MegAnne
The musings of a Midwestern New YorkerArchive for March, 2010
A study in the sociology of an investment bank
One day last week, I hopped on the bank of elevators to take me to the 22nd floor to pick up name tags for a networking event in Chicago. On the elevator with me were two gentlemen; both kind enough looking fellas but with markedly distinct clothing preferences.
It is important, at least for my little experiment, to note that the elevators at my office building have monitors that let you know what business each floor holds. As such, I thought I’d do a small experiment in my ability to read people based solely on appearance. (One might call this judging, but I meant no harm by it, truly.)
Sure enough, our friend in the thick black glasses, khaki slacks and laptop bag with the tech-geek aura hopped off on the Technology floor and our other friend wearing the full suit (sans tie) with the intellectual, nerdy vibe exited onto the Investment Banking floor. Then, of course, there was me in my pretty purple dress with my blonde curls bouncing as I strode onto the Human Capital Management/Conference Services floor.
Interesting…
When did everyone’s stock conversation response become ‘Interesting…’? I hear it constantly these days. At first, I thought it was just my friend Yaw who said it. He’s always said it, as long as I can remember. Then I realized my dad used it, then my mom, then my roommate, Missy. Now I hear it frequently at work and even passing conversations held on the street.
I suppose there are worse retorts one could throw my way in conversation. (‘Yeah Meg, I don’t care,’ would be a great example.) Still, I feel like it’s become some sort of phenomenon and I’m curious as to the origin. Did I miss an episode (or seven) of this season’s The Office and that’s the new catch phrase made cool by Michael?
Someone clue me in please.
New Blog: The Siren SportsCast
Hello to my wonderful readers! In the spirit of obtaining my dream of becoming a sports journalist, I’ve started a new sports-only blog on Tumblr. I will continue to write my ramblings on all other topics at this location, but please check out http://thesirensportscast.tumblr.com/ for my take on the latest athletic happenings.
As always, thanks much for your continued support!
Review: Alice in Wonderland, 3D
“Why is a raven is like a writing desk?”
Last evening, I was utterly blown away by Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. With inspiration drawn from Through The Looking Glass, Lewis Carroll’s sequel to his original Alice In Wonderland, Burton depicts Alice’s next venture into the magical world she once thought was just a figment of her imagination.
Joining Mr. Burton’s regular cast of characters, wife Helena Bonham Carter and the always unpredictable Johnny Depp, are Crispin Glover as the Knave of Hearts, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, and the charming Mia Wasikowska as Alice. This brilliant cast brought a vividness to the roles that just can’t be found in cartoon form and a realness to a story that could surely only be fathomed by a mad man. (But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.)
Acting and plot aside, the art work on this film was spectacular. The colors and imagery were brilliant and contrasting, making the movie both intellectually and visually stimulating.
With every good critique comes the good and the bad, and while I wholeheartedly recommend my readers view this film, there were a few sticking points along the way. Perhaps it was the theatre in which I saw the film, but at least three times during the feature the characters whispered quick lines that went unheard by my friends and me, a very frustrating experience. These lines seemed to be critical to the scene and I felt as though I was missing something in the minutes directly following. Also, parts of the film were childish -note the PG rating- and the ending was quite cheesy, if I may. Finally, at $19.50 for a New York City IMAX ticket, the 3D was certainly not worth the purchase price. It enhanced the viewing experience marginally, but I would be surprised if Tim Burton had a 3D experience in mind when the film was shot. Nothing came flying off the screen and, unlike in the television previews, the Cheshire Cat did not float smilingly around the audience. Definitely see it on a regular screen.
Overall, this is a movie I would pay to see again in theatres and will certainly purchase when it is released on DVD for future enjoyment. Whatever negative reviews you might have heard, for get them. This movie is definitely worth the watch.
LeBron: All about Michael or all about the Benjamins?
As Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski writes, the humbling homage LeBron James attempted to pay NBA great Michael Jordan late last year by shedding the number 23 looks to be less of a tribute and more of a savvy business move, though the Cleveland Plain Dealer and others still tout it as the former. If anything, the act distances James from Jordan, leaving LeBron to share #6 with legends Bill Russell and Julius Irving. Flaky logic, to say the very least. The decision is likely more of an attempt to have his jersey sales take over the #1 spot from Kobe Bryant, to whom James has finished second for the last two seasons.
In other news, that James took the time to file paperwork with the NBA could be a tell that he isn’t 100% certain to switch teams this summer. Michael Lee of the Washington Post tweets:
‘Surprised few focusing on real story w/LeBron changing #s from 23 to 6: If he plans to change teams, he wouldn’t have to make request w/NBA’
Of course, the deadline for the petition to switch numbers is this Friday the 5th, so it’s possible he’s sitting on the fence. Still, if he plans to leave Cleveland, he can wear whatever number he desires, rendering the official paperwork unnecessary. Hope remains for the Cavs to keep their star player…for now.
Image: BostonHeraldSports.com
Purdue loses shot at No. 1 ranking, slip in Big Ten standings
The opportunity to take over as the reigning No. 1-ranked team slipped through their fingers as Purdue scored its lowest point total this season against Michigan State Sunday, snapping a 10-game winning streak in a 53-44 loss to the No. 14-ranked Spartans. To add insult to injury, the Boilers now sit behind Ohio State, tied for second place with Michigan State, in the Big Ten conference standings.
In their first game without junior forward Robbie Hummel, who ended his season last week with an ACL tear, the Boilermakers were primed to take over the number one spot one day after No. 1 Kansas fell to Oklahoma State and No. 2 Kentucky lost to Tennessee. Unfortunately though, it looks like Purdue’s remaining two members of their lead trio, E’Twaun Moore and JaJaun Johnson, are not up to the task of leading the team to a home court conference win, and potentially to a Final Four berth.
“Late in the game, when they need a basket, that’s Hummel time,” Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo said. “And in fairness, he wasn’t there.” True as that may be, excuses get you nowhere in life and the NCAA Tournament is no exception.
Now Purdue must concentrate on rival Indiana on Wednesday and the season closer at Penn State. If the Boilers win both, they will take at least a share of the title, and could possibly win the banner outright if magical fairies come from Narnia and stop Ohio State and Michigan State from winning the remainder of their conference games. As for March Madness and the hopes for a Final Four appearance, only time will tell.
