Last week, the KaBOOM! blog (written by yours truly) highlighted five really cute thank you notes we've received from kids who love their new playgrounds. Check them out:
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
11.28.2009
Last day of my twenties
Today is the last day in my whole life I can truthfully claim to be in my twenties. Though I've certainly had plenty of warning this was coming, I'm still not quite sure how to unpack that, mentally. I've always warily acknowledged the grain of truth in Billy Crystal's rant in the movie City Slickers:Value this time in your life kids, because this is the time in your life when you still have your choices, and it goes by so quickly. When you're a teenager you think you can do anything, and you do. Your twenties are a blur. Your thirties, you raise your family, you make a little money and you think to yourself, "what happended to my twenties?" Your forties, you grow a little pot belly you grow another chin. The music starts to get too loud and one of your old girlfriends from high school becomes a grandmother. Your fifties you have a minor surgery. You'll call it a procedure, but it's a surgery. Your sixties you have a major surgery, the music is still loud but it doesn't matter because you can't hear it anyway. Seventies, you and the wife retire to Fort Lauderdale, you start eating dinner at two, lunch around ten, breakfast the night before. And you spend most of your time wandering around malls looking for the ultimate in soft yogurt and muttering "how come the kids don't call?" By your eighties, you've had a major stroke, and you end up babbling to some Jamaican nurse who your wife can't stand but who you call Mama. Any questions?Depressed yet?
Adding to the sense of despair is that, according to an adage from the baby boomer generation, I've got exactly one day left of being considered trustworthy. Perhaps because our society has the generalization that as people get older, they lose their sense of openmindedness. Pearl S. Buck said it well:
You can judge your age by the amount of pain you feel when you come in contact with a new idea.But wallowing in despair, tempting though it may be, is not how I wish to ring in my fourth decade on this planet. After all, according to this quote my parents had hanging in their bathroom while I was growing up...
Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative (attributed to Maurice Chevalier).So I've found a quote about aging that brings a smile to my face, from Jeanne Moreau:
Age does not protect you from love, but love to some extent protects you from age.I'm extremely lucky to have someone in my life who I love very much, who has been my best friend, my partner, and the light in my life for over ten years now. We also have the joy and privilege to be surrounded by our loving families and many awesome friends, who have proven these past few weeks that they are there for us no matter what tragedy strikes. Not only that, I can't begin to count how often they make me smile, make me laugh, and just plain make my life better. I'm going to spend today with a couple of those awesome people, in fact.
So if all the joy I'm lucky enough to experience in life leads to a few premature laugh lines, bring it on. I'm going to continue to do everything I can to earn those laugh lines, filling in that time between each birthday with as much joy and fun as I can, so I can look back years from now and know that the party never ended, that I never gave up the joys of youth.
So goodbye, twenties, hello, thirties, and look out, world, because I'm going to pack as much awesome as possible into this next decade.
11.27.2009
'Tis the season for Straight No Chaser
We posted this last year but there's a new version now, and it bears repeating. Enjoy!
"I had Christmas down in Aaaaaafrica!"
"I had Christmas down in Aaaaaafrica!"
11.26.2009
Flash Mob 101: Be awesome
Applause to OfficeMax for their latest guerrilla marketing campaign for their infamous Elf Yourself tool. Check it out - the flash mob to end all flash mobs.
11.25.2009
11.24.2009
11.23.2009
Absolutely crazy-go-nuts jump rope routine
As someone who used to be in danceline, my jaw dropped at the sheer athleticism, precision, innovation and energy that went into this 8-minute jump rope routine. HOLY cow.
If you don't feel like watching all 8 minutes, start around the 3:45 mark. That's when it starts to go really nuts.
Thanks to Mom for pointing this out!
If you don't feel like watching all 8 minutes, start around the 3:45 mark. That's when it starts to go really nuts.
Thanks to Mom for pointing this out!
11.22.2009
My birthday wish
The big 3-0 is creeping up on me a bit faster than I would like, but I've braced myself against a doorway and stashed a supply of chocolate and wine nearby so I can weather the storm. It's definitely been a more eventful month than I bargained for, but regardless, I'm not going to let this milestone go by unsaluted.Other than good employment for Josh and us both to avoid H1N1, there's not a lot I desire right now, but I wanted to let you know of a "birthday wish" I set up with the help of Facebook Causes. I'm raising money for RAINN - the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network - to commemorate the day. I know this isn't the typical charity people choose to support for their birthdays. But it's a cause I feel passionately about, because too many people - women, men and children - are victims of these horrible assaults. RAINN helps people by both providing education about sexual assault in the hopes of preventing further tragedies, and by helping the victims of those crimes.
If you'd like to give a gift to RAINN in honor of my birthday, it would mean a lot to me, and would help a lot of people. They're a relatively small charity and could use the help, especially in these economic times.
And even if you can't support RAINN directly (hey, we're all strapped for cash right now, I totally understand!), if you could spread the word, I'd be much obliged. Send folks to this blog post via Twitter or Facebook, or link directly to the birthday wish page with this URL: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/birthdays/216264
Thank you. Maybe together we can make a small difference for those in need.
11.21.2009
Our friend Mark, the TV star!
Those who don't live in Winona, Minn. may not realize that our good friend Mark is now a TV star! The Winona version of our old favorite comic shop, Jimmy Jams Comics and Games, has been airing some really awesome commercials featuring Mark. Check 'em out!
I *heart* Casey the expendable store ensign.
I *heart* Casey the expendable store ensign.
11.20.2009
Epic win
If someone had told me Monday that my Thursday would culminate with wrapping a new publication's first issue, I would have laughed. Or cried. I'm really not sure which.
But that's the beauty of knowing such wonderful, dedicated and relentless people. If there was despair among the Washington Blade's employees, advertisers and readers when Window Media shuttered the publication, it didn't last long. Even as the staff was packing boxes and making some final calls, we were making plans to gather the next day. It wasn't particularly clear what was next for any of us, let alone all of us, but we didn't want our downcast faces to be the last we remembered of each other. So we set a time, identified a place and avoided saying "goodbye." Instead, the common departure line became, like any other day, "See you tomorrow."
