Notes from the road #23 - Where do I start edition?

Quick shot from my favorite place to write these late night missives - The Delta Sky Club.

Here's 5 things I think I think in the run up to next week's HR Technology Conference.

5. HR Tech is in Las Vegas next week and rest assured the Conference is working with local organizations and causes to make sure that the event and our HR community support the victims, families, and anyone impacted by last Sunday's tragedy. Follow @HRTechConf on Twitter for updates.

4. I am not a political person. I am squarely in the middle of the road on most issues. But no matter what side of the political spectrum you identify with, it is just about impossible to conclude that we as a country have it right when it comes to availability of ridiculously powerful weaponry and the potential for that weaponry to fall into the hands of folks who will cause massive damage. I don't have a solution, but I am not dumb enough to realize there is not a problem.

3. If you are young or inexperienced enough, there is no such thing as 'legacy' enterprise software applications. Sometimes I feel like the ratings or evaluations or placements on made up quadrants or scales have more to do with author's remembrances of things past and less to do with the present or the future. Successful companies over time do not stand still. They evolve. They loosen their grip on the past. They figure out how today is different. The famous Italian race car champion once said, after having ripped the rear view mirror from his windshield, 'What's behind you, is not there.'

2. I took a couple of 'regular' taxi rides on my trip this week. While each was perfectly fine, I couldn't help thinking I was being overcharged and inconvenienced by having to work through a complex and dumb payment process at the end of the ride. You may not like Uber and it's culture or competitiveness, but their user experience beats the alternative just about every single time.

1. Never, ever, ever convince yourself the red eye flight from the West Coast back east is a good idea. And this is from someone who is about to get on a plane at 11:15PM PT. If you see me in person on Thursday, ask me to give you $100. I will be so punchy I will probably say ok.

Until the next trip...

GUEST POST: American Muscle Cars, Ranked

Editor's Note: Today, in a very special event on the Steve Boese blog, we present (another) very, very rare guest post. 

Today's post is from none other than the star of stage and screen William Tincup, HCM industry thought leader. Prior to immersing himself in the world of HR and HR Tech, William piloted fighter jets with the Navy, and allegedly had an encounter with a Russian MiG in disputed airspace in the South Pacific. Later, William went on to graduate from the prestigious Naval Aviator's academy in Southern California, where he also gained notice with his singing and volleyball playing ability.

William has always had that proverbial 'need to speed', so today we present this take on a very, very important topic: American muscle cars.

Enjoy! 

Classic American Muscle Cars, Ranked

By William Tincup

Notice the word classic. So, if you're pissed that your 2017 Corvette Z isn't listed, well, this list isn't for you. Similar but different, this list will not rank Jaguars or Lamborghini’s, etc. By using the words "classic" and "American" the list is really focused on the greatness that was produced here in the 60's and 70’s. Okay, okay. Here we go...

10. 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.7 secs

Exterior: Sebring Yellow (Black trim)

Interior: Black

Hardtop

 

09. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.3 secs

Exterior: Dusk Blue

Interior: Black

Hardtop

 

08. 1970 Pontiac GTO 455 Judge

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 6.0 secs

Exterior: Orbit Orange

Interior: Black

Convertible preferred

07. 1969 Dodge Charger 500

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.5 secs

Exterior: Bright Red (white trim)

Interior: Black

Hardtop

 

06. 1970 Plymouth Cuda 440

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.6 secs

Exterior: In-Violet (Black trim)

Interior: Black

Hardtop

 

05. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.5 secs

Exterior: Candyapple Red

Interior; Black

Hardtop

 

04. 1968 Chevrolet Corvette 427

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 6.5 secs

Exterior: British Green

Interior: Tobacco

Convertible preferred

  

03. 1967 Shelby GT500

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 4.8 secs

Exterior: Silver Frost (Black trim)

Interior: Black

Hardtop

02. 1967 Pontiac GTO

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.2 secs

Exterior: Signet Gold

Interior: Parchment

Hardtop

 

01. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454

Speed: 0 to 60 mph: 5.3 secs

Exterior: Misty Turquoise

Interior: Ivory

Convertible preferred

Something to think about. In your opinion, when does a typical mid-life crisis occur for men? Pick a range of years. Now, think back to the guys (and gals) that fought in WWII. Would the makers of these classic cars AND buyers of these cherry rides... would they be in that mid-life crisis range? Probably huh. Well, now you know where innovation really comes from. 

You can comment if you like, but if you disagree with me, of course you would be wrong.

Steve here - fantastic stuff, William. Love the Chevelle at #1. Also am a big fan of the Cuda. But I would gladly take any of them.

Have a great weekend!