Rock Band in a professional setting with people you don't really know.

Death to clear
Originally uploaded by kryn13

I used this a few times...but honestly it was more a hassle than not. You still have to go through the same security procedures, but with an extra delay to use the kiosk.

The idea was OK. The execution was marginal. And apparently other people thought so too as evidently they couldn't get enough customers.

www.flyclear.com

A condition caused by catching lots of large fish.

I had a Ford Focus this week.  I can honestly say that's the first car I could not buy because of the annoying sounds it makes.

When you first open the door is sounds like a digital nickel slot machine at a third tier casino outside of Reno.  The turn signal sounds like a playing card in the spokes of a bicycle.  It's horrible.

And the damn thing isn't even that cheap...$15,550 starting MSRP.

Sorry, I dont' do audio so no sounds to support the story.

If only he was wearing a pocketsquare.

The White House is appointing someone to watch over the pay programs of companies getting bailout money. Link  It's sort of the ultimate in shareholder oversight.  The problem with our public stock market is the individual shareholder is so insignificant that they get almost no say in the management of what is ultimately, their company.

There are too many stories of companies losing tons of money while their executives continue to rake in bonuses, reset stock options, etc.

And now, this week in wines.

Aglianico Campi Taurasini Vini Rossi - deep red cherry flavors

Aglianico

Beaulieu Vineyard Dulcet. Wow.  Very nice.

I was reminiscing about a past life and got to thinking about some of the work that Jim Collins has done on corporate culture and vision.  I went to his website and he now has a bunch of short pieces available where he talks about many of his ideas.  (BTW - Jim is the author of some best selling business books including 'Built to Last').

This little clip addresses what is on my mind at the moment. Link The key take away from this is a company's core values are not something that are defined in an executive retreat at a posh resort.  Rather, the collective behavior of the company, driven by the personal values of the leadership itself, create the corporate values...and related, the corporate culture.

I needed to be reminded of this.  Despite the fact I used to use Jim's work in consulting a lot it is easy to forget and to fall into the trap of being influenced by smooth talking people who try to convince you a tiger can change its stripes.

Change at companies is possible, but usually it involves a change in leadership.

During my time as a consultant I've faced these experiences numerous times.

Taken from the local paper in Chincoteague, VA last weekend...sadly the event had already occurred.

Who thought this was a good idea?  And who went?

Maps are important.  Natical maps are super important.  I have some mapping software at home, but here's a site where NOAA has taken the Google Maps application and overlayed their maps.  Very cool.

Link

Coffee is an important corporate tool.  I have vowed never to work for a company that has crappy coffee.  when clients have bad coffee, it tells me a lot about their culture...and I can't say it's anything good.

I do resort to bringing my own frequently.

This sign made me sad...but this is the type of company I would like to compete with.

Continuing with our 'Awesome places you've been working in lately' series...here's a promotional video for the latest metropolitan area I've been spending time in.

And don't forget the follow up.

'Firehouse Red' by Tamarack Cellars is a winner at under $20 a bottle.

A bit disturbing when this roars up next to you on a cloudy, grey day with the limited light fading away...

Welcome to Cleveland.

Finally caught some fish this weekend.  A dozen bass in under and hour...shook the skunk for the year finally.

1,000 confirmed cases of Swine Flu worldwide now...5500 DIE each day from AIDs.  100 people die each day in the US from 'regular' flu.  I don't know what to say other than....baaaaa....people are sheep.

It does up an important point though...frequent hand washing is a great way to prevent the spread of disease. 

If you really want to be convinced that shaking hands is a pretty gross thing, use the men's restroom at your average airport and see just how many business people looking types actually do (or don't).  Esp. funny was the guy who was doing a sales call while 'doing' his business, then walked out without washing up...

next time someone offers to shake your hand...don't.

Meanwhile, sign found near a freight elevator in a name brand US company facility.  The box contains an emergency door unlocking device.

Trolling Season
Originally uploaded by kryn13

Summer weather this past weekend.  Spent time out on the Chesapeake Bay fishing...no luck but great days on the water.

20090302-4
Originally uploaded by kryn13

A while back the WSJ had an article on the 'Mackerel Economy' found in prison.  Seems inmates purchase cans of Mackerel and use them as currency. 

Well, I've been travelling on Southwest airlines for the past couple of months and when you travel Business Select with them you get a free drink coupon...good for an adult beverage of your choice.  As it is not always the most appropriate of times to use those, I have gathered a stash of them.

The other day I overheard one of my coworkers offering to pay a third person in drink coupons to get them to do something for them.

Southwest drink coupons as the prison currency of the road warrior?

Eye See You
Originally uploaded by kryn13

Many of the rooms at the Marriott I've been staying at have Timex clock radios with a white noise function.  I'm quite fond of them.  They play loops of ocean sounds, birds, rainforest, etc.  I find it really helps drown out the 'hotel' noises.

Now I get upset if I don't get one.

Oracle buying Sun.  Interesting.  Very interesting is how Oracle mentions nothing about the Sun hardware business in their public statements.