One Week

School is out. Work is out. I had one, glorious week to do as I pleased. I feel human again after spending time with my family, friends, and the tv. Yes, the tv. I zoned out to Season One of Heroes (two thumbs up), The Heartbreak Kid (two thumbs down), Marie Antoinette (two thumbs down, way down), I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (one thumb up), and Little Miss Sunshine (two thumbs up). That is a lot of time in front of the tube, but nothing is better than staying up to 2 a.m. watching Heroes with my mom.

Aside from bumming around my parent's house, I spent time with a handful of my best friends. I don't typically post personal photos, but I can no longer resist. I am too proud of them and miss them already. I had not seen some of my friends in months and even over a year. That was just too long.

This was Christmas Eve with my best friend since fifth grade. I have spent Christmas Eve with her and her family since I met her. That's about thirteen years now.

This was taken at a wedding I attended with a best friend from college. Although he was great to study with, it was even better to just have fun with him.

I also met his friend. He is a great guy too. This photo expresses their hilarious bickering with one another all evening. My friend's friend also works on a music website that I just discovered and really like. Check it out: http://www.betterpropaganda.com/.

This is the Cookie Party that I almost missed. I can be so lost without my planner. It would have been a shame to miss out on seeing four of my best friends spanning from high school to college. The cookies were incredible, and the company was top notch.

The good news is that I still have two more full days to spend my time my way.

Home of the Chiefs

Given the opportunity to attend three Chiefs games this season, I'm finding myself warming up to football. Having a team to cheer for has a lot to do with this change. I used to think I was gaining three productive hours on Sunday while the rest of the city halted to watch the football game. Look at me now. Conforming. That makes me cringe.

Then again, I do appreciate that the football team generates a temporary boost in the economy as out-of-towners drive into the city for entertainment. Games also encourages camaraderie among fans.

Here are a handful of the photos I took during the games. My favorite game is the one saluting the Veterans this past weekend. This tribute had the best half-time show, and nothing compares to seeing the B2 Stealth Bomber fly over Arrowhead Stadium during the National Anthem.

Burnt Out on a Night Out

I should have been home eating a bowl of ramen and falling asleep to PBS Friday night. This would have been better than witnessing the dynamics of people at the local bar. Tonight might have been an isolated case or I am beginning to view my world differently. Watching the Zeros play at Raouls was supposed to be guaranteed fun. No doubt I enjoyed the company of my dearest friends and the live music, but surrounding us were strangers with their own agendas. Women and men fronting confidence to hide their true expectations in meeting the right person.

The idea of the right person is often different for people. For most, it seems to be a short-term person and for others, it seems to be a long-term person. One thing remains the same, the evening often ends in uncertainty or disappointment if someone walks in with high expectations.

Tonight I left feeling that this bar scene is not right. This unsettling feeling is not new, but wavering. I am riding the downward slope in my view of people's trust and integrity. People should not be treating others the way I have seen them. Many people have accepted this behavior. Others have stood up against it and have found themselves in the same place. I wonder what it was like twenty years ago for singles. Courtship has lost its luster and few people are fighting for it.

Earth Club- Apply Now

In third grade, I sported a button on my backpack declaring that I belonged to Earth Club. This grassroots effort focusing on recycling newspapers and cans at my elementary school was led by my endearing, third grade teacher, Mrs. Hurley. My "Go Green" fashionable accessories did not stop there. My pink, blue, and white Reebok tennis shoes came with a tag that read, "SAVE THE ELEPHANTS" that I also attached to my backpack. Nearly 15 years ago, people and companies were already advocating environmentalism, and this advocacy has begun far before I was born with the inception of Earth Day in 1969.

Today, the "save the earth" mindset is booming. What took so long to make everyone care about the environment? Several factors beyond my knowledge play into this answer, but the most obvious one is the media. I wonder how much Al Gore contributed to this media push. He was a huge stakeholder in it after releasing An Inconvenient Truth and winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He is a great example of how I think politicians should handle issues more often. Focus. Gore has focused on one specific issue, which has resulted in worldwide awareness and the idea to change. Politicians often advocate solutions on multiple issues to appeal to multiple groups of people. Then, they do not accomplish any of their goals very well.

