Archive for November 2005

I’ve only seen bits and pieces of Wicked on television and missed it when it toured my city. However, knowing that Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth are in it, I knew it was a winner and between the cast album and feedback from family who saw the show confirmed it. Those of us living outside of New York rarely have the opportunity to see the original cast in the role, so this is as close as it gets.

As with most musical soundtracks, it can be challenging to figure out what’s happening just from the songs alone as action and talking occurs between songs. To overcome this, just do a search the Internet for the show’s synopsis. Here’s a short synopsis of the show as explained on the show’s official Web site:

“Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for the most spellbinding new musical in years.”

After listening to the music, I’m eager to read the book and find another opportunity to see the show. Thankfully, the CD comes with the song lyrics, so those of us with less than perfect hearing can follow better.

It’s rare that I find a new musical that I want to repeatedly listen to its CD. The last CD that accomplished this came out over a decade ago. Wicked has joined my replay list and it’s wicked good! After listening to this, any questions as to why the show won many Tony Awards are answered.

As soon as the music plays, Chenoweth and the Citizens of Oz sing “No One Mourns the Wicked,” which goes back to the scene we all know about from the original story — the wicked witch is dead. The song jumps at you with its striking minor harmonies and grabs you and takes you on a captivating back story of the witches and other Ozian characters.

In “Dear Old Shiz,”Chenoweth and the students sing about Galinda’s (better known as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North in Wizard of Oz) and Elphaba’s (Wicked Witch of the West) school days in which the two witches end up as roommates. They sing of their first impressions and how they loathe each other in “What Is This Feeling?”

Eventually, they become friends and Glinda gives Elphaba a make over to help her become “Popular.” However, Glinda tells Elphaba, “You’ll be popular, just not as quite as popular as me!” This is the best song on the soundtrack with its sharp lyrics and peppy beat. As the soundtrack progresses you learn more and more of the “true?” story of Oz. It’s delightful soundtrack that is easily worth playing many times.

Title: Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
Label: Decca
ISBN: B0000TB01Y
Date: December 2003
Format: CD
Cover Price: USD: $18.98 Amazon: $13.49

Almost two years ago, I wrote an entry on five common site annoyances. Douglas emailed me about the entry, specifically the “Print This and Use It” annoyance. He gave me food for thought. Maybe it’s not as big as an annoyance as I originally thought. After all, children can get a diversity of pictures to color from the different Web sites.

Maybe it’s the fact I come from a family of non-artists. My kids aren’t big on coloring. Here’s what Douglas had to say.

“I offer coloring pages through the Creative Commons for kids to color. Having four kids of my own, I have noticed that they enjoy having physical pages to hold. Even if they color the image online using software they always ask to have the image printed out. So when I decided to make my coloring page blog I decided to offer the pages as hires PDF files (as opposed to jaggy GIF files) available for downloading and printing. So far response has been favorable.

“Not everybody has the resources to have online coloring pages (most of the free java coloring apps are old and clunky), and besides, the web has always been about publishing for me – getting my work out there for people to enjoy. Offering my files for download and printing off my webpage is an inexpensive way to reach more people. The web has many paperless purposes, but for me it represents a way to bypass the printing press and reach people directly in their homes. And a coloring book that can be reprinted over and over again is a modern miracle.”

What do you think?

For the person who has everything or you’re out of ideas, sometimes going the original or unique route does the trick. Here you’ll find political satire, handy gadgets, mini people, and others.

Second Term Edition Bush Cards are a cross between a book and a game. They’re targeted towards Bush non-fans, but they are funny enough that even Bush fans with a sense of humor could enjoy them. Even cabinet members that are subjects on the cards buy them.

While on political satire, a great gift for political fans are CDs from Capital Steps. I’ve heard they’re a riot.

Miss a Kit is a pocketknife style gadget that has a flashlight, keychain, needle and thread, perfume bottle, mirror, pill box, knife and more. If you’re like me and don’t like cutesy pink, they’re available in other colors. Unfortunately, they all have a cutesy heart on them. But I’d love one of these anyway. There is one with a star, but it’s for men and has different tools than the Miss a Kit.
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I can’t believe I was close. I figured I had no shot because of the nationwide interest in the UpYourBudget treasure hunt that people are driving from far away to get in on the hunt. But it turns out many people thought the sticker was in the Plaza. I never got near there as I based my movements on the last video. I probably missed by less than an hour or two. Don’t know the exact time the winner found it, but I’m sure it was before me because I didn’t get to Hooters till after 10:00 am, and he already posted an entry about the sticker theft by then.

It’s rare that I do something on the spur of the moment. Having three kids has something to do with it. That’s okay because I’m a planner by nature, but it’s cool to do something completely spontaneous.

