Monday, May 17, 2021
Friday, May 14, 2021
A Theme that Ends Today
This week has been about being out of touch with the music industry.
- On Tuesday, I lamented that out of 93 bands I had heard of 6 bands (6.451612903225806 %)and I have actually listened to 4 bands (4.301075268817204 %), to quote Tuesday's post: I am Soooo Out of Touch with the Music Industry
- On Wednesday, I introduced this blog to Little Big, a band I had never heard of either.
- On Thursday, I wanted to introduce the following acts, but the day got away from me. Warning: Contains Adult Words and images
- Today, the opposite of the bands I introduced on Wednesday and Thursday. The name of the band is Night Verses, their drummer is Aric Importa. Enjoy!
Thursday, May 13, 2021
A Few Days Late
I am adding to the milestones that happen every May 7th.
- Karen's birthday
- Alex's graduation from UNI
- High School Prom and now
- Anniversary of Pantera Release 'The Great Southern Trendkill'
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
So This is Funny
Editor's Note: Please make sure that you notice the text in the green box before clicking the link below...
SATIRE: Fran McCaffery Forces Connor McCaffery Into Transfer Portal - Wide Right & Natty Lite
SATIRE: Fran McCaffery Forces Connor McCaffery Into Transfer Portal - Wide Right & Natty Lite
Never Seen This Layout For a Job Ad
Editor's Note: I want to preface this post by stating, quite simply, I am extremely happy to work for my employer and in no way shape or form am I thinking about leaving. I am only writing what I am writing today because I saw something worth writing about earlier today.
I don't write about this topic often so this may come as a shock: I am fascinated by job ads. For over 30 years, which is when I was in my sophomore year at college, I vividly remember scanning the Sunday Classified ads in the Cedar Rapids Gazette because I wanted to find a different job than working at the Spring House Restaurant, but I never found what I was looking for in that section.
Then, when I was nearing graduation from college, I remember scanning the Classified ads in the Cedar Rapids Gazette every day because I wanted to find a full-time, permanent job so that I could leave my job at the Spring House Restaurant. Eventually, I saw the ad for APAC Teleservices in late summer of 1992 and was eventually hired to work for that company.
However, my scanning of the Classified ads never waned.
When I was hired at my first Technical Writer position at NDP, I continued to scan the Classified ads in the Cedar Rapids Gazette because I felt like I should move on to another company. Eventually, I saw the ad for Jordan Systems in January 1998 and was eventually hired to work for that company.
However, my scanning of the Classified ads never waned.
When I was working at Jordan Systems, I learned that there was economic uncertainty within the company. I was shifted from Technical Writer to Data Entry in order to generate revenue for the company. I continued to scan the Classified ads in the Cedar Rapids Gazette because I felt like I should move on to another company, especially given the fact that Karen was pregnant with our second child. Eventually, I saw the ad for Quintrex Data Systems in August 1998 and was eventually hired to work for that company.
However, my scanning of the Classified ads in the Cedar Rapids Gazette never waned. If anything, it pushed me to what became an obsession for me between 2004 and 2010, when the Internet "happened".
When I was working at Quintrex Data Systems, I longed to find a part-time gig to supplement my income. I dreamed of working at Quintrex Data Systems during the day and then running my own Technical Writing Consulting Business (I called it the TWCB) after work. I was able to do that, through contract work with HiMARKS, Collective Data, and the company that has a software called "Help & Manual" at various points in time during my dozen years at Quintrex Data Systems. However, I also was seeking a different permanent full-time Technical Writer job for various reasons. I looked at all sorts of job ads for local as well as non-local companies. I had a sub-folder of bookmarks for local companies so I could review any new openings on a regular basis. Eventually, I saw the ad for the Unnamed Hellhole in southern Iowa on their website and was eventually hired to work for that company.
And I'll end the story there, just because of the sheer repetition of this post may be lulling you to sleep.
My point is that I have looked at hundreds, if not thousands, of job ads in my lifetime and today was my first time seeing a "regular" job ad with a two-column layout. Sure, I've seen two-column ads in newspapers, but I don't recall seeing an online ad. To be clear, no, there's nothing exciting about a two-column layout. Certainly, I'm not going to apply for this position with O.C. Tanner in Salt Lake City, UT. I just had never seen it in the 30 years that I have looked at job ads.
The Art and Science of Music Mashups and Remixes
I have not watched this talk but, like many things in life, I am creating this post to remind me to do so.
I think this topic has nothing to do with Technical Writing, but I'm open to the opportunity to learn that it actually does! The Art and Science of Music Mashups and Remixes
Guest: DJ Robin Skouteris
Host: Scott Abel
May 5 2021 | 63 mins
Join me for a conversation with world-renowned DJ and music producer, Robin Skouteris, about the art and science behind music mashups. We’ll chat about his career in the music industry and how he repurposes music and vocals from previously recorded tracks to create mashups and remixes of popular songs. We’ll view some of Skouteris’ recent video mashup collaborations and you’ll be able to ask questions of Robin about his mashup and music mixing process.
