Based on early demand, Samsung is whipping out 10 Million S4's per month.
Unless the new iPhone makes you taller and lowers your cholesterol, I think this battle is already over...

Yep...

It is time to remove Facebook from your Android device!

Facebook is currently in the process of asking you to install a new update. This update gives Facebook the ability to install future updates on your device without notifying you about the install. 

This update gives Facebook the ability to bypass the Google Play store, and its app verification services, and update your device over wi-fi without telling you a thing. 

Why this is horrible

First, it means that Facebook can continue to update your device, and add features or abilities (like tracking you) that you would otherwise know nothing about. My guess is this is the precursor for sending you advertisements on your phone from Facebook Exchange, which happens to leverage Facebook partners to track every single address you visit on the Internet. There is no practical way for you to opt out of this service, btw...

Second, it means that by staying off the Google Play store, you are not provided with an opportunity to read about any changes that Facebook is making to your application, its functions and abilities to do things with YOUR data. 

Third, and the worst part about it, this update requires that you turn OFF your application-security protection from unknown sources (like all those Facebook Exchange partners), and also anyone else who might want to provide a fraudulent update, claiming to be Facebook. 

Right Now go to your settings/security/device administration, and see if "Unknown Sources" is checked. If it is, uncheck it immediately, and uninstall Facebook. This is a MASSIVE malware vulnerability, one that is required by Facebook on your Android device. 

What more information do you need about this organization? If Facebook is on your Android device, get rid of it without delay. 

You are welcome. 

When Business Gets Personal

I am reminded of how it was back in the 90's when a bunch of pissed-off competitors to Microsoft decided to pick up their ball and go find a new home called OS/2. When is the last time you penned anything in Word Perfect? When is the last time you rocked an Info-gram in Harvard Graphics?
How's that 1-2-3 working out for ya? 

Now, having been smacked down by both the courts and Samsung, Apple is picking up its memory chips, display screens and processors and looking for a new home. Never mind that all those changes cost money that will be passed on to the consumer, Apple wants to pout, cry and blow snot all over the phone market, just so they can have their pound of flesh. 

Time to market mattered back in the 90s, so why does Apple think it doesn't matter today? While Apple takes the time to cram more expensive Intel chips into their devices, they will have to count on their user community being willing to wait for them, while Samsung and LG can spend their money on Marketing and Innovation. 

Apple needs to figure out that just because you were first, means you get to be the "only", they lost, and its time to move on like maybe, uh.....Xerox? 

Did you know that hundreds of thousands of websites are reporting your web browsing experience back to Facebook, so they can put ads on your wall based on those visits?

Here is a way to stop them for Chrome users. 

The numbers from sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday are in, and for Social Media and particularly Facebook, it's not pretty. I have taken the time to examine what a Business can look forward to from buying Ads on Facebook, as opposed to AdWords on Google, the kind of CTR they can expect, and why for Businesses, Google+ is simply a better option for a Social Media presence. 

A moment?

I've been thinking about Kevin Ware, laying up in a hospital bed tonight, wondering about his future, and the thoughts going through my mind informed me about a few things I want to share with you. 

You might think that you have lots of years left on this earth, lots of opportunities, options galore, but the truth is, you just dont know. 

You might think that waiting one more year for that dream vacation you've been wanting to share with your family is a prudent economic decision. 

You might think that what went on in Cypress cant happen in the western world, that when it comes down to it, politicians will choose you over the banks that fund their campaigns. 

You might think that the person you neglect, ignore, and say harsh things to, will keep on forgiving you and remain patiently by your side. 

You might think there is some kind of honor in working like a madman to make someone else rich while you can barely pay your bills. 

You might think that crazy idea you have is just the product of a wandering mind, and has no chance of success. 

What I am trying to say, is that today is all you know that you have. You have no idea about tomorrow, and what it might bring.

You may think you have it all figured out, when in fact, tomorrow might screw up your entire life's plan.

My advice, whether you want it or not, is to love those you love, like tomorrow is not promised to you, because it aint.

Take that trip, buy that house, marry that woman/man, get that degree, start that business, have that baby, buy that puppy, learn to do that thing you always dreamed of, and whatever you do, love your people like you might never see them again.

Make it happen, because in reality, nobody is stopping you, but you. 

Just go for it. 

Thanks for reading. 

Facebook is a Zombie

Yesterday proved to me more than anything else, that Facebook is dying, might already be dead, and that they will never, ever, EVER get it right. 

Here is why: 

Every Android owner knows about that little blue icon on our devices for Google Now, which if you have not experienced it, represents the future while Facebook represents the past. 

I woke from the alarm on my Note II at 5am yesterday, turned off the alarm, and pressed that little blue icon, and found out that the flight I would be on was delayed the day before but would be on time for my flight. 

At that same time, Mark Zuckerburg was preparing to give a presentation telling investors how Facebook, through their visual updates, was hoping to keep me on Facebook longer, so that I would be exposed to more advertisements. 

Because I was about to spend the day in various airports, I decided to try to sync my music to my phone using Spotify. This did not work, because the new Spotify install on my Note II would not allow me to use the sync function, because I had to have Spotify connected to Facebook. 

I remembered that I had installed Google Drive on the Note II, so I just synced the music folder in the Note II and dragged a few selections from my desktop in to a new folder called "Music" and went back to my packing. 

Before leaving for the airport, I read that Zuckerburg was on stage explaining that bigger images would be "more persuasive than words" which would cause Facebook users to better engage with content and advertisements. “The most important stuff is going to be on the front page,” he went on. “Then people have a chance to dig in.”

Did you get that? You are going to "better engage with advertisements", my brotha's. Umkay?

I have become a big fan of Peter Mansbridge on CBC, and worried that I might not be able to watch Canadian news while in America, so I asked Google Voice Search for a Proxy Server Solution, and it told me about "Tunnelbear" which will proxy Canada from America, and vice versa, letting me watch either online from the other location.

While this was going on, Julie Zhou, Facebook's design chief, said only that Facebook ads would be more visual. “Everything across the board is going to get this richer, more immersive design,” Ms. Zhou said. 

Meanwhile, arriving at the airport, the Alaska Airlines app on my Note II reminded me that I should have my passport ready, and not just check in at a Kiosk. I was a bit ticked off, so I took a picture of my angry face and posted it on Google+, checking in my location at the same time.

The NY Times suggested the following: "The redesign is also a nod to the ubiquity of mobile devices, which a majority of Facebook’s one billion users worldwide use to log into their accounts. Pictures will show up bigger in the News Feed. And there will be larger images of maps and links to articles. In that way, the new look is a nod to other social networks that are seeing viral growth, like Pinterest, which is built around large pictures."

After my flight, I hopped on to a Supershuttle Van, and opened my Note II to Google Now, which promptly came up with an info-card telling me how long my trip would be on Supershuttle to my California home. I was totally blown away, but also noticed that my Android device and Google applications had worked FOR ME, throughout the entire day. Google and NFC (near field technology) made sure that throughout my day, I got the information I wanted WHEN I ASKED FOR IT. 

You may be wondering why your Android device does not do what mine does. Have you turned on NFC and Location Services in your settings? 

Duh. 

So, while Google and Android give me what I can use, when I decide I want to use it, Facebook is running around trying to shove more and larger pictures and advertisements in my face, as a way of keeping me more engaged. The funny thing? Since my Google+ stream is shared to Facebook and Twitter automatically, I never had to log in to Facebook at all. 

P.S. Apple decided not to include NFC technology on the iPhone. 
P.S.S.  I remember conversations last year, where +Jesse Wojdylo, +Eli Fennell and I were all saying that for Facebook to survive, they needed to stop throwing ads in our faces, and come up with a Facebook Phone. They didnt. 

Google+ is the future. Facebook is already dead, and they dont even know it. 
 

A bit of basic Economics for your ass.

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for a beer
and the bill for all ten comes to $100.

If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it
would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.00
The sixth would pay $3.00
The seventh would pay $7.00
The eighth would pay $12.00
The ninth would pay $18.00
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.00

So that’s what they decided to do. The men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve.

“Since you are all such good customers, he said, I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.00. “Drinks for the ten men now cost just $80.00

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men – the paying customers? How could they divide the $ 20 windfall so that everyone would get their “fair share?” They realized that $ 20.00 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay!

And so: 

The fifth man like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33% savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28% savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of 12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid 14 instead of 18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before! And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.

“I only got a dollar out of the $20“ declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, “but he got $10!”

“Yeah, that’s right, shouted the seventh man. “why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!”

“Wait a minute,” yelled the first four men in union. “ We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!”

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up. (while calling him a 1%er)

The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier. 

For those who understand, no explanation is needed.

For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible!

David R. Kamerschen, PH. D
Professor of Economics, University of Georgia

How to keep your Google + stream free of Assholes (even if you post public)
-J.C. Kendall, President, TekPersona LLC

Sorry about the provocative title, but I want your attention this morning. I will try to keep this post relatively low in terms of the number of curse words, but when describing the recent degeneration of streams with the influx of the kids, the cliques, the spammers, the scammers, the self-righteous, the humorless, etc… All subjective, all annoying, and all able for you to deal with easily, if you are change your perspective just a bit?

This is not Twitter.

This is not Facebook.

Throw out whatever sentiment or rules for graciousness you had on those forums.

This is Google Plus. It has been designed for YOU. Your interests, your comfort-level, your entertainment. You have everything you need at your disposal to block the assholes like they stole something.

Remember the term “Defriending”? Facebook made it seem that to “Defriend” a person, was the same as slapping their grandmother. It was considered insulting. Why did they do that? Because the more links you have to others, the better the quality of the anal-probe of your data that they sell to marketers, that’s why, but that’s another story. (and that story by me, will be on MediaTapper.com next Monday, btw) *gasp* Yeah, that’s right, it’s a PLUG. Dead center of my post, too.

Deal wit it.

Look, you are not a bad person on Google +, if you feel the need to block somebody. In fact, you are made more handsome or pretty, from sheer happiness if you start blocking mo-fo’s back to the stone age with prejudice.

Asshole Detection101: (Find them, Identify them, Report them, and Block their Monkey Ass)

First, not every jerk deserves to be blocked. Some are avoided simply by de-circling them so you do not notice their postings. The “Blueheads” (credit-Jaana Nystrom) who can’t be bothered to identify themselves, the “Cartoonheads” who hide behind a graphic denoting mischievous behavior, and those who circle you, but block you from viewing their profile. (a pet peeve of mine); just refuse to circle these folks, and go about your business.

• Circle Ratio

Check a Plussers Circle Ratio. If they have more than tripled the amount of follows as followers, they may be an asshole. If their ratio is worse than one-quarter, they might be even worse, and deserve your block, just to be sure.

• Hiding Profiles & Circles in Common

If you block whom we have in common, I will block you and your mama too. It’s that simple. I share myself with you; you share yourself with me. If you don't? See ya, bitch. If I’ve circled you, my profile is available for your review. If you circle me, and I go to your profile and it says “So and so has not shared anything with you.”; I’ll block your grandchildren; Hell, I will block your Dog.

• Thread Hijacking

Does this need explaining? It’s fine if you run into someone you know within someone else’s thread and say hello, but if the two of you start swapping recipes, and setting play-dates within my threads, I’m probably going to call you a dick.

• Spamming

When Business sites arrive, fine. Pop a link in my thread. I have no problem with that. For now, if I am talking philosophy with my circle, have the sense to know that at that moment in time, none of us are particularly interested in Aluminum Siding; much less pictures of your third nipple. Show some grace, or I will insta-block you for your insolence.

• Name Calling & Basic Rudeness

Some people arrive on threads, just screaming, “Block me, please!” Why not indulge them? This is “Social Media”, not a party for Assholes to crash at their leisure. I’ve had people actually scold me for blocking people.

