Ely Rosenstock's Blog

With the popularity of Twitter (aka microblogging) growing daily, I’ve heard many people discuss the end of the blog. The theory is that the blog will become obsolete as people start getting their user-generated content and news from Twitter, Facebook, and other forms of snippet communication services. Well, that’s ridiculous.

At my recent MBA graduation I had the pleasure of hearing Sidney Harman, founder of Harman Kardon industries, as the commencement speaker. Mr. Harman graduated from Baruch in 1939 (that’s right. 70 years ago!). He spoke about the art of writing. Particularly how he reads to learn things but writes to learn what he knows. In essence, only by writing something down can he bring out the thoughts in his mind that he would have otherwise never accessed.

I can attest to this. I too have found that the act of writing requires a thought process that accesses areas of my mind that I never would have ventured to otherwise. Sometimes it’s a struggle but this act of writing requires a balance of focus and will that isn’t replicated in other actions.

Twittering, on the other hand, is not writing. It’s an art form all its own (well most of it is trash, like most writings, but some are actually interesting). But writing, it is not. The, sometimes mindless, way people communicate with the world via Twitter, Facebook, Friendfeed or whatever, is not writing. It’s surface writing. There isn’t any depth. There isn’t any thought process. It’s whatever pops off the surface of their mind like a brain fart. It has its usefulness, but it can’t replace real honest thought.

So which blogs will suffer from this new microblogging phenomenon? The ones that are, themselves, just long brain farts. Most blogs are a waste of space. They take a piece of news that can be said in one sentence and stretch it out to four paragraphs. Those blogs can easily be replaced by the tweet “Palm Pre to launch days before Apple WWDC”. Does that kind of information really need four paragraphs to discuss?

Many blogs actually put some thought into what they write (I certainly try to). Those are the blogs (I hope) that still have relevance in this new world of micromush tweetering.

I spent most of Day 4 and 5 strolling the streets of Tel Aviv. It’s an incredible city with the old-style culture and narrow walkways of a city built centuries ago directly next to 21st century highrises and the vibrancy of New York. I also spent a little time in the recreated city of Old Jaffa. The small rebuilt walled city is now home to artisans and million-dollar apartments. I don’t have much to say other than I recommend everyone go visit. Enjoy the pictures.

Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

Founded in 1924, the Technion is one of Israel’s, and the world’s, top colleges that focus on technology. The blogger delegation spent the morning getting acquainted with some very cool technology that is being developed at the college.

Virtual Reality Therapy

Our first demonstration showcased some of the virtual reality research taking place at the institute. The professor and student giving the demonstration gave us an example of their work with the Bubbles Game. They had been working with a child who was injured in a suicide terrorist bombing.

The child was too young to be able to tell them what he was feeling regarding pain. The Technion team developed this game in a virtual reality environment that required the boy to reach out and pop virtual bubbles floating in the air. Based on the sensors placed on specific areas of the boy’s body, as well as sensors on the floor, the team was able to determine where the boy’s weight was shifting and what muscles were being used based on how he stretched to pop the bubbles. The game can then be adjusted to have the bubbles move in the direction that strengthened the muscles that needed strengthening. Think of it as a virtual reality therapy session. It was quite amazing.

Water Filtration

If anyone knows anything about the Middle East, they know that it’s hot, and there isn’t that much water to go around. I don’t know much about water filtration or desalinization, but from what I gathered from the demonstrations I was given, the Technion is one of the world leaders in this science. Man, that stuff was complicated.

Helping People Walk

The last demonstration we received was more of a Powerpoint presentation (not as exciting but still very interesting). A professor discussed how they’re helping patients with diseases that affect mobility walk more gracefully.

Do you remember that scene in “Awakenings” where one of the patients was able to walk on the floor when it was tiled, but not when it was all the same color? Apparently this phenomena is real and doctors aren’t 100% sure why it works. Some theories revolve around the idea that the patient can see the next square as a goal and helps the patient move, in a straight line, to the next square thereby improving their gait and helping them walk.

This professor, along with his team, developed a small device that patients can wear on their head that replicate the tiled floor wherever they walk. The results were astounding (he showed us videos). The patients’ walks were significantly improved instantly. Pretty cool stuff.

Here are the rest of the pictures from Day 3.

We spent most of the second day at the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot. For all those that don’t know, the Weizmann Institute is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary research centers.

Nanotechnology

We met with Professor Ernesto Joselevich who walked us through the basics and complexities of nanotechnology. I tried my best to understand what he was talking about. It was way beyond anything that I could comprehend with my limited understand of nanotechnology. What I did understand is this:

• Nanotechnology is providing incredible breakthroughs which will have significant impact on the way we live our lives in the future.
• Through this research, a lubricant has been discovered that, in the future, will be coated in engines before you buy a car and will allow the car to run without an oil change for the life of the car.
• The Weizmann Institute is one of the leaders in this research.

