Goodbye 2006
It's time to say goodbye to 2006.
It was a pretty good year.
Consider this my year in review.
It was a pretty good year.
Consider this my year in review.
| More of Jeramey's photos |
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Fred Wilson's Thoughts on Flickr
Fred Wilson (A VC) recently published a blog post about how Flickr (and presumably other services) need to be able to post their own code on their personal pages within that service.
I agree with him, and I disagree with him.
Here's why. What is the key difference between MySpace and Facebook? MySpace lets users control a lot of the layout of their page and add widgets to it. The end result is a lot of bad web designers create pages that are viewed fairly regularly, pages that are very unfriendly and cause my browser to freak out.
The Facebook on the other hand allows users to exert their creativity through adding photos, notes, and by customizing their profile page through the use of text in structured categories.
The minute Facebook changes that method and allows users to start to insert html into their profile pages is the day that my Facebook usage drops 95 percent.
I do see how some users could want to be able to create their own fancy pages though. I just don't want to see their music playing widget on their Flickr photo page.
A proposal.
Services such as Flickr, Facebook, and MySpace need to create two versions of their services. Not two separate sets of data, but two separate ways of displaying that data. One version would allow the users to surf te services as the users had created it. The other version would allow users to surf the service as the service was originally designed. The user-created display would be enabled by default.
I release that idea to whoever wishes to use it. I think it's necessary for the evolution of these services to continue.
I agree with him, and I disagree with him.
Here's why. What is the key difference between MySpace and Facebook? MySpace lets users control a lot of the layout of their page and add widgets to it. The end result is a lot of bad web designers create pages that are viewed fairly regularly, pages that are very unfriendly and cause my browser to freak out.
The Facebook on the other hand allows users to exert their creativity through adding photos, notes, and by customizing their profile page through the use of text in structured categories.
The minute Facebook changes that method and allows users to start to insert html into their profile pages is the day that my Facebook usage drops 95 percent.
I do see how some users could want to be able to create their own fancy pages though. I just don't want to see their music playing widget on their Flickr photo page.
A proposal.
Services such as Flickr, Facebook, and MySpace need to create two versions of their services. Not two separate sets of data, but two separate ways of displaying that data. One version would allow the users to surf te services as the users had created it. The other version would allow users to surf the service as the service was originally designed. The user-created display would be enabled by default.
I release that idea to whoever wishes to use it. I think it's necessary for the evolution of these services to continue.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Google, Going Evil?
Google is using private advertising spaces to market their services alongside search results. This is clearly a violation of their mantra "do no evil."
Necessary Evils
I used to believe somewhat in the notion of a necessary evil. The idea that for the world to really work people needed to compromise and let some "necessary evils" in.
I don't believe in necessary evils anymore.
This doesn't mean that I view the world in only black and white now. It means that you need to actually stand up for what you believe in. Getting something you want accompanied by something you disagree with isn't accepting a necessary evil. It's a cop out to what you believe in.
Compromises are different than necessary evils. Compromises involve the lessoning of the extent of something so that all sides will agree. Necessary evils involve tacking a bunch of garbage onto something so both sides agree. Necessary evils are what lazy people do, compromises are what people who want to promote change do.
I don't believe in necessary evils anymore.
This doesn't mean that I view the world in only black and white now. It means that you need to actually stand up for what you believe in. Getting something you want accompanied by something you disagree with isn't accepting a necessary evil. It's a cop out to what you believe in.
Compromises are different than necessary evils. Compromises involve the lessoning of the extent of something so that all sides will agree. Necessary evils involve tacking a bunch of garbage onto something so both sides agree. Necessary evils are what lazy people do, compromises are what people who want to promote change do.
The Last Kiss Review
I had to see the movie "The Last Kiss" for many reasons. First, it takes place in Madison and my friend Eric Schooff is an extra. Second, Zach Braff is in the movie. Third and arguably most important, Rachel Bilson (aka Summer Roberts on the OC) is in the movie. Tonight was the night I finally got around to watching it. My expectations were high, and I wasn't disappointed.
