Driving to get my Christmas tree today on Route 2 in Exeter, I saw a new housing development in the works. This normally wouldn't have caught my eye, except for the fact that there was a sign at the gate announcing "NEW WOMEN CENTRIC HOMES." Well, that's good advertising. I immediately pointed it out to my boyfriend, asking him what he thought it meant. He made a joke about a feminist community, but I was intrigued. I asked to borrow his iphone and typed in "women centric housing ri."
Women centric is apparently the new trend in home building and buying. According to the Providence Journal article, “Women make 85 percent or more of the decisions in anything having to do with a home . . . [and are] also the influencing factor in how to change the home." So, obviously, women centric matters.
Small, chopped-up rooms, and boxy interiors adorned with blah accessories and Formica counters are out. Women centric homes feature spacious-feeling layouts, killer walk-in closets and custom details like crown molding, granite countertops and gas fireplaces. Everything in a women centric home is there for a reason, carefully chosen and arranged to make life easier. The main ideas behind these homes are more security, less maintenance, and more organization through the means of walk-on panties, plenty of storage, and my favorite feature- the "drop zone." The drop zone is a place to drop everything you are carrying when you walk in the door "that is distinctly not the kitchen counter." I actually laughed out loud at this, because it is so true and such a great idea.
Of course, people like my boyfriend are quick to criticize this new trend. He took a dislike to it from the beginning as I was telling him what it was and what I liked about it. He dismissed it as a marketing ploy and grumbled that he wouldn't be caught dead living in a development, never mind in a house in a development built for women. While this sparked a heated argument around the premise of why a house built for women was such a horrible thing, I will spare you the details. The fact is, women centric design is a marketing strategy. Builders acknowledge that men are just as likely as women to crave the features of these new women-centric home. "Much of what we propose is smart design" they explain. The problem being men like my boyfriend, who dismiss and refuse to accept these houses simply because of they way they are being marketed. At least our argument with my saying we're not even in the market to buy a house, and him saying "we're always in the market!" And since we're always in the market, I persuaded him that we might as well go to an open house and see what all the hype is about, just so that we know what we want in a house. He conceded that this was a good idea, especially since he wants to build our own house. So it looks like I might be getting some of my women centric design after all, although without the label.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Happy-ish Holidays
Now that I'm older, the holidays just aren't what they used to be. Namely, there is a lot more disappointment all around, a lot less family, and a lot of driving. Growing up, it was easy. I didn't have to think. Get woken up Thanksgiving morning, get dressed while watching the parade. Get in the back of my parent's car, heading to Coventry to see my dad's parents. Stop there, where the parade was also on, say Happy Thanksgiving, watch a bit of the parade, get back in the car. Continue south to South County, to my mom's parents house near the beach. Watch the end of the parade, wait for everyone else to show up. My mom's sister and her husband, my mom's uncle and his wife, his daughter and her boyfriend, my mom's good friend and her husband. By this time, the parade was over and the game was on in the background. My grandpa would start to carve the turkey with the electric knife from the 80's that was so loud you couldn't continue your conversation until he was done. We'd eat dinner crowded around the tiny table then go for a walk to the beach to 'digest.' Once we'd digested, we came back and ate some more.
Christmas was also routine. Mom would cook and wrap last-minute presents all day Christmas eve until it was time to get ready for church. We'd be greeted at the five o'clock mass outside St. Paul by Father Charland. The choir of kids would serenade us with Christmas carols until it was time for mass and at the appropriate times throughout the mass. I loved it, but I started getting antsy around time for communion. This was because I knew that when everyone started moving towards the front of the church to receive their bread and wine, it was time to make our break. We always went to church, but we always has somewhere else to be. I remember leaving church each year at this same time, watching the patrons through the tiny slitted windows parade to the front and listening to the last carol I could hear. We made our way to the car and to Coventry to spend Christmas Eve with at my dad's parents with his side of the family.
Christmas Day was always at my house, so I could wake up in the morning and play with my toys all day long. My whole family would come over and Iw as the star of the show- the only child at that point.
These were the good old days- the carefree holidays. There were traditions in place that hardly ever changed. But now it's apparently time for new traditions, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.
Now, it's much more complicated. Not even counting all the family issues that happen on my side, it's more complicated because I now have two families. My boyfriend and I have lived together for three years now. This means that both of us have two families and both families want us all to themselves on holidays. It's hard enough to divide our time, but no matter how we do it someone always feels like the other is getting more of us. The last two years haven't been as bad as this one though. We ended up having separate Thanksgivings. And both families demanded to know why the other one of us wasn't there. Was it them? Was it the food? Was it the other family? Why weren't the two of us together today? Were we fighting? And what about Christmas?
Oh boy, what about Christmas. This is the first year that I have really felt the sting of the holidays. Family matters are out of control. How do we figure out who's going where and when? My money situation is awful. I am actually thinking about spending Christmas money I've already received to buy other people's Christmas presents. Mornings at work are terrible because of the cranky shoppers. Driving is a nightmare. Why can't people be happy during the holidays?
Good thing I'm not the only one thinking about these things. Next year, maybe I'll try following along with the holiday challenge to keep things in order. Too bad that doesn't help with the decision making about where, when, and with whom I'm doing all the holiday things !
Christmas was also routine. Mom would cook and wrap last-minute presents all day Christmas eve until it was time to get ready for church. We'd be greeted at the five o'clock mass outside St. Paul by Father Charland. The choir of kids would serenade us with Christmas carols until it was time for mass and at the appropriate times throughout the mass. I loved it, but I started getting antsy around time for communion. This was because I knew that when everyone started moving towards the front of the church to receive their bread and wine, it was time to make our break. We always went to church, but we always has somewhere else to be. I remember leaving church each year at this same time, watching the patrons through the tiny slitted windows parade to the front and listening to the last carol I could hear. We made our way to the car and to Coventry to spend Christmas Eve with at my dad's parents with his side of the family.
