Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Vote!
As disturbing as this election is, it is still important to vote. I encourage everyone to vote based on your true ideals!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Halloween Approaches!
Frighttown rolled into PDX this week, with a macabre contingent of characters dripping from the mouth and dragging limp legs along behind them. These life-like zombies are only actors, however, they still give a slight chill when they saunter by inside the haunted house.
Some years ago my brother-in-law began a yearly ritual haunted house. Year 1 began with a black tent in the front of the house with some minor animations and grotesque monster-like beasts, a walk-by attraction, and some scared trick-or-treat kids. Year two expanded a bit, and the horror was expanded. By year three, B-I-L recruited myself and one or two others to enlist in the monster squad. Year over year the event became more detailed, more elaborate, and far more interesting. News crews began showing up. Donation to food banks soared. From the humble beginnings of the street side display to the nearly football field long maze that it eventually became, Halloween was always a huge work effort and an enormous challenge to create something better than the year before.
Halloween has become a monster of rituals. Massive stores dedicated to dressing your kids (and adults) as a pimp or hippie are like fast food restaurants - one on every corner. Admission to organized haunted houses top $20 a head, and the merchants and retailers thrive for about 3 weeks on cheap plastic decorations and themed candy. I don't remember when Halloween became this enormous an event, but I am overwhelmed by the shear size of it.
Only a handful of days left to get in the mix. Grab the kids and paint a face, walk the streets and run from zombies. If you see a clown, run fast. If you see a hippie, well, run faster.
Some years ago my brother-in-law began a yearly ritual haunted house. Year 1 began with a black tent in the front of the house with some minor animations and grotesque monster-like beasts, a walk-by attraction, and some scared trick-or-treat kids. Year two expanded a bit, and the horror was expanded. By year three, B-I-L recruited myself and one or two others to enlist in the monster squad. Year over year the event became more detailed, more elaborate, and far more interesting. News crews began showing up. Donation to food banks soared. From the humble beginnings of the street side display to the nearly football field long maze that it eventually became, Halloween was always a huge work effort and an enormous challenge to create something better than the year before.
Halloween has become a monster of rituals. Massive stores dedicated to dressing your kids (and adults) as a pimp or hippie are like fast food restaurants - one on every corner. Admission to organized haunted houses top $20 a head, and the merchants and retailers thrive for about 3 weeks on cheap plastic decorations and themed candy. I don't remember when Halloween became this enormous an event, but I am overwhelmed by the shear size of it.
Only a handful of days left to get in the mix. Grab the kids and paint a face, walk the streets and run from zombies. If you see a clown, run fast. If you see a hippie, well, run faster.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Post Debate Hangover
I carefully sat back and listened to the nincompoops talk at each other last night, thinking the entire time that so little was actually said. Immediately following the debate, there was a rush of pundits claiming victory and other nonsense for both candidates. I didn't see a winner (other than the networks) on this one at all! In fact, I saw 300+ million Americans as the losers. 45 minutes of barely scratching the surface and having to make a rush to judgement? Not for me...
I have an idea - Take the $1.2 billion (reported) campaign contributions and put those dollars to an actual productive use! I know it isn't a lot, but I'd bet it all it could make a dent somewhere... Like offering a fund to loan for small business development, or creating a co-op for health care for lower income families, or feeding the 15% that live in poverty. Let's strip campaign ads off the TV and radio (sorry FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC, etc.), get the landfill-destined lawn signs removed, stop the non-earth-friendly campaign postcards, and the overall waste of crap that gets thrown out after the election that has no legacy of benefit to nearly anyone.
And while we're at it, let's actually pass a budget. Do you think we could at least compromise on both sides a bit more to at least show a token of respect for the taxpayer? Quit the blame game, other than shame on both of you, and get to work. We don't pay you to sit in fancy chairs for nothing.
I have an idea - Take the $1.2 billion (reported) campaign contributions and put those dollars to an actual productive use! I know it isn't a lot, but I'd bet it all it could make a dent somewhere... Like offering a fund to loan for small business development, or creating a co-op for health care for lower income families, or feeding the 15% that live in poverty. Let's strip campaign ads off the TV and radio (sorry FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC, etc.), get the landfill-destined lawn signs removed, stop the non-earth-friendly campaign postcards, and the overall waste of crap that gets thrown out after the election that has no legacy of benefit to nearly anyone.
And while we're at it, let's actually pass a budget. Do you think we could at least compromise on both sides a bit more to at least show a token of respect for the taxpayer? Quit the blame game, other than shame on both of you, and get to work. We don't pay you to sit in fancy chairs for nothing.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
MIA
Been reluctant to post lately... too many things to discuss, but not enough to say I suppose.
random thoughts...
Steve Sabol died today. I grew up watching NFL Films and will miss his recognizable voice for the future. He and his father were pioneers. Rest in peace.
Our cat is 19 years old and has recently decided to grow dreadlocks. Perhaps the fact that he can no longer stretch to clean himself has something to do with it. Either that, or he found my stash of Steel Pulse CD's.
I no longer believe that either party has my best interests in mind. I will not vote for the 'lesser' of two evils, nor will I fall into the 'you're giving away your vote' argument. Sorry, but your FB posts didn't sway me one bit. But keep on believing if you wish.
Our health care rates rose 13% this year (an average of 11% per year the last 3 years) and our out-of-pocket % rose 50%. This means that if I owed $100 last year for a procedure, I will now pay $150. At what point does the insurance we pay for just not become that beneficial? When is this becoming affordable?
Sequestration is getting no play before the HELLection. Seems the media is more focused on derailing either candidate's polished image... Do you think a 3rd party candidate will be invited to a debate? I think not...
As you might notice, my patience is short with the politicos.
