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
Monday, March 31, 2003
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News gathered around the net
Sex, Crackers and Subliminal Ads is an article from adage.com that takes a look at subliminal advertising and some of it's history.
Effective ad is about consumers- this article gets some of it right but I have arguements against some of the points they bring up.
To survive, big-time brands have to be different. Well, duh. Although it seems many of the top execs fail to realize this most basic understanding of marketing and advertising. And it's not just true for big-time brands either, unless you have no competitors.
Geraldo Rivera pulled out from Iraq?- Apparently he gave away military info that he shouldn't have during one of his reports. But there's conflicting information because a A U.S. Central Command official said, "He is being pulled. He just doesn't know it yet. He has not gotten the word." Another journalist, Peter Arnett, has been kicked out of Iraq. He gave an interview to Iraqi TV which was deemed inappropriate. He was also fired and will no longer be reporting for MSNBC,NBC, or National Geographic.
Jesse Jackson to help find missing reporters- Relatives of Newsday correspondent Matthew McAllester and photographer Moises Saman, asked Jackson on Sunday to help locate the two men. Molly Bingham, a freelance photographer from Louisville, Kentucky., and Danish freelance photographer Johan Rydeng Spanner also are unaccounted for in Iraq.
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Top 500
This past weekend one of the local alternative rock radio stations played the Top 500 Ever. It was a great mix of music. I wish they'd put them all on a CD or into a CD set. Check it out- I bet you'll agree :o)
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Here we go again...
Monday Mission
1. How old will you be on your next birthday? 2-6...eeek.
2. One of the presents I was given for my birthday was a "George Foreman Grill." I've always joked about them, so it was kind of a joke gift. But it turns out, it is a really neat little grill. Then it hit me, this is a gadget, except it is for the kitchen. Then I thought about it and realized that "gadgets" aren't just techno-toys, gadgets are everywhere. What is your favorite gadget? Hmm. I guess it would be my coffee maker ;o)
3. Tell me about someone that you lost touch with several years ago. Would you like to get back in touch with them again? What caused the separation? Has enough time passed? Would you still get along? I had a great friend when I was in high school. We kept in touch for a while during college, but then she dropped off the face of the earth. Apparently some of our mutual friends had run into her and she seemed as though she wanted nothing to do with anyone she used to know. After hearing about that, and her behaviour towards them, I don't think I'd want to be friends again with her. Unless she had a good reason for acting like a bitch.
4. I've not met many online friends in real-life (I.R.L.), but I've always assumed we'd get along great if we met. But then again, if we would since my online personality (brash, outgoing) seems so different from how I see my RL offline version (introverted). Is there a difference between your online personality and your real-life version? Or are you pretty much the same person either way? I don't think there is much of a difference for me. I'm pretty much the same. Maybe a bit more shy, but overall I think I'm the same.
5. Being the quiet type, I have often felt like the online world has given me a greater chance to meet people I'd never meet IRL. In fact, I would bet that I would have never met any of you IRL if we had been in the same bookstore or coffee shop. So in that sense, I think the Internet has helped inter-personal communication for many people. Can you think of any ways that the Internet hinders person-to-person communication? What could we do to change things? Hinders...I guess it hinders person-to-person communication just because there are many subtle things you get from talking to a person, in person, that you don't get from text, like tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, etc.
6. Last night, about 1AM I was overcome with this amazing sense of inner peace. I hadn't prayed, or done anything spiritual, yet, I felt like life was truly good and things could only get better. It seemed like I was given a mental "nudge" as if to say, "You're doing great kid, stay with it and everything will keep getting better." When was the last time you felt truly happy, or had that sense of perfect inner-peace? What does it take to get that feeling back when you need it? The last time i felt inner peace- man I have no idea. It must have been a while ago. I wish I knew what I could do to get it back. :-/
7. There are times when I just want to tell someone off. I don't usually, since I have to work with them. Sometimes it is a family member and that would be even worse on down the road if I cut loose. If you could just verbally let loose on someone and be able to say anything you want, without repercussions, who would you say it to and what would you say? There's a few things I could say but right now and right here, it's not the time.
BONUS: Are we alive or just a dying planet? Can't we be alive on a dying planet...
Monday Memories
Were you ever in a school play? Or a concert? Or an amateur theatre production? Did you ever perform live somewhere? Did you see such a performance?
Back in school, I was in many plays, chorus, and the sort. I loved it. I love acting. I miss it. I've often thought about getting involved in the community theatre here. I've done musicals, one-acts (we had a competition for it every year I was in high school - I went to states twice and even won two awards for best costume design and make-up design!), did the school chorus (my voice is only okay when mixed in with lots of other good singers!), did a play in college, was involved in community theatre groups and I have even taken some acting classes. Man that was an experience!! I did it in Los Angeles one summer while staying with family and some of the kids in there- whoo boy!- they thought they were the king shit just because they had been in a McDonalds commerical. *lol* Made me laugh! It was fun though, except for the fact they made you watch yourself on tape- I hated that part. Theatre plays a big roll in my life, either going to see plays and musicals, or reading plays and that kind of thing. There's something fun and wonderful about escaping to somewhere else and pretending to be someone with different characteristics and challenges.
Sunday, March 30, 2003
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Hurrah!
New design- finally. I think I'm happy with this, mostly. Although I may still play with the header/banner/whatchamacallit because I'm not sure I'm thrilled with it. But I am happy with some of the new icons I did. I never liked some of the old ones I had, like the $, but it looks bettter now. I just hope this layout works better in Netscape, because when I last revised the layout, it went bonkers in it- and I have no idea why. Silly computers.
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A gloomy Sunday
Unconscious Mutterings
1. Smell :: Lavender
2. Caramel :: Sauce
3. Parallel :: Universe
4. Miami :: Vice
5. Sleep :: Dream
6. Double :: Trouble
7. Kiss :: Soft
8. History :: Lessons
9. Vodka :: Martini
10. Click :: Mouse
Sunday Roast
Last weeks answer: **a logical sentence remains**- Doh.
The Question
When the Land of Toupee took a census they were stunned to notice that there population had increased to 100,002.
Since nobody on the island has more than 100,001 hairs on their heads, what is the probability that at least two of
these heads have exactly the same number of hairs ?
The Challenge
We all go to the hairdressers at least once or twice in our lifetimes (some people go every six weeks). Tell us about your trip to the hairdressers.
Instead of answering the given questions, I'm just going to say, I think it's insane what hairdresseres or stylists charge do just *cut* or *trim* hair. I can't understand how it can be so much more for a woman's cut than man's cut. It's crazy. It's just another way for women to have to pay more for things. And we make, generally, less then men. It's a screwed up world.
Saturday, March 29, 2003
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Saturday Scruples
1.Your lover isn't attentive unless someone else wants you. You have an admirer you don't like as much. Do you encourage the rivalry? No. I'd get rid of them both. Who needs someone who's not attentive unless there's competition?
2. Excavating for your new house, you discover priceless artifacts from an ancient Indian village. If your property becomes a dig, constrctoin will be delayed. Do you keep quiet? No. It's important to get that stuff found and looked at. History you know ;o)
3. At athe casino, you develop a rapport with the blackjack dealer. You give generous tips and s/he gives you an edge. Do you let the arrangment continue? Sure.
Friday, March 28, 2003
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Photo Friday- Glass
I liked the reflection on the window.
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Friiiiiiiiday!
Weekly Wrap-Up- Fears & Phobias
1. What simple things scare you? Why? Snakes and birds freak me out, oh, and eels. I don't know why but I just find them creepy.
2. Do you have any phobias? If so, what? No major phobias, although I do tend to get clausterphobic in busy stores, when there's a frenzy in the air...ack.
3. What is your earliest memory of being afraid? How are the same things scare you? When I was little I used to think there were monsters under my bed. I think that's the first memory. Although I eventually realized that it was just me hearing my heartbeat- I used to lay my head on my arm or hand and the sound made me think there were monsters climbing stairs under my bed to reach me. I was so silly.
4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Why? Is it still scary to you now? Why or why not? Most movies doen't scare me too much although I remember being afraid of Twilight Zone the Movie when I first saw it. I was maybe 6 or 7 and the image of the sister without a mouth freaked me out. But it doesn't scare me any more.
5. What is the scariest nightmare you've ever had? What happened? Is it still scary to you? Why or why not? I think it had to be after 9/11- I had a dream of an airplane exploding above my head and body parts raining down on me. I think the worst part of that dream was that it felt so real. I felt cold and it was really creepy.
Past, Present, Future
PAST - So tell us, did you get too much sunshine as a kid? Or not enough? I got a lot as a kid. We used to go the beach all the time, and be outside generally any chance we got.
PRESENT - Being someone with a mild case of seasonal depression, I look forward to the return of sunshine to the world. Being someone who also loves living in a lively green part of the world, I respect and even enjoy the various kinds of rain we receive. Are you a rain or shine person? Shine.
FUTURE - You're appointed by the Joint Chiefs the task of coming up with a better term than "Sunshine Units" to describe nuclear radiation doses. Give it your best shot, Colonel. What a different type of question! I guess I'd suggest "death rays".
Thursday, March 27, 2003
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Things around the net
Speaker Marilyn Kern-Foxworth addresses women in advertising- Another look at women and they way in which they are portrayed in ads.
Advertising has remained surprisingly consistant- The NY Times looks at the state of advertising on TV and sees that little is being done different in light of the war.
