Yes we really did go out and demonstrate. This was an amazing demonstration of people power. Happy to be part of the celebration of freedom and humanity. Very proud of my little town.
Saturday, June 14, 2025
The Professor’s Minute Minute – June 15, 2025
Six fresh, strange, and striking stories from the edges of law, science, travel, and technology. All true. None repeated.
LEGAL / HUMANITY
$50 Court Fee Lands Woman in Jail. Welcome to Alabama.
A woman was jailed for failing to pay a $50 court fee tied to a traffic ticket—despite having no income and no car. Legal advocates say it’s a textbook case of a modern-day debtors’ prison. There are just some terrible instances of abuse.
When the system is this efficient, maybe it needs debugging.
TECHNOLOGY / ASTRONOMY
Smart Mirrors Could Steer the Future of Space Travel
A new innovation in reflectivity control may allow solar sails to adjust their path using light alone—no propellant, no thrusters, just physics and precision mirrors. How cool is this?
Imagine steering a spaceship the way you angle a hand mirror. Welcome to 2040.
TRAVEL / HOSPITALITY
World’s Tallest Hotel to Open in Dubai
At 365 meters tall, Dubai’s upcoming Ciel Hotel will tower above the skyline with 1,000+ rooms and a rooftop infinity pool. Luxury isn’t just vertical—it’s orbital.
Source – Meetings & Conventions Asia
HUMANITY / SPORTS
Countdown to Chaos: World Cup 2026 is One Year Away
Qualifying has begun, and U.S. cities are already bracing for a full-scale football fan invasion. Travel, transit, and room availability? Let’s just say: it’s game on.
Source – SportsTravel Magazine
HISTORICAL NOTABLE FAIL
The DH Comet: When Square Windows Cracked a Dream
The first commercial jetliner, Britain’s de Havilland Comet, broke apart midair due to metal fatigue—caused by its elegant but square windows. The redesign? Round. The lesson? Eternal. I grew up near Hatfield where the de Havilland factory was. I used to pass by it for so many years. I have a strong attachment to the plane. I flew on BOAC, (4), BEA (4B). Olympic (4B), Sudan Airways (4C). MSA (4C).
Source – YouTube: Real Engineering
STARTUP / AI
Meta Buys Half of ScaleAI—and Its Genius Founder
Meta has acquired 49% of ScaleAI, reportedly for $15B. Founder Alexandr Wang joins Meta to drive “superintelligence.” Meanwhile, Google (a major client) quietly backs away.
Less about labeling data. More about labeling the future.
[Source – Reuters, FT, TechCrunch]
Follow the Professor Sabena Blog for your daily dose of obscure insight and delightful doomscroll disruption. Posted nightly at 23:00—wherever the Professor happens to roam.
đź‘‘ The Professor’s Minute Minute – No Kings Day Supplement
June 14, 2025
A quick historical supplement—and a reminder that power is best held with checks, not coronets.
Today is No Kings Day
Back in 1776, the people who started the USA didn’t just fight a war—they broke up with monarchy altogether. So while some folks might celebrate a birthday today, the rest of the people are celebrating our collective rejection of royalty, inherited power, and dynastic delusions.
So here’s your No Kings Day call to action:
-
Protest narcissism wherever it thrones itself
-
Raise a toast to the checks, balances, and ballots
-
Wear a tricorn hat, tweet a meme, or just go full Thomas Paine
-
Remind the nearest self-important man that he, too, shall term limit
If You’re Not Protesting, You’re Probably Being Profiled
(Also, your airline sold your flight data to Homeland Security without telling you. Just saying.)
Historical Side Note
George Washington didn’t want to be king. He resigned from the army, stepped down after two terms, and refused offers of absolute power.
We’re not saying all founding fathers were perfect—but some of them understood that humility is a leadership skill.
Bonus Content: It’s Also Almost Father’s Day
So here’s to the dads who:
-
Don’t think they’re monarchs
-
Don’t hijack birthday parties with flags
-
Just want peace, snacks, and 15 minutes of Wi-Fi in silence
Follow the Professor Sabena Blog for your nightly resistance against nonsense and your daily fix of fact-powered whimsy.
The Professor’s Minute Minute – June 14, 2025
Six fresh, verified stories from Aviation, Technology, Humanity, and Startups. No repeats. All obscure and intriguing.
AVIATION
Middle East Airspace Closes After Israel–Iran Strikes
Following military strikes, airlines canceled or rerouted flights across the Middle East. FlyDubai pulled 22 flights from Russian airports alone.
Because geopolitics remains aviation’s biggest hazard.
[Source – Reuters]
TECHNOLOGY
Ford Warns of Rare‑Earth Magnet Shortage
Ford’s CEO Jim Farley warned of a looming rare-earth magnet shortage, threatening manufacturing timelines for EV motors. It’s a tiny element with massive supply-chain impact.
[Source – Reuters Video]
HUMANITY
Loggerhead Turtle Gets a Fifth Flipper—And a Second Chance
In Florida, a loggerhead turtle received a prosthetic fifth flipper after injury and has successfully been reintroduced into the ocean with improved mobility.
Surf’s up—this time with better balance.
[Source – NPR]
HUMANITY
Australian Woman Tried to Poison In‑Laws with Mushrooms
An Australian woman confessed to feeding her in-laws poisonous mushrooms during a lunch gathering—“to spice things up.” They survived. Judge’s reaction: not amused.
[Source – AP via Offbeat]
STARTUP IDEA
Multiverse Computing Triples Valuation on Quantum Farm Software
Spain’s Multiverse Computing raised €215 million in Series B funding. Their quantum-based agriculture software helps optimize irrigation and save labor costs for North American farms.
Quantum meets quinoa—agtech with a future.
[Source – Crunchbase News]
NOTABLE FAIL
Silver Airways Abruptly Ceases Operations
Florida’s regional carrier Silver Airways suddenly shut down on June 11, 2025, after failing to secure a buyer during restructuring. It advised customers not to go to the airport—right in the heart of summer travel season.
No middle seats. Just no seats.
[Source – AP News, Reuters, People, Times of India]
Follow the Professor Sabena Blog for your nightly fix of strange truths—published daily at 23:00 local time.
Thursday, June 12, 2025
The Professor’s Minute Minute – Friday, June 13, 2025
A cursedly curated edition of six strange-but-true stories for the superstitious, the skeptical, and the startup-scarred.
