Everyone, at some point in their life, ponders what it would be like to explore the vast world of outer space. For many of us, it’s just not a possibility. For others, it’s a chance to explore a new world on the behalf of mankind in hopes of launching our species to other worldly destinations and possibilities for human growth. Having said that, our next topic for WWYLK (What Would You Like to Know?) has been voted to be the International Space Station (ISS).

A large reason behind ISS is to, “enable long-term exploration of space and provide benefits to people on Earth.” This includes research on the physical and mental affects during lengthened trips in space. Some side effects to prolonged exposure to space conditions include loss of bone density, as well as, redistribution of bodily fluids and increased exposure to radiation coming from energy particles and sources outside the solar system. The ISS will also help to answer questions in regards to growing food and livestock in outer space, things necessary to an eventual trip to mars. [1]

Boeing is the prime contractor of the ISS and spans the length of one football field. Boeing’s site tells us that, “Boeing built all of the major U.S. elements. In addition, Boeing oversees thousands of subcontractors around the globe and works with 16 international partners on the project.” Building began in 1998 and was built piece by piece over several years. It consists of five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a gym and a 360 degree bay window for viewing. The space station currently weighs 861,804 lbs and has been visited by more than 204 people to date.

The space station also plays a critical role in tracking and monitoring the effects of air pollution and climate change on earth. In the planning stages for years, construction of the International Space Station began with the launch of the U.S.-owned, Russian-built Zarya control module on November 20, 1998, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakstan. [2] Special docking parts allow for the ISS to be visited by a wide variety of space shuttles. Completion on the ISS is expected towards the end of the decade. When complete, a six man crew will be able to live in a space the size of a five bedroom house. [3]

Sources:
[1]http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Cervantes_Mission/The_importance_of_science_on_the_International_Space_Station
[2] http://space.about.com/b/2004/08/31/international-space-station-a-brief-history.htm
[3] http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/space-exploration/international-space-station-article/

At rateGenius we believe it is important for our customers to know who is helping them with their auto refinance. Geniuses are the foundation to the rateGenius Loan Services program and help to provide a great experience and save you money. Each week we will introduce a new member of our team. In this week’s edition, let’s get to know Michele R., Loan Officer.

1. How long have you been a Genius?
Well obviously, since birth. I’ve been a “Rate Genius” since July 2010

2. What was your favorite thing about where you grew up?
My favorite thing about growing up was all the activities I was involved in- I used to do figure skating, was on a year round swim team and played soccer and volleyball.

3. What is one major goal in your life?
To purchase my own home.

4. Would you rather fly a dragon or a unicorn? And why?
That’s a trick question- I’d breed the two and fly the baby drag-icorn

5. What is the most interesting conversation you have had with someone trying to refinance?
Oh boy, you seriously dont want to know! I’m always amazed at the things people share…

6. If you could have named yourself when you were born, what would your name be?
“Awesome”

7. What is the one thing you would change about American culture?
I wish I could change people’s feeling of entitlement- rather than working for what they have I see so many that expect everything to be handed to them.

8. What is your biggest fear?
Losing the people I love for sure!

9. What is something your co-workers don’t know about you?
Hmmmm, that’s a tough one! I guess that under my “Fearless, tough, I can handle anything you throw my way and smile while doing it” exterior, they will find a softie that cares about others more than they know and more than I show!

10. What kind of coat can only be worn when wet?
What in the world?!?!?! I have no idea!

A turtleneck can also be referred to as a polo neck, roll-neck or skivvy. This particular garment has been around for hundreds of years and dates back to the 15th century. A few hundred years later they were commonly worn by menial workers, athletes, sailors and eventually Steve Jobs.[1]

Turtlenecks eventually became fashionable in the United States around the 1920s and were associated with the middle class. This was eventually a dress style commonly represented by existentialism [1](existentialism: A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one’s acts.).

By the late 1950’s, the turtleneck had become associated as preppy. The turtleneck is an article of clothing that has worn many different hats in its day. From rebellion to existentialism to prep and class, we should look to the turtleneck as an American icon.

Designer Roy Halston Frowick once described the turtleneck as:

“Turtlenecks are the most comfortable garment you can wear.They move with the body, and they’re flattering too, because they accentuate the face and elongate the figure. They make life so easy: you can wear a turtleneck to work and then afterwards throw on a jacket, and it becomes very dressy. You can go anywhere you like.” [1]

I will now be petitioning for a turtleneck sweater day in the office!

[1] Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polo_neck

At rateGenius we believe it is important for our customers to know who is helping them with their auto refinance. Geniuses are the foundation to the rateGenius Loan Services program and help to provide a great experience and save you money. Each week we will introduce a new member of our team. In this week’s edition, let’s get to know Holly R., Fulfillment Team Lead.