The environmental push is also generating ideas in new technology. The technology industry will benefit from this peaked interest and need to innovate alternative energy sources. This new green wave in technology could be as big and influential as the computer era.

3:10 To Yuma

Hollywood has put its cowboy hat back on. 3:10 to Yuma, originally a short story and now has two movie versions out, was my first full exposure to a westerm movie. Before tonight, the closest I got was City Slickers, and I doubt that counts. With a star cast, 3:10 to Yuma has successfully put western films back in the public light. The movie has western film fans out in the theaters as well as appealing to the younger audience.

Blood Diamond also made it in my schedule this weekend. Oddly enough, 3:10 to Yuma and Blood Diamond have a huge parallel in story lines.

My Opinion About Opinions

As the 16th most visited site on the planet, Facebook has attracted an enormous crowd... of youngsters. The WSJ published an article discussing Mark Zuckerberg's (facebook founder) options in dealing with his business's finances. The article revolved around David Bohnett's (founder of GeoCities) advice. Bohnett comments on focusing on a young audience. He says, "Those kids tend to get older and maintain some connection with an online community. You've got to capture that early adopter, young audience."

EARLY ADOPTER. I know I studied this in Marketing. There is even a graph to go with it.

Look at the size of that gap between early adopters and early majority. It shows the large margin of people willing to try new things versus the ones who do not.

The early adopters are typically the young audience. That is probably why I saw IPODs in college years before they hit mainstream and why I was playing DDR years before Brian Williams did a story on this "new" craze. Marketers know who to target.

This made me wonder what happens to people when they grow up? Their mindset changes, and often closes slowly without them realizing it. Why would this happen?

As people grow older and begin working in a profession, they are expected to always have an opinion. Now, they are the decision makers. People are trained to have opinions ALL THE TIME. It has to be this one way. Opinions are different than a point of view. It seems that a point of view is open-ended. It acknowledges that other viewpoints exist, whereas, opinions are mostly associated with my personal opinion. Negative effects can stem from this opinion syndrome. People become so engrossed in their opinions, they stop listening and experimenting. When those two key mindsets of listening and experimenting freezes, the learning process also ceases.

I used to have a sense of pride being known as part of the early adopters, but the Marketers are no longer chasing for my business. I am 25 now. Apparently, that is the cutoff into adulthood. So, adults, I have a mission for all of us. Have the mindset of an early adopter. Have a viewpoint, but listen to others. Try it out before all the young'ens have all the fun.

Einstein Bros. Not So Smart

... not with their lunch menu, at least. I can't speak for their bagels, but my first lunch at Einstein Bros. Bagels was a disappointment. The empty seats should have given it away, but I was excited to try something new. Their selection was much more extensive than I expected, but the food was over-priced for its quality and quantity. I felt robbed actually. $7 + tax for a tuna sandwich and small side of potato salad. Its sandwich competitors offer much fresher food. Well, now I know. Their food was average and not worth the money. For that same price (actually a little less), I'll stick with Panera.

Juniors 16-24

Law contracts are vague. Relationships have grey areas. The answer to any academic business question is "it depends." So, why does the Juniors section of a Macy's department store need to be so definitive?

As I browsed through Macy's this weekend checking out their fall clothing selection, I found myself in front of a sign hanging from the ceiling that read, "Juniors 16-24." What? Let me read that again, "Juniors 16-24." I planted myself right in the middle of the aisle and wondered should a 25-year-old dare cross that sign into the section that she had been so familiar with all these years or is it time to move on?

I did the 360 visual scan of the area, partly to see if anyone was standing guard to check my ID before entering, but mostly to see who else was shopping in that area. One woman was combing through a nearby clothing rack. I would estimate she was in her early 30s, so I bravely cross the line into the Juniors section, and life was normal again.

I couldn't shake the thought that an age range was assigned to the clothing section. Stores don't put height limits on the Petite signs. I admit the age range is fairly accurate. I rarely discover good finds in the Junior section anymore. My clothing tastes have transformed and matured since I started working full-time, but I still check out the Juniors section. As far as defining age ranges for types of clothing, similar to many situations in life, it is not the age that matters but where a person is in life that determines ones tastes.

I propose the lower limit to change from 16 to "when your parents think it's okay to wear this" and the upper limit to change from 24 to "be careful what you pick, but take your time... you look great no matter what you wear."