The movie wasn't what I expected. I'm a Scrubs and The OC super addict. I'm used to conflict and happy endings. This movie doesn't have that happy go lucky ending. Zach Braff plays a character rife with conflict over the potential to run from what he perceives as the end of his life. Rachel Bilson plays a seductive vixen of a college girl that is concerned only with today and confused about the future. Neither Braff, nor Bilson played in a role that is typical of their sitcom demeanor.
With their change of roles in mind, they both did an excellent job in the film. Zach Braff, as a conflicted character that ultimately realize he loves the stability of his life, skillfully portrays a man in crisis. Bilson, in a more limited role and with a weak setup to her character, played an excellent vixen. As an O.C. super addict, it was hard for me to watch "Summer Roberts" play a character that wasn't the compassionate, save the day type girl. I felt like she should have been the hero, but Bilson played an excellent character none the less.
Without blowing the whole movie for anyone, I have one common element that I thought was lackluster. Braff, as you learn in the opening minutes of the movie, meets Bilson at his friend's wedding. They enter into a relationship after just one conversation.
If they had really wanted to make the relationship between Braff and Bilson a little more believable, and develop a greater connection to the University of Wisconsin they should have had the two meet at a football game. Bilson could have seen Braff in the crowd from her student seats in a couple of games and finally approached him during half-time of a game. The fact that Bilson would have been eying him up for weeks before they actually met makes the whole college girl crush a little more realistic and it greatly strengthens a fairly weak connection to the city of Madison.
If you're looking for a happy, go lucky love story this isn't your movie. If you are looking for a story about couples and how they react to starting a family, this is your movie.
I enjoyed the movie, despite it not being what I had expected (a happy love story). I would certainly watch it again.
That's my .03 cents.
Oh, and by the way, Eric Schooff does an excellent job of walking to class. Well worth the "big bucks" they paid him to be an extra.
The movie wasn't what I expected. I'm a Scrubs and The OC super addict. I'm used to conflict and happy endings. This movie doesn't have that happy go lucky ending. Zach Braff plays a character rife with conflict over the potential to run from what he perceives as the end of his life. Rachel Bilson plays a seductive vixen of a college girl that is concerned only with today and confused about the future. Neither Braff, nor Bilson played in a role that is typical of their sitcom demeanor.
With their change of roles in mind, they both did an excellent job in the film. Zach Braff, as a conflicted character that ultimately realize he loves the stability of his life, skillfully portrays a man in crisis. Bilson, in a more limited role and with a weak setup to her character, played an excellent vixen. As an O.C. super addict, it was hard for me to watch "Summer Roberts" play a character that wasn't the compassionate, save the day type girl. I felt like she should have been the hero, but Bilson played an excellent character none the less.
Without blowing the whole movie for anyone, I have one common element that I thought was lackluster. Braff, as you learn in the opening minutes of the movie, meets Bilson at his friend's wedding. They enter into a relationship after just one conversation.
If they had really wanted to make the relationship between Braff and Bilson a little more believable, and develop a greater connection to the University of Wisconsin they should have had the two meet at a football game. Bilson could have seen Braff in the crowd from her student seats in a couple of games and finally approached him during half-time of a game. The fact that Bilson would have been eying him up for weeks before they actually met makes the whole college girl crush a little more realistic and it greatly strengthens a fairly weak connection to the city of Madison.
If you're looking for a happy, go lucky love story this isn't your movie. If you are looking for a story about couples and how they react to starting a family, this is your movie.
I enjoyed the movie, despite it not being what I had expected (a happy love story). I would certainly watch it again.
That's my .03 cents.
Oh, and by the way, Eric Schooff does an excellent job of walking to class. Well worth the "big bucks" they paid him to be an extra.
Problems in Heaven
Apparently a small number of Gmail users are experiencing problems. Problems that include all of their data being deleted.
Someday, I pray, people will realize that Google should be held in the same regard as Microsoft. Give them just enough slack to hang themselves.
To Google's credit though they are responding in some form to the issue.
Someday, I pray, people will realize that Google should be held in the same regard as Microsoft. Give them just enough slack to hang themselves.
To Google's credit though they are responding in some form to the issue.
AT&T BellSouth Deal A Load of Feces
AT&T, a traditionally consumer unfriendly company, has apparently offered to make a deal with the FCC that they will adhere to net neutrality for two and a half years, if their merger with Bell South is allowed.
