How appropriate, as I have been analyzing commodity food prices, especially general staple foods including milk, eggs and fruit. I noticed that on a wholesale examination, prices have risen nearly 27% within 16 months with economic indicators pointing upwards. [...]]]> So, I must admit – my mobile app addiction has transferred from Angry Birds to this game called Fruit Ninjas.

How appropriate, as I have been analyzing commodity food prices, especially general staple foods including milk, eggs and fruit. I noticed that on a wholesale examination, prices have risen nearly 27% within 16 months with economic indicators pointing upwards. A majority of those price increases reside in our produce, mainly because of the fact that we can have formerly seasonal fruits year round thanks to our good friends down in Chile.

However, with anything global, there are unintended consequences in regards to food tracking and the resurgence of the “locally grown” movement.

So like everything in our lives, technology comes to the rescue.

There is a new technology that allows smartphone users (that are able to scan barcodes via their camera) an opportunity to get additional information directly in store about the produce they consume — including where the product came from, shipment date and such. Additionally, consumers would be to immediately share that information (as well as how delicious, or not, the produce was) over social media via mobile.

January 25th’s show on Larry Mantle’s Airtalk Show delves deep into this idea on the following link:

http://leep.it/su

Now, if grocery stores would realize that they can stop sending me circulars in the mail and push coupons to me on my mobile…

We all know that the American Recession has impacted a number of communities in all of our states, forcing families and consumers to rethink their ideas about home, [...]]]> While it may take a village to raise a child, it may only take a few villagers with smartphones to make the village a better place to live.

We all know that the American Recession has impacted a number of communities in all of our states, forcing families and consumers to rethink their ideas about home, leisure and the like. Whether consumers are repurchasing  homes or staying in the rental market, Americans are realizing that it may make sense to spend less and take better care of what you have.

Fortunately, this idea of “taking better care of what you have” includes also our cities. With the advent of integrated GPS, camera, video and SMS, villagers (…err…citizens) can instantaneously report code violations, unsafe conditions, crime and take writing your local politicians to a whole new level. How about an application or WAP page that allows citizens to take photos/videos to send to officials, SMS quick correspondence from the government to constituents and much much more. I mean, we use Foursquare, Facebook Places and Google Latitude to share the much needed information about where we ate, but what about using the same technology to share where a food vendor is doing illegal dumping!

This use of digital/mobile technology can not only improve the quality of life for the cities but also significantly reduce financial waste (as well as time, but then again, time is money right?) while increasing the efficiency of municipal governments. What a novel idea…but then again, textopoly is the place where good ideas go to become digital reality…

And by the way, who remembers mobile back in the day? Where you like THIS guy?

From elementary school to college, most kids don’t know that parents quietly act as if they are going to work when the kids are off [...]]]> In many states, August means a few things to parents – slow news, end of summer, and most of all, lower utility bills because – THE KIDS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL!!!

From elementary school to college, most kids don’t know that parents quietly act as if they are going to work when the kids are off to school. What really happens is that the cash register at BevMo sings in anticipation and all over the nation, parents are partying like it’s 1999. Or maybe just sleeping…

Unfortunately, there are repercussions to the glorious start of the school year. It is what most parents dread – filling out continuous, monotonous, and repetitious paperwork – which is further exacerbated if you have multiple children in school.

I was recently speaking with some college friends, who are also parents, about the treachery of school forms:

“I abhor signing a form stating that you have read & understand the “handbook” that you have to go online to read. You can check a box if you need a paper copy, but only after you sign & return the  form. What?! Streamline your processes! Oh, and all of the forms are due back the next day. ”

- Dr. D. Owens

I have experienced the same. I understand the need of having a paper copy back up on file of parents acknowledgement, student emergency cards and other pertinent information. However, when the school has to input this date into a database anyway, wouldnt it make sense for this to start on digital?

I shouldn’t complain though, as my children’s school district is on the forefront of using mobile & digital. In the past, the school used to send pertinent information and notices home via my 6 year old, and of course, its either lost, made into a paper plane, or crumbled beneath the other stuff in their bag.

This year, the school decided to GO GREEN & GO DIGITAL. Now, most of the notices are texted to me, with the dates able to populate my calendar on my phone.  Which, of course, is synced to my desktop calendar. Also, an IVRU calls my phone with information if it needs to be longer than 140 characters and is also transcribed to my email with my google phone number. Some of the documents I need to view are online, and if I would like a paper copy, I can request one electronically where I can pick up at the school, saving postage. And believe it not, my children attend public school, not private school.

Now this is not a knock on public schools or private schools, but what I believe separates the two is that some private (or charter) schools have to take a “start-up” mentality – looking at new and exciting ways to teach, do business and get parents involved. An LA Times article (http://leep.it/oT) noted that the Los Angeles School District lost $10 Million dollars due to to the inefficiency of its inventory tracking system.  I wonder how old was the system? Some public schools could use the intelligence of innovation, but within cost range, because, alas, I dont think “talking benches” (http://leep.it/oU) are an efficient way to spend money, at least tax payer’s money…but I digress…

I am not saying that digital and mobile should replace all paper correspondence,  however, both allow for flexibility, convenience and cost efficiency.  Maybe schools should consider joining the republic of digital….

