Guest Post: Who needs a degree in ditch digging?

Kids just don't listen. Parents just don't listen. Kids born when Caddyshack came out in 1980 are about ten years removed from college. God only knows how much debt they still have at this point. Not really my problem, but I will say this, "I tried to warn you."

I was inspired to blog from the great beyond for two reasons: 1) Amy Winehouse is driving me crazy already (between her and Dangerfield, I feel like I'm in hell), 2) The New York Times recently ran a story about the over-saturation of higher education.

I understand the need for people to be smart. I hate stupid people. But a college education and the debt associated with it is not always the smartest choice. Back in my day, a kid would graduate high school with a skill (or set of skills) that would allow them to put bread on the table thanks to "shop" classes: metal shop, wood shop, auto shop, etc. There were guys in my high school who witnesses vocational success and went on to become foremen and even run their own shops. Boys who dreamt of being fire fighters, cops and cowboys, could make a living without a master's degree in fire science, correctional justice or animal husbandry. They chose blue collars over academic regalia. Others, like myself, went on to college to earn degrees and work in less dirty fields. Both are necessary.

Today, those shop classes are all but gone and forgotten. Math, Science, Engineering, Technology are the drivers today. The dummies running our schools--nay, the dummies making educational policy...my lawyer friends--must not think that Math, Science, Engineering and Technology are strewn throughout subjects formerly taught in the "shops."

Now we have all these kids, dropping out of high school because there is no longer a clear career path for those who want to dig ditches, or more and more go on to college. The ones who go to college, graduate with a ton of debt, cannot find a good job, and still join country clubs. I don't want that riff raff cluttering up my fairways.

Colleges need to be held more accountable for job placement. Private sector employers need to be more realistic about the skills/education necessary to do a job. K-12 policymakers need to think seriously about children left behind by No Child Left Behind and the weakening of the foundation as we Race to the Top.

I gotta go. I'm playing 19 holes with St. Peter. I need to talk to him about who he's letting through the gate.

About the Author:
Judge Elihu Smails is a bigoted and stodgy member of Bushwood Country Club. While his views are tilted toward the elite, he understands the importance of balance and order. His "ditch digger philosophy" remains his most important contribution to mankind.

Buy Local...Writer's Edition

Let me preface this post by saying that I am a big fan of the Business Journal. There is a rule in my office that I get first glance at the issue that comes in the mail every Friday. I look forward to my Daily Update in my inbox every afternoon. I follow them and RT them on twitter. But the March 25, 2011 issue caused me to pause and write a few words.

Now, I have been outspoken about Buy Local in the past (which caused a little trouble at work...another story). I fully support buy local efforts and I think the column by John Crabtree is good. Not great, but good. It's a good "Guest View" and I feel like my post might not provide the most hospitable welcome.

My problem is that Mr. Crabtree is from Nebraska. We have a column telling us to be loyal and buy local. Last time I checked, there are local people who are writers. They actually do writing as a type of businessy thing. They are a flight risk if their vocation is not supported locally. At a quick glance, the column appears to be about 100 to 150 words long. I think we might have a local writer or two or three who would appreciate the opportunity (especially if they get paid) to offer a guest view.

I had the privilege of writing a recurring column for the Business Journal for a period of time. It was fun and, while I did not get paid, it provided me with an opportunity to publish some stuff and share my perspective with the larger community.

I just hope the talented writers in Fresno | Kings | Madera | Tulare counties have the chance to offer their perspective and sell local.

If you are looking for other other local talent (beyond writers), I did profile a few cool peeps about a year ago (some of them have since left the area).

Teach them well...nah, we can't afford it.

Time for some commentary. It's been a long time since I blogged. But I am sick and effing tired of what I keep reading about the current financial situation. Here is what is on the current chopping block:

First 5 funds

K-12 funding

High Education funding

Library funding

Let me get this straight, we have decided that we can no longer afford to invest in education and literacy?

AWESOME!

I know people get hot-and-bothered about the need to fund public safety, but what about investing in the next generation. I do not think education should be funded only during times of surplus. Cuts have to be made someplace, but the areas I listed above need to be left intact. We are setting ourselves up for a bleak future.

What does this strategy say about our interest in longterm sustainability (of our economic system)?

Where never was heard an encouraging word...

