Caffeinated posts from a copywriter/adgrunt. I write about advertising, design, astronomy, cooking, and pretty much anything else that strikes my fancy, including random bits of reference info for work purposes. You may also know me as 'that other gal' who helps run Adland. | make contact | RSS Feed | ATOM
Friday, February 28, 2003
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Friday Meme dance
Friday Five
1. What is your favorite type of literature to read (magazine, newspaper, novels, nonfiction, poetry, etc.)? Historical fictions, ad mags, cooking mags, poetry.
2. What is your favorite novel? Katherine by Anya Seton and Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams.
3. Do you have a favorite poem? (Share it!) I don't really have a favorite. There's a lot that I do like though.
4. What is one thing you've always wanted to read, or wish you had more time to read? I love Shakespeare and have yet to read all his works. I'm (slowly) working my way through his plays. There were plays of his I had to read for classes when I was in school that I never did really read, so I'd like to go back and read them, along with the ones we never did.
5. What are you currently reading? That Takes Ovaries and The Natural History of the Senses and Hey Whipple, Squeeze This!
Weekly Wrap-Up #44 - Feelings
1. What makes you feel happy? Why? Being loved. Not having things hanging over my head (as in things to get done). Dancing. Painting. Writing.
2. What makes you feel sad? Why? Currently, the state of the world does. There's so much hate and useless dying and killing and suffering going on. It's awful. :o(
3. What makes you feel angry? Why? See question 2. There's no need for that stuff and it makes me mad that many governments perpetuate the whole thing.
4. What feelings do you experience most often? What are the situations that generally prompt these feelings? Ambivilance, happiness, stress. The situations that prompt them vary. It's hard to say. Sometimes what makes me happy also makes me stressed.
5. What feeling have you never experienced? Why would you want to experience this emotion? Hmm. I don't know. I guess real hatred. And I don't want to experience that. I mean there are people I reallly don't like but I don't hate them enough to wish them ill or dead or whatever.
Thursday, February 27, 2003
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I can't believe it's Thursday!!
Where did this week go? It seemed to have flown by. Although I guess that's not really a bad thing :o)
Thursday Thumb-Twiddler
1. Someone at your office thinks the calendar you've put up is rude and tasteless, though HR hasn't --yet--agreed. Do you take it down? Does it matter what the subject matter is (art, humor, etc.)? Does it matter what you think of the other person? If it is in my own space (office/cubicle), then I'd leave it up. If it was in an area more people could see it I'd consider taking it down. And it might matter what I thought of the other person. If I didn't like them I'd probably care less what they thought.
2. A person at the office offers to loan you some software CDs for you to install at home. You know this is illegal, and ther is a possibility you could be caught doing it. Do you do it anyway? I guess it would depend. If it was some software that I'd be using for working from home I'd maybe do it.
3. Do you contribute to a charity? If so, how do you decide how much? I don't at the moment, but that's also because I have no money. If I had money I'd contribute some.
Thursday Threesome
Onesome. Big. Anything "big" happen to you lately? Come now, what's the biggest thing in your life these days? The fact that my car didn't pass inspection and I have to get a part replaced, on top of a few other things that need fixing. Anyone want to donate money to my "fix the car" fund? ;o)
Twosome. Band. I didn't do the band, but I did choir when I was in school. Tell us: what kind of extracurricular activities did YOU do when you were in school? I played volleyball, did theatre, the musical, one year I played on the tennis team, was involved in the foreign language club, and I'm sure one or two more things that I can't think of at the moment.
Threesome: Music. Our topic of the week is music, so why don't YOU share a little about your personal tastes in music. Favorite band? Favorite song? Have a song you love to sing along with but hate to admit it? Now's the time to fess up! I like a little bit of everything for the most part. I love Mozart, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Live, Sting, BT, Talking Heads, Peter Gabriel, Jane's Addiction, to name a few. Usually I like songs more than groups or singers over all. But there are some that always turn out what I like. I listen to most genres- the only ones I don't tend to like are hard core rap and hard core heavy metal and country (although I do like Bonnie Raitt and Chris Issack).
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
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catching up
Tuesday This or That
1. Holland or Netherlands? Netherlands.
2. Emu or Ostrich? Emu...just because their name is more fun.
3. Biff or Happy? Happy
4. Quincy or Braintree? Erm...neither. Although I guess Quincy cos it's on the water.
5. Cassius Clay or Muhammad Ali? Muhammad Ali
6. Instanbul or Constantinople? Constantinople.
7. Pig or Swine? Swine
8. Barf or Puke? Puke
9. Potatoes or Spuds? Potatoes...or pots.
10. Squeeze Box or Accordion? Accordion.
Monday, February 24, 2003
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Front pages from newspapers around the globe- a very cool resource to see how media is biased in different places. (via dabitch)
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Ad news and stuff
Lawsuit over commercials at the movies- "A Chicago-area high school teacher wants part of her life back. She's suing Lowe's Cineplex for their alleged theft. Miriam Fisch filed the suit in Illinois on behalf of all Loews patrons. The Chicago-area English teacher claims the theater circuit's policy of playing pre-film product commercials amounts to a deceptive business practice because the ads begin at the time advertised as the start of a feature movie."
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Monday Questions and Answers
PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.08
1. Has anyone ever told you that you needed to lose weight or change something about yourself physically? Who told you and what impact did it have on your life? Your perception of yourself? Yes it's been mentioned. It wasn't as if I didn't know it either. Family members made comments, being concerned, which I understand. I had been on medications that had caused weight gain and a slow down of my metabolism. I'm still working at getting back to where I was before, but it's hard. I don't think their comments changed my perception of myself though, since I have a handle on that, well somewhat ;)
2. Do enjoy the snow and cold weather? I don't mind the snow but I could live without the cold weather. Although when there's a ton of snow I could live without that too. We've had so much snow here this winter...it's crazy.
3. Visualize the perfect winter evening. Are you alone or with someone? How does the evening start? How does it end, and everything in-between. Perfect winter evening...hmmm...well as long as I'm warm I think it would be good ;-)
4. I've noticed that people I work with, even no more than 6 feet away, would rather e-mail me a message than turn around and speak to me. Same goes for voice mail, I find I get more calls when I am away than when I am available to speak to someone. So many things that could be said face-to-face are now accomplished electronically. Do you think that technology has had allowed relationships and human interaction to become less personal? Is this a good thing? Yes I do. In some ways I think it could be a good thing but for the most part I don't think so. Who knows, in the future we may all lose our interpersonal skills.
5. One thing I've always wanted to learn is how to juggle. I'm pretty good with my hands, so I am sure I could do it. Yet, I've never made the commitment to sit down and learn how. Is there anything you've been meaning to learn, that you can learn, but haven't? (or maybe you have?) There's a few computer/web things I'd like to learn but just haven't yet. I'd also like to learn to knit, speak some other languages, and some other stuff.
6. On the other side of the coin, there is photography. As much as I'd like to, I will never be as great at it as others. And I am OK with that, still I wish I had the gifts that others have. What skills or talents have you wished that you possessed that you most likely never will? Are you content with that? Um, I wish I was a better artisit, in the illustration sense, but it's something I can live with.
7. "AudioBlogs" are a twist on text blogs, where the blogger posts audio files instead of writing their entries. Not far behind the curve are VideoBlogs. While I've tinkered with Audio posts before, I think it excludes too many people and personally, I feel the written word has a deeper impact. What do you think of the concept of "AudioBlogs?" Would you like to hear the voice of your favorite bloggers occasionally? Would you rather listen to or read your favorite Blogs? I think it's an interesting concept but it probably would be better as an intergration with text as well.
BONUS: How deep is your love? 6feet.
Monday Memories- Brush with fame
Have you had your "fifteen minutes" of fame? Have you come close? Did you meet someone famous? I had my picture on the front page of the town paper where I went to high school for a play we were working on. But I think that's as close as I've gotten myself. I have met a couple famous people- David Hasselhoff (back when he was on Knight Rider), parents of the singers of a once-popular late 80s boy band, the director of Austen Powers (and other films), and a few others. I've seen more famous people than met them though.
Participation Positives
~ Got an appointment with no troubles this morning.
~ It's not snowing.
~ May have a gig for the end of this week.
~ Friday I had no trouble commuting to work, thankfully!
~ I was able to sleep in a bit today
~ Website redesign is nearing completion
~ I don't have to go work at that job this week
~ I watched Futurama last night :)
~ I get to see my kitty and mum this week
~ It's not snowing ;)
Friday, February 21, 2003
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Weekly Wrap-Up #43 - When You're Sick
1. How often do you get sick? Are there particular times of the year when this happens? If so, when? Don't get sick all that often. At least not lately (*knock on wood*). But if I do get sick it's usually in the dead of winter, or in autumn/spring when the weather is going from warm to cold or visa versa.
2. Do you go to the doctor when you're sick? Why or why not? If it's serious yes, but if it's just a cold or a flu type thing I don't.
