Open Space Retraction
Open Space at Work:
1. Forces you to be social, come out of your shell, talk to people you would never encounter.
2. Catches you up on current events that you were trying to avoid, but then realize you can’t because we are cultural sponges and need always to KNOW.
3. Makes you realize that you are not a robot at a computer in a box inside a bigger box.
4. Forces you out of the hole when sometimes you want to hide.
5. Makes you realize you are a coward for ever wanting to hide. Thus, makes you stronger, speak up more, and have the mental balls to ask for what you need.
6. Makes you give into your human need to be nosy.
7. Makes the human need to be nosy, a human right.
8. Inspires you to start new conversations. With the mailman. With anyone you wouldn't.
9. Forces you to invest in much better headphones.
10. Get the dirt. Get the gossip. Get the goods.*
11. Makes people work more together, instead of isolated in a hole. *
12. Let’s the sunshine in and not contained inside a cement wall. Walls never appreciate sun like people inside offices.
13. Actually SEE the work be created that’s coming out of the agency
14. Forces the inner uber productive robot inside that obsessively needs things to get done, to just, relax.
* Thank you Daniela
* Thank you Tom
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thursday, November 30, 2006
11/30/06
Corner Rant:
Funny, no office, and sometimes I still feel like a trapped, caged animal. I run to be free, and still that doesn’t help. Maybe the low grade headache has to do with the pressure coming in around me…to:
Always be on, always be smiling, always try and tune out all the noise.
How does anyone really do any work in this place? There is constant chaos. No quiet moments to think. Always socializing. Always people around, on the left side, on the right side, behind, standing, hovering, floating, like bees, buzzing. Like the mosquito in the middle of the night, that you know is feeding on you, each time it buzzes in your ear. You smack it, helplessly knowing that doesn’t help. It still feeds. If only you had the strength to get up, turn the lights on and kill it. But, you doze off again, only to be woken up by the buzzing.
The constant buzzing. This is the downfall of the modern open space. This is what the future will write about, when they speak of the early part of the century. “do you believe, that people sat inches apart from each other and worked right on top of each other? Do you believe there were no doors? Do you believe, anyone get anything done?” and I will say, I was there in that open space. I was there, and tried to work. It wasn’t easy. But maybe it made me focus. Maybe it made me better. Or just the opposite.
The buzzing. It distracts the average ADD afflicted creative. Here’s a thought. Put creatives in a room, that have trouble concentrating…then see what happens. REALLY challenge them…with the sounds of tv reels in the air, chatter, gossip, coffee machines, dishes, loud headphones, more chatter, cell phones, a/c units, and more. The low din. The noise you don’t even know is there. That in the end is what might drive us mad. Because we can’t identify it. Block it out, because we DON’T know where its coming from….
Ok, my pms haze…is it lifting? Am I safe? To face? The world?
Not just yet. I’ll hide here a bit longer in from the emergency exit door. Funny. All these doors have little green men on them running outside. To remind us, that it’s possible to break free. If we ever needed to. Thanks green man. Just knowing you’re there helps, guides, makes mentally, this open space CAGE possible. By tearing down walls CEO’s want to make us more communal, more creative, together.
But I think it backfires.
It’s only when we have time alone, can we really appreciate, and take advantage of a communal state.
Down with the open space. Bring back the offices…
Friday, November 10, 2006
If you're ever having a bad day, think about who's in your life.
That is what makes the day, happier, richer, and I will stop before sounding like a bad hallmark.
If you're having a bad day, view the photobooth series again. It makes me laugh. EVERY TIME I look at it. What the camera will do to people! It was said best by Andy:
"What's funny, is BEHIND the people having their picture taken!" I paraphrase.
Thanks again, Andy and Therese!
http://andybatt.com/lightroom/20060916_bloomking_photobooth/
That is what makes the day, happier, richer, and I will stop before sounding like a bad hallmark.
If you're having a bad day, view the photobooth series again. It makes me laugh. EVERY TIME I look at it. What the camera will do to people! It was said best by Andy:
"What's funny, is BEHIND the people having their picture taken!" I paraphrase.
