I promise I will write an actual blog post on this site soon.
But until then, please take a quick jump over to the Pittsburgh Symphony blogs and my post about Saturday’s concert, “Expectations.”
Expectations
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Monthly Archives: September 2008
Goodbye, Paul Newman
Friday 5 that’s really 3: PCPGH3
Dawn Papuga kicked off a Friday 5 topic that’s close to my heart. Here are the questions and my answers.
(What’s Friday 5? See here.)
1. What brought you to Social Media and what keeps you hanging around?
I find things and think of things, and I want to tell my friends. Back in the early years of this decade, I used to send out periodic, unasked for emails to random sets of friends, and sometimes people would respond and sometimes not. I worried that I was annoying my lovely friends by filling their email boxes. I started reading blogs in 2003, and decided that a blog would be a much better way of informing people of the wonderful things I found.
Interestingly, few of my long-time friends seem to read my blog. (They’re still my friends though — no hard feelings.) In the meantime, I’ve made many, many new friends through my blog. These new friends and the continuing stream of interesting things that life brings are what keep me hanging around.
2. Which social networking tool gives you the shakes when it’s not updated or is experiencing down time? (Podcasts, Blogs, Micro-blogging, etc)
I’m a little sad without email. (Can you count email as an old school social networking tool? I think so.) I can survive without my regular social networks without too much trauma. There are lots of other great things in life.
3. What kind of insight could you offer to others on a topic at PCPGH3? If none, then what do you most want to hear more about?
Mike Woycheck and I are going to reprise our well-liked "Intro to Blogging" talk again this year (although sadly without the aid of Christina Schulman). I’ll also talk about how to make your blog more friendly to search engines, and a few of us are going to conduct a discussion on Rust Belt Blogging.
I’m looking forward to hearing and seeing how people are using blogs and social media in their lives and their work. There’s always a new and interesting angle to discover.
Find others’ responses to these same questions over at the PodCamp Pittsburgh website. While you’re there, register to attend. It’s fun, and all the cool kids are doing it. Join us!
Extreme Education: Police Ride-Along Panel Discussion (special blogger access)
This site is all about announcements lately, isn’t it? Just a few more interesting ones, and then we’ll return to our regularly scheduled slate of cocktail recipes, YouTube videos, photos of my niece, and links to strange things on the web.
Extreme Education: Police Ride-Along Panel Discussion
Pittsburgh Social Venture Partners will host its first Extreme Partner Education panel, during which six PSVP Partners will discuss their individual experiences during a recent "ride-along" with the Pittsburgh Police Force during the late night shift.
These extreme education events were designed by PSVP to immerse our partners in the realities and challenges our region’s at-risk youth face everyday so that we can better understand the need for the service organizations in which PSVP invests.
Thursday, September 25
7:00—8:30 PM
Senior Citizens Center, Intersection of Louisa & Semple Streets in Oakland (Map of the Area)
Featured speakers include:
- Jeff Hartings, former Pittsburgh Steeler and Development Associate, Urban Impact
- Joji Montelibano, Director of Security, RAND Corporation
- PSVP Partners Tessa Nicholson, Cynthia Kenderson, Erica Brusselars, Steve Robinson
- Officer Matthew White, Pittsburgh Police, Zone Four, Crime Prevention/Crime Analysis
The Extreme Partner Education panel will be moderated by Jill Greenwood, Police Reporter for The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
More details and background are available on the PSVP blog.
RSVP by Wednesday, September 24 by emailing terry at PSVP dot org.
Interested bloggers, podcasters, and other social media folk also have the opportunity for an exclusive interview session with Jeff Hartings before or after the panel, to discuss his experience on the police ride-along. In your RSVP, mention that you are a blogger and give the name and URL of your blog or website, to confirm your interest in this unique opportunity.
Pittsburgh Social Venture Partners is "a partnership of philanthropic-minded individuals who invest their time, expertise and capital in innovative nonprofits serving at-risk youth. PSVP provides a unique forum through which individuals can effect positive, lasting change in their communities." It’s a terrific organization of amazing people, well worth learning more about.