Truth be told, though, I had trouble sleeping that night. The realization that I'd joined what seems like legions of unemployed journalists was frightening. I kept myself calm with the knowledge that I had many friends and professional contacts locally upon whom I could call for help. But my mind reeled and sleep was evasive. Eventually, I decided to get up and start working on moving myself forward. I applied for unemployment benefits. I mailed my final paycheck. I started networking. And I got ready for my meeting with the people I previously called my coworkers.
As I stood at the Silver Spring Metro platform, waiting for the train, I tweeted that I was "headed to an important meeting. May the fates smile upon this gathering."
We convened at the National Press Building's Corner Bakery, a restaurant at which I'd often bought dinner when I worked upstairs in the Washington Blade's offices. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about returning to the building with wounds that were still fresh, but I needn't have worried. It felt good to see my friends again so soon — and even better to quickly begin discussing how we could go about launching a new publication. Across the ensuing three hours, we took stock, made plans and forged ahead.
Naming names
Most things went smoothly, but there were some hiccups. Choosing our publication's name proved among the greater challenges. We knew that we wanted "Washington" or "DC" in the title. But usage of the word "Blade" was inadvisable for many reasons, none the least of which was to avoid any perceived legal association with a company engulfed in some rather messy bankruptcy proceedings. Did we want to use the word "gay" in our name? I and others quickly and firmly spoke against the notion. The name should be inclusive, not limiting. So how would we convey that we're an LGBT community publication? One person suggested "pride" as an option. Not bad, but perhaps too closely tied to the seasonal celebration. Perhaps the word "proud" was an option? I suggested Proud DC, but it didn't stick.
It was Kevin Naff, the Blade's former editor, who suggested using the word "agenda" in our name. This, he said, would be an attempt to reclaim a word that's been used against the community. There were some reservations, but we decided to pause and consider the suggestion. Keying the idea to the Blade staff's award-winning reporting on national issues, ideas such as Capitol Agenda and Washington Agenda were offered. But both permutations were already in use and not available to be trademarked. How about DC Agenda? A quick check showed the DCAgenda.com domain was available. And nobody had registered it on Twitter or Facebook. We quickly grabbed all three, settled on using DC Agenda as our working name and left the trademarking duties in the hands of our volunteer attorney.
With such heady discussions behind us, we broke into advertising and editorial groups. Assignments were made. Deadlines were set. People were excited. It was then we decided to publish our first issue in three days. Yes, we were crazy. But there was momentum. We had to capitalize on that and the outpouring of support we'd received from people locally and across the nation.
"To say that meeting was epic would be an understatement," was the quick and intentionally vague summary I tweeted Tuesday. "Epic meetings lead to epic work. But epic work could lead to epic win."
Less than 24 hours later, I was editing the first articles slated for DC Agenda's inaugural issue. Our working plan Wednesday morning was to parallel the Washington Blade's first issue in 1969 and publish one letter-sized page crammed with as much news as we could fit onto its front and back. But as the day progressed, we realized that the plan wouldn't work. Too many people wanted to advertise in our debut issue! The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, Whitman-Walker Clinic, Human Rights Campaign and Universal Gear all wanted full-page ads! We expanded to four pages — then to eight! I was truly touched by the votes of confidence we had received. But the best was yet to come.
Rocking out
We had made it known that many of the Blade's former staffers would gather Wednesday evening at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Washington. What had been blissfully scheduled days before the Blade's closure as just another promotional event had become something much more. On Monday, it seemed the event might be an informal wake for the publication. But on Tuesday, we realized that we could use the gathering as the launch event for DC Agenda. I teased the event on the Blade's old Twitter account, promising that it would be "worth the trip." Later, I noted the event would include "Free food! Awesome people! Cash bar! And … more!" Finally, with the event just hours away, I let the cat out of the bag: "What was once @WashingtonBlade is now @DCAgenda. Confused? Come to Hard Rock Cafe at 6 p.m. tonight!"
The teases and the free publicity the event got from the Washington Examiner, numerous blogs and many Twitter users drew 100 or more people to the gathering. It was great to see some key players in the local LGBT community, our biggest fans on Twitter and many new faces at the event. The show of support was so heartening that it was almost overwhelming. Hard Rock Cafe, which hosted the event and provided free food despite our inability to repay them, let me address the crowd at one point. I thanked everyone for their continued support and revealed to any who hadn't yet heard that the Blade's former staff was now hard at work at producing DC Agenda.
Lynne Brown, the former Blade publisher who'd taken the same role at DC Agenda, also thanked the crowd. It was then that she was given what I believe was the first revenue to line the DC Agenda coffers: The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington presented her a check to pay for their ad on the back page of our first issue. Lynne, who'd run herself ragged during the preceding 48 hours to establish the DC Agenda name, teared up at the gesture. It was a special moment for us and affirmed to us that with the community's love and support, this crazy idea of ours is viable.
Of course, there was one small problem. We still had to finish our first issue. So three of us grabbed a cab and headed to our art director's apartment.
Finish line
It was almost comically crowded in Rob Boeger's apartment. In addition to him and myself, Kevin, reporter Chris Johnson, photographer Michael Key and online mastermind Aram Vartian were trying to find places to sit. Kevin hadn't yet seen any copy beyond the publication's introductory letter that he wrote. Chris had only just finished covering a congressional hearing and had yet to write his story. Michael had photos from the hearing to upload. And Aram joined the crowd to get some direction on the DC Agenda web site he and others would soon be creating.
It was a surprisingly high amount of work for an eight-page publication, but then again, we were creating it from scratch. Rob had a nameplate to design and we had columns to title. (My favorites? The opinion page columns are Personal Agenda and our online polls are tentatively titled Your Agenda.) Also, because there were so many ads, we had to figure out how to best trim the articles. But slowly, everything started coming together. By midnight, the editorial work was done and our crowd had dispersed. I decided to stick through the night so I could help Rob finish the issue in the morning.