More Evidence that I am Out of Touch
Yesterday, I wrote about being out-of-touch with the music industry and today, I offer more evidence. Apparently, there's a band called Little Big. Apparently, Little Big attracts enough fans to fill a stadium. I don't know if Little Big has toured in America and if I missed seeing them or if they are an act that only plays in Europe.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Words to Ponder
Today's Erick Erickson column is stellar:
Source: To A Conscience Pricked More Than Christ's On the Cross
You either forgive or you do not. If you forgive, you move on. Clinging to the hurt, the anger, the rage, or the tribal perception of infidelity may make one feel powerful, in control, or protected, but it is actually signaling a desire to not be Christ like. It is a desire for more than Christ allows for those who chose to become Christ like. Forgiveness is essential in politics, religion, and life. Forgiveness does not mean many things. But it does mean forgiveness and that, in turn, means one must choose to move on and not linger. Christ Jesus, after moving on from forgiving, no longer lingered on the cross, but died and conquered death. For too many, lingering and refusing to forgive makes us feel alive and powerful. But we have to die to sleights and rage to fully live as we are meant by Christ to live.
Source: To A Conscience Pricked More Than Christ's On the Cross
I am Soooo Out of Touch with the Music Industry!
I don't think this is a sudden new reality in my life. Instead, for as much as I have always tried to have my finger on the pulse of the music industry, I have continuously been overwhelmed by the number of bands that exist. I still receive "music industry-related" emails from publicists and often, the bands that are in these emails that advertise a new album or EP often have existed for decades, but only through the email do I learn of their existence. Several years ago, I realized that for every band I know and like, there's a strong possibility that other bands exist that (likely) sound very similar to the bands I like - their existence has just never made it to my finger that was trying to feel the pulse of the music industry, for whatever reason. Just because I haven't heard of the band doesn't mean that they didn't exist, to paraphrase and re-purpose the saying "If a tree falls and no one hears it, did it make a sound?" For me, if a band exists and tours and I don't know of its existence, does that band exist? Well, of course, the answer is yes.
So, at this festival later this year, there's a list of bands that are playing. In fact, this is the list of bands that are playing in alphabetical order. If a band is in bold below, it is a band I have heard of in the past. I am making a distinction between hearing of a band and actually listening to a band. A band that I have listened to is in bold/italics below.
Spoiler Alert: I've heard of 6 bands (6.451612903225806 %)and I have actually listened to 4 bands (4.301075268817204 %), which means I'm at a pitiful point in my music awareness. I imagine that the target audience for this festival knows over 90 % of the bands in this list.
Here is the list of bands playing at the Firefly Festival in Delaware in September 2021:
- Almost Monday
- Aluna
- Anna of the North
- Arlo Parks
- Atlas Genius
- Badflower
- Band of Horses
- Big Wild
- Billie Eilish
- Binki
- Blackbear
- Blossom
- Cage The Elephant
- Cannons
- Caribou
- Carolesdaughter
- Cassy
- Chris Lake
- Claud
- Clever
- Clozee
- Deep Sea Diver
- Denzel Curry
- Des Rocs
- Diplo
- Dominic Fike
- Duckwrth
- Duke Dumont
- Elohim
- Flo Milli
- GG Magree and Mija
- girl in red
- Glass Animals
- Gracie Abrams
- Grandson
- iann dior
- Jordy
- Judah and the Lion
- JXDN
- Kenny Mason
- Kennyhoopla
- Khruangbin
- The Killers
- Kim Petras
- Laundry Day
- Lizzo
- Lost Frequencies
- Lovelytheband
- LP Giobbi
- Machine Gun Kelly
- Madds
- Madeon
- Marc Rebillet
- Maria Isabel
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Michigander
- Middle Kids
- Missio
- Mt. joy
- Nelly
- Noga Erez
- Oliver Tree
- ONR
- Orion Sun
- Peach Pit
- Phoebe Bridgers
- Portugal. the Man
- Positive Movement Drumline
- redveil
- Remi Wolf
- REZZ
- Ritt Momney
- Roddy Ricch
- Role Model
- Royal & The Serpent
- Rossy
- Rozet
- Serena Isioma
- Slander
- $NOT
- Sofi Tukker
- St. Panther
- Still Woozy
- Sub Urban
- Surf Mesa
- Sylvan Esso
- Taking Back Sunday
- Tame Impala
- Tate McRae
- Trevor Daniel
- Turnstile
- White Reaper
- Wiz Khalifa
Monday, May 10, 2021
Some Music Info
- Rocker Reaction: "Just a Bullet Away" (Metallica)
- Metallica's James Hetfield 'Skeptical' of Getting COVID Vaccine
- Ghost's 'Cirice' in the Style of Metallica
Metal Trump!
I used to have these videos on one of my "Get Your Political Opinions Here" pages but I decided that, someday, I would want to watch these videos but would not remember on which of those pages - there are many! - I would find them. Thus, here's a dedicated post to this genius who created these videos!
