state employees
I can't say this is always true, or even often true, but this is very funny.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Help!
A photo from our troops who don't necessarily agree with Sen. Kerry's comments on Halloween. He may not have meant what he said, but wow, bad timing.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Church Spokeswoman Refers to Blogger?
kutv.com - Questions And Answers About Gov. Mitt Romney:
"Rascone: Anything else you wanted to make clear or add to what is being said in the Boston Globe story?
Farah: It would be beneficial for you to read this blog. I think they got it exactly right: http://www.article6blog.com/2006/10/19/the-boston-globe. I suspect that other bloggers and media will see this story in the same light. "
Wow, I've never seen this before. Here's an official spokesperson (of the Church no less) refering to a blog for an explanation of the Romney/Mormon/IRS issue that the Globe brought out today. This brings up a number of interesting implications:
1) Blogs have power. Expensive, professional PR departments are apparently spending time looking to the blogosphere for reaction. Getting a read on a headline like this 5 years ago was a lot harder to do.
2) Blogs are mainstream. For a PR dept. to reference a blog says a lot for our acceptance of blogs.
3) Look for blogs to continue to wield great influence in media. This is just the beginning. (Imagine what blogs are doing right now in countries with less democratic gov'ts and restricted press)
"Rascone: Anything else you wanted to make clear or add to what is being said in the Boston Globe story?
Farah: It would be beneficial for you to read this blog. I think they got it exactly right: http://www.article6blog.com/2006/10/19/the-boston-globe. I suspect that other bloggers and media will see this story in the same light. "
Wow, I've never seen this before. Here's an official spokesperson (of the Church no less) refering to a blog for an explanation of the Romney/Mormon/IRS issue that the Globe brought out today. This brings up a number of interesting implications:
1) Blogs have power. Expensive, professional PR departments are apparently spending time looking to the blogosphere for reaction. Getting a read on a headline like this 5 years ago was a lot harder to do.
2) Blogs are mainstream. For a PR dept. to reference a blog says a lot for our acceptance of blogs.
3) Look for blogs to continue to wield great influence in media. This is just the beginning. (Imagine what blogs are doing right now in countries with less democratic gov'ts and restricted press)
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
BYU steps up
Salt Lake Tribune - BYU accuses Pfizer of swiping profits, credit for Celebrex:
"The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City against Pfizer and several of its predecessor companies after years of unsuccessful negotiations, BYU said. The suit seeks unspecified actual and punitive damages, but notes Celebrex sales have exceeded $20 billion. "
You sure don't see BYU in the news that often for intellectual property rights (we just don't have much =), but this is a big one. Going head-to-head with a major pharma is going to take some big guns, especially when you're suing for $1,000,000,000. I don't applaud litigation, but I like that BYU is getting aggresive about monetizing the (little) research they do.
"The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City against Pfizer and several of its predecessor companies after years of unsuccessful negotiations, BYU said. The suit seeks unspecified actual and punitive damages, but notes Celebrex sales have exceeded $20 billion. "
You sure don't see BYU in the news that often for intellectual property rights (we just don't have much =), but this is a big one. Going head-to-head with a major pharma is going to take some big guns, especially when you're suing for $1,000,000,000. I don't applaud litigation, but I like that BYU is getting aggresive about monetizing the (little) research they do.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
24/6
Speaking of McDonald's...
"Now, it would be interesting to see how my contention might play out online? Image a 24/6 online merchant? Or one that shuts down ordering each day at 8:00 p.m.? Well, I could see a local toy merchant’s website modifying its homepage each evening, saying it's closed for the night and advising parents to go "Read to their bunnies" and tuck them in for the night. ( I don't think Target would ever do that.)"
I think the author is onto something. I think that companies that alter their availability can improve their long-term position in a market, but only if it fits their mission/customers mission (ex: Chick-fil-A and RC Willey both close on Sunday because they want the day of rest).
