July 4th, 2010

I took this photo on Thursday when I was with my friend Jordy. He suggested that I post it on AVC today to celebrate July 4th. So here it is.

Bayonne flag 

Today is a travel day for our family. We are putting our son on a plane to basketball camp and then the Gotham Gal and I are headed to a week of vacation in Italy.

Longtime readers know that I continue to post on vacations and this one will not be any different. I expect the Gotham Gal will be blogging a lot about Italy on her blog. And I plan to post fun photos on my tumblog.

I'll see you all tomorrow for our next installment of MBA Mondays.

#Uncategorized

Comments (Archived):

  1. ShanaC

    Happy Fourth, See you tomorrow. Don’t get too bogged down in JKF or Newark on your way to Italy.You know, whoever did really design the flag, did a really excellent job. It really does stand out against light blue sky and fluffy clouds.

    1. Aviah Laor

      everything moves into the cloud 🙂

  2. Tereza

    Have fun!

  3. kidmercury

    here is an image i wanted to share with the community as well to celebrate the 4th of july.http://is.gd/df5BS9/11 was an inside job,kid mercury

    1. fredwilson

      if there was a “don’t like” button, i’d select that for this comment kidthat’s a party killer

      1. kidmercury

        sorry to hear that boss, though that is the attitude of a youngster. if you spend some time thinking about it you will realize sharing that type of art, especially on july 4, is the responsible, mature, good-looking thing to do. it may not be a party, but july 4 is not just about partying; that is what the youngsters think. old-timers like me know it is about liberty and showing respect for it. that’s why it’s called independence day, and not party day.also, if you think that is a party killer, imagine how the kids in iraq and afghanistan feel. their lives are ruined. and the people responsible for it — the taxpayers and citizens of the united states, who are ultimately responsible for the US government — hate you if you remind of their obligations. shameful behavior.i’m sure if you and your family were living in afghanistan or iraq you would have a very different view of the image i shared, and would likely be grateful and supportive that i shared it.most importantly, the US flag is supposed to be a symbol of liberty, but because the US is an empire, it has become a symbol of fascism and militarism. this is the opposite of liberty, and the opposite of what the founders of this once great country intended.as the US economy worsens and everyone gets poorer, remember what your good buddy kid mercury has been saying for years: only the truth can set you free. this country is on the wrong path — economically and politically — and the only way to fix that is with the truth. as such 9/11 truth is the most responsible thing any american can do, and why i am proud to do it — especially on today. (although not like i am a big fan of nationalism, that is for youngsters, but i do believe in responsibility to one’s community, which sort of involves an element of nationalism, at least so long as the nation-state continues to be the dominant form of governance).

        1. Mark Essel

          🙁

      2. Adrian Bye

        nah, its the great thing about the USA that kidmercury can express this kind of opinion on the birthday of the nation. in many places i’ve visited he’d be in jail for doing that.

        1. kidmercury

          there is a no fly list in the united states, college professors have been put on it for criticizing bush’s policies in the “war on terror.” the patriot act allows any individual to be arrested and imprisoned without due process on grounds of terrorism. that’s why the image i posted is especially relevant for today.

          1. Adrian Bye

            go read “aquariums in pyongyang” if you want to know how things can be in other places:http://www.amazon.com/Aquar…did you catch what the north korean government did 6 months ago? without warning they replaced their currency with a new one. people could change about $40. it had the effect of wiping out every would-be entrepreneur’s savings.happy 4th. 🙂

          2. kidmercury

            so i should ignore 9/11 being an inside job because things are bad in north korea?the US is also on the path to hyperinflation. every country that has pursued an imperial agenda with a fiat currency has ended in hyperinflation. war always results in currency devaluation — check the value of the dollar since 9/11 — and endless war invariably results in infinite currency devaluation.that’s why 9/11 truth is important and can help return america to a free and just society.happy 4th indeed. 🙂

          3. Adrian Bye

            what you’re missing is perspective. this is the key quote:”Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” — Winston Churchill from a House of Commons speech on Nov. 11, 1947go travel a bit and see how things are in other places. i’m interested in visiting myanmar sometime in the next year, want to come along?

          4. kidmercury

            no one is disputing that most of the world sucks. what you are missing is that liberty is not a competition. my point is we have serious problems that need to be fixed and that american independence and hte US constitution, the reason why july 4 is special in the first place, are no longer in place; this is an enslaved society. a nation 13 trillion USD in debt with a broken economy and an unconstitutional governemnt carrying out fraudulent wars is not what hte founding fathers gave their lives for, and it’s not what my immigrant parents came here for. it’s probably not what your ancestors wanted for you either — i imagine they wanted something better, just like all pepole wish for their descendents.

