I am conductor, hear me cook
Ever look at someone and wonder how they got that particular job? A job that’s not exactly advertised in the paper, but somehow they got word of it and get paid to do it. I’m sure some of my co-workers wonder the same thing about me, but this isn’t about me, it’s about Vanna White, but not limited to. I guess with Vanna, it’s not so much how she got the job, but why she still has her job.
The Wheel of Fortune we see today is not like the Wheel of Fortune of old when Vanna actually had to turn the square to reveal a letter. Now it’s computerized and we all know her job can be done electronically. To me, her job is the equivalent to when a contestant knows the puzzle, but they buy a vowel anyway. I don’t get it, but no hate here Vanna. It’s honest work and your job is not the only one I used to question. Here’s two more:
Ramp Agent. That’s the person on the ground at the airport responsible for guiding the pilots with hand signals or orange flashlight wands into position next to the gate. Now if I’m the pilot, I’m thinking: I just flew an aircraft across the country, landed safely and there is someone on the ground the size of an ant signaling to me where and how to park my plane? Move out of the way, I got this, but that was before I actually searched a ramp agent’s duties. They do more than guide planes into parking spaces, but also perform a variety of maintenance activities. Who knew?
Conductor of an Orchestra. He doesn’t even have an instrument, but a 
stick. Actually it’s a baton, but stick is funnier. I used to look at the conductor and think, you have got to be kidding me. He’s playing an “instrument” that doesn’t even make a sound. That was before I knew his job was more than just waving a stick, but he has to:
- be intimately familiar with all of the musical pieces selected;
- encourage musicians to play louder or softer;
- be involved in the creative and business decisions long before the performance; and
- know precisely when each instrument enters the musical highway.
Thank you wisegeek.com
After reading the duties of a conductor, surprisingly, I felt a kinship. One of my favorite activities is cooking, and not your everyday cooking, but dinner parties. When I’m in the kitchen preparing meals for a large group, I feel like a conductor directing an orchestra of foods because:
- I too have to be intimately familiar with all of the foods I’m preparing;
- I have to encourage the food to cook faster or slower;
- I have to be involved in the creative decisions regarding the background music and selecting the right blend of guests attending; and
- I have to know precisely when each food has to enter the culinary highway to arrive on the table, hot, and at the same time.
Besides my attempts at humor, it’s one of the few times when I’m in a zone and I feel “on.” Now, when I watch a conductor, I see myself standing in the middle of the kitchen, with my utensils raised, and I totally get it.
When are you on and what’s your talent when you are just doing the darn thing?
Note to Vanna: I owe you an apology. You obviously do more than I realized on Wheel of Fortune. Who knew that you would:
- be intimately familiar with all of the puzzles selected;
- encourage contestants to buy a vowel when the puzzle is only missing vowels; and
- be involved in the creative and business decisions long before the show.
__ __M S__R R Y V__N N__ W__L L Y__ __
__ V__R F__R G__V__ M__?
Wheel of Fortune picture by Wikipedia
Ramp Agent photo by Hawkeye
Conductor photo by Dugway
In: Humor, Just Thinking, Work · Tagged with: career, conductor, cook, jobs, ramp agent, vanna white
on July 7, 2009 at 9:37 am
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My roomie and I have gone back and forth arguing her worth. He says she’s eye candy and an integral part of the show. I take your side and say that she’s pointless and could easily be replaced by a computer. To be honest, I wonder why she was ever needed on the show? WoF started in what…the late 70s? By then we had already put a man on the moon. I’m sure that we could have come up with some sort of system to spin letters.
As to when I’m on? Probably when I get called on to explain something techy to friends/family. I hate the idea of ever becoming a teacher, but when given a a platform (no matter how small or large) to show off random tech knowledge I’ll step up to the plate everytime.
i think she’s eye candy, but i was wrong about the other jobs i listed, so she might be doing a little more than we know.
