I've been getting geared up for the summer games for quite a while now. I sat through the opening ceremonies long enough to admire the Ralph Lauren designs on TEAM USA.
I was so anticipating this event that I decided to make it the topic for my post on the company blog, Exclamation. Here's the post. This isn't the only version of the post. The original post, below, was revised to discuss tech-related topics.
Here is the original post. I liked it, so I thought I'd share it with you all.
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There is an energy and excitement stirring, the kind that happens every four years. Yes, the summer Olympic games have returned and in full force, bringing with them the usual feelings of anticipation, nationalism as well as enough controversy to hearken memories of the 1936 Berlin games when Hitler and the Nazis watched Jesse Owens win a gold medal for the Long Jump.
Despite the controversy, though, this year’s games will probably be well-watched. Why do we watch?
1. Bob Costas.
2. The anticipation of moments like this:
3. Watching other humans perform feats we can only dream of.
4. The sheer mystery of how the make-up stays on the synchronized swimmers.
It was in the spirit of human ability and endurance that the Greeks started this tradition and it is in the spirit of competition that countries join year after year, laying aside differences and hostilities to compete side-by-side; laying aside friendships and alliances obtain glory over a competitor.
It’s in this way that the global community redefines and renews its relationships during the Games.
What if all problems or conflicts could be solved by competition? Not just physical competition, but mental as well?
Politics:
Instead of Jim Lehrer hosting the presidential debate, what if he was the moderator for a spelling bee or the judge of a thesis paper on the State of the Union?
Environmental Issues:
What if Greenpeace had to duke it out with Exxon Mobil in a curling match?
Company budget:
If conflicts could be solved by a simple shot put contest or a balance beam routine?
Obviously these examples are much more complicated than that and all-out competition would do little to help these situations.
Perhaps that’s really why we watch.
It’s only in this instance that we see the ideal outcome of competition: when the winner of a race collapses into the arms of a stranger and competitor because in that moment, there is only one human being who can understand what his or her body just went through and what they just achieved. It’s that surprising, yet expected, comradery that fuels our fascination.
Since my social life has shrunk considerably since my relocation to San Francisco, I have been reading a lot. On the Muni ride to and from work, over dinner, over breakfast, on my lunch break, before bed. It's been nice to finish some of the lengthy reads I've had the foolishness to tackle in the midst of trying to graduate and move.
The latest one, though, the one that I've put a halt on all other reads (including Jane Eyre, which I swear I'll NEVER finish), has been surprisingly addictive and very easy to read and very hard to put down. I bought it on the tip of a friend and old co-worker, Niha, who also introduced another addiction in my reading life, the "Outlander" series by Diana Gabaldon.
As with "Outlander" her initial suggestion didn't stimulate me right away. I had kind of filed it away in the back of my mind, even though she swore it was fantastic. It wasn't until 80% of the blogs in my Google reader had posts about it and the upcoming move that I decided to buy it and read it. Sorry for my lack of trust, Niha.
The book is called (finally, right?) "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer. It's about vampires. Sounds weird, right? It's actually really good. An easy read. I got through half of its 500 pages last night in about 2 1/2 hours.
Seriously. Remember how you felt when you read your first Harry Potter book and it seemed like everyone had been on that train forever? Don't do that again! It's not too late. The only people who are really on to this are book and entertainment bloggers and fans of Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory from the HP films) and who ISN'T a fan of him?
For those of you interested in checking it out.
Here are some more pictures of "Old School Vineyard.'' Each week I enjoy being there more and more. The cows are no longer there because one (C19) was getting out and eating the fruit! That is unexceptable behavior. So now my friends are grazing somewhere else.
Oh! Well, hello there Vox blog. I do feel rather embarrassed by the fact that I haven't posted in... months...? But to be fair, to myself, my life hasn't been too frothy lately. There's been a lot of solid stuff happening. OK. That's B.S. Even in the business of moving to San Francisco and setting up new bank accounts and new appartments there are some really cool things in my life.
