I have been using my Viewsonic gTablet for about a month now. In the first 30 minutes I owned it I flashed a new Rom and have a fully functional Android tablet.
One of the primary missions of getting a tablet was to replace my stack of books with something I could take with me. I travel a lot and having access to different topics was important to me. Primarily I read news via RSS feeds so I do not subscribe to magazines. I do, however, read huge amounts of literature. Thus, the original quest was to buy a Nook or Kindle. With the gTab I have the best of all worlds and much more at my fingertips.
Over the last few weeks I have used both programs and have made a decision regarding my favorite.
Both programs are available for download from their respective companies (Kindle for Android, Nook for Android). My thoughts are below:
Kindle software
Pros:
- works with Whispersync so it displays the latest page on any of my devices
- loads a book faster than Nook
- when going to the Droid home screen and executing tasks, my book is on the screen when I return
- full access to the Amazon.com marketplace
Cons:
- The font has a more "pixeled" appearance
- less color settings for reading
- archiving items is not intuitive. Details about the books are more difficult to see
- proprietary Amazon format. What will the future hold for e-Readers? I am not sure, but I struggle with a commitement to a closed architecture path (kind of like AppleOS v Android).
Nook software:
Pros:
- The animated page turns remind me I am reading a book
- More color and font settings. I have chosen "butter" and found a font that nearly resembles a true book
- Touching a book on the screen allows me instantly manage the title - buy, archive, see details
- Graphics! Wow! I have several books with pictures and covers downloaded that just "pop" off the screen
- Open architecture using the "EPUB" format. Personally I browsed my gTab and opened one of these files noting it is nothing more than an XML format. I can copy, archive, and save this for any future e-Reader or technology not yet invented.
Cons:
- the most frustrating issue is exiting Nook to execute other tasks always returns me to the Nook homepage requiring me to re-open the book.
- books are slower to load, to the point when I tap an icon I feel I must not have tapped it to start the book
Conclusion -
I already owned books from both companies and some authors only have Kindle versions available. Both publishers offer nearly all the same titles at close to the same prices. That said, my preference is for the Nook software going forward. Remember, this is not about e-ink or Kindle v Nook. Instead, the following make the Nook software for Android the clear winner: readability and settings, graphics and animation, the EPUB format.
Lastly, I ALWAYS download samples of the titles first. When I see a book I may want I download the sample title (like a wish list) and keep it in my library until ready to purchase. I suggest you download several samples of the same title and compare them side by side. One of my favorite comparisons would be Ghost Rider by Neal Pert (Nook) versus Ghost Rider by Neal Pert (Kindle).
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Small Town Destruction - Part II
Small Town Destruction – Part II
In my first column addressing the demise of small towns I pinpointed three items I believe are consistent in the recipe for disaster: highway bypasses taking traffic around town, national retailers undermining local merchants, and outdated alcohol ordinances preventing thriving dining. Objective and specific, I believe the slow withering of communities can be avoided and in no way do I question the emotional appeal of charm or the fabric of the community. Expanding further on the recipe to create sustainability several more key strategies, in addition to the original three, can be implemented.
First, tax policy can drive business toward town center through a reverse property tax or by creating community redevelopment districts. Traditionally property taxes are lower in the suburbs, by reversing the millage rate growth is encouraged toward town and away from the outskirts.
Second, mixed-use and re-use are critical to a thriving downtown. For example, a national drugstore or bookstore may come to town, but in place of a new steel and concrete structure replicated nationwide, require use of existing buildings and rehabilitation. As an avid fan of James Howard Kunstler, I must agree with his descriptions of “programming” the content inside the building versus the “container” that makes up the structure. A drugstore could operate from a 100-year old building, thus preserving the unique character of individual towns. Mixed-use and appropriate zoning would allow shopkeepers, or tenants, to live above shops in town center increasing rent and covering fixed costs for the building owner.
Third, discretionary consumerism should be incidental to the town center, not the primary focus. In a struggling economy counting on the luxury purchase of boutique goods will not save businesses. I propose keeping banking, postal, personal care, hardware, and grocery near town center instead of spreading these key needs to faceless strip malls located in yet to be developed suburbs. Consuming luxuries will follow naturally in a shopping district providing necessities.
