Bringing bingo new light

When most people think bingo, they think of their grandma on a Tuesday night headed to the local VFW to daub some numbers.  However, bingo is a hot spot for people trying to win some quick cash and the best part is not many people are in the know.

We can all recall a moment in high school or middle school when we played bingo by covering some squares to learn a concept or meet our classmates.  But the real world of bingo is a much different scene.  Many of the people that play are vastly experienced in all the different types of games.

The game itself moves quickly and though everyone there claims to be friends, when the numbers are called, don't look for a handout.  The event brings together all sorts of people ranging in ethnic and economic backgrounds.

That being said, every player has their own way of playing the game.  Some vouch for the computers while other take the traditional paper route.  The more serious player will use a combination of the two while buying event tickets off the floor.  It all can make your head spin.  But with up to $3500 in cash prizes awarded each session, it really makes you focus.

Coping with the concept

For my first twitter story, I have to say that I was pretty lost in the concept.  I was also a tad bit lost on what to cover.  I needed something obscure enough to keep my attention as well as the readers.

I have worked in bingo before, and every time I told my friends about it, they laughed.  I figured with a chance to bring something a little more unknown to the table people could grasp it a little better.

Unfortunately, this is my first attempt at a twitter story, and I feel it lacked some direction.  I wanted to cover too much in too short of a story.  Bad planning on my part.

I also knew that I would be walking into a cloud of smoke, yet I was unprepared for it.  Smoking and bingo seem to go hand in hand as most of the players associate bingo with gambling, and gambling paints a picture of smokey back rooms.  That doesn't stop anyone from enjoying the game though.

Bingo players are eccentric folks.  Many bring trinkets with them that supposedly bring good luck, others have traditions they do before each game.  It is always fun to see what people will do when it comes to superstition.  I could write a whole story with all the quotes Victor Rawdon gave me.  We can always save for another time.

Be sure to check out my remote report on the story on twitter, #notyourgrandmasgame.  Follow me @zamora_gabe and let me know what you think about my story, how it could be worked out better and any other additional comments or questions you may have.

Adding color to the cubicle

Tattoos.  You have at least one friend who has a few; you might have one or two yourself.  While still a taboo topic for many older people, the younger generations are sporting ink all over their body, even those with higher paying careers.

Corporate America has always been one that we picture as white shirt, black-tied, clean shoed, pencil skirted plain.  Vanilla.  However, with younger generations beginning to enter the workforce with degrees in all sorts of fields, tattoos have started to emerge as more acceptable.

Trends, fashion and fads are big contributors for the younger culture.  We are all products of our environment.  That being said, people have embraced their bodies in a more creative way these days.  Many have taken liberty with their bodies for years, but today's society no longer fears a tatted up arm as much as it use to.

 

Bringing color to the world

Recent studies are showing that tattoos are no longer "a kiss of death," as Forbes put it.  Marketplace, states that even though tattoos in the workplace are still taboo they rank below non-ear piercings and even bad breath for the reason someone didn't land the job.

The law doesn't state that having a tattoo means that you cannot hold a more prestigious career, it is usually those doing the hiring.  Think about it.  Who normally does the hiring and firing at a well known company?  It's typically someone who is older, or may not have embraced current culture as much.  Not to say they don't have hidden ink themselves.

Tattoos will remain a touchy subject, but as MSN reported, "tattoos have become marks of distinction for employers looking to cultivate a certain aesthetic." Do you think that more ink within the office is a good thing or is it taking away from the professional appearance of the work world (and when I say ink, I don't mean toner)?

Thoughts from a canvas

To me, the body is a blank canvas.  In my opinion, tattoos should be covered up at least for the interview.  I have exposed tattoos, but they can be hidden fairly easily with a well placed sleeve.  From personal experience, I find that tattoos are becoming more acceptable, and while I would like more, I will wait until I am secure with my career of choice.

So I tip my hat to the person who was brave enough to embrace the tattoo culture in the workplace by giving those expressionists the opportunity to show their ability within their field.  Tattoos should not limit ability, but it brings about the question, what type of culture or taboo could also be brought to the cubicle next door?