The other side of the galaxy

Aerial Spraying in SF!

2008-04-14T01:10:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I only learned of this now: plans for aerial pesticide spraying over California! Just to eliminate a moth that threatens the state's primo agricultural position. I'm shocked that "the most liberal state in the union" would be cool with this. I'm horrified that California would schedule this without letting people vote on it first. It's bullshit.

Here's the online petition!

You can also digg it or write to Arnold and Maria.

I think contacting them would make an impact. If enough people did that, they'd feel compelled to consider this and attempt to resolve this in a way that lets the agriculturalists fix the crops themselves without spraying the whole state.

Vs on the Street

2008-04-13T23:27:00.006-07:00

I drove through SF yesterday and at the stoplight, I did a double take when I saw V standing at the corner. There were tons of Vs protesting Scientology, but more specifically, they were there for Operation: Reconnect, aimed at encouraging disconnected Scientologists to connect with friends and family again.

It is sad that people would allow an organization to convince them that they must cut off connection with family and friends that disagree with the organization's beliefs. Disheartening. The V masks rock. I hope Operation: Reconnect has some success.

Radiohead Music Video Contest!

2008-04-08T10:52:00.008-07:00

Vote for a video!

Can I Get a Napkin Please?

2008-04-02T23:21:00.004-07:00

This is hilarious. Makes me think not enough people in LA appreciate musicals! :)

Check out the video:

http://improveverywhere.com/2008/03/09/food-court-musical

Sagmeister

2008-03-13T00:04:00.009-07:00

I love this guy and I like this video. I need to watch this every morning and embrace these maxims.

(Photo taken from the Hillman Curtis video).

More of Sagmeister's thoughts-to-live-by are mentioned in this entry and featured in this video from TED.

Indie Moments

2008-03-05T01:38:00.014-08:00

On Saturday I strolled to Union Square to use the free wireless and accomplish work. I chose a bench that gave my Mac and I our personal space but was close enough to people that I could socialize with at will. After settling in, the guy next to me (who's from Canada, but he made it clear that he's Bulgarian, haha) complimented my straight-forward nature and guessed correctly that I'm not Californian (amusing).

As we chatted, the conversation evolved from work and passions to city culture to love. I accomplished little while talking to him but didn't care — and I would argue that inspiration comes from everything, so it indirectly and positively affects my work :).

He shared his story about long distance with a girl that lasted years until it broke. We continued to chat — and it felt like being in an indie film. It felt real.

I've had moments like those. They're random, but they hit you where it counts. People should have more of these moments. If people were to let themselves be open to this, then I think that they would experience it more — and I think that they'd feel more alive.

What is one of your indie moments?

Erased from Facebook Existance

2008-01-12T23:35:00.000-08:00

I just learned of Robert Scoble's brief deletion from Facebook and his blog entry is spot on.

I love technology when we use it to harness good, but I've always hated that dependent, Big-Brotherness that goes with it. We shouldn't be so dependent on one technology or company. We should have multiple mediums for representing ourselves rather than letting one entity have total control over our information.

Paper business cards still have their purpose.

West Coast!

2007-11-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

For those that don't know: I now live here! I'm about an hour from downtown and 15 minutes from Stanford. More to come!

I missed Blog Action Day?!

2007-10-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

Oh well. Not knowing what's going on means that I have too much going on (haha). From the website, I found this entry. I think the Butterfly effect and chaos theory are interesting. If you're curious, check it out! :)

exPhone

2007-09-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

I found this site awhile ago — nicely done, partly inspired by Green My Apple. I like the use of Flickr — adds a sense of a community making a difference.

Perseids

2007-08-11T23:28:00.001-07:00

The Perseids meteor shower happens tomorrow night. It should be beautiful. Definitely try to get out there and see it if you have a clear sky :).

The Search for P Diddy's Assistant

2007-07-30T15:30:00.001-07:00

Haha... P Diddy's looking for a personal assistant via YouTube. Check out the initial call for applicants and then watch his update. The update makes a good point. I'm glad to see P Diddy tell real advice and set an example. With this and the YouTube-CNN debate, it's cool to see how YouTube is being utilized. I love it.

website

2007-07-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

For /pd and anyone that was curious about my Google research project, it's at my portfolio, which I still need to update. The site's design is evolving, but nothing (especially a website) is static.

Want a date? Fill out the form. (haha)

2007-07-12T23:02:00.000-07:00

These are amusing: the boyfriend application and the girlfriend application. When you compare that boyfriend application with this girl's boyfriend application, you can tell which one was more likely written by someone who'd actually seek a boyfriend, even if to poke fun at the process ;).

Live Earth

2007-07-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Live Earth was today. Kanye joining The Police was amusing (so not right, haha). It's awesome that so many artists performed. I would have loved to be in Jersey, but the TV let me see more. The band Nunatak playing in Antarctica was awesome. I liked their music — and the fact that they represented the seventh continent is just kickass. I'd love to meet them, especially since they're my age, they're scientists and they have musical talent (wonder if any of them are single) ;).

I hope that people will do what they say they'll do, even just in little things: fluorescent bulbs, carpooling, bathing together can even make a difference! :) So if you haven't yet, consider making the online pledge or doing small things in your everyday lifestyle. It could even be fun if it results in some social interaction (haha) ;). Maybe I'll post on some of the creative ways that you can save energy and help the environment.

Reminded of what I miss

2007-06-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

I was carrying Weez's son Gabriel around in a pool for just a few minutes and as I tried to convince him to stick his face in the water, I realized how much I miss swimming, lifeguarding and teaching lessons. I've missed it this whole year and may need to get re-certified and continue it in the future -- one of those things that I grew up with that's still stuck.

Then last night I was at Lux for Arts & Crafts Night, visiting with certain people -- that I'm going to miss incredibly so.

I refuse to say the word "goodbye" because it's not goodbye. Although I sit in my RIT apartment still (in slight denial -- leaving this week), the end of undergraduate years doesn't mean an indefinite end to seeing these people (thank God). I'm glad.

I miss pool and beach. I'll see those soon enough. I miss people already. I'll see them again someday -- "until next time."

TUL

2007-05-18T01:49:00.000-07:00

TUL's website has an amusing handwriting analysis to point you to the pen that fits your personality. It's clearly meant to be over the top, but what's more amusing is that there was some truth in mine as well.

Success!

2007-05-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, I posted this and, with the help of Greenpeace, sent Steve Jobs a personalized email for a greener Apple. Well a few days ago, Jobs announced that Apple has been and will continue to work toward being the green leader in the industry!

It'd be awesome to think my email made a difference. Essentially it did. If "the masses have spoken," then every individual that emailed or promoted the campaign made a difference. I emailed Jobs again to thank him; he deserves that. I'm proud to use a Mac and I'll be even prouder once the use of PVCs is completely gone. I'm excited for the Macbooks of 2009 :).

Pachelbel Rant

2007-05-03T00:36:00.001-07:00

A friend showed me this (amusing). I heart strings :).

A Moment for VT

2007-04-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

Just last week I was complaining to my mom that my campus is "too safe" after I was pulled over for speeding. We agreed that we'd rather have it too safe than unsafe, but I was still going to complain about the police-state feeling. It seems irrelevent now. As much as I dislike that feeling, I'm thankful that my campus is that safe.

My parents would say that things can never be "too safe." I know what they mean: if I were a parent with a kid in college right now, I'd agree wholeheartedly. VT is my dad's alma mater (changed much since then), but when something like this happens to one campus, you feel it on your own campus — the whole college community across the nation feels it. I'm glad that RIT isn't acting like it didn't happen. You need to recognize it and stop for a moment. Stop and hope that the community and families will get through it — and just be thankful to be alive.

The Wall

2007-04-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

Watching The Wall before going to bed may lead to some messed up dreams, even without any mind-altering drugs.

Passion for life

2007-04-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

As I was talking to a fellow design friend who's also happy, outgoing and passionate about everything (more laid-back than me though), she said exactly what I needed to hear. Rather than put my passion into the wrong things (like people that don't reciprocate),

She pointed to the sun, smiled and said:
"Be passionate about that! You know? Be passionate about that..."

April Fool's Day

2007-04-01T20:59:00.000-07:00

is only once a year. I don't know any RIT friends that bothered to take advantage of this -- we're all so damn busy. My close friends and my brother would take me too seriously and worry if I tried anything (they're already stressed). It's too fun not to mess with the parents though ;). I've never been a "daddy's little girl" -- I'm more of a "daddy's little devil" that seems innocent but has Damien moments (haha).

My parents build me up when I'm feeling crappy and knock me down when my head's too big. It's healthy and I wouldn't want it any other way. My parents also don't expect to get pranked (works out well). You have to amuse yourself throughout the day. I have a feeling they may try something next year.

I look forward to having a boyfriend someday just to prank him (haha). That doesn't mean I still can't have fun with the parents though. It just means that I care -- pranking with love :).

Green my Apple

2007-03-23T13:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Irish Day! :)

2007-03-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

As Jonathan Swift would say:
"May you live all the days of your life."

Dad-Dad-Daddio

2007-03-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

I love how I have a classic stuck in my head and I can just call my dad, hum the tune, and he can tell me that it's Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 (my first guess was Beethoven -- need to brush up on my classics).

His birthday falls appropriately close to St. Patty's Day as we're Irish (he's a very Irish redhead). I called him, but it's nice to tell you anyway. Happy Birthday Dad! :)

This guy is inspiring...

2007-02-25T20:10:00.000-08:00

So I'm doing research on Google for my final project in Service Innovation (good class -- will have to talk about it more at some point), when I stumbled upon this inspiring guy Aaron Stanton:

http://www.cangooglehearme.com

He rocks. I'm rooting for him. If you think that he rocks too, you should send him an email. He's received thousands and can't keep up, but eventually he plans to print them all and get them bound. His email is at the bottom of his blog. If anything, watch his videos (found on his blog and on Google Video) or post to his forum with ideas on how we can fix this process for allowing the average person to propose an awesome idea to a big company like Google.

2010 Imperative

2007-02-19T16:15:00.000-08:00

Tues, Feb. 20 (tomorrow)
Noon-3:30pm EST

Watch the live web-cast!
Or if you're on campus, RIT's IDSA is hosting the broadcast tomorrow:
Noon-3:00pm
Building 7A, Rm 4610 (4th floor ID studio)
There will be food :)

If you can, stop on by! --
even if just for a short time.

V-Day 2007

2007-02-14T19:15:00.000-08:00

Past weeks have been hell, but it's good to post and share. While I think that Valentine's Day is a silly, consumerist holiday, there is V-Day!

Last year I saw the show with my friend Anne and tried to get her to vow to be in it with me this year. She wasn't as gung-ho about the idea -- and realistically, it wouldn't have been feasible. She has her senior capstone this year and I'm doing the one-year MBA. I would have wanted to be in this, but something would have suffered -- class projects, club stuff, V-Day performance, something -- and I wouldn't want to be a part of it if I can't give my all.

I'm pumped to see it this year -- and who knows, maybe I'll be in a V-Day show someday. Wherever I end up, I'll have to hang out on a campus at random times because I enjoy it too much.

The RIT show is this Friday and Saturday, 8pm in Ingle Auditorium, performed simultaneously in English and ASL (which is what I love about our version). If you're here, go! :)

Happy V-Day everyone!

Calling all MySpace and Facebook addicts

2007-02-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Professor Hair is conducting research on social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, etc.) -- and ANYONE that's a user can participate! You don't have to be from RIT. In fact, they'd like as many people to participate as possible.

The research involves three stages with the first happening now. The first stage is you listing the sites and their features that you use with a brief sentence on how each feature provides you with value. The study does not define "social networking site" or "value" because you make that call.

Stage 1 ends soon, so if you have ten minutes to spare and time to spare at a later date, then consider doing this in the next few days! :)

Here's the research invitation in full.

The more responses the better. The results should be interesting. I'll post about them when the study is over.

Thank you everyone! :)

Go Red!

2007-02-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

for Women and Men.

Spread the awareness of heart disease by wearing red tomorrow (Feb 2), National Wear Red Day.

Sickness has no place

2007-02-01T16:45:00.000-08:00

in our society, at least for adults. The world does not stop turning when you're sick -- I really wanted it to. I wanted to freeze everything while I slept, or maybe reverse time like what Superman did for Lois.

It's the most frustrating thing -- sick and sleeping away, being unproductive and not doing a week's worth of work -- when our society (work or school schedule) does not allow for it. You just get more behind -- and it's hard to catch up. If you sleep, you miss out on work time, but if you stay up to get work done and don't sleep, you get sicker -- you're screwed from both ends. School does not just stop. My professors have been awesome and understanding though for the most part -- thank God for that.

The answer is to prevent getting sick -- it's not always that easy because you can't always just choose it, but you do what you can and stay healthy.

Hopefully someday work (the job) will be understanding and not give you more stress when you're sick in bed and in need of being told that it'll be fine.

So that's why I've been missing (if you care, haha). Another unsocial weekend, but c'est la vie. It's worth it for the projects I have to work on, and there will be more fun times ahead.

New Year's Resolutions

2007-01-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

as promised, for serious and for not-so-serious :). I could care less about resolutions purely for the new year but think that resolutions should be an ongoing thing when there's a need.