Court Throws Out Suit Against Cow Ad - PETA had brought this case against California Milk Advisory Board- claiming their "Happy Cow" ads were full of bull. The part I find interesting about this case is that it was thrown out because the judge, David Garcia, ruled that the government is exempt from the false-advertisement laws that apply to private individuals. Now why is that? Seems to me that they should be held just as accountable for false claims as anyone else.
The Media War- The Guardian has a variety of articles on media related reports and news and even some thought provoking opinion pieces.
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Thursday Thursday, creeps in...
Thursday Thumb-Twiddler
1. You've been given $1 million to give anonymously to either charity or to a stranger. What would you do? I'd give it to a charity. Or maybe even break it up and divide it among two or three charities.
2. If the owner of a local gas station were caught dumping fifty gallons of used motor oil into the local storm sewer, what do you think the penalty should be? What if it were your neighbor dumping a single gallon? There should be a large fine and possibly they should serve time. How much or how long I don't know. If a neighbor was doing it, they should still be fined- maybe no jail time but definitely a fine.
3. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else? Hmm.
Thursday Threesome- Lights, Camera, Action
Onesome: Lights- Did you watch the lights of Hollywood at the Academy Awards the other night? ...and were you surprised by any of the winners. ...or did you spend the evening doing something else? I didn't watch it at all. I haven't seen most of the movies that were nominated and there are other things going on that seem to make the awards show seem like a waste of time to watch. That, and the fact that I usually don't get into the award shows anyways. I can't remember what I spend that time doing.
Twosome: Camera- Do you enjoy photography? ...and do you take pictures for your web site if you have one? Hmmm... Digital or film? Inquiring minds and all that... I do like it when I think to do it. I'm no photography buff or anything though. I have some pictures up that I've done, but it's more to get more use out of the digital camera. I haven't used film in a while although if I know I'm taking pictures for something that I'd want to get into a scrapbook or photo album at some point I'd definitely use film.
Threesome: Action- For some, March Madness has begun. Have you succumbed to the action of the basketball tournament, or are you immune to the madness and just waiting for regular programming to resume? I really could care less about college sports. They don't really hold any interest for me.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
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Tuesday Thang
This or That Tuesday
1. Poetry or prose? Hard to choose!! Prose I guess, since I read more of it.
2. Funky modern art or the older, "classic" variety? Another hard choice, I like both.
3. Sculptures or paintings? Paintings- I like color!
4. Theatre: exuberant musical or serious drama? Musicals are fun but I prefer dramas.
5. Ballet or modern dance? Modern dance- if you mean hiphop type stuff. Although ballet is fun to do, especially toe shoes.
6. Movies: major studio or indie? Both- there are some awesome indies and major studio- although the major studios tend to put out more duds than good stuff.
7. Authors: Shakespeare or Dr. Seuss? Oh dear- what a tough choice- I love both but I think I'll have to go with Shakey!
8. TV: PBS or A&E? PBS
9. Music: Beethoven or Beatles? Beatles. Now if you had asked Mozart instead of Beethoven....
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: You are a contributing member of your favorite art museum, and visit on a regular basis. They announce a new, temporary special exhibit by an artist surrounded by controversy...this person's work and/or political views offend you. Do you stop supporting the museum, or just stay away during the time the exhibit is there? I'd just stay away during the time the exhibit was there or just visit a different part of the museum.
Tuesday Too
Tuesday Too
1.) Is the justice system in the US really fair? Why, or why not? Yes and no. Yes in that it does usually make the right decisions, but no in that it is often dependent on what political party was in office when supreme court justices were put in. The more conservatives vote against rulings that could be okay by the more liberal folk.
2.) In a crisis are you a leader, or a follower? Why do you take that role?
I guess it depends. If I'm leading usually few people want to follow me- no idea why. I guess I'm not the trendsetter type.
3.) Is there some reason for your madness? What is it?
There's never a reason for my madness- it's just the way I am!!!! Green hedger clippers and purple lima beans!! Boink! ;)
Monday, March 24, 2003
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Monday ad news from adage.com
Bob Garfield looks at Miller's "Boobvertising"- " Ogilvy & Mather and its client were apparently so bedazzled by the publicity over their disgraceful "Catfight" stunt that they mistook that exercise in boobvertising for a strategy. Now they have built a campaign around sly references to the original spot, which you may recall featured a wrestling match between two busty babes."
The nonsense that passes for advertising wisdom- "Some of our forward thinkers preach radical change. The reality is that forces embracing the status quo are fighting a very effective rear-guard action."
Sunday, March 23, 2003
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It's Sunday, barely
Sunday Roast
In the string of letters below, can you cross out all of the unnecessary letters so that a logical sentence remains?
ALALTLHOEGUICNANLESCEENSTSEANRCYELREETMTAEIRSNS
I'll have to come back to this one. Too late at night to try to figure it out.
The Challenge- I love doing trivia, riddles and puzzles.
A) *what are your favourite types? trivia and word puzzles like scrabble, boggle and crosswords.
B) *where is the best place on the net to go? I like word racer on yahoo games.
C) *have you ever won a prize? For these, no.
D) *stump us with one of your own................. I'll come back to this later too.
Unconscious Mutterings-I say … and you think … ?
1. 501 :: Levis
2. Xs and Os :: hugs and kisses
3. Remote :: control
4. Declaration :: of love
5. Whale :: fluke
6. Glitter :: glue
7. Floss :: teeth
8. Checkers :: games
9. Vegas :: waste of money
10. Hill :: laruen
Saturday, March 22, 2003
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Avoiding work
I have a pile of things on my desk to take care of but I'm lacking motivation to get them done. Blah. I need to go run an errand too, but, that also isn't getting me moving. It's one of those mornings I think. It's grey out and that never helps. Although it isn't freezing out for a change which is nice :)
Saturday memes
Saturday Scruples
1. As a waitress, you win $10 million from a lottery ticket you received as a tip. Normally tips are pooled but you kept this one. Do you share the money? No. Although I'd by my fellow workers something nice.
2. Your dad's dying wish is to be buried in his homland. The expense will take most of your inheritance. Do you obey the request? Yes.
3. You own a supermarket. Genetically altered fruits and vegetables are popular but no one knows for sure if the are safe. Do you sell them? I would but I'd mark them as such, as well as selling organic and regular fruits and veggies.
Friday, March 21, 2003
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It's all ad to me
New survey causes women to question images in advertising- The survey shows that women are consciously avoiding brands that unrealistically portray images of women in their advertising.
War threatens recovering advertising industry- " The war presents a minefield for advertisers. Media buyers say their clients are reluctant to purchase advertising space in newspapers and newsmagazines, which are expected to devote many pages to war coverage. Similarly, advertisers are avoiding television news programming, which likely will be dominated by footage from the front lines in the coming days."
"When war erupts, some companies shift advertising campaigns"- A look at how some companies are changing their advertising. Some switch channels, some put it on hold, while others just change the message and creative.
"War Underway, Online Ad Industry Treads Carefully"- "With visitors streaming to the Web for information about such a serious and grim matter, online publishers have been left with a dilemma: Ads on television news automatically get pulled during war coverage, but Web ads have a different relationship with the content, running alongside, rather than interrupting, it. Still, the potential of offending already tense viewers has led most news sites to impose a short-term moratorium on ads running near war-related stories. At MSNBC.com, the site stripped ads from the site on Wednesday, after the war officially began, for an initial 48-hour period. Likewise, CNN.com and Yahoo! News have pulled advertising from their war stories. At NYTimes.com, in the site's special section, "A Nation at War," advertising has been pulled. Washingtonpost.com, however, has not adopted any hard-and-fast rule, choosing instead to work with individual advertisers to suit their needs."
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Weekly Wrap-Up - Going to the Zoo!
1. Do you like going to the zoo? Why or why not? I do. Although I haven't been in ages. I like seeing the animals and watching them.
2. How many zoos have you visited? Where? I think three, if you don't count the marine zoos- then it would be six. The three were in Boston, Washington DC and Los Angeles.
3. What's your favorite animal to see at the zoo? Why? I like the lemurs, big cats, polar bears, monkeys/apes, and prairie dogs. They are cute and watching them interact is neat.
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Friday Five
1. If you had the chance to meet someone you've never met, from the past or present, who would it be? That's a tough question. I'd guess I'd say Bill Bernbach.
2. If you had to live in a different century, past or future, which would it be? Medievel times in Europe-as a wealthy person of course ;) I like the romance of that period, although I do know that it was a dirty time (bathing once a year was common).
3. If you had to move anywhere else on Earth, where would it be? London, UK.
4. If you had to be a fictional character, who would it be? Gweneviere.
5. If you had to live with having someone else's face as your own for the rest of your life, whose would it be? Audrey Hepburn.
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Bored with no motivation to do anything but ramble on
If anyone of you who happens to pop by sees this page in a state of chaos, can you please let me know in the comments? I was fiddling around with the layout today a little bit and tonight when I went to look at something, it was all screwy in netscape but fine in IE. So I'm not sure if it was a one time thing that the gremlin in my computer is responsible for, or if it's something that is a netscape error. I really want to do something different with the design on here but I keep hitting a wall when I try to design lately. So, I'm leaving it as it is for now and when inspiration bitchslaps me, I'll change it.
Tonight was awful on TV. All the networks were showing news coverage of the "Iraqi Conflict". I love how they have nothing to new to say, so they just repeat themselves and ask pointless questions to experts. One expert didn't even want to address the question asked by one anchor, which I thought was rather amusing. The whole media frenzy makes me want to puke. It's like they are happy there's a war to report about or something, which is really very sickening. And here's another question- why is it a conflict and not a war? And on one station the put up a graphic that said "war on terror". Um, I thought that was a separate issue. But then again that was FOX news and they are warmongers. I love how they claim to have unbiased news. Pleeease! It's so not the truth. They should be sited by the FCC for lying like that.
