Homemade Modern

Everytime I come across Todd Oldham, I'm impressed with his creativity, his vision and aesthetic. Somehow I just just stumbled across a series of his from HGTV that I had completely missed, Homemade Modern on HGTV. There are a few videos of Todd making side tables and ottomans and wall art with some very special celebrities like Amy Sedaris, Joan Jett, and Jeffrey Tambor, respectively. Check them out here!

It's just a shame that Top Design was cancelled.

OS X Chess

I've been playing a lot of chess lately. The "Crazyhouse" chess game in OS X is great...chess with the element of surprise. Basically, as you take you opponent's piece, it goes into a holding area where you can then put it back into play--for your team! It's a cool concept, it's just too bad that the Chess application is still buggy even in 10.4.11. For example, make a bad move and hit undo (Take Move Back), the computer will continue to move. I've had the computer put invisible pieces into play numerous times and have lost to these invisible piece several time. Fair? I think not!

Have you experienced these same bugs?

A year ago, I was looking for a new watch. My Seiko 5 automatic was a great watch, but I'd decided that automatic watches were impractical. After weekends sans watches, I'd have a wound down, unreliable watch on Monday mornings and the day/date feature was always wrong on the 1st. I knew that I wanted to replace it with another classy watch that had perpertual calendar and that did not run on a self-winding mechanism ("automatic"). Moreover, I had dropped the Seiko and a replacement crystal was going to cost $50. I figured that I could find a replacement for a little bit more and be more pleased with the replacement. After, I had 3 good years of use from the Seiko given to me in college.

I began scouring the internet looking at very expensive watches like Rolex, Piaget, Cartier, Montblanc, Omega, Oris, Hamilton, as well as some low end watches like Timex. I pursued the high end watch market mostly hoping to admire the design. In general, I found most of the high end watches unattractice and few met my criteria. An automatic watch with a perpetual calendar would cost the same price as a new car and I was in way ready to make the plunge More than that, it's interesting to note that although pricier, automatic watches are less accurate than quartz (battery-operated) watches such as Timex and especially digital watches like Casio.

I had resolved (without much thought or strong conviction) to only wear a Timex, Citizen or Seiko watch mostly because my parents wore these brands. I was soon on my way to looking at the Citizen Eco Drive line and, in particular, the 8700, part of their Calibre line. Just a notch below their 9000 line which are handmade in a sterile environments like Swiss watches (or computer components), it has a handsome face, a leather band with a butterfly clasp and perpetual calendar with day and date. In addition, it's powered by solar power--natural and artificial light keep the watch charged, so their is not need to wear it daily or keep it on a winder. It also features a travel time zone and an alarm (which I set to chime at noon).

A year later, I can still say this is the best watch I have ever owned. The quality is very high and it continues to wear well and keep good time. It's a powerful watch that looks great with a suit or jeans and thanks to eBay, it was only $100--much less than the retail! I do miss the thermometer/worldtime Casio I had in 3rd grade, but this Citizen reminds me that time is precious, that I am now and adult and it reminds me of my father.

everydaylife

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Million Dollar Ideas 11/29/2007

Sure, one day I'll have Billion dollar ideas, but that will be largely due to inflation. So today, I am creating inflation with my MILLION DOLLAR ideas:

1) Holiday shopping at the mall and can't find what you need? Walk over to the AMAZON.COM KIOSK....by making small Amazon service centers, users without accounts or not comfortable using the Internet can get assistance from Amazon personnel who can also track their packages, essentially providing a full-serve solution (as opposed to self-serve).

2) Organic Pepsi. The health nuts will eat (or drink it up)...it would be naturally sweetened with condensed fruit juice, agave or honey (a la Mani's on Fairfax). I think it was Billy Idol who once commented that Coca Cola is a social equilizer because no matter how much money you have, you drink the same Coke as the lower class. C'mon, people, let's get elitist! Sell it at Whole Foods for mad profit! Sell it as an upgrade to McDonald's combos.

Spend more this holiday season. It's the American way!

