tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37354127215509609522024-03-13T16:10:06.761-05:00Change Something Normal to Something DifferentJimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-52817768975620221552010-12-08T22:25:00.001-06:002010-12-08T22:25:53.740-06:00think now, or forever lose your direction.<div class='posterous_autopost'><p> <div style="color: #000000; font-family: Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 12px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 12px; background-image: ; background-color: #ffffff; line-height: 1.4; font-weight: normal; background-position: 50% 0%; padding: 0px;"> <p>Does anyone else ever get the urge to drop what you're doing, in life, and leave. I'm not talking about looking for a new job. Its the idea that you could be running through the African savanna, getting chased by lions, fishing for some exotic delicacy while be swarmed by jellyfish, or building awesome snowmen in Nepal only to have them get blown away by the raging winds. Not what you were thinking?</p> <p>Me neither. </p> <p>I'm not talking about physically leaving. I'm suggesting leaving the main understanding and creating your own. I live in a city and frequently I ask myself, "do I really want to spend my life in a concrete jungle?" Tarzan would be pissed if you brought him to this jungle. That's not fun. The location of my desire isn't so physical as its what mindset I want to have with me. It is the suggestion that I want to enforce the wandering and waves of fresh and different thoughts to float in and out at will. If you know me well, you know I like the little things in life. Especially those that aren't demonstrated in an instruction manual or guidebook. Example: I posted this picture on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jimmywatson" title="twitter" target="_blank" style="color: #007bff;">twitter</a> the other day.</p> <p><img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/204167040.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1291865936&Signature=AXRK2iCXxIxWT4y5MaQqznEWOj4%3D" height="401" alt="Applesauce spoon" style="" width="300" /> </p> <p>Boom. Spoon. No extra waste.</p> <p>I enjoy the challenge of finding other ways to do things. It lets me think, and sometimes something useful clicks. New, improved, and reinvented. The three coolest strategies of thinking. Expect more altered uses of normalized life items. Discoveries are my favorite, smiling is second.</p> </div> </p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/think-now-or-forever-lose-your-direction">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div>Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-42430103322930416902010-11-01T11:26:00.001-05:002010-11-01T11:26:30.706-05:00Dedication: (noun) throwing your all in to something.<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>The Rangers lost, the Cowboy's lost, and my fantasy team is winning. I care about the first two, as I am a native Dallas-ite and have followed the teams off and one since I read the sports section with my dad, some time around 2nd grade. I recited the stats, kept up with records, and collected memorabilia (i.e. cards, hats, pennants, etc.). However, even with all my interest, I had no direct impact on the teams. I was left with emotional ups and downs sitting and watching how the games unfolded. Looking at my fantasy team, I have some control. If I forget to set my lineup, its my fault, not the millionaires' on field performance. What I'm alluding to is I can walk away from a game. Happy or sad, I'll get over it, knowing "it was just a game." In fantasy, if I lose in the playoffs because I forget to trade my injured QB (Romo) for a healthy one, then I'll know I made the mistake.</p> <p>That intro isn't versed to tell you that I place fantasy in the clouds of glory and on an all high and mighty threshold of importance. It may be for some, but what I'm moving toward (at a painfully slow pace I realize) is the dedication that you put in to something of which you can directly affect the outcome. </p> <p>Passive vs Active.</p> <p>Which role do you want? Personally, I'd much rather participate and feel the highs and lows, knowing with each swing in emotion that my experiences [hopefully] teach me something. With a negative outcome, I learn and improve(again, hopefully). With a positive outcome, I remember and re-implement. At least, that's the game plan.</p> <p><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-10-31/cnuCocscwEedwusfEaHFeEgvobbEqiidnmGtwmJdHqigwxpHHhxGjyxsppds/nopainnogain.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="396" height="320"/> Would you rather do monotonous tasks daily, or would you rather try to make an improvement or create a solution to a lingering problem? Would you rather questions are <em><strong>dumb</strong></em>, but its relevant here.</p> <p>I classify doing things in to two categories; events and activities. Events, you can sit, watch, be passive, and enjoy. Activities, you're participating. I won't list examples. Its suppose to be vague, and I'm not going to define how to think. I may even change what I think is an event or activity down the road; furthermore, why create "rules" when rules are subject to change, debate, and set limits. Boring. Dumb. _____. </p> <p>To summarize my tangents, let me get dirty. Allow me to tinker and brainstorm. Odds heavily suggest my interest and involvement will increase and passion will root. Feedback is encouraged. If you disagree, awesome. If you agree...why? If you don't care, double why?