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April 30, 2005
A Refreshing Colour: Purple
This one is for you Mom...the answer to your question is above and below.
For more information click here
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 10:30 AM
Long on Innovation, Short on Execution
Execution - The act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it;
Bureaucracy (1) - An administrative system in which the need or inclination to follow rigid or complex procedures impedes effective action: innovative ideas that get bogged down in red tape and bureaucracy.
Bureaucracy (2) - Management or administration marked by hierarchical authority among numerous offices and by fixed procedures
Bureaucracy in itself is not a bad thing. Policies and procedures in the corporate world are in most cases designed to provide employee direction for the execution of the companies objectives. However, bureaucracy does become a problem when one's personal ambitions get in the way of achieving greatness for the company. Greatness in terms of increasing creative outputs, efficiencies, employee productivity, ROI, and company profits.
Hierarchal structures will never disappear from the corporation; these structures are critical to the direction of the company. What I am suggesting is that hierarchal structures be more fluid and dynamic - that collaboration about the companies future direction is not just among executives. Collaboration by its very definition is working together specifically in a joint intellectual effort.
Where is the value to holding meetings, when meetings leave out the subject matter experts. In our new world of globalization, connectivity is of the highest importance. Employees want to feel as though they have direct input into the direction of their company, a company that is as much theirs as it is the top-level executives.
My eyes have been opened to new-age thinkers (executives) who are compelled to engage all of their employees. These new age thinkers have experience as their greatest asset. They engage their employees in an ultra simplistic way: they treat their employees as equals; Equal in terms of the impact he/she can have on the companies success, and equal in terms of their place/fit in this complex world of ours.
Having a superiority complex is trés old-school. Those who are stuck in the aformentioned rut have a false sense of job security primarily attributed through their personal belief that they are better than everyone else.
So what? Engage, Engage, and engage some more. Have open meetings, invite those that are interested in what you have to say. You will build your value which you create for your company much faster by being open to ideas from employees, partners and customers from all levels within the company. You will earn respect of not only your peers, but the respect of your subordinates. You will build an environment of creativity and innovation, and environment where the norm encourages pushing the boundaries and limits of process, technology, and behaviours (which are currently
preventing the company from truly achieving world greatness and profits)
Let me now talk about innovation and execution.
I recently read an article in MIT's Magazine of Innovation. The article was entitled "The Rules of Innovation". I was quite taken back by its content. The articles compares the success and failures of McAfee and Associates and Tribal Voice. Both pushed into new business model frontiers, both achieved great success, and yet their end results were radically different. McAfee has a current market capitalization of about $2 billion US. Tribal Voice collapsed in 2000 when AOL blocked the companies POW WOW traffic.
POW WOW allowed computer users to instantaneously communicate with other users of similar interest. Tribal Voice was one of the first companies to distribute a multprotocol instant messaging platform. The current company which is implementing this vision is http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/
through their IM software Trillian.
Here is an excerpt from the article "The first attempt to commercialize an invention almost never succeeds. There are two reasons for this:
First, the innovator is often early; the really important market for invention does not exist.
Second, the innovator doesn't know how to make money from the invention; the business model that will support the invention is imperfectly understood."
My continuing ongoing career efforts will revolve around perfecting the business model around internet connectivity. Good day and merci.
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 9:33 AM
April 29, 2005
Evening Soi-rée @ Studio II
I've successfully made it through my first week as Business Systems Analyst for Bell. I've been meeting tons of new people, learning new and exciting things around how we operate our business from both a business and systems perspective.
For those of you that don't know already, I will be having a party (soi-rée) at my house on Saturday May 14. It will be starting around 8:00.
I'm going to try my hand at making Martini's (mmmm), Wine and appetizers will be served, and music will subtly playing in the background ensuring that this will be an evening of excitement at fun. If you have a particular Martini preference please comment. I need to find who in Hamilton sells Lychees as they are the piece de resistance in my Martini's.
I'll be providing updates all weekend. Cheers and have FUN!
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 11:32 AM
April 26, 2005
A Change in Pace
So I made it through the first day at my new job. The team I work with is great, and Fiona has been so very helpful and informative.
