tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25739376507280562222024-03-17T07:24:15.783-07:00www.ThomasCapone.comThomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.comBlogger491125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-64889230166966016692024-03-17T05:48:00.000-07:002024-03-17T07:23:42.505-07:00Where to sit?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobOVjUItqRfB4ZvfthSr7-qz2Tzaf3kWTUwak4Mr33ytKPdIkAXxbfSwaEXa_KQMRc_XckFHT_m-WK02SuNC0Ly1AIGwI9_L8bevK7x1JPFnFdZ6UDK4b9DUewxQ9iH8JVp4bZzOXDgnZVcz3Fd_xGaK0IuxvfNXMfQ9yYNhCxZsOg0o5DvjfRAepjGOL/s4032/PXL_20240314_123305331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobOVjUItqRfB4ZvfthSr7-qz2Tzaf3kWTUwak4Mr33ytKPdIkAXxbfSwaEXa_KQMRc_XckFHT_m-WK02SuNC0Ly1AIGwI9_L8bevK7x1JPFnFdZ6UDK4b9DUewxQ9iH8JVp4bZzOXDgnZVcz3Fd_xGaK0IuxvfNXMfQ9yYNhCxZsOg0o5DvjfRAepjGOL/s320/PXL_20240314_123305331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Hey ChatGPT: Where should I sit at the <b>Snowflake <i>Data for Breakfast</i></b> in NYC?</p><p>Hey Tom! Sitting in the front row offers several advantages:</p><p><b>Better Engagement</b>: When you're in the front row, you're closer to the action. This proximity can help you stay more engaged with the material being presented, whether it's a lecture, a performance, or a meeting.</p><p><b>Clearer View</b>: Being in the front row ensures that you have an unobstructed view of the speaker or presenter. You won't have to strain your neck or squint to see what's happening, which can help reduce eyestrain and improve comprehension.</p><p><b>Reduced Distractions</b>: Sitting in the front row can help minimize distractions from other attendees. You're less likely to be distracted by side conversations, movements, or other disruptions that may occur further back in the room.</p><p><b>Increased Interaction</b>: Being close to the front makes it easier to interact with the speaker or presenter. You may feel more comfortable asking questions, participating in discussions, or seeking clarification on points that aren't clear.</p><p><b>Positive Impression</b>: Sitting in the front row can convey a sense of attentiveness and eagerness to learn or engage with the topic at hand. This can be particularly important in professional or academic settings where perception matters.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rnc2hU4BvE9_t-RPmOBC5j7PDZstH0-u-VNSm8vx-r1p4pLOW7Wguu_9Uew0vIeqvXoHD7_IEnAkcFy1LyxJ6OIDmXY3aoz0qWYiEXUOIBOrdPB0vU50tQuopHJPDrvb_FKBQ5isxWilvES9KsyyBRiaP5zJcdFRa9kT3Kjo1v2QVLx6y1dK_0LJVBMO/s4032/PXL_20240314_130313550.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rnc2hU4BvE9_t-RPmOBC5j7PDZstH0-u-VNSm8vx-r1p4pLOW7Wguu_9Uew0vIeqvXoHD7_IEnAkcFy1LyxJ6OIDmXY3aoz0qWYiEXUOIBOrdPB0vU50tQuopHJPDrvb_FKBQ5isxWilvES9KsyyBRiaP5zJcdFRa9kT3Kjo1v2QVLx6y1dK_0LJVBMO/s320/PXL_20240314_130313550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Of course, whether sitting in the front row is the best option for you depends on your personal preferences and the specific context of the situation. However, it's worth considering the potential benefits of front-row seating when deciding where to position yourself.<p></p><p>I did. I always sit in the front row. <b><i>Front row, center</i></b>. Funny how that spot is usually available. Sometimes people sit in the last row, like any further back they would be outside. But I find it interesting that the front row, especially front row center usually goes begging. </p><p>Not at a concert. Not at a Broadway Show, not at a sporting event. Courtside seats at an NBA game? What does THAT cost? No, those seats are the MOST expensive. Those seats are in high demand. But at a <b>lecture</b>, in a <b>classroom</b> setting, those front row center seats are probably without takers. <i>Think about that. </i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2sanTH9z4iS45AsRfiBrYoz7SnkkcXGDy1FJkGMFieMg84N1spvJwSFw5twMLSiU3I5JMAwWwsaPyac6lySxFS-D-XFMpZ7HpimMoeUNm3aGddGKJMM_H4_4EZl8fQ_GFzXkSG0_VyhwrOb1Lu6T1ngGLETxTb1UyFbEpLe84oItGDAhGuHXdwfytJZT/s4032/PXL_20240314_141016307.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2sanTH9z4iS45AsRfiBrYoz7SnkkcXGDy1FJkGMFieMg84N1spvJwSFw5twMLSiU3I5JMAwWwsaPyac6lySxFS-D-XFMpZ7HpimMoeUNm3aGddGKJMM_H4_4EZl8fQ_GFzXkSG0_VyhwrOb1Lu6T1ngGLETxTb1UyFbEpLe84oItGDAhGuHXdwfytJZT/s320/PXL_20240314_141016307.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>During the <i><b>Q&A</b></i> when they are passing the microphone around the room, it is interesting to notice who has a question. Who actually has something meaningful to ASK, vs. someone who just wants to hear themselves talk. It's pretty obvious.<p></p><p>Front row, center. Any closer, I'd be on stage. Ah, yes, Q&A, it's my turn with the microphone. </p><p>"Hello, my name is <a href="http://www.tomcapone.com" target="_blank">Tom Capone</a>, and I run the <a href="http://www.nydla.org" target="_blank">Distance Learning Association</a>. This question is for <b>Peter</b>, and then - same question for the rest of the panel. <b><i>Peter</i></b>: I see on your slide that you majored in <b><i>ENGLISH</i></b> in college, and now you are a Data Scientist. How did <i><b>that</b></i> happen, and if everyone on the panel can briefly tell us your own personal journey to find you here - today - on the stage at the <i><b>Snowflake Data Summit</b></i>." </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwr_vbnFDEqS6xvBaBUcIADc5Rpf5ehW6hMoRHfRwGNZ3mN5Et-LyCIRcApNVZZNC04I0CTsMSK7Mlxlxoj7L00RS9t6va43UFBpPelYTQyJEpLHlX_xX0BsDUvQcEQ1Ifs_kvy5YetDu07vsFtto-6phN-y6qlkzwYE5KlkdzDXVmo8hZs4Jd2fs8WlRY/s4032/PXL_20240314_143540673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwr_vbnFDEqS6xvBaBUcIADc5Rpf5ehW6hMoRHfRwGNZ3mN5Et-LyCIRcApNVZZNC04I0CTsMSK7Mlxlxoj7L00RS9t6va43UFBpPelYTQyJEpLHlX_xX0BsDUvQcEQ1Ifs_kvy5YetDu07vsFtto-6phN-y6qlkzwYE5KlkdzDXVmo8hZs4Jd2fs8WlRY/s320/PXL_20240314_143540673.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>You can see the body language of the folks on the stage <i><b>change</b></i>. You can see Peter's face light up as he told his story of English Major turned Business Analytics Information Technology (BAIT) expert. And then, each person on the dias told <i><b>their own personal career story. </b></i></p><p>Yes, the <b><i>Data for Breakfast Summit</i></b>, the event that was all about Big Data, Analytics, AI, Technology, quickly went back to being about people. Ah yes, people eat breakfast, robots do not. Right. </p><p>I tend to be a visionary optimist. I like to think Luke Skywalker PLUS R2-D2. <b><i>A team</i></b>. That is the world I hope we have. </p><p><i><b>Peter and the Robots</b></i>. Sounds like a good name for a band. </p><p>Oh, yeah, also this: <a href="http://www.snowflake.com" target="_blank">Snowflake</a> is now a value-added member benefit of the <a href="http://www.nydla.org" target="_blank">Distance Learning Association</a>. You are welcome. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCwXPwBdPHwzcbFnIMDkot8owaNt0j0K63SMXzf3-4vApwMlfWNITvB9kn7usk7UB53nga4o_lrwHAZUrgwqQ6msKa_2PottR9op3s88jJ3d92PpCDVKV8-W_KMVSScUS5gCkyUYg2whOOhHRviGEzqh1fUmCm09ho1F1bkImJ4_kd-fQqj3vGmh_Whw-/s1512/unnamed%20-%202024-03-17T083515.833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1512" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCwXPwBdPHwzcbFnIMDkot8owaNt0j0K63SMXzf3-4vApwMlfWNITvB9kn7usk7UB53nga4o_lrwHAZUrgwqQ6msKa_2PottR9op3s88jJ3d92PpCDVKV8-W_KMVSScUS5gCkyUYg2whOOhHRviGEzqh1fUmCm09ho1F1bkImJ4_kd-fQqj3vGmh_Whw-/s320/unnamed%20-%202024-03-17T083515.833.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ84wFQdCE7LFcpse6j9cYZTTd3Pa_90sBMHFMnjlyEHhtDtnvu8yttEQQDZM1Doz4PAFAGaP4FalETom5xx9rjYjBHpXyv7VlksCwdFcauNzZ9eSohsBxW-37q13XzdR2FaLACB98Rq5VqbHidGJiyTDjKlDfhCkJ7qRmCLCTS-Im_FVBKTFM-XJG2URO/s4032/PXL_20240314_131417297%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ84wFQdCE7LFcpse6j9cYZTTd3Pa_90sBMHFMnjlyEHhtDtnvu8yttEQQDZM1Doz4PAFAGaP4FalETom5xx9rjYjBHpXyv7VlksCwdFcauNzZ9eSohsBxW-37q13XzdR2FaLACB98Rq5VqbHidGJiyTDjKlDfhCkJ7qRmCLCTS-Im_FVBKTFM-XJG2URO/s320/PXL_20240314_131417297%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-33473846569563412242024-03-10T05:37:00.000-07:002024-03-10T05:48:02.233-07:00That's not my job! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div><br style="text-align: center;" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqa8_hVdXstpGPy5SE-4jtqpvZPtT-HZuTa_FDcEWaTbp2V9b-iXApGrZ5Ke0YxD18qJJ9QTELNONAn5s64oHSVOzJKS2F1ASrVdwHVePH6YZf5cVHmdJI8ObjhyphenhyphengwL9Qu6BEt4cUGeVdnSfL-nwBlEW6pV-23e9rZ0D5sUM9Zuq2lirz4eogbOAutuAW/s1280/1581484675294.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqa8_hVdXstpGPy5SE-4jtqpvZPtT-HZuTa_FDcEWaTbp2V9b-iXApGrZ5Ke0YxD18qJJ9QTELNONAn5s64oHSVOzJKS2F1ASrVdwHVePH6YZf5cVHmdJI8ObjhyphenhyphengwL9Qu6BEt4cUGeVdnSfL-nwBlEW6pV-23e9rZ0D5sUM9Zuq2lirz4eogbOAutuAW/s320/1581484675294.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><a href="http://TomCapone.com" target="_blank">TomCapone.com</a> here - hey ChatGPT: what's a job?</p><p><b>ChatGPT</b>: Hey <a href="http://TomCapone.com" target="_blank">TomCapone.com</a>: A job is a regular activity performed in exchange for payment, typically as part of one's livelihood. It is often associated with specific tasks, responsibilities, and a set of duties performed within an organization or for an employer. Jobs can range from manual labor to highly specialized professions, and they can be full-time, part-time, temporary, or contract-based. The primary purpose of a job is to provide individuals with income and financial stability, as well as opportunities for personal and professional development.</p><p>Hey ChatGPT: <i>come again?</i></p><p><b>ChatGPT</b>: Ah, <a href="http://TomCapone.com" target="_blank">TomCapone.com</a>, please pay attention this time: A job typically refers to a specific task or set of tasks performed by an individual in exchange for monetary compensation or other benefits. It can also refer to a position within an organization or a profession that requires specific skills, knowledge, and responsibilities. Jobs vary widely across industries and sectors, ranging from manual labor to highly specialized roles in fields such as technology, healthcare, finance, education, and more. The concept of a job forms the backbone of most economies, as individuals engage in employment to earn a living and contribute to society.</p><p>Hey ChatGPT, I think I got it now: A "<b>job</b>" is a regular activity performed in exchange for payment or compensation. It typically involves specific tasks, responsibilities, and duties that contribute to the functioning of an organization or business. Jobs are often part of a larger career path and may require certain skills, qualifications, or experience. They can vary widely in nature, ranging from manual labor to professional roles in fields such as medicine, engineering, education, finance, and many others. Jobs provide individuals with a means to earn a living, support themselves and their families, and contribute to society. Do I have it right?</p><p><b>ChatGPT</b>: did you Google that? </p><p>Ah so, part of my "job" is to write a Sunday Blog.<i><b> Like this one</b></i>. And to post stuff on social media. Which is how you probably found <i>this</i> blog. And to interview people for video podcasts, and attend industry events. Like our <a href="http://www.CoffeeInTheClouds.us" target="_blank">www.CoffeeInTheClouds.us</a> interviews which reach (checks notes...) <b><i>MILLIONS</i></b> of people. <i>Did I just sound like Dr. Evil?</i> Well, now I did, right? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnl6rUUlORRldg94zboHxTufwKvONGKLyIKHNtdSS_1q3V5KuoTanDIUoY-Ni7Ev3PlRdV4ctQyl8WndEARSSabA6az-Zla0JoA3smxQIXWiQPZC69i1-f8sGdbCCzWd6xRafnW2J6n31bx8NJYlyfMZhQFlNzCbTxBgEjfbRlSqiGAiLxew3FxmJ2FvS/s694/Screenshot%202024-03-10%20at%208.07.41%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="694" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnl6rUUlORRldg94zboHxTufwKvONGKLyIKHNtdSS_1q3V5KuoTanDIUoY-Ni7Ev3PlRdV4ctQyl8WndEARSSabA6az-Zla0JoA3smxQIXWiQPZC69i1-f8sGdbCCzWd6xRafnW2J6n31bx8NJYlyfMZhQFlNzCbTxBgEjfbRlSqiGAiLxew3FxmJ2FvS/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-10%20at%208.07.41%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>I have been getting the ExecuNet email newsletter since 1988. It's good. In fact, it is very good. If someone is looking for a job, I highly recommend them. If you are looking for a job - as in getting a paycheck, then using services like ExecuNet should help you to reach your objective. Today, in 2024, there are many "job boards" out there, Indeed and LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter come to mind. Also in 2024, there are many sites like Freelancer, People Per Hour, Fiverr, etc. that service "the gig economy" or independent contractors. I predict that many people who are reading this blog today have active profiles on such platforms. Here we go again: Hey ChatGPT: what is Fiverr?<div><br /><div><div><b>ChatGPT</b>: Are you still here???? Geeze. Ok, Fiverr is an online marketplace that connects freelancers with clients who need various digital services. It was founded in 2010 and has since grown to become one of the largest platforms for freelancers, offering services in categories such as graphic design, digital marketing, writing and translation, video and animation, programming and tech, music and audio, business, and lifestyle. On Fiverr, freelancers, also known as sellers, create profiles and list the services they offer, along with their pricing and turnaround times. Clients, or buyers, can browse through these listings, communicate with sellers, and hire them to complete specific projects or tasks. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface, wide range of services, and global community of freelancers.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Land the plane Tom.... <i><b>land the plane.......</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>OK. Here is my point. In 2024, I have no idea what a "job" really is. Every day, people all around the world will say "I just lost my job" or "I just got a new job" or "I really hate my job!" And, I'm not sure they really know what the true definition of <b><i>job</i></b> is - because I sure don't. And all around the world, people are afraid that AI is going to take their job. That they will "lose their job" to technology. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know what it is like to get a paycheck, I did that in the early 80's. And I know what it is like to be on the "eat what you kill plan" as an Entrepreneur. Over my career, I have charged $0 for my time, and I have charged $5 per minute. If you are looking for a job, if you have a job, if you hate your job - I think "Job #1" is to know what your <b>definition</b> of "job" really is. Because today, this morning, I hired ChatGPT to help me to write my Sunday Blog - for free. So this morning, today, we both got paid $0 per hour. <i><a href="http://www.tomcapone.com" target="_blank">Or did we??? </a></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Good job, ChatGPT. <i>Good job. </i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCRaSYz97tJQBKKLIc3OFe-JNDFclvDoQ-W6jFrqkhcYguMDNMcEv-uPj1xzAy9F4ZKYY-OLqMgiDIIf73f1hrN1dAkeyjzQZqmj_2e2gSmnfY31ybt8u4IEPNtII0r7Q8teX0bbjStx7fc0MRKpjcTh8NZryOWAM3-9-HlCZsWWZbd658yeGj5lXrNFW/s799/Screenshot%202024-03-10%20at%208.28.06%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCRaSYz97tJQBKKLIc3OFe-JNDFclvDoQ-W6jFrqkhcYguMDNMcEv-uPj1xzAy9F4ZKYY-OLqMgiDIIf73f1hrN1dAkeyjzQZqmj_2e2gSmnfY31ybt8u4IEPNtII0r7Q8teX0bbjStx7fc0MRKpjcTh8NZryOWAM3-9-HlCZsWWZbd658yeGj5lXrNFW/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-10%20at%208.28.06%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-90656697931583715152024-03-03T05:36:00.000-08:002024-03-03T05:55:55.188-08:00Zoom me out to the ball game<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi0_ddumIJVE0u4x5QLy_XoHbd08iOup9j6-3bVjhnXDZ2K1Qq4lkfg3F69WmzTE1GQ8oV6GULOkSyBVnYMHkXwYZ1Yr-xel0IX5P7jMUHrhuRprMDxeJscWR2eJgJu6kVbjKtRG_1Ii0nF4JHqu0x_FRBzBHAscePAAIg2ODBxKWX4gWlcU603mTbXs-/s3792/F0xn1k-aYAAX97b.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2038" data-original-width="3792" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi0_ddumIJVE0u4x5QLy_XoHbd08iOup9j6-3bVjhnXDZ2K1Qq4lkfg3F69WmzTE1GQ8oV6GULOkSyBVnYMHkXwYZ1Yr-xel0IX5P7jMUHrhuRprMDxeJscWR2eJgJu6kVbjKtRG_1Ii0nF4JHqu0x_FRBzBHAscePAAIg2ODBxKWX4gWlcU603mTbXs-/s320/F0xn1k-aYAAX97b.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><a href="http://TomCapone.com" target="_blank">TomCapone.com</a>: hey ChatGPT: What is the population around the 30 Major League Baseball parks?</p><p><b>ChatGTP</b>: I'm sorry, but I don't have access to real-time data, so I can't provide the exact populations around each of the 30 Major League Baseball parks. The populations around these parks would vary depending on their locations and the cities they're in. You can find the populations of the cities where the parks are located through various sources such as census data or official city statistics websites.</p><p><a href="http://TomCapone.com">TomCapone.com</a>: OK, <b><i>What are the 30 MLB ballparks?</i></b></p><p><b>ChatGPT</b>: As of my last update in January 2022, there are 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums. Here they are:</p><p>1. Angel Stadium of Anaheim (Los Angeles Angels)</p><p>2. Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks)</p><p>3. Truist Park (Atlanta Braves)</p><p>4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles)</p><p>5. Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox)</p><p>6. Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)</p><p>7. Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago White Sox)</p><p>8. Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds)</p><p>9. Progressive Field (Cleveland Guardians)</p><p>10. Coors Field (Colorado Rockies)</p><p>11. Comerica Park (Detroit Tigers)</p><p>12. Minute Maid Park (Houston Astros)</p><p>13. Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City Royals)</p><p>14. Angel Stadium of Anaheim (Los Angeles Angels)</p><p>15. Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers)</p><p>16. loanDepot Park (Miami Marlins)</p><p>17. American Family Field (Milwaukee Brewers)</p><p>18. Target Field (Minnesota Twins)</p><p>19. Citi Field (New York Mets)</p><p>20. Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)</p><p>21. Oakland Coliseum (Oakland Athletics)</p><p>22. Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies)</p><p>23. PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates)</p><p>24. Petco Park (San Diego Padres)</p><p>25. Oracle Park (San Francisco Giants)</p><p>26. T-Mobile Park (Seattle Mariners)</p><p>27. Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals)</p><p>28. Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays)</p><p>29. Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers)</p><p>30. Rogers Centre (Toronto Blue Jays)</p><p>Please note that there might have been changes since then due to new stadium constructions, renovations, or changes in team locations.</p><p><a href="http://TomCapone.com">TomCapone.com</a>: OK, last question: What would happen if the DLA (<a href="http://www.nydla.org" target="_blank">Distance Learning Association</a>) hosted events for the <b>six months</b> of the MLB 2024 season at <b><i>all 30 MLB ballparks</i></b>. What if we invited (checks notes...) <b>all</b> of the 'ideal client persona' (filtered) businesses within easy commute of the 30 MLB ballparks, to VIP events, customer appreciate days, Lunch 'n Learns, Sunset Seminars, to learn about products, services, etc. Things like <b><i>Cybersecurity Summits, UCaaS days, Ecommerce Mastery, Telemedicine....Cloud Computing... AI Mastery</i></b>... anything...everything. And since the <a href="http://www.getzoom.us" target="_blank">MLB is Powered By Zoom</a> all such individual events can also reach hundreds of thousands of people. Over the entire season, we would reach <b><i>MILLIONS</i></b> of business decision makers, both LIVE and (live via Zoom). We could even have <b>Baseball Hall of Fame</b> players attend the events LIVE in the VIP suites or (live) via <a href="http://www.getzoom.us" target="_blank">Zoom</a>. <b><i>What do you think?</i></b></p><p><b>ChatGPT</b>: ..................<i>calculating</i>....................................................</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJC_U3fH0yxTwiQaQ1x6PXOMzJg0D9dQBVcE-uyaEXnsgfYUOXrcTHRWod9wG1G9MHEkHvxqd0QWQ1aogDGuLpHCCSu4uC5WpbrqS-wMdA1gXWCQJUWCJT6QgqK11aa9pE-s8DCtXm_dTH3ZqAafs7eOfr8B_uwa95O_Sun4VO3oWIwUAIUYtvI9A2vu_/s960/429654548_845318944065051_6096237274626151983_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJC_U3fH0yxTwiQaQ1x6PXOMzJg0D9dQBVcE-uyaEXnsgfYUOXrcTHRWod9wG1G9MHEkHvxqd0QWQ1aogDGuLpHCCSu4uC5WpbrqS-wMdA1gXWCQJUWCJT6QgqK11aa9pE-s8DCtXm_dTH3ZqAafs7eOfr8B_uwa95O_Sun4VO3oWIwUAIUYtvI9A2vu_/s320/429654548_845318944065051_6096237274626151983_n.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kruk">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kruk</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Take me out to the ball game,</div><div>Take me out with the crowd;</div><div>Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,</div><div>I don’t care if I never get back.</div><div>Let me root, root, root for the home team,</div><div>If they don’t win, it’s a shame.</div><div>For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out,</div><div>At the old ball game.</div><p><i>{ ah, but first <a href="http://JoinNYDLA.org">JoinNYDLA.org</a> }</i></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-10372646379862291082024-02-25T06:57:00.000-08:002024-02-25T09:32:40.659-08:00Well, use the difficulty<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvAD5KQoXvRdPT7io2xuAcSw1zfNRhEqyO7FLXGUmphCVb6LSttBjsrdBRwiFl2L25cILlpEyYYckg9TPR1EfBdYHlYtL8G8d-9d6ff1kf69XCCXkqWmHhyphenhyphen-c6J_CdqoQH7sCjixgxYBrvbuymKAQgGL7yxHHkZ6inNIkgjPxQ756kyXiD2yeeowx9xty/s299/download%20(11).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvAD5KQoXvRdPT7io2xuAcSw1zfNRhEqyO7FLXGUmphCVb6LSttBjsrdBRwiFl2L25cILlpEyYYckg9TPR1EfBdYHlYtL8G8d-9d6ff1kf69XCCXkqWmHhyphenhyphen-c6J_CdqoQH7sCjixgxYBrvbuymKAQgGL7yxHHkZ6inNIkgjPxQ756kyXiD2yeeowx9xty/s1600/download%20(11).jpeg" width="299" /></a></i></div><i><b><p><i><b><br /></b></i></p>Good for us!</b></i> We have been granted<i><b> Tier 1 ELITE</b></i> status to resell for an International IT vendor across North America! Such an amazing opportunity. <i><b>Here we go!</b></i><p></p><p>Yesterday: DDoS attack from outside the USA. Not just a DDoS, <i><b>a brute force attack. </b></i></p><p>A brute force DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is a type of cyberattack where multiple compromised systems are used to flood a target system or network with an overwhelming volume of traffic, aiming to make the targeted system or network unavailable to its intended users. </p><p>In a brute force DDoS attack, attackers typically utilize a large number of bots or compromised computers to generate and send a massive amount of traffic to the target. This flood of traffic can overwhelm the target's resources such as bandwidth, processing power, or network connections, thereby causing the target system or network to become unresponsive or inaccessible to legitimate users.</p><p>The term "brute force" in this context refers to the indiscriminate and forceful nature of the attack, as it does not rely on sophisticated techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in the target system or network. Instead, the attackers simply bombard the target with an excessive amount of traffic, often using techniques like UDP flood, SYN flood, or HTTP flood.</p><p>Brute force DDoS attacks can have serious consequences, causing financial losses, reputational damage, and disrupting services for legitimate users. It's important for organizations to implement robust DDoS protection measures to mitigate the risk of such attacks.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIywtfucDH2sYYYiqy-SB7L051_ElflOVlIZLlFUR_sGzjQFOF7xb8-HfIze8LaaY-XJkRYcjWMwvjtfEjx5WoIHg274slmY1UhhCyaKkLWA10IErlUWFaY-VuUV7aiDWbkTaBu59KUaf97f8K8-ZH9EIK_Ixw3hs6I9vJ2vjjgmbpb0o_xGiPX4VjcN-Q/s275/download%20(12).jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIywtfucDH2sYYYiqy-SB7L051_ElflOVlIZLlFUR_sGzjQFOF7xb8-HfIze8LaaY-XJkRYcjWMwvjtfEjx5WoIHg274slmY1UhhCyaKkLWA10IErlUWFaY-VuUV7aiDWbkTaBu59KUaf97f8K8-ZH9EIK_Ixw3hs6I9vJ2vjjgmbpb0o_xGiPX4VjcN-Q/s1600/download%20(12).jpeg" width="275" /></a></div>So, at around <b>6:00 AM EST on a Saturday morning</b>, no one can reach our websites - or they load SLOW. <i>Like so slow that it looks like we are out of business. </i><p></p><p>Now, I have been selling telecom and technology since 1983. I know some stuff, but I am not an IT / MIS / Engineer. <i>I'm a selling CEO... </i></p><p>And so at <b>6:04 AM EST on a Saturday morning</b> I am opening up a support ticket with our vendor (normally I would not be the one doing this...). And now I am speaking LIVE with support. A real person. Not a bot, not a chatbot. No, I am working with a real human, <b>Robert</b>, in tech support. <b>LIVE</b>. </p><p>The next 20 minutes or so, it was Robert and me, me and Robert - shoulder to shoulder - <i><b>fighting off the attack</b></i>. Looking at this, trying that. Rebooting the server, etc. Once the CASE was closed, Robert sent me an email to memorialize it all:</p><p><i>"Thank you for calling in. During the call you mentioned that you were have issues connecting to your websites. You provided access to your server and I immediately noticed that you had 63,011 failed login attempts in only a few minutes. I then checked your messages in the /var/logs directory. There, I found you had an IP, 115.204.XX.XX, that was brute forcing your server. I added that IP to the blacklist for cphulk and then rebooted your server. This significantly improved your website load times. </i></p><p><i>As requested over the call this case can be closed out. We will set this case to resolved but if you have any questions or if we can be of any additional assistance a reply within seven days will open it back up."</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-vIbKRnPKD-ROFktY68mmR-YrB5eZawwTIy4j35i2o9Wu8cPcW_ijJvJxuNHe3IP9-0T7BmK0xZBibeuxAKew_KVa2ixz8iradAxoMRIKaTqWvh6tATLjDKNHZByzU6lOyNzm7K57NWw0yuobn9_bM72Vf1iMehQx1DHdlE_nMoUy1AwaxySnUCfgQiN/s318/images%20(9).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-vIbKRnPKD-ROFktY68mmR-YrB5eZawwTIy4j35i2o9Wu8cPcW_ijJvJxuNHe3IP9-0T7BmK0xZBibeuxAKew_KVa2ixz8iradAxoMRIKaTqWvh6tATLjDKNHZByzU6lOyNzm7K57NWw0yuobn9_bM72Vf1iMehQx1DHdlE_nMoUy1AwaxySnUCfgQiN/s1600/images%20(9).jpeg" width="318" /></a></div>So, it turns out that a <b>COMPETITOR</b> of the vendor that just awarded us <i><b>North America</b></i> was the <i><b>bad actor.</b></i> We were able to trace the IP address, and identify them. And, we have since alerted the authorities. Or shall we say, <b>Robert</b> did all of this. For me. <i><b>For us. </b></i>Within the hours of the incident, I went through a range of emotions. And then, I remembered something that I learned from Michael Caine, the actor. He would say "use the difficulty." <p>Sir Michael tells us that any time we are faced with a difficulty or problem, we can use it to our advantage. He uses the story of a misplaced chair in his rehearsal space to illustrate this, doing so with his typical wit and self-deprecating humour. It’s complete mindset brilliance.</p><p>Here’s an excerpt where he illustrates the moment of his epiphany (the video is at the bottom):</p><p>“I opened the door, and I said to the producer who was sitting out in the stalls, ‘Well look, I can’t get in. There’s a chair in my way.’</p><p>He said, ‘Well, use the difficulty.’</p><p>So I said, ‘What do you mean, use the difficulty?’</p><p>He said, ‘Well, if it’s a drama, pick it up and smash it. If it’s a comedy, fall over it.’</p><p>This was a line for me for life: <i><b>Always use the difficulty</b></i>.”</p><p>Sir Michael goes on to say there’s never anything so bad where ‘using the difficulty’ can’t be applied. If we use it only a quarter of one percent to our advantage, then we’re ahead. We didn’t let it get us down.</p><p>Brush yourself off, pick yourself up, give yourself a metaphorical hug and ask yourself questions. In doing so, you’ll put into practice this “<i><b>Use the Difficulty</b></i>” mindset:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What’s this situation teaching me? </li><li>What’s the useful lesson that I can glean from this scenario?