Thanksgiving approaches this week, as Lori and I travel down to Birmingham to visit with family.
This holiday is always a good time to consider how blessed we all are. For me in particular, the past few months have brought a new house, the beginning of a new career for my wife, and a growing ability to serve the world through the iTest organization.
My wife has loved her job from the moment she started. How many people can say that? Her boss treats her great and recognizes her immense talent. Her co-workers respect her and acknowledge her contributions. That's huge.
Our house has definitely been a blessing. We both have been looking forward to having a place to call "our own" for a while now. Our house is big enough to where we can grow here and remain here for years to come, and has space to accommodate our particular needs. We're very lucky.
There will be a number of changes coming before the end of this calendar year with the iTest. While it has not been confirmed, it is highly likely I'll be revealing the bulk of these changes at my upcoming speech at Princeton in mid-December. The opportunity to run a business the way I run the iTest is one of the most enjoyable things I do. While the organization gives tremendously to students all over the country by creating new educational opportunities for them year-round, the organization also gives tremendously to me by giving me a platform to sharpen my business sense and a "playground" to get some experience in corporate strategy. I'm very fortunate for this as well.
And even the Titans are doing what they're supposed to be doing: winning most of their ballgames. We'll see how they fare in their second Monday nighter in a couple days. Beating the Broncos is completely non-negotiable. It would be nice to see Vince Young using the no-huddle to actually throw more than 200 yards in a single game...
There are plenty of things in both my and Lori's life that are challenging on a daily basis - things we cause ourselves and things other people cause that end up hurting us. But Thanksgiving is a time to remember and be grateful for all the positives. And we certainly have a lot of positives to celebrate.
If you're reading this, stay safe over the holiday and if you're in Birmingham, feel free to give me a shout. We'll be there until Sunday morning.
Oh, and one more thing...WAR EAGLE!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Must-watch piece from this past weekend's 60 Minutes on Gen Y / the "Millennials" in the workforce.
"Generation Y" supposedly starts anywhere between 1980 (as mentioned in the video) and 1983. I like to consider myself a member of both X and Y, honestly, so I can avoid the negative stigmas of both and take just the positives! :)
Seriously, this is turning into one of the more interesting social issues in America. The big question after watching the video and reading on this topic is: does this new approach to work, both from the employer's point of view, as well as the employee's, increase productivity?
If so, it's worth it, because I agree completely with the sentiment expressed in the 60 Minutes piece that this generation is absolutely not going to go and repeat mistakes made by the previous generation. The old generation almost viewed getting "burned out" at work, and the ensuing personal problems that arise from that, as a rite of passage to the CEO's chair.
That sort of outdated thinking is exactly what is rightfully under attack by this current generation. Work-life balance is critical.
However, there are certainly plenty of people who willingly leave "work" out of that so-called "work-life balance." Employers should have a much lower tolerance for Gen Y'ers who come into a new job with an attitude or an axe to grind. Employers have plenty of power to balance this movement out with a good bit of common sense.
Part of this whole thing is the media once again taking something and blowing it so completely out of proportion that no one can make any sense of it. For this reason, I don't blame the backlash that's begun to form.
Yes, there's a movement among young people in America to maintain work-life balance, make companies work hard (like they should) to engender loyalty, and to feel good about what it is they do every day. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Generation Y has determined that work-life balance is now a requirement of corporate America, and in time, I'm convinced that it will be a big factor in rising productivity and competitiveness within the domestic economy...not some sign of the apocalypse that sends us spiraling out of control.
"Generation Y" supposedly starts anywhere between 1980 (as mentioned in the video) and 1983. I like to consider myself a member of both X and Y, honestly, so I can avoid the negative stigmas of both and take just the positives! :)
Seriously, this is turning into one of the more interesting social issues in America. The big question after watching the video and reading on this topic is: does this new approach to work, both from the employer's point of view, as well as the employee's, increase productivity?
If so, it's worth it, because I agree completely with the sentiment expressed in the 60 Minutes piece that this generation is absolutely not going to go and repeat mistakes made by the previous generation. The old generation almost viewed getting "burned out" at work, and the ensuing personal problems that arise from that, as a rite of passage to the CEO's chair.
That sort of outdated thinking is exactly what is rightfully under attack by this current generation. Work-life balance is critical.
However, there are certainly plenty of people who willingly leave "work" out of that so-called "work-life balance." Employers should have a much lower tolerance for Gen Y'ers who come into a new job with an attitude or an axe to grind. Employers have plenty of power to balance this movement out with a good bit of common sense.
