Goal Of the Week

Two goals here (since I missed last weeks). I'd actually never seen this first one, but it is insane. This gem was what I had been looking for.

Features

Hey folks,

I was wondering if there are any features people would like to see added to this site? I added a tag cloud on the right. It seems to be a bit buggy with varying lengths depending on when I load it. I'll be looking for another one to replace it if it doesn't fix itself. Let me know.

Hiring Yourself: Moving forward

I'm moving forward with my plans for my new cyber-empire. I've purchased 2 domain names now and I've got my book mind mapped for all but 2 chapters and an appendix. My next step is going to be mapping out the site so I know what content I need to generate ahead of time for launch, and so I can get an idea for what I want the layout to resemble. I'm very lucky to have knowledgable friends that I can consult on graphic design (shout out to Kate), and all things technical (shout out to AJ). 

My plan is to use the site as a lead in for the book. The site will generate income via advertising and be aimed at small campaigns that don't have money for big consultants or very experienced staff members, non-profits looking to expand their ground game/volunteer numbers, and local committees looking to become/stay relevant and useful, which is rarely the case, but if they were useful and every town had them, that would be a major benefit to campaigns big and small. The city of Chesapeake, VA has a Democratic Committee that was so well prepared we were able to let them run their own operation to an extent. Ultimately we were aiming bigger, but it gave us a huge advantage. Props to Dr. Ward for running that. 

Expenses so far are at a total of $20 for the two domains that I purchased. Currently, I'm looking at hosting options. More updates as things move forward!

The official F.T.B. fantasy baseball league

Not Jimmy Rollins' fantasy.

Opening Day 2009 is less than two weeks away and I am pumped. It also means fantasy baseball -- the greatest time-waster ever created -- is looming.

This is to drum up interest our league. We want to be a bit more "serious" than in the past. I want to get at least 12 teams (at worst 10), would like owners who check their teams everyday, want to do trades, etc. Not to discourage anyone from joining, but it's just better when all involved are on the same competitive level.

But if everyone who's done it in the past wants to do it this year, I have no problem being in multiple leagues, so by all means, let your voice be heard.

Drop a comment if you want in and we'll get a league started up.

Bootsy!

GREAT banter, great solo.

Nobody Nobody

Music is one of our frequently discussed topics so I feel like I'd be remiss in my duties as foreign correspondent if I didn't talk about what's big here. There isn't really much of a Thai music scene beyond Thai Pop and for every other genre they just turn outward. There are nearly as many English radio stations as Thai ones (not counting talk) and even then they're almost all pop/rock. Granted, this is information gathered through passing experience in taxis and I'm sure there are niches for everything in this city. My favorite place in the city is actually a small little blues bar that's about the size of a closet. There's about 4 or 5 bands that play there regularly and they're all really good. It's very cool to see Thai people singing old blues favorites. Likewise, there's a Thai Beatles tribute band that plays every Friday up the street. They have the mop-tops and everything. It's weird to hear them sing these songs perfectly but then when someone comes up to talk to them in English they have no idea what they're saying.

The main reason for this post is to share my new favorite pop song. It's actually from a Korean band called the Wonder Girls and the song is called "Nobody". It follows a pretty common Asian pop template with native language verse and then English chorus. I love it. Warning! it might get stuck in your head for a while. I linked to a live performance so you could see the dance that goes with it as well as admire the Wonder Girls. When this song comes on at a party or club, about 1/3 of the girls will do the dance with it. It's sorta like the macarena but 5 years later when most people forgot how to do it. As an added bonus I'll post the yt video of "Lucky" which is similar song I had a similar attraction to in Madrid. This one is also a "live" performance but you get the same effect as listening to the mp3..also you can sing along in French!

count it
j