Thanks again, Andy and Therese!
http://andybatt.com/lightroom/20060916_bloomking_photobooth/
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
The Bloom King Wedding
http://flickr.com/photos/51035747468@N01/
The only way to truly capture it will be with pictures, which are coming VERY soon. Promise. But here are two for a taste. The next way to capture is by using my fav. quotes from emails and other random thoughts.
From Geoff Rogers:
-"Thanks, Joel. I have not cried like that since my initial viewing of "First Blood."
-"Miguel FALLS DOWN while streaking? We are getting old."
Kelly Morris:
"I just remembered what you said about being happy being old in that house there with joel 10 minutes before he popped the question. That was fantastic."
"I know a movie is good when I just mull over it again and again for the next day, week, month, etc. Maybe cause it’s serious, maybe cause it was sad, maybe cause it made me feel great- whatever, cause it touched me, I remember. And I feel like your wedding was like that. I’m just mulling over again and again."
Thanks guys...there are no greater compliments than ones from friends you admire and respect. My own reactions?
-Is it over, already?
-Tapas plates, tapas plates, WTF is going on?
-Mmmm, deviled eggs
-Having a Romper Room moment, while standing up there, beginning of ceremony...looking out and seeing all the faces of amazing people in our lives.
-Having my girls reassure me, that yes, I look great. And yes, they can fix my bra. And yes, they can get me another glass of wine. Precious.
-Speech from Gpa, in case anyone missed it, "To keep your love brimming in the loving cup, there are 2 things to remember. When you're wrong, admit it. When you're right, shut up!"
-Streak.
-Photo booth.
-More streak. Too bad, the photo booth didn't catch the streak.
-Smithers, "And I haven't been the same since."
-Jude, no truer words ever said. And I danced for you?
-Papparazzi moment
-Andy, Therese, the most calming photographers on the planet. Nope. Galaxy.
-Don't you wish your girlfriend was a freak like me?
-Yuengling
-Walk like and Eqyptian
-As Joel fell in love me with me "all over again", I heard his words and fell for him again too. Words, powerful words.
-And then when he used his gymnastic skill to hurdle four men, I FELL again.
Anyone has anything to add, feel free to post. THANK you all for coming...it was what it was because of you. Sorry I got only about 4.9 minutes with you. And for those who couldn't, you were missed. But, live vic. through pictures....
Love, Ms. King Bloom/ Bloom King/ King (That'll confuse the kids teachers someday.)
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Who inspires us most?
Our friends. Every day. Why should I bring this up? It's been ages since I've written in this blog. REALLY, what's the point in having it if I don't rant. That's the name isn't it? King Rants.
It's because of Miguel, that I have been inspired again to write. (See his blog at http://www.againagain.blogspot.com/). He writes all the time. Sometimes with just a link, a pic, a note, a thought. No pressure. This is how to blog.
Blogging has so much pressure.
I have to be pithy, lengthy, intelligent. Nope, not really.
I have to make a statement, post pictures, rant really really rant-like. Nope, again.
Why today? Inspiration. There's a new movie coming out this summer called, "Who Killed the Electric Car?" Go the site to see the trailer (http://www.sonyclassics.com/whokilledtheelectriccar/electric.html). It's an amazing site. (check out the timeline. Electric Cars were invented BEFORE the Model T) It's informative and infuriating. It has all the makings of a whodunnit. Now that I'm freelancing on Chevron, I've been consumed with the oil and car industry. The environment. The past, the present and the future administrations who have tried to help (Carter) and not help (um, Village Idiot?).
Let me leave this nugget with you. Maybe it will intrigue you to go to the site.
GM was the leader in Electric Cars with the creation of the EV1. They beat out Toyota and Honda in the mid-90's. But, then they bought the company that made Hummers. Ooops, well, Hummers will ultimately make more money for the company and the oil industry. Suddenly GM decided to stop making the EV1. Sad, so sad...I sometimes like my world of turning the other way. After watching "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" and researching this Electric Car site, I'm first angry, then depressed at the situation today. Even, (Geoff Rogers), if HALF of what they movies talk about is true, it's still a sad sad state of affairs...
