Great Words to End the Year

Whenever I stay in a hotel, I always look forward to getting up in the morning and opening the door for my copy of USA Today. It makes me feel like I am home.

It is usually the Sports or Business section that gets my attention, but yesterday "The Final Word" from the Life section reached out to me.

I am in Akron, Ohio with my wife witnessing the passing of her mother. It has been a long and trying year, but she is comfortable at the Hospice and will soon join her friends and relatives in a better place.

These situations do make you think about your own mortality, thus my interst in Craig Wilson's piece.

He writes about a photographer, Brian Peterson, who has written about death and it's realities.

Peterson reflects on art and artists, on creativity and where it comes from, and along the way he bares his soul, sharing tales about his sister's death, his childhood home, his dog Sparky, and how Walt Whitman gave him "nourishment" once as he waited at a bus station years ago.

Luminous essays all, but one, less than three pages long, stands out. It's called "Strange Gifts."
In it Peterson talks about the approaching deaths of two men — one a guard at the museum where he works; the other a neighbor.

"Death was a gift for both of them — a strange and terrible gift that woke them up and opened their eyes to the reality of the world they were leaving," writes Peterson, who admits their deaths were a gift to him, too.

What he learned from them both — to pay more attention to the world around you — is an age-old lesson few of us ever learn.

We are all in a hurry. We don't even see the roses, let alone stop to smell them. We travel to the far reaches of the Earth but rarely see what's there. We sing "Slow down, you move too fast," but we don't hear the message.

"When I'm brushing my teeth at night and staring at my aging face in the mirror," Peterson writes, "sometimes I ask myself, 'Well, how did I do today? Did I miss anything?' "


As I titled the post, these are great words to the end of the year.

I hope you will look for the roses. I know when I travel to the far reaches of the earth (does Newark count), I will. Have a safe and a happy New Year. And thanks again Craig and Brian for the great words.

For the full text of the article:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/columnist/finalword/2009-12-30-final30_ST_N.htm

Cry Me a River

Ok, I usually leave sports out of my blogs. Unfortunately, one sports genius chose to open his mouth and it has been eating at my craw all weekend. Stan Van Gundy (Warning: I am not a fan of Stan or his team, but I have tolerated his antics until now) decided he needed to take a stand on NBA games on Christmas. He was upset that he had to coach a game on the holiday. It was so upsetting that he had to protest to reports covering the game. Could it be that he did not want to talk about his team getting beat by the Celtics? Could it be that his salary of $4 million per year is not enough to merit him leaving his home on Christmas and driving to the arena? Could it be that he is so religious that he refuses to work on holy days?

I am not sure if any of my questions are correct. I only know that Stan chose his profession. If he does not like working on a holiday he could be my trash collector. Because of Christmas my trash pick up was postponed to Saturday. A day of 20 degree temperatures, constant snow, and a brisk wind. Oh and they were at my house at 5:30 AM. Stan on the other hand had to coach a game in Orlando at 1:00 PM and there is the little thing of a $4 million salary.

Stan, you win my cry baby of the year nomination. I hope the Magic come to their senses and let you stay home all the time.

Check out Cannonball

I picked up a bottle of 2006 Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon over the weekend. It was a great surprise. Tastes like a $50 wine at less than $20. Check it out.

I will add some "tasting notes" later.

A Room with a View

In case your interested, here is the view from my hotel room in Hong Kong last Friday.

Time can certainly get away from you. It seems like yesterday was July, yet summer ends next week. My "mutterings' have been a bit scarce. Perhaps they will incerease as he sunlight decreases.

Although I feature "what I am drinking" on the side bar of my blog, I have mixed my wine musings with my rants in the past. Here is one worth the main page.

Maldonado Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2005. I enjoyed it this week and to me it was a steal at $25.00. A little lemon, a bit of jasmine and a lot of vanilla made it a great partner to lemon chicken. I even thought I caught a hint of violets, but my wife told me I was crazy. If you can find it try it. I couldn't find a website, but here is a link to Vinfolio.

I hope you enjoy it.