Send checks and money orders to David ben-Avram.


Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Get Sick

I scream, you scream we all scream for ice cream. But what if ice cream in your new town was different, foreign? Would you still scream for it?

Call these characters the heterosexual Village People, but just don't these Blue Bell treats ice scream! All I know is that Texas ice cream, for better or worse, is not ice cream! It's entertainment!


















Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Norman Mailer

I somehow survived 25 years on this earth with only minimal knowledge of Norman Mailer. Now, after his passing, I am hugely wishing I had read him, watched his interviews, studied him. The best I can recount is reading "The White Negro" in an American Studies class. Search The Huffington Post and I'm sure one of the more than 2500 references will pique your interest.



Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Please tell Fullerton that I love her!

Life Could Not Be Sweeter

Than having cake at work!





Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

American Girls, Dallas

What a cute store...full of educational dolls for girls. Can't they do something about about the way the dolls sit? It's not very lady-like.









Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Courtesy of the Huffington Post Daily Brief

Gentle Readers,
I encourage you all to subscribe to the Huffington Post Daily Brief. The introduction for today's e-mail was uniquely amusing:

Even with brutal economic news to serve as an incentive, will Michelle Malkin, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh and their ilk sacrifice for the war effort by purchasing less Islamofascist gasoline for their Ford F-150 Microphalluses? No way. Too moonbatty. Devising new and hilariously clever agitprop words like "Defeatocrats" is clearly more patriotic than actually addressing the principle source of global and domestic instability: oil and gasoline.

Why I miss LA

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Notes to a friend

Work is a little slow. For the most part, I spend between 8 and 9
hours a day taking online classes. So far, I've completed a lot of
stuff on Medical Terminiology which should be coming in handy with my
nursing career and I'm studying ICD-9s now and then I move onto HCPCS.
Do they teach you that stuff in Med School? Well, obviously medical
terminilogy is wasted on you doctors, but what about ICD-9s and HCPCS?

Things are going better since she's been out here. We celebrated by
going out to Morton's of Chicago. I'd always wanted to go to Morton's
and it was a pretty awesome meal and the service and experience was
incredible, but the food was way richer than I'm used to you. My
feces looked like an oil spill, which I guess it was!

Let's let that sink in for a minute, shall we?

I've been reading The Areas of My Expertise which is an incredible
book. It's a fake almanac, so it's the kind of thing you can pick up
at your leasure (even forget where you left off) and enjoy it.

Well, I think that's awesome that you are now wooing a Chinese
American. Does she speak English? I hope so!

Seriously, you've had women of all colors now except the very dark ones (black).



Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

My Review of Superdrag's In the Valley of Dying Stars

August 20, 2006, I wrote the following review of Superdrag's In the Valley of Dying Stars on Lala:

The opening track, "Keep It Close to Me," is a rock monster that cannot be slayed. It breathes fire and kills the king's noble knights who come to slay it.

Man, does that ever still ring true. I regret using the verb slay twice in two sentences, but it's true. This album is really the dark side of the band's now reborn Christina frontman, John Davis. It is also a signal that John Davis was a dying star. An alcoholic, he felt the presence of God sometime in the time between this album and following Superdrag album, Last Call for Vitriol (not recommended!). He was living a perilous life of fame and drugs, so thank God that He called John back to make great music.


Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Note from the plane 6-17-07

Boys,
I am writing this from the airplane and sending it when I land.

It was great seeing you both on Saturday.

Dallas is not as horrible as I thought it would be, but I can't say I love it either.

I was offered another job here and I think it is the best fit. It is an analyst position [...]. In particular, this job would have me writing Policy and Procedure as well as training [...]. I told them I would make a decision in 24 hours.

Man, oh, man! The woman next to me is earing some BAD perfume! You'd think I'm pregnant or something! It's so thick I can fart all I want and she'll never know.

The weather was hot and humid but not unbearable.

Yo, T-Bone! Thanks for the booze. It saved me a from having to buy a 40 on my way home from Gene's.

And Gene, you only get BETTER WITH AGE. Lots of love.