OK, so this was a Rant Rant, and a Debbie Downer at that. But, hey, sometimes learning is fun. And sometimes not so much.
Monday, December 19, 2005
December 2005. Joel accepts JC into his life. A star is born.
A trip back to Portland made us wonder all weekend long, "Why did we leave?" The most amazing people we will ever know all in the same city. Thanks for the snow on the mountain and the skiing, yes Geoff. Thanks for sleepovers in fancy houses, all of you in your fancy houses. Thanks for Jambalaya, A&T. Thanks for parties with Nativity scenes and dinners with samosas. Thanks for just being the Portland folk you are. Never change. And take it from us, NEVER LEAVE.
We miss you. Happy all that stuff...
The King Blooms. Or should it be...The Bloom Kings.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Haven't written in a while.
New things. Hmmm.
-Engaged? Yes. That. Block Island, Rhode Island. So shocked. Fun.
-Actually reading Harry Potter, instead of just paying 10 bucks for the film.
-Going to Portland tomorrow to see old friends. Ah. Home.
-Went to Atlanta for Thanksgiving. V. fun catching up with family and friends.
-Holidays coming. Ready, early. That never happens.
-Cutest picture ever. I am a proud Aunt.
New things. Hmmm.
-Engaged? Yes. That. Block Island, Rhode Island. So shocked. Fun.
-Actually reading Harry Potter, instead of just paying 10 bucks for the film.
-Going to Portland tomorrow to see old friends. Ah. Home.
-Went to Atlanta for Thanksgiving. V. fun catching up with family and friends.
-Holidays coming. Ready, early. That never happens.
-Cutest picture ever. I am a proud Aunt.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
BEAMING with pride
The Portland ladies are real, they are here to tell us about their body parts. And I love it. Go to,
www.nikewomen.com
Click on What story does your body tell?
Reminds me of high school. My friends and I all decided one day, who had the perkiest breasts, the best legs, the tightest rump (NOT me). Maybe all in a state of defiance. Maybe in a state of support. But, we decided who's asset was what. Very anti-sorority bash of us...way before we hit college.
Rock on ladies. You inspire me and other female creatives to fight the good fight against airbrush. You inspire me and many others to say, "Hey, I like what I got."
Yes, I just used inspired twice in a blog. I am ascending to hackdom.
-out
To see more about the campaign:
http://nytimes.com/2005/08/17/business/media/17adco.html
BTW: Who wrote the print? I love it.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Small things that make our crappy days get better.
--Scrubs. Zach Braff can do no wrong. If I ever run into him at a random bar in this town, I'll either faint or ask him out. With Joel's permission of course.
--American Idol. Yes, Joel and I are junkies. I finally gave in to the phenomenon. Although I admit, Joel is worse. He actually rewinds Tivo to watch a song AGAIN!
--A really good book on the subway. "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey. Amazing. I was nauseous for the first 20 pages. It's about an addict's road to recovery...and I use the word recovery loosely. Read it.
--A walk. A run. Anyway that you feel that you are running from the world and talking inside your head again. Sorting things out.
--Bar hop in a new neighborhood 'til 3 a.m. Caveat: Hangover is consequence.
--Soft serve ice cream.
--Watching new plants grow in your backyard.
--Picking a toe.
--A guitar lesson.
--Being naked.
--Concerts. Any, all, in the park, at the beach, free, paid.
--The Shins. How I love all of you...
--Boston Red Sox Hats that are washed before you even get them. Yum.
--Getting drunk with your friends. Getting drunk with your friend's parents.
--Blogs.
--Scrubs. Zach Braff can do no wrong. If I ever run into him at a random bar in this town, I'll either faint or ask him out. With Joel's permission of course.
