Brandon Muth

Crazy Cool

Brandon — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 02:09:17 +0000

Remember in Minority Report when Tom Cruise controlled the computer by frantically waving his hands through the air? Well, this is not as complicated, but definitely a step in the right direction. Big props to Publicis for having the most unique navigation system so far on the internet. (You need a web cam and fast connection to utilize the motion feature.)

Watch Out Dreamworks (and Pixar too)

Brandon — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:04:06 +0000

In a country that is already surpassing the USA in areas many thought impossible (internet usage, economic strength, etc) I suppose the last thing American businesses want is increased motivation within China. But, apparently, that’s exactly what Kung Fu Panda has done to people in China’s movie industry. If this prediction comes to pass I wonder how long until we see global blockbusters coming from places other than Hollywood.

4th of July Haiku

Brandon — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:11:48 +0000

been working since 4
now going to Krispy Kremes
kids will be mad stoked

Favorite Quotes

Brandon — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:10:21 +0000

“”I have never been certain whether the moral of the Icharus story should only be, as is generally accepted: Don’t try to fly too high, or whether it might also be thought of as: Forget the wax and feathers, and do a better job on the wings.”

- Stanley Kubrick

Bulgarian Weightlifters Banned

Brandon — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:48:23 +0000

NY Times is reporting that the entire Bulgarian Olympic Weightlifting team has been banned from the Olympics for testing positive for banned substances. Ouch, considering that the Olympics are only 6 weeks away. Props though to the Bulgarian Weight Lifting Federation who imposed the tests independently from any Olympic committee.

Questions: do you really think that teams from other countries are clean? Or not just getting caught? (Especially in an event like weightlifting.)

Founders’ Favorites on ClickBricks

Brandon — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:28:00 +0000

I think I may have opened up a big can of worms by blogging at two separate sites. Given that I’m relatively new to blogging in general (dating back to just last summer) you’ll have to forgive me if I don’t get the dual blog thing just right. (And with a few more ideas nearing the end of the pipeline, it may be “tri” and “quad” blogging real soon.

Anyway, while I figure out a good solution to this dilemma, you can view the inaugural Founders’ Favorites post here. (I apologize in advance for my less than ravishing on screen presence.)

A Case for “A Second Opinion”

Brandon — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:56:33 +0000

Our two oldest boys started swim lessons at the city pool today and things my wife and I have been telling them for months were instantly validated and strangely paid attention to, much more so than when we have tried to get them to do it. I guess a combination of peer pressure, “expert” instruction and cute lifeguards (from my sons’ mouths, not mine) is a great catalyst for putting heads fully underwater, floating on backs and jumping confidently into the pool. Granted, it’s also a great reminder of the (sometimes) helpless feeling I have as a parent (which I think is a good reminder.)

Is Google Making Us Stupid?

Brandon — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:02:58 +0000

That’s the question posed in the recent edition of Atlantic Monthly. The article offers compelling evidence how instant access to information may be changing the way our brains process data.

Jeff Buckley Has a Second Album?

Brandon — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:57:38 +0000

Ok, I feel dumb.

Bring It On Yellow Pages

Brandon — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:39:25 +0000

When Henry Ford launched the Model T there was the railroad. When Sam Walton launched Wal-Mart there was K-Mart and its blinking blue light. When Edison invented the light bulb there was, well, I guess a bunch of messy candles and smoky kerosene lamps. The point I’m trying to make is great ideas often start as really big underdogs in the face of current behemoths.

And so it is with ClickBricks. (Haha, ok so I feel a little silly for equating it with the above examples, but you get the point.) I’ve wanted to try to compete with ~~blow~~ Yellow Pages ~~out of the water~~ for 3 years and the time has finally come to fire my first (deliberate) shot. Hopefully, with much more blood (ok not literally), sweat and tears, this little pea shooter will prove to be a worthwhile business endeavor and allow me to recoup the time, energy, legal fees, programming fees, emotional strain and brain cell consumption that has gone into it and ultimately provide the unique excitement, satisfaction and societal benefit that only entrepreneurial adventures can bring.

In the words of Tiger Woods (sort of) “I feel good, the site looks good, I like my chances.” (If you know where that comes from I’ll give you a cookie.)

Thanks to (in no particular order) Mike Skaggs - Economic Development Director for the State of Nevada, Doug Thomas - Assistant Dean at Anderson School of Management and Tom Carroll - president and founder of Carroll Strategies for sitting on the Advisory Board. Your input has been valuable thus far and I look forward to your continued involvement.

And if you know business owners that advertise online be sure to tell them about ClickBricks - I’d greatly appreciate it!