TOPolk´s last blog ..Money For Nothing?
on July 7, 2009 at 10:20 am
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I am trying to figure out what those people with little flags do around construction sites. I think maybe they’re training for a drill team, since they seem not to know what to do with those little flags.
For a long time, I thought it was about directing traffic, but I’ve never seen anyone actually do it, so probably not.
the drill team? hehehe, that’s funny. i haven’t a clue what the white flags are for…hmmm.
The Mother´s last blog ..Consider the Source
on July 7, 2009 at 10:32 am
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I’m hoping no smartypants geek will ever come up with some software which automatically writes blog posts. If that happens, I’ll be joining Vanna on the dinosaur list.
hey ling, we need the smartypants geeks in this world. well maybe not to write blog posts, but to provide the software that does. i’m down with that.
on July 7, 2009 at 11:12 am
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A lot of office type jobs really confuse me. I’ll ask people what they do and then they tell me and I still have no idea what they actually do. Like my husband’s job, I know it’s important, I know he works hard, but what he spends his days actually, physically doing? No clue. It involves reports and meetings, but what doesn’t?
I’m sure there are a lot of people that scoff at my notion of myself as a self employed business woman, but just because I don’t make any money and my function is nebulous at best, doesn’t mean I’m not working. In fact, as I’m not losing money, I think you can say I’m quite successful!
My talent? Dunno. Making crap up, I guess.
nobody knows what they do at work. we just show up and wait for instructions. your duties are so important that you can’t even speak on it. making crap up is hard work because it involves thinking. in fact you are the employee of the month. put this reply comment in a picture frame, hang it on your wall and tell ‘em i said so!
Tracy´s last blog ..My two favorite emotions are lucky and enthusiastic
on July 7, 2009 at 11:46 am
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Oh boy…I could definitely use your conductor talent in my kitchen because I can barely orchestrate a SALAD!?
(and that’s the truth)
I suppose when I’m most “on” is when I’m performing onstage. It’s one of the things that’s seems almost second nature.
Fun post, Valerie!
hey ron, is that right? cooking can be so much fun, but when i have time to really get into it and not throw meals together like i normally do. shhhh, don’t tell. your “on” moment fits you perfectly. i would love to do some acting actually, just small parts.
Ron´s last blog ..Me and Children
on July 7, 2009 at 2:02 pm
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I don’t really like cooking, mainly because you need to orchestrate all the different dishes. I find it stressful.
I do love baking, though.
i wish i had more time to cook. i love chopping, slicing and seasoning. when i was on vacation i cooked a different ethnic meal almost every night and i baked as well. it was fun.
on July 7, 2009 at 3:37 pm
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Conductors are essential. I know from experience. A well rehearsed band or orchestra could probably get by and do a performance without a conductor but a conductor keeps the time and all the musicians look to him to make sure that everyone is right on time and together.
As for Vanna White, I like that nothing has changed on Wheel of Fortune for years. It’s nice to see Pat and Vanna still doing the show that I used to watch with my grandma back in the day. it’s comforting to know that some things don’t change. RIP Grandma!
I also understand that Vanna writes some of the puzzles and does more behind the scenes stuff as well. I always wondered what it woudl be liek to have the job of puzzle writer. That would be fun.
chase, i get it now. i totally understand their job. to me, he’s cooking up a storm, him and his stick, uh baton. vanna does all of that. wow, i guess after so many years, she saw dead end job and asked for a promotion. good for her, i wish i had her job.
Chase March´s last blog ..Windchill Interview Part 2
on July 7, 2009 at 5:11 pm
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I suppose I feel “on” most when I’m writing. As I like to say to anyone who ever wants to talk to me on the phone: “I’m much better on paper.” Having said that, when is your next dinner party? I’m invited.
i think the same thing, i’m better on paper, but i’m not so bad in person either, but i do not open up right away. i have to sniff you a few times at least until i’m comfortable. of course you’re invited and you would have a great time too because i would chain you to the radiator and make you write for the guests. i pimp out jd, so she doesn’t have to.
