TJ and Cammy, and Kenny too

This is what was under my carpet (I'm about to lay the new laminate) #barfaroni

2010-06-05T13:20:00.001-06:00

Discover Your Sport | Internet Strategy, Social Media, Design, and Development for Nonprofits and Social Enterprises

2010-06-02T11:40:00.001-06:00

Good inspiration from Linda :). I'm planning on doing some more Tennis and looking for another sport, maybe something new and knee-friendly?

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Facebook | Privacy Guide

2010-05-26T14:16:00.001-06:00

via facebook.com

Now Facebook needs a page that explains how the page works that determines how your privacy works.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

New King of Technology - Apple Overtakes Microsoft

2010-05-26T13:45:00.001-06:00

via nytimes.com

As Kemper said (www.twitter.com/identifiedmedia), "I guess i better start using Linux now."

The bigger Apple gets, the less their brand and story can rely on the trope of being a cult of users who "just get it." And Linus will take over that realm if a unified story can ever be established around the platform.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Wired Magazine’s iPad Edition Goes Live | Magazine

2010-05-26T10:47:00.001-06:00

via wired.com

Just bought it. I'm going to give it a good go before I post a review here.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

5 Reasons Your Nonprofit Should Invest in Branding | Internet Strategy, Social Media, Design, and Development for Nonprofits and Social Enterprises

2010-05-26T10:00:00.001-06:00

Branding is your nonprofit's face to the world. Your brand is much more than a logo--it's who you are and what you do. In many ways, it's like the first sentence of a rich story that you tell to each person that you're cause is trying to reach.

And, as we all know, that first sentence is critical to hooking the reader. It's important that your brand hook us into your cause. Here are a few reasons why branding is an important investment for your nonprofit.

via hidefweb.com

I've really enjoyed working with Brian as HiDef's senior designer. He never lets time constraints or budget constraints water down a good process, yet he's also an out-of-the-box thinker. I think you'll enjoy his thoughts here.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Google Code Blog: With the New Google Latitude API, Build Latitude and Location Into Your App

2010-05-25T09:33:00.001-06:00

Thermostats that turn on and off automatically when you’re driving towards or away from home.
Traffic that send alerts if there’s heavy traffic ahead of you or on a route you usually take based on your location history.
Your credit card accounts to alert you of potential fraud when a purchase is made far from where you actually are.
Photo albums so your vacation photos appear on a map at all the places you visited based on your location history.

via googlecode.blogspot.com

This. is. the. future. Comment quickly: How could one of your programs or applications be enhanced from geolocation infusion?

My idea: Advocacy organizations who need people to be in a specific place at a specific time could use a geolocation service's API to award participants with a badge if they check in at that peak time. Challenge, Reward, Repeat. Classic flow theory!

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Thoughts on LOST

2010-05-24T16:45:00.001-06:00

I watched the finale last night. I'll say why I was disappointed in a minute, but first, two questions loom in my mind.

1. Why was LOST so popular?

2. Now, what was that all about again?

I believe LOST was popular because it told a great story and tapped into the key question that, in the end, will always wrap us in: Is there a purpose in life? It was also popular because it had a well balanced cast (Hugo, anyone?), intrigue (Smokey and world-ending-electro-magnetic-forces), and beauty (people, places, music).

LOST took a big risk in developing an immersive story line that became hard to follow. But the fact that it was hard to follow also made it an immersive story line. You had to be in it to win it, a key ingredient for any cult following, right? Don't know what I mean when I refer to Smokey? Pssh, sit down and lemme 'splain you about why it's so interesting and fifteen minutes later you'll still have a raised eyebrow.

I feel like I've stood over the shoulder of archeologists on a dig. They've dug up all but the last and most important element of the discovery. Then they stand up, turn to me, and say, "We did this to remember, and to let go," and leave it sitting there not fully excavated.

I guess in the back of my mind, I was looking for the finale to go back to the beginning, not tack on a statement at the end. The past six seasons have gotten deeper and deeper into the history of the island, whereas the finale focused on... well, not much really.

Rather than definitively answer all these questions, most have been given an interpret-this-as-you-will answer that guarantees lostpedia will have a strong userbase for quite some time.

Why was I disappointed?

I was disappointed as a writer because there was no mystery in the finale. It was all hugs and kisses and platitudes (applicable ones, of course). I believe there was no mystery because, in the end, the writers set themselves up for a poor finale with all the cast changes and story editing that had to be done to get through six seasons. They tampered with the excavation.

There's no way this ending was planned since Season 1 (or, I'd wager, from Season 5). The writers didn't know, bless their hearts. But the weaving had to continue, so more questions were created, until the only feasible ending was one that depended on a clean wrap up that saw Christian Shephard walk into a doorway full of lot into the Great Beyond that is all our destiny's on this terrestrial ball, whereby we may remember and let go of All That is Well and Good.

Bleck.

Oh well. Now I have an hour a week back in my pocket.

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Ok, This. Is. Awesome. #googlepacmanlogogame

2010-05-21T10:11:00.001-06:00

via qTweeter

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Open Android vs. Closed iPhone

2010-05-20T22:48:00.001-06:00

I just finished up spending the past two days at Google I/O. On one of the panels I participated in yesterday (VCs Who Code), the endless discussion about open (e.g. Google) vs. closed (e.g. Apple) came up with Dave McClure stating “Open is for losers.” We had a short but spirited debate about a topic that could easily consume an entire panel before Dick Costolo (our moderator) quickly moved us on. Of course, we got bogged down again later in “native apps vs. web apps” question (which I think is irrelevant in the long run, and said so.)

When I woke up this morning I was still thinking about the open vs. closed thing. I’ve been using a Droid for a week (Google gave one to everyone that came to I/O) and I’ve been loving it. I’ve been an iPhone user for several years and while there are a bunch of things about it I love, there are several that I hate, including the pathetic AT&T service, major limitations in some of the applications such as email, the restriction of Flash, lack of tethering, lack of statefulness, lack of multi-processing, and the unbearable shittiness of iTunes for Windows. But, I never really considered an alternative until I started playing with Android 2.1 on a Droid on Verizon.

I’d basically decided to switch to the Droid. The keynote on Day 2 was split between Android 2.2 and Google TV. I was completely blown away by Android 2.2. It doesn’t merely address each of the issues I have with my iPhone, it demolishes them. Google wasn’t bashful during the keynote about taking shots at Apple, which was fun to see. And as I sat there, I kept thinking about how far Android has come taking an entirely open approach.

While Google “had me at Android 2.2”, they sealed the deal by giving every attendee a brand new HTC EVO 4G (running on Sprint). There have been plenty of complaints about Android handsets; the Droid was good although I have had a Droid Incredible on order. But, now that I have my HTC EVO, I’m completely hooked. The physical device is magnificent, the Android implementation is awesome, and it is still only running Android 2.1 so it get even better when the over the air update is released and automatically upgrades.

I’m now in a position where I can dump my Verizon MiFi since can use my HTC phone as a hotspot. One less $60 / month bill, one less thing to schlep around. And I never have to use iTunes for Windows again. Apple just lost me – again.

The most amazing thing to me when I reflect on this is how much of a complete non-event Microsoft in this discussion. Before the iPhone, there was a different discussion and Windows Mobile (or whatever it was called) was regularly in the middle of it. Not only is it no longer in the middle, it’s no longer in the discussion. Google focused their sights directly on Apple and – with an open approach – is now in a position where it can legitimately threaten the iPhone’s long term position.

I love this stuff. Plus I now have two cool new phones.

Related posts:
24 Hours With Android and Chrome

Will Android Be Google’s Vietnam?

The Brad Feld iPhone App

iPhone and Tasks

Branded iPhone Apps

via feld.com

I commented in the thread here. I love Brad's take on things. You should read his blog, too :)

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Is Foursquare vs. Gowalla like Youtube vs. Vimeo?

2010-05-20T12:01:00.001-06:00

For the past couple months I've seen media glom on to Foursquare and only mention Gowalla in passing. A few times I've even been tempted to tell my friends and coworkers, "You should just use Foursquare. It's all about the users, and Foursquare's getting them."

But I've stopped myself short, partly because I do think their might be room for multiple geo-location networks out there (even once Twitter really gets gung-ho about theirs).

The comparison that keeps coming back to me is Youtube and Vimeo. Youtube has the users, no doubt about it. But--at least from what I can see--Vimeo is doing just as well, having positioned itself as the higher quality video sharing site, both in terms of the service you get and the content that gravitates to the aesthetically-pleasing space.

I suppose another comparison is HP/Dell and Apple. There are room for both, because there are people who want "It's cheap and it works," and there are people who want "It's the best experience there is." I'm wondering if the same thinking can be applied to Foursquare vs. Gowalla.

Foursquare is becoming the marketing and advertising centric checkin app, while I see Gowalla becoming the leisure and community app. Foursquare is better at implementing game mechanics (points and promos), and Gowalla is better at implementing leisure mechanisms (trips and passport).

I guess the question is, do people using geolocation apps want to be where the rest of the users are, or where their individual experience makes them feel good?

For myself, I'm almost ready to switch over to Foursquare because the experience with this app is being able to participate with my network in geo-location fun and have an easier time keeping tabs on them. If the people are on Foursquare, my essential experience will be better there so long as they don't turn into an offensive advertisement platform at every turn (a big "if").

But so long as there are Gowalla users who enjoy its aesthetic and leisure-centric approach, it will do just fine as well. After all, I enjoy my Vimeo experience and my Youtube experience.

Do you think Gowalla will thrive? Do you think either will survive once Twitter really flips the geo switch?

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Why You Can’t Work at Work | Jason Fried | Big Think

2010-05-20T08:48:00.001-06:00

via bigthink.com

THIS is why I love HiDef. Granted, even our virtual team is doing constant battle against those easy-to-call, not-helpful meetings, but our fundamental structure helps us use the more passive mediums more easily.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Google unveils Web app store for games | Reuters

2010-05-19T12:57:00.001-06:00

via reuters.com

I'm swimming in this and other stories coming from Google's I/O conference. Like a kid in a candy store.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Thoughts and ideas for CiviCRM 4.0 | CiviCRM Community Site

2010-05-17T15:35:00.001-06:00

No new features. 4.0 is a restructuring and refactoring of part of the code base. Out objective is to make the code base more solid and not focus on adding functionality to the application.

via civicrm.org

I love it when a big application like CiviCRM puts this as a core feature of the next release. NO NEW FEATURES! Yes! Usability!

