- Would this be a big story if Elliot Spitzer wasn't married with 3 children (all girls)?
- Has this story proved that any politician who's passionate about very specific topics - is - in fact -- actually guilty of those crimes in his past?
- Why is prostitution illegal? (My Grandpa Herman was a big advocate of legalizing prostitution...)
- Do you think the Mayflower hotel is happy about the millions of dollars of free PR (not to mention the ever-lasting allure for customers) or are they annoyed that anyone who stays there from now on will expect expensive hookers to be hanging out in their lobby?
- Is it possible that the escort was a big part of the leak? I mean -- After receiving over 5 million visits to her myspace page -- she suddenly has her "new single" for sale....
- Was McGrevers wifes book really due out this week -- or did her smart publishers push the date up? Genius either way!
- Apparently Spitzer was a "super-delegate" ... What happens now?? (Not knowing much about the political process -- I do understand that super-delegates are very important given the tight democratic primary race)...
- When the escort describes her client as "easy" ... what does that signify?? (Of the $1,000 an hour of service... $16 or so was spent on the actual sex...?)
- What's the over/under on when the story hype will die down in the press? I'm hoping 2 weeks, but my gut says June...
- And the most obvious question .... What was he thinking????
3/14/2008
Elliot Spitzer Drama
The Elliot Spitzer saga has dominated news headlines all week... Truthfully, the only way this at all effects my life (even as a NYC resident), is in the aspect of being a part of my daily conversations with people. As a fairly opinionated person -- it's rare that I'm this passive about such a public controversy... (maybe I'm evolving -- because I could care less about the whole Roger Clemens fiasco as well) Anyhow - as there is not a true "side" to be on within the story -- I feel like the event sparks a slew of questions (and not many answers) ... Here are the questions I have....
3/09/2008
An Interesting Story I Heard
At a conference I was at last week, a "blog expert" said that end-users typically gravitate to one of two types of blog posts: Stories or Lists.
So - I thought I'd try out the hypothesis on my own blog with an interesting story I was told earlier this week by an old acquaintance that I ran into at the gym...(I've taken very minor liberties on some details - like what was "really" going through the main characters mind - but the core is completely true) Here goes...
A guy is packing for a family trip to Jamaica. He contemplates packing his video camera into his carry-on, but remembers what a pain in the ass security at the airport is -- so he decides to pack the camera (and related accessories like blank tapes) in his checked luggage...
When he gets to his hotel room - he opens his luggage and notices neither his video camera nor its' accessories are included in the contents of the baggage. The suitcase is in good condition and it doesn't appear that someone stole anything... Did he forget to pack it? Did he leave it on the dresser?...
During the trip - he's convinced he just had a brain-fart and forgot it.
That's the beauty of vacation...you can leave any worries behind - especially when going to the beach and having a couple of beers is the only thing you have on you "to do list" for the day.
Reality sets in, however, when he returns home and finds that his video camera is still missing. What is he to do? It's not like the video camera is a family heir-loom and of unaffordable value (we'll call it $250)... So... he decides to do what most of us would -- buy a new one....
Given the fact that he's already in the hole a few hundred bucks - he decides to try and save some money by going on eBay... He notices that there is are a couple of auctions ending in the next day or so for the same model camera as the one he used to have. So - he bids on the one ending soonest. Turns out -- he loses by $1... (Talk about a slap in the face -- losing your camera is really bad -- and losing an eBay auction isn't really that big of a deal -- but losing the auction by 100 pennies is a pseudo jab to the kidneys...)
Frustrated - he decides he's determined to win the next auction -- and does... Him and the seller email details to each other - and he expects to get the camera in 5-7 days. It arrives in 4 days in the condition described -- a positive eBay experience!
When he opens the video camera - he notices there is a tape inside. Scary to think of what is on someone else's video camera...but c'mon...who's NOT going to watch it???
He does - and has a pit in his stomach from the content....It's a tape of HIS son and daughter playing! He just bought back his stolen video camera from eBay...
What is he supposed to do?? On one hand - he feels outraged that his personal property was stolen by some airline or TSA worker - and then re-sold for a substantial profit on eBay (so - yes - this thief profited TWICE by the same innocent guy). On the other hand - the thief knows his name and address... If he is to report it (and somehow PROVE it) - and the person gets fired and brought on charges -- is it really worth the extra $150 for that anguish?? He could write some negative feedback on ebay -- but then what if he wants to get the police involved... He should waste his chances...
To be honest -- I don't know what he's decided to do. I got the sense that he was going to leave it alone... He was going to chalk up the $150 as the price of one hell of a story to tell people for the rest of his life....(oh - and I just stole it from him.... looks like the guy is just the perfect subject for theft)
So - I thought I'd try out the hypothesis on my own blog with an interesting story I was told earlier this week by an old acquaintance that I ran into at the gym...(I've taken very minor liberties on some details - like what was "really" going through the main characters mind - but the core is completely true) Here goes...
A guy is packing for a family trip to Jamaica. He contemplates packing his video camera into his carry-on, but remembers what a pain in the ass security at the airport is -- so he decides to pack the camera (and related accessories like blank tapes) in his checked luggage...
When he gets to his hotel room - he opens his luggage and notices neither his video camera nor its' accessories are included in the contents of the baggage. The suitcase is in good condition and it doesn't appear that someone stole anything... Did he forget to pack it? Did he leave it on the dresser?...
During the trip - he's convinced he just had a brain-fart and forgot it.
That's the beauty of vacation...you can leave any worries behind - especially when going to the beach and having a couple of beers is the only thing you have on you "to do list" for the day.
Reality sets in, however, when he returns home and finds that his video camera is still missing. What is he to do? It's not like the video camera is a family heir-loom and of unaffordable value (we'll call it $250)... So... he decides to do what most of us would -- buy a new one....