"Now, it would be interesting to see how my contention might play out online? Image a 24/6 online merchant? Or one that shuts down ordering each day at 8:00 p.m.? Well, I could see a local toy merchant’s website modifying its homepage each evening, saying it's closed for the night and advising parents to go "Read to their bunnies" and tuck them in for the night. ( I don't think Target would ever do that.)"
I think the author is onto something. I think that companies that alter their availability can improve their long-term position in a market, but only if it fits their mission/customers mission (ex: Chick-fil-A and RC Willey both close on Sunday because they want the day of rest).
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Using People To Do What Computers Cannot
| Google TechTalks July 26, 2006 Luis von Ahn is an assistant professor in the Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University, where he also received his Ph.D. in 2005. Previously, Luis obtained a B.S. in mathematics from Duke University in 2000. He is the recipient of a Microsoft Research Fellowship. ABSTRACT Tasks like image recognition are trivial for humans, but continue to challenge even the most sophisticated computer programs. This talk introduces a paradigm for utilizing human processing power to solve problems that computers cannot yet solve. Traditional approaches to solving such problems focus on improving software. I advocate a novel approach: constructively channel human brainpower using computer games. For example, the ESP Game, described in this talk, is an enjoyable online game -- many people play over 40 hours a week -- and when people play, they help label images on the Web with descriptive keywords. These keywords can be used to significantly improve the accuracy of image search. People play the game not because they want to help, but because they enjoy it. I describe other examples of "games with a purpose": Peekaboom, which helps determine the location of objects in images, and Verbosity, which collects common-sense knowledge. I also explain a general approach for constructing games with a purpose. | |
Thursday, June 29, 2006
If only they would follow...
PBS | I, Cringely - If we build it they will come:
"What we'd get for our $17.42 per month is a gigabit-capable circuit with no bits inside - just a really fast connection to some local point of presence where you could connect to ANY ISP wanting to operate in your city."
I'm a pretty avid reader of Robert Cringley's weekly tech columns. This week he talks about the need for communities to join together and form cooperatives to provide the infrastructure for high-speed internet, sans the big-telco operators. If only the rest of the country would look at Utah. Although it is still early in the game, I suspect that we will look back at Utah as the model for how citizens should get internet connectivity. I just moved out to Leesburg, Virginia where Verizon is the 800 lbs. gorilla. They do offer fiber internet (FiOS) out here and it's alright (yes, of course I subscribe), but there are so many future limitations. For one thing, FiOS service is still a shared medium - it's bundled at a box somewhere in my neighborhood. Verizon is also one of the biggest opponents of Net Neutrality. I'm just waiting for the day when skype, bittorrent, etc are blocked or at least 'shaped'. iProvo is already talking about offering 100mbps connections, where Verizon is proud to offer 5mbps! If only others would look to Utah.
"What we'd get for our $17.42 per month is a gigabit-capable circuit with no bits inside - just a really fast connection to some local point of presence where you could connect to ANY ISP wanting to operate in your city."
I'm a pretty avid reader of Robert Cringley's weekly tech columns. This week he talks about the need for communities to join together and form cooperatives to provide the infrastructure for high-speed internet, sans the big-telco operators. If only the rest of the country would look at Utah. Although it is still early in the game, I suspect that we will look back at Utah as the model for how citizens should get internet connectivity. I just moved out to Leesburg, Virginia where Verizon is the 800 lbs. gorilla. They do offer fiber internet (FiOS) out here and it's alright (yes, of course I subscribe), but there are so many future limitations. For one thing, FiOS service is still a shared medium - it's bundled at a box somewhere in my neighborhood. Verizon is also one of the biggest opponents of Net Neutrality. I'm just waiting for the day when skype, bittorrent, etc are blocked or at least 'shaped'. iProvo is already talking about offering 100mbps connections, where Verizon is proud to offer 5mbps! If only others would look to Utah.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Don't Sell!