Oh man, now that was a BAD fart. I wouldn't be surprised if American Airlines deducts from frequent flyer miles from me for that one! It might've just broken the pressure-control mechanism in the cabin!

Love,

Your secret admirer



Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Last Night at the Galleria

The Galleria, for those of you who do not know, is a large mall in North Dallas with many high end stores and boutiques (Louie Vuitton, Versace, Gucci, et. al.), some of my favorites (Brooks Brothers, and Kate Spade) and some of the usual crap which can also be blamed for the sad state of affairs in the US (Abercrombia, American Eagle, Old Navy, et. al.). Yesterday marked the grand opening of the American Girl Boutique and Bistro.

In true Dallas fashion, the masses came because the masses in Dallass are generally fat, lazy, irresponsible consumers. So, it was no surprise to see that while I was walking to the Galleria that the Dallas Police Department was on site to direct traffic. I walk to the Galleria a few times a week because it close, clean and safe. Dallas is not a bike-friendly or walking-friendly city, so I must choose my destination carefully. When I came to the corner where I normally cross Alpha Road (near Nordstrom*), overambitious cops blew whistles and stopped traffic for me although I was comfortable waiting for a break in traffic. I do suppose that the site of foot traffic confuses many drivers here in Dallas!

So inside the mall, I began people watching. I was amazed by how many bellies take their people for a walk--that is to say that the belly moves first and the body follows. It's a very sad site to see couples walking and the men have larger breasts than their wives. Oh, but you will see it here in Dallas!

Then I began considering the traffic within the stores. The department stores are always predictably busy, as are the Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy-pseudo department store. Coach attracts good traffic, but then as I sat across from The Original Levi's Store, I was amazed by how empty their store was. They have great products, a good return policy and are even doing some very responsible things. I recently purchased a paid of 539 Vintage Eco jeans there for around $12. Organic cotton, dark wash, great fit for $12 (albeit made in Indonesia)! Maybe they verbally abuse their patrons? Maybe someone farted really badly in there?

My wife had the solution (yes, Levi's, she's a photographer and we're available for consulting!): The window displays. When you consider the interaction between the layout of the store, which to my eyes looked great, you realize that there are no faces visible. My wife's suggestion is to post huge photos in the windows. Photos with hot models looking right at you. She cited studies showing that magazines that had cover models looking away sell fewer copies that copies of the same magazine with the models looking deep into the camera (and, consequently, you). My suggestion for Levi's, aside from giving us 1 billion dollars, is to consider focusing in on two of their core images: rockers and cowboys. Hot rockers (not even a real band, unless you really want indie cred) but a group of hot models with guitars and drums and rock equipment or a sexy cow-boys and -girls in tight Levi's.

Levi's, you are making a great product, but you need to sell it. I buy it, but we need to get people in the door. It's a large store, but empty. My wife has suggestions for the women's line as well.

Cheers!

*Gentle readers, the proper name of the department store Nordstrom is Nordstrom. Please do not let me catch you saying Nordstrom's! I will find something organic starting with the letter "S" and force you to eat it! That will serve to remind you that there is only 1 "S" in Nordstrom.


Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Impact (2002)

