One of the things with having been through cancer treatment and emerged flabbier but still intact is that you become a bit of a touchstone for other people. People that you don't really know. Friends of friends call a lot and say thing like "My neighbor's daughter has leukemia; would you talk to them?"
You know that they're looking for empathy, advice and most of all hope. You're the embodiment that all might be well after all. Like the 98 year old marathon running grandpa who smoked 60 a day.
I try to listen. And what I usually hear is simplicity. I want to live. I want to have more time with the people that I love. I want to enjoy more.
Of course it takes 6 weeks to turn back into the asshole you always were once cured but that doesn't matter.
I've watched people go through this. I've talked to them as they've had organ after organ hacked away - their bodies like Russia being burned ahead of the enemy. And while I want to be free of it I'm glad that I can help. I've said before that I'm not much of a candle carrier... but the responsibility for hope I can bear.
All of that said am allergy cough and swollen gland has me looking up chemo phone numbers today. The fear it seems takes a greater hold than a cancer ever could
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
I love my job
Yesterday I was looking at the future of mobility (it's personalized mass transit btw) and at the way that 'Engines' are becoming 'Energy transfer systems'.
The next Prius for example will be a Tribrid - adding solar panels to run things like the a/c.Then there's an engine in a car that can create enough energy in its batteries during the day to power the lights in your house at night - a car you plug into.
So I was there sketching out a future where pods take you from mode of mass transport to connection point and train schedules are managed by the Blackberry in your pocket - so that you get delivered to the train about to leave. And it was all very Tom Cruise in a Spielberg movie and it was all very cool.
Then today I'm looking at cheese consumption. At why Americans are aftraid of real cheese and in love with creme cheese. And at snacking and the way that American sport is an excuse to eat uninterrupted for a couple of hours - from tailgate to hotdogs to drive-thru on the way home.
And the people are smart. And the data is good. And there's resource. And opinion. And suddenly I'm engaged. And smarter. And more engaging. And I love it. All over again.
The next Prius for example will be a Tribrid - adding solar panels to run things like the a/c.Then there's an engine in a car that can create enough energy in its batteries during the day to power the lights in your house at night - a car you plug into.
So I was there sketching out a future where pods take you from mode of mass transport to connection point and train schedules are managed by the Blackberry in your pocket - so that you get delivered to the train about to leave. And it was all very Tom Cruise in a Spielberg movie and it was all very cool.
Then today I'm looking at cheese consumption. At why Americans are aftraid of real cheese and in love with creme cheese. And at snacking and the way that American sport is an excuse to eat uninterrupted for a couple of hours - from tailgate to hotdogs to drive-thru on the way home.
And the people are smart. And the data is good. And there's resource. And opinion. And suddenly I'm engaged. And smarter. And more engaging. And I love it. All over again.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Crazy Busy today
I'm crazy busy today... so this is going to have to be shorter than Mariah Carey in flats. Even though see only ever takes her heels off to go to bed. If it's a water bed. Sometimes.
What am I up to?
Just been to a 7.30am meeting to talk Trucks
Then have to put together a proposal for building a toy shop.
After which I have a 'propulsion' strategy meeting
Then brief some people from digital on a new car
Before signing off on a brief for another car brief
A call in the afternoon on quant' researh
Then a 7pm meeting with the guy from 7.30am
Rush down to Ann Arbor, switch cars, get Jude's new plates, dinner with a friend, time with the dog.... and dog food, I need dogfood.
Damn
What am I up to?
Just been to a 7.30am meeting to talk Trucks
Then have to put together a proposal for building a toy shop.
After which I have a 'propulsion' strategy meeting
Then brief some people from digital on a new car
Before signing off on a brief for another car brief
A call in the afternoon on quant' researh
Then a 7pm meeting with the guy from 7.30am
Rush down to Ann Arbor, switch cars, get Jude's new plates, dinner with a friend, time with the dog.... and dog food, I need dogfood.
Damn
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Upside down
So with all the talk about how Gas Prices are turning America into a nation of truck hating agrophics forced to stay home eating economy tins of catfood (man that $4 gas... it's costing me an extra $15 a week over last year... best cancel the vacation) I thought that I'd take a look at what's happening with car sales.
Well of course they're down. But that has less to do with the cost of gas (people are still driving, they haven't abandoned cars - just the buying of new ones) and more to do with uncertainty in the economy. If it really is about to tank and with it take your job you don't buy a new car.
And if building stops then the construction industry starts to cut back and you see a slump in truck sales. So far so obvious. And looking at the top 20 sales chart born out by the data. Silverado down 25.6%, F series down 22.7%, Dodge Ram down 30.4%
So who else is losing? Well people are still trading in their minivans for something a little cooler... so the Dodge Caravan is down 26.8%. Probably not a fuel economy story per se, more a 'more modern ways to tote around the kids' story.
More interestingly are the small losses for Toyota Corolla and Camry and the big gains for Honda Civic and Accord. It seems that when faced with the stark option of a new, more efficient car people would rather go for the one with a hint of style and flair over the 'durable appliance' offering from Toyota. Honda have a lot right at the moment... though I'm no fan of the Accord which seems over big, over veloured and over rated.
