.



Some have even suggested that, when used in the plural form, cans might mean female breasts.



Personally, I cans not think of any situation in which that might occur.

Jamie Bradford



I can tell you this, though,



and perhaps you can and will agree:



There's a reason that Jamie Bradford likes to wear blue.



Our British and Canadian friends use the term in a different way. (Editor's Note: Shocker.)



They apply the phrase "carry the can" to mean "take resonsibility," as in, you can and will be held accountable for your actions in the park with Miss Bradford.

Mellie Zadeh



Finally, with all we've learned today, we can tell that Mellie is cute and playful.



We see that she has the ability to pose as a destroyer,



that she has an old-school tub in her can,



that this outfit might get her canned at her day job,



that we can't imagine being her make-up artist,



that she can, but chooses not to, purchase the next size up,



and in tongues of slang, she does in fact have cans. And cans.

That's all I can deliver today. Thanks to the Gorilla Mask distributors, proud purveyors of cases and cases of #10 cans.
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Wednesday, September 19, 2007

We Are Hot Chicks Wednesday: Office Space

Everyone works, right? Okay. Most everyone. The House of Georges certainly does. While Cecil continues to extend his journalistic tenure for a prominent Colorado newspaper, Old No. 7 and I are in the process of changing our respective employment sceneries. Yesterday, Bankmeister (Editor's Note: See RickeyTalk) underwent orientation for said new job. It, in sum, entailed a bunch of paperwork and manuals and an enthralling sexual harrassment video, followed by a test over said video. Tax forms were filled out, documents were signed, and hands were shaken. What I walked away with was an abundance of ideas of how to make the work place a better environment. Today's installment will involve an overview of said theories, so let's get down to business.

The Big Decision



Changing jobs is never easy. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to ponder your choices, options and your future. A good candidate for employment will allow you at least one good night to sleep on it, if not more.


Two Weeks Notice



Before you accept that new position, it's imperative that you do the right thing: Inform your current employer of the decision you've made and offer them the customary time to find your replacement. This procedure is an absolute must. That way, when you leave the building for your final time, it is hoped that you may use that experience as a reference for future endeavors, and you may one day be welcomed back if the opportunity arises.


The Grand Welcome



You've chosen your new business because it's a good one, and good businesses have good people working for them. The really good ones have good secretaries, or receptionists, or hosts that will greet you at the door and start you off on the right foot.


The Tour



In a perfect world, that good first impression you got won't be your last.



Your new employer should stop at nothing to have a friendly co-worker show you the ins and outs of the facility. From the foyer to the employee lounge, it's crucial that you become familiar with your environment right away.


Your Own Work Space



Hammering out quality work should begin with comfort. If your office chair isn't comfortable, consider asking for permission to bring your own in.



And of course everyone wants a view, but there're only so many windows to go around. My advice: Be patient and work hard; you will ultimately be rewarded with a better locale.


Decorating



You can never go wrong with photos of beachside scenery,



but if the ocean's not your thing, cool landscape images of the desert, or the mountains, or the mountains and the desert, are certainly acceptable too.



Make certain your desk has a homey feel as well. A nice picture of the wife on your last vacation,



or your daughter in her new college dorm room will always give your co-workers a pleasant feeling when they enter your office.

It's equally important to remember what not to do, too.



For the single guys, especially those in a co-ed situation, no one wants to walk into a space where the walls are filled with pictures of pin-up girls,



or biker babes,



and certainly not centerfold-type photos or anything resembling pornography. All of these items, I learned yesterday, can contribute to a "hostile work environment," and nobody wants that.


Useful Sources of Energy



If you're the thrifty type, and you bring your lunch to work, hit the breakroom candy supply on your way out.



A little boost of sugar in the afternoon always makes that groggy, late-afternoon pillow of time feel more productive. Careful not to sneak it early and spoil your lunch, though!


Handy Tools



Co-worker anecdotes, even when they're not work-related are always full of ideas you can transpose into your work, so keep an ear open. Your neighbor may have an interesting tale from a business trip that you can apply to the task at hand.



Not every co-worker's a pal. Keep an open mind, though. If you feel yourself butting heads with someone, or they seem like they just want to duke it out with you, don't fret. There's always a valuable lesson to be learned from confrontation.



Feeling frustrated? Can't seem to find the answer anywhere? Google it! This ever-expanding tool compliments of the Internet is sure to solve your dilemna.


What To Avoid



Don't be judgmental. Don't like Bill's suit? Linda's earrings to gawdy for you? Put downs, especially when you're new, will get you nowhere.



Got a lot of ink? Interested in seeing the body art of others? Not in the office, buddy. Save the tattoo stories for happy hour. The bar's always a safe bet.



Feeling flirted with by that leering married colleague down the hall? Thinking you should keep it to yourself? Ah, ah, ah. You know better. Inappropriate behavior should be immediately reported to a supervisor. It's important that your boss be put "on notice," so that he or she may handle the situation quickly and effectively.



Long weekend with the in-laws catching up with you? Don't get caught lounging on the clock. My advice: Get a good night's sleep, drink plenty of water, and if necessary, keep a frosty Red Bullz-Eye nearby. Gives ya' wings!



Lastly, under no circumstances should you be caught catnapping. Feeling tired at work? See the doctor, and try to eat more vegetables. And of course, don't forget to exercise.

Keep these pointers in mind and a long-term successful stop at this junction in your career is inevitable. Congrats and best of luck!

(Photos courtesy of Daily Niner, Z0D, Gorilla Mask, Bullz-Eye and other affiliated sources of delightful scenerty.)




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