Christmas Day was always at my house, so I could wake up in the morning and play with my toys all day long. My whole family would come over and Iw as the star of the show- the only child at that point.
These were the good old days- the carefree holidays. There were traditions in place that hardly ever changed. But now it's apparently time for new traditions, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.
Now, it's much more complicated. Not even counting all the family issues that happen on my side, it's more complicated because I now have two families. My boyfriend and I have lived together for three years now. This means that both of us have two families and both families want us all to themselves on holidays. It's hard enough to divide our time, but no matter how we do it someone always feels like the other is getting more of us. The last two years haven't been as bad as this one though. We ended up having separate Thanksgivings. And both families demanded to know why the other one of us wasn't there. Was it them? Was it the food? Was it the other family? Why weren't the two of us together today? Were we fighting? And what about Christmas?
Oh boy, what about Christmas. This is the first year that I have really felt the sting of the holidays. Family matters are out of control. How do we figure out who's going where and when? My money situation is awful. I am actually thinking about spending Christmas money I've already received to buy other people's Christmas presents. Mornings at work are terrible because of the cranky shoppers. Driving is a nightmare. Why can't people be happy during the holidays?
Good thing I'm not the only one thinking about these things. Next year, maybe I'll try following along with the holiday challenge to keep things in order. Too bad that doesn't help with the decision making about where, when, and with whom I'm doing all the holiday things !
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Building 19 Reopens
This past Saturday at 9am, Building 19 in Warwick reopened. You might be wondering why this is culturally significant. Well, the empty and abandoned looking store was one of last remaining reminders of last year's devastating flooding. Since I pass by this giant reminder every day on my way to work, its reopening seemed to signify the end of the aftermath of this natural disaster. Warwick Mall is up and running again, Unos had reopened, Bed Bath and Beyond moved down the road and reopened months ago. Building 19 was the last, as far as I know, to recover.
But was it really the last to recover? What about the people whose homes were destroyed, the people who were displaced for months. Even if their houses are back to normal, they couldn't be. I know that I suffered less than many others out there in regards to the flood. I was living in a basement room of a rented house that was flooded with about a foot of water.
I know that I will never forget getting into bed that night, listening to the pounding rain. And I will never forget how my boyfriend got up out of bed not five minutes later, put his foot on the ground, and began to swear. In the five minutes that passed between me getting into bed and him getting out to go to the bathroom, there was an inch of water on our floor.
Instantly, we went into panic mode. We grabbed our computers, our pets, and anything electrical off the ground. We began running things upstairs and dumping everything into the living room.
When we thought we had gotten everything important off the ground, he started to turn off breakers for the basement and tried to figure out how to stop the relentless water.
But we didn't realize until the next morning what we had forgotten about. What about the thousand dollar DSLR and SLR cameras in their $100 bag that I had carelessly thrown on the floor of my closet the day before, rather than on their usual shelf? What about the memory card inside that contained thousands of moments I had captured? And even the twenty or so pairs of shoes, including the new $100 boots I had gotten for my birthday, only a month before. And the carpet I'd had on the floor since the first time I'd moved away from home.
These are the things we didn't think about, didn't consider important. These are the things that couldn't be fixed along with the basement walls and floors.
This is why I was so glad to hear on Wednesday, four days after I thought everyone had forgotten for good the disaster that is still so fresh in my mind, an advertisement from a Massachusetts agency promoting counseling for flood victims. "Because not everything can be fixed with a fresh coat of paint" they said.
I am extremely glad that this opportunity is still being offered. I know that it took me a while to recover from the shock and trauma of having my home flooded, and mine was only a rented home. My boyfriend and I were able to move back with my parents after the flood and leave the cleanup to our not-so-nice homeowner. Because, we found out afterward, he had let the house flood to get insurance money. There was a drain in our backyard that, had we been told about it, we could have opened to prevent the flooding.
According to the Taunton Daily Gazette's article explaining about the counseling Massachusetts offers,15 to 20 percent of those affected by a disaster typically suffer "some emotional instability and experience it as a disruptive, traumatic event." I am glad that the state is recognizing the ongoing need for this counseling. I vividly remember sitting in my writing 201 class the Monday after the flood happened, listening to my classmates joke and laugh about all the partying they were able to do during the days of cancelled classes. While they were partying, I was dealing with my home owner, real estate agent, Serve-Pro, hot water company, insurance agency, and FEMA. Some people experienced the flooding as awed onlookers, others like myself have been able to move on, but I am sure that there are still some out there who absolutely need the empathy and reassurance that this counseling opportunity offers. And they need our support as well.
But was it really the last to recover? What about the people whose homes were destroyed, the people who were displaced for months. Even if their houses are back to normal, they couldn't be. I know that I suffered less than many others out there in regards to the flood. I was living in a basement room of a rented house that was flooded with about a foot of water.
I know that I will never forget getting into bed that night, listening to the pounding rain. And I will never forget how my boyfriend got up out of bed not five minutes later, put his foot on the ground, and began to swear. In the five minutes that passed between me getting into bed and him getting out to go to the bathroom, there was an inch of water on our floor.
Instantly, we went into panic mode. We grabbed our computers, our pets, and anything electrical off the ground. We began running things upstairs and dumping everything into the living room.
When we thought we had gotten everything important off the ground, he started to turn off breakers for the basement and tried to figure out how to stop the relentless water.
But we didn't realize until the next morning what we had forgotten about. What about the thousand dollar DSLR and SLR cameras in their $100 bag that I had carelessly thrown on the floor of my closet the day before, rather than on their usual shelf? What about the memory card inside that contained thousands of moments I had captured? And even the twenty or so pairs of shoes, including the new $100 boots I had gotten for my birthday, only a month before. And the carpet I'd had on the floor since the first time I'd moved away from home.
These are the things we didn't think about, didn't consider important. These are the things that couldn't be fixed along with the basement walls and floors.
This is why I was so glad to hear on Wednesday, four days after I thought everyone had forgotten for good the disaster that is still so fresh in my mind, an advertisement from a Massachusetts agency promoting counseling for flood victims. "Because not everything can be fixed with a fresh coat of paint" they said.
