Is Every SEO, SEM, PPC Professional Employed?
I've gotten a lot of recruiters calling or emailing me with information. I've tried to reach out - Twitter, LinkedIn connects - to pass the job opport
How do I solve this problem?
For years many of our pages had first page rankings on Google. Over the last couple of months Google is now deciding to show our home page for most s
When will Google and the FTC FCC team up?
As we all know the FTC and FCC are using the internet to research and find fraudulent ads and companies. It's been a long standing pain point of mine
Interesting Anecdote
I sell software and most of our searches are some short variation of the name e.g. Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop CS 7, Adobe Photoshop CS 7.
URL re-writing software
We're in the process of a website re-design for a decent sized e-commerce website with a lot of dynamic content+URLs. It's going to be an entirely ne
Linking AdWords to Google Base
I just noticed a new tab in my Google Base account that lets me link my Google Base feed submission to AdWords. It simply states: (QUOTE)Share you
Bounce rates affects ranking!
Bounce rates can really affect SERPs what's your share about it? :D
California - SEMs you're held liable
Holding marketing agencies liable for damages caused by the services they market for is becoming a popular method for local and federal dept. to extra
MS Office 2007 SP2 Is Out
Service Pack 2 for Microsoft Office 2007 was released earlier this week. The new update gives Microsoft Office users some of the features that OpenOffice and KOffice users have enjoyed for years, such as PDF export and the built-in ability to use OASIS-standardized ODF file formats. I can’t currently test it out. My (family’s) Windows computers run [...]
Service Pack 2 for Microsoft Office 2007 was released earlier this week.
The new update gives Microsoft Office users some of the features that OpenOffice and KOffice users have enjoyed for years, such as PDF export and the built-in ability to use OASIS-standardized ODF file formats.
I can’t currently test it out. My (family’s) Windows computers run WordPerfect and OpenOffice, not Microsoft Office. The computer I brought with me to Missouri does not run Windows.
There were some suspicions that their implementation would continue their historical anti-competitive embrace, extend, and extinguish behavior. I’ll refrain from that point of view until and unless the company shows me that they are indeed going that way. For now, let me congratulate Microsoft and its end users on finally joining the world of the future.
Posted in ODF Tagged: Microsoft, ODF
Daniel Schuhmacher bricht alle Rekorde
"Superstar" Daniel Schuhmacher erobert Platz eins der Single-Charts
Inconsistency - the marketing saboteur
On again, off again - an SMS promo from a large club thumps onto my phone, after no news for almost two (2) years. Offering a crazy, unconvincing Jackpot deal...delete. Whenever I find a restaurant email newsletter, I subscribe; but they come and go, with nothing for six months then greeting me like a very best friend. If I was really important, why did you ignore me...now I can't remember why I cared. Need to start developing your communication muscle and reliability? Just 140 letters is all you need to communicate with fans on Twitter. Or write a short, short blog entry like this one. When you've started to build your writing 'fitness' (and can be trusted to turn up as promised), you can move on to a 200 word newsletter. Walk around the block every day, then we'll let you on the bike...
On again, off again - an SMS promo from a large club thumps onto my phone, after no news for almost two (2) years. Offering a crazy, unconvincing Jackpot deal...delete. Whenever I find a restaurant email newsletter, I subscribe; but they come and go, with nothing for six months then greeting me like a very best friend. If I was really important, why did you ignore me...now I can't remember why I cared.
Need to start developing your communication muscle and reliability? Just 140 letters is all you need to communicate with fans on Twitter. Or write a short, short blog entry like this one. When you've started to build your writing 'fitness' (and can be trusted to turn up as promised), you can move on to a 200 word newsletter. Walk around the block every day, then we'll let you on the bike...
New Aggregator For ODF Posts
Planet ODF is a new aggregator for ODF-related blog and microblog posts. Rob Weir announced it last month. If you head over to the site, you can also subscribe to the feed (in various formats). Posted in ODF
Planet ODF is a new aggregator for ODF-related blog and microblog posts. Rob Weir announced it last month.
If you head over to the site, you can also subscribe to the feed (in various formats).
Posted in ODF
Texas Trying Again
Texas is once again considering legislation that would select open standard data formats (and software that could use them) for state-produced documents. Fort Worth legislator pushes for open format in state documents | Fort Worth | Star-Telegram.com Michael Coté, an Austin-based technology analyst specializing in open-source software, said tying government documents to a proprietary vendor creates the [...]
Texas is once again considering legislation that would select open standard data formats (and software that could use them) for state-produced documents.
Fort Worth legislator pushes for open format in state documents | Fort Worth | Star-Telegram.com
Michael Coté, an Austin-based technology analyst specializing in open-source software, said tying government documents to a proprietary vendor creates the risk that those files may be unreadable in the future as software evolves and companies go out of business. Open-source formats such as OpenDocument are “vendor-neutral,” meaning they work with multiple programs and can more likely be accessed in the future, Coté said.
“If the Constitution was in WordPerfect 5.1 format, it would probably be difficult to read right now,” Coté said, referring to an obsolete but once widely used word processing format.
Veasey filed a similar bill in 2007. It got national attention from technology journalists and bloggers but went nowhere largely because of aggressive lobbying by Microsoft, he said.
At a hearing on the bill then, Microsoft national technology officer Stuart McKee described it as anti-competitive and warned that it could be the equivalent of the state “picking Betamax when everyone else goes with VHS.”
Passage is far from assured, of course. Many people freak out at the thought that they might lose the ability to use the leading proprietary office suite. On top of that, the leading proprietary vendor has an accomplished lobbying team that seeks to crush any move that could threaten their dominance. I also think that talking about it in terms of licensing costs is the wrong issue. The state will want to buy StarOffice or WordPerfect for the support, rather than just downloading OpenOffice. So licensing costs may go down,
Personally, I think the bill’s opponents are missing the point. A Microsoft that was totally committed to open standard data formats / file formats (not "open source" file formats) and network protocols would indeed face more competition. They might find it difficult to maintain some of their pricing and lose some market share. But this would not only benefit consumers and the states, it would make Microsoft a leaner, stronger, more nimble competitor. For me, at least, supporting such bills is not about trying to hurt Microsoft, because my ideal world has MSFT being one of a group of leading competitors. Ideally, my work environment would have two or three different vendors' applications, so that when a user got too frustrated with one product, we could just switch him/her to a different one.
I realize that a level playing field is scary to Redmondites. But this fear will be replaced by the same kind of thrill that athletes feel in the midst of a game. If I were Mr. Ballmer, I would come to Texas and say, “We’re planning to support ODF anyway. Go ahead and pass this. We think we can make our products good enough that you will choose us most of the time anyway.” Unless, of course, he really doesn’t believe his company' products are that good.
To track the bill, check the Texas Legislature site. Thanks to Rick Jeliffe for the link to the story.
Powered by ScribeFire.
Posted in ODF, OOXML, Open Standards, Politics
Melancholische Porträts, vollendete Akte: Amedeo Modigliani in Bonn
Eigentlich kaum vorstellbar, dass das egomane Genie Picasso jemals Anw�rfe von Neid oder Eifersucht auf einen anderen K�nstler zeigte oder �berhaupt zulie�. Im Falle von Amedeo Modigliani, der seinerseits Bewunderer und zugleich Rivale von Pablo Picasso war, h�lt sich jedenfalls hartn�ckig das Ger�cht, dass der gro�e Spanier im kleinen Italiener einen echten, ernsthaften Konkurrenten um die [...]
How could we use 'beta testing' with menus?
Jeff Jarvis in his new book What Would Google Do? promotes the importance of releasing a product in an 'almost finished' or beta stage [see the short video below]. Google are masters of the process, with many of their popular products still technically 'under development'. They actively and enthusiastically seek comments and suggestions for how to make it just right, rather than deciding in advance that they know best - take it or leave it. The term 'beta' also blunts the picky critics. Menu development is usually hard work; balancing price, ingredients, texture, flavour, seasons, market segment, competition, available skills and equipment...on and on it goes, with hopefully customers somewhere in the mix! What if the menu was released as 'almost done' with a Beta stamp, and an invitation for guests to 'help us get it just right'! No need to incorporate all the suggestions (Google certainly don't), but there will be excellent ideas that weren't thought of or forgotten. All it needs is an easy feedback process (SMS will do), a word processing and a printer. Hey, we have all that, and now we also have real customer engagement! Please watch the video and give me your thoughts...
Jeff Jarvis in his new book What Would Google Do? promotes the importance of releasing a product in an 'almost finished' or beta stage [see the short video below].
Google are masters of the process, with many of their popular products still technically 'under development'. They actively and enthusiastically seek comments and suggestions for how to make it just right, rather than deciding in advance that they know best - take it or leave it. The term 'beta' also blunts the picky critics.
Menu development is usually hard work; balancing price, ingredients, texture, flavour, seasons, market segment, competition, available skills and equipment...on and on it goes, with hopefully customers somewhere in the mix! What if the menu was released as 'almost done' with a Beta stamp, and an invitation for guests to 'help us get it just right'!
No need to incorporate all the suggestions (Google certainly don't), but there will be excellent ideas that weren't thought of or forgotten. All it needs is an easy feedback process (SMS will do), a word processing and a printer. Hey, we have all that, and now we also have real customer engagement! Please watch the video and give me your thoughts...
Vorspiel in aller Öffentlichkeit: Iggy Pop als Chansonneur
Da brat mir doch einer den guten alten Stooges-Punk-Storch! Was macht der Iggy Pop denn da auf seine alten Tage noch f�r Experimente? Und dazu mit v�llig gegen seinen alten Rebellenstrich geb�rstetem Liedgut, das man schon fast klassisch zu nennen wagt. Entdeckt das hagere, magere Schlitzohr auf seinem neuen Album „Preliminaires” doch tats�chlich seine Ader f�r [...]
A video for staff who can't manage their money
Explaining a concept our parents think we've long forgotten... Explaining a concept our parents think we've long forgotten...
Irish Travelers Move On From Kansas
Poilce in Oklahoma have warned residents of Nichols Hills to be on the lookout for suspicious characters known as Irish Travelers. Recently spotted in Kansas, according [...]
Poilce in Oklahoma have warned residents of Nichols Hills to be on the lookout for suspicious characters known as Irish Travelers.
Recently spotted in Kansas, according to the police they come back every year around this time though the police have trouble catching them because homeowners wait too long to call for help.
“It does seem kind of strange,” resident Cody Hightower said. “It sounds like there’s some people who don’t shower very often, have dreadlocks or something.”
Police say they look like everyday people. They go door to door, offering to do construction work and charge more than the agreed upon price, they break into homes and cars. The group attacks, then quickly skips town.
Read the report on the News on 6 site
Browne’s Irish Street Fair 2009 Entertainment Schedule
The schedule of performers of Irish music at the midtown Kansas City festival that is the 2009 Brownes Irish Street Fair has been announced. It’s an [...]
The schedule of performers of Irish music at the midtown Kansas City festival that is the 2009 Brownes Irish Street Fair has been announced.
It’s an all day Irish festival from 2pm to 11pm with Gaelic Football, a Children’s Area, and live Irish traditional music and Celtic Rock from 5pm.
See the page about the 2009 Brownes Irish Street festival for performers, times, and all the festival details.
Celtic Rock Bands Play Downtown Kansas City, Missouri
They’ve had multiple bands playing rocked up Irish music before, and on Saturday 18 July 2009 the Brick in downtown Kansas City are doing it [...]
They’ve had multiple bands playing rocked up Irish music before, and on Saturday 18 July 2009 the Brick in downtown Kansas City are doing it again as they host The Keilhans and Connacht Town.
The Kelihans say they’re scheduled to go on at 10pm and Connacht Town are on before that. Or after.
The Brick’s website also has an Irish Toast Contest listed for the same night, though it calls it St Pat’s so either it’s a mistake or else you have a chance to win $100 depending on the creativity, oration and audience reaction to your toast of Irish content.
The Brick is located at 1727 McGee, Kansas City, Missouri, and you can phone them at (816) 421-1634 if you don’t believe me or just want to ask them about their sweet potato fries.
This Celtic Rock event is posted somewhere on the Kansas City Irish events calendar.
See Also:
���• Irish Festival at Browne’s in Kansas City
���• The Young Dubliners in Kansas City
���• Celtic Woman in Kansas City 2009
The Fuchsia Band in America Summer 2009
Friends of Kansas City, Irish traditional band from Cork in Ireland, The Fuchsia Band are once again playing around the US of A in what [...]
Friends of Kansas City, Irish traditional band from Cork in Ireland, The Fuchsia Band are once again playing around the US of A in what will be their 5th summer tour of America. And Kansas City is not left out.
On Thursday, June 18 The Fuchsia Band are playing at 7pm in Eddie Delahunt’s Cafe & over there by State Line Road at Bell at 45th Street in KC, Missouri.
Cafe & is located at 4448 Bell Street and you can make a nuisance of yourself by phoning them at 816-753-3322, but heck it’s a cafe, so why not call in, grab a cup and a pastry, sit yourself down, and then ask your question?
Eddie, the Delahunt fella in question with the cafe, has a website.
The Fuchsia Band are also playing again at the Langston Hughes Theatre on the campus of Lincoln University (820 Chestnut St) in Jefferson City, Missouri -on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, the evening before KC.
The gig for the lads at the same venue last year got a great reception. For tickets or information contact:
Allen Tatman of Paddy Malone’s Irish Pub at 700 W. Main Jeff City, MO 65101. Phone (573) 761-5900 and see Paddy Malone’s Website
On this 2009 USA tour The Fuchsia Band will also be playing Fairfield, Iowa; Urbana, Illinois; Jackson, Mississippi; Monroe, Louisiana; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; New Orleans, Louisiana; Memphis, Tennessee; Little Rock, Arkansas; Fort Collins Irish Festival in Colorado, and this weekend, the Oshkosh Irish Festival.
Dates, times, and details of all these performances can be got at the band’s MySpace page - you’ll need to scroll down a little.
I missed Fuchsia front man, and former part-time Kansas City resident, Máirtin de Cógáin, wearing his drama hat in a play here in Dublin a few months back thanks to a nasty spell of winter, but I’m sure he can tell you about it himself.
This event is posted on the Kansas City Irish events calendar.
See Also:
���• Come My Little Son
���• The Fuchsia Band Played Cafe &
���• Mairtin de Cogain and The Fuchsia Band Win Radio Awards
Could Irish American Immigration Get a Teacher Fired?
Irish American Immigration is among the subjects that a Shawnee Mission North teacher taught his students before receiving reprimand letters from his principal about sticking [...]
Irish American Immigration is among the subjects that a Shawnee Mission North teacher taught his students before receiving reprimand letters from his principal about sticking to course obectives as outlined in the district curriculum guides.
The Pitch has a story about Ned Scott, a teacher of 22 years, and his unorthodox teaching methods, that have engaged his students and now launched a support page on FaceBook with close to 1,000 members.
I must say, using popular culture references to get students to relate their own teenage culture to other cultures in the world, seems like common sense and entirely appropriate to me, but education in schools rarely includes actual education.
Other subjects that have engaged Scott’s students but might not appear on the Kansas State Assessment include immigrant workers in Los Angeles, migrant farm workers in the Midwest, and India as an ancient religious center.
Read the whole story in the Pitch and see the FaceBook page
Northern Ireland Council’s Trip To Kansas City
While British parliamentary politics continues to unravel amid the daily drip-feed scandals of MPs expense claims, the costs of Local Councils sending members around the [...]
While British parliamentary politics continues to unravel amid the daily drip-feed scandals of MPs expense claims, the costs of Local Councils sending members around the world on various trips - all of course funded by taxpayers - have been released and and a Northern Irish council’s trip to Kansas City has been highlighted.
To be honest the cost of the trip to the 52nd Annual International Sister Cities Conference at the Westin Crown Center Hotel last July, seems not all that remarkable, especially compared to what some other councils spent on trips, and I suspect is presented as a news story to try and capitalize on current national indignation of British taxpayers.
The Independent in Britain has the details on Northern Ireland’s Larne council:
Larne Borough Council, in Co Antrim, spent nearly £7,980 sending three councillors and two staff to a “sister cities” conference in Kansas. The council also spent £3,990 sending a delegation to Florida, and £2,655 on a pilgrimage to Somme. Larne was the port from which thousands of Irish emigrants set sail for the US, and is twinned with two towns in South Carolina.
Read about other councils in the Independent
O’Malley’s: Wild Colonial Bhoys Celebrate Their 4th Anniversary
The Wild Colonial Bhoys are in the neighbourhood this weekend. They are celebrating their 4th anniversary at O’Malley’s Irish Pub in Weston, Missouri. The [...]
The Wild Colonial Bhoys are in the neighbourhood this weekend. They are celebrating their 4th anniversary at O’Malley’s Irish Pub in Weston, Missouri.
The Wild Colonial Bhoys will be playing on both tonight Friday May 29th 2009, and tomorrow, Saturday, May 30th 2009, 8pm to midnight both nights.
And if you’re making a weekend of it in Weston then don’t forget that Bob Reeder will be playing his regular slot in O’Malley’s on Sunday from 3pm to 9pm. If the weather is anything like it is here in Dublin, Ireland then it should be a great afternoon for the drive up to Weston.
These events are posted on the Kansas City Irish events calendar, and I’ll be moving the calendar back to a daily affair once I launch my next online sale of Irish paintings - which is imminent.
Irish Conversation in a Dublin Pub #41
25 Years Later -You still have long hair -I still have hair See More Irish Conversations: ���• An American Phone Call to an Irish Mother ���• Dublin Slanging Match ���• Cool [...]
25 Years Later
-You still have long hair
-I still have hair
See More Irish Conversations:
���• An American Phone Call to an Irish Mother
���• Dublin Slanging Match
���• Cool Yoke
���• Leaves Changing Colour
���• All Irish Conversations
Flannigan’s Right Hook at Dark Horse Tavern
On Tuesday, 26 May, 2009 at the late hour of 11pm, Flannigan’s Right Hook are playing at Dark Horse Tavern in Westport. Dark Horse Tavern Dark Horse [...]
On Tuesday, 26 May, 2009 at the late hour of 11pm, Flannigan’s Right Hook are playing at Dark Horse Tavern in Westport.
Dark Horse Tavern
Dark Horse Tavern is located at 4112 Pennsylvania in the Westport district of Kansas City, Missouri. You can phone them at (816) 931 3003 and visit their official website HERE
Penguin tech crew to hack home page
Brainiacs with The Penguin's tech crew will install rabbit ears in preparation for the digital switch. Great.
It’s a mixed bag today!
It’s a mixed bag today folks! The top gainer on the day is USD/TRY up 2.12% followed by EUR/AUD, USD/CAD, USD/ZAR and GBP/AUD. The top losers on the day are AUD/JPY down 3.52% and AUD/USD down 2.81%. Therefore there are two themes emerging this morning. One is that the dollar is strong, particularly against the exotic currencies. [...]
It’s a mixed bag today folks! The top gainer on the day is USD/TRY up 2.12% followed by EUR/AUD, USD/CAD, USD/ZAR and GBP/AUD.
The top losers on the day are AUD/JPY down 3.52% and AUD/USD down 2.81%.
Therefore there are two themes emerging this morning. One is that the dollar is strong, particularly against the exotic currencies. The other theme is that the Aussie dollar is weak across the board today. That is due to the Aussie PPI number falling off the map. It was such as big dive that it shocked the Aussie dollar.
Also, another theme is that the yen is strong across the board too as it drags just about every yen pair to the bottom of the pack.
Short term plays on Aussie weakness (shorting AUD/JPY and AUD/USD) could give some great opportunities should the weakness continue. Also, look for any new intraday highs/lows that get taken out from Friday’s daily candle. These can present some good “short term pops” too.
Sean Hyman
www.forextradingblog.com
Feel free to post these articles on your Facebook, MySpace,Digg them, Stumble upon them, Twitter them, email them, send them You Tube links and IM the links to friends and family, etc. Help us to spread the word and therefore help others. As you can see by watching the nightly news, people are in dire need out there and you can bring them a solution.
Don’t forget about Friday!
Many banks will be closed for Good Friday. So it’s not just the U.S. banks closed. This will produce very light volume on this day and would be advisable not to trade in times like that. Click on the image to enlarge it. none
Many banks will be closed for Good Friday. So it’s not just the U.S. banks closed. This will produce very light volume on this day and would be advisable not to trade in times like that. Click on the image to enlarge it. 
One of those days for the Intra-day trader to stand aside. Here’s why…
Today, the biggest gainer on the day is AUD/USD up only 0.80%. So the biggest gainer on the day isn’t even up a full percentage point. The largest loser on the day is EUR/AUD which is down 1%. That’s nothing for that volatile pair. So while there is mild Aussie strength on the day, there is [...]
Today, the biggest gainer on the day is AUD/USD up only 0.80%. So the biggest gainer on the day isn’t even up a full percentage point.
The largest loser on the day is EUR/AUD which is down 1%. That’s nothing for that volatile pair. So while there is mild Aussie strength on the day, there is no “big momentum” on the day.
Intra-day traders need “momentum” aka “movement” because they have to be “right” and essentially “right now”!
Therefore, on “dull days”, it’s best to stand aside. You will generally find that you preserve profits gained from previous days when you do this.
Note: Since the U.S. Dollar Index recently broke its uptrend, look for the EUR/USD and AUD/USD to have sizable upside days in the near future, relative to its “down days” overall.
The euro is the biggest component (over 57%) in the U.S. Dollar index, so it stands a huge chance at being a huge beneficiary. Also, the euro is the next most liquid currency outside of the dollar. Therefore, it’s the next logical place to go and why it gets the nickname of “the anti-dollar”.
The Aussie dollar has a huge advantage too because its fundamental data has held up much better than other countries…and it also has the highest interest rate out there…of any industrialized nation. Therefore, that gives it a huge “leg up” going forward too.
