Continental Thought. Like the airline.

Summer hot spot

2005-08-03T17:27:00.000-07:00

I started an account on friendster. And myspace. And thefacebook.

I've been riding the corporate wave at Planet Hollywood.

it's too hot to type. the apt has no AC and this box fan doesn't cut it.

End of the Semester

2005-05-20T00:14:00.000-07:00

The semester is over. Looking back to snowy weather I was wondering how the past few months would have panned out. With the ArtMobs project I pitched in the most with collaboration for ideas and Print publicity. So far none of the zines I emailed have gotten back to me but I'm not too worried as the New York Times has picked up the story (or is going to?). Speaking of the New York Times, they recently reviewed an off-off Broadway show at the theatre I intern at, The Looking Glass. Also, I have an acting spot in its Spring Forum, my show goes up from June 16-19. Swing by if you are in the area.

Thanks to Gilbert for a knowledge filled semester. I learned sooo very much.

Cheers!

Long TailllllllllL

2005-05-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

Organizations can use information/statistics they receive on recommendation lists/posts. Just as that one novel about climbing (or the like) blew up once another one similar to it blew up first, and the one that didn’t sell right away ended up selling more then the one being marketed. It’s all about word of mouth. I’d believe a recommendation from another shopper with similar interest than I would the ad or commercial of a product. Organizations, lets say, Amazon can take which products are being bought most by way of consumer recommendations THEN implement them into their marketing strategies. Better yet, they end their marketing strategies and focus mainly on what other customers say and how that influences sales. Instead of promoting a new paperback from Random House on the right column of a web page, there could be customer thoughts and what else they bought when buying that one particular book. Organizations don’t have to sit around and try and figure out the thoughts or mental state their consumers go through, because they are openly sharing what they think. Organizations can take a step back and let the consumers do the marketing for them. What organizations can then focus on is which products the consumer will then buy from the reviews/other items bought. There is probably a way to determine the numbers for when and how many and for how long customers listen to each other and/or are shopping only from what other customers have said or bought already. Thus, it is all word of mouth.

Folksonomy #7

2005-05-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

A folksonomy is good for an organization because the non-traditional persons who are tagging information create a key-in for the traditional, taxonomy persons to get the inside scoop (for lack of a better phrase). Within a taxonomy, the CEO, for example wouldn't know how or what their lower scaled employees think. However, if there was a impromptu blog started on the negatives and positives of this CEO's company, he would then be able to find out insider info. The folksonomy within an intra net is a smart way to look for impairment and ways to solve them.

What I would like to see is an online folksonomy/evaluation for Marymount. Students and teachers could blog complaints and delights while using tags. Filling out paper evaluations at the end of each semester does help and makes the student feel worth while, like they have a hand in choosing teachers. However, when a student is finishing a final or is in the last day of class their mind isn't keyed into the overall status of their professor. My idea for an online evaluation would be a web site that runs for only a specific amount of time once a semester is over. That way students/staff/faculty have leisure to think about what they want to say and are not forced to do it under a small amount of time. Tags would be labeled students, majors, staff, events, etc. Although the site would start unofficially, the thoughts would initiate solutions or praise to the directed areas.

A folksonomy would be very organizational for a group of photographers or a sorority. The photographers would be able to label, list and easily find photographs from a certain kind of shoot, model, or photographer. The sorority's could do the same except they could expand to not only service the chapter in their school, but the state and eventually, country. Really, the possibilities are endless. Laura understands that it's about bringing people together. Everybody get together, try to love one another right now. Right Now. Whoooaaa...aaho.... Photographers could find inspiration, ideas, contacts, and sororities can do the same.

If you still don't exaclty know what a folksonomy is, and how it is useful, Chris gives a good explination, equipped with examples.

Cheers!

Elimidate Link

2005-04-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

The board at Marymount seriously needs to reconsider their teachers for next semester. I've learned organizational shiznit to the max. And now, Gilbert has gone and made my Elimidate episode into a link for all to see. :) :) :)

CH. 2 Manifesto

2005-04-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

Chapter 2 was more interesting then chapter 1. Instead of ‘we die’ we are now inevitably never going to change. I love, LOVE, the paragraph on how even though we loath the business world we still change ourselves to fit into it. Also, we know we mold ourselves but continue to do it. Idiots. We. Are. Idiots.

