Tuesday, May 8, 2007
First Run in the Heat
I ran in Roseburg today in the first 80 degree day of the year. My goal was 8 miles. I made it but it took me quite a bit longer than my last two Roseburg 12.8 k's. I had to stop to reapply sun block and grab a quick drink of water along the way and stop to walk for a minute every couple of miles. I'm also feeling a little tired now that I'm back indoors and showered up. The summer is coming up and I'm ready for it. The Portland Marathon is 151 days away and I'm not ready for it, but I'm getting ready...
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
One Wrangler, One Poodle, One Man...
This thought came up in a conversation with a couple of new female acquaintances. One of them has a Jeep Wrangler...or, actually it's a Citizen's Jeep 7, the older version of what is now referred to as a Jeep Wrangler. So, I have a Wrangler and this is interesting to other Wrangler owners, so I told them. I bought the Jeep Wrangler last year and noticed quickly that it has a little bit of a cult following. Every time I saw someone else in a Wrangler they'd wave at me or flash me a peace sign. Kinda makes you feel like you're part of something special. Anyway, it makes me smile every so often so that's a nice added benefit and that's my pitch, you need to go buy a Jeep Wrangler!
Often times, the connotation of a single guy owning and driving a Wrangler is that they are out looking for girls. In my experience I can confirm that it is in fact a girl magnet (or, some might say chick, but that's derogatory the way I was raised, so they're girls to me). Both of these girls gave me that look like, oh, you're one of those guys. There's also a distinct type of macho attitude or little man syndrome sometimes acquainted with the presence of the Wrangler. So I quickly tried to explain to them that's it's just fun to drive and I love the way certain designs have withstood the tests of time and culture like the design of the Wrangler...and I'm 6'2" so I don't need or have little man syndrome. Anyway, it's body style hasn't significantly changed since World War 2 and it's a convertible so I love having a toy.
So, I think they sorta bought it and we moved on in our conversation. Then, somehow the topic switched to dogs. I get a laugh out of this every time so I told them that indeed I did have a dog and he's a Miniature Poodle who's name is Meelo. Meelo? What kind of name is that? Often the next question asked amidst some light giggling, I then explained that Meelo is short for Emilio...the poodle...my poodle. Now comes the gigantic burst of laughter from whatever sets of vocal chords happen to be within earshot. So, these two girls laughed and laughed for several seconds.
Now, the interesting part of this story and the subject of this posting was what happened next. One of the girls said Wait a minute...you drive a a Jeep Wrangler and own a Miniature Poodle? This was again followed by several seconds of laughter while at the same time I was just thinking about what was said. It's a great point, and kind of a unique occurrence if you ask me. I explained that not only do I have Meelo and the Wrangler but often times Meelo will ride with me in the Wrangler. This must bring lots of laughs to people that I will never know that see us cruising down the street.
The other girl made another good point in that if in fact the reason for having a Miniature Poodle and a Jeep Wrangler were indeed to draw an interest in the opposite sex, not only had I done a good job, but more specifically a great job because the Wrangler draws a certain type of girl while Meelo would show that I have a sensitive, nurturing side that would then put me on the radar of another set of women all together. Nicely done, so she said.
One Wrangler, One Poodle, One Man...
Often times, the connotation of a single guy owning and driving a Wrangler is that they are out looking for girls. In my experience I can confirm that it is in fact a girl magnet (or, some might say chick, but that's derogatory the way I was raised, so they're girls to me). Both of these girls gave me that look like, oh, you're one of those guys. There's also a distinct type of macho attitude or little man syndrome sometimes acquainted with the presence of the Wrangler. So I quickly tried to explain to them that's it's just fun to drive and I love the way certain designs have withstood the tests of time and culture like the design of the Wrangler...and I'm 6'2" so I don't need or have little man syndrome. Anyway, it's body style hasn't significantly changed since World War 2 and it's a convertible so I love having a toy.
So, I think they sorta bought it and we moved on in our conversation. Then, somehow the topic switched to dogs. I get a laugh out of this every time so I told them that indeed I did have a dog and he's a Miniature Poodle who's name is Meelo. Meelo? What kind of name is that? Often the next question asked amidst some light giggling, I then explained that Meelo is short for Emilio...the poodle...my poodle. Now comes the gigantic burst of laughter from whatever sets of vocal chords happen to be within earshot. So, these two girls laughed and laughed for several seconds.
