Wasted space

Dunno if you have been to Taco Bell in the last year or so. They have a "feel good" micro-campaign on their hot sauce packets - cute little phrases in that space.

This particular phrase always bothers me - I think they should use that little area for advertising. I'd suggest they sell that space to companies for putting only a website address. (I'll take 5% of the profits for coming up with the idea.)

I guess it's a Monk-like trait I have - wanting to optimize everything. I do get offended by advertising appearing everywhere, so I'm not sure why I am OK with it appearing on Taco Bell packets.

300 Words

300 Words is a new blog that Jon Swanson created. Check it out!

Yours truly is the guest writer for today.

Connections, part 2

I just finished skimming a totally boring book: Social Networks and the Semantic Web, by Peter Mika. It might be great if you're into academic language and maybe have a PhD. I don't, so it was not riveting.

The one concept that was sort of new to me is the idea that you can be a unique bridge between various spheres of interest. You might be the only person on this planet that could make an important connection between someone you know and someone they need to know! So the area of social media does have payoffs. Some are financial but the most important ones are relational.

Kenya and Obama

Kenya has embraced Obama almost as if he is their president. (And I know some who wish he was!) So a big thrill awaited us on inauguration day - this lovely fabric kanga arrived in the mail - sent to us from Kenya by our friends Josh and Audra! What fun!!

A kanga is a piece of cloth that is often worn as a wrap-skirt or a dress. Or used as a baby backpack.

So, the translation: "Congratulations Barack Obama. Love and peace have been given to us by God." (That comes courtesy of Pernille.)

I was amused to see the same kanga in this video.

Finally, here is a perspective from Kenya on life after the party.

Do you make connections?

As I was walking across the Target parking lot, I saw this little connector on the ground. And it got me thinking about connections.

It's always good when we can help others to connect with others. Our lives are so fractured these days that any connections that can be created or encouraged are good.

What ways are you connecting others to others in your life? Professionally? Personally? Are you making any steps to increase the amount of connection you have with others?

By the way, this is one of those posts based on an obvious concept. I know you know my point. I'm just reminding you about it. And asking you to consider doing something about it.

Welcome, President Obama

Today is the big inauguration (as you should know).

Though Obama won't save all of mankind, I am hoping for positive things.

Welcome to the helm, President Obama! May God use you for the good, in many many ways.

Black is the new platinum

Mercedes has a new model: the SL 65 AMG Black. It comes in at a cool $320,000. The "standard" SL model is a mere $100,000. So you pay an additional $220,000 for the 661 horsepower engine and trick suspension, etc.

American Express? This card is so exclusive that you can't even find it on their site. I'm sure it's available "by invitation only".

At some point, the ultra-rich will start wearing black jewelry to keep current.

What price exclusivity? A high price for sure. I'd suggest that you can be exclusive in your humility. Be proud of shopping at "The Big Department Store" (as my aunt and dad used to call The Goodwill). Be proud of re-using something that most people would throw away. Be proud of... ooops, when you're proud, you're no longer humble (as C.S. Lewis once said).

Remember - and be thankful

I was clearing out emails late this afternoon. I came across a message from October 6th - just over three months ago. I noted that the cheapest gas outlet in my neighborhood had a gallon for $3.43.

Today, the same place is selling for about $1.50. Though it has gone up some lately, we have much to be thankful for, at least when it comes to filling our tanks!

Just a little reminder for your weekend...

Cold weather health tip

If you live in a dry climate, like Denver, your skin may crack. Or a cut may take a long time to heal during the winter.

My big tip? Use super glue to seal up the crack or cut. This allows it to heal. It works! Try it.

(And yes, this post proves that almost anything can appear on this blog.)

Blogapalooza!

Robert Hruzek offers you the opportunity to join in a blogging extravaganza extrordinaire.

Go here.

I'm doing it and so can you (peer pressure).