Last week I bought the new Beatie Boys record (The Mix Up) and it has ruled my CD changer since. This is an all instrumental funk-soul-rock-reggae extravaganza. Diamond, Horovitz and Yauch are INCREDIBLE at their instruments and spared no expensive producing a fully organic and analog sounding vibe. Sample track 3 and you will click …

If you want to be a socially responsible, you have to know how your products are produced. If you don’t know the source, you may be contributing to social damage by buying or using this product. True leaders in the social century question EVERYTHING. In researching my next book, I’ve been looking into a personal …

Today I gave a talk in Baltimore. Right after the talk, I hustled to the Balitmore airport and after getting my boarding pass I got in a loooooooong line for security. How long? A few football fields’ worth! Signs claimed that I would only be in line for about 30 minutes, but the line was …

The first time I heard about the UK act, Hot Chip, was in an article in the LA Times (Hot Chip delivers a jolt). They played at Coachella, in the elctonic tent venue and wowed the house. Apparently, they were the buzz of this year’s festival. They are described as melodic bedroom electronica. I think …

Last night, Jacqueline and I had a thrilling time at the Hollywood Bowl. The Decemberists (with the LA Philharmonic), Andrew Bird and The Band Of Horses played to a packed house. We had great seats and more importantly, I was fully prepped to have a great time. How? I did my research! I listened to …

This week’s music pick is a classic funk record. I bumped into it at the Melrose swap meet in LA a few weeks back. For years, The Funky 16 Corners has been my go-to soundtrack for a night of funk and fun. This record is even better. Texas Thunder Soul (1968-1974) is 2 CD set …

Is it just me, or is texting catching on with the grown ups? It started with one friend that I was meeting for dinner. He texts me that he’s running a minute late. Cool. Didn’t even know how to use the function. Later that night, he texts me that it was fun. Next thing I …

Sky Blue Sky by Wilco is one of my favorite records of 2007. It’s the kind of album that you can just put on and listen all the way through. Like the kind that Cream and the Eagles made back in the 70s. Jeff Tweedy’s voice sounds like a famillar old friend and the collection …

If you feel a little bit green every time you remember to put your waste paper in the recycle bin, I’ve got bad news for you. It’s not good enough. Recycling is only “a little less bad” than pure wasting. It takes carbon based fuels to recycle paper. Only a small percentage of paper, for …

When I think of Austin, I think of good people, good music and good food. In that order. I was in Austin on Tuesday to speak at a meeting for Texchange (a group of Austin execs, investors and leaders.) I just love Austin. But the people stand out the most. I spent some time with …