Ok... I know I have been MIA, but it has been hectic. You may notice I am drinking Chianti tonight (another fine use of Sangiovese). Every time I have Chianti I think about the black rooster on the bottle. A friend told me that only the best Chianti's have the black rooster (a tip that has never led my astray), but here is the rest of the story from Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico

Why is Gallo Nero (the Black Rooster) the symbol of Chianti Classico?
The Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) has always been the symbol of the entire Chianti region. The origin of this is lost in time: an amusing legend narrates of the rivalry existing in the Middle Ages between Siena and Florence. According to this legend, in order to cease their endless fighting, the two Tuscan cities decided to leave the definition of their respective boundaries to a remarkable feat between knights: they were to leave their hometowns at cockcrow and wherever they would have met each other, that exact spot would have been the border between the two republics. For this purpose, the citizens of Siena raised a beautiful white rooster, which grew big and fat. The Florentines, instead, chose a black rooster and never fed him, so that on the fateful day he was so famished, he started to crow even before sunrise. As a result, the Florentine knight was able to set out very early in the morning: he met the knight from Siena in Fonterutoli –merely twelve Kilometers from Siena -, as the latter had left much later: this is the reason why almost all of the Chianti territory was united under the rule of the Florentine Republic. Even if this is only a legend, it is however confirmed that the Black Rooster profile has represented the emblem of the historic Chianti League, which ruled over these lands since the beginning of the 14th century. The artist Giorgio Vasari painted the Black Rooster on the ceiling of the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio, as an allegorical representation of the Chianti region. The Consortium has ultimately selected this seven-century old symbol as a certification of its wines.

Perhaps it is useless trivia, but it is interesting dinner talk.

What's Up Doc?

This is a first, two postings within an hour.  I had to share my experience with an application for the BlackBerry Storm (and others).

Gwabbit (http://www.gwabbit.com/) makes adding information to your contact list as easy as opening an email.  The application recognizes the signature area and populates the field of your contact list.  I have had it for a couple of days and found it to be a great.  No more cutting and pasting.  It is automatic.  The only downside was the $9.99 cost, but it will likely be worth it in the long run.  I get nothing out sharing this, but I hope you get a kick out of this application

Apple's iPhone "wrecking" the cell industry

Maybe some day I will be able to get an iPhone on the Verizon network.  My BB Storm keeps getting better, but I am intrigued by the features on my iPod Touch and wish they were on my phone.  

Here is an interesting view on what iPhone is doing to the industry.

http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/07/13/apples_iphone_wrecking_the_cell_industry.html

I can't say I disagree. If I were Apple I would be looking for every opportunity to involve other providers.

Pizza Hut First Pizza Chain to Launch iPhone App

I'm back.  It has been a while, but I have not forgotten that someone might be reading this.

I continue to think that the iPhone app is a disruptive technology.  Obviously when Pizza Hut takes the plunge it must mean something. 

http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=137952

I have always wanted to order pizza from my iPod.  

Well maybe not. 

I did order movie tickets on Fandango from my iPod.  

I am certain someone out there will be excited about this one.

It is still disruptive, at least to my phone.

So mama don't take my Kodachrome away

"When I think back

On all the crap I learned in high school

It's a wonder

I can think at all

And though my lack of education

Hasn't hurt me none

I can read the writing on the wall"

"Kodachrome

They give us those nice bright colors

They give us the greens of summers

Makes you think all the world's a sunny day, oh yeah

I got a Nikon camera

I love to take a photograph

So mama don't take my Kodachrome away.'' - Paul Simon

Mama's not taking it away, Kodak is. I know it's business. I also know it is sad when the icons of our life go away. Kodachrome was older than most of us (74). It has a rich history that is pervasive throughout every family photo album as well as every photo magazine of the 20th century.

Here is a link to a tribute from Kodak.

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=2/6868&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=9264

Another tribute from the Chicago Tribune.

http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2009/06/kodachrome_rip_worlds_a_winter.html

Well... I am trying a mobile post. Not sure how it will work, but it goes to show where mobile devices have evolved. I have 3000 steps left to walk. Later.

Reaching the Peak of Inflated Expectations

I attended the Microsoft Connected Health Conference in Bellevue, WA last week. There were devices and applications on display and in discussion that may someday help all of us take better care of our health.

For me the best part of the conference was the keynote address on Friday morning by Mark Smith, MD, MBA President and CEO of the California HealthCare Foundation (http://www.chcf.org/). It was a brilliant talk. Dr. Smith certainly knows his subject and even better knows how to get the message across to his audience. here is a doctor that is not afraid to speak out on how his contemporaries are afraid to change the system. He touched on everything from retail clinics to e-visits to the reimbursement system. You can get a feel of his topic at the web site. This pdf has some very thought provoking information (http://www.chcf.org/documents/policy/TelehealthAltersMedicalEcosystem.pdf).