Part of this whole thing is the media once again taking something and blowing it so completely out of proportion that no one can make any sense of it. For this reason, I don't blame the backlash that's begun to form.
Yes, there's a movement among young people in America to maintain work-life balance, make companies work hard (like they should) to engender loyalty, and to feel good about what it is they do every day. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Generation Y has determined that work-life balance is now a requirement of corporate America, and in time, I'm convinced that it will be a big factor in rising productivity and competitiveness within the domestic economy...not some sign of the apocalypse that sends us spiraling out of control.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Just watched the Jaguars run wild over the Titans. That was a ridiculous performance by Tennessee, who obviously didn't care enough to put the right amount of time in preparing for this game.
We are one of the worst teams right now in the NFL on offense. Our defense without Albert Haynesworth is nothing special and can't be relied upon week after week to win every game. Special teams is "special" if you consider "special" below-average and unable to change the game with a home-run threat.
That was a complete embarrassment. Jeff Fisher needs to grab Vince Young by the throat and work him, until he thinks he can't possibly work any more, in preparation for Denver's Monday nighter. I'm disgusted I actually watched that game in its entirety.
We are one of the worst teams right now in the NFL on offense. Our defense without Albert Haynesworth is nothing special and can't be relied upon week after week to win every game. Special teams is "special" if you consider "special" below-average and unable to change the game with a home-run threat.
That was a complete embarrassment. Jeff Fisher needs to grab Vince Young by the throat and work him, until he thinks he can't possibly work any more, in preparation for Denver's Monday nighter. I'm disgusted I actually watched that game in its entirety.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Quick update just to mention what many of you already know:
LORI PASSED THE BAR!!!
Now that's what I'm talking about. Congratulations sweetheart!!
Lori gets her own post, so I'll refrain from discussing the iTest's results announcement on Thursday or the Titans' impotent offense and save that for another day.
LORI PASSED THE BAR!!!
Now that's what I'm talking about. Congratulations sweetheart!!
Lori gets her own post, so I'll refrain from discussing the iTest's results announcement on Thursday or the Titans' impotent offense and save that for another day.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
From a music discussion on the Freakonomics blog...very interesting (and true):
The majors thrived in an era of artificial scarcity when they were able to control the production and distribution of music. Today, we have an infinite number of choices available to us, and when content is infinitely abundant, the only scarce commodities are convenience, taste, and trust. The music companies that are successfully shaping the Internet era are recognizing that the real value is in making it easier to buy music than to steal it, helping consumers find other people who share their music tastes, and serving as a trusted source for discovering new music.
The majors thrived in an era of artificial scarcity when they were able to control the production and distribution of music. Today, we have an infinite number of choices available to us, and when content is infinitely abundant, the only scarce commodities are convenience, taste, and trust. The music companies that are successfully shaping the Internet era are recognizing that the real value is in making it easier to buy music than to steal it, helping consumers find other people who share their music tastes, and serving as a trusted source for discovering new music.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Out here in Tucson, Arizona, this week for work-related reasons. Headed back tomorrow. It's been a good trip.
Had a chance to catch a replay of the Republican debates yesterday. Fred Thompson looked outstanding, especially for a first debate. Little nervous at first, and his answer on the strong dollar question was weak, but overall he showed some real signs of being a no-nonsense, very confident, independent-thinking candidate...which, of course, immediately sets him apart.
He has worldly experience, and he's certainly got a presence and plenty of charisma. Doesn't seem like many people want to admit, yet, how great of a chance he has to get tremendous popular support. If he gets the Republican nomination, I can't see myself voting for anyone else.
Mitt Romney, on the other hand, really blundered. Asking attorneys before invading Iran?? Sorry, but that's a great thing to say if you are interested in not ever being taken seriously again. The guy just seems a little too polished, too robotic, too corporate of a candidate to really embrace.
Rudy Giuliani? Not interested. The personal issues are a huge turnoff, obviously. But maybe if it weren't for the presence of Fred Thompson, and just the freshness of him as a candidate, maybe he might be easier to consider. But just seems like a cliched career politician, and no, I dont really view all that experience as a positive for the Oval Office right now.
Only other candidate worth mentioning is Ron Paul, who quite appropriately showed complete disgust at Romney's attorney/Iran comment and was generally quite intelligent and well-spoken throughout the debate. I'll have to keep an eye on this guy but he sure has a Ralph Nader "I'm just sort of here to prove a point, and not really compete" sort of look to him. Maybe too intellectual to be voted in, as sad as that might be.