Ford Focus and Chevy Cobalt also up. Cars in the smallest segment most people consider. The Focus is a 2.0L sedan or coupe here and that's about as small as the majority are willing to go. There's no room for Fit, Yaris or any 'B' cars in the top 20 yet.
This is dull for non-car people I know but the only companies that saw CAR sales increase in June 08 over June 07 were
Honda
Hyundai
Mazda
Kia
Mercedes
Audi
Mini
Maserati
Rolls Royce
Which leads me to believe that people are in the market for
- Luxury
- Fun
- Bargain Basement offers
If only British Leyland still existed... an Allegro Vanden Plas with lots of chrome, a mini chassis and kia price tag would go down a storm
Well of course they're down. But that has less to do with the cost of gas (people are still driving, they haven't abandoned cars - just the buying of new ones) and more to do with uncertainty in the economy. If it really is about to tank and with it take your job you don't buy a new car.
And if building stops then the construction industry starts to cut back and you see a slump in truck sales. So far so obvious. And looking at the top 20 sales chart born out by the data. Silverado down 25.6%, F series down 22.7%, Dodge Ram down 30.4%
So who else is losing? Well people are still trading in their minivans for something a little cooler... so the Dodge Caravan is down 26.8%. Probably not a fuel economy story per se, more a 'more modern ways to tote around the kids' story.
More interestingly are the small losses for Toyota Corolla and Camry and the big gains for Honda Civic and Accord. It seems that when faced with the stark option of a new, more efficient car people would rather go for the one with a hint of style and flair over the 'durable appliance' offering from Toyota. Honda have a lot right at the moment... though I'm no fan of the Accord which seems over big, over veloured and over rated.
Ford Focus and Chevy Cobalt also up. Cars in the smallest segment most people consider. The Focus is a 2.0L sedan or coupe here and that's about as small as the majority are willing to go. There's no room for Fit, Yaris or any 'B' cars in the top 20 yet.
This is dull for non-car people I know but the only companies that saw CAR sales increase in June 08 over June 07 were
Honda
Hyundai
Mazda
Kia
Mercedes
Audi
Mini
Maserati
Rolls Royce
Which leads me to believe that people are in the market for
- Luxury
- Fun
- Bargain Basement offers
If only British Leyland still existed... an Allegro Vanden Plas with lots of chrome, a mini chassis and kia price tag would go down a storm
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Mellow
Didn't get much sleep last night. With Jude away the time that I go to bed tends to drift - especially since Facebook added chat and friends in different time zones start to wander in and out. Didn't used to be a problem - but with the gym now a 6am fixture my nocturnal catching ups are robbing me of sleep.
Luckily the endorphins are fighting the 'lack of rest - tins' and I'm left feeling very mellow indeed. Despite the fact that the world is closing in around me, I seem to have hit a bit of a groove. Things are falling into place, I'm chugging along and Cruise Control is engaged.
Guess that a crash is inevitable... I'll try to stay awake at the wheel
Luckily the endorphins are fighting the 'lack of rest - tins' and I'm left feeling very mellow indeed. Despite the fact that the world is closing in around me, I seem to have hit a bit of a groove. Things are falling into place, I'm chugging along and Cruise Control is engaged.
Guess that a crash is inevitable... I'll try to stay awake at the wheel
Monday, July 07, 2008
Freedom
So last night with the sun shining and the town full of families in search of icecream I decided to head down to the final night of the Ann Arbor SummerFestival.
It was packed with people - and what was most apparent to me was the lack of self consciousness amongst them.
By the gate groups of teenage girls hung out, cell phones in hand, braces gleaming in the late afternoon sun, Hollister shorts just too short and tops revealing just too much muffin action. They threw their heads back and laughed with ease, while scanning the horizon for the football players with whom they had innocently fumbled.
Inside bikers mingled with professors (they had beards in common I guess) as dads hoisted screaming toddlers onto their shoulders and moms danced hand in hand with kids alive to the energy of the evening.
The first music and everyone was up. On their feet. Grandma was twirling, grandson was bouncing, too many people seemed to be on the verge of seizure but nobody - and I mean nobody was mortified.
Other than me. British-New Yorker that I feel I am. Who stood rooted, horrified and awed by the sheer mid-westerness of it all. The perfect town enjoying the perfect evening. Pretty cool
It was packed with people - and what was most apparent to me was the lack of self consciousness amongst them.
By the gate groups of teenage girls hung out, cell phones in hand, braces gleaming in the late afternoon sun, Hollister shorts just too short and tops revealing just too much muffin action. They threw their heads back and laughed with ease, while scanning the horizon for the football players with whom they had innocently fumbled.
Inside bikers mingled with professors (they had beards in common I guess) as dads hoisted screaming toddlers onto their shoulders and moms danced hand in hand with kids alive to the energy of the evening.
The first music and everyone was up. On their feet. Grandma was twirling, grandson was bouncing, too many people seemed to be on the verge of seizure but nobody - and I mean nobody was mortified.