--American Idol. Yes, Joel and I are junkies. I finally gave in to the phenomenon. Although I admit, Joel is worse. He actually rewinds Tivo to watch a song AGAIN!
--A really good book on the subway. "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey. Amazing. I was nauseous for the first 20 pages. It's about an addict's road to recovery...and I use the word recovery loosely. Read it.
--A walk. A run. Anyway that you feel that you are running from the world and talking inside your head again. Sorting things out.
--Bar hop in a new neighborhood 'til 3 a.m. Caveat: Hangover is consequence.
--Soft serve ice cream.
--Watching new plants grow in your backyard.
--Picking a toe.
--A guitar lesson.
--Being naked.
--Concerts. Any, all, in the park, at the beach, free, paid.
--The Shins. How I love all of you...
--Boston Red Sox Hats that are washed before you even get them. Yum.
--Getting drunk with your friends. Getting drunk with your friend's parents.
--Blogs.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Thursday, March 03, 2005
The Gates in Central Park
Most people think Central Park in the winter is stony grey, cold, and brittle. Where's Waldo-like, people dot the park in whatever keeps them warm. An entire suit made of red costume fuzz. Leather from head to toe. A purple ski suit. A random incognito celebrity...was that Gwyneth? Or occassionally, an old woman in a fur coat will drift by with a vacant look. Lost, maybe. Or just taking a break from her CPW mansion.
At this point, most people in NYC are tired of hearing about The Gates. Even though I'm one of them, I think it's necessary to react.
Saffron. Orange. Whatever color comes to mind, The Gates fill the park in weaving lines like dominoes. Except with hundreds of steel at the base of each Gate, these are not falling. Sure, one Gate, two Gates, even three is not all that impressive. I thought the material would be more like First Aid Gauze, than thick taffetta. I thought the sun would have a chance to shine through. But, what I thought, and what I saw were to my happy surprise different.
The saffron flags, as I thought they looked like blowing in the wind, didn't just border the park. They weaved in and out and lead paths across many points of the park. People walked through them like models or friends in a wedding. Waiting to be discovered maybe. Or just experiencing NYC in a new way.
We walked through and filmed this fabric blowing as we walked through...ahead of us, then above, then behind. The sun reflected saffron everywhere, all part of the show.
The question that came to mind was this:
It's beautiful...so many Gates through such a huge park. You were reminded just how big CP was ...how is it still this big, untouched and pure? But, was this exhibit of color worth the 25 million dollars it cost Christo?
I guess when you are an artist who thinks grand, than grand is what you will make.
And money, being the mundane color of green, could never touch the vision of saffron.
See photos:
http://photos4.flickr.com/6079010_655d826357.jpg
--Art Rant
Most people think Central Park in the winter is stony grey, cold, and brittle. Where's Waldo-like, people dot the park in whatever keeps them warm. An entire suit made of red costume fuzz. Leather from head to toe. A purple ski suit. A random incognito celebrity...was that Gwyneth? Or occassionally, an old woman in a fur coat will drift by with a vacant look. Lost, maybe. Or just taking a break from her CPW mansion.
At this point, most people in NYC are tired of hearing about The Gates. Even though I'm one of them, I think it's necessary to react.
Saffron. Orange. Whatever color comes to mind, The Gates fill the park in weaving lines like dominoes. Except with hundreds of steel at the base of each Gate, these are not falling. Sure, one Gate, two Gates, even three is not all that impressive. I thought the material would be more like First Aid Gauze, than thick taffetta. I thought the sun would have a chance to shine through. But, what I thought, and what I saw were to my happy surprise different.
The saffron flags, as I thought they looked like blowing in the wind, didn't just border the park. They weaved in and out and lead paths across many points of the park. People walked through them like models or friends in a wedding. Waiting to be discovered maybe. Or just experiencing NYC in a new way.
We walked through and filmed this fabric blowing as we walked through...ahead of us, then above, then behind. The sun reflected saffron everywhere, all part of the show.
The question that came to mind was this:
It's beautiful...so many Gates through such a huge park. You were reminded just how big CP was ...how is it still this big, untouched and pure? But, was this exhibit of color worth the 25 million dollars it cost Christo?