Yep, Fred's the man, and if he doesn't get the nod as the Republican candidate, it's wide open from there. W has pretty much destroyed any goodwill I had toward the Republican party and it's time for anyone, regardless of party, who can begin to restore some of the damage that's been done in terms of foreign policy as well as on critical domestic issues, such as immigration, Social Security, health care, education, and tax cuts.
I guess I need someone to come along that will make me actually care about politics again.
Had a chance to catch a replay of the Republican debates yesterday. Fred Thompson looked outstanding, especially for a first debate. Little nervous at first, and his answer on the strong dollar question was weak, but overall he showed some real signs of being a no-nonsense, very confident, independent-thinking candidate...which, of course, immediately sets him apart.
He has worldly experience, and he's certainly got a presence and plenty of charisma. Doesn't seem like many people want to admit, yet, how great of a chance he has to get tremendous popular support. If he gets the Republican nomination, I can't see myself voting for anyone else.
Mitt Romney, on the other hand, really blundered. Asking attorneys before invading Iran?? Sorry, but that's a great thing to say if you are interested in not ever being taken seriously again. The guy just seems a little too polished, too robotic, too corporate of a candidate to really embrace.
Rudy Giuliani? Not interested. The personal issues are a huge turnoff, obviously. But maybe if it weren't for the presence of Fred Thompson, and just the freshness of him as a candidate, maybe he might be easier to consider. But just seems like a cliched career politician, and no, I dont really view all that experience as a positive for the Oval Office right now.
Only other candidate worth mentioning is Ron Paul, who quite appropriately showed complete disgust at Romney's attorney/Iran comment and was generally quite intelligent and well-spoken throughout the debate. I'll have to keep an eye on this guy but he sure has a Ralph Nader "I'm just sort of here to prove a point, and not really compete" sort of look to him. Maybe too intellectual to be voted in, as sad as that might be.
Yep, Fred's the man, and if he doesn't get the nod as the Republican candidate, it's wide open from there. W has pretty much destroyed any goodwill I had toward the Republican party and it's time for anyone, regardless of party, who can begin to restore some of the damage that's been done in terms of foreign policy as well as on critical domestic issues, such as immigration, Social Security, health care, education, and tax cuts.
I guess I need someone to come along that will make me actually care about politics again.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Got back just an hour or so ago from the company softball game. Down a couple of key players for a number of reasons, I took the mound as our new starting pitcher, and got the win. I had a couple of hits and RBI but really got into one and almost homered, which would've been nice. The weather's starting to change, and it makes for a great time outside even though our start time was pretty late (9:30! I know, I'm old!)
The real point of this post is to point you toward a fantastic new young artist: Melissa Cartoun. She posted something on Facebook, which alerted me to the release of this first real studio album of hers. After immediately purchasing it, I've been listening to it quite a bit and it's great stuff. It's that folk/pop female blend that channels the Indigo Girls, Sarah McLachlan, Shawn Colvin, etc. Very good songwriting and just an awesome voice, and solid production for being her own solo 'indie' release. The album can be purchased here. Even if you're not a fan of the genre, this is good stuff. Trust me...or not, as you can hear song samples by clicking on that link as well.
Hearing this album takes me back to the good ol' Vanderbilt Music Society days on campus, organizing various events and running the types of shows where Melissa would come and wow everybody. Sometimes you see somebody perform and realize that this is what they were born to do. That Imogen Heap YouTube video I've posted on here is a moment like that, just like the Prince "Musicology" Leno performance I've posted on here as well. Melissa's moving into that realm and it's only a matter of time until she's got the backing she deserves. I would say "she'll be on a major label" but who knows whether that's a plus or not anymore. But she'll be fine if she keeps producing stuff like this, so check it out.
The real point of this post is to point you toward a fantastic new young artist: Melissa Cartoun. She posted something on Facebook, which alerted me to the release of this first real studio album of hers. After immediately purchasing it, I've been listening to it quite a bit and it's great stuff. It's that folk/pop female blend that channels the Indigo Girls, Sarah McLachlan, Shawn Colvin, etc. Very good songwriting and just an awesome voice, and solid production for being her own solo 'indie' release. The album can be purchased here. Even if you're not a fan of the genre, this is good stuff. Trust me...or not, as you can hear song samples by clicking on that link as well.
