Could I Teach About Twitter

Wednesday night, I went to a company business meeting where the keynote speaker was from he Netherlands. Okay, most of the keynote speakers are from the Netherlands, so it was really no surprise. I was excited for this particular topic as we were going to be talking about social computing and its impact on business and the world. It is a topic that I am very interested in, since I have two Blogs, am on Facebook, twitter, pownce and am constantly looking at Digg. This presentation was going to be in my wheelhouse. The presentation was given by the Director of ViNT, a research shop in the Netherlands. It was a great presentation, discussing the ways that the mass media is on the way out the door, and instead we now have "Me Media" It was fascinating. I got a chance to talk to the presenter at the bar afterwords and I think I impressed him.

While people were coming into the lecture hall I leaned over to a friend of mine and asked if one of the attendees was one of our old professors. Sure enough it was. I went over to say hello and see how things had been. It was an interesting conversation which basically ended with him asking me to submit a resume and such to come back and teach at UMBC. It was a really cool moment and I was flattered. While I was at the bar for some post meeting cocktails I had some great discussions with the presenter and some of my other colleagues about the idea of "Me Media" and how people can still be productive when they are constantly getting bombarded with information from the gazillion different bits that they get every day. I think I could teach this. I would love to teach this... we will see if this works. I will be sending my resume this weekend.

Brick... Just Blog Damn It!

Another unannounced mini hiatus for bricknhymr. I once again have had life creep up on me, ask me how things are going, slap me across the face and then walk away... slowly... slowly away.

I have been crazy busy at each of my jobs. I feel like I have taken on quite a bit of responsibility and at one employer it is not an issue, because I don't really have a chance for advancement. At the other it is not an issue either, it just grinds on me a little as I really want to do well, but can never tell if I actually am.

I have had some really exciting things happen as well. First, last Friday I got to watch the Retrievers play in the big dance. I went to campus to watch the game with former co-workers and had an absolute blast. I was later told that I showed up on the WBAL coverage of the crowd, but I can't confirm that. It was amazing to see the team play in the NCAA. I kept saying to people that I waited eight years for that moment, and I really had. This could lead to big things for UMBC. I guess it is different for people who went to bigger schools, their reputation and notoriety are something that they take for granted. At UMBC we don't have that luxury. It was a privilege to watch this team and I thank them for everything that they have done for the University.

I also got to see my UMBC peeps the following day at Easter Saturday dinner. I have to admit, as much as I am a foodie, I got shown up at this meal. For one, I didn't cook anything. I brought wine instead, I just didn't have the time. Secondly, it wouldn't have mattered. The combination of Coke Ham and "Beer Can" Chicken (though coke was used for this as well) was incredible. It was an amazing time. I love hanging out with my friends and am sad that Kyle and Erin will be leaving so soon. I hope I get to spend some more time with them before they go. It was also pretty funny being the Jew and wishing everyone a Happy Sunday!

In serious news my heart and thoughts are with Alyssa and Matt right now as they get through some tough times. Know them or not, they are two of the most amazing people and should not have to go through things like this.

I have been working on improvements to eatcharmcity. Mrs. Twink and Eludius have both done some great reviews and the categories are filling out nicely. I am hoping to continue to build a nice base of reviews and start to do some home cooking highlights soon. Let me know what you think of the site.

There are lots more things going on, and they may be coming up in another post, maybe even later today (oh, when it rains, it pours!).

Talk to you all soon.

I <3 Wine

For the longest time I have been a beer and cocktail drinker. It is good times. Since moving in with Ben and Jess I have begun to become exposed to the deliciousness of wine. It is nice to have as a cocktail or with dinner, though I am not at all sure that I have really become accustomed to the taste of anything that is all that dry. Luckily some of that began to change this past Wednesday.

