Michael Kanellos over at CNet has a good post on the negative effects of our glut of choices.
Killing me softly with salad dressing choices
"Studies back this up. In a grocery store experiment, a table loaded with 24 types of jams got many visitors, but sales were ten times higher when only six jams were offered. In a study of the 401K plans at 1,500 companies, participation in retirement plans dropped 2 percent every time ten more investment choices were added to the mix. In speed dating, participants had a greater chance of hooking up if they met six, rather than twelve, people in a session."
They think that intelligent filters may help people narrow their choices, but how do you put an intelligent filter on a grocery store isle?
It's curious that I saw this today because I thin there is a lot of opportunity in the filtering business.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Quote of the day
"Photography, alone of the arts, seems perfected to serve the desire humans have for a moment - this very moment - to stay."
- Sam Abell
via AMA e-news
- Sam Abell
via AMA e-news
Friday, March 10, 2006
Quote of the day
"When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt."
Henry J. Kaiser (1882-1967) American industrialist
via daily e-mail from justsell.com
Henry J. Kaiser (1882-1967) American industrialist
via daily e-mail from justsell.com
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Michigan makes the Crazy Street Names List
Take medication, get a gambling habit.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Tenacious Kids - A Tribute to Tribute
OK, I'm so behind the times. I had never heard Tribute, byTenacious D, until Monday evening. I smiled all the way though it. It seemed to me a rockin' spoof of "The Devil Went Down to George". So now Noel links to some kids acting it out.
Come to think of the Spartan hoopers could use some Tenacious D, too. Maybe I should send a CD to Coach Izzo.
Come to think of the Spartan hoopers could use some Tenacious D, too. Maybe I should send a CD to Coach Izzo.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
DIY Simpson's character
Every house needs a hidden passageway
This company specializes in hidden passageways for your home or business I suppose. You can pay to have them installed or do it yourself. Click on Videos to see animation of the designs. The
My favorite is the chair that is also the secret entrance to a spiral slide. ( Click on Animation #4) The little kids would be using this one all of the time. "Excuse me I have to go downstairs to get something again"
They claim it increases the value of your home. Of course, it will create buzz in the neighborhood, too.
via reddit.com
My favorite is the chair that is also the secret entrance to a spiral slide. ( Click on Animation #4) The little kids would be using this one all of the time. "Excuse me I have to go downstairs to get something again"
They claim it increases the value of your home. Of course, it will create buzz in the neighborhood, too.
via reddit.com
Friday, February 10, 2006
If you like to watch the Winter Olympics
We'll definitely be tuning in for some Olympic action. My family has had an interest in the Winter Olympics as far back as I can remember. My Dad grew up in St. Moritz, Switzerland, where they hosted the Winter Olympics in the 50's and my dad and his buddies also did a lot of winter sports on their own.
If your following the Olympics in the U.S. of A., NBC has well designed page for you to keep up on things.
This first page gives you the TV schedule for all of their coverage.
Another page is a table of days and Sports with Medal Days marked with what else, a medal. Click on the day your interested in and you get a run down of everything going on that day and what time it is occurring in Torino time. If you want to see the event schedule for a specific sport, click on it, and you can the entire schedule of events in that sport. Smart.
Now if I had a Tivo to skip all of the commercials. Which reminds me, David Pogue has another good post on human friendly design that mentions the Tivo. Did you know the Tivo takes into account the delay between you seeing where you want to be in the show and pressing the play button. Nice.
But I digress. Go USA. Go Switzerland, Schweiz, Suisse, Svizzera, Helvetica.
The Swiss have four native languages. German, French, Italian, and Romantsch. Swiss-German, a dialect of German that most Germans cannot understand, and Romantsch were the primary languages of my parents when they came to the US. Both of these are dialects and are not written languages. This may be a partial explanation for why this immigrant's son doesn't have perfect spelling. That and the fact that for Mom and Dad English was a second language.
But I digress, again. Now back to work all of you.
If your following the Olympics in the U.S. of A., NBC has well designed page for you to keep up on things.
This first page gives you the TV schedule for all of their coverage.
Another page is a table of days and Sports with Medal Days marked with what else, a medal. Click on the day your interested in and you get a run down of everything going on that day and what time it is occurring in Torino time. If you want to see the event schedule for a specific sport, click on it, and you can the entire schedule of events in that sport. Smart.
Now if I had a Tivo to skip all of the commercials. Which reminds me, David Pogue has another good post on human friendly design that mentions the Tivo. Did you know the Tivo takes into account the delay between you seeing where you want to be in the show and pressing the play button. Nice.
But I digress. Go USA. Go Switzerland, Schweiz, Suisse, Svizzera, Helvetica.
The Swiss have four native languages. German, French, Italian, and Romantsch. Swiss-German, a dialect of German that most Germans cannot understand, and Romantsch were the primary languages of my parents when they came to the US. Both of these are dialects and are not written languages. This may be a partial explanation for why this immigrant's son doesn't have perfect spelling. That and the fact that for Mom and Dad English was a second language.
But I digress, again. Now back to work all of you.
Friday, February 03, 2006
World Wide Waste of Time
Monday, January 30, 2006
David Pogue on Design
I love to read David Pogue. He writes and keeps a blog on the New York Times site. He also publishes a series of books called the Missing Manual. One more reason to live him, he's a Mac guy.
His most recent post was a response to critics of his last review of the Motorola RAZR and the Samsung Blade.
His final sentence really hits at the heart of a lot of the challenges of modern technology.
In phones, as in people, looks are important — in getting your attention. But for a happy long-term relationship, it's the software design that counts.
If you can't figure out how to use it, all the power and features on your new tech toy are worthless. To me this is the challenge of technology. Making it easy to use. There is a monstrously large business opportunity in this area.
Some say the iPod succeeds because of it's good looks. Some add because of it's ease of use. Other players have these. The iPod works because it's easy from end to end. The iTunes Music Store, the sync up and the use. None of their competitors seem to have executed the whole package from end to end.
His most recent post was a response to critics of his last review of the Motorola RAZR and the Samsung Blade.
His final sentence really hits at the heart of a lot of the challenges of modern technology.
In phones, as in people, looks are important — in getting your attention. But for a happy long-term relationship, it's the software design that counts.
If you can't figure out how to use it, all the power and features on your new tech toy are worthless. To me this is the challenge of technology. Making it easy to use. There is a monstrously large business opportunity in this area.
Some say the iPod succeeds because of it's good looks. Some add because of it's ease of use. Other players have these. The iPod works because it's easy from end to end. The iTunes Music Store, the sync up and the use. None of their competitors seem to have executed the whole package from end to end.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Social IQ testing
So, MJ tells me tonight that they have new Iq tests for social IQ. Apparently those with higher social IQ's make better doctors than pute intellectual geek types.
All I know, is I 'd flunk.
You think I'm joking, don't you.
Now, stop that.
All I know, is I 'd flunk.
You think I'm joking, don't you.
Now, stop that.