Hearing this album takes me back to the good ol' Vanderbilt Music Society days on campus, organizing various events and running the types of shows where Melissa would come and wow everybody. Sometimes you see somebody perform and realize that this is what they were born to do. That Imogen Heap YouTube video I've posted on here is a moment like that, just like the Prince "Musicology" Leno performance I've posted on here as well. Melissa's moving into that realm and it's only a matter of time until she's got the backing she deserves. I would say "she'll be on a major label" but who knows whether that's a plus or not anymore. But she'll be fine if she keeps producing stuff like this, so check it out.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
If you want to see something amazing, click here and watch some of these videos created by students in honor of the 2007 iTest. All four of these are well conceived and executed.
The fun part of watching these videos is the realization of the national impact the iTest organization is having.
One day, this level of enthusiasm and passion will reach deep into some of the poorest schools and areas of the nation, not to mention across a variety of subjects and age groups.
The fun part of watching these videos is the realization of the national impact the iTest organization is having.
One day, this level of enthusiasm and passion will reach deep into some of the poorest schools and areas of the nation, not to mention across a variety of subjects and age groups.
Friday, September 21, 2007
I continue to be fascinated by Facebook, its growth, and the number of people who use it (including the number of people from my high school graduating class). I also am amazed by how well it keeps me up to date on what's going on with people, which is great as it fills a huge need in that regard.
But the biggest fascination of mine, at least recently, is the whole deal with the "news feed" fiasco that occurred.
Facebook implemented a feature where the opening page upon logging in to the system was a feed of recent changes made by your Facebook friends to their profile or activities they've completed within the Facebook website, such as uploading pictures or whatnot.
People threw a fit over this, saying it was too stalkerish and also would clutter up the user interface on the site.
Well, Facebook responded to that criticism with an open letter that was available on the internet and within the Facebook website...and the entire thing just went away.
Now, everyone seems to love the news feed. I bet if Facebook took it away at this point, there would be a similar uprising.
Let's not forget that just months before all this occurred, Facebook users complained to no end over the company's decision to allow anyone to use Facebook ... not just college or high school students. That complaint also similarly vanished into thin air as Facebook simply marched on to their own drum.
There's a good business (or overall life) lesson in here somewhere: generally speaking, people don't really know what they want. Therefore, complaints can't really be trusted, no matter how loud they are. It's up to the people behind the scenes to have the knowledge and ability to make sense of 'background noise' coming from customers, and move forward confidently in the decided direction.
But the biggest fascination of mine, at least recently, is the whole deal with the "news feed" fiasco that occurred.
Facebook implemented a feature where the opening page upon logging in to the system was a feed of recent changes made by your Facebook friends to their profile or activities they've completed within the Facebook website, such as uploading pictures or whatnot.
People threw a fit over this, saying it was too stalkerish and also would clutter up the user interface on the site.
Well, Facebook responded to that criticism with an open letter that was available on the internet and within the Facebook website...and the entire thing just went away.
Now, everyone seems to love the news feed. I bet if Facebook took it away at this point, there would be a similar uprising.
Let's not forget that just months before all this occurred, Facebook users complained to no end over the company's decision to allow anyone to use Facebook ... not just college or high school students. That complaint also similarly vanished into thin air as Facebook simply marched on to their own drum.
There's a good business (or overall life) lesson in here somewhere: generally speaking, people don't really know what they want. Therefore, complaints can't really be trusted, no matter how loud they are. It's up to the people behind the scenes to have the knowledge and ability to make sense of 'background noise' coming from customers, and move forward confidently in the decided direction.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
2007 iTest - complete. For a postgame wrap-up, head over to the iTest Blog.
Lori's busy as can be at work. She's loving it, which is good, and her firm understands her talent, which makes it even better. Weekends and free time is precious right now, though. It's all a tradeoff.
Titans take on the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football next week. So far, I'm 2-0 in my Jeff Fisher predictions (you know, the predictions one-pager I gave him at the offseason charity dinner based on my statistical modeling of the upcoming season! loyal blog readers are WELL AWARE of that dinner!) Predicted beating the Jags, and losing to the Colts, to open the season ... and as a bonus, I even predicted on the sheet of paper I gave Coach Fisher that Garrard would supplant Leftwich as the starter of the ridiculous Jaguars franchise.
However, I'm still waiting for the phone to ring.
Jeff, give me a shout! Aren't you the slightest bit curious on how I managed to predict the entire Titans season correctly, prior to your guys even stepping on the field? Give me some sideline passes and I might consider altering my prediction of the Titans losing 5 of 6 in a difficult stretch in the middle of the season, and then you will actually be able to potentially win those games!
By the way, I've got the Titans winning against the Saints next Monday night. You don't even have to watch, if you don't want to. Sorry to spoil it ahead of time.
Lori's busy as can be at work. She's loving it, which is good, and her firm understands her talent, which makes it even better. Weekends and free time is precious right now, though. It's all a tradeoff.
