Facing Off with Facebook

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.

That was the decision I made not long ago when our IT guy came to give me a report on how much bandwidth is going to Facebook. Texas poker games on company time? Great.

It’s not like we can take away the Internet, either. We need that for working and getting things done… that is, when the workers are getting more done than who has friended who or which SuperWall has the best scribble.

So I opened my own Facebook page. I sat down and made sure it looked great, company logo and all, and then I started looking for people in the office. Sure enough, I found a few. Well, it wasn’t long before we were all playing Vampire. I let everyone have a great time with it for three days, and then I called a meeting out of the blue.

I told everyone that it had been a lot of fun and thanked them, then I said that if they wanted to keep it up, I’d grant them a half hour break a day just to play. If they abused it, we’d have to shut the Internet down.

Guess what? It worked. Everyone gets a break now, people have their fun, and then they go back to work with a fresh mind. More work is being done and the mood has lightened up around the place. Can’t complain about that!

In the Atlantic by James Fallows (How the West Was Wired) October, 2008. The article details the difficulties of surviving in western China. The authors list several obstacles such as isolationism, poverty and a lack of education. Mr. Fallows highlights the work of college classmates Sayling Wen and Kenny Lin and their lofty goal of modernizing western China by connecting isolated areas with major cities via the internet. The duo succeeded on many fronts including the construction of a major business resort and the creation of a “Town and Talent” center focused on training citizens for life in major eastern cities. The “Town and Talent “centers have accomplished some goals. Abstract by Traci Turreo

In Mother Jones by Arthur Allen (Vaccine Skeptics vs. Your Kids) September/October, 2008. The author investigates the current trend by many parents of not vaccinating their children against common diseases such as whooping cough and measles. Reasons given for not vaccinating includes distrust of doctors, the supposed link to autism and a higher educational attainment level; Child vaccination supporters’ point to the success of aggressive vaccination requirements that have all but eliminated many childhood diseases from the industrialized world. Abstract by Teal McAllister

In Fortune by Geoff Colvin (Brains vs. Brawn) 8, September, 2008. The author uses the piece in an attempt to prove his belief that intellectuals will always trump economic issues in our society. Mr. Colvin compares several “Brain vs. Brawn” items such as commodities, steel, microprocessors, pharmaceuticals, movies, clothing and automobiles. Mr. Colvin concludes that a smart investor can make money on a lucky commodity guess while a smart businessperson can always innovate and create new products. Abstract by Tina Wells

In the Economist by the Economist (The World in a Test Tube), 4, September, 2008. The authors investigate problems associated with the technology of climate change. The once promising development of Hydrogen cell vehicles are highlighted through an in-depth look at three significant problems: 1) the lack of hydrogen filling stations, 2) the cost of constructing hydrogen vehicles and 3) the amount of carbon dioxide produced from creating hydrogen.  The impact and limitations of geo-engineering on combating global warming were discussed such as limiting research as it may cause more problems and thus give politicians a reason for ignoring the issue all together. Abstract by Steven Kamack

In the Wall Street Journal by June Fletcher (Meet the Nouveaux Neighbors) 5, September, 2008. Florida and Arizona are becoming “Canada South” as Canadians flock to sunshine destinations in search of summer homes. A recent report indicated that a third of the real estate sells in Florida and Arizona were purchased by Canadians. Reasons given for the southern migration include the rising Canadian dollar, a strong housing market, and escalating home equity—properties in Canada grew by an amazing 11% in 2007 and are expected to rise an additional 5% for 2008. The influx of Canadians to Sunbelt states has allowed for the transfer of foreign traditions such as traditional foods and languages. Abstract by Steve Kramer

In the Rolling Stone Magazine by Sean Wilentz (How Bush Destroyed The Republican Party) 4, September, 2008. The article chronicles various troubles associated with President Bush and the Republican Party. Several recent incidences are highlighted including Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the indictment of DeLay, the fall of Newt Gingrich and Dick Armey, the famous Mission Accomplished speech and the decision to polarize the threat of terrorism. The article also mentions the significance of the 2000 Republican Party Presidential race between Bush and McCain. Other figures mentioned include Donald Rumsfeld, Alberto Gonzales and Karl Rove. Abstract by Tim Wells

On Scientific American.com by John Matson (Angling for a Better Way to Farm Fish—And Vegetables, Too), 28, August, 2008. Mr. Matson investigates the growth of “aquaponics” a type of farming that incorporates fish farming and hydroponic agriculture—the fish serve as the fertilizer and the plants serve as water purifiers. The main idea behind the concept is to mass produce food while limiting the environmental impacts. Opponents of the process point to the large amounts of fossil fuels needed to keep the systems running and the constant care required to assure the system is operating properly. Abstract by Brett Weblow

In The Economist by the Economist (The Price of being Well), 28, August, 2008. The Economist investigates the completeness of a world health report commissioned by the World Health Organization. The report concludes that income is not the only contributing factor to health. Other things such as social, political and economic factors that have little direct influence on health play a significant role in determining if children live to their full lifespan. The authors provide several suggestions for improving the health of people in poor countries such as improving the quality of everyday life for women and children, investing in childcare and education and providing better working conditions. Abstract by Karen Flower

On the American Prospect.com by Harold Meyerson (Labor: United and Divided), 1, September, 2008. Mr. Meyerson investigates the recent semi-defection of four AFL-CIO unions: 1) steelworkers, 2) communication workers, 3) auto workers, and 4) the international federation of professional and technical employees. The four unions or the “Alliance” are funding a separate political campaign by refusing to pay their AFL-CIO political action dues. The point of contention between Alliance members and the AFL-CIO platform is the significance of the Employee Free Choice Act which is viewed as essential for union growth by Alliance members. Alliance members have agreed to follow and participate in the AFL-CIO activities when it believes it benefits their membership. Abstract by Ryan Michael

