Local politics -- schools, zoning, council elections -- hit us where we live. So why don't more of us actually get involved? Is it apathy? Dave Meslin says no. He identifies 7 barriers that keep us from taking part in our communities, even when we truly care.
Friday, April 29, 2011
News & Links List
"Why Are Tech Founders Such Assholes?" Gawker
"In Silicon Valley, Investors Are Jockeying Like It's 1999" WSJ
"14 Bootstrapping Tips" Inc.
"13 Things You Must Do Every Week As A Startup CEO" betashop
"500 Startups Sends 22 of Them Into the World" WSJ's NetworkEffect
"Two Days in Silicon Valley: An inside look at 23 startups from Dave McClure’s Demo Days" GeekWire
"PageYank: As New SVPs Are Born at Google in CEO Reorg, What Happens to the Old Ones?" WSJ's Digital Daily
"MeeGenius Brings Children's E-Books to Multiple Platforms, Including Google TV" ReadWriteWeb
"Netflix's Business Model Isn't Sustainable" Seeking Alpha
"Intel, on the Outside, Takes Aim at Smartphones" NYTimes
"2011: The Year the Check-in Died" ReadWriteWeb
"Our Favorite Android Widgets That iPhone Owners Wish They Could Use" Business Insider
"Motorola Atrix 4G vs. Samsung Galaxy S 4G" CNET
"Why I switched back to an AT&T iPhone" BGR
"Patently Absurd or: How to Go From the World's Best Patent System to Worse-Than-Most in a Single Step" The Huffington Post
"Are America's Best Days Behind Us?" TIME
"Of the 1%, by the 1%, for the 1%" Vanity Fair, Joseph Stiglitz
"BOK Chief — The Ultimate Korean Workaholic?" WSJ's Korea RealTime
"What US conservatives never saw coming
Obama's critics say Arab revolutions vindicate Bush's freedom agenda, but they overestimate US influence." Aljazeera
"How a big US bank laundered billions from Mexico's murderous drug gangs" Guardian
"In Silicon Valley, Investors Are Jockeying Like It's 1999" WSJ
"14 Bootstrapping Tips" Inc.
"13 Things You Must Do Every Week As A Startup CEO" betashop
"500 Startups Sends 22 of Them Into the World" WSJ's NetworkEffect
"Two Days in Silicon Valley: An inside look at 23 startups from Dave McClure’s Demo Days" GeekWire
"PageYank: As New SVPs Are Born at Google in CEO Reorg, What Happens to the Old Ones?" WSJ's Digital Daily
"MeeGenius Brings Children's E-Books to Multiple Platforms, Including Google TV" ReadWriteWeb
"Netflix's Business Model Isn't Sustainable" Seeking Alpha
"Intel, on the Outside, Takes Aim at Smartphones" NYTimes
"2011: The Year the Check-in Died" ReadWriteWeb
"Our Favorite Android Widgets That iPhone Owners Wish They Could Use" Business Insider
"Motorola Atrix 4G vs. Samsung Galaxy S 4G" CNET
"Why I switched back to an AT&T iPhone" BGR
"Patently Absurd or: How to Go From the World's Best Patent System to Worse-Than-Most in a Single Step" The Huffington Post
"Are America's Best Days Behind Us?" TIME
"Of the 1%, by the 1%, for the 1%" Vanity Fair, Joseph Stiglitz
"BOK Chief — The Ultimate Korean Workaholic?" WSJ's Korea RealTime
"What US conservatives never saw coming
Obama's critics say Arab revolutions vindicate Bush's freedom agenda, but they overestimate US influence." Aljazeera
"How a big US bank laundered billions from Mexico's murderous drug gangs" Guardian
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
TEDTalk: David Christian on Big History
Backed by stunning illustrations, David Christian narrates a complete history of the universe, from the Big Bang to the Internet, in a riveting 18 minutes. This is "Big History": an enlightening, wide-angle look at complexity, life and humanity, set against our slim share of the cosmic timeline.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
SalaamGarage: Climate Change in the Andes Trip
My friend, Eduardo (He's also CEO & Co-founder of GatherGreen), is leading a trip to Peru to learn about the effects of climate change on some of the most resilient people in the world - the mountain communities of the Andes. It will be from June 29th-July 10th.
