Archive for January, 2009
Excuse me?
This story’s a little old, but I had to link to it.
My favorite quote:
Ironically, 2008 is on pace to be a slightly cooler year in a steadily rising temperature trend line. Experts say it’s thanks to a La Nina weather variation. While skeptics are already using it as evidence of some kind of cooling trend, it actually illustrates how fast the world is warming.
Oh. Cool. So does our current recession illustrate how well our economy is doing?
Social Media Policy
The world has changed. We are a plugged-in people, constantly bombarded by friend requests, photo tags, status updates and links to videos of funny babies and pets. At Greteman Group, we embrace these changes and are working to harness the technologies fueling these changes for our clients. We also embrace the powerful ability for individuals to leverage and enhance their personal brands through these tools.
At the same time, we recognize the challenges brought on by these changes. In order to address these challenges, we have created the following guidelines to inform team members’ use of social media tools both in and out of the office.
We’re adding the following policy to our official employee manual. We thought that many of you might be having similar discussions at your companies, and thought posting our policy might help guide your conversations.
&F doesn’t want us" rel="bookmark">A&F doesn’t want us
I haven’t shopped in an Abercrombie & Fitch store in quite a while. Aside from feeling less-than-satisfied with my increasing waist and decreasing hairlines even without comparing myself to their svelte, nude models, I think the clothes are stupid and overpriced. (If you wear their clothing I’m sure you got a great deal and look irresistibly sexy.)
This weekend, as Hayley and I were enjoying one another’s company at the mall, we decided to take a journey into the store, just to look around and see if they had any jeans that would make my butt look hotter than it does in Gap jeans. A fool’s errand, to be sure.
As we walked toward the store a scent hit us – not as we were walking across the threshold, but when we were still a good 10 feet away. Moving towards the entrance, the smell only got stronger, as if a bottle, full of Abercrombie smell, had been smashed on the floor. We made our way towards the back of the store, gagging, choking, under the assumption the scent was from some sort of tragic accident and if we moved deeper into the store the smell would improve. I am convinced the odor was influencing our decision-making. I looked around at the other patrons. They were all fine, examining the “quality” merchandise without a care in the world.
As we approached the dressing room/cash wrap area, a friendly sales rep said “Hello, how are you,” and then quickly dashed away from us when we were barely able to choke out a reply. Hurrying through the girl’s clothing section, we darted past a fake-blonde, overly tan, dead-behind-the-eyes tween, dragging her bored, rich, Coach-logo-encrusted-purse-carrying mother behind her (note: Hayley is responsible for this accurate, if slightly to greatly offensive, description). Gasping for air, unsure how much further we could go, we finally made it to the exit and made a beeline for the Great American Cookie Company to drown our sorrows.
Even hours after the cookie was devoured, we were unable to completely wipe the experience from our minds, as Hayley’s hair still smelled slightly of the store. Even though several days have past, we are still scarred by the experience. Hayley claims her hair still smells, and when I sneeze three times in a row, the scent and the memories come rushing back.
I tell this story as a warning to all shoppers who are anything like Hayley and me (namely, not dead behind the eyes): Abercrombie & Fitch does not want you in their stores. They will conduct chemical warfare against you. You’ve been warned.
Full disclosure: I do have an Abercrombie skiing jacket that I do wear on occasion. And I like it.
Monday Musings – 2009
Happy 2009 everyone! Where in the world did 2008 go?!
What better way to kick off the new year at The Todd Blog than with some random brain droppings?
- I’m a terrible a blogger. The amount of time that elapses between posts is unacceptable and I recognize that. One of my resolutions for this year is to create a little more consistency in both my personal and professional blogging. Now we’ll see if that resolution or my resolution to become a gourmet Vietnamese chef fades first.
- I started part two of the “Church of Christ is done for” series, but I’m not sure I know where to go with it now. Tied closely with my first point, if I say I’m going to continue a post, I’m going to work on delivering on that. My history in that department is deplorable.
- I took the Strengths Finder 2.0 test over the break and I’m pretty pleased and a little surprised by the results. According to the test, my five strength “themes” are Woo, Communication, Strategic, Adaptability and Activator. Woo stands for “winning others over,” and means that I’m gifted at networking and connecting with a lot of people. This can often be interpreted as being fake or shallow. But it’s not, I promise! Adaptability means I’m easy-going and don’t get stressed out when things get out of control or change unexpectedly. This can often be interpreted as a “don’t care” attitude, but it’s not, I promise! And finally, Activator means that I like to get things started and figure out how to proceed as I’m going. This can be interpreted as my being impatient and rash, but it’s not, I promise! If you’ve taken the test, post your strengths in the comments.
- Nerdfession: Hayley and I started watching Battlestar Galactica per the urging of Erin and the Internet. And we’re hooked. It’s a little goofy and the dialog is often laughable, but the story is pretty engaging.
Well that’s it. Happy Monday everyone.