It's been a month or so since I've last blogged. Christmas has since come and gone and I've come across a few astute observations about the holiday season.
Here's what I learned:
1.) It doesn't matter that it's "Christmas month" December will always be chaotic
2.) No matter how hard you try...your family will never get you what you ask for
3.) The weeks leading up to Christmas are always better than the actual day
4.) Four days is MORE than enough time to spend with family
5.) ...TOO MUCH time to spend with future in-laws!
6.) All Christmas shopping should be done online, avoiding the malls at all costs
7.) Even if your work gives you a week off you still won't have any free time
8.) You'll spend the three days before New Year's trying to figure out who you can pan your crappy gifts off too....Crystal candle holders anyone??
9.) Don't buy a fake tree...they don't shed less needles and their bad for the environment
and last but certainly not least....
10.) No matter how shitty your Christmas may or may not have been, you'll always miss it once January rolls in!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Time to Get Out of Dodge!
I'm blogging during lunch because I'm tired of reaching out to editors who could care less about my clients, tired of checking emails only to discover I have an impotence problem, and finally because I technically can't leave the building as I'm the only one in the office...once again.
I need a change.
Seriously...I'm sick of the Bay Area. I'm sick of the Silicon Valley, I'm sick of the stay at home moms that make it impossible for me to hop in and out during lunch, I'm sick of traffic, I'm sick of paying exorbitant prices for rent, I'm sick of marketing flaks, I'm sick of technology. I'm sick- that, or I'm just tired. Either way I need a change. A BIG one.
I want to move out of the state. Mike and I have talked about it and depending on whether we can actually afford to live here... we just might (although we'd have to wait, at least until Mike finishes at SJSU). At this point I wouldn't mind moving to a podunk little town where nothing much really happens and the neighbors all love each other. A place where I don't end the day only to pick it back up 45 minutes later and continue working again. Where a 5 minute trip home doesn't end up being 40-45 minutes with traffic. Where people are friendly and not judgemental. Where I can get in and out of the grocery in less than an hour. Where I can tell someone my honest opinion without worrying about the repurcussions. Where I can get in and out of a mall without wanting to kill someone. When a lunch break means not spending 5 minutes to eat at your desk.
Somewhere not the Silicon Valley.
I'm seriously considering this one because...what's really holding me here anyway???
I need a change.
Seriously...I'm sick of the Bay Area. I'm sick of the Silicon Valley, I'm sick of the stay at home moms that make it impossible for me to hop in and out during lunch, I'm sick of traffic, I'm sick of paying exorbitant prices for rent, I'm sick of marketing flaks, I'm sick of technology. I'm sick- that, or I'm just tired. Either way I need a change. A BIG one.
I want to move out of the state. Mike and I have talked about it and depending on whether we can actually afford to live here... we just might (although we'd have to wait, at least until Mike finishes at SJSU). At this point I wouldn't mind moving to a podunk little town where nothing much really happens and the neighbors all love each other. A place where I don't end the day only to pick it back up 45 minutes later and continue working again. Where a 5 minute trip home doesn't end up being 40-45 minutes with traffic. Where people are friendly and not judgemental. Where I can get in and out of the grocery in less than an hour. Where I can tell someone my honest opinion without worrying about the repurcussions. Where I can get in and out of a mall without wanting to kill someone. When a lunch break means not spending 5 minutes to eat at your desk.
Somewhere not the Silicon Valley.
I'm seriously considering this one because...what's really holding me here anyway???
Friday, November 2, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Got a problem? Blame Marketing...
Blame marketing, blame advertising, blame public relations....but for the love of god don't blame yourself.
A recent blog post from the well-known Editor-in-Chief of Wired Magazine, Chris Anderson, had my blood boiling this afternoon.
Media bias has attracted quite a bit of attention amongst university scholars and independent watchdog organizations. These organizations have many questioning the validity of the news they receive and ask that readers take the time to evaluate what they're reading. Recent scandals, such as those of Jayson Blair and Stephen Glass, have helped put highy respected publications like the New York Times in a negative light.
So how do journalists alleviate the situation -- they perpetuate the stereotype!
Yesterday, Chris Anderson posted a blog outing over a hundred PR representatives for sending press release spam. While the argument is completely valid, the means in which he outed them was tasteless and un-neccessary helping to further a stereotype that is unjustified and unsubstantiated.
Do PR professionals fuck up? YES! Do some PR professionals abuse their privelleges and try to sell a product that's less than perfect? Of course. Does this mean that all PR professionals are liars that do nothing but "bother everyone else"? Absolutely Not!
PR professionals are no more lying, conniving, or manipulative then reporters are biased, snotty, and inaccurate. It's the exception to the rule....but you would never get that from Chris's post.
Instead of offering a solution, Chris threw a big fat wrench at the problem. Yes, PR professionals should make it a point to research the reporters they are trying to target. And yes, PR professionals should never mass-distribute press releases without carefully anlayzing their target lists. But at the same time it's not just a PR problem.
As mentioned in the comments following the post, journalism and PR requires a symbotic relationship to effectively get things done. Reporters could do their part to ensure that their beat, and contact information is readily available to PR professionals. They could also offer tips and best methods for getting in contact them.
It's absolutely imperative that both industries take accountability for their actions instead of simply passing the buck.
Immaturely outing their emails on a blog is not only cold, spiteful and vindictive -- but it's also damaging and completely unnecessary.
I would expect more from an editor as widely respected and acknowledged in the industry as Chris Anderson.
A recent blog post from the well-known Editor-in-Chief of Wired Magazine, Chris Anderson, had my blood boiling this afternoon.
Media bias has attracted quite a bit of attention amongst university scholars and independent watchdog organizations. These organizations have many questioning the validity of the news they receive and ask that readers take the time to evaluate what they're reading. Recent scandals, such as those of Jayson Blair and Stephen Glass, have helped put highy respected publications like the New York Times in a negative light.
So how do journalists alleviate the situation -- they perpetuate the stereotype!
Yesterday, Chris Anderson posted a blog outing over a hundred PR representatives for sending press release spam. While the argument is completely valid, the means in which he outed them was tasteless and un-neccessary helping to further a stereotype that is unjustified and unsubstantiated.