Turning Technology and Innovation from Words into Jobs (bloggers and podcasters welcome)
An announcement from Carnegie Mellon Students for Barack Obama:
Turning Technology & Innovation from Words into Jobs
The student organization Carnegie Mellon Students for Barack Obama is hosting a dynamic event showcasing Senator Obama’s progressive policies on innovation, technology, the Internet, and how these policies mean more jobs for Pennsylvanians.
Barack Obama has made innovation a cornerstone of his vision for America. Pittsburgh has also embraced advanced technologies, forward-looking innovators, and a trained workforce to rebuild after steel’s collapse.
Pittsburgh’s leaders will discuss their triumphs and challenges, what innovation means for the region, and how more economic growth would be possible under President Obama.
When: Tuesday, September 23 at 7:00 pm
Where: Alumni Concert Hall in the College of Fine Arts, Carnegie Mellon UniversitySpeakers include:
- Marge Krueger, Communications Workers of America
- Mark Kryder, Carnegie Mellon Professor and former CTO of Seagate
- Nathan Martin, CEO of Deep Local
- Sean McDonald, CEO of Precision Therapeutics
Moderator: Jon Peha, Professor at Carnegie Mellon University
The most important speaker is you. All members of the audience will have the opportunity to record a short video clip to share their views. CMU Students for Barack Obama will send the videos to the campaign.
The group is very interested in involving bloggers and podcasters. They will have a blogger room with snacks and power before the event, and if you RSVP ahead of time to cvl at andrew dot cmu dot edu, you’ll be put on a reserved seating list — no waiting in line for seats.
Time is of the essence
A couple of time-critical items for your attention:
- Pittsburgh social media phenom Lindsay Patross has created a political action committee, P2PAC, that "supports candidates whose districts touch the City of Pittsburgh and whose agendas are consistent with its mission: good government, sustainable development, and social equity." As part of the kick-off they’ve initiated a P2pac Kick-Off Challenge to raise at least $10 from 10 people in 10 days. There are just a few days left: Check it out and contribute to give a forward-thinking group a good start.
- From Michael Sorg, fellow PodCamp Pittsburgh planner and local podcast crazyman: "My band, CRAP has gotten into the Punisher movie contest at The X. It seems that it is based on the number of plays. I’m reaching out to everyone to help get me plays, and any ideas to help get this out there." Click this WXDX link to play the song "Monkey Flings Poo" and help a local unsigned band crack into the music world. Visit the CRAP band website for more info.
- Speaking of social media and blogging and podcasting, don’t forget the free "Intro to Social Media Workshop" on September 27 at the Northland Public Library. If you’re reading this site, you probably know what a blog is, but you might mention it to a friend, family member, or random passerby.
- AlphaLab is now accepting applications for its Winter/Spring 2009 cycle. The application deadline is October 15th, 2008. From their announcement: "AlphaLab is a catalyst for launching the next generation of software, entertainment technology and Internet-related companies. Created by Innovation Works, one of the nation’s most active seed-stage investors, AlphaLab provides funding, free office space, expert business advisors and services through an intensive 20-week program in Pittsburgh. AlphaLab helps companies rapidly develop their technology, gain user feedback from early product releases, develop go-to-market strategies, and move toward successful commercial launch. For more information and to access the application, visit: www.alphalab.org.
PodCamp Pittsburgh 3
It’s back! Pittsburgh’s social media conference returns for the third year running, with great sessions, awesome networking opportunities, and unexpected unexpectedness.
PodCamp Pittsburgh 3 will take place on October 18 and 19, 2008, with a meet-and-greet the evening of October 17.
WHEN: October 18 and 19, 9am to 4pm each day
WHERE: Art Institute of Pittsburgh, 420 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (map/directions)
COST: free!Register today!
See the PodCamp Pittsburgh 3 schedule. Add a session you’d like to give, or request one you’d like to attend.
Would you like to sponsor PodCamp Pittsburgh 3? Find out how.
