Giraffes, Machine Guns & Passports http://jamesonhuckaba.com a blog about life. posterous.com Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:07:00 -0800 The New Journalists http://jamesonhuckaba.com/the-new-journalists http://jamesonhuckaba.com/the-new-journalists
Tc

The future of journalism has often been discussed in the past few years, especially in light of declining readership of traditional mediums (magazine subscriptions, physical newspapers, etc.) - and while I still read my fair share of physical media, it is becoming clear that traditional media outlets are having difficulty paying their bills. The larger implication of this, of course, is that they're beginning to have difficulty retaining quality journalists who are now pursuing their own endeavors, looking to establish the next serious milestone.

What's interesting to me is that those leading the emerging class of news outlets, especially in the tech world, aren't classically trained journalists in any sense of the word, especially evident by the squealing of those who do hold these credentials. There was an article recently in PC Magazine by Mr. Lance Ulanoff (here) regarding TechCrunch's Michael Arrington and his ability to essentially write whatever he pleases without regard to traditional journalism ethics. 

Let's hold on for a moment, and take into consideration the fact that Mr. Ulanoff is maybe just a bit butthurt over the fact that, despite all of his schooling and experience (and he has the experience), a no-name blogger has been able to grow a substantial readership and significantly affect the world of tech in such a short amount of time through a publication that even just a few years ago nobody had ever heard of. The fact is that Arrington can be, at times, so outrageous that people HAVE to turn their heads. How do you think Lindsay Lohan stays in the news? Traditional media could take a few pointers from this guy. 

Not too long ago CNN was being lambasted by critics who were concerned that the news outlet was overly objective and not opinionated enough. Easy illustration: What's more captivating? A technical manual, or a drama-laced epic about deception, secret alliances, and raging success? Or the more classic illustration: What sells more newspapers? Kids selling lemonade, or a magnificent car crash?

To be fair, I'd prefer an ounce of truth in the news I decide to spend my time with, but as any online news junkie will tell you, it takes a little training to gloss over these sensational stories without a care. It's funny - the ones I typically gloss over are the ones that generate the most noise. I go to TechCrunch for startup news, and little else. I then take the aggregate of all of the news stories I read, take the average, and equate the result as an approximation of what the day's news happened to be. Mr. Ulanoff clearly didn't do this, and is wasting energy on a perceived threat to his profession that would be better spent on figuring out how he's going to keep the boundaries of his beloved profession in tact. 

If these traditional journalists are so damn worried, and outbursts such as the one referenced above are clearly evidence of their squeamish state, then they need to pick up the pace in quality, exposure, and progression/engagement of new mediums. After all, readers can differentiate between tabloids and actual news, unless you journalists really believe that the lines have been blurred that much in the online world. But really - who reads one news source and takes it as gospel?

I suppose that if the internet has demonstrated anything at all, it's the idea that a website built by a couple of guys in their mom's basement can carry more clout than traditional media, despite the vast differences in funding and manpower. Perhaps the lines are blurring between what we traditionally consider to be tabloids and serious news organizations - or are we simply rewriting the definitions of each?

Calm down and evolve, guys.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:46 -0800 12 Myths to Trash if You Want to Get Hired http://jamesonhuckaba.com/12-myths-to-trash-if-you-want-to-get-hired http://jamesonhuckaba.com/12-myths-to-trash-if-you-want-to-get-hired I received this article by email from, of all organizations, USAA. It does an excellent job of prompting people to really think about how they hunt for jobs. Check it out below:

12 Myths to Trash if You Want to Get Hired

No matter what career you're seeking, finding employment continues to be a challenge. To improve your chances, career experts advise avoiding these common misconceptions.

Myth 1: Most jobs are advertised in newspapers and online sites.

Only 15% to 20% of job openings are publicly posted, reports Randall Hansen, publisher of Quintessential Careers website. The number of people actually hired through these ads is less than half that, he says.

To add insult to unemployment, many employers have increasingly found e-job applications more of a hassle than a help, says Christine Bolzan, founder of Graduate Career Coaching. "So many people automatically respond to the online offerings that employers are often reluctant to post a job," she says.

If you search online for a job, Hansen recommends going directly to prospective employers' websites or searching Google by profession, industry or geographic area. "Many industry and professional associations also run job boards," he says. "For example, the American Marketing Association has one for marketing professionals."

Myth 2: The Web is the modern way to search for work.

Use the Internet to gather information and promote yourself, but don't depend on it as a one-stop, e-shop for good job opportunities. Instead, focus on getting real face time. "Person-to-person networking has never been more important," says Bolzan, who offers these suggestions to advertise yourself:

  • Sound out friends and family about openings.
  • Schedule informational interviews with people in your field of interest.
  • Catch up with former colleagues and classmates.
  • Get involved in professional organizations.

