To Kindle or Not to Kindle

May 7, 2009 by Daigle

A little update from my last post . . . my Mom decided to join Facebook.

Back on topic, I’ve been hearing more good things about Amazon’s
Kindle 2. I have yet to go out on a limb and shell out the $359 for the Kindle 2 because right now I don’t have a problem carrying one book around at a time. My best reading (and thinking time) is on airplanes, and unless I’m reading Garfield, I probably won’t finish the book on one trip.

But I could definitely see the benefit for people backpacking around Europe, or living in a foreign country, where books in English might be as difficult to get as a fair taxi price. Downloading all your books and having them in one place might also free up a corner of my office.

Now if I could only turn all my old college textbooks that I don’t have the guts/willpower to throw away into downloadable PDFs. That would save a couple more cubic feet in the storage closet. I’ve already started saving storage space by converting pictures to digital images through a Photo Scanning Service.

But realistically, I think I’ll always have paper books. The Kindle, although it has it’s benefits, might be more challenging to consult on a time-to-time basis as I can’t quickly flip through the pages to a particular section. I do this with my business reference books all the time, and I think it would be tough getting use to the Kindle. Although on the other hand, the search feature might come in handy if I’m just searching for a particular topic.

In a way, the Kindle is like the Google Book Search is to Libraries. Yea, it’s nice to be able to search and read stuff with ease, but sometimes nothing beats a trip to a good ole fashioned library.

- Daigle

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Should My Mom Join Facebook?

April 28, 2009 by Daigle

Hey Mom, I just wrote on your Facebook wall

Hey Mom, I just wrote on your Facebook wall

I received a VERY surprising phone call from my mom the other day. While I was expecting the usual fare like “where is Laura’s internship for the summer,” or “have you called your niece/sister/brother lately,” she busted out with the question “SHOULD I JOIN FACEBOOK?”

I must say I was taken aback. She never asked if she should get on MySpace. She gets my Dad to upload her photos to her computer. i.e. She doesn’t tweet.

I must admit though, in the 2-3 months leading up to this question I noticed some of my over-40 relatives all of a sudden joining Facebook. It was like a virus. It started with some distant relatives in New York. Then my sister in Louisiana. Then my cousin in Dallas and one in Austin. THEN my Mom!

Facebook must be doing something right if she is asking that question. Twitter didn’t prompt her to ask that question. Neither did craigslist, myspace, friendster, or any of their predecessors, spin-offs, and look-a-likes.

Okay, to get to the point of this post, what did I tell my mom when she asked if she should join Facebook?

I have issues with facebook. Although I’m in the target facebook crowd – actually maybe a two or three years older than the original facebookers (now 24-25) – I don’t like to use it that much. I admit, it’s been a great way to find old friends from when I lived in Dubai. Or check out what the ex is up to. But is that stuff that really better’s my life?

Does it better your life to know what some random dude from your middle school is up to? What about high school acquaintances? Actually, when I first joined facebook, I spent WAAAAY too much time on it (as I’m sure others have had issues with as well). There were two things that convinced me that I needed to minimize my interaction with Facebook.

1) Facebook is just another website in a long line of similar sites. In 3-5 years, there will probably be another, much better site. Internet sites come and go. Remember AOL? Remember Prodigy? Shoot, remember Yahoo? Soon, we’ll be saying remember Facebook? And when that time comes, we’re all going to have to start our profiles, networks, etc. from scratch. So I decided I didn’t want to put too much time into one social network site because they fizzle and pop. Although facebook is bigger than I thought it would be, which I’m happy for because maybe it’ll stick around and all my time spent won’t go to waste, it still burns through cash like me through Girl Scout thin mints.

2) I realized that my building my online social network, I had less time for my actual real-life social network. Some people spend so much time on the site, they don’t actually interact in person with any of the friends.

This is what I told my Mom. I told her that she probably didn’t need to join. I told her that she would wind up spending so much time catching up with people that aren’t really in her life anymore, that she would have less time for the people THAT REALLY MATTER AND ARE IN HER LIFE NOW.

Of course not everyone may agree with me. And I still have some marketing tricks I want to try on Facebook, so I’m glad it’s there. But I just don’t want to spend time on my social network at the expense of my friends.

- Daigle

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What’s the Deal with Twitter??

April 1, 2009 by Daigle

Dont talk, just tweet

Don't talk, just tweet

Last night I was at TechNow09, where they told us to twitter the event. Last week a friend of mine who has an online retail site is adding an automatic twitter new product feed to his system. Two weeks ago Jon Stewart mentioned the word “tweet” on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Demi Moore bends over in a bathing suit and Ashton Kutcher catches a snapshot and tweets his Twitter followers his praise for god, along with that picture.