Considering the minute, interrelated details within nature that both decorate our world and sustain life, they must be protected. This statement, however, becomes increasingly difficult to act upon. Everyday decisions profoundly affect this delicate balance. Nearly everything one eats, wears, or purchases is a vote either for or against maintaining the balance of nature. The key to preserving the future health of the planet is awareness; noticing the impact of decisions. From there, one can make educated decisions regarding their consumer habits.
Eating fast food generates large amounts of waste. Ordering, for example, a McDonald's Big Mac, one will receive, in addition to the hamburger, a cardboard box for the hamburger, a paper bag, a fistful of catsup packets and a stack of napkins over an inch thick. Choosing to not order fast food, a responsible consumer can instead choose to use reusable lunchbags and choose a proper amount of condiments and napkins. Obviously, doing so also eliminates the unnecessary cardboard box.
Beyond the amount of paper waste generated by fast food, the food choices one makes can also easily change the health of the planet. In the United States, fifty-six per cent of farmland is devoted to cattle production-with surprisingly low yields. Producing one pound of beef requires sixteen pounds of grains and soybeans. Because of the tremendous amount of land spent on meat production, it is perhaps the best example of consumers' unawareness. If Americans reduced the amount of meat in their diets by ten per cent, one million people could be adequately fed. Consequently, eating less meat means that there are fewer animals to pollute and fewer expended resources. (1)
The ecological results of beef production are astonishing, as resources required to raise cattle are spent in inefficient ways. Although a pound of wheat requires twenty-five gallons of water to produce, a pound of California beef requires five-thousand. One calorie of soybeans requires two calories of fossil fuel energy, whereas one calorie of beef requires seventy-eight calories. Like automobile exhaust, the cattles' flatus pollutes our air. Ecological problems such as the endangered rain forests, the extinction of species and global warming also largely result from meat production. Central and South American countries cut down forests for their cattle to graze, including the rain forests. (1)
Resources, obviously, are also needed for making human life tolerable. As the summer months heat up, Americans turn on their air conditioning units. However, there are more environmentally-friendly alternatives. One can plant shade trees outside one's home, particularly around windows, or allow ivy to grow on the side of one's home. The ivy acts as a natural insulation. Synthetic insulation in the walls of a house and proper weather-stripping around windows can also help maintain comfortable temperatures. In addition, double pane windows help to insulate and can also dramatically lower energy costs. One may also consider an attic exhaust fan to displace hot air into the attic. However, if one must use the air conditioning, setting the thermostat to start at slightly higher temperatures for air conditioning and lower temperatures for cooling saves energy, preserving a limited resource. In winter months, several of the same rules apply as they to summer. This same ivy continues to insulate-keeping one's house warmer. However, shade trees should be cut back to allows the sun's warmth in. (2)
Other ideas to protect our limited resources can help keep one cool or warm without fossil fuels. High quality clothes in traditional styles will last for years without repair or replacement. When drying clothes in a clothes drier, running a shorter cycle (by about fifteen minutes) will save both energy and wear and tear on the clothes. And regardless of season, dressing accordingly is a dramatic energy saver. In summer months, lightweight, light colored clothes made from breathable materials helps one to maintain a comfortable body temperature. In cold weather, warm clothes, such as wool sweaters help one stay comfortably warm. During cold nights, using warm blankets rather than central heating also helps lower costs. (2)
The United States of America has stringent pollution standards regarding the manufacturing of goods. Surprisingly, though, some seemingly All-American companies such as Vans shoes, which promote a California-image, moved production of several shoes overseas where restrictions on pollution are far less rigorous, if existent.
The motivations to protect the balance of nature and, consequently, the future of the planet can come from any number of sources. Christians may cite God's instruction for man to oversee the earth. Health minded individuals will explain that they must eat properly and protect the air that they breathe. Becoming educated and educating others on what one can do to protect our resources is very important. The most beneficial methods are often simple and save money, which is sure to influence other to follow suit. The changes one person makes are likely to have a domino affect, as one life is intertwined to dozens more.


(1) Robins, John. Diet for a New America. H. J. Kramer. 1987.
(2) Ehrlich, Paul R. and Anne H. Ehrlich. The End of Affluence. Ballantine Books. 1974.

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

The Color of Clouds (2004)

The wind was strong and blew away
the dark, grey clouds.
I watched them roll away.


And as the sky became blue,
you said there were no clouds
I said that they were blue



I see clouds even with my eyes shut
I see blue skies and blue clouds
Even through fog and I see sunbeams after sunset

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

What is Seven Sigma?

I'm a visionary. A Visionary with a Vision.

Today, I announce to the entire WORLD the next great leap in the world of production:

SEVEN SIGMA

You may already be familiar with Six Sigma, and may even be surprised to know that Seven Sigma already exists (Sam Adams Beer, which is actually the first project that I consulted on).