3. What comfort things and/or foods do you seek out when you're sick? Why? Ginger Ale, Tea, Soup, Toast. I tend to lose my appetite a bit when I get sick so I go for simple things.
4. Do you take medication (prescription or over-the-counter) when you're sick? Why or why not? If it can help lessen the symptoms, you betcha! :)
5. How long do you stay typically stay sick? Do you stay home or do you go out and/or work? Why or why not? Depends on what it is. If I'm really sick, not just the sniffles or whatever, I will stay home from work. I personally feel that if I don't take the time off when I'm only a bit sick, it just gets worse and hangs on forever. But that's also not always an option either :)
Thursday, February 20, 2003
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Traveling on public transportation is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get
Holy moly, the public transport around here is super crappy lately. I feel the need to get this off my proverbial chest so here goes. Yesterday, as I was on my way into the city for a job (temp gig answering phones), I was on a subway train that was taken out of service. Along with the fact that every stop took twice as long as it should have taken, what should be no more than a little more than an hour ride took over an hour and a half. Then, going home, my train line was the first one to show, which I though "great, at least getting home will be easier". How wrong I was. The train had trouble starting and the car behind it (two car train) had to push it to the next stop. They emptied out the train (which had been packed) and we went and stood on the platform along with the massive crowd already there. No trains could get through because the broken car was stuck on the track. More people came to the platform. People started walking on the train tracks to get further down the platform. A sea of people pushing and shoving and being generally crappy. Although some people were nice and trying to take the event in stride. Others felt they had the right to shove their way down through the crowd to be "first", even though many others had been standing there a long time waiting. Two trains finally came but as they attempted to let people off, so others could get on, the situation got even more crazy. Those exiting the trains started yelling and shoving and there was no where for the folk standing on the platform to move so they could get through. We are talking massive fire hazzard here. Massive. I finally got on the third train that came by, after an hour or so of being stuck in a mob. I went home, had dinner and went to bed, as I was extremely tired from being so stressed out. This morning, I got up to go to the job again, thinking nothing could be as bad as yesterday. Boy was I wrong. Everything was going fine when I got to the subway station. There was a seat, they didn't spend too long at each stop. We were making great time. Until we went under a bridge and sparks started to fly. It looked as if the whole side of the subway car was being hit with fire bombs or something, although I think it was the wires (the subway is really a trolley car at this point). Of course I was sitting right next to the door where sparks were flying. Everyone around me jumped/moved away from the side of the car. At the next stop we were told to get off the train. All of us in the first car only though. Those who were in the second car were able to continue on for some reason. Lucky them. We were told it could 10 minutes to an hour before they got the line running again, and that we should walk over to where the buses were and take them into town where we could hook back up with the subway. I have never seen so many lost-looking people standing around. You see, those who take the subway rarely take the bus as well, so everyone was trying to figure out where the buses were and where they went to. I found a woman who I saw asking another where the bus stops were and I followed her to a bus stop. I took the bus to the subway and amazingly enough was only 30 minutes late to work. All and all it has been an "exciting" week and I am massively happy that tomorrow is Friday and also my last day of this job/commuting. At least for the time being. Between the snow and the whole commuting thing...I'm feeling fried. I'm starting to wonder if this whole thing is a plot by the mass transit people to get comradery amongst it's users. Or something like that ;)
If you have any commuting horror stories, share them in the comments so I don't feel so bad. :)
UPDATE: I cannot believe it happened again! On my way home last night I was 3 stops away from nearly being home and the subway car ahead of the one I was in broke down. This has been insanity! But thankfully this morning I made it in with no troubles!
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Meme time
Thursday Threesome
1. How responsible are you for the happiness of others? Well, for some I guess quite a bit. I feel responsible for keeping friends and family happy, or helping them to get back to that happy place if possible.
2. Where's the strangest place you've ever been? Um, hmm, uh, I don't know. Some of the fraternity houses I have been in were pretty strange, but a really strange place...I would have to say the "It's a Small World" ride at Disneyland ;)
3. If you could only do vacation travel (a) to places you've been to before, or (b) to places you've never been before, which would you choose? Tough choice. I guess to places I've never been before.
Thursday Threesome ::New Paint Smell::
Onesome: New- Hey, it's close enough to spring (even though the East Coasters have been getting hammered) to ask what's on the "to do" list for March. Do you have plans for changing anything around in your home or apartment? ...or are you ready to just get out of the place once the weather clears? No plans yet. It will be nice to be able to see the grass again...and lots of greenery!
Twosome: Paint- ...any refurbishing or refinishing projects just waiting for the warm weather? That trim that needs painting or that one room with that horrible carpet? ...or do you have something you just dream about doing? There's lots I'd like to do but, living in an apartment makes that hard. Maybe get the kitchen table coated with some protective stuff but that's about all I've got planned.
Threesome: Smell- ...and lest we forget the gardeners out there: what spring madness do you have planned in the plant world? New flowers for the windowsill? How about that garden where the snails took over last year? ...or does a quick dusting of the artificial ficus cover you for another year? I'd like to get some more plants into our place. Soften the look up a bit. We have a poinsetta (sp?) on the window but that's it. I'd like to get some flowers or something.
3 for Thursday (#22)
1. What are 3 things that you can't start your day without? Coffee, coffee, coffee.
2. What are the last 3 things you do before you climb into bed at night? Brush my teeth, check my alarm, kiss my sweetie.
3. Who are 3 people that you talk to every day? My sweetie, my mum and myself.
4. What are your 3 favorite TV shows of all time? Futurama, Red Dwarf, and Simpsons...there's plenty more than three but I'll leave it at that for now :)
Wednesday, February 19, 2003
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Late to the party- It seems I'm slow in keeping up with these. Didn't help that my internet was down until yesterday ;/
PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.07
1. For me, breakfast usually consists of a bagel and cream cheese. And I wait until about 10AM to eat it, mostly to avoid eating a mid-morning snack. What do you like to eat for breakfast? Do you even eat breakfast? IF I eat breakfast it usual is a bagel or something along those lines. Unless it's a weekend or a special breakfast occassion I rarely do a large breakfast. I tend to go without breakfast quite a bit too, unless you count breakfast at 2pm and a snack at 4pm as a normal meal day.
2. Back in 1990, I worked at a radio station in the Promotions Department. Our office was directly below the DJ booth. One day there was this thundering bass booming from upstairs. It was just a huge booming sound, with an amazing beat. My manager and I bolted out of the office and up the stairs to the production room. When we opened the door I was smacked in the body by a wall of sound. What I heard reminded me of "Super Freak" but the bass was thumping like I'd never heard before. Then the vocals began, it was a "rap" I would never forget: "My, my, my music hits me so hard, makes me say 'Oh, My Lord, thank you for blessin' me, with a mind to rhyme and two hyped feet.'" The song was MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" and it blew my mind. What was the song that "blew your mind" and is etched in your brain forever? Recall the moment and why it remains in your mind. Hmmm. Well, I guess one would be "Fields of Gold" by Sting. There's a beauty to the music and lyics that just makes me feel smooshy and all that kind of thing. There's something in the music that almost nearly brings me to tears. It's a lovely piece of music.
3. Do you like to gamble? Have you ever won (or lost) big? Not really. The most I won was $50 off a scratch lotto ticket.
4. Some people find comfort for their troubled mind in food. Others find it in music or books. What do you turn to for comfort when you are troubled or worried? Music and my man.
5. When was the last time you felt apathetic? What was it about? yesterday...about all the damn snow. apathy only lasted for so long though ;-)
6. I just read that Google bought Pyra Labs (Blogger.com). Although Blogging was going "mainstream" before this, it most certainly will now have greater exposure, and one assumes, bring us even more Bloggers. Is this a good thing? Sure.
7. What did you do with all your freetime before you blogged?* Hahah...um, I don't know.
BONUS: Should I stay or should I go now? If you go can I go too?? Pleeeease?
This or That Tuesday: Potpourri
1. Black or white? Black
2. Plaid or stripes? plaid
3. Paperback or hardcover books? Depends on the size of the book.
4. Color or B&W printer? Color
5. Golden oldies or the newest tunes? Somewhere in the middle
6. Ice cream: in a cone or a dish? Cone
7. Bath or shower? Shower
8. Are you outgoing or shy? Somewhere in the middle
9. Answer the phone when it rings, or screen calls? Screen calls usually
10. VCR or TiVO? VCR but I'd like a TiVO
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Deutsch to have own tv show- ugh. Something about this makes me kind of ill. "CNBC will tape a pilot of a planned one-hour talk show hosted by Donny Deutsch, CEO of IPG shop Deutsch, that will focus the topics of advertising, pop culture and the media, sources said. The show, tentatively named "Deutsch on Demand," will feature advertising industry pundits and celebrities involved with the advertising industry, like Michael J. Fox and Russell Simmons. The pilot will be taped Saturday, Feb. 22 at MSNBC studios with a five or six-person panel."
