Worth reading.
10 Startups
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Computer Randomly Plays Classical Music
Computer Randomly Plays Classical MusicThis is just beautiful. What else you would expect from a dumb PC..
Monday, November 26, 2007
Healthy Fast Food Nutrition and Calorie Counter Guide
Healthy Fast Food Nutrition and Calorie Counter Guide Very interesting. We finally have a guide book for junk food..
Friday, November 23, 2007
New front in the battle against identity theft
This is damn problem for all of us.. New front in the battle against identity theft - Independent Online Edition > Science & Tech
Facebook Is Almost 2/3 Women (and other stats)
This is weird, but almost expected..
Facebook Is Almost 2/3 Women (and other stats)
Facebook Is Almost 2/3 Women (and other stats)
Crazy
I just drove by a BestBuy and people camped out in tents in 25 F weather, so they can hit the doors in the morning for sale. I don't know what to say. Yes, cheap is the better but if you won't live enough to enjoy the stuff you bought, than what's the point?
There is a reason its called Black Friday. More like dark purple at this cold.. Idiots..
There is a reason its called Black Friday. More like dark purple at this cold.. Idiots..
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Sorry
Oh Shit. I ignored this blog so long. Damn it. Well, sorry about it.
I had difficulty using the web updates. Now I started using MarsEdit for blogging on my Mac and I love it.
So I hope it will help to send more updates here..
I had difficulty using the web updates. Now I started using MarsEdit for blogging on my Mac and I love it.
So I hope it will help to send more updates here..
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Monday, March 5, 2007
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Vista "efficiency"!
A french -In this case I can agree with them- study says VISTA is double BS than XP, which sucked anyway. My question is when was the last time Microsoft concerned about efficiency. Just look at the packaging of their products. And the gigabaytes of installations of their OS and office suites. Everything they do is inefficient and bloated.
Windows Vista Hinders Creative Users’ Efficiency Even More than Windows XP Did
Windows Vista Hinders Creative Users’ Efficiency Even More than Windows XP Did
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Newly ones
You can easily predict those couples just started dating or hanging out. I was at this fancy restaurant and a young couple walked in hand in hand. The guy is constantly watching around to see who noticed them and watching the girl. Man, it is sick the way this kid was trying to attract attention. He is not even paying attention to the girl, which she was decent but not an eye popper.
So what do you do to these type? I think the best way is to ignore them completely so he kills himself out of desperation.
So what do you do to these type? I think the best way is to ignore them completely so he kills himself out of desperation.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Saturday, February 3, 2007
I really like this service. Simply leave a note "What you are doing?" Some leave IM messages for this reason, but you need to stay online. This service doesn't need to be online. It works like a web "post it". I am recommending. And there are some programs to manage it from Mac, a widget and a little app called Twitterrific.. Google them..
twitter.com
twitter.com
Lies, Damned Lies, and Bill Gates
Dirty bastards. Is the this the best they can do... They are going down so fast, they don't even know it...
Lies, Damned Lies, and Bill Gates
Lies, Damned Lies, and Bill Gates
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Bill Gates lists Vista 'innovations' Apple's had for years
Now this is responsible journalism. CNN deserves a big kiss from Apple...
Bill Gates lists Vista 'innovations' Apple's had for years
Bill Gates lists Vista 'innovations' Apple's had for years
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Top-20 Websites: Where DO we spend our time online?
Very interesting to see where Google and MySpace is...
Top-20 Websites: Where DO we spend our time online?
Top-20 Websites: Where DO we spend our time online?
Monday, January 29, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
The End
Davos adventure 2007 is over. I tried to cover the events and capture the moments. Several blogs and ton of main stream media reported the wisdom and spirit of Davos. I have to admit, I miss this shindig after a while. There is an interesting mix of people, blended in snow that you can’t see anywhere else. And I have many friends here, and they are bundled all together for five days. Every year I have the chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones. There is certain Davos element that lasts very long. I am looking forward to be back here next year.
But of course this is not the end of this blog. There are so many things around us everyday to “watch”.
I will be watching, so stay close...
But of course this is not the end of this blog. There are so many things around us everyday to “watch”.
I will be watching, so stay close...
19th Hour
I was back in my room at the 19th hour of my day. I don’t even remember how it started? But it ended pretty good. Last night was the party night. First I went to a private dinner with many friends. It was discussion free, no business, pure fun dinner. I saw some old friends made lots of gossip, checked out each other. I met new friends, some will be good for a long time. Also there were some fillers, but harmless. A few boring suits. Several of them were prepared for the Gala Suare wearing their black ties. Food was great, open buffet served on the table. We eat like crazy. Lots of chocolate. I was in chocolotosis shock afterwards.