For fictitious amusement:

- Limit thinking about sex to 1000x/day
- Start an RIT chapter of the Polar Bear Club
- Tame a squirrel
- Invent a wind-powered device to fly around campus
- Improve my jedi-mind skills

For serious:

- Blog more and promote discussion
- Exercise at least 20 min/day (even if just walking)
- Take more photos
- Resume violin lessons
- Burning Man
- Learn more French and Spanish
- Design prototypes for the ideas that linger in my head
- Convince myself that there are others besides Google
- Get more design experience before I graduate
- Visit with all local friends before leaving Rochester
- Make the most of my last year at RIT
- Be happy for what is rather than what is not
- (And in keeping with tradition): Say more with less

If you made any resolutions or want to (fake or real), feel free to share! :)

I'll remember this day

2007-01-15T06:01:00.000-08:00

because today RIT is officially closed!

I never thought that I'd see it happen in my lifetime. They didn't close for 9/11, they've never closed for various holidays that other schools/professions often have off, they never close for shitty winter weather (which we have tons of), but today they closed for ice.

Can you believe it?!

It's a good day to close as it's also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Two good reasons to be happy for this day :).

Leaving Las Vegas

2007-01-12T23:22:00.000-08:00

So I had the flu close to New Year's and planned work days became sick days. I got rid of it in time for Vegas though! I finished homework at the beginning of the trip, miss some CES time, but it worked out. Vegas was sunny and wonderful. CES was fun and amusing as always. I didn't go last year, but there was a special Innovations section this year, which was given less attention than the main floors, but it was my favorite of the show. Gibson booth was a good way to end the day though of course :).

CES had free wireless -- was needed and was sweet.

Took the red-eye home, slept many hours, getting back into the groove. I miss the temps and the sun, but it was a nice respite.

If you ever go to Vegas, eat at the Wynn buffet at least once, called "The Buffet" (haha, so cocky that Wynn is). The Wynn is where the big guns stay, and a third tower is being built right now (insane). The buffet is amazing for your money's worth (you want to allow yourself three hours -- one or two doesn't cut it). $40 for a buffet that seems at least half the length of the 100m dash (yes, 50m -- good job, haha) ;) -- and it has practically every type of cuisine (Asian, American, Seafood, etc.). My favorites: an incredible pasta bar, already-shelled shrimp, and... Alaskan king crab legs! -- already split, though half the fun of the crab leg experience is splitting them (more time to eat them though). I was one of dozens of people going back for those, amusing but delicious.

It was a fun change. It's nice to be back in my own bed where campus life resumes. It's colder here (layover was in Chicago -- that'll wake you up), but it's warm for Rochester. I'm not complaining :).

'Tis the Season

2007-01-02T00:12:00.000-08:00

A little late but, Happy Christmahanakwanzaakah! Happy Festivus! (It'd be amusing to celebrate that with people for real sometime). With that, if you make money and can spare a dollar, think about donating toward Wikipedia (quick and easy with PayPal). Just learned from there that there's even a similar idea starting for Math -- very cool -- PlanetMath.org.

I had been away from the digital world (email and such) for awhile while at home (then had flu for a couple days) -- it was nice for a change though (not flu, the escape from email and such). It's amazing what I miss when I leave the virtual for even a day, but it feels good to detach like that once in awhile (happens rarely but right when it's needed).

Some of the things that make my holiday season: visiting with the family, helping Mom with the tree, those peanut butter Hershey kiss cookies (About.com calls them "peanut blossoms," haha), watching the Bond marathon, feeling old by seeing how much the younger cousins have grown, discovering who's pregnant, everyone updating one another on life, watching A Miracle on 34th Street and A Christmas Story at least once, chocolate, more Bond.

I'll do more updates (with amusing New Year's resolutions) eventually. I missed some useful work days from being sick, so that takes priority. All of you with blogs should post your hopes for the new year (if you have any)! I promise to do a resolution post to promote discussion sometime soon (haha).

Happy New Year everyone!
As Tori would say, "Pretty good year" :).

The Global O

2006-12-22T01:27:00.000-08:00

It's been too long since I've posted (will post again soon), but today is the day of the Global Orgasm! This was created by the same couple that started the idea of people getting naked and spelling out "PEACE." So yes, at first it sounds like a '60s hippy idea, but it has some academic reasoning behind it. They mention on their blog how they weren't the first to think of this (and they use Blogger! props to them).

Basically researchers monitor energy levels around the world and have noted that there is noticeable change when there are major, random events, such as 9/11. Some of them think that people's consciousness can influence that of others around the world and possible even affect stress and war. Orgasms provide relaxing, happy vibes, so if everyone were to orgasm at the same time, world peace! (not necessarily world peace, but a decline in acts of war and violence around the world).

First thought: I think it's hilarious.
They're even selling shirts that say "We Came for Peace" -- hahaha... love it!...

Digging deeper, I really believe that people's energy affects nature and the world (even if small). It's karma-like, but I think that people's positive and negative energy can affect the flow of things, at least minor events within range of the source. I don't think that a synchronized orgasm would lead to world peace, but the thought process behind it is cool and has merit.

Unfortunately, I think that it's partly preaching to the choir: most of the people that are likely to cause extreme war and terror do not believe that it's okay for women to enjoy orgasms or any sexual pleasure, and often they associate sex with violence as well. On the other hand, every person contributes and can have an impact. There are enough of us in this world that believe in being happy and taking pleasure in the simple things ;).

I like that there's data to back up the changing energy due to random events. The global orgasm idea may seem a bit outlandish, but it might fluctuate the energy levels by a substantial amount (who knows) -- we'll see.

Watch their videos -- they're interesting and amusing. Though the "time 'til climax" countdown is about now and aims at getting as many people as possible to orgasm at the same time, this goes on for the whole day. A difference in hours would matter little because there are enough people throughout the day to make an impact if the continuous energy were to make an impact at all.

People everywhere are orgasming as you read this! (I love it, it's so Amelie -- and I would have these thoughts just like her even before the movie).

So whether you believe that this will have any effect on world energy levels or not, make yourself happy! Do it for you! Do it for your country! (Exercise your right as a sexual being). Do it for love! Do it for peace!, man.

Orgasm for peace! and spread the love! ;)

Erin Brockovich

2006-11-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

I meant to post this after Brick City (in October), but things got busy. This year's Brick City speaker was Erin Brockovich -- she was awesome.

Brockovich started by saying, "I don't wear push-up bras" (haha). She also admitted that she didn't marry "the biker dude" and that "her skirts were shorter" than in the movie. You could tell immediately that she's a WYSIWYG -- and I like to think that I am -- it's a quality that I admire.

Brockovich told about the history of how she got started in the cases and everything. Watch the movie, and you'll know the story because the movie worked with her to keep to the facts in every aspect. She stated that some people called her "the environmentalist with cleavage" (haha).

Brockovich talked about how "some people believe that things just happen" in regards to fate but that we all have the power of choice. She said that if she in court, had she believed that her fate was going to be determined by the opposing side, she would have lost. Brockovich stressed the importance of honesty, telling a story from her youth. After she had lied to her parents once as a teen, her dad told her: "If we cannot freely communicate with one another, then we have lost everything."

Confessing that she was dyslexic and had trouble in school from it, Brockovich said how her mother taught her the value of perseverance, saying: "Erin, you got to have some 'stick-to-itiveness.'" I just thought: "Wow" -- because it reminded me of my home with my mom and grandparents giving me that same advice growing up. It's something that I value much even now, as I find myself sometimes telling friends to be persistent.

Brockovich used analogies and quotes from L. Frank Baum. She talked about how The Wizard of Oz teaches that in a world where everyone's being taught to act alike, people should think for themselves. She discussed Dorothy's journey of self-discovery and said, "I was not going to be afraid of the Wicked Witch and her fucking flying monkey" (haha). Brockovich said that we're all looking for a wizard, "hoping to find someone to give us a fix," when we need to realize that we have the power ourselves.

Some take-away quotes:

"What others have imposed on me is what I've come to see as their limitations."

"It was not the accident -- it was my reaction to it."

"It's how you choose to react to the truth that you discover you can become empowered by it."

The ability to believe in yourself is "the best weapon I have ever had."

"I believe that the head and the heart do not work separately. They actually work in tandem."

When you realize the power of yourself, "You will discover your own voice, your own path, your own peace, and you will have found your own happiness."

After Brockovich talked, I thought, "Rock on woman!" -- she truly is one of my heroes. I identified with everything she said and how she said it: being strong, determined, honest, true to yourself, believing in the power of choice, not caring what others think, doing what you think is right, following your heart. Brockovich shares many of the same qualities that I find important and strive to be. It was nice hearing it from someone like her that did something awesome by being herself. It was refreshing and empowering.

If you want to know more about Erin Brockovich, check out her website:

http://www.brockovich.com

Her unique last name helps her to get that domain name (lucky chick, haha).

Breaking up is hard to do

2006-10-18T02:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I decided to step down from the Reporter News Section Editor position starting next quarter (versus making the transition in spring) -- I made it official last night. If you know me well, then you'd be proud because you'd know that something like this is hard for me to do when it's something that I love but might not necessarily have time for.

Basically I had underestimated how much time the editor position would take up (of course). As I broke the news to e-board tonight, it felt almost like breaking up (again, except for different reasons) -- not quite to that extent but similar, as it was hard to do, incredibly sad, a few notches less of teary-eyed. My position at Reporter needs more than I can give (reminds me of the Tonic song in American Pie). I need to devote more time to my grad classes and to my brother and close friends that I want to visit with this year, since I don't want to repeat what happened last year. It's almost like I'm getting another chance to not muck it up this year and miss out on seeing good friends before they leave (somewhat different as last year's seniors are still gone, but same scenario and other close friends). So given the situation all over again, would I do it the same? -- No. Yes I still would have joined Reporter, but I would have made better efforts to see friends. I wish that I had joined Reporter when younger, but that's life. Things worked out.

It's all been amazing and fun. I've made friends with some awesome people. I just can't do something half-ass, and when one thing is half-ass, something else is half-ass. It's like you have a full ass, so if half goes to one, only half goes to the other. Both lack the full ass treatment due to spreading yourself too thin and burning yourself out (I like asses... "I like big butts and I cannot lie...").

I realized that someone else could give more and do the job better. It was hard to admit that things were no longer working out, but I had to face reality for the sake of all involved (starts with me, but essentially, it's anyone that reads Reporter as well). So the relationship as an editor is done (done like the other past relationship, a decision made final final last month -- I didn't feel like posting on it, another post for another time). Sometimes you just have to let go (if only I could do this for other realms). You let go and know that it's for the best, no matter how much it sucks. It would suck more to pretend that there isn't a problem. The head knows this -- I just have to grasp this fully in time (yes I'm talking about the other now).

Though I had to break off with something that I truly care about (applies to both), I'm at least changing what I can so as not to make the same mistake twice. Family, friends, people that I care about are important to me, and life's too short to not spend it with them.

No time to breathe

2006-10-11T02:26:00.000-07:00

My roommate Jae -- she's New Media (Design) -- is asleep on the kitchen floor.

I've been there, not necessarily in the kitchen but on the dusty dorm room carpet many times. She let herself go out this weekend, which is healthy. She's involved in a few extra things (as I was). She puts time into her work as well. She tries to hang out with friends over the weekend while still working on projects. This is good.

She shouldn't have to give up her entire weekend all the time just to finish projects, but it feels like that's what you have to do. This is the problem with my major and many others (here and other campuses possibly) and even at work for some people: there is no room for life outside of work. It's bullshit. Whoever started this trend in this country (and many others) should serve time. If I could start a rebellion against these "live to work" totalitarian heads, then I would and I'd easily get a bunch of passionate people to join me, but it doesn't work that way. It needs to end though. People will have to make it happen for themselves regardless of societal pressure.

People should have a passion for their work. People should also be free to enjoy the other things in life that are just as or even more important. I want to change the world in a good way, but I don't want to miss experiencing it while doing this. I don't want to live to work. I want to love work and love life. Everyone should be free to experience all that there is in life, to the fullest.

misunderstanding sexuality

2006-10-08T23:47:00.000-07:00

Let me just start by saying that I already ranted about this with good friends because I get things off my chest by talking it out with people. I want to post about this though because some of my friends might have good insights as this could hit home for them more so than me.

Last week, RIT's Intervarsity Christian Fellowship had a talk as part of their "Why" series called, "Why Do Christians Disapprove of Homosexuality?" Yes, I kid you not -- they actually called it that -- the title alone pissed me off. I didn't go as I had Reporter stuff to work on (and I probably would have spouted off and made a scene), but one of my writer friends, Govind, went and said that he'd email me on what was discussed.

If you don't know my background, I was raised Catholic, decided that I was just Christian in late high school/freshman year of college, then realized that I'm not Christian anymore. I'm glad of my roots for the sake of knowing religious history and knowing where the Christian perspective comes from since I was in their shoes once. I've seen both sides, but because of that, it's hard for me to understand why some Christians don't "see the light" after meeting all types of amazing people in this world.

In any case, Govind told me that a "former lesbian" ("former") spoke. The chick said that she was in love with another woman but "wanted to be closer to God," which to her = "Guess I'm not a lesbian anymore!" She then cited scripture and explained that homosexality is "not genetic" but due to other factors such as abuse, anger and whatnot.

First off, there's no such thing as a "former lesbian"! You're not a lesbian one instant and straight the next.

I'm not saying that environmental factors (like abuse) don't come into play. I think that they can influence someone that is already on the fence (which many people have the ability to be since sexuality is a spectrum for us all), but damned if someone thinks that it's not genetic! Sexuality is a combination of your genes and your development as you grow through major sexual stages (puberty, the so-called "sexual peak" for college-aged chicks). I have enough friends to know that homosexuality (like any sexuality) is not something that you choose. Sexuality just is. It's the same as when you "have a type" that you're attracted to. You just feel it and you can't change it, but you shouldn't want to because it's a part of who you are (unless it's harming you, then the harmful aspect is what you should change).