WTF? This is MY G+ . There are many like it, but this one is MINE.

Now sure, you might do something to cause me to call you a dick, but I’ll also be blocking you, so that’s a one time thing, okay?

There are some who believe everyone deserves a second chance. A second chance to what? Be a more stylish form of asshole? Yeah we all have a bad day. Its called an apology, mo-fo’s. When I screw up, (yeah, it happens, trust me) I try to repair my error via private message, or a group blast if I offended many. Who knew some people are offended by Turtle jokes?

Some of you put your computers at risk by soliciting technical advice in a thread. There are people here who get a kick out of ruining your computer, by telling you to delete certain folders. Do you also call Zimbabwe for your Personal Banking Advice?

Befriend a Geek that you trust. (not me, I’m busy) Solve your technical problems within a PM with your trusted advisor. Otherwise you run the risk of some asshole telling you to delete your Windows folder. Be smart, for Christ’s sake. If you get help, you might even think about tossing them a bill or two in their PayPal account, just to say thank you?

Okay, this was supposed to be an article, but its become more of a rant, so I’ll leave it at that. If you want a pleasant Google Plus stream, you will need to avoid the Facebook and Twitter sensibilities when it comes to YOUR experience. It is not rude to remove from your stream those who offend you; even if it happens to be *gasp* me.

Now that Google has opened this place to the masses, you gotta get medieval on some of these folks, lest they ruin your day. You have the power, you have the tools.

USE THEM.

I decided that the world of SEO could use a bit of a reality check with respect to businesses and organizations. I frankly tire the mis-information, the FUD (fear-uncertainty-doubt) with respect to Google and their ambitions, and thought I might comment a bit on what this SEO thing is REALLY about. Hope you like it...

Who is that obnoxious dude whose stuff keeps getting published...?

2 Years ago in July, I met this incredible woman right here on Google+.

I did not know it at the time, but she would become the most important person ever in my life. Today is her birthday, but thanks to +su ann lim, every day I spend with her, it feels as if its MY birthday too.

I never thought I could love anyone so much. This is my favorite picture of her, because it says everything about her that anyone needs to know. She is joyful, loving, brilliant, and as you can see, she knows how to pick a summer getaway too. 

Happy Birthday to my babycakes, the incredible Su Ann 

I love ya, sweetie.

Google + is NOT a MEAT MARKET !

Plussers, can we talk?

I want to talk to both the men and women of Google + about a subject that is becoming quite a problem, and also discuss what we ought to do about it on our beloved streams. More and more often, the women of this forum are being disrespected and close to being accosted by men who believe that attention equals attraction. This needs to stop, and stop NOW.

Guys:

There is a difference between harmless flirting and the assumption of a returned lust just because a pretty woman has posted on your thread. Also, if a woman gives you a +1, it does not mean that she secretly longs to see your junk next to her Christmas stocking.

Umkay?

I suppose it is important to mention, that I have had a few very embarrassing moments here on this site, due to ill-advised flirtation. I have learned that people can get hurt, misunderstandings can occur, and when they do, a person can find themselves blocked or worse. So, I have a special acknowledgement of the dangers that can occur when talking out of turn to the wrong person. Going forward, I treat every woman on this forum with utmost respect. Lesson learned.

That said, I have adopted a strategy, which I hope each man on this forum will consider? I now try to remember that every woman on this forum, married or single, happens to be the wife, sister or daughter of some man. I would like it if all of us dudes could remember what it felt like when some fool disrespected our little sister.
Some man was rude to our mother, or the worst of all, tried to take advantage of our daughter. If you are a man at all, you know how you would feel, if your daughter could barely eke out a post without dozens of men thinking it an opportunity to get in her pants. Would you not want to beat their sorry ass like a dog in the street?

Sorry, I’m going to be blunt about it.

Guys, if you think that Social Media is the best place to secure your next sexual conquest, then first, you might reconsider your stance, and second, you really kinda suck as a man. Those of you who think it cool to create an avatar of yourself sprawled on a bed shirtless, pantsless, or worse, as if that is attractive or respectful, are going to discover very quickly that you will attract only the type of woman who would appear on an episode of Jersey Shore, if you manage to attract anyone at all. STOP.

Attention Gay men; I have no intension of changing teams, so please stop. Even if I WAS gay, I would not appreciate an image of you holding your junk in my stream, public or private. Eeewww? I like the team that I am on, and for those on yours, is that really how you want to begin a relationship? A love story, that aint. Umkay?

Members of my stream will confirm that where I was once a proud and shameless flirt; I now post as if I am speaking with a sister or my own mother. I have noticed that my circles have sort of exploded, as people become more comfortable interacting with me. Learn from me, and try to show the women around here the proper consideration. They are not on Google + looking for anything beyond dialog, just like the rest of us. If a Gladie (G+ Lady) finds you interesting, she knows how to track you down.

Guys, what is with those of you who are married and don’t say so in your profiles? I have seen at least three of you, which I know or know of personally, who are married, but claim single status on G+. To me, that is the most crass, disrespectful thing you can do to your spouse, and frankly, I hope she finds the cajones to kick your ass to the curb over it. You are not only denying your woman, but you are misleading those you think are warm for your digital form. The truth? You are an asshole. I’m not going to name names…..for now. In one case, I know your wife too, and she is HURTING over it, you dick, and only her pleading keeps me from busting your sorry ass.

Finally dudes, while we all know that there are a huge number of very beautiful women on this forum, that does not mean that if they speak to you, post a pic of themselves, or even circle you, that they want your geeky ass to move in with them. How about trying FRIENDSHIP? Of the many romances that I know of that have come about on Google +, I think it is safe to say that none of them began over a disrespectful comment, an oogling over a picture, or an unsolicited photo of you raping a pillow.

If you have a problem with any of the above, please say so, so that I may block your monkey ass back to the stone age?

Gals:

Do you know that there are men on G+ who put up trolling threads just for the purpose of getting a number of women to chime in with a complaint? Some of the stranger types on the forum get off on first getting you angry, then seeing if they can turn that anger into a connection. I see it going on almost every day, and you ladies are falling for it, and when verbally accosted by some maniac, scratch your heads wondering what you did wrong. Jerks are to be ignored.

You ladies have got to get over the notion that the block button is rude. It is NOT. It is yours to insure that a jerk gets only one chance to be rude to you. Use it. Sure you can ignore, but blocking insures that not only do you not see them anymore, they don’t see you either.

Every woman on this forum, right this moment, needs to adjust their profile, so that it is viewable ONLY by the people that YOU circle. That means, until or unless YOU decide someone is interesting enough to circle, nobody can see or read any of your information. The number of women who leave all of their information, including geographic location, available to everyone, is kinda ridiculous. You are asking for trouble.

The number one way of avoiding the creeps on this forum is to Ignore them, Block them, and report them. Say nothing to them, which only provides the attention they desire, eliminate them from your stream, and report their profile to Google.
In many cases, what you receive in the way of unwanted or unwelcome attention comes from being overly nice to a troll.

There is something nurturing in women that makes them want to either scold or attempt to understand the offender. This is social media, and I’m telling you, that you only encourage ongoing abuse if you engage with a troll, jerk or loser in any way shape or form. Telling some guys to F-Off, may be exactly the catalyst needed for their soiled sheets. Do not engage the trolls!

Sorry…

For those of you ladies who like the shirtless bimbo dudes, post for attention, hey, whatever floats the man in your boat, but remember, this is social media, and you don’t always know who you are dealing with. Be smart. It is a sad thing that in this day and age, women still act and behave in ways that almost guarantee eventual unwanted attention. I’m a man, so I won’t go into much depth on this, except to implore you to be careful about the kind of attention you attract. I am not blaming women for the jerky guys on this forum, but only asking you to protect yourself, and be smart regarding with whom you share your data.

We have a wonderful forum here on Google +. What a shame it would be for someone to be hurt, violated or have their identity stolen through the act of befriending a stranger without taking the proper precautions.

Lets all respect each other as PEOPLE, and send the trolls, the jerks, the a-holes, and the losers back to FaceBook where they belong?

Thanks for reading.

--J.C.

I want to share something with you folks tonight. I hope it will explain my attitude, which some find arrogant with respect to Social Values. The dude flying the Tomcat in this photo went by the name of Donnie Cochran. If you were a kid in San Diego in the 70s you grew up around Naval Aviation. In this photo, Commander Cochran is flying this jet as the commander of Squadron VF-111, the "Sundowners" out of Miramar.

The reason it matters to me, is that Cochran was the first Black man to command a Navy Fighter Squadron, the first Black man to join the Blue Angels, and the first Black man to COMMAND the Blue Angels. In short, he was an original BADASS.

He was born in Pelham, Georgia, and had 11 other brothers and sisters. He grew up dirt poor. Instead of victimization, his parents stressed education as the way for him and his siblings to rise up from poverty and make something of themselves. No excuses, no Affirmative Action, just discipline, determination, and an attitude of excepting nothing less than excellence in himself.

When I see or hear people talk about how Black people need this, that, or the other thing, I always remember this dude, and how I was in awe of him growing up, and when I met him at an Air Show when I was in College, I was like a school girl in his presence. His callsign was "BigTime" He simply was/is a kickass human being.
He retired at the rank of Captain.

Black people; we can do anything.

Anything we want.

We don't need favours, handouts, exceptions or excuses.

We only need Parents.

Anyone who would like to tell me how Affirmative Action is any less racist, I'm listening.....

Okay, just a moment? A bit of “Real Names” Reality?
-Jonathan (J.C.) Kendall - President, TekPersona

I realize that by now, everyone has their opinions regarding Google’s Real Names Policy, and while I have read most everything posted on the subject, I think people are continuing to dance around the primary issue in favor of Political Correctness.

So, please allow me?

Here it is.

This wonderful little sandbox that Google created for us, was not built because they just think that you and I are so interesting and wonderful, that they wanted us to have a safe and fun place to play. Using Google + is a tacit agreement between you and Google that you are trading your information in exchange for the right to be here.

Ladies and Gentlemen; you are not the customer. You are the product. You are a fish in a very pleasant big-ass barrel and you are for sale.

Period.

The advertisers and marketers who are going to buy you from Google are the customers.

Google is counting on you deciding that the environment here is so superior to others that you will choose to stay awhile. Some will not, but most will. You have probably read about how traffic on G+ has dropped dramatically over the past month.

Nonsense.

What has happened, is that most of us have moved the majority of our communication into our circles, and off the Public Stream; which happens to be the only stream that can be measured by anyone outside of Google. In fact, nobody outside of Google has accurate numbers on G+ traffic.

So, pay no attention to the naysayers, as they do not have enough data to make an accurate assessment one way or another.

Okay, so why does your name have to be public? Why can’t Google sell your information to the highest bidder but keep your information off the Internet? The answer is Verification. The value of being able to tye your Public Name to your information not just in G+ but outside as well, makes the information that you share exponentially more valuable.

Your public information will provide demographic information when Analytics tie your G+ information to what you purchased at Amazon or elsewhere. On the other hand, did you think that information was kept a secret?

Dummy.

Now you might be saying that sucks. But, does it suck as much as NOT having free kickass messaging services? Does it suck as much as not having free or very cheap Phone and Voice services? Google is already saving me over $300 per month in services that I used to pay for. For $3600.00 a year Google can have my data.

Hell, throw in some candy; I will show them my junk, too.

If you have a perfectly valid reason to hide your identity for safety or other reasons, that is fine; just understand that in that case you are of no actual use to Google, or Google’s customers. Your presence and thoughtful ness might enhance the quality of the stream, but for Google you are an expense, not an asset. You go in the red column, folks. Love ya, but that is a fact.

Google knows very well that Real Names will keep many of you or your friends away from G+. They have made the bet that the information that they gather from those who stay will be of such value that it will over-compensate for a smaller overall fish barrel than their competitors social networking solutions.