I grabbed about five hours of sleep before Rob, I and the advertising department made one last sprint for the finish line. The last few ads arrived by e-mail, including the Gay Men's Chorus ad, which notably named DC Agenda as the "media sponsor" of its upcoming holiday show. The recognition caught me off guard and brought a tear to my eye. So quickly and so fully had the DC Agenda name been embraced by our advertisers and supporters that I was flabbergasted.
Lynne joined Rob and I for the walk to our printer and soon the files were in their hands. Upon our request, they printed a proof of the publication we'd collect from them mid-morning Friday. Seeing it in print — just holding it our hands — somehow made the exhausting craziness of the last 72 hours worth it. I suddenly couldn't wait to collect the 5,000 copies we were slated to obtain and distribute them for all to see! Sure, it was just eight black-and-white pages, but they were among the most meaningful eight pages to which I've ever attached my name. I consider it an epic win, personally and professionally, that my name and picture appear on the issue's cover.
All too often, the many deadlines and printed pages of my profession blur together. But the story behind this issue was so special that I'll remember it always. I just had to share it with you. Thank you for reading.
But that's the beauty of knowing such wonderful, dedicated and relentless people. If there was despair among the Washington Blade's employees, advertisers and readers when Window Media shuttered the publication, it didn't last long. Even as the staff was packing boxes and making some final calls, we were making plans to gather the next day. It wasn't particularly clear what was next for any of us, let alone all of us, but we didn't want our downcast faces to be the last we remembered of each other. So we set a time, identified a place and avoided saying "goodbye." Instead, the common departure line became, like any other day, "See you tomorrow."Truth be told, though, I had trouble sleeping that night. The realization that I'd joined what seems like legions of unemployed journalists was frightening. I kept myself calm with the knowledge that I had many friends and professional contacts locally upon whom I could call for help. But my mind reeled and sleep was evasive. Eventually, I decided to get up and start working on moving myself forward. I applied for unemployment benefits. I mailed my final paycheck. I started networking. And I got ready for my meeting with the people I previously called my coworkers.
As I stood at the Silver Spring Metro platform, waiting for the train, I tweeted that I was "headed to an important meeting. May the fates smile upon this gathering."
We convened at the National Press Building's Corner Bakery, a restaurant at which I'd often bought dinner when I worked upstairs in the Washington Blade's offices. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about returning to the building with wounds that were still fresh, but I needn't have worried. It felt good to see my friends again so soon — and even better to quickly begin discussing how we could go about launching a new publication. Across the ensuing three hours, we took stock, made plans and forged ahead.
Naming names
Most things went smoothly, but there were some hiccups. Choosing our publication's name proved among the greater challenges. We knew that we wanted "Washington" or "DC" in the title. But usage of the word "Blade" was inadvisable for many reasons, none the least of which was to avoid any perceived legal association with a company engulfed in some rather messy bankruptcy proceedings. Did we want to use the word "gay" in our name? I and others quickly and firmly spoke against the notion. The name should be inclusive, not limiting. So how would we convey that we're an LGBT community publication? One person suggested "pride" as an option. Not bad, but perhaps too closely tied to the seasonal celebration. Perhaps the word "proud" was an option? I suggested Proud DC, but it didn't stick.
It was Kevin Naff, the Blade's former editor, who suggested using the word "agenda" in our name. This, he said, would be an attempt to reclaim a word that's been used against the community. There were some reservations, but we decided to pause and consider the suggestion. Keying the idea to the Blade staff's award-winning reporting on national issues, ideas such as Capitol Agenda and Washington Agenda were offered. But both permutations were already in use and not available to be trademarked. How about DC Agenda? A quick check showed the DCAgenda.com domain was available. And nobody had registered it on Twitter or Facebook. We quickly grabbed all three, settled on using DC Agenda as our working name and left the trademarking duties in the hands of our volunteer attorney.
With such heady discussions behind us, we broke into advertising and editorial groups. Assignments were made. Deadlines were set. People were excited. It was then we decided to publish our first issue in three days. Yes, we were crazy. But there was momentum. We had to capitalize on that and the outpouring of support we'd received from people locally and across the nation.
"To say that meeting was epic would be an understatement," was the quick and intentionally vague summary I tweeted Tuesday. "Epic meetings lead to epic work. But epic work could lead to epic win."
Less than 24 hours later, I was editing the first articles slated for DC Agenda's inaugural issue. Our working plan Wednesday morning was to parallel the Washington Blade's first issue in 1969 and publish one letter-sized page crammed with as much news as we could fit onto its front and back. But as the day progressed, we realized that the plan wouldn't work. Too many people wanted to advertise in our debut issue! The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, Whitman-Walker Clinic, Human Rights Campaign and Universal Gear all wanted full-page ads! We expanded to four pages — then to eight! I was truly touched by the votes of confidence we had received. But the best was yet to come.
Rocking out
We had made it known that many of the Blade's former staffers would gather Wednesday evening at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Washington. What had been blissfully scheduled days before the Blade's closure as just another promotional event had become something much more. On Monday, it seemed the event might be an informal wake for the publication. But on Tuesday, we realized that we could use the gathering as the launch event for DC Agenda. I teased the event on the Blade's old Twitter account, promising that it would be "worth the trip." Later, I noted the event would include "Free food! Awesome people! Cash bar! And … more!" Finally, with the event just hours away, I let the cat out of the bag: "What was once @WashingtonBlade is now @DCAgenda. Confused? Come to Hard Rock Cafe at 6 p.m. tonight!"
The teases and the free publicity the event got from the Washington Examiner, numerous blogs and many Twitter users drew 100 or more people to the gathering. It was great to see some key players in the local LGBT community, our biggest fans on Twitter and many new faces at the event. The show of support was so heartening that it was almost overwhelming. Hard Rock Cafe, which hosted the event and provided free food despite our inability to repay them, let me address the crowd at one point. I thanked everyone for their continued support and revealed to any who hadn't yet heard that the Blade's former staff was now hard at work at producing DC Agenda.Lynne Brown, the former Blade publisher who'd taken the same role at DC Agenda, also thanked the crowd. It was then that she was given what I believe was the first revenue to line the DC Agenda coffers: The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington presented her a check to pay for their ad on the back page of our first issue. Lynne, who'd run herself ragged during the preceding 48 hours to establish the DC Agenda name, teared up at the gesture. It was a special moment for us and affirmed to us that with the community's love and support, this crazy idea of ours is viable.