</li><li>If this was happening to a good friend of mine right now (instead of me), what advice would I give to him or her? This can provide some perspective to a situation that you might be too close to. Take a step back and have a look from the outside-in.</li><li>How can I use this perceived disadvantage, set back or challenge to my advantage? </li><li>What’s good about this situation? Come up with at least five things.</li><li>What can I do right now to move forward?</li></ul><p></p><p>Although Sir Michael jokes his other philosophy is to <b><i>avoid difficulties altogether</i></b>, leaders are often faced with challenges on a daily basis. ‘Using the difficulty’ is a change in mindset that can turn a challenging situation into a positive experience for everyone.</p><p>I have been thinking about the <b>AMAZING</b> customer service that I received from super genius support engineer <b>Robert</b> yesterday. How we went from a very (very) <b>bad</b> situation to <b>resolution</b> - and how now, today, I am <i><b>using the difficulty</b></i>. We are a better company and organization now for experiencing this DDoS attack. We learned much, not only for how to protect ourselves moving forward - <i><b>but how to protect our <a href="http://www.nydla.org" target="_blank">customers, our clients, our members. </a></b></i></p><p>I am now 'using the difficulty' <i><b>for everyone we know - for every single member of the <a href="http://www.nydla.org" target="_blank">DLA</a>. </b></i></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GAB89fOdA-I" width="320" youtube-src-id="GAB89fOdA-I"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.JoinNYDLA.org">www.JoinNYDLA.org</a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-64415356091580545372024-02-18T03:33:00.000-08:002024-02-18T04:17:57.689-08:00R2-D2 send an email to the CES Attendee List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDDFdubuStBE8kOBilzvQuc1HDHrnjYYWMbeFn_xhtSO9wkQEfitDyrzSPftn4UVlRtWnVa8hiQ5QSp68S9XNSCBdrjomscPR74qQv0R7GujRVMm5m0GNIvj0s5eRn3W4ZXmwXfFcc3V3dqub9WaaOvhJsKqGlhT6rlsBqdoz3sSAO_gPCROaRRu7ydnX/s320/IMG_20191214_073841_876.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDDFdubuStBE8kOBilzvQuc1HDHrnjYYWMbeFn_xhtSO9wkQEfitDyrzSPftn4UVlRtWnVa8hiQ5QSp68S9XNSCBdrjomscPR74qQv0R7GujRVMm5m0GNIvj0s5eRn3W4ZXmwXfFcc3V3dqub9WaaOvhJsKqGlhT6rlsBqdoz3sSAO_gPCROaRRu7ydnX/s1600/IMG_20191214_073841_876.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>One of the last major events that I attended LIVE before COVID was the <i><b>AI Summit in NYC</b></i>. </p><p>Here is my <a href="https://mtpusa.blogspot.com/2019/12/all-in-favor-say-ai.html" target="_blank">December 2019 BLOG</a> on that show. And that blog in <b>2019</b> turned out to be my most read blog post, ever. The folks who ran the show, reposted it on their website for all to see. Cool. </p><p>In my blog I joked about how my 'Baby Boomer Brain' saw <b><i>I Heart a Rotary Telephone</i></b> in the T-Shirts that IBM was giving out at their booth. </p><p>My friend <a href="http://sethgodin.com" target="_blank">Seth Godin</a>, the legendary luminary in<b><i> branding and marketing</i></b> recently said <i>"AI is the biggest thing in our world since Electricity." </i></p><p><i>Alrighty then. </i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru0gbHF2BGUx6j9gVoYw8O5QJyLVi1ZMkG8rXkV2DiEsaxNX0YsItO_TT-n23jWhPpRyOzcPl6iHpV07GjUkfQnUIEZ4ySdLF7krkY7OK_XSgPSD6XVhsuy9BQM56gT1_fxREqtyu8ltjbrvAfNZXgFz4xUG0Aw_SI7UFUxIvzrCJXP-wkapcPMFQo0vn/s450/Screenshot%202024-02-17%20at%206.31.58%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="450" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru0gbHF2BGUx6j9gVoYw8O5QJyLVi1ZMkG8rXkV2DiEsaxNX0YsItO_TT-n23jWhPpRyOzcPl6iHpV07GjUkfQnUIEZ4ySdLF7krkY7OK_XSgPSD6XVhsuy9BQM56gT1_fxREqtyu8ltjbrvAfNZXgFz4xUG0Aw_SI7UFUxIvzrCJXP-wkapcPMFQo0vn/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-17%20at%206.31.58%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>The potential size and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) are difficult to predict precisely, but it's clear that AI is already becoming increasingly influential across various industries and aspects of everyday life. Here are some factors contributing to the growth and significance of AI:<p></p><p><b>Industry Adoption</b>: Many industries are adopting AI technologies to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and gain competitive advantages. This includes sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, transportation, and more.</p><p><b>Innovation</b>: Continuous innovation in AI algorithms, techniques, and applications is driving the expansion of AI capabilities. Breakthroughs in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics are leading to new AI-powered products and services.</p><p><b>Data Availability</b>: AI thrives on data, and the increasing volume of digital data generated worldwide provides ample opportunities for AI applications. With the rise of the internet of things (IoT), social media, online transactions, and sensors, the amount of data available for AI analysis and training is growing exponentially.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XHzNpa7CZLjJ1CTNxxoyTugDEg5dNGNl5NxJYj-slJ5ZDVJSTMjS9c1-4MEfH3UsKDFdIjryDNsfiVmit0JbKOhEaCotkn5qaOqZwDLV4xFZAJ08AXZLOTHkVflxnT2dSaLjBpTJJz7YXaf5NVBHDIXxOLqgw_6nmjBmVNM6BDjgNYzWz04-vShG-FCk/s450/Screenshot%202024-02-17%20at%206.31.47%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="450" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XHzNpa7CZLjJ1CTNxxoyTugDEg5dNGNl5NxJYj-slJ5ZDVJSTMjS9c1-4MEfH3UsKDFdIjryDNsfiVmit0JbKOhEaCotkn5qaOqZwDLV4xFZAJ08AXZLOTHkVflxnT2dSaLjBpTJJz7YXaf5NVBHDIXxOLqgw_6nmjBmVNM6BDjgNYzWz04-vShG-FCk/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-17%20at%206.31.47%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><b>Investment</b>: Governments, corporations, and venture capitalists are investing significant resources into AI research, development, and deployment. This investment fosters the growth of AI startups, accelerates technological advancements, and promotes the integration of AI into various sectors.<p></p><p><b>Automation</b>: AI has the potential to automate repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and optimize resource allocation in both the workforce and various industries. As AI technologies mature, they will likely play an increasingly prominent role in automating routine activities, freeing up human labor for more creative and strategic endeavors.</p><p><b>Ethical and Regulatory Considerations</b>: As AI becomes more prevalent, there is increasing scrutiny regarding ethical considerations, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, job displacement, and the societal implications of AI technologies. Governments and organizations are developing regulations and guidelines to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.</p><p>While the exact size and scope of AI's future impact remain uncertain, it is clear that <i><b>AI</b></i> will continue to grow in significance and pervasiveness across diverse domains, fundamentally transforming how we live, work, and interact with technology.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJSg2i7XAIJG51LsRb8aMtTpaGKspqZeXDZiaGp6kczRvlY5pVPmPOkKpuW-JIeVqprXp3jh8pC4rLtmvHTKlmBtoii29fHR-2Sr6iv1F2uaUBYAk-WKuRNf8jRmAxyL3_PQ_YwqmFuRgC8hAm-tyhTuZanmAy8MC_j8SkBGV8zlfE5YcR-0RRj9gHGII/s2048/Detailed-Platform-Architecture-DARK-1-2048x1069.png%20(1).webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="2048" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJSg2i7XAIJG51LsRb8aMtTpaGKspqZeXDZiaGp6kczRvlY5pVPmPOkKpuW-JIeVqprXp3jh8pC4rLtmvHTKlmBtoii29fHR-2Sr6iv1F2uaUBYAk-WKuRNf8jRmAxyL3_PQ_YwqmFuRgC8hAm-tyhTuZanmAy8MC_j8SkBGV8zlfE5YcR-0RRj9gHGII/s320/Detailed-Platform-Architecture-DARK-1-2048x1069.png%20(1).webp" width="320" /></a></div><p>If you know me at all, you know that I run the <a href="http://NYDLA.org" target="_blank">DLA</a> (Distance Learning Association) - and you know that I have been a "<b><i>Zoomie</i></b>" since 2011. <a href="http://getzoom.us" target="_blank">Zoom</a>, like many modern technology companies, utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of its platform to enhance user experience, improve features, and streamline operations. </p><p>Here are some ways in which <a href="http://GetZoom.us" target="_blank">Zoom</a> is leveraging AI:</p><p><b>Video and Audio Enhancement</b>: Zoom uses AI algorithms to enhance video quality and optimize audio during calls. This includes features like noise cancellation, background noise suppression, and automatic adjustments to lighting and contrast.</p><p><b>Transcription and Closed Captioning</b>: AI-powered transcription services enable Zoom to automatically transcribe meeting conversations in real-time. Additionally, AI algorithms can generate closed captions, making meetings more accessible to individuals with hearing impairments or those who prefer to read the conversation.</p><p><b>Virtual Backgrounds</b>: Zoom's virtual background feature, which allows users to replace their actual background with a virtual one, utilizes AI algorithms to accurately detect and differentiate between the user and their surroundings, ensuring a smooth and realistic virtual background experience.</p><p><b>Auto-Generated Meeting Insights</b>: Zoom uses AI to analyze meeting data and generate insights that can help users better understand meeting dynamics, participant engagement, and productivity. These insights may include metrics such as meeting duration, number of participants, and interaction patterns.</p><p><b>Gesture Recognition and Emotion Analysis</b>: Some advanced AI features in development may include gesture recognition and emotion analysis, which could enable Zoom to detect and interpret non-verbal cues from participants, providing additional context during meetings.</p><p><b>Security and Compliance</b>: AI-powered tools are employed to monitor and analyze user behavior for potential security threats or compliance violations. This helps Zoom identify and respond to security incidents, such as unauthorized access or suspicious activity, in real-time.</p><p><b>Content Moderation</b>: AI algorithms can assist in content moderation by automatically detecting and filtering out inappropriate or offensive content shared during meetings or in chat messages, helping to maintain a professional and respectful environment.</p><p>Overall, Zoom's integration of AI technologies enhances the functionality and usability of its platform, contributing to a smoother and more efficient virtual meeting experience for users. There are around <b>800M+ Zoom users</b> in the world. Most use Zoom BASIC (Free) yet enough people use Zoom PRO (or higher) to generate $4.39B+ for Zoom in 2023. </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2024</b>: as a value-added member benefit, all members of the <a href="http://GetZoom.us" target="_blank">DLA now get Zoom PRO</a> as part of their $25 paid DLA membership (a $15.99 value). Zoom PRO with Zoom AI Companion. <i><b>Included. [ <a href="http://www.GetZoom.us" target="_blank">www.GetZoom.us</a> ] </b></i></span></p><p><i>The <a href="http://nydla.org" target="_blank">Global DLA</a> is improving the world through <b>Democratizing Education</b> just as AI is improving the world through <b>Disruptive Innovation</b>. </i></p><p><i>So, let's all <a href="http://www.ZoomUP.us" target="_blank">www.ZoomUP.us</a> together - from anywhere in the world! But I think we are going to need new T-Shirts. </i></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zm5DC-vxaYk" width="320" youtube-src-id="Zm5DC-vxaYk"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.GetZoom.us">www.GetZoom.us</a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-73494144346318241282024-02-04T05:46:00.000-08:002024-02-04T06:05:31.300-08:00How Will You Measure MY Life?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4CrstmJ9nX8jAiIgT2_8pLQ_wH81t3jIJuIqJ3zZQMc-jNy93LHys77cNGhCrPPKjZC8Hi5yFYOQcwadKrJSeZVIwv0tQkyAFYB1bizl6cR51SDp_Eq4Yb3uMFd-VeXuDJZaV2zWRQ21-h8ZzDjt_tDJhL5lUQpTMqMVgIex_rZzIYxD-SK4k7gj6Lq_/s914/Screenshot%202024-02-04%20at%207.47.43%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="914" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4CrstmJ9nX8jAiIgT2_8pLQ_wH81t3jIJuIqJ3zZQMc-jNy93LHys77cNGhCrPPKjZC8Hi5yFYOQcwadKrJSeZVIwv0tQkyAFYB1bizl6cR51SDp_Eq4Yb3uMFd-VeXuDJZaV2zWRQ21-h8ZzDjt_tDJhL5lUQpTMqMVgIex_rZzIYxD-SK4k7gj6Lq_/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-04%20at%207.47.43%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>When I took over running the Distance Learning Association back in <b>2010</b> (it was bankrupt at the time) one of our first "big wins" was Clay Christensen. <i><b>It went like this (via a cold email from me):</b></i></p><p><i>Clay, I just finished reading your new book, "<b>How Will You Measure Your Life?</b>" and it is amazing. Would you like me to promote this for you to the members of the DLA? </i></p><p>"That would be wonderful. Thank you." </p><p><b><i>That was it.</i></b> Permission granted. </p><p>We had Clay's new book 'loud and proud' on page 1 of our website as fast as our webmasters could work their magic. </p><p>Karen Dillon is the former editor of Harvard Business Review magazine and co-author of 3 books with Clayton Christensen: New York Times best-seller "<b>How Will You Measure Your Life?</b>", Wall Street Journal best-seller "Competing Against Luck: the Story of Innovation and Customer Choice"; and "The Prosperity Paradox: How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out of Poverty", which was a nominee for Thinkers50 Breakthrough Idea.</p><p>She is also the author of "The Harvard Business Review Guide to Office Politics". A graduate of Cornell University and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, she was named by Ashoka as one of the world's most influential and inspiring women and a ''top influencer'' by Product Management Review in 2016. She is currently a contributing editor to Harvard Business Review and Editorial Director of Banyan Global Family Business Advisors.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEquiXYb1X8ouMzdkA0HkOqbV0aFCfQQamuqjyv7PUucCDT_pnjrMS-1RrZHf3Oa_nPtqADkip9_zQEXEHJbXRNuOAgPbY7t7cFsnHScjtDLhAUeiLKDO01l-X3VoPNQhCTphtn-PYF5NlZ_A963dyL9NlxyVhj0FR3sRncqS_ILiUGTCfz_JTEPhaKte/s4032/PXL_20240204_131017636.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEquiXYb1X8ouMzdkA0HkOqbV0aFCfQQamuqjyv7PUucCDT_pnjrMS-1RrZHf3Oa_nPtqADkip9_zQEXEHJbXRNuOAgPbY7t7cFsnHScjtDLhAUeiLKDO01l-X3VoPNQhCTphtn-PYF5NlZ_A963dyL9NlxyVhj0FR3sRncqS_ILiUGTCfz_JTEPhaKte/s320/PXL_20240204_131017636.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Last year, 2023, I received an advance copy of Karen's book <b><i>The Microstress Effect: How Little Things Pile Up and Create Big Problems - -and What to Do about It</i></b>. <b><i>Amazing book.</i></b> We did a podcast to promote the book launch - and our interview reached millions of DLA members around the world. <p></p><p>2024: Just last week, I received an email from Karen's colleague <a href="https://www.christenseninstitute.org/about/#about-ann-somers-hogg" target="_blank">Ann-Somers Hogg</a>. Ann is the director of health care research at the Clayton Christensen Institute. She focuses on business model innovation and disruption in health care, including how to transform a sick care system to one that values and incentivizes total health. Her current research addresses why various organizations across the health care landscape are addressing “social determinants of health” and what enables success in this domain. She is tackling these questions through the lens of Jobs to Be Done and Business Model theories.</p><p>Next week we shall record a video podcast on Ann's research: <a href="https://www.christenseninstitute.org/blog/maternal-health-policy-change-wont-save-enough-mothers-lives/" target="_blank">Maternal health policy change won’t save enough mothers’ lives</a>. Our video podcast interview will reach millions of people around the world. And maybe, just maybe, it will save lives.</p><p>And so, I met Ann-Somers Hogg via Karen Dillion. And I met Karen Dillion via Clay Christensen. And I met Clay Christensen via.... well, via Gmail. </p><p>And here we are in 2024 - OUR <a href="http://www.nydla.org" target="_blank">DLA</a> MISSION: we are all Living, Learning, Working, Playing, Teaching, Training, Coaching, Mentoring in the Global Cloud Economy.</p><p><a href="http://Christenseninstitute.org">Christenseninstitute.org</a> - <b><i>Improving the world through disruptive innovation.</i></b></p><p><a href="http://NYDLA.org">NYDLA.org</a> - <i><b>Improving the world through democratizing education. </b></i></p><p>Sadly, <a href="http://www.claytonchristensen.com" target="_blank">Clayton Magleby Christensen</a> passed away on January 23, 2020, at the age of 67. </p><p>Clayton Magleby Christensen (April 6, 1952 – January 23, 2020) was an American academic and business consultant who developed the theory of "disruptive innovation", which has been called the most influential business idea of the early 21st century. Christensen introduced "disruption" in his 1997 book The Innovator's Dilemma, and it led The Economist to term him "the most influential management thinker of his time." He served as the Kim B. Clark Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School (HBS). </p><p><i><b>I think it is a good time for us reread all of Clay's books, don't you? </b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdokhl3CBNtUeYtOafcJrRKJ-ZcT47wVmA-zQy2waJgN1hT0eHehp2bhN7e0ILLmD-_IVdN50KzQdzhvRqP8toBgzIibj_UpxFV68w2DxoB4c6NtmLozzu0LbtDCuWhEDgnVs8dGcd_EzKvlkeHmiN8qIXvaHIoDHDf3mNpo9RyfnsXeUJJAQsaq5VSaA9/s400/9e18277c40cc3391d7b0602917fd590f487b5fa0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdokhl3CBNtUeYtOafcJrRKJ-ZcT47wVmA-zQy2waJgN1hT0eHehp2bhN7e0ILLmD-_IVdN50KzQdzhvRqP8toBgzIibj_UpxFV68w2DxoB4c6NtmLozzu0LbtDCuWhEDgnVs8dGcd_EzKvlkeHmiN8qIXvaHIoDHDf3mNpo9RyfnsXeUJJAQsaq5VSaA9/s320/9e18277c40cc3391d7b0602917fd590f487b5fa0.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-60352004722679553002024-01-28T05:58:00.000-08:002024-01-28T06:38:47.899-08:00Are you related to Al Capone? <p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHDbhOYInAEPws_CRq1Pl-dsKQE-_KTA8UCad_kM3aJh6nTktnCqf8FJvaWjS-BNsuEgZC1PhpA1WTQRRIdqXbRdeYBf2nskYydKl6XB3qZZ_if8phW-IpRFUGDARg4lBhnmKCfTwlm1_Z8hev6Nox1txsc4l5U6a3eWRqPs37l1kK827_Fdhom7StTcc/s740/Screenshot%202024-01-28%20at%208.59.47%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="740" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHDbhOYInAEPws_CRq1Pl-dsKQE-_KTA8UCad_kM3aJh6nTktnCqf8FJvaWjS-BNsuEgZC1PhpA1WTQRRIdqXbRdeYBf2nskYydKl6XB3qZZ_if8phW-IpRFUGDARg4lBhnmKCfTwlm1_Z8hev6Nox1txsc4l5U6a3eWRqPs37l1kK827_Fdhom7StTcc/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-28%20at%208.59.47%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p><b><i>The Godfather</i></b> is a crime novel by American author Mario Puzo. Originally published in 1969 by G. P. Putnam's Sons, the novel details the story of a fictional Mafia family in New York City (and Long Island), headed by Vito Corleone, the Godfather. The novel covers the years 1945 to 1955 and includes the backstory of Vito Corleone from early childhood to adulthood.</p><p>Born in 1960 I was <b>nine</b> years old when the book came out. The Godfather (the movie) premiered at the Loew's State Theatre on March 14, 1972, and was widely released in the United States on March 24, 1972. It was the highest-grossing film of 1972, and was for a time <b>the highest-grossing film ever made</b>, earning between $250 and $291 million at the box office.</p><p>And, I was <b>fourteen</b> years old when The Godfather Part II premiered in New York City on December 12, 1974. It grossed $48 million in the United States and Canada and up to $93 million worldwide on a $13 million budget. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj833kXeZ-E-Yza5mpGTlgUOKEQguvOG7FoQWifHIkJJn1ZYmKBIF_wIkK3lcCl6eBq3bFRUXK4umoLY3_DV7scg0bCsKbDDHIKgX2yaiqIblwENoxPBPgYWgZlOH94YRroXcgMnIjPnAGLBbebNRlO83rfA84tFShsriZSEoHru79j8AAenIUMYyXiNSr9/s500/51Vg8SyXbWL._SL500_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj833kXeZ-E-Yza5mpGTlgUOKEQguvOG7FoQWifHIkJJn1ZYmKBIF_wIkK3lcCl6eBq3bFRUXK4umoLY3_DV7scg0bCsKbDDHIKgX2yaiqIblwENoxPBPgYWgZlOH94YRroXcgMnIjPnAGLBbebNRlO83rfA84tFShsriZSEoHru79j8AAenIUMYyXiNSr9/s320/51Vg8SyXbWL._SL500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, and became the first sequel to win Best Picture. Its six Oscar wins also included Best Director for Coppola, Best Supporting Actor for De Niro and Best Adapted Screenplay for Coppola and Puzo. Pacino won Best Actor at the BAFTAs and was nominated at the Oscars. Like its predecessor, The Godfather Part II remains a highly influential film, especially in the gangster genre. It is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time, as well as the rare example of a sequel that may be superior to its predecessor. In 1997, the American Film Institute ranked it as the 32nd-greatest film in American film history and it retained this position 10 years later. It was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 1993, being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". <p></p><p>And I was <b>thirty</b> years old when The Godfather Part III, the final installment in the trilogy, was released in 1990. </p><p>I first saw <b><i>The Godfather</i></b> when it was released on <b>VHS</b> in the 80s. Somewhere in the house is The Godfather <i><b>DVD COLLECTION, 5-Disc set</b></i>. It was given to me as a birthday gift, many years ago. </p><p>And now, in 2024, at <b>63</b> years old I am <b><i>listening</i></b> to........ </p><p><b>The Godfather 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION - WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA</b></p><p>Publisher's summary: Mario Puzo's classic saga of an American crime family that became a global phenomenon - nominated as one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read.</p><p>With its brilliant and brutal portrayal of the Corleone family, <b><i>The Godfather burned its way into our national consciousness</i></b>. This unforgettable saga of crime and corruption, passion and loyalty continues to stand the test of time, as the definitive novel of the Mafia underworld.</p><p>A #1 New York Times bestseller in 1969, Mario Puzo's epic was turned into the incomparable film of the same name, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It is the original classic that has been often imitated, but never matched. A tale of family and society, law and order, obedience and rebellion, it reveals the dark passions of human nature played out against a backdrop of the American dream.</p><p style="text-align: center;">*****</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIBQO369TUuaXmzyOcaIZuJAAonHVm7ke-6c7QyK8lFFK4vpp8W-5UF2QHXIofOM33sKnaZr_5x1byE8ZHvanShMcZKKsSLSiJyDD_wMMcx5dJbw4e35tuzZ6bvgfgJYj4-_9zjWgkTwx8nO39iyfzMZRRmTJj6Uxg_D9SY5Xl3yI5z0Yi0VA9kRNurbH/s1131/Screenshot%202024-01-28%20at%209.05.09%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="1131" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIBQO369TUuaXmzyOcaIZuJAAonHVm7ke-6c7QyK8lFFK4vpp8W-5UF2QHXIofOM33sKnaZr_5x1byE8ZHvanShMcZKKsSLSiJyDD_wMMcx5dJbw4e35tuzZ6bvgfgJYj4-_9zjWgkTwx8nO39iyfzMZRRmTJj6Uxg_D9SY5Xl3yI5z0Yi0VA9kRNurbH/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-28%20at%209.05.09%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Did you catch that? <i>"...burned its way into our national consciousness..."</i> So, for me, personally, from 1972 to 2024, <b><i>The Godfather</i></b> has been a part of my life. I never read (any) of the <i>paper</i> books from Mario Puzo. I have now <b>watched</b> ALL of The Godfather movies, well over a dozen times. <i>But movies are not paper books. </i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>I love Audible.com</b> - and I especially love <b>audio books</b> "read by the Author" as it makes me feel like they are talking directly TO ME. But most of the time, I listen to BUSINESS BOOKS. This is the first time that I am listening to a non-business book on Audible. And, it is.... <i><b>amazing</b></i>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">In The Godfather movies, I don't remember them ever mentioning <i><b>Al Capone</b></i> by name. In the audio book, his name comes up. <i><b>Often</b></i>. Many, many times. And, in the audible book (<b><i>all 18 hours, 48 minutes worth</i></b>) they go deeply into the various characters - much more deeply than possible in the movie (The Godfather Part I was just under 3 hours in total). When watching a movie, we forget how many hours are edited out, how much content will find its way to the editing room floor. An author of a book is not a movie director, nor a movie editor. <i>And actors tend to ad-lib. </i></p><p style="text-align: left;">One of The Godfather Part I most memorable lines -- “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli” was entirely improvised and, but for a moment of inspiration, might not have happened. It's not in the book, and it almost never made it into the movie. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><b>The director Coppola left it in.</b></i> The results take an already great scene into the realm of immortality, maintaining the harsh message of the dead man in public view while closing with the supposedly ordinary lifestyle of “normal” Americans. Assassination is just another chore on Clemenza’s checklist, and while shooting a traitor to the family in the head is no big deal, he doesn’t want his wife getting angry at him for losing an expensive dessert. Coppola recognized the greatness of the improv by including it in the film, proof that <b>greatness</b> can come from <b>serendipity</b> as much as careful planning.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It was <b>serendipity</b> that made me download and listen to The Godfather 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION. Normally, I would have downloaded <b><i>a business book for my business trip</i></b>. And now, I am thinking about doing this again (and again) especially for all <i><b>the movies of my life</b></i>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Next up: <i><b>JAWS. </b>Ah yes - the movie that kept me from swimming in the ocean for years. </i>I never read the book. <i>It's time to give it a listen. </i></p><p style="text-align: left;">OK, so go ahead. Ask me. You want to know if I am related to Al Capone? </p><p style="text-align: left;">Yes. <i>Yes I am. </i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Especially when I am on the phone, making last-minute dinner reservations in NYC. Being in "<b>sales</b>" from time to time, <b><i>"I make people an offer they cannot refuse..."</i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">And that quote WAS in the book <i><b>AND</b></i> in the movie....... </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX-9e5yYi6zMOe3bcVuy1Imf0L9SdCn5gjEYg8NtMsnjRmqNWDRVNvvBiacvVq-OTbwX_BWBxf_gHXNvfecYF-vZLhz4Di6IEjvfabTdazXq8Q_W7NhPmZcAEXeORsHYPlRxOD-OZx-f-lcWXxJxvhAePodLjlw8L9srAjGddOuNhW8HYHtO0SLfgbWnG/s741/Screenshot%202024-01-28%20at%209.00.27%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="741" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCX-9e5yYi6zMOe3bcVuy1Imf0L9SdCn5gjEYg8NtMsnjRmqNWDRVNvvBiacvVq-OTbwX_BWBxf_gHXNvfecYF-vZLhz4Di6IEjvfabTdazXq8Q_W7NhPmZcAEXeORsHYPlRxOD-OZx-f-lcWXxJxvhAePodLjlw8L9srAjGddOuNhW8HYHtO0SLfgbWnG/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-28%20at%209.00.27%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">“Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSCWPidcU4E9inFazSeIyOhcYSvFapfMcMuHJIcqQzvRCFkOJ-jS-fzE1kjoyGIXqLMdwUweS-CU6sg6ymJwj37CmjPpkCogWf2VEmmpyrICbmrKkxHHSHujnVUN85IHcYrWHkiUaBmCdu8pBX-V1TzZSnAG6Q6qmcuO6yck3HU7xQ1PtRhqFc7Gn5_FR/s1200/unnamed%20-%202024-01-28T093137.933.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="1200" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSCWPidcU4E9inFazSeIyOhcYSvFapfMcMuHJIcqQzvRCFkOJ-jS-fzE1kjoyGIXqLMdwUweS-CU6sg6ymJwj37CmjPpkCogWf2VEmmpyrICbmrKkxHHSHujnVUN85IHcYrWHkiUaBmCdu8pBX-V1TzZSnAG6Q6qmcuO6yck3HU7xQ1PtRhqFc7Gn5_FR/s320/unnamed%20-%202024-01-28T093137.933.