I'm going to be tracking it quite closely for sure, contributing where I can.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

The future of marketing is geo and personal

2010-05-17T10:15:00.001-06:00

via qTweeter

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

My First Posterous Post

2010-05-17T09:06:00.001-06:00

This post advocates putting "Theme" at the top of the project pyramid. Others put Epic at the top of a given project defining "Theme" as a collection of user stories around a functional area.

However, I think there is real value in putting something like Experience Statement at the top of a project management graphic.Doing so focuses the project not around the thing trying to be built, but rather the user's experience when using the thing. Thus, the thing is more changeable as the team delves deeper into the implications of that Experience Statement on the Epics, User Stories, and Tasks that make the experience happen.

The other thing I think it does is build a bridge between the language of value propositions and minimal viable product with the actual development of the value propositions and products. Why? Because the value of a product depends entirely on the experience it delivers.

It's user centric. I feel that sometimes even Epics are at risk of being completely off base because there is no definitive statement above them telling the viewer of the epic why the epic exists.

from Agile 101

Another value of placing the Experience Statement at the outset is that it forces a development team to consider different roles and the related functionality around them in and of themselves. Instead of trying to account for each role as a subset of the project, the different types of users get their own dedicated focus.

I've embraced Agile because it provides a simple way that both developers and their clients can gather around requirements without navigating too learning-curve laden jargon. Tell good stories, make those stories come true, and you're done. However, there has still been the problem of making sure that the stories your write are what people want to experience. That's where the Experience Statement is pivotal.

The Experience Statement is the value proposition of the product told from a user's perspective. A good Experience statement will help the team determine which Epics, Themes, and User Stories are created and how they are prioritized.

Posted via email from Interactivist

Google Code Blog: Announcing Google Moderator’s API, powering a Wave Extension and Android App

2010-05-15T16:43:00.001-06:00

via googlecode.blogspot.com

Tracking feedback and questions during live events such as conferences and webinars is very important and adds a lot of value to the mindshare that goea on. At the 2010 Nonprofit Technology Conference I noted that Twitter was the live feedback mechanism of choice, and the choice had several drawbacks. Much like Twitter offers little in the way of tracking conversation between two people, it is even worse tracking ongoing discussion of particular topics and who is replying to whom about what. I think the Google Moderator API offers a pretty simple alternative.

Are there any third party Twitter apps that do what things like the Google Moderator API does?

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Four year old pwns the Star Wars theme song

2010-05-14T18:07:00.001-06:00

Download now or listen on posterous

Memo.m4a (190 KB)

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Nice Friday on Pearl Street #cello #boulder

2010-05-14T13:10:00.001-06:00

via qTweeter

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

New Seattle's Best: Best-er or Worse? - Brand New

2010-05-13T07:59:00.001-06:00

via underconsideration.com

My take: It's a no-brainer move. I've always seen Seattle's Best as self-competition for Starbucks (for a while I didn't realize that Starbucks had bought them and was wondering if Seattle's Best was stealing market share from Starbucks. Nope! #2 = #1 and Starbucks wins).

Now, by making the brand into "the Target of Coffee," they're positioning the overall dominance of Starbucks by allowing Starbucks to keep being the "Apple" of coffee while Seattle's Best gains distribution points and becomes the cheaper brand. Sucks for the people who created Seattle's Best and are now seeing how business does what it wants with the story of a brand simply to gain market dominance. BUT, this is a smart move overall for the mothership.

What do you think of the business move (never mind the aesthetic :P ).

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Goober 3 beta offers HD VoIP calls and video-conferencing

2010-05-11T16:42:00.001-06:00

Posted on by Ramu Nagappan, Macworld.com

Goober Networks, in a bid to better compete with Skype and its ilk, has announced a public beta of Goober 3.0, its unified communications application. The new version allows HD VoIP calling, multi-user video conferencing, and multi-protocol instant messaging.

People who read this also read:

Goober 3.0 offers HD voice calls (with higher-quality audio). Rates are a little complicated: it's 1 cent a minute for landlines in the U.S. and Canada, and 1.4 cents for mobile lines. Calls to landlines in Europe are usually less than 3 cents a minute, but some areas are more, and mobile lines are 20 cents and up. Asia calls start at 5 cents, and go up from there depending on the country and type of line. The company is making a point of saying that its advertised rates tend to be lower than Skype's.

Other new phone functions in Goober include call forwarding and dial-in (which lets you receive calls from a landline or cell phone). For your iPhone or iPad, you can also download gooberVoIP, an app that allows you to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi and 3G networks.

With multi-protocol instant messaging, you can chat with friends on a variety of other networks like Google, AOL, and Yahoo. The beta supports free, four-way video conferencing, and the company plans to allow six-way conferencing in the final version of the software. Even better, Goober provides full screen video at 720p.

It remains to be seen whether Goober can pry VoIP users away from Skype, or if Apple iChat users will give this alternative a spin. The actual quality of audio and video and the ease of set-up will likely make all the difference.

The Goober 3.0 beta is free and available for Mac and PC. The first 5,000 people who download Goober 3.0 will receive a $5 voucher for making calls.

See more like this:

VoIP,

video conference,

IM,

IM clients,

iPhone

Recommend? 0 YES 0 NO

0 Comments

Email

Print

via rss.macworld.com

Naming is important. Goober?? Please, change your name. Quickly.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

First Look: Byline 3.0 for iPhone

2010-05-11T09:20:00.001-06:00

via tuaw.com

I've used ByLine for about 2 years, and it's stayed on my homescreen the entire time. It's sorely lacked polish for about 6 months, but the update looks formidable!

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Unfortunate typo for Tiger Woods

2010-05-11T07:34:00.001-06:00

Download now or preview on posterous

idea.pdf (246 KB)

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

New Software Can Hire, Evaluate, and Pay Workers, Making Human Bosses Obsolete | Popular Science

2010-05-10T13:04:00.001-06:00

via popsci.com

For 'mechanical' tasks, the "Boss API" is a value proposition; but good ol' human ingenuity will outstrip the algorithms for hard-to-evaluate tasks

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Entelligence: Meet H/Pre -- Engadget

2010-05-07T16:35:00.001-06:00

via engadget.com

I really, really, like webOS and hope they're able to ramp up together soon.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Socializing the web browsing experience: Comparing Open Graph to RocketOn, Yoowalk, and Flock

2010-05-07T10:54:00.001-06:00

When I heard the news from about Facebook spreading its presence more evenly across websites through things like social plugins and Instant Personalization, I couldn't help but stack the news up against other offerings that have sought to socialize and personalize the web browsing experience: RocketOn, Yoowalk, and Flock.

Why am I comparing Open Graph to a virtual-world-on-top-of-browsing (RocketOn), websites-as-virtual-buildings (Yoowalk), and Browser-as-socialmedia-aggregator (Flock)?

I'm comparing them to Open Graph because I believe Open Graph provides the user experience these great projects were seeking, but better.

Let's take a look.

RocketOn

RocketOn and Yoowalk share a common goal: to overlay spacial context and socialization onto the web surfing experience. Let's say you have the RocketOn plug-in installed on your browser and are checking out a video on YouTube. If I also have the plug-in installed and land on that same video, I will see your avatar walking across the page like a cockroach on linoleum.

Yoowalk

Yoowalk takes a slightly different approach by creating a centralized city that provides more organization around the spatial context. Websites themselves are represented as little shops on virtual streets, so that not only can you meet someone who is browsing YouTube from within the world, but your experience is more immersive and tailored to how sites relate to one another in the context, moreso than RocketOn.

Flock

Flock doesn't try to stack a spacial context on top of the web. Instead, it is a browser similar to Internet Explorer or Firefox that has built-in widgets that make it easier to tap into your social networks, emails, videos, and photos. It basically makes use of all the API's out there to pull down content from, say, your Facebook account and present it to you in a way that integrates it with your browsing experience.

What about Facebook's Open Graph?

In the context of "overlaying something onto your browsing experience to make it more social," Facebook's approach is basically to say, "We don't need a 3D visualization of the web; we don't need avatars on top of web pages, and we don't need a special browser with widgets. We want to enable each website to be more social while still having control over the user experience."

Let CNN.com be CNN.com, integrating my social graph to the extent it will add value to my user experience.

And I think this approach is the right approach.

Don't get me wrong: Yoowalk, RocketOn, and Flock are three really cool approaches to making the Internet more meaningful, intimate, and personalized. The novelty, however, turns quickly into learning curve, which turns into a poor user experience and a distraction from the user experience each website has created.

The Final Word

This conversation, I feel, is the very reason that Facebook and social networking took off when everyone was talking about the emergence of virtual worlds like Second Life. The latter didn't take off because, fundamentally, the visual layer actually ends up distracting from content and relationships, there only to realize it wasn't actually a good user experience for day-to-day users.

I still believe virtualization will be a powerful mechanism for visual presentation of content--someday. For now, I'm focused on building on top of the browsing experience users are used to rather than building new browsing experiences to which users must adapt.

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Things I'll be looking for in Skype's multi-video group chats

2010-05-05T11:10:00.001-06:00

1. Good Audio/Video sync.
Traditionally multi-video services, many of which draw on p2p Flash libraries, suffer from the video feed and the audio feed being out of sync. The disparity has always caused me and my team to shut down the trial pretty quickly, since the whole purpose of multi-party video chat is to regain some of the non-verbal queues we use in-person to say things like, "I have a comment on that," "I want to talk next," or "I don't agree." Without audio/video in sync, these queues get lost and you're better off going off-camera.

2. Video quality.
Another problem traditionally with multi-party video chats is the fact that in order to get more video feeds in the mix, the quality of each individual feed is reduced to conserve on overall bandwidth. It works for the most part, but at some point video quality gets so bad you feel almost that you wouldn't be able to tell how many fingers the other participants are holding up, and you lose the ability to read the non-verbals to the point that the value proposition is squelched. I'm hoping the Skype team has used the power of their massive p2p network to achieve multi-video without reducing each feed's quality too much.

3. Administration capabilities.
Especially as a Mac Skype user, I often decry the fact that I can't kick people out of chats, auto-add people who've dropped back into chat, etc. I hope the Skype team has thought about the implications of multi-video chat on the user experience for teams, not just casual users. And hey, a little love for us Mac users would be nice, too.

By the way, Skype: You better not just release multi-video for your Windows client and then make us wait like two years for the Mac team to push out the feature. That would be sick and wrong, sick and wrong.

Further Reading:
* http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/05/AR20100505015...

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Daddy/Kenny had their first go cart, laser tag, and mini golf experience today. That's all time.

2010-05-01T14:25:00.001-06:00

via qTweeter

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Storytelling and the "Never Shake a Baby" campaign

2010-04-24T20:26:00.001-06:00

Everyone I've consulted recently--from nonprofits needing to connect better to their donors, to short term rental agencies needing to secure more leases--has resonated with the truth that the success of their Internet marketing campaign lies in its ability to engage people in a narrative.

