"Play Me I'm Yours" Street Pianos In Austin Drawing Interest

IMG_0317.MOV Watch on Posterous

This piano was just setup and is already drawing a crowd. Information
on the project here: http://www.streetpianos.com/

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Amy's Ice Cream & Google Hotpot Team Up For FREE ICE CREAM DAY!

Amy’s Ice Creams and Google Hotpot are proud to announce that on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 3 - 7pm you can get a free cup of Amy’s Ice Creams* at all our Austin locations! Yes you read correctly! Amy’s & Google have teamed up to promote their new tool that helps you find and review local business. Come celebrate local businesses with a cup of ice cream for FREE!

Free Ice Cream Day is good for a tiny ice cream size, tiny + topping, small ice cream or small + crush’n of your favorite ice cream, fruit ice or yogurt flavor!

 

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The Apple Pop-Up Store At SXSW & Me

After seeing Steve Jobs speak online of the new iPad 2 and the launch
date of March 11th it was a concern of mine of how I was going to
"upgrade" and still be around for the conference. But thanks to Apple
and a leak spilled by The Austin-American Statesman fate intervened.
Apple was installing their first pop-up store at this year's SXSW in
downtown Austin. Score.

After picking up my credentials for SXSW I thought it would be good to
check out the supposed spot and make sure it was for real. With
blacked out windows and workers running in and out from side entrances
with flooring I knew it was true. 6th and Congress, Scarborough
Building, was the store. Decided to hit up a few of the evening
pre-party events for SXSW and decide if I was going to be up in time
to hit up the store in the AM.

5AM on March 11th. Stared at the alarm for a good minute as it chimed
and figured why not. On the bus by 5:30, armed with batteries, phone,
portable wifi, chair, and a cooler full of Big Red. Upon arriving at
what I assumed was the entrance two Austin Police officers turned to
me and said, "You're the first one!" So began the over ten hour wait
for the 5PM launch.

People were milling about giving me the once over. Apple employees
showed up in a group, blue shirts not worn but in hand, and was
quickly rushed inside. For the next two hours it was cold (38degrees)
and a bit lonely. A reporter from Venture Beat who was working out in
the gym below Apple's store came by and asked a couple questions. Only
during a quick resting of the eyes a group of SXSW registrants from
South Africa came by to check it out. Now there were four.
Introductions and conversations began that didn't end for awhile. But
now that I wasn't alone I could take a break. After hitting up a local
grocer downtown, the return had a little drama. The Fed-Ex truck of
iPad 2's arrived and was being unloaded. A lot of them. Apple had a
crew filming or taking pictures of it. The group from South Africa
decided to also take pictures much to the dislike of Apple's group.
This was the only acknowledgement anyone from Apple had given us up to
this point. They had even asked one of the officers to ask them not to
take pictures. (The officer said it was a public street and told Apple
they had to just deal with it) But what it did for us is got us
excited. Our future iPads were being delivered and to the group from
South Africa, myself, and the others just joining us it was like
peeking into Santa's workshop. High fives were exchanged several
times.

The sun got higher, the day got warmer and the line began to take
shape. New York. San Francisco, Denmark, and many other cities and
countries stood in line. An Apple employee from their Austin offices
was in line with his wife and brought lunch for everyone around! He
had never done a launch and decided he wanted to join in on the fun.
It was full of SXSW Interactive registrants and we all made the best
of missing the panels by making our own discussions on the conference.
Japan was also a topic as a lot of us had just found out about the
tsunami upon waking. Friendships were started.

As the line grew longer and longer press began to show. CNN, Mashable,
TechCrunch, The Guardian, and more. For some reason none of them knew
the location had been leaked the day before and wondered how we all
found out.

More press. More photographers. More bonding between our section of
the line which I named the "dirty dozen". Soon plain clothes
individuals began carrying water out to the line. Later, these would
be discovered to be the Apple employees who would be helping us soon.

Finally in the last hour before launch unveilings began. The black
film covering the windows were removed and it was revealed to be an
exact duplicate of what most Apple stores look like. Pretty impressive
in that short time. The "blue shirts" came out with more water. We
were pumped.

The line was going around the block now. A lot of people. We were
excited. Apple sent employees out to take orders for the first group
to reserve the models we wanted. Press was swarming the entrance.
There was no countdown. They let us in.