Do PR professionals fuck up? YES! Do some PR professionals abuse their privelleges and try to sell a product that's less than perfect? Of course. Does this mean that all PR professionals are liars that do nothing but "bother everyone else"? Absolutely Not!
PR professionals are no more lying, conniving, or manipulative then reporters are biased, snotty, and inaccurate. It's the exception to the rule....but you would never get that from Chris's post.
Instead of offering a solution, Chris threw a big fat wrench at the problem. Yes, PR professionals should make it a point to research the reporters they are trying to target. And yes, PR professionals should never mass-distribute press releases without carefully anlayzing their target lists. But at the same time it's not just a PR problem.
As mentioned in the comments following the post, journalism and PR requires a symbotic relationship to effectively get things done. Reporters could do their part to ensure that their beat, and contact information is readily available to PR professionals. They could also offer tips and best methods for getting in contact them.
It's absolutely imperative that both industries take accountability for their actions instead of simply passing the buck.
Immaturely outing their emails on a blog is not only cold, spiteful and vindictive -- but it's also damaging and completely unnecessary.
I would expect more from an editor as widely respected and acknowledged in the industry as Chris Anderson.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Home Improvement
So I've been doing a lot of watching of Home Improvement on Nick at Nite recently and it's become quite apparent to me how much crazy gender stereotyping they do in the show.
It's blatant...
Tim is the complete alpha male. He embodies everything that is man -- tools, cars, grunting, sports, and greasy food. Naturally since he's male he's also illogical, fanatic, dim-witted and accident prone.
Then there's Jill the docile-ish female. She's like a modern take on June Cleaver -- she can't cook but she sews costumes and teaches her boys how to dance, she's not a "stay-at-home" mom but she doesn't have a job and is on a constant quest to become a psychologist...but you know she never will. Like all woman she's overly sensitive, catty, needy and demanding/ "the nag."
And I think Wilson is androgenous....he's half man and female. I don't know what they were trying to do there.
It's blatant...
Tim is the complete alpha male. He embodies everything that is man -- tools, cars, grunting, sports, and greasy food. Naturally since he's male he's also illogical, fanatic, dim-witted and accident prone.
Then there's Jill the docile-ish female. She's like a modern take on June Cleaver -- she can't cook but she sews costumes and teaches her boys how to dance, she's not a "stay-at-home" mom but she doesn't have a job and is on a constant quest to become a psychologist...but you know she never will. Like all woman she's overly sensitive, catty, needy and demanding/ "the nag."
And I think Wilson is androgenous....he's half man and female. I don't know what they were trying to do there.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
MySims
Mike decided to purchase me a present for all my help with the grading and what not.
Guess what he bought me? Guess.....
MySims for the Wii!!!!!!!
haha.
Guess what he bought me? Guess.....
MySims for the Wii!!!!!!!
haha.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Sims....Double Take
So Tim asked that I elaborate on my initial comment that Sims is a metaphor for life...and since I do EVERYTHING he asks, I will comply. But since I also happen to be LAZY- I will pull my words from my man Chuck. Chuck Klosterman that is.
I happen to think that Chuck Klosterman is a GENIUS and definitely on to something...
So here's where we agree where it comes to The Sims --
"What makes The Sims so popular is its dogged adherence to the minutiae of subsistence, and that's where we're supposed to feel the realism. But the realism I felt was the worst kind; it was the hopeless realization that I was doomer to live in my own prison, just like the singer of Creed. The Sims makes the unconscious conscious, but not in an existential Zen way; The Sims forces you to think about how even free people are eternally enslaved by the processes of living. Suddenly I had to plan to take a shower. And though I need to do all those things in reality, the thoughts scarely cross my mind unless I'm plugged into this game."
I played The Sims for a one-time period of six months. After six months it just gets DEPRESSING. It's like you're literally outside looking in (specifically true in my case as I thought it would be rad to make my Sim as close to a spitting image of me as possible). Note to those who want to jump into the Sim arena- make your Sim have as little resemblance to your true self as possible... SCARY
That reminds me..... I need to go pee....
I happen to think that Chuck Klosterman is a GENIUS and definitely on to something...
So here's where we agree where it comes to The Sims --
"What makes The Sims so popular is its dogged adherence to the minutiae of subsistence, and that's where we're supposed to feel the realism. But the realism I felt was the worst kind; it was the hopeless realization that I was doomer to live in my own prison, just like the singer of Creed. The Sims makes the unconscious conscious, but not in an existential Zen way; The Sims forces you to think about how even free people are eternally enslaved by the processes of living. Suddenly I had to plan to take a shower. And though I need to do all those things in reality, the thoughts scarely cross my mind unless I'm plugged into this game."
I played The Sims for a one-time period of six months. After six months it just gets DEPRESSING. It's like you're literally outside looking in (specifically true in my case as I thought it would be rad to make my Sim as close to a spitting image of me as possible). Note to those who want to jump into the Sim arena- make your Sim have as little resemblance to your true self as possible... SCARY
That reminds me..... I need to go pee....
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Emmys....What a Sham!
So I watched the Emmy's last night and let me tell you.....it's not worth the three hours of your life you waste watching it. I remember growing up and award shows like the Emmys, Golden Globes and Oscars were a BIG DEAL. There was a level of prestige that went with winning an award.
Now... however, its nothing but a freak show. They have Ryan Seacrest hosting the show for god's sake. The only highlight being that the "blue" carpet and stage were made of recyclable materials.
Also, thought it was hilarious how they cut Sally Field off during her Anti-War/Acceptance speech.
But seriously- what's with the Emmy's. Look at the nominees...American Idol was nominated for an Emmy. And Tony Bennett took home like six. And fucking James Spader wins over James Gandolfini. Seriously who is getting paid in the Academy and what would it take for Emmy's to be awarded to actual talent?
And to top it all off they had Jersey Boys sing a tribute to the Sopranos. These uber-feminine broadway dancers are belting out "Bye Bye Baby" while they show a montage of Tony Soprano killing people. It was hilarious/absolutely absurd.
What's next...Brittany's tribute to Sex and the City?