So once the momentum does come back (probably after tomorrow’s interest rate decision on the euro and pound), you will want to look to these two currency pairs to see how they are faring.
Also, remember that NFP (Non-Farm Payroll) report, comes out on Friday. Get started with a demo account today: http://www.fxedu.com/practice-forex-account
www.forextradingblog.com
Dollar falls on battle between Bank of America’s Lewis & Bernanke/Paulson.
Check out the article here: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aJbR4ycD20iAThis is causing the buck to fall….after all, if Paulson and Bernanke are in the wrong, that wouldn’t bode well for the buck (even though Paulson is out of office). none
Check out the article here: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aJbR4ycD20iAThis is causing the buck to fall….after all, if Paulson and Bernanke are in the wrong, that wouldn’t bode well for the buck (even though Paulson is out of office).
noneOil and the Euro tend to head in the same direction!
Today, I couldn’t help but notice that oil is around $59.50! The bottom was put in at around $33. So we’ve almost doubled off of the lows. Why do I mention oil? Because oil and the euro tend to travel in the same direction (over time). This also helps to influence the dollar downward. So in light [...]
Today, I couldn’t help but notice that oil is around $59.50! The bottom was put in at around $33. So we’ve almost doubled off of the lows.
Why do I mention oil? Because oil and the euro tend to travel in the same direction (over time). This also helps to influence the dollar downward.
So in light of the U.S. dollar index breaking its uptrend line and falling below its 200 SMA…and the EUR/USD coming back up above its 200 SMA for the first time in a long time…and oil hitting “new highs”…I’d say it might be best to be a buyer of the euro vs. a short seller of it.
Therefore, look for buy signals in whatever time frame that you choose. We’re re-entering the era of a falling dollar once again. So even if you’re a short term trader, you want to keep that in the back of your mind and trade against the dollar. The best way to do this initially is through the euro (EUR/USD) since it’s where the next biggest pool of liquidity is for investors.
This is why they call it the “anti-dollar”. There’s no currency that has a higher inverse correlation to the dollar than the euro. Therefore, if you get bearish on the dollar, you’re automatically bullish on the euro.
Then once this “dollar downturn” strengthens, being long AUD/USD could be a great viable option as well based off of the superior fundamentals that they have on just about every other country right now. Get a free practice account here: http://www.fxedu.com/practice-forex-account
Sean Hyman
www.forextradingblog.com
Pound tops the % gainers; Euro is biggest % loser on the day
There was a day when the euro and pound just followed each other around the world…one slightly leading the other (and of course the GBP was the more volatile version of the euro too). However, these days, the EUR/GBP pair is not a ranging pair like it used to be. It’s been a trending pair [...]
There was a day when the euro and pound just followed each other around the world…one slightly leading the other (and of course the GBP was the more volatile version of the euro too).
However, these days, the EUR/GBP pair is not a ranging pair like it used to be. It’s been a trending pair for quite a while now.
Most of the journey has been the euro beating up the pound. However, if “risk” returns to the market…tnat tune could change. Today is one day that the pound has a “leg up” on the euro…pushing the EUR/GBP down 1.10% on the day.
GBP/CHF is the biggest % gainer at 1.29% gain and GBP/JPY follows at 1.10%. This also goes to show you that there are pairs at times that are more volatile and trending than the GBP/JPY pair that it seems everyone is addicted too.
I often wonder if GBP/JPY is the forex trader’s “crack” at times. However, while it is volatile on average, there are days where it plays “second fiddle” to other pairs. So do keep this in mind.
Sean Hyman
www.forextradingblog.com
noneHow much money should you start up an account with?
I’m often asked the question in our courses….”How much money should I start my account with?” Good question. Let me give my personal opinion on this.A micro account CAN be started with $25 and a standard mini account CAN be started with $2,000. However, the less you start with, the bigger percentage of your account that you [...]
I’m often asked the question in our courses….”How much money should I start my account with?” Good question.
Let me give my personal opinion on this.A micro account CAN be started with $25 and a standard mini account CAN be started with $2,000. However, the less you start with, the bigger percentage of your account that you have at risk generally.
So one way you can increase you chances of success is to have a well funded account. Let’s say that you have a 100 pip stop on one lot. That would be a $100 loss in the mini account and a $10 loss in the micro account. Let’s focus on the micro account, since that’s the best place for most beginning traders to start out anyway.
If I have a $25 micro account and lose $10…then I’ve lost 40% of the account balance. However, if that balance were $100, then I’ve lost 10% of my account balance. I’m much more able to recover from a 10% loss than a 40% loss. Emotionally speaking too…it’s easier to handle the loss of 10% than it is for 40%. Now, if I had an account balance of $200, then my loss would be 5%.
This is why I suggest people start micro accounts with at least $500 to $1,000 and start off trading only 1 micro lot at a time. In the end, you’ll be glad you started this way vs. starting with the minimum. Again, this is strictly my opinion as a trader and as an instructor.
Ultimately, it will be your decision as to what you feel is the most prudent thing to do for you. However, a lot of people don’t think about the impact of their “beginning balance” upon their trading and the likelihood of their success and that’s why I bring it up here. Happy trading!
Sean Hyman
P.S. - Get your live micro account started, here: https://secure2.fxcorporate.com/fxtr/?plugin=0&locale=en_US_FX_EDU_LLC_MICRO
noneSpy Shots: Is this the 2011/2012 BMW 1 Series?
Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchbacks, BMW
Fresh pics of what looks to be the next generation BMW 1 Series have been snapped in Germany. If it is the rumored 2011/2012 model, it adheres to the trend of nearly every new car, as it appears to be simultaneously bigger and brawnier all over. It isn't the forthcoming X1 crossover, since a quick look at those two cars side-by-side reveals different ride heights and rooflines, among other things. One of 1Addict's forum commenters said he has had his current 1 Series next to the new one and he confirms that the new one is larger. If this five-door hatch really is longer and wider, with a longer wheelbase than the current car then BMW appears to removed this car from the plan to reduce 1 Series curb weights. Hat tip to Andrew.
[Source: 1Addicts]
Spy Shots: Is this the 2011/2012 BMW 1 Series? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchbacks, BMW
Fresh pics of what looks to be the next generation BMW 1 Series have been snapped in Germany. If it is the rumored 2011/2012 model, it adheres to the trend of nearly every new car, as it appears to be simultaneously bigger and brawnier all over. It isn’t the forthcoming X1 crossover, since a quick look at those two cars side-by-side reveals different ride heights and rooflines, among other things.
One of 1Addict’s forum commenters said he has had his current 1 Series next to the new one and he confirms that the new one is larger. If this five-door hatch really is longer and wider, with a longer wheelbase than the current car then BMW appears to removed this car from the plan to reduce 1 Series curb weights. Hat tip to Andrew.
[Source: 1Addicts]
Spy Shots: Is this the 2011/2012 BMW 1 Series? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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VIDEO: GM crash-test footage from the Sixties proves we’ve come a long way, baby
Filed under: Time Warp, Safety, Videos, GM
Back in the Sixties, cars were huge. Some equated the size of their boats-on-wheels with safety, and even if their vehicle actually had seat belts, many didn't bother to use them. Fast forward to today, and we have three-point safety belts for all occupants, crumple zones, and air bags in just about every location possible. Yet some vehicles still only manage to score poorly in IIHS testing.
Beyond the jump is a video that proves just how safe cars are today when compared to some of their counterparts in 1968 (oddly, some of the footage looks older). The video is actually archival footage of some of General Motors' 1968 crash testing procedures. They didn't use cement barriers back then; just two cars hitting one another in every way imaginable. Watch in horror as cars and crash test dummies get mutilated in the name of science and safety. The poor dummies in this video rarely remain in the car post-crash, and one even looks like it got run over by the other car. Metal folds like cardboard, glass flies in slow motion, and one rear-ended vehicle burst into flames. It's amazing that anyone survived crashes 40 years ago. The video is definitely worth your time - especially if you're into carnage and dummy gore.
[Source: Web Rides TV]
Continue reading VIDEO: GM crash-test footage from the Sixties proves we've come a long way, baby
VIDEO: GM crash-test footage from the Sixties proves we've come a long way, baby originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read�|�Permalink�|�Email this�|�Comments
Filed under: Time Warp, Safety, Videos, GM
Back in the Sixties, cars were huge. Some equated the size of their boats-on-wheels with safety, and even if their vehicle actually had seat belts, many didn’t bother to use them. Fast forward to today, and we have three-point safety belts for all occupants, crumple zones, and air bags in just about every location possible. Yet some vehicles still only manage to score poorly in IIHS testing.
Beyond the jump is a video that proves just how safe cars are today when compared to some of their counterparts in 1968 (oddly, some of the footage looks older). The video is actually archival footage of some of General Motors’ 1968 crash testing procedures. They didn’t use cement barriers back then; just two cars hitting one another in every way imaginable. Watch in horror as cars and crash test dummies get mutilated in the name of science and safety. The poor dummies in this video rarely remain in the car post-crash, and one even looks like it got run over by the other car. Metal folds like cardboard, glass flies in slow motion, and one rear-ended vehicle burst into flames. It’s amazing that anyone survived crashes 40 years ago. The video is definitely worth your time - especially if you’re into carnage and dummy gore.
[Source: Web Rides TV]
Continue reading VIDEO: GM crash-test footage from the Sixties proves we’ve come a long way, baby
VIDEO: GM crash-test footage from the Sixties proves we’ve come a long way, baby originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Inviting You To POPSIGNAL Party - May 15th 6:30 - 9:30pm
Last Fall I helped organize a party for the tech and startup community called Tech Cocktail. It was an overwhelming success with over 300 people in attendance. Well, I'm at it again, and I'm happy to invite you the POPSignal Party on Thursday May 15th, 6:30 - 9:30pm at Tequila ...
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 5.28.09
 | First Ride: BMW F 800 GS A new contender from BMW's own paddock has entered the fray using the brand's more recent 800cc parallel-twin engine design, so we jumped at the chance to ride the new F 800 GS in California. |  | More details on 500-hp Ariel Atom 500 V8 When it comes to power and lightweight, enough is never enough. And so, Ariel (finally) gives us the Atom 500 V8, an 1,102-pound roadster boasting the highest power-to-weight ratio (1,000 hp-per-ton) of any production car to date. |
 | Autoblog Podcast #129 Chris, Sam, and Dan toss the ball around this week discussing the Lexus HS250h, the Toyota Prius's newfound chassis grace, the production version of the BMW 5-Series GT, Cadillac's sharp new SRX, and of course, a few questions. | Other news of import
| |
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 5.28.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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| First Ride: BMW F 800 GS A new contender from BMW’s own paddock has entered the fray using the brand’s more recent 800cc parallel-twin engine design, so we jumped at the chance to ride the new F 800 GS in California. | | More details on 500-hp Ariel Atom 500 V8 When it comes to power and lightweight, enough is never enough. And so, Ariel (finally) gives us the Atom 500 V8, an 1,102-pound roadster boasting the highest power-to-weight ratio (1,000 hp-per-ton) of any production car to date. |
| Autoblog Podcast #129 Chris, Sam, and Dan toss the ball around this week discussing the Lexus HS250h, the Toyota Prius’s newfound chassis grace, the production version of the BMW 5-Series GT, Cadillac’s sharp new SRX, and of course, a few questions. | Other news of import
| |
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 5.28.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Widget Developer - Cross Domain Scripting
Exciting and flexible postition for developer / scientist Required: * At least 3 years web application development experience * Expert knowledge of PHP, CSS,
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EMC Enterprise 2.0 Casestudy
Chuck Hollis, Vice President of Technology Alliances at EMC, recently chronicled their adoption of Clearspace, Jive’s social productivity solution. They called the implementation EMC One. Sam Lawrence, CMO of Jive, has summarized their effort here. It’s worth a read as it provides some enlightening and encouraging insight into how Enterprise 2.0 can [...]
Chuck Hollis, Vice President of Technology Alliances at EMC, recently chronicled their adoption of Clearspace, Jive’s social productivity solution. They called the implementation EMC One. Sam Lawrence, CMO of Jive, has summarized their effort here. It’s worth a read as it provides some enlightening and encouraging insight into how Enterprise 2.0 can work for a large company. Here are some notable observations:
- EMC has over 35,000 employees and, among other things, makes two knowledge management systems, Documentum and eRoom, and yet they chose to use neither for their social productivity needs.
- Regarding rollout strategy, Chuck says they “…announced availability virally — we all pushed email announcements to people we knew who were interested in what we were doing. We wanted people to “find” us, and not have some sort of official corporate announcement”. The initial rollout would be to supporters of the initiative who would be patient while they ironed out the kinks. But what happened was that EMC employees who nobody knew started using the system.
- The result of unanticipated use, or “the network effect”, was confusion as to how to distribute the costs of the investment across the organization. If Divison A purchased Clearspace but users from Division B started using it extensively, shouldn’t part of the cost come from Division B’s budget?
- HR had to get involved implementing a “social engineering” program to get workers used to this new way of collaborating.
- Chuck says “It’s now “cool” to be an active participant on EMC ONE”.
As a result of implementing Enterprise 2.0, Chuck says “We now have so many business value stories that we don’t really need any more to make our case, even to the most stubborn ROI cynic”. EMC ONE has
- Connected employees from remote outposts (like China)
- Become a repository for research and a platform for “ideation”.
- The salesforce is much better informed as it can leverage conversations from the platform
Again, check out Sam’s summary here to get more insight and detail.
Only in San Francisco…
Only in San Francisco can you find advertising for open source software. SugarCRM is a popular open source Customer Relationship Management application. Good competitor to the likes of Siebel and Peoplesoft. I was walking in the lobby of a building in the financial district when I saw this. I must say [...]
Only in San Francisco can you find advertising for open source software. SugarCRM is a popular open source Customer Relationship Management application. Good competitor to the likes of Siebel and Peoplesoft. I was walking in the lobby of a building in the financial district when I saw this. I must say it’s pretty cool to be in the land of technology and innovation.
Made It
I safely arrived in Colorado last night. It’s been 1 year since I’ve been in the US. I immediately noticed how festive the US is around the holidays. Carols were playing in the LA airport and people said “merry christmas” to me. This doesn’t really happen in Australia, where if they said it they’d prefer “happy [...]
I safely arrived in Colorado last night. It’s been 1 year since I’ve been in the US. I immediately noticed how festive the US is around the holidays. Carols were playing in the LA airport and people said “merry christmas” to me. This doesn’t really happen in Australia, where if they said it they’d prefer “happy christmas” instead. It’s also pretty cold in Denver (at least compared with how hot it’s been in Melbourne this past few weeks). And I had my first Chipotle burrito since last December for dinner tonight.
What I’ve noticed immediately is that most blog and twitter updates now happen throughout the day. In Australia it was like reading the newspaper, where when I got to work most of the blog posts and twitter updates from my US counterparts had been completed already, so I’d spend 20 minutes or so catching up on the “news”. Now my reader constantly has updates. I’m not sure which way is better actually.
Anyway, I’m hoping to visit more conferences now that I’m in North America and meet some of my blogging friends in person. I might look into heading to the FASTForward conference this year to get me going.
It’s good to be back.
The Stig Revealed
Top Gear is one of my favorite shows on TV. On it they closely guard the identity of “the Stig” - the man in the white suite who test drives all of the cars they feature around their track. Today’s issue of The Telegraph has revealed the Stig is a man called “Collins” (they don’t [...]
Top Gear is one of my favorite shows on TV. On it they closely guard the identity of “the Stig” - the man in the white suite who test drives all of the cars they feature around their track. Today’s issue of The Telegraph has revealed the Stig is a man called “Collins” (they don’t reveal his first name). According to The Telegraph
The 33-year-old let his secret slip when he asked [staff at a Bristol gallery] to help him produce a limited-edition print of The Stig in action…Collins, from Bristol, has always denied being The Stig and could face the sack if he admitted it. The first Stig, stunt driver Perry McCarthy, lost the job after outing himself in his book Flat Out, Flat Broke, published in 2002…The identity of White Stig has not been officially revealed and is regarded as a carefully guarded secret by the BBC.
The Telegraph also cites a youtube video where the Stig speaks with a Bristol accent (dialect of UK English). Collins is from that area. And autotrader.co.uk also has an editorial where they claimed to have unmasked the Stig (picture below), in which a flash of light reveals man with blue eyes behind an otherwise blackened visor. Collins has blue eyes.
I think they’ve got him (thank you Jauder Ho for alerting me to this).
Hear the Enterprise RoR
Susan Scrupski recently wrote about how the likes of Tim Bray feel that Ruby on Rails is a great option for the enterprise. I couldn’t agree more with Tim. I’ve been working closely with the framework in recent times and also built some demos with it back in my consulting days. [...]
Susan Scrupski recently wrote about how the likes of Tim Bray feel that Ruby on Rails is a great option for the enterprise. I couldn’t agree more with Tim. I’ve been working closely with the framework in recent times and also built some demos with it back in my consulting days. Once I got over the differences between Java and Ruby I began to see the magic of how Rails makes it easy to build web pages, REST services and interact with databases. A decent programmer can stand up a Ruby on Rails app much quicker than he can a Java or .NET app. Period.
There are concerns, however, over RoR’s ability to scale. Last year, Alex Payne, developer at Twitter, was asked “How has Ruby on Rails been holding up to the increased load?”. One of the things Alex said was “All the convenience methods and syntactical sugar that
makes Rails such a pleasure for coders ends up being absolutely punishing, performance-wise”. In other words, “magic” = “slow”.
But these are issues that can be solved with conventional measures. David Heinemeier of loudthinking.com points out:
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: There’s nothing interesting about how Ruby on Rails scales. We’ve gone the easy route and merely followed what makes Yahoo!, LiveJournal, and other high-profile LAMP stacks scale high and mighty. Take state out of the application servers and push it to database/memcached/shared network drive (that’s the whole Shared Nothing thang). Use load balancers between your tiers, so you have load balancers -> web servers -> load balancers -> app servers -> load balancers -> database/memcached/shared network drive servers. (Past the entry point, load balancers can just be software, like haproxy). In a setup like that, you can add almost any number of web and app servers without changing a thing.
Ruby on Rails faces the same scalability issues as other frameworks. The solution to the problem, then, becomes relatively standard. Share session information, load balance web servers, load balance application servers.
And let’s face it, enterprise applications will never need to contend with as many users as a web site like Twitter does. The largest organizations have hundreds of thousands of people. Not millions (and viral web sites need to scale to millions).
Given the speed of development and agility of the framework, I Ruby on Rails apps will increasingly disseminate across next generation enterprises - enterprises looking to implement Enterprise 2.0.
Succeeding with Agile
I came across a new website today that, among other things, lists Products that can be used to help facilitate agile software development. Check it out:http://www.userstories.com/products I’ve used Mingle from Thoughtworks before, and thought it was an impressive product. I also read another post from a guy writing a book called Succeeding with Agile about the ideal [...]
The rich don’t earn enough to pay for the Obama budget
The WSJ explained that even taxing the rich at 100% won’t foot the bill for the gargantuan Obama budget, let alone keep his $10 trillion in new deficits under control: he promised that households earning less than $250,000 won’t see their taxes increased by “one single dime.” This is going to be some trick. Even [...]
The WSJ explained that even taxing the rich at 100% won’t foot the bill for the gargantuan Obama budget, let alone keep his $10 trillion in new deficits under control:
he promised that households earning less than $250,000 won’t see their taxes increased by “one single dime.” This is going to be some trick. Even the most basic inspection of the IRS income tax statistics shows that raising taxes on the salaries, dividends and capital gains of those making more than $250,000 can’t possibly raise enough revenue to fund Mr. Obama’s new spending ambitions…
Roughly 3.8 million filers had adjusted gross incomes above $200,000 in 2006. (That’s about 7% of all returns; the data aren’t broken down at the $250,000 point.) These people paid about $522 billion in income taxes, or roughly 62% of all federal individual income receipts. The richest 1% — about 1.65 million filers making above $388,806 — paid some $408 billion, or 39.9% of all income tax revenues, while earning about 22% of all reported U.S. income…
as a thought experiment, let’s go all the way. A tax policy that confiscated 100% of the taxable income of everyone in America earning over $500,000 in 2006 would only have given Congress an extra $1.3 trillion in revenue. That’s less than half the 2006 federal budget of $2.7 trillion and looks tiny compared to the more than $4 trillion Congress will spend in fiscal 2010. Even taking every taxable “dime” of everyone earning more than $75,000 in 2006 would have barely yielded enough to cover that $4 trillion.
It is blindingly obvious that President Obama is selling snake oil. There is absolutely no way you can spend almost $4 trillion a year and add almost $10 trillion to the deficit and not increase taxes on the middle class. The rich simply don’t make enough money to pay for it all — even if you took it all away from them.
The sad reality is that the Obama administration is robbing the future to pay for the present.
Jive Continues to Kick Butt
Last week I had the opportunity to speak to Sam Lawrence about Clearspace 2.0, Jive Software’s next incarnation of Clearspace. A lot has been written about this new release today, and it’s generating a lot of buzz in the blogosphere (Jive’s annoucement appeared in Techmeme for a while yesterday, which is mostly unheard of [...]
Last week I had the opportunity to speak to Sam Lawrence about Clearspace 2.0, Jive Software’s next incarnation of Clearspace. A lot has been written about this new release today, and it’s generating a lot of buzz in the blogosphere (Jive’s annoucement appeared in Techmeme for a while yesterday, which is mostly unheard of for Enterprise 2.0 applications). Sam gave me an overview of the major new features:
- Project home pages can be “iGoogle-ized“. Users can personalize their home pages with drag and drop widgets.
- Cloud Participation: businesses can open up content to be shared with external business partners. Jive hosts the “cloud” where this content is uploaded and shared. The business can then draw its content back in once it’s done collaborating. In 2.0 only individual content items (documents) can be shared in this way. In future releases, entire workspaces can be shared in the cloud.
