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Nov
30
Happy Thanksgiving
Filed Under Politics | 7 Comments
Does this look like a fun bunch or what?
We look way happier than the turkey.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 11:37 pm November 30th, 2005 in Politics | 7 Comments
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Nov
30
PD and Dover, PA Evolution v. ID case
Filed Under Politics | Leave a Comment
Two days ago, The Plain Dealer reported on the end of the Dover trial (which was nearly five weeks ago) and its possible relevance to Ohio.
Here’s a list of the eleven entries I’ve had about the case starting 75 days ago (before the trial began) and through the time it went to the judge for a decision (Friday, November 4 – almost five weeks ago now). With a lot of good comments and local drama in Dover in between.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 11:17 pm November 30th, 2005 in Politics | Please comment
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Nov
30
Thanks to the announcement on Brewed Fresh Daily about The Plain Dealer Reader Representative, Ted Diadiun’s new blog, I gathered more, and more specific information about the PD editorial meetings I’d read were open to the public.
I emailed Mr. Diadiun, who told me with virtual enthusiam that my email was his first blog-initiated email (though I didn’t get any particular prize). He responded promptly and politely to my two questions:
First, how does he pronounce his name? (“DIE uh dunn”)
And second, is the opportunity to attend certain PD editorial meetings still available?
To that, Mr. Diadiun responded as follows:
You are still very much welcome to attend either of our daily news meetings. The first is at 10:45 a.m., when the section editors discuss what they are working on, suggestions and story ideas get tossed and occasionally we talk about what we could have done better in that day’s paper. The second is at 4 p.m., where we discuss more concretely what stories we have for the following day’s paper, and select the stories that will likely run on Page One, barring later developments.
The first meeting tends to be a bit longer and more freewheeling; the second is usually more serious and businesslike. You are welcome to attend either one by contacting Margie Frazer at 999-4337. I look forward to meeting you.
So come on, let’s take a field trip! (I must always think that people don’t take my suggestions seriously because of how often I feel compelled to add in parentheses “I’m dead serious.”) (But I am – dead serious. Who will sign up and go with me a few times? Isn’t anyone the least bit curious? Plus, I’ve made it clear that I don’t like complaining if I haven’t availed myself of what mechanisms exist to learn more or fix a problem. So come on.)
By Jill Miller Zimon at 10:53 pm November 30th, 2005 in Politics | 4 Comments
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Nov
30
Trust = Efficiency = Savings
Filed Under Politics | 2 Comments
My dad called today to check on my youngest son (very minimal pneumonia, Zithromax, three days and out) and to ask if it’s snowing here (no, to his disappointment) and let us know that it’s 75 degrees in Florida. Whatever. With every section of dried cells that falls off my face, so go memories of my lovely vacation.
During the call, he told me about how he’d gone to have one tire changed and in the end, he had to get four tires changed. What was notable about the story was the fact that had he taken care of (read: spent money upfront) all four tires (or at least two at a time) last year, he wouldn’t have had to change all four now and cause himself a greater inconvenience than he’d expected. At the core of the problem: he believes, like so many of us want to, that he knew as much or more about the wear of his tires and what would be cost-effective than the salesmen. And even he, an incredibly successful salesman himself, just doesn’t like and refuses at most costs, to believe anyone, least of all mechanics like tire guys.
I laughed over the phone with him because I know how hard it was for him to acknowledge that if he’d just done what he should have last year and spent the money on two tires upfront instead of just one – as had been recommended, he wouldn’t have to replace all four now.
“I know exactly how you feel, Dad. I was on the phone last night for nearly an hour because of a computer thing. And the worst part? The techies had, in front of them, the protocol that the techie used from the last time I called with the exact same problem. But they don’t trust me – that the problem I say I have is actually the problem I do have. So they made me go over it in detail, ran me through the gauntlet, agreed I had the problem they said I had and then repeated the protocol used the last time.
“Except this time, it didn’t work because the Level 1 techie neglected to tell me to reboot after resetting a bunch of stuff. So he forwarded me to the Level 2 techie who made me go over in detail the problem I had and agreed I had the problem and then started to repeat the same protocol.”
What’s wrong with this picture?
Has anyone ever kept a running count of how many minutes, hours, days, months and years are wasted as a result of how much time those charged with helping make those in need of help prove that they need help?
You know what I’m talking about, I know you do. Remember when computers crashed and you needed a new hard drive? (assume that neither you nor anyone you live with knows how to replace a hard drive) And you’d call tech support and they’d make you go into DOS and check funky things for like two hours and then declare that your hard drive had indeed crashed?