According to Aol.com, the Emmy's averaged nearly 19 percent fewer viewers than tuned in last year. Is it any wonder? I think not.
Now... however, its nothing but a freak show. They have Ryan Seacrest hosting the show for god's sake. The only highlight being that the "blue" carpet and stage were made of recyclable materials.
Also, thought it was hilarious how they cut Sally Field off during her Anti-War/Acceptance speech.
But seriously- what's with the Emmy's. Look at the nominees...American Idol was nominated for an Emmy. And Tony Bennett took home like six. And fucking James Spader wins over James Gandolfini. Seriously who is getting paid in the Academy and what would it take for Emmy's to be awarded to actual talent?
And to top it all off they had Jersey Boys sing a tribute to the Sopranos. These uber-feminine broadway dancers are belting out "Bye Bye Baby" while they show a montage of Tony Soprano killing people. It was hilarious/absolutely absurd.
What's next...Brittany's tribute to Sex and the City?
According to Aol.com, the Emmy's averaged nearly 19 percent fewer viewers than tuned in last year. Is it any wonder? I think not.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
5 O'Clock World
I have come across an important fact upon entering the work world....
No matter who you are , what you do or however great your your job may be...at the end of the day everyone is secretly waiting for that 5 o'clock bell to ring.
I still have 56 minutes left....damn
No matter who you are , what you do or however great your your job may be...at the end of the day everyone is secretly waiting for that 5 o'clock bell to ring.
I still have 56 minutes left....damn
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Adult= Boring
I'm bored....and not bored in the I'm going to eat a pound of chocolate and play Super Mario kinda way, but the general bored with life bored. Sometimes I can't help but think that all the excitement has passed me as I jump in this so called adult business.
Work is meh. I like it for the most part....co-workers are awesome, super flexible, clients keep it interesting on a semi-regular basis-- but it's not new anymore. The initial appeal has worn off and given way to a day-to-day routine. It's not even bad, just blah.
I kinda miss those chaotic college days when you're struggling to find ways to pay tuition and eat from week to week. When you come home from work to eat ice cream from the pint and bullshit about ridiculousness while your roommate soaks her nasty feet in vinegar because they smell- and the other one complains about the rising costs of.....welll....everything.
Here's my average day.....
7:00 drag myself out of bed into the shower
8:00 leave for work
8:30 check email
9-5 typical work routine
5-6 frantically trying to finish up so I can go home
6-11 come home, watch multiple hours of bad TV, talk to myself (because Mike is locked in his room doing his teaching stuff), work a bit, contemplate going to the gym-but then don't, pick up the phone to make a call and realize I don't get service, sit staring at kitty wishing my friends lived closer
Weekends are usually filled with Mike and I trying to contact friends to come visit... then finally giving up, ordering a pizza and playing Super Mario.
I miss the randomness- and anticipation of trying to figure out what comes next. Now I'm just.......bored.
And bored is not always a good thing because when I'm bored I get paranoid. And I have a tendency to let my mind take over, which is never good because I over analyze everything.
Moral of the story.....I need a hobby, friends in San Jose, or a new video game.
Work is meh. I like it for the most part....co-workers are awesome, super flexible, clients keep it interesting on a semi-regular basis-- but it's not new anymore. The initial appeal has worn off and given way to a day-to-day routine. It's not even bad, just blah.
I kinda miss those chaotic college days when you're struggling to find ways to pay tuition and eat from week to week. When you come home from work to eat ice cream from the pint and bullshit about ridiculousness while your roommate soaks her nasty feet in vinegar because they smell- and the other one complains about the rising costs of.....welll....everything.
Here's my average day.....
7:00 drag myself out of bed into the shower
8:00 leave for work
8:30 check email
9-5 typical work routine
5-6 frantically trying to finish up so I can go home
6-11 come home, watch multiple hours of bad TV, talk to myself (because Mike is locked in his room doing his teaching stuff), work a bit, contemplate going to the gym-but then don't, pick up the phone to make a call and realize I don't get service, sit staring at kitty wishing my friends lived closer
Weekends are usually filled with Mike and I trying to contact friends to come visit... then finally giving up, ordering a pizza and playing Super Mario.
I miss the randomness- and anticipation of trying to figure out what comes next. Now I'm just.......bored.
And bored is not always a good thing because when I'm bored I get paranoid. And I have a tendency to let my mind take over, which is never good because I over analyze everything.
Moral of the story.....I need a hobby, friends in San Jose, or a new video game.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Random Randomness
I felt compelled to write a blog post but don't have anything interesting to say, which annoys the shit out of me for two reasons: 1.) I hate writing bullshit posts (too late...see below) and 2.) I hate having a blog I never write in.
So I figured I can just comment on a couple items that are floating around my head at this particular time...
On Monday I went shopping with Anna and bought a book. I bought the book primarily for the title, "Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs." But, I'm reading the book now and it's damn good. Chuck Klosterman examines pop culture and uses it as a reference to show us how far we've gotten off track. My favorite essay, " This is Emo" looks at those sappy romantic comedies and how they've permanently ruined the meaning of relationships because everyone is looking for their Lloyd Dobler (Say Anything- for those of you who don't know). It was a refreshing slap in the face, while I was reading it I immediately felt guilty. But my Lloyd Dobbler is acutally Aidan Shaw from Sex and the City! I'm addicted. I'm sure I'll have more to say about this book when I finish.
Speaking of addicted, my autographed first edition of Chuck Palahniuk's "Choke" came in today. WOOT!
I've been on AIM lately while I do home "work" stuff. I've been having some interesting chats with an old boss of mine. I strangely enjoy bullshitting with the guy despite the fact that he can be slightly inappropriate and is not quite sane. This guy works on a number of different inventions, my favorite being what he calls the "Taco Pop." I had a prototype next to my desk while I worked there--it was a toilet paper roll with a white piece of paper glued around it and on it was printed the words "Taco Pop." Then there was a syringe/straw/cardboard circle contraction that pushed the taco up for your eating pleasure. He was hoping to market it to fast food joints as the new coffee sleeve of fast food. Ridiculous...I know. Anyway-- he's crazy and has the craziest things to say... but I actually find myself looking forward to bullshitting with him via AIM. I think the craziness helps break up my monotonous routine. Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to be a crazy inventor with one somewhat useful product that hires people on a whim and writes them bad checks. Maybe when I get older I'll become a crazy loon and write bunk checks.