- Enhanced Reporting: Business departments can get metrics on who’s participating and who’s connecting. Good way to measure ROI, and this is key for management adoption of Enterprise 2.0.
- Social Graphs: The informal and formal networks are modeled in the Clearspace application. Clearspace 2.0 automatically derives formal networks through integration to directory services (i.e. Active Directory), and models informal networks by monitoring how users interact with each other.
- Jotlet Acquisition: Jotlet will enhance the project management features in Clearspace in upcoming releases.
Most importantly, Jive continues its focus on people, something that is lost with other “competitors” like Sharepoint. People are by far an organization’s greatest asset, and Jive’s recognition of this fact will see it emerge as the leader in the social productivity space (if it isn’t already).
The above pictures depicted that IPC CEO Professor Dr. Steven Leow was awarded the Asia Pacific Top CEO on 21/05/2008 !
Vote for IPC CEO at http://www.cnelect.com.cn/2008/
Latest Good News from IPC !
Vote for IPC CEO Prof Dr Steven Leow at http://www.cchx.tv/huizhan/toupiao_detail.asp?id=485
Hello, vote for IPC CEO Prof Dr. Steven Leow at http://www.cchx.tv/huizhan/toupiao_detail.asp?id=485
IPC Members from China will Visit IPC Malaysia !
I would like to share with you the above Photos and Message sent to me by a Reader of this Blog => "Hello ! Very beautiful Mercedes Benz F700 photos for your viewing and also as a reminder of our dreams. Our IPC dreams.................. !"
Good luck to you !
IPC Members from Chongqing China !
According to a very reliable source, a group of IPC Members from Chongqing, China will be visiting IPC Malaysia from 19/04/2008 onwards !
The city of Chongqing can be best described as southwest China’s commercial capital. Since 1997, the city has become the fourth municipality, independent from Sichuan Province, to be under the direct control of the central government. The major port of the upper Yangzi River and gateway to the famous “Three Gorges,” Chongqing now includes most of the former eastern Sichuan Province, with a population of 30 million. It is a major center of iron and steel production, motorcycle manufacturing and shipbuilding, as well as chemical and pharmaceutical production. The religious cliff sculptures of Dazu and Baodingshan and the Three Gorges scenic region of the Yangzi River are all nearby, making Chongqing an important center for tourism despite the scarcity of notable sights within the city proper.
Chongqing lies at the confluence of the Yangzi and Jialingjiang Rivers, centered on a hilly peninsula encircled by the rivers, in what was formerly the eastern part of Sichuan Province. Also known as the Mountain City, Chongqing is 1,025 km (640 miles) northwest of Hong Kong, and 1,800 km (1,120 miles) southwest of Beijing. It is one of the four “furnace cities” of China, with blazingly hot and humid summers and cold, foggy winters.
Latest News of UPay Card in China
Hi, the above is the latest news of UPay published in China, you may go to http://epaper.xkb.com.cn/view.php?id=371701 and http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2009-01-15/220215039736s.shtml for the details.
Choosing an ISP Plan
When deciding on which ISP plan is right for you, there are two main factors to consider: your needs and your budget. You want to purchase the most affordable plan that can handle everything you want to accomplish on the internet. There are three main types of ISP plans to choose from: Dial-Up, DSL and Cable. [...]
When deciding on which ISP plan is right for you, there are two main factors to consider: your needs and your budget. You want to purchase the most affordable plan that can handle everything you want to accomplish on the internet.
There are three main types of ISP plans to choose from: Dial-Up, DSL and Cable. Each of these three plan types download internet pages and files at different speeds. The fastest is a Cable (around 1000 kilobits per second) connection followed by DSL (around 300 kilobits per second) and Dial-Up (around 30 kilobits per second), respectively. If you are planning on only using the internet for email and surfing web pages, a Dial-Up plan would be perfect for you. Dial-Up is also the cheapest of the three followed by DSL and Cable, respectively. However, if you are planning on purchasing a membership at a movie or music download website that lets you download unlimited movies or music per month, you will want a DSL or Cable connection so you can take advantage of the offer.
In summary, when choosing an ISP plan first decide on what you want to accomplish and second how much you are willing to spend.
Find an ISP at ISPShakedown.com - directory of affordable internet service providers.
100 fastest-growing tech companies
Our annual rankings show another banner year for the businesses leading the tech revival. Here's who is out in front and how they got there.
101 Dumbest Moments in Business
See the video, test your Dumbest knowledge, and let us know what you think was the year's most boneheaded moves.
Live rich, retire richer
It just may be possible to have it all. Our investment guide shows you how to live large now and bankroll your future.
20 smart companies to start now
Asking venture capitalists for great startup ideas is a little like asking Curt Schilling what pitch he's going to throw next. When we posed the question to dozens of VCs and investors around the country, more than a few indignantly shot back, "Are you out of your mind?"
Obama Govt. Treachery… Step 1: “Take This Money, No Strings Attached”… Step 2: “Now We Own You”
American businesses who accepted bailout money didn't know they were potentially selling control of their businesses to the U.S. government. The rage this must be causing to executives all over this country - many of whom are likely to have been Democrats - will hopefully threaten tremendous damage to the Democratic party, so that the Dems will have to stop Obama's blatant attempt to turn our economy into a planned economy like the economies of the Soviet Union, China, Afghanistan, Cuba, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and North Korea.
If AP is correct, it appears that Democrats are feeling pressure to abort Obama's attempt to turn the economy of the U.S. into that of a third-world nation:
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama's Democratic allies in Congress are taking only baby steps with his budget, putting off crucial decisions on his ambitious plans to expand health care, curb global warming and raise taxes on the wealthy.
...Risk-averse Democrats, however, are merely kicking the can down the road rather than using the budget to give a real push to the president's agenda. On health care, global warming and even Obama's signature "Making Work Pay" tax cut, the pending House and Senate budget plans offer no clues as to how those big ideas might advance.
Hopefully Obama's treachery will ensure that no company that can avoid it will take bailout money in the future -- now that they know the strings that are attached.
The Red-Hot New Mega-Blog, “Big Hollywood”
Don't miss the fantastic new web site, Big Hollywood. It's a mega-blog (in the tradition of the Huffington Post), containing brilliant posts written by conservatives, libertarians and Republicans from all over the country. It's the creation of Andrew Breitbart of Breitbart.com, who also has been a key player in the Drudge Report and in the launch of the Huffington Post. The editor of the site is John Nolte, possibly the most compelling writer of movie reviews and related opinion in the country.�
This site is hot. It's going to make a significant contribution to our culture.�
Full disclosure: Nolte and Breitbart are both friends of mine.
America to Congress: You’re Acting Hysterical. Take a Deep Breath. Calm Down.
Here's a proposed open letter to Congress:
Dear Congress,
Take a deep breath. Calm down.
You passed the $787-billion stimulus bill without even reading it in the hopes that it would fix the economy. We know, you were in a hurry to try to do something, but we can all see now that it didn't work. The banks still are afraid to make loans, the stock market is still in the tank, and unemployment hasn't dropped - but the risk of inflation is now dangerously high.
As you move with increasing speed, you are passing bills not only without reading them, but also without even thinking about the consequences. Because you are worried about the AIG bonuses, the House just passed a bill that would:
...impose a 90% levy on bonuses paid to workers whose household incomes top $250,000 by firms that received more than $5 billion under the government's financial rescue package. That would encompass much of Wall Street, including such marquee-name firms as JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
What you're not realizing is that this would be a massive attack on the entire U.S. financial industry - the very industry you are trying to protect.
...alarm spread across Wall Street that the government's sudden taxation fervor could ensnare thousands of workers and affect every major financial firm.
Although the fast-moving legislative campaign was born of frustration with the bonuses paid to workers at ailing American International Group Inc., employees at comparatively healthy investment banks fretted about the steep tax hikes they could face if the legislation became law.
It's clear …
MORE...
Obama Wants to Turn the U.S. Into a Government-Managed “Planned Economy”
Obama is proving that some of the change he wants is to replace our market-driven economy, with one in which business decisions are made by the government and forced by law on we, the people. He wants greatly increased government control over health care, education, and energy. And here's the latest example:
Administration seeks increase in oversight of executive pay
WASHINGTON: The Obama administration will call for increased oversight of executive pay at all banks, Wall Street firms and possibly other companies as part of a sweeping plan to overhaul financial regulation, government officials said.
Obama wants the government to control executive pay at all these financial firms. This kind of central planning of business decisions, controlled by the state, is called a "Planned Economy." From Wikipedia:
A planned economy or directed economy is an economic system in which the government or workers' councils manages the economy. It is an economic system in which the central government makes all decisions on the production and consumption of goods and services. Its most extensive form is referred to as a command economy, centrally planned economy, or command and control economy. In such economies, central economic planning by the state or government is so extensive that it controls all major sectors of the economy and formulates all decisions about their use and about the distribution of income. The planners decide what should be produced and direct enterprises to produce those goods. Planned economies are in contrast to unplanned economies, such as a market economy, where production, distribution, pricing, and investment decisions are made by the private owners of the factors of production based upon their own and their customers' interests rather than upon furthering some overarching macroeconomic plan.
Want to know …
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Attention Los Angeles: Evan Sayet’s Right to Laugh Show, Live at the Laugh Factory, Tuesday May 19th
My friend, the very funny Evan Sayet, whose YouTube videos have been seen 500,000 times, is at the Laugh Factory this coming Tuesday, May 19th.
'Evan has crossed that line from 'funny' to important.' -- Michael Barone, US News and World Report
'Simply the best political comedian working in America today,' -- David Horowitz, best selling author of 'The Party of Defeat.'
'Evan transcends the word 'comic.' He's brilliant!' -- David Zucker, Writer/Director, 'An American Carol,' 'Naked Gun' and 'Airplane.'
"If Ann Coulter, Jackie Mason and Evan Sayet were in town and I could only see two shows, I'd see Evan twice." -- Jaz McKay, Infinity Broadcasting.
"Evan is the best!!" -- Ann Coulter, best selling author of "If Democrats Had Any Brains They'd Be Republicans."
"Evan Sayet is one of my favorite cultural commentators," Tammy Bruce, nationally syndicated radio talk show host and best selling author.
"At last I can delight in a show that is genuinely funny. My thanks to Evan Sayet -- Larry Elder, nationally syndicated radio talk show host.
"(Evan Sayet's) a funny guy...he had the crowd howling." -- Marc Cooper, LA Weekly.
One "post" closer to occupancy
� There are a few things that must be inspected before an occupancy permit can be issued. One of those is has nothing to do with floors, walls, running water, or electricity. It does have to do with safety - in it’s own way. The farmhouse is project now has it’s official 911 address displayed out [...]
� There are a few things that must be inspected before an occupancy permit can be issued. One of those is has nothing to do with floors, walls, running water, or electricity. It does have to do with safety - in it’s own way.
The farmhouse is project now has it’s official 911 address displayed out at the road …
In the vast stretches of farmland it’s not uncommon to just get a box at the local post office. Still, the address must be clearly displayed. The solution is the "address post". In my case, my 911 number is #31368.
Over 90% economists see US recession end in ‘09: Poll
The economy should contract by 2.8 percent this year, the forecasters said in updated projections. That’s worse than the 1.9 percent drop they forecast in late February. If they are right, it would mark the worst annual contraction since 1946, when economic activity fell by 11 perce...
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Stocks in news: Bharti, ITC, United Breweries, Rel Power
Mint Exclusive: YC Deveshwar says: -ITC to shut down all production lines to introduce pictorial warnings -Shutdown of production lines in a phased manner -We are not ready yet with our new packets Bajaj Auto - Patent Case: -Bajaj Auto appeals at Madras HC to put a stay on judgement ...
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The big picture for small investors
It is a classic dilemma that investors face. Should the immediate concerns weigh so heavy that long-term benefits should be overlooked? Should traders selling a stock, and dragging it down, worry those who have held it for long? If short-term concerns drive down a stock, should the long t...
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Loving Moments
I have a great big patch of white gauze taped all around its perimeter to my side. Underneath that white gauze is the ugliest, nastiest scab you've ever seen, all slimy with polysporin.
And there is a new Secret Vespers up: http://secretvespers.com/2009/03/27/love-with-moments/
RSS: ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/syndicated.gif){kind=small}
secretvespers
Maybe the person speaking cares more about moments than about people, but I promise I love all of you friends so much.
I am in Halifax for one last night before I hit the world travel circuit again. Tomorrow night I will be with my Montreal-based friends, but tonight I am all yours, Halifax! I hear there is dancing at the Khyber. I will be the one dancing without moving his left side.
Spider Trap
Let me just tell you the part about the spiders.
The spiders have webbed over the entire cap of this building, their webs are all over the outside of my floor-to-ceiling windows. I opened the balcony door and a spider fell inside. She curled up, frightened, and I didn't have the heart to kill her. I picked her up on a spatula and set her back out again. She and her sisters can have the balcony. I will just live here in the cocoon they have caught me in and watch them snatch flies from the air.
Language Cliffs
Secret Vespers dances right at the edge: http://secretvespers.com/2009/04/07/words-end/
Are you in Toronto? Maybe I will see you at Joey's book launch tonight. I don't remember how I invited people to things before Facebook. I think I just used to tell people the time and location. 6 Nassau Street, at 8:00 p.m.
Something I love about intuition? It is way beyond where words go. I have been reading a book on chess strategy, on how creativity and intuition come into play. Love.
Pop!
We have big plans for this poem.
Pop!
A bachelor pad with a wooden table
and a toaster,
this is all he rents it for.
She sits, drops the slices in,
waits for them to pop and eats them dry.
He watches.
Sticks, Boxes
I have a new Bamboo tablet, but can only draw boxes and stick figures on it: http://secretvespers.com/2009/04/13/tiny-moments/
Easter egg colours!
In other Secret Vespers news, I made a zine. It uses the dandelion lady, a couple of cloud poems, and some other random material. I will give it to strangers, or more likely, leave it places strangers are going to find it.
I have been in California, up in the San Francisco Bay area, mostly. I am planning marvelous software projects for Pleiades and for the Open Metaverse Foundation. In a few days I will head to Seattle and Vancouver, then back down and to L.A. When I am absolutely sure that spring really has arrived in Canada, I will fly back to Toronto.
Lonely Robots
Who would have thought there were so many lonely robots based in Austin, Texas?
I have endlessly belaboured and shamelessly promoted it here, but I have a webcomic called Secret Vespers, and it has a section called Lovesick, the premise of which is that my characters post missives to the Craigslist personals section. The last one went out to Austin, and let me share with you three of the responses:
- Sup cuteness, I am Jennifer?, I am 29 years old and half asian.
- Hiya cuteness, I'm Katie?, I am 30 years old and half asian.
- Hiya cuteness, I'm Amy?, I am 31 years old and kinda drunk.
salutation, introduction/name?, age and ethnicity/condition.
And good luck, all of you, finding love wherever you look or don't look for it!
Irn Bru secrets passed on to new generation
The chairman of the drinks company which makes Irn Bru stands down and says he will pass on the secret formula to his daughter.
Winds of change
German fan maker aims to dodge downturn
Fiat improves bid for GM's Opel
Italian carmaker Fiat has improved its bid to buy Opel and its UK brand Vauxhall from General Motors.
Biggest spending drop since 1980
Household spending in the UK dropped by 1.2% in the first three months of 2009, the biggest fall since 1980.
Recycled wedding
How to tie the knot without spending much at all
Philips brews up deal with Saeco
Philips, the firm behind the Senseo brand of coffee makers, agrees to buy leading espresso machine firm, Saeco.
Bharti restarts MTN merger talks
India's Bharti Airtel resumes talks with South Africa's MTN aimed at forming the world's third largest mobile phone firm.
Last orders?
The woes of the world's biggest beer mat maker
Survey sees rise in UK confidence
Confidence among business professionals has risen for the first time in two years, a survey shows.
Honda staff vote for 3% pay cut
Workers at Honda's Swindon plant vote in favour of taking a 3% pay cut for ten months in an attempt to safeguard 490 jobs.
Nicht erreichbar
Ist da jetzt jemand einfach nur ehrlich, soll es kreativ sein oder einfach nur Werbung (an der ich mich hiermit beteilige, indem ich den Screenshot poste)? OK, es ist eine Werbeagantur, d.h. ich gehe davon aus, es ist kreativ und Werbung. Twitter It!
Vertraulichkeit und Referenzen
Als Unternehmen gibt man ja gerne seine Referenzen an, das ist derzeit für mich wieder aktuell, da es um einen neuen Job geht. Es gibt einige Gründe, die mich aber ab und zu davon abhalten: Z.b. wenn der Kunde nach Fertigstellung des Auftrags Änderungen vorgenommen hat. Ganz krass war dies einmal bei einem Auftrag, bei dem es [...]
ICP-Lizenz in China
Es gibt viele offene Fragen und Missverständnisse, was die ICP-Lizenz angeht, die man benötigt, um eine Webseite innerhalb Chinas zu betreiben. Deshalb hier einige Infos dazu. Wer eine Internetseite in China betreiben möchte, muss über eine ICP-Lizenz verfügen (ICP = Internet Content Provider). Diese Lizenz betrifft jedoch nur Seiten, die innerhalb Chinas gehostet werden. Vorab zum rein formalen [...]
iPhone lawyer
I am now an attorney with an iPhone. The 8525 is a great tool — nearly a mini net book, but Apple, “You had me at the app store.” After all of this, and this, and temptation by this, I’m a recent convert. Development toward the iPhone (ie, it’s so prolific that everyone’s trying to get [...]
I am now an attorney with an iPhone. The 8525 is a great tool — nearly a mini net book, but Apple, “You had me at the app store.”
After all of this, and this, and temptation by this, I’m a recent convert. Development toward the iPhone (ie, it’s so prolific that everyone’s trying to get a piece of the action) and its nearly seamless capability to mashup data, media, and GPS, helped it wedge its way into my life.
Now that “iT” is here (my IdPhone), some disparate comments:
Apps iDig: Maps (the street view added with 2.2 update); EasyWriter (landscape keyboard which will ‘paste’ to mail); Evernote (sync your notes and then some); Wikipanion (quick wiki search tool); NetNewsWire (only for my top 10 feeds; syncs with Newsgator); Google mobile (voice search, Reader … great, as ever); Shozu (upload photos as you shoot); GrandDialer (for your GrandCentral number); Dialer (Melodis; voice contact search/dialer); Yelp (find nearby java, gas…);
Helpful places: iPhone J.D.; iPhone blog; and MacRumors
Oh, and yes — I’ve come to terms with the fact that there is value in a fun interface. Say what you will, the iPhone has it.
Friend Connect
Google promises its Friend Connect means more people engaging more deeply, that it will — Enrich your site Choose engaging social features from a catalog of gadgets by Google and the OpenSocial developer community. Attract more visitors Your users can easily invite friends from social networks and contact lists to visit and join your site. No programming whatsoever Just copy and [...]
Google promises its Friend Connect means more people engaging more deeply, that it will — 
Enrich your site
Choose engaging social features from a catalog of gadgets by Google and the OpenSocial developer community.Attract more visitors
Your users can easily invite friends from social networks and contact lists to visit and join your site.No programming whatsoever
Just copy and paste a few snippets of code into your site, and Friend Connect does the rest.
Not to mix up topics too much in one post, but just so you can test out Google’s new tool, here is a primer topic upon which you may comment. ”Can you believe the Kansas Business Attorney — champion of the 8525 and Windows Mobile — is now wielding an iPhone?”
Go ahead. You (probably) can’t break anything. (Tip: begin by clicking the double blue box)
RSS feed readers
Are you one of 12% of internet users who use a feed/rss reader to browse your favorite blog/news sites? Supposing you are not, have a quick look at a handy how-to I posted 19 months ago here at Kansas Business Attorney. This is “RSS in Plain English” from The Common Craft Show, and it instructs [...]
Are you one of 12% of internet users who use a feed/rss reader to browse your favorite blog/news sites? Supposing you are not, have a quick look at a handy how-to I posted 19 months ago here at Kansas Business Attorney. This is “RSS in Plain English” from The Common Craft Show, and it instructs one of the simplest time-savers for every well-read browser, like yourself:
Having tried them all, I might recommend the google Reader (if you are a gmail account holder) and newsgator, which will synchronize your feeds and reading across web, desktop and mobile phone.
Leave questions for me in the comments. Thanks.
Western Auto
CC Mike Willis
CC Mike Willis
Kansas sunset
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“In-House” Counsel
Covington Law will be “in it” for you. You need counsel on a recurring basis, but not full-time? You want the flexibility of the legal member of your team being on site — your site, from time to time. To capitalize on an opportunity, you need a project ready to stand up tomorrow, noon, and [...]
Covington Law will be “in it” for you. You need counsel on a recurring basis, but not full-time? You want the flexibility of the legal member of your team being on site — your site, from time to time. To capitalize on an opportunity, you need a project ready to stand up tomorrow, noon, and you need to jump immediately. Inquire about your own Covington Law In-house Counsel program, fully customized for you … flexible, on-call, highly portable, bottom-line value.
Photo CC tomsaint
Highlight Midwest #hm1
So, you don’t own/operate a business, participate in social media, or leverage technology on a routine basis? Don’t attend this October 29th Kansas City event: Focused Highlights 9:00am - 4:00pm at the Record Bar Some of the region’s finest entrepreneurs, technologists, social media experts, and new media success stories presenting. Emcees: Alternageek’s Christa Casebeer and Microblink’s Rob Jensen. New Heights [...]
So, you don’t own/operate a business, participate in social media, or leverage technology on a routine basis? Don’t attend this October 29th Kansas City event:
Focused Highlights
9:00am - 4:00pm at the Record Bar
Some of the region’s finest entrepreneurs, technologists, social media experts, and new media success stories presenting.
