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August 28, 2003

GUEST BELI-BLOGGER LEE MCD: BE PREPARED!

While this isn't exactly the Boy Scouts (who seem to devolve as time goes forward), it is ALWAYS a good idea to be prepared. This site will definitely make you think about what you will need to do. I've already stopped to think about many of these ideas. So, be prepared!

Plus, tonight is the VMA's on MTV - look for outrageous entrances, appearances, and statements. The promo's being run are quite cool. Of course, I'm in it only for the most pure artistic reasons. Ciao!

Posted by at 2:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

August 27, 2003

WHY, WHY, WHY... WILL IT NEVER END? CEO PAY

Back on the 24th of July I wrote about my disdain for how publicly-held companies and their shareholders are consistently rewarded for cost cutting measures that result in the laying off or firing of our fellow citizens. In my rant I pointed out that over a 24 month period Eastman Kodak made plans to cut its workforce by nearly 20 percent, and how that companyís announcement that itíd be laying off 4,500 to 6,000 employees was met with enthusiasm in the form of a nearly 10 percent increase in the value of its stock. Now, just a few weeks later, we learn that Kodakís CEO, Daniel Carp, appears to be the one who benefited the most.

In 2001, CEO Carp earned a salary of $4,582,000.00. In 2002, after announcing 8,100 layoffs, Carpís salary rose a whopping 67 percent to $7,649,000.00. CEOs at companies with the largest layoffs and the most under funded pensions are continuing to be rewarded with bigger paychecks. According to a report I heard on NPR yesterday morning, median CEO pay skyrocketed 44 percent from 2001 to 2002 at the 50 companies with the largest number of layoffs in 2001, while overall CEO pay rose only 6 percent.

The top layoff leader in terms of layoff numbers is Carly Fiorina at Hewlett-Packard. Her company reduced its workforce by 25,700 workers in 2001, and her pay jumped 231 percent, from $1.2 million in 2001 to $4.1 million in 2002.

The top layoff leader by percentage pay increase was AOL Time Warner's Gerald M. Levin, who presided over 4,380 layoffs in 2001. Levin's pay increased a staggering 1,612 percent, from $1.2 million in 2001 to $21.2 million in 2002.

By contrast, between 1990 and 2002, average CEO pay rose 279 percent... far more than the 46 percent increase in worker pay, which was just 8 percent above inflation. Will the madness never end?

Posted by Mikal at 7:24 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

August 26, 2003

Thursday, August 28, 2003, is the 40th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington in which Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the now famous "I Have A Dream" speech. Ford Church has blogged about race relations and the apathy of an American citizenry toward our basic and inherited privileges. A lot has changed since 1963, but a lot remains the same. I personally know (otherwise) respectable people who use the word "nigger" in a demeaning way to refer to blacks, especially the "lazies" in their own words. My dad burned a bed mattress because my brother slept with a half-black woman on it. My dad wouldn't let us watch The Cosby Show in the 1980's because it was "a nigger show."

Even professional colleagues and vendors make the occasional references which betray their open or subtle racism. I do my best to create an awareness event from such comments and have taken extraordinary measures in my own life to combat racism and discrimination of any sort. As a gay man, I can understand prejudice and even hate, in a particular way. I had a hard time fully accepting transgender and pansexual people because those orientations or situations were virgin territory for me. In my small corners of the world, I make the differences I can. Folks like John Rocker, the baseball player, David Duke, and others have a larger platform and contnue to peddle their overt & subtle racist and exclusionary ideas. I think globally and act locally. If you have time for a story, ask Mikal about his first trip to visit me at Brown University in Providence, RI. For a personal story of someone who attended the original march, please see Charlie Bakst's recent column. Keep hope alive!

August 25, 2003

While it's way too early for me to say who I'll be voting for in the 2004 presidential election, it's not the same for a lot of other people I know. Blog after blog and friend after friend are writing about how great Howard Dean is and about how I should donate money to his campaign. One friend even went so far as to tell me and about 50 or his other friends via a mass e-mail message that Dean is the only Democrat so far who is openly stepping up to challenge Bush and his policies. God, do I hate gross-generalizations!

