I got into a car with a salesman for a test drive one afternoon. As we took off, I asked him where I should go—basically wondering if there was a usual route. The salesman, let’s call him Jose, told me “take a right out of the parking lot because there’s a Wendy’s down the street.” An odd statement? Yes, but this was just the beginning. Read more

Disclaimer: This column is not directed at any one individual I know. I hate all of you equally.

Ever had a bad day? Of course you have. We all have them now and then. It often feels like this time of year – in the cold, cloudy winter months – those days are more common. We see the sun less, the temperatures are much lower and people in general seem annoyed they had to leave the comfort of their warm beds to go into the working world daily.

When this type of day rolls around, the natural reaction is to have others around to bathe in this misery with you, and the easiest way for that to happen these days is in social media. Let’s scroll through the status updates: Read more

We’ve all been there. Mocking our friends or family who still use Internet Explorer. Who still uses that? It’s still an option? Haven’t we all moved on in our internet browser exploration to the Safari or the Firefox? Well, Microsoft isn’t done yet. They’re not going down without a fight. After going into the wilderness, they’ve re-emerged and they’re funnier, more self-deprecating, and according to friends who have explored (no pun intended… not really anyways) the new Windows and other offerings, Microsoft may just have a comeback left in them. If these commercials are any indicator, I like their chances.

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We are proud to announce our second new addition to the staff in Alex Beene. Alex has contributed for us multiple times, most recently with his Top 12 Pop Culture Item’s of 2012. We are excited to see what he has in store and encourage you to check out his bio that follows…

I always picture a bio of myself that is much more witty and eloquent than the one I deserve. In that dream portrait of self-description, I’m described as a world traveler, beloved educator and well-respected former journalist. In reality, I’m just a red-headed white kid from the rural South who grew up on a farm and has just been incredibly lucky in life to do most of the things I’ve desired.

Born and raised in Henderson (pronounced “Land-MASS-between-Memphis-AND-Nashville”), Tennessee, I was blessed to have a family and friends that were very supportive of my aspirations. I attended the University of Mississippi, where I expanded on my intense love for cinema by becoming the Founder of the Ole Miss Film Association and the Arts & Life Editor for “The Daily Mississippian.” It was during my time with the paper I met fellow Wise Guise writer, Warner Russell, a unbelievable gifted columnist who I’ve had the fortune to keep in contact with in the years after I departed Oxford.

Since then, I’ve worked in politics (don’t mention it, please), as a communications specialist for General Electric and finally in the job I have now, which is a real treat: working for the state of Tennessee to prepare high school seniors for college in nine county schools. The job allows me to work with some great young people, while maintaining a flexible schedule that allows me to travel and – most importantly – catch as many movies as possible.

You’re dealing with a huge cinephile here. I’m a member of both the American and British Film Institutes and have served on committees within the Walt Disney Company as a longtime shareholder. That’s not my only infatuation, though. I’m an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints and, of course, the Ole Miss Rebels. I also love the opportunity to travel (over 30 states and 10 countries seen so far!) and always enjoy the chance to go experience diverse cultures and meet new people.

There’s a great team of writers at the Wise Guise that consistently blow me away with some of the best columns online. I’m honored to be a regular contributor here.