One of the most recent marketing trends available to companies are QR codes. QR is short for "quick response" and they are essentially square bar codes that most smart phones can scan and interpret.

The ability to seamlessly integrate printed marketing and mobile technology presents unique opportunities for marketers. The downside is that a lot of mistakes are being made as we learn about the technologies. 

LaunchPad invited me to put on a QR Codes 101 event on Tuesday,…

Generational collisions are among the key management issues being faced by leaders of today’s organizations. Because people are living and working longer, this is the first time in history that four generations are likely to find themselves looking at one another across the same conference table.

Generational differences have the potential to enhance rather than harm organizations. Companies that learn to take advantage of the generation gaps – not simply manage or endure them – are…

Funny, one of the things they don’t tell you as a Cloud service provider, is that the boundaries of the Cloud aren’t white, fluffy, and ambiguous.  Quite the opposite as a matter of fact.  They’re cold, rigid, and expansion can be expensive.

Certainly, from the consumers’ perspective, that’s exactly what the Cloud is.  But use a leaf blower to clear away the puff ‘n fluff, and you’ll find there’s something rather solid inside.  And, it costs money.

In a…

... and we're not talking about income equality.

Building online communities is difficult. Studies have found that only 1% of people who visit online communities actually participate regularly in a meaningful way. Another 9% may comment or participate infrequently, and 90% never comment at all.

This has been found to be true across a variety of media, including review websites, forums, blog discussions, social media websites, and more. Here is a link to…

Back in the early 70’s, I was attending Skyline Community College.  I was also working part time at the U-Save Liquors down in Pacific Manor.  The owner, Dick Smith, was ahead of his time collecting quality Northern California premium wines.  He once told me the Cabernet Sauvignon he had 6 cases of would someday be worth thousands of dollars.

One day I told Dick I had a date coming up.  I was taking a young lady on a picnic.   I asked Dick what might be a good wine for the picnic.  He…

Cut Off Dates For Spokane Civic Theatre



Season Subscriptions will end on the following dates:



2011-  2012 Triumphant Season – Cut Off Dates for Season Subscriptions



Combination & Studio Subscriptions: Will be available until close of business on Tuesday, November 15, 2011.



Main Stage Adult, Senior &…

Oh here is more good news than you can stand:

http://www.unleashed-online.com/heres-some-reason-for-optimism/

Spread it around!

Dont let "mystery" potluck food scare you!  Trust Apple Spice Junction with your Halloween party needs!  We have a variety of hot and cold foods and desserts to suit any budget.  Mention this blog and get FREE drinks OR dessert with your order!

Bill Kalivas has clearly found a formula for successful, innovative  events that connect people and businesses, this time at last week's "How Technology & Innovation Are Changing Business."

Around 200 entrepreneurs, innovators and interested folks attended the event at Liberty Lake's Meadowood Technology Campus (was it just me, or is that beautiful facility under-utilized?).

Rebecca Lovell, Chief Business Officer for GeekWire, started everyone off with her great tips on…

Recently I watched the NBC Dateline program on James Arthur Ray and the tragedy with the sweat lodge. As much as I could, I stayed neutral on the situation as far as where the fault lay. Determining fault was not my goal in watching.

http://youtu.be/RfZ6CJmUyo0

Although I had not read James Arthur Ray’s books or listened to his CDs, I was disturbed. Many of the beliefs he espouses are similar to my own beliefs. Although the metaphysical…

An Interview with Patrick C. Dougherty, D.C.

Recently I had some blood work done and found I was low in Vitamin D. I remembered several friends and clients had the same problem and so I contacted Dr. Pat to find out more. 

Dr. Pat, I understand you are a Chiropractor here in Spokane. How long have you been practicing?

I have practiced chiropractic since March of 1994, first in Denver CO, and since…

This morning I gave a presentation related to product management.  I enjoy giving this particular presentation as we explore topics like: product roadmaps; business plan; target markets, and managing scope (feature creep).

In discussing target markets, and knowing your customer, I use one slide in which I suggest they ask their customers, “What keeps you up at night?”

One of…

A large-scale clinical trial of a vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline with support from the Gates Foundation has apparently demonstrated effectiveness in safely protecting large numbers of children against malaria, according to the Washington Post.

Glaxo has spent $300 million to get to its phase 3 trial fo the drug, plus another $200 million from Gates. More than 15,000 infants and children under the age of 18 months were…

This week’s wine is a Rex Goliath Merlot I got at Safeway for $4.49.  The name Rex Goliath  refers to a mythological  47 pound rooster that was supposedly presented at the Texas State Fair back in the 1930’s.  I’ve always liked that idea because my father always claimed that I was full of more poop than a ten pound robin.  For him, that was a complement.  Mostly because he carried a 12 pound robin in his pockets!

Anyway, the Rex Goliath Merlot was a classic Merlot.  I’m a big fan of…

 We often hear how…