Now, the interesting part of this story and the subject of this posting was what happened next. One of the girls said Wait a minute...you drive a a Jeep Wrangler and own a Miniature Poodle? This was again followed by several seconds of laughter while at the same time I was just thinking about what was said. It's a great point, and kind of a unique occurrence if you ask me. I explained that not only do I have Meelo and the Wrangler but often times Meelo will ride with me in the Wrangler. This must bring lots of laughs to people that I will never know that see us cruising down the street.
The other girl made another good point in that if in fact the reason for having a Miniature Poodle and a Jeep Wrangler were indeed to draw an interest in the opposite sex, not only had I done a good job, but more specifically a great job because the Wrangler draws a certain type of girl while Meelo would show that I have a sensitive, nurturing side that would then put me on the radar of another set of women all together. Nicely done, so she said.
One Wrangler, One Poodle, One Man...
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Nerds, Geeks, and Dorks
Nerds, Geeks and Dorks
First of all, going back over this post I've noticed that it's totally biased because I am a Geek. So, if you're a Nerd or a Dork please don't try and hunt me down at a later date.
Over the last several weeks I've been discussing the differences and similarities of these three derogatory labels. So, let's start with the Miriam-Webster version of each term.
So, looking at the definitions we can see a couple of similarities. The main one would have to be the notion in all three cases of a person that is socially different. We see socially inept in the geek and dork definitions, and then lacks social skills in the nerd definition. Also, all three words are informal nouns that have come about within the last 100 years.
Differences are present in the terms, so let's look at them for a second. I was surprised to learn that geek was started in the late 1800s whereas nerd and dork were coined roughly 60 years later in the 1950s and 1960s. I would've thought all three terms were roughly the same age. With these types of informal nouns it heavily depends on the social situation and cultural aspects of the group along with the time period as to which term(s) are more derogatory than others. Strictly looking at the definitions dork seems to be the least lovable of the terms, whereas nerd and geek look a little less indemnifying.
I actually started thinking about this a long time ago, and then the thoughts were brought back to the surface last week while I was hanging out at the bistro with a few new friends. One of these new people was a self-proclaimed nerd. I am, however, a self-proclaimed geek. So, the difference is I guess a matter of opinion, but if enough people have the same opinion it can change the meaning of the word, right? Or, at least Merriam-Webster can change it I guess.
Now that we've looked at the definitions and analyzed them a bit I'm going to go into my opinions on the terms and their meanings in the here and now. I'm just going to start with the comparison of a nerd and a geek and then we'll throw dork into the mix later. Why? Because that's how it's happened in these recent weeks and, well...I'm writing the article.
So, it is my opinion that the social awkwardness and book smarts still coexists with some nerds and geeks, but it's in the differences that make the two stand apart. I guess that's true with anything, but I wanted to point out that there are similarities and that is why some people use the words as synonyms. However, when I looked up the three terms in the Thesaurus it seems that none of them are synonyms with each other. That's wierd...of course, so is this post so maybe I'm the only one that thinks people use them interchangeably. Misuse of informal nouns such as these runs rampant but I guess what really interests me is that there is a big enough difference in the terms nowadays to keep them separate, at least, in my mind. Now I'll point out, in my opinion, the main characteristics that are purely nerdy or purely geeky.
Working with Problems - This one is my personal favorite. When given a problem a nerd will get the gold medal every time when it comes to analyzation of the problem. Nerds will look at a problem from all different angles quite obsessively and enjoy every minute. A geek, on the other hand, when given a problem is going to try and find the quickest, most efficient way to solve the problem, and then quickly move on the next one. The nerd will likely do a better job at solving a problem correctly but then they may also use up lots of time, money, coffee, and other various resources to do so. Keep in mind I'm not trying to point out the good or bad in either nerds or geeks. I'm rather just pointing out the differences.
