Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Convenience Beats Quality
A VC: Convenience Beats Quality: "The ability to do something is so much more important than the ability to do it in high quality. That will come in time of course." - Fred Wilson, VC
Monday, June 2, 2008
Web Generated Travel Guides
Technorati Founder Dave Sifry Takes On Travel Guide Industry
This was perhaps overdue. A website that aggregates all the travel info on the web and makes an up to the minute on demand travel guide. I figure most have spent time surfing the web preparing for a trip making an aggregated document that would be printed (or saved) and carried.
I think this scales to other sorts of things as well, stocks, etc. Research gets automated, it has too, there's just so much stuff out there.
This was perhaps overdue. A website that aggregates all the travel info on the web and makes an up to the minute on demand travel guide. I figure most have spent time surfing the web preparing for a trip making an aggregated document that would be printed (or saved) and carried.
I think this scales to other sorts of things as well, stocks, etc. Research gets automated, it has too, there's just so much stuff out there.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Taste Trip
The Miracle Fruit, a Tease for the Taste Buds - NYTimes.com
Click the link scroll down and start the video. You eat a berry, then everything else tastes different. Sounds intriguing, epically to a foodie.
Click the link scroll down and start the video. You eat a berry, then everything else tastes different. Sounds intriguing, epically to a foodie.
They just keep making it easier
I posted yesterday's authors@Google post via the "post to blog" feature under the share tab on YouTube. Of course, I had to navigate away from the video I was watching to set it up which was a annoying, but once set up: Click Share, More options, there's your blog. Type your take, and post it. There you go. Seamless integration.
It has become so easy to share, go to www.nytimes.com and every story has that little share button. Post it to facebook, or maybe you want to digg it. Where ever you do, it's just a click away.
It has become so easy to share, go to www.nytimes.com and every story has that little share button. Post it to facebook, or maybe you want to digg it. Where ever you do, it's just a click away.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Authors@Google: Michael Pollan, on Food
I make no secret of my enjoyment of Michael Pollan's ideas on food. I seem to be talking about his book The Omnivore's Dilemma on at least a weekly basis. As such, I enjoyed listening to his talk as part of the Authors@Google series (which I hadn't herd of and am now youTube subscribed to it).
He talks about simple things you can to do make sure you're eating food and not processed food like stuff. It's worth the listen if you have an hour. One of the best take aways was from a question asked at the end (around 52 min). What do I do when I'm at a friends and am offered "bad" food when I want to eat healthy? Eat it, he says. And goes on to comment that a great "rule" is to eat bad food, or as might be termed banquet food, so long as you prepare it. He uses french fries as an example, chocolate candy is another great one.
Where's my organic farm delivery service?
Social Networks' Sway May Be Underestimated
Social Networks' Sway May Be Underestimated - washingtonpost.com
Great example of the strength of social networking. My guess is that in 5 years nearly everyone who uses email today will be involved in some type of social networking, web 2.0 type activity. Employers will demand it. It's influence is tremendous and you have to participate to understand.
Great example of the strength of social networking. My guess is that in 5 years nearly everyone who uses email today will be involved in some type of social networking, web 2.0 type activity. Employers will demand it. It's influence is tremendous and you have to participate to understand.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Clean the Space Needle
Spit and polish for a Seattle icon KOMO-TV - Seattle, Washington Local & Regional
Great photos of the Space Needle getting a wash. Thanks MM!
Great photos of the Space Needle getting a wash. Thanks MM!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Scheduled Posts
Google Reader has added post scheduling features, a while ago actually. You just date your post in the future and it posts when the proverbial alarm goes off. I'm a fan. I would ideal like to post once a day though as anyone who blogs knows, that's a lofty goal. More often than not, I get in the mood, or it happens to be a day of stumbling over interesting interwebs and I generate three or four. Most isn't timely, nor to I feel need to be timely, so scheduling creates the desired rhythm.
Perhaps that deviates from my blogs goal of being a way for me to note what I'm reading over time and an exercise in writing daily. None the same, I'll use it.... In fact, right now, it is Friday May, 16 2008 at 9:32 AM.
Perhaps that deviates from my blogs goal of being a way for me to note what I'm reading over time and an exercise in writing daily. None the same, I'll use it.... In fact, right now, it is Friday May, 16 2008 at 9:32 AM.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Karma
desire is the key, it reframes reality - A blog
"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours."
Buddhist saying
"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours."
Buddhist saying
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Army Struggles
Army strained to near its breaking point (4/6/07) -- www.GovernmentExecutive.com
Kind of an abstract link but I think the tone of the article is just simply factual. Very Stimulus - Army going hard for 5 years or so / Response - Army is hurting.
I'll always maintain that the U.S. Army will be fine, it's been at it for more than 200 years, but that doesn't mean there aren't hard times ahead. Broken families and broken veterans will happen.
Kind of an abstract link but I think the tone of the article is just simply factual. Very Stimulus - Army going hard for 5 years or so / Response - Army is hurting.
I'll always maintain that the U.S. Army will be fine, it's been at it for more than 200 years, but that doesn't mean there aren't hard times ahead. Broken families and broken veterans will happen.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Touchwall
Touchwall: Microsoft’s Inexpensive Wall-Based Multi-Touch Interface
Forget Surface, how about a touch wall. As TechCruch aptly dub's it, it's the minority report interface. The link above has a video that shows interaction with the TocuhWall Microsoft demo'ed this week. The applications are many, right away I imagine doctors zooming though complex patient records including x-rays and, as later mentioned in the video, architects or other "blueprint" users sorting though huge, complex diagrams.
Forget Surface, how about a touch wall. As TechCruch aptly dub's it, it's the minority report interface. The link above has a video that shows interaction with the TocuhWall Microsoft demo'ed this week. The applications are many, right away I imagine doctors zooming though complex patient records including x-rays and, as later mentioned in the video, architects or other "blueprint" users sorting though huge, complex diagrams.
Monday, May 12, 2008
E-Mail Mistakes
Whats the Worst E-Mail Mistake You Ever Made? - Freakonomics - Opinion - New York Times Blog
Dubner of Freakonomics covers email mistakes. I think we've all at least come close to this. I think a solid rule of thumb for email is don't write anything that you wouldn't want anyone else to read. It's almost like posting things to the web. So easy to make that easy address mistake, or worse, that quick forward.
