A Starring Role for the Little Humble Herring - NYT
Why bother buying them, putting them up, electrifying them and then taking them down again?
After all, the economist wonders, what's in it for you?
The very same non-economic contribution is going on online, every single day. More and more of the content we consume was made by our peers, for free. My take:
People like the way it feels to live in a community filled with decorated houses. They enjoy the drive or the walk through town, seeing the lights, and they want to be part of it, want to contribute and want to be noticed too.
Peace of mind and self-satisfaction are incredibly valuable to us, and we happily pay for them, sometimes contributing to a community in order to get them.
The internet is giving more and more people a highly-leveraged, inexpensive way to share and contribute. It doesn't cost money, it just takes guts, time and kindness.
No wonder most people don't insist on getting paid for their tweets, posts and comments.
Two asides: First, it's interesting to note that no one (zero) gets paid to put up Christmas lights, but some towns are awash in them.
and second, I think there's a parallel to the broken windows theory here. Broken Windows asserts that in cities with small acts of vandalism and unrepaired facades, crime goes up. The Christmas Light corollary might be that in towns (or online communities) where there's a higher rate of profit-free community contribution, happiness and productivity go up as well.
Dude decided to do a video of his audition to be an M83 back-up singer. Lolz ensue.
http://kottke.org/11/11/m83-vocal-audition
How to get a job with a small company
Most advice about job seeking is oriented around big companies. The notion of a standard resume, of mass mailings, of dealing with the HR department--even the idea of interviews--is all built around the Fortune 500.
Alas, the Fortune 500 has been responsible for a net loss in jobs over the last twenty years. All the growth (and your best chance to get hired) is from companies you've probably never heard of. And when the hirer is also the owner, the rules are very different.
1. Learn to sell. Everyone has sold something, some time, even if it's just selling your mom on the need for a nap when you were three years old. A lot of people have decided that they don't want to sell, can't sell, won't sell, but those same people need to understand that they're probably not going to get a job doing anything but selling.
Small businesses always need people who can sell, because selling pays for itself. It's not an expense, it's a profit center.
2. Learn to write. Writing is a form of selling, one step removed. There's more writing in business today than ever before, and if you can become a persuasive copywriter, you're practically a salesperson, and even better, your work scales.
3. Learn to produce extraordinary video and multimedia. This is just like writing, but for people who don't like to read. Even better, be sure to mix this skill with significant tech skills. Yes, you can learn to code. The fact that you don't feel like it is one reason it's a scarce skill.
Now that you've mastered these skills (all of which take time and guts but no money), understand the next thing about small businesses--they aren't hiring to fill a slot. Unlike a big company with an org chart and pay levels, the very small business is an organism, not a grid. The owner is far more likely to bring in a freelancer or someone working on spec than she is to go run a classified help wanted ad.
And many small businesses are extremely bad at taking initiative that feels like risk. They'd rather fill orders than take a chance and go out prospecting for a person who represents a risk. And that's your opportunity.
When you show up and offer to go prospecting on spec, offer to contribute a website or a sales letter or some sales calls--with no money on the table--many small business people will take you up on it, particularly if they are cash-strapped, profit-oriented and know you by reputation. (Please don't overlook that last one).Hint: don't merely show up and expect a yes. It's something you earn over time...
The rest is easy. Once you demonstrate that you contribute far more than you cost, now it's merely a matter of figuring out a payment schedule.
This is probably far more uncertainty and personal branding than most job seekers are comfortable with. Which is precisely why it works.
Enjoying yummy, fresh scones this morning. Thanks for the recipe, Raheel!
> http://leitesculinaria.com/45846/recipes-apple-and-white-cheddar-scones.html
YouTube video - As a kid, I used to have a Hot Wheels Track. Mine was nowhere as cool as this one!
An article in the New York Times about Japanese author Haruki Murakami. In my opinion, he's one of the greats...
11,500 words on where Michael Lewis thinks California and the US economy are going. This article is a great example of how Lewis consistently makes big finance personal and interesting.