Then we went to the Gala event. One of the rooms were Africa setup. I didn’t see any lion hunters or pigmes, but decor and music were tasteful. Again as Davos usual screw-up, room was boiling hot. Maybe they really wanted to resemble Africa. We hung out for a while and moved on.
Bigger room was Malaysian style. It was larger and more crowded. At the beginning it seemed harmless. But when the cheap, razor sharp thin voiced group of Malaysian ladies started signing “Lady Marmalade” I wanted to choke the next guy standing next to me. I moved around the hall to distract myself. Then I saw the local dressed, 1,5 half inch thick makeup and paint put on, Indiana Jones movie type surprise moment, on your face hosts. I was so scared, wanted to run out and go home. The smiles were painted with black makeup around the eyes. Big hats and traditional colorful dresses were “Made in China” quality. And they were on to us. I didn’t sleep well last night.
After Malaysia, we wondered around another room, I saw Princes Nabu and Amidala from star wars, or from middle east. Very interesting costumes and name tags..
When our hand eye coordination went out of control, we decided to go home. Thanks to our drivers, we could be delivered safe to our beds.
Another culturally shocked “fun” night of Davos was over.
Long live the friends...
Then we went to the Gala event. One of the rooms were Africa setup. I didn’t see any lion hunters or pigmes, but decor and music were tasteful. Again as Davos usual screw-up, room was boiling hot. Maybe they really wanted to resemble Africa. We hung out for a while and moved on.
Bigger room was Malaysian style. It was larger and more crowded. At the beginning it seemed harmless. But when the cheap, razor sharp thin voiced group of Malaysian ladies started signing “Lady Marmalade” I wanted to choke the next guy standing next to me. I moved around the hall to distract myself. Then I saw the local dressed, 1,5 half inch thick makeup and paint put on, Indiana Jones movie type surprise moment, on your face hosts. I was so scared, wanted to run out and go home. The smiles were painted with black makeup around the eyes. Big hats and traditional colorful dresses were “Made in China” quality. And they were on to us. I didn’t sleep well last night.
After Malaysia, we wondered around another room, I saw Princes Nabu and Amidala from star wars, or from middle east. Very interesting costumes and name tags..
When our hand eye coordination went out of control, we decided to go home. Thanks to our drivers, we could be delivered safe to our beds.
Another culturally shocked “fun” night of Davos was over.
Long live the friends...
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Eye candy
After a few days in the congress hall and around. I am very happy to observe and report that I saw many more Apple notebooks then ever before. I am glad those people finally saw the light and accepted the truth. They seemed happier, confidant, successful and stress free. No more Micro-soft in their lives.
Of course there were some others trying to work their Dells, IBMs and other ugly colored, over sized, weird designed notebooks. They looked desperate, sad, lonely and helpless. I even saw a few with tears in their eyes. They were in need. I felt bad, I wanted to yell at them.. GO GET A LIFE! Stop this non-sense..
I am proud to be part of this elite crowd.
Of course there were some others trying to work their Dells, IBMs and other ugly colored, over sized, weird designed notebooks. They looked desperate, sad, lonely and helpless. I even saw a few with tears in their eyes. They were in need. I felt bad, I wanted to yell at them.. GO GET A LIFE! Stop this non-sense..
I am proud to be part of this elite crowd.
Futuristic
Today there was a workshop about futuristic thoughts and ideas.. There were some top level high tech execs, some investors, non related happened to be there participants and some wanna bees. After about 2 1/2 hours, we admitted that Google and Ebay will be around and kicking in 2015. High Speed will be all too real for everyone. Genetically engineered pets and wives will be widely available. 3-D movies and communication devices will be part of daily life. Health checking toilets will call your doctor while taking a dump. There will be no more mail and newspapers. Virtual friends will gossip about the real ones. Electronic money will be spent via mobile phones, implanted chips, clothes and etc.
We then discussed future business ideas. We setup a $ 3 Trillion market capitalized company that owns cutting edge technologies for personal well being, virtual sex, better health. We moved it off shore and stopped paying taxes.
Than our time went up and we all left to our realities...
We then discussed future business ideas. We setup a $ 3 Trillion market capitalized company that owns cutting edge technologies for personal well being, virtual sex, better health. We moved it off shore and stopped paying taxes.
Than our time went up and we all left to our realities...
Connection
Yesterday some guy from the chewing gum sensitive Singapore said that they are installing 100 Mbit connections to homes and will increase it to 1 Gbit in 5 to 10 years. I was eating something and I wanted to poke him with my fork. I am lucky when I see 10 Mbit. Very jealous now. I am considering giving up on gum and moving there...