Dubner of Freakonomics covers email mistakes. I think we've all at least come close to this. I think a solid rule of thumb for email is don't write anything that you wouldn't want anyone else to read. It's almost like posting things to the web. So easy to make that easy address mistake, or worse, that quick forward.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Trends in Dining
http://events.nytimes.com/2008/05/07/dining/reviews/07rest.html
I think what David Chang is doing at Momofuku Ko is exactly where dining is heading. Sure there will always been the ultra luxurious décor but I think you're seeing more and more "neighborhood" hot spots go simple with amazing food. And then, how does one incorporate technology into all aspects, just as the 10am click, six days in advance is required to hope for a seat at Ko. It's simply what's coming to a city near you.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Changing Enemies
Wa Po Article
The flavor changes over time. Several great points in this article.
First, the enemy in Iraq is changing. Al Qaeda is retreating to greener
pastures in Pakistan (and likely Africa). Drug lords remain and have to
protect their crop. So often that is overlooked. The number one export
from Afghanistan is opium. Think about that. I would be frustrated if
I was Columbia, like hey, we were doing that, how come we had to change
and they don't. Isn't it interesting how the goings on of the Middle
East differs so much from American involvement in South America.
The flavor changes over time. Several great points in this article.
First, the enemy in Iraq is changing. Al Qaeda is retreating to greener
pastures in Pakistan (and likely Africa). Drug lords remain and have to
protect their crop. So often that is overlooked. The number one export
from Afghanistan is opium. Think about that. I would be frustrated if
I was Columbia, like hey, we were doing that, how come we had to change
and they don't. Isn't it interesting how the goings on of the Middle
East differs so much from American involvement in South America.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Friedman is Back
Dumb as We Wanna Be - New York Times
And back with a roar. Geesh, terrible energy incentives being driven, or not driven by Congress. Same goes for Ag subsidies. I think energy policy is a place where the answers aren't that hard, sadly, the lobbyists make it that way.
And back with a roar. Geesh, terrible energy incentives being driven, or not driven by Congress. Same goes for Ag subsidies. I think energy policy is a place where the answers aren't that hard, sadly, the lobbyists make it that way.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Quote: On the Individual
Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to be always part of unanimity.
- Christopher Morley
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Feeds I Read
This morning I took advantage of several Google Reader features. For awhile I've wanted to list the feeds (blogs or really any sort of RSS based content) I read on this blog its self. At the moment I have 51 different feeds streaming into Google Reader, nearly more than I can effectively take in. I add and delete on a somewhat regular basis and I like the idea that the right hand information bar of my blogger page will now update to reflect these changes.
Additionally, after some deliberation, I've made my "friend" tag public, if you, friend, would like to be removed from public display of your blog title I'll happily take your link off the public list.
To get a bit technical, here's what I did:
I made both a public and a private tag in reader. Everything except for content I want to be private is tagged with public and you can see the entire conglomerated feed here. I then made each tag that I use (less private) public by clicking the little broadcast button next to the feed name. I then clicked the "add blog roll" button to generate the script that I then inserted into a blogger HTML "section" adding breaks between each rolls script. I could have just added the public tag but I like the feeds split out by category.
Additionally, after some deliberation, I've made my "friend" tag public, if you, friend, would like to be removed from public display of your blog title I'll happily take your link off the public list.
To get a bit technical, here's what I did:
I made both a public and a private tag in reader. Everything except for content I want to be private is tagged with public and you can see the entire conglomerated feed here. I then made each tag that I use (less private) public by clicking the little broadcast button next to the feed name. I then clicked the "add blog roll" button to generate the script that I then inserted into a blogger HTML "section" adding breaks between each rolls script. I could have just added the public tag but I like the feeds split out by category.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Sync with Oosah
Oosah: A Hub for Your Personal Online Media
The attached TechCrunch article describes Oosah pretty well and I was curious enough to create an account. It's still pretty "beta" but I think they could be on to something pretty great. I as able to import (or rather, view) my facebook photo albums and my Picasa photo albums (but not the actual photos here, buggy). If I had a flikr account I could pick them up, and youTube as well. I'm sure mySpace and photobucket won't be far behind.
What is great about the idea of convergence of life 2.0 is that I want a single upload point for all my media services. I realize that this requires all the services (facebook, google, etc.) to be pretty open as far a policies and terms of service go and I'm not sure these guys are ready to be that open. In the end, it's going to happen, the convergence of the online space, that is, the value to be added now is synchronizing online life across all of these spaces.
The attached TechCrunch article describes Oosah pretty well and I was curious enough to create an account. It's still pretty "beta" but I think they could be on to something pretty great. I as able to import (or rather, view) my facebook photo albums and my Picasa photo albums (but not the actual photos here, buggy). If I had a flikr account I could pick them up, and youTube as well. I'm sure mySpace and photobucket won't be far behind.
What is great about the idea of convergence of life 2.0 is that I want a single upload point for all my media services. I realize that this requires all the services (facebook, google, etc.) to be pretty open as far a policies and terms of service go and I'm not sure these guys are ready to be that open. In the end, it's going to happen, the convergence of the online space, that is, the value to be added now is synchronizing online life across all of these spaces.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Commodity Prices
Three views on ridiculous commodity prices these days, from Krugman...
Running Out of Planet to Exploit - New York Times:
"The first is that it’s mainly speculation — that investors, looking for high returns at a time of low interest rates, have piled into commodity futures, driving up prices. On this view, someday soon the bubble will burst and high resource prices will go the way of Pets.com.
The second view is that soaring resource prices do, in fact, have a basis in fundamentals — especially rapidly growing demand from newly meat-eating, car-driving Chinese — but that given time we’ll drill more wells, plant more acres, and increased supply will push prices right back down again.
The third view is that the era of cheap resources is over for good — that we’re running out of oil, running out of land to expand food production and generally running out of planet to exploit."
Running Out of Planet to Exploit - New York Times:
"The first is that it’s mainly speculation — that investors, looking for high returns at a time of low interest rates, have piled into commodity futures, driving up prices. On this view, someday soon the bubble will burst and high resource prices will go the way of Pets.com.
The second view is that soaring resource prices do, in fact, have a basis in fundamentals — especially rapidly growing demand from newly meat-eating, car-driving Chinese — but that given time we’ll drill more wells, plant more acres, and increased supply will push prices right back down again.
The third view is that the era of cheap resources is over for good — that we’re running out of oil, running out of land to expand food production and generally running out of planet to exploit."
Friday, April 4, 2008
Global Commodity Inflation
David Ignatius - Perils in The Price Of Rice - washingtonpost.com
With so much turmoil in the financial markets (both globally and domestically) I feel as though I'm missing so much. Here's one that you just can't not consider in every economic related conversation you have. Global commodity inflation. It's rice over there (and sure it will come here), but Americans will settle for oil "complaints today.
And indeed, expensive Cuban Cigars (when the embargo lifts). And what else is a commodity, technology? How does that inflate, or does it, and have I now deviated from my thesis.