“We believe, in fact, that to be a business is to be managed.” Let’s reflect on that.
The factors are: determined, predicted, processed, and assessed. We determine which school we go to – and the school determines which students they want. As students, we predict what we will learn – the school predicts what their teachers will bring to their ‘management’. Processed is…you get the point. Each element of a managed business can be explained through the school system. Why? Because a school system is a managed business as well.

Weinberger says we play grown up by doing what we think is an acceptable way to act in the ‘professional workplace’ (btw what makes one business more professional than another?): A fun outfit that is not too revealing or edgy; or a comment that is safely away from the lines of extreme anything. Oh bullshit. Bull. Shit. Elena talks about how we have conformed to fit the business mold and also refers back to an example from the movie, 'The Firm'.
We (humans) never grow up. I am still an 8-year-old girl because that was the happiest time in my life. I only pretend to be professional, or a functioning student because I have to in order to be independent (even as an eight year old I strive to be free). Everyone else has their own age they are stuck at. The question is who is stuck at age 56? Because that is most likely the age of the man who is in power in the mock-professionalism business world. The one who doesn’t understand such anarchic texts as ‘The Cluetrain Manifesto” or “The Bible”.

Weinberger also talks about voice. I like the quote,

“Our voice is our strongest, most direct expression of who we are. Our voice is expressed in our words, our tine, our body language, our visible enthusiasms.”

Well, yea. That’s one great sentence. However, John thinks otherwise. He described this sentence as possible ignorance. On the other hand, it makes me wonder why various classes can be so quiet when a teacher is trying to initiate conversation. If our voice is who we are, then why would we want to disobey it by pretending to be someone we are not? Oh, right, we are afraid of rejection or that people will think we are crazy.

There is talk about ‘longing for the web’ at the end of chapter 2. We long for the web for various reasons. One of these reasons relates not only to those working within a business but students also. An example is used that a two-hour meeting can be translated to a two-lined blog. A two hour class can be translated to a two-lined blog. Just as in school, the ‘professional workplace’ is guilty for distributing mass amounts of busy-work. It’s almost an unnecessary evil. Why can’t we just get to the point and leave out all the b.s.

Speaking of bullshit, and the voice, and molding to fit a business you can take classes here to enhance your bullshit factor on business and your voice. WOW. Not only have we accepted being fake we are currently giving classes on it all over the world.

CH. 1 Manifesto

2005-04-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

The few sentences I do not agree with. He tells us that you will never hear the inevitable phrase, ‘We Die’ in a TV ad. ( Laura also comemnts on how the concept of 'We Die' is used) I say that's bullshit-we live in an uncensored society. For example, the photos taken by American soldiers of Iraqi prisoners at the Abu prison were up on display at the International Center of Photography in West Midtown (the exhibit is not listed on the website but here's the link anyway) last semester.
When approaching the display you could FEEL the shift of energy. Like an imaginary red light told each person that something was out of the norm in this one peticular section. The display was closed off with makeshift walls that looked like they were fresh out of an Ikea catalog. People knew it could be wrong to look at the pictures, but isn't that what was so intruiging about them? And secretly, they liked what they saw. Of course no one will openly admit this. 'Mrs. I came into the city today from Long Island' views the photos because she simply CANNOT. There is no way she can go back to LI without having seen ‘it’. We saw the pictures and as we looked at each humiliating pose and smiling private (that’s the soldier not the genitals) we desensitized ourselves. It’s now, “Oh, you HAVEN”T seen the pictures?” Like, shit, what’s wrong with you, why would you NOT want to see the people that killed hundreds of Americans withering in embarrassment? (Maybe because we are embarrassing ourselves by putting them on display? but that’s another post). Additionally, why is it that the outcry of artists get their voices heard. Here is a link (amoung others) found on BoingBoing about Baghdad artists speaking out against the torture that went on in the Abu jail.

Corporate-earth is interesting in earning it's next million or openning another factory in Mexico but there is much more going on in the world. There's hurt, suffering, torture, etc. But wait, buy a dell computer and you can forget all about these things. No wait, drink coke and have the good life. Better yet, buy McDonalds because they use 'recycled' paper bags. The fact that a ClueTrain Manifesto exists is a step forward. I shun corporations but we need them. I would like to see them change, maybe not be so greedy. It's a pipedream.

