Generation X movies, ranked

I am a parent and like any self-respecting parent I spend a little bit of time each week reminding my son how much better everything was back in the day.

Today's topic where I had to re-educate my son was the movies, and since I have been in a movie frame of mind since Trish McFarlane and I recorded the HR Happy Hour Oscars Preview Show a couple of days ago, I  thought that this would be a great topic for another wildly popular 'Ranked' post. And since I am a proud member of Gen X, and I spent a good half-hour today trying to convince my Gen Z kid how great these films are, I felt compelled to share.

So without further delay, here is your authoritative, comprehensive, unresearched, highly subjective, and 100% accurate list of ' Generation X movies.' Please note, the list was compiled with consultation and input from The 8 Man Rotation crew - Matt 'akaBruno' Stollak, Kris 'KD' Dunn, Lance 'I am too young to offer meaningful input to this list' Haun, and Tim 'Diet Mt. Dew' Sackett.

Here goes...

15. The Manhattan Project (1986) - I am not sure why I liked this movie, but I did. Gen X teens steal plutonium, build an atomic bomb, and chaos ensues. Somehow it made sense in 1986.

14. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) - I have to admit to not loving this movie, but it's place in the Gen X film pantheon can't be argued. 

13. Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) - Makes the list due to a later, more polished John Cusack and the plot featuring a Class of '87 High School Reunion. What is more Gen X than that?

12. Say Anything (1989) - Peak John Cusack as an identifiably Gen X young adult with no idea what he wanted to do with his life, but was pretty sure what he didn't want to do with it.

11. Wayne's World (1992) - Gen X remembers life before the web, and email, and Netflix. Two slackers make a name for themselves on the 80s version of 'user generated content' - public access cable TV. A better movie than you remember it being.

10. Pump Up The Volume (1990) - Christian Slater revisits the 'New kid in town who is going to show the locals what's what' routine in this good, but not as good as 'Heathers' movie. But Slater is so Gen X he manages to make it work.

09. Trainspotting  (1996) - released maybe a little late to make a 'Gen X' list, but a remarkable movie with fantastic performances from Ewan McGregor and Robert Carlyle 

08. Clerks (1994) - One of Gen X's best-known writers and directors Kevinn Smith with his classic look at the lives of a couple of prototypical Gen X slackers. 

07. War Games (1983) - Some inventive and (mostly) ignored kids somehow manage to hack into a US Department of Defense computer system and unwittingly put the world on the brink of WWIII. For Gen X kids that were left alone for ages of time by their working/divorced parents it somehow made sense.

06. Boyz n the Hood (1991) - Great cast, great performances and a gritty story set in the inner city that was mostly overlooked in the movies of this era. 

05. Swingers (1996) - Another 'older' Gen X movie, but featuring Gen X icon Vince Vaughn at his most Vince Vaughnian. Super movie.

04. The Breakfast Club (1985) - One of the older movies on this list, but resonated with probably everyone who was in high school between 85 and 90. Every character in the film had a counterpart in every high school in America. 

03. Heathers (1988) - As great a look into the Gen X high school experience, (perhaps less all the murder), that there was in the movies of that era. Gen X hero Christian Slater probably at his peak as well.

02. Reality Bites (1994) - Winona Ryder goes back-to-back on the list in what many folks think was the quintesstial Gen X wrestling with adulthood movie. Only a pretty whiny and annoying Ethan Hawke keeps this film for competing for the top slot.

01. Singles (1992) - Set in the grunge-era Seattle of the early 90s, and with Pearl Jam appearing as the musicians in Matt Dillon's band, this movie pretty much hits all of the right notes for what became Gen X's signature cultural contribution. 

Of course you can disagree with these rankings, but of course you would be wrong.

Happy Sunday!

GUEST POST: Diet Sodas, Ranked

Editor's Note: Today, in a very special event on the Steve Boese blog, and perhaps becoming a regular Friday feature, we present very, very important guest post. 

Today's post is from none other than the former child star of TVs 'Blossom', Tim Sackett, now an HR and recruiting guru/jedi/pundit. Prior to achieving success in the world of HR and recruiting, Tim worked the county fair and carnival circuit for many years and is purported to have created numerous innovations that persist today, but sadly are not credited to Tim. Let's just say if you've ever had a spin on the Tilt-a-Whirl you probably owe Tim a thank you.

