I recently came across an intriguing documentary series produced by the BBC and available on YouTube. Combining psychology, public relations theory and post-war history, “The Century of the Self,” explores many fascinating themes. I was particularly interested in the second episode, “The Engineering of Consent.”

“The programme explores how those in power in post-war America used Freud’s ideas about the unconscious mind to try and control the masses. Politicians and planners came to believe Freud’s underlying premise – that deep within all human beings were dangerous and irrational desires and fears. They were convinced that it was the unleashing of these instincts that had led to the barbarism of Nazi Germany. To stop it ever happening again they set out to find ways to control this hidden enemy within the human mind. ”

Source here.

I recently interviewed Richard Shaffer, owner of Israeli Wine Direct. Tom Wark, wine expert and blogger, called Israeli Wine Direct “the kind of on-line wine store that should attract at least a glance, if not an order, from all those wine lovers that fancy themselves wine explorers and who revel in the diversity of what different places and people can do with the grape.”

Richard exemplifies a social media entrepreneur.  When he first began Israeli Wine Direct, he used his blog as a way to interview and gain access to Israeli wine experts. And once the business was established, social media has opened doors to new audiences.

His approach to marketing is personal. Wine lovers across America, including Guy Kawasaki, invite him into their home to pour Israeli wine for friends and families. Speak to Richard for 30 seconds and you’ll understand why he gets invited. His passion for wine is contagious, and he shares it on his company blog, Twitter, Friendfeed, YouTube and Facebook.

As his business becomes even more successful, I look forward to seeing how Richard’s enthusiasm will translate into creating a company culture with an even greater impact.

Check out our discussion below.

I was struck by Brian Solis’ Flickr photo that captures Obama winning the election. It is a photo of the TV, not a photo of the actual candidate. Nevertheless, it captures a moment. And not too long ago I thought of a ‘moment’ as being what people share with one another in person. Last night people on Twitter shared the election moment with one another; as if we were together in the same room feeling the same sense of tension and relief, experiencing the same catharsis.

Check out ZeFrank’s blog capturing the moments of the election.
His readers not only comment with their words, but with links to YouTube videos, Facebook entries.

Their comments are a colorful tribute to that night. Here are few examples:

1. “When they announced it, I heard firecrackers go off in my neighborhood. We poured champagne and toasted.
I stepped outside and heard a neighbor across the street go “Woooo!” “Woooo-hooo!” I called back. More firecrackers followed.”

2. “I was in Grant Park.
It was the nicest, politest, funnest rock concert EVER.
When CNN called it, we collectively lost our heads. 10PM. TEN. PM. After the nightmare of Bush v. Gore, to have it called so early, so decisively…
We were all crying.”

3. “My 12 year-old son and I were watching the electoral numbers break for Obama, when the door bell rang suddenly and repeatedly. I answered only to be greeted by a group neighborhood kids holding Obama signs that they’d swiped from other neighbor’s yards. They were cheering “O-BA-MA” like a band of political trick or treaters. My son immediately darted out to celebrate with them without even asking permission—it was wonderful.”

Where did you share your moment?