The Return of the Jets
For one night, Winnipeg was the happiest town on earth
We're heading to see James Blake at the Commodore on Sunday. Mellow, spooky, jazzy and electronic...
Check out this video on YouTube if you're interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3Pn27thIG0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Town of Cats - A short story from my favourite writer, Haruki Murakami, in the New Yorker.
It's not Cybarmageddon, it's the new heyday of piracy |
I love hockey, and enjoy the excitement of a fight or an explosive body check as much as anyone. However, I'm becoming really concerned about the tragic, long term consequences of these actions to players' health and well being.
It's just a game...
RIP Rick Rypien
Ambitious Whitecaps make bold move with Martin Rennie
http://www.theprovince.com/mobile/iphone/story.html?id=5230939
Monday, July 11 (aka 7/11) is Free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven... while quantities last. Wahoo!
http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2011/07/free-slurpee-day-2011-canada-vancouver-stores-monday-july-7-2011/
Futurist Kevin Kelly writes about modern superstitions that people have concerning manufactured objects, giving them magical properties.
At Waves Coffee locations, Canadiano coffees cost a loonie for Canada Day. I'm heading out for my first one of the day now...
I wasn't anywhere near downtown Vancouver after the Canucks game, but I passed through the area before the game. It seemed like some people were more drunk and out of control than with the other games.
This article has the best take on the 2011 Stanley Cup Riot that I've seen so far. I'll join the host of Vancouverites and Canucks fan in condemning the destructive acts on our streets last night.
The BC Lions Football Club, proud host of the 99th Grey Cup Championship at BC Place on Sunday, November 27th, is very pleased to announce that tickets for Canada's largest sporting event will go on sale to the public beginning Tuesday, June 21st at 10:00 am. As a Canucks Ticket Holder, you have priority access to tickets for the 99th Grey Cup Championship. Click here for more details on this exclusive Canucks offer.
Returning to Vancouver for the first time since 2005, the 2011 Grey Cup Festival will Raise the Roof in Vancouver from Thursday, November 24th through to the 99th Grey Cup Championship game on Sunday, November 27th at the newly renovated BC Place. To learn more about the 2011 Grey Cup Festival, visit the official website at www.2011greycupfestival.ca.DETAILS:
DATE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2011
TIME: 3:30 PM
VENUE: BC PLACE
PRICES: CA $156.00 - CA $350.88, plus applicable facility & convenience fees
INTERNET ORDER PERIOD:
Start: MONDAY, JUNE 6 @ 10:00 AM
End: FRIDAY, June 10 @ 11:59 PM
*********************************************TO ORDER YOUR TICKETS**:
1. Click on the link below (or copy and paste the link to your browser's address bar) and follow the instructions to select your seats. The link will only be active during the INTERNET ORDER PERIOD.
2. When prompted, enter the following password in the designated presale section and proceed with your order: canucks
3. Select your delivery type and make your payment to complete your purchase.
4. Once your order has been processed, a confirmation number will be provided. Keep this number on file for reference.*********************************************
Click here for the link to the 99th Grey Cup Championship
Password: canucks*********************************************
**Specific seats have been assigned to this exclusive sale during the INTERNET ORDER PERIOD.
**This pre-sale is available MONDAY, JUNE 6 @ 10:00 AM to FRIDAY, JUNE 10 @ 11:59 PM
**LIMIT OF 4 TICKETS PER HOUSEHOLD.
**Availability of seats is based on a first-come, first-served basis, and is restricted to areas defined by the promoter.
**Ticket prices, service charges, and availability of seats may be subject to change.*********************************************
If you require assistance with your order please call the toll free number at 1 855 985 5000 and a Ticketmaster service representative will be available to help you.
Please note, events that are offered to Ticket Holders are selected by the promoter and are based on the type of event, seat availability, and timing. In order to purchase tickets to these events, you must have access to the internet and hold a major credit card. All seat locations are subject to availability and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket limits, prices, and service charges may be subject to change at any time. Events are chosen at the sole discretion of the promoter with no involvement from the Vancouver Canucks. This offer is not transferable, tickets may not be re-sold, and ticket availability may be limited.
