Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Identity Crisis
Yahoo just reported on the fact that employers are checking the Internet before they bring potential employees on board. That’s right, your Facebook profile and Blogspot can work against you. Once again, I would like to congratulate Yahoo for digging deep into today’s issues and reporting on the obvious. I don’t know what I would do without them. Then again, I still read all of their boiler plate articles, so I guess that makes me just as bad as them. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice and I’m the douche bag.
Anyway, the worst part about employers checking up on potential employees is the fact that they are simply going off of a name. I googled myself and the second person that came up on the list has a Facebook account in which they call themselves Lucas Burt. Whether that’s their name or not, it surely isn’t me. Because many employers use this web-checking technique as a way to narrow down résumés, you may be getting graded on someone else’s profile.
I’m just throwing ideas out here, but it might be prudent to start including your profile addresses on your résumé. This way at least you know what your potential employer might be looking at. It might also give you an advantage. Let’s say you’re applying for a job in the non-profit sector, it might be prudent to gear some of your profile interests towards that potential job. You can leverage the information floating around on the web in your favor. Interviewing is all about manipulation anyway, so why not become a pro at it?
As a general rule, I wouldn’t post anything online that you wouldn’t want your boss to see, but if you really need a platform for that picture of you puking off the roof of your frat house, simply create a profile using your nickname. This might make your complete web footprint harder to define. And to that other Lucas Burt out there, I’m watching you, buddy.
Yahoo just reported on the fact that employers are checking the Internet before they bring potential employees on board. That’s right, your Facebook profile and Blogspot can work against you. Once again, I would like to congratulate Yahoo for digging deep into today’s issues and reporting on the obvious. I don’t know what I would do without them. Then again, I still read all of their boiler plate articles, so I guess that makes me just as bad as them. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice and I’m the douche bag.
Anyway, the worst part about employers checking up on potential employees is the fact that they are simply going off of a name. I googled myself and the second person that came up on the list has a Facebook account in which they call themselves Lucas Burt. Whether that’s their name or not, it surely isn’t me. Because many employers use this web-checking technique as a way to narrow down résumés, you may be getting graded on someone else’s profile.
I’m just throwing ideas out here, but it might be prudent to start including your profile addresses on your résumé. This way at least you know what your potential employer might be looking at. It might also give you an advantage. Let’s say you’re applying for a job in the non-profit sector, it might be prudent to gear some of your profile interests towards that potential job. You can leverage the information floating around on the web in your favor. Interviewing is all about manipulation anyway, so why not become a pro at it?
As a general rule, I wouldn’t post anything online that you wouldn’t want your boss to see, but if you really need a platform for that picture of you puking off the roof of your frat house, simply create a profile using your nickname. This might make your complete web footprint harder to define. And to that other Lucas Burt out there, I’m watching you, buddy.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Holy Crap on My Face
The fact of the matter is that I’m almost 28-years-old and still have occasional breakouts on my face. I can’t complain too much because I never really had a lot of zits growing up, but there are some things you just expect to outgrow; like wetting the bed, binge drinking, and yes, getting zits. I like to refer to them as sympathy pimples because my wife’s pregnancy has caused her to also become a candidate for Proactive commercials. So what’s the point of all of this? Toothpaste. Yup, toothpaste.
Last night my wife came into the living room with white dabs all over her face. “Don’t mind my zit medicine,” she said. I know we don’t usually have acne cream in the house, so I pressed her a little. Turns out, she put toothpaste on all of her zits. I’ve heard about this home remedy before but never game it any mind. Nonetheless, my forehead looked as though I was going through puberty all over again, so I covered it in Aquafresh, which burned a little. I don’t know if the burning means it’s working or I was actively whitening my whiteheads.
To my dismay – yes, dismay I say – in the morning I was virtually pimple free. Ha! Toothpaste! It’s a little ridiculous and a lot of mint freshness, but it still cleared me up. Now I just have to work on wetting the bed. On second thought, quitting binge drinking would probably take care of that as well.
The fact of the matter is that I’m almost 28-years-old and still have occasional breakouts on my face. I can’t complain too much because I never really had a lot of zits growing up, but there are some things you just expect to outgrow; like wetting the bed, binge drinking, and yes, getting zits. I like to refer to them as sympathy pimples because my wife’s pregnancy has caused her to also become a candidate for Proactive commercials. So what’s the point of all of this? Toothpaste. Yup, toothpaste.
