Happy Birthday, Blog!
April 7, 2006My blog is officially one-year old today. I had hoped to spend more time on this post, but its been a hectic week. So a short post for now:
I have managed 145 posts in the past 12 months, which–while not exactly setting the world on fire in terms of regularity nor quantity–I’m pretty pleased with. Whilst critics of blogging may frown upon it as a trivial exercise, it definitely is harder than it looks to commit your thoughts into writing on a regular basis. There have been times where I have had thoughts of giving it all away, when I feel that I have little to say and am not inspired. But, I go with the ebb and flow and post when I can, or feel moved to do so.
My intention is to keep going. I am planning a few changes to my blog, and I feel that althought my blog does not target a specific niche or area of interest, an underlying current or theme seems to be emerging. I’m not sure whether anyone else sees it. Most people would probably see things as being completely separate and disjointed, but I see them as part of a much bigger picure — like a collage. Eclectic.
Virtual Offices
April 5, 2006Jason Calacanis via Dane Carlson:
Offices are best at creating three things: politics, commutes, and distractions. Again, find great folks and do regular in person meetings, then let them go home and work. They’ll be happier, you’ll have less expense, and there will be much less drama.
I SO agree with this statement. Why do businesses still cling to the outdated concept that a physical presence is required? Paying for broadband access for employees is a lot cheaper than paying rent for a shoe-box in the CBD, so what’s holding people back from embracing the officeless office? Fear, Control, Ego et al?
IR Reforms and Job Security
April 3, 2006I read an article the other day in the Herald Sun entitled “Insuring against a job loss.” Now, I don’t usually read this type of of trashy, tabloid publication but it’s a no-brainer while you’re on holidays and want to catch up with the latest sports scores, but that’s a whole other story–but this article sparked my interest. It noted an interesting fact that in Australia job turnover is far higher than the net rate of job creation or loss. However, it’s main thesis was that we (the royal we) need to develop appropriate policy responses to counteract the consequences of the government’s new IR reforms.
At the risk of sounding rude … what a load of rationalist crap. For better or worse, the jobs environment of yester year–where there was some notion of stability, structure and security–is gone. And this is not a recent phenomena. It went a long time a go.
What we need to do as individuals is to respond creatively and decisively and take advantage of the situation rather than becoming a victim of it. We need to free ourselves of the master-slave mentality and forge our own path. As quoted here before … “security only comes from controlling your own destiny.”
The Godfather
April 2, 2006I became a Godparent today to my niece Lucy. I don’t know why I’m a so-called ‘godfather’–after all it was a non-religious ceremony or name-giving–guardian is probably more appropriate.
As part of the ceremony, I was asked to perform a reading. I’m not sure of its origins, but having two daughters of my own, I really appreciate its seniment. It is reproduced here in full.
DADS & DAUGHTERS
Each love in life is precious
With a meaning all of its own
Like the bond of dad to daughter
And a strength of love that’s grown.He’s there in times of trouble
And when she needs a special friend
He’s the figure she relies onm
And of whom she can depend.From the first steps ever taken
To her walking down the aisle
He views her with unending price
And a love that makes him smile.Dads are very special
And no-one ever takes their place
Though many loves can come and go
They’ll always have that cherised place.
think different
April 1, 2006“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes.”
Happy 30th Birthday Apple.