Second life
No I am not talking about last night’s parties. It is about the phenomenon living a second life on the net. This is becoming very serious business, more than a geek fantasy. Here is another example of it.
http://news.com.com/Sundance+holds+screening+in+Second+Life+for+first+time/2100-1026_3-6153064.html
http://news.com.com/Sundance+holds+screening+in+Second+Life+for+first+time/2100-1026_3-6153064.html
Games
Last night I was at a dinner and we talked about computer games and its social effects. There were good dads and bad dads among the crowd. Some played and enjoyed games, some banned them as if they were some old Nazi scriptures. A Harvard professor admitted that he recently got addicted to online poker. Another french guy admitted he surpassed his kids on world of warcraft.
I told them my playstation 3 marathons and achievements. Playing 6 hours a day to beat the “Resistance”. Someone in room yelled “you are hired”. Afterwards I received some compliments mixed with some suspicious looks.
I told them my playstation 3 marathons and achievements. Playing 6 hours a day to beat the “Resistance”. Someone in room yelled “you are hired”. Afterwards I received some compliments mixed with some suspicious looks.
Genetics
Today I learned that there are 6000 genetic disorders, it means genetic disease is more than an amorphous stupid looking face, and acting like an asshole.
A French dude said that if you eat 5 times a day at the McDonald’s, you will have a hearth attack. Whaaat? Really? And is this why all the money is spent in genetics and all the studies to figure this out. Damn....
Two more scientists went on an on about the genetics using so many words than no Shakespearian English literate would understand. I nodded time to time and dozed off...
A French dude said that if you eat 5 times a day at the McDonald’s, you will have a hearth attack. Whaaat? Really? And is this why all the money is spent in genetics and all the studies to figure this out. Damn....
Two more scientists went on an on about the genetics using so many words than no Shakespearian English literate would understand. I nodded time to time and dozed off...
Good morning?
I think it is morning, it is still dark outside. It is snowing, calm and silent. I am trying to wake up. Cold air will help, I hope. Its around 6 am. 5 hours ago I was at the Google “after hours” party. I mean what a party. Crowd was wild, music was loud. An interesting mix of old and curious suits, and “don’t care” dressed up cool kids. Even bunch of swiss airline stuff, you know them...
I talked to Larry Page and Sergey Brin a little bit, they seemed to enjoy playing the host. You should have seen the crowd trying to pass the name check. Serious suits were looking so helpless.
I am sure party lasted until late hours, but I had a breakfast plan with the premier of Pakistan. I needed to freshen up, it wouldn’t be easy to explain them the Google after effects...
I talked to Larry Page and Sergey Brin a little bit, they seemed to enjoy playing the host. You should have seen the crowd trying to pass the name check. Serious suits were looking so helpless.
I am sure party lasted until late hours, but I had a breakfast plan with the premier of Pakistan. I needed to freshen up, it wouldn’t be easy to explain them the Google after effects...
Friday, January 26, 2007
Sir
I just met Prince Andrew (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Andrew,_Duke_of_York). Here in Davos every WEF citizen wears a badge. It has our picture, name, company name or official title and country.
His badge had his picture and H.R.H. Duke of York, nothing else. Whoa, that’s imperial...
His badge had his picture and H.R.H. Duke of York, nothing else. Whoa, that’s imperial...
Spouses
This will be controversial, but I will say it anyway.
What the hell the wives or husband who are only spouse to the main guy or girl do here? Many sessions are open to the spouses, the whole Davos should be close to them. We pay money and we are the working class, we come here to work. And a spouse is asking me to cross to the next seat, while carrying an XXL purse, briefcase (like as if she needs) and fur coat, scarf gloves and ton of other fashionable shit. They are all over the seat, me and others. She settles, than fixes the makeup. I am fuming here. What are you doing here? I want to work, listen and concentrate. Than she takes out a large leather bound, decorated notebook. Starts writing stuff, maybe a recipe for an apple pie with a fancy pen. I want to hurt somebody.
That’s it, no more spouses. It has to be banned completely. I even saw some tall and fancy spouses, in both gender, only to appear very hot and fashionable and walk around. Please no more...
What the hell the wives or husband who are only spouse to the main guy or girl do here? Many sessions are open to the spouses, the whole Davos should be close to them. We pay money and we are the working class, we come here to work. And a spouse is asking me to cross to the next seat, while carrying an XXL purse, briefcase (like as if she needs) and fur coat, scarf gloves and ton of other fashionable shit. They are all over the seat, me and others. She settles, than fixes the makeup. I am fuming here. What are you doing here? I want to work, listen and concentrate. Than she takes out a large leather bound, decorated notebook. Starts writing stuff, maybe a recipe for an apple pie with a fancy pen. I want to hurt somebody.