Don't pull the plug on Connexion, Boeing. By Daniel Gross: "Sure, Connexion costs money it costs money for the airlines to install it, and it costs money for travelers to use it. But for all parties, it would be money well-spent. Think of the competitive advantage JetBlue has reaped by putting seat-back televisions on its planes. Airlines that cater mostly to business customers could certainly do the same by making their planes Internet-ready. When a company sends a person away on business, it is already shelling out thousands of dollars full freight for business class, car services, hotels, and meals. An extra $25 for Internet service is a drop in the bucket. "
The author is right. Boeing should hold onto Connexion! Many companies would be willing to sell out $25 or so to either get more productivity out of their workers or to allow them to take care of personal matters as they travel. Additionally, by offering the service domestically they would be attacting customers on shorter trips than the 8-9hr international flights. You can sell to 3 times as many domestically just because the flights are shorter. There is money to be made!
The author is right. Boeing should hold onto Connexion! Many companies would be willing to sell out $25 or so to either get more productivity out of their workers or to allow them to take care of personal matters as they travel. Additionally, by offering the service domestically they would be attacting customers on shorter trips than the 8-9hr international flights. You can sell to 3 times as many domestically just because the flights are shorter. There is money to be made!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Monday, June 12, 2006
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Sunken Gardens
In April we took a quick trip up to Oregon to visit our friends Linsy & Darin - while we were there we visited Victoria, BC. How I never knew such a beautiful land existed, I will never know.
Happiest Place on Earth
Here we are at the entrace to Disneyland in November. We took Jenny to celebrate her 21st birthday. We JetBlue there on a BuddyPass! (we were the last on the plane).
Friday, June 02, 2006
A Broadband Utopia
IEEE Spectrum: A Broadband Utopia:
"And the impending 100-Mb/s speed is just the start. Utopia officials say they designed a lot of slack into the network, so that it can move up easily to 1-gigabit-per-second service over the next decade; indeed, business customers will soon be able to request this level."
A great article giving the history of UTOPIA and iProvo - both municipal fiber networks in Utah. This is how the government should be involved in the internet. Treat it like water and electricity.
"And the impending 100-Mb/s speed is just the start. Utopia officials say they designed a lot of slack into the network, so that it can move up easily to 1-gigabit-per-second service over the next decade; indeed, business customers will soon be able to request this level."
A great article giving the history of UTOPIA and iProvo - both municipal fiber networks in Utah. This is how the government should be involved in the internet. Treat it like water and electricity.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
The Worst: Stupid Engineering Mistakes
Wired has put out an article about the the worst engineering mistakes that should never have happened. Here's a link: http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.06/start.html?pg=9
That's a picture of a DC-10 that was apparently not the best built aircraft.
That's a picture of a DC-10 that was apparently not the best built aircraft.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
He's home! And married!
Mom sent this great set of newspaper clippings of my grandfather. The first is a news article about his mission and his homecoming address. The second details the wedding and reception for my grandmother and grandfather about 50 years ago. My favorite part of the article is the detailing of who served the wedding cake and orange punch.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
We're getting closer...
$10M Prize for Hydrogen Fuel Technology - Yahoo! News:
"Scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs will be able to vie for a grand prize of $10 million, and smaller prizes reaching millions of dollars, under House-passed legislation to encourage research into hydrogen as an alternative fuel."
From what I've read on this subject of hydrogen, the problem is where we plan to get hydrogen from. You can get it from two places: oil (so that doesn't help) or water. Problem with water is that it takes more energy to break the H off of H2O than you get from the H. So unless we dam every river or build nuke plants across the country, this is a losing proposition...
"Scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs will be able to vie for a grand prize of $10 million, and smaller prizes reaching millions of dollars, under House-passed legislation to encourage research into hydrogen as an alternative fuel."
From what I've read on this subject of hydrogen, the problem is where we plan to get hydrogen from. You can get it from two places: oil (so that doesn't help) or water. Problem with water is that it takes more energy to break the H off of H2O than you get from the H. So unless we dam every river or build nuke plants across the country, this is a losing proposition...