Titans take on the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football next week. So far, I'm 2-0 in my Jeff Fisher predictions (you know, the predictions one-pager I gave him at the offseason charity dinner based on my statistical modeling of the upcoming season! loyal blog readers are WELL AWARE of that dinner!) Predicted beating the Jags, and losing to the Colts, to open the season ... and as a bonus, I even predicted on the sheet of paper I gave Coach Fisher that Garrard would supplant Leftwich as the starter of the ridiculous Jaguars franchise.
However, I'm still waiting for the phone to ring.
Jeff, give me a shout! Aren't you the slightest bit curious on how I managed to predict the entire Titans season correctly, prior to your guys even stepping on the field? Give me some sideline passes and I might consider altering my prediction of the Titans losing 5 of 6 in a difficult stretch in the middle of the season, and then you will actually be able to potentially win those games!
By the way, I've got the Titans winning against the Saints next Monday night. You don't even have to watch, if you don't want to. Sorry to spoil it ahead of time.
Friday, September 14, 2007
And while I don't want this blog to degenerate into just an aggregator of links, I can't see this and not post it. Like so many other YouTube videos, it defies explanation and simply requires IMMEDIATE viewing.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
The iTest is, once again, off and running. It's amazing how streamlined this thing is becoming, even though this is just our 4th year of operations. More on the competition after it concludes at 7 PM Central on Sunday.
I really logged on just to post two different videos I found while surfing YouTube. I guess it was a retrospective mood that got me thinking back to college, creating an organization then, and running it. One of the best things about running VMS was getting to bring in bands. One of my favorite artists we brought in was Angie Aparo, a prodigy-level musician from Atlanta, Georgia (who, at the time, was touring under his name and had the single "Spaceship" at alternative radio).
This guy is one of the most phenomenal live performers I've still ever seen. YouTube, being the awesome site that it is, somehow has a number of live performances from Angie Aparo. I've selected two of them that are "must see TV":
1) His duet with Faith Hill of his song "Cry" (which Faith Hill recorded and released as a big single off of one of her recent discs)
2) His live performance of "Spaceship" (at WorkPlay Theater in Birmingham)
Enjoy. Back after the 2007 iTest concludes.
I really logged on just to post two different videos I found while surfing YouTube. I guess it was a retrospective mood that got me thinking back to college, creating an organization then, and running it. One of the best things about running VMS was getting to bring in bands. One of my favorite artists we brought in was Angie Aparo, a prodigy-level musician from Atlanta, Georgia (who, at the time, was touring under his name and had the single "Spaceship" at alternative radio).
This guy is one of the most phenomenal live performers I've still ever seen. YouTube, being the awesome site that it is, somehow has a number of live performances from Angie Aparo. I've selected two of them that are "must see TV":
1) His duet with Faith Hill of his song "Cry" (which Faith Hill recorded and released as a big single off of one of her recent discs)
2) His live performance of "Spaceship" (at WorkPlay Theater in Birmingham)
Enjoy. Back after the 2007 iTest concludes.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
In the wake of the Belichick cheating story...I present to you:
BELICHEATER.COM
Someone you know might have had a hand in creating this site.
I can't really say who. But you probably know.
Look for a lot of over-the-top updates and postings of emails I receive ... oh, that will be interesting to see.
BELICHEATER.COM
Someone you know might have had a hand in creating this site.
I can't really say who. But you probably know.
Look for a lot of over-the-top updates and postings of emails I receive ... oh, that will be interesting to see.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Back from a weekend in Minneapolis ... great city. Visited the Walker Center and saw the Picasso exhibit there, which left the city on Sunday, and got to see the Mall of America as well. Lots of fun stuff to do there, and great weather (in terms of temperature - there was a bit of rain though) throughout the weekend.
On Sunday, Gaurav, Noah, and I headed to the Metrodome to see the Vikings take on the Atlanta Falcons. Predictably, the Falcons got destroyed, but unpredictably, Adrian Peterson had an incredible game - possibly the best in recent history for any NFL rookie. That guy is an absolute beast.
The downside to this was that I didn't get to watch the Titans pound the ball down the Jaguars throat on Sunday like I would have if I were back home in Nashville. 282 rushing yards for the Titans is a FRANCHISE RECORD, against a team that was supposedly (and still may become) a top 5 defense.
This is one of those things I love about Jeff Fisher: the man is so good at his job that he doesn't just win games. He provides the BLUEPRINT from which all other NFL teams should play in order to beat the same opponent the exact same way.