The seven sigma follows the other DMAIC Six Sigma process and is simply this: Search and Destroy.

Search and Destroy is an approach that means different things in different industries. For example in the case of Samuel Adams, I took a democratic approach to Search and Destroy. In their industry (food and beverage), freshness is crucial component, so ensuring a fresh glass of beer means actively seeking ("searching") for stale beer and replacing it ("destroy").

In politics and other dirty business (e.g., mafia, stripping), the approach is tailored, or engineered for maximum results.

Let's explore stripping:

Strip clubs are obvious landmarks. Men everywhere know where the closest strip club is located, so the search is vastly simpler than finding old beer. So, then we can move onto Part B of the Seventh Sigma: destroy

Destroying a strip club is easily accomplished with explosives, but other methods may desired. For example, sending gay men into strip clubs can prove to be a turn off to many patrons, or their affections may be quickly transferred from the lewdly-clad or nude women to the men in the bar. "Destroyment" complete.



For all of your business consulting needs, be sure to contact David ben-Avram!


Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Who Am I?

I would rather reply, "I am," than, "I will." Following ambition, and the teachings of Christ, who saw with eyes that had seen heaven, I aim to promote the wealth of my private heart through my public life—not yielding to strife and persecution. I aim to know men, yet be unlike them, transformed with this Knowledge. My transgressions to juvenilia and diffidence are many but my aim is to be girded in the Strength of Him who bore my sins. Indeed, I intend to put off all impurities. I implore to live a life of good, knowing the truths of Christ are Truths for all men. I deny evolution because the wonder of Creation and the irreducible complexities of the world deny it. As the curtain of the temple was torn, the temple came to be within me and here within these vestments of flesh, I celebrate Him.

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Social Advocacy

If you caught Bill Cosby on Oprah yesterday, you were shaken to the core. He spoke poignantly about a number of social dilemmas shaking and (mis)shaping America today. He and his co-author, Dr. Alan F. Poussaint, spoke powerful to the problems the intercities face. With a core of family, the problems can be turned around, but it takes courageous action! He reminded parents that you do not need to knock before entering your child's room, it is your house! Remember they are the child and you are the adult, responsible for the proper rearing of your children!

The Huffington Post's Earl Ofari Hutchinson drew a powerfully incorrect conclusion that Cosby is saying, "Stripped away it's the same stock claim that blacks can't read, write or speak coherent English, and are social and educational cripples and failures." Well, as a half-African American, can I take this analysis at face value? Hell no! Hutchinson draws this conclusion with out substantiation and struggles with the simplest understanding of the book. Observe his review:

Here are two choice Cosby whoppers from the opening pages of the book:

"There are whole blocks with scarcely a married couple, whole blocks without responsible black males"

This is a big, sweeping unsupported by any survey, stats, or factual data to back it up. And:

"The problems start early for black boys, and we can all see it. Call it ADHD or learning differences. Young black males can act up a Level 5 storm in class."

Here's another big unsubstantiated statement and there's those broad brush indicting words "all" see it" (who is all?); "young black males" (all young black males?); and they act up a level 5 storm (all black males are disruptive in class?)

The first statement is descriptive and something that I believe at Mr. Cosby's word. Perhaps its my middle class sensibility speaking, but when I drive through certain LA neighborhoods, I get nervous. It is always the men of these neighborhoods that scare me. A responsible male does not need make threatening stares and postures to cars driving down the street. We are more (for back of a better word) evolved than that. Dogs chase strange cars on their street. Not men! I am far from a threatening person and my car, a beige 1994 Camry is ubiquitous and clean. Clearly not the car of a yuppie or drug dealer.

The second statement that Hutchinson attempts to discredit is a generalization without question and could be rewritten with more tact. I would hope there is support later in the book, but it is an easy cop-out for Hutchinson to say that it carried no merit. More over, I believe Hutchinson has taken an easy way out in the way quoted a single line from the book.

Having worked for four year in Special Education, I can attest that many of the students were capable of far greater work. There are issues that run deep causing children to perform at low levels in the classroom: family issues, emotional issues, self esteem and others.

