MySpace Partnership?

It looks like MySpace is looking for a partnership. MySpace has been negotiating with Google and Microsoft to create a partnership (search-based) which will allow the huge MySpace population (about 80 million users) access to the best search technology available as well as provide advertising for the site. This would be a boon for MySpace and possibly generate billions of dollars each year in advertising revenue.

Stadium of Fire 2006 - 4th of July Celebration

For those of you in Utah -- you need to get your tickets for the Stadium of Fire 2006 -- 4th of July Celebration. This year the event will be held on Saturday, July 1st at the LaVell Edwards stadium in Provo, Utah -- and will feature Lee Ann Womack and also have a Battle of the Bands with music from Queen, Abba, and the Beach Boys. It's always a wonderful patriotic event and one you shouldn't miss. You can still get tickets at www.byutickets.com. The Stadium of Fire is only 1 of 2 events that is broadcast to the troops overseas. Plus it's one of the largest fireworks displays in the country.

Anyway, last year LoneStar came and the whole show was incredible! I'm excited to see the fun things they include this year as well as the patriotic music and fireworks. It's going to be great! Come and see for yourself!

Printing on Demand

Amazon.com is now launching a print-on-demand program with their subsidiary BookSurge. This will help small time publishers sell titles which are less common at a reasonable price. It's good news to authors who are self-published as well, simply as a way to get their work out into the marketplace without a huge up-front expense to print and store inventory. It's about time this came about!

I'll be interested to see how the program works and if individual authors can get their works published without going through a major publishing house. This could be a huge income boost for all us starving authors. :-)

Making Good Business Decisions

Recently I did some consulting and website analysis for a local business. The feedback I received was great from the marketing and management teams and I was excited to see how the company could take things to the next level online -- with an overhaul to their website and adding in some new marketing strategies -- this business could reach a multi-million dollar company quickly.

However, I have learned that the owner of the company has determine to keep things the way they are simply because he likes them that way. That is fine -- it's his business. But I wonder if he thinks he is making good business decisions or if he just making business decisions based upon his own personal tastes.

This experience has made me wonder how many times I make business decisions based upon my instincts or feelings, rather than the proven data and research. I'm probably guilty of running my business dealings more with my instincts -- simply because I have good instincts I have learned to trust them. But I have found that most of the time, the research backs up those instincts. I generally do not see the research and then go completely opposite just because I have personal preferences.

I'm just musing today and it will be interesting to see if this company takes off or remains stuck and struggling to get an online presence. Who knows -- I might be proven wrong. :-)

Yahoo and eBay

Yahoo and eBay are joining forces in an effort to compete with Google, Microsoft and AOL.

The new partnership was announced yesterday. The two powerhouse companies will utilize their online advertising, payment systems and communications. Yahoo is the world's largest (has the most traffic) web site in the world with over 402 million users and comes in second (after Google) for the most popular search engine. Combining Yahoo with eBay and their online payment service (PayPal) is going to be huge for both companies.

It will be interesting to see what comes of the Yahoo and eBay partnership. We probably won't see much until next year, but investors have certainly seen the potential and stock in both companies jumped after the announcement.

Bio Performance Distributors

There is a special offer for Bio Performance distributors -- the fuel additive / gas pills which have been in the news so much lately. Apparently the BioPerformance pills did not dissolve and left the gas tank looking like pond scum -- this caused all sorts of engine troubles. It did work to increase gas mileage, but because of the formula problems and other company problems, it seems the company is going to be put out of business.

The special offer comes from Team Everest -- who carries the gas pills called Ferox. They dissolve within 10 minutes and have been proven to increase gas mileage, reduce emissions and improve car function. This product has been on the market for 15 years and is registered with the EPA.

Anyway, Team Everest was feeling bad for all those BioPerformance distributors who have put $500 into their memberships -- so they are offering to those distributors who want to join Team Everest -- a $599 membership for only $100. I think it's a great deal because you get your own discount online store (with over 1800 products), but all the shipping/inventory/merchant fees/customer support is taken care of for you. (Plus, now they are offering the special pricing for anyone who wants to start their own home business, not just Bio Performance distributors.) So, check out their offer at Bio Performance Distributors - Special Offer.

Screenwriting Contest

I wish I had more time to write. I'm in the middle stages of writing my latest screenplay, and my writing partner and I have been so busy with other business we have let it slip to the backburner. However after my weekend away I realized I want to make sure to prioritize the screenplay and make sure it gets completed. I came home to a reminder email about the 7th annual Big Break! International Screenwriting Contest. The deadline is June 1st -- so that could be a huge motivator! This year's prize is $15,000 plus a Tablet PC, Final Draft software, a Microsoft software package, and a trip to LA. I work well with deadlines and it's nice to have a goal to shoot for in completing a writing project -- otherwise I could revise and perfect forever.

eBay Auctions for Advertising Space

eBay is going to create a new system which will allow advertisers to buy and sell media space. So soon you should see eBay auctions for advertising space. Interesting concept. The project is just going to be tested to see if it will work effectively, and then perhaps it will move into other venues.