Tim has always been known to have an opinion (or three), on just about anything, and since the 'Ranked' series on the blog here has turned into such a viral sensation, Tim felt compelled to weigh in on a topic that hits very close to home for HR pros: Diet Sodas.

Enjoy! 

Diet Sodas, Ranked

by Tim Sackett

Why the hell are we ranking Diet Sodas on a HR Technology blog? Because we can! Also, if you don't know, diet soda is the life-blood of most great HR pros.  I know some of you will say coffee, but that's because you're not really an HR pro.  Diet soda is the drink of choice for true HR pros for a number of reasons:

- It doesn't give you bad breath and great HR pros actually talk to employees

- It's less expensive than Starbucks, and HR pros are underpaid

- It's crisp, clean and refreshing! (Oh wait, wasn't that a commercial)

Anyway, for those who know me, you know I have a diet soda addiction. I currently consume about eight diet sodas a day, that range in size from 12oz to the 32oz we-must-be-in-union-negotiations sized cups.  Heck, I drink to cans of Diet Dew before I even get to work in pull into work in the morning at 7:30am!

So, let's break down the Top 10 Diet Sodas of all time:

#10 - Tab

The original was the best, it caused cancer in lab rats. I had a volleyball coach in high school that drank a 12 pack of Tab a day! He never got cancer. Tab was one of the first attempts at major drink manufacturers to make and market a diet soda. It tasted like aluminum and the after taste was so strong you could still taste it an hour later, but it was so addicting!

#9 - Fresca

A grapefruit flavored diet drink. Fresca means 'fresh' in Spanish, which doesn't describe this drink at all, but I love the marketing! Fresca seems to be the perfect drink for older HR pros, who love cats and lean cuisine.  Strong after taste, but overall not an awful option when it comes to diet soda flavors.

#8 - Diet 7Up

Let's face it, no one really drinks Diet 7Up unless you have an upset stomach, or you're mixing it with whiskey.  I would actually question the sanity of an individual at work just drinking a Diet 7Up just because they wanted to. I've had a can Diet 7Up in my refrigerator going on 9 years now. Same can, no one ever wants it. It actually was one of the first diet sodas I ever tasted, that actually tasted close to the original.

#7 - Diet Barq's Root Beer

Really all Diet root beer tastes the same. Which is actually quite good if you like the taste of root beer. The problem is most people stop drinking root beer around 15 years of age, when it stops being cool to drink something with 'beer' in the name, when you can just drink beer.  All that being said, diet root beers changed the game for diet soda manufacturers because they were forced to develop diet drinks that didn't taste awful.

#6 - Diet Sprite

Unlike Diet 7Up, Diet Sprite became cool enough to drink, thanks mostly do the a marketing agreement Coke got with the NBA to market Sprite to kids.  Somehow, dumb parents around the country began to believe that "Sprite" was like a healthy alternative to Coke, because it was caffeine free. By that association, with the NBA, Diet Sprite became a clear diet soda drink of choice for professionals trying to act like they were cutting back on caffeine.

#5 - Diet Sunkist Orange

Really, put any flavor of Sunkist at this level - orange, grape, red drink, etc. Like root beer, these flavored diet sodas actually taste really good. It's like a candy treat in the middle of the day, minus all the calories. Sure you have to put up with some snickers from your co-workers for drinking a kids soda, but it doesn't matter because it tastes so good!

#4 - Diet Dr. Pepper

The first diet soda to sell itself as 'tasting' like the original. It wasn't the first, but they marketed it better than anyone else for that purpose and it got a lot of people to try it. Also, it lived up to its billing, for the most part. Diet Dr. Pepper really does taste like regular Dr. Pepper (wait, where have I heard that before?).

#3 - Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry & Diet Cherry Coke

Turns out if you add "Cherry" to any diet soda it makes it better!

#2 - Diet Coke

Okay, confession time. If we had an actual vote of HR pros and favorite diet soda, Diet Coke would win by a landslide. But, that's only the case because most HR Pros are just sheep and follow the heard!  The actual best-tasting diet cola drink is Diet Pepsi by far, but Coke adds a special chemical to their soda to make it more addictive (or at least that's what I read on Reddit). HR Pros love Diet Coke, and are very brand loyal (hat tip: Jennifer McClure).