Blizzard ruins Presidents Day Marketing efforts- "Even as vast numbers of consumers were unable to move from their homes, millions of dollars in special TV, radio and newspaper advertising campaigns beckoned them to one-day holiday sales at stores and malls that were closed by the storm."
Thursday, February 13, 2003
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Joblessness
Frustration has hit a high point today. Over the last week I've sent out over 50 resumes and whatnot to a variety of places. I've received 4 responses, not including about 5 automated responses ("we have received your resume and will contact you if there is a fit, etc"). Argh. I love advertising and doing what I do. The problem solving aspects and the creativity. And I really don't know what else to do. I'm afraid of finding a job that I will be miserable in...just to pay the bills. Although, with the way the economy is going I may not have a choice. I am at my wits end trying to figure out a solution to this problem. All I want is to work in the field that I am trained to work in, that I'm good at, that I enjoy doing. Apparently that's too much to ask for at this time. I feel like a failure and a total waste of "being" right now.
*sigh* Not only that but it doesn't seem that my industry has done a damn thing to help those of us in this position. They do not report anything about it in the industry rags. They just gloss it over as if it's not happening. What the hell? It just seems rather fucked up. An industry should rally behind their unemployed to help them get back on their feet, or at least provide some kind of support, if only in article form.
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Catching up
This or that tuesday
1. Bacon or sausage? Depends on my mood...I like them both.
2. Eggs: scrambled or not? Scrambled.
3. French toast or regular toast? French toast.
4. Pancakes or waffles? They are both yummers...but if i had to pick i'd go with pancakes.
5. Mufins or bagels? Bagels
6. Coffee or tea? Coffee
7. Juice: orange or grapefruit? Orange
8. Hot or cold cereal? Cold.
9. To put in cereal: bananas or strawberries (or some other fruit)? Strawberries.
10. Eat breakfast at home or at a restaurant? usually it's at home but it's nice to go out for breakfast sometimes too. especially as it's the cheapest meal (usually) for eatting out. :)
Thursday things
Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Three- Hmmm... There's a three day weekend coming up for some people. Do you have Monday off and have some special plans? ...or is this just another weekend (or maybe one with two Sundays)? Well, no real special plans for monday, but I have some for this weekend.
Twosome: Blind- It's holiday time once again (tomorrow silly!). Do you have to turn a blind eye to anything when these days come around? ...or are you surprised at what shows up? Rarely am I surprised, but sometimes. :)
Threesome: Mice- Enough mousing around! Are you ready for tomorrow? ...or are you stopping by the pushcart people on the way home (I'm betting the guys and gals have really different answers on this one). Pretty much all set. Just need to finish up my card, but all shopping is done! And thank heavens for that. ;)
3 for Thursday (#21) - Stress:
1. What are 3 things/situations that really stress you out? Being unemployed, searching for a job, thinking about the future.
2. What are 3 things you can do that will de-stress you? Listening to calming music, dance, long bath or shower.
BONUS: Was there a time in your life where you were so stressed out that you felt like you were headed for a melt down? Yes, right now.
Monday, February 10, 2003
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Monday Memes
PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.06
1. In the states, every citizen is expected to perform their civic duty and serve on a jury at some point. This week, I am on jury duty. Have you ever had to serve on a jury? I went in but was eliminated by the lawyers.
2. If you were to ever serve on a jury, would you be able to give someone the death penalty? If their crime justified that as a sentence I probably would.
3. One thing that concerns me about jury duty is what my life would be like if I had to convict someone. I'd always be worried about some sort of retaliation from the convict, or their family. Has fear of negative consequences ever kept you from reporting a crime or voicing your opinion? No, but the that hasn't happened. I do share the same concerns though.
4. When it comes to convictions, I've never even been convicted of speeding (accued yes, but heh, never convicted). Have you ever been accused of or convicted for breaking any laws? What's the real story there? Nope. *knocking on wood here*
5. It looks like I will have a lot of time on my hands this week in the jury pool. I may get called, I may not. If not, I go back tomorrow. Rinse, wash, repeat. How would you pass the time if you had to sit and wait around from 8am-5pm for 5 days? Read a book or magazines.
6. One thing I do like about this "civic duty" is that it will be at the downtown courthouse. I LOVE downtown. There is just so much life there. What part of your town is your favorite to visit? Why? What makes it so special? Downtown is fun. Lots to keep busy and plenty of ways to toss money around :)
7. I'm not that outgoing around strangers, so I doubt I will be meeting many new people this week. Do you have any problems striking up a conversation with someone you don't know? Have chance encounters with strangers ever led to interesting new relationships or opportunities? Not really. I am shy doing cold calls and that kind of thing but less so in person.
BONUS: So if I tell you that you're really something baby, will you stay or will you go away ? Depends on what you mean by "something" :)
Monday Memories
What was your first encounter with a computer? Where was it, how old were you, what sort of computer was it, what did you think of it? I guess it was in 6th grade. We had a computer class and did math stuff on them, oh and games- The Oregon Trail and some Balloon tossing game. Old school macs they were...well actually Apples. I thought they were fun. I loved playing the games on them.
Saturday, February 08, 2003
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Lysistrata Project- The plan is for there to be world wide readings and performances of this play as a demonstration for not going to war with Iraq. The first-ever world-wide theatrical event for peace will be on Monday, March 3rd, 2003. Theatre artists from around the planet are raising their collective voice against war by producing readings of Lysistrata." (via metafilter.com)
Publishers, Net company settle suit over pop-up ads- "The parent companies of the New York Times, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post and the digital arms of Knight Ridder and Conde Nast were among news outlets that sued Gator in June over its pop-up ads."
Jackson show reaches 27 million- "More than 27 million viewers couldn't resist a peek into Michael Jackson's bizarre private life Thursday night, a number that explained why ABC fought a bidding war to air it. The special edition of ''20/20'' was the highest-rated newsmagazine since Barbara Walters talked to Monica Lewinsky three years ago and ABC's biggest audience (excluding sports and the Academy Awards) since Michael J. Fox's ''Spin City'' farewell in May 2000."
Friday, February 07, 2003
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Snow Snow Snow
Outside it looks like the background of this page. Eek. Thank goodness I don't have to shovel the walk or the driveway!!
Thursday, February 06, 2003
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Questions, questions everywhere
Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Shower- Shower or a bath? Which one works best for you? ...or do you have uses for both? Both. I usually shower and use the bath for when I need to unwind or destress or something like that.
Twosome: Shave- How often do you shave? Ladies, what do you consider shave-worthy? Come on, you know what I mean ;) ! ...and guys: how about you? Any facial hair? I shave about every other day, although sometimes less in the winter. And sometimes more in the summer. Shave-worthy, I guess would be legs and under arms.
Threesome: Style- How much time do you spend in front of the mirror in the morning, fixing your hairstyle (and face, for the ladies). Usually it takes me no more than 10 minutes. If I'm going somewhere special or for an interview or something like that I'll take an extra bit of time to really "do" my hair which can add 20 minutes or so.
3 for Thursday (#20) - Its Cold Outside!
1. What are 3 things you miss about warm weather? Going out side, going to the beach, and not having to warm up my car.
2. What are 3 things you do to help get rid of the Winter blahs? Turning the heat up and putting on shorts, make some summery type meal, play summery music.
3. What are 3 things that you'd do right now if the temperature was nice and warm? Go for a walk, wander around downtown, and...wash my car.
BONUS: What is your favorite season? Why? Toss-up between Spring and Autumn...it's nice and temperate then, at least here. Summer gets way to hot and humid, and winter, well, it's too cold.
Daily Dose- Triple Threat Thursday: This week: Singin' In The Rain!
1) Who are the best singers in any musical genre and why? Sting, Peter Gabriel, Dido, Sarah McLaughlin, Anthony Keddis (red hot chili peppers), lead singer in Jane's Addiction (blanking on his name), Brian T (aka BT), and Ed (i'm not even going to attempt his last name) of Live. There's plenty more but this will do for now.
2) What musical genres do you enjoy? Pretty much everything except for real hard core metal and hard core rap...although there are some songs I end up liking in those genres too.
3) Which new artists do you think should get more attention? Hmm I don't know.
4) Which singers are overrated and should be send into retirement? Celine Dion (although I thought she already had retired). I'm sure there's more for this one too but can't think of them at the moment.
Wednesday, February 05, 2003
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Space travel and Astronomy
The Space Shuttle Must Be Stopped: It's costly, outmoded, impractical and, as we've learned again, deadly. One opinion from Time magazine. Also What Went Wrong? The clues lie in the craft's last minutes and rain of debris. Inside the search for answers.
Elevator to Space? -"Long imagined by science-fiction writers but seen by others as hopelessly far-fetched, the space-elevator concept has advanced dramatically in recent years along with leaps forward in the design of carbon nanotubes. Using the lightweight, strong carbon material, it's feasible to talk of building a meter-wide "ribbon" that would start on a mobile ocean platform at the equator, west of Ecuador, and extend 62,000 miles up into space."
