Author: Bobby Rockers

Improved by death

I have updated VAULT to WorlPress 2.5. Additionally I have added a quotes widget to the sidebar and a page that has a (nearly) complete list of the quotes I have posted. This new functionality is a product of the Quotes Collection plug in.  Now that I have a tool to manage adding quotes, it looks like this blog may become nothing more than a repository for posting links unless I actually add some unique content on occasion.

On My Return to Work

A good manager makes sure things get done right; a good leader makes sure the right things get done.

God never intended for us to be comfortable.

Nothing is impossible, and nothing worthwhile is easy.

Vision without action is just a dream; action without vision is just consuming time.

–All Stolen from the CBMC Newsletter

Management VS Leadership

British sculptor Sir Jacob Epstein was once visited in his studio by the eminent author and fellow Briton, George Bernard Shaw. During their chat, Shaw noticed a huge block of marble standing in one corner and asked what it was for.

“I don’t know yet, Epstein replied. œI’m still making plans.”

Shaw was astounded. “You mean you plan your work? Why, I change my mind several times a day!”

“That’s all very well when you’re working with a four-ounce manuscript,” replied the sculptor, “but not with a four-ton block of marble.”

-Story relayed by Lee Colan, PhD.

The Weekly Geek Revolt

Ever wonder why (knowledgeable) IT folk continue to hate Microsoft?  Check out this article by Randall Kennedy.  Kennedy talks about The Great Moore’s Law Compensator (TGMLC), and euphemism for Microsoft’s constant expansion with regards to system requirements.  This constant bloating from software version to software version happens regardless of the actual proportional improvement to the software.  The effect is that we run hardware that is a 1000 times more powerful and it was just a dozen years ago; but the speed at which are applications run are basically identical (and in many cases actually SLOWER.)

The second link is to the video presentation of Mark Pesce discussing the role of piracy in the film/television industry.  It is a great rundown of the state and future of TV/film and the opportunities in those industries.  The basic rundown is that everyone is going to be better off except for the broadcasters; who will see their virtual Monopolies disappear and, with them, their huge profits.

No trick to being a humorist

It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong.
-Voltaire

If you really want to cure a pressing social problem, take steps outside the realm of government. If you don’t see how you can convince people to help you succeed in a non-governmental endeavor, how can you expect to control politicians who care nothing for your desires?
-Harry Browne, The 7 Vital Principles of Government

Because Government is so Great?

I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.

–Bob Dylan

    The National Post has this article which talks the Wal-Mart’s actions during the Hurricane Katrina response.   Having grown up in Northwest Arkansas, I have an innate bias towards Wal-Mart (I am sure that my tenancy towards Libertarianism doesn’t have anything to do with it either.)  It is was nice to see them get some, much deserved,  good press.
    Here is a quote by Lee Scott, CEO of Wal-Mart.  The quote comes from the memo that Lee Scott sent out to all the regional and store managers regarding the Katrina tragedy:

A lot of you are going to have to make decisions above your level,” was Scott’s message to his people. “Make the best decision that you can with the information that’s available to you at the time, and above all, do the right thing.

 
    The article reminded of one of my favorite episodes of Penn & Teller: Bullshit!

If this had been a REAL post

This has been posted with Deepest Sender.  Another Firefox add-on that I am testing.  Basically it creates a sidebar for posting to Livejournal/WordPress/Blogger.  It seems to work OK, but I really wish it didn’t re-login every time I closed/opened the sidebar.  It includes a full mini-GUI for editing/adding posts that is reachable via shortcut key (Ctrl+\).