When I am traveling with no access to a farmers market, I usually pick up Fresh [...]]]> Yes, you’re still at the Team Textopoly blog where we give you all things digital and mobile. However, in honor of my recent sighting of Rachael Ray, I started to think about the importance of mobile and what we eat.

When I am traveling with no access to a farmers market, I usually pick up Fresh Express pre-packaged salads. However, that came to a crashing end when I read this 3 days after my purchase:

http://leep.it/mD

Now, the FDA (& CDC) still has a recall list you can sign up with for email here:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm

of which gets lost in the mix of other emails. Yes, I know.

Now wouldn’t it be great if we could segregate those alerts based upon location, food (for vegetarians, etc), instead of merely date of recall? And this goes for other recalls as well.  Many fathers like myself have cringed when finding that a toddler toy has been recalled, after having spent 23 hours assembling it.

And if we could get it sent to our mobile? awesomeness….

The purpose of government is to protect (i.e. military) and inform its citizens (thankfully with organizations like the FDA).  However, as time moves on and black & white television is replaced with color, and Big Blue Computers are replaced with minicomputers the size of your palm, the government should be on the cutting edge of reaching its citizens with all things digital…and mobile…

UPDATE: So, while writing this, I was reminded again of tools the FDA could use as I read about the massive egg recall (http://leep.it/mP) , of which a brand I recently purchased (AND USED) was included, Lucerne.

Here is a Rachel Ray-like thought.  The grocery stores already know what we buy when we use those reward cards and programs. (and yes, we know you’re collecting data on us) Additionally some, like Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons have your number tied to the reward card. Wouldnt it make sense to be able to automate this recall process with those two pieces of data? SMS?

BTW, if Rachael Ray did work here, she’d probably would be doing this:

“Digital connectedness is becoming too much of a burden. Disconnected will become the new luxury” -William Powers

As the resident horologist for Team Textopoly, I began to [...]]]> Recently, I was at a Financial Times Conference that focused on the business of luxury goods, examining trading research for my investment fund. One of the more interesting quotes included the following:

“Digital connectedness is becoming too much of a burden. Disconnected will become the new luxury”
-William Powers

As the resident horologist for Team Textopoly, I began to look into how many luxury watch brands are using mobile wap, app or sms and eschewing Mr. Powers’ analysis. Some of the luxury watch brands use mobile to not only connect, but also inform potential buyers, giving them additional tools to use when they visit their authorized dealer.

Venerable watch maker Patek Philippe, with pieces starting from $12,300 up to $1 million, believe in the Powers quote with good reason:

“When you buy a Patek Philippe, you need to feel and touch it and you need good advice. Patek Philippe is not only about business but also about passion. If I sell online, I’ll lose that,” said Thierry Stern, chief executive of one of the very few remaining family-owned Swiss watchmakers.

Mr. Stern is absolutely correct, as the weight of the watch, the look of the crystal, the feel of the material or metal is important.  However, some other brands are not only embracing online, but are looking at mobile apps and waps to engage future potential buyers. Here is a review of some:

IWC¹ – IWC, a Schaffhausen-based watchmaker known to adorn the wrists of people like John Mayer and designer Tom Ford, offers a mobile application that allows users to envision an IWC on their wrist, as well as detailed collection information. Most importantly, it offers locations where buyers can go and take Mr. Stern’s advice.

BELL & ROSS² - Bell & Ross is another Swiss made piece founded by French watchmakers.  Entertainers such as Zach Braff and Bruce Springsteen prefer this brand.  B&R’s mobile site & app offers a display of their collection, locations to purchase and a short in-house produced video to show the power of their “instrument” watch.

A  LANGE & SOHNE – ALS is an older, German brand whose mobile app offers a view of their collection gallery, in addition to messages from the firm. Point of sale and service information is also included on the mobile app.

PERRELET – Perrelet originated the self-winding mechanism in 1770 and jumped into the mobile app world in 2009. Their app showcases their turbine model as well as contact information for the company.

HUBLOT- Hublot is an iconic brand built upon their Big Bang series and offers a Maradona watch for football fans.  This brand has a robust wap site that shows their diverse collection and news.

MARVIN – Swiss based Marvin Watch has an iphone and wap enabled site that offers news, brand information, collection and contact information. Marvin takes it further and has a “Community Manager” Jerome Pineau who actively uses social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs like Hodinkee.com) to connect with current and potential buyers.  His participation has definitely influenced me to get my hands on the brand.

Clearly, there are some luxury brands that understand the importance of having a presence in the digital world and using that presence to introduce new generations to their wares. If that presence begins with mobile (or facebook, or iPad, etc), then Team Textopoly is the one you should call.

PS

Here is something interesting, too.  Swiss watchmaker Ulysse Nardin³ recently announced plans and a website (http://www.uncells.com/) for the worlds first hybrid luxury watch and cell phone (“The Chairman”) running on the Google Android. Similar to how a mechanical watch is powered by kinetic energy, The Chairman’s battery will be backed up by the mechanical rotor inside the phone. Eat your heart out iPhone and Vertu!