That’s it, no more spouses. It has to be banned completely. I even saw some tall and fancy spouses, in both gender, only to appear very hot and fashionable and walk around. Please no more...
User Content
Time magazine chose the person of the year, ME. The user and his or her content.
Today I heard that there are about 57 million blogs. Including me... And google averages 1 reader per blog. So when I have more then 1, next guy has NOTHING!. Cool...
An add guru says that %20 time is spent on the internet and but only %7 advertising money goes to net. That means there is room to grow, a big room.
A serious blogger (besides me) said that Yahoo! is the last traditional media company. Huh? What he means that any control over the content and trying to market it will be over. Content is everywhere, you can built a network, support and promote it, which google is doing now. Okay...
Today I heard that there are about 57 million blogs. Including me... And google averages 1 reader per blog. So when I have more then 1, next guy has NOTHING!. Cool...
An add guru says that %20 time is spent on the internet and but only %7 advertising money goes to net. That means there is room to grow, a big room.
A serious blogger (besides me) said that Yahoo! is the last traditional media company. Huh? What he means that any control over the content and trying to market it will be over. Content is everywhere, you can built a network, support and promote it, which google is doing now. Okay...
The whole truth nothing but the truth
Sure.... I listened a session about privacy. Liberals, geeks, business execs all debated the pros and cons and admitted that they are scared to death someday a picture will pop up somewhere taken when they were having a “great” time. Credit card numbers comes second to that.
Someone said positives also, citing the wikipedia being the largest free encyclopedia and how it is transforming the knowledge edge for the underachieved. He said that in traditional encyclopedia Britannica error correction would take up to ten tears, while at wikipedia it is around 4 minutes. So you can claim to be corrected and heard. It is a good thing.
On the other hand, MySpace, Facebook and such sites are revealing all too much that we need. Google boys should be giggling somewhere. Search baby search...
Someone said positives also, citing the wikipedia being the largest free encyclopedia and how it is transforming the knowledge edge for the underachieved. He said that in traditional encyclopedia Britannica error correction would take up to ten tears, while at wikipedia it is around 4 minutes. So you can claim to be corrected and heard. It is a good thing.
On the other hand, MySpace, Facebook and such sites are revealing all too much that we need. Google boys should be giggling somewhere. Search baby search...
"Mind" boggling
I listened a presentation today by some scientist who runs a swiss institute working on “reverse engineering the brain”. Go figure. I didn’t understand everything he said, and probably he didn’t say much either. But I got some numbers.
Brain runs at one petaflop/second speed (http://www.petaflop.info/). It is 10 to the 15th power operations a second, or it is million times billion operations. There is no computing power yet at this speed, but IBM and CRAY are working on it. If a computer would be build with same power now, it would take up 450 sq. meter and would need 3 million watt power. But the brain takes up 0.01 sq. meter and needs 60 watts power. Brain has a million kilometer fiber connection and 100 billion neurons. He actually showed a neuron simulation on a computer..
He expects that in 2015, there will be a computer capable of 1000 petaflops/second and 200 petabyte memory. That will enable to simulate the brain in real time.
Ok what I got from this is that we are nowhere near to understand and comprehend the brain yet, and may never will... Just amazing...
Brain runs at one petaflop/second speed (http://www.petaflop.info/). It is 10 to the 15th power operations a second, or it is million times billion operations. There is no computing power yet at this speed, but IBM and CRAY are working on it. If a computer would be build with same power now, it would take up 450 sq. meter and would need 3 million watt power. But the brain takes up 0.01 sq. meter and needs 60 watts power. Brain has a million kilometer fiber connection and 100 billion neurons. He actually showed a neuron simulation on a computer..
He expects that in 2015, there will be a computer capable of 1000 petaflops/second and 200 petabyte memory. That will enable to simulate the brain in real time.
Ok what I got from this is that we are nowhere near to understand and comprehend the brain yet, and may never will... Just amazing...
Drink with me
I went to a party by Coca Cola.. I know, its a cool drink and we all like it somehow. It’s got to be a nice party I thought. At the arrival, we were organized in a receiving line and greeted by some serious suit and tie hosts. Firm handshakes and gestures. One by one. I felt like visiting the president. Come on people. You are the Coke, give it up, relax.. Where are the shirt skirt red santa dress wearing girls, red coke t-shirts?
I decided that Coke is the IBM of the drinks... Suit and Coke..
Some guy told us that Coca Cola brought all 400 different brands they have... I hope they placed the party conveniently next door to a large bathroom. People will try those brands at some point.
I decided that Coke is the IBM of the drinks... Suit and Coke..
