so I'm watching TV and a commercial for prostate shrinking drugs comes on. the commercial's topic isn't important but it's one of those commercials that are supposed to be an intimate conversation between the protagonist and the audience. (really, would you want to have an un-intimate conversation about prostate shrinking drugs?)
in the middle of the commercial, the camera switches from a straight-on perspective to a a side perspective. the protagonist keeps talking to the straight-on camera which means the audience is now looking at him from the side as he talks to someone else. but hey... you were just talking to me! why am I not me anymore? why am I now some second, unengaged observer? this has been a trend in commercials for a few years now and it's creeped me out the entire time. it's totally contrived and unnatural but they try to play it off like it is natural in some way and you can tell they think they're being cool with it all. it bugs me.
I've noticed this mostly in financial and prostate/e.d. drug related commercials, which, you could argue, are targeted at men. so now I'm thinking maybe if I were a guy, I wouldn't care? or even notice? maybe it's one of those things that's on the x chromosome...
February 29, 2008
February 21, 2008
I don't want to be followed by the weather
I'm working from home today and right now, the TV is on. (I don't usually start work until 8:00 so this is sort of my warm-up period where I read email and ease into things so it's okay that the TV is on...)
it just so happens that good morning america is on* and Dianne Sawyer was just interviewing this guy who apparently faked his own disappearance because he was running for congress (or maybe some other elected office) and wasn't doing so well. it seems he faked the situation (which was pretty elaborate and involved him giving himself frostbite) in an attempt to gain the sympathy of the voters and win the election.
but he got caught. didn't win the election. and is now facing some kind of legal ramifications. the dude was definitely having a tough time with the interview. Dianne's soft but stern understanding was too much for him, I guess. he couldn't keep it together and started crying on national TV.
Dianne thanked him for joining her then said (in a deep, calm voice) "it truly is a perplexing case..." then, (in a much peppier voice) "now for the weather!"
it's a skill, for sure, to be able to go from tragedy to witty banter and weather. but man, if you're the tragedy, the sunshine in the west has gotta make you feel even worse, don't you think?
* two things to note: 1. notice I said "good morning america is on" not "I turned good morning america on." and 2. Neil, you've already made fun of me for this so don't do it again.
it just so happens that good morning america is on* and Dianne Sawyer was just interviewing this guy who apparently faked his own disappearance because he was running for congress (or maybe some other elected office) and wasn't doing so well. it seems he faked the situation (which was pretty elaborate and involved him giving himself frostbite) in an attempt to gain the sympathy of the voters and win the election.
but he got caught. didn't win the election. and is now facing some kind of legal ramifications. the dude was definitely having a tough time with the interview. Dianne's soft but stern understanding was too much for him, I guess. he couldn't keep it together and started crying on national TV.
Dianne thanked him for joining her then said (in a deep, calm voice) "it truly is a perplexing case..." then, (in a much peppier voice) "now for the weather!"
it's a skill, for sure, to be able to go from tragedy to witty banter and weather. but man, if you're the tragedy, the sunshine in the west has gotta make you feel even worse, don't you think?
* two things to note: 1. notice I said "good morning america is on" not "I turned good morning america on." and 2. Neil, you've already made fun of me for this so don't do it again.
February 20, 2008
for that kind of money, people shouldn't be going to the bathroom in my bedroom
so I've started to poke around at homes to buy. well, homes in Denver and condo type things in Boulder because Boulder is on the expensive side. not super, crazy, out of control like parts of California but still, on the expensive side.
being as afraid of commitment as I am, I haven't contacted a real estate agent or anything like that. I'm just looking at listings online. my officemate is really interested in me buying a place (I think it's a chance for him to live vicariously through my spending) so he sent an email to an agent about a property we saw online this morning (I swear, we sometimes work). in his email he said that he had a friend who was looking for a place and he gave her some specs on me like price range and that I want to live walking distance from a coffee shop (I do. I really do.) and so she emailed back a few listings that she had. this was one of them (search on #529809). hmm... ~$218,000 for 604 sq. ft.? so I went here (on page 2) to look at the floor plan.
my only comment: "$218,440 and everyone who comes to visit me has to pee in my bedroom?" that just doesn't seem right.
being as afraid of commitment as I am, I haven't contacted a real estate agent or anything like that. I'm just looking at listings online. my officemate is really interested in me buying a place (I think it's a chance for him to live vicariously through my spending) so he sent an email to an agent about a property we saw online this morning (I swear, we sometimes work). in his email he said that he had a friend who was looking for a place and he gave her some specs on me like price range and that I want to live walking distance from a coffee shop (I do. I really do.) and so she emailed back a few listings that she had. this was one of them (search on #529809). hmm... ~$218,000 for 604 sq. ft.? so I went here (on page 2) to look at the floor plan.
my only comment: "$218,440 and everyone who comes to visit me has to pee in my bedroom?" that just doesn't seem right.
