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Adam's Question of the Day
Each day, one question, many answers. Silly to profound and everything in between.
QotD41: Are you comfortable learning from someone you don't personally respect? Example: a guitar teacher who is an amazingly talented musician but a horrid parent.
i believe that in music learning one should get things from people who can "communicate" rather than "show how much they are good". if a dork communicates some emotions, maybe he can be a good teacher.
- righini riprova
You can learn from pretty much anything or anyone. Keep your "enemies" close as they say. :)
- Vincent van Wylick
QotD40: How many hours (or what fraction of an hour) do you spend each week on non-work voice calls? This includes phone calls, VoIP, Skype, etc. And, if you don't mind, add in the year or decade you were born (e.g., 1970's, 1981, etc.), because I'm curious to see if this is a generational thing :).
Shevonne and Mathew A. Koeneker liked this
.5 to 1 (1986) (edited)
- Jérôme Flipo
6-7, born in 1980.
- EricaJoy
>1 In the 60's
- MVB (Curmudgeon of FF)
.5 to 1 (1971). I am actually a bit embarrassed about how phone-shy / phone-lazy I've become. I used to talk on the phone with friends each week for ages, both local and distant friends. Now with cell phones so ubiquitous and long distance completely free on my home phone, it's weird how I voice chat with my parents weekly but often no one else.
- Adam Lasnik
I should clarify and state that I'm in a long distance relationship so theres lots of phone and videochatting done.
- EricaJoy
About 2-5 minutes a day, so 14-35 a week, and 99% from the husband. (1978)
- Alix Whitmire
20 mins per month, 1981 (italy)
- righini riprova
.5 1980 - I am actually a bit embarrassed about how much I use the phone. I used to go weeks without talking on the phone with my local and long distance friends. Now with internet access so ubiquitous and free mobile plans, it's weird how I voice chat more.
- Nishant Thakkar
hmm... but more is still ~30 minutes a week. That's still not anything to be embarrassed about, as much as I'd like to tease you otherwise, Nish :D
- Adam Lasnik
Probably about 45 minutes. 1973. I've used the phone less and less each year.
- Kevin Fox
1-2 (1978)
- Ryan Kaisoglus
~4 hours a week (1982).
- Niranjan Tulpule
0.2-0.3 (1959) And I'd definitely include gender in your study (M) :P
- Olafur Kr. Olafsson
The pretty-consistently low numbers are interesting. And Olafur, very good point about the gender (you probably have the same assumption that I have, which is that women would likely be on the phone more)... but I was hesitant to ask people for too much personal info :-D.
- Adam Lasnik
<1 | 1971
- AJ Kohn
15 minutes tops. I hate the phone
- Shevonne
Including Skype? 3 hours. If I remove my online gaming group weekly call, it's 1 hour. 1971
- Cyrus Lendvay
15 minutes, max. 1964.
- Steve Lowe
0.25-0.5 tops, born 1978.
- FFing Enigma (aka Tina)
1-2 hours, born a loooong time ago.
- Anne Bouey
Pfft. Including calls to my parents... maybe 90 minutes. 1981.
- Michael Scarpelli
I have to say, I'm rather surprised by the small number of hours (even minutes) per week people are talking. I can't help but wonder whether this is a sign of the times (broadly, people are spending MUCH less time on the phone than they used to), or a very strong survey / self-selection bias (people who are spending time on FF have less time and/or less interest in spending time on the phone). I'm voting for a little of the former, much of the latter :-) What do you think?
- Adam Lasnik
Comment deleted -- It was not relevant.
- MVB (Curmudgeon of FF)
1.5 (1969) but would be much less if I didn't call my parents.
- Daniel Dulitz
QotDA: Question of the Day Admininistrivia: I'm trying something new! Vote on which of the past questions are your favorites, and I'll give 'em new life :-). http://moderator.appspot.com/#e%253D...
BeeLing liked this
I think it's also interesting to note that -- despite my question-asking "talents," I've sure done a crappy job of numbering. I numbered the last question "QotD32," but -- upon looking back and tallying my prior questions -- I found it was actually #39. Oops! :-)
- Adam Lasnik
What happened to your questions of the day?
- John Mueller
QotD32: How do you cope with stress?
Vinoaj Vijeyakumaar liked this
sleep
- RAPatton
Procrastination. (Define 'cope')
- Kevin Fox
+1 Kevin
- Clare Dibble
Beer.
- Nathan Johns
Bread.
- Bec Rowe @d0tski
Food. Naps. Coffee (yeah, yeah, I know, counterproductive :P)
- Adam Lasnik
TV. Beer.
- Vinoaj Vijeyakumaar
Carbs
- Roshan Vyas
Meditation, sports, sex
- Vincent van Wylick
music, sleep, music, coffee, music, deep relaxation
- Michael W. May
So clearly, the most optimum combination is eating a huge carby meal with coffee and beer while meditating, then turning on music for a little bit o' sporty sex, followed by a deep relaxing nap. Tomorrow or the next day. (Did I get it all covered?)
- Adam Lasnik
wow, this sounds like the perfect stress-relieving recipe. I will have to remember this for my next stressful period
- Vinoaj Vijeyakumaar
QotD31: Boxers or briefs?