Other than me. British-New Yorker that I feel I am. Who stood rooted, horrified and awed by the sheer mid-westerness of it all. The perfect town enjoying the perfect evening. Pretty cool
Sunday, July 06, 2008
What a furor
So our local theatre (theatre, thee-ade-orr) is currently running "The Little Dog Laughed" a not bad at all play about a young actor who might just make it big if only his agent can hide his 'slight case of recurring homosexuality'.
The image here was taken for the Portland version, but as it has now finished its run I'm not post the details here - just check out www.pcs.org should you be in the area - I'm sure they have some good stuff.
Now the issues with this play are twofold. When it showed in Chicago the director cut the nudity --- and the playwright was pissed.
Here the nudity stands (is that a mixed metaphor?) but the poster - showing two shirtless men holding in what appear to be the start of middle aged guts - has caused some local stores to refuse to display the ad in their window.
This is odd.
Ann Arbor, A2, is supposed to be a liberal town. It's supposed to be an opium scented oasis of liberal sensibility in a state full of 'hand me my gun Cleavis' redneckery.
The local rags are trying to make a story out of it. But I think that it's a matter of good taste rather than wounded morality. Those boys shouldn't be topless anywhere where they can be viewed. Honestly - are their no ripped regional actors?
The image here was taken for the Portland version, but as it has now finished its run I'm not post the details here - just check out www.pcs.org should you be in the area - I'm sure they have some good stuff.
Now the issues with this play are twofold. When it showed in Chicago the director cut the nudity --- and the playwright was pissed.
Here the nudity stands (is that a mixed metaphor?) but the poster - showing two shirtless men holding in what appear to be the start of middle aged guts - has caused some local stores to refuse to display the ad in their window.
This is odd.
Ann Arbor, A2, is supposed to be a liberal town. It's supposed to be an opium scented oasis of liberal sensibility in a state full of 'hand me my gun Cleavis' redneckery.
The local rags are trying to make a story out of it. But I think that it's a matter of good taste rather than wounded morality. Those boys shouldn't be topless anywhere where they can be viewed. Honestly - are their no ripped regional actors?
Saturday, July 05, 2008
The next president
So since the beginning of June support for John McCain has been dwindling and most polls now show Obama with a lead of between 4 and 5 points. Expect the alerst to head for Orange, the churches to post more "Obama - Osama... think about it" signs and for the world "Hussein" to be brought to the fore asap.
Meanwhile expect "supporters of Obama" to question McCain's heroism. Like Wesley Clark - who rightly pointed out that being held prisoner of war no more qualifies you for being president than say 'falling down a well' - both are unfortunate and both tend to get survivors labeled 'hero' - but neither requires heroism.
Gore Vidal in a fit of spite has of course said that he'll be "Very sorry" on "the day that they shoot Obama" and that McCain's prisoner of war status "should be more in line for court martial than President" (I paraphrase badly)
On the "Issues that matter" it seems that Obama is seen as weak on "Terrorism" and "illegal immigration" - at least as far as voters see it. He's strong on healthcare and critically on The Economy and Energy / Gas Prices.
So expect McCain to run a "Giving free healthcare to illegal immigrants" ad soon.
Weirdly with McCain for staying in Iraq "For 100 years" and Obama on the "Never in 100 years should we have invaded" side the two are dead level on the issue.
More Weirdly democrat Obama shades McCAin 44% : 35% on The Economy. Perhaps reason for McCain to bring in a figure as hated as Mitt Romney to show that he has some 'big business' onside.
McCain's only real advantage (19pts) is on Terrorism. So he needs it to be an issue. And right now it's running fifth.
The issues that count
1. Energy / Gas Prices
2. The Economy
3. Iraq
4. Healthcare
5. Terrorism
If McCain can tie Terrorism to high gas prices he might be on to something.
We shall see
Meanwhile expect "supporters of Obama" to question McCain's heroism. Like Wesley Clark - who rightly pointed out that being held prisoner of war no more qualifies you for being president than say 'falling down a well' - both are unfortunate and both tend to get survivors labeled 'hero' - but neither requires heroism.
Gore Vidal in a fit of spite has of course said that he'll be "Very sorry" on "the day that they shoot Obama" and that McCain's prisoner of war status "should be more in line for court martial than President" (I paraphrase badly)
On the "Issues that matter" it seems that Obama is seen as weak on "Terrorism" and "illegal immigration" - at least as far as voters see it. He's strong on healthcare and critically on The Economy and Energy / Gas Prices.
So expect McCain to run a "Giving free healthcare to illegal immigrants" ad soon.
Weirdly with McCain for staying in Iraq "For 100 years" and Obama on the "Never in 100 years should we have invaded" side the two are dead level on the issue.
More Weirdly democrat Obama shades McCAin 44% : 35% on The Economy. Perhaps reason for McCain to bring in a figure as hated as Mitt Romney to show that he has some 'big business' onside.
McCain's only real advantage (19pts) is on Terrorism. So he needs it to be an issue. And right now it's running fifth.
The issues that count
1. Energy / Gas Prices
2. The Economy
3. Iraq
4. Healthcare
5. Terrorism
If McCain can tie Terrorism to high gas prices he might be on to something.