Lives Lost, Lives Saved: The Benefits of Shuttle Science -"The astronauts were, in fact, scientists. Their names will appear in future scientific papers that result from research done during the 16-day mission.The price they paid for science was terrible, all agree. But even the families of the astronauts said the explorers left Earth with "a willingness to accept risk in the pursuit of knowledge -- knowledge that might improve the quality of life for all mankind." Amid their grief, the families also said "the bold exploration of space must go on," according to a statement released yesterday by NASA." The article also as more information on some of the many experiements that were done.
Interactive Space Shuttle -A behind the scenes look at the innerworkings of the Space Shuttle.
SPACE.com TV: In Their Own Words... Remembering Columbia's Crew -A tribute to the Crew of the Columbia Mission
South Pole Telescope Follows Trail Of Neutrinos Into Deepest Reaches Of The Universe- "A unique telescope buried in Antarctic ice promises unparalleled insight into such extraordinary phenomena as colliding black holes, gamma-ray bursts, the violent cores of distant galaxies and the wreckage of exploded stars."
Promising New Comet Called NEAT Graces Evening Sky -" During the next few weeks skywatchers can look for a recently discovered comet that may become plainly visible in the evening sky, and could possibly shine very brightly, just before a close encounter with the Sun. Officially catalogued as C/2002 V1, the comet is currently visible with a pair of binoculars. Astronomers who attempt to forecast the future characteristics and behavior of these cosmic vagabonds have found this one to be particularly capricious. It may not brighten much more. Or it may soon be visible to the naked eye."
Why Mars will be So Close to Earth in August- "Anyone who had a Spirograph drawing toy as a kid has a head start in grasping why Earth and Mars will be closer to each other this August than ever in recorded history."
The New History of Black Holes: 'Co-evolution' Dramatically Alters Dark Reputation- "Black holes suffer a bad rap. Indicted by the press as gravity monsters, labeled highly secretive by astronomers, and long considered in theoretical circles as mere endpoints of cosmic evolution, these unseen objects are depicted as mysterious drains of destruction and death. So it may seem odd to reconsider them as indispensable forces of creation."
How Asteroids Trigger Volcanos- "Since the scenario has never played out in modern times, scientists don't really know exactly what will happen when the next space rock slams into Earth. One long-supposed incendiary side-effect is enhanced volcanic activity, which can make life pretty miserable for survivors who find themselves on or near the flanks of a newborn plume of molten rock. Some scientists suspect the Hawaiian Islands were born of an asteroid impact."
Tuesday, February 04, 2003
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Addy stuff
Mice Models Aim to Sell Jeans- "The jeans giant has used computer technology to superimpose mice heads on to the shoulders of real actors for a TV commercial due to begin next month. The multi-million pound campaign, for its Type 1, jeans is the most expensive yet - although the company is refusing to disclose the exact cost. The latest advert launches across Europe on February 13. It uses a gang of "mice people" and humans, who kidnap a cat belonging to a wealthy woman and hold it to ransom." Weird.
Short on cash? Why not rent your forehead as ad space? "Rufus Curnow, a 22-year-old maths student at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, was one of the first to sign up for the scheme. "Student debt is getting ridiculous. In my final year I have no time to get a part-time job," he said. I think there are also a lot of lazy students who would look at this as a way of earning £100 a week for doing nothing.""
Sex in a glass- Looks at recent beer commercials and their use of images.
Tuesday questions
This or That
1. Morning or night person? Night person.
2. Heavy or light sleeper? Heavy sleeper, usually.
3. Remember your dreams or not? On average I tend to remember them.
4. Do you need a lot of sleep, or just a little? It depends. I tend to function better that I expect on less.
5. Do you need something like a nightlight or TV to sleep, or do you prefer complete darkness? If someone is in the room with me, darkness. If I'm alone I like a light or something.
6. Flannel sheets or some other kind? Cotton sheets.
7. One pillow, or more? Two.
8. Bedroom door opened or closed at night? cracked open.
9. Wrap yourself into blankets like a cocoon, or just cover yourself with them?Just cover, unless it's cold.
10. Alarm clock: wake to music or buzzer? Usually set the music to go off first and then the buzzer 5-10 minutes later.
Monday, February 03, 2003
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.05
1. Do you remember the first LP, 45, CD or CD single that you bought? Recreate the scene for me. Goodness...I know I bought it at Tower Records. It is possible it was Michael Jackson's Thriller (it was the 80s...) or the soundtrack to Flashdance. They would have been tapes. I still have the Flashdance tape. I lost the Thriller one...which is not major loss really.
2. What was the last CD or song that you actually paid money for? Um...probably a Depeche Mode CD I got on sale when a store was closing.
3. It is my personal opinion that "Munchos" and "Funions" are the most perfect snack food ever. What do you think is the best snack food ever? Nachos. Cheetos.
4. Comedian George Carlin once pointed we consider the things we like to keep around us to be our "stuff," whereas other people's stuff is just junk to us (ok, he used more colorful language, but you get the idea). What "stuff" do you have that someone else might just throw away if they were cleaning out your house? Probaby most of it. I am a pack rat. I do try to clean out stuff but it's hard. I have a lot of paper things, relating to advertising ideas and whatnot, which most people would probably want to through out but, especially recently, I know that they can be quite useful.
5. Do you think it is wrong for people to rush to e-Bay and start selling Space Shuttle Columbia collectibles? Yes. It's sick and messed up.
6. Does it bother you when President Bush speaks about God and invokes scripture quotations from the Bible during his speeches? Yes. It really does annoy me. As the leader of our country he should keep his personal religious views to himself. Of course even though there is supposed to be a separation of state and religion, it's not quite as true as they'd like us to believe.
7. I have a friend who think's she's being photographed in public restrooms. What paranoid delusion do you have? Um, I don't know. I'm sure I've got at least one but none come to mind at the moment.
Bonus: Can't you feel the weight of my stare? You betcha.
Monday Memories
Do you have a memory about, related to, or triggered by Space, or the Space Program?
I guess the one that stands out is the Challenger explosion. I was in the 4th grade and I remember our teacher brought in a TV to the class to watch the sad event. It was a hard thing to watch, and the Columbia tragedy brought back those feelings and memories.
A less sad memory of space I have is going to the Observatory when I was young and being able to look though one of the big telescopes the astronomers use, and be able to see the moon. The magnification of the telescope was great and you could see all the craters and everything in a very large scale. Also in college I took a few astronomy classes and we had night labs where got to see Saturn, which was very cool as well.
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Ad News and Links and stuff
Bad grammar hits advertising, yes even in Manila.
Ads that keep going- A look at long lasting campaigns.
Miller Brewing's new boss faces daunting task
Brand-Name Executives-"Tying a company's branding strategy to its founder's image can be a big plus when the chief executive is saying and doing all the right things, and a big minus if the chief executive gets into trouble, steps down or dies."
Fur Factor- " The ads, however, might indicate a subtle cultural reaction to the many years of depicting men as smooth, downy-chested boys lacking any discernible levels of testosterone (think the youth-oriented Calvin Klein and Abercrombie & Fitch ads of hairless slackers and frat boys)."
Direct Marketing Association sues US government over spam- "By suing to block the introduction of a national opt-out plan the DMA is admitting it believes a majority of citizens would, if given the option, promptly choose to cease receiving phone calls from direct marketing groups. This tends to imply the DMA's entire business model is built on the ability to target unwilling listeners, bother those who don't wish to be bothered, and, through the sheer volume of numbers dialed, reach some modicum of success. This type of marketing is not illegal, but the sheer volume of consumer support for a national opt-out list indicates citizens are interested in closing down the number of such calls they receive." This is just inane...I mean, come on.
Advertising Rules- Super groovy merchandise...me wantie!
The Journalists Toolbox- page full of interesting links.
Saturday, February 01, 2003
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Tragedy
As a person with interest in astronomy, comsmology and the like, I follow the events of NASA and other various space type news. I am greatly saddened by the events of today. Around 9am EST, NASA lost contact with the Shuttle Orbiter Columbia. Video shows the shuttle on it's decent and then out of no where, something went wrong and the shuttle started to break apart. It seems rather obvious from the footage that there were no survivors. And hopefully, their deaths were instantous and painless.
This is the first time NASA has had any incident in the landing of a space shuttle. Which is a rather good record.
Here are some of the first articles on the web about this:
Columbia breaks up over Texas
NASA shuttle lost on re-entry
NASA loses contact with shuttle during landing
Spaceflight now- STS-107: Mission status center
Aboard the shuttle were: Rick Husband, commander, and Willie McCool, pilot. Mission specialists Dave Brown, Laurel Clark, Kalpana Chawla, Mike Anderson (payload commander) and Israeli payload specialist Ilan Ramon. Great people who were realizing their dreams and persuing knowledge and information to better the lives of all of us on this blue ball in space. I have the utmost respect for them. My thoughts go out to their familys and friends.
