Seesmic Meetup LA

Seesmic Meetup LA
Originally uploaded by dewelch

Oh, and like we haven't done enough this week, last night was a Seesmic meetup at Lucy's El Adobe. Many thanks to the Seesmic crew for hosting us. We had a great time.

New Mailbox

New Mailbox
Originally uploaded by dewelch

The old mailbox failed today so it forced me to put up the new one
that has been sitting around the house for months.

Geek Dinner at Shakey's

, 2008
Originally uploaded by dewelch

We had a great time last night at the August Geek Dinner LA at Shakey's in Hollywood. There is always a lot of great conversation and reconnecting with folks.

Click the photo for more pictures from the evening on Flickr.

Elsewhere Online: Animated Knots

Never be at a loss for the proper knot for the job again. Animated Knots exceeds your needs in every way. I might actually be able to tie some of these knots now, due to the great animated photos.

Animated Knots Knot, knot
Who's there?

Bowline.

Bowline who?

I'm going bowline ... wanna go too?
Because you never know when you'll need a good knot.

(Via MetaFilter.)

Sherman Oaks Farmers Market

We stopped by on the first night if this new incarnation of the
market. It is scheduled for every Thursday night. We arrived early but
it looks like the locals are already checking things out.

My Daily Mugshot

I have been playing around with the Daily Mughsot site, taking a new picture each day. You can see the results below. Useful? Probably not, but interesting.

Daily Mugshot

Connect with Writers, Courses, and Inspiration for Free at the Writers Faire on Sunday, September 7

UCLA Extension Writers' Program proudly presents Writers Faire 2008

Sunday, September 7

11 am-3 pm

UCLA Campus: Young Hall Courtyard

Admission is free. Parking on campus in Lot 2 is $9.

Be our guest at the ninth annual Writers Faire featuring 24 free mini-panels and lectures in fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, writing for the youth market, playwriting, publishing, feature film writing, and television writing. Writers of all levels are welcome!

There’s so much to do at the Writers Faire:

* Listen to 70 instructors/writers as they participate in lively discussions about the art, craft, business, and life of writing.
* Enroll in most fall courses at a ten percent discount (advanced courses not included).
* Get one-on-one advisement on courses and certificate programs.
* Learn more about Los Angeles-area MFA programs and speak to representatives from five top schools.
* Become familiar with Blackboard, the platform used in all Writers’ Program online courses.
* Watch Final Draft representatives demonstrate their software (discounts are available).
* Visit with more than a dozen professional and community organizations and writing-allied businesses, all of whom share a common goal of promoting writing in Los Angeles.

“For me, the highlight of the Writers Faire was listening to the instructors discuss issues of craft. The advice they gave was drawn from experience, delivered with humor, applicable, and free.” – Andrea Kremer, Creative Writing student

Click here to access a PDF of the 2008 Writers Faire schedule and videos of panels from last year’s Writers Faire. Or contact the Writers' Program office at (310) 825-9415 or at writers@uclaextension.edu for more information.

Sherman Oaks Farmer's Market and more - This Thursday

A evening Farmer's Market, along with arts and crafts, food and entertainment comes again to Sherman Oaks starting this Thursday.

Here is the info from the Farmer's Market web site...

Hours and Location:
EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT | 5PM-9PM

Sherman Oaks Fashion Square Mall

Our market will be the “home” to countless enthusiastic shoppers who revel in the freshness, variety, and value available from local farms. Fresh fruit from our wonderful state include berries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apples, and melons. Market tables are also loaded with local organic produce, all kinds of seasonal vegetables, fresh farm cheeses, herbs, mushrooms, free-range chicken and eggs, seafood, pastured organic beef, ciders, honey, preserves, fresh baked bread and pastries, cut flowers, and plant starts.

The market will host live music, fun activities for kids and other wonderful events throughout the year. Health and Nutrition information booths are also at the market each week during the summer.


For more info visit http://www.greenfarmersmarkets.org/

Voice Registry Podcast-Tracy Pattin Talks To Warner Bros. Sound Supervisor Michael Lawshe & New Media Expert Doug Welch

Internet radio play, “Prelude To A Revolution” about the American Revolution and the lead up to the signing of The Declaration of Independence was created, written and produced by Keri Dearborn, Michael Lawshe, Rosanne Welch and Doug Welch. Warner Brothers Sound Supervisor, Michael Lawshe and New Media expert Doug Welch talk about their internet radio projects and the impact of New Media and Voice Over.

Listen to this interview

Gangplank, Phoenix, Arizona

Gangplank, Phoenix, Arizona
Originally uploaded by dewelch

I hung out at Gangplank in Chandler, AZ last night, a great get-together work/play evening and we even recorded a few podcasts. I am glad I was able to check it out while we are in town this week.

From the Gangplank site...