Nothing else really worthy to mention, I guess, right now. Maybe I'll ramble a bit more later. Knowing me, I probably will ;)
Thursday, March 20, 2003
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It's, like, cosmic baby
Happy Equinox Day! - The word "Equinox" means "equal night," and it refers to a time when the period of daylight and the period of darkness are equal, amounting to 12 hours each. In reality it refers to an instant in time at which the Earth is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun. Since the Earth's tilt relative to the Sun is constantly changing, the 12-hour symmetry can be only approximately true anywhere. However, if you look at the sunrise sunset times for your location, you find that it is several minutes off on this date! The date on which there is closest to 12 hours of daytime and 12 hours of dark is several days earlier. Why? It's because the refracting or bending effects of the Earth's atmosphere alters the observed time of sunrise and sunset. The sun rises a little earlier and sets a little later due to this effect, causing the observed equinox to precede the true equinox by a few days in Spring. (In the fall it follows it by a few days.)
New observations suggest the birth of a black hole is messy- "The almost instant detection of a powerful deep-space energy burst, and the rapid follow-up by 33 telescopes around the world, has provided compelling evidence for the explosive birth of a black hole. The aftermath appeared to be very messy, said astronomers who watched the event's energy output decline more slowly than had ever been seen before. The observations were the most detailed ever made of a faraway explosive event known as a gamma-ray burst, or GRB. A study of the data, collected over several weeks, strengthens the connection between mysterious GRBs and even more mysterious black holes." Find more on this here too.
Predicting the weather by looking at the Moon, Sun or stars?- This article separates fact from fiction. Some cool stuff.
Moon Mechanics- A cool article about the Moon and how it effects life on this blue orb we call home.
Searchers discover key Columbia data recorder- "A spokeswoman for the board, Laura Brown, said the ship's recorder was intact but sustained some heat damage. Officials are hoping that temperature and aerodynamic pressure data can be retrieved from its magnetic tape, she said. Brown compared the recorder to an airplane's black box. "We have no way of knowing whether the data can be recovered,'' she said. But she added that if it can, "it will give us, hopefully, a lot of information about what was going on with the orbiter.''
Catch up on space news and discoveries- from coronal holes on the sun to brown dwarf discoveries, it's some cool stuff.
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Thoughts on a Thursday
Thursday Thumb-Twiddler
1. Give me liberty, or give me death! Sentimental twaddle, or bold philosophical stand? I think a bold philosophical statement. At least those who really mean it, like the first to say it.
2. Marry in haste, repent at leisure, or He who hesitates is lost? Depends on the situation I think. Some call for quick action. Others call for slow deliberation.
3. What's more important to you in a potential romantic partner -- what religion they profess, what political party they belong to, or what operating system they use? None of them. But if I had to choose, I guess I'd go with political party.
Thrusday Threesome- Mountain Spring Water
Mountain: Hey, summer's on the way! If you can get away, is it to the mountains or to the beaches? ...and even if you cannot: if you could, which would you go for? I love the beach. The sound of the waves, the feel of the sand on my feet, and the smell of the ocean charges my battery. Although this summer I'm going to attempt to get a couple hikes in as well. We were going to do it last year but never got around to it.
Spring: Enough is enough! Are you ready for Spring yet? ...or are you one of the lucky ones who are aleady smelling the roses? I'm very ready for Spring. We got a taste of it earlier this week, only for it to turn cold again. Grrr. But I made the most of it by taking a 2.5 hour walk that day. So nice!
Water: Domestic or bottled? Are you one of those who just cannot drink tap water and absolutely has to have bottled? ...or does any source that has some chlorine in it to okay with you? I'm not that picky. As long as the tap water is clear and doesn't taste nasty I don't mind it. Although I do tend to use a Britta thingy. Although that is usually more so that the water is kept cold in the fridge. Regularly buying water, unless your tap water is funky or for emergency supplies, just seems like a waste of money to me.
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
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Things found around the net
Where is Raed?- Blogger from Baghdad. Hope he makes it though. Definitely worth a read if you're at all interested in what is going on/will be going on in the world. It's amazing some of the comments on there too. What being done to try to keep communications open for the Iraqis from the outside...it's impressive. One reader claims to do all he/she can to keep the blog up and running. Go them. (via blog of note on blogger.com)
Dumbest Moments in Business 2002- Some of these are rather amusing. Others just make you shake your head. (via clay at adtothebone.com)
Michael Moore writes a letter to GWB- Talk about bringing up good points. Here's his first one- " There is virtually NO ONE in America (talk radio nutters and Fox News aside) who is gung-ho to go to war. Trust me on this one. Walk out of the White House and on to any street in America and try to find five people who are PASSIONATE about wanting to kill Iraqis. YOU WON'T FIND THEM! Why? 'Cause NO Iraqis have ever come here and killed any of us! No Iraqi has even threatened to do that. You see, this is how we average Americans think: If a certain so-and-so is not perceived as a threat to our lives, then, believe it or not, we don't want to kill him! Funny how that works!" Funny how logic works. For more also check out his "Operation Oily Residue".
Gallup poll says the public approves of Bush ultimatum by more than 2-to-1 margin- Of course, as with any poll you have to look at how the data is gathered. Here's their survey methods for this one- "Results are based on telephone interviews with 776 national adults, aged 18+, conducted March 17, 2003. For results based on the total sample of national adults, one can say with 95% confidence that the margin of sampling error is ±4 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls." How can you take a good sampling of the population if you are only interviewing 776 people in a populus that is *much* greater than that? And why 776? It seems like an odd number as well - I mean why not 1000 or 700 or something?
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
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Clinton's article in the Guardian - "But the British-American partnership and the progress of the world were preserved. Now in another difficult spot, Blair will have to do what he believes to be right. I trust him to do that and hope the British people will too."
"Troops will abandon Sadaam"- So says the former head of Iraq's air defence systems, Shamel Majid. If that's the case one can hope for a quick end to the impending war.
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Taking questions
This or That Tuesday
1. Cold frosty ski slopes or warm sandy beach? Beach.
2. Chevy or Ford? Um, Ford I guess.
3. Mac or PC? Mac.
4. Dial-up or high speed internet access? High speed internet.
5. Small *family-only* wedding or large 200+ guest wedding? Small family wedding but that could be nearly 200.
6. Would you rather be the bridesmaid or the bride? (if you are a guy, substitute best man or groom) the bridesmaid.
7. AC/DC or ABBA? I like them about the same...but I'll go with AC/DC
8. Roses or daisies? Roses
9. Trashy romance novels or classic literature? Classic literature.
10. NEW! Thought-provoking question of the week...If you had to choose one...would you rather be blind or deaf? Why? Ack. What a tough question. I guess deaf.
Tuesday Too
1.) Where do you stand on the eve of war, and why? If you wrote about this already, point to your post. I would say I'm still undecided as to whether this is a good idea or not. The US already has so many people who think it is a bully and sticks its nose where it doesn't belong. Ignoring the UN and Security Council is definitely not going to help that. There's a part of me that sees there are massive problems going on in the US that aren't being dealt with, and now that money will be funneled into fighting a war, and rebuilding another country. In many ways this pisses me off. As one comedian said, "Operation Ignore the Economy", which doesn't seem too far off. The other factor that has me worried is the fact that the US doesn't do well when it gets involved in other's civil wars. And a civil war is a very likely possibility after Sadaam is taken out. I really hope that there is someone out there thinking about what to do afterwards, or how they will handle it.
2.) Has your position caused arguments with friends or family? No.
3.) Is there some other issue that has you grinding your teeth? What is it? The economy and status of the job market. But then again that's nothing new.
Monday, March 17, 2003
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Some news
Generic ad study of the Orange juice industry- Apparently generic advertising for the whole category does better than branded advertising for specific companies. Interesting.
Why Marketing People Get It Wrong- Al Ries looks at the fact that many advertisers are missing the idea of product branding and some of the basics that we learned at the beginning. I don't think he's all that far off on this comment. Although I would say that advertising is also about communicating a mesesage. But it also does need to be used to carve out the niche for what your company stands for and to show why it's better or just different from the competition.
Food companies to go head to head against the Atkins diet- " So, with only a slender budget to try to counter the Atkins phenomenon, the Wheat Foods Council is aiming its "educational campaign" at nutritionists and the medical community. The strategy is a direct attack on Atkins: Americans who follow the Atkins diet increase their risk of health problems that include cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, kidney damage and some cancers, the Wheat Foods Council says."
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Monday Mission
1. Do you have any plans for "Spring Break" this year? Nope.
2. Did you ever have any wild Spring Break experiences? C'mon, tell me the stories! I never went away for Spring Break. So I have no stories.
3. What is your most memorable vacation of your youth? Going to Hawaii and going to Italy.
4. What was the best vacation you've ever had as an adult? Going to London.
5. Now, what is that "Dream Vacation" that you have always wanted to take if you had the time & money? A tour of Europe.
6. Have you ever take, or had the urge to take, a "blog vacation?" That is, just taking some time off from blogging? I have. Although it was more that I was too busy.
7. You know how you get that creepy "danger" vibe you sometimes get from people you don't know? Has that ever turned out to be right? Or have you ever had a bad feeling about someone or a situation and not listened to that "little voice?" Not yet. Although I have had that feeling recently. But I haven't seen any results one way or another regarding that.