A LOT of bikes
I'm watching a PBS travel show that is in China this week. Apparently 33% of the bikes in the world are in China. There are 8 million bikes in Beijing alone. Do you think the Chinese know something about making bikes?
The most recent edition of Bicycling magazine did a piece on the best bicycling cities. They limited themselves to the Us of course, but I have to think you can really get around well on a bike in Beijing. Eight million riders couldn't be wrong . . . right?
An unrelated tidbit. We always hear how the Asian diet is so much better than ours. That we Westerners choke on all of the fat we imbibe. Well when this traveler goes to market what does she pick-up? Deep-fried dough. Kind of looked like an elephant ear. Go figure.
The most recent edition of Bicycling magazine did a piece on the best bicycling cities. They limited themselves to the Us of course, but I have to think you can really get around well on a bike in Beijing. Eight million riders couldn't be wrong . . . right?
An unrelated tidbit. We always hear how the Asian diet is so much better than ours. That we Westerners choke on all of the fat we imbibe. Well when this traveler goes to market what does she pick-up? Deep-fried dough. Kind of looked like an elephant ear. Go figure.
Great Design: What is Design?
We are working on our worflows in my business and I found this piece on design via reddit.com. It pretty well summarizes the challenge we're facing at Audible Business, and all of us for that matter are facing, in designing solutions.
Here's an excerpt for you lazy folks.
"When you're designing something, you often have a lot of conflicting constraints.
In fact, that's a key part of design: resolving all of these conflicting goals."
""So," you think, "simplicity, is that it?" No! I wish it was that easy!"
"Design is something you only have to pay for once for your product. It's a part of the fixed costs in the equation, not the variable costs. But it adds value to every unit sold. That's what Thomas C. Gale, the famous Chrysler automobile designer who retired in 2001, meant when he said that "Good design adds value faster than it adds cost.""
Here's an excerpt for you lazy folks.
"When you're designing something, you often have a lot of conflicting constraints.
In fact, that's a key part of design: resolving all of these conflicting goals."
""So," you think, "simplicity, is that it?" No! I wish it was that easy!"
"Design is something you only have to pay for once for your product. It's a part of the fixed costs in the equation, not the variable costs. But it adds value to every unit sold. That's what Thomas C. Gale, the famous Chrysler automobile designer who retired in 2001, meant when he said that "Good design adds value faster than it adds cost.""
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Male dancers drawn to the athleticism of the art
Here's a piece on men and dance from Grand Rapid Press.
Male dancers drawn to the athleticism of the art
Since I know you probably won't go there, here's an exerpt:
"We need to dispel the stereotype," said Laura Berman, associate artistic director of Grand Rapids Ballet Company and director of its school. "Dance is not for pansies or the weak of heart."
The athletic challenge is the biggest attraction for boys, several dance instructors say.
"Once guys get into (ballet), nine times out of 10 they are hooked, because it's a lot more difficult and requires a real discipline that they seem to like," Baum said.
"It's more difficult than any sport I've ever played," said Faucher, who was a three-sport athlete in high school and earned a college scholarship in baseball. "It demands more balance and muscularity."
That's what 10-year-old Nick Rivas is seeking when he rushes from football practice at Holland's Woodside Elementary School to get instruction at Turning Pointe. He sees what he learns in dance as a way to improve his performance in sports.
"It's hard work; my muscles get sore. But I think I will stay with it pretty long. I like doing it," Rivas said.
Male dancers drawn to the athleticism of the art
Since I know you probably won't go there, here's an exerpt:
"We need to dispel the stereotype," said Laura Berman, associate artistic director of Grand Rapids Ballet Company and director of its school. "Dance is not for pansies or the weak of heart."
The athletic challenge is the biggest attraction for boys, several dance instructors say.
"Once guys get into (ballet), nine times out of 10 they are hooked, because it's a lot more difficult and requires a real discipline that they seem to like," Baum said.
"It's more difficult than any sport I've ever played," said Faucher, who was a three-sport athlete in high school and earned a college scholarship in baseball. "It demands more balance and muscularity."
That's what 10-year-old Nick Rivas is seeking when he rushes from football practice at Holland's Woodside Elementary School to get instruction at Turning Pointe. He sees what he learns in dance as a way to improve his performance in sports.
"It's hard work; my muscles get sore. But I think I will stay with it pretty long. I like doing it," Rivas said.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Free Monk TV episode on iTunes Music Store
Apple is offering a free download of a Monk episode "Mr. Monk and Other Detective". Jason Alexander is in this episode and quite funny I might ad. You will need iTunes to get it of course, but that's free, too.
I downloaded it yesterday and I thoroughly enjoyed it while riding my bike, on the stationary trainer, and laughing out loud. I think I could get hooked on this watching what you want to, when you want to thing.
If Apple's goal in givng away this episode is to get buzz. It's obviously working on me.
I downloaded it yesterday and I thoroughly enjoyed it while riding my bike, on the stationary trainer, and laughing out loud. I think I could get hooked on this watching what you want to, when you want to thing.
If Apple's goal in givng away this episode is to get buzz. It's obviously working on me.
Writing Struggles
This one goes out to someone I know and love who has struggled with writing. I thought of you when I read this. Not sure it helps, but I thought of you.
"I think all good writing is a struggle. To write as well as you feel you can has to be a struggle, almost by definition, because you could always improve."
- Jane Asher
"I think all good writing is a struggle. To write as well as you feel you can has to be a struggle, almost by definition, because you could always improve."
- Jane Asher
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
On our freedom
I was talking with a friend today about beer at church sponsored events. I in my great wisdom pointed out that it's not prohibited to drink or allow drinking at a church event. Later I remembered there are some other tests you should peform to evaluate what your doing. I heard these from Arnold Fruchtenbaum Here are the questions to consider.
1. Is it a weight? Is it something that will hinder? Hebrews 12:1
2. Is it a habit? Will it enslave? I Corinthians 6:12
3. Is it a stumbling block? Especially in relationship to the saved. I Corinthians 8:1-13
4. Is it winsome? Especially in relationship to the unsaved. I Corinthians 10:32 , Collosians 4:5
5. Does it display God effectively? I Corinthians 10:31
1. Is it a weight? Is it something that will hinder? Hebrews 12:1
2. Is it a habit? Will it enslave? I Corinthians 6:12
3. Is it a stumbling block? Especially in relationship to the saved. I Corinthians 8:1-13
4. Is it winsome? Especially in relationship to the unsaved. I Corinthians 10:32 , Collosians 4:5
5. Does it display God effectively? I Corinthians 10:31
Friday, January 06, 2006
Chemical Brothers video
Thanks to Sean for the link to a cool video by the Chemical Brothers, whoever they are. I thought they had rounded up all of the chemical guys already. May part of their sentence was to produce music.
As Sean already pointed out the first 15 seconds are so are not representative of the balance of the video. Take a walk during the Jazzercisers until he gets to the park and you'll enjoy the rest of it.