Last night my wife came into the living room with white dabs all over her face. “Don’t mind my zit medicine,” she said. I know we don’t usually have acne cream in the house, so I pressed her a little. Turns out, she put toothpaste on all of her zits. I’ve heard about this home remedy before but never game it any mind. Nonetheless, my forehead looked as though I was going through puberty all over again, so I covered it in Aquafresh, which burned a little. I don’t know if the burning means it’s working or I was actively whitening my whiteheads.
To my dismay – yes, dismay I say – in the morning I was virtually pimple free. Ha! Toothpaste! It’s a little ridiculous and a lot of mint freshness, but it still cleared me up. Now I just have to work on wetting the bed. On second thought, quitting binge drinking would probably take care of that as well.
Updates O’ Plenty
I will have to admit that I found myself slacking off in the blog department this last week. With my recent promotion at work, I had a lot on my mind and on my desk. Regardless, I will do better. Here are some updates for those who care:
The wife and I became landscaper extraordinaires. We finally found a use for the pallet of bricks that was left at our house when we bought it. After some discussion, we put in a small brick patio that will butt up against the deck that I still have to build. It looks good too. We also built a stone flower bed ring around some trees in the back yard. Overall, the additions to the back have really made it look like an actually yard. We’re excited for the grass to fully grow in, and like I mentioned, for me to actually build that deck – pictures to come. And kudos to my wife for being 7-months pregnant and still wanting to get on her hands and knees to lay brick and move dirt. That woman is something fierce.
My sister forgot that I’m an old man that works on his house and watches his kid all weekend, thus, rendering me useless past 10 in the p.m. She and my mom called me three times between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and midnight, waking me from my slumber. The worst part was that every time I made it to the phone, no one was on the other side. At least someone is still living carefree. Oh, the days.
Paul Newman died. This one sucks. I will write more on him later, but for now, I will say that he was an amazing actor and a good man.
I didn't edit this, so hopefully it's not too full of errors.
I will have to admit that I found myself slacking off in the blog department this last week. With my recent promotion at work, I had a lot on my mind and on my desk. Regardless, I will do better. Here are some updates for those who care:
The wife and I became landscaper extraordinaires. We finally found a use for the pallet of bricks that was left at our house when we bought it. After some discussion, we put in a small brick patio that will butt up against the deck that I still have to build. It looks good too. We also built a stone flower bed ring around some trees in the back yard. Overall, the additions to the back have really made it look like an actually yard. We’re excited for the grass to fully grow in, and like I mentioned, for me to actually build that deck – pictures to come. And kudos to my wife for being 7-months pregnant and still wanting to get on her hands and knees to lay brick and move dirt. That woman is something fierce.
My sister forgot that I’m an old man that works on his house and watches his kid all weekend, thus, rendering me useless past 10 in the p.m. She and my mom called me three times between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and midnight, waking me from my slumber. The worst part was that every time I made it to the phone, no one was on the other side. At least someone is still living carefree. Oh, the days.
Paul Newman died. This one sucks. I will write more on him later, but for now, I will say that he was an amazing actor and a good man.
I didn't edit this, so hopefully it's not too full of errors.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Band of Horses
I know they’ve been out for awhile, but I’ve just recently been turned on to their cool stylings. They do for me what the Shins have done for so many in the indie scene. Similar in vocal inflection but with a more driving core to their songs, Band of Horses is easy on the ears. Check them out if you’ve haven’t yet. If you’ve been a fan for awhile, kudos to you for being ahead of the game.
I know they’ve been out for awhile, but I’ve just recently been turned on to their cool stylings. They do for me what the Shins have done for so many in the indie scene. Similar in vocal inflection but with a more driving core to their songs, Band of Horses is easy on the ears. Check them out if you’ve haven’t yet. If you’ve been a fan for awhile, kudos to you for being ahead of the game.