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Friday Meme dance
Friday Five
1. What is your favorite type of literature to read (magazine, newspaper, novels, nonfiction, poetry, etc.)? Historical fictions, ad mags, cooking mags, poetry.
2. What is your favorite novel? Katherine by Anya Seton and Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams.
3. Do you have a favorite poem? (Share it!) I don't really have a favorite. There's a lot that I do like though.
4. What is one thing you've always wanted to read, or wish you had more time to read? I love Shakespeare and have yet to read all his works. I'm (slowly) working my way through his plays. There were plays of his I had to read for classes when I was in school that I never did really read, so I'd like to go back and read them, along with the ones we never did.
5. What are you currently reading? That Takes Ovaries and The Natural History of the Senses and Hey Whipple, Squeeze This!
Weekly Wrap-Up #44 - Feelings
1. What makes you feel happy? Why? Being loved. Not having things hanging over my head (as in things to get done). Dancing. Painting. Writing.
2. What makes you feel sad? Why? Currently, the state of the world does. There's so much hate and useless dying and killing and suffering going on. It's awful. :o(
3. What makes you feel angry? Why? See question 2. There's no need for that stuff and it makes me mad that many governments perpetuate the whole thing.
4. What feelings do you experience most often? What are the situations that generally prompt these feelings? Ambivilance, happiness, stress. The situations that prompt them vary. It's hard to say. Sometimes what makes me happy also makes me stressed.
5. What feeling have you never experienced? Why would you want to experience this emotion? Hmm. I don't know. I guess real hatred. And I don't want to experience that. I mean there are people I reallly don't like but I don't hate them enough to wish them ill or dead or whatever.
Thursday, February 27, 2003
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I can't believe it's Thursday!!
Where did this week go? It seemed to have flown by. Although I guess that's not really a bad thing :o)
Thursday Thumb-Twiddler
1. Someone at your office thinks the calendar you've put up is rude and tasteless, though HR hasn't --yet--agreed. Do you take it down? Does it matter what the subject matter is (art, humor, etc.)? Does it matter what you think of the other person? If it is in my own space (office/cubicle), then I'd leave it up. If it was in an area more people could see it I'd consider taking it down. And it might matter what I thought of the other person. If I didn't like them I'd probably care less what they thought.
2. A person at the office offers to loan you some software CDs for you to install at home. You know this is illegal, and ther is a possibility you could be caught doing it. Do you do it anyway? I guess it would depend. If it was some software that I'd be using for working from home I'd maybe do it.
3. Do you contribute to a charity? If so, how do you decide how much? I don't at the moment, but that's also because I have no money. If I had money I'd contribute some.
Thursday Threesome
Onesome. Big. Anything "big" happen to you lately? Come now, what's the biggest thing in your life these days? The fact that my car didn't pass inspection and I have to get a part replaced, on top of a few other things that need fixing. Anyone want to donate money to my "fix the car" fund? ;o)
Twosome. Band. I didn't do the band, but I did choir when I was in school. Tell us: what kind of extracurricular activities did YOU do when you were in school? I played volleyball, did theatre, the musical, one year I played on the tennis team, was involved in the foreign language club, and I'm sure one or two more things that I can't think of at the moment.
Threesome: Music. Our topic of the week is music, so why don't YOU share a little about your personal tastes in music. Favorite band? Favorite song? Have a song you love to sing along with but hate to admit it? Now's the time to fess up! I like a little bit of everything for the most part. I love Mozart, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Live, Sting, BT, Talking Heads, Peter Gabriel, Jane's Addiction, to name a few. Usually I like songs more than groups or singers over all. But there are some that always turn out what I like. I listen to most genres- the only ones I don't tend to like are hard core rap and hard core heavy metal and country (although I do like Bonnie Raitt and Chris Issack).
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
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catching up
Tuesday This or That
1. Holland or Netherlands? Netherlands.
2. Emu or Ostrich? Emu...just because their name is more fun.
3. Biff or Happy? Happy
4. Quincy or Braintree? Erm...neither. Although I guess Quincy cos it's on the water.
5. Cassius Clay or Muhammad Ali? Muhammad Ali
6. Instanbul or Constantinople? Constantinople.
7. Pig or Swine? Swine
8. Barf or Puke? Puke
9. Potatoes or Spuds? Potatoes...or pots.
10. Squeeze Box or Accordion? Accordion.
Monday, February 24, 2003
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Front pages from newspapers around the globe- a very cool resource to see how media is biased in different places. (via dabitch)
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Ad news and stuff
Lawsuit over commercials at the movies- "A Chicago-area high school teacher wants part of her life back. She's suing Lowe's Cineplex for their alleged theft. Miriam Fisch filed the suit in Illinois on behalf of all Loews patrons. The Chicago-area English teacher claims the theater circuit's policy of playing pre-film product commercials amounts to a deceptive business practice because the ads begin at the time advertised as the start of a feature movie."
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Monday Questions and Answers
PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.08
1. Has anyone ever told you that you needed to lose weight or change something about yourself physically? Who told you and what impact did it have on your life? Your perception of yourself? Yes it's been mentioned. It wasn't as if I didn't know it either. Family members made comments, being concerned, which I understand. I had been on medications that had caused weight gain and a slow down of my metabolism. I'm still working at getting back to where I was before, but it's hard. I don't think their comments changed my perception of myself though, since I have a handle on that, well somewhat ;)
2. Do enjoy the snow and cold weather? I don't mind the snow but I could live without the cold weather. Although when there's a ton of snow I could live without that too. We've had so much snow here this winter...it's crazy.
3. Visualize the perfect winter evening. Are you alone or with someone? How does the evening start? How does it end, and everything in-between. Perfect winter evening...hmmm...well as long as I'm warm I think it would be good ;-)
4. I've noticed that people I work with, even no more than 6 feet away, would rather e-mail me a message than turn around and speak to me. Same goes for voice mail, I find I get more calls when I am away than when I am available to speak to someone. So many things that could be said face-to-face are now accomplished electronically. Do you think that technology has had allowed relationships and human interaction to become less personal? Is this a good thing? Yes I do. In some ways I think it could be a good thing but for the most part I don't think so. Who knows, in the future we may all lose our interpersonal skills.
5. One thing I've always wanted to learn is how to juggle. I'm pretty good with my hands, so I am sure I could do it. Yet, I've never made the commitment to sit down and learn how. Is there anything you've been meaning to learn, that you can learn, but haven't? (or maybe you have?) There's a few computer/web things I'd like to learn but just haven't yet. I'd also like to learn to knit, speak some other languages, and some other stuff.
6. On the other side of the coin, there is photography. As much as I'd like to, I will never be as great at it as others. And I am OK with that, still I wish I had the gifts that others have. What skills or talents have you wished that you possessed that you most likely never will? Are you content with that? Um, I wish I was a better artisit, in the illustration sense, but it's something I can live with.
7. "AudioBlogs" are a twist on text blogs, where the blogger posts audio files instead of writing their entries. Not far behind the curve are VideoBlogs. While I've tinkered with Audio posts before, I think it excludes too many people and personally, I feel the written word has a deeper impact. What do you think of the concept of "AudioBlogs?" Would you like to hear the voice of your favorite bloggers occasionally? Would you rather listen to or read your favorite Blogs? I think it's an interesting concept but it probably would be better as an intergration with text as well.
BONUS: How deep is your love? 6feet.
Monday Memories- Brush with fame
Have you had your "fifteen minutes" of fame? Have you come close? Did you meet someone famous? I had my picture on the front page of the town paper where I went to high school for a play we were working on. But I think that's as close as I've gotten myself. I have met a couple famous people- David Hasselhoff (back when he was on Knight Rider), parents of the singers of a once-popular late 80s boy band, the director of Austen Powers (and other films), and a few others. I've seen more famous people than met them though.
Participation Positives
~ Got an appointment with no troubles this morning.
~ It's not snowing.
~ May have a gig for the end of this week.
~ Friday I had no trouble commuting to work, thankfully!
~ I was able to sleep in a bit today
~ Website redesign is nearing completion
~ I don't have to go work at that job this week
~ I watched Futurama last night :)
~ I get to see my kitty and mum this week
~ It's not snowing ;)
Friday, February 21, 2003
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Weekly Wrap-Up #43 - When You're Sick
1. How often do you get sick? Are there particular times of the year when this happens? If so, when? Don't get sick all that often. At least not lately (*knock on wood*). But if I do get sick it's usually in the dead of winter, or in autumn/spring when the weather is going from warm to cold or visa versa.
2. Do you go to the doctor when you're sick? Why or why not? If it's serious yes, but if it's just a cold or a flu type thing I don't.
3. What comfort things and/or foods do you seek out when you're sick? Why? Ginger Ale, Tea, Soup, Toast. I tend to lose my appetite a bit when I get sick so I go for simple things.
