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Clayton Christensen's "How Will You Measure Your Life?"
World-renowned innovation expert Clayton M. Christensen explores the personal benefits of business research in the forthcoming book How Will You Measure Your Life? Coauthored with James Allworth and Karen Dillon, the book explains how well-tested academic theories can help us find meaning and happiness not just at work, but in life.
Editor's note: Every year, HBS Professor Clayton Christensen teaches students that well-tested academic theories can help them succeed not just in business, but in life. He expounds upon those lessons in his forthcoming book, How Will You Measure Your Life? Co-authored with James Allworth (MBA 2010) and Karen Dillon, the book uses meaningful corporate and personal anecdotes to extoll the value of theory in finding and creating happiness.
"You'll see that without theory, we're at sea without a map or a sextant," Christensen writes. "If we can't see beyond what's close by, we're relying on chance—on the currents of life—to guide us."
Christensen also believes that certain common business principles are misguided and even dangerous. In the following excerpt, he explains why focusing on marginal costs and revenues can lead to personal, professional, and moral failure.
The Trap of Marginal Thinking
In the late 1990s, Blockbuster dominated the movie rental industry in the United States. It had stores all over the country, a significant size advantage, and what appeared to be a stranglehold on the market. Blockbuster had made huge investments in its inventory for all its stores. But, obviously, it didn't make money from movies sitting on the shelves; it was only when a customer rented a movie that Blockbuster made anything. It therefore needed to get the customer to watch the movie quickly, and then return it quickly, so that the clerk could rent the same DVD to different customers again and again. It wasn't long before Blockbuster realized that people didn't like returning movies quickly, so it increased late fees so much that analysts estimated that 70 percent of Blockbuster's profits were from these fees.
Set against this backdrop, a little upstart called Netflix emerged in the 1990s with a novel idea: rather than make people go to the video store, why don't we mail DVDs to them? Netflix's business model made profit in just the opposite way to Blockbuster's. Netflix customers paid a monthly fee-and the company made money when customers didn't watch the DVDs that they had ordered. As long as the DVDs sat unwatched at customers' homes, Netflix did not have to pay return postage-or send out the next batch of movies that the customer had already paid the monthly fee to get.
"As Blockbuster learned the hard way, we end up paying for the full cost of our decisions, not the marginal costs, whether we like it or not."
It was a bold move: Netflix was the quintessential David going up against the Goliath of the movie rental industry. Blockbuster had billions of dollars in assets, tens of thousands of employees, and 100 percent brand recognition. If Blockbuster decided it wanted to go after this nascent market, it would have the resources to make life very difficult for the little start-up.
But it didn't.
By 2002, the upstart was showing signs of potential. It had $150 million in revenues and a 36 percent profit margin. Blockbuster investors were starting to get nervous—there was clearly something to what Netflix was doing. Many pressured the incumbent to look more closely at the market. "Obviously, we pay attention to any way people are getting home entertainment. We always look at all those things," is how a Blockbuster's responded in a 2002 press release. "We have not seen a business model that is financially viable in the long term in this arena. Online rental services are 'serving a niche market.' "
Netflix, on the other hand, thought this market was fantastic. It didn't need to compare it to an existing and profitable business: its baseline was no profit and no business at all. This "niche" market seemed just fine.
So, who was right?
By 2011, Netflix had almost 24 million customers. And Blockbuster? It declared bankruptcy the year before.
Blockbuster's mistake? To follow a principle that is taught in every fundamental course in finance and economics. That is, in evaluating alternative investments, we should ignore sunk and fixed costs, and instead base decisions on the marginal costs and revenues that each alternative entails. But it's a dangerous way of thinking. Almost always, such analysis shows that the marginal costs are lower, and marginal profits are higher, than the full cost.
This doctrine biases companies to leverage what they have put in place to succeed in the past, instead of guiding them to create the capabilities they'll need in the future. If we knew the future would be exactly the same as the past,that approach would be fine. But if the future's different—and it almost always is—then it's the wrong thing to do. As Blockbuster learned the hard way, we end up paying for the full cost of our decisions, not the marginal costs, whether we like it or not.
You End Up Paying the Full Price Anyway
Case studies such as this one helped me resolve a paradox that has appeared repeatedly in my attempts to help established companies that are confronted by disruptive entrants—as was the case with Blockbuster. Once their executives understood the peril that the disruptive attackers posed, I would say, "Okay. Now the problem is that your sales force is not going to be able to sell these disruptive products. They need to be sold to different customers, for different purposes. You need to create a different sales force." Inevitably they would respond, "Clay, you have no idea how much it costs to create a new sales force. We need to leverage our existing sales team."
The language of the disruptive attackers was completely different: "It's time to create the sales force." Hence, the paradox: Why is it that the big, established companies that have so much capital find these initiatives to be so costly? And why do the small entrants with much less capital find them to be straightforward?
The answer lies in their approach to marginal versus full costs. Every time an executive in an established company needs to make an investment decision, there are two alternatives on the menu. The first is the full cost of making something completely new. The second is to leverage what already exists.
Almost always, the marginal-cost argument overwhelms the full-cost. When there is competition, and this thinking causes established companies to continue to use what they already have in place, they pay far more than the full cost—because the company loses its competitiveness. As Henry Ford once put it, "If you need a machine and don't buy it, then you will ultimately find that you have paid for it and don't have it." Thinking on a marginal basis can be very, very dangerous.
An Unending Stream of Extenuating Circumstances
This marginal-cost argument applies the same way in choosing right and wrong: it addresses a question I discuss with my students: how to live a life of integrity—and stay out of jail. The marginal cost of doing something "just this once" always seems to be negligible, but the full cost will typically be much higher. Yet unconsciously, we will naturally employ the marginal-cost doctrine in our personal lives. A voice in our head says, "Look, I know that as a general rule, most people shouldn't do this. But in this particular extenuating circumstance, just this once, it's okay." And the voice in our head seems to be right; the price of doing something wrong "just this once" usually appears alluringly low. It suckers you in, and you don't see where that path is ultimately headed or the full cost that the choice entails.
"The marginal cost of doing something 'just this once' always seems to be negligible, but the full cost will typically be much higher."
Recent years have offered plenty of examples of people who were extremely well-respected by their colleagues and peers falling from grace because they made this mistake. Nick Leeson, the twenty-six-year-old trader who famously brought down British merchant bank Barings in 1995 after racking up $1.3 billion in trading losses before being detected, suffered exactly this fate and talks about how marginal thinking led him down an inconceivable path. In hindsight, it all started with one small step: a relatively small error. But he didn't want to admit to it. Instead, he covered it up by hiding the loss in a little-scrutinized trading account. It led him deeper and deeper down a path of deception.
He lied to cover lies; he forged documents, misled auditors, and made false statements to try to hide his mounting losses. Eventually, he arrived at his moment of reckoning. He was arrested at the airport in Germany, having fled his home in Singapore. As Barings realized the extent of Leeson's debt, it was forced to declare bankruptcy. The bank was sold to ING for just 1 pound. Twelve hundred employees lost their jobs, some of them his friends. And Leeson was sentenced to six and a half years in a Singaporean prison.
How could hiding one mistake from his bosses end up leading to the undoing of a 233-year-old merchant bank, a conviction and imprisonment for fraud, and ultimately the failure of his marriage? It's almost impossible to see where Leeson would end up from the vantage point of where he started—but that's the danger of marginal thinking.
As soon as he took that first step, there was no longer a boundary where it suddenly made sense to turn around. The next step is always a small one, and given what you've already done, why stop now? Leeson described the feeling of walking down this dark road in an interview with the BBC: "[I] wanted to shout from the rooftops … this is what the situation is, there are massive losses, I want it to stop. But for some reason you're unable to do it."
100 Percent of the Time Is Easier Than 98 Percent of the Time
Many of us have convinced ourselves that we are able to break our own personal rules "just this once." In our minds, we can justify these small choices. None of those things, when they first happen, feels like a life-changing decision. The marginal costs are almost always low. But each of those decisions can roll up into a much bigger picture, turning you into the kind of person you never wanted to be.
I came to understand the potential damage of "just this once" in my own life when I was in England, playing on my university's varsity basketball team. It was a fantastic experience; I became close friends with everyone on the team. We killed ourselves all season, and our hard work paid off-we made it all the way to the finals of the big tournament. But then I learned that the championship game was scheduled to be played on a Sunday. This was a problem. At age sixteen, I had made a personal commitment to God that I would never play ball on Sunday because it is our Sabbath.
So I went to the coach before the tournament finals and explained my situation. He was incredulous. "I don't know what you believe," he said to me, "but I believe that God will understand." Every one of the guys on the team came to me and said, "You've got to play. Can't you break the rule, just this one time?"
It was a difficult decision to make. The team would suffer without me. The guys on the team were my best friends. We'd been dreaming about this all year. I'm a deeply religious man, so I went away to pray about what I should do. As I knelt to pray, I got a very clear feeling that I needed to keep my commitment. So I told the coach that I wasn't able to play in the championship game.
In so many ways, that was a small decision—involving one of several thousand Sundays in my life. In theory, surely I could have crossed over the line just that one time and then not done it again. But looking back on it, I realize that resisting the temptation of "in this one extenuating circumstance, just this once, it's okay" has proved to be one of the most important decisions of my life. Why? Because life is just one unending stream of extenuating circumstances. Had I crossed the line that one time, I would have done it over and over and over in the years that followed.
