Comments for The Professor's Notes

Comment on Misleading Local Media — Shocked? (shame, Centre Daily Times! !@centredailycom) by Targuman

Targuman — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:59:08 +0000

I agree with regards to the news reporting but I will take issue with “riot.” What happened last November in State College was a riot by any commonly used definition. Take dictionary.com’s for example:
noun
1. a noisy, violent public disorder caused by a group or crowd of persons, as by a crowd protesting against another group, a government policy, etc., in the streets.
2. Law . a disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons acting together in a disrupting and tumultuous manner in carrying out their private purposes.
3. violent or wild disorder or confusion.

What happened that November night fits ALL three definitions and even your own. Significant property damage did occur and people were hurt (though thankfully not killed). I wish it were otherwise but we have to admit that what occurred was a riot.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Adam

Adam — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:28:27 +0000

HI Professor! Can you send me more detailed instructions on how to install the macro file. I’ve never done anything quite like this and though I’ve tried to follow your instructions on this page, it seems like I’m missing something.

Thanks for your help!

Adam

Comment on Nissan’s Commercial–Not the Message the Intended by bteacher99

bteacher99 — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:23:07 +0000

There’s a “softer” version of this commercial in Europe: all the machines pictured are smaller, and no one chokes on exhaust. It makes me sad when people think electric cars are so much better for the environment, ignoring the fact that SOMETHING has to make the electric car go!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Monica

Monica — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:12:37 +0000

I very fondly remember going to the Magic Pan on 57th Street in NY. I believe it was between Lexington and Park Avenues and it was definitely on the north side of the street. It had a greenhouse window and lots of hanging ferns – I think that the term “fern bar” was cointed to refer to the Magin Pan. We used to go from work at lunchtime and have the spinach crepes. There were amazing!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Judy

Judy — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:42:09 +0000

To Lynn. There were two Magic Pans in NYC. One on 57th & Lex & one on Avenue of the America’s.

To clarify a previous statement. They did not all close “in one day”. They were originally owned by Quaker Oats & sold to a company called Bay Bottlers in San Francisco. Many of the Magic Pan buildings were owned outright & Bay Bottlers bought the company for the properties, specifically to sell them. They closed over the course of a few years.

Comment on Magic Pan Potage St Germaine Soup by George Layeux

George Layeux — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:47:35 +0000

Dear gang,
In Minnesota there was a “Magic Pan” restaurant at Ridgedale
shopping center.
They had like a soup casserole served with garlic french bread.
The soup casserole had seafood (crab?) cubed potatoes, other
veggies and served in a cheese? sauce.
Does anyone know of this dish or how to make it?
I love to have alaskan king crab and almost always have a lot left over. When that happens, I am reminded of a dish like this.
Anybody know of it?
thanks in advance, George

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Rich

Rich — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:00:26 +0000

I used to work for the magic pan in Braintree Mass in the south shore plaza in the late seventies / early eighties. I made the crepes on the big wheel with the pans upside down. Very tricky getting the right temp to cook perfectly with one rotation of the wheel. Job was very hot with the open flame constantly on. My favorite dish was the fired monte cristo sandwiches.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Nathan

Nathan — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:46:01 +0000

Here’s a similar macro that I developed. It takes the kindle clippings library and reformats as a printable notebook. It extracts the title and sets it in a larger font size, followed by each highlight and it’s location. It’s much easier to read than the plain text file. Here is a link to download it.

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/3563730/kindleclippings-bas-february-16-2012-2-39-pm-6k?da=y

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Ray

Ray — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:40:28 +0000

Kathleen has mentioned the fine restaurant in Ghiradelli Square which had many wonderful dishes, but the most remarkable was the langos, a fried potato bread rubbed with garlic that made a perfect accompanyment for the wonderful soups and stews. Before that restaurant opened and long before the first upscale Magic Pan opened on Sutter Street, the original location was on an side street of upper Union Street. Here, I too found myself spellbound by the palacsintas machine. The space was small and the atmosphere warm with a great sense of comfort. One felt that he was very privileged to be admitted to such a family-like setting, particularly because the entry door was very narrow. I miss it all.

Comment on Crepe Recipes and Supplies by DoreensKitchen

DoreensKitchen — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:26:37 +0000

I sell a CD Cookbook, and offer as a BONUS a lot of the Magic Pan Recipes (from the 1982 menu) at my website DoreensKitchen dot com. You can view a sample and table of contents there too.
I also posted a 1971 Menu on my blog at: http://magicpancrepes.blogspot.com/
I hope that helps
Doreen

Comment on Ubiquity or Proprietary? by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Digital Textbooks the Apple Way–the “right” way?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:24:09 +0000

[...] Most recently I wrote about consumer driven markets. Who should make the choice? Digital textbooks are able separate the content from the medium, and allow flexibility–unless we are locked into a hardware platform. I also wrote about this in this post. [...]

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Peg Stolzenberg

Peg Stolzenberg — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:26:43 +0000

I also used to work in a Magic Pan as a waitress. The pea soup can be made from the Better Homes and Gardens recipe for pea soup with ham. Add the garnish of either a dollop of sour cream or of sherry and a little fresh parsley when serving. They had a fresh spinach salad with hard boiled egg and crumbled bacon, served with a sweet and sour dressing but I liked the blue cheese dressing. Favorite crepes were the Chicken Divan crepe, the country beef crepe, both of which had a filling (any recipe will work) and melted cheddar cheese on top. Desserts were actually pretty simple if you were using fruit, just use fresh strawberries, for example, and drizzle with honey, place inside the crepe with sour cream, then garnish with whipped cream on top. Or just use any fruit with a light sauce of your choice, vanilla ice cream inside, and whipped cream on top with toasted nuts, coconut, drizzles of chocolate, etc. Chocolate mint crepes can be made with choc. mint ice cream inside, a small melted bar of dark choc. underneath the ice cream, first, then top with mint cool whip and choc. shavings. Hope this helps – I just happened to be looking for recipes to tell a friend.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Kathleen

Kathleen — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:30:37 +0000

I am very late chiming in on this thread. Leslie and Paulette started their chain of very successful restaurants in San Francisco, in Ghiradelli Square, during the late 60s. My parents were in their 30s at the time, and escaped the kids one evening to try a new restaurant. They wound up at Ghiradelli Square, and decided to try Magic Pan. It was a very small restaurant at the time. After my parents placed their order, a large group came in. The Fonos were very embarassed, but they had to ask my parents to change tables to accomodate the larger party. My parents had absolutely no problems doing so, but the Fonos were so thankful that they gave my parents the royal treatmen. As you all know, the food was fantastic, so my parents returned a time or two more. The Fonos always recognized them, and were thrilled that my parents would return after what the Fonos viewed as poor treatment. After a few years we moved away. However, whenever we visited the city again, we always (yes, we kids were finally included – lucky us!) visited the Magic Pan, and later the Paprikish Fono restaurant. My parent would ask to speak to the Fonos, if they were in. They usually were. My parents would remind the Fonos of that time when they were struggling new restauranteers. The Fonos always remembered, and welcomed us fondly, even giving us free samples of their newest cuisine. We would up visiting the Magic Pan in Beverly Hills more times than the one in San Francisco, and once or twice the other one in the greater L.A. area. Not only was the food fantastic, but the memories were always very warm. The Fonos were the friendliest, kindest people we have ever met in any restaurant, and the Magic Pan is sorely missed. Thank you for these recipies.

Comment on How to sort Kindle Clippings file? by Kitchie

Kitchie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:58:41 +0000

is your macro a standalone program/script?

currently I am using http://www.clippingsconverter.com/ to manually convert my clippings to word file (sometimes to pdf), which is indeed more convenient in most cases. so far, I’m quite satisfied with this online tool.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Get your Kindle Notes and Highlights even in the App!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:27:42 +0000

[...] blog for any period of time knows that I love the Kindle’s highlight and notes features. I wrote a macro for the original Kindles (that works on the Kindle 2 as well) to take the text file and make it a [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by DoreensKitchen

DoreensKitchen — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:38:37 +0000

I sell a CD Cookbook that has Magic Pan recipes in it. Doreens Kitchen dot com

If you email me, I can send you links on where to view Table of Contents and a sample view.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Jancy

Jancy — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:37:24 +0000

Thanks for such useful item. By the ways, I am also using Clippings Converter (http://www.clippingsconverter.com/) to convert my Kindle clippings to Excel or word file. I think you can also find this free software equally useful.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Kristi Lozano

Kristi Lozano — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 18:29:54 +0000

For Christmas dinner I was able to serve the original Chicken Elegante Crepes from the Magic Pan recipe thanks to a website I found – http://www.bookemon.com/read-book/46733. This site has it all! I too have great memories of the Magic Pan in Richmond, VA and Washington DC. At least I can enjoy some of the flavors again. Enjoy!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Kim

Kim — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:51:16 +0000

I have been searching for the Magic Pan’s Tomato Bisque recipe for years and still can’t find it. Nothing has compared. My dinner always started with the Mandarin Orange Salad, then Tomato Bisque with a splash of sherry. Then to their fabulous Chicken Divan and ending with Chantilly Crepe for dessert. I don’t know how I could eat so much! Any ideas on the Tomato Bisque would be appreciated.

Comment on Crepe Recipes and Supplies by Kim

Kim — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:42:57 +0000

Does anyone remember the dish that had one ham and one cheese patty/croquette, or possibly “croquille”? It was served with a mustard sauce.

I’m in search of a recipe for this! Thanks!

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by John Mellor

John Mellor — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:51:49 +0000

I tried using your original one on a Kindle 2. The update worked perfectly. Thank you John Mellor

Comment on Academics blogging anonymously? Are we being academics, then? by “Imposter Syndrome”, Anonymity and the Researcher-Blogger « Social Inattention

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:45:25 +0000

[...] as a result of writing about (important) gender equality and bias issues in science. However, as this person points out, if you are an academic, discussing academic things, it’s important to link your [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by K. Soldo

K. Soldo — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 02:01:40 +0000

@Laura Byrd. My goodness, we have the same taste! Those were my favorite dishes, too! I believe I have figured out a recipe very close to the Potage St. Germain (split pea/potato soup base) they served. I let the soup slow-simmer in a crock pot today and was telling my girls about “The Magic Pan” this evening as we ate dinner. My middle daughter asked if there were still Magic Pan restaurants and I made a point to go online tonight to investigate and found this link. Sad to think it is basically gone. I would love to get some of their recipes!

Comment on Chicken Elegante from the Magic Pan by S Williams

S Williams — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:32:38 +0000

Thanks for the recipe. I too remember great meals and times at the Magic Pan.

Comment on An Open Letter to UE Local 1110 by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:21:17 +0000

Perhaps, but I am one that is willing to put my name and email address to my opinions. Being from Fowler, Michigan, you should know the importance of being up front, and honest about who you are…

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Juliana

Juliana — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:00:27 +0000

Hi guys! Please help!!! I dont have a kindle. I use the apps on ipad, itouch and android. There isnt a myclippings.txt file for me, but I found the file where the highlights get stored. Its a mdb file. I can transform it to a txt file I guess. Can anyone help!?

Thanks a lot!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Potomac Bob

Potomac Bob — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:37:57 +0000

The original restaurants did not close in one day. One restaurant, in McLean, Virginia, lingered on for some time after the others closed, but it, too, eventually bit the dust. To me, the carousel that cooked the crepes was what made the restaurant magic. I watched it, mesmerized, until the food was delivered. The food was always delicious. The crepes themselves were always done exactly right, but what made them shine was the fillings, choices of cheese and lobster and crab and chicken and spinach and mushrooms. They also had a wondrous split pea soup for starters, with just a touch of sherry. My favorite crepe dessert was the Chantilly Crepe – a banana marinated in vermouth and brown sugar, sliced, placed in the crepe along with lots of chantilly creme (sweetened whipped cream with vanilla), and toasted sliced almonds. There was more whipped cream on the outside.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by jan hoss

jan hoss — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:01:01 +0000

I would like to have the recipe for the wonderful salad dressing that I had with all the crepes back in the day…does anyone have it? It was like a honey mustard but sweet.

Comment on An Open Letter to UE Local 1110 by spaghettiMan

spaghettiMan — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:10:09 +0000

http://www.workers.org/2009/us/ue_local_1110_1126/

You’re a dick.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Lynn

Lynn — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 23:27:04 +0000

Hi -I am doing research for a book and am trying to find a location for any of the NYC Magic Pan restaurants. Does anyone remember where some of the Manhattan ones were located?

Thanks,
Lynn

Comment on The Problem with PowerPoint — is US! by Chester Tugwell

Chester Tugwell — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:41:15 +0000

PowerPoint is essentially a visual tool so the more you use visual content as opposed to text content on a slide the more effective your presentation is likely to be. Showing relationships between concepts through images and animation is probably the only effective way of using PowerPoint.

Comment on Crepe Recipes and Supplies by Karen

Karen — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:42:33 +0000

I would love the recipe for Magic Pan’s Chicken Normandy. It was boneless chicken breast in a tarragon-cream sauce with apples, bacon and onion, I think. My favorite!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by laura byrd

laura byrd — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:28:29 +0000

Oh…the memories of the Magic Pan @ Lenox Mall in Atlanta. Absolutely the perfect place for a “ladies for lunch” event or a romantic evening out. I remember that crepe carousel…what a fascinating piece of equipment. And, the whole decor made you feel like you were dining somewhere in France. One other thing…how is it that everyone can remember exactly what they ordered??? My choices were the mandarin orange salad, Potage St. Germain (with a splash of sherry), and Coquille St. Jacques. So….if enough of us post comments, do you think someone will listen and bring Magic Pans back??? Hello???

Comment on Crepe Recipes and Supplies by Karin May

Karin May — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:50:18 +0000

Does anyone have the recipe for the palicinta –it had a cheese filling and also the sauce that covered it? I’ve been looking for years for these two recipes.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Barbara Offutt

Barbara Offutt — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:46:39 +0000

The original Magic Pan was opened in San Francisco by Leslie and Paulette Fono. Later they expanded to Aspen, Co. where our European friends were managers. The original theme was Austrian, and the hostess and waitresses all wore Austrian Derndal dresses with aprons in various colors. The men wore short jackets in Austrain theme. The original menu was: Crab crapes, spinich crapes, musroom crapes, cheese crapes, and lobster crapes. Desert was strawberry crapes with chocolet sauce. The starter was a Goolia soup and salad. What ruined this restuarant was after the Fonos allowed Quaker Oats to take over the reatuarant. After they expanded they did NOT follow the original theme or menu, and soon went bankrupt. I would love to see this restuarant come back but you would have to stick to the original theme and dress. The decor of the restuarant was important also. Tiled carosel that cooked the crapes, tiled floor, wood antique tables and chairs upholstered in fine fabric. This is what made it so appealing. Hopefuly someone will be able to bring this all back and stick to the theme as it should be done. Thank you, Barbara Offutt

Comment on Crepe Recipes and Supplies by diane manganaro

diane manganaro — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 22:40:29 +0000

Do you have the magic pan recipes for:
mushroom crepe
crispy cheese crepe
pea soup
The magic pan was always my favorite restaurant; so sad when it closed.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 03:04:24 +0000

I just returned from a business trip in MN where we visited the Mall of America. We were on our way out of the mall as it was closing when I spotted the Magic Pan crepe stand. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I almost cried when I saw that they were closed for the night and I knew we wouldn’t be going back to MOM during our trip. I have fond memories of going to the Magic Pan in Newport Beach with my 9th grade French Class. We all got to eat those delicious crepes and we had to order everything in french. What a wonderful restaurant, such delicious Chicken Divan crepes. I was so sad when they closed all the restaurants, but I am so happy now to know that I can always go back to Mall of America one day. I hope they don’t close again before I make it back there!

Comment on What “drives” you? by Bill Floria

Bill Floria — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:19:56 +0000

This is a very interesting question. Depending on the task, there are various motivators. At work, I am motivated by regulation, by the people I work with, and by my love of my profession. Money is always a factor, but closeness to home and comfortable work environment will trump money to a degree. Currently, I work to live, but I have had times where I live to work. It’s very dynamic.

For non-work tasks, I am motivated either by fun or by a sense of calling. I officiate sports because it is a lot of fun! I work service projects through my church because I feel I am called to share my good will with others. I change my schedule around to watch my kids’ activities because I am motivated by a sense of caring and duty to my kids to be a significant part of their life. I have sat through some rather miserable events watching my kids, but continue to do it. Lately, though, as my kids have gone through High school, the events are not as miserable, so the fun motivator peaks it’s head through.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Tamia

Tamia — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 02:06:26 +0000

As a little girl in Atlanta, Ga my family visited MP at least once a week. I loved the crepes and the most delicious spinach salad. I wish that they would introduce the MP again. I would be a frequent customer!!!!

Comment on Crepe Recipes and Supplies by Judith Ann

Judith Ann — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 17:14:55 +0000

Do you have the recipes for Magic Pan’s mushroom crepes? Or their Ratouille crepes? Cannot wait to make their Crepes Chantillly, which was always the dessert crepe I had – thanks to you, it will be a memorable occasion!

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Susan Cordick

Susan Cordick — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 17:50:30 +0000

Hi Terry & Carol! I was over at The Magic Pan Project looking for recipes and decided to search for Magic Pan Sherway Gardens to see what came up and it brought me here. I crave some of the food now. I heard Dorothy Rogers passed away last year. I remember Chris and Debbie, Patrice & her sister, Barb W., Brett and his mom, Ellie, Janice and her brother. Who can forget Wayne!

Susan

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:19:38 +0000

The description of the chantilly crepe on the MP menu always said “brandied apricot sauce” – so when I was creating my own recipe, I warmed apricot jam with some brandy, then tossed the banana slices in it before assembling the crepe, and it worked perfectly.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Chuck Carlson

Chuck Carlson — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 19:06:53 +0000

I was a manager in Detroit Market [ RenCen/Fairlane] as well as Seville Square in KCMO and Plaza Frontenac [ St Louis ] I have many original print outs of the recipes

Comment on Researcher, Scholar? Tomato, Tomato? by Ray

Ray — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:40:28 +0000

Based upon the definitions, I can, as a scholar, just read others’ research. Not much in the way of independent thought required based upon the definition. Learning need not be based upon new research, etc..

Comment on Researcher, Scholar? Tomato, Tomato? by Chris

Chris — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 13:48:19 +0000

We could create distinctions between the two but I think they might well be artificial and forced. If I had to make a distinction, they would overlap such that a scholar is one who does research AND produces it for public consumption/discourse/peer review. A researcher is someone who does research that may or may not be publicly shared. (I.e., researchers produce for military or corporate use.)

In short: A scholar must do research in order to produce their scholarship. A researcher will do research, but may not produce scholarship.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Su Wetzel

Su Wetzel — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 19:11:04 +0000

There’s a new Facebook group called People Who Used to Work for the Magic Pan Creperies. Lots of stories and answers there. Request to Join!

~Su (Newbury Street, Faneuil Hall, Orland Park, Fox Valley, Columbia, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Tysons Corner)

Comment on Crepe Recipes and Supplies by Erin Miller

Erin Miller — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 19:13:07 +0000

Rachel: if you haven’t found it yet, I have their orange almond salad recipe: send me an email if you’re interested~ DallasDanzCoach@comcast.net

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by magic pan restaurant

magic pan restaurant — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 22:57:38 +0000

[...] of the Magic Pan restaurant – The Professor's Notes Jan 21, 2008 … The manager didn't remember the circumstances, though he knew all 240+ Magic Pan restaurants closed … [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 24 May 2011 06:39:29 +0000

To Sue Ashton…..oh, my, too funny!
I remember you and Roger well – you may not
remember me. I transferred from Scottsdale
to Larimer with Jon Tuder (well, soon thereafter)
Art, Sam , Jon and Kris were the managers then,
I think (can’t believe I even recall all the names!)
I worked back of the house with quite a crew
(1980-81) when Roger was “home” upstairs in his office
he loved coming down and quizzing us in the kitchen
on temps and measurements and specials and prep….
thank goodness I was always right!
Larimer Square was a great place to work, but I left
when Jon got transferred (I went to the Toledo MP) ’cause
Art never would let me out of the kitchen and to the
floor, where I was already trained, too. Oh well.
Anyway, it was great to see a familiar name here and hope
you and Roger are doing well (still in Evergreen?)
Kudos to this webmaster who is keeping the “magic”
in The Magic Pan alive!!!!

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Clay Bavor

Clay Bavor — Tue, 24 May 2011 03:35:25 +0000

I wrote an even simpler tool here: http://claybavor.com/clipper/

It’s fast. No login required.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by sam

sam — Mon, 02 May 2011 20:23:13 +0000

i vouch for clippingsconverter.com

it’s too easy – takes two secs.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Andy

Andy — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:15:32 +0000

There’s a number of Facebook groups with MP info, plus TheMagicPanProject.com. My favorite is People Who Used to Work For Magic Pan Creperies http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=36398329665&v=wall There’s also a picture of the crepe wheel. (I always cooked with 9 pans too.)

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by George

George — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:18:42 +0000

Also getting the compile error in a mac

LanguageID:=wdEnglishUS, SubFieldNumber:=”Paragraphs”, SubFieldNumber2:= _

With the SubFieldNumber highlighted.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Nina

Nina — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:19:33 +0000

The wheel goes round and round, I could cook with all nine pans.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Nina

Nina — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:15:30 +0000

Nina,Roestta,and Denise are looking for Magic Pan co workers, from the Walnut, and Market Streets Magic Pan. (1970′s-1980′s)
We miss you all, what fun we had!!!!

Comment on Who Owns your Words? by Charles

Charles — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 02:03:46 +0000

Storming Media is acting in an unethical way. The perplexing thing about Storming Media is unlike so many other Web-based services; this one has actually driven up access costs to information. Storming Media sells government documents and uses their terms of their service to prevent further distribution of the work. Publications and reports produced at the expense of the government are generally freely available and cannot be copyrighted – Storming Media is taking advantage of its customers, the report authors and the government.

A free alternative to Storming Media can be found at DoD Reports – http://dodreports.com – the website allows searching in a number of different ways including the author, publisher, abstract and by tags. The reports and documents can be downloaded without restriction.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by DAVID HARDIE

DAVID HARDIE — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:24:33 +0000

No one mentioned the Magic Pan on Newbury St. in Boston. I only had to walk 2 blocks from my apartment so was there all the time. Dining on the sidewalk cafe was one of the hightlights of summer in Boston. Many fond memories of thirty-some years ago

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by liz

liz — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:14:18 +0000

There is a very EASY way to convert your kindle clippings into microsoft word, excel and pdf formats. The website is called:

http://www.clippingsconverter.com

This website rocks – it’s so easy to use, plus it’s for free. I use it loads, as I’m a student and like to convert my clippings into my study notes – very handy. Hope this is helpful!

Comment on Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper – review by liz

liz — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:54:01 +0000

There actually is a website that allows you to convert your kindle clippings into Microsoft Word,Excel,PDF files etc. It’s awesome, and even better, it’s for free. Check it out at:
http://www.clippingsconverter.com.
I use this loads,being a student…it’s very helpful.

Comment on The Problem with PowerPoint — is US! by Shawn Kaup

Shawn Kaup — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 01:12:40 +0000

Less is more IMHO.

Comment on The Problem with PowerPoint — is US! by Margaret Aymer

Margaret Aymer — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:28:51 +0000

As an assignment in many of my classes, I have my students prepare a Pecha Kucha. 20 slides; 20 seconds per slide. That’s all they get. I add to the assignment that they may not use more than 7 words per slide unless they are pulling a specific quote out of a resource, and then they may have only one of those.

I demonstrate in class with how I use slides.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Bartu

Bartu — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 22:01:16 +0000

I also use Word 2011 for Mac. Same problem here =(

Comment on More thoughts on Twitter’s “use cases” by Aaron

Aaron — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 03:09:01 +0000

One use case that has impressed me immensely just popped on my radar in the last few weeks: DVR killer.

So, I’m a big fan of the TV show Survivor (no…I’m not ashamed to admit this), but was never a big fan of the time slot. It used to be on Thursday nights during NBC’s fantastic comedy block so I would end up DVR’ing it and watching it later in the evening. Last season it moved to Wednesdays, which sounded great, but then I didn’t feel like having more than one night of TV watching (rather just get it all done on Thursdays…I don’t watch any other shows), so I would DVR it and watch it on Thursday nights. Since it’s not quite as popular as some other current shows (unlike American Idol, Jersey Shore, The Office, etc) I don’t have to worry about spoilers.

Well, three weeks ago, the host, Jeff Probst (@JeffProbst) decided he was going to live tweet during the show, answering people’s questions, building up story lines, etc. Since then, I’ve been watching live with Twitter in front of me and it’s been fantastic. It’s like a virtual living room/watch party. He’s even been doing it twice a night, for those on the West Coast. This week, CBS even started promoting it at the beginning of the show, saying “Join Jeff Probst on Twitter during the show and join the virtual living room. Hash tag #Survivor.” Impressive incentive to watch live.

I also find myself popping open Twitter during PSU sporting events and following several related hash tags while the event goes on. It just makes the media experience a bit more enriching when you can join in on a real-time conversation about it. Though, it definitely can be dizzying watching the streams fly.

