My apologies to loyal readers who have patiently waited for a blog post for the past couple of weeks. I've been spending most of my time consulting at a terrific local company, helping them with I.T. support and development projects.
Unfortunately, that has allowed me precious little time to sit down at my laptop and reflect, think, observe and bitch!
More soon! (And thanks for reading.)
Thanks to the Presentation Zen blog, I discovered this tremendous video about environental sustainability and over consumption.
Sounds boring.
Sounds complicated.
This presentation disproves both assumptions. Annie Leonard may have just won a place on my "Hero Wall".
If you had just landed in the U.S. with a mission to understand the political geography of the planet, could you determine how many countries exist in the world?
Not by reading the news.
Based upon mention in mainstream U.S. media, after Iraq, Iran, North Korea and China, it would seem that few other countries exist.
As we debate who has the best foreign policy credentials in the run up to the presidential election, perhaps we should ask our candidates a basic question: "How many countries are there in the world?"
I wonder how many would know the answer.
I didn't. I had to look it up.
There are 195.
When you consider how much focus we invest on Iraq, it seems we have precious time left for any other country (including our own). It also strikes me as odd, that all the bad guys would hole up in one or two countries - when they have a choice of 195.
It's a big world out there. Perhaps its time we recognized that fact.
But there is no more mistakable sign of Spring that the roar of gas engines, that permeate the neighbourhood.
And I'm not taking about lawn mowers. I'm talking about snow blowers.
That's right, snow blowers.
As anyone can tell you, it's not a great idea to store gas powered tools with the gas still in them.
And so the passage into Spring is announced (in my neighborhood, anyway) with a chorus of idling snow blowers, burning off the remaining gas.
I'm becoming a little more environmentally conscious as I get a little older. I never struck me as environmentally responsible running the gas tanks dry of all my yard tools, before putting them away. I have enough guilt using gas powered equipment in the first place. But running gas tanks dry is adding insult to (environmental) injury.
And so, with my new found treehugger conscience (and with gas approaching $4 a gallon), this year I decided to try something different.
No, I'm not going to leave the gas in the tank. That would be engine suicide.
This year I invested in a fluid pump. For a few bucks, FleetFarm provided me with a way to transfer my snow blower gas and avoid adding to the engine choir each Spring.
Too bad it took a city boy thirty years to figure out what every farmer already knows.
Why aren't these things on sale each Spring and Fall? It makes great environmental sense and trust me, there are a LOT of people (at least on my block) who don't know they exist!
As I write this, our local Channel 12 "Weather Center" has wall to wall coverage of snow falling in Wisconsin in March.
Not exactly an unusual event.
Now I'm certain that some small segment of their viewership are really appreciative of Channel 12 telling them that driving will be more difficut than normal, or that there may be some delays on major highways and at the airport or that we should all bundle up because of the weather.
I have a name for this segment of their viewership.
Idiots.
Note to Channel 12: Just scroll event closing information at the bottom of the screen and show us the expected snowfall amounts. And broadcast regular programming.
You're embarrasing yourselves.
We don't need to see the classic TV image of the junior reporter standing in a field, with a ruler, measuring the snowfall. These people went to college for this? It strikes me that meteorologists don't specilize in Weather forecasting. Their true skill is taking the maximum amount of time to tell you the least amount of information. And getting as much "face time" on local TV as possible.
There is far more important television that they could be broadcasting.
Like Regis and Kelly.
I don't know how many of you remember when America was considering switching to the metric system. It was decades ago.
As a Canuck, we were immersed in learning all about centimeters, millimeters and celcius. Frankly, the change was difficult for me because I was at the age where I already was familiar with miles and farenheit.
You all know the ending of the story. Canada switched and the U.S. decided not to.
And the result are expensive speeding tickets for Americans driving through Canada, driving in miles per hour instead of kilometers per hour. (Aside: When the switch from mph to kmph was made, they kept the fines the same - so driving at 10 kph (about 6 mph) over the speed limit cost you the same as if you hade been driving at 10 mph over the limit on the day before conversion! An overnight 40% increase in all speeding fines!)
But I digress.
I wanted to talk about a brand new measurement system invading the U.S. - the 100 Calorie Pack. This brilliant marketing scheme has completely invaded the grocery store shelves, in the same way that bottled water did years ago.
Those clever marketers at all the major food brands are cleverly repackaging their products in increments of 100 Calories and selling them as snacks. They take all the guesswork out of figuring out "serving sizes" based upon the required calorie labelling on the back of all products.
Yup - just dive in. You'll only consume 100 calories.
These companies prey upon those of us (including me) who constantly battle their waistlines - at about twice the price (per portion) of the regular family sized packaging.
Brilliant.
Seems like there are two major discussion threads helping decide who will run for President in the Fall.
The first thread is the rush to outrage and judgement about campaign surrogates who in their zealous support of their preferred candidate, firmly insert their feet into their respective mouths (Geraldine Ferraro from Hillary's camp, and several different religious leaders supporting McCain and Obama.)
