Great Diversion with Bonus Life Lessons
This is one of my favorite Ted presentations. It not only discusses branding and how advertising adds value, it also provides an interesting look at perceived value.
Looking Forward
Let’s start 2010 with some inspirational thoughts and discussion.
How to live before you die
Steve Jobs urges us to pursue our dreams and see the opportunities in life’s setbacks — including death itself.
William Kamkwamba – Building a windmill
A remarkable story sure to inspire.
Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams
Professor Randy Pausch’s last presentation at Carnegie Mellon talks about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.
Professor Randy Pausch made a surprise return to Carnegie Mellon University to deliver an inspirational speech to the Class of 2008 at the Commencement ceremony.
What Matters Now
Seth Godin has organized a remarkable collaborative effort from 72 individuals who each provided a short essay of no more than 200 words on about what they were thinking about as we head into 2010. The goal of the book is to demonstrate that big thoughts and small actions make a difference.
What Matters Now includes such contributors such as Chris Anderson, Chip and Dan Heath, Guy Kawasaki, Mitch Joel, Gary Vaynerchuk, Ariana Huffington, and many more.
You can read it online here…
Or download a copy of What Matters Now
Top 5 Internet Maps
The web is a big place, and there’s no GPS yet. Here’s a look at Internet maps to help guide the way.
New York Subway Style
Tokyo Subway Style
World City-to-City Connections
The geography on this last map is not as random as one could assume at first glance
Monopoly City Streets
I’m actually kind of excited about the announcement from Google and Hasbro for Monopoly City Streets. The online game aims to combine real buildings from around the world, new architecture designs and Google Maps locations to create the truest form of Monopoly available.
Playing Monopoly City Streets with people from around the world, participants will be using real addresses and building. There isn’t a lot of info available so far. Players will receive $3Million to begin with and be able to start purchasing property. To purchase Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington costs $2 Million (White House location), and players will receive daily rent such as $50,000 for a house and $100Million for a complete skyscraper.
This looks to be addictive – visit Monopoly City Streets to join
Google Land
Ever wonder what it would be like to visit Google headquarters? Google is supposed to have not only a great corporate culture, but also some very interesting office space. Here’s some interesting pics for a behind the scenes look.
A slide allows quick access from different floors. There are also poles available similar to the ones used in fire stations.
Employees can eat all they want from a vast choice of food and drink in the Googleplex cafeteria.
Each employee has at least two large screens. There are 4-6 ‘Zooglers’ per office.
Google offices are spacious and modern in design.
The Googleplex has one of the most interest open office concepts I’ve seen.
Large boards are available just about everywhere because “ideas don’t always come when seated in the office” says one of Google’s managers.
Pool tables, video games etc. are available in many areas.
Each floor hosts private cabin areas where employees (Zooglers) can attend to personal affairs.
Problem with your computer ? No problem …Bring it to this area where drinks are available while it is being fixed …
Professional masseurs and masseuses are available.
This room offers massage chairs that you control while you view relaxing aquariums.
There are many books in the Google library – even some that are about something other than programming.
Thanks to Dave (and Kara) of Fusion Advertising for sharing most of the images.
