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May 31, 2003
Iraqi Holocaust
I found a NY Times article on the mass-graves uncovered recently in Iraq.
This article tells the stories of a handful of Iraqis who survived Hussein's purges and mass-murders. So many people were tortured and slaughtered from 1979 on. When the first President Bush urged Iragis to rebel against Mr. Hussein after the Persian Gulf War, Hussein suppressed and destroyed the rebellion. He slaughtered towns and ethnic groups, all while US troops stood at the borders of his country and did nothing.
My guess is that Mr. Clinton had all the same information George W. Bush had about purges, chemical weapons, and terrorists. Mr. Clinton did nothing. Shame on him.
The Iragi people are becoming more and more upset as they uncover their past and discover the fate of their relatives and loved ones. Who does this article say they are upset at? Americans--and the rest of the world. We waited too long, Iraqis say.
Posted by Steve at 11:52 AM | Comments (1)
May 27, 2003
Taxi Cabs - Advertising with Pinpoint Accuracy
At dinner tonight we were talking about taxi cabs, so I did a Google search to find a picture of one. I stumbled across a very interesting article in the New York Times and thought I would share it.
The article focuses on some new signs that are being installed on cabs in New York. The signs are controlled by global positioning satellite and cellular communication devices, and are remotely programmed to display specific ads in specific parts of town. This would make it possible for a store to advertise a sale only within six blocks of the store and only on the day of the sale. I think the most interesting line in the whole article is, “If advertisers wanted to communicate in Chinese in Chinatown or in Spanish in East Harlem, they could do that, too.”
Crazy! :eek
Posted by Joey at 11:25 AM | Comments (0)
May 24, 2003
Ringtones? I'm Confused
Someone please explain this to me... :?
Livewire: Ringtone Market More Than Just Hot Air?
Apparently by 2005, sales will be somewhere around $400 million—for cellular phone ringtones?!? I guess some of the newest phones allow you to use ringtones that have mp3 quality, so the music industry is cashing in on royalties for short clips of popular songs. However, one of the highest selling ringtones actually sounds like a fart. Maybe I'm just jealous because I can't download ringtones to my phone, but I really think this whole industry is absolutely ridiculous.
Listen to what Verizon had to say in defense of not allowing their customers to download from third party developers: "There have been many companies who have attempted to provide free downloads and we block our customers technologically from downloading them onto their devices because at that point we cannot protect against viruses or anything that would harm their services or phones." What would they call that virus? The ringworm? C'mon. Who's out there writing viruses for cell-phones? You're just in it for the money, Verizon. Get over it.
Posted by Joey at 01:21 AM | Comments (2)
Palm Fried Itself
My Palm died a few days ago. It reset itself two or three times in the space of about ten minutes. It was extremely inconvenient, since I was in the middle of filling out a job application at the time :O.
After it reset itself, it wouldn't come back on, so I was trying to use the reset pin on the back to bring it up. At that point the screen started flickering wildly until it finally went entirely white. It has remained in that state for three days, although I'm pretty sure that the battery must be dead by now—the auto-off feature isn't even working!
I have a 2 year extended warranty from Office Max, and I've used it a couple of times to have it replaced, but since Office Max no longer carries the model I have, they instructed me to call the 1-800 number listed in the warranty. They're going to send out a prepaid shipping label so I can send it in for repairs. If they can't repair it they'll send me a check for the full price.
If anybody out there is thinking of buying a Palm, I would definitely recommend getting some kind of warranty. It has saved my butt enough times that I can safely say those were some of the best 40 bucks I've ever spent.
Posted by Joey at 01:06 AM | Comments (2)
May 18, 2003
The Bells of Joyful Sound
I saw an incredible concert tonight. The performers were a handbell choir called The Bells of Joyful Sound, and my UPC advisor, Jim Grierson plays the bass handbells in the choir.