February 12, 2008
I'm only gloating because I have nothing better to do today.
My city is smarter than yours.
Although is it really? I don't necessarily think having a degree means you're smart. Often, it simply means your parents had enough money to send you to college.
But in case that's not enough, my city can also run faster than yours.
And do more push-ups.
So we totally win.
Although is it really? I don't necessarily think having a degree means you're smart. Often, it simply means your parents had enough money to send you to college.
But in case that's not enough, my city can also run faster than yours.
And do more push-ups.
So we totally win.
February 05, 2008
There's a first time for everything
So... happy Super Tuesday everyone!
As you probably know, I live in Colorado and this year, Colorado is part of the whole super Tuesday thing. But what you probably don't know, and what I only found out recently, is that Colorado is a caucus state. Wtf, right? Yeah, tell me about it.
Being the good Democrat that I am, I had planned to go the caucus and participate and blah, blah, blah. But this morning, I found out that one of my friends was/is the captain of our precinct. That means that he was running the caucus for our precinct. And, of course, that means I got roped into helping out.
First there was the sign making. And then the registering people. And then the actual caucusing. I was officially the caucus secretary which, btw, is an elected position and a position that involves more math than you would expect. There were about five times more participants than expected and the scene turned into what can best be described as white collar pandemonium. Funny how the more people you have in a group, the lower the collective I.Q.
But in the end, it all worked out. Our precinct had cookies and apple juice which made us the best one. I take credit for this because when my friend J. asked if I wanted to help, my response was "Will there be free cookies? If so, I'm totally in." There weren't nearly as many crazies as I thought there would be although we had a few (and the crazies were all about the cookies!). There were random, impromtu speeches. There was some changing of minds. And there was one guy for Kucinich and believe it or not, he wasn't one of the crazies.
I'm officially an alternate precinct delegate so if one of the delegates can't make it to the county convention in March, I get to go cast my vote. The woman I'm an alternate for didn't seem too sure she wanted to do this so I think there's a good shot I might actually go. If it's half as interesting as the caucus tonight... well, that will totally suck.
So... what else is there to say? It was an interesting evening but honestly, I really do think that caucusing is a pain in the butt. But, it's totally worth it.
As you probably know, I live in Colorado and this year, Colorado is part of the whole super Tuesday thing. But what you probably don't know, and what I only found out recently, is that Colorado is a caucus state. Wtf, right? Yeah, tell me about it.
Being the good Democrat that I am, I had planned to go the caucus and participate and blah, blah, blah. But this morning, I found out that one of my friends was/is the captain of our precinct. That means that he was running the caucus for our precinct. And, of course, that means I got roped into helping out.
First there was the sign making. And then the registering people. And then the actual caucusing. I was officially the caucus secretary which, btw, is an elected position and a position that involves more math than you would expect. There were about five times more participants than expected and the scene turned into what can best be described as white collar pandemonium. Funny how the more people you have in a group, the lower the collective I.Q.
But in the end, it all worked out. Our precinct had cookies and apple juice which made us the best one. I take credit for this because when my friend J. asked if I wanted to help, my response was "Will there be free cookies? If so, I'm totally in." There weren't nearly as many crazies as I thought there would be although we had a few (and the crazies were all about the cookies!). There were random, impromtu speeches. There was some changing of minds. And there was one guy for Kucinich and believe it or not, he wasn't one of the crazies.
I'm officially an alternate precinct delegate so if one of the delegates can't make it to the county convention in March, I get to go cast my vote. The woman I'm an alternate for didn't seem too sure she wanted to do this so I think there's a good shot I might actually go. If it's half as interesting as the caucus tonight... well, that will totally suck.
So... what else is there to say? It was an interesting evening but honestly, I really do think that caucusing is a pain in the butt. But, it's totally worth it.
February 04, 2008
It's hard not to wonder
Abby (my dog) is doing kind of old these days. (Yes, that's right - I said "doing old" on purpose.)
For the past three or four months, she's been slowly but steadily declining. Stairs are hard if not impossible these days. As is getting in and out of the car. But aside from that sort of thing, she's still very much her. Her personality is still intact. She still does the stubborn things she's always done. She still attacks the vacuum cleaner. And she's still eating (a lot!). Because of the mixed signals, I can't tell how she's really doing; Is she in pain? Does she still enjoy her life? Does she still want to be around?
The past few nights, it seems like she's been having trouble sleeping and I'm wondering if she's in pain or if it's something else that's wrong. Abby has an acupuncture appointment on Friday and so I'm also wondering if I should have, you know, "the" conversation with my vet. I don't want Abby to be suffering. I don't want her to be alive if she doesn't want to be alive. But I don't want to end things if she still wants to be a part of them.
This is what thought about all weekend. And, honestly, I have no idea what to do. So...