Given the fact that he's already in the hole a few hundred bucks - he decides to try and save some money by going on eBay... He notices that there is are a couple of auctions ending in the next day or so for the same model camera as the one he used to have. So - he bids on the one ending soonest. Turns out -- he loses by $1... (Talk about a slap in the face -- losing your camera is really bad -- and losing an eBay auction isn't really that big of a deal -- but losing the auction by 100 pennies is a pseudo jab to the kidneys...)
Frustrated - he decides he's determined to win the next auction -- and does... Him and the seller email details to each other - and he expects to get the camera in 5-7 days. It arrives in 4 days in the condition described -- a positive eBay experience!
When he opens the video camera - he notices there is a tape inside. Scary to think of what is on someone else's video camera...but c'mon...who's NOT going to watch it???
He does - and has a pit in his stomach from the content....It's a tape of HIS son and daughter playing! He just bought back his stolen video camera from eBay...
What is he supposed to do?? On one hand - he feels outraged that his personal property was stolen by some airline or TSA worker - and then re-sold for a substantial profit on eBay (so - yes - this thief profited TWICE by the same innocent guy). On the other hand - the thief knows his name and address... If he is to report it (and somehow PROVE it) - and the person gets fired and brought on charges -- is it really worth the extra $150 for that anguish?? He could write some negative feedback on ebay -- but then what if he wants to get the police involved... He should waste his chances...
To be honest -- I don't know what he's decided to do. I got the sense that he was going to leave it alone... He was going to chalk up the $150 as the price of one hell of a story to tell people for the rest of his life....(oh - and I just stole it from him.... looks like the guy is just the perfect subject for theft)
3/03/2008
Are hotels the new airlines?
It's been heavily documented that the airline industry is fully "nickel-and-diming" it's customers ... Most airlines don't include food in their prices - but they make buying food available for additional purchase... They've taken away magazines, pillows, blankets, and other amenities that were industry standards for a very long time ... They've done this to try and gain additional revenue in non-traditional ways ... Buying premium movies, upgrading to business class, even paying more for window seats vs. middle seats has become a trend...
Well - on Friday - when I checked into my hotel.... They told me there was a $3 per day "maid service fee" which was in place "for my convenience" so I didn't have to leave a tip when I left...
First of all - I very rarely left a considerable tip for the maid. I was (and actually still am) convinced that a small portion of the hundreds of dollars I pay per night INCLUDE the convenience of someone straightening up while I'm gone... Am I crazy?
As is -- hotels pillage customers on mini-bar items ($8 for a bottle of water?), in-room entertainment ($14 for movies - which is more than in theatres in NYC), and Internet access...
Like the airline industry, unfortunately... one hotel chain follows everyone else ... So - I won't be surprised to see the "maid service daily fee" as a standard in a couple of years...
While it may represent an opportunity for some chains to differentiate themselves -- I don't see a white knight riding in anytime soon...
Well - on Friday - when I checked into my hotel.... They told me there was a $3 per day "maid service fee" which was in place "for my convenience" so I didn't have to leave a tip when I left...
First of all - I very rarely left a considerable tip for the maid. I was (and actually still am) convinced that a small portion of the hundreds of dollars I pay per night INCLUDE the convenience of someone straightening up while I'm gone... Am I crazy?
As is -- hotels pillage customers on mini-bar items ($8 for a bottle of water?), in-room entertainment ($14 for movies - which is more than in theatres in NYC), and Internet access...
Like the airline industry, unfortunately... one hotel chain follows everyone else ... So - I won't be surprised to see the "maid service daily fee" as a standard in a couple of years...
While it may represent an opportunity for some chains to differentiate themselves -- I don't see a white knight riding in anytime soon...
2/27/2008
Music - Retail
A large portion of my job focuses around "media effectiveness." In other words - what ads make people buy stuff.... So, I spend a lot of my weekdays talking about the need to extend the conversation of internet advertising effectiveness outside of mere e-commerce activity. While we know at least 60% of in-store shoppers use the internet to help form their buying decisions.... only ~7% of total sales come directly from e-commerce. Which brings me to the news story below...
Apple Inc's iTunes digital media store edged out Best Buy Co and Target Corp to become the second-largest U.S. music retailer, behind Wal-Mart Stores, according to data released on Tuesday from tracking firm NPD Group.Based on 2007 sales, legal music downloads now account for 10 percent of music acquired in the United States, but the increase failed to offset a decline in physical CD sales, NPD said.
About one million consumers stopped buying CDs in 2007, according to NPD.
The iTunes store now has more than 50 million customers and has sold more than 4 billion songs.
So - to re-iterate ... Apple sells more music than Best Buy or Target... They solely distribute music online ... Does anyone think that the internet was the only way Apple's 50 million music customers learned about the music they wanted to buy? OF COURSE NOT! So - why is the assumption that all of Wal-marts music purchasers learned about music through newspaper circulars???
2/25/2008
NY Building Elevator Trick
Small, pretty useless nugget here ... But ... Last night I saw a trick that I've used in my building being used by food delivery guys (which obviously validates my theory) -- so I thought I'd share.
Do you live in a building with many floors and/or slow elevators? Have you ever left your apartment, gone downstairs and then realized you forgot something??
Well - if so - you know the annoyance of waiting for the elevators to go back down the second time is twice as painful as the first time...
Next time ... On the way up -- if you are on floor 19 (and are alone going up) ... in addition to pressing the "19" button on your elevator - press 20 and 21... With these 2 additional floors - it should give you enough time to catch the elevator on it's way down...
While this is far from being a class-act or a good neighbor ... It could save you a few minutes in the morning if you're running late...If, however, someone is waiting to go down on your floor - and they realize what you did -- it could be an uncomfortable joint ride down...
Again - pretty useless - but I'm a fan of over-thinking the useless stuff....
Do you live in a building with many floors and/or slow elevators? Have you ever left your apartment, gone downstairs and then realized you forgot something??
Well - if so - you know the annoyance of waiting for the elevators to go back down the second time is twice as painful as the first time...