My friends from ritGA also thought that it was kind of ridiculous. Though I don't have tons of personal experience either, it's annoying when people that don't know what their talking about at all speak to a crowd as if they do.

It's also annoying that the IV group gets a bad rep from things like this because it makes them look like right-wing extremists (true that some are, but not all). Govind told me that a Christian girl talked with him later and felt that the "former lesbian" said things that even went against her basic Christian beliefs. So of course it's not everyone that feels this way. It's sad to think that some of the crazier ones believe it's true though. It's sad knowing that many Christians believe that homosexuality is a sin, even if they're not as extreme as that chick.

My theory is that this "former lesbian" was either not a genuine lesbian and was just going through a phase (thinking that she had been a true lesbian and that she became free of it for God), or she is still a lesbian and is not being true to herself, which would be a great shame.

If you can't be true to yourself, then what is there? -- there would be nothing left. V for Vendetta (good movie) addresses this and homosexuality (hits home a bit) -- it's definitely worth seeing.

I dream of a day when kids will not feel guilty for how they truly feel, when they will not feel repressed about who they are. It will take a long time (and maybe it'll never happen), but hopefully someday it'll be much better. At least we can all do what we can now in the time that we have. Feel free to share your thoughts.

Scott McCloud talk

2006-09-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is a bit late, but here's the recap of Scott McCloud's talk at RIT a week ago:

To capture that story and mood that you're going for in your comics, you need to consider:
- choice of moment
- choice of frame
- choice of image
- choice of word
- choice of flow

The problem with the first web comics was that the sound didn't sync up well with frames -- it was distracting and broke the flow. Audio moves forward in seconds, but viewing web comics happens at different rates for everyone (no set amount of seconds per frame). So rather than thinking in seconds, McCloud said: "As you move through space, you move through time."

Comic book artists often have that passion because they see comics as:
- something to take apart and put back together
- art
- a medium for making political points
- a place to tell a story

Scott McCloud's powerpoint was purely visual, exactly how it should be. It was refreshing and gives me hope that in time, more people will see the light and realize that powerpoints should be visuals, not text.

After he presented, his twelve-year-old daughter Sky gave a mini presentation about their family on tour. As Sky talked, I thought how well she'd get along with Liz's twelve-year-old son (who already knows html and some other techy things). Sky presented in a realist manner as she said how the family would be staying at nice hotels with internet, doing touristy activities versus camping out cross-country. Thinking how most children aren't like this, I whispered to my friend Jen (Reporter Leisure Section Editor), "She said 'versatile.'" Sky also mentioned that October 7 is Pineapple Appreciation Day (which she started). I love pineapple, so I shall have to post on that.

McCloud's other daughter Winter (ten years old) was adorable as she went around with the microphone to find people with questions during the Q&A session. The talk was definitely more fun because of the whole family integration. It was nice to see a presenter that loves his work, is creative, and still cares enough to be close with his family.

The McClouds are blogging their tour as they travel. The RIT entry includes a photo of the audience where you can see me in the second row from front (haha), sitting with various younger New Medias. One of our Reporter writers (and a cartoon enthusiast) Alex wrote about the presentation, so that article will be in the issue coming out on Friday.

For more on McCloud's talk from another perspective, check out Liz's post.

ahoy

2006-09-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Happy International Talk-Like-a-Pirate Day!

So go be a nerd and say something in pirate :).
Enjoy the day, me maties!

Scott McCloud

2006-09-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

[Picture courtesy of Liz]

I paid the minor $0.50 to read the first two parts of his online graphic novella The Right Number. It's hilarious. You should spare ten to fifteen minutes to read it; and if you're here, you should see him speak tomorrow!

But for all you non-locals (most of you), I'll post about it later.

the fairy tale message

2006-09-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

So when thinking about Halloween costumes and all that jazz -- I was Red Riding Hood last Halloween (good times) -- I thought about the messages behind these storybook tales (whether Disney version or whatever).

For amusement's sake, here's my [exaggerated, sarcastic] take:

Little Red Riding Hood:
I've just come of age, and I'm hot and naive (good combo). There's a horny guy in the woods who likes girls both old and young. So he eats me. Then my dad storms in with his ax, which he's not afraid to use as he so readily does. Well Woody, it was nice to meet (and eat) you!

Jack and Jill:
Twins.

Little Miss Muffet:
I'm arachnophobic.

Little Bo Peep:
Don't chase men. They'll be back if they're interested.

Little Boy Blue: [why are they all so little?]
I'm a lazy jazz artist. I'm stuck on a farm -- can you blame me?

Old MacDonald:
I need a wife.

Sleeping Beauty:
The older chick nextdoor is jealous that I'm young and beautiful. So she gave me a sleeping pill because if she doesn't get any, I don't get any; but I just need a kiss from Hot Lips and I'll be up.

Snow White:
I live with a bunch of old, short dudes. I need to get out more. The older chick nextdoor is jealous that I'm young and beautiful. So she gave me a bad apple because if she doesn't get any, I don't get any; but I just need a kiss from a wealthy prince (after all, my family is in the diamond business).

Cinderella:
My parents died when I was young and I'm an only child, so I never learned to stand up for myself. I find recluse with a crazy, old chick that befriends me and tells me that glass shoes are in. If you're growing a garden, don't forget the pumpkins.

The Litte Mermaid:
Damn these fins! Humans have all the fun! I need a vagina and hot legs... yay, I have them! Sex on the beach, here I come.

Alice in Wonderland:
Things get crazy when you're high. Be careful what you put into your mouth. Don't eat or drink something just because the doorknob tells you to. Smoking can make you fly. Invisible cats are sneaky bastards. Too much caffeinated tea will give you ADD.

If you have any to add, go for it!

books for cheap... mmm...

2006-09-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

Penfield Public Library is having its Annual Used Book Sale this week:

- Tues Sept 12 - 5-9pm - members only ($5 to join)
- Wed & Thurs Sept 13 & 14 - 10am-9pm
- Fri Sept 15 - 10am-6pm - half-price day
- Sat Sept 16 - 10am-2pm - $3/bag

Hard covers: $1.00
Paperbacks: $0.50

All are welcome!
No baby strollers.

virtual vanity

2006-09-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

So Liz discussed in class how people often test a search by typing in their name -- that or "sex" or whatever thing occupies their mind (like "warcraft" for many on this campus, haha). Liz talked about recognition and branding yourself online -- so true!

I thought that I was still in the Google top ten when you type in my first name... not anymore (haha). I was in the top ten when I was more active in commenting on blogs. Though the number of sites that I have accounts with has increased, my participation (commenting and leaving my blog url) has gone down due to lack of time. Virtual participation directly affects virtual visibility, which affects visibility by potential employers -- just like in the physical world (haha) :).

Liz explained some tips for Google results ranking:
- the more sites that link to you, the higher your rank
- the more credible, well-known sites your site is affiliated with, the higher your rank
- the more web standards your site follows, the higher your rank

Liz and Weez both have the bragging rights of being at the top of Google's results when you type in their first names. Liz's blog is second for "liz" while Weez's blog is number one for "weez" and "elouise." How sweet -- rock on!

I'd like to get back into the top ten when you search for my first name. It's original -- and I'm thankful to Mom and Dad for giving me the name. That's just one more reason why I should give my future kids unique names. Someday they will appreciate it... maybe (haha).

It's a "hey ya" kind of day

2006-09-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

TAing for an IT class that I took four years ago (exactly) is half like taking it over again due to a different prof, different teaching style, new content. Any class can be like that -- everyone should TA while at college!

I'm TAing for Liz (Intro to Multimedia), so we're discussing things that might not have even been invented when I initially took the class, which is awesome.

Today Liz talked about Lawrence Lessig and Creative Commons, showing Lessig's talk in Finland. His presentation included the Charlie Brown "Hey Ya" Video -- rock on! Why I have never seen this up until now I don't know, but it's great. I love Charlie Brown and love the song. The OutKast tune is catchy but honestly just makes everything better and puts you in a good mood.

Then later as I was driving on campus, the rain let up (though I like rain), the sun came out (that was exciting), and "Hey Ya" came on the radio.

So I need to share with everyone: watch the video, get up and dance, and feel good! Make every day a "hey ya" kind of day.

"Alright! Alright! Alright!"...

authenticity

2006-09-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

My fortune cookie is made in Brooklyn while all things American are made in China -- isn't it ironic. Even the silverware that used to be made by the hands of my roots is now made in China.

Globalization has goods and bads like everything, but I miss the opportunity to own things that are made by people I know.

lonely ambition

2006-08-31T23:05:00.000-07:00

In Org Behavior (month ago or so), we did a case study on Anne Mulcahy (Xerox CEO), who talked about how it's "lonely at the top." Well I don't want to be at the top anyway, but I definitely realized this past spring that I have the same problem in balancing all the personal goals and things that I love with the people that I love. Of course I didn't really realize this until spring when it's too late! I have that problem of things sinking in afterward with lots of things.

When a close friend doesn't even have you in his/her cell phone, then it hits you even more (though it had hit by then). Actions speak louder than words. I've believed this for awhile and embraced it.

This past year (senior year) was insane. I did weigh everything based on whether I'd regret not doing it, and if so, do it. I only devoted time to one club (Reporter mag), which ate more time than I had planned (like everything), and this is the problem that I know I need to improve on especially: time management and estimation of how much time these extras will take. I didn't have any regrets about last year except that I didn't call or email friends randomly -- just forgot due to being busy -- and I should have anyway. I didn't call them; they didn't call me. We both should have made efforts and didn't being our senior year. Between the senior capstone, the other classes and other things that I was doing (just Reporter), I lacked time for visiting with lots of people as a result.

Well I was really upset about it all but know that worrying does nothing -- do something about it. My professors (especially Kurtz) stressed that, and it's true.

It's never too late to fix it unless you're dead. I still need to have a conversation with people about it because talking it out is best. I've become more extroverted these past years in a good way: discussing issues and not hesitating is the way to go! If everyone embraced this, we'd resolve things faster. Misunderstandings would be cleared up as people improved on things sooner.

Though I want to talk to people to feel like things are resolved, I've moved on from being so upset and started taking action this summer and will continue to do so. I can't make up lost times spent, but I can at least try to make up for it by creating other fun times with any close friends that I can.

When you enjoy a lot of things or have a lot of responsibilities, it is hard to find the balance. I realized while on co-op last summer though that I didn't want to work my life away. I want a job that lets me go home at 5 or 6 and gives me time to spend with my friends and future family. I want to love my job but also have a life outside of work that lets me travel and visit family and friends in other states. I'll find that job someday.

In the meantime, I'm going to make the balance now -- because life is too short not to spend it with the people that matter most. Life is nothing without the people you love. I think back to that scene in Jerry Maguire with Dicky Fox's message (good movie; see it if you haven't). I couldn't find that clip online, so here's a cute scene instead.

Don't leave home without it

2006-08-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

Finally set aside 5-10 minutes to do a purse cleanout. I find it amusing that my essentials are eclectic and random (like everything in my life). Since this doesn't require thought and will create conversation, here are my uncommon "don't leave home without it" items (things besides the wallet, cell, keys, and everyday necessities):

- lip gloss
- USB
- pens and Sharpie
- Nalgene
- paper towels or kleenex
- watch
- perfume
- deodorant
- compass

...and that's why I'm not a fan of those small bags that are supposed to be "in style" -- only The Sak for me! (How's that for brand loyalty...)

What are your don't-leave-home-without-its?

The good side of living in a small town

2006-07-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

I was home for a few days (will post on that later) but came back Tuesday for my roommate's birthday. Tuesday morning, I had seen the news on tv about the Bombay train bombings and thought: oh shit. My roommate, Ami, is from Bombay. This is her first time truly away from home.

I decided to wait until I returned to the apartment to talk to Ami, knowing her family would be calling her all day. When I came home, I learned that her dad is actually in a different city on business and that her brother has been using the dad's car while he's gone, thank God. Apparently Bombay is a major financial district in India. Ami told me that people use the commuter lines all day since many companies have their factories out in the suburbs. Luckily my roommate doesn't have any friends that died from the bombings (that we know of).

It's insane how one day you can wake up and something massive has happened. During 9/11, I was thankful that I didn't live in NYC or DC or Chicago. As much as I don't want to live in a small town, I'm glad that I don't have to worry about losing family to pathetic terrorist acts. You should read my roommate's post for a closer-to-home perspective.

remnants of what was

2006-06-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

Sounds of Aimee Mann and Ani DiFranco describe how I feel. I also feel some affinity with Nina (I love Jennifer Aniston).

Today I was thinking about the handprints on the windshield that I haven't wiped off yet, the strands of hair on the car floor, the things that would become more resolved in fall.

Tonight I was just about to contact him when he got a hold of me first. He'll be off to Denmark for the summer. I knew that people need to be alone when they're figuring out who they are, when they need to discover and decide so that they know and are happy with who they are. I just had half-denied that it was part of the problem when I had been aware.

So the reality of everything falls to the ground again. I hate to cry in front of people, but I cried to the trees. Wind brushed through the leaves, and the tops rocked in response as the trees cried with me (no, they weren't weeping willows... ha. ha.). They cried in knowing that two good people were hurting and that it was inevitable. They swayed in understanding, saying that this is a part of life, that he's a good guy that needs this, that somehow things will turn out alright for both of us (though likely on separate paths), that it had to happen sooner or later. Spots glistened on my face like the stars that were out tonight as I rested on the back bumper of memories.

