Skate Boarding Dog
One day Zeus will be able to do this.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
"Urban Tribes" may be a thing of the past
Back in 1994 Ethan Watters wrote a trendy book titled "Urban Tribes". I stole this passage below from www.urbantribes.net - it really does a good job at explaining the premise.
"While taking stock of his life, Watters realizes that he only has to look as far as his own social circle to see that he is not alone. Rather than settle down into traditional families, he and his friends have formed an Urban Tribe -- an intricate community of young people who live and work together in various combinations, form regular rituals, and provide the support of an extended family."
Remember, this is 1994. In any sense, the concept of Urban Tribes - people choosing not to marry but instead finding satisfaction in self fulfillment and maintaing many connections/friendships that keep life interesting was alive and thriving. The premise actually helped drive online networks like Friendster, Tribe.net , and linkedin. This trend was happening in the dot com boom.
Reading an article on PBS, their findings tend to verify Watters' premise.
The marriage rate was lower at the end of the century than ever before. The average age at first marriage, which fell to an all-time low during the baby boom, climbed to an all-time high by the close of the century.
One out of three men and more than one out of four women in their early thirties were unmarried in 1997, compared with fewer than one in ten in 1900. Still, between 80 and 90 percent of Americans got married during their lifetimes.
The graphs tell the story.
What's interesting is that over the past 3-4 years I continue to get the sense that at some point after 9/11 the idea of putting off commitment in favor of large friend groups and growing personal success has all but died. I wasn't out to get married, but I was not at all scared of doing so quickly once I found my wife. And, I start looking around and what do I see - a lot of people getting married shortly after graduating from college...I won't speak for their reasoning, but when I talk to people at work, in social circles, I am hearing more and more people seeking a long term relationship. Some say marriage, some don't...but its not the idea of "its all about me" anymore. Its about growing with someone, and sharing in the times of life together. Compared to what? Compared to doing your thing, then coming together with a bunch of friends and relaying it on, letting them experience it secondhand. Boring. I want to share the struggles, excitement, happiness, etc etc with someone else. Its called keeping it real.
Can I support this shift back to traditional values v values created through a network of friendships, despite the recent number of weddings and fellow friends/family telling me their interest in life-long companionship with one person starting sooner than they expected? Not really. I didn't write this blog starting with my perspective and looking to find sources to back it up. I just wanted to get a conversation started. Urban Tribes, perhaps true 10 years ago, looks to be on its way out. I believe a shift is happening.
On a somewhat related note... There is a really interesting article I did find in the Atlantic Monthly -- "Misfit America" by Paul Starobin (Jan/Feb 2006) . Starobin makes a really interesting point about the USA - "Having a foot in both fixed traditionalism and permissive modernism makes us (USA) still something of an outlier nation-astride both camps and at home in neither." And, he uses a really long article and cool graph below to explain. I will email an article to any interested. See graphie belowie (what's with the ie's).
Poor countries tend to cluster in the lower left quadrant of the chart, and rich ones in the upper right quadrant. And indeed, as countries become wealthier, they tend to migrate up and to the right-that is, they become less traditional morally and more individualistic. A number of Asian nations and former members of the Soviet bloc sit in the upper left quadrant; they are largely secular, but also conservative in their views of cultural change. The United States resides in the least populated quadrant: the lower right. America is not entirely alone; a few other rich, English-speaking countries hold similar values. And it appears that some Latin American and South Asian countries are modernizing without losing their traditional religious values. But the United States nonetheless occupies an unusual position: no other country is both as religious and as permissive.
Source: Modernization, Cultural Change, and Democracy, Ronald Inglehart and Christian Welzel
This would make a great powerpoint slide, Edward Tufte would approve.
"While taking stock of his life, Watters realizes that he only has to look as far as his own social circle to see that he is not alone. Rather than settle down into traditional families, he and his friends have formed an Urban Tribe -- an intricate community of young people who live and work together in various combinations, form regular rituals, and provide the support of an extended family."
Remember, this is 1994. In any sense, the concept of Urban Tribes - people choosing not to marry but instead finding satisfaction in self fulfillment and maintaing many connections/friendships that keep life interesting was alive and thriving. The premise actually helped drive online networks like Friendster, Tribe.net , and linkedin. This trend was happening in the dot com boom.
Reading an article on PBS, their findings tend to verify Watters' premise.
The marriage rate was lower at the end of the century than ever before. The average age at first marriage, which fell to an all-time low during the baby boom, climbed to an all-time high by the close of the century.
One out of three men and more than one out of four women in their early thirties were unmarried in 1997, compared with fewer than one in ten in 1900. Still, between 80 and 90 percent of Americans got married during their lifetimes.
The graphs tell the story.