Emcees: Alternageek’s Christa Casebeer and Microblink’s Rob Jensen.
New Heights for Flyover States
October 29, 2008 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at the Kauffman Center of Kansas City
A reception showcasing the entrepreneurs, innovators, and early-adopters using web technology to grow their businesses, advance their careers, and enrich the regional economy in new ways:
коли под наем
- Three of the area’s up and coming social media strategists will present an overview on how the web is changing their cities for the better and how new opportunities for innovation are expanding the importance of web-based technology in the Midwest.
- A wrap-up panel: Where do we go from here? After a day filled with all the cool individual things that are occurring in Des Moines, Kansas City, Omaha, and the surrounding areas, we’ll discuss actionable items along the lines of “What now?“.
Emcee: Kauffman’s Vice President of Entrepreneurship, Bo Fishback.
Just so you know, those attending will enjoy a stellar panel of presenters.
{Note to organizers: Congratulations in advance for this event! It’s already FTW!}
Dave Edwards
CC simon1944
CC simon1944
Eisenhower Home
Eisenhower's boyhood home
The Advertising of Yesterday Part XXI
When Ted goes hunting NOW, he has all kinds of political pressure and government regulation to deal with. And running into Sears to pick up a shotgun and a box of shells isn't quite that simple anymore. I have a collection of antique shotgun shell boxes that I have picked up over the years. Some of my favorites are from Montgomery Wards, Holiday Gas Stations, Sears and other similar retail...
[[Click the headline to continue reading]]
Thought you might enjoy seeing a prototype of an outdoor Fonera we're working on. There have been lots of requests for a device like this and we're working on it! No price or release date, just a working model at this point.
This Weekend
I don't give a rat's ass what the Penguin editorial board mandated -- this extra-long weekend starts right freakin' now.
Leggett: Music-hall negotiations revolve around adjacent project
You know it's going to be a long-ass day at the negotiating table when even the lawyers have lawyers.
Helping Your Children To Plan Their Career and Future: In Conversation With Dearbhla Kelly
Parenting your children to support their career success is an area that I recently had the opportunity to discuss with Dearbhla Kelly. You can watch an interview I did with Dearbhla here where she shares practical tips relevant to any parent – even if your child has not reached their teenage years. Or if you prefer you [...]
Parenting your children to support their career success is an area that I recently had the opportunity to discuss with Dearbhla Kelly.
You can watch an interview I did with Dearbhla here where she shares practical tips relevant to any parent – even if your child has not reached their teenage years.
Or if you prefer you can listen to the audio recording in MP3 format of the interview here or right click to download it to your computer.
You might remember that I have been offered 10 free tickets to an event that Dearbhla and Horizon speakers are hosting on the 3 June 2009 in Dublin. If you would like to attend as my guest you can find the details here.
7 Tips To Getting Started On Facebook For New Businesses
Are you a new business wondering how to build a presence on the web in less than 24 hours, at no cost and without having to be a technical guru? In this article you will discover 7 tips for getting started with a Facebook Page for your business to help you start building your [...]
Are you a new business wondering how to build a presence on the web in less than 24 hours, at no cost and without having to be a technical guru? In this article you will discover 7 tips for getting started with a Facebook Page for your business to help you start building your brand online.
Each month I have the privilege to meet with hundreds of new start ups through the speaking, workshops and mentoring sessions I lead, facilitate or participate in.
One of the most common questions I get asked is how to get started with developing a presence on the web that is a low cost for the new business entrepreneur to set up and something that does not take several weeks or even months to implement.
Putting aside a full interactive online and offline digital marketing strategy which is what I develop with my private clients, one of the platforms that has been working really well for a number of my mentoring clients is developing a presence on Facebook.
I am not talking about a personal profile on Facebook, but a Facebook page to represent your business. I certainly don’t recommend that your only presence on the web as a new business is Facebook – I would prefer you to own your own real estate, ideally developing your website with an integrated business blog, hosted on your own space in cyberspace.
But following the following five tips, you can be visible on the web today – as you know, it’s always helpful to point people back to information online either before or after you meet them.
1. Register Your Own Page On Facebook - you can register for your page either from the home page on Facebook - you do not have to have a personal profile to develop a Facebook Page for your business) or within the area that says ‘advertise’ (scroll to the bottom of the page of your personal profile)
2. Consider Your Key Words - Your Facebook domain name for your Facebook Page can include key words that people will search for you online - so think carefully when creating the name for your page
3. Create Your About Page - You can add a number of different tabs to your page to include for example importing blog posts or your Twitter feed (once you get those in place). However to start off, use the ‘Info’ tab as your ‘about page’, adding details of who you are, your company overview, your products and services.
4. Set Your Default Page - Set your ‘Info’ page as your default page so that if someone were to look for you on Facebook and they are not already a Fan of your Facebook Page, they will quickly get a sense of who you are and what you do. If you are prepared to invest just €8 a year or less, I would highly recommend investing in purchasing in a domain name for your Facebook Page which you can then domain map e.g. www.yourcompanyname.com - being able to customise your Facebook URL is meant to be coming soon so Colm Long of Director Online Operations at the European Head Office here in Ireland told me last week - but until then the Facebook URL is not user friendly. (You can always point the domain name to your website in the future, but this approach would allow you to put your domain name on a business card today, adding credibility to your business).
5. Pimp Out Your Profile - Take the time to upload photos and online videos of your products or services to add rich content to your Facebook Page and given your visitors the opportunity to learn more about what you do.
6. Update Your Privacy settings - Check your Facebook default privacy settings so that you can determine the information that you share including what information gets shared in the search engines – don’t be too over cautious. Remember that the reason you decided to create your Facebook Page is so that people can find your business online so you need to have key elements visible when people search for you.
7. Find Some Fans - Now you have your Facebook Page in place, you can invite some of your friends (who I am sure will be great supporters of your new business venture) to become Fans - and of course when they become a Fan of your Facebook Page, their network on Facebook will see this and might even be interested in taking a look, becoming a Fan and even may become a client or customer in the future. Consider the viral element of your Fan Page being like a ‘tell a friend’ strategy.
I would love to see every business have a website if not a business blog. But if getting started with finding a web developer and developing your brand online as a new start up is something you are not ready to do, do consider developing your Facebook age for your business. Once you have your page in place, you can then start to integrate your Facebook Page into your marketing plan - more of that in future articles.
And if you are a new business start up and have developed a Facebook Page, what other advice would you give to others setting up a new Facebook Page? Feel free to list your page URL with details of who you are in the comments if you are looking for more fans too!
Enhancing The Lighting Of Your Online Video
The use of online video’s seems to be exploding at the moment. If you are doing live recordings and interviews what are some of the things we need to consider when filming? This is the question that that I put to Hugh Chaloner professional photographer and videographer. You can listen to what Hugh had to say to me [...]
The use of online video’s seems to be exploding at the moment.
If you are doing live recordings and interviews what are some of the things we need to consider when filming?
This is the question that that I put to Hugh Chaloner professional photographer and videographer.
You can listen to what Hugh had to say to me here or right click to download as an MP3.
And if you prefer to watch, here is Hugh in conversation with me.
What other suggestions do you have for how you make sure that your online video recordings have high impact?
RSS feed readers
Are you one of 12% of internet users who use a feed/rss reader to browse your favorite blog/news sites? Supposing you are not, have a quick look at a handy how-to I posted 19 months ago here at Kansas Business Attorney. This is “RSS in Plain English” from The Common Craft Show, and it instructs [...]
Are you one of 12% of internet users who use a feed/rss reader to browse your favorite blog/news sites? Supposing you are not, have a quick look at a handy how-to I posted 19 months ago here at Kansas Business Attorney. This is “RSS in Plain English” from The Common Craft Show, and it instructs one of the simplest time-savers for every well-read browser, like yourself:
Having tried them all, I might recommend the google Reader (if you are a gmail account holder) and newsgator, which will synchronize your feeds and reading across web, desktop and mobile phone.
Leave questions for me in the comments. Thanks.
Highlight Midwest #hm1
So, you don’t own/operate a business, participate in social media, or leverage technology on a routine basis? Don’t attend this October 29th Kansas City event: Focused Highlights 9:00am - 4:00pm at the Record Bar Some of the region’s finest entrepreneurs, technologists, social media experts, and new media success stories presenting. Emcees: Alternageek’s Christa Casebeer and Microblink’s Rob Jensen. New Heights [...]
So, you don’t own/operate a business, participate in social media, or leverage technology on a routine basis? Don’t attend this October 29th Kansas City event:
Focused Highlights
9:00am - 4:00pm at the Record Bar
Some of the region’s finest entrepreneurs, technologists, social media experts, and new media success stories presenting.
Emcees: Alternageek’s Christa Casebeer and Microblink’s Rob Jensen.
New Heights for Flyover States
October 29, 2008 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at the Kauffman Center of Kansas City
A reception showcasing the entrepreneurs, innovators, and early-adopters using web technology to grow their businesses, advance their careers, and enrich the regional economy in new ways:
коли под наем
- Three of the area’s up and coming social media strategists will present an overview on how the web is changing their cities for the better and how new opportunities for innovation are expanding the importance of web-based technology in the Midwest.
- A wrap-up panel: Where do we go from here? After a day filled with all the cool individual things that are occurring in Des Moines, Kansas City, Omaha, and the surrounding areas, we’ll discuss actionable items along the lines of “What now?“.
Emcee: Kauffman’s Vice President of Entrepreneurship, Bo Fishback.
Just so you know, those attending will enjoy a stellar panel of presenters.
{Note to organizers: Congratulations in advance for this event! It’s already FTW!}
Walnut Valley Festival - Winfield
If you are unfamiliar, the Walnut Valley Festival is underway in Winfield, Sep. 17-21. In their own words The Walnut Valley Association was formed in 1972,with its sole purpose to produce the Walnut Valley National Guitar Flat-Picking Championships Festival, also known as the Flat-Picking Championships, currently known as the “Walnut Valley Festival” or simply “Winfield” to [...]
If you are unfamiliar, the Walnut Valley Festival is underway in Winfield, Sep. 17-21. In their own words
The Walnut Valley Association was formed in 1972,with its sole purpose to produce the Walnut Valley National Guitar Flat-Picking Championships Festival, also known as the Flat-Picking Championships, currently known as the “Walnut Valley Festival” or simply “Winfield” to the long time attendees.
Evolving from 2 days in 1972 to its current 4-days the 3rd weekend of September annually, it endeavors to produce “family fare” entertainment on 4 stages simultaneously, a large quality, juried arts and crafts fair, workshops, and acoustic instrument contests. What began with 10 acts and 2 contests now boasts over 40 acts and 8 contests, including one international contest, 5 national contests and 2 Walnut Valley contests.
The contests are a major part of the festival. Along with the National Flat Pick Championships and the National Finger Pick Championships, the Walnut Valley Festival hosts the International Autoharp, National Mountain Dulcimer, National Hammered Dulcimer, National Bluegrass Banjo, Walnut Valley Old Time Fiddle, and Walnut Valley Mandolin Championships. Over the course of years, the contests at Winfield have attracted more than 3,000 contestants from all 50 states as well as many foreign countries including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, England, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Caledonia, Switzerland, and Wales. Well-known Winfield winners include Mark O’Connor of Nashville, Tennessee, who has won or placed in more Walnut Valley Festival contests than any other contestant. Mark won the National Guitar Flat-Picking Championship in 1975 and 1977, and also won the Walnut Valley Fiddle Championship in 1974 and 1977. Alison Krauss of Nashville, won the Walnut Valley Fiddle Championship in 1984 and Steve Kaufman of Alcoa, Tennessee, is the only three-time winner of the National Guitar Flat-Picking Contest, having won in the years 1978, 1984, and 1986 respectively. (Tennessee has consistently produced the most winners over the years.) Other Winfield winners include Mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile, the Mandolin Champion in 1993 and Dixie Chick fiddler Martie Erwin Seidel in 1987 and 89.
Festival attendance has been between 11,000 and 15,000 annually …
While other events are keeping me local, I cannot attend. However comma. I have just found a live stream on Front Porch Radio. If you’re timely, you are sure to enjoy.
Western Auto
CC Mike Willis
CC Mike Willis
WORLD WIDE WEB
The World Wide Web was invented March 13, 1989 by a particle physicist named Tim Berners-Lee, who was working at a physics lab in Switzerland at the time. The World Wide Web began with Berners-Lee’s idea of using the Internet to allow physicists to browse from page to page, share images and click on links [...]
The World Wide Web was invented March 13, 1989 by a particle physicist named Tim Berners-Lee, who was working at a physics lab in Switzerland at the time. The World Wide Web began with Berners-Lee’s idea of using the Internet to allow physicists to browse from page to page, share images and click on links to access other sites. Once it was introduced, it expanded rapidly, taking advantage of the Internet, which had already been running more than 15 years. (”Web has its 20th birthday,” AP, 3/13/09)
Navy Veteran
“It is with great pleasure and pride that I offer my endorsement to one of the finest individuals and former military professionals with whom I had the pleasure of serving while we were on active duty together at FASOTRAGRUPAC in the mid-to-late 90’s. As the Commanding Officer of FASOTRAGRUPAC, I had approximately 500 military and [...]
“It is with great pleasure and pride that I offer my endorsement to one of the finest individuals and former military professionals with whom I had the pleasure of serving while we were on active duty together at FASOTRAGRUPAC in the mid-to-late 90’s. As the Commanding Officer of FASOTRAGRUPAC, I had approximately 500 military and Civil Service personnel on my staff … Although the Navy lost a wonderful professional when he elected to pursue graduate studies, we at the command were grateful for his many contributions and shared in his excitement as he and his lovely wife departed to commence his studies at the University of Kansas School Of Law. Dan Covington is a true patriot and gifted professional who served his country with honor and is now taking that talent and dedication to serve his community. Dan deserves every success that his hard work and selfless commitment to duty have earned for him over the years. America needs to produce more individuals like Dan Covington.”
- Marv Serhan, Captain, USN, Ret., Commanding Officer, The United States Navy’s Fleet Aviation Specialized Operationsl Training Group Pacific Fleet
FOUR CORNERS
National Geodetic Survey officials say the Four Corners marker showing the intersection of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah is about 2.5 miles west of where it should be. This only place in the United States where four state boundaries come together was first surveyed inaccurately by the government in 1868 during the initial survey [...]
National Geodetic Survey officials say the Four Corners marker showing the intersection of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah is about 2.5 miles west of where it should be. This only place in the United States where four state boundaries come together was first surveyed inaccurately by the government in 1868 during the initial survey of Colorado’s southern boundary. (Wire reports, BFP, 4/21/09)
America’s FICO Score
So, what kind of a rating does a nation have? Is 800 good and 500 the pits? A credit score for an individual is a numerical expression based on a statistical analysis of a person’s credit files, to represent the creditworthiness of that person. A credit score is primarily based on credit report information typically [...]
So, what kind of a rating does a nation have? Is 800 good and 500 the pits? A credit score for an individual is a numerical expression based on a statistical analysis of a person’s credit files, to represent the creditworthiness of that person. A credit score is primarily based on credit report information typically sourced from credit bureaus. So, who is the credit bureau for nations? Can you say CHINA?
When China decides to quit loaning money to a nation (can you say the US?), that nations’ credit rating just took a tumble. In the meantime we have other ways to rate economies and their currencies. Let’s take a look at the most recent DOWNGRADE of stock (like the nation’s currency).
Britain faces the unsettling possibility of seeing its debt rating downgraded, after credit ratings firm Standard & Poor’s said Thursday it has revised the country’s outlook to negative from stable. Though the ratings agency reaffirmed the country’s long-term triple-A credit rating — reserved for the least risky bond issuers — it said the outlook had deteriorated because of massive borrowing to deal with the recession and the banking crisis. The outlook revision does not trigger a formal re-evaluation of Britain’s rating — unlike being put on credit watch — but does mean that policy makers have to be aware that a downgrade may happen if public finances do not improve.
And what’s that say about the United States?
Would you loan money to an entity that can legally print as much money as it desires? When you “purchase” a U.S Treasury bill, note, or bond, you are loaning money to the federal government – which possesses that ever-menacing printing press. Of course, the federal government is duty-bound to repay you, the lender, as prescribed by the debt obligation. Few people are willing to consider the possibility that the U.S. government would default on its debt obligations. Nevertheless, when examined objectively, one could make the case that Uncle Sam’s sovereign credit rating should be downgraded – perhaps even to “junk.” So where are the credit rating agencies? Are they going to miss this one just like Enron?
Junk? Time will tell; however, the trend doesn’t look promising.
WolframAlpha & Mathematica Challenges Google
Move over Google, here comes a silver bullet! A revolutionary new search engine that computes answers rather than pointing to websites will be launched officially today amid heated talk that it could challenge the might of Google. Ah, say it ain’t so. We’ve come to love and rely upon Google. Is it really possible that [...]
Move over Google, here comes a silver bullet! A revolutionary new search engine that computes answers rather than pointing to websites will be launched officially today amid heated talk that it could challenge the might of Google. Ah, say it ain’t so. We’ve come to love and rely upon Google. Is it really possible that there’s a mroe advanced search engine? Can I learn more faster? Can I handle it?
WolframAlpha, named after Stephen Wolfram, the British-born computer scientist and inventor behind the project, takes a question and uses computational power to crunch through huge databases. English please! 
The service can compute the distance between two cities, the population of a country at a specific date and the position of the Space Shuttle at a given moment. The user does not have to search through links provided by the engine; the answer comes immediately and, if appropriate, is accompanied by charts or graphs. What it does that Googl cannot do is provide answers to questions that have not been answered already.
Say what?
The new service, available at wolframalpha.com, was previewed several months ago amid industry speculation that it could be a “Google killer”. Dr Wolfram, however, is at pains to point out that his brainchild is a “computational knowledge engine”, not a traditional search engine. A physics prodigy who earned a PhD aged 20, Dr Wolfram, 49, founded Wolfram Research, in Illinois, which develops advanced software called Mathematica, used mainly by scientists. Mathematica has built up a number of databases and Wolfram Alpha is an attempt to bring them to a wider audience.
The service is free but the company plans to include advertising eventually and to offer paid versions with extra features. Dr Wolfram said that WolframAlpha was a “long-term project” and he hoped to broaden the databases that it uses. I sense a new public offering around the corner and another multi-billionaire in the wings.
Danny Sullivan, editor-in-chief of Search Engine Land, the website, said: “They’re saying they’re not trying to wipe out Google, but they feel they do the kinds of searches that Google doesn’t handle. If you’re trying to get facts, this might be a handy kind of encyclopedia for you.” Last week Google previewed a new experimental service called Google Squared, which will automatically produce spreadsheets of information from search terms.
United Social Federation Of America (USFofA)
Who would have ever THUNK it? The Republicans warned that Barack Obama was the most LIBERAL candidate in history: a person who would take us in a far greater SOCIALISTIC direction. I didn’t believe it so. Yes, Barack wanted a health system for all, but who would have ever guessed that the President of the [...]
Who would have ever THUNK it? The Republicans warned that Barack Obama was the most LIBERAL candidate in history: a person who would take us in a far greater SOCIALISTIC direction. I didn’t believe it so. Yes, Barack wanted a health system for all, but who would have ever guessed that the President of the United States would be firing CEO’s and taking over corporate America as he has and IS? Not I!
Capitalism and Socialism alike have their plus and minus columns; however, a move so rapidly in the socialistic direction as we’ve seen in FOUR MONTHS can’t be good for America.
If there’s been a phrase used by Obama and Hillary that’s coming to fruition it’s the one that has been repeated that says, “Take advantage of every bad situation”. And they are. The president of General Motors was fired by Barack. Chrysler Corporation was thrown into bankruptcy by Barack. And now the direction looks all but certain that our government will push General Motors into bankruptcy and then buy the good assets and own General Motors.
Amazing!
General Motors Corp’s (GM.N) plan for a bankruptcy filing involves a quick sale of the company’s healthy assets to a new company initially owned by the U.S. government, a source familiar with the situation said on Tuesday. The source, who would not be named because he was not cleared to speak with the media, did not specify a purchase price. The new company is expected to honor the claims of secured lenders, possibly in full, according to the source.
The government’s plans include giving stakes in the new company to GM’s union and bondholders, although the ownership structure of the company is still being negotiated, said the source who is familiar with the company’s plans. In addition, the government would extend a credit line to the new company and forgive the bulk of the $15.4 billion in emergency loans that the U.S. has already provided to GM, the source said. The government has given GM until June 1 to restructure its operations to lower its debt burden and employee costs.
Who could have ever believed this?
Our government has no money. Our government is TRILLIONS in debt. Our government is faced with losing it’s number one currency position. Our government may lose its triple AAA rating. Our government can’t run a railroad without losing money, not a postal system. What’s the chances of our government running an automobile industry? The odds can’t be good. And the speed into which we’re doing all this sends RED FLAGS to me. And I’m not a Republican with an agenda or bias.
More US$ Troubles On The Way
Much of the American financial establishment is still pretending that all is well with the U.S. Dollar. After all, it’s been on a good run in the last twelve months going from $71.96 on May 23 to $82.54 today. What’s to worry about? How about the fact that the US$ is being trashed by Bush-Obama [...]
Much of the American financial establishment is still pretending that all is well with the U.S. Dollar. After all, it’s been on a good run in the last twelve months going from $71.96 on May 23 to $82.54 today. What’s to worry about? How about the fact that the US$ is being trashed by Bush-Obama with TRILLIONS of newly printed dollars? How about the fact that the US$ is about to no longer be the currency of the realm?
And we’re going to keep spending money, adding a national health care system, etc?
And how long do we think the rest of the world, particularly China, will keep buying our Treasury bills and notes even though the risk on such is sky-rocketing? My answer is not long and the latest head line from South America is just more fuel for the fire. Brazil and China will work towards using their own currencies in trade transactions rather than the US dollar, according to Brazil’s central bank and aides to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s president.