We shall see
Friday, July 04, 2008
July 4th
Last July 4th I was getting ready to join Jude in NAmibia
The July 4th before I was recovering from chemo in Anguilla
This July 4th I'm running Jude to the airport so that she can get to Amsterdam in time for a conference.
All very 'jet set' I guess. Well from the outside. I'm always interested in how people's lives look from the outside. Yesterday we were at a BBQ and the people there had a great house, great kids, a really great hot tub and conversation to spare. And I wondered "Is this what perfection looks like?"
Which is an odd question. I guess.
Jude would say that perfection is close to her new Danish Architect inspired glasses. They are tres cool and a reminder that I need something new too.
Anyway Two questions for you - whose life do you look at and think "Sorted"? And why?
The July 4th before I was recovering from chemo in Anguilla
This July 4th I'm running Jude to the airport so that she can get to Amsterdam in time for a conference.
All very 'jet set' I guess. Well from the outside. I'm always interested in how people's lives look from the outside. Yesterday we were at a BBQ and the people there had a great house, great kids, a really great hot tub and conversation to spare. And I wondered "Is this what perfection looks like?"
Which is an odd question. I guess.
Jude would say that perfection is close to her new Danish Architect inspired glasses. They are tres cool and a reminder that I need something new too.
Anyway Two questions for you - whose life do you look at and think "Sorted"? And why?
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
More real life feeling
The bolg has been very heavy on very messy theory lately. A sign that I'm actually engaged with work - but also a sign that I might be living too much in my own head at the moment. I do that. Get excited by a theory and work it and work it until it makes perfect sense in my head - only to get too tired of thinking about it to ever write it down.
But there are things going on outside of my head too. The biggest change has been the gym. I'm 3 weeks in and have gained about 5 lbs while losing inches from my waist. I'm finally starting to see the difference while trying to avoid the "I can get into it therefore it must fit" trap so common amongst the recently thinner but not yet thin.
The gym means my getting up earlier - I try to get there by 6am. It also means my being sociable at that early hour as this isn't the kind of place that you can get buy on the occasional grunt and stench of sweat. 6am starts mean 11pm bedtimes - again weird for me. But I'm sleeping well.
Summer (though it's been a stormy and miserable June) also means getting out and about more. The dog is loving the trails that we're finding. I'm looking forward to kayaking (thinderstorms have curtailled our efforts twice now) and then there are the open air events every evening in front of glorious buildings.
We're starting to carve out a small group of friends too - though the problem with a university town is that everybody is transient; so you're constantly in mourning for lost company while never being short of new stories.
Weekends see people coming out in vintage cars and parking outside of the town's numerous Ice Cream Parlours and Chocolate Shoppes. The vintage car thing is a big deal here and after a short ride in a 1952 Chevy truck (to a small town where we bought icecream) I can see the attraction.
Michigan is also full of small dirt roads. Turn off any highway and you can head back 50 years (100 if you do it up north) - with the dust rising, the barns full, the horses grazing and kids playing in the dirt or with old tires. It's a weird and calming sensation. And one that I'm trying to take in through all of my senses rather than just the lens of a camera.
We have people arriving soon too - keen to see what's keeping us from small town mania and the thought of taking them out and showing them the stuff around us is really appealing. There's nothing like permission to be a tourist.
So that's where I am. Fitter, happier, finding a niche at work (at last) and relaxing into a pace that's calmer and a place that's full of bright people. Not bad, not bad at all.
But there are things going on outside of my head too. The biggest change has been the gym. I'm 3 weeks in and have gained about 5 lbs while losing inches from my waist. I'm finally starting to see the difference while trying to avoid the "I can get into it therefore it must fit" trap so common amongst the recently thinner but not yet thin.
The gym means my getting up earlier - I try to get there by 6am. It also means my being sociable at that early hour as this isn't the kind of place that you can get buy on the occasional grunt and stench of sweat. 6am starts mean 11pm bedtimes - again weird for me. But I'm sleeping well.
Summer (though it's been a stormy and miserable June) also means getting out and about more. The dog is loving the trails that we're finding. I'm looking forward to kayaking (thinderstorms have curtailled our efforts twice now) and then there are the open air events every evening in front of glorious buildings.
We're starting to carve out a small group of friends too - though the problem with a university town is that everybody is transient; so you're constantly in mourning for lost company while never being short of new stories.
Weekends see people coming out in vintage cars and parking outside of the town's numerous Ice Cream Parlours and Chocolate Shoppes. The vintage car thing is a big deal here and after a short ride in a 1952 Chevy truck (to a small town where we bought icecream) I can see the attraction.
Michigan is also full of small dirt roads. Turn off any highway and you can head back 50 years (100 if you do it up north) - with the dust rising, the barns full, the horses grazing and kids playing in the dirt or with old tires. It's a weird and calming sensation. And one that I'm trying to take in through all of my senses rather than just the lens of a camera.
We have people arriving soon too - keen to see what's keeping us from small town mania and the thought of taking them out and showing them the stuff around us is really appealing. There's nothing like permission to be a tourist.