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-88262305591320983982024-01-21T06:40:00.000-08:002024-01-21T07:08:33.306-08:00You don't have to tell me once<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRhWIIyS37XC03KjomBBsx5uF4qwJWihJ0BWOGol3kWUti6ZRMxsKioMz5BlmOAMoc20KVXl9oayYUbybiafC8JA9-WP8DTA-8cuPxQ-Trg1FbT6VQtZeJddoYRWQVx1tXSHEt0XWCkxvfFm_ZeHJ70t-DeXNPOa0VtCCncPoHx55MzbrdCMOobdPzZv3/s250/Screenshot%202024-01-21%20at%209.23.57%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="250" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRhWIIyS37XC03KjomBBsx5uF4qwJWihJ0BWOGol3kWUti6ZRMxsKioMz5BlmOAMoc20KVXl9oayYUbybiafC8JA9-WP8DTA-8cuPxQ-Trg1FbT6VQtZeJddoYRWQVx1tXSHEt0XWCkxvfFm_ZeHJ70t-DeXNPOa0VtCCncPoHx55MzbrdCMOobdPzZv3/s1600/Screenshot%202024-01-21%20at%209.23.57%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="250" /></a></div><br /><p>I have been a customer (fan?) of <a href="http://www.37signals.com" target="_blank">37signals</a> for years. I'm thinking 20 years. I have <a href="http://www.nydlacast.com" target="_blank">interviewed</a> Jason Fried, the CEO and founder three times. There is something about their <b>culture</b>, <i>their style</i> that grabs me. If I was ever unemployed, <i>I would beg for a job with those guys.</i></p><p>I don't need to steal his thunder, so you can <a href="http://www.once.com" target="_blank">read all about "Once" right here. </a></p><p><i><b>And, you can read my email to Jason right (sent this around two hours ago, 1/21/2024 7:25 AM EST) here:</b></i></p><p>Hey Jason, {realnamegoeshere.com} this is one of the hosting vendors that we resell who gives us excellent margins and excellent support. </p><p>One of <b><i><u>many</u></i></b> vendors. We can promote <a href="http://www.Once.com" target="_blank">www.Once.com</a> and Campfire 1.0 and the "Once" story to the millions in the global DLA community. Evangelize the logic of buying Once.com / Campfire for their needs. </p><p>They pay you full price for Once.com / Campfire 1.0 directly from you, I help them to see the value of hosting with us. <i>Hosting via the DLA is a member benefit.</i> Our buying power is <i>massive based on our millions of members</i>. If they host on their own, without us, that is fine. <i>No hard feelings.</i> Maybe we sell them their server, their hardware? <i>Lenovo?</i> We still turned them on to a cool thing which "fits" the <a href="http://www.nydla.org" target="_blank">DLA</a> community and our global collaboration world...</p><p>My logic: worst case scenario, we are helping our friends at <a href="http://37signals.com" target="_blank">37signals</a> to spread the word about <a href="http://www.Once.com" target="_blank">www.Once.com</a></p><p>Best case scenario: this all becomes<i><b> a home run</b></i>, we make 100+ <a href="http://Once.com" target="_blank">Once.com</a> sales for you, and then you contemplate allowing us to <i><b>resell</b></i> Once.com the same way that we resell {realnamegoeshere}. </p><p>So unless you stop me, I'm going to do all of the above. No risk or downside to you, only upside..... </p><p>--------------</p><p>Now, as of this Sunday Blog, I did not hear back from Jason. I think he is in CA, so it is still early out there. He might say "Hell no, Tom! Over my dead body...." But I feel that there is less than 0.01% chance of that. <i>Why would he say no? </i></p><p>There is another cool story about how the folks at 37signals came up with the name "Once" and how they bought the domain name. But that is fodder for a future Sunday Blog. </p><p>AND SO...... <b><i>this</i></b> blog is LIVE on 1/21/2024. If this blog post <b><i>remains</i></b> live.... well then you know that Jason did not say no. Nor did he say Hell No, or any variation of "No". I might not get a HELL YES! but I don't think I'll get a no, or a soft no, or anything that even remotely sounds like "<a href="http://www.hey.com" target="_blank"><b>Hey</b></a>, hold up there Tommy Baby...". { <a href="http://www.Hey.com" target="_blank">www.Hey.com</a> is also from 37signals.... 😎 }</p><p>One of my favorite quotes from Jason is this: "When you say "No" to something, you are saying no to one thing. When you say "Yes" to something, you are saying "No" to <i><b>MANY</b></i> things. In other words, there are only so many hours in the day. You cannot do everything. So be careful what you say Yes to, because that YES might actually equal hundreds of NOs. </p><p>But don't be AFRAID to say.......... <i><b>YES.</b></i></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VTWIg5WQB5N5F04tg9AQc9YChbw_IX6PEoaE3Gbu_PAUXKtXVUQ4JOuuOrFT59MPnEI8AmVbyeW4g_lBwTSDsaxgiWB_0XLDNaS-muNp5FaqpLJVwbIAPcYs0P2lPBTjOx0IgWJXMhEHZDQ-mZtypIWDiiXNVHlKcPA6eYQClFz-vijHld6ms0xp93OQ/s995/Screenshot%202024-01-21%20at%209.36.58%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="995" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VTWIg5WQB5N5F04tg9AQc9YChbw_IX6PEoaE3Gbu_PAUXKtXVUQ4JOuuOrFT59MPnEI8AmVbyeW4g_lBwTSDsaxgiWB_0XLDNaS-muNp5FaqpLJVwbIAPcYs0P2lPBTjOx0IgWJXMhEHZDQ-mZtypIWDiiXNVHlKcPA6eYQClFz-vijHld6ms0xp93OQ/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-21%20at%209.36.58%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Genius of <a href="http://www.37Signals.com">www.37Signals.com</a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-71901768905145164542024-01-14T05:46:00.000-08:002024-01-14T06:07:26.130-08:00Are you trying to show me up?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq3DaMwxB22FRzPPzK_mDY6Codk0yzKIPrwts_SZ4zcXsh4DQT6sZiOo3TbfueP4hzF3jYyHXzfyfP4pzXBOKgd90r1kxTJfpvOJKc2tSmJjLMsFfn7dtoXxZAlhMybWSB0IrobUsGekfDa4EAFM7gcDXfMlrzYLOcV1iR-_lRLfkTl5wmf_KK6Mcba3G/s1163/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%207.51.34%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1163" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq3DaMwxB22FRzPPzK_mDY6Codk0yzKIPrwts_SZ4zcXsh4DQT6sZiOo3TbfueP4hzF3jYyHXzfyfP4pzXBOKgd90r1kxTJfpvOJKc2tSmJjLMsFfn7dtoXxZAlhMybWSB0IrobUsGekfDa4EAFM7gcDXfMlrzYLOcV1iR-_lRLfkTl5wmf_KK6Mcba3G/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%207.51.34%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The NRF Big Show, or the National Retail Federation Big Show, is an annual retail industry event organized by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is one of the largest retail conferences and expos globally, bringing together retailers, industry professionals, and technology providers. The event typically features keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and an exhibition floor showcasing the latest technologies and solutions in the retail sector. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about emerging trends, network with peers, and explore innovations that impact the retail industry. The NRF Big Show aims to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the retail sector and to foster collaboration among industry stakeholders.</p><p>This year, we expect 50K+ to attend NRF BIG SHOW <b><i>LIVE</i></b> at Javits Center, and 10X that number to attend <b><i>virtually</i></b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpqyTII28nUqPHnunTIESvSropI1asZrihA_eYBMUA2ENP4hzJp-jX8VrAjtwQoYpB_54urizthSkZJMZ6j7gk96POCCzj_-cRL8LtdyxSj14LPrelbY7t0bbg6oHsy5MOT993NG2ud9ChyphenhyphenF2maW_w8a8h2Ph-RBiCmWpkckcgCzdIqjvhJq-98NV1kc6/s1046/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%207.50.15%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="1046" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpqyTII28nUqPHnunTIESvSropI1asZrihA_eYBMUA2ENP4hzJp-jX8VrAjtwQoYpB_54urizthSkZJMZ6j7gk96POCCzj_-cRL8LtdyxSj14LPrelbY7t0bbg6oHsy5MOT993NG2ud9ChyphenhyphenF2maW_w8a8h2Ph-RBiCmWpkckcgCzdIqjvhJq-98NV1kc6/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%207.50.15%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Javits Center, officially known as the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, is a large convention center located in New York City, USA. It is situated on the West Side of Manhattan, along the Hudson River. The Javits Center is a prominent venue for hosting conventions, trade shows, conferences, and special events.</p><p>Named after the former U.S. Senator Jacob K. Javits, the center spans several city blocks and features a significant amount of exhibition space. It has been a key hub for a wide range of events, including business conferences, cultural exhibitions, and large-scale gatherings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_pytW4eQgx4IHT2VAg82DjwxZmtk5Pnr9Ku5tPPw-mO0_aulJqb7YVI55SQK7eEQF6xGrsR8QcsRahkvQiOAhR9VwjX1q0eWM94J3esQ8onM92RdDVXGxnqy0hq2loU9GknKZBN4RoFqws8XNQmHUCT_IyMogMBFBEDeCulZ9S4KCsCzxRrFLHG8jGSq/s1046/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%207.49.38%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="1046" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_pytW4eQgx4IHT2VAg82DjwxZmtk5Pnr9Ku5tPPw-mO0_aulJqb7YVI55SQK7eEQF6xGrsR8QcsRahkvQiOAhR9VwjX1q0eWM94J3esQ8onM92RdDVXGxnqy0hq2loU9GknKZBN4RoFqws8XNQmHUCT_IyMogMBFBEDeCulZ9S4KCsCzxRrFLHG8jGSq/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%207.49.38%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Javits Center is known for its modern architecture and versatile facilities, making it a popular choice for hosting events of various sizes and industries. It plays a crucial role in facilitating business interactions, showcasing products and innovations, and bringing together professionals from different sectors.</p><p>Last week was CES in Las Vegas. Later this month shall be ISE in Spain. <i><b>Last night kicked off THE BIG SHOW in THE BIG APPLE. </b></i></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9jq_pNDMJH3Iicu8ICc7NLpHAfdO1_dRk5AqWFHblC2F4kA0Z8zFEDc1q1t7U48gUGPurfkYuzwNwZA7mGujlZ38NFFiZ8X4kM2y9bHMMlcRxwAN5YO91dgMsW5-7McMwwR2WgNktG9v0kHjxmPTmRnv7ZNZnS3oSUki0jxULI3Ls2FjkylsVzjw2byH/s1046/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%207.49.02%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="1046" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9jq_pNDMJH3Iicu8ICc7NLpHAfdO1_dRk5AqWFHblC2F4kA0Z8zFEDc1q1t7U48gUGPurfkYuzwNwZA7mGujlZ38NFFiZ8X4kM2y9bHMMlcRxwAN5YO91dgMsW5-7McMwwR2WgNktG9v0kHjxmPTmRnv7ZNZnS3oSUki0jxULI3Ls2FjkylsVzjw2byH/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%207.49.02%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></i></div><p></p><p>OK, Google: how far am I from Javits Center? { 33.8 miles away, 41 minutes by car if you leave right now } What about Times Square? { 33.6 miles, figure 42 minutes if you drive }</p><p>So, here's the thing: people attend Trade Shows because there are things at Trade Shows that they cannot get, cannot experience, cannot acquire, cannot obtain, cannot learn, if they DON'T attend the show. And, the first thing that comes to mind are the <i><b>Speakers</b></i>. </p><p>Subject Matter Experts. Thought Leaders. Industry Experts. Yes, the booths are cool, the energy of the expo floors is palpable. People that return from CES will take weeks (months?) to unpack what they experienced. But live speakers will always be "the draw" for events like CES, NRF, ISE and others. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjq8cpXWRKu7CdekhTXtGzTpYhwGNUxW-6uYTYRw9nGMbvZvV9l_Lc87zzmm00URPFyWLeaW-jo_5oFeR2JT5XcEsStYskB-5bUwF-v6WKTa5jXenvf2p5xHe5n-1ij_1mWUxy7iucBgYhsOlo_Fuvd3SEtphOjL0kiNjW8Q3VUTIFXOVcWDjmGlAiM-_R/s1163/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%207.52.25%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1163" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjq8cpXWRKu7CdekhTXtGzTpYhwGNUxW-6uYTYRw9nGMbvZvV9l_Lc87zzmm00URPFyWLeaW-jo_5oFeR2JT5XcEsStYskB-5bUwF-v6WKTa5jXenvf2p5xHe5n-1ij_1mWUxy7iucBgYhsOlo_Fuvd3SEtphOjL0kiNjW8Q3VUTIFXOVcWDjmGlAiM-_R/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%207.52.25%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><i>I am spoiled</i></b>. Living less than an hour (door to door) from the Center of the Known Universe (New York City) I could go to Javits Center every month (every week?) as there is ALWAYS SOMETHING going on at Javits. People travel from all around the world to meetings and events at Javits. Yes, Vegas is probably Trade Show / Expo mecca, but no one ever says no to a trip to New York City. </p><p>I did not go to CES this year (120K+ attending live) but many on my team did physically go. NRF BIG SHOW is in my backyard - I could take an Uber round trip, every day (starting today) and save on hotel rooms. I will not be attending ISE (LIVE) in Spain, but we shall attend virtually. </p><p>Direct office space in Manhattan costs an average of $82 per sq ft each year. Class A space is more expensive, costing an average of around $91 per square foot per year. New York's office vacancy rate has surged more than 70 percent since 2019; there's some 96 million square feet of office real estate available for lease in the city.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVrQNm5ZU61RdPHuHkoi7nXawgyT1P-WXbQSMr1T9Iu_IjbYGXXesveuefO7cUszmP-LUhulTzJgQWoPp33Z0v8BNxLmMdl_WSM-ReaYKw6gz47Ldpe5K2aJNL4GlwCDNVdjf73maoeQ2GalEC521OCNnah-f-HzaLVqydJ4lMr5RxONat2J0SdlPHiuV/s1888/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20at%2010.50.28%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1888" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVrQNm5ZU61RdPHuHkoi7nXawgyT1P-WXbQSMr1T9Iu_IjbYGXXesveuefO7cUszmP-LUhulTzJgQWoPp33Z0v8BNxLmMdl_WSM-ReaYKw6gz47Ldpe5K2aJNL4GlwCDNVdjf73maoeQ2GalEC521OCNnah-f-HzaLVqydJ4lMr5RxONat2J0SdlPHiuV/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20at%2010.50.28%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.GetBigCommerce.com" target="_blank">www.GetBigCommerce.com</a></div><p>During the first three months of 2023, U.S. office vacancy topped 20 percent for the first time in decades. In San Francisco, Dallas, and Houston, vacancy rates are as high as 25 percent. These figures understate the severity of the crisis because they only cover spaces that are no longer leased. Most office leases were signed before the pandemic and have yet to come up for renewal. Actual office use points to a further decrease in demand. Attendance in the 10 largest business districts is still below 50 percent of its pre-COVID level, as white-collar employees spend an estimated 28 percent of their workdays at home.</p><p>With a third of all office leases expiring by 2026, we can expect higher vacancies, significantly lower rents, or both. And while we wrestle with the effects of distributed work, artificial intelligence could drive office demand even lower. Some pundits point out that the most expensive offices are still doing okay and that others could be saved by introducing new amenities and services. But landlords can’t very well lease all empty retail stores to Louis Vuitton and Apple. There’s simply not enough demand for such space, and new features make buildings even more expensive to build and operate.</p><p>AND SO.................. <i><b>Trade Shows!</b></i></p><p>Trade Shows like CES, NRF, ISE allow people to get together, at least a few times a year - <b><i>LIVE</i></b>. You don't have to go to the office every day (or even every week) if you can all meet up a few times a year - in Vegas, in Orlando, in Chicago, in Dublin, in Toronto, or of course, meet up in the Center of the Known Universe.... <i><b>THE BIG APPLE. </b></i></p><p>My Uber shall be here in a few minutes.... <i><b>will I see you at Javits today? </b></i></p><p>Also this: <a href="http://NYDLA.org" target="_blank">NYDLA.org</a> members in NY/NJ/CT who work from home can use our <a href="http://www.nydla.org/gateway" target="_blank">NYC office for meetings and events</a>. <i><b>You are welcome. </b></i></p><p><i><b><br /></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27yOCJv20tqKTwFdd7xBcczjyD9OlbYD3yjo3DAwwOKRYqmSt8LWHvKEuJxennDgOg7N9nQTkwsOBtVMJQ9Uib-afJ8LkFc7xxhdxVt3YJHTEThJZL9gvtENNY9CfqaP7x0LCHhRo1aoldUWQJSij_lCwbVCFuUcHZ21zh6LbG2njGOPUHTRKgboSEtQz/s1203/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%208.07.31%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1203" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj27yOCJv20tqKTwFdd7xBcczjyD9OlbYD3yjo3DAwwOKRYqmSt8LWHvKEuJxennDgOg7N9nQTkwsOBtVMJQ9Uib-afJ8LkFc7xxhdxVt3YJHTEThJZL9gvtENNY9CfqaP7x0LCHhRo1aoldUWQJSij_lCwbVCFuUcHZ21zh6LbG2njGOPUHTRKgboSEtQz/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-14%20at%208.07.31%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whew! <i>I made the cut...</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.PeakNYC.com">www.PeakNYC.com</a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-46318413807109185412024-01-07T03:21:00.000-08:002024-01-07T03:31:47.272-08:00Show me! <p>CES. NRF. Web Summit. ISE. <i>What am I missing? </i></p><p>Trade shows were devastated during the pandemic. All we had was virtual events, attending from home. Now in 2024, Trade Shows seem to be back, bigger and better than ever. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrza47E7g8hRBPz-lcCb80dUhGhcLJA-xm6fmDBKptxHAViL0naS3hOX6FmDleHIOUX1UY_mnBp5YR1GXTAuPzBqdI7UTcZhb17m_X5EaGVmm6i-dpJULV_mNtY7E2nODDeNVP61HC63qf5jOumKgYYxAqLlyIBcIdnEpA1SXGK6JlaSYgHcIJaTSVjjTj/s526/406814742_120203448731010507_687876333775773831_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrza47E7g8hRBPz-lcCb80dUhGhcLJA-xm6fmDBKptxHAViL0naS3hOX6FmDleHIOUX1UY_mnBp5YR1GXTAuPzBqdI7UTcZhb17m_X5EaGVmm6i-dpJULV_mNtY7E2nODDeNVP61HC63qf5jOumKgYYxAqLlyIBcIdnEpA1SXGK6JlaSYgHcIJaTSVjjTj/s320/406814742_120203448731010507_687876333775773831_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CES stands for the Consumer Electronics Show. It is an annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) that takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. CES is one of the largest and most influential technology events globally, showcasing a wide range of consumer electronics and technology innovations. At CES, companies from around the world unveil and demonstrate their latest products and technologies in various sectors, including electronics, automotive, robotics, smart home devices, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and more. The event attracts industry professionals, journalists, and enthusiasts, providing a platform for networking, business development, and a glimpse into the future of technology.<div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi0CGh95z7BveHJ14BTsiwA_nDw4wMs2cfOfhTJzmnxG39umpBK1kmdpNkcI_JzEKJaGTJ6nuA2tW9rzzGEJ_rx0oXcAIJZ4QpJCOsiJMOQduNJ9l-aAZ6YqLCEioimtE8pAqzncNcoC81wuQ7U237sXVI6CcXXyjsaGAGb_KAFSWrj09nClBAPwNu7Xs/s300/16362727624048866271.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="300" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi0CGh95z7BveHJ14BTsiwA_nDw4wMs2cfOfhTJzmnxG39umpBK1kmdpNkcI_JzEKJaGTJ6nuA2tW9rzzGEJ_rx0oXcAIJZ4QpJCOsiJMOQduNJ9l-aAZ6YqLCEioimtE8pAqzncNcoC81wuQ7U237sXVI6CcXXyjsaGAGb_KAFSWrj09nClBAPwNu7Xs/s1600/16362727624048866271.png" width="300" /></a></div>The NRF Big Show, officially known as the NRF Annual Convention & EXPO or Retail's Big Show, is an annual event organized by the National Retail Federation (NRF). It is one of the largest and most prominent retail conferences and expos globally. The event typically attracts retail industry professionals, executives, experts, and technology providers. The NRF Big Show serves as a platform for networking, learning, and exploring the latest trends and technologies in the retail sector. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in educational sessions, workshops, and keynote presentations featuring industry leaders. The expo portion of the event showcases a wide range of technologies, products, and services from companies in areas such as e-commerce, point-of-sale systems, customer experience, supply chain management, and more. This annual event provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future direction of the retail industry, offering valuable insights for retailers, vendors, and anyone involved in the business of retail.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslqdTUuLEHN-ljGiEjeSNx-st_kfhwx7zBugvlluSqg1Uv2C5f-tF25yKX3JsAIBb6vASD7uH2ASOYYK0nDKYpbUBnEEjAzABo1ChDY_I2tiu6qf9Z9yMBLByTuA3ySnqisOFDRPU8QnDOFi3n1QEMGO5yWlR6bVkGY2olQG1krtCdttcocBRS-goJurd/s3000/ISE2023_Day_1_MedialSize_155.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslqdTUuLEHN-ljGiEjeSNx-st_kfhwx7zBugvlluSqg1Uv2C5f-tF25yKX3JsAIBb6vASD7uH2ASOYYK0nDKYpbUBnEEjAzABo1ChDY_I2tiu6qf9Z9yMBLByTuA3ySnqisOFDRPU8QnDOFi3n1QEMGO5yWlR6bVkGY2olQG1krtCdttcocBRS-goJurd/s320/ISE2023_Day_1_MedialSize_155.webp" width="320" /></a></div>The Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show is one of the world's largest exhibitions for the audiovisual and systems integration industry. The event brings together professionals from various sectors, including audio, video, smart home technology, digital signage, and other related fields. ISE was traditionally held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, but starting from 2021, it moved to Barcelona, Spain. The show provides a platform for companies to showcase their latest products, technologies, and solutions in the audiovisual and integrated systems space. Attendees typically include professionals, integrators, manufacturers, and others interested in the latest developments in the industry.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tjgB4kCqMeZRRlElZwrNPsfkFylidu1JJF28vYCuUy2Csj5jc7V82my-3d8sW_SlwxO5Fj4kNtjDHunzVrp4wsR4R0FZGeXlrdNzqbbzcnj5GtEfv28n_-I7X3slIqC11ATdnBGkVB1gTeNVAsdmkw4-0ZOec7YF4SFCs8AQDlWRTrXAWZ00Sw1OKJFM/s2048/alphagamma-web-summit-2022-opportunities.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tjgB4kCqMeZRRlElZwrNPsfkFylidu1JJF28vYCuUy2Csj5jc7V82my-3d8sW_SlwxO5Fj4kNtjDHunzVrp4wsR4R0FZGeXlrdNzqbbzcnj5GtEfv28n_-I7X3slIqC11ATdnBGkVB1gTeNVAsdmkw4-0ZOec7YF4SFCs8AQDlWRTrXAWZ00Sw1OKJFM/s320/alphagamma-web-summit-2022-opportunities.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Web Summit is one of the largest technology conferences in the world, bringing together a diverse range of professionals, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts. The event covers a broad spectrum of topics, including technology, business, entrepreneurship, innovation, and more. Web Summit originally started in Dublin, Ireland, in 2010 and has since grown exponentially. It has been held in various locations, including Lisbon, Portugal, and more recently in other cities. The conference covers a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, marketing, fintech, health tech, and many others. It is known for its large scale, diverse audience, and its ability to attract influential figures from the tech and business communities.</p><p></p><p>Attending trade shows can be worth it for many individuals and businesses, but the value often depends on various factors, including your goals, industry, and how you approach the event. <b>Here are some considerations:</b></p><p><b>Networking Opportunities</b>: Trade shows provide excellent opportunities to network with professionals, potential clients, suppliers, and industry peers. If building relationships and expanding your professional network is a priority, attending trade shows can be highly valuable.</p><p><b>Market Research</b>: Trade shows offer a chance to stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and competitors. You can gather insights into the latest developments and innovations, helping you make informed decisions about your business.</p><p><b>Brand Visibility</b>: For businesses looking to increase brand visibility, participating in or attending trade shows can be beneficial. It's an opportunity to showcase your products or services to a targeted audience and potentially generate leads.</p><p><b>Education and Learning</b>: Many trade shows feature seminars, workshops, and keynote presentations by industry experts. Attending these sessions can provide valuable knowledge and insights that you might not easily find elsewhere.</p><p><b>Product Launches and Demonstrations</b>: Trade shows are often used as platforms for launching new products or demonstrating existing ones. If you have a new offering, a trade show can provide the visibility and audience to make a significant impact.</p><p><b>Competitive Advantage</b>: Being present at industry events can give you a competitive advantage. It shows that you are engaged in your industry and invested in staying current with trends and developments.</p><p>However, it's essential to approach trade show attendance <i><b>strategically</b></i>. Consider factors like the cost of participation, the potential return on investment, and whether the event aligns with your business objectives. Additionally, effective planning and follow-up are crucial to maximizing the benefits of attending trade shows.</p><p>Keep in mind that the value of trade shows can vary by industry and individual circumstances. Some businesses may find them <b>essential</b> for growth and networking, while others may achieve their goals through alternative means, such as permission based, 100% opt-in email and social media marketing (LinkedIn).</p><p><a href="http://nydla.org" target="_blank">The Distance Learning Association</a> always <b>SPONSORS </b>trade shows at the level necessary to <a href="https://nydla.org/Dotdigital/" target="_blank">obtain the entire attendee list.</a> And then, our marketing teams will <i><b>follow up, follow up, follow up</b></i>. Our DLA community emails normally enjoy a 40% open rate, which is <i>very high</i>. This is because we have a trusted brand, and we <u><i>never</i></u> spam. So, with CES expecting 130K+ and NRF expecting 50K+ (and 10X those numbers <b>attending virtually</b>) we shall have a very full sales funnel <b><i>THIS</i></b> MONTH. </p><p><b><i>And 2024 is just getting started...</i></b></p><p>Yes, Trade Shows are back, <i>in a big way... </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQklhcIbxShgPJdTeSDPYhxL2Pb4Id7p9IlFFOjT3yLRcU_24gTrySY5SpgPhKPYwxDUliy4ucG3dP6qt4SZLby4hjyPMChAUMRB_wWiX__tirgyDQpUOZhyphenhyphenQKT6tSTQmWpyYdTZuRNaHBdZGaqupa8yo3NoKWXXj1CJWmhTE8CJBTL20sYbmo6eiGSRgW/s851/416856403_10163068355910681_7828699484234277320_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="851" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQklhcIbxShgPJdTeSDPYhxL2Pb4Id7p9IlFFOjT3yLRcU_24gTrySY5SpgPhKPYwxDUliy4ucG3dP6qt4SZLby4hjyPMChAUMRB_wWiX__tirgyDQpUOZhyphenhyphenQKT6tSTQmWpyYdTZuRNaHBdZGaqupa8yo3NoKWXXj1CJWmhTE8CJBTL20sYbmo6eiGSRgW/s320/416856403_10163068355910681_7828699484234277320_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.JoinNYDLA.org">www.JoinNYDLA.org</a> and THRIVE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">in the GLOBAL cloud economy.</div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-31401994738014105752023-12-31T03:30:00.000-08:002023-12-31T04:33:33.085-08:00Three and Twenty Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbsd9lpe7DzlQacgKp6Mc3NbJhyND5ExSMUb9mxE8BJHeb1JNLMLCIH04GdHM8ElMOzWiKzHPxMa84u0QLmGV_XC0UJPaWHCH39UyIltEz_d85W_-rKDHcTBPNrUAmw2WBiQ6x5mI3ULNP0ey8mMwXv36CRPlLDok4j6IcsmJs2QnPHkbIQ7lM7q3aBI7/s4032/PXL_20231231_105216352.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbsd9lpe7DzlQacgKp6Mc3NbJhyND5ExSMUb9mxE8BJHeb1JNLMLCIH04GdHM8ElMOzWiKzHPxMa84u0QLmGV_XC0UJPaWHCH39UyIltEz_d85W_-rKDHcTBPNrUAmw2WBiQ6x5mI3ULNP0ey8mMwXv36CRPlLDok4j6IcsmJs2QnPHkbIQ7lM7q3aBI7/s320/PXL_20231231_105216352.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>My Sunday Blog happens to fall on New Year's Eve, 2024.</p><p>OK, so "<b><i>TIME</i></b>" is my topic for today...</p><p>I saw a post the other day that really hit me hard. Maybe it's because I'm a new 'first-time' Grandpa, in my first 30 days of Grandpadom. New Year, with its resolutions, and 365 days of well, life... reflections, wins, losses, and then all the hopes and promises of the NEW YEAR. A clean slate, a "do over" like kids on the playground. </p><p>I'm going to make today's blog my gift to you - a gift of <b>time</b>. <i>More of it. </i></p><p>Yeah, there are 24 hours in a day, and 365 days in a year - for all of us. No matter how much money you have in the bank, no matter where you live in the world, we all have 24 hours and 365 days to spend our "time" as wisely and as productively as possible. Do not waste time - it's the true coin of the realm. </p><p>I present to you "<b><i>The Pomodoro Technique</i></b>". Feel free to Google it yourself.</p><p>Here is my style, my way of working. Your mileage may vary.