The move follows recent Chinese challenges to the status of the dollar as the world’s leading international currency.
Lula da Silva, who is visiting Beijing this week, and Hu Jintao, China’s president, first discussed the idea of replacing the dollar with the renminbi and the real as trade currencies when they met at the G20 summit in London last month.
An official at Brazil’s central bank stressed that talks were at an early stage. He also said that what was under discussion was not a currency swap of the kind China recently agreed with Argentina and which the US had agreed with several countries, including Brazil. “Currency swaps are not necessarily trade related,” an official said. “The funds can be drawn down for any use. What we are talking about now is Brazil paying for Chinese goods with reals and China paying for Brazilian goods with renminbi.”
Henrique Meirelles and Zhou Xiaochuan, governors of the two countries’ central banks, were expected to meet soon to discuss the matter, the official said. Zhou recently proposed replacing the US dollar as the world’s leading currency with a new international reserve currency, possibly in the form of special drawing rights (SDRs), a unit of account used by the International Monetary Fund.
Whatever is done the drum beat is growing louder and louder and at some point currency wars will erupt- in the open.
Our Electrical Achilles Heel
Today the FBI and the U.S. Marshall’s office got hacked and had to shut down for a few hours. But what if the FBI had to shut down for a couple of day? What would crime be like in America then? More importantly, what if our satellites we disabled and we could not SEE the [...]
Today the FBI and the U.S. Marshall’s office got hacked and had to shut down for a few hours. But what if the FBI had to shut down for a couple of day? What would crime be like in America then? More importantly, what if our satellites we disabled and we could not SEE the rest of the world as we do now? And how could we defend ourselves with rockets that had no targets to go to because their GPS was inoperable?
America is totally dependent upon ELECTRICITY!
Houston had enough experience last fall with hurricane Ike to know how critical electricity is to the survival of a city and nation. The fourth largest city in America stopped operating for a few weeks! Thus, electricity, the electrical grid, and all the components that delivery electricity to an energy starved society is the achilles heel. Without electricity SOCIETY, in America, shuts down.
What if we had a serious interstellar pulse hit us or what if the sun spits out a massive coronal ejection?
There would be no electrically powered transport: no trains, underground or overground. Our just-in-time culture for delivery networks may represent the pinnacle of efficiency, but it means that supermarket shelves would empty very quickly - delivery trucks could only keep running until their tanks ran out of fuel, and there is no electricity to pump any more from the underground tanks at filling stations.
Back-up generators would run at pivotal sites - but only until their fuel ran out. For hospitals, that would mean about 72 hours of running a bare-bones, essential care only, service. After that, there is no more modern healthcare. The truly shocking fact is that this whole situation would not improve for months, maybe years: melted transformer hubs cannot be repaired, only replaced. Within a month the handful of spare transformers would be used up. The rest will have to be built to order, something that can take up to 12 months.
Even when some systems are capable of receiving power again, there is no guarantee there will be any to deliver. Almost all natural gas and fuel pipelines require electricity to operate. Coal-fired power stations usually keep reserves to last 30 days, but with no transport systems running to bring more fuel, there will be no electricity in the second month. Nuclear power stations wouldn’t fare much better. They are programmed to shut down in the event of serious grid problems and are not allowed to restart until the power grid is up and running.
Hurricane Katrina’s societal and economic impact has been measured at $81 billion to $125 billion. According to the NAS report, the impact of what it terms a “severe geomagnetic storm scenario” could be as high as $2 trillion. And that’s just the first year after the storm. The NAS puts the recovery time at four to 10 years. It is questionable whether the US would ever bounce back.
Is there any good news in all of this? The fact that the rest of the world would be in the same mess that we are helps neutralize the military aspects, at least as far as we know. There may be more hidden achilles heels than w know.
(AHN) May 18, 2009: Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
(AHN) - The nation's auto sector is front and center on Monday as GM and the UAW argue over plant closures after word got out the automaker plans to increase the number of vehicle imports. Elsewhere, local economies ponder the negative impact from the slew of dealership closures.
(AHN) May 18, 2009: High Points In The U.S. Economy
(AHN) - The U.S. economy received some positive news on Monday as homebuilder sentiment rose to its highest level since last year coupled with a better than expected quarterly earnings report from Lowe's, the home improvement chain.
(AHN) State Street To Raise Funds In Effort To Pay Back TARP
(AHN) - State Street Corp. announced Monday that it plans to raise fresh capital through a secondary stock offering and senior note offerings in an effort to become eligible to pay back TARP funds.
All Headline News - Breaking News
The latest top breaking news, U.S., world, business, politics, entertainment, celebrities, sports, technology, and more.
(AHN) Senate Votes On Credit Cardholders' Bill Of Rights Tuesday
(AHN) - The Senate votes Tuesday on a bill adding consumer protections in the credit card industry. The American Bankers Association and some Republicans have warned that the new rules may worsen the credit crisis.
(AHN) Lowe's Profit Narrows, But Manages To Beat Expectations Amid Weak Housing Sector
(AHN) - Home improvement retailer Lowe's Cos. (NYSE: LOW) reported Monday that the fiscal first-quarter earnings dropped by 21.6 percent as housing sector condition still remains weak.
(AHN) Too Many Parties Cause Of Delay In CAW-GM Negotiations
(AHN) - Despite the lapse of the May 16 deadline given by Ottawa and Ontario for the Canadian Auto Workers union and General Motors Canada to renegotiate labor rates, the two parties are still sitting on the bargaining table.
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(AHN) Obama To Announce First Nationwide Carbon Emissions Standards For Autos
(AHN) - President Barack Obama on Tuesday will propose tougher rules for auto emissions, including the first ever greenhouse pollution standards nationwide. The regulations adopt the stricter emissions controls proposed by California during the Bush administration.
Vorfreude: Neues Album von Element of Crime im September
Etwas rar gemacht hatten sie sich zuletzt schon, die kriminell guten musikalischen Elemente, die der Ohrtrommler seit ihrem - noch englischsprachigen - Deb�t „Basically sad” von 1986 unersch�tterlich und treu seine deutsche Lieblingsband nennt. Die �ber 20 Jahre w�hrende, bekennende Verehrung f�r diese Band der Ausnahmetexte und Vereinnahmungsmelodien wird im September durch das noch unbetitelte neue [...]
Legal, illegal, sch…egal: Musiktrends in allen Märkten ähnlich
Die britische Verwertungsgesellschaft PRS For Music hat im Rahmen einer Studie verglichen, ob und inwieweit, sich die illegal heruntergeladenen Titel von legal gekauften Titeln unterscheiden. Das Ergebnis �ber einen Untersuchungszeitraum von einem Jahr belegt, dass die gleichen Titel, die illegal geladen werden auch legal stark nachgefragt werden. Offenbar macht eine geringe Zahl von Einzeltiteln den [...]
Marilyn Manson versöhnt mit Twiggy Ramirez
Marilyn Manson tritt mit einem neuen Album in die �ffentlichkeit. The High End Of Low wird es hei�en und am Freitag erscheinen, Daf�r hat das Schreckgespenst des amerikanischen Mainstreams erstmals nach knapp zehn Jahren wieder mit seinem alten Kollegen Twiggy Ramirez zusammengearbeitet. Zu seiner neuen Band geh�ren au�erdem Keyboarder Chris Vrenna und Schlagzeuger Ginger Fish. Aufgenommen wurde [...]
Jazz geht´s los: Die fabelhaften Pfingstfestivals in NRW
Das christliche Fest des heiligen Geistes naht am letzten Mai- Wochenende. Programmgem�� beseelt zu Pfingsten dann der heilige Musikgeist in Nordrhein-Westfalen auch wieder alle Gl�ubigen der Konfession und Passion Jazz. Mit traditionellen Festivals, die f�r jeden Geschmack aus nahezu allen Stil- und Himmelsrichtungen ein erstklassiges Angebot unterbreiten. Das renommierte Moers Festival startet mit viel Avantgarde und [...]
The All-American Rejects bestätigen Konzerttermin in Frankfurt
The All-American Rejects sind auf dem besten Wege sich aus der Kategorie GEHEIMTIPP in die n�chst h�here Liga empor zu spielen. Bei der letzten Clubtour zu Jahresbeginn waren die Gigs bestens besucht und auch die im Juni anstehenden Termine versprechen hei� zu werden. Hier sind die aktuellen Live-Termine, soeben erg�nzt um einen Auftritt im Frankfurter Batschkapp. The [...]
Denn Selig sind die, die den DOME besuchen
Selig beehren THE DOME 50. Die Hamburger Rocker feierten ihre ersten Erfolge Mitte der Neunziger. Mit Hits wie „Sie hat geschrien“ oder „Ohne Dich“ haben sie in diesem Jahrzehnt das Zeitalter des Grunge in der Rockmusik ma�geblich beeinflusst. F�r das Video zu „Wenn ich wollte“ erhielten sie 1995 den ECHO. Jahrelang gingen sie getrennte Wege. [...]
G.M. in Deal With Union as Deadline Approaches
An agreement with the U.A.W. was a crucial obstacle for G.M. to clear before a June 1 deadline to restructure debt.
Gap Posts Profit, but Sales Declined 8% in Quarter
Results for the company, which owns Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic, reflected improvements from the previous year.
Financier in Madoff Case Quits Synagogue Position
A congregant reported “a lot of relief” after J. Ezra Merkin stepped aside at the Fifth Avenue Synagogue, which was founded by his father and regarded as one of the city’s wealthiest.
Head of Brokerage Unit Leaving Morgan Stanley
The dismissal of Stu Hendel, who ran the bank’s hedge fund services business since 2006, was announced in a memo, as was the hiring of his successor, Alexander Ehrlich.
Climate Bill Clears Hurdle, but Others Remain
The most ambitious energy and global warming legislation ever debated in Congress has critics and supporters on both sides of the aisle.
J.&J. to Buy a Drug Maker
The cancer drug developer Cougar Biotechnology will be bought for about $970 million.
Breakingviews.com: Sitting Pretty at Rio Tinto
Chinalco is under pressure to reorganize its deal with the heavily indebted Australian mining company Rio Tinto. A revision of the terms is almost inevitable, and Rio has everything to play for.
Review
Astazi cautam impreuna cu colegii mei de la dezvoltare cateva idei de solutii tehnice pentru a imbunatatii unele aspecte din sistemul nostru de email marketing. Dupa ce ne-am sau mai bine zis si-au “stors” mintea de idei pentru a imbunatatii acele aspecte, mi-a venit ideea sa facem un review al aplicatiilor cheap care te imbie [...]
Optimizarea landing page-urilor
Intr-un post anterior vorbeam de posibilitatea de a gestiona landing page-uri personalizate. Zilele trecute colega mea Malina a scris un articol despre cum putem imbunatatii un landing page pentru a obtine rezultatele cele mai bune. Pentru aceasta ne putem folosii de evaluarea euristica, teorie dezvolata in 1990 si care identifica o serie de factori care influenteaza [...]
Fonera 2 vs the Competition; Asus, Belkin, D-Link, Linksys, NetGear, Planex
I've known for a while the Fonera 2 is packed with features other more expensive wifi routers don't have. It really didn't sink in until I saw the comparison below. The Fonera 2 will be released in Europe in April. All prices below are in Euros since U.S. pricing isn't official yet. I'll revisit this comparison, and convert to dollars, when the Fonera 2 is released in the U.S.
What's wrong with this sentence...
Found at the bottom of most N-S articles on their Web site.
More details as they develop online and in Friday's News Sentinel.
KnoxViews
Win a Fonera at tripwolf!
Our friends at tripwolf are giving away Foneras!
tripwolf, an online social travel guide, is hosting a competition with FON WiFi to award free FON routers to those who build the largest networks in tripwolf’s community. tripwolf will name two winners every two weeks from October 15 to November 25. The goal of the tripwolf-FON collaboration is to rally a community of traveling, Internet-users who will create a network of free Internet around the world.tripwolf is a collaborative social network where members share travel experiences, give real-time advice and search for user-generated information on the best places to visit. The competition mirrors the natural community building experience of the tripwolf site—awarding one point for each friend and ten points for each new member referral.
“tripwolf members are on the Internet all the time, whether it’s using our Facebook application or asking their network which hotel is the best in Madrid,” said Sebastian Heinzel, tripwolf CEO. “We’re working with FON in order to develop a culture where people can arrive in any city and feel confident that free WiFi is available.”
tripwolf will announce the final winners on Tuesday, November 25. To enroll in the FON competition, visit www.tripwolf.com/en/page/foncompetition. For more information on tripwolf, visit www.tripwolf.com.
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About tripwolf
tripwolf gives travelers the opportunity to create—and print—a personalized travel guide for any destination. Travel information is a compilation of tips from members, network friends, destination "trip gurus” and MairDumont, Europe's largest travel guide publisher. Users also can publish individualized content about their own travel experiences, including YouTube videos, Flickr photos and travel journals. Additionally, tripwolf members can network with other travelers from around the world, as well as import their contacts from social networks such as Facebook. For more information on tripwolf, visit www.tripwolf.com.
A look at primary care
In case you missed it last week, the Knoxville News Sentinel had a good series looking at primary health care in America. Local KNS stories complement the Scripps News series:
• Access to medical care deteriorating
• Walk-in clinics meet need
• Patients say 'concierge' care is worth the extra cost
• No insurance? No problem
• For millions, health clinic is 'family doctor'
• Local charities provide safety net for uninsured patients
• Filling the gaps with midlevel health providers
• Editorial: When the doctor is out - permanently
It's more about the reality and available alternatives than about policy, but it's a good look at some fundamental issues regarding primary care, particularly for the uninsured.
KnoxViews
Status Quo 16, Environment 1
In the last 3 months alone, oil, coal, and natural gas companies have outspent environmental groups 16 to 1. The industries spent $79 million to lobby Congress, outspending the Green community's comparatively meager $4.7 million in the same time period. Exxon-Mobil alone spent $9.3 million, over twice the amount of money spent by the entire environmental community combined.
There are many environmental groups out there such as RepoWEr America with petitions to sign. However, most of these organizations are long on hype and short on details. 1Sky stands out in this crowded field because Ada Aroneanu is a community organizer badass that has always answered my emails, Googlechat requests, and phone calls. She now sends out policy updates on where exactly energy policy stands in Congress that I find very useful.
1Sky has a Preliminary Analysis of H.R. 2454, the Waxman-Markey “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009” available here.
KnoxViews
New Logon Portal and Pricing
Today we launched our new logon portal and pricing! We'll be rolling out the ability to pay by SMS to most countries over the next few days too!
Bubblegum Idol
If anyone was following American Idol, what did you think of the outcome?
KnoxViews
Facebook Developer Garage
Short video of the Facebook Developer Garage sponsored by FON.
Fonera 2.0 New Firmware!
We've reached a major milestone and have a new firmware with plugins available for the Fonera 2.0!
Please visit the Fonosfera blog for details and downloads!
10 Scary Co-Workers at Work
“Everything you need to know in life, can be learned in the slaughter house,” according to Dwight from The Office. Dwight is funny and amusing, but scary, very scary. Admit it. You would be terrified ...
“Everything you need to know in life, can be learned in the slaughter house,” according to Dwight from The Office. Dwight is funny and amusing, but scary, very scary. Admit it. You would be terrified of you had your own Dwight Schrute as a coworker.
Do You Have Your Own Dwight at Work
Maybe you have your own Dwight, but don’t know what other scary workers are lurking in your office. Need help in profiling them? Check out “Scary Co-Workers, These are the colleagues who make you shudder when they creep by and they can be avoided for only so long. Here’s how to deal with them” by Patricia O’Connell and her slide show.
The 10 Scary Workers & Why They are Scary
Here’s O’Connell lists, complete with her narrative on why they scare us:
- The Boss from Hell - Why They Scare Us: Well, they’re the boss, so they have almost total power over our professional fate. Even if you think your boss isn’t fiend enough to fire you, he or she can still make your life completely miserable — without even trying.
- The Snoop - Why They Scare Us: Snoops are distracting. Instead of concentrating on their jobs, they’re concentrating on yours. And that makes it hard to do your job. Plus, it’s easy to buy into their loopy conspiracy theories when you’re overworked or overtired.
- The Gossip - Why They Scare Us: They’re not trustworthy. If they are telling someone else’s secrets, you can bet they’ll tell yours. Plus, it’s hard to verify what they’re telling you, so you don’t know whether you should be worried or not.
- The Slacker - Why They Scare Us: Slackers are scary for two reasons: If they don’t do their jobs, they can really screw things up for the rest of us. Also, they’re scary because they can make us really angry — either because we have to pick up the slack, or even on principle.
- The Pessimist - Why They Scare Us: Pessimism can be as contagious as the common cold. It’s hard to stay motivated about what you’re doing when the office Eeyore comes moping by.
- The Time Thief - Why They Scare Us: They’re often nice people who are just looking to forge some kind of bond, so we don’t want to be rude. Then again, if we engage too much, the boss could think we don’t have enough to do.
- The Underminer - Why They Scare Us: Their goal is to make you look bad, no matter how tiny the issue might be. They’re likely to strike at any time — as long as they have an audience.
- The Backstabber - Why They Scare Us: You don’t know when or where this scary co-worker will strike. And often you don’t even know it until some time has passed — and the damage has been done.
- The Geek: Why They Scare Us: We can’t relate to them.
- The Dream Boss - Why They Scare Us: Because it seems too good to be true, and we’re afraid that this won’t last and we’ll wake up. (It’s called a dream boss for a reason.)
In case you need to know how to combat any or all of these scary workers, O’Connell provides remedies on how to deal with these scary workers. I wish I had her list years ago, when I was starting my career. I would have been able to protect myself better from my boss from hell.
My Favorite Scary Worker?
The Dream Boss. Why? Because, when I’ve had a dream boss (only twice), I mistakenly put them on a pedestal. Of course, no one’s perfect, so they eventually fall off the pedestal, leaving me disillusioned and disappointed. After all, people are only human, especially dream bosses. O’Connell says that I should “be grateful, and don’t go looking for trouble —or the ‘truth.’” I agree; however, I’ve never looked for the truth. My dream bosses usually made key management or leadership decisions that I eventually found disappointing or disastrous. They were never “an act.” I was lucky to have them “perfect” for that short period of time, prior to falling off the pedestal.
In case you’re feeling like the biggest pig in your office, then read O’Connell’s article, so you’ll know how to protect yourself from scary workers. Unfortunately, I don’t think she has any recommendations for the “The Dwight” scary coworker, who sees coworkers a farm animals in a slaughter house.
Why Employees Should Lead Themselves
Is there a problem with strong leaders? Are team members value insights lost under dominant leaders? Under a strong leader, do direct reports only focus on their own roles, ignoring opportunities to develop new skills? ...
Is there a problem with strong leaders? Are team members value insights lost under dominant leaders? Under a strong leader, do direct reports only focus on their own roles, ignoring opportunities to develop new skills? A distributed approach to management that at first seems impractical turns out to have many advantages, according to Business 2.0’s article, “Why Employees Should Lead Themselves.”
The Balance and Danger between Leading Yourself and Doing Your Job
I think the former is true, but the later may also be the result of knowledge workers giving up on serving up their innovative ideas. I realized that as a direct report, I typically led myself within the broad constraints placed upon me.
I learned that there’s a fine line between being an expert by using my expertise to serve up my innovative ideas and being a problem to the higher ups. I learned that having expertise beyond the scope of your job is dangerous, if the company you work for is unable or unwilling to be comfortable with you. After failing to recognize my company no longer valued my ideas beyond the scope of my responsibilities, I found myself out of a job. I was no longer a fit for the company, and they needed to hire two to three developers if they eliminated my position.
Smart Lemming tip: always monitor if your company is open to your ideas or not. If it’s no longer open, then do your job. Find a more challenging job, with a company that’s a fit for your expertise, innovation, and potential.
Letting Employees Lead Themselves
As a manager, I relied on my direct reports to lead themselves on some projects, where they have clearly have expertise. I had the luxury of being in a small company. My direct reports were experts in their respective areas. Having confidence that when projects need to be done, they would come up with innovative ideas on their own, without my input. Periodically, they would check in. Working together, we’d course correct, but generally, they led themselves to success.
On projects that require new skills they haven’t acquired yet, I’d give them broad constraints. Coaching them to use their “typical approach” to work by breaking it down into work blocks of activity, they learned to lead themselves. While we discussed the project, they thought through the project and tasks required. As they test out their new skills on these tasks, they check in with me periodically to make sure they’re on the right track. After a little managing, they continue on, usually delivering exceptional results. Because they have confidence in their expertise, they were comfortable with new challenges and skills. In fact, they’ve learned to thrive on it.
The Distributed Approach to Management Works
The distributed approach to management has many advantages. It allows managers/leaders to focus on their innovative ideas. It allows smart, creative knowledge workers to take on responsibility for additional functions beyond their job description.
As research by University of Southern California management professor Morgan McCall and others shows, the best way to foster leadership is to treat people like leaders.
As a knowledge worker, I liked being treated as a leader; it brought out the best in me. As a manager, I treat my direct reports as leaders, even if they are newbies, because my confidence in them starts to develop the leadership I know is within them. Be a leader, lead yourself. But be careful along the way. Make sure your company and manager supports it.
UK Smart Meter Costs:
The Government has underestimated the cost of a nationwide rollout of smart meters by as much as £6.4 billion, according to Ernst & Young. Last week ministers gave a green light to install 47 million new gas and electricity meters, which can monitor energy use in real time, in every household in Britain. They said [...]
The Government has underestimated the cost of a nationwide rollout of smart meters by as much as £6.4 billion, according to Ernst & Young. Last week ministers gave a green light to install 47 million new gas and electricity meters, which can monitor energy use in real time, in every household in Britain. They said that the project could be completed at a cost of between £7 billion to £9 billion, or an average of £269 to £346 per household.