What amazed me was that most of the people in the choir had six or seven bells in front of them, and every third or fourth note they had to set down one bell and pick up another. Quite often, some of the ladies on the higher bells were holding four bells (and playing them!) at once. They used many different alternate methods of ringing the bells (striking them on the table, with mallets, etc.) and really stretched the different types of sounds you can get out of a handbell. They even had some interesting bells that were shaped differently and sounded more like some kind of brass instrument.
I spoke with Jim afterward and told him of my experience with handbells in High School, and asked him about the process involved in becoming a part of the group. He gave me an email address to contact, and made it sound like there was a good chance I could get in. Tonight was their last concert for the season; they won't start up again until the fall. I think it would really be a blast to play with them. I also gained a newfound respect for Jim tonight. He is really an incredible musician!
Posted by Joey at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)
Funny Cide Wins Preakness
That's right. The same horse that took the Kentucky Derby had an excellent win at the Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the Triple Crown. That means if he wins the Belmont Stakes on June 7, 2003, he becomes the first Triple Crown winning horse since 1978, and the first New York bred horse ever to capture a Triple Crown.
I didn't see the Preakness (I wasn't really interested to tell you the truth), but I was able to find a video on MSNBC.com. June 7 just happens to be the two year anniversary of mine and Janene's first date, so I plan to be out somewhere having fun, but you can be sure I'll be recording the Belmont! Go Funny Cide!
If you'd like more info, there were a number of articles on Reuters.com.
Funny Cide's Triple Crown Dreams Lie in Belmont
Funny Cide Guns for the History Books
Funny Cide Crushes Preakness Field
Posted by Joey at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)
VoyCabulary.com
I found this really interesting website today.
This website makes the words on any webpage into links so you can look them up in a dictionary or other word-reference-site of your choice.
Posted by Janene at 02:52 AM | Comments (1)
May 17, 2003
Moving Up (and Down) in the World
(Click for a larger image)
So, business cards are fun. I already gave one out when I met the ASUU Technology Director. He runs the ASUU and ULife websites. From what I understand, he's really interested in working more closely with other organizations this year, which is exactly what I was hoping for. ULife is an excellent program and probably one of the most recognized names on campus.
In other news, I got a paycheck today for $132. Needless to say I'm a little pissed off. If I haven't been motivated to find a job lately, I think that about did it. I got online tonight and finished filling out my resume at jobs.utah.gov. Then I went through and printed out all the job listings I'm qualified for. Some of them wouldn't let me see the contact info because I haven't taken a typing test. First thing Monday I'm gonna go down to a Workforce Services office and take one. Depending on whether they'll let me use Dvorak, I'm confident that I'll score at least 60 WPM. I won't rest on Monday until I've either got a job or applied for more than twenty. Wish me luck.
Posted by Joey at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)
May 15, 2003
Sinking City of Venice
It's extremely late and I should really be going to bed, but I just watched a really cool PBS documentary about the city of Venice and some of the problems it faces in the near future.
Apparently, the whole city is built on a salt marsh, which has always been sinking since the city was built. The people have always found ways around the sinking problem (such as using canals to route water around the city), but it's becoming increasingly difficult to keep the city above water because of rising sea levels (caused by changing weather patterns and global warming).
What really caught my attention is a solution they've been considering for many years. It is a system of movable dams that would be used only during high tide seasons to keep water out of the city. A lot of people are against it because of the environmental affects, but no one has been able to come up with a better solution. The debate has been drawn out for over thirty years now! One reason it has lasted so long is that the government of Italy is replaced every two years or so, making it difficult for big decisions like this one to reach conclusions efficiently.
There was a lot to digest in the documentary, but I found it extremely interesting. I learned a lot of stuff I would never have realized otherwise. Most of the info can be found on NOVA's website listed below.
