Watch The Stress Melt Away
Posted on July 14, 2010 | By Patty Pino | 1 Comment
I bought a watch this weekend. Not the most provocative of things, I know, but I haven’t worn a wrist-based timepiece in years. Why? Because, who needs one?! I decided, years ago, that my computer, my cell phone, my cable box, and my car have all the clocks that I need. They keep me on time, or remind me when I’m late.
Let me stress the decision to abandon a watch was made years ago. Recently, I had a revelation; I, again, need a watch.
Learn the way of the Watch
Years ago, I simply had a cell phone; now, I have a BlackBerry. Years ago, I had a computer with email and a by-request internet connection; now, I have constant internet connectivity plus instant messenger. We have evolved to that connect-me-to-everyone-right-now stuff and instead of living in the moment, we are living outside the moment. I have become so busy responding to the immediate requests of others immediately, that I completely ignore the people I’m with and the actual conversation we’re having. To put it bluntly, I’ve become an anxious, rude, half-listener with attention deficit tendencies.
How many of you can say the same? Do you hang out with one group of people, but spend all of your time with them communicating with other people? Catch up with friends at the bar, and you’re all standing around texting friends who aren’t with you? Sitting in your living room with your family, but completely distracted from your kids conversation because you’re too busy updating your Facebook status?
Part of the problem is, when I go to check the time, I am sucked in to my email, my voicemails, my alerts, messages, tweets and the like. And, damn the moment and what I may be doing, I must reply immediately. I’m guilty if I don’t respond and I’m guilty if I do. Stress Recipe 101.
Hence, the watch and my new commitment to bringing myself back into the moment. I’m hoping it tell me what time it is – literally and figuratively. Looking at my wrist will unplug me from the device-dependant ridiculousness that has been so overwhelmingly distracting. Maybe you should consider conquering your time differently, too.
~pp
Wired on Chris Hardwick Joke Analysis
Posted on June 4, 2010 | By Patty Pino | No Comments
- Stagetime matters big time.
A long time ago, when Madonna didn’t speak with a British accent and the US was actually cleaning up oil spilled from that Exxon DUI in Alaska, I climbed onstage in front of a bar full of strangers and attempted to make them laugh. I succeeded, and those few minutes in a red-velvet-decorated strip mall comedy club changed my life. I could write a joke.
Before and since that night, I have enjoyed and analyzed comedy. (Admittedly, I analyze everything I enjoy.) How psyched was I, then, when the May 2010 issue of WIRED magazine featured comedian and Web Soup host Chris Hardwick’s article Crafting a Joke: The Arc of an Act? Completely, and I was completely impressed. Many, many comedy professionals and feigned comedic personalities have attempted to describe their joke processes, but Hardwick, in sharing his approach and the perspective of others, boils it down to the essentials.
Want people to laugh with you instead of just at you? Read Hardwick’s advice, start thinking funny, right it down, and go.
~pp
Negative? Who? Me???
Posted on May 19, 2010 | By Christian | 1 Comment
Borrowed from BT Internet Rangers
I was talking with a buddy of mine who reads the Slacker Factor and he commented that he enjoys the blog and podcast, but he said he thought I was a bit negative at times. Maybe even bordering on angry on occasion. I certainly don’t view myself as angry. In fact I know for certain that today the sun came up, a puppy was born, and a baby took his first steps. So, life is great!
Unfortunately, Glenn Beck still sucks.
Kurt Cobain Exhibit May-September at the Seattle Art Museum
Posted on May 6, 2010 | By Christian | No Comments
Kurt Cobain - February 20, 1967 - April 5, 1994
Here is another interesting article from our friend JenX67 regarding a new exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum
When the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) announced the selection of Michael Darling as its new chief curator, they did so on Twitter. Apparently, one of Darling’s strengths is his ability to attract “a whole new audience”. Audience development is one of the biggest issues facing arts organizations far and wide. Whether opera, contemporary art or ballet, much has been written about how the arts are currently struggling to engage Gen X and Gen Y audiences. Darling, a Gen Xer, comes to MCA from the Seattle Art Museum where his final exhibit is a look at how Kurt Cobain impacted a generation. “This exhibition asks viewers to question how and why Kurt came to mean so much to a generation,” Darling says.
jenx67.com, jenX67 | are you there God? it’s me, generation x,
You should read the whole article and check out this link to a slideshow from the exhibit. And if you’re in the neighborhood swing by the exhibit!
Go Away, Mick Jagger, a Meandering Rant from The Slacker Factor Podcast TSF9
Posted on May 3, 2010 | By Patty Pino | No Comments
No offense or disrespect to The Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, The Who, Chicago, Kenny Rodgers, Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Buffet or Crosby, Still, Nash and whoever, but it is time. You’ve had your heyday. You’ve made your money. Now, go away.
Still have the desire to perform? That is why they invented Vegas. Or Branson.
Otherwise, move out of the spotlight, and let someone else have a chance.
Oh, sure, I acknowledge that you have been contributors to the world of music. As singers, and songwriters, and musicians, and rockers you brought your sound to the masses and influenced pop culture and ingrained our brains with your riffs and lyrics. Your music will live in the hearts and minds of many generations. Thank you and bye-bye.
Maybe you think I sound harsh, but think about it? Imagine if the previous generation of musical talent kept trying to keep performing in a big way at major awards shows, sporting events, on tour, and on television. Read more
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