A conversation half a cell-phone-battery long lets you say all that there is to say.

Gusts bent the trees, as if they had just flewn from his room to confirm that he was packing and feeling immense guilt and hurt all the while. I told them that I already knew that was the case; I believed him. I wouldn't have been crazy about him if he wasn't like that.

The trees swayed to say that things would have had to end in spring anyway and that it would all be okay someday (like I care, I don't want to hear that). I naturally responded, "Yeah, I know, whatever." I asked the trees and the stars why the world seems to never make sense. They answered that life would not be what it is if it always made sense, for that is the definition of life: its unpredictable, fucked-up nature -- the way you can feel like you're on top of a mountain one second and stuck in muck the next.

I know that I have to accept the reality that is. Maybe life will make sense someday -- I doubt it. I think that, maybe, I will just finally accept that life does not make sense -- but that you can still get by and be happy regardless. It will take time (as always), but I'll try. I hope that he finds himself while in Denmark; he deserves to be happy. Now I have to let him fly.

I've been missing Bond?!

2006-06-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

WTF?! Earlier in the week, I felt the urge to watch the classic Bond films and wondered when there'd be a marathon again. Well I just turned on AMC and what is on?... Bond of course!

Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!

I missed learning this early in the week because of my insane classes that are taking me from everything -- and now Bond...

Well at least I caught it in the middle of the week rather than on Friday or I would have been pissed.

these worries are small in scale

2006-05-17T23:46:00.000-07:00

I ran into a friend on campus today. He told me how he was home this past weekend for a funeral. It was for a friend of his and his brother's. His friend was an engineer -- he was working in a rack, and it exploded. My friend's brother had asked him to stand with him when opening the coffin -- the coffin was empty except for a suit. My friend said that he's walking around campus, realizing that finals and all of this are nothing in comparison, and it's true. We worry about finals, projects, break-ups, injuries -- they're so small. They happen, they're done. They aren't worth getting upset over. There's so much more on the relative scale.

As I continued to walk, I could only think how I'm happy to be alive. Life is too short. Life is too short to wait for it.

Seize the opportunity to hang out with friends.
Tell the person how you feel about him/her.
Kiss the bastard.
Kiss the girl ("... Sha la-la-la-la-la / My oh my").
Smile.
Laugh.
Meet people.
Talk with strangers.
Try what you've been wanting to try; the chance may not come around again.
Travel outside of the country.
Make someone's day.
Enjoy the sun.
Feel alive.
Carpe diem every day of your life.

update on life

2006-05-17T23:01:00.000-07:00

Still lack time to post -- brief update though (say more in less words):

Taking 20 credits to complete my BS this spring so that I can do the Fast Track MBA (1-year). So I'll be here another year. I'm excited for it though. My brother's coming in as a freshman (for Business, haha) in fall -- looking forward to that as well (will be strange if we're in same classes though).

I've had my first boyfriend -- started April Fool's Day (wasn't a joke, was actually nice) and lasted a month. He's Industrial Design, he's a sweetheart, but we're kind of in two different places right now (as well as many other reasons which I don't want to think about). I'm surprised that you can really care about someone after spending just a month with the person, but it was a solid month.

Reporter is a lot of fun (started in February). We got our first shirts in today. I've earned my blue shirt (you earn the blue shirt after writing 5 articles). We have Hershey-looking shirts for anyone else, so if you want one, just ask :).

I've continued to meet awesome people. I've made more friends, some close friends. The ID department feels a bit home -- not as home as IT or New Media; those are like immediate family, but ID feels like a cousin (and ID is cousin to my passion for user interface design, makes sense). My ID friends all made lamps (except Peter -- the dork hurt himself). The lamps are sweet. I want to make a lamp.

The fact that I'm graduating won't sink in until weeks from now when I realize that certain people are gone and aren't coming back. I have a lot of friends that will still be here (and my brother), but I'm going to miss people.

Google came to campus and is coming back next year (sweet!). The idea of working there someday is strong.

It's been an interesting year. I still don't understand guys (but just don't care anymore, at least for now). I have a lot of my own things to care about -- things to do well at without adding to my plate of life. I'm doing the Fast Track MBA! I'm lucky to have amazing parents, professors and friends. Things are awesome.

Cell etiquette, or lack thereof

2006-05-12T00:17:00.000-07:00

I lack time to post but promise to do an aggregate update fairly soon.

Anyway, today on the fourth floor of building 7 (ID dept.), I was again witness to a girl walking into the bathroom and talking on her cell all the way into the stall and after as she did her business.

I don't understand it. My first thought is that they treat the cell phone as something to use anywhere. I can just imagine some even picking it up during sex. Bad cell phone etiquette is such a turnoff! The other reason why these chicks talk their way into the stalls could be that the people that they're talking to are people that they're so close with that they would go to the bathroom in front of them. I think that it's a combination of the two.

I find it interesting in any case. The more that I observe, the more I notice that the etiquette isn't grouped by age or gender; it's purely personality and manners (or lack thereof).

the nature of things

2006-05-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

I'm reading Thoreau's Civil Disobedience for Anthropology (classic read) and just stumbled upon this quote that seems to fit life right now and is just so true; it's beautiful:

"If a plant cannot live according to its nature, it dies; and so a man."

keep it in context

2006-03-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

Two opposites can have the same name. I spoke to myself just now: "I love Bush" as I listen to "Letting the Cables Sleep" -- there are some '90s groups that will always rock.

You knew that I meant Gavin and not the president though because of the context. Taking a foreign language really helps you realize how context is important in any language.

In French, "mes parents" can refer to "my close relatives" or "my parents" depending on the situation that I'm discussing. French use "je t'aime" to mean "I like you" or "I love you" depending on the context. This bugs me. The fact that the French are less descriptive and use a much smaller word base in their language bugs me because words are fun. They also don't have a good equivalent for the word "fun." Anyway, the issue with "je t'aime" is that I wonder how people distinguish "liking" or "loving" someone when they refer to a boyfriend/girlfriend because love means serious and in that kind of relationship, you definitely could be in the "liking" or "loving" stage. But apparently, they just know because it's all in context -- haha! I bet that there are a lot of "So what are we?" talks in their relationships because I'd be confused. The French can also use "je t'adore" to mean "I adore you," but that doesn't express the love. French students have told me that "je t'aime" is used for people in love. I think that some French students told me that French often use "j'aime toi," which literally means "I like you," to express liking someone now (prevents confusion) -- not sure.

In our English language, the word "relationship" has different levels of meaning. A relationship is a relationship of some sort, but when you say that you're "in a relationship," it means a romantic relationship (as my Intro to Psych book called it, so cheesy, I hate that term, but I can't think of a better way to say it) -- basically for a boyfriend or girlfriend or whatever. On that topic, what is with an "open relationship"? Really that just means "seeing someone" -- another phrase that has taken on a new meaning, referring to the stage before you're officially an exclusive couple. If I say, "I see him," that does not mean that "I'm seeing him" (haha). Either you're "in a relationship" or you're not; you could be seeing someone if you're not quite in a relationship yet. I have many relationships with people, ideas and things, but I have never been "in a relationship." Labels are labels, but they bear a lot of meaning if they're spoken with integrity and aren't tossed around. It would be nice to hear the label "my boyfriend" come out of my mouth someday.

Can you think of any other fun examples of how context comes into play in the English language?

The luck o' the Irish

2006-03-17T20:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my red-headed father (birthday was yesterday) and Happy St. Patrick's Day to y'all! I have Irish roots, yet I don't like beer, which is all good, but I love potatoes. I just learned in my Anthropology class that potatoes did not originate in Ireland but in the Andes region, such as Peru, Ecuador, Columbia (I might have learned this in high school). It seems that the Irish adopted the potato and treated it like one of their own during the Age of Exploration. You learn something new everyday. You might know that the Irish potato famine drove many Irish to America in the 1800s, spawning such movies as Gangs of New York. That movie may be long, but the acting is amazing (see it if you haven't).

My day did not involve any green or consumption, but I did spot some randomness on campus:
- A hot guy wearing a kilt and knee-highs (I wish that I knew whether he meant that to be a serious or humorous gesture as the latter is a turn-on)
- A car driving up the wide ramp (walkway) of building 7 (Arts college) tonight
- A big sign on a couch in Java Wally's that said: "Do Not Sit! -- urine on couch" and below in smaller text "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" Unfortunately, the Java Wally's crew told me that it was true: some drunk came in and pissed on the couch (asshole). On the subject of piss, things like that piss me off. Someone should go piss in that guy's bed.

Anyway, here are some Irish blessings just for you:

A soft breeze when [if] summer comes
A warm fireside in winter (amen!)
And always, the warm, soft smile of a friend [or lover, both are good].

May your troubles be as few and far between
As my grandmother's teeth [or Rochester sunny days].

Here's to a long life and a merry one;
A quick death and an easy one;
A pretty [hot] girl [guy] and an honest [and intelligent] one;
A cold beer [mudslide] -- and another one!

It's truly a Van Morrison kind of day. Some of you beer connoisseurs might say, "It's a Guinness kind of day." Haha. Well eat your corned beef and cabbage and potato chips and drink your Guinness. However you revel in your heritage, Irish pride!

a fresh face

2006-03-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

So I've implemented the new blog design, which was my project in Weez's class. My goal was to break out of the box. The old blog design was the standard, simple, boxy design that most blogs use. I like that simple, grid-like layout for its usability, but now my blog better represents me. It's much more unconventional, vibrant and playful. I know that designers say go serif or sans-serif, but I like Georgia (the typeface) italicized; I like Georgia regardless. Actually, I'd say that rule applies more to print. You can see my designs evolve. I was shooting for an Amelie look-and-feel. I'm definitely attracted to design that's just clean and usable, not anal, but simple, consistent and clearly demonstrating personality, like these guys -- that's hot. As you can see, I chose something much different for myself, and I like this much better than my old blog. It actually has a bit of a Gryffindor feel with the goldish-orange and maroon. Like I posted before, if we all were in houses, I'd be Ravenclaw (whose colors are blue and silver, colors that I also like).

Speaking of all this Potter, the latest dvd came out on Tuesday! So go buy it Muggles! Timing was perfect for me as that was my last night at home over break. I had the urge to watch Harry Potter for quite awhile, so I got my Potter fix -- was the highlight of my break, except for the GMAT of course (haha... right).

Good news is that the GMAT is done and over. I only had a few days to really study, but I did well -- was a decent score (not excellent, but good). Of course I was shooting for 600 (out of 800) since that would have been near the top bracket of scores, but I did well considering my short prep time. I did well in comparison to others that are trying to get into the MBA program, and that's what matters in terms of whether I get in, which affects the rest of my life pretty much. It's crazy to think that one damn test or one decision of anything can determine so much. If all goes well, I'll be here at RIT for another year. I'm incredibly excited for it and determined to make it happen, so we'll see.

On a sidenote, I finally had a chance to upload some pics from last quarter, so check those out if you're curious.

So life is the usual insanity with senior capstone class taking precedence over all, especially this, which is why I say now that it won't be updated as often for quite awhile. When the last guy that you share witty banter with is 6 years old, then you know that you need to get out more.

Boy (Jaclyn's nephew) to me: Get me a soda.
Me [laughing]: You can get it!
Boy: Okay, I will then! [making a great "so there" facial expression]
Me: Ok then.

And I follow him anyway because all this took place in a wood shop with plenty of wonderful, sharp and fast slicing machines (and demos, of course), which may be a little boy's dream but a parent's nightmare. Pretty smart for a wood shop to give out free food and drinks while having a big sale though -- good sales tactics.

The 4 Things Meme

2006-02-25T23:03:00.000-08:00

Though I think that memes can be silly, and I laughed when I saw all the blogs posting on the "4 Things" meme, they are amusing and you can learn a lot about people through these things since they're so straight-forward. I think it's good for people to have to work to get to know you as well though. Anyway, Weez tagged me, so here are my answers in 4s...

Four jobs that I’ve had:
- pool lifeguard
- banquet hall waitress (banquets, weddings)
- concession stand (brewing coffee, popping corn, grillin' and fryin')
- office girl Friday (secretary/web designer/web mistress/photo editor for adult toys and such)

Four movies that I can watch repeatedly:
- Star Wars (the originals)
- Back to the Future
- classic Bond films (do this every Thanksgiving and Christmas)
- Harry Potter (it's been done -- my brother was on a Potter kick)

Four places that I’ve lived:
- Vernon, NY
- Rochester, NY
- Bedford, MA
- I've honestly lived no where else (maybe Rome, NY when I was first born), but I need to get out more

Four TV shows that I like:
- Sex in the City
- Gilmore Girls
- South Park
- That '70s Show

Four places that I've vacationed (I'm using the word "vacationed" slightly looser than some):
- Disney World (Orlando, FL)
- Colonial Willamsburg, VA
- Las Vegas
- Manhattan
*I still need to get out more

Four favorite dishes:
- baked french onion soup done right (I know it's not a "dish," but it can be if you eat 2 crocks)
- chicken alfredo or chicken cordon bleu or any chicken dish with a cream sauce (sun-dried tomatoes are a plus as well)
- chicken pastina soup made by my friend's grandma
- chocolate in all of its forms
*serve sparkling wine with any of those and that's even better ;)

Four sites that I visit daily:
- Gmail
- my blog (as it's a repository of my favorite sites or blogs)
- Signal vs. Noise (37signals blog)
- CNN (my homepage, making sure that I read some news daily)

Four places that I would rather be right now:
- California (never been still, someday definitely)
- Europe (anywhere in Europe)
- New York City
- anyplace that's not Rochester or Upstate NY, something with sun and not arctic winds, maybe New Orleans as Mardi Gras is Tuesday (some of my friends will be there though)

Four bloggers that I am tagging:
- Jym (he always reads this)
- Paul
- Geoff
- Bridget

a change in color, a change in space

2006-02-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how small adjustments in a design can make such a difference in its vibe.