As I wrote on ChristinasWeb.com earlier this month, there's still a great deal of time between now and next November, and I urge everyone to study the candidates and their stances, and to not be afraid to vote for the candidate who you truly think will do the best job according to your values.

In my world, there's no such thing as throwing away a vote... not in a democracy... especially if the democracy is to succeed over the long-term. Short-term thinking, where votes are concerned, is akin to short-term investing: the gains usually don't last as long as you'd like or planned for.

August 22, 2003

Will we ever see a time when all races can live in harmony without fear-based actions and reactions? What have you done to stop racism in your community?

I just returned from another stimulating colloquium down in Prescott, AZ (pronounced "Preskit" real fast if you are a local) as part of a requirement for my Master of Arts Program . I attended a showing of the award winning documentary called the Color of Fear with Victor Lewis and I wanted to share my thoughts about my experience.

This was a very intense documentary about eight American men from a variety of ethnic backgrounds who came together for a weekend to discus racism. What unfolded was a heart to heart sharing from the depths of their souls, which really made me think about my white, male privilege. Although this is a bold statement, I think a majority of Americans from European decent (both male and female) have never questioned their privileged status in America. If you are of European decent, have you thought about the last time you were continuously ignored by salespeople or clerks in various stores? Ignored while trying to buy a new car? Told by realtors or rental agencies that there was nothing available in the neighborhood? Pulled over by the police because you "looked" suspicious?

Heated exchanges between these men exposed fear as the root of racism. Fear of being oppressed, held down, pulled over, judged, attacked, etc. While progress has been made thanks to the pioneers of the womenís rights movement, civil rights movements, etc., we have light years to travel to address a multitude of social justice issues in America. Will we ever see a time when all races can live in harmony without fear-based actions and reactions? What have you done to stop racism in your community? One commitment I have made from this past weekend is to stop and address racist jokes and slanders as soon as I hear them. This is one small step, but if we take baby steps to heal our own space, we can make great strides in healing our community, nation, and the world.

August 21, 2003

It's always exciting when a friend opens a new business. Brad's girlfriend, Ashley, recently opened Frolic, a women's shoe store just off the Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder. Here's a picture of the store's interior:

Regardless of the state of the economy, owning and operating a successful small business (retail or otherwise) requires access to intellectual and financial capital, major amounts of passion, and a healthy dose of realistic expectations. From everything Brad's told me, Ashley should succeed. She's well funded, did a ton research on the front end, and appears to have a wonderful sense of style. The only thing that concerns me about this particular store is it's location. While the Pearl Street Mall -- an outdoor pedestrian / walking mall -- is an excellent spot for a shop like this one, Frolic may have a difficult time getting people to turn that corner off of Pearl and onto Broadway. Perhaps some cross-promotional relationships with 'on the Mall' merchants would strengthen Frolic's position.

Regardless of the location, I'm truly excited for Ashley. There's nothing quite like owning and operating your own business. Hang on Ash; you're in for one of the greatest roller coaster rides available on the planet today!

For my Colorado-based Readers: While flipping thru the paper the other day I noticed an advertisement seeking participants for a new reality-based television show. The ad read:

CAN YOU SURVIVE IN THE DESERT? Discovery Channel production company seeks charismatic participants to appear on survival TV show. To apply, go to www.wildernessdoc.com.

I'm sorry, but this has Josh Bernstein and BOSS written all over it. The rumor has long been that JB is looking for a way to break into television. Ford, Matt, Brad, Renee, Bryan, what do ya know? Is this a Josh production?

August 20, 2003

After running across this crazy website, I feel like a complete and total intellectual slouch. This is the sort of thing that co-worker Tom will excel at. As for me, well, I only got 4 out of 252 correct. Care to guess which ones I knew? Click here to see what I'm talking about.

... I'll post it here. If you're still unclear about what's what, click here for an explanation. Even if you think you know what's what, click here for a quick reminder and good laugh.

August 19, 2003

Click here for a great duel. Trust me though... the longer you watch, the better it becomes!

August 15, 2003

Q: What emerging technology excites you most, or... what emerging technology do you think holds the most promise or potential for your life or the lives of those you care about?

Q: The beginning of eternity, the end of space. The beginning of every end, the end of every place. What am I?

Q: Are men really from Mars and women really from Venus, or is this an oversimplified gross generalization?