That happened three times with my old Compaq desktop. More than two hours, each time. Forget that I was a pretty well paid lawyer/social worker at a nonprofit at the time. Forget that the techie was a domestic-based as opposed to overseas helper.
So I posit – how much money could be saved if we just trusted each other more?
If that example doesn’t work for you, how about the number of times you’ve called your spouse or significant other or father or other trusted person and said that you had something wrong with…the toilet, the fridge, the water heater, the coffeemaker, your car? Whatever.
And then they make you repeat, at least once if not more than once, exactly what you were doing before during and after its failure to perform.
And they ask you at least once more, you know they do.
And they ask, “Did you try this? Did you try that? Well, try it again.” “It’s still not working?”
And then they say, “I’ll check it out when I get home (make it over).”
And then what happens?
They do everything you did, and the thing – whatever it is – still fails to perform.
“Hmm, (fill in the blank) is broken.”
No #$&%$ s**t Sherlock.
So, last time, who can tell me: How much money would be saved, how much time would be saved, how much less stress would exist between people, how many fewer children would be the product of divorce if we trusted that when someone says something is broken, the goddamn thing might actually be broken?
By Jill Miller Zimon at 9:49 pm November 30th, 2005 in Politics | 2 Comments
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Nov
30
PD and Dover, PA Evolution v. ID case
Filed Under Politics | Leave a Comment
Two days ago, The Plain Dealer reported on the end of the Dover trial (which was nearly five weeks ago) and its possible relevance to Ohio.
Here’s a list of the eleven entries I’ve had about the case starting 75 days ago (before the trial began) and through the time it went to the judge for a decision (Friday, November 4 – almost five weeks ago now). With a lot of good comments and local drama in Dover in between.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 8:17 pm November 30th, 2005 in Politics | Please comment
Print This Post
Nov
30
Thanks to the announcement on Brewed Fresh Daily about The Plain Dealer Reader Representative, Ted Diadiun’s new blog, I gathered more, and more specific information about the PD editorial meetings I’d read were open to the public.
I emailed Mr. Diadiun, who told me with virtual enthusiam that my email was his first blog-initiated email (though I didn’t get any particular prize). He responded promptly and politely to my two questions:
First, how does he pronounce his name? (“DIE uh dunn”)
And second, is the opportunity to attend certain PD editorial meetings still available?
To that, Mr. Diadiun responded as follows:
You are still very much welcome to attend either of our daily news meetings. The first is at 10:45 a.m., when the section editors discuss what they are working on, suggestions and story ideas get tossed and occasionally we talk about what we could have done better in that day’s paper. The second is at 4 p.m., where we discuss more concretely what stories we have for the following day’s paper, and select the stories that will likely run on Page One, barring later developments.
The first meeting tends to be a bit longer and more freewheeling; the second is usually more serious and businesslike. You are welcome to attend either one by contacting Margie Frazer at 999-4337. I look forward to meeting you.
So come on, let’s take a field trip! (I must always think that people don’t take my suggestions seriously because of how often I feel compelled to add in parentheses “I’m dead serious.”) (But I am – dead serious. Who will sign up and go with me a few times? Isn’t anyone the least bit curious? Plus, I’ve made it clear that I don’t like complaining if I haven’t availed myself of what mechanisms exist to learn more or fix a problem. So come on.)
By Jill Miller Zimon at 7:53 pm November 30th, 2005 in Politics | Please comment
Print This Post
Nov
30
Happy Thanksgiving
Filed Under Politics | 7 Comments
Does this look like a fun bunch or what?
We look way happier than the turkey.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 7:37 pm November 30th, 2005 in Politics | 7 Comments
Print This Post
Nov
30
Trust = Efficiency = Savings
Filed Under Politics | 2 Comments
My dad called today to check on my youngest son (very minimal pneumonia, Zithromax, three days and out) and to ask if it’s snowing here (no, to his disappointment) and let us know that it’s 75 degrees in Florida. Whatever. With every section of dried cells that falls off my face, so go memories of my lovely vacation.
During the call, he told me about how he’d gone to have one tire changed and in the end, he had to get four tires changed. What was notable about the story was the fact that had he taken care of (read: spent money upfront) all four tires (or at least two at a time) last year, he wouldn’t have had to change all four now and cause himself a greater inconvenience than he’d expected. At the core of the problem: he believes, like so many of us want to, that he knew as much or more about the wear of his tires and what would be cost-effective than the salesmen. And even he, an incredibly successful salesman himself, just doesn’t like and refuses at most costs, to believe anyone, least of all mechanics like tire guys.
