Random Rants & News

My friend, Chris Semke, finally got around to posting on his blog. He has been talking about it for a very long time, but just never got around to it. Check it out here. Lets just hope that he keeps it up.

One of my favorite television shows is “Grey’s Anatomy.” I have been following the show since the very first episodes and to my own surprise I stumbled over some interesting Grey’s news today:

There are some rumors that ABC might be planning a spinoff to be broadcasted this coming May. Apparently, Dr. Addison Montgomery-Sheperd (played by Kate Walsh) will be the main character, as ABC will remove part of the show’s story line in order to incorporate it in the new spinoff. Shonda Rhimes, who is the creator of Grey’s Anatomy, will also be in charge of the new show. I have not heard whether Shonda has already decided what the title of the new show will be, but I will keep you all posted.

I am sure that there is more news to come on this and hope that over the next couple of days we will be able to crystalize a better understanding of ABC’s plans.

In today’s Wall Street Journal, Kevin Delaney and Matthew Karnitschnig take up the issue of Google’s vision for its online video business. As many of you know, Google bought you-tube last year for $1.7 billion, outbidding several competitive offers. However, ’till this day Google has been struggling to turn its new business profitable.
Most recently, television executives have been challenging Google in regards to illegally posted TV shows. During the past month Google executives and CBS Corp. executives were working on a multiyear deal to let YouTube visitors watch episodes of CBS’ top shows online. Right now, all is pointing towards the end of any such deal. Additionally, NBC and Viacom (MTV Networks, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central) have pressured Google and accused it of copyright infringement.

All these and more are signs that Google’s success in the web industry, specifically search, will be hard to replicate in the digital media sector. Google’s video service is not the only one facing a rough path in the road. Google’s news reader syndicator and its attempts to scan and make available millions of published books are facing challengers.

It will be extremely interesting to see how things pan out for Google as it continues to venture outside of its core search business.

I just returned from my brief trip to Seattle this morning. I attended a GAMP/Gonzaga Business School Forum speaker event at the World Trade Center. Stein Kruse, CEO and President of Holland America Line, gave a phenomenal talk about the history and culture of the cruise line/tourist emporium. Holland America, which has been around for over 130 years, has a history of excellence and tradition that touches every continent around the globe.

Holland America, which owns and operates 13 vessels (several more have been ordered recently) sail to over 280 ports of call. Stein Kruse’s talk was centered around the history of the business, as well as outlining the mission and culture of the Seattle based firm. Holland America has received several awards for its program of excellence as well as its groundbreaking advancements in the areas of environmental protection and ethical corporate conduct.

Mr. Kruse made a convincing case for Holland America Line’s policy of excellence, in both corporate conduct and innovation. Ever since, Stein Kruse took over at the helm of the company in late 2003, he has fostered an environment that favors innovation and change, making Holland America Lines one of the most consistently ranked top cruise-liners. He has also, in corporation with his management team, developed the current mission, which is symbolic of the culture at Holland America.

“Through Excellence, we create once in a lifetime experiences every time.”

Mr. Kruse also addressed some of the difficulties he believes the cruise-industry will be facing, as the market continues to mature and ports of call begin to reach their capacities. He talked about the growth that the cruise-industry has been experiencing and is expected to experience in key markets. He noted that the American market is beginning to show signs of becoming a mature market, while at the same time the European market is promising tremendous growth potential.

Overall, the talk was a great opportunity to learn more about Holland America Line and the challenges and opportunities the company is facing. I enjoyed meeting Stein Kruse and appreciated the chance to talk with him personally for a few minutes after his presentation.