Science versus Design - This one is kind of a hasty generalization, but they all are in a sense so I'm sorry if it offends anyone. Nerds are more interested in Science and geeks are more into Design. Both love their work, but generally that work with nerds is a science related field whereas that work with geeks is a design related field. Looking at a specific field we can see the difference. Let's look at Computer Sciences. Nerds will likely be your Network Administrators, Software Developers, or Programmers. Geeks love not the computer itself but the software programs on the computer that can help them design things. Geeks would be your Web Designers, Graphic Designers, and even Fashion Designers.
Living the Life - Both nerds and geeks tend to be wildly successful in most of their endeavors. Nerds would be more likely to save and act more grown up with money. Geeks are good with money, but tend towards buying expensive clothes, food, and geeky toys. Dating comes naturally to neither species but if they do find true love it's often in another nerd and/or geek. Or perhaps a dork?
Sense of Humor - Geeks. Geeks are funnier than nerds. Of course, I'm a geek so I guess I would think that. Although recently I've met a nerd that is just as funny as me, and a dork. That shows that all rules have exceptions, and that maybe I need to get out there and find more nerds. Anyway, a nerd's sense of humor tends to come from observations of logic, fallacy's, or other quirky things that tend to be in whatever book they're reading. Geeks are more dry-sarcastic in their delivery of jokes but they can have some of the same nerdy origins.
Nerds and Geeks in Movies - In most recent movies I think that Nerds and Dorks are most typically thought of as the not so cool people. Not usually active, poor dressing, etc. Geeks on the other hand, although sometimes chastised, are usually the coolest of the bunch. for example, Neo from The Matrix...total Geek, very cool guy. I guess that the association of what a computer Geek is on the big screen tends to be a positive experience so Geeks get props in this department also.
So, recently, Dork has been brought to my attention. A dork, is in same ways like a nerd or a geek. Dorks get fixated on certain subjects or interests that may take up their entire lives. Dorks are unique in that they...well, they fall down...a lot. That is, they're clumsy. Now Nerds and Geeks are sometimes not so good with balance and/or motor skills in general, but a Dork tends to be more physically clumsy. I haven't had enough time to study enough dorks to tell you about their senses of humor, but maybe some day I'll come back and report on them some more.
For it being a while since I've written a lot I know this is a weird one but stick with me a little longer and I promise things will get more interesting.
First of all, going back over this post I've noticed that it's totally biased because I am a Geek. So, if you're a Nerd or a Dork please don't try and hunt me down at a later date.
Over the last several weeks I've been discussing the differences and similarities of these three derogatory labels. So, let's start with the Miriam-Webster version of each term.
Nerd: a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious. (Origin: 1950s)
Geek: an unfashionable or socially inept person.
[with adj. ] a person with an eccentric devotion to a particular interest : a computer geek. (Origin: late 19th cent.)
Dork: a dull, slow-witted, or socially inept person. (Origin: 1960s)
So, looking at the definitions we can see a couple of similarities. The main one would have to be the notion in all three cases of a person that is socially different. We see socially inept in the geek and dork definitions, and then lacks social skills in the nerd definition. Also, all three words are informal nouns that have come about within the last 100 years.
Differences are present in the terms, so let's look at them for a second. I was surprised to learn that geek was started in the late 1800s whereas nerd and dork were coined roughly 60 years later in the 1950s and 1960s. I would've thought all three terms were roughly the same age. With these types of informal nouns it heavily depends on the social situation and cultural aspects of the group along with the time period as to which term(s) are more derogatory than others. Strictly looking at the definitions dork seems to be the least lovable of the terms, whereas nerd and geek look a little less indemnifying.
I actually started thinking about this a long time ago, and then the thoughts were brought back to the surface last week while I was hanging out at the bistro with a few new friends. One of these new people was a self-proclaimed nerd. I am, however, a self-proclaimed geek. So, the difference is I guess a matter of opinion, but if enough people have the same opinion it can change the meaning of the word, right? Or, at least Merriam-Webster can change it I guess.
Now that we've looked at the definitions and analyzed them a bit I'm going to go into my opinions on the terms and their meanings in the here and now. I'm just going to start with the comparison of a nerd and a geek and then we'll throw dork into the mix later. Why? Because that's how it's happened in these recent weeks and, well...I'm writing the article.