Macy's, I think it's time to take the sign down. I don't think you understand what it feels like to grow up.

I <3 Cake

My friend sent me this link after giving me a HUGE slice of carrot cake. What a great day.

The Floral Shop

Building the financial statements and identifying business risks for a fictional floral shop is one of my projects this semester. I could have chosen any type of business to model and several ideas did pass my mind, but one idea came as a Blink and stuck with me.

A floral shop. A place that sells expensive things that die. That is what practical me would have said five years ago. One conversation with a friend completely changed my view of flowers. I never understood why people would spend so much money on something that wilts within a week. Actually, that is how the conversation started...

Me: I never understood why people would spend so much money on something that wilts within a week.

Friend: (smiles) Yeah. Flowers can get expensive, but guys will do it.

Me: I still don't get it. Isn't that just a waste of money?

Friend: I guess, that's why you buy flowers. When you care for someone enough that you buy something you know is a waste of money.

My friend's statement completely changed my perspective on flowers. For the record, this was a male friend who brought this profound concept to my attention. Impressive, indeed. This perspective made sense, and I never recognized it on my own. Fortunately, I do have a memory where I can pull out all the instances I did receive flowers. Oddly enough, I appreciate those flowers more now than during the time I received them knowing what I know now. For your entertainment (and for my personal recordkeeping), here is a synopsis of my memorable flowers (in order of occurrence):

1. I received my first flower as a Valentine's Day gram during gym class in eighth grade. It was from my Navy best friend (not the color, but the military kind). I was so surprised because I was not expecting anything. Just when I thought it wouldn't get any better, I realized that she had given me two carnations, not just one.

2. It was the first time on my own, for the summer at least. My family had just finished moving me for my summer internship and left to go home. That's when the realization of not knowing anyone in the new city hit me. Just then, the phone rings. My friend calls to get ideas on indoor plants so she can send one to a friend. I give her ideas. The next day, I find a bouquet of peace lillies at the front door.

3. College graduation is over, and I'm packing the last boxes to leave Stillwater. My "Wicked" best friend calls to come over. She walks in with a bouquet of flowers, one for each year we've known each other.

It may have been a male friend who made me realize the importance of flowers, but it was all my female friends who got them for me. Interesting.

As a gift, flowers are classic, classy, and unforgettable. You can't go wrong with flowers, well, unless you give black ones. Don't give black ones.

Now that I have shared my most poignant flower experiences, I am convinced that I will have fun with this floral shop project. A huge part of business is doing something you are passionate about, even if it is a school assignment.

Six Months

Yes, time flies, but people often forget how much change can happen as time is flying by. Take a six month snippet of your life (think back to February), and I bet some event, some decision, or some experience in this short timeframe of your overall existence to this point has transformed the way you think or act today.

The past six months have been interesting for me, but I stumbled upon a website that one person has had a much more impacting life snippet. Go to www.mynameisbill.com. Bill Bowles traveled around the world for six months documenting his experiences. Sounds quite trite at first glance, but a handful of his approximately three minute videos are something to think about. I recommend watching The Coffee Shop, Just Another Brick, Suvdaa's House, and Believe in Dreams. I think he offers a great perspective that so many overlook and an eloquent way of communicating it. I am impressed with his ability to befriend so many people in different cultures and different ages.

I originally saw a video sample of mynameisbill on CNN. All this stir from just one man who decided to do what so many others say they wish they would do.

So, the next time you hear someone say "time flies" or you catch yourself saying it, don't follow it with a deep sigh admitting your defeat against time, but think of all you have gained in the past six months. Be glad someone reminded you that time does fly and take this moment to reflect on how you have invested your time in the six months.

Stuck in Reverse

I'm not a fan of posting song lyrics left and right, but here I go... posting lyrics. I don't feel like challenging people who write for a living, so I'll copy and paste and call it a night.

Artist: Coldplay

Title: Fix You

Footnote: It's one of my favorite songs.

When you try your best but you don't succeed

When you get what you want but not what you need

When you feel so tired but you can't sleep

Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face

When you lose something you cannot replace

When you love someone but it goes to waste

COULD IT BE WORSE?

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below

When you're too in love to let it go

But if you never try you'll never know

Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face

When you lose something you cannot replace

Tears stream down your face

And I

Tears stream down your face

I promise you I will learn from my mistakes

Tears stream down your face

And I

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you.

