MBA class at HBS

i am glad i am taking this class on commercializing science and technology, even though it happens in the middle of the day and i have to cross the river in the cold.. 4 observations so far:

1. the course material is worth the extra $$ -- at the very least i would be exposed to the right cases, and the material is actually well written and quite comprehensive. and the professors did a decent job to abstract the "theory" from the cases.

2. having to speak up in class teaches me a lot about how to communicate and articulate my ideas in a simple fashion that every one in the room (MBAs, Phds, JDs, MDs..) can understand. in fact it helps me organize my thoughts.

3. the MBAs aren't that scary. they are not as cocky as i thought.

4. the toilets are nicer, and there are refreshments during class breaks.

salomon or volkl?

demo-ed salomon siam n8 and volkl attiva s4 the past weekend at killington. i like them both. salomon is very balanced and i liked them when i demo-ed them back in kirkwood (==powder) xmas time last year. volkl feels similar, and it's better on the ice, but it's lot more expensive (volkl retail $910, ~$699 online; salomon retail $750, cheapest ~$500 online).

or should i wait till the end of the season to buy used demo skis from the resorts?! but rental is going to cost at least $100-200 if i go 5-6 more times this season. hmm....

redd, napa valley

it actually happened back in 12/28/06. the tasting menu is great for the value!!! $50 for four courses! go before they become a 2-star!


sashimi of hamachi, sticky rice, edamame, lime ginger sauce


duck confit tartine


cameralized diver scallops, asparagus puree, prosciutto emulsion

michael mina

for al's 35th bday. service was excellent - they replaced Leo's "tough" lamb with a beef without him actually asking for it. the presentation of the food is very good, but the taste is OK.. the dessert is really just so-so.