</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/dedication-noun-throwing-your-all-in-to-somet">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div>Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-8452478943461305592010-10-13T23:44:00.002-05:002010-10-13T23:46:48.405-05:00The Art of Blog Articulation; Thought Provoking Dialogue<div class="posterous_autopost"><p> </p><div style="color: #000000; font-family: Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 12px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 12px; background-image: ; background-color: #ffffff; line-height: 1.4; font-weight: normal; background-position: 50% 0%; padding: 0px;"> <p>Over thinking things is my forte. It doesn't matter what the concern at hand is either. I have an overwhelming mental juggle of "am I getting the best deal for my ___." In the blank, fill in words like time, money, caffeine intake, food consumption, sleep hours, tweets, etc. The humorous part is, due to my indecision or waste of time thinking about it, I do exactly that; waste time. I've been battling this and reconsidering why I think like I do, but really, I'm just doing the same thing. This neither a rant, nor is it going to develop in to one; however, I AM trying to thrust your brain in to 3rd gear. I want to share with you a post that really hit home. It made me think....IN A PRODUCTIVE WAY. Sorry for the caps, just defending myself. </p> <p>I saw something about it in a tweet from Chuck @charlesriccardi, but decided I would wait until I went through recent friend blog post. Then, BOOM, it was commented on my friend, Johnny @jschrep. He posted a lot of good stuff, and seeing as he's practically my digital mentor, I HAD to expedite my reading Chuck's post.</p> <p>Please check out this post. I promise its good stuff, especially for anyone like us 3, mid-20s and pondering Life. </p> <p>I am pleased to introduce, Chuck: <a href="http://stuckwithchuck.tumblr.com/post/1310174153/23-married">http://stuckwithchuck.tumblr.com/post/1310174153/23-married</a></p> </div> <p></p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com/">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/the-art-of-blog-articulation-thought-provokin">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div>Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-20137600757274672212010-09-06T21:58:00.001-05:002010-09-06T21:58:16.035-05:00I Just Want Simplicity<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>This past week, I have been greeted with two new platforms to like/friend/follow on top of my already overloaded assortment. Keeping up with MY OWN social media and blogs is hard enough, especially when added to checking out ALL of my "friend's" endless stream of personality-defining data. Being a digital native is a full time job. Last week, Apple decided to throw another course in to the already gluttonous meal that I try to digest daily. Now I should monitor my web community's music interests? I swear, if Chipotle or Starbucks comes out with a social media platform, where I get to see every burrito or drink that my friends are consuming, I'm going to yell....or just tweet "ahjsdfkjajsdklfalk ahsdlfkhaslkdfjlaks kjahsdf;l kjas~~~!!!!!" </p> <p> </p> <p>I have a novel idea that I wish someone could create for me. Just for me, since I know no one else has the problem mentioned above. </p> <p> </p> <p>How about you take the platform of Google Reader, but allow me to uber-customize it for all my social media, with expandable folders/tabs that are my feeds. Take the folders and pretend that each is Facebook, Twitter, Ping, LinkedIn, blogs, Google Buzz, and of course the google reader news feeds I already use. Then, you could customize it with folders that highlight specific Facebook friends, organized in groups, Twitter groups, pictures, comments, etc.</p> <p>And while you are at it, include the options of two OR three columns. I was too lazy to photoshop my examples in, so use your imagination. </p> <p>OPTIONS! CUSTOMIZATION! Please?</p> <p> </p> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-06/ufnAzfnhjrtDJhediIqjHllsfsexegzuIzBgIdGylhdjjekdnlIsFxopHCkm/Google_Reader.jpg.scaled1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-09-06/ufnAzfnhjrtDJhediIqjHllsfsexegzuIzBgIdGylhdjjekdnlIsFxopHCkm/Google_Reader.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" height="313"/></a> </p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/i-just-want-simplicity">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div>Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-25155870811926775562010-08-07T17:59:00.001-05:002010-08-07T17:59:34.634-05:00Twitter's Undiscovered Utility<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>I say it is <em>undiscovered</em>, yet I picked up this idea from my WWW BFF(Yes, that's world wide web best friend forever. go ahead. laugh. we're comfortable with our relationship.). Dave mentioned that he was setting up a new twitter account, as a blog/space to jot things down, and my first remark was "When are you going to follow me?" I figured he wanted to make an account, untied to his normal stream of friends, as a channel to vent, ponder, and express other thoughts, but this was not his strategy. He said he wasn't going to follow me or anyone for that matter, and he was going to protect his tweets.</p> <p>Well, that's weird. </p> <p>Actually, its insanely smart. He's not using it as social media; in contrast, he's using it as the ultimate notepad. He can log on from anywhere: mobile, work, home, or anywhere web accessible. Thoughts, questions, observations, things that pick his brain, to-do lists, notes, etc. are all simply saved with a little 140char tweet. You have mobile apps that have web and notepad-style functionality, but he's already in the habit of checking twitter...frequently. </p> <p>Pretty clever, or so I think; moreover, he found a second utility of something he already uses.</p> <p>Nice work @dmbcalvert</p> <p> </p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/twitters-undiscovered-utility">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div>Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-51434787486001494812010-07-24T13:34:00.003-05:002010-07-24T14:26:02.659-05:00Fruit vs Vegetables<div class="posterous_autopost"> <div style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 8px;"> <p><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-07-24/BCpFmDmbFtfJxGlcdzwtCHdgfDwFfrtFuaFkoGgstojdgtwHplfcpdyvprxt/att.