    2. Mark Essel

      The subtlety of this image is like trying to argue for the beauty of the naked body with a porno with Ron Jeremy.What are you trying to achieve? Are disturbing images the best way to do it? Do you ever wonder why kooks messages are such a turn off to not as kooky folks? No subtlety. It’s always jammed down your throat accept my view of reality or live in self delusions. Sounds like other forms of fanaticism.

      1. kidmercury

        please. for starters, some messages are not supposed to be subtle. again, put yourself in the shoes of the people in afghanistan and iraq. or, if that is too hard, imagine your house is on fire, you’re inside it, and you don’t know, you’re just sitting there playing video games. do you want me to politely whisper? or do you want me to grab the controller out of your hand and start shouting?also, kooks have tried a wide variety of approaches. ron paul goes for the conservative political approach. david icke goes for the chilled out spiritual dude approach. alex jones goes for the raving lunatic approach. kid mercury is kid mercury.it’s also not “my view of reality.” it’s the truth. if you want to debate the facts, i am always willing to do that. that’s why the approach is warranted. the truth is the ultimate rule and must be obeyed. if you doubt me, simply watch what happens to the world. or more correctly, pay attention to what is already happening.lastly, the reason i am upset is because i pay for your ignorance. if i came into your house and took $100 out and walked away, would you be upset? would be you be justified in being upset? yes, of course you would. it is the same thing. the economy is ruined, lots of people are homeless, and the main reason is because of ignorance: ignorance of the impact of war on an economy, ignorance of how military and banking factions work together to create this mess, ignorance, ignorance, ignorance. such behavior deserves to be penalized socially and i’m proud to act accordingly.

        1. Mark Essel

          But in your quest for absolute truth you have stumbled on subjective witnesses and questionable interpretations. Given what you hold as truth how can you willingly pay taxes, or contribute to a society that lives with “ignorance”?No matter how well intentioned you may be, you leave me with an open question of your information validity. I have researched the issues you brought up given the means and time I have, and found your conclusions incorrect. I even posted contrary links I found in a comment to you a while back (remember the kook debunking pages?)My open question, is why do you choose to believe your sources over contrary views? Do you place high trust in someone with better first hand knowledge?more wordshttp://www.victusspiritus.com

          1. kidmercury

            1. if i don’t pay taxes the terrorist organization known as the IRS will put me in prison. i’m more effective in making change outside of prison. also, i don’t want to go to prison. (although the world already sort is one, something i’m very interested in changing)2. i don’t recall the kook debunking links you posted before, apologies for that. i am always willing to discuss in pursuit of the truth, and i encourage folks to challenge and ask questions, so that we can use this thing called the internet to learn and improve our world, instead of just turning our friends into vampires and hamburgers on facebook. if anything i say is false i will immediately apologize/revise my position. in instances where things are unclear, i usually state that, or state that “this is what i believe based on available information.” for things that are a slam dunk, i.e. 9/11 being an inside job, i treat it accordingly.3. i have done a lot of research into kookology. A LOT. A LOT LOT. that is why i make my statements with such confidence. anyone who puts in the same amount of research, possess basic logic comprehension capabilities, and is willing to obey the truth, will come to the same conclusion. it is like debating 2 + 2 = 4.

          2. Mark Essel

            1) I can’t fault your rationale, the IRS keeps beating me up (I forgot something in 2008 a misc bonus or something from work which wasn’t taxed at a high enough bracket).2) I can look up the old link ( I can’t remember either) and we can talk it over offline.3) I know, that’s why it’s worth my time talking it over offline. At the very least I see some different perspectives.

        2. Mark Essel

          Let’s take this off line and start with a simple assumption that was wrongly covered by media and take it from there.Hit me up at messel at gmail dot com

          1. kidmercury

            sounds good, i will send you an email shortly

    3. ShanaC

      Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomedShow prudence.

      1. kidmercury

        i’m not 100% sure what your point is, but based on the last two words, i imagine you are suggesting that i am not showing prudence. if that is the case, i disagree. moreover, i think those who continually ignore 9/11, especially on an important day like today, are the ones who are immensely lacking in prudence.

        1. ShanaC

          I took the line from the constitution…they were specifically pointing out that the grievances better be pretty severe.

          1. kidmercury

            hahhaaha, are you implying 9/11 being an inside job is not severe????? also, if the founding fathers were alive today, they would agree with what i am saying — it is more correct to say my view is representative of the founding fathers and the constitution. read the federalist papers, the debates they had when drafting the constitution….they knew exactly what would happen, eventually the people would get complacent, get robbed, lose their liberty, etc. they tried to create the best possible system to prevent that. it lasted about 200 years. very impressive work, and IMHO a good model for those looking to understand ideal governance models for web platforms.