I am extremely glad that this opportunity is still being offered. I know that it took me a while to recover from the shock and trauma of having my home flooded, and mine was only a rented home. My boyfriend and I were able to move back with my parents after the flood and leave the cleanup to our not-so-nice homeowner. Because, we found out afterward, he had let the house flood to get insurance money. There was a drain in our backyard that, had we been told about it, we could have opened to prevent the flooding.
According to the Taunton Daily Gazette's article explaining about the counseling Massachusetts offers,15 to 20 percent of those affected by a disaster typically suffer "some emotional instability and experience it as a disruptive, traumatic event." I am glad that the state is recognizing the ongoing need for this counseling. I vividly remember sitting in my writing 201 class the Monday after the flood happened, listening to my classmates joke and laugh about all the partying they were able to do during the days of cancelled classes. While they were partying, I was dealing with my home owner, real estate agent, Serve-Pro, hot water company, insurance agency, and FEMA. Some people experienced the flooding as awed onlookers, others like myself have been able to move on, but I am sure that there are still some out there who absolutely need the empathy and reassurance that this counseling opportunity offers. And they need our support as well.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Social Media and the Workplace
Yesterday, when I got to work at PetCo, I was told that I had to "read this and sign it." What was it? PetCo's new Social Media Policy. Six pages of do's and don'ts regarding social media and PetCo. As part of that new policy, I am required to disclose "I am a PetCo associate. The views in this blog reflect my own opinions and not PetCo's" or something to that effect. I am also not allowed to create a FaceBook page for my store, post pictures of my store events or other associates, and am allowed to hang out with coworkers but not in uniform and god forbid I post a picture of us after work in our uniforms. So, I guess since I live 45 minutes away from work and frequently hang out with coworkers, I am SOL when it comes to being in pictures. Who decides this? Petco's social media team, of course. Jeeze, can I have that job? Spending the day on Facebook, Twitter, and Blogging about pets. Sounds good to me! Social media expert opportunities in the corporate world are quickly becoming the new dream job. Just don't ask your employer to tell you exactly what it is that you will have to do. The lines are not clearly drawn yet.
Despite my negative reaction to my workplace becoming more involved in my "private" online life, I have to admit that PetCo is on the forefront of using social media to build their customer base.
Why does PetCo participate in Social Media? "To provide a lighthearted but educational avenue for rejoicing in the human animal bond together; to offer a forum so that we can listen to what you have to say; to spotlight issues of interest to animal welfare supporters."
On PetCo's FaceBook page, "the community of more than 3,000 fans can post pictures of their pets, swap tips or ask questions. Some contributors even post content as if written by their pets." PetCo also uses their page to respond to customer complaints.
PetCo also has their own blog, the Petco scoop. The blog contains a lot of informational articles as well as my favorite, the pics of the week.
PetCo is one of many retailers nationwide using Social Media. These companies are not using social media to gain sales, but rather trust. They are building relationships with their customers.
Despite my negative reaction to my workplace becoming more involved in my "private" online life, I have to admit that PetCo is on the forefront of using social media to build their customer base.
Why does PetCo participate in Social Media? "To provide a lighthearted but educational avenue for rejoicing in the human animal bond together; to offer a forum so that we can listen to what you have to say; to spotlight issues of interest to animal welfare supporters."
On PetCo's FaceBook page, "the community of more than 3,000 fans can post pictures of their pets, swap tips or ask questions. Some contributors even post content as if written by their pets." PetCo also uses their page to respond to customer complaints.
PetCo also has their own blog, the Petco scoop. The blog contains a lot of informational articles as well as my favorite, the pics of the week.
PetCo is one of many retailers nationwide using Social Media. These companies are not using social media to gain sales, but rather trust. They are building relationships with their customers.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The Major Rager at URI
The whole state is buzzing about "The Major Rager" that is scheduled to be happening in Narragansett.
But is senior Chris Allen in for more than he bargained for? With 2,354 attending guests, 258 maybes, 3,524 awaiting reply, and Turn to 10 News on his back, I'd say so.
Originally, the plan was for Allen and a "few buddies" to throw something together for URI students, that something being a party of epic proportions. He described it as "something kind of like an underground rave, but much more awesome." Last night, I took that to mean less scary, more organized, and more safe. Allen's idea seemed to be to prove that URI was still the number one party school, despite being dropped off the "official" Playboy list (reportedly because they no longer rank professionals among amateurs). I have to admit, I saw that two of my friends were attending this event, read the description, and immediately wanted in. Not that I actually planned on going, but I wanted to know when it was going to be. Part of Allen's plan was to keep the date and location secret until the night of. If I wasn't working, then I probably would have checked it out. I did see that ten minutes prior someone posted that it had been mentioned on channel 10 news. But without thinking twice, I RSVP'd as attending and went to bed.
Ten minutes later, I jumped up. What was I thinking? I didn't want to be a part of this, not if the news was getting involved. Chris Allen was probably going to get expelled. The people on the list would probably get warned or suspended, or at least put on some sort of watch list. I wasn't going to be involved in this. I turned my laptop back on and logged on to Facebook. Stupid, stupid, stupid I thought. I couldn't get my name off the event completely, but changed my RSVP to not attenting.
But where did all this paranoia come from? Why was I scared to RSVP to a party on Facebook? Because of all the horror stories that I've heard about high school students being suspended for pictures on Facebook. And the stories about students being suspended for what that they said, off school property, online, from their own computers, to a rival school. And the event, much like the Major Rager, that invited 60 students to bully another student, for which 12 were suspended.
Clearly, the walls of the school are no longer the boundaries within which students can be punished. Because of this, I didn't feel safe to RSVP to a party. That feeling of not knowing what my own rights were, what I could be punished or held accountable for, really upset me. Where are these boundaries? When will they be drawn? Will it take an event like the Major Rager to become the next supreme court case that does down in the history books, deciding the course of action in cases like this for the next century?
