One of my idols is Hugh Hefner, maybe not so much for his bunnies (oh, well...) as for his excentricity, confidence and pathos. It was with those attributes he triple-teamed the stuffy 50's family values and started a revolution that has only begun.
More importantly, he likes to wander around the house in PJ's and fancy monogrammed slip-ons. Guess what I want for Christmas?
The pleasure of being able to stay in on a weekday due to bad weather is a luxury for the few. Add wine, movies, PJ's and an eposide of 'Friends' and the picture is complete.
I actually had scheduled to read 'The Conquest of Happiness' by Bertrand Russell but chose to watch six episodes from Alias season three. The free choice can be a tough challenge sometimes.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Paradise Beach
The missus is down in Cabo and I'll head down in a few days as well. The vision of sitting on a warm beach with a puro and a margarita sooths my soul. Life is at it's best in it's simplicity: on a beach, having dinner with friends or just an afternoon siesta. I hardly remember the fancy times in my life (not that many) but the good, warm times with friends and family. The laughs and the crazyness, that's what the brain registers.
In my solitude I'm cooking lamb chops with sautated potatoes and a light cream sauce. The lamb has been rubbed in Dean & Deluca's Maroccan rub. Lamb demands Rioja so I'm enjoying a 2001 Muga Reserva.
In my solitude I'm cooking lamb chops with sautated potatoes and a light cream sauce. The lamb has been rubbed in Dean & Deluca's Maroccan rub. Lamb demands Rioja so I'm enjoying a 2001 Muga Reserva.
When Everything Feels Dark...
The winter is here and the whole bay area is covered in a thick wet blanket. It's been raining for two days but the memories of a warm and sunny November is still in my heart. And when you thought darkness had taken over, the sun brakes through and the sky cleares up. The emergence of a beautiful California sunset gives hope of better and warmer days.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Patience and Discipline
I look at the charts and discover new signals all the time. In the heat of the moment it's easy to be impulsive and take positions that with some patience and discipline could have been avoided. But it's all part of the learning experience. Sometimes the sidelines can be the best decision. Gives time to other passions.
The Art of The Good Life
This was the first Thanksgiving that the missus and I were in charge of the main culinary event. It went very well thanks to our appreciative and forgiving family members who focused on the tasty stuffing instead of mentioning the slightly undercooked Gratin Daphnois.
It was truly a weekend celebrating the good life; starting with food, then wine and finishing of with the arts. We spent time up in Napa at Bouchon as well at the De Young Museum and at Bimbos for the Los Amigos Invisibles gig. We also had time for wine tasting and knocked of a few St-Julien's and Malbec's.
It was truly a weekend celebrating the good life; starting with food, then wine and finishing of with the arts. We spent time up in Napa at Bouchon as well at the De Young Museum and at Bimbos for the Los Amigos Invisibles gig. We also had time for wine tasting and knocked of a few St-Julien's and Malbec's.
The Age of Ageing II
Maturity comes when your vanity and ego catches up with reality and you start to spend more time on your inside instead of your outside.
Monday, November 21, 2005
The Age of Ageing
The cool thing about growing older is how some things that seemed important don't anymore. It could be everything from matching socks to being politically correct or just fitting in. The funny thing is that it works the other way around as well in the sense that the really, really important things stand out. The things that matters to you becomes more clear and the things that don't just fades away.
I've never been a big fan of all the pretentious hoopla around etiquette. Agreed, I've mostly complied but in all honestly tried to break the rules when possible. I understand when the etiquette makes sense, when there is a rational reason but not when it's only about showing off or showing that you are in the know.
I admire the people that have the guts to be themselves, dare to explore who the are and express it in public. Eccentricity? Yes M'am. But never to be seen only to live.
I've never been a big fan of all the pretentious hoopla around etiquette. Agreed, I've mostly complied but in all honestly tried to break the rules when possible. I understand when the etiquette makes sense, when there is a rational reason but not when it's only about showing off or showing that you are in the know.
I admire the people that have the guts to be themselves, dare to explore who the are and express it in public. Eccentricity? Yes M'am. But never to be seen only to live.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
"He Looks So Relaxed..."
I get that a lot these days. People in my circle of trust seem to notice that there is a new kid in town, or sheriff. Whichever works for ya.
I think it might be because I'm about to find my next new mission. I can feel how my passion and drive is coming back and that adds energy. But it's also the enjoyment of being inbetween two awesome challenges and having the luxury of growing by additional perspective.
Yeah, that's right. I feel that I'm growing again, learning, assessing and understanding faster and better than ever. My mind feels like a 6-year olds, craving for knowledge and insights.
My new plan is taking shape nicely and I cannot wait to execute it with my traditional force and conviction. To tell you the truth, I have already started.
I think it might be because I'm about to find my next new mission. I can feel how my passion and drive is coming back and that adds energy. But it's also the enjoyment of being inbetween two awesome challenges and having the luxury of growing by additional perspective.
Yeah, that's right. I feel that I'm growing again, learning, assessing and understanding faster and better than ever. My mind feels like a 6-year olds, craving for knowledge and insights.
My new plan is taking shape nicely and I cannot wait to execute it with my traditional force and conviction. To tell you the truth, I have already started.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
What Is Happiness?
I've always thought that lifestyle trumps money, status and biceps. If you can choose your lifestyle and enjoy every second of it that has to be as close to happiness as ever possible. Bertrand Russell agrees with me on this one I might add.
Well, maybe not only lifestyle. I would add attitude and confidence as two crucial life ingredients to spice up the walk through life.
It fascinates me how we crave for fortune (money), attention (fame) and status (titles) as well as how we would do most everything - might that be politically correct and well executed - to reach the Nirvana on earth: the altar of Mammon.
Life is too important to have money thrown at you while running naked down the street with people cheering you on. It contradicts every sensible bone in my body and should in yours. That said I do like money but not at any price.
To live your life the way you want it has to be the most gratifying rewards of them all. Miles away from the corporate pad on the back or the "Well done, Sonny!" at the Xmas party.
I tend to use two different hats when I look at life; my present hat (more like a cap) and my 80-year old hat (more like a beret). They work as great perspective and decision-making filters. If something passes through both filters then both the retrospect and the present has concluded that the pursuit is worthy.
Just ask yourself: When you're 80 years old, what kind of life would you have wanted to live? The answer puts things in perspecitve and makes status-whoring the second most despised trade in the world.
Well, maybe not only lifestyle. I would add attitude and confidence as two crucial life ingredients to spice up the walk through life.
It fascinates me how we crave for fortune (money), attention (fame) and status (titles) as well as how we would do most everything - might that be politically correct and well executed - to reach the Nirvana on earth: the altar of Mammon.
Life is too important to have money thrown at you while running naked down the street with people cheering you on. It contradicts every sensible bone in my body and should in yours. That said I do like money but not at any price.
To live your life the way you want it has to be the most gratifying rewards of them all. Miles away from the corporate pad on the back or the "Well done, Sonny!" at the Xmas party.
I tend to use two different hats when I look at life; my present hat (more like a cap) and my 80-year old hat (more like a beret). They work as great perspective and decision-making filters. If something passes through both filters then both the retrospect and the present has concluded that the pursuit is worthy.
Just ask yourself: When you're 80 years old, what kind of life would you have wanted to live? The answer puts things in perspecitve and makes status-whoring the second most despised trade in the world.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Per Inc.
My new life as CEO of Per Inc. is busier than ever. I've now entered into the world of awesome responsibility but also huge returns. Everyday is like a white piece of paper ready to be scribbled on. The powers I've got are sometimes quite overwhelming.
It's lonely at the top and the only person I can lean on is my chairman (the missus). But on the other hand I do have a huge staff across the world, everything from airline pilots, gourmet chefs to car mechanics and bankers. It's a different ecosystem that I'm used to. The pleasure of just calling anyone in my staff up and ask them to do things for me is great. Sure, they need to get paid but who doesn't.
I really kept my staff busy during my last weekend trip to London. What can I say, I'm a tough CEO. I made them cook and pour drinks, clean my room, drive me to different meetings and fly me back and forth. But it was both very productive and enjoyable.
Today, I might give everyone a rest, except for the tech guys since I need a new printer cable for the new Laser Writer. The tech guys aren't as easy to work with since they feel that they know things that noone else does. But as the CEO I need to show them who's the boss.
I usually tell them: The buck stops here, guys! Just follow the plan and execute. One of my favorite ways of motivating them is by telling them the value of trust and how we all are part of the same circle of trust. It works - sometimes!
It's lonely at the top and the only person I can lean on is my chairman (the missus). But on the other hand I do have a huge staff across the world, everything from airline pilots, gourmet chefs to car mechanics and bankers. It's a different ecosystem that I'm used to. The pleasure of just calling anyone in my staff up and ask them to do things for me is great. Sure, they need to get paid but who doesn't.
I really kept my staff busy during my last weekend trip to London. What can I say, I'm a tough CEO. I made them cook and pour drinks, clean my room, drive me to different meetings and fly me back and forth. But it was both very productive and enjoyable.
Today, I might give everyone a rest, except for the tech guys since I need a new printer cable for the new Laser Writer. The tech guys aren't as easy to work with since they feel that they know things that noone else does. But as the CEO I need to show them who's the boss.
I usually tell them: The buck stops here, guys! Just follow the plan and execute. One of my favorite ways of motivating them is by telling them the value of trust and how we all are part of the same circle of trust. It works - sometimes!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Biking Exposed
Just as I was about to head out for a narly bike ride the sun disappeared. Bugger! Right thereafter I find three new DVD's from Netflix in my mailbox. Double Bugger!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
London, Baby!
I'm really excited to head back to London this weekend to visit my friends and the old neighborhood around Kensington, Holland Park and Notting Hill.
I'm feaverishly planning the lunches and dinners. On top of my list are: The Enterprise, Le Boudin Blanc, Bibendum, Churchill Arms (Thai), Wagamama's (Asian @ a bargain) och maybe The Wine Factory or the old Club Med (new owners and name I think).
I've no plans if doing any extensive sightseeing or shopping, just a quick trip to the usual few places and maybe visit an exhibition at one of the great museums. The bulk of my time will be spent eating and drinking with my friends. Or just drinking.
There are few pleasures in life greater than standing outside The Enterprise or The Cod with a pint of Guinness and exercise the art of small talk. Just the fact that you can stand outside - except for when it bloody rains - will always be a great adventure and a very novel pastime to me.
I'm feaverishly planning the lunches and dinners. On top of my list are: The Enterprise, Le Boudin Blanc, Bibendum, Churchill Arms (Thai), Wagamama's (Asian @ a bargain) och maybe The Wine Factory or the old Club Med (new owners and name I think).
I've no plans if doing any extensive sightseeing or shopping, just a quick trip to the usual few places and maybe visit an exhibition at one of the great museums. The bulk of my time will be spent eating and drinking with my friends. Or just drinking.
There are few pleasures in life greater than standing outside The Enterprise or The Cod with a pint of Guinness and exercise the art of small talk. Just the fact that you can stand outside - except for when it bloody rains - will always be a great adventure and a very novel pastime to me.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Uma Batida Diferente
Imagine a beach so hot that you can see the heat waves surf across the sand. It only takes a blanket and a superb lunch and there you are, on the beach squinting your eyes in the afternoon sun. The shades of heat are changing in front of you, turning into a softer, more suave light. There is orange mixed with deep blue and sand.
It's the best time of day. Your lunch is making your sleepy, slow and lazy as the sun is giving you it's best rays. It's easy to just nod off but the beach light is just too beautiful and it awakes memories in your mind of the best of times.
You can hear the bossa tunes coming out of the beach bar. They are playing 'Águas de Março' and it feels like the end and the beginning of time. Life is as it's most attractive and simplest form. Your mind is emptied of anything but now.
It's the best time of day. Your lunch is making your sleepy, slow and lazy as the sun is giving you it's best rays. It's easy to just nod off but the beach light is just too beautiful and it awakes memories in your mind of the best of times.
You can hear the bossa tunes coming out of the beach bar. They are playing 'Águas de Março' and it feels like the end and the beginning of time. Life is as it's most attractive and simplest form. Your mind is emptied of anything but now.
'Just For You'
iTunes new recommendation feature 'Just For You' is an 'old' concept in the digital world. Amazon has been credited as the inventor, at least the surviving inventor, of the feature 'People that bought this product also bought the following products'. But that doesn't make it less useful.
Getting recommendations based on your past music purchases and how they relate to others is fantastic. It actually works more like Netflix's recommendations than Amazon's. The user gets a choice of rating the recommendation with either 'Already Own It' or ' Don't Like It'.
In geek speak the feature is driven by an algorithm but it's all old fashioned probability based on aggregated customer preferences. It's exactly the kind of 'sticky' features iTunes needs to leverage and monitize the power of their user DB. That's what makes them unique and it pays of being the biggest.
It also adds to the power of recovery / discovery search which increases the clickstream and drives more moolah to Apple. iTunes is the Google of music.
Getting recommendations based on your past music purchases and how they relate to others is fantastic. It actually works more like Netflix's recommendations than Amazon's. The user gets a choice of rating the recommendation with either 'Already Own It' or ' Don't Like It'.
In geek speak the feature is driven by an algorithm but it's all old fashioned probability based on aggregated customer preferences. It's exactly the kind of 'sticky' features iTunes needs to leverage and monitize the power of their user DB. That's what makes them unique and it pays of being the biggest.
It also adds to the power of recovery / discovery search which increases the clickstream and drives more moolah to Apple. iTunes is the Google of music.
Life is Good!
Doc confirmed blood pressure is down. CKCM +$2 on above average volume. Fedex delivered a case of Allende '01. Missus back from East Coast tonight. A pound is now $1.75 USD. The new iPod rocks.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Los Amigos Invisibles
When I first heard "The New Sound of The Venezuelan Gozadera" I was just blown away by how cool and modern these latin american vibes were. At that time - around '98 - I had just started to dive into the vast ocean of classic brazilian music. I didn't really know anything latin american but the brazilian classics. I was in for a treat.
A year later I was in Barcelona on my way down to Tarifa to windsurf and ran into a poster down by the Barceloneta promoting Los Amigos at Bikini the very same night. I had to go. That night was a blend of Gozadera, party shirts and Tequila.
Los Amigos are playing here in San Francisco in about 3 weeks and I think it's time to pull out the old flamboyant shirt to celebrate the beginning of the latin american summer. Vamos!
A year later I was in Barcelona on my way down to Tarifa to windsurf and ran into a poster down by the Barceloneta promoting Los Amigos at Bikini the very same night. I had to go. That night was a blend of Gozadera, party shirts and Tequila.
Los Amigos are playing here in San Francisco in about 3 weeks and I think it's time to pull out the old flamboyant shirt to celebrate the beginning of the latin american summer. Vamos!
Saturday, November 05, 2005
The Apple of My Eye
Early (pre-6AM) rise this morning due to the missus trip to the East Coast. Easied into the day by watching 3-4 episodes of Alias season 4. Woke up thanks to 2 cups of latte.
Then I decided it was time to switch out the weakest link in our home network - the Linksys wifi router 802.11b (so 90's) - for the Apple Airport Extreme Base Station (802.11g). I never thought that a commodity like that could be differentiated but what a positive surprise. It took me 2 minutes to hook up and suddenly I felt a snappiness (Yahoo! speak) in the network applications that I haven't experience before. I'm now what marketing folks would call a delighted customer eventhough it set me back the equivalent of a case of Allende '03.
I'm getting so close to the vision I had several years ago of having one 'affordable' (key word) server that store and streams anything audio and video as well as having free VoIP accessible from anywhere in our pad. Next steps are to exchange our current home theater system for something much sleeker / portable, add another flat panel TV in the living room and some streaming hardware / software (Mac-2-TV).
I want to listen to music and watch movies when I WANT without commercials trying to sell me the next Ford F-150. I also like to to bring those assets with me when I travel. But what I really want is to be able to access media just like we are making cell calls today across the world - anywhere, anytime and on any platform.
Then I decided it was time to switch out the weakest link in our home network - the Linksys wifi router 802.11b (so 90's) - for the Apple Airport Extreme Base Station (802.11g). I never thought that a commodity like that could be differentiated but what a positive surprise. It took me 2 minutes to hook up and suddenly I felt a snappiness (Yahoo! speak) in the network applications that I haven't experience before. I'm now what marketing folks would call a delighted customer eventhough it set me back the equivalent of a case of Allende '03.
I'm getting so close to the vision I had several years ago of having one 'affordable' (key word) server that store and streams anything audio and video as well as having free VoIP accessible from anywhere in our pad. Next steps are to exchange our current home theater system for something much sleeker / portable, add another flat panel TV in the living room and some streaming hardware / software (Mac-2-TV).
I want to listen to music and watch movies when I WANT without commercials trying to sell me the next Ford F-150. I also like to to bring those assets with me when I travel. But what I really want is to be able to access media just like we are making cell calls today across the world - anywhere, anytime and on any platform.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
The Hangover
I feel slightly hungover after last night. The missus treated me to a very nice dinner over at Luella. I was really impressed by the place, from the ambiance to the service and the food. We had a fantastic bottle of red from Puglia, Ahi Tuna Tacos as starters, Halibut as main and a cheese plate as the dessert and grand finale. I also liked that the restaurant wasn't over-crowded, just enough people to make you confident that they are good at what they do. And they are - great attention to details and a strong love for what they do. A B+ in my book.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
The European Vacation
We might head to Europe next spring for a long European road trip. Our thought is to mainly hit Switzerland, Italy, France and Spain to enjoy the respective wine country and restaurants, cruising along on the backroads to discover the simple life. The ride? Well, I think I just got clearance to buy a 993. Excited!
The Exit
Today was my last day at Yahoo!. I woke up early, around 5am pst, to get the opportunity to enjoy the 50-mile long ride on I-280 to the office for the last time. It was magic, like people on the freeway just knew that this was an important ride, a man on a mission to close one chapter in his life and open another. In salute, everyone moved aside (damn unusual) except for a pick-up truck (what can I say...) and let me pass, feeling the acceleration pulsating through my body and the wind blowing in my hair.
I showed up for my exit interview and realized that the HR lady that was assigned was rather nervous. She spoke faster than most people can hear, like she was paid in words per minute. I realized she didn't know if this was a voluntary or forced exit. Not knowing if it was going to be uncomfortable. I made a joke, smiled and she clearly got the message. I added: Lady, this has been 6 absolutely fantastic years - loved every minute! Her smile grew bigger and bigger and wished the best of luck. End.
I showed up for my exit interview and realized that the HR lady that was assigned was rather nervous. She spoke faster than most people can hear, like she was paid in words per minute. I realized she didn't know if this was a voluntary or forced exit. Not knowing if it was going to be uncomfortable. I made a joke, smiled and she clearly got the message. I added: Lady, this has been 6 absolutely fantastic years - loved every minute! Her smile grew bigger and bigger and wished the best of luck. End.
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