Film
Media Wants to Be Digital, Downloadable, and Free
Mooreâs Law famously describes an important trend in computer processing power: the number of transistors that can be inexpensively placed on an integrated circuit increases exponentially. Specifically, Intel founder Gordon Moore observed that chip density doubles about every two years. Thanks to Mooreâs Law, computer processing is now free for most intents and purposes. Metcalfeâs [...]
Angels and Angles: Trompes Triumph
It seemed like a low-key Oscar night, although I haven’t watched in many years. Best joke: the John Stuart gag on Barack Obama’s politically challenging name ("His middle name is the last name of Iraq’s former tyrant and his last name rhymes with Osama."), recalling the presidential candidate "Gaydolf Titler". Best moment: French actress Marie [...]
"Don't tell me that this is the best America can do."
Last year I got in touch with a friend who had backed Alibris in its very early days. At the time he invested, he warned me that he could be "pathologically intense" and he had occasionally proven his point. A man with Twain’s "pen warmed up in hell", he had written a book that had [...]
Gravity Lessons
Leaders of businesses assaulted by technology can sympathize with Wile E. Coyote. We know how he feels when he discovers that the road beneath his feet has turned to air. We laugh in sympathy as his expression turns sheepish and he pedals frantically. We know that fall is gonna hurt. These days you can find [...]
Quick, the Invisibility Cloak!
Arrived in London to find 17-year-old Daniel Radcliffe making damned sure that he doesn’t get type cast for his film role as Harry Potter. Radcliffe is upstaging the recent announcement of the final Harry Potter book by preparing to appear on the West End stage in a revival of Peter Shaffer’s controversial play Equus. This [...]
To Infinity and Beyond: Steve Jobs Does it Again
Every year at this time I make a habit of watching the finest business presentation on the planet: the Steve Jobs keynote address at Mac World. The event is held nearby, but I watch the film to see Jobs present new results, products, and businesses. On Tuesday Jobs keynoted MacWorld 2007. He is surely one [...]