Next time ... On the way up -- if you are on floor 19 (and are alone going up) ... in addition to pressing the "19" button on your elevator - press 20 and 21... With these 2 additional floors - it should give you enough time to catch the elevator on it's way down...
While this is far from being a class-act or a good neighbor ... It could save you a few minutes in the morning if you're running late...If, however, someone is waiting to go down on your floor - and they realize what you did -- it could be an uncomfortable joint ride down...
Again - pretty useless - but I'm a fan of over-thinking the useless stuff....
2/19/2008
Double-Fisting
Given the recent advancements in smart phone proliferation... An interesting decision makes it's way to many corporate citizens... "To Double-Fist or not to Double-Fist" ....
I hope by the mention of "smart phone" you don't think this post is about how drunk you should get at corporate functions... It's about the decision of merging your portable work email device (most likely a blackberry) with your personal phone device (most likely not a blackberry).
There are a lot of variables in play - such as the ability to keep you phone number, where the phone bill goes, and various corporate email and phone reimbursement policies... Usually, if all these variables aren't an issue ... Employees will most likely start combining their work and phone devices...
For me, however, I don't like to mix business and pleasure ... My work email stays on my blackberry and my personal phone is my iPhone... Yes - I need to carry an extra (and somewhat bulky) phone during the week -- but -- I think it's worth it ... Other advantages include the ability to put your work cell phone on your business card, not having to submit a phone bill in your standard expenses, and being able to select different devices for your different needs (example -- I love my iPhone -- but not sure I'd love it as my primary mobile emailing device).
Amy is dealing with the dilemma currently. She prefers one device (The blackberry "curve" to be exact), but there are restrictions limiting her ability to convert. Feel free to suggest your opinion the next time you see her...
I hope by the mention of "smart phone" you don't think this post is about how drunk you should get at corporate functions... It's about the decision of merging your portable work email device (most likely a blackberry) with your personal phone device (most likely not a blackberry).
There are a lot of variables in play - such as the ability to keep you phone number, where the phone bill goes, and various corporate email and phone reimbursement policies... Usually, if all these variables aren't an issue ... Employees will most likely start combining their work and phone devices...
For me, however, I don't like to mix business and pleasure ... My work email stays on my blackberry and my personal phone is my iPhone... Yes - I need to carry an extra (and somewhat bulky) phone during the week -- but -- I think it's worth it ... Other advantages include the ability to put your work cell phone on your business card, not having to submit a phone bill in your standard expenses, and being able to select different devices for your different needs (example -- I love my iPhone -- but not sure I'd love it as my primary mobile emailing device).
Amy is dealing with the dilemma currently. She prefers one device (The blackberry "curve" to be exact), but there are restrictions limiting her ability to convert. Feel free to suggest your opinion the next time you see her...
2/13/2008
Our First Anniversary Trip
This past Sunday (February 10) was Amy and my 1st wedding anniversary. To celebrate, we planned a short 4 day vacation. As I've mentioned to many people in the past -- there is a difference between vacation travel and vacation vacation. The purpose of this trip was the latter -- which to Amy and I means: Be as lazy as possible on a beach, eat whatever you want, and feel like you're being pampered a little bit...
We originally thought of somewhere like Aruba -- but with a single trip to Liberty Travel -- we were convinced to instead book an all-inclusive resort in the Mexican Riviera. By recommendation of the travel agent (and looking at the options) -- we opted for the Excellence Resort, which is about 20 minutes from the Cancun airport.
I'll summarize by saying that Amy and I were VERY happy with our decision, as we had a really great vacation.
It was our first "all-inclusive" experience, which I must admit I was a bit skeptical of. I mean - I just couldn't fathom ordering as many Jack and Ginger-ales that I wanted -- without some kind of charge ... Turns out - that it's legit (at least the resort we went to). I'm sure there are Club Med type places that advertise all-inclusive, but have some hidden annoying stipulations or subsidize the cost with horrible food and service. The Excellence had great service and more than acceptable food quality (it exceeded expectations for sure -- but not willing to say it was amazing - but again - as to be expected). The rooms were very nice (inclusive of all-you-can-eat mini-bar and room service) and all come with an outdoor jacuzzi.
Amy, in particular, couldn't believe how nice the staff was - and it's true. We really felt like we could have been at a Four Seasons resort. We had servers come up to us at least every 15 minutes asking "Would you like something to drink?"...
The beach set-up was also really nice - especially the several 2 person beds placed right on the sand. I made it a point to take a little 5:00 nappy-nap everyday on them...The sand itself was really soft, but the ocean floor was way too rocky to enjoy...But... we were fine walking 10 steps the other way to use the pool to cool off.
All-in-all, I think Amy and my first anniversary vacation represented what I believe our first year of marriage represented as well: An overall amazing experience that Amy and I both genuinely appreciate and never want to end.
We originally thought of somewhere like Aruba -- but with a single trip to Liberty Travel -- we were convinced to instead book an all-inclusive resort in the Mexican Riviera. By recommendation of the travel agent (and looking at the options) -- we opted for the Excellence Resort, which is about 20 minutes from the Cancun airport.
I'll summarize by saying that Amy and I were VERY happy with our decision, as we had a really great vacation.
It was our first "all-inclusive" experience, which I must admit I was a bit skeptical of. I mean - I just couldn't fathom ordering as many Jack and Ginger-ales that I wanted -- without some kind of charge ... Turns out - that it's legit (at least the resort we went to). I'm sure there are Club Med type places that advertise all-inclusive, but have some hidden annoying stipulations or subsidize the cost with horrible food and service. The Excellence had great service and more than acceptable food quality (it exceeded expectations for sure -- but not willing to say it was amazing - but again - as to be expected). The rooms were very nice (inclusive of all-you-can-eat mini-bar and room service) and all come with an outdoor jacuzzi.
Amy, in particular, couldn't believe how nice the staff was - and it's true. We really felt like we could have been at a Four Seasons resort. We had servers come up to us at least every 15 minutes asking "Would you like something to drink?"...