What's interesting is that over the past 3-4 years I continue to get the sense that at some point after 9/11 the idea of putting off commitment in favor of large friend groups and growing personal success has all but died. I wasn't out to get married, but I was not at all scared of doing so quickly once I found my wife. And, I start looking around and what do I see - a lot of people getting married shortly after graduating from college...I won't speak for their reasoning, but when I talk to people at work, in social circles, I am hearing more and more people seeking a long term relationship. Some say marriage, some don't...but its not the idea of "its all about me" anymore. Its about growing with someone, and sharing in the times of life together. Compared to what? Compared to doing your thing, then coming together with a bunch of friends and relaying it on, letting them experience it secondhand. Boring. I want to share the struggles, excitement, happiness, etc etc with someone else. Its called keeping it real.
Can I support this shift back to traditional values v values created through a network of friendships, despite the recent number of weddings and fellow friends/family telling me their interest in life-long companionship with one person starting sooner than they expected? Not really. I didn't write this blog starting with my perspective and looking to find sources to back it up. I just wanted to get a conversation started. Urban Tribes, perhaps true 10 years ago, looks to be on its way out. I believe a shift is happening.
On a somewhat related note... There is a really interesting article I did find in the Atlantic Monthly -- "Misfit America" by Paul Starobin (Jan/Feb 2006) . Starobin makes a really interesting point about the USA - "Having a foot in both fixed traditionalism and permissive modernism makes us (USA) still something of an outlier nation-astride both camps and at home in neither." And, he uses a really long article and cool graph below to explain. I will email an article to any interested. See graphie belowie (what's with the ie's).
Poor countries tend to cluster in the lower left quadrant of the chart, and rich ones in the upper right quadrant. And indeed, as countries become wealthier, they tend to migrate up and to the right-that is, they become less traditional morally and more individualistic. A number of Asian nations and former members of the Soviet bloc sit in the upper left quadrant; they are largely secular, but also conservative in their views of cultural change. The United States resides in the least populated quadrant: the lower right. America is not entirely alone; a few other rich, English-speaking countries hold similar values. And it appears that some Latin American and South Asian countries are modernizing without losing their traditional religious values. But the United States nonetheless occupies an unusual position: no other country is both as religious and as permissive.Source: Modernization, Cultural Change, and Democracy, Ronald Inglehart and Christian Welzel
This would make a great powerpoint slide, Edward Tufte would approve.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
New focus for the blog
Interviewing people across jobs and professions...I may tap the ex-employer for this as a test case. I guess my trial and error method to this blog may take some time. Needs more research of course :)
Cutting competitive advantage in court - Kroger loses
You have got to be kidding me.
Kroger halts Buy Groceries/Get Gas program
JIM BAINBRIDGE THE GAZETTE
A federal district court ruling in Denver has brought a halt to the Buy Groceries/Get Gas program at 41 King Soopers and City Market stores statewide, including four in Colorado Springs. A pair of independent gasoline dealers in Montrose brought the suit, claiming that the King Soopers and City Market program of selling discounted gas based on grocery purchases violated Colorado’s Unfair Practices Act of 1941. The jury verdict, rendered Nov. 3, awarded the Montrose dealers, Parrish Oil and Ray Moore Tire & Petroleum, $1.4 million in damages. The verdict also order the program be discontinued because it amounted to illegally selling
gas below cost.
see link here for entire story.
And, just when I thought Kroger had a competitive advantage over Wal-Mart, the c-store wins.
I can only wonder how Home Depot's foray into c-storing is going...If you didn't already know, check the excellent article in the San Diego Tribune - "Expanding the Big Box"
Kroger halts Buy Groceries/Get Gas program
JIM BAINBRIDGE THE GAZETTE
A federal district court ruling in Denver has brought a halt to the Buy Groceries/Get Gas program at 41 King Soopers and City Market stores statewide, including four in Colorado Springs. A pair of independent gasoline dealers in Montrose brought the suit, claiming that the King Soopers and City Market program of selling discounted gas based on grocery purchases violated Colorado’s Unfair Practices Act of 1941. The jury verdict, rendered Nov. 3, awarded the Montrose dealers, Parrish Oil and Ray Moore Tire & Petroleum, $1.4 million in damages. The verdict also order the program be discontinued because it amounted to illegally selling
gas below cost.
see link here for entire story.
And, just when I thought Kroger had a competitive advantage over Wal-Mart, the c-store wins.
