Monthly Archive for July, 2008

The Mobilization

This Saturday night, Hayley and I went to witness The Mobilization’s first-ever Wichita show. And it was awesome. Being the connected* guy I am, I was able to snag three semi-final tracks and I’m posting them here for your listening pleasure.

Vigilante

Twilight

Plainest Jane

Check them out and let me know what you think.

Oh, and for all you Wichitan-readers, tonight’s our second Tweetup. Be at The Anchor around 6:00 p.m. to discuss social media and meet some cool, plugged-in folks. Hope to see you there.
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*I’m not actually that connected. I just happen to work with the player of the keys and second guitar, Chaney Kimball. You can see how rockstar he is here.

Best show on TV

Ok, I fully recognize that this is going to sound crazy or like I’m joking. But I’m not. I’m serious.

MTV’s G’s to Gents is the best show on TV right now.

Typically, that wouldn’t be saying too much during the summer season, but there are a couple of shows that Hayley and I have been watching that we enjoy (Wipeout and I Survived a Japanese Game Show are two embarrassingly enjoyable hours of television). But I think that G’s would stand out even in the crowded fall season.

The premise for the show is identical to VH1’s Flavor of Love: Charm School, but this time, instead of reforming former reality show contestants, they’re trying to reform true “G’s” from the streets. I’ll admit that I don’t know where MTV got their cast, but they’ve assembled quite a group.

Last night’s episode completely blew my mind. It’s amazing to me to watch the transformations that are already occurring in some of the people – simply because Fonzworth Bentley, the host, says he believes in the guys in the house. While some of the cast is there just to win the money, it genuinely seems that some are there to make a change. And it’s pretty dang inspiring to watch how they support each other.

As Hayley said, it’s possible that MTV went out and found the most sensitive G’s ever. But I don’t think that’s it. I think the gentlemen are recognizing how different their lives can be and are in a situation that is supportive and conducive to change. It will be interesting to see the obligatory reunion show and find out what changed, if anything, after they left the house.

I understand how trying it can be adding another show to your viewing queue, but I encourage you to check this show out. I think you’ll be surprised by its unique charm and increasingly likable cast.

Have you seen the show? What do you think of it?
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Bike commute, here I come

A couple of days ago I posed the question of “To bike commute or not to bike commute.” The consensus leaned towards “to bike.” The only negative response I’ve really received is from my mom who is worried about my riding a bike on busy city streets.

I have permission from my boss, a place to store a bike, access to a shower if I need it and a ridiculously short commute. It seems like everything is lining up for me to become a bike-commuter.

Well, except for one, minor detail: I don’t have a bike.

I began the process of remedying that this weekend as I went to testride a couple of cycles. The first was a Fuji Crosstown 3.0 and I didn’t really love it. The gears felt a little loose and the brakes were tight but squeaked pretty badly. I realize that the shop could tweak those issues, but it rubbed me the wrong way that there were already problems. The second bike I rode was a Giant Sedona DX (the bike in the picture) – and I loved it. It was smooth, felt like it was very solid and handled potholes and other dips like a champ. The only problem? The bike I rode was the last one in stock. And the last that the store is going to get (according to the salesman). The next shipment will be the 2009 models and they’re going up by 20%. That’s a lot of cash.

So I’m still looking. But I’m well on my way.

Any additional bike-related input you want to share as I continue my search?

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One step closer to being famous.

Today’s a big day for me: I’ll be one step closer to becoming famous.

I’m on a media panel for our local PRSA chapter with representatives from TV, radio and newspaper. I’m representing new media, specifically blogging. I’m going to get peppered with questions about how to pitch to bloggers, whether or not blogging is a legitimate media and (after answering in the affirmative to the last question) how companies or organizations can launch their own blogs.

If you’re in Wichita, and you’re not planning on doing anything for lunch, you should come by Larkspur at about 11:30 and see if you can get it. You normally have to RSVP for the lunches, but the more the merrier!

If you’re not in Wichita or can’t come to lunch, whisper a little prayer for me around noon.

Before I head out, is there anything you want to me to say or suggest that I address while I’m up there?
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My boss is a celebrity!

In the biggest news to hit our officle in recent days, my boss, Ashley Bowen Cook, has been named one of Wichita Business Journal’s “40 under 40.” This honor goes to 40 individuals of great character, wisdom and achievement who are under 40 years of age. Which is why it’s called the “40 under 40.” 40 people under the age of 40. Get it?

Anyway, she was kind enough to pose with me for a picture – and she only charged me $45! That’s like $55 off her typical picture fee! However, as you can see in the picture below, she did get a little bit diva and took FOREVER to put her jacket on.

It’s not often you get to share an officle with a celebrity. I’m a lucky guy.

In an unrelated matter, who’s going to see The Dark Knight this weekend? I think Hayley and I are going to wait to take some boys to see it next weekend, so no spoilers allowed here at The ToddBlog!

Have a great weekend everyone.
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JibJab strikes again

Brilliant work from the guys at JibJab.

I like the Hilary 2012 posters. Very inspirational.

JibJab does a nice job skewering both sides. Well done, per usual.
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(h/t: Russell)