There's a place in Boulder called the Psychic Horizons Center (and just now, I'm wondering if I haven't blogged about this before) and they do pet readings on Wednesday nights. I'm not sure there will ever be a better time than this to have one of these readings done. But... well... well... you know... well... lots of things.
Maybe I'll just give you the description of the whole thing and leave it at that:
A group of readers, will communicate with your pet and read it's aura to help it heal and increase awareness about any issues or problems the animal is having. Learn about your agreement with your pet this lifetime (what you have each come to teach each other), past lives and deepen your relationship with your special friend.
Bring your pet or its picture. (Please do not bring cats into the center, they are happier at home!)
Allow at least one hour for the session.
Please have your pet in a pet carrier or on a leash for it's protection when you bring it to the center!
For the past three or four months, she's been slowly but steadily declining. Stairs are hard if not impossible these days. As is getting in and out of the car. But aside from that sort of thing, she's still very much her. Her personality is still intact. She still does the stubborn things she's always done. She still attacks the vacuum cleaner. And she's still eating (a lot!). Because of the mixed signals, I can't tell how she's really doing; Is she in pain? Does she still enjoy her life? Does she still want to be around?
The past few nights, it seems like she's been having trouble sleeping and I'm wondering if she's in pain or if it's something else that's wrong. Abby has an acupuncture appointment on Friday and so I'm also wondering if I should have, you know, "the" conversation with my vet. I don't want Abby to be suffering. I don't want her to be alive if she doesn't want to be alive. But I don't want to end things if she still wants to be a part of them.
This is what thought about all weekend. And, honestly, I have no idea what to do. So...
There's a place in Boulder called the Psychic Horizons Center (and just now, I'm wondering if I haven't blogged about this before) and they do pet readings on Wednesday nights. I'm not sure there will ever be a better time than this to have one of these readings done. But... well... well... you know... well... lots of things.
Maybe I'll just give you the description of the whole thing and leave it at that:
A group of readers, will communicate with your pet and read it's aura to help it heal and increase awareness about any issues or problems the animal is having. Learn about your agreement with your pet this lifetime (what you have each come to teach each other), past lives and deepen your relationship with your special friend.
Bring your pet or its picture. (Please do not bring cats into the center, they are happier at home!)
Allow at least one hour for the session.
Please have your pet in a pet carrier or on a leash for it's protection when you bring it to the center!
February 01, 2008
Certain death
I work near the Boulder reservoir and sometimes go running on the trails around the res. during lunch. Several of the trails are blocked off by fences with signs that say something like “Certain death upon entry.” Apparently, a dog died there a few years ago, hence the fences and the signs so it’s not as dangerous as one might thing. Still, it’s always a little upsetting to be told you’re close to certain death, whether you are or not, especially when you’re not expecting at all.
My officemate and I have fallen into the habit of doing our I Ching readings almost every day. We have the book and the coins and ask our quiet questions the way would ask a magic 8-ball.
As you may know, it’s been a busy week at work and I’m totally exhausted. Still, I didn’t go snowboarding last weekend (the only weekend this year that I haven’t) so I thought about heading up tomorrow for a half day. I was planning to go up on my own and take a lesson so I could brush up on my turning skills, maybe hit the half pipe. (Anyone who’s ever been snowboarding with me will think the idea of me in the half pipe is funny but don’t laugh. The last time I took a lesson (the only snowboarding lesson I’ve ever had) they took us in the half pipe at the end of the day and I did okay. There were no twists or turns or things like that. Just some “workin the wall”.)
But like I said before, I’m exhausted. So this morning I decided to ask the I Ching “Should I go snowboarding tomorrow?” The hexagram I got for my reading was Tun, which means retreat. The summary section to my reading went exactly like this: This is a time for disengagement and retreat. In stillness you are out of the reach of danger.”
Wow. So no snowboarding for me this weekend. I’ll be at the library instead.
My officemate and I have fallen into the habit of doing our I Ching readings almost every day. We have the book and the coins and ask our quiet questions the way would ask a magic 8-ball.
As you may know, it’s been a busy week at work and I’m totally exhausted. Still, I didn’t go snowboarding last weekend (the only weekend this year that I haven’t) so I thought about heading up tomorrow for a half day. I was planning to go up on my own and take a lesson so I could brush up on my turning skills, maybe hit the half pipe. (Anyone who’s ever been snowboarding with me will think the idea of me in the half pipe is funny but don’t laugh. The last time I took a lesson (the only snowboarding lesson I’ve ever had) they took us in the half pipe at the end of the day and I did okay. There were no twists or turns or things like that. Just some “workin the wall”.)
But like I said before, I’m exhausted. So this morning I decided to ask the I Ching “Should I go snowboarding tomorrow?” The hexagram I got for my reading was Tun, which means retreat. The summary section to my reading went exactly like this: This is a time for disengagement and retreat. In stillness you are out of the reach of danger.”
Wow. So no snowboarding for me this weekend. I’ll be at the library instead.
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