All this has happened in just the last few weeks. I first noticed everyone was mentioning Twitter when I heard something on CNN about Twitter. Now I’ve known about Twitter (and pondered on whether/how to use it) for over 2 years.

A guy by the name of Marc Nathan with the Houston Technology Center was the first person I knew to REALLY use twitter. I’ll admit I don’t know why people use it. I didn’t even get a texting plan until last month. I don’t enjoy texting, so I don’t know why people would want to text to Twitter and tell other people what they are doing. And what about the followers? I have enough going on in my life, do I really have time to follow other people, most of whom I’ve never met or had a real conversation (much less an email) with.

In Inc or one of the magazines I read, they did a cover article on the guy behind Twitter last year. So it’s nothing new, but all of a sudden, tweeting is the thing to do.

I made me really appreciate two things, Macolm Gladwell’s Tipping Point theory and the publicity snowball.

First I wondered if Twitter was just an early adopter thing, and not really meant for mainstream . . . that was until one of the major news channels picked it up. I wonder if that news channel helped Twitter get over that tipping point, because since then, it’s been all about Twitter this, Tweet that, I just Twooted.

Second, it made me appreciate the snowball (or lemming-like if you prefer) mentality of publicity. Yea, Twitter had made the rounds in the early adopter world. But that was just a small snowball compared to getting press on CNN , Headline News, Fox News, etc. So I’m not sure if CNN was the first to do the cover story, but for whichever big news outlet was the first, did they just add some significant size to the Twitter publicity snowball?

Publicity as I’ve come to find out, will build on itself. Start small, build up. Don’t try to go after USA Today right from the get go. Use your past publicity to slowly, but surely, climb up that publicity ladder. The Twitter publicity proves the snowball effect.

And is there really a difference between the snowball effect, and the tipping point? I’d have to think a little more on that. But whatever your opinion, you gotta admit Twitter is one big a** snowball. I wouldn’t want to get hit by it!

Now onto tweeting about this blog post. (PS I’m still trying to find a good way to use Twitter without getting cramps in my thumbs.)

Daigle

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Another Adventure into Art of Living

March 24, 2009 by Daigle

Some of you might recall my earlier story about the 5-day meditation (the first time I typo’ed this “medication”, I guess it’s a form of that). Well I decided to hold my end of the bargain an actually do the Part 1 course (which I was supposed to do before doing Part 2, doh).

I’m glad I did, because in some ways I got more out of the Part 1 program than I did from the Part 2. The Part 2 was very physically an mentally challenging, and focused very heavily on meditation. Part 1, although mentally challenging, wasn’t as physically challenging. For example, in the Part 1, we didn’t have to sit cross-legged for hours straight – as we had to do in the Part 2 course.

I still felt the same connection with the people around me, even though we spent significantly less time together – about half the time you would spend with the people in a part 2 course.

Another benefit of the Part 1 course, it can be done locally, and on a working man’s schedule. They recommend doing the Part 2 course two times per year, but that would be all my vacation time! The Part 1 can be done in most major cities, and just on the weeknights and weekend.

A less tangible benefit that may differ between participants, but I was able to stick with the breathing techniques much better after the Part 1. Maybe because I did the Part 2 already, so I was pretty indoctrinated into the program. But I think it’s because I understood what I was doing better. I personally have a hard time doing things if I don’t understand why I’m doing them.

Although I’ve been remiss in the program recently, I did find myself feeling better physically and mentally. I also kicked my morning caffeine habit, and feel better eating less red meat.

I still recommend for everyone who is looking to become a better person, give the Art of Living a try.

On a side note, I recently met an individual who has a developed a program that helps one accomplish the same goals, but using needle-less Acupuncture theories.

Daigle

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An Investor’s Stimulus Plan

February 13, 2009 by Daigle

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard the term “economic stimulus plan.” Mark Cuban, one of the original “dot.com billionaires,” has introduced his own version of an economic stimulus plan.

In his blog earlier this week, Cuban announced a concept he called “open source funding.” The idea, aside from investment stimulus for businesses, is the sharing of lean and profitable business plans. The only way one can hope to qualify for investment is to meet all of Mr. Cuban’s criteria, including posting your business plan publicly for review.

Of course, there are some dissenters who complain about the criteria but hey, when you’re giving away money, you have to make some rules. There’s also the general ruckus about stealing ideas but that’s also part of the reason for the public posting – “sharing” ideas. If someone else has the means to start a business using your idea, that’s another new business start-up. The idea is to get more Americans into business.

