Australia banned the incandescent lightbulb today! Wow. When you consider the impact of this invention just over a century ago (thereabouts) it's pretty amazing to think that this will and should shortly be a thing of the past. New lightbulbs are far more efficient and last much longer. Good on ya', Aussie, for taking the first step.
The strangest part is that I didn't know that the Light Bulb was originally patented by two Canadians (Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans) in 1875 and then sold to Thomas Edison at a later date for $50,000.00. I always learn this type of valuable information about things when they are on their way out! Late bloomer, eh!
It's nice to think that we are moving in the right direction as saving energy for the next generation is of vital importance!
"I can see the light, I can see the light, shinin' on my face" Jeff Healey
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
Not for Non Parents
Yep its finally time to talk about how amazing it has been watching my son grow over the last 2 months. Nolan is growing quickly and smiled for the first time today. There have been half smiles and kinda smiles but today was the first day where he smiled for an extended period of time. It was awesome! It seems like such a tiny inconsequential thing but it made me realize how rare and special a moment it was. It's the moment, in fact, that I would like to never see end. If all else is trouble and strife, as long has he has that smile, I will too. It was more infectious than a yawn.
It also begs the thought about how long the smiles will last? Where do they go? Will someone else take it away? How come certain people never stop smiling? Why depression?
I obviously don't have the answers but I have to say that the pursuit of happiness has been a common thread in both my life and my wife's... and I hope it is in yours as well. Just try and remember that things are never as bad as they seem and if they are, then they can only get better!
I wouldn't say that I am the eternal optimist (I complain about a lot of things in fact) however it pays to keep it in perspective. Have a great day!
It also begs the thought about how long the smiles will last? Where do they go? Will someone else take it away? How come certain people never stop smiling? Why depression?
I obviously don't have the answers but I have to say that the pursuit of happiness has been a common thread in both my life and my wife's... and I hope it is in yours as well. Just try and remember that things are never as bad as they seem and if they are, then they can only get better!
I wouldn't say that I am the eternal optimist (I complain about a lot of things in fact) however it pays to keep it in perspective. Have a great day!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
St. Valentine's Day - Nothing for my wife
I didn't get, or do anything special for my wife today... which I have to say is out of the ordinary as I used to be a sucker for the holidays. I guess the fact that I got up early and drove 20 minutes to get her a Venti Non-Fat Latte, one pump this, one pump that, no whip, extra hot, in the middle of the largest storm of the winter might be construed as a Valentines Day gesture but my wife actually didn't want any of it! And that my friends is why I truly love her!
She honestly said to me the other day, "Mike, don't get me any Valentine's cards or crap. I have been watching these commercials on TV and they make me sick." WELL, I guess that does it! I knew I loved her before that, but talk about an epiphany and moment of truth all rolled into one!
I had to love her before that because she is legendary at putting up with all the dumb things I do and always manages to somehow do it with a smile. She often picks up after me, sometimes with out even mentioning that I had left things there. She takes care of our wonderful and beautiful son while I sit in the den and plug away at my daily work, and having seen it first hand I know that she works WAYYYYY harder then I do. But most importantly she is happy and rarely complains.
She is vibrant, enjoys other peoples company, knows in detail about everything in the world that I do not (i.e. why he's crying and what to do about it, what those nutrional charts on the sides of boxes of food mean, what vitamins I am not but should be taking, taxes, when the garbage goes out and why I still haven't taken it, how much money I spend on frivolous technology that I will only ever use a portion of, why marketing matters, etc.) likes working out, talking about how we can get better at things, but mostly she is caring. And I guess in the end that is why I didn't get her a Valentine's Day card and instead wrote her this.
I hope she likes it, cause I really like her. Happy V-Day and 5 years Anniversary E.
Love Mike
She honestly said to me the other day, "Mike, don't get me any Valentine's cards or crap. I have been watching these commercials on TV and they make me sick." WELL, I guess that does it! I knew I loved her before that, but talk about an epiphany and moment of truth all rolled into one!
I had to love her before that because she is legendary at putting up with all the dumb things I do and always manages to somehow do it with a smile. She often picks up after me, sometimes with out even mentioning that I had left things there. She takes care of our wonderful and beautiful son while I sit in the den and plug away at my daily work, and having seen it first hand I know that she works WAYYYYY harder then I do. But most importantly she is happy and rarely complains.