Of course, there was one small problem. We still had to finish our first issue. So three of us grabbed a cab and headed to our art director's apartment.
Finish line
It was almost comically crowded in Rob Boeger's apartment. In addition to him and myself, Kevin, reporter Chris Johnson, photographer Michael Key and online mastermind Aram Vartian were trying to find places to sit. Kevin hadn't yet seen any copy beyond the publication's introductory letter that he wrote. Chris had only just finished covering a congressional hearing and had yet to write his story. Michael had photos from the hearing to upload. And Aram joined the crowd to get some direction on the DC Agenda web site he and others would soon be creating.
It was a surprisingly high amount of work for an eight-page publication, but then again, we were creating it from scratch. Rob had a nameplate to design and we had columns to title. (My favorites? The opinion page columns are Personal Agenda and our online polls are tentatively titled Your Agenda.) Also, because there were so many ads, we had to figure out how to best trim the articles. But slowly, everything started coming together. By midnight, the editorial work was done and our crowd had dispersed. I decided to stick through the night so I could help Rob finish the issue in the morning.
I grabbed about five hours of sleep before Rob, I and the advertising department made one last sprint for the finish line. The last few ads arrived by e-mail, including the Gay Men's Chorus ad, which notably named DC Agenda as the "media sponsor" of its upcoming holiday show. The recognition caught me off guard and brought a tear to my eye. So quickly and so fully had the DC Agenda name been embraced by our advertisers and supporters that I was flabbergasted.
Lynne joined Rob and I for the walk to our printer and soon the files were in their hands. Upon our request, they printed a proof of the publication we'd collect from them mid-morning Friday. Seeing it in print — just holding it our hands — somehow made the exhausting craziness of the last 72 hours worth it. I suddenly couldn't wait to collect the 5,000 copies we were slated to obtain and distribute them for all to see! Sure, it was just eight black-and-white pages, but they were among the most meaningful eight pages to which I've ever attached my name. I consider it an epic win, personally and professionally, that my name and picture appear on the issue's cover.All too often, the many deadlines and printed pages of my profession blur together. But the story behind this issue was so special that I'll remember it always. I just had to share it with you. Thank you for reading.
11.19.2009
Holy #@$%!
Our friends Bryan and Jeremy truly are remarkable people.
Not only did they snag us a West Wing tour but they managed to procure a very unique birthday gift for me, which arrived in the mail last night.
Read it and weep, friends. You can click the image to see a zoomed in version and read the text. (BTW that weird gap is from where I Photoshopped out my address so my legions of fans can't stalk me.)
Yep, that's a 30th birthday wish for me from our President and First Lady. Amazing! It seems both Josh and I are blessed with crazy awesome birthday wishes on our 30th.
I have no idea how they did this, but it's seriously touching and awesome. Major props to them. Now to find a suitable frame...
Not only did they snag us a West Wing tour but they managed to procure a very unique birthday gift for me, which arrived in the mail last night.
Read it and weep, friends. You can click the image to see a zoomed in version and read the text. (BTW that weird gap is from where I Photoshopped out my address so my legions of fans can't stalk me.)
Yep, that's a 30th birthday wish for me from our President and First Lady. Amazing! It seems both Josh and I are blessed with crazy awesome birthday wishes on our 30th.
I have no idea how they did this, but it's seriously touching and awesome. Major props to them. Now to find a suitable frame...
11.18.2009
Super cool: Infinite photograph
Those folks at National Geographic continue to amaze me. Have you seen this?It's an infinite photograph. Basically they show photos taken by people in their online community of different places around the world, and when you zoom in, each becomes a photomosaic comprised of other photos from the community. Keep zooming in on one of THOSE photos, and you find it's a photomosaic, too. And so on...and so on.
Go check it out. It's pretty nifty. Kudos to the NatGeo folks for creating it!
11.17.2009
Easy to criticize
Sadly, I wasn't surprised last week when the American Council on Exercise released a study critical of "Wii Fit."
The exercise package is no intense undertaking, to be sure, but it seemed to me that the study's critics were missing the point. In my opinion and experience, the point of "Wii Fit" is not to lose weight or gain muscle. The point is to get people in the habit of exercising routinely. And to its credit, "Wii Fit" does its best to make that happen.
Consider first that the game is marketed to "casual gamer" audiences. These working Americans and older adults are prime targets for exercise encouragement. Consider next that the "Wii Fit" exercises include are widely varied and generally lower impact. These routines help otherwise sedentary folks ease into the concept of exercising. Consider lastly that "Wii Fit" strongly encourages people to make a habit of getting off the couch and into some workout gear.
Yet the American Council on Exercise study ignores many of these benefits, choosing instead to focus on heart rate and calories burned per minute. Yes, these numerical calculations are important, but so too is forming healthy habits. By portraying "Wii Fit" as underwhelming, I think the American Council on Exercise does itself and Americans a disservice. The game is better seen as a stepping stone to more robust and valuable exercise programs. And there's nothing wrong with that.
The exercise package is no intense undertaking, to be sure, but it seemed to me that the study's critics were missing the point. In my opinion and experience, the point of "Wii Fit" is not to lose weight or gain muscle. The point is to get people in the habit of exercising routinely. And to its credit, "Wii Fit" does its best to make that happen.Consider first that the game is marketed to "casual gamer" audiences. These working Americans and older adults are prime targets for exercise encouragement. Consider next that the "Wii Fit" exercises include are widely varied and generally lower impact. These routines help otherwise sedentary folks ease into the concept of exercising. Consider lastly that "Wii Fit" strongly encourages people to make a habit of getting off the couch and into some workout gear.
