Thursday, November 09, 2006

A quick commentary on television/internet convergence

I find the advertising industry so fascinating. At this very moment analog is changing to digital, digital is converting to high definition, which will enable a perfect marriage between television and internet. I predict all content will stream through hundreds of different mediums at the same time. It so amazing.

I think back to my college days, when using email was considered cutting edge. The world has changed so much. My dad even powers his own website. This full saturation of the Internet has re -defined us as people and changed our lives amazingly.

It's good to be able to stand back and watch our world evolve around the technology that powers our lives.

Friday, August 11, 2006

The secret to losing weight without dieting and exercise


I may have found the best kept secret in the world. Women, men, and not so small children everywhere will thank me and hopefully make donations to the keep Sam wealthy fund. As I drink my whiskey sour out of a plastic cup on the 6:15 train home last night, it came to me. It was divine inspiration, kinda like my muse had return after a long vacation or something--pure brilliance.

The question at hand is how do you lose weight without dieting or exercise? The answer is move to Sri Lanka because the gravitational pull is the weakest in Sri Lanka. A stronger gravitational pull will result in a higher weight for any given object. I wonder if I can market this, maybe make a million and retire in my own riverfront home.

Of course other factors such as weather, planetary spin, and planetary girth will influence gravitational forces. I'm going to just simplify my life and find my way to Sri Lanka were I will weigh less but have to find high ground. I believe the key to a happy life is survival and health, so avoiding a tsunami is on the top of my to do list.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

POV on the Crisis in Lebanon

I can not count how many times I have heard "never talk religion, politics, and sexual orientation in polite conversation" but it is valuable advice. Last night I watched CNN with my significant other and Hezbollah or Hizb'Allah (the correct spelling in english, it's beyond me why the media didn't get it right), was being discussed by the ever so concise Anderson Cooper.

I sighed and expressed overall frustration with the state of affairs in Lebanon. My significant other took the we need to go into Lebanon and put Hizb'Allah down and secure the region for Israel. This comment just added to my frustration because I feel that Israel bullies all of their neighboring countries and behaves like a bad toddler who picks fights that he expects the big brother (America) to fight. It is about time that Israel learns to play nice in the play ground and treat others regardless of location, religion, or race as equals. It would be nice if the American government would stop spending tax dollars to support a country that is not part of America. Truthfully, regardless of how you twist or turn it Israel is independent of America and has/will make decisions that do not benefit America or Americans.

I will not support the abuse or misrepresentation of any group of people and this goes beyond location, religion, and race. If Israel was truly the victim I would be the 1st to help but when Israel oppresses others and manages to use the same scare tactics that their ancestors suffered under it upsets me profoundly. I have resolved to call for a hands of policy and only supply food and medical equipment to all parties involved. I'm truly disappointed in the actions of Israel throughout this conflict and will never again support the Israeli cause.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Last night's dream

It’s dark in the room. I look up and yell “where are you?” and then I wake up, realizing I’m still in my bedroom. It slowly comes back to me. I’m in bed.

The problem is only that that dream is vivid. I feel like I missed something or someone. I’ve been thinking about it all day. Could it be my own anxiety reaching into my subconscious?

I’ve been under a substantial amount stress lately. I have so many balls in the air, my car issues, my elusive wedding plans, summer camp drama, the list is endless. I have to calm myself down at night. When I lay down I can feel my mind racing and my head spinning.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Finding myself and my favorite cult all in one weekend

It all began with one freelance job. I answered an ad on media post and ended working for this shady character, who of course promised me an insane amount of money to compose a commercial print piece. I was going to develop the content, a lay it out and negotiate production cost. This would have been a labor of love.

What I actually did was serve as a second on a pitch. The shady character needed to sell his vision for an African American publication to a huge publishing house. In the meetings we negotiated an insert in an already published magazine. All is good until the time to pay the freelancer. On that day I received a sealed envelope with a gift certificate to take a seminar. I was pissed to say the least.

I dealt with it and accepted it as a loss. I would get paid upfront next time when dealing with shady folk. So the day for the seminar comes along. It just so happened that I had nothing better to do, so I went.