For questions regarding this offer or to notify us of an e-mail address change, please contact your Account Manager directly or call 604.899.GOAL (4625).
NOTE: This offer is a benefit of being a Vancouver Canucks Ticket Holder. The Vancouver Canucks take your privacy seriously. Please refer to our Privacy Policy by clicking to understand how we use your personal information. Please contact your Account Manager if you would like to change your current level of consent.
Liking Is for Cowards. Go for What Hurts.
Awesome Canucks video. I could watch this all day long.
Video: Vegemite celebrates Australia's 'world champs' in funny ad |
| Too rich for my blood... -C  | |||||||||||||||
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Single game tickets for all home games in Round 3 will go on saleonline or by phone at 1-855-523-6800on Tuesday, May 10th at 12pm noon.Tickets will be available at the Rogers Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster Ticket Centers on Wednesday, May 11th based on availability. Ticket prices begin at $137.25.
Full Press Release
Check out this video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evA-R9OS-Vo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Cheers, Chris (via iPhone)
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This year's Canucks are better than any other in the team's history. They've clinched first place in the Conference, and no one else in the west has even clinched a playoff spot.
Cheers, Chris (via iPhone)
Answers to the question: What is art?
http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2011/03/art_is_what_you.php
Cheers, Chris (via iPhone)
Peace, Love and Hockey In Belfast
A Sports Illustrated profile of the Belfast Giants ice hockey club, including comments from ex-player Theo Fleury and current player (ex-Surrey Eagles) Colin Hemingway.
A short video about the formation of a soccer club from Koh Panyi, a fishing town in Thailand.
According to a study, the most successful hedge fund traders on Wall Street are the ones that act in unison, like a school of fish. They coordinate information by communicating with an AVERAGE of 16 simultaneous instant messaging conversations through the work day.
Pass it to Bulis: Ryan Kesler Thinks He is Hilarious:
This latest video from Canucks.com compiles a brief history of Ryan Kesler's adventures in other players' interviews.
Grant Achatz is one of the best chefs in the US, with his restaurants Alinea and Next.
He talks about his incredible food and his battle with mouth cancer on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross.
Wear your wildest sweater, and turn down the heat by 3 degrees to help fight global warming.
Ronaldo retired yesterday. Here is a video with 10 of his top goals.
http://kottke.org/11/02/ronaldo-retires
Cheers, Chris (via iPhone)
From The New York Times:
FOOD: Coffee's Slow Dance
The Japanese don't rush their drip-coffee process, and the results speak for themselves.
A Song for Aretha by Nell Boeschenstein - The Morning News
http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/personal_essays/a_song_for_aretha.php
A Super Bowl Preview for People Who Don't Know Football
Volkswagen Commercial: The Force
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R55e-uHQna0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
The 1985 Chicago Bears sit down to talk about their improbable 1985 NFL season.
http://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/200010/chicago-bears-1985-super-bowl?printable=true
From The New York Times:
Dealing With Assange and the Secrets He Spilled
Is Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, a puppet master of the news media? He would like you to think so. But The Times's dealings with him reveal a different story.
FT Magazine - What we can learn from a nuclear reactor
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/cea7b256-1def-11e0-badd-00144feab49a.html#axzz1BJBXFePk
A.I. starts playing in Turkey.
http://www.phillymag.com/articles/feature_allen_iverson_fallen_star/
Cheers, Chris (via iPhone)
I'm just finishing up my "Best of 2010" annual music compilation. As usual, you'll find a variety music that you (mostly) haven't heard before, and hopefully you'll wind up loving at least a few of the tracks.
Send me a note (email, text or Facebook), and I'll mail you a copy, provided you supply:
a. your address and
b. your CD or mp3/iPod preference.
Thanks to the people that tell me they appreciate the music. That's why I keep making these compilations every year. It also doesn't hurt to poke or befriend this note on FB.
All the best for 2011! Cheers, Chris
The Dubai Job Big Issues: GQ.com
From GQ magazine, this is the true cloak-and-dagger story of the Mossad assassination of a high-ranking member of Hamas in Dubai.