Yet the American Council on Exercise study ignores many of these benefits, choosing instead to focus on heart rate and calories burned per minute. Yes, these numerical calculations are important, but so too is forming healthy habits. By portraying "Wii Fit" as underwhelming, I think the American Council on Exercise does itself and Americans a disservice. The game is better seen as a stepping stone to more robust and valuable exercise programs. And there's nothing wrong with that.
11.16.2009
"I'm going to cry"
There's no easy way to call your wife and tell her you've lost your job. There's no easy way to e-mail your contacts and tell them your company is closing its doors. There's no easy way to carry home a box of personal effects.
In case you missed the news, the Washington Blade abruptly closed today. Begun in the aftermath of the Stonewall Riots, the Blade was the nation's LGBT newspaper of record. Our culture will be all the poorer for its loss.
I can not — and dare not — even attempt to explain what led to the Blade's closure today. It's a convoluted tale to which I know few details. The full story may some day be told through court documents associated with the liquidation of our parent company, Window Media, but I'll skip that ghastly read. It would seem a bit too much like reading one's own autopsy report.
In the meantime, I'm trying to stay positive. Was today rough? Of course it was. Would I wish a similar experience on my worst enemy? I would not. But let's not end on the negative. My time at the Blade was full of happy memories and great people. I won awards. I gave voices to amazing folks that wouldn't otherwise be heard. And I met George Lucas while covering the Democratic National Convention. Seriously, how cool is that?
I remain deeply indebted to Kelly Carson, my predecessor and the news editor who took a chance on this Minnesota transplant; Kevin Naff, the Blade's editor and man who promoted me to new editor; and Lou Chibbaro, Chris Johnson and Amy Cavanaugh, three fantastic reporters with whom I had the pleasure of working. And to my many, many sources throughout the years: Thank you for sharing your lives and your views with me. I hope I did them justice.
To be sure, the final hours at our offices in the National Press Building were emotional. More than once did the people around me seem on the verge of tears. And the man burdened with disseminating the letters of termination confided to me at one point before turning away: "I'm going to cry."
I, too, am likely to cry before this night is done. But to help me through the tears are the many positive and affirming memories I'm keeping with me. That and a lesson my gay friends imparted: I will survive.
In case you missed the news, the Washington Blade abruptly closed today. Begun in the aftermath of the Stonewall Riots, the Blade was the nation's LGBT newspaper of record. Our culture will be all the poorer for its loss.I can not — and dare not — even attempt to explain what led to the Blade's closure today. It's a convoluted tale to which I know few details. The full story may some day be told through court documents associated with the liquidation of our parent company, Window Media, but I'll skip that ghastly read. It would seem a bit too much like reading one's own autopsy report.
In the meantime, I'm trying to stay positive. Was today rough? Of course it was. Would I wish a similar experience on my worst enemy? I would not. But let's not end on the negative. My time at the Blade was full of happy memories and great people. I won awards. I gave voices to amazing folks that wouldn't otherwise be heard. And I met George Lucas while covering the Democratic National Convention. Seriously, how cool is that?
I remain deeply indebted to Kelly Carson, my predecessor and the news editor who took a chance on this Minnesota transplant; Kevin Naff, the Blade's editor and man who promoted me to new editor; and Lou Chibbaro, Chris Johnson and Amy Cavanaugh, three fantastic reporters with whom I had the pleasure of working. And to my many, many sources throughout the years: Thank you for sharing your lives and your views with me. I hope I did them justice.
To be sure, the final hours at our offices in the National Press Building were emotional. More than once did the people around me seem on the verge of tears. And the man burdened with disseminating the letters of termination confided to me at one point before turning away: "I'm going to cry."
I, too, am likely to cry before this night is done. But to help me through the tears are the many positive and affirming memories I'm keeping with me. That and a lesson my gay friends imparted: I will survive.
Walken makes all things better
Christopher Walken has the uncanny ability to beautifully deadpan the lyrics to any pop music song, including "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga. What song would you choose for him to read?
11.15.2009
Medieval Tech Support
This is too funny. It's in Norwegian but has subtitles.
Thanks to Steve for pointing it out!
Thanks to Steve for pointing it out!
11.14.2009
Trillions
This is pretty mind blowing.
Thanks to madthoughts & Gizmodo (the latter of whom titled this "The History of Computing Video Shows Why We are Doomed")
Thanks to madthoughts & Gizmodo (the latter of whom titled this "The History of Computing Video Shows Why We are Doomed")
11.13.2009
Endangered technology
I'm not an inherently superstitious person, so Friday the 13th doesn't mean much to me. But that doesn't mean I can't be frightened. I most certainly can. And one thing that terrifies me is the notion of investing in doomed technology.
To that end, I give you this list of endangered gadgets from Pixmania, essentially Europe's version of Best Buy. The store's list of gadgets headed for the gallows by the end of next year includes some obvious picks, but also a few surprises.
DVD players obviously have fallen out of favor as people turn to Blu-ray Discs and digital delivery options. And fax machines, which I only use at work to send papers bearing signatures, could be easily supplanted by scanners. Analogue TV certainly has its days numbered; I'm looking at upgrading and if my existing set died, I wouldn't even consider an analogue replacement. Also, as I've previously noted, my mind continues to be boggled that Annie and I have a landline phone. Our cell phones haven't yet killed the cord, but they have killed our need for sat nav devices, so I'm forced to agree with Pixmania on that count.
I don't understand, though, why Pixmania thinks the mobile phone charger, computer mouse and Wii-mote are doomed. All three of these items are likely destined for replacement someday, but I don't expect they'll hit the trash bins next year. I see no viable contender to cheaply and effectively replace mobile phone chargers; the computer mouse is such a workplace standard that it'll be around for years to come; and the Wii-mote is integral to the industry's leading video game system. Doubtless, Nintendo's reign won't last forever, but I think the dynasty will last at least another 12 months.
What do you think? Was the Pixmania list off the mark on these items, or am I missing something?