I took a photo of a path in a park. In its original form, it's too green and boring. Black-and-white with a very subtle sepia tone brings out the sunlight and makes it look heavenly and classic. Changing its hue to bright autumn colors of rusts and magentas make it look like a magical forest.

I like both, but the assignment of course is to explore a variety of styles and to try something that I normally wouldn't design offhand. So that's much harder. You try breaking from your usual style, and you'll know what I mean. I've been trying to break from my usual style anyway as it was too boxy and confined (like the design of this blog), so it's been good for me. My style was organized but boring, so I'm breaking out of the box. Keeping an open mind is good. It's been a fun learning experience widening the design frame of mind.

Back to the topic of details, the texture of a stroke can make it feel more clean or grunge, more Wall-Street suit or more graffiti. If you're a designer, you already know this. It's just crazy how one detail can make all the difference. Dark gray versus light gray alone gives a darker or brighter, more optimistic vibe, respectively. The addition or absence of a little color changes the feel so much as well. Moving the position of a woman from leaning on the streetlight to standing in the road turns her from hooker to owning the scene. When I show you my designs in a couple weeks, you'll see what I mean :).

V-Day

2006-02-15T16:11:00.000-08:00

So I think that Valentine's Day is a silly holiday. I think that it's just another way for companies to create hype in order to bring in consumers. I'm glad that it does at least promote chocolate and flowers. I love both, so any excuse for those is not all bad. Some of my girls and I went to Phillip's (AKA "the only nice restaurant for a couple's nice out in the RIT area") for dessert. I knew this ahead of time, so this was my way of having us beautiful, single, independent girls crash the couples' party... and they have amazing chocolate desserts of course -- that was the main reason :).

If I were actually dating someone though, then yes, I'd want flowers -- I'd want flowers on any day -- ditto for high-quality chocolate. My roomie and I were talking about it: there's just a traditional and symbolic meaning attached to flowers (at least in American society), and flowers are beautiful, especially roses. I have known a few girls that actually hate roses though (so yes, you'd want to check with the girl first just in case as you never know). If I had a boyfriend, then I definitely would not want to make a big to-do about Valentine's Day -- I'd rather treat it like a regular day (except for the flowers or chocolate). If it was long distance at that time, I would not want one of us to feel the need to visit. If we were in the same area, I'd want us to still do whatever we would do (whether it was work on projects or whatever) because that means more to me than a silly holiday, and I'd actually enjoy that more. I would not want to have sex on Valentine's Day knowing that a million other couples in the world were having sex that day/night. In fact, I would make sure that I waited until it was 12:01am the next day (or actually it'd have to be 3:01am eastern to include west coast, and now that's ridiculous if you have to work the next day, so I'd just wait a whole day after, which is fine -- better than being incredibly unoriginal and cliche). I did get a free condom (strawberry-flavored) though -- that was a perk-of-the-day -- might have been from the Women's Center on campus (smart of them). I also helped to take advantage of the marketing aspect in selling/wrapping roses for a good cause -- I see that as another good way to make use of the flower frenzy on V-Day.

The best thing about the Valentine's Day time is V-Day. I saw it on campus again and had a bunch of friends in it this year. I would have wanted to take part in it this year, but I knew I wouldn't have time and when I actually decided all of this it was kind of late. We'll see about next year if I'm around though. It's a great day, a great show, and a great message. I'm proud of my friends that were in it, and I'm proud that V-Day is so well-known and sometimes even gets more attention around this time of year.

Taboo

2006-02-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

Party games are a lot of fun. It had definitely been too long since I took part in one. Friends of mine (Anne, Chris, Damien and others) hosted a session of Taboo a week or so ago -- that's a good game. I've only played a handful of all party games (not a fan of Truth or Dare). I need to play Mafia or Werewolf sometime, but I think that Taboo is my favorite so far as it's all about words -- coming up with analogies and the right combination of words when you start with a restricted word base.

You may think that a game is just a game, but with Taboo or something else that exhibits the players' thinking process, you can get to know your fellow players more than you realize. You see much of how they think about and interpret information and things in everyday life. You may relate to similar things or find things in common with someone. You may find someone's method for getting across his/her team's word is crazy or creative or smart or hot (or a combination of those). You can fall half in love with someone from a game like Taboo.

It is just a game, yes. I'm crazy competitive too (as were my friends in Taboo, which makes it all the more fun). Never underestimate the randomness that can result from a simple game. Plus, it's incredibly fun! and it makes you think! (which is encompassed in the fun if you're a nerd like me that enjoys the overlap of the two). So never refuse the opportunity to get in on a game of Taboo.

recent social computing observations

2006-02-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

No time to blog -- library closes in 10 minutes -- so forcing myself to be brief and to the point (by force can be positively effective).

The Flickr login changed recently only in that there are now subtle explanations or rationales for why you're signing in via a Yahoo! ID or straight-up. I'm "old skool" so I'm sans Yahoo!. I'm still wondering what the advantages are for them having made the choice of the Yahoo! ID integration -- I think that it's for their future Yahoo! services -- we'll see.

Facebook (good ol' Facebook) has jumped on the Valentine's Day bandwagon (but that's not a surprise has Facebook lives off ads and stuff) by selling surprise Valentine Announcements for your honey ($5 a piece) that will be in an attention-driven area on the site, visible at all times -- haha. It's amusing to think that they'll probably make good money off this as they promote the idea of surprising that special someone and letting it be known for all the Facebook addicts to see. It's smart of them to try that though, so good for them.

If you're going to do something special on Valentine's Day, at least don't be cheesy... but then again, making a big deal about Valentine's Day in general seems cheesy to me. I might post more about this later in the week if I have time.

Life is ad hoc

2006-02-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

We make it up as we go along (to quote Tori).

It's like life is this blob of goo -- color-changing silly putty, for a tangible analogy. It's not like you have a small amount of putty in your hands to mold and that's that -- you are surrounded by mounds of color-changing putty. You can mold the putty to your heart's content, but the putty can also get bombarded by other people and things, throwing a dent or a pleasant curve into your putty-playing area. The interactions change the putty's shape and color. So now you have to deal with the change whether you were in the middle of sculpting The Thinker or whether you were just relaxing in your putty bed. You can count on things or have extravagant plans in mind, but life is a constant change of state. It doesn't always make sense, it's not always fair, sometimes you get what you hoped for, sometimes it just works out, but it is what it is.

The putty is what we make of it. You could go through the motions without caring, creating or enjoying, or you could work with it to make it beautiful. You could see it as just goo, or you could see it as a mass of possibilities.

Don't forget that this putty is silly. If it wasn't, it'd be hard as a rock, and that's not fun. Humor in life is essential. This goes a bit with what Paul recently posted about, to which I commented with this quote from Van Wilder (great movie):

"Don't take life too seriously -- you'll never get out alive."

Bloggies

2006-01-24T23:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know where I've been, but I just found out that the finalists for the 2006 Bloggies are up, so if you're a reader in the blogosphere, go vote!

you know it's true, stalkers

2006-01-23T22:37:00.000-08:00

Some time ago, my friend Brian (AKA "Skunk") made this...

http://66.67.101.194/StalkBook.jpg

Finally someone made that! Haha -- it's hilarious -- so true. If you use Facebook, then you understand. If you don't use it, then take my word for it that it has spawned some stalking -- could be worse though. You only put as much personal info on there as you want. Also, like most means of communication (especially digital), you're not obligated to respond if someone initiates virtual contact.

Sometimes I feel like these latest methods of communication (email, IM, cell phones) half promote the idea of not having to communicate, partly because we take it for granted (which happens with many things). Compare now to then when people only had snail mail delivered on foot (like in The Postman, haha... though that was supposed to be our future, which could be a whole different post, well you know what I mean). So of course compared to then, it's 100x easier and faster to communicate -- it's better, but because it's so easy, people are more prone to put less effort into it. It depends on the person as well; some people make good use of all our technologically-advanced means of communicating with one another. I'd take now over the days of snail mail anyday, but I think that some people should appreciate our current means of communication a little more and take advantage of what is there. You never know when something is just going to be gone.

in the same key

2006-01-21T12:42:00.000-08:00

It's good to have things in common and be on the same page with the person that you're dating. I think that when you're first interested in someone though, you must see their playlist (or at least know what music they listen to) before you actually date them. I don't care what people say (actually most agree with me) -- having music in common (at least some) is crucial. If you can't appreciate one another's music, then you're going to have problems.

I thought about this more as I peroused playlists (I'm in the library, wonderful wireless). I just listened to Floyd and Van Morrison; Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 is on now. There are so many ways to learn what people listen to (ask them, Facebook profile, Last.fm, iTunes sharing).

I found a great quote from High Fidelity a couple weeks ago:

It's no good pretending that any relationship has a future if your record collections disagree violently or if your favorite films wouldn't even speak to each other if they met at a party.

So true. Awesome quote -- sums up exactly how I feel about that. So next time you consider dating someone -- well I think that people should get to know others better before dating in general anyway -- but definitely find out the person's favorite music and movies. You may think that it's small and is only one aspect of the personality, but it says a little more because it's also what the person has an appreciation for. Some of your appreciations should be in tune.

just another day

2006-01-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

So it's my birthday today: 22, the first of a long period of unmeaningful birthdays ;). I wasn't planning on doing anything much because I just didn't care (just a birthday now, haha) and because I have other things to focus on that take precedence. It is good to always celebrate and enjoy your birthday no matter what birthday it is, but I now understand that feeling that my mom usually has of just not caring anymore. If I was with someone, then I would want him to recognize it as something important, but I just don't care as much when comparing this to last year's. 21 was at the top of the mountain, and 22 is just starting on that path down the hill... haha, yeah right, like I'm "old" now.

Anyway, it did feel like just another day until a million people posted on my Facebook wall. Yes, you have to love Facebook. Last year, Prof. Kennedy recognized my birthday in class -- because of Facebook. That, Weez's party (which coincidentally fell on my birthday), and the phone calls or IMs from people made my birthday last year. It is nice when people actually care; I won't lie. Actions speak louder than words.

I will hang with some friends though for something to do. Something that I'm currently working on (but can't get hopes up of course) would totally make my birthday (or season or year), so we'll see. It's good to always have things to shoot for. In any case, here's to a period of unmeaningful birthdays!

flap your wings

2006-01-18T20:44:00.000-08:00

Over break, I ran across some cool things in the blogosphere (yes, that buzzword is so two years ago, dear me, haha, like I care). Anyway, Scott Berkun posted a good entry about "How to make a difference." The past year I had thought about this: how I wish that my work would greatly improve people's lives. I compared my web and usability work to environmentalists and those in the medical field. Then I realized: hell yeah, my field impacts people, and in a good way -- it impacts the world. People everywhere use web applications (email, searches, maps, etc.) to speed up the living process in a day.

An ambulance driver uses Google Maps to find the shortest route to fetch someone with an emergency. A college student emails potential employers and hopes to hear back for an interview. A group uses Basecamp to communicate, track progress and hit their goals for a project. New parents check WebMD to learn more about the risks for their premature baby. A guy goes to 1-800-Flowers.com (amusing name, like an apple within an orange or something) to order his girl flowers because he was inspired (haha). It goes on.

It all goes around; we're all impacting the lives of others in some fashion. Any work that we do can, and likely will, impact people in a good way. Have a passion for what you do and enjoy it.

On a sidenote, I had also discovered Google Blogoscoped -- Philipp Lenssen's blog, mostly all things Google. It's interesting (especially for us Google fans) -- check it out.

anytime is tea time

2006-01-16T19:06:00.000-08:00

I love tea. Tea is especially wonderful when you have a cold; the steam... mmm.

'Tis the season for tea and clementines.
Drink some, eat some, breath it in.

our Hogwarts

2006-01-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

I realized that since I love my campus, the only thing that's really missing (besides different weather) is wizardry, which, unfortunately, is impossible. If RIT was more like Hogwarts and had magic and Quidditch, then it'd be perfect.

Extending off of what I commented in Weez's post, I'd be in Ravenclaw (could be close between Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, but I'd prefer Ravenclaw). I'd want to play for the Quidditch team if I had time (would probably be involved in some clubs, so I'd have to see). I'd go for a concentration in Charms and would definitely TA (be a teacher's assistant) for one of those classes. That'd be sweet.

How cool would it be to make something happen with just a stick and some spouting off the tongue? Well I guess that you can make some things happen with just those, but nothing magical (you may say that it's magical, but it's not, at least not Harry Potter magical -- maybe you have your version of muggle magic ;) -- haha). I wish that I could do some wand tricks. Despite the lack of Harry Potter magic here, there are many things that I love and will miss. So best not to dwell (better to not think about not having these in my life until it hits at graduation; some of it has already happened though).