Boxers
- Vinoaj Vijeyakumaar
I'd have to answer my own question with a "yes" :p
- Adam Lasnik
QotD30: Is there something you've been wanting to tell a friend or family member but haven't? If so, what is it and why haven't you told them?
Michael W. May liked this
Actually, no. I think I've well past the point of holding anything back from family. My filter is about gone these days so I speak my mind, but luckily, I'm a halfway decent bloke, so that's not as bad as it could be, as it would have been when I wasn't as decent a bloke :P
- Michael W. May
QotD29: There's much conflict in the world. In what areas in your life or in the world at large, in contrast, do you see consensus and cooperation?
Yolanda, Michael W. May and edythe liked this
i guess it all depends on the annoying percentage.
- edythe
My stats class wouldn't be manageable without a small group of grad students committed to the idea that we're all going to make it through. I'm afraid I'm the dead weight! Also, this cooperation grew out of our experiences in the days after hurricane Ike.
- Shellee
somebody remind me to come back to this question when I can think
- Michael W. May
The only spot of cooperation I can think of at the moment is between me and my cats. They need a warm lap to lay on (or someone to scratch their head) and I cooperate.
- Yolanda
Okay, Michael, can you think yet? ;) Edythe, not quite sure what you mean. Shellee, one thing I've learned is that... even when one thinks they're dead weight, they're offering something that people really need and appreciate. And Yolanda... amazing how animals seem to have fewer "conflicts" in life and focus more on love than we humans do, eh?
- Adam Lasnik
As for me, I am thinking back to Katrina, when so many people (including many of my friends) took time off work to help those who were struggling amidst the devastation. Also -- though I'm embarrassed I wasn't able to take part -- we had a week-long philanthropy event at work ("GoogleServe") and I was touched how this event was organized by the rank-and-file (not the execs), how many people participated, and how much good was done.
- Adam Lasnik
I think we humans really can come together wonderfully, can help each other, can agree and work towards common critical goals... but especially when we're inspired by a true leader. I hope we see more of such people... who ask us to give selflessly, who -- instead of goading us towards our basest instincts -- instead encourage the best in us.
- Adam Lasnik
QotD28: What's your take on snow? Have you been outside when it's snowing? If so, when does snow make you happy or sad?
Yolanda, Michael W. May, edythe and John Honeck liked this
Until college, I had never seen it snowing! My friend Mimi (from Florida) and I went outside at the first snow (near Chicago) and stuck our tongues out with joy. And even today, I am delighted when I see it snowing (when I travel). But it's sure no fun to drive in! Also, I hate slushy snow!
- Adam Lasnik
Snow is good at Christmas, and for sledding and to look at, but I prefer no more than 10 weeks of it
- RAPatton
When I travel to Germany this year, my aunt brought us up a hill, and it's snowing! It's my first experience with real snow coming down the sky. I was so happy. Got the wrong shoes on though, which made the walk slippery and hard. But fun nonetheless. :)
- BeeLing
but did you stick your tongue out, Bee? And RAPatton, yeah, that's typically when I've seen snow the last few years... Christmas time when visiting my friends in Germany. Though last year, no snow! Global warming? :o
- Adam Lasnik
No I didn't, another excuse to go traveling during winter. ;-) Anyway, I did let them land on my hand and take a look at the wonderful patterns. And I did the crazy thing - laid down and flapped my arms up and down.
- BeeLing
I love snow. Been in the Midwest all my life so am quite used to it. Nothing is better than going out walking at night during a quiet snowfall. The sounds are all different, as if the white noise is muted and what is left is more pure. Oh yeah, and if you don't know how to drive in the snow, please stay home.
- John Honeck
I was born and raised in Mich, so snow is no stranger. I love it every year until I hate it *chuckle*
- Michael W. May
In this part of Texas, snow is an event that happens once or twice a winter. So, I LOVE it. I remember my first trip to Banff, Canada. This huge flakes poured from the sky and I was... very happy to be in 'real' snow. :)
- Yolanda
John, I think it's interesting that you've lived where there's snow all your life yet still love it. My Grandpa used to be a milkman in Ohio, and has mostly, ahem, challenging stories to tell about the weather :-). Michael, I hear you about the love/hate relationship (that's what I had when I lived in the midwest!). And Yolanda... just thinking of huge snow flakes makes me smile. I remember those times, too!
- Adam Lasnik
QotD27: What are your first fond memories of technology?
BeeLing, Michael W. May, edythe and Yolanda liked this
My vertibird under the Christmas tree.
- John Honeck
Space Invaders!! I played it before and/or after my piano lessons. The studio manager had it. It was so cool then! ;-)
- BeeLing
I used to play on a TRS-80 (Tandy Radio Shack) in my 6th grade classroom, spending recesses and after school there and everything like that. I remember how excited I was when I programmed a word-find game and a tron-like game in Basic :-)
- Adam Lasnik
wonderful e-mailing with a crush from my first year of college...
- edythe
collabatively creating a macpaint picture with my computer science class for a girl I was wooing
- RAPatton
My Commodore 64 ... ah, the joys of loading games from tape
- Vinoaj Vijeyakumaar
I want to say my C-64, but to be honest, it was the silly "click once to turn in circles, click again to go straight" remote controle UFO spaceship I got a few years before. It was a banner xmas.