4. Do you take medication (prescription or over-the-counter) when you're sick? Why or why not? If it can help lessen the symptoms, you betcha! :)
5. How long do you stay typically stay sick? Do you stay home or do you go out and/or work? Why or why not? Depends on what it is. If I'm really sick, not just the sniffles or whatever, I will stay home from work. I personally feel that if I don't take the time off when I'm only a bit sick, it just gets worse and hangs on forever. But that's also not always an option either :)
Thursday, February 20, 2003
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Traveling on public transportation is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get
Holy moly, the public transport around here is super crappy lately. I feel the need to get this off my proverbial chest so here goes. Yesterday, as I was on my way into the city for a job (temp gig answering phones), I was on a subway train that was taken out of service. Along with the fact that every stop took twice as long as it should have taken, what should be no more than a little more than an hour ride took over an hour and a half. Then, going home, my train line was the first one to show, which I though "great, at least getting home will be easier". How wrong I was. The train had trouble starting and the car behind it (two car train) had to push it to the next stop. They emptied out the train (which had been packed) and we went and stood on the platform along with the massive crowd already there. No trains could get through because the broken car was stuck on the track. More people came to the platform. People started walking on the train tracks to get further down the platform. A sea of people pushing and shoving and being generally crappy. Although some people were nice and trying to take the event in stride. Others felt they had the right to shove their way down through the crowd to be "first", even though many others had been standing there a long time waiting. Two trains finally came but as they attempted to let people off, so others could get on, the situation got even more crazy. Those exiting the trains started yelling and shoving and there was no where for the folk standing on the platform to move so they could get through. We are talking massive fire hazzard here. Massive. I finally got on the third train that came by, after an hour or so of being stuck in a mob. I went home, had dinner and went to bed, as I was extremely tired from being so stressed out. This morning, I got up to go to the job again, thinking nothing could be as bad as yesterday. Boy was I wrong. Everything was going fine when I got to the subway station. There was a seat, they didn't spend too long at each stop. We were making great time. Until we went under a bridge and sparks started to fly. It looked as if the whole side of the subway car was being hit with fire bombs or something, although I think it was the wires (the subway is really a trolley car at this point). Of course I was sitting right next to the door where sparks were flying. Everyone around me jumped/moved away from the side of the car. At the next stop we were told to get off the train. All of us in the first car only though. Those who were in the second car were able to continue on for some reason. Lucky them. We were told it could 10 minutes to an hour before they got the line running again, and that we should walk over to where the buses were and take them into town where we could hook back up with the subway. I have never seen so many lost-looking people standing around. You see, those who take the subway rarely take the bus as well, so everyone was trying to figure out where the buses were and where they went to. I found a woman who I saw asking another where the bus stops were and I followed her to a bus stop. I took the bus to the subway and amazingly enough was only 30 minutes late to work. All and all it has been an "exciting" week and I am massively happy that tomorrow is Friday and also my last day of this job/commuting. At least for the time being. Between the snow and the whole commuting thing...I'm feeling fried. I'm starting to wonder if this whole thing is a plot by the mass transit people to get comradery amongst it's users. Or something like that ;)
If you have any commuting horror stories, share them in the comments so I don't feel so bad. :)
UPDATE: I cannot believe it happened again! On my way home last night I was 3 stops away from nearly being home and the subway car ahead of the one I was in broke down. This has been insanity! But thankfully this morning I made it in with no troubles!
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Meme time
Thursday Threesome
1. How responsible are you for the happiness of others? Well, for some I guess quite a bit. I feel responsible for keeping friends and family happy, or helping them to get back to that happy place if possible.
2. Where's the strangest place you've ever been? Um, hmm, uh, I don't know. Some of the fraternity houses I have been in were pretty strange, but a really strange place...I would have to say the "It's a Small World" ride at Disneyland ;)
3. If you could only do vacation travel (a) to places you've been to before, or (b) to places you've never been before, which would you choose? Tough choice. I guess to places I've never been before.
Thursday Threesome ::New Paint Smell::
Onesome: New- Hey, it's close enough to spring (even though the East Coasters have been getting hammered) to ask what's on the "to do" list for March. Do you have plans for changing anything around in your home or apartment? ...or are you ready to just get out of the place once the weather clears? No plans yet. It will be nice to be able to see the grass again...and lots of greenery!
Twosome: Paint- ...any refurbishing or refinishing projects just waiting for the warm weather? That trim that needs painting or that one room with that horrible carpet? ...or do you have something you just dream about doing? There's lots I'd like to do but, living in an apartment makes that hard. Maybe get the kitchen table coated with some protective stuff but that's about all I've got planned.
Threesome: Smell- ...and lest we forget the gardeners out there: what spring madness do you have planned in the plant world? New flowers for the windowsill? How about that garden where the snails took over last year? ...or does a quick dusting of the artificial ficus cover you for another year? I'd like to get some more plants into our place. Soften the look up a bit. We have a poinsetta (sp?) on the window but that's it. I'd like to get some flowers or something.
3 for Thursday (#22)
1. What are 3 things that you can't start your day without? Coffee, coffee, coffee.
2. What are the last 3 things you do before you climb into bed at night? Brush my teeth, check my alarm, kiss my sweetie.
3. Who are 3 people that you talk to every day? My sweetie, my mum and myself.
4. What are your 3 favorite TV shows of all time? Futurama, Red Dwarf, and Simpsons...there's plenty more than three but I'll leave it at that for now :)
Wednesday, February 19, 2003
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Late to the party- It seems I'm slow in keeping up with these. Didn't help that my internet was down until yesterday ;/
PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.07
1. For me, breakfast usually consists of a bagel and cream cheese. And I wait until about 10AM to eat it, mostly to avoid eating a mid-morning snack. What do you like to eat for breakfast? Do you even eat breakfast? IF I eat breakfast it usual is a bagel or something along those lines. Unless it's a weekend or a special breakfast occassion I rarely do a large breakfast. I tend to go without breakfast quite a bit too, unless you count breakfast at 2pm and a snack at 4pm as a normal meal day.
2. Back in 1990, I worked at a radio station in the Promotions Department. Our office was directly below the DJ booth. One day there was this thundering bass booming from upstairs. It was just a huge booming sound, with an amazing beat. My manager and I bolted out of the office and up the stairs to the production room. When we opened the door I was smacked in the body by a wall of sound. What I heard reminded me of "Super Freak" but the bass was thumping like I'd never heard before. Then the vocals began, it was a "rap" I would never forget: "My, my, my music hits me so hard, makes me say 'Oh, My Lord, thank you for blessin' me, with a mind to rhyme and two hyped feet.'" The song was MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" and it blew my mind. What was the song that "blew your mind" and is etched in your brain forever? Recall the moment and why it remains in your mind. Hmmm. Well, I guess one would be "Fields of Gold" by Sting. There's a beauty to the music and lyics that just makes me feel smooshy and all that kind of thing. There's something in the music that almost nearly brings me to tears. It's a lovely piece of music.
3. Do you like to gamble? Have you ever won (or lost) big? Not really. The most I won was $50 off a scratch lotto ticket.
4. Some people find comfort for their troubled mind in food. Others find it in music or books. What do you turn to for comfort when you are troubled or worried? Music and my man.
5. When was the last time you felt apathetic? What was it about? yesterday...about all the damn snow. apathy only lasted for so long though ;-)
6. I just read that Google bought Pyra Labs (Blogger.com). Although Blogging was going "mainstream" before this, it most certainly will now have greater exposure, and one assumes, bring us even more Bloggers. Is this a good thing? Sure.
7. What did you do with all your freetime before you blogged?* Hahah...um, I don't know.
BONUS: Should I stay or should I go now? If you go can I go too?? Pleeeease?
This or That Tuesday: Potpourri
1. Black or white? Black
2. Plaid or stripes? plaid
3. Paperback or hardcover books? Depends on the size of the book.
4. Color or B&W printer? Color
5. Golden oldies or the newest tunes? Somewhere in the middle
6. Ice cream: in a cone or a dish? Cone
7. Bath or shower? Shower
8. Are you outgoing or shy? Somewhere in the middle
9. Answer the phone when it rings, or screen calls? Screen calls usually
10. VCR or TiVO? VCR but I'd like a TiVO
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Deutsch to have own tv show- ugh. Something about this makes me kind of ill. "CNBC will tape a pilot of a planned one-hour talk show hosted by Donny Deutsch, CEO of IPG shop Deutsch, that will focus the topics of advertising, pop culture and the media, sources said. The show, tentatively named "Deutsch on Demand," will feature advertising industry pundits and celebrities involved with the advertising industry, like Michael J. Fox and Russell Simmons. The pilot will be taped Saturday, Feb. 22 at MSNBC studios with a five or six-person panel."
