“I hate umbrellas,” the woman behind the counter sighs as she chats up the regulars. “They’re expensive and cheap. They cost money but then break really fast. I actually have a great one that I refuse to use on a windy day.” I feel the same way. Most umbrellas are crap quality and cumbersome. Could… Continue reading Take an Umbrella, Leave an Umbrella
Author: Alicia
Julia’s house (Assyrian lessons from a 3 yr old)
This is a couple weeks ago. Seana’s in town and we go visit our cousin Natasha and her 3 year old Julia. Natasha has a little bit of work to do so we offer to watch Julia so she can finish (and so we can get on with the drinking and eating). Julia is smart… Continue reading Julia’s house (Assyrian lessons from a 3 yr old)
The Youth, they run oh so much
Young people run places. This might seem like a discovery to you, but I was surprised. At 29, I thought I was young. But when I find myself in a situation where I am faced with 20 year olds, I realize that I am indeed not oh so young. Hooray for me. Two examples to… Continue reading The Youth, they run oh so much
Big Apple Shrinks, Cause Unknown
The last time I was in New York was in 2006. I was 23. I had just graduated from college with a degree in art history. I did not own a computer or a smartphone – papers were written on computers in the basement of the school’s library. I was making about $200/week as an… Continue reading Big Apple Shrinks, Cause Unknown
Market segments slice us up: why I care little about your age, race, sex
I hate market segmentation. At best, it’s boring. At worst, it’s misleading. I don’t trust it. I especially hate using market segments for small studies. How much do you really have in common with someone just because they are your same age and race? And why should I care? I’m not talking about cultural identity,… Continue reading Market segments slice us up: why I care little about your age, race, sex
Hats off to Cooper Artist Housing Open Studios
I had a blast at the open studios event at Cooper Artist Housing in West Seattle this past weekend. Painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, writers, actors, musicians galore opened their homes and talents to the public for a fun-filled Saturday. Here’s a peak inside: These beauts are on sale! I Heart You http://www.etsy.com/listing/96607400/i-heart-you-postcard Mon Amour Mon… Continue reading Hats off to Cooper Artist Housing Open Studios
Why my dislike of new Caltrain cars makes me so American
“It’s because you’re American,” he tells me when I explain why I prefer riding the old Caltrain cars over the fancy, bright newer ones. I should add that I’m insulted by this statement. I have never thought of myself as living by American ideals and tend to deplore how individualistic, capitalistic, consumer-driven, car-centric, puritanical, conservative,… Continue reading Why my dislike of new Caltrain cars makes me so American
Making Culture Through Experiments – Notes on Culturematic
I just read Grant McCracken’s new book Culturematic. (Finally, an anthropologist who writes like a human!) Here are some notes, not a review, just notes to help me keep track of ideas. – A culturematic is a little machine for making culture. It is designed to test the world, discover meaning, and unleash value (p.3)… Continue reading Making Culture Through Experiments – Notes on Culturematic
Over-personalized. Google, I need some space.
Google’s constantly being praised and criticized for its products and policies. This means it’s right where it should be, on the edge, always pushing the boundaries of technology and users’ comfort levels. In general, I love Google products. “Googling” is probably my main go-to internet activity. What’s the population of Argentina? Google it. How many… Continue reading Over-personalized. Google, I need some space.
The Hairiest Ballerina (A Fictional Tale)
There once was a hairy little girl, named Harriet, who wanted more than anything to be a ballerina. She pranced and twirled all day long, swan-diving off furniture pretending to be in a professional production. Her parents could see her enthusiasm and agreed to buy her pink ballet slippers, a little tutu, and lessons. Hairy… Continue reading The Hairiest Ballerina (A Fictional Tale)