In that light, as I was washing dishes tonight, it occurred to me that the "Never shake a baby" campaign might be a good case for application of deeper story.

The most recent commercial I saw had a celebrity spokesperson talking about the dangers of shaking a baby. I think the spokesperson said that people are making a promise all over to do the right thing. This person was followed by a series of people repeating the words, "I promise," culminating in the final statement, "never to shake a baby." (I've paraphrased, unable to find the commercial online.)

The commercial gets the point across, but I had trouble s day later remembering anything about it other than a vague feeling of discontent. I started thinking, "Is that commercial using story to its fullest potential to provoke enduring, positive change in those who watch it?"

Here's a script that started stewing in my mind using the same actors:

Famous Spokesperson: "He had been crying for 2 hours straight, and I needed sleep because the next day was the most important day of filming..."

(fade to Actor 1, a middle aged man)

A1: "Finally I couldn't take it anymore..."

(cut to Actor 2, a young lady)

A2: "I held her out in front of me..."

(cut to Actor 3, a man older than A1)

A3: "I looked angrily into his eyes..."

(cut to Actor 4, a middle aged woman)

A4: "I plugged my ears and..."

(fade to black one full count, then...)

A1: "I held him close"

A2: "I had to set her in her crib"

A3: "I kept rocking him"

A4: "I handed her off to my husband"

(cut to Spokesperson, tears in eyes)

"...I got some headphones and rocked on the swing outside. The day of filming was not fun at all, but--I have a healthy son."

(fade to black, words fade in on screen)

-Never shake a baby-

For more stories, visit {website}.

The script is a rough draft and would be smoothed and honed and made more cohesive, but I can visualize myself rapt to the screen more than the other. More importantly, when that moment came (as it does for all parents, right?) when I found myself about to snap with my child, I would have images in my mind of people who had been there before, along with the positive images of them coming out victorious by doing something besides shaking.

"Always do X" is better than "Never do Y" in my book. Even the commercials I've seen in this campaign that do tell story seem to end in an accusatory message of fear rather than an inspirational tone of hope. Good stories endure in our memory, and advocacy campaigns like this one might benefit from focusing not on what we shouldn't be doing, but rather what we can be doing--letting the viewer experience the truths through powerful stories.

What story-based commercials endure in your memory?

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Why it's okay for Drupal to be Schizophrenic #drupalcon

2010-04-23T10:39:00.001-06:00

I left a comment on a great guy's blog (Ethan Kaplan). Ethan issued a challenge to all Drupalers to make the platform easy to use. I responded with this:

I think you’re right in labeling Drupal a schizophrenic platform. To carry the metpahor further, the platform will grow by not choosing what it is at the core level, but by enterprising developers leverage its openness to create niche solutions for different use cases. Open Atrium, Drupal Gardens, and Buzzr are just a few examples of these cases. The magic is in the Install Profile, in hosted Drupal, and in commercial support.
The music industry could use an install profile, for instance–one that leveraged all the modules and configurations necessary to make them work seamlessly together to create a kick-butt multimedia-driven community site, right out of the box.
In short, I’m unsure if Drupal needs to defeat its schizophrenia; rather, that different folks come alongside it to harness all the different potentials and repackage them as a focused persona.

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

My sketch of the new coming web #f8 #facebook #drawring

2010-04-22T21:34:00.001-06:00

Download now or preview on posterous

idea.pdf (309 KB)

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Good ol' competition->Apple in talks to use AMD Opteron, Turion chips? | Electronista

2010-04-16T22:30:00.001-06:00

pple is in "advanced discussions" that may see it use AMD chips to supplement Intel, a potentially major rumor claimed on Friday. Executives and others from AMD have reportedly been seen visiting Apple's Cupertino campus and giving briefings to help Apple work on AMD-based Macs. The AppleInsider source claimed that most of the testing so far has centered around AMD's workstation chips, headed up by the Opteron line, and for mobile chips like the Turion series.
The surprise shift, which isn't necessarily definite, would come both out of business and technical reasons. At a minimum, choosing AMD would let Apple have more than potential one processor supplier and would have both the flexibility to build more system types as well as to avoid supply problems at Intel's end. It's believed but not confirmed that a shortage of mobile Core i5 and i7 processors this spring may have played a large role in delaying the new MacBook Pro line and favored Acer over Apple. Even if not a point of contention, Apple could use AMD as a threat to Intel to give it favorable pricing and ship dates.

via electronista.com

All I have to say is, potentially: Welcome back, AMD. We always need a little comp 'round here.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Ender's Game, Serious Games, and How to Save the World #10ntc #seriousgames @aburak

2010-04-10T08:46:00.001-06:00

I think the next level of activism and education is not to be found through the simple use of social networks, but rather the convergence of social networks and serious games. Let me explain why. I finished reading Ender's Game under the starry skies of the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico when I was in college. The recall staring up toward the stars where I imagined Ender had saved the world. Years later here on Earth, Asi Burak discussed serious games for real change and I couldn't help but consider how the character of Ender is more real than ever.

In Orson Scott Card's masterpiece, Ender is a superkid far advanced in his ability to strategize in multifaceted situations, navigating through the most difficult of tactical circumstances. The military of his futuristic time grow his capabilities in a series of simulations that build in difficulty, preparing him to be "the one," a Sci-Fi Neo, who can end the conflict between humans and aliens forever.

At a pivotal moment in the novel, Ender is in the simulation room, awakened prematurely, and notices that more generals than usual are in attendance, and the scenario is seemingly impossible. He is surrounded by enemy vessels. There seems to be no way out. But Ender finds a way, and the cheers that erupt from the crowd alarm him. Why, he wonders, since it's just a simulation!

Little does he know that this time it was not a simulation, he was actually saving his entire race against all odds.

So here I am sitting in a presentation by Asi Burak about the way PeaceMaker, a game, is finding a way for people to apply fictional scenarios to real life. In his game players are prime ministers responsible for finding a way to navigate through difficult circumstances and events to achieve peace.

Pivotal moments. Impossible odds. And games.

All we need now are more Enders, and something Ender didn't have: each other. In the coming age of games that are simulations but as immersive as real life AND social, we have the opportunity to put everyone in Ender's seat, helping every child or adult alike to apply the immersion they feel in a game to a real world scenario--in real time, with each other.

It's coming. Let's do it together. T.J. Cook
CEO, Chief Strategist
HiDef Web Solutions
Solutions for Great Causes

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Penguin reading the news on his iPad. #10ntc

2010-04-10T06:38:00.001-06:00

via qTweeter

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Penguin ready for the plenary, coffee in hand! #10ntc

2010-04-10T06:29:00.001-06:00

via qTweeter

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

#10NTC science fair booths, a few design observations

2010-04-09T13:53:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I checked out the science fair here at NTC to see what the nonprofit vendor scene had to offer. Being part of a web firm myself, I'm of course interested in seeing how my industry peers present themselves as a way to provoke thought about how I might position my company that much better. I couldn't help but feel a lack in overall quality across the board, though there were clearly some big wins.

I found the best booths to be those that offered a single, captivating statement boldly placed on a banner above anyone's head, and then offered schwag that continued the same line of thinking. Take, for example, Beaconfire, who decided to offer a toast to NTEN's 10-year anniversary, following up with complimentary champaigne. Different. Elegant. In line with their "line" of business.

I also enjoyed the look of Kavi's booth. You can clearly see (even in the blurry shot) what they do, and the juxtaposition of red on black set them apart for my eyes.

One problem I found in most booths is the reliance on laptop or LCD screens that required folks to get too close for comfort and/or bend down to see what was on the screen. Such screens should not be what an organization relies on as an eye-guide. See3 Communications got it right with a nice compact projection setup.

My vote would be that if you don't have funds to have a projection set up or larger LCD (or can't do to space constraints), use yourself and a tablet instead (iPad, anyone?). Be relational, be friendly, and tell your story in a fresh way. That's probably how I'll do it if I ever find myself in a booth situation. Be in front of the booth, not behind, since your people are your best asset.

Oh, and it definitely helps to be a little zany, too, as folks who saw the booth with all the penguins can attest (too bad I didn't get a shot of them).

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Session Notes: 25 Ways to increase your nonprofit's reach online #10ntc.25w

2010-04-09T12:42:00.001-06:00

This session started by reviewing some foundational aspects to
consider when approaching a social media strategy, things like knowing
your audience, crafting your 'elevator pitch', and creating personas
to identify your story and message.

I took notes throughout the presentation and found it to be a great
succinct list of ideas and tools that someone new to the scene could
internalize to begin thinking about his or her organization's social
media strategy.

Summary of 1-5
The web has moved from a broadcast platform to a listening platform.
The last slide in the introduction, in fact, was labeled, "listen." A
few tools the panelist mentioned for ways to listen: Survey Monkey,
Google Alerts (many folks showed they're already using this), Twitter
(search, hash tags, feedback). A nice tip for Twitter is that someone
in the org needs to champion listening to responses after a question
or appeal for feedback has bent sent out.

No one raised his or her hand about using live chat on the site, but
the speaker pointed it out as the number one way that recent survey
respondents reported having success in connecting with folks.

6. Build Your Social Database
There is a huge disparity between donors with email addresses and
those without. The frequency, amount, and overall engagement of the
donors with email addresses was dramatically higher. Takeaway: be
relentless about building your email database. What's more, be
relentless about building your SOCIAL database. Perhaps now the actual
ROI is not critical, but it is a matter of time before it will be
critical for organizations to have a solid following on social
networks.

7. Process Automation. Stop entering data. Find a way to automate that
process. It's an emotional and quality drain. Example: New Global
Citizens require data from their team. Integrate Plone and Salesforce
with automatically checking data to ensure email addresses are
correct, create auto responses, etc. Google Forms can do similar
things for free.

8. Use an RSS Reader
Instead of performing the same search tasks over and over, aggregate
all the data via rss and save time by pouring over it in just a few
minutes from a single source every day. Google Reader is very powerful
for this purpose. Bonus: you can use rss to keep up to date on local
events or ewe that might touch your organization, riding the coattails
of certain happenings.

9. Cross Post
There are tools like ping.fm that allow you to post updates in one
place and have those updates posted to several different services.
Hootsuite is another such tool.

10. Schedule Tweets
Pick a time to schedule a number of tweets. Event-based tweets, follow
friday tweets, and context specific tweets can help fill out the times
you're otherwise not available. Note that some tweets should not be
scheduled.

11. Communications Calendar
Have a centralized place to get the team on the same page, tasks
delegated, and formats chosen. One good aspect of the calendar is that
it will help you to be realistic, since there will never be enough
people for all the mediums you can use. Example: speaker's org started
doing webinars and the team realized that once a week would be doable
based on all the other things in the pipe.

12. Make communication part of everyone's job
More communications comes from having more people communicating. There
will be friction to this for sure.

13. Create and use templates
Any type of communication can be beneficial and help you to not leave
out vital information (for instance, the time zone of the meeting
time!). Speaker keeps her templates in Salesforce, though there are
many ways (such as Google Docs) to accomplish.

14. Create a Central Info Bank
Case studies, media, quotes, and statistics can all be kept in a
central location where any staff member can access. Note: tip from the
author: these things should be readily accessible on your site in a
"press room", thereby taking away the need to repeat the process of
grabbing and sending files as requests come in.

15. Teach Writing for the Web
It's not like writing essays, and people often have to relearn what
they experienced in high school, where there is generally an emphasis
in formality. Speaker showed a heat map that backs up the claim that
people don't read on the web, but rather scan. Thus, the biggest thing
is the title and the first sentence. Visualize an inverted pyramid or
a snack-to-meal progression that takes advantage of the these done.

16. Be deliberate about what tools you use
For instance, pick one photo sharing site rather than trying to
maintain two different platforms that do the same thing. Only opt to
participate in two different things if there are two different
communities that need to be reached.

17. Get more people participating
Delegate ownership of tasks, incorporate routine communications, and
have a train-document-train loop that more quickly ramps up new folks
over time. Democratize content updating rather than having things
needing to be first written up and then published by another person.

18. Use Checklists
Have a checklist for outgoing communications (the more important the
message, the stricter they should be). It's been proven in the medical
field the decrease life threatening errors. Speaker showed an example
checklist for an email blast.

19. Identify guest bloggers
The more blogging the better, if done right. Identifying and bringing
on volunteers and personalities who can spare some amount of time to
blog on your organization's behalf is one way to get past the limited
staff problem. This isn't crowdsourcing, this is facilitation and
delegation. Some examples? Board members, experts, program staff...

20. Have 'Digital Natives' on staff
As you grow your social media capacity, make sure you get on board at
least one person that lives and breathes the tools, trends, and
practices of new communication mediums.

21. Interns, interns, interns.
Along with 20, these folks can be a powerful mechanism. Take extreme
care to ensure that interns not be able to control any communication
mediums unless a certain level of maturity has been proven and there
is a match in voice. There's a big difference between an ace and a
huge time sink, so take your time finding the right person who
genuinely share values.

An audience member pointed out that there is an opportunity to have
someone who doesn't have to create the content but rather do the work
of pushing it out into all the right mediums.

22. Expand beyond text
Start with what you can do: blog posts. As you grow plan for an
increase in video creation, interviews, and more interactive forms of
communication.

It's easier than you think. Note: i would caution folks not to jump on
to the video creation bandwagon without counting the costs of what it
takes to create something of quality. It doesn't have to be Hollywood,
but it does have to be fun to watch and easily digestible. I think
video is a broad topic and more can be said beyond #22 here.

Speaker shared a video called "Pink Glove Dance," done by hospital
staff, that garnered 8,000,000 views.

23. View supporters as fundraisers
Tying into "guest blogger"' there are a number of tools that allow
supporters to become fundraisers and feel empowered to directly see
their effect on the organization. Very viral. Note: Two tools come to
my mind: Causes on Facebook, and personal campaign oases through donor
management systems like CiviCRM or Convio.

Other drivers are birthdays, holidays, etc, that can empower
supporters redirect giving to their favorite cause: yours!

24. Test, measure, and adjust
Because the cost in getting these efforts up is minimal, try it but be
prepared to tweak or cut things you're doing.

A key here is that in order to measure you need to have a ruler.
Define success early.

25. Have fun and be creative
There is no formula for how to tell your story. The only common ground
many of us have is the tools we use and the formats used. The story
itself and the personality of your organization is something that's
fundamentally yours.

As an example, a site like xtranormal can help you repurpose content
in fun and engaging ways.

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Showing my four year old where Daddy is going this week #10ntc

2010-04-05T07:38:00.001-06:00

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Adobe Ideas: Best Sketching App for iPad Yet

2010-04-03T22:07:00.001-06:00

Even before the iPad came out I was on the lookout for a great
sketchbook app to replace the paper sketchbook i use when dreaming up
ideas for Yahero (www.yahoo.com). I've always preferred sketching on
oar rather than in Photoshop or other programs because I find the
interface gets in the way of simply generating visual ideas. On the
other hand, most of the time I need not only draw out ideas but also
share them as part of a document or an email, so I find I need to be
close to a scanner or take a picture with my iPhone and then level it
out before embedding.

Thus my major excitement around the iPad was being able to use it as
my go-to sketchbook, the great compromise between paper freedom and
digital connectedness. And thus, I've been scouring the iPad part if
the app store for a solution.

Enter a wonderful product from Adobe called "Adobe Ideas." here are
the thighs i like about it most:
* Subtle, Unobtrusive yet dynamic UI
* Pen-only, keeping the feature set very low to focus on the
communication of an idea
* Auto smoothing. As you draw the app smooths over your curves and
cleans your lines, effecting an elegant simplicity feel to a finished
idea.
* Two-layer system: drawing layer and photo layer. Again, simple but
great for annotating
* Responsive pen, eraser, undo, and move tools

This app is going to ha e a place on my home screen for quite a while.
Great job, Adobe. Now work on all your other products :)

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

iPad Gut Reactions

2010-04-03T17:14:00.001-06:00

I've been typing on this thing for about one hour total and can
definitely see how I'll gain better speed than I was able to get on
iPhone. Maybe close to my full keyboard typing speeds some day. But
not today. Today I'm fumbling around trying to learn the new layout
and hitting backspace when I meant to hit the "p".

It's heavy. The moment I felt it is the moment I thought, "Next
version will be lighter." It needs to be lighter to increase the
amount of time it can be used in stand up and recumbent positions.

It's beautiful. Sleek, minimalist, gets out of the way and let's you
interact with things.

It's big. It's big enough to not have to zoom. That big for me as on
my iPhone digging into a PDF or word document was always a necessary
evil in some situations. Now it's a joy to see a PDF in full view and
roam through it in a way that's more intuitive even than a full screen
commuter with mouse clicks and scroll wheeling.

It can be many people's primary computer. As the Internet, via web
browser, be ones the sole destination for many people, the iPad is
where it's at, decreasing the learning curve and increasing the speed
at which normal folk can surf.

It makes many apps less necessary. I say this because I was more than
happy to get to the NY Times from Safari and didn't really think, "I
wish there was an app for this instead. Granted, apps make
experiences better, but the Safari experience decreases the need for
those apps that simply repurpose information into a different user
interface. I experienced this same sentiment again when i accessed
Dropbox from the web rather than via the iPhone app.

It's not a value proposition for lots of folks. It's a value add for
many folks like me right now, but isn't "filling a gap." It is indeed
creating a new market, a market that I believe will change the
consumer commuter industry. Why pay $500 for a bulky, three piece
desktop system that takes up space and doesn't offer an easy touch
experience? You can have a lightweight get-things-done system that can
be used in a variety of circumstances for the same price. I think
we'll see the transformation of the operating system as well, but it
will be gradual as folks replace the old paradigms with the new
experiences.

It's fast. Enough said.

No, you don't need one right now. But once you get it, you'll love it
like I do and begin looking differently at computing. I also stick
behind things I've said at www.hidefweb.com about how the iPad
approach can revolutionize computing needs for the social sector as
well.

Let's see how I feel in a couple weeks, now.

Sent from my iPad

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

She Walks in Beauty Like the Night

2010-03-29T17:15:00.001-06:00

Download now or listen on posterous

Music.m4a (3081 KB)

6 minutes

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Going on a walk with little lady.

2010-03-28T14:02:00.001-06:00

via qTweeter

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Hey, Don't click "Free Public WiFi" at airports

2010-03-26T17:38:00.001-06:00

I always see "Free Public WiFi" while connecting from the airport. Be sure you don't click it because it's somebody who's broadcasting a signal from their laptop. If you connect to it, everything you do can be captured by that computer.

No clicky clicky. Enjoy the sunport instead (Go Albuquerque!)

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

The Story of Bottled Water (2010)

2010-03-22T15:51:00.001-06:00

via youtube.com

Down with bottled water, up with flouride and good stuff!

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Faith Comes By Hearing has shared: Facebook Co-Founder Launches Non-Profit Platform Called Jumo

2010-03-19T10:59:00.001-06:00

There needs to be a major player in the "connect individuals to causes" space. Excited to see this.
Facebook Co-Founder Launches Non-Profit Platform Called Jumo Source: mashable.com Chris Hughes announced the soft launch of Jumo, his new philanthropic start-up that works to match do-gooders with appropriate causes.

Faith Comes By Hearing sent this using ShareThis.

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Ideas for Improving CiviCRM Usability [UX] | Strategy, Creative, Development, Consultation. Web solutions for great causes.

2010-03-19T08:53:00.001-06:00

via hidefweb.com

Brian did a great job with little time making some CiviCRM recommendations

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Jane McGonigal at TED: Can Gaming Save the World? [VIDEO]

2010-03-18T15:43:00.001-06:00

via mashable.com

My past 6 Months' experience make me resonate very strongly with the call to harness the power of game mechanics/incentives in applications.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Whoever did this Southwest graphic for a sign didn't have attention to detail

2010-03-16T17:13:00.001-06:00

Look at the status bar and the home button

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Perhaps the last frosting of Winter in Boulder

2010-03-15T08:00:00.001-06:00

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

That's the first time I've received an email from someone @hotmail.com in a loooong time. Blast from the past

2010-03-05T10:15:00.001-07:00

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Penguin Looking to Reinvent eBooks on iPad With Interactive Media - Mac Rumors

2010-03-04T14:58:00.001-07:00

via macrumors.com

I'm drooling with all the possibilities of engagement. Can't wait til this type of experience is built-in to iBooks and the other e-reading experiences instead of custom-built apps. Somebody hire me quick to write such a 'book'!