BONUS: Do you wanna see me beggin' baby, can't you give me just one more day? Awww beg for me please.
Friday, March 14, 2003
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Catching up
Thursday Thumb-Twiddler
1. When someone complements you, do you usually accept it, or suggest that you don't really deserve it? I used to not accept it but now I do.
2. Would you rather be overdressed for a social occasion (a party, let's say), or underdressed? Overdressed. Although I guess sometimes being way too overdressed can be worse than being slightly underdressed.
3. A cop pulls you over, and is going to write you a $100 speeding ticket. If he indicated that if you slipped him $50 in cash, he'd give you a pass, would you do so? Would it make any difference whether you'd actually been speeding or not? I'd take the ticket and then report him to his captain.
Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Blue- Mac brought color into the scheme of computer things. What color would your computer be if they offered custom colors for PC or Mac? Purple and silver.
Twosome: Screen- Hey how about a quick survey? What type of screen are you running, CRT or LCD? ...and what size screen would that be? Uh-huh, and that would be at what resolution? Designing minds want to know... Hehehe. I think I've got an LCD at 15 inches or something. No clue on the resolution.
Threesome: of Death- Have you ever had a catastrophic computer crash? Could it be revived or did you have to pronounce it dead? Yes. It required professional help but it got back to normal. Although it wasn't as much of a crash as it just wouldn't turn on.
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
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Found news bits
McDonalds goes wireless- Soon at McDonalds in NY, Chicago and a town in CA, you will be able to surf the net for free if you purchase a combo meal. Time limit is one hour. As the article says if you want more time, you can purchase it for $3/hr or just buy another combo meal. So much for not trying to fatten up the population.
Some parodies of the government's new terrorist advise art -Some of the captions are pretty witty. (found via popculturejunkmail)
Didn't you always want a talking washing machine? "A German company has built the world's first washing machine that talks and recognises spoken commands.The machine introduces itself to users as "Hermine". Speech recognition software allows it to understand even complex commands like: "Pre-wash, then a hot wash at 95 degrees, spin at 1400 rotations, and start in half an hour."
Cover up that baby stink - "A Swedish company is launching a perfume for babies that sells for more than £38 a bottle. Landstrom Trading in Gothenburg says it's confident Baby Touch will become a best seller. Health officials in Sweden are advising mothers non-perfumed products are better for babies."
A limit on advertising during the possible war with Iraq- The Procter & Gamble Co., one of the nation's largest advertisers, says it will not place ads on major broadcast networks during the first 48 hours of a war with Iraq.
Memes for a cold Tuesday
Tuesday Too
1.) What's your take on this article from the New York Times today?
I can't view the article because I'm too lazy to sign up for access. I think it's annoying that if it's free to sign up why do you have to do so in the first place to view their articles? Silly NYT.
2.) Network television is swimming in "reality" shows. You are the creator of the latest show to hit the circuit. Give a brief description of your show. Sarcasm welcomed.
Ugh, I really hate the "reality shows". I can't think of something that would be even remotely funny right now. I need more coffee.
3.) What do you really wish you were doing today? Working.
This or That Tuesday
1. Married or single? Single but attached.
2. Knit or crochet? Knit. But I only know how to do that marginally better than crocheting.
3. Homebody or world traveller? Little bit of both.
4. "Star Search" or "American Idol"? Um, I'll go with Star Search.
5. Dancing or karaoke? Dancing.
6. Elvis Presley or Elvis Costello? Costello.
7. Bus or train? Train.
8. Batman or Superman? Batman- he has more cool gadgets.
9. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate.
10. Which came first...the chicken or the egg? I wish I knew!
Monday, March 10, 2003
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Unable to think of a witty title
Monday Memories - The Icecream Man
Do you have an icecream man? Do you remember the icecream man from your childhood?Share an icecream story, please.
We didn't have an ice cream man in the neighborhoods that I've lived in but, when I was in elementary school, there was an ice cream truck that would come by after school. I rarely got ice cream. Usually I tended to go for candy.
Monday Mission
1. What is the most boring project you have ever had to do? Putting papers in files. It was a temp job that was extremely boring. Although I got to practice my alphabet ;o)
2. If you could be anyone or anything you wish, who or what would you want to be? Why? I'd like to be me but have a job in advertising again and be successful at it. Hopefully that will happen in the not too far future.
3. What is one thing you refuse to ever put in your mouth? Buffalo oysters.
4.If you could film a documentary about yourself and have yourself followed for 1 day, what would that day look like? And why? Um, it would probably be very boring at this time.
5. What is the longest distance you have ever traveled to meet someone for the first time (blind date, blogger meet-up, etc). Was it worth the trip? I don't know. I flew to London and met some friends for the first time although that wasn't the only reason for the trip but, I guess it could count.
6. What do people usually assume about you that isn't true? I don't know. They don't say what it is.
7. What are you craving for lunch today? Something healthy like a salad.
BONUS: Take a look at me, tell me do you like what you see? Sure.
Tuesday, March 04, 2003
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Some ad news found around the net
Blogging as new marketing tool? Brings some interesting questions into play I guess. Like why a cow? Seems to me they are promoting milk more than their products. Mefi has some comments on this.
Advertising Standards Authority outlaws spam - Yay! "Unsolicited email and text message marketing have been banned in new guidelines published by the Advertising Standards Authority today. However, it relies on self-regulation by responsible members of the advertising industry, and may have little effect on email and text message spam."
Photographers speak on Bermuda tourism advertising- Some think that it's no big deal some of the images aren't really of Bermuda but of Hawaii and other tropical destinations.
So Bush Wants Civil Disobedience?
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Tuesday is here
This or That Tuesday
1. Soup or salad? Salad. Although soup in the winter when it's cold.
2. Hot or cold sandwiches? Hot in the winter, cold in the summer.
3. White or whole wheat bread (or rye, etc)? Whole wheat.
4. Pack a lunch for work/school, or buy it? Try to pack a lunch, but I'll treat myself to a bought lunch now and again.
5. If you eat out...fast-food chain, or mom & pop type place? Depends on what I feel like eating.
6. Tuna or chicken salad? Chicken salad...I don't like seafood/fish
7. Cheese: Swiss or cheddar (or American, etc)? Cheddar. Or Provalone
8. Mustard or mayo? Little of both. Although I'd do mustard over mayo
9. Sandwiches: wrap/pita pocket, or regular bread/roll? I like wraps but I usually end up with a regular sub for the most part.
10. Sweet stuff: cookie/cake or fresh fruit? Cookie. Although when watching my weight I'll do fruit.
Tuesday Too
1.) Do you know about GeoURL? Check it out to find your neighbor's blog, or the web page of a restaurant near you. Find your house with a satellite photo map, and put your self in the database if you're so inclined. I didn't know about it. But, I'm not all that crazed about getting my blog into as many data listings as possible because, well, I don't care that much to take the time to do that.
2.) How many times have you redesigned, or chosen a new template for your blog/journal, and are you content with your current look? So far I think twice, although I'm still not super happy with the design as it is. It's a little too plain or needs something. But I've got a couple other things ahead on the list of things to do right now so it will have to wait.
3.) From The New York Times February 11, 2003: "...The federal appeals court in St. Louis ruled yesterday that officials in Arkansas can force a prisoner on death row to take antipsychotic medication to make him sane enough to execute. Without the drugs, the prisoner, Charles Laverne Singleton, could not be put to death under a United States Supreme Court decision that prohibits the execution of the insane." The prisoner referred to was convicted of murder, and sentenced to death in 1979. You've probably already heard about this, but what do you think/feel about it? It seems extremely creepy that they can "make" someone sane. There's something wrong with that. Unless he was insane when he committed the crime and they medicated him to make him sane, although then all they would need to do, I would think, is take him off the medication. Anyways, it's creepy and weird and very scary no matter how you look at it.
Daily Dose- The 10 On Tuesday
This week's topic: Top 10 Best Things About Spring
1. Warmer weather without the humidity that summer brings
2. Greenery
3. Flowers
4. The smell of fresh cut grass
5. Being able to open the windows in the house without freezing to death
6. No snow
7. Farmers markets opening up again
8. Taking walks
9. Staying lighter longer
10. Being outside and in the sun
Monday, March 03, 2003
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Monday is here....
Participation Positives
~ Got some freelance work...yay
~ Getting things organized, or starting to
~ Last weeks chaos has settled down
~ There's a mango, strawberry, kiwi salad in my fridge. Yum.
Monday Memories - Accidents
Do you have a memory of injuring yourself and having to go to hospital and/or have stitches? Have you ever broken any bones? Were you accident-prone as a child? Share your memories of injury and recuperation.
The first time I got stitches, other than a medical procedure, was when I was in high school. I had a job at a local bagel place and sliced my finger open with a knife while attempting to prepare someone's bagel. I still have a little scar from that. I have always been somewhat accident prone. I fall down or trip or walk into things more than most people- or so it seems. Amazingly enough I've yet to break a bone. *knock on wood*
Daily Dose - Monday Morning Quarterback
1) How have the first two months of 2003 been for you? So-so.
2) Have you made any progress on your goals for 2003? A little but not really. But it's mostly do to my goals depending on others and the economy and that kind of thing. I don't have as much control over it as I'd like.
3) What are you most looking forward to in March and April? Spring weather.
4) What are your goals for the remaining ten months of the year? Get a job. That's about it for now. And I guess stay healthy and alive and that kind of thing.
