Arrrrr.... - [9:41 AM]

Great analysis - [9:15 AM]

Rodent Regatta: "When Bangalore's Starbucks parking lots are lined with SUV's and luxury automobiles, where will the cost differential be?" - Bravo Steve. I couldn't agree more. Off-shoring will work for a period of time. Eventually the folks doing the work will be in a position to demand more and they'll get it, or they'll drop the work.

The new dream - [9:07 AM]

Since leaving Microsoft last September I've been doing a lot of thinking. I've always wanted to run my own show, but I've been afraid to step out. I've been revisiting that idea recently. There are a few companies out there I'd love to model a new company after. I'd honestly love nothing more than to form a company that could have a good time producing a product people have need for, and support a group of ten to twenty folks max, possibly fewer.

So, who do I think has the perfect model?

Dan Bricklin - He's done a marvelous job of creating new software, selling it off, and creating something new again.
Mike Sax - Mike has a great line of components.
Nick Bradbury - Here's another guy that creates high quality software and has kept it small.

I may never get a venture off the ground but it's constantly on my mind these days.

The Good Old Days... - [8:52 AM]

Yesterday I posted a link to a very depressing article about the collapse of Disney's animation studio. If you've been in software for any amount of time you'll notice a parallel to the Disney story. Computing in the late 80's through the mid-late 90's was king. Software and hardware companies had lavish parties and basically spoiled their employees. I know, I was one of the spoiled. It's very hard to explain to people how wonderful those days really were. The competition was unbelievable. We had something to prove day in and day out. The market was open to innovation, and being different was good. Today it's all "cookie-cutter" software. I'm sure there are still companies out there that have a wonderful culture for their employees and a unique identity. Those are the folks you want to work for. A place where being different is good. Where pushing your ideas is acceptable.

So having said that, who's the next up and comer?

Movie line of the week answer - [8:41 AM]

First off thanks to everyone that played, I appreciate it.

Our winner, by a nose, is Mr. Charles M. States, Jr. Congratulations Chuck!

The correct answer is...

We need an international challenger for Justin King. The man from down under is the all time international king of movie lines.

Out of work - [9:41 AM]

SaveDisney.com: "But what people forget is that it's all about a good story. Three-D, 2-D, whatever. I see it at Pixar, but not at Disney. Pixar is doing Disney storytelling. And I don't think Disney has learned that yet. I hope that they do. But until then the artists are taking the hit." - I've always been very impressed with Disney's Animated films. When our girls were younger we'd take them to see every new Disney release. It was always a special time. The latest film, Home on the Range, marks the end of an era.

The things kids say... - [8:26 AM]

Last night our daughters worked out with Kim and I for the first time. Kim got them started on her routine and I went about my normal workout. This morning our oldest daughter, Haileigh, says "Dad, you look like an angry Cabbage Patch Kid when you work out."

Movie line of the week - [8:15 AM]

Today's movie line comes from a film I should have in my collection. It's a real feel good movie... The little guy can make a difference, that's the message.

Anywho, here it is, good luck!

Ok, quick, what movie! Send your guesses here.

BG and IM? - [2:23 PM]

So do you think Bill Gates uses Instant Messenger to chat with Steve Balmer, or his wife, or buddies?

How 'bout it Bill, do you use Instant Messenger?

Going Deep... - [4:18 PM]

Ben Padilla: "With no regard to weather elements, he's everpresent. Sometimes well dressed, other times borderline transient." - I've been visiting Ben's site more and more recently. He's a wonderful person and full of interesting stories.

Stop by and sit a spell.

History-101 with Professor Scoble... - [8:07 AM]

Scoble: "Second, finding Bucks isn't easy unless you know where it is. It's the rich person's hole in the wall." - I LOVE stories about the old-school days. I've told a few on this site and folks seem to be receptive to them. I think I'll have to give Bucks a visit some day.

Road trip anyone?

Robert, if you happen to read this... Please, give us more stories. I'd ask the same of any "old-timer" out there. I eat this stuff up!

Maybe we should write a book?