And it turned out that my teammates didn't need me. They won the game anyway.
If you give in to "just this once," based on a marginal-cost analysis, you'll regret where you end up. That's the lesson I learned: it's easier to hold to your principles 100 percent of the time than it is to hold to them 98 percent of the time. The boundary—your personal moral line—is powerful because you don't cross it; if you have justified doing it once, there's nothing to stop you doing it again.
Decide what you stand for. And then stand for it all the time.
From the forthcoming book HOW WILL YOU MEASURE YOUR LIFE? by Clayton M. Christensen, James Allworth & Karen Dillon. Copyright (c) 2012 by Clayton M. Christensen, James Allworth & Karen Dillon. To be published on May 15, 2012 by HarperBusiness, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
- Peter McCann
- President, MCCA McCann Corporate Consulting Associates
This is absolutely superb. I was deeply sceptical of the wishy-washy, mushy ethics classes that I was exposed to during my MBA in the 1980s at a well-konwn Canadian business schools; I believed that a muscular, well-articulated and consistent ethical approach had personal validity, though.
Professor Christensen's position is the best articulated expression of the consequences of morale failure.
The slippery slope of 'just this once' is seen frequently when considering so many frauds; and, it appears again and again in non-business failures.
This is a rigorous standard and one that I have not consistently met but a standard that I aspire to.
I look forward to reading the full book when published.
- David Shindler
- Owner, Dash Coaching Ltd
Great insight and timely given the moral vacuum our bankers and politicians have inhabited recently. I have had many arguments with people in business who cherry pick and vacillate when it comes to principles. Either they are deeply felt or expediency rules. My specialism is employability and my experience tells me that consistently and authentically standing for what you believe makes you stand out in the job market and in your career. It's competitive advantage and doing the right thing.
- Anonymous
Incredible . Can;t wait for the book !
- ajit
- None, None
Fabulous. Determine what you value, stand for it 100% of the time, no ifs ands or buts.
- Ravi Vir
Professor Christensen, The expediency of meeting short term targets while missing the big picture is all too common in our present environment. Your personal story eloquently illustrates the value of holding "true to your values". Thank you.
- arun
- software engineer
- Andrew Malele
- IT Systems Manager, maIT Computer Solutions
What an eye opener. It relates to big coporates that hang on to legacy systems that have gone past their life cycle years ago. Not wanting to evolve with technology and aquire new systems to enable easy information access and speedily decisions making by the sales person who brings in the revenues.
- Brett Butler
Brilliant article. Can't wait for the book. I am delighted to see HBS's renewed emphasis on promoting the values and ethics side of decisions in business. Our lives cannot be compartmentalized into business vs. personal, money vs. ethics, spiritual vs practical. Indeed, such compartmentalization is another way to miss the full cost of our decisions. I highly encourage HBS to continue challenging students and alumni to engage and grapple with the ethical side of our leadership.
Great article, thanks. I like Henry Ford's quote, "If you need a machine and don't buy it, then you will ultimately find that you have paid for it and don't have it". Classic ! I was reading about BP and how they had developed a management style which has made a "virtue of doing more for less". Eventually they were cutting corners and taking excessive risks because the priorities had been financial, rather than organizational integrity. As we know this resulted in a number of mishaps and disasters which were warnings to the road ahead. Finally resulting in the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico. BP were exposed to $70 billion in clean-up costs and lawsuits. And the wrecking of its brand in the USA and worldwide. I wonder how much their risky cost-cutting had saved them ? And how much was eventually lost in destruction to property and family businesses ?
BP CEO Tony Hayward lost his job over the incident. So much for approving a risky management style. Certainly not worth the costs whatever the numbers were. I also wonder how many poor short term decisions came because of shareholder pressure ? We have to change to way we think, and the way we work !
- Kapil kumar Sopory
- Company Secretary, SMEC(India) Private Limited
Our life is measured by our strength to stand firm on our basic principles-truth, honesty, morality,ethics and adherence to whatever is right. We must never compromise on these principles despite the short-term lure of some advantages which in foreseeable future will lead us to doom. That is common sense. If you plant thorns, flowers must not be eexpected. There do come occasions when we feel that we will not be caught if we very cleverly and intelligently commit a somewhat wrong action for big gain " just this once". Yes, we may not be caught. There commences a vicious circle of repetition(s) for we start believing that our action(s) are catch-proof. Such actions finally snowball to an unmanageable level and there is a great fall. This basic folly led to the failure of many large corporates which were rated very high untill their misdoings came to light. Thus, their top levels had to suffer badly and many are still in jails. In hindsight, a short sighted action led to all this. There is no alternate to being straightforward in the real sense. Greed kills, one must understand and be very wary of it. Our life is measured by positives and not by negatives which one may try to cover by shininig robes as the robes wear out sooner than later.
- Andreas Huettig
- Developer, Topcom
Well written article, BUT:
"There is nothing to stop you doing it again"? How about yourself? Maybe not take the easy way out, but take the hard way and fight for your beliefs. While still being able to decide when a justified exception appears. Yes, it's tempting to "break the rule" more often than necessary, but to never break them even if necessary just because you are lazy?
In the examples you gave, there wasn't a really necessary exception shown, so I don't want to say Nick Leeson should have lied in the first place or similar. But in the overall closing line, 98% may be harder to do, but it's also the "more right" thing to do. ...if you think about it, Leeson was more on the 0% side (or wich errors did he admit to make up for 98% of the errors?) and you obviously shouldn't be there.
- Liel Pascual
- Global Healthcare Network
Blockbuster's past success carried with it the seeds of its undoing. The Eastern philosophy of yin yang meets Prof. Christensen's rigorous academic framework.
Also looking forward to the book.
- Anonymous
Prof. did you make it back to the basketball team ? Just this once you broke your commitment to the team ? This case was more about priortization. There would be other solid examples i believe
- Anonymous
I had the pleasure of taking Professor Christensen's class at HBS in 2004, and in his final lecture he gave a speech similar to (and more comprehensive than) this article. It wasn't on any curriculum, but it was one of the most valuable lessons and pieces of advice I've gotten.
I am thrilled that Professor Christensen's message will now be delivered more broadly, and cannot wait to purchase this book.
- mark allen roberts
- CEO, OTB Solutions
This article is perfect. As we have so many companies trying to grow quickly the temptation to bend the rules to win a sale is ever-present.
As I have shared with my clients, you will have a number of spinning plates to juggle in your career, and there are two you can not ever let drop ; your core values , and your family. http://www.nosmokeandmirrors.com/2009/09/24/entrepreneur-best-practices-9-dont-let-the-two-most-important-plates-drop/
Making compromises to what you know is right is a death of 1000 cuts. Stay true to what is right and serve your market and your team with integrity and you will build a sustainable profitable organization.
Great content Mark Allen Roberts
- Ryan
- Software Engineer, Instructure
A moral, enduring commitment is different from a trivial, fleeting commitment. Nobody's moral compass should be defined by "playing on this basketball team".
"Decide what you stand for. And then stand for it all the time."
- Jessie Yearwood
- Faculty, El Centro College
This is absolutely a noteworthy article. The need to determine our values and practice ethical behaviors is a desperate in education as well.
- Therese Pope
- Zenful Communications
If only EVERY business professional out there would follow this: "Decide what you stand for. And then stand for it all the time." It's all about standing in our truth as human beings, and practice what we preach beyond just business.
Excellent article! One of the best articles I've read this week. Thank you.
- Anonymous
But the above view leaves no room for change. Life is ever changing and people's opinions and standards can and should evolve. Standing for something all the time means you can never change what you stand for, even if you get additional information that legimately causes you to change your view for the right reasons.
- Alison Bayer-Orszak
- Founder/Educator, Together Academics
I would like some suggestion about what happens when two very different moral focuses come to a meeting- For example- my strong belief that the individual and the individual situation takes precedence versus another person who cannot see beyond their rule- and this causes hurt to a learner, rather than the growth that would be obtained when learning results in both inclusion and change- my principles remain to review both big picture and details and then to act accordingly with the understanding of "first do no harm" - what of the other party standing on princples that not only do not heal a situation but further negate any possible learning - I have kept this discussion abstract on purpose.
- Misti DeHart
This article is wonderfully refreshing. Clayton's books, especially, "How will You Measure your Life" should be read by by every parent and be mandatory reading in all high schools. If every President, business leader, teacher and parent lived this ethical/moral commitment our children would finally have a strong example, they so crave, to emulate.
- Pankaj Sahai
- Enterprise Consultant & Coach, Author: Smooth Ride To Venture Capital
Absolutely riveting article. I agree with the Prof. that one should be clear about one's core values and should never violate those values in pursuit of worldly gain, if one is looking for authentic happiness in one's life.
However, I find myself disagreeing with the personal example that Prof. Clayton Christensen has given to explain the concept.