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News gathered around the net
Sex, Crackers and Subliminal Ads is an article from adage.com that takes a look at subliminal advertising and some of it's history.
Effective ad is about consumers- this article gets some of it right but I have arguements against some of the points they bring up.
To survive, big-time brands have to be different. Well, duh. Although it seems many of the top execs fail to realize this most basic understanding of marketing and advertising. And it's not just true for big-time brands either, unless you have no competitors.
Geraldo Rivera pulled out from Iraq?- Apparently he gave away military info that he shouldn't have during one of his reports. But there's conflicting information because a A U.S. Central Command official said, "He is being pulled. He just doesn't know it yet. He has not gotten the word." Another journalist, Peter Arnett, has been kicked out of Iraq. He gave an interview to Iraqi TV which was deemed inappropriate. He was also fired and will no longer be reporting for MSNBC,NBC, or National Geographic.
Jesse Jackson to help find missing reporters- Relatives of Newsday correspondent Matthew McAllester and photographer Moises Saman, asked Jackson on Sunday to help locate the two men. Molly Bingham, a freelance photographer from Louisville, Kentucky., and Danish freelance photographer Johan Rydeng Spanner also are unaccounted for in Iraq.
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Top 500
This past weekend one of the local alternative rock radio stations played the Top 500 Ever. It was a great mix of music. I wish they'd put them all on a CD or into a CD set. Check it out- I bet you'll agree :o)
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Here we go again...
Monday Mission
1. How old will you be on your next birthday? 2-6...eeek.
2. One of the presents I was given for my birthday was a "George Foreman Grill." I've always joked about them, so it was kind of a joke gift. But it turns out, it is a really neat little grill. Then it hit me, this is a gadget, except it is for the kitchen. Then I thought about it and realized that "gadgets" aren't just techno-toys, gadgets are everywhere. What is your favorite gadget? Hmm. I guess it would be my coffee maker ;o)
3. Tell me about someone that you lost touch with several years ago. Would you like to get back in touch with them again? What caused the separation? Has enough time passed? Would you still get along? I had a great friend when I was in high school. We kept in touch for a while during college, but then she dropped off the face of the earth. Apparently some of our mutual friends had run into her and she seemed as though she wanted nothing to do with anyone she used to know. After hearing about that, and her behaviour towards them, I don't think I'd want to be friends again with her. Unless she had a good reason for acting like a bitch.
4. I've not met many online friends in real-life (I.R.L.), but I've always assumed we'd get along great if we met. But then again, if we would since my online personality (brash, outgoing) seems so different from how I see my RL offline version (introverted). Is there a difference between your online personality and your real-life version? Or are you pretty much the same person either way? I don't think there is much of a difference for me. I'm pretty much the same. Maybe a bit more shy, but overall I think I'm the same.
5. Being the quiet type, I have often felt like the online world has given me a greater chance to meet people I'd never meet IRL. In fact, I would bet that I would have never met any of you IRL if we had been in the same bookstore or coffee shop. So in that sense, I think the Internet has helped inter-personal communication for many people. Can you think of any ways that the Internet hinders person-to-person communication? What could we do to change things? Hinders...I guess it hinders person-to-person communication just because there are many subtle things you get from talking to a person, in person, that you don't get from text, like tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, etc.
6. Last night, about 1AM I was overcome with this amazing sense of inner peace. I hadn't prayed, or done anything spiritual, yet, I felt like life was truly good and things could only get better. It seemed like I was given a mental "nudge" as if to say, "You're doing great kid, stay with it and everything will keep getting better." When was the last time you felt truly happy, or had that sense of perfect inner-peace? What does it take to get that feeling back when you need it? The last time i felt inner peace- man I have no idea. It must have been a while ago. I wish I knew what I could do to get it back. :-/
7. There are times when I just want to tell someone off. I don't usually, since I have to work with them. Sometimes it is a family member and that would be even worse on down the road if I cut loose. If you could just verbally let loose on someone and be able to say anything you want, without repercussions, who would you say it to and what would you say? There's a few things I could say but right now and right here, it's not the time.
BONUS: Are we alive or just a dying planet? Can't we be alive on a dying planet...
Monday Memories
Were you ever in a school play? Or a concert? Or an amateur theatre production? Did you ever perform live somewhere? Did you see such a performance?
Back in school, I was in many plays, chorus, and the sort. I loved it. I love acting. I miss it. I've often thought about getting involved in the community theatre here. I've done musicals, one-acts (we had a competition for it every year I was in high school - I went to states twice and even won two awards for best costume design and make-up design!), did the school chorus (my voice is only okay when mixed in with lots of other good singers!), did a play in college, was involved in community theatre groups and I have even taken some acting classes. Man that was an experience!! I did it in Los Angeles one summer while staying with family and some of the kids in there- whoo boy!- they thought they were the king shit just because they had been in a McDonalds commerical. *lol* Made me laugh! It was fun though, except for the fact they made you watch yourself on tape- I hated that part. Theatre plays a big roll in my life, either going to see plays and musicals, or reading plays and that kind of thing. There's something fun and wonderful about escaping to somewhere else and pretending to be someone with different characteristics and challenges.
Sunday, March 30, 2003
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Hurrah!
New design- finally. I think I'm happy with this, mostly. Although I may still play with the header/banner/whatchamacallit because I'm not sure I'm thrilled with it. But I am happy with some of the new icons I did. I never liked some of the old ones I had, like the $, but it looks bettter now. I just hope this layout works better in Netscape, because when I last revised the layout, it went bonkers in it- and I have no idea why. Silly computers.
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A gloomy Sunday
Unconscious Mutterings
1. Smell :: Lavender
2. Caramel :: Sauce
3. Parallel :: Universe
4. Miami :: Vice
5. Sleep :: Dream
6. Double :: Trouble
7. Kiss :: Soft
8. History :: Lessons
9. Vodka :: Martini
10. Click :: Mouse
Sunday Roast
Last weeks answer: **a logical sentence remains**- Doh.
The Question
When the Land of Toupee took a census they were stunned to notice that there population had increased to 100,002.
Since nobody on the island has more than 100,001 hairs on their heads, what is the probability that at least two of
these heads have exactly the same number of hairs ?
The Challenge
We all go to the hairdressers at least once or twice in our lifetimes (some people go every six weeks). Tell us about your trip to the hairdressers.
Instead of answering the given questions, I'm just going to say, I think it's insane what hairdresseres or stylists charge do just *cut* or *trim* hair. I can't understand how it can be so much more for a woman's cut than man's cut. It's crazy. It's just another way for women to have to pay more for things. And we make, generally, less then men. It's a screwed up world.
Saturday, March 29, 2003
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Saturday Scruples
1.Your lover isn't attentive unless someone else wants you. You have an admirer you don't like as much. Do you encourage the rivalry? No. I'd get rid of them both. Who needs someone who's not attentive unless there's competition?
2. Excavating for your new house, you discover priceless artifacts from an ancient Indian village. If your property becomes a dig, constrctoin will be delayed. Do you keep quiet? No. It's important to get that stuff found and looked at. History you know ;o)
3. At athe casino, you develop a rapport with the blackjack dealer. You give generous tips and s/he gives you an edge. Do you let the arrangment continue? Sure.
Friday, March 28, 2003
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Photo Friday- Glass
I liked the reflection on the window.
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Friiiiiiiiday!
Weekly Wrap-Up- Fears & Phobias
1. What simple things scare you? Why? Snakes and birds freak me out, oh, and eels. I don't know why but I just find them creepy.
2. Do you have any phobias? If so, what? No major phobias, although I do tend to get clausterphobic in busy stores, when there's a frenzy in the air...ack.
3. What is your earliest memory of being afraid? How are the same things scare you? When I was little I used to think there were monsters under my bed. I think that's the first memory. Although I eventually realized that it was just me hearing my heartbeat- I used to lay my head on my arm or hand and the sound made me think there were monsters climbing stairs under my bed to reach me. I was so silly.
4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Why? Is it still scary to you now? Why or why not? Most movies doen't scare me too much although I remember being afraid of Twilight Zone the Movie when I first saw it. I was maybe 6 or 7 and the image of the sister without a mouth freaked me out. But it doesn't scare me any more.
5. What is the scariest nightmare you've ever had? What happened? Is it still scary to you? Why or why not? I think it had to be after 9/11- I had a dream of an airplane exploding above my head and body parts raining down on me. I think the worst part of that dream was that it felt so real. I felt cold and it was really creepy.
Past, Present, Future
PAST - So tell us, did you get too much sunshine as a kid? Or not enough? I got a lot as a kid. We used to go the beach all the time, and be outside generally any chance we got.
PRESENT - Being someone with a mild case of seasonal depression, I look forward to the return of sunshine to the world. Being someone who also loves living in a lively green part of the world, I respect and even enjoy the various kinds of rain we receive. Are you a rain or shine person? Shine.
FUTURE - You're appointed by the Joint Chiefs the task of coming up with a better term than "Sunshine Units" to describe nuclear radiation doses. Give it your best shot, Colonel. What a different type of question! I guess I'd suggest "death rays".
Thursday, March 27, 2003
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Things around the net
Speaker Marilyn Kern-Foxworth addresses women in advertising- Another look at women and they way in which they are portrayed in ads.
Advertising has remained surprisingly consistant- The NY Times looks at the state of advertising on TV and sees that little is being done different in light of the war.