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="296" height="171" /> <img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-07-24/CeeGoIhJkgxDohwsjgDAiycCoGqAdwiJFvvyqgeAfiHvaFEqmzzDbutApcda/verizon.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="353" height="143" /> </p><div><a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/fruit-vs-vegetables">See the full gallery on posterous</a></div><p></p> <div style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 8px;"> <p> </p> <p>Instead of going to a Farmer’s Market or grocery store for my fruits and veggies this morning, I dropped in <strong>AT&T</strong> and <strong>Verizon </strong>shops.<span style=""> </span>I’ve been debating for quite a few weeks on the pros and cons of <span style="color:#000000;">AT&T</span> (T) and <span style="color:#000000;">Verizon</span> (VZ), without much success in establishing an ultimate victor. What a frustrating debate.<span style=""> </span>Two years ago, it was clear(to me) that the iPhone 3G trumped all phones, at least all phones in the market that I admired.<span style=""> </span>Recently, however, these robot phones and the powerhouse <strong>Google</strong>, decided to add 50 new variables to the mix.<span style=""> </span>Thanks a lot Google (but say that line as Alan would say, “Thanks a lot Bin Laden.” If you don’t get this, we probably cannot be friends.).</p> </div> <div style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 8px;"> <p><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-07-24/qfAbtizDIvqtwAHJszvxcGygsHcrbjoaJijfwqbncnimanraCafubpFnprCD/google.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="420" height="315" /> I miss the Blackberry vs iPhone debate. #sad</p> <p> </p> <p>These robots and their android software looks Incredible, wait, isn’t that the name of one of HTC’s robots? Odd.<span style=""> </span>The diversity and slight differentiation of the heard of smart phones has become more grueling than picking a topic for a college research paper.<span style=""> </span>Here’s MY stereotyping, and this helped a little:</p> <p style="text-indent: 11.6pt;"> </p> <img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-07-24/tnunCqJDtmJJqIhCBuvkDjloyphiccdjnmJFhGCvjAzHpAnpzGfkyaIFxFlq/apple.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="118" height="122" /> <img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-07-24/cwbdIxkmrAqafeqmFAFJmIvcHtebgqAeIkIvGkjcuJmvHybEtqhnskcuCDrp/android.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="192" height="209" /> <div><a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/fruit-vs-vegetables">See the full gallery on posterous</a></div> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>iPhone 4</strong></span> – That fun, cool kid in high school that hit up every party</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Motorola Droid X</strong></span> – The stud athlete that is having a stellar season so far (Let’s just hope it doesn’t suffer the Madden Curse).</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>HTC Incredible</strong></span> – The smart kid that everyone likes, but is ½ step behind the party animal and captain of that sports team. “Guys,<span style=""> </span>check out my keyboard!”</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Motorola Droid</strong></span> – The extracurricular king.<span style=""> </span>Need help with a project? “I have a keyboard too!”</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Motorola Droid 2</strong></span> – The new kid on the block.<span style=""> </span>Who knows what they’ll be like, but my bet is a standout, with a keyboard.<span style=""> </span>Might<span style=""> </span>appeal to everyone?</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Samsung Captivate</strong></span> – The new kid, hanging in the iPhone’s group. Who’s going to be top dog next semester? Seems fun and one of<span style=""> </span>my AT&T reps pushed this pretty hard.</p> <p>That debate, well, just sucks.</p> <p> </p> <img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-07-24/DrEDutuiuicwwdarlFokyneCdvladzAbrobsxCqkcuwclIdgHvaxoCIelfkJ/droid.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="252" height="96" /><br /><p>Next step, let’s analyze the services, maybe that’ll help me cut some fat.<span style=""> </span>AT&T claims to cover 97% of the USA; however, my retail representative at Verizon commented to this statistic, saying, “That includes landlines.”<span style=""> </span>I asked if that meant that if someone had AT&T for business, a home landline, and/or a mobile phone, if that counted as double or triple.<span style=""> </span>Her response: a smile and a brief nod.<span style=""> </span>Hmmmm… If that is true, those folks in the marketing department are getting more and more clever (I have not actual stat or fact to support this.).<span style=""> </span>She was Incredibly helpful either way.<span style=""> </span></p> <p> </p> <p>At AT&T (I went to two AT&T shops, but I won’t differentiate and confuse you.) my rep suggested, for better call quality, that I disable <span style="color:#ff6600;">3G</span> and use <span style="color:#0000ff;">EDGE</span>.<span style=""> </span>“You will still be able to use voicemail, but data may be slower,” she points out.<span style=""> </span>I had to verify, because what was all the craziness about 3G and awesome calling when it came out a couple years ago??<span style=""> </span>Apparently this is true, verified at my second AT&T stop.<span style=""> </span>I’m lost.<span style=""> </span>Why have two networks, one superior at one task, the second the forerunner at the other?<span style=""> </span>Ideas of [in]efficiency and logic are zipping around my potentially soon-to-implode brain.<span style=""> </span>Am I missing something?