If our (your) campus was more like Hogwarts, which House would you be in? Which subject would you be most interested in? What extra-wizardry activities would you enjoy?

racing by

2006-01-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

I went to play racquetball today, and there was a high school track invitational going on at the Field House. Good memories flooded back -- I loved track. The co-ed invitational under the lights at our rival high school (Oneida) was the most fun. I'm glad that I had a chance to take part in the 4x100 relay. I loved watching 4x100 and 4x400 either way; it's a rush. Today's meet was co-ed. High-schoolers were camped out all along the railing. A couple guys were using walkie talkies (we should have had those). Running was a rush, hurdles were sweet; good times.

You really do have to make the most of every moment -- I know everyone says that, but it all flies by fast, and I swear it gets faster every year (bugs the hell out of me). I enjoy the fast pace of life, learning new things, seeing new places -- I just wish that I had a little more time to enjoy it. It seems that there's rarely time to visit with friends, learn violin, read books, travel. I tell myself that this will change someday -- we'll see -- I think it will. I'm working toward making that happen as well ;).

What's amusing is that as I've grown, I realize that: OMG, I've become my mother! Not in a "Oh no! I've become my mom!" kind of way but in a good way. I would only inherit good traits from my parents anyway (haha). I'm driving to Wegmans to buy Bounty (sign #1), singing along to ELO or Bee Gees (sign #2), dancing as much as you can while confined by a seatbelt (sign #3, but I try to put my back into it while my mother makes more use of her arms, mine is more reckless unfortunately). When I think about it, the signs were always there -- I just hadn't unleashed them fully yet. We would sing to Dido all the time (and still do) -- I'd kill for Dido's voice. Dido is great to sing in the shower (I may have to post about shower music). I bought my mom the latest Dido cd (finally) for Christmas. My roomie Kate had told me previous how "See the Sun" is a good song. It is beautiful; sad but beautiful -- has a good message. I love Dido -- I highly recommend her. I may post latest music recommendations as well. Well I'll leave you with lyrics from that song:

And you probably don't want to hear "Tomorrow's another day"
But I promise you you'll see the sun again
And you're asking me why pain's the only way to happiness
And I promise you you'll see the sun again

let the music teach you

2006-01-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

I listened to Sufjan Stevens's Illinois album again and looked up (on Wikipedia) some of the things that he was singing about. I learned some facts and history of Illinois just from that album, which is really cool. I know that this idea of learning through music and jingles is nothing new, but how cool would it be if our society truly embraced this as a method of teaching?! It'd be sweet. Classes that used this would have to be designed more soundproof, but it'd be worth it. People can retain songs much easier than pages of text.

"I know my Cal-cu-lus..." (remember that random, short-running show on MTV forever ago about a boy-band starting out, which sort of poked fun at all the boy-bands that were cropping up then...). Well that song is annoying and actually has nothing to do with math, but I still remember it.

Some weeks ago, one of my roomies told me how she couldn't remember which months had 30 days and which had 31, so I naturally chanted the "30 days has September... yada yada." I grew up hearing lots of those, but I'm glad. I enjoy those; they're a part of my personality. I remember which way is to screw on and which is to screw off because of it ;). I lived in a house full of proverbs and life-lessony maxims. My mom and I spout them off all the time. My parents say them, my grandparents say them, and someday I'll say them to my children-that-have-yet-to-be-born. It's one of those things passed down from generation to generation that's actually cool.

Well anyway, on the topic of music as a teaching tool, Sesame Street truly embraced this idea, which is partly why the show is so awesome (Wikipedia has an entry for everything). If you watched it, I'm sure you have one of its songs still in the back of your mind somewhere -- way back...

"Uno dos tres..." (1-10 in Spanish)
"Rubber ducky, you're the one..." (followed by Bert saying, "Wash behind your ears, Ernie")
"C is for Cookie"

The Count was always counting, The Grouch was always grouchy (but like people say, he lives in a trash can -- if that was your home, you'd be grouchy too... haha)...

I know that there are a lot of sing-along children's videos, but Sesame Street was a great show. If we used this method more often (for education rather than advertising), it's amazing to think how much more information we'd retain.

...

I had no idea that there were different versions of Sesame Street for certain countries -- check that out...

resolutions... ha!

2006-01-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

So since New Year's is all about resolutions and looking to improve ourselves for the year (right...), here are some resolutions that I probably should make (but won't, unless it really is for the better):

- not dance and drive
- brake sooner (I was driving while thinking about this as you can see)
- give myself more time in the morning (or whenever I go out)
- worry less about the future and enjoy the now
- get to bed earlier on "school nights"
- spend less time surfing blogs

I've realized that all these things are part of who I am -- the little things give one personality, so why worry about changing them? You should change what you feel should be improved upon, and we should always want to improve ourselves. There are always ways to improve ourselves as no one is divine -- no you're not, trust me ;). Little things and imperfections are part of who we are though. If they're small and don't cause harm, then we should embrace them since they make us unique. At the same time, we all have imperfections that we should work on as well.

What do you want to improve (but won't) this year? We can be optimistic too (I'll humor you): what are you going to improve on this year? In contrast, what imperfections are you going to embrace?

in with the new

2005-12-31T13:19:00.000-08:00

Over the summer, I learned of 43 Things and Places.

Instead of making a new year's resolution that probably won't fall through, take baby steps. Make feasible goals by getting specific. So if you want to lose weight, decide to "exercise for at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week" and maybe "only one sweet a day" or something of that nature. Anyway, the 43 things are somewhat long-term, but having goals in writing (and linked to others who have done the goal or have the same goal) is neat because it lets you visually prioritize your goals while possibly learning something that may help accomplish it.

Here are some of my things.

I still like what Lennons sings: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans..."

So true -- you can plan for all of these things to happen, but who knows which ones will actually happen. You may hope to work at certain company, but a different opportunity may come up and you may end up happy somewhere else.

You drive along with a destination in mind, but sometimes you end up taking alternate routes that stray from the mapped-out plan. At least you should when it seems the best route. Sometimes it turns out to be a shortcut or a more scenic route, and you think, "Sweet!" Sometimes it results in a "falling rocks" area with no cell signal or a creepy, lonesome road out in the boondocks, and you think, "Shit!" Sometimes you get lost; I do frequently (more so on the road than in life, luckily). In any case, you come back to the main road having learned from the experience (given that you made it back eventually). Whether it sucked or was amazing, you are now a wiser driver (or navigator riding shotgun, if that's your preference). We're all drivers in this analogy! Even if you usually navigate, you do drive now and then, so this applies to you as well.

Anyway, celebrate the new year without fear of getting lost -- it happens to the best of us. Drink and be merry; don't be stupid -- spend the night somewhere. Have fun, stay safe, and have a Happy New Year!

she's coming home this Christmas Day

2005-12-25T15:45:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season to spend time with family. It's always good spending time with family (blood or those that are like family, but it's nice when there's a reason to get the extended together as well. I do rant a lot, but I also know how lucky I am. Time at the first home is good -- seeing grandparents, catching up on South Park with the brother, making fun of the parents.

I've always liked the stocking tradition. It forces you to be creative in having to think of what items (besides chocolate) are cheap (but not crappy), possibly useful, and small enough to fit inside a stocking. I did stocking items this year -- my brother is massaging the cat with the small handheld massager that I bought right now -- she's changing sides just to get the full massage in -- it's adorable...

Anyway, someday I'll live in my own apartment and hang my stocking just for the hell of it. I'll play TSO and watch the Bond marathon during the holiday season. I'll hang mistletoe just because it's cute (I hung it here just because it's cute -- I don't care that I don't have use for it, it's still a fun tradition). I'll visit family and try to see friends around New Year's. Hopefully more travel will happen. People shouldn't be in a hurry to ditch the single life -- there's much fun to be had while still single and childless.

I'm just thankful for all that is. Today is Christmas, the first night of Hanukkah, the one-year anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, and various other things for various other people. My friend Paul Holze from Club Kramerica at UIUC sent me their Festivus CD, which included clips from campus -- hilarious. That made my day.

So wherever you are, spend time with the people that you care about -- seize the opportunities while you can and know that any day can be someone's last. Enjoy the season, the cookies and the lights. Have a Merry Christmas or a Happy Hanukkah -- in any case, hope you had a Happy Festivus!

Christmas shopping 101

2005-12-21T19:11:00.000-08:00

So you have 3 shopping days left until Christmas. If you've waited this long to get Christmas gifts, then shame on you! If you honestly lack time though (I can relate), then here's a quick guide to help you out this season:

For the parents:
- kitchen/cooking items -- always come in handy
- CDs of their favorite music -- music is great anytime
- good chocolate or a basket of good cheese and crackers with a bottle of wine or champagne
- tickets to a concert in their area that they'd love to see (if you're close to a venue)
- gift certificate to a nice restaurant that might be pricier than what they would normally spend

Or for your dad, you can do a T-shirt or two or any other clothes or items that he currently needs. For your mom, you could give her a nice necklace or a pair of earrings if you know her taste.

For siblings:
- CDs of their favorite music
- DVDs are safe
- techy items such as a USB drive or an iPod
- video game or computer game that the person wants
- perfume or cologne w/ a store gift certificate (only if you know their taste)
- books (if you know what interests them)
- any item that you know they need or want (and have checked with the parents that they aren't getting it already)
- if the sibling will be entering a new stage soon (college, post-college, parenthood, new house), then an item toward that would mean a lot and allows for being creative

For the boyfriend/girlfriend:
- can't go wrong w/ techy toys -- you probably know what he/she has and doesn't at this point
- books that he/she wants or would enjoy reading
- CDs of favorite music
- something that he/she lacks and could really use -- a Nalgene bottle or something
- if he/she is into camping or traveling, then something toward that is cool
- anything toward his/her hobby or passion would mean a lot (hopefully you already know this)
- flowers for the girl is always a nice extra ;)
- going out somewhere special is even better

So if you're freaking out about ideas, have no fear. A lot of these items are things that you can still find and buy given a 48-hour period (and some money). Many of the non-techy items are well affordable and make for a sweet gift as long as you know your receiver well -- that's what matters anyway. Contrary to popular belief (AKA: what TV tells you), girls don't need diamonds to be happy. Spending time with a person and giving a gift that actually means something is better than a gift that may be expensive and slightly cliché -- whatever is meaningful is better -- it depends on the person.

Try to see family and friends, at least try to call the ones you won't see. Let people know that you appreciate them. Eat well; eat cookies. Donate something or go caroling. Find the balance between work and family. Screw the new year's resolution and make some feasible goals. Most importantly, just party and enjoy the holiday season, damn it! :)

drunkfest

2005-12-10T23:12:00.000-08:00

So this weekend is a big partying weekend because many people are going home for winter break on Thursday or Friday (next week is last week of classes before break). Many drunks have been wandering the green here in Perkins.

15 minutes ago (2:00am)...
[Pound! Pound! Pound!]
Ali and I wonder what the noise is.
I go for the door and then we see the window.
Nope -- don't know him (I tell Ali this) -- a random drunk.
At the living room window.
Drunk: [exhaling smoke and standing outside our window] Hey!
Us: [at the window] Hi.
Drunk: Who are you?
Ali: We're the people that live in this apartment.
Drunk: [with enthusiasm] Well obviously...
Ali: Do you know us?
Me: No.
Drunk: Yeah!
Me: [brushing teeth] No you don't.
Drunk: Are you chewing on a marker?
Me: [wanting to just get rid of the drunk] No -- brushing my teeth.
(I should have replied, "Yes -- I'm coloring my teeth purple. It's the new thing.")
Ali checks that our door is locked. She exits back to the washroom.
Drunk: Have you been brushing your teeth the whole night?
Me: No -- just now.
(Again he left me wide open to be creative, but I just wanted to send him off on his way.)
Me: Did you come from over there? [pointing to the apt that was clearly having a big party tonight]
Drunk: My brother's over there... I'm going over to see him.
Me: Okay. Well have fun. [walking away and waving] Goodnight.
Drunk: You have a goodnight yourself...
I continue brushing teeth in the washroom.
Drunk: [surprised and looking at our tv] Is that The Weather Channel?
Me: [still in washroom] Yes. Goodnight.
Drunk: [laughs and slurs something like "weird" or "nerd", then exits back to the drunk apartment]
Me: Yep...

One of our apartment lights was on at the time. The drunk was attracted to it, like a bug. The lights went off soon after.

I hear a bunch of drunks shouting in the green now -- wonderful. Go home drunks -- go sleep. Goodnight.

half a century

2005-12-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Ma mère is half a century today (haha) -- happy birthday Mom! You don't look 50 at all, so that's something to celebrate.

My mother looks younger -- can definitely pass for 40s, late 30s to some people. She also doesn't act like an old fart -- that makes a difference ;).

So I can look forward to getting old without looking or feeling old. There are people in their 20s that remind you of old men or old ladies while there are people in their 70s that remind you of college students. I will forever maintain my youth because if you feel young and act young, then you are not old, by any means. No Fountain of Youth needed -- tap will do just fine.

So go out and celebrate, Mom, that you don't appear 50. You're only 50 once, so I'm allowed to poke fun at the fact that you've lived for half a century...

50 is just a number; age is just a number with the unit "years."

a rose

2005-12-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

I meant to post this awhile ago...

A few weeks before I left Mass, I had a chance to visit a couple close friends from high school in Boston area. That was awesome -- I missed them -- soccer chicks since middle school -- good times -- I miss soccer.