I laughed over the phone with him because I know how hard it was for him to acknowledge that if he’d just done what he should have last year and spent the money on two tires upfront instead of just one – as had been recommended, he wouldn’t have to replace all four now.
“I know exactly how you feel, Dad. I was on the phone last night for nearly an hour because of a computer thing. And the worst part? The techies had, in front of them, the protocol that the techie used from the last time I called with the exact same problem. But they don’t trust me – that the problem I say I have is actually the problem I do have. So they made me go over it in detail, ran me through the gauntlet, agreed I had the problem they said I had and then repeated the protocol used the last time.
“Except this time, it didn’t work because the Level 1 techie neglected to tell me to reboot after resetting a bunch of stuff. So he forwarded me to the Level 2 techie who made me go over in detail the problem I had and agreed I had the problem and then started to repeat the same protocol.”
What’s wrong with this picture?
Has anyone ever kept a running count of how many minutes, hours, days, months and years are wasted as a result of how much time those charged with helping make those in need of help prove that they need help?
You know what I’m talking about, I know you do. Remember when computers crashed and you needed a new hard drive? (assume that neither you nor anyone you live with knows how to replace a hard drive) And you’d call tech support and they’d make you go into DOS and check funky things for like two hours and then declare that your hard drive had indeed crashed?
That happened three times with my old Compaq desktop. More than two hours, each time. Forget that I was a pretty well paid lawyer/social worker at a nonprofit at the time. Forget that the techie was a domestic-based as opposed to overseas helper.
So I posit – how much money could be saved if we just trusted each other more?
If that example doesn’t work for you, how about the number of times you’ve called your spouse or significant other or father or other trusted person and said that you had something wrong with…the toilet, the fridge, the water heater, the coffeemaker, your car? Whatever.
And then they make you repeat, at least once if not more than once, exactly what you were doing before during and after its failure to perform.
And they ask you at least once more, you know they do.
And they ask, “Did you try this? Did you try that? Well, try it again.” “It’s still not working?”
And then they say, “I’ll check it out when I get home (make it over).”
And then what happens?
They do everything you did, and the thing – whatever it is – still fails to perform.
“Hmm, (fill in the blank) is broken.”
No #$&%$ s**t Sherlock.
So, last time, who can tell me: How much money would be saved, how much time would be saved, how much less stress would exist between people, how many fewer children would be the product of divorce if we trusted that when someone says something is broken, the goddamn thing might actually be broken?
By Jill Miller Zimon at 5:49 pm November 30th, 2005 in Politics | 2 Comments
Print This Post
Nov
30
Happy Thanksgiving
Filed Under Politics | Leave a Comment
Does this look like a fun bunch or what?
We look way happier than the turkey.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 4:37 pm November 30th, 2005 in Politics | Please comment
Print This Post
Nov
30
Trust = Efficiency = Savings
Filed Under Politics | Leave a Comment
My dad called today to check on my youngest son (very minimal pneumonia, Zithromax, three days and out) and to ask if it’s snowing here (no, to his disappointment) and let us know that it’s 75 degrees in Florida. Whatever. With every section of dried cells that falls off my face, so go memories of my lovely vacation.
During the call, he told me about how he’d gone to have one tire changed and in the end, he had to get four tires changed. What was notable about the story was the fact that had he taken care of (read: spent money upfront) all four tires (or at least two at a time) last year, he wouldn’t have had to change all four now and cause himself a greater inconvenience than he’d expected. At the core of the problem: he believes, like so many of us want to, that he knew as much or more about the wear of his tires and what would be cost-effective than the salesmen. And even he, an incredibly successful salesman himself, just doesn’t like and refuses at most costs, to believe anyone, least of all mechanics like tire guys.
I laughed over the phone with him because I know how hard it was for him to acknowledge that if he’d just done what he should have last year and spent the money on two tires upfront instead of just one – as had been recommended, he wouldn’t have to replace all four now.
“I know exactly how you feel, Dad. I was on the phone last night for nearly an hour because of a computer thing. And the worst part? The techies had, in front of them, the protocol that the techie used from the last time I called with the exact same problem. But they don’t trust me – that the problem I say I have is actually the problem I do have. So they made me go over it in detail, ran me through the gauntlet, agreed I had the problem they said I had and then repeated the protocol used the last time.
