The most delicious hunk of junk in the galaxy Max Effgen, April 2, 2012December 1, 2013 Found these awesome Star Wars Millennium Falcon silicon molds. They turned out these detailed and delicious treats over the weekend. Pretty sure on the Kessel Run, these would melt in less than 12 parsecs. The molds are available at Amazon and other places where Star Wars fans shop… Continue Reading
Importance of understanding culture Max Effgen, March 24, 2012 I have been fortunate to have worked internationally in Mexico, UK, Japan and South Korea. Different places, different faces and different unwritten rules. A few rules have enriched my experiences abroad. Learn some of the language. Learn the power of hierarchy and the cultural norms. First, always know how to… Continue Reading
Amazon buys Kiva Systems Max Effgen, March 19, 2012 The amazing Kiva Systems robots are now part of Amazon.com. Kiva System’s robots already have a place at Amazon’s Zappos. Now Amazon looks to likely take this technology forward in the operations and logistics side of the house. Toys-R-us is a Kiva Systems customer. Maybe this can help the Amazon… Continue Reading
Breaking in a ball glove Max Effgen, March 15, 2012 I clipped this article from Forbes in 2001 thinking that someday, I would get a new glove or have to break in a glove for my future kids. The future came to be the other day. I tried this one second hot water dunk on my son’s glove in preparation… Continue Reading
Making the switch to Vibram Five Fingers Max Effgen, February 21, 2012December 1, 2013 At the start of the year, I made the switch to the iconic, near-barefoot toe shoe. This has been a gradual process. Moving to a minimalist trail shoe about 2 years ago and ditching my orthotics about 18 months ago proved to be easy. I had come across Chi Running… Continue Reading
Think Max Effgen, February 20, 2012 Originally conceived to be part of another work, Rodin’s Thinker changed the way we look at modern sculpture. Like most things disruptive, this was not the intent but the result. Something to think about. Continue Reading
Urban Orcas Max Effgen, February 5, 2012December 2, 2013 Puget Sound is home to a couple of orca pods, but until yesterday I have never seen them near Seattle. These whales usually hang out in the San Juan Islands and will make trips down to the south Puget Sound. These whales were headed towards West Seattle. I was able… Continue Reading
The Art of War and the Blue Ocean Strategy Max Effgen, January 29, 2012June 14, 2023 I found myself recently referencing a post from 2 years ago on these two works. Here is an update. The Blue Ocean Strategy has become a staple of business strategy and most MBA programs. At its core, the Blue Ocean strategy is about value innovation. “Red” oceans are known industries… Continue Reading
Kalakala close to the end Max Effgen, January 23, 2012June 14, 2023 The Kalakala Ferry leaves Seattle, March 2004 A piece of Seattle history is likely to finally meet its end in what has been a long and sad decline. The Kalakala, a beautiful art deco ferry, served the Seattle to Bremerton route for decades. After being rescued from live as a… Continue Reading
Steve Hall, Rock Star Venture Capitalist Max Effgen, January 20, 2012June 14, 2023 Big thank you to Steve Hall for speaking at a pre-Snowpocalypse Rock Star Venture Capitalist on Tuesday, January 17. Steve brought a fresh perspective and practical advice in his “A VC’s Guide to Joining the Right Startup” presentation. After a brief introduction, Steve jumped in with why joining a startup… Continue Reading