If I am putting together a marketing campaign, I will almost certainly pay more money for data that might improve my rate of return by quality, than data that I will have to analyze and launder for irrelevancies. I suspect Google will charge a hell of a lot more for access to us than Facebook or Twitter does. Google will need fewer people because there will be a higher average revenue number from the data received.

Twitter = Hamburger. (Cheap, Plentiful, Good)
Facebook = Chicken. (Cheap Very Plentiful, Good)
Google Plus = Kobe Beef (Expensive, Rare, Awesome)

Can you guess which has food has a higher profit return? (it aint chicken, baby)
The very basic misunderstanding is that you are the customer, and the customer is always right. You are NOT the customer; you are the product. If Google cannot sell you, for any reason whatsoever, you are of little to no value to them.

We are the Whole Foods Produce aisle compared to a Farmers market and a Corner Fruit Stand.

Our fruit is pretty, shiny and fresh. We cost more. We are worth more.

Google Plus is an Identification Verification Engine, wrapped around a bunch of irresistible social networking toys to keep us happy. I do not know about you, but I am freaking ecstatic. Take my data, Google. Take it and beat me with it if you want; just don’t send me back to Facebook, please?

Real Names is not about you.

Get over it.

“Crabs in a bucket”

This is my favorite analogy, because it is probably the single most important factor I know of, with respect to allowing yourself to get ahead in a world that might not want you to.

When I was a boy, my father and I could walk along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in VA, in the early morning with a flashlight and pick up Crabs until our buckets were full, and take them home for steaming.

You could fill your bucket all the way to the top, and have no worries about any of the crabs getting away and not ending up in my mother’s big-ass crab pot.

I asked my dad once “Why don’t the crabs try to get away, Dad?” He told me it was simple: “The other crabs won’t let them.” He then said, “People are the same way. There will always be people close to you, who try to hold you down, so that you cannot escape their reality.”

A crab will grab onto another crab with so much force, that a crab right on the edge of escape, cannot get away. Remember that friend who teased you for studying all the time?

Even parents can be guilty of this; downplaying your accomplishments so as not to embarrass your stupid siblings, or heaping praise on meaningless crap to make people feel good for managing to draw a breath.

We hear all the time in media about raising up those who come from unfortunate beginnings. We almost never hear in media about how to support those brilliant children stuck in schools with a bunch of Ritalin-addled zombie kids. How many genius kids have been allowed to be dumbed-down by a society that always looks for the lowest common denominator?

We talk all the time about compassion for the unfortunate, but at what cost to society as a whole?

I wonder daily how many brilliant little minds get snuffed out in those warehouses we call the “Public School System”, where you may never learn a thing about Voltaire or Shakespeare, but you will certainly get a gold star in Condom Application or Global Warming.

This may be controversial to say, but I consider the public school system in America to be on a par with Child Abuse. Individuality is against the rules, and your child will be taught that there is nothing more important than the concept of equality.

Screw that, I say. We are NOT the same. Some of us are brilliant, some of us are stupid, and some of us are bat-shit crazy, period. Putting us all together in the same room, with some of us drugged into compliance is a recipe for the creation of drones.

You might as well put the shackles on us now, because a society of drones can barely feed itself without food stamps.

Oh wait, …

My Choice

I debated whether or not I should write this post, as there is enough division on these threads tonight. I think everyone knows who I am voting for tomorrow, on my 50th Birthday. 

In my 50 years, I do not remember this level of simple hatred towards a differing philosophy in all my years. We have lost the ability to agree to disagree. I am as much as guilty as anyone else, but in the last week or so, I have strived to play fair and deal only on a factual political basis. 

While many of you see America as a place that needs fixing, I still see it as a shining example of what is possible the entire world over, when/if the day comes that both sides can agree to work towards a greater good. 

I see a nation that has for the most part come around to seeing people gay, straight, black or white as equals. I do not see a "war on women" from either side of the aisle towards the other. What I see, is the gathering of individuals into groups of special interest, the classification of one group against the other, and if you don't agree with one or the other, then you as an individual are nullified as a thinking human being. 

Anyone who has ever taken a philosophy class knows that any two people can look at the same set of facts and draw differing conclusions. This does not make one side wrong or the other right. What you see depends upon from where you happen to be looking. 

I decided to write this post upon reading that once again, the majority of voting ballots sent to our military men and women overseas will not arrive, and they will be denied an opportunity to vote. These are the people who are in a large way responsible for the maintenance of this Representative Republic. 

I have watched others outraged over a charge of voter suppression with accusations or racism or worse over the use of identification, when not one of us can so much as pick up a prescription drug without ID. I see no similar outrage over a Seaman, Sailor, Airman or Marine being denied their Constitutional rights. 

I see the constant charge of racism used as a club against the motives of others, with very little thought given to a factual consideration of one's cultural or historical positions. I see some religions disparaged while others would gladly remove your head from your shoulders for less, and nothing is said. 

I see a government that has forgotten that it ultimately works for us. The President is OUR employee, we are not his subjects. Each of us knows, and loves people with whom we don't agree. We usually find ways to tolerate each other. Not this year. I am as guilty as anyone of you for that, and I greatly regret taking part in such division. 

I see a young celebrity treated as a villain for the crime of having an opinion, and an opponent accused of no less than murder for opposing the current White House occupant. I see a man left on a rooftop having risked his life to save others, assuming his nation had his back. 

I have never suggested that Mitt Romney has all the answers, but it is my opinion, and my right, to believe that this nation needs a new leader. 

Whatever side you are on, do your national duty and vote. 

My Fluffy Guide for Men on Understanding Women

• It doesn’t matter what you said, it matters what she heard.

• If she can’t fit in those jeans, agree with her that the jeans are at fault.

• She is not late; you are uptight about your desire to see the movie previews.

• If she holds a wrench for any reason other than to hand it to you, you failed.

• If an odd number of appetizers arrives on a plate, the last one is hers, you dope.

• If she answers her phone during your first dinner date, excuse yourself and go home.

• She decided after she knew you 5 minutes whether you would EVER get in her pants.

• Her friends are her firewall, if you can’t program a firewall; you might as well turn gay now.

• If you develop a track record for buying her shoes, she will lose the ability to smell your B.O.

• When buying her a car, seek to surround her with lots of metal, just in case.

• If she has a dog, you have a chance to be loved. If she has a cat, you have a chance to obey.

• Buy her flowers, but not when you need to fix things, but when you want to break things.

• If you talk dirty to her, be careful. If she talks dirty to you, be in shape and take vitamins.

• Unless you have video, she simply didn’t do it. Accuse at your own risk.

• She does not care about your relationship with your mother, unless you are already an asshole.

• Her children from a prior marriage are perfect, can do no wrong, and will kick your monkey ass.

• Your second question to her should be to ask how she likes to spend her Sunday Mornings.

• If her father is alive, and you did not ask him for her hand, then you are only borrowing it, you dickhead.

• If she is still yelling at you, then you can fix it. When she stops talking, you will only suffer. Act!

• If she looks good on your arm and you don’t tell her so, imagine how she will look on the arm of your best friend, mo-fo?

• When she is pregnant, begin your sentences with the words: “I’m sorry” or you can just suffer.

• If she makes a mistake, your job is not to educate, but to understand. Open your arms and shut your mouth.

• If you ever allowed her to split a dinner bill, she really does think your penis is too small.

• Remember how amazing her ass looked on that ladder, when she helped paint your house? Buy her 4” pumps to recover that view. Let her pick them out.

• What are you complaining about? She married your dumb ass, did she not? Shut the fuck up.

• She may not smarter than you; may not do better than you, but she was born softer and warmer than you, and that is all that matters. If she is ever hard and cold to you, it's over.

• Women are not perfect creatures, despite how she looks at you when you please her. That expression of wonder? It could merely be fart-suppression underway.

• A woman who drinks Guinness, is simply better in bed than a woman who does not. Buy Guinness and observe.

• Make a list of the things you won’t do for her, and hand those instructions to the dude she left you for, you dumbass.

• If you cheated on her, and she forgave you, she is faking every orgasm you think you are giving her, so you probably should just get off of her and let her sleep.

You are welcome.

No Internet, No Smartphone, No Computer, just a dream.

None of your toys will make you timeless. 

Your actions, are another story entirely. 

I really thought it could not get any more ridiculous...

Another Plagiarizer!

Help me out, folks? I have linked to what I think is a pretty damn good article, here on some Consultant's site in Germany. The only thing wrong with it, is that I WROTE IT!

This dude has copied my article word-for-word, put his name on it, and his COPYRIGHT! He put his copy up today, note my original here: http://www.business2community.com/facebook/why-the-facebook-ipo-failed-and-why-their-prospects-are-not-positive-0182220

Now, the thing is, this is not the first time! I posted the other day about someone who posted my article and did not put my name, or business name on it, or a freaking link-back to my site, or to B2C. NADA!

So now this creep, comes along, lifts my article, puts it on his site, removes all references to me, my site, my company, but thankfully because MediaTapper tracks ping-backs from the links I embedded in the article, I busted this mo-fo.

Is this common practice? Is this what I can expect going forward, if I put up something interesting? Some clown is going to copy my words and give me no cred?

Would you help me out? This dude has a comments section under MY article. Would you mind letting him know what you think about this sort of thing? The pings and linkbacks from this article belong to ME, and this clown is stealing them.

The mo-fo even put up his own graphic! OMG!

It has taken long enough for some to get it, but its nice to see people finally figuring out what I've been saying for more than a year...

I dont like Newt Gingrich at all. He is a petulant little Cartman wanting to be President for ego reasons, not love of Country. However, as a Conservative, I am disgusted by Mitt Romney (who blocked me because he cant deal with it) and his use of this clip as a campaign commercial.

Newt Gingrich should never be President, but Mitt Romney is a disgusting human being, a liar, a phony, undeserving of your consideration. He holds no actual core values, and will say whatever you want to hear to get elected. I would rather vote for Ron Paul, someone who I agree with on little, but can at least believe that he believes his own words.

Mitt Romney does not, and should never hold power in the United States of America.

I am a Conservative. A real one. Gingrich sucks. Romney sucks ass.

10 Fluffy Principles for Personal Success in 2012
-J.C. Kendall

1. Do not be afraid to want what you want, because of what others might think about it. The people who truly love you, want you to be happy on YOUR terms, not theirs.

2. If you have a skill, where you feel you are truly above average, no matter what it is, find a way to make it profitable.

3. If you can at all avoid it, never work for anyone but yourself. Be a contractor if you must, but put your life, future and time back into your own hands.

4. Love who you want to love, and let no government, religion or person tell you otherwise.

5. Save your money. It is not your responsibility to keep a business alive through your patronage.

6. Try to remember that your Two-Latte-Per-Day habit, were it otherwise invested in a growth stock fund, after 4 years, will represent an average down payment on a house. Make your own, dummy.

7. Treat your children as your children, and not as your friends, or live to regret it.

8. Treat your career like a competitive sporting event. Play the game, play it to the best of your ability, train for it, and PRACTICE. (sorry Alan Iverson…)

9. Do NOT try to do everything. Find people better at the things you need done and PAY them. Quality matters in everything you put out in your name.

10. Find a person more awesome than yourself, marry them, and thank your lucky stars if they never realize how much you actually suck until it’s too late.

Keeping my word

Thank you, Google. I've been long waiting for this opportunity. 

Now on to the play store! 

The TeaParty:

-Never paid anyone to protest
-Never defecated on police cars
-Never attacked police officers
-Never failed to get a permit
-Never trespassed on private property
-Never failed to clean up after ourselves
-Never failed to disperse because never had to be asked
-Never had union members bus'ed in to protest
-Never had a protester arrested
-Never failed to welcome members of any race, creed or color
-Never failed to understand why we were protesting
-Never broke the law

Now, I know some of you are ready to sling invective, but instead, why not see a lesson here? You have views that you feel are important to you, but you allow yourselves to get drawn into partisan mud-slinging to the point where you defeat yourselves through sheer unpleasantness. Are their no marketers within your ranks?