As Sean already pointed out the first 15 seconds are so are not representative of the balance of the video. Take a walk during the Jazzercisers until he gets to the park and you'll enjoy the rest of it.
Snow riding without a lift ticket, snowcat or helicopter
Not sure why someone didn't think of it sooner,. They've been doing it on surfboards for a while now. Snowkiting.
Here's a NYT piece on it.
I imagine you could get in a heck of a lot of trouble really quick if the wind and terrain conspire against you. Trees, cravasses, cliffs. power lines. Oh my!
On the plus side, you prbably don't get cold like you do at a traditional hill because you never have to chill in the chair.
Here's a NYT piece on it.
I imagine you could get in a heck of a lot of trouble really quick if the wind and terrain conspire against you. Trees, cravasses, cliffs. power lines. Oh my!
On the plus side, you prbably don't get cold like you do at a traditional hill because you never have to chill in the chair.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
DALMAC 2005
Beleive it or not, I've got photographical evidence that I road the DALMAC 2005. This is a shot of Max and I. I'm in the yellow. If you care, to you can see more pictures here. Thanks to Bob Barrie for inviting me to rid ethe DALMAC, and for taking these pictures.
The bummer about doing a tour like this is that it's so hard to take the pictures that do this justice. Four days of fresh air and sunshine, with near perfect temperatures. You have to experience it.
Crossing the Mighty Mac on a bike was special but not nearly as fun as the rest of the ride. It was downright chilly up on the bridge with all that wind blowing over all that cool lake water. Plus you have to ride in a massive group at a relatively slow pace. The wide open spaces, far from the maddening crowds were the best part of the tour.
It's these dark, wet, icy, cold days of winter that make me savor the 4 warm summer days od DALMAC, or even a warm summer training ride for that matter. I may be crazy but a 95 degree day on a bike (it wasn't 95 on DALMAC, only 75) is better than 33 degree day stuck inside. Riding indoor has it's benefits . . . watching football, or a movie, listening to tunes . . . but nothing beats being out on the road miles away from anywhere.
I invite you to join me and 1,500 of my closest friends on DALMAC 2006. You can get all of the details here. Registration opens around the end of January.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
13 things that do not make sense
I came across this article via reddit.com
13 things that do not make sense
What strikes me about this list is that for all that we believe we understand and have figured out, there still big enough gaps remaining in our knowledge that we may discover that we really don't have things so figured out.
What will they look back on in 100 or 500 years and say, "I can't believe they thought (insert current scientific knowledge here). What were they thinking? Those ignorant slobs!"
13 things that do not make sense
What strikes me about this list is that for all that we believe we understand and have figured out, there still big enough gaps remaining in our knowledge that we may discover that we really don't have things so figured out.
What will they look back on in 100 or 500 years and say, "I can't believe they thought (insert current scientific knowledge here). What were they thinking? Those ignorant slobs!"
Steve Jobs movie posters
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Stuff Doesn't Make You Happy . . .
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Monstrous Snow Fort
My brother, Andrew built this monstrosity in thier front yard.
Interesting Facts (from Andrew):
*Yep, that's Jacob standing next to it.
*All of the tunnels connect.
*It took most of the snow in our front yard.
*We think we may make it look like King Kong (In the spirit of Christmas?). We'll put a doll in one hand.
*It will probably melt in a couple of days.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Ebert's Best 10 Movies of 2005
Check out Ebert's Best 10 Movies of 2005 This list caught my attention because the top films are completely unknown to me. I think I need to get out more? hmmm?
Here's the list:
1. Crash
2. Syriana
3. Munich
4. Junebug
5. Brokeback Mountain
6. Me and You and Everyone We Know
7. Nine Lives
8. King Kong
9. Yes
10. Millions
I've only heard of three and seen zero.
Here's the list:
1. Crash
2. Syriana
3. Munich
4. Junebug
5. Brokeback Mountain
6. Me and You and Everyone We Know
7. Nine Lives
8. King Kong
9. Yes
10. Millions
I've only heard of three and seen zero.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Hitchcock quote
"Television is like the invention of indoor plumbing. It didn't change people's habits. It just kept them inside the house."
- Alfred Hitchcock
- Alfred Hitchcock
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
If you want to be funny
Scott Adams blogs on how to be funny. Makes a lot a sense to me. I especially liked this "Pearls Before Swine" strip.. It's got the cruel, cute, bizarre, clever, and recognizable variables all working for it. Maybe part of what humor does is get us past the watchful dragons that C.S. Lewis talks about.
It seems we're not really laughing at the caricatures in Saved or The Simpson,s or anything else for that matter, purely because they are recognizable but also because they're cruel, naughty, cute, bizarre or clever. Being recognizable is only one way to be funny. I've got to do some humor analysis to test this idea.
I have always admired peole who are funny, never knew it was a science. Now, if I can come up with as hypothesis and test it. hmmmmm.
It seems we're not really laughing at the caricatures in Saved or The Simpson,s or anything else for that matter, purely because they are recognizable but also because they're cruel, naughty, cute, bizarre or clever. Being recognizable is only one way to be funny. I've got to do some humor analysis to test this idea.
I have always admired peole who are funny, never knew it was a science. Now, if I can come up with as hypothesis and test it. hmmmmm.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Really Cool IKEA images
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Project Managment
Friday, November 25, 2005
Skier's Dictionary
Snowboarding - Am activity that is popular with the people who do not feel that regular skiing is lethal enough; usually fearless people who can hurtle down a mountainside and knock a tree down with their faces and then spring up and shout, "Cool!"
Friday, November 18, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Turns out the aluminum hat doesn't work.
Check out this piece by some MIT researchers on the government mind control plot. They tested aluminum hats to see if they indeed protect the brain from goverment mind control transmissions.
It turns out instead of blocking frequencies, the hats actually improve reception for some government-controlled frequency ranges.
Hmmm? . . . I wonder? . . . Did governmet operatives spread the idea of putting on the aluminum hats, so they could control us? Dang. You just can't keep the conspiracy theories from continuing to spin.
It turns out instead of blocking frequencies, the hats actually improve reception for some government-controlled frequency ranges.
Hmmm? . . . I wonder? . . . Did governmet operatives spread the idea of putting on the aluminum hats, so they could control us? Dang. You just can't keep the conspiracy theories from continuing to spin.
A Frenchman on gluttony
"Fortunate indeed, is the man who takes exactly the right measure of himself, and holds a just balance between what he can acquire and what he can use."
- Henri Cartier-Bresson
This reminds me I should eBay all of the old junk piling up in my basement. Anyone want some old Mac software?
- Henri Cartier-Bresson
This reminds me I should eBay all of the old junk piling up in my basement. Anyone want some old Mac software?
Monday, November 14, 2005
Ski Groaner
Skier's Dictionary
Thor - The Scandanavian god of acheth and paineth.
Gee, my head is reallly Thor.
Ouch, on so many levels.