Best Quote from Ignatius' piece:
With so much turmoil in the financial markets (both globally and domestically) I feel as though I'm missing so much. Here's one that you just can't not consider in every economic related conversation you have. Global commodity inflation. It's rice over there (and sure it will come here), but Americans will settle for oil "complaints today.
And indeed, expensive Cuban Cigars (when the embargo lifts). And what else is a commodity, technology? How does that inflate, or does it, and have I now deviated from my thesis.
Best Quote from Ignatius' piece:
Independent truck drivers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other states staged protests against high fuel prices this week. What do they have in common with rice consumers in Vietnam and soybean buyers in Indonesia and pasta aficionados in Italy? More than they probably think.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Pitching With Purpose - New York Times
Pitching With Purpose - New York Times
Brooks reminds that practice makes perfect. A timeless tradition. He relates this to baseball. Maybe something you use in a speech one day.
Brooks reminds that practice makes perfect. A timeless tradition. He relates this to baseball. Maybe something you use in a speech one day.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Cuba is Joining the World
Raul Castro: Cubans can have cell phones - Yahoo! News
The first line of this sums it up, "first microwaves, now cell phones." Cuba is joining up. I think it's reasonable to assume that we'll all be smoking Cuban cigars in the U.S. in five year's time. Further, I continue to agree with Tom Barnett in his book where he predicts that Cuba will be a state of the USA in 25 years or less. Wow.
The first line of this sums it up, "first microwaves, now cell phones." Cuba is joining up. I think it's reasonable to assume that we'll all be smoking Cuban cigars in the U.S. in five year's time. Further, I continue to agree with Tom Barnett in his book where he predicts that Cuba will be a state of the USA in 25 years or less. Wow.
Mini Projectors
Coming Soon, to Any Flat Surface Near You - New York Times
The potential here is pretty significant. Sure the article says you'll soon be project movies from you cellphone onto seat backs, but what else. Micro imaging will scale big time. Interesting to see it become affordable.
The potential here is pretty significant. Sure the article says you'll soon be project movies from you cellphone onto seat backs, but what else. Micro imaging will scale big time. Interesting to see it become affordable.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Political Views?
Are you a Repub or a Dem?
Liberal or Conservative?
Can you be a Liberal Republican?
What is a moderate really?
Are the two major U.S. political parties the same as they were 10 years ago?
As I pondered these sorts of questions I turned to the WWW for some answers. I found the following at Ask Meta Filter and is in line with what I've been taught:
Democrats: Socially and fiscally liberal
Lots of personal freedom
Government runs redistributive social programs
Concerned with equality over efficiency
Typically support higher taxes to support social programs
Republicans: Socially and fiscally conservative
Small government that enforces moral standards and protects markets
Low taxes and few redistributive programs
Concerned with efficiency rather than equality (although they argue that a high tide raises all ships)
Libertarians: Socially liberal, fiscally conservative
Small government that basically stays out the the way beyond enforcing contracts and protecting markets
Government doesn't regulate morality
Extreme personal freedoms
I sometimes wonder if the Republicans look more like Dem's used to look these days and vice verse.
I then went to the Political Compass and took the test which really doesn't tell you what you are. Merely, it helps you to reflect then paints you in one of four quadrants (left or right on the economic scale, and Authoritarian or Libertarian on the social scale). It was fascinating reading and I suppose it confirmed what I already knew, I'm a moderate. Just what does that mean?
Liberal or Conservative?
Can you be a Liberal Republican?
What is a moderate really?
Are the two major U.S. political parties the same as they were 10 years ago?
As I pondered these sorts of questions I turned to the WWW for some answers. I found the following at Ask Meta Filter and is in line with what I've been taught:
Democrats: Socially and fiscally liberal
Lots of personal freedom
Government runs redistributive social programs
Concerned with equality over efficiency
Typically support higher taxes to support social programs
Republicans: Socially and fiscally conservative
Small government that enforces moral standards and protects markets
Low taxes and few redistributive programs
Concerned with efficiency rather than equality (although they argue that a high tide raises all ships)
Libertarians: Socially liberal, fiscally conservative
Small government that basically stays out the the way beyond enforcing contracts and protecting markets
Government doesn't regulate morality
Extreme personal freedoms
I sometimes wonder if the Republicans look more like Dem's used to look these days and vice verse.
I then went to the Political Compass and took the test which really doesn't tell you what you are. Merely, it helps you to reflect then paints you in one of four quadrants (left or right on the economic scale, and Authoritarian or Libertarian on the social scale). It was fascinating reading and I suppose it confirmed what I already knew, I'm a moderate. Just what does that mean?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Quote: On Beginning
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Monday, March 24, 2008
Content Distribution
hulu: Watch your favorites. Anytime. For free.
If you haven't heard of hulu, you will, give it some time. I think it will change everything TV/online marriage related. Hulu is a joint venture between FOX and NBC that allows you to go watch your shows, news, sports, or movies online with "limited commercial breaks." We've all seen this set up on NBC's web site or the CW's and whoever else is doing it, but hulu is taking the clearing house approach.
All that's missing as far as I see is TARGETED ads. That is, hulu should make me register, which I'm sure they will, it's still beta, and then my commercials won't be for feminine hygiene products or something else that no matter how great it is, I'm not going to buy it.
In the end though, Hulu changes TV and advertising, first slowly, then watch out. See Google with respect to Web search, maybe not that big, but "domain altering" for sure.
If you haven't heard of hulu, you will, give it some time. I think it will change everything TV/online marriage related. Hulu is a joint venture between FOX and NBC that allows you to go watch your shows, news, sports, or movies online with "limited commercial breaks." We've all seen this set up on NBC's web site or the CW's and whoever else is doing it, but hulu is taking the clearing house approach.
All that's missing as far as I see is TARGETED ads. That is, hulu should make me register, which I'm sure they will, it's still beta, and then my commercials won't be for feminine hygiene products or something else that no matter how great it is, I'm not going to buy it.
In the end though, Hulu changes TV and advertising, first slowly, then watch out. See Google with respect to Web search, maybe not that big, but "domain altering" for sure.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Facebook Privacy
I'll admit I was late to the social networking crazy. I think Fred Wilson, the NYC Venture Capitalist said it best: to understand these emerging technologies one must use them, and so I have and do. I'll go on to say that I like them, the Facebooks and MySpaces, and would prefer to see everyone I know on them. It a great way to share pictures and passively (or actively) keep in touch with the people you've come across over the years.