Have you no idea of the number of people on all sides of the aisle who cannot wait to vote against your agenda by reflex? Why not a war of ideas, instead of a war of attrition?

Most of you 99%'rs wont even be voting next year.

The strength of the TeaParty movement, is that we go after our own. We are ridding ourselves of those in our ranks who do not agree with our agenda. We would rather a politician like Scott Brown lose than represent our ideals. We are going to send him home.

We would rather Obama win again, than support a lying phony like Mitt Romney.

You say you want only "Peaceful Protest"?

Peace is non-disruptive
Peace is respectful of opposing points of view
Peace is non-destructive
Peace is cheap, easy, and persuasive.

You think this nation is getting Peaceful Protest from you?
If so, you can kiss my Beautiful, Black, Diablo 3 Beta testing, (and not you, because you suck) Ass.

Our values do not depend upon whether there is an R' or a D' behind your name. This is why the GOP fears us more than you do.

One tenant of influence and persuasiveness, is respect for your fellow man, even when they don't agree with you. The ultimate protest is within the voting booth.
Nothing else matters, never has, never will.

What you are doing is having an organized tantrum, supported by those who would rather see your deeds in the news headlines than their own. You are being used by the very enemy you protest.

They are laughing at you, sitting there relying on the very corporations you demonize in your mantras to deprive no one but your fellow man of their freedom to use their own property

You are making no new friends, you are convincing no one outside your own ranks of the credibility of your argument. If you think I am wrong, explain then why we are winning? Explain why your side is afraid to vote on their own jobs bill, while their figurehead runs around demanding same?

Talk is cheap.

Go home.


P.S. Only pussies respond with personal attacks. Thoughtful people debate.

Which are you?

P.S.S.

No movement is free of nutty extremism by those seeking credibility for a more radical agenda, including us. We have bad actors as well. We attack and remove them with prejudice, because it is our message that has priority, not anyone's personal agenda.

Okay, I've made my decision.

Re-electing Obama is unacceptable.

Electing any of the GOP candidates is unacceptable.

I do not agree with everything Ron Paul says or does or believes. But, I do NOT believe him racist, and I believe that HE believes what he says.

Therefore, as of today, I am supporting Ron Paul for President of the United States, something I never thought I would say.

I can agree to disagree, but am tired of being lied to by Politicians who don't even believe their own words.

This is my choice and my opinion and not subject to invective, so Bring-It for sure, but bring it under the heading of discussion and debate, not attack and critique.

I want change that I can really believe in, not some no-nothing stick figure prop, who was taught how to sound like a Baptist Preacher on demand.

Its done. I'm a Ron Paul supporter. Deal with it.

"Ninety percent of everything is crap."
--- Theodore Sturgeon

When it comes to content marketing, I am sad to say its even worse. 
Now that "Content Marketing" is all the rage, you and I are being deluged by the most god-awful articles imaginable in pursuit of the all-mighty SERP (search engine results pages) ranking, CTA's and Landing pages.  

How bad is it? 

Well, last week, someone wrote 1500 words on Business2Community about the best Social Media sites for Business, and the article does not choose one, but only asks the reader to decide.  

This is cowardice and malpractice.

It is cowardly because the writer was more concerned about offending others with her own opinion, and it was malpractice, because the article misleads as informative, when it was in fact a long winded preview to an open survey. 

That is just a single example, but what is even worse, are the dozens and dozens of articles daily that suggest "how-to-do-Social Media", without going near a "WHY".  That helps and/or informs nobody. 

Businesses and Individuals need real advice, not "tips". Advice goes way beyond the "HOW" and should be related to business OUTCOMES.  This means that our target audiences need to go away with an understanding of "WHY" they should do what we advise. Our advice should be tied to specific expected results from the advice given. 

Yep, that means taking responsibility for what you say, write, preach or advise. It means knowing what you are talking about, and not just parroting an article from someone else. 

You want examples of folks doing it right? Look at the AMAZING output from people like +martin shervington , and +Denis Labelle. Look at the engagement and knowledge brought forth by +David Amerland, +Jason Hill, +Jaana Nyström  and +Paul Stickland, if you want to see content that edifies, insuring that their readers come away smarter from the experience.

Because of the recent changes to our tools from Google, another round of idiots has surfaced to tell you and I how much all these changes suck. I have yet to find a detractor to Google+  who has performed even the slightest amount of engagement on this forum.

The fool who named Google+ a "ghosttown" had less than 60 circles to and from, at the time of his article's publication. This morning I was greeted to a screed by another barely circled individual, who had proof that Google+ was dying, based on the tweets in his inbox.

Its not just Google+

I have been harping at the quality of tech media and other content for years, and I see it getting worse, not better. Now that "Content Marketing" has taken hold in the minds of the "Social Media Expert" class of folks, you and I are being subjected to some of the  most inaccurate drivel the Internet has produced.

"Marketing" is not just about getting the word out. True "Marketing"    , whether through Content or any other form says WHY in the form of what that service or product or plan or process will do for YOU.

Marketing is the promise of a solved problem for taking a specific action. Do you know which industries are the best at marketing? Home Services, in the form of Plumbing & Pest Control. They are the BEST at transmitting value in the form of OUTCOMES.  

The next time you watch a commercial for Pest Control, pay attention to how the value proposition is put forth. They dont regale you with how they will crawl through your house, or the viscosity of their spray solutions, THEY TALK ABOUT THE PROBLEM THEY CAN SOLVE FOR YOU.  Then they set about explaining their uniqueness through differentiation. 

The next time you read an article, check the title to see if it promises to inform or solve a problem. Then, see of the writer asserts an opinion, or immediately leaps into an explanation of a set of dubious buzzwords and conclusions. Check for generalities, Check for specifics that relate to your reasons for reading the article in the first place. 

I have just defined QUALITY content; content that is relevant to YOUR needs. It is that kind of content that shows up in SERPS, and NOT because of what your badass SEO was able to do with your keyword-stuffed generalized content. +Matt Cutts and associates are working to drive that crap off our Internet, so that your searches bring you the information you require. 

If we can get the amount of crap content down to only 90% we will have made a massive improvement to this thing we call "Content Marketing".

You can come at me if you want, but you better bring it, baby...

You see that smile? I spent the day in airports working my way back to that face. I'd have flown around the world to be greeted by that smile. Yes, I do love my woman. Indeed, I do.

Anyone looking for a job?

I heard a rumor that there might be a few non-union jobs opening up all over the country in a few days. Stay tuned. 

This is Colorado Springs tonight. I thought I would post this for anyone who is feeling sorry for themselves this evening. 

99.9999999% of the time, life is good. Keep these folks in your thoughts tonight. 

I was asked the other day to take my "Why I Am Going to Block You" post from back in March and use it to create an Etiquette Guide to using Google+, so I did. There is additional information in this article, and I want to stress, I'm only interested in enjoying Google+ to the fullest, so unless the below applies to you, don't get all pissy about it. These are SUGGESTIONS.  Have a great labor day. 

Now that pretty much everyone has had access to some or all of the new toys from Google, lets take a poll on which new thing is your favorite by +'ing the associated post or adding one of your own. 

Fluffy Question of the Day?

Who do you appreciate on Google+ ?

Okay, so much of the time, my posts are about something that bothers me, but today, I want to say something about the good things I see on Google+ , and hopefully hear from you on who you might be gaining help, insight and more that might be beneficial to others.

For me,+Mike Elgan has become the de-facto last word in Tech Media. We've not always agreed, but one thing I can count on from Mike, is a very-well researched, factual and thoughtful article. I used to spend the bulk of my mornings reading dozens of sites to catch up on what is going on out there for us geeks. Now, if I am busy, I read ARS-Technica, and I read Mike Elgan’s take, and I’m good for the morning.

Like myself, Mike takes a lot of flak for telling it like it is, but I dig the guy, as he is becoming indispensable.

When I arrive on G+ in the mornings, the very first page I visit is usually +Google+ Your Business, run by +Toby Stein. It has become the bible for those of us doing business on G+, with daily articles, always well thought out, always factual, no fluff, just helpful, timely and on point. Love that page, so much that I would steal from it and take credit for their ideas, were I not so fluffy. If you don’t circle that page, then I’ve got you at a disadvantage.

Last but not least;+Jaana Nyström. The single most helpful person on Google +. Janna has literally written the book on this site (no, she really has), and has steered the way here for many of us learning how to navigate these pages. Not only that, but Jaana helps with a smile, and an enthusiasm unmatched by the rest of us geeks. I love me some Jaana!

Show her some love.

So, who are your top three Google + resources?

Tell me!

What kind of LOSER do you have to be to purchase Circles on Google+...?

Yes, its true that circles will probably be counted in terms of one's authority ranking for the semantic web (SEO is changing, people), but so what? This is no different than buying backlinks, and other frauds for ranking. 

I hope Google comes up with a way to blast these offenders right off the index. +Matt Cutts what say you, dude? 

h/t to +Mark S 

Do we have any Henry Miller fans here on G+ ?

I'm starting a Miller/Rand circle, hoping opposites attract.

Join me.

The author probably will not appreciate it, but this is what is wrong with Social Media, and I think it is helpful to bring this sort of thing forward so that it can be identified. 

I do not know the author, or have anything against him, except that the premises being put forward here are ass-backwards wrong. I hope he wont consider me too much of a dick for using his piece as an example, but so what chicken butt, if he gives people the wrong idea, right? 

First- THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS "SOCIAL COMMERCE" 

Sales resulting in a mere match between need and desire on Social Media are Accidental. This is what is called Shotgun Marketing. You spray enough pellets, and you are bound to hit something. It is the single most inefficient way to sell anything, and business are wasting MILLIONS on Facebook by engaging in that process.

There can be no metrics, no forecasts, and NO freaking ROI. Period. Why do people pitch this as a method? Because there is no direct responsibility for results, that is why. 

It NOT about likes, plusses, or any of that shit. (with respect to sales) If you want Social Media to help your company make money, then your job is to become a known, trusted and helpful SOLUTION PROVIDER to your target audience, who will then come to you for a solution on THEIR TIME, on THEIR DIME. 

I apologize right now for the rant, but this article is pure drivel, and I am getting very tired of hearing from people new to Social Media, who think that the whole genre is a big lie and scam, as people did with SEO. There are NO shortcuts. Get helpful,  Get known, Get trusted, Get leads, Get customers, and do a damn good job, then, get MORE customers. 

Period. 

</rant>

How Canada won the Recession

Today, as the U.S. flounders in unspeakable debt, I thought you might like to know why Canada did not suffer the same economic fate as their neighbors to the south.

Recently the Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty toured the US, and spoke about why Canada has the strongest current economy in western hemisphere.  Listening to him speak about what ails America, I became a fan, and have since watched his every move in support of Canada’s economy. 

To paraphrase what he said when asked why there has been such a different outcome in Canada from the economic collapse in the fall of 2008, he basically said “We watch what you did in America, and we did the opposite.” 

When the US was easing credit terms to make it possible for unqualified borrowers to attain a home loan, Canada tightened their credit terms to insure fiscal stability in that market.  Canada did not suffer the collapse of their housing industry, and housing values rose.  

While properties in the US saw values fall after the crash of their housing market, many cities in Canada experienced bidding wars, which helped, drive up the average house value throughout the nation while at the same time shoring up the soundness of the Banking industry. 

Flaherty has predicted that the proposed tax hikes coming at the end of 2012 will result in the US diving back into a recession of four or five percent, and suggested that Canada could follow the US into recession as well. 

