6 Awesome Business Ideas

Posted: January 27, 2011 | Author: Jarom | Filed under: fun, Random | 5 Comments »

I don’t want you guys to think I’m all doom and gloom (well, not all the time).  When I’m not thinking about how the world is going to end, I sometimes think of awesome business ideas.  Most of them are restaurants.  I don’t know why that is.

6. Hunter-Gatherer

Get back here!

The Idea:

This restaurant would have a focus on high-quality local ingredients.  The restaurant would serve foods that are not only grown locally, but hopefully foods which grow naturally.  I would be willing to pay top dollar for local hunters to send a portion of their kill my way.  Imagine sitting down for a nice meal of elk, venison, or buffalo.  I would also hope to find a local expert on edible foods.  Wouldn’t you like to sip some nice warm rose and juniper tea?  Perhaps a bit of wild raspberry crumble on bread with some local honey?  It wouldn’t be for everybody, but I think this one has promise.

The Problem:

There is a reason that the vast majority of people buy stuff from grocery stores instead of foraging in the wilderness.  With such an emphasis on wild, local produce, it may be hard to keep up a steady supply to keep a restaurant going.

5. Fancy Malt Shop

The Idea:

We all know the basic premise of a 1950s malt shop:  You go there with “the gang” to get burgers and ice cream.  Hijinks ensue as a laugh track plays in the background.  This place takes the same basic idea and turns it up a notch (and takes away the laugh track).  You would be able to order kobe beef burgers for dinner and homemade hazelnut ice cream.  Where the focus of Hunter-Gatherer is on getting quality local ingredients, the focus here is on taking ordinary things and making them extraordinary through expert presentation and quality ingredients from around the world.

The Problem:

The biggest problem would be keeping the menu fresh and modern while adhering to the traditional idea of a malt shop.

4. Custom Burgers

The Idea:

With a million other burger joints out there, how does this one stand out?  Well, at Custom Burgers you get to build your burger from the ground up.  Don’t you ever get annoyed by the fact that burger places will charge you 50 cents to add cheese or bacon, but then they won’t credit you back that amount if you ask for the same thing removed?  Custom Burgers fixes that problem by letting people pick the bun, meat and toppings that go on their burger.  There would have to be a large variety of meats, cheeses and toppings to really make it worth it.  You want an ostrich burger on rye with kimchi?  Go for it!

The Problem:

Inventory!  With so many options, chances are that you will need a substantial inventory to make sure you have everything in stock at all times.

3. Surf and Turf

The Idea:

The general concept of the surf and turf is that you get the best of the surf and the best of turf.  I’m often surprised that this is rarely taken beyond the idea of lobster and steak served together.  Surf and Turf would have an international and regional focus.  In addition to the traditional steak and lobster, I would encourage a middle-America surf and turf with buffalo steak and trout.  How about a Japanese surf and turf with lobster tempura and teriyaki-marinated steak?  What about a Hawaiian surf and turf with braised pork and pan seared ahi tuna?

The Problem:

Finding a chef that is well versed in all of the world’s cuisines may be a bit of a challenge.

2. Ye Olde Grocer

The Idea:

I think that we have grown accustomed to wandering down the isles of the local mega-mart sorting through 500 types of cereal; sometimes less is more.  I would love to have a store that has the basics that are provided locally when possible.  Go to the store and pick up a jar of Mrs. Maple’s prized peaches.  Go and talk to the grocer. Get locally-produced treats and confections.  The focus here is community; I would like going to the store to be more of an experience.

The Problem:

People are accustomed to getting grapes at any time of the year and might not take too kindly to a grocery store that has a seasonal selection of groceries.

1. Hillery’s Chinchilleries

The Idea:

What is a “chinchillery”? A word I made up for a place where you raise chinchillas.   I’m not really sure why chinchillas exist.  Is it a rabbit?  A mouse? A hamster?  Wikipedia tells me that they are used for fur and kept as pets.  Common sense tells me they look like pikachu.  I want to mix their DNA with electric eels and sell them to overzealous Pokemon addicts.  If Jurassic Park scientists can mix dinosaur DNA with frog DNA, then chinchillas and electric eels should be a piece of cake.

The Problem:

None.  This is the best idea ever.