AVIATION
Flight 666 to HEL Was Real—and It Flew on Friday the 13th
For years, Finnair operated flight 666 from Copenhagen to HEL (Helsinki). On actual Friday the 13ths. The airline eventually changed the number—but not before dozens of thrill-seekers booked it on purpose.
Flying into HEL on Friday the 13th? Just another day in Nordic airspace.
TECHNOLOGY
Therac-25: The Software Bug That Killed
In the 1980s, the Therac-25 radiation therapy machine delivered lethal overdoses to cancer patients because of faulty programming. No warnings. Just a green “READY” light.
The first fatal software glitch. And the most quietly terrifying.
HUMANITY / LEGAL
The Government Bought Your Flight Data—From a Broker
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is buying commercial airline booking data from vendors like LexisNexis Risk. If you bought a ticket in the U.S., your personal travel info may already be in a CBP database—without your consent.
Homeland Security now boards with you. No boarding pass required.
STARTUP IDEA / FAIL
Quibi: $1.75 Billion for Short Videos, Shorter Lifespan
It raised nearly $2 billion. It had stars. It had buzz. It lasted… six months. Quibi thought mobile-only, vertical video streaming would be the future. Turns out, TikTok already was.
Proof that money can’t buy product-market fit.
WILDCARD – SUPERSTITION
Why Planes and Hotels Skip Row 13
Superstition runs deep: Airbus, Lufthansa, and even United often skip row 13 entirely. It’s not policy—it’s psychology. You’ll find rows 12 and 14… and a cabin crew who’s not explaining anything.
Turns out even engineering cultures believe in bad luck.
LEGAL – AI CHATBOT vs COURTROOM
Air Canada’s Chatbot Lied. The Court Didn’t Care.
A chatbot told a passenger he could retroactively apply for a bereavement fare. The airline refused. The judge ruled: if your AI gives bad advice, you’re responsible for it.
The first time an airline paid for hallucinating—outside of catering.
Follow the Professor Sabena Blog for daily doses of weirdness, wonder, and wry truth from the fringes of travel, tech, and humanity. Posted nightly at 23:00 local time—no exceptions, not even for superstition.
Coming Saturday: Our weekly recap—Best of the Week—goes visual on LinkedIn and Instagram. With illustrations, irony, and just a touch of doom.
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The Professor’s Minute Minute – June 12, 2025
Obscure truths from the edge of Aviation, Technology, Humanity, and Startups—plus one spectacular historical faceplant.
AVIATION
Pan Am Rises Again? Enter Ed Wegel, the Airline Necromancer
Pan Am is being resurrected—again. This time, the name is tied to AVI8 Air Capital, with serial airline reviver Ed Wegel at the controls. He’s the guy behind GlobalX and prior Eastern revival efforts. Is this nostalgia? Arbitrage? A licensing bet?
Pan Am: because some brands never die, they just keep taxiing in circles.
TECHNOLOGY
Stretching the MAX? 400 Fuel Tanks Later
Marshall Aerospace has delivered over 400 Additional Centre Tanks (ACTs) to Boeing for its 737 series. Now can it also, quietly transform the 737 MAX into a long-haul contender. These tanks are now flying routes like India to Western Europe—without a fuss, fanfare, or fuselage change in the 737 NGs
Sometimes, evolution hides in the belly of the aircraft.
HUMANITY
Therapy Dogs Are the Real Class Monitors
Across Europe and North America, schools are bringing in trained therapy dogs to ease student anxiety, improve classroom behavior, and even boost attendance. Turns out, a Labrador is better at calming teens than TikTok.
This is the only school program where drooling is encouraged.
Source – Wikipedia: School dog
STARTUP IDEA
Driverless Cars… in Lima?
While San Francisco’s AVs panic at intersections, and LA risk being a little toasted, Lima, Peru is quietly launching autonomous shuttle pilots. Developed by MIT-affiliated engineers, the program is proving AVs might succeed faster in chaotic cities than in sanitized ones.
If you can make autonomy work in Lima, you can make it work anywhere.
NOTABLE FAIL
RIP 3K: Jetstar Asia Quietly Exits the Runway
After years flying out of Changi, Jetstar Asia (IATA: 3K) appears to be vanishing without much ceremony. With operations winding down and no official strategy revealed, it joins the growing list of brands Qantas never quite knew what to do with.
A little less quiet is the exit of Silver Airways.
Sometimes, the silence between codeshares says it all.
Follow the Professor Sabena Blog for daily doses of global obscurity, travel weirdness, and tech whimsy—published nightly at 23:00, wherever I happen to be.
Coming Friday: Our “Best of the Week” goes visual on LinkedIn and Instagram—featuring whimsical graphics and things that probably shouldn’t fly.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
The Professor’s Minute Minute – June 11, 2025
Six curious stories spanning Aviation, Technology, Humanity, and Startup Ideas—plus history’s cautionary tales.
CURRENT PICKS
1. Aviation – Ryanair Flight Hit by Turbulence
A Ryanair flight from Berlin to Milan was diverted to Memmingen after severe turbulence injured eight passengers during a thunderstorm. Low-cost doesn’t mean turbulence-free.
2. Technology – UK Court Warns Lawyers About Fake AI Citations
The High Court of England and Wales cautioned legal professionals after filings included fabricated case law generated by AI tools like ChatGPT. Clever, but not trustworthy.
3. Humanity – Therapy Dogs in Schools Reduce Student Stress
A growing number of schools are introducing trained therapy dogs into classrooms to support emotional wellbeing. Studies show these programs calm students, reduce cortisol, and encourage empathy.
Source – Wikipedia: School dog
4. Startup Idea – NOX: Night Trains With Private Cabins
Berlin-based NOX aims to relaunch European night trains featuring private sleeper cabins at airfare-like prices. Routes between Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague are planned for 2027—comfort meets climate action.
HISTORICAL PICKS →
Notable Fails
5. Betamax – The Format That Lost the War
Sony’s Betamax boasted superior video quality but faltered due to shorter recording times and closed licensing. VHS won the home video battle; Betamax became nostalgia.
6. Ford Edsel – Detroit’s $250 Million Misstep
Ford introduced the Edsel in 1957 amidst massive hype—but flopped by 1959. Its controversial grille became a symbol of corporate overconfidence.
Follow the Professor Sabena Blog for compact servings of the curious and the quirky. Daily drops at 23:00 local time, wherever anchor strikes.
Friday preview: Expect “Best of the Week” with whimsical visuals on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Reviving the Professor's Minute Minute. Welcome and I hope you enjoy it again
I will be posting here on a regular basis with the Professors minute minute. You'll get it!