Ok, my tattoo has been pretty well documented. I really want to thank the folks at Tower Tattoo for donating the tattoo in the name of fighting hunger. I wish I was a better steward of the ink. In the midst of incredible excitement, I did not fully listen to the post-tat instructions. I put Saran Wrap on it to keep it clean while I slept.

Enter petri dish.

Bacteria grew...and grew...and grew.

I took a picture of the infected art, twitpic'd it, and was bombarded by a string of responses that made me think it was only a moment of time before my leg would be amputated.

@Travis Sheridan

Fighting Hunger earned us $100k...I just hope it didn't cost me a leg... #shootmeintheheadlikeahorse http://yfrog.com/h7rxcwj

@chukknob

uh is that normal? Wonder if anyone will donate to your prosthetic limb fund???

@mikeoz

woah. Hope it gets better dude

@tigermouth

holy shit. I've never seen an infected tattoo. Ouuuuch.

@nickgundry

oh crap that's pretty red dude! But you know that, get better soon man.

@aurocka

Crap, dude. What are you using on that? That looks gnarly. :(

@bfalke

oh my god Travis. That doesn't look normal.

@ __Don__Juan__

oh snaps!! What the hell happened there?!?! Yea not real good advertisement for where ever you got inked up man!!! U good?!?

@Abelopez

just the green ink giving you problems?

@Abelopez

by the way, that looks disgusting.

@angelrodriquez

that doesnt look too good #understatement

@Kare_o_lynn

Wow! that looks like it hurts :-/

@ __Don__Juan__

damn 1st we lose to SLC and now this?!?!#screwwalmart!!!

@hiluhree

you'd better talk to your artist and your doctor. that's disgusting.

@mikeoz

if you're going to need a new leg, perhaps we could do a Kick Starter to raise the money

@kieltfs

gross

@__Don__Juan__

I don't think that says Fresno anymore!!!#imjustsayin!!! Ha!! I feel for ya man!! That looks painful!!

@She1la

OMG!!!! I have never seen anything like that!!!! Hope it heals up!!!!

@natticarrera

holy cow, that looks bad!

@ offkilterkristy

what did u do?

@ck_foto

Wouldn't pass the cereal test anyway.

@scarter19

Do they sell prosthetic legs at Walmart?

@natticarrera

I genuinely think you should seek medical attention tomorrow.

@thisisconlan

That's rock 'n' roll, dude. Rock 'n' roll.

@CoolPolarBear

it's like a train wreck..must not look, but, can't look away! I hope you had or will have a doctor check that out, seriously

@junebug1015

If the first 5 layers of skin peel off overnight...you might have a problem.

@BHarsh

yikes! Don't think I've seen anybody scab that bad. I think ur ok. But Damn dude I'd get some A&D for that!

@alisa_m_

ew :)

@taripie

ooh, that looks bad :(

@jaimeholt

man this walmart thing just keeps getting worse and worse:( sorry to hear this!

Thanks for the laughs, friends. I made it through the night. Barely. Taking antibiotics. Y'all kept me laughing!

Water Conservation & Behavioral Economics

How do you feel about water meters? I know how I feel, but I really want to know how others feel. The City of Fresno is about to flip the switch on water meters and that means people will pay based on usage not simply based on a flat rate. I want to lay out a few points that are important to me and see if they resonate with anyone else.

I was talking with a City insider about the water meters. There is concern that if the City flipped the switch and charged the market value (or cost) for water, it could put some residents in a tough financial situation. We will use an arbitrary amount for sake of discussion. We will say that one gallon of water will cost residents $1. Simple. There is one school of thought that says people should be eased into the change. Maybe the City can start by charging $0.25 for each gallon used. Then over time the rates can fall in line with the actual cost of $1/gallon. Another school of thought says to hit residents with the $1/gallon right out of the gate.

I am in favor of option #2. I use $1 of water I pay $1 for said water.

The first option is fraught with challenges. First there is the situation of repeated rate increase. People do not like those. Additionally, easing in might not result in the changed behavior we need for true conservation.

Gas approaches $4/gal and bus ridership starts to increase. Tickets for not wearing a seatbelt or for texting results in changed behavior. Use economics to change behavior.

Make people pay for water. I do not get gasoline subsidized. I pay full price for the enjoyment of driving. I should pay full price for the full green lawn.

City of Fresno, feel free to pass along the cost. If we don't want to pay out the nose, we'll change behaviors.

What's Next?