However, a by-product of this open air discussion and sharing of ideas on the internet is the dozens of other potential investors jumping into the arena, posting on the blog, offering additional backing, and taking notice of the flow of ideas. Whether it’s for the chance to do business with the Dallas Maverick’s owner, or the for a share of the spotlight, the end result is that the gauntlet has been thrown for these big money moguls to re-invest in American know-how.

It’s time to check your patents and dust off your spreadsheet.

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Free Your Mind (Meditation, not MindMapping)

January 8, 2009 by Daigle

So if you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you probably remember me talking about the 4-Hour Workweek and how you can use some of the tips to improve your own work/life balance.

One of the recommended steps to help cure you from your information-overload addiction is to take a silent retreat. He lists a couple of locations including Spirit Rock in the Bay Area and Sky Lake Lodge in New York. Due to schedule constraints and timing, I instead opted to take the Art of Living Foundation 4-day silent retreat over the Christmas Holidays. Here is my quick and dirty guide to doing your own silent retreat…

*First off, if you plan to take the Art of Living Course Part 2, be sure to first sign up for Part 1 as you’ll need those techniques for Part 2.*

Having Fun in Silence

Having Fun in Silence

So probably like most of you, I hadn’t ever attempted a “silent retreat.” So what does a silent retreat encompass? If it were just no talking, that would be easy. When they say silent retreat, they mean silence of the mind. Turning off all the outward distractions – talking, communication (no sherades), phones, TV, reading – and focusing your mind inward, on your body and your thoughts. [As you'll see, you are allowed to laugh and sing some Sanskrit songs, so it's not totally "silent" per se.]

In focusing all your thoughts inward, you learn about yourself, both emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Art of Living Silent Retreat

Art of Living Silent Retreat


What’s great about the Art of Living course is that it was progressive. Because it would be so hard to just sit there and do nothing for 4 days, they actually keep you quite busy in your silence. The typical day was spent doing yoga, eating and taking walks, meditating, and to engage the left brain, some singing of Sanskrit songs (not technically a language) [dancing optional], and watching a short video of the founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar answering some questions about life. Days started early and ended late.

Celebrating Our Last Night of Silence

Celebrating Our Last Night of Silence

So when you break it down, your day was spent walking for a few hours, meditating for a few hours, and using your right brain for a few hours.

One thing I was surprised about was the comedic attitude of the teacher. She had been through what we were going through, and she would crack jokes about the process, the funny techniques, etc. I actually laughed in those 4 days more than I would in a normal 4 days.

The course I happen to take was not an in-residence course, which means we had to drive back to our host’s apartment every night. If I were to take it again, I would prefer to stay on location and not have to engage the outside world. A location in the middle of nowhere would be perfect because you could really be alone with your thoughts.

I really liked the meditation technique used by Art of Living, as it helps you really get into your meditation without even knowing it. Supposedly they use to meditate for 8 hours per day and have short meal breaks, which I would have probably found too intense. The mix they had was perfect for newbie meditators like myself.

Bring Your Backjack

Bring Your Backjack

One final tip if you go to one of these things. Buy your own “backjack,” which is a back support you can use while sitting on the ground. Our bodies aren’t use to sitting on the floor and supporting our own weight so this is necessary for first-timers. Or if you get to the class early, they might have some backjacks you can borrow for the class.

So after all the time, effort, and numb legs, what did I gain from this experience?

One of the largest things I noticed, and most people do, when coming out of silence, you really are aware of how much useless, inconsequential stuff is going on around you – conversations, gossip magazines, news about death, music that you don’t even hear. It helps you focus on what’s really important, the people you love and the things you love doing.

A long term impact I think will stick with me for a while is the ability to give my brain a break. They suggest you take this course from time to time like an oil change for your brain. After this course, I have a better ability to focus on positive thoughts, focus on the “now,” and acknowledge negative thoughts but let them pass.

I look at this course much like training for a marathon. Yes it was tough and it’s not for everybody. There were times when I was questioning my decision. However, by the end, I felt a wave of gratitude that I stuck through it all. Most likely I’ll be doing it again…

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Fun Discoveries for the Holidays

December 18, 2008 by Daigle

Shopping for the holidays will almost always expose a person to something they’ve never seen before. Here are some interesting items dotting shopping lists this season from ThinkGeek – a few are quite useful!

Bluetooth BraceletThe Bluetooth Bracelet – When phone holsters are too cumbersome, and you just don’t want to put your phone in your pocket, you can safely leave it in the car, in your jacket, in your purse or other hiding place and not miss a call. The bluetooth bracelet sits almost inconspicuously at your wrist, to alert you of phone activity.