“Except this time, it didn’t work because the Level 1 techie neglected to tell me to reboot after resetting a bunch of stuff. So he forwarded me to the Level 2 techie who made me go over in detail the problem I had and agreed I had the problem and then started to repeat the same protocol.”
What’s wrong with this picture?
Has anyone ever kept a running count of how many minutes, hours, days, months and years are wasted as a result of how much time those charged with helping make those in need of help prove that they need help?
You know what I’m talking about, I know you do. Remember when computers crashed and you needed a new hard drive? (assume that neither you nor anyone you live with knows how to replace a hard drive) And you’d call tech support and they’d make you go into DOS and check funky things for like two hours and then declare that your hard drive had indeed crashed?
That happened three times with my old Compaq desktop. More than two hours, each time. Forget that I was a pretty well paid lawyer/social worker at a nonprofit at the time. Forget that the techie was a domestic-based as opposed to overseas helper.
So I posit – how much money could be saved if we just trusted each other more?
If that example doesn’t work for you, how about the number of times you’ve called your spouse or significant other or father or other trusted person and said that you had something wrong with…the toilet, the fridge, the water heater, the coffeemaker, your car? Whatever.
And then they make you repeat, at least once if not more than once, exactly what you were doing before during and after its failure to perform.
And they ask you at least once more, you know they do.
And they ask, “Did you try this? Did you try that? Well, try it again.” “It’s still not working?”
And then they say, “I’ll check it out when I get home (make it over).”
And then what happens?
They do everything you did, and the thing – whatever it is – still fails to perform.
“Hmm, (fill in the blank) is broken.”
No #$&%$ s**t Sherlock.
So, last time, who can tell me: How much money would be saved, how much time would be saved, how much less stress would exist between people, how many fewer children would be the product of divorce if we trusted that when someone says something is broken, the goddamn thing might actually be broken?
By Jill Miller Zimon at 2:49 pm November 30th, 2005 in Politics | Please comment
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Nov
30
The Five Es
Filed Under Politics | 2 Comments
I could drone about several incidents (like my flaky, itchy sunburn, the piles of unpacking that I’m leaving until tomorrow and the hour I just wasted on the phone with two SBC techies) and retelling those incidents might induce laughter through commiseration or actual humor. But in essence, all I’d be doing is complaining about circumstances everyone’s experienced either firsthand or close enough to get the idea.
And I don’t want to complain. (S**t – does this qualify as a complaint about complaining?)
I’d rather mention that I’ve read more material in the last nine days than I usually do in a month, thanks to the Thanksgiving holiday. The biggest boon: books. I read two whole books this week. Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking and Terry Ryan’s The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (no, I haven’t seen the movie). (I linked to Amazon because of the editorial reviews.)
I haven’t pined for news very much but a few headlines caught my eye. The 15 year old who died from a peanut-laced kiss. Ramsey Clark and Saddam Hussein. And, I confess, the case of the teacher who had sex with a 14 year old (or was he 15?) in Tampa, FL (I think) seemed too trashy to not follow for just a few surfing sessions. Andrea Yates’ second trial also caused me to pause over the news.
As much as I loved this vacation, I’m eager to follow up and through on a number of projects, not least of which is the NEO Nimble Minds Carnival. If you’ve been thinking about joining the carnival (by choosing one of your blog entries and sending me the link), Just Do It. (I don’t have to pay to use that phrase, do I? No one else seems to.) I’ve got a few entries, but several folks who’ve expressed interest have become silent.
I’m not into strongarming or begging…unless I have to strongarm or beg. And then there’s the old teacher’s tactic: when no one raises their hand, you just have to pick someone. But again, I won’t do that either. If there’s no interest, or I haven’t successfully raised interest so that folks will come aboard and have a booth at the carnival (a booth being their blog entry submitted to the carnival), then I’ll either have to try again, or not.
If it helps you visualize it better, blog carnivals have been described as a magazine of various blog entries. And I think that’s true. So think Utne Reader for this edition of the carnival.
Eclectic, enjoyable, entertaining, educative. Entered!
By Jill Miller Zimon at 3:03 am November 30th, 2005 in Politics | 2 Comments
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Nov
29
The Five Es
Filed Under Politics | 2 Comments
I could drone about several incidents (like my flaky, itchy sunburn, the piles of unpacking that I’m leaving until tomorrow and the hour I just wasted on the phone with two SBC techies) and retelling those incidents might induce laughter through commiseration or actual humor. But in essence, all I’d be doing is complaining about circumstances everyone’s experienced either firsthand or close enough to get the idea.