The Professor’s Minute Minute – June 10, 2025
Six obscure tales where Aviation, Technology, and Humanity meet the bizarre. Curated daily by Professor Sabena. Published at 23:55 local time.
CURRENT PICKS
1. Aviation – The Flight That Couldn’t Stand the Smell
An Air New Zealand flight was forced to divert to New Plymouth after an odd smell filled the cabin. Emergency crews met the aircraft, fearing a chemical leak. The culprit? Still unknown, but let’s say it wasn’t the landing that stank.
2. Technology – Boom’s Supersonic Baby Broke the Sound Barrier
Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 demonstrator has successfully gone Mach 1, reviving dreams of Concorde 2.0. Backed by United and JAL, Boom wants you sipping espresso in Paris three hours after takeoff from JFK.
3. Humanity – Capuchin Monkeys Are Kidnapping Baby Howlers
For the first time in the wild, scientists captured footage of young capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica abducting baby howler monkeys. It wasn’t aggression—they seemed… curious? Or maybe just bored.
HISTORICAL PICKS
4. Humanity – The Belgian Cow That Won a Mayoral Election
In 2007, the town of Buggenhout, Belgium wrote in a cow named Esméralda for mayor. She won. No speeches. No scandals. Just pasture and peace.
Source – Flanders Today Archive (via Wayback)
5. Technology – The 29-Word Patent That Haunted Microsoft
A man patented double-clicking a button to trigger an action. That’s it. Microsoft fought it—and lost. For years, one of the simplest actions in computing was legally someone’s personal invention.
6. Humanity – The German Town That Celebrates Nothing
Nördlingen, Germany throws an annual “Festival of Nothing.” No bands. No banners. Just quiet reflection—and thousands of people showing up to do, well… nothing.
Follow the Professor Sabena Blog and get your daily dose of the absurd, obscure, and oddly meaningful. A new post (mostly) drops every night at 23:55—wherever in the world I happen to be.
Coming Friday: The Best of the Week goes visual on LinkedIn and Instagram. Whimsy, illustrated.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
This blog is inactive (Actually not quite true) If you are still following - it is now the Professor's Minute Minute.
There will be no posts so please ignore any if you get a request. It will be spam
Thanks
Thanks
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Day The Earth Changed
Today I posted a comment on TNooz in response to the story of Expedia's decision to 'punish' American Airlines for their behaviour in the dispute with Orbitz and its 48% owner Travelport.
I am saddened by the escalation of the dispute to preemptive actions by Expedia who was not a party to the actual dispute. Moving from vocal to action means that Expedia crossed the line. One in my view they should not have done.
The dispute has moved beyond the basic issue of direct connect and content control to battle of almost epic proportions.
You can find Kevin May's scoop story on TNooz where I also write as a node.
Here is my comment in full on the story.
TEXT FOLLOWS:
Today was one of those days when the world changes. For better or worse. Analysis next year will in my view demonstrate this was the seminal moment when indeed things changed.
Perhaps one perspective is to consider that there is a peeling back of the onion skin. The web is about transparency - as we see here at TNooz - we can comment freely - and this is part of the fabric of today's business and social world.
The true cost of the airline ticket has morphed from a homogeneous single bundled (and commoditized) price to a more transparent view of the components that make up the airline ticket. Obviously that makes it harder from the consumer's point of view to shop. But we all need to get over that. The Genie was let out of the bottle a long time ago and its ain't going back. From today onwards that now includes the cost of distribution. This transparency allows the product owner and the seller to attach a clearer monetary value to its brand - good or bad. Further as this dispute has demonstrated the brand proposition of the intermediary now becomes clear.
In my view Expedia's move is very ballsy but I question whether it was smart. In my view they have traded demonstrating their power for their value as an unbiased intermediary. Sadly if Expedia is not able to offer a level playing field to its customers and ends up in dispute with its supply chain then it must accept that its value proposition has changed. In my judgment that change is irrevocable - another genie out of the bottle that isn't going back. The preemptive action by Expedia today demonstrates how they feel. Expedia can no longer position itself as the champion of unbiased neutral intermediary, which to the consumer is an essential part of its proposition. It becomes clear that the company and its brand have optimized its product offerings to its own selfish ends and now 'games' the customer as much as the suppliers can do through their own direct channels such as their websites.
Thus now the Expedia Company through its own actions has removed the (admittedly thinly veiled) veneer of neutrality from not only the Expedia brand but also its family of brands from Hotwire to TripAdvisor.
The reaction by the intermediaries and organizations who have thrown more than vocal support of support of Orbitz in its dispute with AA, in my view - may have shot themselves in the foot. The consumer will now realize that the intermediary channels as a class are not acting in the best interests of the consumer. As I noted in my 2011 predictions the concept of value finding will now emerge. For those Intermediaries who support the Orbitz and its 48% owner Travelport their position becomes tainted in my opinion. Value Finding will definitely be part of the Social Web. Thus they have forfeited their ability to be an arbiter of customer value which has very broad and deep long lasting implications.
Unlike in media where there is a definitive traditional separation between publishing and editorial content, in travel etailing, the line for an unbiased intermediary has been crossed. Thus anyone owning an outlet will now find it harder to maintain some semblance of neutrality and consumer advocacy.
It gives a whole new meaning (not necessarily good) to Expedia's current tag line - where you book matters.
Cheers
Today I posted a comment on TNooz in response to the story of Expedia's decision to 'punish' American Airlines for their behaviour in the dispute with Orbitz and its 48% owner Travelport.
I am saddened by the escalation of the dispute to preemptive actions by Expedia who was not a party to the actual dispute. Moving from vocal to action means that Expedia crossed the line. One in my view they should not have done.
The dispute has moved beyond the basic issue of direct connect and content control to battle of almost epic proportions.
You can find Kevin May's scoop story on TNooz where I also write as a node.
Here is my comment in full on the story.
TEXT FOLLOWS:
Today was one of those days when the world changes. For better or worse. Analysis next year will in my view demonstrate this was the seminal moment when indeed things changed.
Perhaps one perspective is to consider that there is a peeling back of the onion skin. The web is about transparency - as we see here at TNooz - we can comment freely - and this is part of the fabric of today's business and social world.