Next. When that is, who knows, but it's an interesting idea to think about what comes next in life. Sure, I have my ideas. And people often talk about God's plan or God's will. However, what about the value of the opinions of those from cyberspace? What if I genuinely sought the counsel of the internets?

Well, here is goes. Okay people, what's next?

Based on what you know of me and about me, I will take your input seriously and see what comes out of it. Other than the postings on my blog, here are some other tools to help you get to know Travis A. Sheridan:

Facebook Profile (gotta be my "friend" to view)

Twitter Feed

LinkedIn Profile

Smartagious Profile

BipolarityOfLife (old blog)

I'll even Google myself for you.

Here's what I'm looking for:

1) Where should I live?

2) What should somebody (or you) hire me to do?

3) With what type of people should I surround myself?

4) If advice consists of burn in hell, I recommend deeper analysis.

Invest Local: Just my thoughts

Today I attended the Fresno Region Jobs Initiative Annual Meeting. It was at such a meeting 5 or 6 years ago that I became highly motivated to get involved. Well, I left today's meeting motivated to share some thoughts about even greater involvement.

Warning: My words are typed during a major financial crisis, budget shortfall and likely layoffs.

Time to invest.

New York City recently announced the creation of a $22,000,000 venture fund to attract tech companies. It has already worked. Sorry, Jersey City. Why did it work? Because one of the biggest obstacles entrepreneurs face is access to capital.

Here is how the NY program is funded: NYC put in $3M and FirstMark Capital ponied up $19M. Not a bad place to start.

Sitting in today's meeting I sent @CityofFresno a tweet to try and test the waters. The response was accurate: we do not have the same resources at NYC, but we do care about local business.

The fact of the matter is this: Money is attractive.

My bar napkin proposal: $10M fund. City pledges $1M and outside Venture Capital firm allocates $9M.

This could actually work because in a big picture, the City is assuming very little share of the overall risk.

Scenario #1: Entrepreneur needs $500,000

First of all, the entrepreneur needs to raise 20% of the round through personal networks (self, family, friends, etc.) to show active "skin in the game." In this scenario that is $100,000. This is one step in unlocking the door to capital.

Second, for every dollar of "the fund" that is to be accessed, three dollars from outside the fund must come to the table. This can be in the form of other other VC or Angel groups. It is not uncommon for a round to be funded by more than one source...shared risk and collective expertise. In this scenario, this means that $300,000 is provided by an outside fund or investor (not family/friends/etc).

Finally, "the fund" would provide the remaining capital to finish out the round. In this case, $100,000 (remember, every dollar from "the fund" must be matched with $3 from the outside).

Given that the City originally contributed only 10% of the total fund, the City's share of the $100,000 investment is only $10,000. So, does it make since for the City to invest $10,000 to help deliver $500,000 to an early-stage business?

The Advanced Technology Development Center at Georgia Tech uses a similar 1 for 3 model. When I listened to them make a presentation at a conference a couple of years ago, they mentioned that the reality is that every $1 invested has attracted nearly $30 in outside investment.

I know the naysayer will claim that the City of Fresno should not be in the investment business. I get that, but I also challenge that. Every budget dollar is in a sense an investment. The money being spend for the development of a specific plan, is an investment. The City would have a voice as it relates to go or no-go on an investment. The good news is that the $1M would be invested very slowly.

One hundred $10,000 investments (using the math above) could represent $50,000,000 of total investment in early stage businesses. Jeeze, even if every business failed, the City spent $1M to get $50M spent in the community. That's a successful failure.

Share your thoughts? I'd really like to hear form elected officials, candidates and economic development professionals.

If we let Water, Energy and Technology companies know that there is money available, would they come.

Instead of asking if we have the resources or don't have the resources, let's ask a different question: In what ways can we make something like this work?

Son, your ego is promising checks your alma mater can't cash

Ten million dollars was a lot to promise. I mean, it sounded really cool and made for a lot of excitement and press coverage.

At last count: $100,000 down, $9,900,000 to go.

I graduated from Madera High School nearly 20 years ago. I've worked hard, enjoy a satisfying level of personal (not financial) success, and would love to make a contribution to the ol' blue and white...one of these days. Not today.

But, what if I hold a press conference? I can afford that. I can even afford to make a 1% contribution to the overall goal. It will get the ball rolling, right? Lives will be changed. Energy and excitement will grow. Hell, I might get my high school antics pardoned (one can hope). Then I can disappear.

