Just giving a shout out to my fellow old(er) Chapos out there. We survived the perils of a world with limited internet held hostage through AOL so you could all live in a better world.
Here's some interesting takes I have from now being slightly aged. Feel free to add yours!
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4K movies only really make older movies look that much better. Jaws in 4k > Cape Shit in 4k
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Most anything labeled collectible won't be worth shit in 20-30 years.
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Most NES games aren't that good. Weren't that good then. Not that good now.
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Never admit anything to cops, even if its just a speeding ticket. Every answer should be "I don't know."
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Learn to cook for yourself - it's cheaper and healthier for you in the long run. I wish someone taught me how to cook when I was younger. Anyhow - you'd be amazed what you can get done for just a few dollars with dried lentils and a trip to the produce section.
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For every good band you've heard of, there's at least 3 good bands you haven't heard yet that are similar.
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Buy everything used.
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Working out and staying in decent shape doesn't have to be about looking good, getting laid, getting swollen, or any of that nonsense; it can have immediate benefits on your well being.
Don't be naive about the workplace, never consider it safe, never over-trust your work colleagues, never believe anything anyone above you says.
Assume your coworkers are informants and your boss is a cop. Avoid talking politics at all costs, especially if you remotely line up with most Chapos here. Business 100% hates everything this place stands for. Never ever talk about casual drug use, even drinking. Assume everyone you talk to holds the view of your dickhead, right-wing uncle.
I would also shy from displaying any sexual identity that isn't WASP/missionary sex with your wife in nature. I know Gen X Fuckarelli over here grew up when hating on gays was the norm and in today's world no one cares. But I can tell you from being in behind closed door meetings with the white haired men who run shit: they still very much do care.
The guy who had my position before me is apparently a lush, I know this cuz the guy in the office next to me gossiped about it to everyone after seeing him at the bar. Also spot on with the old WASPs who run the show. My president and VP were so upset about the election they were ready to start firing people they think are libs, the one guy they know isn't on their side gets chewed out constantly.
I'm so glad I left the corporate game behind. Don't get me wrong, I'm still PMC (which I sort of loathe) but I no longer have to deal with do-nothing Directors and CEOs who fail their way up the ladder telling me how I'm just not right for management.
That's another thing. Most upper management are usually born into their position regardless of how capable they are or are not. Even if it's a small business. Even if it's a new business. Someone instilled that dipshit above you because of legacy and nepotism. Don't be fooled because it's a boutique company and not some conglomerate corporation with 10k employees.
I'm lucky to work for a small construction company and the corporate culture is not welcome here. You'd never guess how I got this job, the owner and myself are both 3rd generation residents from farming families! Guy probably tried to hook up with one of my aunt's back in the day. It's not what you know, it's who you know.