Hump Day
No one likes to go to work on Wednesdays. They’re worse than Mondays in my book. At least with Mondays, and Tuesdays for that matter, you know that you have the rest of the week to get all of your work done. Pile up the paperwork because time is on your side. Thursdays and Fridays usher in the weekend. Even if you didn’t get all of you work done, you can escape your failures for 48 straight hours before you have to deal with them again. But Wednesdays…Wednesdays are the week’s purgatory. You’re in limbo between work and freedom. You still have a ton to do but not enough time to do it. You’re looking in the rearview mirror and through the windshield all at once. You’re back might not be against the wall, but you can feel the chill of the bricks. Damn you Wednesday, and your evil stigma.
No one likes to go to work on Wednesdays. They’re worse than Mondays in my book. At least with Mondays, and Tuesdays for that matter, you know that you have the rest of the week to get all of your work done. Pile up the paperwork because time is on your side. Thursdays and Fridays usher in the weekend. Even if you didn’t get all of you work done, you can escape your failures for 48 straight hours before you have to deal with them again. But Wednesdays…Wednesdays are the week’s purgatory. You’re in limbo between work and freedom. You still have a ton to do but not enough time to do it. You’re looking in the rearview mirror and through the windshield all at once. You’re back might not be against the wall, but you can feel the chill of the bricks. Damn you Wednesday, and your evil stigma.
Monday, September 22, 2008
10K
Well, despite the lack of preparation and a nasty cold, I finished my first 10K (that’s 6.2 miles for all you English folk). The course had more hills than MTV (that’s a bad pun for all of you who don’t think I noticed). In fact, I don’t think I was ever running on a flat surface for the entire race.
I ended up finishing in 51:26, which breaks down to 8:16 miles. I would have loved to have done better, but considering I’ve never ran over 3.5 miles in my life, along with the above mentioned excuses, I can’t complain. Come to think of it, I’m actually pretty proud of that time.
Now I lay in wait for Eric to drag me to another race. This time, however, I will train for it, so I have no excuses. Well, I’m sure I could fine one or two if I was hard pressed.
As a side note: Not that I didn’t already have some serious respect for my buddy Seth, who tore up a Marathon last year, I now have twice as much respect for his crazy ass. Running is hard. Running that far has got to be a hell of a lot harder.
Well, despite the lack of preparation and a nasty cold, I finished my first 10K (that’s 6.2 miles for all you English folk). The course had more hills than MTV (that’s a bad pun for all of you who don’t think I noticed). In fact, I don’t think I was ever running on a flat surface for the entire race.
I ended up finishing in 51:26, which breaks down to 8:16 miles. I would have loved to have done better, but considering I’ve never ran over 3.5 miles in my life, along with the above mentioned excuses, I can’t complain. Come to think of it, I’m actually pretty proud of that time.
Now I lay in wait for Eric to drag me to another race. This time, however, I will train for it, so I have no excuses. Well, I’m sure I could fine one or two if I was hard pressed.
As a side note: Not that I didn’t already have some serious respect for my buddy Seth, who tore up a Marathon last year, I now have twice as much respect for his crazy ass. Running is hard. Running that far has got to be a hell of a lot harder.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
This Sucks
After avoiding the cold that's been circulating through my house for two weeks now, I've finally succumbed. And just in time for my race this weekend, which I haven't been training for. Awesome! Sore throat, headache, and a congested chest; yup, that rounds out the wish list. What's next, am I going to randomly break my big toe? Perhaps my dog will chew up my running shoes.
Sometimes, I just get the feeling like I'm not supposed to be doing something. But instead of heeding the warning, I ignore it. And that is why I'm a douche bag.
After avoiding the cold that's been circulating through my house for two weeks now, I've finally succumbed. And just in time for my race this weekend, which I haven't been training for. Awesome! Sore throat, headache, and a congested chest; yup, that rounds out the wish list. What's next, am I going to randomly break my big toe? Perhaps my dog will chew up my running shoes.
Sometimes, I just get the feeling like I'm not supposed to be doing something. But instead of heeding the warning, I ignore it. And that is why I'm a douche bag.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Microsoft Tries To Go Softer
The new Microsoft ads not only fall short of amazing, they also forget to actually advertise. They are obviously trying to put some emotion back into the brand like Mac has done with it’s stripped down but funny commercial campaign, but the result is off the mark. Showcasing Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld as common place people attempting to fit in with the world provides miniscule laughs, but by the end of the spot, you hardly know what the ad was trying to accomplish.
