what, me productive?

Lynn Cutts has provided me with inspirational, motivational e-mails on a weekly basis. This week's message definitely hit a tone with me, so I thought I'd share it here:

What's the Best Use of Your Time?

Are you a computer addict? The computer is so seductive - all that entertainment and information right there at our fingertips. Experts are starting to say that we spend over 40 hours a week either watching TV or sitting in front of the computer – and that’s outside of actually working on the computer.

When you’re not actually working on your computer, how much time a day do you spend surfin’ the ‘Net, in chat rooms, on forums, or playing computer games? Start paying attention to it. Ask yourself what else you might be doing with your time.

How many of you out there are guilty of this "addiction"? I'll admit that I am somewhat of an addict, from time to time.

Perhaps it's time that productivity became a priority.

The Met... not the Mets

So I was a bit surprised to read this today. Some folks seem to think it's insane, but may I remind you that this is the "recommended" price and not obligatory. I do like how Ms. Kaplowitz's response is “Working class people are so intimidated by the museum experience anyway, they don’t feel they can just give a quarter.” Intimidated? Personally I think that's like being intimidated by Disneyland.

I'm still going to happily cough up $20, to support one of the best museums in the world. Of course I can understand why some would think this is a bit steep, but would you rather the sign say "Recommended Admission: $20" or "Special Hatshepsut Exhibition Admission: $$$$$ MORE THAN USUAL AND IS MANDATORY".

Just a thought.

volunteers, anyone?

We're looking for volunteers for ZeroOne San Jose and ISEA2006. Details can be found here, and here is the e-mail I received:

We are specifically looking for volunteers - technically inclined and for general installation help - to assist the artists in the installation of the artworks and in creating an interactive environment over a number of venues. These people are needed from the end of July to the 6th August.

During the festival (7th-13th August) we need people to work as docents and interact with the general public at each of the venues - Convention Center and festival tent, the San Jose Museum of Art and other open air venues. Also some of the artists are asking specifically for help with their projects during the festival. We will also need volunteers to work at the symposium checking tickets etc. and at the various events during the festival week.

All volunteers serving 8 hours or more will receive a free festival pass good for all non-ticketed events. All volunteers serving over 20 hours will also receive a pass to ISEA2006 - the 13th International Symposium on Electronic Art - a symposium drawing the world's foremost thinkers and cultural theorists discussing the latest practices involving new media and art.

For more information email Julia Bradshaw - volunteer coordinator ZeroOne and ISEA 2006 - at Julia@ZERO1.org. Technical skills would be helpful, as would an interest in the arts and in helping turn San Jose into the Arts and Technology Cultural Center. All festival volunteers must be reliable, enthusiastic and attend an orientation on Sunday 6th August at 5pm. Please give me an idea of your availability and the skills and you can offer when you email me.

Please feel free to pass this email along to your friends.

I look forward to hearing from you soon,

Julia Bradshaw

ZeroOne Volunteer Coordinator

Feel free to tell your students, friends, family, etc.

Venetian Renaissance, oh my!

Bellini, Giorgione, Titian, and oh my! With this wonderful exhibit, there couldn't be a better time to be in Washington, DC. It's almost as if I was destined to be there.

Ok, maybe a bit far-fetched to say that it was my destiny. However, for the visionaries of maudlin dreams... yes, a hopeless romantic such as I; I'm sure you'll share in my sentiments.

Such realms of the suspension of disbelief are not so easily dismissed for you and I.

viva Italia!

ITALIA WINS!!

FIFA WORLD CUP 2006

Now I can proudly display my Italia T-shirt.

The World is Flat

Ever since the World Cup, the world has become flat... ruled by one ball. Who could've seen it coming, my two top teams Italy and France making it to the finals.

I guess I could say that no matter who wins, I would be happy.

...except that I want Italy to win.