analog kid

The fawn-eyed girl with sun-browned legs
Dances on the edge of his dream
And her voice rings in his ears
Like the music of the spheres
(rush)
Indeed.


Oh yea, Happy Mifflas.

flexing

Walking down state street, gallon of milk in hand and headphones on, zoning in my little world. Suddenly, screaming out of the Gino's door comes a red form, punching me. A waitress, on duty, has run out to greet me. We talk, I don't really pay attention.
"I baked some cookies, do you want some ?"
"Yes."
She goes through the flavors, I zone out again, wishing she'd hurry up so my milk doesn't get warm.
"Yeah you're right, I better take them all."
And then I leave, loaded with milk in one holster and nicely packaged cookies of 2 flavors in the other.


vibe

procrasted-nation

There are three variants of procrastination, depending on what you do instead of working on something: you could work on (a) nothing, (b) something less important, or (c) something more important. That last type, I'd argue, is good procrastination...

...When I talk to people who've managed to make themselves work on big things, I find that all blow off errands, and all feel guilty about it. I don't think they should feel guilty. There's more to do than anyone could. So someone doing the best work they can is inevitably going to leave a lot of errands undone. It seems a mistake to feel bad about that.
(Paul Graham)

This essay provides some good insight. A good aid to the never ending battle with productivity, or lack there of. I'm searching for my own Big Thing(s) right now.

miXXXing it up

ETHICS WEEK PANEL DISCUSSES BLOGGERS
The Society of Professional Journalists presents "Connect or Compete: How Do Bloggers Fit With Traditional Media?"
Panelists include Wispolitics' Jeff Mayers, Capital Times' Shauna Rhone, WORT's Nathan Moore, the Law School's David Schwartz, and WISC-TV 3's Colin Benedict.
5:30 p.m., Thursday, April 27, 2195 Vilas.

MixMaster might need to crash the party.

Update: Boring as hell. Showed up late, left early.

on numbers

In my experience, increasing the number of members has never led to an increase in exchange.

Not my quote. The quotee may claim it if they so wish. A good one though, if I may say.

midnighting my oil

The global village turned into me at a table smoking shisha for three hours. Several random people sat down to join me for a sustained amount of time. My thoughts on this later if I have time.
It is great to see the Madison Global Village, the first of which The Dode was at, turn into something so spectacular. Let it be a great tradition. I'd still like to see that micro-grant idea materialize.

I've been up late, scheming, strategery-ing, and pondering... not doing homework. I really need a rekindling right now.

Continuing that sick path which Fate determines, today I represent Egypt in our campus wide Global Village.

A moment for a life time

I was in Siwa when I learned of the July 2005 bombings in Sharm el Sheikh. As the news was delivered, I noted the anger on my Egyptian friends' faces, their tears a glimpse of their pain. They put in countless hours to fight the mainstream media portrayals of Arab people, show us trainees the true Egyptian and Arab people, and let us understand their lives. All that work, the blood sweat and thankless tears, set back by a few bombers taking a few cowardice moments to kill hours-days-years of the AIESECers' and others' work.
Dahab, a small backpackers haven in the Sinai Peninsula, sitting on the Red Sea was, and still is, my favorite desination of any I've been to. The Story. I've been to all three of the places bombed.

And now, it is not just their faces that pour tears down and feel that pain and setback, but mine as well.

no more drinking shuttles

back in the surgery saddle

I have scheduled your surgery for Wed May 17 @ 1:00pm at the Surgery Center. They will freeze the area and remove the lipomas...there are 2 on each leg. You will be stitched up and leave that day...stitches are removed in 7-10 days...no vigorous physical activity during that time. Registration is at 12 noon the same day and you can eat breakfast (when the world normally eats it) but eat nothing before the surgery. This is it... How are things with you?

Love, Mom

My favorite is the "when the world normally eats it" comment. It's a minor surgery; so should the RRR happen that following weekend, I'll be ready, even if my legs aren't. Actually, some wheel chair drinkin' sounds pretty cool. To celebrate this umpcoming event, we're taking our own drinking bus to the Brewer game tonight. A Drinking Shuttle, if you will.
Just got off the phone with Scott, an alum from Eau Claire. It is always weirdly pleasurable to talk or reconnect with alumni. The exchange of stories, ease of conversation, and instant understanding is something I don't often experience with other individuals. Cheers to that.

streaming live elton john

Who would have thought the crowd would have cheered so loud when George Michael introduced Elton John after his own verse of "Don't let the sun go down on me."