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPXC8EH9PyccH0OKYV4ArH23MPVypy8HP3is9YHtBODdQLAuWFOqEKOMk2OBLm4LIUvWD2406GKdMvzI_VP0E1IdEOOsC6iyVs7hebFwfj-Mf2UjmbJTcMEAezwqIcBYWMMefSbFuaQpeRzfBhllNhPB6i82I4dANCoSHdf0IPQyatMz2KezEu10gbZW6/s4032/PXL_20231231_110427370.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPXC8EH9PyccH0OKYV4ArH23MPVypy8HP3is9YHtBODdQLAuWFOqEKOMk2OBLm4LIUvWD2406GKdMvzI_VP0E1IdEOOsC6iyVs7hebFwfj-Mf2UjmbJTcMEAezwqIcBYWMMefSbFuaQpeRzfBhllNhPB6i82I4dANCoSHdf0IPQyatMz2KezEu10gbZW6/s320/PXL_20231231_110427370.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Two egg timers. One 3 minute timer, one that goes up to 60 minutes. Both can be purchased at the Dollar Store for, well, <i><b>for $1. </b></i><p></p><p>If you can do something in 3 minutes or less, do it now. Right now. Get it out of the way. <i><b>Done</b></i>. Check that box. <i><b>Completed</b></i>. </p><p>If it will take you more than 3 minutes, use the Pomodoro Technique. Focused blocks of time, 25 minutes. Work for 25 minutes, <i><b>deeply</b></i>. Then stand up, and walk 10 steps away from your desk. Seriously, stand and walk away from your desk - no cheating! Change your posture. Standing changes your circulation. Walk to the window, look outside. Get a glass of water. Do ANYTHING that forces you to <i><b>step away from your desk</b></i> for (at least) 5 minutes. Stand, walk and get your blood flowing again. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83RU85C5ktmsdf4lY7GwspwDRVfghaEpqMplbcqTjKoQJu_hy9HJYcisqRyYccuQWR3IMPJ6qmrUStrsbXoYPT5sK7GoPoqnPtw18aBGEHMzcoU1o0wrJas2CVu07LFIs0v80eXuaa7C_Vzhne0GMrqun7Uj8t9ZvtEO2HFYW46XPIPG4At_mA1HS737_/s4032/PXL_20231231_111426907.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83RU85C5ktmsdf4lY7GwspwDRVfghaEpqMplbcqTjKoQJu_hy9HJYcisqRyYccuQWR3IMPJ6qmrUStrsbXoYPT5sK7GoPoqnPtw18aBGEHMzcoU1o0wrJas2CVu07LFIs0v80eXuaa7C_Vzhne0GMrqun7Uj8t9ZvtEO2HFYW46XPIPG4At_mA1HS737_/s320/PXL_20231231_111426907.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>OK, back to work - <i><b>for another focused 25 minutes</b></i>. 1 Pomodoro = 25 minutes of deep, focused work. Repeat, repeat, repeat. In an 8 hour day, there is the possibility for 16 Pomodoros, if you work like a robot. And, there is a 99.99% chance that you are not a robot, if you are reading this blog. *in 2024, that percentage may drop.... <p></p><p>The Pomodoro Technique. And the <a href="https://gettingthingsdone.com/" target="_blank">Getting Things Done system</a>. Work in bursts of deep, focused work. Touch things once. Do it, delegate it, or delete it. </p><p>None of us can create more time - but all of us can maximize the time that we have. 8 - 8 - 8 is eight hours of sleep, eight hours of work, and eight hours of WHATEVER YOU PLEASE. Hopefully, 8 hours of time with family, friends, dog parks - <i><b>8 hours of whatever makes life worth living. </b></i></p><p>When you sleep - SLEEP! When you work - WORK! And when you are with your friends and family - do it like your life depends on it - <i><b>because it does. </b></i></p><p>When you get right down to it, life is nothing more than lots and lots of <i><b>Pomodoros</b></i>....all linked together. Use them wisely. </p><p>And there you have it.... <i>my Sunday Blog in less than a Pomodoro. </i></p><p><i>Ok, so now I am standing and walking... looks like my dog Konta needs to go out, so this should be more than 5 minutes.... cool. </i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTs2Fr5CjEhoXLtKk_OhH2cZL18TmLQb9zEuENzftoQkq2OGEZsvmfOWPtAq1pTqwxeLizsm2ICF4_t7dq79As7shZbMv72ZnqEi416FxLZhU4tWyUVAooVY4cOTEO27qTnxJ53JRKpgpgZYWFRCubyoJ_BIcQuxsg9t7OHthTKtl8MpXdV3_Ue2LGTOT1/s1701/GCmKbneWMAAqTwA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1701" data-original-width="1164" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTs2Fr5CjEhoXLtKk_OhH2cZL18TmLQb9zEuENzftoQkq2OGEZsvmfOWPtAq1pTqwxeLizsm2ICF4_t7dq79As7shZbMv72ZnqEi416FxLZhU4tWyUVAooVY4cOTEO27qTnxJ53JRKpgpgZYWFRCubyoJ_BIcQuxsg9t7OHthTKtl8MpXdV3_Ue2LGTOT1/s320/GCmKbneWMAAqTwA.jpeg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-65502386488303942762023-12-24T08:58:00.000-08:002023-12-24T09:34:19.390-08:00I got all dolled up and watched Barbie <p style="text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4FOr44zDfnG3tjOUHgyuDUNC9DxXCXMVtKK3X7wTlwEbj7sr9sCj1lKjTKIFCihCiba__Ga1_6NX60txPSHZZUY9M0J4uGhej8UcliqMV0KSg-LszcidgCoEo8zMbY_ixp9LGiBh9KP632dfzVGLdKxC4e6FSRTpuPI5uSTMg1gj-mRhgHDOw1csj5Fy/s720/image.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4FOr44zDfnG3tjOUHgyuDUNC9DxXCXMVtKK3X7wTlwEbj7sr9sCj1lKjTKIFCihCiba__Ga1_6NX60txPSHZZUY9M0J4uGhej8UcliqMV0KSg-LszcidgCoEo8zMbY_ixp9LGiBh9KP632dfzVGLdKxC4e6FSRTpuPI5uSTMg1gj-mRhgHDOw1csj5Fy/s320/image.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>OK, so I watched Barbie. </p><p>"Barbie" took the box office by storm this year, earning more than $1.44 billion worldwide to become the highest grossing film in Warner Bros.' 100-year history; the highest grossing film ever from a female filmmaker at the domestic box office; and is the largest worldwide film release of 2023. </p><p>It is now on Max, so I watched it with my wife. </p><p>Barbie’s box office success has been characterized by several record breaking milestones. The movie had this year’s highest-grossing opening weekend with $162 million in gross sales in its first three days in theaters. Barbie’s performance also made Greta Gerwig the highest-grossing female director of all time in the U.S. The movie would have likely reached its milestones faster had it not been banned in a handful of countries including Algeria, Kuwait and Vietnam, the former of which pulled Barbie from theaters over objections to the movie’s gender and sexuality themes.</p><p>There is a great article <a href="https://screenrant.com/barbie-movie-1-billion-dollars-box-office-reasons/#barbie-39-s-box-office-was-boosted-by-pre-release-hype-amp-marketing" target="_blank">here</a>, that explains why Barbie made $1 Billion in just 3 weeks. So I won't try to write about that...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURa8L4LWjTRmbjeYx4v6ouWMxPl4MazwpCSjam2gg7KA-4qtzgVeisWkKlz1Uqc_EZfzAoUgkaHA2XAVWncQ5iSxG0YezYyhZzzaWGbOVERx0Iri-dHcAKFgAp20n5iCa53rg2ENll6P6WvAEWSkNscXVb6OoM9X92JdIj6p8GgIreIPoiG6wQzvdMDM9/s1763/images%20(7).jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="1175" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURa8L4LWjTRmbjeYx4v6ouWMxPl4MazwpCSjam2gg7KA-4qtzgVeisWkKlz1Uqc_EZfzAoUgkaHA2XAVWncQ5iSxG0YezYyhZzzaWGbOVERx0Iri-dHcAKFgAp20n5iCa53rg2ENll6P6WvAEWSkNscXVb6OoM9X92JdIj6p8GgIreIPoiG6wQzvdMDM9/s320/images%20(7).jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>OK, here we go.... I did not love it. I did not even like it. I did not <i><b>HATE</b></i> it, I just did not... could not... figure out what I was watching. And now I am going to watch it again. <i><b>And, I'll probably watch it more than twice between now and the New Year.</b></i><p></p><p>Wait, what?</p><p>The movie is loaded with so many themes and topics, Barbie is a movie that one needs to rewatch. This is not only thanks to its story, performances, and sense of humor, but to all the details throughout the movie, both in terms of visual design and narrative. There’s a lot to unpack in the Barbie movie. It has themes like gender inequality, the patriarchy, the matriarchy, the struggles of growing up and being an adult, capitalism. Barbie needs to be consumed. Viewers will find something new and interesting in every rewatch. Barbie also has a bunch of Easter eggs that require multiple views to catch them all. And now that it is on Max, you can do all the rewatching you can ask for.</p><p>The world of animated movies has always been a platform for sending messages and holding hidden values. The new Barbie movie is no exception to this concept. While it may seem like a funny, entertaining children’s film, a closer look at the movie uncovers a ton of subtle messages and themes that resound with both early and grown audiences.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWblxQ47nx6X8pjSdD-W8HAiSW2KC_z1qdBkj08V6Vcdh5XT8eWTmiL2vu2cXv_GrnpnGLUmBW7TazQ7u3UkQ2BdhCyLL0JSee7p_Or3SQxWeinYzq7LxW3MnRFnPrAnVMvTFzuCkSAdgeHOJolYf_jizGNQS4ZmbJWWJss65iS6LtZCM-kOsvDNvGTZ3L/s600/rs_1200x1200-230404092828-1200-BARBIE_Character_RYAN_InstaVert_1638x2048_DOM-600x600.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWblxQ47nx6X8pjSdD-W8HAiSW2KC_z1qdBkj08V6Vcdh5XT8eWTmiL2vu2cXv_GrnpnGLUmBW7TazQ7u3UkQ2BdhCyLL0JSee7p_Or3SQxWeinYzq7LxW3MnRFnPrAnVMvTFzuCkSAdgeHOJolYf_jizGNQS4ZmbJWWJss65iS6LtZCM-kOsvDNvGTZ3L/s320/rs_1200x1200-230404092828-1200-BARBIE_Character_RYAN_InstaVert_1638x2048_DOM-600x600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of the main themes in the Barbie movie is self-discovery. Throughout the film, it's all about Barbie’s journey of learning about who she is and her personal growth. At the beginning of the film, Barbie is insecure of herself and who she is in the world. As the story continues, she begins to embrace her individuality and abilities. This sends an influential message to all audiences watching, encouraging them to be themselves, no matter what. Barbie says, “Being different is what makes you special.” This line is one of the film’s messages about self-acceptance and embracing individuality. It teaches children and adults that they should be proud of who they are and that their uniqueness is their strength.<p></p><p>And with that.....</p><p><i><b>I did not know what I did not know.</b></i> At first, I thought the Barbie movie was a simple children’s film, for <i><b>kids</b></i>. And now, I see that was NOT for kids, but for the parents. </p><p>It holds deeper meanings and themes that resonate with both young and adult audiences. From empowerment and self-discovery to challenging gender stereotypes, promoting environmental consciousness, and celebrating friendship and collaboration, the film offers valuable life lessons and messages that can inspire and educate viewers of all ages. By analyzing the evidence from the movie, we can appreciate the thoughtfulness and intention behind its <b>storytelling</b>. The hidden meanings in the new Barbie movie serve as a reminder that animation can be <i><b>a powerful medium</b></i> for conveying important messages and inspiring positive change in our world.</p><p>Ah yes. <b>Storytelling</b>. From playing with dolls (G.I. Joe included) we have been doing <b>storytelling</b> all of our lives. </p><p><i><b>Hey, did you know.... </b></i></p><p>....that “GI Joe” is a household name. Originally, GI stood for “Galvanized Iron”, the primary material used to make military items, i.e., buckets. However, as the military grew and evolved over time, GI took on multiple meanings, including “Government Issue”, “General Issue”, and even “Ground Infantry”.</p><p>Also this: <a href="https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchise/G-I-Joe#tab=summary" target="_blank">Barbie kicked G.I. Joe's A$$</a>. Like, <i><b>really bad. </b></i></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZEJzGZIDB0FAT3HWH6aBE3rrX6iY50KGmC2vQh6t91IkWGq20OQjnkQ-MB9alu4E2Ziu0U883KAvOUEiGM9S1DBH66pVT-WKKE0Va5id6n0k4ZA3wYUK18LNFE6ZCyzoK_aqUvfSXlrPZGQxLpmF405KX5OIqcUIskSiGEqcCLyhKNb2ilkfJ37ZyO9h/s600/f693ecce383bf4ad750bd115f97cf225-600x600.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZEJzGZIDB0FAT3HWH6aBE3rrX6iY50KGmC2vQh6t91IkWGq20OQjnkQ-MB9alu4E2Ziu0U883KAvOUEiGM9S1DBH66pVT-WKKE0Va5id6n0k4ZA3wYUK18LNFE6ZCyzoK_aqUvfSXlrPZGQxLpmF405KX5OIqcUIskSiGEqcCLyhKNb2ilkfJ37ZyO9h/s320/f693ecce383bf4ad750bd115f97cf225-600x600.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Weird Barbie... my favorite.</div><br /><p>Update: I just learned that my wife only played with Skipper - who was created, along with Midge, to counteract criticism that claimed Barbie was a sex symbol. Midge's facial appearance was gentler than Barbie's, whereas Skipper was a response to requests for Barbie to have children; however, instead of having a married, pregnant Barbie, which would make her too domestic, Barbie would babysit Skipper.</p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-28010124969322094072023-12-17T06:18:00.000-08:002023-12-17T16:15:25.518-08:005 pennies for your thoughts <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianC6AIfEyL7V7T0O2s_mYJ5KpL8s9t-x-QHn_fkMa3Fw6CeLVdi-yEE4i_g_F4xxvRrW_omqjrUxjIycrMvvC31gI62jY2R3t5c09w3kDw8geHoKuReeoMHZprWOdCzDp8aaWFWxprGcZTv4Hfrb40AoaIgYXtGQkfHKdGnapZ-U_5na366aXRrvE62KM/s2048/BlueGE_014_1024x1024@2x.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianC6AIfEyL7V7T0O2s_mYJ5KpL8s9t-x-QHn_fkMa3Fw6CeLVdi-yEE4i_g_F4xxvRrW_omqjrUxjIycrMvvC31gI62jY2R3t5c09w3kDw8geHoKuReeoMHZprWOdCzDp8aaWFWxprGcZTv4Hfrb40AoaIgYXtGQkfHKdGnapZ-U_5na366aXRrvE62KM/s320/BlueGE_014_1024x1024@2x.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Ideas people! I need new ideas for Q1 2024.... GO!</p><p><b>Here are 5 but they will cost ya....</b></p><p>What does a penny for your thoughts mean?</p><div>“What's on your mind?” or “Tell me what you are thinking,” especially when someone looks pensive, or they haven't said very much and have been quiet for a while about a specific topic. First used by English statesman Sir Thomas More in his 1522 book Four Last Things, the idiom “A penny for your thoughts” has retained the same meaning for nearly 500 years. In the 16th century, a penny was a lot of money. The phrase means that someone is very curious to know what another person is thinking about. Today we often say it when a person seems to be far away in thought. </div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://tringaliironworks.com/" target="_blank">Tringali Iron Works</a> is going out of business. I know this because I got a postcard in the mail from Bud. You know, Bernard "Bud" Knudsen, the son of Barney Knudsen and Jean Tringali. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY826y1b7UNuADFTgM7TbafCVaPKbPt0t0ezd0KOercamy9Hapz-YA87B7644i-8SaDDQB0oWdhyr39d8CSqEpSCBHZ224fYsG5tVVbpnOajqjPUg0b1OOSvWy6ta_14xmcDk30lXpj9ITuXo_VfbL8ECvyRKAHDzWgmpoFn0NqMEmYIqV0Wsptc0V2A_F/s1245/PXL_20231216_202143334.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1245" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY826y1b7UNuADFTgM7TbafCVaPKbPt0t0ezd0KOercamy9Hapz-YA87B7644i-8SaDDQB0oWdhyr39d8CSqEpSCBHZ224fYsG5tVVbpnOajqjPUg0b1OOSvWy6ta_14xmcDk30lXpj9ITuXo_VfbL8ECvyRKAHDzWgmpoFn0NqMEmYIqV0Wsptc0V2A_F/s320/PXL_20231216_202143334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><i>Well, here's my 2 cents on that news...</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div>In the mid-1920’s Liborio Tringali (Bud Knudsen’s grandfather) emigrated from Italy. He was an experienced blacksmith with a family background in the iron works business. He leased and operated an iron works shop in lower Manhattan in an area called “Tribeca” (Triangle below Canal). In those days this was the center of the wholesale grocery trade with its numerous warehouses, delivery trucks, horse and wagons, and overhead elevated trains.</div><div><br /></div><div>Blacksmithing was commonly associated with horse shoeing. With the location of an iron works shop central to the warehouse district, a large part of work shifted to installation of protective steel plates over wooden warehouse floors in order to facilitate storage and movement of merchandise in the warehouse.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmk_4H0pC2AUgqXXRkOa1AP5mT1SnhKMSHo9DqM5rvLhZZASm4uzkkzK3b8SH9APz6a4idpbsIZ28d6qSrVHH1dzYmPKSnZDcZvsphijaZfMDA6mNwXuDPfJ1_0H2iTHTvTgKjsPQRvljcBzVzeJGfskOh_W2fZLr9dmGCumtxQ8TOjlatkx3rvzTRnhPx/s1245/PXL_20231216_202106640.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1245" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmk_4H0pC2AUgqXXRkOa1AP5mT1SnhKMSHo9DqM5rvLhZZASm4uzkkzK3b8SH9APz6a4idpbsIZ28d6qSrVHH1dzYmPKSnZDcZvsphijaZfMDA6mNwXuDPfJ1_0H2iTHTvTgKjsPQRvljcBzVzeJGfskOh_W2fZLr9dmGCumtxQ8TOjlatkx3rvzTRnhPx/s320/PXL_20231216_202106640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Throughout the 1930’s the scope of the work continued to expand, and included fabrication and installation of custom ornamental iron works, steel stairways, light structural, specialty tools, equipment repair, and mechanical contracting. During this period, the leased building at 401 Greenwich Street was acquired and Tringali Iron Works finally had its own home. When the war broke out in 1941, the business was called upon as a subcontractor to provide specialty steel items for government contracts. To meet production schedules, Jean Tringali (Bud Knudsen’s Mother), a top-notch secretary, pitched in after hours and on weekends as a punch press operator. She recalled her experiences as her contribution to the war effort and the thousands of steel holes she punched in steel plates and parts. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the 1950’s the wholesale grocers gradually located to College Point and as premises were vacated, the lofts were bought and renovated into posh and trendy residences. Since the warehouses are subject to control by the Landmark Commission, very little exterior alteration has been allowed to this day.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymJE98FPEcLhUbfRo67sb89hvVKJx57dmL7iwXfNnQlLBjH4wDGlhMwX7d1SYPyEBxCXWtaJI9cc7S3UBhSo-DY7kR7jmjWMg1chQG8oAHtp88c56gLso-NBZXTq9cdUpb6uEKm8TDRdTh7iizWUGPk43YjQSKtLfy4WHCsCL4M7R31XGO3SfdxwkURTu/s934/PXL_20231216_202443616.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="701" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymJE98FPEcLhUbfRo67sb89hvVKJx57dmL7iwXfNnQlLBjH4wDGlhMwX7d1SYPyEBxCXWtaJI9cc7S3UBhSo-DY7kR7jmjWMg1chQG8oAHtp88c56gLso-NBZXTq9cdUpb6uEKm8TDRdTh7iizWUGPk43YjQSKtLfy4WHCsCL4M7R31XGO3SfdxwkURTu/s320/PXL_20231216_202443616.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>In recent years, Tribecca has been considered to be one of the most desirable areas in New York City and has become the home of many notables. After nearly 75 years, the building from which Tringali Iron Works had operated as a family business through three generations was sold. </div><div><br /></div><div>In April 2000 the business was relocated to historic Boonton Township, New Jersey and continues the family tradition with a greater emphasis on specialty and custom iron works designs under the sole direction of Bernard “Bud” Knudsen as part of that third generation. Gee, I wonder how many <b>metal signs</b> they made, over the last 100 years... </div></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>And now, Bud has announced his retirement. </b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, I met Patty the dog. While walking Konta in the woods, Patty came bounding out of nowhere... and Boom! Instant play date for Konta. And that is how I met Bud's dog... Patty.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh yeah, the postcard. We are on the TIW mailing list. Bud did work for us at the house many (many) years ago... Oh right. Wow, how many times did I walk by their little shop but I never went inside... I always meant to go inside... but I never did. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo97xC1n0N_FnQrXYwK58ASSqVBRqswMxtwHKEKAlqqhqwlDRuzoWdPbraqVLaaKJr5Z276f2TqZVQiokb4vIln7KB-l6YovEUE98k1Yc2C8hsIKZnKZ_hia4pSKIVg0EPZcLy3Dk_0OyFJ1783L7S-hplcgzf3n7aw2qNANugUapMxftj-pWKAawhDKe/s934/PXL_20231216_194905745-COLLAGE%20(1).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="934" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo97xC1n0N_FnQrXYwK58ASSqVBRqswMxtwHKEKAlqqhqwlDRuzoWdPbraqVLaaKJr5Z276f2TqZVQiokb4vIln7KB-l6YovEUE98k1Yc2C8hsIKZnKZ_hia4pSKIVg0EPZcLy3Dk_0OyFJ1783L7S-hplcgzf3n7aw2qNANugUapMxftj-pWKAawhDKe/s320/PXL_20231216_194905745-COLLAGE%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The postcard. The dog Patty. Coincidence? <i><b>A sign?</b></i> I had to hurry to get back home, as the kids were in town for the weekend. They should be at the house by now... "Hey Tommy, TIW is having a retirement sale, right now. You might like want to check it out... might have some tools and whatnot..." Nah. Are you sure? Nah... ah, maybe tomorrow. Ah...hum... OK, let's go. And just like that, off we go to 4 North Main Street BOONTON USA. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh man. <i><b>This place is a time capsule</b></i>. Do you remember Two Guys? Oh man. I had that Marx Presidents display from the 1960's. <i>Oh man, I had that....oh man, I remember this... oh geeze...</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>And then I saw the sign</b>. Wow. It used to cost a nickel to use the bathroom. I remember pay toilets! I also remember how my parents would argue about how men could use the free urinals, while women were forced to pay to use stalls. Therefore those businesses who installed pay toilets were partaking in sexist business practices that were illegal. <b><i>Yeah, Mom was a rebel...</i></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6P7i053-BvoHG5do59sxjkMQw7z7CSzqmyRnNjSu_sjYysSoaz0uaDojZUkbxQu1orjF_1pIh5HuyD0_YE1upgH3ZOzJaOdDKkUPEBKhuz3QgLEDxHeAd1IYjrllC0-9CnbOpaa1b-Zgyb8qSkiLLZdj092S8JHE1zglcVtB1MiAPQ_RzkhwpR7-K-o9/s1245/PXL_20231217_123617033.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1245" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6P7i053-BvoHG5do59sxjkMQw7z7CSzqmyRnNjSu_sjYysSoaz0uaDojZUkbxQu1orjF_1pIh5HuyD0_YE1upgH3ZOzJaOdDKkUPEBKhuz3QgLEDxHeAd1IYjrllC0-9CnbOpaa1b-Zgyb8qSkiLLZdj092S8JHE1zglcVtB1MiAPQ_RzkhwpR7-K-o9/s320/PXL_20231217_123617033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The first pay toilet in the United States was installed in 1910 in Terre Haute, Indiana. These first pay toilets cost a nickel. That would be roughly $3.25 in 2023. As can be expected after these machines were placed nationwide a lot of people started complaining, protesting and even boycotting. Prior to protests, many businesses were making loads of money playing these locks on stalls within bathrooms, or even on the bathroom door. However, once the backlash began these places of business started to lose money as now, nobody went to that location, because of their use of a pay toilet. I remember my Mom making her opinion known like it was yesterday: "We don't go there - they make women pay to pee!" </div><div><br /></div><div>Tommy bought a few things yesterday. I showed him the "Pay Toilet Five Cents" sign. "Ha, I don't think Danielle would find the humor it...." <b><i>Buy it for me, and I'll pay you back. </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryVrf7uh8cc2vuUVoTKshA9f0lqi8ER8P54404lAfL0VtKi6Cb_GFXMBTJ_4duKHCt_R5HHC0rSHCD_RG0pgQVPO5hIyUHbp7OJUjdNP8iR__mrIdRlvypPsmIxilC85aBl8PBtp8raZywxlhf-tDeP0iDdveZCjMKdovYyP5U5_BfQvhwhx7A20Qh7Ha/s4032/PXL_20231217_124525125.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryVrf7uh8cc2vuUVoTKshA9f0lqi8ER8P54404lAfL0VtKi6Cb_GFXMBTJ_4duKHCt_R5HHC0rSHCD_RG0pgQVPO5hIyUHbp7OJUjdNP8iR__mrIdRlvypPsmIxilC85aBl8PBtp8raZywxlhf-tDeP0iDdveZCjMKdovYyP5U5_BfQvhwhx7A20Qh7Ha/s320/PXL_20231217_124525125.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>So now I have the little sign, reminding me about growing up in the 60s in the USA. And going to Two Guys with my mom. And collecting the Marx Presidents, all of them, right up to Kennedy. And then, Lyndon Baines Johnson, often referred to by his initials LBJ. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then, I saw it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Turquoise 1959 General Electric Model T129 AM Radio. The one that Mom had in the kitchen when we lived in Cedar Grove NJ. I remember coming into the kitchen, and seeing my mother crying. Crying so deeply, it was my first true memory. I can still "see it" crystal clear in my mind, even today. When the news came across that GE Radio, that On November 22, 1963, when he was hardly past his first thousand days in office, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was killed by an assassin's bullets as his motorcade wound through Dallas, Texas. Kennedy was the youngest man elected President; he was the youngest to die. My mother, crying. I'll never forget that image. I wanted to buy that Turquoise 1959 General Electric Model T129 AM Radio yesterday. But it was already marked "sold". </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOTA9h2F4Qcpmnz-MsZ5fZpgzjDJr0tMlo-2UrW9ZGMxurNY_Pfl8tXv7gI2gt-DUuDuOz0lawpfCXXxGViKNMuWu-TdhR5X7SfnX6Ywi8gEbu32fUocg9YhthKes8KcfYIFHd34oljRuakTLfmsLwq8GxWoS1EHaUAUxu9EKUcE06rot-u-Fi_ZA24LD/s1245/PXL_20231216_203343498.MP.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1245" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOTA9h2F4Qcpmnz-MsZ5fZpgzjDJr0tMlo-2UrW9ZGMxurNY_Pfl8tXv7gI2gt-DUuDuOz0lawpfCXXxGViKNMuWu-TdhR5X7SfnX6Ywi8gEbu32fUocg9YhthKes8KcfYIFHd34oljRuakTLfmsLwq8GxWoS1EHaUAUxu9EKUcE06rot-u-Fi_ZA24LD/w200-h150/PXL_20231216_203343498.MP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div>My last thought is this: Mom told Patty the dog to fetch me yesterday to come to <i><b>Tringali Iron Works</b></i> retirement sale. And that I should bring her grandson Tommy along, too. The grandson she never met. Yeah, Patty the dog spoke <i>sign language</i> to me yesterday. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Happy Retirement, Bernard "Bud" Knudsen. </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>And thanks Liborio - and Barney and Jean for all the memories. </div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>I'm signing off now...</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1aUYOazhzqgeiGi_hzOcYe6P5Ob-KoI8dNjguC4xWwXWLrK6jq0HOjPx7g8f5oXiKaUtpHAnhr4H3EahYCRYWHmpdDV2hvIR6DTHzhckxx7fDZwRfCWRuhddqgUB4unpLK1mum5mdfZi9BrGyLLd5vZPRpaef0fDmB66w4UrxT4chx8ILYAXA2jH1eyK/s337/Libero-Tringali,-Founder-(Bud's-Grand-Father).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="241" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1aUYOazhzqgeiGi_hzOcYe6P5Ob-KoI8dNjguC4xWwXWLrK6jq0HOjPx7g8f5oXiKaUtpHAnhr4H3EahYCRYWHmpdDV2hvIR6DTHzhckxx7fDZwRfCWRuhddqgUB4unpLK1mum5mdfZi9BrGyLLd5vZPRpaef0fDmB66w4UrxT4chx8ILYAXA2jH1eyK/s320/Libero-Tringali,-Founder-(Bud's-Grand-Father).png" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Liborio Tringali, Founder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tringali Iron Works</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/LQqYqARrDX6L2p6aA" target="_blank">Here's more pics from the day........ </a> <<< click here</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzDMrtxNDwKQzQb58vCStfuo-1EMwQhRH8Gb5Icbg_43sFHETWaZsBkwMc8nRzitjKkYUlsm5bd3fAOsi7rE8pdxbDyNXA1P96XXEqkjGaPzeWiclzks46JvsCKENIlj6z_4RLp1DuT89HpKrzxH3iPkgJijcFYWD8NnB42i0QiTypfs_9K66SPdYJFdC/s241/The-Shop2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="241" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzDMrtxNDwKQzQb58vCStfuo-1EMwQhRH8Gb5Icbg_43sFHETWaZsBkwMc8nRzitjKkYUlsm5bd3fAOsi7rE8pdxbDyNXA1P96XXEqkjGaPzeWiclzks46JvsCKENIlj6z_4RLp1DuT89HpKrzxH3iPkgJijcFYWD8NnB42i0QiTypfs_9K66SPdYJFdC/s1600/The-Shop2.png" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 North Main Street BOONTON USA</div><br /><div><br /></div>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-73569766678766917902023-12-10T03:07:00.000-08:002023-12-10T04:56:42.319-08:00Read the room<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXYE4vb78Na5iosNKQeOJ66-7by8zCtNLDOrq_ddJgj29q2hDrvvgzbnR8DrUsZ-_oY-p2rEcgL9duOfepeNt-Kl-ZCyYHEklaosC6-fH9wxvEFs6X-3nYJWCrzXNO6AW-aDWU-bVy3CeS-HK-1GQLOgAU3tCYC4Bxpip8PO8yDihsLAmW7XUS3Wwpk4e/s2560/chat-gpt-1.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXYE4vb78Na5iosNKQeOJ66-7by8zCtNLDOrq_ddJgj29q2hDrvvgzbnR8DrUsZ-_oY-p2rEcgL9duOfepeNt-Kl-ZCyYHEklaosC6-fH9wxvEFs6X-3nYJWCrzXNO6AW-aDWU-bVy3CeS-HK-1GQLOgAU3tCYC4Bxpip8PO8yDihsLAmW7XUS3Wwpk4e/s320/chat-gpt-1.webp" width="320" /></a></i></div><i><br /></i><p><i><b>How fast can a human read?</b></i></p><p>The speed at which a person can read varies widely and depends on factors such as reading proficiency, comprehension goals, and the complexity of the material. On average, an adult reading silently can process around 200 to 300 words per minute (wpm). However, highly skilled readers, such as speed readers, can read much faster, often exceeding 1000 wpm or more. It's important to note that increasing reading speed may come at the expense of comprehension, so individuals often need to find a balance that suits their specific reading goals. Additionally, factors like text difficulty, font size, and familiarity with the content can also influence reading speed.</p><p><b><i>Ok, how fast can a human listen?