So this just happened…

by ihaddad on May 14, 2013

 

{ 0 comments }

Wisdom

by ihaddad on May 2, 2013

Advertising

{ 0 comments }

Dogs Are Tough Critics

by ihaddad on May 1, 2013

I’m sitting here at my computer listening to my jams, when David Bowie suddenly decides it is time for me to dance. So of course I’m all like, Check out my Fly Girl shimmy, yo.—because it’s freakin’ David Bowie, right? I’m in the process of transitioning to my most advanced moves, when all of a sudden Little White Dog—who, by the way, is a TOTAL asshole—freaks out and runs to the other room like he’s being chased by a syringe-toting veterinarian.

Then I’m all like, WTF Little White Dog? You perform your Capoeira-ass ninja moves every time I walk in the goddamn door, but once in a blue moon the dance gods speak through me, and you act like I’ve been possessed by Elaine from Seinfeld. How do you think that makes me feel? You are a cold-hearted bastard, Little White Dog, but you shall never contain my inner dancer. Never.

Mom, your dance moves are freaking me out.

 

{ 2 comments }

10 Things I Learned in the Last Week of 2012

by ihaddad on January 1, 2013

  1. Rerun from What's HappeningCooking spray is not an effective alternative to furniture polish.
  2. If you dream that Rerun from What’s Happening has a side business as a yacht captain/puppy salesman, you probably had one too many Oreos the night before.
  3. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches make lousy throw pillows.
  4. The gunk living up inside your electric toothbrush probably isn’t black mold, but it’s not supposed to be there.
  5. Using hair as a napkin is unproductive and might attract dogs.
  6. Darting outside to get the mail in your PJs and zit cream is a gamble not worth taking.
  7. Chewing 17 pieces of gum in a row is surprisingly unsatisfying.
  8. Pets need to be fed every day even if you don’t feel like it.
  9. Moving your dead plants indoors during a freeze to alleviate your guilt won’t bring them back to life.
  10. If your spouse purchases the extended warranty for your new laptop, it doesn’t mean he can’t trust you around technology. It means he can’t trust you around gravity.

{ 2 comments }

Business Ownership: The Zen of Terror

by ihaddad on August 23, 2012

Exactly 14 years ago this month I started my own business. Like most things in my small universe, it wasn’t a very graceful transition.

This was before the term “entrepreneur” made it onto the collective radar. Most people just thought I was nuts. “What about health insurance? How are you going to get clients? What happens if all the work dries up?” I could see I needed to add “hire new cheerleading squad” to my list of things to do—right behind “buy computer” and “research bean recipes.”

Those first few years were equal parts exhilaration and terror. The great unknown had taken a fast train to the pit of my stomach and remained parked in that gastric rail station until about 2003.

They say the five year mark is an important waypoint along the road to recovery from disease, addiction, and heartbreak. It’s no wonder then, that my dedication to the business had become a sick obsession that occasionally brought me to tears. Eventually though, I found my stride, and around year five things began to change. Before I knew it, I had morphed into a creature who could sit in silence for 16 hours a day—although unlike a monk, my silence wasn’t so much a spiritual quest as it was a singleminded obsession with not becoming a hobo.*

My Desk, circa right now

I’ve finally gotten to the place where slow times don’t freak me out so much. I know I must savor them because work never comes at convenient intervals, but rather as a sudden onslaught of deadlines wrapped in paper coffee cups and take-out menus.

The very day I announced the date of the next #BlogathonATX, I received requests to bid on three new design projects. Rather than panic, I simply stocked up on antacids, put the therapist on retainer, and dusted off the keyboard. I am open for business.

Now let’s see… Are we in the mood for Indian or Thai…?

 

*In certain contexts, the terms “silence” and “incessant drone of Law & Order reruns” are interchangeable.


 

 

 

{ 4 comments }

My Brain is an Asshole

by ihaddad on July 25, 2012

In yet another feeble stab at bettering myself, I decided to try to meditate this morning. (And by “meditate,” I mean “drink coffee without checking email.”) So I’m sitting there for about 25 seconds, when my brain starts talking to me. (My brain is a piece of crap and doesn’t support my attempts at self-improvement.) This is more or less how the conversation went:

Brain: Hey. Hey, you. Don’t pretend you can’t hear me. I know you hear me.

Me: I’m not listening, I’m not listening, la-la-la-la-la…

Brain: What’cha doin’?

Me: STFU, I’m trying to meditate here.

Brain: I’m bored. I’ll bet I can get you to think about doughnuts…right…NOW.

Me: Go to hell.

Brain: Hey, this is fun! Now we’re going to think about giraffes and their long-ass necks. Do you ever wonder what it would be like if they had to swallow pills? Like, if a giraffe had a headache and had to swallow an aspirin, how exactly would that work?*

Me: Shut up.

Brain: No, really—would he put the aspirin under his perversely long tongue? And then he’d have to bend all the way over to get some water, and the pill would fall out. Poor giraffes.

Me: Seriously, shut up.

Brain: You really suck at meditating.

Me: I hate you.