Fisher invented the gameplan to beat the Colts - ball-control offense and physically punishing the Colts as they rack up yards, but hold them to field goals. No big surprise that the Titans only lost by 1 in Indy last year, with a fairly bad team at the time, and then beat the Colts later in the year. This year, while I predicted the Colts to win this upcoming game in the predictions I gave to Jeff Fisher at the Loews preseason dinner, it will be extremely close and the Titans will have their chance to win.
The Titans have provided the blueprint that has helped other teams exploit opponents that face the Titans ... and now Fisher's done it again with this weekend's game against Jacksonville. Certainly, Fisher and company knew something that no one else did - that the Jaguars could be exploited in the running game by going between the Jaguars' two Pro Bowl defensive tackles - and simply RAN THE SAME PLAYS ALL GAME. This had the Jaguars understandably furious...but also, at the same time, completely helpless.
The Jaguars' next opponent, the horrendous Atlanta Falcons, may actually keep it close against Jacksonville by using this same approach. And they should send Jeff Fisher a thank-you note.
At some point, the national media will wake up and realize that neither Jeff Fisher nor Vince Young lose. These guys are winners in every sense, and as readers of this blog know, I'm convinced they are headed to the playoffs this year and headed to a sustained period of greatness. Should be fun to watch!
In an unrelated closing note, the 2007 iTest begins on Wednesday. It's already getting crazy like it always does this time of year. Here's to continued growth of our main event!
On Sunday, Gaurav, Noah, and I headed to the Metrodome to see the Vikings take on the Atlanta Falcons. Predictably, the Falcons got destroyed, but unpredictably, Adrian Peterson had an incredible game - possibly the best in recent history for any NFL rookie. That guy is an absolute beast.
The downside to this was that I didn't get to watch the Titans pound the ball down the Jaguars throat on Sunday like I would have if I were back home in Nashville. 282 rushing yards for the Titans is a FRANCHISE RECORD, against a team that was supposedly (and still may become) a top 5 defense.
This is one of those things I love about Jeff Fisher: the man is so good at his job that he doesn't just win games. He provides the BLUEPRINT from which all other NFL teams should play in order to beat the same opponent the exact same way.
Fisher invented the gameplan to beat the Colts - ball-control offense and physically punishing the Colts as they rack up yards, but hold them to field goals. No big surprise that the Titans only lost by 1 in Indy last year, with a fairly bad team at the time, and then beat the Colts later in the year. This year, while I predicted the Colts to win this upcoming game in the predictions I gave to Jeff Fisher at the Loews preseason dinner, it will be extremely close and the Titans will have their chance to win.
The Titans have provided the blueprint that has helped other teams exploit opponents that face the Titans ... and now Fisher's done it again with this weekend's game against Jacksonville. Certainly, Fisher and company knew something that no one else did - that the Jaguars could be exploited in the running game by going between the Jaguars' two Pro Bowl defensive tackles - and simply RAN THE SAME PLAYS ALL GAME. This had the Jaguars understandably furious...but also, at the same time, completely helpless.
The Jaguars' next opponent, the horrendous Atlanta Falcons, may actually keep it close against Jacksonville by using this same approach. And they should send Jeff Fisher a thank-you note.
At some point, the national media will wake up and realize that neither Jeff Fisher nor Vince Young lose. These guys are winners in every sense, and as readers of this blog know, I'm convinced they are headed to the playoffs this year and headed to a sustained period of greatness. Should be fun to watch!
In an unrelated closing note, the 2007 iTest begins on Wednesday. It's already getting crazy like it always does this time of year. Here's to continued growth of our main event!
Monday, September 03, 2007
Something I almost never do is go back and look at old posts in this blog. I figure someday I'll sit down and read this thing through from start to finish and probably smile and cringe all at the same time over some of the things in here. Hopefully more smiling than cringing, but you never know.
I did wonder tonight, though, if I posted this time last year around the time of my birthday (Sept. 4). Sure enough, I did. An excerpt:
By the time I turn 27, Lori will have passed the bar and begun work here in town, which will be a whole new adventure to add to everything else going on right now. What else will have happened by the time next September rolls around? It'll be fun finding out.
Well, what did happen between this year and last year?
1) I returned from Beaufort and still work at the same company, although I don't live near the office anymore (see #5).
2) Lori graduated.
3) Lori undertook an intense summer of studying for the bar, and then took the bar...don't know the results yet (due back in October) but I'm not too worried.
4) The iTest received its first major corporate sponsorship, setting a critical precedent for the organization. The iTest's number of academic events put on during the year has grown from 1 to 3.