Comment on Connections, Content, and Context: Lessons from #INFORMS09 and #TLT09 by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » More thoughts on Twitter’s “use cases”

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:35:16 +0000

[...] Twitter into a few concise words. (I will also be including my thoughts from my blog post on “Context and Content” Please, read and share your [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by sue ashton

sue ashton — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:46:06 +0000

Roger Ashton and I were with the Opening Team in April of 1971 at 1475 Larimer St. Denver for the original owners Paulette & Leslie Fono. For the next 15 years we were part of the Magic Pan Family across the nation. Wonderful memories, lifelong friends and great pride for Larimer and the many other restaurants we helped open in the years to follow in Texas, Oklahoma, & Colorado. It was a truly unique time of our lives. At one time 9 members of the Ashton family were on the payroll, talk about nepotism!
Magic Pan will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we often think of the many good friends who came together from coast to coast to create great food, beautiful ambiance and rewarding success.
Sue Ashton
Golden, Colorado

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:18:20 +0000

Wow…what a trip down memory lane!! I started at the MP in Scottsdale, AZ, transferred to Larimer Square in Denver and ended up at the MP in Toledo, OH – helped open the Ren Cen location in Detroit. I started as salad prep and after nine years of working virtually every position was a manager when they closed all those restaurants – pretty much with-in a two week span. (Our MP got the word on a Saturday that our doors would be locked for good on Tuesday – NOT the most fun staff meeting on Monday! Our “info” on
the closings were that a rich Texan had bought the entire chain (106 restaurants in the US and Canada for $56 million)for his son – turned out to be a giant tax write-off – it supposedly also had something to do with mall leases; those were the days when malls were springing up like mushrooms all over the country, and MP was in on those…..but the leases were 10 – 15 years.
Anyway, that all being said – those were some of the best days of my life – met some of my (to this day) best friends; we were and are family!!!!

Comment on Donate to CV THON–and Watch THON’s OFFICE by Snow? CV THON Rolls On!

Snow? CV THON Rolls On! — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:25:32 +0000

[...] I am left with two requests: Pray for “no snow.” And, when it comes to donations, “Pray for Rain.” Pray, that our community will continue to reach out, and touch [...]

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Alan

Alan — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 01:48:14 +0000

Hi Steve.

Your macro is very helpful and it worked flawlessly on my dad’s PC but I receive a compile error when running it in Word 2011 for the Mac. “Compile error: Named argument not found” and it is highlighting SubFieldNumber:= in line 112.

Can you help? I’d gladly donate if I can get this working on my Mac.

Thanks.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by daniele

daniele — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:57:18 +0000

Hi steve,

from my clippings file with inside example of records below:
==========
IL SENSO RELIGIOSO, VERIFICA DELLA FEDE (Julián Carrón)
- Highlight Loc. 14-15 | Added on Thursday, February 10, 2011, 03:29 PM

«coincide con quel radicale impegno del nostro io con la vita, che si documenta in queste domande» (L.
==========
La Sacra Bibbia (Con indice attivo) (Italian Edition) (Gesù Cristo)
- Highlight Loc. 4202 | Added on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 11:05 PM

sogno

the result of macro is:
for highlights of sacra bibbia I have a column of ====== but don’t have the column of text involved while
for senso religioso all is OK without column contained =====.
Here part of output of macro

========== La Sacra Bibbia (Con indice attivo) (Italian Edition) (Gesù Cristo) - Highlight Loc. 4341-42 Added on Sunday, February 13, 2011, 11:28 PM
========== La Sacra Bibbia (Con indice attivo) (Italian Edition) (Gesù Cristo) - Highlight Loc. 4344-45 Added on Sunday, February 13, 2011, 11:28 PM
IL SENSO RELIGIOSO, VERIFICA DELLA FEDE (Julián Carrón) - Highlight Loc. 104-5 Added on Thursday, February 10, 2011, 04:21 PM «Chi ci libererà da questa condizione mortale?», diremmo con san Paolo. Che cosa ci è necessario? Quale esperienza? È da questa varietà di tentativi ultimamente impotenti che ci libera Cristo.
IL SENSO RELIGIOSO, VERIFICA DELLA FEDE (Julián Carrón) - Highlight Loc. 106-7 Added on Thursday, February 10, 2011, 04:26 PM immedesimarci col Vangelo di Giovanni,

My microsoft office word 2003 SP3

and microsoft windows XP professional 2003 SP3

are PC details.

Thanks again

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:42:36 +0000

If you could just tell me which columns of data are missing I could perhaps track it down. Also, what version of Word are you using? (version and OS).

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by daniele

daniele — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:38:27 +0000

I found macro some days ago due to I’m new ereader maniac.
So in my case after run macro not all info become available I mean some columns are missing.
Please can you help me?
If you cntact me by mail I will send my clippings file and result output file unsuccessfull.
Maybe I performed a mistake but macro seems running well

Thanks a lot in advance
regards ciao
Daniele

Comment on How to motivate students to read each others’ blogs… by Michael Worthington

Michael Worthington — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 03:52:51 +0000

I like the google bundle. Works great with google reader. I love having access to my set of rss feeds from any pc and on the go on my android.

one thing that might encourage comments, is having a second bundle for comments on the posts in addition to a bundle for the posts themselves.

Comment on How to motivate students to read each others’ blogs… by Tweets that mention The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » How to motivate students to read each others’ blogs… -- Topsy.com

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 01:48:18 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Barbara B. Nixon, rocksolidstitches and Steve, Matthew Brady. Matthew Brady said: RT @SCMProfessor: New blog post: How to motivate students to read each others' blogs… http://theprofessornotes.com/archives/1806 [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Sue Frunk

Sue Frunk — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:24:47 +0000

Worked at the MP in Fox Valley. I’ve told my family stories about working there and how wonderful the food the food was. I try to recreate recipes for my family. Glad to find versions of some recipes on the internet even though they are not quite the same. Have been to Magic Pan Crepe Stand at the Mall of America in Minnesota and it is a big disappointment. Don’t bother going there. Hello to all who worked with me.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » How to sort Kindle Clippings file?

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 17:10:15 +0000

[...] information. It is truly “miscellaneous” without any clear means to sort. I have written a macro that runs in Word that will sort the clippings by book and then sort by placement in the [...]

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Sunny

Sunny — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:44:29 +0000

This is excellent! Thank you! I have no idea how to create something like this yet I was on the road to attempting to figure out how to build some kind of database or excel spreadsheet for my kindle clippings. It seems to have worked correctly the first time around for me. However, I am wondering since this was originally posted over a year ago if there have been any updates? Thanks again for this great work!

Comment on iPad: Content creation or consumption? A problem of Definition by What is “content creation”? (not just an iPad post) – Targuman

What is “content creation”? (not just an iPad post) – Targuman — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 19:52:31 +0000

[...] month my brother (The Professor Notes) wrote a post based upon a discussion/debate that we had. The debate began with the question of [...]

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 23:44:57 +0000

Have you been able to get the Kindle 3 compatibility question figured out yet? I can provide a K3 clippings file if the other person didn’t.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by R.J. JOHNSON

R.J. JOHNSON — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 21:14:51 +0000

PLEASEEEEEE SEND ANY MAJIC PAN RECIPES AVAILABLE…
MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE RESTAURANT!
THX!
RJ IN TEXAS

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Ricardo Ernst

Ricardo Ernst — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 21:08:35 +0000

Actually I just run the macro with a file “my clippings” from Kindle 3 and worked fine. THANKS!!

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Ricardo Ernst

Ricardo Ernst — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:27:34 +0000

Steve, the macro runs very well for older versions of Kindle. For version 3, it does not work. It truncates the content.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Ricardo Ernst

Ricardo Ernst — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:21:46 +0000

GREAT MACRO! It definitely improves the “usability” of my clippings… Thanks!

Comment on iPad: Content creation or consumption? A problem of Definition by Jason

Jason — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 01:58:06 +0000

I have similar concerns about content creation vs consumption, but on a slightly different level. We are being inundated by new technology (iPads,tablets,smart phones, gaming systems) that I categorize as for consumption. I see this especially true with my kids and their friends. They would rather use an app already created than try to figure out the solution on their own. Where will the future Engineers come from? In school they use Google docs and email, useful tools, but not what I really consider technical. Where are the programming languages? Where is the scientific exploration? There are some clubs that provide this, but shouldn’t the main stream have the exposure also?

Comment on True Confession: I am not a good stalker by bteacher99

bteacher99 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:58:44 +0000

Steve, I think I do the exact same things as you do. Sometimes I really want to know what so-and-so says about this and that, but mostly I am only interested in a few folks. Conversely, there are some people whose Tweets I cannot stand on a regular basis, but I will respond if they “@” me.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by jack(jackson) york

jack(jackson) york — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 04:28:16 +0000

i opened up the magic pan in dallas!as an HCA.
grea memories!
bob buterfield was th gm.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by maria

maria — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 03:55:32 +0000

My husband and I were regulars at the MP in Torrance, CA. We also visited the San Francisco and Beverly Hills restaurants. My heart broke when they closed. No other restaurant has been able to replace MP. Sure wish they would come back, with the same menu. Heavens, the ham, mushroom, chicken divan, cheese crepes and the dinner salad with mandarin oranges, almonds and that special dressing. Oh, desset crepes were to die for. I have my MP crepe pan and batter dish, but just can’t make them like they did.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by JRW

JRW — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 18:44:40 +0000

Does anyone get a syntax error when running the macro? I installed it as was said, but get a syntax error when the macro runs and this portion is in red:

Attribute VB_Name = “Kindle”

Any ideas?

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Serap Baser

Serap Baser — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 07:44:22 +0000

I used to be the crepe cooker at the Magic Pan Les Terrasses in Montreal. I burned my face my first day on the job because I was told I would know if the pan was hot enough by holding it close to my cheek. I had been lifting the pans all day as they turned round and round on the wheel. My arm was so tired it spasmed and the pan went tsss on my skin. The scar went away after a few weeks of vitamin E from the girl who took care of the plants.

I was a very small girl and the pans were heavy. I sucked at making crepes until I changed the recipe and I went from the worst crepe cooker ever to the best. I used to spin the pans in my hands like tennis rackets…

I eventually became a waitress and kept my tip-tray as a souvenir when I left.

Comment on Sticks and Stones and Words will always Hurt me? by When did it all begin? – Targuman

When did it all begin? – Targuman — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:05:16 +0000

[...] My brother at http://theprofessornotes.com/ points out that he points to my blog as early as August 9, 2004. So that makes Targuman over 6 [...]

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by James Shaw

James Shaw — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:44:39 +0000

Many thanks for your very helpful Macro. I bought the Kindle to do work-related reading and this makes the my clippings file far more practical

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by churchill downs

churchill downs — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 20:22:00 +0000

I was a long-time customer of the Magic Pan at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. It was a huge disappointment when it closed.
Where are the crepe fast food stalls located?
Thank you, and please do keep us informed.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Ted

Ted — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 16:24:23 +0000

Steve, I just used your Macro for the first time (indeed, it was the first time I ever used any Word macro). I’m having difficulty saving the macro so that it is around the next time I open Word. That said, I appreciate you writing this and making it available.

Ted

Comment on Hardware Agnostic Smartphones? by Andy

Andy — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 04:24:40 +0000

I’ve been thinking about this issue for a while now while as I watch the Android/iPhone battles and RIM and Nokia struggling along. There’s been so much talk about Android being “open” but it’s starting to come out that it really isn’t. What’s happening is that the carriers are continuing their nefarious ways of disabling features, swapping standard Android apps for crapware, and releasing phones with year-old versions of the OS. The iPhone was the first device to completely remove the carrier from that process, but we’re left to Apple’s decisions about approved apps (I much prefer relying on Apple by the way than the telcos), etc. My belief is that the telcos will always find a way to muck up phones and their features as long as they’re able to if they believe it will increase revenue, thus preventing device / OS agnostic functionality.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 15:38:18 +0000

If you could send me a clippings.txt file from a Kindle 3 I will gladly work on it some more and see what the problem might be.

Thankw

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Paul

Paul — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:27:39 +0000

Hi, running your macro on a clipping file from the new Kindle (3.0) does not work. (Windows 7, Word 2002).

Any chance of updating it? Or perhaps it’s just me.

Regards

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by nile hight

nile hight — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 20:54:39 +0000

Please, please does anyone have any pictures of the crepe machine???????

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Kindle for Android Updated! Kindle again FTW!

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:48:20 +0000

[...] have written previously about the ability to highlight, and add notes. I created a VBA program/macro for word (windows only–sorry) that would export and sort the clippings file containing your [...]

Comment on Nook Hacked — can Kindle App be Far Behind? by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Kindle for Android Updated! Kindle again FTW!

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:44:16 +0000

[...] am still left with one question though: Will the Android Kindle version port well to the Barnes and Noble Nook? After all the Nook is based on the Android [...]

Comment on Ubiquitous Digital Reading by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Kindle for Android Updated! Kindle again FTW!

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:44:01 +0000

[...] Of course, all this was made easier by the Whispersync network, ensuring that I could easily move between devices (and moving us one more step closer to ubiquitous reading.) [...]

Comment on Can Barnes and Noble Nook be used with Kindle? by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Kindle for Android Updated! Kindle again FTW!

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:43:46 +0000

[...] readers that I am a big fan of the Kindle writ large–that is, the Kindle as an ebook reading ecosystem. I have written previously about the ability to highlight, and add notes. I created a VBA [...]

Comment on iOS 4.1 Giveth, but mostly Taketh Away (from 3G) by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:07:46 +0000

Actually, "most" of the popular Android phones that have come out will be able to be updated to 2.2. Of course, those phones have only been out since January 2010. (specifically, the Droid at Verizon.) One important thing to note is that the android OS first arrived on the scene for open source use in October 2008 with the 1.1 version of the OS arriving in February. Since then, Google has been releasing updates to the OS quite frequently, evolving the OS from the 1.0 offering to the 2.2 Froyo offering in less than 2 years. Each OS version has added significant usability and feature upgrades as well.

Comment on iOS 4.1 Giveth, but mostly Taketh Away (from 3G) by Chris

Chris — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 02:35:36 +0000

Jonathan beat me to it: the 3G never had multitasking with 4.0.

I wonder how many other companies work so hard to provide earlier models with as much compatibility with newer software updates… And that is not an Apple fanboy bait, I really do wonder since I have heard on podcasts that we both listen to that earlier version of Droid based phones will be unable to run FroYo (or whatever the name is) and those phones came out just within the last 12 months! I would be very angry if I were left behind so quickly.

Comment on iOS 4.1 Giveth, but mostly Taketh Away (from 3G) by Jonathan

Jonathan — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:52:20 +0000

The 3G never had multitasking, unless you jail broke it and was using a 3rd party multitasker.

Comment on So what is it? a smartphone with MP3 player? Or the most popular line of MP3 players, with a smartphone inside? by Rameumptom

Rameumptom — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:28:36 +0000

I still use a Handspring Visor for my basic handheld computing. For anything heavier, I use my netbook. I just can’t swallow an expensive cell phone contract, etc., just so I can try typing with my thumbs…. More devices, yes, but they function well for what I use them for.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Dave Iremonger

Dave Iremonger — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:48:36 +0000

Hi Katherine W. – Walnut Street Magic Pan had an awesome group of coworkers in the late 70′s and you certainly were “Miss Magic Pan”. Sorry I missed you in Palo Alto – Paul F. is a chiropractor near Orlando, but I’ve lost track of everyone else.

Comment on Who Owns your Words? by BGK

BGK — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:25:20 +0000

Storming Media is reselling documents provided to the public for free by the Defense Technical Information Center. They harvest our citations and full-text. The inventory number they use is our number inverted. So DTIC ADA 123456 becomes Storming Media A654321. In any case, these documents are available to the public for FREE from http://www.dtic.mil

Storming Media is not getting SBIR reports from us unless they have been approved for public release. Government acquisitions policy grants a minimum of a 4-year nondisclosure policy to allow SBIRs the opportunity to commercialize their ideas and prototypes.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Phil

Phil — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:46:59 +0000

I worked at the Magic Pan in Boston’s Quincy Market for 7 years! I have such fond memories of the food , the employees & wad the best time of my life! I was sad when I heard that not long after I moved on that the chain had closed! Never heard all the details!! There was a chocolate mousse PIE that I’d love to get the recipe for if anyone has it !! And also … Anyone who worked at the Boston Magic PAN from 1982- 1989 I’d love to hear from you !! Those days were the best

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Jason

Jason — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:17:43 +0000

Thanks–this is helpful!

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by FD

FD — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:07:09 +0000

I worked at Camden Drive location of Magic Pan. It was my first job in the US. I remember the chef named Tally…funny guy and Ray, Eric whom I met years later in Disneyland.. I can never forget Karen who worked there to save money to travel Europe. I loved all items on the menu, specially the spinach salad, the Hungarian soup, Crepe Suzette. I learned to make desserts there while working for Magic Pan and today I impress my friends by making some of those same desserts at home. I have visited the restaurant many times in the 80s. I truly miss the food. It would be a very successful restaurant if someone would start with the same business model. Don’t forget Cherries Jubilee. What a great dessert!

Comment on Is Apple not “Pro Choice?” by Tony

Tony — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:55:26 +0000

Shouldn’t the same be asked about Sony’s Playstation products? How about the Nintendo Wii and DS? Xbox? All of these are walled garden consumption devices. What’s different about what Apple is doing?

Comment on Twitter Lists Revisited… Good Idea or waste of time? Research opportunities? by bteacher99

bteacher99 — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:15:26 +0000

To answer #2, lists with similar themes generally have similar membership within a circle of mutual followers. There are a few wildcards, but most everyone on one list is likely to be on others’ lists for that topic. The lists that I seem to be on (not that many) are all topic-based, and are mostly connected to the TV-show “Chuck”‘s fan base. And for question #5, yes, it is all about control.

This part doesn’t answer any of your questions. My personal lists, both private, are for time-management. One list is of the people I interact with most. Another list includes some news outlets and a few whose tweets are generally Christian in nature. If I don’t have time to wade through the entire stream, I just read the stream from one list or the other.

Comment on AT & T to offer Incentives? Or is it punishment? by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » AT&T Unveils their “Incentives”

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:11:06 +0000

[...] is unclear what message they are trying to send. That said, it does dance around the answer to the question I had a while back. Back in December I wrote that the only way to incentivize consumers to [...]

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Pedro

Pedro — Mon, 31 May 2010 02:26:17 +0000

Thanks for your work. it helps me to built personal great book summaries thanks again

Pedro

Comment on Moms Unknowingly put their children at Risk by Tracy Lee Carroll

Tracy Lee Carroll — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:44:21 +0000

Sorry it has taken me this long to respond. It was a busy weekend and the nice weather keeps calling me outside.

I think discussion is good because it opens the door to others who might otherwise be totally ignorant through no fault of their own. The world has changed and many don’t realise it. I would be happy to post links to your blog to keep the conversation going. BTW, did you see the latest from Facebook. It was a non-apology for what they have done and an outline of what they plan on doing next. I still don’t think they get it, but they do know they have to make changes to address some of the issues and concerns. By no means is this a time to let the guard down. They have definitely lost the trust of many people and I don’t as yet see any indicators to show that they are even trying to earn it back.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/23/AR2010052303828.html

As for a guest speaker on your podcast, that would be great. Let me know.

Comment on Moms Unknowingly put their children at Risk by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:26:53 +0000

I understand what you are saying. What scares me is that I LIKE to think that I am a rather tech saavy, and cautious individual. And yet, it wasn’t until today that I realized just how at risk we are with what we probably consider to be “trivial information.”

I also agree that we need to educate others (part of the reason for this blog post, AND for the strong action on the Facebook page–it started discussion!) Perhaps you could help further the discussion by posting a link to my blog somewhere? What are other ways you suggest for educating people? I am willing to join on.

I think this will HAVE to be a topic for next week’s podcast. We talk about personal online security regularly, so check out http://realtechrealpeople.com and listen–or better yet, Tracy, let us know if you want to do a “guest appearance” to share your “real person” views about security on Facebook.

Comment on Moms Unknowingly put their children at Risk by Tracy Lee Carroll

Tracy Lee Carroll — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:04:33 +0000

I agree with your assertions on the dangers of sharing too much information on Facebook. I truly believe we have a responsibility to educate each other on how to protect your privacy and ensure that you are not giving away too much information. (Mothers and others)

I don’t think leaving Facebook is going to change anything. The only way that would affect a change is if there was a mass exodus and I don’t see that happening until there is something global in place to fill the void. The best we can do is to cut down on what we share via Facebook. I do not list my children in my profile, even though three out of the four are online. In fact, I don’t list any of my family in my profile. I also do not share my birth year (although I did for a while) and I don’t share any of my real photographs, unless I have totally watermarked them in some way.

I don’t trust Facebook with anything important, but it is a great tool to keep in touch with some people that I wouldn’t be in touch with without FB. Not everyone is on Twitter (and there are many who I would not like to connect with there even if they were on).

I still say that the single most important thing we can do is stay educated and continue to educate others. Leaving isn’t the answer…right now, anyway.

Comment on Moms Unknowingly put their children at Risk by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:32:55 +0000

It can be even more insidious. Moms don’t even have to list their maiden name–just tell us on facebook who your Dad is, and your kid. Bingo!

Comment on Moms Unknowingly put their children at Risk by Crystal

Crystal — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:20:13 +0000

Very good points. Make me want to change all my information or not facebook at all. Scary stuff!

Comment on Leave Facebook–build your own communities (Starting with Twitter!) by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Moms Unknowingly put their children at Risk

Fri, 21 May 2010 14:07:34 +0000

[...] know that I am trying to leave Facebook (and if you read my posts, you know I proposed a way to ‘roll your own’ using existing social networking sites.) The reason I am concerned about Facebook, and wanting to [...]

Comment on Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper – review by Shelley Holloway

Shelley Holloway — Sun, 16 May 2010 14:27:39 +0000

Thanks for the speedy reply! To address your questions:

1. My friend’s Kindle is a Kindle2
2. Yes, when IN the book, you can access them via My Notes & Marks, but of course you can’t export it by book. When you go to view My Clippings ON the Kindle, the notes and highlights CONTENT are not there. Just their location references in list form. (But, she swears they “used to be there” and thinks they “disappeared somehow.” I cannot imagine that, so I am presuming they were never there.) And, just in case it appeared differently once exported, I did that on a Mac and a PC. Nothing.

Now, to add to the mystery, the notes I’ve recently added while trying to figure out her problem DO show in the MyClippings.txt file. But, the other 25 or so she’d entered previously (which DO show in the book itself) do NOT show in the MyClippings.txt file. Same with the highlights. I even got into some of her notes to “edit” them, and resaved them, thinking they might reappear. Not.

A mystery.

As for MY issues on the site itself… THANKS for giving me that link. It’s actually a BETA site, so you need the link to the secret passage way to get to it. Totally different from the standard site.

Thanks for the help!
Shelley

Comment on Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper – review by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Sun, 16 May 2010 13:41:35 +0000

Interesting. Before we go much further in discussing either problem, my first question is this: Can you see the notes/highlighting when you are in the book that you have highlighted, and can you see them when you go to the highlights/notes “document” on the Kindle? If you can’t see them there, then there is perhaps a larger issue with the Kindle.

Let’s deal with your friend’s issue first.

I am assuming she has an actual Kindle device (Kindle 1, 2 or DX) the file should be on the device as myclippings.txt. (I assume you already know this, but want to reiterate it.) Are you trying to view the file on a computer (Windows or Mac?) and not being able to see it then? What sort of application are you using? I have been able, on a Windows machine, to open the file in Wordpad and Word. It shows me all the content when I do that. (What happens when you take the text file, load it into Word, and run my macro?) Let me know more specifics and I can see if I can help.

As for your issue–I am of course assuming you have highlighted text, and/or added notes, to at least one book (I realize you probably did, but it is always a good idea to check. Like computer troubleshooting (“It won’t turn on.” “Is it plugged in?”) I have logged on to the site myself (first time in a long time, really) and I see that they have made some changes. I would recommend that you go to http://kindle.amazon.com/your_highlights and see if it shows up that way. Let me know!

Comment on Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper – review by Shelley Holloway

Shelley Holloway — Sat, 15 May 2010 19:04:07 +0000

I have two issues:
1. My friend’s Kindle seems to have a problem with the MyClippings file. It shows the header info of notes and highlights, but not the actual content of the note, nor the highlighted text.

2. In trying to find a work around for her, I came upon your info above, and try as I might, when I log in to my account on amazon.com and go to my Kindle area, I can view “My Collection”, but not “My Reading List”. And, in “My Collection”, there is no column noting “Content”. I cannot find the My Clippings data anywhere.

Am I doing something wrong? And, as for her issue: is it some fault of her Kindle? Do you think she should contact amazon for a fix?

Thanks.
Shelley

Comment on Crepe Recipes and Supplies by Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 14 May 2010 23:31:38 +0000

Hi,
I have dying for the orange salad recipe, do you have it or know where I can get it?
Thanks, and best regards,
Rachel

Comment on Leave Facebook–build your own communities (Starting with Twitter!) by Heather

Heather — Fri, 14 May 2010 21:41:46 +0000

BuddyPress is great platform for building your own social network.

Comment on Right to Privacy, abortion, and paying your taxes? by kj

kj — Fri, 14 May 2010 05:46:18 +0000

So does this mean Kagan is going to crack down on the state of PA if elected? Also didn’t it cost them $4k just to find Tom? I’m confused

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by marcia

marcia — Thu, 13 May 2010 03:09:57 +0000

I loved Magic Pan. Went at least once a week to the one off Rush Street in Chicago, or in Old Orchard. Miss it to this day. The mall cart version in Northbrook awful. What could have gone wrong? We need to bring them back! Weren’t they owned by Stouffer’s?

Comment on Right to Privacy, abortion, and paying your taxes? by Rameumptom

Rameumptom — Tue, 11 May 2010 19:31:11 +0000

Very good points. I think what applies in the Constitution is the concept that which is not specifically provided for the Federal Government to manage, and is not specifically denied the States, is up to the States to determine.

If abortion, immigration, etc., were all determined by each state, then each one can determine their own level of “privacy” for its citizens. One size does not fit all, at least not very easily. What is needed in Montana does not play in New York, where more surveillance may be warranted for terrorism issues. Meanwhile, if Utah and a few other conservative states want to prevent late term abortions, perhaps they should have that ability to do so.

Otherwise, to pretend that “privacy” is a federal issue would require that we treat it equally in all instances: terrorism, abortion, drugs, immigration, etc. Should the feds tell women they can abort babies, yet cannot smoke pot? How does that figure in “privacy?”