- Michael W. May
Props to JLH and Michael for the non-computer answers :D. And C-64... I never owned one, but did play on a friend's a lot! Edythe, RAPatton, were you two corresponding?! :P
- Adam Lasnik
no, adam, it was not rap and i. :)
- edythe
QotD23: What's your guilty pleasure?
BeeLing, Ontario Emperor and Yolanda liked this
Friendfeed.
- Clare Dibble
Some infomercials... dance movies... the movie "Showgirls".
- Yolanda
The movie "Airborne." Wylie-man!
- Chris Reed
comics
- RAPatton
And the movie "Volcano" and "The Core" and...
- Yolanda
USA Network TV shows (Psyche, Monk, Burn Notice, Dead Zone, etc), Cherry wine.
- Michael W. May
An ice cold Smithwick's and garlic stuffed olives
- Shellee
I was about to post it, then had second thoughts...
- Ontario Emperor
Interesting... much of the items here seem to involve screens (movie, TV, computer) and food. I especially relate with the latter! It's amazing what I'll sacrifice for food! I remember one time when I lived in a Germany, a colleague asked me, "Would you like to go to France for dinner tonight?" With just a moment's hesitation, I said, "Hell yeah!" :-)
- Adam Lasnik
candy... :|
- edythe
oh yes food, and leaving the kid behind to go social dancing.
- BeeLing
QotD24: Do members of your immediate family 'get' your involvement with online services? And what's the extent of their participation in the online world?
BeeLing, Yolanda, edythe and Michael W. May liked this
My parents don't use Friendfeed or Facebook or anything like that, but... my greatest mistake was showing them Google Alerts and using my name as an example query. Now they get bombarded with seemingly random/weird/out-of-context commentary from me on various services <sigh>.
- Adam Lasnik
I think since a some have joined Facebook for High School friend purposes, and my Friendfeed and Twitter streaming into FB, some of my family are beginning to much more that they did before. Those with computers at work have 'gotten it' a little for a little longer.
- Michael W. May
not really. and their involvement is pretty minimal...
- edythe
Michael, interesting comment about the computers-at-work. Hadn't realized how that -- independent of age and other factors -- could significantly affect folks' comfort with "life online." :) And Edythe... perhaps that's a good thing sometimes? :D
- Adam Lasnik
My sisters are all on facebook but not on FF, and my parents don't use the computer.
- BeeLing
QotD25: Do you have artistic talents, and if so, what are they?
edythe, Michael W. May and Yolanda liked this
none
- RAPatton
I wish I did! All I do that involves some creative brain cells is jewelry making.
- Yolanda
I've seen examples, that qualifies, Yo :) I used to, before I became a zombie ;)
- Michael W. May
not really.
- edythe
QotD25: How do you think music composed today compares with music composed in the recent past? Distant past? Give examples :-)
edythe and Michael W. May liked this
It's newer.
- John Honeck
QotD22: What do you still write down on paper and why?
Michael W. May liked this
Shopping / To-do lists! So I can physically and literally cross off items. :)
- Mona Nomura
doodles
- RAPatton
I use paper for temporary notes or to-do lists to later transfer to my computer... when on a plane, at a conference, or in a walking meeting with my boss, for instance. In the past, I've also used paper to sketch out "vision plans" for my site (this goes under that category, etc.), but now I'm more apt to use OneNote for that.
- Adam Lasnik
I'm addicted to index cards for to-do lists, temporary notes when I'm on a telephone call, etc. Have also started keeping a journal around to try to catch (and keep) more creative or provocative ideas when they hit.
- Shellee
Aye, shopping lists and the odd note to myself here and there. I should more, since it helps me to remember things.
- Michael W. May
QotD21: What would you most like to be known for?
Lisa L. Seifert, Ontario Emperor and Michael W. May liked this
[with special thanks to Michael for reminding me to come back here and post! .. and also a warm welcome to folks who have joined this room since I was last active:-)]
- Adam Lasnik
The first thought that came into my mind was "my intelligence." (Perhaps because I am online right now, and people online can't necessarily admire my stunning good looks or my wonderful personality. :) ) To expand upon the idea a bit, I guess I have this naive hope that my thoughts will live on into the far future. Yet, in the end, all is disposable.
- Ontario Emperor
Dad.
- John Honeck
My artistic talents. It's my own fault that I haven't showcased them very much / very well, but once upon a time I was a fine musician. And I have the potential to be a fine dancer. But both will take work, dedication, and discipline. I think I'd like to be known as a talented (performing/composing) artist because the recognition would be nice in itself, but getting there... the journey... I'd really benefit from the buckling down and non-work focus parts :)
- Adam Lasnik
btw, John, love the contrast of your smartly concise item with my more wordy contribution :P.
- Adam Lasnik
You're much more eloquent then me. I'm an engineer by nature always trying to avoid the 10-piece hammer.
- John Honeck
I seem to have the knack of crossing paths with people for short periods of time when they need someone to lean on emotionally. I just want to be thought fondly of now and again by those and hope they know I was also touched and supported by them.
- Michael W. May
QotD20: Do you ever go to the movies or dine out or travel alone? If so, in what situations? If not, why?
