CONVERSATIONS FOR A SMARTER PLANET: 1 IN A SERIES

A mandate for change is a mandate for smart.

Our political leaders are not the only ones who have been handed a mandate for change. Leaders of businesses and institutions everywhere have a unique opportunity to transform the way the world works.

We find ourselves at this moment because the crisis in our financial markets has jolted us awake. We are seriously focused now on the nature and dangers of highly complex global systems. And this isn’t our first such jolt. Indeed, the first decade of the twenty first century has been a series of wake-up calls with a single theme: the reality of global integration.

The problems of global climate change and energy, global supply chains for food and medicine, new security concerns ranging from identity theft to terrorism — all issues of a hyper-connected world — have surfaced since the start of this decade.

The world continues to get “smaller” and “flatter.” But we see now that being connected isn’t enough. Fortunately, something else is happening that holds new potential: the planet is becoming smarter.

That is, intelligence is being infused into the way the world literally works — into the systems, processes and infrastructure that enable physical goods to be developed, manufactured, bought and sold. That allow services to be delivered. That facilitate the movement of everything from money and oil to water and electrons. And that help billions of people work and live.

How is this possible?

First, the world is becoming instrumented. Imagine a billion transistors for every human being. We’re almost there. Sensors are being embedded everywhere: in cars, appliances, cameras, roads, pipelines…even in medicine and livestock.

Second, our world is becoming interconnected. Soon, there will be two billion people on the Internet — but systems and objects can now “speak” to each other, as well. Think of a trillion connected and intelligent things, and the oceans of data they will produce.

Third, all of those instrumented and interconnected things are becoming intelligent. They are being linked to powerful new back-end systems that can process all that data, and to advanced analytics capable of turning it into real insight, in real time.

With computational power now being put into things we wouldn’t recognize as computers, any person, any object, any process or service and any organization — large or small — can become digitally aware, connected and smart.

With so much technology and networking available at such low cost, what wouldn’t you enhance? What wouldn’t you connect? What information wouldn’t you mine for insight? What service wouldn’t you provide a customer, a citizen, a student or a patient?

The answer is, you will do all these things — because you can. But there is another reason. We all will because we must. Consider:

According to published reports, countries around the world are losing as much as 40 to 70 percent of their electrical energy because grid systems are not “smart”

Congested roadways in the U.S. cost $78 billion in 4.2 billion lost work hours and 2.9 billion gallons of wasted gas annually…and that’s not counting the impact on air quality.

Inefficient supply chains cost $40 billion annually in lost productivity — more than 3% of total sales.

Our healthcare system really isn’t a “system”, failing to link diagnoses, drug delivery, healthcare providers, insurers and patients — as costs spiral out of control, threatening both individuals and institutions.

One in five people living today lacks safe drinking water.

And, of course, we’ve seen what’s developed in our financial markets: a system in which institutions could spread risk, but not track it.

Yet all of these things are solvable on a smarter planet.

Stockholm has used smart traffic systems to cut gridlock by 20%, reduce emissions by 12%, and increase public transportation use dramatically.

Smart food systems are using RFID technology to trace poultry from the farm through the supply chain to supermarket shelves.

Smart healthcare systems can lower the cost of therapy by as much as 90%.

Smart systems are transforming energy grids, supply chains and water management; as well as helping to confirm the authenticity of pharmaceuticals and the security of currency exchanges.

There is a tremendous mandate for positive change in the world. We have the resources to do this. In the coming weeks, you’ll be hearing more from IBM on the specific ways we can make our planet work better. Lets build a smarter planet. Join us and see what others are thinking at ibm.com/think

What the Election Meant...to Me

My 3rd grade teacher knew this day would come. (see my 3rd grade picture under "see original post")

I grew up in a very diverse community. The people that lived there valued the diversity of people...all people. My parents thought it was important to embrace diversity. In many cases, I was a minority (I'm a white male fyi...)..in class, on my street, at birthday parties etc. So from a young age the "rights" of all people were an important part of my life. Frankly, I never understood why some kids around me thought they were "different". I suppose their parents or older siblings taught them they were different...somehow "less of a person". But to me, they were my friends...my BEST friends...that's it. They could grow up and be anything...just like me.