The second major discussion, on the Democratic side, is all about math. Mostly delegate count, super-delegate counts and popular vote. To the media's glee, the numbers change daily, presenting yet another news cycle of speculation, parsing candidate comments, body language analysis and a review of what the Late Night Talk Shows are saying about each candidate.
Of course, there's very little discussion of the actual issues. Frankly I'd be surprised if most Democrats could cite the differences between Clinton's and Obama's policy plans. We are all guilty of letting the candidates get away without enough policy specificity.
And we completely let them off the hook when it comes to "election math".
Like how are you planning to pay for all of this?
Last I heard, Social Security was in trouble. Medicare and Medicaid will run out of funding. National Guard troops located at the Mexican border, will begin to be withdrawn as a result of dwindling budgets. There's that war in Afghanistan and Iraq (and soon coming to Iran?) that is draining the life out of future generations of Americans (both literally and figuratively). There's the required infrastructure investments in America's roads, bridges, energy infrastructure and the required investment to address Global Climate change. We're going to require substantial investment in our military simply to rebuild and re-equip our soldiers, sailors, air force and marines.
For our National security sake, we're also going to have to find a way to become energy independent (no oil imports) and that will require significant investment.
And, if we are considering universal healthcare, we will need fat wallets.
So Barack, Hillary, John.... how are you going to pay for all this? Let's have you put on a class in "Election Math".
And may I remind you that the cost of oil is now around $110 a barrel and the number of employed Americans is going DOWN each day.
Let me remind you of the current economic realities, shown at this site, In the past 8 years, our National Debt has grown from $5.7 Trillion dollars to a whopping $9.4 Trillion dollars. Every year we purchase more than we export, currently at a rate in excess of $700 Billion dollars per year!
If you had a family member in these financial straits, you'd recommend credit counselling.
But no one is talking about it.
Because for the Democrats, getting elected is about keeping people focused on change, on hope and dreams and a wish list of social initiatives. For the Republicans it's about trying to scare people into believing you're the only people who can protect America from the bad guys.
In case the past eight years haven't taught you the lesson, let me spell it out for you. Getting elected and governing are two very different skill sets. It's one thing to make it to the Oval Office.
It's quite another to be "Ready on Day 1" with a maxed-out credit card.
Hillary? Barack? John? Your responses?
As a Canadian living in the U.S. friends tease us mercilessly about Canadian "10 month Winters", our passion for hockey (which we actually don't watch in our household) and our "funny" colored money.
As of this morning, the mighty U.S. dollar is now worth 99 cents Canadian and as as I write this, another change is happening..... the introduction of a more colorful U.S. five dollar bill.
I understand that the new format has more to do with forgery security than it does with fashion, but i wonder...
Can U.S. looneys and twoneys be far behind?
My first recollection of Brett Favre, was in mid October 1995, when I first moved to Milwaukee from Toronto. Until then, I had no idea what all the "Packer fuss" was about.
While in Toronto, I was a Buffalo Bills fan (and endured the four Jim Kelly Super Bowl defeats!).
As anyone can tell you there's something about Wisconsin that makes it almost impossible NOT to become a Packers fan. Monday morning water cooler discussions make it manditory that you watch Sunday's game. Packer fan devotion is contageous.
And so, it was on Sunday October 15th 1995, that I began to become a Brett Favre fan. The first game I watched, Brett led a win over the dreaded Detroit Lions.
And I've been watching (and cheering) for the Green and Gold ever since.
Like virtually everyone in Wisconsin, I was shocked at yesterday's news of Brett's retirement. Last year was very successful - we were an overtime loss away from going to the Super Bowl. And no one could argue that Brett still had the talent to compete at the highest levels.
But to be successful in the NFL, it requires a tremendous amount of mental toughness to endure, to prepare, to win week after week.
And after 17 seasons, Brett simply got tired.
And to his credit, he realized that without a 100% mental commitment to the effort of one more campaign, it simply wasn't worth the personal sacrifice. He would run the risk of letting down his team and his fans.
What a great way to leave the game - as a folk hero, as a living legend, a genuinely down to earth, humble, nice guy.
And with virtually every record in the record book.
And with the fans wanting more.
Congratulations on a fantastic career and thanks for a great ride!
Recently I've found myself extremely frustrated at the local video store. The woman that runs the place is great and the selection is outstanding. No complaints there.
But I have one HUGE problem.
I can't read the friggin 2pt type on the back of the DVD cases. C'mon really - is someone actually supposed to be able to read this stuff without magnification?
I realize that reading glasses are the scourge of the middle aged, but I truly believe that Hollywood and all the major film studios have it out for me.
Perhaps the store should offer plastic magnifying glasses with every ten rentals. Or maybe they could install one of those bar code readers (like some of the retail stores have for price checking) except that in this case, they could provide a plot synopsis for those of us who can't see microscopic print.
In fact, the only narrative I CAN read on these cases are the headlines and they're usually lies!
Hilarious! Riveting! Non-stop action!
In hindsight, perhaps closing my eyes and picking randomly would work just as well.