Some guy told us that Coca Cola brought all 400 different brands they have... I hope they placed the party conveniently next door to a large bathroom. People will try those brands at some point.
Davos at night
I wrote earlier about the girls among us, but later I noticed I spoke too early.
This evening there were some fancy dinners organized by some big players, and late parties thrown by bigger players. I noticed a different breed of ladies appeared at the dinners and parties. I think they were kept locked all day away from the crowds. One caught my attention, she didn’t have any specific head shot, but her cleavage was all the way to south America. It was amusing to watch the gentlemen constantly adjusting their focus and tying not to embarrass themselves. I don’t think she had the right to put these fine folks into jeopardy. Shame on her...
Some gentlemen brought their wives, dates, beards and whatever else they have to dinner and parties. Some came alone and looked sad. Some tried to ignore others and looked busy. It was very interesting to watch...
At one of the parties, a global giant brought jazz players and dancers to entertain the guests. I admired the efforts of the band, singers and dancers trying very hard to move the crowd and join them. But the guests were made of rich and famous and busy people. They tried to ignore the music and looked busy, some hide behind the tables and columns from the dancers. Some tried to engage a serious conversation with the closest other boring guy. Some left the room quickly. The band leader kept calling on to the crowd.. Hopelessly... I left after a while when there was no more air in the room...
Tomorrow and the next day there will be more entertainment to report... I hope...
This evening there were some fancy dinners organized by some big players, and late parties thrown by bigger players. I noticed a different breed of ladies appeared at the dinners and parties. I think they were kept locked all day away from the crowds. One caught my attention, she didn’t have any specific head shot, but her cleavage was all the way to south America. It was amusing to watch the gentlemen constantly adjusting their focus and tying not to embarrass themselves. I don’t think she had the right to put these fine folks into jeopardy. Shame on her...
Some gentlemen brought their wives, dates, beards and whatever else they have to dinner and parties. Some came alone and looked sad. Some tried to ignore others and looked busy. It was very interesting to watch...
At one of the parties, a global giant brought jazz players and dancers to entertain the guests. I admired the efforts of the band, singers and dancers trying very hard to move the crowd and join them. But the guests were made of rich and famous and busy people. They tried to ignore the music and looked busy, some hide behind the tables and columns from the dancers. Some tried to engage a serious conversation with the closest other boring guy. Some left the room quickly. The band leader kept calling on to the crowd.. Hopelessly... I left after a while when there was no more air in the room...
Tomorrow and the next day there will be more entertainment to report... I hope...
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Lunch
Oh man I was so scared when I went to the lunch today. The topic of the discussion was “Journalism is Dead”. What the hell? When did it happen? So the discussion was among the old and new media. Finally the big boys of the town, NY Times, WSJ, Boston Globe and Daily Telegraph bosses save the journalism from dead by admitting that rules have changed and the paper is not the solution anymore.
They all believe that the online material will make more money and read by many more very shortly. But the quality of the material is very much linked to the brand names. They also believe “I know what's best for you” attitude is out the window. Reader is the source and ruler. Otherwise they will be left behind.
Some individual intellectuals insisted that they don’t need the big boys. But the room overcame the notion. As long as they will play by the new rules, they can stay in town.
One said that Wall Street expects %25 return on papers and more around %40 from TV companies. Damn, it is a lot cost cutting and expensive advertising. Big boys weren’t deterred either.
Someone raised the quality issue with tabloids. Please... Those are the only fun we have, leave them alone. NY Post loses $50 million a year, who cares...
I felt good afterwards. As long as WE keep blogging, we change the rules. I am not in favor of killing the journalism but I want them to come play with us. It will be more fun...
They all believe that the online material will make more money and read by many more very shortly. But the quality of the material is very much linked to the brand names. They also believe “I know what's best for you” attitude is out the window. Reader is the source and ruler. Otherwise they will be left behind.
Some individual intellectuals insisted that they don’t need the big boys. But the room overcame the notion. As long as they will play by the new rules, they can stay in town.
One said that Wall Street expects %25 return on papers and more around %40 from TV companies. Damn, it is a lot cost cutting and expensive advertising. Big boys weren’t deterred either.
Someone raised the quality issue with tabloids. Please... Those are the only fun we have, leave them alone. NY Post loses $50 million a year, who cares...
I felt good afterwards. As long as WE keep blogging, we change the rules. I am not in favor of killing the journalism but I want them to come play with us. It will be more fun...
Taste of Davos
In a comment somebody asked about the food and the girls here.