I walked in picked up my name tag and looked around at a million very odd looking people. Not one person in this room would fall into my peer group. A couple overweight women, chain smokers, an obvious gambler (he asked me to bet on how many people were in the room), and yep my favorite was the recovering drug addict with the twitch. Those were only a few of the ones I paired up with and shared my experiences with so I know all of those fine details.

I found a seat in an unpopulated row in the middle of the bank of seats. It was across the room from an entrance, I was hoping no one would sit next to me. I’m anti-social by nature. It happened, even though I tried to look unwelcoming. I was sandwiched between a very heavy woman and a beautiful real-estate broker, the Grande Dame of Real-Estate in CT. The heavy woman to my right kept on overlapping to my chair so I picked the chair up and tried to move closer to the broker. This didn’t go off well, I receive a glare from both ends. So, I resolve to slump down in my chair and pray for the end of this ordeal, kinda like the time I was talked into going on a rollercoaster and kept on calculating the probability that the coaster seats would derail. I’m not kidding it was the same feeling!

So a few minutes pass and out comes the leader. He is perky and has an unnaturally high voice for a man. He is also wearing a short sleeve shirt with a tie, which causes me to remember my grandfather in his banking days. He proceeds to introduce himself. I sit there and try to remember my grandfather’s recipe for rum punch and then it happens. The guy actually looks at me and asks a direct question. I didn’t hear the question because I instantly start to wonder if my strategy to avoid eye contact and my body language was actually making me noticeable. So he repeats, “Why are you here? Do you live with integrity?”

I figured I would never see these characters again and I might as well tell him the truth. I was tricked into this. I assure him that my intention was not to be there but since this was the only compensation I was getting I was going to make the most of it. The last question was tough I wanted to say yes I live my life with integrity but I was lying to everyone in my life about my marriage. I was telling people I was divorced. At the time I was just separated but that is a whole different story. I said for the most part my integrity was in tact and he laughed.

So begins the 1st day a 12 hour ordeal. I am told I am only allowed 5 minute breaks and most return for two more days. In those remaining days I managed to listen to many people talk about the plight in there lives and share some of my life. On a positive note I found myself and gained a new perspective. Even though the group still contacts me and pushes me to recruit others, I have refrained from it. I think we each will come to it if we were meant to attend such a seminar in life.

Monday, May 22, 2006

Neutrality: How to Raise Your Very Own Stripper

Neutrality: How to Raise Your Very Own Stripper

The update

I have survived a business trip, wedding, and many roller coaster rides in the last week or two. No bones broken and positive feedback so I'm counting all of this as a win. Just trying to keep up with the pace of life at the moment. It's the same old story so much to do and not enough time.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Life as it is

I almost want to say I'm waiting for the next big thing but I'm actually busy acting on all that comes my way. I'm just waiting for all my work to pay off. Everyday seems to bring a new big thing and occasionally a not so big big thing.

Today I'm waiting for an opportunity to WOW an ad agency with my big marketing proposal. It's a good offering but I have 30 minutes to deliver and a couple campaigns to manage. Thank God for Sales Support. I also managed to piss of a network Sales Director. He should just get his own business and stay out of my league. What I do is completely different than what he does. We are comparing apples to oranges.

So far so good, I survived my 2 pm meeting getting ready for my big trip to Minneapolis. I'm actually excited about it. I like the Mid West. So much more laid back then NY. I mean I wouldn't want to live there but it is fun to visit.

Friday, March 17, 2006

Love in a Hot Tub vs. Early Morning Dunkin Donuts Action

My question is can you actually have a meaningful relationship with a woman who you hook up with randomly in a hot tub at a party while she is still married to your friend?

This question I have pondered and my common sense screams no but stranger things have happened. Things like men waiting for the hot tub woman to get divorced, so they can marry her. Who would figure something like that could happen? Not I.

