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User:postsecret
Date:2009-11-15 00:06
Subject:Sunday Secrets
Security:Public




PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people
mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.





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A designer friend told me that the secret inspiration for the new Pepsi logo was the Simpson's Comic Book Guy.















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I wish it was okay for women to talk about poop the way men do. . . Because sometimes I'm proud when I have a particularly big or interesting one and I really want to tell someone about it!





See More Secrets. Follow PostSecret on Twitter.










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User:sachachuawiki
Date:2009-11-14 23:43
Subject:The shy connector’s schedule: making time to breathe
Security:Public

hamsterwheelIt starts innocently enough. You’re asked to attend a meeting next Tuesday. You accept. Your coworkers invite you to lunch on Wednesday. You agree. A friend invites you to her birthday party next week. You put it on your calendar. Then another meeting invitation comes, and another, and another. Networking events, coffee breaks, and presentations crowd into your schedule.

If this has ever made you feel suffocated, exhausted, and in dire need of some alone time, you might be an introvert.

I know it’s difficult to say no to opportunities. I’ve accepted too many invitations and tried to attend too many events. As much as I enjoy learning from people in conversations and conferences, needing to be “on” all the time is incredibly draining. I’m learning how to manage my schedule and how to say no.

It’s important to figure out what works for you. For example, I don’t want to be out late two nights in a row. In fact, I’d rather not be out late at all. This means that before I accept an invitation, I look at my schedule for that time and my schedule for the week, making sure that I’m not trying to pack too much in.

In addition to getting better at saying no, I’m also getting better at scheduling time for myself. I’ve blocked off time on my calendar for planning, working on important tasks, and responding to mail. Sometimes people still schedule meetings during those times, but in general, I can be sure that my day won’t be full of conference calls. I sometimes block off time during evenings and weekends for particular projects, too. If I’m going to travel for a workshop or a presentation, I want to have a quiet week before and after the trip, and I plan accordingly.

</p>

Does this limit opportunities compared to extroverts who are out there schmoozing? Maybe. But I’ve tried running in extrovert mode for extended periods of time, and I can’t do my best if I feel like I’m coming apart. Besides, the things I do in my quiet time—read, write, reflect—also help me connect with people, although in a more introvert-friendly way. It’s better to work with the grain instead of against it.

It’s important to make time to breathe. If you find yourself running ragged because you feel that you have to say yes to everything, stop and slow down. Schedule introvert dates with yourself. Make time for breaks. Say no. You’ll find that the quiet time you give yourself will make it even easier to connect with people when you do, because you’ll be happier and better rested.

What can you do to free up some time for yourself?

Post from: sacha chua :: enterprise 2.0 consultant, storyteller, geek. Check out my blog for tips on managing virtual assistants, Drupal, and other topics!

The shy connector’s schedule: making time to breathe

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User:shinga
Date:2009-11-14 17:57
Subject:
Security:Public
Mood: annoyed

A couple months back my uncle gave me a Versajette M400 printer.

I needed something printed tonight.

PC isn't up and running yet.

Tried with the Mac.

And I cannot find a fucking driver. Bah.

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User:little_joni
Date:2009-11-14 15:54
Subject:Photo Story
Security:Public

I have the newest chapter of "House of Pullip" ready for today, hope you like it. :D

Chapter 415: Announcements )

Bonus Photo:

Gideon's wig finally showed up in the mail yesterday so here he is in his complete form. He didn't quite turn out as I expected, but dang, I love him so much like this! He is one gorgeous boy. <3

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User:sachachuawiki
Date:2009-11-14 20:30
Subject:Reflecting on how I can create value
Security:Public

I reviewed my past eight years of blog posts and dusted off some articles that I think still have some uncaptured value in them.

