Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Best of '09
Happy Holidays! Here are a few of my highlights for 2009. Thanks for your support, advice and encouragement this year. See you in the new decade. Atlanta Restaurant Hype that Proved True - Antico Pizza Napoletana
Favorite Album – Danny Barnes’s Pizza Box
Coolest Wikipedia Entry - "Dryococelus australis" http://bit.ly/5dhhzm
Best New Magazine - Afar
Top Atlanta
Top Website for Parents – Baby Loves Music
Blog of the Year Decade - ropeadope
Best Wisdom – Chris Brogan
Coolest Facebook Friend – Matt Mundy
Top Twitter Moment – Surprise Kristin Hersh concert on John’s porch
Top TV Indulgence - Madventures
Greatest Discovery for Travelers – Very Short Introductions Series
Best Secret Place Atlanta – Dippin’ Dots machine under the stairwell of the Fernbank Museum
Favorite YouTube Video - Dock Ellis & The LSD No-No
Slickest Accessory – MOO MiniCards
Favorite Moments with the Kids – Genevieve catching her first fish (thanks Dave Teffeteller) and Will doing the MoonCrawl
Monday, December 21, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Teacher to the World
(Click image to enlarge. From Economist.com)This is a great reinforcement to James Fallow's blog post this week regarding the fallacy of China as the "world's leading economic superpower."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Social Media in 2010
Live Twitter feeds on Google! Facebook wanting you to open up. What does it all mean?
Social networking, as an institution and as a standard bearer of the portable internet, is melding into our other channels of communication.
2010 will be a big year for Social Media. I can't want!!
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Online Spending Up
(Click for larger image. From Economist.com)The Economist reports that Black Friday retail sales were a smidgen (.5%) higher for 2009, but online sales last week were up 6%.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Friday, December 04, 2009
Chinese Hearts and Minds
(click to enlarge. Source: China and the world: public opinion and foreign policy)James Fallows recently highlighted a new survey from the Lowy Institute detailing its first China Poll. I think the sentiments above offer some telling insights on China (and, by contrast, the U.S.).
Visit the Lowly Institute site to download a PDF of the entire study.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Blow Ye the Trumpet, Blow
(Tragic Prelude by John Steuart Curry)Today marks the 150th anniversary of the hanging of abolitionist John Brown. Brown's failed 1859 attack on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry was a major catalyst of the American Civil War. Brown's sealed his role as a martyr by proclaiming prior to his execution that, "I, John Brown, am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood."
Check out Tony Horwitz's piece The 9/11 of 1859 for some parallels between Antebellum terrorism and today's war on terror.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Panjiva Trends - See the Shipments
Free access this month to Panjiva's new graphical reporting system. Check out the numbers behind the Snuggie or the product of your choice.
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Many Faces of China
The Atlantic website has a great article/interactive map online that explores the mosaic of Chinese culture.
The Nine Nations of China, by Patrick Chovanec, offers perspective on the complexities of China and the dangers of viewing China as a homogeneous nation or market.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Podcast Picks
If you see me walking down Sinclair Avenue in the wee hours it is not Charlie Hunter or Sharon Jones in my headphones. My Ipod is crammed with podcasts - audio and video content from anyone and everyone. Here are some of my favorites. I link to the website for each, but all are available via Itunes (except where noted).
The Slate Political Gabfest is a Friday AM ritual for me. Thirty minutes of political banter from a core group of Slate contributors.
My buddy Steve controls all media in Memphis and uses his excellent Book Talk podcast as the vehicle to reach his flock (download or RSS from website).
China Business Blog and Podcast is the best English language resource for information on business dealings in China. Front line insights and great guests and interviews.
Atlanta's own Valerie Jackson podcasts here Between the Lines radio show each week. Excellent interviews with fiction and non-fiction authors.
Q&A and After Words. Two C-SPAN staples. Usually post a few days after the Sunday broadcasts on TV.
History According to Bob is a daily 8-20 minute overview of some facet of history, from the Wild West to the 5th Italian War. This surely has a cult following.
Travels with Rick Steves. Rick's podcast covers world travel with the tone and humor of his European travel guides.
Special mention for the audio edition of the Economist. This is a word-for-word reading of the entire content of the magazine by professional voices.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Friday, November 06, 2009
Latest on the Sandwich
The ranks of multi-generational caregivers, adults simultaneously supporting their children and aging parents or other family members, are bulging. Communispace recently release a new study, The Sandwich Situation, that addresses this growing phenomena. The study's many insights include:
- The sandwich is a situation, not a generation. Caregivers can be in their 20’s or in their 60’s, and the challenges they face span incomes and geographies. The sandwich is not a sandwich.