Myth 3: Resume + cover letter = interview ± job.

Today, you have to market yourself and your skills, says J.T. O'Donnell, a career strategist and founder of Careerealism.com. Consider a career-focused website or blog as a way to tell your story, she says.

Use professional networking sites like LinkedIn to promote your experience, research what's current in your career field and develop professional contacts.

Myth 4: The more applications in play, the more offers on the way.

Put away the application shotgun and become a job sharpshooter, advises O'Donnell. Study the positions you want and identify the companies that have them. Then, aim carefully by crafting customized resumes and cover letters designed to hit the mark. "It's a matter of quality over quantity," she says.

Myth 5: Any job in this economy is a good job.

If the rent is due and your desired line of work still eludes you, taking a career detour may be unavoidable. At the same time, keep faith with your long-range professional goals and keep your skills current by staying active in related organizations, taking a class to add new skills or volunteering for an organization that relates to the job you're interested in.

Myth 6: Experience and qualifications matter more than character.

Most interviewers gauge how well candidates might fit in with their team. At your interview, smile, make eye contact, ask informed questions and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the position. Never undervalue authenticity and likability in your effort to win the job, advises O'Donnell.

Myth 7: It's not what you know, it's who you know.

It's more a matter of how well you know them, when you knew them and who they know, says Bolzan. "You need to stay in contact with decision-makers even when they aren't hiring," she adds. "You need to let them know you're still out there by gently touching base every 30 to 45 days."

Myth 8: The interview is all about you.

A job interview is more than a one-way audition of your skills and personality. You also need to show genuine interest in the company and position.

Learn everything you can about the company and the person who will be interviewing you, if you can find out that person's name. Scope out online information about the company through Google searches. Learn about your interviewer through LinkedIn company profiles and corporate Tweeters. Shared alma maters, favorite teams or professional memberships can go a long way to breaking the interview ice.

Myth 9: Dumbing down your resume is an effective strategy.

If you've been told you're overqualified, you might be tempted to remove dates and even advanced degrees from your resume. This would be a mistake, says O'Donnell. Such a move smacks of desperation and can be a deal killer if a background check reveals the truth.

A better approach is to explain in detail why you're enthusiastic about the position and the company and what specific needs you are uniquely qualified to meet. Also, demonstrate you have the flexibility and qualities to mesh with the team. Ask questions and show your readiness to learn what others have to teach.

Myth 10: Grad school is always a good fallback.

"Only go to grad school if you can 100% prove that you need those skills to advance your long-term goals," says O'Donnell. Using higher education as a place to wait out a down job market could leave you further behind financially and professionally.

Myth 11: Landing a job you love is the most important thing.

Instead of fixating on your vision of the ideal job, concentrate on how you like to live, learn and relate. Ask yourself:

  • Do you prefer to work solo, or as part of a team?
  • Do you thrive in high-pressure situations, or easygoing environments?
  • Is your computer like an extension of your fingers and brain, or a necessary electronic evil?

Leverage this self-knowledge to target jobs and careers that play to these preferences and strengths. The resulting job might not be perfect, but if you are tackling tasks you enjoy on a daily basis, you might end up with the next best thing.

Myth 12: If you've been fired, your job prospects are toast.

Getting fired or laid off doesn't carry the stigma it once did. What counts is how you handle interview questions about the situation. Whatever you do, don't rip into your old boss or workplace. Take the rational, philosophical route. Think of jobs like shoes — some fit better than others. You can use that analogy when discussing lost jobs, says O'Donnell. "Tell the interviewer, 'It just wasn't a good fit.'" Then, finish that thought by explaining why this job seems tailor-made.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:28:00 -0700 Facebook News Feed Renamed to Live Feed http://jamesonhuckaba.com/facebook-news-feed-renamed-to-live-feed http://jamesonhuckaba.com/facebook-news-feed-renamed-to-live-feed

Facebooklivefeed

You'll notice something new, yet subtle, on Facebook today. Look at
the top of your home page - there are now two ways to view your
friends' activities: News Feed, and Live Feed.

This is the first implementation, so I would guess, of the FriendFeed
acquisition, and a nice first step for Facebook towards implementing
their technology.

It looks as if Facebook chose to rename News Feed as Live Feed, and
move all 'significant' events to the News Feed (those items that have
been commented on or 'liked' the most - supposedly relevant to you). A
welcome change, as those with a ton of friends can't often watch their
news feed all day long for things to happen. This is a great way to
separate lame updates (er, those without a lot of feedback) from those
that are more relevant to your circle of friends. 

Sweet.