Conversely, the Mac ads work because they come at you on different levels. Yes, the ads are funny. But they also give you a visual representation of why Macs are cooler; an aural example of why Macs are hipper, and remind you throughout the entire spot that it’s a commercial for Mac.
The new Microsoft ads, however, are comprised of 90 seconds of irrelevant banter followed by a Microsoft logo. Yes, it’s funny to watch Gates try to be likable, but I don’t think I’m laughing with him. And while they are hoping the audience establishes an emotional connection with the brand, they don’t give us enough brand to connect with.
I know my PC will never be edible, yet that is what they allude to. Are they trying to be cute (I know the answer is yes) or just reminding me that they will continue to overpromise and under deliver? Instead of making Bill Gates likable, Microsoft needs to remind me of the positive feelings I get by using a PC. The Mac commercials do this wonderfully. They show you that you won’t get angry because Macs don’t crash or continually restart. They comedically compare creative project outcomes using a Mac and PC. They build off of a feeling you already have and connect them with their product as apposed to showing you a feeling then reminding you they also sell product.
I appreciate the fact that Microsoft is finally making an attempt at building its brands value, but I’m hoping for a better effort next time around.
The new Microsoft ads not only fall short of amazing, they also forget to actually advertise. They are obviously trying to put some emotion back into the brand like Mac has done with it’s stripped down but funny commercial campaign, but the result is off the mark. Showcasing Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld as common place people attempting to fit in with the world provides miniscule laughs, but by the end of the spot, you hardly know what the ad was trying to accomplish.
Conversely, the Mac ads work because they come at you on different levels. Yes, the ads are funny. But they also give you a visual representation of why Macs are cooler; an aural example of why Macs are hipper, and remind you throughout the entire spot that it’s a commercial for Mac.
The new Microsoft ads, however, are comprised of 90 seconds of irrelevant banter followed by a Microsoft logo. Yes, it’s funny to watch Gates try to be likable, but I don’t think I’m laughing with him. And while they are hoping the audience establishes an emotional connection with the brand, they don’t give us enough brand to connect with.
I know my PC will never be edible, yet that is what they allude to. Are they trying to be cute (I know the answer is yes) or just reminding me that they will continue to overpromise and under deliver? Instead of making Bill Gates likable, Microsoft needs to remind me of the positive feelings I get by using a PC. The Mac commercials do this wonderfully. They show you that you won’t get angry because Macs don’t crash or continually restart. They comedically compare creative project outcomes using a Mac and PC. They build off of a feeling you already have and connect them with their product as apposed to showing you a feeling then reminding you they also sell product.
I appreciate the fact that Microsoft is finally making an attempt at building its brands value, but I’m hoping for a better effort next time around.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
So Here It Is (Smoking Kills)
My wife tried to fire me up yesterday by adding a comment on one of my blog entries regarding smoking. She knows that I’m not a fan and was hoping for rant.
“Did you also know that second-hand smoke carries far more carcinogens (cancer causing agents) than mainstream smoke (that which is inhaled by the smoker) and 30% of lung cancers are caused by secondhand smoke? If that doesn't fire you up, you're not the "Lucas Burt" I know and love. ;)”
So here it is:
I can’t stand smoking because it kills people. Yes, people die from drinking alcohol – both directly and indirectly. Yes, people can die from skydiving. Yes, I know people can die from just about anything. But the fact of the matter is that my grandmother died from lung cancer that was directly related to smoking, and she is not alone in that statistical category. I also know that people die from lung cancer that is in no way related to smoking. I don’t care. I’m not talking about there being a chance of getting cancer. I’m talking about there being a high probability of getting cancer.
You can also kill the people around you. Again, I know that drunk people kill others all of the time. But second hand smoke is deadly, and the people who suffer the most are those closest to you, i.e., your family, friends, and pets. So you can smoke around me as long as you don’t mind that I spike your coffee with arsenic every morning.
Smoking reeks. And I’m not talking about letting a fart out in an elevator kind of stink. I’m talking about getting in your clothes, your car, and everyone around you knows that smoke kind of stink. I bought my house over a year ago, and you can still smell the odor of smoke in certain rooms if I keep the door closed for any period of time. It’s ridiculous and still pisses me off when I come home at night.