- The “squeeze” is notexerted or experienced equally. People are not stressed because they’re caring for kids and parents, it’s because they’re caring for parents and in-laws, period.
- The “burden” carries intrinsic rewards. Despite the stresses, caring for elderly relatives has many intrinsic rewards—moral clarity, a sense of purpose, teaching opportunities, moments of surprising joy, and a deep appreciation from those receiving the care.
- There is a huge unmet need for products and services that help care for aging parents now and in the future. While there are myriad offerings to help consumers plan for their own retirement and the care and education of their children, there are relatively few resources.
- to prepare for the inevitable responsibility of caring for the aging population. Brands—even those not associated with serving the aged—can do much, much more to capitalize on the support and comfort they already provide, and to provide it in new ways.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
A Shiver From The Shriver Report
The Center for American Progress's Shriver Report, released last week, offers a stunning perspective on the transition of American women in the family, the workforce and our culture as a whole.
May of the top line insights from the report are painfully obvious to those of us in the 4 out of 5 families no longer in traditional households, i.e. with the man working and the woman caring for family full time. What is surprising is the perspective on how the new reality of two income earners conflicts with the institutions and traditions still moored to the old "wife at home" model. Among many areas of concern, this has especially dramatic implications on the future of elder care in America.
Read the report in its entirety, including excellent graphics, or check out the executive summary.
May of the top line insights from the report are painfully obvious to those of us in the 4 out of 5 families no longer in traditional households, i.e. with the man working and the woman caring for family full time. What is surprising is the perspective on how the new reality of two income earners conflicts with the institutions and traditions still moored to the old "wife at home" model. Among many areas of concern, this has especially dramatic implications on the future of elder care in America.
Read the report in its entirety, including excellent graphics, or check out the executive summary.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Book Bits For The Traveler – Ask Arthur Frommer
While these columns usually focus on books to read on the plane, Ask Arthur Frommer, a new page turner from the dean of American travel writing, is something you will instead relish before your trip.Frommer is the catalyst for the post-WWII travel for everyone ideal. His 1959 book Europe on $5 a Day was a pivotal transition from the Grand Tour tradition of European travel to the cultural immersion and spend less, absorb more, philosophies spawning Rick Steves, Lonely Planet and Rough Guides.
Billed as a reference book, Ask Arthur Frommer is an encyclopedia you will happily read from cover to cover (like the People's Almanac). In fifteen chapters the reader encounters hundreds of sections offering topical advice on travel planning, insights for the business traveler and a generous sprinkling of Frommer’s pro-travel, pro-freedom perspective.
As someone who, until recently, spent Medallion-level time on road, I found many good business travel insights in Frommer’s book. This includes and introduction to www.bnm.com for car rental deals, insights about getting the most out of frequent flyer programs and practical tips about health and wellness during crammed business travel.
The book, however, is primarily a treasure trove of advice for the passionate leisure traveler. Frommer shares the best website for international festivals (www.whatsonwhen.com), trumpets the best and worst destinations in the world for meaningful travel (sorry Dubai), and details lodging, airfare, and attraction information for budget conscious adventurers. While there is a generous review of cruse ship and resort-based travel, Frommer’s passion for the adventure of self guided travel is and overriding theme.
Former is a idealist and strong proponent of travel as a tool to overcome prejudice and ignorance. He has strong words for the luxury travel industry, private jets, and the New York Times travel section. There is loves for Amtrak but disdain for a government telling him where he can and can not go.
Based on the timeliness of much of the information in the book I assume this will become an annual publication. If so, this candid, fun to read collection of tactics and tips will become a must have for US and International travelers.
Want more from the big guns? Try Bad Lands by Tony Wheeler or Rick Steve’s recent Travel as a Political Act. Frommer’s original Europe of $5 a Day was reprinted recently too!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Bad Livers are All Good
Need a midweek pick me up? Check out the torrent of the Bad Liver's show this summer at Horning's Hideout. Old school is the new school!Look for Danny's new record next week.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
New Search Technology a Game Changer
Yesterday I attended a great session on advances in search technology held by the AiMA. This included presentations from Yahoo and Google/YouTube as well as a demonstration of Microsoft's new bing search engine.The real insight from the event is a ramification of the push for search engine results featuring live content from sites, not just static listings. A representative of Autotrader.Com challenged the presenters about how this technology deprives his company of the revenue they generate via site visits. The answer was basically "The Times They Are a Changin'."