Brain: Mmm… doughnuts…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*I spend an inordinate amount of time
wondering if animals get headaches.
Don’t ask.

 

{ 9 comments }

What’s in a Name?

by ihaddad on July 19, 2012

I don’t believe in god (or God), and I’m pretty down on religion too. I’m Jewish by birth, but that’s not so much a faith as it is an excuse to eat kugel and go to therapy. As far as religions go, Judaism isn’t the worst. (Although going to Hebrew school instead of participating in normal after school activities puts it in the running for “Religion Most Likely to Ensure You’re the Last One Picked for Kickball.”)

I’m a little uncomfortable with Atheism; its members are almost as devout and insufferable as their religious counterparts. I don’t understand people who have a strong belief in disbelief. (I think that’s called Occam’s Razor. Or is it St. Elmo’s Fire? I always get those confused.) I really can’t fault the atheists though—it sucks being the most reviled people on the planet. Oh wait – no – that’s the Muslims. Never mind.*

I’m not a big fan of Agnosticism—it sounds more like an excuse than an identity. As far as I can tell, it’s a lot like kissing your sister. And not in a good way. That said, I do see its merit as a way of avoiding bar fights and conversations with libertarians.

I’m far too broke and lazy for Humanism, and while Nontheism is in the running, it doesn’t have quite the razzle-dazzle of “One Who Will Eventually be Burned at the Stake.” “The Cult of Weenie” has a nice ring to it, but the double entendre might confuse people into thinking I’m a Pagan, which has its own merits but seems highly unsanitary.

I come in peace. You come in pieces.

Naturalism seems like a good fit, but if I call myself a naturalist, people might think I’m a nudist or a park ranger. (For the record, my bear knowledge is limited to the following: There are three types of bears—the type you’re supposed to confront, the type you should run from, and the type that doesn’t give a shit about your strategy and will maul you on principle alone.)

As all searches do, my quest for a name invariably led to Google (a higher power I pray to regularly). Here are a few suggestions under the heading of “Nontheism:”

  • Skepticism won’t work because I drink decaf and believe my mother when she tells me I’m gifted.
  • Ignosticism is out because I don’t understand the definition on Wikipedia. Also, I’m pretty sure it’s not a real word.
  • Rationalism sounds good in theory, but if anyone checks my medical records or high school yearbook, I’ll be kicked out of the club.
  • Secularism is too political, and if there’s anything more annoying than religion and bears, it’s politics. And Snooki.

I used to become irate when discussing religion, but I’m trying to have a calmer approach these days. Don’t get me wrong—I will Kung fu your ass if you give me that patronizing look that says, “Well bless your heart, you just don’t know what it’s like to love the lord.”  I also don’t know what it’s like to eat baby raccoons or lick the UPS man (although I’ve tried). Poor me.

Baby raccoons are not kosher.

Things I do believe in:

  • Gravity
  • Dinosaurs
  • Cable TV
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Science-y stuff
  • Poodles
  • Birth control
  • Aliens
  • Spanx

So, what’s in a name? Apparently, a lot. Until a better one comes along, I’ll just continue referring to myself as the friendly atheist with a fondness for slimming undergarments and kugel. It could be worse.

*Note: I love Muslims. Some of my close friends are Muslim, and they have a good sense of humor. Please do not declare a Fatwah on me. This post was written in the spirit of fun and goodwill toward all people. Except for Mormons.

 

{ 44 comments }

In Response to Terrible Sex Tips

by ihaddad on July 2, 2012

Sexy Toast(NSFW) I recently read this article by Ben Reininga called “36 Terrible Sex Tips for Men.” It was both hilarious and alarming. As I waded through such gems as “According to new research, the smell of toast is a serious mood booster.” and “Ask her to get a Brazilian. But it’s for her own good!” I realized I had more to add to the article. Here’s just a taste…

5. “Your post-run sweat has androstadienone… that spikes her arousal when she smells it.” Dude, I don’t care if you sweat doughnuts and sunshine; unless you’re Brad fucking Pitt, do not come near me with that stank on.

6. “If you’re out in public but want to make your intentions clear, slowly and firmly flick your tongue against the palm of her hand…” Let me be clear here. If you flick your tongue in my general direction, I will knee you in the groin and call my dad.

7. “Her Feet Give Her Away: if she moves her feet away from her body, adopting a more open-legged stance, you’re golden. But if she crosses her legs or tucks them under her body, you may as well ask for the check and call it a night before dessert. If I cross my legs it means one of two things: (1) I have to pee, or (2) I don’t want you to see my Spanx. If I open my legs it means I’m airing myself out, so stand back.

9. “According to new research, the smell of toast is a serious mood booster.” This is actually true. I mean, who doesn’t get turned on by a nice egg salad on rye? Am I right, ladies??

12. Cook some asparagus, since “it’s packed with zinc, a key mineral needed for maintaining erections.” And I’ll bet she won’t even notice that pesky post-asparagus urine smell. Says the man standing alone in the produce aisle with an erection.