"In nautical terminology, a "gangplank" is a temporary bridge between land (going nowhere) and a ship (going somewhere).

Founded in April 2008 by several local web companies (as a formalization of ideas that had brewing over years of collaboration), Gangplank seeks to fill the role of a bridge for the Phoenix web community.

Gangplank is roughly organized into four areas: the movement, the academy, the commons, and the incubator."

Snow Bowl near Flagstaff, Arizona

Another scene from our vacation travels.



iPod Ready Video

Sedona, Arizona - August 4, 2008

Sedona, Arizona - August 4, 2008
Originally uploaded by dewelch

We spent our day in Uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque today, checking out the art work and having a leisurely lunch. A bit warm here today, but we survived. Back at the house where I am planning on making dinner for our host.

Aspens at Snow Bowl. Flagstaff, Arizona

Snow Bowl - Flagstaff, Arizona
Originally uploaded by dewelch

We took a short hike today at Snow Bowl, a ski area above Flagstaff, Arizona. These aspens, which grow all over the mountain captivated my attention. Their white trunks, among the darker greens of pines and ferns were very striking.

In Oak Creek Canyon

Sedona Trip
Originally uploaded by dewelch

We spent most of yesterday in Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, Arizona. It is a pleasure to get away from things for a little while.

See many more pictures on my Flickr photostream.

Sedona Scene 1

A short scene from Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, Arizona.



iPod Ready Video

Summer Still Life

Summer Still Life
Originally uploaded by dewelch

Lunch at friend's house today. Hot dogs and chips by the pool. This tableau seemed a quintessential still life of an American Summer.

Clear Channel Cleans Up Billboard in 2 business days!

After posting about this graffiti-covered billboard near my house and sending emails to Clear Channel Communications I am amazed with their follow-up. Two business days after posting and emailing, the billboard had received a new ad, covering up or removing the graffiti that had been there for over 6 months.

I must say that I am quite impressed with Clear Channel's action on this and will make it a point to bring any further troubles to their attention immediately, instead of waiting for someone else to make a report. I think this is great advice for your, too, whenever something is not right in your neighborhood.

For the original story visit, Clear Channel, Clean Up Your Billboard!

He's watching you! - am LOLCat

more cat pictures

Video: Dinosaur at the LA Natural History Museum

Wow! Not much to say here expect Wow! I need to check this out in person with the boy.


Extinct, my ASS! from The Original Joe Fisher on Vimeo.

New Media Interchange Meeting: Franklin Canyon - July 27

Sunday, July 27, 2008
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

RSVP via Upcoming.org

Franklin Canyon Park
2600 Franklin Canyon Drive
Beverly Hills, California 90210

Category: Social
Website: http://newmediainterchange.com

Join us for a picnic day in the park to have some fun and talk New Media and Traditional Media. Bring your family, your chairs, your food and great conversation. Some picnic tables may be available. We'll be gathering on the lawn at the ranch house, at the south end of the canyon. See http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=14 for information and directions.

(Thanks to Jason Casper (http://jasoncosper.com/) for the great idea to have a meeting outside, during the beautiful summer months)

The focus of New Media Interchange is to bring together New Media Tech folks like Flash animators, podcasters, videobloggers,etc together with creatives like writers, actors and directors so that we can share information on producing New Media.

---

Also, coming soon to Arizona!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

RSVP via Upcoming.org

Ravenheart Coffee
1370 West Highway 89A
Sedona, Arizona 86336
Category: Social
Website: http://newmediainterchange.com

New Media Interchange was recently founded in Los Angeles to bring traditional media and new media creatives together. You can find out more by visiting the web site at http://newmediainterchange.com or email douglas@welchwrite.com.

I (Douglas Welch) am the founder of New Media Interchange and will be visiting Sedona and Phoenix from August 1-9. From previous visits to Sedona, I know there are many creative people there and many of you would like to know more about new media (YouTube, Podcasting, Streaming video, web sites and more).

Join me for this informal meetup to talk everything new media!

Additionally, all you Twitter (http://twitter.com) users out there. This is a great opportunity to hold a Tweetup in Sedona. If you are a Twitter user, come and meet other "Tweets" face to face. My Twitter ID is dewelch. Follow me for updates on this Tweetup.

Billboard Cleanup

Returning from dinner tonight, I noticed that the billboard mentioned in my previous post, Clear Channel Clean up Your Billboard has been recovered. It is a new ad, for a new radio station, but it is certainly better than what was there.

Now begins the countdown to see how long it will go before being tagged. I hope that they put some thought in to preventing further access to the billboard.

Pictures of new billboard coming tomorrow. I will shoot them when I take my daily walk.

Clear Channel, Clean up your billboard graffiti!

(Update: July 18, 2008, 225pm: I must admit, I am surprised at the response my email has elicited. The problem is not solved by any means, but it looks like the right people have been informed.