Lastly, zoning and permit approvals should look toward the future by asking what will be left of this “container” if the business closes or moves. For example one national retailer is notorious for abandoning functional stores strongly anchoring numerous small businesses in favor of trading up to a generic “superstore” version located on cheaper land and incentivized by property tax reductions. Once left behind no other business is capable of using the commercial square footage and the nearby businesses that benefitted from the anchor fold, vandalism grows, and the entire shopping center becomes a permanent blight on the community.
Driving through the rural southeast I see success and failure from the window of my car. A thriving community is easily observed versus the shuttered, empty storefronts of a now dead town. I can’t stop and ask about the “charm” or the “fabric” of the community, but I can see the faces of those pondering what happened and why the town died compared to the success of the community next door.
In my first column addressing the demise of small towns I pinpointed three items I believe are consistent in the recipe for disaster: highway bypasses taking traffic around town, national retailers undermining local merchants, and outdated alcohol ordinances preventing thriving dining. Objective and specific, I believe the slow withering of communities can be avoided and in no way do I question the emotional appeal of charm or the fabric of the community. Expanding further on the recipe to create sustainability several more key strategies, in addition to the original three, can be implemented.
First, tax policy can drive business toward town center through a reverse property tax or by creating community redevelopment districts. Traditionally property taxes are lower in the suburbs, by reversing the millage rate growth is encouraged toward town and away from the outskirts.
Second, mixed-use and re-use are critical to a thriving downtown. For example, a national drugstore or bookstore may come to town, but in place of a new steel and concrete structure replicated nationwide, require use of existing buildings and rehabilitation. As an avid fan of James Howard Kunstler, I must agree with his descriptions of “programming” the content inside the building versus the “container” that makes up the structure. A drugstore could operate from a 100-year old building, thus preserving the unique character of individual towns. Mixed-use and appropriate zoning would allow shopkeepers, or tenants, to live above shops in town center increasing rent and covering fixed costs for the building owner.
Third, discretionary consumerism should be incidental to the town center, not the primary focus. In a struggling economy counting on the luxury purchase of boutique goods will not save businesses. I propose keeping banking, postal, personal care, hardware, and grocery near town center instead of spreading these key needs to faceless strip malls located in yet to be developed suburbs. Consuming luxuries will follow naturally in a shopping district providing necessities.
Lastly, zoning and permit approvals should look toward the future by asking what will be left of this “container” if the business closes or moves. For example one national retailer is notorious for abandoning functional stores strongly anchoring numerous small businesses in favor of trading up to a generic “superstore” version located on cheaper land and incentivized by property tax reductions. Once left behind no other business is capable of using the commercial square footage and the nearby businesses that benefitted from the anchor fold, vandalism grows, and the entire shopping center becomes a permanent blight on the community.
Driving through the rural southeast I see success and failure from the window of my car. A thriving community is easily observed versus the shuttered, empty storefronts of a now dead town. I can’t stop and ask about the “charm” or the “fabric” of the community, but I can see the faces of those pondering what happened and why the town died compared to the success of the community next door.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Small Town Destruction
Small Town Destruction
In my job I drive through small towns throughout the southeast U.S. It saddens me to see these former, vibrant communities withering away. Most people would find easy reasons for the local downfalls, like manufacturing plants closing. There is some truth to this, and of course the long-term trends in demographics point toward moves toward the suburbs, but I would argue the root cause is the locally self destructive historic actions of the communities themselves. I believe there are three distinct errors.
First, "we need a bypass." One can follow US441, US301, or US1 in Georgia and Florida to see numerous examples. Beautiful towns are bypassed by high speed highways giving no reason to slow and take a look. The land on the bypass is commercialized by modern developers building look-a-like cheap structures found anywhere in America. The unique downtown charm of Main Street is then left to die. Ironically, my Garmin GPS has routed me through many towns, instead of the bypass, as the shorter faster route. I have enjoyed this scenic discovery and reminder of small town charm, and enjoy the scenery of the plantation homes, brick buildings, and unique architecture versus the lackluster appearance of the bypass.
Second, “we need a national retailer.” Too often a local lobby to bring a national big box store to town under the guise of job creation turns into job shift and tax incentives amounting to bribery. Sadly, locally spent dollars give way to money transfer outside the local economy. Given the option between a national retailer and a local merchant, most consumers will choose the big store. The Main Street hardware, grocery or auto repair store, where they know your name, is wiped out by the faceless corporation. Of course, the box store provides amenities like longer hours and opening Sundays, but the minimum wage employees don't know the products, customer names, or industry in which they are selling.
Third, “we can’t have alcohol sales.” Respectfully the values of the conservative South must give way to allow beer and wine sales at local restaurants. The primary revenue stream for restaurants is drinks: soda and tea for $2.00, beer and wine for as much as $5.00 a glass. Without this joyful elixir food choices are not gourmet, but relegated to diner-style, low-end choices forcing consumers to look for other options. My preference would be the locally-owned unique establishment with an atmosphere conducive for business or a romantic evening. These establishments spawn the growth of nearby merchants because there is now a reason to be downtown.
Our own town of Cleveland, Georgia is facing tough decisions, but it appears the local political establishment has opened themselves to public opinion. Next time you travel I encourage you to avoid the highway and take a trip through the nearby small towns. Avoid the bypass; choose the “business” route. Don’t eat at a national chain, but find a local restaurant. If you need something, stop at a local merchant, not a national box store. The recipe for success is not difficult, but sadly undoing the prior destruction, or motions set in place, is nearly impossible.
In my job I drive through small towns throughout the southeast U.S. It saddens me to see these former, vibrant communities withering away. Most people would find easy reasons for the local downfalls, like manufacturing plants closing. There is some truth to this, and of course the long-term trends in demographics point toward moves toward the suburbs, but I would argue the root cause is the locally self destructive historic actions of the communities themselves. I believe there are three distinct errors.
First, "we need a bypass." One can follow US441, US301, or US1 in Georgia and Florida to see numerous examples. Beautiful towns are bypassed by high speed highways giving no reason to slow and take a look. The land on the bypass is commercialized by modern developers building look-a-like cheap structures found anywhere in America. The unique downtown charm of Main Street is then left to die. Ironically, my Garmin GPS has routed me through many towns, instead of the bypass, as the shorter faster route. I have enjoyed this scenic discovery and reminder of small town charm, and enjoy the scenery of the plantation homes, brick buildings, and unique architecture versus the lackluster appearance of the bypass.
Second, “we need a national retailer.” Too often a local lobby to bring a national big box store to town under the guise of job creation turns into job shift and tax incentives amounting to bribery. Sadly, locally spent dollars give way to money transfer outside the local economy. Given the option between a national retailer and a local merchant, most consumers will choose the big store. The Main Street hardware, grocery or auto repair store, where they know your name, is wiped out by the faceless corporation. Of course, the box store provides amenities like longer hours and opening Sundays, but the minimum wage employees don't know the products, customer names, or industry in which they are selling.
Third, “we can’t have alcohol sales.” Respectfully the values of the conservative South must give way to allow beer and wine sales at local restaurants. The primary revenue stream for restaurants is drinks: soda and tea for $2.00, beer and wine for as much as $5.00 a glass. Without this joyful elixir food choices are not gourmet, but relegated to diner-style, low-end choices forcing consumers to look for other options. My preference would be the locally-owned unique establishment with an atmosphere conducive for business or a romantic evening. These establishments spawn the growth of nearby merchants because there is now a reason to be downtown.
Our own town of Cleveland, Georgia is facing tough decisions, but it appears the local political establishment has opened themselves to public opinion. Next time you travel I encourage you to avoid the highway and take a trip through the nearby small towns. Avoid the bypass; choose the “business” route. Don’t eat at a national chain, but find a local restaurant. If you need something, stop at a local merchant, not a national box store. The recipe for success is not difficult, but sadly undoing the prior destruction, or motions set in place, is nearly impossible.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Higher Education Myth
Higher Education Myth (7/6/2011)
My daughter is 15, just finished her freshman year of high school. Like many parents with a high school student I am carefully watching her grades and doing everything I can to ensure she will make it to college. Over the last four decades the number of students going to college has increased, and so have the costs. I was the first in my family to attend college, earning my way on a scholarship and understanding the path in front of me: attend school, work hard, get good grades, and graduate expecting to find a good paying job. Even in the 1980s I was puzzled by the choice of major some would make, possibly liberal arts related and then wonder why they could not find a job. As an Engineer I was showered with job offers and an excellent starting salary (nearly $39,000 in 1990).