I learned that I could never handle being on The Amazing Race. Just this little hunt in one place had me jittery and feeling too competitive, and constantly feeling like I had to hurry. Surprisingly, I felt calm most of the time and took my time looking around. Sort of savoring the experience. I’d love to be on the show simply to see the places, but I could do without the rushing… however, if you want to keep seeing more places, ya gots to rush.
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I don’t know what prompted me to lose my mind today and actually drive out to downtown Dallas and search for the sticker. I left my house at 9:00 am and parked behind Star Liquor located at 400 N Lamar St. As I approached the parking lot, I found the W and the green covered parking sign that is shown in the video. Started walking to the liquor store and looked around. Immediately saw the weird yellow circles and found the iPod ad. Saw no drainage pipe.

Walked toward the steakhouse thinking it was a clue and kept looking at the parking lots because I was sure from day two that it was somewhere in a parking lot. Took pictures of my adventures with the digital camera and Sidekick camera. Guess which ones came from the Sidekick.

By the time I reached the sixth Floor Museum, I thought it was hopeless. As I started to walk away from it, I saw the owl. Of course, it was the owls from Hooters. I looked around further and didn’t see anything as I continued to make my way to the car. Then I saw the overpass with a parking lot under it and my first drainage pipe! I went through it and didn’t find the right one.
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This list will grow as I add more categories. Of course, gadgets and geeky stuff will be included!

The catalogs are pouring in and filling up my mailbox. Stores have posted holiday decorations. Some places have Christmas lights up. One question: Did we forget about Thanksgiving?

It’s the time of year when some of us suffer from shopper’s anxiety. What do I get? How much should I spend?

For my family, it’s not just the holidays, but also the birthdays and anniversaries that come immediately before and after the holidays. This year is a special year as my parents celebrate their 50th anniversary on Thanksgiving. I had something in mind from them, but the lady who makes them is not returning my calls. There is no place else to go.

2006 kicks off with a biggie. Paul celebrates his 40th birthday in January. Here are ideas and suggestions for gifts starting with Surprise, which provides gift ideas from all over the web for the foodie, those with an unusual sense of humor, a person who is always cold, the socially conscious and more.

Old-fashioned gifts (Read: no batteries required!)

Books are almost always a winner. You can check my reviews on Amazon to see what I liked and didn’t like. Or just go through the book reviews here. A little self-promotion here, but my story is only one of 100 stories in Stories of Strength — I don’t get a penny as all of the proceeds go to charity. My favorite books for this year:

* The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life: My favorite book for 2005. Great for the book lover.

* Buzzmarketing: If you know someone passionate about marketing, this should be a pleaser.

* Get Clients Now!: May be a good gift for someone who just started her own business. Don’t think it is insulting to give this book.

* The Holy Man: This would make a wonderful gift.

* Why Business People Speak Like Idiots: Giving this as a gift might insult the receiver.

* Don’t Make Me Think 2nd Edition: For those involved with any aspect of Web design even if they’re in a marketing role. I don’t think giving this would be an insult.

* Sudoku books at Amazon: So technically these aren’t book books, but they’re great for travel.

Games are responsible for many fond memories when I was a kid and they continue to make memories in adulthood. I never get tired of Scrabble, Pictionary, and plain old cards.

I like to play these occasionally or my family does: Tri-Ominos, Cribbage, and Life. We play many others. It’s unbelievable how many games are getting a make over with cartoon characters. Operation with Homer Simpson (though this needs batteries, I’d say it’s a classic), Dora the Explorer Candy Land (my son’s favorite cartoon), and Clue with Disney’s Haunted Mansion. You get the idea.

Newer games worth checking out: 20 Questions Handheld Game (Okay, so it needs batteries, but it’s an old-fashioned game that allows you to play by yourself), Carcassonne (we have this, but have yet to play it), Settlers of Catan Board Game (ditto), and Fib or Not? (we’ve played this one and it’s a blast).

Got Cranium Hullabaloo, a cross between Twister and musical chairs. My six-year-old liked it. The 2 1/2-year-old can’t follow the directions, but he played with the set. Join the kids and get some energy.

My middle child and I played Guess Who? At first, I thought this game was a blow off and too easy for an adult to win. But then we played it a few more times and I finally saw how it could go either way for either adult or child. If you ask, “Does your person have blonde hair?”, you either get to put down a lot of characters or only a couple of them depending on the answer. A good one to play with kids around 1st grade.

Original and Unique Gifts – For the person who has everything or you’re out of ideas, sometimes going the original or unique route does the trick.