I can only wonder how Home Depot's foray into c-storing is going...If you didn't already know, check the excellent article in the San Diego Tribune - "Expanding the Big Box"
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Today's excuse for TV, and some retail stuff
Thanks to the new job and new pay I signed up for cable - only to find out that shows I want to follow (Heros, Prison Break, The Office) are available on YouTube, thanks to consolidating networks like peekvid. Its really interesting. Ok, so I like Dog - Bounty Hunter, but who doesn't? Lately, I have been running into really a whole world of nightly interviews that happens sporadically on cable tv. Unfortunately, I hit them in the middle of watching ESPN or one of the 5 law and orders on TBS/TNT/USA at any given time. I watched this awesome CNBC breakdown on ebay the other night.
But for those with time - watch Michael Eisner interview Mark Cuban. Inspiring and down to earth at the same time.
I wanted to also take a little time and talk about a near love of mine - retail. Nearly 3 years of employment, working with an amazing group of retail experts totally changed the way I not only think about retail, but about problem solving in general. Enough praise. In any sense, I was in Oakley a couple weeks ago. There is a purpose to the hanging wires and steel metal fixtures - that accentuates the merchandise and helps the store feel like an experience. But here is where they fall short. I bought an expensive laptop bag. Yes, I was not going to use the company provided HP shoulder bag that is clunky and painful. Anyway, so I drop too much money on this bag, and leave the store. So what? The so what is that my experience with the brand ended there. No reason to come back, no reason to keep up with new products. Oakley has left me hanging. Either $115 without tax wasn't enough for them to consider me a worthy investment to track, or Oakley wants to be stay out of my life. I dont know. I just cant believe there isn't a more engaging tactic they have for keeping me involved in the brand. And mail is not going to be the right way.
And yes, the bag is amazing.
Picture of the day, ressurected for your viewing pleasure
But for those with time - watch Michael Eisner interview Mark Cuban. Inspiring and down to earth at the same time.
I wanted to also take a little time and talk about a near love of mine - retail. Nearly 3 years of employment, working with an amazing group of retail experts totally changed the way I not only think about retail, but about problem solving in general. Enough praise. In any sense, I was in Oakley a couple weeks ago. There is a purpose to the hanging wires and steel metal fixtures - that accentuates the merchandise and helps the store feel like an experience. But here is where they fall short. I bought an expensive laptop bag. Yes, I was not going to use the company provided HP shoulder bag that is clunky and painful. Anyway, so I drop too much money on this bag, and leave the store. So what? The so what is that my experience with the brand ended there. No reason to come back, no reason to keep up with new products. Oakley has left me hanging. Either $115 without tax wasn't enough for them to consider me a worthy investment to track, or Oakley wants to be stay out of my life. I dont know. I just cant believe there isn't a more engaging tactic they have for keeping me involved in the brand. And mail is not going to be the right way.
And yes, the bag is amazing.
Picture of the day, ressurected for your viewing pleasure
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Whoa! Style issues and Customer Service
Here we go, post #2.
The first night I went out to eat in Dallas I realized one thing. I cannot expect to dress like I used to in the neighborhood of Mt Lookout. Dallas just doesn't roll like that. Being out in dallas forces you to step up your game when it comes to style. So, whoa! I was actually buying new jeans last week, dealing with way too much attention in stores like J Crew and Dickies...trying to decide which one was going to happily take my money. But it didnt stop there. I was in polite terms (not so much) told by my wife that my current dress shoes wouldnt cut it; and, btw that I needed ANOTHER pair of casual sneakers because the adidas I own are too plain. It takes a city to bring out that great honest side in the mrs, and make me feel like a high schooler in college. Anyway, style may have to become a new line item on my monthly budget.
My last thought of the day deals with the proven correlation between poor customer service and declining market share. My primary evidence for the week - Amazon.com. I had a splendid back and forth with the online marketplace regarding a dispute claim that I had, which they were nice enough not to tell me about. When I contacted customer service I was politely told it was all my fault and they were sorry, but I could do nothing about it. If you want the email thread, I would be happy to email it to anyone that owns AMZN. No thank you. Side note to AMZN, I now am not a user of my Amazon Visa or Amazon Prime account - both closed/canceled.
Another great example:
1. Dell - share is down, and so is customer service ratings ... a great analysis at Motley Fool
Personally, I think Sprint is a serious contender, and look at their stock lately - DOWN. Maybe Cingular should consider that as they turned up flat in the latest news.
So, the moral of the story is: Now I understand why companies keep a close eye on customer satisfaction. Either through brand tracking or "net promotor scores", or flat out listening to feedback, it looks like I will be investing in companies that are proactive with service.
Oh, and look for some guest writers to join the scene...so keep daily tabs on the site if you are interested in more than just my thoughts. TamingZeus is going to get stock, investing or some sort of money advice on a weekly basis from my buddy in Boston, BeanBoy - identity remains concealed to hedge on any possibility of bad advice...I am still pursuing other talent, we'll see if people come around. I certainly can't run this thing myself.
I'll leave you with this. Want a cool t-shirt for the christmas season? Buy this.