PS – I don’t often read web comics. But when I do, I read Basic Instructions.

---

5 Ridiculous Things I Secretly Plan For

Posted: January 12, 2011 | Author: Jarom | Filed under: fun, Random | 6 Comments »

I like to live the Boy Scout motto: “Be Prepared.”  When your mind is wandering what do you think about?  Sugarplums? Taxes?  The rule against perpetuities? Not me.  I assess the situation I am in and prepare for ridiculous scenarios.  If we’re ever in the same room, and I have that glazed look on my eyes, I’m probably planning for a:

5. Nuclear Attack

I’m not sure why I think of this one so frequently.  Maybe I’ve watched too many of those 1960s era PSA’s.  Maybe I’ve just watched too many movies (I’m looking at you Dr. Strangelove).  Whatever the reason, it can’t hurt to be prepared, right?

Preparation:

Not really much you can do.  Always be aware of your surroundings.  You could always keep a pocket knife on you in case you are thrust into a survival situation.  Yeah, a pocket knife.

When it happens:

Look for what appears to be the sturdiest wall in the room I am in.  Don’t go near any windows because when they blow out, you could get severely damaged by the glass. Also don’t go near anything that could fall on you.  I estimate that 80% of my day is spent in close proximity to bookshelves that could, conceivably crush me, so yes, this is a valid concern.  At school, I would rather be in a classroom that in the library; the library has lots of windows and glass to injure you.  Also, books.  Lots of books.  The classrooms were built during the 70s, when people were thinking about “what if we get hit by a nuke.”  I am pretty sure they are safe.

Long term:

Obviously, there are concerns about the long-term health effects of radiation exposure.  I would pick a direction and start walking (or if possible driving).  The goal is to get as far away from the fallout as possible.  You don’t want to go to where the next bomb is going to go off, so some place remote and unpopulated is ideal.

4. High Speed Chase

Let me add a small caveat.  When I think of this, I always assume that nobody will get hurt, and the roads are clear (and I won’t have an insurance rate spike).  I’m never sure what sort of situation would lead to a high speed chase, but I figured it is better to be ready than unprepared.

Preparation:

Simplest way to avoid a car chase?  Don’t make anybody angry.  That includes the police and the mafia.  If you live a lifestyle where this is not an option, then I suggest getting a small car with an excellent suspension and handling.  You’re going to be taking lots of turns at high speeds, remember?  You need something practical to get you around.  Also, watch lots of Top Gear (If you have any dignity you’ll just watch the British version).

When it happens:

The goal is to get to the freeway and not let your foot off the gas.  Granted, this type of driving tends to burn through the gas quickly, so have someplace in mind that you are going to.  On the run from the mafia?  go to the police station.  Deadly assassins? best to try and lose them before you go home.  Always keep in mind who is following you, always.

Long term:

You’re going to have to get a new car.  If they’ve been chasing you, they obviously know what kind of car you drive.  Change cars and lay low for a while.

3. Zombie Apocalypse

Much has been said about what to do in case of a zombie apocalypse, so I know this isn’t the most original entry.  But it never hurts to have a little something extra planned out.

Preparation:

I guess this all depends on the type of zombie we are talking about.  I don’t really believe in magic, so let’s assume this is a highly-contagious virus that changes people into zombie-like creatures.  Now that we have that established, I think the best preparation you can have is to stay in shape.  Zombies aren’t exactly known for their speed or agility, so the best defense is to be fast and nimble.  Keep a healthy supply of food and tools on hand.  Food keeps you strong, and tools can often double as weapons in a pinch.

When it happens:

Stay calm.  Don’t try to meet up with family or friends unless you are absolutely sure they have not been infected.  Yes, family is important, but do you really want NOBODY from your family to survive?  Also, despite what may seem to be a great idea, don’t go to the gun store.  Of all the places to try and get supplies, the gun store is probably the worst idea.  Don’t you think the owner is prepared (and willing) to defend his store?  Don’t go to the grocery store, there will be a lot of people there trying to get supplies.  Where there are lots of people, there are lots of germs.  The goal here isn’t to kill as many zombies as possible, it is survival.

