Charlene Li, author of Groundswell, discusses the impact of Google's "Open Social" platform and its potential impact/competition with Facebook. It looks like we have another 2-3 years before integration and all the benefits of this platform really are seen to the average person.
So the biggest theme of Robert Alter's book is ACTION. Alter is spot-on when he declares that action was more important to Roosevelt than policy substance: Activism that attacked the Depression's symptoms was as effective politically as finding a cure. Given that our economic slowdown is at its EXTREMES (stock market, consumer sentiment, debt levels, credit crunch, bank health, etc) that time period is our only comparison from a historical perspective.
From Amazon.com "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Some speeches live forever, and Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1933 inaugural address, carried to tens of millions of Americans by radio at the lowest depths of the Great Depression, remains among them. Eight days later, FDR delivered his first "fireside chat." When a special session of Congress adjourned after exactly 100 days, major programs for economic regulation, relief, reform and recovery were in place. Hope and optimism had been restored.
Take Action in 2009
The Now Famous Words of Barack Obama "Yes We Can"
The Authors of Every Monday Matters at Google's Headquarters
Were you a Republican, Democrat or Independent voter?
Did the person you voted for end up winning the presidential race?
Does that even matter?
These are a few questions I pose because I've thought about them quite a bit both BEFORE and AFTER the election.
At the end of the day, the person that won the nomination has to bring the country back together and then get the country to take ACTION to try and improve the country and our future.
Here are a few great books/videos that I've come across that I'll be reflecting upon, and acting on, in 2009.
I am a fan of Malcolm Gladwell. His books are pretty thought provoking. His BEST SELLING BOOK, The Tipping Point, was a favorite of mine back in early 02. It is also mentioned on my book website (original website I designed years ago, http://www.betterbizbooks.com/ )
1) Did you know that the Beatles played at Strip Clubs for 8 hour sets (yes, 8 hours) for months before they came to America? By the time they came to America they were EXPERTs on stage. These guys knew EXACTLY how to play together. They were willing to throw their heart into it......
2) Did you know Bill Gates snuck out of bed and the HOUSE to go program at University of Washington from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. in 11th grade?
I had prioritized this back in 2001/2002 as a big goal for me and I did a great job of it, until moving back to Dallas and beginning work at Countrywide. From there I really dove into my work and worked some hours that most people would find ridiculous ( but it was a great growth opportunity/experience.)
Anyway, I thought I would provide a link. Some of the older reviews are better (especially as it pertains to books) and I hope to get many books reviewed during the rest of 2008.
35 Year old SWM. I have 3 years of investment banking experience and 7 years of performance management improvement experience (financial analysis). I've worked for 2 Fortune 100 companies and another Fortune 500 company over the years. I've also worked for 2 medium sized businesses.
Posts