I was waved in to a sea of excitement. High fives and loud cheers from
the crew from Apple. One iPad for me and one purchased for someone who
couldn't be there. This was my first actual purchase of something from
an Apple store that wasn't an accessory. It was great unboxing it and
getting it activ....(insert frantic person interrupting) At this point
someone from Apple runs to the employee helping me turn it on and
wants me outside. Since I had been waiting all day the Press had
wanted to see me come out first. She instructs the person helping me
to make sure I get out there quickly. So we finish activating it
quickly and I head out front.

After a blurry moment of questions, pictures, demos, and interviews
(including a semi-awkward moment of arguing between Mashable and
TechCrunch of who talked first) I was allowed to return to the store
to make sure everything worked. My new friends from South Africa
waited and we left with the spoils of our victory in hand.

The rest of the day was spent catching up with the SXSW conference and
of course having fun with my new iPad 2. The biggest questions were
not about the iPad 2 but of how long I waited and what Apple gave me
for being first. The first question is easy. 10.5 hours. Let me dive
into the second question a bit.

The reason I wanted to be first in line was to be able to jump right
back to SXSW as soon after 5PM as possible and of course to get the
32GB Black WiFi iPad 2 with a green cover. What Apple did for me is
had a store close to the conference. They also gave me the best
greeting. It really was like walking into Christmas, Halloween, and
St. Patrick's Day at once. Their efforts to be secret kept them from
talking to us until the hour before open. (and brown Apple sweatshirt
guy confirming I was at the entrance in the AM)

However, in the excitement and the rush, they took something away from
me. Never been a huge Apple fan and when I purchased my iPad classic
from Best Buy last April that turned it around. This time I wanted to
get it right from an Apple Store, on launch day. Being first was icing
on the cake of excitement to have the next installment of a device
I've come to depend on. Apple promising on the website to have my
device working out the door was perfect for me to jump right back into
SXSW. But in the ways of companies promoting excitement my experience
was interrupted to do PR for the opening of the pop-up store by Apple.
Sure, it's fun and definitely great story-telling, but it was not
asked, it was expected of me. At the time you could have told me to
run naked and I would have due to the energy of it all.

What would have been nice is if Apple would have talked to me a few
moments before, had my purchase ready and paid(by me of course),
activated, and asked me. Do I think I deserved a free iPad or a
discount? No. Not one bit. But thinking back on how it all happened it
tarnished the memory slightly in the fact it made me feel manipulated.
I'm sure it was not intentional on the PR person from Apple (assuming
PR) as they were probably just as excited as I was. The first time I
opened an APP was when TechCrunch filmed me. Still nervous to watch
the footage. (and haven't watched it all yet..)

I returned to the store the next day in one of the quiet times to
thank the blue shirts for their awesome greeting and help. I even
stumped one of the "geniuses" on a question dealing with iMovie and my
Canon 1400. Apple has great people, and their commitment to their
products is making me consider more of them. But for now, this iPad 2
is fantastic. The best memory of the day was made in the line with the
"dirty dozen" and our excitement of getting our hands on it first and
the stories we told. That IS what it's all about at SXSW and I didn't
miss a thing. We created a great moment in that line to last a
lifetime.

My name is Sweet John, and I love my iPad 2.

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Has anyone else have this happen to their iPhone 4?

Saw this iPhone 4 today from someone who had to remake their appointment to the Apple Store as they were behind schedule. The battery had popped off the rear glass part of the case from expanding. Any reasons for this?

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SXSW: It Is As You Make It

One of the earlier jobs in my life was working for Disney. Part of the
training was a class called TRADITIONS which went into the history and
values the company at that time held near and dear. At the end of the
week a story was told during "graduation" about a Native American
tribe leader who was getting old and needed to find his replacement.
When the final two were selected he went before each with a bird
covered in his hand with the question of whether it was alive or dead.
The wiser of the two after consideration spoke with the answer "It is
as you make it. For if I say it is alive you will surely crush it, and
if I say it is dead you will release it to the air.." He was made the
new leader.

SXSW and how you feel about it really is up to the individual. The
amount of things to do can be overwhelming as can the amount of people
at one event. You can let disappointment ruin your time or move on to
something fantastic. That was a crossroad that came to more than one
individual and there has been plenty of criticism.

Several times events were so packed no one was getting in.
Disorganization in the lines or safety checks by the City of Austin
can make some events tedious for the crowd. How you feel about it and
how it effects your time is up to you. A lot of us have felt entitled
to attending all of the big events SXSW has to offer (myself
included). The reality is that we cannot.