So it becomes either a federal issue, a state issue, or an individual issue, with the state issue allowing for local adaptation as its society deems necessary.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Mariah

Mariah — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:18:01 +0000

This is amazing so many people who fondly remember the Magic Pan. I experienced the Magic Pan in Denver and was in awe of the crepe machine and the perfection of the food it Later I worked for the Holiday Inn’s in Anchorage, AK and Reno, NV. While in Reno I found a building a former “Big Yellow House” restaurant empty and waiting to be recreated. I thought back on the Magic Pan and wanted to fill the building with the same ambiance and great food it would have been perfect. But I was not destine to stay in Reno or create a restaurant at that time. Maybe it’s time to find a place for a Magic Pan in Seattle, WA. Anyone know where I can find a crepe carousel from the old Magic Pan?

Comment on Ubiquity or Proprietary? by Josh Rhone

Josh Rhone — Tue, 04 May 2010 20:35:05 +0000

Steve,

I think that at first things will go the way of ubiquity. Ubiquity will work until Apple or some other company gains the majority share of the market. Once the market tips in favor of a specific device or company I think proprietary software, apps, etc. will win out.

Comment on iPad problems? Okay, a couple… by Julie Stancil

Julie Stancil — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:30:13 +0000

Cool blog Thanks, webmaster.

Comment on iPad problems? Okay, a couple… by Rob Jones

Rob Jones — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:17:18 +0000

the cult of apple leans towards a lower case I? no surprise there I guess…

opps! the slate leaked!
http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/19/hp-slate-leaks-its-way-into-the-wild-meh/

Comment on iPad problems? Okay, a couple… by Chris

Chris — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:02:44 +0000

The worst part about the “i” capitalization issue is that the iPad autocorrect is different than the iPhone. So habits created on the iPhone now have to be unlearned.

Comment on iPad problems? Okay, a couple… by Tony

Tony — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 22:09:51 +0000

I can’t speak to the Windows 7 issue, but I agree, wireless sync would be quite nice.

As for the keyboard, it’s functional but not ideal in all cases. For what it’s worth, I got the keyboard dock, and it’s by far my favorite accessory. I like how it holds the iPad solidly, and I could see myself certainly throwing it into my checked luggage if I need to take the iPad on an extended getaway.

Comment on iPad problems? Okay, a couple… by Nick Bach

Nick Bach — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:34:43 +0000

my issues with the iPad:

Closed Apps – Big killer for me
No Widescreen – slight killer for me – i might add there’s no landscape mode, correct? and it has a fixed top and bottom… so much for being a switch-hitting bi-sexual friendly piece of technology (just kidding)
It’s MicroSIM right? – if so big killer
No flash, No Camera, adapters for inputs?! (and I agree besides an HDMI port and 1-2 USB ports, everything else should be able to sync via cloud/internet or BlueTooth

THE BIGGEST killer is it’s inability to multi-task… why would I want something that doesn’t do that?!!?

if the WePad can multi-task – which i know it will.. it’s a linux based machine… then I’m going to beg, borrow, and steal my way into getting one… http://www.siliconvalley.com/ci_14868544?source=most_viewed

this is just more of the same for me, disappointed in apple not being an open medium, changing up connections or leaving them out all together, and NEVER ready out of the box.

Comment on The Problem of Pricing: Digital Textbooks are NOT cheap! by Digital Textbooks are Not Cheap « Cheap Textbooks

Digital Textbooks are Not Cheap « Cheap Textbooks — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:44:55 +0000

[...] Comment! So, with the digital textbook revolution gearing up big time, we can expect prices to tumble, right? After all, what is the cost of additional copies of a digital item? Virtually nil, right? So, um what’s the deal with digital textbook pricing? I believe we can fully expect a rather vigorous roller coaster ride in the marketplace, especially with pricing, in the next several years. Meanwhile, however, it seems like publishers continue to try to sustain a price structure they have grown used to. One professor who writes on this subject asks some relevant questions at http://theprofessornotes.com/archives/1058. [...]

Comment on Are eReaders Robust Enough for Warfighters? by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:34:01 +0000

Oh I agree that, if we want to have these devices used operationally they will most likely “need” to be ruggedized, but honestly, those devices already exist and are being used daily to kick taliban ass. This is simply a question of what can our grunts use personally.

Comment on Are eReaders Robust Enough for Warfighters? by Rob Jones

Rob Jones — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:49:14 +0000

The otter-box may not really be enough for the warzone. Ruggedized military versions of these devices may be needed. Beyond downtime reading- don’t we see a use in this formfactor for manuals, maps, communications, instructions etc?

Some of the same issues have faced Negroponte and his team. Based on what they have done, I feel that power is a big issue and the device should be able to power/recharge itself. (even though the OLPC team took the hand crank out.)

Comment on The Problem of Pricing: Digital Textbooks are NOT cheap! by Brenda

Brenda — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:48:31 +0000

50% discount is not enough for me to go digital, although I would definitly be interested in digital books for a cost of around $30 and a subscription would be fine. Many years ago (and I’m not telling how many) I use to think that I would reference my textbooks so I kept most of them. This never happened so I ended up with a lot of outdated books that cost a lot of money of which I have stored someone in the attic, barn or who knows where. I am even less inclined to keep textbooks now. Information is changing so fast and textbooks are outdated before they are barely used, plus you can access up-to-date information on most anything on the world-wide Web. My main concern with a digital book would be portability since I don’t have a notebook computer. I might have to invest in an iPad or some other e-book reader device.

Comment on The Problem of Pricing: Digital Textbooks are NOT cheap! by Rob Jones

Rob Jones — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:44:52 +0000

1. NO!
2. If the subscription was permanent and included updates – it might be worth it. The subscription has no resale value also – so is it really a 50% off savings? There have been times when I got a book used and sold it for more than I bought it for thus I got PAID to use the book. That won’t happen with a subscription!
3. It would take the commitment of the publisher to go digital only.

I had a PDF for a class a while back… and I hated it! The DRM only allowed me to use is on a certain computer and the printing was limited. When I bought it I thought it would be great to just have the text on my thumbdrive – it didn’t work that way though! I had to jump through hoops with the publisher to change my purchase to the web edition…

Comment on Digital Education Resources: What price, adoption? by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » The Problem of Pricing: Digital Textbooks are NOT cheap!

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:55:16 +0000

[...] Fairness in Pricing after DRM is Hacked, or Digital Textbooks and “Fair Pricing”, and Digital Education Resources: What price, adoption? [...]

Comment on Digital Book Readers (Kindle?) in Academia (an outline of thoughts) by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » The Problem of Pricing: Digital Textbooks are NOT cheap!

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:55:00 +0000

[...] Digital Book Readers (Kindle?) in Academia (an outline of thoughts), Digital Textbooks: Fairness in Pricing after DRM is Hacked, or Digital Textbooks and “Fair [...]

Comment on Digital Textbooks and “Fair Pricing” by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Digital Education Resources: What price, adoption?

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:05:06 +0000

[...] challenge–Do I push forward into the technology of pedagogy, and require students to spend more money for digital learning, or do I resist, ironically clinging to paper texts with the twisted ideal of helping students more [...]

Comment on Digital teaching resources: How do we measure success? by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Digital Education Resources: What price, adoption?

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:04:44 +0000

[...] my last post, I wrote that I measure the success of technology infusion not in the numbers of students that [...]

Comment on My presentation at CSCMP Educators Conference by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Digital teaching resources: How do we measure success?

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 13:05:00 +0000

[...] a good bit of time cogitating on how we can best use technology in higher education. As part of another paper I wrote I proposed three “rules of thumb” to guide us when we infuse technology into education. [...]

Comment on Reagan Inherited a “Balanced Budget?” Hah! by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Remember Carter? Apparently not.

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 00:35:21 +0000

[...] and President Elect Obama insist that this is the worst economy since the Great Depression. As I wrote previously, we are no where near the economy that Carter handed over to Reagan. But lest my words [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Grace

Grace — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 23:19:57 +0000

We loved MP! Growing up in the mid to late 70′s, it was almost a family saturday night ritual to visit the MP. I still sit aroung the dinner table with my brothers and parents day dreaming about some of their dishes and wondering how a restaurant that seemed so packed all the time could have just dissappeared off the face of the earth. I am glad they are back…but not quite the same. Although my all time favs were the chicken divan and spinach souffle crepes…we also loved their chicken gumbo soup and some of their salads were fab too! And yes, who did not love watching the crepe carousel go round and round producing a perfect crepe everytime! Would really love to find out why they closed! I hail from Toronto, and the we would frequent was the one in the Eaton Centre! So it was popular north of the border too! Thanks Steve for walk down memory lane!

Comment on Welcome to the “New Grand Experiment” by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:17:52 +0000

Ah more criteria for success. This one is simple.

If healthcare costs “too much” and the service isn’t as good as it could/should be, then my PERSONAL criteria is this:

At the end of the day, I should pay the same, or less than I was paying before reform. That means adding any new taxes on top of the insurance rates, and co-pays. I also would want to receive the same, or better, care.

That one seems fairly straight-forward. Anything else would be making things “worse” than they were, and “making things worse” is bad policy.

At the macro level the same analysis would apply. Simply put, the total dollars spent per capita on health care should go down. This would mean that all those forecasts that predicted the health industry to be “the fastest growing industry in America” should be proven wrong, because as we all know, this reform is intended to wrestle the run-away costs under control.

Now, one might ask why I focus on costs when as you point out so many have argued that the reason for this reform is to help people actually get healthcare (by getting “insurance” coverage.)

Once again, simple. If the reason people were unable to get coverage was because the costs were too high, then bringing the costs down should fix that problem, as well.

Comment on iPad Demands… by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:11:58 +0000

I could be snarky and write something like “Actually prove to live up to the hype and be magical” but that would be silly.

I didn’t write that the iPad won’t be successful. In fact, I find it interesting that simply by questioning the demand patterns I am somehow challenging the success of this device.

First: Success for the device in my mind is simple. Is Apple profiting from selling the device. And are the profits (in the near- to mid-term) increasing? If they are profiting then it is obviously a success. Businesses sell things to make a profit, and thus that is success. I will even go so far as to say that, for at least the first 2 or 3 years, Apple will dominate the market for multi-touch large-screen keyboard-less media devices.

That said, I would like to point out that any time I have spoken “against” the iPad it wasn’t ever to argue that the device won’t be successful. I have always believed it would be. I just challenge the notion that it is a) magical and b) will somehow “change the world” on its own. I voiced my reasons for why I believe people (such as I) won’t buy the device. Multi-tasking (of the OS, not the user) being one example that I personally would want to have first. Others want that user-facing camera.

Alas, for some reason pointing out why people won’t buy a device is seen as “hating” on the device.

Comment on Economics Dooms Health Care Reform to failure. by Tony

Tony — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:27:13 +0000

This is all theoretical and presumes that the nation can’t course-correct going forward. I find myself in the group below, I think:

“A poll by Gallup has found that the majority of Americans approve of the passing of the Healthcare bill. This seems to show that the public yearned for actual results instead of more debate.”

http://forums.gametrailers.com/thread/majority-of-american-approve-p/1040630?page=1

Comment on Welcome to the “New Grand Experiment” by Tony

Tony — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:22:17 +0000

Aside from stating the various theories on why it will fail, please also provide your criteria for what it would take to consider the reform a success? (M fewer people without coverage? lower premiums?) Or, is there no way you would consider the reform a success because it does not align with your principles?

Comment on iPad Demands… by Tony

Tony — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:19:09 +0000

Steve, Prior to April 3, I’d like your criteria for what would allow the iPad to be classified as a “success” in your eyes. I believe it will be a success, and I think it’s justifiably already considered a success in the eyes of many, just based on the pre-order volume. If it’s possible for it to be viewed as a success in your eyes, please state what it would take (# of units sold? # of iBooks sold?)

Comment on Welcome to the “New Grand Experiment” by Rameumptom

Rameumptom — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:55:21 +0000

I’m waiting to receive my portion of the “real” bill, for all of the unfunded portions of Medicare/Medicaid, etc. How much is my part of $100 Trillion?

And will the system work right, so that I can get quality cardiac treatment after seeing the bill?

Comment on Welcome to the “New Grand Experiment” by mannbrady

mannbrady — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:09:39 +0000

Right on.

Comment on Liberalism Doesn’t Scale (and it shouldn’t!) by Rameumptom

Rameumptom — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:01:53 +0000

Steve,

Great post. It actually describes my political views. I’m concerned with those who want no government on any level whatsoever. But I’m also concerned with massive federal government. With a large local government, if I don’t like it, I can always move away or work to get it changed. Not possible with a huge federal bureaucracy.
I remember helping to vote out of office a Republican mayor, who did nothing for a Southern city I lived in for 17 years. But I also voted a Democrat out of the governor’s office, and replaced him with a Republican who was more moderate in his stance.

Comment on Liberalism Doesn’t Scale (and it shouldn’t!) by John

John — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 03:17:50 +0000

Hi Steve

I linked over here from Chris’s blog. Your thoughts are interesting. I wrote along a somewhat similar vein back in January on my humble blog. http://johnxbrown.wordpress.com/2010/01/06/fumbling-the-ball-on-benevolence/

Any thoughts on my suggestions would be appreciated.

John

Comment on Liberalism Doesn’t Scale (and it shouldn’t!) by Bill

Bill — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:07:03 +0000

Parents can’t let their toddlers fend for themselves – for instance?

Comment on Liberalism Doesn’t Scale (and it shouldn’t!) by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:37:38 +0000

Bill, thanks for your thoughtful reply. When it comes to the specific calling of liberalism–the notion of caring for your neighbor–I think we should be more liberal at the local level, but even then only in ways that seek to connect the members of the community.

I am glad you asked this question. Many in my family, myself included, have argued that we should be conservative at the Federal (and in many cases State) level, and increasingly liberal as we get closer to the local level.

I would resist calling for Republicans, or Democrats, at any particular level, because I think this view is something different (I almost wrote “transcends” those names, but I won’t be so bold.) What I am suggesting is that the same people should be both supportive of the liberal/Christian ideal of caring for your neighbor at the local level–where you can see and feel the impact you are having, while simultaneously adopting a more conservative approach at the aggregate.

But wait–there’s more! I have more to say on the flip side of this coin. Liberalism doesn’t scale up, but the Conservative ideal may not scale down very well either.

Comment on Liberalism Doesn’t Scale (and it shouldn’t!) by Bill

Bill — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:16:27 +0000

Fantastic points, Steve. Btw, I find Traditional Church much the same – it can go either way. Which leads me to ask:

Does this argument “scale”? Or do these same principles play out differently in local politics? That is, should we let the Republicans run the Federal, and Democrats run the Civic? But what about State? And what about PTAs?

Again, I found myself in complete agreement with your train of thought. But how does this work itself out on the small scale?

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by TKC 81 James McQuivey | Covers for Kindle

TKC 81 James McQuivey | Covers for Kindle — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:33:57 +0000

[...] tip – Via Andrys Basten’s Kindleworld, Steve Brady (aka The Professor) creates a Word macro (Windows only) that might bring some order to your My Clippings file. To see your highlights and [...]

Comment on Liberalism Doesn’t Scale (and it shouldn’t!) by Liberalism: Biblical but not scalable? – Targuman

Liberalism: Biblical but not scalable? – Targuman — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:30:01 +0000

[...] he had a very interesting post. I will reserve comment and simply suggest that you take a look. His argument: First, the liberal ideal of caring for those around you is not only a good one, it’s Biblical. [...]

Comment on CV THON Raises $61K – LineDance by Donna Partin

Donna Partin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:16:41 +0000

The total is up to $63,000. Donations are still coming in!!!! There’s still time if you want to contribute.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Frank

Frank — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:29:01 +0000

A good site for up to date and alumni information is :

http://www.themagicpanproject.com

AMAZING HOW MANY PEOPLE REMEMBER THE PAN SO FONDLY

Comment on Our Snowy Vision by Snow? CV THON Rolls On!

Snow? CV THON Rolls On! — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:08:30 +0000

[...] to labeling the “Snowicane” that is coming which some said would make our previous Snowmageddon pale in comparison. The true “blizzard of ‘10″ is said to bring large amounts of [...]

Comment on Our Snowy Vision by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » No SNOW to stop CV THON!

The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » No SNOW to stop CV THON! — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:04:45 +0000

[...] to labeling the “Snowicane” that is coming which some said would make our previous Snowmageddon pale in comparison. The true “blizzard of ‘10″ is said to bring large amounts of [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Martha

Martha — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:14:31 +0000

My dad took me to the MP in Tysons Corner in McLean Va when I was a young girl. That was a looong time ago. I still remember our date, and my strawberry and cream filled crepe…yummy! I’ll never forget it. I felt so grown up going to a “fancy restaurant” with my dad. Thanks MP.

Comment on CV THON 3 days away! by Stevie Rocco

Stevie Rocco — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:13:29 +0000

This is what I was talking about, Steve. Good here, begets good. I’m proud of all these kids, and your son must totally rock!

Comment on THON at Penn State–For the Kids! by Brenda

Brenda — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:59:21 +0000

My daughter and son both volunteer for THON. My daughter was working all weekend at the event. My husband and I stopped in at the event on Saturday. It is quite amazing to see how many students volunteer their time to such a wonderful organization. It makes me very proud to know that Penn State students give so much of themselves for a great cause.

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Carol Robertsonn

Carol Robertsonn — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:05:24 +0000

It is just wonderful to read all the comments about the Magic Pan. I was the cook at the Magic Pan in Sherway Gardens in the late 70′s and early 80′s. I spent five wonderful years there working and working with the most amazing people. If anyone knows Chris Sheppard, can you believe he was actually our diswasher? I have such fond memories of him and everyone else I worked with. It really is too sad that they chose to change their menu thus prompting the decline in guests and the inevitable closure of the restaurant. Maybe some smart marketing executive in the U.S. will come up with the idea to bring back the “Pan” in its original form. One can always dream.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:21:59 +0000

I worked at the Magic Pan in Dallas, Texas in late 70′s. Yes, I was one of the girls with long braids, the uniform, etc. flipping those pans as they went around in a circle. I loved the food and so did SO many others! I wish there were some here in Fl.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Adam Ramshaw

Adam Ramshaw — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:48:37 +0000

Steve — thanks for a great solution to a time consuming problem. I had just started down the — this is going to be easy path I’ll just text->table it, when it all came unraveled at the first carriage return in some text. This solution saved me lots time in development.

One suggestion in this section:
‘ replaces general carriage returns with spaces, hopefully identifying those fields that are still content.
With Selection.Find
.Text = “^p”
.Replacement.Text = ” ”
.Forward = True
.Wrap = wdFindContinue
End With

If you make it .Replacement.Text = “@@@” then you can go along later (after it is text->tabled) and replace the @@@ for ^p to put the carriage returns back in and return the text to its original format.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by The Kindle Chronicles - TKC 81 James McQuivey

The Kindle Chronicles - TKC 81 James McQuivey — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:51:07 +0000

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by jan

jan — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:49:25 +0000

The 1st MP I worked- as a hostess in the Galleria Mall in houston- back in the late ’70, I also waitress ed and progressed to line chef. Fro there I transferred to Richmond VA MP as line chef- and finally to Syracuse NY- shoppingtown… would love to hear from other folks who i might have worked/partied with- “back in the day”.
Jan- janileeshuper@yahoo.com

Comment on Could Apple Actually KILL eBooks? by Chris

Chris — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:16:57 +0000

The short answer is “no.” For the reasons Tony already stated, if books don’t sell at the higher price point the companies (publishers, online retailers) aren’t going to stick with that price point until they fail or say, “Ok, I guess ebooks are dead.” They are going to find the price point that works.

As for Steve Jobs being a big business “hack” (not sure what you mean by that term), yes, Jobs is out to make money. Anyone who thinks he has any other fundamental motives here is delusional. And he is very good at making money, as you have pointed out many times. So it is not surprising that he should try and expand the market here.

Now a slightly different question is this, in the build up to the iPad launch people were saying that Jobs was going to save publishing with this new, as yet unannounced device. Will the iPad save publishing? Again, I would say no. It may contribute to the industry moving towards a new model that will survive into the future, but there is much that has to happen to kill/save an industry than just this one device.

And Nick, the iPad may be a useless tool for you and lots of other people. For many the Kindle is as well (and it sounds like you have no use for that either), but different folks have different uses and work habits. As you know from Real Tech 22 I believe it will fit in well with my work patterns, at least on the various business trips I take, but not my research trips. My mantra: judge the tool for what it is, not for what it is not.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by The Definitive Kindle Guide for College Students - CollegeTimes™

The Definitive Kindle Guide for College Students - CollegeTimes™ — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:28:33 +0000

[...] Clipping Extractor Macro: This is for Windows, and is a macro for MS Word. It allows you to sort through the clippings.txt file in such a way that you can extract notes and highlights from a particular book. This can be very useful indeed when it comes to studying. [...]

Comment on Could Apple Actually KILL eBooks? by Nick

Nick — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:41:09 +0000

I do not think e-books die – the usage and demand is and will be there. I DO have a hard time justifying the purchase a Kindle or iPad or any kind of e-book reader when I can simply use my laptop or my cell phone to do that. I am also big on audio books instead.

In episode 22 of Real Tech, when the education community in mentioned, I got to thinking. Imagine how much money could be made if Penn State said – o.k. No more books. Each student pays for the E-books for each class. The student downloads them straight from the school’s website that is integrated with the publisher’s online delivery service, many ways this could be done – i.e. each school can brand it’s own interface to the publisher’s. Then Penn State also requires the purchase of a proprietary, in-house-programmed application that allows for the sharing of notations and course work, which is integrated into an eBook reader that can use PDF, LIT, and HTML eBooks. You can prevent a significant amount of plagiarism, make sharing information a lot faster and easier, and allow for an easy way for the university to make money without the cumbersome need for actually storing and selling a TANGIBLE product.

The iPad, for me, is simply a useless tool, whose abilities are already being fulfilled by the technology I already have.

Comment on Could Apple Actually KILL eBooks? by Tony

Tony — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:00:08 +0000

Steve may have gotten it wrong, we will see. But, the good thing is that if the pricing is wrong, I don’t think Steve has killed eBooks. The reason: pricing can be changed almost instantly. If it proves out that they need to goto $9.99, then they’ll end up there eventually. I’d love to have my book available on the iPad for $9.99! We’re already working on it.

Comment on Amazon vs Apple – pending App Store Wars? by Al

Al — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:20:57 +0000

I think Apple would be nuts to withdraw the Kindle App from their store. They will sell more iPads if people can access their Kindle books, and Sony books, and B&N books, and Apple books and all the other books out there. I can see the iPad tearing down the tower of Babel in one brilliant stroke. Of course one would still have to bring up a separate app for each type of book, but better that than not being able to access them at all.

Comment on UPS reports a 5 y.o. called to “Return to Sender” #FAIL by Shelly

Shelly — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:31:34 +0000

As a former UPS employee, I can tell you that it is most likely the fault of the Operations Management team (and most directly, the driver). The corporate culture of UPS Operations is one of managment by intimidation/yelling. Within the delivery center, Managers and Supervisors are “graded” on their percent of packages delivered, a well as those delivered on time. If a driver cannot deliver a package that their DIAD board (the brown boards that tell them how many packages they should have on their truck for each address) then they must enter a reason. My guess is that the driver either lied because the package wasn’t in his truck, or the technology that is intended to give ups.com users visibility had failed somewere along the way. The CSR was likely only telling your brother what their screen told them (as they are all in centralized call centers now and have lost specialized knowledge due to cost savings measures).

Comment on Can Barnes and Noble Nook be used with Kindle? by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Amazon vs Apple – pending App Store Wars?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:53:08 +0000

[...] is a key strength of the Kindle –the portability of reading. As I have written before, in several places, a move to ubiquitous reading seems to be the greatest opportunity facing publishers. Make [...]

Comment on “Killer” products or “Transformative Devices?” by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Amazon vs Apple – pending App Store Wars?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:52:48 +0000

[...] is a key strength of the Kindle –the portability of reading. As I have written before, in several places, a move to ubiquitous reading seems to be the greatest opportunity facing [...]

Comment on 60GB iPod “at risk” — new video model coming? – Engadget by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » My Thoughts: An Apple Tablet WON’T look like this…

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:52:14 +0000

[...] and what strikes as interesting is how uncreative so many folks seem to be. Digging back to my blog entry from March 2006 you will see an idea of what many thought (1 year in advance) a new, all glass, [...]

Comment on Matt upgrades to iPhone 3Gs–Cust Svc Win (and AT&T to get a Droid clone!) by Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:49:23 +0000

BTW Steve my 17 yo niece wonders if he has a prom date yet..lol
ryan

Comment on Matt upgrades to iPhone 3Gs–Cust Svc Win (and AT&T to get a Droid clone!) by Brenda

Brenda — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:06:24 +0000

I think my son who has an iPhone will be happy to hear this as he has been talking about the Droid for awhile now.

Comment on Matt upgrades to iPhone 3Gs–Cust Svc Win (and AT&T to get a Droid clone!) by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:52:09 +0000

That’s a GREAT question, actually. I wonder if AT&T, seeing the success of the Droid for Verizon, has realized that they simply have to accept the competitive landscape, or will they offer a new data plan that somehow limits “the most egregious offenders?”
I do wonder (especially since they originally said they were going to provide “incentives” for us to lower our data consumption.

Perhaps the incentive is some sort of easy way of switching between connectivity sources? Who knows…

Comment on “Killer” products or “Transformative Devices?” by Jason Leisure

Jason Leisure — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:32:48 +0000

This discussion takes me back to the MBA required MNGMT 514 class with Dr. Russell at PSU Harrisburg. The discussion of incremental vs. Disruptive technological advances was the focus of the Gunfire at Sea case.

In this case, Sir Percy Scott makes a series of improvements to his ship’s Gunnery in order to improve accuracy. The gear ratio was changed, the telescope was re-rigged and repositioned and he added a gun for practice. All parts by themselves served a purpose, but put together to operated in sync, continuous-aim gunfire was possible. The impact that these changes had were similar to many of the innovative changes made by Apple.

Let’s look at the iPod as an example. If we start to dissect the parts of an iPod, we can see where the genius of the device is in taking existing technologies and melding them together into one device, not in true invention or innovation. There is a 2.5 inch HDD (at least in the older ones), a small screen, and software. The 2.5 inch HDD has been used in laptops for years. The small screen has been used in mobile devices like cell phones for years and software has been written for a better part of the past century.