Blizzard ruins Presidents Day Marketing efforts- "Even as vast numbers of consumers were unable to move from their homes, millions of dollars in special TV, radio and newspaper advertising campaigns beckoned them to one-day holiday sales at stores and malls that were closed by the storm."
Thursday, February 13, 2003
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Joblessness
Frustration has hit a high point today. Over the last week I've sent out over 50 resumes and whatnot to a variety of places. I've received 4 responses, not including about 5 automated responses ("we have received your resume and will contact you if there is a fit, etc"). Argh. I love advertising and doing what I do. The problem solving aspects and the creativity. And I really don't know what else to do. I'm afraid of finding a job that I will be miserable in...just to pay the bills. Although, with the way the economy is going I may not have a choice. I am at my wits end trying to figure out a solution to this problem. All I want is to work in the field that I am trained to work in, that I'm good at, that I enjoy doing. Apparently that's too much to ask for at this time. I feel like a failure and a total waste of "being" right now.
*sigh* Not only that but it doesn't seem that my industry has done a damn thing to help those of us in this position. They do not report anything about it in the industry rags. They just gloss it over as if it's not happening. What the hell? It just seems rather fucked up. An industry should rally behind their unemployed to help them get back on their feet, or at least provide some kind of support, if only in article form.
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Catching up
This or that tuesday
1. Bacon or sausage? Depends on my mood...I like them both.
2. Eggs: scrambled or not? Scrambled.
3. French toast or regular toast? French toast.
4. Pancakes or waffles? They are both yummers...but if i had to pick i'd go with pancakes.
5. Mufins or bagels? Bagels
6. Coffee or tea? Coffee
7. Juice: orange or grapefruit? Orange
8. Hot or cold cereal? Cold.
9. To put in cereal: bananas or strawberries (or some other fruit)? Strawberries.
10. Eat breakfast at home or at a restaurant? usually it's at home but it's nice to go out for breakfast sometimes too. especially as it's the cheapest meal (usually) for eatting out. :)
Thursday things
Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Three- Hmmm... There's a three day weekend coming up for some people. Do you have Monday off and have some special plans? ...or is this just another weekend (or maybe one with two Sundays)? Well, no real special plans for monday, but I have some for this weekend.
Twosome: Blind- It's holiday time once again (tomorrow silly!). Do you have to turn a blind eye to anything when these days come around? ...or are you surprised at what shows up? Rarely am I surprised, but sometimes. :)
Threesome: Mice- Enough mousing around! Are you ready for tomorrow? ...or are you stopping by the pushcart people on the way home (I'm betting the guys and gals have really different answers on this one). Pretty much all set. Just need to finish up my card, but all shopping is done! And thank heavens for that. ;)
3 for Thursday (#21) - Stress:
1. What are 3 things/situations that really stress you out? Being unemployed, searching for a job, thinking about the future.
2. What are 3 things you can do that will de-stress you? Listening to calming music, dance, long bath or shower.
BONUS: Was there a time in your life where you were so stressed out that you felt like you were headed for a melt down? Yes, right now.
Monday, February 10, 2003
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Monday Memes
PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.06
1. In the states, every citizen is expected to perform their civic duty and serve on a jury at some point. This week, I am on jury duty. Have you ever had to serve on a jury? I went in but was eliminated by the lawyers.
2. If you were to ever serve on a jury, would you be able to give someone the death penalty? If their crime justified that as a sentence I probably would.
3. One thing that concerns me about jury duty is what my life would be like if I had to convict someone. I'd always be worried about some sort of retaliation from the convict, or their family. Has fear of negative consequences ever kept you from reporting a crime or voicing your opinion? No, but the that hasn't happened. I do share the same concerns though.
4. When it comes to convictions, I've never even been convicted of speeding (accued yes, but heh, never convicted). Have you ever been accused of or convicted for breaking any laws? What's the real story there? Nope. *knocking on wood here*
5. It looks like I will have a lot of time on my hands this week in the jury pool. I may get called, I may not. If not, I go back tomorrow. Rinse, wash, repeat. How would you pass the time if you had to sit and wait around from 8am-5pm for 5 days? Read a book or magazines.
6. One thing I do like about this "civic duty" is that it will be at the downtown courthouse. I LOVE downtown. There is just so much life there. What part of your town is your favorite to visit? Why? What makes it so special? Downtown is fun. Lots to keep busy and plenty of ways to toss money around :)
7. I'm not that outgoing around strangers, so I doubt I will be meeting many new people this week. Do you have any problems striking up a conversation with someone you don't know? Have chance encounters with strangers ever led to interesting new relationships or opportunities? Not really. I am shy doing cold calls and that kind of thing but less so in person.
BONUS: So if I tell you that you're really something baby, will you stay or will you go away ? Depends on what you mean by "something" :)
Monday Memories
What was your first encounter with a computer? Where was it, how old were you, what sort of computer was it, what did you think of it? I guess it was in 6th grade. We had a computer class and did math stuff on them, oh and games- The Oregon Trail and some Balloon tossing game. Old school macs they were...well actually Apples. I thought they were fun. I loved playing the games on them.
Saturday, February 08, 2003
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Lysistrata Project- The plan is for there to be world wide readings and performances of this play as a demonstration for not going to war with Iraq. The first-ever world-wide theatrical event for peace will be on Monday, March 3rd, 2003. Theatre artists from around the planet are raising their collective voice against war by producing readings of Lysistrata." (via metafilter.com)
Publishers, Net company settle suit over pop-up ads- "The parent companies of the New York Times, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post and the digital arms of Knight Ridder and Conde Nast were among news outlets that sued Gator in June over its pop-up ads."
Jackson show reaches 27 million- "More than 27 million viewers couldn't resist a peek into Michael Jackson's bizarre private life Thursday night, a number that explained why ABC fought a bidding war to air it. The special edition of ''20/20'' was the highest-rated newsmagazine since Barbara Walters talked to Monica Lewinsky three years ago and ABC's biggest audience (excluding sports and the Academy Awards) since Michael J. Fox's ''Spin City'' farewell in May 2000."
Friday, February 07, 2003
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Snow Snow Snow
Outside it looks like the background of this page. Eek. Thank goodness I don't have to shovel the walk or the driveway!!
Thursday, February 06, 2003
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Questions, questions everywhere
Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Shower- Shower or a bath? Which one works best for you? ...or do you have uses for both? Both. I usually shower and use the bath for when I need to unwind or destress or something like that.
Twosome: Shave- How often do you shave? Ladies, what do you consider shave-worthy? Come on, you know what I mean ;) ! ...and guys: how about you? Any facial hair? I shave about every other day, although sometimes less in the winter. And sometimes more in the summer. Shave-worthy, I guess would be legs and under arms.
Threesome: Style- How much time do you spend in front of the mirror in the morning, fixing your hairstyle (and face, for the ladies). Usually it takes me no more than 10 minutes. If I'm going somewhere special or for an interview or something like that I'll take an extra bit of time to really "do" my hair which can add 20 minutes or so.
3 for Thursday (#20) - Its Cold Outside!
1. What are 3 things you miss about warm weather? Going out side, going to the beach, and not having to warm up my car.
2. What are 3 things you do to help get rid of the Winter blahs? Turning the heat up and putting on shorts, make some summery type meal, play summery music.
3. What are 3 things that you'd do right now if the temperature was nice and warm? Go for a walk, wander around downtown, and...wash my car.
BONUS: What is your favorite season? Why? Toss-up between Spring and Autumn...it's nice and temperate then, at least here. Summer gets way to hot and humid, and winter, well, it's too cold.
Daily Dose- Triple Threat Thursday: This week: Singin' In The Rain!
1) Who are the best singers in any musical genre and why? Sting, Peter Gabriel, Dido, Sarah McLaughlin, Anthony Keddis (red hot chili peppers), lead singer in Jane's Addiction (blanking on his name), Brian T (aka BT), and Ed (i'm not even going to attempt his last name) of Live. There's plenty more but this will do for now.
2) What musical genres do you enjoy? Pretty much everything except for real hard core metal and hard core rap...although there are some songs I end up liking in those genres too.
3) Which new artists do you think should get more attention? Hmm I don't know.
4) Which singers are overrated and should be send into retirement? Celine Dion (although I thought she already had retired). I'm sure there's more for this one too but can't think of them at the moment.
Wednesday, February 05, 2003
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Space travel and Astronomy
The Space Shuttle Must Be Stopped: It's costly, outmoded, impractical and, as we've learned again, deadly. One opinion from Time magazine. Also What Went Wrong? The clues lie in the craft's last minutes and rain of debris. Inside the search for answers.
Elevator to Space? -"Long imagined by science-fiction writers but seen by others as hopelessly far-fetched, the space-elevator concept has advanced dramatically in recent years along with leaps forward in the design of carbon nanotubes. Using the lightweight, strong carbon material, it's feasible to talk of building a meter-wide "ribbon" that would start on a mobile ocean platform at the equator, west of Ecuador, and extend 62,000 miles up into space."
