CFallert

  • Alumni

Activity Feed

Very interesting post. While reading your post I wondered about the validity of data from FitBits. I participated in a FitBit challenge at my former employer, and I was impressed by the wealth of non-traditional uses of FitBits to game the system (e.g. shaking them around while sitting at your desk, putting them on your kid while they play on the playground, tying them to your ankle while tapping your foot at your desk). I wonder if employees would have a similar incentive to skew the data of their FitBits and if health insurance companies would be able to truly validate the data they receive.

On November 20, 2016, CFallert commented on Lights, Camera, Cannibalization? The NetFlix-ication of Broadway :

Very interesting post! I would hope that BroadwayHD increases the love for and appreciation of Broadway theater, rather than cannibalize it. It will be interesting to see how the role of BroadwayHD evolves over time. In the future, I wonder if there is a potential for two other developments: (1) development of virtual reality technology to give viewers the full feel of being in the theater and (2) applications of this technology for other art forms such as classical music and dance. As a former ballet dancer, I’ve seen a declining interest in dance and in ballet because it’s an art form that is so traditional. The ballet world has not done a great job of keeping up with pop culture and new technology. An HD experience for ballet may help attract more attention around and love for the art form.

On November 20, 2016, CFallert commented on Digital News and The Washington Post :

I had a similar reaction, Paige. More and more advertising and journalism seem to be converging. This past election cycle highlighted the lack of integrity in news reporting on Facebook and other social media outlets. I wonder how invested Amazon is in protecting the integrity of journalism in our country vs. building a population of listeners for Amazon media.

On November 20, 2016, CFallert commented on Skootar: Transforming the Messenger Service in Bangkok :

I have a close friend who helped manage operations for Lazada’s warehouse in Bangkok. Lazada often used motorcycles to deliver orders to customers, but came across several challenges. One of the main challenges was the safety and integrity of motorcycle drivers when they delivered products for cash on delivery. Driving around with large amounts of cash can (1) put the driver at risk of robbery or (2) encourage the driver to just drive off with the cash rather than return to the warehouse. How is Skootar addressing some of these issues?

On November 20, 2016, CFallert commented on Omada: preventing diabetes through digital therapeutics :

Do you know if Omada has considered targeting patients who are risk for heart disease? According to the CDC one in four deaths in the United States are attributed to heart disease. Because most heart disease is associated with diet, exercise, and smoking habits, it seems like Omada’s preventative care technology could help reduce the prevalence of heart disease today.

CDC.gov. 2016. Heart Disease Facts & Statistics | cdc.gov. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm. [Accessed 20 November 2016].

On November 7, 2016, CFallert commented on Impossible Foods: How a Burger Will Save the World :

Great post, Steve! I also wrote about the impact of the livestock industry on climate change. Impossible Burger seems to have a promising solution. If they can achieve scale, I wonder if large restaurant businesses in the United States (like McDonald’s) would ever be interested in partnering with them. If successful, such a partnership could have a significant impact on consumer behavior.

Interesting post, Zach. I experienced similar concerns while working with coconut farmers in the Philippines this summer. Unpredictable droughts and typhoons in the Philippines can have detrimental affects on the productivity and profitability of farmers.

Our program considered investing in irrigation systems to help mitigate the risks of drought in the Philippines, but could not find a sustainable financial model to invest in the upfront construction and the long term maintenance of such systems. Do you know how MoFA is planning to fund this program in the long run? Has it been successful so far? If so, what were the key drivers of success?

On November 7, 2016, CFallert commented on In the ring with Tyson :

Very interesting post, Ty. Thanks for sharing. I also wrote a post about the impact of the livestock industry on global gas emissions. If you have the chance, Cowspiracy is an interesting and relevant documentary on Netflix. I found it to be incredibly informative despite the somewhat cheesy-sounding name.

Great post, Bhargav!

And interesting question, Lama. I’m not sure if shifting the production of almond milk outside of California would be a sustainable solution. Because almonds require so much water to grow and almond milk requires additional water to produce, it seems like it would be an inefficient use of water no matter where the almonds are grown or where the almond milk is produced. I wonder if there are other milk alternatives that require less water. For example, coconut milk and soy milk may be more environmentally friendly.

On November 7, 2016, CFallert commented on Coral Bleaching Threatens Luxury Travel Company :

Really enjoyed reading this post. I recently discovered scuba diving while working in the Philippines over the summer. I fell in love. I was blown away by the world underwater. There is so much to explore, to appreciate, and to protect.

Though coral bleaching is a significant threat to healthy reefs and to the scuba diving industry, we shouldn’t forget the impact of (1) improper garbage disposal, (2) careless diving, and (3) man-made destruction for commercial benefit on coral reefs. While diving in the Philippines, I observed the impact of these activities on the coral reefs. While diving we often discovered candy wrappers and other plastic garbage stuck in the reefs and observed sustained, irreversible damage to reefs from irresponsible diving. PADI and other scuba organizations are making a great effort to educate divers on responsible diving practices and on garbage pick-up.

The most frustrating impact I observed was the man-made destruction for commercial purposes. The BBC video below documents Chinese fishermen intentionally destroying coral reef in the South China Sea to harvest sea clams and sea turtles. It’s pretty devastating coverage. Though coral bleaching will definitely impact the luxury vacation market, I worry more about the impact of these commercial activities on the healthy ecosystem of our oceans.

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35106631