This doesn't apply only to the evening events. Sitting in a few of the
lounges during the conference were attendees who had travelled across
the globe to be here. Interactive panels were stretched all over the
city. Most said that even though the content of the conference was
great, it was about the people you can talk to. The laid back
atmosphere of SXSW allows conversations that can't take place at other
conferences in New York or Los Angeles. They come here to meet peers
that they only know through emails and conference calls. Those
relationship building moments is what makes this conference and
festival priceless.

We all have our moments of wins, fails, and also-rans. SXSW has grown
so much over the years and with growth comes growing pains. A lot of
people will have a lot to say about this year's event. My statement is
this. It is less than a year away to SXSW 2012. Bring it.

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First to be in the Apple Store at SXSW

Why do people love Apple? The employees. How can you not be blown away
when you are greeted like this.

Sent from my iPad 2

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Predictions For SXSW Hastags

Since Twitter and the hashtag(#comment) have become standard issue during the SXSW Conference here are some predictions for what we could see during the film, interactive, and music portions. Be curious to see if some of these really do make it on to Twitter. Feel free to add more in the comments section.

#awesomepanel #boringpanel #thisguytalkslikeEVwilliams #lostmybadge #lostmyhotelkey #thehyattandhiltonarereallyfarapart #karaokeintheRV #sawleslie #purevolumeline #notacosthisyear #batterydying #needaplug #didntrsvp #TitosFTW #waytoomanypepsis #whereistherestroom #noparking #sxswinning #getmein #needwristband #helpimlost #sxswfail #isthatjustinbeiber #thislinesucks #sodrunk #freebeer #freevodka #noideawhatimdrinkingbutitsfree #faderfort #faderfortline #faderfortbathroomline #igottagopee #perezhitmeonhisbicycle #cantgetintoC3party #toomanyredbulls #needredbull #intheER #myfriendsrule #myfriendssuck #gottamovehere #needacab #pedicabsrock #foofightersareplayingsecretshow #justintimberlakeOMG #lostmyphone #lostmyfriends #lostmywallet #lostselfrespect #needsaridehome #sorryfriendsigotinandyoudidnt #wherethehellisballroomA #stuckinportapotty 

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Charlie Sheen: The Prophet Early On

Who knew how much this would hold true when discussing "Two And A Half Men"...

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What happens when you phone the wrong home: ET Sequel: "ET-X"

This is hilarious!

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Playable Angry Birds birthday cake might be the coolest ever!

via electricpig.co.uk

This is just awesome!

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How To Survive The Ides Of March: SXSW Tips From A Veteran

See and download the full gallery on posterous

When I first moved to Austin in 1996, SXSW and all that it entailed was a mystery to me. After one year of volunteering I was hooked. After years of volunteering, a short stint on staff, and involvement in coordinating some of the bigger after parties over the last 15 years, here are some suggestions on how to make SXSW work for you.

1. Be Nice.

This is the most important thing to remember. Almost all of the support staff for SXSW is volunteer driven. Most of these hard working individuals use vacation time to help make this festival and conference what it is. Yelling at them because you had to wait in line or needed to see a band because you are that important will get you nowhere. Just ask singer Duffy how that worked out for her. 

2. You Can't Do It All.

There are panels, happy hours, meetups, tweetups, free food & liquor, and great music to be had. It is everywhere at all hours. Have fun, but take care of yourself. Just because there is free vodka at 3AM does not mean slam it down like it's 1999. You have many nights of this AND many days. Most of my favorite moments have happened during the day at panels or a day party. Sleeping until 3PM in the afternoon will keep you up for the late night, but some of the greatest surprises have happened before then. Pace yourself. Have fun. Drink water. Party on.

3. Go With The Flow

People will recommend creating a spreadsheet. My advice is this; Have some sort of a game plan, but be prepared to let it change. There was one Saturday a couple years ago that the day's lineup was EPIC. Then a friend told me of a party at the Mean Eyed Cat with a band called Hot Leg. Going to this event would mean missing a ton of acts at all the other venues. It was worth it. The lead singer was Justin Hawkins of The Darkness. It was a fantastic hour of hair metal greatness. The group was small but electrified! Absolutely one of my favorite memories!

This also goes for panels and the "work" part of the conference. Sure, you could wait to get into a panel that is packed, but you never know who you can see in the time you spent standing in that line. There was a last minute change for me last year during Interactive and I went to Peter Shankman's panel. Hands down the best speaker in my history of going to the panels.