JD at I Do Things´s last blog ..I Have Brilliant Ideas so you don’t have to
on July 8, 2009 at 3:16 am
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Had to laugh at the Wheel of Fortune thing – the equivalent hostess person on the Australian version left a while ago after years on the “job”, and she made such a fuss about it – it’s such an important thing!
hmmm, i guess if i had an easy job like that and it paid well, i’d dig my nails into the carpet and never leave. it is rather funny to see vanna walking back and forth pressing on the squares. i’m like, girlfriend, you can do that from your dressing room, but then, we wouldn’t get to see her nice gowns and shoes.
Robin´s last blog ..Counterclockwise, by Ellen Langer
on July 8, 2009 at 4:01 am
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I think this all the time..jobs that would never be advertised in a million years and they are usually high paying jobs with splendid titles??How did that happen??and fun ones too.Like Head of raceway attendance for Sebring International Race??Dresser at local theater?
i don’t know sandy, but i’d like to get in on one of those jobs myself. i guess they are not jobs, but careers, but seriously, whatever, job. it’s work.
sandy´s last blog ..What happens in the foliage- stays in the foliage!!Ok ??
on July 8, 2009 at 11:15 am
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Well, I am new to cooking, so I could use a conductor’s help!
As for Vanna, I have no idea WHY she still has a job either. Clearly, she signed an awesome contract way back in the day before all things electronic took over the world.
keep at it and you’ll be just fine. you will soon hear the music and then, it’s on. i guess vanna did sign an awesome contract. good for her, in this economy too.
meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..Why I Hate Popcorn, Wherein I Am Disgusting, Free Dessert, All Things Clean, And, Another Lesson In Spanish
on July 9, 2009 at 3:32 pm
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This is hellafunny!!!! I often thought the same thing about Vanna and the Conductor…..I can wave a stick in the air all say long-ain’t nobody gonna pay me, right? LOL:)
i’m glad i’m not the only one that sits around and analyzes stuff. i thought a conductor’s job was the craziest thing in the world, but now i get it.
Debo Hobo´s last blog ..USS Milius Operation Tiger Cruise 2009
on July 11, 2009 at 2:42 pm
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The job I’ve always wondered about is the guys (and probably gals too,) who put out the orange cones at construction sites.
Do they go to school for that? Cone School 101. I regret not having learned the intimacies of Proper Cone Placement – I’m sure there’s a lot more than meets the eye with that job.
cone school 101, funny. i’m sure there’s more than meets the eye, but it looks so simple, doesn’t it?
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Another video from my CD release show
on July 11, 2009 at 7:50 pm
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Hi Valerie – I thought I already commented here yesterday but I think I began to consider my reply and got sidetracked.
I also love cooking. I could never make a living out of it though – I’m just not quick enough at it.
You know – I see so many jobs where I wonder what made a person decide to do that, or how they got to do it. What about those characters in Disney World? How do people get to be one of those? Do you need to do some kind of training to be Goofy and is there some sort of career path? I’m guessing it would be kind of disappointing if you just didn’t grow tall enough to fill the costume.
i could be goofy, but i would have to ditch the suit. it has to be hot in there and i’d be grumpy. i actually know someone that worked at disney, but i don’t think he was a character. i’ve never seen any of those positions advertised. i bet you they are inside jobs.
on July 11, 2009 at 8:29 pm
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I was thinking … very seriously about the question that you posed to us … and reading some of the comments that was left for you when I saw the one that JD left about writing. Somehow I felt a little similarity. I feel alive every time I have something to write about especially something which I believe that can be useful to others. And then another came into my mind; that was when I was teaching some kids. What a great analogy you shared from wisegeek.com. Suddenly a lot of things that we are doing seemed to be like the work of a conductor.
About Vanna, somehow Wheel of Fortune may not be Wheel of Fortune anymore if Vanna is not on. She is one of the attractions why I watched the program … yes I know, I am superficial.
writing is a lot of fun, bk. sometimes i get a thrill out of it and i feel on, but it’s not the same with cooking and organizing stuff, probably because i’m constantly moving around. when i’m in the kitchen, it’s showtime. i don’t like anyone in there with me and please don’t help. i wonder what vanna would do on jeopardy?