The beach set-up was also really nice - especially the several 2 person beds placed right on the sand. I made it a point to take a little 5:00 nappy-nap everyday on them...The sand itself was really soft, but the ocean floor was way too rocky to enjoy...But... we were fine walking 10 steps the other way to use the pool to cool off.
All-in-all, I think Amy and my first anniversary vacation represented what I believe our first year of marriage represented as well: An overall amazing experience that Amy and I both genuinely appreciate and never want to end.
2/05/2008
TV Commercials
Given my wife's occupation - the following is a slippery slope for me .... So... I'm going to be brief.
I've long believed that how marketers and TV stations report on audience figures is INSANELY archaic. I'll save that for another time...
Putting that aside -- outside of National Cable movie channels [;)], The Super Bowl and American Idol .... 95% of people don't even watches the commercials!
Chart below from a reputable research firm.
I've long believed that how marketers and TV stations report on audience figures is INSANELY archaic. I'll save that for another time...
Putting that aside -- outside of National Cable movie channels [;)], The Super Bowl and American Idol .... 95% of people don't even watches the commercials!
Chart below from a reputable research firm.
2/04/2008
My Random Thoughts of Super Bowl 42
- If you would have told me at the start of ANY Sunday this football season (including yesterday) -- that the Giants were going to win the Super Bowl this year -- I would have told you that you were crazy!
- I feel like Giants fans are fairly shocked as well... It was a bit like I felt 2 years ago when the Heat won the NBA Title... It was completely unexpected - but that doesn't make it any less sweet ... just different.
- I don't blame the Patriots for the reasons I was rooting against them....(The whole 19-0, best team ever, blah-blah-blah, CONTINUOUS hype).... I blame the media - and mostly ESPN. And while I'm at it -- I'm from South Florida -- and I'm also sick of the 1972 Dolphins drama...It's a perfect example of the flaw within the typical "news story" structure.
- Speaking of the media -- I think I'm going to refuse to watch ESPN during the 2 weeks leading up to the Super Bowl next year. 2 weeks is WAY too much time for ESPN to continue to try and come up with new things to talk about...And worse of all -- I never ONCE heard anyone on ESPN predict that the Patriots would struggle against the Giants defense (and only score 14 points).
- The positive of the media cycle -- The Mercury Morris sound bytes this week are going to be pretty amazing...
- I loved the "Peyton Manning camera." He clearly wanted to interact with NO ONE during the game...Is he really married?
- I think I loved the camera shot of Jeremy Shockey more... Someone I was watching the game with asked "why isn't he on the field with the team" ... The first thing that came to my head, "Uh - they don't serve Red Bull and Vodka's on the field, honey"....
- Speaking of spectator comments ... Someone said "How much fun would it be if you were a student of the University of Phoenix right now?" ... Well ... although they have a Phoenix campus, the majority of students don't actually go to school in Phoenix. It's predominantly an online university... Yup - those stadium naming rights really pay off! ;)
- I'm sure I'll see it at least 100 times in my life -- but the "Eli avoiding the sack -- chucking it up to David Tyree and catching it off his helmet play" is one of the best (and most crucial) plays I've ever seen in a Super Bowl.
- I don't feel bad for any of the Patriots - with the exception of Junior Seau. He seems like such a happy dude -- and he's been a loyal, non-confrontational NFL player for so long -- that it would have been nice to see him win a Super Bowl ... if he was on the Giants...
- From the comments I heard after the game ... It felt like during the game Tom Brady crossed the line between competitive and cry baby. The look on his face throughout the game was WAY different than anything else I'd seen from him during the regular season...He's one of the best QBs of all-time...But I honestly think he choked yesterday.
- Something I haven't heard anyone talk about yet - was the fact that Belicheck opted to go for it on 4th and 11, rather than attempt a 49 yard field goal. And while the Pats ended up losing by 3 points -- I do agree that the media shouldn't be pilling on him. He had done stuff like that ALL year - and they were 18-0 going into the game. He was consistent.
- I'm a huge fan of Tiki Barber... some people don't - but I do... That said, today has to sting a little for him...
- The streets of NYC last night were pretty great. I high-fived about 3 random drunk topless dudes...
- The Commercials SUCKED this year... For the biggest stage of creative advertising - it truly disappointed this year... Hail to online advertising! ;)
- The scoring wasn't even close to as advertised... but it was still an UNBELIEVABLE game (not as good as the Titans ending the game on the 1 yard line - but definitely top 5 SB games I've ever seen)
- Congrats to all my Giant die-hard fan friends... Colediggy, Felch, Wolfe, The Mandell bros, The Satnick clan, Chuck, and anyone else I forgot... I'm happy for ya!!
1/27/2008
Theoretically
A week ago -- I went to dinner with Amy and Colediggy.... In our dinner conversation, Colediggy pointed out that I used the term "Theoretically" several times throughout the evening...
Fast forward a week -- and I have consciously said the word at least 20 times...It's driving me nuts!! I keep trying to stop saying it, and replace it with something else.... Unfortunately - I haven't had any luck. "In theory" comes out... Which obviously isn't much better....
I was on a panel at an industry event in San Diego this past week - and I used "theoretically" twice. The second time - I paused mid-sentence and tried to use another phrase that didn't sound as good...I am officially in my own head.
Everyone has their go-to sayings... I know I do. It's just ... these phrases are typically not conscious... It is other people around you who are very aware of your sayings ... YOU, however, are not supposed to be. I have to imagine that "theoretically" wasn't in my arsenal before recently. If it was -- Colediggy probably wouldn't have said anything...
And... I have no more room for any more sayings -- I just don't know how to stop it...
Any ideas? (and no -- punching me in the arm twice if I say it while I'm around you does not count)
Fast forward a week -- and I have consciously said the word at least 20 times...It's driving me nuts!! I keep trying to stop saying it, and replace it with something else.... Unfortunately - I haven't had any luck. "In theory" comes out... Which obviously isn't much better....