Public speaking and presentation skills

  1. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/11/11/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-webinar-part-1-front-row-seats/
  2. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/11/12/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-webinar-part-2-from-audience-to-participants/
  3. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/11/13/how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-webinar-part-3-reading-the-room/
  4. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/10/14/7-tips-for-remote-presentations-that-rock/
  5. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/06/24/notes-from-totally-rocking-presentations-at-ibm/
  6. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/10/09/public-speaker-worried-about-losing-control-dont-have-lectures-have-conversations/ or http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/08/14/from-presentations-to-conversations/
  7. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/03/29/virtual-conferences-change-the-game/
  8. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/03/02/want-to-grow-as-a-speaker-look-for-inspiration/
  9. http://sachachua.com/wp/2008/08/04/finding-something-worth-talking-about/
  10. http://sachachua.com/wp/2008/06/12/how-to-scale-presentations-up-or-down-the-art-of-timing/
  11. http://sachachua.com/wp/2008/05/28/dealing-with-stage-fright/

The particular quirks I bring to this are:

  • I link presenting with blogging and connecting, which is a particularly good combination for introverts
  • I’m comfortable giving virtual presentations
  • I love thinking about presentation organization
  • I love flipping the dynamic for presentations (not just “speaker as expert”)
  • I like sketching, and that’s become part of my style

I can create value by:

  • helping other introverts and novice speakers identify their core passions through blogging/writing, and develop presentations around those topics
  • helping speakers make the most of virtual presentations
  • sketching explanations for other topics, and helping build a visual library of metaphors and examples

Connecting / networking

  1. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/08/11/the-shy-connector-thinking-out-loud/
  2. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/03/19/networking-outside-the-firewall/
  3. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/03/10/making-a-name-for-yourself-thinking-out-loud-about-my-talk/
  4. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/01/27/braindump-of-conference-networking-tips/
  5. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/10/05/how-do-you-keep-in-touch-with-500-contacts/
  6. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/08/26/exercising-my-network/
  7. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/08/19/social-media-has-made-small-talk-easier/
  8. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/02/04/conversations-about-networking-scale-structure-and-skills/
  9. http://sachachua.com/wp/2008/12/07/lets-talk-about-passion/
  10. http://sachachua.com/wp/2008/05/25/thinking-out-loud-taking-it-offonline/
  11. http://sachachua.com/wp/2008/02/29/why-democamp-is-one-of-my-favorite-networking-events/
  12. http://sachachua.com/wp/2006/09/29/networking-create-value-with-your-business-cards/
  13. http://sachachua.com/wp/2006/09/28/conference-commando-networking-with-nametags/

The particular quirks I bring to this are:

  • I’ve figured out a lot about how I can connect as an introvert (speaking, social media)
  • I’m a geek, and I tweak my system

I can create value by:

  • sharing tips for other introverts
  • sharing tips on connecting through writing, speaking, and using social media
  • connecting the dots

Productivity

  1. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/03/24/how-to-do-a-lot/
  2. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/03/21/five-reasons-why-im-experimenting-with-outsourcing-to-virtual-assistants/
  3. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/06/22/log-your-accomplishments/
  4. http://sachachua.com/wp/2009/01/15/travel-tips/

The particular quirks I bring to this are:

  • I’m comfortable delegating tasks and projects, and I’m learning more about that
  • I enjoy practicing relentless improvement

I can create value by:

  • Sharing tips for personal delegation
  • Sharing my process improvements and ideas

Looking at these lists, I think I’ll be able to create the most value by making presentations (and writing accompanying articles) about presenting and connecting. Presentations spread much faster than blog posts and they also help me practice visual communication, so my output will probably focus on that. Blogging is a great way for me to think through the topic out loud, organize my thoughts, and figure out what should go into the presentation. Editing can help me pick out the key messages for the different topics, express them more vividly, figure out what’s missing or redundant, and improve the presentation flow.

Although virtual presentation skills meet a timely need at work, the Shy Connector series and other networking tips would benefit a wider audience. I want to make a set of presentations and blog posts that can help introverts and extroverted newbies make the most of conferences, blogging, and other ways to connect.

Okay! Next step: get in touch with potential editors, explain my goals, and do a trial run of reviewing/revising one major post each.

Post from: sacha chua :: enterprise 2.0 consultant, storyteller, geek. Check out my blog for tips on managing virtual assistants, Drupal, and other topics!

Reflecting on how I can create value

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User:shinga
Date:2009-11-14 14:35
Subject:
Security:Public



You guys have no idea how strongly I am craving this.