I did wonder tonight, though, if I posted this time last year around the time of my birthday (Sept. 4). Sure enough, I did. An excerpt:
By the time I turn 27, Lori will have passed the bar and begun work here in town, which will be a whole new adventure to add to everything else going on right now. What else will have happened by the time next September rolls around? It'll be fun finding out.
Well, what did happen between this year and last year?
1) I returned from Beaufort and still work at the same company, although I don't live near the office anymore (see #5).
2) Lori graduated.
3) Lori undertook an intense summer of studying for the bar, and then took the bar...don't know the results yet (due back in October) but I'm not too worried.
4) The iTest received its first major corporate sponsorship, setting a critical precedent for the organization. The iTest's number of academic events put on during the year has grown from 1 to 3.
5) Bought and moved into a first house!
6) Put in a year's worth of service as VP of the Board of the building where I previously lived. Very interesting, worthwhile experience.7) Checked off one "life to-do list" item by eating dinner and chatting up longtime Titans head coach Jeff Fisher at a private dinner.
8) Celebrated knowing Lori for 5 full years now, as of September 1. That's pretty crazy. I've been a lucky guy for a while now.
9) Visited and spoke with a variety of teachers and students at MIT during the Harvard-MIT Math Tournament earlier this calendar year, which the iTest sponsored.
10) Logged way more hours than anyone should killing 12-year-olds in Halo on XBox Live.
I suppose those ten items don't really begin to cover everything that's happened, but like everything else in this blog, the list helps me remember and reflect back on what's been a solid, productive year.
I'll be 27 years old on Tuesday. That almost seems impossible.
I remember going to college and thinking "by the time I'm 30, I'll do X, I'll make Y, and I'll be well on my way to being Z." Big, fuzzy, abstract long-term goals always have to accompany tangible, required short-term targets in my way of thinking.
For better or worse, I generally think about progress in terms of age, and that's especially the way I measure myself. It's not enough to have done something...it has to be done now. Age is just an easy way to measure yourself.
And along that line of thinking, I never thought I'd be married by now. And I REALLY never thought I'd be 2+ years into being married by now! But that's why I don't pretend to know what's best for me.
Hopefully the next year will continue to see strong growth for my relationship with God, my relationship with Lori, continued relationships with all those people who matter to me and continued growth of the iTest, a mission He drove me toward and an organization whose time has come.
And maybe by the time I write this same blog entry again next year, I can once again sit back and report another great year.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Over on the iTest Blog, I just reported that the 2007 iTest is partnering with a school from Valandovo, Macedonia to have a number of student teams from that school participate, as well as bring iTest content into their classroom curricula over the next couple of months after the exam concludes. Very positive story leading up to this year's launch of our main mathematics event.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Think you know something about music? Think you have improvisational skill?
Watch this.
I've posted about Imogen Heap before, but finding this video on YouTube deserves special mention.
If I were teaching a music course at a high school or university, this little video would be required viewing on day one. The sheer artistry involved here, from the vocal melodies throughout to the complete mastery of her equipment, as well as the equally strong performance, is incredible. Toward the end, just take note of how much of a soundscape that exists, created by just that one woman standing in front of a handful of people in a studio.
Brilliant work.
Watch this.
I've posted about Imogen Heap before, but finding this video on YouTube deserves special mention.
If I were teaching a music course at a high school or university, this little video would be required viewing on day one. The sheer artistry involved here, from the vocal melodies throughout to the complete mastery of her equipment, as well as the equally strong performance, is incredible. Toward the end, just take note of how much of a soundscape that exists, created by just that one woman standing in front of a handful of people in a studio.
Brilliant work.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
2007 iTest Video Contest rules and requirements now posted over on the iTest blog. I am VERY excited about this...should be interesting to see what students all over the country cook up for this thing!
In other news, just about moved in to the new house. A little more to go and we'll be done ... unpacking has already begun and we've got a series of small tasks that have to all be taken care of within the next few weeks. It's exciting to own a new house! I'll probably post some pictures on here at some point as we get different rooms complete.
In other news, just about moved in to the new house. A little more to go and we'll be done ... unpacking has already begun and we've got a series of small tasks that have to all be taken care of within the next few weeks. It's exciting to own a new house! I'll probably post some pictures on here at some point as we get different rooms complete.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Well, I'm ready to reveal the first piece of iTest news as we quickly approach the launch of the 2007 iTest:
The 2007 iTest will feature yet another side contest this year. This time, its a "make your own video" contest, whereas in previous years, we've had contests to design logos and capture still pictures.