</i></b></p><p>The speed at which a person can hear and process spoken language is generally referred to as the "speech perception rate." On average, the typical rate of speech for English speakers is around 150 to 160 words per minute (wpm). However, people can understand and process speech at different rates, and individual preferences or comprehension abilities may vary. It's worth noting that while speech perception rate is one aspect, the overall understanding of spoken language involves not just the speed but also factors like clarity, accent, vocabulary, and the listener's familiarity with the language or topic being discussed. Additionally, some individuals may have specific skills or training that allow them to process spoken information more quickly.</p><p>In contrast to reading, where individuals can control the pace, the speed of speech is typically set by the speaker, <i>and listeners need to adapt to that pace.</i></p><p><i><b>Where are you going with this, Tom?</b></i></p><p>I have a friend who has a company that makes <i><b>PowerPoints</b></i>. If you don't know, Microsoft PowerPoint is a presentation program developed by Microsoft as part of the Microsoft Office suite. It is a widely used software for creating and delivering presentations. PowerPoint allows users to create slideshows that can include text, images, charts, graphs, audio, video, and other multimedia elements. PowerPoint is widely used in business, education, and other settings where presentations are a common way to convey information. It has become a standard tool for creating and delivering slideshows in a professional and visually appealing manner.</p><p>Here is the thing: when a really big company needs a PowerPoint, they hire my friend's company. And they pay, let's just say, <b><i>big bucks</i></b>. Because: they need that PowerPoint to be - <i><b>perfect</b></i>. We joke, maybe his company should be called <i><b>PerfectPoint</b></i>. </p><p>It made pause and think: what is it (exactly) that makes someone <b>outsource</b> the creation a PowerPoint - <i>and pay significantly for it</i>? And what makes a PowerPoint presentation - <i><b>perfect</b></i>? If a big company was making a presentation (to investors, to customers, to vendors, whatever) and they feel that this presentation needs to "go perfectly" they <i><b>invest</b></i> in the presentation. They leave no stone unturned, they leave nothing to chance - <b><i>"we need this meeting to be perfect!"</i></b> [ can you not "feel" someone saying that out loud in a conference room to their team? ]</p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbwO0XcVY-S2cmcBj9yHhHnms41KWGvBYGMBBfgfj2yx49X5IzKVokanE2ziI2sUor6rs0K9sIlRlnuucyjJ-QKVd7pciRXSpyxMbVLsR0w-T6xUoqHzn0szpZ1FM-9WHvvYoF3y1m7vMeqMt-HVu640YL_chq0RVbpF7zHTaJiFz8hxaB98RpG8Gbp5n/s2560/ChatGPT_lead-scaled.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2560" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbwO0XcVY-S2cmcBj9yHhHnms41KWGvBYGMBBfgfj2yx49X5IzKVokanE2ziI2sUor6rs0K9sIlRlnuucyjJ-QKVd7pciRXSpyxMbVLsR0w-T6xUoqHzn0szpZ1FM-9WHvvYoF3y1m7vMeqMt-HVu640YL_chq0RVbpF7zHTaJiFz8hxaB98RpG8Gbp5n/s320/ChatGPT_lead-scaled.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div><i>OK, land the plane Tom....</i><p></p><p>Let's do <b>learning</b>. </p><p>Do you <i><b>NEED</b></i> to learn something? Or, do you <i><b>want</b></i> to learn something? Or, are you just<i> 'moderately interested'</i> in something? What comes to your mind first - do you Google it, do you buy a book on it, do you find it on YouTube, do you take a course on it on Udemy, do you hire a teacher, trainer, coach? Do you seek a mentor on it? Do you pay <b>tuition</b>, maybe thousands of dollars to learn it - whatever "<b><i>it</i></b>" is? </p><p>And here comes...... AI.</p><p><i><b>Hey ChatGTP 3.5 - how can I make a perfect PowerPoint?</b></i></p><p>Creating a "perfect" PowerPoint presentation involves a combination of design principles, content organization, and effective delivery. Here are some tips to help you create an impactful PowerPoint presentation:</p><p>1. **Understand Your Audience:**</p><p> - Consider the needs and expectations of your audience.</p><p> - Tailor your content to be relevant and engaging for them.</p><p>2. **Define Your Purpose:**</p><p> - Clearly define the purpose of your presentation.</p><p> - Know the key message or takeaway you want your audience to remember.</p><p>3. **Plan and Outline:**</p><p> - Create a clear and logical structure for your presentation.</p><p> - Develop an outline that includes an introduction, main points, and a conclusion.</p><p>4. **Limit Text:**</p><p> - Avoid cluttered slides with too much text.</p><p> - Use concise bullet points and focus on key messages.</p><p> - Use visuals to complement your points.</p><p>5. **Engaging Visuals:**</p><p> - Use high-quality images, charts, and graphs to enhance understanding.</p><p> - Ensure visuals are relevant and directly support your content.</p><p>6. **Consistent Design:**</p><p> - Use a consistent design theme throughout your presentation.</p><p> - Choose a readable font, and stick to a color scheme that is professional and easy on the eyes.</p><p>7. **Simple Transitions and Animations:**</p><p> - Use slide transitions and animations sparingly.</p><p> - Avoid distracting effects that may take away from the content.</p><p>8. **Practice Moderation with Bullet Points:**</p><p> - Limit the number of bullet points on each slide.</p><p> - Focus on key messages to keep your audience engaged.</p><p>9. **Speak Clearly and Concisely:**</p><p> - Practice your verbal delivery to ensure clarity and confidence.</p><p> - Avoid reading directly from the slides; use them as visual aids.</p><p>10. **Include White Space:**</p><p> - Allow for white space on your slides to prevent visual clutter.</p><p> - White space helps maintain a clean and professional look.</p><p>11. **Check for Consistency:**</p><p> - Ensure consistency in formatting, font sizes, and image styles.</p><p> - Double-check for typos and grammatical errors.</p><p>12. **Use Templates Wisely:**</p><p> - Templates can be helpful, but be cautious not to overuse flashy templates that distract from your content.</p><p> - Customize templates to suit your presentation's needs.</p><p>13. **Interactive Elements (if applicable):**</p><p> - Include interactive elements like quizzes, polls, or discussions if they align with your presentation goals.</p><p>14. **Know Your Tech:**</p><p> - Familiarize yourself with the presentation venue's technology in advance.</p><p> - Test your presentation on the actual equipment you'll be using.</p><p>15. **Seek Feedback:**</p><p> - Before your presentation, seek feedback from colleagues or friends.</p><p> - Adjust your presentation based on their suggestions.</p><p>Remember that the "perfect" PowerPoint presentation can vary based on the context and audience. It's essential to be adaptable and responsive to the specific needs of your presentation and the people you are presenting to.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEpgLJUO1wVexR211dwOaz3LKsQouj3BEa0KNMP7rUMfGBgsomAQF2F2zMdnxGlnX0XdMPrfnpd7g18AqmqAYwaYO0snz_VgL-C3-oKmihZ_ZNeLlmkG4ky5YgI2KCAmp2pvPh9u2ayuIdYPuwFGw_WT-uNWJ-ped7YRyRip9dVlsIRpI2PsXfAgboPqA/s308/images%20(6).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="308" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEpgLJUO1wVexR211dwOaz3LKsQouj3BEa0KNMP7rUMfGBgsomAQF2F2zMdnxGlnX0XdMPrfnpd7g18AqmqAYwaYO0snz_VgL-C3-oKmihZ_ZNeLlmkG4ky5YgI2KCAmp2pvPh9u2ayuIdYPuwFGw_WT-uNWJ-ped7YRyRip9dVlsIRpI2PsXfAgboPqA/s1600/images%20(6).jpeg" width="308" /></a></div><br /><p><i><b>OK, thanks! Ah, hey ChatGTP 3.5 - go make me a perfect PowerPoint!</b></i></p><p><i>ChatGPT says: I'm sorry for any confusion, but I can't create files, including PowerPoint presentations, for you. However, I can help guide you on how to create a great PowerPoint presentation. If you have a specific topic or content you'd like assistance with, feel free to provide details, and I can offer guidance on structuring your presentation, designing slides, or any other related aspect.</i></p><p><i><b>Ahem. "OK, Google, how do I use AI to make perfect PowerPoint presentations? </b></i></p><p><i>Good Morning, Thomas. There are <b>many solutions to use AI to create perfect PowerPoints.</b> Here are the top ten results: Presentation.AI. Beautiful.AI. Kroma.AI. Designs.AI. DeckRobot. Vennage. Pitch. Slidebean. Slidesgo. Wepik. </i></p><p style="text-align: center;">*****</p><p style="text-align: left;">My friend's company that makes the <i><b>Perfect PowerPoints</b></i> already knows all of the above. And, the big companies that pay my friend's company the "big bucks" to make the Perfect PowerPoints <i><b>also</b></i> already know all of the above. Ah, will my friend go out of business - or will his '<i>PerfectPoint'</i> business GROW - <b><i>because</i></b> of AI? </p><p style="text-align: left;">As with all learning, we have <i><b>choices</b></i>. We can invest the time and money to learn it ourselves, or we can pay someone to do it for us. We learn things because we NEED to learn them, or simply because we are <i>interested</i>. Maybe we are just curious. But one thing is for certain: AI is not going to take your job, but someone who has MASTERED AI is going to take your job. Or take your clients and customers. Or win over your paying students. If you are a teacher, trainer, coach - you will soon become very aware of this new reality in <b>learning</b>, the new world of knowledge transfer. The new reality of <i><b>Subject Matter Mastery</b></i>. (Think Luke Skywalker <b><i>AND</i></b> *R2-D2, a <i>team</i>). And, I think this shall be true in 2024, and for at least a few years. Until of course, <i><b>Quantum Computing</b></i> becomes commonplace.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Go Google Quantum Computing. Go ahead, you know you want to.... you are....<i><b>curious</b></i>, right?</p><p>Class dismissed. <i>Or is it? </i></p><p><i>In fact, shall <b>class</b> ever be <b>dismissed</b>, ever again? </i></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFbrTDL5YYVdF_mpfLgDgZwfir5eFxF23VFxb_OgFuWCJ8PFEtL4QTaoh-aLX0o9lAi1JXyeFz8j-IJH4_jIWq2T8u3p_c_iGgUWKhrshjjqN93NqWdzNZUl1ffml1yD05ggpEPEF8puvijldxpbiCoQ2BXqeCGZebRNHVbZljFCkEpdunqMXuAsW4mHc/s293/R2-D2_Droid.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="220" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFbrTDL5YYVdF_mpfLgDgZwfir5eFxF23VFxb_OgFuWCJ8PFEtL4QTaoh-aLX0o9lAi1JXyeFz8j-IJH4_jIWq2T8u3p_c_iGgUWKhrshjjqN93NqWdzNZUl1ffml1yD05ggpEPEF8puvijldxpbiCoQ2BXqeCGZebRNHVbZljFCkEpdunqMXuAsW4mHc/s1600/R2-D2_Droid.png" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">*R2-D2 stands for Second Generation Robotic Droid Series-2, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">according to a Star Wars encyclopedia published after the release of the film Star Wars. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I Googled it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-12836784573039656332023-12-03T05:11:00.000-08:002023-12-03T07:59:31.121-08:00Charlie Says...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUkXw_mF3-7W9M0mwI0wiDVEwzU0NwkvTbXU6xTIzePGG5_-m_cO1izpeIlXgFkIp0-m-DBeZThJPG7e0KsNofwigFArq19LtkiERIrG0QosgxJ-EjSWTxy-WqWu-va27jaxuvU3MrIGWgRwDj4suaTOSfvaPSy8hzQlgCXqoQ7ZTNjDFrJlH9ehfhox0/s750/5f2d3ce610ff923260a34ff3_Charlie-Munger-Quotes-Final.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUkXw_mF3-7W9M0mwI0wiDVEwzU0NwkvTbXU6xTIzePGG5_-m_cO1izpeIlXgFkIp0-m-DBeZThJPG7e0KsNofwigFArq19LtkiERIrG0QosgxJ-EjSWTxy-WqWu-va27jaxuvU3MrIGWgRwDj4suaTOSfvaPSy8hzQlgCXqoQ7ZTNjDFrJlH9ehfhox0/s320/5f2d3ce610ff923260a34ff3_Charlie-Munger-Quotes-Final.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Starting in the mid-19th century United States, newspaper street vendors would shout "Extra! Extra! Read all about it!" when selling newspapers. This became a catchphrase often used to introduce events into a narrative in films.</p><p>When I was growing up, "<a href="http://www.rif.org" target="_blank">Reading Is Fundamental</a>" was a very popular catchphrase. Instilling a love of reading early gives a child a head start on expanding their vocabulary and building independence and self-confidence. It helps children learn to make sense not only of the world around them but also people, building social-emotional skills and of course, imagination. </p><p>Why is reading good for you? Reading is good for you because it improves your focus, memory, empathy, and communication skills. It can reduce stress, improve your mental health, and help you live longer. Reading also allows you to learn new things to help you succeed in your work and relationships. </p><p>Reading is important because it develops your mind and gives you excessive knowledge and lessons of life. It helps you understand the world around you better. It keeps your mind active and enhances your creative ability. Also, reading improves your vocabulary and develops your communication skills.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYQC6gnwIiXKbi0sEf6HkAbn1gUtmp6GKErOhjVvAgSbfsV4ae2HPB-SgC8aNbhk__SpPfgimIHiiO5atWUDdhbOYB0AYj2hOMr-WQUAjiDiqcPuwzeP5B5QnDGXPkkX67pTSQvGWNqxJ9Y2FVVLoubLE3NVHclDRfIcWyVs4GVBsh38nUujgJQ1hk-Gx/s1024/charlie-munger-reads-1024x683.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsYQC6gnwIiXKbi0sEf6HkAbn1gUtmp6GKErOhjVvAgSbfsV4ae2HPB-SgC8aNbhk__SpPfgimIHiiO5atWUDdhbOYB0AYj2hOMr-WQUAjiDiqcPuwzeP5B5QnDGXPkkX67pTSQvGWNqxJ9Y2FVVLoubLE3NVHclDRfIcWyVs4GVBsh38nUujgJQ1hk-Gx/s320/charlie-munger-reads-1024x683.webp" width="320" /></a></div>My Sunday Blog today is in memory of one of my heroes, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Munger" target="_blank">Charlie Munger</a>, who passed away this week.<p></p><p>"I think a life properly lived is just learn, learn, learn all the time."</p><p>"You should never, when faced with one unbelievable tragedy, let one tragedy increase into two or three because of a failure of will."</p><p>"Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up. Discharge your duties faithfully and well. Systematically you get ahead, but not necessarily in fast spurts. Nevertheless, you build discipline by preparing for fast spurts. Slug it out one inch at a time, day by day. At the end of the day – if you live long enough – most people get what they deserve."</p><p>"It is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be very intelligent." </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1nm3yRZgaNDc_e6aImxorntub8qGYXJX1yc8GJ6p_Bkqg9Mv7vpKpyAgWIL09QIUSTufKPbchzaxfPRUVTgG78FYu1fTHIeCHIYrbvZI6Sw9wvly5NPnXydG1_GK0G60-QmSd2ohf3WhKBQIfh3Z-qJsZl5JEYZ1NjiTJ0Wsv6c6ivf__JX3kfSwx7s3/s275/download%20(8).jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1nm3yRZgaNDc_e6aImxorntub8qGYXJX1yc8GJ6p_Bkqg9Mv7vpKpyAgWIL09QIUSTufKPbchzaxfPRUVTgG78FYu1fTHIeCHIYrbvZI6Sw9wvly5NPnXydG1_GK0G60-QmSd2ohf3WhKBQIfh3Z-qJsZl5JEYZ1NjiTJ0Wsv6c6ivf__JX3kfSwx7s3/s1600/download%20(8).jpeg" width="275" /></a></div>"Take a simple idea, and take it seriously." <p></p><p>"I see people rise in life who are not the smartest, sometimes not even the most diligent, but they are learning machines. They go to bed every night a little wiser than they were when they got up and boy does that help." </p><p>"I didn't get to where I am by going after mediocre opportunities." </p><p>"I want to think about things where I have an advantage over others. I don't want to play a game where people have an advantage over me. I don't play in a game where other people are wise and I am stupid. I look for a game where I am wise, and they are stupid. And believe me, it works better. God bless our stupid competitors. They make us rich." </p><p><b><i>And finally:</i></b></p><p>"I am not smart enough to make decisions with no time to think. I make actual decisions very rapidly, but that's because I have spent so much time preparing ourselves by <i><b>quietly reading</b></i>."</p><p>— Charlie Munger</p><p>Ah yes, <b><i>reading</i></b>. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCcvmK28Kgt6aHnhZbDxO58k_-IoXB9VP6ENuyUx3QQvpFHNTLm1L1vgKatH7FLchMkz05gM2XQUHusgWL7A0bTfk3EopJH3xB64Bh1AmiNO4FS-gSyXZohL8IBUhqSqrXQUObEnkdATp1o4fRyTLxlx3JMKpMCmEQNcpBmlBho613nQ28gd62xazCB8c/s1920/charlie-munger-quotes-01.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCcvmK28Kgt6aHnhZbDxO58k_-IoXB9VP6ENuyUx3QQvpFHNTLm1L1vgKatH7FLchMkz05gM2XQUHusgWL7A0bTfk3EopJH3xB64Bh1AmiNO4FS-gSyXZohL8IBUhqSqrXQUObEnkdATp1o4fRyTLxlx3JMKpMCmEQNcpBmlBho613nQ28gd62xazCB8c/s320/charlie-munger-quotes-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In his 50s, after a failed eye cataract surgery that rendered his left eye blind, Munger had his left eye removed due to severe pain. When doctors told him that he had developed a condition that may cause his remaining eye to fill up with blood and become blind too, <b>Munger started taking braille lessons</b>. The eye condition eventually receded and he kept eyesight in his right eye for the rest of his life. To one of the most wealthy men in the world - his most precious thing in his life - much more than money - was <i><b><a href="https://www.rightattitudes.com/2017/01/24/charlie-munger-lessons-on-adversity/" target="_blank">reading</a></b></i>. <div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY8Iv07DroOu9TTwC64FkZRHOiycEHOpiBPzHfSUuOYFjs0HVHWfJBqR3wVRtisPnVecGwCc2skLA8_f7_kGl9w9gNL1_smCRtI6kyq3QieLUazWVugIe95EYv2lo18R4H4jnOJDTa-bTBnfkKY_SVfmlMS_ALuji4nhWESpyOTDTubKWzfbegIjNnIe1/s678/Screenshot%202023-12-03%20at%206.21.14%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="678" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY8Iv07DroOu9TTwC64FkZRHOiycEHOpiBPzHfSUuOYFjs0HVHWfJBqR3wVRtisPnVecGwCc2skLA8_f7_kGl9w9gNL1_smCRtI6kyq3QieLUazWVugIe95EYv2lo18R4H4jnOJDTa-bTBnfkKY_SVfmlMS_ALuji4nhWESpyOTDTubKWzfbegIjNnIe1/s320/Screenshot%202023-12-03%20at%206.21.14%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>For years, I ran <a href="http://MyTeachingPartners.com">MyTeachingPartners.com</a> which was bought by the <a href="http://nydla.org" target="_blank">Distance Learning Association</a> in 2010. Since 2012 we have been advocates of Distance Learning becoming <b>DIGITAL</b> Learning, and now, we feel it is all just <b><i>DIGITAL LIVING</i></b>. It only hit me last week, that <b>reading</b> is the key to education - reading is the key to lifelong learning. </p><p><i>Reading is the key to quality of life. </i></p><p>This month, we launched our partnership with <b><i>Perlego</i></b> making their online library of books, academic texts and tools (trusted by students worldwide) a <a href="http://www.nydla.org" target="_blank">value-added member benefit of the DLA</a>. The idea for Perlego was born when the founders were struggling with the cost of textbooks as students. From that first search for a more affordable alternative, Perlego has grown into a business that is breaking down the barriers to education for students <b>globally</b>.</p><p>Ah yes. <i><b>Unlimited access to millions of textbooks.</b></i> Read from anywhere, on your smartphone, tablet or computer. <i><b>Helping another human being to know more, to do more, to be more. </b></i></p><p><i>I think that good ol' Charlie Munger would approve. </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQgfB_Y3W95BW25S6dvbiM-6CGMxPRKU4H6OGVNzXxAYr0oELI_PlBOaaZHg3bKWKLtLkezUy2yx8enBnfIyLdmc-gsF9klaETZ6QnB_7u6L3SdubZnmlunKmUR6-pGt4jHDcuVKMf11V5QB7ZLN5IMIIPWpkmEaOu97Wkt6f8i6jpYqZc6SjoiYWI6cF/s1200/C86E3nhUQAA1HjV.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQgfB_Y3W95BW25S6dvbiM-6CGMxPRKU4H6OGVNzXxAYr0oELI_PlBOaaZHg3bKWKLtLkezUy2yx8enBnfIyLdmc-gsF9klaETZ6QnB_7u6L3SdubZnmlunKmUR6-pGt4jHDcuVKMf11V5QB7ZLN5IMIIPWpkmEaOu97Wkt6f8i6jpYqZc6SjoiYWI6cF/s320/C86E3nhUQAA1HjV.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.joinnydla.org" target="_blank">www.JoinNYDLA.org </a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-91971040290310949162023-11-26T04:44:00.000-08:002023-11-26T05:22:18.470-08:00Slightly Blackened Sunday <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1NjuuxagHGy3uVbW4XGzuf9nccoPY-jDdTuhY7xnUTHnqqEg6jt1umd13PKB_fj1iWdMwHcEWek1tmPgyHTDPXndvdLOZRSSFgaCNG2aMnbXks54l5heJnhUZJd95aobkoEZIa2UiLlVRJ61rwrsbS3zMpbun4LGrhS1t0WCgpsVVyUXBqzqKZdJ4cDM/s300/images%20(5).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1NjuuxagHGy3uVbW4XGzuf9nccoPY-jDdTuhY7xnUTHnqqEg6jt1umd13PKB_fj1iWdMwHcEWek1tmPgyHTDPXndvdLOZRSSFgaCNG2aMnbXks54l5heJnhUZJd95aobkoEZIa2UiLlVRJ61rwrsbS3zMpbun4LGrhS1t0WCgpsVVyUXBqzqKZdJ4cDM/s1600/images%20(5).jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>The first recorded use of the term “Black Friday” was applied not to post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping but to financial crisis: specifically, the crash of the U.S. gold market on September 24, 1869. Two notoriously ruthless Wall Street financiers, Jay Gould and Jim Fisk, worked together to buy up as much as they could of the nation’s gold, hoping to drive the price sky-high and sell it for astonishing profits. On that Friday in September, the conspiracy finally unraveled, sending the stock market into free-fall and bankrupting everyone from Wall Street barons to farmers.</p><p>The most commonly repeated story behind the Thanksgiving shopping-related Black Friday tradition links it to retailers. As the story goes, after an entire year of operating at a loss (“in the red”) stores would supposedly earn a profit (“went into the black”) on the day after Thanksgiving, because holiday shoppers blew so much money on discounted merchandise. Though it’s true that retail companies used to record losses in red and profits in black when doing their accounting, this version of Black Friday’s origin is the officially sanctioned—but inaccurate—story behind the tradition.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi1qlSbd_Wx0Q8AzfKFYXS-omQLi3BPqxCBUTAhwhnFBwCMSA3OhumozldN0bNp3LApFiOLFEOENyrIRtHW7iqTd6TI2GbMi29mH5lKbyvQbKz-RVYKGSwo2ai7pCRfe1h83UuV5nxhD4YxK8JL0ED-0mCOkd47qdyamaQrtnogBqWlK3-JmnGgfceB4V/s1200/5000.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi1qlSbd_Wx0Q8AzfKFYXS-omQLi3BPqxCBUTAhwhnFBwCMSA3OhumozldN0bNp3LApFiOLFEOENyrIRtHW7iqTd6TI2GbMi29mH5lKbyvQbKz-RVYKGSwo2ai7pCRfe1h83UuV5nxhD4YxK8JL0ED-0mCOkd47qdyamaQrtnogBqWlK3-JmnGgfceB4V/s320/5000.webp" width="320" /></a></div>The real history behind Black Friday, however, is not as sunny as retailers might have you believe. Back in the 1950s, police in the city of Philadelphia used the term to describe the chaos that ensued on the day after Thanksgiving, when hordes of suburban shoppers and tourists flooded into the city in advance of the big Army-Navy football game held on that Saturday every year. Not only were Philly cops not able to take the day off, but they had to work extra-long shifts dealing with the additional crowds and traffic. Shoplifters also took advantage of the bedlam in stores and made off with merchandise, adding to the law enforcement headache.<p></p><p>By 1961, “Black Friday” had caught on in Philadelphia, to the extent that the city’s merchants and boosters tried unsuccessfully to change it to <b><i>“Big Friday”</i></b> in order to remove the negative connotations. The term didn’t spread to the rest of the country until much later, however, and as recently as 1985 it wasn’t in common use nationwide. Sometime in the late 1980s, however, retailers found a way to reinvent Black Friday and turn it into something that reflected positively, rather than negatively, on them and their customers. The result was the <b><i>“red to black”</i></b> concept of the holiday mentioned earlier, and the notion that the day after Thanksgiving marked the occasion when America’s stores finally turned a profit. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AOplvyouutiAC-fAI5KPxDOfol5AhYWzdUW0gq6oQaOETgcvCHaH5KvqcxWbeTUWvAZ_me7pNb_5887l7DcMZxE2003ERF5ockCmzoXnmR1F1iYgGwdNj9D-eFeCb5-zIJRtbAuUZvDjI_dwVjSFO2LDOqJvgsJKa0EpuEGnOvS2ggA18z4MP1zumJxD/s4488/105591268-1543156642887gettyimages-1064543724.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="4488" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AOplvyouutiAC-fAI5KPxDOfol5AhYWzdUW0gq6oQaOETgcvCHaH5KvqcxWbeTUWvAZ_me7pNb_5887l7DcMZxE2003ERF5ockCmzoXnmR1F1iYgGwdNj9D-eFeCb5-zIJRtbAuUZvDjI_dwVjSFO2LDOqJvgsJKa0EpuEGnOvS2ggA18z4MP1zumJxD/s320/105591268-1543156642887gettyimages-1064543724.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The Black Friday story stuck, and pretty soon the term’s darker roots in Philadelphia were largely forgotten. Since then, the one-day sales bonanza has morphed into a four-day event, and spawned other “retail holidays” such as <b><i>Small Business Saturday/Sunday and Cyber Monday</i></b>. Stores started opening earlier and earlier on that Friday, and now the most dedicated shoppers can head out right after their Thanksgiving meal.<p></p><p>OK, the above <i><b>AI generated History Lesson of Black Friday</b></i> is now over. Did you buy anything on Black Friday? Did you watch the Amazon Prime NFL Black Friday game, full of QR codes? How many Black Friday Deals have now been EXTENDED, making the <b><i>sense of urgency</i></b> to spend $$$ on THAT DAY and at THAT TIME <b><i>moot?</i></b></p><p><b><i>What is the opposite of Black Friday?</i></b></p><p>In North America, the United Kingdom, Finland and Sweden, <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buy_Nothing_Day" target="_blank">Buy Nothing Day</a></b> is held the day after U.S. Thanksgiving, concurrent with Black Friday; elsewhere, it is held the following day, which is the last Saturday in November. How about the <i><b>Buy Nothing Coat Exchange</b></i>: Four states, including Utah, hold winter coat exchange programs as an alternative to Black Friday shopping.</p><p><b><i>I write this Sunday Blog sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. </i></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAM0NvUx-XpaEG3SgnqHV8Bkefu_1MbPnEEthVLFtZP1ribA-TqobIvNFrF7F6NqU_YZGiAxTeJbBKJZwb_0bgAEWHkvDkcS9D4H8SmAjPUSrMUTas2XUQjdRacGOK0dXEUd09wM8rZBs38GKUtBQ-U-tPk5c0rItvTh7nDFZXgq-To1tFhD_eRC6W1pt/s228/images.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="221" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAM0NvUx-XpaEG3SgnqHV8Bkefu_1MbPnEEthVLFtZP1ribA-TqobIvNFrF7F6NqU_YZGiAxTeJbBKJZwb_0bgAEWHkvDkcS9D4H8SmAjPUSrMUTas2XUQjdRacGOK0dXEUd09wM8rZBs38GKUtBQ-U-tPk5c0rItvTh7nDFZXgq-To1tFhD_eRC6W1pt/s1600/images.png" width="221" /></a></div>Cyber Monday is a marketing term for e-commerce transactions on the Monday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It was created by retailers to encourage people to shop online. The term was coined by Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation and Scott Silverman, and made its debut on November 28, 2005, in a Shop.org press release entitled "'Cyber Monday' Quickly Becoming One of the Biggest Online Shopping Days of the Year". Cyber Monday takes place the Monday after Thanksgiving; the date falls between November 26 and December 2, depending on the year.<p></p><p>Cyber Monday has become the online equivalent to Black Friday and offers a way for smaller retail websites to compete with larger chains. Since its inception, it has become an international marketing term used by online retailers around the world.</p><p>It was not too many years ago, that my two sons would go to Best Buy <b>on Black Friday</b> at the crack of dawn (with my credit card) and I would say "Bring back something good!" And then, it became "We're off to Best Buy..." ON THANKSGIVING DAY, right after the Pumpkin Pie was served. </p><p>Well, whatever "Holiday" you celebrate (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, EXTENDED BLACK FRIDAY...) my only tip to you is this: never buy the extended warranty. <i>That's for chumps. </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictDPYPTiHx_gbAWdAudM8oD63HnxCVjvOtAX6qsVDonS4Cx3JSQki3VBTWIoDndmhlsGaO9QtnPPxEhYpWqJoy9r3xfgLDDtUOhz16J0bljleCfyekT83o2Osx-MPG8SPXl9KmF3CGg64K_Z6SE0P9q7Q3XATpI6D1LRVsWd-mS0acD8i0L_lHDUtury2/s1409/black-friday-hero.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="1409" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictDPYPTiHx_gbAWdAudM8oD63HnxCVjvOtAX6qsVDonS4Cx3JSQki3VBTWIoDndmhlsGaO9QtnPPxEhYpWqJoy9r3xfgLDDtUOhz16J0bljleCfyekT83o2Osx-MPG8SPXl9KmF3CGg64K_Z6SE0P9q7Q3XATpI6D1LRVsWd-mS0acD8i0L_lHDUtury2/s320/black-friday-hero.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-33860652210389670492023-11-12T03:36:00.000-08:002023-11-12T06:57:30.325-08:00Would you like fries with that 5G?