On the American Spectator.com by George H. Wittman (Genius Left vs. Stupid America), 29, August, 2008. The article takes on a comical tone as the author makes the case that according to many in Europe, America’s diplomatic incompetence is actually to blame for recent global diplomacy issues. Several examples are given including Russia invading Georgia, and Iran pursing enriched uranium. Many people in Europe believe that the U.S. government exaggerates threats in order to keep large defense contracts flowing. The author concludes “tongue-in-cheek” that maybe the U.S. will stop defending global democracy efforts. Abstract by Terri Lynn

On Fortune.com by Michael V. Copeland (Genomes “R” Us) , 28, August, 2008. The author profiles Menlo Park startup Pacific Biosciences. The company claims that by 2013 they will have built a machine that can map a person’s DNA in less than 15 minutes for under a $1,000 compared with current technology that is time and cost prohibitive.  The device would allow scientist and pharmaceutical companies the opportunity to focus on rare and deadly health conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer. Abstract by Becky Schiller

On Harvard Business Review.com by Scott Anthony (YouNoodle: Better Innovation through Algorithms), August, 2008. Mr. Anthony investigates YouNoodle, a company that claims it has created a database that can predict the viability of early-stage startup companies. The company relies on four common areas typically used by venture capitalist: 1) team members, 2) business financials, 3) idea and/or concepts and, 4) internal and external advisors. The reliability of YouNoodle could alter how venture capitalists, who usually rely on wisdom and experience, invest in new companies. Abstract by Brett Wilter

On Entrepreneur.com by Karen E. Spaeder (Shape Up), September, 2008. The health of your employees may determine the health of your company. The article profiles the advantages of providing a healthy lifestyle environment in the workplace. The author stresses common methods of employee wellness programs such as providing monitors to track calorie intake or daily exercise rarely changes employee’s behaviors. Instead, CEO’s and business owners are encouraged to launch smoking cessation programs; hire a personal trainer, remove unhealthy food from the cafeteria or break room and provide exercise time for employees during the workday. Abstract by Tina Guetz

In The New Yorker by James Surowiecki (The Uncertain Feeling), 1, September, 2008. The article looks at various reasons why the Stock Market has been so volatile over the past year. Since July, there have been six days were the S and P 500 moved up or down by at least two percentage points compared with only two days between 2003 and 2006. Several explanations for this phenomenon are given including the credit crisis and what is commonly called “herding” where investors, like animals herd together for protection; piggybacking on the knowledge of other traders. The author also states that investors overestimate their knowledge of finance and encourage traders to trade more often. Abstract by Steve Gregory

In the Economist by the Economist (When sorrow come), 28, August, 2008. The Economist writers investigate the next wave in the credit crisis, the collapse of banks. Nine banks have folded this year compared with three over the part three years combined. The FDIC is on the verge of having to replenish its fund through increased premiums and by going directly to the U.S. Treasury. Some economists are placing the bailout figure above 140 billion. To complicate matters banks are having difficulties raising money through traditional means and have turned to less common means such as selling stock. Abstract by Ted Tiller

In the Smithsonian Magazine by Charles Johnson (Northwest Passage), September, 2008. The article profiles the liberal openness of Seattle, Washington through the experiences of the author. The author espouses the individualism and tolerance of the people in Seattle. The author views the area as an ideal environment for innovative artists and the entrepreneur spirit as demonstrated through Microsoft, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles and Bruce Lee. The author concludes that Seattle is becoming the Berkeley of the 1960s. Abstract by Ben Clack

On Glamour.com by Meghan Daum (Welcome to my mortgage hell), 23, 2008. The article profiles the American dream gone badly; a single mom in search of a safe place to raise her children. Like some many Americans, banks had pre approved Ms. Hodges for a home worth more than a half million dollars Two years after purchasing her dream home she found herself being eated alive by the mortgage payment; her credit was ruined, her savings account was empty, her voice mail overflowed with messages from her bank, and she felt incredibly stressed and anxious. Ms. Hodges, like some many other Americans let the bank take over her home.

In Time Magazine by I-Ching (Helping the Hidden Community of HIV), 19 August, 2008. Refusing to be labeled “gay” or “bisexual,” Many in the hidden community insist that their gay male partners may as well be women. With their layered identities and secretive, high-risk sexual practices, these groups of men have sex with men. In some cultures, sex between men is prohibited outright; in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in Africa, for example, gay sex is cause for execution which drives many men underground. The secretive sex life increases their likelihood of engaging in risky sex. 

In the National Geographic by Charles C. Mann (The future rests on the soil beneath our feet), 19 August, 2008. In the developing world, far more arable land is being lost to human-induced erosion and desertification that is directly affecting the lives of 250 million people; this year alone food shortages is being caused in part by the diminishing quantity and quality of the world’s soil. China’s Loess Plateau is about the size of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands combined. For centuries the silt piles have been washing down the Yellow River; a natural process that has exacerbated. China has responded by developing Sloping Land Conversion Programs that directs farmers to convert most of their steep fields back to grassland.

In National Geographic by Ker Than, (Symmetrical Bodies Are More Beautiful to Humans) 18 August, 2008. A resent study found that the more symmetrical a person’s body is, the more appealing that person is to the opposite sex. Researchers also found that men with masculine physical traits such as greater height, broader shoulders, and smaller hip to waist ratios tended to have more symmetrical bodies. Similarly, women who were more symmetrical tended to have more typical feminine traits, such as larger hips, longer and more slender legs, and larger breasts. The new study also provides evidence of a strong relationship between body symmetry and sex-typical body features.