I have been assigned a new IBM T30 laptop...but unfortunately don't have administrator access to make any modifications. I'm going to see about getting that changed.
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 10:26 AM
April 20, 2005
The Walkie Talkies
For those of you who have supported me thus far in the Bell Walk for Kids Helphone it is very much appreciated. For those of you have yet to still do so...THERE IS STILL TIME. I have a personal goal of raising $750 for the event, and right now I am sitting @ 17% of my goal. This is an awesome feat thanks to all of you who have donated.
Donate Now!!!!!
Remember that even a dollar or two will make a difference.
For those of you who will be walking in the Hamilton event, my coworkers and I have formed a team called the Walkie Talkies and you are more than welcome to join.
Ciao.
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 7:29 AM
April 16, 2005
(Kids Help Phone) Pledge Me online via SECURE CONNECTION
Hi Everyone,
This is my first year participating in the Bell Walk for Kids help Phone. In my youth I personally used the kids help phone on numerous occasions, and looking back now, I'm not sure what I would have done or who I would have talked to if they weren't available. Please, even if you can only donate a buck or two, every penny counts.
Thanks,
Ralph
You have been invited to pledge Ralph Meiers in the Bell Walk for Kids Help
Phone on May 1, 2005.
Secure online donations can be made with VISA, MasterCard or American Express
and an electronic tax receipt will be sent to you by email. You can make an
online donation now:
https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/StartUp.aspx?SID=403814
By walking and raising pledges, Ralph is helping ensure Kids Help Phone can be
there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:
- $50 will help 1 child realize that suicide is not the answer
- $100 will help a counsellor answer 5 online questions from kids that need help
- $500 will help send awareness materials to 250 Canadian schools to ensure that
young people know Kids Help Phone is there for them
For more information about the Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone, or to join us on
May 1, 2005, please visit bellwalkforkidshelpphone.ca.
Thank you for your generous support.
Kids Help Phone
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 10:40 AM
April 13, 2005
VoIP
What's the hype? VoIP is radically transforming Bell Canada, and the Canadian telecommunications marketplace simultaneously. For those not sure as to what VoIP is, let me explain it to you.
VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol is simply using the power of internet technologies and network to place, route, and receive telephone calls.
My friend Tom sent me the following link http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/internet/04/13/new.telephony.ap/index.html it's an interesting read.
Testing
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 11:37 AM
Toronto Raptors vs Boston Celtics Sunday April 17th 6pm - regularly $79 got them for $50 - 4 tickets
Sec.114, seats 5-8
Please e-mail me if interested.
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 10:03 AM
What is Hypogammaglobulinemia?
I have just recently been diagnosed as having inherited hypogammaglobulinemia. The above image is the basic structure of immunoglobulins. My father(who has most likely had this disorder his entire life) was diagnosed about 5 years back. I'm going to use my gamma sub-site as an information portal which I will be updating on recent medical breakthroughs and research updates surrounding this disorder as it is somewhat rare and information is not easily accessible.
I would also like it to to evolve into a hypogammaglobulinemia support forum/blog where people with this disorder can share their life experience and their information. Philly the Chemist, the following link is for your benefit: http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/mayer/IgStruct2000.htm
Hypogammaglobulinemia is a disorder that is caused by a lack of B-lymphocytes and a resulting low level of immunglobulins (antibodies) in the blood. Immunoglobulins play a dual role in the immune response by recognizing foreign antigens and triggering a biological response that culminates in the elimination of the antigen. Antibody deficiency is associated with recurrent infections with specific types of bacteria. In pure B-cell disorders, cellular immunity generally is intact and the frequency of viral, fungal, and mycobacterial (e.g. tuberculosis) infections is not increased. There are 5 major types of immunoglobulins: immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin D (IgD), and immunoglobulin E (IgE).