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gVixHeUi_CiUMhZjQY2j65rbkHMhYnGuSdaK68r1pAdtEl8FyQZgONsce8zImSBjJhag_DcEbUGCxfB5JzLsWMpa3bg3inoxqrkK8AszR3XpifjFeji3E8_D_rc_hq8ZWO6D34LY1GMGyFvWYrcQoxp5Bu9uvoWnuC6wmBQv7SDrL9Wf8zzVA6II5tha/s1000/621fbec475b649001845bb6e.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gVixHeUi_CiUMhZjQY2j65rbkHMhYnGuSdaK68r1pAdtEl8FyQZgONsce8zImSBjJhag_DcEbUGCxfB5JzLsWMpa3bg3inoxqrkK8AszR3XpifjFeji3E8_D_rc_hq8ZWO6D34LY1GMGyFvWYrcQoxp5Bu9uvoWnuC6wmBQv7SDrL9Wf8zzVA6II5tha/s320/621fbec475b649001845bb6e.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p>McDonald's sold its 100 millionth burger in 1958 and surpassed 400 million two years later. It hit 700 million burgers by 1962, and the billionth burger was served in 1963 on the Art Linkletter TV show.</p><p><b><i>When did McDonald's change from millions to billions?</i></b></p><p>“Over 99 Billion Sold.” That's been McDonald's line since April 1994, when it stopped updating the number. History Of The Number: Ray Kroc Began posting the number of total hamburgers sold on their signs in 1955 when Ray Kroc bought his first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines Illinois. At that time the number on the sign was Over 1 Million Served.</p><p><b>McDonald's Sign Milestones</b></p><p>1955 - 1 million (Ray Kroc's first McDonald's opens in Illinois)</p><p>1956 - 5 million</p><p>1960 - 400 million</p><p>1963 - 1 Billion (served by Ray Kroc himself on National TV)</p><p>1969 - 5 Billion</p><p>1976 - 20 Billion</p><p>1984 - 50 Billion</p><p>1987 - 65 Billion</p><p>1990 - 80 Billion</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIcWxipvouyyfTrRYDSdpZmwqlkM1ujl5J42G7m7QNYlz3Bndi7Z-inky6hvsZs1sLNmpmu40F65nw78dbqyA2dn8nHPFtbNtZwR6LWwSWsiOIqiqt1fYVbY-rWEBE3_Vq__oJCc2U9VZi3FbG0yCtIHe8FII4MQMYxuJzUyUQP0U1tvUY4qPmnN4dJ_r/s4256/4RGTB5ESUNBPVJJEVPHRZ5OHVY.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIcWxipvouyyfTrRYDSdpZmwqlkM1ujl5J42G7m7QNYlz3Bndi7Z-inky6hvsZs1sLNmpmu40F65nw78dbqyA2dn8nHPFtbNtZwR6LWwSWsiOIqiqt1fYVbY-rWEBE3_Vq__oJCc2U9VZi3FbG0yCtIHe8FII4MQMYxuJzUyUQP0U1tvUY4qPmnN4dJ_r/s320/4RGTB5ESUNBPVJJEVPHRZ5OHVY.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>April 15, 1994 - 100 Billion! McDonald's executives announced at the annual owner operator convention that they stopped counting hamburgers served because the count has surpassed the 99 Billion Hamburger mark so all the operators should change their signs to say <i><b>"BILLIONS AND BILLIONS SERVED"</b></i> and the signs have remained that way since.<p></p><p><i><b>Where you going with this Tom?</b></i></p><p>Today, it's estimated that McDonald's has served billions and billions of burgers, with the Wall Street Journal estimating the chain sold its <i><b>300 billionth burger</b></i> around 2013. USA Today reported that the company sold roughly 75 burgers every second in 2013, or 4,500 burgers every minute. It is now believed to be triple that number, over 200 burgers every second. </p><p>The "billions served" number became so big, that it lost its power. It went from being newsworthy, it went from making it entertaining enough to be announced on National TV, to just not even mentioning it at all. <b><i>Yeah, 300 billionth in 2013, whatever</i></b>. The number got so big, so fast, that it is not even worth using in marketing or in advertising. </p><p><b><i>OK, Google: how many people are born a day?</i></b></p><p>385,000 babies.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRan974QyV-Wpnu787MSrWX7jwU6FJ80EHGuYU25iqapHAwi3VbDYm_AzeAh5DuN2ZklhXv6Bxo9ogKLQA9GHB552cVKMY-a9pjGDmgpWJlImud2n1Vor2K4c6pTIpQUxuCEdl-J-8_FHiMRQjfRgPSPgKZ8YWjQvzCyXOFppIkvk8QhHBrnYRGKHSaMPw/s549/a42de036cc6123a559c42593fc14ac3a.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="412" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRan974QyV-Wpnu787MSrWX7jwU6FJ80EHGuYU25iqapHAwi3VbDYm_AzeAh5DuN2ZklhXv6Bxo9ogKLQA9GHB552cVKMY-a9pjGDmgpWJlImud2n1Vor2K4c6pTIpQUxuCEdl-J-8_FHiMRQjfRgPSPgKZ8YWjQvzCyXOFppIkvk8QhHBrnYRGKHSaMPw/s320/a42de036cc6123a559c42593fc14ac3a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The UN estimates that around 385,000 babies are born each day around the world (140 million a year). This number will remain relatively stable in the 50 years from 2020 to 2070. From 2070 to 2100, the number will decline to around 356,000 (130 million a year). Death is an inevitable part of life, and it occurs all around the world every day. The global number of deaths per day is around 150,000 deaths. <p></p><p>Of the people who die each day across the globe, about two thirds (100,000 per day) die of age-related causes. In industrialized nations, the proportion is much higher, reaching 90%.</p><p>So, I am no math major, but it seems pretty obvious that there are way more births than deaths around the world, every day. And people are living longer. And people are reading less. Did you know that 1 in 8 adults are illiterate?</p><p>According to shocking figures from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), around 774 million people worldwide are illiterate. To many of us, these statistics may be surprising. But more than one in eight adults across the globe are unable to read and write!</p><p><b><i>Do we take literacy for granted?</i></b></p><p>What would your life be like if you couldn’t read or write? Would you have been able to get your current job? Or even any job? Living in a country where school attendance is mandatory and adult illiteracy is rare, we’ve probably never considered what our lives would be like if we couldn’t read or write.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpvIEOiLrlXp7s_ZFNijS5i0rl3U8wrZ6JO8qmhtF9JbhcQwRtay8M3m_tOFrEG4WLBNKSDnp6UD-4h8F_BCqP9PYSg9e1ljpZllLrvJpvpx-wYFdroz3JrTNaOL34v8RE12HiYcUQDBo1iUX4-OuRYwTurQibX4Y_Es_aha7khL7kTTsDdYcv1KniYoC/s1024/12227671533_1974310e1e_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpvIEOiLrlXp7s_ZFNijS5i0rl3U8wrZ6JO8qmhtF9JbhcQwRtay8M3m_tOFrEG4WLBNKSDnp6UD-4h8F_BCqP9PYSg9e1ljpZllLrvJpvpx-wYFdroz3JrTNaOL34v8RE12HiYcUQDBo1iUX4-OuRYwTurQibX4Y_Es_aha7khL7kTTsDdYcv1KniYoC/s320/12227671533_1974310e1e_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />For someone who is illiterate and living in poverty, it is extremely difficult to get a job that pays well enough to escape these living conditions. However, learning to read and write can open up job opportunities and help to get people away from poverty.<p></p><p>Without literacy, many people are stuck in dead end jobs which barely support them financially. These jobs offer no area for progression and only add to the levels of poverty in any given country. But, learning to read and write and thriving on the opportunities it can provide can help individuals get better jobs and earn enough money to improve their lives.</p><p>What about <i><b>COMPUTER</b></i> literacy? What about the world we all live in - now - with <i><b>Audible</b></i> books, and social media, and YouTube videos, and AI that now does the reading and the research <i><b>FOR US? </b></i>How long will it be before AI replaces (or partners with) our <i><b>LIVE human teachers</b></i> in High School, College, even in our Medical Schools? Or Engineering Schools? </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTQl4ZqXYfuysWvCdFQhDL3ByDuvzWsBQb4Qu6EXM28hMdmzsp6xpMORnIbWt09iOqmbglx5jUZuoJCerVnCqQbUYvsDvwjZI08LGkikXK4qU_zkvDTV4werD3INxX8asif-d8EESQN0W_ECDnwsXbEdnA3P8IzaZpyX0-c-VpI-lZBltWg4dt3e7nJl5/s739/Screenshot%202023-11-12%20at%206.07.13%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTQl4ZqXYfuysWvCdFQhDL3ByDuvzWsBQb4Qu6EXM28hMdmzsp6xpMORnIbWt09iOqmbglx5jUZuoJCerVnCqQbUYvsDvwjZI08LGkikXK4qU_zkvDTV4werD3INxX8asif-d8EESQN0W_ECDnwsXbEdnA3P8IzaZpyX0-c-VpI-lZBltWg4dt3e7nJl5/s320/Screenshot%202023-11-12%20at%206.07.13%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="222" /></a></div>The big buzz in the world today is all about <i><b>AI</b></i> and how AI is going to change everything. <i><b>From anywhere in the world. </b></i>North America, South America, Africa, Asia, Europe. High Speed Wireless Internet will (one day) <i><b>connect the world</b></i>, truly, from anywhere - to anywhere. We are already saying how "AI is not going to take your job, but someone who has MASTERED AI will take your job." Again, from ANYWHERE in the world. <p></p><p><i><b>OK, land the plane, Tom...</b></i></p><p>Just how McDonald's used to BRAG on the millions and millions (and then) billions and billions served - the number became so big, so fast, that it lost its marketing power. The number became so big, so fast, it went from being impressive to <i>ordinary</i>. <i><b>The number became so big, it became "normal". </b></i></p><p>Because I have super fast wireless Internet at my home, I can see on <a href="https://www.worldometers.info" target="_blank">https://www.worldometers.info</a> that <b>net population growth today</b> is 50,529. Make that 50,553. No make that 50,595.... Well, you get the point. </p><p>I run the <a href="http://nydla.org" target="_blank">Distance Learning Association</a>. Born in New York City 100 years ago (pre-Internet) we are now active with thriving chapters in <i><b>North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Europe</b></i>. All in less than 100 years. </p><p>And as we watched Distance Learning morphing into <i><b>DIGITAL</b></i> Learning, today it's all just <a href="http://nydla.org" target="_blank">DIGITAL LIVING</a>. Just like McDonald's we are quickly getting to the point where the BILLIONS AND BILLIONS of global Internet Users "served" is now so obvious, that we don't even say the actual number out loud. </p><p>Ah yes, the number of global Internet Users is growing so big so fast, it went from being impressive to <i>ordinary</i>. </p><p><b><i>Normal, even.</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RBHLDYE-BQDMKZw4xEPe5BYWccnOHXsKsRSEHZNrXBZeA2hf61InmcOLm_vlDUNlhOa93UY2ALzF44jzT-vgq7496DhvCXnc7yv6hrrPmTNGElOou5zZ9kd_38b6zN0FAgq2Wn-QAgPnhYtg5k8wuNjcxZOZTUslk5ipv2Iy3O_lT_8IYRhC7jn8dY7t/s664/Screenshot%202023-11-12%20at%206.11.41%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="664" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RBHLDYE-BQDMKZw4xEPe5BYWccnOHXsKsRSEHZNrXBZeA2hf61InmcOLm_vlDUNlhOa93UY2ALzF44jzT-vgq7496DhvCXnc7yv6hrrPmTNGElOou5zZ9kd_38b6zN0FAgq2Wn-QAgPnhYtg5k8wuNjcxZOZTUslk5ipv2Iy3O_lT_8IYRhC7jn8dY7t/s320/Screenshot%202023-11-12%20at%206.11.41%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://www.worldometers.info/">https://www.worldometers.info/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">^^^ check it out ^^^</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOUUO106I3Q9woz8oJ4sPsFDeficddPbYbMDvbDUfvqtVc2mzLPF6RNftluPiGB7FKvirTZLVz2RUJtCWKVRI_kpBUMeTx9K7RqsS2WJQm0jVcQiGGOBmTKUVl3WkdaOH61sM_riCW2Q-yvlC0F7PI3GMa8ElrUrqmVBoA9b1LF7bz9Lj3WfiU7QNfy1X/s507/Screenshot%202023-11-12%20at%206.53.39%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="507" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOUUO106I3Q9woz8oJ4sPsFDeficddPbYbMDvbDUfvqtVc2mzLPF6RNftluPiGB7FKvirTZLVz2RUJtCWKVRI_kpBUMeTx9K7RqsS2WJQm0jVcQiGGOBmTKUVl3WkdaOH61sM_riCW2Q-yvlC0F7PI3GMa8ElrUrqmVBoA9b1LF7bz9Lj3WfiU7QNfy1X/s320/Screenshot%202023-11-12%20at%206.53.39%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[ Snapshot at 6:54 AM EST 11/12/2023 ]</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-38993096777008027392023-11-05T05:51:00.018-08:002023-11-05T08:24:34.788-08:00Word of the Day<p style="text-align: center;"> If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTWgCwsKtfSizWMgP2UGgpicXY7UpsmXlqp8TyFa4PHo9AyyIp6OsynR85nUougABKsaygJg8KbKOlbFsSnASIEEpHuXK5RIlCTYnC93CJLFw-RuRHpA1KS2MUfWAr-kFcC7-nl5xdx-JROcKZsOsWN1mdFYpOa5vVy_nui2kghRNdgpayJOAEEi6Xr9o/s691/Screenshot%202023-11-05%20at%206.01.39%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="691" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTWgCwsKtfSizWMgP2UGgpicXY7UpsmXlqp8TyFa4PHo9AyyIp6OsynR85nUougABKsaygJg8KbKOlbFsSnASIEEpHuXK5RIlCTYnC93CJLFw-RuRHpA1KS2MUfWAr-kFcC7-nl5xdx-JROcKZsOsWN1mdFYpOa5vVy_nui2kghRNdgpayJOAEEi6Xr9o/s320/Screenshot%202023-11-05%20at%206.01.39%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I love the Word of the Day. No matter what I am doing, no matter where I am in the world, this little "boop" into my inbox makes me pause, and stop and read. <b><i>What It Means</i></b>... did you ever stop to think how clean and crisp and clear such a short sentence could be?</p><p>What it means... did you already know? Was this a word that you were already familiar with - or did you just - <b><i>LEARN</i></b> something new?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7flNo6wF5_XxUH1lpqb26ENbAuvzzQOZZtK9yVURkG3va1U9SOg-dsLMjG_bD4F1ImAHyHF8z_Ul-vEsKEMQZYQLmADOpgb5hY7f6whfnPmu7y2SapkdYQK9d6NUuX2LXU7MG4HN6Fb4BrUk4npOh_J-EsxjTLm8EXwFDI3tw5v2KcJvmyJZ1fOsRbti/s1133/Screenshot%202023-11-04%20at%209.01.26%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="1133" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7flNo6wF5_XxUH1lpqb26ENbAuvzzQOZZtK9yVURkG3va1U9SOg-dsLMjG_bD4F1ImAHyHF8z_Ul-vEsKEMQZYQLmADOpgb5hY7f6whfnPmu7y2SapkdYQK9d6NUuX2LXU7MG4HN6Fb4BrUk4npOh_J-EsxjTLm8EXwFDI3tw5v2KcJvmyJZ1fOsRbti/w400-h88/Screenshot%202023-11-04%20at%209.01.26%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>I write this Sunday Blog in November, 2023. I've been in business since 1983, but always in and around <i><b>telecom or technology</b></i>. Before there was the Internet, before there was smartphones, before there was anything like Ecommerce or "the cloud" or anything remote, there was wireless. The closest thing to "remote" back then was someone carrying a beeper - there were no cellular phones until NYNEX went LIVE in the New York CGSA. Chicago was "the first" in 1983, with AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Service) but the New York Metro region was the first release of commercial cellular service. And I was there, selling Car Phones in 1983.</p><p>Yes, in 1978 and 1979, AT&T tested the first major public cellular network coined AMPS. But Martin Cooper of Motorola made the first call. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeVmE97QvnW0dAM_pEJuxcAhWs4LU6LxbEIRlNlrFiCa54Kw-RBj7AQFMw1DwxRNy1jxHsJHJRM2C-Y-nFHQ7610qckmnFDNwWOvVxn21QWrMXREg26Q2ARo97LkRHpNGDdjgfZxyDzDoRhU0tjfLObqbewY26ZNZZ-adUJEGXEnNwpIV_dZH5gZ9YUvx/s2016/AFRICADLA%20Logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="2016" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeVmE97QvnW0dAM_pEJuxcAhWs4LU6LxbEIRlNlrFiCa54Kw-RBj7AQFMw1DwxRNy1jxHsJHJRM2C-Y-nFHQ7610qckmnFDNwWOvVxn21QWrMXREg26Q2ARo97LkRHpNGDdjgfZxyDzDoRhU0tjfLObqbewY26ZNZZ-adUJEGXEnNwpIV_dZH5gZ9YUvx/s320/AFRICADLA%20Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The first handheld cellular phone call was made on April 3, 1973, by Motorola engineer Martin Cooper from Sixth Avenue in New York while walking between 53rd and 54th streets. Cooper hoisted the 2 1/2-pound prototype to his ear and called a rival, Joel Engel of Bell Laboratories at AT&T, to declare that his Motorola team had devised a functional portable phone. “There was silence at the other end of the line,” Cooper recalled. “To this day, Joel doesn’t remember that call, and I’m not sure I blame him.”</p><p style="text-align: center;">***</p><p style="text-align: left;">In 1983 I found myself walking the streets of New York City, <i><b>SELLING</b></i> cellular phones and service. And now in 2023 I find myself walking the streets of New York City, selling <b><i>Distance Learning</i></b>. Well actually selling <b><i>DIGITAL</i></b> Learning. Ah, let's make that <b><i>DIGITAL LIVING</i></b>. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JDmA3hRB3R9WlMWRvUItRwnaBYfXS2WNZ_nEB7uXw-GM5ckVwU1MB-5U8lTivfe8NuCLJF3vYNGfZU7tUMnpKBQiZfLdWAZ0RKZF2S6NsgK3t_qr9xwFi0qt6cRwHd4CJnn7R4seSsDc7LtEcR3iwthivZkUQyCyc4dBAIIAN74SooTf3GKSI9jAhbVE/s2016/AsiaDLA%20Logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="2016" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JDmA3hRB3R9WlMWRvUItRwnaBYfXS2WNZ_nEB7uXw-GM5ckVwU1MB-5U8lTivfe8NuCLJF3vYNGfZU7tUMnpKBQiZfLdWAZ0RKZF2S6NsgK3t_qr9xwFi0qt6cRwHd4CJnn7R4seSsDc7LtEcR3iwthivZkUQyCyc4dBAIIAN74SooTf3GKSI9jAhbVE/s320/AsiaDLA%20Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />In the 80s that clunky “shoe” phone (almost as big as a shoebox) allowed a user to talk for 35 minutes and required 10 hours to recharge. Motorola spent 10 years overcoming technical and regulatory hurdles, and began commercial service in 1983 using a slimmer 16-ounce model that cost between $3,500 and $4,000. Yes, the early phones were too big and expensive to suit most consumers, but they set a precedent for today’s sleek and lightweight models that have become standard equipment for just about everybody.<p>The ability to deliver <i><b>Broadband</b></i> - High Speed WIRELESS Internet to anywhere in the world has changed the world. FROM ANY TIME ZONE, from any latitude and longitude you can learn, work, play, teach, train, coach, mentor as if you are LIVING in New York City. Technically, Distance Learning has been around since the phonograph. But now, today, <a href="http://nydla.org" target="_blank">5G</a> (high speed wireless Internet) has changed the world. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEEFMEccoOYdeQ5qRJXRL7dlf-z53sGJD5Rc1_rQyB98YdgjwyknJgyvjJ3qHwVSgUl1lBbjLMZMjbJXFjbw_bUwpxtb1Qjfl_2mYVxMpZZHWfMzStvP69I1aZJccRMraOlK7nkLj6fbQcCiqt38X_P_lRYFoynTmK3Qm26TG1GYTS0T7u9FXNCX7cmm6/s2016/EuropeDLA%20Logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="2016" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEEFMEccoOYdeQ5qRJXRL7dlf-z53sGJD5Rc1_rQyB98YdgjwyknJgyvjJ3qHwVSgUl1lBbjLMZMjbJXFjbw_bUwpxtb1Qjfl_2mYVxMpZZHWfMzStvP69I1aZJccRMraOlK7nkLj6fbQcCiqt38X_P_lRYFoynTmK3Qm26TG1GYTS0T7u9FXNCX7cmm6/s320/EuropeDLA%20Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Many (many) years ago, the New York Metro Distance Learning Association (<a href="http://NYDLA.org" target="_blank">NYDLA.org</a>) serviced the 5 boroughs of New York City. It expanded to cover the 55M+ people living in the "New York Megalopolis" (Maine to Virginia) as Broadband Internet in the Northeast region of the USA became affordable. During COVID, it once again expanded to cover all of North America, the home of <i><b>579M+ people</b></i>. Ah, but now 5G is available <i><b>anywhere in the world</b></i>. <div><br /></div><div>And it is <i><b>AFFORDABLE</b></i>. <p></p><p>There are 1.4B+ people living in Africa, and around 4.5B+ people are living in Asia. And only 742M+ living in Europe (according to Google). <i>Ha, only 742M+ </i></p><p>Distance Learning indeed became <b><i>DIGITAL</i></b> Learning, but it is truly now just <b><i>DIGITAL LIVING</i></b>. Home, work (and school) is now "where the Wi-Fi is". And thanks to <a href="http://nydla.org" target="_blank">5G</a> (and I'm sure 6G is coming soon...) <b>anyone</b> from <b><i>anywhere</i></b> can "be" in The Big Apple - just like Martin Cooper. Check out <a href="http://NYDLA.org/Harvard" target="_blank">NYDLA.org/Harvard</a> - from <i><b>Africa. </b></i></p><p>Ah yes, High Speed Wireless Internet is indeed a <b>requisite</b> for all of us - and I mean ALL OF US on planet earth. </p><p><i>Oh, and don't even get me started on AI... </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m1xb_cb8yzRLF2SIJkvtPTpgPlCUQk79v9XY-Mzo_vVBV_Md3OZWKwbFKzmoWncI9BNBmyfxKcigjp0RawJcU7N_1kE9OeFw7NSBnTazb925vOvVFbJI9PT816QfDIHj1C3vN4QbJ5Q6mzsIkjOo-SOpySolhee7LTMgTlytd6MxTpxDPgv91qwqTt7p/s1140/1140-motorola-first-call.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="1140" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m1xb_cb8yzRLF2SIJkvtPTpgPlCUQk79v9XY-Mzo_vVBV_Md3OZWKwbFKzmoWncI9BNBmyfxKcigjp0RawJcU7N_1kE9OeFw7NSBnTazb925vOvVFbJI9PT816QfDIHj1C3vN4QbJ5Q6mzsIkjOo-SOpySolhee7LTMgTlytd6MxTpxDPgv91qwqTt7p/s320/1140-motorola-first-call.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The first handheld cellular phone call was made on April 3, 1973, by Motorola engineer Martin Cooper from Sixth Avenue in New York while walking between 53rd and 54th streets. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8FEUxRpTUeu0xEY6AbiIy59xJrV0v21OEFOrrgKxaQxKa1xAixy1kvmd06NvBwVmmgNSQmOD75T6To8MjcRj-hMnNA7OI4X_glEeX-eI-sg6ERqdjVHGc1YsdqjxvIup19Pj52qqGFN6xebpruY_IPrdvARwCK0gEaBKJ68aT_S-czhiMQNeqpUrOYFV/s780/Screenshot%202023-11-04%20at%201.49.40%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="676" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8FEUxRpTUeu0xEY6AbiIy59xJrV0v21OEFOrrgKxaQxKa1xAixy1kvmd06NvBwVmmgNSQmOD75T6To8MjcRj-hMnNA7OI4X_glEeX-eI-sg6ERqdjVHGc1YsdqjxvIup19Pj52qqGFN6xebpruY_IPrdvARwCK0gEaBKJ68aT_S-czhiMQNeqpUrOYFV/s320/Screenshot%202023-11-04%20at%201.49.40%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="277" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-64982198691469542522023-10-29T05:56:00.015-07:002023-11-12T06:58:23.749-08:00Try the veal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVHpaIhb44hBHJ8s0S30XQFHQ6kuTMxref0MH0em9CP3QyTvZSTLwYwnB-AgqGM0M-mM4nrbmvHfIfld8cmO1sPQbLXkf_uLXnhNW-qOE9hMWrL4BicywK0W4GDszzvlJ6iZ3cs80-WJ9IJ5BGrO7JKNtx7abFLRjTMp6m3FWaiFMFomFoFfIBbjmCgX6/s480/301881867_454229573388384_8854184080113504735_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVHpaIhb44hBHJ8s0S30XQFHQ6kuTMxref0MH0em9CP3QyTvZSTLwYwnB-AgqGM0M-mM4nrbmvHfIfld8cmO1sPQbLXkf_uLXnhNW-qOE9hMWrL4BicywK0W4GDszzvlJ6iZ3cs80-WJ9IJ5BGrO7JKNtx7abFLRjTMp6m3FWaiFMFomFoFfIBbjmCgX6/s320/301881867_454229573388384_8854184080113504735_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Did your friends laugh at your joke? You could close with, “thank you, folks, try the veal.” The expression “try the veal” is similar to “that’s all, folks!” It’s a way of closing a joke or a comedy set. It’s similar to the saying “been there, done that.”</p><p>The phrase has nothing to do with eating veal. It’s a way of telling a crowd of people that you’re finished telling a joke, and they should take their attention away from you to other things in the room or venue.</p><p>You can use the phrase “try the veal” as a concluding statement after saying something funny. Comics will use the saying as a closing statement after they finish their act. The phrase suits social use. For instance, if you crack a joke that makes people laugh, you could say, “thanks, folks, you’re too kind. I’ll be here all week. Try the veal.”</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjorQup2q1GMJ857txWcXcTNe5IjgDnY5wdX1H-lDbavUzUZMOlu_sQD42G3EdiDwI9xKHEV9kQxCKxjN1n8GKUsf3dvSADxXE-JtLl5LLmcD_qYy-643YeumvU9CuSZpJFwjW051GvGMJ4MBCHtzi2hiaywV7lMf-PYJ2AOQEr_CBJw1HbvhjfGwJ-bR/s720/28942_130885760262417_528260_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="720" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjorQup2q1GMJ857txWcXcTNe5IjgDnY5wdX1H-lDbavUzUZMOlu_sQD42G3EdiDwI9xKHEV9kQxCKxjN1n8GKUsf3dvSADxXE-JtLl5LLmcD_qYy-643YeumvU9CuSZpJFwjW051GvGMJ4MBCHtzi2hiaywV7lMf-PYJ2AOQEr_CBJw1HbvhjfGwJ-bR/s320/28942_130885760262417_528260_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Around 10 years ago, I was invited (gifted) a dinner at Rao's in NYC. I heard of it, but at the time, I did not KNOW the deal - with the veal - at Rao's. <p></p><p>So, my favorite show, Billions has now officially ended. In case you didn't see it, I don't want to ruin it, but there is a major scene where Axe pulls out all the stops with a private dinner at <a href="http://www.raosrestaurants.com/index.html" target="_blank">Rao's. </a></p><p>Rao's is famous for not being able to get a table. Like, ever. </p><p>Going from memory (I <i>think</i> it was 2013) I noticed how bright the place was. It may be the brightest fine-dining establishment I've ever been to. The second thing I noticed was Christmas decorations (I was told they stay up year-round). Every chair at every table was full. The bar was crowded. An older man called me over, and motioned to suggest we sit at the two stools open next to him. My oldest son was with me that day. </p><p>"What's your name, and whose table are you at?" he asked. (The tables, as I knew, are all "owned" by regulars who come themselves, invite friends, or donate the table to charity auctions where just the reservation regularly sells for thousands). </p><p>"Capone, I said. Tom Sr. and Jr." </p><p>CAPONE!!! Our special guest! <i>And with that, everyone looked our way... </i></p><p>The man asked if this was our first time at Rao's. "Yes, but I've been eating Rao's tomato sauce since I was a kid." <i>I knew that would make him smile. </i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMRIrCQYYvVNygNbLx7myD4pT4So67NtSWB_kZxzMW2ySvh-XjLptDI5SLpHJNt6z-UJJaqy_USFLu4q0xP48hK0nBEPMAIFsry89xqs7ncrAshmuRN-YPc-whoosn_ViHDddGryJoRcbCQiRv7FE002_xhY5gNEMn3TpSi5x0Kv54AF2k7uEJ6UGcMVC/s750/ar-raos-homemade-logo-4x3-c6ffcd1cf983453da8d70201afc1b948.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMRIrCQYYvVNygNbLx7myD4pT4So67NtSWB_kZxzMW2ySvh-XjLptDI5SLpHJNt6z-UJJaqy_USFLu4q0xP48hK0nBEPMAIFsry89xqs7ncrAshmuRN-YPc-whoosn_ViHDddGryJoRcbCQiRv7FE002_xhY5gNEMn3TpSi5x0Kv54AF2k7uEJ6UGcMVC/s320/ar-raos-homemade-logo-4x3-c6ffcd1cf983453da8d70201afc1b948.webp" width="320" /></a></div>"The sauce has done well for us," he said. It became clear that this was Frank Pellegrino, one of the owners (aka "Frankie No" because he declines 99% of the requests for reservations). He said he's there every weeknight (Rao's is closed on Saturday and Sunday) except when he's on the West Coast visiting Rao's locations in Las Vegas and Hollywood, which his son manages.<p></p><p>I asked about the reservation policy. Frank said he started assigning tables to steady customers after a three-star review from the New York Times made it nearly impossible to deal with demand.</p><p>"The tables are 'owned' by regulars and no one gives them up. Every few months I see all of my clients. And now I am serving their children and grandchildren." Turns out that every table has been booked every night for the past 38 years. </p><p>So how does someone get a table?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepJlF_4Uf_AOkSkHuSRWtefORe2hyEl-Wc78yffDH1mmN0QBpUp5YOYf0QCtyKp6hs49nS4klWkipENEYP0sV0CnlAgiMvXSC2HZ5rIgknZC8MoCYS0lEagY0yD-OKiYiDGZxEmZfw-pjfIzpjpALB7pyGVHRj06DprSt__AlbJEjLu9y65qQ7VMQzbqv/s1200/f7e878ab2a39f0672707aaabb21904de95-16-raos-restaurant.2x.rsocial.w600.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepJlF_4Uf_AOkSkHuSRWtefORe2hyEl-Wc78yffDH1mmN0QBpUp5YOYf0QCtyKp6hs49nS4klWkipENEYP0sV0CnlAgiMvXSC2HZ5rIgknZC8MoCYS0lEagY0yD-OKiYiDGZxEmZfw-pjfIzpjpALB7pyGVHRj06DprSt__AlbJEjLu9y65qQ7VMQzbqv/s320/f7e878ab2a39f0672707aaabb21904de95-16-raos-restaurant.2x.rsocial.w600.webp" width="320" /></a></div>"That first table there, they gave their table to this group at the bar. These guys are all executives from (a very BIG Co., can't name them here). If you have a table, you can give it to your friends, your business associates, or to a charity auction (like mine). I never know who's coming in. That's what makes it wonderful. It's serendipity. There's no grand design or plan. The only caveat is if you're not going to use your table and no one else is going to use that table, that's when you call me."<p></p><p>I think that Frank was chatty that day, because I was with my <b><i>son</i></b>. And, the name "Capone" helped break the ice. My son and I had the Veal Marsala, but I made sure to not really explain to my son where Veal actually comes from. </p><p>And so, in Season 7, Episode 11 of the TV show <i><b>Billions</b></i> Bobby Axelrod takes an influential politician to Rao's for dinner. And watching that show, I was transported back in time to (2013?) with my son, and having the best veal in the city. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsA6Eaw1woms7FTDaKdDoiFJgln1G3TtkdI9twVa1WUlRkNtlNd3mfTY4JHPl5ZMid8XTzLVr4urGM4f47e-2jN4g1ejgs-PLpOx-N5-92rirXJEgPL0eNQEIGSU_NZzfFNin4NzIWlNeP2jzoanEHFplULW_4uNevFl10htX4_4cqHBD-0GGQbWZ3sj_/s1280/1032076_0_0_00h_1280x640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1280" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsA6Eaw1woms7FTDaKdDoiFJgln1G3TtkdI9twVa1WUlRkNtlNd3mfTY4JHPl5ZMid8XTzLVr4urGM4f47e-2jN4g1ejgs-PLpOx-N5-92rirXJEgPL0eNQEIGSU_NZzfFNin4NzIWlNeP2jzoanEHFplULW_4uNevFl10htX4_4cqHBD-0GGQbWZ3sj_/s320/1032076_0_0_00h_1280x640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>2023: Two months ago, Campbell Soup Company, the iconic canned soup maker, announced it was acquiring Sovos Brands, the company that makes Rao’s sauces, for $2.7 billion. </p><p>Rao's (pronounced ray-ohs) is an Italian-American restaurant founded in 1896. It is located at 455 East 114th Street, on the corner of Pleasant Avenue in East Harlem, New York City. The restaurant was started in 1896 by Joshua Anthony Rao, who moved with his parents from Italy to the United States. He bought a small shop in Italian Harlem, once a very large Italian-American community, and ran the restaurant until his death in 1909. Louis Rao took over the business. </p><p>As I write this Sunday's blog, it hit me that from nothing - <i><b>Rao's became a billion dollar brand</b></i>. Frank Pellegrino Sr., a sometime actor and the unflappable gatekeeper of Rao’s, died in 2017. He was 72. I'll never forget how he treated me and my son that day. I admit that at the time, I did not realize <i><b>where</b></i> we were, or <i><b>what</b></i> we were experiencing. I have never been back to Rao's, and I did not even think about Rao's until Season 7, Episode 11 of Billions. Now I cannot stop thinking about - Rao's <i><b>the brand. </b></i></p><p>A brand so strong, that it was bought for $2.7 billion. A brand so strong that it made it to be highlighted on TV's Billions, where billionaire Bobby Axelrod <i><b>"buys out"</b></i> the joint for the night, just to impress someone. Where does a man worth billions take someone to impress them?</p><p>Well, you take them to Joshua Anthony Rao's in East Harlem, of course. </p><p><i>Try the veal.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0r_s2jMxY0O_i637NO9JyFUjOLsK2Gwh1mcRKgEbhSTZXwndGsH1NbP6HhGnce747saGb_mE4TBYnd9tOz8plgQ9l7pEQ578BiAWnHejSuBqG3WjnebSsoW-FUT0oxz-tuMeQ6qf3VB_WUm9UST8e7CbqW0kQllAdnUTEw1f6Z9Okas2oEmGwRMujJ_B/s1000/64d258cb20f1cf0019cd0989.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0r_s2jMxY0O_i637NO9JyFUjOLsK2Gwh1mcRKgEbhSTZXwndGsH1NbP6HhGnce747saGb_mE4TBYnd9tOz8plgQ9l7pEQ578BiAWnHejSuBqG3WjnebSsoW-FUT0oxz-tuMeQ6qf3VB_WUm9UST8e7CbqW0kQllAdnUTEw1f6Z9Okas2oEmGwRMujJ_B/s320/64d258cb20f1cf0019cd0989.webp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rao's sauces, which originated at the exclusive East Harlem Italian restaurant, had sales of $580 million in 2022, largely through Costco and Walmart, and sales have already climbed more than 33% this year so far. </div><p></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-29939927442885778262023-10-22T08:33:00.011-07:002023-10-22T09:33:11.514-07:00Beer with me for a moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbNsZx0CzBEWmfqHdxOj-UJ6M-WfQWpQIWEZx5oz14sFegrIMY_5eriOkDpYID3Yj7tptIywwlW9XyKDW0YLwPoqg5Eu_PGa0U1wG8_koP-KsbqLRKnGAjzm35zgGBMAoe6_e4GTdjtvYRBs4BvoJZpOh3cm3o96D0qJU9pi_FAWitOrhgI4-QCvJmYEA/s4032/PXL_20231021_170551496.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbNsZx0CzBEWmfqHdxOj-UJ6M-WfQWpQIWEZx5oz14sFegrIMY_5eriOkDpYID3Yj7tptIywwlW9XyKDW0YLwPoqg5Eu_PGa0U1wG8_koP-KsbqLRKnGAjzm35zgGBMAoe6_e4GTdjtvYRBs4BvoJZpOh3cm3o96D0qJU9pi_FAWitOrhgI4-QCvJmYEA/s320/PXL_20231021_170551496.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>"I was today years old" is a playful expression used on social media to humorously convey the discovery or realization of something new or surprising.</p><p>What is the meaning of "I was today years old"?</p><p>The phrase “I was today years old” suggests that the person just learned or understood something significant at that moment, implying that they should have known or discovered it earlier in life. For example, someone might post on social media, "I was today years old when I realized that 'news' is the plural of 'new.'" This implies that the person only recently discovered this fact, despite it being common knowledge.</p><p>How is the phrase "I was today years old" used on social media?</p><p>The phrase is often used when someone comes across a piece of information, a fact, or a life hack that is deemed interesting or mind-blowing. By saying "I was today years old when I found out," the person is emphasizing their delayed realization or the sense of astonishment they experienced upon learning something that seems obvious or widely known to others.</p><p>The phrase has become popular in online discussions and memes, often accompanied by humorous or sarcastic reactions to various realizations or discoveries. It serves as a light-hearted way to share and engage with newfound information or insights, while also acknowledging the humor in delayed realizations.</p><p><i><b>I was today years old when I found out that Baby Showers are a FREE PASS for guys to drink lots of beer and eat lots of wings.</b></i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkhGhzI5qDx_Z8zGbN0Suu7_F_HiIAc29Ja3kjf_B4nCYdRRylFtAWQS1AfvfmnFVdvMkkUs3iZvINY7-IKo-9JkWKhpVSyLRFoyFjFhIJMJuA4Ad9oaV2MLa-czl71xHu_LRI6DZzLAwQotytkt2QCjL_ZTu_QHimvBpK9CBbllKj5F2T42V6sG61h7p/s4032/PXL_20231021_172434678.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkhGhzI5qDx_Z8zGbN0Suu7_F_HiIAc29Ja3kjf_B4nCYdRRylFtAWQS1AfvfmnFVdvMkkUs3iZvINY7-IKo-9JkWKhpVSyLRFoyFjFhIJMJuA4Ad9oaV2MLa-czl71xHu_LRI6DZzLAwQotytkt2QCjL_ZTu_QHimvBpK9CBbllKj5F2T42V6sG61h7p/s320/PXL_20231021_172434678.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This weekend was a Capone family Baby Shower, in Milford Connecticut. The girls did the traditional Baby Shower at a local restaurant in Milford. <i><b>The boys did BEER AND WINGS. </b></i><p></p><p>I never heard of Archie Moore's before yesterday. With five locations, countless accolades, and over 15 million wings later, Archie Moore's has become Connecticut's neighborhood bar and restaurant. My two sons went to UCONN and Quinnipiac, so they KNEW THE DEAL with Archie Moore's. </p><div><div>ARCHIE'S STORY</div><div>No ... not the boxer.</div><div><br /></div><div>History shows Archibald Moore — an Irish immigrant — settled in New Haven, Connecticut and established a watering hole on Willow Street in 1898. A succession of taverns remained for nearly a century, but it wasn’t until 1982 that Archie’s served up its award-winning buffalo chicken wings to Connecticut for the first time.</div><div><br /></div><div>From their website: "Five locations, countless accolades, and over 15 million wings later, Archie Moore’s has become Connecticut’s neighborhood bar and restaurant. You can find our famous Buffalo Wing Sauce at grocery stores across Connecticut, or pick up a bottle at your neighborhood Archie Moore’s."</div><div><br /></div><div><i>So next time you’re looking for moore good times with family and friends, moore legendary wings, and moore genuine hospitality, meet us at your neighborhood Archie’s. Tell ‘em Archie sent you.</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>And now, 24 hours after the Capone Boys WINGS AND BEER extravaganza, I find myself using my Sunday Blog to spread the word about ARCHIE MOORE'S. </div><div><br /></div><div>Earlier in the week, I did an interview with the CEO of Solo Brands. It will probably be LIVE on <a href="http://www.CoffeeInTheClouds.us" target="_blank">www.CoffeeInTheClouds.us</a> by tomorrow, Tuesday the latest. From the interview: "We believe in creating good and that starts with inspiring our customers to create a good life. Solo Brands is about Designing Good, Doing Good and Being Good so it can Create Good one good moment at a time."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUugijsGLMU0OCJ5PgvjkiWZk09yODrZWl2UIGVhWCdEoUtLmMeJgOmC8cH4bSZooqtDe8y7fLFCqdf7pNBm6Xmf0wUYmSTFpG7LUhhEOXRhWmmdaYvEcpokpXestckdSFDIaebyI4EaoDo8PsI8HBOSS1Ug0VyV_cgUsF0gB1e210BJ6eAt4SKAGTLW2Z/s1892/Screenshot%202023-10-22%20at%2011.35.02%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1892" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUugijsGLMU0OCJ5PgvjkiWZk09yODrZWl2UIGVhWCdEoUtLmMeJgOmC8cH4bSZooqtDe8y7fLFCqdf7pNBm6Xmf0wUYmSTFpG7LUhhEOXRhWmmdaYvEcpokpXestckdSFDIaebyI4EaoDo8PsI8HBOSS1Ug0VyV_cgUsF0gB1e210BJ6eAt4SKAGTLW2Z/w400-h129/Screenshot%202023-10-22%20at%2011.35.02%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b><i>Archie Moore's. Solo Brands.</i></b> One company is 100% OFFLINE, as in you drive, you sit down, you eat, you drink. The other is 100% ONLINE, as in nothing brick and mortar. There is no place to drive or walk to and buy - it is purely and only online. And dare I say, both are massively successful. </div><div><br /></div><div>On this Sunday morning, it really hit me. I now love Archie Moore's and I now love Solo Brands. I am now in their <b><i>tribe</i></b>. I am in their <i><b>family</b></i>. I have become their <i><b>Brand Ambassador</b></i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have no idea what the price of the Beer and the Wings was yesterday. As long as it was "within reason" the price did not really matter. In fact, if the wings were priced too low - it would not have felt right. What happened yesterday was an <i><b>experience</b></i>. The "boys" version of a Baby Shower. Was the beer selection good? Yes. Were the wings good? The wings were freakin' amazing. But what really makes me pause, and reflect is that both <a href="https://solobrands.com/" target="_blank">Solo Brands</a> and <a href="https://www.archiemoores.com/" target="_blank">Archie Moore's</a> provided an <b><i>EXPERIENCE</i></b>. </div><div><br /><i><b>Business Success - Expert Level: It is the way they make us feel. </b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>From their website: "Solo Stove designs simple, ingenious outdoor products that help you enjoy good moments that turn into lasting memories. Whether it’s a mountain trail, a quiet moment, or a backyard party, we’re grateful to be a part of your Solo Stove experience, and look forward to the decades ahead of delivering products designed for sharing, surviving, storytelling, and s’mores that will bless generations to come."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD5SOCktw7UBtRPdeO8GPNSQpQLbxN1HnioUAexVdoAG9OxELexv07DKUKCl04pqpiXlXU7CnK9urAzV2zN_7xoWOJ04EdmTe4DiYUrJNMQB5Trh7c1rKpon69T0b05uf5FstwU_yODQDRfYjGHS3-o_0IWWnq9iSBWN2LYKpTLeaNJqHGxoWz0s1v5OT/s1732/Screenshot%202023-10-22%20at%2011.35.54%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="1732" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD5SOCktw7UBtRPdeO8GPNSQpQLbxN1HnioUAexVdoAG9OxELexv07DKUKCl04pqpiXlXU7CnK9urAzV2zN_7xoWOJ04EdmTe4DiYUrJNMQB5Trh7c1rKpon69T0b05uf5FstwU_yODQDRfYjGHS3-o_0IWWnq9iSBWN2LYKpTLeaNJqHGxoWz0s1v5OT/w400-h124/Screenshot%202023-10-22%20at%2011.35.54%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq0ZQ6qzSUKHaSf9nTulAgiBZOuNSPHFjGg4EYG06Z_azCeVVllSXQQ48OzN873x3rjRv5FHzF5efWJkCD86G5jbLrn7aR_7Hqa3NASiM6IGSTz_eqGYjAZGo4tFRFxgsQOHvbkKtpjrulV5IEhr9Ju4OlETgErtvy0UkpMc4qXGpvMKx-r_sSRvBJslC/s679/Screenshot%202023-10-22%20at%2012.22.39%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="679" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoq0ZQ6qzSUKHaSf9nTulAgiBZOuNSPHFjGg4EYG06Z_azCeVVllSXQQ48OzN873x3rjRv5FHzF5efWJkCD86G5jbLrn7aR_7Hqa3NASiM6IGSTz_eqGYjAZGo4tFRFxgsQOHvbkKtpjrulV5IEhr9Ju4OlETgErtvy0UkpMc4qXGpvMKx-r_sSRvBJslC/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-22%20at%2012.22.39%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.CoffeeInTheClouds.us">www.CoffeeInTheClouds.us</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-56315204721562387202023-10-15T05:49:00.013-07:002023-10-15T06:24:36.365-07:008 Days a Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPb8YI_GoRiHMlwS9O9mq6I10d5kbtR_dN9iPe1iwHo_5y_wA0oj008kIqn2Rqu332vVMpYiLIP0UTsRPYXMS-IRfxtJ49ScAImmo6INDEQtQB5NJwUtCJW_Pjiio6hO_H4D1imcPkUFY0ZIIKcYv5WLoomhcSW_OnNdCToCz9MCwzosWXb9qF112UYd7/s778/Screenshot%202023-10-15%20at%207.57.01%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="655" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPb8YI_GoRiHMlwS9O9mq6I10d5kbtR_dN9iPe1iwHo_5y_wA0oj008kIqn2Rqu332vVMpYiLIP0UTsRPYXMS-IRfxtJ49ScAImmo6INDEQtQB5NJwUtCJW_Pjiio6hO_H4D1imcPkUFY0ZIIKcYv5WLoomhcSW_OnNdCToCz9MCwzosWXb9qF112UYd7/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-15%20at%207.57.01%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="269" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Facebook Memories Feature...today</div><p>Steven Wright is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and film producer. He is known for his distinctive lethargic voice and slow, deadpan delivery of ironic, philosophical and sometimes nonsensical jokes, paraprosdokians, non sequiturs, anti-humor, and one-liners with contrived situations. He tells a joke about going to a 24 hour convenience store, that was closed. "Hey, the sign says open 24 hours..." Yeah, the manager says, but not in a row... Over the years I stole that line for myself. </p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"I work 7 days a week, <i>just not in a row</i>."</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmXbVCp_SoC6Rt-RMifAgk2wDmjDF5dAGNcc0dCvfcbNZsSp2-SQRSc9cwjLDeJTWf_m9zRuqlAAgqI0IaaIfo-PBX360VSc-smO7oHGsTKMwhD4wgcNCi5LRjhvYWbNdwW5KFofVd6vouQ0vaSpD1Eyp_u4pr6NXzu9cjArI1G7-LGsEoywe6Vq2MGep/s818/pa-37095322.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="818" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmXbVCp_SoC6Rt-RMifAgk2wDmjDF5dAGNcc0dCvfcbNZsSp2-SQRSc9cwjLDeJTWf_m9zRuqlAAgqI0IaaIfo-PBX360VSc-smO7oHGsTKMwhD4wgcNCi5LRjhvYWbNdwW5KFofVd6vouQ0vaSpD1Eyp_u4pr6NXzu9cjArI1G7-LGsEoywe6Vq2MGep/s320/pa-37095322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ever since we were kids, grown ups would tell us "Gotta get a good education..." where Education = Quality of Life. This is why for the past 100+ years, people from around the world would send their kids to America - to get a good education. Or, parents would scrub floors or work double shifts, to earn enough money to send their kids to college - or even medical school. "Education" was considered to be the key to a good life - access to quality education was the pathway to a better life. <p></p><p>When I think of the pain and suffering in the world, sometimes we call it evil - I think about the cause, the root of that pain and suffering. And, many times I feel that it comes from the dramatic difference in quality of life. Food, shelter, medicine. Clean drinking water - the things that I take for granted. And then I think back to being told, over and over all my life: Tommy, you gotta get a good education. Education is the key to everything. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4EOlxe_J-KLiTmPmMcA0jjG4po85fZK-d7C0AOjpBDgv-mhSowqgcAoSi3YK2pazRKwCb6PxAI8YRBok_ZwebshoXL1JnvSnJKB7XYfJaemjcI6vnbbfhUPZiWnsvtNCpKuwjtQeJYw1b__03gMfg-GPhGCSAYFILmtP3aZzlZnc8O9RCzsF3NAaYZ2o/s282/download%20(5).jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="282" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4EOlxe_J-KLiTmPmMcA0jjG4po85fZK-d7C0AOjpBDgv-mhSowqgcAoSi3YK2pazRKwCb6PxAI8YRBok_ZwebshoXL1JnvSnJKB7XYfJaemjcI6vnbbfhUPZiWnsvtNCpKuwjtQeJYw1b__03gMfg-GPhGCSAYFILmtP3aZzlZnc8O9RCzsF3NAaYZ2o/s1600/download%20(5).jpeg" width="282" /></a></div>I found a career with <a href="http://nydla.org" target="_blank">NYDLA.org | USDLA.org | NADLA.org</a> that allows me to promote education - to enable quality education to <b>anywhere</b> - to <b>everywhere</b> - to <b>everyone</b>. To create a path forward where there was none. To change lives, via technology, regardless of time zone. Education transforms. Access to quality education is transformative. Education changes lives, and those changed lives are now empowered and enabled to pay it forward. We all know the saying "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime". It is more worthwhile to teach someone to do something (for themselves) than to do it for them (on an ongoing basis).<p></p><p>As I write this post on Sunday October 15, 2023 the news is full of reports of tragedy. Reports of evil acts, the most horrific reports of the worst of humanity. And I think how there would be less suffering in the world if there was food, shelter, medicine - <i>for all</i>. I think about how quality education for all could change everything for everyone. "Oh, how I wish my children, my family, my community had less food, less shelter, had poor health, and had less access to quality education" said no one ever. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_7ZJEa-wd6OVidnTHpVyrNHbwlaM4S8wYJSV-RNOgkz6l6ef8Nksx-3XuJ4yK-oWM0ccbLbkEZPFSQ9K1XYShx84xSlJpvKbfoq-GdYTE1emxCNsVEnhvlmbbhRDzgKCej4fiDLX1GTHOUymxb6vXq8GJ0cvkU7EifCFpHgjlggp8etB_nPCcrR_4RZE/s276/download%20(6).jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_7ZJEa-wd6OVidnTHpVyrNHbwlaM4S8wYJSV-RNOgkz6l6ef8Nksx-3XuJ4yK-oWM0ccbLbkEZPFSQ9K1XYShx84xSlJpvKbfoq-GdYTE1emxCNsVEnhvlmbbhRDzgKCej4fiDLX1GTHOUymxb6vXq8GJ0cvkU7EifCFpHgjlggp8etB_nPCcrR_4RZE/s1600/download%20(6).jpeg" width="276" /></a></div>Education = Quality of Life. I think this is why I can easily work 7 days a week... just not in a row. <i>And if there were 8 days in a week, I would work 8. </i><p></p><p>Everyone - Everywhere: Teach Everything You Know. Ask for help - get the help that you need - and then (one day) you too can pay it forward. Circle of Life and whatnot...</p><p>[ From my upcoming book ] <a href="http://TommyCapone.com">TommyCapone.com</a> book tour goes LIVE in 2024</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-79245314893803843182023-10-08T06:12:00.010-07:002023-10-08T06:39:26.613-07:00It's all about the after party...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDziu7Twe0oyu5pUzQHuiGsBw1r2pz6TRBB7jmpAsYE8MpG2nrJt24rnIG1yos17v6z5zuMo29jLSeqJ2gkK8ISeB71epcxdoL4pc3SS82n_9qJeX8BkLmgZrOMZOs6G22bfTk-lVtyknJB7ciQXGWopPQLOX5ysahyrRCGm4RB1U8SDgTynfsAeofvdQ_/s768/426-Meet-Magento-NYC-092322-768x511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="768" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDziu7Twe0oyu5pUzQHuiGsBw1r2pz6TRBB7jmpAsYE8MpG2nrJt24rnIG1yos17v6z5zuMo29jLSeqJ2gkK8ISeB71epcxdoL4pc3SS82n_9qJeX8BkLmgZrOMZOs6G22bfTk-lVtyknJB7ciQXGWopPQLOX5ysahyrRCGm4RB1U8SDgTynfsAeofvdQ_/s320/426-Meet-Magento-NYC-092322-768x511.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>An after party, often referred to simply as an "afterparty," is a social gathering or event that takes place after a larger, more formal event has concluded. After parties are commonly associated with events like concerts, music festivals, weddings, film premieres, awards shows, and other similar occasions. The purpose of an after party is to continue the celebration, socializing, and entertainment that began at the main event.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH615k5A5M07mi6WAbENu85_7YE1EU7gB3QesUa_vy6AbhZf82O8zZIKgYG2IgTO6aU-OclT5B1idnJosIAhmOpJe_ScLDwIdFGtRCCgMrhbb2OT_Sqvcck0ERUfG0XYdxARQrkVoBZNxwDNYQM__uowOnlS7q9s-z8lx2XmAraehx6rQGlvIhVC_6fB_/s976/https___cdn.evbuc.com_images_611639599_1026111006113_1_original-COLLAGE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="976" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH615k5A5M07mi6WAbENu85_7YE1EU7gB3QesUa_vy6AbhZf82O8zZIKgYG2IgTO6aU-OclT5B1idnJosIAhmOpJe_ScLDwIdFGtRCCgMrhbb2OT_Sqvcck0ERUfG0XYdxARQrkVoBZNxwDNYQM__uowOnlS7q9s-z8lx2XmAraehx6rQGlvIhVC_6fB_/s320/https___cdn.evbuc.com_images_611639599_1026111006113_1_original-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After parties can take on various forms and themes, depending on the nature of the main event and the preferences of the organizers and attendees. They may feature music, dancing, drinks, food, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the primary event. After parties can be exclusive, invite-only affairs or more open and inclusive, depending on the organizers' intentions.<p></p><p>In some cases, after parties are organized by event promoters, artists, or individuals separate from the main event organizers. They can be held at a different venue, or sometimes, they take place in a designated area within the same venue.</p><p>Overall, after parties provide an opportunity for people to unwind, socialize, and extend the enjoyment of an event into the late hours of the night or early morning.</p><p><b>I have an opinion: <i>Attend the event, attend the after party. </i></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihojsNvc538w_bu08NFNc5RIHebZ1sLbQzthfhtKcDtGPpnfKBUbLbCW4AVwKS6K8o1ZVc9IMYnEEgpARkbwqRBaORH6Wh2mhojOZQrF1llCxZy1AsIi0I-C-HkYyCa3dPj1aR430uxIltbKz59w3ArjCqVmAdvaqwJjZgBiElOMCDyewQZLA4y31Vtza/s768/068-Meet-Magento-NYC-092322-768x513.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="768" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihojsNvc538w_bu08NFNc5RIHebZ1sLbQzthfhtKcDtGPpnfKBUbLbCW4AVwKS6K8o1ZVc9IMYnEEgpARkbwqRBaORH6Wh2mhojOZQrF1llCxZy1AsIi0I-C-HkYyCa3dPj1aR430uxIltbKz59w3ArjCqVmAdvaqwJjZgBiElOMCDyewQZLA4y31Vtza/s320/068-Meet-Magento-NYC-092322-768x513.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ultimately, attending an after party is a personal choice. If you're interested in the event, have the energy, and can do so safely and comfortably, it can be a fun way to extend your social experience. However, if you're not particularly interested or have other priorities, it's perfectly fine to skip it and make a decision that aligns with your preferences and well-being.<p></p><p>I have lost count how many events I have attended since 1983. Massive events like CES in Las Vegas or NRF in NYC. Lunch 'n Learns, Sunset Seminars, the list is long. Last week over the course of the entire day, we had 10K+ join us LIVE on the Hudson River via <a href="http://www.nydla.org/events" target="_blank">Propelify</a>, and 10X that number "signed up" for the event with no intention ever attending LIVE. Zoomtopia was last week at the San Jose Convention Center, and I attended that, from my home. I don't think any event moving forward will NOT be hybrid. </p><p>I think that <i><b>Behavioral Science</b></i> plays a big role in the results of <a href="http://www.nydla.org/events" target="_blank">Meetings & Events</a>. LIVE webinars are cool, and I love attending from the comfort of my home office. But, I hate finding out that the webinar is really just a bunch of recordings, the classic "a webinar that could have been a YouTube." </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj569a00be8SFnJjBDuPwx56tCDhZo6wAzXHb3AjvZQJwjFo_OlrTIhWwDKjBxTvR3bvYMJ8a6cqTe5kOrg_HFcj3r0WxV-d3myngm1V7EBtK5aKSkoYw2dql2tlF9ems7vzTpH4WPDrwDKTJQS6Pnbn4t_bDPmzvjiqIGYpbBkknAoAWGjYDkzKAy1DHqf/s1409/Screenshot%202023-10-08%20at%208.30.08%20AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1409" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj569a00be8SFnJjBDuPwx56tCDhZo6wAzXHb3AjvZQJwjFo_OlrTIhWwDKjBxTvR3bvYMJ8a6cqTe5kOrg_HFcj3r0WxV-d3myngm1V7EBtK5aKSkoYw2dql2tlF9ems7vzTpH4WPDrwDKTJQS6Pnbn4t_bDPmzvjiqIGYpbBkknAoAWGjYDkzKAy1DHqf/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-08%20at%208.30.08%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>I reflected on the actual "results" of the many events that I have attended since 1983. The actual results, the actual business outcomes that actually turned in to sales, into revenue, into value - were because I attended not just the event, but the ultimate success was traced back to the fact that I <i><b>ALSO</b></i> attended the after party. Heck - sometimes I <i>only</i> attended the after party! <p></p><p><b><i>Personally, I am very spoiled</i></b>. I live 30 miles West of Times Square - you know - the Center of the Known Universe. It is easy for me to attend events in New York City, even at the last minute. It was once famously said; if you stand at Times Square long enough, you'll see the entire world walk by. </p><p>I am feeling that a variation of that famous line is also true: if you attend enough after parties, you will get everything you wanted from investing in the event in the first place. If you bought the airline ticket, if you booked the hotel, if you invested the time and the money in going to the event in the first place - attend the after party. </p><p><b><i>Ah yes, the after party</i></b>. That is where all the magic happens. Not in the webinar Q&A, not in the poll questions, not in the post-event newsletters. The magic happens in the room with (live) people, with the food, with the handshakes and the fistbumps. The room with the smiles and the jokes and the pet stories, and, well, where the friendships form, and partnerships are born. </p><p>After parties are the one thing that cannot be hybrid, and cannot be virtual. </p><p><b>People</b> still do business with <b><i>people</i></b>, not AI chatbots, right? People with cats and dogs and kids and grandkids. After parties with rooms full of people who <b><i>love</i></b> the Yankees and people who <i><b>hate</b></i> the Yankees...and....and...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvEjKtKb9fjfM0wN6WFsPpXnA8ctKihGUU8xw5Dbvz0k96ax8gdh1QMPcaSM_40PWwGFpiSZDbxVzks170KHKIlOSHsjR2D32vaDVaRQMVZ4OilDUz7sudF-osXJZsxYk2nbrMXyo4s-mnXVqmD_GbnPWbzfMVZUmcrvPQT7us3LB5VBG6MlmUIFE4Z5b/s1382/Screenshot%202023-10-07%20at%2010.09.49%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1382" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvEjKtKb9fjfM0wN6WFsPpXnA8ctKihGUU8xw5Dbvz0k96ax8gdh1QMPcaSM_40PWwGFpiSZDbxVzks170KHKIlOSHsjR2D32vaDVaRQMVZ4OilDUz7sudF-osXJZsxYk2nbrMXyo4s-mnXVqmD_GbnPWbzfMVZUmcrvPQT7us3LB5VBG6MlmUIFE4Z5b/s320/Screenshot%202023-10-07%20at%2010.09.49%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's meet (LIVE) in NYC! <a href="http://TomCapone.com">TomCapone.com</a> </div><br /><p><br /></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-72490507011529985252023-10-01T05:53:00.018-07:002023-10-01T09:33:21.745-07:00Nostalgia Sells<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCL3mSP9wTqvvM2Y16T7dnbnLkZ_b_P08LnKPYPKNNP0piB52LdE8Mpfe7ecHC1F9-BhPeEVTZ3kwsg2XhJ4oDu4g71YhwoOSMqMIL40rZ8OtU54DIMIMvECLGUN6Iqgw9aXi7uVIygimt89qkEfaaLvGasinZtFrze8jwU4Lc6MgSrtxL7mndUak9ibbG/s500/artworks-000317573739-zgonc1-t500x500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCL3mSP9wTqvvM2Y16T7dnbnLkZ_b_P08LnKPYPKNNP0piB52LdE8Mpfe7ecHC1F9-BhPeEVTZ3kwsg2XhJ4oDu4g71YhwoOSMqMIL40rZ8OtU54DIMIMvECLGUN6Iqgw9aXi7uVIygimt89qkEfaaLvGasinZtFrze8jwU4Lc6MgSrtxL7mndUak9ibbG/s320/artworks-000317573739-zgonc1-t500x500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"Name that show..."</i></div><b><p><b>Nostalgia</b> is a sentimentality for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. The word nostalgia is a learned formation of a Greek compound, consisting of νόστος (nóstos), meaning "homecoming", a Homeric word, and ἄλγος (álgos), meaning "sorrow" or "despair", and was coined by a 17th-century medical student to describe the anxieties displayed by Swiss mercenaries fighting away from home. It was described as <i><b>a medical condition</b></i>, a form of melancholy.</p></b><p></p><p>And, <i><b>Nostalgia sells.</b></i></p><p>Everything old is new again, so it's no surprise that streaming service Paramount+ would go into its library of hits for a reboot. And, boy, did they pick a winner with <b><i>Frasier</i></b>, which received 107 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, with 37 wins, in its 11 seasons on NBC.</p><p><b><i>Cheers</i></b> originally aired on NBC from September 30, 1982 to May 20, 1993. Over the series run, 275 original episodes aired, an average of 25 episodes per season. In the early 1990s, 20 volumes of VHS cassettes were released; each had three half-hour episodes.</p><p><b>I was 22 in 1982. </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYnUkGePZCpuhX-2JVRBXyIXO-eXwpPsfj9TbOHKuYXCv6443aazRyvlPRdRN1mSOgVCErACLJwci2SJz51HQxRKTTOCoYN0B_8q8AiElj9bBnpDi9UdqXtf-xCDB9f2w3CFvXs3NT7wqDgnuCc2H4_8Uz32sMBlpV8A24UlZfRWTo12OzQV71IHvTzGs/s282/Entertainment_Weekly_cover_with_Moose.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="220" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYnUkGePZCpuhX-2JVRBXyIXO-eXwpPsfj9TbOHKuYXCv6443aazRyvlPRdRN1mSOgVCErACLJwci2SJz51HQxRKTTOCoYN0B_8q8AiElj9bBnpDi9UdqXtf-xCDB9f2w3CFvXs3NT7wqDgnuCc2H4_8Uz32sMBlpV8A24UlZfRWTo12OzQV71IHvTzGs/s1600/Entertainment_Weekly_cover_with_Moose.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>There is barely a sitcom from the past 30 years that doesn’t owe some sort of debt to <b><i>Cheers</i></b>. Story arcs. Cold opens. The workplace-as-melting pot format of its Boston bar. Most famously of all, it introduced us to Sam and Diane: the original sitcom will-they, won’t-they? couple who, over the course of five mostly wonderful seasons, popularised a whole new kind of romance – before discovering its limits.