So that's where I am. Fitter, happier, finding a niche at work (at last) and relaxing into a pace that's calmer and a place that's full of bright people. Not bad, not bad at all.
So Wall-E
I read one review that described this as "Gloom-E" - the man was an idiot. Wall-E is the best movie of the year so far. Not the best animated movie. The best movie. It's full of inventive physical humor, it has a message, a love story, some deft touches, amazing animation and real heart. What more can you want? Best of all are the end credits - done as Cave Drawings - that show the invention and attention to detail run through all that Pixar do.
It really is amazing what confidence (and sound financials) can do for a company. A movie for kids in which nobody speaks for 30 minutes? A sidekick that doesn't sing, dance or crack jokes in a hyperbolic whine? A sidekick who's a cockroach actually. A dystopian view of earth's (and humanity's) future? And still it gets made. Undiluted. And still it goes to no.1 (though with at 'cars' rather than 'finding nemo' levels)
Wall-E is great because Wall-E is art.
And you can't say that about many movies.
Anyway must run and catch up on a few things - as I'm leaving for Meow Meow (cabaret singer and performance artist) tonight
It really is amazing what confidence (and sound financials) can do for a company. A movie for kids in which nobody speaks for 30 minutes? A sidekick that doesn't sing, dance or crack jokes in a hyperbolic whine? A sidekick who's a cockroach actually. A dystopian view of earth's (and humanity's) future? And still it gets made. Undiluted. And still it goes to no.1 (though with at 'cars' rather than 'finding nemo' levels)
Wall-E is great because Wall-E is art.
And you can't say that about many movies.
Anyway must run and catch up on a few things - as I'm leaving for Meow Meow (cabaret singer and performance artist) tonight
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Avatar central
I found out yesterday that I have a couple of dozen identities. And that that's pretty normal. The internet it seems sees you dividing your time between "Real Self" on things like blogs and "Fragmented Self" - where you show only a fraction of your personality and build an identity around it.
For example readers here know about my health, my job, where I live, what I did yesterday and so on.
Readers of epinions where I'm known as "wholly_cow" know me as a snarky, sarcastic, premium brand lover with a taste for high design. That's very different to the people over at Rotten Tomatoes who know me as an enthusiastic lover of all things mainstream - and the people at flickr who have me down as a photographer of the scantily clad (by and large)
I'm working on a model that has four axis.
"More vs Fewer people"
"More vs Fewer ways to connect"
"Whole me vs Fragmented Me"
"Emotionally light vs Emotionally Deep"
And then on what to offer in each quadrent (octant?)
Contact, fame, fortune, real life contact, the chance to play with identity, open source development, amalgamation and connection and finally syndication.
Sounds complex here - it's not. I'll draw it and then post it.
And tomorrow I'll talk about Wall.E or something
For example readers here know about my health, my job, where I live, what I did yesterday and so on.
Readers of epinions where I'm known as "wholly_cow" know me as a snarky, sarcastic, premium brand lover with a taste for high design. That's very different to the people over at Rotten Tomatoes who know me as an enthusiastic lover of all things mainstream - and the people at flickr who have me down as a photographer of the scantily clad (by and large)
I'm working on a model that has four axis.
"More vs Fewer people"
"More vs Fewer ways to connect"
"Whole me vs Fragmented Me"
"Emotionally light vs Emotionally Deep"
And then on what to offer in each quadrent (octant?)
Contact, fame, fortune, real life contact, the chance to play with identity, open source development, amalgamation and connection and finally syndication.
Sounds complex here - it's not. I'll draw it and then post it.
And tomorrow I'll talk about Wall.E or something
Monday, June 30, 2008
Social networking
I'm giving a quick 15 mins on Social Networking and the power of 'Word of Mouth' tomorrow and at this precise moment I have nothing to say. Or rather I'm not sure what I want to say.
The problem I have with web 2.0 is that it offers fame but not fortune. I'm expected to work my ass off just for recognition - what the very smart Irene Hofman labelled "your 15MB of fame"
What I WANT is fame and fortune... a share in the spoils, reward beyond recognition. And nobody is doing that yet.
I've talked about this before - but I'm amazed that social networks haven't become monetized yet. They're being seen as media space - places that draw people to be sold to... rather than as incubators of ideas ---> places where something can grow wings and take to the air.
Maybe that's what I'll talk about... collective creativity, the hive mind and the need for fortune.
Cool --- that was easy
The problem I have with web 2.0 is that it offers fame but not fortune. I'm expected to work my ass off just for recognition - what the very smart Irene Hofman labelled "your 15MB of fame"
What I WANT is fame and fortune... a share in the spoils, reward beyond recognition. And nobody is doing that yet.
I've talked about this before - but I'm amazed that social networks haven't become monetized yet. They're being seen as media space - places that draw people to be sold to... rather than as incubators of ideas ---> places where something can grow wings and take to the air.
Maybe that's what I'll talk about... collective creativity, the hive mind and the need for fortune.
Cool --- that was easy
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Les Cars
Subaru is a lesbian car company. Well actually it's not - but it makes cars that lesbians love, advertises them to lesbians and courts the lesbian community. Not many playstation WRX fans seem to know this. Which always makes me smile. But it also started me thinking... I wonder what the most lesbian cars in the world are.
