Why do we need to work?

by Jason Parmele on February 9, 2010

This blog is dedicated to Brandon Ezell – an unlikely hero.

Here’s my ideal job: no job.

I don’t care if future or current employers see this. I don’t think this reflects badly on me. I think it’s only natural. I think it’s unnatural to want to work. I’ve worked for a handful of large companies and a few years back in a performance review I was asked “How do like your work?” And I said, “I honestly don’t want to work.”  I think anyone who disagrees is (a) pretending (b) poor or (c) my archnemesis.

First, let’s define work in the context of jobs. According to Parmele’s Dictionary 3rd ed. work is defined as: the act of being paid money in exchange for labor. Yes, it’s eerily similar to Parmele’s definition of a hooker. Basically, even if you work in a cubicle you’re a prostitute. Your skills, however, don’t include pole dancing, tying cherries with your tongue or happy endings. Your pimp may not have a fuzzy purple hat, but he probably has a few purple ties.

Wow that reminds me of a joke my girlfriend told me: A boy and his father were in a car accident. The son was taken to one hospital and the father was taken to another. When the boy arrived at the hospital, the surgeon took one look at him and said “I can’t operate on this boy, he is my son”. How is this possible?

Answer at the end.

So, I’ve had a few discussions lately with people on what they would do with $100 million dollars. For myself, I would totally ditch you all. I would quit school, my job and stop posting this blog. I would buy an island. On this island there would be a magical box, Polar bears, pirate ships, a button to push every 108 minutes and once in awhile I would crash on plane onto it just to mess with the survivors.

Other people have said they would buy a lot of lavish stuff, but eventually go back to work – on their own terms. I don’t understand that. They generally feel as though work gives them a sense of purpose. But that’s not innate. Nobody is born wanting to work. It’s something that is drilled into us as we grow up. “What do you want to be when you grow up, Timmy?” Timmy’s answer is usually a police man or doctor. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s natural to want to protect or help other people. The problem of course is Timmy, in all likelihood is going to be an accountant. If you’re an accountant don’t read the next paragraph.

Accountants are pointless. Accountants were hired by business moguls (the Haves) to count the money they made from the Have-Nots. Accountancy went from simple counting (1, 2, 3…) to ridiculously complicated math based on formulas and words accountants made up like depreciation and dividend yield. I would go as far to say as 95% of all work is unnecessary and created to enslave us.

Something I’ll explore in the future is: what if money didn’t exist?

And the answer to the joke above is: the surgeon is the boy’s mother. (Over my shoulder my girlfriend is pointing out that it’s a “scenario” designed to show our sexist culture and not a joke. But it’s funny – therefore a joke according to Parmele’s Dictionary 3rd ed.)

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February ‘10 caption winner

by Jason Parmele on February 8, 2010

Congrats to David Power whose caption wins the iTunes gift card:

President Parmele in the newly renovated Oval Office considers pressing the RED nuclear button. Be afraid, very afraid.

- David Power

Unknown to David, he played on my thirst for power. Thanks to everyone who entered. We’ll run another next month. Runner-up goes to Nigel for “New apple itablet not as good as first thought”. I should also acknowledge Barry’s incredible effort, but ref rules: not technically a caption.

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Farmville killed the internet

by Jason Parmele on February 4, 2010

Every time I see someone playing Farmville a little smile creeps into my lips. Maybe more of a smirk. Then I look up the left, my smirk becomes a full blown smile and I think…of ways to kill that person.

It doesn’t bother me people are “wasting their lives” playing a game. I spent my entire 20s wasting my life. Now, granted, I almost went pro in Soldiers of Fortune 2 (SoF2) – so bad example. It’s just, it’s insulting to technology to play Farmville. It’s sort of like being Amish. You could go to the store and buy butter for a $1 or you can spend 7 days churning it yourself. The Amish are borderline retarded. They’re also not offended by that because they don’t have electricity let alone the internetz.

