A Couple Semi-Random Thoughts
Hmm, more of an update, I guess…
It’s been a crazy week, and is shaping up for more of the same. First off, I forgot to mention the other day that I picked up my gear from REI, so, now, I’m pretty well ready for any disaster that might come my way. Though, if it’s thermonuclear destruction, I’m saving the last bullet for myself. Everything else, though, I’m all set to weather, if you’ll pardon the pun. And, I’ll have had a hot shower and a cup of coffee when the time comes, too, thanks to my 4 Gallon SunShower and my green, enamelware percolating coffee pot. It may be the end of the world as we know it, but there’s no reason to be uncivilized!
In other “news”, I’ve been thinking about ways to meet more ladies of the datable variety. No good ideas yet, that I’m not already doing or planning on doing, so I started browsing the “relationship” books at Amazon. That’s where I found this: MACK Tactics : The Science of Seduction Meets the Art of Hostage Negotiation. Okay, does a “relationship” book that includes the phrase “hostage negotiation” really seem like a good idea to you? Yeah, me neither, so I took a pass on that one. Hey, I got out of one hostage situation clean, no need to take that kind of risk again!
And, in semi-business news this week, I heard that Loomis Fargo finally had some cuts in the IT department. I was expecting the dreaded “outsourcing” to wipe out a bunch of the staff, but, it turns out upper management of the parent company didn’t like that idea and axed a bunch of the high-level IT management at Loomis. In fact, it sounded like I could get my job back there, if I wanted it. Doesn’t seem like a very good idea to me, really, unless they can tack on a cool $10k and great benefits to boot. Frankly, I don’t see that happening, even with the “extra” cash from the CIO’s salary floating around. Ah, well, at least the front-line guys I worked with survived. Too bad some of the managers I really liked didn’t survive the cut. They were nice guys. Maybe that’s why they didn’t survive the cut! Still, if Joe Dante ever turns up somewhere I’m interviewing, I’d work for him again. He’s a great guy and an excellent manager.
Good luck guys!
I’m sure there was more, but, well, my calcified, old brain can’t remember what it might have been, so, that’s all the news for now.
I actually bought the book Mack Tactics and it is really good. The hostage negotiator hook is what makes the communication section so good.
Comment by Joe Gains — 10/15/2005 @ 12:43 am
Really? Wow, how many dates did you get from using their techniques? Have any resulted in a long-term relationship?
Comment by the Network Geek — 10/15/2005 @ 8:02 am
I actually got a date this weekend from the tips I’d read in Mack Tactics. I picked up the book because I saw a story in the NY Post about it, http://www.nypost.com/living/55295.htm
It’s very hip, cleverly written book…the hostage negotiator material is what sets it apart. Learning the correct way to phrase what you say to women — whether it’s to get her phone number, or set up a date — can increase your chances of success dramatically. Negotiators are extremely skilled in the way they use language and words, and the parallel to communicating with women is obvious…it’s all about making them feel comfortable, establishing a bond, and guiding the conversation towards your desired outcome. I’ve read a few books on dating/seduction/etc. (most of which focus too much on “scoring”), and I gave Mack Tactics a thumbs-up.
Comment by John Grant — 10/16/2005 @ 4:46 pm
Okay, that makes a certain frightening amount of sense. I may actually have to find this book and take a look at it.
Somehow, I find that all very, very scary.
Comment by the Network Geek — 10/16/2005 @ 10:18 pm
Just finished the book. Definately has some quality info. I am going to put it you use this weekend and I will let you know how it goes.
Comment by Joe Gains — 10/18/2005 @ 1:06 pm