She is vibrant, enjoys other peoples company, knows in detail about everything in the world that I do not (i.e. why he's crying and what to do about it, what those nutrional charts on the sides of boxes of food mean, what vitamins I am not but should be taking, taxes, when the garbage goes out and why I still haven't taken it, how much money I spend on frivolous technology that I will only ever use a portion of, why marketing matters, etc.) likes working out, talking about how we can get better at things, but mostly she is caring. And I guess in the end that is why I didn't get her a Valentine's Day card and instead wrote her this.
I hope she likes it, cause I really like her. Happy V-Day and 5 years Anniversary E.
Love Mike
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Decisions, Decisions
It's not every day that an epic band like the Police decide to rekindle what was clearly a tumultous yet unparalleled band however, it's also not every day that Serena Ryder comes to play a sold out club in Toronto. This is clearly only a battle that the older generation (X for example) would have to wage. But think about it Copeland, Summers and Sting on the same stage together... and if the Grammy's were any sign of things to come they might actually have come to realize that playing music together is NOT the worst thing in the world... although they did appear to be very wary of each other's "personal space" on stage. Regardless of all that has passed amongst them over the years, this is set to be a show of Epic proportions. These guys are by no means over the hill, in fact they are most likely just getting to the top of their respective games! They have been playing independently of one another for years, producing, doing studio work and solo projects. Think about the magic that could happen on that stage if they can, and all signs point to age helping people better manage their younger egotistical selves, bow to one another's talents! "Giant steps are what you take, walking on the moon."
And yet as a new parent I am somewhat torn. I have a new "limited" budget, not solely imposed by myself (add wife's name here) but I also have to recognize that $250 for a ticket is not what I believe to be fair pricing for concert ticket. Serena Ryder is in town and the show is sold out. She is new. Hot! A fantastic song writer, "the next Janis Joplin" to some. Apparently a wizard with a guitar and magic in front of an audience. So what do you do?
I know some of the hard core rock fans are saying you may not ever be able to see the Police again... but you also may not ever be able to see Serena Ryder in a small club again! (I'll never forget the smirk on my Mother-in-law's face when she told me that she had seen the Beatles in a night club in Manchester; place whatever the sound of really jealous individual sounds like here) I love and respect the music of the Police, but truthfully, they don't need the support or the money! And the fact that I can buy two scalped tickets to see Serena at the Mod Club and still have a few beers and put $50 into my son's RESP. DING! Sold!
Just one man's choice. Either way, enjoy the show!
And yet as a new parent I am somewhat torn. I have a new "limited" budget, not solely imposed by myself (add wife's name here) but I also have to recognize that $250 for a ticket is not what I believe to be fair pricing for concert ticket. Serena Ryder is in town and the show is sold out. She is new. Hot! A fantastic song writer, "the next Janis Joplin" to some. Apparently a wizard with a guitar and magic in front of an audience. So what do you do?
I know some of the hard core rock fans are saying you may not ever be able to see the Police again... but you also may not ever be able to see Serena Ryder in a small club again! (I'll never forget the smirk on my Mother-in-law's face when she told me that she had seen the Beatles in a night club in Manchester; place whatever the sound of really jealous individual sounds like here) I love and respect the music of the Police, but truthfully, they don't need the support or the money! And the fact that I can buy two scalped tickets to see Serena at the Mod Club and still have a few beers and put $50 into my son's RESP. DING! Sold!
Just one man's choice. Either way, enjoy the show!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Music Buffs
If you are into music, I have to say that George Strombolopolous was right (as he often is about music), Serena Ryder is an unbelievable talent. I downloaded a couple of her songs and they are fantastic. It's amazing what some people can do with an acoustic guitar and the gifts they have been given. Check out Weak in the Knees, Brand New Love, Hiding Place or This Song is About You. Interestingly, from the little bit that I have heard over a short period of time, her live stuff seems to be equally good if not better then her studio albums. She is playing the Mod Club on February 24th and the show is Sold Out.
In the same realm of acoustic talents, check out Soulsucker by Amos Lee or anything by Colin Hay, the ex-lead singer of Men at Work. He released a solo acoustic album in 2000 called Going Somewhere, which has some great tunes on it as well; Maggie, Beautiful World and Waiting For My Real Life To Be.
Happy Listening!