#1 - Diet Mt. Dew

If God him or herself had to pick only one diet soda to drink the rest of their life it would be Diet Mt. Dew.  Part nectar of the gods, part crack cocaine, Diet Dew is the best drink ever made. Not best diet drink, best drink! If given the option of having an HRIS system or a Diet Mt. Dew soda fountain in my office, I would always choose Diet Dew!

Hit me in the comments - what's your favorite diet soda and why?

Steve here - solid stuff Tim. I probably would have had Diet Dr. Pepper a little higher, but that is because I have been pushing hard for them to sponsor the HR Happy Hour Show.  

And as always you can disagree with these rankings, but of course you would be wrong.

Have a great weekend!

GUEST POST: American Muscle Cars, Ranked

Editor's Note: Today, in a very special event on the Steve Boese blog, we present (another) very, very rare guest post. 

Today's post is from none other than the star of stage and screen William Tincup, HCM industry thought leader. Prior to immersing himself in the world of HR and HR Tech, William piloted fighter jets with the Navy, and allegedly had an encounter with a Russian MiG in disputed airspace in the South Pacific. Later, William went on to graduate from the prestigious Naval Aviator's academy in Southern California, where he also gained notice with his singing and volleyball playing ability.

William has always had that proverbial 'need to speed', so today we present this take on a very, very important topic: American muscle cars.

Enjoy! 

Classic American Muscle Cars, Ranked

By William Tincup

Notice the word classic. So, if you're pissed that your 2017 Corvette Z isn't listed, well, this list isn't for you. Similar but different, this list will not rank Jaguars or Lamborghini’s, etc. By using the words "classic" and "American" the list is really focused on the greatness that was produced here in the 60's and 70’s. Okay, okay. Here we go...

10. 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.7 secs

Exterior: Sebring Yellow (Black trim)

Interior: Black

Hardtop

 

09. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.3 secs

Exterior: Dusk Blue

Interior: Black

Hardtop

 

08. 1970 Pontiac GTO 455 Judge

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 6.0 secs

Exterior: Orbit Orange

Interior: Black

Convertible preferred

07. 1969 Dodge Charger 500

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.5 secs

Exterior: Bright Red (white trim)

Interior: Black

Hardtop

 

06. 1970 Plymouth Cuda 440

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.6 secs

Exterior: In-Violet (Black trim)

Interior: Black

Hardtop

 

05. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.5 secs

Exterior: Candyapple Red

Interior; Black

Hardtop

 

04. 1968 Chevrolet Corvette 427

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 6.5 secs

Exterior: British Green

Interior: Tobacco

Convertible preferred

  

03. 1967 Shelby GT500

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 4.8 secs

Exterior: Silver Frost (Black trim)

Interior: Black

Hardtop

02. 1967 Pontiac GTO

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.2 secs

Exterior: Signet Gold

Interior: Parchment

Hardtop

 

01. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.3 secs

Exterior: Misty Turquoise

Interior: Ivory

Convertible preferred

Something to think about. In your opinion, when does a typical mid-life crisis occur for men? Pick a range of years. Now, think back to the guys (and gals) that fought in WWII. Would the makers of these classic cars AND buyers of these cherry rides... would they be in that mid-life crisis range? Probably huh. Well, now you know where innovation really comes from. 

You can comment if you like, but if you disagree with me, of course you would be wrong.

Steve here - fantastic stuff, William. Love the Chevelle at #1. Also am a big fan of the Cuda. But I would gladly take any of them.

Have a great weekend!

GUEST POST: Girl Scout Cookies, Ranked

Editor's Note: Today, in a very special event on the Steve Boese blog, we present a very, very rare guest post. 

Today's post is from none other than the mighty Matt 'akaBruno' Stollak, Professor of Many Things at St. Norbert College, father or twins, founding member of The 8 Man Rotation, and all around swell guy. Matt's past is a little less clear, some say in 1935 he ran guns to Ethiopia, and in 1936 he fought in Spain on the loyalist side. I like to think he may have killed a man, but that's the romantic in me. 

Nonetheless, and without delay, I present Matt's take on a very, very important topic: Girl Scout Cookies. Enjoy!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Girl Scout Cookies, Ranked 

By Matthew Stollak

If you aren’t already aware, it’s Girl Scout Cookie season. If the Girl Scouts haven’t already been to your front door selling their wares, they are waiting outside your local supermarket, or a dutiful parent is pitching them at your office.

I’m on record as stating that Girl Scout cookies are mediocre, but you’ll buy them anyway. So, if you have to purchase them, here’s the definitive 2016 ranking.

