Archive for category Musings

Journey down the Mississippi and across the Yukon -Why I love the Long Tail

Posted by scottvandam in Musings on August 22, 2009

I’ve never really liked blockbusters. Blockbusters are all the same, sensational, over done, over promoted and over marketed blockbusters are usually over the top. I like stories, real stories not made for profit stories but stories that are told be real people doing incredible things. That’s why you will rarely find me lining up for the latest summer blockbuster movie or listening to top 40 music.

The Long Tail” is an article by Chris Anderson in an October 2004 Wired magazine article which describes the niche strategy of businesses, such as Amazon.com or Netflix, that sell a large number of unique items, each in relatively small quantities.  The internet is the ideal distribution vehicle for the long tail and has allowed me to follow real stories by people with real passions.

Television, Movie Theaters and Newspapers simply do not have the bandwidth to allow me to actively watch and participate in the journeys of  7 guys floating down the Mississippi river in a home made boat or get twitter updates from Ed Wardle hiking across the Yukon.   He’s also documenting his journey on video here

What interesting stories do you have to share?  I’m listening and inspired.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

No Comments

A Conversation with Presidents in Toronto

Posted by scottvandam in Musings on June 5, 2009

090530_bush_clinton-rp350x350 Last week was a memorable moment for me because It is not often that you can be in the presence of two former Presidents. I enjoyed the discussion and speeches.  Both men impressed me!   Today I’m linking to a blog post on Awesome Talks.  I think it is by far one of the more fair renditions of the event.  He does a nice job of explaining the event.

http://awesometalks.wordpress.com/2009/05/30/bush-clinton-a-conversation-with-presidents-event-in-toronto/

, ,

No Comments

The Dubya vs Bubba Match coming to Toronto, Canada

Posted by scottvandam in Musings on April 23, 2009

I enjoy watching leaders communicate & debate.  Whether it is the Governor General reading off the Throne Speech, the US president delivering the State of the Union, or the Prime Minister giving a speech while rolling through town on a campaign stop during an election.

There is something about debate that stirs up the imagination, it forces you to think differently and it can challenge and/or strengthen your values.

When I read John Ibbitson’s Globe and Mail Column titled “Culture cold warriors face off in Canada” I couldn’t help myself from immediately calling the Event company and dropping $200 for a ticket to the event.  After all how often do we get two former presidents (George W. Bush & Bill Clinton) doing a debate in Canada?

Bush & Clinton

Fireworks are not expected in this debate because former presidents are usually always civil to one another.  However I am confident that the discussion will be fascinating and engaging, especially as the two dissenting administrations have lead the United States through two very different policies over the last sixteen years.

Event is Scheduled at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on May 29.. See you there!

,

No Comments

Wind Power in the San Gorgonio Pass

Posted by scottvandam in Musings on April 22, 2009

I recently arrived back home from Palm Springs where I attended the Mid-Continent Energy Marketers Association Meeting.  I wrote about it on the Waggware Strategy Lab Blog.

The Wind Farm in the San Gorgonio Pass was mesmorizing despite the high winds, hot sun and blowing dust.  The endless sea of  spinning blades was both impressive and surreal.  Just imagine over 3,000 wind mills spinning generating in excess of 615MW of electricity!

Below is the flickr feed of a few conference highlights.

, , , ,

No Comments