I guess when you are an artist who thinks grand, than grand is what you will make.
And money, being the mundane color of green, could never touch the vision of saffron.
See photos:
http://photos4.flickr.com/6079010_655d826357.jpg
--Art Rant
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
PRACTICE RANDOM VALENTINE'S DAY
Single or not single, I was never a fan of Valentine's Day. Besides the commercial aspect, besides the re-molding of gender roles, the "I'm a man, I must impress you with many chocolates." and such...why just one day?
I ask again, why celebrate on just one day.
Now, this rant is not meant to sound like a greeting card, but THIS is Valentine's Day.
1. Buying a Cadbury chocolate that's hard to find to remind a friend of his early South African beginnings.
2. Taking out the recycling and the garbage on the same day.
3. Giving up your seat on the subway.
4. A surprise meal of Cornmeal crusted scallops.
5. A candle lit dinner.
ANY, all, some of these and more NOT necessarily on Valentine's Day, but on:
September 16th
May 8th
June 2nd
January 20th
And so on...
Be random with love, like, like-a-lot the moment a whim hits. The moment it feels right. The moment you think of it.
Not because some chocolate company needed to boost sales in the dead of the winter.
Because, you want to, any time.
One last note:
Best quote for Valentine's Day yet,
Joel to Juan Carlos: "Where should I take Liz for dinner on Valentine's Day in NYC?"
Juan Carlos: "Stay home and cook."
And that's what we did. Made lasagna. Made salad. Shared a bottle of wine and watched the ever so uplifing Carnivale on
HBO. It was the most memorable V-Day yet.
Oh, yeah, and the flower bouquet that I received at work? Nice work Lothario Bloom...
Rant Out.
Single or not single, I was never a fan of Valentine's Day. Besides the commercial aspect, besides the re-molding of gender roles, the "I'm a man, I must impress you with many chocolates." and such...why just one day?
I ask again, why celebrate on just one day.
Now, this rant is not meant to sound like a greeting card, but THIS is Valentine's Day.
1. Buying a Cadbury chocolate that's hard to find to remind a friend of his early South African beginnings.
2. Taking out the recycling and the garbage on the same day.
3. Giving up your seat on the subway.
4. A surprise meal of Cornmeal crusted scallops.
5. A candle lit dinner.
ANY, all, some of these and more NOT necessarily on Valentine's Day, but on:
September 16th
May 8th
June 2nd
January 20th
And so on...
Be random with love, like, like-a-lot the moment a whim hits. The moment it feels right. The moment you think of it.
Not because some chocolate company needed to boost sales in the dead of the winter.
Because, you want to, any time.
One last note:
Best quote for Valentine's Day yet,
Joel to Juan Carlos: "Where should I take Liz for dinner on Valentine's Day in NYC?"
Juan Carlos: "Stay home and cook."
And that's what we did. Made lasagna. Made salad. Shared a bottle of wine and watched the ever so uplifing Carnivale on
HBO. It was the most memorable V-Day yet.
Oh, yeah, and the flower bouquet that I received at work? Nice work Lothario Bloom...
Rant Out.
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Rant. What this space is for. And why Pottery Barn STINKS.
I am buying a mirror. 18x42, Antique Beaded Copper Mirror. It's perfect for the apt. AND we have a gift certificate from Marc and Amy (THANKS!). I called last week, the 59th and Lex store, to see if they had this particular mirror. YES, they said, we do! Great. I put it on hold. Work got crazy and I never got there. So, I called back and kept it on hold. Then, I called, Monday, and talked to someone new at this PB. 18x42, Antique Beaded Copper Mirror? YES, we have that at this store! GREAT! Can I put it on hold? Ah, yes, life got busy again this week, 3 days in a row. Each time, I called to make sure they had that particular mirror, and yes they did.
