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.
"When was the last time you were at a wedding that had a death defying hike, rogue waves, a luau, ultimate fighting, a presidential candidate and a budding bromance?" asks Papi Chulo. For most of us, the answer is never, but luckily, Papi Chulo and Secret Agent Scotch took the time to Vox all the amazing moments during their unforgettable Hawaiian wedding on 08.08.08 so we could all take part in the festivities.
The story began last February, when Papi Chulo popped the question and Secret Agent Scotch said yes! Since then, they've kept us in the loop about all the details, from the bride's veil to the wedding song to the final To-Do List. And throughout it all, they inspired us with their love for each other. (I'm pretty sure it doesn't get any better than knowing your future husband thinks you are The Perfect Girl.)
It's an amazing love story and we are thrilled they shared it with us. Watch the video of the ceremony and please join us in wishing Papi Chulo and Secret Agent Scotch the fairytale ending they deserve.
And What's a Team Vox Post without New Themes?
Spice up your Vox blog with one of our latest themes (found in the design area under "New") or any of our hundreds of themes. From shopping to sushi, comics to cycling, there's something for everyone.
Can't get enough of the wedding? A few lucky Voxers - Krissy, djchall, and Beau Smith - made the trip to Hawaii to take part in the celebration. Check out their Vox blogs for more pictures and stories.
Congratulations again to Secret Agent Scotch and Papi Chulo! Enjoy the Honeymoon!
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.
At Vox, we believe that change is a good thing. After all, you wouldn't wear the same t-shirt day in and day out, so why should your blog have to suffer the same fate? Give your blog a new look with one of our latest themes (found under "New"), or pick from any of our hundreds of themes designed with your passions and personality in mind.
Until then... Enjoy!
-daisy
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.
Gimme a V! Gimme an O! Gimme an X! What's that spell? VOX!
What better way to tell the world how much you love Vox than to announce it on Facebook? That's right: Vox now has an official Facebook page! Become a fan of Vox.com on Facebook and let your friends know what you really care about: staying connected with friends and family through blog posts, photos, videos and comments.
Once you're a fan, you can also add photos and videos to the page, write on the wall, and connect with other Voxers in ways you may not have previously. Plus, it's a great opportunity to let people know about your Vox blog, or start discussion topics. To become a fan, just visit the official Vox.com Facebook page and click the "Become a Fan" button in the upper right hand corner.
Once you've joined, why not post a response to the current discussion topic? Just post a link (and a brief description, if you'd like) to what you consider one of your all-time best Vox posts.
What are you waiting for? Become a Vox.com fan on Facebook today!
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.
My Groups
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Golden Girls Updated: Feb 2, 2008
Neighborhood
Explore friends, family, friends & family, or entire neighborhood.
Links from my Neighborhood
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.