12. Caramel deLites/Samoas – Controversial, I know. It has chocolate, it has caramel. But, it also contains the devil’s floss – toasted coconut. Worst!

11. Cranberry Citrus Crisps – What focus group demanded these? Is it still Thanksgiving?

10. Lemonades – There are many great icings in the world…chocolate, vanilla….yet, you choose lemon?!?!?

9. Savannah Smiles – You can try to cover the sour taste of lemon with powdered sugar, but it is still a fail. More like Savannah Frowns, I’m afraid.

8. Rah-Rah Raisins - It’s horrible to reach for a chocolate chip cookie, only to find it is oatmeal raisin. Now add yogurt and make it mass-produced, and you have something not worth cheering about.

7. Trios – Too much of everything….chocolate chips, peanut butter, oatmeal. Should work in theory, but the whole is less than its parts. (Steve here - agree, and oatmeal does not belong in cookies)

6. Toffee-tastic – Rich, buttery cookies with golden toffee bits. Add chocolate and it would move up the charts.

5. Trefoils – This is your basic shortbread cookie. Not bad, but it doesn’t wow you either.

4. Thanks-A-Lot - They take the Trefoil and add fudge to the bottom. Plus, the embossed “Thank You” is in several languages. So, not only is it tasty, it’s educational as well.

3. Do-Si-Dos/Peanut Butter Sandwich – Top 3, but could rise higher if they switched out the oatmeal cookie with the shortbread.

2. Peanut Butter Patties/Tagalongs – It’s a generic PB Twix. 

1. Thin Mints – What else could be at the top? Especially out of the freezer, you know you’ll eat a whole sleeve.

Steve here - Thanks Matt for weighing in on this important topic.

And as always with these 'Ranked' posts, you could disagree, but you would be wrong.

Have a great weekend!

National restaurant chains, ranked

For a long weekend where you are perhaps considering dining out at some point, I humbly submit to you this subjective, unscientific, unresearched and 100% accurate breakdown and rankings of the important national restaurant chains.

Note: these chains fit into the category of 'Casual Dining', that staple of medium-sized towns and access roads just off the Interstate everywhere. But the point is that places like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Chipotle (New ad pitch: 'Now with LESS Ecoli!!!!'), are not in the running.

Here goes:

10. Outback Steakhouse - Fun fact: I once ate in an Outback Steakhouse each week on Monday night for six months while on a project in Hickory, North Carolina.

Signature item: Bloomin' Onion

9. Chili's - Ate there last night. Am totally not kidding. 

Signature item: Baby Back Ribs

8. Red Robin - Seem to have recently undertaken some kind of re-branding. 

Signature item: Royal Red Robin

7. Olive Garden - This is terrible food, more or less, but the one near where I live is ALWAYS packed, so that has to count for something.

Signature item: None really. But usually they will keep bringing you food until you explode.

6. Red Lobster - 83% of the shrimp consumed in the USA are eaten in Red Lobsters. Actually, I have no idea if that is true. But it seems like it could be true, if you know what I mean.

Signature item: Cheddar Bay biscuits

5. T.G.I. Friday's - Am kind of surprised these are still around. I guess someone had to survive the epic battle between Friday's, Bennigan's, and Houlihan's in the 90s.

Signature item: Pretty much anything from the appetizer menu. You are proably a little drunk already and are not that picky about the food.

4. Carabba's Italian Grill - My son's favorite on this list. Also had a 90-minute wait to get in at 5:45PM on a recent weekend night. That's nuts.

Signature item: Have some pasta. Or some chicken. Heck, have both.

3. Applebees - Feelin' good in the neighborhood. Perhaps too good. 

Signature item:Two or three shady as hell local drunks that are at the end of the bar at 11:35PM on Thursday night.

2. Buffalo Wild Wings - I used to stop in the BWW on the way home from my old teaching gig. Nothing more sad than going to a bar by yourself at 10PM on a Tuesday. Good wings though.

Signature item: Wings, you dummy.

1. The Cheesecake Factory - The choice of big time ballers everywhere, especially in Las Vegas. Go at midnight, sit at the bar. Order draft beer and dessert. You won't regret it.

Signature item: Original cheesecake. Don't mess with a classic. 

You can comment if you like, but if you disagree with me, of course you would be wrong.

Have a great weekend!