Court Throws Out Suit Against Cow Ad - PETA had brought this case against California Milk Advisory Board- claiming their "Happy Cow" ads were full of bull. The part I find interesting about this case is that it was thrown out because the judge, David Garcia, ruled that the government is exempt from the false-advertisement laws that apply to private individuals. Now why is that? Seems to me that they should be held just as accountable for false claims as anyone else.
The Media War- The Guardian has a variety of articles on media related reports and news and even some thought provoking opinion pieces.
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Thursday Thursday, creeps in...
Thursday Thumb-Twiddler
1. You've been given $1 million to give anonymously to either charity or to a stranger. What would you do? I'd give it to a charity. Or maybe even break it up and divide it among two or three charities.
2. If the owner of a local gas station were caught dumping fifty gallons of used motor oil into the local storm sewer, what do you think the penalty should be? What if it were your neighbor dumping a single gallon? There should be a large fine and possibly they should serve time. How much or how long I don't know. If a neighbor was doing it, they should still be fined- maybe no jail time but definitely a fine.
3. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else? Hmm.
Thursday Threesome- Lights, Camera, Action
Onesome: Lights- Did you watch the lights of Hollywood at the Academy Awards the other night? ...and were you surprised by any of the winners. ...or did you spend the evening doing something else? I didn't watch it at all. I haven't seen most of the movies that were nominated and there are other things going on that seem to make the awards show seem like a waste of time to watch. That, and the fact that I usually don't get into the award shows anyways. I can't remember what I spend that time doing.
Twosome: Camera- Do you enjoy photography? ...and do you take pictures for your web site if you have one? Hmmm... Digital or film? Inquiring minds and all that... I do like it when I think to do it. I'm no photography buff or anything though. I have some pictures up that I've done, but it's more to get more use out of the digital camera. I haven't used film in a while although if I know I'm taking pictures for something that I'd want to get into a scrapbook or photo album at some point I'd definitely use film.
Threesome: Action- For some, March Madness has begun. Have you succumbed to the action of the basketball tournament, or are you immune to the madness and just waiting for regular programming to resume? I really could care less about college sports. They don't really hold any interest for me.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
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Tuesday Thang
This or That Tuesday
1. Poetry or prose? Hard to choose!! Prose I guess, since I read more of it.
2. Funky modern art or the older, "classic" variety? Another hard choice, I like both.
3. Sculptures or paintings? Paintings- I like color!
4. Theatre: exuberant musical or serious drama? Musicals are fun but I prefer dramas.
5. Ballet or modern dance? Modern dance- if you mean hiphop type stuff. Although ballet is fun to do, especially toe shoes.
6. Movies: major studio or indie? Both- there are some awesome indies and major studio- although the major studios tend to put out more duds than good stuff.
7. Authors: Shakespeare or Dr. Seuss? Oh dear- what a tough choice- I love both but I think I'll have to go with Shakey!
8. TV: PBS or A&E? PBS
9. Music: Beethoven or Beatles? Beatles. Now if you had asked Mozart instead of Beethoven....
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: You are a contributing member of your favorite art museum, and visit on a regular basis. They announce a new, temporary special exhibit by an artist surrounded by controversy...this person's work and/or political views offend you. Do you stop supporting the museum, or just stay away during the time the exhibit is there? I'd just stay away during the time the exhibit was there or just visit a different part of the museum.
Tuesday Too
Tuesday Too
1.) Is the justice system in the US really fair? Why, or why not? Yes and no. Yes in that it does usually make the right decisions, but no in that it is often dependent on what political party was in office when supreme court justices were put in. The more conservatives vote against rulings that could be okay by the more liberal folk.
2.) In a crisis are you a leader, or a follower? Why do you take that role?
I guess it depends. If I'm leading usually few people want to follow me- no idea why. I guess I'm not the trendsetter type.
3.) Is there some reason for your madness? What is it?
There's never a reason for my madness- it's just the way I am!!!! Green hedger clippers and purple lima beans!! Boink! ;)
Monday, March 24, 2003
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Monday ad news from adage.com
Bob Garfield looks at Miller's "Boobvertising"- " Ogilvy & Mather and its client were apparently so bedazzled by the publicity over their disgraceful "Catfight" stunt that they mistook that exercise in boobvertising for a strategy. Now they have built a campaign around sly references to the original spot, which you may recall featured a wrestling match between two busty babes."
The nonsense that passes for advertising wisdom- "Some of our forward thinkers preach radical change. The reality is that forces embracing the status quo are fighting a very effective rear-guard action."
Sunday, March 23, 2003
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It's Sunday, barely
Sunday Roast
In the string of letters below, can you cross out all of the unnecessary letters so that a logical sentence remains?
ALALTLHOEGUICNANLESCEENSTSEANRCYELREETMTAEIRSNS
I'll have to come back to this one. Too late at night to try to figure it out.
The Challenge- I love doing trivia, riddles and puzzles.
A) *what are your favourite types? trivia and word puzzles like scrabble, boggle and crosswords.
B) *where is the best place on the net to go? I like word racer on yahoo games.
C) *have you ever won a prize? For these, no.
D) *stump us with one of your own................. I'll come back to this later too.
Unconscious Mutterings-I say … and you think … ?
1. 501 :: Levis
2. Xs and Os :: hugs and kisses
3. Remote :: control
4. Declaration :: of love
5. Whale :: fluke
6. Glitter :: glue
7. Floss :: teeth
8. Checkers :: games
9. Vegas :: waste of money
10. Hill :: laruen
Saturday, March 22, 2003
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Avoiding work
I have a pile of things on my desk to take care of but I'm lacking motivation to get them done. Blah. I need to go run an errand too, but, that also isn't getting me moving. It's one of those mornings I think. It's grey out and that never helps. Although it isn't freezing out for a change which is nice :)
Saturday memes
Saturday Scruples
1. As a waitress, you win $10 million from a lottery ticket you received as a tip. Normally tips are pooled but you kept this one. Do you share the money? No. Although I'd by my fellow workers something nice.
2. Your dad's dying wish is to be buried in his homland. The expense will take most of your inheritance. Do you obey the request? Yes.
3. You own a supermarket. Genetically altered fruits and vegetables are popular but no one knows for sure if the are safe. Do you sell them? I would but I'd mark them as such, as well as selling organic and regular fruits and veggies.
Friday, March 21, 2003
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It's all ad to me
New survey causes women to question images in advertising- The survey shows that women are consciously avoiding brands that unrealistically portray images of women in their advertising.
War threatens recovering advertising industry- " The war presents a minefield for advertisers. Media buyers say their clients are reluctant to purchase advertising space in newspapers and newsmagazines, which are expected to devote many pages to war coverage. Similarly, advertisers are avoiding television news programming, which likely will be dominated by footage from the front lines in the coming days."
"When war erupts, some companies shift advertising campaigns"- A look at how some companies are changing their advertising. Some switch channels, some put it on hold, while others just change the message and creative.
"War Underway, Online Ad Industry Treads Carefully"- "With visitors streaming to the Web for information about such a serious and grim matter, online publishers have been left with a dilemma: Ads on television news automatically get pulled during war coverage, but Web ads have a different relationship with the content, running alongside, rather than interrupting, it. Still, the potential of offending already tense viewers has led most news sites to impose a short-term moratorium on ads running near war-related stories. At MSNBC.com, the site stripped ads from the site on Wednesday, after the war officially began, for an initial 48-hour period. Likewise, CNN.com and Yahoo! News have pulled advertising from their war stories. At NYTimes.com, in the site's special section, "A Nation at War," advertising has been pulled. Washingtonpost.com, however, has not adopted any hard-and-fast rule, choosing instead to work with individual advertisers to suit their needs."
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Weekly Wrap-Up - Going to the Zoo!
1. Do you like going to the zoo? Why or why not? I do. Although I haven't been in ages. I like seeing the animals and watching them.
2. How many zoos have you visited? Where? I think three, if you don't count the marine zoos- then it would be six. The three were in Boston, Washington DC and Los Angeles.
3. What's your favorite animal to see at the zoo? Why? I like the lemurs, big cats, polar bears, monkeys/apes, and prairie dogs. They are cute and watching them interact is neat.
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Friday Five
1. If you had the chance to meet someone you've never met, from the past or present, who would it be? That's a tough question. I'd guess I'd say Bill Bernbach.
2. If you had to live in a different century, past or future, which would it be? Medievel times in Europe-as a wealthy person of course ;) I like the romance of that period, although I do know that it was a dirty time (bathing once a year was common).
3. If you had to move anywhere else on Earth, where would it be? London, UK.
4. If you had to be a fictional character, who would it be? Gweneviere.
5. If you had to live with having someone else's face as your own for the rest of your life, whose would it be? Audrey Hepburn.
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Bored with no motivation to do anything but ramble on
If anyone of you who happens to pop by sees this page in a state of chaos, can you please let me know in the comments? I was fiddling around with the layout today a little bit and tonight when I went to look at something, it was all screwy in netscape but fine in IE. So I'm not sure if it was a one time thing that the gremlin in my computer is responsible for, or if it's something that is a netscape error. I really want to do something different with the design on here but I keep hitting a wall when I try to design lately. So, I'm leaving it as it is for now and when inspiration bitchslaps me, I'll change it.
Tonight was awful on TV. All the networks were showing news coverage of the "Iraqi Conflict". I love how they have nothing to new to say, so they just repeat themselves and ask pointless questions to experts. One expert didn't even want to address the question asked by one anchor, which I thought was rather amusing. The whole media frenzy makes me want to puke. It's like they are happy there's a war to report about or something, which is really very sickening. And here's another question- why is it a conflict and not a war? And on one station the put up a graphic that said "war on terror". Um, I thought that was a separate issue. But then again that was FOX news and they are warmongers. I love how they claim to have unbiased news. Pleeease! It's so not the truth. They should be sited by the FCC for lying like that.