<span style=""> </span>Shouldn’t the focus be on the ULTIMATE network? Wasn’t 3G, a.k.a. 3<sup>rd</sup> Generation, suppose to be the next step in the awesomeness that is cellular phone service?<span style=""> </span>Is this similar to saying let’s recruit a stud power forward to take this team to the next level, and we will pay stupid $$ millions to sign him; however, we’ll keep the old guy around because he’s better at...ESPN Classic??<span style=""> Shouldn't this investment be to move the strategy forward? </span>This is probably why I don't own the <strong>LA Lakers</strong>. (Side note: the <strong>Miami Heat</strong> could easily disprove this thought overthe next couple of seasons.)</p> <p> </p> </div> <div style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 8px;"><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-07-24/tcwbkbsAlsbFrAyAtowDwluGJdFcyBueExleEowjzowkDrExaCGdrGhJzwvm/3g.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="284" height="177" /> <p>Verizon’s service seems solid, right?<span style=""> </span>I don’t know. I don’t have it, but people that do like to chuckle(or is it chortle?) whenI drop a call OR when I pull the [Verizon] “can you hear me now??”<span style=""> </span>I actually was talking to a friend, who works for Verizon, and when I called them back…after my call was dropped, I didn’t receive a “Hello/Hey/What’s up?” No, upon accepting my call, all I heard was “hahahahaha.”<span style=""> </span>Jerk.<span style=""> </span>Oh the little things in life.</p> <p> </p> <p>Price: for unlimited, about the same. That doesn’t help.</p> <p>Music: Android software(maybe the Droid phone) converts iTunes music in to mp3 when loaded to phone.</p> <p>Camera: All great. Captivate cannot record HD video(didn't ask on a couple). iPhone has face-side camera as well.</p> <p>Contacts: Android syncs with Google contacts. iPhone with Address Book on Mac(Google contacts on Windows?).</p> <p>Service: 3G (or EDGE...)</p> <p>Screen: Big and crisp all around. What is the marginal benefit if the screen is better than my eye can actually process? Zero?</p> <p>Included: Standard chargers, but I already have car charger and extra chargers for iPhone (about $20-30 for car charger?).</p> <p> </p> <p>It’s coming down to which fruit or vegetable do I like.<span style=""> </span>The Android software is full of social-aiding minerals and vitamins, but an Apple-a-day keeps the doctor away.<span style=""> </span>After all, most of my techie toys are fruits.<span style=""> </span>Maybe I should stick to simplicity and consistency.<span style=""> </span>Then soon enough, my mom will be Facetiming me to ask why I don’t call as much as I “should.”<span style=""> </span>#Awesome.</p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px; ">What do I choose? Apple (fruit) or a Droid (vegetable - whatever, vegetables have minerals. Robots are made of metal; minerals. Use the transitive property of addition.)?</span></p> </div> <p> </p> </div> <p> </p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com/">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/fruit-vs-vegetables">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div>Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-1591088480111824942010-07-19T20:48:00.001-05:002010-07-19T20:48:26.453-05:00Get/Got Punked<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>What makes you like to run errands? Anything? I'm not a fan, especially after a mentally draining day doing the work thing. However, there are a help places I enjoy visiting. You may know the first couple; <strong>coffee shops, bookstores, Chipotle, and REI</strong>. The other end of the spectrum includes liquor stores (judgement is always passed on your purchase), grocery stores (temptation everywhere), movie rental stores(now obsolete), and automobile-related places(always $$$). With that being said, I dedicate this post to a great dude, who works at Firestone Complete Auto Care on Forest Lane @ Greenville, in Dallas. </p> <p> </p><p /> <p> </p> <p>As I said, today was mentally draining. I would tell you more, but I can't/don't want to freshen the memory. Leave work, think, I need to get my tires rotated. Cue iPhone 3G (NOT 4...sad) Maps feature. BOOM. There is one near work. Quick side note, when you buy tires from Firestone, they give you "free" tire rotations for the life of those tires. I quote 'free', because tires are EXPENSIVE, and it's not like they are super important or anything. Upon completion of the rotational service the talented employees preformed, "Mr. Watson, you're car is ready." Sweet. Let's blow this joint. "Ok, that'll be $354.76." I froze, would have stuttered if I could think of words fast enough, and had the standard "What the..." shock look all over my profoundly confused face. 3 long seconds later, laughing "I'm just kidding. I got you man. You should have seen your face." Giving this a few seconds of my own to sink in, I joined the laughing sesh. </p> <p> </p> <p>If you know me, you should realize that I appreciated this. What any awesomely punk move to make. Naturally I thanked him for breaking up the flat-lining mood of the day and told him I respected his move. </p> <p> </p> <p>The relation of this event to my blog trend: my day took a turn toward the pondering world. It's the little actions and comments that make me appreciate that event. Obviously this move wouldn't work if you were a Congressman and told the US public that this bill was going to cost $12 trillion, the threw out the "HAHA GOT YOU!" </p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/getgot-punked">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div>Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-11737948374775002552010-07-02T16:05:00.002-05:002010-07-09T18:53:31.744-05:00Participate, don't be passive.