Sicko

Sicko, written and directed by Michael Moore, asks the question, "how does America treat a dying health care system?" Certainly, not the way the American health care system has been treating its people. This system is so overwhelming and complex, I would consider solving this issue similar to solving homelessness or global warming. It's possible in reality, but impossible with today's politics.

As the movie unfolds, Moore exposes other health care systems in France, Canada, Cuba, and the United Kingdom. He shows that this is not an issue the U.S. citizens need to solve because it has already been solved for us; in these other countries. It makes me think of themes from the Ishmael books. The answer is right in front of everyone, yet we don't see it. We think we need to invent something new, but we just need to look to the past or abroad for the answers.

For my first Michael Moore movie, I absolutely enjoyed it. His movie is convincing, well-researched, informative, and entertaining. Moore gets people thinking, whether people agree with his views or not. Some people hate his work, but I still consider that a success. His movies and books are influential enough to even drum up debates among groups.

I like his movie style. Moore presents a U.S. social issue, shows how other countries handle the same issue, and lightly proposes ideas on how to change a falling U.S. system. He does all this while mixing in humor and connecting with the audience. I am impressed how he criticizes the U.S. health care system and still shows his strong patriotism. Of course, he is probably criticizing and advocating for change because of his patriotism.

Moore talks about change. I agree that the U.S. health care system needs to change. Moore works to discover how other countries have transformed. It will probably take the same for the U.S., an event that effects the majority of Americans and a great leader with a vision.

Sicko (among many other media) has made me realize how ignorant I am about global culture. For having a French Pen Pal since high school, I have no idea how France operates. It would be odd to strike a conversation about health care in a letter after talking about my favorite bands and television shows, but I could be so close to all this information that I learned from an American movie. I could learn first-hand if I chose to.

I would definitely recommend this movie.

Flight of the Conchords

Albi- The Racist Dragon

Business Time

Marketing Magic

Reservation for one, please.

A fresh copy of the last Harry Potter book has my name on it. At the stroke of midnight, the fate of Harry Potter will be in my hands, but where will I be? Will I be at the Grand Hallows Ball at Borders or the Midnight Magic Party at Barnes & Noble? Or should I overcome my interest in children's literature and hit the bars with my twenty-something peers (though I doubt I'll be the only twenty-something there)?

The marketing geniuses at Borders and Barnes & Noble is making this an interesting decision.

Here's what each store is offering:

Borders- Grand Hallows Ball
- Potter spelling bee
- Great Snape debate
- Costume Contest
- Stupendous giveaways
- Limited edition poster (just announced!)
- And, of course, more!

Barnes and Noble- Midnight Magic Party
- Enchanting activities
- Spellbinding prizes
- Photo opportunities with favorite characters
- Unique items for sale
- And, of course, more!

Which store will score the most sales? Although each store has done their fair share of marketing, no store stands out in their advertising. The price is the same at both places. Both stores offer prizes, people will dress up whether there's a contest or not, and having games is a no brainer. It comes down to, do you want a poster or do you want a photo op with your favorite character. Even at that, I am somewhat indifferent and would be happy to hang a poster in my office or a photo of me standing next to a 16-year-old who resembles Harry. I do admit, Borders wins for crafting up the better party name.

What's a store to do then? I think both stores are missing another major target group: Adults. Children may be the main focus, but the Harry Potter series is a phenomenon that has appealed to everyone in a large range of ages. The stores could incorporate activities that would appeal to all ages to mirror the audience, such as hosting a magic show. I wouldn't mind seeing a rabbit being pulled out of a top hat. For a more focused activity for adults, set up a presentation or display about the "science of Harry Potter" discussing if any of the magic in the books would be possible or parallel Harry's adventures with sighted paranormal events.

Luckily, the Grand Hallows Ball begins at 7 p.m. while the Midnight Magic Party begins at 9 p.m. I may be doing a little party hopping afterall.

Quote of the Day

I wish people would find cures for all diseases because I'm tired of walking 5k.

- Someone funny from Comedy Central

The American Culture

I've been intriuged with a blog I've linked and named "A Real Glimpse Into Vietnam." This person has captured the essence of everyday life in Vietnam with colorful photos and stories. It has made me wonder, how do I capture the everyday American life? The Vietnamese culture seems so distinct and interesting in the food they eat and in the jobs they perform.

