A Sad Day: Randy Pausch Has Died
CMU Professor Dr. Randy Pausch has died of complications suffered from his battle with pancreatic cancer. I was informed of Randy’s death via Twitter and as I write this, it’s a battle to hold back the tears. I can only hope that Randy’s death will further inspire positive change in the lives of many people he touched.
To reprise his ‘Final Lecture’, I am embedding it below for reference. I am grateful for the inspiration Randy has left us. Also, special thanks again to ABC News / Primetime for granting me the opportunity to thank Randy for his inspiration.
This is an opportunity to reflect about what it’s important in life, achieving your dreams and realizing your potential. I intend to do the same.
Ford Should Sell Volvo To Honda (While Saving Its Future In The Process)
“Reality” has broken the facade many of us suffer from: Our economy is falling apart. And so is Ford. They just announced an $8.7 Billion loss — Its largest ever — based on write downs and mounting losses in North America. Alan Mulally is not Ford’s “golden ticket”. No one can shield Ford — Or any other carmaker for that matter — From the buying decisions of the markets they serve.
Ford’s trucks — Once the premium money maker for the company — Is no longer. They’ve delayed the launch of their flagship F-150 line and are continuing to take drastic measures to reduce their losses. Still, it’s not enough to save the Detroit automaker from terminal failure in the short-term.
In the middle of this half-floating boat is Volvo. Purchased in 1999 by then Ford CEO Jacques Nasser, the Swedish automaker has been to hell and back with its parent company. Like the neglected child of a careless parent, Volvo has suffered greatly under Ford’s hardships. At last count, Ford has contemplated selling Volvo about a million times now. They’ve already sold Aston-Martin and Jaguar, so why not Volvo?
The sad truth is that Volvo was never a good fit for Ford. There’s too much clutter, corporate politics and bureaucracy which get in the way of allowing Volvo to flourish. The greatest mistake Ford made — Under the direction of Nasser — Was going on an ill-conceived shopping spree for foreign automakers, rather than shoring up and breathing new life into its own brands and products. Why would an automaker like Ford — The world’s most imitated trendsetter in the industry — Ignore its own staple of innovation and history in favor of another?
Now that Ford is in “deep recovery mode”, I think now is the time to bid Volvo farewell, divesting its interest in the company and selling it to a better caretaker: Honda Motor Company of Japan. Honda has all the right things going for it:
- They run a highly efficient and cost-effective company
- Their model lineup isn’t hampered by gaz-guzzling vehicles
- They develop some of the world’s most efficient gas engines
- They have the foresight and business acumen necessary for Volvo’s revival
- They’ve outpaced American automakers for years in technology and innovation
I think Ford and Honda should talk. Honda would gain an incredible Swedish brand known for its safety innovation and technology, while Volvo would be in more capable hands to nurture its model line, stained culture and future success. Working together, Honda and Volvo could be the match of innovation and success that no one saw coming. More than a “match made in heaven”, the pairing of these two automakers would create an alliance that would make the likes of BMW and Mercedes drool with envy.
How about it, Honda?
iPhone 3G: First Impressions (Day 1)
When Apple announced the 3G iPhone a few weeks ago, I decided it was probably time to consider the purchase of one. With the first generation, I figured it was probably best to wait and see how it developed, and just a year later, here we are at 3G.
On Tuesday (July 22), I made a trip to the local AT&T store and placed a direct order fulfillment for the phone. I was told it would take 5-7 days, maybe weeks, even. That evening, I remembered to check Apple’s iPhone stock availability web site (why didn’t I think of this the night before?) To my surprise, the Apple store at Denver’s Cherry Creek mall had stock for all three 3G models.
Ready to for 3G madness
Early Wednesday morning, I decided I’d try my luck at purchasing an 8GB iPhone 3G phone. I started my day really early with a good breakfast at The Delectable Egg at 6:30, then caught the 83L to Cherry Creek at 7:18am. I arrived at the mall at about 7:30 and I figured I’d have issues with entering the mall. Well, not at all! The mall doors were — To my surprise — already open! (The mall opens at 10 am and the same is true for the Apple store).
Sit and wait, buddy!
When I reached the vicinity of the Apple store, I was immediately greeted with a crowd of at least 35 people at 7:30! I’m not sure why, but I assumed the line would be pretty small, but I guess those folks already in line knew something I didn’t: The store would open at 8 am instead of 10!
At 8 am, the doors opened and the line started moving. Apple employees were preparing iPhone buyers before they entered the store, handing out purchase tickets, taking down pertinent information, etc. At about 8:45 am, an Apple employee stated that stock was running “really low” on the 8GB model. Then, moments later, he announced that they were completely out of stock. Of course, I decided on purchasing the 16GB model (much to blowing away my initial budget for this phone).
8GB reappears
While I pondered the additional cost of the 16GB model (I’m really just a frugal guy), another Apple employee stated that a few 8GB models were available. I immediately got on the list.
It’s in my hands
At about 10:30, the purchase of my iPhone and activation was complete. This marks the first Apple product I’ve ever owned and I must tell you, it’s a great experience! Much to my own surprise, I didn’t allow the inner geek (and kid) within to take over the moment. I patiently waited until I arrived home to fully unbox the unit and customize it to my liking. I’ve been enamored with it ever since.
Love at first byte
I think the iPhone 3G is a wonderful innovation. I consider the purchase of this phone as an investment, rather than a financial liability. Its value will pay for itself in the matter of days, because my productivity will increase tenfold. Thanks to the iPhone, carrying my laptop wherever I go is now optional, because I have access to everything I need: E-mail, Twitter, etc.
The first day has been filled with awe and admiration. I’ll definitely be ‘kicking the tires’ over the next few days and familiarizing myself with the operation of it. Honestly, I’m already ‘comfortable’ with this device. There really isn’t a learning curve at all, but there are things that will take some time to adjust to and will become second nature over time.
Overall, kudos to Apple. I’m happy to be a new iPhone owner and Apple customer.
(Note to Apple: You’ve gotta take an ‘open source’ approach with the development community and your customers. No walled Apple tree gardens, please? It wouldn’t be wise to stifle the innovation of the iPhone due to politics, backroom agreeements with AT&T, etc.)
Bicycle Mania in Denver
Just ran across this crowd of bicycles tonight on 16th street mall. There were at least 150 bikes!
Testing Wordpress for iPhone
First post from new iPhone 3g!