Go Ahead Take Your Top Off
If I wanted to have one of these, Daniel, my nephew, would make one for me.
Two of these Things are Not Like the Others - Two of these Things Do NOT Have Correct Code
I received this email today and noticed how the first two sections are centered while the second two sections are not. I chalk this up to not reviewing the email prior to sending it. As a technical writer, I'm constantly trying to make sure I don't have typos or errors in the documentation I create and then distribute. I have this quote taped to the outside of my cubicle at work:
I do my best proofreading after I click Send.
This email is an example of why that saying exists.
This Kind of Title - Love the Tease!
This is not the first time I've seen a headline that is written in this compelling writing style.
When I read it, I have no idea what the "big change" is, but I want to know what it is because it "may leave customers speechless."
What I wanted to point out is that the "big change" is a new policy that states when you, as a customer - and for the record, it's an interesting shift to call someone on a plane a "customer" instead of a "passenger" - order a drink on a Southwest Airlines plane, you no longer say, "I'll have a Pepsi please." Instead, you are to point at the drink menu to give your order. That's the reason a customer is speechless!
My initial thought was that "speechless" meant that the customer was going to be shocked and unable to form a coherent sentence or response after this "big change" that Southwest Airlines announced. Instead, it's not that at all because the customer no longer speaks when ordering a drink. How clever!
In my daily work, I don't have the opportunity to really write clever titles like this. My titles are more along the lines of specifying the subject of a topic because I'm working with Disaster Recovery documentation or a Knowledge Article in a Knowledge Repository. I couldn't have a title that said, "[Name of Department] announced a big change that may reshape the way a vendor is contacted if there is a disaster situation" even though that does have a certain ring to it. Technical Writers are not afforded the opportunity to write headlines often.
To read the entire article, see this link: Southwest Airlines announced a big change that may leave customers speechless.
Friday, May 7, 2021
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Monday, May 3, 2021
The New U of I President is 63
Big news in Iowa City!
Barbara J. Wilson named Iowa’s 22nd president
Barbara J. Wilson, executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs for the University of Illinois System, will become the 22nd president of the University of Iowa on July 15. The Board of Regents, State of Iowa, announced Wilson as its unanimous selection at its meeting in Iowa City on Friday.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to lead a premier research university in the Big Ten, and I am excited to hit the ground running,” Wilson said after her selection as the next president. “I look forward to working with University of Iowa faculty, staff, students, and community members to continue the rich legacy of research and creative scholarship that exists on this campus. And I look forward to joining the rest of Hawkeye nation in saying, 'Go Hawks!'”
Sandy Daack-Hirsch, associate professor and interim executive associate dean of the College of Nursing, and John Keller, dean of the Graduate College, served as co-chairs of the 21-member search committee charged with recruiting and vetting applicants for the position.
“Our faculty, staff, and students make up the heart of our great research university,” Daack-Hirsch said. “We expect that Barbara Wilson will bring her unique experiences and skills to forge partnerships that will make a lasting impact on the lives of everyone on campus and across the state.”
Wilson brings extensive leadership experience to her role as UI president. Since 2016, she has served as executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs for the University of Illinois System, which enrolls more than 90,000 students across three main campuses and includes a 462-bed hospital. Before that, she served one year as interim chancellor for the Urbana-Champaign campus, a top-ranked land grant research institution with more than 45,000 students and nearly 2,000 tenure-track faculty.
Wilson’s other administrative roles at Illinois have included two years as the university’s Harry E. Preble Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, two years as executive vice provost for faculty and academic affairs, three years as vice provost for academic affairs, and seven years as head of the Department of Communication.
Wilson’s research interests include the social and psychological effects of the media. She is co-author or co-editor of four books and has authored more than 80 research articles, book chapters, and technical reports.
Before joining the Illinois faculty in 2000, Wilson was an assistant professor at the University of Louisville for three years and a faculty member at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) for 12 years. She also spent eight years as director of graduate studies in UCSB’s Department of Communication.
A native of Appleton, Wisconsin, Wilson earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, a Master of Arts in communication arts, and a PhD in communication arts, all from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
She is married to John Lammers and they have two grown daughters.
Wilson, 63, will succeed Bruce Harreld, who served as Iowa’s president from November 2015 to May 2021. Harreld announced in October 2020 his intent to retire. Keller will serve as interim president after Harreld’s last day on May 16 until Wilson begins.
Get to know Barbara J. Wilson
START DATE: July 15.
CURRENT POSITION: Executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs for the University of Illinois System.
PREVIOUS POSITIONS: Interim chancellor for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus; tenure-track faculty; the Harry E. Preble Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; two years as executive vice provost for faculty and academic affairs; three years as vice provost for academic affairs; and seven years as head of the Department of Communication, all at the University of Illinois.
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts in journalism, Master of Arts in communication arts, and PhD in communication arts, all from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
PERSONAL: Married to John Lammers; they have two grown daughters.
Friday, April 30, 2021
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