Playing Farmville on a PC is like using a calculator to add 1+1. You understand of course, that the PC you’re using is 1,000 times more sophisticated than the computers used to put the first man on the moon.

Farmville has one useful purpose on Facebook: to identify the friends you need to defriend.

I interviewed a Farmville player who’s identify will remain a secret and herein referred to as tnuA yhtaK.

Jason: Why do you play Farmville?
tnuA yhtaK: One, it’s relieves stress and secondly it’s addicting.

Jason: Cocaine also relieves stress and is addiciting. Do you do crack?
tnuA yhtaK: No, it’s not free.

Jason: So, you would do crack – if it were free?
tnuA yhtaK: What’s this for, Jason?
Jason: Just answer.
tnuA yhtaK: No?
Jason: “No” to doing crack or “No” you won’t answer?
tnuA yhtaK: Hey, it’s your Mom’s birthday on Friday.
Jason: Seriously, you’re running my interview.

Jason: So, you don’t play Farmville because it’s fun then?
tnuA yhtaK: No, it’s not fun. I just want the biggest and best farm.
Jason: Wow, that’s strikingly similar to what Hitler said.

Jason: If I gave you $20 would you stop playing Farmville?
tnuA yhtaK: No way.
Jason: Well, if you send me another baby elephant or cow I will defriend you even if you are my Godmother, Aunt Kathy.

(Reminder: Enter the caption contest here to win a $10 iTunes gift card.)

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Caption contest: February ‘10

by Jason Parmele on February 1, 2010

Win a $10 iTunes gift card by submitting a caption to the below picture.

Here ya go, I offer myself up to the slaughter found this random picture (hiding) on my PC:

(Insert your caption here)

Contest rules: All captions must be left below as a comment. Make sure you use a real email address. All captions must be submitted before February 8, 2010. One entry per person. I will be selecting the winner. Sort of like playing Apples-to-Apples. Below is a list of people not eligible to enter:

  • Mr. T
  • GF1 (Girlfriend 1)
  • Howie Mandell
  • Aoiffe from the Irish Apprentice

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Boy, 7, keeps Haiti funds and buys new bike

by Jason Parmele on January 29, 2010

Charlie Simpson, a 7yr old boy from Fulham, London who has raised over £100,000 for Haiti work relief has decided to keep the money and buy “A new bike, and, and a fire truck” instead. Charlie and his father, Dan, hosted a 5 mile bike ride in the hope of raising £500. After receiving national media attention on BBC donations began coming in from all over the world.

When Charlie discovered how much money he had raised “He spent hours jumping on his bed yelling ‘We’re rich, we’re rich’” according to his mother, Leonora. “We tried to explain to him that the money was for others boys and girls” Leonora said, “but he’s old enough to make his own decisions now”. Coincidentally, Charlie has also decided to add another room onto the house for Leonora’s new hair salon.

When asked what type of toy fire truck he wanted, Charlie said “No! No! A real fire truck” and then he proceeded to trap an insect in a jar.

According to sources close to the Simpson family, Charlie has a history of shady money practices and “always seems to be around when money goes missing off the table” said one West London neighbor of the Simpson’s who wished to remain anonymous. Even the school lunch lady reports Charlie frequently hands her the incorrect change when paying for his lunch. “He buys the same sandwich and scone every day. He knows it costs £2.25, but constantly tries to get away with paying me £2.20 or £2.15″ she said.

Even multi-platinum musician Wyclef Jean has spoken out against young Charlie Simpson. The former member of the Fugees is, himself, currently caught in a scandal over alleged misuse of Haiti relief funds. Immediately following his Thursday morning hearing Wyclef issued a statement calling Charlie’s indulgence in a fire truck “Absurd” and reminded people he only stole a few thousand dollars to pay for a plane ticket and January’s rent. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. added that Wyclef would probably be “gone ’til November”.

With the exception of a few, there has been surprisingly little public outcry. In fact, donations continue to arrive in dozens by the hour. “Charlie has a big heart” his Dad says “and hopefully an even bigger Father’s day gift for me this year”.

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