During our existence on this earth, we go through 4 stages ( childhood, bachelorhood,marriage/householder & Old age). Each stage has different challenges which we need to overcome to move to the next stage of our lives. Also, the beauty of nature is such that at each stage of life, whatever we enjoy and get attached to, has to be given up to move to the next stage. So, the child has to give-up his dependence on his parents to become a responsible adult; the bachelor has to give up his independence to become a responsible householder and, to have a happy old age, the householder has to give-up his sensual pleasures, and in old age one has to slowly give up his attachment to life, as death requires him to give up on life itself ( to be born again, if you believe in re-incarnation). At each stage we evolve and have a better perspective on our life's actions. Our actions related to our religious rituals too should be re- assessed as we go along; we must understand the intention behind the rituals and, as long as we do not violate the intent, I believe that we can reassess our response to the ritual itself.
The Life Coach in me could not but recall the story of "The Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee" while reading the article. Here it is for those of you who have not heard this insightful story :
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with GOLF BALLS. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of PEBBLES and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of SAND and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced TWO CUPS OF COFFEE from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that
1.This JAR represents your life. 2. The GOLF BALLS are the important things--your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions--and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. 3.The PEBBLES are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. 4.The SAND is everything else--the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. TAKE CARE OF THE GOLF BALLS FIRST--THE THINGS THAT REALLY MATTERS. Set your priorities. THE REST IS SAND."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the COFFEE represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
- Anonymous
I agree with reader comment 11 - Our beliefs are invaluable in providing a moral compass, but sometimes you do have to be able to do something much more difficult, such as making a justified decision that may conflict with these beliefs- but is the best decision overall, even if it may be different than a belief - choosing to never change the way one thinks is the easier way - it takes a much higher level of thought process to actually determine when a change must be made - therefore to never break beliefs is lazy and doesn't demonstrate the true complexity of human lives and potential suffering - it seems shallow and somewhat incomprehensible that some people have the luxury and almost arrogance to say that they never vary in their beliefs - such statements indeed make me think that the person making them has not endured much in the way of human suffering, but for people who have, knowing that someone once gave you a break (meanin g they varied from their regular beliefs based on cirumstances) can mean all the difference in the world in being human and inhuman.
- Robert Jacobson
- Atelier Tomorrow AB
Great insights, Clay, but their practical application would have the majority of current (and probably future, too) CEOs out on the streets without jobs and no visible means of support. Or working as college professors in obscure MBA programs where they exercise no leadership but where no leadership is expected of them, either. Or serving in office for a two-party/one-master political system where ethics definitely play second fiddle to expediency and avoiding embarrassment.
Is there an action item here? Or just an ideology?
- John Heinrich
- President, American School of Ent.
Clay, Excellent article. Good to see most of your health challenges are behind you. I don't suppose you'd do a course for us on leadership?
- Iva Thort
- Developer/Analyst
As an non-theist, good on the good doctor for sticking to his guns that Sunday.
Values are individual - another theist seeing their deity/ies differently migt well have taken the court, figuring it was God's will they were there, they were fit and God would want them to have fun and play...whatever.
The general drift regarding ethics has merit, but it is worth noting that sociopaths can proudly claim they stand for certain values, all the time too.
For mine, Blockbuster is just another example of a company crippled eventually by its size. Too big to be flexible and found itself sinking in quicksand it never saw coming in any of its more than likely well polished five and ten year plans.
The type that pehaps Dr C is referring to here: "You'll see that without theory, we're at sea without a map or a sextant," Christensen writes.
Really? You would not likely get on a train if you had a specific destination in mind yet didn't know where it was going e.g. wanted to go to New York, yet the train could be heading to NY, New Delhi, New Hampshire.... wherever...and no one could tell you. You'd rather not take any train I'd suggest. Especially if the trains could take you to some undesirable outpost potentially, or have you back-track halfway across the planet to end up broke, months later, back where you started from.
Virtually all economic theory freely demonstrates (or should, post GFC) they don't have a clue where their trains are going, much less if they have brakes. But the argument "better something than nothing" is always trotted out. I'd rather walk and make it up as I go. Seemingly Blockbuster's competition walked and got lucky. However it remains to be seen if they go the same way.
Unsure what theory shapes, but doubtlessly practice shapes outcomes. And also too a pronounced outcome bias. And quickly. But Doctor C's ethos of focusing on the decision, not the outcome is sound enough.
We have no clue as to the extent of the short term/long term nature of the outcome. An example might be a rogue trader type who gets away with it, retires from larcenous trading, buys an expensive car, only to be crippled in it 5 years later in an accident that would not have happened to him in a far less fast vehicle.
At least when you behave ethically, you get to enjoy the day - the outcome long term is fate's call. Trying getting a bell curve or your firm's 5 year plan to show you that little lesson.
- Miskin BG
- Manager Organizational Dev., Stimulus Consulting Pvt.Ltd.,
Professor, while being 100% of the time is easier in Sunday analogy; being inflexible to change on the Bockbuster part could be an extension of the same ideology. How to measure your life in terms of your values vs. the results? Change vs. inflexibility? Theory vs.Practice?
- Gadi
How is this different than "slippery slope" theories? How do we distinguish between decisions that are risking "slippery slopes" outcomes, and those that are really just "expanding the boundaries" with no tangible risky outcomes?
For example - when driving age was lowered to 16, there were fears this would get us on a path to irresponsible kids driving cars - "slippery slope" concerns, of the kind expressed in this article. And yet we all knew to draw the line at 16 and not let, say, 10 year olds drive cars.
Many marginal cost decisions are just that, marginal cost decisions. They're not all taking us down "a slippery slope". How do you tell them apart?
- Kathryn Alexander
- President, CEO, Ethical Impact L3C
Ah, the illusions of management. We get so caught in the 'how's of making money we forget our goal - a world that works. We are reaping the results of that kind of thinking in the banking industry right now. When it's everyone for himself, then we all lose.
- Brian Carr
- Civil Engineer, Civil Service
I like the message above but it also implies, once you have crossed the line, there is no hope for you. That means you can write off 99.99% of humanity based on that logic.
I developed this theory of ethics back in my teens when I often observed adults stating one thing and doing another. As I have grown and experienced life to my mid 40s, I find it rare for anyone to practice 100% ethical behavior. I don't believe anyone can hold to your principles 100% of the time. I do believe you can strive to meet your principles. If on the rare occasion you do falter and cross the line in the sand (your personal ethical boundary), as long as you recognize you crossed the line and strive not to do so again, the line in the sand remains. However if you justify your crossing of the line in the sand, the line in the sand of what is considered unethical shifts to a new location of what that person now percieves as unethical. Each subsequent crossing and justification will see that line continue to shift further and further into what that person would have once considered truly unethical behavior.
- Sarah Caldicott
- Founder, Innovate Like Edison
Deeply compelling case for the importance of developing new skills and competencies versus simply strengthening existing ones. This line of thinking is applicable to any organization -- whether service-related or product-focused.
- Anonymous
The Blockbuster CEO was also ignorant of new technology and assumed that everyone thought like him- when ignorance at the top is prevalent then it is impossible for the organization to adapt, change or acquire that knowledge.
Witness RIM, their OS didn't change for years, and the '02 version is fundamentally the same as today- and 2 ceos later they still think everything is fine, say hi to radio shack and blockbuster, nortel and nokia, lucent, novell, and all the other people who think R&D is overrated.
It's actually an easy fix but so many ignore it and it goes like this-
Innovate, if you cannot, buy them early.
- Anonymous
I, also, thought this was a great article and it also reminded me of a recent story on NPR and how the slips spreads so easily to others who are convinced it is the right thing - interesting story. Psychology Of Fraud: Why Good People Do Bad Things Chana Joffe-Walt and Alix Spiegel
- Kamal Malek
- CTO, Affinnova
I don't know what to make of the massive non-sequitur at the heart of the story. The principle of ignoring sunk costs in investment decisions is supposed to reduce people's bias towards continuing on the same old path due to (now irrelevant) past decisions. Yet, in the story, it is the decision to abide by that principle that is blamed for the bias towards the status quo. Go figure...
- Anonymous
Enjoyed the story, albeit a very clean & neat lesson from his youth. i admire the Prof. for his conviction at this very young age and I also admire the coach for not trying to talk him around!
Many of the 'lessons' we learn in life (on reflection) are often from such memorable and unpleasant experiences involving tough decisions - or mistakes and hardships we have experienced as we grow up and our decision making faculties are not fully matured. Education, relationships, work, sport & social life, and religion, all play a part as we develop. All parents - and I assume many Coaches & CEO's - will talk of these 'learning' experiences. Its a theory vs practice discussion, whereas once upon a time it was more just the practice. There is an industry of books to advise us these days but the challenge remains the same - do what you know is right. Having clear values will help you to trust yourself to make more intuitive and value- based decisions. This can only help support the theoretical and financial framework necessary for expert decision making in business.
- Anonymous
It's interesting that you felt some "moral" obligation to yourself to "listen" to an abstract notion rather than to the real people in your life. That sounds awfully self-centered.
- Ram Kadivella
- Director, LAJ
This is a great essay on marginal thinking, a topic which as the name suggests is incomplete and wanting. The various responses are interesting too. The essay's biggest upside is 'reckoning now the time of real reckoning later' is the biggest deterrent to go off course and an easier one at that now. If all theories that are developed and studied in one's academic pursuits may not be applicable to real life, that only this applies so well is proof enough for taking theory seriously and applying it to oneself. Seems mere paying lip service is akin to marginal thinking; and following it to the core in real life which is one unending stream of extenuating circumstances is right thinking.
