Café de Colombia For Ever

Juan Valdez Captains Colombia's Battle Against Starbucks
Growing Café Chain Protects Home Market

BOGOTA, Colombia (BRANDFlash) -- Juan Valdez, the advertising icon of Colombia's National Federation of Coffee Growers since 1959, became a cafe chain in 2005. Outlets have quietly popped up in the U.S. in major markets such as New York and Seattle. But the chain's biggest success may be on its home turf, here in Colombia, where it is geared up to combat local incursions by Starbucks. Few brands have as good and well-known a story to build on as Juan Valdez. And here in Colombia, that story -- as well as the coffee -- is made all the richer because the beans are transported directly into the city from local farmers. It doesn't get fresher than that. (From AdAge 3/6/2008)

Obama's Letter: Continue to Believe!

This is a letter I received via email from Senator Obama's campaign and I found it important enough to share...

Friend --

We may not know the final outcome of today's voting until morning, but the results so far make one thing clear.

When the dust settles from today's contests, we will maintain our substantial lead in delegates. And thanks to millions of people standing for change, we will keep adding delegates and capture the Democratic nomination.

We knew from the day we began this journey that the road would be long. And we knew what we were up against.

We knew that the closer we got to the change we seek, the more we'd see of the politics we're trying to end -- the attacks and distortions that try to distract us from the issues that matter to people's lives, the stunts and the tactics that ask us to fear instead of hope.

But this time -- this year -- it will not work. The challenges are too great. The stakes are too high.

Americans need real change.

In the coming weeks, we will begin a great debate about the future of this country with a man who has served it bravely and loves it dearly. And we will offer two very different visions of the America we see in the twenty-first century.

John McCain has already dismissed our call for change as eloquent but empty.

But he should know that it's a call that did not begin with my words. It's the resounding call from every corner of this country, from first-time voters and lifelong cynics, from Democrats and Republicans alike.

And together you and I are going to grow this movement to deliver that change in November.

Thank you,

Barack

The Future of Gaming

Here are some of the technologies being developed today that will impact the future of gaming:

1. Ethereal Technologies created a graphics display technology that allows users to immerse themselves in virtual 3D imagery without the use of glasses
2. RumbleFX™ Headphones bring sound FX that incorporate virtual vibrations for ultra realism
3. Some type of neurophone listening device
4. iSmell from Digiscents will allow gamers to experience odors

Imagine all the things we would be able to experience, do and learn.

Ralph Nader... again....

I cannot believe he is doing it again... when is it time to quit? I do agree that the Democratic Party is showing some color on and off stage, but come on Ralph Nader running for president again? So the guy cannot shake the rumors around the Bush/Gore election and he is ready to do it again, ready to create a divide and what, what has he done for America all these years? Sitting back in rich lalaland is not going to help the green get greener or corruption less corrupted. I love the following line from Wikipedia: "Nader has run for President of the United States four times (in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004), and will make a fifth attempt in 2008." Isn't that enough proof that he is NOT IT?

Read more on your own time here.

Sometimes I wonder, if I win the lotto one day I might think about running for president too ;)

No Country for Old Men

Wow!! What a ride that is all I have to say. Awesome picture by directors Ethan and Joel Coen. I spent the whole weekend watching the nominated movies (Atonement and Juno) and by far this was one of my favorites. The characters were very well developed and the plot was invigorating, something that I have not seen in a while. Anton Chigurh's (Javier Bardem) character reminded me of Micky Knox's (Woody Harrelson) cynicism and unquenchable blood thirst from Natural Born Killers (Oliver Stone). If you have not seen this movie and plan to do so please STOP here.

From start to finish IMPO the No Country for Old Men used greed as one of its underlying themes, bringing the the worst from people, funny no one cared about the dope:

• Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) fights until the end to keep the $2mil cash he finds
• Anton Chigurh goes on a killing spree trying to find the cash (though he would kill regardless0
  
• The kids at the border get greedy after Moss (badly wounded after a close encounter with Anton) offers some cash for one of the kids' coats
• The two kids at the end are left arguing over $100 that Anton offers for a shirt

The movie is a trip, very well written, directed and acted. I recommend this movie hands down.

Can we follow?

One of the things that have served as demise for Senator Hillary R. Clinton is that she has focused on criticism to fellow Democrats instead of arguing in favor of what she bring to the table. After 9 consecutive caucus/primary loses only the super delegate votes could bring her campaign back to life.

In contrast Senator Barack Obama, has concentrated on issues which is why I'm drawn to his campaign. "Yes We Can" is not only a slogan, but the reason to mobilize, to vote, to be part of Change. It is not Mr. Obama's task to make change, but to lead us to it. The Economist's Feb 16th 2008 cover states in bold letters: But could he deliver? But the real question is Can we follow? America is waking up from its lethargic sleep, young and old are questioning our great nation's paradigms and realizing that it is time to BE again.

The Ultimate Answer

I read a great interview on Aperture Magazine today about the vision and life work of Phillip Jones Griffths; you might recall him from his book Vietnam Inc. In the spectacular images that he produced I was able to see the darkness of war, the inefficiency of a system not concerned with human life, but with cultural imperialism. It made me question many things that media and society have made us blind to.

I find myself looking for answers in politicians, in God (as I understand it), in books and magazines, but realized that there is no one answer, there is only action. It is time to divulge and advertise the "mishaps" of society as PJG put it, in an attempt to broaden our view of what life is really about.

Today we (yes you and me) wage wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kenya and Colombia to name a few. When is it going to stop? When will we understand that NO ONE has the ultimate answer?

A link to the full interview here: http://www.aperture.org/jonesgriffiths