And here - thanks to the miracle of about.com - is the answer
Top 10 Top Lesbian Cars
1. Subaru Forester
I was going to pick the Subaru Outback for my top car. That is until I test drove the Subaru Forester. I was so impressed, I drove it all the way home! The Subaru Forester is great for lesbians with kids or dogs. It's as roomy as a SUV, but drives like a car. With 4WD, anti-lock brakes and side air bags, it's one of the safest cars on the market. It handles well on road and off. This is the perfect car for outdoorsy types. Take it camping or snow boarding with no worries!
2. Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Cute as a bug. You'll be sure to turn the girlie's heads as you cruise by in the new Volkswagen Beetle convertible with the top down rocking out to Gwen Stefani. This is the perfect car if you're a California gal or just California dreamin'.
3. Honda Civic
Aaron, the About Car Guide says, "The new Honda Civic is totally practical and a big hit with women." It handles nicely and comes equiped with all the greatest safety equipment. There's a reason this is one of the most popular cars on the market. It's reliable, has great resale value and comes in a hybrid or gas powered version.
4. Toyota Prius
If you're a tree hugger like me, (And most lesbians are, aren't they?) then you want a car that not only gets you where you're going, but does it in a way that's easy on the environment. The new Toyota Prius is a great car, that just happens to be a hybrid.
5. Mercedes Benz R Class
This is the fantastic car that Dana won on season 3 of The L Word. When Dana won this car, did sales of Mercedes Benz R Class series cars go up? A loyal advertiser in gay and lesbian media, you'll be putting your money where your values are if you buy this car. That is if you can afford the price tag.
6. Mini Cooper
L Word fans, Dana won a Mercedes Benz, but isn't Alice adorable in that Mini Cooper? How much fun would you have zipping around town in this cutey? About car reviewer Colin Hefferon has this to say about the new Mini Cooper, "Reviewers and buyers alike agree the 2500 lb MINI is a hoot to drive." If you want to smile every day on your commute to work, a Mini Cooper may be just what you need.
7. Ford F-150 Pickup Truck
Lesbian love trucks. And it's not just to save money on U-haul. The Ford F-150 pickup is perfect for those frequent trips to Home Depot or weekend soccer tournaments. Despite their little slip this year, Ford has consistently supported the gay and lesbian community and its GLBT employees. It was one of the few companies to earn 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equity Index. This is a truck you can buy with pride.
8. Dodge Magnum
For the butch with a family, or one who just isn't a truck person, Dodge has come out with a great muscle car for the lesbian body builder. What you give up in fuel economy, you make up for in power. The Dodge Magnum RT delivers 340 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque from its 5.7 Liter Hemi V8 engine. If you know what that means, then this is the car for you.
9. Honda Element
Whatever your sport, the Honda Element is the car for the jock on the go. Throw your surfboards in back and head to the beach in this roomy SUV alternative. My friend with a Great Dane loves his Honda Element, because not only does his 160 lb dog fit in the back, with it's rubber mat interior, he just has to hose the back down at the end of a muddy romp. Plus, with it's unique styling, you're sure to attract attention as you cruise down the street.
10. Jeep Wrangler
If you spend time on the road and off, you can't do better than the Jeep Wrangler. Jeep started the whole SUV craze and continues to deliver a great car for both rugged forest roads and quiet city streets. Built as a utility vechile, it's not the most comfortable ride in town, but pull up to the lesbian bar with the top down and the girls will know right away you're a good-time gal.
Les-tastic!
And here - thanks to the miracle of about.com - is the answer
Top 10 Top Lesbian Cars
1. Subaru Forester
I was going to pick the Subaru Outback for my top car. That is until I test drove the Subaru Forester. I was so impressed, I drove it all the way home! The Subaru Forester is great for lesbians with kids or dogs. It's as roomy as a SUV, but drives like a car. With 4WD, anti-lock brakes and side air bags, it's one of the safest cars on the market. It handles well on road and off. This is the perfect car for outdoorsy types. Take it camping or snow boarding with no worries!
2. Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Cute as a bug. You'll be sure to turn the girlie's heads as you cruise by in the new Volkswagen Beetle convertible with the top down rocking out to Gwen Stefani. This is the perfect car if you're a California gal or just California dreamin'.
3. Honda Civic
Aaron, the About Car Guide says, "The new Honda Civic is totally practical and a big hit with women." It handles nicely and comes equiped with all the greatest safety equipment. There's a reason this is one of the most popular cars on the market. It's reliable, has great resale value and comes in a hybrid or gas powered version.
4. Toyota Prius
If you're a tree hugger like me, (And most lesbians are, aren't they?) then you want a car that not only gets you where you're going, but does it in a way that's easy on the environment. The new Toyota Prius is a great car, that just happens to be a hybrid.
5. Mercedes Benz R Class
This is the fantastic car that Dana won on season 3 of The L Word. When Dana won this car, did sales of Mercedes Benz R Class series cars go up? A loyal advertiser in gay and lesbian media, you'll be putting your money where your values are if you buy this car. That is if you can afford the price tag.
