Blurts

The new movie, The Social Network, tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg and the origins of Facebook. There was a good deal of heap in the run up to the debut of the movie with a good deal of debate regarding how authentic it was. When I saw the movie, I had already read Accidental Millionaires. I found the movie to be fairly true to the book, but I am still unclear how true to the truth either account actually are. I am very interested in technology and the minds that have created the tools and services we use today. However, I have also found the personalities responsible for Apple, Microsoft, and now Facebook to be quite disturbing. It is not so much the intense competition that bothers me as the behaviors that seem unethical and perhaps even outright illegal. Just what value system has been modeled for future leaders of the digital economy.

So, I have been fascinated with other accounts that might offer a more fact-based perspective. I recently found this program from Bloomberg Game Changers – nothing here to change my concern. Have been returned to the days of the Robber Barons?

<p>Apple fans. Jobs will make a one-hour appearance on <a href=”http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/10/12/bloomberg_to_profile_steve_jobs_in_one_hour_tv_special_this_thursday.html”>Bloomberg</a> (Thursday Oct. 14 – 9 ET).  Might be worth setting the Tivo or perhaps <a href=”http://www.bloomberg.com/tv/”>Bloomberg Live</a>.</p>

I really like this activity. You identify your state and then take a position and rate the importance of 10 issues. They tool then compares your data with those of the various candidates. Actually consider the issues – what a novel concept. VoteEasy

I am annoyed with those who assume they deserve free content and free services. I am starting a campaign with the moto – “Don’t be cheap” somewhat inspired by the Google motto (ad revenue evidently works for the don’t be evil folks).

I have taken this position several times before but I was reminded again when reading about Instapaper asking users to pay $1 per month (actually $3 for 3 months). Fair enough. Quality deserves some compensation and this app has become an important part of my reading and content organization process (the missing step between I read it and here is what I want to save of it).

I must admit it took some doing. I don’t really like to use PayPal and evidently my Visa is somehow tied to my abandoned PayPal account. I can’t escape even when I want to pay. I borrowed Cindy’s Paypal account to cover the cost (she may wonder what the charge is for).

So, make a contribution. Don’t be cheap (that might be don’t be cheep if you found this via Twitter).

AAAS article on public school bashing.

It appears public and political attacks on public schools are the in thing. We all have had a teacher or two who was not particularly good, but I would suggest we have also encountered doctors, nurses, car salespersons, police officers, clergymen, etc. who were also lazy and less than acceptable.

An occasional incompetent aside, teaching is a difficult and typically low-paid job. I think people assume they understand the profession because they have witnessed it as a student. Perhaps this is the key. Many assume they could do it, but have never actually tried. Volunteer and give it a try. If it is too much of a hassle to report to the local school, it would help those of us who teach if you spent some time helping your own children. If you are unable to explain the subject matter, just check to see if they have completed their home work.

I have long been a fan of “probes” – dedicated data acquisition sensors that can be connected to a computer. Now, probes are available for the iPod Touch and iPad.