In the same realm of acoustic talents, check out Soulsucker by Amos Lee or anything by Colin Hay, the ex-lead singer of Men at Work. He released a solo acoustic album in 2000 called Going Somewhere, which has some great tunes on it as well; Maggie, Beautiful World and Waiting For My Real Life To Be.
Happy Listening!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Karaoke Capitalism
A friend loaned me a business book called Karaoke Capitalism, hence the title, by two Swedish PH D's. And I have to say that it was the best business book I have ever read... he told me it would be... I should have had more faith in him. Either way, if you like business and the evolution of it historically as a guiding light for predictive paths, this is unquestionably the book for you. The nice thing about it is that the book is written almost from a conversational perspective. It just flows. It also covers a broad range of topics some of which I have highlighted below. In a nutshell, this book is about the evolution of business outside the box.
The concept of employees being a company's biggest liability is a new paradigm for me. However due to the proliferation of the Internet and the subsequent reduction of the shelf-life of knowledge, tied to the lack of loyalty in today's society presents exactly this scenario. It is certainly exemplified by friends of mine that have changed jobs more often then they do underwear. At the same time it appears that the value of the individual and their ability to contribute effectively may be jeopardized by extended tenure these days. Do stagnant employees lose the ability to think outside the box? My guess is that this depends on the person.
It also focuses on the evolution of the consumer driven economy. Currently this is most apparent in the evolution of Software as a Service companies like eBlogger or Salesforce.com, where one effective solution can be used by hundreds or thousands of companies/individuals. When done properly the organization can easily integrate the consumer into the further development of an effective solution by opening up a channel for those people to communicate new ideas and contribute to new product versions ultimately, reducing the development of redundant or non-saleable features and reducing costs.
Philip Kotler had the other interesting quote from the book stating that "Capitalism will leave the seeds of its own destruction if it does not find new markets. The rich can only consume so much output." This rings far too true in what is clearly an economy of excess in many parts of the world. The availability of products and services that are considered luxury has skyrocketed and while the rich get richer, the focus of the middle class has been shifted by marketers to keep up with the Jones'... even if they are the Rockefeller's! Which brings me to my next point, when have people with limited skill sets, no talent and no level of individual accomplishment ever been held in such high esteem. When has a level of incompetence been regarded as grounds for success (see American Idol). History tells us that excess leads to cultural demise, at least if the Romans were any indication. Who knows maybe we will pull out of it. I am certainly a part of the problem/solution, but I guess we all are.
All I can say is that the next 20 years will most likely move faster then the previous 100, good, bad or otherwise. If you want a hint about what it might look like its a good place to start.
MS
The concept of employees being a company's biggest liability is a new paradigm for me. However due to the proliferation of the Internet and the subsequent reduction of the shelf-life of knowledge, tied to the lack of loyalty in today's society presents exactly this scenario. It is certainly exemplified by friends of mine that have changed jobs more often then they do underwear. At the same time it appears that the value of the individual and their ability to contribute effectively may be jeopardized by extended tenure these days. Do stagnant employees lose the ability to think outside the box? My guess is that this depends on the person.
It also focuses on the evolution of the consumer driven economy. Currently this is most apparent in the evolution of Software as a Service companies like eBlogger or Salesforce.com, where one effective solution can be used by hundreds or thousands of companies/individuals. When done properly the organization can easily integrate the consumer into the further development of an effective solution by opening up a channel for those people to communicate new ideas and contribute to new product versions ultimately, reducing the development of redundant or non-saleable features and reducing costs.
Philip Kotler had the other interesting quote from the book stating that "Capitalism will leave the seeds of its own destruction if it does not find new markets. The rich can only consume so much output." This rings far too true in what is clearly an economy of excess in many parts of the world. The availability of products and services that are considered luxury has skyrocketed and while the rich get richer, the focus of the middle class has been shifted by marketers to keep up with the Jones'... even if they are the Rockefeller's! Which brings me to my next point, when have people with limited skill sets, no talent and no level of individual accomplishment ever been held in such high esteem. When has a level of incompetence been regarded as grounds for success (see American Idol). History tells us that excess leads to cultural demise, at least if the Romans were any indication. Who knows maybe we will pull out of it. I am certainly a part of the problem/solution, but I guess we all are.
All I can say is that the next 20 years will most likely move faster then the previous 100, good, bad or otherwise. If you want a hint about what it might look like its a good place to start.