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User:pullips (posted by [info]aliceinloliland)
Date:2009-11-14 15:18
Subject:FS: Mercu, Squall, Wind, Rement
Security:Public

Read more... )

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User:sachachuawiki
Date:2009-11-14 19:13
Subject:Reflecting on 8 years of blog posts
Security:Public

blogarchive

Post from: sacha chua :: enterprise 2.0 consultant, storyteller, geek. Check out my blog for tips on managing virtual assistants, Drupal, and other topics!

Reflecting on 8 years of blog posts

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User:shinga
Date:2009-11-14 13:27
Subject:ffffffffuuuu
Security:Public
Mood: blah

Not only am I still feeling sick, but there's that oh-so-familiar pain in my lower abdomen too.

Body? I despise you right now. DESPISE.

I want some dark chocolate. Yeah yeah stereotypical female need at this particular time, BUT I WANT IT ANYWAY.

Looks like another day of staying in and resting and trying to get better. Laundry and car waits until Monday it seems.

I should watch some movies.

edit: Oh and this deserves a mention... I had a dream about Lady Gaga. Yeah.

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User:albatoudilandau
Date:2009-11-15 00:13
Subject:
Security:Public

I can't believe a person could actually die in Monkey Island. That's never happened right? Right?

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User:sachachuawiki
Date:2009-11-14 15:05
Subject:Lucas
Security:Public

I remember when Lucas entered our lives. My sister had been staying late at the zoo, taking care of a sick foal. My father insisted that she have someone or something for company and protection. A big black dog, perhaps.

What did my sister go and do? She got a black Labrador puppy. Labradors can’t help but project instant friendliness. We joked that he would guilt-trip prospective muggers into leaving my sister alone.

With his easy charm, he became the mascot and client service ambassador for Adphoto, my sister’s favourite model, and a friend to everyone.

image

Old age has taken its toll on Lucas. He’s hanging on bravely, but it’s almost time to let him go. My sister hopes Lucas can stay until we can all say goodbye to him, but our flights are more than a month away. We’ll see how things work.

I’m happy that of all the families who could have shared Lucas’ life, we were the ones who got to know such a fine dog.

Post from: sacha chua :: enterprise 2.0 consultant, storyteller, geek. Check out my blog for tips on managing virtual assistants, Drupal, and other topics!

Lucas

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User:shinga
Date:2009-11-14 00:09
Subject:
Security:Public

I wish I was dancing right now.

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User:shinga
Date:2009-11-13 20:26
Subject:
Security:Public

Tried to eat.

That was unwise on my part.

I already want to go to bed, but if I do I'll be awake again at midnight and unable to sleep.

I kind of wanted to do laundry today. If I'm feeling better I might do it tomorrow. A place in town has wifi, and I hear nothing but good things about it, I could do it there. Also really need to get my car inspected and oil changed.

This is all assuming I feel better. If not this all waits until Monday.

Fever is down at least. For now.

I wish I had Turn Coat to read. Feeling antsy for more Dresden.

I think I talked to my mom today. I think she called and woke me up from my nap and we talked a bit. I vaguely remember... I don't know. Hope it wasn't important. :P

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User:sachachuawiki
Date:2009-11-14 00:12
Subject:Thinking about how I can make the most of editing; The world is an amazing candy-store of talent
Security:Public

I’ve been thinking of ways to get even better at communicating. Blogging and volunteering to do lots of presentations has helped me figure out what I want to talk about and how I want to talk about it, and I’m looking forward to exploring this further over the years. What could really help me take this to the next level, though, is working with a professional who can bring experience and a critical eye. An editor can help me distill my blog posts and presentations to the essential message, hold me accountable when I dither or when I skip over things that should be explained, and challenge me to express myself more clearly and vividly.

Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever gotten that kind of detailed writing or presentation feedback. Teachers are typically too busy to help each student figure out their core messages and refine them through successive drafts. At work, I’ve bounced ideas back and forth, wordsmithing with others, but nothing like what I hope to learn by working with editors.

I want to know:

  • What’s the key message people will find valuable, and how can I communicate that message more clearly?
  • Where am I skipping too quickly over things I should explain further? Where am I spending too many words on a concept?
  • Do the words and paragraphs or slides flow well? What could improve the structure?
  • Where can I be more vivid or more precise? Where do my words distract from my message?
  • How can I express these thoughts more clearly and more memorably?