I have been spending some time in the woods lately. Curious what people think is cool about leaving their trash in the woods?
random thoughts...
Steve Sabol died today. I grew up watching NFL Films and will miss his recognizable voice for the future. He and his father were pioneers. Rest in peace.
Our cat is 19 years old and has recently decided to grow dreadlocks. Perhaps the fact that he can no longer stretch to clean himself has something to do with it. Either that, or he found my stash of Steel Pulse CD's.
I no longer believe that either party has my best interests in mind. I will not vote for the 'lesser' of two evils, nor will I fall into the 'you're giving away your vote' argument. Sorry, but your FB posts didn't sway me one bit. But keep on believing if you wish.
Our health care rates rose 13% this year (an average of 11% per year the last 3 years) and our out-of-pocket % rose 50%. This means that if I owed $100 last year for a procedure, I will now pay $150. At what point does the insurance we pay for just not become that beneficial? When is this becoming affordable?
Sequestration is getting no play before the HELLection. Seems the media is more focused on derailing either candidate's polished image... Do you think a 3rd party candidate will be invited to a debate? I think not...
As you might notice, my patience is short with the politicos.
I have been spending some time in the woods lately. Curious what people think is cool about leaving their trash in the woods?
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Leopard Gecko
My son brought home a beloved leopard gecko today. The gecko's name is Loku. Apparently, I am now a grandparent to a lizard.
I am proud of my son for buying the serpent on his own, tending to it, and learning about it. His obsession with such a creature has been long, and from the knowledge of this creature he expresses I am confident he will take good care of it.
Earlier, on FB, I asked about a remedy for fruit flies. This wasn't really what I had in mind...
I am proud of my son for buying the serpent on his own, tending to it, and learning about it. His obsession with such a creature has been long, and from the knowledge of this creature he expresses I am confident he will take good care of it.
Earlier, on FB, I asked about a remedy for fruit flies. This wasn't really what I had in mind...
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Product Idea 101
The theory that great ideas sell themselves is tragically flawed. Far too often we place more value in the merit of an idea, and little to the value of the execution thereafter. We have all seen relatively low value ideas turn into huge successes, all because the execution in marketing and branding made it larger than life, something everyone had to have, at least for a short time anyway... Take the Snuggie - A flimsy fleece poncho stylized by some grandparents in recliners trying to look like Obi Wan Kenobe sold millions. The Slap Chop - Funny, quirky spokesman guy (on meth, as well) humors us into submission and a debit on the card. Not the greatest products overall, but boy, did they execute.
Many folks visit LUSB with the same question - 'What do you think of my idea?' I cannot in good conscious opine on the matter anymore because I have been proven wrong by such uber-necessary items such as Silly Bands and Crocs. It is not for me to decide, it is for the inventor to decide that he or she truly wishes it to succeed. Then, and only then, will they execute properly and deliver a success story. Persistence is key, execution is critical, and in the end, determination will make the difference.
On the other side of the story, there are many great ideas that folks have brought along to us or others that never saw the light of day. Either a lack of follow through, a diversion at the first complication, or a general laziness and misdirection can drive some great ideas into oblivion, never to be seen by the market.
If there is some advice we can give - Get sound advice from those that have been there before, partner with strong manufacturers and developers, and drive your sales and marketing as hard as possible to land where you want in the market. There will always be many that will tell you of the possible failures, and how you won't make it, or what a stupid idea you have. Don't take it to heart, let it fuel your fire to make the next great widget nobody really needs to live without....
Many folks visit LUSB with the same question - 'What do you think of my idea?' I cannot in good conscious opine on the matter anymore because I have been proven wrong by such uber-necessary items such as Silly Bands and Crocs. It is not for me to decide, it is for the inventor to decide that he or she truly wishes it to succeed. Then, and only then, will they execute properly and deliver a success story. Persistence is key, execution is critical, and in the end, determination will make the difference.
On the other side of the story, there are many great ideas that folks have brought along to us or others that never saw the light of day. Either a lack of follow through, a diversion at the first complication, or a general laziness and misdirection can drive some great ideas into oblivion, never to be seen by the market.
If there is some advice we can give - Get sound advice from those that have been there before, partner with strong manufacturers and developers, and drive your sales and marketing as hard as possible to land where you want in the market. There will always be many that will tell you of the possible failures, and how you won't make it, or what a stupid idea you have. Don't take it to heart, let it fuel your fire to make the next great widget nobody really needs to live without....
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Surf Dreams
We visited the beach this weekend, a departure from our normal weekends of work and college course studies. It was welcome relief, and the kids were thrilled to get into some surf and sand. I was able to revisit something I hadn't for over 20 years.
Surfing was something I tried when I was about 17. I did it once or twice, maybe three times - something like that. I can only remember that I did get up, and rode out pathetic little waves about the size of my pinkie finger, bent in half, maybe. Couple of those and I remembered thinking I had surfed. I do remember having a ton of fun with it, but never really going back to explore it further. As my sons and I banged into waist high waves this weekend I remembered how much fun it could be, and I realized I wanted to try again. So, anyone got a 9'+ board they could let me borrow for a few? Just want to get back out and try it again, and this time let my kids give it a go as well. Oregon coast, look out!
Surfing was something I tried when I was about 17. I did it once or twice, maybe three times - something like that. I can only remember that I did get up, and rode out pathetic little waves about the size of my pinkie finger, bent in half, maybe. Couple of those and I remembered thinking I had surfed. I do remember having a ton of fun with it, but never really going back to explore it further. As my sons and I banged into waist high waves this weekend I remembered how much fun it could be, and I realized I wanted to try again. So, anyone got a 9'+ board they could let me borrow for a few? Just want to get back out and try it again, and this time let my kids give it a go as well. Oregon coast, look out!
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