Ernst & Young, the audit firm, has rejected that estimate, arguing that the true cost would be at least 49 per cent higher, at about £13.4 billion, or £515 per household. Consumers are expected to shoulder the bulk of the extra cost in the form of higher bills, although the industry claims there will be offsetting savings.
Tony Ward, power and utilities partner in Ernst & Young, said that the Government’s figures appeared to underestimate the scale of the additional technology and infrastructure required to support the smart meters, which it is hoped will help to cut carbon emissions by promoting energy efficiency.
“Very big and complex projects of this sort always cost more than anticipated,” Mr Ward said. He cited problems of gaining access to all 26 million UK properties to install the meters and big upfront costs for purchasing equipment and software, as well as hidden costs, such as providing finance for the project. “We very rarely see one that comes in at the original estimate,” he said.
Mr Ward said that there were big questions about how the rollout would take place and the technology to be used. He added that the Government’s figures appeared to rely “on an assumption of absolute efficiency”.
A spokesman for the Department of Energy and Climate Change said: “We are confident in our cost estimates. They were arrived at after work with industry experts and external economists and clearly show the benefits of smart meters more than outweigh the costs.”
The Energy Retail Association, an industry lobby group, said that consumers would pay for the rollout through their energy bills, but claimed that the overall impact would be “cost neutral” because the smart meters would be introduced over a period of up to a decade and would allow for significant cost savings by the industry.
The phasing out of traditional meters is set to trigger thousands of job losses for meter readers, engineers, call centre staff and middle managers.
The new meters will enable power companies to introduce off-peak deals similar to those offered by telephone operators. Consumers could be rewarded for using energy-hungry appliances at off-peak times, such as between 1am and 5am, allowing for a reduction in the total number of power stations needed to power the UK. Inaccurate billing should end because suppliers would receive precise data.
Ian Parrett, of Inenco, the energy consultancy, said that the new meters would force prices up. He said: “Energy companies will face two new costs that they will inevitably have to pass on to consumers, either directly or indirectly. There is the additional cost of installing these meters across the whole of the UK. Then there is the additional resourcing and personnel required to deal with the large increase in customer inquiries.”
To help to oversee the project, which could start next year, the Government has approved the creation of a body to manage the meters and the relaying of information to energy suppliers.
The project will be highly lucrative for the manufacturers of smart meters, such as General Electric, IBM and Itron, of the United States, and Landis+Gyr, a privately owned Swiss group.
Legal, illegal, sch…egal: Musiktrends in allen Märkten ähnlich
Die britische Verwertungsgesellschaft PRS For Music hat im Rahmen einer Studie verglichen, ob und inwieweit, sich die illegal heruntergeladenen Titel von legal gekauften Titeln unterscheiden. Das Ergebnis �ber einen Untersuchungszeitraum von einem Jahr belegt, dass die gleichen Titel, die illegal geladen werden auch legal stark nachgefragt werden. Offenbar macht eine geringe Zahl von Einzeltiteln den [...]
Monica Bleibtreu vom Krebs besiegt
Die Schauspielerin Monika Bleibtreu starb in der Nacht zum Donnerstag im Alter von nur 65 Jahren, wie heute bekannt wurde. Die Mutter von Moritz Bleibtreu stand bereits als Kind auf der B�hne. Ihre beruflichen Stationen f�hrten sie vom Max-Reinhardt-Seminar in Wien �ber das Berliner Schillertheater, die Freie Volksb�hne in Berlin und �ber die M�nchner Kammerspiele wieder [...]
Saras sahniger Job kurz vor dem Finale von GNTM
Sara ist nicht nur die erste Kandidatin, die sich �ber den Eintritts ins Finale von GNTM freuen kann. Sie sahnte auch noch einen Megajob ab. Und zwar f�r die Nassrasierer von Gilette Venus, wie vor ihr schon Topmodelkandidatin Christina Leibold. Tom Albold, der Marketingleiter von Gillette ist vor Begeisterung v�llig aus dem H�uschen: “Sara hat nicht [...]
ZDF Mediathek zum Tod von Monica Bleibtreu
Zum Tod von Monica Bleibtreu
Exklusives Radiokonzert mit Placebo
Placebo sind kein wirkungsloses Ersatzmittel sondern Placebo, die Band aus England ist das Original. Placebo sind Headliner beim diesj�hrigen Rock am Ring und spielen auch sonst nur die fettesten Venues. Jetzt hat der Radiosender 1LIVE die Combo f�r den 3. Juni 2009 ins K�lner Gloria geholt f�r ein exklusives Radiokonzert. Dort wird die Band in neuer [...]
The 4 Cardinal Sins of Public Speaking
Do have the “It Factor” in your presentation skills? Do you have an air of confidence that great communicators have? BusinessWeek’s article, “Actions Do Speak Louder Than Words Of All The Bad Habits And Nervous ...
Steve Jobs' Understated "It" Factor
Do have the “It Factor” in your presentation skills? Do you have an air of confidence that great communicators have? BusinessWeek’s article, “Actions Do Speak Louder Than Words Of All The Bad Habits And Nervous Traits That Can Ruin A Speakers’ Image And Presentation, Four Cardinal Sins Stand Out. Here Are Some Simple Cures” by Carmine Gallo outlines the four cardinal sins of public speaking, along with quick fixes to remedy the problem.
The Role of Body Language in Leadership
What role does body language play in the development of a leader? Gallo wanted to know. So he asked Commander Matt Eversmann, who teaches leadership at Johns Hopkins University. Gallo states that Commander Eversmann believes that,
“Great leaders have an air of confidence,” he replied. “Subordinates need to look up to somebody who is still standing strong, like an oak, regardless of events around them. You need to convey a feeling that you will always be in control despite the circumstances, even if you don’t have an immediate solution…someone who doesn’t lose focus, doesn’t cower, doesn’t waffle. The air of confidence must come out.”
The 4 Sins of Public Speaking
Gallo offers a short list of public speaking problems with “quick fixes,” identifying four common problems he sees, as a communications coach. Gallo contends that correcting,
“These issues will help you develop a command presence, whether you’re interviewing for a job, climbing the career ladder, occupying the corner office, or running a small business where in-person customer interaction is vital.”
- Fidgeting, tapping, and jingling: “The quick fix: Move with purpose. Videotape yourself for five minutes giving a presentation. Watch yourself and write down all the mannerisms that serve no useful purpose, such as rubbing your nose, tapping your fingers and jingling coins.”
- Standing rigidly in place: “Walk, move, work the room. Most business professionals who come to me for presentation coaching think they need to stand like statues. But movement is not only acceptable, it’s welcome.”
- Hands in pockets: “This one’s too easy: Take your hands out of your pockets! I’ve seen great business leaders who never once put both hands in their pockets during a presentation. One hand is acceptable as long as the free hand is gesturing. Which leads us to the next common problem.”
- Lack of hand gestures: “Use gestures, just don’t overdo it. Although gestures leave listeners with the perception of confidence, competence, and control, the minute you try to copy someone else’s hand gesture, you risk looking contrived, like a bad politician. Worse yet, you might look like a joke.”
If these presentation habits sound familiar, start practicing today. Check out the most successful business leaders, such as Oracle’s Larry Ellison, Cisco’s John Chambers, Apple’s Steve Jobs, and former Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) CEO Carly Fiorina, who all have authoritative body language.
The Key to Working with Alpha Males and Females
Paul Michelman interviews Gill Corkindale, Executive Coach, on how to work with Alpha personalities. Think Jack Donaghy of 30 Rock. The good news about alpha personalities? Corkindale doesn’t think there are as many alphas out there ...
Paul Michelman interviews Gill Corkindale, Executive Coach, on how to work with Alpha personalities. Think Jack Donaghy of 30 Rock.
The good news about alpha personalities? Corkindale doesn’t think there are as many alphas out there as we think there is. The bad news? Alphas are challenging to work with and equally challenging to manage. Alpha males and females present unique challenges for those who work with them, requiring you to develop a different set of strategies for getting along with an alpha boss and managing an alpha employee.
What are alpha male and females?
Corkindale characterizes alpha males as charming, charismatic, competitive people with short attention spans. Often interested in their own point of view, they like to shape the conversation. When conversations don’t go in the direction, alpha males were hoping for, they shift the conversation back to them. Corkindale thinks there should be more research on alpha females. She does think they are very individual, rounded in their experience, with a compassionate side. They also have huge charisma like alpha males.
Is your boss an Alpha?
If your boss is an alpha male, Corkindale recommends delivering expected results or “giving them what they want.” Understanding they have short attention spans, alpha males like things packaged neatly, not wasting time and being courageous. Word of warning, she doesn’t recommend you challenge your alpha males spot. They don’t like being challenged. They like to dominate. The Alpha female boss? The same strategy should be used like the alpha males.
How to Manage an Alpha Employee
Understanding that alpha males and females don’t like to be challenged or dominated, you have to be a strong manager by containing the force of the alpha without dampening their drive. Give the alphas the attention they need, but make sure they understand they are part of a group. As a manager, Corkindale reminds us to aware of everyone we’re managing, using individually developed strategies for each employee. On that note, enjoy this clip of Jack “keeping his friends close, his enemy closer.”
Recommended Reading
- “The Return of the Personal Brand” by Gill Corkindale
- “11 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand“ by Gill Corkindale
Leadership Brand: Developing Customer-Focused Leaders to Drive Performance
Does it matter if you’re not a natural-born leader to enjoy a success career? No, but providing leadership is becoming a key requirement for effective career management and success. If you’re not a natural leader, ...
Does it matter if you’re not a natural-born leader to enjoy a success career? No, but providing leadership is becoming a key requirement for effective career management and success. If you’re not a natural leader, then you can breathe a sigh of relief, because leaders are made, not born.
Leaders are developed through on-the-job training, working with mentors and role models, and formal training. In their book, Leadership Brand: Developing Customer-Focused Leaders to Drive Performance and Build Lasting Value, Dave Ulrich and Norm Smallwood make the case that a leadership brand translates customers’ needs into employee action, with results that satisfy investors. Ulrich and Smallwood explain a leadership brand is, why a leadership brand matters, how to develop a leadership brand, how to maintain a leadership brand, and why your personal brand is also crucial.
What is a Leadership Brand?
Great companies use their leadership brand as a logical extension of their marketplace brand as they focus on the outside of their company. Great companies develop leadership in their ranks by placing importance on the style, tenor and quality of a firm’s than the identities of individual leaders like the CEO. If you’re committed to developing leadership, as yourself “What do your customers truly care about?” If you can answer this essential question, you have the potential to overcome the competition and achieve great success. Turning these customer expectations into your employee actions becomes your company’s vital “leadership brand.”
The Components of Any Leadership Brand
If you’re a manager, your company’s leadership brand aligns your company’s plans and projects, along with its employees’ day-to-day activities, customer and/or investor priorities. Think of your leadership brand as a logical extension of your marketplace brand. As you align company to customer and/or investor, pay attention to the five components of leadership brands: strategists, executors, talent managers, human capital developers, and personal proficiency.
- Strategists – Leaders plan and prepare their organizations for the future
- Executors – Leaders take action to achieve goals
- Talent Managers – Leaders direct others through motivation, communication, encouragement, and direction
- Human capital developers – Leaders nurture future leaders
- Personal proficiency – Leaders are decisive, ethical, and intelligent
The Six Benefits of Leadership Brands
The upside to developing and becoming effective in leadership branding?
- It enables a superior workforce plan to develop additional, future leaders
- It establishes a strong commitment to the customer
- It prepares flexible leaders who can identify and pursue new strategies
- It allows for international expansion while maintaining the core brand
- It provides for organizational growth, whether it is organic or results from mergers and acquisitions
- It provides an adequate supply of professional leaders as the company expands
Investing in a Leadership Brand, Developing Leaders
Great leaders are made, not born. One long-accepted rule for developing leaders was expressed as a 70-20-10 formula. In this ratio, on-the-job experience accounted for 70% of the leader-in-training experience, 20% came from working with mentors and role models, and 10% derived from training. Ulrich and Smallwood argue that this breakdown no longer reflects the current state of business. Today, an accurate ratio today is 50-20-30, where work experience accounts for 50% of a leader’s development, 20% from mentors and roles, and formal training accounts for 30%.
Leadership Development
Great leaders also inspire followers and produce future leaders. Your CEO can have a wide-ranging influence on the executives in your company. A sign of a true leader is the extent to which he or she has produced other leaders.
For additional informational on how to maintain a leadership brand, and why your personal brand is important, check out their book, Leadership Brand: Developing Customer-Focused Leaders to Drive Performance and Build Lasting Value.
Recommended Reading List
- Leadership Brand: Developing Customer-Focused Leaders to Drive Performance and Build Lasting Value by Dave Ulrich and Norm Smallwood
- The Opposable Mind: How Successful Leaders Win Through Integrative Thinking by Roger L. Martin
- What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful by Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter
- Judgment: How Winning Leaders Make Great Calls by Noel M. Tichy and Warren G. Bennis
Co-Working: Home Office Sickness Solution?
Laura Spencer has re-focused the spotlight to co-working with her Is Co-Working the Next Stage of Telecommuting. Co-working is one working trend that allows telecommuters or home based workers to temporarily work with others ala old office setting. Co-working is known to solve one of the most popular setbacks of working from home - isolation. Due to [...]
Prepare for the Job Interview, Have a 90-Day Plan Pt. 2
In my previous job, we were scaling, hiring key personnel for a department function. As part of the management team, I was part of the interviewing process, no job candidates had to interview with me, ...
In my previous job, we were scaling, hiring key personnel for a department function. As part of the management team, I was part of the interviewing process, no job candidates had to interview with me, even though it wasn’t my department. I would interview candidates, who did have good job interviewing, and didn’t have a 90-day plan for the position, if there were hired.
For one particular candidate, our COO wanted to talk to me again about the guy we interviewed. He told me the hiring VP was still interested in the interviewee for very specific reasons. He wanted to know my other thoughts on the issues I had previously identified. The COO still agreed with me. I ended the discussion with,
“Anyone who’s interviewing for this position, has to be serious in managing their career as a knowledge worker. This guy didn’t have a clue, yet he wants to start a new department for us?”
The hiring VP, my peer, finally came to visit me, wanting to know my thoughts directly. I could tell by his body language that he was a little closed to my perspective, but he was committed to listening. I always admired this about him. I carefully expressed my concerns. Midway during our talk, he agreed with me and said, “We can’t have that, they have to do what you’ve done in creating the Marketing department and positions.” This was high praise from my colleague. I was flattered.
Job Interviewing and Career Management
But this situation did make me think, “How much do knowledge workers really manage their careers?” I’m sure most knowledge workers are prepared, but as we move up the ladder, gunning for management positions, we must know how to interview. You have to be self-aware, understanding your strengths and weaknesses and how to package your accomplishments, so you’re a clear fit for the job you want. After my discussions with the COO yesterday, I realized the COO hadn’t thought about process or career management for that matter. What does this mean? He’s a COO in a startup. That tells me he’s naturally gifted and was able to interview well and had the management and leadership expertise to secure his job. But what about job hunters, who are rough around the edges?
The Exception, not the Norm
It’s not the norm, but the exception. Most knowledge workers don’t think about career management. In my last two jobs, I’ve nailed both interviews because of the packaging of my experience, demonstrating how I fit into each prospective company with my portfolios and 90-day plans. I think in strategic terms, as I approach job opportunities, then drill down to the tactical level, so I can identify my accomplishments and provide the correct context. Interviewing skills are good, but reflecting and knowing how to approach your job opportunity is very effective. There’s a lot of preparation that goes into, but it pays off. Trust me, not everyone is as prepared as you might think.
See Yourself in the Job, Have a Plan
For example, if you’re a product manager or marketing manager that’s ready to take the next step to director, then put yourself in those shoes. How would you approach the job if you were in it? What would you do in your first 90 days? After you think through these types of questions, it will be easier to get through the interviews. Trust me, interviewees don’t always come from the perspective of, “If they were in the job, here’s what I would do in the first 90 days.” They remain distant from the job transition into the company, rather than articulating what they would do if they were in it.
Trust me, it gets easier after your first big interview in moving up the food chain. Prepare for the job by seeing yourself in the role, complete with a transition plan. It demonstrates that you’ve seriously considered the position and really want it. Be the exception. Don’t be like other knowledge workers who “sort of” know how to interview and “kind of” manage their careers.
A Smart Lemming Success Tale: Business Books Add Value
I have a thing for business books. This hobby started during my third job out of my master’s program. My belief is that reading business books allows me to be more creative and ...
I have a thing for business books. This hobby started during my third job out of my master’s program. My belief is that reading business books allows me to be more creative and strategic, since books expose me to all sorts of business ideas, methodologies, trends, and the like. Frankly, buying and reading business books kept me ahead of my colleagues most of the time. I wasn’t competitive with my peers, managers, or leaders; I added more value to them by integrating new business concepts into my experience, and then applied it a new way or through an academic approach. Because of my educational background combined with my love of books, I can quickly articulate why management has gone bad, why some leaders are great, or why some product ideas shouldn’t be pursued.
Identifying New Product Strategies
I used to enjoy moments like being called into a brainstorming sessions about product strategy, product positioning, and pricing. One of my former employers had been successful in using key clients as betas to fund new product ideas. With key stakeholders in the room (sales rep to describe what the client demand was, the controller to explain pricing and contract perspectives, the CTO, and founder), my CEO saw me walk by the conference room, and asked “Can you join this meeting? We realized that we’re talking about product positioning and marketing, but you weren’t in the room!” After I sat down, my colleagues and I were reviewing two proposed product ideas, one that’s a product line extension and one that was new.
Brainstorming at the Whiteboard
I loved working with this team, but especially with my former CTO. I enjoyed seeing him get excited about things as he drew on the whiteboard. He was open, funny, didn’t people seeing his boyish and charming humor. I especially loved that he wasn’t threatened by me, always open to my ideas and feedback, putting himself out there. He knew he was solid and I trusted his approaches. Actually, we were very similar, since we like to follow proven approaches or methodologies.
By the time I was called into this key client meeting, our CTO was thinking and communicating by drawing on the whiteboard. He drew three elements. My CEO and CTO explained to me the situation, asking how we should package and position what the client wanted:
- One of our clients wants to buy our product that’s customer facing, but want to buy it for their employees not their customers, making it a “workflow” product. During a previous Management meeting in the previous week, I kept using that term “workflow” as they first discussed the product idea to me. It was nice to see it take off and be used.
- If we build additional functionality, how could we position it different? There was the “core” of the product, and then there was the customer-facing aspect, and now this “workflow” element. How do we define the offering so we’re not having to the new workflow product to existing customers because we automatically give our customers quarterly updates to new features and functionality?
- We also have an administration tool with reporting capabilities for employees to review what the customers have been doing in the product. How do we draw the line between the three offerings when the admin tool is standard in the existing product, but will be part of the new one?
Prescription to Product Offering: Adjacencies from the Core
Within two minutes of listening of the situation, the answer became clear to me. So I explained,
“You have three ideas up [on the whiteboard]. The ‘core’ can’t stand alone as a product offering since an engine and can’t be sold separately and used. The existing product has natural boundaries on where it begins and ends. I can understand why there’s ambiguity between the old and new product ideas because of the admin tool reporting. But, the new product idea is for all transactions processed by the employees, making it a workflow tool (for their work). Any new features and functionality or new reports in the new offering are for those workflow transactions only, not the customer-facing transaction. There’s you natural boundary.”
I added,
“You’re really creating a product line extension; however, they can be bundled together, yet work separately. The ‘core’ is the engine for both, but you can’t productize it. And by the way, if you add analytics to the workflow with x, y, and z, then you have a new product line extension target the C-levels who have to manage the workflow key metrics as part of managing performance.”
Example: Nike's Profit from the Core
A Picture is Worth a 1,000 Words
After listening to the client requirements and looking at the whiteboard, it seemed simple to me; however, my colleagues looked at me in amazement. The sales rep gave me a look of “Wow.” My CEO grinned and said, “I can’t believe it took you all of two minutes to define the products!” But when the CTO was impressed, I felt like I had contributed, since I considered him to be a great thinker and reflector. He said, “That’s so cool, she just walks in sits down, figures it all out. I love how she does that!” It was always refreshing working with these people. To this day, this is former employer remains my favorite job experience.
Beyond the Core: A Must Have, Must Read Business Book
While my colleagues were impressed, my ideas didn’t feel that impressive to me. I only applied Chris Zook’s paradigm of business growth from adjacencies that radiate from the core, see Beyond the Core: Expanding our Market, Leveraging our Core. I’ve had this book since October 2004, but I’ve also been able to use this to book’s concepts since I used to review my former CTO’s envisioning documentation in our product strategy process. I felt quite fortunate to have found Zook’s book, since it’s become a key tool in my toolkit for strategy.
How Serious are You about Managing Your Career?
I attribute my core competencies to my love of business books. If you not a business book person, but are serious about managing your career, you must get into reading them. There are too many ideas that must be explored and applied. Most workers, managers, and even leaders don’t have time or make the time to do this extra reading, so you can add value to your company by being that person who keeps up on the classics and the latest business book concepts. There’s a lot of junk out there and I’ve bought my share. Most of the time, I know junk when I see it. But business books have allowed me to understand managers and leaders, improve my creativity by exposing me to new ideas, and integrate key concepts into my existing creative thoughts. If you’re serious about your career management, then start reading more business books.
Recommended Reading List
- Profit From the Core: Growth Strategy in an Era of Turbulence by Chris Zook and James Allen
- Beyond the Core: Expand Your Market Without Abandoning Your Roots by Chris Zook
- Unstoppable: Finding Hidden Assets to Renew the Core and Fuel Profitable Growth by Chris Zook
Texas wins 7th straight
Scott Feldman and three Texas Rangers relievers pulled off a rare feat at their hitter-friendly ballpark. The foursome scattered five hits and David Murphy hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning to help the AL West-leading Rangers win their seventh straight, 3-0, over the Los Angeles Angels yesterday.