Ok. Fuck the idea of looking or not looking at the pictures and the reasons why. What I’m getting at is ‘We Die’ is indeed all over the media:

You’re going to get old and die: Buy our beauty product and slow down that process.

You’re going to die soon and that’s why you can’t get a boner anymore: Buy Viagra.

You’re going to die anyway: Smoke these cigarettes.

You’re going to die anyway: Pick our credit card company; although we do have the highest interest rates, we give you the biggest spending limit.

You’re going to die one day: Do what you can now for your family by buying our discounted life insurance/burial plot instead of spending extra time with them.

The basis of the Cluetrain Manifesto does give light to the negatives in the corporate organizational world and how it can change. This book was published in 2001 and much has changed since then. In 2011 there will most likely be another version of a Cluetrain. History repeats itself. We all die. Who cares? Try and change it for the next generation, right? Or try and change it so it’s better for you and all of mankind? Once again, I think it's all a pipedream.

Just to re-cap: 'We Die' has also presented other thoughts from different classmates. Jessica claims it is a pathetic attempt to get the reader to reflect on life. She also links to two other classmates who think the same.

Elimidate Status Verified

2005-03-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

Long awaited...Exciting....oh shit it's reality dating.

I sold my soul to reality for $100. It's going to be shown on TV March 30th at 1:37am (channel 2 in the NYC area)

Enjoy the spectacle of catty remarks and blatant put-downs as I pry for attention over three other girls.

Do I win? You'll have to tune in to find out. Click on the 'Elimidate Weekly Schedule' under my Links List (located on the left).

Take the color test!!

2005-03-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine linked to the color test months ago on his live journal. You can try and fool the color test but it's pretty accuarate. Basically, you click on the link and then click blocks of colors in no particular order. The results magically give you the upmost hidden and not-so-hidden aspects of your personality. Whoohoo!

States Visited

2005-03-15T12:12:00.000-08:00

Prof. Dave Gilbert brought this site to my knowledge. Kinda cool. It's like a stamp saying, "This is where I'm from" I have not travelled too far...

create your own visited states map

'Diary of Kurt Cobain'

2005-03-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

Having an artistic family has its benefits. My dad plays guitar, my brother creates hip hop, another brother played the drums, and a slew of cousins dance, paint, sculpt, photograph, play instruments and produce. Proudly, I take the role as the actress.

Recently cousin Tina called me up about a small role in an indie film she is producing. The film (I think) is called, Diary of Kurt Cobain, which tells the story of two avid fans brought together through their love of Nirvana on the day he killed himself. This film hit very close to home. Not only that my generation was brought up with Nirvana, but that my birthday happens to fall on the day he killed himself, April 4th.

I was offered the role of 'Vintage Store Clerk' aka A BITCH. The make-up artist, Heather, gave me deep, smokey, heavy-lined eyes, dark-purple lips, and a fake nose ring. I was able to get my wardrobe from my own closet. Yes, I still wear the same clothes as I did in Jr. High. Much thanks to Alison Etzel for giving me the pink stripped collar shirt from her closet before we departed for college.

My day of filming went smooth and I was surrounded with good company. After wrapping for the day, dinner was included at Uno Pizzeria around the corner (Did I mention I actually get paid for my role, so cool). I gave a big thanks to Tina for the opportunity to work on this project. She gave me the best hug ever and spoke through her warm smile, "I know this is really small [the movie] but it's just going to keep getting bigger and bigger." She couldn't be more right.

The film is being directed by Austin Stark. He won best director in 2003 at the New York Film and Video Festival.

I'll update when there will be a screening for 'Diary of Kurt Cobain'.

PS Still no word from Elimidate

Assignment 3 - Outsourcing

2005-03-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

My fellow classmates have made valid points on the globalization issue. What we are yet to bring up is the question, Are we looking for a solution (fix it, end it) to globalization and outsourcing? The author of the article, Barry Lynn, made good use of a 5-page layout speaking of the how, why, and what. But do we, as Americans, as a society, as adults eventually going to run this world, agree or disagree with globalization and outsourcing? I do not agree. Not entirely.

