Link roundup

1. "Grocery Outlet, Supermarket Chain Where Oddball Products End Up." (Oddball products like Cleavage Creek wine.)

2. Relationship advice.

3. "Book Of 'Roadside Prostitutes' Made Entirely With Google Street View."
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Image roundup

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Threadcakes 2011 entries

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Watch a five-year-old snowboarder




Watch five-year-old snowboarder Bailey Duran shred. Via.
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Michael Tasner: Marketing in the Moment - Author interview



Entrepreneur, speaker, charity proponent, and founder of Taz Solutions, Inc., Michael Tasner, in his practical and idea filled book Marketing in the Moment: The Practical Guide to Using Web 3.0 Marketing to Reach Your Customers First.

Michael Tasner describes how to achieve success in the rapidly evolving world of next generation internet, mobile, smartphones, and social marketing.

Thanks to Michael Tasner for his time, and for his intriguing and informative responses to the questions. They are greatly appreciated.









What was the background to writing this book Marketing in the Moment: The Practical Guide to Using Web 3.0 Marketing to Reach Your Customers First?

Michael Tasner: I run a web site marketing firm, and to be quite honest, 95% of businesses can't afford our services. But the businesses that couldn't afford our services were the ones I was most passionate about. So I wanted to write a how to guide for those businesses to be able to grow their profits quickly.

There are so many social media tools available, along with blogging platforms, how is a business person to know which tools work best for their business?

Michael Tasner: In the most simplest of forms, the tools you should be using are ones where your customers and prospects are hanging out. For example, if you're a musician, Myspace is great, if your a company selling hurricane windows, a Facebook Business Page is a better tool.

You describe the shift from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0 as happening at the present time. Why are the differences between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 so important for marketers to understand?

Michael Tasner: The biggest shift is the modes of interaction and the time. We are looking at things on mobile devices and have less time. If you take away only one thing the biggest is mobile... we're in a mobile age, line none other.



Michael Tasner (photo left)

How is the movement to mobile devices changing marketing and how content is shared?

Michael Tasner: This is the biggest trend... Ive been writing about mobile for four years. In the next 1-2 years, everyone will be browsing web sites and buying things from a mobile device. Your web site and materials all need to be mobile compliant, you also need to get a mobile strategy in place, FAST.

You write that blogging is transforming into microblogging. What do you mean by that transition and why is it important?

Michael Tasner: We're becoming busier and busier and hit with more marketing messages each day... therefore, would you rather read an entire 1000 word article, or the most important point summed up in 140 characters or less?

Many people have heard about apps. Why is it important to understand how apps work and how they relate to marketing?

Michael Tasner: With the rise of mobile devices, apps are becoming the norm. Many businesses should look into getting applications developed as they continue to grow in popularity.

Why is virtual reality marketing a concept that marketers should understand?

Michael Tasner: This is one of those trends that's great for service businesses. Instead of flying all over the world, you can conduct the meeting in a virtual space. Its also great to test out if you do a lot of trade shows.

How can collaboration be made more effective for marketers?

Michael Tasner: This is more of a speed thing... the faster you can get things done, the faster you are to market. My favorite tool is Google Docs.. between Google and Salesforce.com, I run and manage all my marketing campaigns.

How can a marketer put all of the components of Web 3.0 together into an integrated and effective whole?

Michael Tasner: The first step is to do the 360 degree audit I talk about in the book and see where you are lacking. Then start with one of the places and grow from there.

What is next for Michael Tasner?

Michael Tasner: I have two more books in the works, and continue to speak throughout the world to help turn dreams into reality.

******

My book review of Marketing in the Moment: The Practical Guide to Using Web 3.0 Marketing to Reach Your Customers First by Michael Tasner.

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Dark Knight Rises casting call?

Apparently it's known that Magnus Rex is the working title for Dark Knight Rises. There's a casting call right down the street from where I was planning on being Sunday afternoon:
A Warner Bros. Film requires extras to play as Victims and Perpetrators
within a city besieged by crime and corruption. Take part in the urban action
adventure ripping through the streets of Los Angeles from August through October 2011.