(Once again, compliments of Amazing But True Ski Stories daily calendar)
Thor - The Scandanavian god of acheth and paineth.
Gee, my head is reallly Thor.
Ouch, on so many levels.
(Once again, compliments of Amazing But True Ski Stories daily calendar)
Friday, November 11, 2005
Clientcopia
Eric told me about this site. It's got thousands of designer and tech tales of stupidity. Some will get you laughing out loud.
Here's a sample post:
2 a_j_dalton #1609 | Rating: 4.59
HelpDesk (answering phone): "Help Desk' Client: "What's this funny thing on my computer screen?' HelpDesk: 'What's it look like' (Tapping Sound) Client: 'Dammit, it's right here' HelpDesk: 'Uh... are you tapping your screen?' Client: 'Well, duh!' HelpDesk: 'I can't see your finger over the phone.' Client: 'Well then, how the Hell do you expect to help me?' (sad, but absolutely true)
Here's a sample post:
2 a_j_dalton #1609 | Rating: 4.59
HelpDesk (answering phone): "Help Desk' Client: "What's this funny thing on my computer screen?' HelpDesk: 'What's it look like' (Tapping Sound) Client: 'Dammit, it's right here' HelpDesk: 'Uh... are you tapping your screen?' Client: 'Well, duh!' HelpDesk: 'I can't see your finger over the phone.' Client: 'Well then, how the Hell do you expect to help me?' (sad, but absolutely true)
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
For those who want to fight back
Monday, November 07, 2005
We're just too small
Sunday, November 06, 2005
If you dig a hole straight through the earth . . .
If you've ever wondered where you'd come out of the earth if you dug a hole straight through the earth, now you can see wher you'll come out.
This site is a Google Maps "mash up". It's fun to see what people can create when companies open up thier tools for others to play with.
Tip: If you zoom in to precisely select your starting point, you'll want to zoom back out to see your finishing point.
This site is a Google Maps "mash up". It's fun to see what people can create when companies open up thier tools for others to play with.
Tip: If you zoom in to precisely select your starting point, you'll want to zoom back out to see your finishing point.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Predicts your Birth Order in Five Questions
| You Are Likely a Second Born |
 At your darkest moments, you feel inadequate. At work and school. you do best when you're evaluating. When you love someone, you offer them constructive criticism. In friendship, you tend to give a lot of feedback - positive and negative. Your ideal careers are: accounting, banking, art, carpentry, decorating, teaching, and writing novels. You will leave your mark on the world with art and creative projects. |
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Moving in the right direction
What is the deal with Halloween anyway? Is it evil?
Who knew there was an open source brew?
Monday, October 10, 2005
One more award winner
I left out this important Ig Noble prize winner.
LITERATURE: The Internet entrepreneurs of Nigeria, for creating and then using e-mail to distribute a bold series of short stories, thus introducing millions of readers to a cast of rich characters -- General Sani Abacha, Mrs. Mariam Sanni Abacha, Barrister Jon A Mbeki Esq., and others -- each of whom requires just a small amount of expense money so as to obtain access to the great wealth to which they are entitled and which they would like to share with the kind person who assists them.
I know I have been touched by their efforts. I bet you have, too.
LITERATURE: The Internet entrepreneurs of Nigeria, for creating and then using e-mail to distribute a bold series of short stories, thus introducing millions of readers to a cast of rich characters -- General Sani Abacha, Mrs. Mariam Sanni Abacha, Barrister Jon A Mbeki Esq., and others -- each of whom requires just a small amount of expense money so as to obtain access to the great wealth to which they are entitled and which they would like to share with the kind person who assists them.
I know I have been touched by their efforts. I bet you have, too.
Ig Noble Prize Winners
In case you missed it, the Ig Noble prize cermony took place on October 6, 2005.
Here is a listing of the 2005 Winners
Check out the winner in the Economics Category.
ECONOMICS: Gauri Nanda of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for inventing an alarm clock that runs away and hides, repeatedly, thus ensuring that people DO get out of bed, and thus theoretically adding many productive hours to the workday.
Clever.
or this important research breakthrough.
FLUID DYNAMICS: Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow of International University Bremen, Germany and the University of Oulu , Finland; and Jozsef Gal of Loránd Eötvös University, Hungary, for using basic principles of physics to calculate the pressure that builds up inside a penguin, as detailed in their report "Pressures Produced When Penguins Pooh -- Calculations on Avian Defaecation."
I din't think I want to know how you measure that.
Here is a listing of the 2005 Winners
Check out the winner in the Economics Category.
ECONOMICS: Gauri Nanda of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for inventing an alarm clock that runs away and hides, repeatedly, thus ensuring that people DO get out of bed, and thus theoretically adding many productive hours to the workday.
Clever.
or this important research breakthrough.
FLUID DYNAMICS: Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow of International University Bremen, Germany and the University of Oulu , Finland; and Jozsef Gal of Loránd Eötvös University, Hungary, for using basic principles of physics to calculate the pressure that builds up inside a penguin, as detailed in their report "Pressures Produced When Penguins Pooh -- Calculations on Avian Defaecation."
I din't think I want to know how you measure that.
Identity 2.0
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Great skiing adviced
"If you're going to try to cross-country ski, start with a very small country."
Compliments of "Amazing But True Ski Stories Calendar" 9/23/05 entry
Compliments of "Amazing But True Ski Stories Calendar" 9/23/05 entry
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Serious bikers, seats are still dangerous
If your putting in serious time on your bike, your ergonomic seat may still hurt you. This New York Times piece gives all the details.
If you spend a lot of time on a traditional bike seat, read it, and if necessary get a new seat. I am currently using a Specialized Body Geometry seat, compliments of my buddy, Bob, and though it doesn't go as far as the article recommends, it has been tons better than my old arched top seat. You can see Specialized seats here.
Happy trails . . . or roads.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Twisty Word tricks
These are always fun. Thanks to Dan Miller of 48days.com for bringing them to my attention.
-----
The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.
Here are a few of this year's winners:
1. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
2. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
3. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer,
unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
4. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
5. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
6. Glibido: All talk and no action.
7. Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
8. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
9. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
And the pick of the literature:
10. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and a pain in the rear.
-----
The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.
Here are a few of this year's winners:
1. Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.
2. Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
3. Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer,
unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.
4. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.
5. Decafalon (n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.
6. Glibido: All talk and no action.
7. Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.
8. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.
9. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.
And the pick of the literature:
10. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and a pain in the rear.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Quote of the Day
"Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment." -- – Mulla Nasrudin
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Viral flavoring
I've been reading and listening to Seth Godin for quite some time now. I read his post on What Makes an Idea Viral and then went out and experienced it yesterday.
I was driving my daughter to a meeting and we were listening to the radio . . . I know, I know, radio is so 90's . . . and the DJ and sidekick were talking about Jones Soda because they had done something remarkable (worth talking about).
