News Corp., NBC in Coop to Challenge YouTube
Well, it appears that media giants News Corp. (owner of Fox, Fox News, etc.) and NBC Universal are planning to launch a premium video site as their answer to YouTube. Early indications point to the ability to remix clips and share them among friends, among many things. This is an interesting idea, but will it clip YouTube? Highly unlikely. YouTube has a “cult-like” following that will be hard impress upon.
Meanwhile, Viacom and Joost — the new IPTV platform — announced a deal a few weeks ago to offer a number of their properties including MTV and VH1 on their network. Let the games begin.
Food for Thought: Living and Thinking “Beyond The Sphere”
For years, I’ve allowed certain experiences to wreck havoc in my life. There was always a “tug of war” between stability and disaster, as it were sometimes difficult to cope with certain things. I guess you could say I didn’t always have “thick skin”, namely because of my humble and caring nature (which isn’t a bad thing, mind you).
Recently, however, I had an epiphany: All of my struggles here on Earth were trivial. I couldn’t spend another day being reminded of the pain from my past failures in love, business and life. You see, I grew up mostly a naive and unassuming guy. I assumed that the world would treat me, as I treated them. I assumed that kindness, loyalty and honesty were the keys to success in everything in life. I was wrong.
My greatest epiphany to date has come from the understanding that we live in a large space, in a very small bowl. We are surrounded by an abundance of new and undiscovered life and experiences. At best, we as human beings on Earth are trivial thinkers. Most of us are content in this isolated bowl of power brokers, ego maniacs, lawmakers, pop stars and other unimportant “things” which are the laughingstock of our neighbors beyond.
This is a new phase of “reconditioning” myself and removing the lingering “programming” which has affected certain areas of my life over time — “things” which, in the grand scheme of it all, had no real meaning or value in my life. We spend so much time — as human beings — agonizing and stressing over “trivial stuff” to a point where it’s almost an obsession. We worry about everything from how we’re perceived, to why we got dumped by the person we loved. It’s all child’s play. Believe me.
I assure you that there are more profound opportunities and experiences awaiting those who are willing to live and think “beyond the sphere” (Earth).
What Would You Do with 10,000 AAdvantage Miles?
I am considering a promotion or contest for my blog and the Interviews Podcast. Why? Because people love free stuff! So, I am willing to part with up to 10,000 of my own miles with American Airlines to make this idea happen.
The only thing is — I’m not sure of what I will do yet. The ultimate goal is to draw more people to this web site and the Interviews Podcast, because after all, the Internet is now my livelihood (barely) at 1.4 years and counting.
Video: 10,000 Galaxies
Scientist Tony Darnell narrates an inspiring video about the size and magnitude of our universe. It speaks volumes about the fact that we’re not alone — not even within our galaxy, the “Milky Way”. Even as a kid, I knew there was more to life than just this isolated ball of matter with an amazing view of the world beyond (”the sky”).
I share this video because it explains in great detail how I feel about life in the universe. I remain confident that we’ll make great progress in exploring our galaxy and universe over the next 50 years. Enjoy the video — and remember: There are other planets and lifeforms just like our own. We just haven’t met (yet).
Ronald Lewis Dot Com: 247 Human
One thing I enjoy most about having my own web site is the ability to connect with a global audience. I’ve maintained a web presence now for more than seven years, and I’m still amazed by how far things have come. In this span of time, ronaldlewis.com has seen thousands of visitors and three web hosts. It has received more visitors in the past year than the last few years combined. Again, I’m blown away by its growth.
Regardless of the great achievements of this web site, one thing has always remained the same: It’s part of the human element and a reflection of a living and breathing human being. I am grateful for what is the Internet, because I have been afforded a unique opportunity to engage you — my guest — with my thoughts, feelings, ideas and so much more.
And as much as I enjoy sharing my life and time with you, I also want to encourage everyone dropping by to introduce themselves as well. Let’s create new friendships, opportunities and possibilities. Together, we can blur separate — although same worlds — here on Ronald Lewis Dot Com.