Q: Hellmannís Mayo or Miracle Whip... and as long as you're at it, Ranch or Blue Cheese?

August 13, 2003

I pulled into the shopping center and saw a little boy wrapped around the legs of his mother; Like ice cream melting they embraced, years of bad decisions runnin' down her face; All mornin' I'd been thinkin' my life's so hard, and they wore everything they own, livin' in a car; I wanted to tell him it would be ok, but I got just got in my suburban and I drove away. I don't know why they say grown men don't cry. -- from Tim McGraw's "Grown Men Don't Cry"

I left work early yesterday to volunteer at the Wheeler Mission. Located close to a part of downtown Indianapolis that is increasingly becoming more and more trendy and upscale, the Mission has been a beacon of hope to inner city people for more than 100 years. It provides beds for homeless men, supper and breakfast for those who attend its chapel services, a Christian study program and summer camp for inner city youth, a Mother's Club, weekly children's program, and an emergency food pantry.

As a late-afternoon volunteer, I help with serving dinner and the clean-up that follows. Today, the gentleman in charge of the cafeteria asked me to work the water / juice station. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, let me tell ya boys and girls... it was really hard work. The 5 gallon insulated cooler containing the Kool Aid and ice water sat on a table no more than 26 inches high, which meant that each and every one of the 150+ cups I filled required repeated bends and twists, which after the first 20 or so became a real pain in the back! But just knowing that I was helping someone else made the effort and resulting pain well worth it.

Doing volunteer work can be a very enriching experience. While our career paths and natural talents may often lead us to perform mundane and routine tasks on a daily basis, there's usually a part of us that remains unfulfilled. Think about it... consider the lyrics to that Tim McGraw song... which would you rather do... be a grown man or woman who cries and does nothing, or one who cries after doing something. I choose to do something, and I'll support and encourage anyone else who attempts to do the same, regardless of the cause!

August 12, 2003

Last night after work, I spent some time volunteering over at the Children's Bureau of Indianapolis -- a private, not-for-profit Indianapolis-based child and family services organization that supports and assists vulnerable and at-risk children and families. As we entered the security-tight building, one of my co-volunteers briefed me on the Bureau's protocols surrounding touching any of the children. She informed me that all forms of touch, from hugging at the end of the session to placing your hand on someone's back while providing directions or instructions, are strictly prohibited. Understanding that many of the kids in this particular facility come from highly dysfunctional homes, where touch is commonly associated with abuse, I completely understood and supported the policy.

As we started the activity (we were there to show the kids how to make and decorate their own tic-tac-toe game thingy like this one, only using small Tupperware containers rather than an Altoids tin), I was very deliberate about not touching any of the children... but as time went on I continually caught myself in the act of about to give someone a pat on the back or a helping hand in an innocent, yet according to policy, inappropriate way. At first I figured that the no-touch approach would be simple and easy. By the time I left the facility, I felt like a part of me wasn't left behind, and it was a sad sort of feeling. I had forgotten just how important touch can be, both negatively and positively.

August 11, 2003

Itís another day in paradise here in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, and I am excited to introduce myself as a guest Blogger on the infamous Beli-Blog. Yes, ladies and gentleman, the man, the myth, the legend, Mikal Belicove, has asked me to write a few words on this thought provoking Blog to which I am deeply honored. I have to admit that I am new to the "Blog" scene. Although, Blogging is kind of like a new pair of underwear, and I am slowly getting used to it.

A little bit about myselfÖI grew up in New Orleans, LA and moved out West to attend the University of Denver. I then became introduced to the outdoor industry by one hell of a model American - Mikal Belicove. Fast forward about five years and several jobs later, and I am now a full-time graduate student in the Master of Arts Program at Prescott College in the field of Adventure Education. I am currently completing my thesis on outdoor education and social capital, and I will be piloting a program this October called the Community Adventure Program (CAP). The CAP uses outdoor education to inspire community involvement among high school students.

So that is what I am up to in life and I look forward to making more posts on the site. I hope to incite enlivened discussions on current events, environmental issues, politics, etc. In the meantime, I will leave you with this thought: why must we "break glass in case of emergency?" Doesnít broken glass in fact potentially cause another emergency that would most likely involve stitches? Wouldnít a simple latch or lever suffice? Hmm, inquiring minds want to knowÖ

Have an extraordinary day everyone!