Second Term Edition Bush Cards are a cross between a book and a game. They’re targeted towards Bush non-fans, but they are funny enough that even Bush fans with a sense of humor could enjoy them. Even cabinet members that are subjects on the cards buy them.

While on political satire, a great gift for political fans are CDs from Capital Steps. I’ve heard they’re a riot.

Then these funky shirts from Sharp as Toast have funny political cartoons, sayings and other non-political stuff.

Knock Knock is another story with original gift ideas.

Miss a Kit is a pocketknife style gadget that has a flashlight, keychain, needle and thread, perfume bottle, mirror, pill box, knife and more. If you’re like me and don’t like cutesy pink, they’re available in other colors. Unfortunately, they all have a cutesy heart on them. But I’d love one of these anyway. There is one with a star, but it’s for men and has different tools than the Miss a Kit.

I ordered two and the pen doesn’t work. How many women do you know don’t mind breaking their nails? It’s easy to do that when you’re trying to open some of the tools (even the instructions say to use a fingernail). I prefer my Swiss Army Knife, but it doesn’t have some of the things the Miss A Kit has.

Silver Jewelry Club has free jewelry where you only pay $5.99 per item for shipping. I’ve gotten stuff from the site and my daughter likes them. She thought they were fancy (for an 11-year-old). For me, I could get some specific colored jewelry and stones like Garnet and London Blue Topaz (no Sapphire here). I am stocking up on nice ones to give as gifts to girls. One item is on display for 15 minutes or until it’s sold out.

Know someone who is into herself or himself? Get them a mini-me from Microdwarf. The site has hundreds of themes from which to choose. Creative.

Found Objects has many creative and original gift items. For example, these push pins are a nice change from the boring thumb tacks.

Know a Howard Hughes or Adrian Monk? Perfect gift: Toothbrush Sanitizer and Storage System

Winter… love it… hate it… we don’t want to think about it, but people often get sick with a bad cold or G-d forbid, the flu. The best thing is chicken soup and you can order some from Grandma’s Chicken Soup. But of course, chicken soup is wonderful in the winter, not just when you’re sick. Have a happy and healthy year!

Barbara K 30-piece signature tool kit has all the tool basics in one case along with instructions, which have a place in the case so they don’t get lost. Toolkit includes: 7oz claw hammer, 6″ slip joint pliers, 8″ 2 in 1 level, 6 in 1 interchangeable screwdriver, 6″ adjustable wrench, 10′ measuring tape, 6 in 1 putty knife, 16 – hex key wrenches, fastener assortment, barbara k! how-to booklet, case with individual compartments embossed for placing tools exactly where they should go

Self-contained fish bowl requires no feeding, no filters and best of all, no water changes!

Know someone in college? Far away? Recovering? BeyondBookmarks has fun care and gift packages.

With Chronicles of Narnia recent movie release, what better time to try Turkish Delights?

Know a foodie? Someone who loves to watch Food Network? The Original Food Lover’s Trivia sounds like a winner.

Wishingfish.com has unusual gifts.

Alphabetsync has an assortment of classic toys from the ’50s and ’60s along with new items on the market including t-shirts, fine gifts, jewelry, wacky cards, and everything in between.

Geeky Stuff

I think the biggest thing I’d like to have is the JVC Everio GZ-MG70 2.12 MP 30 GB Microdrive Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom. It comes with a built-in hard drive so it would make it easy and effortless to transfer it to the computer and burn to a CD. I could do it with my current camcorder, but I’d have to play the tape and capture it with another device. Too much time and set up.

They’re getting cheaper and bigger in capacity every minute. Flash drives a.k.a. thumb drives and USB drives make great gifts as they’re portable making it easy to move or carry files with you.

I love using a wireless mouse and keyboard as I’m not fighting with the cord that keeps pulling on the mouse. They have their problems especially if you have a wireless network and cordless phones that could interfere. I don’t have that problem with Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 2.0 or the Logitech I had in the past. The Microsoft one is wonderful. Its scroll wheels are smooth and go in different directions. I actually use its shortcuts unlike past products.

Get a second monitor and the recipient will love you for it. When I first started working with dual monitors, I found it weird and annoying. Now I can’t stand being without them! I’ll have to write up something about it in the future. All you need is a video card that can handle dual monitors like VisionTek VTKRAD7K64P Dual Monitor 7K 64MB and a second monitor.

Give Your iPod Character

Does your iPod scream for stylin’ clothes? Is she a princess or perhaps, a cowboy? Maybe she wants variety? iAttire has clothes for the iPod, Mini and Shuffle.

Prefer fur? Try Fluffpod. Not into dressing up objects? Maybe babies? Rather just have something simple like stars or lines? Sporty folks can make the iPod look sporty with a hoody.

