The 24/7 Blogging Experiment: Conclusion

Every experiment should have a conclusion. That’s what I learned in my 7th grade science class. Or something like that. Participating in The 24/7 Blogging Experiment was challenging, entertaining, strenuous, intense, and oh-so-wordy. It sure was a lot of blogging in a short amount of time. I’m glad that I did it, although I don’t think that I’ll be able to do it again for a little while. I have a bit of writer’s block. (Okay, that’s a lie. I always have something to say. I’m just overworked.)

I hope you enjoyed some of the things I had to say. I don’t expect you to agree with everything I say; in fact, I hope you disagree with some things because debate is a healthy form of dialogue. All I ask is that you take the time to read what I have to say (and maybe comment, too). Adding my blog to your RSS Reader would also be awesome! I want to thank you for reading my blog. I look forward to continue my writings with you (the reader) in mind. I consider The 24/7 Experiment to be a success. Whether for good or ill, I can now officially call myself a blogger (ah!).



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The Roaring 1920′s

If I could live in any other decade in United States history (as the age I am now), it would have to be the 1920′s. It was a decade of immense economic prosperity and social evolution. It was the era of the flapper, speakeasies, jazz, and week-long dance marathons. The 1920′s brought about a wave of revolutionary inventions: the automobile, airplane, radio, film, TV, Vitamin E, and Penicillin. There were significant (and cool) happenings as well: the woman’s suffrage movement, the Harlem Renaissance, Prohibition, the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb, the Sacco and Vanzetti Case, and the Scopes Monkey Trial.

If I lived in the 1920′s, you’d to find me dancing the night away to a hot jazz band in a speakeasy with bootleg liquor in one hand a flapper girl in the other. Those were the days… It would be all good and fun until my birthday came at the end of the decade (October 29, 1929 also known as Black Tuesday), the great Stock Market Crash of 1929. Then it wouldn’t be so much fun anymore. But if my grandparents could survive the Great Depression, so could I.

The 1920′s also had the best slang. (Found here and here.) These are some of my favorites:

Applesauce, Bee’s Knees, Cat’s Meow, Cat’s Pajamas, Heebie-Jeebies, Hotsy-Totsy, Real McCoy, Spifflicated, Wet Blanket, Whoopee, Zozzled

I’m trying to bring some of these back. Anyone with me?



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Open Up Your Chakra

The other day I had my first Reiki treatment. Reiki is a simple technique, but it is part of a more complicated lifestyle. It is neither massage nor mediation, but a combination of the two. The main thing to know is that it is a Japanese technique used for stress reduction, relaxation, and healing.

My neighbor took some classes and has been offering free treatments to family and friends so that she could practice. I decided to give it a shot, not knowing what it really was about, with an open-mind. The experience was quite interesting to say the least. Basically what happens is that you lie on a table (with your clothes on) and the practitioner places her/his hands on/over different parts of your body. She focused on each of the 12 areas for about five minutes. I kept my eyes closed and ears tuned into the trippy, New Age music. She told me it was fine if I fell asleep, but I really wanted to stay awake to see what I would feel.

What I felt surprised me immensely. Minutes after the first position (hands over eyes and face), my head cleared up. I am not exaggerating this. I was relatively stressed the whole morning and, as usual, I had some much going on inside my head. Nevertheless, I could feel the pressure released and pleasant thoughts filled my mind. I started daydreaming of green pastures and waterfalls. (No joke.) As the treatment continued, my muscles started to loosen up. By the time the hour was up, there was a tingly sensation pulsating throughout my body. I walked around my house feeling light as air. The sensation continued for the larger part of my day. Reiki is my new friend and I will do it again.

I have started to research the philosophy and practice behind Reiki, but reading about chakras, auras, meridians and symbols are making my head spin. According to this website, the “root chakra” is located “between genitals and anus.” Ummm… All I can say is my first treatment was not focused on that area. Maybe that’s next time.

WWDC09

Today is the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference 2009. I’m mad excited about it because they are definitely going to publicly launch the new iPhone OS 3.0, Snow Leopard, and (hopefully!) a new iPhone.

Everything up to this point has been speculation as people rarely know what Apple will actually present during the keynote address. (Sometimes I don’t think even Apple knows what Apple is going to do.) That being said, the rumors have been making my mouth water.

I knew the event started at 10am, but what I didn’t realize was that is in Pacific Standard Time. That means that it doesn’t start here on the East Coast until 1pm. So unfortunately, I’ll be at work during unveiling.

However, both Engadget and Gizmodo are liveblogging the event. Be sure to track the happenings live. (I know I will be.)

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The 24/7 Blogging Experiment

To kickoff my newfound blogging enthusiasm, I’ve decided do something I’m calling “The 24/7 Blogging Experiment.” What is it, you ask? Good question!

The answer: I’m going to write 24 blog posts in 7 days (hence 24/7). I have never written that many posts in such a sort amount of time. Heck, I don’t think I’ve ever even published 24 blog posts. This will be a testament to my dedication to the blog and my time management skills.

What am I going to write about? Everything and anything. Some posts may be controversial, some may be funny, some may be dumb. But what you can be sure of is that by a week from today (Sunday, June 14), I’ll have 24 new blog posts. Crazy, huh?

Let the madness start… NOW!



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Extraordinary vs. Extra Ordinary

I am a firm believer that extraordinary things can happen in the lives of extra ordinary people. Although we live during an uneasy time (with the war, the economy, the global market, etc.), I believe in the power of “ordinary” people to do great things. That’s why I am writing this blog. In posting some of my own memories and experience, I hope you (the reader) will be encouraged to share some of your own. Sometimes it takes looking outside yourself to realize the amazing things you have accomplished and what you have the ability to accomplish in the future. As Jimmy Johnson (American football coach and broadcaster) once said, “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”

Have a great day!

Person Jimmy Johnson

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