Do the stripes in our flag make it look fat?

GUIDELINES FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDIA COVERING GREECE Since the start of this economic crisis, Greece has struggled with its international image.  Journalists trying to fathom where to start in the coverage of the story, most obviously need help in understanding how to handle issues such as: 1. We love it when you emphasize the rustic, Zorba… Continue reading Do the stripes in our flag make it look fat?

The so called tablet revolution is about my fridge

Some of you might remember the “smart fridge” idea.  More than a decade ago some companies had made horribly expensive fridges which had built in computers and a touch screen.   You could surf the net, watch movies and generally do most of the things you ended up doing with your laptop parked on the… Continue reading The so called tablet revolution is about my fridge

Communication lessons from Afghanistan

These days in Greece we celebrate independence from Ottoman rule.  It was in essence guerilla warfare.  Greeks have a tradition of sorts in this type of war.  But of course the true and proven modern masters are the Afghans.  The greatest powers of the world have tried their best to conquer the place and failed.… Continue reading Communication lessons from Afghanistan

Facebook has a secret weapon: making money from politics

In Greece, the media has always depended heavily on politics in order to survive.   Which is putting it very politely.  Private TV is the playground of rich business tycoons.  They pay money, to get eyeballs and influence and then use that influence in order to get big public sector projects.   We also have… Continue reading Facebook has a secret weapon: making money from politics

Climbing Mount Improbable with Professor Varoufakis

Climbing Mount Improbable is one of many books by Richard Dawkins.   The author of “The Selfish Gene” fame.   Because that is what popular science is all about.   Finding a good analogy, or making a new one that catches on.   It’s not about science.   It’s about communication.    I remember raving… Continue reading Climbing Mount Improbable with Professor Varoufakis

The Greek crisis produces media stars of disinformation

For more than two years now international attention has been on and off.  George Papandreou milked it as much as he could.   Having the potential to blow up Europe or even the world economy according to others is a feat unmatched even by Bin Laden.   Unfortunately nothing constructive has been done with this… Continue reading The Greek crisis produces media stars of disinformation

Bernulli, calculus and copyright protection

In what was probably an early example of distance learning, the rich French military man Guillaume François Antoine, hired Johan Bernulli to mentor him.   There was even a written agreement but much of the teaching happened through regular mail.   The  Marquis de l’Hôpital sent questions, Bernulli sent answers.  All went well.   Even when the student… Continue reading Bernulli, calculus and copyright protection

Goebbels needed in Brussels to change the flag

“The European flag consists of 12 golden stars in a circle on a blue background. The stars symbolise the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe. The number of stars has nothing to do with the number of member countries, though the circle is a symbol of unity.” That is all… Continue reading Goebbels needed in Brussels to change the flag

How witchhunters taught the IMF all about communication

I once famously wrote an article about the Business Software Alliance and how it’s methodology is similar to the Holy Inquisition.  The Middle Ages are to me a truly inspiring historical period, a time when many of our modern concepts were created.   Except they were in their more raw, essential form.  For example there… Continue reading How witchhunters taught the IMF all about communication