Apparently, last Thanksgiving Jones Soda produced holiday flavors including Turkey & Gravy Soda, Mashed Potato & Butter. Green Bean Casserole sodas in honor of the holiday, The DJ assured us that thier flavors were indeed quite accurate to thier labels. Now, they've added two new flavors for Halloween 2005, Candy Corn and Caramel Apple.
I was so entertained by the flavors I had to go home and tell the rest of the family about them. We'll probably have to try them.
The idea was easy to understand, rewarding to spread (helped maintain my flagging coolness factor), and easy for me to spread. Now I'm spreading it further via this blog.
I was driving my daughter to a meeting and we were listening to the radio . . . I know, I know, radio is so 90's . . . and the DJ and sidekick were talking about Jones Soda because they had done something remarkable (worth talking about).
Apparently, last Thanksgiving Jones Soda produced holiday flavors including Turkey & Gravy Soda, Mashed Potato & Butter. Green Bean Casserole sodas in honor of the holiday, The DJ assured us that thier flavors were indeed quite accurate to thier labels. Now, they've added two new flavors for Halloween 2005, Candy Corn and Caramel Apple.
I was so entertained by the flavors I had to go home and tell the rest of the family about them. We'll probably have to try them.
The idea was easy to understand, rewarding to spread (helped maintain my flagging coolness factor), and easy for me to spread. Now I'm spreading it further via this blog.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Is your favorite food killing you?
California Wants to Serve a Warning With Fries - New York Times If you don't have a log-in you can go to bugmenot.com to "borrow"one.
Apparently fries and potato chips are "packed with acrylamide", a chemical proven to cause cancer in mice and rats. Add to that the high level of trans-fats and you've got a formula for . . .a ban, no, just a warning label.
No matter how long or how healthy you live, everyone will eventually die. The papers never write about that, and it will impact 100% of their readers.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
This is insane.
This photo was taken at the Southern-most point in the Continental US in Key West, Florida. I've been there. It was much sunnier and drier that day. Where the object of insanity is standing, there is no fence or any other barrier keeping him from being swept out to sea. Certifiably insane!
Buy my PowerMac
Friday, September 16, 2005
Inside joke for my 80's roomies
New age musician Vollenweider to appear in Apple stores
I found Vollenweedie, our households pet name for him, on the ITunes Music Store and you know what. All of his songs sound the same. I guess that makes him the 80's equivalent to Jack Johnson. The beauty of listening to Vollenweedie was that Geo's sister got us promotional copies of his album for free. The down side was actually listening to it. I guess if he won a few Grammy's someone must like his music.
I found Vollenweedie, our households pet name for him, on the ITunes Music Store and you know what. All of his songs sound the same. I guess that makes him the 80's equivalent to Jack Johnson. The beauty of listening to Vollenweedie was that Geo's sister got us promotional copies of his album for free. The down side was actually listening to it. I guess if he won a few Grammy's someone must like his music.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
What is a skier?
Skier's Dictionary
Skier - One who pays an arm and a leg for the opportunity to break them.
This definition compliments of the daily
"Amazing But True Ski Stories" daily calendar 9/13/05
Friday, August 26, 2005
Old jokes
A friend forwarded some "old" jokes to me and these were some of the best.
"It's scary when you start making the same noises as your coffeemaker."
A reporter interviewing a 104-year-old woman asked: "And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?" the reporter asked. She simply replied, "No peer pressure."
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Science & God
There's a piece on God & Science in the New York Times today.
Scientists Speak Up on Mix of God and Science. (If you aren't registered with them, you can go to bugmenot.com and get a user ID and password to log in.)
It doesn't delve too deeply. If you prefer a more humorous take on God v. science debate, you have to go here to read about the Giant Spaghetti Monster. Thanks to Noel for pointing it out.
Monday, August 22, 2005
"An idea is a point of departure . . . "
"An idea is a point of departure and no more. As soon as you elaborate it, it becomes transformed by thought."
- Pablo Picasso
There's a lot more work to do to make the idea reality.
- Pablo Picasso
There's a lot more work to do to make the idea reality.
Using Virtual Reality to treat war trauma
Wired posted an interesting article on how they are starting totreat battle induced psychological trauma.. Unfortunately, they don't explain the precise role the software plays in the recovery process, so we will have to speculate about that.
My impression is that the psychological trauma has more to do with what you think about what happened to you than what actually happened to you. REvisiting it in VR and developing a different perspective, may be the secret of the treatment. Since they don't tell us, the secret remains a secret.
My impression is that the psychological trauma has more to do with what you think about what happened to you than what actually happened to you. REvisiting it in VR and developing a different perspective, may be the secret of the treatment. Since they don't tell us, the secret remains a secret.
Monday, August 15, 2005
The soul of genius - W.A. Mozart
"Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius."
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
High School LT silence broken
I spent a week in Myrtle Beach with 400 high schoolers a couple weeks ago. The conference was supposed to be for them, but it really was great for me. I took notes, I'll have to share more details later.
It was cool to see the next generation learning, working, and playing together. I had the priviledge of going out to talk with stangers about God with Jeremy and Marissa. Both of them did a great job and were really natural talking with them.
More on LT later, I hope.
It was cool to see the next generation learning, working, and playing together. I had the priviledge of going out to talk with stangers about God with Jeremy and Marissa. Both of them did a great job and were really natural talking with them.
More on LT later, I hope.
Snow Sports Injuries
OK, August is a stran=ge time to bring it up but I saw this link and had to pass it on. A site dedicated to snow sports injuries.
Ski-Injury.com also has useful information on injury prevention. For example, expeirence is a great thing for reducing your probability of getting hurt. Just like on motorcycles, snow riders age 16 to 25 are more likely to be injured. Check it out. Maybe you can keep from hurting yourself out on the slopes.
Think snow. Or go to Argentina, Chile, New Zealand or Australia to ski this month.
Ski-Injury.com also has useful information on injury prevention. For example, expeirence is a great thing for reducing your probability of getting hurt. Just like on motorcycles, snow riders age 16 to 25 are more likely to be injured. Check it out. Maybe you can keep from hurting yourself out on the slopes.
Think snow. Or go to Argentina, Chile, New Zealand or Australia to ski this month.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Truman Capote, a skier, who knew?
"I don't like to ski with other people around because I don't want to be conscious of them. Skiing gives me a terrific sense of freedom. I would define freedom as not having to be around other people."
- Truman Capote
from Amazing but True Ski Stories
- Truman Capote
from Amazing but True Ski Stories
How crazy are Tour fans?
As you follow the Tour de France, you see all kinds of pictures. I'd want this set-up if I was waiting on the course for the riders to fly past.
I'd add a beach umbrella, a black box to surround the screen, and a cooler. Then this set-up would be perfect!
Monday, July 11, 2005
Camping thought for the day
How is it that one careless match can start a forest fire,
but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?
An updated truism
"Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use
the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks"
. . . unless they're on a Windows PC without virus protection. Then they'll be calling you quite soon to fix it.
. . . unless they're on a Windows PC without virus protection. Then they'll be calling you quite soon to fix it.