The most common congenital abnormalities of B lymphocyte production include:
Hypogammaglobulinemia (Common Variable Immunodeficiency)
Ig A Deficiency
X-linked Agammaglobulinemia (Bruton Disease)
Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy
Hypogammaglobulinemia or Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)
CVID is the second most common cause of hypogammaglobulinemia and affects both sexes equally. The incidence is about 1 in 50,000 people. In most patients there is a reduced amount of the immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, and IgM in the blood. It is an immune deficiency disorder that can be acquired or inherited. In most cases, there is no family history of immunodeficiency. However, in instances where more than one family member is affected, an autosomal recessive (two abnormal genes, one from each parent) mode of inheritance is suggested. In about 5% of the cases, one or more of the family members can be found to be IgA deficient.
Selective IgA deficiency
IgA deficiency is the most common antibody deficiency syndrome, about 1 case in 700 persons. Recurrent infections may occur in as many as 50% of IgA-deficient patients, but most of these individuals are healthy. Some patients develop symptoms after an uneventful childhood and early adulthood. Recurrent or chronic upper and lower respiratory tract infections is common as is Giardia lamblia infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with undetectable levels of IgA antibodies may develop severe allergic reactions if they receive blood products
X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA)
Symptoms in Bruton disease begin at age 7-9 months, after a significant decline of maternal antibodies. The disorder affects boys only and is characterized by recurrent bacterial infections during the second half of the first year of life. Chronic otitis media, sinusitis, and pneumonia are the most common infections. Patients often have undersized or scanty tonsils and lymph nodes. 15% of patients with XLA die of infectious complications by age 20 years.
Transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy (THI)
THI is related to a delayed onset of immunoglobulin production in infants. These patients recover and develop a normal antibody response when aged 2-3 years. During their first years, these patients have a high incidence of recurrent upper respiratory infections but not of pneumonias or life-threatening infections. These patients do not require IVIG therapy (see below).
What are some of the symptoms?
Patients with B-cell deficiencies begin having bacterial infections when aged 7-9 months, when the placental antibodies fall to undetectable levels.Symptoms are related to the severity of the immunodeficency, which may include the following:
Respiratory infections
Paranasal sinusitis, bronchitis, chronic cough
Chronic otitis media (ear infection)
Development into more serious respiratory conditions
Chronic lung disease
Pneumonia
Chronic bronchiectasis
Interstitial emphysema
Gastrointestinal disorders
Chronic diarrhea, weight loss and malabsorption of food secondary to Giardia Lamblia infection
Autoimmune disease - Rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo, hemolytic anemia,
thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia
Malignancy – risk of certain malignancies is high
Growth retardation in those with early-onset recurrent infections
How is it diagnosed?
Some tests that indicate hypogammaglobulinemia include:
Low serum immunoglobulins and B lymphocytes
Missing specific antibodies to any vaccines the child has received
Absence of antibodies to A and B blood group antigens
How is it treated?
Hypogammaglobulinemia is frequently treated with intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG), given every three to four weeks intravenously or subcutaneously. Antimicrobial therapy should be initiated at the first sign of infection. Patients with chronic sinusitis or lung disease may need long term treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics. . Physical therapy and daily postural draining of secretions and pus from lungs and bronchi may be necessary for those who have developed bronchiectasis. For those patients suffering gastrointestinal problems or malabsorption problems, evaluation for Giardia lamblia, rotavirus, or other infections should be undertaken. In most patients with immunodeficiency and arthritis who have never received gammaglobulin, adequate treatment with gammaglobulin usually provides symptom relief.
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 9:55 AM
April 8, 2005
Famous Night Out
Phil and I saw The Ring II, much better than the first one (the story line was much more developed). Saw a preview for a movie called 'The Island', and it looks quite interesting.
I'm out.
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 9:22 PM
April 7, 2005
What the Fu*K is "Instant Shampoo"?
This image was taken from what I presume is my mom's Seventeen magazine circa 1974. Apparently my mom did succumb to the marketer's magic by purchasing a can of the magic wonder. The image actually contains four instructions (of which only two are visible):
Spray, Fluff, Brush, go!
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 9:45 PM
Nintendo anyone?
Below is a scanned image of my original Nintendo user manual. It was the late 80's and my friend Brian and I were glued to our TV's playing Zelda, Super Mario Bros, and some other game I now forget the name of.
