Isn't It So Obvious... It's All About Cognitive Surplus

NYU Professor Clay Shirky gave a talk at the recent Web 2.0 Expo in San Fran about how active participation by individuals is revolutionizing media, especially after the traditional media model only focused on individual consumption for decades. According to Shirky, people participating in new media isn't a fade, it's only the beginning. The video is 15 minutes, but well worth watching. Check it out. Here's a transcript of the talk as well.

Community... What Technology Can't Duplicate

Back in April 2004, Staff Sgt. Matt Maupin, from Batavia, OH just east of Cincinnati was captured while serving in Iraq. Over the next four years, the Cincinnati community rallied around him, his family and the phrase, "Love Never Loses Its Way Home." Although, not the only Tri-State soldier to make the ultimate sacrifice serving in Iraq, for many people Matt became the name and face of this war.

Although it wasn't a ticker tape parade, celebrating his safe return, the fact that his body was found and returned to his family is its own kind of miracle.

This weekend, Cincinnati got a chance to say goodbye to a native son and I think our city offered, a very fitting tribute (at least as is possible) for someone who made the ultimate sacrifice.

People lining the route from the airport to the visitation.

Yellow ribbons lined the route, from the airport to the visitation, roughly 10 miles.

Here comes a hero

A hero passes by

Crowd at Great American Ball Park

The funeral on the infield of Great American Ballpark

A Cincinnati boy, gets his name on the scoreboard.

Two flyovers took place including the missing man formation for the 4 years that Matt was missing.

Procession leaving the ballpark on the way to the cemetary.

Several hundred Patriot Guard Riders, who attend funerals across the country of fallen soldiers in order to ensure protestors don't disrupt and disrespect the ceremony, joined the procession to the cemetary. They just kept coming and coming, which was a site to behold.

Images are my shots of the procession from the airport including a yellow ribbon that lined the route every few feet to the visitation on Saturday April 26, 2008, which was a 20 hour vigil. In addition, are pictures of the funeral on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at Great American Ball Park.

For more info from the Cincinnati Enquirer click here.

While Technology Costs Decrease, The Basics Go The Other Way

It's nice to see price reductions on non-essential technological items, such as MP3 players, plasma televisions and even computers. However, if the cost of fundamentals such as food, gas and education continue to outpace inflation, those inexpensive gadgets, don't look quite so good. Check it out.

No, Your Eyes Are Not Playing Tricks on You...

That's right, websites are starting to evolve, but this time it's on their own. Traditionally, updating a webpage has involved a web developer (a person) making specific changes. Well, not any more. Check it out.

The good old days

Remember, when people actually paid for things like long distance phone calls and newspaper subscriptions. What a bunch of suckers. Now, the challenge is to find ways to create a lasting business model in this new world. Check it out. It's free.

Is That Every Song Every Recorded in Your Pocket or Are You Just Happy to See Me?

I can't wait to see what the world's going to be like in another 10 years. In 2006, I finally starting using a MP3 player and in 2007 I got my first iPod Shuffle. Nobody can accuse me of being an early adopter!!! However, the incredible speeed of these development cycles is remarkable.

A portable device capable of storing 500,000 songs. Check it out.

How I Came to Learn About The Grid

It was this article that started it all. I didn't grow up as a science fiction junkie, but I felt like that's exactly what I was reading. However, this article truly confirms the phrase, "anything is possible."