Lives Lost, Lives Saved: The Benefits of Shuttle Science -"The astronauts were, in fact, scientists. Their names will appear in future scientific papers that result from research done during the 16-day mission.The price they paid for science was terrible, all agree. But even the families of the astronauts said the explorers left Earth with "a willingness to accept risk in the pursuit of knowledge -- knowledge that might improve the quality of life for all mankind." Amid their grief, the families also said "the bold exploration of space must go on," according to a statement released yesterday by NASA." The article also as more information on some of the many experiements that were done.
Interactive Space Shuttle -A behind the scenes look at the innerworkings of the Space Shuttle.
SPACE.com TV: In Their Own Words... Remembering Columbia's Crew -A tribute to the Crew of the Columbia Mission
South Pole Telescope Follows Trail Of Neutrinos Into Deepest Reaches Of The Universe- "A unique telescope buried in Antarctic ice promises unparalleled insight into such extraordinary phenomena as colliding black holes, gamma-ray bursts, the violent cores of distant galaxies and the wreckage of exploded stars."
Promising New Comet Called NEAT Graces Evening Sky -" During the next few weeks skywatchers can look for a recently discovered comet that may become plainly visible in the evening sky, and could possibly shine very brightly, just before a close encounter with the Sun. Officially catalogued as C/2002 V1, the comet is currently visible with a pair of binoculars. Astronomers who attempt to forecast the future characteristics and behavior of these cosmic vagabonds have found this one to be particularly capricious. It may not brighten much more. Or it may soon be visible to the naked eye."
Why Mars will be So Close to Earth in August- "Anyone who had a Spirograph drawing toy as a kid has a head start in grasping why Earth and Mars will be closer to each other this August than ever in recorded history."
The New History of Black Holes: 'Co-evolution' Dramatically Alters Dark Reputation- "Black holes suffer a bad rap. Indicted by the press as gravity monsters, labeled highly secretive by astronomers, and long considered in theoretical circles as mere endpoints of cosmic evolution, these unseen objects are depicted as mysterious drains of destruction and death. So it may seem odd to reconsider them as indispensable forces of creation."
How Asteroids Trigger Volcanos- "Since the scenario has never played out in modern times, scientists don't really know exactly what will happen when the next space rock slams into Earth. One long-supposed incendiary side-effect is enhanced volcanic activity, which can make life pretty miserable for survivors who find themselves on or near the flanks of a newborn plume of molten rock. Some scientists suspect the Hawaiian Islands were born of an asteroid impact."
Tuesday, February 04, 2003
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Addy stuff
Mice Models Aim to Sell Jeans- "The jeans giant has used computer technology to superimpose mice heads on to the shoulders of real actors for a TV commercial due to begin next month. The multi-million pound campaign, for its Type 1, jeans is the most expensive yet - although the company is refusing to disclose the exact cost. The latest advert launches across Europe on February 13. It uses a gang of "mice people" and humans, who kidnap a cat belonging to a wealthy woman and hold it to ransom." Weird.
Short on cash? Why not rent your forehead as ad space? "Rufus Curnow, a 22-year-old maths student at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, was one of the first to sign up for the scheme. "Student debt is getting ridiculous. In my final year I have no time to get a part-time job," he said. I think there are also a lot of lazy students who would look at this as a way of earning £100 a week for doing nothing.""
Sex in a glass- Looks at recent beer commercials and their use of images.
Tuesday questions
This or That
1. Morning or night person? Night person.
2. Heavy or light sleeper? Heavy sleeper, usually.
3. Remember your dreams or not? On average I tend to remember them.
4. Do you need a lot of sleep, or just a little? It depends. I tend to function better that I expect on less.
5. Do you need something like a nightlight or TV to sleep, or do you prefer complete darkness? If someone is in the room with me, darkness. If I'm alone I like a light or something.
6. Flannel sheets or some other kind? Cotton sheets.
7. One pillow, or more? Two.
8. Bedroom door opened or closed at night? cracked open.
9. Wrap yourself into blankets like a cocoon, or just cover yourself with them?Just cover, unless it's cold.
10. Alarm clock: wake to music or buzzer? Usually set the music to go off first and then the buzzer 5-10 minutes later.
Monday, February 03, 2003
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PromoGuy's Monday Mission 3.05
1. Do you remember the first LP, 45, CD or CD single that you bought? Recreate the scene for me. Goodness...I know I bought it at Tower Records. It is possible it was Michael Jackson's Thriller (it was the 80s...) or the soundtrack to Flashdance. They would have been tapes. I still have the Flashdance tape. I lost the Thriller one...which is not major loss really.
2. What was the last CD or song that you actually paid money for? Um...probably a Depeche Mode CD I got on sale when a store was closing.
3. It is my personal opinion that "Munchos" and "Funions" are the most perfect snack food ever. What do you think is the best snack food ever? Nachos. Cheetos.
4. Comedian George Carlin once pointed we consider the things we like to keep around us to be our "stuff," whereas other people's stuff is just junk to us (ok, he used more colorful language, but you get the idea). What "stuff" do you have that someone else might just throw away if they were cleaning out your house? Probaby most of it. I am a pack rat. I do try to clean out stuff but it's hard. I have a lot of paper things, relating to advertising ideas and whatnot, which most people would probably want to through out but, especially recently, I know that they can be quite useful.
5. Do you think it is wrong for people to rush to e-Bay and start selling Space Shuttle Columbia collectibles? Yes. It's sick and messed up.
6. Does it bother you when President Bush speaks about God and invokes scripture quotations from the Bible during his speeches? Yes. It really does annoy me. As the leader of our country he should keep his personal religious views to himself. Of course even though there is supposed to be a separation of state and religion, it's not quite as true as they'd like us to believe.
7. I have a friend who think's she's being photographed in public restrooms. What paranoid delusion do you have? Um, I don't know. I'm sure I've got at least one but none come to mind at the moment.
Bonus: Can't you feel the weight of my stare? You betcha.
Monday Memories
Do you have a memory about, related to, or triggered by Space, or the Space Program?
I guess the one that stands out is the Challenger explosion. I was in the 4th grade and I remember our teacher brought in a TV to the class to watch the sad event. It was a hard thing to watch, and the Columbia tragedy brought back those feelings and memories.
A less sad memory of space I have is going to the Observatory when I was young and being able to look though one of the big telescopes the astronomers use, and be able to see the moon. The magnification of the telescope was great and you could see all the craters and everything in a very large scale. Also in college I took a few astronomy classes and we had night labs where got to see Saturn, which was very cool as well.
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Ad News and Links and stuff
Bad grammar hits advertising, yes even in Manila.
Ads that keep going- A look at long lasting campaigns.
Miller Brewing's new boss faces daunting task
Brand-Name Executives-"Tying a company's branding strategy to its founder's image can be a big plus when the chief executive is saying and doing all the right things, and a big minus if the chief executive gets into trouble, steps down or dies."
Fur Factor- " The ads, however, might indicate a subtle cultural reaction to the many years of depicting men as smooth, downy-chested boys lacking any discernible levels of testosterone (think the youth-oriented Calvin Klein and Abercrombie & Fitch ads of hairless slackers and frat boys)."
Direct Marketing Association sues US government over spam- "By suing to block the introduction of a national opt-out plan the DMA is admitting it believes a majority of citizens would, if given the option, promptly choose to cease receiving phone calls from direct marketing groups. This tends to imply the DMA's entire business model is built on the ability to target unwilling listeners, bother those who don't wish to be bothered, and, through the sheer volume of numbers dialed, reach some modicum of success. This type of marketing is not illegal, but the sheer volume of consumer support for a national opt-out list indicates citizens are interested in closing down the number of such calls they receive." This is just inane...I mean, come on.
Advertising Rules- Super groovy merchandise...me wantie!
The Journalists Toolbox- page full of interesting links.
Saturday, February 01, 2003
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Tragedy
As a person with interest in astronomy, comsmology and the like, I follow the events of NASA and other various space type news. I am greatly saddened by the events of today. Around 9am EST, NASA lost contact with the Shuttle Orbiter Columbia. Video shows the shuttle on it's decent and then out of no where, something went wrong and the shuttle started to break apart. It seems rather obvious from the footage that there were no survivors. And hopefully, their deaths were instantous and painless.
This is the first time NASA has had any incident in the landing of a space shuttle. Which is a rather good record.
Here are some of the first articles on the web about this:
Columbia breaks up over Texas
NASA shuttle lost on re-entry
NASA loses contact with shuttle during landing
Spaceflight now- STS-107: Mission status center
Aboard the shuttle were: Rick Husband, commander, and Willie McCool, pilot. Mission specialists Dave Brown, Laurel Clark, Kalpana Chawla, Mike Anderson (payload commander) and Israeli payload specialist Ilan Ramon. Great people who were realizing their dreams and persuing knowledge and information to better the lives of all of us on this blue ball in space. I have the utmost respect for them. My thoughts go out to their familys and friends.
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