What is so different about our culture? We are surrounded by excessiveness in so many aspects of our lives, but this excessiveness has allowed us the ability of not only fulfilling our necessities, but others too. One characteristic my cousins in Vietnam complimented on is the honest nature of Americans. They mentioned this after I told them I usually bring my lunch to work. They asked, "where do you put it?" I said, "in the fridge." They asked, "do you put your name on it?" They were surprised that I didn't and that my sandwich would still be sitting there once noon rolled around untouched and uneaten.

Because Americans have more than they need, we are more likely to donate, volunteer, or simply not steal. I think the general mindset and desire is to help others, despite the money-hungry stigma Americans carry (which is true, but it's really true anywhere). If I took photos of the strangers that help me when I get lost on the road or all of the people that donate their time or money for what they believe is a good cause, I think I've captured one major aspect of the American culture.

Kansas City Zoo

Today was my first trip to the Kansas City Zoo. Although this zoo does not measure up to the ones I have been to in the past (some tough competition against the Omaha and San Diego zoos), I had a great time. The weather was warm, the company entertaining, and the animals were active.

The visiting animals this summer were two koalas from the San Diego zoo.


This is one of my favorite photos from today: The Captain Morgan Elephant.

The kangaroos were surprisingly not enclosed. A little boy even ran up to them creating an alarmed crowd, but the mother finally stopped the kid. The kangaroos were afraid of him anyway.

I couldn't stop laughing when I saw these three camels standing side by side as if they were about to race.

First Class

Summer school started today, and I always find the first day of class so refreshing. I'm excited to see familiar faces (as much as meeting new people), meet my professor, and learn something new.

As I walked into session 1 of Leadership and Organizational Behavior, the professor had music playing. That, right there, set the tone for the class. The professor was upbeat, yet not overbearing. As students trickled in and began writing their names on the name tents, the professor started talking about the markers he had laid out. Before class even started, I learned something new. He said that he liked getting the scented markers for his office because (1.) they're great conversation starters and (2.) they write the best on paper. He transitioned into dry erase markers. He recommended getting scented dry erase markers too. That way, people don't pass out during your meeting from the fumes of regular markers AND always bring your own markers. Details are so important and make all the difference.

Of course, the class had introductions. He wrote everyone's name, occupation, and fun fact (what makes you different from everyone else fun fact) on the whiteboard. Yes, typical, but he added a twist. He asked everyone to write on a piece of scratch paper 3 names of people you would follow. He then tallied the votes and came up with 4 people. He asked these chosen 4 to be leaders for today only. They were responsible for dividing the class into teams. Genius! What a great way to empower the class with responsibility from the very beginning.

Looks like another great course.

Your Life is Better Than Reality TV

Remember, your life is better than reality TV. It's real! I don't care what the producers say, but the characters of reality tv shows are being fake, even if they claim they're being real. Apparently, over dramatic and stupid is entertaining.

I stumbled upon one of the worst shows I've seen in awhile on E! called Sunset Tan. It's a reality show about a ritzy tanning salon in L.A. Two scenes in particular made me want to vomit. The first was a mother who was bringing in her grade school daughter to get a tan for school pictures. The dialogue went something like this:

Employee: What kind of tan does your daughter want?

Mother: Oh, something to make her stand out from the other children. She wants to look like Lindsey Lohan. (looks at her daughter) Don't you want to look like Lindsey Lohan, sweetie?

Daughter: (enthusiastically and smiling) Yes! I want to look like Lindsey Lohan.

Employee: I know exactly what you need. (And lays out a $1200 session of products and services)

*Vomit*

The second scene were these two bleach blonde girls who couldn't do anything right at the salon because they were too...well, over dramatic and stupid. When the two got fustrated, they asked (in a pouty face) can we just go shopping? The fustrated co-worker said sure, go shopping, and the camera shot shows the two girls skipping away to buy clothes and shoes before breaking to commercial.

*Vomit*

I didn't watch tv for the rest of the weekend. I know these shows have phenomenal editors because they can make an ordinary situation into a tv show, and it can suck you in if you let them. Be strong and stay away. Remember, your life is better than reality TV. Participate in something you can control.