This morning's encounter with Ms. I'm engaged but I will throw myself at another man in Dunkin Donuts at 8am, makes me question the sanity of men. The man she choose to shower her attention on was actually recently divorced and encouraging her. I normally wouldn't care what insane women do with there bodies or time but didn't like a few comments she made to me. If this follows the same pattern as hot tub woman. She will marry and eventually divorce said husband, alienate the new beaus friends and family move to Albany and marry new beau and only select hiking equipment in her gift registry.

This brings me back to my little situation. I tend to say what is on my mind and I told the Dunkin Donuts guy it is in his best interest to run for the hills because he might end up as a sad headline in the New York Post "Love Triangle Murder-Nice Honest Divorcee sliced to bits because he was involved with a not so sane married woman" or even worse "Mob hit- Divorce Man targeted due to his extramarital affair with Mob princess". There is no happy ending for this one. I guess from here on I'll try to keep my opinions to myself.

It amazes me how many people do not avoid these dramatic situations.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Update

I have moved on and evolved. I found an amazing job that is challenging and enjoyable. I'm engaged. So very happy!

No time to blog lunch meeting but I will blog again soon.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Moving On!

Cheers to new beginnings and leaving the past behind me!

I'm on my way, I have left my job and moved onto another gig. I'm happily awaiting Monday morning. It's gonna be fast paced and exciting.

I'm still experiencing some growing pains, just gonna push through it and hope for the best. I've never been one to give up anyway. I'm not genetically coded to quit on myself.

I will hopefuly have very exciting news in the near future for all inquiring minds. Just hang in there!

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Still Got My Groove On!

(pic by Derrick McCall)

I know I've been down lately but it's just the job issues, my dad's health and my pointless diet. The job I'm just going have to do, come in early, leave on time, and deal with the peeps in this joint. What can I do? I flush 5 times. I keep to myself. I'm in fear of being censored because when the last hire resigned, she told HR that she didn't like the treatment the department received and since I am one of two remaining in the dept. I was dragged to the interrogation room for a little censorship talk. I'm resigned to it. What can you do? Keeping my head down low and staying out of trouble. I know the employment market is tough and I only need one job so I guess I'll hold on to the rope for a while and fantasize about pristine beaches, while stuck in a storm in the sea.

My dad, who I love dearly, has managed to get me worried sick. He's been a little crazy lately. He forgets important things like his medication. Sometimes he hurts himself and can't feel it. The Docs attribute that to poor circulation. Well, he is independent and doesn't want my help, so I can only do so much. My parents may be the most stubborn people on earth I must get it from them. Well my dad's fifty something b-day is coming up already bought the gift and planned his Valentine surprise. I hope he likes it.

This diet is kicking my ass. I'm eating nothing. I'm low cal, no carb, and so miserable. I start of the day with some oatmeal, add a couple of walnuts and yes some real white processed sugar. I hate the fake stuff. After my oatmeal I try to avoid eating anything heavy until dinner and then I have protein and veggies. Last night was a strip steak with broccoli and I skipped lunch so I can splurge for dinner. Painful, I know I want to lose 15 pounds but how long can I keep this up. I've only lost 2 lbs since I started. OK only been doing this seriously for a week but still that is a long time for me. I love food. I am passionate about just about all cuisines. Is this what my thirties will have to offer--years of restraint, diet obsession. It almost feels like sex is the only indulgence I'm allowed. I shouldn't complain but if I had to chose losing 15lbs and booty, I would go with the booty everytime so I'm glad I can keep that one little indulgence.

Regardless of all my trials and tribulations, I managing to keep it together. I still feel pretty good and have my mighty Viking chasing me around. I haven't lost hope that I'll find a better gig. I just hope it happens sooner better than later. I am trying to be patient--it's so hard!

Monday, February 06, 2006

Tyger Tyger

This my favorite poem. I loved it the 1st time I heard it at 10 years old as much as I love it now.

Tyger Tyger burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies,
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare sieze the fire?

And what shoulder & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand?& what dread feet?

What the hammer? What the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? What dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp!

When the stars threw down their spears
And water’d heaven with their tears:
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the lamb make thee?

Tyger Tyger burning bright,
In the forests of the night:
What immortal hand or eye,
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

---William Blake--

It's timeless!