Of course there will always be hate for change on Facebook. But keep in mind, Facebook lovers, that if your favorite social media platform doesn't evolve, it will die. Luckily for you, this is a minor change, and it's easy enough to just click on 'live feed' to get back to what you're used to viewing.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:24:00 -0700 New camera. I'm learning how to edit video. http://jamesonhuckaba.com/new-camera-im-learning-how-to-edit-video http://jamesonhuckaba.com/new-camera-im-learning-how-to-edit-video

I just received my new video camera - a Sanyo Xacti HD1010 - had an
absolutely killer feature set for the price, and to get anything
better I was going to have to spend some serious $$$$. It does full
1080p video (unlike the Flip HD cameras), has an external mic input,
and a much larger sensor than most cameras in this category. I'm
pleased with it so far.
 
Video is new to me. I've never messed with it until today. So the
movie below was edited with terribly crude skills (in iMovie, at that)
in about 5 minutes. Things will get better - think of this as a 'proof
of concept.' I was simply anxious to get something uploaded.

Alright - Can't wait to do some beer reviews with this baby on http://beergeni.us. Should be fun.
 
Jameson

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:21:18 -0700 Run number two. Go outside. http://jamesonhuckaba.com/run-number-two-go-outside http://jamesonhuckaba.com/run-number-two-go-outside

Yo.

So I just did run number two with my Nike+ program - results were much better on this run, although I feel twice as beat. I suppose that's a good thing. Sure, my last run was last tuesday, but I've been playing disc golf and such in between. Weight is going steadily down - I'm down around eight pounds since I started consciously eating and making an effort to simply GET OUTSIDE! Sometimes that's all it takes.

This run's graph:

Not terribly shabby - a decent day.

Other news - Maggie's car is kaput. There is a hole in the engine block. Bad thing is that it could not have been predicted - these things sometimes happen.

I'm also running sound for Crazy for You at Lawrence Community Theatre - it's really a good show. Lots of fun. You can buy tickets at Lawrence Community Theatre. Have a fantastic weekend! Call your mom.

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Thu, 28 May 2009 13:31:00 -0700 Keeping off the belly. http://jamesonhuckaba.com/keeping-off-the-belly http://jamesonhuckaba.com/keeping-off-the-belly

So I've put on a bit of weight since I got back from Iraq, which was to be expected. Catching up with friends, eating out all the time, etc., will certainly take its toll on you. I've been doing some light workouts, as the scale called attention to my increasing weight. No bueno. Anyway, got a new toy in the mail today - a new pair of running shoes, as mine are from Iraq and nearly a year old. What came with it was a little sensor that wirelessly connects to my iPod, and monitors my distance and speed and such. A graph from today's run:

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I thought it was kinda neat. I like technology, so I figure that by setting goals through Nike Plus, it might encourage me to keep them. That, and I like visualizing the work I've done. Sweet.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:53:45 -0700 like a golf ball through a garden hose http://jamesonhuckaba.com/like-a-golf-ball-through-a-garden-hose http://jamesonhuckaba.com/like-a-golf-ball-through-a-garden-hose Time for me to suck it up. I've got a place to live, and a place to work, and all the support in the world behind me now. Excuses are no longer valid! BeerGenius is on the way.

I got Maggimal a pair of running shoes the other day. We're going to go kick some butt together. I think that'll help boost my energy for work as well.

So, I moved into this pretty sweet place overlooking downtown lawrence - it has floor-to-ceiling windows, and I definitely don't have to turn on the lights during daytime. Tons of ambient light. Motivating during the day, and terribly distracting at night. Exactly what I was looking for!

I swung by my parents' house the other day, and ended up bringing home Mr. Beer. Sure, I'll doctor up my first batch on the thing, but I'm pretty excited to start brewing! I'll be filming the whole thing, so I suppose a decent camcorder is in order.

Hope your day is as beautiful as mine.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Sat, 28 Mar 2009 18:18:00 -0700 I missed snow. http://jamesonhuckaba.com/i-missed-snow http://jamesonhuckaba.com/i-missed-snow

Been home just under a month now - finally found a place to live in downtown Lawrence, and started working on BeerGenius. I'm not quite as far along as I had hoped I would be, but it always works out that way, doesn't it?

So it snowed today - I missed snow! I got to drive my BMW and it did phenomenally well - so much fun to know I actually have traction. The last car (Lexus SC300) was about the worst car in the snow you can possibly imagine. All Wheel Drive is way fun.

I drank a Double Wide IPA from Boulevard Brewing Co today that was really quite good. My dad isn't really an IPA guy and he said it grew on him as we neared the bottom of the bottle. It definitely isn't as intense as most double IPAs, but really well balanced. Sufficient malt to round out the sharp hops of the beer style. I liked it quite a bit. And what a beautiful color...

Doublewide

Full review is coming soon on the new BeerGenius (www.beergeni.us)!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Tue, 24 Feb 2009 06:56:41 -0800 Giving Iraq the Finger. http://jamesonhuckaba.com/giving-iraq-the-finger http://jamesonhuckaba.com/giving-iraq-the-finger
Kuwait_towers_copy_copy

"The Finger." The phrase still makes me crack up like a fourth grader - I mean, who decided that holding one's middle digit up is to be considered offensive? Granted, I know what it represents, but I still think it's hilarious.