Underprivileged children are perhaps most underprivileged by the lack of support they receive at home. Absent parents open opportunity for their children to get involved in the first group (or loudest) group in the community that calls for them. This may be a youth center, or it may be a gang, but as the parents remain absent, older siblings raise younger siblings and follow in the path of their blood-surrogates.

Hutchinson points to statistics (ironically without citation!) that homicide, physical assualt, and teen pregnancy are at decade-plus lows! Sir, I will accept your numbers on your authority. As I do with Dr. Cosby and Dr. Poussaint. That said, as an analyst myself, I would be interested to see the statistics drilled down to look at both class and race. Those numbers might be more telling, although I make no promise. But we need to be honest in our self-assessment.

Perhaps Hutchinson's greatest concern is my favorite comic (turned activist) is appearing to point his finger at all blacks I think it is abundantly clear from the first statement that Cosby makes that he is especially concerned with the demographics of the inner city.

Although I was initially bewildered by Hutchinson's article, I can see his point of concern more clearly now. The truth hurts. Mr. Cosby, you have come a long way from your early comedy albums and I applaud how courageously you tackle this issue. But perhaps we can address your "gangsta gangsta" appearance at a later date? Suit and sunglasses inside? I understand if your eye was red, but I think that would just make you look crazier and more empowered.


PS Mr. Cosby, if you need a new personal assistant, please e-mail me!

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Re: The Right Note

Start your day off on the right foot...listen to the Right Note!

(Man, should I be writing copy or what?!)

Seriously, though, this is my new favorite thing to listen to all day at work.

Here's their description:

"A premier jazz channel centered on the contemporary works of artists such as Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau and John Scofield, slick fusion driven by the likes of Miles Davis and Jack DeJohnette, and the influential hard-bop of Art Blakey and John Coltrane."

Even if I knew about jazz, I couldn't do any better than Right Note!

(How was that for a great tagline?)

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Get a Cheap Skylight!

If you're like me, the idea of living in fluorescent lighting drives you to drink! Watch Living With Ed, I saw a great product called Solatube. Solatube acts like a cross between a lighbulb and a skylight. To install, a light receptor is installed on the roof and connects to the ceiling of the room with a tube. Using a series of mirrors, the light is reflected and magnified to illuminate the room. From inside the house, the light unit resembles a recessed light, but the light is all natural and is UV-filtered. There are bulbs to fit inside and use like standard lights and black out options to dark a room during the day, if so desired.

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Green Living Links

How can we becoming more enviromentally friendly and green? Well, I'll focus on this topic throughout the blog, but I want to pass a long a few very important sites and resources:

1) Treehugger.com (for all things green)
2) Living With Ed (green living inspiration from actor Ed Begley, Jr.
3) Whole Foods (organic and local produce, and groceries)
4) EO Products (organic personal care, and cleaning products)
5) Inhabitat (green can be beautiful)
6) The Green Guide (by National Geographics)
7) Vivavi Furniture
8) Herman Miller (always one of my favorites, but also very, very green!)
9) Green Lifestyles Furniture

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Top 10 Sitcoms of All Times (in particular order)

1) Arrested Development
2) The Office (BBC)
3) The Office (US)
4) Seinfeld
5) A Bit of Fry and Laurie
6) Freaks and Geeks
7) 30 Rock
8) It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (although, I'm often let down at the end)
9) Malcolm in the Middle
10) Fawlty Towers

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Fountainhead

The 1949 film version of Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead is incredible. Highly recommended!

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

America

When you lose site of who and where me, take a look back at Allen Ginsberg's "America." "America" is phenomenally brilliant in its abiliy to intrigue and repel.

My America is different from Ginsberg's. I live in a distinctly middle-class, heterosexual (almost WASP-y) America, but the mark of Ginsberg's America has been profound on mine.

...tobecontinued...