Sun. July 31st, 2011
10am - 1pm and 2pm - 6pm


the Sportmen’s Lodge Event Center
4234 Coldwater Canyon
Studio City, CA 91604
Free Parking
Use the Coldwater Canyon Entrance, please


Men and Women
ages 18 and over.
ALL ethnicities!!!!
No experience necessary!

Some specific types we are looking for are:
Prisoners/Thugs, Guards, Police Officers, Business men & women
ALL types are needed!!
Via.
READ MORE - Dark Knight Rises casting call?

Baby red panda



Baby red pandas being weighed. Via.
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Link roundup

1. "Nineteen years ago three men had the idea of a regular lunch club for crime experts that would try to solve some of the United States' most baffling homicides. The Vidocq Society has now been instrumental in solving hundreds of crimes." Via.

2. On set photographs of Bane will dull your enthusiasm for The Dark Knight Rises.

3. "Inspections by New York's Department of Consumer Affairs found that two-thirds of the supermarkets they visited were overcharging customers at the checkout counter."

*Buy Batman Lego minifigs at eBay.
READ MORE - Link roundup

Image roundup

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Portal fan art



Chell by Andy Helms.

*Previously: Portal paper toy.
READ MORE - Portal fan art

Documentary about the rise of cricket in the Caribbean




Two videos about Fire in Babylon:
An inspiring triumph against the odds story of the West Indies cricket team - transformed from underdogs pummelled by their rivals Australia and England into being world class and unbeaten for 15 years. They were the first all black sports team who enjoyed such a glorious winning streak: their story sits alongside the likes of Ali and Jesse Owens as a sporting triumph that also struck an enormous blow against racism and inequality.
Via.
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Janée Meadows is selling prints of her Cowboys & Aliens poster for Mondo



Janée Meadows:
My Story

After my retro-inspired movie posters caught the attention of film director Jon Favreau and screenplay writer Damon Lindelof on Twitter my artwork rocketed into the blog-o-sphere and beyond! I received an outpouring of requests for the poster from folks around the world.

Now, I'm selling 500 limited edition signed 18x24" silkscreen prints of the "Day Version" along with special LP 7" pressed blue vinyl with a "Night Version" sleeve; featuring the music of Golden State. Songs include: "High Noon" and "Lightspeed" from their 2011 debut album "Division."


Here's The Catch

The way this Indiegogo fundraiser works is I have to meet my goal and sell all 500 or else nobody gets nothing. So, to make sure that doesn't happen; use Indiegogo's simple share tools to spread the word! Let's make this go super-mega-nova so I can get my bike's flat tire fixed and pay off dang student loans!
$50 for both.

*Buy Mondo posters at eBay.
READ MORE - Janée Meadows is selling prints of her Cowboys & Aliens poster for Mondo

Illustration roundup


The Land that Time Forgot by Justin Parpan.



Business card by Mattson Creative for Natalie Ebnet.



X-Force.



Inner Child by Nicolas Duffaut.



Above the Terminal by Jonathan Viner on sale here. Via.

*Buy The Land that Time Forgot posters at eBay.
READ MORE - Illustration roundup

Link roundup

1. Salt water shrimp farm in the middle of the desert in Las Vegas. Via.

2. Two conflicting posts I read yesterday - - A. All able adults work, so there's a growing job market for sophisticated assistants like yoga instructors, artisanal cheese makers, travel agents, etc (because people don't have time to do that stuff themselves anymore). B. Two income families will increasingly realize that it's foolish to work two jobs and give away the second salary in taxes, so they'll turn into one-income families. (My family came to that conclusion.)