First off: New Job. I am now an account associate at LaunchSquad. We work mostly with tech start ups or established businesses who are looking to launch a product.
Let's keep this brief. I don't know how this blog will be reinvented, rejuvinated, revamped. It will continue though. I kind of like it
OK. This week's San Franciscan offerings:
1. Fro-yo cravings are a hit down by the bay (seriously, it's like they just discovered it).
Tutti Melon is the place down the street from me and has become a tradition with my roommates.
2. The Dark Knight: This last Friday (Dark Friday) was a religious holiday to me, really. The movie surpassed my expecations and this Batman fan's faith in the story and crush on Christian Bale was renewed.
3. Crepes: Savory or Sweet. Otis and I enjoyed some brunch here.
4. Mac Dashboard widgets. I was so excited for these and I've gone a little crazy. I have a Harry Potter widget, a book of the day widget and a Batman countdown widget.
5. The Journey: Well. it is QUITE a journey getting there. 40 minutes (give or take on the N-Judah) then a 15-20 minute hike up through lower Van Ness (scary) up to Nob Hill. But the venue's great. The worship is amazing and many of the congregation live in my neighborhood.
6. SF Giants: Went to a game. Liked it well enough. They lost. But it's something to do on Saturdays. For free.
Until I write again, so sorry for the break and I miss you all who inspired me to do this blog:
Lindsay
Genna
Tiffany
Adam
So I am planning on taking a cycling tour around Napa Valley and Sonoma. I think what I am going to do is go for five days and split my time. I was going to buy a touring bike but the ones I was looking at were really expensive and I want to spend most of my money on wine while I'm touring. So I found some local bike shop where I can rent a bike. I am planning on going at the beginning of September. If anyone has recommendations on lodging, wineries, or is familiar at all with the area please let me know. I have never done any of this but I have always wanted to get into bike touring. I thought this would be a great way to ease into it.
It has been months. But lets not talk about it.
The summers in the Northwest are perfect. Not to hot, not to humid, everything is just right. I think summers in Eugene are the best kept secret, although I guess it's not really a secret anymore. This summer I have had the opportunity to work at a vineyard. It sounds more regal than it really is but all the same I love it. The vineyard is Old School Vineyards just outside of the heart of Junction City (the heart....wow). I get to work about 6 o'clock in the morning on Saturdays and Sundays. I do the watering. I get to drive a tractor and I have ample time to think, dream, stress, and so much more. During the day if I get restless, impatient, or bored, I look around and am humbled by the breathtaking scenery and mountains that envelope me. I continue, steady on the grind.
After filling out a packet of information, peeing in a cup and passing my background check, it’s finally official. I’ve landed my dream PR internship for the summer. For 40 hours a week, this summer I will be working for an outdoor sports apparel company in Portland in their PR department.
I’ll admit, dealing with such a large company entailed quite the hiring process. However, from a business standpoint, I fully understand how vital this process is in order to build a successful and quality team of employees. I know that I am bound for an adventurous summer. I can’t wait for it to begin!
Landing great internships is no easy task.
Here are some tips for landing your dream internship!
1.) Generate a list of employers whom you would enjoy working for and whose products or mission you respect.
2.) Go online to each company’s website and search for jobs under their career or job section.
3.) Look online at your university’s internship or job site.
4.) Talk with professors about connection that they may have.
5.) Consider friends and family members. You may be overlooking some of your best connections.
6.) Fine-tune your résumé. If possible, bring it to your journalism professor’s office hours for revision.
7.) Write a cover letter.
8.) Apply!
9.) Be sure to check in with the company of more than two weeks have gone by without response.
10.) For every interview, send a handwritten thank you note.
My Groups
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Golden Girls Updated: Feb 2, 2008
Neighborhood
Explore friends, family, friends & family, or entire neighborhood.
Links from my Friends
Lyon, Tigers, and Bears, Oh...
A Best Bud's Blog from France
Elisa's blog of encouragement...check it out!
My Argentine Adventure From 2006.
