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emails
Thank You Doogie Howser
An old colleague just sent me an email accusing me of watching Doogie Howser, MD. Unclear exactly what she was implying, but it was in response to my suggestion that she get an email address that does not betray her '80s-level technological capabilities. She still rocks the dot AOL. And not nostalgically or for humor.
Anyway, her email led me to think for a moment about Dr. Howser, and that thinking turned into this response:
My childhood sitcom trajectory was very simple: Cosby
Show to Fresh Prince to Seinfeld. I made the occasional while-we're-at-it foray into Cheers and Friends and A Different World and Blossom, but
never did any of those capture my imagination the way Bill and Will and
Jerry did.
Capturing the imagination. That's a weird expression.
Anyway,
I do remember that Doogie kept a journal on the computer, and I
remember thinking that that was totally cool. Doogie Howser, MD
introduced me to blogging.
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On Possums and Proverbs
Another reason I think my sister maybe ought to be blogging...
According to a footnote in Henry IV, 'weasels are proverbially
quarrelsome.' I wonder... are possums proverbially greasy? If reference
to possums are found in proverbs, how do you think they would be
described? I like the idea of claiming something to be 'proverbially blank'
as if proverbs were a great source of authority... I can hear someone
adding to a conversation about seeing a weasel attack
something... 'Well, I'm sure you know, weasels are proverbially
quarrelsome...' Maybe i also just like the look of 'proverbially
quarrelsome,' though saying it out loud is a mouthful. I guess I like
the nonsense of it.
That's an email she sent me this morning.No previous conversation prompted it, no discussion of proverbs or weasels. But possums (opossums not brushtail possums) are something of a running joke in my family. Everyone is thoroughly amused at the fact that possums scare me to death. Because of their tails, their walk, their grease, their shiny little eyes, and the fact that they bare their teeth and dangle their tongues when they play dead. Yuck. Winslow, my 11 year old cousin, regularly calls me possum boy, and the chances that my Christmas present this year will be possum-related are extremely high.
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What Might Be a Lesson in Consumer Psychology
Here's one of a handful of caffeine induced emails I've written over the past 90 mins. I sent it to the founders of Dansko, the Danish-Pennsylvanian clog company.
I was telling someone about The Carrot Project last night, and her first question was whether she would be able, as a user, to promote the La Naturalista shoes she was wearing. As I was explaining how she could do that, she told me that she'd heard that Dansko had just been bought by some big corporation and was thus now totally suspect.
Remembering our conversations about the aborted Timberland deal, I asked her who she thought had bought you guys, and she didn't know, but she knew she didn't like it.
I told her I didn't think you guys had sold the business and that I'd be very surprised that you'd ever sell unless you felt 100% confident that the buyer was a totally excellent company that would not only maintain your efforts to do the right thing but commit to using their resources to push them even further.
She said yeah maybe but Dansko shoes make my feet hurt.
So there you go. A little intelligence from out here on the street, among the people.
Peace. Love.
Imaginations are strange strange animals.
I was telling someone about The Carrot Project last night, and her first question was whether she would be able, as a user, to promote the La Naturalista shoes she was wearing. As I was explaining how she could do that, she told me that she'd heard that Dansko had just been bought by some big corporation and was thus now totally suspect.
Remembering our conversations about the aborted Timberland deal, I asked her who she thought had bought you guys, and she didn't know, but she knew she didn't like it.
I told her I didn't think you guys had sold the business and that I'd be very surprised that you'd ever sell unless you felt 100% confident that the buyer was a totally excellent company that would not only maintain your efforts to do the right thing but commit to using their resources to push them even further.
She said yeah maybe but Dansko shoes make my feet hurt.
So there you go. A little intelligence from out here on the street, among the people.
Peace. Love.
Imaginations are strange strange animals.
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Robbie, Jerry, Michael, and Sarah Palin
At 10:45 pm EST tonight, I got a text:
U watch the debate? Palin is so dumb. But she gives me a boner.