3. A look at summer camps for rich kids - - well, specifically, a look at how rich kids increasingly arrive at summer camps by private plane. Via.
READ MORE - Link roundup

Lego warrior




"CEC Königlich Teuton" by Lord Dane.
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Image roundup

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Reinventing Collapse by Dmitry Orlov - Book review



Reinventing Collapse

The Soviet Experience and American Prospects – Revised & Updated


By: Dmitry Orlov

Published: June 1, 2011
Format: Paperback, 208 pages
ISBN: 9780865716858
Publisher: New Society Publishers













"A decade and a half ago the world went from bipolar to unipolar, because one of the poles fell apart: The SU is no more. The other pole - symmetrically named the US - has not fallen apart., yet; but there are ominous rumblings on the horizon", writes engineer, and eye witness to the collapse of the Soviet Union, Dimitry Orlov, in his thought provoking and prophetic book Reinventing Collapse: The Soviet Experience and American Prospects – Revised & Updated. The author presents a unique thought experiment, where he describes the potential triggers for a collapse of the American economy and societal breakdown, and the possible aftermath of those tragic events.

Dmitry Orlov witnessed first hand the collapse of the USSR, and the subsequent economic and social dislocations that resulted from that cataclysmic change. The author presents the resulting events of the Soviet demise as he saw them unfolding in real time. Dmitry Orlov shares his experiences with the hyperinflation of the ruble, the destruction of the industrial base, and the transformation of the country's society in many ways. One of the author's key points is how surprisingly fragile a country's economy really is, and how seemingly small events can lead to a complete unraveling of society and its underpinnings. The most startling aspect of the book, is how Dmitry Orlov sees many serious warning signs that could lead to the unthinkable collapse of the United States economy, and its subsequent social, political, and economic dissolution.



Dmitry Orlov (photo left) recognizes the warning signs for America in the current events and the emerging trends in economics, politics, and culture. For the author, the outlook for the United States is one of potential collapse, resulting from different conditions than those in the former Soviet Union, and also with very different results. Dmitry Orlov considers the inefficiency that was a hallmark of the Soviet economy and society actually softened the blow to the general public following the demise of the USSR. The inefficiency provided a cushion of time and slow activity that created an adjustment period for the people. Because the American system is so much more efficient and time sensitive, the author believes no such buffer would exist following a possible American collapse. The author describes the various scenarios that could lead to an American collapse, and what that aftermath would look like on the ground. The result would be a complete transformation of American society to a more locally focused culture where American ingenuity could even thrive and prosper.

For me, the power of the book is how Dmitry Orlov presents an unflinching and clear eyed view of how the American economy operates today, and what could lead to a possible breakdown of all aspects of the system. The author bases many of his premises on the real world example of the ending of the former Soviet Union, and how the similarities and differences between the USSR and the USA would affect the causes and outcomes of the events. The book is not all doom and gloom, and in many ways the same daring thought experiment that describes a complete societal disaster, also offers hope for renewal and for change.

Dmitry Orlov shares his ideas for preventing an American collapse that alleviate the potential for cataclysm. At the same time, the author warns that the former Soviet Union was much better prepared for collapse than America. With this lack of preparation in mind, the author offers his predictions for how the collapse events would occur, and how an unprepared society would respond to them. The end result would include some winners and countless losers. Along with the decline in economic activity, there might also be a resurgence of family ties, local community involvement,and entrepreneurship.

The author even outlines some potential growth industries and career opportunities that would result from the massive crash events. Overall, this book is a powerful and needed wake up call for Americans that the economic, political, and social problems of the nation must be examined and addressed in a positive manner. For the author, failure to do so might find the United States in an even worse collapse situation as the former Soviet Union.

I highly recommend the thoughtful and insight filled book Reinventing Collapse: The Soviet Experience and American Prospects – Revised & Updated by Dmitry Orlov, to anyone seeking a well reasoned discussion of what might happen in the event of a catastrophic collapse of the American economy. The author combines his personal experience with some intriguing insights into the American economy and culture, and arrives at some fascinating and often frightening forecasts.

Read the timely and controversial book Reinventing Collapse: The Soviet Experience and American Prospects – Revised & Updated by Dmitry Orlov, and examine for yourself the many and varied warning signs that the United States must address to avoid meeting a similar fate to the former Soviet Union. This book is an eye opener for anyone who believes that America can continue on its current course without facing serious consequences. The author provides compelling evidence that potential disaster is on the horizon, and shares some ideas to either divert calamity, or how to survive and thrive, should the unthinkable become a reality.

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Pygmy Slow Loris Twins

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Cat-Tron



"Meowtron" by Mark James Yamamoto on sale here. Via.