BK´s last blog ..Tomorrow Never Comes by Norma Marek
on July 12, 2009 at 11:45 am
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I remember the old school Wheel of Fortune when she had to turn the letters manually. LOL! My guess is over the years her role in the stuff behind the scenes has gone up some and stuff like that.
That is a very good parallel between conducting and cooking.
hello again ricardo. i remember that too and i was reading more about why they may have changed the board and the article mentioned that maybe vanna would have developed carpal tunnel in her wrist from the repetitiveness of turning the letters. she probably would not have lasted as long if not. had she had a baton, or a cane, well she could have turned them with that.
thanks for visiting.
Ricardo´s last blog ..Live Coverage of Michael Jackson Memorial Service
on July 12, 2009 at 4:39 pm
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Thanks for the insight on Vanna. I’d often thought the same thing (about contestants buying vowels, too.)
it must be the law that you have to buy a vowel because everyone does it. i don’t get it. you know there is a freaking E in the, why buy it, ya not sure and wanna see? sorry, i’m getting excited. take care lana, enjoyed your photos.
Lana´s last blog ..New Painting
on July 13, 2009 at 10:55 am
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Hi Natural,
I always thought Vanna had a cushy job, but like you pointed out, there’s more to it than just spinning letters. I’m guessing she was also hired as eye candy.
Like you, I also like to cook. Getting everything done at the right time can be a challenge. It’s something that does take practice, but when it all comes together like clockwork, you can’t help but smile.
hi barbara, cushy is right. i thought she walked for a living, but i was wrong, sorry vanna. i wish i had more time to cook and bake like i want to, but i don’t. i enjoy cooking for people then i like to watch them eat it.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Our Target Audience – Aiming For The Bulls Eye
on July 13, 2009 at 8:24 pm
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I signed up for Cone School today!! A six-week course starting in September, 8-hours a day. And it’s free – sponsored by our State gov’t . I get my own hard-hat and everything, Can’t wait!!!
xo
really Jannie? let me know when you graduate, i’ll take you out for scones. free? i like that a lot.
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Why we usually eat at home
on July 16, 2009 at 11:12 am
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Wine tasters – I have no idea how those people get their jobs but I want one too. I mean drinking all day long and getting paid for it? It’s almost as good as being a mystery shopper (or whatever it’s called)
i would love to sample food or desserts myself. wine wouldn’t be so bad either. i actually know people that go wine tasting and for some reason i think they pay. that is so not appealing to me, but i could be wrong. now mystery shopper? i love spending other people’s money, but not my own. i could do that, but after a while i start to get cheap with other people’s money too. always looking for a bargin or a deal, i am.
Kreskowki´s last blog ..Krecik ogrodnikiem
on July 16, 2009 at 3:44 pm
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After I retire, which is a long way off, I plan on being a greeter at Wal-Mart. I only want to do it for 4-6 weeks. I love Wal-Mart, and always thought that would be fun, and I want the stock options. Now you have me thinking, it may be a little more to, “Welcome to Wal-Mart,” and giving them a basket.
that’s funny that you know how long you want to be a greeter and that it’s 4 to 6 weeks. why that amount of time? i couldn’t be a greeter, too moody and i’m a low talker, not a good combo. i would look totally disgruntled and i’m sure that’s not the image wal-mart wants to project. now i would love to stock shelves because i LOVE seeing things neatly stacked and in order. oh gosh, how dreamy is that visual and i don’t have to talk to anyone either. i would smile though.
