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
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
Tic Toc – An Observation
Posted on April 7, 2010 | By Christian | 2 Comments
This is more of an observation… I had an interesting conversation over the weekend with my step father. It was his birthday and he was saying he has another 3yrs to go before he can retire. Of course, I am much further away, but it sparked my curiosity and wondered how old I would have to be. The answer is 67. That is 27 years from now. 27 years is longer than the amount of time from when I began “officially” working at 16 and today! I don’t know what to say other than… shit.
Eleven Things Frowned Upon in Corporate Meetings
Posted on December 16, 2009 | By Patty Pino | No Comments
Create-Your-Own-Territory Syndrome – making a barrier around yourself by spreading your stuff all over the conference table.
Forgetting to mute on a conference call, and having others hear your dog barking, your kid banging blocks together, or the construction guy drilling in the background.
Asking “Do you want that leader to be photographed in a Tuxedo or a Clown Suit?” (Doesn’t get a laugh; I tried it.)
Admitting “I’m only here for the free snacks.”
Asking “What do all of these acronyms stand for, again?”
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