It wasn't until 3rd grade that I started to learn that perhaps all people were not the same. I could not believe it. Ms Freeman was my third grade teacher. She was a great person. She was warm...loved music...she reminded me of my Aunt. I remember we talked a lot about Martin Luther King that year. What he believed...and why he believed it. So, I had my teacher actually teaching me about the differences of people...could it be true?

Ultimately what she taught ME was that it did not have to be true...that as children...we could grow up and be anything...no matter WHO or WHAT you were. She also told us that WE would have the power to make MLK's vision come true.

Over the years, the reality of life painted the truth. After I left for college, I saw true racism as I met people from across the country. I came home from college and found some of those same old friends (who don't look like me) being poisoning by their friends...and society. But deep inside...I always thought of Ms. Freeman...and what she taught us in 3rd grade (besides not to bring a pocket knife to school. I believed in her message...and still do.

So to me, while I could see pros and cons of both players...fundementally...this was about something bigger than how much tax I pay. It was about making a lesson I learned long ago come true. It was the wisdom of my third grade teacher taking hold.

I hope BO is a great president. I know our country would have survived either man. But more importantly, hopefully now we can move on as a country...and as a rainbow of races. It's clear all people can become ANYTHING they want. Let's disband racism of all forms...against all groups....even against guys like me!!

It was a great day for all of us....but one thing for sure...you couldn't pay me enough to take the job BO has "won". I wonder if he feels like he "won" anything...but a headache.

My entrance essay for UM

What follows is the essay I wrote to get into college...the question was

"If you could be anybody for one day...who would it be and why?"

The answer...

"Through the course of my life, there have been several concepts that have become increasingly important to me. Among these ideas is the right to freedom and independence, the wish for peace, and the hope of being internationally known. Therefore, if I were to choose to be anyone I wished for one day, it would be Mickey Mouse.

The reasons behind this choice are mainly the result of what I am trying to achieve in my own life. First, Mickey Mouse, now nearing 60 years old, has gained in popularity throughout the world despite some of the most tragic wars and turbulent times in history. This illustrates how people all over the world look to Mickey Mouse as a symbol of hope and peace.

Secondly, Mickey Mouse has always aroused the curiosity and eagerness of childhood that I feel is the basis of all success.

Lastly, Mickey mouse has always represented the power of magic and the unknown. With this power, Mickey could have made an evil world for himself, but instead he created a Magic Kingdom were all are welcome. This characteristic of using power to it's maximum positive potential is very important because if you misuse the power given to you, it will be taken away as quickly as it came.

Perhaps my choice of a fictional character such as Mickey Mouse seems a bit unorthodox, but I feel it truly represents the successful person I envision for myself when I am nearing 60 years old."

That's it....Mickey Mouse...MY HERO!!

Leadership - Mike Singletary

We all love a good leader. One that inspires and is inclusive. One that we would run through a wall for. One who believes in the power of the TEAM...not who focuses on themselves. So for all you people who want to get fired up...forget politics...look to sports. Check our this video (click "view original post" if you're on facebook)

I was never a big Bears Fan (Sorry there little bro)...but I think I just became a fan.

Drowning in Data

Working in the interactive media space, it's become apparent that the most pressing issue today is how to make sense of all the data that is available to us. There is the perception that everything can be measured. I suppose that is true...to some extent...but in reality...nobody has truly come up with a way to measure many of the softer measures we value. And nobody has accounted for the vast array of not digital (you know....old world) platforms that are still embedded oi the marketing universe.

It seems like once a week we meet with a vendor that has finally found the secret sauce. That magic tool that will capture, organize, and spit out the perfect answer to all of our marketing questions. How much to spend, where, when and what the ultimate revenue potential of each marketing tactic is. To executives, it's something that is almost a given at this stage of digital development. In reality, the requirements on marketers to organize themselves, their infrastructure and organizational processes is a far greater task than developing a tool to organize the data.

If someone really wanted to start a business, they would help companies re engineer their business processes to account for the measurability that seems to be a foundation of the digital marketing promise. And executives would enable their organizations to make the changes needed.