I'm pleased with Facebook's new feature that allows me to permit "friends of friends" to see photos that I've been tagged in. I like how specific the privacy is getting, I'll admit that I have no desire to use the social networking sites to advertise myself, rather, only to keep in touch, so adding these sorts of features makes that easy. For example, if someone has tagged my friend Joe in a photo, and I don't know that friend, if "friends of friends" for tagged photos was enabled in Joe's friends privacy settings I would be able to see good old Joe wherever he was.
I'm pleased with Facebook's new feature that allows me to permit "friends of friends" to see photos that I've been tagged in. I like how specific the privacy is getting, I'll admit that I have no desire to use the social networking sites to advertise myself, rather, only to keep in touch, so adding these sorts of features makes that easy. For example, if someone has tagged my friend Joe in a photo, and I don't know that friend, if "friends of friends" for tagged photos was enabled in Joe's friends privacy settings I would be able to see good old Joe wherever he was.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Quote: Luck
I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it. - Thomas Jefferson
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Five Years of Iraq
Scions of the Surge Newsweek Iraq War Newsweek.com
The press has done a nice job reviewing the ups (?) and downs of the Iraq situation as 5 years have passed since its inception. This news week article tells the story of a company commander that could likely be replicated for any village or neighborhood in Iraq. The Americans are the glue that is holding Iraq together. The military, in the absence of any real strategic policy, has simply found a way to sustain and hold the country together.
Everyday, the U.S. Military is more glue like and the "how do we get out" question is hard to answer.
The press has done a nice job reviewing the ups (?) and downs of the Iraq situation as 5 years have passed since its inception. This news week article tells the story of a company commander that could likely be replicated for any village or neighborhood in Iraq. The Americans are the glue that is holding Iraq together. The military, in the absence of any real strategic policy, has simply found a way to sustain and hold the country together.
Everyday, the U.S. Military is more glue like and the "how do we get out" question is hard to answer.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Brooks Breaks the Credit Crunch Down
The Bailout Artists - New York Times
Brooks always does a great job of presenting a very complex topic in a very simple to understand manner. Essentially, he is discussing the role the government should play in facilitating a free market. Is it a free market if the government facilitates it? I say so, and as much as I believe in Ann Rand style objectivisim when panic and irrational behavior positions to do deep economic damage the government should take steps to bring everyone back to reality.
In Brook's words:
Brooks always does a great job of presenting a very complex topic in a very simple to understand manner. Essentially, he is discussing the role the government should play in facilitating a free market. Is it a free market if the government facilitates it? I say so, and as much as I believe in Ann Rand style objectivisim when panic and irrational behavior positions to do deep economic damage the government should take steps to bring everyone back to reality.
In Brook's words:
We do seem to have reached some Bernanke-era consensus. In normal times, the free market works well. But in a crisis like this one, few are willing to sit back and let the market find its own equilibrium.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Shows are Back!
After the WGA Strike: When Will Your Favorite TV Shows Return? - Ausiello Report TVGuide.com
How about the writer's strike? Nice to see that Hollywood is back in business. The link has got the details on your favorite.
How about the writer's strike? Nice to see that Hollywood is back in business. The link has got the details on your favorite.
Slum Tours
Heads Up: Poverty Tours - Slum Visits: Tourism or Voyeurism? - Travel - New York Times
The concept and idea of Slum tours has been around for awhile, 16 years, started in Rio, the article points out. There have been many a Discovery Channel special on them as well. The question I'll ask and answer is it participation or observation travel. I say observation, but to truly participate in these run down places where the rules aren't understood even after a few years of study. To participate you would need the language, and some connection.
In this case, I tend to think the observation is good, we as a society need to know what is going on around us, good or bad. Change begins with awareness. I also tend to think it's a boon for the slums as there are chances to see wares, etc.
The concept and idea of Slum tours has been around for awhile, 16 years, started in Rio, the article points out. There have been many a Discovery Channel special on them as well. The question I'll ask and answer is it participation or observation travel. I say observation, but to truly participate in these run down places where the rules aren't understood even after a few years of study. To participate you would need the language, and some connection.
In this case, I tend to think the observation is good, we as a society need to know what is going on around us, good or bad. Change begins with awareness. I also tend to think it's a boon for the slums as there are chances to see wares, etc.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Sinking the Fallon Ship
Final reflections on the Fallon article in Esquire (Thomas P.M. Barnett :: Weblog)
I've been waiting to blog Admiral Fallon's (the military's former central command commander overseeing the Middle East) retirement until we heard a good recap from Barnett. Barnett's article in this months Esquire was specifically mentioned by the New York Times as the straw that broke the camels back with the Bush Administration and Fallon. I'm intrigued by this because I have always been one one hand, amazed by the depth of Barnett's thinking and on the other in strong agreement with his ideas.
What Barnett points out is that his article highlighted the debate between the military and the administration and possibilities in and with Iran. Something that is generally kept very quite. I for one, agree with Barnett, this debate needs to be very public. This policy effects everything the military is currently doing and I think we can all agree that the American people need to weigh in on this. Naturally, the Bush administration knows where everyone's weight will be as far as terse talk with Iran. Goodness, we can't possibly be serious enough about entertaining new Iranian policy to oust Fallon.
I've been waiting to blog Admiral Fallon's (the military's former central command commander overseeing the Middle East) retirement until we heard a good recap from Barnett. Barnett's article in this months Esquire was specifically mentioned by the New York Times as the straw that broke the camels back with the Bush Administration and Fallon. I'm intrigued by this because I have always been one one hand, amazed by the depth of Barnett's thinking and on the other in strong agreement with his ideas.
What Barnett points out is that his article highlighted the debate between the military and the administration and possibilities in and with Iran. Something that is generally kept very quite. I for one, agree with Barnett, this debate needs to be very public. This policy effects everything the military is currently doing and I think we can all agree that the American people need to weigh in on this. Naturally, the Bush administration knows where everyone's weight will be as far as terse talk with Iran. Goodness, we can't possibly be serious enough about entertaining new Iranian policy to oust Fallon.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Krugman's Face-Slap Theory
The Face-Slap Theory - New York Times
I've been enjoying Krugman's ongoing comparison of FED actions really being ways to face slap the business marketplace. I think too often people think that the FED is this holy body of policy makers when in reality they control interest rates by control the amount of money they loan banks in the short term, like over night or for about a month. This in turn allows the bond markets create the actual rate. Sure, things like HELOC's and credit cards a based on the FED's prime rate, but that happens because the bond market allow it.
What's concerning when reading a column from a very well respected economist like Krugman is that he is legitimately concerned that the face slaps might not work. Rescission is one thing, maybe a healthy side of a long growing economy, but depression, that might be another story. Interesting times are these in the financial world.