J. Abdul-Qahhar, Vincent van Wylick, RAPatton and Michael W. May liked this
All the time when I travel.. and even at home when I want to enjoy a mean in peace. Plus sitting at the bar and dining alone is a great way to meet new people =D
- Mona Nomura
Yes. When my family is gone I go out to dinner all the time. I will only go to a movie alone when they are gone if it is something they will not see. I travel alone for speeches occasionally, but for the most part I take them with me. IF I were without a family, I am pretty sure I would because, I like to be unencumbered and prefer to be alone.
- RAPatton
I have traveled alone extensively, but not always by choice. I love the freedom, especially to meet people and change plans on a whim, but I have missed the happy feeling of shared experiences and the help and support one gets from friends in trying circumstances. As for dining/theatre... I don't mind eating by myself, but I have felt like something's missing if I don't share performance stuff (movies, theatre) with a friend or friends.
- Adam Lasnik
Loner, people watcher, enjoy privacy, yet also find great comfort in being alone together with someone. Best relationships are those that allow communication, space, and the oft disregarded alone together. Now days, circumstances dictate I be solitary more than in the past, but I do not mind so much. I enjoy my own company, for the most part. Oh, and I traveled solo much more often that not.
- Michael W. May
Cinema,sure, as that's an anti-social experience anyway. Hate dining alone, but like my coffee with just me and a paper. Travel… depends on the destination, but it's usually nicer in a group.
- Vincent van Wylick
Traveled solo to Scandinavia for that one time, was trying to see if I can manage on my own. I have no problem with watching a movie or dining alone, but would prefer to dine with family and friends
- BeeLing
A friend of mine travelled to Thailand on his own, and called it a time of great personal growth. So, that's the way I choose to look at it too.
- Vincent van Wylick
There's more diversity of opinion here than I expected. I narcissistically assumed others would be like me on this: okay on dining alone, but not up for movies. I wonder how much of our choices on this are dictated by general introversion/extroversion. All that aside, I do think it's a question worth personally pondering: why and when are we afraid to be alone? why and when do we WANT to be alone? And what does this say about our relationships?
- Adam Lasnik
I keep really odd hours so I end up doing both quite a bit. Eating alone sucks, but getting to pick the movie (and getting to the theater on time) is probably the greatest thing ever so it balances out...
- J. Abdul-Qahhar
I absolutely hate going to the movies with people (there is one or two people I can think of that I would prefer going with). My wife is the best in the world, but I would rather go alone 9 times out of 10. The film viewing experience is sacred to me (I know, I'm a loser) and going alone is the only way to ensure the type of experience I expect. I owe it to the actors.
- Blake N. Cooper
“QotD9: What's one of your favorite smells and why?”
J. Abdul-Qahhar, edythe and Michael W. May liked this
Autumn. Burning leaves, wet leaves, crisp air, freshly cleaned schools, pumpkin patches, apple orchards and new books are just part of it. Autumn.
- RAPatton
That first snow with hard freeze morning has its own smell and it was the first smell I can remember associating with a good memory. Vanilla, coconut, lilacs and sandalwood because the are soft fragrances that I associate with the soft skin of a woman
- Michael W. May
Coffee brewing. A new day dawns.
- Hutch Carpenter
Maybe its a man thing or just odd, but the smell of spilled gas at the gas station.
- Chris Reed
Chai on a crisp morning, with a whiff of cranberry scone.
- Kevin Fox
Chris, I totally don't relate, but it reminds me of an excerpt from "Generation X" where one of the characters says how much nostalgia is carried in the smell of spilled gas. "It smells like the FUTURE."
- Kevin Fox
Library book smell. I used to spend lots of time at the library when I was small. Always felt safe there.
- Yolanda
@Kevin LOL Didn't think of that great quote, but it sure does fit...
- Chris Reed
Smell from the soil that comes from first rain after a long hot dry summer. Apparently there is a word for it: "petrichor" (http://wordsmith.org/words...)
- Niranjan Tulpule
niranjan: wow. i love finding out words for things like that. thank you for the link!
- edythe
Fresh coffee, my old blanket, and napalm in the morning. ok, maybe just the first two.
- Nathan Johns
Freshly toasted bagels. It's amazing how much smells can transport us back in time, produce vivid visual/aural memories. It's like I'm right back at my Auntie's huge and cool wood/woodsy house in North Carolina, sitting on a tall stool having a late breakfast, listening to Auntie's big laugh. And on a different note, I gotta say it's pretty neat seeing (once again) the diversity of... unexpected answers. (and Kevin, mmm... that sounds splendiforous. Maybe add some clotted cream? :)
- Adam Lasnik
Is there a word for the dusty concrete smell of a city's first light rain of the fall?
- Kevin Fox
the streets of manhattan right after it rains :)
- Mona Nomura
Raspberries - They remind me of my childhood. We had the vines in the back yard.
- Russellreno
Vanilla. V Ice cream is the closest taste to mothers milk, and men are aroused by the smell of vanilla, so I am told.
- Russellreno
the smell of coconut suntan oil... and of fake strawberry and green apple air fresheners
- edythe
That "perfume" smell the air some times gets right before it rains.
- J. Abdul-Qahhar
QotD9: What's one purchase (under $500) that's made you especially happy?