I hate it when people smoke around me in public. I don’t walk up to strangers and fart in their face. I don’t do it because it’s gross. Now I know that some people wear too much perfume, which can also be unpleasant, but at least they are trying to smell good.
Yes, I know people get addicted and it’s hard to quit. People also get addicted to gambling, alcohol, meth, and heroine. That doesn’t make it any less of a problem. Sometimes you just have to buck up, and do the right thing; no matter how hard it might be.
Finally, I can’t stand the fact that if I go someplace for the evening where people smoke, I have a sore throat and am congestion the next day. This sucks. The bottom line is that smoking not only kills people, it’s also just gross.
Is this enough to your point my dear, or do you want more?
My wife tried to fire me up yesterday by adding a comment on one of my blog entries regarding smoking. She knows that I’m not a fan and was hoping for rant.
“Did you also know that second-hand smoke carries far more carcinogens (cancer causing agents) than mainstream smoke (that which is inhaled by the smoker) and 30% of lung cancers are caused by secondhand smoke? If that doesn't fire you up, you're not the "Lucas Burt" I know and love. ;)”
So here it is:
I can’t stand smoking because it kills people. Yes, people die from drinking alcohol – both directly and indirectly. Yes, people can die from skydiving. Yes, I know people can die from just about anything. But the fact of the matter is that my grandmother died from lung cancer that was directly related to smoking, and she is not alone in that statistical category. I also know that people die from lung cancer that is in no way related to smoking. I don’t care. I’m not talking about there being a chance of getting cancer. I’m talking about there being a high probability of getting cancer.
You can also kill the people around you. Again, I know that drunk people kill others all of the time. But second hand smoke is deadly, and the people who suffer the most are those closest to you, i.e., your family, friends, and pets. So you can smoke around me as long as you don’t mind that I spike your coffee with arsenic every morning.
Smoking reeks. And I’m not talking about letting a fart out in an elevator kind of stink. I’m talking about getting in your clothes, your car, and everyone around you knows that smoke kind of stink. I bought my house over a year ago, and you can still smell the odor of smoke in certain rooms if I keep the door closed for any period of time. It’s ridiculous and still pisses me off when I come home at night.
I hate it when people smoke around me in public. I don’t walk up to strangers and fart in their face. I don’t do it because it’s gross. Now I know that some people wear too much perfume, which can also be unpleasant, but at least they are trying to smell good.
Yes, I know people get addicted and it’s hard to quit. People also get addicted to gambling, alcohol, meth, and heroine. That doesn’t make it any less of a problem. Sometimes you just have to buck up, and do the right thing; no matter how hard it might be.
Finally, I can’t stand the fact that if I go someplace for the evening where people smoke, I have a sore throat and am congestion the next day. This sucks. The bottom line is that smoking not only kills people, it’s also just gross.
Is this enough to your point my dear, or do you want more?
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Debate Continues
You have to admit that it’s pretty funny. It probably reminds you of your dad. It shows how cool it is to be a man, nothing more, nothing less. But why wasn’t this series of ads pulled?
Last month a Snickers ad was pulled from the airwaves because it gay rights activists thought it was anti-gay. A quick rundown: Mr. T drove around in his burly van and throw Snickers at guys that were doing un-manly things like speed walking and pilates.
I’ve been in an ongoing discussion with my good friend Eric Strahl about the difference between being gay and not acting like a manly man. In my mind, those are two completely different distinctions. I was also curious about why this ad was the only one that received such negative press when many other ads say the same thing. The only difference is that no one gets hit in the face with Snickers.
Here is another example of an ad touting the idea of being a man. It’s not preaching anti-gay propaganda. It’s merely pointing out the allure of being a man and actually acting like one.
You have to admit that it’s pretty funny. It probably reminds you of your dad. It shows how cool it is to be a man, nothing more, nothing less. But why wasn’t this series of ads pulled?
Okay, so I work in advertising, which might be skewing my views. Regardless, this is still an interesting topic. We talked about it today before I came across this ad while doing some research.