The trip is hosted by SalaamGarage (citizen journalism + NGOs = social change). Their overview:
"Digital storytelling, citizen journalism organization that partners with International NGOs and local non-profits. Participants (amateur and professional photographers, writers, videographers, etc.) connect with international NGOs, create and share independent media projects that raise awareness and cause positive change in their online and offline social communities."
More on the program...
NGO: The Mountain Institute – Through its programs and projects in the Andes, TMI promotes the development of long-term livelihoods for mountain people linked to the conservation of their mountain ecosystems.
PROJECTS: http://salaamgarage.com/trips/salaamgarage-peru-may-2011/peru-story-ideas/
Climate Issue: Rising global temperatures are melting away the glaciers in the Andes. These glaciers are disappearing faster than predicted, some estimates say that in 10 years they will all be gone. Peru is home to 70% of the world’s tropical glaciers. The runoff from these glaciers is the main water supply for drinking and agriculture to an entire region of people. The current condition is having a severe impact on the families and communities that have lived on the mountains at high-altitudes for generations. Their stories need to be heard and shared now.
A $500 deposit, due within two weeks of your application, is required to confirm your spot on the trip. Deposits are due June 1. Apply now for this trip by clicking here.
The trip is hosted by SalaamGarage (citizen journalism + NGOs = social change). Their overview:
"Digital storytelling, citizen journalism organization that partners with International NGOs and local non-profits. Participants (amateur and professional photographers, writers, videographers, etc.) connect with international NGOs, create and share independent media projects that raise awareness and cause positive change in their online and offline social communities."
More on the program...
NGO: The Mountain Institute – Through its programs and projects in the Andes, TMI promotes the development of long-term livelihoods for mountain people linked to the conservation of their mountain ecosystems.
PROJECTS: http://salaamgarage.com/trips/salaamgarage-peru-may-2011/peru-story-ideas/
Climate Issue: Rising global temperatures are melting away the glaciers in the Andes. These glaciers are disappearing faster than predicted, some estimates say that in 10 years they will all be gone. Peru is home to 70% of the world’s tropical glaciers. The runoff from these glaciers is the main water supply for drinking and agriculture to an entire region of people. The current condition is having a severe impact on the families and communities that have lived on the mountains at high-altitudes for generations. Their stories need to be heard and shared now.
A $500 deposit, due within two weeks of your application, is required to confirm your spot on the trip. Deposits are due June 1. Apply now for this trip by clicking here.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Labor Unions, Boeing and the Hindrance of Economic Growth
After decades, many people on both sides of the political spectrum agree that teachers union are the primary reason for failure in our education system. When are both sides going to realize that most labor unions are outdated, political machines that hinder economic growth? The union culture is the same as it was a hundred years ago. They either have to innovate and become relevant to modern society and economics or just fade away.
"The Death of Right to Work
After 17 months and $2 billion, the NLRB sandbags Boeing." WSJ
"Former NLRB chairman says board's complaint against Boeing is unprecedented" Washington Examiner
"The Death of Right to Work
After 17 months and $2 billion, the NLRB sandbags Boeing." WSJ
"Former NLRB chairman says board's complaint against Boeing is unprecedented" Washington Examiner
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Social Gaming Overview: Too Big To Ignore (ad:Tech San Francisco)
Session at ad:Tech San Francisco that my friend, Jimmy, spoke at.
Social Gaming Overview: Too Big To Ignore
View more presentations from Mark Silva.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Bully Project Film
Help us finish the film for our world premier at Tribeca Film Festival on April 23rd!!
The Bully Project: a year in the life of America’s bullying crisis
This year, over 18 million American kids will be bullied, making it the most common form of violence young people in the U.S. experience. Directed by Sundance- and Emmy-award winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, The Bully Project is a beautifully cinematic, character-driven documentary—at its heart are those with the most at stake and whose stories each represent a different facet of this bullying crisis.