August 10, 2003

On March 26th I wrote about a website that simulates Donald Rumsfeld's answers to questions about the United States' actions in Iraq. (The site is still up, so click here if you didn't happen to catch it the first time around.) Apparently, people have been landing on Belicove.com after conducting an "ask Donald Rumsfeld" query on any number of search engins. As a result, two people have posted actual questions for U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on the Beli-Blog, as opposed to using the referenced website. A grandmother named Miki posted the following on my March 26 entry just this past week:

It is my understanding that my grandson will be ordered to remain in Baghdad until april of '04 and I am absolutely amazed that whoever is making these decisions does not realize that these troops have to be completely drained by now. Are we so depleted of troops that we have to ask the unthinkable of these soldiers? My grandson told me that he was proud to be doing the job that was asked of him and that he thought that it was important to stabilize that part of the world in order to keep our country safe, but I have heard the depression in his voice lately and he has expressed the disappointment of being told that they were being sent home at a date that is reversed and now that it has changed again to a much later date.

How long can these boys be alert and helpful to our cause locked into the hell hole of Iraq? Haven't these troops done their part and isn't it time to send in some fresh troops? Please reconsider and let these guys come home for their sake and for their families and also for the country. Hopefully yours. Micki

August 9, 2003

Today is "Micro-Chip Your Pet Day" here in Indianapolis, and Anna Cox of Martinsville couldn't be happier. Earlier this week Cox's 6-year-old Lhasa Apso, Tuffy, showed up on the south side of Indianapolis, some three years after disappearing from his Martinsville backyard without a trace. "It's a miracle," Sherry Baumann told the Indianapolis Star newspaper, on finding Tuffy strolling along South Meridian Street this past Wednesday. "He looked happy. His tail was up; his head was up. He didn't know where he was going, but he was excited going there."

Baumann took Tuffy to Indianapolis Animal Care and Control, where he was quickly identified by a microchip the size of a grain of rice that was embedded under his skin back in the late 1990's. A few phone calls later and Tuffy was reunited with Cox.

In another happy ending dog story, a one-and-a-half year old Besinji mix named Cain, who was slated to be euthanized in St. Louis this past Tuesday, beat the odds by standing up, wagging his tail, and walking out of the gas chamber where he was sentenced to die. According to a local newspaper account, Cain and seven other dogs were tranquilized and loaded into the chamber. Then, following procedure, 97 percent pure carbon monoxide was pumped into the airtight box for 15 minutes. The next 10 minutes were used to flush out the poisonous gas and replace it with oxygen. Upon opening the chamber door, Animal Control workers were stunned to see Cain staring back at them. After that experience, Cain was spared, and is now available for adoption thru Stray Rescue, a St. Louis-based no-kill shelter.

DOGS RULE !!

August 8, 2003

Q: How do you feel about the upcoming recall election of California's governor, Gray Davis?

Q: Should Internet-related concepts and technologies, such as the "Buy It Now" feature on eBay.com, be patentable?

Q: Do you believe that another 9/11-type of attack will take place on U.S. soil within the next 12 to 24 months?

Q: Name one daily activity that you absolutely despise doing.

August 7, 2003

I just finished watching Life As a House, staring Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, Hayden Christensen, Jena Malone, and Mary Steenburgen. Even though this is third time I've seen this particular movie, I was once again moved to tears. Bottom line, if you haven't seen it, rent it this weekend. Life As a House is deeply moving, warm, and fun to watch all at the same time.

I'm interested to see if I can personally start an etymological reference / entry. From now on, rather than using the word "cool" -- as in, "Wow, that's really cool" -- I propose that we use the word "Swedish." Why? Well... aside from the obvious Belicovian response of 'why not?," consider the following:

- The word Swedish is just plain fun to pronounce. Try it... "Swedish" -- tell me I'm wrong. I didn't think so!

- The Swedes are actually pretty Swedish themselves., and aside from the Saab, we really don't interact with them all that often.

- One word: ABBA. (And don't even get me started on Pippi Longstockings, Ingmar Bergman, Hans Blix, or Bjorn Borg. They're all so Swedish.)