And I don’t want to complain. (S**t – does this qualify as a complaint about complaining?)
I’d rather mention that I’ve read more material in the last nine days than I usually do in a month, thanks to the Thanksgiving holiday. The biggest boon: books. I read two whole books this week. Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking and Terry Ryan’s The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (no, I haven’t seen the movie). (I linked to Amazon because of the editorial reviews.)
I haven’t pined for news very much but a few headlines caught my eye. The 15 year old who died from a peanut-laced kiss. Ramsey Clark and Saddam Hussein. And, I confess, the case of the teacher who had sex with a 14 year old (or was he 15?) in Tampa, FL (I think) seemed too trashy to not follow for just a few surfing sessions. Andrea Yates’ second trial also caused me to pause over the news.
As much as I loved this vacation, I’m eager to follow up and through on a number of projects, not least of which is the NEO Nimble Minds Carnival. If you’ve been thinking about joining the carnival (by choosing one of your blog entries and sending me the link), Just Do It. (I don’t have to pay to use that phrase, do I? No one else seems to.) I’ve got a few entries, but several folks who’ve expressed interest have become silent.
I’m not into strongarming or begging…unless I have to strongarm or beg. And then there’s the old teacher’s tactic: when no one raises their hand, you just have to pick someone. But again, I won’t do that either. If there’s no interest, or I haven’t successfully raised interest so that folks will come aboard and have a booth at the carnival (a booth being their blog entry submitted to the carnival), then I’ll either have to try again, or not.
If it helps you visualize it better, blog carnivals have been described as a magazine of various blog entries. And I think that’s true. So think Utne Reader for this edition of the carnival.
Eclectic, enjoyable, entertaining, educative. Entered!
By Jill Miller Zimon at 11:03 pm November 29th, 2005 in Politics | 2 Comments
Print This Post
Nov
29
The Five Es
Filed Under Politics | Leave a Comment
I could drone about several incidents (like my flaky, itchy sunburn, the piles of unpacking that I’m leaving until tomorrow and the hour I just wasted on the phone with two SBC techies) and retelling those incidents might induce laughter through commiseration or actual humor. But in essence, all I’d be doing is complaining about circumstances everyone’s experienced either firsthand or close enough to get the idea.
And I don’t want to complain. (S**t – does this qualify as a complaint about complaining?)
I’d rather mention that I’ve read more material in the last nine days than I usually do in a month, thanks to the Thanksgiving holiday. The biggest boon: books. I read two whole books this week. Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking and Terry Ryan’s The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (no, I haven’t seen the movie). (I linked to Amazon because of the editorial reviews.)
I haven’t pined for news very much but a few headlines caught my eye. The 15 year old who died from a peanut-laced kiss. Ramsey Clark and Saddam Hussein. And, I confess, the case of the teacher who had sex with a 14 year old (or was he 15?) in Tampa, FL (I think) seemed too trashy to not follow for just a few surfing sessions. Andrea Yates’ second trial also caused me to pause over the news.
As much as I loved this vacation, I’m eager to follow up and through on a number of projects, not least of which is the NEO Nimble Minds Carnival. If you’ve been thinking about joining the carnival (by choosing one of your blog entries and sending me the link), Just Do It. (I don’t have to pay to use that phrase, do I? No one else seems to.) I’ve got a few entries, but several folks who’ve expressed interest have become silent.
I’m not into strongarming or begging…unless I have to strongarm or beg. And then there’s the old teacher’s tactic: when no one raises their hand, you just have to pick someone. But again, I won’t do that either. If there’s no interest, or I haven’t successfully raised interest so that folks will come aboard and have a booth at the carnival (a booth being their blog entry submitted to the carnival), then I’ll either have to try again, or not.
If it helps you visualize it better, blog carnivals have been described as a magazine of various blog entries. And I think that’s true. So think Utne Reader for this edition of the carnival.
Eclectic, enjoyable, entertaining, educative. Entered!
By Jill Miller Zimon at 8:03 pm November 29th, 2005 in Politics | Please comment
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Nov
28
Blondes do not always have more fun
Filed Under Politics | 6 Comments
So, you go to South Florida for vacation. The temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, the sun shines through the vertical blinds every morning and your kids romp in the waves and the pool until they drop from exhaustion.