Until we have the marketer side resources and dedication to making this happen, I'm sure we will face an endless stream of geniuses, with their genius tools...telling us how smart we COULD be...if only we would listen. Newsflash....we are listening...just tell us something we don't know...or haven't heard before.

An Investment in Happiness

While the finncial markets churn my stomach, and there is no safe haven to protect our financial assets, I've decided the best place to focus my energy is the football field. So I've taken to coaching my sons flag football team. What a great experience.

While my 401k and mutual funds have no upside, the investments of time and energy into these kids pays huge dividends...daily. Whether I'm at home burping the baby, or in a meeting figuring out how to save the world...the one thing I can depend on is thinking about the things these kids do...and knowing I can smile about it.

So I've refocused my retirement planning efforts. I've decided to make sure my son becomes the #1 Draft pick of 2024. Compared to giving more money to Fidelity...planning on a pipe dream like my son being drafted into the NFL is ALMOST A SURE THING!!! So check out this video....notice the sweet cut back to the center of the field...and how he never stops his legs from moving...he almost broke this one...maybe next week.

Maybe IMG wants to get in on this prospect a bit early...now that's an investment worth making!!

Question of the day...

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

My answer...head football coach...@ The U of course!

How about you?

Thinking about Augusta...

Now that the golf season has come to a wimpering close, and football season is in full swing...I've already started to think about the first week in April. While football may in fact be the most popular sport around these days...The Masters is without a doubt the most PURE "Sporting Event" there is.

I've been lucky enough to attend several Masters (and even luckier to play the course!!)and it's simply the best and least cluttered experience there is. While getting to a US Open can require shuttle buses from miles away, at The Masters you can park your car within a reasonable distance and walk right in.

The grounds are not cluttered with big ugly tents (which Philly Mic should be happy about...no tents to bounce a ball off of)...and you can get a beverage and snack for less than five bucks. The crowds are respectful to all...and the beauty is something that cannot be appreciated unless you see it in person. Sorry CBS...even in HD....TV does not do it justice.

As for the people...a lot can be said for southern hospitality. As long as you don't run...there's always a little (or big) green jacket to point you in the right direction. I've had the pleasure to work with the folks that put on the tournament...and without question, they are some of the nicest and fairest people in sport. The officials at just about all other leagues and organizations could learn a lot from the folks at Augusta.

And finally, while they build new "cathedrals" of sport around the country, I'm pretty sure they are not planting any beautiful 100+ year old Oak trees next to these stadiums to echo voices from the past. If you have a chance to spend a 1/2 under the Oak at Augusta...savor the opportunity.

So as the leaves turn, and the NFL fills it's pockets with gobs of money, and "spins" the disgraceful antics of it's player...just remember...some sports just get it right. The Masters may be the last shining example of what sports can and should be. Introduce your children to The Masters..get them playing golf...and give them a gift they will have for a lifetime.

Google...the 800lb....Pig?

It's obvious that Google has achieved a unique status in the world. They have entered the cell phone market, transformed the search market, and are attempting to reinvent industries yet to realize they are under attack. Somehow, they would have you believe they are "not being evil"...I love it...they fooled us from the get go. If Google were playing in the NFL, they would have been flagged a long time ago for blocking below the knees. The Google/Yahoo relationship could easily be flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct...we'll have to check the replay after the game.

Google marches to the beat of it's own drummer...now. The power they wield is impressive...and establishing a balanced business relationship with them is all but impossible regardless of your industry. "Masters of the Universe" one might say.

To be fair, the business value they deliver in the key areas they compete is impressive. They have done a wonderful job of building "user centric" universe that marketers can leverage...and monetize. Untold companies exist due to the simple fact that Google exists.

That being said, it's critical that Google continues to foster an atmosphere of genuine cooperation and an interest in achieving a balanced relationship with the companies that have the ability to drive significant revenue to thier bottom line.