The latest BusinessWeek has a feature on the future of Google with all kinds of new developments in search.
Monday, October 05, 2009
The Ultimate Sacrifice
My sincere condolences to the family, friends and fiancée of CPT Ben Sklaver. CPT Sklaver lost his life in the attacks this past weekend in Afghanistan. Ben had many ties to the CDC community in Atlanta and impacted the live of thousands via his work in Africa and the efforts of his Clear Water Initiative.
Anyone still holding stereotypes about the apathy of Generation X would do well to read about the accomplishments and focus of this young man.
Anyone still holding stereotypes about the apathy of Generation X would do well to read about the accomplishments and focus of this young man.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Fear and Loathing in Social Media
Last week’s New Media Atlanta summit on Social Media was billed as an exploration of the business application of social media tools. This was an event I was not going to miss, but I did not expect the one-two punch of awe and befuddlement I carried out the door.
Walking into the conference center I immediately pinned that I was the only person in the room without a high-end laptop or mini and the cords and cables that go with them. Mac ruled the house. The scene was akin to the taper's section of a Grateful Dead show. Two rows ahead of me was a guy wearing Sennheiser headphones hooking up a preamp(?) to his computer to connect his digital camera.
The day itself was a blitz of marketers, technology experts and pundits addressing the permanence and future of social networks. You can view a few of the presentations from the event here.
Checkout the Sharpie blog and the brand's Twitter and Facebook communities for a great example of how a major brand is interacting with its customers in the digital realm.
Three big takeaways from the day's proceedings:
- Your organization and its brands must have an active voice in the world of social media. You are already in this game rather you know it or not.
- There is a direct correlation between mobile Internet connectivity and the use of social media applications. The coming explosion of mobile Internet access foreshadows the ubiquity of social media as a communication vehicle.
- Social media is a unique tool for businesses to listen to their customers. Learning from customers, enhancing their brand experience and meeting their needs can not be lost in an effort to advertise and promote.
The closer for the event was Chris Brogan, the Terrance McKenna of social media and author of the new book Trust Agents. Chris's amazing, PG-13 presentation offered a visceral, no B.S. examination of the opportunities and expectations associated with the Age of Social Media.
Watch the first few minutes of the video to see Chris address the BackNoise for the conference. During the course of the conference my neighbors in the back row were engaging in an anonymous Twitter-type exchange about the speakers, their lunch plans, and a variety silly topics.
Chris displayed the BackNoise narrative behind him for the entirety of his talk. While his ability to confront real time gossip was impressive, I left the conference thinking about the down side of all of this new technology. At what point do we begin to sacrifice real though and meaningful human interaction for instant electronic exchange?
Monday, September 28, 2009
RIP Lucy
(click to enlarge. From WSJ.com)Lucy Vodden (née O’Donnell), who was the inspiration for the Beatles’ song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” has died, following a long battle with the autoimmune disease lupus. The British housewife — whose passing was announced by the St Thomas’ Lupus Trust charity — was 46.
Vodden first achieved pop culture fame as a tot, when John Lennon’s son Julian drew a picture of her in nursery school in 1966. He took the picture home to his pops, explained it as “That’s Lucy in the sky with diamonds,” and a song legend was born.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Wake of the Flood
Yesterday's intense rains in Atlanta were the capstone to a week of flooding estimated to have caused $500 million in damages in the metro area. Please visit Hope ATL to help a cause totally focused on assisting families displaced by the storms.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
McMap
(click image to enlarge and to view attribution)Thanks to Nick on Facebook for this amazing map of the Contiguous United Sated Visualized by Distance to the Nearest McDonald's. This goes out to my significant audience of geographers!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Better Breathing in Planes
This week's Economist features an article about new technology addressing air quality in airplanes. Great news for all travelers and, supposedly, cost effective for the airlines as well.A new development could help passengers and crew breathe more easily. This week two British firms—BAE Systems, a defence and aerospace giant, and Quest International, a small producer of equipment used to sanitise the air in hospitals and nursing homes—announced that they had successfully adapted Quest’s technology for use in aircraft. They make bold claims for AirManager, their new system. It can be fitted during a routine overnight service and uses less power than a light bulb, but is capable of zapping just about all the bacteria, viruses and other biohazards in cabin air—as well as destroying chemical contaminants and pollutants. And it also removes nasty smells.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Taiwan Is Back!