Friday, July 08, 2005
WiFi Mooching Ethics and Law
After finally getting my first laptop with WiFi capabilities (a sweet little 12" PowerBook with as much horsepower as my old PowerMac) I had to wait a few days for my refurbed Airport Express WiFi hub to arrive. While I was waiting, I thought I'd check and see what, if any, WiFi networks I could detect from my home.
Well it turns out there are two networks out there. This begged a second question. What are the ethics of accessing someone else's WiFi network? I asked Geo for his expert opinion and he indicated it is a no-no. Even if the network is as wide open as a barn door sans cows.
A few days later I was excited to receive my Airport Express and get connected. It was quite easy to and securing my network was simple, too. Noone will have to resist the temptation to access my network. Thanks Apple! And now thanks, to Mike Potter's timely advice, noone wil be able to see it either.
Well, I bring this whole story up because this topic is covered in a CNet article today, FAQ: WiFi Mooching and the Law . Apparently, there are still a lot of questions that are yet to be answered.
For now, I will steer clear of the mooching and stick to the using the office, home, coffeeshop & hotel WiFi. Or mooching from friends.
Well it turns out there are two networks out there. This begged a second question. What are the ethics of accessing someone else's WiFi network? I asked Geo for his expert opinion and he indicated it is a no-no. Even if the network is as wide open as a barn door sans cows.
A few days later I was excited to receive my Airport Express and get connected. It was quite easy to and securing my network was simple, too. Noone will have to resist the temptation to access my network. Thanks Apple! And now thanks, to Mike Potter's timely advice, noone wil be able to see it either.
Well, I bring this whole story up because this topic is covered in a CNet article today, FAQ: WiFi Mooching and the Law . Apparently, there are still a lot of questions that are yet to be answered.
For now, I will steer clear of the mooching and stick to the using the office, home, coffeeshop & hotel WiFi. Or mooching from friends.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Enjoying Mars . . .
I've discovered Mars . . .
. . . Mars Hill Church, that is, podcasts in the iTunes Podcast directory. The messages on Genesis 37 & 38, are quite apropos to the current chapter of moi. Food for action.
Go for a boring trestimony. (You'll have to listen to the Genesis 36 message to get it).
If you don't use iTunes, you can get their Podcast feed here.
If that doesn't work for you, try going here.
. . . Mars Hill Church, that is, podcasts in the iTunes Podcast directory. The messages on Genesis 37 & 38, are quite apropos to the current chapter of moi. Food for action.
Go for a boring trestimony. (You'll have to listen to the Genesis 36 message to get it).
If you don't use iTunes, you can get their Podcast feed here.
If that doesn't work for you, try going here.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Crazy Armstrong stats
Can you tell that I'm getting stoked for the Tour de France?
Discovery Channel has several vignettes called "Chasing #7" and the mention that Lance's resting heart rate is 35 BPM, that's 20 lower thank most people's and and his heart is 1/3 larger than the average man's. That's nuts! No wonder he can crank those pedals!
See the vignettes here. (If you click on the pictures at the top you can avoid repeating the advertisement over and over.)
Discovery Channel has several vignettes called "Chasing #7" and the mention that Lance's resting heart rate is 35 BPM, that's 20 lower thank most people's and and his heart is 1/3 larger than the average man's. That's nuts! No wonder he can crank those pedals!
See the vignettes here. (If you click on the pictures at the top you can avoid repeating the advertisement over and over.)
Monday, June 27, 2005
Pros and cons to competitiveness
Lance Armstrong's three axioms:
1. Evaluate everything on a binary scale.
2. Attack rather than defend.
3. Block out the negative.
While these principles make Armstrong a fearsome competitor, they make him an exceedingly difficult human being. Armstrong divides the world into friends and enemies, and while he is brutal toward his enemies (a trait many Americans saw for the first time when, in a meaningless stage of the Tour de France, Armstrong vindictively chased down an Italian rider who was suing Armstrong for defamation), he can be even nastier to his friends."
The complete review of "Lance Armstrong's War".
1. Evaluate everything on a binary scale.
2. Attack rather than defend.
3. Block out the negative.
While these principles make Armstrong a fearsome competitor, they make him an exceedingly difficult human being. Armstrong divides the world into friends and enemies, and while he is brutal toward his enemies (a trait many Americans saw for the first time when, in a meaningless stage of the Tour de France, Armstrong vindictively chased down an Italian rider who was suing Armstrong for defamation), he can be even nastier to his friends."
The complete review of "Lance Armstrong's War".
Shark Attack
Another excellent post by Seth Godin.
Executive summary: The bad news is, we aren't concerned about things in proportion to thier true significance.
For example, more poeple are killed in deer accidents than shark attacks. The worse news is, it's difficult ot change perceptions, too.
Read the enire post here.
Executive summary: The bad news is, we aren't concerned about things in proportion to thier true significance.
For example, more poeple are killed in deer accidents than shark attacks. The worse news is, it's difficult ot change perceptions, too.
Read the enire post here.
Apple's latest innovation
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Top 100 Movie quotes
Check out this list of top 100 movie quotes.
American Film Institute's Top 100 Quotes From U.S. Films
You may know them even if you never saw the movie. One in that category for me was:
36. "Badges? We ain't got no badges! We don't need no badges! I don't have to show you any stinking badges!", "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," 1948.
American Film Institute's Top 100 Quotes From U.S. Films
You may know them even if you never saw the movie. One in that category for me was:
36. "Badges? We ain't got no badges! We don't need no badges! I don't have to show you any stinking badges!", "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," 1948.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Another note on forwarding e-mails.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Another reason I love being on a Mac.
After switching to Windows for a few years, three years ago I switched back to Apple first using an iBook, and now a PowerMac. It's easier to solve problems, when they do occur, and easier to get answers when you don't know what to do. I guess I'm not the only one who thinks so.
Consumer Reports: Which manufacturers did the best job of answering questions quickly and correctly
Consumer Reports: Which manufacturers did the best job of answering questions quickly and correctly
Monday, May 23, 2005
Reversing the declining interest in the performing arts
Friday, May 20, 2005
Prearrange your tombstone message.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Fear: Good or bad motivator?
Is it or isn't it.
Last week I posted a link to an article that pointed out fear was a poor motivator for change. Now. Seth points out that fear of loss is the best motivator for change. Which is it?
Here are the two pieces and my original post.
Stagnation is Easy, Change is Hard, Seth Godin
Fast Company - Change or Die .
How's fear as a change agent?.
Could it be both. Fear works to maintain the status quo. Thus if you want to get change from others, make an ultimatum that threatens the status quo. If you want to change yourself, get help dealing with your fears and leap forward.
Last week I posted a link to an article that pointed out fear was a poor motivator for change. Now. Seth points out that fear of loss is the best motivator for change. Which is it?
Here are the two pieces and my original post.
Stagnation is Easy, Change is Hard, Seth Godin
Fast Company - Change or Die .
How's fear as a change agent?.