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Oh the Suspense
A stranger called the office. Jane, who answered the phone, didn't know what to do with him. She put him on hold and asked me if I wanted to take over. I said not really. So she gave him my email address.
This is the first paragraph of the email that just came my way. Names changed to protect the innocent.
Here is the information requested. I will just give you a brief overview of the event information. We have several webinars scheduled for the next 4 or 5 days. I honestly have to say Jimmy Datsi our VP of Production gives a fantastic easy to sit through presentation. We just finished one up about an hour ago and the response was fantastic. As virtual events are becoming more the norm with energy cost limiting much travel this webinar is very timely. Even if for no other reason than to educate yourself on virtual events I encourage you to attend. I will send you an invite and a schedule under separate cover.
Under a separate cover. I'm excited. I feel like I should be wearing camouflage.
This is the first paragraph of the email that just came my way. Names changed to protect the innocent.
Here is the information requested. I will just give you a brief overview of the event information. We have several webinars scheduled for the next 4 or 5 days. I honestly have to say Jimmy Datsi our VP of Production gives a fantastic easy to sit through presentation. We just finished one up about an hour ago and the response was fantastic. As virtual events are becoming more the norm with energy cost limiting much travel this webinar is very timely. Even if for no other reason than to educate yourself on virtual events I encourage you to attend. I will send you an invite and a schedule under separate cover.
Under a separate cover. I'm excited. I feel like I should be wearing camouflage.
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The Encore
You wouldn't think 4am after a crazy party would bring the urge to write, but sometimes stories ask to be told, and sometimes it feels good to get right to the telling.
I wrote the first version of what follows before I fell asleep last night...
Spinto played once and disappeared.
Word was they'd gone to decide what they'd play in the next set.
Tweed got back on stage and rocked the house. But they tired, and people started wondering where Spinto had gone.
I ran (literally) to find them. Wasn't sure if I would. But I did.
I told them what the people wanted, told them their presence had been requested.
We walked back toward the music. It was loud. People were dancing. In the proverbial full swing. Minds had wandered deep into the hip hop. Wandered deeply and happily.
Spinto thought they'd better not step on any toes. They'd get their gear quietly and let the party rock on. Without them. Or, at least, without them on stage.
I noticed this happening and called the cousins into a huddle. I asked what the party wanted. They said Spinto.
So we all went to talk to them. One at a time. Told them we'd love them to play more. Told them they'd bring down the house. Herded the dance floor and started the cheers and chants.
Spinto hadn't realized. Of course, they said, if people want us to play, we'll play.
They unpacked their instruments, stepped to the mics, slapped some drumsticks together, and played a beautiful little set.
One of the most fun sets I've ever experienced. Across the room moments of love and acknowledgment between all the cousins.
We'd done it. We'd thrown a music festival. With truly legitimate musicians. And they'd loved it too.
I wrote the first version of what follows before I fell asleep last night...
Spinto played once and disappeared.
Word was they'd gone to decide what they'd play in the next set.
Tweed got back on stage and rocked the house. But they tired, and people started wondering where Spinto had gone.
I ran (literally) to find them. Wasn't sure if I would. But I did.
I told them what the people wanted, told them their presence had been requested.
We walked back toward the music. It was loud. People were dancing. In the proverbial full swing. Minds had wandered deep into the hip hop. Wandered deeply and happily.
Spinto thought they'd better not step on any toes. They'd get their gear quietly and let the party rock on. Without them. Or, at least, without them on stage.
I noticed this happening and called the cousins into a huddle. I asked what the party wanted. They said Spinto.
So we all went to talk to them. One at a time. Told them we'd love them to play more. Told them they'd bring down the house. Herded the dance floor and started the cheers and chants.
Spinto hadn't realized. Of course, they said, if people want us to play, we'll play.
They unpacked their instruments, stepped to the mics, slapped some drumsticks together, and played a beautiful little set.
