Rothacker Reviews

A Neuron Barrage

"Neurons receive signals that either excite or inhibit. If a neuron gets enough excitatory signals from other neurons, it fires off its own signal. If it receives many inhibitory signals – it is less likely to fire."  -  Dr. Ellen Weber

Ellen, along with her fellow MITA partner Robyn McMaster, are my two favorite brain ladies. There aren't too many Ph.D.'s in the world who know how to talk human. Ellen and Robyn do. 

Rosemary had worked on our computers over the weekend, wiping hard drives, updating and re-installing programs of use.

Would you mind if we took a minute and traveled down this brick road? I promise we'll come right back. I've read Leo's book and it offers its own delightful mix of new neural pathways (for me, maybe you). I am going to postulate here that wiping your computer's hard drive is a pleasurable, minimalist thing to do!

Rosemary left the task of re-installing Picasa on my computer up to me. Sort of reminds me when I let go of the bikes and our girls rode on their own without training wheels. Well, to the surprise of the entire Rothacker household, I succeeded. In the process, I thought about the hundreds of pictures that I had had in Picasa and on my hard drive before it was cleaned...

So I fired up Picasa and it asks me if I would like it to search my computer for pictures. I guess it was going to import them. This is an example of most excellent user interface design!! Because I am such a simpleton, I never would have thought this possible. And without the prompt I never would have given it a second thought.

Of course with a clean hard drive there was nothing to import right? But the prompt was something like, "all of your computers."

Flashback to first grade: "David, fold your hands together and sit up straight! Now little man, can you please tell me what is on that external hard drive sitting on your desk?"

The little man had backed up his computer on the little external hard drive.

So I answered yes to Picasa and BAM!, all of my pictures are back on the newly installed program.

My neurons go crazy! It was magical. Although the depth of my elation reveals the extent of my computer illiteracy, I feel great!

If you'd like to go in search of your own new neural pathways, consider stopping off at Ellen and Robyn's depot today.

Tampa: WFTS ABC Action News

Can you tell when someone is genuine?  Can you tell when they really care?  Do you think a handful of employees can create a positive impression about the company that they work for?  Do you think: When I think about this company, I think about a company that is trying to make a real difference for the people they serve.

A couple of weeks ago along with my wife Rosemary and her mom Mary, I had the privilege of witnessing a live ABC Action News broadcast.  I was so consumed with the reason that we were there and the incredible talent of Deanna Marinello along with the support of her brother Miles and dad Victor, that I almost let a very important story slip by.  But I didn't, thanks to Deiah Riley, Lissette Campos and Wendy Ryan.

A few days later we watched the ABC Action News special Taking Action Against Domestic Violence, hosted by Deiah, Lissette and Wendy.  The grace, dignity and respect in which these three women handled the subject of domestic violence took my breath away.  Rosemary had worked with Lissette in the past on behalf of the All Children's Hospital Tampa Guild and I got to meet Lissette that day in the studio.  So I sent Lissette a note to tell her how I felt about their program.  She mentioned that Joe was also involved.  It was at this precise moment when the collective experience of ABC Action News exploded into a rainbow of meaning, understanding and hospitality!

Back to the story that began to unfold in the studio.  The anchors that day were Dan Shaffer and Deiah Riley, the meteorologist was Stephanie Roberts, Lissette orchestrated Positively Tampa Bay, the cameraman was Tom Gagnier, the teleprompter was Jude Chaison, their boss Charlie Paul and floor director Joe Papadopoulos.  Also in the studio watching the broadcast was a group of kids and their chaperone's from the Canella News Network.

Every single one of the folks from ABC made us feel welcome to be there.  In between working the camera, Tom made sure the on air guests had water and was scrambling around for extra chairs.  During commercials, Joe would talk to everyone (particularly the kids) and let us know what was going on.  This was most impressive as Joe obviously had duties to perform during those commercials.  Following the segment, the crew had a quick debriefing meeting amongst themselves and then held a Q & A session led by Charlie for the kids ( it was open to us as well).  Dan, Deiah, Joe and Charlie graciously and with patience, fielded questions.  The crew was clearly out of time but Charlie fielded one more question from an energetic little guy.  Charlie's kind gesture broadcasted volumes about these folks and their culture.