Anyway, I flew out of Iraq for good last night. I looked around, kissed the air goodbye, and instantly decided that I wouldn't miss the place too much. As we speak, I am sitting in Kuwait at the Ali Al Salem Air Base, waiting for my visa and passport to come back for entrance into Kuwait (well, ability to go off base).

There's something you should know about Ali Al Salem - the place is an absolute shithole. The tents we sleep in here hold approximately 20 guys, are usually packed to the gills (in this case, I'm man no. 19), and are the dirtiest, most vile things you've ever set foot in - and 18 overweight, overpaid contractors all snoring in unison certainly doesn't help the matter.

To make matters worse, of course, there's absolutely nothing to do. No work to be done. It is, by definition, a transient camp, so everyone naturally is waiting to move on to better things - whether that be Iraq, or the States (or other country of origin). So people are anxious. And irritable. And they're just as frustrated with me as I am with them, as we fumble around all hours of the night unpacking and repacking our bags.

As you may have deduced, I'm not staying any longer than I absolutely have to. But I can't go back to the states until March 1st, for many reasons. So what is the alternative?

I most likely won't be coming back to this immediate vicinity for quite some time, so I've decided I want to see Kuwait City. I'll have three days to poke around the city, and it comes at a great time. Their liberation/independence days are afoot, and there will no doubt be things to see/people to meet. I'm excited for the souks (open-air markets), high-end super luxe malls, architecture, and the food. The food is supposed to be phenomenal - and it better be, as Kuwait is a totally dry country.

Apparently there is quite an underground scene, but I don't feel like going to jail (a middle-eastern one, at that!) right before I go home, as neat of a story as it would make. I think I can refrain for another few days.

By the way, the picture is of the Kuwait Towers - one is a water tower, the second is an observation deck/restaurant/museum, and the third is simply there to look good. They're supposedly pretty neat up close.

I'll have pictures up when I can. Anxious to reconnect with everyone when I come home!

Much Love,
Jameson

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:09:46 -0800 Beat Jetlag http://jamesonhuckaba.com/beat-jetlag http://jamesonhuckaba.com/beat-jetlag It's nearly impossible to keep a regular schedule over here in Iraq. Various
reasons, really - flights, missions, you name it. But it comes with the
territory. So I've had the opportunity, as a result, to 'practice' dealing
with completely turning my schedule right-side up again.

 The effect is akin to that of flying halfway around the world and trying to
function as a normal human being the next day. As with most things, easy in
theory, difficult in execution. It seems that there are three key ways to
adjust one's sleep schedule:

  
  1. Go with the flow - sleep when you're tired, stay awake when you have
  to. Eventually adjust. Naps during the day are a perfect example.
  2. Shift your schedule back. Usually involves sleeping a little, and
  going through the normal day sleep-deprived. The normal way of doing things.
  3. Shift your schedule FORWARD - stretch your day out until it
  accommodates your new desired schedule. Wake up happy, refreshed, and
  relaxed!

 So I'm trying number three.
----------------
Three days later

 Okay, so I gave that a shot. Things went really quite well. The only
problem I noticed was that, in stretching my days out, my body has
been fighting to shorten them once again. At the end of the day, I
became exceedingly tired, which I suppose is a good thing. I hadn't
been sleeping well as of late, so this was a welcome change to be able
to hit the pillow and crash out until morning.

 I still believe that adjusting one's schedule through micro naps (20
min or less) to accommodate a new schedule is the best way to go - I
simply don't have the discipline to wake up when I'm supposed to!
Maybe you do. Maybe that's my next project.
--------------
I've been sitting on this draft for two weeks now, and I figured I
should finish it and just post it up. My blog is about unfiltered
expression with minimal revision, but I feel I haven't explained
myself with regards to the idea of 'stretching the day.'

 Since this was originally written, My sleep schedule was screwed up
once again due to an unforeseen event. Yet another example of why I'm
ready to be done with this place! Only two more weeks (and some
change), but I digress...

 So, stretching your days out - think of your day in terms of thirty
hours, not 24. In theory, if you sleep longer, you can stay awake
longer, right? The idea is that you sleep for 11-12 hours, and stay
awake for 18-19 hours. Do this repeatedly (two or three times), and
you will have eventually flipped your day upside down once again.

 In retrospect, I've learned some things. I've found it to be suitable
for an experiment, but not incredibly practical. The issues are that
you burn a day, and it may be impossible for you to sleep for twelve
hours straight. I can, but I'm lazy. But there's nothing more
boring/waste of time than lying in bed with one's eyes open. I HATE
that.