How long have you been a Genius?
28 years, 4 months, 14 days. A rateGenius for 2 years & 7 months.

Tell us something your coworkers don’t know about you.
I was in People Magazine back in 2004. It was a political piece and a friend of mine from Houston, Shelley, needed people for a photo shoot. She had transformed her old truck into an Anti-Bush truck. There was a HUGE pink slip, like a slip women wear (Give Bush the Pink Slip) and a bunch of men and women all wearing pink slips with slogans written on them. Before I start a political war and everyone starts flippin’ out, I am not a democrat or republican–Shelley needed bodies and I happen to have a pretty nice one. Why would I deprive the world of that??? You’re all welcome.

Which historical figure do you admire most?
There are way too many people to pick one… I’m going to go with whoever invented the automobile. I tried to Google one specific person who invented the first vehicle and apparently even Google can’t give me a straight answer. BUT if it wasn’t for that person, rateGenius would not be around and we wouldn’t have customers needing their vehicles refinanced.

If you could see through the eyes of any animal, what would it be?
A Killer Whale, the ocean is cool and huge, plenty of room for me and my friends, I don’t have to worry about my weight or watch what I eat, me and my squad plan out crazy awesome attacks on great white sharks… It just seems cool.

If you didn’t need a job what would you do with your time?
I am a busy body! I couldn’t imagine not having a job… This question doesn’t specify if I’m rich or not….
So if I’m loaded, I would travel obviously and then do something to help out my fellow humans—build houses or something for people who can’t afford it… Pay off both my parent’s houses/debts. Throw some outrageous parties. But if I’m broke I’d probably walk around aimlessly, live under the bridge, ask people for money for food even though we all know the money isn’t going towards food.

Would you rather be a Pirate or a Ninja?
This is tuff… I’m going to go with Pirate. Only for the simple fact that I love giving people a hard time and I talk a LOT of trash… Ninjas have to be quiet so they are able to sneak up on fools… Pirates just keep it real and upfront. They also get booze, so that’s a plus.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
Uhhh, one of my most memorable memories is meeting George Foreman and Charles “Doc” Broadus (one of the best boxing coaches ever). My Father owned his own business building museum exhibits. He built the exhibit in the Sports Hall of Fame in Waco, TX honoring Foreman. I’m not sure what age I was, but I believe it may have been right after he won the heavyweight championship (again?)…it’s been a rough few decades since then so I can’t remember. We had Pepsi and hot-wings together though!

What is your favorite thing to cook?
Well, I was recently diagnosed w/Celiac disease so I cannot eat a lot of the things I love to cook b/c of gluten… I will tell you, having to re-learn food after pretty much eating w/e you want for 28 years is NOT fun and extremely time consuming! However, I am a Cajun on both sides of my family… so I love Cajun food…shrimp, gator, crab…it’s all good.

What is the scariest thing you have ever done?
Came into work 5 minutes late… was not aware that was our Senior VP’s biggest pet peeve. I learned that lesson real quick.

What jumps when it walks and sits when it stands?
A Kangaroo?

At rateGenius we believe it is important for our customers to know who is helping them with their auto refinance. Geniuses are the foundation to the rateGenius Loan Services program and help to provide a great experience and save you money. Each week we will introduce a new member of our team. In this week’s edition, let’s get to know Julie S., Business Development Manager.

How long have you been a Genius?
6.5 yrs

Why do you enjoy working for rateGenius?
For one, who can beat getting to work with a huge team of friends everyday? And two, we’re given flexibility to be creative and try new ideas within each of our roles here at RG. This approach has allowed the company to grow to the success it is today, while still adhering to our core focus of providing a great value to our customers and lending partners.

Tell us something your coworkers don’t know about you.
Growing up in Iowa, I walked the cornfields each summer during my high school years detasseling corn. Great money, and helped me pay for college. If you’re not from the Midwest, Google “detasseling” for your lesson in hybrid corn… it’s enough to put you to sleep.

What is the scariest thing you have ever done?
I rode the Human Slingshot at the state fair. I screamed like a little girl… wait, I am a girl?!

Do you have any hidden talents?
I was on a jump rope demonstration team… nerdy, yes. But it was great exercise and provided an opportunity to visit Australia when I was 16.

What was your favorite subject in high school?
Journalism… loved it so much that I ended up getting a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas. Hook’em!

What is one major goal in your life?
Together with my hubby, I want to someday make it to see a game in each baseball stadium across the US.

Which historical figure do you admire most and why?
Rosa Parks. She was a strong, determined woman who stood up for what she believed in… and darn it, all she wanted to do was get to work!

Would you rather live under the ocean or in outer space?
Either would give me a panic attack.

If you could add a holiday what would it be?
My birthday. My husband already lovingly designates the week around my birthday to be “Julie-anukkah.”