Could it be both. Fear works to maintain the status quo. Thus if you want to get change from others, make an ultimatum that threatens the status quo. If you want to change yourself, get help dealing with your fears and leap forward.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Never, ever, under any circumstances buy anything from Primus.
Those of you who know me, excluding my family, know I am a calm person. Well one telecommunications company seems to have the gift of working past all of that,
Never, ever, under any circumstances buy anything from Primus. They are a telecommunications company that bought out an Iowa company I originally signed up with fir long distance years ago. In my experience, they are at best politely incompetent and at worst, crooks. I don't want to relive all of my experience with them here, but basically they have overcharged me for years, fail to make promised corrections to problems and seem incapable of stopping billing after we cancelled services withe them a month and a half ago.
If your ever bored and want to watch me turn red, and raise my voice sometime, you can ask me for the details.
I'm off to see who takes complaints about telecommunications service providers to. The FCC, the President, The head of the UN?
Never, ever, under any circumstances buy anything from Primus. They are a telecommunications company that bought out an Iowa company I originally signed up with fir long distance years ago. In my experience, they are at best politely incompetent and at worst, crooks. I don't want to relive all of my experience with them here, but basically they have overcharged me for years, fail to make promised corrections to problems and seem incapable of stopping billing after we cancelled services withe them a month and a half ago.
If your ever bored and want to watch me turn red, and raise my voice sometime, you can ask me for the details.
I'm off to see who takes complaints about telecommunications service providers to. The FCC, the President, The head of the UN?
Learn the ways of the grape, he must.
I'm no wine snob, but while traveling through New York a couple summers ago we happened upon a little winery in the finger lakes region on Cayuga Lake, just up the road from Cornell University. Much to my suprise, I discovered three wines there that I actually liked. You see, shortly before this my doctor advised me to start having a glass a day for medicinal purposes. Well I was suprised to find some medicine that I liked. We bought a few bottles. Consumed some myself and shared others with friends.
Unfortunately, when my small supply ran out I came to the realization I could not order more from the winery. Michigan lawe prohibited it. Until now, that is. Today the Supreme Court ruled that Michigan and New York laws that prohibit purchasing wines from other states were a no-no. This good news for those of us who want to order wines from out of state.
Supreme Court sides with wineries.
I'm off now to see if GooseWatch Winery is going to register to ship to Michigan.
For any who are concerned about this new habit of mine, you can relax, because for budgetary readons I have converted to grape juice. Supposedly, the unfermented grape has similar benefits and costs less.
Unfortunately, when my small supply ran out I came to the realization I could not order more from the winery. Michigan lawe prohibited it. Until now, that is. Today the Supreme Court ruled that Michigan and New York laws that prohibit purchasing wines from other states were a no-no. This good news for those of us who want to order wines from out of state.
Supreme Court sides with wineries.
I'm off now to see if GooseWatch Winery is going to register to ship to Michigan.
For any who are concerned about this new habit of mine, you can relax, because for budgetary readons I have converted to grape juice. Supposedly, the unfermented grape has similar benefits and costs less.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
A monkey could paint that
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
How's fear as a change agent?
Fast Company has a great piece on change. They open with this.
What if you were given that choice? For real. What if it weren't just the hyperbolic rhetoric that conflates corporate performance with life and death? Not the overblown exhortations of a rabid boss, or a slick motivational speaker, or a self-dramatizing CEO. We're talking actual life or death now. Your own life or death. What if a well-informed, trusted authority figure said you had to make difficult and enduring changes in the way you think and act? If you didn't, your time would end soon -- a lot sooner than it had to. Could you change when change really mattered? When it mattered most?
Yes, you say?
Try again.
Yes?
You're probably deluding yourself.
You wouldn't change.
Don't believe it? You want odds? Here are the odds, the scientifically studied odds: nine to one. That's nine to one against you. How do you like those odds?
<a href=http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/94/open_change-or-die.html />Fast Company - Change or Die>.
---------
Contrary to what we believe, facts don't have the raw power to change us. They are dependent on our frame of reference. We filter and process facts though our frame. If things don't fit in our frame, we discount or discard them.
Making radical changes is more likely to aid our change than little changes. Small changes don't work very well because they usually have little or no payoff. It's too close to the old way to produce any significant benefits.
And here's the good news, 77% of 333 high-risk heart disease participants in a radical change program, involving a vegetarian low-fat diet, support groups, and meditation, relaxation, yoga, and aerobic exercise kept their new healthier lifestyles for three years after the study and didn't require any medical procedures. Of course, the program focused on the joy of living,
I highly recommend reading the whole article.
Here is Dan Miller's (48days.com) Summary of the article:
• Crisis is not a powerful motivator for change
• Change is not motivated by fear
• Knowing the facts does not cause us to change
• It's easier to make drastic changes than small ones
What if you were given that choice? For real. What if it weren't just the hyperbolic rhetoric that conflates corporate performance with life and death? Not the overblown exhortations of a rabid boss, or a slick motivational speaker, or a self-dramatizing CEO. We're talking actual life or death now. Your own life or death. What if a well-informed, trusted authority figure said you had to make difficult and enduring changes in the way you think and act? If you didn't, your time would end soon -- a lot sooner than it had to. Could you change when change really mattered? When it mattered most?
Yes, you say?
Try again.
Yes?
You're probably deluding yourself.
You wouldn't change.
Don't believe it? You want odds? Here are the odds, the scientifically studied odds: nine to one. That's nine to one against you. How do you like those odds?
<a href=http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/94/open_change-or-die.html />Fast Company - Change or Die>.
---------
Contrary to what we believe, facts don't have the raw power to change us. They are dependent on our frame of reference. We filter and process facts though our frame. If things don't fit in our frame, we discount or discard them.
Making radical changes is more likely to aid our change than little changes. Small changes don't work very well because they usually have little or no payoff. It's too close to the old way to produce any significant benefits.
And here's the good news, 77% of 333 high-risk heart disease participants in a radical change program, involving a vegetarian low-fat diet, support groups, and meditation, relaxation, yoga, and aerobic exercise kept their new healthier lifestyles for three years after the study and didn't require any medical procedures. Of course, the program focused on the joy of living,
I highly recommend reading the whole article.
Here is Dan Miller's (48days.com) Summary of the article:
• Crisis is not a powerful motivator for change
• Change is not motivated by fear
• Knowing the facts does not cause us to change
• It's easier to make drastic changes than small ones
Friends don't let friends forward hoax e-mails.
In recent weeks I've received copies of the same hoax e-mail from 32 different friends, and in fact, I have received variations of the same one many times.
Instead of just deleting the hoax e-mail I like to respond and let the sender know that they are forwarding a hoax e-mail and send them to snopes.com, and the specific address for the history of the particular hoax they are forwarding. Here is an example and in my experience the most popular one:
Bill Gates, Intel, Some other rich person or corporation will send you larg sums of money if you forward this e-mail
People can't resist the offer of large sums of EASY money.
