iWant!

Posted on June 29th, 2007 by gail helen.
Categories: Personal, Omnia Vanitas, Technology, Current Events, Money, Random.

It is the release of the decade with all who hold (true) geek credentials.  I have several collegues and friends who have been waiting all day (for some, night & day!) for the chance to drop $600 for the iPhone. iWant, iWant, iWant!!!  But alas, I have a contract with TMobile that I simply can’t afford to break.  Plus, they are the only phone company to offer me a truly great service experience — I have no complaints about them whatsoever, and few people can say that about their cell phone carrier.  But still, I’d almost be willing to carry both contracts just to own that little piece of Apple beauty . . . La sigh, I say, La sigh . . .

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Proctored Exams

Posted on June 23rd, 2007 by gail helen.
Categories: Education, Personal, Omnia Vanitas, Sponsored Posts, Random.

I’m currently taking an online class, and I just received some nice feedback from my instructor. It is amazing how this form of “distance learning” feels so much more productive and engaging than some other classes I have taken. This is probably due in part to the fact that the teacher is one of my favorites, but the majority of my good-feeling about online learning is that I can work at my own pace. I’m not sure how the final will be handled for this course, and I have always wondered how students at online institutions like Capella University take exams and other formal assessments. How do they keep people from cheating, for example? I learned from a press release that since 2005, Capella University has been partnered with ACT centers to provide testing for its students.  Since these centers are just about everywhere, it seems like another easy and convenient way to accomplish one’s education.

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The Demise of Forth & Towne

Posted on June 22nd, 2007 by gail helen.
Categories: Work, Personal, Omnia Vanitas, Current Events, Money, Random.

Well, it’s been about a week since my favorite store, Forth & Towne, officially closed for business. La sigh. This was like a cross between Banana Republic and the Gap, both trendy and classic, pretty and functional.  It was such a wonderful place for a girl like me — professional outfits that weren’t stuffy or too plain, simply perfect for a young woman trying to develop a business wardrobe, although a little costly — that of course it couldn’t last.  Just goes to prove my usual saying — I never get what I want.  :)   Still, the closing sale was awesome.  I got dresses and slacks for 75% off the retail price, even on previously discounted merchandise.  I don’t mind admitting that I went a little crazy — I bought two pairs of pants for my mother and aunt on the off-chance they might fit (they don’t) and a dress and a pair of silk pants that are two sizes too big for me — but sales have always given me retail fever.  It will be at least three months before I buy another item of clothing, so hopefully I’ll find another great store before then.

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Impulse

Posted on June 14th, 2007 by gail helen.
Categories: Personal, Omnia Vanitas, Sponsored Posts, Random.

So I was thinking about mailing lists and the innovative lists company called Martin Worldwide.  I wrote about them previously — their multi-dimensional ResponseCom database helps businesses by identifying prospects with the most “active, responsive, and impulsive buying history,” in order to experience higher response rates, profitability, and new business opportunities through their direct marketing campaigns.  I’ve mentioned how that sends a little chill down my consumer spine — it’s a little scary that businesses you’ve never shopped with can know so much about you — but as a business person, it leaves me intrigued by the possibilities inherent in such information.  Personally, I like getting new catalogs, brochures, coupons, and all that.  Makes me feel lucky, gives me something to look at, exposes me to new things, etc.  A custom, targeted mailing list means that as a consumer, I’m receiving things I might be interested in (instead of, say, a free prostate exam), and the business doing the mailing is using its money wisely.  Still, no one is crazy about having their buying history consolidated and studied — I swear, that fuzzy reindeer sweater was a gift.  For someone I didn’t like. Honest.  ;)

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How I Know I’m Getting Old . . .

Posted on June 10th, 2007 by gail helen.
Categories: Personal, Omnia Vanitas, Technology, Random, Television.

I just saw a commercial on TV for those Zwinky avatars, where you design and clothe a virtual representation of yourself or who you’d like to be . . . when I was sixteen and first got the Internet, I was all about things like that, especially because of the customization. I could give myself the blue hair and combat boots I don’t get to wear now, since I have to be oh-so-mature and responsible. Lord, but I am tired of dress slacks and twin sets. Unfortunately, as an adult, I have come to the realization that Zwinky and all such things are for the kiddies. Nowadays, all I can think is who has the time? Who can afford the effort? Ah, the joys and luxuries of youth! :)

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