The true cost of the airline ticket has morphed from a homogeneous single bundled (and commoditized) price to a more transparent view of the components that make up the airline ticket. Obviously that makes it harder from the consumer's point of view to shop. But we all need to get over that. The Genie was let out of the bottle a long time ago and its ain't going back. From today onwards that now includes the cost of distribution. This transparency allows the product owner and the seller to attach a clearer monetary value to its brand - good or bad. Further as this dispute has demonstrated the brand proposition of the intermediary now becomes clear.
In my view Expedia's move is very ballsy but I question whether it was smart. In my view they have traded demonstrating their power for their value as an unbiased intermediary. Sadly if Expedia is not able to offer a level playing field to its customers and ends up in dispute with its supply chain then it must accept that its value proposition has changed. In my judgment that change is irrevocable - another genie out of the bottle that isn't going back. The preemptive action by Expedia today demonstrates how they feel. Expedia can no longer position itself as the champion of unbiased neutral intermediary, which to the consumer is an essential part of its proposition. It becomes clear that the company and its brand have optimized its product offerings to its own selfish ends and now 'games' the customer as much as the suppliers can do through their own direct channels such as their websites.
Thus now the Expedia Company through its own actions has removed the (admittedly thinly veiled) veneer of neutrality from not only the Expedia brand but also its family of brands from Hotwire to TripAdvisor.
The reaction by the intermediaries and organizations who have thrown more than vocal support of support of Orbitz in its dispute with AA, in my view - may have shot themselves in the foot. The consumer will now realize that the intermediary channels as a class are not acting in the best interests of the consumer. As I noted in my 2011 predictions the concept of value finding will now emerge. For those Intermediaries who support the Orbitz and its 48% owner Travelport their position becomes tainted in my opinion. Value Finding will definitely be part of the Social Web. Thus they have forfeited their ability to be an arbiter of customer value which has very broad and deep long lasting implications.
Unlike in media where there is a definitive traditional separation between publishing and editorial content, in travel etailing, the line for an unbiased intermediary has been crossed. Thus anyone owning an outlet will now find it harder to maintain some semblance of neutrality and consumer advocacy.
It gives a whole new meaning (not necessarily good) to Expedia's current tag line - where you book matters.
Cheers
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Thursday, December 24, 2009
A Brief Moment In Time
So the house has sold. This has been a year of transition for the O'Neil-Dunne family and friends.
Passages:
Cecelia Ivy Virginia O'Neil-Dunne (nee Knight)
Philip Knight
Mark Wells
And to all those who also passed on - thanks for contributing to the lives of our family. As many people have stated, this was an end of an era. Now it is someone else's turn to be the caretaker of a great family home.
Cheers
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
OK so its the last day of the year and what are your New Year's resolutions?
Other than wanting World Peace - more so than Sandra Bullock - I would like to see that we all manage to get through 2009 just fine. Not a huge wish but a significant one nonetheless.
I will be busy learning and fighting the good fight.
Watch out City of Sammamish - I am going after your plans to destroy wetlands.
Cheers to you all
Other than wanting World Peace - more so than Sandra Bullock - I would like to see that we all manage to get through 2009 just fine. Not a huge wish but a significant one nonetheless.
I will be busy learning and fighting the good fight.
Watch out City of Sammamish - I am going after your plans to destroy wetlands.
Cheers to you all
Monday, December 01, 2008
Honour to Patrick Cecil "Paddy" O'Neil-Dunne on the 100th Anniversary of his birth.
I would be remiss if I did not recognize that today would have been my father's 100th Birthday.
A visionary, some called him a genius. Reviled by some, admired by many, never one to leave you feeling ambivalent, in the more than 20 years since his death, there have been few days when I have not been eternally grateful for his guidance and even some of his bloody mindedness.
As the old joke goes, "when I was 15" said the young man - "I though my father was an idiot." "When I was 25, I was amazed at how much he had learned in 10 years."
So too was I.
So here's to my father, POD. Fighter, inventor, gambler, story teller, man. You are still missed.
I would be remiss if I did not recognize that today would have been my father's 100th Birthday.
A visionary, some called him a genius. Reviled by some, admired by many, never one to leave you feeling ambivalent, in the more than 20 years since his death, there have been few days when I have not been eternally grateful for his guidance and even some of his bloody mindedness.
As the old joke goes, "when I was 15" said the young man - "I though my father was an idiot." "When I was 25, I was amazed at how much he had learned in 10 years."
So too was I.
So here's to my father, POD. Fighter, inventor, gambler, story teller, man. You are still missed.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Oh how I hate bad technology...
So here is the transcript of my conversation with "Jenn" Alaska Airlines virtual Assistant.
So seats are showing sold out on the web. So I wanted to see (since I am a premium traveler) if I could get a seat assignment. Here is the transcript.
She REALLY gets me....
Turn Sound Off Turn Sound On
Jenn: Hi, I'm Jenn, your virtual assistant for the Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air Web site. If you need help, or have a question, simply type it below.
You Asked: can you get me a seat?
Jenn: I'm not sure how to answer that. Please try rewording your question.
You are on a page that I will not direct you away from. To leave this page, you must self-navigate.
You Asked: I would like a seat assignment
Jenn: Make sure to select your seats from the blue squares, which indicate an available seat.
You Asked: how can I get a seat
Jenn: Make sure to select your seats from the blue squares, which indicate an available seat.
You Asked: I need help
Jenn: I know quite a bit about traveling with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. What can I help you with?
You Asked: seat assignment
Jenn: Make sure to select your seats from the blue squares, which indicate an available seat.
You Asked: this is not helping - can you help me get a seat when it is saying seat assignment at the airport
Jenn: Please click on the links provided to find the information you are looking for.
Display Seat Map_PA
No Seats on Seat Map_PA
You Asked: No Seats on Seat Map_PA
Jenn: If there are no seats available on the seat map, it does not mean that the flight is sold out. Seat availability is limited on the Web. You will receive your seat assignment on the day of your flight at the airport. To proceed with your purchase, click "Continue".
Return to Jenn Live Chat
Alaska Airlines Home
So here is the transcript of my conversation with "Jenn" Alaska Airlines virtual Assistant.
So seats are showing sold out on the web. So I wanted to see (since I am a premium traveler) if I could get a seat assignment. Here is the transcript.
She REALLY gets me....
Turn Sound Off Turn Sound On
Jenn: Hi, I'm Jenn, your virtual assistant for the Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air Web site. If you need help, or have a question, simply type it below.
You Asked: can you get me a seat?
Jenn: I'm not sure how to answer that. Please try rewording your question.
You are on a page that I will not direct you away from. To leave this page, you must self-navigate.
