I was asked to talk to our law firm's associates about depositions, and how to take and defend them. I haven't finished transporting all of my notes to HTML, but I'm in the process of doing so (seeDeposition tips for the new lawyer). Please feel free to send me your comments on what I have up so far. Thanks.
8:01:18 PM
So there I was standing in line at the Starbucks, feeling guilty for not patronizing a locally owned and operated coffee place, and I noticed the Rolling Stones CD for sale by the counter. After I placed my order I picked the CD up and studied it; it was actually a compilation of songs recommended by Mick, Keith, Ron and Charlie. Some cool old R&B and Blues stuff. So I bought it, which turned out to be a brilliant move. I've got to say I'm increasingly tempted to buy music in this way. Sure I could get the indivdual songs myself, but I wouldn't. I don't have time, and I'm not familiar with old R&B stuff.
In a world of corporate radio with computer-generated or payola-influenced playlists it's hard to find good music, even the old stuff. Starbucks not only sold me coffee, but also a new music experience.
There is a certain irony about me criticizing Clear Channel Communications whilst I simultaneously praise Starbucks. But that's my point: some corporate entities are adopting new strategies and using marketing tricks that enhance the "consumer experience" (or whatever marketing buzzword applies here). You've got to admit, even if you pull for the local shops (which I do) that Starbucks is doing a lot of things right.
Oh, and in addition to music recommendations, the Oracle of Starbucks will tell you about your personality based on what you order.
According to the Oracle, I'm "clueless." No big surprise there.
According to a CNN article, New York has banned cellphone use during certain public performances. Offenders will face a $50 fine.
The new law bans the use of mobile phones in "any indoor theater, library, museum, gallery, motion picture theater, concert hall or building in which theatrical, musical, dance, motion picture, lecture or other similar performances are exhibited."
I don't believe in banning cellphone use in cars, because I think that the mere act of talking while driving is not dangerous. And if it is then ban all talking in cars, not just talking on cellphones. Anyway, we live in a world where multi-tasking is the norm (and pretty much a requirement to get things done), so it goes against social expediency to ban cellphones in cars.
But I'm definitely in favor of banning them in movie theatres and other places where public performances occur. It never ceases to amaze me when people think they have the right to talk in such places, even if they are obviously disturbing other people.
My wife and I were at a movie about 3 months ago and, next to us, a woman's cellphone rang. She not only answered it, but went on to have a very casual conversation that lasted over 10 minutes. She made no effort to lower her voice. She thought she was in her living room, apparently. Rather than risk confrontation with someone who clearly was beyond reason my wife and I simply moved to another part of the theatre.
No one summoned the theatre people, and I suppose if they had that the worst that would have happened is that the woman would've been warned not to do it again. It's kind of sad that we need to pass a law to regulate behavior that ought to be common sense, but that's the way it is now. If you want people to behave you have to pass a law.
Tom Mighell has a great post on how Matt Drudge makes $800,000 a year, basically using the weblog model of publishing. Of course, Drude's site isn't a weblog because it was started before weblogs came to the fore; but look at Drudge's 4 keys to success on how to make money without breaking a sweat. Only problem is that he got there first, so don't figure this is going to work for you.