So of course driving home to Woburn from Tufts/Harvard area, I got lost. Here's what you do if you're lost in Boston and are driving: ask a taxi driver. So I did that and then followed the T bus, which can take awhile. After a couple hours of attempting to get home, I finally reached a block or so away from the highway (95). So I was at a stoplight on some road when I saw a guy walking by and selling flowers (or at least ready to sell). He held bunches of fully-bloomed, red roses as he sauntered down the middle of the street, passing our cars in a carefree, good-mood sort of way. My eyes had rested on the flowers as soon as I saw him, but as he neared closer, he noticed this. He could see it in my eyes that I was thinking: I wish I had a rose... I wish a guy would give me flowers. What girl wouldn't want flowers?

So when he got to my car, he stopped. I rolled down my window and smiled, but he just pulled a rose out of a bunch and handed it to me. Just like that. I didn't even know what to say at first, but I smiled lots and said "thank you" and thought how sweet that was. He then continued on, walking with a more jauntily step and wearing a wide smile. I wished that I could have done more to thank him, but to try to give him money would have degraded his gesture. He didn't give me the rose for money, though he could have used it. He wouldn't have wanted the money -- that wasn't the point. He knew that he did something to make my day, and that was reward enough.

I've encountered moments like this before, but I came home reminded that a stranger can make your day. It's amazing how a stranger could tell within a minute's time that I could use some flowers while all the current male friends of mine (that know me well) have never given me flowers. A stranger did what the men in my life could do but don't. Of course some guys have probably wanted to and won't. Some guys should but don't because the thought hasn't crossed their minds -- they're clueless as to what stands before them. Their loss -- a flowerless girl won't stick around for long -- she'll find flowers elsewhere.

Every girl deserves to be appreciated. Every girl deserves to be told or shown this in some form or another (flowers is just one example of many). Flowers is a can-do thing though -- so simple, so easy -- you'd think that guys would do it more often, rather than just for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day). A girl should receive flowers just for the hell of it -- just because you appreciate the fact that she's in your life.

Every girl deserves flowers just because.

coming and going

2005-11-20T20:44:00.000-08:00

I finished my 5-month co-op on Friday. The day that the deli woman knew my chicken salad order by heart, I had to say how I was leaving. I said goodbye to everyone I knew: the workers at the door (keepers of the badge-swiping), the cafeteria staff, the renovation men, the cleaners, and people in my department and the neighboring ones. It often seems that just as a place feels like home, you get uprooted. For me, it sometimes takes awhile for things to sink in, for some reason. It's starting to hit me a little more that I won't see the same people everyday. I've always been fine with meeting people, making friends momentarily and possibly not seeing them again. When you go to work full-time (and for 5 months), you really get to know people as you see them almost daily. So I do feel like I made another extended family -- I'll miss this home, and it is a little sad.

I'm also looking forward to going back to the other homes (first home, RIT), but then I graduate in spring, so back to being uprooted again. I'll have to get used to this more. This is how life will be now. I'm glad that I enjoy making new friends. This is why it's important that you enjoy yourself -- if you can amuse yourself without needing people, then you're set. If you're always a busy person ("busy" is an understatement), then you're also set.

I saw Ben Fry and Tim Berners-Lee while at MITRE. I am a lucky girl. The whole experience was awesome. I learned a lot. I had much fun. I met great people. I enjoyed my work.

Memories get built, they get added to you, then you keep moving. Good memories are liking adding mushrooms or coins to your life count -- "1 UP." Your life feels like it's worth more since you've just lived more. Hopefully you don't forget those good times and people that just gave you more life.

stuffed animals?

2005-11-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

No time to blog, but I should have more interesting things to share fairly soon.

For now, here's something I've noticed. A few weeks ago Victoria's Secret started a special for their PINK line: get a free PINK mini dog with any online purchase... and that's what it is -- a small, squishy (and pink, of course) dog. It was the new thing that they were promoting until just recently since they now have Christmas specials to promote naturally. Just today, NY&Co sent something via email. They're another favorite of mine, but I can't believe that they still don't have an online store -- I'm disappointed, and that's just craziness in this day of age. I'm going to email their webmaster and state my case for their sake. If you like that store or have nothing to do, I urge you to do the same. So that tells you something right there about their marketing if they don't even have an online store yet. What I meant to share though is that they emailed customers out saying that you can get a free teddy bear (donned in a red NY&Co. Christmasy coat, of course) with any purchase.

First of all, why would a stuffed animal of any kind motivate me to buy their clothes? I'm not 5. I don't get it. I do know some of my female friends that would see a stuffed animal and think: aww, cute... but I still don't think it would be a motivator in making them buy the clothes. If they wanted a stuffed animal, they'd probably go to Build-A-Bear or something -- Build-A-Bear seems to be a hot spot for teddy bears these days (makes sense, customizable like everything else). Second of all, why would I buy clothes to get a stuffed animal that has the company's brand slapped all over it? I really wonder if the people in charge of marketing at these companies are all a bunch of grandpas, thinking of their grown-up little girls wanting a cute, stuffed animal to remind them of their younger days. Tell me this: if you wanted to feel like a kid again, would you go to a store that's known for its good women's "in the workplace" clothing or a store that's known for its sexy lingerie which can give a guy a hard-on? No; I didn't think so either.

some Google fun

2005-10-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

So I just read Weez's post. She got this from a friend of a friend, so now you can do the same. Type in "[your name] needs" into Google's search and look at the top 10 results. I was just going to try it, but after seeing the results, I must post. It's amazing how easily you can amuse yourself with Google's search.

So, according to Google (and I kid you not, these are the top 10 verbatim), "Elsie needs"...

1. "to be sprung..anyone available?"
2. "to find a home more suited to her needy personality."
3. "to get help -- fast. But that means she has to leave the apartment."
4. "that perfect home to call hers...it just might be with you!"
5. "a loving and committed forever family."
6. "her share of the bandwidth for all the people looking for 'Anime' and finding her painting called 'Anime.'"
7. "a child -- but, as with Hester. and Dimmesdale, this is no idle coupling."
8. "'to talk about dying, doesn't. she?' I nod my head slowly."
9. "SHAGGY MANES"
10. gives a result of "Elsie's needs" instead
11. "to give one last toot of her horn before we leave their pasture area."

Haha... What's also amusing is how some of those are half true in a melodramatic way. I have the urge to correct the grammar in some ("let's stick a period here just for kicks"), but I'm keeping the results unadulterated.

1. I couldn't have said it better. ;)
2. I'm not needy, but what can you expect if you type "[your name] needs" into a search?!
3. I like my apartment.
4. [cue mail-order bride commercial]
5. Aww... how corny... forgot the hyphen
6. More bandwidth is always good.
7. See my previous post.
8. "Because I could not stop for death, it kindly stopped for me."
9. It is a weakness of mine -- guys with shaggy manes will be the death of me... (See! I can talk about death...)
11. You should always toot your horn one last time before leaving any pasture area! "More cowbell!"

Try it. If you don't have a blog, feel free to post your results as a comment.

8 MITRE holidays

2005-10-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

I have to post right now because I'm just happy that I'm getting to hand out candy to children (not in the creepy "don't talk to strangers" sense of course).

Before college, unless there was a Halloween party or something, I always stayed home to hand out candy. I love it, and if you know me well, you know that I love kids too.

MITRE observes 8 holidays:
1. New Year’s Day
2. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
3. Memorial Day
4. Independence Day
5. Labor Day
6. Veteran’s Day
7. Thanksgiving
8. Christmas

So I have Veteran's Day (Nov. 11) off, which most people don't have off, but I'll be here on Halloween... and that's why MITRE is celebrating Halloween this afternoon by letting parents bring their children trick-or-treating around the office! :)

What was neat is how the first kid that came around made me realize that I performed some bad ID (and I'm the one that complains about how bad signage placement often is). I had my little "trick-or-treat" poster (that signifies if you're giving out candy) hung outside my door below our office name tags, which is eye-level to me. So the first kid that came around almost missed me because he was a little kid, therefore short -- and yes, while I am short, I'm not that short. The kid's eye level (same for many other little kids) is at least a foot lower than where my sign was placed. So I realized this from him almost missing my door, I lowered my sign and then told Bala (since he's across the hall and did the same). Bala's actually telling kids to take handfuls, which is cute and a good idea since we're only going to get a handful of trick-or-treaters as it is.

The fact that I'm really happy now just from children would make you think that I'm one that can't wait to have children, but I'm actually not baby-crazy right now. I love children and often imagine future times with the kids that are going to crack me up (which I may write about in a future post for amusement's sake), but I want to do a lot more things before "kids" even becomes a serious thought for me. I'm thinking that I may wait until 30 -- who knows. It works out for me either way since I still pass for 16...

it's been awhile

2005-10-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

No time to blog...

I saw Tull a couple weeks ago! That was awesome. Fun to see a bunch of people your parents' age run to the stage -- I felt like I was the parent -- guess their regression has started already ;).

I loved it though -- it was great.

About a week ago I went to the BostonCHI meeting at Sun, so that was only 5 minutes from work -- sweet. Just for your reference, "CHI" is pronounced "kie" (like "pie" but "kie") -- not "chee." Just so you know. See how smart I'm getting just from co-op...

The speaker was Scott Berkun. He was enthusiastic and a good speaker. To sum up, he discussed project management. He said that managers should minimize drama -- so true. He mentioned Brooks' Law) adding more people to a project makes it later) and the Satir Change Model. It appears that to "punt" something in software-engineering lingo means to put it off -- haha -- another word to add to the procrastinator's vocab -- gotta love it. He also mentioned the book Deep Survival, which I hope to read along with the rest of books on my list once I have time.

I'm excited for when CSS3 becomes the common CSS standard. I've recently become more interested in accessibility for web -- designing for the blind in particular. We're living in an age where we can do so many amazing things as technology exponentially improves that there's no excuse for the web to be inaccessible to certain users. I think that I may want to do a topic related to this for my HCI thesis someday -- would be sweet. It'd be sweet to be part of designing interfaces for the blind -- to improve CSS and web standards to make the web more accessible. Someday I hope to go out and preach and start to make it happen, through presentations or the classroom or something. I'd love to do my thesis about accessibility and making web more inclusive of cultures. I think of how many Asian cultures read and write up and down versus left to right. I stumbled upon this article today about Japanese typography on the web, which is really interesting -- check it out.

Ideas are always turning. I'll try to post more often, but remember, quality over quantity ;).

AIGA 2005 recap

2005-10-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post about the AIGA Design Conference in Boston. I'm lucky that I had the chance to go with my design group at work.

To recap, I thought that in general, the conference could have been layed out better in their presentations (15 presentations for one time slot -- should have been spread out over a longer time period). Some of the main speakers were awesome though. Unfortunately, I missed Bill Strickland. Hopefully I'll get to see him speak sometime. You can read more about him at 37signals and at Jason Kottke's blog. You can read more about the whole conference at Kottke's blog since that's what he does.

Speaking of Kottke, I met him! I met Peter Merholz, Jesse James Garrett and Jason Kottke at AIGA and just talked with them for awhile over drinks. It was awesome! You have to realize that for me, it was very cool because these are guys in my field (web design and programming, user experience) that I admire. They've done some cool things, they're considered near the top in our field, and I read their blogs from time to time. So it was very cool meeting them and just talking with them for a bit. The experience was priceless.

The conference ended with Stefan Sagmeister speaking. That guy is awesome. He's amusing, fun and isn't afraid to just be all out real and open on stage. Again, you can find out more about his presentation thru Kottke's blog. Sagmeister's presentation was called "Design and Happiness," a good way to end off anything since happiness is something that everyone wants. He went through a list of things that he had learned over time. I feel the same way on many of those, so it was nice to hear Sagmeister reference them as being important to him.

He rocks, and it was cool to hear him speak. Getting to meet PeterMe, JJG, and Kottke was an experience that I'll always remember and be happy for as well. Moments like that make all the difference -- random fun memories (no matter how short) that will always stick in the mind like super glue...

- 10th-grade co-ed sleepover in Julie's basement
- track invitational at night on Oneida's turf (our rival)
- staying up all night w/ the freshman roomie to work on projects
- Vegas
- digital video in the laundry room
- packing 6 people into a 5-seat car and hauling off to Geneseo to see Ben Folds
- taking my brother to Darien Lake
- Letchworth
- trying to leave a book in an airport
- saving a goldfish from a near-death experience (at 3am, of course)
- spending time with someone while moving stuff out of/into apts (once at 3am, of course) :)

Anyway, this list could go on and on. It's only a 10-second trailer to the 3-hr movie of happy memories from high school up to now; and there will be more movies like this to come, just wait. :)

crazy interfaces

2005-09-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

A friend from work showed me Billy Harvey's site, which Adam Smith showed at a PUB meeting a long time ago. I had forgotten about it, but it's cool how he uses video within Flash to make the site feel more personal. I love how it uses metaphor in the user experience: zooming out from Billy results in lower volume to make you truly feel more distant, certain graphics in the photos represent actions, "locking" Billy keeps him from moving photo to photo. The site is clever. I like how his sound is similar to Ben Kweller. I also like how the video clips of Billy are just real -- sometimes he just smiles and laughs a bit as if he knows you're cracking up, and he'll stutter and start over as if he's trying to find the words (rather than having it feel rehearsed). It's cool, so check it out.