The first night I went out to eat in Dallas I realized one thing. I cannot expect to dress like I used to in the neighborhood of Mt Lookout. Dallas just doesn't roll like that. Being out in dallas forces you to step up your game when it comes to style. So, whoa! I was actually buying new jeans last week, dealing with way too much attention in stores like J Crew and Dickies...trying to decide which one was going to happily take my money. But it didnt stop there. I was in polite terms (not so much) told by my wife that my current dress shoes wouldnt cut it; and, btw that I needed ANOTHER pair of casual sneakers because the adidas I own are too plain. It takes a city to bring out that great honest side in the mrs, and make me feel like a high schooler in college. Anyway, style may have to become a new line item on my monthly budget.
My last thought of the day deals with the proven correlation between poor customer service and declining market share. My primary evidence for the week - Amazon.com. I had a splendid back and forth with the online marketplace regarding a dispute claim that I had, which they were nice enough not to tell me about. When I contacted customer service I was politely told it was all my fault and they were sorry, but I could do nothing about it. If you want the email thread, I would be happy to email it to anyone that owns AMZN. No thank you. Side note to AMZN, I now am not a user of my Amazon Visa or Amazon Prime account - both closed/canceled.
Another great example:
1. Dell - share is down, and so is customer service ratings ... a great analysis at Motley Fool
Personally, I think Sprint is a serious contender, and look at their stock lately - DOWN. Maybe Cingular should consider that as they turned up flat in the latest news.
So, the moral of the story is: Now I understand why companies keep a close eye on customer satisfaction. Either through brand tracking or "net promotor scores", or flat out listening to feedback, it looks like I will be investing in companies that are proactive with service.
Oh, and look for some guest writers to join the scene...so keep daily tabs on the site if you are interested in more than just my thoughts. TamingZeus is going to get stock, investing or some sort of money advice on a weekly basis from my buddy in Boston, BeanBoy - identity remains concealed to hedge on any possibility of bad advice...I am still pursuing other talent, we'll see if people come around. I certainly can't run this thing myself.
I'll leave you with this. Want a cool t-shirt for the christmas season? Buy this.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Love the meat, and other food thoughts
As a food aficianado, I am always seeking new stuff to try...be it food, or drink, of course. In any sense, on trip last winter to South Africa I fell in love with my wife's family, jk. I actually fell in love with two different South African meat products - biltong and droewers. I found out that these If you love beef jerky, you will love these 2 things...if you don't love beef jerky, but have a sincere and dying appreciation for all things meat, then well, you need to try these 2 products. Thanks to the decent amount of South Africans in Dallas, I have been able to find a local place to buy. However, I encourage all to give it a shot. I would endorse some online places to buy, but unfortunately I have never purchased online. Sorry, no endorsements today.
Importantly, if you are a steak, or meat lover, I would expect you to own a t-shirt that proudly expresses your beliefs. I was given this for christmas and wear it to display my affections. Booya!
Back to the food. Ask my gorgeous wife. Last night was mango chicken and potatoes. Hmm Hmm, good.
The latest conquest in my gourmet food searches is Milo. This great chocolate drink comes in an energy drink can and is amazing. I hate energy drinks personally, thanks to a past rocky relationship with red bull, but this blows yoo hoo out of the water - and yoo hoo is a cooler brand!.
So what have we learned today?
1. Find a local store and buy some biltong and droewers
2. Express your love for meat, chicken included...with a dash of mango and some soy sauce.
3. Try a new beverage today. I would recommended Dr Pepper Berries and Cream or some really cold Hawaiian Punch. Stay away from Coke and Pepsi, thats garbage.
4. Learn how to cook. Thanks to my greek friend connections my wife buys my act. But women need a man that knows how to prepare the meat right.
Importantly, if you are a steak, or meat lover, I would expect you to own a t-shirt that proudly expresses your beliefs. I was given this for christmas and wear it to display my affections. Booya!
Back to the food. Ask my gorgeous wife. Last night was mango chicken and potatoes. Hmm Hmm, good.
The latest conquest in my gourmet food searches is Milo. This great chocolate drink comes in an energy drink can and is amazing. I hate energy drinks personally, thanks to a past rocky relationship with red bull, but this blows yoo hoo out of the water - and yoo hoo is a cooler brand!.
So what have we learned today?
1. Find a local store and buy some biltong and droewers
2. Express your love for meat, chicken included...with a dash of mango and some soy sauce.
3. Try a new beverage today. I would recommended Dr Pepper Berries and Cream or some really cold Hawaiian Punch. Stay away from Coke and Pepsi, thats garbage.
4. Learn how to cook. Thanks to my greek friend connections my wife buys my act. But women need a man that knows how to prepare the meat right.
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