So, it is my opinion that the social awkwardness and book smarts still coexists with some nerds and geeks, but it's in the differences that make the two stand apart. I guess that's true with anything, but I wanted to point out that there are similarities and that is why some people use the words as synonyms. However, when I looked up the three terms in the Thesaurus it seems that none of them are synonyms with each other. That's wierd...of course, so is this post so maybe I'm the only one that thinks people use them interchangeably. Misuse of informal nouns such as these runs rampant but I guess what really interests me is that there is a big enough difference in the terms nowadays to keep them separate, at least, in my mind. Now I'll point out, in my opinion, the main characteristics that are purely nerdy or purely geeky.
Working with Problems - This one is my personal favorite. When given a problem a nerd will get the gold medal every time when it comes to analyzation of the problem. Nerds will look at a problem from all different angles quite obsessively and enjoy every minute. A geek, on the other hand, when given a problem is going to try and find the quickest, most efficient way to solve the problem, and then quickly move on the next one. The nerd will likely do a better job at solving a problem correctly but then they may also use up lots of time, money, coffee, and other various resources to do so. Keep in mind I'm not trying to point out the good or bad in either nerds or geeks. I'm rather just pointing out the differences.
Science versus Design - This one is kind of a hasty generalization, but they all are in a sense so I'm sorry if it offends anyone. Nerds are more interested in Science and geeks are more into Design. Both love their work, but generally that work with nerds is a science related field whereas that work with geeks is a design related field. Looking at a specific field we can see the difference. Let's look at Computer Sciences. Nerds will likely be your Network Administrators, Software Developers, or Programmers. Geeks love not the computer itself but the software programs on the computer that can help them design things. Geeks would be your Web Designers, Graphic Designers, and even Fashion Designers.
Living the Life - Both nerds and geeks tend to be wildly successful in most of their endeavors. Nerds would be more likely to save and act more grown up with money. Geeks are good with money, but tend towards buying expensive clothes, food, and geeky toys. Dating comes naturally to neither species but if they do find true love it's often in another nerd and/or geek. Or perhaps a dork?
Sense of Humor - Geeks. Geeks are funnier than nerds. Of course, I'm a geek so I guess I would think that. Although recently I've met a nerd that is just as funny as me, and a dork. That shows that all rules have exceptions, and that maybe I need to get out there and find more nerds. Anyway, a nerd's sense of humor tends to come from observations of logic, fallacy's, or other quirky things that tend to be in whatever book they're reading. Geeks are more dry-sarcastic in their delivery of jokes but they can have some of the same nerdy origins.
Nerds and Geeks in Movies - In most recent movies I think that Nerds and Dorks are most typically thought of as the not so cool people. Not usually active, poor dressing, etc. Geeks on the other hand, although sometimes chastised, are usually the coolest of the bunch. for example, Neo from The Matrix...total Geek, very cool guy. I guess that the association of what a computer Geek is on the big screen tends to be a positive experience so Geeks get props in this department also.
So, recently, Dork has been brought to my attention. A dork, is in same ways like a nerd or a geek. Dorks get fixated on certain subjects or interests that may take up their entire lives. Dorks are unique in that they...well, they fall down...a lot. That is, they're clumsy. Now Nerds and Geeks are sometimes not so good with balance and/or motor skills in general, but a Dork tends to be more physically clumsy. I haven't had enough time to study enough dorks to tell you about their senses of humor, but maybe some day I'll come back and report on them some more.
For it being a while since I've written a lot I know this is a weird one but stick with me a little longer and I promise things will get more interesting.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Back
For now anyway, I'm back and I'm writing again. It's been a while and it may be short lived, but this week I decided to take a little time and start up a couple of new blogs. I've been working with my father in an already established family business that consists of a winery and a vineyard in Elmira, Oregon along with a Wine Bar & Bistro at the Historic Fifth Street Public Market in downtown Eugene, Oregon. The work blog is already in progress with this being the first of the personal blog posts. Although I have a few blogs that I'm getting ready to post here so if you're interested in topics that I'm interested in, or if you're a family member or friend just wondering what I've been thinking about, this is the place to look...
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