One of the most fun sets I've ever experienced. Across the room moments of love and acknowledgment between all the cousins.
We'd done it. We'd thrown a music festival. With truly legitimate musicians. And they'd loved it too.
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Philanthropy and Spam
I have a friend that loves to bomb mass emails around. And not lolcatz forwards or this article is totally awesome everyone should read it messages. Emails that require that I, the recipient, actually do something in response to the email. Mass emails suggesting that I support certain causes. Mass emails asking for donations or asking me to volunteer time in some way.
And I love that friend. He's trying to do great things for the world while working an intense job that eats up all his time. I want to help him.
But usually I don't.
I get the mass emails, scan them quickly, let them sit in my inbox for a while, and then eventually realize that I'm just not going to get around to them and throw them away.
I just got one of his blasts, and I think I might have had a little realization (a realization that, quite possibly, everyone else has already had):
The reason I don't feel compelled to act on these well intentioned notices is that, if I get a notice in mass email form, it just simply couldn't be THAT important. If my friend REALLY needed my help or REALLY thought I could save the world by giving some time or money, he would call me or send me a one on one note. That's what I'd do if I really thought someone should pay attention and act. I'd get in touch directly. I'd demonstrate to my friends that I found the cause so important that I'd donate my time to spreading the word, one important person at a time.
And I love that friend. He's trying to do great things for the world while working an intense job that eats up all his time. I want to help him.
But usually I don't.
I get the mass emails, scan them quickly, let them sit in my inbox for a while, and then eventually realize that I'm just not going to get around to them and throw them away.
I just got one of his blasts, and I think I might have had a little realization (a realization that, quite possibly, everyone else has already had):
The reason I don't feel compelled to act on these well intentioned notices is that, if I get a notice in mass email form, it just simply couldn't be THAT important. If my friend REALLY needed my help or REALLY thought I could save the world by giving some time or money, he would call me or send me a one on one note. That's what I'd do if I really thought someone should pay attention and act. I'd get in touch directly. I'd demonstrate to my friends that I found the cause so important that I'd donate my time to spreading the word, one important person at a time.
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Democracy and Energy
I do not approve of pdfs, but apparently some people don't like to create web pages:
http://www.capmarkets.com/ViewFile.asp?ID1=250483&ID2=246878081&ssid=2&directory=11758&bm=0&filename=ENER0721_spec.pdf
That's from Stanford Group, and it's commentary and predictions on what energy legislation is in the works and which of it actually has a chance of getting passed without heavy dilution and compromise.
I don't know nearly enough to make the arguments I do (if you want to hear someone that knows what he's talking about, listen to Amory Lovins), but, apparently, I'm not afraid to share my in-process opinions and pretend they're more than just half-formed. The following is an email I sent to some Acorn people in reaction to the Stanford Group pdf:
All these Washington proposals are totally ridiculous. The US government shouldn't be wasting its time tinkering to try to lower oil prices.
A. High oil prices are good for the world in the long term. They spur both technological innovation and responsible consumer behavior.
2. If this were a developing economy in danger of starving, then MAYBE it's the government's role to keep energy prices artificially low. We shouldn't forget, however, that most people living in the US are RIDICULOUSLY rich compared to people south of the equator and elsewhere in the developing world. In the US, we can cope. We can spend less, consume less. It's not a big deal. Yes, it'll mess with our consumption driven economy, but, honestly, wouldn't it be smart for us to rethink a little bit just how much we want our economic well being tied to Tickle Me Elmo sales? Again, long term, I think it would be great if we could disrupt and adjust this spend spend spend borrow borrow borrow economy.
D. If the government wants to keep the economy cooking (and the tax revenue rolling in), how about investing in the old and busted infrastructure? Build a little efficiency into the system. Get your cargo from point A to point B on well greased wheels along friction free tracks; don't up the horsepower and force it through the mountain.
And, now that the A, 2, D list is over, and I can no longer continue my obscure reference to Home Alone, I'll have to just go with a dash to lead into my fourth point.
