Vote to Help Us Win a New Kitchen

One thing I’ve learned about promotions from Michael is that when it comes to contests, someone always wins.  I entered a contest sponsored by Electrolux to win a $50,000 dream kitchen and am aiming to be that someone.  Can you imagine how sweet (and green) an induction cooktop would be?!!? 

I need for you to vote for me so I can seal the deal.  I know how many silent, noncommenting blog visitors we have, and I’m really really hoping you guys pull through for me.

Visit this site to cast your vote (super easy, no registration required):

http://www.ivillage.com/redir?iv_url=http://ivillage.waidev5.com/electrolux/site/index.php?page=photos&id=52280

 

Summertime’s here

We hit 100 degrees this week, and it’s not even June.  We’re in for a long, hot summer.  To prepare, Erin installed a new fan (seen in the background), and I had to amend the volume of hair on my head and face with a summer cut and a shave.  Not a complete shave, mind you.  My friends at TPN and I started a tradition last year around this time of “Creepy Mustache Day” – so I pay tribute with my 2008 version.  No offense to any fans of the upper lip hair; all mustaches look creepy on me.  That’s all I’m saying.  Don’t you agree?

Happy Memorial Day weekend.

 

Starplexing their stuff

Went to see Radiohead at the legendary Starplex in Fair Park.  It’s not called that anymore, thanks to corporate branding (for which this marketer can’t really complain too much).  But it did bring back some memories of that outdoor amphitheater at which I saw some good shows growing up.

I used to sit back there (left), in the grass with the rest of general admission. Cheaper.

I guess I’ve matured with age, because we found ourselves in the seats this time (right)… my first time. (Thanks Mike)

Radiohead is one of my all-time favorite bands, and they hadn’t been to Dallas in 10 years.  That’s a long time.  So there was quite the frenzy around the whole Sunday night gig.  And they didn’t disappoint.  The stage set was incredible, with countless tubes surrounding the band and reflecting light.  Even the digital projection of the band was cooler than usual, a duotone of interesting camera angles and cropped-in drama.  And the music… fantastic!  As expected, the band played every song from their new album, In Rainbows.  To my surprise, they played some golden cuts from earlier albums, OK Computer and The Bends.  Check out one of my favorite songs ever, “Fake Plastic Trees”

This gives you a better impression of the stage set-up. I swear this segment may have been filmed from our row as I recognize the angle and some arm dancing sillouettes.

 

Wig Gig – Dallas Edition

 

 

Wigs and Wine – Erin and Michael, originally uploaded by espeedy123.

We were recently invited to a themed dinner party hosted by Nathan and Misty at their home in south Dallas. “Wigs and Wine” were shared by 12 of us over a tasty meal.

We have several other photos on Flickr from the occasion. We got our inspiration from John Adams, as we have been trying to finish the recent HBO mini series. Erin rented them from a local costume and stage prop shop, and little she know, the renter is also a history buff. My white revolutionary era hair piece would be more indicative of a wig later in John Adams’ life. Who knew? My question: Could John Adams ever pull off that stunning bearded gaze and Kohl’s shirt?

Erin rocked the party with her seriously cool Marie Antionette look, including make-up and fashion mole.

I like me a good wig party, or as was mentioned several times in reference to me, the “Whig” party. The Dungo’s, our friends in Chicago, threw some serious wig parties at bars to celebrate birthdays. Good times. It’s low-commitment, but with the creative fun of a costume party.

What’s your wig of choice?

 

Society 2.0

Perhaps you remember last year at this time we posted this video entitled on YouTube as “The Largest Weed Ever?”

Since then, it has racked up 3,300 views on YouTube as a publicly displayed video, second only to the Hot Pot video from our trip.  Why a favorite? The ever popular search term weed among the YouTubers out there.  Positions my video right next to the Largest Bong Ever!

(the marketer in me might point out the importance of picking search terms, qualified traffic and blah blah blah… but that’s a topic for a different blog I’ve been working on)

It’s interesting opening up your life for mass public display on blogs and social networks like Flickr, Facebook and even YouTube.  People read, subscribe and comment, good and bad.  These strangers are empowered to interact in your life.  Amazing really.  

Erin and I thought this comment chain of realization was pretty good… scroll down below the video for a chuckle.

 

 

April’s Thrills

I just love this time of year.  Other than football season, April is a convergence of great competition and special events for many sports I love.  