I was on a panel at an industry event in San Diego this past week - and I used "theoretically" twice. The second time - I paused mid-sentence and tried to use another phrase that didn't sound as good...I am officially in my own head.
Everyone has their go-to sayings... I know I do. It's just ... these phrases are typically not conscious... It is other people around you who are very aware of your sayings ... YOU, however, are not supposed to be. I have to imagine that "theoretically" wasn't in my arsenal before recently. If it was -- Colediggy probably wouldn't have said anything...
And... I have no more room for any more sayings -- I just don't know how to stop it...
Any ideas? (and no -- punching me in the arm twice if I say it while I'm around you does not count)
1/21/2008
Thank You's
First things first ... I'm a guy ... Thank you cards aren't necessarily the thing I'm best known for. This isn't to say that I've never written Thank-You cards (I actually have written many in my day) ... I just haven't "batted a thousand"...
I grew-up with a Grandmother who would call me exactly 2 days after I received a card or gift from her -- "didn't you get my card???....You know I already received a thank-you card from your cousin Lauren..."
Anyway - Amy is definitely a "thank-you card gal." She is also pretty good with sending people gifts when it's appropriate - especially in the current popular life stage of our friends having new babies...By marriage, I've become pretty good at sending new baby gifts, 2 year old birthday gifts, etc... Through this - we've obviously received our fare share of thank-you cards (mostly written in the voice of the new-born or 2 year old...perhaps more on this in another blog-post).
It's of my opinion (which may differ from my that of my wife), that a thank-you note in this instance - although very much appreciated - is not necessary. In place of the old-fashioned card, what I think is more appropriate in this digital age -- is an emailed picture of you/your baby at some point in the future using/wearing/playing with/sitting next to our gift.
New moms and dads are busy. Thank-you cards, while a noble practice, are from a different generation. An era where you couldn't check online to see if the gift was delivered...or perhaps it was deemed by some as too expensive to phone someone "long-distance" to thank them...
As the gift buyer -- I know I feel better seeing a picture of your baby wearing the gift than getting a note in the mail...I guess it just gives me the confidence that I didn't buy you an errand... This said, I guess for those cases where you return the gift...an old fashioned thank you card will do...
Your Aunt Edna and my Grandma Crannie will never be satisfied without the thank-you card...but I hope I can save some of you some time in the future...
(BDS - this wasn't a cryptic message that I'm expecting to receive a pic of Landyn rapped up in Google gear...I've been thinking of this post subject for a while)
I grew-up with a Grandmother who would call me exactly 2 days after I received a card or gift from her -- "didn't you get my card???....You know I already received a thank-you card from your cousin Lauren..."
Anyway - Amy is definitely a "thank-you card gal." She is also pretty good with sending people gifts when it's appropriate - especially in the current popular life stage of our friends having new babies...By marriage, I've become pretty good at sending new baby gifts, 2 year old birthday gifts, etc... Through this - we've obviously received our fare share of thank-you cards (mostly written in the voice of the new-born or 2 year old...perhaps more on this in another blog-post).
It's of my opinion (which may differ from my that of my wife), that a thank-you note in this instance - although very much appreciated - is not necessary. In place of the old-fashioned card, what I think is more appropriate in this digital age -- is an emailed picture of you/your baby at some point in the future using/wearing/playing with/sitting next to our gift.
New moms and dads are busy. Thank-you cards, while a noble practice, are from a different generation. An era where you couldn't check online to see if the gift was delivered...or perhaps it was deemed by some as too expensive to phone someone "long-distance" to thank them...
As the gift buyer -- I know I feel better seeing a picture of your baby wearing the gift than getting a note in the mail...I guess it just gives me the confidence that I didn't buy you an errand... This said, I guess for those cases where you return the gift...an old fashioned thank you card will do...
Your Aunt Edna and my Grandma Crannie will never be satisfied without the thank-you card...but I hope I can save some of you some time in the future...
(BDS - this wasn't a cryptic message that I'm expecting to receive a pic of Landyn rapped up in Google gear...I've been thinking of this post subject for a while)
1/18/2008
Boxing
Growing up -- I always enjoyed a good boxing match. To be fair - I grew up primarily watching a combination of Rocky Balboa and a young (and yet to be unleashed into public life) Mike Tyson...
There is something about THE SPORT OF BOXING that I very much respect. It's probably one of the oldest sports known to man...a competition of both physical and mental strength, quickness, and stamina.
THE BUSINESS OF BOXING is what has officially ruined THE SPORT.
No fight is without suspect of being fixed (especially in the heavy-wight class). Anyone who has actually paid the $100+ to buy a fight on Pay-per-view - has at some point been burned by a First-round knock-out disappointment...
Regardless, I have always wanted to go to a live pro boxing match. It's an experience I believe that most likely cannot be replicated on TV... So ... There is a big fight (one that should have happened 8 years ago) at MSG this Saturday night: Roy Jones Jr. vs. Felix Trinidad.
I don't have big plans tomorrow night - so I looked into getting tickets. Tickets apparently range from $500 - $1500 per seat!! Now - I happen to have a connection who is able to get a nice discount on the tickets -- but honestly -- the price is STILL too steep... Perhaps the only way I'm going to get to see a boxing match in person is if someone else picks up the tab (business related perhaps)...
Until then - I guess I'll sit and watch the UFC eat further into Boxing's market-share.
There is something about THE SPORT OF BOXING that I very much respect. It's probably one of the oldest sports known to man...a competition of both physical and mental strength, quickness, and stamina.
THE BUSINESS OF BOXING is what has officially ruined THE SPORT.
No fight is without suspect of being fixed (especially in the heavy-wight class). Anyone who has actually paid the $100+ to buy a fight on Pay-per-view - has at some point been burned by a First-round knock-out disappointment...