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

You know you're deep in Internet marketing when the first thing you see in this paper is a google product :P

2010-03-02T17:48:00.001-07:00

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Google Earth vid shows Chile Earthquake in relationship to coast, zooms out #chile

2010-02-27T13:52:00.001-07:00

Download now or watch on posterous

Chile_Earthquake_Pan+ZoomOut.mov (3486 KB)

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Designing User Interfaces For Business Web Applications

2010-02-25T23:56:00.001-07:00

via smashingmagazine.com

Basics of web application design. Wonderful review, good read for clients, too.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Distributed Teams: Build Trust through Early Progress

2010-02-24T08:12:00.001-07:00

Critical to creating a coherent team is building trust among team members. This is much more difficult on a distributed team. Unable to rely on repeated, frequent face-to-face communication, distributed teams need to take other measures to build trust. Traveling ambassadors, starting meetings with casual conversations, occasional in-person meetings of the full team, working agreements, and similar activities all help. What also helps is early pressure for the team to produce working software by the end of each sprint, even the earliest ones.

Unfortunately, many projects schedule too much time for teambuilding exercises and discussions too early in the project. This is a common and dangerous mistake, as shown by research from Professor Lynda Gratton and her coauthors, as published in the MIT Sloan Management Review.

Guiding these diverse teams to success requires some counterintuitive management practices. In particular, team leaders should focus on tasks at the early stages, rather than on interpersonal relationships, and then switch to relationship building when the time is right. (Gratton, Voigt, and Erickson. “Bridging faultlines in diverse teams.” MIT Sloan Management Review, Summer 2007, 22–29.)

Though this research suggests that the early focus should be on tasks, I do not mean to suggest that product owners or ScrumMasters should be assigning tasks to developers. Rather, I mean that these leaders should emphasize the need for the team to make demonstrable progress even in the early sprints. The problem with an early emphasis on relationship building is that it encourages less-than-ideal subgroups to form. Any large group will inevitably split into subgroups. If these subgroups are allowed to form too early they will form around surface-level attributes—Americans, Swedes, C++ programmers, Java programmers, female database engineers, male programmers, and so on. As Gratton and her coauthors write, “Simply put, in a team’s early going, the more people interact with one another, the more likely they are to make snap judgments and to emphasize their differences” (26).

What we’d like to do is defer relationship building until team members have learned more significant things about each other, such as specific skills, competencies, approaches to work, and so on. This is done through early emphasis on progress rather than relationship building. The subgroups that form at that time will be based on the mutual need to work together to develop the product. To develop a particular user story from the product backlog, you and I need to work together. In doing so we learn each other’s skills and specific competencies. I come to know you not just as a Java programmer but as a Java programmer with a real passion and strength for automated unit testing. You find that I am not just a DBA, but one who is strong at optimizing SQL statements.

Teams with subgroups formed around compatible skills, attitudes, approaches to work, and so on are less likely to lead to a later breakdown in trust than subgroups formed on superficial attributes (such as American, Swede, programmer, tester, and so on). Think back to one or more troubled teams you were a member of. Odds are that conflict on those teams was of an us-versus-them nature based on superficial attributes: this office versus that office, programmer versus DBA, Linux fanatics versus Windows fanatics. When teams feel an immediate need to make progress, those types of subgroups do not have time to form.

After a team has worked together for a few sprints, shift the emphasis toward relationship building by incorporating more social activities and shared downtime into the sprints. A team needs to have a sufficient amount of shared experience before social activities and relationship building can be useful. But when that has been achieved, “instilling confidence in the team and creating opportunities to socialize at that point helps the development of new abilities and allows the team to grow” (29).

I want to be clear that I am not saying that no time for socialization should be included at the start of a project. Seeding visits and whole-team, in-person get-togethers at the start of a project for its initial release planning can be very useful. Three points are key here:

First, the project should start with intensity and a focus on early demonstrations of progress.

Second, the entire “budget” for socialization should not be spent in the first couple of sprints.

Third, early social activities should tie into the work of the project, such as bringing a team together for release planning.

Tags: distributed teams, teamwork

This entry was posted on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 10:48 am and is filed under Scaling Scrum/Agile, Scrum/Agile Roles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

via blog.mountaingoatsoftware.com

Though the assumption that teambuilding happens too much early on for distributed teams strikes me as untrue, I love the point that the best way to build common ground is through unified achievement on the project, not through icebreakers and get-to-know-yas.

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

Review of Tungle.com and tungle.me

2010-02-11T10:26:00.001-07:00

I work with a lot of different clients and team members at HiDef (www.hidefweb.com). When scheduling meetings via email thread started compelling me to pull hairs, I started searching Google for "online meeting scheduler" and happened upon several solutions, one of which was Tungle.

I invested more heavily in trying out Tungle because it connected seamlessly with my Google Apps account. I signed up with Tungle, connected my Google Apps Calendar, and then boom, I was done and could show my availability to anyone who wanted to set up a meeting. No longer would they need to broadcast a message to four people saying, "How does 1pm next Wednesday sound?" Rather, they'd be able to check my calendar and have my answer in a glance.

Of course, scenarios like this will be wonderful once everyone adopts a socialized availability scenario, but I've found Tungle to be a value proposition nonetheless while the world slowly moves away from email to schedule multi-party meetings.

How could Tungle improve? Finessing the UI would be helpful, as well as communicating more clearly what's happening with the user interface. I think general usability will be steadily improving.

I've told several buddies of mine about Tungle and found them receptive of the new tool, though unless they are early adopters like me I'm finding that folks have a hard time moving away from their Outlook or iCal addictions easily.

Tungle is ahead of the curve when it comes to meeting the needs of the likes of me: a web developer who needs to share his schedule not only with team members but with clients of long-term projects. Give it a shot!

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Dear Superbowl advertisers (ahem, DOCKERS): Scale your website

2010-02-07T17:33:00.001-07:00

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Untitled

2010-01-10T23:15:00.001-07:00

I think it's good that I don't want the weekend to end AND I'm excited for work in the morning

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

This Will Be The Year Adobe’s 2 Million Flash Developers Come To The iPhone

2010-01-10T22:08:00.001-07:00

This Will Be The Year Adobe’s 2 Million Flash Developers Come To The iPhone

via TechCrunch by Erick Schonfeld on 1/10/10

It’s no secret that Apple doesn’t like Flash. It won’t allow Flash apps to run on the iPhone or iPod Touch despite all of Adobe’s cajoling and pleading, and despite the fact that it’s long been working in the labs. The iPhone’s lack of support for Flash is a major inconvenience for both consumers and developers, and is a gaping hole in the iPhone’s arsenal.

But all of that is about to change because Adobe is going to bring its 2 million Flash developers to the iPhone, with or without Apple’s blessing. As it announced in October, the next version of its Flash developer tools, Creative Suite 5 (currently in private beta), will include a “Packager for iPhone” apps which will automatically convert any Flash app into an iPhone app. So while Flash apps won’t run on the iPhone, any Flash app can easily be converted into an iPhone app. (Microsoft is taking a similar approach with Silverlight). This is a bigger deal than many people appreciate.

Much of the focus in the Flash iPhone debate centers around the fact that Flash is the de facto video standard on the Web. For instance, whenever you encounter a Web page in your iPhone browser with a Flash video, instead of seeing it right there in the browser, the phone must open up a separate Quicktime player. Most video on the Web, including everything on YouTube, is displayed through a Flash player, so this gets to be tedious. Apple has always cited technical reasons for why it doesn’t support Flash. It’s a battery hog, it’s too slow for mobile phones, not capable enough, etc. Some of these issues are valid and Adobe has been addressing them to the point that Flash now works fine on Android.

But there is a more strategic reason Apple kept Flash off the iPhone. It wanted a chance to become ingrained with developers. In addition to video, Flash, of course, can be used to create Web apps—the kind of apps that might look good on a phone. Apple had to hold off Flash not so to control the video experience on the iPhone, but because it needed to establish its own Apple-controlled iPhone SDK. The last thing it needed was a competing developer platform getting in the way.

Once Adobe publicly releases CS5, Flash apps and video still won’t run on the iPhone. But those 2 million developers will be able to keep working with Adobe tools and simply turn them into iPhone apps automatically. In contrast, there are only an estimated 125,000 or so iPhone developers. This will lower the barriers to making iPhone apps even more than they are today, which may or may not be a good thing. But if you thought there were a lot of iPhone apps now, just wait until the Flash floodgates are open.

Crunch Network: CrunchBase the free database of technology companies, people, and investors

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Modded Micro Terrain Titan / QSteer 1/53 scale RC buggy

2009-11-18T17:41:00.001-07:00

I know what I want for Christmas! These things are amazing, 'specially when you "overxloxk" them like this guy has :)

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Floodsim.com Review - Good gaming, Edutainment, or Both?

2009-11-11T12:51:00.001-07:00

Educational games, sometimes referred to as "Edutainment," have the ability to take the best qualities of addictive gameplay and the most important knowledge that we need and combine them to create a genuinely meaningful, genuinely fun and enduring experience. When a team mate of mine at www.hidefweb.com tipped me off to www.floodsim.co.uk, I decided to write about it.

www.Floodsim.co.uk, a game that "puts you in control of all flood policy decisions and spending in the UK for 3 years," aims to "raise awareness of the vast number of issues surrounding flood policy and Government expenditure and to increase citizen engagement through an accessible simulation."

The Experience

The interface for the game is straightforward, if not disinteresting. You are ushered through screens in a tutorial-with-tooltips fashion and learn that there are three factors you'll need to be aware of as you set the UK's flood policy. You then learn of the different types of policies, both regional and national, that you'll be able to choose from for the first of three years. I found that having to keep track of three map overlays selectable via icons at the top, in addition to a good number of policy decisions in a left-aligned vertical window, made for a confusing display.

In the end, though, I was able to get used to the interface. I was more bothered by the non-player-characters (NPCs). The NPCs definitely were a "great concept, bad execution" scenario: mouth movement did not sync with what they were saying, animations were unimpressive. No doubt this was not a fault of the developers, but a constraint of budget. Nevertheless, if I had been designing the game I would have advocated for a communication device metaphor and avoided the need to design and animate characters standing on the screen altogether. The rule here is, if you can't do it well, don't do it. Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh, but until educational games execute the game elements as well as regular ol' games, they'll be relegated to a sub-quality level.

Did I Win?

My biggest beef with the game was how much of a game it wasn't. I never felt great pressure, never got into a flow, never felt I was winning or losing points, never felt that my reputation as the game player was on the line. I felt more like I was interacting with a cool infographic, which was neat, but not a game.

The NPC did tell me that my first take at policy resulted in a big uprising because I hadn't accounted for the needs of rural areas (and he hung his had and shook in shame--poor animation), but how many points did I win? Did I lose? Where did I stand in the scoreboard?

"So, Did I win?" Well, I made some choices and some other choices, and x, y, z, is how I compared to the other players, but never felt that I won, lost, and could try again to improve.