I don’t just want feedback on typos or suggestions for individual word changes (unless those make spectacular differences), just as I don’t want my speaking evaluations to focus just on “ums”, “ahs” and vocal variety. ;) I want to get to that deeper level of value.

Considering the benefits of great communication skills, I think this is well worth using my opportunity fund—particularly if I can figure out how to create even more value with the results. (E-books? Articles? Awesome presentations?)

So, three weeks ago, I posted a quick job ad on oDesk:

I'm looking for an editor with an excellent command of English, a familiarity with blogging style (short, conversational, personal), a knack for presentation flow, and the ruthlessness to cut and rearrange words until a piece flows well and is no longer than it needs to be. I want someone to help me trim the occasional blog article and presentation until it's clear.

You will not need to write content (or fake reviews, or astroturf comments, or do other icky things). Just edit to make sure that every word counts.

Turnaround doesn't need to be immediate – you can fit this work around your other work.

When applying for this job, please submit before and after samples of your editing. The best applicants will have examples of both edited blog posts and edited presentations, and an innate hatred of business jargon such as "utilize",  "incentivize," and "leverage" (when used as a verb).

If you would like to see my writing style to see if we're compatible, check out http://sachachua.com for my blog posts and http://slideshare.net/sachac for my presentations. I write a lot of raw material which I occasionally refine into more useful articles, and I would like to take that writing to the next level. I also tend to obsess a bit about the logical flow and organization of presentations, and I would love to be able to bounce ideas off an editor who knows his or her work and who can provide fresh perspectives.

Looking at the list of candidates, I can’t help but want to hire them all. =)

It always amazes me that there are so many people in the world who can do things so much better than I can, and that with a little investment of time and money, I can tap their skills. Someday, I want to learn how to create even more opportunities to create value. I want to be able to bring people together to build even more complex things. Wouldn’t it be amazing to find and solve problems or make new things possible, working together with people who are doing what they love? The world is a candy-store of opportunities and talent, and I can’t wait to explore it further.

But first things first, of course. How can I work with editors so that I can learn what I want to learn, and how can I use this opportunity to practice creating value?

I’ve written a lot on my blog, and it would be interesting to review that archive, figure out what might have some kernel of value for others, and learn more about my thoughts and my voice. As I do that, I can pick the most promising posts, send them to this team of editors, and ask their feedback using the questions above. If their suggestions are enough to prod and inspire me, I might go and try to implement them. If I think there’s some more potential that I haven’t been able to reach, I can ask them to apply their editing magic to it, and I can learn from their example.

So that’s my plan. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from it! Have you thought of or done any similar experiments before? I’d love to read your thoughts!

Post from: sacha chua :: enterprise 2.0 consultant, storyteller, geek. Check out my blog for tips on managing virtual assistants, Drupal, and other topics!

Thinking about how I can make the most of editing; The world is an amazing candy-store of talent

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User:f1 (posted by [info]ernie_flapps)
Date:2009-11-14 00:48
Subject:The driver circus continues...
Security:Public

After Ross Brawn publicly acknowledged that he is not willing match Jenson Button's increased wage demand, Guardian.co.uk are now reporting Jenson Button could be close to signing a deal with McLaren for 2010.
The Guardian reported on 13th November:
'Button and his manager, Richard Goddard, today visited the McLaren headquarters at Woking, where they were given an escorted tour of the facilities by Martin Whitmarsh, the team principal. A contract could be signed as early as next week if terms can be finalised
"As I've said many times before, Jenson wants to drive a car which is capable of winning the next world championship," said Goddard. "We've been talking about possible terms for 2010 with Brawn for months and we're not being difficult or unreasonably expensive in our demands for Jenson. In fact we've given up quite a lot of negotiating ground in our discussions with them."

McLaren have made Kimi Raikkonen their second choice if the Button approach fails, with Nick Heidfeld third favourite.'

Teletext.co.uk have also reported that Manor GP are keen to sign out of contract Timo Glock
Glock's manager has revealed the German is talking to three teams about a race seat for the 2010 campaign.
Hans Bernd Kamps said Dinnington-based newcomers Manor GP are one of those in "serious negotiations" with the former 27-year-old former Toyota driver.
Kamps told Auto Motor und Sport: "We are now on the home stretch and expect a decision to be made at the start of next week."