FINALLY, today I walk all the way up to this PB, (it's about 4 degrees. HELLO, winter.). I'm so excited to pick up my mirror. They hand me a mirror, that is the wrong one. Hmmm...this mirror isn't 18x42. Because this mirror is SQUARE. 18X42 is a rectangle. "Sorry, this is the only one we have in the store." I explain, that I have called this store at least 4 times, to see if they carried the 18X42 LONG RECTANGLE mirror. I was told YES! Many times. All they could say was sorry, and that the mirror I wanted is only available by catalog. "ISN;T this something you could have told me many ONE of the FOUR times I asked about this mirror?" So, all that for nothing. Now, I have to order it by catalog and pay $21 in shipping! UGH....
There's more. (Can I go home now, and go to bed, and start this day over?)
AT work, it's donate Blood Day...cool. If we donate, we get a free vacation day! PRETTY awesome.
I'll donate, it's a great cause for them and me. I fill out the lengthy application only to be turned away.
Am I drug addict? Not lately. Have I had sex with a prostitute...um, no. I was turned away because the resort I vacation to in November, Zihuatenejo was one of the resorts on watch for MALARIA. Wow, that's great...I had no idea. So, not allowed to give blood, and NO vacation day.
Poop.
Tomorrow is another day. Yes, Scarlett, and it better be better than this one.
Reading, Hell's Angels by Hunter S. Thompson. Just started it. He's a genius. Thanks goes to whoever brought it to Miguel's last book exchange (St. Jordi day). Hart, did you bring it? It seems like something cool that you'd bring...
BTW: I'll spare people about work details of late. It's too depressing to get into. All that is said is this:
Same assignment since October, changed 10 times. Starting over again today.
But, I have a job, so no rants about the jobbie job.
I am buying a mirror. 18x42, Antique Beaded Copper Mirror. It's perfect for the apt. AND we have a gift certificate from Marc and Amy (THANKS!). I called last week, the 59th and Lex store, to see if they had this particular mirror. YES, they said, we do! Great. I put it on hold. Work got crazy and I never got there. So, I called back and kept it on hold. Then, I called, Monday, and talked to someone new at this PB. 18x42, Antique Beaded Copper Mirror? YES, we have that at this store! GREAT! Can I put it on hold? Ah, yes, life got busy again this week, 3 days in a row. Each time, I called to make sure they had that particular mirror, and yes they did.
FINALLY, today I walk all the way up to this PB, (it's about 4 degrees. HELLO, winter.). I'm so excited to pick up my mirror. They hand me a mirror, that is the wrong one. Hmmm...this mirror isn't 18x42. Because this mirror is SQUARE. 18X42 is a rectangle. "Sorry, this is the only one we have in the store." I explain, that I have called this store at least 4 times, to see if they carried the 18X42 LONG RECTANGLE mirror. I was told YES! Many times. All they could say was sorry, and that the mirror I wanted is only available by catalog. "ISN;T this something you could have told me many ONE of the FOUR times I asked about this mirror?" So, all that for nothing. Now, I have to order it by catalog and pay $21 in shipping! UGH....
There's more. (Can I go home now, and go to bed, and start this day over?)
AT work, it's donate Blood Day...cool. If we donate, we get a free vacation day! PRETTY awesome.
I'll donate, it's a great cause for them and me. I fill out the lengthy application only to be turned away.
Am I drug addict? Not lately. Have I had sex with a prostitute...um, no. I was turned away because the resort I vacation to in November, Zihuatenejo was one of the resorts on watch for MALARIA. Wow, that's great...I had no idea. So, not allowed to give blood, and NO vacation day.
Poop.
Tomorrow is another day. Yes, Scarlett, and it better be better than this one.
Reading, Hell's Angels by Hunter S. Thompson. Just started it. He's a genius. Thanks goes to whoever brought it to Miguel's last book exchange (St. Jordi day). Hart, did you bring it? It seems like something cool that you'd bring...
BTW: I'll spare people about work details of late. It's too depressing to get into. All that is said is this:
Same assignment since October, changed 10 times. Starting over again today.
But, I have a job, so no rants about the jobbie job.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)