Regardless, I have always wanted to go to a live pro boxing match. It's an experience I believe that most likely cannot be replicated on TV... So ... There is a big fight (one that should have happened 8 years ago) at MSG this Saturday night: Roy Jones Jr. vs. Felix Trinidad.
I don't have big plans tomorrow night - so I looked into getting tickets. Tickets apparently range from $500 - $1500 per seat!! Now - I happen to have a connection who is able to get a nice discount on the tickets -- but honestly -- the price is STILL too steep... Perhaps the only way I'm going to get to see a boxing match in person is if someone else picks up the tab (business related perhaps)...
Until then - I guess I'll sit and watch the UFC eat further into Boxing's market-share.
1/16/2008
Happy 2nd Birthday Sydney!
Last Monday Syd Stern (Amy and my niece) turned 2. As we don't see her all the time - now that she lives in Florida - we really enjoy the time we spend with her (and take a lot of pictures). At her birthday party, she was obviously very cute. Running around at a gymnastics center with her princess crown, pizza sauce and cake icing on her face and as she's known to do these days talking to everyone...We really enjoyed our time - but for those people reading my blog who have never been to a child birthday party before (and Sydney's 1st and 2nd birthdays are my only ones to date) -- there really is no greater form of birth control...
Sorry for the side bar...Happy Birthday Syd. Your Uncle Brett Brett and Aunt Amy love you VERY MUCH!
1/11/2008
CES
I spent this past week in Las Vegas for what has to be one of the worlds biggest corporate trade shows around... Over 200,000 people were estimated to be at this years Consumer Electronics Show (CES). It was my first time going to the show floor held at the Las Vegas Convention Center...
On the gadget side ... the two coolest things I saw were from Panasonic...
1) A 150 inch Flat screen LCD TV. The Panasonic booth rep told me it would most likely be retailed at $65K to $70K ... Seemed a bit steep for me, but then again, people do buy $200K cars. Enormous $65K LCD TVs could be next.
2) A Portable DVR. No longer will we apparently have to be forced into watching our "TIVO'd" shows in our living room ... We will be able to watch these shows on planes too ... Will be interesting to see if this hurts the "TV Show on DVD" market...
The major consumer gadget themes I saw were all centered around:
1) TV/Computer screen integration (TVs as more than standard TV)
2) A huge presence of various In-vehicle technology like Navigation systems, etc
3) Video Games
Other than that -- what was probably the most dominating theme was just how many people were at this show. It is set-up as a "buyer-seller" show (where retailers, etc buy new products from manufacturers), but I think it's been transformed into more than that... Regular Joe's (well, to be fair, "regular gadget nerds" is probably a better description) are in droves now. Media folks like myself are now fairly standard as well.
All in all, if your business relates to the CE industry, I'd recommend going once ... But no need to stay too long ... 48 hours is more than enough (as seems to be the case generically for Vegas anyhow)...
On the gadget side ... the two coolest things I saw were from Panasonic...
1) A 150 inch Flat screen LCD TV. The Panasonic booth rep told me it would most likely be retailed at $65K to $70K ... Seemed a bit steep for me, but then again, people do buy $200K cars. Enormous $65K LCD TVs could be next.
2) A Portable DVR. No longer will we apparently have to be forced into watching our "TIVO'd" shows in our living room ... We will be able to watch these shows on planes too ... Will be interesting to see if this hurts the "TV Show on DVD" market...
The major consumer gadget themes I saw were all centered around:
1) TV/Computer screen integration (TVs as more than standard TV)
2) A huge presence of various In-vehicle technology like Navigation systems, etc
3) Video Games
Other than that -- what was probably the most dominating theme was just how many people were at this show. It is set-up as a "buyer-seller" show (where retailers, etc buy new products from manufacturers), but I think it's been transformed into more than that... Regular Joe's (well, to be fair, "regular gadget nerds" is probably a better description) are in droves now. Media folks like myself are now fairly standard as well.
All in all, if your business relates to the CE industry, I'd recommend going once ... But no need to stay too long ... 48 hours is more than enough (as seems to be the case generically for Vegas anyhow)...
1/02/2008
Australia Trip
Amy and I spent the last days of 2007 in Australia... Back in June, we booked a 12 day tour package that took us to three major Australian cities (Sydney, Cairns, and Melbourne). It's a place that we've both wanted to visit for a 
while - but the long distance/travel time had always kept us from pulling the trigger...
YES - Amy and I went on a Honeymoon and a trip to Australia in the same year... We work hard - and feel like we should travel hard when we can in our lives...
Rather than detail our itinerary -- I'd prefer to give some highlights. If you'd prefer - you can also just check out the 150+ pictures we took.
Some other random thoughts of our trip:
while - but the long distance/travel time had always kept us from pulling the trigger...YES - Amy and I went on a Honeymoon and a trip to Australia in the same year... We work hard - and feel like we should travel hard when we can in our lives...
Rather than detail our itinerary -- I'd prefer to give some highlights. If you'd prefer - you can also just check out the 150+ pictures we took.
- Generally - daily living in Australia isn't radically different than daily living in the US. We found the country, as a whole, extremely socially diverse, quite cultured, modern, oh... and not cheap (The USD was worth about 7% more than AUS dollar while we were there). In comparison to NYC, though, it was much cleaner of a city and a lot less crowded...People seemed genuinely nice - as advertised.
- It was Amy and my first "tour package" - and definitely not our last. The fact that almost every mundane detail (such as airport transfers, breakfast, tours of city/highlights, etc) is completely taken care of for you. (And best of all - you've already paid for it - so you don't think twice about spending the money). Amy and I were joined by 24 other people on our trip -- all of who were very nice.
- Sydney was our favorite stop of the 3. The past 8-10 years living in NYC, we suppose has worn off on us. At this point in our life - I think we just enjoy the bigger city offerings of trendy lounges, good food, and faster pace. Plus, while in "tourist mode", Sydney offered us a lot more to do and see.