 This last time my schedule was flipped, I simply decided to go to bed
whenever I was tired, and wake up at a specific time - and let my body
automatically adjust. I was functioning the next day, and completely
adjusted the day after that, all without burning a day. On day three,
I didn't even have to use my alarm clock. To me, this is a much
simpler solution, and comes without excuses to
family/friends/colleagues.

 Simply an issue of discipline, I suppose - when it's time to get up,
it's time to get up. That's something in which I am putting some
serious effort :-).

 Much Love,
Jameson

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:22:52 -0800 Geithner & Daschle - A Glance of a Bigger Problem http://jamesonhuckaba.com/geithner-and-daschle-a-glance http://jamesonhuckaba.com/geithner-and-daschle-a-glance
Daschle

A good friend of mine jokingly (well, maybe not) spouted off the other day that "It's easy for Democrats to raise taxes on the wealthy when they DON'T F5#$%NG pay them!"

With the recent surfacing of Daschle's tax issues, it almost makes me wonder if we don't have a larger problem at hand. Actually, I don't wonder, at all. We most certainly do.

I believe that the tax problems of the individuals in question were simply a matter of oversight - nobody is getting rich off of holding back on $35k and $128k (Geithner and Daschle, respectively). A simple mistake. Nothing more - no intent of cheating the system.

But seriously - If two prominent figures in the political landscape have difficulty keeping their tax obligations straight, including the SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, what about the rest of us mortals? My taxes have gotten increasingly complicated since I first did them at the ripe old age of sixteen. While I make it a point to be as accurate and forthcoming as possible, I wouldn't be shocked if a review of past returns brought an error or two to light (hopefully, in my favor!).

Politicians have, for decades now, been talking about simplifying the tax code. But come time for legislative action, it always seems to get swept under the rug for whatever reason.

At first glance, the idea of simplification is greeted with polarized reactions, ranging from "that's a great idea!" to "but what about my unique situation?" The old mantra applies: When you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Sun, 18 Jan 2009 08:00:00 -0800 Keeping your nose to the grindstone... http://jamesonhuckaba.com/keeping-your-nose-to-the-grind http://jamesonhuckaba.com/keeping-your-nose-to-the-grind

Maintaining a relatively healthy lifestyle has always been a bit
difficult for me - specifically with regards to diet and exercise.
I've only pushed it far enough to become 'habit' a few separate times,
only to have that habit fall apart because of external
circumstances/lack of discipline.
 
In Iraq, people work out - simply because there's nothing better to
do. So I decided to join the fun - with some success. I just hate
waiting for the payout - seems like it takes SO long!

Instant-gratification

 
'They,' the so-called experts of health and fitness, say that a
healthy rate of weight loss is approximately 2 lbs/week. When added up
over time, that is, of course, 100 lbs/year. Which is a lot. But I
have a really tough time seeing the big picture sometimes.
 
Before I went on leave in September, I had been eating healthy and
working out religiously for approximately 12 weeks, losing 20 lbs and
gaining a whole lot more muscle (work capacity has increased
approximately 40% overall). I felt better about life and about my
body, and was under 200 lbs for the first time since my sophomore year
in high school. Rad.
 
Despite all of the amazing food/ridiculous amounts of booze, I was
able to keep it off through Europe as we walked EVERYWHERE. However,
getting back to Iraq presented a different problem. My routine had
been shaken, and I was eating crap food again. My muscle remained, but
I slowly gained back the fat. No bueno.
 
Anyway, after giving myself a bit of a slap in the face, I settled
back into a routine with the help of a buddy. We've been on it for
about three weeks now - slowly statring to become habit again. I
didn't really make any progress with regards to weight loss - I had
actually GAINED five pounds. Haha. I wasn't disappointed, as I knew it
wasn't fat, thanks to my rigorous eating plan.
 
Weighed myself for the first time in five or six days, with a nice
surprise. I'm not focused on weight loss by the numbers - I'm more
focused on how I feel/how I look. Clothes are starting to fit better,
and I'm moving up in weights/cardio work capacity. I've always told
friends that I'd work out even if I never lost any weight at all, as I
feel so much better after I do. During, though? Different story.
 
One thing you should know when reading this is that I HATE working
out. It's incredibly boring to me. I literally have to reach up to the
back of my head, to the little switch that cuts power to my brain, and
flip it to 'off.' But I love the way I feel afterwords.
 
So let me ask you all this: how do you go day-to-day, maintain healthy
habits, and not feel like you're torturing yourself? I've already come
to terms with the fact that this sort of thing isn't a phase, but a
lifelong commitment, should I wish to keep my body healthy. But how do
you spice it up/make it exciting, or at least turn it around from
something you need to do into something you want to do?
 