You Asked: I would like a seat assignment
Jenn: Make sure to select your seats from the blue squares, which indicate an available seat.
You Asked: how can I get a seat
Jenn: Make sure to select your seats from the blue squares, which indicate an available seat.
You Asked: I need help
Jenn: I know quite a bit about traveling with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. What can I help you with?
You Asked: seat assignment
Jenn: Make sure to select your seats from the blue squares, which indicate an available seat.
You Asked: this is not helping - can you help me get a seat when it is saying seat assignment at the airport
Jenn: Please click on the links provided to find the information you are looking for.
Display Seat Map_PA
No Seats on Seat Map_PA
You Asked: No Seats on Seat Map_PA
Jenn: If there are no seats available on the seat map, it does not mean that the flight is sold out. Seat availability is limited on the Web. You will receive your seat assignment on the day of your flight at the airport. To proceed with your purchase, click "Continue".
Return to Jenn Live Chat
Alaska Airlines Home
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The US Navy 1, Whales 0.
Final Result. Referee Rules.
The US Supreme Court in its infinite wisdom has decided that warfare is more important that protecting species. Proving once again that killing trumps life for Homo Sapiens.
I still fail to see where Sapiens comes into this.
The US Supreme Court is lifting restrictions on the US Navy's use of sonar in training exercises off the California coast, a defeat for environmental groups who say the sonar can harm whales. The court, in its first decision of the term, voted 5-4 that it agreed with the plaintiffs that the US Navy needs to conduct realistic training exercises to respond to potential threats by enemy submarines.
This will have far reaching implications for all whales that migrate up and down both US coasts. Particularly vulnerable will be the Killer Whales in the Puget Sound Area.
Another Bush legacy. Thanks W.
Final Result. Referee Rules.
The US Supreme Court in its infinite wisdom has decided that warfare is more important that protecting species. Proving once again that killing trumps life for Homo Sapiens.
I still fail to see where Sapiens comes into this.
The US Supreme Court is lifting restrictions on the US Navy's use of sonar in training exercises off the California coast, a defeat for environmental groups who say the sonar can harm whales. The court, in its first decision of the term, voted 5-4 that it agreed with the plaintiffs that the US Navy needs to conduct realistic training exercises to respond to potential threats by enemy submarines.
This will have far reaching implications for all whales that migrate up and down both US coasts. Particularly vulnerable will be the Killer Whales in the Puget Sound Area.
Another Bush legacy. Thanks W.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Haikus For Bush end
A farewell to GWB
A little light today
Farewell Bush. You Dog.
Your reign is over. Thank God
And God bless you too
W heads back to Ranch
Place he never should have left
Now we have shambles
Cheney go to hell
None of us e’er wish you well
Thanks for left overs
Cheney and Palin
What a horrifying thought
The puppeteer and?
Poor JM chose bad
Chose Palin over JL
He’ll rot in some hell
Palin or Biden
Each could be pres one day soon
Send Sarah to moon
Vote for Ralphie
Yet another wasted ploy
Secret GOP
Fey for President
She’s a better Pailin Yes?
Originals bad!
“My Friends”. End is near
Truly thought I was doing
Good things for you all
GOP and Dems
All agree, the thing that be
Go Vote tomorrow
(substitute for tomorrow – Go and Vote Today)
A farewell to GWB
A little light today
Farewell Bush. You Dog.
Your reign is over. Thank God
And God bless you too
W heads back to Ranch
Place he never should have left
Now we have shambles
Cheney go to hell
None of us e’er wish you well
Thanks for left overs
Cheney and Palin
What a horrifying thought
The puppeteer and?
Poor JM chose bad
Chose Palin over JL
He’ll rot in some hell
Palin or Biden
Each could be pres one day soon
Send Sarah to moon
Vote for Ralphie
Yet another wasted ploy
Secret GOP
Fey for President
She’s a better Pailin Yes?
Originals bad!
“My Friends”. End is near
Truly thought I was doing
Good things for you all
GOP and Dems
All agree, the thing that be
Go Vote tomorrow
(substitute for tomorrow – Go and Vote Today)
Monday, November 03, 2008
Political Haikus
10 Special Commemorative Haikus for November 4th 2008
Farewell Bush. You Dog.
Your reign is over. Thank God
And God bless you too
W heads back to Ranch
Place he never should have left
Now we have shambles
Cheney go to hell
None of us e’er wish you well
Thanks for left overs
Cheney and Palin
What a horrifying thought
The puppeteer and?
Poor JM chose bad
Chose Palin over JL
He’ll rot in some hell
Palin or Biden
Each could be pres one day soon
Send Sarah to moon
Vote for Ralphie
Yet another wasted ploy
Secret GOP
Fey for President
She’s a better Pailin Yes?
Originals bad!
“My Friends”. End is near
Truly thought I was doing
Good things for you all
GOP and Dems
All agree, the thing that be
Go Vote tomorrow
(substitute for tomorrow – Go and Vote Today)
10 Special Commemorative Haikus for November 4th 2008
Farewell Bush. You Dog.
Your reign is over. Thank God
And God bless you too
W heads back to Ranch
Place he never should have left
Now we have shambles
Cheney go to hell
None of us e’er wish you well
Thanks for left overs
Cheney and Palin
What a horrifying thought
The puppeteer and?
Poor JM chose bad
Chose Palin over JL
He’ll rot in some hell
Palin or Biden
Each could be pres one day soon
Send Sarah to moon
Vote for Ralphie
Yet another wasted ploy
Secret GOP
Fey for President
She’s a better Pailin Yes?
Originals bad!
“My Friends”. End is near
Truly thought I was doing
Good things for you all
GOP and Dems
All agree, the thing that be
Go Vote tomorrow
(substitute for tomorrow – Go and Vote Today)
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Goodnight Yankee Stadium
Tonight - for the last time players and fans will pile into that crumbling structure. And it will be the end. After tonight they start demolishing the Stadium to make way for next season when a new Yankee Stadium will be inaugurated.
The sense of history is palpable.
Sadly only once did I pass through its hallowed halls. When the fans meander out they will no doubt be taking what they can with them (being New Yorkers you can expect them to walk out with everything that is not actually permanently attached. I know some guys who are smuggling in tools so they can take seats out with them...
Cheers Babe!
Tonight - for the last time players and fans will pile into that crumbling structure. And it will be the end. After tonight they start demolishing the Stadium to make way for next season when a new Yankee Stadium will be inaugurated.
The sense of history is palpable.