Without raising taxes on Canadians, Flaherty’s policies have caused Canada’s federal income tax revenue to rise in one year from 103.9 billion dollars in 2010 to 119.3 billion dollars in 2011. Canada runs an average budget deficit of only 26.2 billion dollars.

Canada’s population is approximately one tenth that of the US, but the US yearly budget deficit just reached 1 trillion dollars annually. 

Let me repeat that.  The United States of America now spends 1 trillion dollars more EACH YEAR than is received in tax revenue.  In November 2008, the US had an overall debt of 5.8 trillion dollars.  Two years later in 2010, the debt had risen to over 9 Trillion dollars.  After four years, US Debt is over 16 Trillion Dollars. 

Is there any wonder why Canada has a stronger economy, stronger housing market, stronger banking industry, and stronger dollar than the US, while providing healthcare for all its citizens at the same time?

Ask Jim Flaherty, Canadian Rock Star Finance Minister. 

I'm going to block you, and here is why.

1. You post nudity on the public stream, rather than in pre-approving circles.

2. You make generalizations about Races, calling out entire classes of people over behaviors you don't like, instead of individuals.

3. You believe that my popular threads are the perfect place for your pet issue or your spam, regardless of the thread topic.

4. You believe that your religion or lack of religion means that you, and only you, have all the answers to the world's problems.

5. You believe that disagreement is tantamount to verbal assault, and go ape-shit in your desire for the last word.

6. You post opinion articles that have no basis in fact, but only further your personal agenda.

7. You believe the women of Google+ are here for your ogling and visual entertainment. They want neither your PMs or suggestive images.

8. Your sarcasm detector is broken, making you a major asshole, until you get it fixed.

9. You complain about this forum as though it was completed, and spend your days comparing it to Facebook. We get it. If you don't like it, go away.

10. You give technical advice with no understanding or background in Technology, leading others astray until they can find a better answer.

11. You have circled me, but wont let me see your profile, or you have not provided a profile.

12. You consider being blocked a personal affront, rather than a tool that Google has provided to allow us to control the content of our streams.

13. You are a pundit, 'expert' , politician or celebrity that will not respond to a direct question, lest your followers discover that you are just a poser.

14. You, in the face of direct evidence, simply cannot, or will not, admit a mistake. You are perfect, and above reproach.

15. You, regardless of your intellect, feel the only way to get noticed and followed on G+ is to display cleavage at every opportunity. If you want to be respected for your mind, show me that, and not your goodies.

16 You, despite all reason, logic and excuses, are essentially just a dick.

Attn: New Google + Members! Remember, its different here. Its not about who or how many people circle you. Ignore the popularity polls and circle based upon your interests. Circle by subject, NOT by person. Do that, and you will love it here. Pursue personalities, and you will end up with a stream resembling twitter, loaded with animated gifs and stuff you dont care about, and you will also find you cant keep up.

If you are not using Chrome, GET IT. The extension available; especialy G+Me will make your Google + life easier. If you don't have Spotify, GET IT. Don't ask, just get it.

Remember, circle your interests, not persons. Enjoy.

Oh, and some people here like to curse on occasion, I don't understand that, but they do.

Welcome, bitches...

A Reality Check Re: Communities

I realize that 99.9% of you using Google+ are not software developers, so I am going to try to be nice about my following comments. 

I would like each of you to try to remember back to the last time you did something, where you attempted to please 500 million people at the same time? I mean, I helped develop Exchange and Outlook, so I realize that pleasing millions at once is supposed to be simple, easy, peasy, lemon squeezy and all that, but it aint. 

You are looking at right now a Massively Distributed Real-Time Data-Driven Web Application, not your average Google Docs Spreadsheet. What you are looking at with respect to Communities, and the fact that it works, and has incorporated all your security, your privacy, your identifications, your links, and YOU, and is working out of the box, is as close to a software miracle as you can get. 

This "Web-App" is the glue between the various services of the one of the largest datasets on the planet. Just so you can get your notifications in real-time. 

And you are griping?

May I remind you that its FREE?

Just an hour ago, I completed a sales call within a Hangout with two persons, each thousands of miles from me, where it cost me nothing. Allow me to repeat that. I just MADE MONEY, over a service that cost me NOTHING.

All while my communities filled with comments, my email, notifications, updates, indexes, text messages, and all the rest happened at same time, over the same goddamn fiber. Google Fiber, baby.

I know its tough out there, but wtf? The griping-to-appreciation ratio is off the effin' scale, people.

Maybe I am biased because I have a bit of understanding of the mechanics behind this place, and I am awed by it daily. Is it perfect? No, but come to think of it, neither is your mother, and I dont see you bitching and moaning at her, whenever she gives you free stuff. 

</rant>  

Why Tech Media hates Google+

Because I have wondered about this for some time, I have decided to undergo extensive research to determine exactly why the Tech Media continues to write negatively slanted stories about Google+. Through a ton of reading, analysis and examination, I have come up with an undeniable conclusion. This is complicated, so you might want to read it twice. Are you ready? 

The large majority of technology media journalists are stupid.

Did you get that? Let me say it a bit slower, in case you are a technical media journalist:

THE LARGE MAJORITY (inhale and exhale) OF TECHNOLOGY MEDIA JOURNALISTS (breathe again) ARE STUPID. 

Most of Tech Media are not technologists at all, but Journalists. There is only one college degree easier than a teaching credential: Journalism. We are talking about a crowd of people who would likely fail Black Studies 101. 

You all know the way these clowns write about Google+, and yesterdays insanely ridiculous Reuters piece was a crowning example of the kind of nonsense you can expect from people who's heads would explode from easy Sudoku. 

These people are handed the issues they write about, and with respect to Google+, they are given a set of numbers from one of these fraudulent firms that claim they can count the engagement on Google+, even though the majority of said engagement is private and beyond their ability to measure. 

Faced with numbers that they know are inaccurate, they do that special journalistic trick known the world over-they make shit up. These people have no real understanding of Social Media, so they find a common standard, and measure everything against that standard; in this case Facebook. 

Well, I'll be dammed if Google+ didn't make for really lousy Facebook.  Here is another well researched scientific opinion from me; Facebook sucks. Umkay? 

Google+ is really good at being Google+, and Tech Media STILL cannot figure out what it is. Google+ is an Identity Engine. It is a place where you and I define ourselves as personal brands for our own personal and professional gain, and by doing so, we provide more accurate and relevant information about ourselves and our interests for Google. 

That is it. See how simple that is? Anyone can understand that, unless you happen to write for Tech Media. There are obvious professional exceptions, of course, and I wont insult them by naming them on this rant, but you know the writers you can trust to get things right. 

Journalists are not alone in hating what they do not understand; societies are full of neanderthals who, faced with having to think, choose to just wing it, leaping off the cliff of facts like a herd of lemmings. They latch on to a meme, which in most cases has nothing to do with facts, but only brings them the most attention, because its not about the transfer of helpful information, its about the clicks on their web sites that allow them to avoid a career with the french-fry machine at McDonalds. 

Disagree with me if you want, but you would be wrong. 

A Fluffy Reality Check on SOPA

I have remained silent on this issue, because until the middle of next year, the bulk of my corporate clients are in Hollywood. I have been watching this debate from both sides and I am still shocked at how so many are missing the obvious on SOPA, why is must not be allowed to pass, but why it probably will pass, because there is so little that any of you can do about it.

Hollywood is very likely to get SOPA, because they are paying for it. When you see the President of the United States burning over $50K an hour for Air Force One to sit at LAX while he attends a Hollywood fundraiser, just what is it you think they are discussing? Unemployment?

Newsflash bitches; Unemployment is GOOD for Hollywood in the sense that it causes talent to be willing to work for LESS. Hollywood does not give a rats ass about Unemployment. Social Issues? No. The Weather? No.

When the President attends a fundraiser, he is there to receive not only money, but MARCHING ORDERS. He cannot keep his job without them, so he is duty bound to do what they tell him to do. That also goes for members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.

SOPA is not only designed to maximize profits in Hollywood, it is designed to remove your rights as a consumer from doing anything about it. You blame Congress for it, but Congress has been SOLD, and no longer represents your interests.

Under SOPA, any web site under mere suspicion of wrong doing as defined by Congressmen and Hollywood, (who have no technical background to determine the facts) can be removed not only from their service provider or hosting service, but from every Search Engine and every Domain Name Server in existence, effectively removing that site from the Internet in total. UNDER MERE SUSPICION; a court order can be issued to turn you OFF, period.

That is some law for your ass, baby.

Do not think for a moment that it is mere coincidence that this is occurring now, during the Christmas season when the fewest of us are paying attention; don’t think for a moment that Congress has not already cashed Hollywood checks determining their vote. Your calls and letters are a joke to them. You might be paying their salary, but Hollywood is paying for their Viagra and Hookers.

Think you are going to win?

Guess what is next? Hollywood will be coming after your TiVo, wanting a cut from cable and satellite providers for the commercials that you DON’T watch. And, they will get it, and then your provider will charge you a fee to cover it. You think they care in Congress? Have you seen these men? Do you think many of them could get laid as a Corporate Lawyer? An Entrepreneur?

They don’t give a rats ass what you think.

Sure, you can replace Congress, but Hollywood will just purchase their replacement. When we figure out that our freedoms are at risk from the very entities that claim intellectual and creative freedom as their charter, you might consider what you are dealing with.

Media is your enemy. The right to control what you do has already been sold to Hollywood.

Enjoy your next movie.

P.S. If you are one of the dopes who thought Congress was going to table SOPA until next year, you really need to wake up.

Forgive me, but this required a mini-rant. 

So, the wife says she has to run to the store for Croutons for the Caesar Salad that I'm supposed to pretend to enjoy tonight....So, as she's backing out of the driveway, I've already got the Foreman Grill blazin' doing the Bacon in 7 minutes flat. Tomatoes sliced, Lettuce pulled, mayonnaise.... Damn straight!

In 10 min, ready to rock, on a paper plate so as to leave no trace, puppies sworn into silence with a strip each of their own..... Foreman grill grates in the dishwasher which is on and running, as if I really wanted to clean up, because I'm such a great hubby..

By the time she gets back, all I have to do is hope the air freshener has removed the bacon smell and nobody will be the wiser...

Salad? Yeah right....

Even if she finds out, it was worth it.

Closing from Coach (or the power of Google)

Yesterday, I arrive on time at my Alaska Air connection gate at SeaTac, only to hear those horrible words: “I’m sorry Mr. Kendall, but First Class is sold out, and an upgrade is not possible today.”  

“Khaaaaaaaannnnnnnnn!!!!!” 

So, with my frame totally crammed into a window seat over the wing an attractive woman sits down next to me, eliminating my fantasy of spreading out on this flight. Worse, she’s all friendly and bubbly, making me feel I’m gonna have to call 911, because I’ve got a talker next to me on an airplane. 

We are about to push back, when what do I see, but snowflakes falling down on the wing. GREAT! 

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are going to delay slightly while we call for the de-icing equipment.”

NOOOOOOO! 

She tells me her name and that she’s in Real Estate. I share that I run TekPersona with Su Ann.

 Then I ask "how’s business?"  She says she’s dealing with lots of competition, but would like to find a way to stand out from the crowd. I ask her what she has done online with respect to her Personal Branding. She replies that she’s done nothing.
 
At that moment, my cape emerges from the back of my neck, I sit up straight and remove my glasses, because “Closer-Man” has arrived, baby…  

First, we discuss a few basic branding principles, and how to gain credibility and authority. I mention that were we online, I could demonstrate how it can all come together through the proper use of Social Media. 

We’re in the air now, and she says, if I don’t mind using my laptop, she’ll pay for the web-connection, in order for me to show her more! So, she plunks down her CC, and we buy 30 minutes of internet access.  

The first thing I do is Google my own name, so she can see that there is more than hot-air behind what I’m saying to her.  She looks over a couple of my articles, our web site, etc…

Then we head over to Google+, where I demonstrated that the best engagers, are not those bombarding users with advertisements, but those who are open and helpful to others.

