I’m glad this recently created video of David Foster Wallace’s 2005 commencement address has been shared these past two weeks through all the social networks. And while it has been geared towards those who are graduating from high school or college, I think this speech has greater resonance for those of us who are older (say 30+ and up) who have been going through the experiences he mentions. It’s a great reminder for us to practice introspection and critical thinking, especially during times of life/work stress and frustration.

Source: youtube.com

Things You Ask Your Friend Who Studies Occupational Therapy

  • Me: I can't have an immobilized shoulder keep me down! Looking up cross-transference training techniques to stay in shape. Facinating stuff if you're ever injured but want to continue to work-out. Plus, now is a good time to really focus on squats and thighs :)
  • Megan: No bouncing.
  • Me: Is twerking allowed....?
  • Megan: Only if shoulder is stabilized. Maybe if you rest on a counter / bar..... My biomechanics coursework taught me how to answer questions about "twerking" -great
Some people say that we can’t afford to help our kids through school by keeping student loan interest rates low,” said Senator Warren. “But right now, as I speak, the federal government offers far lower interest rates on loans, every single day–they just don’t do it for everyone. Right now, a big bank can get a loan through the Federal Reserve discount window at a rate of about 0.75%. But this summer a student who is trying to get a loan to go to college will pay almost 7%. In other words, the federal government is going to charge students interest rates that are nine times higher than the rates for the biggest banks–the same banks that destroyed millions of jobs and nearly broke this economy. That isn’t right. And that is why I’m introducing legislation today to give students the same deal that we give to the big banks.
Big banks get a great deal when they borrow money from the Fed,” Senator Warren continued. “In effect, the American taxpayer is investing in those banks. We should make the same kind of investment in our young people who are trying to get an education. Lend them the money and make them to pay it back, but give our kids a break on the interest they pay. Let’s Bank on Students… Unlike the big banks, students don’t have armies of lobbyists and lawyers. They have only their voices. And they call on us to do what is right.
Elizabeth Warren: Students should get the same loan rate as big banks (via world-shaker)

(via world-shaker)

photojojo:

Using negative space in photos he takes of the sky, Thomas Lamadieu sketches playful illustrations that wedge themselves between towering buildings.

The most striking feature is how the contours of the buildings form everything from beards to mythical animals. 

Mixed Media Illustrations on Images of the Sky

via Beautiful Decay

FANTASTIC WORK!!

Many think of management as cutting deals and laying people off and hiring people and buying and selling companies. That’s not management, that’s dealmaking. Management is the opportunity to help people become better people. Practiced that way, it’s a magnificent profession.
Clayton Christensen Wants to Transform Capitalism | Wired (via mbb)

(via fred-wilson)

Source: Wired

Blogging for Social Media Week-NYC (2/18 - 2/22)

Social Media Week NYC begins next week: February 18th - February 22nd. Yours truly will be happily attending and blogging on the following events:

● Big Data Goes Social (Tuesday)
● David vs. Goliath: The Global Fight for Digital Privacy (Tuesday)
● Behavior: The Next Superdrug? A Conversation on Health Featuring Esther Dyson and Rick Smolan (Tuesday)
● Crowdfunding 3.0: Top Five Strategies for Cause Activists (Wednesday)
● Keynote: danah boyd on the Ethics and Challenges of Dealing With “Big Data” (Friday)
● Public Policy & Social Innovation (Friday)
● Local to Global: Social Media in the Markets of New York City (Friday)

You can review the full NYC schedule here - http://socialmediaweek.org/newyork/schedule/