Kanye in the Klink
Kanye West was arrested after an altercation with some cameramen, which resulted in smashed camera equipment at an airport. As much as I can’t stand Kanye West (his attitude, not his music), I hate the paparazzi even more. I know that you have to pay a certain price to be famous, but the paparazzi are ridiculous. I think there ought to be some sort of law that prohibits the amount of photographers at a non-sanctioned event or something to that affect. It’s starting to get dangerous for celebrities and those people around them with all of this swerving in front of cars, jumping on hoods, and sticking cameras in people’s faces all night long.
I’ll let you win this round Kanye.
Kanye West was arrested after an altercation with some cameramen, which resulted in smashed camera equipment at an airport. As much as I can’t stand Kanye West (his attitude, not his music), I hate the paparazzi even more. I know that you have to pay a certain price to be famous, but the paparazzi are ridiculous. I think there ought to be some sort of law that prohibits the amount of photographers at a non-sanctioned event or something to that affect. It’s starting to get dangerous for celebrities and those people around them with all of this swerving in front of cars, jumping on hoods, and sticking cameras in people’s faces all night long.
I’ll let you win this round Kanye.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A Bunch of Hoopla
I came across the word Hoopla in a headline today and it struck me funny. I know the word is in the dictionary, and for those of you who aren’t aware, it means excitement and was originally used amongst coach drivers. It’s just not something I expected to see in the headline of an MSNBC article describing the opening of a European scientific wonder. Of course, they call the scientific wonder an Atom Crasher. And even though that may accurately describe the machine’s purpose, the name doesn’t sound very scientific in nature. It is more reminiscent of a Vaudeville sideshow or an instrument of doom on South Park.
So I guess if you’re talking about Atom Crashers, you might as well use the term Hoopla. After all, it is very exciting. Now I need to get back to work before I start a brouhaha.
I came across the word Hoopla in a headline today and it struck me funny. I know the word is in the dictionary, and for those of you who aren’t aware, it means excitement and was originally used amongst coach drivers. It’s just not something I expected to see in the headline of an MSNBC article describing the opening of a European scientific wonder. Of course, they call the scientific wonder an Atom Crasher. And even though that may accurately describe the machine’s purpose, the name doesn’t sound very scientific in nature. It is more reminiscent of a Vaudeville sideshow or an instrument of doom on South Park.
So I guess if you’re talking about Atom Crashers, you might as well use the term Hoopla. After all, it is very exciting. Now I need to get back to work before I start a brouhaha.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Better Together
I was doing some research today regarding forestry techniques, and I came across some information that has been a long time coming. It was a story discussing the need of environmentalist finding middle ground with the timber industry in order to harvest trees from local forests in a healthy manner.
One of the leading “eco-terrorist” of the 90s began reaching out to the lumber industry after fires started ravaging Oregon forests due to overgrowth and excess ladder fuels. It seems like a simple idea, yet, it has taken this long to be talked about. And oddly enough, the article urging lumber production and forest management to be brought back to Oregon was published in an activism magazine.
All I’m saying is that harvesting trees systematically using sustainable practices creates healthy forest. I worked for the forest service for several years and saw the benefits of this every day. The problem is that too many people refuse to find common ground. The fact of the matter is that the only way for the lumber industry and activists to co-exist is by working together. If they don't, they both fail.
I was doing some research today regarding forestry techniques, and I came across some information that has been a long time coming. It was a story discussing the need of environmentalist finding middle ground with the timber industry in order to harvest trees from local forests in a healthy manner.
One of the leading “eco-terrorist” of the 90s began reaching out to the lumber industry after fires started ravaging Oregon forests due to overgrowth and excess ladder fuels. It seems like a simple idea, yet, it has taken this long to be talked about. And oddly enough, the article urging lumber production and forest management to be brought back to Oregon was published in an activism magazine.
All I’m saying is that harvesting trees systematically using sustainable practices creates healthy forest. I worked for the forest service for several years and saw the benefits of this every day. The problem is that too many people refuse to find common ground. The fact of the matter is that the only way for the lumber industry and activists to co-exist is by working together. If they don't, they both fail.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Good Band
I just listened to Rogue Wave while researching them so I could write a radio spot at work. They’ve got a good vibe if you’re into the indie scene. Check them out.
http://www.myspace.com/roguewave
I just listened to Rogue Wave while researching them so I could write a radio spot at work. They’ve got a good vibe if you’re into the indie scene. Check them out.
http://www.myspace.com/roguewave
Friday, September 05, 2008
Symmetry is Better
I cannot stand asymmetrical haircuts. Yes, amongst stylist they may be all the rage, but their allure is beyond me. Studies have shown that symmetry is far more appealing when it comes to personal appearances, and I agree. It annoys me to no end when a woman cuts her bangs in a short jagged slant running across her forehead, or when the right side of her hair is a bob and the left is shoulder length. Seriously, why is this cool? 