Now you may be asking, "what does all this have to do with the Hype Cycle". Well....Dr. Smith feels (and I agree) that today the connected healthcare market stand at peak of inflated expectations. We are all excited about the power of connected health, but the reality is we have a long way to go. Patience mat be the operative word. In the meantime take a look at Dr. Smith's work. I think you will find it fascinating.

Why Walmart Is Getting Serious About Marketing

Walmart is my largest retail partner, so this article from Ad Age didn't surprise me. It did however make think about how important marketing is to the success of every business, even one of the world's largest.

"... is forcing Walmart to become a better marketer and merchandiser, said Chief Marketing Officer Stephen Quinn in an interview the day prior to the company's June 5 shareholder extravaganza. "While it's very exciting to be opening new stores and building your base out that way, it clearly is the kind of game where there has to be some natural plateauing," Mr. Quinn said. Walmart's new reality means "you're going to have to work a lot harder in an existing neighborhood to get them to consider other categories or to build that emotional bond with them."

The economy has made Walmart the secret store for many people. I am delighted to see that they are not sitting back and collecting the dollars.

Marketing clearly has assumed a more important role at Walmart under Mr. Quinn, a veteran of PepsiCo's Frito-Lay. "Certainly it's not a marketing-led company in the way a lot of package-goods companies would consider themselves to be," he said. "So I have to be careful not to overstep what it really is. But I do think marketing has a seat at the table. ... This company had a strong merchant and operations culture, and now we've added this third leg of the stool."

Even better Walmart is really trying to understand the customer.

Walmart really doesn't need to attract a different customer to succeed, Mr. Quinn said -- just do a better job of selling to and maintaining the loyalty of its existing customers.

I look forward to more from Walmart, the marketer.

10 Digital Marketing Ideas...

Warning - Shameful theft of someone else's great blog

Jim Lefevre has a lot to say about some great Digital Marketing ideas.

http://jlefevere.blogspot.com/2009/06/10-digital-marketing-ideas.html

Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

P.S. it's ok to comment on the dominant size of Jim's name at the top of his blog (see the picture). I already did.

Just Having an iPhone App Isn't Enough

Michael Learmonth contributed a great article to Advertising Age (June 3, 2009) http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=137069


Everyone is on the App bubble, but the devil is in the detail or as Michael points out the marketing support.
With nearly 48,000 iPhone applications in circulation, it's easy to forget how young the mobile "app economy" really is. The iTunes App Store has been around only 11 months; it registered its billionth download after nine months.

It all sounds good. Probably too good.

There's a myth that there's easy money out there," he said as part of a panel of mobile experts at the CaT: Creativity and Technology conference in New York, hosted by Advertising Age and Creativity. "Most apps don't make any money, so it's really about publicity."
Increasingly, apps have to be supported by traditional marketing; otherwise they have little chance of making it to many iPhone screens. "The App Store is not a marketing vehicle; it is a distribution vehicle," said Raven Zachary, president of digital creative firm Small Society.

As dominant as Apple has been in the field of mobile applications and smartphones, the panel stressed it's still early. The gold rush may be over, but an era of truly useful apps that enable commerce and turn mobile phones into devices that control other devices is upon us.

I think Michael is right on target. The opportunity is still there, but it is a marketing opportunity not a get rich quick scheme. Just don't forgot to support it with traditional marketing.

Need to Check Your Cholesterol? There Will Be an App for That

From the June 1st Ad Age, a very interesting article on iPhone Apps. Looks like everyone is trying to figure out how to use these in their business model. http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=136991

Interestingly (is that a word) the same issue has an article about the trouble with beer companies tweeting. http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=136986

I don't know about you, but I think social media is here to stay.

Yes Virginia, Google has a business model

An interesting article on Google's business model.

http://www.wired.com/culture/culturereviews/magazine/17-06/nep_googlenomics?currentPage=all

Now if I could only figure out what it means. Should I bid for the AdWords at the top of the page or on the side? Too bad I don't have the budget for either.