Not mentioned yet, but critical to the iPod making sense is the advent of a compressed sound file or video file that can be moved from a computer’s hard drive to a mobile device’s hard drive. With all these pieces, the iPod was born.

One final aspect that I don’t want to forget: The prevalence of a mental map for mobile music created by the Sony Walkman back in the 1980′s.

The real innovation in the iPod was in taking the digital media quickly amassing on consumer computers and make it mobile by making the iPod fit into the mobile mental map I just described.

So, to respond to the question of whether products are killer or whether they just transform a market, I assert transformation is an immediate affect and killer is when a product has sticking power. Because we are discussing products that people use, it we need to include the slowness at which people adopt new technologies.

The iPod transformed the mobile music market. Because the iPod ‘stuck’, it has killed other products such as the Sony Walkman. The killing is carried out with each individual decision by a consumer to purchase an iPod instead of a Walkman.

Comment on Matt upgrades to iPhone 3Gs–Cust Svc Win (and AT&T to get a Droid clone!) by Ryan

Ryan — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:34:45 +0000

So how does ATT adding a droid phone gel with your discussion weeks back on the podcast about ATT throttling back data usage?

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Gary_O

Gary_O — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:14:02 +0000

Thanks for the macro! One of my favorite ways to use the Kindle is to highlight phrases that resonate with me for future pondering and research, and this macro works great to organize these highlights and notes by book. Thanks again!

Comment on Time to Upgrade an iPhone? Recorded on the zi8 by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Matt upgrades to iPhone 3Gs–Cust Svc Win (and AT&T to get a Droid clone!)

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:50:55 +0000

[...] waiting until March (or later) wasn’t going to meet Matt’s immediate need (remember his video about the damaged 1st Gen iPhone), this is good news for those of us leaving AT&T to get to a [...]

Comment on UPS reports a 5 y.o. called to “Return to Sender” #FAIL by Nick

Nick — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:43:56 +0000

I don’t think you’re being too harsh. And let’s not forget when entities such as “DishNetwork” claim that the receiver wasn’t returned to them even though UPS says it has.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Andrys

Andrys — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:46:11 +0000

Steve,
As ever I’m grateful for you work on this macro.

While clicking on your link to the macro text will cause the browser to show the text, there is a built-in way to save the text as a file from the browser.

With the macro text link, people should right-click on the link and, on a Windows system, choose something like “Save link as” or “Save target as” or Save File as” (depending on what the browser wording is) and that will cause the browser to suggest “kindle.bas” — accept that. (With a Mac, HOLD DOWN the mouse click and eventually a menu will come up saying “DOWNLOAD file” or something like that.)

HOWEVER, the file will be saved as “kindle.bas.txt” so people will have to rename that new file to “kindle.bas” as you suggest.

Your suggestion works but there is the danger that people may not highlight all of it.

– Andrys

Comment on Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper – review by Andrys

Andrys — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:34:30 +0000

Steve,

Re the ‘export’ feature you want — I think their terms of use used to say that we couldn’t download or print it without express permission from them (this would be to raassure the publisher/author). I haven’t looked at it since May though.

What I do is just select all of the highlight and notes for a book and then Copy and Paste them to a Word Doc. That retains the bolding for headers and makes it easier to read.

If one doesn’t have WORD, then they can highlight, copy, and paste to text (notepad or wordpad in Windows, or to whatever a Mac text file would be called) or to a favorite text editor.

This works very well. No Export option is needed.

Citations by Location should be good enough for study notes.
Amazon web (and Kindle) programming is not going to know what page location any text will be at in a book and that would depend on textbook edition anyway.

Publishers would have to take the responsibility to identify blocks of text as a book-page for the Kindle placement. Until then how is a program to know?

But we can add page notes ourselves if we have the text.

Colleges will eventually have to adapt to e-books.

I actually love this web-annotations feature. But I still use the Kindle notes lookup more since it links me to each location in the book.

– Andrys

Comment on Customer Service/Recovery at it’s Best with Medtronic! by Nate Klinedinst

Nate Klinedinst — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 03:17:10 +0000

The course of events you had is very enviable. I knew there was a reason I write all confirmation numbers down. Hopefully someday they will serve me just as well.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by The Definitive Kindle Guide for College Students

The Definitive Kindle Guide for College Students — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:21:29 +0000

Comment on Can Barnes and Noble Nook be used with Kindle? by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » “Killer” products or “Transformative Devices?”

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:55:19 +0000

[...] a few posts back I mentioned that Jeff Bezos talked about two Kindle product lines–the hardware and the reading experience. Amazon has already produced Kindle Reader [...]

Comment on Nook Hacked — can Kindle App be Far Behind? by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » “Killer” products or “Transformative Devices?”

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:50:09 +0000

[...] I even wrote that if an Android Kindle reader is developed, could we be that far from reading Kindle books on the Nook? The point here is that Amazon, through their leader Bezos, has already talked [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Bob

Bob — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:41:15 +0000

Worked at MP in Ann Arbor Michigan while I was in high school. I still make a number of the recipes for my family to this day. It was great memories and its nice to hear that many people had good memories of the MP.

Comment on Digital Book Readers (Kindle?) in Academia (an outline of thoughts) by Chris

Chris — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:27:31 +0000

Makes me wonder with this artist, perhaps it will some day be true: http://www.thebookofbiff.com/2009/12/28/925-thin/ Electronic book marks.

Comment on Backlash from Apple Tablet Hype? by Chris

Chris — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:04:02 +0000

It will be like the UFO cults, when the foretold event doesn’t arrive at the appointed time the faithful merely explain why it will in fact be at the next solar eclipse.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Bob King Newport Beach, CA

Bob King Newport Beach, CA — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 02:44:30 +0000

Hey ….frequented two MPs often – Beverly Hills and South Coast Plaza.

Have four daughters and will never forget my number two daughter becoming a “woman” at the MP in South Coast Plaza. Embarrassing for her and a memory the entire family will never forget!

We had to leave the restaurant in order to take care of the poor baby (she was 13)….pissed me off, I was right in the middle of my strawberry/cream cheese crepe!! Just kidding …. I wasn’t upset, but I did ask #2 if she couldn’t have waited another fifteen minutes or so.

Life goes on …..jeez!! That was 27 years ago!

Great stuff …. never, ever had a bad meal nor did I ever have to speak with the manager about service or quality of food at either location.

Wish they were still around …. in the evening, the BH store would dim the lights and pipe in great, romantic music. Awwwwww!
Ain’t that wonderful?

majskyking@gmail.com

Comment on Can Barnes and Noble Nook be used with Kindle? by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Nook Hacked — can Kindle App be Far Behind?

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:59:55 +0000

[...] weeks ago I wrote that Jeff Bezos has said the reading of Kindle books, and the hardware we know as the Kindle, are [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Christopher

Christopher — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:15:25 +0000

Every Sunday was spent at the Magic Pan for brunch in Kansas City after Mass. My Mom and Dad insisted on it. My brother and I were in High School at the time and it was the early 80′s.
The restauraunt was located in Seville Square at the Country Club Plaza. Because it was such a consistent weekly event, I look back on it fondly. The food, service, and atmosphere were much better than what you receive in restaurants today that market themselves as a higher caliber eating establishment. I live in Denver now and I had dinner last night at Crepes n Crepes with a group of friends. (Also good) It instantly made me think of that time in my life.

Comment on Update 2: Win 7 Install–2nd Time’s the Charm by The Professor's Notes » Blog Archive » Win 7 (64 Bit) Day One. Video work.

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:08:53 +0000

[...] my trials and tribulations with installing Win 7 today I want to give the first “user” [...]

Comment on iPhone 3G and 3GS Scosche Charging Adapters (HT: @Targuman) by iPhone 3G and 3GS Scosche Charging Adapters | Get The Next ____

iPhone 3G and 3GS Scosche Charging Adapters | Get The Next ____ — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:29:04 +0000

[...] iPhone 3G and 3GS Scosche Charging Adapters Originally posted by Steve Brady On December – 13 – 2009 at http://theprofessornotes.com/archives/770 [...]

Comment on iPhone 3G and 3GS Scosche Charging Adapters (HT: @Targuman) by iPhone 3G not Compatible with Accessories

iPhone 3G not Compatible with Accessories — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:01:09 +0000

[...] iPhone 3G and 3GS Scosche Charging Adapters (HT: @Targuman) [...]

Comment on Academics blogging anonymously? Are we being academics, then? by Nathan Rein

Nathan Rein — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:52:05 +0000

Hm. Well, there are several points where I disagree with your logic, although, as I said, overall I agree with your conclusion. Looking back over Targuman’s links, I guess I think Dean Dad was acting unethically period, quite apart from his anonymity or his status as an academic. (I’m assuming that Targuman’s description of Dean Dad’s posts is accurate; I didn’t check.) His anonymity just made it easier for him to get away with it, but anonymity an sich isn’t the problem, if that makes sense. Similarly, a post like that would have been just as unethical in any field of work, although to academics — we who perceive ourselves (correctly or not) as particularly dedicated to the values of openness, fairness, and transparency — it might seem like an especially serious sin. In other words, measured against the standards of academe, anonymous, unsupported bad-mouthing of one’s colleagues (or anyone else) is especially bad. But I guess my objection to that is this: it’s the bad-mouthing that’s the problem, not the academic context or even the anonymity, both of which seem to me to be factors that exacerbate the original offense.

Beyond this, I think there’s another point. You say “If one chooses to speak as an academic,” but it seems to me one could just as easily argue that, being an academic, one can’t really choose not to speak as an academic. Certainly my academic training, ways of thinking, and modes of employment affect everything I do and say (as is probably obvious from the pompousness and verbosity of this comment). I’ll never be able to blog in such a way as to hold my academic identity at a distance. It seems to me that what you’re really talking about has more to do with the authority attached to an academic status. What I take your point to be is more or less this: if you’re going to claim the authority, meager though it may be, that our society attaches to an academic position, then you really ought to follow the rest of the rules associated with academic discourse. Again, this is true, but it’s not quite the same as saying that an academic shouldn’t ever blog anonymously.

For one counter-example, I’ll point you http://j.mp/7HBn5q"here — it’s not a blog, but rather Thomas Hart Benton’s pseudonymous column for the Chronicle of Higher Education. You probably know it, but if you don’t, check it out. It’s a brilliant column. It helped keep me sane when I was an advanced grad student about to go on the job market. And for me at least, it’s impossible to imagine Benton writing any of the stuff he did under his real name, at least not as a beginning assistant professor (I think he’s since revealed his real identity, but I’m not sure).

Comment on Academics blogging anonymously? Are we being academics, then? by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:30:30 +0000

Thanks for your comment–I really appreciate your taking the time to leave one.

I am not as focused in my post here on the anonymity than I am the content of our blogs. I am (perhaps not very clearly saying that it seems that academics stop being academic in the way we think, and thus in the way write, in many of our blogs.

As academics we hopefully cultivate a sense of rigor in our approach to our thoughts and our conclusions. We don’t rush to judgement without an analysis of the data/facts/other opinions, and we are careful to identify where our thoughts depart from those of others. We also, as academics, provide support for our position.

I personally believe that it is this discipline, this rigor, that makes our contributions (whether in peer reviewed journals our in blogs) valuable. If you go back to some of my earliest posts, while I have my share of “commentary” applying more rhetoric than research, I also have several posts where I tried to either analyze the data others (mis)use, or present my own arguments with support. One of my personal favorites is my defense of Republicans against the charge of hatred and prejudice.

My criticism then is that when academics start to blog on (potentially controversial) issues such as tenure, academic politics, climate change, or “regular” politics, often we leave this rigor behind and begin to shoot from the hip. We join the crowd of emotional response rather than reasoned, critical thinking. (Okay, and now here I am being lazy academically–I can remember several posts from others where this was done, but honestly, I don’t want to dig back through them right now…)

That said, I will now appeal to my post where I talk about my having different blogs to serve different purposes. Academics who blog don’t have to behave as academics in all we do. If one chooses to speak as an academic, then I believe one should bring some of that rigor to the table. On the other hand if, as in my “Father Son Chats” blog, the purpose is something else, then, well… the blog can reflect that “something else.”

Comment on Academics blogging anonymously? Are we being academics, then? by Nathan Rein

Nathan Rein — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:14:51 +0000

This is a very interesting point. I’m sympathetic, in general, and I mostly agree, but only up to a point. Personally, I pretty much never post anything online that I wouldn’t attach my real name to. But then again, I’m not really a blogger, and I have the security of tenure. It seems to me it all comes down to defining what you jean by “being an academic.” You may be defining it so narrowly as to make it irrelevant. Am I “being an academic” if I complain about grading, grumble about academic politics, express anxiety about tenure, or admit insecurity about teaching? Because to me, those are all parts of an academic’s life, and thus those discussions all have a place in the “academic blogosphere.” But it’s easy to see why someone would want to post them anonymously. I don’t think you stop being an academic the minute you start saying something that doesn’t belong in a peer-reviewed publication. Of course, there are plenty of anonymous academic blogs out there. Are you saying they’re all valueless? or are you saying (which I think is more likely) that they’re not “really academic” in nature? If it’s the latter, well, then, okay, maybe you’re right, but so what? I don’t see how it follows that academics should never blog anonymously. Maybe I’m not understanding your point. Maybe a few citations or examples would help.

Comment on iPhone 3G not Compatible with Accessories by iPhone 3G and 3GS Scosche Charging Adapters (HT: @Targuman)

iPhone 3G and 3GS Scosche Charging Adapters (HT: @Targuman) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:36:22 +0000

[...] 3GS that comes to visit) with my devices designed to work and charge earlier iPhone and iPods. I wrote a year and a half ago about the lack of adapters that would let me charge my iPhone 3G in players I had previously [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Mark

Mark — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 04:34:14 +0000

K thanks for that pdf. Like many others I have fond memories of Magic Pan at Tyson’s Corner, VA. Ive been making Orange/Almond salads with Newman dressing. Now I can try for the keepsake. Alas, nobody has mentioned the Mocha crepe. I always had to scrape the plate. Cheers!

Comment on Crepe Recipes and Supplies by The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant

The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:46:31 +0000

[...] Crepe Recipes and Supplies [...]

Comment on Magic Pan Potage St Germaine Soup by Crepe Recipes and Supplies

Crepe Recipes and Supplies — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:44:20 +0000

[...] basic crepe recipe, followed by the Chantilly Crepes here, and the Chicken Elegante. With the Potage St Germaine Soup recipe also [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Crepe Recipes and Supplies

Crepe Recipes and Supplies — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:44:04 +0000

[...] most popular post here on my blog has been the one where I wrote about the Magic Pan restaurant and the way they made their crepes. I decided to help out a bit here, then, and share some [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Cheral

Cheral — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:34:47 +0000

Was thinking about some of the folks I used to work with at Magic Pan. I trained at the Torrance Del Amo Mall before being sent to the Fort Worth location. Not quite as busy as the Dallas one. Then MP brought me back to california where I worked in San Jose and then San Mateo. Left there to work for a restaurant/rock and roll club. Great management and quality control training in a restaurant environment. Interesting co-workers and always excellent food. You can contact me at cheral@dragonlust.com

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Larry Kapustka

Larry Kapustka — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:04:33 +0000

All of the recipes I’ve read in this article ring a bell as I think I tried them all !!!!!!…and they were absolutely DELICIOUS !! I went to the Oakbrook, Il. location many times but much more to the Old Orchard shopping center location. I can remember feeling so comfortable in the atmosphere of those restaurants. Besides all the enjoyment I got from the Magic Pans’ menu and surroundings , it also meant Christmas to me. My mother (God rest her soul) and I had made it a yearly tradition after Christmas shopping at Old Orchard to have dinner there every year for many years…..Have a great meal……a nice glass of wine…….good times!!!! If I had the resources I would absolutely bring it back!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Casey

Casey — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:05:10 +0000

I remember going to the Magic Pan in South Coast Plaza when I was very young.
I googled the magic pan this morning after watching Jay Leno and seeing Kelsey Grammer say that he worked at one before becoming an actor!
Also, I took french classes in high school and my french teacher had one of those ‘magic pans’ ! i’ve been looking for one for a while now with no luck.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Corey

Corey — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:28:27 +0000

Roger,
I’m not sure when you were at the Magic Pan in Lenox Square, but my dad, Bill Vosburgh, was a manager there. Do you know him? I have been researching The Magic Pan trying to get together a recipe book or something similar to give him for Christmas.
Thanks,
Corey sweething1155@aol.com

Comment on A Cultural or Observant Mac? by Can Barnes and Noble Nook be used with Kindle?

Can Barnes and Noble Nook be used with Kindle? — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:38:46 +0000

[...] attentive reader of Kindle News knows that the Kindle (much like the Apple Mac) seems to imply hardware, or software, or both. By this I mean we first heard about the Kindle as [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by K

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:18:37 +0000

Go to this address for several Magic Pan recipes from the Magic Pan Project:
http://www.jingles.org/MPRecipes_v101.pdf

Also, this site mentions a Crepe recipe book which I have and was already going to highly recommend here. It has several recipes that are very similar to several Magic Pan recipes: Crepe Cookery by Mable Hoffman (HP Books). It’s available (used) very cheap through Amazon.com Fantastic recipes. I bought it years ago because I loved Magic Pan restaurant (in La Jolla CA) so much! I found this website because I just started teaching my 9-year old daughter how to make crepes using this book and that made me wonder if the Magic Pan recipes were available anywhere. Of course I ate all the great favorites already mentioned (Potage St. Germain, Spinach Souffle, St. Jacques, Ratatouille, etc.) but I was looking specifically for the orange almond salad recipe. It’s at the site I just mentioned and the crepe recipes just mentioned are all in Mable’s book. Enjoy!

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by George Frias

George Frias — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:00:34 +0000

Hello, i used to work at the magic pan in south coast plaza just before it closed, i was a cook for a little over 3 years, just loved the food, i used to do the prep but after almost 20 years i’ve forgotten most of the ingredients, i can still remember several of them as i still cook most of the food at home just to remember the good food, what i cant remember is how to make the diane sauce we used for the steak diane dish,.. oh well one day i’ll find it

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Judy Henderson Reed

Judy Henderson Reed — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:31:42 +0000

OMG What Memories. I started with MP in Chicago, moved to Santa Anita, went into management, went to Omaha then to Dallas, Fort Worth and finally in San Antonio. The management and staff was more like a cult. I loved them all. Training was tough for sure, but wouldn’t take anything for all the lessons learned. Still miss the food. Can’t begin to think of all the crepes I made in the many years with The Pan.
Love You All for All the Great Memories
Judy of the Fort

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Carrie Woods

Carrie Woods — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:25:32 +0000

Love the macro, thanks! Would be great if it could separate out the “date added” (without the words) so you could use Excel to filter to find only new clippings.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Lori Alperin

Lori Alperin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:57:37 +0000

I am another major fan of MP. A caterer in Maryland told me they are coming back. Does anyone know if this is true? I wonder if she was just referiig to the food court stands. One crepe food court stand opened up in Montgomery Mall in Montgomery County, Maryland. It is horrendous. The crepe is like a thick pancake. They are no competition to MP. I would much rather see MP take up food court spots then this horrible company. My first choice is to have the old restaurants back, but I’ll take what I can get.
If anyone knows any information about a return, please let me know. Crepes are on the rise. If anyone is ever at Rehoboth Beach, DE or in that area, go to Rehoboth Ave in the summer and try a crepe from a small stand in Penny Lane, it’s not bad.
Maybe we all need to start chanting, “Magic Pan! Magic Pan! Magic Pan!”
Thanks in advance for any new info.
Lori

Comment on iPhone 3G not Compatible with Accessories by lobar

lobar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:03:26 +0000

i have a bmw 330xi and my iphone 3gs and charger is nt compatible w/c att charger im using. hope somebody resolve mu issue .. thanks..

Comment on Win 7 (64 Bit) Day One. Video work. by Jason Leisure

Jason Leisure — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:04:38 +0000

I upgraded a Vista 32bit laptop to a jWindows 7 64bit laptop on 10/17/09. I ran into two issues:

1. The NVIDIA 8200M G driver needed updated. I downloaded the new driver while still on Vista. When I was ready load the new driver on Windows 7, it punted because I had downloaded a 64bit driver to a 32bit OS. It ended up not being a big deal because I just went to the NVIDIA site and downloaded the driver again
2. The second issue was the 32 bit Symantec Endpoint Virus protection software. I upgraded to the 64 bit version once on Windows 7.

Other than the two problems listed, it was an extremely smooth upgrade. It only took about 45 minutes to complete the whole uninstall of the old and reinstall of the new. I thought that this was extremely quick and there was hardly anything I was required to do except wait and enjoy an ice cold beverage.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Katherine

Katherine — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:04:47 +0000

and Strauss! Don’t forget Strauss!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Katherine

Katherine — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:48:55 +0000

Hey Dave Iremonger, I remember you!! I worked at the Walnut St Magic Pan in Philadelphia, too. I was the hostess for the longest time!! You guys called me “Miss Magic Pan”, remember? I wish we could get in touch with everybody. Chris George, and the 2 Pauls, and Emily and Melanie and Sue and Rich and Bill…I wonder if there’s a way to find everybody? We sure had a lot of fun back then! At the Magic Pan, working and after work too! I moved to Palo Alto for a while too–and was a Hostess at Boubon Street in Palo Alto! Another fun place. Paul came in one day–maybe he was visiting you! We should do a Magic Pan reunion.

Comment on Win7 Install Travails by Win 7 (64 Bit) Day One. Video work.

Win 7 (64 Bit) Day One. Video work. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:44:59 +0000

[...] Win7 Install Travails [...]

Comment on Update 2: Win 7 Install–2nd Time’s the Charm by Win7 Install Travails

Win7 Install Travails — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:20:17 +0000

[...] Update 2: Win 7 Install–2nd Time’s the Charm [...]

Comment on Win7 Install Travails by Update 2: Win 7 Install–2nd Time’s the Charm

Update 2: Win 7 Install–2nd Time’s the Charm — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:17:47 +0000

[...] Win7 Install Travails [...]

Comment on So, just who DOESN’T use the Internet? by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:53:18 +0000

C’mon Steve- in order to create another huge government entitlement* we have to create err sorry “discover” a problem/issue/crisis to “solve.”

In order to levy an(other) internet tax and exercise federal control over this newly-declared “public good” the administration needs to create . . . The Digital Dvide! Between the “haves” (DSL) and “Have Nots!”

The horrors . . . Something Must Be Done . . . it is so unfair . . . only those born to privilege . . . winners of lifes lottery . . . shouldn’t be able to enjoy their ill-gotten gains of DSL . . . we must level the playing field . . . and implement Net Neutrality [sic] immediately in order to prevent the misuse of this (now publicly owned) resource . . . !!!!!

P.S. How much is Verizon donating to which politicians in order to make this happen?

Sheesh.

Ya heard it here first . . .

* (translation: taking the “sweat of my brow” out of my pocket at gunpoint to give it ot someone who contributes less value to society)

Comment on So, just who DOESN’T use the Internet? by Leslie Green

Leslie Green — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:53:52 +0000

Hard as it may be to believe, I have learned that of my company’s eight Executive Officers, only two have internet access at home, even though they do check email, voicemail, etc. on their BlackBerries. One of them did not even use email at all or know what an internet browser was until this year when she asked one of the Directors on my team to mentor her on using technology. In those cases, I think they don’t have access because they expect and can afford to be hand-fed everything they need to know.

On the other end of the spectrum, there’s one of my friends and her husband. They’re tree-hugging, dirt-worshipping hippies who won’t let the internet or computers into their home because it keeps them from experiencing nature and each other to their fullest extent (the husband moreso than the wife). She had to fight to have a TV.

Then there are some cases of religious extremism. At least two colleagues of mine refuse to install internet capabilities because it’s a distraction from serving Jesus, easier access for their children to unholy content, or they believe that it’s just part of the Devil’s plan to bring about Armageddon.

In most cases, though, I think those who don’t elect to keep broadband in particular are met with cost concerns or just a general lack of interest in using the internet, perhaps stemming from a general lack of curiosity in the world itself, which I find sad.

Off my soapbox now. Great topic!

Comment on So, just who DOESN’T use the Internet? by Kayla Dawson

Kayla Dawson — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:40:57 +0000

I thought everyone used the net until my boss did not know what social media was and thought Myspace was just for high school kids.

Now I am in the process of taking out company online.

Comment on Are Cries of Racism Necessary? Or, Are We a Narcissistic Society? by Tony

Tony — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:55:44 +0000

Come on guys. Yes, it is a factor. You are naive if you think otherwise.

Comment on Is Texting while driving “not safe”? Should data matter? by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:23:38 +0000

. . . what they need to invent is a device that will record and replay voice information directly . . . oh wait . . . we already have that . . . !

[sorry; couldn't resist!]

Actually, what they need to invent is software that will drive a spike through the head of the a$$H013 doing 55 in the passing lane while talking on his cell phone . . .

Comment on Is Texting while driving “not safe”? Should data matter? by Chris Champion

Chris Champion — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:25:11 +0000

This is indeed interesting. It seems it’s more about scary news (to quote Don Henley, “get the widow on the set, we need dirty laundry”) than about factual connections between texting while driving and accident rates. I wonder as the number of smokers goes down (who may have gotten in a wreck as they tried to pick up a dropped cigarette) will texters who crash replace their numbers?

To address the “call to attention” that the news and PSAs give, I can’t help but think of Malcolm Gladwell’s point in “The Tipping Point” about teen smoking – it would be incorrect to assume that they smoke because they are unaware of the health hazards. Similarly, it would be incorrect to assume that teens (and others) text while driving because they don’t realize the risk. They do. They (as many other things) just don’t think it will happen to THEM.

What the big cell phone manufacturers need to do is install text to speech software (and vice versa) so that people can opt to use a handsfree device to read and send text messages.