Wie finishes tied for 3rd
Honolulu's Michelle Wie shot a 1-over-par 73 yesterday to finish tied for third, six shots behind winner Ji Young Oh at the Sybase Classic, earning her biggest paycheck of the LPGA season.
Pirates' Yates on DL
The Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday placed right-hander Tyler Yates on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Saturday with an inflamed elbow.
South Africa's McGregor paddles to Moloka'i win
Able to find his way to O'ahu, Hank McGregor was able to win the Epic Moloka'i World Championships for the first time yesterday. McGregor, who is from South Africa, relied on stamina — and the local knowledge of his escort boat crew — to prevail on a day that featured grueling conditions.
Sports calendar
Listings in For the Record.
For the Record
America to Congress: You’re Acting Hysterical. Take a Deep Breath. Calm Down.
Here's a proposed open letter to Congress:
Dear Congress,
Take a deep breath. Calm down.
You passed the $787-billion stimulus bill without even reading it in the hopes that it would fix the economy. We know, you were in a hurry to try to do something, but we can all see now that it didn't work. The banks still are afraid to make loans, the stock market is still in the tank, and unemployment hasn't dropped - but the risk of inflation is now dangerously high.
As you move with increasing speed, you are passing bills not only without reading them, but also without even thinking about the consequences. Because you are worried about the AIG bonuses, the House just passed a bill that would:
...impose a 90% levy on bonuses paid to workers whose household incomes top $250,000 by firms that received more than $5 billion under the government's financial rescue package. That would encompass much of Wall Street, including such marquee-name firms as JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
What you're not realizing is that this would be a massive attack on the entire U.S. financial industry - the very industry you are trying to protect.
...alarm spread across Wall Street that the government's sudden taxation fervor could ensnare thousands of workers and affect every major financial firm.
Although the fast-moving legislative campaign was born of frustration with the bonuses paid to workers at ailing American International Group Inc., employees at comparatively healthy investment banks fretted about the steep tax hikes they could face if the legislation became law.
It's clear …
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Gasol helps rock Rockets
All is well again in La-La Land. The real Los Angeles Lakers showed up, and in a Game 7, no less. With Pau Gasol dominating on both ends of the court, the Lakers emphatically silenced the doubters and the Houston Rockets, winning the decisive final game of the Western Conference semifinals, 89-70, yesterday.
On the Air
Obama Wants to Turn the U.S. Into a Government-Managed “Planned Economy”
Obama is proving that some of the change he wants is to replace our market-driven economy, with one in which business decisions are made by the government and forced by law on we, the people. He wants greatly increased government control over health care, education, and energy. And here's the latest example:
Administration seeks increase in oversight of executive pay
WASHINGTON: The Obama administration will call for increased oversight of executive pay at all banks, Wall Street firms and possibly other companies as part of a sweeping plan to overhaul financial regulation, government officials said.
Obama wants the government to control executive pay at all these financial firms. This kind of central planning of business decisions, controlled by the state, is called a "Planned Economy." From Wikipedia:
A planned economy or directed economy is an economic system in which the government or workers' councils manages the economy. It is an economic system in which the central government makes all decisions on the production and consumption of goods and services. Its most extensive form is referred to as a command economy, centrally planned economy, or command and control economy. In such economies, central economic planning by the state or government is so extensive that it controls all major sectors of the economy and formulates all decisions about their use and about the distribution of income. The planners decide what should be produced and direct enterprises to produce those goods. Planned economies are in contrast to unplanned economies, such as a market economy, where production, distribution, pricing, and investment decisions are made by the private owners of the factors of production based upon their own and their customers' interests rather than upon furthering some overarching macroeconomic plan.
Want to know …
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2 comments
The Red-Hot New Mega-Blog, “Big Hollywood”
Don't miss the fantastic new web site, Big Hollywood. It's a mega-blog (in the tradition of the Huffington Post), containing brilliant posts written by conservatives, libertarians and Republicans from all over the country. It's the creation of Andrew Breitbart of Breitbart.com, who also has been a key player in the Drudge Report and in the launch of the Huffington Post. The editor of the site is John Nolte, possibly the most compelling writer of movie reviews and related opinion in the country.�
This site is hot. It's going to make a significant contribution to our culture.�
Full disclosure: Nolte and Breitbart are both friends of mine.
Will I Pass a Drug Test
Drug examine has become a general phenomenon round the world. Some parties do drug screens on freshly working individuals or existing employees to ensure a drug-free surrounding at workplace.
Will I Pass A Drug Test
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Overseas Gaming Keeps Bettors Safe inside
There are organizations who manage the dealings of networked sports betting and which should in time serve to take the sting out of a lot of the uneasiness held by a few bettors.
Legions of risk takers have read the phrase “offshore sports betting”, though some aren’t totally certain what it alludes to. A foreign betting site primarily acts external to the supervision of a single nation but alternatively it can be an web based sports betting internet site which has all of their servers in a state where live sports gambling isn’t at the moment illegal. To summarize therefore, it can be described as a wagering establishment doing business outside the state of the customer. Online gaming websites are all governed with the help of three assemblies. These are OSGA (the Offshore Gaming Association), the IGC (Interactive Gaming Council) and finally the Fidelity Trust Gaming Association (the FTGA).
The Offshore Gaming Association are a nonpartisan watch-dog office that supervises the modern overseas sports gaming industry, they labor to also afford sports gamblers the facility to find dependable internet sites to play games of fate on, without concern. It endeavors to assure sports betting afficionado’s rights, and also they do not demand any membership expenses. The agency are an extremely expert and neutral third party agency who pronounce equitable conclusions, indicated by your observations, objective examination, phone discussions, inside advice also imparts industry information.
The IGC are a non commercially driven organisation. The council has been set up to allow a platform for curious parties to address matters and in addition to move forward collective worries in the multinational interactive gambling industry, to ensure scrupulous and sound trade precepts and procedures that raise client trust in web based betting commodities and functions, and in addition to aid as the industry’s extensive strategy guardian and the Interactive Gaming Council also supplies an info base.
The Interactive Gaming Council has built a distinction for encouraging honesty, candor and also solidity via the standards of integrity it demonstrates, and its allure for trustworthy business enterprises. The IGC regularises overseas gambling by applying a characteristic ten step code of conduct moreover charges sports gambling internet sites a license fee to display their logo. Displeased customers may additionally state any of their issues to the IGC.
The Fidelity Trust Gaming Association was set up in an attempt to construct a benchmark which will raise the policies of internet based gaming operations. The authority understand that through partnering with respected enterprises, they can perfect a coalition of the fairest and professional cyberspace betting companies worldwide.
So, these are establishments that supervise the transactions practised by machine-accessible sports gaming and which should in time help to take the sting out of most if not all of the misgivings felt by cynics. Internet sports gaming sites are at present totally safe, in as much as private data are no longer a necessity and also the compensation not to mention the odds are equivalent to a traditional Vegas-style sports wager. These websites eliminate travel expenditure, but nonetheless retain of a traditional gambling casino, but today you are able to bet at your leisure.
Attention Los Angeles: Evan Sayet’s Right to Laugh Show, Live at the Laugh Factory, Tuesday May 19th
My friend, the very funny Evan Sayet, whose YouTube videos have been seen 500,000 times, is at the Laugh Factory this coming Tuesday, May 19th.
'Evan has crossed that line from 'funny' to important.' -- Michael Barone, US News and World Report
'Simply the best political comedian working in America today,' -- David Horowitz, best selling author of 'The Party of Defeat.'
'Evan transcends the word 'comic.' He's brilliant!' -- David Zucker, Writer/Director, 'An American Carol,' 'Naked Gun' and 'Airplane.'
"If Ann Coulter, Jackie Mason and Evan Sayet were in town and I could only see two shows, I'd see Evan twice." -- Jaz McKay, Infinity Broadcasting.
"Evan is the best!!" -- Ann Coulter, best selling author of "If Democrats Had Any Brains They'd Be Republicans."
"Evan Sayet is one of my favorite cultural commentators," Tammy Bruce, nationally syndicated radio talk show host and best selling author.
"At last I can delight in a show that is genuinely funny. My thanks to Evan Sayet -- Larry Elder, nationally syndicated radio talk show host.
"(Evan Sayet's) a funny guy...he had the crowd howling." -- Marc Cooper, LA Weekly.
What’s *Really* Shocking About the White House Correspondent’s Dinner
Mike Lupien has an excellent article in today's Daily News talking about the tasteless jokes at the White House Correspondent's Dinner. But the tastelessness of the jokes isn't the real shocker about this.
In the past this dinner has always been a roast, i.e. an occasion where people make good-natured, self-deprecating jokes about the guest of honor (in this case Obama).
For example, from 2007:
Before Bush and Little spoke, CBS star David Letterman made a video appearance from his studio with a Top 10 list of taped vignettes showing some of the funniest Bush flubs of the last year.
From 2002:
President Bush gave reporters here a look Saturday at "what life is really like inside the Bush White House," showing off his collection of "actual, never-seen-before photos."
Bush and top members of his administration mingled with reporters and other Washington insiders at the annual White House Correspondents dinner.
The correspondents dinner, in its 88th year, has become an occasion for self-deprecating humor from presidents. Last year, Bush presented a slide show of his family accompanied by a joke-riddled speech about the 2000 presidential election recount.
What's really shocking isn't just the tastelessness of the jokes - it's that Obama used these jokes and this platform to attack his� political opponents:
Obama Likes Wanda Sykes Joke About Rush Limbaugh — ‘I Hope His Kidneys Fail’
Wanda Sykes Makes Fun Of Absent Sarah Palin With Abstinence Joke
Obama Mocks GOP Chair Michael Steele’s Use Of ‘Street Slang’
Far from being a uniter, the divisive Obama misuses the power of his office to bully all those who oppose him.
2 comments
“I believe he would have [committed murder] because he was praying for Allah to help him…”
It has gotten to the point that no one is surprised when an Islamist prays to Allah to seek guidance to commit a murder, rather than to turn away from evil.
In Oklahoma City, Patrol Troooper Sheldon Robinson has been honored. He saved the lives of many by wrestling and arresting a gunman who had entered a Burger King and threatened to kill everyone.
Robinson, wearing his trooper badge around his neck and carrying his weapon, parked his truck and peered in the window of the Burger King.
Inside was a man dressed in black. A Glock .40-caliber handgun and a full box of ammunition sat on the tabletop next to him.
Three other people were looking for a way out when Robinson passed them as he entered the restaurant.
When the man briefly removed his hand from his gun, Robinson, who had approached from the man's blind side, grabbed his arm.
Now alone in the restaurant, the two men wrestled on the floor before Robinson got one of his handcuffs around the man's arm.
"The second one didn't lock in place, so we went down again," Robinson said. "He was a pretty stout guy."
Robinson had the man fully cuffed by the time Tulsa police officers arrived.
And here's the quote that is so significant:
"It was one of those deals of being in the right place at the right time," Robinson said. "I believe he would have loaded up that gun and gone to town because he was praying for Allah to help him carry out his mission."
Note that there is no longer any surprise to anyone that an Islamic would-be killer would pray to Allah. The public has lots of experience with Islamists praying to Allah to help them …
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Adult Internet Dating Good and Bad
The pros and cons of Adult Singles Dating Online - there are many benefits to adult dating online and also a few things to watch out for. In this article you will find the pros and cons of adult dating online. Just have fun!
Adult online dating - which is a part of online dating niche, offers numerous interchangeable features, such as being capable to explore for compatible mates and also messaging services. Totally anonymous and secure, adult online dating services have erotic personals, where one can view hot photographs of other members. Simply register and immediately contact any member via instant electronic messaging, and you can search or apply filters that allow you to specify the members that suit your specific needs and desires. Many adult online dating services provide all members to add a profile to the website, chat, send instant messages, and browse through their huge database of profiles for free. You usually have to be a member to chat or send messages to other members of the dating site, but occasionally you can look around the site, and even search other member’s profiles for free, without registering with the internet site. A lot of adult online dating sites are free, but many will allow you to pay for more features or benefits.
The benefits of adult online dating involve:
- People that aren’t very intimate with their lustful nature or are just shy to begin with have a home to explore their intimate desires without having to be inadequate and afraid.
- Free Singles Online Dating Sites allows a safe environment to allow individuals to exercise safe and fun sex.
- Since you don’t have to reveal your confidential information, Adult singles sites offer a more easily accessible home for people to get together and be safe and have fun at the same time.
Just as adult internet dating sites has its set of advantages, there can be drawbacks to overindulgence. The negatives or dangers of online dating services, especially when it comes to cybersex involve:
- You don’t know who you are speaking to or sharing with - the internet offers the same anonymity to you as it does to the wrong type of individuals.
- There’s been reports of cybersex dependence. People have been identified to taking this pasttime too seriously, or do it all day long.
- It can hurt your real life and relationships - specially if you begin wanting that type of anonymity for your sex life.
- It’s not healthy to just get internet relationships. You can forget how to have relationships in the real world.
You should still consider the pros and cons of this type of medium before you recognize whether this is for you or not. If you settle that it is for you, than have a great time!
Governor, Port of Baltimore sign new agreement; Six-year extension with leading international shipping company will protect hundreds of Maryland jobs
Governor Martin O’Malley joined officials of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to sign a six-year extension of the current contract between the Port of Baltimore and the Geneva-based international container shipping giant. The deal maintains 628 direct jobs and the continued shipment of MSC containerized cargo through the Port of Baltimore.
Crowley meets all TWIC deadlines with 100% compliance; More than $275,000 invested to ensure mariners and port terminal employees met requirements by latest deadline
Continuing its practice of proactively addressing maritime security issues and of meeting new federal security requirements, Crowley announced that all of its employees, who needed Transportation Workers Identification Credentials (TWIC) by the final mid-April deadline, have them.
C.H. Robinson, CSS work together to help motor carriers reduce emissions
C.H. Robinson Worldwide and non-profit organization Cascade Sierra Solutions (CSS) have announced they will work together to help motor carriers reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Investor wealth swells by Rs 6.5 lakh cr in a minute
Investors have become richer by a whopping Rs 6.5 lakh crore in just a minute as the Sensex saw a historic 2,111 point rise to the 14,000 level as the markets cheered the decisive win of the ruling UPA government in the Lok Sabha elections.Investor wealth, measured in terms of the combine...
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WA Legislature passes budget, includes funding for the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project
The Washington State Legislature passed its 2009-11 Transportation Budget and included $2 million in funding to begin constructing Segment 2 and rehabilitating Segment 3 of the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project.
DHL expands its express network capacities in Asia
The two new gateways, the DHL Express Taipei Gateway at Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan and the DHL Express Incheon Gateway at Incheon International Airport, South Korea, are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, which will help DHL further increase operational efficiency and enhance service quality as well as flexibility in express services. Building the new Taipei Gateway, DHL has invested US$6.2 million. The facility, measuring 13,500 sqm, is four times larger than the previous site, and will triple shipment-handling capacity from 3,600 to 11,000 pieces per hour. Drop-off cut-off time will also be extended for up to two hours. DHL's Taipei Gateway is the only express gateway in Taiwan that houses a 24-hour Drop-Off Centre.
First BBC Chartering vessel discharges cargo at San Francisco’s Pier 80; BBC England discharges project cargo for Colusa Generating Station
The BBC England, a 10,380-deadweight-ton general cargo carrier operated by BBC Chartering, recently made its maiden call at the Port of San Francisco’s Pier 80 marine terminal to discharge project cargo. This is the first call to the Port by a BBC Chartering vessel. Pier 80 is operated by Metro Ports and is the Port’s primary breakbulk and general cargo facility.
Top Sectors to watch out for
Liquidity-starved sectors such as infrastructure and realty could be the biggest beneficiaries of the vote of confidence for the UPA.A clear mandate for the United Progressive Alliance and the continuity of the current government’s policies are likely to keep the markets buoyant. M...
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Take profits if 14500 Sensex hits: Brics Securities
Anand Tandon, Director Equities, Brics Securities, said one should take some money off the table if 14,500 on the Sensex hits, “because no matter what, the fact to the matter is that at some stage there are other factors other than just liquidity and euphoria which come in play.” Q: ...
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Twelve days without the internet -- that's a long time!
Why, I'm glad to BE back, thanks for asking! Today, why I've been off the internet for the last twelve days, what I did with my time instead, and what will be coming up soon here at ITG.
The irony of Second Life: as it gets bigger, my opportunities shrink
Today, an editorial of sorts: an examination of how there's actually less and less for me to do in Second Life, the bigger the place grows and the more tech is needed to adequately run it all. Why yes, it's very frustrating, especially when unemployed and unable to upgrade my system. I wish Linden would do something about it, which is the thrust of this entry.
"Social networking is the next phase of fiction" : An interview with novelist Scott Sigler
Today, an interview with novelist and "podiobook" author Scott Sigler, about his new massive cutting-edge experiment in SL to promote his latest project. Included is Sigler's thoughts about how MMOs are creating a whole new genre of literature, one where audience feedback is as important as the author's original input.
Oh benevolent gods of Linden, please let me have a decent time in the grid tonight, amen
Today, a record of my first successful evening in the grid in over a week: first a visit to my friends at The Art Loft, then a trip to fashion complex Amicitia, then finally a dash to Idea City to try out their new open-source "tourHUD" object. Many photos included!
Jeez Louise, that's a lot of new land!
Today, finally some good news to share; that Linden has made good on their promise and recently erected 40 new sims of mainland, with up to 80 more to come. Why this is important, and lots of photos of what's being done on this new land, after the jump.
Gridhopping: "CaseCamp" at Crayonville
Today, my report from the inaugural "CaseCamp" marketing event, sponsored by the PR 'supergroup' Crayon. In a nutshell: Not so impressed.
How to build a mythology: An interview with Artropolis' Esch Snoats
Today, an interview with Esch Snoats, lead builder of the new "Artropolis" arts colony. The sim comes complete with its own complex mythological backstory; learn here how this story not only influenced how the sim was designed, but even what kinds of artists are accepted.
Fabb: My first house starts coming together
Today, my first-ever report on my (maybe) new prefab company, "Fabb;" I've been spending the week building my first-ever house, in fact, and thought I'd share both photos and notes from the process today.
It's official: Adult blog -avatar- to open in January
Well, it's official -- after tons of positive feedback on the subject, I've decided to open a new adults-only magazine called -avatar- next January. Here, all the details of the paid staff I need to find, and how best to express your interest in being hired.
Confluence vs. Clearspace
We recently had a debate over whether or not we should use Confluence as a replacement to twiki, our enterprise wiki. I used Confluence at my last company, and for the most part it worked well. It’s got a great set of plugins and an extensible architecture. Most of all, it has [...]
We recently had a debate over whether or not we should use Confluence as a replacement to twiki, our enterprise wiki. I used Confluence at my last company, and for the most part it worked well. It’s got a great set of plugins and an extensible architecture. Most of all, it has a “near out of the box” capability for migrating in twiki content making for a smoother transition.
But the UI sucks.
Oh yeah, and it’s not people focused. Well at least not as people focused as Clearspace. We use Clearspace externally, and through our relationship with Jive also have an enterprise license. So to me it was a no brainer that we’d rollout Clearspace instead of Confluence.
But before that would happen I had to show why the “people” element was important. All the sponsoring group wanted to do was provide a space to collaborate around content. They weren’t considering the serendipitous establishment of weak ties between disconnected employees, and that people connecting around shared interests would boost efficiency at a hard-to-measure macro level.
After several weeks of debating over email we’ve decided to go with Clearspace, to my joy. I’m stoked to start using it with my China team, to find out more about who they are as people, and for them to get a feel for who we are as people too.
The one point that’s hard to drive home, however, is that knowledge will always be federated. During my consulting career and even here I’ve consistently run into people who want to create a single repository that will house all important corporate information assets, and that said repository will be the single place for people to turn to to find information. Such was the impetus behind our original corporate wiki. Although we’re not there yet, I’m starting to convince people that Discovery must be the center point of our Enterprise 2.0 rollout.
In time, I hope.
Moving to the Northern Hemisphere
Today is my last day with my firm in Australia. I’m heading back to the states after 2.5 years to take a break and then explore some exciting job opportunities. I’ve had a fantastic experience here in Oz and have worked with some amazing people. I’ve worked on more traditional systems integration projects [...]
Today is my last day with my firm in Australia. I’m heading back to the states after 2.5 years to take a break and then explore some exciting job opportunities. I’ve had a fantastic experience here in Oz and have worked with some amazing people.
I’ve worked on more traditional systems integration projects with large telcos and banks, done some interesting enterprise search implementations, built some cool demo applications, and preached the enterprise 2.0 doctrine to prospects who, in some cases, knew more about the topic than me! I’m very encouraged about the momentum I see in Australia in the social computing space, and I think my firm is well positioned to make a positive impact here.
I wish the best of luck to my colleagues. You can always find me on twitter or here on this blog.
E2.0 Stagnation
We seem to have done a good job about defining the enterprise knowledge management problem and how Enterprise 2.0 wants to fix it. Knowledge is locked in people’s PCs, file shares, is hard to find and is underutilized. Not only that, corporations fail to efficiently tap into their human resources and facilitate [...]
We seem to have done a good job about defining the enterprise knowledge management problem and how Enterprise 2.0 wants to fix it. Knowledge is locked in people’s PCs, file shares, is hard to find and is underutilized. Not only that, corporations fail to efficiently tap into their human resources and facilitate the creation of weak ties between employees. I think everybody gets it now.
So why is Andrew McAfee still talking about why email sucks? Haven’t we heard this story time and time again? Why don’t we talk more about how Enterprise 2.0 has helped companies, about how it’s had the dramatic impact that we predicted two years ago? Maybe it’s because it’s not happening, or maybe it’s because the doers are quietly doing and have no time to blog about it.