Two and a half years? Really, so that would be say... just in time for the back-end of the merger to be complete and Ma Bell to be for all intents and purposes reassembled and ready to really screw the customer.
Luckily, I can smell a load of crap from a mile away, and certainly this deal is. Not only would merger help create the SBC, AT&T, Bell South internet and landline phone super power of the century, but it would unite all of Cingular's owners under one roof. The largest cell phone provider would be completely in step with one of the largest providers of internet and telephone service.
But, that's not a monopoly (yeah right)!
If this merger goes through, which it sadly probably will, I will vote with my paycheck to take my cell phone business elsewhere.
Two and a half years? Really, so that would be say... just in time for the back-end of the merger to be complete and Ma Bell to be for all intents and purposes reassembled and ready to really screw the customer.
Luckily, I can smell a load of crap from a mile away, and certainly this deal is. Not only would merger help create the SBC, AT&T, Bell South internet and landline phone super power of the century, but it would unite all of Cingular's owners under one roof. The largest cell phone provider would be completely in step with one of the largest providers of internet and telephone service.
But, that's not a monopoly (yeah right)!
If this merger goes through, which it sadly probably will, I will vote with my paycheck to take my cell phone business elsewhere.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Saddam's Buddies Threaten Violence?
The political party that Saddam Hussein was the leader of is threatening violence if Saddam is hung. I think that's funny.
Why?
Have they watched the news lately? In case they haven't, Iraq is awash in violence, your petty violence threats are going to go unnoticed by the American people. We're numb to it by now.
If they were to threaten peace or to play Michael Jackson music non-stop for three months, that would be noteworthy.
Why?
Have they watched the news lately? In case they haven't, Iraq is awash in violence, your petty violence threats are going to go unnoticed by the American people. We're numb to it by now.
If they were to threaten peace or to play Michael Jackson music non-stop for three months, that would be noteworthy.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Sales Tax for Commuter Rail Reactions
Likely suspect Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker stands in firm opposition to the sales tax for commuter rail.
The Journal Sentinel story discloses that the gas tax, which I had announced my support for yesterday, would produce too variable an amount of revenue. The story also says that TIF financing for the areas around the station wouldn't necessarily provide a predictable enough amount of income.
Why not use them both together?
The Journal Sentinel story discloses that the gas tax, which I had announced my support for yesterday, would produce too variable an amount of revenue. The story also says that TIF financing for the areas around the station wouldn't necessarily provide a predictable enough amount of income.
Why not use them both together?
Private Schools
It's official, I oppose private schools at every single level of education. They're a joke.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Thoughts on Proposed Sales Tax for Commuter Rail
They're discussing building a commuter rail line from downtown Milwaukee to the Illinois border, which I think is a brilliant idea. Build it.
Obviously, the financing of the project becomes an issue at some point. They're talking about a .05% sales tax that would bring in $8 million a year. I disagree with that tax, and propose something else that was discussed very lightly in the article, a gas tax.
See a gas tax makes sense like a waste tax makes sense to pay for pollution cleanup. A waste taxes those that create the waste, because they're costing the municipality money to clean it up. It drives the "wasters" to reduce their waste, thereby reducing their tax burden, while at the same time reducing the pollution a municipality must clean up. Brilliant, simple economics. It's what I call a "smart tax" something that directly generates a positive consequence for the community. Polluters would be able to manage their own taxes. They pollute less, they pay less. Municipality gets less money in the long run, but at the same time is less polluted.
The goal of the commuter rail line is to reduce congestion and encourage development. How do you accomplish that? Make it more expensive to drive, while providing an alternative. What's the alternative? The bus and rail system.
A gas tax for counties that have the rail service raises the money necessary to run the commuter rail line. Consumers don't like the tax? How do they avoid it? Ride the rail line to work. They don't pay the tax anymore, reducing the rail lines incoming funds, but at the same time reducing the amount of funds they need through having increased fare revenue from increased riders. It's another smart tax, unlike a sales tax, which would continually burden everyone despite behavioral reactions.
It really is that simple. The catch to making it work smoothly is to make sure the try is a viable alternative to driving your car to work.