The Rest

The professor tried his best to explain the complexities in lamens terms by using pasta analogies (this is more like sliced lasagna and this is more like rotini). It was fascinating and hunger-inducing.

To be honest, the rest of the presentations were also over my head. We heard from Professor David Cahen on the campus-wide alternative sustainable energy research initiative, Dr. Ron Milo on the optimal analysis of photosynthesis and carbon fixation, and from Maya Kahen who gave us a tour of a molecular computing lab.

I wish I could tell you more but the day, even with my notes, became a blur of complicated sciences and advanced technology well above my web-based mind and experience.

Hiriya Mountain

The Hiriya Recycling Center used to a growing garbage dump. Now it stands as the center of Israel’s recycling efforts and the future site of Ariel Sharon park. Hiriya is the largest waste station in the Middle East and normally wouldn’t be a place you would bring a tour. I believe, however, the consulate wanted to showcase Israel’s dedication towards improving the environment.

The plan is to turn the former dump into a national park. It’s nice to see a country take pride in their recycling efforts so much so that they take their tourists to a large pile of garbage.

On to day 3…

Due to my recent computer problems I haven’t been able to relay the information about the recent bloggers delegation to Israel that I was a part of. Well, it’s time I start letting you all know how it went. The pictures for Day 1 can be found here.

So much of my travels has focused on fantasy. I have traveled to Disney World and Universal Studios where I fought with Peter Pan and rode a bike with E.T. I have traveled to Vegas where I slept in an Egyptian pyramid (made of glass, of course). I have been to many museums that try to recreate history with elaborate exhibits. Traveling to Jerusalem is the opposite experience than my previous travels. In Jerusalem, the past isn’t recreated in the modern. The modern is fit into the past. ATMs are chiseled into thousand year-old walls. Modern commerce with credit cards and cellphones are placed in markets that have not changed in hundreds of years. The city is as modern as any other but its facade is what you expect from a city that has been conquered by every major religion many times over during the last couple millennium.

The Old City

We started the day at Mount Scopus overlooking the old city of Jerusalem. The sight is beautiful but also somewhat strange. I think about the history of this area and how much war has taken place to claim the small piece of land that stands before me.

The streets of the old city are lined with cafes and shops. It’s what you would expect from such a heavily trafficked tourist area. The majority of people walking around are tourists and at times you forget that you’re on such a valuable piece of real estate. The Jewish quarter, the quarter we spent most of our time in, was bustling. At times it felt like Times Square. Lots of noise. Lots of movement. Annoying tourists taking pictures of everything. Very few bathrooms. It felt like home.

What I find most interesting in Jerusalem was the quieter areas of the old city. The narrow corridors built long before roads were made for cars. Everything is still intact from thousands of years ago. You can tell that this city was built out of necessity and continued to grow as needed. The architecture is very unique as well. Everything is made out of Jerusalem stone which aids the feeling of deja vu when navigating through numerous narrow streets.

We walked through the narrow Arab shuk (marketplace) where you can buy every type of backgammon and chess set known to man. As a child of the internet, I hate haggling in person. Tell me the price and I’ll tell you if I want it. This marketplace works like the days of old where every person gets a different price and the cost of the product will be based on your ability to fight and persuade. In other words, it’s a tourist trap. Then again, the whole city feels like a tourist trap.

The Kotel (Wailing Wall) stands as the centerpiece of the Jewish quarter. The wide open space and intensity of those praying at the wall provides the opportunity for all that visit to reflect upon their own lives. It’s a place of modesty and a place of respect. Regardless of your beliefs or where you come from, the feeling at the Kotel is something worth experiencing.

We only  spent a couple hours in the old city and I’m sure we only experienced a small part of its uniqueness.

Machane Yehuda

Machane Yehuda is a vibrant marketplace filled with every food you can think of ready for the buying. The vendors are friendly and it felt more like where the locals shop than other marketplaces that I had visited in Israel. The fruits looked fresh. The baked goods smelled great. And if I hadn’t just eaten lunch I would have spent lots of money there.

The day was quite enjoyable and felt like a good solid day of touring. Had a quick drink at the end of the day with Loren and Michelle Feldman. Day 2 got a lot more exciting so stay tuned for future posts.

For all those who have been following me on Twitter, you’d know that my Macbook Pro’s monitor decided to stop working on my first day in Israel. I’ve already got over 200 photos and plenty of insights to share but they’ll have to wait until I get back to the States and fix my computer.  I”ll have to stick to blogging from my iPhone for the time being.

What I can tell you is that I’m having a great time with our crew. To get a good idea of what we’ve been up to, check out Loren Feldman’s hilarious video about our first day. Also check out the Cartoon Barry blog for constant updates. I will try to provide some quick posts from time to time but the in-depth posts will have to wait. On to day 2!

