Capitalogix

iPhone App (Hoax?)

This video is spreading quickly, and though speculation is that it is a mock-up, I found it to be quite compelling.  Somehow I get the sense that it demonstrates a sliver of what's to come.

My guess is that we will start to see data visualization applications, using similar technologies, that will enable users to access data in powerful new ways.

iHologram - iPhone application from David OReilly on Vimeo.

Pilobolus: Things Aren't Always What They Seem

In trading, recognizing that things aren't always what they seem is a big part of the game. 

Here is a clever video that plays on that concept. It is from Pilobolus, a talented dance and performance art troupe.

Here is the direct link.

And this one has an unexpected ending.

Here is the direct link

Also, here is a link to their performance at the TED conference. (TED)

And here is an article about the "magic" of Pilobolus worth looking at. (CBS)

Olympic Extra

In China, "8" is believed to be a most powerful, and lucky, number.

So it is not surprising that Chinese began the Olympics on 08-08-08 at 8:08 PM.

Here is a link to Wikipedia's info page  and NBC's covering these Olympic games.

And here is a link to Wired's coverage of the tech behind the games.

An Olympic Attempt At Humor

As the Olympics begin, I saw this and thought it was worth sharing.

The artist/author has a blog called "Indexed" here, and a book here.

By the way, the Court threw out fine against CBS for airing the wardrobe malfunction. (DMN)

Let's just say she captured a few eyeballs; in most replayed moment in Tivo history. (CNet)

Japanese Gadget Innovation

Chindōgu is the Japanese art of inventing ingenious everyday gadgets that, on the face of it, seem like an ideal solution to a particular problem.

When allergies bother you, why carry tissue?

 

When you're a busy parent and don't have time to clean, why mop?

When you're in the mood for a hot quickee, what you need is a good blow.

Don't be a slave to fashion, be a salaryman.

Here are a few other links to see more of these. (Linkinn.net and Picdit)

While you are at it, translate your name into Japanese.

Word Cloud Text Toy

The image on the left is a Word Cloud of Bernanke's speech from last week. I used it in the prior Weekly Commentary.

The Word Cloud is more than just a text toy.  It is a data visualization tool that gives emphasis to frequently used words.

I used one from Wordle (and yes, you can make your own there).

Click the image to see the full version on the website.

I liked the result on Bernanke's speech.  So, I tried it on my list of goals and plans.  Here is the result.

 

Muppets Try Viral Marketing

Last week I wrote about Benjamin Zander, the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, and his quest for "shining eyes".

This week it is the Muppets, and their "Ode to Joy".  Frankly, in this market, I'll take a little joy anywhere I can find it.

I'm posting it because it made me smile.  Hope it does the same for you..  

Now, for the rest of the story ...

My son tells he read rumor that the Forgetting Sarah Marshall team is working on a back-to-basics Muppets movie.

A whole series of new videos have been posted on YouTube in the last weeks from some suspicious pseudonyms (meepmeepmeepow, deumnborkborkbork, weirdowhatever, patrioticeagle).  All are clearly new videos of the Muppets singing along to songs.

I was amused. Here are a few more Muppet musical interludes to keep you busy.
 
Habanera
Classical Chicken
Stars & Stripes FOREVER!

Einstein Had a Beautiful Mind

Interesting hybrid image.

To see the change, you have to get out of your seat and walk away from your computer.

Up close, you see Albert Einstein.  But if you stand 10 to 15 feet away, it will become Marilyn Monroe. Give it a try.

For more on this, here is an article;
and here are more examples.

Conspicuous Consumption

According to the 2007 Wealth Report, there are more millionaires than ever. (WSJ).  The report also examines the growing concentration of wealth by the super-wealthy.  So, apparently, the rich are getting richer.

As the market worries about recessions, inflation, the strength of the Dollar, and the price of oil ... I noticed a strange focus on conspicuous consumption. Here are some of the articles that prompted this post:

• Lexus LF-A supercar priced from $200,000 to $265,000 (AutoBlog)
• Eton's "World’s Most Expensive Shirt” costs $44,740 (Trendhunter)
• Don't Get Wet; Davek's $149 Umbrella will protect you from the rain (Davek)
• Wall Street joint serves up a $175 Burger (CBS News)
• For $150,000 You Can Have a collection of 50 Visionaire Magazine issues. (WSJ)
• Flushing Money Away on the Million-Dollar Bathroom (Barron's)
• The first Billion-Dollar Home (Forbes)

Cell Phone Popcorn Popper

Up till now, I've kept my cell phone in my front pants pocket.  After watching these videos I'm worried about fried eggs.  Pretty cool ... or hot ... depending on the perspective.

Here is the direct link.

Just in case one wasn't enough.

Here is the direct link.

So, what does Snopes say?