Time Management and Priorities

I've been out of town for a couple of days and returned home to over 300 emails, a huge pile of mail, phone messages and work which needs to be dealt with. I'm sure you've had similar experiences. So, how can we learn about time management and priorities -- what is really important and what we can give up so our time can be spent with what our values and goals really are?

If I spend 5 hours dealing with emails -- then that 5 hours is not available to build relationships, be outside in nature, learning and improving my life -- unless I have a laptop or Tablet PC Computer which I can take outside, while I'm in the mountains with my friends and reading news online. (big grin). I believe we spend so much time multi-tasking and being efficient, we forget to really ENJOY life. When was the last time you truly enjoyed just being? If you can't remember, then this is a reminder -- take some time today, and ENJOY! -- Actually this is a reminder mostly for me :-)

Da Vinci Code

I'm not all about the hype of the Da Vinci Code, however I do love a good intriguing and adventure filled movie, and I love most of Tom Hank's movies -- so I'm interested in seeing the film. However when I read the book, I was disturbed that so many people would absolutely love it. I did enjoy the read -- it was well-written, had unexpected twists, and was intriguing. But I could not get past the premise -- that Christ was human and not divine. That is the whole underlying premise of the book. I do not understand how strong Christians can read the book and buy into the fictional premise and think of it as truth.

Understandably Dan Brown is a talented writer, and the subject matter is close to the hearts of many. He weaves a good story -- but that's what it is -- a story. So when I go to church and hear people speculating about the book and the possibility of truth contained in it -- it saddens me that we can believe something just because it has been printed.

I just read a really great article about the Da Vinci code and the falacies it contains, and the deceptive way the adversary works to get us to believe falsehoods. If you have questions, this is a good place to start shedding light.

I'm torn as to whether or not I'll actually see the film. My time is extremely limited, and do I want to pay money to perpetuate the mis-information, or should I pass it up and spend my time doing things which will build my faith rather than initiate questions based on fiction? I haven't decided yet because to me it's clear the work is fiction and it's not based on truth. If you see the film, I would love to get your opinions. It's just a book and just a film -- it shouldn't be a big deal -- but when I have seen the impact the book has had on people who are now questioning their faith in Christ -- "by their fruits ye shall know them"... then I wonder about the motive behind the book. Dan Brown has admitted he has questions about Christianity and he includes his own doubts in his book. As a writer myself, I can see how my personal objectives, feelings, and motives are easily woven into my writing -- it's the way I can get a message across.

I guess it is up to each individual to decide -- The question is: does it bring you closer to Christ, fill you with light and love, and make you want to become a better person, or does it cast doubt, darkness, fears, anxieties, and make you question your faith?

New WebSite - Qi Gas Mileage

Well, we have our first version of our new website up and working (we hope). Not everything is finished but at least it's up. It is called Qi Gas Mileage. You can get local gas prices, read the latest news about hybrid cars, get tips on how to increase your gas mileage and even compare cars. Check it out and let me know what you think. It's still in process, so if you have any suggestions, please feel free to share.

Google Health

Google Health is supposed to be announced today. Google Health will be a vertical search engine just to search on health and fitness websites. The service has been listed on several blogs, but Google has not confirmed the service yet. Google Health will compete with Yahoo Health and MSN Health.

Personally I like the idea of vertical search engines -- so if I'm looking for something I won't have to sift though sites that have nothing to do with my topic. I'll be interested to see if it works.

Receiving Personal Revelation

I just read a great article on Meridian Magazine entitled Finding the Door to Personal Revelation by Maurine Proctor. It was a great reminder about how small distractions can really keep us from pondering, and listening to the Spirit. I've been guilty of that lately -- too much to do, too little time -- and have felt the dis-satisfaction which comes from not taking time to be still. I'm thankful for this reminder and wanted to share it with you.

Quote: Overcoming Misery

I loved this quote and thought I'd share it today:

"A life can never be happy that is focused inward. So if you are miserable now, forget your troubles. March right out your door, and find someone who needs you." -- Robert L. Backman (Ensign, November 1985, p. 13.)

2006 Top 100 Venture Entrepreneurs

Congratulations to the 2006 Top 100 Venture Entrepreneurs -- including 2 of my brothers and 1 brother-in-law. The vSpring Capital Top 100 is a "tool to recognize the region's outstanding entrepreneurs and to support and promote partnering and collaboration among the state of Utah's top entrepreneurs." Utah businesses nominate those individuals who are most likely to "lead a successful startup venture in the next five to seven years in the IT (information technology) or biotech industries in a chief executive or chief technical officer role", according to the vSpring press release issued this week.