I've been enjoying Krugman's ongoing comparison of FED actions really being ways to face slap the business marketplace. I think too often people think that the FED is this holy body of policy makers when in reality they control interest rates by control the amount of money they loan banks in the short term, like over night or for about a month. This in turn allows the bond markets create the actual rate. Sure, things like HELOC's and credit cards a based on the FED's prime rate, but that happens because the bond market allow it.
What's concerning when reading a column from a very well respected economist like Krugman is that he is legitimately concerned that the face slaps might not work. Rescission is one thing, maybe a healthy side of a long growing economy, but depression, that might be another story. Interesting times are these in the financial world.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Crisis in South America?
Crisis Over Colombian Raid Ends in Handshakes - New York Times
Did you know there was a crises in northern South America? The international and specifically American media has been rather significantly overlooking some serious goings on down there. And sure, I link to a NYT article above, so it's being covered, but not to aggressively. Indeed, defense, in general, seems down in terms of news coverage.
That said, take a look at what's going on down there: Tank battalions massing on boarders, Hugo's involved, of course, and FARC kingpin's getting whacked left and right. And of course the Colombian and American governments have been playing nicely (who doesn't like a rich uncle?) for years and years. Makes you wonder what exactly the nature of U.S. involvement down there might be. I think it's safe to say that at least a few American tax dollars are at work right now.
Did you know there was a crises in northern South America? The international and specifically American media has been rather significantly overlooking some serious goings on down there. And sure, I link to a NYT article above, so it's being covered, but not to aggressively. Indeed, defense, in general, seems down in terms of news coverage.
That said, take a look at what's going on down there: Tank battalions massing on boarders, Hugo's involved, of course, and FARC kingpin's getting whacked left and right. And of course the Colombian and American governments have been playing nicely (who doesn't like a rich uncle?) for years and years. Makes you wonder what exactly the nature of U.S. involvement down there might be. I think it's safe to say that at least a few American tax dollars are at work right now.
Quote: On Positivity
“I will never attend an anti-war rally. If you have a peace rally, invite me” – Mother Terresa
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Book: The Secret
The Secret, Rhonda Byrne
3/9/08
The Secret is perhaps best summarized in an entirely separate work, the Strangest Secret, which is an audio presentation by Earl Nightingale where he demands “you must control your thoughts.” Rhonda Byrne then explains by controlling your thoughts and ensuring that they are of a positive nature, anything, in any aspect of life, is achievable. More specifically, The Secret explains that like things attract, so positive, can do thoughts create positive outcomes while negative thoughts would create that negative reality.
The secret is powerful and if one were to incorporate these ideas into everyday life it would indeed be an unstoppable force. The reality is obvious; if you’re feeling happy you are thinking happy thoughts. What is exciting is to realize that one can use one’s feelings to understand what one is thinking. Further, one can use ones more readily controllable thoughts to affect ones feelings.
The Secret teaches us to understand today, create tomorrow, but allow the universe to positively influence us as we project positive energy. My favorite line was likening life to a road trip, at night, from San Fran to New York City. You know where you’re going, but you can only see 200 ft in front of you. Life must be taken as it comes though we can provide it direction. You must stay on track, but deal, positively, with the bumps that come along the way. We must be thankful for all that is presented to us because it defines us.
The book goes on to apply the concept of positivity to health, relationships, abundance, thankfulness, and ultimately life. Indeed the point is to be happy now, feel good now.
Notes:
On Thoughts and Creation:
- Nothing can come into your experience unless you summon it thought persistent thoughts.
- What are you summoning?
- Careful, the thoughts of doubt are powerful too.
- Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions
- Use Vision boards as ways to visualize your goals
- Your power is in your thoughts, “Remember to Remember,” live in the present
On Feelings and their power:
- Our feelings let us know what we’re thinking
- Our feelings are feedback mechanisms to us about whether we’re on track or not, whether we’re on course or off course
- Bad feelings are a warning from the universe
- You’re getting exactly what you’re feeling about, not so much what you’re thinking about
- Make a list of Secret Shifters, things to employ when you’re not feeling good or the way you want to
How to live the secret:
- What do you want; take time to write that down, you must be clear about what you want.
- Ask, once, than listen
- Believe you’ll get it, know that – Most of us have never allowed ourselves to want what we truly want because we can’t see how it’s going to manifest
- Receive
On moving towards a secret centric lifestyle:
Most profound reality about living life, knowing where you’re going, but unable to see exactly how it turns out:
Driving a car at night, life is SFO to NYC, but you can only really see 200 ft ahead, be ok with that.
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“All that we are is a result of what we have thought” – Buddha
“Pruning shears of revision” –Neville Goddard, 1954—“Each night replay the events of the day; if they didn’t go the way you wanted replay them in a way that thrills you.” --- This cleans up the frequency
On Thankfulness and gratitude
- Know gratitude, be grateful
- Praise and bless the things around you
On Relationships:
For relationships to really work we need to focus on what we appreciate about the other person, not what we’re complaining about
On Health:
Laughter attracts joy, rejects negativity and leads to miraculous cures
On Positivity:
- “I will never attend an anti-war rally. If you have a peace rally, invite me” – Mother Terresa
- Use I AM. I am received every good thing, I am happy, I am abundant, I am healthy, I am love, I am always on time, I am eternal youth, I am filled with energy every single day.
On life:
Joy, love, freedom, happiness, laughter. That’s what it is.
Be Happy now, fell good now.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Audio: The Strangest Secret
The Strangest Secret, Earl Nightingale
3/8/08
Earl Nightingale’s audio presentation of the Strangest Secret may be one of the most profound things one can experience and at the same time began the “motivational self-help” movement so many years ago.
He starts by explaining how man has stopped thinking. Then he defines success as “progressive realization of a worth ideal.” and explains to achieve this “we must control our thinking.” It is that focus on one solid foremost goal that allows one to achieve that which he desires. Those concepts are hugely powerful. To understand success and then understand how to achieve it is the key to enjoying life. Everything else is taken care of when these ideals are held strong and steady.
Notes:
- The Trouble is conformity
- Man who succeeds – “I’m going to do this and then does it” he decided to do it, deliberately.
- The key is to have a goal.
- We become what we think about. “Believe and succeed”
- Decide what you want
- Each of us is the sum total of our thoughts
- We are where we are because it is where we want to be, admit it or not
- “We must control our thinking”
- Why do you go to work? Successful people are working to a goal and doing what they want to do.