Well, the lunches and dinners are plastic hotel food. They are not enough and usually served on the cooler side. Lost of mineral water and coke. I stay away from deserts. In between there are ton of junk food around the conference areas, and not enough fruit. Lots of burned coffee and cheap tea. Only the cheese tastes very good (it better do, we are in switzerland).
Ahh the girls. There are many wondering around, looking tired and depressed. I think they are over worked and underpaid. The fancy boys here are in rush to chase and impress one another or constantly late for meetings. So the girls are largely ignored. I didn’t see anyone that burned an image in my head either.
So here the situation is bleak. Tasteless in both ways....
Well, the lunches and dinners are plastic hotel food. They are not enough and usually served on the cooler side. Lost of mineral water and coke. I stay away from deserts. In between there are ton of junk food around the conference areas, and not enough fruit. Lots of burned coffee and cheap tea. Only the cheese tastes very good (it better do, we are in switzerland).
Ahh the girls. There are many wondering around, looking tired and depressed. I think they are over worked and underpaid. The fancy boys here are in rush to chase and impress one another or constantly late for meetings. So the girls are largely ignored. I didn’t see anyone that burned an image in my head either.
So here the situation is bleak. Tasteless in both ways....
Bad news
A swiss scientist (I didn’t know they had) told today that stem cells for curing Alzheimer is a far out thought, not gonna happen. Shit, there goes my stocks...
Sleepless in Seattle
Oops. I meant in Davos. We need to be up and kicking at 7 am and you are lucky if you can hit the pillow by midnight. Emailing and blogging in between. Preparing for the next day and planning your meetings. Of course one has to eat and visit the restroom, sometimes.
And the occasional nonsense chatting with some guy who is desperately trying to make new friends, with a fixed grin on his face, asking the most obvious “Oh what is your business? Where do you live?”. I want yell at him, “ I AM NOT INTERESTED IN YOU...” But I have to grin and nod and agree with whatever he or she talks about, while trying to wake up.
I will need a long break and therapy after Davos...
And the occasional nonsense chatting with some guy who is desperately trying to make new friends, with a fixed grin on his face, asking the most obvious “Oh what is your business? Where do you live?”. I want yell at him, “ I AM NOT INTERESTED IN YOU...” But I have to grin and nod and agree with whatever he or she talks about, while trying to wake up.
I will need a long break and therapy after Davos...
MySpace for the big boys
WEF announced an initiative called WELCOM to build an online community to bring the WEF crowd together. MySpace for the rich and famous, I can’t wait to see the colorful background pictures and family pictures. I hope I am kidding.
They claim;
With WELCOM, the Forum will create a unique on-line community and distinctive global governance tool to address the challenges of our global, interconnected, fast-paced world. WELCOM is a highly advanced collaborative platform for 10,000 of the world’s top leaders. Top 1000 global, regional and industry experts.
Well it will be a whole different blogging experience I guess. Although if it will work, I am sure it will be very useful to follow up the Davos event and stay in touch with the boys and girls.
They claim;
With WELCOM, the Forum will create a unique on-line community and distinctive global governance tool to address the challenges of our global, interconnected, fast-paced world. WELCOM is a highly advanced collaborative platform for 10,000 of the world’s top leaders. Top 1000 global, regional and industry experts.
Well it will be a whole different blogging experience I guess. Although if it will work, I am sure it will be very useful to follow up the Davos event and stay in touch with the boys and girls.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Ethics
I can easily bet that everyone here at the WEF has a mobile phone, at least one. And among them at least half of them knows its functions and settings. And yet, in a meeting some idiot’s cell phone was ringing, which should have been set to silent or vibrate at least. And he or she is not even aware of it. It rang for a while before the moderator had to remind the audience.
Having a mobile phone today is a no brainer, last year almost 1 billion cell phones have been sold. But knowing the ethics and using it properly is the virtue.
Having a mobile phone today is a no brainer, last year almost 1 billion cell phones have been sold. But knowing the ethics and using it properly is the virtue.
Forumblog.org - The World Economic Forum Weblog
I am not blogging the substance from Davos meetings. Those who want to read some serious stuff. Here it is...
Forumblog.org - The World Economic Forum Weblog
Forumblog.org - The World Economic Forum Weblog
Lunch
There was an open buffet lunch at noon. Man it was a mad house. More than 2000 people with lot of money, but without enough social skills rushed and bumped and pushed for the food. You should see the mess after an hour. And the smell...
Good news - for geeks!!
I was talking to VP of Sun Microsystems. Obviously we were talking about the iPhone. He said that some idiot at Sun told some stupid stuff that it will cost money to Apple, so Jobs mentioned that (I heard it in an interview) iPhone won’t have Java in it. He said he will go back and fix it. Very good news. Yeah...