To that end, I give you this list of endangered gadgets from Pixmania, essentially Europe's version of Best Buy. The store's list of gadgets headed for the gallows by the end of next year includes some obvious picks, but also a few surprises.DVD players obviously have fallen out of favor as people turn to Blu-ray Discs and digital delivery options. And fax machines, which I only use at work to send papers bearing signatures, could be easily supplanted by scanners. Analogue TV certainly has its days numbered; I'm looking at upgrading and if my existing set died, I wouldn't even consider an analogue replacement. Also, as I've previously noted, my mind continues to be boggled that Annie and I have a landline phone. Our cell phones haven't yet killed the cord, but they have killed our need for sat nav devices, so I'm forced to agree with Pixmania on that count.
I don't understand, though, why Pixmania thinks the mobile phone charger, computer mouse and Wii-mote are doomed. All three of these items are likely destined for replacement someday, but I don't expect they'll hit the trash bins next year. I see no viable contender to cheaply and effectively replace mobile phone chargers; the computer mouse is such a workplace standard that it'll be around for years to come; and the Wii-mote is integral to the industry's leading video game system. Doubtless, Nintendo's reign won't last forever, but I think the dynasty will last at least another 12 months.
What do you think? Was the Pixmania list off the mark on these items, or am I missing something?
11.12.2009
Hilarious and painful all at once
Thanks to GoNintendo for bringing this to my attention, even if it does lack what I consider the worst dialogue to ever grace a game.
11.11.2009
Two versions of "The Three Robbers"
My sister blogged earlier this week about "Funnybones," a cute children's book that she and I greatly enjoyed in our youth. Truth be told, it's one of two such books I still own. The other? "The Three Robbers."
That my sister revealed to me an animated version of "Funnybones" inspired me to seek out the animated version of "The Three Robbers," a short film I clearly recall seeing at my local library. A quick spin through YouTube netted me the film, which I've embedded below for your edification.
Perhaps more interesting in my YouTube search results, though, was this alternate take on the story. Far more frightening in tone and lyrics, this version of the film would bring children to tears and infuriate parents.
The segment appears to be the opening sequence to either a longer film or some series of tales about "The Three Robbers." It's admittedly a fascinating artifact — and could serve to inspire a future Halloween costume — but I'd be lying if I said I didn't prefer the original.
That my sister revealed to me an animated version of "Funnybones" inspired me to seek out the animated version of "The Three Robbers," a short film I clearly recall seeing at my local library. A quick spin through YouTube netted me the film, which I've embedded below for your edification.
Perhaps more interesting in my YouTube search results, though, was this alternate take on the story. Far more frightening in tone and lyrics, this version of the film would bring children to tears and infuriate parents.
The segment appears to be the opening sequence to either a longer film or some series of tales about "The Three Robbers." It's admittedly a fascinating artifact — and could serve to inspire a future Halloween costume — but I'd be lying if I said I didn't prefer the original.
11.09.2009
Monday morning joy
11.08.2009
Of two minds on the subject
About three years ago, I noted in my first blog post that "my good, old fashioned DVD player suits me just fine" and there was no reason to make the HD leap.
But fast forward 39 months and now you find me considering my options. Specifically, you find me considering whether I should invest in some physical DVD successor, such as some Bly-ray Disc player, or look to some digital delivery option, like Apple TV.
There are certain appeals to the physical solution, most notably that it requires no massive hard drive to store purchased content and isn't subject to Internet hiccups or down time. And the gamer in me can't help but notice that the PlayStation 3 plays Bly-ray Discs.
Still, the digital delivery option is enticing as the space investment to content gain ratio is fantastic. When your apartment is limited to one bedroom, the importance of such things cannot be overstated. Besides, isn't investing in some Bly-ray Disc player foolish? As quickly as we're moving to digital delivery of TV shows and movies, aren't such players soon to be obsolete? On the other hand, the PlayStation 3 now streams Netflix movies, so it offers both the HD disc upgrade and the steaming content option.
I'm as frazzled on this as poor Two-Face in the photo above. Your counsel would be much appreciated.
But fast forward 39 months and now you find me considering my options. Specifically, you find me considering whether I should invest in some physical DVD successor, such as some Bly-ray Disc player, or look to some digital delivery option, like Apple TV.There are certain appeals to the physical solution, most notably that it requires no massive hard drive to store purchased content and isn't subject to Internet hiccups or down time. And the gamer in me can't help but notice that the PlayStation 3 plays Bly-ray Discs.
Still, the digital delivery option is enticing as the space investment to content gain ratio is fantastic. When your apartment is limited to one bedroom, the importance of such things cannot be overstated. Besides, isn't investing in some Bly-ray Disc player foolish? As quickly as we're moving to digital delivery of TV shows and movies, aren't such players soon to be obsolete? On the other hand, the PlayStation 3 now streams Netflix movies, so it offers both the HD disc upgrade and the steaming content option.
I'm as frazzled on this as poor Two-Face in the photo above. Your counsel would be much appreciated.
11.07.2009
What's your social media plan?
I'm going to step off my entertainment soapbox today — please stop applauding, Jason — and pick your brain about social media.
I'm curious to know more about your personal social media plan. And if you have no set plan, as such, how do you approach the one or more social media tools that you use? Has your use changed over time? How? Why?
Do you use one tool, perhaps Facebook, primarily for networking and communication, and another, perhaps Twitter, to stay abreast of news developments? Do you actually peruse sites such as YouTube and Flickr recreationally, or do you only go there when you're referred by friends to shared items of interest? Why did you join a particular social media tool? And what did it do to make you more engaged? Has your interest in any tool ever waned? Why?
I know I'm asking a lot of questions, but I'm really interested in your answers. Whether you're using one tool or several of them, I'd love to know more about how you approach social media. I'm looking for some new perspectives and I'd love to have yours!
I'm curious to know more about your personal social media plan. And if you have no set plan, as such, how do you approach the one or more social media tools that you use? Has your use changed over time? How? Why?Do you use one tool, perhaps Facebook, primarily for networking and communication, and another, perhaps Twitter, to stay abreast of news developments? Do you actually peruse sites such as YouTube and Flickr recreationally, or do you only go there when you're referred by friends to shared items of interest? Why did you join a particular social media tool? And what did it do to make you more engaged? Has your interest in any tool ever waned? Why?
