Member of the Month July 2006

[sarahtowny]

Member of the month July 2006 ... goes to PolarBearNPR!

This month the staff and Premier members voted and it was decided that PolarbearNPR would receive this months honour. She has been a wonderful member and has helped enormously around bbb. Here is what she said to me about her time at bbb:-


How did you find BigBlueBall?

LOL - MrEggsalad, as many of you now know is my son and when I had some questions about my students' usage of the internet, IMing and MySpace type stuff he suggested I pop by.

What keeps you coming back?

The camaradarie. Everyone is so nice and knowledgable and has links to some really cool stuff.

How did you come up with PolarBearNPR as your username?

My dad refers to me as a polar bear. Even bought me a little marble statue when I was in high school. Something about from afar I seem cute and cuddly, but up close I can be ferocious and stand my ground when challenged. (It was high school, remember?) And the NPR stands for "Never Pays Retail." It's a mantra I teach my kids, translated . . . wait til it's on sale. Plus it makes a really cute avatar

How long have you been using computers?

Longer than most BBBers have been alive! Probably about 25 years or so.

How long have you been instant messaging?

A few weeks - lol!

What's your preferred instant messenger?

Well, my aforementioned son set me up with everything except ICQ and then put them in this Adium thing so all I do is click, wait for a friend to show up and start talking. I'm not too far into the system . . . yet.

What's your favorite BigBlueBall section...

I find myself checking the Off Topic section frequently; however, I have been to chat twice and that was great fun. And the introductions . . . gotta like welcoming the newbies.

...and why?

The silliness, advice and general banter in the Off Topic section is priceless. Chat was fun to have that group-thing going on. And I enjoy welcoming folks into the forum, especially if I can hook them in to some area where they can offer something either a question or suggestion or information so BBB can be the best it can be

Anything else you'd like to add?

I was totally caught off guard by this news. Everyone has been so great; the forums are so enjoyable; BBB is a wonderful place to be. Thanks so much for this honor. I'll try to wear my crown in the spirit it was given.

And I get a shirt?! Wow!

A great interview thanks again and congatulations! PolarBearNPR enjoy your bbb shirt! :0)

[Jeff]

Congratulations, PolarBearNPR! You're a welcome addition to BigBlueBall. And I think I've got you beat on the "how long have you been using computers" bit.

[Eagle_Kiwi]

Congrats indeed PB. I'm not the only one who's really pleased that you've become a "regular".
Your posts are always good to read.

And thanks for the interview - now I don't have to wonder about National Public Radio any more!

(And Jeff... I hit 40 years last month, I think I might have you both beat! )

[Spike]

Hey, congrats PolarBear! Keep up the great work, and hope to see you in IRC soon!

[MrEggsalad]

Congrats! Heh, she was really happy when she found out! We'll post a pic with both of our BBB shirts when she get's hers. Way to keep an eye on me, and become MOTM! YIPPIE!!

[PolarBearNPR]

Aww, you all are so sweet. I had no idea my "contributions" would actually pay off in wardrobe. (See how Never Pays Retail works? ) I'm so flattered. Thank you all for your reps, your kind words, your gentle reminders, and your friendship. This has been a fun introduction into this world of IM.

And Eagle_Kiwi, you're not the only one who thought it was National Public Radio. I even had someone ask if I was from Puerto Rico. And here it's just my thrifty side showing

And about computer usage - I learned to use an Apple IIc for "highway inventory" when I worked for the County Engineer's Office in the summer of '81. The 5k hard drive was 3' x 1.5' x 9" (or so) and had to be on a special box to keep it cool and safe from jarring. It sounded like an enclosed helicopter and we were so excited to have it. The floppy's were the new 5 1/4" ones and we thought we were so hip. The next year (I worked summers during college) we had something we actually took in a vehicle to record all sorts of information on road features, signage, etc. Ahhhh, those were the days.

Don't you worry . . . I'll be around for a long time to come. The Big Blue Ball has become a very nice place to hang out.

[Nessa]

Congratulations! You are an awesome member and are truly deserving of this recognition. Keep up the good work!

[MrOats]

PolarBear, I'm so glad you got MOTM. Hey, I never knew you were Ryan's Mom. *surprise* My mom barely knows how to use a computer! That's awesome! (25 years?!?)

You've been a great help in the introductions (check your rep +) and all your posts are enjoyable, congratulations.

[shifter]

Definitely well deserved! Congratulations PolarBearNPR! You've got an awesome attitude and your friendliness rubs off on everyone.

[Fancy]

Congrats PolarBear! I was so glad to learn that NPR did not stand for "Naked Pumpkin Run"
You're a real asset to the group here.