Because Carolin participates in the YCW meetup with Amalia, I can spend the weekend on my own. After cleaning the apartment and doing some laundry, I spent the evening at the movies. I haven’t been to a cinema for almost two years and Star Trek was the best choice to end that time. The film brought many smiles to my face. I’d like to thank J. J. Abrams for an entertaining movie, Leonard Nimoy for gracing the movie with his dignity and Chris Pine for a convincing portayal of a young Kirk, Shatner-style. And thanks to my love Carolin for the courage to spend the weekend on her own, in a tent with a baby that needs a lot of care, giving me the opportunity to go out without a bad conscience.

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If you've tried to do short distance photos with the iPhone, you know that it can't focus any more if the item is only a few centimetres away. I noticed this shortcoming when I had the idea to photograph all my collected business cards and make them searchable in Evernote. Their OCR just couldn't make sense of those blurry letters. But I've found a solution. The Griffin Clarify case not only protects my iPhone from hits and scratches, but also adds a lens that I slide over the camera window when I'm going to do closeup shots. With the Clarify, I've got rid of all business cards. I now can search for a name on Evernote and get a sharp photo of the card back. Goodbye Rolodex. Hello iPhone.

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geek, n.: A person who is interested in technology, especially computing and new media. Geeks are adept with computers, and use the term hacker in a positive way, though not all are hackers themselves. A person who has chosen concentration rather than conformity; one who passionately pursues skill and imagination, not mainstream social acceptance. (Wikipedia) [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCq6E6tnQKg&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1] Dear fellow geeks, join the Society for Geek Advancement!

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</p> Now, criminals even steal the police’s work!

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Now, criminals even steal the police’s work!

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In his German article "Was ich als Führungskraft durch Bergsteigen gelernt habe", Rainer from the HaFAWo blog ("have fun at work and life"), describes how the lessons he learned as an alpinist can also be applied to his work as a manager: Know your goals and their nature, for your job as well as your private life. (= Define your goals.) Have a map and learn to read it right. (= Have a vision.) Have a compass. (= Have reliable orientation points.) Make sure to start at the right time to avoid time-dependend dangers. (= Have good timing.) Expect the worst and be ready to handle it. Be prepared regarding your shape, food, clothing and equipment. (= Have everything ready you may need.) Know your skills and with how much of the impossible you can cope. (= Know your limits.) If there are problems ahead, you maybe have to resort to teamwork. (= Have a supporting team.) When problems arise, you depend on your equipment. (= Have reliable tools and know how to use them.) You should know when to turn your back on the mountain and postpone summit victory. (Admit defeat in time, try again later.) Thanks for the great analogy, Rainer!

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I call it cube of productivity. And I want one.

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I call it cube of productivity. And I want one.

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In "Ten Top Tips for the Innovative Leader", Paul Sloane gives valuable recommendations to everyone who wants to be more of a leader than just being some levels above in the org chart. He recommends: Have a vision for change Fight the fear of change Think like a venture capitalist Have a dynamic suggestion scheme Break the rules Give everyone two jobs Collaborate Welcome failure Build prototypes Be passionate Many of his tips remind me of the concepts explained in "First, Break All the Rules", a great leadership book I read recently (and have to review here ASAP). And looking at the fifth point, this doesn't seem like a coincidence. Especially the first two points resonate with me at the moment because I'm going to undertake a big change effort myself with my department. Thanks to Paul for his great summary of important leadership qualities and practices!

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Die ganze pseudo-bürgerrechtsengagierte Hysterie von Pseudo-Computerexperten, man müsse um jeden Preis ein “unzensiertes Internet” verteidigen etc. - vgl. www.ccc.de -, fällt für mich in die Kategorie: juristisch ohne Sinn und Verstand und moralisch verkommen. Dr. Hans-Peter Uhl, CSU, auf AbgeordnetenWatch. Die ganze pseudo-betroffene Hysterie von Pseudo-Politikexperten, man müsse um jeden Preis die “vordergründige Sauberkeit des Internet” verteidigen etc. — vgl. www.bundesregierung.de —, fällt für mich in die Kategorie: technologisch ohne Sinn und Verstand und moralisch verkommen.

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