Following five kids and families over the course of a school year, the film confronts bullying’s most tragic outcomes, including the stories of two families who’ve lost children to suicide and a mother who waits to learn the fate of her 14 –year-old daughter, incarcerated after bringing a gun on her school bus. With rare access to the Sioux City Community School District, the film also gives an intimate glimpse into school busses, classrooms, cafeterias and even principles offices, offering insight into the often-cruel world of children, as teachers, administrators and parents struggle to find answers.
While the stories examine the dire consequences of bullying, they also give testimony to the courage and strength of the victims of bullying and seek to inspire real changes in the way we deal with bullying as parents, teachers, children, and in society as a whole. Through the power of these stories, The Bully Project aims to be a catalyst for change and to turn the tide on an epidemic of violence that has touched every community in the United States—and far beyond.
Lean UX for Design Teams (Crushing the Boulder)
Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
Lean UX for Design Teams (Crushing the Boulder)
View more presentations from Janice Fraser.
Twitter Bashing, Is Ev Williams a Jerk?
Last week Twitter was getting a good amount of negative press:
"Trouble @Twitter" Fortune
"The Real History Of Twitter" Business Insider
"EXCLUSIVE: An Interview With Twitter's Forgotten Founder, Noah Glass" Business Insider
After reading these articles, Ev Williams comes off as a power-hungry, ego-maniac that is a bit shady. At a minimum a selfish jerk. You're left wondering if he did really screw over Blogger employees before Google acquired the company, and you're wondering why did he screw over Noah Glass? Also why didn't he and others give credit to Noah Glass? Sadly, he only does so after these articles placed him under the fire.
I've heard from people at Twitter that many like him, but wonder if that's simply a limited sample set or if he's selectively shady. Whatever the truth is, this is just a reminder that you have to be cautious when starting a company with others. Trust is essential and knowing their character is critical too. During the first sign of a fire or potential success, is your co-founder going to throw you under the bus or backstab you? Drink the water before you pour in the Kool-Aid mix.
"Trouble @Twitter" Fortune
"The Real History Of Twitter" Business Insider
"EXCLUSIVE: An Interview With Twitter's Forgotten Founder, Noah Glass" Business Insider
After reading these articles, Ev Williams comes off as a power-hungry, ego-maniac that is a bit shady. At a minimum a selfish jerk. You're left wondering if he did really screw over Blogger employees before Google acquired the company, and you're wondering why did he screw over Noah Glass? Also why didn't he and others give credit to Noah Glass? Sadly, he only does so after these articles placed him under the fire.
I've heard from people at Twitter that many like him, but wonder if that's simply a limited sample set or if he's selectively shady. Whatever the truth is, this is just a reminder that you have to be cautious when starting a company with others. Trust is essential and knowing their character is critical too. During the first sign of a fire or potential success, is your co-founder going to throw you under the bus or backstab you? Drink the water before you pour in the Kool-Aid mix.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Startup Weekend San Jose
Starting tomorrow, Startup Weekend San Jose is in Silicon Valley. More info...
April 15-17, 2011
Hotel de Anza
233 West Santa Clara Street San Jose, CA
Startup Weekend is an intense 54 hour event which focuses on building a web or mobile application which could form the basis of a credible business over the course of a weekend. The weekend brings together people with different skillsets - primarily software developers, graphics designers and business people - to build applications and develop a commercial case around them.
April 15-17, 2011
Hotel de Anza
233 West Santa Clara Street San Jose, CA
Startup Weekend is an intense 54 hour event which focuses on building a web or mobile application which could form the basis of a credible business over the course of a weekend. The weekend brings together people with different skillsets - primarily software developers, graphics designers and business people - to build applications and develop a commercial case around them.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Google's South Africa Incubator Project
Pretty cool. Christine thought of and initiated this project before leaving for the Android team, so it's good to see it come to fruition.