It’s like all of the clothing designers on Project Runway that look like they got dressed using throw-aways from Goodwill. If you’re a designer, you should look good. All of the well-known designers that I’m aware of dress the part. Why do unknowns feel the need the go against the grain?
I know, I know; obviously people have their own preference and tastes. But it seems like nowadays people think it’s cool to be different just because it’s different. Unfortunately, different isn’t always better, unique isn’t always cool. That’s why all of the hard core fads die quickly and everyone that jumped on the band wagon are embarrassed when they look at their own pictures five years later.
If you’re going to take a stand on being different, at least make sure it’s actually better.
I cannot stand asymmetrical haircuts. Yes, amongst stylist they may be all the rage, but their allure is beyond me. Studies have shown that symmetry is far more appealing when it comes to personal appearances, and I agree. It annoys me to no end when a woman cuts her bangs in a short jagged slant running across her forehead, or when the right side of her hair is a bob and the left is shoulder length. Seriously, why is this cool?
(I can understand a sweeping bang, but the short, choppy, slanted thing is too much)
It’s like all of the clothing designers on Project Runway that look like they got dressed using throw-aways from Goodwill. If you’re a designer, you should look good. All of the well-known designers that I’m aware of dress the part. Why do unknowns feel the need the go against the grain?
I know, I know; obviously people have their own preference and tastes. But it seems like nowadays people think it’s cool to be different just because it’s different. Unfortunately, different isn’t always better, unique isn’t always cool. That’s why all of the hard core fads die quickly and everyone that jumped on the band wagon are embarrassed when they look at their own pictures five years later.
If you’re going to take a stand on being different, at least make sure it’s actually better.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
4 Years - Holy Crap!
Today is my wife and I’s fourth wedding anniversary. It’s been a good four years…well, most of it anyway. And even though we planned on having an evening out tonight, we both managed to forget that today was actually our anniversary. That’s right ladies, my wife forgot too. It wasn’t until one of my friends sent us a congratulatory text message that we both remembered to call each other. How about that.
Oddly enough, we already exchanged presents last weekend. Yes, we’re weak and horrible at keeping surprises. But because I know better than to fall into that trap, I will have flowers waiting for her by the time she gets home.
Even though we’ve been together for seven years, we’ll only get to officially count four of them. So congratulations to us, Malinda. We’ve put up with each other’s antics for yet another year. And since you’re pregnant, you’ll have to watch me drink a celebratory bottle of wine by myself tonight. Luckily for you, that also comes with the privilege of turning down my drunken advances. We sure know how to make it special.
I love ya, babe.
Today is my wife and I’s fourth wedding anniversary. It’s been a good four years…well, most of it anyway. And even though we planned on having an evening out tonight, we both managed to forget that today was actually our anniversary. That’s right ladies, my wife forgot too. It wasn’t until one of my friends sent us a congratulatory text message that we both remembered to call each other. How about that.
Oddly enough, we already exchanged presents last weekend. Yes, we’re weak and horrible at keeping surprises. But because I know better than to fall into that trap, I will have flowers waiting for her by the time she gets home.
Even though we’ve been together for seven years, we’ll only get to officially count four of them. So congratulations to us, Malinda. We’ve put up with each other’s antics for yet another year. And since you’re pregnant, you’ll have to watch me drink a celebratory bottle of wine by myself tonight. Luckily for you, that also comes with the privilege of turning down my drunken advances. We sure know how to make it special.
I love ya, babe.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
My Musical Suggestions for Eric:
Low vs Diamond are similar to the Killers, U2, with a touch of the shins. I didn’t listen to a ton of their stuff, but they seemed to have a good vibe.
Missy Higgins is an Australian singer that has a low key feel but good.
Dead Confederate brings more rock to the table.
30H!3 gets dance floor electronica on your ass. Some of it’s good. Some of it is really bad. Have fun digging through it.