Sadly only once did I pass through its hallowed halls. When the fans meander out they will no doubt be taking what they can with them (being New Yorkers you can expect them to walk out with everything that is not actually permanently attached. I know some guys who are smuggling in tools so they can take seats out with them...
Cheers Babe!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Cheney tries to create new 4th branch of government
Well we know the law is an ass... and we know that the current US Administration has no bounds for its determination to circumvent key provisions of written and case law. Let's leave aside international law for the moment. So VP Cheney's office argument that his office was a part of the government but not bound by the government protocols.
I quote from CNN:
"Cheney chief of staff David Addington has told Congress that the vice president belongs to neither the executive nor legislative branch of government, AP reported. Instead, he said, the office is attached by the Constitution to Congress. The vice president presides over the Senate."
Last time I checked the US Constitution states clearly there are 3 part of government. Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. Cheney I think we can surmise was trying to create a new 4th category. Let's call it the Bushery.
Colleen Kollar-Kotelly is a well known Judge - her Wikipedia entry makes interesting reading. She is definitely her own person. Appointed by Clinton - she did support the White House in a FOI case this year. But ruled that Cheney is no such thing as a 4th Branch of the Government and therefore as VP he must maintain all records. Boy will that make great reading when he leaves. I want to see the duck hunting entries!
Cheers
Timothy
Well we know the law is an ass... and we know that the current US Administration has no bounds for its determination to circumvent key provisions of written and case law. Let's leave aside international law for the moment. So VP Cheney's office argument that his office was a part of the government but not bound by the government protocols.
I quote from CNN:
"Cheney chief of staff David Addington has told Congress that the vice president belongs to neither the executive nor legislative branch of government, AP reported. Instead, he said, the office is attached by the Constitution to Congress. The vice president presides over the Senate."
Last time I checked the US Constitution states clearly there are 3 part of government. Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. Cheney I think we can surmise was trying to create a new 4th category. Let's call it the Bushery.
Colleen Kollar-Kotelly is a well known Judge - her Wikipedia entry makes interesting reading. She is definitely her own person. Appointed by Clinton - she did support the White House in a FOI case this year. But ruled that Cheney is no such thing as a 4th Branch of the Government and therefore as VP he must maintain all records. Boy will that make great reading when he leaves. I want to see the duck hunting entries!
Cheers
Timothy
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Matt Drudge - bad for America
I have just returned from Europe and was in the UK when the story broke about Matt Drudge's outing of Prince Harry in Afghanistan.
Well done Matt. You are a fine ambassador for the USA. Up until now most of the rest of the world could personify the things that are bad in Iraq on the door step of the personage of George W Bush. But the outing of Prince Harry apart from being stupid and completely insensitive now places all Americans (in the eyes of at least the British) in the same place as the current President.
If that was the mission for Drudge - then he has been highly effective. For me this confirms the real line between bloggers and journalists. There has to be some ethics in what and why you publish.
While I am not a journalist nor even a consistent blogger - I do believe that we all have the responsibility to behave to a code. While it may not be hard coded, I just hope that people will read my blog(s) with the view that I don't publish everything I find out for sensationalism. Further check the facts and implication. I promise to try.
Cheers
Timothy
Comments? either comment here or send me an email personally to timothyo@t2impact.com
I have just returned from Europe and was in the UK when the story broke about Matt Drudge's outing of Prince Harry in Afghanistan.
Well done Matt. You are a fine ambassador for the USA. Up until now most of the rest of the world could personify the things that are bad in Iraq on the door step of the personage of George W Bush. But the outing of Prince Harry apart from being stupid and completely insensitive now places all Americans (in the eyes of at least the British) in the same place as the current President.
If that was the mission for Drudge - then he has been highly effective. For me this confirms the real line between bloggers and journalists. There has to be some ethics in what and why you publish.
While I am not a journalist nor even a consistent blogger - I do believe that we all have the responsibility to behave to a code. While it may not be hard coded, I just hope that people will read my blog(s) with the view that I don't publish everything I find out for sensationalism. Further check the facts and implication. I promise to try.
Cheers
Timothy
Comments? either comment here or send me an email personally to timothyo@t2impact.com
Friday, February 29, 2008
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Paul W. Tibbets - Enola Gay Pilot dies aged 92
Paul Tibbets, the pilot of the B-29 that dropped the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima died today in Ohio.
A lifelong pilot and aviation enthusiast - one of his best comments, when hounded on the guilt he must have felt on killing so many people, was the right answer. He replied "I was doing what I was ordered to do." and then he added in an NPR interview "If I worried about the morality then I would not have been doing my duty. War is immoral, everything else is academic". How true.
Paul Tibbets, the pilot of the B-29 that dropped the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima died today in Ohio.
A lifelong pilot and aviation enthusiast - one of his best comments, when hounded on the guilt he must have felt on killing so many people, was the right answer. He replied "I was doing what I was ordered to do." and then he added in an NPR interview "If I worried about the morality then I would not have been doing my duty. War is immoral, everything else is academic". How true.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Monday, October 08, 2007
Oxford Dictionaryand Facebook Out to get me...
OK - call me paranoid but I believe there is an orchestrated effort via the Web to get rid of me - at least my name.
The Shorter Oxford Dictionary, you know the big one that is anything but shorter, has decided in its infinite wisdom to remove the hyphen (actually 16,000) of them from the language. I quote"
"Lovers of the hyphen, look away now: it seems to be on the way out. Drawing on the evidence of the Oxford Reading Programme and our two–billion–word Oxford English Corpus, we removed something like 16,000 hyphens from the text of the Shorter. So it's double bass, not double–bass, ice cream not ice–cream, makeover instead of make–over, and postmodern rather than post–modern."
So hence forth I shall be O'NEILDUNNE or O'NEILL DUNNE. (Oh yes and this is correct according to Heraldry law!) But wait that's not all. Facebook has also got it in for me. I recently reactivated my Facebook. OK - I had let it lapse. But I find I cannot put in my real name. (It asks me lots f questions about whether I want to be there as a celebrity but still it insits that 3 capitals in one name are too much and as keeper of the flame on the Internet - they have decided that I cannot have such a thing therefore my name must be O'neil-dunne.
Joy....
But wait... my other family members get to have their names correctly... why not me?
It is a communist plot
OK - call me paranoid but I believe there is an orchestrated effort via the Web to get rid of me - at least my name.