LaTonya´s last blog ..Pickles Anyone?
on July 17, 2009 at 12:14 am
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This is a funny post, and I have often wondered the same about Ms. Vanna. I remember when I was little she did need to turn the letters around, and I thought it was so cool. I do tend to wonder how much work she’s had done over the years…
hi amy and welcome. vanna has a better gig than i do and hers pays more so i can’t talk about her too much, but seriously what is her job title? i’m not big on titles, and when people ask me what i do for a living (well actually i avoid the question and say i work, but i’m a secretary) i don’t dress it up with fancy names admin. asst. legal asst. blah blah i do things, but i don’t get coffee. i guess the difference between vanna and me is that no one ever asks what she does for a living. exercising on a budget, i’ll be right over.
Amy @ Live Well´s last blog ..Exercising on a Budget
on July 17, 2009 at 8:04 am
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You’re really funny! Vanna is pretty and that’s why she has a job. She makes looking at the turn over the letter process a little more interesting for people to watch and not want to change channel – LOL.
I personally don’t need to see Vanna- but it must be good for marketing purposes somehow.
What you wrote about the conductor reminds me of my role as a mother. Conducting everything that has to do with the home and kids. I wouldn’t say that mothering is a talent though it’s more of an acquired skill
All the best,
Eren
greetings eren. nice to see you again. i guess if i was vanna, i would tell people i’m a model, and in between shows/photo shoots, i reveal letters on the side. i wonder what her salary is – i bet i’m not qualified to do her job. i know my abc’s.
oh well.
oh moms are conductors too, definitely. kids are the greatest teachers, they will teach you everything you need to know and then some.
Eren Mckay´s last blog ..Tips to help kids sun safety during summer time
on July 17, 2009 at 8:49 am
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First of all, I had no idea that Wheel of Fortune was still on the air. And the last time I saw it, Vanna just had to touch the box that was lit up. Is that still the case, because if it is she should be the result of corporate downsizing.
That’s what I think.
Hmm, jury’s out on the conductor. I still think it’s somewhat of a fake talent. It feels like it’s his mom putting an awesome spin on what he actually does. And I’d like to know what the hand signal is to play louder or softer.
I do like the idea of how you coordinate the cook top. I have absolutely no clue how one keeps everything hot at the same time so it gets to the table in culinary unison.
I thought that was what the microwave was for.
Oy, I’m not sure what my talent is and I haven’t felt on for a while now. Um, maybe it’s not killing my children during summer vacay.
yes ma’am WOF comes on after jeopardy here. when jeopardy goes off, i lose all interest in the tv and turn it off, but the kid has been watching WOF, so I stick around just to see what’s happening.
the conductor is real, my friend. i too thought the job was poppycock, but turns out conductors are musicians and directors as well, not just bearer of the stick. i’m sure the show can go on w/o them, but they keep everything on course, like a compass, they are there for a little direction. the tempo is in the hand gesture and the visibility of the stick. if you can see the stick, play slow, if you can’t, play fast. LOL.
now as for cooking, keeping everything hot is a challenge so sometimes i use different containers after the food is done, e.g., veggies, i put them in an aluminum bowl with a cover. aluminum retains heat or i cook the easy stuff at a lower temperature or on simmer – this gives me time to prepare another dish and i have control over when the other dish is done.
pancakes? you need aluminum pans, hot water and foil or like you said, a microwave. cute. i have done that, especially when peeps are slow about making it to the table. a little annoying.
i know what your talent is, you paint with words. keeping kids alive during the summer is a talent too because sometimes, bang! zoom! right in the kisser!
cardiogirl´s last blog ..The book of questions, Volume 51
on July 18, 2009 at 11:49 am
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Hey Valerie,
Enjoyed the post. I especially thought the ending was quite clever. _ o,o,d J,_, b!
Bring Back Pluto
“One of THE GUYS”
welcome to my blog and thanks BBP for your kind words.
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on July 21, 2009 at 4:38 pm
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May be we could get rid of Pat and Vanna do his job too! Not a bad idea, no? Just a thought.
hi raj, thanks for weighing in.