Comment on Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper – review by Gail Wides

Gail Wides — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:21:35 +0000

My Kindle is not working and I have ordered another one. I have a Kindle subscription to the NY Times and had several clippings from issues stored on my Kindle. Are they lost now that its not working or can I access it on Amazon the way they have stored the books I bought (hopefully)?

Comment on Seriously, Petroleum may not be “Fossil Fuel” (and may not be running out!) by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:10:02 +0000

You’re right- the alternative theory has existed for quite som time; the Soviet/Russian research has built a credible case only in the last two decades or so.

[Oil being generated continuo"deposits" we have been tapping is only excess oil being forced up through seams into voids in the earth's crust. The track of the seams can be predicted fairly accurately; the pattern of oil "deposits" matches fairly closely with the movement of the layers in question.]

If you really want to be disillusioned, check out the research on the gene that causes lung cancer. The research shows that nicotine actually delays the progress of the cancer, and provides relief to the discomfort the precancerous phenomenon causes. So . . . smoking doesn’t cause cnacer; but those withe the gene will self medicate by smoking cigarettes. And extend their lives by 7-12 years!

Note that there are three ways to interpret the epidemiological correlation: A causes B; B causes A; or C causes both A and B. While US researchers focused on smokers with cancer, other researchers focused on smokers without cancer, and nonsmokers with cancer.

When do you think the AMA will recongize *that* little gem?

Comment on Fossil Fuels? by Seriously, Petroleum may not be “Fossil Fuel” (and may not be running out!)

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:49:32 +0000

[...] have written a few times about the theory of petroleum/crude oil production. Specifically, I have been interested in the [...]

Comment on LiveScience.com – The Mysterious Origin and Supply of Oil by Seriously, Petroleum may not be “Fossil Fuel” (and may not be running out!)

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:48:32 +0000

[...] have written a few times about the theory of petroleum/crude oil production. Specifically, I have been [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by mary

mary — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:45:02 +0000

Sorry ~ thought it would add on my email ~ sweetpea-2@juno.com

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by mary

mary — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:43:09 +0000

MP is my all time favorite restaurant! I’ve been missing it for years and was so surprised to find this site. One of my best friends and I would use any excuse to eat there. We were both in our early twenties and the Pan that we frequented was at the Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights, MI. Never went to the ‘original’ so can’t compare them ~ just know that we Loved ours!! I would also love to see them reopen so I could share the experience and wonderful food with my husband and children!! Would also love to have the recipes so am going to explore the options I’ve seen on here. Thank You!! Add me to the list looking for the real thing ~ recipes to share and a grand reopening of ‘our’ Magic Pans!! The strawberry crepe with cheese filling was also my favorite.

Comment on Are Cries of Racism Necessary? Or, Are We a Narcissistic Society? by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:28:41 +0000

Solomon:

Great input- you nailed it! It’s called “Self Fullfilling Prophecy Through Sensitization.”

Ever notice how you never noticed:
1. How many pregnant women there were?
2. How many people had a receding hairline?
3. How many people drove the same kind of cool car you wanted?

etc. until you yourself were pregnant/had a pregnatnt wife, receding hairline, or bought the cool car?

Our expectations (“prism”) drive our perception of reality.

Raise a kid to *believe* they are oppressed (by race, sexual orientation, nationality, etc.etc. etc.) and the “belief” will become their “reality.”

This is so screechingly obvious that the numerous studies that prove it (over and over) no longer receive any funding . . .

And yet.

And yet we continue to want to believe that human nature doesn’t apply in “this one case;” the “one case” that we *want* to believe is true.

When a good freind of mine discovered his homosexualtiy in high school, he said something that had me flummoxed until many many years later (when I myself believed that I was an
“aggrieved minority”).

His father (a homophobic, but loving, parent) confronted him: “Why do you want to be gay?”

His answer (to his dad) was “It’s not a choice!”

After about a year of being “out,” he made the comment that puzzled me. One night he confided that “being gay,” while not a choice per se, was a “very cool” thing to be. He was now a member of an oppressed minority! He had camraderie! He had a sense of belonging! He had a strong sense of communal identity, with people he could depend on to help him, protect him, find him jobs, etc. He had a sense of purpose and belonging that being a straight white male never gave him.

I didn’t (couldn’t) understand his point at the time.

Identity politics- of any color or orientation- is a powerful, self sustaining philosophical force of human nature.

VICTIMHOOD IS POWER!

Comment on Are Cries of Racism Necessary? Or, Are We a Narcissistic Society? by Solomon Cramer

Solomon Cramer — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:35:07 +0000

I find it interesting that many people who view items and incidents through a prism of racism (or any -ism), view most anything that occurs in that context, whether it was intended as such or not.

As a white male, I’ve never dealt with racism or sexism. As a Jew, I’m very familiar with the world’s history of anti-semitism, culminating in the events of WWII and continuing to this day.

No doubt, there are people in the world who hate Jews, just as certain people hate blacks, Hispancis, Asians, Muslims, Christians, athiests, women, etc. etc.

Now, I can view every comment made against a Jew as being anti-semitic. But why worry about it? Are there people in the world happy that the creator of the largest Ponzi scheme in history was Jewish? I’m sure there are. But the fact is Madoff is, to paraphrase Jimmy Cannon “an embarrassment to his race – the human race.”

Maybe I’m naive, but I just don’t see the racism in what Rep. Wilson did. Just as O’Bama may be under a greater microscope as the first black POTUS, I think all the actions and reactions to him will be equally examined. There were a lot of vicious comments made to and about Bush 43 – if he had been a minority, would we have considered those liberal commentators racist?

The irony will be if we find our country is forced to censor itself in an effort to be more PC.

Comment on Are Cries of Racism Necessary? Or, Are We a Narcissistic Society? by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:36:50 +0000

Steve:

Good broader issues. Of course, playing the “race card” is the modern equivalent of “one who raises his voice has just ceded the argument.”

Last month, in a separate blog [one that caters tosupposedly "educated" individuals], I was accused of being a racist . . .

. . . just because I pointed out some gaping, obvious, egregious flaws in the two main underlying premises of the current debate:

- the flaws in comparing “cost per capita” for health care when the US has a much higher percentage of “elective” health care (including firearm volence and military helath care- an interesting discussion in and of itself!); and

- the flaws in comparing “quality” of health care between systems based on benchmarks like “fairness” and “justice” (which the WHO report is heavily skewed toward; favoring “equal but dismal” over “unequal but innovative”)

So, for pointing out that the very claim that helath care in the US is *both* more expensive and of lower quality, I was accused of being a racist.

By the same people who, in the same thread, stated quite positively (with an actual “Take That!” coup de gras) that there was no evidence of vote/election fraud on the part of the left . . .

The Point Is

We used to be entitled to our own opinions, but not our own facts.

With 70+ years of the “Progressive” [sic] movement dominating academia and the media, we are now apparently entitled to our own facts as well . . .

. . . and tholse who do not share the premises of our own tribes’ cherished “isms” are no longer just misinformed, but EVIL.

What, pray tell, are we to do with that?

steve

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by jane

jane — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 03:57:06 +0000

I am delighted to know there are others ouy there who remember and loved The Magic Pan. Please, please send me any recipes you might have. Many thanks Jane

Comment on Are Cries of Racism Necessary? Or, Are We a Narcissistic Society? by enough of the neo-con poison –

enough of the neo-con poison – — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:49:24 +0000

[...] tolerate those who are not like you in order that we won't kill each other. On a foundation of narcissism we are all conspirators in re-inventing a society that is no longer civil. It is no longer civil [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Connie

Connie — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:24:02 +0000

• Hi – I loved the MP in Larimer Square in downtown Denver- it was one of my favorites!! I often went with my best friend & sometimes I took myself there as a special treat. I was saddened when it closed – MP had been around for years & it always seemed to be so busy. My favorite all-time meal remains the MP Mandarin Orange Salad, Potage St. Germaine (Soup), Chicken Elegant Crepes and finishing with Southern Praline Crepe. And I hadn’t thought about the crepe-making carousel for years until I found it mentioned in this group. Thanks for all the info about the recipes – I’m off to look for them now!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Dottie Frame

Dottie Frame — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 03:53:20 +0000

I think of the MP so often and would love to be able to go there again. I live in Illinois but whenever I would go to another city I would spend time finding out where it was located before I ever left home. My favorite was the one at NorthPark Mall in Dallas – would always head there straight from the airport. In my mind, I can still taste all my favorites – wish they were still around!

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by annonymouse

annonymouse — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 23:37:38 +0000

if anyone from the original Magic Pan remembers Joe Zavala, and his kids from the Bay Area, hello!
Somewhere in the midden pile that is our life, we have every single recipe….the orange almond salad is still wonderful to make, as is the Seafood St Jacques, and the bittersweet chocolate cherry ice cream dessert.

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Hitchcock, Philip

Hitchcock, Philip — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:09:02 +0000

I asked for a monte cristo recipe, not bannana chantilly crepe. Can some one help find me thier recipe? Thank you. Philip of New Hampshire.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by ELIZABETH PROSPERO

ELIZABETH PROSPERO — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:05:44 +0000

elizabethprosper@aol.com

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by ELIZABETH PROSPERO

ELIZABETH PROSPERO — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 03:04:06 +0000

My mom, Rosalinda Prospero worked as an accountant at the SF, MAGIC PAN OFFICE at fisherman’s wharf in the 70′s-80′s and is looking for her friend Nancy Denison.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by chris

chris — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:33:36 +0000

I don’t see anyone mention those delicious cheese filled crepes with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar on top. does anyone have the recipe for the filling. I am going to try the NOrthbrook Magic Pan Stand today because I really miss the Magic Pan. Someone should get all the recipes and open up a resturant–I will be there Old Orchard Mall would be a great place for it. Please write me if anyone has the recipe for the Strawberry crepe with the cheese filling. cstat@bornquist.com

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Hitchcock, Philip

Hitchcock, Philip — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 02:48:19 +0000

Can someone help guide me as to how to go about getting a Magic Pan restaurant recipe for it’s once upon a time, Monte Cristo sandwhich? I’m new to this and not to sure where to go or even how I got here. Just know that in Southern California 25 years ago, I had one, and no place has yet to match the taste that I remember. Thank you to whom ever will help me. Philip in New Hampshire

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Linda

Linda — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:03:51 +0000

Please send me any MP recipes! Thanks ever so much.

Fond memories of the MP after theatre in Denver. They stayed opened late! and we always went there.

Linda.Asberry@att.net

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by James Wagoner

James Wagoner — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:18:35 +0000

I started as a host/waiter/bartender at Westfarms Mall. Went into the management program and got bopped around the east coast for the next 8 years or so. Worked at Market St and Walnut St in Philly, Proud Popover in Ardmore PA, Columbia MD, Tysons Corner VA, ended up in Boston at Faneuil Hall and finally ran the Frogg Lane. Finally got out of the restaurant business and am now an accounting manager in Tampa FL. Doing all those budgets and monthly inventories paid off I guess.

Comment on Making a REAL Difference in Peoples’ lives (GivingAnon.org) by Wayne Conrad

Wayne Conrad — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:38:28 +0000

Just saw an interview with the founders who were helped in time of need and want to help others. It is a real program for helping friends, neighbors or anyone while remaining anonymous, which is the best way. I certainly plan to use it at first opportunity.

Comment on So Apple, and TUAW agree with Me: Google Voice is not VOIP by Tony

Tony — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 15:55:31 +0000

So, they agree it is not VOIP. But is there an agreed set of logic around why they removed apps like GV Mobile? Was it because Apple didn’t want the functionality on the phone, or because AT&T didn’t want users using Google Voice? Or both?

Since the iPhone’s release, this is the first episode that has really made me question staying loyal to the device.

Comment on So Apple, and TUAW agree with Me: Google Voice is not VOIP by So Apple, and TUAW agree with Me: Google Voice is not VOIP | www.voip-why.com

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:51:06 +0000

[...] More here: So Apple, and TUAW agree with Me: Google Voice is not VOIP [...]

Comment on Quote for Today from Paul Feyerabend by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:33:40 +0000

Forgot to add*:

The problem occurs when research is publicly funded. The “People” give money to the “Scientists” based on what they value.

Scientists, of course, will “Ride for the Brand!”

That’s why there is no funding to study ice mass increases, yet in the places where the ice mass is decreasing the biggest problem is finding a parking space . . .

*Michael Crichton had this epiphany late in life.

Comment on Quote for Today from Paul Feyerabend by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:26:26 +0000

Great topic . . . great intro.

Two quick thoughts:

1. “Science” has no special claim to assigning “values” to “outcomes;” scientists do, however, have a special role in determining “facts” and “truth.”

2. The “Public” has no special claim to determining “facts” and “truth;” they are, however, the oonly legitimate source of assinging “values” to “outcomes.”

Therefore

Scientists should stick to science in their roles as scientists. They should, for example, address the issue of “Is Global Warming happening; if so, why; and by how much; and what are the ‘factual’ consequences of the warming.”

They should remain silent on whether Global Warming is Good or Bad.

The public should declare the Goodness or Badness of the warming and its effects.

When “scientists” begin applying “vlaues” to their efforts, really twisted things begin to happen.*

Steve

*like “we think global warming is bad, so we will take ice mass measurements only where the ice is decreasing.” When politics and science conflate, Reallly Bad Things become possible.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Mark Lyons

Mark Lyons — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:15:06 +0000

I worked at a Magic Pan in Hackensack, NJ for a long tome. I know TOM in post 50.Magic Pan had fresh made recipes with some Stouffer’s food service added. Love the spinach souffle, that was Stouffer’s. Anyone out there if you worked in Hackensack get in touch. mvlyons5@gmail.com

Comment on Build your digital Bookshelves at gurulib.com! by RedLaser Barcode Reader for EVERY iPhone (Here ya go @alexlindsay )

RedLaser Barcode Reader for EVERY iPhone (Here ya go @alexlindsay ) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:16:29 +0000

[...] make the SDK available for others. My wish? That the creators of the GREAT site GuruLib (see my review) would incorporate this, and make an iPhone app that would let me update my library when sitting at [...]

Comment on Why Google Voice Won’t Kill Skype (or Cell Phones, or…) by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:34:44 +0000

Ah okay, so it is calling your existing land-line phone, and connecting you with the other number you are calling. Yes, that is a feature I use all the time.

I am not trying to be argumentative, it’s just that I am unconvinced that this fits the definition of VOIP that the FCC has been using, and that “most” people would consider to be a VOIP service–that is, *I* am not using an internet connection on my end to transmit and receive voice calls.

I am certainly willing to agree that Google may well be transmitting the calls using “Voice over Internet protocols” (but then again, for all we know, every major phone provider is converting our calls to digital VOIP packets as intermediary transport in any of our calls.)

I think more than anythig this is a definitional discussion–consumers see VOIP technology as using the internet, at either point of origin or point of destination to not only place the call but carry the call as well.

Comment on Why Google Voice Won’t Kill Skype (or Cell Phones, or…) by Mike Lanzone

Mike Lanzone — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:08:52 +0000

Well, I am going to have to investigate further too. I am traveling now, but at my home I have no cell service. When I got GV last week I was setting it up at my home and I placed a call to my home line using GV Mobile and it rang. I did this several times. Now I did not pick up the phone on the other end, but I will try that when I return home next week! It did however initiate a call and my phone rang without cell service…

Comment on Why Google Voice Won’t Kill Skype (or Cell Phones, or…) by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:43:01 +0000

Adam

Thanks for the clarification and explanation about SIP. Could you please explain one more thing for me though? I am curious what the definition of VOIP is that seems to apply. As I wrote in my reply to Mike, I didn’t realize that we could actually place voice calls directly from google voice, over the internet, rather than simply using it as a “high tech” telephone switching operator. I always welcome more information!

Steve

Comment on Why Google Voice Won’t Kill Skype (or Cell Phones, or…) by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:39:05 +0000

Mike

I guess I am at a loss here. How were you able to call from your iPhone with no cell service, using JUST Google Voice? I also have used the GV Mobile app to connect calls, having GV call me at my landline, and then connect me to whomever I am calling. I have also used it to connect to my skype number. But I have not heard that GV was, itself, a service that would connect my voice to someone I was calling.

Perhaps I missed a feature somewhere? I look forward to the tutorial

Comment on Why Google Voice Won’t Kill Skype (or Cell Phones, or…) by Mike Lanzone

Mike Lanzone — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:34:40 +0000

GV is definitely VOIP as I can call from my iPhone when I have no cell service over GV to any US phone #. This had been great, I wish I knew you could do it before I signed up for unlimited Skype. Would be nice if it could receive calls over the internet as well like some new T-Mobile Blackberrys can do now when they are out of cell service and only have an internet connection. I hope that’s in the works as its a serious limitation for someone like me who lives in an area outside cell service…

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Susan Parys-Singleton

Susan Parys-Singleton — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:45:00 +0000

I worked at the Magic Pan at Sherway Gardens in Toronto, Ontario Canada. I have the original Chicken Divan recipe from the Magic Pan cookbook. I can’t wait to try the Potage st, Germain recipe, who would have thought canned soup??

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Terry Yonka

Terry Yonka — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:03:11 +0000

The Magic Pan Creperie pulled out of the Canadian Market just before the GST rolled in and headed back to the US where it originated from in Ghirandeli, San Francisco, CA. Home of their famous Ghirandeli Chocolate Mousse.
I remember Murray Storton he was the General Manager at the time and hired me at the Magic Pan Sherway Gardens Location and was an inspiration for me in the food industry coming right out of college and looking to start a career with this company…I heard he died shortly after the restaurant closed…R.I.P. Murray!!!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by judi jecker

judi jecker — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:57:12 +0000

i am interested in opening up a crepe restaurant
will the magic pan be reorganizing and offering franchises? thanks

Comment on US Airways No Way by United Breaks Guitars (Ouch!)

United Breaks Guitars (Ouch!) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:54:48 +0000

[...] you know, I am a critic of airlines and their (lack of) customer service. But usually my response is to blog, or perhaps [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Laurie

Laurie — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:01:53 +0000

The Magic Pan was far and away my favorite
restaurant – I had my bachlorette party at the one at Tysons Corner, VA. I am still sad when
I think of it being gone – and can still taste those
marvelous crepes – esp. the chicken divan, and cherry royale crepes! And the Potage St. Germain soup (split pea) – complete with a tiny pitcher of sour cream. And the orange almond salad with mandarin oranges and almond slivers … all so yummy and such a special treat
as you rest with your shopping bags next to you!

If anyone has any of the MP recipes, esp. the chicken divan or cherries royale, or any of them,
please send! I make crepes now and then, and it
would be wonderful to taste my all-time favorites again – thanks! Laurie

Comment on Apple’s Rumored Tablet rumored to have been Touched… by Apple’s Rumored Tablet rumored to have been Touched… | Laptops Gallery

Apple’s Rumored Tablet rumored to have been Touched… | Laptops Gallery — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:59:00 +0000

[...] See original here: Apple’s Rumored Tablet rumored to have been Touched… [...]

Comment on Why Google Voice Won’t Kill Skype (or Cell Phones, or…) by Adam

Adam — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:56:24 +0000

Google Voice is a fully functional VOIP service, it just doesn’t accept SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) connections from people (Right now the only SIP connections Google Voice supports are ones from Gizmo5, which means that you basically have to pay for calls.) This means you can only call out using their website client or mobile client, and there is no way to directly receive calls to a phone without some intermediary service. You can read http://nerdvittles.com/?p=630 for more information.

Hopefully, they will let you have SIP access in the future. If they do, you can use Google Voice as a connection to the outside world from any phone so long as you have a working gateway. In addition, if they let you use a SIP number instead of a traditional phone number for incoming calls (think email address, except its a phone number), you could even receive calls through the same service!

Now considering this IS Google after all, they still might be recording all of the phone calls that take place, so you would have to be careful who you call.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:51:24 +0000

Gib

Thanks for your comment, and thanks for testing it in the older Word for Mac. Let me know how it goes!

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:50:57 +0000

Matt

You make a good point–if I have time I will try to work on better presentation of the information.

My goal wasn’t to reduce the file size, or even the number of pages, but rather to turn the collection of sequential highlights/notes into something more useable, sorted by book and positioning IN the book.

That said, several of my friends are working on a more friendly version that will hopefully run as a standalone application in Adobe Air. When that is done I will provide link/contact information.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Gib Wallis

Gib Wallis — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:50:28 +0000

For what it’s worth, Mac Office 2004 can run macros.

I’d prefer retaining an old version of Office to installing Windows on a Mac or running Boot Camp.

I’ll test the macro in 2004.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by The Kindle Chronicles - 53 Mike Elgan

The Kindle Chronicles - 53 Mike Elgan — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 02:47:06 +0000

[...] has all book notes duplicated (though interspersed with notes from other books, but she recommended a Word macro that will put the My Clipping file’s notes in order by book). Andrys was talking to another [...]

Comment on Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper – review by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:13:51 +0000

Jim

Thanks for your kind words. I haven’t heard anything yet on that. My hope is that It will be in the first firmware update for the DX.

Comment on Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper – review by Jim Cochran

Jim Cochran — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:35:17 +0000

Very nice review – many thanks. Do you (or your friends) have any news on when (or if) there will be the ability to highlight and make clippings from pdf ?

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Shannon

Shannon — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 01:48:25 +0000

My father often talks lovingly of this place. He and my mother used to go here, and he still raves about the crepes. If there is another restaurant in New England that compares, I would love to know, since his birthday is coming at the end of the month.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Matt

Matt — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:08:10 +0000

Wondering if the DX renders this inaccurate? It’s an excellent idea. Based on comments above I’m wondering if it’s user error, or perhaps a Kindle DX issue.

Can anyone verify that the DX translation ends up being one huge five column table tht is sorted by book? I.e it repeats the book title as many times as there are annotations, and since it’s in column format a long book title can take 1/3 to 1/2 a page.

I expected a breakout by book with the annotations being listed using the full page…

… i’m getting 100 pages of annotations, which is just as large as the txt file in my clippings even with all the annoying dashes and spacing.

Any suggestions / help is appreciated.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Carole Willis

Carole Willis — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:34:58 +0000

I visited many Magic Crepes in many cities, I loved them so much and would love recipes from all their superb chefs . I loved the mushroom crepes, chicken divan loved the chocolate dessert crepes along with many more of the fabulous recipes please send recipes….cw70@hotmail.com …thanks so much

Comment on Why Google Voice Won’t Kill Skype (or Cell Phones, or…) by Justin Bradshaw

Justin Bradshaw — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:59:05 +0000

Steve, I think the FCC’s definition of VOIP is unnecessarily narrow. VOIP stands for “Voice Over Internet Protocol” which implies (and means) that when voice is being transmitted over the internet… it’s VOIP.

Google is most definitely routing all GV calls through the internet. They essentially connect two real phone lines by tapping into the internet to send the signal rather than paying a telco like AT&T (too much) to do the same thing. They still have to pay to get the call connected at the ends… but the only difference between a GV call and a Vonage-to-landline call is that GV is connecting BOTH ends of the call to a “real” telco number. Does that make sense?

Because of this, they could very easily have a box (like Ooma) that acts as the physical manifestation of VOIP that consumers are used to. This means my GV number could be used when picking up to place calls from my home phone! This isn’t a pipe dream, though. In fact, this synergy WILL happen: http://ow.ly/fSGM (scroll to the bottom of the article for Ooma stuff)

And, no, I doubt it will kill Skype anytime soon. Skype has adaped well to changing markets and probably will continue… but with things like Ooma and GoogleTalk being integrated with the already powerful telephony features of Google Voice, this will be a very very interesting space to watch!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Boomer

Boomer — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:00:24 +0000

The concept was a great idea. Of course, we did not have the sophisticated variety and cuisines of 70′s compared to the present. I worked at the Magic Pan for a year while going to college. As I recall, high school kids cooked the food, and the ingredients were Stouffers fillings reheated with a microwave oven wrapped in a crepe. To be fair, I did like their dessert crepes. Remember Shakee’s Pizza, I see it is resurrecting in California.

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Amy

Amy — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:37:42 +0000

Does anyone remember a dish served at the Magic Pan called Sesame Almond Chicken? If anyone has the recipe, PLEASE send it to me!!!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:02:21 +0000

I worked at the Northbrook Court Magic Pan in Northbrook, IL. Any other NB former workers out there? I started busing tables, hostessing, making salads, then to the kitchen, and finally waiting tables when I was old enough to serve alcohol. Those dirndles were a trip! I was quite good at making the crepes on the crepe wheel. I love reading the posts and remembering all of the delicious dishes Magic Pan had. What I wouldn’t give for the fried crepe strips covered in parmesan cheese with a dash of salt! I made tons of those when I worked in the kitchen, and never got sick of eating them! The new Magic Pan stand in Northbrook Court doesn’t compare to the original restaurant. It’s time to bring the real one back!

Comment on Who Owns your Words? by Rita

Rita — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 01:08:06 +0000

Easier said than done I would say. Even though it is true that many of these reports should have been paid for with our tax payer’s dollars that does not mean that the government has made it available to us. For example, Storming Media makes SBIR (technology research) final reports available for a fee….well if you talk to the agency that originally funded this research you will find that they have not made the final reports publicly available but they will send you personally the final report if you request that….however you have to pay the agency for that. I think they said they charge four hours of a federal employee’s time for that. So you can either pay the gov, or Storming Media, but it seems that pay you will.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Cathy

Cathy — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 05:26:41 +0000

I worked for Magic Pan in a suburb of Cleveland, OH back in the late 70s and early 80s. It was THE best restaurant job I ever held back then. The food was high quality and a lot of it was made from scratch, with several dishes made with Stouffer’s ingredients as well. Nothing wrong with that, a recipe is a recipe. I was a crepe assembler, running the kitchen whenever I worked. It was a great layout, steam table, microwaves and a brine table for the desserts, deep fryers for the beignets and crepe chips. Most of the people who have posted recipes here are wrong though, as I had a good friend who was in charge of the kitchen and she showed me how to make many of the recipes.

The pea soup CAN be duplicated very closely by combining Campbell’s split pea with their cream of chicken. I usually do 2 split pea to one cr, of chic. I cut up carrots and steam them and add them to the soup as it heats. I top it with a dollop of sour cream when serving.