This morning I received email replies from Ellen and Russ at Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and Ellen stated "I have issued instructions to have the copy at this location changed out." This is great news.

Secondly, Laura from Councilperson Wendy Greuel's office called a few minutes ago with some information on the issues involved in removing graffiti from billboards and any other places more than 8 feet above the ground. The various graffiti removal organizations can't handle anything higher than 8 feet, I assume, due to safety issues. Also, since this billboard is considered private property, and its height, it is up to the owner to remove graffiti. I thought this might be the case, which is why I sent my email to Clear Channel, as well.

Now that it seems that the right people have been informed, I will keep a watch to see when the billboard is cleaned up. I guess one important lesson I have had reinforced is that if you see something that needs doing, and you can't do it yourself, do your best to bring it to the attention of those that can fix it.

I'll offer additional updates when I receive more info. -- Douglas)

I typically don't use this blog for any form of activism, but after 6+ months of seeing this Clear Channel Communications Inc. billboard several times a day, I think it is time to take some action.

This billboard is located atop storefronts on the southwest corner of Van Nuys Blvd and Hatteras Street in the Van Nuys neighborhood of Los Angeles.



(Click the photos for larger images)

I have reported this to the LA City graffiti email hotline, but unlike most other graffiti cleanup requests, there is something holding this up. It is probably the fact that this billboard is considered the private property of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. or so the sticker on the base of the pole claims. It seems amazing to me that his has gone on so long, since this billboard is only a mile from the Van Nuys Government Center with its City Hall field offices and in clear view of thousands of people every day.

Last week, I contacted the office of my Councilperson Wendy Greuel and was told to contact Laura in the North Hollywood field office at 818-755-7676. There was no answer at that number, so I left a detailed message with my contact information and callback numbers. As of today, I have not heard back from the office.

So, here are my next actions. I am posting these photos and this description here and then I am going to email the field office, as well as the Ms. Greuel's main office, with a link to this site. I am also going to send an email to the press contact at Clear Channel Communications, Inc. to see if they have some explanation for this long term blight on my neighborhood.

If you have any additional ideas of who should be contacted regarding this problem, let me know using the comments link below.

Wish me luck!

My office and the jackhammer

Working from home has its moments.

IndyMac Bank, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and You - July 17, 2008

Want to understand what the current mortgage and banking mess is all about? This show, which I produce and co-host, helps to explain what is going on and why. -- Douglas

---

This week brought the collapse of Indymac Bank. Their collapse wreaked havoc in the financial markets, but it can have a greater effect on individual depositor's stress levels. This could be witnessed in the unnecessary bank run on Indymac this week.Many people do not realize they should not keep more than $100,000 in any bank. Insurance only covers up to $100,000 in deposits, any amount over that is negotiable to as low as 50 cents on the dollar. But for those who have a smaller amount on deposit, don't worry, you will get every penny back.

We also discuss Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's current troubles and why they are so important to the housing market.

Listen to "Indymac, Fannie, Freddie and You?"

If you have any questions you would like us to answer on our show, please call our listener line at 714-519-7833 or email mortgagepodcast@gmail.com.

Tags: podcast podcasting mortgages loan loans bank home finance money mortgage

Hey look! It's Doug

Douglas Welch Head Shot
Originally uploaded by dewelch

I needed a newer, hi-res head shot for the promotional materials for devLearn 2008, where I will be giving an all-day podcasting workshop and a conference session in November.

As is often said of me, I clean up well, don't I? (BIG SMILE)


Here is the info on the 1-day workshop...

Audio and e-Learning: How to Turn Sound Files into Training Podcasts

Tuesday November 11, 2008 08:30 AM

Doug Welch, The WelchWrite Company, Inc.

As e-Learning professionals, you create content everyday. Much of that content is lost when you fail to capture it, or when you fail to edit and distribute it to your audience. Audio is already a big part of your e-Learning, but you could be using it for so much more. Learn new ways to capture audio content, and how to distribute it via internal and external systems and services like blogs, RSS (Real Simple Syndication), and Podcasting.

In this workshop you will be immersed in sound, and learn how new audio technologies can be used to enhance your learning solutions. You will learn how to capture, edit, and distribute sound files, as well as learn which tools are best for you. You will be learning about Podcasting from an industry veteran who specializes in new media production. If you already know the learning theories related to audio in your e-Learning courses, then this workshop will get you to the next level, and help make your corporate learning Podcast dreams a reality.

In this session, you will learn:

* How to capture good audio, and what tools you can use
* How to edit audio to produce a complete, professional sounding, show
* How to use a blog and RSS to distribute your work
* How to share your work with the world using the iTunes Podcast directory (and other products) can share your work with the world


Audience: Intermediate Designers, Developers, Project managers, and Managers who have Only basic computer knowledge is required. Additional experience with audio production is helpful, but not required.