Davin suggested the following as a pre-emptive strike e-mail to send to your friends. Sort of an upstream anti-hoax idea virus.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Are you destroying our trust in email?
Top sign of being an email neophyte:
1. You naively forward hoax emails to everyone you know.
You know those emails that seem too good to be true? They usually start with a claim like, "My older brother is a lawyer for Microsoft and he said this email is totally legit." Then they go on to explain how if you forward the email to so many people, some company will track it and you'll get an easy $50. Or some other silly scheme.
Now, stop yourselves and listen: IT IS A LIE. Do not believe it.
Here are the two easy steps you must take if you want to stop being seen as an email newbie:
1. Highlight the offending email message.
2. Delete the email message before it does further damage.
Good. Remember those steps.
Now, educate yourself. Whenever you feel an urge to forward a seemingly serious email to anyone, especially when there are numerous Fwd: Fwd: Fwd:'s in the subject line, go to a web site that researches these kinds of hoaxes.
Here's a web site that lists a few hoaxes. There are many others.
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
Go forth and forward hoaxes no more.
Now, forward this to 7,000 of your closest friends.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you think this would get people to stop? Probably some, but not all.
Instead of just deleting the hoax e-mail I like to respond and let the sender know that they are forwarding a hoax e-mail and send them to snopes.com, and the specific address for the history of the particular hoax they are forwarding. Here is an example and in my experience the most popular one:
Bill Gates, Intel, Some other rich person or corporation will send you larg sums of money if you forward this e-mail
People can't resist the offer of large sums of EASY money.
Davin suggested the following as a pre-emptive strike e-mail to send to your friends. Sort of an upstream anti-hoax idea virus.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Are you destroying our trust in email?
Top sign of being an email neophyte:
1. You naively forward hoax emails to everyone you know.
You know those emails that seem too good to be true? They usually start with a claim like, "My older brother is a lawyer for Microsoft and he said this email is totally legit." Then they go on to explain how if you forward the email to so many people, some company will track it and you'll get an easy $50. Or some other silly scheme.
Now, stop yourselves and listen: IT IS A LIE. Do not believe it.
Here are the two easy steps you must take if you want to stop being seen as an email newbie:
1. Highlight the offending email message.
2. Delete the email message before it does further damage.
Good. Remember those steps.
Now, educate yourself. Whenever you feel an urge to forward a seemingly serious email to anyone, especially when there are numerous Fwd: Fwd: Fwd:'s in the subject line, go to a web site that researches these kinds of hoaxes.
Here's a web site that lists a few hoaxes. There are many others.
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/hoax.html
Go forth and forward hoaxes no more.
Now, forward this to 7,000 of your closest friends.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you think this would get people to stop? Probably some, but not all.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
'You keep your F; I'm keeping my dream.'
Read this today in a Dan Miller 48days.com e-mail:
When Monty Roberts was in high school, his teacher gave the class the assignment of writing about what they wanted to do when they grew up. Monty wrote that he wanted to own a ranch and raise thoroughbred racehorses. His teacher gave him an 'F' and explained that the dream was unrealistic for a boy living in a camper in the back of a pickup truck. He would never be able to make this a reality. When he offered Monty the chance to rewrite his paper for a higher grade, Monty told him, 'You keep your F; I'm keeping my dream.'
Today, Monty's 154-acre ranch in Solvang, CA is home to world class thoroughbred racehorses and his gentle 'Join Up' methods of training horses (and kids) is the inspiration of companies around the world. He and his wife Pat have raised their own three children as well as 47 foster children, who return regularly to spend time on the ranch. As the 'Horse Whisperer' he inspired the Robert Redford movie that propelled Monty to fame and fortune beyond his wildest boyhood dreams. www.montyroberts.com
Now, who's been trying to talk you out of your dream? Who's been telling you you're crazy and it can't be done? What level of success is that person experiencing? Do you notice that most naysayers and dream kickers are at the bottom themselves? Find people who are already performing at the level at which you'd like to be. You will find they will encourage and inspire you even more.
When Monty Roberts was in high school, his teacher gave the class the assignment of writing about what they wanted to do when they grew up. Monty wrote that he wanted to own a ranch and raise thoroughbred racehorses. His teacher gave him an 'F' and explained that the dream was unrealistic for a boy living in a camper in the back of a pickup truck. He would never be able to make this a reality. When he offered Monty the chance to rewrite his paper for a higher grade, Monty told him, 'You keep your F; I'm keeping my dream.'
Today, Monty's 154-acre ranch in Solvang, CA is home to world class thoroughbred racehorses and his gentle 'Join Up' methods of training horses (and kids) is the inspiration of companies around the world. He and his wife Pat have raised their own three children as well as 47 foster children, who return regularly to spend time on the ranch. As the 'Horse Whisperer' he inspired the Robert Redford movie that propelled Monty to fame and fortune beyond his wildest boyhood dreams. www.montyroberts.com
Now, who's been trying to talk you out of your dream? Who's been telling you you're crazy and it can't be done? What level of success is that person experiencing? Do you notice that most naysayers and dream kickers are at the bottom themselves? Find people who are already performing at the level at which you'd like to be. You will find they will encourage and inspire you even more.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Unique DUI
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Beer ad
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Few artists
"A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist."
- Louis Nizer
- Louis Nizer
Lost in Translation
Something got lost in translation. At a ski lodge in Romania, a sign read:
THE LIFT IS BEING FIXED FOR THE NEXT DAY.
DURING THAT TIME WE REGRET
THAT YOU WILL BE UNBEARABLE.
from Amazing But True Ski Stories daily calendar
THE LIFT IS BEING FIXED FOR THE NEXT DAY.
DURING THAT TIME WE REGRET
THAT YOU WILL BE UNBEARABLE.
from Amazing But True Ski Stories daily calendar
Friday, April 15, 2005
Gordon Moore on the current state of software
"As people make improvements in the interface, the complexity seems to grow, and I think if anything we're losing ground a bit in general purpose computing," Moore said. "They want to offer so many new functions in applications, it's difficult to simplify everything at the same time."
from a MacWorld news article 4/13/05
Simplify, simplify, simplify.
from a MacWorld news article 4/13/05
Simplify, simplify, simplify.
Using the familiar to do something original
"The secret of all effective originality in advertising is not the creation of new and tricky words and pictures, but one of putting familiar words and pictures into new relationships."
- Leo Burnet
- Leo Burnet
Monday, April 11, 2005
Physics lesson on skis
Two objects of greatly different mass zooming down a slope side by side will have the same rate of descent, but the lighter one will have the larger hospital bill.
from "Amazing But True Ski Stores" daily calendar, April, 8, 2005
As you can see, I don't look at this every day.
from "Amazing But True Ski Stores" daily calendar, April, 8, 2005
As you can see, I don't look at this every day.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Turn your back on the crowd
"If you want to conduct the orchestra, you need to turn your back on the crowd." Unknown
"For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ". Gal. 1:10
"For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ". Gal. 1:10
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