The rule of thumb is this... Don't get to caught up in having to see EVERYTHING because you will not enjoy it. If you are having fun stay there. If not move on. But this is supposed to be fun (and work for some of us) so just breathe and take it all in.

4. Share.

The most fun of this is telling someone of a great panel or showcase to check out. Spread the love. If you have extra passes GIVE THEM OUT! This holds true if you are not going to use it also. Why hoard them? Can help someone with some insider info? TELL THEM! Give to others and you shall receive. Plus, if you can make someone else's day even better isn't that a great reward?

5. Be Mobile.

This is the hardest part for a lot of people. Don't get stuck in "committee" of what to do or where to go next. Do or do not, as Yoda would say. Having friends and peers with you is great but when it comes down to it if you want to see or do something being unencumbered is key. This is one of the most important things to remember as it can be the difference between seeing something amazing or standing in the street hearing it.

6. Get Credentialed.

If you really want to have the best experience, you need to attend the festival and conference. Best way is to have a badge or a wristband. Do not buy these from anyone else other than SXSW. Sure, you can possibly find someone who is selling one super cheap, but more often than not its fake.

Why spend the money? If you are here to network there is no better way to do that. The badge is the best way to meet everyone. Panels, conference, meetings. Priceless opportunities. Wristbands are what you need to see most of the festival showcases. A lot of people don't go to these because they think they can see everything at the free parties. Not true. The best part of this is seeing music before the masses have discovered it. Make a plan to pick at least 5 bands at random to watch; You never know what you might see. (Brian Jonestown Massacre, White Stripes, etc.. were all unknowns coming to SXSW)

The other half of this is RSVP to the rest. Fader Fort, Pure Volume, Paste Magazine and more throw some fantastic events; You need to be on the list. A great resource for this is Do512 as they are great at collating all the events into one easy to find place.  

7. Talk To Everyone.

SXSW brings great minds, talent, and energy to Austin. You never know who you could be standing next to. Conversations with those standing next to me or at a bus stop have lead to great relationships built over a beer and a song. Meeting people from New York, New Zealand, London, or even South Austin can be some of the best memories and have lead to great opportunities.

8. Say Thank You.

Say it with me. "Thank You." Repeat. Free drinks and free shows deserve some free thanks. Do it and do it often. Also a lot of these fine folks work hard. Tip when appropriate. Thank you. 

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The Do512 Lounge Sessions: Showcasing The Music Austin Style.

Here is part of first of the Do512 Lounge series videos. It was even better live but the video can show you how amazing the acoustics are in that room. Austin has a fantastic new way to showcase talent and the folks at Do512.com have really outdone themselves. Also kudos to all the others inolved in the project such as AustinMusicWeekly.com! Check out more videos at http://do512blog.com/do512-lounge-sessions/

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Huge fan of Spartacus: Gods Of The Arena - Have you seen this show yet? You should.

Love this show. It's on Starz every Friday night. If you're like me
and without cable the. You can catch them on Netflix with new episodes
added Saturday. Be sure to also watch Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Keep
in mind these are very violent and sexual expressive shows. However it
is done with context to the story and tries to show the decadence of
the time.

Sent from my iPad

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The Astronaut In Me Still Wants This

via estesrockets.com

When I was a lot younger anything to do with rockets and NASA was my favorite thing to read up on. But this kit from Estes brings me back to those fantastic days of Skylab and Saturn 5 rockets. If you see something launch into the skies of Austin soon don't be alarmed. It's just me reliving my childhood.

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HomeAway.com Lets Your Face Be In Their Super Bowl Ad

HomeAway.com's ad for the Super Bowl will let you upload a photo of someone to become the "Test Baby" in the commercial. You can then share it on Facebook, email, or Twitter. Be warned... It seems to be a very resource heavy website and it won't work on your iPad/mobile device. Is it me or does the whole add your face idea becoming standard issue (JibJab, Tron, etc..)?

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This is one of those rare awesome commercials. The Force!

This may be one of the best ads in a long time. Not for the product
it's selling but for making me enjoy it all the way through. Now, I
want a Passat.

Sent from my iPad

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Will PETA's new ad make the Super Bowl?

via huffingtonpost.com

Really craving a vegetable stir-fry right now.