-I don't think tinkering will affect anything. Speculation tinkering. Drilling tinkering. Gas tax holiday tinkering. It's all band aids. Band aids trying to cure a chronic stomachache (or lung infection, if you want to add some morbidity).
Clearly not the most diplomatic tone I've ever taken. But oh well. I think there's legitimate reason to be frustrated with the US government and their instant gratification approaches to lawmaking. Though, from their perspective, they don't really have much choice. If they make their constituents make any compromises in the short term, I'm sure opportunistic political opponents will rise up come campaign time, and see how well they can pander their ways into office.
Democracy. Total bummer sometimes.
http://www.capmarkets.com/ViewFile.asp?ID1=250483&ID2=246878081&ssid=2&directory=11758&bm=0&filename=ENER0721_spec.pdf
That's from Stanford Group, and it's commentary and predictions on what energy legislation is in the works and which of it actually has a chance of getting passed without heavy dilution and compromise.
I don't know nearly enough to make the arguments I do (if you want to hear someone that knows what he's talking about, listen to Amory Lovins), but, apparently, I'm not afraid to share my in-process opinions and pretend they're more than just half-formed. The following is an email I sent to some Acorn people in reaction to the Stanford Group pdf:
All these Washington proposals are totally ridiculous. The US government shouldn't be wasting its time tinkering to try to lower oil prices.
A. High oil prices are good for the world in the long term. They spur both technological innovation and responsible consumer behavior.
2. If this were a developing economy in danger of starving, then MAYBE it's the government's role to keep energy prices artificially low. We shouldn't forget, however, that most people living in the US are RIDICULOUSLY rich compared to people south of the equator and elsewhere in the developing world. In the US, we can cope. We can spend less, consume less. It's not a big deal. Yes, it'll mess with our consumption driven economy, but, honestly, wouldn't it be smart for us to rethink a little bit just how much we want our economic well being tied to Tickle Me Elmo sales? Again, long term, I think it would be great if we could disrupt and adjust this spend spend spend borrow borrow borrow economy.
D. If the government wants to keep the economy cooking (and the tax revenue rolling in), how about investing in the old and busted infrastructure? Build a little efficiency into the system. Get your cargo from point A to point B on well greased wheels along friction free tracks; don't up the horsepower and force it through the mountain.
And, now that the A, 2, D list is over, and I can no longer continue my obscure reference to Home Alone, I'll have to just go with a dash to lead into my fourth point.
-I don't think tinkering will affect anything. Speculation tinkering. Drilling tinkering. Gas tax holiday tinkering. It's all band aids. Band aids trying to cure a chronic stomachache (or lung infection, if you want to add some morbidity).
Clearly not the most diplomatic tone I've ever taken. But oh well. I think there's legitimate reason to be frustrated with the US government and their instant gratification approaches to lawmaking. Though, from their perspective, they don't really have much choice. If they make their constituents make any compromises in the short term, I'm sure opportunistic political opponents will rise up come campaign time, and see how well they can pander their ways into office.
Democracy. Total bummer sometimes.
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Email Recall
Checked my email this afternoon to find three consecutive, similarly titled messages from the same address.
I opened them.
First one was a link and a question.
Second one told me the sender of the first message had attempted to recall the first message.
Third one was an apology for the first email's incorrect link, the correct link, and a repeat of the question.
I replied to the second message: That recall work?
A reply came moments later: Nope!
Hmmm.
Why, as an email program, would you advertise a recall function when all the function does is send an email letting the accidental recipient know that the sender tried to recall a message?
Do any recall functions work?
Should they work?
Are they ultimately weapons fighting against transparency?
I guess it's not the worst thing to let people retract impulsive angry messages or remove useless, broken, or misleading messages from their friends' and colleagues' inboxes, but I don't know.
Sometimes moments of uncensored passion offer insight, and sometimes mistakes clear new and unexpected paths for our imaginations.
Paths to "heroine addicts," for example.
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