Raj Krishnaswamy´s last blog ..Best strapless bra
on July 24, 2009 at 6:12 pm
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I always used to think that about the conductor too but actually in order to become a conductor you have to be a very accomplished musician, possibly on different instruments, and it turns out that the actual musicians do rely on the conductor for guidance. So now I have more respect for them but it’s still hard to really think that they’re doing something very demanding.
crane repair, i was surprised myself, they are just as accomplished as the musicians. i’m glad i looked that information up on the web. at least i understand and can make a connection.
on July 26, 2009 at 12:13 pm
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Hey!
Sorry I missed this post. One of these days I should actually look into what those reader things do…lol
In regards to VW, I think she is first and foremost eye candy. However over the years she has become a “fixture” and I think they would never ask her to leave but if she left on her own, I don’t know if they would replace her. She’s also become someone for Pat to interact with on a regular basis.
Conductors are essential but I think a little overrated. The musicians, especially larger groups, really benefit from having someone/something to watch to keep everyone on tempo. Obviously marching bands can stay together by listening to the drumline’s tempo (yes I was a drummer), but it really is easier to watch a conductor. Besides listening to the drumline, I guess an orchestra could in theory watch a metronome or something. But having the director is easier. In addition, since the conductor is in front of the group, he/she can actually hear what they sound like as a group. The individual musicians can only hear their own instrument and some of their neighbors. As a result, the conductor can correct the individual’s playing to get the desired sound from the group.
Btw, you sound like a true chef/hostess at heart! That was a great description of pulling everything together.
oh buf, you’re never late here. i’m bad at logging into my reader at times.
i doubt if they would replace her too. people probably watch to see what she’s wearing, that’s why i would tell people, if i was vw, that i was a model. more power to her, if that was my job, i would dig my nails in the carpet. they would have to drag me out of there. i wonder how much money she makes.
great comment on the conductor, buf. i suppose they could get a long without him, but like you mentioned, musicians can only hear their own instrument – although i doubt the conductor could hear one individual instrument, but then again, maybe he can, especially if it’s out of synch with the rest. hmmm, that’s a question for a conductor.
i love entertaining and being a hostess, but for several hours, not days. hehehe. thanks for stopping by. see ya over at the VIP lounge. hope your studies are going well.
on July 28, 2009 at 8:38 am
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Hello there.
I must ask you a question: Have you ever played in an orchestra? Or even sing in a choir? Because if you did you would know that conductor is the most important person in the whole thing because everyone is working with his moves and commands. Conductor seems to be completely useless but that is so untruth! Without conductor there wouldn’t be anyone in the orchestra who would put all instruments together and made people play together. In television we see the final stage of the play – after months of hard work learning to play the musical composition in best way possible. Without conductor none of this would be possible. Remember that in orchestra there is a lot of people (more than 40), it’s not a rock band where you got 4 people and all they have to do is to listen the drummer.
hello and welcome, Producent Schodow. nope, never played in an orchestra, not with instruments, but with food, yes. i know the work the conductor does is important, but i didn’t before doing a little research. thanks for weighing in.
on July 28, 2009 at 3:35 pm
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Just added you to my reader. You can send a thank-you note to JD at I Do Things.
hi feefifoto, thanks for visiting and adding me. i’ll have to send JD some cookies and a thank you note. she rocks! thanks jd, you really do do things!
on August 1, 2009 at 2:09 am
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what a good observation! i think some jobs are useless too but i think they exists for our entertainment and sometimes to irritate us.lol
by the way, thanks for visiting my blog. you’ve got a great blog here! keep blogging!
well a job is a job as long as it pays, i just want to know how some people get a particular job, especially the off beat jobs. like how do you interview for vanna’s job. walk a straight line? flip over flash cards of the alphabet? where can i audition?
Johnonline´s last blog ..Salamat, Tita Cory
on August 3, 2009 at 11:30 pm
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How about the people at the airport? Specifically, the people that handle the security gate. They seem to be very good at harassing people.
what’s interesting about security people is that those who have nothing on them have a hard time getting through, but grandma dynamite has no problem.
Grog´s last blog ..Kiwi Is Always Healthy