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Austin Gets An Intimate Venue For Music: The Do512 Lounge

Last night was the opening night for a new venue in Austin, The Do512
Lounge, in a room annexed by the Do512.com offices. Decorated with red
velvet curtains and a few neons it holds promise as a place to see
musicians up close and personal. The Saints of Valory took to the
stage as the first of many bands scheduled to play there over the next
few weeks.

There is a twist. It isn't a bar or regular concert venue but a
comfortable place with great acoustics and an intimate feel.
Complimentary beverages from sponsor Shiner Beer will be available to
the lucky 40 or so that are invited to these private events.

This is the brainchild of Jimmy Stewart, one of the founders of Do512,
to provide a place to hang out, have a beer, and hear great music.
Recordings are being made of each performance to be posted online with
plans in the future to broadcast live. Not to be confused as an Austin
City Limits clone; The "Lounge" plans to be a place to showcase the
next big thing besides those who are already known. Austin's very
successful Black Angels are scheduled to perform on Sunday.

Jimmy summed it up by saying, "Austin needed something like this."
From the reactions of the guests in attendance last night he couldn't
be more correct. This could be the hottest "ticket" in town.
Information will be available on Do512.com on how to attend these free
but private events.

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Could this be a great year? So far so good.

Starting a new year is always exciting. What does it hold for me? What
will it bring? What changes will happen?

This year what has been exciting me the most is what it is bringing to
other people so far. More and more of my friends have found someone or
something that makes them happy. That is spectacular.

We have all had those moments in our lives where things just are not
the best. Just to show up to work is a task and the personal life is
like paint spatters on a canvas with no meaning.

The moment when you realize something has happened to change that is
the day you wake up smiling. Those changes are never easy. One friend
changed her life to realize a dream she had. Up With Mutts is
Elizabeth Walker's creation. She told me of her desire to help dogs
with a simple premise; Every dog has a story. Soon you will be able to
hear those here. http://upwithmutts.com/

Another friend's passion for the uniqueness of the 19th century spirit
absinthe sent him on a quest to create his own to share. After years
of research and hard work Graham Wasilition's Tenneyson Absinthe
Royale is now available. Congratulations as every time our paths cross
you look happier and happier! http://www.Tenneyson.com/

Another friend who has a hard time finding her own happiness in work
and personal lives seems to be getting hers on track. The change in
her life started from a moment that was challenging to her. She worked
to get past it and in the process found a path to a new career and
friends. This is a friend I could not be more proud of and am very
lucky to know her.

Work passion is one thing. Personal lives and family is the most
important thing and always the hardest for some to keep afloat. A
friend gets that spark because they have found someone that they make
and makes them happy. Where that spark goes is up to them but to be
part of their journey is a thing of wonder. The best part about this
is that is happening to so many of my friends right now. Seeing you
find that means more to me than you realize friends. Nothing but well
wishes on where this journey will take you.

Now after you have read this you may wonder why write this? Perhaps
it's a reminder to all of us that good things happen when you work for
it. Maybe it's just to make you have a warm fuzzy feeling inside after
you wake Monday morning. But one thing is for sure... It is also a
thank you to those who have included me in their lives and shared many
fun times.

Happiness is infectious. That is what is so fantastic about it. To be
continued....

Sweet John

Sent from my iPad

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Switch - The ultimate CUSTOMIZABLE pocketknife

via blog.makezine.com

This could be the coolest tool EVER! Check this out! (from MAKE Magazine's Blog)

Switch is the ultimate modular pocketknife, with 17 different attachments so you can mix and match your most frequently used tools. Customize your Switch's width by swapping out the inner axles, or group your tools into different "themes" - home, office, outdoors, etc. However you choose to do it, Switch is your tool, your way.

The Switch set includes:

- Two exterior body covers, for encasing the tool attachments.

- Two slotted caps to hold the tool together, which can be removed with the twist of a quarter to disassemble the unit.

- Three interior axle assemblies - small (2-6 tools), medium (4-10 tools), and large (7-13 tools) -- which can be swapped in and out depending on your desired tool width.

- 17 tool attachments: Standard Knife, Pliers, Scissors, Nail File, Tweezers, Thin Flathead Screwdriver, Phillips-Head Screwdriver, Eyeglass Phillips-Head Screwdriver, Eyeglass Flathead Screwdriver, Wood Saw, Serrated Blade, Corkscrew, Combination Bottle Opener/Flathead Screwdriver, Combination Can Opener/Wire Stripper, Pen, Magnifying Glass, LED Flashlight.