The cheese fritter batter is very much the recipe that Uncle what’s his face has posted. The chantilly crepe is one of my favs and it is an easy sauce to make.

I would love to see MPs return. It was a quality restaurant and a thriving business when I worked there.

Comment on Why Google Voice Won’t Kill Skype (or Cell Phones, or…) by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:46:50 +0000

Justin

First, thanks for writing! What I am going to write from here forward is meant solely as clarification of my perspective and to facilitate discussion.

Perhaps I am a bit confused, but it is my understanding that (at least from the consumer perspective) VOIP involves using a broadband internet connection to initiate, or receive, the call–and carry the voice over the internet connection. That is why I (still) believe Google Voice is not “VOIP.”

Specifically, Google Voice is an enabler that allows me to make and receive calls from any telephonic technology, and thus a call may, but need not, originate or terminate with a broadband connection. My understanding seems to be supported by the FCC at their site http://www.fcc.gov/voip/ when they state that:

“Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line. Some VoIP services may only allow you to call other people using the same service, but others may allow you to call anyone who has a telephone number – including local, long distance, mobile, and international numbers. Also, while some VoIP services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, other services allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter. “

Of course, if Google is then in some way actually carrying the call through a VoIP adapter, then it is VOIP, but that is not obvious to the consumer. Would we have to say that all calls are VOIP if at some point Verizon started using IP protocols when sending calls through the Fiber Cables? (Or conversely, do they?)

– Steve B

Comment on Why Google Voice Won’t Kill Skype (or Cell Phones, or…) by Justin Bradshaw

Justin Bradshaw — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:46:50 +0000

Steve, GV is most definitely VOIP… simply because it’s using IP technology to make voice calls. Just because it’s not starting or ending with a computer doesn’t make it not VOIP.
… and your guess about Google Talk being the conduit for that is smart… I think Google’s plan is integrate those services to undercut (at the very least) cell carriers’ outrageous SMS prices.

Even now, with an iPhone and PUSH IM, I use SMS less because of IM… but when Google comes out with an app that can push SMS messages to me instead of sending them to AT&T…. well, baby we’re in for a ride!

Comment on Ubiquitous Digital Reading by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:13:07 +0000

Steve: I read your commentary a while back, had some initial reactions, and then decided to think about it a while.

[You know me- and can appreciate how unusual that is!]

Upon reflection, I’m still not sure I grok the whole propositions associated with your vision of the effects of the digital format and the associated capabilities. I do have a couple of thoughts though for your consideration:

- A large number of people are already probably looking at kindling (“Kindle” I think may have already reached Xerox or Kleenex status as a trade name confiscated by the common language; at least it’s “fixing to” become a generic term) as a technological oddity without any kind of sticking power. So a lot of folks may not be tuned in to some of the aspects of kindling that you bring up. I’m not sure exactly where I stand on that issue quite yet . . . (next)

- I do love to access textual information; massive quantities of it need to be available and searchable; and it has to be quick to find and pleasant to “upload” (to my brain).

- Therefore, I do appreciate the borg-like vision (Who were those dudes from Dune with the temporal lobe jack-in to the master database? The navigators? The cost accountants?) of having the sum of all man’s knowledge available to everyone instantaneously as being a Good Thing (many folks might not, OBTW). However

- I don’t buy into the fallacy that Omiscience and Omnipotence are the same thing though . . . sheesh, if we can’t talk on a bluetooth device without plowing into each other on the highway, having even more data feeds won’t automatically make us any *smarter* just more *knowledgeable*. There’s a difference.

O.K. so that’s my “big picture” vision. How close does the Kindle technology get us to the kindle universe?

Not quite there yet . . . but ya know what? Kindle 4.0 will probably get us very close to the vision . . . at least as close as a visual medium for data transfer can get us.

Kindle 5.0 with a heads-up display and eyeball tracking with blink point and click interface? Kindle 6.0 with direct jack into the visual cortex?

Strap it on, Johnny Mnemonic!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Barbara

Barbara — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 22:41:28 +0000

I first went to the Magic Pan in NYC in the early 70′s. Wow, what a fabulous place. It was the first restaurant that had lots of plants and an outside service come in and service them. No one else had that. I was so impressed. When I moved to Los Angeles in the late 70′s, I went to the Magic Pan in Beverly Hills. I was so excited to know that the restaurant was still available to me. One day I was to meet a friend there, and when we got to the location (in separate cars), it was closed. We were CRUSHED. I was hoping that it was going to open at a different location but now I’m here 32 years and alas, never opened here again. Maybe all our comments and begging will inspire someone to open it again – pool the knowledge about the recipes, find the ‘magic’ pan machine and satisfy our hunger.
On another note, if you are in Sherman Oaks the Westfield Mall has a food court – and there is a crepe offering there. Not the same of course as the MP, but at least second best.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Desiree

Desiree — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:01:59 +0000

I lived on the “Orange almon salad” from Magic Pan when I worked in retail at the Paramus Park Mall. I drank the leftover salad dressing when I was done with my salad!!!

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Sue

Sue — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:05:40 +0000

I have the salad recipe Lance wanted (it was romaine lettuce not spinach) and the pea soup recipe from The Magic Pan. Email me if you would like a copy.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by George Guthrie

George Guthrie — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:12:45 +0000

I was a prep cook in Atlanta-Cumberland in the training restaurant from 74-77 and then transferred to the new Houston Galleria Pan, 225 seats with my wife Pam. I was there 2 more years. The mustard sauce had granulated sugar AND a little lemon juice. I still remember most of the recipes and am throwing a crepe dinner party this Saturday. Beef Bourganoin, Crepes St. Jaqcue ans homemade spinach souffle with Chantilly crepes for dessert. Oh and potage soup fpr apps. Eat your hearts out!

Comment on Digital Textbooks and “Fair Pricing” by Sensei J, Richard Kirkham B.Sc.

Sensei J, Richard Kirkham B.Sc. — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:53:01 +0000

That’s exactly why digital books ARE the future. One college is already trying them

Rick

Comment on Digital Textbooks: Fairness in Pricing after DRM is Hacked by Roger

Roger — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:12:57 +0000

As a non-traditional student, I find the value in the content of the book to be much higher than the sell-back value. I mostly keep my textbooks for that reason. Digital distribution would make it awfully convenient to keep all of my reading assignments with me at all times.

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Jeanne

Jeanne — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:37:58 +0000

Everytime I go to South Coast Plaza in Calif. I think of the Magic Pan and the Chicken Divan Crepes. I have bought Crepe recipe books to find a recipes like it, but have not succeeded. How do I get the recipe for the chicken divan and the pea soup?

Comment on Larger Kindle Panacea for Publishers? by mannbrady

mannbrady — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:10:00 +0000

I for one am visually challenged and prefer a hard copy book where i canj focus very carefully on the words. Although I do read rapidly I just need my hard copy.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Mike

Mike — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:19:57 +0000

I worked for the Pan for 10 years in late 70′s early 80′s. Great company with many top professionals. Training was like boot camp but how we learned!! There were wonderful locations in NY area. 6th ave was the largest pan in the system 5 floors. We were all sick when Quaker Oats sold, never the same.

Comment on Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper – review by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:31:00 +0000

Thanks, Robin. I am glad I was able to “kindle” some more thoughts on how to use this tool. I want to write more about what you guys are doing, so let me know when I can start sharing the great things you are working on as you begin to “flex” your programming muscles!

Comment on Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper – review by robin2go

robin2go — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:25:39 +0000

Steve, this post is very helpful in terms of describing both how you use your Kindle and what you want to do with the info you highlight and note, but also what is good and bad in terms of usefulness in the web app Amazon launched. Being able to view the screen shots is equally helpful in identifying what Amazon targeted as useful information (as well as what you think about how useful that information really is). Thanks for this followup post.

Hopefully we can make you your Kindle even more….

Comment on Amazon let’s you get to the notes and clippings from the Web! by Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper - review

Amazon Kindle’s Clippings Helper - review — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:53:05 +0000

[...] Amazon let’s you get to the notes and clippings from the Web! [...]

Comment on How do YOU watch TV? by Results from “How do you Watch TV?”

Results from “How do you Watch TV?” — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:40:11 +0000

[...] How do YOU watch TV? [...]

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Kindle’s Clippings Helper - review

Kindle’s Clippings Helper - review — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:39:23 +0000

[...] file actually makes the clippings readily accessible as digital text. The draw-back (and hence my writing the macro) was that it wasn’t sorted in any useful manner. It was all entered sequentially, based on [...]

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Amazon let’s you get to the notes and clippings from the Web!

Amazon let’s you get to the notes and clippings from the Web! — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:15:19 +0000

[...] with the Kindle is the ability to highlight (and clip) text, and add notes. I went so far as to develop a Word macro (windows only, sorry Mac users). Well, Amazon has made things ‘even easier’ for [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Hal Cowell

Hal Cowell — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:59:16 +0000

I was with Magic Pan at the Hilsdale Mall in San Mateo. My title was “Head Crepe Assembler” very official!. I also worked in the Test Kitchen at the Headquarters Office in S.F from time to time. I also worked on the M.P. Opening Team. What great memories. Anyone that remembers me, drop me a line, I’m back in Chicago now.

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Craig

Craig — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:44:23 +0000

The promise of this Macro is just what I was looking for but having trouble loading.
I have Word 2007 and can’t save the Macro in a .bas. Can you or some help please?
Craig

Comment on How do YOU watch TV? by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Sun, 24 May 2009 12:37:57 +0000

So I took the survey . . . quite a while ago . . . hey, what are the results so far?

Steve

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Laura

Laura — Tue, 19 May 2009 06:38:49 +0000

One of my favorite restaurants in the 70s – The Magic Pan at the Glendale Galleria. I’d always order the Coquilles St. Jacques and the french onion soup. How sad that they went out of business!!!

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Lance

Lance — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:20:44 +0000

All of the crepes were wonderful.

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Lance

Lance — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:17:41 +0000

I would like some of the recipes–like the spinach salad with mandarin oranges and vinegarette dressing. It was wonderful! and the pea soup with sherry

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by Chuck

Chuck — Sun, 17 May 2009 05:10:44 +0000

Thanks!
This is exactly what I was looking for. I’m a student who bought a kindle to ease the price of books, and it did. I thought the idea of saving notes would be great, but the clippings file was virtually useless the way it was. This macro is definitely a must have for kindle owners.

Comment on Larger Kindle Panacea for Publishers? by Tony Pittman

Tony Pittman — Sat, 16 May 2009 04:00:01 +0000

Alright, they got me. I have the Kindle 1, and was holding off on getting Kindle 2. Now, I’m glad I waited, because I think the DX is going to be great. Hope they start shipping in June as promised.

Comment on Seth Godin and Sunk Costs by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:14:51 +0000

Incredibly relevant to todays socioeconomopolitical environment.

Sunk Costs?

Think TARP, Bailout, Single Payer, etc. etc.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by John Chris

John Chris — Sat, 09 May 2009 05:53:43 +0000

Ham and Cheese Crepes where frozen and sent in…. we deep fried them, that was it

Cheese spread with crusted bread was, grated cheddar and cream cheese and then beer was mixed in! It it was very good.Cepe St Jacques… simple white sauce, sherry and raw seafood add until cooked, scallops, shrimp and sliced raw mushrooms simmered until cooked, the seafood would get all rubbery, but people loved it, Apple Crepe was Stouffers Apple Filling.

The Portage St. Germain, don’t let anyone fool you, trust me I made the for three years, I said it was one can pea soup to one can cream of chicken, I was wrong, its two can’s pea to one can chicken…

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by John Chris

John Chris — Sat, 09 May 2009 05:45:20 +0000

Just thought of more recipes…

The Spinach crepe was….. Frozen Stouffer’s Spinach Souffle, we would defrost a family size pan of it, use one even scoop of it and place in a crepe, fold it over and microwave it then top it with thick wine type of cheddar cheese sauce.

I was reading some of the post and they made me laugh, the food truly was good,
but about 80% of it was stuff from cans and containers, lots of blending things together,
there were standard instructions on how to put everything together, it was
no gourmet restaurant, but it was very, very clever.
Anyone work in the Braintree Plaza Store? Great memories!
Contact me Heresjohnny62@aol.com

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by John Chris

John Chris — Sat, 09 May 2009 05:33:50 +0000

I use to cook at the magic pan in the 1980′s

The food was pretty good, not complicated, very to the book… it was more like assembling and mixing products.

The Pea Soup was one can pea soup and one can cream of chicken soup topped with a dab of sour cream before serving or a small container of sherry…

The mustard sauce was yellow mustard with confectionery sugar, I am not kidding. Add enough sugar to make it look like a creamy light yellow. That’s it.

Cheese fritters was just a basic fritter batter with grated cheddar cheese and spoonfuls dropped into
hot oil.

Chicken Divine Sauce was a basic white sauce, floor & butter roux, add chicken broth until thick, add sour cream, add cubes of diced cook chicken a ladle full in a crepe, broccoli sticking out from the ends and topped with grated cheddar and broiled.

Comment on Larger Kindle Panacea for Publishers? by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:51:31 +0000

Agreed–the little keyboard has something to be desired. Might I suggest you consider a “used” Kindle 1?

Also, some friends of mine are taking my little “macro” for editing the clippings file, and significantly improving and extending it–and making it work across OS platforms. If they are successful, you will be able to do some AMAZING things with that highlight/clipping file.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by JMacK

JMacK — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:07:53 +0000

I still crave the Magic Pans Chicken Tarragon! I used to go there as a kid, with my Mother..we had three locations in Toronto and they were always busy. The quality of food was fantastic. It is a shame they were bought out by a huge corporation and then closed down. My Mother and I would always have lunch during our Saturday shopping excursions…If anyone has the Chicken Tarragon recipe..send it along!

Comment on Larger Kindle Panacea for Publishers? by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:57:21 +0000

OBTW I don’t really consider the maxi-chiclet keyboard of the Kindle to be that great. Again, I only got to fondle a K1 briefly just last week so my opinion should be discounted.

Consider me an “enthusiastic potential adopter” who sees “a weak value proposition”

Comment on Larger Kindle Panacea for Publishers? by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Thu, 07 May 2009 13:55:26 +0000

O.K. in WSJ today . . . the unit will cost $489 and is bigger (a bit) and heavier (a lot).

But it also has “greatly improved capabilities.”

You can buy a netbook for a lot less, and get a real computer.

I think Kindle has just messed up their price point big time . . .

(I would snap up a Kindle 2 today at $99; even if my fears of being in an “entangling alliance” with the content providers. My expectation actually is that the Kindle should be free as long as I sing a contract with the content providers a la the cellphone model.)

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Dave Iremonger

Dave Iremonger — Tue, 05 May 2009 02:25:25 +0000

I spent my early adult life seeing the country courtesy of the Magic Pan. Starting as a busboy in 1975 at college in Philadelphia at the Walnut Street MP, I moved to Los Angeles after quitting school and waited tables at the Arcadia MP-Santa Anita Fashion Park, moved to San Diego to open a brand new MP in University Towne Center LaJolla. Bartended my way back to Los Angeles – Torrance Del Amo Mall where I entered the MP management training. Managed MP in Fort Worth Texas, Hulen Mall, back to San Diego to manage a Proud Popover, then up to Palo Alto to manage at the Stanford Shopping Center. First morning I reported, the locked door was opened by the day shift bartender, a shapely brunette, and I thought this wasn’t going to be so bad….29 years later that bartender and I have been married 25 years. We both did one last stint at the San Jose MP – leaving in 1982 – but with great memories…..

Comment on Larger Kindle Panacea for Publishers? by Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:33:59 +0000

Hell yes I want bigger. I’m a former stu of Steve’s and I can’t stand the tiny keys on my Blackberry and other small screens. I’m working on my second masters degree, and to this day I still print out much of what I have to read because I can’t “get into” reading a 600 page text off a pdf doc from a device or even my laptop. Only way I’d buy one of these things is if it had the traditional layout of a piece of paper but be thinner than the notebook computer.

Comment on Larger Kindle Panacea for Publishers? by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:29:36 +0000

I don’t know. The students I talk to say they would like bigger. Not sure how much bigger, but they would like to see the “full page.” Of course, I try to tell them that the notion of a “full page” goes away with the Kindle, but there is still that “sense” of layout that they like.

And, I must say, I am intrigued by the idea of something the size of a piece of paper, but not much thicker than a pencil. Make the device so that it provides a sufficiently large viewing area, with not much increase in the total device size, and I think they might have a run-away win here.

If the image provided is anything close to real, note that the keyboard is missing, and the device “seems to be” a touch screen. This could allow for a reduction in overall size with a larger viewing area. On the other hand, unless the model holding the “rumor-Kindle” is extremely petite, the device does look more like an 11×14 than 8 1/2 x 11.

Comment on Larger Kindle Panacea for Publishers? by steve

steve — Mon, 04 May 2009 10:27:32 +0000

I don’t get this larger Kindle. Students don’t want bigger. I don’t want bigger. The Kindle 2 is sized ‘just right’. Color would be an improvement. I won’t carry this around. Is this the publishing industry maintaining a ‘heads up their ass’ posture?
Just don’t ‘get it’.

Comment on Specter’s Spectre by | Targuman

| Targuman — Sat, 02 May 2009 21:54:33 +0000

[...] Specter’s Spectre [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Doreen Vorce

Doreen Vorce — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:57:54 +0000

My husband proposed to me at the Magic Pan in Denver on Valentine’s Day 1980.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Vivian Garcia Taylor

Vivian Garcia Taylor — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:23:13 +0000

Ok , so I thought I was the only person that remembered the Magic Pan with such fondness.

I was shocked when they closed. I frequented the Manhasset, NY and New York City location. I have searched for crepes like theirs ever since to no avail. The crispy han and cheese, spinach, St.Jacques, pea soup and incredible bread with cheese spread. I was so upset when they disappeared and have never had such an experience again. For those that worked there, any chance a group can re-create process and recipes and open some restaurants in the East Coast. What an opportunity!!! Great place and great memories.

Comment on Are Professors “Scribes?” I think therefore I’m not… by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:53:55 +0000

The domain “professors” includes a lot of “scribes;” but not all professors are scribes . . .

It has to do with the definition of “Research.”

A. Collection and processing of existing knowledge

B. Discovery/creation of new knowledge

[Many would argue that A is not "research" at all; that things like advocacy, staff work, etc. fit "A" but do not actually generate any "new knowledge."]

Research Definition A: Includes Scribery
Research Definition B: Does Not Include Mere Scribery

So, yes, a whole lot of professors (and not for nothin- what’s your definition of “Professor?”) are happily scribing away . . .

Steve Swartz

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Gloria

Gloria — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:38:11 +0000

I just made Monte Cristo sanwiches for our dinner and they were nothing like the Magic Pan had. I would like the Magic Pan recipe if anyone has it.
We also enjoyed the Spinach/mandarin salad with a dressing thatI have not tasted since.
We experienced these tasty treats at Sherway Gardens in Toronto Ontario.It was an hour drive for us,but well worth it.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by mary

mary — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:36:15 +0000

mary
madawh@suddenlink.net

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by mary

mary — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:35:28 +0000

Would love some of you cooks or anybody send recipes.
thanks

Comment on Are Professors “Scribes?” I think therefore I’m not… by Technology revolution or evolution? | Targuman

Technology revolution or evolution? | Targuman — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 03:49:23 +0000

[...] My brother responded to some of Stevie’s comments that Professors are like the scribes replaced by the printing press. I responded to Stevie’s post within the comments but I thought I would share some of my thoughts here as well. The suggestion that some were arguing that Web 2.0 is “not scholarship” is misguided. Web 2.0 is, of course not scholarship. It is a merely a tool, or really a set of tools. It/they can be used to create scholarship but it in and of itself is not research or academic study. [...]

Comment on “Cult of The Amateur”–Early Reflections on Keen’s Work by Are Professors “Scribes?” I think therefore I’m not…

Are Professors “Scribes?” I think therefore I’m not… — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:30:18 +0000

[...] I have written before, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Andrew Keen’s book “Cult of the Amateur.” [...]

Comment on “Cult of the Amateur” and Twitter by Are Professors “Scribes?” I think therefore I’m not…

Are Professors “Scribes?” I think therefore I’m not… — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:35:44 +0000

[...] I have written before, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Andrew Keen’s book “Cult of the Amateur.” He [...]

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by LJCohen

LJCohen — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:55:19 +0000

This macro works like a charm! I am in several writing critique groups and need to annotate the documents that I port over to my kindle to read. (computer screens are a bear to read on!). This way I can easily format my critique from the notes I take on the kindle.

Thank you very much for this!

Comment on Presentation: Collaborative Tools for Research by Heather

Heather — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:44:32 +0000

A great tool to check out that fits a little bit into all three categories is Zotero ("free, easy-to-use Firefox extension to help you collect, manage, and cite your research sources"). Right now it is for individuals to use, but I believe they are adding sharing & group collaboration into future versions. If/when that happens, I think it will be more powerful than del.icio.us.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Hedy Ganis

Hedy Ganis — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:52:01 +0000

It was a great dissapointment that my favorite crepe restaurant had closed, it was a number one restaurant that I’ve ever known, my family love it, now we missed them so much, I was along time customer in Costa Mesa, and Beverly Hills, my favortite one is spinach crepe, and dessert crepes are superlicious………..now I can not find anything like it.
Please Please come back!

Comment on Making a REAL Difference in Peoples’ lives (GivingAnon.org) by Adam Richard

Adam Richard — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:47:07 +0000

This is a great idea!!! Thanks for highlighting this Dr. Brady! The great part about the site is that it lets you create “a cause” for any entity! I can definitely see this as being a great idea for people who are raising funds as F/T missionaries and don’t want to “hassle with” Paypal…

Comment on Reagan on Gov’t Control of Manufacturing by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:24:16 +0000

Alphast:

Thanks for continuing to read this blog!

I suppose I would agree that it appears the White House “had to act” to remove a poorly performing CEO. That just begs the question though. The question is:
“Why didn’t the Board of Directors act to remove him themselves, since GM is a ‘for profit’ corporation?”

I am afraid the answer to that question once again lays at the feet of the government. Rather than force GM to respond to market forces, the government held out the hand-out. GM found themselves in a position to take money rather than earn it, and thus rewarded the CEO that brought home the bacon.

Perhaps there are organizations that are so large we cannot let them fail. Perhaps GM is one of them. On the other hand, I believe there are other corporations that would be willing to step in, use those facilities and their workers, and be quite productive.

In fact, (one of) the founder(s) of the Tesla automobile company actually put forth that argument, saying that they could “probably” bring their high-performing, all electric cars down to around $30K if they had access to those facilities.

Dinosaurs died–not because of our stupidity but because of the call of nature. GM may well be a dinosaur that deserves to die.

And Steve: Insightful as always. Thanks!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Kim Beckwith

Kim Beckwith — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:45:04 +0000

I, too, was a fan of the Magic Pan, both at the Topanga Mall and South Coast Plaza. My favorite combination was the shrimp crepe with a wonderful wine and cream sauce and, of course, the Spinach Souffle. I received a crepe pan as a gift and went to search for recipes, of which I could only find the St. Jacques. I could go on and on, also. Thanks for the recipe link, by the way. I would love to see one return to So. Cal – even if they aren’t using the same equipment.

Comment on Reagan on Gov’t Control of Manufacturing by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:17:13 +0000

” . . . but it is clear someone had to pay . . . ”

Agreed.

“Someone” as in “union thugs and fat cats who drove the price of their labor well beyond the value of their labor.”

Hmmm . . . wonder what a “labor bubble” * will look like?

OBTW, guess who is going to be left holding the bag for the difference between the $10/hr value and $100/hr price GM was paying?

The 20% of us left (20%- you heard me- do the math) who are actually foolish enough to pay our taxes, that’s who.

Steve

* “Bubble” of course being a situation where, through manipulation (usually governmental), market realities are distorted and the price of something traded is inflated beyond it’s worth. See “Dot Com Bubble,” “Housing Bubble,” etc.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Jackie

Jackie — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:01:54 +0000

Hi… Reading these comment has been very so fun. I worked at The Pan at. Cumberland& Northlake Malls in Atlanta in the early 80′s. Presently I work as a chef and today’s dessert was the Chantilly Crepe. I got involved in a conversation with a lady that used to frequent the store in Toronto and it sparked me to do a web search. I’m definitely going to check out the yahoo &. Facebook pages! I also need to know if Dan knows who Julie Budd is?

Comment on Reagan on Gov’t Control of Manufacturing by Alphast

Alphast — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:13:56 +0000

I don’t blame you, as I also think that governmental influence on business is pretty much always bad. However, I think that in this very specific case, i.e. firing Wagoner, the current administration has a point. This guy has been one of the worst CEO in the auto industry ever. Arguably, one could say he was not alone at the helm, but it is clear someone had to pay, especially after the AIG chaos.

I don’t like government interventionism or protectionism, but let’s not forget that this is nothing new. The previous administration was one of the most interventionist (and budget spending) ever. Although they chose another field to spend billions (namely military and para-military spendings)…

As for Reagan, we all know he ad Alzeihmer…

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Margaret

Margaret — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 23:27:14 +0000

I was just remembering the Magic Pan after we had just finished our meal, wishing we had a nice dessert. I said if there was one near by I would go there right now. I remember the one at the Eaton Centre. A friend of mine, Murray Storton worked there and had introduced us to it. It was lined up outside the door. We were so fascinated by the carousel that the pans rotated on. I was just wondering what happened to them. It is unbelievable that a place like that would go bankrupt.

Comment on Presentation: Collaborative Tools for Research by Jimbo Lamb

Jimbo Lamb — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:24:53 +0000

Have you seen etherpad.com? It allows for live document creation, you can select colors to see who is editing, and all you need to do is share the URL of the document to allow access (no username!). We think there is an 8-user limit per document (you might be able to pay to allow more), and we have discovered that you’ll want to save from time to time, as it does not autosave.

