Book Review: READY, FIRE, AIM

I picked this book up to give my system a jolt after pondering the economic challenges and opportunities as defined by AG. I currently have several ventures in play, and all can be defined as Stage One according to Masterson. The book is a quick read and hits home a very simple message – Just Do It. He says it in a number of different approaches and examples, but the end sum total is – Start. I enjoyed the middle to the end of the book the best and thought the beginning was a bit slow.

A very fast read, as he is very entertaining, but one less academic and practical than other books in this space. I would recommend it for most would-be entrepreneurs given its core messaging.

Best,

James

Book Review: AG, The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World

I just completed Alan Greenspan’s book and I must say it is a very timely read for anyone in the world that has investments in play, or is curious where the market may head.  He recounts events, such as the Oil shock of the 70s and the events of 1991 and 1999, that are VERY applicable to today’s markets.  I definitely recommend reading this book ASAP.  If you do not have time, or a slow reader like me, I would advise skipping his biography (first half of the book), and jump right in to the second part where he analyzes everything from globalization, education at the primary and secondary levels, carbon credits, central bank coordination of interest rates, and his predictions for the future.

It is especially interesting to read his thoughts on interest rates, real estate, and the market, as he composed those pages prior to the severe collapse of these financial vehicles.

Good read and definitely worth the time,

James DeLuccia

Merging PDFs with OS X

I am wrapping up my manuscript for my first book, and one task is to build an index.  This requires searching through hundreds of pages for key phrases.  I was provided my proofs as PDF files, but separates.  So, after a bit of searching using the OS X Finder and Preview I decided to merge these together.  The task is VERY simple and requires no installation of any software.  I used the automator to get it done.

Follow this gentleman’s article to the T, and you will be merging with no problems.

Best,

James

* BTW – this was my first foray into Automator, and I definitely will be going back…

Copy Blackberry Phonebook to SIM

Seems like a simple task, and the reverse is very simple – RIM has a “Copy all from SIM to address book”, but not the later.  So, given I have a need to place my most important numbers on a SIM to transfer them to another device I did a quick Google search, and found dozens of suggestions on how to do it.  The best is here from an actual RIM support guy.

Nonetheless, when I was trying to copy over to the SIM I discovered I did not always get the menu option to copy the contact over.  After much playing around I discovered that the CURSOR must be on the PHONE NUMBER you want to transfer before you hit the menu key.  Otherwise it will not give you the option.

So that is it…. check out the link, place the cursor on the number you want to COPY and then hit save once it refreshes.  Took a couple of hours to get the whole task done, and I hope this post will save you that fun.

James

Book Review: Starbucked

I received this book as a gift both as a joke and on a serious note.  As any entrepreneur and technologist can relate, I spend an abnormal amount of time away from home and tend to find myself in a Starbucks.  I generally enjoy their drinks, though I enjoyed them more when they had real espresso machines and not the mechanical ones, and love their atmosphere.  To the contrary of some people’s perceptions, I do not only go to Starbucks.  I will enjoy any coffee shop I find, and will certainly seek out authentic / regionally original coffee houses above starbucks any day.  So, I am both practical in that I enjoy Starbucks where ever they may be, but I am also biased towards “other” coffee houses that have real baristas that can pull great shots of espresso and make perfect foam.

So, how does the book fair?  It is a fun read.  Actually the first half is fun and inspiring as an entrepreneur.  The second half is more globalization the fall of culture.  I enjoyed the deep perspective on how they started the business, and how  coffee has become a success.  I would definitely recommend giving this book a read to those looking to fund startups – actually I would advise reading this book over “Founders at Work“.  That book was chock full of people gloating and not giving the meat of the deals and emotions.

For some deeper insight into the book check out – Brand Autopsy’s article.

In the end, if you have a long flight get the book and enjoy.  Otherwise drink that half-calf decaf fat free with whip beverage in eternal bliss.
James