It's interesting how people react to the phrase "You can't do that!".
Some of us heed it as a warning. Danger - imminent threat. A strictly enforced rule. Perhaps a declaration of lack of confidence in your abilities. This group falls in line - doesn't make waves. They heed convention. They listen to pollsters. They follow the rules.
Others see it as a challenge. Just because no one has done it before, doesn't mean it can't be done. Because someone has failed at this doesn't mean we won't be successful. Just because we're breaking a convention doesn't mean it is still a good practice.
Challenging the status quo isn't always wrong. Sometimes it's the only right thing to do.
What's your reaction to "You can't do that!"?
I just came across a beautiful presentation on my favorite presentation sharing site slideshare.net.
This presentation provides practical advice for people who write blogs (or want to). It's an example of beautiful design and effective communication.
Enjoy
This morning the NY Times ran a non-story about an unsubstantiated, implied, inappropriate relationship that John McCain may or may not have had, with a lobbiest, 8 years ago.
This isn't news, it's gossip.
And, if untrue, the NY Times need to be hauled into court and forced to pay a steep price for giving voice to an unsubstantiated rumor.
To make things worse, all the TV pundits this morning are doing their usual schtick - amplifying the non-story by repeating it endlessly and expressing their fake outrage from both sides of the aisle.
He (and WE) all deserve better. If you thought the media learned anything from their 6 year haitus during the years when we launched a war and began losing all our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, think again.
It appears they'll publish whatever generates readership.
The old adage "If it bleeds, it leads." should be amended to; "If it doesn't bleed, throw ketchup on it, imply it's bleeding and lead with it."
Must have been a slow news day.
Yesterday I wandered into my son Jeff's room. Both his Macs were in screensaver mode and were displaying album art from his iTunes library.
I thought it looked pretty cool (just like Apple to do something like this) and I asked whether there was a version for Windows.
He didn't know, but his intrepid Dad found a free downloadable copy for Windows users thanks to Canyon Room. It has been available for well over a year, but I never knew about it until now.
Enjoy.
If you asked your customers to describe your company, your products or your services, using adjectives ending in "EST", what superlatives would they use?
Are you the coolEST, smartEST, cheapEST, friendliEST, fastEST, costliEST?
If this exercise stumped you, perhaps it's time to begin thinking about how you can stand out - about how you can become remarkable.
My son, Jeff, alerted me to the fact that MySpace now broadcasts Amber Alerts to it's members, based upon their zip code. The amber alert people are taking advantage of the MySpace community to get their message out. He found it remarkable enough to tell me about it. And I'm sure he'll be talking about it with his friends.
Time-Warner now sends my kids text messages when their school is cancelled or delayed due to weather. They are starting to build a subscriber base around what matters to (their younger) consumers. After all, a day off, or a couple extra hours of sleep on a school day, rank pretty highly on any teenager's wish list.
This begs the question.
Is your business providing a service that your customers (or potential customers) absolutely have to have?
And if not, how are you trying to build a customer community around your product or service, igniting or fostering a passion for the thing your company does? How do you reach out to your customers?
If you're just trying to sell stuff or to sell services, and you're NOT cultivating a "customer tribe", you're missing the point... and a huge opportunity. After all, a tribe is all about "kinship", shared values and shared dreams. Tribe members look out for one another. They share stories.
One very recent example. Apple's MacBook Air, was essentially marketed by Apple's customer "tribe" - the community of customers who appreciate sleek design and superb, simple, intuitive functionality. Sure, Steve Jobs officially kicked off the product launch at MacWorld, but long before that event, the Apple "tribe" was talking about the possibility, speculating about the product, building anticipation. And soon after the launch, the same group was busy blogging about the product, singing it's praises, pointing out it's shortcomings. Do your products command the same tribal attention that Apple's do?
Allpost links to no fewer than 34 newsites and blogs that focus on Apple products, design and culture.
The event was remarkable on two fronts. First the product itself, was the lightest, slimest full sized notebook ever. And secondly, the Apple "tribe" did most of the selling.
If your products are not the brightest, fastest, lightest, most flavorful, energy efficient, long wearing, coolest, 100% reliable or unique, what are they?
They may not be worth talking about.
I'm not talking about unlocking the door and turning on the lights. I'm talking about attitude.
Open - as in honest, transparent, authentic. Do you communicate to your customers without pretense? Does your "personality" come through? Or do you sound (and act) like a big corporate entity, absent emotion and passion for what you do?
Open - as in receptive to new ideas, processes, opportunities from both your staff and your customers.
Open - as objective about your performance, markets and customers. Honest with yourself about shortcomings and failures.
Open - as embracing workforce diversity. Leveraging cross cultural work experiences and ideas to the benefit of your company.
Open - as in (open books), sharing results with your staff - helping them own responsibility for the success of your business.
Open - to criticism, when something goes wrong. Or do you hide behind policies, procedures or assigning blame?
Open with partners and suppliers. Working towards win/win outcomes, better (mutual) supply chain performance, not simply better pricing.