Comment on Dell’s Adamo – Mac Air without the Apple? by Jason

Jason — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:52:29 +0000

I remember when the MacBook Air was first released. My first question was why would anyone want to buy something that has virtually no ability to connect with other products and media available today (without having to purchase external USB hubs and other external parts). I ask a similar question of the Dell Adamo (or should it be a dumbo?). This comment is coming from a guy that wants everything he owns to connect with and work with everything. Will someone please explain to me again why my iPod won’t work with Media Player?

Despite my personal shortcomings with the Air and the Adamo, there does seem to be a market for these products. As a business person, if there is a market for the product, and it generates a profit — manufacture and/or sell the product.

This view is simple and short sighted, but this product might open new doors or begin a perception change for Dell. Both might lead to creativity, innovation and profit.

Comment on Dell’s Adamo – Mac Air without the Apple? by Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 01:49:21 +0000

First of all, as some of his respondants pointed out, Lexus is a Toyota, in fact I remember living overseas and seeing things like the Honda SX, not Acura NSX, but I digress…

What’s wrong with a Hummer? I see this as part of the same close minded PC culture judgments that have beaten us into believing its as bad a word as “cowboy”. Hummers aren’t mistakes. If you want one, can afford it, then buy one. Just like this Dell or an Apple Air if that’s what works for you.

Comment on Dell’s Adamo – Mac Air without the Apple? by Chris

Chris — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:13:44 +0000

The Air has always been too expensive and a niche machine. It sold quite a few at the outset, but I wonder how many they are moving now? I expect it will be EOL in the near future.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by William (Will) Carroll

William (Will) Carroll — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 19:03:15 +0000

In the late ’60s and early ’70s, my wife and I ate at the Magic Pan, located at the top of Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. (we never did go to their original San Francisco restaurant) Before long, the Fono’s were bought out by Quaker Oats, which made it into a chain. Not long afterwards, Mr. Fono (who skied out of Hungary after the Soviets crushed the revolt there; a neighbor of mine in Oakland, Laszlo — skied out with him) started a new restaurant, Paprikas Fono, located a floor or two below his now-rival Magic Pan. My daughter and I later patronized this for several years until it was closed down. My daughter and I were wild about their puffed-up fried bread langosh, which one smeared with a clove of garlic. Yum!!! I had a favorite pork chop dish which had Gypsy in the title, and my daughter loved the goulash. We both think very fondly of that place!
Will Carroll (now, unfortunately, living far from S.F., in rural east Texas)

Comment on A Dark View of the Future, 2014–Impact of the Amateurs by Candace

Candace — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:31:25 +0000

This isn’t a world I want to have, but these giants, such as Google, will only increase their power of the world wide web and viewership. It is scary to think of what could be in 15-20 years.

Newspapers have developed online newspapers, and briefings e-mailed directly to you. It is nice to know that The New York Times is factual.

While blogging and networking sites are gaining a lot of popularity, I still believe in the ultimate source as the “news” on tv and newspapers. I have faith that these resources will be around for years to come, maybe not hard-copy, but online.

Comment on The Google Voice Podcast (Recorded ON Google Voice) by Google Voice, First Look | aaronaiken/blog

Google Voice, First Look | aaronaiken/blog — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:27:24 +0000

[...] out his blog post in response to my voice mail (voice to text feature) and the podcast we recorded using the service (audio [...]

Comment on First Look at “Google Voice” by Google Voice, First Look | aaronaiken/blog

Google Voice, First Look | aaronaiken/blog — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:26:29 +0000

[...] out his blog post in response to my voice mail (voice to text feature) and the podcast we recorded using the service [...]

Comment on Improved Kindle Clippings Macro for Word by OldManP

OldManP — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:23:40 +0000

Thanks for creating this macro! I bought the Kindle 2 primarily for it’s ability to export my highlights and notes to my computer (saving me hours of time inputting research). I was disappointed when I saw the format of the text file. This macro is a huge help! Thanks for posting it.

Comment on Can “Crowd Sourcing” be Fun? by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:48:54 +0000

Steve:

Gtreat stuff actually. And this coming from a self professed “late adopter” of any technology (love my G1 phone by the way). Anyhow, two points from a “technology curmudgeon” on the related Twitter/Cult of the Amateur/YouTube etc. issues:

1. I read a lot of history (esp U.S. pre/revolutionary war period). I have been thinking for quite some time about the role of “pamphleteers” (Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” only the most notable example) in helping to coagulate the masses into a critical mass of “BAMN” sentiment. Now, given the reduced attention span of most modern day NorteAmericanos (thanks PBS- NOT!), is Twitter the modern day equivalent of the media channel called “pamphleteering” of yore? That sounds an awful lot like a “Comapre and Contrast” question for a Journalism midterm . . .

2. Ahhh . . . not-so-viral marketing! Yeah, YouTube scams are oh so inevitable! Cases of professional music producers making “amateur music videos” for their ingenue wannabes, etc. are now part of the whole “internet culture.” Look, back when we were actually inventing the internet (ARPANet, actually) people used the medium for all kinds of scams (hey, is that Nigerian Prince out of hte country yet? But I digress. My Irish Lottery prize money should be coming soon . . .).

Back to the Future?

Look, people don’t listen to me when I am physically speaking to them in person . . . why on earth would anyone pay more attention to my stream-of-consciousness-tweets?

the other steve

Comment on Truer words… by Andrea Primeau

Andrea Primeau — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:35:56 +0000

I know this comment is a little after-the-fact, but I just saw this article: “Pelosi made repeated requests for military Aircraft…”
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/10/study-pelosi-repeated-requests-military-aircraft/

I have to say, I wasn’t really surprised.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Chris

Chris — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 01:22:41 +0000

I was the Day HCA at The Magic Pan in Richmond, Va. (kitchen Supervisor). 1976-1980. What great food and how much fun we had! Wish I had written down the recipies. I do remember several things, but need to write them down, NOW, as time marches on. The mustard sauce is actually mustard, sugar and mayo. I had wondered what
happened to The Pan, as it closed ,a few years after I left, to start a family. Time to make a few meals for them using the crepes that remain in my head. I am so happy to hear there are so many Pan Fans!!! I look forward to more news.

Comment on Obama as Messiah? by St. Obama – Targuman

St. Obama – Targuman — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:50:54 +0000

[...] it was the halo effect of the news photo (intentional or accidental?) now St. Obama has his own votive candles. An image of U.S. President [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Debbie Wonzer

Debbie Wonzer — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 03:47:45 +0000

Does anyone have any pictures of the outside of a MP or of the actual wheel? It’s been years and I’d love to take a trip down memory lane!

Comment on Jon Stewart’s Daily Show and the Mistreatment of Home-owners by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:48:37 +0000

Well, yes.

There is some logic to the theory that “having a homeless person rob me on the street corner” is more efficient than “having the IRS rob me, take their cut off the top, and then give the money to an organization that runs a soup kitchen, that serves a meal to a homeless person.”

The direct way is much more efficient, and cuts out all those pesky middlemen.

As long we’re all o.k. with how the homeless person spends the money they rob from us . . .

[p.s. why are we assuming that it is MY FAULT my next door neighbor took out a second on an overvalued home they couldn't afford, so that they could buy a cruise they couldn't afford? Our local media was all up in arms over the rising foreclosures . . . until they started doing some research, and found most of their "poster children" were, shall we say, somewhat unsympathetic figures . . . ]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Greg

Greg — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:45:29 +0000

Yes I can remember the Southcoast plazza location in southern califironia. It was a treat to go with my Mother back then. She just loved to go shopping in the two story Mall and I allways antispated seeing the Merry Go round there.. It was always good eatig at the Magic Pan restarant. I have the good fotune to still own a replica steal wood handled pan sold from the M.P. . It is indeed used inverted. It came with a riser ring to elevate the pan off the gas flame. I still have to directions and the origenal box it came in. I wonder if enough of these could be gatherd/collected and make a Crepe Wheel?

Comment on Twitter “Jumping the Shark?” by Bill Cassidy

Bill Cassidy — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:19:58 +0000

It’s not just the combination of Twitter and other applications that offers opportunity, but the flexibility of the application itself. It can be to share so many different types of information. I think it will beyond the initial fascination with “what am I doing now” – just as blogs have.

Comment on Twitter “Jumping the Shark?” by Jimbo Lamb

Jimbo Lamb — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:18:01 +0000

Hey, thanks for the plug. The real interesting thing, in my opinion, in the growing popularity of twitter will be the growing applications that tie into twitter. TwitPic is one example of it. Someone found a desire to find a way to share pictures easily in twitter and made it happen.

Companies are starting to use twitter more and more to connect with their customers, which is probably the best advertising model EVER. Think about it. I follow @DunkinDonuts because I love their coffer, enjoy their breakfast sandwiches, and there is one right near my house, so I am a frequent customer. I follow them, and they have set up a free twitter account and I can get information on them for free. Imagine that! I don’t have to buy a newspaper, they don’t have to pay to send me stuff. It works out well for both parties. They get free ads, I get free discounts.

So, yes, I agree, the surface is just getting scratched. Wait until it gets buffed!

Comment on Twitter “Jumping the Shark?” by Ken

Ken — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:07:13 +0000

I think Twitter is just starting to hit it’s stride. We haven’t even scratched the surface of what it can do…

Comment on “Cult of the Amateur” and Twitter by HAL

HAL — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:47:06 +0000

Dear Professor:
Friday, March 6. 2009 at 11:38AM Tokyo Time

Thank you for your thoughtful post on Twitterdom.
I find myself longing for a daily report of meaningful tweets posted by subject matter.
While I do find that following certain people elevates my knowledge in a chosen specialty I find it hard to keep up and separate the wheat.
Tweetdeck is great but it doesn’t really do this.
Thea reason I’m interested in you is for streamlining comments on SCM under contracting global trade conditions.
I hope you will write about this on another blog or you will list a syllabus with practical short articles on SCM/ SCM management topics.

Of course I’m a Mac fan too but I sometimes find using Apple frustrating when it comes to adding software tools.
I know there is something called fusion and all that but I really don’t want to run windows stuff on Mac other than excel and word.

Sorry for the mishmash …and thanks for looking this over!

Best,

HAL

Comment on A Cultural or Observant Mac? by The spirituality of Macs – Targuman

The spirituality of Macs – Targuman — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:56:57 +0000

[...] brother has posted an interesting item over at The Professor’s Notes, “A Cultural or Observant Mac?.” The first thing you should know is that back in the 80’s he went with the Commodore [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Albert J. Benson

Albert J. Benson — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:48:41 +0000

One of the first comments brought back the
memories from way back. The salads with orange and the crepes loaded with really good fillings were just right, not too much, enough. The pea soup with the was a favorite. Hope
they can re-establish these restaurants again.
It is mysterious that they should disappear so
quickly, when they were so busy.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Patti Neis

Patti Neis — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:36:42 +0000

I worked at a Magic Pan in The Topanga Mall in Canoga Park, California back in the early 80′s. I remember it was brutal training and I was not a good waitress at all. They finally moved me to making the crepes on the carousel. IT WAS SO COOL! I loved making the crepes and people would stand and watch in amazement. I remember the Pea soup, it was served with a sour cream and a cute little cup of Sherry. It really was an awesome place. Although at the time I remember it as being a tough place to work. The waiters were reqired to sell a certain percentage of desserts. Needless to say I was not a great salesperson hence the reason I was moved to making the crepes, lucky for me I wish they were still around

Comment on “Cult of The Amateur”–Early Reflections on Keen’s Work by “Cult of the Amateur” and Twitter

“Cult of the Amateur” and Twitter — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:04:51 +0000

[...] “Cult of The Amateur”–Early Reflections on Keen’s Work [...]

Comment on “Cult of The Amateur”–Early Reflections on Keen’s Work by Cole

Cole — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 20:33:00 +0000

I’ll add that collective experiences in a classroom probably cannot be compared to years of experience on the battlefield. The General with 24 years of experience has something 24 single year servicemen don’t have and that is wisdom. Big difference when you are leading to save than leading to simply teach IMHO.

I would argue that any subject can be taught in an engaging way. It may be more work to envision or design it, but it can be done. I know you’ve had good success in changing the way students lean about supply chain … you’ve envisioned and engaged. Wesch has worked really hard at it and I think if he were in a different discipline he’d find ways to do the same. Just a hunch, but I am betting he feels as though his scholarship and teaching are on even playing fields and he treats them both with serious energy. I’m part of design teams working to rethink finance, english composition, biology, communications, thermal dynamics, and more … all of the experiences, while not at the level of effort Wesch gives, will be remarkably more engaging than before. Either way, it is a good discussion.

Comment on “Cult of The Amateur”–Early Reflections on Keen’s Work by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 20:25:36 +0000

Thanks for the comment Cole. I must admit, I didn’t hear that come out of the podcast, but then again, it’s a Saturday morning–I was getting coffee, settling in and the like.

I will say I filtered what was said through the lens of the book I was reading.

In regard to his class, and your podcast: you bring up the criticism of others that what he does won’t work in their classes. I actually have to agree with the criticism in some sense. What he does *is* anthropology with his students actively engaged as both researcher and subject. That won’t quite translate in other classes. That doesn’t mean that the technologies and approaches won’t work in those classes, but they aren’t as easily transferable.

For instance, in Anthropology the vast range of experiences of the students exposes a richer understanding of how people live and interact. In that sense (as my brother pointed out in a phone call) having 24 or 48 soldiers who all spent time in different units in Iraq make those “collective 24 years” meaningful.

For an understanding of something deeper, something that is not studying the lives of people (an area in which we all have some expert domain–at least in our own lives) then we can easily be mis-led by the sense the numbers seem to convey.

As you point out, different take-aways from the comments, depending on where we are in our discussions–and for you it was great that you could celebrate that realization.

Comment on “Cult of The Amateur”–Early Reflections on Keen’s Work by Cole

Cole — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 20:06:29 +0000

I don’t think Wesch was saying his students’ knowledge out weighed his, it was that by taking a closer look at the students in his class he was humbled by their collective experiences. I doubt he would argue that they are more prepared to teach his course (or any other) just because they have a collective set of experiences taking courses. What Wesch was saying however is that he is tired of people in the academy putting his students down — assuming they can’t do higher order thinking at the introductory level … he was making the point that his class was ready to be pushed via a level of rigor is not present in many classes today. All he is saying is that it is critical for us to remember that a classroom full of students has an amazing set of experiences that should be explored and can be used as a foundation to assume they can be pushed.

I know for a fact he wasn’t saying they were more qualified as a cultural anthropologist than he. I felt as though it was an honest and open moment of self awareness that he shared with us during his talk. He was not saying the “wisdom of the crowd” was greater than his. I was celebrating the former as his realization made a real impact on me.

Comment on Digital Natives by “Cult of The Amateur”–Early Reflections on Keen’s Work

“Cult of The Amateur”–Early Reflections on Keen’s Work — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:36:03 +0000

[...] His general thesis is that our move into the world of the “Digital Natives” (see my other blog post on that) has been essentially dumbing down our discourse. Perhaps even more to the point, he puts [...]

Comment on Truer words… by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:39:42 +0000

. . . waiting for the cartoon with Dear Leader throwing huge shovelfuls of cash into a blast furnace while scolding us for “fiscal irresponsibility!”

Steve

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Laura Stallone

Laura Stallone — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:20:43 +0000

I had many great lunches at the MP in Costa Mesa in the 1980′s. Chicken divan was great. My all-time favorite is Lemon cream–the memory still make my mouth water. Does any one know what was inside (?sour cream/whipped cream vs. mascarpone/whipped cream) and the lemon sauce was perfect.

Comment on The Old Kindle Gets a “Refresh” by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 02:25:02 +0000

Jeeze, Steve, tell me how you *really* feel!

As you knwo, I am hardly an “early adopter” of any technology.

I have been watching the Kindle concept from a distance for a while. I am an avid (and voracious!) reader of popular prose and generally tote 3-5 paperbacks with me everywhere I go. The laptop is too bulky . . . screen too dim, etc. etc. etc.

I *really* like the idea of being able to use 3G to download titles pretty much at will.

So much better than schlepping over to the bookstore for another title as soon as I finish the current brain candy . . .

Comment on The Old Kindle Gets a “Refresh” by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:39:33 +0000

Steve:

I am glad you asking these questions. The DRM protected books for the Kindle are (as of now) only available through Amazon, but there are number of other sources for “open license” or “public domain” books. There are a few books that I cannot find yet for the Kindle, but I am hopeful that those publishers will soon see the light.

As for the battery life–DAYS of regular use. Easily. And if you turn on the wireless access to the (freely provided) Sprint data network, you can double that.

You can send PDF and Word documents to the Kindle (and a few other formats as well.)

As for reading outside–that’s where the eInk technology really “shines” (pun intended.) It is not backlit so it doesn’t strain the eyes as reading a screen does, and when you are outside it actually is EASIER to read.

On top of all that, I (as I have written previously) love the fact that highlighting and notetaking can not only be done in the document, but that I can download the texts as txt files and embed in research/powerpoints, emails, etc.. It’s a true researcher’s GOD send!

I for one sing the praises of the Kindle, and highly recommend them to anyone–and respectfully suggest if you order one, please do so from the Amazon link in the right column of my blog. And just so you know, I don’t list anything there I haven’t tried, loved, and hopefully own myself already.

Comment on The Old Kindle Gets a “Refresh” by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:14:56 +0000

Saw TNK featured on a couple of morning news shows today.

Thin!

Light!

Only $9 per download!

Hmmm.

Questions:

- How much?
- How many titles are “Kindle Ready?”
- Where can “Kindle Ready” titles be sourced from?
- Battery life?
- Is Kindle Ready format compatible with anything else . . . pdf? docx?

And now the kicker:

Can I read it in the bright sun of Cabo, poolside, while drinking Pina Coladas?

Inquiring minds are beginning to seek information . . . !

Steve

Comment on Best Foot Forward (and insert in mouth) by Jason Leisure

Jason Leisure — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:57:39 +0000

To answer your questions:

1 and 2. No. I would not put something like this on a professional website. This is an example of the blame game. Every company does some form of outsourcing. In each situation, an agreement is reached with the company performing the outsourced activity to provide a certain service level. Even when that service level is missed, it is not the fault of the outsource provider in the eye of the customer.
In the case of Storming Media – you aren’t doing business with Verizon, you are doing business with Storming Media. It is Storming Media’s responsibility to provide the service level its customers demand.

3. This situation requires an apology from Storming Media, new contact information so that customers can get in contact with the company and possibly even a small handout to affected customers.

Comment on Best Foot Forward (and insert in mouth) by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:03:00 +0000

The owners/operators of “Storming Media” are all a bunch of 20-somethings would be my guess.

It is mind-boggling how quickly civilization can slide into barbarism when a generation or two gets “raised by wolves” . . .

Is civilization devolving? Has anyone else noticed the rapidly increasing rate of mis-spelling (not typos) and horrid grammar creeping into both popular and professional literature?

Just this morning a presumably well-educated person confused “renumerated” with “remunerated” in (gasp) The Wall-Street-Freakin’-Journal!!!

O Tempora! O Mores!

(And if I hear one more advertisement for “Bedroom Suits” [sic] I’m gonna barf . . . )

(And no, Steve, I am not making fun of your noticing Storming Media’s unprofessional screed. I’m absolutely serious about my point; just exaggerating it a bit for the “wry comedic wit effect!”)

the other steve

Comment on Who Owns your Words? by Best Food Forward (and insert in mouth)

Best Food Forward (and insert in mouth) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:08:13 +0000

[...] Who Owns your Words? [...]

Comment on Who Owns your Words? by Brandon

Brandon — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:41:55 +0000

That is a bit appalling. A lot of attention has been given to Facebook’s ToS in the past few days, particularly to their (since overturned) policy granting them permanent rights to your content. People have made a big deal about their claims to ownership but, then again, I have yet to see one story or example of Facebook — or MySpace, WordPress, or any other service that claims ownership to material you publish — using photos or blog content in any other way, like Storming Media is doing with compilations of documents.

With that being said…

I think the action of reselling material written by others is completely unethical, especially if the authors or owners of that material are not compensated. At the same time, this material is available to the public for free, right? In that case, I think Storming Media is charging not for the material itself but for the service they provide: searching through documents to create a compilation of materials on a topic of a customer’s choosing. In that case, I think they are ethical, particularly since the information is available for free to anyone who isn’t too lazy to search for it on their own.

Comment on Obama as Messiah? by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:57:10 +0000

. . . at least he isn’t using the Official Office of the President Elect seal anymore . . .

[Q: How do you get a rich liberal to pay taxes?
A: Appoint them to a cabinet position]

Comment on Best and Worst Service Stories by Rick Wright

Rick Wright — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:32:08 +0000

Okay I’ll bite. Do restaurants count?

Friends said they would have our kids over to their house while my wife and I went out for the evening. (And reciprocate the next night.) Movie then dinner. Restaurant of choice was swamped so we drove around looking for one not so crowded. Found one – a “steak house” we have been at once in 10 years.

Seated. Order drinks. Drinks. Order meals. Salads come. So far so good.

After about 20 minutes we get curious. Our server has not come to say “sorry running late” or anything. After 25 minutes she says “you haven’t gotten your food?” and goes to find out the problem. Assistant manager arrives and explains that a machine ran out of paper in the kitchen so our ticket was never printed. The “manager is in the kitchen *right now* working on your orders” and it would be another 5 minutes. Sigh but okay.

Another 15 minutes pass. Wife asks if we should go I say “5 more then that’s it”.

Five minutes pass. A different server notices we still have nothing. Assistant manager comes and we explain we are going to leave. “It’s almost ready” he says. Apologizes and says the meals are free. No – we are going to leave. (Oh boy.) Asks if there is anything they can do to make it up – coupons for a free meal next time we come? No thanks – we just want to go home. (Double oh boy. He must realize we will never ever come back to that place again. Customer recovery epic fail.)

One hour after we arrived we leave without having eaten (except the salads which were good). It is to my knowledge the only time we have done anything like that – just leave without eating and refusing all credits/coupons.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by darka

darka — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:20:26 +0000

My email address is: tortesandtorts@yahoo.com

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by darka

darka — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:37:58 +0000

I stumbled today on this web site…..What a rush! Lunches at the Magic Pan in Old Orchard was one of my warmest memories of my mom. She died several years ago from Alzheimers….horrible, horrible…… I would love to reproduce some of the dishes for my daughter. If someone with actual recipes from the restaurant would be kind enough to share them with me, I would be FOREVER grateful! I think sitting across a table from my daughter eating MP food would be a real trip down memory lane. Thank you in advance. (PS: My email address represents my being a lawyer and pastry chef. I went to pastry school as a mental get-a-way while mom was hit with Alzheimers….I figured it was cheaper than seeing a shrink.)

Comment on Obama as Messiah? by “Take off your sandals, you are on holy ground.” – Targuman

“Take off your sandals, you are on holy ground.” – Targuman — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:06:33 +0000

[...] Messiah to Moses. Candorville by Darrin [...]

Comment on Kindle in Education by Heather

Heather — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:52:39 +0000

Great idea to hand out Kindles to students. I went back to school last year & so far have amassed a lot of ebooks with no good way of managing/reading them. An ebook reader would be great to have but I’m waiting for the prices to come down.

Thanks for the tip on edukindle. Looks like they have some info about Kindles in libraries too which is of interest.

Comment on Facebook’s new Terms of Service–Just Say NO! by Drew Tatusko

Drew Tatusko — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:20:37 +0000

Jeremy,

Good question. I think what happens there is that because you agree to the terms of their license, that license supersedes the license of the content if it is elsewhere. This is why they do have a clause about IP infringement above that.

“We respect the IP rights of others and we prohibit users from Posting User Content that violates another party’s IP rights. When we receive a proper claim of IP infringement, we promptly remove or disable access to the allegedly infringing User Content.”

However, if you are simply reposting your content from one place to FB, then since it is now in the medium of FB you have now in essence given license to FB to whatever the content was elsewhere, regardless of where it once was. For instance, if I take a picture with a digital camera, that image is first literally written in the hard media of the SD card or what have you. That is the first instance and that image is technically copyrighted first in that spot. If I then transfer that content to another place like FB, I am now transferring that content to another location, literally, and so I am in essence transferring the rights that pertain to the first instance by posting it to the location of the second instance.

That does not mean that I have given up my own rights to use that content for my own purposes since I have the original copy of it. But it also means that I have given FB license to use it as well even if the content on FB is identical to that which is on my SD card. So if FB goes to my blog or SD card and claims rights, they are technically infringing. But if they use that same content that is posted on their servers, they are techically not. But that’s something lawyers would have to argue in a court. My guess is that the ruling would be that by posting it on FB, you gave up your exclusive license.

On a final note, this is why master tapes with music are so guarded. It is also why demos that a band makes of a song are so important to keep under lock and key. The first instance and the individual tracks of a song are the first record of copyright just like an original work of art. A copy can be licensed anywhere, but the original is the jewel. It is just harder to establish that line of cause and effect with digital media since reproductions can be identical to originals. But digital signing, watermarks, DRM and so forth are ways that digital producers can protect original materials and something I recommend you learn how to do.

Comment on Facebook’s new Terms of Service–Just Say NO! by Re-Post Facebook’s new Terms of Service–Just Say NO! « The Long Road

Re-Post Facebook’s new Terms of Service–Just Say NO! « The Long Road — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:00:02 +0000

[...] Jump to Comments I met Steve through Twitter and this is how I found out about his blog post about Facebook’s new Terms of [...]

Comment on Facebook’s new Terms of Service–Just Say NO! by Jeremy Long

Jeremy Long — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:43:17 +0000

Drew you seemed well versed in this.
If I post on my blog and is uploaded to FB through a “note” or feed can FB claim rights to it?

Comment on Facebook’s new Terms of Service–Just Say NO! by Jeremy Long

Jeremy Long — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:27:52 +0000

I’m going to follow in your footsteps and if you don’t mind repost this on my blog.

Comment on Facebook’s new Terms of Service–Just Say NO! by Drew Tatusko

Drew Tatusko — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:26:30 +0000

and by know i mean “no” ha.