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Springtime for Hitler

Years prior to the remake of Mel Brooks' The Producers, I lamented my woeful financial state that kept me from seeing one of my favorite comedic actors, Jason Alexander, and Martin Short perform in the clever musical and located a DVD of the 1968 classic film version. Zero Mostel was almost too big for my 20" TV screen. His star power was undeniable. It was, the first time I noticed him in a film and the first time I enjoyed anything from Mel Brooks (Young Frankenstein...yawn!).

Well, I was fortunate to see the recent film version and only Uma Thurman's sexiness saved it from being a total waste of time, but today, as I watch the original film, I am again compelled by the writing and direction of this clever parody!

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Job's Eyes

Sometime in the late 90's, before emo caught fire, it was an underground movement; a secret language of music, fashion and attitude among myself and small band of outsides. We listened passionately to Cursive, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Mineral.

What that has to do with the rest of this post is beyond me, but since I am new at blogging, and you are new to me (nudge, nudge, wink, wink, know what I mean?), I thought I should give you a proper introduction to my depravity.

That and, well, there's a bit of a subconscious link between that and Job's Eyes. You see, on one of those early 2nd wave emo albums (one from one of my then-favorites Far), Tin Cans With Strings to You, there was a song called Job's Eyes. Job, of course, was the story of righteous man who God allowed Satan to torment and throughout his tormenting, Job remained true to his God.

Years later, Arrested Development hit the television. It was a smart mix of Wes Anderson and The O.C. and, one of the smartest sitcoms ever written. The plotlines were heavily muddled and fascinating. Each member of the Bluth family was either more self centered, out of touch, altruistic or criminal than the next. One of the key characters, was Gob (pronounced "Job").

Job, an male stripper (for the Hot Cops), and disbarred magician, rode a Segway. One of Gob's tag line, "I've made a huge mistake," deservingly was used often. Gob, it seems, had a habit of making huge mistakes. Whether sleeping with the ugliest woman on earth when he felt his brother was interested in her (after mistaking his brother Michael's courtesy for flirting), or sleeping with his father's secretary/mistress, Kitty.

There are not many does that I do not think about Arrested Development, but I do not think of it often in my busy office. When I received an invitation to a training on time management with Bill Repp, I was immediately intrigued when I saw this on his profile:

"He is a member of the Society of American Magicians."

Oh, Gob would be a proud. Fortunately, this training over the phone, so there is no danger of Mr. Repp falling into Gob-like fits of tearing off his removable pants!

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

In the Business World

Background

Many of us make friends in the workplace the same way that we do in the supermarket or at the mall. In fact, our coworkers are individuals who often receive us at the our most alert, our best dressed and our best mannered. After all, work is where we go to earn our daily bread.

Yesterday, I participated in a departmental restructing meeting. Presentation after presentation passed with coworkers hand-selected to present their area's processes. They showed flow charts and expanding upon their ideas to tell what they are doing both now and what they intend to do, including changes they intend to make.

On the surface this sounds like a great exercise, but in practice, the real tone of the department raised its ugly head. Presentations given by more tenured members of the team lacked vision. True, on occasion they spoke of the challenges they expect, they told their fellow department members where the team was going, but it still lacked vision.

If something is forward-looking, how can it lack vision?

True, I was fortunate to be part of these meetings. As the newest team member, I feel that it is privilege to see where the department is heading, but when I recognized the gaps (especially those in communication), all the smoke and mirrors in the world could not save the team.

...tobecontinued...


Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Amazon Recommendation

I've been approved to list Amazon.com items and will figure out how to incorporate them into my posts. Here is my first Amazon.com list. It's called Television is King and it includes several of my favorite television series available on DVD. I'll give detailed reviews and some analysis of each separately in future posts.

Happy Sunday!

We're out the door to Stonebriar Community Church. I'm pretty excited it's always a pleasure hearing Chuck Swindol preach.

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram

Welcome

This is the maiden voyage of my blog where I hope to improve the quality of your life with my recommendations of anything lifestyle-related. That includes music, books, movies and houseware. I hope to start posting soon, but am just waiting to start my Amazon.com Associate account.

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram