Mergers, acquisitions, and my tinfoil hat
[nb: this is by your long-lost second blogger, who relocated to a large state university two years ago, rather than by the usual fellow who’s been keeping this boat afloat … Continue reading
#GivingTuesday
Let’s see. Yesterday was Cyber Monday, and I’m not quite sure what that meant, but none of y’all submitted naughty comments, so. Before that was Sunday, and I don’t even … Continue reading
It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! No…It’s a Facebook Drone.
The history of philanthropy is replete with tales of the very rich spending some of their money to secure a positive legacy, which is a less polite way of saying … Continue reading
Further Thoughts on the Current Art Market
I had one of those serendipitous New York City occurrences last summer [it’s been several months since I started this post, that originally said “yesterday”]. A woman sat down next … Continue reading
In Google’s Tentacles – Robots!
At what point do we need to revisit the way that we have come to use the term “Google” in everyday conversations? Since entering the popular vernacular the term has … Continue reading
Sharing is Caring
The days following Thanksgiving seem to be all nicknamed with things you can do with money now? I think yesterday was Giving Tuesday or something? I hear Monday was Cyber … Continue reading
A Government Shutdown Keeps the Power On
In technological times it is easy for people to understand the concept “shut down.” It’s what one does with computers, and numerous other gadgets. When one is finished one selects … Continue reading
Picking the Right Target…but Missing the Mythical Mark
Myths provide a useful way for explaining complex concepts without needing to present a mountain of research. Most myths succeed – or fail – by playing upon a mixture of … Continue reading
Off Topic
Hi, friends. I’m just back from vacation, and not much more rested than when I left. Oh well. If you’ll recall, I work in an art gallery/auction house. The course … Continue reading
A More Connected World (to mine for data)
For those with a speedy Internet signal and a multitude of sleek technological toys at their (non-metaphorical) fingertips it can be easy to forget that much of the world (billions … Continue reading
Hypotheticals, Hype, and the Hyperloop
Traveling sizable distances can be a bother. Hours spent stuck in a car, the discomfort of a long bus ride, and the frustration of airports can all make people dream … Continue reading
What a Tragedy! The Appleonian Drama of Tim Cook and our Dionysian Distraction
There’s something theatrical about seeing fabulously wealthy CEOs pulled before a government panel and grilled about tax avoidance. Granted, the “grilling” is frequently more befitting a bunch of chums gathered … Continue reading
So, Did You Hear the One about the Yahoo and the Tumblr?
People appreciate a good diversion. The humdrum routine of day-to-day life can be so dull, so alienating and stultifying that people yearn for a good laugh. To wrench these guffaws … Continue reading
It’s a Verb! It’s a Company’s Name! It’s…a country!? Google, the nation state.
Living in a country with a nominally functional government has its annoying aspects. There are laws that you are expected to abide by, taxes that you are expected to pay, … Continue reading
Do Robots Play Solitaire When the Boss Isn’t Looking?
Robots! What is your reaction to that word? Does it conjure up images of bumbling sci-fi sidekicks or heartless dystopian killing machines? Logical humanoid companions, servile slaves, or the thing … Continue reading
To Save Everything Click Here — by Evgeny Morozov — A Book Review
The modern day evangelicals of technology rarely miss an opportunity to proclaim the ways in which a new device or app will solve all of our problems. Such people stand … Continue reading
The Artifce, the Artificers, and the Art World
Many an artist has known the taste of poverty. Thus, to honestly assess the history of art requires—at least—some recognition of the important role that “patrons of the arts” have … Continue reading
So, Has Your Information Been Sold to Any Huge Companies Lately?
Part of enjoying a book comes after you finish reading it. Once that last page is read a reader is able to discuss it with their friends, recommend it to … Continue reading
Got $?
Right, so I know librarians — or leftists, for that matter (and leftist librarians especially) — are not the most flush of demographics, but I also know that some of … Continue reading
No Soda, No Tobacco, No Libraries
Mayor Bloomberg has been spending a lot of time worrying about your health (assuming you’re a New Yorker) lately. While he has been active in campaigning for stricter gun regulations, … Continue reading
The Name Chiseled Above the Door
For those who don’t know, the actual name of the NYPL main branch on 42nd street (in NYC) is the: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Who is this Stephen A. Schwarzman? … Continue reading
LibrarianShipwreck 