Found some quality leads today; hope remains. I haven't been using my network as extensively as perhaps I should be, but I still owe some friends some beers. I also realized today that I've worked with some incredibly adept people over the years, and that such people are rare. Creators; that's what I need to keep around me.

exit the warrior

Today gave me a rare experience of pure inadequacy. Thank you econometrics. Aside from Easter Weekend, not much stood in the way of me and a nicely taken test. I am pretty sure I failed to stack up, not because of procrastination or distraction or any other tom foolery, but I just flat out got schooled. Hopefully the curve saves my little hiney. I guess having one of these experiences every so often keeps you grounded and helps you refocus on that which needs refocusing on. The final shall see me reclaiming my dignity.

In the past 10 or 14 days, I've initiated communication with probably 6 - 10 companies/non-profits and have heard back from merely one of them. I can't help but note that I contacted that one through their customer contact function, so they probably thought I wanted to buy something. Most of my emails were inquiring about their internship programs or actually sending in an application. All companies had internship postings, so I KNOW they need/want interns. I can't say I'm impressed with the way any have treated a potential employee and perhaps future customer or long term contributer. It would have been a great way to get me to start talking about their cause/products/name. Guess not.

One of these days I'm going to catch a break.

My thoughts

Paul: gravitate on this.

Sent at 9:51 AM on Friday

Paul: bitch

Sent at 9:54 AM on Friday

This will be my motto for the weekend.

lacking surroundings

The computer lab is considerably less busy now that the terrace is in full effect. Staring at the computer for the afternoon's hours brings a tension only a pitcher and the gentle vibes of many beautiful babies scattered about can release. The a streaming Roger Waters concert helps.

For Public Review

Here's a piece I am working on. The question is below. I attempt to answer it. It is a work in progress; any comments will be appreciated. I must dutifully thank Dody and Wonderwoman for their previous help, which was superb.

What expectations will recent graduates have when they start working, and what policies should be in place?

This section is focused around the assumption that SEG is hiring a young, recent graduate, but much of the philosophy is also applicable in the event an older, more experienced person joins the team. It rests on tenets related to three basic concepts/ideas, and is supplanted with concrete examples. The three sections are active engagement, flexibility, and office/equipment. The ultimate goal is the employee including work under the umbrella of his civic, personal, and family life, instead of disengaging it once he leaves the office. To do so, work must be as enjoyable as the rest of life and the work place should be an environment equivalent to the extension of the place he enjoys most: his home.

Active engagement refers to consciously taking part in the employee’s development and work life. Is continuing his education an option? In a field such as engineering, it is not only economically critical to keep employees at the cutting edge, but that is also an option many engineers value and enjoy taking advantage of. Does the company allow young engineers to participate in and learn about new and different aspects of projects? Every employee should feel challenged. It doesn’t matter if it is hard, so long as it is also interesting. Exploit the energy youth brings to a new company! Set clear, high expectations, and the authority to achieve them. Then, allow some mistakes to be made, but include a feedback system that maximizes the learning from such an event. From here, allow a mentorship relationship to build. Lastly, encourage specialization, whether it involves some research and development time or a few hours per week of self-directed work. A steady and relevant supply of new experiences allows employees to remain savvy and shows the company values and is willing to invest in them.

By far one of the greatest advantages a small firm offers over a large firm is its flexibility. A dynamic working environment, allowing as much ____ will go a long way towards maintaining and boosting morale. For example, permitting tennis shoes and a relaxed dress code, for example, is valued by the younger generation to an extent the older generation may not realize. This should also permeate into scheduling as well. No employee wants to feel like a criminal for showing up at 9:20 when work supposedly MUST start at 9:00. Extending this further, why force an employee to work at a time they won’t be productive? Why not allow them to work on a schedule they dictate?[1] If a set schedule is the course, modifying it for summer hours is generally received with great enthusiasm. An employee realizing all his preferences is a more productive and loyal employee, a benefit all can enjoy.

Lastly, if SEG expects to retain A-type employees that do A-type work, it is natural to provide them with A-type equipment and office space, again incorporating as much flexibility as possible into such an endeavor. Different working environments appeal to different people, thus some may prefer working at a large desk while others may prefer using the desk as storage and working on a couch.[2] Provide solid, new equipment, establish some working parameters, and allow some customization. Do not underestimate the high standards many young employees have for computers and software. In maintaining the workplace as an extension of the home, stock a refrigerator with snacks and drinks, and consider going the extra mile by providing an oven and/or equipped kitchen.[3] Create an environment of interaction where employees can seamlessly and easily stay after hours for extra work or to invite friends for a drink.

---

[1] Given all meetings and deadlines are met.

[2] This stems from a true-life example.

[3] This is a great opportunity to build social capital by cooking together.