The Shorter Oxford Dictionary, you know the big one that is anything but shorter, has decided in its infinite wisdom to remove the hyphen (actually 16,000) of them from the language. I quote"
"Lovers of the hyphen, look away now: it seems to be on the way out. Drawing on the evidence of the Oxford Reading Programme and our two–billion–word Oxford English Corpus, we removed something like 16,000 hyphens from the text of the Shorter. So it's double bass, not double–bass, ice cream not ice–cream, makeover instead of make–over, and postmodern rather than post–modern."
So hence forth I shall be O'NEILDUNNE or O'NEILL DUNNE. (Oh yes and this is correct according to Heraldry law!) But wait that's not all. Facebook has also got it in for me. I recently reactivated my Facebook. OK - I had let it lapse. But I find I cannot put in my real name. (It asks me lots f questions about whether I want to be there as a celebrity but still it insits that 3 capitals in one name are too much and as keeper of the flame on the Internet - they have decided that I cannot have such a thing therefore my name must be O'neil-dunne.
Joy....
But wait... my other family members get to have their names correctly... why not me?
It is a communist plot
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
STOP THE WORLD - I think I want to get off.... Web 2.0 overload
If you wont mind me indulging in shamelessly ripping of the title of the 1960s musical - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_the_World_-_I_Want_to_Get_Off
Emarketer issued a report on business use of Web2.0. It makes for sad reading if you take off the rose colored glasses. http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?1004868&src=article1_home.
There is a sense that we have now reached a theoretical - no make that practical - limit on how much "stuff" we all have to do. Not content with running websites and writing blogs we now have to do even more. And get chided by the likes of emarketer to boot.
Ian McCraig - the new CEO over at Lastminute.com - in his pundits eye view at the recent Travolution conference indicated that the market for Online travel was now mature. With now more than 50% of all travel purchased on line (but NOT exclusively) is it game over.
THe problem is that we are starting to see that as the market matures inefficiencies that once the unsavvy consumer lived with are now becoming either annoying or worse downright smelly. more and crap is being served up as either a Travel 2.0 or Web 2.0 stuff. It just gets in the way of doing what i want to do. (And NO i dont want to pay to have a non-ad stuffed version).
So here and now I am stating that i hope seller type people will listen and SIMPLIFY my life not make it MORE complicated - as a consumer. Otherwise I will become a hermit or something...
For a reasonably executed version of a clean site go to www.cleartrip.com . And if you want to compare expedias (yes there are 13 of them now) check out the newest www.expedia.es and the worst www.expedia.com.
Cheers
Timothy
If you wont mind me indulging in shamelessly ripping of the title of the 1960s musical - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_the_World_-_I_Want_to_Get_Off
Emarketer issued a report on business use of Web2.0. It makes for sad reading if you take off the rose colored glasses. http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?1004868&src=article1_home.
There is a sense that we have now reached a theoretical - no make that practical - limit on how much "stuff" we all have to do. Not content with running websites and writing blogs we now have to do even more. And get chided by the likes of emarketer to boot.
Ian McCraig - the new CEO over at Lastminute.com - in his pundits eye view at the recent Travolution conference indicated that the market for Online travel was now mature. With now more than 50% of all travel purchased on line (but NOT exclusively) is it game over.
THe problem is that we are starting to see that as the market matures inefficiencies that once the unsavvy consumer lived with are now becoming either annoying or worse downright smelly. more and crap is being served up as either a Travel 2.0 or Web 2.0 stuff. It just gets in the way of doing what i want to do. (And NO i dont want to pay to have a non-ad stuffed version).
So here and now I am stating that i hope seller type people will listen and SIMPLIFY my life not make it MORE complicated - as a consumer. Otherwise I will become a hermit or something...
For a reasonably executed version of a clean site go to www.cleartrip.com . And if you want to compare expedias (yes there are 13 of them now) check out the newest www.expedia.es and the worst www.expedia.com.
Cheers
Timothy
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
S.Pellegrino world's best 50 restaurants
Tuesday April 24 2007
1. El Bulli Spain ( World's best restaurant and best in Europe)2. The Fat Duck UK 3. Pierre Gagnaire France 4.The French Laundry USA (best in the Americas)5. Tetsuya's Australia (best in Australasia) 6. Bras France 7. Mugaritz Spain 8. Le Louis XV Monaco 9. Per Se USA 10. Arzak Spain 11. El Celler de Can Roca Spain 12. Gambero Rosso Italy 13. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon France 14. Hof van Cleve Belgium 15. Noma Denmark (highest climber)16. Le Calandre Italy 17. Nobu London UK 18. Jean Georges USA 19. Hakkasan UK 20. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée France 21. L'Astrance France 22. Can Fabes Spain 23. L'Ambroisie France 24. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay UK 25. Troisgros France 26. Le Bernardin USA 27. Martin Berasategui Spain 28. Le Gavroche UK 29. Le Cinq France 30. Charlie Trotter's USA 31. Dal Pescatore Italy 32. Daniel USA 33. Rockpool Australia 34. St John UK 35. Chez Dominique Finland 36. Alinea USA (highest new entry)37. Bukhara India (best in Asia)38. DOM Brazil 39. Oaxen Skärgårdskrog Sweden 40. Chez Panisse USA 41. Enoteca Pinchiorri Italy 42. Cracco Peck Italy (new entry)43. L'Arpège France 44. River Café UK (re-entry)45. Oud Sluis Netherlands 46. Combal Zero Italy (new entry)47. Le Quartier Français South Africa (best in Middle East and Africa)48. Taillevent France 49. Bocuse France 50. Les Ambassadeurs France (new entry)
Tuesday April 24 2007
1. El Bulli Spain ( World's best restaurant and best in Europe)2. The Fat Duck UK 3. Pierre Gagnaire France 4.The French Laundry USA (best in the Americas)5. Tetsuya's Australia (best in Australasia) 6. Bras France 7. Mugaritz Spain 8. Le Louis XV Monaco 9. Per Se USA 10. Arzak Spain 11. El Celler de Can Roca Spain 12. Gambero Rosso Italy 13. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon France 14. Hof van Cleve Belgium 15. Noma Denmark (highest climber)16. Le Calandre Italy 17. Nobu London UK 18. Jean Georges USA 19. Hakkasan UK 20. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée France 21. L'Astrance France 22. Can Fabes Spain 23. L'Ambroisie France 24. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay UK 25. Troisgros France 26. Le Bernardin USA 27. Martin Berasategui Spain 28. Le Gavroche UK 29. Le Cinq France 30. Charlie Trotter's USA 31. Dal Pescatore Italy 32. Daniel USA 33. Rockpool Australia 34. St John UK 35. Chez Dominique Finland 36. Alinea USA (highest new entry)37. Bukhara India (best in Asia)38. DOM Brazil 39. Oaxen Skärgårdskrog Sweden 40. Chez Panisse USA 41. Enoteca Pinchiorri Italy 42. Cracco Peck Italy (new entry)43. L'Arpège France 44. River Café UK (re-entry)45. Oud Sluis Netherlands 46. Combal Zero Italy (new entry)47. Le Quartier Français South Africa (best in Middle East and Africa)48. Taillevent France 49. Bocuse France 50. Les Ambassadeurs France (new entry)
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Don Imus - Martyr to a cause?