*Previously: Voltron Munny.
READ MORE - Cat-Tron

Link roundup

1. Trying to take a Yo Gabba Gabba character surfing.

2. Grant Theft Auto IV modded to allow Superman to fly through the city. Via.

3. Flying drone cracks Wi-Fi networks and impersonates cell phone towers (so your cell phone is tricked into connecting to it (and being recorded) instead of a legit tower). Via.

*Buy Yo Gabba Gabba! toys at eBay.
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Chubby Lego fighter plane

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Death Star dress print

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New Star Wars: The Old Republic footage



13 minutes of gameplay from Star Wars: The Old Republic, featuring a mission called The Esseles. This is the best gameplay video yet - - there's a delightfully chubby NPC at the beginning, and a truly despicable moral choice halfway through. (And lots of Mandalorians.) Via.

*Buy KOTOR toys at eBay.
READ MORE - New Star Wars: The Old Republic footage

Tron Uprising footage and concept art



New Tron Uprising footage and concept art. Via these sites.

*Buy Neca Tron toys at eBay.
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Death Star dress, Speeder Bike overalls


Here's a better photograph of Jennifer Landa’s Death Star dress (which I posted a few days ago).



And via Jennifer, here's speeder bike cosplay.
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Link roundup

1. The five finalists in the Bioshock Infinite t-shirt design contest.

2. "Use seawater or vinegar to treat jellyfish stings, not urine."

3. "Artist EVOL Installs Miniature City Underneath Grassy Field."

4. Jess Nevins's Annotations to League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Volume III Chapter Two, a.k.a. Century: 1969 (10% off at TFAW).
READ MORE - Link roundup

Magnified Oreo cookie



Part of of a series of magnified photographs by Caren Alpert. Via.

*Previously: Very stuffed Oreo.
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Lego Batmobile and Batcave




Lego Batmobile and Batcave by Alex "Orion Pax" Schranz.

*See more Batmobiles here.
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Cthulhu Munny

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Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making by Tim Hartnett



Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making

The CODM Model for Facilitating Groups to Widespread Agreement


By: Tim Hartnett, Ph.D.

Published: April 26, 2011
Format: Paperback, 208 pages
ISBN-10: 0865716897
ISBN-13: 978-0865716896
Publisher: New Society Publishers










"Consensus-Oriented-Decision-Making (CODM) is a powerful group decision-making process. It can be applied to virtually any typ of decision in almost any type of group. Whatever the content of the decision a group is addressing, CODM can be used as the process for making that decision", writes group facilitator and mediator Tim Hartnett, Ph.D., in his very intelligent and highly accessible book Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making: The CODM Model for Facilitating Groups to Widespread Agreement. The author describes the principles behind the Consensus-Oriented-Decision-Making (CODM) technique, and demonstrates how to implement the concepts effectively and seamlessly into any decision making process.

Tim Hartnett understands the critical connection between the importance of decision making and its process for any size or type of group, and the effect of the resulting decisions on the ultimate effectiveness of that group. With that crucial concern in mind, the author offers the workable and very efficient CODM model as a repeatable step based road map to achieving effective and widely accepted decisions. The system combines inclusion of the maximum number or participants with the seemingly contradictory concept of maximum efficiency. CODM is based on the premise that a large group of people, acting in a collaborative manner, can discover and implement superior ideas and decisions to any individual acting alone. With the largest number of people involved in a democratic decision making process, the level of overall commitment to the final solution is greater, and the chances of success are increased dramatically as a result.



Tim Hartnett, Ph.D. (photo left) presents a comprehensive group decision making process, developed through years of personal and professional experience, in group facilitation. The concept also employs methods gleaned from mediation and inter-personal communication. The result of this multi-disciplinary approach to group dynamics is a stronger and more collaborative group able to reach consensus for stronger and more effective decision outcomes. The methodology facilitates agreement whether decisions require unanimous consent, a voting procedure, or an executive made final selection. The collaborative approach presented with CODM involves:

* Rich insights into group dynamics and how they work
* Conflict resolution that is both effective and respectful
* Communication skills involving listening and sharing ideas

For me, the power of the book is how Tim Hartnett combines a strong theoretical background for Consensus-Oriented-Decision-Making (CODM) with a powerful step by step process for implementing the concept for any type of group. The author presents a repeatable system that will help any family, business, non-profit, community, or governmental group achieve decisions that are not only widely accepted but include input from the maximum number of people.