My second beef is that the game coached me too much during game play. There is one segment in year two that asks me to select a building policy. I selected the first, only to be told by the NPC to basically re-think that decision. Where's the trial-and-error here? Let me make a poor decision and see the cataclysmic effects it causes, for that is the essential value of play: learning lessons when they aren't costly. In this way I think the designers of the game let the education trump the gameplay when I don't think it needed to.

In short, the game didn't account for a couple of essential game elements always present in a good game: win/lose criteria and player choice. Players play a game to solve a problem, find out if their decisions are good, and try it again til they get it to the top.

Taking Action

The end goal of the game, after all, is to insight people to act. I must say, the site did a great job of connecting me to a wealth of potential resources. For instance, not only does it tell me to "put pen to paper" by writing to my MP (if I had one here in the States) but links me up to www.writetothem.com to do just that. I would have liked to see the game-like incentives to continue here in the sense that if I did 2 actions, it would add to my points and overall standing amongst all the players--after all, the end goal is to take action, not just be informed of the problem.

Overall, the site does a great job showing me how to take action.

All in All
Though the game could have been more game-y by being more social and incentivizing the player to do better in decisionmaking, I found it to be more of a success than many other takes at "edutainment" that I have come across.

For this I say "well done" to the team that built it, no doubt under huge budgetary and time constraints

Posted via email from T.J. Cook

Mini-games for Fatherhood: Tapping the strength of gameplay mechanics for parenting

2009-11-07T08:36:00.001-07:00

I'm currently designing an online game for kids, a project that has tapped all sorts of mental muscles I haven't exercised for quite a while. When the project started I quickly began devouring blogs, tweets, and books on the topic of game design. Of the many kernels of wisdom that have helped me design my game is the power of what's called "mini-games."

Mini-games are simple, one-time activities a game player interacts with to achieve a quick result. One example of a mini-game is from the narratively-rich game Fable 2. Players must perform an activity (such as blacksmithing) by clicking the mouse at just the right time while a pendulum swings through a target area. Click at the right time, and your hammer hits the anvil at the right time; click outside the target area and you waste some time. One to two minutes of play and you'll have yourself a nice result. Quicky. Easy. Mini-game.

These mini-games are great 'return on investment' for game designers because they can be reused in different contexts throughout the larger game and are not difficult to program. Players can quickly grow tired of them, though, which is fine since more mini-games can be designed.

This past week I realized that this mini-game concept is not only powerful for game design, but for parenthood as well. Fathers especially have to be quick on their toes and design 'one-time activities a child interacts with to achieve a quick result,' whether that result is a change in behavior, a learning opportunity, or a pre-emptive shift in focus.

There are several mini-games that I play with my son, Kenny, that have netted great 'return on investment.' Let me share those with you and then ask what mini-games you remember from bygone days or which ones you use to accomplish a goal.

1. Countdown

Countdown is simple but priceless. You need to get out the door or into the car quickly and you don't have time to mess around, but you don't want to ruin the good day you're having with your kiddo, either. The trick is to suddenly pretend that X must be done in 10 seconds or the world is going to explode, the game is going to be lost, or some similar consequence.

I use Countdown most often when getting Kenny into his car seat. He tends to--shall we say--get easily distracted during this essential step in the ordeal, so I suddenly put on my urgent-heroic voice and say something like, "Oh man, we haaaave to get in the seat in 5, 4, 3, 2...." He always gets in the seat in about three seconds.

2. Fill in the blank

Many a times hath this mini-game diffused frustration that could quickly turn into outburst. The game is to begin a statement we often use when something spills or an accident happens, and then wait for Kenny to finish the sentence. Our two most oft-cited phrases are, "That's O[K], we can clean it [UP]," and "Accidents [HAPPEN]."

Kenny will almost always provide the 'K' and 'Up' for the first, and 'happen' for the second, and when he does it triggers a memory that, hey, we've done this before, and it really IS okay to spill, to miss something, to lose a game I was playing. Tragedy averted.

Kenny likes to initiate this mini-game, too, though his blanks are sometimes hard to fill. Case in point: We were discussing whether he'd a get a treat soon and said, "I'll get one if you w__ __." I just looked at him puzzled. What starts with a "w" here? Finally he finished it off himself: "If you wet me"--but he meant "let me". Poor guy hasn't quite got his L's yet :)

3. What movie?

You're at the dinner table and conversation has turned to something that your kiddo need not harp on. Not wanting to eat, wanting dessert but not deserving it, wanting to go play. A quick distraction I often employ is to quote a funny part of a movie and then ask, "What movie is that from?" Though this is not as fail safe as some other mini-games, Kenny will generally shift focus to this funny thing he remembered and produce the movie title.

He also likes to initiate this mini-game himself (he asks, "What is that movie from?" but I just smile inside and understand). Once again, his versions are tough, and methinks some of his quotes are from movies that apparently don't exist yet.

The game is fun to play "standalone" as well, when there isn't pressure on and a quick outcome needed. I find it helps grow memory and recall, drawing on movies that we haven't seen in some time or parts of a film that aren't standouts. Good stuff.

4. Sword, shield, rope, cage, key

When Kenny's in a sensitive, touchy mood in the morning, my leaving for work can be a tough situation. I mean, I have to go provide for the family but I'm leaving said family with kid screaming tears and wife having to deal with him.

Yes, there's an app--err, mini-game--for that. Kenny and I created on a whim one morning: I pretend that I'm going out to battle all the dragons and evil in the world (which I like to think I really am doing) and he provides me all the tools I need for the job as I get on my bike. He throws the sword, I catch it and strap it on. He throws the shield and it's quickly synched to my arm. Rope gets tied around the bike, cage (?) in my pocket, key in the other pocket.

Rather than being mad at my leaving, Kenny is put into a helper state of mind as he sees me gear up for this momentous battle. He's sharing an experience with me rather than watching me leave. As I pedal away he's happy and goes about his merry way. Priceless.

5. "Funny things" while reading

My in-laws bought Kenny a hardback volume of the original Curious George stories last Christmas. God bless 'em. No, really. I'd wager that in the past 42 weeks, 3 to 4 nights a week we've read one of the seven stories from that weighty tome. Doing a little math, that comes to roughly 120 to 160 readings of an original Curious George story. Man alive. I needed a way to spice things up. Thus, "funny things."

This mini-game is for daddy's sake as much as Kenny's. I'll simply replace words that ought to be uttered with either their opposites or something completely obsurd. Take the following: "This is George. He lived with his friend, the man in the yellow hat." When Kenny asks, "Do the funny things!" this becomes, "This is Henry. He lived with his enemy, the man in the blue hat." And Kenny will quickly and smilingly say, "Naaaaa," and provide the correct version.

I only do "funny things" for a few pages because, honey, 80 pages of un-funnied George is long, but funny things makes it longer. I feel it is teaching Kenny opposites, listening skills, and all sorts of other mental goodies.

So, those are five of our favorites. I'm curious to hear about mini-games you play with you little ones. At the dinner table? Bed time? Bath? Let the mini-games begin!

Posted via web from T.J. Cook

How to use ustream.tv to broadcast your birthing experience to distant family

2009-10-31T20:10:00.001-06:00

My daughter's birth two days ago was a singular experience. I'm sure any other proud father out there will attest to wonder of the miraculous process God created.

Before the day of the Big Dance, I knew I would miss having my folks and my wife's folks there in the hospital with us. When my son was born four years ago we lived in the same city and enjoyed them all being able to see the new little guy right away. I began to think of ways to bring that sense of intimacy back even though we're a day's drive away, and streaming video over the Internet came to mind. First I thought of Skype but realized that only one other party would be able to participate for video--once you add another participant in the call there is no video capability. Then I considered some of the multi-video chat services out there like Tiny Chat, but knew connectivity was sure to be an issue.

I also realized that we also wanted to maintain a sense of intimacy, which meant that any solution that allowed other participants in the stream to talk or have video would be a little too much for us. That's when I happened upon uStream.tv after googling "private video broadcast" and finding an article about a new privacy feature there. uStream.tv basically provides one-way video and audio streaming with numerous interactive features added to the experience.

I already had a ustream.tv account but had to spend a few minutes reorienting myself to the user interface, which is not the most intuitive:

I then created a new show and found the settings for it. Half way down the page there's an option to require a password. Boom. All set. I went to the show's main page where there are a slew of options for letting other people know about the show. I chose the email option and sent word to both sets of parents via email.

Voila! A very memorable stage was set for the birth experience. I set my laptop on the hospital's rolling food tray and adjusted it from time to time as our little one arrived, ensuring a 'safe' angle. Our closest family members were able to share the precious moments. They were able to text chat with me and each other as part of the ustream.tv 'show', which added another layer of meaning to the experience.

I hope you consider ustream.tv as an option if you're in the same situation we were in: a little farther from home but still wanting to share the cherished moments of life in a way that maintained a sense of intimacy for everyone.

Other notes:

Folks had to sign up for a ustream.tv account before being able to chat. A little annoying but understandable.

Video and audio quality were great--I was using a Mac but for PC's there is a higher-quality video encoded available for free

I let the nurses know why the laptop was set up there--they didn't seem to mind a bit and waved at whoever was watching

uStream.tv allows you to record segments of the show at-will. Not only can you share the moment but you can save the highlights forever as well.

Posted via web from tjcook's posterous

Total Baby is the clear winner for best baby tracking app in the app store (for timing feedings, diapers, milestones)

2009-10-31T19:13:00.003-06:00

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Total Baby is the clear winner for best baby tracking app in the app store (for timing feedings, diapers, milestones)

2009-10-31T19:13:00.001-06:00

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

It doesn't get much better than my twelve-hour old daughter sleeping on my chest

2009-10-29T20:32:00.001-06:00

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Pumpkin Ranch

2009-10-17T13:25:00.001-06:00

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Pumpkin Ranch

2009-10-17T12:28:00.001-06:00

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Four years ago today my son was born, and along with him a whole new flavor of joy

2009-10-14T17:43:00.001-06:00

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Transformers Dancin' on the Desk

2009-10-12T22:08:00.001-06:00
Can you make a transformer dance on YOUR desk?

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Broncooooooos!!!!

2009-10-11T17:40:00.001-06:00

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

"You Don't Need a Website"

2009-10-06T12:40:00.001-06:00
A first post in a series to help great causes use the web to reach people. http://hidefweb.com/blog/you-dont-need-website
Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Nostalgia: music from my first piano recital as a 10 year old

2009-10-02T10:13:00.001-06:00

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Got me some new bouncers complete with arch supporting inserts, Nike+ accelerometer hideaway, and patented money-drain technology

2009-09-07T12:01:00.001-06:00

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Something so tragic about two big bears abandoned at the laundry room

2009-09-05T14:12:00.001-06:00

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Watching a rugby match South Africa v Australia with two South African friends. Great!