But alas, you are fair-haired and light-skinned. You’ve been that way all your life – your two most pronounced immutable qualities (even though the hair color can be changed, let’s keep it simple). And so, when you slather your kids with SPF 30, you slather yourself with spf 15 on your delicate flower of a face because the dermatologists say so.
Even though you know it’s what you’re supposed to do, you’re conflicted because, when you follow this routine, your friends and enemies alike, who ask you what you did for the holiday, inevitably say, Well, you don’t look like you went to Florida.
Just once I’d love to say, “Honey, I’ve got the overpriced airfare charges on my credit card to prove it,” but that’s just too obnoxious and inflammatory. Not to mention it kind of makes me ill to think about, especially with more holidays and four months in a row of family birthdays around the corner.
But I digress.
So, it’s seven days into your trip and not a single trace of melatonin has yet to appear on your face, your hands or that teeny tiny baby belly that peeks out between the two pieces of your tankini (I must get one of those faux tankinis that are actually one piece but look like two, so my baby belly is covered).
You’re feeling the pressure (not least of which comes from the fact that your father merely has to go outside to pick up the mail and he gets tan). Plus, you’ve always felt you just look so good when you have a tan, or even a pinkish glow.
Damn it all, you’re going to lie down on that chaise by the beach, not slather and not move.
An hour later, you touch your skin. Everywhere. Feels cool. Looks normal.
Two hours later, you go for a walk on the beach, notice the hurricane debris including an airplane-sized Michelin tire complete with its own tidal basin animals swimming inside the “O.”
Still, no color, no pain.
Dip into the pool, swim a few lengths, hop out, dry off, lie down a bit more, go have lunch.
And then it hits you. “Honey, you’re sunburned.”
“What? Huh? Oh – nah – that’s nothing.”
You shower in frigid water because warm water pains your skin.
You can’t wear a bra because the straps ache on your flesh.
Remember the Blondie song, Fade Away and Radiate?
Your kids have to close their eyes when they see you because of the glow.
You need Tylenol to cut the pain but all you have is Advil.
And, on your very last day, you have to shroud yourself as though you lived in an oppressive religious state for fear that the sun will actually kill you now.
Of course, we all know that the sun can indeed kill you.
And, I’ve learned once more, so can vanity.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 3:46 pm November 28th, 2005 in Politics | 6 Comments
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Nov
28
Looks as though a great debate about whether good ideas need “angels” will continue into a second week on Brewed Fresh Daily. With 89 comments as of the time I’m writing this entry, it exceeds the previously most commented after post by nearly 25 comments. Kudos to the great thoughts contributed. I’m amazed anew each week, almost each day, at how much I’m learning from bloggers.
My first comment in the batch (and only one of two or three in the thread) concerned my observation that out of 64 previous comments, only one (I was properly and politely corrrected – because I thought there’d been none) female had commented. Why a comment about the observation? Because entrepreneurship and making ideas grow is what’s given me nearly every opportunity I’ve had that has, in turn, gotten me to likewise take risks. I’m always interested in different voices and, although, as I’ve said, I’m learning a great deal from the comments, and Jennifer Coleman (#80) became prompted to contribute a very informative comment, I’d like to see more from women with opinions on the topic. Just my preference.
Meanwhile, one of the comments (#86) with which I couldn’t agree more was posted by Jason Therrien of thunder::tech in response to a comment by Jay Yoo. The issue was creativity and the students are those in the E City program, with which Jason has some experience. (And, I’m again done proud to say that John Zitzner is a neighbor who lives near to Chris Varley. They’re going to shoot me one of these days for blowing their cover, I just know it. But, like I said, I’m proud. I also need to be knocking on their doors to learn more, hmm…) (Btw, Chris – did you know that when I google you, I always get asked if I meant “Chris Farley”?)
I have seen that just having these students exposed to a new environment where people want them to succeed and are introducing them to new concepts and individuals, that this alone can open their minds to become more creative as a result.
To be in an environment where people want you to succeed.
To be in an environment where people want you to succeed.
Sigh.
From personal experience, I know that much is true.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 3:37 am November 28th, 2005 in Politics | 5 Comments
Print This Post
Nov
27
Looks as though a great debate about whether good ideas need “angels” will continue into a second week on Brewed Fresh Daily. With 89 comments as of the time I’m writing this entry, it exceeds the previously most commented after post by nearly 25 comments. Kudos to the great thoughts contributed. I’m amazed anew each week, almost each day, at how much I’m learning from bloggers.
