baking.

Surprise! This is not about my cooking. I religiously read a blog called Ask A Manager. Being young and having had relatively hands-off bosses, I like hearing stories about what else the work world might have in store for me and how to deal with it. It also gives some great advice on resumes, cover letters, and interviewing.

Anyway, there were two interesting posts the last couple days – about cupcakes. The first deals with a woman who baked cupcakes for her co-workers and now one seems to be taking her friendliness as something more. The second, spurred by the first, deals with whether or not women should avoid baking in the workplace.

For the first post, my gut reaction was that this is the standard “girl doesn’t realize she’s being too friendly” situation. Mixed signals happen all the time in life right? But reading through the comments, people were quick to label the guy a creep. And I started thinking – it kinda sounds like he’s just being friendly. Maybe too much joking too fast, but ultimately saying things that I would if I was bored and wanted to have a conversation. But the author of the blog focuses on the fact that the guy is in a position of authority and that in that position, he should be more careful with his friendliness. Even trickier.

The second post I found really interesting because I’d never think that bringing in cupcakes would create a hurtful impression. But I’m also not really the kind of person who bakes without a lot of reason, so cookies and cupcakes rarely happen for work. I also worked in a company where everyone is in their 20’s, and female stereotyping wasn’t rampant. In my opinion, a lot of the impression is going to be based off the culture of the company. But I believe, it also significantly has to do with how the treat is presented. Leaving a plate in the break room and sending a short email is totally different that going around giving them out. If you don’t make a big deal over it, I don’t think other people will either.

asteroids galaxy tour.

I went to see The Asteroids Galaxy Tour. Their most popular song was a hit in an iPod commercial several years ago. They released their first album, which took me a long while to really enjoy. And then just last month, they released their sophomore album. So now they’re on tour again.

Their opening band was Vacationer. They play laid back beach-rock. Extremely chill music that I would play at home, but not my thing for a concert. It’s pretty clear this is their first tour. The lead singer still has that completely awkward “I bet I would look silly like that if I was dancing on stage” presence and they need a bit of work on their in-between song conversation. But good for them for keeping it interesting. They haven’t released their first EP yet. Take a listen.

Asteroids Galaxy Tour was solid. First – I’ve never seen a band’s equipment tested so thoroughly right before they play. I swear every mic and instrument on stage was tested multiple times by multiple people. Anyway, there were a lot of things that surprised me. First – they place their drummer at the front of the stage. Very cool since you can actually see him. Second – their band has 6 people. All except the drummer and lead singer switch instruments every song. So the people playing their keyboards and synths are a mix of their guitarist, bassist and horn players.

Here’s a video of what their concert was like. The lead singer, Mette, definitely knows what she’s doing on stage. I felt like every move she made was a pose for a picture. What I liked is that she tends to step back when she’s not singing, so the rest of the band is more noticeable. Also, she wore an outfit entirely of sequins. And she sounds just like she does on their album. The newest single is really catchy.

The concert was held at The Independent. A small venue, more like what I’m used to. Plus, it’s around the corner from my house. Perfect.

songs, sports, and superheroes

Burlesque – a movie starring Cher and Christina Aguilera? Yep. And it’s better than that sounds. Of course, it’s a musical. It also has Kristen Bell. Typical “poor girl tries to make it in the big city” plot – it’s not very good. But there’s singing and dancing and costumes. Plus I really like both Cher and Aguilera.

Captain America – I really wanted to like this movie. Everything is so classic good vs evil. And the girl seemed pretty cool. But I couldn’t get past the “beyond its time” technology or the fact that they made the bad guy red. I know, that’s how it is in the comics. As much as I love a clear cut bad guy – you really just made your Nazi bad guy look like a devil? It’s overkill.

Transformers Dark Side of the Moon – I fell asleep part way through. And the only thing I remember is how they tried to pass off the Milwaukee Art Museum as part of D.C. This would totally be ok, except it’s one of the most iconic buildings in Milwaukee.

Miracle – Feel good sports movies are the best. This is no exception. Also fell asleep during the final game against the Soviets, but watched it the next day. I didn’t do this with Transformers.