Today it appears college has become an entitlement program, fueled by readily available public financing and a willing consumer unqualified to receive a “real education.” In 2011 the average public university cost will be $20,000 per year, and a private school twice that much. Assume your son or daughter is following their passion into liberal arts and a 4-year degree will approach $160,000 with income prospects of $25-30,000 per year; if they are lucky. Sadly, there is an assumption these students are qualified for education, and more so entitled to a job at graduation. I recently heard this anecdote, “Just because you have a fishing license does not mean you know how to catch a fish, or will catch a fish. College degrees are the same, a piece of sheepskin will not guarantee success.”
College debt in America is now $800 billion and less than 54% of graduates in 2010 were able to find work. The Washington Post reported 85% of college graduates will be returning home. As a father, I must weigh what advice I would give my children and truly wonder, unless tuition is covered by a scholarship, whether college is worth the liability (note, I did not say investment) created. Like the housing crisis and shoddy loans, college degrees are being handed out to unqualified and undeserving students with no prospects of work, but fully guaranteed by the U.S. taxpayer. We must remember a fishing license will not cause fish to jump in the boat, nor will a college degree cause paychecks to fall from the sky.
My daughter is 15, just finished her freshman year of high school. Like many parents with a high school student I am carefully watching her grades and doing everything I can to ensure she will make it to college. Over the last four decades the number of students going to college has increased, and so have the costs. I was the first in my family to attend college, earning my way on a scholarship and understanding the path in front of me: attend school, work hard, get good grades, and graduate expecting to find a good paying job. Even in the 1980s I was puzzled by the choice of major some would make, possibly liberal arts related and then wonder why they could not find a job. As an Engineer I was showered with job offers and an excellent starting salary (nearly $39,000 in 1990).
Today it appears college has become an entitlement program, fueled by readily available public financing and a willing consumer unqualified to receive a “real education.” In 2011 the average public university cost will be $20,000 per year, and a private school twice that much. Assume your son or daughter is following their passion into liberal arts and a 4-year degree will approach $160,000 with income prospects of $25-30,000 per year; if they are lucky. Sadly, there is an assumption these students are qualified for education, and more so entitled to a job at graduation. I recently heard this anecdote, “Just because you have a fishing license does not mean you know how to catch a fish, or will catch a fish. College degrees are the same, a piece of sheepskin will not guarantee success.”
College debt in America is now $800 billion and less than 54% of graduates in 2010 were able to find work. The Washington Post reported 85% of college graduates will be returning home. As a father, I must weigh what advice I would give my children and truly wonder, unless tuition is covered by a scholarship, whether college is worth the liability (note, I did not say investment) created. Like the housing crisis and shoddy loans, college degrees are being handed out to unqualified and undeserving students with no prospects of work, but fully guaranteed by the U.S. taxpayer. We must remember a fishing license will not cause fish to jump in the boat, nor will a college degree cause paychecks to fall from the sky.
Friday, July 01, 2011
How Small Towns Can Survive (Cleveland, GA)
The following column appeared in the "White County News" 6/30/2011 where I was a guest columnist.
In my job I drive through small towns throughout the southeast U.S. It saddens me to see these former, vibrant communities withering away. Most people would find easy reasons for the local downfalls, like manufacturing plants closing. There is some truth to this, and of course the long-term trends in demographics point toward moves toward the suburbs, but I would argue the root cause is the locally self destructive historic actions of the communities themselves. I believe there are three distinct errors.
First, "we need a bypass." One can follow US441, US301, or US1 in Georgia and Florida to see numerous examples. Beautiful towns are bypassed by high speed highways giving no reason to slow and take a look. The land on the bypass is commercialized by modern developers building look-a-like cheap structures found anywhere in America. The unique downtown charm of Main Street is then left to die. Ironically, my Garmin GPS has routed me through many towns, instead of the bypass, as the shorter faster route. I have enjoyed this scenic discovery and reminder of small town charm, and enjoy the scenery of the plantation homes, brick buildings, and unique architecture versus the lackluster appearance of the bypass.
