Bradezone

I have gradually realized that the act of high fiving depends heavily on the use of proper angles. If you initiate a high five, be sure to angle your hand such that the reactor is not forced to arch his wrist uncomfortably in order to avoid the undesirable scenario of an E.T.-like finger touch. Too many times in our society we carelessly induce high fives that really deserved a better effort. Both parties should hold their hands such that the tips of the fingers are as high or higher than the top of the tallest party’s head. The initiator should ensure that his hand is perpendicular to the ground or even slighly angled back towards himself. This creates an optimum slapping surface for the reactor. Ideally both parties will be at eye level with each other, as those situations involving one standing and one sitting fiver too often result in a submarginal execution.

Another factor to mind is the role of the elbow. Neither fiver wants to find himself in a situation where he is pushing his arm and hand forward. Instead a moderate swinging motion is desired whereby the forearm is allowed to move much like a catapult. Again the goal is an ideal starting angle such that the ensuing high five has a substantial chance for success. A final consideration is finger position on impact. Essentially their presence should be minimized in favor of the palms. A fluid connection with the palms should be the goal of any high five. This is why the initiator’s starting hand angle is so important. Those fingers need to be out of the way of the reactor. With a proper mindset and a strategy of preparedness, each of us can confidently engage in high fives that contribute to a celebratory atmosphere while avoiding awkwardness.

If you ever find yourself in New York City for, say, a job interview or some other urgent business, and you happen to saunter across the Hudson to Ridgefield, New Jersey, I have two words for you: Ralpho’s Pizza.

Ralpho is basically my new best friend. For a mere $14.50 he provided me with an extra large pepperoni pizza, a tub full of baked ziti, a loaf of fresh-baked bread, and a 20-ounce beverage. What the heck? Not only did I get to enjoy some unbelievably delicious pizza and assorted Italian cuisine, I was only able to eat about a third of all this before the contentment set in. Looks like I don’t have to worry about starving to death on the drive home. Did I mention this guy bakes his own bread from scratch? I did? Just making sure.

I will never again mock New Jersey for its full-service gas stations and myriad toll roads, for it has given me something that only a good-hearted state could offer. It has given me Ralpho’s, and its doors are sure to be open for you too.

I mean, wow. Bonus baked ziti!

So the time has come to get the résumé in order and prepare for what will surely be a move to someplace random. The prospects are exciting, but in light of recent undertakings I may find myself far from those I care about most. I’m really not sure what to think about this or how to handle it best at the moment. I suppose the best leads will be revealed in due time, at which point a momentous decision will need to be made. I hope and pray I make the right one.

Sifting through the sites of fellow web developers and designers, I ran across one man’s thoughts on what makes a good blog and his substantially saltier take on how better to manage the information he consumes and produces. I find myself in general agreement, and I believe my approach to this blog is reflective.

Another bit of news that I stumbled on was the death of author David Foster Wallace, apparently of suicide. I was not familiar with him before, but I am motivated to check out Infinite Jest, if only because of the brand-naming scheme used for calendar years in the near-future setting of the novel. One quote from Wallace really captured my attention: “[I]t is extremely difficult to stay alert and attentive, instead of getting hypnotized by the constant monologue inside your own head.” I feel a certain kinship with those who have the propensity to think too much. His unfortunate death reminds me once again of my theory of mood swings. Times of depression are when we most need to reach out, but stupid, stupid pride gets in our way. I hate to see it happen, especially to one as thoughtful as this guy.

But let’s not end on a downer. There has been a distinct lack of frivolous nonsense on this site recently, so allow me to rectify that. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Man Factory. Note the free download link.