Speaking of crazy loon- I've decided that when I get so old that I begin to slowly start my decline that I will do lots of drugs. If you're going to die anyway...why delay the process? I might as well go out with a bang. I'm thinking maybe acid or heroin. Any thoughts?
That's all I got for now--I promise I will try and make my next post a little more meaningful. Until then you will just have to suffer through my random craziness. And no Anna....I'm not depressed =)
So I figured I can just comment on a couple items that are floating around my head at this particular time...
On Monday I went shopping with Anna and bought a book. I bought the book primarily for the title, "Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs." But, I'm reading the book now and it's damn good. Chuck Klosterman examines pop culture and uses it as a reference to show us how far we've gotten off track. My favorite essay, " This is Emo" looks at those sappy romantic comedies and how they've permanently ruined the meaning of relationships because everyone is looking for their Lloyd Dobler (Say Anything- for those of you who don't know). It was a refreshing slap in the face, while I was reading it I immediately felt guilty. But my Lloyd Dobbler is acutally Aidan Shaw from Sex and the City! I'm addicted. I'm sure I'll have more to say about this book when I finish.
Speaking of addicted, my autographed first edition of Chuck Palahniuk's "Choke" came in today. WOOT!
I've been on AIM lately while I do home "work" stuff. I've been having some interesting chats with an old boss of mine. I strangely enjoy bullshitting with the guy despite the fact that he can be slightly inappropriate and is not quite sane. This guy works on a number of different inventions, my favorite being what he calls the "Taco Pop." I had a prototype next to my desk while I worked there--it was a toilet paper roll with a white piece of paper glued around it and on it was printed the words "Taco Pop." Then there was a syringe/straw/cardboard circle contraction that pushed the taco up for your eating pleasure. He was hoping to market it to fast food joints as the new coffee sleeve of fast food. Ridiculous...I know. Anyway-- he's crazy and has the craziest things to say... but I actually find myself looking forward to bullshitting with him via AIM. I think the craziness helps break up my monotonous routine. Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to be a crazy inventor with one somewhat useful product that hires people on a whim and writes them bad checks. Maybe when I get older I'll become a crazy loon and write bunk checks.
Speaking of crazy loon- I've decided that when I get so old that I begin to slowly start my decline that I will do lots of drugs. If you're going to die anyway...why delay the process? I might as well go out with a bang. I'm thinking maybe acid or heroin. Any thoughts?
That's all I got for now--I promise I will try and make my next post a little more meaningful. Until then you will just have to suffer through my random craziness. And no Anna....I'm not depressed =)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Anthem for the Depressed 20-Something...
I don't usually post song lyrics because I think it's a cop-out...but I was listening to my iPod while tweaking my media list and this song just seemed so appropriate for that 20-something angst.
...It also makes me want to watch Empire Records again.
With out further adieu....THE THE
"This is the Day"
Well... you didn't wake up this morning
Because you didn't go to bed
You were watching the whites of your eyes
Turn red
The calendar, on your wall, is ticking the days off
The calendar on your wall is tickingthe days offYou've been reading some old letters
You smile and think how much you've changed
All the money in the world
Couldn't bring back those days.
You pull back the curtains, and the sun burns into your eyes,
You watch a plane flying across a clear blue sky.
THIS IS THE DAY -- Your life will surely change.
THIS IS THE DAY -- Your life will surely change.You could've done anything -- if you'd wanted
And all your friends and family think that you're lucky.
But the side of you they'll never seeIs when you're left alone with the memories
That hold your life together like
Glue
...It also makes me want to watch Empire Records again.
With out further adieu....THE THE
"This is the Day"
Well... you didn't wake up this morning
Because you didn't go to bed
You were watching the whites of your eyes
Turn red
The calendar, on your wall, is ticking the days off
The calendar on your wall is tickingthe days offYou've been reading some old letters
You smile and think how much you've changed
All the money in the world
Couldn't bring back those days.
You pull back the curtains, and the sun burns into your eyes,
You watch a plane flying across a clear blue sky.
THIS IS THE DAY -- Your life will surely change.
THIS IS THE DAY -- Your life will surely change.You could've done anything -- if you'd wanted
And all your friends and family think that you're lucky.
But the side of you they'll never seeIs when you're left alone with the memories
That hold your life together like
Glue
Thursday, August 9, 2007
It's like SparkNotes for Political Candidates
So there's this handy-dandy political candidate chart thingy going around which I think is kinda rad. The chart calculates your stance on key political issues and let's you know which candidates share your views.
My results are as follows....
Kucinich 70 Death Penalty, Net Neutrality
Edwards 53 Patriot Act, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Iran - Military Action, Same-Sex Marriage
Clinton 50 Patriot Act, Border Fence, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Iran - Military Action, Same-Sex Marriage
Dodd 48 Patriot Act, Border Fence, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Iran - Military Action
Gravel 47 Death Penalty, No Child Left Behind
Biden 46 Patriot Act, Border Fence, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Same-Sex Marriage
Obama 39 Death Penalty, Patriot Act, Border Fence, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Same-Sex Marriage
Richardson 38 Assault Weapons Ban, Patriot Act, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Iran - Military Action, Same-Sex Marriage
McCain 4 Abortion Rights, Kyoto, Assault Weapons Ban, Patriot Act, Border Fence, Iran Sanctions, Iran - Military Action, Iraq War, Iraq Troop Surge, Iraq Withdrawal, Minimum Wage Increase, Same-Sex Marriage, Universal Healthcare
Giuliani -3
Paul -10
Thompson -18
Cox -32
Brownback -34
Huckabee -43
Romney -52
Hunter -61
Tancredo -70
Now the question I have is...who the hell is Kucinich! For all the people I administered the quiz to, Kucinich was on top.
Maybe all the people I associate myself with are liberal hippies- or maybe it was created by Kucinich himself...but I think you should try it for yourself.
For those of you who get Kucinich and like me had no idea who he was...he's the house of representatives spokesman for Ohio.