Spread the word about PCPGH3 with badges, video bumpers, and more.
In addition to the two days of conference, there will be a meet-n-greet reception the night before, 6 to 9pm at AlphaLab on Pittsburgh South Side. Details for the reception here.
Cover a band this weekend in Pittsburgh — free tix, great music
I’m late in posting this cool opportunity, but with luck you’ll still be able to take advantage of it. This info comes from our stylish and delightfully hip friend Sarah Madia:
There is a band called the Bloodsugars coming to play Brillobox this Saturday night in Bloomfield. The label is looking for bloggers (social media types) to cover the event. They have a guest list for the concert. The band is from NYC and they are really good. They are playing with Good Night States which always brings a crowd.
Shows typically start at 10 PM at Brillobox.
If you are interested, please contact Caitlin Pasko to be added to the guest list. I don’t know if photography or video is permitted. You will have to ask her. Also, you will have to set up with the label if you would like time to interview the band. I have included the band’s press release below. [Ed. Contact Caitlin at the address below for a copy of the press release.] Please use the press release and photos from their website in your media – you have permission from the label. Please forward this opportunity to your friends/contacts.
Grab photos here:
www.engineroomrecordings/thebloodsugars/bspress.html
Check out their music:
www.myspace.com/bloodsugars
Concert is Saturday night at Brillobox
Want to be on the guest list? If you are covering the event, here is the record labels contact info:For Guest List Spots at Brillobox + Other Press inquiries Contact
Caitlin Pasko @ Engine Room Recordings
Email Caitlin at engineroomrecordings dot com, or call 212-941.5657
Here’s a description from the press release:
The Bloodsugars stand apart from other "indie dance rock" bands with their intelligent songwriting and arrangements. Anyone who has ever played an instrument can immediately pick up on the tremendous technical aptitude showcased by all four members. The band is so tasteful in the implementation of their abilities that it’s easy to simply escape into the beauty and excitement of the songs, without being conscious of how meticulously sculpted they are. Mixed by the highly accomplished Dan Hetzel (Jennifer Lopez, Blondie, Ginuwine), each song is equally as unique as it is instantly accessible. The Bloodsugars consistently manage to squeeze enthusiasm out of the most jaded scenesters, surprised to hear dance music that engages their minds as well as their feet.
I like what I hear in the song in the above video — and it’s cool to see uber-chef Mario Batali and his Crocs making a cameo. This should be a great show, whether you feel like promoting it or just going to enjoy the music.
Intro to Social Media Workshop
An event this next weekend, organized by PodCamp Pittsburgh:
Heard of blogging, but not quite sure what it is or how to do it?
Ever wonder what goes in a podcast and how you would listen to it?
Heard about Facebook, MySpace, and other websites but not sure where to even start?
The organizers of Podcamp Pittsburgh will conduct a basic session to give you an overview of what is called "New Media" or "Social Media". You’ll learn about these new forms of communication that are revolutionizing the way that ideas and thoughts are being communicated on the Internet.
After the session, the presenters will be available to answer questions and demonstrate concepts using laptop computers.
Register for the event on the library’s website (www.northlandlibrary.org) or by calling the Adult Reference Desk, 412-366-8100 X113.
Date: Saturday, September 27th
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Where: Northland Public Library – 300 Cumberland Rd., Pittsburgh PA 15237
Presented by organizers of Podcamp Pittsburgh (podcamppittsburgh.com)
I’ve involved in the periphery of this event — enough to know that the material is really useful and comprehensive for beginners, yet approachable and easy to understand. And it’ll be a great introduction to PodCamp Pittsburgh 3, coming in October!
Whetting the appetite
My post about the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra preview concert is online at the PSO blogs site.
An aside: I wanted to use a photo of a Whitman’s Sampler as a visual, but then I found this photo of stunning handmade chocolates. Now all I can think of is the luscious and beautiful truffles I used to buy from Joseph Schmidt when I lived in San Francisco. (*drool*)
(Photo credit: Handmade chocolate sampler, originally uploaded by Silly Jilly.)