The Pros and Cons of Being a Celebrity Tree

You may not have to sign autographs but it's a headache to find someone responsible to answers emails. JL

Sarah Laskow reports in Slate:

Casting trees as "charismatic megaflora," the arboreal equivalent of polar bears and snow leopards, could inspire people to conserve those trees' homes and indirectly benefit many more species. (But) you have to feel bad for the C-list trees, and the anonymous woody biomass that doesn't make it on any list at all.

And Another Dissatisfied Customer: Uber and Lyft Being Sued By the Disabled

It's not clear that angering much of the civilized world matters much to Uber. But with a deficit of $300 million a year and the threat of increased workforce costs a distinct possibility that stratospheric valuation may begin to lose altitude. JL

Jen Wieczner reports in Fortune:

The ride-sharing services are being sued for allegedly denying service to passengers with wheelchairs and guide dogs.

ATT's Attempts At a Connected Car Revolution

The question is what this investment portends for a future sure to include cars without human drivers. And, as the article points out, that the car business is never going to be anything like the smartphone business. JL


Harry McCracken reports in Fast Company:

In the end, the car business is never going to look exactly like the smartphone business. With its plodding product cycles and safety as the highest priority, it will take a while before some of the bright ideas that AT&T and others are working on have a shot at becoming standard equipment

Trying to Teach Tech Skills to Millions Online - and Make a Profit

Teaching is one thing. Learning is another. The question is when and whether the twain shall meet. JL

Farhad Manjoo reports in the New York Times:

Predictions about the potential for technology to improve education smell like Silicon Valley peyote. Computers have long been held up as a magic bullet for learning, and they’ve constantly failed; education has only become more expensive alongside the rise of technology. MOOC(s) tried to offer general education,but everyone failed to complete the work. So Mr. Thrun began  a more practical vocational school that offered lessons to help people find jobs.

Companies Try Fast Track Hiring

The good news is that this approach may speed the hiring decision. The bad news is that like many speed-dating relationships, it may end rather quickly as well. JL

Rachel Feintzeig reports in the Wall Street Journal:

The latest trend in hiring has a lot in common with speed dating.

Volkswagen CEO Resigns in Shame - and Receives $32 Million Pension

Hey, embarrassment is expensive these days! JL

Mike Krieger comments in Liberty Blitzkrieg:

Martin Winterkorn, engulfed by a diesel-emissions scandal at Volkswagen AG, amassed a $32 million pension before stepping down Wednesday, and may reap millions more in severance

Subservient Tech Execs Try To Claim Lecture From Chinese President Was a 'Dialogue'

Scorecard:

For granting permission to continue to do business, China gets tech companies'  intellectual capital transfer, storage of Chinese-related data in country, agreement to provide access to customer information to Chinese authorities. All despite declining opportunities and market share vis a vis Chinese competitors.

For agreeing to those terms, US tech executives get lecture - and photo opp with Chinese President. JL

Richard Waters and Geoff Dyer report in the Financial Times:

Calling tech leaders to Seattle, along with other chief executives from a wider range of industries for a meeting was seen as a demonstration of the importance to US companies of access to Chinese markets