Oddly Relevant Feb-5-2013

We must become HBO faster than HBO can become us:  says Ted Sanrandos, Chief Content Officer of Netflix. HBO is an appropriate role model for Netflix—selling a service for $10-20/monthly both distributing non-original content and producing groundbreaking original content has proven to be incredibly profitable. While HBO is “tied to the cord” and is hurt by the constantly escalating prices of basic Netflix can position itself as a cable alternative. There is tremendous opportunity in this model and positioning. [Note: What about a merger? Seriously, It’s hard to imagine Netflix making a Game of Thrones]…Source: http://www.avc.com/a_vc/2013/02/hbo-vs-netflix.html

Allied with Coke, Segway inventor’s pushes his clean water box: What’s that you ask? The legend has it that if you put any liquid— from sewage to salt water— into this device, clean drinking water comes out the other side. In development for a decade and costs north of $7k, this product is getting its support from Coca-Cola to get into areas that need them. [Note: valuable marketing tool for Coke, I guess]…Source: http://gigaom.com/2013/02/04/segway-inventor-dean-kamen-teams-up-with-unlikely-ally-for-clean-water-box-coke/

New understanding of memory and forgetfulness: by Robert Stickgold of Harvard and Matthew Walker of UCBerkley: that sleep (1) help people discard information actively, (2) helps guide memories intended to be retained down particular paths. Source: http://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21571121-new-understanding-emerging-memory-and-forgetfulness-remember-remember

The shadow of 1914 falls over the Pacific: Here’s the analogy: China now, like Germany 100 years ago, is a rising power that fears the established great power is intent on blocking its ascent. As the adept leadership of Otto von Bismarck gave way to much clumsier political and military leadership in the years before war broke out. The German ruling elite felt similarly threatened by democratic pressures from below – and encouraged nationalism as an alternative outlet for popular sentiment. [Note: war benefits no one, and the Chinese leaders see that]…Source: http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/e29e200a-6ebb-11e2-9ded-00144feab49a.html#axzz2JtznbzjF

How much gasoline would it take to power the superdome? 15 gas pumps running straight to generator to keep up the demand, or 9,000 gallons for 1.5 hours. [Note: Not bad.]…Source: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/02/how-much-gasoline-would-it-take-to-power-the-superdome/