Amy's Blog

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I'm going to blog about blogging today.  That sounds so weird...especially if I had said it just a few years ago.  It actually sounds a little painful.

I was told this morning that I need to do more blogging, if you can believe that.  I love doing this, and the fact that it's part of my job makes it even cooler.  So hopefully I'll be able to post a lot more Klipsch-related things, as well as semi-personal things, since I can allot more time to my little corner of the internet. 

What I want to ask, and why I'm blogging about blogging, is what do you want to hear about and/or see?  Send me suggestions either by email or in the comment section of this entry.   

In the meantime, and since the ducks have been MIA for two months now (FINI!), here is a bonus photo from forum member Daddy Dee's visit with my fine-rubber-feathered friends at the Klipsch distribution center back in March.

Ok, so I've had more than my fair share of traffic tickets.  It's not something I'm proud of.  From disregarding a stop sign to not wearing a seat belt; from illegal left-hand turns to just plain speeding, I've had a ticket in every region of this state...plus that one in Ohio.  The only reason I maintained a valid drivers license?  The attendance of no less than four Defensive Driving classes by the time I was 26. Yes, four. Thankfully, the citations have become fewer and farther between as I get older.  Amazing what having a little guy in the back seat will do for a lead foot. 

But then again...

It seems as though Steven is destined to follow in mommy's footsteps...er...tire tracks.  Recently, he was pulled over for the first time.  The offense?  Throwing potato chips out the window.  Yes, the officer pulled over a three-year-old for tossing a biodegradable material out a car window on a residential street. 

If that's all that kind police officer had to do (and he was kind, that's not sarcasm), I really need to move back to Carmel:  the most secure city in the nation.  Keeping the streets safe from snack food since 1837.

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This magnificent-looking hawk was perched just outside the marketing conference room today, probably taking notes.  We think there was a nest nearby as he was repeatedly being bullied by two much smaller birds--one seen here screaming at him.  They must be extremely brave because when I see him swooping around our back parking lot looking for an unsuspecting squirrel or bunny rabbit, I take cover.

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Looking at this picture, taken in the engineering lab during last week's picnic, my mind wanders to how Klipsch will evolve over the next 20-40 years.  What's in store for speaker development?  What will be the next industry trend?  Who will still be working here?  Eventually, my mind really gets going, not only about the future of this company but about the future of this city.  This state.  This country.  The entire human race.  It can drive a person batty. 

Then I shake my head and look again to see a couple cute kids in Klipsch chairs.  Much better.

I discussed my list with some of my co-workers, which turned into a debate of the definition of "horror film."  For my purposes, I'm including what may also be called "psychological thriller," since it means essentially the same to me. 

10.  Black Christmas (1974)  Creepiest prank caller ever, and grand-daddy of the slasher film.  

9.  Cloverfield (2008)  So, the hand-held made me queasy, but I loved the realistic premise.  Accompanied by a very clever online marketing campaign--scour the internet for clues about this one, and background on the characters.

8.  Repulsion (1965)  One of Polanski's best. Psychologically terrifying with a couple of genuinely heart-stopping moments.

7.  The Ring (2002)  This one got to me because I watched it the way you're supposed to watch scary movies:  alone, in a strange new apartment, dead of night.  Had to go late-night grocery shopping after to shake off the creeps.

6.  Cape Fear (1991)  Robert DeNiro owned this character.  Brutal and violent, with strong statements about the holes in our legal system (which is scary too).

5.  The Exorcist (1973)  Such a sweet little girl.  For a minute. 

4.  Halloween (1978)  Black Christmas may have launched the slasher film, but this one propelled into mainstream.  Creepy music, cinematography, violent without being over the top gory. Made it difficult for me to enjoy trick-or-treating for the rest of my adolescence.

3.  Audition (1999)  No one does horror quite like the Japanese.  Will make men think twice about the single life.

2.  The Silence of the Lambs (1991)  Nearly perfect movie with two of the creepiest villains in history. "It rubs the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again."  Eek.

1.  The Shining (1980)  Jack Nicholson's portrayal of a man's descent into madness tops my list, and boy, did those little girls give me the willies.  I can't believe I watched this movie when I was 10...no wonder I'm a little "off."  Bonus:  This is a hilarious trailer redux which turns it into the "feel good" family movie of the year.

Honorable mentions go to Rosemary's Baby, The Sixth Sense, Poltergeist and The Omen.  I needed a Top 14.  

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Part of the first floor of our building is in a transition period, having recently been vacated by the prior tenant to make room for our expanding office needs.  Currently, it's filled with, well, nothing, and my thought is it would make an excellent roller rink until we determine how to more productively use it.

