Capitalogix

New Version 4 of Shift Happens Video

Last week I wrote that my son (and his generation) won't communicate the way we do.

For example, he used 9,827 text messages and 564 MB of data on his phone this month.

I'm not going to pretend that I understand how I would use that many messages ... But I'm beginning to understand that he does.

A decade ago, I couldn't have conceived the way we use trading technology today.  The scope and scale of what's possible would have seemed like an improbable science fiction plot.

And that is the point.  Some things seem like nonsense (or magic), until they become science and way things are done.

New Version 4 of Shift Happens Video

Fascinating presentation of facts, stats, and insights about how technology (like the internet) has been changing the world. Some of the tech that we take for granted is now at an inflection point because of the sheer mass of late-adopters.

It is worth watching and thinking about ... as someone living in these changing times ... and in terms of how these changing times shift the game and create a whole new set of opportunities.

While similar to the post on how Social Media is changing everything ... this presentation focuses on the bigger picture and has a more general business tone. 

I like the new design and the added content; yet, found the music a bit distracting.

We are moving forward more quickly than ever.  What you thought you knew about the economy, technology, innovation, and the world are probably out-of-date. I can't wait to see what comes next.

• Here is a link to a transcription of the presentation.
• Here is a link to the author's blog.
• Here is a link to the Shift Happens Project.

An Experience Worth Paying For ...

What does $1.2 billion buy nowadays? Apparently, an amazing stadium that will change the way you experience events.

As I was leaving the first preseason football game played in the new Dallas Cowboys stadium, one of the guys I went with said "that was the best football game I've ever seen." He was wrong; it was, however, probably the best experience he's had at a football game.

I've been to hundreds of professional sporting events. Yet, Jerry and Stephen Jones, HKS Architects, and the rest of the team that built that stadium found a way to surprise and excite me, while exceeding my expectations on almost every level.

Years ago, I read a book called "The Experience Economy: Work Is Theater & Every Business a Stage", which explains that as the world cascades towards sameness, a business can achieve a sustainable competitive advantage by differentiating the experience it provides to its customers. The Cowboys have done that with this stadium.

There's a certain amount of theater, pageantry, and spectacle that you expect from a professional sporting event. Even the word "event" implies that, doesn't it?

Well the Cowboys got it right; and it was larger than life.  Watching people as they walked in the stadium, it was amazing to see how many of them said "Wow!" And during the game, I can't tell you how many times I heard somebody say "this is incredible" ... and they weren't talking about the game.

Do You Watch the HD Screen ... Or the Field?

A few weeks ago I wrote about the stadium.  This time I'm writing about what it is like to attend an event there.  One thing worth noting, the GINORMOUS HD video screen is so clear and so large that it changes how you see the game (I certainly never paid attention to cheerleaders before this, and the video is so clear you can literally read the tattoos on a player's arms during a play).  Frankly it was slightly unnerving because I couldn't figure out how best to watch the game. I found myself drawn to the massive video screen rather than the field. I literally had to train myself to watch the play on the field, and then to allow myself to look up to see the replay (often from multiple angles).

You know how some movies whisper "wait for the DVD" while other movies were clearly built for the Big-Screen. This stadium changes how you consume a live event product (like an NFL game), and makes it worthwhile to be there.

It is hard to control what happens on any given Sunday, but with this, the Jones have created a sustainable brand promise and set a new standard.

You've got to experience it for yourself. 

My guess is that it will change stadiums around the world. Bravo.

For More On This:

• Here is an Article Giving a Different Perspective on the Stadium.
• Here is the NYTimes Take on the Video Board.
• Here is a DMN Article Getting Reviews From Fans.

Capitalogix Commentary 3/13/09

It's a puzzle.  Is this yet another bear-market bounce, or the start of something more meaningful? It was just the second gain in 10 weeks; but the 12% rise from 12-year lows was enough to start the debate.

The usually bearish, and quite well-respected, Doug Kass suggested that we might be seeing a "generational low" here.  Personally, I'm skeptical.  But when Doug Kass and Warren Buffet agree, I'm going to try and see what they see.

Also note that tech is leading, and the financials are doing reasonably well, right now, too.  For a sustained rally, that is as it should be.  Nonetheless, the proof will be in the follow-through.

With that in mind, here is a chart of the Banking Index from Bill Luby's VIX and More.  It shows that we've had one-week rallies several times since August.  A bigger move might be an important sign?

Also note that the major US Equity Indices are rallying into the overhead resistance created by the November lows. And that is where we start the week.

There's a joke amongst traders: The Trading Gods allow you to buy the low-tick then sell the high-tick ... once. After that, you're free to do the opposite as often as you want.

Note that there is a kernel of truth in most good humor ... and if you haven't seen Jim Cramer on the Daily Show, it's worth watching.

Here are a Few of the Business Posts Moving the Markets that I Found Interesting This Week:

• Global Stimulus Coordinated Effort Shot Down. (The Daily Beast)
• China’s Leader Says He Is ‘Worried’ Over U.S. Treasuries. (NYTimes)
• Outsmarting Wall Street? How Quants Tried to Model The Physics of Money. (NYTimes)
• AIG Paying $165 Million in Bonuses After Federal Bailout. (NYTimes)

And, Here are a Few More Lighter Ideas and Fun Links:

• What does one TRILLION dollars look like? (PageTutor)
• The Unsaid Reason VCs May Not Back You: Resource Efficiency (Mark Peter Davis)
• Time Management in the Age of Social Media. (BusinessWeek)
• Twitter Has A Big Month, Grows To Over 8 Million U.S. Users (SocialTimes)

It Would Be Funnier If It Wasn't So Sad

There is a kernel of truth in most good humor.  So last week I posted a clip of Jon Stewart poking fun at CNBC on the Daily Show ... and it was funny.  This week, Jim Cramer went on the Daily Show to defend himself ... and the results are funnier, with even more kernels of truth.  Here are un-edited extended versions of that interview.  This is certainly worth watching.

Part 1 of the Interview.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 1

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Part 2 of the Interview.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 2

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Part 3 of the Interview.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 3

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Click here to see more of the Daily Show's and Colbert's Best Jim Cramer Moments.

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!

Game Theory (or not) On the "Price is Right"

Here is a short clip from the TV show the "Price is Right".  The YouTube post bills it as the dumbest contestant ever.  In any case, it was funny.

Here is the direct link for that video.

I felt sorry for the contestant, even though I was laughing.

Schadenfreude can be a funny thing; it always makes me think of a song from the show "Avenue Q".  Bet it makes you smile.

Here is the direct link for that video.

Is You Is ... Or Is You Ain't, My Baby?

During the weekend, I visited an art fair in downtown Fort Worth.  While walking through the exhibits, I came upon the performance stage and stopped to listen to a jazz and swing band play.  One of the songs stuck in my head.  It was originally done by Louis Jordan, and it is called  "Is You Is ... Or Is You Ain't?"

While thinking about how the Markets are at a crossroads, I hear the lyrics ask:

Is you is ... or is you ain't, my baby?
The way you're acting lately makes me doubt ...

When I got home, I kept singing the song.  A quick search found various versions, including this one.  From the Tom & Jerry cartoon.  Very nicely done.

That brought back memories of old TV Shows: Mister Ed, Courtship of Eddie's Father, Speed Racer, etc.  Well, I found a site that has over 5,000 TV tunes.  Click here to visit Television Tunes and bring back some memories.