- I had one of the best meals of my life on Christmas eve. We ate our first
Australian lobster (pictured on the right) - which I learned is different (and better) than the Maine lobster we obsess about here in the US. Instead of the tail and claws containing the premium meat -- the Australian lobster houses the creme' de la creme in it's body... This enables the chef to more easily prepare a dish (and equates to much less work on our part). - Australia is in the midst of a 10 year drought - which causes a big "fly community." I joked around that I would be mistaken for raving without glow-sticks, but I was really just swatting away flies..
- The sun is REALLY strong down there. My nose and shoulders got crazy-burnt the first day I was there. I guess that wasn't so horrible - as I was forced to lube up pretty seriously every day from there on in...
- I was VERY anxious about the lengthy flights - but it turned out to be OK. Air New Zealand has a killer entertainment system. That, plus getting good seats (the last row and the Exit Row), plus Ambien, made the trip not too bad... We are, however, a little turned around with Jet Lag this week...
Some other random thoughts of our trip:
- The two most prominent American Chains in Australia in our view were: Starbucks and 7-Eleven. McDonald's is there - but seems to be more focused it's McCafe off-shoot rather than it's bread-and-butter. There is also no Burger King -- Only Hungry Jacks.
- Only one person said "G'day" or "Mate" to us ... Must be the equivalent to people thinking everyone in New York says "fugetaboutit" every other word...
- You apparently need a tram ticket to ride the tram in Melbourne ... however ... we have no idea how the city policies it ... The driver clearly has more important things to focus on - and there are about 4 entry points onto the tram...
- On every tour in Sydney - Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe were mentioned at minimum 6 times....
- Like NYC, Asian tourists are abundant in Australia.. oh ... and I'm convinced the phrase "excuse me" doesn't exist in the Chinese language...
New Year - New Template
After 3+ years with the same blog template -- I thought it could use a change... So - I thought I'd break out the new template with the New Year... Please let me know your thoughts...
12/18/2007
G'Day ...
I wanted to let my loyal readers know that I'll be taking a two week vacation from blogging ...
I'm heading to Australia for 12 days... I'm really really excited although I can't lie - I'm a bit nervous about how I'm going to keep myself (and my wife) entertained during the long flight.
I'll be sure to give a recap blog upon my return ... Wishing you all a very happy 2008!!
I'm heading to Australia for 12 days... I'm really really excited although I can't lie - I'm a bit nervous about how I'm going to keep myself (and my wife) entertained during the long flight.
I'll be sure to give a recap blog upon my return ... Wishing you all a very happy 2008!!
12/14/2007
Holiday Gifts
It's that time of year.... No - I'm not referring to the typical "holiday cheer" attributes (which I honestly have no clue about) ... I'm referring to the time of year when any service-related employee in your life expects something from you...
When did it become "the norm" to give a holiday cash gift to your cleaning lady, your hair cutter, the mailman, the doormen, your gardener - or whatever??
I know it comes off like I'm either insensitive or cheap --But -- Truth is, I don't exchange gifts with my friends - yet I end up spending hundreds of dollars on gifts for people who I probably don't even know what their last name is...?
When I lived alone, I had a cleaning lady, Patsy... Patsy and I had a distinct conversation once on how she didn't celebrate Christmas (I'm not sure what faith she was, though). Anyway - after I told her I was moving and didn't need her services anymore -- she told me that she was always so hurt that I never gave her extra money for the holidays... In hindsight - I definitely was wrong - but I think this is a good summary of my issue with tipping on the holiday season -- The expectation of receiving a gift - for almost no reason...
In the corporate sector - there is often the expectation of a "bonus" at the end of the year - but only if the company has a good year. Additionally - in that scenario - part of the rationale for holiday gifts is to retain employees. Do I really care if the person who delivers my mail quits the USPS? Not really ... And isn't it the USPS' job to keep their employees happy? I don't expect gifts from my clients....
Bottom-line .... I'm not a hater...I just don't like doing something because it's expected...and that it's often the measure of gratitude for the year - rather than the year-long "relationship." If it wasn't expected - I'd be happier to give our doorman a little something because I do genuinely appreciate them...
Happy Holidays to all.....
When did it become "the norm" to give a holiday cash gift to your cleaning lady, your hair cutter, the mailman, the doormen, your gardener - or whatever??
I know it comes off like I'm either insensitive or cheap --But -- Truth is, I don't exchange gifts with my friends - yet I end up spending hundreds of dollars on gifts for people who I probably don't even know what their last name is...?
When I lived alone, I had a cleaning lady, Patsy... Patsy and I had a distinct conversation once on how she didn't celebrate Christmas (I'm not sure what faith she was, though). Anyway - after I told her I was moving and didn't need her services anymore -- she told me that she was always so hurt that I never gave her extra money for the holidays... In hindsight - I definitely was wrong - but I think this is a good summary of my issue with tipping on the holiday season -- The expectation of receiving a gift - for almost no reason...
In the corporate sector - there is often the expectation of a "bonus" at the end of the year - but only if the company has a good year. Additionally - in that scenario - part of the rationale for holiday gifts is to retain employees. Do I really care if the person who delivers my mail quits the USPS? Not really ... And isn't it the USPS' job to keep their employees happy? I don't expect gifts from my clients....
Bottom-line .... I'm not a hater...I just don't like doing something because it's expected...and that it's often the measure of gratitude for the year - rather than the year-long "relationship." If it wasn't expected - I'd be happier to give our doorman a little something because I do genuinely appreciate them...
Happy Holidays to all.....
12/11/2007
The Boston Sports Jinx
If you have lived on the East Coast over the last 10 years, you've undoubtedly heard the heartache and pain that was involved with being a Boston sports fan between the Bird era Celtics through the 2004 Boston Red Sox. And while the great Celtic teams are a source of pride for the city -- any deep rooted Boston sports fan would tell you that all those NBA championships combined didn't add up to the joy of the 2004 (and 2007) World Series Championship. This was because - the city believed its' baseball team was jinxed...