My guess is he won't make it past the primaries- but we've got some time just yet.
My results are as follows....
Kucinich 70 Death Penalty, Net Neutrality
Edwards 53 Patriot Act, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Iran - Military Action, Same-Sex Marriage
Clinton 50 Patriot Act, Border Fence, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Iran - Military Action, Same-Sex Marriage
Dodd 48 Patriot Act, Border Fence, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Iran - Military Action
Gravel 47 Death Penalty, No Child Left Behind
Biden 46 Patriot Act, Border Fence, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Same-Sex Marriage
Obama 39 Death Penalty, Patriot Act, Border Fence, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Same-Sex Marriage
Richardson 38 Assault Weapons Ban, Patriot Act, Net Neutrality, Iran Sanctions, Iran - Military Action, Same-Sex Marriage
McCain 4 Abortion Rights, Kyoto, Assault Weapons Ban, Patriot Act, Border Fence, Iran Sanctions, Iran - Military Action, Iraq War, Iraq Troop Surge, Iraq Withdrawal, Minimum Wage Increase, Same-Sex Marriage, Universal Healthcare
Giuliani -3
Paul -10
Thompson -18
Cox -32
Brownback -34
Huckabee -43
Romney -52
Hunter -61
Tancredo -70
Now the question I have is...who the hell is Kucinich! For all the people I administered the quiz to, Kucinich was on top.
Maybe all the people I associate myself with are liberal hippies- or maybe it was created by Kucinich himself...but I think you should try it for yourself.
For those of you who get Kucinich and like me had no idea who he was...he's the house of representatives spokesman for Ohio.
My guess is he won't make it past the primaries- but we've got some time just yet.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Ireland Re-Cap, II
I wanted to just leave it as is because I'm lazy and don't feel that anyone has a real desire to see my awesome Ireland pics...however, I"m plagued by my OCD tendencies and had to finish as originally planned.
So here it is ....Day Two. Well technically Day Three, since I squandered Day Two in a car driving backwards..
1.) Kilkenny Castle
So here's another view of the castle....
3.) Jamison Distillery
This is an old kiln from the old Jamison Distillery. Not much to say here...had a good time, tasted some good Jamison...mom got tipsy.
4). St. Patrick's Cathedral
So I didn't originally indeed to see this mightly fine building. My mom and I were looking for Dublin Castle which was nearly impossible for us to find because apparently Ireland doesn't believe in posting steet signs. So we ran smack into this thinking it was Dublin Castle...turned out to be a fricken huge cathedral instead! Didn't make it in time to see the inside, but if it's anything like the outer regions then I'm sure it's rad.
So I haven't decided whether or not I'm going to keep posting my Ireland pictures because I'm not sure anyway cares...for the one person who might, please stay tuned.
So here it is ....Day Two. Well technically Day Three, since I squandered Day Two in a car driving backwards..
1.) Kilkenny Castle
So the only highlight of our excruiatingly long car ride from Connemara to Kilkenny was this awesome ass castle. We got to take a tour of the inside but they only had four rooms open for display.
2.) Kilkenny Castle, P.2
So here's another view of the castle....
3.) Jamison Distillery
This is an old kiln from the old Jamison Distillery. Not much to say here...had a good time, tasted some good Jamison...mom got tipsy.
4). St. Patrick's Cathedral
So I didn't originally indeed to see this mightly fine building. My mom and I were looking for Dublin Castle which was nearly impossible for us to find because apparently Ireland doesn't believe in posting steet signs. So we ran smack into this thinking it was Dublin Castle...turned out to be a fricken huge cathedral instead! Didn't make it in time to see the inside, but if it's anything like the outer regions then I'm sure it's rad.
So I haven't decided whether or not I'm going to keep posting my Ireland pictures because I'm not sure anyway cares...for the one person who might, please stay tuned.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Ireland Re-Cap, Part I
So I decided that I need to re-cap my trip to Ireland, and what's a better outlet for doing so than my very own blog?!
So here it goes, my Ireland re-cap via pictures. I think I'll do about four at a time just to save the two people who read my blog the agony of having to scroll all the way through.
Without further adieu...
1.) Cliffs of Moher
We visited these mighty fine cliffs on our second day in Ireland. The view is gorgeous, and there's a nifty little medieval watchtower up at the top of the other side of the cliffs. The Cliffs are located in Co. Clare which is one of the most laid back and friendly states in Ireland. I could retire here happily
2.) Dunguaire Castle
My mom and I ran across this 16th century watchtower/castle on our way to Galway. Not quite the grandeur I was hoping for but it was a quaint medieval castle/watchtower that was bought in 1954 by Christobel Lady Ampthill an eccentric old hag that lived on the fourth floor of the castle for a few years before finally selling it to the Shannon Development Company who finished restoration and made it into a museum.
3.) Inside Dungaire Castle...
This the medieval banquet room, they still hold medieval banquets here...for a small fortune.
4.) The Burren
This was a kinda funky little place on the way from Doolin to Galway. It looked almost tropical, but when you walk five feet down the road it feels like a little country hamlet. The roads are scarely narrow and everytime a car passes you feel like you're going to die. Other then that it's a really nice little place. Lots of little fisherboats and friendly neighbors.
More tomorrow....stay tuned.
So here it goes, my Ireland re-cap via pictures. I think I'll do about four at a time just to save the two people who read my blog the agony of having to scroll all the way through.
Without further adieu...
1.) Cliffs of Moher
We visited these mighty fine cliffs on our second day in Ireland. The view is gorgeous, and there's a nifty little medieval watchtower up at the top of the other side of the cliffs. The Cliffs are located in Co. Clare which is one of the most laid back and friendly states in Ireland. I could retire here happily
2.) Dunguaire Castle
My mom and I ran across this 16th century watchtower/castle on our way to Galway. Not quite the grandeur I was hoping for but it was a quaint medieval castle/watchtower that was bought in 1954 by Christobel Lady Ampthill an eccentric old hag that lived on the fourth floor of the castle for a few years before finally selling it to the Shannon Development Company who finished restoration and made it into a museum.
3.) Inside Dungaire Castle...
This the medieval banquet room, they still hold medieval banquets here...for a small fortune.