Posted by Joey at 02:31 AM | Comments (1)
May 14, 2003
Letter From 1-800 CONTACTS
I walked in the house this afternoon and checked the counter for my mail, and there was a letter from 1-800 CONTACTS. I figure it's pretty customary for a company to call you if they want to hire you and send you a letter if not, so right away I prepared myself for the worst. I've included a copy of the letter below. Please note: My own commentary is in my familiar font throughout the letter. :)
May 12, 2003
Dear Joseph,
Thank you for your interest in the Customer Service position at 1-800 CONTACTS, Inc. We are excited about the large number of people who would like to work with us (because it means you can pick all the really great people and drop the losers like me, right?).
After consideration of all resumes, applicants, and interviewees (is that even a word?) we have arrived at a hiring decision. We try to choose those who best "fit" the job (what are you saying, that I'm fat?) based on experience, skills, etc. At this time, regretfully, we are not able to offer you a position. However, we will keep your resume on file for future openings that match your qualifications (you only said that to be nice).
1-800 CONTACTS is a fast-growing company, and we look forward to expanding our limits (sounds like you have a great company, but if you're still trying to make me feel better, it's not working anymore). Thank you for taking the time to apply for employment with 1-800 CONTACTS (you're probably only grateful because you're going to sell all of my personal information to the highest bidder) and best wishes for success in your job search.
Sincerely,
Michelle Cloud
Recruiting/Training Coordinator
I wish I could say I'm angry, but if I was being proactive I would have a job by now. I'm starting to feel really frustrated with the situation, because I know I could get a great job, but what if I'm being too picky? Should I just apply at four thousand places and take the first one that calls me back? Is the job market such that hand picking a job is just not possible?
Posted by Joey at 07:26 AM | Comments (3)
May 13, 2003
Milestone: FTP Access
It's official. Tonight I was granted FTP access to the Union server. You can now view the most recent Union beta at www.union.utah.edu/beta.
I spent a couple of hours up at the UPC office today. They did some major remodelling over the weekend. A couple of walls have been removed and the whole office seems a lot less cramped. It also seemed brighter somehow. I think I will really enjoy working there now. It's a much more comfortable space.
I also mowed the lawn today. UGH :s. I don't think it was mowed for over a month. I had to empty the bag almost once every row! I hereby solemnly vow not to let it go this long again.
Posted by Joey at 11:47 AM | Comments (0)
May 11, 2003
A Mother's Day Poem
by Joey Day
In May the flowers start to bloom
And birds begin to sing.
With many colored crest and plume
They celebrate the spring.
The trees begin to sway and dance
When moved by slightest breeze.
And though it's hard to tell first glance,
The sun seems more at ease.
In May the world is ’wakening;
Indeed a special time.
But though the prose is in full swing,
Don't misconstrue this rhyme.
For this is not about May trees,
May birds, May flowers fair.
But reason for the placement of
A holiday that's there.
For when the world was wont to frame
A day our moms to praise.
It chose a month with careful aim;
Ensuring it conveys:
A boundless grace, a beauty sweet,
A kindness true and fair.
A perfect peace, a joy complete,
A love beyond compare.
Today I want to wish my mom a very happy Mother's Day. I know I'm a pain sometimes, but I just want to let you know you've been the best mother anyone could ever hope for. I love you!
Posted by Joey at 06:20 AM | Comments (0)
May 08, 2003
1-800 CONTACTS, Trillian
Well, after finding out that everyone but me (As I type this there are 8 comments on my post from May 2) seems to know that Vector Marketing is not a good place to work, I'm feeling somewhat sheepish. :)
I have now applied at 1-800 CONTACTS, where I could start full-time making $8.50/hr. From what I understand, they have an on site chef, and the food is free on the weekends. On top of that, bread, cereal, fruit, and beverages are always free. They also have massage tables in the break rooms and a fitness center. They require six months of customer service experience and 35 WPM typing skills. I have almost double of both so I'm really hoping they will consider me. The $8.50 would be a pay cut for me, but the full time hours would more than make up for that. They also claim to have "frequent reviews", so hopefully I could get a raise after being there a while.