On campus right now

...on Library Mall stand a few dudes playing guitar, ranting, and holding a sign reading:

"Homosexuality is a sin"

I'll get photos if they're still there upon my return.

Savings & Fed Budget

As anyone who has looked at the numbers knows, the federal government’s current budget deficit is, in a sense, only the tip of the iceberg of the fiscal problems to come. The federal budget is on an unsustainable path. When the baby-boom generation retires and becomes eligible for Social Security and Medicare, all hell is going to break loose. The policy options aren’t pretty—either large cuts in promised benefits or taxes vastly higher than anything ever experienced in U.S. history. (Mankiw)
There, a world class economist (who at least a few years ago was on the Bush economic advisory team) said it. Is anybody listening yet???

cabbies

"Yeah, Sex you like to have sex American!" At this point, he actually started screaming "SEX" at the windshield and was honking the horn in rhythm with the motion of his hips. How is this happening to me in Egypt? (Mikey K)

This is some good stuff. I have a comment or two I'll add later, after class.

Two Plugs

Since I just emailed him, I guess now is as good a time as any to tell you to immediately follow this link to Aatif's blog and read all of it. It's right on the money with many of the trials, tribulations, glories, and thoughts I experienced while in Egypt. This is a blog I'll be keeping my eye on and so should all other nomads as well.

And with that, here's a shameless plug for an experimental blog I'm a part of and just getting off the ground. Two friends and I will be discussing/debating various economic and financial issues. Those of you interested are encouraged to join the discussion. Go now and you can claim to be one of the first! Hopefully we'll eventually convert it over to nomadlife, once I show them why that'd be a sweet idea.

Money

Tom Petty is touring this summer, potentially their last national tour. THIS IS THE MONEY BABY! He'll be in the Twin Cities two nights in a row and at Bonnaroo. Finally, a reason to live.

new blogger

Gregory Mankiw, the guy whose books any undergraduate economics student has read, is blogging.

Yummy Buffet

We stole spring rolls so that when we hit the 11pm wall, which I'm currently experiencing, we had some juice to rejuvinate our engines. I'm still full, so I gave one to katy instead. My pockets still are heavy. Ansel played me some early Pink Floyd. I asked if this was when they were learning to fly.

Nine point five pages left of this paper.

almost passed out

SERIOUS vibes in ethnic studies room. Cripes. I'm trying to keep it cool, but I might need to move.
Here's a day in the life: today I'm writing up a rough draft of my economic analysis of hosting the Super Bowl, based on this and this. I still need to run a regression or two to give me something to analyze. If that goes well, then I might become spiritual. I might need to consult Emir. Spanish exam tuesday, oral exam Friday, econometrics due Thursday, and several internships/jobs to apply to. Then econometrics test on following Monday.
What a great day to be alive.


Update: First regression worked... and it's crazy, man. But at least I gots something to analyze now.

perspective

It is a sad state of affairs when any speaker on any American University campus has to be surrounded by police officers to protect their freedom of speech and person from intimidation and menace. America is the country where free speech is protected under our constitution.
(American Thinker)
The conclusion to this piece reflects some of my own thoughts, to some extent.

unholy

Yea, it's 9:45pm on Friday night and I'm on the futon plugging away at a PowerPoint for the opening session of our conference tomorrow. This is really going to need some work. I'm really going to need a shisha.
It's going to be a tough month requiring an academic discipline I'm not sure I believe I possess. There is light at the end, and that's all I got to keep me going.

on the eve

I'm always amazed how much I can absorb on the night before a test. I'm not sure, either I enter some elevated state... or every other day my effort and output comes nowhere near its potential. But that's neither here nor there, as said math test is in 10 hours.
Brokeback "studied all night" until about 12:01am and Sarah just brought me popcorn and pandora just popped up jokerman.
Awesome.

5 sheets in the wind

So, as many of my friends have solidified solid summer (alliteration, nice!) plans, I recently had mine torn to tatters (again?!). Four or five attempts --> four or five rejections. I'm going to have to get creative, and find something cool to do when I'm not getting rejected at knuckleheads.

This past weekend has been pretty well documented, but there's a few things to add. That'll come later this week, once I review my camera another time and organize the timeline. As I earlier told some ladies about it: everyone's night was a part of everyone else's. I'm also waiting for the drama to unfold.

part tres

mooney and jamina got her. Keys still lost. Oh yeah, we lost our van key and are stuk in mi wright now. SHisha and edwardo 4o hands. i bought 2 cases and a dolly. I just woke up today.

mickeys ise.

live blog

kaylee and bruni woke up in strangers' houses (different). Bruni lost our car key. We drank a 40 in a spoon for breakfast. Me and Arthur got rejected for summer aspirations.