 I showed a few of my favorite profiles, like +Mark Traphagen and +David Amerland, then pictures of my recent vacation, etc. 

I then showed her what folks like Steph Davis and others in Real Estate are doing with Google+, then a bit of talk about Hangouts and Communities.

Then, my seatmate said “we’ve been online 20m, and I feel I know everything about you, and your friends. I can see that this is something I can do to help me stand out from my competitors.”

Bingo. 

After explaining how she could raise her professional profile through online engagement, and a few pointers on getting started. Then, she asks if my company would work with her to get started. We exchanged contact info, and we are getting started next Monday with a kickoff hangout. 

I’m not going to mention her name until next week, when I welcome her personally to Google+, so you all can say hello.

So, from Coach, 30m of discussion, 30m of Google and Google+, it appears we’ve got a new client. Maybe flying coach aint so bad after all? 

My lady, my hero, my gift. 

Enough said. 

If you are among those complaining that the 1% is responsible for a rising gap between wages and productivity, may I remind you that to date;
Angry Birds has been downloaded 700 million times?

Woo-Hoo! Occupy Encinitas. Where are all the Black people? Oh that's right, I stayed home and WORKED. Okay, where are all the Mexicans? Oh, wait....

Enough said...

Fluffy Question of the Day

Why do people only march in the streets in outrage over racism directed at Black people, instead of ALL people?

Today, the race-bating poverty pimps are doing their best to make a local tragic event into another national blood-letting over Race. In the case of the young man who was killed on Florida, clearly there was wrong-doing, and clearly there was a racial component. What else is new? There will always be racists, there will be tragedies, there will be cases of "Driving while Black" like I experienced in Seattle with my NSX.

My question is; what have all these marches accomplished? What has public outrage done to prevent these things from happening? In my opinion, unlike in the 60s, not a damn thing.

I also believe the reason is the great unspoken point of view that nobody is allowed to bat an eye when a bunch of black kids rape and beat a white woman in Central Park, and I don't remember all the Black outrage when Yankel Rosenbaum was stabbed and beaten in the street over the Crown Heights riots instigated by Al Sharpton.

Al Sharpton went around throwing epithets at Korean Grocers, leading chants of "Chinamen" and "Watermelons" at them. Did anyone march? Nope. MSNBC decided that he deserved a television show. How many people are aware of the things that Sharpton has said about Gay people? Or his famous speech about "white interlopers"?

Guess who is out front again, raking in dollars, looking for attention, and claiming that America is a racist nation? Al Sharpton. And you people fall for it every time.
Is their racism in America? Of course. But more and more, race is tied to hypocrisy, to ginned-up outrage designed to distract from the fact that our economy is in the toilet. I long for the day when, if we are serious about dealing with racism, that we deal with ALL OF IT, not just racism directed against Black people. Until that happens, in my opinion, its just noise.

I cringe at how many people have been taken in by the stupid notion that only the powerful can be racist. How convenient is that? MSNBC fired Pat Buchanan over Racism. I have no problem with that. But when the only racism that seems to matter is White against Black, then its no longer racism we are talking about, but plain old Bias.

Racism sucks, but using racism to further an agenda sucks worse. When Al Sharpton screams racism, it surprises me that anyone is still willing to listen.

How about you?

Whether it is Steve Jobs, or the 99% protests, or the fact that it is not Friday yet; there is a tone of anger and upset all over the streams of G+ this morning.

May I just take a moment to remind all of you, regardless of which sides you come down on, or which cause you defend, or which God you worship, that we are alive, well, and capable of determining just what kind of day, week, month, year, life we want to strive for THIS VERY MOMENT?

Do not waste it in anger or upset. You do not get those heartbeats back, mo-fo's.

Good effin' morning!

Evening stroll with Su Ann and Sam the Lab, I've been trying out my new Nordic Walking Poles like a Boss.

These things are awesome and have removed about 80% of the pain from walking on my knees. Not to mention, I have become quite agile using them up and down stairs. 

No more screaming out in pain when those bones start rubbing together. The poles allow me to push off with my upper body instead on each stride.

So, am I looking all "Nordic" and stuff? Don't lie, you know I am...

2 Fluffys are better than one!

Hello, from our very first actual vacation. Location on Planet Earth undisclosed until we return. Have a Happy New Year, Everyone!

You could ask? 

New Fluffy! 

Woo-Hoo!!!

It's no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.. 
--Jiddu Krishnamurti.

When a 14 year old girl, anywhere in the world is shot in the head, for committing the crime of wanting an education, and people are silent, what kind of society do you think you have? 

When a professional reporter who has risked her life, been gang-raped while trying to discover the truth about a society is brushed aside when she warns of dangers, and called "too emotional" because her comments may not jibe with a political agenda, who are we as a people?

The leader of the free world believes this morning, that my primary concern should be "Big Bird", and not the fact that the free world cannot seem to protect the free from their oppressors. 

How small we have become...
 

Fluffy advice for women
j.c.kendall


No matter how it’s colored, a real man sees only your hair
and regardless of what you’re wearing, he’s seeing just you standing there
And while a boyfriend can tell when you change your perfume
the man you want can sense days later if its been in any room

A best friend will notice those times when you are not okay
the right man, if he's worthy, wont let you leave; beg you to stay
Not to question or inquire, but to listen, to hold and caress
auditioning for the day that when its to his dreams you say yes

A good man is a constant, a presence safely assumed
From a mother and father, its for you that he was groomed
Tell him your every dream, and then make him fulfill them all
be sure that for your love, thru broken glass he’d gladly crawl

For we men have got it easy when you gals are home alone
We go drink and prance, carousing, while you sit there by the phone
But a good man, when he’s challenged, will show you his true metal
So take no shit from a man sweetheart, and please don't ever settle

Set the bar high, ladies.
Then watch us rise to the occasion….

Did I speak too soon about Google Keep?

Dont get me wrong, I love me some Evernote, but why have I been in Google Keep for the past 48 hours? 

Maybe because its so damn fast, and so damn easy, I get my note transcribed in Keep before I can find the Evernote icon? 

+Richard Branson said any fool can make something complicated, but that it's hard to make something simple. 

I gotta say, the pure simplicity of Google Keep is, at least for me, starting to kick Evernote in the ass. 

Its simple, its fast, it just works. 

My first Google + Circle Sunday (in a poem, bitches)


Twas the night before Sunday and all through G+
Our extensions survived days without crashing on us

My peeps don't subscribe to that "just get circled' myth
I'm writing this poem to praise those I hangout with

+mandy stewart is someone that I like to follow
and +Elaine White, though she's not offered Candy to swallow

+stephanie wanamaker keeps adding friends
+Laurie Morrison's graciousness just never ends

Jealous of +James Yee and his gorgeous kid
+Joshua Roy has got brains I always wished I did.

+*****- my best friend, though misunderstood
+Elizabeth Mariposa looks better than any woman should

+Tanyatta Rowe is the gal with the knowledge
+Dan Lewis graduated from my Bacon College

+Šimon Procházka learns Dev in the East
+Laura Topliffe puts Bacon in her Brownie yeast

+su ann lim is my woman and keeps me in line
+Elvie Smith makes me laugh with her No-Bacon whine.

+Kyle Gilmore,as always, a bucket of snark
+Kira Davis arrived on my “Leave-Twitter” Arc

+Sue Hanson is gorgeous and smarter than you.
+LD Bonner is cool, though he won’t share his Roux

+Margaret Leber can understand things most wont
And bitches, I know Blizzard’s +Ian Wall, but you don’t!

My man +Preston Lively's got Spotify wired.
I dance to +Joyce Donahue's tunes til I’m tired

+Ayoub Khote is modest, and I don’t know why
Oh, and +Stephanie L Davis owes me Pastrami on Rye

If you were left out, it don’t mean I don’t love ya
For Quality Circles, there’s no one above ya

Though my pals are money, like piles of Gold Bouillion
I wrote this dumb rhyme, while sippin’ Lagavulin

That means I don’t remember the bulk of your names
But It’s not the last time I’ll be making these claims

So keep lookin-out for these lists, so that one day
I’ll put you in a rhyme for a fine Circle Sunday.

P.S.

+Charles Bedford is all sad because I left him out
While +Brenda Sullivan enjoyed, managing not to pout

No more sucking up to +Jesse Wojdylo!

Thanks to +Nikol Murphy, I have my own damn Google+ stickers.  You see, Jesse reserves his stickers for young and impressionable (gullible) women, and I have nothing to offer him. 

So, if you want G+ Stickers, dont waste your time on Jesse, and find your own sources, like me. 

Usability Idea #3456789 Circler Restrictions!

Sorry, I'm sick (head cold), so I'm just going to gripe about stuff all day, umkay? I'm allowed.

Hey Google!

We need to have restrictions on who can circle us. Why make us have to filter people out? Here is what I want, and you know its a good idea. Its all Boolean, so you can code it in an hour.

Allow Blueheads: (no avatar) Yes or No
Allow No Profile or Blocked Profile: Yes or No
Allow Persons under 18: Yes or No

Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy, Right?

Make it so!

This is a public service announcement:

To the women of Google+;

I just completed a planning hangout with +Ayoub Khote and +James Fierce, and I want to point out,(because he is shy) that Ayoub has got that soft, approachable, sensitive type of voice that you women like.

He is single, handsome (if you like hair) and a very decent human being. Tonight, he even showed me his Gummy Bear stash over video, so you know he's good people.

So, you single, lonely gals, you might want to circle, encircle, or ultimately enslave my brother from the U.K., before he gets snapped up by some evil British troll. I suggest you get on that.

Go to his stream, read "Peach", then ask him....."how YOU doin....Ayoub....?

He likes long walks in the park, and all that other crap you gals are into.

That is all.

Well, you know what? I want a pony! 

I love the part about the "Front of the store manager"; I believe those folks are better known as "greeters". Nobody has a gun to the backs of these folks, and retail is no place for an adult to get ahead. Check the guy who says Walmart should raise wages, because his credit card debt is so high. That would be like me walking into Walmart and saying: "I'm hungry, so lower your candy prices!" What is happening to the notion of reaping what we sow? Who thinks they can get a high-paying job in Retail without an education? Argh! 

This is must viewing for parents and kids. I'd share my Gummy Bears with this dude any day. I only wish I could have been there to hand him my Glock for an extra few holes in that laptop.

My and my new Galaxy Note II (Su Ann insisted on taking the picture) I love it like none other. Thanks +Marques Brownlee for the video that made me make the leap. Its just so handsome...  Its not too big, its just right, and I can indeed use it with one hand. Stylus is badass. There is only one phone better than the Galaxy SIII, and this is it! Lovin it. 

Real Life result of Obama's plan to tax "Millionaires and Billionaires"

Just yesterday, many of you might have seen a post from an enterprising young man looking for web work, and willing to work "cheap". I have a blog that is in dire need of completing and I was considering hiring this individual to work it out for me in WordPress, but I made it clear, that if I chose to hire him, it would not be for much, because the alternative was that I could find the time to do it myself at the risk of my needed sleep.

When I wake up this morning, to find that Obama wants to take another 5% of my gross income, simply for the crime of being successful; guess who does not get hired to do my blog? The kid could use the income; I could use the help. I currently employ 9 contractors, and until this morning, it was going to be 10.

The 5% of my income that Obama has targeted today, would have paid for 3 contractors, not just one, if I so choose.

Thanks to Obama, I choose NOT, and the enterprising young man, looking to improve his skills and build a portfolio, is the one hurt the most.

Think about that, class warriors......

To be clear, I am no fan of Ron Paul. However, when ever anyone does such a fantastic job of knifing another politician, I must give kudos. This is the best takedown of a hypocrite politician that I have ever seen.

