Are You Pondering...

Nov 17

Quantum Of Solace - Good movie if you like Bond.

Nov 10

Desktop CEO

In the time honored tradition of armchair quarterbacks, here is what I would do if I were CEO of an auto company:

  1. Stop multi-branding (just one brand for the company; much easier to manage).
  2. Build autos on demand, not in advance (how much sense does it make to keep a 30 day supply in the chain).
  3. Change dealerships to be service centers that also happen to take orders for vehicles (if a dealer wants to have something available “on the lot” for immediate delivery, let the dealer take the risk with their money; just give them a generous discount to do so).
  4. Produce fewer models of higher quality (make most options dealer installable options to further reduce model count).
  5. Pay workers based upon zero defect model (and pay them well).

I know that this probably wouldn’t work, but it could be fun to try.

Nov 06

Out of the bag

Now that the bailout solution to the nation’s problems has been unleashed for the banking industry, I’m wondering how long it will take before it trickles out to other industries.  The car companies can’t sell cars, and they create more jobs than the banking industry does…I wonder how long before there’s a bailout for them?

—Inspired by a discussion with my wife

Oct 30

[video]

Oct 29

I guess if you don’t vote, then you are a villain.I guess if you don’t vote, then you are a villain.

Oct 27

VOICES IN MY HAND - Morbid Comic Panel - I’m very happy to report that one of my favorite online comics is back…

Oct 25

shadowfirebird: The Origami-Inspired Folding Bamboo House | Inhabitat ‘Ming Tang came up with the idea for his Folding Houses after a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck central China last May, killing 69,000 people. Upon learning that the Chinese government planned to create up to 1.5 million temporary homes, he decided to design a shelter that was easily produced, cheap and environmentally friendly. His geometric folding houses are beautiful, dynamic, and can adapt to respond to the needs of different situations.’ (via My sentiments exactly.) This is just too cool!

shadowfirebird:

The Origami-Inspired Folding Bamboo House | Inhabitat

‘Ming Tang came up with the idea for his Folding Houses after a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck central China last May, killing 69,000 people. Upon learning that the Chinese government planned to create up to 1.5 million temporary homes, he decided to design a shelter that was easily produced, cheap and environmentally friendly. His geometric folding houses are beautiful, dynamic, and can adapt to respond to the needs of different situations.’

(via My sentiments exactly.)

This is just too cool!

Oct 20

On Science

I recommend both podcasts from the Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe.  Their regular podcast covers a range of science related topics, and includes a nifty - Science or Fiction segment.  The regular podcast is generally between 1 and 2 hours long.  They also have a focused podcast - SGU 5x5 (5 minutes, plus or minus, with 5 skeptics).

They are both good podcasts.