Obviously, the financing of the project becomes an issue at some point. They're talking about a .05% sales tax that would bring in $8 million a year. I disagree with that tax, and propose something else that was discussed very lightly in the article, a gas tax.
See a gas tax makes sense like a waste tax makes sense to pay for pollution cleanup. A waste taxes those that create the waste, because they're costing the municipality money to clean it up. It drives the "wasters" to reduce their waste, thereby reducing their tax burden, while at the same time reducing the pollution a municipality must clean up. Brilliant, simple economics. It's what I call a "smart tax" something that directly generates a positive consequence for the community. Polluters would be able to manage their own taxes. They pollute less, they pay less. Municipality gets less money in the long run, but at the same time is less polluted.
The goal of the commuter rail line is to reduce congestion and encourage development. How do you accomplish that? Make it more expensive to drive, while providing an alternative. What's the alternative? The bus and rail system.
A gas tax for counties that have the rail service raises the money necessary to run the commuter rail line. Consumers don't like the tax? How do they avoid it? Ride the rail line to work. They don't pay the tax anymore, reducing the rail lines incoming funds, but at the same time reducing the amount of funds they need through having increased fare revenue from increased riders. It's another smart tax, unlike a sales tax, which would continually burden everyone despite behavioral reactions.
It really is that simple. The catch to making it work smoothly is to make sure the try is a viable alternative to driving your car to work.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Free Chipotle Day
Just a reminder, today is free Chipotle day with the donation of one article of clothing. Get your free burrito!
I'm pretty sure this is the last day of free burritos for this promotion. Thank you Chipotle for gathering so many clothes for those who are less fortunate.
I'm pretty sure this is the last day of free burritos for this promotion. Thank you Chipotle for gathering so many clothes for those who are less fortunate.
Staying Up Late
There is a really good reason I haven't been posting a lot here lately. An exciting reason (at least if you ask me) and what is that? I'm in the process of launching a new business.
I had the idea a couple of weeks ago and shortly thereafter all my free time was gone and all I could hear was a giant sucking sound. It has been real fun though.
I hope to have something for you to look at by January 8th.
I had the idea a couple of weeks ago and shortly thereafter all my free time was gone and all I could hear was a giant sucking sound. It has been real fun though.
I hope to have something for you to look at by January 8th.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Lewis Black
He's a god among men. His latest DVD - Red, White, and Screwed - says everything you've been wanting to say for so long.
If you haven't been wanting to say what he did, you're f&#king nuts. Seriously.
If you haven't been wanting to say what he did, you're f&#king nuts. Seriously.
Chipotle Using Google Analytics
Chipotle is using Google Analytics. Punch it Chipotle.com and watch your status bar flash the Google Analytics web address.
First big company I've noticed doing so.
Google Copying Yahoo
Jeremy Zawodny points out an interesting "coincidence" where a lazy Google employee simply copied a Yahoo page regarding IE7.a
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Google Earth and Wikipedia
Further advancing the world's greatest encyclopedia and its practical applications, Google Earth now allows you to view Wikipedia articles about a country you're looking at inside of the application.
Yet another victory for the Wikipedia.
Yet another victory for the Wikipedia.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Jon Udell Going to Microsoft
The fact that Jon Udell is now going to be working and evangelizing for Microsoft is a huge victory for the company. The loss of Scoble was huge in terms of someone representing the company, but Udell is absolutely excellent. When someone says alpha-geek, I think Jon Udell. The man is brilliant. Not only is he an alpha-geek, but he's an excellent evangelist.
It also throws up a signal, knowing Udell's past, that Microsoft is truly going to embrace a more open architecture. Something they have very slowly been adapting to.
This is huge for Microsoft.
It also throws up a signal, knowing Udell's past, that Microsoft is truly going to embrace a more open architecture. Something they have very slowly been adapting to.
This is huge for Microsoft.
First Time in Milwaukee?
Question for the community. I'm entertaining a group of college students in a month from Chicago. It is going to be their first time in Milwaukee for a lot of them.
What should I take them to see?
The list currently stands at Miller Brewing and possibly Harley-Davidson.
What should I take them to see?
The list currently stands at Miller Brewing and possibly Harley-Davidson.
