all i do is this, all i do is this

as i was passing by the water cooler at work today, one of the designers stopped me. his great nugget of water cooler gossip was that yesterday he saw the "louisiana purchase" nickel. when i asked him what the hell is a "lousiana purchase" nickel, he told me there's a new design on the back of Jefferson's head...something about the louisiana purchase. he wasn't really sure what the design was, just that it said "louisiana purchase." i asked him why they changed it and why the nickel. he said something about the bicentennial of the purchase of the land from France, but wasn't sure why the nickel. i asked if jefferson was the president when said aquirement of lands was initiated. he didnt really answer my question, but instead asked if eisenhower was on the dime because he was good in WW2. i answered his question, and proceeded back to my desk to marvel in the aftermath of all that had just occurred.

first, the nerve of this guy! doesn't he know that i, as an engineer, am much to busy to communicate with a lowly designer? and i personally don't designate myself as a higher class than a designer, but my company does, and the proof is in the paycheck, and as a representative of my company, i am compelled to carry out the rules and policies set forthwith.

second, what kind of crap water cooler gossip is rambling on about the new nickel? when i want to hear water cooler gossip, i better hear about a mail clerk shtoopin a vice president, but NOT, definitely NOT, anything about a damn nickel.

third, for just having seen the nickel yesterday, and it obviously making an impression on him for him to bring it up the next day, only to not know anything about it other than it says "something about the louisiana purchase," methinks someone should put the paraphernalia away for a while.

fourth, it's good he knows we bought land from france, but the picture's got an indian in it. an Indian! well, an arm at least. but it's got a tomahawk too. a little reading never hurt anyone. turns out the nickel features "a rendition of the reverse of the original Indian Peace Medal commissioned for Lewis and Clark's expedition, bearing the likeness of America's third president on one side, and symbols of peace and friendship on the other. The medals were presented to Native American chiefs and other important leaders as tokens of goodwill at treaty signings and other events. The design, by United States Mint sculptor/engraver Norman E. Nemeth, features two hands clasped in friendship - one with a military uniform cuff, symbolizing the American government, and the other with a silver band adorned with beads and a stylized American eagle, representing the Native American community with whom the United States sought good relations." who knew?

fifth, jefferson was president from 1801-1809 and suppressed his qualms over constitutionality when he had the opportunity to acquire the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon in 1803.

sixth, fdr is on the dime. eisenhower is on the dollar coin minted 1971-1978.

seventh, fdr is on the dime, indirectly because of his great leadership through WW2, but more directly due to the fact he had polio and he, himself, started the "march of dimes" or that thing you hear about but aren't really sure what it's all about only to find out now that it was a financial campaign who's efforts were aimed at ending polio.

um, yeah

you know how everyone has that thing? that one thing that's a little too OCD about them? (one of) mine is pondering the definition of either really big words, or really small words. so i looked up so.

so adv.
-In the condition or manner expressed or indicated; thus: Hold the brush so.
-To the amount or degree expressed or understood; to such an extent: She was so weary that she fell.
-To a great extent; to such an evident degree: But the idea is so obvious.
-Because of the reason given; consequently: She was weary and so fell.
-Afterward; then: to the gas station and so home.
-In the same way; likewise: You were on time and so was I.
-Apparently; well, then. Used in expressing astonishment, disapproval, or sarcasm: So you think you've got troubles?
-In truth; indeed: “You aren't right.” “I am so!”

adj.
-True; factual: I wouldn't have told you this if it weren't so.
-In good order: Everything on his desk must be exactly so.

pron.
Such as has already been suggested or specified; the same: She became a loyal friend and remained so.

interj.
Used to express surprise or comprehension: So! You've finished your work at last.

Idioms:
so as to
In order to: Mail your package early so as to ensure its timely arrival.
so that
In order that: I stopped so that you could catch up.
With the result or consequence that.
so what
Used to express contempt or lack of interest.

so i'd like to bring up the fact that there was also a "Regional Note." it reads as follows:
New England speakers often use a negative form such as "so didn't" where other varieties would use the positive "so did," as in "Sophie ate all her strawberries and so didn't Amelia." Since this usage may confuse a speaker who has not previously encountered it, it is best avoided in writing.

no shit. it's also best avoided in conversation as those around you will suddenly feel embarassed not having earlier realized that you're retarded.





so i was walking around the office yesterday talking to one of the designers and he had some pretty sweet pictures pinned to the side of his cube. i don't know. there's just something about them. the guy's name is Luke Chueh, and his site is, conveniently enough, LukeChueh.com. if you live in LA, he has a couple shows coming up. go see him. if you don't live in LA, just look at these pictures and wish you lived in LA.

- posted by yeah...about that... @ 7:48 PM