During the course of events that afternoon in the studio, Miles Marinello leaned over to Rosemary and pointed toward floor director Joe.  He said, "that guy right there is the star of the show!"  I had actually come to the same conclusion on my own.  And when Lissette told me how involved Joe was with the Domestive Violence show, it just all made sense.

But that's not all.  Linda Hurtado and Jackie Calloway were guest judges for the Tampa Bay's Premier Iron Chef Challenge and I had the good fortune to not only meet them but watch them take care of a few business matters (a news report from the event).

Perhaps it is not fair to on air folks.  We can sense that they care and are involved in their stories, but creepy little doubts of, oh they are just acting can whisper into our ears.  I know that not only the on air folks but all of the folks I met from WFTS are genuine.  I know they care.  I know they are hospitable.  And now because of them I have a most favorable and respectful opinion of WFTS ABC Action News in Tampa! 

Do they make a difference to the people who they serve?  They did to Rosemary, Mary, the Marinello's, to me, and they most certainly made a difference to the kids in the studio that day!

That's Different: Macy's Make-A-Wish

I am addicted to media advertising.  In particular newspapers and magazines.  For perspective, I have viewed so much, my fingers are yellow*.

So, when I tell you that something catches my eye, that that something is different, then it's pretty much worth a look-see...if you like different.  If you have a heart AND like different and are just flat out tired of the media's white noise-drone on how bad our economy is, then it's pretty much a done deal...put on that fancy dress and meet me outside by my pearl white, horse-drawn carriage and join along on a quiet ride.

I first noticed the two-page ad in the St. Pete Times last Sunday.  On the first page, just below the heading the text said:  "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus."  On the top of page two it said: "a million reasons to Believe."  For the ad's content I'll link you to an online version.  But before I do I must tell you...

"Oh, what's that?  I'm sorry I didn't hear you."

"Yes please!!  There is plenty of room inside the carriage.  Please, you can leave your hat on!"

...I am about to send you to a site that will take a few seconds for the page to load. I hate waiting for pages to load.  If I cannot find a button to bypass whatever is loading, I'll click off the site.  I promise you today however, you'll feel real good about waiting those extra five seconds.

"There it is, right next to those folks singing holiday carols!"

Make sure you read the Yes Virgina Letter.

"Thanks for joining me on this visit.  I wasn't sure of the impact of today's experience.  That soft, warm glow in your eye answers all doubt."

*For further perspective, I do not believe in doing drugs.

That's Different: Bench Barrow

From Core77 Design Blog ---

 

Bench to go - pure ingenuity!  From Rogier Martens.

Design: Do Not Disturb Signs

Ami James is a tattoo artist.  You might have heard of him.  Stefanie Pervos writes a nice story via Valerie's site The Guys From Love Hate / Miami Ink,  about Ami and his Do Not Disturb Sign.

It is the notion of the Dana Hotel and Spa to use Ami's artwork on their door hangers that captures my attention.  I think it is brilliant.   The notion of Ami's work not being able to stay inside of the hotel for long has been kicked about.  So here is a question for those who run businesses like Dana to ask of future employees (especially CEO's and bean counters).

What is the financial significance of using Ami's doorhangers?

Answer A: "I would be concerned about the cost.  People will take them."

Answer B: "What a great way for folks to remember us by.  Maybe it'll remind them to come back."

If the answer is A, tell them the interview is over and kindly ask them to leave.

                  

 

That's Different: Sink Positive

Creativity never seems to happen in a vacuum does it?  I suspect that one day, a chap who was environmentally conscious was sitting upon a porcelain chair inside his house.  He began to take a mental inventory of the stuff within this room.  Here is what he came up with.

That's Different: Radiator Mug

From Jeannie Choe at the Core77 Design Blog: The Radiator Mug

Imagine taking something so simple as a mug or glass and coming up with a design like this!

 

That's Different: Ceiling Tile Art

How often do you look at ceiling tiles?  Well, when you're lying on your back with three quarters of your body swallowed by a machine and your head is sticking out - you have no choice.