What seems like a loud, bright, swinging WARNING sign is the basic FACT that one little disrupt can drastically shift our economy downward. By 'shift' I mean natural disaster or a manipulated destruction. And by ‘manipulated destruction’ I mean intended sabotage. It's very evident that before the outcast of the Enron shenanigans, corporations have been able to duck past this issue in the media.

Currently, people are taking notice of the Jenga game in globalization. Most recently I've gained knowledge on how all the major corporations are fighting and sneaking around, trying to get the last loose block from the tower. In other words, get the cheapest manufacturing possible. I see this as a major problem. Cheapest manufacturing possible? That’s like saying, “Here’s your designer cologne. And by the way we have started using pig shit instead of natural herbs. Enjoy!” We have leaned that questioning corporations only gets us rhetoric and twisted answers. In the article, manufactures are asked what will happen if a factory has to be shut down overseas. The calm answer is that there always another factory waiting in the background to be started. Creepy.

The idea is not to question, the idea to look past the given to find the outcome:

Given: Products and services that used to employ Americans are now taken care of overseas. To see a documented version of such, rent Roger and Me, a Michael Moore flick that documents the outsource of a GM factory to Mexico and the effects on its town, Flynt, Michigan.

Outcome: Americans must surpass expectations of ‘menial’ employment and not only have to get a Bachelors but a Masters and/or Doctorate as well. An article on outsourcing in Asia gives another take on this idea with a point of view from the Asian society.

Logically, the money being saved because of outsourcing should go into student grants and scholarships. I don’t know if it does. Most likely the extra money goes into advertising and marketing.

Lania makes the point about Dells being a crap computer, if so, then why does our school occupy so many of them...Hmm...placed advertising anyone?
Additionally, Elena gives links to inquisitive articles contrasting command and control tactics within companies.

My Dad in the Newspaper

2005-03-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

As you may already know, my Dad was a NYC cop for over twenty years. He worked his way up from being a small-time rookie walking the beat in 1970's Harlem, to giving the orders as Leuitenant in the early 90's.

Currently, he resides in Florida, as most New Yorkers do. The local newspaper interviewed him about the end of the long time hit, "NYPD Blue".

What you may not know is that everything he says in the article is true. He WOULD throw his arms about and yell, "THEY WOULD NEVER DO THAT!" Usually my mother and I would have to continually remind him that it is just a TV show.

Alas, here is the article .

Assisted-Suicide Laws

2005-02-25T13:43:00.000-08:00

The word suicide always caught my attention. While I thought I'd be reading an article about the mental onsets of suicide I was introduced to assisted-suicide laws. Such a law is put into effect when a person on their death bed or in mass amounts of pain and they get the choice of ending thier life.

PS Talked with Elimidate and the show still hasn't gotten a set-date yet.

ClassMeats Links (whoo-hooo)

2005-02-22T20:37:00.000-08:00

After much consideration I have not concluded on WHAT Benji is trying to buy in his
picture. Maybe you can give it a shot and let us know. Hairspray? Shoe coloring? Elaborate Axe Formula? Your guess is as good as mine.

The next quest is how Logan fell down some stairs on what is assumed an average college-filled day. I thought maybe she was looking down the stairs when she noticed a muffin on the middle step. However, what she didn't see was the squirel on the bottom step starring passionatly at the same muffin. But the squirel saw her. The squirel dashed up the stairs in order to get Logan away from HIS muffin. Utterly shocked and horrified Logan tripped. Along the way she smashed into the muffin. The squirel then went into her bedroom and peed on her bed.

Finally, has anyone seen a fallen angel singing on their way down to metropolitan NYC. I think I might have. Or at least thats what their blog is called.

CHEERS!

Some links

2005-02-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

Creepy and hilarious check out the cartoon salad fingers. Looking for something? Or someone? Check out Craigslist It's an awesome FREE classified source for the greater New York area. It also has additional cities from around the world. It's great for finding apts, rommmates, jobs, lovers, and STUFF. (ENJOY!) Check here to see when I'm going to be on Elimidate. We filmed just after Thanksgiving and I have given up on the studio contacting me for the time-slot I have been checking their webpage weekly.

HElooooo

2005-02-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

Wow I did it, all the while sitting in journalism class.