For now, Chris Allen has decided to 'legitimize' the Major Rager. He is in the course of finding sponsors for the party and a paid venue. But really, this defeats the original purpose and takes away from the event and its participants. I for one won't be attending "Major Rager" night at Bon Vue. It also avoids confronting the burning questions that we need to answer as a culture regarding boundaries between schools and their students online life.
But is senior Chris Allen in for more than he bargained for? With 2,354 attending guests, 258 maybes, 3,524 awaiting reply, and Turn to 10 News on his back, I'd say so.
Originally, the plan was for Allen and a "few buddies" to throw something together for URI students, that something being a party of epic proportions. He described it as "something kind of like an underground rave, but much more awesome." Last night, I took that to mean less scary, more organized, and more safe. Allen's idea seemed to be to prove that URI was still the number one party school, despite being dropped off the "official" Playboy list (reportedly because they no longer rank professionals among amateurs). I have to admit, I saw that two of my friends were attending this event, read the description, and immediately wanted in. Not that I actually planned on going, but I wanted to know when it was going to be. Part of Allen's plan was to keep the date and location secret until the night of. If I wasn't working, then I probably would have checked it out. I did see that ten minutes prior someone posted that it had been mentioned on channel 10 news. But without thinking twice, I RSVP'd as attending and went to bed.
Ten minutes later, I jumped up. What was I thinking? I didn't want to be a part of this, not if the news was getting involved. Chris Allen was probably going to get expelled. The people on the list would probably get warned or suspended, or at least put on some sort of watch list. I wasn't going to be involved in this. I turned my laptop back on and logged on to Facebook. Stupid, stupid, stupid I thought. I couldn't get my name off the event completely, but changed my RSVP to not attenting.
But where did all this paranoia come from? Why was I scared to RSVP to a party on Facebook? Because of all the horror stories that I've heard about high school students being suspended for pictures on Facebook. And the stories about students being suspended for what that they said, off school property, online, from their own computers, to a rival school. And the event, much like the Major Rager, that invited 60 students to bully another student, for which 12 were suspended.
Clearly, the walls of the school are no longer the boundaries within which students can be punished. Because of this, I didn't feel safe to RSVP to a party. That feeling of not knowing what my own rights were, what I could be punished or held accountable for, really upset me. Where are these boundaries? When will they be drawn? Will it take an event like the Major Rager to become the next supreme court case that does down in the history books, deciding the course of action in cases like this for the next century?
For now, Chris Allen has decided to 'legitimize' the Major Rager. He is in the course of finding sponsors for the party and a paid venue. But really, this defeats the original purpose and takes away from the event and its participants. I for one won't be attending "Major Rager" night at Bon Vue. It also avoids confronting the burning questions that we need to answer as a culture regarding boundaries between schools and their students online life.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Halloween 2KX
I have to say, I'm apparently a little behind the times, and it sucks finding out through the medium of Halloween costumes. While I was perfecting my Audrey Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany's ensemble, the rest of the world was busy getting square-tip manicures and planning out how to best glue meat to their bodies for Halloween 2KX. That's right folks- the most 'original' costumes this year go to . . . drumroll please- SNOOKI and LADY GAGA. As dictated by just about every pop culture website and news media in the United States. Oh, so original.
Top costumes of 2010? Well, Avatars (the blue ones, not to be confused with the Japanese ones) are a big seller this year, as are vampires and characters from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. These three categories make it onto the list of top mens, women's, couples, and kids popular costumes.
It's getting so un-original that there have been videos made predicting the crowd at this year's parties. And from what I've seen of my friends Facebook pictures so far, this video is dead on. Even Regis and Kelly are getting in on the fun of making fun of this year's costume choices.
How about trying something really original? Or, if that's asking too much for the girls, something thats just not skanky. My boyfriend's mom picked up a whole set of Wizard of Oz costumes for our group of friends, but unfortunately the Dorothy dress just wasn't low cut or short enough to be deemed socially acceptable by my friends. Where did this obsession with dressing up as
While we're on the subject, check out Nat. Geo.'s history of Halloween breakdown. Pretty interesting stuff.
But, if you're like the rest of America and just want to be 'creative,' here's a how-to guide for becoming a Snookie. But what is Snookie going to be? A pickle of course. I just hope I'm not the only one who doesn't understand the joke.
Top costumes of 2010? Well, Avatars (the blue ones, not to be confused with the Japanese ones) are a big seller this year, as are vampires and characters from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. These three categories make it onto the list of top mens, women's, couples, and kids popular costumes.
It's getting so un-original that there have been videos made predicting the crowd at this year's parties. And from what I've seen of my friends Facebook pictures so far, this video is dead on. Even Regis and Kelly are getting in on the fun of making fun of this year's costume choices.
How about trying something really original? Or, if that's asking too much for the girls, something thats just not skanky. My boyfriend's mom picked up a whole set of Wizard of Oz costumes for our group of friends, but unfortunately the Dorothy dress just wasn't low cut or short enough to be deemed socially acceptable by my friends. Where did this obsession with dressing up as
While we're on the subject, check out Nat. Geo.'s history of Halloween breakdown. Pretty interesting stuff.
But, if you're like the rest of America and just want to be 'creative,' here's a how-to guide for becoming a Snookie. But what is Snookie going to be? A pickle of course. I just hope I'm not the only one who doesn't understand the joke.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Becoming a Gleek
At the risk of coming across a spoiler or two, I'd like to talk about my latest obsession- Glee.
See, I have this problem where I get into a tv show and watch it like it's a movie. This of course spawns from the fact that I am culturally deprived and watching the show on DVD or online, not as it debuts like the rest of America. Also for this reason, I am currently two episodes from finishing season one, where every other Gleek is in the middle of season 3. It doesn't bother me though, except when I come across a spoiler or two.
The show is just so catchy. Well, I take that back. It wasn't at first. The first episode of Glee that I ever watched was highly publicized "Britney/Britney" episode. I just had to see what all the fuss was about.