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 9:11 PM
Microsoft Makes Subtle Changes to Media Player - Trying to retrain the internet population on Music Sharing/Writing
In its latest version of Windows Media Player, Microsoft has re-titled, re-scripted, re-named major components of its popular online media player.
No longer is music copied from CD to ones desktop, laptop, or portable media device, it is "Ripped", the feature in WMP is titled "RIP" - now add "OFF" and we have the following:
Definition:
!. To steal from: thieves who ripped off the unsuspecting tourist.
2. To steal: ripped off a leather jacket while ostensibly trying on clothes.
3. To exploit, swindle, cheat, or defraud: a false advertising campaign that ripped off consumers.
The process of ripping music/movies/files is how P2P file networks were built. It allowed media to be moved from a physical subtrate i.e. CD/DVD to a digitized file format which was stored on one's computer/laptop/Portable Media Device.
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 6:29 PM
April 5, 2005
Pâté de foie gras
I am seriously re-evaluating the role meat products have in my life. Philly and I ventured off to this nice little Euro Bistro called Europea.
I had a delecatable nine course meal. I had this dish called Pâté de foie gras - I noticed that every item on the menu was translated into English with the exception of this dish. Silly me didn't bother to ask the waiter what exactly Pâté de foie gras was.
When the dish arrived it looked scrumptious - "Pan seared Foie gras scalop, Caramelized Tatin Apples". The dishes consistency was interesting to say the least.
My curiosity got to the better of me when I arrived home from Montreal. I started doing some research on this delicacy. To my disgust I came across the following site: http://www.gourmetcruelty.com/about.php - this site is not intended for those faint of heart.
Now, If the menu had read I would have left the establishment immediately:
Pan seared Foie gras scalop (a grossly enlarged liver of a duck or goose. Medically known as hepatic lipidosis, foie gras is a disease marketed as a delicacy. Birds raised for this gourmet cruelty are force-fed enormous quantities of food through a long metal pipe three times a day. This process of deliberate and painful overfeeding continues for up to a month, by which time the birds’ livers have swelled up to twelve times their healthy size), Caramelized Tatin Apples.
I am disgusted with myself for not being well versed in French, but most of all I blame myself for not asking the waiter exactly what it was that I had ordered.
I recently read in the Hamilton Spectator that the Art Gallery of Hamilton will have its gala grand re-opening on May 26, 2005.
"The Hamilton-connection, all-star lineup has something for everyone for the grand opening of the gallery's $20-million makeover on May 26.
The white-tie event of the year, with 600 guests, has been sold out for months and months, says Larissa Ciupka, gallery marketing and communications director"
To my disgust "Guests will dine on foie gras, scallops and beef tenderloin, and listen to performances by Opera Hamilton and Niagara's Best Smooth Jazz Orchestra."
I will be looking at pressuring the AGH to withdraw "Pâté de foie gras" from its menu lineup for its gala opening. Possibilities include PICKETING the AGH (as there will be huge media attention focused on the event). An e-mail will be sent to the gala's organizers, and possibly the hamilton spectator.
If you have any suggestions or would like to partake in this event please do comment or e-mail me @ ralph.meiers@sympatico.ca . To comment please click the comments hyperlink and type your name or nickname and in the comment textbox, type your comment.
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 9:22 AM
Je me Souviens
I was in Montreal over Easter Weekend (stayed at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth - John Lennon and Yoko had their famous bed-in at the Queen Elizabeth in the late 60's)
It was a weekend of meeting new friends (Hi Anica), and partying with old ones (the one-of-a-kind Crystal Gem).
Phil and I partied at Unity II (http://www.club-unity2.com/home.php3) - However, due to our poor planning we didn't get to attend "Bal en Blanc White"
The lineup included the who's who in the electronica scene:
* TIESTO
* BENNY BENASSI
* MARCO G
* PREACH
* DAVID MORALES
* PETER RAUHOFER
* DEEP DISH
* JESTER
* BRUNO BROWN
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at 9:13 AM