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A GPS in Every Car
January 2nd, 2008
I traveled quite a lot the past couple of weeks, and I noticed an obvious trend. It seems to me that almost every car on the highway has a GPS installed. I observed this during a 12 hour drive on a major highway, a trip to Arizona, and as a passenger in a taxi. Being a GPS owner myself (TomTom One), I have an eye for this gadget. I’ve owned a handheld GPS for several years (bought one of the original Garmins), and it seems like the general consumer has caught up. Is 2008 the tipping point for GPS?
It is obvious that GPS is here to stay. Here’s how I know.
GPS passes the “Wii” test. That is, you can pick it up and play just as easily as Nintendo Wii. There is no need to read instructions or a manual. My father recently got interested in GPS, and he asked me how difficult it is to use. So, when we were in Arizona (a place where we both have no clue about directions), he was able to easily input an address and get turn-by-turn directions. I gave him no advance instructions or training. It is the exact same situation I encountered when my brother asked me how to play Nintendo Wii. I told him, “just play,” and he did.
On the way to JFK airport, the driver from the car service told me that he could not live without GPS. It is a way of life for him. I think this is now true for the rest of us.
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Back from Canada
June 30th, 2007
Another wonderful trip to Canada for fishing, outdoors, and peace. The weather and fishing was great. This year was a particularly introspective trip for me. I’ve been thinking a lot about “Good to Great” and other business philosophy. I’ve also got a lot going on in my career. I know the rule is to not think about work during vacation — and it is easy to get off the grid in northern Ontario where, in our camp, there are no cell towers, television, phones, or electricity. You are alone with your thoughts.
How would I some up my thoughts? “Look before you cross.”
I’m back and ready for the second half of the year — whatever it may bring.
Thank you, Canada.
Thank you, Canada
June 19th, 2006
I love Canada. It is not political, social, or economic. It is spiritual. Each June, I travel to a remote fishing camp in the woods of northwestern Ontario. It is hard to get there, but worth the journey. No electricity, cell-phones, Internet — nothing.
It is solitude — voluntary isolation. A time to reflect, think, and make observations about work, life, and the world. I also catch some fish. I come back recharged and motivated. It is my retreat.
This year was especially meaningful for several reasons. So, thank you, Canada.
- Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattklawitter/sets/72157594170712642/
- Videos: http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=mattklawitter
Stillness
June 27th, 2004
This is a sunrise in north western Ontario, Canada. My father took this snapshot while we were waiting for our 5 a.m. flight out of camp. My yearly vacation to Canada helps me remember that even though our lives seems so hectic, immediate and hurried, there are places on Earth that look like this everyday…and have for millions of years.