- Focus is key, you can’t wish for 100 other incompatible things equally and as strongly
- “As ye believe so shall it be done unto you” – Jesus Christ
- Make a goal card and carry it for each block of 30 days
- Look at the abundance around you
- Stop and think about what you fear, replace it with a positive goal
- Five of yourself more
- Go with this goal for 30 days; go as hard as you can. Act as though it were impossible to fail
- Goal Cards should have the sermon on the mount on one side and the goal on the other
- Don’t worry
- Success is in direct proportion to our service
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Syncing Calendars
Official Google Blog: Google Calendar Sync
I use Microsoft Outlook, iGoogle with Google Calendar, and an iPhone. That equals three calendars that I want to be the same. MS Outlook is on the home computer, easy to use, I like it, it is sort of the main data storage place. The iPhone lives in my pocket, easy to access and look at, but not where I want to do a lot of data entry, though I will scheduled something on there occasionally. And then where ever I am, at work, a friends house, etc. Google Calendar is editable, usable, etc.
I tried Plaxo for syncing but it never really worked as a Microsoft Outlook plug in. I was just fumbling with it the other day. And of course, Google heard my frustrations and announced Google Calendar Sync for Microsoft Outlook today. It works great.
Now, Apple, Microsoft, or Google, hear this, why can't my iPhone sync over Wi-Fi or the Edge network every so often, why must I plug it in and sync via iTunes, which works fine, but cables seem so 90's.
I use Microsoft Outlook, iGoogle with Google Calendar, and an iPhone. That equals three calendars that I want to be the same. MS Outlook is on the home computer, easy to use, I like it, it is sort of the main data storage place. The iPhone lives in my pocket, easy to access and look at, but not where I want to do a lot of data entry, though I will scheduled something on there occasionally. And then where ever I am, at work, a friends house, etc. Google Calendar is editable, usable, etc.
I tried Plaxo for syncing but it never really worked as a Microsoft Outlook plug in. I was just fumbling with it the other day. And of course, Google heard my frustrations and announced Google Calendar Sync for Microsoft Outlook today. It works great.
Now, Apple, Microsoft, or Google, hear this, why can't my iPhone sync over Wi-Fi or the Edge network every so often, why must I plug it in and sync via iTunes, which works fine, but cables seem so 90's.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
David Ignatius - Wall Street Bank Run - washingtonpost.com
David Ignatius - Wall Street Bank Run - washingtonpost.com
Ignatius does an amazingly concise job of summarizing the problem in the Credit market right now. Banks aren't trusting each other and valuing a grouping of 10,000 home loans is near impossible. Further, the bail out is coming from the sovereign wealth money.
What I want to know is what do we think happens next? Naturally all speculation, and I think the American Economy will remain the most resolute innovative actor in the globalized marketplace, but boy, there is a lot of money in these credit markets.
Ignatius does an amazingly concise job of summarizing the problem in the Credit market right now. Banks aren't trusting each other and valuing a grouping of 10,000 home loans is near impossible. Further, the bail out is coming from the sovereign wealth money.
What I want to know is what do we think happens next? Naturally all speculation, and I think the American Economy will remain the most resolute innovative actor in the globalized marketplace, but boy, there is a lot of money in these credit markets.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Yelp
I think Yelp is a pretty amazing site. To like it, use it and enjoy it, it has to have a developed user base in your city. The concept is simple, user generated content that rates business and gives "tips" and tricks. In my view, so far, yelp has done a good job of keeping content fresh and hasn't become, or at least not visibly succumbed, to advertiser manipulation.
But, what makes yelp work is how intuitively one can search by neighborhood. I sort of found myself picking between it and UrbanSpoon, which is also great. Ultimately, the little tips and tricks the yelpers are sharing are what makes yelp a little better. Indeed, I've got the bookmark to a great mobile search widget on my iPhone.
Techcrunch takes a look at Yelp's most recent funding (not quite profitable yet kids) and it's future competitors, which I agree, will be Google Local and Yahoo Local.
Yelp Raises $15 Million Fourth Round, Rumored Valuation $200 Million
But, what makes yelp work is how intuitively one can search by neighborhood. I sort of found myself picking between it and UrbanSpoon, which is also great. Ultimately, the little tips and tricks the yelpers are sharing are what makes yelp a little better. Indeed, I've got the bookmark to a great mobile search widget on my iPhone.
Techcrunch takes a look at Yelp's most recent funding (not quite profitable yet kids) and it's future competitors, which I agree, will be Google Local and Yahoo Local.
Yelp Raises $15 Million Fourth Round, Rumored Valuation $200 Million
Monday, February 25, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Lower Class Yahoo, Upscale Google
Poor People More Likely Use Yahoo, Those Better Off To Use Google
From TechCrunch, just as I enjoyed Freakanomics' analysis of Obama vs. Hillary is to Affluent vs. lower class statistics here are showing that Yahoo is more becoming to the lower end market and Google to the higher end. I think these sorts of data are particularly fascinating. If you are Google or Yahoo how do you tailor your content to your users?
From TechCrunch, just as I enjoyed Freakanomics' analysis of Obama vs. Hillary is to Affluent vs. lower class statistics here are showing that Yahoo is more becoming to the lower end market and Google to the higher end. I think these sorts of data are particularly fascinating. If you are Google or Yahoo how do you tailor your content to your users?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
More Fire in Kosovo/Serbia
Rioters Attack U.S. Embassy in Belgrade - New York Times
It will be interesting to watch how much coverage, at least in the U.S., Kosovo declaring its independence will get. In my view, this is big stuff. You see the Serbs say "Kosovo, what Kosovo, that state down there is part of Serbia." The Kosovars, at least by their recent declaration, and are majority Albanians (the ethnic variety), would tell you that Kosovo is independent. Russia, and many others would, and did, take the Serbian side. Others are still figuring it out, and some western Europeans are find with Kosovo being independent.
Of course the west is all about Kosovar independence, because honestly, how long has NATO has been marching around the place in army equipment? (Since the early 90's).
And what is of course appropriate, or perhaps expected, is that the Serbs are good and mad at the U.S. hence the attack in Belgrade, Serbia.
In all, this is a big tipping point for the region and the next few weeks will likely set the course for the next era in that region.
It will be interesting to watch how much coverage, at least in the U.S., Kosovo declaring its independence will get. In my view, this is big stuff. You see the Serbs say "Kosovo, what Kosovo, that state down there is part of Serbia." The Kosovars, at least by their recent declaration, and are majority Albanians (the ethnic variety), would tell you that Kosovo is independent. Russia, and many others would, and did, take the Serbian side. Others are still figuring it out, and some western Europeans are find with Kosovo being independent.
Of course the west is all about Kosovar independence, because honestly, how long has NATO has been marching around the place in army equipment? (Since the early 90's).
And what is of course appropriate, or perhaps expected, is that the Serbs are good and mad at the U.S. hence the attack in Belgrade, Serbia.