Make it a guy, put it in tights, or removable wrappers. OK, OK, I’ll stop already.

Just about anything from ThinkGeek and lots of good stuff at Newegg.com.

Fossil Atari Watches. The games aren’t playable, but they’re animated. Perfect for the ’80s game fan. Comes with choices of Asteroids, Centipede, and Breakout.

Migo – USB thumb drive so you can take your data with you including Outlook, emails, contacts, and other stuff. Four versions available.

And what NOT to buy…

Wired News buying guide

Updated: December 8, 2005

The catalogs are pouring in and filling up my mailbox. Stores have posted holiday decorations. Some places have Christmas lights up. One question: Did we forget about Thanksgiving?

It’s the time of year when some of us suffer from shopper’s anxiety. What do I get? How much should I spend?

First, I was going to do a complete guide in one posting and found I was spending too much time trying to do everything. So I’m breaking up the guide by item type. Here are books and board games.

For my family, it’s not just the holidays, but also the birthdays and anniversaries that come immediately before and after the holidays. This year is a special year as my parents celebrate their 50th anniversary on Thanksgiving. I had something in mind from them, but the lady who makes them is not returning my calls. There is no place else to go.

2006 kicks off with a biggie. Paul celebrates his 40th birthday in January. Here are ideas and suggestions for gifts.
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Meetings are out of control. They’ve been that way since my first job out of college when someone gave me a book called How to Make Meetings Work. When I could control it, I stuck to the following rules to ensure the meetings were effective.

Have a good reason for the meeting

Sounds obvious, but often overlooked especially where recurring meetings are concerned. Recurring meetings are taken for granted and no one bothers to revisit if there is a need to continue the meetings or to simply cancel a meeting when there is no need for it.

Franklin Roosevelt started many programs to help America recover from the depression. Some of those programs still existed many years after the fact when they’re no longer needed or fit the current economic environment. Some programs didn’t get cut until the 1980s through today.

Limit attendees

This good general management common sense. The more people you have, the longer it takes to come to a consensus on the action items, problems, and solutions.

For several years, I worked on a management team and it worked well as attendance was limited to specific managers. Then, two other groups joined our organization and we almost doubled our meeting participants. We fought to limit attendance for this specific meeting and lost. We didn’t accomplish as much as the smaller team and it took longer to get results.

I’ve seen managers and team leads attend every meeting there is known to the department even if one of their direct reports already attends. Delegate and trust. Let the direct report attend the meeting and report back. Use the freed up time for something else. It’s not a crime for a manager to attend less than 40 hours of meetings per week.

Imagine what would’ve happened to the Declaration of Independence had more than five people had sat on the committee? A committee of five drafted it with Thomas Jefferson doing most of the writing and presented to Continental Congress for approval.

Create an agenda and stick to it

Even if you have an impromptu meeting, quickly jot down the agenda so you can stay on track. It doesn’t have to be fancy or formal. Just list what you’re going to talk about and if possible, list how much time is available for each topic.

When a discussion gets lengthy, do what it takes to put an end to it otherwise the meeting runs over or the people who have the conference room reserved kick you out and your last agenda items get sacrificed. Typically lengthy discussions impact only some of the attendees. So agree to take the discussion offline (outside of the meeting). Make it an action item for them to meet and report the final decision.

Steer irrelevant discussions back on track

Enforce the previous rule and stick to the agenda. As a compromise, table the discussion for after all of the agenda items are covered. Make the last agenda item a free for all so attendees aren’t tempted to break the rhythm of the meeting with something not on the agenda.

Let’s get those meetings back in control and reclaim the extra time for other work.

While designing with XHTML and CSS makes a site more accessible for those with mobile devices and screen readers, it’s not the most effective way to design mobile sites.

As more customers access the Web through the small screens of their cell phones and PDAs, businesses are beginning to develop Web pages specifically for these devices. In this article from the Web Design Reference Guide, I discuss designing mobile Web sites and make the business case for why we need to take the mobile Web more seriously.

Thanks to Brian Fling for his expertise.

Whenever I read one of my daughter’s stories, I’m struck by her creativity. But then I remember that I used to write poems and stories like hers. What happened to that creativity? I stopped practicing. During the middle school and high school years, we’re assigned to write papers in a certain way. Nothing like the creative stories we did in elementary school.

During the teen years, few students care about writing or worry about creativity. They do what they need to do to make it through school and then use their free time for socializing or extracurricular activities. Then we go to college where we’re taught what we know as stiff writing. It’s impersonal and never in the first person. When I re-read my college papers, I’m shocked at the difference between my writing then and today.

I got better by practicing and I moved away from some of the strict rules I learned in college.
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