My own opinion, is that although I am a Conservative, the GOP really deserves to lose the upcoming election, based upon their sheer duplicity, hypocrisy, and ineptitude.

I suppose I can survive another 4 years of Obama if I have to. Better that, then to be led by RINO Republicans pretending to have my best interests at heart and selling our values down the river in exchange for cocktail party invites. If there is a Conservative with a moral code; some of us are waiting for you, because Romney and Gingrich aint it, baby.

Good Job, Ron Paul. I never thought I'd say that...

Meet the new Yoga Dude

No more Gummi Bears, brothers and sisters. As I mentioned earlier, I've been in daily Yoga classes and loving it. It was not a new years resolution, or anything like that. I just decided it was time to teach this old dog some new tricks. Keep checking back with me, as my body is changing almost daily. Su Ann has been involved in Yoga for years, but I think I might be a tad cuter in a leotard, baby...

You and I don't have any problems.

Not today we don't. While working today, trying to solve what I THOUGHT were problems, I did not watch television. I was in a bad mood, huge workload, all these things I worry about from day to day. 

I noticed it was 5pm, and turned on the news, and now I feel sick. 
There are dozens of children who went to school today in Oklahoma that are not coming home tonight. 

I think sometimes we get caught up in our lives, and think our problems and challenges outweigh anything going on around us. The fact is, on tonight, compared to these families, we don't have any problems. 

Please join me in sending your positive energy in whatever way that you or your God allows, to the families of those dead and missing children. I am not a parent, so I cannot imagine the kind of pain and anguish these families are experiencing tonight. 

Perspective. 

If this causes Walmart to remove Gummys from their shelves, I am going to go medieval on somebody.....

Secure in the knowledge that the GOP has done enough to secure Mitt Romney as the Republican Nominee, the media will now proceed to destroy him over his Mormon Connections.

Well done, GOP. Not only have you excluded any viable Conservative alternative, in your quest to remain invited to Washington Cocktail Parties, you have participated in your own destruction.

Watch now, as the Media turns your standard bearer into the supporter of a "Religious Cult". Watch now, as those you fear, beat you over the head with these stores from now until November, where they will cover the re-election of Obama.

I am so glad to no longer be one of you.

Watch, as your futures end, you GOP clowns.

I just want to say, that regardless of what anyone thought about Lady Margaret Thatcher's politics, that woman was a stone-cold leader. One that a lot of politicians or people from all walks of life can learn from. 

You never saw Lady Thatcher portray herself as victim or minority, and use it as the basis of getting by. If you ever saw the woman stand up and debate in Parliament, then you know that she kicked quite a bit of ass with her intellect and quick wit. 

Leadership is an art form, and in that, Margaret Thatcher had it going on, PERIOD. 

" Action is a component of Excellence. Being smart and silent is like being rich and selfish."
-- J.C. Kendall

Random Fluffy Thoughts

1. What is with the proliferation of soft-porn on the Public stream? If I can move my Rap music to my "Spotify Explicit" circle, why cant the porn spammers do the same?

2. There are people who still circle me without allowing me access to their profile. What is that about? What am I missing here. CLUE = There is no security on the Internet, period. You want to keep secrets? Nobody will look for you on MySpace, baby....

3. If you spam my thread, even for issues that I care about, prepare to be blocked back to the stone age. It is the rudest thing imaginable to follow a popular thread, and hijack it with your agenda. STOP. Some dude put a Global Warming link on my circle thread today, insuring he will NEVER get a gummy bear from me. Jerk.

4. I am known for calling out writers who publish BS articles, especially about G+. I had a discussion last week with one of the worst offenders, who actually suggested that he was not a writer, but a "blogger", and thus, did not have a responsibility to be accurate. I kid you not.

5. Good G+ Etiquette suggests that if you share another's article, you should direct comments back to the original thread, and not force the author to chase their article all over G+ in order to respond to comments. I agree with this.

6. B-E-T-A <----- What Google + is. Why are you complaining about software that is currently under development? Do you eat raw Bacon? Cut your cake before it is baked? No? Then shut up. They are working on it. Send your comments to the Feedback button, and help Google give you what you want, instead of just feeding the FaceBook fanboys.

7. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If you are a celebrity, and you think that using Google +, means alerting your followers as to where you are, and what you are doing, then you suck. INTERACT. Talk to them. Be a human being. If you post, and don't respond to comments, you can forget about me supporting your product, buying your book, or attending your show. You hear me Snoop?

8. I absolutely dig the photography from this forum. I absolutely hate that people are taking their work and using it without attribution or compensation. Every one of us should be alert to this practice and turn these losers in.

9. Eventually, I suspect Content-Filters will come to Google Plus, forcing us to assign categories to our posts, so that other Plussers can decide whether or not they want to see them. Congratulations Caturday, this one's for you.

10. Although this post is essentially a bitch-fest, I want to end it by thanking Google for this wonderful place we call Google Plus. Despite the above, I love it here, it is my home, and it rocks like a hurricane.

*I have had it with Internet Explorer* 

It takes up my development time, it sucks, it does not render CSS3 properly,  and its slow as snails. No more. 

My fix:

<!--[if IE]>
<script type="text/javascript">
window.location = "http://chrome.google.com/";
</script>
<![endif]-->

To hell with IE. 

A favor, Plussers?

Tonight, right this moment, Su Ann is at the bedside of a lifelong friend who will probably not see another sunrise. Cancer is such an evil disease. Nels was a second father to Su Ann, but he leaves his life-long love Carolyn and the many many people who love him dearly. I could not be there with them this evening, but I am there in spirit. 

I would ask you to say a prayer for Nels, and for Carolyn in her time of grieving. Nels has been terminally ill for years past when doctors said his time was at an end. He has fought courageously with courage and grace. Su Ann just called to let me know his time is near. 

Would you join me in a prayer for a life well lived, and for a man who enhanced every life he touched? 

Thank you. 

My last words on the Whitney Houston "Tragedy"

As of today at least 1,478 American Servicemen and women have died in Afghanistan.

As far as I know, Jennifer Hudson wont be singing a tribute to a single one of them tomorrow night.

As far as I know, none of them were ever addicted to Crack Cocaine.

As far as I know, none of their children was ever photographed using Cocaine.

As far as I know, none of them, their children or families was ever caught with illegal drugs at an airport and allowed to walk free.

As far as I know, singing and acting are less important than those defending our country.

Tomorrow night, I will turn off the tribute to Whitney Houston, and say thank you to these Servicemen and women for their service to a grateful nation.

As far as I know, if you disagree with my position on this, I really don't give a shit.

So, you think you are like us, do you?

You try to storm the Air & Space Museum yesterday because one of you decided there was a drone in there for you to abuse; when you might have gone to the Pentagon to discuss your issues with those operating them and not disrupt the lives of innocent bystanders?

Oh wait, that's right, At the Pentagon; they would have beaten you about the head and shoulders before arresting you. There is a point, where this is no longer fun and games.

And now, when you realize how stupid that move was, some of you are actually trying to push a meme suggesting the GOP did it in disguise?

Newsflash! The GOP has neither the brains nor the guts, so please stop it.

Truce over, bitches.

P.S. Van Jones is a Pussy.

Yeah, I said it.

“Crab-People” – an explanation…

Since I’ve been getting a number PM’s about this term, which I referenced recently, I thought it might be a good idea to explain it in depth.
 
When I was a boy, growing up near the Chesapeake Bay in the late 60s, my dad and I could pick up crabs right along the shoreline until we had a full bucket for that evenings dinner.

One day, we caught so many crabs, that some of the crabs were near the top of the bucket, and it looked like an easy hop out of the bucket to avoid my mother’s steamer pot. 

Yet, none of the crabs could escape. 

For reasons I can’t explain, the crabs would grab hold of one another, and prevent any other crabs from escaping. With a bit of cooperation, 4-5 crabs could have easily escaped, but none could, and all of them ended up getting cooked, with no effort required on our part to keep them captive. 

Human beings have this tendency as well, to not want others to escape their negative surroundings. I grew up under the constant school yard accusation that getting good grades in school was tantamount to “acting white”.  I also was not allowed to speak with any slang. My grandma said that perfect speaking, is where nobody can tell your color or race over the phone, and she would accept nothing less from myself or any of her grandkids. 

When you leave negative surroundings for a better place, regardless of race, there will be people who will approach you with phrases like “don’t forget where you came from” or “so, do you think you are better than us?” and other words that display their discomfort with your achievements, because you represent a mirror looking back at their lack of same. 

These days, you often see once poor people who become wealthy walking around with a constant “posse” of friends and hanger’s on, as if this human-cloud was somehow responsible for the success of the individual in question.  

What has actually occurred is that the person has been made to feel guilty for having succeeded, and the guilt assuaged by sharing the benefits of that success with others happy to receive, having given nothing but prior association. 

The former rapper M.C.Hammer speaks often (now that he is flat-broke) about how once he became wealthy,  practically every person he knew from Oakland, CA approached him for either a job or a handout. He spent millions buying cars, plane tickets and hotel rooms for more than 50 people who traveled with him for years, until he ran out of money, and had to sell his $30M mansion just to pay his bills. 

Separating yourself from these types of people, these “Crab-People", is essential for lasting personal success. It might mean you spend time with few friends, and it might even cost you family and other persons once close to you.

The people who truly love you would only wish to help you succeed, and not try to live from your success via a guilt trip or a racial identity crisis, meant to keep you from rising above your circumstances, or prevent others from feeling bad for not achieving as much as you. 

Each and every one who reads this knows a few Crab-People in their own lives. They can be siblings, or even parents, but who they are does not matter. If you want to be successful and stay successful, you must rid these people from your life before they suck it out of you.

With whom you share the fruits of your successful labor, should always remain YOUR choice.  So hop out of that crab bucket, and be all you can be.

Okay, I've started a bit of a trend.

Early in the week, I accepted a deal with a small business for us to be paid in Bison meat. (a whole side!) I am about to close another deal in exchange for health supplements. I personally think this is great, as small businesses don't always have the capital to pay for what we do. 

I think bartering is wonderful, and all I need now, is for the local Ferrari dealer to contact me. I know we can work something out...

Be honest: Did you learn from anyone in National Media, that the guy who shot the black kid wearing the hoodie is an hispanic man?

I realize that little tidbit might screw up a few themes that the media is working overtime on, to keep you from noticing that you might have to sell your house for gasoline, so I just thought I'd mention it.

I likes to "keep it real" too...

Wow, I guess that's pretty good, eh? 

So, after two days on the road, I get home, thinking my dogs will give me a nice warm-fuzzy welcome, when instead, I got a only a couple sniffs to confirm I was carrying no food, and they trotted back into the kitchen, where they park themselves waiting for my wife to drop food on the floor while she bakes. I should give them a dry-food weekend; the ungrateful mo-fo's....

Its a BBQ weekend, and I am feeling vindictive....

What a wonderful technical world we live in.

...just some random geeky thoughts from yours truly...

You young people on Google+; you take all this stuff for granted. You never had a phone that weighed almost a pound, never had a television where you never expected to see color, and never knew the joy of bragging about your badass 2400baud modem when all your friends were zipping along at 1200baud. 

Things that used to cost a thousand dollars:
• a 1 Megabyte hard drive
• a 19” CRT Monitor
• a 486 Processor

Do you have any idea how much technology has shaped your life and your future? 

When I was a senior in college, I volunteered to help install a Cray XMP “Super Computer” on the campus of UCSD. That was more than 25 years ago. Today, I’ve got more raw computing power than that Cray in my personal office.  It blows me away. 

Look down at your smartphone; there is probably 40 to 80 times more computing power in your phone, than in the guidance system in the Apollo moon lander.  What a great time it is to be alive!

If you are into Physics, are you tingly about the Higgs boson particle discovery? To many people, this is a ho-hum event.  It’s only that scientists have worked their entire lives in pursuit of this discovery, a key to understanding why objects have mass. 