Taizo Ishida offers a great perspective on the new spirit in Taiwan in today's Matthews Funds Asia Weekly:We are sensing something..in the streets of Taipei. There is an optimism and hope I detected in my discussions with company managers. The recent and frequent dialogue between Taiwan and China seems to be partly to credit for the excitement—foreign investment flows have been increasing over the last few quarters, and Taiwanese who have been living overseas are looking to return to Taiwan. During this recent trip, a business contact I met told me that Taipei businessmen in Shanghai prefer to have their families remain in Taipei, where the quality of life (including the air, water and education) is better than that of Shanghai, rather than relocate as ex-patriates. With the more open airline policies of President Ma Ying-Jeou’s administration, many of these businessmen now “commute” between the two cities as the travel time is only 45 minutes by air. There may always be setbacks to cross-strait relations, however, dialogue between the two sides seems to be moving in a positive direction.
I’ve long thought that Taipei lacked the sparkle of other major Asian cities, and could use some urban development and beautification tips from its Tiger cousins. Well, it just so happens that a revitalization program is now quietly underway in Taipei to enhance national competitiveness as a tourist destination. I think this suggests that faith and confidence has returned, and that an old Tiger is sharpening its claws.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Challenges of the Senior Shopper
This morning's WSJ features an interesting article about a Kimberly-Clark program that aims to orient retailers on the challenges faced by older consumers.
As the article highlights: The number of adults aged 65 and older will reach 71.5 million people by 2030, twice their number in 2000 and representing nearly 20% of the total U.S. population.
As baby boomers turn 65 years old beginning in 2011, they are expected to spend an additional $50 billion over the next decade on consumer products in the U.S.
This is a huge transition in the U.S. consumer landscape, but the demographic tidal wave is already hitting Japan.
As the article highlights: The number of adults aged 65 and older will reach 71.5 million people by 2030, twice their number in 2000 and representing nearly 20% of the total U.S. population.
As baby boomers turn 65 years old beginning in 2011, they are expected to spend an additional $50 billion over the next decade on consumer products in the U.S.
This is a huge transition in the U.S. consumer landscape, but the demographic tidal wave is already hitting Japan.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Connecting the News Dots
Take a look at Slate's new News Dots page.Quicksand for news junkies, the News Dots function graphically traces the connections between news stories in a six degrees of separation type format. Wow!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Music Bits - Matuto
Matuto, Ropeadope's newest release, features Clay Ross presenting Brazilian folk music through the lens of Bluegrass inspired Jazz. I will let the Musicologists explain the details, but the result is a fun soundtrack for fall.
Enjoy a sample above and then visit Ropeadope for a name-your-own-price download (please be generous).
Friday, September 04, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Book Bits for the Traveler - Rag and Bone
I have harbored and interest, maybe an obsession, with religious relics dating from my days studying art history in college. As an outsider to Roman Catholicism, It was fascinating to discover how much of the cannon of Western art traces to the veneration of the teeth, hair, and bones of the Saints.A visit to Chartres Cathedral, ostensibly constructed over the course of hundred of years as a center of veneration for the cloak of Saint Mary, wet my appetite for the martyred and led me to explorer scores of churches, reliquaries and other holy holes in the wall all over Europe.
As Peter Manseau’s new book Rag and Bone - A Journey Among The World's Holy Dead reveals, my fascination with the mementos of faith is not that unusual. This highly readable travelogue touches on the meaning of relics as symbols in the world’s religions as a backdrop for the author’s treasure hunt to find a variety of remains and the stories that go with them.
Beyond a generous serving of Western Saints, Manseau delves into the roles of Saints in Orthodox Christianity, explores the conflict over one of Muhammad’s whiskers, and travels
The book is still in hardback, but at 250 pages it is an easy fit for your briefcase. The stand alone chapters make it a perfect travel book. Grab this great read for your next trip for fascinating insights into the world’s religions and a great story to tell about Jesus’ foreskin.
Want more? This past weekend’s New York Times had a review of An Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church's Strangest Relic in Italy's Oddest Town by David Farley. The reviewer called the book scabrous and adolescent, so it must be good!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Coolest Travel Gadget
Thanks to the Gulliver Blog for introducing the Stash-Card. Pretend you are James Bond (or some more nefarious character) and hide your most precious possessions inside you laptop's card slot. I know Paul Trost has two.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)