2009-08-29T20:33:00.001-06:00

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Untitled

2009-08-29T18:09:00.001-06:00
To gain more energy I must spend more energy. This paradox has hit home with me since I started running again three times a week. I feel sharp as a tack! Who'da thunk the paradox is so true indeed.
Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Aussie Bites rule

2009-08-29T10:56:00.001-06:00

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

"Oh Say" Snippet

2009-08-23T22:38:00.001-06:00

Download now or watch on posterous
IMG_4369.MOV (2826 KB)

I only caught the last part of this, but one of many renditions of the Anthem today.

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

The Original Curious George in smokin' glory

2009-08-23T22:36:00.001-06:00

After a good meal
and a good pipe
George felt very tired

Posted via email from tjcook's posterous

Just learned octopi have a cousin called the wonderpus

2009-08-23T22:19:00.001-06:00

Posted via SMS from tjcook's posterous

Nikeplus, let the goals begin!

2009-08-05T19:47:00.002-06:00
I think Nike+ may be the first step toward using technology to make running fun. Now if it weren't all so darn expensive. We're talking $29 for the sensor kit that works with iPhone 3GS and 2nd gen iPods. Trouble is the sensor's battery seems to poop out after a year, so you're basically looking at a yearly fee. Nevertheless, the team who designed www.nikeplus.com did a stellar job with making users feel a sense of identity and giving them power to share their experience as a powerful motivation tool.

Check out my goal this month to burn 20,000 calories in 4 weeks:

And check out my Nike+ Mini in its full glory that I can display on Facebook, a website (like, this blog), or even as a Screensaver. My mini even has my "dead eyes":

The aesthetic of the site, the user experience in navigating--all of it is very impressive, and worth a look if you want to be inspired to improve yourself or the world, or inspired to create beautiful solutions on the web. It's a great day indeed when I happen upon something that does both!

Lessons and Words

2008-11-19T21:18:00.004-07:00
Isn't it funny how we only value something once it is gone?

Kenny doesn't often get attached to "things," but, alas, human nature prevails. We had warned him to hold on to his helium balloon, but it was still hard to watch his little eyes well up with tears when it escaped into the cold night and the full moon. We were still in the parking lot of the restaurant that had supplied the balloon in the first place, and we could have easily strolled back in and asked for a replacement. But I kept thinking about our recent parenting class which encouraged us to "allow them to make lots and lots of mistakes while they are still affordable."

He wanted daddy to "jump up and get it." After getting buckled in the car he wanted to "follow it and get it." And the kicker was when we got home he ran into our back yard to "jump" up and catch it. Daddy and Mommy were trying to offer comfort and consolation, but he would hear none of it. He eventually accepted the inevitable, and we were able to enjoy an evening of togetherness sans balloon. As hard as it is to watch my child's heart hurt, I treasure the opportunity to minister to it.

It would have been easier to get a replacement, but I think my three-year-old learned one of those affordable lessons, and my guess is he'll hold on to his next balloon.

But it struck me that while Kenny was mourning the loss of his latest and greatest possession, his loving parents made the decision that he would be better served by forgetting about the balloon (which probably would have been deposited the moment we got home) and enjoying some good ol' one on one time with the people who love him most.

How much more does our Heavenly Father want us to trust his provision and sovereignty?

I hope Kenny's little memory will hold on to this lesson, but I hope even more that I will remember it the next time my loving Father tells me "no."

And just so it's not alllll serious, here are some recent sound-bites:

"Can I play my compeeteor?"
(computer)

"Wuz-at again?" followed by a very serious and believable quizzical look

Kenny won't eat the yummy stew Mommy made for dinner, so Daddy pulls out one of his many voices....
"Kenny, it's your tummy....I'm hungry. Can I please have some carrots?"
"Okay tummy....gulp....howz dat?"
"Good, but can I have some more please?"
"Nope, dat's all I got."

"Kenny, what did you do at school today?"
"Nuffing"

"I Spider Man, I Iron Man, I Buttman" (we're not sure where this one came from, but he claims it's NOT Batman)

"Kenny, do you want _________ (fill in the blank)?"
"NO!!!.........but I do."

Simple Joys

2008-10-29T23:06:00.004-06:00

This is for all of the men in Kenny's life who will appreciate remembering when this activity was fun! A friend here in family housing gave him a "rub-a-dub-Shave-in-tub" kit complete with blue foam, a "razor", and a mirror. What more could a kid ask for?

Thank you to all our friends and family who showered Kenny with thoughtful presents for his 3rd Birthday! I could have posted so many fun videos of the past few weeks, but this one seems to sum it all up.

Kenny enjoys life!!

A typical day in the life of the Cooks while in graduate school...

2008-09-23T22:05:00.003-06:00
You know it's a bad sign when you have to ask what day it is on Monday. Of all the days of the week, you'd think I'd have Monday down. It's the first, the spring-board, the day after the day of rest, the fresh start....

So why is it that the last 4 Mondays have felt like Thursdays?

Perhaps this will give you an idea...

6:00 a.m. T.J. gets up to go to the gym before being online at 7:30 which is when I usually get up on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Kenny and I get a "slow" morning in which I can do all of my laundry, go grocery shopping, and occasionally play with buddies on the playground.

12:00 Mommy and Kenny eat lunch, and Daddy comes home to take Kenny to pre-school for the afternoon while he works somewhere with free wifi.

1:00-6:00 Mommy teaches a class, practices, teaches another class, and attends opera rehearsal, then rushes home to feed her family before she heads back to opera rehearsal at 7:00.

9:30 pm...Mommy says to her cast mates..."what day is it?"

But if you think that's impressive, here's Tuesday:

6:00 am...Mommy gets up and packs her lunch and things for the day, then catches the only morning bus to campus at 6:44.
7:00 Spinning class at the gym, then shower and primp at the gym where the power to the blow-dryers often goes out right as I'm not quite done drying my hair.
9:30 Opera History (a cool class with an awesome professor)
11:00 "down time"
12:00 Teach a lesson
1:00 Teach a class
2:00 French Diction (a necessary evil)
3:00 Rehearsal with collaborators
4:00 Opera Rehearsal
6:00 Rush home to see my family and eat dinner
7:00-10:00 Opera Rehearsal

If my math adds up, that's 16 hours....and, I'm sure glad 5 hours is considered a full load in grad school!

In all honesty, I've been busier than I've ever been in my life, but somehow we are making it through with flying colors! I am doing something I love, and while it is hard to keep everything organized and on-track , it has already been so rewarding. I have discovered that I really do love to teach. I look forward to seeing my students experience success everyday. I love the challenge of seeing each of them as individuals with a unique learning style and individual needs. I love the fact that Opera started in the year 1600, and that it has usually been anything but the "high-brow" art form most people think it is. I love flowing through hundreds of years of musical traditions from moment to moment.

I love to come home and realize that I have 20 precious minutes with my son and I have chosen to get down on his level and play soccer, or baseball, or soccer, or basketball, or soccer, or blocks.....or soccer.

I am blessed with the most supportive husband who not only whole-heartedly supported my desire to pursue my Master's, but who also comes home in the middle of the day to take our son to school, and washes a lot of dishes that I just simply don't have enough time to do, and puts our son to bed at night while I'm still sitting in a rehearsal at school, and ....OH YEAH....works full time to build a company he believes in, and all of it without ever complaining about how "non-traditional" our life is right now.

T.J., My Love, it is an honor and a joy to be able to call you my husband. This "degree" is so much more than a piece of paper. You know that, and I know that. While I'm sure we will experience other busy times in our life together, I want you to know how sweet is it to be doing life with you right now.

Love,

me

Catastrophe Averted

2008-08-24T15:15:00.007-06:00

I added a new talent to my job description today:

STUFFED ANIMAL SURGEON

Kenny was throwing his animals around his room this morning. The whole point of room time is for Kenny to entertain himself and do things on his own. So, when he asked me to get Bumby down, I told him he needed to find something else to do. Then I heard him say to himself "I have to turn the light off" (This becomes an important comment once I realize what is going on) Followed by yet another request for Mommy to get Bumby down. To which I gave the same reply. He then told me he had to go potty, so I actually walked into his room, which is when I smelled something burning.

My nose quickly led me to the top of the halogen lamp in Kenny's room where Bumby was precariously perched. I immediately tried to pull him off, but I discovered that he was in fact melted to the lamp. With a little bit of effort I was able to retrieve him, but my heart sunk when I realized that Bumby would never be the same. I also realized that not only had Kenny almost burned the house down, he had also prevented it by unplugging the lamp and turning the light off. What an amazing kid!!

Kenny has been very sensitive to smells lately, so he was not too happy about the stench in his room. He wouldn't come near Bumby, who was looking particularly black and melted around his head, but he did stay at a safe distance and express concern over his well-being. I eventually convinced him to hug his friend, and he even managed an "I love you Bumby." We were already running late for church, so I told him that Bumby needed to take a long nap to feel better.

Throughout the morning, Kenny kept asking if Bumby was cleaning. (I think he meant to say "Is Bumby clean?") He was obviously quite moved over the fate of his beloved bear. We kept telling him that Bumby had an "ouwey" and that he would never be the same, but we would try to make him feel better. T.J. and I were surprised at the depth of emotion we felt over the injury Bumby had incurred. This is, after all, our first-born's favorite toy.

At nap time, Kenny used Bubba (his back-up bear) instead, but only because I told him I would fix Bumby. I neglected to take a picture of Bumby before I started cutting his burns off, but I did take a pre-op picture (seen above). And I am happy to report that he came through the surgery smashingly (seen to the right)!! He is already back on the job!

I am actually quite proud of my work.

(click on the pictures if you want a close-up of said injuries)

Ice Cream Trip

2008-08-21T20:43:00.002-06:00
Azin got some great pictures of a trip to the ice cream shop last night. We don't often get pictures like this since we're not crazy enough to ride with one hand while we position an iPhone backwards to take a picture behind us...

But good ol' Azin is. It was great having him in town, working the Web Dev world while performing a tour of wifi coffee shops in the Boulder vicinity. We found ourselves drawn to Pearl Street most of the time--big surprise--while the 29th Street Starbucks earned top spot as mobile office destination, racking up four visits over the two week period. We learned all the Baristas' names. Go us.
Also, note Kenny's new helmet that, when worn, earns him the title Juggernaut since every time he puts it on I see flashes of the old X-Men cartoon and the more recent movies.

