To have my workspace really the way I want it would have to be moved to a different part of the building. For one thing, it needs some natural light (I tried having a plant on my desk--it died). Also, it's always dirty in here with dust from the adjacent manufacturing plant.  
However, it's probably impossible to move my workspace...so maybe I would rearrange it so my office-mate and I are not back to back--makes it more difficult to communicate.

I learned to type in high school typing class--they had electric typewriters (the old-fashioned kind with "balls"!) but I had to use a manual typewriter at home. Let me tell you, there was no such thing as "speed" with that thing! I got an electric typewriter as a graduation gift. I didn't learn to use a computer or do "word processing" until my college senior year. (Ah! what an epiphany--no more whiteout!)
I learned most word processing on the job, though.
I have no idea what students are being taught today...
Learning how to type properly and where your fingers should go is certainly useful--although people tend to develop their own methods (e.g., my husband, who likes to write stories and scripts, basically types with 2 fingers, and does amazingly well that way!)

I would say accuracy is more important. For one thing, I've found that when I slow down and focus on doing it right, it really doesn't affect my speed as much as I think. And it certainly is a lot faster in the long-run to not have to proof and re-proof everything (and of course as we all know, you can't always depend on spell check!)

I would definitely tell him that his actions are bothering me and to please stop, and if he doesn't, take it up with HR. Displaying a banner in his cube is one thing, but harrassing a coworker is inappropriate for the work place, and obviously disruptive.

Good people skills, especially on the telephone - being able to work with customers and sales people and developing a good rapport is key!

I usually just check my e-mail and voice mail (if any) and then start in on my "afternoon tasks." I find that taking a walk before lunch (on nice days) helps me to avoid that post-lunch lull!

Yep, that and No. 5 - every time I think I have a little extra money that I can sock into savings, something comes up--the car needs fixing, a faucet needs to be replaced, a cat gets sick--always something!

The name of the company I work for has changed! Our company was bought out last October, so we also have new benefits and a new pay schedule. It will be interesting to see what other changes occur in the coming year.

17" flat screen set to 1024 x 768. It works very well (though I daresay it could use a cleaning!)

A cat died and went to Heaven. God met her at the gates and said, 'You have been a good cat all these years. Anything you want is yours for the asking.'

The cat thought for a minute and then said, 'All my life I lived on a farm and slept on hard wooden floors. I would like a real fluffy pillow to sleep on.'

God said, 'Say no more.' Instantly the cat had a huge fluffy pillow.

A few days later, six mice were killed in an accident and they all went to Heaven together. God met the mice at the gates with the same offer that He made to the cat

The mice said, 'Well, we have had to run all of our lives: from cats, dogs, and even people with brooms! If we could just have some little roller skates, we would not have to run again.'
God answered, 'It is done.' All the mice had beautiful little roller skates.

About a week later, God decided to check on the cat. He found her sound asleep on her fluffy pillow. God gently awakened the cat and asked, 'Is everything okay? How have you been doing? Are you happy?'

The cat replied, 'Oh, it is WONDERFUL. I have never been so happy in my life. The pillow is so fluffy, and those little Meals on Wheels you have been sending over are delicious!'

I tend to be punctual and sometimes early. I do not like to be late, and I like to leave extra time to allow for traffic, etc. (however, if I'm bringing my hubby, all bets are off--he's always having to do "one more thing" before we leave the house!)

I agree, that it all depends on context, and it certainly is understandable for someone to cry over a personal issue such as a death in the family. I've also seen people shed a few tears (though not outright crying) when someone they liked left a company after years of working there.
But yes, there are some times when it's less than professional, especially when it relates to work issues. I had somone call me once from a company I had asked to do something for me, get rather emotional about the fact that they were unable to help me (not quite crying but almost, I could tell!). That really didn't help my feelings about it any. I would have preferred it if she had maintained some composure--but then, I also understand if someone's having a bad day!

Yep, definitely Powerpoint. At one firm I worked for, I got to put together a presentation for a retirement party. I was given pictures of the retiring principals from birth to present, and I formatted it and set the whole thing to music (which included songs from each decade). That was the most enjoyable work project I've ever done!

My phone system is similar. We have some speed dial numbers programmed in (such as IT help) but generally we don't use them. My phone also lets you see the last numbers dialed/called in, which is helpful at times.
I wouldn't really need to program personal numbers in since I use my cell for personal calls--about the only personal number I'd call from the work phone would be home.

Good grief, I have to say that is lame! It's almost worse than the Jelly of the Month Club (if you've ever seen National Lampoon's "Christmas Vacation," you'll get the joke )
My boss gets us Starbucks gift cards. Last year I think it was $5 or maybe $10--in any case, just enough to get a latte or two. This year it was $50--now that'll keep me caffeinated for awhile! That was a nice surprise.