In all, this is a big tipping point for the region and the next few weeks will likely set the course for the next era in that region.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Foodies go to Tokyo
Where to Go in 2008 - Foodie Destination: Istanbul - Travel - New York Times
This price confirms my own belief. Tokyo is the best eating city in the world. No way the easiest but the Japanese insist on a quality a cut well above everyone else. You also have to figure Tokyo got more Michelin Stars than any other city simply because they have that many more people. But still, the quality.
This price confirms my own belief. Tokyo is the best eating city in the world. No way the easiest but the Japanese insist on a quality a cut well above everyone else. You also have to figure Tokyo got more Michelin Stars than any other city simply because they have that many more people. But still, the quality.
70's, 80's and today, in terms of rescission
Calculated Risk: Feldstein on the Recession
Reading the Calculated Risk blog often equates to some rather deep economics, but this particular post does a great job of explaining why the current recessive trends don't mirror that of the 70's and 80's, because at the end of the day, so much has to do with the fed TARGET interest rate. (Remember the fed doesn't set the rate, it controls the money supply that results in the rate)
So what this calculated risk post does in analyze the WSJ and the NYT economics columnists and their general agreement that housing prices wont pop back as was seen from the high interest rates (and their reductions) in the 70's and 80's as the housing market simply cant respond to the Fed's current fire sale.
Reading the Calculated Risk blog often equates to some rather deep economics, but this particular post does a great job of explaining why the current recessive trends don't mirror that of the 70's and 80's, because at the end of the day, so much has to do with the fed TARGET interest rate. (Remember the fed doesn't set the rate, it controls the money supply that results in the rate)
So what this calculated risk post does in analyze the WSJ and the NYT economics columnists and their general agreement that housing prices wont pop back as was seen from the high interest rates (and their reductions) in the 70's and 80's as the housing market simply cant respond to the Fed's current fire sale.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
NYT Goes to Rome
Rome Travel Guide - Hotels, Restaurants, Sightseeing in Rome - New York Times Travel
I'm noting this because once, Rome, yes, I would like some, but two, it is interesting how the NYT Online is getting further and further away from a traditional "newspaper" format and looking more and more like a travel web site. I have mixed feelings on this, I prefer to see the information presented in newspaper format because that is what I have come to expect from the NYT. On the other hand, it is easy to scan all the content related to, in this case, Rome.
I'm noting this because once, Rome, yes, I would like some, but two, it is interesting how the NYT Online is getting further and further away from a traditional "newspaper" format and looking more and more like a travel web site. I have mixed feelings on this, I prefer to see the information presented in newspaper format because that is what I have come to expect from the NYT. On the other hand, it is easy to scan all the content related to, in this case, Rome.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Best Obama/Clinton Commentary Yet
Best Obama/Clinton Commentary Yet
Questions for Dr. Retail - New York Times
Brooks op-ed done in a really neat way that equates Clinton to Safeway, a commodity provider, and Obama to Whole Foods, the value added solution. And then predicts that indeed the super-delegates will decide who runs the Dem's ticket.
So what do you want in your Dem, commodity, or value added? Do you shop at Safeway or Whole Foods, or maybe both?
Questions for Dr. Retail - New York Times
Brooks op-ed done in a really neat way that equates Clinton to Safeway, a commodity provider, and Obama to Whole Foods, the value added solution. And then predicts that indeed the super-delegates will decide who runs the Dem's ticket.
So what do you want in your Dem, commodity, or value added? Do you shop at Safeway or Whole Foods, or maybe both?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Complay Logo Evolution
Companies Change, So Do their Logos
Fun Techcrunch to look at today, see what Apple, Google, and Microsoft have done to the logos over the years. It takes you back.
Fun Techcrunch to look at today, see what Apple, Google, and Microsoft have done to the logos over the years. It takes you back.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Super Fat Tuesday
The Cooper Concerns - New York Times
Brooks' column is worth reading today. And what a day today will be for the US. Brooks hits the nail on the head here, Hillary can be a great president, but there is some parts that could be considered concerning and the story here of her very icy sounding interactions with other politicians ought to be considered especially as Americans look to choose a president that might improve U.S. global opinion.
Brooks' column is worth reading today. And what a day today will be for the US. Brooks hits the nail on the head here, Hillary can be a great president, but there is some parts that could be considered concerning and the story here of her very icy sounding interactions with other politicians ought to be considered especially as Americans look to choose a president that might improve U.S. global opinion.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Quote: Secret Destinations
“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware” Martin Buber
Why do you travel? What do you want from it? Do you travel to "get away" or to "get to?" Do you want to observe or do you want to participate? All is good, but what do you want, right?
Why do you travel? What do you want from it? Do you travel to "get away" or to "get to?" Do you want to observe or do you want to participate? All is good, but what do you want, right?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Kessler on the Future of the Investment Banks
As always, Andy Kessler gets it, he called the last bubble and I think with his experience in Silicon Valley and on the Street his musings are pretty accurate. Goldman is going to do something, they beat subprime for all intensive purposes. Great "future headline" stuff. Do you by some GS, or maybe C is at a low?
Cut:
Andy Kessler: WSJ: What's Next for the Banks
My view is that firms that successfully combine banking and investment banking will walk away with the prize, by being able to offer a full range of services to clients -- short-term loans against assets or receivables as well as bonds and equity for long-term projects, the kind of underwriting and trading that requires large amounts of capital. The inevitable consolidation that should have occurred after Glass-Steagall (the 1933 law that separated banks and investment banks) was repealed in 1999 had been on hold while everyone chased easy profits. But now the shakeout is here.
Goldman Sachs will own a bank, maybe even Citigroup (Goldman's $85 billion market capitalization might be able to swallow Citi's $125 billion value) and strip it down to what it needs. JP Morgan should reunite the House of Morgan by merging with Morgan Stanley, and become a full-service powerhouse. But JP Morgan could buy Merrill or Lehman or Bear Stearns instead. Bank of America will merge with who's left. But don't count out others who have done well with capital. Fortress Investment Group, despite a rocky IPO a year ago, has a powerful real estate arm that could own loan origination and servicing and enough assets to buy its way into the banking or investment banking business. Same for the Blackstone Group.
Capital flows a lot more fluidly around the globe these days. Expect consolidation to start now. The real winners on Wall Street will be the ones with huge stockpiles of capital who listen to the market, and who are fleet of foot enough to smell out and deploy their capital creating instruments that global growth companies need, rather than false profits from eating their own sausage.
The Big Five?: Goldman CitiSachs, House of Morgan, Bear of America, Fortress Lehman Lynch and Blackstone Suisse.
