Time for another shameless plug here. I've just relaunched my Home Poker System website with a new design, new features, and a new paid version that offers even more customization and flexibility to those poker leagues out there looking for a bit more.
I know it's not really office humor related, but I know a lot of coworkers like to get together for some poker home games so maybe a few of you are interested in checking it out. There is a free version of the site so there's no cost in trying it for yourself to see if it'll help you make your home games more fun and easier to manage.
In a tough job market you better be ready to wow potential employers during the interview process. Of course, that may be easier said than done if they decide to throw out an oddball question specifically designed to rattle you.
I've actually already heard of some of the questions mentioned in the article, such as "How do you weigh an elephant without using a weight machine?" though there are a few pretty funny ones in there that I think you could have some fun with if you were ever asked.
For instance, if they asked you "Rate on a scale of 1 to 10 how weird you are.", I'd say "10" and then follow it by "but I won't tell you whether or not 1 or 10 is the weird end of the scale."
Or for the Google question "How many basketballs can you fit in this room?" I'd say with a completely straight and somber face "None. I'm actually deathly allergic to the material basketballs are made from. Both my sister and I are... I mean were. She died when she was seven due to a freak basketball related accident."
I mean think about it. If you were an employer asking one of these types of questions, your goal is twofold. First, you want to see how the candidate thinks on their feet. And second, you want to see a little bit of their personality shine thru. If you are able to entertain your interviewer with a clever, quirky answer, you can guarantee they won't forget you.
Nick has sent in an infographic that covers some past April Fool's Day internet pranks as well as the this years top April Fool's internet pranks. It's also got a list of Google's pranks for each year, which are usually some of the most celebrated jokes every April Fool's Day.
If the large graphic is too tough to read, you can also check out a good list of top pranks websites have done below the graphic. Sites like YouTube, Groupon, ThinkGeek, and Reddit all make an appearance.
Of course, the day has just begun so there is sure to be a whole bunch more online pranks coming. Just remember to keep that in mind every time you read a headline today that seems too good (or bad) to be true.
While I like how April Fool's Day gives us all a great excuse to try out some office pranks, I must admit there's a downside to the holiday. I've put up a poem dedicated to that downside, which describes the insanity that is online news during April Fool's.
So when you wake up tomorrow morning and check out some of the headlines, just try to remember most of them are likely complete B.S. Of course, knowing that more and more people expect fake headlines on April Fool's Day, many sites are likely to start their jokes early, so be sure to use some healthy skepticism when you read online articles for the next few days.
Myron sends word of a compilation of 10 of the best SNL skits dealing with office life. If you're a fan of SNL you'll definitely want to check them out. The linked article has a little summary next to each so you can pick and choose which ones sound interesting.
Personally, I have't watched an episode of SNL for a few years now. I was never a huge fan, though I did used to catch a few episodes every now and then. Sadly, the more recent stuff just hasn't been all that clever or funny.
For those of you that have enjoyed my office poems in the past, you may want to check out a new site I launched today called Life in Rhymes. As the name suggests, the site will be a place for me to post original poems about all facets of life - and yes, there will definitely be a good amount of funny poems.
So if you're a fan of poetry then head on over to the new site and check it out. You can also leave suggestions for any topics you'd like to see a poem written about in the future.
I've recently stumbled onto a pretty funny website that I've never heard of before called Clients from Hell. And yes, it's pretty much exactly what you'd think based on that title - a bunch of stories of various humorous run-ins with not-so-bright clients.
You've got secretary's asking for "Adobo" Photoshop skills and customers being up front stating "we like quality but as cheap as possible, if that makes sense." If you've ever had to deal with a troublesome client then you'll likely be able to relate to a few of the interesting quotes and stories posted daily.
If you still work in an off-white padded cubicle, you may not want to check out the offices of companies like Google, Pixar, and Disney. These companies and 7 others comprise this list of 10 unique offices around the world and will make the rest of us quite depressed that our offices don't take full advantage of all the colors of the rainbow.
From bright colors and crazy architecture to slides and walls made of grass, some companies sure know how to make their work environments fun and exciting. I'd guess that after time even the most elaborate and modern offices would get "old" after working their for some time. But then again, it'd probably never get old telling people you could use a slide to get downstairs rather than an elevator.
I don't know about where you work, but every place I've worked gave me a giant employee handbook that contained various rules, legal warnings, etc. Nordstrom, however, used to do thing squite differently as they handed out a single 5×8” grey card to new hires that said:
Welcome to Nordstrom
We’re glad to have you with our Company. Our number one goal is to provide outstanding customer service. Set both your personal and professional goals high. We have great confidence in your ability to achieve them.
Nordstrom Rules: Rule #1: Use best judgment in all situations. There will be no additional rules.
Please feel free to ask your department manager, store manager, or division general manager any question at any time.
Yup, that's all it said. Of course, with all the lawsuits and overmanaging techniques that exist today, Nordstrom now provides a full handbook to new hires - though they continue to hand out the grey card as well.
If you're one of those people that like to point and laugh at others, you'll probably like the website People of Walmart. While I can't condone making fun of others, it's just too hard not to laugh at some of the pictures posted of the various people and cars found at Walmart.
Of course stereotypes are frowned upon in our society, but sometimes they are just dead-on. With a Walmart within walking distance from my place, I must admit I've found myself venturing into the depths of Walmart insanity on multiple occasions. I guess convenience and price win out in the end for me - though some days I've definitely regretted the trip to the "super" store.