Now Working for Microsoft

As if every publication hasn't already offered enough coverage on the topic, I'd like to share the news that my employer; aQuantive (AQNT), today announced their acquisition by Microsoft (MSFT).

While every publication and ad rag may have offered you an outsider's take, I'm here to offer you an insider's perspective.

I first learned of the news by email this morning shortly before 8:30am EST. I read the note with mixed emotions — err, mostly surprise and amazement. Rumors of a Microsoft acquisition of our Atlas division have been floating around for weeks, but a purchase of Mother AQNT? Absurd! I wondered, alongside other early morning stragglers; "what would Microsoft want with an interactive advertising and media agency"? Sure, scoop up Atlas' ad-serving tool to go head-to-head with Google/DoubleClick = DoubleGoo. The price of the spin off might hover close to 1 billion, but the days of $3 billion ad-serving purchases are soooo last quarter. 24/7 only cost WPP $649 million!

So, my day at the office today consisted of several all-hands conference calls and in-person speeches — by every last AQNT and MSFT member of senior leadership. The word on the street is, naturally, "business as usual". Once the acquisition officially passes mustard with the U.S. Gov't, our business units will continue to operate separately from our new parent company, folding under MS Professional Services division. Sounds greeaaaat.

What does this mean for Avenue A | Razorfish? What does it mean for me? Time will tell, and this will surely be the spot you'll find out. Stay Tuned.

NY Auto Show 2007

Jen and I spent Saturday afternoon at the NY Auto Show. We were impressed with the amount of concept cars featured this year. One concept car in particular stood out — the Lincoln MKR. See all 60+ photos we took at the show.

A Dream of a Hotel

I've traveled a lot and have stayed in some extravagant hotels. But never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined the existence of such a massive, awe-inspiring creative exhibition as that of Hotel Puerta America Madrid.

You first have to wrap your head around the idea that each of the 13 floors were designed by a separate, world renowned architect or designer. In planning, each floor had a near limitless budget (total cost of hotel construction: $90 million) and the freedom to personally interpret what a hotel should look and feel like.

It's refreshing to see that their website does such beautiful justice to the monumental effort in erecting this masterpiece. When you stop by the site, soak up the rich photography, read designer bios, check out videos and explore each floor by devouring every thumbnail and clever caption.

Thanks to the fine folks at getTRIO for the link!

Improv'ing at the UCBT

Having a blast in my Improv 101 class at UCBT, taught by Zach Woods. I've been seeing shows at the Upright Citizens Brigade for 5+ years and without fail have always been enthralled by the performance. My clever and thoughtful wife bought me classes at the UCB as my 2-year anniversary gift. Just what we need in our relationship after 2 years — someone with formal training to 'turn up' the drama (?)

I feel the pressure being the only one in the class without formal acting training or aspirations to pursue a professional acting career. But a few classmates have assured me that they appreciate my deadpan delivery and the fact that I don't "over-act".

My classmate's comment may come as a surprise to my wife, seeing that on numerous occasions she's accused me of "over-acting" at home. But with my new training, I'm almost certain more drama at home will ensue.

FreshDirect: Dinner at our Doorstep

I can't say enough good things about FreshDirect! Prepared dinners are exquisitely arranged, produce is remarkably fresh and they offer a healthy selection of organic foods. All of this wholesome goodness brought right to our door by a friendly delivery guy!

My one major gripe is their website — more than just a moot point, since it's the way you place an order. FreshDirect's product categorization leaves a bit to be desired as well as the navigation being quite clumsy and non-intuitive. Photos and descriptions are decent, however there must be more enticing ways to feature product.

Competitive prices with our local supermarket and a generous choice of delivery times have made this a service we can't live without. After a consultation with our usability team, there just may be hope for their site.

My Letter to Business 2.0

The following is a copy of my letter I sent to the Business 2.0 (magazine) editor. I was prompted to write in, after struggling through page-by-page with their recent issue of the redesigned pub. Does anyone else share in my opinion? I surely cannot be alone...

Dear Mr. Quittner & Co.,

I have been a long time subscriber and satisfied reader of your magazine. I am also a subscriber to similar publications such as FastCompany, BusinessWeek, WIRED, etc.

I am writing today to express my dissatisfaction with your new design and layout you recently rolled out. The look and feel suddenly feels cheap and amateurish. While I understand you are making efforts to cater to a new audience with much shorter attention spans thanks to the birth of new interactive media, the results are lackluster.

While your content is still attractive to me, as a result of the poor redesign, you have lost me as a reader. I will look to my other sources for pertinent business and technology news. Please write to me should you reconsider your magazine's new look. I will be easily persuaded to return as a faithful reader.

Itty Bitty Kitchen, Part II

While our "itty bitty" kitchen offers a delightful array of modern appliances, beautiful flooring and ample cabinet space—it entirely lacks direct sunlight.

Amazingly, it seems that a small town in Italy shares our grief. The mayor of Viganella, Italy, has deployed a giant steel mirror that tracks the sun’s movements. And what's incredible is that the huge mirror is controlled by a laptop!

Mum's the word if my wife's cosmetic mirror "mysteriously" goes missing...

Age-O-Matic

Sure, you say that your job gives you grey hair. And those fluorescent lights? ...they wreak havoc on your complexion. But did you ever think this weathering on your face could happen in real-time?

Career Builder has put together a simulator called the Age-O-Matic that allows you to upload your own photo and age yourself according to what you predict the damage your job will cause.