Old farts / New kids
This is a tough issue to describe. There are old farts who has old money, wear suit and tie and act like they know everything. Always serious and determent.
New kids who have more money and know more, who act free and carelessly. Casual and random.
I think that pisses off the old farts. This used to be their territory. It is so amazing to observe an old guard professor from an esteemed european university talking to one of the google boys. Very amusing... This old fart cannot believe that he spent his entire adult life to be who he is and be there is less important and influential than this kid, who is dresses up like one of his students and doesn’t care who the old guys is.
But the game has changed. And there is no returning back. Somebody asked me if Davos is less relevant because there is less political big shots and serious looking people. I think Davos is still very important, but the important people has changed.
PS. I saw today some guy was demonstrating the Second Life on one of the plasmas. Unbelievable. (For those who has no idea yet, google second life, you won’t believe it)
New kids who have more money and know more, who act free and carelessly. Casual and random.
I think that pisses off the old farts. This used to be their territory. It is so amazing to observe an old guard professor from an esteemed european university talking to one of the google boys. Very amusing... This old fart cannot believe that he spent his entire adult life to be who he is and be there is less important and influential than this kid, who is dresses up like one of his students and doesn’t care who the old guys is.
But the game has changed. And there is no returning back. Somebody asked me if Davos is less relevant because there is less political big shots and serious looking people. I think Davos is still very important, but the important people has changed.
PS. I saw today some guy was demonstrating the Second Life on one of the plasmas. Unbelievable. (For those who has no idea yet, google second life, you won’t believe it)
Dress code
A few years back, WEF announced “no-tie” policy and went far to suggest casual dress code for the meetings. Nice move, makes it more relaxed, easy on us, looks lively. But some idiots didn’t know what to do with it. I saw leather pants, aloha shirts and snow boots today. WTF? Are you guys went nuts? Davos needed to setup a briefing first then suggest the dress code.
Also for the longest time I am part of this fun fair, (I grew-up while coming here) there are some folks wear the same stuff every year over and over. They need help also, either they have a very limited wardrobe. Cannot be the money, they already spend a lot of money coming here. So they are just plain dull, to put it nice.
Another problem is that the congress hall is always very warm. It is uncomfortably warm. Yeah it is snowing outside, but we are inside! You get it, management? We are sweating. And this guy is wearing a scarf, he has been for the last 10 years. Time to change dude.
Update: I saw colorful bow ties, velvet jacket and puffy boots. Damn Europeans..
Also for the longest time I am part of this fun fair, (I grew-up while coming here) there are some folks wear the same stuff every year over and over. They need help also, either they have a very limited wardrobe. Cannot be the money, they already spend a lot of money coming here. So they are just plain dull, to put it nice.
Another problem is that the congress hall is always very warm. It is uncomfortably warm. Yeah it is snowing outside, but we are inside! You get it, management? We are sweating. And this guy is wearing a scarf, he has been for the last 10 years. Time to change dude.
Update: I saw colorful bow ties, velvet jacket and puffy boots. Damn Europeans..
News of the day
Macao surpasses Las Vegas as gambling centre
By the New York Times
SHANGHAI, Jan. 23 — Macao surpassed the Las Vegas Strip to become the world’s biggest gambling center in 2006, measured by total gambling revenue, according to industry analysts and government figures released today.
In the eight years since Macao, a former Portuguese colony on the coast near Hong Kong, was returned to Chinese control in 1999, it has experienced a huge boom in casino investment, and millions of mainland Chinese have been flooding into the tiny island territory to gamble. As a result, gambling revenue soared by 22 percent in 2006, reaching $6.95 billion, according to figures released by the local administration today.
Las Vegas has not yet released its own full-year revenue statistics. But its cumulative figures were trailing those of Macao in the final months of last year, and analysts estimate that the 2006 total will come in around $6.5 billion.
By the New York Times
SHANGHAI, Jan. 23 — Macao surpassed the Las Vegas Strip to become the world’s biggest gambling center in 2006, measured by total gambling revenue, according to industry analysts and government figures released today.
In the eight years since Macao, a former Portuguese colony on the coast near Hong Kong, was returned to Chinese control in 1999, it has experienced a huge boom in casino investment, and millions of mainland Chinese have been flooding into the tiny island territory to gamble. As a result, gambling revenue soared by 22 percent in 2006, reaching $6.95 billion, according to figures released by the local administration today.
Las Vegas has not yet released its own full-year revenue statistics. But its cumulative figures were trailing those of Macao in the final months of last year, and analysts estimate that the 2006 total will come in around $6.5 billion.
First day at Work
It is 8ish in the morning. The early birds have arrived. It is snowing outside, warm inside. People are wondering aimlessly and trying to look busy. There is free food around which is useful. Security is tight but nice, no shoe removal at the entrance.
