Switching Blogs

My lovely wife just suggested I switch from Blogger to Tumblr as it would be easier for people to follow me. Since I’m not versed in blog tech, I’ll just do it. Found a great URL that will gladly transfer all your posts from blogger to tumblr quickly as well: http://www.bloggertotumblr.com/ It sometimes makes errors in the HTML but not super bad ones. Of course I’m sure there is a tumblrtoblogger.com as well, but we’re headed in this direction! The new blog is named: asymmetricinformation.tumblr.com

The Importance of Customer Service

About a month ago I was on the Acela Train travelling from Boston to New York. It was the 4th trip I'd made on the train, and it was nice. But the thing that stood out was the conductor. I'm afraid I don't know his name so I can't publicly credit him, but his conductor's chair was next to my seat. Anyway he was one of the cheeriest fellows I've ever met. We did small talk for a while, and I saw that he gladly chatted and joked with almost every passenger. I saw the same thing on Caltrain in California once. Some conductors are just doing their job, grumble, can be curt etc. But this one guy was a ex-prop handler from Hollywood. One of those eccentric characters you meet in California. Really made the whole commuting experience a joyful one, and it completely improves your day. I was a bit mopey and tired when I got into work this morning, but everybody (and I mean everybody) in the office said "Hi Chris! Welcome back! How's it going? How was your trip" etc. etc. I'm telling you, it improves the blues NO END! The social boost is such a boost. Every time I've been on the phone with a cable, phone, or credit card company, I always have that horrible feeling that they are pulling one over on me. Don't know how, don't know when, but pretty convinced that any complaint I have is going to be deflected easily. So even though its not really in their interest to be nice (most of these companies are effective local duopolies, or at best oligopolies), it feels SO much nicer when you have someone who is actually interested in helping you. This is especially true when they do some kind of "favor" for you to ensure that you are a happy customer. I wonder how we could encourage this. Maybe its a bit like Banana Republic (or Borders) where every week there's a new sale for 20, 50 or 70% off meaning that the SALE price is the real price. Seems a bit seedy. How do we make it NOT seedy?

About Blog Posting

A very self-centered posting this time. I was under the impression that nobody really read this (at least judging from the traffic). I figured it was more or less like the secret diary of Doogie Howser (minus the 15 year old doctor, minus the genius, minus the girlfriend I had a super crush on... no wait, that was Winnie from Wonder Years). A colleague told me that they looked forward to reading it. I was quite surprised actually (and of course flattered), but I realized that I had collected a few things I wanted to blog about, and maybe someone would be interested, as was always the case for this blog. Being an engineer by training and experience, I haven't written very much so its a strange feeling to know that something other than a nerdy forum post is being looked at. A bit like being liked on Facebook (or better having a comment posted about something you posted). Don't know about the psychology of posting, but I do know there's something about endorphins. Anyhow here go anyway.

Cool Installation at NY Historical Society

This was a neat installation at the NY Historical Society.  You tilt the board, and it tilts its view to compensate.  Then you can click on whatever you are looking at. I really want to emulate this in an ipad..

Historical Society - Broadband from Chris on Vimeo.

Cool iPad Rotation App in JCrew

Although I don't actually remember if it was a JCrew, I saw they had ipad apps in the store that had both cool interactions with the models.  The rotations are especially interesting.  And I got some tips on how to size a dress shirt, which for an engineer is vital.
Sorry for the light reflections.  I was filming it on my phone and only had a limited time.


IMG 0073 from Chris on Vimeo.


IMG 0072 from Chris on Vimeo.

Interesting Digital Candle

Saw this in a shop window in soho. I loved the digital approximation of a very analog system (i.e. flame)

IMG 0109 from Chris on Vimeo.

Museum of Natural History Subway Tiles

I was standing on the platform waiting for the C train to take me downtown at the NYC Museum of Natural History stop, and I looked down and saw these tiles.  There were 1 per section between the large iron beams holding the roof up.  I have no idea what they mean or what they are (or who the artist is), but they are interesting and hopefully I'll find out more about them at some point.  They look vaguely like either ancient cave paintings or possibly inuit art, I'm not sure.  There is also wall mosaic art, and a link about it here.