J. Abdul-Qahhar, Michael W. May, edythe and Ontario Emperor liked this
I spent some time thinking about this, wondering what thing contributes to my happiness, and ended up with the phone I'm holding now (purchased October 2006 by my employer), followed by the blank books that I use to keep notes on places I visit (14 purchased since December 2003).
- Ontario Emperor
from fftogo
both iPods. :)
- edythe
My 20 dollar coffee grinder, 30 dollar toaster oven, and 40 dollar rice cooker, take your pick (though the coffee grinder has the personal edge)
- Michael W. May
from twhirl
My purchase from ebay of a 100-pack of pocket Tempo Tissues (example: http://www.amazon.com/Tempo-T...). It stuns me that at least in the States these are no longer sold. Amazingly strong, absorbent, and just dang awesome for -- forgive my indelicateness here -- allowing one to sneeze without getting a handful of sopped tissue and snot.
- Adam Lasnik
I wouldn't have thought of my dog if not for the comment above - but for sure that is one. Got him from a local rescue center and he's brought tons of joy to the whole family ...
- Patrick Jordan
Wii!
- Chris Reed
A tie between my ipods or my camera.
- Yolanda
My first TiVo a long time ago, and my Cocomotion
- RAPatton
Any toy I buy for my children
- Capn' One Eye - adrift
Thanks to reading the comments before answering, I'm going to have to go with Indiana, our cat.
- Kevin Fox
My original air bake cookie trays too.
- RAPatton
A Canon lens.
- Russellreno
bless you
- Michael W. May
from twhirl
£100 of rocks and £100 liner to build a garden pond
- Andy Roberts
As I was toweling off earlier, I realized the little washclothe shaped, exfoliating, scrubber rag thingy I bought 2 years ago at the dollar store is one of my most cherished items on earth. How did I ever feel clean before that?
- Michael W. May
Okay, I gotta add one more to the list. My new Fujitsu ScanSnap Scanner. Holy cleanup, Batman, it feels SO GOOD going through my desk and scanning in papers that I was keeping around "just in case." Now they take up a tiny corner of my hard drive and are full-text searchable, too! Has made it easier to share fun / funny paper articles with friends overseas, too :-)
- Adam Lasnik
I picked up a left handed G&L Legacy Tribute that turned out to be the best guitar I have ever owned.
- J. Abdul-Qahhar
QotD28: What are good ice breaking questions you've used when meeting someone new at a party?
edythe and Michael W. May liked this
Do you know the groom or the bride? (must not be at a wedding or reception)
- Michael W. May
Have you met anyone interesting yet?
- Shellee
heh, Michael! And Shellee... that's neat for a variety of reasons -- including the fact that it provides an opening for "Yes, you!" :-) Another option: "What are you looking forward to this [season]?" Or "Hey, that's a nice/interesting/pretty [necklace, shirt]; what's the story on that?"
- Adam Lasnik
"So, what's your Jewish name?" well...at certain parties. :)
- edythe
"Can I borrow a dollar?" You learn a lot in 10 seconds with a snear.
- John Honeck
"Do you happen to know where the bar is? I need a drink!" -laugh- :)
- Mona Nomura
Hey doll, is this guy boring you? Come and talk to me, I'm from a different planet If they laugh "with me" I know what ever happens later is going to be fun. If not then its on to the star wars quotes...
- J. Abdul-Qahhar
QotD25: What is your greatest fundamental (not practical) frustration with technology?
Michael W. May and edythe liked this
One thing that frustrates me is how technology seems to pushes fastness over contemplation and completeness. I think it contributes to, facilitates, and even rewards communications and relationships that are shallower and quicker. Today's teens are far more likely to post a tweet, I believe, than they are to are to write a detailed, well-thought-out e-mail. Then again, maybe it's just the evolution of human nature, suggesting that newer technology is a symptom, not a cause?
- Adam Lasnik
I would go with what you said, nearly exactly. The speed of changing tech is outpacing the ability to adapt to it completely. If given the chance to adapt, I believe the 'humanity' would be able to surface and assert itself.
- Michael W. May
interesting to run across this thread after hearing the reviews from last night's debate. McCain was praised for quick answers, Obama was criticized for being too naunced and thoughtful with his.
- R. Ferguson
QotD26: To what extent are you an extrovert or introvert?
J. Abdul-Qahhar, BeeLing, RAPatton and Michael W. May liked this
I think people often confuse "outgoing" with "extroverted." The former is how one behaves, but the latter, I think, is how one *is*. And of course, it's a continuum. So, for instance, I'm often smiling and pretty outgoing. But I really value my alone time and hugely shy away from big parties and large crowds. I'll take a dinner with three friends or an evening by myself with a book over a big bash anyday (excepting maybe a large swing dance :P). So I guess I'm like 70% introvert, 30% extrovert, and I fake extroversion well :P
- Adam Lasnik
Faking extroversion is the hallmark ability of the introvert (or those who do not want to become the creepy guy who lives up the road). I would rate myself about 70/30 under normal circumstances with the same small group leanings. However, my health situation makes it about a 95/5. One thing I will give to those big bashes, though: excellent people watching opportunities.