"The v|100 recognizes leadership and innovative excellence and fosters better networking in the entrepreneurial community within the state," said Dinesh Patel, managing director of vSpring Capital. "This year's v|100 includes some very remarkable people. The list itself serves as an instructive demonstration of the state's potential for growth and development, especially in the technology sector."

Curt Allen Agilix Labs, Inc. CEO
Paul Allen Infobase Ventures CEO
Brad Pelo NextPage Chairman of the
Board

Teflon Class Action Lawsuit

It looks like DuPont, the manufacturer of Teflon, may be facing a huge class-action lawsuit. Recently over 70 people (including attorneys) met to discuss a $5 billion dollar lawsuit against DuPont -- claiming the Teflon manufacturer did not notify the public of the dangers of using Teflon. Attorneys hope to take all complaints, combine them into a class action lawsuit against DuPont. They need to get certification for the lawsuit but that could come early next year. Personally I think it's a great way for attorneys to get rich because individuals involved in the lawsuit certain won't get much as there will be so many involved -- but it could be a really good way to get exposure out to the public about the cancer-causing chemicals which are released from Teflon products. I think most people would rather have the convenience of using Teflon, and don't know about the dangers involved. It will be interested to see how this one turns out.

Entrepreneur Conference - May 12-13

TiECon 2006: Disruption and Convergence – Entrepreneurs Unlimited
Entrepreneurs to Meet in Santa Clara, California, May 12-13
www.tiecon.org

Summary: The 13th TiE Conference is dedicated to providing a collaborative framework for entrepreneurs, Venture Capitalists and leaders of global ITC companies to discuss the big issues facing the technology industry and entrepreneurism. Keynotes, panel discussions and case studies will focus on various business ecosystems including networking, semiconductors, software, storage, security, Internet, hospitality, wireless, life sciences, and other emerging businesses.

Who: TiE.org (Talent, Ideas and Enterprise) is a not-for-profit global network of entrepreneurs and professionals. Originally founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley, as ‘The Indus Entrepreneurs,’ reflecting the ethnic South Asian or Indus roots of the founders, it is today is an open and inclusive organization with more than 45 chapters in ten countries. TieConference brings together the talent, ideas, enterprise and people who are shaping the future of our electronic world.

What: TiECon features a series of Keynote speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities. The “Distinguished Speaker Series” draws upon the expertise of CEOs, CTOs, CFOs, CMOs and Rainmakers to share candid insights from personal experience. This year’s keynote speakers are John Doerr General Partner, Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers; Shashi Tharoor, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, United Nations; Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman, UB Group; David Lynch, Director & Writer, Hollywood Producer; Judy Estrin, CEO, Packet Design; Jane Wales, President & CEO, World Affairs Council, NC; T J Rodgers, CEO, Cypress Semiconductor; Howard Dean, Chairman, Democratic National Committee. The Distinguished speakers need to be in alphabetical order:
Tom Berquist, CEO, Ingres Corporation; Dr. Tom Fogarty, Professor of Surgery, Stanford University; Subrah Iyer, Chairman & CEO, WebEx Communications, Inc.; Sanjay Jha, Founder & Professor of the Network Group, School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales; Guy Kawasaki, Managing Director, Garage Technology Ventures; Byung Moo Kim, Global CTO, SK Telecom; Rahul Merchant, CTO, Merrill Lynch Global Markets; Nobuharu Ono, President & CEO, NTT DoCoMo USA, Inc., Rick Page, Founder and CEO, The Complex Sale, Inc 10. Aliza Peleg, Managing Director, SAP Labs U.S.; David Seibel, President, Insight Partners; Linda Simensky, Senior Director of Children's Programming, PBS. A special highlight is going to be the “Entrepreneur’s Bazaar”. The Bazaar provides unique opportunities for entrepreneurs to schedule quality one-on-one time with industry experts from the venture capital, legal, finance and other professions.

When and Where: Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13 in the Santa Clara Convention Center & Hyatt Hotel, 5101 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA
Conference Contact: TiEadmin@TiE.org, Phone: 408.567.0700 Fax: 408.567.0777
Media Contact Information
Xenia von Wedel, Terpin Communications at xenia@terpin.com, phone + (415) 595-2030

Yahoo Tech

Yahoo has just announced a new service which will help consumers learn about all of the latest technology. "Yahoo Tech" will include 19 different categories which will focus on high-tech products such as laptops, cell phones, digital cameras, HD TV and other gadgets.

Technology experts will offer advice geared towards different audiences such as "The Mom", "The Working Guy", "Techie Diva", and "The Boomer" -- so no matter what your technological background, you can get easy-to-understand advice which will fit your needs. Yahoo Tech will also provide information and recommendations from companies such as Consumer Reports, PC World and PC Magazine.

Do The Best You Can

"Please don't nag yourself with thoughts of failure. Do not set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. Simply do what you can do, in the best way you know, and the Lord will accept your effort." -- Gordon B. Hinckley (Ensign, November 1989, p. 96.)