- Swedish people have the longest life expectancy in Europe (80.51)

- Sweden is set to become the first country in the world to phase out petrol for biofuel.

- Sweden has the highest proportion of personal computers per capita in Europe, with 500 per 1,000 people.

So, who's with me on this one? What? You're willing to try it? Dude, that's so Swedish!

August 6, 2003

Flash Mobs: Another one popped up, this time in the greeting card section of the Harvard Coop bookstore in Cambridge, Mass. According to a newspaper account of the incident, around 100 people made their way thru the nearly empty store, and when asked by bookstore employees why they were there, said, "I'm looking for a card for my friend. His name is Bill. He's in New York."

Library Construction: Regular Beli-Bloggers may recall my post from a few weeks back about the massive construction project that's taking place next door to my bedroom. Well, they're at it again tonight. Click Here for a live video feed of what will certainly have kept me awake yet once again.

Blogging and Journalism: Fellow Indiana Blogger, Neal, has produced a really in-depth and up-to-date website examining the relationship between Blogging and traditional journalism. The site (click here) was created for a Master's class at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis' (IUPUI) School of Informatics.

Magazine Circulation: As a former publisher of periodicals that depended on paid advertising, I was glad to see that today's Wall Street Journal ran an article on the wacky and commonly accepted circulation practices at some of the nation's leading magazines. From WSJ.com: "Circulation practices that finesse month-to-month newsstand figures have become one of the most divisive issues in magazine publishing, souring the relationship between those who sell advertising and those who buy it."

August 5, 2003

I haven't felt much like blogging lately (it's nothing personal, I assure you). I've been super busy during the day at work, so by the time I get home at night I do everything I can to stay away from the computer and to stay awake long enough to watch The Daily Show. Yet here I am, pounding on the keys in some vain attempt to come across as intelligent and insightful.

Some recent developments that are more than worthy of notice:

- My old buddy, JJ Grace, is getting married. Beli-Bloggers will recognize JJ's name as the one usually associated with the 'somewhat' conservative points of views in the comments areas of the site. Even so, JJ is one of my oldest and most respectable friends. Erika, you're one lucky lady!

- Ben Weaver, another old buddy, and his wife Lucy recently welcomed Carson Isabel into this dandy little world of ours. Born at 9:02 AM on July 21st in Boulder, Colorado, Carson entered the world weighing 8lbs., 13 oz. Mom and baby are both doing great! Dad couldn't be more proud.

- And finally, Brad Buikema recently received a promotion at New Frontier Media. Congrats Bubby. You Da Man (which is another way of saying that all of us male Beli-Bloggers are seriously envious).

Addendum - Wednesday the 6th:

- Christina, of ChristinasWeb.com, received a great job offer herself just this afternoon (8/6/03). For more details, swing over to her site, where I'm sure she'll fill us all in on the details! Congrats, Christina... you're totally deserving of this!

August 4, 2003

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about my disdain for markets that reward publicly held companies that cut staff in order to generate higher earnings and shareholder value. Yesterday, Farrel Sharp, a friend of mine from college who works as a real time energy trader in Houston, wrote the following:

I have always hated that companies & specifically the people in charge can receive short term benefits (stock options, etc.) through socially destructive behavior. But of course I have no suggestions on how to fix it. I agree that capitalism seems to be the only option. Something that's related to this that also bothers me is the concept that growth is such an important measure of success. It drives me nuts when I see a company punished, via their stock price, when they announce that they are hugely profitable... just not MORE profitable than last quarter. Anyone got an Econ credit or 2 under their belt that can give me an insight on this that will cool my blood?

So, Christina, Matt, Lee, and anyone else who cares to weigh in, here's your chance... comment away!

One of my favorite quotes is the following one by Kahlil Gibran:

I have learnt silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet strangely, I am ungrateful to these teachers."

If Gibran were alive today, he just might amend his quote to read: "..., and from Scott Ginsberg I learned connectedness." Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, the 23-year-old Ginsberg has worn a hand written tag that simply says "Scott" on it for the last three years or so. According to Ginsberg, he began wearing a nametag in college as an experiment, and later decided to wear it forever -- yes, I said 'forever' -- when he realized how effective it was in helping people communicate.

Check out Scott's site by clicking here. I just might try this myself!