4.) The Burren
This was a kinda funky little place on the way from Doolin to Galway. It looked almost tropical, but when you walk five feet down the road it feels like a little country hamlet. The roads are scarely narrow and everytime a car passes you feel like you're going to die. Other then that it's a really nice little place. Lots of little fisherboats and friendly neighbors.
More tomorrow....stay tuned.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
iPhones and the lames that wait in line for them
The iPhone launched last Friday. Do I care? Hell no. Do I think its ridiculous? Absolutely.
I think the general appeal of the iPhone will wear down when people come to the realization that it is not life altering. What is wrong with the consumer market today anyway?
You could tell the market that a shoe string wrapped around a trash bag filled with poo is the next life changing product and they'll stand in line all night long in the cold waiting to get their hands on one. Curse words flowing and fists a-blazing.
Michelle Slatalla summed up the iPhone experience in her recent article, "An iPhone Changed My Life (Briefly)"
I'm going to start crafting my poop-in-a-bag idea. I think it'll take off. I mean...I'm in PR...which means I can "spin" anything, right???
I think the general appeal of the iPhone will wear down when people come to the realization that it is not life altering. What is wrong with the consumer market today anyway?
You could tell the market that a shoe string wrapped around a trash bag filled with poo is the next life changing product and they'll stand in line all night long in the cold waiting to get their hands on one. Curse words flowing and fists a-blazing.
Michelle Slatalla summed up the iPhone experience in her recent article, "An iPhone Changed My Life (Briefly)"
I'm going to start crafting my poop-in-a-bag idea. I think it'll take off. I mean...I'm in PR...which means I can "spin" anything, right???
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Screw You Snub Nose!
I've been giving this a lot of thought. Especially since Chasco came to visit and when he visits Lindsey's name always seems to come into play. Also, since I'm spamming out pitch letters for Gabe's run...
So here it is....
For years I have pondered my resentment toward Lindsey and her entire family. I always thought it was Lindsey and my own feelings of inadequacy. But I feel more and more that it has everything to do with my brother and the family.
After my brother "treaded upon dangerous waters," that family looked down on us and reigned superiority. (You see...we were family friends before all this). I resented it then, and I still do now. Theird perfect family, with the "good" son that triumphed over temptation and the daughter that was ohhhh so cool.
However, reflecting upon it now, not only have my brother and I come out WAY ahead of the Bench family... but we survived and remained a strong supportive family unit through it all.
Screw you and your snub nose Esther! We are just fine as we are, and I no longer feel compelled to feel guilty about it! WOOT!
So here it is....
For years I have pondered my resentment toward Lindsey and her entire family. I always thought it was Lindsey and my own feelings of inadequacy. But I feel more and more that it has everything to do with my brother and the family.
After my brother "treaded upon dangerous waters," that family looked down on us and reigned superiority. (You see...we were family friends before all this). I resented it then, and I still do now. Theird perfect family, with the "good" son that triumphed over temptation and the daughter that was ohhhh so cool.
However, reflecting upon it now, not only have my brother and I come out WAY ahead of the Bench family... but we survived and remained a strong supportive family unit through it all.
Screw you and your snub nose Esther! We are just fine as we are, and I no longer feel compelled to feel guilty about it! WOOT!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Damnit
So I was at the gas station pumping my car full of gas goodness when I came across a group of highway patrol officers. I looked up and noticed that one of the highway patrol officers used to be an old basketball teammate of mine from high school.
I went up to Mike and told him "oh shit, I think I went to high school with that girl!" An officer over heard me and asked me who I was talking about. I told him and he called her name and told her that I said hi over his speaker. She looked over and I waved at her.
She looked at me like I was some homeless woman off the streets claiming to be her long lost sister or something...no recogniton on her part.
Perhaps Tim was right... maybe I should have made more of an effort in high school. Five friends may cut it for me now, but it won't get me out of a speeding ticket!
I went up to Mike and told him "oh shit, I think I went to high school with that girl!" An officer over heard me and asked me who I was talking about. I told him and he called her name and told her that I said hi over his speaker. She looked over and I waved at her.
She looked at me like I was some homeless woman off the streets claiming to be her long lost sister or something...no recogniton on her part.
Perhaps Tim was right... maybe I should have made more of an effort in high school. Five friends may cut it for me now, but it won't get me out of a speeding ticket!
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Humilty
You know how there are those people out there that are just put there to make you feel bad about yourself? I've found my person...and he works in the cubicle next to mine.
Humility has not yet been embraced by our generation... but I'm learning.
Humility has not yet been embraced by our generation... but I'm learning.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Kudos to Steven Cody
Steven Cody, Managing Partner of Peppercom wrote an op-ed piece in this week's issue of PRWeek entitled, "An eye-opening day as a Junion AE."
In a day when us "bright-eyed optimistic youth" are "clammering for praise and recognization," its nice to know there's a senior level exec. out there whose taken the time to walk in our shoes. Even if just for the day.
My hat goes off to you Steven Cody -- we need more like you in this business (and if we can get our clients in on it, it'd be even sweeter!).
In a day when us "bright-eyed optimistic youth" are "clammering for praise and recognization," its nice to know there's a senior level exec. out there whose taken the time to walk in our shoes. Even if just for the day.
My hat goes off to you Steven Cody -- we need more like you in this business (and if we can get our clients in on it, it'd be even sweeter!).
Monday, April 30, 2007
The Gym Cult
"At an hour when he would usually prefer to be asleep, your correspondent drags himself into an LA Fitness gym in north London. In the changing room, he finds a reassuringly fat man forlornly weighing himself; but the other early birds wrestling with the weights machines look dauntingly fit and expert. Nursing a mild hangover and grave doubts about his vocation, he prepares to meet his nemesis."
While I was tooling around the internet after my long workout at the gym, I came across this awesome snipet from a 2002 article in the Economist. Because they are sheisty bastards, I was unable to read the article in all its splendor. But the above paragraph was enough to let me know that I probably would've liked it.