  4. kirklove

    Buon Viaggio!Safe travels and enjoy. Look forward to the food pics from Joanne.

  5. Fernando Gutierrez

    Have fun on your holidays! I’ll be reading your posts, but remember the importance of being present!http://www.avc.com/a_vc/201

    1. fredwilson

      absolutelyi try to keep my working to an hour in the morning and some quick catch up in the late afternoons when i am on vacationit generally works well

      1. Julien

        I can’t help but recommend that you spend the mornings outside while the air is still fresh in Rome 🙂 The 1PM-4PM frame is usually nap-time 🙂 Most of museums, churches and shops are closed at that time.

        1. fredwilson

          i am a huge fan of nap timei plan to indulge myself dailywhen i say morning, i mean 5amthat’s when i normally wake up

          1. Julien

            Indeed… then you have a few minutes in the morning! If you feel it, you can also try to catch the sunrise from the Gianicolo, on Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi. If you’re staying in the Centro Storico, it’s a 20 minute walk, from either the Vatican (north), or the Trastevere (south).

  6. Guest

    Great Shot Fred, Have a great trip, If i take a photo nearly as nice today, Will share it here 🙂

    1. Guest

      here is my shot Fred:http://amintorres.com/blog/…took it today in Hoboken, visiting a friend’s BBQ…. hope you had a great day!:)

  7. William Mougayar

    Great photo…stock photography quality. Looking forward to other pics of Tuscan vineyards while you enjoy a dolce far niente.

    1. fredwilson

      i took it with my blackberry 9700

      1. Donna Brewington White

        I have the same BB and have been pretty impressed with the quality of the photos — especially outdoors.

  8. ShanaC

    Oh and before I forget- you all should definitely take time today to read this link:When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation….http://bit.ly/9bN3RL

    1. Donna Brewington White

      Good reminder, Shana. Thanks for the link.

  9. Elie Seidman

    Have a great vacation. If you’ve never been, I can’t recommend Portofino enough. The drive along the coast into the “town” is truly unforgettable and enjoy a meal at the Hotel Splendido overlooking it all.

    1. fredwilson

      I’ve never been and won’t be going this trip elieBut it is very much on my list of things to do

      1. Elie Seidman

        Along with Las Ventanas in Cabo, Auberge Do Soleil in Napa, and Le St Paul in St Paul De Vence (South of France), Hotel Splendido in Portofino, is one my favorite hotels. A July visit is a trip you won’t ever forget.

        1. fredwilson

          Are you in the hotel business or something? 🙂

          1. Elie Seidman

            🙂 just a bit

  10. paramendra

    Happy July 4. I am about to send you a July 4 email in an hour or two. To you and Brad Feld. @feld

  11. Evan

    the only way for me to enjoy vacations is to make them part-productive.

  12. Ori

    Love your blog-short commentiPad recognizes your blog as a mobile website… pitty we are losing a lot of the functionality ( right nav). Also it doesn’t allow to post comments for some reason.maybe it’s only me but I don’t think so.hope this helps.best ori@rayv.

    1. fredwilson

      the lack of a right nav is a feature of the iPad UIwe made a conscious decision on thati make comments on this blog all the time on the iPadnot sure why you are having trouble

  13. awaldstein

    Enjoy Fred…Italy in July is hard to beat. Your photo inspired me to share mine from a quick bike ride around Governors Island this morning.http://bit.ly/bKJjplSafe travels.

    1. Donna Brewington White

      That’s great, Arnold. Thank you. May I borrow?When I visit New York, this is always one of the sights I want to see. Never grows old.

      1. awaldstein

        Hi DonnaCertainly grab and enjoy the photo…or any of the others that are on Flickr attached to my blog.Enjoy

  14. Donna Brewington White

    Happy 4th to you, Fred, and a wonderful vacation in Italy. Love the photo — thank you. Is it my imagination, or does the flag seem particularly gallant? Hope you don’t mind that I borrowed for my Tumblog — gave you acknowledgment. Had just had a talk with one of my kids about freedom and bravery and what it meant that the American flag was still waving at the end of a bitter battle — then shortly afterward saw this photo. Maybe it was that I’d just had this discussion but, somehow this depiction of our flag seemed to capture the essence of the spirit of freedom and bravery.

  15. Nicola Cassolato

    Hi Fred,any chance you’re in Venice or in that area?I’d love to show you around (I live near Venice)… in exchange for 5 minutes of entrepreneurial advices ;)Anyway, if I can be of help for the Venice area, feel free to ask!Bye,Nicola