Nothing else really worthy to mention, I guess, right now. Maybe I'll ramble a bit more later. Knowing me, I probably will ;)
Thursday, March 20, 2003
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It's, like, cosmic baby
Happy Equinox Day! - The word "Equinox" means "equal night," and it refers to a time when the period of daylight and the period of darkness are equal, amounting to 12 hours each. In reality it refers to an instant in time at which the Earth is tilted neither toward nor away from the Sun. Since the Earth's tilt relative to the Sun is constantly changing, the 12-hour symmetry can be only approximately true anywhere. However, if you look at the sunrise sunset times for your location, you find that it is several minutes off on this date! The date on which there is closest to 12 hours of daytime and 12 hours of dark is several days earlier. Why? It's because the refracting or bending effects of the Earth's atmosphere alters the observed time of sunrise and sunset. The sun rises a little earlier and sets a little later due to this effect, causing the observed equinox to precede the true equinox by a few days in Spring. (In the fall it follows it by a few days.)
New observations suggest the birth of a black hole is messy- "The almost instant detection of a powerful deep-space energy burst, and the rapid follow-up by 33 telescopes around the world, has provided compelling evidence for the explosive birth of a black hole. The aftermath appeared to be very messy, said astronomers who watched the event's energy output decline more slowly than had ever been seen before. The observations were the most detailed ever made of a faraway explosive event known as a gamma-ray burst, or GRB. A study of the data, collected over several weeks, strengthens the connection between mysterious GRBs and even more mysterious black holes." Find more on this here too.
Predicting the weather by looking at the Moon, Sun or stars?- This article separates fact from fiction. Some cool stuff.
Moon Mechanics- A cool article about the Moon and how it effects life on this blue orb we call home.
Searchers discover key Columbia data recorder- "A spokeswoman for the board, Laura Brown, said the ship's recorder was intact but sustained some heat damage. Officials are hoping that temperature and aerodynamic pressure data can be retrieved from its magnetic tape, she said. Brown compared the recorder to an airplane's black box. "We have no way of knowing whether the data can be recovered,'' she said. But she added that if it can, "it will give us, hopefully, a lot of information about what was going on with the orbiter.''
Catch up on space news and discoveries- from coronal holes on the sun to brown dwarf discoveries, it's some cool stuff.
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Thoughts on a Thursday
Thursday Thumb-Twiddler
1. Give me liberty, or give me death! Sentimental twaddle, or bold philosophical stand? I think a bold philosophical statement. At least those who really mean it, like the first to say it.
2. Marry in haste, repent at leisure, or He who hesitates is lost? Depends on the situation I think. Some call for quick action. Others call for slow deliberation.
3. What's more important to you in a potential romantic partner -- what religion they profess, what political party they belong to, or what operating system they use? None of them. But if I had to choose, I guess I'd go with political party.
Thrusday Threesome- Mountain Spring Water
Mountain: Hey, summer's on the way! If you can get away, is it to the mountains or to the beaches? ...and even if you cannot: if you could, which would you go for? I love the beach. The sound of the waves, the feel of the sand on my feet, and the smell of the ocean charges my battery. Although this summer I'm going to attempt to get a couple hikes in as well. We were going to do it last year but never got around to it.
Spring: Enough is enough! Are you ready for Spring yet? ...or are you one of the lucky ones who are aleady smelling the roses? I'm very ready for Spring. We got a taste of it earlier this week, only for it to turn cold again. Grrr. But I made the most of it by taking a 2.5 hour walk that day. So nice!
Water: Domestic or bottled? Are you one of those who just cannot drink tap water and absolutely has to have bottled? ...or does any source that has some chlorine in it to okay with you? I'm not that picky. As long as the tap water is clear and doesn't taste nasty I don't mind it. Although I do tend to use a Britta thingy. Although that is usually more so that the water is kept cold in the fridge. Regularly buying water, unless your tap water is funky or for emergency supplies, just seems like a waste of money to me.
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
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Things found around the net
Where is Raed?- Blogger from Baghdad. Hope he makes it though. Definitely worth a read if you're at all interested in what is going on/will be going on in the world. It's amazing some of the comments on there too. What being done to try to keep communications open for the Iraqis from the outside...it's impressive. One reader claims to do all he/she can to keep the blog up and running. Go them. (via blog of note on blogger.com)
Dumbest Moments in Business 2002- Some of these are rather amusing. Others just make you shake your head. (via clay at adtothebone.com)
Michael Moore writes a letter to GWB- Talk about bringing up good points. Here's his first one- " There is virtually NO ONE in America (talk radio nutters and Fox News aside) who is gung-ho to go to war. Trust me on this one. Walk out of the White House and on to any street in America and try to find five people who are PASSIONATE about wanting to kill Iraqis. YOU WON'T FIND THEM! Why? 'Cause NO Iraqis have ever come here and killed any of us! No Iraqi has even threatened to do that. You see, this is how we average Americans think: If a certain so-and-so is not perceived as a threat to our lives, then, believe it or not, we don't want to kill him! Funny how that works!" Funny how logic works. For more also check out his "Operation Oily Residue".
Gallup poll says the public approves of Bush ultimatum by more than 2-to-1 margin- Of course, as with any poll you have to look at how the data is gathered. Here's their survey methods for this one- "Results are based on telephone interviews with 776 national adults, aged 18+, conducted March 17, 2003. For results based on the total sample of national adults, one can say with 95% confidence that the margin of sampling error is ±4 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls." How can you take a good sampling of the population if you are only interviewing 776 people in a populus that is *much* greater than that? And why 776? It seems like an odd number as well - I mean why not 1000 or 700 or something?
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
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Clinton's article in the Guardian - "But the British-American partnership and the progress of the world were preserved. Now in another difficult spot, Blair will have to do what he believes to be right. I trust him to do that and hope the British people will too."
"Troops will abandon Sadaam"- So says the former head of Iraq's air defence systems, Shamel Majid. If that's the case one can hope for a quick end to the impending war.
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Taking questions
This or That Tuesday
1. Cold frosty ski slopes or warm sandy beach? Beach.
2. Chevy or Ford? Um, Ford I guess.
3. Mac or PC? Mac.
4. Dial-up or high speed internet access? High speed internet.
5. Small *family-only* wedding or large 200+ guest wedding? Small family wedding but that could be nearly 200.
6. Would you rather be the bridesmaid or the bride? (if you are a guy, substitute best man or groom) the bridesmaid.
7. AC/DC or ABBA? I like them about the same...but I'll go with AC/DC
8. Roses or daisies? Roses
9. Trashy romance novels or classic literature? Classic literature.
10. NEW! Thought-provoking question of the week...If you had to choose one...would you rather be blind or deaf? Why? Ack. What a tough question. I guess deaf.
Tuesday Too
1.) Where do you stand on the eve of war, and why? If you wrote about this already, point to your post. I would say I'm still undecided as to whether this is a good idea or not. The US already has so many people who think it is a bully and sticks its nose where it doesn't belong. Ignoring the UN and Security Council is definitely not going to help that. There's a part of me that sees there are massive problems going on in the US that aren't being dealt with, and now that money will be funneled into fighting a war, and rebuilding another country. In many ways this pisses me off. As one comedian said, "Operation Ignore the Economy", which doesn't seem too far off. The other factor that has me worried is the fact that the US doesn't do well when it gets involved in other's civil wars. And a civil war is a very likely possibility after Sadaam is taken out. I really hope that there is someone out there thinking about what to do afterwards, or how they will handle it.
2.) Has your position caused arguments with friends or family? No.
3.) Is there some other issue that has you grinding your teeth? What is it? The economy and status of the job market. But then again that's nothing new.
Monday, March 17, 2003
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Some news
Generic ad study of the Orange juice industry- Apparently generic advertising for the whole category does better than branded advertising for specific companies. Interesting.
Why Marketing People Get It Wrong- Al Ries looks at the fact that many advertisers are missing the idea of product branding and some of the basics that we learned at the beginning. I don't think he's all that far off on this comment. Although I would say that advertising is also about communicating a mesesage. But it also does need to be used to carve out the niche for what your company stands for and to show why it's better or just different from the competition.
Food companies to go head to head against the Atkins diet- " So, with only a slender budget to try to counter the Atkins phenomenon, the Wheat Foods Council is aiming its "educational campaign" at nutritionists and the medical community. The strategy is a direct attack on Atkins: Americans who follow the Atkins diet increase their risk of health problems that include cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, kidney damage and some cancers, the Wheat Foods Council says."
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Monday Mission
1. Do you have any plans for "Spring Break" this year? Nope.
2. Did you ever have any wild Spring Break experiences? C'mon, tell me the stories! I never went away for Spring Break. So I have no stories.
3. What is your most memorable vacation of your youth? Going to Hawaii and going to Italy.
4. What was the best vacation you've ever had as an adult? Going to London.
5. Now, what is that "Dream Vacation" that you have always wanted to take if you had the time & money? A tour of Europe.
6. Have you ever take, or had the urge to take, a "blog vacation?" That is, just taking some time off from blogging? I have. Although it was more that I was too busy.
7. You know how you get that creepy "danger" vibe you sometimes get from people you don't know? Has that ever turned out to be right? Or have you ever had a bad feeling about someone or a situation and not listened to that "little voice?" Not yet. Although I have had that feeling recently. But I haven't seen any results one way or another regarding that.