How to Avoid Hearing Loss - A Study
I came across an excellent study entitled "Sound Output Levels of the iPod and Other MP3 Players: Is There Potential Risk to Hearing?" on how to avoid hearing loss when wearing headphones. It looks like I should probably be wearing my headphones no more than about 3 hours a day. Thankfully, I don't even come close.
I can't verify that the data is reliable, but I would assume so.
This is absolutely excellent information that I think needs to be in the hands of more of my peers.
I can't verify that the data is reliable, but I would assume so.
This is absolutely excellent information that I think needs to be in the hands of more of my peers.
2006 Community and Economic Development Leadership Summit
The past two days I was at the Midwest Airlines Center attending Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett's Community and Economic Development Leadership Summit. The summit was an enlightening experience into the way things work in Milwaukee and the perceptions held by many of the community leaders.
I would have been the youngest person there, however, I brought my friend Alan Granley along, who beats me out by a few months. We went as MSOE students interested in the future of Milwaukee. Nothing exactly blew our minds. One thing stood out throughout the conference though, and that was the absence of Milwaukee Public Schools officials.
On the second day of the conference there was considerable discussion about the MPS system, however, only one MPS staff member was there. I only heard from them once. More on my thoughts on what to do with schools in Milwaukee later. I just wanted to express my disappointment in that they weren't part of the discussion today.
Henry Cisneros was a brilliant and motivating speaker on the first day. If you have the chance to see him speak, especially about a topic (Milwaukee housing) you're interested in, he's excellent.
The conference was an excellent way to create a dialog of what can be done to improve Milwaukee and will hopefully become a plan of action for Mayor Barrett. It was great to attend a conference created by Tom Barrett, since he hasn't achieved much in the public's eye in his term as mayor yet. He hasn't messed up anything though, jobs are being added in Milwaukee, new buildings are being built, and I think citywide morale is improving.
Let us not sit by the wayside now and pray for change, it is important as citizens of Milwaukee to be a part of that change and keep the dialog for improvement going.
Thank you City of Milwaukee and sponsors for the free food, magazines, folders, and an excellent excuse to get out of school and help my community.
I would have been the youngest person there, however, I brought my friend Alan Granley along, who beats me out by a few months. We went as MSOE students interested in the future of Milwaukee. Nothing exactly blew our minds. One thing stood out throughout the conference though, and that was the absence of Milwaukee Public Schools officials.
On the second day of the conference there was considerable discussion about the MPS system, however, only one MPS staff member was there. I only heard from them once. More on my thoughts on what to do with schools in Milwaukee later. I just wanted to express my disappointment in that they weren't part of the discussion today.
Henry Cisneros was a brilliant and motivating speaker on the first day. If you have the chance to see him speak, especially about a topic (Milwaukee housing) you're interested in, he's excellent.
The conference was an excellent way to create a dialog of what can be done to improve Milwaukee and will hopefully become a plan of action for Mayor Barrett. It was great to attend a conference created by Tom Barrett, since he hasn't achieved much in the public's eye in his term as mayor yet. He hasn't messed up anything though, jobs are being added in Milwaukee, new buildings are being built, and I think citywide morale is improving.
Let us not sit by the wayside now and pray for change, it is important as citizens of Milwaukee to be a part of that change and keep the dialog for improvement going.
Thank you City of Milwaukee and sponsors for the free food, magazines, folders, and an excellent excuse to get out of school and help my community.
Fat Heads
Can someone explain to me why a Fat Head costs $150? They're just giant window clings.
Life-sized cut-outs of players are awesome, but not at that price.
Life-sized cut-outs of players are awesome, but not at that price.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Early Falk Explosion
This is the only photo I have seen so far of the start of the cloud of smoke that came billowing out of the Falk Corp factory this morning after the explosion.
I post this not to throw salt into the wounds of those affected by the incident, but to start to an open documentation of an event that is sure to become a part of Milwaukee's history.
I post this not to throw salt into the wounds of those affected by the incident, but to start to an open documentation of an event that is sure to become a part of Milwaukee's history.
Milwaukee Warmth
Dear Milwaukee,
Get warm again. I miss seeing your pavement.