- Raul Bello
- Agent, TPH
The marginal point of view is just a frame to make decisions using the frame with out wisdom and with out business experience is the way for disaster.
- vishal
- ashar brothers
I didn't agree with prof. in this dynamic world you have to accept changes, it contradicts with law of nature.
Adaptability is necessary for keep going on. Standing for what you believe and your principles is good, but at the same time you should accept changes if it is for good cause.
- Carole Diamante
- research faculty, Assumption College Philippines
Thank you so much for this article. It did inspire me to continue my doctoral dissertation. It gave me the reason to stay in my marriage against all odds. "Decide what you stand for. And then stand for it all the time."
- Errol Williams
On point and inspiring! I just bought the kindle book and cannot wait to read through it next week. Thanks for reminding us to keep the bar high.
- Bill Donohoo
- Professor, Cal State San Bernardino
This is a book that needed to be written. Our lives are more than our job. We need to be reminded of the things that will have real value. They are a blend of what we do in the office, but also what we do in our homes and our community. Thank you for your openness and insight. The material in this book will be incorporated into my classes.
- Sandra Forsberg
- Public Relations
Insightful article, I look forward to reading the book Sandra
- Anonymous
I agree with Pankaj Sahai (22).... Do you not feel that the cause for the collective activity of which we are a part is above the personal beliefs. My personal beliefs should be known to my team mates and coach right in the beginning or else one should not take part in activities which may force you to compromise with your personal beliefs.
- G S Singh
- EduMint Advisory
After reading this one chapter and the review, convinced that a prop in your life is essential. I would rather call it inner voice, which Prof. C must have listened to while praying on Sunday and decided not to play. Teaches you a lesson though that no one is indispensable! I remember a character in a classic Hindi novel saying " I have chalked my own paths in life and it times when I reached a wrong destination, traced my steps back and started all anew". One has to atone or pay for his wrong decisions in life without remorse and be ready to start all over again. May be its an other way of looking what Prof. C is articulating. Great topic he has covered. May be the book will give a more balanced and complete picture.
- Laurence Rohde
- Price / Cost Analyst, CLI
This is one of the best articles I've seen in ages. I can see that Clayton has struggled with the ethics of personal values against the "team values". I have often wondered how many of us have decided to throw our own values out the window so we can be part of the group. I personally have in the last couple of years come to the conclusion one of the reasons American business has left such a bad impression is based on the ethics issue.
We tend to bend over backwards to the point we cannot turn around because we fire all our shots at once. That is to say we give in to what the business partners believe is right, even when we know it does not match up to our value system. I have thought that our own abilities and ethics are no longer a concern as long as everyone makes money. This is fundamentally against our own well being we have started to put others so far in front of ourselves I feel it will be almost impossible to get back to the point where everybody's input is no longer taken into the analysis what we have instead is more a long the lines of a dictatorship in business where if your ethics do not allow you to do something you think is wrong your arguments are washed away by the "just do what you are told" mindset.
This reason alone makes me wonder when we finally do reflect on how we presented ourselves to both business and personal relationships will we be able to say we were effective in our lives. Success cannot be measured in monies but in having said I regret nothing. This cannot be accomplished if we do things merely because they are legal. We have to get back on track and do things because it is the right thing to do. It is time to put respect back into the work place. In a nut shell we need to be ethical and honest, legal has been confused over the last 5-10 years with ethical. Just because it is legal it does not make it ethical it is time for American business again to hold this principal up. We need to get away from the backroom deals which make a select few wealthy monetarily but bankrupt ethically.
- Harry K samboo
- Consultant, BCA Consulting
There is only one thing to figure out. It is true that optimal decisions are made by comparing marginal costs and benefits (NOT revenue) when the decision is one time. For the long run, you compare average costs and average revenue for survival.
When it comes to investments (like Blockbuster), you compare expected costs and benefits. Blockbuster didn't do that, probably thanks to advice from some of these "innovation experts."
The confusion on the part of this "expert" is further evident when he mixes up how to make personal (moral) decisions in our daily lives.
It is not uncommon for business gurus to write a book attaching a well established theory arguing that they have found the magic bullet to solve all (worldly and otherwise) problems, only to be proved wrong by another "guru" subsequently.
- philip peters
- ceo, zagada institute
Professor I love your work and your thinking and will get our new book. With respect, however, the personal case you used to illustrate a larger moral point by not playing on Sunday - a little find weak. My apologies for being so frank.
I actually had a friend who wrestled with the same issue over Sunday cricket in the West Indies. He made the very opposite decision to yours and his life has still turned out marvelously.
What is often perceived and practiced as a moral principle, is often constrained by culture, personal development, family values etc. The white Southerner father - the Southern Baptiste church - taught generations upon generations of American "peculiar morals."
In a globalized world, the human person has to grow, has to change, has to evolve, and surprisingly we'll discover that this "new human being" has to co-evolve a new moral calculus. In summary, we have to manage - not only for external market-based disruptions, but personally manage for "internal disruptions," also.
- Ram Pranam
- Project Manager, Boeing Company
- jim warshell
janis joplin said: "when you sell out, don't sell cheap". I wish she''d said "if you sell out, don't sell cheap" because in the context of this article, just about any sell out is too cheap.
- David Gravelle
- Owner, Gravelle Branding/Marketing
I went back to re-read this article when today's revelations at Penn State hit.
- Anonymous
I found this article to provide sage advice. The foundation for this advice is supported by our community organizations, such as scouts, religious, and fraternal organizations that profess ethic and moral values. God bless those of us that try shortcuts, there is generally a piper to be paid.
- Kumar
- Analyst, -
Unknowingly I have put this rule in my life when I was 13 or 14 years old. I am from India. when I was in school we had few lessons (not sure what subject it is) about effects of alcohol consumption, drugs, smoking and other addictive substances. At that time I made a mental note never in my life I would touch them.
Over the last 20 years there were so many instances I had to exercise this judgement. I never broke that rule. As a teenager I have stayed away from friends who used to smoke cigars, alchohol, pubs. Rule is pretty stright -before you consume check if it has alchahol (or list of no go substances) in it, if so avoid at any cost. I was fooled by a friend - he mixed vodka and coke, I felt disgusted after knowing this,but decided it's not my fault so I stuck with the rule. There were many socially awkward situations but I always found ways to manage those situations.
My rule is to 'never break the rule first time'. If you break the rule for the first time then you know how it tastes like. That taste effect would cascade to the urge I already have and I would break the rule again. second time, third time and so on and on. The first time rule breaking is very important as the author pointed out.
Same rule I applied to casinos when I visited there first time I felt that if I make money it should be my hard earned not with luck or stealing someone elses- So no lotto tickets or casinos, poker, gambling.
Problem with the marginal thinking is - it is more like black or white- yes or no. there is no middle ground/nutral. If you steal once or a million times you are a thief. So better enforce the rule for the first instance then there wont be second instance in your life. In some aspects of my life I did bad things without prior thought, but when I did realize it was a bad thing I have set this rule to that aspect and avoided breaking it.
I am far from perfect (as my wife would tell me) but somehow I failed to implement this rule to address some of my bad habits such as my laziness and excess news paper reading.....
Look forward to reading the book
- Anonymous
First part of article: It is foolish for a company to stay set in their ways when the business landscape changes. They should adapt and fully commit to adapting, even if it is inconsistent with their current modus operandi.
Second part of article: Stick to your decisions no matter what even if unforeseen opportunities tempt you to contradict them. You should never adapt to changing circumstances.
- Mohammed
A captivating and thought provoking piece which gives us pause to think about decisions we continue to make on a daily basis. Subjecting ourselves to thinking of "just this instance" have a nasty habit of leading to largely unintended consequences that may ultimately dramatically impact our lives.
I admire and respect Professor Christensen's commitment to his values and principles.
- Ahmed Y Issa
- Head of sales, Aujan Industries Co.
It is always nice to remain who you are. When you look your face in the miror, do you tell yourself that I am who I am, I don't compromise on my principals, thanks I have not done this or that act,or do you disguise yourself why I did this terrible thing when I know it is not right? This should be your inner compass to guide you in life. It is also unbearable,the worries that come with the fraud, when this will be discovered. This applies to everthing we do on personal level as well as on business transactions. Million thanks to MR.Clayton for addressing this important issue. Remember one of the main reason for the downfall of the Roman Empire was the decay of the values.
- shadreck saili
Prof. Clayton ! This must surely earn you super +++. An article written with simplicity and yet with completeness and with situations that no one would easily deny having encountered in management or otherwise.
- Anonymous
Nice article, good insight and lots of useful tips. Albeit I am tempted to say that from my experiences of life.....I had learnt to be selectively judgmental about being a 100% or a 98% based on the specific situation, scenario and taking into consideration also many external factors which may or may not have a direct or indirect impact on the outcome of the decision. Of course my personal take .......
- Captain Jan Becker
- CEO, Becker Helicopters Pilot Academy Australia
Clayton some of what you say rings true in our industry.
Teaching students to fly helicopters is in part about the discipline to do it right, follow the checklist, don't take short cuts "just this once" - because if you do and get away with it fuels this misguided myth that you can take short cuts, with no consequence.
When flying helicopters, as in life it's what you do when no one is watching that becomes the sum of who you become.
