Pink Floyd is so badass

I'm not sure how exactly this happened... but I have become a huge fan of classic rock. Guitar Hero may have had something to do with this. But there's also a realization that the music I loved growing up -- alt rock of the early 90's like Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, etc really owe in large part their style and heritage to the rock greats.

Pink Floyd. Led Zep. Clapton. Hendrix.

Enjoy. Time, and Money. The two things in the world of which we could all use more.

Rumors of a MacBook Touch.. *drool*

When did I become such a fanboy? Good lord, I've always been a PC user. Growing up, I idolized Bill Gates (embarrassing admission of the day.) I still do, but now for his philanthropic work instead. How times change...

Was hanging out with Jon and Jane earlier today and we talked a bit about Microsoft. I declared that someday the title of Steve Ballmer's biography will be "The Used Car Salesman Who Could Have Ruled the World." I wish it weren't true, but Microsoft has transitioned from being a powerhouse of technology to an overgrown slick sales team. Ray Ozzie, please turn things around!

Until the sleeping giant reawakens, the world will be in awe at the wonders coming out of Cupertino...

Randy Pausch of "The Last Lecture" has died.

Rest in peace, Randy. Your lecture was an inspiration.

"I knew what I was doing that day," he wrote in the introduction of his best-selling book, also titled The Last Lecture. "Under the ruse of giving an academic lecture, I was trying to put myself in a bottle that would one day wash up on the beach for my children." [USA Today]

Here's his video -- it's long but amazing and inspiring. Well worth a sit down for an hour with a cup of cocoa and an open mind.

Summary of lessons learned:

  • Loyalty is a two-way street.
  • Never give up.
  • You get people to help you by telling thetruth. Being earnest.I'll take an earnest person over a hipperson every day, becausehip is short term. Earnest is longterm.
  • Apologize when you screw up and focus on other people,not onyourself.
  • Get a feedback loop and listen to it. ...Anybody can get chewedout. It's the rare person who says, ohmy god, you were right.... When people give you feedback, cherishit and use it.
  • Show gratitude.
  • Don't complain. Just workharder.
  • Be good at something, it makes you valuable.
  • Workhard.
  • Find the best in everybody. ... No one is all evil.Everybodyhas a good side; just keep waiting, it will come out.
  • And be prepared. Luck is truly where preparation meets opportunity.

Hat tip to Kavit