My first comment in the batch (and only one of two or three in the thread) concerned my observation that out of 64 previous comments, only one (I was properly and politely corrrected – because I thought there’d been none) female had commented. Why a comment about the observation? Because entrepreneurship and making ideas grow is what’s given me nearly every opportunity I’ve had that has, in turn, gotten me to likewise take risks. I’m always interested in different voices and, although, as I’ve said, I’m learning a great deal from the comments, and Jennifer Coleman (#80) became prompted to contribute a very informative comment, I’d like to see more from women with opinions on the topic. Just my preference.
Meanwhile, one of the comments (#86) with which I couldn’t agree more was posted by Jason Therrien of thunder::tech in response to a comment by Jay Yoo. The issue was creativity and the students are those in the E City program, with which Jason has some experience. (And, I’m again done proud to say that John Zitzner is a neighbor who lives near to Chris Varley. They’re going to shoot me one of these days for blowing their cover, I just know it. But, like I said, I’m proud. I also need to be knocking on their doors to learn more, hmm…) (Btw, Chris – did you know that when I google you, I always get asked if I meant “Chris Farley”?)
I have seen that just having these students exposed to a new environment where people want them to succeed and are introducing them to new concepts and individuals, that this alone can open their minds to become more creative as a result.
To be in an environment where people want you to succeed.
To be in an environment where people want you to succeed.
Sigh.
From personal experience, I know that much is true.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 11:37 pm November 27th, 2005 in Politics | 5 Comments
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Nov
27
Looks as though a great debate about whether good ideas need “angels” will continue into a second week on Brewed Fresh Daily. With 89 comments as of the time I’m writing this entry, it exceeds the previously most commented after post by nearly 25 comments. Kudos to the great thoughts contributed. I’m amazed anew each week, almost each day, at how much I’m learning from bloggers.
My first comment in the batch (and only one of two or three in the thread) concerned my observation that out of 64 previous comments, only one (I was properly and politely corrrected – because I thought there’d been none) female had commented. Why a comment about the observation? Because entrepreneurship and making ideas grow is what’s given me nearly every opportunity I’ve had that has, in turn, gotten me to likewise take risks. I’m always interested in different voices and, although, as I’ve said, I’m learning a great deal from the comments, and Jennifer Coleman (#80) became prompted to contribute a very informative comment, I’d like to see more from women with opinions on the topic. Just my preference.
Meanwhile, one of the comments (#86) with which I couldn’t agree more was posted by Jason Therrien of thunder::tech in response to a comment by Jay Yoo. The issue was creativity and the students are those in the E City program, with which Jason has some experience. (And, I’m again done proud to say that John Zitzner is a neighbor who lives near to Chris Varley. They’re going to shoot me one of these days for blowing their cover, I just know it. But, like I said, I’m proud. I also need to be knocking on their doors to learn more, hmm…) (Btw, Chris – did you know that when I google you, I always get asked if I meant “Chris Farley”?)
I have seen that just having these students exposed to a new environment where people want them to succeed and are introducing them to new concepts and individuals, that this alone can open their minds to become more creative as a result.
To be in an environment where people want you to succeed.
To be in an environment where people want you to succeed.
Sigh.
From personal experience, I know that much is true.
By Jill Miller Zimon at 8:37 pm November 27th, 2005 in Politics | Please comment
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Nov
26
Hot on Jill’s trail
Filed Under Politics | 2 Comments
Almost a year ago, the Orange County Register had this to say (free registration required) in its article, “Tech companies catering to female buyer,”(1/8/05):
According to CEA research, 57 percent of electronic purchases are made by women. And like men, almost one- third of women consider themselves early adopters of technology.
“That opened up a lot of eyes in the industry,” said Dave Williams, Best Buy’s vice president of customer centricity, who is in charge of the retailer’s outreach to women, dubbed the “Jill Initiative.” Describing his target customer, he says, “She’s pretty much the CEO of the household, and that’s the kind of language we like to use with her.”
The company also describes “Jill” as any woman who ventures into Best Buy and needs help. The Minnesota retailer’s strategy, however, starts with “Jill” before she even enters the store. Best Buy began advertising in magazines, such as Real Simple and People. It featured more women in its Sunday newspaper ads.
“If you’re completely committed, then you’ll re-create the entire experience – the message before entering the store and the relationship after the transaction. That’s what this Jill Initiative is about,” Williams said.
In limited stores, including the one in Mission Viejo, Best Buy is testing a personal shopper program, similar to such services at boutique clothing stores. “Jill” could reserve an appointment slot or call ahead that day. She won’t even have to wait in line to pay, Williams said.
