Blackberry manufacturer Research In Motion (RIM) released their 2nd quarter numbers. Profit rose 57%, sales increased 58% and RIM advised strong 3rd and 4th quarter numbers. 

And RIM shares dropped 10%.  It was the biggest single day decline ever for RIM.  Welcome to the top RIM.  Hope you're ready for it.

So what was the terrible news that sent shares falling:  Subscriber growth was 620,000, the low end of what was forecast.

What is the problem with low subscriber growth?  It could indicate that RIM's growth is slowing.  And it could indicate growing success of the myriad of competitors who have jumped into the product space that RIM has dominated for so long.

The pressure is on RIM now.  The company's guidance to the market was better than what the analysts themselves have predicted.  If RIM doesn't meet their numbers in Q3, they will get hammered in the market.  Analysts will expect solid growth to justify an $80 share price.

I have long held concerns about RIM. Where is the Research happening in the Research In Motion part of their name? 

RIM has produced one device with incremental improvements to that device.  Go to Nokia.com and prepare to be dazzled by their array of products.  Go to RIM.com and see the Blackberry.  Isn't this the same device they released in 1998?  Yes, it was revolutionary at the time.  They made thumb typing acceptable to North Americans.  But more competitor products are offering similar functionality with additional features. 

RIM never really succeed in the consumer market or in Europe.  Without gains there, they cannot expect to sustain this level of growth.  Once the North American business market adoption is completed, they will grow at the growth rate of the economy and no better.

Q3 will be interesting.  But if you hold shares, you may want to keep the night free for some after hours trading.

Recently, I picked up a copy of The BalleCore Workout by Molly Weeks after reading about it in Chatelaine at my hair dressers. 

This book combines ballet, pilates and yoga into a work out.  The author of the book combined all three styles as they each offer advantages in strengthening, stretching and improving posture.

I picked up this book as a way to supplement the workout that I do at home.  It provides fairly good explanations of the movements and alot of pictures.  It also includes 20 minute workouts and 10 minute workouts focusing on different areas such as stretching, balancing or core strength.   These  pre-made workouts are perfect for someone who wants to start getting into shape or to supplement a cardiovascular routine.

Dell, A Mass-Marketer Seeks the Lustre-Prone Customer
Once the darling of people studying logistics everywhere, Dell seems a little lost these days.  I almost can't believe that a company, that built its reputation on low cost supply chain, would consider going after a luxery market.  Someone at Dell really should have run this strategy past Michael Porter.  Dell would be going head to head with niche gaming PC makers and of course, Apple. 

What's happened with the PC market?
1. HP seemed to get organized again and they have a much stronger consumer presence (Future Shop, Best Buy).
2. The majority of new PC/laptops are being bought by consumers who prefer using Big Box stores for touch and feel purchasing.
3. Hardly anyone is inspired to buy a new PC in the corporate environment.  Laptops are becoming more and more standard.  PCs are not be updated because they are good enough (until laptops get slightly cheaper).

The fortunes of Dell are interesting to watch because it is not so much the success of Dell, Intel and Windows but Wintel+Dell that dictated so much of the 1990's and early 2000 PC market.

The era of the PC is over.  Goodbye Dell, see you when re-invent yourself.

Sony just can't get a break as Microsoft and Intel support the Toshiba standard. 
Intel, Microsoft back next generation DVDs

Google gets a little too much press these days but this is actually a big event:Google offers prime-time video streamcasts.
With no commercials, you can watch the latest episode of "Everybody Hates Chris". 

Microsoft is making its moves....
Microsoft Plans to Sell Search Ads of its Own.
Qwest and Microsoft in Internet Phone Deal

I don't feel the need for speed.  Oh how the times, they are changing.
Intel to Offer Chips to Save Battery Power

How can the economy really develop if China clamps down on news sites ?

Down for the count but not out ....
CEO Puts AOL Front and Centre in TImeWarner Strategy

Roll Deep - Shake A Leg

M.I.A. - Galang  Her style is unique to hip hop and its a clever reflection of growing up in two cultures: Tamil and British. 

Alpha Yaya Diallo - Freedom.  Another great example of combinging traditional West African (Guinea) music with modern electric instruments and styles.

One of the best examples of combining West African music (the roots of the Blues) with a modern Blues player is Taj Mahal's Kulanjan.  Go out and buy this album this weekend.  Do it. Do it.