My Resolve in '10

I'm reflecting on reaching some of my recent goals. I managed to tackle the travel component on last year's list even with my move to Cairo from the U.S. Probably because of my move to Cairo. As for the language, well, let's just say I swapped learning Spanish for learning Arabic instead.

Now, we're six months into 2010 and I'm just now getting around to posting my goals for the year. I'd made the list, but life got in the way and I never posted it. I was hopeful that when I went back to check it out that I'd have already accomplished at least one thing on this list. That doesn't seem to be the case. But there's still time, right?

Seems most of these are sort of work related:

1. Produce an audio documentary. I've been working toward this one. I have all of my interviews and I just need to put it together.

2. Produce a feature for World Vision Report. I need a good, strong story for this one. And although Cairo is full of interesting stories, many of the stories have already been told. I'll need to think on this one a bit longer, but it is going to happen.

3. Workout for 20-30 minutes at least four times each week. I haven't yet achieved this goal consistently. Though I can say that I often work out for 40 minutes, two days a week. Not the same ... I've discovered Motion Traxx for motivating, uptempo music (with some narration).

4. Publish an article in a journal. This is work related and on my goals list for work too. But I've partially completed some interesting research on "30 Rock". Looking to add a bit more to what I have and find a publishing platform.

5. Publish an eBook. I was reading Chris Brogan and Julien Smith's "Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust". There was a suggestion about give back what you learn by creating an eBook. That's what I'm gonna do.

That's all for now. Actually, that's plenty. Happy belated 2010 to me. Living my life and loving it.

My Media Consumption

This is just a short blog post to say what a slacker I've been. I've consumed a good deal of media that I have not reviewed, mostly books and movies, but some music too. Reviews are coming soon.

BOOKS (and I need to add comments to Amazon)

"Trust Agents" by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith

"A Natural Woman" by Lori Johnson

"I Am Not Sidney Poitier" by Percival Everett

MOVIES

"Why Did I Get Married Too"

"Precious"

"The Blind Side"

"Ameerka"

MUSIC

"Fornever" w/Murs and 9th Wonder

"Return of the Wu & Friends" by Wu-Tang Clan (that's an extensive wiki)

Presentation Advice - Audience :: GPS :: Monkey

I was going through some old notebooks and I noticed my scribble that said Audience GPS. So I thought that maybe it was a website. Not quite.

Apparently when I was attending PodCamp Pittsburgh last year, someone must have mentioned this. Only when I went to look it up today, the complete phrase is: Audience, GPS, Monkey.

Love that. I could tell you all about it, but I will only say it's perfect advice for those who often give PowerPoint presentations.

The link will take you to social media veteran Chris Brogan's website where he has a six minute video explaining the concept.

I think you'll like it.

My Social Media Usage

I've been using social media for a bit. I jumped onto Facebook some time ago when I could hardly track down my students. But when I'd contact them through Facebook, they would immediately respond. Now Facebook is crammed. It's interesting to see the folks who are now jumping on board - the late comers. Some want to know what all the hype is about. I basically tell them that they can keep up w/me w/o ever actually talking to me (or others). Like eavesdropping.

I've been on MySpace for a while too. Though it is not my fav. Just too flashy and I do mean crazy graphics and blinkies. But I still go there to check out artists and to listen to music and see tour schedules.

I have not been Twittering for long. I checked it out for longer than normal to try and get the gist of it. I like the definition of micro blogging. I sort of use it as a daily diary; more like what I'm doing or going to be doing. Sometimes I use it to drive traffic to one of my blogs. I just try to keep it basic. I do like the way that Chris Brogan uses it. He shares a wealth of information it is so SM (social media).

The other SM platform that I've been on, but was slow to get fully emersed is LinkedIn. My friend Tonja mentioned it to me as a way to network. To especially get in touch w/say, HR folks who might otherwise be unreachable. I know that would not work as well today now that the platform is popular and seeking to expand.

There are some other areas that I've recently gotten involved in:

• FriendFeed
• LiveMocha
• Utterz
  

Here are the platforms that I rarely use:

• Last.Fm
• Hulu
  

Platforms that I'm aware of, but not interested in or yet to jump in:

• Plurk
• Flock
• Multiply
• Spokeo

That should tide you over for a minute or do tell about your social media experience.