Comment on Facebook’s new Terms of Service–Just Say NO! by Drew Tatusko

Drew Tatusko — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:26:02 +0000

It’s actually harsher than that. They are claiming more than rights (which allows for the creator to also claim rights to property in most cases). They are claiming a full license with little to know strictures. they can transfer it, re-sell it, or basically do anything they want with it to make money off of your content.

People need to realize how egregious this is and how it is a license to steal property and content. This is why I pay for server space for original works.

Comment on Facebook’s new Terms of Service–Just Say NO! by Stephanie

Stephanie — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:23:49 +0000

As soon as I am home from work where I can log on to Facebook, that is becoming my profile picture.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Sandra

Sandra — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:20:46 +0000

Hello,all! What great information! Another MP fan, this one from norther VA, Tysons Corner Mall! I have to also mention how much my sister and I loved their coffee—it was Yuban Columbian/whole bean. If anyone out there can send me known recipes, I would sure appreciate it! Sandra

Comment on Outcome Focused Performance, or Performance Driven Outcomes? (Updated) by Roger V

Roger V — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 03:00:19 +0000

This will be a condensed version of what I tried to post earlier….

“outcome focused performance” indicates goals were clearly defined by the leadership team (C-level and directors) with KPIs/metrics implemented by management, while “performance driven outcomes” connotes the goals are amorphous and management is left to its own devices.

Regarding #2, the ideal situation is to have no delta between outcome and measure output, but that is hardly ever the case. Particularly when the upper echelons of management have bonuses and stock options to think about — the more easily achieved metrics tend to be implemented, and not surprisingly, achieved. It may be somewhat cynical of a worldview, but I’ve seen enough to know that people tend to look out for number one first.

In a time of economic crisis, focusing on outcome is more important than ever. The challenge for the leadership team is getting all stakeholders on board when the goal/outcome is too “strategic”. For example, how do you get buy-in for personnel cutbacks so your company can expand into a new geographic market ?

Comment on Outcome Focused Performance, or Performance Driven Outcomes? (Updated) by David Cooper

David Cooper — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:19:48 +0000

I asked question #1 to a few of my Supply Chain/IT collegues with the following responses:

From the Mfg Eng: Performance Driven Outcomes rely more on the process and will be measured on a “range of acceptable goals such as 90 to 95%. Outcome Focused Performance are generally rated as Pass/Fail. Only 100% is acceptable.

From Quality Mgr (Ex SC Mgr) : Performance Driven Outcomes are based on process while Outcome Focused Performance is based on the result, ie a quality product.

From the manufacturing supervisor: What’s that? Can someone explain this?

It’s very interesting to hear the responses from different people from the different areas.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Pat

Pat — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:12:03 +0000

I was looking through the theatre listings in the Star Ledger and Magic Pan in NYC suddenly came to mind. It was our favorite place to have lunch when we were in the city at Christmas time.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Rodney

Rodney — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:48:12 +0000

rdeecampbell@gmail.com

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Rodney

Rodney — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 07:47:14 +0000

OMG. I stumbled on this site looking for Chicken Divan Crepes recipes. I worked for the Magic Pan in Houston at the Galleria, Detroit at Fairlane Mall,
Chicago at Old Orchard in Skokie, and Ridgedale Mall in Minneapolis. 1973 thru 1981. Some of the best memories of my life and definitely a taste bonanza. I was crepe assembler, kitchen manager, and manager. It was a top knotch organization that got with all the corporate changes ultimately got caught up in the change to more health conscious foods. The Walton Street Magic Pan in Chicago was truly unique. If any one has worked in any of those places give me a howler. Magic Pan lives on! I LOVE IT. The Magic Pan Project mentioned above is pretty good represntation of some of the favorite.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Dan

Dan — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:25:08 +0000

Linda, the name was “The Southern Praline Crepe”. It was my favorite too. It basically was a ice cream square inside a crepe with a buttery caramel and pecan sauce with cinnamon sugar whipped cream on top.

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Adriana

Adriana — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:16:58 +0000

Thank you, thank you! That was my favorite Magic Pan recipe!

I might just have to have a Magic Pan dinner party now that I ave found this nest of recipes.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Steve Bender

Steve Bender — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:36:52 +0000

You can find lots of recipes from Magic Pan at http://www.hungrybrowser.com It’s run by Uncle Phaedrus, finder of lost recipes. The Magic Pan cookbook is impossible to find. Currently there is one on Amazon for over $2oo. Someone could make a fortune if they ever agreed to reissue it like The Frog Commissary did in early 2000′s. Would also be nice if Loaves & Fishes by Anna Pump would ever come out again. Had to pay $50 for it. Good Luck anyone trying to find these items.
Paulette Fono is still around and living near Stanford U.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Linda

Linda — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:08:08 +0000

Forgot to post email: Please send all and every receipe to:

blrullman@gmail.com

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Linda

Linda — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:01:14 +0000

I remember a dessert crepe that had pecans and rum in it. Was it Praline Rum Crepe? I cannot remember the name, but it was my favorite. Does anyone have the receipe for it? Please post or send to me!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Sami

Sami — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 02:27:35 +0000

I worked at the MP a LOT of years ago at Woodfield Mall. That was back in the early 70′s.
just outside of Chicago. I have so many fantastic memories of the place even after all these years. I still hanker for Potage St G. and remember it as a GREAT hangover remedy with an extra splash of sherry! My favorite part of the day was being able to order whatever I wanted to eat……and wearing the dirndle. I did everything from wait on tables to cooking crepes on the wheel. I remember one of the bartenders was named Victor, he was hispanic and prounounced his name ‘Biktor’. Another bartender was Neelish Patel. I was agast that his parents back in India had arranged a marriage for him. Oh I could go on and on. If anyone out there worked there way back when look me up at samib46@aol.com. I remember a manager named John and one named Joe…….and he would bring a big hunk of chocolate to his desk and snack on it. One of the other girls there was named Debbie something and had very pretty long blond hair and another one very long red hair……..wow, Im having flash backs. Would give my right arm for a basket full of beinets and some chocolate sauce AND apricot!!!!!! YUM

Comment on Podcasting Set ups by Jim Beeghley

Jim Beeghley — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:25:26 +0000

Thanks for sharing the different setups. Hopefully, I’ll produce my first podcast this year. That’s my goal anyway.

Jim

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant

The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:00:44 +0000

[...] **UPDATE** I have added several additional posts recently including some recipes, be sure to look for those as well! Start here [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by mary beth

mary beth — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:14:09 +0000

any hope out there for mp’s recipes???

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Forrest

Forrest — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:35:27 +0000

Hey I worked at the Pan in Tyson’s Corner Mall in northern Va. summer of 83 and 84! What a blast that place was to work the tips were insane and the crew was the best I ever worked with. You all are right the food was extraordinary and the recipes were all in the heads of the cooks. I remember all the ladies who worked in the back were asian and only the men worked the wheel. All that brass was a nightmare to clean! I still work in the food service industry and cook a lot, would love to get some of the recipes.

Comment on Remember Carter? Apparently not. by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:38:42 +0000

1. Oil prices have been higher (inflation adjusted) now than in the 70s. Yes, barring the recent slide.

2. The way we measured “recession” was different then than now. What the media is calling “deep global recession” today would not have been defined as such in the 1970s. Indeed, the US committee that “calls” a recession rescored their metric in October to “discover” that we had actualy been in a recession since December 2007. Hmmm. That announcement (in addition to media template piling on) was followed auickly by, well, an *actual* (as opposed to “rescored”) recession.

G.W. Bush was re-elected because, well, he took the Clinton recession and turned it around. Among other dubious Clinton legacies.

Carter was not re-elected because, well, sheesh. His recent public displays of inanity are nothing new. Carter did more to extend and solidify turmoil in the middle east than any world leader beyond Arafat. Among other idiotic things he did. Killer Rabbit.

Steve

Comment on Remember Carter? Apparently not. by Alphast

Alphast — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:02:27 +0000

Fair enough, I didn’t remember how bad it was at the time (maybe I was too young).

But I have to say that your figures also show that, in 1980-81, the developed world was not in a deep recession like now (apart from the UK and USA). Growth rates were mostly positive, even discounting the (huge) inflation.

Another point, I think, is that the then massive inflation was mainly linked to extremely high oil prices, especially at a time when our economies were far more oil dependent than now, a fact that Carter tried desperately to fight. But he wasn’t even given the chance. I am not saying that Carter was a great president, but I believe he never had a chance to change things. G.W. Bush, on the other hand, was reelected.

Comment on Remember Carter? Apparently not. by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:56:23 +0000

Thanks for taking the time to not only visit, but to comment. I do appreciate it.

I must say, I remembered the Carter era as being an economic and energy crisis of larger scale than simply the US. But that said, it could be that the memories I have from my High School days could be faulty. I was concerned that perhaps my view was too US centric. So I went looking.

I recommend if one is interested that they visit

http://www.econstats.com/weo/V021.htm

I think this site could shed some light on the economic conditions starting in 1980. A quick perusal through the numbers there showed that while the US was working through relatively high inflation (and then recovered soon thereafter) so was must of Western Europe and Asia. Of course, Japan then went through there credit crisis, and Germany had to work through reunification issues, but the effect of the “malaise” of the late 70s (as evidenced by 1980 numbers) seems to have been broadly felt.

Of course, I would love to see data from the late 70s, so if you have any sources please share them. More data is always better!

Comment on Remember Carter? Apparently not. by Alphast

Alphast — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:09:28 +0000

Very true, but let’s also not forget that at that time, the crisis was far from global, and, for this reason and others, there was no need for bailouts and so on… Also, because the financial system was simpler at the time, we didn’t see the type of chain effects that we see now.

Comment on Best and Worst Service Stories by Ed Garrett

Ed Garrett — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:54:07 +0000

When I was 18, my father was buying me a car to go off to college. I went out to Hoffman Ford on Rt 22 to test drive a Ford Explorer. I talked with a sales associate for a few minutes and I wanted to test drive one of their Explorers on the lot. He said he would go and get the keys. About 10 minutes went by and I started to get curious. I walked around and saw that the sales associate talking with another couple. He ditched me. Right there on the lot.

A week later I went and asked for the same associate…so I could show him the brand new loaded Explorer I bought at his competitor’s lot.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Karin

Karin — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 01:24:23 +0000

I worked at the Pan from 82 till it closed in Michigan what a great time. I started as hostess and worked my way through the restaurant. Ted Nugent was a frequent dinner in our Ann Arbor store. Reading everyone’s memories was great and hopefully i can get some of the recipes especially the sauce for the cheeze balls. Thanks for taking me down memory lane, those years were some of my best memories.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Gretchen Brown

Gretchen Brown — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:52:43 +0000

I to loved the Magic Pan in the 70′s. I made my parents take me there for my bithday every year. I would alway get one ham and one cheese crepe and eat them together. I belive the one we went to was in Beverly Hills California.

I wish there was one for me to take my son to!

Comment on The Apple Wheel by Heather

Heather — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:49:50 +0000

Let’s think about this… In the 1/2 minute it is taking me to type this… with that computer it would have been probably five. The computer isn’t all that impressive

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Tom Hanahan

Tom Hanahan — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:38:54 +0000

Worked for the Pan from 1977 to 1983, then again part-time in 1989 to 1991. Miss the concept, the food, the people. I worked in Springfield, PA, Paramus, NJ, Hackensack, NJ, Whiteplains, NY. , King of Prussia, PA and for the Popover in Ardmore, PA.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Andre

Andre — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:27:05 +0000

I see a lot of responders here are former employees. Well, I’m not… but as a former customer I did everything I could to keep you guys in business. I absolutely LOVED this restaurant!!! It was my favorite dinner date stop… but I only broke it out selectively. So if a lady made it to the Magic Pan with back then, I really liked her! We’d have dinner, take a stroll around The Galleria, then hit a Jazz spot to close. If I had married the first girl I took there instead of the idiot I did some years later, I might still be married.

Comment on A “Windfall Profits” tax? by Higher Gasoline Taxes?

Higher Gasoline Taxes? — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:40:38 +0000

[...] Many callers talked about how we need to raise the gas taxes, not only to provide funds to repair the highways, but to get people to learn to conserve, and to support alternative fuels. In fact several callers felt we needed a tax “floor” implemented immediately. A “tax floor” would mean that if the price of gas dropped below a threshold (most said $3/gallon) then the price would stay at $3, and the government would scarf up the difference. In that way, the government would reap the “windfall profits” of low prices (instead of the consumer). (see my past discussions regarding windfall profits here.) [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Ryan Zalaskus

Ryan Zalaskus — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:56:27 +0000

Talk about a stroll down memory lane. As a kid in Costa Mesa, CA, my mom would always take me to the Magic Pan for a snack after shopping at South Coast Plaza. And how could anybody forget those crepes? Such a greatly missed place. I think they closed in 1994 or 1995 – can’t believe it’s been that long.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by would love to have some receipes from magic pan

would love to have some receipes from magic pan — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:38:35 +0000

the magic pan in northbrook illinois does not compare to the original

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Sean Murray

Sean Murray — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 19:11:33 +0000

Great memories of our favorite restaurants:
Ghiradelli Square, Oakridge SC, Tysons Corner and Costa Mesa. We went for EVERY birthday and other good occasions.

Bring the place back!!! San Francisco, Chicago, LA. Anywhere. We will bring our kids so they can experience it too!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by KC

KC — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 01:47:00 +0000

kczgt1@aol.com does anyone know how they made the Cheese Fritters?

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by KC

KC — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 01:41:33 +0000

I remember going to the location in Denver, Co. with my Mom on Christmas Eve day while Christmas shopping, e wonderful memory…The Cheese Fritters appetizer was to die for! Yum, looking for the recipe.

Comment on Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan by Lorraine

Lorraine — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:19:37 +0000

I’ve been looking for this recipe for a long time.

Thanks

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Madelyn

Madelyn — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 09:42:45 +0000

I just did a search because the cheese puffs from The Magic Pan is etched in my memory. I grew up in Costa Mesa and my first job was at Westminster Lace, a retailer directly across the hall from the old restaurant. I desperately want to recreate those cheese puffs (with honey mustard sauce if I remember correctly.) Any guidance on how to do this would be much appreciated.

Comment on Magic Pan Potage St Germaine Soup by Chicken Elegante from the Magic Pan

Chicken Elegante from the Magic Pan — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:17:13 +0000

[...] the response is amazing! This recipe was one of my all time favorites growing up. My memories of the Magic Pan Restaurant [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Karen

Karen — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:03:43 +0000

Does anyone remember the Chicken Curry crepe ? To die !!! I really miss the MP.

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by GT

GT — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:55:14 +0000

As I sit here with an old menu Spinach Souffle 2 for $3.50 and Chantilly Crepes $1.95 I remember having work in stores and being a “suit” in the Ghiradelli SQ offices and when we moved to 50 Francisco Street. orking with Fred Montgomery, Jim Durkin, Hanna Rose Zimmerman and others.
Yes the Pan was started by Leslie and Paulette on Fillmore Street in SF and in Aspen. Then sold to Quaker Oats, expanded to about 108 stores maximum. Then came Fire Engine Pizza (bought in Portland Oregon) and Proud Popover, which was a lot of the same recipes served in a Popover. Then one day Quaker said lets get out of this business, sold to a Royal Crown Bottler in Oakland who made a killing and then had “issues”.

I might not have all the recipes, but in my job they pretty much all crossed my desk before being sent out.

Remember the secret to the Spinach Souffle was to make slashes in the bottom of the pan and let the excess moisture drain out. The Chicken Elegante was originally Stouffer’s Creamed Chicken and then to economize we bought the Sauce from Stouffer’s and the Chicken meat from the same source they did.

Want more info and history?

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Pamela

Pamela — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 13:20:30 +0000

I was in Boston in the ’70′s in Southern CA now and MP on Newbury was my favorite place. Shopping on Newbury then lunch at MP. A must to stop in on a Sunday for a crepe and the famous Bloody Mary. Tonight I’m having ‘the girls’ for dinner and serving the spinach salad for a start. A little blast from the past!

It’s so nice to see others out there miss something of the past that was so wonderful.

Comment on About by Dayngr

Dayngr — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:32:17 +0000

I’d never read your about page until today. I had no idea you were a veteran. Thank you for serving. I’m sure you didn’t hear it enough so let me thank you now for all those who may not have had the opportunity to do so.

Comment on Seth Godin’s Un-Internship by Dayngr

Dayngr — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:20:09 +0000

I’ll not only visit, I’ll comment too damn it. Seriously, stop by the blogs of the people you know and respect and they’ll come over to yours too.

@Dayngr

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Robyn Raymer

Robyn Raymer — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:05:29 +0000

Hi all you old Pansters. I worked in the Beverly Hills MP and the one in Denver. I just started a Facebook site for people who worked in the Pans. It’s called People Who Used to Work at the Old Magic Pan Creperies.

Also–that Chantilly crepes recipes is in my words. I posted it on some food website years ago. It’s funny that it’s preserved intact.

I met Paulette Fono when she visited the Beverly Hills Pan in 1972. That was my first “real” job (I was a crepe cooker) and I truly loved it. I still make spinach crepes and of course Crepes Chantilly. (Secret of the spinach crepes: Stouffer’s frozen spinach souffle.) I ate that every single day for lunch during the six months I worked in Beverly Hills–always well done (almost burnt) with oceans of cheddar cheese sauce. Come and join the Facebook group!

Comment on Pesky Tax Cuts expiring? What are they? by Tax Accountant

Tax Accountant — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:19:04 +0000

I have no desire to get into the politics of this discussion, but will correct a few misconceptions. The information you post references tax credits scheduled to expire 12/31/07. We are currently near the end of tax year 2008. The tuition and fees deduction as well as the research credit deduction were extended through 12/31/09. The residential energy credit “lapsed” for a year, but has been reinstated for qualifying energy improvements placed in service during 2009.

Historically, as we have seen with the AMT, credits and other tax-related regs schedule to “expire” are often extended by Congress at the last minute and sometimes, not until early into the new tax year. I would not get too excited when certain tax credits are “scheduled” to expire. Of course, this could all change with the incoming administration….but once again, I will not touch the political aspects of these issues!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Di

Di — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:28:22 +0000

Roger, I would love to have some recipes. Am going to try to leave my email. (Crossed fingers)

tyamethyst@yahoo.com

Comment on Seth Godin’s Un-Internship by seth godin

seth godin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:18:50 +0000

thanks for the link!

Comment on Kindle in Education by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:18:57 +0000

Thanks, Len, and thanks for sending me the link to Will’s blog. It’s http://www.edukindle.com/

Comment on Kindle in Education by Len Edgerly

Len Edgerly — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:53:31 +0000

Will DeLemater of the edukindle.com blog told me yesterday of a Harvard Medical School IT guy who has put 20,000 items of course material on the Kindle. I don’t have the details and am going to follow up on it for a future interview on my Kindle Chronicles podcast. Will is focusing on educational uses of the Kindle, so you might check his blog out if you’re not familiar with it.

Comment on Importing Kindle myclippings.txt into a useful Table by Steve diFilipo

Steve diFilipo — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:04:45 +0000

Brief and quick thoughts about Kindle and higher education.

Like you I see the Kindle as a ‘killer device’ in higher education.
Just as I saw the mobile phone/smartphone in 2002. Colleges & Universities were motivated by finances to devise a way to recapture the income lost to dorm phones on traditional landlines. 6 years later and few schools have been able to construct a means to generate revenue from mobile student based mobile technology. A segment of the faculty don’t want mobile devices in their class. Some faculty adopt the technology to aid learning (interactive, polling, twitter, etc.). The administration can’t figure them out.
They got sidetracked with the cell phone as an emergency notification device.
Where is the $$$$?

So, how to motivate higher ed leadership to adopt the Kindle as an instructional tool integral to learning? The answer may be in the money stream.

Your suggestion of self-publishing or co-publishing with commercial publishers has merit.
The landscape is strewn with disjointed efforts to self-publish. Use of learning management systems, faculty blogs, twitter, course/faculty facebook accounts, iTunes University, faculty generated web pages, etc. etc.
The challenge here is to provide a platform to aggregate ‘published’ works across diverse platforms.
How to get all these self-published works loaded onto the Kindle?

There is the green consideration. As more faculty select e-texts for their courses students inevitably will print pages/chapter(s)/books at college provided printers or printers in their dorms. Defeats the inherent value of e-texts: lower unit cost, ease of transport, bookstore floor space & inventory management, etc.
Interesting side note. I use an e-text for my digital photography course. The primary rationale is the text is updated more frequently than publishers can print new version. The main argument from students is they are restricted to read the text while at a computer. Can’t time-shift reading assignments, read on the train/bus/standing in line. Annotate, highlight, dog ear pages, etc. And there are the inherent challenges of laptop technology.

There is the possibility of providing all incoming freshmen with a Kindle: included in the tuition. This is no different than colleges that require the purchase of a laptop. In fact it is better, IMHO. A joint effort with Amazon would seal the deal. As would a partner relationship between Amazon and publishers.

In any case it seems Amazon has given this some measure of consideration. Where do they go from here?

How quickly can those of us who have a shared vision for e-readers like the Kindle advance this technology along the Rodgers innovation adoption curve?

Comment on PODCAST: Students and Civil Liberties by Wendy Drexler

Wendy Drexler — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:32:57 +0000

There is so much potential for discussion here. I always marvel at the different points of view, especially held by young people, with regard to privacy. It would be interesting to compare cyber privacy with “real world” privacy. In other words, many students are happy to openly share everything they do online. Are the same students just as comfortable with random searches of locker and/or personal property? Do they see a difference? If so, how do they view the difference?

Comment on Kindle Highlighting and Notes–More Useful than Paper! by Importing Kindle myclippings.txt into a useful Table

Importing Kindle myclippings.txt into a useful Table — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:01:38 +0000

[...] Kindle Highlighting and Notes–More Useful than Paper! [...]

Comment on “Fooled by Randomness” by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 02:01:49 +0000

Steve:

When pursuing my terminal degree, some good freinds of ours (both our sons in Tae Kwon Do, scout troop, etc. etc. together) were 1. A molecular biologist; and 2. A geneticist. Both research faculty at MSU.

Neither of them particularly religious; or, for that matter, “spiritual.”

So one fine evening over wine and cheese we start talking about “Intelligent Design.”

As the sun sank lower in the evening sky, and as the stars came out, I learned a whole lot about human DNA- and the modern taliban in the USA.

There are- I forget the word, but it wasn’t “recessive” per se but a similar concept- there are thousands of potential mutations in human DNA that can be turned “ON” or turned “OFF.”

Like gills. Fins. The ability to breathe an air rich in CO2. or rich in Methane (!). The ability to survive in very. very, harsh climates by current human biological standards.

Two questions were pondered that night; one small, one big. The small question was already being investigated and discussed at international conferences. The small question is: What are teh triggers to turn these mutations on and off; how can we manipulate these embedded genome clusters?

The large question- which is absolutely, 100% taboo (our freinds- both people of color- jokingly referred to the question as the “biological science equivalent of shouting the N word at a Black Panther meeting in Chicago”) was this:

How did those sequences get in there in the first place?

What is the *evolutionary* explanation for an a priori sequence of genes that would lead to a (non random) mutation of the basic human organism to allow it to survive across a wide range of environmentally deadly circumstances?

We sipped our wine and wondered. And talked about pre-cambrian biological sophistication. And negative entropy.

And how, in fact, by seeking answers to mysteries; by chasing randomness out of our understanding of the physical world around us, we were really seeking- and finding- God.

Now *this* is a concept much too large for a whole lot of very (seemingly) well-educated folks.

Thomas Aquinas, call your office . . .

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan

Banana Crepes Chantilly from the Magic Pan — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:17:28 +0000

[...] I mentioned, the Magic Pan post I wrote back in January 2008 seems to have drawn daily interest. It was even cited in WIkipedia! [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Chicken Elegante from the Magic Pan

Chicken Elegante from the Magic Pan — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:01:05 +0000

[...] the response is amazing! This recipe was one of my all time favorites growing up. My memories of the Magic Pan [...]

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Magic Pan Potage St Germaine Soup

Magic Pan Potage St Germaine Soup — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:28:16 +0000

[...] one that seems to have touched the most readers, and driven traffic to my site, was the post on the Magic Pan Restaurant. The post was initially driven simply from a professional/academic interest in the way the [...]

Comment on “Fooled by Randomness” by Steve Brady

Steve Brady — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:20:10 +0000

Thanks again for commenting, Steve!

I must say, as I read through the book, I struggle with the tension of what is random, and what is “not.”

Much of his examples are based on the market, and he is right, there seems to be much “noise” when you watch market prices on a second by second basis. Of course, transactions aren’t “accidental” (at least, we hope not) and thus they are purely “random” actions. The vast majority of trades are made through a decision, and thus are in that sense deterministic. So we are left with what appears to be random, but was by most measures “deterministic” (or at least deliberate).

I believe this is where we step back and seek out the overall trend, or order, in the Universe.

Therein lies the challenge of evolution: when scientists seek to explain the “choices” they inevitably use the language of “decision” which implies the existence of a “decider.” Hmmm….

Comment on “Fooled by Randomness” by Steve Swartz

Steve Swartz — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:31:34 +0000

Steve:

Sorry to hear about your “unplanned event!” Glad that the net effects were/are manageable . . . assumption based on your posting above.

Determinists would argue, of course, that nothing is “random” at all. Certain naturally ocurring phenomena/behaviors can be *modeled* as random events . . . sometimes quite usefully . . . but that does not mean that they are truly random; just that our understanding of the underlying causality is incomplete.

Is this just a “distinction without a difference?”

I think not.

Consider the case of the deeply religious scientist . . .

The pursuit of science, is, after all, the removing of uncertainty in nature. When we remove all of the uncertainty, we have found the underlying order that does truly “explain everything.”

We have also found . . . ?

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by Mike

Mike — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 21:21:28 +0000

Does anyone remember a “Cheese Puffs” appetizer… had them at the King of Prussia mall location… would love to get the recipe!

Comment on The “magic” of the Magic Pan restaurant by tim

tim — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:24:52 +0000

Hi!
Those people that mentioned they have the recipes…can you send to me please? I will even pay you something! thanks! Just email me at: avme123-tim@yahoo.com