I was admitted to Tampa General Hospital this past week.  I went in to emergency with various pains.  They admitted me for the ones in my chest and put me through a series of tests.  The last was called a nuclear stress test.  I spent a total of forty minutes on my back inside of a machine that took pictures of my heart.  Directly above me was a ceiling tile painting of fish in the sea.  How absolutely clever.  They also had a TV mounted on the ceiling for patients, but the idea of placing art in this location is simply brilliant!

Of course ceiling tile art is not something new.  It's just new to me and that's different.

My heart tested to be in good shape and my symptoms were stress related.  Whew, only stress.

Note to dave in the future:  You've been looking at ceilings inside of commercial buildings since 1984. It went along with your line of work, which you stopped talking about online in 2003.
 

That's Different: The Professional

The Professional falls under my original classification of The Champion.

There is a group of questions that are asked by most career guidance people.  In general, the group is  based on our interests.  What is your hobby?  What do you enjoy doing when you aren't at work?  What do you dream about?  As someone who has for his entire life been trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up, I've asked myself these questions...three hundred and forty-four million times.  The answers are never clear.  The cook at a local Waffle House however, might have shed light on at least one thing that I love.

Rosemary and I were sitting at the counter when she said, "check out the cook with the long hair."  This forty-something year old dude had his hair in a neat, tight ponytail, halfway down his back.  My second impression of this Waffle House was now favorable.  (I noticed cleanliness first).  The grill was directly in front of us and for the next half hour or so, we had the pleasure of watching this fellow place the word art in short-order-grill cooking.  All motions were orchestrated with precision and care.  The organization of his cooking area and utensils reminded me of a hospital operating room.  Beyond aesthetics, the food was phenomenal.

Later, when thinking of the Waffle House cook, a floodgate of memories poured forth.  I started thinking about the folks who I've worked with in the past.  It seems my fondest memories of work all revolved around working with people who were at the top of their game.  Now this wasn't a sudden revelation.  I work with very technically oriented people.  I absolutely thrive being around the brightest and smartest.  But I also began to think about folks like Denton.  Denton was a truck driver and janitor.  He was (and still is) a consummate professional. 

So David, what is your description of a professional?

To begin with, there is no correlation to being paid for work or formal education that defines a professional to me.

A professional is a person who intends and strives to produce an exceptional outcome.  In methodical fashion he utilizes education, experience and resources to achieve his objective.  For his outcome to be exceptional, the professional must continually strive to build, improve and refine his education, experience and resources.

This doesn't mean that the short order cook needs a culinary degree.  It could be the addition of an improved cooking utensil, a new placement of his ingredients or a new grill cleaning technique.

Note to dave in the future: You remember and passionately followed the careers of Lew Alcindor, Walter Payton, Wayne Gretsky, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Annika Sorenstam and others who worked beyond hard to be the best.  You noticed and recognized folks like the Waffle House cook and others in everyday life who radiated professionalism.  Vince Lombardi, a founding member of your imaginary counsel said it best, "The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor."  Thanks Vince.

That's Different: Diet Dr. Pepper-Those Eyes!

11/29/07 Update - I found the commercial!  See below.

It's a diet Dr. Pepper commercial.  A familiar Tom Jones' tune provides common ground, the hook-in.  I'm not even sure what the commercial is supposed to be about.  To me, it's about the girl and those eyes...they speak about a generation.

The end of the commercial shows a college-age guy sitting on a bus.  He hears a slurping, air-sucking sound and makes a face.  This is the same face that girls make when presented with something that grosses them out.  It's usually accompanied by a "ewwwww!"  On a side note I live to be the producer of moments like these with my girls and wife.  The scene cuts away to a college-age girl sitting across from the dude, sipping diet Dr. Pepper through a straw.  Continuing to make the noise she looks toward the guy with these big, sort of innocent looking eyes.  Those eyes say, "Too bad it grosses you out, I feel pretty good about it myself."

To me this is Gen Y saying to those folks who make the ewwwww face at them, "Too bad you don't like this and that about me, I feel pretty good about myself, I don't think I'll change."  And here is why I think this girl with those eyes epitomizes this thought:  Not one facial muscle implies defiance. It's simply who she is.

Note to dave in the future:  You loved the spirit of this generation.  Folks like Anastasia Goodstein, Penelope Trunk, Danah Boyd and Lisa Johnson, worked to clear the pathway for Gen Y while educating the rest of us.