Tim Hartnett's commitment to a process that is collaborative and democratic is not only admirable, but is also very effective and results oriented. The author puts in place rules for reducing internal conflict, for reaching the final decision, and for getting full agreement and closure on the issue. Tim Hartnett understands group dynamics, and incorporates that critical element, along with conflict resolution techniques, and communication. into enriching the process.

I highly recommend the democracy supporting and group cohesion strengthening book Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making: The CODM Model for Facilitating Groups to Widespread Agreement, by Tim Hartnett, Ph.D., to anyone in any size or type of organization seeking a more effective, collaborative, and inclusive method of achieving more effective decisions. The author offers a practical guide, filled with hands on examples and a step by step plan, to reaching collaborative outcomes for any group.

Read the engagingly written and well structured book Consensus-Oriented Decision-Making: The CODM Model for Facilitating Groups to Widespread Agreement, by Tim Hartnett, Ph.D., and discover how to transform your current organizational or group decision making process into one that is inclusive, collaborative, democratic, and effective. This book is the key to efficient and widely embraced decisions that achieve successful implementation and results.

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Primary Care for the 20 Something Generation

I was asked this week to comment on the status of primary care for those in their twenties.  I am using my answer for this weeks' post.  For more information and discussion on this topic click here.

Should 20-Somethings Have and See a Primary Care Doctor?
I am obviously biased in regards to this question, but yes, absolutely.  Do they need to go for frequent check ups if they are otherwise healthy?  No, they do not.  Early on in the twenties is a great time to establish a relationship with a doctor who can help guide them through their health for the decades to come.  For young women who are otherwise healthy, this may be their gynecologist.  An Internal Medicine physician is certainly appropriate.  That first visit is important to first establish a relationship.  That way, when illness or injury comes along, there is someone ready to help.  Secondly, it is a chance to evaluate one's health habits.  This decade is a critical time for establishing healthy habits which will endure a life time.  The human body goes through a big change in those years.  The ever active metabolism characteristic of adolescence simmers down to a slowly declining  state.  If anticipated and accounted for with dietary changes, the not so unusual 15-20 pound weight gain can be avoided.  It is much easier to maintain body weight than it is to spend the rest of your life trying to lose it.

Are Young People a Drain on the Health Care System?
Not at all.  In fact, young healthy people are viewed as one of the keys to controlling health care costs and being able to provide health care for our entire population.  If we did not have young, healthy people carry insurance, all of us will pay a larger price.  That said, if young people do not have a primary care physician established, they will present to emergency rooms with conditions which could easily be evaluated in a physician's office.  The cost of emergency care is exponentially higher than it is in the primary care setting.

What Tests Do Young People Need to Get?
In the absence of any concerning symptoms or physical findings the most important "test" to be done is that initial history and physical examination.  More than any battery of tests, that first visit will help guide the physician to tailor any testing to the needs of the individual.  If it has not been done previously, I recommend at least a total cholesterol level as a baseline.  A family history of diabetes may prompt testing for blood sugar.  Symptoms of fatigue in a woman with heavy menstrual cycles would prompt a test looking for anemia.  However, from a purely routine standpoint, that initial visit carries the most weight.

Do Doctors See a Difference in the Way in which 20-somethings Approach Health Compared to Older Generations?
I don't think a broad generalization is possible here.  I know many young adults who take exceptionally good care of themselves and are extremely health conscious.  I also just met a young woman who basically eats junk food for all three of her meals a day.  She starts with a pop tart.  Chips and soda often pass for lunch and she may finish at Taco Bell that night.  I do think that elderly patients think of their health a lot more but this is because they are now suffering from many more conditions than before.  Some ailments come as a natural result of aging but many could have been prevented had they cared for their health better when they were younger.
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