After the thirty second run-down of "and that's what you missed on !GLEE!" I was sufficiently confused. Aren't those openings designed to get new people into the series? It definitely missed that target audience entirely. I watched the episode, but didn't like the filming style and couldn't get into the plot. Because I was so curious why this show was getting so much damn publicity, I found the first season and began to watch.
After the first episode, I was hooked. How could I not be, when I find out that the climatic ending performance was that amazing new rendition of Don't Stop Belivin' that played all the time on the radio at work? I'd had no idea that that song was from Glee. While I was watching it I got chills. So many of their songs are amazing remakes that I am going to get the complete season one CD.
Now that I'm into the series, I have to say, I'm addicted. I'm a Gleek. And yet, I'm scared to catch up to the rest of the world. I can't imagine hitting the end of a particularly suspenseful episode and having to wait an entire week for the next.
I've never had to do that. All of my obsessive show-watching has happened after the series has ended. Gilmore Girls, Wildfire, Beautiful People, Charmed. All of these I watched once they were already over. And I feel the need to watch and re-watch like they're just really long movies (a tendency that very few people understand).
Maybe that's just me trying to make up for not seeing them with the rest of the world while they were in their glory days. Then again, maybe it's just the side effect of being culturally deprived.
See, I have this problem where I get into a tv show and watch it like it's a movie. This of course spawns from the fact that I am culturally deprived and watching the show on DVD or online, not as it debuts like the rest of America. Also for this reason, I am currently two episodes from finishing season one, where every other Gleek is in the middle of season 3. It doesn't bother me though, except when I come across a spoiler or two.
The show is just so catchy. Well, I take that back. It wasn't at first. The first episode of Glee that I ever watched was highly publicized "Britney/Britney" episode. I just had to see what all the fuss was about.
After the thirty second run-down of "and that's what you missed on !GLEE!" I was sufficiently confused. Aren't those openings designed to get new people into the series? It definitely missed that target audience entirely. I watched the episode, but didn't like the filming style and couldn't get into the plot. Because I was so curious why this show was getting so much damn publicity, I found the first season and began to watch.
After the first episode, I was hooked. How could I not be, when I find out that the climatic ending performance was that amazing new rendition of Don't Stop Belivin' that played all the time on the radio at work? I'd had no idea that that song was from Glee. While I was watching it I got chills. So many of their songs are amazing remakes that I am going to get the complete season one CD.
Now that I'm into the series, I have to say, I'm addicted. I'm a Gleek. And yet, I'm scared to catch up to the rest of the world. I can't imagine hitting the end of a particularly suspenseful episode and having to wait an entire week for the next.
I've never had to do that. All of my obsessive show-watching has happened after the series has ended. Gilmore Girls, Wildfire, Beautiful People, Charmed. All of these I watched once they were already over. And I feel the need to watch and re-watch like they're just really long movies (a tendency that very few people understand).
Maybe that's just me trying to make up for not seeing them with the rest of the world while they were in their glory days. Then again, maybe it's just the side effect of being culturally deprived.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Natural-y Good Marketing
As the small animal specialist at my PetCo, I am in charge of a lot of the products and presentation in my department. I've noticed that PetCo has slowly been changing their packaging for many of our brand items. Before I thought too much about it, all I knew was that the new packaging looks much more professional. We are changing from brightly colored, mostly bright yellow and white boxes to a toned down green with brown accents. Even the pictures on the boxes have gotten a makeover. They're changing from a picture of an empty cage on a white background to a fully furnished cage with animals in it that is set up in a modern looking house.
Seeing the two boxes side by side, because we still have some of the old products, all I could think was how much better the shelves looked now. Changing the packaging was a very smart move for PetCo because the old packaging looked like it was for a toddler's toy. The new packaging is modern, professional, and appealing.
But why is it so much more appealing to me? This was the question I hadn't been able to answer.
I didn't think twice about this change until I was setting up a new endcap display in my department. I was taking down the traditionally recommended Kaytee Lab Fiesta seed mix and putting new Kaytee Nature's Benefits in its place.
As I was setting up the display, I found myself wishing that there was a mouse and rat version so that I could feed my rats the new Nature's Benefits food. I even started looking at the ingredients for the hamster/gerbil one and wondering if I could just buy that for my rats. At that point, I realized something. I have never thought of giving my rats something that wasn't made for them. Sure, it won't hurt them, but it might not be exactly what they need.
So why now? What was it about this new product that made me want to drop my old food and buy this one?
Confused, I made up my mind to articulate my thought process. First of all, it was natural. Second, it looked natural. Natural is good. I want to feed my pets natural food. I don't buy into natural foods for myself, so why would I for my pets? Where did this mentality come from?
I didn't even know it was natural- just because it's called Nature's Benefits and comes in a cardboard box doesn't mean it's not the same junk in the brightly colored bags. (And seed mixes are junk, high in fat and low in protein- aways feed a block diet. )
What did Kaytee do to make their products more appealing? They changed their packaging. They took advantage of the new natural ideal. Customers are now looking for simplicity, naturalness, and authenticity in packaging (Food Production daily).
Throughout my whole store, packaging is changing to reflect this interest in natural products. From eco-friendly doggie cleanup bags to toys made out of recycled materials, Petco's new line of items are dubbed "Planet Petco."
And it's not just Petco. Sunchips come in a 100% compostable bag (for now, at least). Although the first compostable chip bag was fromcompostable packaging. Yogurt cups are being made from corn.
Who knows where this whole natural movement is going. But for now, I'm glad I'm aware of these new marketing strategies so that I know why I'm really attracted to a product and I can use better judgement before impulse buying because something appears healthy.
Seeing the two boxes side by side, because we still have some of the old products, all I could think was how much better the shelves looked now. Changing the packaging was a very smart move for PetCo because the old packaging looked like it was for a toddler's toy. The new packaging is modern, professional, and appealing.