With that, I’m super stoked about TechCrunch’s new enterprise software-focused blog, TechCrunchIT. TechCrunch has been the defacto leader in all things Web 2.0. Maybe they’ll bring some fresh thinking to the Enterprise 2.0 space.
Why Aren’t Intranets more like Internets
1994: WebCrawler and Lycos became the first widely adopted search engines. They flattened the Internet giving all resources an equal chance of being discovered. Before search engines, people were meant to find content by going to “what’s new” web pages where they’d find hyperlinks to web pages that had been recently added. From those [...]
1994: WebCrawler and Lycos became the first widely adopted search engines. They flattened the Internet giving all resources an equal chance of being discovered. Before search engines, people were meant to find content by going to “what’s new” web pages where they’d find hyperlinks to web pages that had been recently added. From those pages they’d find links to other pages and so on. The Internet, at least at its conception, was meant to be surfed from site to site, not flattened. But search engines proved there was a much more efficient, comprehensive way to find information.
And I continue, bewildered, that companies follow the pre-Lycos model when constructing their intranets. For some reason they always try to consolidate information into knowledge management “silos” like Documentum. They set policies that change the homepage of their worker’s browsers to be the landing page for the new intranet portal which has “everything an employee will ever need to know” buried deep within. And then they wonder why nobody uses these new solutions.
It’s because they can’t find anything.
Data will always be federated, scattered across many information systems, just as it is on the Internet. Instead of investing in building a one size fits all intranet, invest in procuring and deploying an enterprise search engine. Let it crawl the file share. Let it crawl Lotus Notes. Let it crawl the shiny new Documentum application. Then set policies changing the worker’s homepage to the new enterprise search application if you must. And make that search page simple. Nobody understands taxonomies nor will they spend the time to. Forget faceting. Follow Google’s example making search dead simple. See what happens then. A search for “jury duty” might actually produce a result that tells the worker how much compensation he’s entitled to if summoned.
And I’ll bet your workers will be much less pissed off that you changed their browser’s default homepage.
Next Day Air: Film Review
An incessantly talky, inert crime film that's like a hip-hop poseur, all swagger and mouth but with no real taste for the grittiness of thug life. by Ryan Stewart
Los Straitjackets - The Further Adventures of Los Straitjackets: Music Review
Further Adventures is probably not asking for a lot of critical scrutiny. by Charles Robbins
Big Man Japan: Film Review
The critique of capitalism and its possible relationship to our dearth of modern heroes is a theme more typically played out in grand or epic form, but here writers Matsumoto and Mitsuyoshi Takasu are trading the grand for the gargantuan, the battle-drama for the video game fight. by Sara Schieron
It's about scaling down rather than up
One of the new skills being learnt in this current crisis is how to run plants efficiently at low operating rates. "It's funny that for years now, we've worried about how to scale up profitably. Now industry is faced with just the opposite, how to scale down profitably," says Mark Matzopoulos, chief operating officer at UK-based Process Systems Enterprise in this article in ICIS Chemical Business. A friend of mine has just graduated from university with a very good degree in chemicals engineering and has managed to land a job with an engineering company. His fellow graduates have not been as lucky in their search for jobs with chemical companies. At least somebody is making money out of this crisis
Management: Film Review
To the annals of romantic stalker comedies, a genre launched as an industry force by There's Something About Mary, the appallingly creepy Management adds pretension and may blaze new, jaw-dropping territory: the predatory Beast totally rehabilitates Beauty. by Bill Weber
Kingdom: Series 2: DVD Review
Where's the first series? by Len Sousa
The Best of Star Trek: The Next Generation: DVD Review
The storytelling content on this DVD is certainly a higher caliber than what's found in the Next Generation series of films and so worth recommending to newcomers. by Len Sousa
Cam'ron - Crime Pays: Music Review
Cam'ron is as much of a clown as he is an MC. by Jesse Cataldo
Social Lending | A Better Alternative to Conventional Loans?
The recession and our personal responsibility
How to Work With a Recruiter | Top Five Tips to a Successful Business Relationship
Take the Opportunity to be Educated
3 Job Search Q & A's: Michigan Edition
Used cars or new cars?
Resume Objectives: What Do You Want?
"I’d really love to see you tonight" by England Dan and John Ford Coley
3 Surefire Steps Towards Debt Elimination
Business Mobile Phone Best Deals
Manage Your Time And Achieve More
Hi Everyone, I talked before about setting goals so I hope you did some goal setting for the short, medium and longer term. Make your goals very specific and measurable otherwise how will you ever know whether they were achieved or not. Make them too vague and you will always achieve what you set out too [...]
Hi Everyone,
I talked before about setting goals so I hope you did some goal setting for the short, medium and longer term. Make your goals very specific and measurable otherwise how will you ever know whether they were achieved or not. Make them too vague and you will always achieve what you set out too but you will be fooling yourself and your goals will be nothing more than a complete waste of time.
Time is not something we should waste and like some of the other resources that we have at our disposal (water, fresh air etc) our time will eventually run out. Yes we will die. We know that that is inevitable and yet so many of us continue to waste what little time we have left to us.
Remember to check out: www.manageyourtime.org
Start today by making every second count and work towards all those goals that you have set yourself.
A good manager of time can have an extra 10 hours per week if not more at their disposal than someone who wastes time and procrastinates.
Find those 10 hours and visit: www.manageyourtime.org
10 hours per week is 520 hours per year. Just think what else you could achieve with all this extra time at your disposal.
We never know what is around the proverbial corner so none of us know just exactly how much time we have left.
Make sure you cram as much into your time as you possibly can.
Until the next time !!!
Julie
There Are 24 Hours In A Day
Hi Everyone, If there are 24 hours in a day why do so many people keeping saying “there aren’t enough hours in a day”. Is it their excuse for not getting everything they need to get done, done ? I’ve made a number of postings and covered a wide range of subjects within the Time Mangement arena so [...]
Hi Everyone,
If there are 24 hours in a day why do so many people keeping saying “there aren’t enough hours in a day”. Is it their excuse for not getting everything they need to get done, done ?
I’ve made a number of postings and covered a wide range of subjects within the Time Mangement arena so I sincerely hope that some of the information has been helpful and that you have implemented some of the tips and strategies discussed.
I have pointed you in the direction of very useful products that can help you including:
These sites are not gimmicky and full of super slick sales copy that makes you want to throw up. They are serious sites with affordable products that can genuinely help you have a better life. There is no multi millionaire Internet Marketing Guru hiding behind the sites either. Don’t you just hate those sites.
Most of us are more than capable of achieving anything that we desire BUT most of us need help along the way.
I am currently researching some other helpful self improvement products and hope to be in a position to tell you all about them shortly.
Meanwhile, please feel free to send your time saving tips to me so that they can be shared. Knowledge is pointless when you keep it to yourself.
Cheers
Julie
Time Saving Tips
Hi Everyone, Please submit your time saving tips here so that they can be shared with others who are struggling to make ends meet with their 24 hours per day. Get the help you need from: www.manageyourtime.org and see what a difference a well organised, well ordered life can do for you. Work hard and play hard. But do [...]
Hi Everyone,
Please submit your time saving tips here so that they can be shared with others who are struggling to make ends meet with their 24 hours per day.
Get the help you need from: www.manageyourtime.org and see what a difference a well organised, well ordered life can do for you.
Work hard and play hard. But do get the balance right.
Julie
Don’t Arrive Too Early
Hi Everyone, Hope you have all had a relaxing yet productive weekend.Now that spring has sprung the garden had to be tackled and the tidy up has begun. Hard work but very satisfying. My arms and legs are really aching this morning !!! Anyway, I hate being late, I hate waiting for people to arrive and I [...]
Hi Everyone,
Hope you have all had a relaxing yet productive weekend.Now that spring has sprung the garden had to be tackled and the tidy up has begun. Hard work but very satisfying. My arms and legs are really aching this morning !!!
Anyway, I hate being late, I hate waiting for people to arrive and I have a tendency to arrive for appointments very early. When I sat back and examined this I realised that I was wasting a lot of my valuable time. What I do now is really think about what time I need to set off for any appointments and if there is a danger that I may get held up in traffic I allow a bit of extra time. I like to arrive only 10 minutes early these days and I take my unread post with me so that during those 10 minutes I can read it.
Make sure you check out: www.manageyourtime.org
We all want extra time available to us during the good weather so plans do need to be adjusted to build this time in. Remember unless you plan for it it will probably never happen.
Until the next time
Julie
I Need To Know…….
Hi Everyone, How often do we say: I Need To Know ? I say it all the time and I’m not too sure what I used to do before GOOGLE. Anyway, at some point today I was wondering about the origin of the phrase………a stitch in time saves nine. I googled it and got some very wierd and wonderful [...]
Hi Everyone,
How often do we say: I Need To Know ?
I say it all the time and I’m not too sure what I used to do before GOOGLE.
Anyway, at some point today I was wondering about the origin of the phrase………a stitch in time saves nine.
I googled it and got some very wierd and wonderful results, some of which I can assure you had absolutely nothing to do with time management !!! Call me narrow minded but I still cannot work out what the phrase has got to do with sex. Have you noticed how most searches end up finding sex or religion. Made me wonder whether I should have called this blog: Time Management Solutions For All God Fearing Sexy People !!! I’d probably get more visitors and comments.
Anyway, here is something I can show you without blushing:
A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
That old proverb isn’t just about sewing, oh, no. Proverbs 17 contains a choice morsel with a similar application:
The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
Another folk proverb along these lines is about ‘nipping it in the bud.’ That is, the best time to deal with an issue is before it becomes an issue.
OK, that is that sorted.I had now set myself off thinking about other sayings.
To Kill Two Birds With One Stone. Here’s one woman’s explanation of what it means:
The saying is “kill two birds with one stone.” It is used when someone does one thing and it solves two problems. For example, I live about 40 minutes from the nearest grocery store, so when I go for food, I also make a stop at Walmart for the things I need. While I am out, I kill two brids with one stone. The person may or may not mean to solve two problems, they may have only thought about one outcome, but when a second thing happens because of the thing they did or said, and it is one that they like, they can say that phrase. I hope this helps.
Strange too how Walmart crops up a lot !!!
And in Italy they say: “Prendere due piccioni con una fava”.
The translation word by word is:
“To catch two pigeons with one bean”. Isn’t that great. It made my afternoon.
Ciao until tomorrow
Julie
Get Your Priorities Right
Hi Everyone, This can be a useful test to really see how your attitude and approach to time management has changed. Imagine that your cherished home is constructed of wood. It catches fire and you have at most 11 minutes to rescue items form your house that you really need to save from the fire. Consider what you would [...]
Hi Everyone,
This can be a useful test to really see how your attitude and approach to time management has changed.
Imagine that your cherished home is constructed of wood. It catches fire and you have at most 11 minutes to rescue items form your house that you really need to save from the fire.
Consider what you would do first and then next and so on.
The answers you give will confirm whether you have got your priorities right, whether you are realistic in what can be achieved in the time available and whether you are getting better at setting your goals.
I’ll be back soon with some answers.
Meanwhile you can get help with your Time Management skills at: www.manageyourtime.org
Julie
How To Manage Your Time
Ok Folks, I take it you are all too busy to send me your time savings tips !!! Please take a few moments to post your best time saving tips here as they will help other readers. Don’t forget that you can get help with your time management skills or lack of them at: www.manageyourtime.org Life is short and [...]
Ok Folks,
I take it you are all too busy to send me your time savings tips !!!
Please take a few moments to post your best time saving tips here as they will help other readers.
Don’t forget that you can get help with your time management skills or lack of them at: www.manageyourtime.org
Life is short and you need to ensure you make the best use of your time as is possible.
Cheers
Julie
Can You Plan For Everything ?
Hi Everyone, It has been a while since I was last here. All the planning in the world cannot prepare you for illness. Yes, I have had a really bad dose of flu. I don’t mean a bad cold or a few sniffles either. I mean real honest to goodness flu. The can’t get out of [...]
Hi Everyone,
It has been a while since I was last here. All the planning in the world cannot prepare you for illness. Yes, I have had a really bad dose of flu. I don’t mean a bad cold or a few sniffles either. I mean real honest to goodness flu. The can’t get out of bed type of flu when it is really difficult to lift your head off the pillow. I still feel ragged around the edges and my limbs are still sore but I am on the mend.
So things have piled up and they are well behind. Lots of things that needed to be done that just did not get done. Obviously, some of these things just did not matter sufficiently and will get planned into the forward plan and a short exercise in prioritisation will attend to the rest.
I feel very calm and relaxed about it all because I know that after a few very busy days the status quo will resume and all will be well again.
Do I now feel under pressure to catch up. A little but I also know that I am recovering from real flu and the body needs time to recover. So one day at a time and I will delegate more to my husband until I am back to full strength.
Take a look at: www.manageyourtime.org
It will really help you focus upon what is important in the grand scheme of things.
I’ll be back soon.
Cheers
Julie
d,na
I hate fsckin' ZF-Jvaqbjf: "Warning! Using this remote administration tool will do something totally irrational, and completely the opposite of making the change locally! Decline to be rectally wirebrushed? [No] [Yes]"
And people wonder why I joke about not having grey hairs before I went into this business...
back from .SG
Back from my little trip to Singapore -- a few photos are up on Flickr, let me know if you'd like to see them, and I'll set you up as a contact etc.!
Pax.
oh, good
A bit of a weight off my mind, really, considering some of the options...
You’re St. Justin Martyr! You have a positive and hopeful attitude toward the world. You think that nature, history, and even the pagan philosophers were often guided by God in preparation for the Advent of the Christ. You find “seeds of the Word†in unexpected places. You’re patient and willing to explain the faith to unbelievers. Find out which Church Father you are at The Way of the Fathers! That's m' boy! Today's occasion for rage is the TO DO function of Ybghf Abgrf, synced with a Cnyz, via Ybghf RnflFlap. Now, a TO DO list is surely not rocket science. In fact, it's probably one of the earliest functions of the "personal" computer: A stored list, ordered and sorted to push work from the brain to the machine. Practically what the jolly things there for, what? But no. Despite running mucho $LOCALCURRENCY to rent ("license") and operate, and having the proprietary Ybghf RnflFlap software widget to wrangle the oh-so-elaborate TO DO from Cnyz-speak to Ybghf Abgrf -talk, the list, viewed in the utterly krep! client view so characteristic of Ybghf Abgrf, is trashed. Imagine chavs ransacking a house for spare change to buy pot or some alcoholic swill like Bud Light, and you'll have a picture of the TO DO list's end state: disordered, messy, inverted, garbage from months ago strewn across the screen. Let's just say I don't go for that white trash trailerpark look. Obviously, this list, besides being useless to me in this state, is utterly unsuited to being printed out and used for a discussion with my unP-HB about my work tasks and priorities. Bah. So... How about the native Cnyz software that should work with the gadget? Yeah, I bet you think you're clever. Fear not: Ybghf RnflFlap now intercepts all TO DO data, and diverts it from the native software, leaving the Cnyz software with a list as old as the day you installed RnflFlap. Unless you're daft enough to present the boss with a list that says you've tracked nothing (or done nothing) the last 5 months, it's Ybghf Abgrf holding you hostage. Kill it! Kill it with fire! On a Tuesday following the Monday where the car died, forcing us to push it out of the middle of the apartment complex parking lot (uphill, of course!) until I could return to climb into the hood and scrub the battery terminal until the happy sparks returned, and in which I spent all morning talking about how we (werk) are likely going to hand off the mega-project of our org's data revamp to a (thankfully rather clueful) contractor, giving me a serious case of envy... Yeah, the rage is your friend. The fire is fuel, it keeps us warm as night closes in... This Is A Tale Of... Your Challenge Will Be... The Simulationist heartbreaker is to speak "In A World Where..." in such a way that the theme of the Tale and the Challenge contain the seeds of their own expression...
eat more rage -- it puts a fire in your belly!
When you're a sysadmin by practice (irrespective of title), you find that God gives the gift of rage every day. It is a fire which may come down and consume all at any time. the fire staves off despair, and throws the followers of falsehood (vendors, spammers, misbehaving hardware) into confusion and panic.
Microsoft message of the day
I kid you not: Some downloads are made available only after users have validated their versions of Microsoft Windows. Firefox and Netscape Navigator browser users may install a helper program, the Windows Genuine Advantage plug-in, to enhance their download experience.
Obviously, I have not been hitting the cheap gin hard enough lately.
Basic game-play styles...
I think that there's basically just the three gameplay styles, and they break down something like this: In A World Where...
And so different interests are described by those different hooks; some people want to know what the challenge will be and how they'll overcome obstacles for their ultimate reward. Others want themes of import: betrayal, family loyalty, wanderlust, revenge, true love... Some of us are all 'let a hundred flowers bloom' for expressing 'In a world where..."
Low Pay: Marketing assistant
Opportunity for a bright young spark with an interest in the business side of theatre. A capable, independent, creative individual is sought to promote The Theatre Company's Autumn and Winter tour of its award winning family musical Bink and The Hairy Fairy. The tour will be visiting premier venues across the country including The Tricycle, The Lowry, Theatre Royal Bury and The Yvonne Arnaud. Please click here for more details about the show. Payment is via a competitive commission based incentive - so the better you are the better you do. If you have the confidence and imagination to take on this rewarding post contact The Artistic Director to apply for an interview.
Improving Capacity Through Virtual Call Centers
Here's a scenario: how does a company gain10 times the call center capacity while reducing tech support and maintenance costs by 41 percent? Virtual call centers. Here's a link to an article in ComputerWeekly.com detailing a Scottish utility company that... Here's a scenario: how does a company gain10 times the call center capacity while reducing tech support and maintenance costs by 41 percent?
Virtual call centers. Here's a link to an article in ComputerWeekly.com detailing a Scottish utility company that managed to accomplish the seemingly impossible via its Siemens Hipath DX/Genesys integrated contact center to expand its base call capacity to 250,000 calls an hour on a "pay-as-you-go basis."
TES
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How to be a Toolbox and Complain about Success
this is what got my attention: Pete Waterman, the force behind dozens of multi-million selling chart hits, claims he is being “exploited” by internet giant Google. say what? oh yeah. and he goes on… The 62-year-old said the Rick Astley classic Never Gonna Give You Up, which he co-wrote and which was the subject of a YouTube craze [...]
this is what got my attention:
Pete Waterman, the force behind dozens of multi-million selling chart hits, claims he is being “exploited” by internet giant Google.
say what?
oh yeah. and he goes on…
The 62-year-old said the Rick Astley classic Never Gonna Give You Up, which he co-wrote and which was the subject of a YouTube craze last year, had earned him just £11 from Google, despite being viewed 154 million times
and on…
“Panorama did a documentary on the exploitation of foreign workers in Dubai,” he said.
“I feel like one of those workers, because I earned less for a year’s work off Google or YouTube than they did off the Bahrain government.”
okay, tool. lemme explain how this works to you really, really quickly and easily.
- for the last 15 years, your song was lounging in obscurity. we’re talking “6-digit amazon sales rank” obscurity.
- google “exploits” you with rickrolling.
- you can actually see a trend line tying rickrolling with a sales rank increase of “Never Gonna Give You Up” — yes. sales of the single, not just ad impressions.
- in fact, it puts your track at number 77 on the amazon charts selling up to 2500 units in a week. that’s money from a sale of your song every… 4… minutes….
- you are worth £47 million. ($68 million for those of us in the colonies.)
just for kicks, let’s look at what being 77 on the amazon download store means. as of right now, that’s more popular than artists like kayne west, kenny chesney and the killers. all (despite your taste in music) much, much more relevant today than rick astley.
wtf, noob?
by the power vested in me, i hearby declare you a toolbox and revoke your ability to complain about anything, ever on the interweb!
m3mnoch.
Freemium Cash
okay. i’ll be the first one who says it: we all know that freemium games pwn subscription games as far as subscribers. this is what you don’t know yet: before the end of the year ‘09, runes of magic will announce they’ve also pwnt all of the subscription-based games’ revenue numbers — wow excepted, of course. whew. [...]
okay. i’ll be the first one who says it:
we all know that freemium games pwn subscription games as far as subscribers. this is what you don’t know yet: before the end of the year ‘09, runes of magic will announce they’ve also pwnt all of the subscription-based games’ revenue numbers — wow excepted, of course.
whew. glad to get that off my chest.
m3mnoch.
World of WARGloat
back in september, i seem to remember making a bold statement about how, in order to be successful, war didn’t get to “opt out” of competing with wow despite whatever mark jacobs has to say. in fact, i have here, documented, a friendly wager with my friend voorshwa. oooh! i smell a wager! i say: by april of [...]
back in september, i seem to remember making a bold statement about how, in order to be successful, war didn’t get to “opt out” of competing with wow despite whatever mark jacobs has to say.
in fact, i have here, documented, a friendly wager with my friend voorshwa.
oooh! i smell a wager!
i say: by april of next year, war has fewer than 200k subs.
the bet will be the loser pays the other one’s fantasy football dues next season. (*sigh* my draft this year evidently sucked…)
deal?
so, now, i introduce my plan to win that wager…
step 1:
Mythic Entertainment, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) studio, today announced that 750,000 players have registered for the critically acclaimed fantasy MMORPG, Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning® (WAR) in North America, Europe and the Oceanic territories.
step 2:
Warhammer® Online: Age of Reckoning®, an MMO from EA’s Mythic Entertainment studio, ended the quarter with over 300K paying subscribers in North America and Europe.
step 3:
?
step 4:
profit!
sounds like a plan to me.
m3mnoch.
Dell Should Have Consulted More Women
Realizing perhaps that the female netbook/notebook computer market is steadily growing, Dell decided to launch its own specialized shop called Della. Nothing fancy here. Really, it's just your usual specialty shop hig