I first read of the broken promise to Fresno State thanks to a tweet from ABC 30. Looks like the $10,000,000 pledge from Alphonso Bigelow's company, Nykel Bam International (closest thing to a company site), isn't going to happen after all.

I would imagine the fund developers at CSUF probably tried to leverage Mr. Bigelow's pledge to generate additional dollars from other donors. That only makes sense. I am not casting blame on CSUF. I am just concerned that in the midst of a budget crunch, a philanthropist's promise provided a false sense of hope.

Share your thoughts situation.

Maybe we can write a song for Mr. Bigelow the same way Scott't Tots did.

Buy Local (Talent): Robert Schultz

I know Robert looks pretty intense in this picture, but that's because he is am intensely talented geek. By day he pounds away developing and writing code. By night he still pounds away on code, but makes time to take in as much music as possible and enjoying the view from his fabulous downtown loft.

Robert is very active in the local tech world and he helps to actively build and organize the talent we have available. He one of those smart guys who might be intimidating to some, but he is very approachable. Almost every day I hear people say that they cannot find programmers in the area. My answer to them is, "look no further."

TalentLocal

Below is more information about Robert Schultz.

Who:

Robert Schultz -- Senior Developer for ShoWare an online ticketing solution based in Fresno, California

What:

Robert specializes in Microsoft related software technologies, web-based development, brand development through software, changing the world through code.

How:

Robert has the ability to identify trending technologies and to adapt to the software world as it evolves.

Why:

Born and raised in Fresno, Robert has lived here for approximately 20 years of his life. Despite moving to the bay area for a while, he has always called Fresno his home. There is a huge untapped market within Fresno for software startups and with the help from some creative professionals, Robert thinks we can put Fresno on the map (add this to the list, Mike Oz).

robertschultz.org

follow Robert on Twitter: @robertschultz

find Robert on Facebook

TalentLocal Archive

Day 1: Ryan C. Jones, photographing genius

Day 2: Layne Lev, webtastically awesome

Day 3: Ryan Corrigan, entrepreneurial lawyer

Day 4: Kengi, Miles & Eric, 3Ding Dudes

Day 5: Brenda Carrasco, consumption engineer

Day 6: Robert Schultz, Techie McGeekerson

Day 7: Hank Delcore, design voyeur

Day 8: Bradley Fitzhenry, hey mister DJ

Day 9: Marc Lutz, inky & the brain

Buy Local (Talent): Ryan Corrigan

Take out your phone and put Ryan's number in your list of contacts. Then get back to generating innovative ideas that need legal protection. I've known Ryan professionally since he was practicing at a big ol' firm. He worked with so many entrepreneur that he was inspired to abandon the comfort and security provided by working for someone else. So he's out on his own with his name on the shingle at the Corrigan Law Group.

Ryan's approach is that of a trusted advisor and consultant. He does not keep an hourglass on his desk when you meet with him. I value his wisdom, passion and authenticity. I also value his dedication to the community of entrepreneurs.

TalentLocal

Below is more information about Ryan Corrigan.

Who:

Ryan Corrigan -- Entrepreneurial business lawyer with law practice focused on helping startups and growing businesses navigate through business, corporate, trademark/copyright, securities, licensing and Internet legal issues.

What:

• Legal advice on starting a venture
• Corporate and LLC formation
• Corporate/LLC internal documents – shareholders/buy-sell agreement, operating agreement, bylaws, minutes/consents
• Intellectual Property – federal, state and international trademark protection; copyright registration; nondisclosure agreements; licensing agreements
• Internet law – e-commerce transactions, domain name disputes, website legal documents, online privacy issues, online copyright issues
• Business transactions/contracts – licensing, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, independent contractor, employment, stock purchase/sale, asset purchase/sale; acquisitions; agreements with investors; state/federal securities law exemptions (when issuing stock/taking money from investors)

How:

Ryan uses technology to make the practice of law as efficient as possible, enabling him to deliver high quality legal services / work product to clients in a more cost-effective way than traditional brick-and-mortar law firms can. He can work virtually, out of his home office, as does the support staff. Ryan meets clients at their office, at a nearby coffee house or at the conference rooms at CargoBay/OfficeBay. Also, as much as possible Ryan works on a fixed-fee or project-based billing basis, rather than the traditional time-based billable hour model. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, Ryan understands the value of a dollar and a business’s need to stay within budget.

