The World is Flat is one of those lovely life-changing pieces of literature that, if you can get past the author's infuriating writing style, is worth the significant time investment. If you're an entrepreneur, at the least, consider it brain-food, that unique energy that courses through the dendrites of our neural networks, and comes out in the creativity that keeps our … [Read more...]
Anything can be a Business
Rule of Entrerpreneurship: Anything can be a business. True, this is a bit of stretch if you’re a stickler, but it’s true in principle. We’ve all heard of the guy who could sell bags of poo for $1 each, by discussing the benefits for plant growth. Image via Wikipedia The rule is more of a general principle of outlook – “more like guidelines” as Jack says of the Pirate … [Read more...]
Mumford: film about work, sort of
I watched Mumford again the other night (that's the film by Lawrence Kasdan, not the magician on Sesame Street). The key figure, Dr. Mumford, is what most people would call a fraud. He helps people by listening to their problems, and they pay him for the service; the problem is his diploma and license for psychology are fake. You know, in this era we've categorized, … [Read more...]
Mom and Pop: for your soul
Want to keep variety, character, and personality in your life? Buy from Mom and Pop - exclusively, when possible. Shun the Shell, the Texaco, or the Seven-11, and go to convenience stores where no one speaks English. You'll find a more idiosyncratic selection of everything from Mexican sodas to the organic beverage pouch I'm sipping from now, as well as old favorites like … [Read more...]
Disastreneurs: Work for Survival
I was talking with a food bank worker recently, and told him that I think the cost of food will reach the price of fuel - that a can of green beans will cost $3.00. He refused to believe that could happen, and just kept saying "we'll be all right". I’m not so sure. If food prices rise that much globally, we'll catch a slight break as a predator nation, but at the expense of the … [Read more...]