*For the record, I am a hardcore Paneristi, but my collection includes Big Pilot^1, a BR01-92² and a Maxi Marine³

Today, a recent Supreme Court ruling (HERE) paved the way to lift the ban on Corporations making independent campaign expenditures for political advertising in books, films and other media. Regardless of how you stand on the issue, for us in the mobile world, this can provide an additional opportunity to [...]]]>

Mr. Franklin Goes to Washington

Today, a recent Supreme Court ruling (HERE) paved the way to lift the ban on Corporations making independent campaign expenditures for political advertising in books, films and other media. Regardless of how you stand on the issue, for us in the mobile world, this can provide an additional opportunity to create great gains and showcase the value of mobile.

A recent AdWeek article (HERE) suggested that political advertising will hit $3.3 billion in 2010, an 11 percent increase over 2008. Broadcast TV will reap the lion’s share at $2.2 billion (or 67 percent of the total), with $2 billion going to local TV, $150 million to cable and $50 million to network TV. Direct mail will get $650 million (or 20 percent of the ad spend), followed by radio at $250 million (or 8 percent) and newspaper at $95 million (or 3 percent). Outdoor and the Internet are forecast to reach $55 million and $50 million, respectively.

Now, while it may seem paltry, mobile (SMS, WAP and APP) can be used to bridge all of those expenditures together and will probably account for a portion of the estimated $55 million in internet advertising. While it is amazing that a venue like direct mail will get $650 million in an era where “green is king”, mobile is slowing showing that it is more than just a tool for selecting the best American Idol, it can be a tool for getting the message out while reducing waste.

First, the Crimson Tide placed a mighty stomping on “The School That Shall Not be Named” and proved that team sports means just that, not relying on one person.

Next, after a thrashing the [...]]]> As a married Texan and graduate of Texas A&M, nothing filled my heart more than a few items that occurred over the weekend.

First, the Crimson Tide placed a mighty stomping on “The School That Shall Not be Named” and proved that team sports means just that, not relying on one person.

Next, after a thrashing the week prior, my beloved Dallas Cowboys yet again spanked the Philadelphia Eagles and proved that great teams can make great mistakes (especially in December), but it is all about the recovery.

Lastly, I was out at dinner with my wife and she told the world that she had on Victoria Secret’s Black Lace.

All three items have one thing in common – social media. During the BCS game, I was watching the game while talking iSmack to my Longhorn friends back in Texas. During Saturday’s Cowboys game, I cheered along with my Texas kindred spirits while giving my Philly friends an iWedgie. My wife’s “ladies room” chat about breast cancer and the colour of her undies was had by thousands of women across the internet. Facebook played a major part in all three phenomenons, but more importantly, only a small amount of people where in front of their desktop participating in these activities.

It was all via mobile.

Social Media truly became “social” when people realized that they can actually take the net with them away from their offices and desks.

Many articles (leep.it) talked about the Breast Cancer Facebook meme as a viral phenom that was more slacktivism that activism. An example from NPR observed:

One participant indicated that “I changed my status, but I don’t know anything more about breast cancer or how to protect myself against it. Now all my Facebook friends just know the color of my bra”.

The major news stations, MSNBC, NPR and other traditional and nontraditional media outlets did help raise awareness by simply talking about the occurrence. I found it also telling that the meme was carried more via Facebook than Twitter, considering a recent Harvard Business School study (leep.it) that found that on a typical online social network, most of the activity is focused around women – men follow content produced by women they do and do not know, and women follow content produced by women they know.

Advertisers, politicians and single guys should take note. Advertisers should also note that the study found that, the top 10% of prolific Twitter users accounted for over 90% of tweets. On a typical online social network, the top 10% of users account for 30% of all production.

It is amazing that social media has the ability to make an idea spread, a la Seth Godin (leep.it), and it is also telling that in this instance, mobile will be the “first screen” to connect our society — whether they are using Facebook, Twitter, or any other venue.

Currently, the FCC prohibits in-flight use of cell phones, and there’s a bill pending in Congress to ban mobile from flights altogether . The resistance [...]]]> Recently a local NPR Station hosted a forum discussing mobile use on airlines, highlighting that our European counterparts such as RyanAir & British Airways already allow passengers to use mobile.

Currently, the FCC prohibits in-flight use of cell phones, and there’s a bill pending in Congress to ban mobile from flights altogether . The resistance is partly related to security & unresolved technical issues, such as concerns about interference with navigation equipment. Some of those who support mobile use argue that the same concern was raised before airlines where able to provide wireless capability (wifi) during flight.

However, there are also issues with mobile use on planes due to noise levels and safety (imagine the conference call guy not paying attention to the flight attendants during emergencies) .

Are we behind the times? Or are we better off staying off phone? Do we live in a society so connected and entrenched in personal rights that individuals ssould be able to make a choice of being able to talk on the phone during flights?

What say you? Tell us what you think in our comments section.

SOUND OFF
Full Disclosure: I dont talk on my mobile while in flight, however, I am able to text to my staff and colleagues, which allows me to remain productive, especially during market hours. Want to know a slick way to text while in flight? Ask me how…