6. Mini Cooper
L Word fans, Dana won a Mercedes Benz, but isn't Alice adorable in that Mini Cooper? How much fun would you have zipping around town in this cutey? About car reviewer Colin Hefferon has this to say about the new Mini Cooper, "Reviewers and buyers alike agree the 2500 lb MINI is a hoot to drive." If you want to smile every day on your commute to work, a Mini Cooper may be just what you need.
7. Ford F-150 Pickup Truck
Lesbian love trucks. And it's not just to save money on U-haul. The Ford F-150 pickup is perfect for those frequent trips to Home Depot or weekend soccer tournaments. Despite their little slip this year, Ford has consistently supported the gay and lesbian community and its GLBT employees. It was one of the few companies to earn 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equity Index. This is a truck you can buy with pride.
8. Dodge Magnum
For the butch with a family, or one who just isn't a truck person, Dodge has come out with a great muscle car for the lesbian body builder. What you give up in fuel economy, you make up for in power. The Dodge Magnum RT delivers 340 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque from its 5.7 Liter Hemi V8 engine. If you know what that means, then this is the car for you.
9. Honda Element
Whatever your sport, the Honda Element is the car for the jock on the go. Throw your surfboards in back and head to the beach in this roomy SUV alternative. My friend with a Great Dane loves his Honda Element, because not only does his 160 lb dog fit in the back, with it's rubber mat interior, he just has to hose the back down at the end of a muddy romp. Plus, with it's unique styling, you're sure to attract attention as you cruise down the street.
10. Jeep Wrangler
If you spend time on the road and off, you can't do better than the Jeep Wrangler. Jeep started the whole SUV craze and continues to deliver a great car for both rugged forest roads and quiet city streets. Built as a utility vechile, it's not the most comfortable ride in town, but pull up to the lesbian bar with the top down and the girls will know right away you're a good-time gal.
Les-tastic!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Yes, but will he live?
On Monday I'll have been clear of cancer and cancer treatment for two years. That's rather a big deal - as two years was the threshold that they gave me to be confident that I'm not in imminent danger or relapse and near certain death (the treatment for relapse ain't all that successful)
I'd actually forgotten about this 'milestone' until the other day when I was talking to my wife about the possibility of changing countries (again)
"Most places will ask that I'm 2 years clear before letting me in"
"You are two years clear"
"Two years clear of any treatment"
"That's next week then"
Bonkers.
The "Two Year Mark" has cast a shadow over a lot of what I've done since cancer. Scans every 3 months raise four question marks a year over my longevity. Asking that I question what feels like good health.
I found myself putting life off a little too. The weight went up. I cruised in my job. I was happy to stay at home and enjoy the comforts of family and TV rather than head out and make a dent in the world.
But that's changed recently. A new job. A new town. A new outlook on what's important. I'm out working for the body I want - rather than at home wishing for it (today is a rest day - I work out 5 days a week - and I'm just itching to go in). I have the greencard application in.
I'm getting past the little things that, like tumors, have been festering. Stupid things that I know the answer to - like "Why didn't I get a call or even an e-mail from my brother during the whole cancer thing?" or the even more base "Why me?"
So yeah - two years on Monday. I may just live to fight another day. The big thing now is that I LIVE.
I'd actually forgotten about this 'milestone' until the other day when I was talking to my wife about the possibility of changing countries (again)
"Most places will ask that I'm 2 years clear before letting me in"
"You are two years clear"
"Two years clear of any treatment"
"That's next week then"
Bonkers.
The "Two Year Mark" has cast a shadow over a lot of what I've done since cancer. Scans every 3 months raise four question marks a year over my longevity. Asking that I question what feels like good health.
I found myself putting life off a little too. The weight went up. I cruised in my job. I was happy to stay at home and enjoy the comforts of family and TV rather than head out and make a dent in the world.
But that's changed recently. A new job. A new town. A new outlook on what's important. I'm out working for the body I want - rather than at home wishing for it (today is a rest day - I work out 5 days a week - and I'm just itching to go in). I have the greencard application in.
I'm getting past the little things that, like tumors, have been festering. Stupid things that I know the answer to - like "Why didn't I get a call or even an e-mail from my brother during the whole cancer thing?" or the even more base "Why me?"
So yeah - two years on Monday. I may just live to fight another day. The big thing now is that I LIVE.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Snow Shoes
Those of you who know me well will know that there's nothing I like more than a bit of in depth research. Especially when it comes to cars. I can spend hours locked in data. And then more hours making more data out of that data. And more hours still coming up with weighting ratios that would add a layer of personal requirement to the numbers on the page. So when Jude said she was thinking about a car - to help her get to physio appointments, airports and off to the vet with the dog on occasion I was elated. She had a few criteria though. The car needed to be a hatchback. Easier to get the dog into and out of. Convenient for the kind of weirdly shaped objects that we sometimes tote and just more European. That immediately ruled out any Ford but an SUV, the letters SUV ruled out that option anyway.