If anyone remembers the late 90's when Yahoo and AOL were the 800lb gorillas of digital publishers...they will also remember the arrogance they brought to the table. While the business evolved, and the market position of both companies eroded, many marketers did not forget the arrogance these companies displayed. This arrogance may not have directly caused the downfall of both companies, but certainly accelerated the rate of decent. (of course Yahoo still has a nice business going)

So what's the moral of the story...never take your current position for granted. The digital world changes rapidly...and good, deep, balanced relationships are critical for long term success. Google needs to start working with marketers to establish balanced value equations that recognize volume..now.

The biggest pig generally gets the best mud puddle....but also is the first to get called to the slaughterhouse.

Wall Street Crackheads

As we observe the financial meltdown, does it strike anyone that what may be charaterized as reckless selfishness in one industry is labelled genius in others?

Think about it, to Wall Street types, the addiction is power and money (and maybe for the rest of us too). They feast on both...like crackheads feeding an addiction. For this, the world labels them scoundrels...and we say "Throw them is jail"!!. We never said that as the market was booming, we were all making money...and life was grand.

Contrast this with the music industry. We see artists abusing themselves all the time (Britney...Amy Winehouse etc etc)...sometimes right on stage (check you tube). The result of this behaviour is either a train wreck of a performance...or pure artistry. Regardless of the outcome, we want more. We pay to see concerts, People magazine lives to see pictures of these people doing stupid things, we give them AWARDS!!! In general...we are happy to excuse this addictions becuase 1) it's entertaining 2)it doesn't affect ME!!

So as we make our way through another case of financial abuse...let's remember, abuse happens across all industries...all the time. Why is it that's it's only when it impacts YOUR wallet...that it actually evokes the anger and rage we currently see with the financial bailout plan. Let's get a little balance folks.

And for the record...I do believe that all the CEO's, CFO's etc who work in the failed companies...and wrote and sold these bad loans should be thrown in jail for a long time. And when they get out....make them live in these communities that have been decismated by foreclusures.

Media "Artists"

As you may know, I work in the advertising field. Actually, in the technology field in an advertising dept. Actually, I'm not sure which field...I just know they pay me to make judgements about how and where to communicate. The one thing that has become clear to me in 15 years is that everyone is an expert at what I do. Everyone consumes media. In fact, media is all around us these days...so we all must be experts.... right?

Everyone is an expert, therefore, the implication is that what we do (media pros) do is easy...a machine can do it (ask Google). I've met countless creative types over the years that put their blood, sweat and tears into creating that perfect ad, banner, commercial etc. These ads bring a tear to peoples eyes. It's always all about the work. Nobody cries because they saw that ad on their favorite website..or mentioned in a Blog. Executives just want to see "the work". In fact, sometimes, the "where" never even gets on the agenda with executive types. So I'm here to say, unless someone puts "Art" somewhere....NOBODY WILL SEE IT. It does not exist.

Take this picture..it was created by the greatest artist I know of...my father. I'm positive, if people were exposed to the breadth of his work, he would be a labelled a genius. Despite this talent (I encourage anyone to tell me what this picture says!!) if I did not post this picture here...nobody would know it exists (and that's fine with my dad). If a carpenter did not put a nail in the wall, nobody would see the Mona Lisa!

So to all those out there reinventing the communications world...let's reinvent a world where "Artists" and the "Carpenters" coexist and are valued equally. In fact, I would argue that some of the carpenters of the world may in fact be great artists as well. Imagine THAT if you can.

Maybe that's web 3.0...are we there yet?

Surrounded by Web 2.0

The web 2.0 world is just all the rage right? This is were everyone gets to know everything about you. Your boss gets to see those silly pictures of you in college, your wife gets to see those old girlfriends...and of course....people come out of the woodwork to be your "Friend". Isn't this all a bit silly when you think about it? If you really wanted to be my friend...can't you just call me? Wouldn't you know my kids names...where I live....what matters to me?

I'm prefectly happy not having all my "worlds collide" in cyberspace...how about you? You want your boss to see those keg stands you did in college?

So, in the sprit of "getting real" check out this great video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qkc9VfDYLc

Welcome to the Edge...

Hey everyone....I'm starting this page to explore this social media web2.0 world we live in. Should be fun. Feel free to say what you want...I will.

Be back soon.