Last week, seen in this photo, it was used to film some cool web videos for the upcoming Mirage product launches.  It's amazing to me how the finished product can look so professional, clean, and bright, yet the behind the scenes look dark, gloomy, and mysterious.  It's how I imagine Hollywood, on a slightly larger scale.

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I could no longer resist the adorableness of these little powerhouse speakers from Mirage, and bought this pair to take home with me yesterday.  The best thing about them?  They are potty trained, won't chew my furniture, and don't require shots.  And are still freakin cute.  I think I'll name them.

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Because cubicle farms can be a hindrance to effective communication, group dynamics, and collaborative creativity, Matt here has taken it upon himself to pop out the center panel of his cube wall which separates him from Jill.  I think it's a brilliant idea, though a bit reminiscent of my local ice cream shop's walk-up window. 

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This was parked in our visitor lot on Friday. 

Sweeeeeeeeeeet.

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The Indianapolis Klipsch picnic was held on Saturday in our back parking lot, which may sound a little hokey but is actually an excellent location with the fairly dense woods (well, dense for inside I-465) surrounding it.  The activities were numerous:  bouncy-house contraptions, basketball game, face-painting, caricature drawings, excellent live music, prizes-o-plenty, tours of engineering (Steven was all about the anechoic chamber), and bean-bag toss. 

One of my favorite activities this year, however, was the assembling of birdhouses with scrap wood from our woodshop, coordinated and assisted by Larry--director of mechanical engineering--pictured below (center).  The kids loved it, no major thumb injuries were incurred, and when all seven houses were assembled, they were hung around the perimeter of the parking lot, ready for homeless birdies to nest.  No batteries required.

Note:  Not only do I love these soundtracks, but also the movies that accompany them.  They are not mutually exclusive.  

In no particular order: 

1.  American Graffiti (1973).  This outstanding collection of oldie hits includes the DJ stylings of Wolfman Jack.  Bonus!

3.  Saturday Night Fever (1977).  Even if you hate disco, you gotta love it's place in pop culture.  And the clothes. 

4.  Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982).  Tom Petty, The Go-Gos, Led Zeppelin, Oingo Boingo, The Cars...what's not to love?

5.  The Graduate (1967).  Simon & Garfunkel tunes interwoven most interestingly into this controversial (for it's time) film. Coo-coo-c'choo.

6.  Magnolia (1999).   Songs written and performed by the talented Aimee Mann.  Mood-evoking, and hauntingly beautiful.

7.  Pretty in Pink (1986).  Great 80s compilation, featuring the title song by The Psychedelic Furs, and OMDs fabulous "If You Leave."  

8.  Dazed and Confused (1993).  The 1970s answer to American Graffiti...without disco.

9.  Goodfellas (1990).  Best use of instrumental rock music in a montage ever. 

10.  Nashville (1975).  Written and performed by the actors themselves.  Now that's talent.

Check back next week for my all time favorite horror movies. 

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I found this pretty Cayin Audio tube amp sitting all alone on top of some boxes in engineering the other day.  I thought it might give some of you audiophiles the shakes knowing it's not hooked up to any of the hundreds of speakers we have downstairs.  

Yes, I do have a dark side.

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This is a look I get frequently when I run into Mark.  It pretty much says "Amy, what are you doing, you're up to something, please go away."  Ah, well, I'm used to that.

Originally from Florida, Mark has been with the Klipsch family for 17 years.  He is responsible for bringing countless innovative products to market, including the long-reliable Quintet system and the out-of-the-ballpark successful, not to mention ground-breaking, ProMedia v.2-400 computer speakers.

His most successful career achievement, however, has not been product related.  Eight years ago next week, he made the brilliant decision to hire me.  His life at Klipsch has never been the same.  After all, who would he have to tease him about his wardrobe?

Thanks for the job, Mark.  I hope you never lose your excellent sense of humor.  Especially now.

Follow up to today's earlier blog...

After a whole 10 minutes of use, I have to say, I'm thoroughly impressed with my choice of lens. 

First thing I noticed....it's got some MASS to it.  Even though it's smaller than the "stock" lens that came with the Rebel XTi, my camera now feels substantially heavier. 

Second thing...WOW, is it fast.  Noticably faster, especially in low light. 

Third... I need to move back!  Even though it's not a zoom, the lens puts me incredibly close to the subject, without getting close to the subject. 

And last... holy cow, can it blur a background:

So for now, two thumbs up!  Poor Steven will have to endure yet another photo shoot.  But at least I won't have to get in his face for a close-up. 

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Since I rarely make substantial purchases for myself, I feel a bit guilty when I do...of course I get over it quickly.  This camera lens arrived today, and I'm about to take it for a spin around the building, so hopefully I'll have some more fun and interesting shots for you from the World of Klipsch. 

For you camera enthusiasts having lens-dilemmas similar to mine, I'll be sure to follow up with my thoughts.