The clapping started as soon as the wheels touched ground. That doesn’t happen when traveling anywhere else. When traveling to Israel, however, this is an expected occurrence. I’ve been to Israel many times and while I know what to expect, I’m trying to tour Israel this time with a different perspective. As an Orthodox Jew, Israel’s religious history and spirituality is where I usually make my connection. On this trip, I’m trying to admire the balance of old and new worlds that Israel has become since its inception in 1948.

Tomorrow I will tour Jerusalem with Tamar, Brian, Loren, Michelle, Barry, and Jeanine. I’m hoping to gain a new insight into areas I’ve visited many times. I’ll let you know how it goes.

UPDATE: The source of information I used for this post was a hoax and I completely fell for it. I leave my original post here for your laughing pleasure (laughing at me that is). Enjoy!

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Twitter unveiled new premium accounts that allow users/companies to pay a monthly fee for additional services. Here is the breakdown of available premium accounts:

• Sparrow ($5/month) – Users get 145 character limit, 5 extra random followers.

• Dove ($15/month) – Users get 160 character limit, 25 extra random followers, 1 random celebrity follower, auto-spell check, “Fail Whale” T-shirt.

• Owl ($50/month) – Users get 250 character limit, 100 extra random followers, 2 random celebrity followers, 30 minutes on recommended list, auto-spell check, “Fail Whale” hoodie.

• Eagle ($250/month) – Users get 500 character limit, 1000 extra random followers, 3 celebrity followers of their choice, 5 hours on recommended list each month, Twitter Concierge for Tweeting while user is asleep or busy (and more), auto-spell check, “Fail Whale” tuxedo, custom “Fail Whale” page when service is down.

5 Reasons why this business model will work

1. Twitter is being talked about on every major news station. With all that buzz, Twitter will receive LOTS of business from marketers who don’t want to miss out on this hot new trend.
2. Most promotions take more than 140 characters to explain (and that’s not taking into account the url). It’s worth paying for more characters.
3. A couple of hundred dollars a month is a drop in the bucket when looking at what marketers typically spend on marketing their brands.
4. It adds value that 3rd party services can’t compete against.
5. Many marketers need a cost to justify ROI. Free doesn’t make sense. This provides the cost basis for adding Twitter to marketing campaigns.

5 Reasons why this business model won’t work

1. There isn’t enough value added to justify the costs. If you need 500 characters to say something, split it up amongst multiple tweets or make a web page and link to it.
2. Random followers don’t help. Businesses want targeted followers.
3. The Recommended List is just a list of people who can afford to be there. Users will see through the charade.
4. Who wants a custom “fail whale” page? That shows the user that not only is Twitter down, but also that business’ communication.
5. Who cares if a celebrity is following you? Would you care if M.C. Hammer is following Cisco?

I’m angry, like everyone else, that taxpayer money went to pay for big bonuses for AIG employees. I think most people, however, are angry at the wrong people.

AIG, as much as they have screwed up, claims that all the bonuses that were given out were contractual. If that’s the case, than how could AIG NOT pay these bonuses? Did the government say they have to cut salaries? Did the government tell AIG that in exchange for bailout money they would need to renegotiate all their employee contracts? No. Why is everyone getting angry at AIG?

The real problem here is the bailout. Don’t get me wrong. I think a bailout is necessary. But we’re giving money out to financial institutions that only care about their survival. They don’t care about the American taxpayer. They shouldn’t care. We work in a free-market economy. It’s a fight-for-survival world and that’s what they’re doing. I’m angry at our government for not thinking about this sooner. I’m angry at our ridiculous accounting system that allows contractual bonuses to go through in this situation (if your company nearly sank the economy, I don’t care what performance goals you’ve met, there shouldn’t be any bonuses). And frankly, I’m angry at the misguided people out there who think that AIG is the only entity to blame here.

Who are you angry at?

Crastinate is going to take a change in direction for a little while starting March 22nd. I have been invited on a bloggers delegation to Israel by the Israeli Consulate. We will be taken around the country to areas that, from my understanding, are not typically visited by traditional media. We are under no pressure to do anything for this generous trip but I believe the consulate is hoping that us bloggers report our findings of what life in Israel is like.

I’ve been following the @israelconsulate on Twitter and have been impressed with their efforts to engage web users via social media recently. There was also a successful Qassam rocket campaign via Facebook status messages but I’m not sure if the consulate was involved with that as well. Regardless, it seems that Israel is experimenting with new tools to educate people about what Israel is really like and what is really going on there.

I’m looking forwad to the trip and plan on reporting from Israel on a daily basis. Because of this, my posts will seem a bit one-topic focused for a while but I promise to get back to commenting on the web, economy, politics and everything else when I get back. Some of the other invitees that I’m aware of include Loren Feldman, Barry Schwartz, David Shankbone, Tamar Weinberg and Brian Weinberg. I encourage you to not only read my experience of the trip, but theirs as well.