- Pratyush Kumar Gupta
- Writer, My Content Planet
We written article based on insights and deeper analysis. This is true that most people fear of getting out of their "Comfort Zone", which makes them "Static" and prohibits them taking risks. However, it is equally true that when they get out of once the are bold enough to do it again and again and get A GAIN.
A very impressive article, ideas well crafted in words. Elaboration of case study adds charm to its presentation. Looking forward for more from you. :)
- Sean Clark
- Managing Director, Sage Brand Directions
Well done and so obviously true; anyone with the ability to think understands this, yet the rate of noncompliance and failure only increase. Business world especially continues to ignore.....throw in US politicians as well as they have a penchant for the underpinnings here, which of course tend to be elements associated with self-serving greed. I told anyone that would listen immediately after the '08 economic meltdown that this kind of philosophy and the associated activities and thinking would be the one positive outcome of that mess.....serving as a bright light within a very grim environment. Here we are four years later and I obviously could not have been more wrong. .
Everyone should read this book and share with others. Sooner or later we just may get it right. As Churchill so keenly noted: "Americans can always be counted on to do the right thing...after they have exhausted all other possibilities."
- Anonymous
Great Article. Every life/ individual has two possessions of his own 1. Physical body :which needs all the pleasures of possession of the material things in the world. As these possessions increase we want to have these more, so we are never satisfied with these. This is the way for development/ progress, till we do it ethically. 2. Soul : inside the physical body, which always strive for happiness, peace and spritual/ moral possessions.
Most of the crimes/ financial crimes are happening becuase of the un-ethical im-moral activities of the individuals.
For all physical / intellectual achievments we have so many institution taking care of it.
But I think now we need more dedicated institutions for spritual and moral development of society to reduce these regularly increasing crimes/ financial crimes.
Moral / Spritual education must also be a regular part of our school/ unniversity curriculam if we want reduce the moral degradation which induces all these crimes.
- Anonymous
Wonderful, thank you
- David Kirzner
- Consultant, Quidgest
Excellent and beautiful thought. Thank you Clay.
- Anonymous
Thank you Clay for your article and more importantly that you for sharing you story today at the Fidelity meeting. It was truly inspiring.
- Anonymous
Excellent article on how "just once this one" could get you in a deep hole which would be difficult to come out in a longer term.
- Tom Dolembo
- Founder, New North Institute
Great article, always look forward to your work and compelling insight. I recall graduating from HBS, rising up the ladder with a powerful and at the time respected group, working very hard, then being told to falsify a report, be a "team player." I refused, even after the "you'll never work in this area again." I did the only thing I could have done. They did as well, and I did not, in fact ever hold a corporate job again (I am now 68, I was then 33). Acts have consequences, both ways. The group is still very rich, and the report probably would not have mattered to them. But the price was high for me and my family. Life in the deep cold is definitely not a choice I would encourage any HBS grad to make lightly.
- Anonymous
I would like to express my affection for your kind-heartedness supporting those people that have the need for guidance on your subject matter. Your real dedication to getting the message all around became definitely invaluable and have usually encouraged regular people like me to realize their pursuits. Your personal important publication denotes this much a person like me and far more to my mates. With thanks; from each one of us.
- Noel
- www.churchsoblessed.com
"Decide what you stand for. And then stand for it all the time."
"100 Percent of the Time Is Easier Than 98 Percent of the Time"
Inspiring article that should help me live a life of purity and holiness. God bless you and more power!
- ram
Nice article.
- Alfred Devaprasad
- President and CEO, Alpha Group
The 'just this once' syndrome is the biggest bane of man's free will. Without ethical conditioning this tool of man's progress could be the very reason of his annihilation.
- R. W. Miles, MD
- Physician, Int Med, Private Practice, Long Term Care
I have written about the above as contributing to habitual medical error in nursing home practice. (JAMDA 2013 in press) In my model, deviation from sound medical principles for marginal indication can lead to habitual maltreatment of the elderly. My unsound actions often influence others who review the patient's medical record. The temptation to deviate from sound practice can become contagious and spread throughout medical communities. I call the phenomenon the treadmill effect.
unsound actions have a subtle but pervasive effect on all practitioners who subsequently read the medical record of the patient being inadequately treated.
- Dan Dodson
- Fellow, IBB Consulting
I tell the story of going down to Dallas to meet with Blockbuster in the late 90s. As a consultant, my mission was to convince them to branch out into Internet Video in order to ride (what we thought) was an obvious technological trend at the time.
We were surprised by the inertia at the time for what could have been a relatively low risk trial that would have bought an option on a future market opportunity.
- Jon Jacoby
- Vice Chairman, The Stephens Group
I am reminded of an incident recounted to me by a friend who had run in the Democrat primary for governor of his state. He lost, and after conceding victory to the winner, the two were flying back to the state capital. The winner, an extraordinary politician, explained to my friend all the mistakes he had made in the positions he took on various issues in the campaign. My friend replied,"but if I did as you suggested, I would have been lying!" Bill Clinton was incredulous. What does the truth have to do with it?
- Kehinde Lawanson
- Executive Director, First Bank Nigeria limiteda
This article is a pointer to how we should live our lives. A richly woven academic principle explained to give meaning to the rational formalism of the secular mind and the faith based illogicality of the spiritual person. Very useful insight.


text:
There is no definite answer but any opinions will be approved of. Popular beliefs are: asteroid/comet collision, climate change, eruption of volcanoes, disease, etc. Or maybe it is a combination of a few?
I think it's disease/parasite because all of the species were wiped out, and diseases spread quickly.
cool. Nice thought.
Parasites are scary
Excuse the long comment (below) but I couldn't resist! Are you sure you meant what you said that "any opinions will be approved of"?
Are you absolutely certain that dinosaurs are extinct (think coelacanth)? There is evidence that some were still around in comparatively recent times. For example, the discovery in recent years of dinosaur bones containing remnants of soft tissue; which could never have survived more than a few thousand years.
There are also legends of dragons and sea monsters that resemble nothing known to be alive today. The oldest (and presumably least exaggerated) of which resemble resemble fossil animals such as dinosaurs. So they may not be as mythological as most people think. The Biblical description of "behemoth" in the book of Job resembles a sauropod dinosaur (such as Apatosaurus). Some have suggested "Behemoth" was a hippo or elephant, but it says that his tail "sways like a cedar" (someone joked it must have been a bonsai cedar to have been one of those!)
And what about the ancient tale of Beowulf? The description of the monster Grendel, and how Beowulf tore off one of its "arms", (which must have been comparatively tiny, even allowing for exaggeration of the hero's strength), suggest it could have been a Tyrannosaur of some kind. There is also an old account of creatures that sound like pterosaurs near a village in Mid Wales. They were said to have "glowed like jewels" as they flew. Unfortunately the villagers killed them because they were taking their chickens!
Then there are carvings drawings etc in various parts of the world that closely resemble dinosaurs. The tomb of a 15th century bishop in Carlisle has a brass surround with figures of various animals, two of which look exactly like sauropod dinosaurs. Their necks are twined together as if they are either courting or fighting in a similar way to modern giraffes. Their tails are held up rather than dragging on the ground; even though modern palaeontologists have only realised recently that this is the correct way.
Here is a link to a blog about Bishop Bell's tomb.
I find parts of it highly amusing (emphasis added). Hopefully the "sceptic) author said it tongue-in-cheek:
"Along one of the brass strips, if you look carefully, you can see two animals. The one on the left is obscured by the one on the right that looks suspiciously pre-historic. It clearly has a long tail, an even longer neck and head. With a neck like that we might have been tempted to think giraffe if it were not for the four thick-set legs and large rounded body. It is for us, of course, a classic image that every school child would immediately recognize. However the one animal that it cannot possibly be is a dinosaur. That of course is quite impossible.
"Dinosaurs as we all know were not discovered until 1840 and this tomb was constructed in 1496. No one even knew that there were dinosaurs 500 years ago, never mind what they looked like. So it can not be a dinosaur. QED."
"the one animal that it cannot possibly be is a dinosaur. That of course is quite impossible."
Sez who?
I think that, if they are extinct, many of the last dinosaurs were killed by people! The only reason we think that is "impossible" is because we have been told so often that they died out millions of years ago. The evidence suggests otherwise.
"For example, the discovery in recent years of dinosaur bones containing remnants of soft tissue; which could never have survived more than a few thousand years."
The scientists that made this discovery are apparently tying themselves in mental knots trying to understand how the soft tissue could have been preserved for over 60 million years. It doesn't seem to occur to them that the dating could be wrong!
Wow! I knew nothing about that before! This has certainly made me see dinosaurs in a different light! I can't quite imagine dinosaurs actually being alive at the same time as humans! I had always imagined the monster in Beowolf to be a mythical, made-up being, originating from a creative mind. However, now, I'm not too sure... Thank you for the fascinating and truly enlightening reply! I have learnt a lot!
Thank you for this reply, which I found encouraging because most people are so fixed in the millions of years mindset that they seem unable to consider any other possibility even when the evidence is there before them.
To update, I just read about coloured dinosaur skin that has been found, (which apparently has remnants of the colour cells - one specimen was clearly black).