Everything about the Jill Initiative is “exceeding expectations,” said Williams, declining to offer financial details.
(There’s that Real Simple magazine again, Mr. Hess.)
Hmmm, I’m on vacation. The kids are occupied. The spouse is sleeping. The laundry is laundering. The dishes are in the dishwasher. Too early for the sun to be on the beach yet. The coffee is set to brew (for the spouse’s caf – will go change it for myself and move a load of laundry).
Sounds like it’s time for…a letter to Mr. Williams!
By Jill Miller Zimon at 1:27 pm November 26th, 2005 in Politics | 2 Comments
Print This Post
Nov
26
Hot on Jill’s trail
Filed Under Politics | 3 Comments
Almost a year ago, the Orange County Register had this to say (free registration required) in its article, “Tech companies catering to female buyer,”(1/8/05):
According to CEA research, 57 percent of electronic purchases are made by women. And like men, almost one- third of women consider themselves early adopters of technology.
“That opened up a lot of eyes in the industry,” said Dave Williams, Best Buy’s vice president of customer centricity, who is in charge of the retailer’s outreach to women, dubbed the “Jill Initiative.” Describing his target customer, he says, “She’s pretty much the CEO of the household, and that’s the kind of language we like to use with her.”
The company also describes “Jill” as any woman who ventures into Best Buy and needs help. The Minnesota retailer’s strategy, however, starts with “Jill” before she even enters the store. Best Buy began advertising in magazines, such as Real Simple and People. It featured more women in its Sunday newspaper ads.
“If you’re completely committed, then you’ll re-create the entire experience – the message before entering the store and the relationship after the transaction. That’s what this Jill Initiative is about,” Williams said.
In limited stores, including the one in Mission Viejo, Best Buy is testing a personal shopper program, similar to such services at boutique clothing stores. “Jill” could reserve an appointment slot or call ahead that day. She won’t even have to wait in line to pay, Williams said.
Everything about the Jill Initiative is “exceeding expectations,” said Williams, declining to offer financial details.
(There’s that Real Simple magazine again, Mr. Hess.)
Hmmm, I’m on vacation. The kids are occupied. The spouse is sleeping. The laundry is laundering. The dishes are in the dishwasher. Too early for the sun to be on the beach yet. The coffee is set to brew (for the spouse’s caf – will go change it for myself and move a load of laundry).
Sounds like it’s time for…a letter to Mr. Williams!
By Jill Miller Zimon at 9:27 am November 26th, 2005 in Politics | 3 Comments
Print This Post
Nov
26
Hot on Jill’s trail
Filed Under Politics | Leave a Comment
Almost a year ago, the Orange County Register had this to say (free registration required) in its article, “Tech companies catering to female buyer,”(1/8/05):
According to CEA research, 57 percent of electronic purchases are made by women. And like men, almost one- third of women consider themselves early adopters of technology.
“That opened up a lot of eyes in the industry,” said Dave Williams, Best Buy’s vice president of customer centricity, who is in charge of the retailer’s outreach to women, dubbed the “Jill Initiative.” Describing his target customer, he says, “She’s pretty much the CEO of the household, and that’s the kind of language we like to use with her.”
The company also describes “Jill” as any woman who ventures into Best Buy and needs help. The Minnesota retailer’s strategy, however, starts with “Jill” before she even enters the store. Best Buy began advertising in magazines, such as Real Simple and People. It featured more women in its Sunday newspaper ads.
“If you’re completely committed, then you’ll re-create the entire experience – the message before entering the store and the relationship after the transaction. That’s what this Jill Initiative is about,” Williams said.
In limited stores, including the one in Mission Viejo, Best Buy is testing a personal shopper program, similar to such services at boutique clothing stores. “Jill” could reserve an appointment slot or call ahead that day. She won’t even have to wait in line to pay, Williams said.
Everything about the Jill Initiative is “exceeding expectations,” said Williams, declining to offer financial details.
(There’s that Real Simple magazine again, Mr. Hess.)
Hmmm, I’m on vacation. The kids are occupied. The spouse is sleeping. The laundry is laundering. The dishes are in the dishwasher. Too early for the sun to be on the beach yet. The coffee is set to brew (for the spouse’s caf – will go change it for myself and move a load of laundry).
Sounds like it’s time for…a letter to Mr. Williams!
By Jill Miller Zimon at 6:27 am November 26th, 2005 in Politics | Please comment
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