Kinetic Loop

Design Puzzles
(From Dynamist Blog) The puzzlement that occurs when you run into objects and processes that seem, in obvious ways, to be badly designed is an especially clear example of the paradox of entrepreneurial opportunity.”

Patient as Job? You Must Be Kidding!
Finally. I hate it when people say “as patient as Job.” Oh? You think Job was patient? Why don’t you try actually reading that sometime? This writer read it and realized that he “apparently developed a gross misconception about what it was.”

McDonald’s to serve changing tastes in coffee
“Leonor Gavina-Valls’s father began selling dark roast coffee to Vietnamese and Armenian immigrants in the late 1960s, seeing a niche market for strong coffee when weaker brands ruled the United States.”

Chipping In
“Snack maker Kettle Foods has devised increasingly creative ways to listen to its passionate fans–and then act on their opinions. The evolution of that strategy provides a road map for companies interested in tapping into the buzz about customer centricity without coming off as phony.”

Spotting the Next Hoodie
In today’s WSJ Style section, a great piece about trend spotters with the Worth Global Style Network and Doneger Group, with photos and video online (subscription req).

Bare-Knuckle Enforcement for Wal-Mart’s Rules
A fascinating look into Wal-Mart’s rapid-response team. One highlight out of many: “Investigators documented dozens of improper purchases that included fiber supplements and doughnuts..” That’s therapist fodder right there. And this board member’s diet needs some major work. Trying to compensate for a diet of doughnuts and beer with fiber supplements? I bet he has scurvy.

Oh, and maybe the article also mentions Roehm and Womack, who should take it on the road as guest stars in Smucker’s Stars on Ice. Hey, look at that: Champions on Ice at the United Center in May. Hmm. But I digress.