<div class="posterous_autopost"><p>I'm doing the straight hipster move of chillin' in a Starbucks (FREE WIFI!, ok, I'm not really that excited, but its new, sooo why not), hangin' out on my MacBook. Word. Here's the kicker. I'm sporting a Geek Squad shirt. This is the key point to this post. I'm not doing a post about what I'm doing, but I'm taking a new approach to People Watching (capital letters on purpose).<a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-07-02/cDvaDAAigBcAzbFblfbJDnpDAhGJdrcpIuvnzeEixyAiyigItIodfhymnbEq/photo-5.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-07-02/cDvaDAAigBcAzbFblfbJDnpDAhGJdrcpIuvnzeEixyAiyigItIodfhymnbEq/photo-5.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" height="667" /></a> </p> <p>Laugh away.</p> <p> </p> <p>People Watching, which is easily the greatest activity in airports, coffee shops, during break periods on campus, and pretty much anywhere, is awesome. That's it. What better to do than guess conversations or thoughts or even the story of why Victim X how they are at that moment.</p> <p>To the point. I rambled, sorry. I'm wearing this shirt, because everyone that walks in to order and does the casual look around notices the shirt. They look/stare longer, and you know they want to ask for help on a reoccurring issue at home/work. Boom. I just participated. Why just be passive, when you can launch the experience to a new threshold?</p> <p> </p> <p>Ideas for improvement:</p> <p>How can you set the stage?</p> <p>Add props?</p> <p>Wear a rainbow, clown wig.</p> <p>How about set yourself up to be People Watched. Why not? If you can get people to start wondering "What the hell is HE doing??" Then you have just warmed up the playing field. They're bound to act different. Wear boots, with athletic shorts and a button down (This is actually a personal favorite wardrobe set-up). </p> <p>OR my current favorite People Watching set-up: At White Rock Lake on Sundays, on the West side, there is a couple that sets up a "Free Advice" area, complete with extra chairs and wisdom. I'm dumb for not stopping by, but think about this one. They get to People Watch, and at some point, they get to solve the daunting (a dude just wandered over to me starring at the shirt, but when I looked up and looked preoccupied, he walked away. Sad.) mystery of "What is that person's story?", because they actually get to talk with Victim X. And, they get to People Watch hundreds drifting around the lake: those Lance Armstrong biker gangs, dog walkers, silly-loner bikers like me, and families(always good). </p> <p>There you go. Mix it up a bit. Get it shaken, not stirred.</p> <p> </p> <p>I think I rambled again. Cool. By the way, that's really how my thoughts work...interrupted and tangent-filled.</p> <p></end post> (like that HTML bit??)</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com/">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/participate-dont-be-passive">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div>Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-79701274116647452982010-06-29T22:45:00.001-05:002010-06-29T22:45:57.704-05:00Thinking, differently.<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>There are many, many thinks that make me pause (at least mentally) and ponder over. </p> <p>Why do keys still go in to the steering column on many autos? </p> <p>Why ado those very sophisticated business card holders/name plates in offices always accompanied by terrible pens (note below)? </p> <p><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-29/gotAEkbodtzjxbonuplIIJmkxmhmykwwnBkgAhpCIECbGaooquspwiGbdxgk/pen_holder.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="300" height="300"/> </p> <p>Why don't more vehicles use electric motors in the wheels, which could eliminate heavy transmissions, drive shafts, and axles?</p> <p>Why do aiding countries expect the conversion of a recently tyrant-removed country to become cleanly and efficiently democratic in 10 years? It took the USA...well, 234 years and counting to be "efficient." That is not including the pre-revolutionary years of colonial America.</p> <p>When will there be a Spice Girls reunion?</p> <p>Why aren't velcro shoes more prevalent? You don't have to tie anything...</p> <p>AND THE MOST IMPORTANT: </p> <p>Why don't more people use frisbee's as plates???? Upside down, obviously, a frisbee has a ridge, preventing spills, and its easy to clean. Even more, all it takes is a baby wipe, and that bad boy is ready to throw around. This boggles my mind daily.</p> <p>-----------</p> <p>On to a more defined bunch of thoughts...</p> <p>How come the creativity of people remains within them? I took a road trip from Dallas to Minneapolis, and stopping at multiple Chipotle's, I created the defended of guacamole. The hero is covered in medieval-era, metal armor and wields the nemesis of delicious meals everywhere; a fork.<br /><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-29/EJfGbAJzjprzghpqCFdxjdmEAxgjaFFmzcHmknBjHAFwwdqmGvfvEnymJHvy/IMG_3122.jpg.scaled1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-29/EJfGbAJzjprzghpqCFdxjdmEAxgjaFFmzcHmknBjHAFwwdqmGvfvEnymJHvy/IMG_3122.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" height="667"/></a> </p> <p>My sister took a trip to Paris with some friends, and check out the fun treats she brought home. Now, I'll be brief with this one. Drinking wine out of a straw, yeah, no so great. But the idea highlights the real excitement here. Picnicking on a glass-free beach? Problem solved.</p> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-29/dgbteBvEAjfBHaewowiDkeewjjEEecHwtelwEajulIbeisGbuidHxCpbwAbd/IMG_1119.jpg.scaled1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-29/dgbteBvEAjfBHaewowiDkeewjjEEecHwtelwEajulIbeisGbuidHxCpbwAbd/IMG_1119.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" height="667"/></a> </p> <p>My only comment is "Who needs Frosty, when you can hang out with this T-Rex?" Busch Lights optional.</p> <p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-29/mIapFFjBaDcrhhosiAmtHFpjtgGkEjzxluAkzzjAaoHFHHvAgFDCFzFjhJfs/IMG_3108.JPG.scaled1000.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2010-06-29/mIapFFjBaDcrhhosiAmtHFpjtgGkEjzxluAkzzjAaoHFHHvAgFDCFzFjhJfs/IMG_3108.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" height="375"/></a> This is a start. I've started to write notes in one of my Moleskins. (Keeps the topics fresh)</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/thinking-differently-4">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div>Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-39897112032129213232010-02-09T23:08:00.001-06:002010-02-09T23:08:15.918-06:00Viola the Tiger