- Michael W. May
And WB ;)
- Michael W. May
very much an introvert in any room with more than 1 other person
- RAPatton
85% introvert, 15% extrovert. @Adam, you fake it really really well. I've never suspected it. :P
- BeeLing
Interesting how all of us are introverts and several of us are introverts-appearing-as-extroverts. I wonder how common that is? Granted, it's a small, self-selected sample, but still... :) And Bee, Tricia, thanks! Somehow you two seem to fake it pretty decently, too ;-). Oh, and Michael... totally agree with the "people watching" opportunity comment. Only thing is I remember it getting to feel a bit uncomfortable / creepy / lonely when I did it too much in undergrad :-(.
- Adam Lasnik
do you think that by nature of our mutual enjoyment of social media like FF that we are likely introverts w/a litle extrovertism mixed in. My happiest weekends are those rainy weekends with TCM, my dogs and my laptop. Then on monday when someone ask me how was my weekend, good, what ddid you do, Nothing ---- why do I suddenly feel like such a loser...LOL. Seriously I am one of those that can feel lonely in a room of people.
- R. Ferguson
QotD27: What cheers you up?
Michael W. May, BeeLing and edythe liked this
Chocolate.
- Clare Dibble
the weekend
- Roshan Vyas
Claude Bolling, an amazingly talented and melodic jazz pianist. Here's an Amazon page with a series of 30 second snippets from his "Greatest Hits" album [autoplays] - http://www.amazon.com/gp...
- Adam Lasnik
When I get a compliment.
- Yolanda
"a biccie." :)
- edythe
Hugs
- BeeLing
Music
- Michael W. May
Oh, music and lindy too!
- BeeLing
a favorite song - for example how can you listen to a group of men sing "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" and not smile.
- R. Ferguson
my dogs
- R. Ferguson
QotD29: Do you like having crushes that you know will remain unfulfilled?
BeeLing, Michael W. May, Mona Nomura and 2 other people liked this
no thank you :)
- Mona Nomura
from fftogo
Fine, Mona, I'll have to crush on someone else then :P
- Adam Lasnik
HA! ;)
- Mona Nomura
yes, there is a lot to be learned from them.
- Clare Dibble
That's the only kind of crush I can have these days.
- Russell Holliman
Like it? Hmm... in a masochistic way, sorta, maybe? If I could choose, definitely not. If the choice made for me, then unfulfilled will have to do. It ain't like I can flip the channel or a switch on it.
- Michael W. May
i agree with Clare, even though I didn't know it until I read it. That's an interesting way to look at it.
- edythe
QotD24: To what extent can you know someone online?
Yolanda, Michael W. May and RAPatton liked this
More than many 40yr married couples. Remember when people would write heartfelt, soul exposing letters to each other? Neither does anyone else living. But, you may have seen the Civil War letters. Powerful stuff. Online relationships have the potential to be that and more. I am not just talking romantic ones, either. My best friend is a man outside of Toronto I've never seen, but have known for over a decade, I love him like a brother and know him as well as I know my twin sister, in some ways, better.
- Michael W. May
And there people around here are already getting to know me better than my RL friends :P
- Michael W. May
To what extent can you know someone offline? Being offline allows some people to behave in one way, whereas being online they may behave in another. Some people may feel more at peace on the other side of the electronic ether, and as such are more relaxed, and qualities of theirs that are hidden in the day to day world emerge. Others get emboldened by the "privacy" of being online and...
more...
- RAPatton
This is something I have pondered for literally decades. I met my first online penpal in Real Life when I was in my teens, and the occasion was filled with disappointment, misery and confusion on both sides. Since then, I've met other folks (both platonically and unplatonically), and continued to wonder how much we can really KNOW someone from what we see on our screens. The conclusion I've come to is this: you can get an oft-insightful view of what KIND of a person someone is from online interactions
- Adam Lasnik
...but to know what kind of person they will be with *you* takes spending time in real-space. That's not a 100% hard and fast rule, but it's what I've concluded after many datapoints explored personally :). I think what's important, though, and Michael and RAPatton you certainly echo this, is that both the foundation and perception of online relationships (friendships, at least) are no less "real" than offline ones. They're just different.
- Adam Lasnik
QotD23: Why do you think humans dream? And if you can remember your dreams, what's one of the most memorable themes you've experienced?
edythe, Michael W. May and RAPatton liked this
I think, for the most part, dreams are memory processing. No real themes run through mine except that I have a massive ego.
- RAPatton
We dream because we can do things which is not possible in reality. I still remembered a dream as a teenager, I was on the 2nd floor of school and got down to the ground floor of my house. And I think I've had recurring dreams many years before.
- BeeLing
I believe we dream because it gives our minds a chance to process (sort, filter, evaluate) concerns and questions at a level free from judgment and preconceptions. And while I've had many, many strange dreams, the one recurring one that comes to mind is of being repeatedly chased by a wooden column (featured in real life in my living room). What does this mean? What did it solve? I have no idea! :)
- Adam Lasnik
All of the above and below for reasons why: they are numerous. As for themes, I have overlapping dreamscapes in my, for the most part, single dreamworld. Sort of like characters in TV shows crossing over from one show to another meets while crossing a state line, the change is gradual but noticable, yet they all happen in the same world. I used to be very active dreaming; not so much anymore. I only sense it when entering REM or when slumbering in that "I should get up, just a few minutes more" wakeup time
- Michael W. May
QotD22: What's one of the favorite compliments you've received?
edythe and Michael W. May liked this
*ponder* It's been so long... lol... I'll come back to this.