I know I'm asking a lot of questions, but I'm really interested in your answers. Whether you're using one tool or several of them, I'd love to know more about how you approach social media. I'm looking for some new perspectives and I'd love to have yours!
11.06.2009
Back in black
Is it just me, or does it feel like the Fourth of July was a couple weeks ago? I mean, seriously, where did the year go? One minute there's fireworks and the next, it's Black Friday.
In case you haven't seen the early info trickling out regarding Nov. 27, there are some notable deals on video games. Kmart is offering a mysterious $25 "Nintendo Gaming Coupon" with the purchase of any Nintendo DS system. Old Navy, oddly enough, is offering two gaming deals. With any $20 purchase comes a free copy of "Lego Rock Band," and the purchase of "Rock Band 2" nets you a free Rock Band Guitar. Many other deals are listed — and more will be posted as word leaks out — at BlackFriday.info.
If you just can't wait to stand in line, though, you should know that Walmart is offering tomorrow only a deal on the Xbox 360 Arcade system. Included with the $199 system is one $100 gift card to Walmart.com. That's an impressive deal, but still not enough to turn my apartment into a Wii60 household.
In case you haven't seen the early info trickling out regarding Nov. 27, there are some notable deals on video games. Kmart is offering a mysterious $25 "Nintendo Gaming Coupon" with the purchase of any Nintendo DS system. Old Navy, oddly enough, is offering two gaming deals. With any $20 purchase comes a free copy of "Lego Rock Band," and the purchase of "Rock Band 2" nets you a free Rock Band Guitar. Many other deals are listed — and more will be posted as word leaks out — at BlackFriday.info.If you just can't wait to stand in line, though, you should know that Walmart is offering tomorrow only a deal on the Xbox 360 Arcade system. Included with the $199 system is one $100 gift card to Walmart.com. That's an impressive deal, but still not enough to turn my apartment into a Wii60 household.
11.05.2009
I guess the "V" stands for vapid
My hopes weren't exactly high for the new "V" series, a remake of the mediocre 1980s show. But to describe it as passable, as I initially did on Facebook, is somewhat charitable.
The more I think about the first episode since it aired Tuesday, the more I find myself getting frustrated that the show didn't do better at posing what could and should have been some worthwhile questions. Rather than explore issues of mass delusion and media manipulation, the episode all too quickly devolved into formulaic conventions and a regurgitation of the tired "Battlestar Galactica" game, "Who's a Cylon?" I'm not interested in playing "Who's a Visitor?" I'm interested in further discussion from the two priests about the significance and repercussions of First Contact. For the record, I'm also not interested in taking an entire episode's subplot worth of time to explain the "sleeper cell" concept and that a mom and her teenage son have a strained relationship. These are necessary ingredients to what appears to be the "V" recipe, but they're mixed in the wrong amounts.
Things likely would have started better had the pilot episode been a two-hour (rather than one-hour) presentation. That would have given the writers and actors more time to develop their characters before the chaos began. But it is what it is. And as such, I'm not sure whether I'll be back for more.
The more I think about the first episode since it aired Tuesday, the more I find myself getting frustrated that the show didn't do better at posing what could and should have been some worthwhile questions. Rather than explore issues of mass delusion and media manipulation, the episode all too quickly devolved into formulaic conventions and a regurgitation of the tired "Battlestar Galactica" game, "Who's a Cylon?" I'm not interested in playing "Who's a Visitor?" I'm interested in further discussion from the two priests about the significance and repercussions of First Contact. For the record, I'm also not interested in taking an entire episode's subplot worth of time to explain the "sleeper cell" concept and that a mom and her teenage son have a strained relationship. These are necessary ingredients to what appears to be the "V" recipe, but they're mixed in the wrong amounts.Things likely would have started better had the pilot episode been a two-hour (rather than one-hour) presentation. That would have given the writers and actors more time to develop their characters before the chaos began. But it is what it is. And as such, I'm not sure whether I'll be back for more.
11.04.2009
Good night, Marvel, and good luck
A couple months ago, Annie told you that I might have some thoughts to share regarding Disney's acquisition of Marvel. And indeed I do, albeit from a different perspective than you might expect.
At this point, it's fair to say that Marvel has lost my business. I'm still in the process of selling my Marvel paraphernalia, but my days of buying their comics and products are over. I've suffered too much as a customer and a fan to open my wallet for them again. Just this week I was reminded that leopards can't change their spots when I learned that "Marvels: Eye of the Camera," a miniseries I considered the company's last chance at redemption, faced new delays and wouldn't conclude until next year. I'd say this was the straw that broke the camel's back, but to be honest, that camel's back was broken long ago. I'm only now coming to terms with it.
Still, this prolonged processing has given me enhanced perspective on Disney's acquisition of Marvel. So as I bid the comic book publisher adieu, I offer these parting words of advice to Disney as it considers how to best manage and make profitable the House of Ideas.
1. Scale back operations. Simply put, Marvel is publishing too many comics. The publishing universe that some say is grand I say is bloated. The vast library also is off-putting to new customers. Take a long, hard look at the bottom line returns and lob off the lackluster performers, even if they're critical darlings or fanboy favorites. It's for the best to streamline things.
2. Don't release a miniseries until it's finished. Whether it's something as minor as the 2099 relaunch or the crossover event of the summer, don't publish the first issue until the last is done. Monthly comic buyers have been burned so often that many now "wait for the trade." Stop the trend by making this pledge: "We promise to be on time. Really."
3. Assert sensible editorial control. It might sound good to say that you're taking a "hands off" approach to handling Spider-Man and Wolverine, but the truth is these key properties are far too valuable to let go unmonitored. Have a corporate rep at story meetings. Prudently veto plot points when necessary. You must protect these characters and customer respect for them.