<div class='posterous_autopost'>I am a cube rat these days, and if you know me pretty well, you'll understand it when I suggest that my attention and attitude are not designed for tiny, plain areas. This being said, I have made it my daily mission to bring some light and laughs to our dismal office space we call the "Dungeon." A 10 second background on Viola: She is ALWAYS great. Me: "Viola how are you today?" <br />V: "Great!" <p /> You get the point. Meaning the only way to really know how her day/weekend/etc. has been is to infer the number of 'r's' in 'great.' Leading me to create this for her the other night. It's neatly posted on her cube wall for all to see. I hope I didn't make too many copyright infringements....Oh well. <p /> With out any further delay, Viola the Tiger:<p><a href='http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/pickmybrain/vF7i0wgPFaQ8owC0lPqkZLxFreWnGreSWosnK8pCA1upLGzD3O4JCPpStCGj/Tony_the_tiger.jpg'><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/pickmybrain/0gRdChQHHxaAp7Yp9vNtxTB1PbRcKtVgvJxDphRFGMTsdvX1byHynS2pkZW8/Tony_the_tiger.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" height="692"/></a> </p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/viola-the-tiger">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div> Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-63939363866769949802010-02-04T21:50:00.001-06:002010-02-04T21:50:14.793-06:00I'm a terrible blogger
<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>Starting work has really left me with a terrible ache in my body, not from the work itself, but from the effects of being a poor blogger. This can only be reflected in the fact that I am an excellent blog reader; of the few blogs I solicit and follow. By the time I get home from working on a computer (a PC that is incredibly slow, I might add), the last think on my mind is..."How may I computer some thoughts on to my favorite mediums of visual windows; and LCD screen." Something to work on in my near days. I have, however, began a productive cycle involving the cleaning of my desk, room, dresser, closet, mind, and books. I want to post some pictures of something, but I fear my photos are not of a loving little cat (<em><strong>rawr </strong></em><a href="http://www.kethompson.blogspot.com">www.kethompson.blogspot.com</a>), of creative and interesting photos (<strong><em>The Black Box </em></strong><a href="http://www.johnnyschroepferphotography.com">www.johnnyschroepferphotography.com</a>), of some of the coolest decorative creativity I've first hand witnessed(<strong><em>Riff Raff </em></strong><a href="http://www.shopriffraff.blogspot.com">www.shopriffraff.blogspot.com</a>) - my mom is an art looney and my sister is a super creative design student at SCAD, so that's saying something -, and the self motivating and soul relaxing blog (<em><strong>Love Today</strong></em> <a href="http://www.kenlieposey.blogspot.com">www.kenlieposey.blogspot.com</a>). I'll do better soon. Give me the weekend.</p> <p> </p> <p>Topics:</p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lost</span></strong></em></p> <p>Some cool/creative websites I want directed to</p> <p>Thoughts/Stories.</p> <p> </p> <p>End.</p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via web</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/im-a-terrible-blogger">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div> Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-11415142466915644432010-01-10T23:17:00.001-06:002010-01-10T23:17:08.626-06:00Loopt Fail Whale
<div class='posterous_autopost'>@Loopt sent out a message requesting their "Fail Whale." If you are familiar, the original #failwhale was an image used for the crashed Twitter site. Anyways, after a quick run of Photoshop CS4, I came up with the "Loopt Rescue Copter." @Loopt seemed to enjoy it, as it was retweeted by several twepts. Yes, I used Twitter jargon in this post. Its fitting. That was the birth of this image.<p><img src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/pickmybrain/YH4RDTbC9ef1Mo1s6ritKCfUsdKqzJRpCOEfjMckBFEJlmagQ9ILl5CGIkwI/Loopt_Fail_Whale.psd.converted.jpg" width="407" height="294"/> </p> <p style="font-size: 10px;"> <a href="http://posterous.com">Posted via email</a> from <a href="http://pickmybrain.posterous.com/loopt-fail-whale">(Pick) My Brain</a> </p> </div> Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-76723909242800380902009-05-05T23:41:00.012-05:002009-05-06T00:04:53.683-05:00Have an old iPod?Yea, so I started blogging then...well...disappeared. <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, I mentioned earlier that simple or old items around the house, dorm, car...etc. could become great new products. Well, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">iFlask</span> is the perfect example of recycled ingenuity. I am lucky and have a super creative uncle: Jim Watson. See <a href="http://www.jamesrobertwatson.com/">http://www.jamesrobertwatson.com/</a> for proof. I tell no lie here.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Here is his genius product:<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GMn16VSo2JE/SgEaN2CLfEI/AAAAAAAAABo/ZRRudsbQAFw/s1600-h/iflask+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332572258928655426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 209px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GMn16VSo2JE/SgEaN2CLfEI/AAAAAAAAABo/ZRRudsbQAFw/s320/iflask+2.