- Michael W. May
About 6 years ago i was with my son at an evaluation and was told by a child psychologist, with decades I experience, that I was the best father she had ever met; I was taken aback and wondered for a moment if she was being sarcastic.
- RAPatton
You are better than digg, Mona
- Mona Nomura
Friendfeeders have suddenly gotten modest... I think my favorite complement was when someone in college told me that I would be a good person to be independently wealthy (I'm not) because they thought that I would not get bored even if not bound by the obligation that takes up so many people's time. Or when people liked my wedding.
- Clare Dibble
Most recently, I was tickled to be included in a list of females that Louis Gary recommends on friendfeed.
- Clare Dibble
Michael, for what it's worth, I think you've been quite humble and giving in conversations I've seen with you :). RAPatton, I think all of us wonder sometimes whether a particular comment is meant sincerely or sarcastically. Glad it was the former in your case. And Clare, your first-listed compliment is a flattering contrast from some people I've met who are always "bored, so bored!" (unbelievable!).
- Adam Lasnik
Oh, and Mona, I have to admit, that could either be a compliment or not depending on the giver and/or the particular day in Digg-life :P. As for me, I think the biggest compliment I've gotten is that I'm a good listener... largely because I used to be such a crappy one and I had to work at it, but also because I know that active listening means a lot to people.
- Adam Lasnik
mwm, you are one of the kindest, thoughtful, intelligent people i've come across on FF. your comments always make me smile from within :) @Adam, it's definitely taken with a grain of salt ;) The same person also said I'm a one woman Gizmodo, which I take as a pure compliment. Though in a more Engadget-centric FF, my Gizmodo-ness may be a little disruptive at times ;) Thank you for taking the time to respond to each and every one of us.
- Mona Nomura
*points to that in answer and tries to be gracious without looking stupid* RAP, that does not surprise me, nor many others, methinks.
- Michael W. May
QotD19: Where do you live and what makes it special for you?
This is the second question in a row that contains an incorrect assumption. I've had enough, goodbye.
- Andy Roberts
San Francisco... and the vibe is incredible
- Mona Nomura
A little town in Mich that I lovingly refer to as Sticksville, and love it here for two reasons: my family is close and it has broadband.
- Michael W. May
from twhirl
Austin - special because of the lakes, parks, greenbelt areas, live music scene, friendliest people ...
- Patrick Jordan
Beijing. And I want to watch the Olympics but I have no time cos I am busy with my work. :(
- kenandalda
Los Angeles. ...
- edythe
Dublin, Ohio. Above all else, all who come here remark that it is a fantastic place to raise children. Beyond that, it has a large vibrant city with museums, restaurants and boutiques, but it is alos close to the countryside with farms, rivers and forests. We have all four seasons, and get the best of each. Summer's filled with thunder, fireflies, and jaunts to the pool. Winter's has...
more...
- RAPatton
That is right, Patricia. OCLC baby! For the one day you were out of a job, I peeked at their listing for you.
- RAPatton
Patricia, as a librarian, I would expect your flickr pages to be tagged and described! Metadata is your life!
- RAPatton
Patricia, you can create your own schema and standard, applying your mad skills. The tags are for your own use more than anything else. Your archive will grow and grow. I have over 14,000 up on Flickr right now spanning 10 years. Nag, Lecture, Nag.
- RAPatton
I'd bid Andy goodbye, but he's already left :(. Mona, didn't realize you were a local! Michael, broadband is all ya need ;).Tricia, it's all great until you're shoved in the Tube. Kenandalda, I'm going to Beijing, but *after* the olympics :P. Edythe, I didn't like LA much either. Robert, I didn't even know there was a Dublin in Ohio! Sounds nice, though :)
- Adam Lasnik
Adam, I like you how you come back to each question and post your own wrap-up, so to speak :) And btw, "special," which must have been the word of distress here, can mean simply unique or even just specific to where you live. I cannot see that being an incorrect assumption ;)
- Michael W. May
I live in Fort Worth, TX... born and raised. What makes it special? Well... it isn't Dallas. ;)
- Yolanda
I live in Mound, MN, and what makes it special for me is that it is a sleepy little lakeside town just far enough away from the Twin Cities to say it is NOT in the Cities but close enough that I can enjoy them. I can see stars at night, too. Last night I even heard a loon.
- Amy
@Amy I moved five miles last year into a very tiny town, which is better overall for my situation. But I miss the loons on the lake across the street from the old house, the turkey buzzards circling every night before roosting in the old, giant trees straight off the backyard, and the stars that seem double what they are here, now. Fewer skeeters, though...
- Michael W. May
Southampton, NY - The ocean beaches are gorgeous, but the overwhelming and often obnoxious summer crowd takes away from the serenity of it all. The fall here is the best!
- kbourke
QotD21: If someone is not interested in dating or being friends with you, how would you like that communicated?
Michael W. May, edythe, Yolanda and 2 other people liked this
as honestly and obviously as possible; are you trying to tell me something Adam?