Long term:

Head north; go slowly.  Zombies are not prized for their intelligence, and the further north you go, the colder it will get.  Get far enough north and the zombies will turn into meatsicles.  Of course, you will need winter clothes for you to survive, but zombies just wander around waiting for brains to come their way.  They will freeze as they wander around the frozen wasteland that is Canada.

2. Deserted Island Survival

Many islands that can reasonably be inhabited, are inhabited.  If you end up on an island with nobody else on it, be prepared for a rough ride.

Preparation:

Considering that the most likely reason you will end up on a deserted island is from surviving an ocean landing from an airplane, there isn’t much you can do to prepare in terms of equipment.  Know at least the basics of how to swim and dive underwater.  Know several decent knots and how to make a wooden spear.  Know how to make some simple traps couldn’t hurt either.

When it happens:

Let’s assume that you have survived the crash, and that you are now on the island.  You are probably exhausted from your swim, and want to curl up and take a nap.  Remember, without food or water to replenish you, this may be the most energy you have for a while.  After you catch your breath, it would probably be a good idea to circle your island to see if there are any fresh water sources that run to the sea.  Keep a lookout for food sources that are easily accessible and easy to store.

Long term:

Build a shelter and get a small fire going.  Try to keep the fire going and do what you can to not go crazy.  Recite poetry.  Write down something every day, even if it is just in the sand.  Keep plenty of food and water and hope for the best.  At least you won’t catch the zombie virus!

1. Velociraptors

Ever since I saw Jurassic Park as a kid (I believe I saw it about 14 times in theater), I have been preparing for this.

Preparation:

According to the movie, the one thing velociraptors cannot due is hack computers.  In real life, a general awareness of your surroundings coupled with physical fitness should be enough to keep you safe . . . for a little while.

When it happens:

For this scenario, my goal is generally to get up where the raptors cannot reach you.  These guys can jump pretty high, so you need to get up high and stay there for a while.  I usually see if there is some high ledge that you can get onto.  Or the roof of a house.  Really, they’re going to eat you no matter what, so there isn’t much you can do.

Long term:

You will be dead.  There is no long term.

---

7 Raddest Things from the 90s

Posted: November 19, 2010 | Author: Jarom | Filed under: fun, Random | 1 Comment »

I was looking through my old blog posts and I found one about fads that I didn’t miss.  It got me thinking about some of the awesome things from my childhood that I miss.  Here my list of 7 things that made the 90s bodacious!

7. The Arcade

Yes, there are still arcades, but they don’t hold nearly the pull of the old arcades.  I remember riding my 10 speed out to the local arcade to play amazing games that you couldn’t get at home.  In the modern era of HD game consoles and motion controls, you would be hard pressed to find an arcade game that looks better than a game you can play at home.

6. LASER backgrounds

Who didn’t want to have the laser background for their school pictures? By the time I was in high school, your options were basically grey or blue.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

These pizza-obsessed crime fighters occupied much of my Saturday morning routine.  Have you tried watching kid cartoons these days?  I’m pretty sure that the Ninja Turtles could kick Dora’s butt.  I don’t even know how many of the TMNT action figures I had, but I remember being jealous of the kids that had the Turtle Van.

4. Lisa Frank

What list of awesome things from the 90s would be complete without Lisa Frank?  The psychedelic stickers went on everything.  Binders, shoes, bed stands.  I remembered that if there was a girl you liked, you made sure she got the Lisa Frank valentine.  What better way into a first grader’s heart than neon dolphins dancing over neon penguins?

3. LA Lights

High tops were all the rage back in elementary school, and LA lights were the king of high tops.  These were especially cool for when you were out playing during the night.  I’m pretty sure that at least once I had a sleepover just to show off my LA Lights at night.

2. Trapper Keeper

I’m almost positive that every single kid in my class had a Trapper Keeper.  It has all sorts of pockets for pens and pencils.  It was half backpack and half binder.  Science cannot explain why, but putting some velcro on a binder suddenly made it awesome.

1. Slap Bracelet

Slap bracelets were the ultimate fashion accessory.  I’ll never forget the day that my sister came home with a slap bracelet; it was magic.  It looked straight, but then you put it on your wrist and BAM! now it is a bracelet.  You could get all of the cool styles (zebra print, neon green, neon zebra print, etc.) and just swap them out as needed.

Did I miss anything?

---