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332572006102147202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 209px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GMn16VSo2JE/SgEZ_ILpIII/AAAAAAAAABg/K2hTs8eA4e0/s320/iflask+1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GMn16VSo2JE/SgEZoNfB8mI/AAAAAAAAABQ/JLYwlDamBjA/s1600-h/iflask+1.jpg"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GMn16VSo2JE/SgEW55QGHOI/AAAAAAAAABI/lViSG2Sd6g4/s1600-h/iflask+4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332568617660062946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GMn16VSo2JE/SgEW55QGHOI/AAAAAAAAABI/lViSG2Sd6g4/s320/iflask+4.jpg" border="0" /></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332571736456760226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GMn16VSo2JE/SgEZvbrLC6I/AAAAAAAAABY/T0dBBd2NdHY/s320/iflask+3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div>He, being an Apple guru, had this old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">iPod</span> laying around the house, and took it apart. This makes sense; he's curious. Have you ever wanted to just have a quick drink where, well, you are not suppose to? Check it out, the head phone jack doubles as the spout. Note: when you take it apart, if you attempt the task, be sure to darken the screen to a nice green or silver color. This way it looks legit when it is put back together.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Uses: I leave it to your imagination. I'm not recommending anything.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">apologize</span> for being short. last 10 hours of my (first) senior year are getting in the way.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-55102728757662461602009-03-25T20:46:00.003-05:002009-03-25T21:27:03.218-05:00A Business ClassWhat would you say the top ways are to learn something new?<br /><br />In my opinion, there is one definitive and tested way: do it. How do you learn how to mow the lawn (in the most efficient way)? How do you learn how to widdle? How do you learn how to drive a car? (I am serious about this one)<br /><br />YOU DO IT!<br /><br />So, to the point and the meaning of the title, why don't more (or any) classes in business (and other) colleges actually do what they teach? I have put some thought in to it, while sitting in my classes listening to teachers hammer on the idea that I <em>need to read my textbooks.</em> I'm sorry. It doesn't have pictures or graphs. But I think I have a solution that would make everyone a better graduate.<br /><br /><br /><strong>How I would structure my university(or my classes):</strong><br /><br />Take students majoring in small business or entrepreneurial coursework to come up with a product that would fit in a local or regional market. Then, the students would create and run a business around the idea; after all, shouldn't these students be prepared for what they plan on doing anyways?<br /><br />Marketing students: experience the aspect of researching the market for the product(s). COOL HUNT.<br /><br />Engineers/management students: design and come up with how to get the product made and ordered. In class building and hands on work!<br /><br />Artistic students: design packaging, labeling, .....ads (with the advertising students of course)<br /><br />Finance students: figure out how in the heck it will be paid for, how much it will be sold for, how much the parts will cost...etc.<br /><br /><em>Time to get it out there!</em><br /><br />Transportation students: coordinate the journey of whatever-it-is to the class room, the store, the venue, the whatever!<br /><br />Advertising/Marketing students: Do what the title of your major is! Market and advertise!<br /><br />Accounting students: run the books, set up a non-profit.<br /><br />Law students: Create the LLC. I know this doesn't take much work, but look at the legal side of patents, trademarks, and infringements.<br /><br />Internet savvy majors/computer engineers: Create a web site. Set up a blog. Tweet and Facebook the product.<br /><br /><br />Of course, this is not for everyone. You would have to apply for the classes; in addition, the interviews would be conducted by previous students, and these honors-like classes would be fairly small. Each major has a different class so, 10-15 students from each major or related major would meet together, but all the classes meet at the same time. Each year, expand.<br /><br />I call them:<br /><br />Real Life:Marketing<br />Real Life: Finance<br />Real Life: Entrepreneurs<br />Real Life: ________<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Teach some, do some, learn a ton.<br /><br />Turn a class in to an experience.Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-55836060349705296972009-03-11T23:38:00.000-05:002009-03-12T01:12:45.693-05:00Apple: The Classic GiftGrowing up, I would hear my parents say that you should give your teacher an apple. Funny thing, my mom was a teacher. But I would always see (early elementary school) my friends, or there moms, giving the teacher an apple with some note attached. As it turns out, an Apple as a gift has shifted from the teacher to the student. What better gift to give a college student, a grad student, or a student of the arts an Apple product? The difference, the capital "A". Everywhere I turn, I see a shiny super-tech apple creation. My friends and family own enough products to fill a store, and I have owned 5 iPods myself. My first was the 3rd Gen. 20-gig champion iPod. Don't worry, as you may have come to realize in my previous posts, I have kept it around. It has a 5 second battery life outside of the charger, doesn't like to charge on my computer anymore, and the row of 4 buttons seems to confuse anyone who examines the dinosaur of media players. At one point I upgraded to the 80-gig video monster, but that lasted a few months and one good party before it was too good for me and up and left my possession for some one better...