Cut:
Andy Kessler: WSJ: What's Next for the Banks
My view is that firms that successfully combine banking and investment banking will walk away with the prize, by being able to offer a full range of services to clients -- short-term loans against assets or receivables as well as bonds and equity for long-term projects, the kind of underwriting and trading that requires large amounts of capital. The inevitable consolidation that should have occurred after Glass-Steagall (the 1933 law that separated banks and investment banks) was repealed in 1999 had been on hold while everyone chased easy profits. But now the shakeout is here.
Goldman Sachs will own a bank, maybe even Citigroup (Goldman's $85 billion market capitalization might be able to swallow Citi's $125 billion value) and strip it down to what it needs. JP Morgan should reunite the House of Morgan by merging with Morgan Stanley, and become a full-service powerhouse. But JP Morgan could buy Merrill or Lehman or Bear Stearns instead. Bank of America will merge with who's left. But don't count out others who have done well with capital. Fortress Investment Group, despite a rocky IPO a year ago, has a powerful real estate arm that could own loan origination and servicing and enough assets to buy its way into the banking or investment banking business. Same for the Blackstone Group.
Capital flows a lot more fluidly around the globe these days. Expect consolidation to start now. The real winners on Wall Street will be the ones with huge stockpiles of capital who listen to the market, and who are fleet of foot enough to smell out and deploy their capital creating instruments that global growth companies need, rather than false profits from eating their own sausage.
The Big Five?: Goldman CitiSachs, House of Morgan, Bear of America, Fortress Lehman Lynch and Blackstone Suisse.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Let Freedom Ring Around the World
I Have a Dream, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Each MLK Day I like to take the time to read Dr. King's speech. I think it's pretty extraordinary. I also like to take the time to consider what Dr. King would be campaigning for today were he alive. While I think there are so many domestic issues he might choose to influence I think he would look around the world, then look back at where we have come in the U.S. in the past 40 or so years. I think he might hope that some of the freedom that has undeniably rung from the slopes of Cali to the molehills of Mississippi might ring in the jungles of Africa to the sands of Saudi.
Each MLK Day I like to take the time to read Dr. King's speech. I think it's pretty extraordinary. I also like to take the time to consider what Dr. King would be campaigning for today were he alive. While I think there are so many domestic issues he might choose to influence I think he would look around the world, then look back at where we have come in the U.S. in the past 40 or so years. I think he might hope that some of the freedom that has undeniably rung from the slopes of Cali to the molehills of Mississippi might ring in the jungles of Africa to the sands of Saudi.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
525,600 minuets
Rent - Broadway - Theater - New York Times
As I read this headline instantaly the number of minutes in a year come to me, though I think cups of coffee are a better way to count a year gone by. Rent will close on Broadway.
As I read this headline instantaly the number of minutes in a year come to me, though I think cups of coffee are a better way to count a year gone by. Rent will close on Broadway.
Nine hundred thirty thousand, one hundred eighty minutes.
That’s how you measure the total running time “Rent” will have played on Broadway when, as the producers said on Tuesday, it closes after its evening performance on June 1, making it the seventh-longest-running Broadway show in history.
But the length of its run is not nearly as significant as the kind of show it was. An East Village rock version of Puccini’s opera “La Bohème,” “Rent” brought a youthful energy — and young theatergoers — to Broadway, to a degree not seen since “Hair.” It also brought with it a real-life story so affecting that it would have overwhelmed the musical itself had the substance of the musical not been so intertwined with the story of its creation.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Double Double Torrent Trouble
The Swedes Come Down Hard On The Pirate Bay
Pirate Bay is a website that serves up "torrents." If you know what a torrent is you get it. If you don't, you probably should. Supposedly, bitTorrent traffic (the protocol, like web traffic, or IM traffic) make up nearly 50% of all Internet data transfer? bitTorrent is why Chinatown can bring you the freshest movies for 5 bucks a DVD. Copyrights just ain't what they used to be with the web, we all know that, but so much more influential to all of this is bitTorrent.
So the media companies drive the government to crack down on the infringement and go after the guys serving up the "torrents" which are used by would be pirates to connect to peers and get their new release or the entire discography of Billy Joel. But to me, it's like the drug problem, go after the pushers all you like, but at the end of the day, Johnny is going to get his fix somehow. Big media might need to change the way it thinks about content control, distribution, and how advertising needs to change.
Curious? www.utorrent.com and then to www.mininova.org
Pirate Bay is a website that serves up "torrents." If you know what a torrent is you get it. If you don't, you probably should. Supposedly, bitTorrent traffic (the protocol, like web traffic, or IM traffic) make up nearly 50% of all Internet data transfer? bitTorrent is why Chinatown can bring you the freshest movies for 5 bucks a DVD. Copyrights just ain't what they used to be with the web, we all know that, but so much more influential to all of this is bitTorrent.
So the media companies drive the government to crack down on the infringement and go after the guys serving up the "torrents" which are used by would be pirates to connect to peers and get their new release or the entire discography of Billy Joel. But to me, it's like the drug problem, go after the pushers all you like, but at the end of the day, Johnny is going to get his fix somehow. Big media might need to change the way it thinks about content control, distribution, and how advertising needs to change.
Curious? www.utorrent.com and then to www.mininova.org
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Scott Van Pelt's Commencement Speach
2007 Winter Commencement: Scott Van Pelt transcript
Scott Van Pelt of ESPN fame had a bunch to share with the December 07 Wisconsin grads. I think he does a great job of first identifying with the grads and then sharing a great message about the application of our greatest, and most scarce resource, time.
Scott Van Pelt of ESPN fame had a bunch to share with the December 07 Wisconsin grads. I think he does a great job of first identifying with the grads and then sharing a great message about the application of our greatest, and most scarce resource, time.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Inspirational Leadership
Obama’s Iowa speech: The Difference btw. A Tactician and A Leader « FoundRead
Found and Read looks at the Obama and Clinton Iowa speeches from the perspective of leadership. Reading the analysis of Hillary the tactician and Obama the Inspirer.
Found and Read looks at the Obama and Clinton Iowa speeches from the perspective of leadership. Reading the analysis of Hillary the tactician and Obama the Inspirer.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Article: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Brazilian Lessons for 2008 - New York Times
After a December hiatus from the blogger I think this Cohen piece is a nice way to ring in the New Year as he details all the little things that can irritate you and then shove them away by looking at the Brazilian prosperity. I think I'll have to head down that way to see what he is talking about.
Happy New Year!
After a December hiatus from the blogger I think this Cohen piece is a nice way to ring in the New Year as he details all the little things that can irritate you and then shove them away by looking at the Brazilian prosperity. I think I'll have to head down that way to see what he is talking about.
Happy New Year!
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