But why is it so much more appealing to me? This was the question I hadn't been able to answer.
I didn't think twice about this change until I was setting up a new endcap display in my department. I was taking down the traditionally recommended Kaytee Lab Fiesta seed mix and putting new Kaytee Nature's Benefits in its place.
As I was setting up the display, I found myself wishing that there was a mouse and rat version so that I could feed my rats the new Nature's Benefits food. I even started looking at the ingredients for the hamster/gerbil one and wondering if I could just buy that for my rats. At that point, I realized something. I have never thought of giving my rats something that wasn't made for them. Sure, it won't hurt them, but it might not be exactly what they need.
So why now? What was it about this new product that made me want to drop my old food and buy this one?
Confused, I made up my mind to articulate my thought process. First of all, it was natural. Second, it looked natural. Natural is good. I want to feed my pets natural food. I don't buy into natural foods for myself, so why would I for my pets? Where did this mentality come from?
I didn't even know it was natural- just because it's called Nature's Benefits and comes in a cardboard box doesn't mean it's not the same junk in the brightly colored bags. (And seed mixes are junk, high in fat and low in protein- aways feed a block diet. )
What did Kaytee do to make their products more appealing? They changed their packaging. They took advantage of the new natural ideal. Customers are now looking for simplicity, naturalness, and authenticity in packaging (Food Production daily).
Throughout my whole store, packaging is changing to reflect this interest in natural products. From eco-friendly doggie cleanup bags to toys made out of recycled materials, Petco's new line of items are dubbed "Planet Petco."
And it's not just Petco. Sunchips come in a 100% compostable bag (for now, at least). Although the first compostable chip bag was fromcompostable packaging. Yogurt cups are being made from corn.
Who knows where this whole natural movement is going. But for now, I'm glad I'm aware of these new marketing strategies so that I know why I'm really attracted to a product and I can use better judgement before impulse buying because something appears healthy.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Who Owns Her Heart?
Obviously, not the fans that have been with her from the beginning. Miley Cyrus has been following in the treacherous footsteps of former Disney Icon LiLo (AKA Lindsey Lohan) for a while now. We all know about the racy photos, pole dancing at the teen choice awards, lap dancing at the after parties, and the outfits-that-weren't. Now, seventeen year old Miley has released a new video, "Who Owns My Heart" that many are saying has crossed the line.
Opinions range from approval to interested concern to extreme disapproval and anger. Although her older audience seems to have no problems with her new persona, parents are urging us to think about what message she is sending to her younger fan base. The Parent's Television Council has taken great offense to this new Miley, pointing out that "Miley has built her fame and fortune entirely on the backs of young girls" and stating "it saddens us that she seems to eager to distance herself from that fanbase so rapidly." Due to the nature of the video, I would have to agree.
For a while now, I've thought that a lot of things Miley has done have been inappropriate, including Hannah Montana. Sure, it's fine for high schoolers to watch if they are bored or want a laugh, because they know that it's a show and that there is a difference in television and real life. But the younger kids that watch it like middle school girls are watching Hannah make ridiculous, over-exagerated faces, rudely make fun of her father, and walk all over her friends like that is the way that normal teenage girls act. Middle school girls are seeing these things and copying them in real life. I have a younger family member who would do things like this and all I could think was 'where is she getting this from?' Honestly, it makes her appear a little slow. Then, while in my dorm putting off writing a paper one night, I turned on the TV and watched Hannah Montana. And then I knew exactly where she was getting it from. Hannah is mildly entertaining, as long as you know the difference between watching her awful acting and how you should act in real life. Unfortunately, some younger kids do not understand this difference. Hannah Montana was a bad role model for middle schoolers, and Miley is a terrible role model for high schoolers.
Why do so many celebrity teenagers feel the need to take off their clothes and exploit themselves? Miley could have gone the way of Taylor Swift and been just as famous while still being a role model.
The next step for Miley? How about changing her name to MiCy.
Friday, October 1, 2010
On a Serious Note
18 year old Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi shocked America last week when he tragically ended his own life because of a gross invasion of his privacy. Clementi's college roommate Dharun Ravi and his friend Molly Wei videotaped Clementi having sex with another man in his dorm room. The students then posted the video online. Whether it was a hate crime or a college prank, the video had tragic consequences. On the night of September 22 Clementi took his own life by jumping off the George Washington Bridge.
This tragedy has been viewed as a call to arms by many. MTV news, Ellen Degeneres, former NSync star Lance Bass, and How I Met You Mother star Neil Patrick Harris are speaking out about their views on the situation. On her show on Friday, Ellen stated "My heart is breaking for their families, for their friends and for our society that continues to let this happen . . . We can't let intolerance and ignorance take another kid's life."
The mother of Matthew Shepard spoke to CBS news, explaining how Clementi's death has brought back Matthew's death. Shepard was an openly gay student from the University of Wyoming. He was brutally murdered at the age of 21 twelve years ago by two men because of his sexuality. Following her son's disturbing murder, Judy Shepard has become an activist for gay youth. She has brought about The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expands federal hate-crime laws to include crimes movitivated by a person's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Shepard's parents have also founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation to "combat hate and intolerance."
The unfortunate events of last week are a chance for us as a nation to rethink our view of privacy and come to terms with our growing problems with homophobia as a culture. In fact, even here at URI we are experiencing concerns about this issue. Beginning at midnight last Wednesday, about a dozen of URI's GLBT center began a peaceful sit-in at the 24hour room in the library. The students had a list of seven demands, including a new GLBT center, increased funding, and sensitivity training for faculty and RA's. The students ended their sit-in after a week and a day of their peaceful protest. An agreement was reached and the students goals were met, reported president of the gay-straight alliance Brian Stack. It was agreed that more sensitivity training for students, staff and faculty would be added to the University, GLBT students will be given a voice on several university committees, the schedule for adding a chief diversity officer to the administration and another staff member to the GLBT Center will be accelerated, Ruggles House on Upper College Road will be turned into the group’s new center and have apartments available to rent, numbers rather than names will be used to identify cases referred to the Bias Response Team, and an advisory commission will be created to explore and advocate for LGBT issues. Across America, people are becoming more informed and sensitive to issues such as these.