<p></p><p>Who remembers TV Guide? Who remembers "Must See TV"? </p><p>Must See TV is an American advertising slogan that was used by NBC to brand its primetime blocks during the 1990s, and most often applied to the network's Thursday night lineup, which featured some of its most popular sitcoms and drama series of the period, allowing the network to dominate prime time ratings on Thursday nights in the 1980s and 1990s.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpT7QV7hyphenhyphenFYBWu5IHd-HvTPmtjaVjsFGu65icTCSbfsR583yoGjRzh_Cov2JtGwpI7iEaPQ6riVLG8ol7tx1iqTphWDwdU-nKKxl3HMIo77wIBviMG3xhTtT4RwJTbLQyUwtW7p5FG-7ECHeqDNAPBypxLq2CrSlNLqI523UObbqZF68oxBtNYOVT6-bv/s1440/images%20(4).jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpT7QV7hyphenhyphenFYBWu5IHd-HvTPmtjaVjsFGu65icTCSbfsR583yoGjRzh_Cov2JtGwpI7iEaPQ6riVLG8ol7tx1iqTphWDwdU-nKKxl3HMIo77wIBviMG3xhTtT4RwJTbLQyUwtW7p5FG-7ECHeqDNAPBypxLq2CrSlNLqI523UObbqZF68oxBtNYOVT6-bv/s320/images%20(4).jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>The term <b><i>"Must See TV"</i></b> has been used so often that it has almost lost all relevance. Game of Thrones? Must see TV. The Sopranos? Must see TV. Squid Game, Ted Lasso, The Mandalorian? Must see, must see, must see. Yet there was a time not all that long ago where the term wasn't a catch-all applied to the pop-culture series du jour. It was, in fact, a heavily-promoted slogan created by NBC promotional producer Dan Holm in 1993 that would come to be associated with NBC's dominant Thursday evening block throughout the 1990s. Although many shows were rotated through the block — Frasier, Wings, and Mad About You to name a few — the most prominent line-up of series associated with the Thursday night slogan happen to be three of the most iconic of all time: Seinfeld, Friends, and ER. But were they really "Must See TV"? Yes. Yes, they were.<p></p><p><b><i>OK, Tom..... land the plane....</i></b></p><p>Well, tomorrow I turn 63. And watching TV - only when the show was ON TV, was a big part of my life. In my 20s if you missed a show, that was it - you missed it. <i><b>Appointment Television</b></i> was a thing - you would make plans to watch a show. Anyone remember TiVo?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnX4HfhW4_Rd6YBYlj13TA5qBt791_jnfym8-qApPTe1a8f5x-lKPecDWtX6vruvGBbewds79j6kjRo2Xd3eUoq99iZoFoh4GvfClCcv3JJn8CHeLxbM-0tl-rIrrdnzR6xZhyphenhyphen4EuKTQNFfhfIogu3h94uyAn45-v-DeZZ8rlPe-HWR8_-sbCI3Sju6fc/s1000/flatten.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnX4HfhW4_Rd6YBYlj13TA5qBt791_jnfym8-qApPTe1a8f5x-lKPecDWtX6vruvGBbewds79j6kjRo2Xd3eUoq99iZoFoh4GvfClCcv3JJn8CHeLxbM-0tl-rIrrdnzR6xZhyphenhyphen4EuKTQNFfhfIogu3h94uyAn45-v-DeZZ8rlPe-HWR8_-sbCI3Sju6fc/s320/flatten.webp" width="320" /></a></div>It is now 2023, and I am the Master of My Domain. No, not the Seinfeld episode, <i>"The Contest"</i>. <div><br /></div><div>I watch TV (should we even call it TV?) when I want, where I want, from any device that I want. Around 6 months ago, I bought a Mac mini. It was actually my first Apple computer - iPhone or two over the years, yes. But never Apple for my computers. And, because of the purchase of my Mac mini, I got a free 3 months subscription of Apple TV+ so, why not. Today, I just noticed my first $6.99 charge hitting my credit card for October. No Mac mini, probably no Apple TV+ $6.99 charge, every month. <p></p><p><b><i>Must See TV</i></b> is now <i><b>Must Stream TV</b></i> (Ah, do we still even call it TV? Should we?)</p><p>And so, I have now seen all of <b><i>Ted Lasso</i></b> (without my wife - she passed on watching it with me). Now watching <i><b>The Morning Show</b></i>, Season 1, (with my wife - her idea). Last night we started Season 1 and we watched non-stop for around 4 or 5 hours of episodes. <i>We shall probably pick up where we left off tonight... </i></p><p><b><i>Cheers</i></b> was one of the greatest sitcoms of the late '80s and early '90s. Before there was <b><i>Seinfeld</i></b>, it was this little bar in Boston where we wanted to be. It's there where we hung out with an ensemble made up of a variety of characters who felt like our own friends as the years went on. Among them was psychiatrist named <b><i>Dr. Frasier Crane</i></b> (Kelsey Grammer). He wasn't the most popular character - but - he's the one who got his own spinoff when <b><i>Cheers</i></b> came to an end in 1993.</p><p><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5y2T8EMez-_05G9ddYG5F_x-LkmaB1UqeIanoHUTLxVNw3qRYGSSAU2jpOlW76oK8aHnfWFLrkvrAdOgxkSaefzTygezRNjjlXVAtj0owxj94wFqExaf2MYxzDUVoGhC48mGkku9dHBKSYgv5PvI1bF1Z1R4R86glOjpzEOet1q8s8B7gwcsW7K00afMD/s1200/Apple_TV_The_Morning_Show_key_art_graphic_header_4_1_show_home.jpg.og.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5y2T8EMez-_05G9ddYG5F_x-LkmaB1UqeIanoHUTLxVNw3qRYGSSAU2jpOlW76oK8aHnfWFLrkvrAdOgxkSaefzTygezRNjjlXVAtj0owxj94wFqExaf2MYxzDUVoGhC48mGkku9dHBKSYgv5PvI1bF1Z1R4R86glOjpzEOet1q8s8B7gwcsW7K00afMD/s320/Apple_TV_The_Morning_Show_key_art_graphic_header_4_1_show_home.jpg.og.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><b><i>The Frasier reboot </i></b>has an uphill battle ahead of it, right? The original was a classic show that won many Emmy Awards. That<i><b> time in our lives</b></i> can't be reduplicated, and that feels <i>okay</i>. To not see the cast we love so much is going to be sad, but that feels okay as well. <i><b>We weren't turning into the original Frasier hoping to see the other cast members in Cheers show up, right?</b></i> </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Cheers</i></b> was one of the biggest TV series ever - and yet - <b><i>Frasier</i></b> succeeded anyway. This new <b><i>Frasier</i></b> series can succeed as well, but for many, it's going to be hard letting go of that original <i><b>Frasier</b></i> ensemble we loved so much. </div><div><br /></div><div>They were a part of our lives, <i>and maybe they still are... don't get me started on <b>Eddie</b> the dog. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4l4V5FA5Qo8MvrplAc4ewmGEIoSsZh_NEd7VRt4JRDipW6VluMGvQo2QbmShF_dG9CnNrg98xU5sjF_84ZoEGNftZZwBt0ny1JCWhZe6na7bxkPIJdIaPzn1ERyqF5Ho-06qTlkuk4KmDzgeQtqVID1FBePdYdZkqPNRAlMIFV0-e0uWG2AfwcqGfEc1z/s1000/john-mahoney2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4l4V5FA5Qo8MvrplAc4ewmGEIoSsZh_NEd7VRt4JRDipW6VluMGvQo2QbmShF_dG9CnNrg98xU5sjF_84ZoEGNftZZwBt0ny1JCWhZe6na7bxkPIJdIaPzn1ERyqF5Ho-06qTlkuk4KmDzgeQtqVID1FBePdYdZkqPNRAlMIFV0-e0uWG2AfwcqGfEc1z/s320/john-mahoney2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i>Frasier</i></b> premieres its first two episodes of a 10-episode season on Thursday, Oct. 12 streaming exclusively on Paramount+. New episodes will then drop weekly on Thursdays, exclusively on Paramount+. For those who don't subscribe to Paramount+, CBS will broadcast a special airing of the first two episodes on Tuesday, Oct. 17 beginning at 9:15 p.m. ET/PT.</p><p>Hey, who remembers what <b><i>Dr. Frasier Crane</i></b> would say at the beginning of each of his radio shows? </p><p>When people called in to his radio show, they're assured that Dr. Crane is listening to them because he says, <i><b>"I'm listening."</b></i></p><p><i><b>OK, North America..... it's 2023...... and I'm now 63..... that's 40 years of (TV?) And I'm streaming.</b></i></p><p><i>"Im streaming, when I want, from where I want. Oh, and I'm also blogging, and podcasting, and...and...and..." </i></p><p><i><b><br /></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JUtJBqgwNgo" width="320" youtube-src-id="JUtJBqgwNgo"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"The Contest"</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluHKVyHPmAcLVnalrqCuC3xSjL4oaZ-nkKI6q9OV0kmry4j-wg1PBV3HSt8hWoFHfguE1FDDS_5eQcG5ahB4H4N_audcy7yPGuvSV4XbqPQbx6CzPkjm9QtYYF0eQYCP9NDU-9d8Ln_4V-5YZ83MlA8DcM6BYKSdsee2VsvWnkN3Qz3hOJqCTltPghJ4M/s397/SaturdayEveningPost30Aug1924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluHKVyHPmAcLVnalrqCuC3xSjL4oaZ-nkKI6q9OV0kmry4j-wg1PBV3HSt8hWoFHfguE1FDDS_5eQcG5ahB4H4N_audcy7yPGuvSV4XbqPQbx6CzPkjm9QtYYF0eQYCP9NDU-9d8Ln_4V-5YZ83MlA8DcM6BYKSdsee2VsvWnkN3Qz3hOJqCTltPghJ4M/s320/SaturdayEveningPost30Aug1924.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"Nostalgia Sells"</i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-3819167341212290972023-09-24T05:04:00.014-07:002023-09-24T05:26:15.921-07:00Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulNQsV2WxfbbXcsA8ljZaNETjOU9ccYVyGse-htrtd-AwDFX0uCNAQeQlQtUjdydES_uYu2dAWlOcRhZNY1TKX_HWfAvlHhh5X2jb4aqR60mUkKCbTov-jgOw-jdWkWd2TmLjjNjAtGDP2kWwEdtCH6nshkML57LjvKEmElWObnQvLO9xAK0YWjFCjAdD/s500/R-6164237-1412678285-4453.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulNQsV2WxfbbXcsA8ljZaNETjOU9ccYVyGse-htrtd-AwDFX0uCNAQeQlQtUjdydES_uYu2dAWlOcRhZNY1TKX_HWfAvlHhh5X2jb4aqR60mUkKCbTov-jgOw-jdWkWd2TmLjjNjAtGDP2kWwEdtCH6nshkML57LjvKEmElWObnQvLO9xAK0YWjFCjAdD/s320/R-6164237-1412678285-4453.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>… Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends</p><p>Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends</p><p>Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends</p><p><i>With a little help from my friends...</i></p><p>Written collaboratively by John Lennon and Paul McCartney during the final stages of the Sgt. Pepper project, 'With A Little Help From My Friends' was sung by Ringo Starr. The song was written for and sung by the Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr as the character "Billy Shears". It was ranked No. 311 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.</p><p>Throughout the band's journey to America, Ringo became the most popular member of The Beatles. It was explained that Ringo was so popular that the Beatles manager George Martin wanted to capitalise on his growing fandom. <i>Therefore, the drummer was given a song on each record.</i></p><p>I think that my favorite thing that I do - my favorite thing that <b><i>I GET to do</i></b>... is our <a href="http://coffeeintheclouds.us" target="_blank">Coffee In The Clouds video podcasts</a>. <i><b>I'll come back to this.....</b></i></p><p><b><i>What did George Martin have to do with the Beatles? </i></b></p><p>Sir George Martin, <b>producer</b> of almost the entire awe-inspiring recorded catalogue of <b><i>The Beatles</i></b> and a hugely accomplished writer, arranger and musician with countless other achievements to his name, was born in Highbury, north London, on January 3, 1926.</p><div><div><b><i>What did Beatle Paul McCartney think of George Martin?</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>“He was a true gentleman and like a second father to me. He guided the career of the Beatles with such skill and good humour that he became a true friend to me and my family. If anyone earned the title of the fifth Beatle it was George,” McCartney wrote.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSIQXxk_0kT9e-AYJsWZ2EEfftZLTr05LWhsDL27hg6n6bWS-m-n_GxWc-get6SXWTNvgueySGK4zW5P6fda4J6xilJecrJGtwA8wKwAJ_1GXZ4lyVOFOsCU_ySJDsbRo4JXkC14HjixCkdDR5HrCbr1kAaMSFQEFE2iYZ39v7j0pJnOH5calTqMfzT-d/s1403/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%207.56.15%20AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1403" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSIQXxk_0kT9e-AYJsWZ2EEfftZLTr05LWhsDL27hg6n6bWS-m-n_GxWc-get6SXWTNvgueySGK4zW5P6fda4J6xilJecrJGtwA8wKwAJ_1GXZ4lyVOFOsCU_ySJDsbRo4JXkC14HjixCkdDR5HrCbr1kAaMSFQEFE2iYZ39v7j0pJnOH5calTqMfzT-d/w320-h213/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%207.56.15%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>Mark Fortier is the founder and president of Fortier Public Relations, LLC. His 30-years of publicizing hundreds of successful books earned him the 2019 Porchlight Jack Covert Award for Contribution to the Business Book Industry. He is the sixth recipient (and first publicist) following previous winners like Tom Peters and Seth Godin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before founding Fortier Public Relations, LLC in January 2007, Mark worked at book publicity firm Goldberg McDuffie Communications for almost nine years, rising from assistant director of publicity to director of publicity to vice president to partner (the first and only employee there to earn this title). There he worked with literary authors including Philip Roth and Henry Louis Gates, public officials like Robert Rubin, the CEOs of Citigroup and AT&T and organizations ranging from The Library of America to the National Endowment for the Arts. Books he worked on ranged from the global bestseller The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho to the Hamilton biography by Ron Chernow, which was adapted for the surprise Broadway hit musical. The first two business books he worked on are now classics: The Innovator’s Solution by Clayton Christensen and Blue Ocean Strategy, which has now sold over four million copies.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_j6WfOlAzChV504LJxBdaEOZe3CNONnIa-8YQFVVwo2qAREfbzZ0sIBxaFuWzMgxD5xBzr4xDLTd9-qFoeP8VY9L1JSGymo5xui5H0BDlAaGnbtFcOXeu6Nr4jrVOtfL-T9p2lzFWOiF-lG0ih9DAJ5KOt_-UOV-rAwUTz0YjM0fi3c8QyQ0auG60Lo1/s1403/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%207.56.49%20AM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1403" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_j6WfOlAzChV504LJxBdaEOZe3CNONnIa-8YQFVVwo2qAREfbzZ0sIBxaFuWzMgxD5xBzr4xDLTd9-qFoeP8VY9L1JSGymo5xui5H0BDlAaGnbtFcOXeu6Nr4jrVOtfL-T9p2lzFWOiF-lG0ih9DAJ5KOt_-UOV-rAwUTz0YjM0fi3c8QyQ0auG60Lo1/s320/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%207.56.49%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>Fortier's media placements include NPR Fresh Air & Morning Edition, Today, Good Morning America, CBS, Daily Show with Trevor Noah, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the covers of Time, Newsweek, Fortune and The New York Times Book Review, the Tim Ferriss podcast, the oped page and Saturday Essay of The Wall Street Journal and the front page of The New York Times.</div><div><br /></div><div>He is far more proud of the accomplishments of his growing team at Fortier PR, where he enjoys applying the management lessons he’s learned from the best leaders and business school professors who are our clients. Previously Mark held positions at Penguin U.S.A. and Columbia University Press.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMtEv_jtL-RQXLqfLfHOEtIdXcMQmOs91VzvGr9jdEB5Ohdq4EUGmu8zCQip9H6jn-ywbTkJjjO1JVAYU1fZK55z5cshQxaP2CqdMoWGBVl-d-6KjAvI3nNmhhulT9oOlpPe9XbpZHU8_KNMMeD2qSitVx3Qn2pf9REzBPphAQUjWJwVsgBXz0rgXBJAv/s1403/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%207.57.27%20AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1403" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyMtEv_jtL-RQXLqfLfHOEtIdXcMQmOs91VzvGr9jdEB5Ohdq4EUGmu8zCQip9H6jn-ywbTkJjjO1JVAYU1fZK55z5cshQxaP2CqdMoWGBVl-d-6KjAvI3nNmhhulT9oOlpPe9XbpZHU8_KNMMeD2qSitVx3Qn2pf9REzBPphAQUjWJwVsgBXz0rgXBJAv/s320/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%207.57.27%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>Mark is a graduate of Wesleyan University, and has studied at New York University and the University of London. His work has been recognized by Newsday, The New York Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Publishers Weekly, Book Publishing Report, and PRWeek. He has written about book publicity for numerous trade publications, and has lectured on book publicity at the Public Relations Society of America national convention, the Association of American University Presses, the New York Advertising and Communications Network and Thinkers 50. An interview with Mark is included as a chapter in several books including Publicize Your Book, What No One Ever Tells You About Blogging and Podcasting and How to Write a Business Book That Matters.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Several years ago... I had the pleasure of meeting the folks at <a href="https://fortierpr.com/" target="_blank">Fortier Public Relations</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><b style="font-style: italic;">Thanks to Tom Peters. </b>I'll come back to this...</div><div><br /></div><div>For over sixteen years, <a href="https://fortierpr.com/" target="_blank">FPR</a> has represented Pulitzer Prize winners, 208 books on the bestseller list including 76 in the last two years, 21 #1 bestsellers, and books by 33 of the Thinkers 50 list of the world’s leading business thinkers including Jim Collins, Clayton Christensen, Seth Godin, Marcus Buckingham, and Amy Edmondson, journalists like Maria Bartiromo, virtually every publishing house, and the CEOs, presidents and/or founders of Starbucks, Facebook, Alphabet, Google, GM, Citigroup, IBM, CVS Health, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, AT&T, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, BP, Deloitte, Whole Foods Market, Best Buy, Honeywell, Home Depot, Yum! Brands, IDEO, Innosight, Mayo Clinic, Nokia, Aetna, NASDAQ, AIG, BP, Gallup, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Hearst Magazines, MetLife, Seventh Generation, Medtronic, The Container Store, Dunkin Donuts, Texas Roadhouse, Gilt Groupe, Korn Ferry, Kleiner Perkins, Burson-Marsteller, Kickstarter, Nielsen, Razorfish, Reddit, Salomon Brothers, SHRM, The Harris Poll, JWT, Loews Hotels, Equinox, Flywheel, Putnam Investments, Oaktree Capital, Paychex, Guardian Life, MetLife, LRN, Compass, Twilio, The Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Brooks Running, Mandalay Entertainment, The Conference Board, Summit Series, Russell Reynolds, HubSpot, YSC, Okta, Snowflake, Nest, Stanford University and Simmons University.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really don't know exactly how it happened, but a few years ago I (chased? stalked?) ah, I reached out to <b>Tom Peters</b> (via social media, no less...) about his new book. I thought he would make a great interview - and we could promote his new book via the interview. It took a few tries, but Tom Peters finally said yes.<i><b> I might have begged, not sure.</b></i> I remember it like it was yesterday - landing that Tom Peters interview. <i><b>Tom Freakin' Peters!</b></i> It was THAT <a href="http://nydlacast.com" target="_blank">Tom Peters interview</a> that put us on the map - with the folks at <i><b>Fortier</b></i>. That interview lead to another, and another author from <a href="https://fortierpr.com/" target="_blank">Fortier PR</a> - the award-winning Manhattan based PR firm for business and nonfiction authors and thought leaders.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we interview someone famous, <b><i>their</i></b> community becomes <b><i>our</i></b> community. Actors, Authors, Thought Leaders, Subject Matter Experts - those <a href="http://NYDLAcast.com" target="_blank">NYDLAcast.com</a> interviews now attract <i><b>millions</b></i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Show me a Tom Peters fan, and I'll show you someone who should <a href="http://www.JoinNYDLA.org" target="_blank">www.JoinNYDLA.org</a> - <i><b>full stop</b></i>. Yes, Tom Peters was our first big interview. <i>And now, 100+ AMAZING interviews later...</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>What does <a href="http://tomcapone.com">Tom Capone</a> think of Mark Fortier - and of all the folks at Fortier PR?</i></b></div></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>Sing it with me...</div><div><br /></div><div><div>… Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends</div><div><br /></div><div>Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends</div><div><br /></div><div><i>With a little help from my friends...</i></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8O5kmguLmzIBQn3TYLsfKdwsxdvBfjNzRvnVdBf02hAwSuX1r9ouy51sDauSHHf07duxpYwDzK04VwsRz5wcCr3Y7YSPd7O1ZPI55SI_g7rJePc8wa3DkTknSV6iMBZIIPP8uEOgyAH6YIVgQ0Y8bdCBNAphRJNHBevmgjVL3wRNaf9Y5gUAYUms0_Gzv/s1167/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%208.01.51%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1167" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8O5kmguLmzIBQn3TYLsfKdwsxdvBfjNzRvnVdBf02hAwSuX1r9ouy51sDauSHHf07duxpYwDzK04VwsRz5wcCr3Y7YSPd7O1ZPI55SI_g7rJePc8wa3DkTknSV6iMBZIIPP8uEOgyAH6YIVgQ0Y8bdCBNAphRJNHBevmgjVL3wRNaf9Y5gUAYUms0_Gzv/s320/Screenshot%202023-09-24%20at%208.01.51%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://CoffeeInTheClouds.us" target="_blank">www.CoffeeInTheClouds.us </a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2573937650728056222.post-57027186301098372202023-09-17T14:07:00.016-07:002023-09-17T17:18:08.004-07:00Obi-SD-WAN Kenobi <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">If you are reading on a smartphone, use landscape / hold phone sideways. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9za5yd9MYHT-pQLbQeFCdcGZIvNU7yhzSt44_yiHxfCW99rUj-RJT_S7vAY_gruikA9neJ5VSzwomzboVeZ0ZetGmITcWs_Ewm4EDegjuecsiVRRw9Q0kP9-24PKxT9bGutMVOhH7qA5LQXz3w8pPphl2wpngoWxGAvXEvimuMdxT2q_PWO5K8ovmpMwP/s275/images%20(2).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9za5yd9MYHT-pQLbQeFCdcGZIvNU7yhzSt44_yiHxfCW99rUj-RJT_S7vAY_gruikA9neJ5VSzwomzboVeZ0ZetGmITcWs_Ewm4EDegjuecsiVRRw9Q0kP9-24PKxT9bGutMVOhH7qA5LQXz3w8pPphl2wpngoWxGAvXEvimuMdxT2q_PWO5K8ovmpMwP/s1600/images%20(2).jpeg" width="183" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b>SD-WAN</b>, or Software-Defined Wide Area Network, is a technology that simplifies the management and operation of a wide area network (WAN) by separating the networking hardware from its control mechanism. It uses software-based controllers and application programming interfaces (APIs) to direct traffic across the WAN and improve application performance.</p><p><i>Not GEEK enough for you?</i></p><p>SD-WAN technology has gained popularity as organizations seek more flexible, agile, and cost-effective ways to manage their wide area networks, especially in the context of the growing adoption of cloud services and the increasing demand for remote work solutions. It simplifies network management and enhances performance while offering better control and security options.</p><p><i>Ah, Tom.... is today's Sunday Blog going to be "for Nerds only" ???</i></p><p><i>A few months ago... in a galaxy far, far away.... [ .. ok, sorry...]</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjrPEVc8B0nLpUlTRoV2HfRPqZzxaHkJA-786BKAySKamaSKdOn991Aof9UrjagRPkTEzTBMUerAVpzwz3OhQghPZ2VTUJCHdw0j-dw3a_9pEag6EFbf5Worg4W7CGPOgbYz7pAJo1x_uxlBENIfDVqN-9lHw1vlrJJMTkBxQkfi7_Dj1C-pjlhy7ATXV/s813/Screenshot%202023-09-17%20at%204.17.26%20PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="813" data-original-width="659" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjrPEVc8B0nLpUlTRoV2HfRPqZzxaHkJA-786BKAySKamaSKdOn991Aof9UrjagRPkTEzTBMUerAVpzwz3OhQghPZ2VTUJCHdw0j-dw3a_9pEag6EFbf5Worg4W7CGPOgbYz7pAJo1x_uxlBENIfDVqN-9lHw1vlrJJMTkBxQkfi7_Dj1C-pjlhy7ATXV/s320/Screenshot%202023-09-17%20at%204.17.26%20PM.png" width="259" /></a></div>In early 2023 I attended an SD-WAN webinar from AireSpring. I'm an old telecom guy, I wanted to get up to speed on SD-WAN, the technology that improves control, management, up time, business agility, security, and data encryption of Wide Area Networks. <i>The webinar was very well done indeed. </i><p></p><p>I followed up with AireSpring. I said: "Hey I used to be a Master Agent with you guys - like - 23 years ago! It was back when you guys were selling BlackBerry, and I owned and ran <a href="http://www.MaritimeTechnologyPartners.com" target="_blank">www.MaritimeTechnologyPartners.com</a> in NYC. I was servicing the <b><i>Maritime Industry</i></b>, and BlackBerry was a big deal. I am thinking about being your Master Agent (again) to service the millions of members of NYDLA | USDLA | NADLA - but now for telecom and technology solutions. </p><p><b><i>Nope, Sorry Tom. </i></b></p><p>AireSpring is not taking on any new Master Agents. And.... if we DID make an exception, you would need to have $1M+ in business - right now - today. That would be table stakes to get in the game. But again, we are not really accepting new Master Agents. We would, however, be happy to place you under one of our existing Master Agents, like <b>Telarus</b> or <b><i>Sandler Partners</i></b>. </p><p>It is now that I would normally go battle, to "fight" for the deal. But this time, I basically began to slowly walk away. Maybe I'm getting too old for this game. <i>But as I was heading for the exit, I did say: </i></p><p>"Well, you guys at AireSpring are probably the most honest company in telecom. You guys STILL send me a commission check every month, even though it is WAY less than $100. This money is from old business that I sent you YEARS ago. Your <i>honesty</i> is <i>impressive</i>, and <i>rare</i> in the industry." </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Wait. <i>You are still getting checks from AireSpring? In 2023? </i></li><li>Then - you are still <b>active</b> in the AireSpring system as a Master Agent.</li><li>We (AireSpring) have never missed an agent payment - in 22 years.</li><li>Then - <i><b>you are (still) a "Legacy" Master Agent! </b></i></li></ul><div>This is like finding a <i><b>Ferrari</b></i> under a tarp in the barn of Great Grandpa's old country farmhouse. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTm4adkY3tNmXygsZVWzB--I0oRrHpI5NV2D38kg28y5UdscgQjU2FhHn9OnDEJ1qvA1LmgFkrWUYpffyUu7SkKy2JkzVn8uIPwn9HhC-jDpD3ttknObqNR32XB-uD4-rtbtgzeA0InhJw1x-iBKDrSlXpfTU7lhHXwtNrbtDc28O5e7vwm20XzeGuqzsh/s865/Screenshot%202023-09-14%20at%206.30.49%20AM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="784" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTm4adkY3tNmXygsZVWzB--I0oRrHpI5NV2D38kg28y5UdscgQjU2FhHn9OnDEJ1qvA1LmgFkrWUYpffyUu7SkKy2JkzVn8uIPwn9HhC-jDpD3ttknObqNR32XB-uD4-rtbtgzeA0InhJw1x-iBKDrSlXpfTU7lhHXwtNrbtDc28O5e7vwm20XzeGuqzsh/s320/Screenshot%202023-09-14%20at%206.30.49%20AM.png" width="290" /></a></div>Last Friday, I attended the AireSpring "Lunch 'n Learn" at the Capital Grill in New York City. It did not disappoint. The product portfolio of AireSpring has grown <b><i>dramatically</i></b> over the past 23 years. I jokingly said at the lunch: "AireSpring is probably the biggest telecom company that no one ever heard of..." currently processing 30 billion calls per year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Around 23 years ago, AireSpring would leave BlackBerry and they would go into the Long Distance Business. I dabbled in various telecom and technology niche businesses over the last 23 years. And now, today, I run the <a href="http://nydla.org" target="_blank">Distance Learning Association</a>, which really has become <i><b>DIGITAL</b></i> Learning, and now, in 2023... <b><i>DIGITAL LIVING. </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>All things remote. All things cloud. All things wireless and mobility. All things Internet. All of the things that are now found in the AireSpring portfolio. Connectivity. Security. You know, <i><b>things like SD-WAN.</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>We are now getting ready to offer all things AireSpring to the 5.8M+ members of The Distance Learning Association - soon to be 10M+ members if we keep growing at our current pace. If we do not become the #1 AireSpring partner over the next 24 months, we did something very (very) wrong. </div><div><br /></div><div>I feel that there are many lessons here, buried like Easter Eggs in today's Sunday Blog. One is that you need to show up - <b><i>and speak up</i></b>. The other: it pays to never miss an agent payment in over 22 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yep, <b><i>Honesty is the Best Policy. Karma works! </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>And finally this: the steaks at the Capital Grill at Rockefeller Center NYC are amazing. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3U1yV3bZbfUkPv1fWEVBxU6ioT0bQTR_vhOHHqI7j5RCW0hBpWRi9LQUTCHhJ6WPwzsZXl9Ljd5LWGT2fVTw2jNcXXsVHX1Qf0PdPcBcwfAx08OACrCgmfEGf6F1aUMXiVZFNuI6W3PwY2QjfSlutldZDSIBcsJvr6xTfVV-nPu21yfaNBapM2TjWVZ3/s940/https___cdn.evbuc.com_images_559931439_537814744477_1_original.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="940" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3U1yV3bZbfUkPv1fWEVBxU6ioT0bQTR_vhOHHqI7j5RCW0hBpWRi9LQUTCHhJ6WPwzsZXl9Ljd5LWGT2fVTw2jNcXXsVHX1Qf0PdPcBcwfAx08OACrCgmfEGf6F1aUMXiVZFNuI6W3PwY2QjfSlutldZDSIBcsJvr6xTfVV-nPu21yfaNBapM2TjWVZ3/s320/https___cdn.evbuc.com_images_559931439_537814744477_1_original.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Thomas Caponehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16793406699714288883noreply@blogger.com0