That being said...I have began to develop a theory about the gym. Because curiousity killed a cat (as they say) I decided to do a little research on gym culture. Of the theses I examined, the general consensus was that the gym culture was one collective cult where like minds gathered to bulk up. The only differentiator being what time they decided to begin their workout routine (Early Risers, Afternoon Users, After Work/ School Users & last but not least Evening Users). However, I think that the gym is comprised of a bunch of different tiny subcultures...kind of like high school. In fact I will use your general high school cliques to break down the subcultures that exist at the gym. It goes as follows:
Jocks: We all know these guys: ripped shirts to excentuate the masculine arms and pecks, loud grunting accompanied by counting between sets, free flow of sweat and the arrogant swagger. These fellows are usually found in the free weights room pumping iron and gnawing on their power bars while chugging back their gallon container of muscle milk.
Sluts/Whores: No matter what clique you fall into, these guys/girls are sure to make you uncomfortable no matter who you are. Boys: wife beaters, like to mill around the water faucet and causally pick up chicks. Also notorious for making cat calls and whistles at girls as they walk by. And I mean ALL GIRLS. Sweats, baggy shirt, unbrushed hair- they'll tap that. Just as long as you're breathing. Girls: Sports bras only, often seen in the free weight room lifting the five pound barbells. Attire includes tight pants, thong sweat line, bleached hair and gum. Often seen giggling and initiating stupid conversations.
Nerds: These kids go to the gym just so they can say they went. These fun loving folks are usually spotted in jeans- running at a walker's pace on trendmills in chuck taylors wearing a "I love dorks" tee. Mostly contained to the cardio section of the gym, these characters will sometimes venture over the the weights where they will park it on the machine before finally finishing their third set of 10 at 5 pounds a machine. AND THEY NEVER CARRY TOWELS.
Finally, last but not least the group I most commonly associate:
Anarchists: These kids just want to work out and be left the fuck alone. They come in all shapes and sizes and tend to fall somewhere between the jock and the nerd. You will notice them by their quiet demeanor and baggy appearal. They almost never look up for fear of having to initiate a conversation with someone, or worse the fear that a trainer will come over and tell them that they're using the equipment wrong. You can guarantee that they will always have their iPod because they can't stand to listen to the house version of Brittany's Spears "Toxic" on auto repeat. Note to everyone: don't approach them, don't sell them extras, don't even stare in their direction...it makes them nervous.
If you frequently attend the gym I'm sure you recognize these characters, hell perhaps your one of them yourselves. I'll admit it I'm part of the anarchist gym cult- you approach me at the gym I'll turn my head, walk away and pretend I didn't see you just so I won't have to initiate another ackward conversation.
No judgment here...ok, maybe just a little. I just thought it would be worth mentioning that there is more to this "gym cult" then meets the eye.
**Please note, there should be a separate section for couples but I'm too tired to go there.
While I was tooling around the internet after my long workout at the gym, I came across this awesome snipet from a 2002 article in the Economist. Because they are sheisty bastards, I was unable to read the article in all its splendor. But the above paragraph was enough to let me know that I probably would've liked it.
That being said...I have began to develop a theory about the gym. Because curiousity killed a cat (as they say) I decided to do a little research on gym culture. Of the theses I examined, the general consensus was that the gym culture was one collective cult where like minds gathered to bulk up. The only differentiator being what time they decided to begin their workout routine (Early Risers, Afternoon Users, After Work/ School Users & last but not least Evening Users). However, I think that the gym is comprised of a bunch of different tiny subcultures...kind of like high school. In fact I will use your general high school cliques to break down the subcultures that exist at the gym. It goes as follows:
Jocks: We all know these guys: ripped shirts to excentuate the masculine arms and pecks, loud grunting accompanied by counting between sets, free flow of sweat and the arrogant swagger. These fellows are usually found in the free weights room pumping iron and gnawing on their power bars while chugging back their gallon container of muscle milk.
Sluts/Whores: No matter what clique you fall into, these guys/girls are sure to make you uncomfortable no matter who you are. Boys: wife beaters, like to mill around the water faucet and causally pick up chicks. Also notorious for making cat calls and whistles at girls as they walk by. And I mean ALL GIRLS. Sweats, baggy shirt, unbrushed hair- they'll tap that. Just as long as you're breathing. Girls: Sports bras only, often seen in the free weight room lifting the five pound barbells. Attire includes tight pants, thong sweat line, bleached hair and gum. Often seen giggling and initiating stupid conversations.
Nerds: These kids go to the gym just so they can say they went. These fun loving folks are usually spotted in jeans- running at a walker's pace on trendmills in chuck taylors wearing a "I love dorks" tee. Mostly contained to the cardio section of the gym, these characters will sometimes venture over the the weights where they will park it on the machine before finally finishing their third set of 10 at 5 pounds a machine. AND THEY NEVER CARRY TOWELS.
Finally, last but not least the group I most commonly associate:
Anarchists: These kids just want to work out and be left the fuck alone. They come in all shapes and sizes and tend to fall somewhere between the jock and the nerd. You will notice them by their quiet demeanor and baggy appearal. They almost never look up for fear of having to initiate a conversation with someone, or worse the fear that a trainer will come over and tell them that they're using the equipment wrong. You can guarantee that they will always have their iPod because they can't stand to listen to the house version of Brittany's Spears "Toxic" on auto repeat. Note to everyone: don't approach them, don't sell them extras, don't even stare in their direction...it makes them nervous.
If you frequently attend the gym I'm sure you recognize these characters, hell perhaps your one of them yourselves. I'll admit it I'm part of the anarchist gym cult- you approach me at the gym I'll turn my head, walk away and pretend I didn't see you just so I won't have to initiate another ackward conversation.
No judgment here...ok, maybe just a little. I just thought it would be worth mentioning that there is more to this "gym cult" then meets the eye.
**Please note, there should be a separate section for couples but I'm too tired to go there.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Bridging the Gap
"Workers under 40, he says, require far more stroking. They often like "trendy, name-brand merchandise" as rewards, but they also want near-constant feedback. "It's not enough to give praise only when they're exceptional, because for years they've been getting praise just for showing up," he says."
Written like a true Boomer... This weekend's edition of the Wall Street Journal featured an article discussing what they call "the most praised generation" and their impact on the workforce. The article touches on the latest generation's need to be "nurtured" by their superiors citing a number of companies that have gone out of their way to praise and nuture their newbies.
