Archive for February, 2008

If I Could Do it Over Again…

Monday, February 11th, 2008

I would have blogged more and worried less.

I would have worked out less and played more.

I would have started things sooner.

I would have never done somethings twice. And other’s I would have done the opposite.

I would have tried harder to not be so hard on myself.

I would have saved less and enjoyed more.

With that said, it’s a good thing I just turned 23…and am just getting ready to graduate; because the shoulda-coulda-wouldaz are seriously just about to start being conceived, and future Jeff doesn’t even want to buy into that.

I’ve started 4 1/2 companies…all turned a profit…none of them had lawyers involved…but I was the CEO.

Today, I got a slap in the face from A VC named Fred Wilson from Union Square. He didn’t know it, he doesn’t even know me. It was a wake up slap, in the form of job posting. But he shocked me into realizing, that I’m accidentally steering towards the road *MORE* travelled by, instead of the one I pictured myself following; the one *LESS* travelled by. The realistic, down to earth, non-super hero half of my brain wants to embrace the road *MORE* travelled by. I have an interview this Friday, at Deloitte, it’s the safe way out. I really, really, want this job. It’s a great career opportunity, and I would be great at the job, and would love it there. If I don’t get that job, or another great beginning to a career, somewhere else…I guess I’ll fall back on my two blogs, and of course a Waterloo Engineering Degree – HA! HA!. I started this blog, and blue moat, with the idea to become noticed and venture into the unkown (mainly networking wise).  Problem is, I’m STARTING to BEGIN to COMMENCE to fail. Because it’s easy to be normal. But I’m not doing what I set out to do, and mark this post, never again. The exact opportunity I set out to be ready for, one similar to how I imagined it, happened today, an opportunity only open to outstanding people. Sadly, I have very little proof I’m outstanding…at least online.

I promise to write about more informative things from here on in…in a way…this is an asynchronous letter to Fred…maybe he’ll see it, maybe he won’t. Either way, thanks Fred.

How American’s Spend Their Money, Daily!

Sunday, February 10th, 2008

According to extrapolated results from a recent publication in the NY Times, the top 5th most wealthy households in America consumed $62 / day per person.  The bottom fifth consume just under $30 / day per person, while they earn just over $16 / day per person.  The middle fifth percentile, and the most wealthy earn ~$50/day per person and ~$132 / day per person, respectively.  In case you’re confused by the units, the number consumed and earned per day per person is taken by calculating a households income or consumption and dividing it by the number of people in the respective households.  So, since the richest fifth of people have, on average, 3.1 people per household it likely means that at least one or two people are making between $410 and $205 / day per person.  All numbers are pre-tax, and include 7 days per week of earnings and consumption.

One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Situational Awareness!

Sunday, February 10th, 2008

Mark the year, it was 2008 when we’ll be telling our grand-kids, “I remember when you couldn’t see through the TV, and…and it was FLAT kids”. I’m referring to the technology that is going to turn every screen into a 3D masterpiece.

To understand, you have to look at this, check this out.

OMG think of the UI’s…whoa.

Wal-Mart Sells Stuff

Saturday, February 9th, 2008

…60 days before they have to pay for 60% of it.   This fact is according to Larry Smith, and economist.  Regardless of if it is 100% accurate, that’s insane, they would be profitable even if they didn’t make a profit from the mark-up; ie just managing the float.  The float is something amazing if you ask me, and makes me question and think of ideas.  Warren Buffet got started by selling tokens, or chips or something, that were worth value in stores.  I can’t remember exactly how he did it, but the moral of the story was he got the cash before he had to fork over the product.  Right now, I’m recalling an idea I had, or maybe it was my friend, Thiago, we have many brain storming sessions…none the less it was a business model for a gas station.  The idea was to build a gas station, and sell gas ahead of time. People would be allowed to “lock in” a good price.  Locking in a guaranteed customer and taking the cash ahead of time.  Take profit right away, and buy your inventory on the futures market, essentially just moving the present value of the transaction into my favor and reducing transaction costs…  …sigh, another idea that will likely never be tested.

Walking Batteries

Friday, February 8th, 2008

Scientific American never ceases to amaze, I want to invest in, help build, and use these: Walking Batteries

I came up with that name. I think they are cool. And will be even cooler when they get smaller and connect to your phone through your pocket.

I can think of a bazzilion more ideas to use these…but don’t have time to write about them. Just thought I would share that link with any reader(s?) I have.

A robot gas pumper!

Wednesday, February 6th, 2008

A robot gas pumper! Go Mechatronics!

I could take 33…

Monday, February 4th, 2008

5 year olds in a fight, apparently.  Look I have proof:
33