I suppose the ends justify the means, and the ends are different for
each person. Certainly something that I'm still figuring out, though.
Can't I just push a button and make it happen? Wouldn't that be
nice...

Much Love,
Jameson

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:16:00 -0800 So Jobs is gone. Let's get on with it. http://jamesonhuckaba.com/so-jobs-is-gone-lets-get-on-wi http://jamesonhuckaba.com/so-jobs-is-gone-lets-get-on-wi

We all knew this day would come. Apple's stock didn't take as much of
a hit as I thought it might, indicating there may still be a rational
vein of intellect running through Wall Street.
 
"We believe Steve Jobs has put a culture in place to carry on his
legacy," said Barclays analyst Ben Reitzes.
 
The consensus of most of the industry analysts is summed up quite well
by Mr. Reitzes. And I agree. The team that Jobs has put into place
within Apple, and the culture he has fostered, is most certainly
capable of carrying on Apple's legacy of innovation and polished
products.
 
Sure, Jobs was an industry luminary - a visionary, even. Apple has
become accustomed to doing things a certain way, though; that way
includes simplified, functional interfaces that everyone can use, and
products whose overall physical design is at the top of their
respective classes. Jonathan Ive, Phil Schiller, and the now iCEO Tim
Cook are certainly capable of keeping the company on course during
Jobs' absence.
 
Although he says he expects to be back this summer, one never knows for sure,
and we need to be prepared for the worst. I'm cautiously optimistic
that Apple won't (immediately) lose its way.
 
The talent and experience that Mr. Cook brings to the table,
especially with regards to supply chain issues, becomes increasingly
important as Apple's consumer base grows even larger. I understand
he's a 'machine' - quite professional, and all business - but quirky
and interesting enough to look beyond 'just the numbers' - a trap that
most hardware manufacturers seem to fall into at one point or another.
 
I wish the best to Mr. Jobs and his family during his recovery. Until
then, don't expect a whole lot of changes from Apple and Company.
 
Much Love,
Jameson

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Sun, 11 Jan 2009 06:50:51 -0800 Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran http://jamesonhuckaba.com/bomb-bomb-bomb-bomb-bomb-iran http://jamesonhuckaba.com/bomb-bomb-bomb-bomb-bomb-iran
After you get the little McCain episode out of your head (to the tune of Beach Boys' Barbara Ann), let's spend a little time on this latest piece from the New York Times, detailing some interesting information that just happened to come into their hands.

Essentially, Israel said they wanted to take out Iran's main nuclear facility, and presented us with a wish list of items including bunker-buster bombs and access to Iraqi Airspace . Bush said no, and hell no.

The article goes on to detail covert operations currently underway to slow/dismantle Iran's nuclear efforts. That's all well and dandy, but many in the blogosphere have been crying foul due to the release of sensitive/classified information that supposedly undermines our national security and endangers the lives of operatives we currently have working on this little project.

Let me make it explicitly clear: I take the subject of Information Assurance (keeping our secrets close at hand) with the utmost seriousness, as I know firsthand how damaging release of said information can be.

But at the same time, is it not the job of the media to disclose activity of our government as they see fit? Obvious reasons are that we are a representative democracy. The government, on occasion, commits crimes for which it should be held accountable. And generally, it is the right of the people to be informed. At least in our country. Probably not in Iran. Or Egypt, for that matter.

I'll leave you with a few quotes.

"Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe."
 - Thomas Jefferson

And a Ben Franklin quote in one of its many forms, "Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither."

Much Love,
Jameson

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Sun, 11 Jan 2009 06:31:00 -0800 Dennis Prager: Sex Is a Wife's Duty http://jamesonhuckaba.com/dennis-prager-sex-is-a-wifes-d http://jamesonhuckaba.com/dennis-prager-sex-is-a-wifes-d
Whoah. What did he just say?

In a pair of columns (http://is.gd/flqm; http://is.gd/flqr), Radio host and conservative writer Dennis Prager wants everyone to know that it is a wife's obligation to make sure her husband stays, well, happy. Read the articles if you've got an immediate outlet for the steam buildup that is due to occur.

Now wait - before you go bashing on Republicans/conservatives/Christians/Catholics/whatever, let me share with you a thought from a Newsvine contributer known as Writing Athena:
This teaching is not the word of God; it's a lie from the pit of hell. You are not called to a life of subservience and humiliation. The idea that man is to lord it over woman belongs to a fallen world, a world under a curse. Christ has lifted the curse of this world's brokenness at the cost of his life's blood. Any man who tells you that you are his property, his servant, his satisfaction, or his inferior is doing his best to undo what Christ has done for you. Leave such a man for God to deal with, and get away from counterfeit "love" which seeks to diminish and degrade you. You are not the servant of any man; you are the daughter of God.
And how right she is. Cries of 'and this is why I'm an athiest!' rang out in the comments section, as if all Christians somehow believe that women are property and must be subservient...If you're a Christian or an Athiest or a Buddhist or whatever, don't let some idiot ruin it based on a misguided, unintelligible comment that is clearly baseless for any decent human being.