The iPod Brick – Sometimes we all need a little nostalgia. Here’s an iPod speaker deck modeled after your favorite construction toy. I don’t think the block connect together to make a bigger speaker, but that would be fun if you could do it.

Altoid Can AmpGuitar Amp in an Altoids Can – On everyone’s stocking stuffer list, this is a whimsical and hip twist on a practical solution to a real problem. Electric guitarists can’t always just plug in and turn it up, so pocket-sized amps that either include self-contained speakers or jacks for headphones are essential. Given a choice between this and the Smokey Joe amp (plain old plastic box about the size of a pack of cigarettes), this one wins all the style points.

Coffee Cup Power InverterAnd finally a problem solver that shows some real observation skills – the Coffee Cup Power Inverter. Not only does it give you somewhere to plug in those annoying AC powered devices that don’t come with car chargers, but it keeps the connections stashed in the cup holder!

Happy Shopping!

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Is Motherhood the Mother of Invention?

December 12, 2008 by Daigle

th-10_img0268Breaking news on Impact Lab today shows what a different world we live in these days. The Kickbee, is a gadget developed by dad-to-be, Corey Menscher, designed to transmist “junior’s” kicking across the internet. Using a system of piezo sensors that monitor in-utero activity while strapped to Mum’s tummy, all that kicking and squirming is transmitted via Twitter’s status update message, a 140-character “blurb” that users send whenever they want to let the world know what they’re up to.

Any guesses as to how many kids from the upcoming generation will begin their online activities in the womb?

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Top Venture Capital Investing Companies of 2007

December 7, 2008 by Daigle

We ran across a list compiled on Entrepreneur.com of the top venture capital investing companies for 2007, so we’ve decided to share a list of the top 30. You can see the entire list here.

Top Firms for Early Stage Companies

Deals
in 2007

VC

Location

19 Maryland Technology Development Corporation Columbia, MD
16 Draper Fisher Jurvetson Menlo Park, CA
15 Ben Franklin Technology Partners Southeastern PA Philadelphia, PA
15 Innovation Works, Inc. Pittsburgh, PA
14 New Enterprise Associates Baltimore, MD
13 Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA Bethlehem, PA
13 First Round Capital West Conshohocken, PA
12 Mohr Davidow Ventures Menlo Park, CA
11 Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Menlo Park, CA
10 Domain Associates LLC Princeton, NJ
10 General Catalyst
Partners 		Cambridge, MA
10 Intel Capital Santa Clara, CA
10 Village Ventures Williamstown, MA
9 InterWest Partners Menlo Park, CA
9 Labrador Ventures Palo Alto, CA
9 Polaris Venture Partners Waltham, MA
9 SV Life Sciences Advisers Boston, MA
9 vSpring Capital Salt Lake City, UT
8 Connecticut Innovations, Inc. Rocky Hill, CT
8 HealthCare Ventures LLC Cambridge, MA
8 Illinois Ventures LLC Chicago, IL
8 North Bridge Venture Partners Waltham, MA
8 Prism Venture Partners Westwood, MA
8 Sigma Partners Menlo Park, CA
8 True Ventures Palo Alto, CA
7 ARCH Venture Partners Chicago, IL
7 Atlas Venture, Ltd. Waltham, MA
7 DCM Doll Capital Management Menlo Park, CA
7 Khosla Ventures Menlo Park, CA
7 Matrix Partners Waltham, MA

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Mind Mapping: Putting Chaotic Thoughts On Paper

December 4, 2008 by Daigle

If you’re a “thought leader” or an “idea generator,” you are probably familiar with the problems surrounding the generation and control of ideas. Watch the last 15 seconds or so of this Touchstone commercial for a great visual demonstration of what goes on, not just in communities, but sometimes just within the mind of one highly imaginative or creative individual.

This sort of idea generation can’t be effectively organized with Post-it notes or legal pads. Sure, you can write all of your brain sparks on Post-its but it’s hard to share them or get input from others to help you organize and prioritize things. Most flowcharting software requires 6 hours of computer science just to understand the menus. Aside from the learning curve, they also are not cheap.

freemind-learning-german

Fortunately, there are some affordable (even free) tools you can install on your computer that can help you think the way you like to think and still organize and share those ideas. These are called mind mappers. Mind maps let you arrange things intuitively based on your individual classification method, which, with “idea generators,” often is non-linear in nature. Some ideas don’t make sense on their own so here’s a chance to organize things based on the way you think rather than the way some software thinks is best for you. These can usually be either concept-based or structure hierarchically.

Mind mappers to try out:
FreeMind
Pimki
Buzan’s Mind Map
OpenMind (integrates with MS Office)
SmartDraw
WikkaWiki (a wiki with a native mind mapper)

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