The 2007 iTest Video Contest will be centered around the song "Typical" by Mute Math (couldn't possibly be a better fit, could it?) as individual students or teams of students will document iTest teams competing in the 2007 iTest on video to this piece of music. Video submissions will be a maximum of a minute and a half in length and will focus on the bolded piece of the song below.
More details to come in a detailed explanation on the iTest blog (blog.theitest.com).
If you haven't heard this song, go download it. Mute Math's self-titled album is one of my favorite albums of the year. As judging by the music video for "Typical," posted on YouTube, this is definitely not your usual rock band.
The song is very uplifting and this upcoming video contest concept fits with my agenda of "crowdsourcing" marketing material for the iTest to use in future proposals. It's bewildering that this song hasn't been grabbed by some marketeer out working at a big company and integrated it into a marketing campaign. Or better yet, it'd actually be a perfect song for a recruiting/HR piece. The commercialism of the song is just a byproduct of its strong production, strong lyrics, and EXTREMELY strong musical performance (incredible drumming and bass complement; vocals are like a young Peter Gabriel)...
So, maybe I'll be tired of the tune after watching a bunch of video iTest submissions, but I doubt it.
"Typical" - Mute Math
Come on, can I dream for one day?
There's nothing that can't be done.
How long should it take somebody
before they can be someone?
Cause I know there's got to be another level
somewhere closer to the other side.
And I'm feeling like its now or never...
can I break the spell of the typical?
Now I've lived through my share of misfortune,
and I've worked in the blazing sun.
But how long should it take somebody
before they can be someone?
Cause I know there's got to be another level
somewhere closer to the other side.
And I'm feeling like its now or never...
can I break the spell of the typical?
Because it's dragging me down...
I'd like to know about when...
when does it all turn around?
Yeah I know there's got to be another level
somewhere closer to the other side.
And I'm feeling like its now or never...
can I break the spell of the typical?
Break the spell (of the typical)
Break the spell (of the typical)
Can I break the spell
of the typical?
Great song.
The 2007 iTest will feature yet another side contest this year. This time, its a "make your own video" contest, whereas in previous years, we've had contests to design logos and capture still pictures.
The 2007 iTest Video Contest will be centered around the song "Typical" by Mute Math (couldn't possibly be a better fit, could it?) as individual students or teams of students will document iTest teams competing in the 2007 iTest on video to this piece of music. Video submissions will be a maximum of a minute and a half in length and will focus on the bolded piece of the song below.
More details to come in a detailed explanation on the iTest blog (blog.theitest.com).
If you haven't heard this song, go download it. Mute Math's self-titled album is one of my favorite albums of the year. As judging by the music video for "Typical," posted on YouTube, this is definitely not your usual rock band.
The song is very uplifting and this upcoming video contest concept fits with my agenda of "crowdsourcing" marketing material for the iTest to use in future proposals. It's bewildering that this song hasn't been grabbed by some marketeer out working at a big company and integrated it into a marketing campaign. Or better yet, it'd actually be a perfect song for a recruiting/HR piece. The commercialism of the song is just a byproduct of its strong production, strong lyrics, and EXTREMELY strong musical performance (incredible drumming and bass complement; vocals are like a young Peter Gabriel)...
So, maybe I'll be tired of the tune after watching a bunch of video iTest submissions, but I doubt it.
"Typical" - Mute Math
Come on, can I dream for one day?
There's nothing that can't be done.
How long should it take somebody
before they can be someone?
Cause I know there's got to be another level
somewhere closer to the other side.
And I'm feeling like its now or never...
can I break the spell of the typical?
Now I've lived through my share of misfortune,
and I've worked in the blazing sun.
But how long should it take somebody
before they can be someone?
Cause I know there's got to be another level
somewhere closer to the other side.
And I'm feeling like its now or never...
can I break the spell of the typical?
Because it's dragging me down...
I'd like to know about when...
when does it all turn around?
Yeah I know there's got to be another level
somewhere closer to the other side.
And I'm feeling like its now or never...
can I break the spell of the typical?
Break the spell (of the typical)
Break the spell (of the typical)
Can I break the spell
of the typical?
Great song.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Principal author of the inaugural 2007 iTest Tournament of Champions and of this year's 2007 iTest, Mathew Crawford has a blog over on LiveJournal that requires a password to view. He made one recent post visible publicly though, regarding an interesting incident he went through recently involving credit scores, an unpaid bill, and the type of clerical errors that occur on a daily basis but end up wreaking havoc on undeserving individuals down the line. Very interesting reading.