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Silica - Caller ID
Silica is a freeware OSX application that displays your incoming calls on your desktop. The application supports growl notifications so I can configure it how I like (this one is called 'Music Video'). Also notice how Silica recognized Matt (the caller) in my Address Book and pulled up his picture and name. I haven't tried this yet, but Silica can also run a script that has the computer speak the caller's name. All in all, a beautifully mac application - free, specific and configurable. =)
Check out Silica @ http://homepage.mac.com/gweston/silica/index.html
Check out Silica @ http://homepage.mac.com/gweston/silica/index.html
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
How about a 250 m.p.g. car?
The next X-Prize: How about a 250 m.p.g. car? | csmonitor.com:
"The challenge: Build the world's most fuel-efficient production car - one that gets maybe 250 miles per gallon and causes little or no pollution. The payoff: prize money from the group that awarded $10 million for the world's first private spaceflight two years ago."
This is a step in the right direction. The prize money will attract the attention of small business and universities to try innovative approaches to this problem. Equally appealing is the $250 million requirement for the prize. Not 75 or 100 miles to the gallon, but 250. Such a challenge will require truly different approaches to a difficult problem.
My real hope however, is that the government will realize the benefits of a similar content and start one of their own. The only reason I believe the government should offer such a prize is only the government can dangle a large enough bounty for the automakers to get interested. Once the race is on, the car manufacturers will invest hundreds of millions of their own dollars to find a solution.
Back in 1961, President Kennedy spoke at Rice University and said: "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard." America was not going to lose that war to Russia. Equally, we cannot lose this war on energy consumption. Too much is at stake - national security, economy, and the environment.
"The challenge: Build the world's most fuel-efficient production car - one that gets maybe 250 miles per gallon and causes little or no pollution. The payoff: prize money from the group that awarded $10 million for the world's first private spaceflight two years ago."
This is a step in the right direction. The prize money will attract the attention of small business and universities to try innovative approaches to this problem. Equally appealing is the $250 million requirement for the prize. Not 75 or 100 miles to the gallon, but 250. Such a challenge will require truly different approaches to a difficult problem.
My real hope however, is that the government will realize the benefits of a similar content and start one of their own. The only reason I believe the government should offer such a prize is only the government can dangle a large enough bounty for the automakers to get interested. Once the race is on, the car manufacturers will invest hundreds of millions of their own dollars to find a solution.
Back in 1961, President Kennedy spoke at Rice University and said: "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard." America was not going to lose that war to Russia. Equally, we cannot lose this war on energy consumption. Too much is at stake - national security, economy, and the environment.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
So big
We took Spencer to the zoo yesterday and he loved it (well, most parts). The giraffes seemed to be his favorite. He kept growling as though they should be making lion sounds.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Credit cards, now at 35,000 feet
USA Today: Credit cards, now at 35,000 feet:
I had hoped JetBlue would jump on this more quickly. People are willing to spend a lot more with their card than with cash. I for one hardly carry any cash. Having the ability to process credit card transactions would open up the possibilities of merchandising. To JetBlue's credit, they do accept CCs for the movies on board.
"American Airlines flight attendants may be soon asking if you prefer paper or plastic, but they won’t be asking about grocery bags. The airline will now accept credit cards for onboard purchases such as snack boxes, sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and..."
I had hoped JetBlue would jump on this more quickly. People are willing to spend a lot more with their card than with cash. I for one hardly carry any cash. Having the ability to process credit card transactions would open up the possibilities of merchandising. To JetBlue's credit, they do accept CCs for the movies on board.
"American Airlines flight attendants may be soon asking if you prefer paper or plastic, but they won’t be asking about grocery bags. The airline will now accept credit cards for onboard purchases such as snack boxes, sandwiches, alcoholic beverages and..."
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
LDS Hold Top Positions at Military Academies
News from the Church: LDS Hold Top Positions at Military Academies:
The world is a better place because of young men who are willing to stand for truth.
"“No matter how busy our lives are, we must find time to keep our lives centered on Christ. Our lives will keep getting busier,” Kadz added. “When I make gospel study, prayers, and Church my first priority, everything falls into place.”