"Silicon South Africa: Google Launches Incubator For African Startups" TechCrunch
Another project Christine worked on in Nigeria: G-Nigeria Day2010
"Silicon South Africa: Google Launches Incubator For African Startups" TechCrunch
Another project Christine worked on in Nigeria: G-Nigeria Day2010
Friday, April 8, 2011
Here's Stephen Colbert Insulting the British
"Things That are the Best:
(note: this is in fact the official list)
1. Stephen Colbert
2. Stephen Colbert acting British
3. Stephen Colbert insulting the British
4. Stephen Colbert drinking tea while acting British, which in turn, insults the British
5. This video"
(note: this is in fact the official list)
1. Stephen Colbert
2. Stephen Colbert acting British
3. Stephen Colbert insulting the British
4. Stephen Colbert drinking tea while acting British, which in turn, insults the British
5. This video"
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
News & Links List
"Android (continued)" A VC
"The Freight Train That Is Android" Bill Gurley
"Google Sets Role in Mobile Payment" WSJ
"Amazon Beats Apple And Google To Cloud-Based Music Storage/Streaming" TechCrunch
"Amazon Cloud Player: First Impressions" Mashable
"Amazon faces backlash over 'music locker' service" Reuters
"App Store Shenanigans" Chris Dixon
"YouTube co-founders may team on new start-up" CNET
"Verizon’s ThunderBolt Moves Like Lightning" WSJ's Walt Mossberg
"Speeds and feeds: Samsung's new tablets beat the iPad 2 in key areas" Fortune
"How We All Missed Web 2.0′s 'Netscape Moment'" TechCrunch
"Don’t Bet Big. Little Bets Are The Ones That Turn Into Billion-Dollar Ideas" TechCrunch
"Is Late Stage the New Early? Behind the Staggering Return of the $1B Venture Fund" TechCrunch
"Subject: AirBNB" Paul Graham
"Meet Y Combinator’s Latest Class" NetworkEffect
"Ten Entrepreneurship Rules for Building Massive Companies" Greylock
"New Rules for the New Internet Bubble" Steve Blank
"AOL Tries for Some Silicon Valley Cred" BusinessWeek
"Color, A Twitter For Photo And Video, Launches With $41 Million" Forbes
"Bogus Claim: Japan Earthquake Won't Trigger a California Quake" LiveScience
"Godzilla Hedge Fund Fannie Mae Was ‘Guaranteed to Fail’: Books" Bloomberg
"Neo-Bam
Eight years after Iraq, the Bush doctrine lives on." WSJ's James Taranto
"The Freight Train That Is Android" Bill Gurley
"Google Sets Role in Mobile Payment" WSJ
"Amazon Beats Apple And Google To Cloud-Based Music Storage/Streaming" TechCrunch
"Amazon Cloud Player: First Impressions" Mashable
"Amazon faces backlash over 'music locker' service" Reuters
"App Store Shenanigans" Chris Dixon
"YouTube co-founders may team on new start-up" CNET
"Verizon’s ThunderBolt Moves Like Lightning" WSJ's Walt Mossberg
"Speeds and feeds: Samsung's new tablets beat the iPad 2 in key areas" Fortune
"How We All Missed Web 2.0′s 'Netscape Moment'" TechCrunch
"Don’t Bet Big. Little Bets Are The Ones That Turn Into Billion-Dollar Ideas" TechCrunch
"Is Late Stage the New Early? Behind the Staggering Return of the $1B Venture Fund" TechCrunch
"Subject: AirBNB" Paul Graham
"Meet Y Combinator’s Latest Class" NetworkEffect
"Ten Entrepreneurship Rules for Building Massive Companies" Greylock
"New Rules for the New Internet Bubble" Steve Blank
"AOL Tries for Some Silicon Valley Cred" BusinessWeek
"Color, A Twitter For Photo And Video, Launches With $41 Million" Forbes
"Bogus Claim: Japan Earthquake Won't Trigger a California Quake" LiveScience
"Godzilla Hedge Fund Fannie Mae Was ‘Guaranteed to Fail’: Books" Bloomberg
"Neo-Bam
Eight years after Iraq, the Bush doctrine lives on." WSJ's James Taranto
Friday, April 1, 2011
Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs
"Watch the new Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs video that showcases the work of some of their members from around the world."
ANDE Global Video from ANDE on Vimeo.
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