Why:

You don’t need to go to the Bay Area or LA to get these services.

corriganlawgroup.com

559.326.7919

TalentLocal Archive

Day 1: Ryan C. Jones, photographing genius

Day 2: Layne Lev, webtastically awesome

Day 3: Ryan Corrigan, entrepreneurial lawyer

Day 4: Kengi, Miles & Eric, 3Ding Dudes

Day 5: Brenda Carrasco, consumption engineer

Day 6: Robert Schultz, Techie McGeekerson

Day 7: Hank Delcore, design voyeur

Day 8: Bradley Fitzhenry, hey mister DJ

Day 9: Marc Lutz, inky & the brain

Buy Local (Talent): Layne Lev

Layne can pose with arms crossed in a smug fashion, because he is a stud. Actually, he is not smug at all. Layne is a killer designer and a pretty kick-ass wordsmith (try challenging him on Words with Friends user: LayneLev).

Layne's company, Hundred10 Design, does quality work for quality clients. He does a lot of work for some big brands (local and out-of-town). I guess you should only work with Layne if you want things done right. If you are lazy, dumb, or boring, have your nephew "design" your website.

TalentLocal

Below is more information about Layne Lev.

Who:

Layne Lev––partner in Hundred10, Fresno boomerang, and Words with Friends Specialist

What:

Hundred10 tackles all types of graphic design projects but the firm's main specialty is web site design and development.

How:

Layne has amazing attention to the "design" part of web design. He puts a tremendous amount of thought into user interaction and how to properly advance the brand in the web space.

Why:

Layne has been lucky enough to work with some pretty big names on the web - Netflix, Monster.com, Keynote Systems - in addition to some great local companies like EYE-Q Vision Care, Granville Homes, and Fresno State University. Last year, the firm were recognized with a national Addy for its work on the Pangea Restaurant web site.

Layne admitted that he is proud that Hundred can get some of those companies to look in Fresno's direction for that kind of work now. Ten years ago, that probably wouldn't have happened.

Hundred10.com

559.230.0110

follow Layne on Twitter: @LayneLev

TalentLocal Archive

Day 1: Ryan C. Jones, photographing genius

Day 2: Layne Lev, webtastically awesome

Day 3: Ryan Corrigan, entrepreneurial lawyer

Day 4: Kengi, Miles & Eric, 3Ding Dudes

Day 5: Brenda Carrasco, consumption engineer

Day 6: Robert Schultz, Techie McGeekerson

Day 7: Hank Delcore, design voyeur

Day 8: Bradley Fitzhenry, hey mister DJ

Day 9: Marc Lutz, inky & the brain

Buy Local (Talent): Ryan C. Jones

This guy does good great work. Ryan is one part philosopher, one part visual architect, and one part artist. He shoots a lot of weddings (gotta pay the bills, right) but is going to make a big splash on the music scene with the way he can capture sound, movement and experience with his lens.

I've had the pleasure to know Ryan for about 6 months. In that time, he has proven to be a great asset to the community, a lover of local music and supporter of most things local. He pours himself into his work and says that he has a nasty habit of becoming friends with his clients (not really a bad thing, right?).

TalentLocal

Below is more information about Ryan C. Jones.

Who:

Ryan C. Jones, owner and primary photographer, RCJones Photography

What:

Commericial, Creative Portrait, Wedding Photography, Music Industry Photography

How:

He aims to do more than merely take a picture. Ryan will tell a story that is meaningful, creative and just a little different than what you might expect.

Why:

He is a boomerang. Ryan moved to Southern California with the intention of never coming back, but after seeing the progress of the artistic and photographic community in Fresno, he made the decision to move back after three years away and hopefully help raise the bar for what's considered good art in the Central Valley. He's been back for a little over a year and a half now and, in his words, "it was hands-down the best decision I've ever made."

rcjonesphotography.com

rcjonesphotographyblog.com

559.593.5073

follow Ryan on Twitter: @rcjonesphoto

TalentLocal Archive

Day 1: Ryan C. Jones, photographing genius

Day 2: Layne Lev, webtastically awesome

Day 3: Ryan Corrigan, entrepreneurial lawyer

Day 4: Kengi, Miles & Eric, 3Ding Dudes

Day 5: Brenda Carrasco, consumption engineer

Day 6: Robert Schultz, Techie McGeekerson

Day 7: Hank Delcore, design voyeur

Day 8: Bradley Fitzhenry, hey mister DJ

Day 9: Marc Lutz, inky & the brain