And in a military environment, both Kadz and Gray have been noticed. While Gray says the military environment can be crass, an example can speak volumes.
“When they know how you live, they'll start to hold their tongue,” Gray says. “They'll even begin to change their behavior when they're around you.”"
The world is a better place because of young men who are willing to stand for truth.
"“No matter how busy our lives are, we must find time to keep our lives centered on Christ. Our lives will keep getting busier,” Kadz added. “When I make gospel study, prayers, and Church my first priority, everything falls into place.”
And in a military environment, both Kadz and Gray have been noticed. While Gray says the military environment can be crass, an example can speak volumes.
“When they know how you live, they'll start to hold their tongue,” Gray says. “They'll even begin to change their behavior when they're around you.”"
A mother of television dies
A mother of television dies: "Blog: Elma 'Pem' Gardner Farnsworth, an inventor and the first woman to appear on television, died Wednesday. She was the wife of the..."
How amazing that Philo Farnsworth wanted to share the fame of inventing the television with his wife. A true husband. And she returned his love by fighting for him and his name.
How amazing that Philo Farnsworth wanted to share the fame of inventing the television with his wife. A true husband. And she returned his love by fighting for him and his name.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
JetBlue may face organizing vote
JetBlue may face organizing vote -- Newsday.com:
If JetBlue becomes subject to unions, the company is doomed (although the perenially profitable Southwest is heavily unionized). I do, however, believe the baggage handlers will be loyal and not unionize.
"JetBlue Airways Corp., the low-cost carrier that has lately been struggling financially, may face an election by machinists to organize in what would be the airline's first union.
The International Association of Machinists today said it has filed a petition with the National Mediation Board to organize JetBlue's baggage handlers."
If JetBlue becomes subject to unions, the company is doomed (although the perenially profitable Southwest is heavily unionized). I do, however, believe the baggage handlers will be loyal and not unionize.
"JetBlue Airways Corp., the low-cost carrier that has lately been struggling financially, may face an election by machinists to organize in what would be the airline's first union.
The International Association of Machinists today said it has filed a petition with the National Mediation Board to organize JetBlue's baggage handlers."
Monday, May 01, 2006
JetBlue, Verizon qualify for wireless auction | Reuters.com
JetBlue, Verizon qualify for wireless auction | Reuters.com:
"The Federal Communications Commission said it has approved the applications of Verizon Airfone Inc. and JetBlue's LiveTV LCC to participate in the auction, almost a month after their initial applications were deemed incomplete by the agency."
I would love to see JetBlue's LiveTV division win this auction. Finally we get to see Neeleman pushing innovation, not reacting to quarterly earnings as he has in the last couple months. The beauty about JetBlue's implementation of internet onboard an aircraft is they would do more than just be an ISP; LiveTV would find ways to lower operational expense at the same time. They might even find new ways to raise revenue (ordering products online using the in place screens, assuming they could make the screens interactive at some point).
"The Federal Communications Commission said it has approved the applications of Verizon Airfone Inc. and JetBlue's LiveTV LCC to participate in the auction, almost a month after their initial applications were deemed incomplete by the agency."
I would love to see JetBlue's LiveTV division win this auction. Finally we get to see Neeleman pushing innovation, not reacting to quarterly earnings as he has in the last couple months. The beauty about JetBlue's implementation of internet onboard an aircraft is they would do more than just be an ISP; LiveTV would find ways to lower operational expense at the same time. They might even find new ways to raise revenue (ordering products online using the in place screens, assuming they could make the screens interactive at some point).
O Click All Ye Faithful
BusinessWeek: O Click All Ye Faithful:
Sounds like the Catholic Church is bringing worshipers to be part of a new website. What would the LDS version look like? Would it be an even more active ward/stake website? Some day, I would really like to try my hand as a ward webmaster. The web can be so powerful for good, but we don't seem to know how to harness it best.