I stumbled upon another sex-related interface from Danah Boyd's blog today, which she actually learned of from her friend Matt. The way that he discussed the interface is really amusing, so read his entry for details. In any case, it's an interface for testing sexual positions on various pieces of furniture -- haha. It's intuitive too! [score!]... ok -- just check it out for amusement. Don't forget to try the option that lets you create your own sexual position -- you wouldn't want to miss that... here ya go. That's all from this nympho tonight -- have fun!

chasing the sun

2005-09-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

I got out of work at 5 to feel perfect weather, which I haven't experienced since some spring day in Rochester -- lucky that there were even days like that at all in Rochester. It wasn't hot, it wasn't cold, it just was perfect, sunny and some wind. Of course it got cool within a couple hours, but that's why I put everything else on hold to go outside and enjoy it.

I feel like Van Helsing when I cruise home from work and eye the sun, hoping to get home before the daylight's gone.

I actually walked around before sunset, and it was wonderful. At the park, I walked past a family whose little boy was just ahead of me looking up at the trees. The boy pointed and said to his parents, "There's a face on that tree." I wanted to grab that little boy and hug him and spin him, but that would have scared his mother. I looked up and saw the face. Had I looked at the tree without the boy's comment, I think that I still would have seen it -- it did look like a face. Some would have seen it, some wouldn't; but I never want to lose that. As long as you still have your imagination, you'll always be young. There are great things that come with growing older, but you can get older and older and still retain youth (ironic that this sounds like another Dracula reference). Rather than Transylvania, think Neverland, except that you can leave and go back many times so that you still get to experience "grown-up" things.

Just don't forget your pixie dust.

eyes that burn like cigarettes

2005-09-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to be the girl that gets up early and stays up late -- that song is still amusing. I like a lot of the attributes in that song, though getting up early and staying up late every night is physically impossible. I'm working toward the next best thing.

Lately I've been in the mood to just rock out to AC/DC and Van Halen. It's nice to be able to enjoy any music out loud in the apartment.

Tonight is From the Big Apple to the Big Easy, the live NYC concerts (on pay-per-view) for the Katrina Relief -- should be sweet. If you're at home, it's worth checking out. If you really have nothing to do, you could help that friend that lives closeby. There are so many ways to contribute to the Katrina efforts right now (especially with the Red Cross online) that it's more worth using your physical presence to make a difference in the lives of those around you -- well any day is a good day for that. That's one of the reasons why I like Amelie. You could focus your efforts on the problem that's currently getting all the attention, or you could use that effort on just one person where it's going to make even more of an impact than you realize (and you could still contribute monetarily to the big problem if you wanted to).

You get my point: you could do something that matters by helping someone else or even yourself (no matter how small). It could be as simple as listening to someone that just needs someone to talk to or opening a door for someone. So go out and do something!

Ahoy, me maties!

2005-09-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

So today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Many times have I seen this online and figured that there was no one day because it felt like many days were declared as such, but today is the official day.

You should read the amusing story of how this originated if you don't know it yet. Dave Barry is the official spokesman -- haha...

So be a dork a bit today and talk like a pirate -- it'll be good for yer innards...

The way life should be

2005-09-15T19:17:00.000-07:00

So I saw some Maine in 2-2.5 days. We covered a lot, but I really want to go back and just hang there for a lengthy time. I need to see the coast during the day, but that will happen.

I now have the Flickr "badge" on the right side of this blog below the links list. The Maine photos (the "Labor Day Wkend" album) cover details of my trip pretty well. If you view the album as a slideshow in Flickr, you can't see the descriptions, but the slideshow is nice.

To sum up some of the trip
(say more in few words):
- RIT buds and Mainers (or both)
- walkie talkies (always a good time)
- 1st margarita
- Leah feels like a cousin
- Stephen King's house
- 1st shanty experience w/ Maine lobster and 2 lbs of clams (sweetness)
- Bar Harbor
- Land's End (believe me -- it is list-worthy because that is "the store" of Maine)
- Portland

Maine is beautiful, it kicks ass, and I have to go back.
Check out the photos.

holiday wkend

2005-09-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

Almost everywhere you go, there's a chance to donate to the Red Cross or other reliefs for Hurricane Katrina victims. I'm surprised by how many other nations are helping us with that, but that's a good thing. I remember watching TWC (who just recently changed their logo) when Katrina was close to Louisiana and the people on Bourbon Street were still hanging out, drinking in spite of the strong winds. I have an uncle and aunt in Lafayette, but luckily they weren't affected the way that New Orleans was by far. It's insane what's going on down there, and I thank God no one that I'm close to is there.

Some RIT friends in the Boston area are native Mainers, so for Labor Day weekend, I joined them in a trip to Maine. We packed a good amount in a couple of days. For my first time there, it rocked. Once I get the chance, I'll post more soon...

Oh, baby, baby

2005-08-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

"it's a wild world" [wide web] -- someone should make a punful song out of that, like Weird Al. My parents should have sung this to me before I left for Mass -- that's pretty much how they felt.

Back to the web though, I've just discovered that A List Apart redid their site both in visual and back-end design. The webzine is now powered by Ruby on Rails -- sweetness! -- and looks hot in my opinion. It's more elegant. It uses serif fonts well (Garamond is used for the logo now it seems). What's really important is that the content is no longer boxed in, which is what I've been trying to striving to do in my web design (think outside the box). This one design aspect affects the whole look and feel of any site. So it's now more open and free, more open-minded in the tone that comes across, and that's good. It looks like a traditional magazine gone digital (nicely done), which is what I would strive for in an online group publication. They also have a consistent, multiple branding thing going on, which is well done. The t-shirts are a little too nerdy for my taste though; maybe if they make some using creative puns... still too nerdy I'm sure -- there is a limit.

After reading some Signal vs. Noise (by 37signals), I just noticed that they posted about people requesting to have multiple people assigned to one task in Basecamp (their project management web app). I was one of those people! (haha) I asked about having that feature in the Basecamp feedback survey (rather than thru email). I'm really glad that they posted their rationale for why they don't do this though. I had wanted the feature because sometimes in a group project (4-5 people), 2 or 3 may be working on the same task. After reading the rationale though, I can see why 37signals did this. 37signals had to make a design decision that would affect how people use Basecamp and how people work on a project. They believed that letting more than one person get assigned to a task creates more problems, and I agree, depending on the group. In groups of 4-5, people can assign tasks to 2 or 3 people and it can work out. For most cases, this doesn't work so well, so I'm glad that 37signals stuck to their guns on it. Their post brought on a slew of comments. Some people have said (in one form or another) that "37signals shouldn't tell businesses how to run their projects," but the whole point of a good project management tool is that it helps businesses work better! You can't design an application without considering the context in which people will be using it. The point is to make life easier and more productive for people -- that's that.

So Andrei and Dirk came to work with us (my department) on our UI yesterday and this morning. It was awesome that I finally met (in person) the man responsible for my co-op (he recommended me to my supervisor, which brought on the first interview). That was really cool, and Dirk's an incredibly nice and laid-back guy. Andrei and Dirk are fun, and I learned a lot from them in just that short time. I'm a lucky girl for getting to meet people that I look to as UI experts (the UI gods). It's a sweet experience when you meet people that you admire professionally and you get the chance to hang out and talk with them about random things. You get to see them more as the individuals that they (instead of just as masters of a given subject). It's all of those other aspects in one's life that help to make that person a master.

"Now I am the master."

being open

2005-08-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

So I work in the design group of the IT department that's primarily involved with the company's intranet web services. The dept name just changed from "E-Services" to "Open Services" as my boss has been trying to push the idea of using open source throughout departments.

My boss and some of the lead programmers came back from OSCON and said that people are starting to lean toward Postgre and that all the buzz was about Ruby on Rails (sweetness!). Some of us at RIT had talked about Ruby on Rails and knew that would happen in time, but it's awesome to hear that it is happening. I'm doing a lot of user interface design and html/css work for web apps, but I'd love to learn Ruby on Rails (if only I had time). Doing the development is a big part of the design process as well, especially for a web app. To be able to carry out its creation from design comps all the way to implementing in Rails would be sweet. What's nice is that you can do some small things in Rails in no time. I don't want to do development all the time, but I'd like to possibly get my knees wet in Rails.

Wednesday was a long but fun non-work day. Our department spent the day at the Endicott House for an "Open Source Offsite." We had Bruce Perens speak and hang out with us for the day -- he's hilarious -- definitely cool to have him speak. We had a couple girls from Second City do various games with us, which was fun and made me think about the way in which I carry on a conversation. The Endicott House is beautiful, particularly the grounds -- good place for an outdoor wedding or a small conference.

There was food non-stop -- I told this to the bartender so that she'd know why people were sucking 'em down so easily. It was an open bar with at least three hours to go, so of course I had to take advantage of that. It was my first real mixed drink and I didn't want to take a chance of getting sick while hanging with the boss and co-workers, so I started with an amaretto sour. The bartender knew this -- I had told her to do just a half of a shot (vs. a full shot) of the amaretto or just to pour with discretion since she was experienced and would probably know a good start. I think that it looked like half a shot, but the guys all said that it looked more like "a splash" with mostly all sour... yeah whatever, maybe it was, but it was decent for a first drink.

So a little later, I tried something else: it was one part Bailey's, one part Kahlua, one part amaretto, and the rest was milk. Now with that one, the bartender decided to be a little more liberal on the alcohol, seeing that I could take the last one no problem. This drink was delicious. Unfortunately, I only drank half before dinner was done, and everyone wanted to mini golf at a place down the street. So I made my fellow interning-friend Jon down the rest -- I told him to drink it, and he's like "sure" -- and we all carpooled to do mini golf (don't worry). No one was really drunk though (shame, would have been incredibly amusing), but it was still amusing nonetheless (that's a weird word -- why have that word when it's just 3 words smacked together?).

So, long week -- tiring but good, and awesome people.

we were merely freshmen

2005-08-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

So I hung out with Emily (freshman roomie) for a few hours this past weekend. I helped her pack a bit (we really didn't get too much done) as we watched various scenes from Life as a House for old time's sake.

It's crazy how I just got here last month while everyone else is heading back to school. I met Em's Irish neighbors -- not Boston Irish-American -- Irish, straight from the motherland. She hung out with them out a lot this summer and had some fun. I only talked to them for two minutes and could see that they were fun. They're in Boston for the summer just for kicks. I have a lot of Irish in my background but haven't been to Ireland yet -- definitely want to someday. Talking to those guys was the closest I've been to Ireland yet, and just listening to them and trying to understand them was amusing and somewhat of a cultural experience.

It was great to just get to hang and talk with Em again. I don't get to see her much at school anymore, but she's still like a sister or cousin to me. It was good to talk with her for a couple hours straight about anything and everything the way that we used to freshman year. It's good to be college students again. It's good to be girls having girl talk again. It's good to be silly while sitting at a booth, cracking up about blog-inappropriate things.

I plan to always feel young no matter how old I get, but it's nice to visit with close friends and realize that "we are young!" [in my Pat Benatar voice]... okay, maybe you got that :). Anyway, it feels like there is never enough time to do things like that -- hang out with a friend or friends for the day or a few hours. It only gets harder the older we get, so it's good to snatch any opportunity that arises.

our web faces

2005-08-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

So it seems there was a recent study done showing how gender affects web design. I find it really interesting -- it could sterotype a bit in ways, but I think that certain points may prove true for the majority of a gender (depends). I won't reiterate what everyone's been saying, but Molly Holzschlag discussed it in her blog. She links to the university that did the study, which was also mentioned in a CNN online news article yesterday. Liz also just talked about this on misbehaving.net. So check that out and see what you think.

Jen recently mentioned group hug, which I had never run across before. Reading those confessions will take you through every emotion -- some are sad, some are too corny, some are hilarious, some are sweet. It's interesting to see how some people spill their guts, knowing that they're telling anyone and everyone but anonymously. The idea that they're just getting it out there and venting to someone is their online therapy. I like the feature of various nouns in the confessions being links so that you can actually choose a subject to read confessions on. The link style is a little too subtle though -- a light green underline signifies a linked word. Just an example of how it works though: say there's a listed confession with the word "love" underlined -- you click on it and you're taken to a list of random confessions that are supposed to have the word "love" in it (I'm thinking that's how it works) or is on the subject of love. Some of the confessions really are amusing though if you choose the right subject. Try it out.

From Danah Boyd's blog, I learned about Mapping Sex in America. This uses Flash and is really amusing. Some of the entries are just... "Wow... hard to believe someone would actually do that and then post about it as well" (those kind of go hand-in-hand though). So anyway, you can click on "Participate" and not actually have to participate in order to view the entries posted around the states so far. It kind of makes me wonder if some of them are bullshitting, but I have the feeling that most people aren't that creative and wouldn't bother to go onto that site and post a story unless it was true. I also think this because of people's tendency to let themselves be brutally honest on the internet. For many, it releases a lot of inhibitions -- you can sort of liken the internet to alcohol. Some of the stories are noted as "historic," meaning it's a quick blurb of a somewhat sexual landmark in history, so it's educational as well! How can you go wrong with that?! Some stories are hilarious though, so check it out, but don't spend too much time on there (it will eat up your time if you let it).

The Perseids

2005-08-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

I just discovered that the Perseid meteor shower happens tonight into the early morning. Once again, us Northerners have the advantage of seeing more than people in the South (one reason why I prefer living in the North), and we at least deserve that perk for having wintery weather 9 months out of the year so often.

So around 11pm, check it out. Try to get out to an area that's more in the country if you can. I may be too close to Boston to see much, but we'll see. Supposedly a good time to see the shower is around 4am, but I can't afford to wake up just in hopes of seeing something. I can't wait up until 2am either since I have the weekly design crit at 8:30am, but if you're still awake, take a minute to go outside and look up.

NASA has more information about it.