"Five Things About Me" Tag

Hi Kathy Sierra readers! Welcome to the Creative Think blog. While you're here, you might also check out Set A Deadline, and the Meaning of Life and Escape from Obsolete Ideas.    Best wishes, and thanks for stopping by. — Roger von Oech

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You've probably seen that "Blog Tag Thing" going around where people are asked to share "Five Things You Probably Didn't Know About Me."

I've been "tagged" by David Armano and Andy Nulman. I usually blow off stuff like this (especially chain letters), but -- hey! --  this time I'm game, so here goes (it was actually fun to think about):

1. I hitchhiked over 30,000 miles when I was in my late teens and early twenties. Mainly in the US and Canada, but also in Europe. I did this because I didn't have much money, and also because it was a great way to meet interesting people. From truck drivers and cowboys to traveling salesmen and wandering hippies, it was an education in human nature. This was back in the 60s and early 70s when people would pick you up.

2. I once held my breath for 3 minutes and 2 seconds. I did this when I was a senior in high school. A bunch of football players dared me to prove that swimmers have greater lung capacity than they did. I graciously gave them a demonstration!

3. My first child, Athena, was born exactly 33 years, 4 months and 0 days after I was. What's the big deal? That's exactly one-third of a century. Historians say, "As a rule of thumb, there are three generations per century." Well, I guess I nailed that one down to the hour!

4. When my son, Alex, was 8 years old, we watched every single episode of Twilight Zone together. When I was a kid, Twilight Zone was my very favorite TV show (it ran from 1959-64). Watching it again with my son was a great bonding experience. Plus, you're never too young to learn about Cosmic Irony. He's twenty-two now, and we still talk about it. Our favorites: "Walking Distance," "The Eye of the Beholder," and "To Serve Man."

5. I was the announcer of Stanford Men's Swimming meets from 1997-2001. It was great fun to "call" the races, and to get the crowd excited. Also, this gig gave me the opportunity to meet some great swimmers (and coaches) including a number of Olympians and future-Olympians.

But enough about me! Time to pass the meme. I "tag" the following five people to share five things we probably didn't know about them (I hope they're all good sports):

• Maggi Dawn Maggi Dawn   Maggi's an Anglican Priest and Cambridge University Chaplin; formerly a musician and song-writer;
• Diego Rodriguez Metacool   IDEO designer and Stanford d.School faculty member;
• Matt Jaunich Sharkride   Videographer; formerly at Hollywood's Creative Artists Agency;
• Jonny Baker Jonny Baker  English record producer, teacher, and alternative worship designer;
• Kathy Sierra Creating Passionate Users   Passionate metacognition student, and idea person extraordinaire.

Have fun!

Comments

[David Armano]

Roger,

I'm really glad you played along with this. My first reaction was to shrug it off as well, but once I started writing, it was fun.

So you are an ex-hitcher eh? That takes a daring spirit. Thing is, I think you bring a lot of that experience into your works and writings. You have a talent for appreciating human nature of all kinds.

[Michael Wagner]

I agree with David - there is a kind of acceptance of people as they are that is woven into your writing. Very welcoming!

Glad you shared 5 things - I bet it was hard for you to limit to only 5!

[Andy Nulman]

Your five points aside Roger, the main point is that you played along. While our levels of tolerance may differ, I guess we all have this built-in resistance to "the fake" and will allow only "the real" to seep through our filter. Unlike most chain letters, this exercise has a point...and a soul. Thanks for being a part of it!

[mindblob]

Excellent Roger!
I particularly like the fact you shared "Twilight Zone" with your son Alex. I smiled when I thought about my daughter and James Bond, but that's for later (hopefully, haha!). Right now she's the one (10 months old) making me watch "her" Teletubbies! ; )

[angryman]

I got tagged too. After my first reaction to ignore it, I thought, actually it's compliment and I'm glad I did.

[Mr. Zeus]

"There is a 5th dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area we call the twilight zone."

What a great show. Sure stands the test of time.

Thanks for sharing your "Five Things"!