Second, “we need a national retailer.” Too often a local lobby to bring a national big box store to town under the guise of job creation turns into job shift and tax incentives amounting to bribery. Sadly, locally spent dollars give way to money transfer outside the local economy. Given the option between a national retailer and a local merchant, most consumers will choose the big store. The Main Street hardware, grocery or auto repair store, where they know your name, is wiped out by the faceless corporation. Of course, the box store provides amenities like longer hours and opening Sundays, but the minimum wage employees don't know the products, customer names, or industry in which they are selling.
Third, “we can’t have alcohol sales.” Respectfully the values of the conservative South must give way to allow beer and wine sales at local restaurants. The primary revenue stream for restaurants is drinks: soda and tea for $2.00, beer and wine for as much as $5.00 a glass. Without this joyful elixir food choices are not gourmet, but relegated to diner-style, low-end choices forcing consumers to look for other options. My preference would be the locally-owned unique establishment with an atmosphere conducive for business or a romantic evening. These establishments spawn the growth of nearby merchants because there is now a reason to be downtown.
Our own town of Cleveland, Georgia is facing tough decisions, but it appears the local political establishment has opened themselves to public opinion. Next time you travel I encourage you to avoid the highway and take a trip through the nearby small towns. Avoid the bypass; choose the “business” route. Don’t eat at a national chain, but find a local restaurant. If you need something, stop at a local merchant, not a national box store. The recipe for success is not difficult, but sadly undoing the prior destruction, or motions set in place, is nearly impossible.
In my job I drive through small towns throughout the southeast U.S. It saddens me to see these former, vibrant communities withering away. Most people would find easy reasons for the local downfalls, like manufacturing plants closing. There is some truth to this, and of course the long-term trends in demographics point toward moves toward the suburbs, but I would argue the root cause is the locally self destructive historic actions of the communities themselves. I believe there are three distinct errors.
First, "we need a bypass." One can follow US441, US301, or US1 in Georgia and Florida to see numerous examples. Beautiful towns are bypassed by high speed highways giving no reason to slow and take a look. The land on the bypass is commercialized by modern developers building look-a-like cheap structures found anywhere in America. The unique downtown charm of Main Street is then left to die. Ironically, my Garmin GPS has routed me through many towns, instead of the bypass, as the shorter faster route. I have enjoyed this scenic discovery and reminder of small town charm, and enjoy the scenery of the plantation homes, brick buildings, and unique architecture versus the lackluster appearance of the bypass.
Second, “we need a national retailer.” Too often a local lobby to bring a national big box store to town under the guise of job creation turns into job shift and tax incentives amounting to bribery. Sadly, locally spent dollars give way to money transfer outside the local economy. Given the option between a national retailer and a local merchant, most consumers will choose the big store. The Main Street hardware, grocery or auto repair store, where they know your name, is wiped out by the faceless corporation. Of course, the box store provides amenities like longer hours and opening Sundays, but the minimum wage employees don't know the products, customer names, or industry in which they are selling.
Third, “we can’t have alcohol sales.” Respectfully the values of the conservative South must give way to allow beer and wine sales at local restaurants. The primary revenue stream for restaurants is drinks: soda and tea for $2.00, beer and wine for as much as $5.00 a glass. Without this joyful elixir food choices are not gourmet, but relegated to diner-style, low-end choices forcing consumers to look for other options. My preference would be the locally-owned unique establishment with an atmosphere conducive for business or a romantic evening. These establishments spawn the growth of nearby merchants because there is now a reason to be downtown.
Our own town of Cleveland, Georgia is facing tough decisions, but it appears the local political establishment has opened themselves to public opinion. Next time you travel I encourage you to avoid the highway and take a trip through the nearby small towns. Avoid the bypass; choose the “business” route. Don’t eat at a national chain, but find a local restaurant. If you need something, stop at a local merchant, not a national box store. The recipe for success is not difficult, but sadly undoing the prior destruction, or motions set in place, is nearly impossible.
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