Ra Ra Riot is a band full of smart people.
As a side note: I do not lay claim to finding any of these bands. I don’t have my finger on the pulse of the music industry. I just take a listen when someone suggests it. In fact, you've all probably already heard all of these bands, and I just wasted five minutes of your life. Sorry...suckers.
Low vs Diamond are similar to the Killers, U2, with a touch of the shins. I didn’t listen to a ton of their stuff, but they seemed to have a good vibe.
Missy Higgins is an Australian singer that has a low key feel but good.
Dead Confederate brings more rock to the table.
30H!3 gets dance floor electronica on your ass. Some of it’s good. Some of it is really bad. Have fun digging through it.
Ra Ra Riot is a band full of smart people.
As a side note: I do not lay claim to finding any of these bands. I don’t have my finger on the pulse of the music industry. I just take a listen when someone suggests it. In fact, you've all probably already heard all of these bands, and I just wasted five minutes of your life. Sorry...suckers.
Buckling Down
I gave my word to Eric and Amber that I would run a 6-mile race with them in two and a half weeks, so I finally started to take this thing seriously. I’ve ran six times in the last two weeks, which is the most I’ve pounded the pavement in five years. My 3-mile time is starting to get more consistent, but I still haven’t attempted running the full six yet. I originally thought I could just stretch a little bit, run the race, and be amazing, but I now realize that I may have over estimated my abilities. Even though I’m averaging slightly under 8-minute miles, I haven’t tested that pace for more than three miles.
My first real hurdle will be this weekend. I’m going to try for a 6-mile run on Sunday. If all goes well, I will remain optimistic. If I can’t make it, then I only have one week to figure it out. I would be lying if I didn’t admit to being a little nervous. Luckily I’m stubborn, and hopefully that can equate to some amount of success. Regardless, this whole running thing has made me feel older than I thought it would.
I gave my word to Eric and Amber that I would run a 6-mile race with them in two and a half weeks, so I finally started to take this thing seriously. I’ve ran six times in the last two weeks, which is the most I’ve pounded the pavement in five years. My 3-mile time is starting to get more consistent, but I still haven’t attempted running the full six yet. I originally thought I could just stretch a little bit, run the race, and be amazing, but I now realize that I may have over estimated my abilities. Even though I’m averaging slightly under 8-minute miles, I haven’t tested that pace for more than three miles.
My first real hurdle will be this weekend. I’m going to try for a 6-mile run on Sunday. If all goes well, I will remain optimistic. If I can’t make it, then I only have one week to figure it out. I would be lying if I didn’t admit to being a little nervous. Luckily I’m stubborn, and hopefully that can equate to some amount of success. Regardless, this whole running thing has made me feel older than I thought it would.
On Hold
My job has definitely been more involved of late, which means that I’m putting my book on hold. It kind of sucks because I was pretty excited about exploiting my personal mishaps for monetary gain, however, this does mean that I’m actually working again. My job as a copywriter for Frank Creative has definitely taken up more of my time, but I’m growing as a writer and that will benefit my book when I can find the time to sit down and continue it. Seth, I will still try to edit a couple of my completed chapters and send them your way.
My job has definitely been more involved of late, which means that I’m putting my book on hold. It kind of sucks because I was pretty excited about exploiting my personal mishaps for monetary gain, however, this does mean that I’m actually working again. My job as a copywriter for Frank Creative has definitely taken up more of my time, but I’m growing as a writer and that will benefit my book when I can find the time to sit down and continue it. Seth, I will still try to edit a couple of my completed chapters and send them your way.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
The King Has Died
Regardless of whether or not you’re a movie buff, you probably recognize the voice of Don LaFontaine. He was not only the king of the movie trailer voice over (in a world where..), but he also lent his vocal talents to over 300,000 radio and TV commercials. His voice was so popular that he even started spoofing himself in Geico ads and TV shows. Unfortunately he died today. He was 68-years-old.
Regardless of whether or not you’re a movie buff, you probably recognize the voice of Don LaFontaine. He was not only the king of the movie trailer voice over (in a world where..), but he also lent his vocal talents to over 300,000 radio and TV commercials. His voice was so popular that he even started spoofing himself in Geico ads and TV shows. Unfortunately he died today. He was 68-years-old.
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