My parents grew up with telephones where someone had to plug in a thick circuit cable physically to connect a call.  Today, I’ll be speaking to people on three different continents, maybe all at the same time, free of charge, over a tiny string of glass, from within a Hangout. 

Do you ever stop to consider how many technical achievements made it possible for you to tap your phone against a cash register to pay for your items? You see, I’m the type of person who still feels a sense of awe, when in a takeoff roll I see physics at work, as the wings of a 777 start bending upwards from the pressure differential long before rotation into V2.  

I’m not one of those people who can get on a plane, stow their junk in the overhead, sit down and fall asleep. Not me. If I can’t get an upgrade, I always try to get a seat behind the wing, so that I can be part of the flight. From the first little rumble as the pilots start the #2 turbofan, I listen to the sound of the spool-up, not much different than listening to the same sound of an F-18’s 404’s when I was in the Marines.  

Have you ever considered the physics behind the Turbofan engine? It’s simply magical; the process of sucking and squeezing air, mixing fuel in it, and lighting it on fire so literally explodes out the rear? Excuse me, but to a nerd like me, that is Physics p0rn, baby.  How can people sleep through all that magic going on just outside their window is beyond me. 

You see, I am a geek. 

Right now, if you are a Geek, it is the best time to be alive in the entire history of the world. When I was a kid, I used to wrestle with rabbit ear antennae to get a clear picture for the Bugs Bunny/Road Runner hour on Television.

Last night, I watched a crystal clear picture from the U.K. on my phone, then another from Canada, while sitting by my pool in So Cal.  Young people say: “Yeah, so?” This stuff has never not been around for them, and it’s old hat.   Mmm hmm…

If you are under 30, you were not around when voice recognition software would peg your processor at 100% for 30 seconds to figure out that you just said “hello”. Today, each morning, before I get out of bed, I ask Google Now what the weather is for the day, and its voice responds in less than two seconds, while displaying graphics at the same time. For me, that’s like perpetual pizza. 

Last night, I got tired of punching in my unlock code on my Galaxy Note II, so I set up facial recognition. It worked fantastically until this morning, when I realized that with the lights off, it would be defeated by my Jamaican heritage, even if I smiled. Oh well… still badass geeky, even if my phone can’t turn night into day.

Today, I will see if I can program an unlock through an NFC tag and place it on my night stand. 

Contrast this with my brilliant sweetie Su Ann, who knows everything about everything, except technology. Su Ann’s answer to computing problems is to just keep pushing buttons until something happens, or the damn thing explodes.   But even as a non-Geek she’s adept in using technology for what she needs to do throughout the day.

Remember photo booths? I used to own a Canon A-1 SLR camera. I remember swinging by the photo-booth in the mall on my way to Microsoft each morning to drop off my precious film, leaving my picture’s fate in the hands of someone else to process.  Film was expensive, and you know damn-well, I was not at that time taking pictures of my breakfast as a lark.  It’s a different world today. 

I dig that I can open my laptop in any airport and be on my own corporate network automatically regardless of where I happen to be, through a Direct Connect auto tunnel. No hot spots available? Push one button, and tether to the Internet from my Note II.  Microsoft does still do some things right. VPN (virtual private networking) used to be a freaking hassle. Now, it’s not. 

I think many people miss out on appreciating today’s technologies. They’ve never dug a trench to lay RG-64 coax cable from street to house, never crawled under a raised floor pulling CAT5 to a termination panel, it’s all just “wireless” these days, no muss, no fuss. 

The best thing about technology? 

Well, Sociologists say a person is very fortunate, if they can count 3 to 5 very close friends in their personal circle of associations. Of those 3-to-5 persons, one of those friends should be someone you can call at 2am to bail you out of jail if need be.  Consider how many people you can call a true friend due to technology?

How many people have you turned from online acquaintance into a true personal, in-person friend? That we can do this today is simply astounding.  I remind myself daily, that had there not been a Google, or a Google Dark Fiber buy-up around the world, and a Google+, I would have never met my Su Ann at all. 

Technology, people. 

Speaking of Su Ann… last night, she was having a bit of a connectivity problem with her laptop, and I cringed, anticipating I would soon be doing some troubleshooting whenever she stopped pushing buttons.  But instead she said to me, “I am tired of this thing; I think I need a Chromebook.” 

I almost cried tears of joy.  

So proud! 

Okay, since the circles are exploding again on this Follow-Friday, I guess some of you new folks need a refresher?

No picture = No circle
No profile = No circle
No posts = No circle

Combo of any two of the above = Ignore
All three = Insta-Block

For reasons, please check out my Bro +James Barraford for explanation.

Welcome Goobies!

(no, I did not write this post, just so I could say "Goobies")

(yes, I did)

Eating right...

I would strongly encourage butthurt former Google Reader users to just quiet down, and simply ask Google for a refund!

Oh, wait...

Good Morning, Plussers. How goes it? 

Almost 60 million shares changed hands today. Look at the volume today versus the average. The die is cast, people. They have no plan, no solutions. 
When (not if) Facebook falls into the low teens or even $10 per share, they become an acquisition target. Hear me now, and believe me later, but as a economic engine and growth opportunity, Facebook is dead. 

Period. 

My sweetheart Su Ann, has just made me the happiest geek on earth, with the news that we will be soon adding an addition to our family. 

That's right folks, we are....








going PUPPY SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...for a Siberian Husky pup. 

RESHARE:
My day has been made. I love this woman!

Reshared text:
I had to share this, it should go viral

I don't believe Facebook can make enough money to remain a viable entity in the future without being purchased by another company. My reasons are in my latest article. 

Happy Mother’s Day, Grandma

Sadly, like so many Black infants back in the day of my entry into the world, my birth was neither expected nor welcomed by those responsible. Without going into detail, I always remember on this day, that the reason I made it into this world, is my Grandmother.

My Grandmother was one of 11 children who grew up in Fort Worth, TX in the 1930’s. As a teenager, she was known as the best Lindy Hopper in the State. She met my Grandfather at a USO dance after he joined the Navy, and she described him as the worst dancer she ever saw, so bad that she took pity on him, and found out that he was a “sweet boy”.

I lived with my mother as a child, but it was my Grandmother who raised me. I’m sure you all think me a nice, calm compliant person, but in fact my Grandmother was the sole person who could control me. She did so, through fishing.

Until getting ill, My Grandmother went fishing every Saturday for as long as I can remember. She would joke that the best gift my Grandfather ever bought her, was her outboard Evenrude motor. It stayed in the trunk of her Cadillac, and it was my job to haul it down to the dock and install it on the rental boat, from the time I was 9, almost until I went to College.

Every Friday, my mother would report to my Grandmother my behavior throughout the week, and if I did not pass muster, I was left behind when my Grandma went up to Lake Henshaw or Lake Vale for some Catfish. I love fishing, and was only left behind twice. She would take one of my stupid cousins instead and come by, show me their catch, and remind me how good the Catfish (that I would not get any of) would taste later that evening, and suggest maybe it was not a good idea to roast my sister’s Barbi dolls in her Easy Bake Oven.

It was during fishing, out in the middle of the lake, where my Grandmother would teach me about life, and it is where I discovered that I was, among her 14 Grandchildren, her favorite. I used to complain that she picked on me, until one day she yelled at me, that I was not “stupid like my cousins, and that I had a chance to be someone”. From that moment on, I did everything she told me to do without fail, or complaint. I have never forgotten how she reminded me when I got impatient for a fish, that the fish did not run on my schedule and that the secret was to run on the fishes’ schedule instead. My grandmother NEVER left a lake without a string of fish. Never.

I remember in High School while on the field calling signals, I could hear my Grandma yelling louder than anyone else from the bleechers. Once she made me laugh and forget the snap count, and I had to ask my running back what it was. She could yell louder than anyone I’ve ever met (until the Marines taught me how) My Grandma was a Christian woman. Fishing on Saturday, but bet your ass it was Church on Sunday, and no matter what I achieved throughout my life, she was always there to remind me in her way: “ You didn’t do nuthin, boy. JESUS did it, and you had better THANK him!”

When I woke up in the Hospital after my first of many motorcycle wrecks, there was my Grandma, standing over me, praying to Jesus to make me well. My leg was in a bubble cast, and she thought it was gone somehow. Until the day she died, she swore that Jesus put my leg back on me.

More than once, as a starving UCSD student, my grandmother would roll up to my dorm unannounced and unexpected, catch me in my filthy dorm room, scold me for not cleaning it, call me a disgrace, and as she left, drop $100 in my shirt pocket, while reminding me that Jesus gave her the money, and it better not be spent on that “devil-weed”. It never was. Not once.

Then she would throw my roommate Miles a $20, and remind him to call her if I ever missed a class. She was famous, and everyone in our dorm knew her as “Granny”. They loved to see her, because they knew that it meant that later, Miles and I would have food.

The bottom line, is that I owe my very life to my Grandmother, and all that has come of it. Though she is long gone, I find myself repeating her phrases like “So what, Chicken Butt?” almost daily. I can hear her screaming at my Grandfather that she knew where he was hiding his whiskey, and him yelling back “Not all of it, woman!” and they would both laugh. They were married for 62 years.

Oh, how I wish she could take me fishing just one more time…

How many of you are waking up to realize that our President just signed an executive order to halt deportations of illegal aliens, and issue them WORK PERMITS until after the elections? 

Do you understand what just happened here? Because he is dropping fast in the polls, instead of being worried about YOUR job, the President of the United States just opened the floodgates and provided illegal aliens with additional motivation to break our laws to come to America, knowing that they will be allowed to work legally in the States. (and vote for him)

Dont you think you might have gotten at least a kiss and maybe dinner before Obama did you in your sleep? 

Fluffy Question of the Day

What has happened to Women?

The other day, I asked the question, "What happened to men?", and that thread rocked, so I thought I would continue the thought with respect to gender roles. I'm going to try to stay out of trouble here (if that is possible) and just express my PERSONAL views on the subject, as a lead in to what is bugging me.

Many women expressed the view that they actually LIKE men, and in the traditional sense of a strong, protective type. Well great, but here is the thing?

What if a man were to say that he actually liked women in the traditional sense? I'm sorry, but I think more often than not, a man would get his head handed to him at the mere suggestion. The question, is whether or not its okay for men to appreciate women for all they are today, while still maintaining admiration for what women used to be? I've been told that I'm a bit of a throwback, and I hope that is a good thing, but sometimes I wonder?

One of the things that I love about Su Ann, is that while she is a modern, independent and highly capable person, she is also very traditional, conventional and culturally aware.

My question today, is whether women want to be appreciated more for what they are, (beautiful, smart, creative) or for what they do (whatever a man can do)?

I guess I'm asking, if women still like the idea of being women, or do you feel that societal pressure has forced women to place all that girly stuff we guys love about you on the back burner in a quest for more respect?

Does this question make sense?

Tell me!

iPhone People! Time to "Think Different

If you are an iPhone owner, who missed out on all the promotions for the Samsung Galaxy SIII or Note II, this is your chance. You see, next month, Samsung is going to officially announce the Galaxy SIV, which will create such a gap between you and you iPhone, as to make you feel geriatric when you use it. 

I am not trolling you, but the fact is, for mobile, Android just WORKS. 

Hangouts from your phone? WORKS. everyone knows that iPhones blow up during Hangouts, I have never seen an iPhone (or iPad) stay connected through an entire Hangout. 

Instant Photo Upload to G+ WORKS. It could not be easier. 

Google Voice Search? Look, it simply kicks Siri in the nuts, umkay? Deal with it. 

You got nothing that matches Swiftkey. Nothing. 

Look, I've been there; I've defended technologies that I loved when there was better stuff elsewhere, so I know how it feels. 

Take the Red Pill. Get the Samsung Galaxy SIV.