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How I stay ahead of Austin's Cedar Fever

Cedar Fever gets us every year. The nose, the throat, we all get it. Here are my tips to stay somewhat healthy. I make no guarantee and this is not any medical advice.

1. Tex Mex. A lot. All those salsas and peppers does a body good against the cedar.

2. Little to no beer. Beer tends to heighten sensitivity to air born allergies.

3.  Use different allergy meds. Rotation is key. Also stay away from decongestants. You need it to get out of you. Coughing is good.

4. Lots and lots of water.

5. Local Honey. Good Flow has a raw honey that has all the allergens in it. Take a teaspoon from the jar and enjoy. By itself.  Repeat as needed.

This doesn't prevent cedar but it doesn't hit me nearly as hard as it could. Let me know if this works for you!

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My stomach misses The Trailer

Burger with a Round Rock donut as a bun. Loaded Baked Potato Dog. BBQ edamame. Wish you were here in 2011.

 

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How The Cleveland Browns Told Off Annoying Fans In 1974 - The Consumerist

via consumerist.com

This is awesome.

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Child of Eden is the game I cannot wait to come out for Kinect!

Wow. Will be first in line for this.

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Thanks to the movies... Another song of old becomes a favorite.

In (500) Days of Summer Zooey Deschanel's character Summer Finn sings this at The Redwood for karaoke. The original for some reason is one of my favorites lately. Here is a recording from a television appearance by the original recording artist Nancy Sinatra.

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The best portable charger is finally available. Best part? It's solar powered!

via solarjoos.com

This is one of the best products of 2010. 5400 mAh battery. Waterproof. Solar. Keep this in a laptop bag or backpack and never run out of power for the portables. This could keep your MiFi or portable broadband going all day!

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Dark Tower. One of the greatest games of the '80s

I used to love this game. It was AWESOME! FYI, that is Orson Welles.

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Disney Patents Interactive Cakes

via gizmodo.com

A cake that has a projection that interacts with the image. You cut a piece and the image changes to accommodate... Read the article... This is crazy!

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Netflix has me watching the past.... and wondering...

Netflix has been a welcome experience for me. In catching up with TV shows and movies from over the years not many have brought up feelings of nostalgia like The Beach. Maybe it is the draw of travel, the music, or even the year it came out; definitely not the quality of story that causes this.

At the time back in 2000 I was dating someone who was one of my neighbors and working in sales at AT&T. After living in Austin for a few years in seemed that I had hit my stride. Great job, little to no worries, someone to come home to... Bill Clinton was ending his presidency. Moby. Remember that CD? We all had it. His songs were in all the commercials. WiFi wasn't really around yet. Most people had desktops not laptops. The original multi-colored iMac. Email was from companies like Excite, Hotmail, and Yahoo. AOL was still around as a network provider. Palm Pilots were the thing. Sierra Leone. Elian Gonzalez. Two way text messaging. That darn election. A lot happened that year. 

Today, 10 years later, things seem similar... Job pays the bills.... Great dog to come home to.. Best friends with the girl who was that neighbor.... But the year that took us from 1999 into the "future" seemed to hold so much promise. We now have our smartphones, laptops, and iPads. Entitlement. Debt. Communication is in bursts of 140 characters or less. Photos are ALL digital. Email is for work. Some of us send one letter a year if that to the IRS if not filed electronically. We are distant even though we know where and what all of our friends are doing thanks to Facebook and Foursquare.

Watching the movie today made me think of all the people that has come and gone. So many friendships have started since then. Many friends have moved on. Right now, just like 10 years ago, sitting and typing thoughts in the same spot in the same apartment has me wondering where all that time went. However, it has been a lot of fun.

2011 is just a few days away. What will we be thinking in 10 more years? What dream will be pursued? What movie will I chose to remember this milestone of 2010 by? The journey to answer those questions gives the same excitement it did back then. Can't wait to see what happens!

 

 

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My last Christmas wish and recommendation... WOWee ONE Gel Speaker

via woweeone.com

It is simply awesome. Plug it into a headset jack. Set it down. Press play. It turns the surface you set it on into a sub-woofer. The quality of sound is amazing! It has a 10 hour rechargeable battery and is small enough to travel in a pocket. Rock out the cubicle, bus, park bench.... Only online so far.. Hopefully sold in Austin soon!

