Mailbag

Due to the recent comeback of the blog I have received many questions that I will try to answer now.

Dear FJohn,

I love singing karaoke. I could probably even tell you which bars have karaoke night all over NYC every day of the week. My only problem is that the list of songs I enjoy singing is getting a bit tired. I love to sing Michael Jackson and other pop. Would you mind suggesting a few songs for me.
Someone Interesting Needs Guidance

SING,

I would recommend looking to expand outside of your basic genre. Try some Elvis Presley or Roy Orbison. Even better just jump to country for a night or two. Most country songs are about drinking so pick one that really captures how you feel you are drinking that night. If you are singing in bars that only do karaoke every so often this is a surefire way to get people to dig you getting up on stage.

I would also avoid any kind of ballad. This seems like a good idea because they are often songs that most people know, but if your songs hit the 3 minute mark no one wants to know you.

Dear FJohn,

My roommates and I are in a heated debate. Which is better for you cake batter or brownie batter? I say cake but they tell me brownie. Which is it?
Batter Eating Teenager

BET,

It is unwise to eat batter of any kind in large quantities, even if you don't add eggs. Batter is made up of a lot of baking chemicals that are made to create the sort of sponginess of both cake and brownies. During the baking process these chemicals are reacted and become good to eat without causing gastrointestinal problems.

That said, brownies do have a slightly lesser amount of most of these chemicals so I guess they are "better" for you. But you really should just cook them both (preferably before you get baked yourself).

FJohn,

I love your blog. I just have a quick question.

I am in a relationship with my boss's daughter right now. He was my boss before I was dating her so it isn't like he got me a job through some kind of nepotism. I have been a pretty good boyfriend and a great employee, however I am pretty sure my girlfriend has been cheating on me for the last few weeks, and is planing on dumping me.

Her dad, my boss, is a nice enough guy, but it is unlikely that he would be willing to give me the time of day if it went south with his daughter.

I really need this job. It is a stable stepping stone toward my dream job and would hate to have to start over again somewhere else. What can I do?
Dipped In Company Ink

DICI,

You don't say if you have confronted your girlfriend with these heavy allegations yet. This should be the first thing you do. Try not to get too defensive or mean about it. Just tell her that it seems like she wants out of your relationship, and you are willing let it end peacefully if she makes it clear to her dad that you and her ended on good terms.

Parents more than anyone know how difficult it is to be a major part of their children's lives. This is sort of the way that most parents in this day and age bond with their children's significant others. "Yeah, when Soandso was growing up she wasn't a morning person ether." So long as you haven't hurt his daughter he will be understanding of what happen.



There you have it. If you have any questions please send them to fjohnrickert [at] gmail [dot] com.