Well - within this 2007-2008 generic sports season - as the sports media has well-documented - there is certainly no jinx in Boston...It's sports interests couldn't be doing any better. The Red Sox won the World Series, the Patriots are going to go undefeated in the regular (and post) season, and the Kevin Garnett led Boston Celtics look like the best team in the NBA.
So what happened to the jinx? It looks like it's become a snow-bird and flown down to South Florida, where most of my sports interests call home...The Dolphins are going to be the first 0-16 team in NFL history. The Heat have won only 5 of their first 20 games and are in last place...The Marlins are the laughing stock of baseball - although I think undeserved (check out Dan le Batards take which I agree with).
Regardless, it's been hard out here for a South Florida sports fan...The problem is, Florida is a transient city. Very few people who live there are born and raised - which means most people move to Florida with an existing favorite team...I'm a die-hard Miami Heat fan because I've been a fan since the franchises very first game - and like a true fan - I could name almost every player who's played on the Heat since 1988. That's rare in South Florida... But not in Boston...
Many Boston sports fans gave up a little bit on the Celtics over the last few years - but in their heart of hearts - they were always Celtic fans - which undoubtedly makes the current situation even sweeter.... This will probably never happen in South Florida. I used to think the Dol-Fans were loyal - as the franchise has been around a very long time - but I suppose it's base is starting to give up on Wayne Huizinga...
Anyway - I'm hoping the jinx is merely a cold and not a virus. I can take it for one year - but not much longer...As a sports nut - it's REALLY painful. (Thank goodness for Fantasy Sports once again) ;)
Well - within this 2007-2008 generic sports season - as the sports media has well-documented - there is certainly no jinx in Boston...It's sports interests couldn't be doing any better. The Red Sox won the World Series, the Patriots are going to go undefeated in the regular (and post) season, and the Kevin Garnett led Boston Celtics look like the best team in the NBA.
So what happened to the jinx? It looks like it's become a snow-bird and flown down to South Florida, where most of my sports interests call home...The Dolphins are going to be the first 0-16 team in NFL history. The Heat have won only 5 of their first 20 games and are in last place...The Marlins are the laughing stock of baseball - although I think undeserved (check out Dan le Batards take which I agree with).
Regardless, it's been hard out here for a South Florida sports fan...The problem is, Florida is a transient city. Very few people who live there are born and raised - which means most people move to Florida with an existing favorite team...I'm a die-hard Miami Heat fan because I've been a fan since the franchises very first game - and like a true fan - I could name almost every player who's played on the Heat since 1988. That's rare in South Florida... But not in Boston...
Many Boston sports fans gave up a little bit on the Celtics over the last few years - but in their heart of hearts - they were always Celtic fans - which undoubtedly makes the current situation even sweeter.... This will probably never happen in South Florida. I used to think the Dol-Fans were loyal - as the franchise has been around a very long time - but I suppose it's base is starting to give up on Wayne Huizinga...
Anyway - I'm hoping the jinx is merely a cold and not a virus. I can take it for one year - but not much longer...As a sports nut - it's REALLY painful. (Thank goodness for Fantasy Sports once again) ;)
12/06/2007
Restaurant H-2-0
The following is something that I find irritating, and I've been meaning to write a post on this topic for years.
When I go to a restaurant, I understand that there are small up-sell opportunities that employees employ to try and maximize their profit. Finding ways to increase the bill amount at a restaurant equates to a larger tip for waiters. Daily specials, a separate wine list, and asking if you'd like coffee or desert after your meal are examples of this.
The one tactic that irks me to the core - is when a waiter asks: "Can I get you flat or sparkling water tonight?" (Notice - not even giving "tap water" as an option) The main premise here - is that they want to seamlessly peer pressure you into ordering the $10 bottle of water rather than enjoy the free tap water (which in New York is known as some of the best in the world)...
At this point - when asked this question - I instinctively answer "TAP is perfect" in an annoyed tone... (In attempt to relay that "Homey don't play that - so nip it in the bud"... My routine never works, though...up-sells continue throughout the meal).
If a restaurant mandates that waiters say this ... I prefer it to go something like this: "Is tap water OK for the table or would you prefer sparkling?" ... This way - the server doesn't insinuate that you are a cheap bastard because you don't want to spend $10 on a bottle of water that the servers will continue to fill up so you quickly finish the bottle(s) and order more...
I guess I find it so annoying because it's one of those cases when I KNOW a business is up-selling me and while they think they're being smooth -- they're making it worse... Customers are smarter than we used to be - I think acknowledging that goes a long way these days...
When I go to a restaurant, I understand that there are small up-sell opportunities that employees employ to try and maximize their profit. Finding ways to increase the bill amount at a restaurant equates to a larger tip for waiters. Daily specials, a separate wine list, and asking if you'd like coffee or desert after your meal are examples of this.
The one tactic that irks me to the core - is when a waiter asks: "Can I get you flat or sparkling water tonight?" (Notice - not even giving "tap water" as an option) The main premise here - is that they want to seamlessly peer pressure you into ordering the $10 bottle of water rather than enjoy the free tap water (which in New York is known as some of the best in the world)...
At this point - when asked this question - I instinctively answer "TAP is perfect" in an annoyed tone... (In attempt to relay that "Homey don't play that - so nip it in the bud"... My routine never works, though...up-sells continue throughout the meal).
If a restaurant mandates that waiters say this ... I prefer it to go something like this: "Is tap water OK for the table or would you prefer sparkling?" ... This way - the server doesn't insinuate that you are a cheap bastard because you don't want to spend $10 on a bottle of water that the servers will continue to fill up so you quickly finish the bottle(s) and order more...
I guess I find it so annoying because it's one of those cases when I KNOW a business is up-selling me and while they think they're being smooth -- they're making it worse... Customers are smarter than we used to be - I think acknowledging that goes a long way these days...
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