Well if no one else says it - I will
Here is a comment on the Don Imus firing.
First off - I deplore his comments. Anyone who speaks in public must be accountable for their actions. So speaking as one who has at times inserted a foot into the mouth - I accept that this was not anything that has anyone happy. It was wrong! I also want to be sure - that I have found nothing on the right or the left side of the argument compelling enough to warrant firing the guy. CBS Radio - you knew that he appealed to a certain audience and that audience was fed the crap that they wanted to hear. Not my cup of tea but I defend the rights of anyone to who wants to hear that drivel.
Now the crux of my issue. Those who have hounded Imus off the air must now accept that they have indeed created another cornerstone in the Nanny state. Well done everyone! Free speech is dead - long live the power of public sensitivity.
The other day I was flipping stations on my radio dial and I heard in context the same words that allegedly offended, on several (i.e. more than one) radio station - "purporting" to be music. On the same day I watched with a 15 year old member of my family - several episodes of Fox's Family Guy comedy series. Lots of put downs there I can assure you.
My point is that you don’t have to listen to this. Free Speech says you can walk away at any time. You have a choice to speak AND to listen. Taking Imus off the air is censorship. Pure and Simple.
It is just too bad we don’t have as much sway over the current US administration. Would it not be eminently more appropriate for us to fire people for either - killing others, lying and deceit, wasting public money etc etc.
Think carefully before everyone jumps to conclusions. What has happened was a knee jerk response to an exercise (albeit in horrible taste) of a fundamental right of this country. Imus is no hero. But he has been made an unnecessary martyr in a war that should not exist.
This is my personal opinion and I stand behind it 100%
Timothy J O'Neil-Dunne
UNIVERSAL VOICEMAIL BOX +1 425 749 4221
Well if no one else says it - I will
Here is a comment on the Don Imus firing.
First off - I deplore his comments. Anyone who speaks in public must be accountable for their actions. So speaking as one who has at times inserted a foot into the mouth - I accept that this was not anything that has anyone happy. It was wrong! I also want to be sure - that I have found nothing on the right or the left side of the argument compelling enough to warrant firing the guy. CBS Radio - you knew that he appealed to a certain audience and that audience was fed the crap that they wanted to hear. Not my cup of tea but I defend the rights of anyone to who wants to hear that drivel.
Now the crux of my issue. Those who have hounded Imus off the air must now accept that they have indeed created another cornerstone in the Nanny state. Well done everyone! Free speech is dead - long live the power of public sensitivity.
The other day I was flipping stations on my radio dial and I heard in context the same words that allegedly offended, on several (i.e. more than one) radio station - "purporting" to be music. On the same day I watched with a 15 year old member of my family - several episodes of Fox's Family Guy comedy series. Lots of put downs there I can assure you.
My point is that you don’t have to listen to this. Free Speech says you can walk away at any time. You have a choice to speak AND to listen. Taking Imus off the air is censorship. Pure and Simple.
It is just too bad we don’t have as much sway over the current US administration. Would it not be eminently more appropriate for us to fire people for either - killing others, lying and deceit, wasting public money etc etc.
Think carefully before everyone jumps to conclusions. What has happened was a knee jerk response to an exercise (albeit in horrible taste) of a fundamental right of this country. Imus is no hero. But he has been made an unnecessary martyr in a war that should not exist.
This is my personal opinion and I stand behind it 100%
Timothy J O'Neil-Dunne
UNIVERSAL VOICEMAIL BOX +1 425 749 4221
Friday, April 13, 2007
The End of an ERA
In Spring of 1999 i used to dread having to go to the mailbox as my favorite weekly tech read was InfoWorld. The regular issues were well into the 50 pages plus. One monster edition clocked in at 124 pages.
Last week it closed its print edition a measly 38 pages and that was pushing it. Proudly proclaiming "Final Print Edition" sadly no more.
However - my laptop and all other electronic devices fail two critical tests of reading in my book.
1. - you cant comfortably take them with you to the toilet (one of the last refuges of peace and quiet)
2. You cant lay them out and stare at them
I liken this change to the end of the Album art canvas. A 12 inch LP was a place to display art. a CD case some how doesnt quite have the same impact. I need not tell you that look what happened to the entire food chain that was dependent on Albums. So too are we slowly witnessing the death of print. It wont ever truly die out but look what we have lost already...
-Diarists - bloggers dont even come close (this writer particularly)
-Letters - how will future generations unearth letters locked in trunks expressing passion and sentiment. IMs and SMSs are hardly eloquent
-Complete sentences...
Infoworld - I will miss you. And please stop spamming me with so much data. I only wanted to be able to skim certain pieces.
Love
T
In Spring of 1999 i used to dread having to go to the mailbox as my favorite weekly tech read was InfoWorld. The regular issues were well into the 50 pages plus. One monster edition clocked in at 124 pages.
Last week it closed its print edition a measly 38 pages and that was pushing it. Proudly proclaiming "Final Print Edition" sadly no more.
However - my laptop and all other electronic devices fail two critical tests of reading in my book.
1. - you cant comfortably take them with you to the toilet (one of the last refuges of peace and quiet)
2. You cant lay them out and stare at them
I liken this change to the end of the Album art canvas. A 12 inch LP was a place to display art. a CD case some how doesnt quite have the same impact. I need not tell you that look what happened to the entire food chain that was dependent on Albums. So too are we slowly witnessing the death of print. It wont ever truly die out but look what we have lost already...
-Diarists - bloggers dont even come close (this writer particularly)
-Letters - how will future generations unearth letters locked in trunks expressing passion and sentiment. IMs and SMSs are hardly eloquent
-Complete sentences...
Infoworld - I will miss you. And please stop spamming me with so much data. I only wanted to be able to skim certain pieces.
Love
T
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