Teletext also reports that Norfolk-based Lotus F1 are in talks with former world champion Jacques Villeneuve about a comeback next year.

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User:sachachuawiki
Date:2009-11-13 22:51
Subject:Wild success and social networks
Security:Public

Every so often, I have these moments when I realize: This must be the future. It’s here!

On Wednesday, I received an urgent request for a Web 2.0 strategy and intranet design expert for a 5-week engagement in Europe. A $10M deal hinged on our ability to find such a person before the end of the week. The project team had already asked the usual groups, and everyone was fully booked.

I knew that we needed to cast a much wider net than just the people I knew. I summarized the request and posted it to our Web 2.0 for Business community inside IBM. I asked people to respond on the discussion thread, e-mail me, or contact the person who had sent us the request. The program manager for the deal found the discussion thread and posted some more details, and we asked people to send him their résumés.

The response was amazing. People stepped forward. They passed the opportunities along to their social networks, diversity groups, and communities. After a flurry of e-mails, Sametime instant messages, and discussion thread posts, we found a lot of strong candidates. The program manager contacted the top candidates and put together a package for the client. Along the way, I got to know lots of people with just the right skillset we were looking for. Suzanne Minassian-Livingston was right: IBM is like an amazing candy-store full of talent.

Problem solved, thanks to Lotus Connections Communities and strong social networks within IBM. I would never have found or thought of all of those people on my own, and it would have taken us too much time to work through the normal e-mail chains in networks. Not only did we solve the problem, we also created a powerful success story that showed the client the value of Web 2.0 on the intranet.

Hooray for IBM, Lotus Connections, and social networks!

Post from: sacha chua :: enterprise 2.0 consultant, storyteller, geek. Check out my blog for tips on managing virtual assistants, Drupal, and other topics!

Wild success and social networks

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User:shinga
Date:2009-11-13 16:18
Subject:Diana is being bratty today
Security:Public
Mood:I am disappoint.

In all seriousness though this is going to suck. Friday nights are supposed to be fun, not crappy! Stupid body, going haywire at the last minute. AND WHY AM I SO GODDAMN COLD?! It's WARM out! Fail. COMPLETE FAIL.

Whine whine whine, goddammit.

I will watch TV. I will drink tea. I will curl up under five blankets trying desperately to keep warm.

So those are my Friday evening plans, how about you guys? :P

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User:pullips (posted by [info]tilastrinity)
Date:2009-11-13 14:16
Subject:Nina Head + You choose the eyechips $65 shipped!
Security:Public

Looking to sell my Nina head, plus you get to choose 1 pair of eye chips to go with her.

I'm asking a flat rate of $65 for her, that includes shipping. Nina will be sent in a box, via Air Mail Canada Post. If you would like a type 3 body for her, please add $5.

Shipping: I ship to USA & Canada ONLY
Payment: Paypal Only
Feedback: http://tilastrinity.livejournal.com/102669.html


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User:shinga
Date:2009-11-13 15:24
Subject:
Security:Public
Mood: determined

The battle is not yet won, comrades. The nap set it back a little but it's still coming on strong. There is no chance anymore of truces, of peace by negotiation and we will not surrender. We'll need to gather our forces, regroup, and attack again. Perhaps this time with... wait for it... tea. Oh yes. Yes. It's a drastic move, a bold one. Some might even say crazy, and they will question our sanity. But I'm willing to do anything to win this.

FOR THE HORDE... uh... I'm rubbish at these battle cry things oh I have it, FOR THE ABILITY TO KEEP FOOD DOWN!

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User:pullips (posted by [info]mafiaprinces5)
Date:2009-11-13 15:59
Subject:Huge Sale! Eyechips, ReMents, Volks, Bodies, 10 Wigs, Mystery Box and More!
Security:Public

I accept all form of paypal. I will not ask you to send a personal payment.
Please contact me for shipping quote if none is listed or if you are not in the USA.
My email is xxxtora13 AT yahoo DOT com or private message me here.
I have feedback on Dollymarket under mafiaprincess and on ebay as straw13erry.
Please feel free to make an offer on any items.
I'm not doing any trades at this time.

Pictures and prices under the cut )

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