- RAPatton
Restraining orders always get my attention. Obligatory :)
- John Honeck
They could Block me, and I'd gradually forget they exist. Wait, 'Block' is implemented in the real world, right? Right?
- Kevin Fox
Yes, like Patricia said. No gangrene.
- Yolanda
One of my favorite examples of good communication in this context: "Adam, I like you... you're really fun! But you're too short for me to date." I was initially angry (albeit not surprised) at the blunt revelation, but realized that hey, now there's no ambiguity in this friendship, and it's clear that this friend is the honest sort; I know exactly where (and, heh, how tall) I stood :D Oh, and restraining orders and gangrene, um, interesting images :P. And pity there IS no real-life block function!
- Adam Lasnik
Yeah straight to the point!
- BeeLing
too short to date? wow, that is honest...
- edythe
But what if the person is stupid? Or selfish? Height is something one has no control over, but, "I'm sorry, but you're just not smart enough for me" would be kinda devastating no matter how you put it, eh? So perhaps there's a different approach required with can-change vs. can't-change stuff?
- Adam Lasnik
It'll be devastating if you let it bother you. Has it ever occurred to you that if you keep on dwelling on it and think "how could she say I'm not smart enough/stupid...." you're actually letting the person to insult you again and again.
- BeeLing
Quick and direct is less painful overall than anything else. The friendship angle gets me in this question. Much more a lasting bruise to the soul if someone you look to doesn't want to be your friend.
- Michael W. May
And in case you are looking for more thoughts on Directness in Dumping, it appears that my colleague Niniane happened to write a post on exactly the same topic just a couple of days before I posted this question. http://niniane.blogspot.com/2008.... And no, I hadn't seen Niniane's post first, surprisingly enough!
- Adam Lasnik
QotD17: What was your favorite subject in high school? And how does it relate to what you do now as a career?
Computer Science and Western Humanities were my favorite subjects. I write software today, but my interest in the humanities is purely recreational.
- RAPatton
Journalism.... and it relates very much to what I'm doing now, except I sold out and went to PR (I've got two kids to feed, Quaid! Bonus points if you get the movie I'm referencing)
- Chris Reed
Total Recall!
- RAPatton
@RAP: Get your ass to Mars.
- Chris Reed
@Chris "All right, let's say you're telling the truth and this is all a dream, I could pull this trigger and it won't matter."
- RAPatton
english, reading, vocabulary, and grammar... and loving grammar and being a pretty good writer did help me get my current and last job, definitely. unfortunately, what i actually do now has nothing to do with writing and grammar.
- edythe
@RAP: I'm on the side of the thought that the whole movie was Quaid's dream....
- Chris Reed
By favorite I default to the easiest which was calculus, being a mechanical engineer I use math all the time, though with computers not as much is done without an application.
- John Honeck
@Chris So am I
- RAPatton
My fav subject was probably jazz band. I loved the science and art involved in analyzing and improv'ing playful, soulful, subtle chords and riffs on the piano. I also enjoyed my Junior English class a lot, too, due to a fabulous teacher ("Mrs. Mays"). I think I still use a lot of what I learned in these classes (collaboration, communication) in my current job involving webmaster outreach.
- Adam Lasnik
TOK, aka Theory of Knowledge. Required IB course. http://www.anagnosis.gr/index... Relates loosely to current career. I get bored quickly when I figure something out. TOK forced my brain to connect the dots between a variety of fields. I still hold onto my course papers with pride and will dig them up occasionally to see if I have a new understanding of the subject.
- Rhea Drysdale
Physics was my favorite topic, but it's not remotely relevant to my job.
- Jonathon
english, necessary in the communications at work everyday.
- BeeLing
I don't recall favouriting any of them. What's a career?
- Andy Roberts
QotD18: If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 20-year-old self?
Stay at college for as long as you possibly can.
- Jonathon
At the time, buy Oracle, and then take the profits and buy Microsoft, then take the profits and buy Amazon and then finally Google.
- RAPatton
Skip the wedding.
- Shellee
Other than the usual stock tips and who wins the next few super bowls, I'd probably remind myself that I will never be surrounded by so many friends as you are in your last year of college. I'm sure some old guy told me that back then, but I didn't listen, perhaps I'd believe myself. Then we'd discuss the grandfather paradox...
- John Honeck
I wouldn't, couldn't change anything until after my second born was conceived in the second weekend of March 1999. They are everything and just the slightest change would give me other people, and I don't want other people. I like them. After that point, I would tell myself not to take the job in January 2000 that I did. I knew at the time it was a bad idea, but I did it out of loyalty,...
more...
- RAPatton
Buy your dad a beer, talk to him like a person and not a figurhead, treat him like a respected friend. Other than that, odd as it might seem, I wouldn't say another thing.
- Michael W. May
thanks patricia!
- RAPatton
when you meet someone named Andrew, don't marry him. Please.
- edythe
quit college for a job at a small startup Google and 8 years later found a company called friendfeed :)
- Krishna Gade
There isn't anything I could tell 20 year old me that would make anything different. In fact, if I warned me of what was coming, it might have made things worse.
- Yolanda
Most places in the world are really pretty much the same, so rather than go chasing a new life somewhere different, stay wherever you are and put down some roots that will be worthwhile later.
- Andy Roberts
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