More Bad News

This probably means nothing to you, but Chicago lost it's only full time jazz station on Friday at 9:55 AM. WNUA 95.5 converted to a spanish music station (now the Mega955). I really like latin jazz, but spanish music doesn't do it for me. I understand the business issues, but they just pushed me further to XM (Real Jazz - 70 and Watercolors - 71) or Internet radio (sky.fm/smoothjazz). My FM receiver is not very busy these days.

Actually the jazz on Sky.fm is very good. They play a lot of different artists and aren't afraid to push the envelope beyond smooth.

On Sunday Jimi King has a live show from London (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM CDT) that is very entertaining. You can also watch it live (http://www.sky.fm/liveshow/).

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

I don't know much about his basketball career, but I do know Wayman Tisdale played a mean bass guitar. I experienced his enthusiasm twice. The first time was when he played with the Guitars and Saxes tour. He played big and looked big (especially next to Mindi Abair, see pic), but he could make his guitar sing. The last time was when he played with Gerald Albright, another great musical experience. When I heard his songs on XM or other contemporary jazz stations it always brought a smile to my face. I hope he is jammin in heaven.

Here is a great tribute from Dave Koz.

This is a tough one for anyone who knew Wayman — to know him was indeed to love him. No one made people feel good like Wayman Tisdale... that smile, that spirit about him — that sense of determination and focus. He had this way of making everyone feel special. He was huge in every way and took the biggest bites out of life. I feel so fortunate to have gotten to spend so many wonderful times with him, to share the stage, to laugh, to record together, just to hang out — but even if you didn’t know him, there was so much love in what he offered the world that you couldn’t help but love him back. And I can’t recall anyone fighting cancer the way he fought it — he was a hero on the court, on the stage, in his fight to live and in everything he did. I send my sincerest, heartfelt prayers of comfort to his wife Regina, the four wonderful Tisdale kids, his family, friends and the millions of fans who adored him. - Dave Koz.

Thanks for making me smile.

Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

Perhaps you remember the first time you saw the Wizard of Oz. I fell in love with Dorothy and couldn't hide fast enough when the wicked witch was on the screen. Watching the movie was a yearly event at my house (yes, this was before VCR's, cable, Dish, DVD's, DVR's, and On Demand). We never missed it.

The NPR program "On Point", Tom Ashbrook had a great interview with Evan Schwartz who has authored an interesting bio of L. Frank Baum. Take a listen. I think you will find it an enjoyable hour.

http://podcastdownload.npr.org/anon.npr-podcasts/podcast/330/510053/103688469/WBUR_103688469.mp3

Napa Valley

I just liked the picture.

Join My Walking Group

If you want to join my walking group on Walker Tracker, use this link.
http://walkertracker.com/?i=33960062788

A New Step Tracker Widgit

I added a new widgit for tracking my steps. It reports my data versus the group data on the WalkMe widgit. It will be interesting to use this for while. Keep walking!!

A blog I follow (Jim Lefevre) led me to this article. I am not sure how to react, but there is something about this that screamed "disruptive technology". I will be spending some time trying to find out more. http://mobihealthnews.com/949/iphone-30-all-about-mhealth/

Lemonade Machine Discovered

It's one of the more over used idioms, " You have to make lemonade from the lemons". Well now they have found the elusive lemonade machine.

From an article in the Boston Globe, perhaps it can help someone:

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/magazine/articles/2009/03/29/from_lemons_to_lemonade/

15,000 Steps a day

When I decided to walk, I started with a goal of 10,000 steps a day. Now that the weather in the midwest is cooperating and day light savings time is in effect, I have extended my goal to 15,000 steps a day.

This article talks about 100 steps a minute for moderate exercise.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7950003.stm

BlackBerry Storm

I found a great application for my BlackBerry Storm.

Flycast (http://www.flycast.fm/FlyCastHOME.aspx)

Let's you play your favorite internet radio through your device. Be sure you have an unlimited data plan or it could get costly. Also set your "Sounds" to vibrate or it will cut out when you receive an e-mail.

Probably not as cool as an I phone, but it has been great for me.

I added the WalkMe widgit to my blog. It is a neat off shoot of Microsoft's HealthVault. It needs a little more work, but it is the best application I have found to track my steps. I hope the count is correct.

An interesting video "Did You Know"

This is my first post. I am either breaking every rule there is on linking or making something that is easy very difficult. Perhaps I will get better.

I hope this makes you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY

There are a couple of different versions out there.