Have you heard of this new thing called Trillian? I guess Stuart started using it last week, and the other day a friend at work (Cole) told me he's been using it and loves it. So I finally decided to download it, and now I'm absolutely hooked. Trillian is a really slick little tool that allows you to log into the four major instant messenger programs (AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, MSN/Windows Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger) all at once. It also has a somewhat decent IRC client built in. I personally think the basic look of Trillian is quite ugly, but the good news is it's skinnable. The skin I'm using makes Trillian look exactly like MSN Messenger 5.0, so I feel right at home using it. In the past two days I've already installed it at work, at home, and at Janene's house. I will probably install it up at the Union building the next time I am there. If you're into instant messaging, I fully recommend that you start using Trillian.
Posted by Joey at 08:49 AM | Comments (0)
Funny Cide Wins Derby
Well, the Kentucky Derby was a lot of fun. As always it lasted less than two minutes, but had an hour and a half of commentary. :)
Funny Cide is the name of the horse that won. The most notable thing about Funny Cide is that he's the first horse bred and raised in New York to win the derby since 1929! I was rooting for a horse named Atswhatimtalkinabout, but he didn't do so well. You can find more information about the derby at kentuckyderby.com. They even have a replay of the whole race in streaming video.
Posted by Joey at 03:34 AM | Comments (0)
May 07, 2003
Hey All You Job Seekers!
Fixapicture.com has been "fully operational" for a couple months. We've had several inquiries and 1 customer who has shelled out over $100 on just two pictures, and she's about ready to pay another $150. That's not a lot, but we've NEVER advertised.
The customer isn't even a relative--she lives in Wisconsin.
Our largest competitor on the web pays to advertise. Paying must be worth it to them; advertising must generate customers.
My point is...
MARKET
My point is there IS a market out there for our photo-editing service. People want their pictures fixed, restored, and reprinted. People want to add missing people to their family gatherings, and they want to fix their own bad facial expressions. They don't want to pay a lot for Photoshop, and they don't know how to edit pictures on their own.People just need to know about us, but I don't know how to market the business alone. I need your help.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Until December 2003, I will give you HALF of any revenue Fixapicture.com generates from customers you bring in.Every one of you can spend just a little time each day, each week, or each month marketing Fixapicture.com. You don't have to drop out of school (like I did for a semester), and you don't have to worry whether the business you are working for will be there tomorrow; this business costs next to nothing to run--it's not going to fold.
Set your own hours and do your job however you want! You can find ways to advertise online, in the media, or around town. You can talk to photography studios about outsourcing their photo editing to us. You can put posters at photo-developing places or hand them out at wedding/family gatherings (I've got posters you can have).
Fixapicture.com even has a small advertising budget. If you have a great idea for advertising but no money to spend, talk to me about it.
If a customer says they responded to an ad you organized, you get half of what they pay.
CONCLUSION
I really believe this company has potential. There's a market out there. There's a working company in here. Come get in on the ground floor, and help us bring the two together!Posted by Steve at 10:42 AM | Comments (0)
May 02, 2003
Job Application, Union Website
I applied for a job this morning with Vector Marketing Corporation. They currently have openings for full time customer service reps with wages starting at $12.50/hr. I heard about them from a letter that Janene's sister Christene received in the mail. Apparently they really like students—the letter mentioned the opportunity to stay on part time in the fall when school starts up again. The letter also mentioned that no experience is required, but I'm hoping ten months of experience at ContentWatch will play in my favor.
I applied online, and within an hour I received a phone call from them wanting to set up an appointment to interview me tomorrow! I told the lady I have a really busy day tomorrow, so she's going to call me again on Monday.
I've also been working on the new Union website. You can see the latest design at union.joeyday.com/beta1.2. If anyone has ideas as to how it can be improved upon, send me an email.
Posted by Joey at 10:56 AM | Comments (8)