Nurture? Try force-fed. We were raised in an era where excellence was expected and anything less was unacceptable. We know the drill...9 a.m. piano lessons, 11 a.m. french lessons, 2 p.m. soccer practice- throw in a full day of school, a part time job, and all the accoutrements that come with the pre-college lifestyle (ASB, yearbook, drama club, chess club, you name it). Why would we choose to put ourselves through this rat race you may ask. Easy...we didn't. We were bullied into it. At a young age we learned to "suck it up and go." Those who couldn't live up to the task would not be able to get into a good college, therefore not be able to get a good job and would continue down the road to mediocrity... and that was simply not acceptable. Especially, for their over worked, aggressive and persistent Boomer parents. How else could they compete with their Boomer cohorts outside of work? When management positions became easier to obtain, children begin to take its place as a competitive bragging right among Boomers. "Your child went to Berkeley, well mine is at Harvard."
Perhaps our generation may be a little pushy, a little assertive and demanding- well hell we've earned it! Thanks to our boomer rents we've become little more than a carbon copy of their Ohhh so fantastic generation ...expect we will never be given credit for it.
Many Boomers like to write us off as the spoiled, brat pack generation- but I think they're missing something. For all the "supposed" praise there are hours of hard work, determination and the need to prove ourselves. We're busting our ass waiting for our Boomer superiors to take notice.
They talk about the ever constant flow of praise, but that's not how I remember it. I remember basketball games when my dad would curse me out because I didn't score 15 points that night. Groundings for a B+ in math class instead of the expected A. Pressure to join clubs I had no real interest in just because it looked good on a college app.
If there is one thing I'm in agreeance on its our need for praise, but not because we're narcissitic bastards (as Jeffrey Zaslow likes to suggest), but because we've put in the time, we've worked hard for it, and more importantly because we deserve it!
To all you Boomers out there...cut us some slack! We may not "get it right the first time," but we're capable, driven and have been raised by the best. We're not expecting flowers, raises, or for you to kiss our feet...but a pat on the back now and then would be greatly appreciated and would come a long way in bridging the gap between these two stubborn, prideful and aggressive generations.
Written like a true Boomer... This weekend's edition of the Wall Street Journal featured an article discussing what they call "the most praised generation" and their impact on the workforce. The article touches on the latest generation's need to be "nurtured" by their superiors citing a number of companies that have gone out of their way to praise and nuture their newbies.
Nurture? Try force-fed. We were raised in an era where excellence was expected and anything less was unacceptable. We know the drill...9 a.m. piano lessons, 11 a.m. french lessons, 2 p.m. soccer practice- throw in a full day of school, a part time job, and all the accoutrements that come with the pre-college lifestyle (ASB, yearbook, drama club, chess club, you name it). Why would we choose to put ourselves through this rat race you may ask. Easy...we didn't. We were bullied into it. At a young age we learned to "suck it up and go." Those who couldn't live up to the task would not be able to get into a good college, therefore not be able to get a good job and would continue down the road to mediocrity... and that was simply not acceptable. Especially, for their over worked, aggressive and persistent Boomer parents. How else could they compete with their Boomer cohorts outside of work? When management positions became easier to obtain, children begin to take its place as a competitive bragging right among Boomers. "Your child went to Berkeley, well mine is at Harvard."
Perhaps our generation may be a little pushy, a little assertive and demanding- well hell we've earned it! Thanks to our boomer rents we've become little more than a carbon copy of their Ohhh so fantastic generation ...expect we will never be given credit for it.
Many Boomers like to write us off as the spoiled, brat pack generation- but I think they're missing something. For all the "supposed" praise there are hours of hard work, determination and the need to prove ourselves. We're busting our ass waiting for our Boomer superiors to take notice.
They talk about the ever constant flow of praise, but that's not how I remember it. I remember basketball games when my dad would curse me out because I didn't score 15 points that night. Groundings for a B+ in math class instead of the expected A. Pressure to join clubs I had no real interest in just because it looked good on a college app.
If there is one thing I'm in agreeance on its our need for praise, but not because we're narcissitic bastards (as Jeffrey Zaslow likes to suggest), but because we've put in the time, we've worked hard for it, and more importantly because we deserve it!
To all you Boomers out there...cut us some slack! We may not "get it right the first time," but we're capable, driven and have been raised by the best. We're not expecting flowers, raises, or for you to kiss our feet...but a pat on the back now and then would be greatly appreciated and would come a long way in bridging the gap between these two stubborn, prideful and aggressive generations.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
The Mediocrity of Greatness
I took some time to create a blog as a creative outlet for my "supposed" greatness. However I have become increasing aware of the mediocrity of my "greatness." The special "it" factor your parents bestow upon you as a kid quickly fades into the backdrop as you join the ranks of society. Once you've stepped out onto society, the supposed measures of greatness become harder and harder to decipher. What makes greatness? And how is it measured? Success? Family? Physical Attributes? Loads and loads of money? Hmmm...can you still achieve greatness illegally subletting, living paycheck to paycheck?
Perhaps...but seriously how great is it to be broke, young and completely inexperienced?
I'm starting to develop a theory on greatness. By society standards and definitely my own, I'm far from greatness, however...what if there is some greatness there and I don't even know it? Essentially you can spend your entire life in greatness and not even know it. But how do you know when you've achieved greatness? Does God reach down from the heavens and appoint you as great?
So perhaps greatness is in the mediocre. Or, greatness is just mediocre. Who knows, but I will use this blog as a launch pad for my undiscovered greatness. The greatness of my mediocrity.
Perhaps...but seriously how great is it to be broke, young and completely inexperienced?
I'm starting to develop a theory on greatness. By society standards and definitely my own, I'm far from greatness, however...what if there is some greatness there and I don't even know it? Essentially you can spend your entire life in greatness and not even know it. But how do you know when you've achieved greatness? Does God reach down from the heavens and appoint you as great?
So perhaps greatness is in the mediocre. Or, greatness is just mediocre. Who knows, but I will use this blog as a launch pad for my undiscovered greatness. The greatness of my mediocrity.
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