Faith

For the last month or so I have been dragging myself out of bed on Sunday morning to attend church. This is huge for me because I haven't done that since I was a child. I'm looking for that peace and clarity I once had.

I am overall happy with life as it is but there is this piece of me that is missing. I need to believe there is more because if this is it I may have to shrivel up. There has to be hope for more and a chance to make the world better.

I do the usual polite/kind things on the daily like hold the door for others and say thank you. I can't remember the last time I really helped anyone or change someone's life. I want it all --I want to be able to help people, love my work, live well, and take care of my family.

My greatest flaw would have to be my impatience I want everything to happen now and yesterday. I constantly move forward and circle around never stopping like a shark in the ocean. I know there are better ways to live but when you have a family to support you are always thinking 5 steps ahead and pushing on.

I guess I'll devote my meditation and prayers to slowing the roll and taking it all in but when it comes to work I'm still going to have to push forward. As soon as things settle I'll release the reins again.

Friday, February 03, 2006

Neutrality: The Realities of Nightmares

One of my favorite posts

Neutrality: The Realities of Nightmares

Old friends & New friends



As I left work chatting up San Genero Guy on my celly, he managed to convince me to go to this OMD party. Mind you before getting him I chatted with his wife for 10 minutes, trying to weasel his contact information. San Genero Guy and I used to be co-workers and we are tight. I like him a lot. I actually only keep very few people near me in life and he is one of them.

He's really strong has survived much and still manages to smile. His wife is amazing. She holds every thing together and provides a stable base. Since I am partial to him already it only took a little arm twisting. So I got there early and waited for him. I ordered a pint of Blue Moon, found a stool sat at the bar, trying to look casually comfy and aloof, not interested in being picked up and OK with drinking alone. I did that fot 45 minutes realized he was late and then decided to go outside and call him because I couldn't hear a thing in that bar.

And then it happened, the Elvis look a like stepped to me. Wasn't too pushy said something about the guy I'm waiting for is lucky and asked if he could keep me company. If I was single I would encourage him but there is that fine line between attraction and appropriate behavior. My boyfriend tells me men will only talk to women they find attractive so even saying hello is encouraging. Damn does that mean I flirted by mistake for 28 years before realizing it. I want to believe sometimes people just talk to talk. Can't just put myself in a bubble. I'll miss out on life. So I thanked him and said I was waiting for my buddy, who strolled in at that minute--perfect timing.

He brought along Aisha, his new side kick-- I was her 3 years ago. I liked her. She is really smart and funny and drinks Blue Moon also. I suggested a couple more premium Belgian Beers and chatted her up and then we started working the room. I have to admit my socializing skills were not at peak. I didn't feel like chatting up complete strangers last night. So I shook hands made a mental note to remember the bodies that go with the names and planned my excape.

And yes it happened again, I bumped into a guy I worked with 5 years ago--randomly. I always liked KJ-he has a good heart and is really smart. He reminds me of my boyfriend who I adore. We did the corporate america thing exchanged business cards, some superficial talk and parted ways. I think I will shoot him an email and have lunch with him if he wants. I am genuinely curious about him. Last time we hung out it was at a french bistro. He loves that stuff. You never know what you can learn from people. He is in ad sales now and still living in brooklyn. I wonder if he has read anything good lately and if he finished that novel he was writing. So many questions. This one is worth the time.

Tonight I may have to make an appearance at this Conde Net thing, my friend there may get tired of inviting my lazy bottom. Don't really want to go. Dieting and consuming mass quantities of beer do not really mix. I feel terrible the following morning AKA right now. I guess I have to take this one for my career and go and network. Go figure! I may actually enjoy it. Who knows!

Thursday, February 02, 2006

Ode to the Handbag


I have searched long and hard for the right handbag. The one that says I can be worn with anything and I will not fall apart. The complete companion to stand by my side through my days toil.

At last the heavens have parted and provided my companion. It's just what I was looking for class and sophistication at the right price. My heart actually skipped a beat. Even on sale I have to admit it was more expensive than any bag I've ever owned but at last I have found my daily companion.