So the list was narrowed. Maybe a VW Rabbit (think 2.5L Golf with all of the extras for about 8k British money), Or an Audi A3 (though it looks like a hearse here). A Mazda 3 is in the Ford family and has the zoom-zoominess that Jude loves in a car. And of course there's the Volvo C30 - again a Ford product and eligible for a discount.
Then she kicked into the Mix - "I'd like it to be AWD. We have terrible winters here. You live 35 miles from the office. You drive in during ridiculous snow storms. In a rear wheel drive sportscar. I'd like to think that you had the option of AWD"
That changed things. Toyota make a Matrix Wagon that's AWD and just updated. But driving a Toyota is like driving an appliance. There's no fun there. The new Subaru Imprezza has a 2.5 litre engine, AWD and a neat (if bland) hatchback shape. But it drives like a brick and the interior seems to be made of melted lego. Which leaves the oddly named Suzuki SX4 Crossover. Small, fun to drive, AWD, 148bhp, a key that works from your pocket and great reviews all around. Full of big boy toys and with 64 cubic feet of storage it's not at all bad. So we're off to drive one. Feeling guilty about an import - but hey the numbers don't lie... (except I'm hoping for the fuel numbers - because they suck)
We'll see what happens - meanwhile I have some number crunching to do
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
I've got this thing
I've got this thing at the moment for Ultra Lounges. Those swish, minimalist yet comfortable bars where the drinks cost a fortune, the music is chilled, the air carries the scent of expensive but discrete flowers and you feel slimmer and sexier.
Vegas is full of them - though they tend to be filled with silicone breasted blondes giddy on champagne bubble and resolute in their search of a loft for the night.
But they're cool. I loved them years ago in Thailand. I loved them when we were in Oz too (though they're more a Melbourne thing) and I've been bemoaning the lack of them in A2 since we got here.
Am I a design snob? Do I now need the soft disguise afforded by gauze glow of cassis candles? Or am I just another sad slob falling for the marketing and willing to pay a premium to be wrapped in perfection and beauty?
Vegas is full of them - though they tend to be filled with silicone breasted blondes giddy on champagne bubble and resolute in their search of a loft for the night.
But they're cool. I loved them years ago in Thailand. I loved them when we were in Oz too (though they're more a Melbourne thing) and I've been bemoaning the lack of them in A2 since we got here.
Am I a design snob? Do I now need the soft disguise afforded by gauze glow of cassis candles? Or am I just another sad slob falling for the marketing and willing to pay a premium to be wrapped in perfection and beauty?
Monday, June 23, 2008
From USP to KBB
OMO, Blue Washing Powder adds brightness to Whiteness!
Originally uploaded by Lady Wulfrun (Taking a break)
Products have been improving since the 1950s. Washing White, shining brighter. But there comes a point at which the improvement needs to be radical and revolutionary rather than incremental in order to have any impact.
As a result of this brands are looking not at improving their product but at improving their bonding. Brands aren't about what the product physically does anymore - they're about the products as evidence of a higher belief.
So where as OMO used to 'add brightness to whiteness' is now believes that 'Dirt is good' and that it's an aid to child development. Same product, different angle. And it's working for them.
Nothing revolutionary here - but the thought that it's the brands that start from a belief and make products to help them achieve goals (social goals) that will rule the world is one that's still new enough to some companies to bear repeating. So I'm gonna repeat it.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
And the Dutch crash and burn
We went to a local "Irish" bar yesterday in order to watch the Netherlands - Russia game.
I'm not sure where they make the "Oirish" people who seem to always be on hand to staff these themed bars - yet the people there had the accents, the freckles and the oh so friendly attitude that we all believe Irish people to have.
Anyway the place was packed with Holland supporters in Orange and a handful of face painted Russian people who made a lot of noise, drank a lot o beer and clapped with a certainty that bordered on the scary.
As the game came to a close and the Dutch saw that they were going to lose the cameras cut to a young girl in tears. It was interesting as I suddenly realized that the Americans don't have any major sports that they play internationally. American Football, Basketball, Baseball - all played at the national level. Sure they have World Series --- but they're not Intetrnational in any meaninbgful way.
So American kids don't learn that their country can lose when it comes to anything that they're passionate about. Could that be the reason for the whiny Tiffany and Dwaynes hanging at the mall with clouds of entitlement hanging over them like poison gas?
I'm not sure where they make the "Oirish" people who seem to always be on hand to staff these themed bars - yet the people there had the accents, the freckles and the oh so friendly attitude that we all believe Irish people to have.
Anyway the place was packed with Holland supporters in Orange and a handful of face painted Russian people who made a lot of noise, drank a lot o beer and clapped with a certainty that bordered on the scary.
As the game came to a close and the Dutch saw that they were going to lose the cameras cut to a young girl in tears. It was interesting as I suddenly realized that the Americans don't have any major sports that they play internationally. American Football, Basketball, Baseball - all played at the national level. Sure they have World Series --- but they're not Intetrnational in any meaninbgful way.
So American kids don't learn that their country can lose when it comes to anything that they're passionate about. Could that be the reason for the whiny Tiffany and Dwaynes hanging at the mall with clouds of entitlement hanging over them like poison gas?
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