I wrote a nice big entry (munched by Blogger) about this great Marketplace feature on the introduction of the yellow pages to Kabul, Afghanistan. No time to reconstruct it, but suffice it to say the story is a really interesting reminder of the value of local directories, online or off. It’s fascinating to take a step into another local advertising market that’s also changing rapidly, but in an entirely different way than in the U.S.
My brother points me to a Web site where one of his neighbors chronicles how his Griswold-like obsession combines with just enough technological prowess to create… a holiday monstrosity. As if the above static light display isn’t enough, this fellow has developed, in recent years, an animated light show that blinks the lights in time to music.
Video of last year’s animated light show, created to accompany the tune “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” is here. Other tunes that got the light show treatment include the theme from Sponge Bob Square Pants and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s performance of “Sweet Home Alabama.” I can’t wait to visit my brother’s neighborhood this holiday season and see what this guy has in store for 2004.
Yes, yes, I’m here. I know I’ve been quiet, but I’ve been busy… adjusting. Plus unpacking and setting up my wireless network (and computer system) at home. Things are looking pretty good now.
Such a big shake-up (moving from NYC to the Bay Area) is great for getting the cobwebs out of one’s brain. It’s funny how the little things — once accomplished on autopilot — require so much attention. Things like getting to work, figuring out what to wear every day (new weather patterns, new routines, plus clothes all packed up), deciding where and how to shop. Here’s hoping life and work benefit from the fresh perspective.
Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving and took the time to think about what’s worth being thankful for. Being newbies in the area, and without family around, we ate out at One Market in SF (discovered via OpenTable.com). Lots of reasons to give thanks: safe trip cross country, having a wonderful family and friends, etc.
Now, as I set about getting plugged into the biz world around here, I’m planning to attend the Mary Hodder-organized Berkeley Blogger dinner Susan Mernit posted about. Hope to attach faces to names there.
UPDATE: I’m a bad blogger. Didn’t make it to the dinner last night, unfortunately. By the time 7 p.m. rolled around I was mentally exhausted (have been making it into work around 7:30 a.m.). I think a little more adjusting (and a little rest) is in order before I venture out.
Home at last!
6 for 1 fireworks outlet and gas station. Marshall, MO
In Western Pennsylvania
I’m cleaning out my desk here at our NYC office and ran across these… the final issues of two dot-com era Internet magazines. Have been finding all sorts of schwag from back in the day, some of which I’ll be transporting with me. Great trip down memory lane before I take off next week! 
Other gems:
Sure, craigslist helped us find a house in the Bay Area, but for so many it has other uses, too. (Much more constructive than committing suicide at Ground Zero.)
As if things aren’t exciting enough (we start our cross-country jaunt Tuesday), my Scottish brother-in-law, Ronnie, is in town for his U.S. acting debut in the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. (Promotional commercials for the festival are here.)
The flick, “In A Man’s World” is described thusly:
A true to life account of survival on the streets of gangland Scotland. Based around the emotional tale of four street wise youngsters in search of the perfect score to earn them their goldon passport towards a brighter future. A gritty portrayal of hope, desperation and betrayal charting the progress of these youngsters as they embark on their journey into the unforgiving heart of the Celtic underworld. As time goes by they soon discover that life in this business is not as glamorous as it seems as they continue to spiral deeper and deeper into a world of ruthless gangsters and criminal overlords.
In case you’re having trouble with the concept of “gangland Scotland,” think “Trainspotting.” Anyway, Ronnie plays a bad guy and I think he just has a small part, but it’s still pretty darned exciting. There’s even talk of a write-up in the New York Times (not sure when but I’ll link if I can find it). Screening is Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Village East Cinemas — 2nd Ave at 12th Street in NYC. Tix here.
Testing my moblogging abilities. Looks like I can send photos from my phone (thanks to Flickr!) but not the accompanying text, for some reason.