I'm sure we are unlikely to face a Jurassic Park kind of situation any time soon :-), but the possibility that maybe the skin isn't millions of years old after all still doesn't seem to have occurred to anyone doing the research. Yet, to me, that is what science should be about, questioning, examining various possibilities, and being willing to let go even of our deeply held "pet theories" if the evidence doesn't support them.
In case you want to check it out, here are some references from the article I found:
Kretzel, L., Scientists use U of S synchrotron to study dinosaur skin, Saskatoon News—News Talk 650 CKOM, www.ckom.com, 29 April 2013.
Scientists study rare dinosaur skin fossil to determine skin colour for first time, phys.org, 29 April 2013.
Foley, J., What color were dinosaurs? Test of ancient skin sample will reveal final answer, Nature World News, natureworldnews.com, 29 April 2013.
In the skin of a … hadrosaur?, Scientific Canadian, http://tylerirving.ca/?p=1101, 6 May 2013
The way I see it is dinosaurs were large, specialist animals that lived on an ecological knife edge.
Back then things were much warmer and the oxygen level was considerably higher than it is now.
A meteor or comet possibly struck, but also there was possibly increased volcanic activity, which means higher CO2 output, temperature rise, and generally less clean air. Such a push, even a small one, could tip such an ecosystem into chaos, and could lead to extinction.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Year of publication
- 2011 (3) (remove)
- Inhibitors of Helicobacter pylori protease HtrA found by "virtual ligand" screening combat bacterial invasion of epithelia (2011)
- Background: The human pathogen Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a main cause for gastric inflammation and cancer. Increasing bacterial resistance against antibiotics demands for innovative strategies for therapeutic intervention. Methodology/Principal Findings: We present a method for structure-based virtual screening that is based on the comprehensive prediction of ligand binding sites on a protein model and automated construction of a ligand-receptor interaction map. Pharmacophoric features of the map are clustered and transformed in a correlation vector ('virtual ligand') for rapid virtual screening of compound databases. This computer-based technique was validated for 18 different targets of pharmaceutical interest in a retrospective screening experiment. Prospective screening for inhibitory agents was performed for the protease HtrA from the human pathogen H. pylori using a homology model of the target protein. Among 22 tested compounds six block E-cadherin cleavage by HtrA in vitro and result in reduced scattering and wound healing of gastric epithelial cells, thereby preventing bacterial infiltration of the epithelium. Conclusions/Significance: This study demonstrates that receptor-based virtual screening with a permissive ('fuzzy') pharmacophore model can help identify small bioactive agents for combating bacterial infection.
- Spherical harmonics coeffcients for ligand-based virtual screening of cyclooxygenase inhibitors (2011)
- Background: Molecular descriptors are essential for many applications in computational chemistry, such as ligand-based similarity searching. Spherical harmonics have previously been suggested as comprehensive descriptors of molecular structure and properties. We investigate a spherical harmonics descriptor for shape-based virtual screening. Methodology/Principal Findings: We introduce and validate a partially rotation-invariant three-dimensional molecular shape descriptor based on the norm of spherical harmonics expansion coefficients. Using this molecular representation, we parameterize molecular surfaces, i.e., isosurfaces of spatial molecular property distributions. We validate the shape descriptor in a comprehensive retrospective virtual screening experiment. In a prospective study, we virtually screen a large compound library for cyclooxygenase inhibitors, using a self-organizing map as a pre-filter and the shape descriptor for candidate prioritization. Conclusions/Significance: 12 compounds were tested in vitro for direct enzyme inhibition and in a whole blood assay. Active compounds containing a triazole scaffold were identified as direct cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitors. This outcome corroborates the usefulness of spherical harmonics for representation of molecular shape in virtual screening of large compound collections. The combination of pharmacophore and shape-based filtering of screening candidates proved to be a straightforward approach to finding novel bioactive chemotypes with minimal experimental effort.
- Bioassays to monitor taspase1 function for the identification of pharmacogenetic inhibitors (2011)
- Background: Threonine Aspartase 1 (Taspase1) mediates cleavage of the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) protein and leukemia provoking MLL-fusions. In contrast to other proteases, the understanding of Taspase1's (patho)biological relevance and function is limited, since neither small molecule inhibitors nor cell based functional assays for Taspase1 are currently available. Methodology/Findings: Efficient cell-based assays to probe Taspase1 function in vivo are presented here. These are composed of glutathione S-transferase, autofluorescent protein variants, Taspase1 cleavage sites and rational combinations of nuclear import and export signals. The biosensors localize predominantly to the cytoplasm, whereas expression of biologically active Taspase1 but not of inactive Taspase1 mutants or of the protease Caspase3 triggers their proteolytic cleavage and nuclear accumulation. Compared to in vitro assays using recombinant components the in vivo assay was highly efficient. Employing an optimized nuclear translocation algorithm, the triple-color assay could be adapted to a high-throughput microscopy platform (Z'factor = 0.63). Automated high-content data analysis was used to screen a focused compound library, selected by an in silico pharmacophor screening approach, as well as a collection of fungal extracts. Screening identified two compounds, N-[2-[(4-amino-6-oxo-3H-pyrimidin-2-yl)sulfanyl]ethyl]benzenesulfonamideand 2-benzyltriazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid, which partially inhibited Taspase1 cleavage in living cells. Additionally, the assay was exploited to probe endogenous Taspase1 in solid tumor cell models and to identify an improved consensus sequence for efficient Taspase1 cleavage. This allowed the in silico identification of novel putative Taspase1 targets. Those include the FERM Domain-Containing Protein 4B, the Tyrosine-Protein Phosphatase Zeta, and DNA Polymerase Zeta. Cleavage site recognition and proteolytic processing of these substrates were verified in the context of the biosensor. Conclusions: The assay not only allows to genetically probe Taspase1 structure function in vivo, but is also applicable for high-content screening to identify Taspase1 inhibitors. Such tools will provide novel insights into Taspase1's function and its potential therapeutic relevance.


text:
Getting to Cusco
Cusco can be accessed by plane, by car, by train or trekking. International travellers would need to arrive to Lima international airport and then take an internal flight to Cusco.
* If you need assistance with transfers, hotels in Lima or internal flights, please contact us to firstname.lastname@example.com
Getting to Machu Picchu
There are two ways to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu Historical Reserve:
- Most visitors choose to arrive by train to Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes), 3 1/2 hours from Cusco or 1 1/2 hours from Ollantaytambo. From Machu Picchu Village you would need to take a 25 minute bus trip to the citadel. The citadel opens from 06:00 to 17:00.
- Alternatively, you may choose to take the one-, two- to five-day Inca Trail hike (camping along the route).
* If you need assistance with train and transfer services, please contact us to firstname.lastname@example.com
Altitude sickness prevention
Altitude sickness is a pathological condition that is caused by acute exposure to low air pressure usually above 2,400 meters (approximately 8,000 feet). The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too quickly; symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, sleep disorder among others. Before your travel to a high altitude destination, avoid eating too much, and on the arrival day itself, also eat less to avoid altitude sickness. If you stay at a high altitude, rest. Limit any walking or activity; you can explore the area, but take it easy especially on the first day. Drink plenty of water and avoid taking alcoholic beverages.
Currency / Foreign Exchange
The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN). Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards, including Diners Club, American Express and MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all, establishments. Travelers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the easiest currency to exchange, and many restaurants, hotels and shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment. Casas de cambio (exchange bureau) often give better rates than hotels and banks, and can be found in the city center as well as Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
Health / Insurance
Although no vaccinations are officially required, visitors are advised to take precautions, especially if planning to travel to jungle regions. The most common ailments for travelers are diarrhea and altitude sickness. Health care is limited in these areas, so safety measures must be taken regarding food and alcohol intake. Please see "Altitude Sickness Prevention".


text:
These are the bookings recorded for the Doris C. Gravat Detention Center for April 9. Some of the people listed may not have actually spent time in jail if they posted bond and were released. Although those listed have been arrested and charged, that does not mean they have been found guilty. All bookings may be viewed online by visiting www.aikenstandard.com and clicking on the "Crime" tab.
Charles Eaison Lilly, 47 — criminal domestic violence
Tywann Cortez Washington, 32 — assault and battery third degree
Dytron Kerome Hunter, 22 — accessory before the fact of a felony
Matthew Blake Eustace, 20 — assault and battery third degree
Bruce Alan Tyler, 62 — driving under suspension first offense
Tommy Bright II, 39 — driving under suspension second offense
Victor Jason Turner, 41 — criminal domestic violence
Stacey Marie Edgerley, 35 — violation of conditions of probation supervision
Hardy Brown Jr., 66 — possession of a suspended tag, driving under suspension second offense, alter a vehicle license bench warrant
Cesar Villazana Jimenez, 31 — no South Carolina driver's license fifth offense
Shandria Lacore Whitney, 27 — hold for safe keeping Hampton County
David Wayne Warrick, 29 — violation of probation Youthful Offenders Act, expired tags bench warrant, operating uninsured bench warrant
Jeffery Shane Tager, 27 — receiving stolen goods
Charles Allen Martin, 24 — failure to appear and pay
Pamela Jones Newsome, 56 — driving under suspension second offense
Crystal Octavias Hill, 25 — shoplifting less than $2,000 second offense
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Plans are underway for the Tecumseh District Leadership Dinner presented by the Simon Kenton Council, Boy Scouts of America. Now in its thirty-third year, the dinner is one of the longest running fund raising events in the Portsmouth area. Scheduled for April 23rd at the SODEXO Ballroom on the campus of Shawnee State University, the dinner is sponsored by the Glockner Family of Dealerships. All proceeds benefit the Scouting programs in Simon Kenton Council including Scioto, Lawrence and Adams counties in Ohio and Greenup County in Kentucky.