MS
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
The Proverbial First Kick of the Cat
For a while I thought that that I had to write/converse in perfectly constructed and properly punctuated sentences on these things, which is clearly not the case. This was the hurdle that kept me from actually publishing anything in this blog for over a week. I must have started writing about 10 different posts but kept feeling that they were inadequate in some fashion or another so I would just delete them. But here I am, on the cusp of greatness ready to press the almightly "publish" button.
To take that previous thought one step further, I guess the main fear that I have about blogs is not that it won't be read but perhaps that it will become unexplicably popular! You know that old quote by Nelson Mandela "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." But in order for people to read it there has to be something of interest there, right? So for that reason alone I think the rantings of an ordinary average suburbanite might manage to stay under the radar for a bit. Too bad this didn't exist in my Ski Instructing days, THEN it would be exciting!
I always promised myself that if I wrote a book it would be called Airport Emotions. I have spent a lot of time in airports over the years and I have to say that I actually enjoy it! It seems that the art of the" Sunday Drive" or enjoying the trip for the journey is completely lost in todays society of excess. There is sooooo much life in airports, so much happiness, so much sorrow, so much anger and so much relief, Liberals, Conservatives... you get the point. Don't get me wrong, when an unnamed CDN airline cancels/postpones my flight I am not jumping for joy but at the same time I am not strangling the woman in the polyester suit with matching paper hat and silk scarf (why do they still wear those?) screaming "get me home, get me home!" I enjoy watching people cope with change. I sometimes wonder if they EVER think that 50 years ago people were rarely able to see most of the places we can today and maybe they are lucky. Truly a sign that we are a part of the me generation.
This is not a new perspective for me. Some might say its the "new parent" in me as my son was born on Dec. 24th but I just believe that more of us can't see the forest for all the condo buildings (trees) these days. This of course doesn't mean that one is better then the other just a different take. And I think that is what this blog, for the most part will be about. Some business talk, some things that need to be said but for the most part and honest viewpoint.
I may tend to spout drivel on some occasions but I promise not to talk about how bad my toenails are and OOooooooo I can't believe they gave Anne Heche a new TV series. And thats all I can promise. I also promise to try and fill each blog, if not daily but with one cliche or quote, it seems a shame to waste them, having struggled their way into the global psyche/vernacular over time. Let's give them their due!
Here's to 2007 and the birth of my son! I love you, Nolan.
To take that previous thought one step further, I guess the main fear that I have about blogs is not that it won't be read but perhaps that it will become unexplicably popular! You know that old quote by Nelson Mandela "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." But in order for people to read it there has to be something of interest there, right? So for that reason alone I think the rantings of an ordinary average suburbanite might manage to stay under the radar for a bit. Too bad this didn't exist in my Ski Instructing days, THEN it would be exciting!
I always promised myself that if I wrote a book it would be called Airport Emotions. I have spent a lot of time in airports over the years and I have to say that I actually enjoy it! It seems that the art of the" Sunday Drive" or enjoying the trip for the journey is completely lost in todays society of excess. There is sooooo much life in airports, so much happiness, so much sorrow, so much anger and so much relief, Liberals, Conservatives... you get the point. Don't get me wrong, when an unnamed CDN airline cancels/postpones my flight I am not jumping for joy but at the same time I am not strangling the woman in the polyester suit with matching paper hat and silk scarf (why do they still wear those?) screaming "get me home, get me home!" I enjoy watching people cope with change. I sometimes wonder if they EVER think that 50 years ago people were rarely able to see most of the places we can today and maybe they are lucky. Truly a sign that we are a part of the me generation.
This is not a new perspective for me. Some might say its the "new parent" in me as my son was born on Dec. 24th but I just believe that more of us can't see the forest for all the condo buildings (trees) these days. This of course doesn't mean that one is better then the other just a different take. And I think that is what this blog, for the most part will be about. Some business talk, some things that need to be said but for the most part and honest viewpoint.
I may tend to spout drivel on some occasions but I promise not to talk about how bad my toenails are and OOooooooo I can't believe they gave Anne Heche a new TV series. And thats all I can promise. I also promise to try and fill each blog, if not daily but with one cliche or quote, it seems a shame to waste them, having struggled their way into the global psyche/vernacular over time. Let's give them their due!
Here's to 2007 and the birth of my son! I love you, Nolan.
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