Category Archives: soapbox

You’ve Really Done It This Time, Applebee’s

Posted on June 16, 2007 by Matt Jacob

On separate trips to Applebee’s, I’ve had rocks in my food, hair in my food, cold food, and just plain bad food. Never have I been served margarita mix in a sippy cup, though. Applebee’s apparently reserves that honor for … Continue reading →

Posted in soapbox | 4 Comments

Verizon’s Own Personal Internet

Posted on May 27, 2007 by Matt Jacob

I just got an email from Verizon Wireless letting me know that my cell phone bill is now available for online viewing. The message also provides information about paying the bill online and signing my soul over to Verizon so … Continue reading →

Posted in soapbox, technology | Leave a comment

Mother’s/Mothers’/Mothers Day

Posted on May 13, 2007 by Matt Jacob

In light of my previous entry, I’ve got a bone to pick with nearly every American English dictionary in existence. For the love of everything that is bright and shiny, the holiday we celebrate toady is “Mothers’ Day”, in honor … Continue reading →

Posted in family, linguistics, soapbox | 2 Comments

Why I Love Being a Stickler

Posted on May 6, 2007 by Matt Jacob

I love being a grammar and punctuation stickler because we’re right and you’re wrong. Here’s the best quote I’ve come across so far in Eats, Shoots & Leaves: To those who care about punctuation, a sentence such as “Thank God … Continue reading →

Posted in linguistics, soapbox | Leave a comment

Rainbow Sandals: Guaranteed Not to Have a Guarantee

Posted on April 3, 2007 by Matt Jacob

Back at the end of October, I bought a pair of Rainbow sandals and commented on how excited I was because of what I had heard and because of the seemingly impressive warranty. I also promised to give an update … Continue reading →

Posted in soapbox | 2 Comments

Has Starbucks Lost Its Soul?

Posted on February 28, 2007 by Matt Jacob

In an internal email from Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz to CEO Jim Donald, Schultz reminisces about Starbucks’ traditions of the past and asks if it’s even about the coffee anymore. He writes: Clearly we have had to streamline store design … Continue reading →

Posted in soapbox | 5 Comments

Some Unrelated Thoughts and Ideas

Posted on November 5, 2006 by Matt Jacob

While I was driving to work earlier this week, I saw a bumper sticker that read: “I brake for saucy wenches”. My initial reaction was, “Hey! I’d brake for wenches, too!”. My opinion hasn’t really changed much since then. If … Continue reading →

Posted in soapbox, technology | 11 Comments

Blistering Bipedal Banter

Posted on October 31, 2006 by Matt Jacob

It’s not very often that I buy new shoes. In fact, I average only one or two pairs of new shoes per year, and even that is a generous estimate. That’s why I almost surprised myself this past weekend when … Continue reading →

Posted in soapbox | 3 Comments

We’re on Our #!$%#!@ Way to Church

Posted on June 4, 2006 by Matt Jacob

I won’t do it. I refuse. You’ll never find me with a Christian fish on the back of my car. I don’t have anything against the ubiquitous little symbol. I just don’t want to advertise that I’m a Christian, because … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, soapbox | 6 Comments

The World Is Not Your Phone Booth

Posted on April 4, 2006 by Matt Jacob

Hey, guess what I don’t care about! I don’t care to know that you currently have $38,000 in your checking account. I don’t care that your girlfriend kicked you out of the house for cheating on her with her best … Continue reading →

Posted in soapbox | 5 Comments