Voting along party lines

I'm sure to hear a lot of reasons why I'm wrong on this from both Democrats and Republicans, but I really dislike it when people vote entirely along party lines. I feel like there is a tacit acceptance that the party's position or candidate is the best person, and relieves the voter from the responsibility of examining the issues or persons sufficiently in-depth.

It's almost like our political parties have become larger-than-life versions of college mascots. I will unabashedly vote for Duke over Carolina every time, and will happily question anyone's intelligence who likes the Tar Heels. But at least I know that I'm being biased. Correctly biased, of course, but biased.

But when it comes to the people who are going to run the country, or the decisions we're making, shouldn't we pay a bit more attention?

I'm not saying that Republicans won't end up voting for the Republican position or candidate anyways, but at least take a serious look. I guess you could argue that this is the role of the primary, for the party to identify the best candidate. I can sort of buy that. But if my best candidate is still not as good as yours, shouldn't I vote for yours? There's no pride as stake here, just our future.

Of course, I'm one to talk. I'm an independent, and theoretically should be paying close attention on both sides of the fence, but the reality is that I'm overwhelmed with work and life and end up trying to catch up at the last minute anyway. I'm the reason we have an electoral college to begin with. But then again, so are people in each party who blindly pull the party lever without looking under the covers...

Hiring good people

Every book on management or successful business talks about hiring great people. But very little of what I've seen suggests how to *identify* those people.

However, I went through a recruiting/interviewing class that was fantastic earlier this week. The guy leading the class (who wrote a book on this subject), said that the absolute key thing to interview for is "motivation", which you can *only* tell from past performance. His 3 take-away messages were:

1) Write a 'real' job description - Write specifically the person needs to deliver in the first month, first quarter, etc., not what characteristics or background they need. That way you get people who self-identify that they can and want to do what you need.

2) Don't make an in initial impression until you've finished interviewing the person. People who are affable, nice, etc aren't necessarily good candidates. Don't get sold by their outward presentation; focus on what they've done, and if it matches what you need them to do.

3) Never hire people who competent but who are not motivated. Motivation is what sets apart people who make your team great and people who make your life a lot of work.

It was an awesome presentation. I am sure I can put it to good use, too.

The best of CES 2008

I never do get around to blogging about CES while I'm actually there. Too much walking, too little sleep, too hard to get internet access.

But as usual, CES was insane. Tons and tons of people. Enough electronics running to be seen from space if it wasn't all under a roof. And of course lots of TVs and other electronics. Like 100 Fry's electronics stores all in one place. Heaven and Hell, all mixed together.

There wasn't much new this year, but here were my TOP TWO things from the show:

#2: Panasonic 150" Plasma
This is like, the biggest TV EVER. It's the size of a number of the walls in my house. Wow. It was so big that some of the videos made me ill to watch... almost gave me vertigo.

#1: BUMBLEBEE!!!
The DTS (surround sound) booth had an *enormous* replica of the transformer Bumblebee from the movie. It was like 2 stories tall. AWESOME! Now if only it transformed.

Vegas is ridiculous

I end up posting about Las Vegas every time I go there. I can't help it. The place is completely ridiculous on so many levels. I don't know why, but it makes me think of Rome back in the gladiator era. Completely dedicated to personal pleasure (aka sin) and excess, and bragging about it all the way. Very tantalizing, even fun, but ultimately very empty.

Everything is huge. Everything is about pleasure (e.g. sex, gambling). Everything costs a fortune.

On the one hand it's impressive, but for the most part I really dislike it. You are forced to walk endlessly through a complex maze of slot machines, shops, and past numerous adult entertainment opportunities just to get to the elevator to your room. Or the bathroom. Ugh.

I was sitting "outdoors" on the patio of a restaurant for breakfast this morning that was INSIDE the lobby of my hotel. It is freaking enormous. And they are *constantly* building new and bigger casinos, etc. Complete insanity.

However, I did get to spend some quality time with coworkers, have some nice food, and maybe most fun, went to two different dueling piano bars, which I've never done, and had a great time both times.

But I'd be ok not going to Vegas.

Compuslively helpful?

A co-worker of mine made a very interesting observation about me today, which is that I'm "compulsively helpful". What she meant by that is that if I see something that could be better, or more efficient, whether in my domain/responsibility or not, I almost cannot help but offer assistance or input.

I think she's right. It's interesting for me to reflect how the best intentions can have very unintended and opposite results.

My sister would probably second this if I think back to all the unsolicited advice I gave her growing up. And I'm sure Soph would resonate with this.

That co-worker is correct, though. It *is* compulsive. I have a hard time even imagining a case where I would see something and be able to hold myself back from offering assistance. Wow. Clearly something to think about/grow in.