I am part of the Chapter of Young Alumni Steering Committee at UMBC. On March 28th we will be holding our third annual Wine Tasting at Geppis Entertainment Museum. This place looks so cool and the $15 dollar ticket is only five dollars more than you would pay to just visit the museum alone. But the best part is that you also get food, wine and can participate in a silent Auction.

The C-YA Steering Committee were able to select the wines we will have at the tasting this past Wednesday. From the initial twelve we ended up with six different types of wine, three white and three red. I actually liked all of the ones that were chosen. We also got to sample the food. The food is really good and will include Crab Cakes, Tequila Chicken and lots of other things served on a stick.

Oh yeah, there will be one other thing at this event. A Silent Auction that will benefit the UMBC Alumni Scholarship fund and the Esperanza Endowment. Check out some of these items.

It looks like it is a going to be a great night. If you are at all interested get your tickets early. We have a limited number and this is normally a pretty popular event. It is just $15, there will be wine and food, amazing things to look at and bid on and lots of cool people to reconnect with. Order your ticket today!

Congrats to All

Thanks to Miriam, or maybe Chris for this pic. It is awesome. Check out the adorable life of there little one at BabyComito. They have the best pictures.

Speaking of Babies, Congrats to Emily and her hubby on the birth of their little bundle of Joy. I know that Jack Thomas (insert last name here) is going to have a super fantastic life with super fantastic rents.

Also Congrats to my Hommie Chad... that is right, he is my hommie. Getting engaged. Whooo Hooo! Can't wait for the Wedding.

And to my Alma Matter for making it to the America East Conference Finals, which will be on campus next weekend. One more win and we make history.

Lots of congrats all around. I hope things are going great for everyone!

Tag... I'm it

So I got tagged by Mrs. Twink to do one of those fun surveys... Though this one is not so fun, but a little... whatever... just read it.

What is your occupation?
Senior Information Technology Consultant and Mac Specialist

What color are your socks right now?
Black

What are you listening to right now?
Pardon the Interruption Podcast

What was the last thing you ate?Oatmeal with Apples and Raisins

Can you drive a stick shift?
No… It is sad but true.

If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Brick Red

Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Mom…. Awwwww

Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Of Course… Mrs.Twink is amazing

Favorite drink?
Tea…. And sometimes a harp and cider.

What is your favorite sport to watch?
Football. No Question

Have you ever dyed your hair?
No… how could you possible mess with this fantastic frock?

Pets?
Xena, my warrior princess, miniature toy poodle, resides in Philly with the fam. Onyx and Leaper are the roomies, but they are fun most of the time.

Favorite food?
If it is edible I will probably try it. I love food so much I write about it (shameless plug – eatcharmcity.blogspot.com). I am a sucker for lots of veggies, well done seafood and sweet and savory spices.

Last movie you watched?
The last one I watched from start to finish… Harry Potter 5. I am ashamed.

Favorite day of the year?
Super Bowl Sunday

What do you do to vent anger?
Write…

What was your favorite toy as a child?
Nintendo and building blocks

Which is your favorite, fall or spring?
I like Spring and Fall…. I just hate it when it is really hot, or really cold.

Hugs or kisses?
Hug are really good, and I may be part bear, so people like receiving them from me. I hear I am not to bad at kissing either, though I may be out of practice.

What kind of pie?
Key Lime… nothing better than this little slice of heaven on a plate.

Living arrangements?
I live in a basement… but it is better than living in a van down by the river.

When was the last time you cried?
I am not really sure. Maybe at the end of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

What is on the floor of your closet?
Some boxes and luggage.

Favorite smell?
A freshly opened Apple Laptop (don’t judge)

What inspires you?
Quality thoughts and rationality

What are you afraid of?
Small Woodland Creatures

Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Yes, all of these please.

Favorite car?
Civic Hybrid

Favorite cat breed?
the icanhascheezburger breed.

Favorite day of the week?
Friday

How many countries have you been to?
Tres

If you are reading this… You have been tagged. Do it….