I don't like it when you cover yourself in ice, snow, and salt.
I don't like it when the river freezes.
I don't like it when I can't go on walks because my face freezes.
I don't like it when I can't go to Jazz in the Park on Thursday night.
Love,
-Jeramey-
Get warm again. I miss seeing your pavement.
I don't like it when you cover yourself in ice, snow, and salt.
I don't like it when the river freezes.
I don't like it when I can't go on walks because my face freezes.
I don't like it when I can't go to Jazz in the Park on Thursday night.
Love,
-Jeramey-
Falk Explosion
My deepest sympathies are with the families of those affected by the explosion of the Falk Corporation factory this morning.
May closure come quickly to the families of those with members missing after the explosion.
May closure come quickly to the families of those with members missing after the explosion.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Sharing Your Stuff
The idea that people don't put their best stuff online or that they don't want people to have high resolution (read: printable) copies of their work blows my mind.
I want people to use my photography. I want them to use it as desktop wallpapers. I want them to use it in brochures, course guides, and text books. I want that random surfer on Flickr to find my photo of Janesville, Wisconsin before he gets there and have a better idea of what he's getting into.
Keeping my photography to myself would be a crime. Not because I'm an amazing photographer (I'm not), but because it has value beyond ways I can imagine to the rest of the world. I tag, map, and comment about every decent picture I take and dump them to my Flickr account. Once they're in the Flickr cloud, I let everyone else do the work.
I've been contacted by Time magazine, featured in the USA Today, and had photos appear in countless catalogs not because I wanted to become published on multiple continents, but because I wanted my friends to have a way to access the high resolutions I had taken of them.
Unless you stand to make a huge pile of cash from your artwork (if you question this, this isn't you) you should put your stuff online and available for free through something like the Creative Commons licenses. These licenses allow you to maintain control of your work and approve all derivatives or to set it free into the wind. It's up to you. What is important though is that you should put your artwork online.
The internet is the revolution of the citizens, not the corporations. Access to images of every place on the planet is part of this. Keeping your images on your hard drive, is not.
I would love to hear what the community thinks.
I want people to use my photography. I want them to use it as desktop wallpapers. I want them to use it in brochures, course guides, and text books. I want that random surfer on Flickr to find my photo of Janesville, Wisconsin before he gets there and have a better idea of what he's getting into.
Keeping my photography to myself would be a crime. Not because I'm an amazing photographer (I'm not), but because it has value beyond ways I can imagine to the rest of the world. I tag, map, and comment about every decent picture I take and dump them to my Flickr account. Once they're in the Flickr cloud, I let everyone else do the work.
I've been contacted by Time magazine, featured in the USA Today, and had photos appear in countless catalogs not because I wanted to become published on multiple continents, but because I wanted my friends to have a way to access the high resolutions I had taken of them.
Unless you stand to make a huge pile of cash from your artwork (if you question this, this isn't you) you should put your stuff online and available for free through something like the Creative Commons licenses. These licenses allow you to maintain control of your work and approve all derivatives or to set it free into the wind. It's up to you. What is important though is that you should put your artwork online.
The internet is the revolution of the citizens, not the corporations. Access to images of every place on the planet is part of this. Keeping your images on your hard drive, is not.
I would love to hear what the community thinks.
Monday, December 04, 2006
The St. Louis Trip
We got back without a hitch on Sunday. Managed to go to the Science Center, The Hill, and Union Station before we left on Sunday. Sadly, the power was out in much of The Hill it appeared.
Photos from the trip can be found on Flickr, with a map to accompany them. How about a slideshow?
Photos from the trip can be found on Flickr, with a map to accompany them. How about a slideshow?
Friday, December 01, 2006
We Made It
Despite the snow and our alarm clocks best intentions, we made it to St. Louis. It took two hours longer than expected, but that'll happen when you have to stop on the interstate for accidents multiple times.
We didn't make it to our first bus on time, due to a snafu with our alarm clocks (we missed it by one minute). So we ended up taking the Amtrak train to get to Chicago. From there we caught our Megabus bus to St. Louis as planned, it just took two hours longer than planned.
You can view the photos from the trip on my new Flickr set "St. Louis 2006".