Bill Schwamberger, retired business owner and longtime friend of Scouting will be presented this year's "Good Scout Award" for his continued dedication to the local scouting program and Camp Oyo. "The dinner offers us the opportunity to introduce the 2012 Eagle Class to our community, recognize the recipients of the 2013 Samuel Wilson Ware Eagle Scholarship and honor a community leader," explained dinner coordinator, Vicky Hatcher. The evening will begin with a reception including music provided by Steve Free and a Silent Auction sponsored by Bodmer and Hannah General Contractors.
Dan Cassidy, dinner chairman, very enthused about his year's Dinner Committee. "We have a number of outstanding community leaders who have collectively pulled together to make this event a huge success. Their enthusiasm is a driving force. The dinner committee includes Ralph Applegate, Dr. Bob Barnett. Sean Boldman, Eric Braun, Dan Cassidy, Covert, Jamie Duckworth, Attorney T. Gerlach, Neal Hatcher, C.B. Herrmann, Attorney Josh Howard, Asa Jewett, Ron LeMaster, Mark Morgan, Bob Rutman, l Spears and Dave Wright," said Cassidy.
The Simon Kenton Council is one of the largest Boy Scout councils in the nation serving seven counties in central and southern Ohio and Greenup County in Kentucky. Scioto, Lawrence and Adams counties in Ohio and Greenup County in Kentucky comprise the Tecumseh District, one of eleven traditional Scouting districts which serve specific school districts and communities. The Council is staffed by 22 professional Scouters with over 8,000 adult volunteers delivering the Scouting program to more than 35,000 youth. More than 550 charter partner organizations sponsor more than 800 Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, and Exploring units in the Council. The Council's goal is to be the premiere leader in youth development by delivering on the promise to provide character development, citizenship training, personal fitness and fun. The values instill ed in area youthare based on those found in the Scout Oath and Law and Outdoor Code.
Tickets for the Tecumseh Leadership Dinner are $150 each. For information or to reserve seats, call the Boy Scout Service Center at 740-354-2811 by April 15th


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Only hotels in Norwood are listed below. Find cheap and discounted hotel/motel rates in or nearby Norwood, MA for your upcoming personal or group trip. Discover the most popular Norwood, Massachusetts hotel and motel rooms. Browse the Norwood area hotels to find the perfect lodging! Please use the provided map of the Norwood hotels. Group booking? Search Norwood Group Hotel DiscountsThe Norwood center point is about 1 mile from Norwood Memorial Airport and 3 miles from Westwood Amtrak Station.
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26 March 2012
Directors UK CEO Andrew Chowns and members of the DUK Board and staff will be on the road in March with a series of meetings for members and non-members at venues throughout the UK.
These meetings will be an opportunity for directors to hear about our current Directors UK projects including the new Creative Rights Agreement with the BBC, the Film Policy Review and Film Directors Contracts, ITV pay negotiations and the UK Rights Agreement. It is also going to be an important opportunity for you to talk about the issues that are crucial for you and your nation or region.
Andrew Chowns says: "These meetings will help us to be sure that we listen to all our members throughout the UK and understand your concerns and aspirations. It's vital we communicate with all directors about the work we are doing and the policies that we are supporting."
Members will be given priority but non-members will be welcome to attend, space permitting.
Details of the date and venue are as follows:
Monday 26th – NORWICH
Venue: Epic Media, 112-114 Magdalen Street, Norwich, NR3 1JD
Time: 5-7pm
To book on this meeting please click on the link below. Or if you have any questions please email Andrew's assistant on email@example.com.
Copyright © 2015 Directors UK Ltd. All Rights Reserved.


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Created in 1987, the European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement (EUR-OPA) is a platform for co-operation between European and Southern Mediterranean countries in the field of major natural and technological disasters. Its field of action covers the knowledge of hazards, risk prevention, risk management, post-crisis analysis and rehabilitation.
our last publication
Towards more disaster resilient societies
The EUR-OPA contribution
The EUR-OPA Agreement has long contributed to and continues to support the global efforts on Disaster Risk Reduction, in particular the four priority areas of the United Nations' Post-2015 Framework to be adopted at the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, 14-18 March 2015, Sendai, Japan: risk assessment, risk governance, resilience to and preparedness for disasters.
EUR-OPA Action Plan 2011-2015
The EUR-OPA Action Plan 2011-2015 was adopted at the 12th Ministerial Session of the Agreement, held in Saint Petersburg (Russian Federation) on 28 September 2010. Its objective is to provide a political and technical instrument containing priorities and guidelines for the action of the EUR-OPA Agreement for a period of five years improving its effectiveness in a context of moderate financial resources and increased vulnerability of European and Mediterranean societies.
Calendar 2015
- 66th Committee of Permanent Correspondents of EUR-OPA
- 12 June 2015, Paris, France
- 1st Meeting of the Working Group on migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in the context of major risks prevention and management
- 11 June 2015, Paris, France
- Workshop on Presentation of the Toolkit on Disability and disaster preparedness
- 21 May 2015, Brussels, Belgium


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Mitchell & Ness Celtics Larry Bird Caricature T-Shirt
Price: $29.95
- Additional Details
- Brand: Mitchell & Ness
- Color: Grey
- Fit: Traditional Fit
- Made Of: 100% Cotton
Bring back the legend of Larry in this Mitchell & Ness Celtics Larry Bird Caricature T-Shirt. This shirt is traditional fit and made of 100% cotton. The grey shirt features a caricature of one of the greatest basketball players to ever stop on the court, dribbling the ball. Behind the Bird caricature reads "Larry Bird" and "Boston Celtics" with the leprechaun logo. There is also a black Larry Bird signature. Show you've been a Celtics fan since the beginning with this fun twist on a classic style.Features
- 100% cotton 6.5 oz jersey
- Mitchell & Ness woven jock tag at lower left hem
- Vintage garment washed
- Traditional fit: this style fits a little roomier in the sleeve and body
Back to top
Reviewed by 1 customer
- Great Colors
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Comments about this product:
Great shirt with the Bird retro design.
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- Feels true to length
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Portable playtime! Dandelion's soft Organic Activity Attacher can secure to any handle without dropping, allowing baby to happily play as you go about your errands. Ingeniously simple, with a canvas tie-on loop and no other assembly required. The playful Activity Attacher has rattle, squeaker and crinkle sounds. Made of organic velour, waffle weave, terry and canvas. Machine Washable too! Recommended for babies from birth. 12 inches long.
Dandelion Toys are made of organic fabrics with natural corn filling and 100% recycled packaging with vegetable inks. Going Green can be adorable, safe AND practical with Dandelion.


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The Aiken Department of Public Safety responded to a call of shots fired near the 300 block of Newberry Street around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Officers investigated but found no evidence of gunfire.
Officers responded to another gunshot fired near Hampton Avenue and Newberry Street, which was also heard from Public Safety headquarters.
A school resource officer found smoked portions of a hand-rolled cigarette containing a leafy material that smelled like marijuana inside a students vehicle at Aiken High School. The student told the officer the cigarette belonged to another person. The officer also found several white pills inside a cup, which were placed into evidence along with the cigarette.
A white 2007 Ford Focus was reported stolen from Richland Avenue on Wednesday.
A vehicle break-in was reported on Union Street on Tuesday. The owner reported that the vehicle was unlocked, but nothing was missing.
A 71-year-old Jackson man reported on Wednesday that someone stole his mailbox from in front of his home.
The Aiken County Sheriffs Office detained a 19-year-old woman for disorderly conduct after she was found exhibiting signs of intoxication at the intersection of Cato Road and Piney Heights Road in Warrenville.
A burglary was reported on Good Springs Road in Aiken on Wednesday. The owner reported an air conditioner unit missing.
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Aiken Standard is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point.
We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click the X that appears in the upper right corner when you hover over a comment. This will send the comment to Facebook for review. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full terms and conditions.


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"Tell No Lies" (St. Martin's Press), by Gregg Hurwitz
A race to stop a killer begins when a piece of mail is delivered to the wrong person in "Tell No Lies," the latest thriller from Gregg Hurwitz.
Daniel Brasher gave up a high-paying job to marry the woman of his dreams. She successfully battled a rare form of cancer and now works as a community organizer. They love each other and are happy together.
Then a piece of mail with no return address arrives in Daniel's inbox at work. It warns him to admit what he's done or he'll bleed for it. There's a deadline, but that deadline has passed.
Daniel shows the letter to his wife. They search for the recipient's name on the Internet and discover that he's been murdered. Other pieces of mail with deadlines are delivered to Daniel's inbox. He must convince the police that the threats are real.
Hurwitz has a gift for creating characters and elaborate plots that start with something simple and then explode. In "Tell No Lies," the setting is San Francisco instead of his usual Los Angeles area, and he wraps the story in the landscape of the region, making the city a character as well.
Menace, treachery and intrigue have never been more exciting.
Notice about comments:
Aiken Standard is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point.