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Live in Austin? Don't know what to get as a gift? Alamo Drafthouse Gift Cards

via drafthouse.com

If you love movies and live in Austin this is your place to see them. Instead of all those silly gift cards that cost you $6 to load get one that can give you an extra $20 in value. Tim League and staff have made this an Austin institution with great food, drink, and film.

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If you haven't played this yet you should. XBOX Kinect.

via XBOX Kinect

This is hands down my favorite thing this holiday. Of course I couldn't wait to get one until Christmas and have been playing Dance Central almost everyday since opening it. You know Microsoft hit a home run when you squeeze 15 people into a 600 sq ft apartment to play and EVERYONE is jumping in. Also gives you some voice commands for certain functions on your XBOX. "XBOX ESPN" is a daily ritual.

If you have an XBOX and you find one to put or get under the tree here are the games I recommend: (Already comes with Kinect Adventures)

Dance Central
Kinect Sports
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved
Kinectimals (for kids or if you like giga-pets)

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Your Christmas Cocktail. Retro Big Red and Tito's Vodka.

via shop.bigred.com

Everyone knows how much of a fan I am of Tito's Vodka. It is my spirit of choice. The revisit of retro-style real sugar sodas has had me try numerous combinations. My favorite so far is Retro Big Red. It tastes amazing!!! With Tito's and friends it makes the best Christmas cocktail.

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This could get me to wear a watch again! Nano Watch!

via bestbuy.com

Apple really made a great little device with the new iPod Nano. There are a ton of cool versions of the wristband out there. Here is another to consider. The new iPod Nano and the Belkin Watch Band. Both available at Best Buy.

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This could save me from that bag you all see me with all the time.

via scottevest.com

It even holds the iPad. I may get a couple different styles of these coats. You can even use your iPod/EVO/iPhone through those crazy looking inner chest pockets as it lets you interact with them. CHeck out their other products if you travel. You can save a bag or two!

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Some really cool Kinect hacks

via newscientist.com

Can;t wait to see where this tech will take us!

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Wendy's New Hand Cut Fries. Can you still dip them in your Frosty?

One of my favorite treats is going to Wendy's and getting an order of
their fries and a chocolate Frosty to dip them in. It's almost a
ritual. One of those time honored traditions that your friends will
agree or raise an eyebrow when you do it. But how will these new fries
work at dipping?

First let me say they are delicious. The sea salt with the skin
still on is a welcome change. They flavor of the Wendy's French fry
was not that memorable before. These new ones are delicious.
However..... They are not good dippers. Since they are not that thick
and square fry of yesterday they tend to break. More often than not
the Frosty dipped fry broke and ended up on the table rather than my
mouth. When it did finally make the trip with help from both hands it
just wasn't the same. The answer is yes, you can dip, but truly
enjoying it like it was before is gone.

So, please, to whom it may concern at Wendy's... Bring back the
classic square fry! Save the dipping ritual!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Need a laugh? Check out how bad I am at dancing on Dance Central on Kinect.

via youtube.com

I mean if you can;t laugh at yourself then what's the point right? I knew I was rhythm challenged but no idea this bad. Perhaps the right amount of Tito's has not been consumed yet. Must fix that.

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This is what my scene in TRON: Legacy would be like. Yes, that is me.

Download now or watch on posterous

TRON.mov (8746 KB)

Thanks to CG I'm getting slaughtered by Clu. But how cool is this?
Pretty F'n cool.

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Besides World Peace this would make an AWESOME Christmas gift. Hint hint.

via youtube.com

Walking into a Brookstone at Christmastime is something special. New gadgets. Toys. MASSAGE CHAIRS. But as my back was getting a treatment from one of those high tech massage chairs one of the salespeople demonstrated the AR Drone. You can fly it with iOS devices. It has an on-board camera system so you can see what it "sees". At $299 it is a splurge but maybe Santa can drop one at my door. Please Santa!

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Can I tell you how excited I am for this? TRON: LEGACY!!!

via youtube.com

TRON was one of my favorite movies. I still can recall the day I saw it back in 1982. Heading to the theater in my own, watching the movie, then waiting for my parents to come pick me up at the local arcade where I was playing the video game TRON. It blew me away.. Hope this next installment does the same!

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Shooting for the Sun - Magazine - The Atlantic

via theatlantic.com

Just like the Wright Brothers and countless other visionaries you can't laugh a great idea man away from his own genius. Lonnie Johnson may have changed the world.