2008-08-03T22:45:00.003-06:00

Gunnison Trip

Click on the picture above for some pictures of our trip to Gunnison. We somehow managed to only take pictures on the way and back. We spent 5 hours on the Taylor River in a raft, we watched Batman at the coolest theater in Crested Butte, and found some "back" roads through the glorious Rocky Mountains. But most importantly, we had 2 days alone, together. What more can a couple ask for?

A huge Thanks goes out to Heather for caring for our precious Kenny while we were away!!

2008-07-28T07:47:00.002-06:00
Anybody who knows Kenny, knows that he is not truly happy until there is a ball involved. We have now taken him to, watched, and read about enough games that he is thoroughly accustomed with the opening ceremonies that are included in any and all professional games. He watches with glee as the teams come out to the line and sing the "anfem." He has even incorporated this tradition into his own games. But he can't do it alone.

He grabs me or Daddy and pulls us out to the line, puts his hand over his heart (it's usually his left hand since he has snagged one of us with his right hand, and he won't let go for fear of losing a team mate) and proudly proclaims:

oh-wa say can you see

By the Hahns earwy wight

uh-so prwou-dly we hayed.....(tune wanders off)

Who's brwad stwipes

and bwight stahs

frew the pa.......

Oh the wam-parts we watched....YAYYYYY!!!!!!!Play Ball!!!

So, it's a bit abbreviated, but I'd say we're only months away from a workable "anfem!" The tune is usually pretty close as well, but then, it would be a genetic impossibility for this kid to not have some kind of musical ability.

Kenny has rotated through favorite songs/melodies each week now for months. There's the ol' trusty "Twinkle-Twinkle/ABC's." We were driving home at 9:00 the other night and he had skipped his afternoon nap. T.J. and I listen in amusement as he valiantly fought off the zzz's by singing the opening phrase of twinkle-twinkle......over, and over, and over again. Each phrase was seperated by a longer and longer pause in which the struggle became more and more difficult. However, it had the desired effect because he was still awake 15 minutes later when we pulled into our parking lot.

Other favorites include Wheels on the bus, Itsy-Bitsy Spid-o, and of course now the National Anthem. So, I'm sure I'm a bit biased, but what kind of almost three-year-old sings the national anthem? I guess we weren't challenging him enough with the standard toddler repertoire.

4 is a Beautiful Number

2008-07-24T08:05:00.003-06:00
Four apples compared to three is no big deal. Four hours compared to three--meh. Four cats vs three, no biggie. But four years of marriage, to me, speaks volumes to my soul.
I woke up with a sense of vibrancy today knowing that my lovely bride next to me was my wife of four years and not a meager three. Four years and still very much in love might as well mean forty four years! We know each other's quirks--she builds a nest at bedtime, I have no mental map--yet those frivolous trivials can do nothing against our enduring commitment. Four years with an almost three year old is a milestone. Yes, part of me was worried when the existence of the seed that became Kenny was formed just six months into the marriage. For a moment I wondered if Cammy and I had had enough time alone together. Were we going to become like those couples who look at each other as strangers after the kids leave the roost because of the vacuous void that formed between them due to parenting commitments?
After four years I declare the answer to such worries to be "no!" After four years I'm ready for the next four and the next four and the next... I'm not just ready, I'm chomping at the bit. I can't wait to see where Cammy gets to sing and where my job takes me. Can't wait to grow as a famdamly and watch Kenny's personality blossom even more. I just can't wait for more quiet evenings spent talking on the couch, playing at the park, and strolling down the Pearl Streets of life.
My love, your radiance is ever consuming. Thank you for a beautiful four years.

Happy Anniversary my Love!

2008-07-24T08:02:00.002-06:00

T.J., I have found you whom my soul loves, and I will hold you and never let you go.
I receive you as a precious gift from the Lord.
I take you as my husband, to respect you and to honor you, submitting myself to you as unto the Lord.
I will comfort and encourage you with love and faithfulness all the days of our lives:
In poverty and in riches,
In sickness and in health,
In the good times and in the bad times.
I will show reverence to you as the head of this union for the rest of our lives. From this moment forward we shall be one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cammy, I have found you whom my soul loves, and I will hold you and never let you go.
I receive you as a precious gift from the Lord.
I take you as my wife, to love you and to cherish you, even as Christ loved the church.
I will protect you and care for you with tenderness and gentleness all the days of our lives:
In poverty and in riches,
In sickness and in health,
In the good times and in the bad times.
You will be bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, and from this moment forward, we shall be one.

July 24, 2004

Escápe

2008-07-07T22:39:00.002-06:00
It has been my arduous goal to get Kenny in bed a little earlier than what has become a summer lights out time of 9pm--a time far too late to give Mommy and Daddy the desired amount of even' tide.
Tonight I thought I had made great strides. A long bath. Two extra books. Prolonged whisper talking time. Slightly opened door and hallway light left on just like he likes...
His first volley was the expected full door opening and laying down at the gate (which we wedge between the door jambs), at which point I dutifully informed him to get back on bed or I'd shut the door all the way. Tonight he went to Level II: bringing a toy onto the bed. That brought on the wrath of the low-menace voice and stern warning. Then daddy got engrossed in database comparisons in preparation for a merge...
What's that noise? I found my subconscious barging into my geekdom. I knew it was coming from Kenny somehow, but it wasn't the expected scratching the gate. So I ventures into his room, surprised that he wasn't at the gate or on his bed, or hiding in his closet. What the?!
The window screen was laying propped against the wall, and a figure shifted behind the curtain. Kenny had successfully removed the screen and was standing atop a toy in preparation of seeing just what the weather was like on the other side.
Kenny's room is on the second floor. There's no balcony.
Daddy has tightened all four screen screws so that even a ten-year-old Kenny couldn't budge them now.
And now, some phrases we're getting a kick out of:
* "What a cow!"--attempt at "Holy cow"
* "Oh my goss!"
* "Yucky pyoo-pyoo"
* "How 'bout..." (sometimes followed by a recommendation)
* "four forty"--a quick reply to, "What time is it?" to which the
expected answer was "bed time"

Lilly Adele

2008-06-28T17:35:00.004-06:00

Lilly Adele, a new niece for us on Cammy's side, started making her way into the world as the Boulder Cooks packed up the car at 2:30am to come meet her. It was pretty good timing as Lilly held off for one more day, hanging out on the edge of in-the-worldness for a full 48 hours (two hours of pushin'). But she's a precious creation, the small trip nothing compared to such a great miracle.

The glory of soccer

2008-06-15T15:35:00.002-06:00
I just witnessed the best half of soccer I may have ever seen. Euro Championship 2008, Turkey vs. Czech Republic. I switched the game on early in the second half just in time to see the Czech go up 2-0 on a beautiful nip in from a cross.
But my focus wasn't on the team of white who had just seemed to seal the deal. Rather, the red pack of wolves with indescribable ravenous energy attacking every ball drew me into the match and kept me tight.
I felt Turkish; I felt I had always been a fan of this noble side and forgot for a moment that I was American, for surely the passion I witnessed, the passion I felt for this game--whose existence I had not been aware ten minutes prior--could be attributed to some Turkish ancestry.
Either that or it's this World's Game that is quick to remind me why it is like no other: the way it can stir my very soul. On the pitch, the wolves may have been down 2-0 but I sensed deep down
that it would be just a moment before a ball went into the back of the net. And I was right when a right-side breakaway led to a sleek cross and left-footed strike to the far post.
Then the unthinkable happened. With just 12 minutes left to go the Czech keeper dropped a lofty cross, where a wolf was ready to feast. 2-2. Surely the game was done and penalty kicks would decide who would move on in the tournament. But no.
Could it be? With just 2 minutes left the ferocious pack finished off a three-goal deficit when the ball poked a tiny hole through the Czech defense and found the Captain, who with one glance and a readying touch sent the curving ball over the keeper and glancing under the top
post. Time ticked slower and that ball seemed to clang with each bounce this side of the goal line. There would be no need for penalty kicks.

Hi from kenny

2008-06-14T18:07:00.001-06:00

Kyle and leah, jenn and dan: 30 seconds wasn't enough time, but kenny still says hello!

T.J. Cook

Mobile post sent by tjcook using Utterz.  Replies.

Get a Spanking

2008-06-08T14:41:00.002-06:00
I'm upstairs finishing up some grading from my one-year tenure as online teacher. Meanwhile, Kenny woke up a little early from his nap and is sitting in the kitchen watching Vegetales while Mommy gets dinner prepared. The bloggable moment: Kenny asked what was happening in the show, and Jonah and the Big Fish afforded Mommy the opportunity to explain that Jonah was being disobedient to God by singing about not wanting to go to Nineveh.

I could feel the pregnant pause from upstairs as Kenny considered Mommy's words while continuing to colorful cartoon. Then I heard: "Jonah get a spanking."

That's right, Kenny. In a way, Jonah got a spanking.

Sunday morning fun jumpin'

2008-05-18T09:16:00.001-06:00

Mobile post sent by tjcook using Utterz.  Replies.

Kenny at a buddy's party

2008-05-13T18:42:00.001-06:00

Shoveling cake like nobody's business.

Mobile post sent by tjcook using Utterz.  Replies.

Who needs entertainment....

2008-04-30T20:35:00.003-06:00
When you have a two year old?

When someone asks Kenny what his name is, he usually responds with, "Um, I two-years-old." So he's a little vague on the name/age difference, and we've been coaching him with "My name is.... What's your name? Nice to meet you" When we asked him last night he said, "Um, my name is Old." And then with a look of confusion because he was aware that something was not quite right he said, "My name is Kenny?"

Seeing as Kenny's favorite phrase is still "I do it," he tries very valiantly to dress himself most days. Yesterday I took him in to the bathroom to go potty, and discovered that he had no underwear on. I was certain that I had in fact put his underwear on that morning, so I assumed that T.J. had taken them off for some reason. However, when asked about the missing undergarments, T.J. informed me that he had not touched them. When we got home, I found the elusive briefs crumpled in a ball in the corner. He had managed to take off his pants and underpants, as well as put the top layer back on (facing the right direction I might add)

Today's dressing kafafel included two confusing sandals. He managed to get one on, but it was on the wrong foot. I carefully instructed him to take it off and put it on the other foot. He very tenderly took it off, turned it around 180 degrees, walked around to the other side, and put the same (wrong) foot back in.

He is getting better at toddler basics such as numbers and colors but there are still a few mix-ups. My favorite was tonight when I asked him what color the (brown) cow was. He said, "chocolate milk!" Which reminds me....You know Starbucks has their corporate image down when you can take a two-year-old in to a new store and he asks for his usual, "chocolate milk?"

I love my precious punkin' dew!

2008-04-25T07:33:00.001-06:00

Mobile post sent by tjcook using Utterz.  Replies.  mp3