We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click the X that appears in the upper right corner when you hover over a comment. This will send the comment to Facebook for review. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full terms and conditions.


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Step 1: Materials
Step 2: Fold the paper
Once you have folded the paper, tape with masking tape. Refer to picture for tape placement.
Step 3: Add wood
Flip the paper over and fold the top flap back and forth. It should then stand up and the paper should resemble a paper airplane.
Step 4: Attach the tail
Step 5: Attach the line
Unroll about 15' of string and cut. Then wrap the string around the pencil. Now, your kite should be complete and ready to fly.
written in 1999 in Hawaii. The above website has even better instructions.
The instuctions kinda suck. But other then that its okayy. But better if u put MORE detail into the instructons! Please!?


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Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times File Valerie Alvarez (left) tries to comfort her daughter, Amy Vasquez, 3, as she talks to her father on the phone on the first day of school at Zavala Special Emphasis School in 2010. She is Alvarez' first child to begin school, and while Amy cried, Valerie fought back tears herself.
Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times file Rebecca Laso (left) comforts her daughter Ariela Flores, 4, on her first day of prekindergarten at Romero Elementary School in Robstown last year.
Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times file David Harvey, 4 is held by prekindergarten paraprofessional Eunice Lacroix after his parents left on the first day of school at Smith Elementary School in 2008.
Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times file Tuloso-Midway Primary School kindergarten teacher Benito Portillo comforts Damien Jenkins, 5, on the first day of school in 2012. Damien had grandparents on both sides drive from East Texas to see him off on his first day of school.
Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times file Mari Espinosa (left) prepares to leave her son, Marcos Villarreal, 5, on his first day of kindergarten at Romero Elementary School in Robstown in 2012.
Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times file Andrea Rodriguez (center) tries to calm her daughter Lauren Cervantes' nerves on the first day of school at Lexington Elementary School for Carroll Lane Elementary School students while sibling Gabriel Cervantes, 6, waits to be dropped off at Windsor Park Elementary School in 2010.
Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times file Ruben Luis says goodbye to his daughter, Kaitlyn Luis, 5, on her first day of kindergarten in July at London Elementary School.
Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times file Isaac Salazar, 3, lets out a wail as his father, Frank Salazar, tries to comfort him on the first day of school at Zavala Special Emphasis School in 2010. "This year is going great," said his teacher Leticia Valentine. "Last year we had runners."
Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times file Anayz Barrera (left) gives her son, Tello Moreno, 4, a kiss as he begins school in 2010 at Zavala Special Emphasis School.


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ABM Parking Services
28 N. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60606
This parking does not currently offer online bookings.
82 People Recommend Parking Here
58 Left Comments
"Great location."
"Very close to opera house"
"So close to the Lyric. Great service. Thank you!"
This is a surface lot located on Franklin St in the loop. Park here and walk just one block to the Lyric Opera of Chicago!
This location is a commercial parking lot.
Nearby destinations: Lyric Opera of Chicago, Cadillac Palace Theatre, McDermott, Will & Emery, Chase Auditorium, Union Station.
This lot is located on the west side of N Franklin St, just north of W Calhoun Pl. Look for a blue, white and yellow public parking sign.


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Something's gone silly in Umi City and it's up to your child to fix it! Help Bot spot all of the out-of-place items so he can straighten out the city.
Watch Team Umizoomi Weekdays @ 9AM ET on NICK
A boat on the road? A car with a pizza wheel? That's silly! Your child will use the mouse to click on all of the out-of-place items so Bot can fix them. Find all five and you win a Team Umizoomi member certificate.
Parent Tip: Why play just once? Click play again to find brand new silly items in a different part of Umi City.
Kids use shapes skills to build racing vehicles & help catch the Shape Bandit!
Join the team on their flag-collecting Grand Prix mission!
Speed down the beach to the ferry with Team Umizoomi's supercharged friend
Find 6 action-packed math adventures in one umirrific game
Collect super power shapes, avoid obstacles & speed past Dump Truck to win!
Take off with the team! Speed by obstacles & robots in a race to the finish line
Kids join the Team in saving the Purple Monkey from a skyscraper!
Shapes and patterns make for high-flying fun!
Now you see her, now you don't!. Milli's dress can blend into any background.
Kids assemble their own Umizoomi vehicle with Geo's super shapes
Kids can learn how to be super sorters by helping the pups save the crops!
Kids use shapes skills to build racing vehicles & help catch the Shape Bandit!
Find 6 action-packed math adventures in one umirrific game
Swim with mermaids to help collect all the things that fell into the sea
"All aboard!" says Dora. "We're going to the carnival in the big city!"
Now you see her, now you don't!. Milli's dress can blend into any background.
It's Panda-monium! Explore China with Kai-lan and get ready to meet baby panda!
What a beautiful garden Walden has! Help him grow more flowers with Wubbzy
All Aboard the Animal Rescue train!
Super simple fun for your littlest ones.
Give Oobi a hand and try to remember which object is missing
Puzzling, isn't it? How will Diego get to the party?
Kids join Diego on an adventure of prehistoric proportions
It's hammerin' time! Which robot will your kid build?
Your little one will have a bubbly blast playing this fun, foamy guessing game!
Fasten your asteroid-belt! Help Spinner find the Twinkles.
Whoa, it's Joe! And he is on a journey to the Blue's Clues house!
Kids will need sharp eyes to help Ruby find her little brother!
Ant needs your help to get to his friends! Don't get lost!
Learn more about Dora and the rest of the gang!
It's puzzle-palooza!
Oswald's hat is lost! Kids sort through the shapes and colors to find it!
Blast off into space on a rescue mission with Little Bill!
Whoa! Where's my floatie?!
Map is hiding somewhere in the jungle�can you help Dora find him?
This bridge is a puzzling mess!
Help Dora and Boots spot spooky critters and find their way out of the forest
Is that Boots in the tree?
Drag and drop the puzzle pieces so Little Bear can make the perfect puzzle.
Five games in one dino-adventure!


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Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in '1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-' started by OxMox, Jun 2, 2005.
Thats def a shame..
Agreed! I certainly enjoy both of mine and appreciate the aspects of both a sixer and my v-8. All I can do is be as enthusiastic as I am about both and hope the love spreads!
very very true! When I finally get my B.S. soon, I know Ill be buying a v8, but for the meantime, ripping apart and modding the sixer has satisfied my mod bug for now
Not sure which thread is more pointless the 4.6 seafoam thread or this one.
I think it was post #3724
The '65 Mustang one was in season one, where Al and Steve buy a rusted old Mustang from Kelly's date, spend a fortune restoring it, then it's repo'd because it was stolen.
The one where he was in a traffic jam in the Fox convertible, I think that was the one that they won on the game show. That car quietly disappeared after that episode, because he looked more pathetic driving his old Dodge.
Anyway, to heck with the details. All hail Al Bundy, a true American hero.
i feel what ur saying ive just been a member for a few days now and there is NEVER anybody on here , and with me still trying to learn about my car and wich mods to add it doesnt really help ya know
In all fairness, you only posted a question today. We'll help, but we gotta have a little time.
Back when the rest of us posted in here regularly, basic mod questions were asked on a daily basis. The archives should be full of these posts.
yea i feel ya im just kind of anxious bcuz i just came from gettin my ass whooped daily in a civic and now that i got somthing that i can mod up to be a really good car im just ready to get it out on the streets down here.
yea thanks for the tip its not like i dont know its illegal but in the end my stang is fun and im going to have fun in it. i mean literally if i would have gotten my car and drove the speed limit all the time whats the point of even having a fast car i might as well have got a d** honda or sumthing.lol
thanks again and im glad to know that when that little import revs up beside you at the stop light that u just drive of at 20mph like it never happend.
I sure will. I have nothing to prove and I'll keep my car and my license too.
If I want to race, I'll go to a track. Street racing is illegal for a reason.
and there is your problem
thats what having a fast car is all about is the streets i mean yea the track is good but the streets are the real proving ground
Did this come out of Fast and the Furious? Dude....do us a favor and take your mouth to the track so you don't kill yourself or someone else in the process. The street proves nothing, but maybe hype up your ego.
There's something seriously wrong with your logic.
no nothing really wrong with my logic, its just you guys problem of realizing that different people have different types of personalities , for u guys the track is great , but that dont mean that its for everyone, i mean yea dont get me wrong i have nothing against it ive drove my unkles camaro at the stip down here plenty of times and its great, but for some people thats just not what its all about, i know its not legal im not stupid, and yea it isnt the smartest thing ever i realize that too, but its what gets it done for me soo go ahead and call me stupid call me whatever it doesnt really matter to me bcuz i live to please me not others soo yea have funn ripping on me for this......i know u will
Come on now, some people have different personalities? You are referring this to if people prefer to race legally or illegally? I think you just don't fully understand how ridiculous what you are saying is. To many people, you don't come off very intelligent and you obviously need to grow up a bit. I'm guessing from your personality and persona that you are fairly young. One day you will realize this. Having alittle spirited fun on the street is one thing, street racing is another. The street isn't your race track, 99.9% of the people on the road are not racing too and you are putting people and there families in danger no matter when or where. I have nothing to prove to anyone on the street, but friendly races at the track means much more than anything on the street. I've said my 2 cents, take what you want from it.