"Now Sister Judith is creating a second Vatican Web site, set for launch in the fall, that is aimed at bringing together the faithful so they can interact. Think of it as MySpace.com (NWS ) for Catholics. There will be personal news updates, e-learning programs, and areas set aside for families, young people, and parishes. Collaboration is key, and that should differentiate the site from others in its genre. 'People will be able to find each other and work together online, and then go back and use what they have learned or done in their own communities,' says Sister Judith."
Sounds like the Catholic Church is bringing worshipers to be part of a new website. What would the LDS version look like? Would it be an even more active ward/stake website? Some day, I would really like to try my hand as a ward webmaster. The web can be so powerful for good, but we don't seem to know how to harness it best.
"Now Sister Judith is creating a second Vatican Web site, set for launch in the fall, that is aimed at bringing together the faithful so they can interact. Think of it as MySpace.com (NWS ) for Catholics. There will be personal news updates, e-learning programs, and areas set aside for families, young people, and parishes. Collaboration is key, and that should differentiate the site from others in its genre. 'People will be able to find each other and work together online, and then go back and use what they have learned or done in their own communities,' says Sister Judith."
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Here's one grad who has come a lot farther than most
Salt Lake Tribune - News:
This is my favorite kind of BYU student. How very humbling.
"He paid his way by working early shifts as a cafeteria worker at the Missionary Training Center near the BYU campus and later by teaching Romanian there. He taught himself English - to go along with the Italian, French and Spanish he already knew - and he speaks it with barely an accent. "
This is my favorite kind of BYU student. How very humbling.
"He paid his way by working early shifts as a cafeteria worker at the Missionary Training Center near the BYU campus and later by teaching Romanian there. He taught himself English - to go along with the Italian, French and Spanish he already knew - and he speaks it with barely an accent. "
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Funding of LDS post starts
deseretnews.com: Funding of LDS post starts:
I look forward to the research the unknown academic will do. Notice how the chair is named after the previous LDS president Howard W. Hunter, who I believe was an active member in southern California.
"The move will make Claremont the first secular university in the country to dedicate a tenured faculty position to Mormon studies, providing graduate students with scholarly oversight in examining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an area of emphasis."
I look forward to the research the unknown academic will do. Notice how the chair is named after the previous LDS president Howard W. Hunter, who I believe was an active member in southern California.
"The move will make Claremont the first secular university in the country to dedicate a tenured faculty position to Mormon studies, providing graduate students with scholarly oversight in examining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an area of emphasis."
Wride families
My sister-in-law, Leslie, and I graduated from BYU on Thursday this week. She got a degree in ElEd and I got mine in Information Systems. No more school! until my MBA. =)
Gordon B. Hinckley Building
BYU's new Gordon B. Hinckley Building:
"Ground will be broken early this summer at the top of the hill on West Campus Drive for the university's newest building. Called the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni & Visitors Center, the preliminary sketch on this page shows an earlier rendering by FFKR Architects."
You have to check out the pre-lim sketch the architects have put together. Supposedly they are going to come out with a color version next week. Please, no orange/yellow brick! Really honor President Hinckley!
The building looks to be a mix between a suburban mansion and a bell-tower church, but that could be a nice mix for an alumni house at byu.
Uncle Ira is the main benefactor for this building (as well as the past 3 buildings on campus) and is matching student donations 5 to 1. When else can you get that kind of interest?
"Ground will be broken early this summer at the top of the hill on West Campus Drive for the university's newest building. Called the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni & Visitors Center, the preliminary sketch on this page shows an earlier rendering by FFKR Architects."
You have to check out the pre-lim sketch the architects have put together. Supposedly they are going to come out with a color version next week. Please, no orange/yellow brick! Really honor President Hinckley!
The building looks to be a mix between a suburban mansion and a bell-tower church, but that could be a nice mix for an alumni house at byu.
Uncle Ira is the main benefactor for this building (as well as the past 3 buildings on campus) and is matching student donations 5 to 1. When else can you get that kind of interest?
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