I was wondering something this morning. Google is one of the strategic partner companies and its CEO Eric Schmidt is one of the co-chairs. A few years ago, you would see Siemens, Boeing types to do this job. Today it is Google and tomorrow who knows what made up word named company. Today I bet half the people here cannot even describe what Google company is all about, it was much easier for Boeing. If asked guys would say, err ehm... Isn’t it the web site we search Britney Spears pictures? Or the maps to go to friend’s house (what kind of friend if you don’t know where his house is?) But this is change and we have to live with it.
Anyway here we start...
I was wondering something this morning. Google is one of the strategic partner companies and its CEO Eric Schmidt is one of the co-chairs. A few years ago, you would see Siemens, Boeing types to do this job. Today it is Google and tomorrow who knows what made up word named company. Today I bet half the people here cannot even describe what Google company is all about, it was much easier for Boeing. If asked guys would say, err ehm... Isn’t it the web site we search Britney Spears pictures? Or the maps to go to friend’s house (what kind of friend if you don’t know where his house is?) But this is change and we have to live with it.
Anyway here we start...
Swisscom
Couple hours earlier I tested my wifi connection in the room, I had around 3.5 Mbit connection. Now it is less than 300 Kbit. Same location, same network. Internet is provided by Swisscom here. Good job loosers. What happened that they cut the speed all the way down.
Either some hot shot sucked the life out of it, or swisscom lazy boys turned the switches off and went home.
I am on it.
Either some hot shot sucked the life out of it, or swisscom lazy boys turned the switches off and went home.
I am on it.
Entourage
This is not about the HBO show, by the way I love that show. I met some of the cast members, Jeremy Piven the funniest. Anyway, this is about Davos crowd.
I was in the lobby of my hotel and some asian folks were sitting around. Suddenly they all jumped rushed to the door and came back with more asian guys. You can spot the main guy easily. They were talking English with some Davosians and heard about Mr. Mayor, I don’t know where he is from. But the entourage was over crowded, jumpy and lots of ugly and loud cell phone ring tones. I wonder who has the largest (and worst), asians or arabs? I will try to compare...
I was in the lobby of my hotel and some asian folks were sitting around. Suddenly they all jumped rushed to the door and came back with more asian guys. You can spot the main guy easily. They were talking English with some Davosians and heard about Mr. Mayor, I don’t know where he is from. But the entourage was over crowded, jumpy and lots of ugly and loud cell phone ring tones. I wonder who has the largest (and worst), asians or arabs? I will try to compare...
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Forecast
Davos forecast according to my widget (I assume you know it, don’t ask please.. Hint: Apple )
In Celsius
In Celsius
Program
Is it me or this year the head-count of the big shots are much less, sure we will have madame Merkel, and soon to be out Tony Blair. But no Hollywood stars, or a few rich and famous. Instead many from asia, africa, russia and some other countries that didn’t matter before.
And the program is complicated than ever before. There is a chess marathon with an ex-world champion. That was always missing in Davos before. Smart...
And the program is complicated than ever before. There is a chess marathon with an ex-world champion. That was always missing in Davos before. Smart...
Arrived
Today we arrived as planned to Davos in the afternoon, rushed to the registration. It was painless and simple. We received our bags, books, program, invitations and the iPaq companion. It is a PDA pre programmed with Davos material like the participants, program, personal agenda, news items etc. We cannot use it as regular PDA, all the other functions are locked.
It is useful, though it didn’t improve a bit over the years. For example when you look at the program and select a event, you cannot add it to your personal agenda. But if you do the same from the computer terminals thru-out the congress center, that it shows on the PDA. Stupid.
On the way to Pizzeria now. It is cold but clear. Global warming hit here also, less snow this year. Weird.
It is useful, though it didn’t improve a bit over the years. For example when you look at the program and select a event, you cannot add it to your personal agenda. But if you do the same from the computer terminals thru-out the congress center, that it shows on the PDA. Stupid.
On the way to Pizzeria now. It is cold but clear. Global warming hit here also, less snow this year. Weird.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
I watch
I like to watch people, observe what they do and try to think what they think. Most of the time it is amusig, sometime just plain dull or sad. I will write what ever I watch. Nothing much personal. I am not interested in personal gossip or publish personal privacy.
This year I will try to observe at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. It will be hectic as always, so I cannot promise to keep up but I will try... Forgive me if I will miss some grammar or capital letters... Substance is the matter here...
This year I will try to observe at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. It will be hectic as always, so I cannot promise to keep up but I will try... Forgive me if I will miss some grammar or capital letters... Substance is the matter here...
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