What century is this? Don't worry, Mr. Prager doesn't speak for anyone except himself.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:32:00 -0800 Israel and Hamas brush off UN Cease Fire Resolution. Duh. http://jamesonhuckaba.com/isreal-and-hamas-brush-off-un http://jamesonhuckaba.com/isreal-and-hamas-brush-off-un

Well, didn't see this one coming. ( http://is.gd/f0Is )

Hope your sarcasm meter is functioning, by the way.

Admittedly, I don't know a whole lot about the UN and international law, but this simply reinforces the idea that the UN is a world forum, not a governing body. Nor will it ever be - not in its current form.

No matter your feelings on the conflict, I think we can all agree that it's terribly unfortunate that civilians are caught in the middle of this thing.

When your religion is the one true religion, and someone is up in your business, things are bound to get ugly. Applicable to both sides. 

Round 5247...FIGHT!

Edit: I just realized how much of an idiot I made myself out to be by spelling Israel incorrectly. Honest mistake. Maybe I'll hit spell check next time! Thanks, Van.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:59:04 -0800 Going Against the Social Grain: How Much is Too Much? http://jamesonhuckaba.com/going-against-the-social-grain http://jamesonhuckaba.com/going-against-the-social-grain
This one is going to turn a lot of heads.

I'm all about challenging conventional wisdom and questioning why we do the things we do, but at what cost?

Many of you may be familiar with personal development guru Steve Pavlina. While I may not agree with everything he says/does, I certainly respect his choice to challenge the status quo and, in his words, 'live consciously.' Anyway, he's got a history of trying 'interesting' stuff each year, such as a completely raw diet, polyphasic sleep, etc...

Well, this year, he has picked something quite a bit more controversial. Polyamorous love, anyone? Intro post is here: http://is.gd/em4Y.

Looking for a quick rundown? I'll do what I can. The basics:
  • Marriage, much like language and religion, is a human construct.
  • Love is not to be bottled and confined.
  • The concept of jealousy is rooted in the idea of scarcity.
  • Two people can only grow so close before they essentially become the same person.
  • One partner cannot consistently receive all the affection one has to give - there is a point where 'holding back' begins to avoid rejection.
  • Multiple channels for expressing love allows for a constructive outflow.
  • Polyamorous lvoe is not a solution to being 'needy' - but 'giving'
  • Sex doesn't necessarily play a key role, but a complimentary role to emotional intimacy.
He has written a strong of articles on the matter (the latest of which is here: http://is.gd/excl), and I have to say his argument is rather convincing. Not to say that I'm ready to try this sort of thing, as this is not an individualistic pursuit - it's obviously highly dependent on those around you who have a clear understanding of the concept. I don't see this becoming mainstream anytime soon, but it's certainly interesting to think about.

Rather than simply writing something like this off as some hippie communal love experiment, I'm spending a bit of time focusing on the root of the issue here, as well as alternative solutions. Mr. Pavlina is clearly taking things to the extreme here, jeopardizing a lot of what we would consider to be good things for the sake of personal growth.

So why are things done the way they are done? Why do we adhere to certain traditions? Mr. Pavlina also talks about the emotional damage that may result from his experiment, and the reason it shouldn't be feared. Some heavy concepts - It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Much (polyamorous) Love,
Jameson

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:01:00 -0800 What Constitutes Online Friendship? http://jamesonhuckaba.com/what-constitutes-online-friend http://jamesonhuckaba.com/what-constitutes-online-friend

We all have 'online friends' in one way or another - whether it be someone interested in your same hobby (cars, cigars, beer), that guy who thinks he knows you from an underwater basket weaving conference two years ago, or that other women who, although you've never met in person, is the reason your marriage is going to fail (how sad). Our online relationships come in all shapes and forms, but at what point do you start describing it as friendship?

TechCrunch had an interesting article on 'The Meaning of Friendship' ( http://is.gd/dpzF ), with regards to social pressure in accepting a friendship request or following someone back on twitter/vibe/posterous/FriendFeed. They talk about the dichotomy between older generations and those who have grown up with social networking, and how the two react to not only fostering of online friendships, but breakups, too. A good quick read.

But the article popped another thought into my mind - one I've previously explored: When you 'know' someone online, and you are 'buddies' on say, a forum or twitter or facebook, there's a likelihood that you'll meet in person at some point. When you do, on what rung in the friendship ladder do you begin? Do you do some complicated, secret handshake? Or do you pretend you're meeting the person for the first time?