This tragedy has been viewed as a call to arms by many. MTV news, Ellen Degeneres, former NSync star Lance Bass, and How I Met You Mother star Neil Patrick Harris are speaking out about their views on the situation. On her show on Friday, Ellen stated "My heart is breaking for their families, for their friends and for our society that continues to let this happen . . . We can't let intolerance and ignorance take another kid's life."
The mother of Matthew Shepard spoke to CBS news, explaining how Clementi's death has brought back Matthew's death. Shepard was an openly gay student from the University of Wyoming. He was brutally murdered at the age of 21 twelve years ago by two men because of his sexuality. Following her son's disturbing murder, Judy Shepard has become an activist for gay youth. She has brought about The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expands federal hate-crime laws to include crimes movitivated by a person's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. Shepard's parents have also founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation to "combat hate and intolerance."
The unfortunate events of last week are a chance for us as a nation to rethink our view of privacy and come to terms with our growing problems with homophobia as a culture. In fact, even here at URI we are experiencing concerns about this issue. Beginning at midnight last Wednesday, about a dozen of URI's GLBT center began a peaceful sit-in at the 24hour room in the library. The students had a list of seven demands, including a new GLBT center, increased funding, and sensitivity training for faculty and RA's. The students ended their sit-in after a week and a day of their peaceful protest. An agreement was reached and the students goals were met, reported president of the gay-straight alliance Brian Stack. It was agreed that more sensitivity training for students, staff and faculty would be added to the University, GLBT students will be given a voice on several university committees, the schedule for adding a chief diversity officer to the administration and another staff member to the GLBT Center will be accelerated, Ruggles House on Upper College Road will be turned into the group’s new center and have apartments available to rent, numbers rather than names will be used to identify cases referred to the Bias Response Team, and an advisory commission will be created to explore and advocate for LGBT issues. Across America, people are becoming more informed and sensitive to issues such as these.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Survivor: Nicaragua
I realize this is a bit late (and by that I mean almost a week) but I just got to see the premier of Survivor Nicaragua thanks to my handy Verizon FiOS on demand! The discovery of which, if I may say so, was almost as exciting as the premier. Who knew I have access to a whole bunch of the latest shows and it doesn't even take up space on my DVR!
I think it's interesting the way they divided the teams. 30 and younger and 40 and older is a dramatic twist, I just don't know how long I can stand watching the frat party happen over at La Flor. Thank god they don't have access to alcohol. It's mildly interesting, but mostly exasperating. Like Big Brother. "We can't let a girl win," What are you, ten? Among other things that blend together, I found this outrageous. Not that I can remember who said it- all the young guys seem like the same person. Minus Fabio, of course. The only guy that stands out from the super-tan, muscly, chauvinistic, boxer-brief wearing crowd. But it's not like Survivor to write in comic relief. Their ratings must be slipping, or else they need to attract more viewers after their move from Thursday to Wednesday nights. One of the best quotes from Fabio: "It's like being in a zoo with no cages" Yeah, I think that's also called being outdoors.
Oh yeah, and what was with the creepy war cries girls of La Fleur?
I don't know about you, but I hope Jimmy Johnson stays on for a while, he seems like a nice guy. I don't know why everyone says that he's BS-ing about wanting to help someone win the million, or why they think that it's not a good idea to keep him around. The guy's right, no jury would give him the million. He's got enough already. Unless of course he went to the end with someone who had back-stabbed the entire jury, which would be the ideal situation for him. If anyone was going to take him to the end thinking he wouldn't get the vote just because he has money already, it would be the back-stabbing one. Hm, maybe he can win it. I love that he wanted to be on Survivor for the "adventure" of it. I guess when you're Jimmy Johnson you can do whatever you want for a vacation . . . Not that it hasn't been hard on him. It was great hearing him give props to all the past survivors after the first night. I never really heard anyone else say that it was that much harder than they thought. Or at least I didn't believe them. When it wasn't Jimmy Johnson saying it, it really just sounded like whining.
Another one that it seems will be early to go is Kelly B., the medical student with the prosthetic leg. I honestly don't think it's fair to vote her out just because you think she'll get a sympathy vote in the end. But I suppose that's the game. I hope we get to see a least a little more of what she can do.
I am glad that the goat girl got voted off though. To think that so many of her tribe mates were unsure about who they were voting for, and then she just goes and ruins it for herself. Talk about drawing a target on your back, that was completely ridiculous. If that was her true personality, I'm glad I didn't have to watch an hour of it. Who questions Jeff Probst? I don't think it has ever been done. Not to make a completely obscure reference, but I was reminded of Umbridge interrupting Dumbledore during his opening speech. It just isn't done. And when it is, you end up getting beaten up by a heard of angry centaurs or, in this case, voted off the island.
I think it's interesting the way they divided the teams. 30 and younger and 40 and older is a dramatic twist, I just don't know how long I can stand watching the frat party happen over at La Flor. Thank god they don't have access to alcohol. It's mildly interesting, but mostly exasperating. Like Big Brother. "We can't let a girl win," What are you, ten? Among other things that blend together, I found this outrageous. Not that I can remember who said it- all the young guys seem like the same person. Minus Fabio, of course. The only guy that stands out from the super-tan, muscly, chauvinistic, boxer-brief wearing crowd. But it's not like Survivor to write in comic relief. Their ratings must be slipping, or else they need to attract more viewers after their move from Thursday to Wednesday nights. One of the best quotes from Fabio: "It's like being in a zoo with no cages" Yeah, I think that's also called being outdoors.
Oh yeah, and what was with the creepy war cries girls of La Fleur?