There is still good in the world.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Mr. No Talent arrogant Kiss My A@# sales guy


It all started last week Friday with a cryptic email from an advertising agency. They needed specs checked by a publisher. It was then forwarded to me who realized there wasn't anything I can do because I do not adjust specs and I then forwarded it to the person who builds the ad who get this sends it right back to me basically saying they can't work with this.

OK at this point Mr. No Talent arrogant Kiss My A@# sales guy decided to copy the whole damn company and announce that he will get to the bottom of why this service request wasn't answered. My answer to him is there isn't anything for me to do, they haven't even set up there campaign. I have already spoken to the party that originated this idiotic email message.

Regardless, I look forward to the two hour meeting in the interrogation room about how this should have been handled.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Schadenfreude

Schadenfreude

n : delight in another person's misfortune

According to the NY Times, there is a location in the brain attached to schadenfreude. Can this discovery be put to practical use? Can we track and identify people who are more likely to find joy in the pain of another by a brain scan?

It would in the long run provide great crime prevention. Well that is only if the environment has no affect on this behavior and if we are all not disposed to occasionally feeling schadendfreude.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Reasons for loving SFXH

1. He doesn't use cheesy pick up lines like "I hope you know CPR, cause you take my breathe away" but does give me silly nick names like cocoa bean and chases me around the dining table.
2. He has an uncanny way of knowing what I am up to all of the time. He says he knows what motivates me. Weird because I pride myself on being a wild card.
3. He makes me laugh every day. Always says what's on his mind, especially when it isn't political correct. Yeah and he tells the dirtiest jokes ever.
4. He can carry a conversation with anyone and I mean anyone about anything. This one you have to witness.
5. He doesn't judge anyone and is always open minded in regards to life.
6. He follows his heart and lives his life the way he wants to regardless of the rest of the world.
7. He is always up for rescuing the scared hiker/climber trapped on break neck ridge and still manages to rescue me along the way.
8. He watches CSI and Dirty Jobs with me and talks only during the commercials.
9. He still takes me to Hockey games even though I yell and curse through the whole game and never tells me to calm down.
10. He has managed to get me addicted to football and always watches with me.
11. He is thoughtful in everyway possible.

I could go on but I think eleven reasons are enough for today.

Check out this post

Friday, January 06, 2006

Potty drama in the office



This all started before my time. I'll try to give you some background. The ladies room of my office tends to have toilets filled with stuff and the office manager cringes at flushing after other people. It turns out you have to multiple flush in that bathroom, maybe it's the pressure who knows but currently it is a big to do in the office.

It happened once before I got here and while I was on vacation and now today and everyone is throwing in their two cents and accusing everyone of the ultimate offense--"toilet leaving".

Please look below for some email snipits.

This type of behavior is unacceptable. First of all, you should not flush anything but toilet paper down the toilet. Second, if you do block the toilet, there is a plunger. USE IT! There is absolutely no excuse for leaving the toilet clogged. We are all adults and we do not have someone on staff to handle these issues; we must handle them ourselves. Please, if it is your mess, go fix it now.

The response

However, we should consider getting the bathrooms fixed by a professional. Besides the obvious, too much toilet paper and feminine problems, if this thing happens every week then we need to get a plumber in here to fix it (the water levels/pressure are too low).

The enivitable response to the above

The bathrooms have been fixed by professionals. There is nothing wrong with the pressure. I’ve had them checked by 2 different plumbers. The things that you say are “wrong with the bathroom” are mostly esthetics; it does not excuse anyone from leaving a mess.

People know when someone is in that first stall; no one walks in or looks through the lock. I will have someone fix it when there are other needs in the bathroom, there is no need to call in a professional for such a small task.

I’ve never had a problem when using the bathroom. I make sure that I clean up after myself. There’s no reason why others can’t do the same

Who would have thought corporate america could generate such issues. Well this all goes back to kindergarten if you ask me. We learn this stuff at home but then again there is a 4 flush demand due to office policy--so what if the culprit flushed and it just didn't take due to pressure. I'm not defending the culprit just stating the facts.