<br /><br /><br />Then my sister went to college, received a stellar Apple computer for her....production design classes, or is it interior design? I don't know. I'm a finance and econ student; other end of the spectrum. So she was granted a new iPod mini...MINE! Great thing about nice younger sisters. The best part is when my sweet phone broke and oh how convenient, my birthday was the following week. Jackpot. iPhone. I would say, I qualify to be a proud owner of an Apple sticker on something I use to express myself. 5 items qualifies, right? Or do I need a laptop?<br /><br /><br /><br />Here's the good news for me (and you), Apple keeps the industry buzzing and sailing along with new designs and new products. If you aren't an obsessive tech news reader like many of my friends, you probably would not know about Apple's latest change to its already highly catering line up of goodies. Apple just revealed its new iPod shuffle, or rather the smallest most high-tech thing I know of. It's about the size of a key, and what do I know about keys? I lose them. At least they keep things simple and unbelievably easy to use, unless you're my parents... Sorry folks. I want an owner's opinion on the micro-pod before I dare risk hiring a search party to dig through my closet or dresser to find the rascal. One of the features is VoiceOver, where it tells you what song or which playlist is playing (yes, playlist). I only wish it would send out a distress signal if not played in 24 or 48 hours, so you could find it.<br /><br /><br /><br />It would be cool, if Apple marketed to students a memo mic application for speaking and recording little notes to your self, or homework assignments...<br /><br />If I'm just missing out, it would be great if someone would tell me.Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-87653405079434402052009-03-10T23:44:00.000-05:002009-03-11T00:23:49.952-05:00What Kind of Clock Are You?I started thinking, right after my first post, what credit do I have to instruct everyone on reading, commenting, and following my blog. Well, none. I just am an avid mid-early twenties male. I enjoy a constructive lifestyle more than not, although being constructive does not have to be plain and dry; furthermore, constructive is not necessarily stereotypical of doing homework, studying for tests, researching ideas for work, or doing the laundry, although these are quite productive. I'm talking about learning a new trade or (as in above) figuring out a new way to use something.<br /><br /><br />Take an old TV, radio, computer, cell phone, hat, rusty pan, or an old baseball bat and do something with it. Make a fish take out of a TV or a toothpick and chewing gum holder out of an old cell phone. In essence, remove junk from your life. That's my biggest problem and favor goal. I lived with my parents through high school, where mom "helped" clean my room. Yeah right, she did it. I tried to take credit once or twice, at which point I was immediately sent a look that even the most reflective pair of aviators couldn't stop. Doing the dorm thing in college, I was lucky if I could keep it clean and tidy. Don't worry, care packages came to rescue with everything no freshmen needs, but always has. Candy, Ramon, and popcorn, the rivals of campus cafeterias, come full force in every care package, unless -maybe- a vegetarian's. On top of mountains of goodies to fill my shelves, I get little toys and games, such as a parachute guy(????!!), a mini checkers board (???!!), and some crossword or puzzle book too small for any male handwriting (and girl's handwriting for that matter with the big loopy letters). I apologize for the seemingly tangent story, but I promise that I have a point.<br /><br /><br />My point: simplify and reuse. I game the games and parachute dude to a teach that I thought would enjoy the humor, and no, I didn't hand them to him personally. I put them in his box, while he was in class....<em>anonymously</em>.<br /><br />Back to what credit I have, or lack of for that matter. I am experiencing life, just like you. Something you might learn as my posts continue is that I am a fan of reorganizing words to express my thoughts. I want to know what makes your clock tick and if you are a person with a date, hour hand, minute hand, second hand, etc. Are you digital? Are you a watch? How deep can you go underwater?Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3735412721550960952.post-51762253996862538212009-03-10T22:12:00.001-05:002009-03-11T00:25:14.123-05:00Welcome to a New ApproachNot many people, at least my age, look at something and find multiple uses for it, or come up with something completely new to solve a common problem. What else can you do with an empty plastic juice jug, those left over chip crumbs, or (my favorite) a Frisbee? How can you solve little inconveniences in your daily life with new, creative, and CHEAP solutions? Take my examples. A plastic juice jug makes an excellent large reusable water bottle for a long day of driving or school or practice. The left over chip crumbs make excellent additions to sandwiches or other snacks. Now, here is my current favorite: the plastic Frisbee. This probably won't work well with disc golf drivers or mid-ranges discs, but how about turning that bad boy upside down and using it as a plate. What better thing to put snacks and quick meals-to-go on that a flat surface with a raised ridge that protects your car or couch from stray crumbs?<br /><br />This <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">blog is</span> open to any ideas, suggestions, criticism, and all other thought on the topics. Feel free to take as many and as wild tangents as you wish. Its simply and normally a blog, right?Jimmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09150966783501932769noreply@blogger.com0