It has happened to me before, with multiple outcomes. Sometimes the person in question is WAY cooler in person, and our 'in-real-life' (IRL) friendship escalates from nothing to something pretty quickly. Other times, it would have been much better for both of us if we had stayed 'online' friends. But what constitutes online friendship?

You can think of it similarly as you do your real life relationships. If you get along, have something to talk about, and have spoken more than a few times, you're probably on your way to being 'online friends.' But the mistake I think we often make is that online friends = IRL friends. Not so. They're two separate channels.

I have a lot of online friends. They're great for business connections, grabbing a beer if I happen to be in their town, or surfing through their pictures on facebook looking for hot girls. However, it's a different class of friendship. Maybe class is the wrong word, as that somehow indicates that there is a hierarchy. Sure, IRL friends rank higher than online friends (or they should), but it's really a completely separate parallel. Apples to Oranges.

With that said, I don't have the habit of going through my facebook and 'defriending' those that I don't really know. I just don't care that much. But I suppose that it depends on what you use your social network for. In practice, I think one receives the most benefit from social networking by having the most relationships possible (within reason). For an example, I know 99% of my friends on Facebook. I know probably 50% of my friends on MySpace, but I'm not a terribly active user. For those that spend a lot of time on Rupert Murdoch's money machine, I'd venture that their IRL friends is a much lower percentage of their friend count. Why? That's an article for another day.

So, friend all you can. Don't get upset when someone 'defriends' you. It's nothing personal - they just don't understand online friendships.

Will you be my neighbor?

Much Love,
Jameson

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Sun, 04 Jan 2009 08:49:48 -0800 Following Through: Underrated. http://jamesonhuckaba.com/following-through-underrated http://jamesonhuckaba.com/following-through-underrated I don't know many people who begin projects with visions of failure or otherwise poor intentions. But let's be honest with ourselves - that's how they often end up. So I've been exploring this idea, and a successful project, whether it be a new body or a profitable startup, seems to come down to two things: proper planning, and proper execution.

Yeah, I know what you're saying. Duh. But is it really that simple? If it was, more people would get it right.

Sure, there's a difference between flat-out failure and simply knowing when it's time to cut your losses. Some of these failures can be attributed to insufficient planning. Most of the people I know, however, have the planning part down pat. It's the execution that separates the winners from those who, well, win a bit less.

When delving into a project, I've always had a tendency to over-think things. While I may not have a physical 'written-down' plan in place before I press the start button, you can bet that I've thought through quite a few options and accounted for a number of contingencies before I'm ready to go. In some senses, that's good. You would not try and construct a building without a blueprint, right? But that blueprint doesn't really count for much when the building it represents hasn't yet been built.

I was fortunate to have an internship at an architecture firm a few years ago, doing some business development work. I learned that architects are weird in the sense that they're a terribly interesting mix of engineer and artist. I also learned that architects have a hard time explaining to people why some drawings on paper are worth 3-8% of the cost of constructing a building. After all, I can design my own house, right? Haha.

This taught me something: planning is paramount, but what people SEE is the execution of your project. People can SEE the building going up. They see the final product and say 'well, that went great. Good job.'

Startup companies may set out to change the world, and may have an excellent plan to do so. But if the founders are lazy, or the management can't bring proper people on board, it's an obvious error in execution of the plan. More importantly, it's a failure. They say that startups should spend less time planning, and more time executing. The ones that do just that seem to get in front of people more quickly - for those dealing with any sort of social media, for an example, adoption of your product or service is key to your survival. Look at YouTube and Google for an example - they certainly didn't win any design awards. The interface isn't all flashy and gooey with shiny buttons and gradients going 800 directions. But it works. Beautifully executed.

Anyway, it is my goal in this next year to work on my execution. I'm great at beginning things. I need to get better at ending them, as well - that's the tell-tale sign of someone who can get things done.

Much Love,
Jameson

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:41:53 -0800 Keepin' Busy Enough, I Suppose http://jamesonhuckaba.com/keepin-busy-enough-i-suppose http://jamesonhuckaba.com/keepin-busy-enough-i-suppose
Okay, so I skipped a day. Merry Christmas to everyone. Hope family was hugged, presents were given and received, eggnog chugged, and too many cookies were eaten (as in my case).

Over here was pretty much business as usual - nothing too out of the ordinary. I did appreciate the thoughts and wishes of those who sent them, though. Perhaps next year I can appreciate things a bit more.

I'm out for the next few days. Got some fun stuff planned. Just makes the time go a bit more quickly, and who can argue with that? Of my last little stint over here, I've already got three months done, with two more to go.

Happy New Years to everyone. I've got a challenge for each and every one of you - don't make a resolution this year. Instead, whatever resolution you were going to make, start TOMORROW. That's right.

Much Love,
Jameson

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/26435/profile.jpg http://posterous.com/users/KzISg6iLqV Jameson Huckaba Jameson Jameson Huckaba