BONUS: Do you wanna see me beggin' baby, can't you give me just one more day? Awww beg for me please.
Friday, March 14, 2003
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Catching up
Thursday Thumb-Twiddler
1. When someone complements you, do you usually accept it, or suggest that you don't really deserve it? I used to not accept it but now I do.
2. Would you rather be overdressed for a social occasion (a party, let's say), or underdressed? Overdressed. Although I guess sometimes being way too overdressed can be worse than being slightly underdressed.
3. A cop pulls you over, and is going to write you a $100 speeding ticket. If he indicated that if you slipped him $50 in cash, he'd give you a pass, would you do so? Would it make any difference whether you'd actually been speeding or not? I'd take the ticket and then report him to his captain.
Thursday Threesome
Onesome: Blue- Mac brought color into the scheme of computer things. What color would your computer be if they offered custom colors for PC or Mac? Purple and silver.
Twosome: Screen- Hey how about a quick survey? What type of screen are you running, CRT or LCD? ...and what size screen would that be? Uh-huh, and that would be at what resolution? Designing minds want to know... Hehehe. I think I've got an LCD at 15 inches or something. No clue on the resolution.
Threesome: of Death- Have you ever had a catastrophic computer crash? Could it be revived or did you have to pronounce it dead? Yes. It required professional help but it got back to normal. Although it wasn't as much of a crash as it just wouldn't turn on.
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
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Found news bits
McDonalds goes wireless- Soon at McDonalds in NY, Chicago and a town in CA, you will be able to surf the net for free if you purchase a combo meal. Time limit is one hour. As the article says if you want more time, you can purchase it for $3/hr or just buy another combo meal. So much for not trying to fatten up the population.
Some parodies of the government's new terrorist advise art -Some of the captions are pretty witty. (found via popculturejunkmail)
Didn't you always want a talking washing machine? "A German company has built the world's first washing machine that talks and recognises spoken commands.The machine introduces itself to users as "Hermine". Speech recognition software allows it to understand even complex commands like: "Pre-wash, then a hot wash at 95 degrees, spin at 1400 rotations, and start in half an hour."
Cover up that baby stink - "A Swedish company is launching a perfume for babies that sells for more than £38 a bottle. Landstrom Trading in Gothenburg says it's confident Baby Touch will become a best seller. Health officials in Sweden are advising mothers non-perfumed products are better for babies."
A limit on advertising during the possible war with Iraq- The Procter & Gamble Co., one of the nation's largest advertisers, says it will not place ads on major broadcast networks during the first 48 hours of a war with Iraq.
Memes for a cold Tuesday
Tuesday Too
1.) What's your take on this article from the New York Times today?
I can't view the article because I'm too lazy to sign up for access. I think it's annoying that if it's free to sign up why do you have to do so in the first place to view their articles? Silly NYT.
2.) Network television is swimming in "reality" shows. You are the creator of the latest show to hit the circuit. Give a brief description of your show. Sarcasm welcomed.
Ugh, I really hate the "reality shows". I can't think of something that would be even remotely funny right now. I need more coffee.
3.) What do you really wish you were doing today? Working.
This or That Tuesday
1. Married or single? Single but attached.
2. Knit or crochet? Knit. But I only know how to do that marginally better than crocheting.
3. Homebody or world traveller? Little bit of both.
4. "Star Search" or "American Idol"? Um, I'll go with Star Search.
5. Dancing or karaoke? Dancing.
6. Elvis Presley or Elvis Costello? Costello.
7. Bus or train? Train.
8. Batman or Superman? Batman- he has more cool gadgets.
9. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate.
10. Which came first...the chicken or the egg? I wish I knew!
Monday, March 10, 2003
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Unable to think of a witty title
Monday Memories - The Icecream Man
Do you have an icecream man? Do you remember the icecream man from your childhood?Share an icecream story, please.
We didn't have an ice cream man in the neighborhoods that I've lived in but, when I was in elementary school, there was an ice cream truck that would come by after school. I rarely got ice cream. Usually I tended to go for candy.
Monday Mission
1. What is the most boring project you have ever had to do? Putting papers in files. It was a temp job that was extremely boring. Although I got to practice my alphabet ;o)
2. If you could be anyone or anything you wish, who or what would you want to be? Why? I'd like to be me but have a job in advertising again and be successful at it. Hopefully that will happen in the not too far future.
3. What is one thing you refuse to ever put in your mouth? Buffalo oysters.
4.If you could film a documentary about yourself and have yourself followed for 1 day, what would that day look like? And why? Um, it would probably be very boring at this time.
5. What is the longest distance you have ever traveled to meet someone for the first time (blind date, blogger meet-up, etc). Was it worth the trip? I don't know. I flew to London and met some friends for the first time although that wasn't the only reason for the trip but, I guess it could count.
6. What do people usually assume about you that isn't true? I don't know. They don't say what it is.
7. What are you craving for lunch today? Something healthy like a salad.
BONUS: Take a look at me, tell me do you like what you see? Sure.
Tuesday, March 04, 2003
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Some ad news found around the net
Blogging as new marketing tool? Brings some interesting questions into play I guess. Like why a cow? Seems to me they are promoting milk more than their products. Mefi has some comments on this.
Advertising Standards Authority outlaws spam - Yay! "Unsolicited email and text message marketing have been banned in new guidelines published by the Advertising Standards Authority today. However, it relies on self-regulation by responsible members of the advertising industry, and may have little effect on email and text message spam."
Photographers speak on Bermuda tourism advertising- Some think that it's no big deal some of the images aren't really of Bermuda but of Hawaii and other tropical destinations.
So Bush Wants Civil Disobedience?
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Tuesday is here
This or That Tuesday
1. Soup or salad? Salad. Although soup in the winter when it's cold.
2. Hot or cold sandwiches? Hot in the winter, cold in the summer.
3. White or whole wheat bread (or rye, etc)? Whole wheat.
4. Pack a lunch for work/school, or buy it? Try to pack a lunch, but I'll treat myself to a bought lunch now and again.
5. If you eat out...fast-food chain, or mom & pop type place? Depends on what I feel like eating.
6. Tuna or chicken salad? Chicken salad...I don't like seafood/fish
7. Cheese: Swiss or cheddar (or American, etc)? Cheddar. Or Provalone
8. Mustard or mayo? Little of both. Although I'd do mustard over mayo
9. Sandwiches: wrap/pita pocket, or regular bread/roll? I like wraps but I usually end up with a regular sub for the most part.
10. Sweet stuff: cookie/cake or fresh fruit? Cookie. Although when watching my weight I'll do fruit.
Tuesday Too
1.) Do you know about GeoURL? Check it out to find your neighbor's blog, or the web page of a restaurant near you. Find your house with a satellite photo map, and put your self in the database if you're so inclined. I didn't know about it. But, I'm not all that crazed about getting my blog into as many data listings as possible because, well, I don't care that much to take the time to do that.
2.) How many times have you redesigned, or chosen a new template for your blog/journal, and are you content with your current look? So far I think twice, although I'm still not super happy with the design as it is. It's a little too plain or needs something. But I've got a couple other things ahead on the list of things to do right now so it will have to wait.
3.) From The New York Times February 11, 2003: "...The federal appeals court in St. Louis ruled yesterday that officials in Arkansas can force a prisoner on death row to take antipsychotic medication to make him sane enough to execute. Without the drugs, the prisoner, Charles Laverne Singleton, could not be put to death under a United States Supreme Court decision that prohibits the execution of the insane." The prisoner referred to was convicted of murder, and sentenced to death in 1979. You've probably already heard about this, but what do you think/feel about it? It seems extremely creepy that they can "make" someone sane. There's something wrong with that. Unless he was insane when he committed the crime and they medicated him to make him sane, although then all they would need to do, I would think, is take him off the medication. Anyways, it's creepy and weird and very scary no matter how you look at it.
Daily Dose- The 10 On Tuesday
This week's topic: Top 10 Best Things About Spring
1. Warmer weather without the humidity that summer brings
2. Greenery
3. Flowers
4. The smell of fresh cut grass
5. Being able to open the windows in the house without freezing to death
6. No snow
7. Farmers markets opening up again
8. Taking walks
9. Staying lighter longer
10. Being outside and in the sun
Monday, March 03, 2003
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Monday is here....
Participation Positives
~ Got some freelance work...yay
~ Getting things organized, or starting to
~ Last weeks chaos has settled down
~ There's a mango, strawberry, kiwi salad in my fridge. Yum.
Monday Memories - Accidents
Do you have a memory of injuring yourself and having to go to hospital and/or have stitches? Have you ever broken any bones? Were you accident-prone as a child? Share your memories of injury and recuperation.
The first time I got stitches, other than a medical procedure, was when I was in high school. I had a job at a local bagel place and sliced my finger open with a knife while attempting to prepare someone's bagel. I still have a little scar from that. I have always been somewhat accident prone. I fall down or trip or walk into things more than most people- or so it seems. Amazingly enough I've yet to break a bone. *knock on wood*
Daily Dose - Monday Morning Quarterback
1) How have the first two months of 2003 been for you? So-so.
2) Have you made any progress on your goals for 2003? A little but not really. But it's mostly do to my goals depending on others and the economy and that kind of thing. I don't have as much control over it as I'd like.
3) What are you most looking forward to in March and April? Spring weather.
4) What are your goals for the remaining ten months of the year? Get a job. That's about it for now. And I guess stay healthy and alive and that kind of thing.
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keep on using that brain.