PAN Blog

Computerworld ran a lengthy article today, discussing whether Facebook or LinkedIn is better for professional use and networking.

Their conclusion? A disappointing draw. It turns out that both Facebook and LinkedIn excel in different scenarios. It all comes down to what you’re looking for.

Many argue that Facebook is really designed for the personal life and LinkedIn for the professional, but Facebook is quietly making changes to its data structure to allow for the concept of “networking.”

What do you think? As a professional networking service, which is better - Facebook or LinkedIn?

I'm already convinced that social media will continue to expand in its business applications and value. I find it hard to believe it is just some passing fad - like stone washed jeans. It seems others agree. ClickZ's Enid Burns wrote a post this week on a report from TNS Media Intelligence/ Cymfony that confirmed that not only are marketing professionals taking social media seriously, but they are preparing to staff for it as well.

Soon there might be some new titles floating around the marketing office like:
- Head of Social Media
- Director of Consumer Generated Media
- Consumer Insights Manager
- Social Media Officer (SMO - yes, another acronym!)

I'm not sold on any of these names, but it's good to see that people are thinking about making a more permanent position for social media.

Side Note: For those of us who find themselves already deeply ingrained in various forms of social media such as blogging, here is an extra bonus: Blogging is good for your social life! No seriously, Duncan Riley of TechCrunch discussed this phenomenon by posting on the study from Swinburne University of Technology which found Bloggers experience happier social lives due to the social support and friendship networks they establish. He struck up quite the conversation on the subject as well, with the comments still rolling in further confirming his popularity.

Four and a half years ago I spent a couple of weeks in South Florida on the east coast traveling from Jupiter to Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and on to South Beach. Real estate investment was booming in 2004. Beach front condos and single family homes just ten minutes or so from the ocean were affordable compared to housing prices in the Northeast, and earning owners double digit returns year over year.

As strong of an investment Florida real estate was during this time, its volatility became increasingly apparent. Not long after my vacation ended, Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne ripped through South Florida. With Hurricane Wilma in 2005, these three made the list of the eleven worst hurricanes in South Florida history, according to the Sun-Sentinal.com.

With an increase in violent hurricane activity and predictions from hurricane experts that Florida would remain in a high hurricane activity pattern in the coming years, home owner's insurance premiums rose dramatically and many insurance companies pulled out of Florida completely. The combination of high insurance premiums, bleak hurricane predictions, salaries lower than the national average, and an increasing surplus of property due to over development, Florida began to experience a rapid decline in property values.

Presently, Florida hasn't been hit by anywhere near the number of storms predicted, yet according to a recent article on MiamiHerald.com, Florida law makers are confronting the state's insurance woes as it tries to shift some of the burden it took on in 2007 when the catastrophe fund it set up was expanded. According to the article, the proposed bill would create a statewide windstorm program, giving insurers the option of selling policies with hurricane coverage or letting the state take it all on. The downside is that if insurers can't buy the cheaper back-up insurance from the state, they would have to buy in the private market at possibly higher rates.

One thing is for sure, people are still going to find a way to live in Florida. Check out domeofahome.com and read Marc Rasmussen's blog. Marc highlights a new building style that is not only built to withstand 200mph winds, but offers greater energy efficiencies and conveniences not found in traditional Florida home styles. Could domes be the future home design that solves the state's insurance woes? Likely not completely, but it's a step in the right direction.

St. Patrick’s Day is coming, so what better way to celebrate the Irish than to cheer on Ireland in this year’s Six Nation’s Rugby Tournament – and while you’re at it, support your local Irish pub!

While it won't be a 3D HD broadcast that the BBC tested on March 8th, it might be almost as entertaining as comments sparked by Engadget's recent mention of the endeavor.

The below establishments in the Boston area have the Setanta Sports Channel, which shows live broadcasts of international matches, including the three taking place bright and early this Saturday March 15th.

Italy v Scotland
England v Ireland
Wales v France

• Bad Abbots (Quincy, MA)
• The Banshee (Dorchester, MA)
• Blackthorn Pub (South Boston, MA)
• The Centre Bar (Dorchester, MA)
• Clock Tavern (South Boston, MA)
• Devlin's (Brighton, MA)
• Donohue's Bar & Grill (Watertown, MA)
• Emmet's of Boston (Boston, MA)
• Green Briar (Brighton, MA)
• Harp at the Garden, The (Boston, MA)
• Hugh O'Neill's (Malden, MA)
• The Irish Pub - Quincy (Quincy, MA)
• Irish Village - Brighton (Brighton, MA)
• Lir Irish Pub & Restaurant (Boston, MA)
• M.J. O'Connor (Boston, MA)
• Maggie Mae's - Roslindale (Roslindale, MA)
• McGann's of Boston (Boston, MA)
• Olde Magoun's Saloon (Somerville, MA)
• Paddy Barry's Ales & Spirits (Quincy, MA)
• Phoenix Landing (Cambridge, MA)
• PJ Ryan's (Somerville, MA)
• Porter Belly's (Brighton, MA)
• Sarsfield's Bar (Quincy, MA)
• Wild Rover - NH (Manchester, NH)