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The next big thing? The Walking Dead - AMC

via amctv.com

Is AMC the new HBO? Mad Men is one of the best television shows written in a long time. Could a zombie infested world be the next hit for AMC? We will find out this Halloween.

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Austin City Limits - Here they come!

Time lapse of main gate.

Sent from my iPad

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This might be the most creative and detailed "Will you marry me?" that is also AWESOME!

I really hope this is true. The story on this is so awesome, as is the video, that it just needs to be told by the person who  made the video. Here is the text from his YouTube posting.    

" Vy's been wanting me to write a song for her for a very long time. I decided to write a Top 40 / Club type song because this is the type of music she likes most. Since I'm not a great singer, I found it very convenient that auto-tune is very popular in this genre. Ha! I recorded and mixed everything in Pro Tools. No loops were used. A big thank you to my brother, Casey, for doing a great job filming all the iPhone action.
This entire project took about 4 months to complete since I could only work on it when Vy was not around. It was hard coming up with so many fake excuses why I couldn't hang out! As the project neared completion, I made phone call after phone call trying to get this played in a movie theater (with hopes of getting it played in the Carmike 20 in Oakdale which is where we had our first movie date many years ago). I lucked out when somebody got me the number to Daniel, the Carmike City Manager, who was awesome, got the OK from corporate and made it happen. I brought the DVD in so they could make sure it was suitable for showing and to do a practice run. The date was now set for Sunday, Sept. 5th at 7:35pm. It would be playing in front of the romantic comedy "Going the Distance" (which I was glad about, I was worried it might be "The Last Exorcism"!)
Wouldn't you know it, almost immediately Vy started getting invited to BBQs, house parties and other events for Sept. 5th! Now I had to come up with a plan to make Vy want to see this movie instead doing anything else so I asked our friend Justin, who lives in Hollywood and is beginning to make appearances in film and TV, to facebook a bunch of us saying he's appearing in a trailer for a movie called "Addicted To You" and that this trailer is showing in front of "Going the Distance" nationwide. I then requested our friend, Carlus, to respond on facebook saying "Let's all go see Justin in the movies on Sunday! I'll pick up tickets for everyone. Dress up and we'll go out for my birthday afterwards".
The plan worked great and Vy was excited to watch for our friend Justin in the trailers. We arrived that night, sat through a bunch of commercials and movie trailers and then my video started. Vy thought it was a real iPhone commercial. When in the video I said "So you want to write a song for your girlfriend", Vy squeezed my hand and looked at me with a smile. I thought she had figured it out at that moment but she later explained she hadn't yet firgured it out and had squeezed my hand because she wanted me to write her a song. Ha!
Once the video showed "June 17th, 2004" she figured it out and started crying immediately, which I especially enjoyed because she has never cried at the movies but I have a number of times! At the end where the video sent the text message, Vy actually received that same text message from my phone. At that moment I got down on one knee, looked at Vy and said "Vy, you're my best friend, I love you so much and I want to be with you forever. Will you marry me?"
She said "YES!" and the theater audience (about 30 people) applauded. Our friends Thomas and Kristin then came out of hiding and gave Vy a dozen roses. We all met up with more friends and went out dancing to celebrate! "

Here is a link to the song that will help pay for the wedding. (if it's true, which I think it is...)  It's on iTunes so at least it isn't some crazy PayPal / mail in fiasco.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/addicted-to-you-iphone-proposal/id396273378?i=396273389

Sent from my iPad

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Ellen Degenres on bullying. It IS a serious problem.

I had retweeted a link this morning after seeing this powerful video
Ellen Degeneres made and played at the end of her show. But for those
that haven't seen it yet, you should watch this. We all can learn from
this. Sometimes we just don't think when we speak. This I admit and
will be making an effort to be part of the solution and not the
problem. It starts with us. Spread the message. It ends now!

Sent from my iPad

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Tony Curtis was one of the more interesting actors...

Tony curtis died today. One of my favorite movies as a kid was "The
Great Imposter" about the life of Ferdinand Waldo Demara jr played by
Tony Curtis. He also starred in Spartacus, Some like it Hot, and many
others....

Sent from my iPad

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Remember when drink a soda was special?

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Game Time Eats. Will Lavaca St. Grill be the right fit?

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Julia Nunes covers Jackson 5- The Love You Save

Great cover on the ukulele!

Sent from my iPad

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