I don't know about you, but I hope Jimmy Johnson stays on for a while, he seems like a nice guy. I don't know why everyone says that he's BS-ing about wanting to help someone win the million, or why they think that it's not a good idea to keep him around. The guy's right, no jury would give him the million. He's got enough already. Unless of course he went to the end with someone who had back-stabbed the entire jury, which would be the ideal situation for him. If anyone was going to take him to the end thinking he wouldn't get the vote just because he has money already, it would be the back-stabbing one. Hm, maybe he can win it. I love that he wanted to be on Survivor for the "adventure" of it. I guess when you're Jimmy Johnson you can do whatever you want for a vacation . . . Not that it hasn't been hard on him. It was great hearing him give props to all the past survivors after the first night. I never really heard anyone else say that it was that much harder than they thought. Or at least I didn't believe them. When it wasn't Jimmy Johnson saying it, it really just sounded like whining.
Another one that it seems will be early to go is Kelly B., the medical student with the prosthetic leg. I honestly don't think it's fair to vote her out just because you think she'll get a sympathy vote in the end. But I suppose that's the game. I hope we get to see a least a little more of what she can do.
I am glad that the goat girl got voted off though. To think that so many of her tribe mates were unsure about who they were voting for, and then she just goes and ruins it for herself. Talk about drawing a target on your back, that was completely ridiculous. If that was her true personality, I'm glad I didn't have to watch an hour of it. Who questions Jeff Probst? I don't think it has ever been done. Not to make a completely obscure reference, but I was reminded of Umbridge interrupting Dumbledore during his opening speech. It just isn't done. And when it is, you end up getting beaten up by a heard of angry centaurs or, in this case, voted off the island.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
She Dissed a Boy...
Katy Perry seems to be everywhere these days. Personally, I think she's catchy. In fact, I tried to boycott both Katy Perry and Taylor Swift, but found it nearly impossible. I'd have a song stuck in my head that I didn't really know because I'd only heard it in the background at work (I don't listen to the radio). Come to find out, it's Katy Perry singing in my head. Oh, and that fan video that I love so much? Yeah, that background music is Love Story by Taylor Swift. Guess it just goes to show how hard it is to get away from mainstream music.
Anyway, two days ago, Perry organized a free concert for her old high school, Dos Pueblos High School in Santa Barbara CA. During the concert, she called out an old classmate who she claimed never wanted to date her. Unfortunately, her diss fell short of her desired effect. The boy, Shane Lopes, couldn't care less. He's now engaged to his high school sweetheart and couldn't be happier.
Just goes to show that Skater Boi syndrome is something that famous people make up to make themselves feel more important, although Perry fans think that Lopes just wasn't about to admit how he really felt. I'm not so sure about that one, I mean, who would want an attention seeking, barely clothed "Christian girl gone wild" as their fiancee? Unless of course they were equally as hot a flash in the pan of stardom. Just ask the people at Go Fug Yourself what they think of Perry- they sure have a lot to say.
Anyway, two days ago, Perry organized a free concert for her old high school, Dos Pueblos High School in Santa Barbara CA. During the concert, she called out an old classmate who she claimed never wanted to date her. Unfortunately, her diss fell short of her desired effect. The boy, Shane Lopes, couldn't care less. He's now engaged to his high school sweetheart and couldn't be happier.
Just goes to show that Skater Boi syndrome is something that famous people make up to make themselves feel more important, although Perry fans think that Lopes just wasn't about to admit how he really felt. I'm not so sure about that one, I mean, who would want an attention seeking, barely clothed "Christian girl gone wild" as their fiancee? Unless of course they were equally as hot a flash in the pan of stardom. Just ask the people at Go Fug Yourself what they think of Perry- they sure have a lot to say.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A.I. no longer means Artificial Intelligence...
I remember sitting in John Pantalone's Journalism 110 class in my freshman year of college. More specifically, I remember him asking of the 300+ students sitting in new Center for biotechnology and life sciences who, if any, do not have cable at home. As hands went up, Pantalone clarified. "I don't mean you have satellite or Fios, I mean, who has NO cable, only broadcast stations?" While the confused hands all lowered, mine stayed raised. Of over 300 students, I was the only one who fit the bill.
I didn't realize how culture deprived I was until this past week, when I finally sat and watched COX cable at my rental house in Narragansett. The first thing I did was find the channel guide. And, what's more interesting to the culture-deprived girl than an American Idol recap?
Yes, I realize that American Idol was one of the few shows I could have actually watched without cable. But until I saw this recap I was convinced nothing of interest to me could be found on local broadcast stations. You can imagine my surprise when I learned that one of my new favorite artists- Chris Daughtry- was discovered via American idol. And not only that, but he was in the final four with Katherine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, and Elliott Yamin. I was shocked that all these names, minus Elliott Yamin (who I'd never heard of ) came from American Idol. Or AI as it's now known as, apparently.
As I start to come out from under my rock and figure out what else I've missed these past years, where better to turn than Idol Chatter ? However, as I found in class last week, AI chatter isn't limited to an intense fanbase. "Breaking News" now includes the fact that JLo has signed on to be a judge for one year (only one year? scandalous!).
I didn't realize how culture deprived I was until this past week, when I finally sat and watched COX cable at my rental house in Narragansett. The first thing I did was find the channel guide. And, what's more interesting to the culture-deprived girl than an American Idol recap?
Yes, I realize that American Idol was one of the few shows I could have actually watched without cable. But until I saw this recap I was convinced nothing of interest to me could be found on local broadcast stations. You can imagine my surprise when I learned that one of my new favorite artists- Chris Daughtry- was discovered via American idol. And not only that, but he was in the final four with Katherine McPhee, Taylor Hicks, and Elliott Yamin. I was shocked that all these names, minus Elliott Yamin (who I'd never heard of ) came from American Idol. Or AI as it's now known as, apparently.
As I start to come out from under my rock and figure out what else I've missed these past years, where better to turn than Idol Chatter ? However, as I found in class last week, AI chatter isn't limited to an intense fanbase. "Breaking News" now includes the fact that JLo has signed on to be a judge for one year (only one year? scandalous!).
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