15. “The testicles of mice fed a yogurt diet were 5 percent bigger than those on a regular diet – and 15 percent bigger than mice fed a “junk food diet,” according to a new study out of MIT.” Because nothing says “I want you in my pants” like a big-balled rodent with a dairy fetish.

19. Hire a private violinist to follow you and your woman around on the street. Yes! And while you’re at it, why not invite a mime over to your place afterward for a game of charades?

23. “Try facial intercourse. This smooch mimics sex from foreplay to penetration, beginning with a tongue exploration inside the mouth. Rub your tongues together in small and large circles, then dart them in and out of your mouths as if you were having intercourse.” Unless you want to give your date post traumatic stress disorder from the 8th grade dance, do NOT do this. Ever.

24. “Women need to warm up their feet and feel comfortable before they’re in the mood for sex, a 2003 European study found.” To warm up her trotters, you could ask her to “stretch one leg out to work on [your] johnson with her toes.” Or… give her some socks and a back rub, you selfish prick.

25. “Adding a touch of danger to the day will stimulate dopamine in her brain, triggering her sex drive.” So head on down to the I-35 underpass with a water gun in your pocket and several $100 bills taped to your back. YOU WILL TOTALLY GET LAID.

25. “…When it comes to cunnilingus, be like Ali… Hit her with a series of fast vertical and diagonal tongue strokes on her clitoris. Then… Return to slow, easy strokes… Repeat until she’s out cold.” Sir, I am not a blackjack table. Hit me with anything down there, and you will be out cold. Capiche?

26. “[H]ave her kneel on the edge of the bed with her upper chest touching the mattress. This elongates the vaginal barrel, making it feel tighter… she’ll enjoy the nipple stimulation from rubbing the mattress.” Or… She will get up in the morning, slap some Vaseline on those nipples; then go have breakfast with her best friend, where she will describe in amazing detail the freak-o with the elongated vaginal barrel obsession she took home last night. So have fun with that one.

27. “81 percent of women do not want you to attempt anal sex without asking.” Here’s a little statistic for you: 100% of women do not want you to leave the toilet seat up after you pee. If you think 19% of women are okay with you attempting anal sex without asking, you should probably start researching disability insurance policies, STAT.

28. “Buy a half-inch camel-hair paintbrush at the art-supply store, dip it in chocolate sauce, and have her paint numbers on her body. Find your way in order by using your fingertips and mouth.” Be sure it’s made of camel-hair and exactly one half inch or it’ll never work.

31. “Pop your chap in a jar of Nutella, then present it to your lady. Be rewarded with a very enthusiastic blowjob.”
In the words of Dr. Seuss:
I don’t approve; that’s very wrong.
Do not put chocolate on your schlong.
I do not want that near my mouth.
Now wipe off your dick and get out of my house!

33. “Ask her to get a Brazilian. But it’s for her own good! Apparently with the mop removed, every sensation down there is heightened!” Unless you’re trying to get an infant to eat mashed up peas, you should probably never use the phrase “It’s for your own good.” In other news, if you tell me how to manage my pubic hair and/or refer to it as “the mop,” you will not be having sex with me. That’s kind of how this whole deal works.

34. “Girls like explicit texts, too. So next time you’re bored waiting in a queue for lunch, text her the rudest, naughtiest thing you can possibly think of and inform her of when exactly you plan to do it.” And while you’re at it, you might consider doing a little research on bail bondsmen. You’ll thank me later.

 

 

{ 7 comments }

That’s My Man…

by ihaddad on June 24, 2012

So check out these videos of Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West performing for an audience of 50,000 at BBC Radio 1′s massive Hackney Festival in London on Saturday. My husband, Bill Haddad (aka: “Mr. Weenie”), was the Technical Designer on the design/production team for this performance. The festivities continue on Sunday when rapper Tinie Tempah takes the stage.

 

{ 0 comments }

America – F*** Yeah! (NSFW)

by ihaddad on June 19, 2012

And here we have the lowest common denominator in the game of Draw Something. Using words as part of the drawing is generally considered cheating—especially when a player actually spells out the word you’re trying to guess. (Yes, that has happened.) However, in the example below, the words weren’t so much about cheating as they were my sophomoric attempt at Beavis & Buttheadian humor.

Patriotic Chicken Nugget

Sometimes I use words I think a specific player might understand and appreciate. For example, Stephen Colbert might enjoy my patriotic reference to Team America. I’d probably be chastised for my poorly illustrated eagle, but he’d appreciate the thought. On the other hand, if I were playing this game with Sarah Palin, I’d have to rethink the entire drawing since she doesn’t seem to have a strong grasp of pop culture, irony or geography. (Along with advanced arrow-drawing skills, a Draw Something expert must have the ability to quickly produce a chicken-shaped representation of the United States.)

Draw Something isn’t for everybody, but as you can see by my example above (along with this one, this one, this one and this one), you don’t have to be an artist to participate. In fact, it’s probably better for your sanity and self esteem if you’re not.

For those of you who don’t get the reference: (NSFW)

I am not insinuating that you are like Sarah Palin. On the contrary; no one is like Sarah Palin.

{ 0 comments }