4. Tap into the casual market. And by casual, I don't mean kids. Look at what Nintendo has done to draw women and working adults into the video game industry with Wii Sports and Wii Fit. Consider how you can replicate that success in the monthly comic format, drawing new or lapsed customers into comic shops across the nation to buy cheaper, self-contained reads.
5. Identify and groom new leaders. Joe Quesada is quickly becoming Marvel's longest serving editor-in-chief since Stan Lee. But unlike Lee, Quesada's editorial track record has more blemishes than accolades. Look now for the younger blood to succeed Quesada and chart a transition so that Marvel can move boldly into a new era.
Marvel has lost my interest, but it need not lose the interest of others. I submit that by taking these steps, Disney could right the ship and sail into more editorially sound and profitable waters.
At this point, it's fair to say that Marvel has lost my business. I'm still in the process of selling my Marvel paraphernalia, but my days of buying their comics and products are over. I've suffered too much as a customer and a fan to open my wallet for them again. Just this week I was reminded that leopards can't change their spots when I learned that "Marvels: Eye of the Camera," a miniseries I considered the company's last chance at redemption, faced new delays and wouldn't conclude until next year. I'd say this was the straw that broke the camel's back, but to be honest, that camel's back was broken long ago. I'm only now coming to terms with it.Still, this prolonged processing has given me enhanced perspective on Disney's acquisition of Marvel. So as I bid the comic book publisher adieu, I offer these parting words of advice to Disney as it considers how to best manage and make profitable the House of Ideas.
1. Scale back operations. Simply put, Marvel is publishing too many comics. The publishing universe that some say is grand I say is bloated. The vast library also is off-putting to new customers. Take a long, hard look at the bottom line returns and lob off the lackluster performers, even if they're critical darlings or fanboy favorites. It's for the best to streamline things.
2. Don't release a miniseries until it's finished. Whether it's something as minor as the 2099 relaunch or the crossover event of the summer, don't publish the first issue until the last is done. Monthly comic buyers have been burned so often that many now "wait for the trade." Stop the trend by making this pledge: "We promise to be on time. Really."
3. Assert sensible editorial control. It might sound good to say that you're taking a "hands off" approach to handling Spider-Man and Wolverine, but the truth is these key properties are far too valuable to let go unmonitored. Have a corporate rep at story meetings. Prudently veto plot points when necessary. You must protect these characters and customer respect for them.
4. Tap into the casual market. And by casual, I don't mean kids. Look at what Nintendo has done to draw women and working adults into the video game industry with Wii Sports and Wii Fit. Consider how you can replicate that success in the monthly comic format, drawing new or lapsed customers into comic shops across the nation to buy cheaper, self-contained reads.
5. Identify and groom new leaders. Joe Quesada is quickly becoming Marvel's longest serving editor-in-chief since Stan Lee. But unlike Lee, Quesada's editorial track record has more blemishes than accolades. Look now for the younger blood to succeed Quesada and chart a transition so that Marvel can move boldly into a new era.
Marvel has lost my interest, but it need not lose the interest of others. I submit that by taking these steps, Disney could right the ship and sail into more editorially sound and profitable waters.
11.03.2009
11.02.2009
When awesome people move away
One of the things I love about DC is the diversity. There are folks from all over the country, all over the world, all with different perspectives and lives and stories.The flip side of this coin of awesomeness is that the population is in a constant state of flux. There are D.C. natives and lifers, sure, but most of the people I tend to meet and befriend are those who come from somewhere else. And all too often, those people tend to leave for greener pastures, a move that makes me scratch my head because, frankly, I can't imagine living anywhere else. (Then again, I'm not paying property tax or trying to find a good school to send children to.)
So basically, Josh and I have gone through the following scenario about five times now since we moved here four years ago:
1. We meet really awesome person/couple
2. We get to know said awesome person/couple
3. We hang out a lot with awesome person/couple and they become the type of people that we automatically invite to any gathering we have
4. Awesome person/couple moves away
This whole process is heartbreaking, to say the least. When we moved out here, we knew absolutely nobody. My birthday in 2005 was spent only with Josh. We went to dinner and a movie. For a lot of people that seems like a perfect celebration, but I am a freaking extrovert who LOVES to go out and host parties, especially birthday parties, so it was actually kind of depressing for me (much as I love spending time with Josh!).
The entire first year or two we lived here was awfully lonely, and it seemed we would never meet people like us, despite our best efforts to attend Meetups, comic and gaming conventions, work happy hours, and the like. We made a few false starts with folks who - surprise - ended up moving away almost the second we started to hit our friendship stride with them.
The latest installation of the now-you-see-them-now-you-don't friends has my heart aching as I type this. I'm fortunate now that we have a fairly broad circle of folks to hang out with, but it is So. Damn. Hard to see yet more awesome people leave. I can't even tell you how tempting it is to let cynicism take over and not get close to anybody else for fear of being hurt like this again, but I'm determined not to let that happen.
And yes, I know...they're in another part of the country, they're not dead. We can still keep in touch, we can still see each other at CONvergence, this move will mean positive changes for them, etc. And honestly, we left a lot of awesome people behind in Minnesota when we moved out here, so I suppose in a way all this pain is a fitting retribution for that. But right now all those thoughts are but a thin balm on the selfish ache of grief I feel.Long story short, I'd like take this cat up on his offer. If you see me in the next couple of days, I welcome any and all hugs.
11.01.2009
Kris is neither sound nor light, but she's obviously the Doppler Effect.
Big ups to Think Lynsen superfans Kris and Tony for sending us these Halloween photos that are full of awesome and WIN.
And I was extra pleased to read Tony's words that, "In the second picture, she is saying Nyeeeeowwwwwm!"
(Wondering what in the Sam Hill we're talking about? Check out the Halloween episode from the first season of The Big Bang Theory. I'd link to it...but...confound CBS!)
And I was extra pleased to read Tony's words that, "In the second picture, she is saying Nyeeeeowwwwwm!"
(Wondering what in the Sam Hill we're talking about? Check out the Halloween episode from the first season of The Big Bang Theory. I'd link to it...but...confound CBS!)
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