Like the Texas Ranger’s home opener – is there a better reason to ditch work for the afternoon?  I’m not the biggest baseball fan, but opening day is an American institution.  Mike invited me to his annual tailgate with a couple hundred friends.  Beer, dogs, laughs and oh yeah, baseball.

Like the beginning of the hockey playoffs – there is no more intense sport or atmosphere during the playoffs. And my Stars actually look good this year.  Lots of promise!

Like NBA basketball playoffs and the Dallas Mavericks.  They made it by the skin of their teeth.  May not be much happening with this team in May, so I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Let’s see, there’s also The Masters, which finishes up today. The live coverage catches some choice comments from the golfers (close your ears kids) and the gallery (like a Tiger fan yelling “Butt” at a bad shot… strange).

Want more? Well, NASCAR also came through Texas Motor Speedway and The Byron Nelson Golf Tourney is in a couple of weeks.  Good times.

 

Google Thyself

It’s not just about knowing thyself these days.  The information superhighway has put ridiculous (and sometimes relentless) amounts of information at society’s fingertips.  Some of it you want known; some you don’t.  

 

I was recently turned on to Google Alerts by Erin through our big idea friend, Jeff.  It’s a Google search service that’s not unlike my most favorite feed reeder 2007.  It automatically notifies you of activity based upon certain search terms.  So naturally, I put a flag on my name, Erin’s name and my business, Ignite Partnership.  (website coming soon!)  That way when all the accolades and man-I-wish-I-was-him’s get posted in cyberspace, I’ll know.  Knowledge is power, people.

 

Well, I’m not quite there yet.  And I may never be, as I’m finding out the Michael and Mike (sorry Mom) Covert’s of the world are making some things happen.

 

Did you know, Michael Covert has:

Represented some serious health industry interests as a CEO in San Diego…

(Nice balance of venturing into Second Life, but not digging the honesty attack.  Watch it Michael, you’ve got a name to protect here.)

 

Surely by now, even if you don’t alert yourself, you’ve Googled your name.  What an adventure!  Michael Covert has also:

Met the first family Prez. Bush (during a critical moment following 9/11…)

Directed some movies with Jennifer Tilly including Dirt – still waiting to hit it big.  I know the feeling…

 

It’s important to define yourself on the internet, else someone will for you.  So get cracking.  My wife Erin and her online contributions are prime examples, keeping her actual adventures at the top of the search list.  Doing good things for the Covert name.

 

Side note for this exercise: My friend Tim once had a great idea for a personalized gift: give someone a Google image T-shirt.  Google someone’s name, download a corresponding image, and wah-lah, you have a great iron-on for a one-of-a-kind shirt. (Disclaimer: watch the trademark infringement!)

That was a few years ago.  Now I might end up with this beauty referring to a Floridian and fellow Jesuit alumnus:

Go ahead, comment and insert your Covert T-shirt caption.  But be careful what you say, I’m also an apparent motorcycle enthusiast from Shreveport and a sword fencing expert to boot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dancing Machine

How do you surprise a spouse on her special birthday? Well, why not deliver something she least expects – simple, right?The idea came to me pretty quick as most good ideas should. Once the thought entered my head, I couldn’t think of anything Erin would like more… or expect less.
WHAT HAVE I DONE?!
Though I tried to brainstorm something better and get myself off the hook, I presented Erin with 5 weeks of beginner ballroom dance lessons.

Even better: Latin ballroom dance

Erin likes to ask me to dance at weddings and other formal occasions. I oblige of course with a head nod and toe tap to the music while cozied up to the bar. Doesn’t really do it for her.

Dancing is a tough sell for me now that I’m married and don’t have to in order to woo Erin.
The route of my hesitation?
- I’m 6′4″ and a little awkward… ok, maybe a lot awkward.
- I’m not a big fan at being really bad at something in public.
- Once trained, I’d have no excuse to do my cozy-up-to-bar trick at weddings.

But, hey, if Ian Ziering can do it…

So, for anyone with a similar fate, here are some things you should know going in.

First rule of dance class: You do not talk about dance class
- Well, so much for that. This blog must be my public cry for help. Your guys friends will make fun of you, and rightfully so.

Second rule of dance class: If it is your first night of dance class, you must dance!
- But don’t plan on sharing your embarrassment with your one trusted ally for all 60 minutes of musical mayhem. That’s right, you rotate among the whole group, dancing with one and all. Be prepared; shared misery makes the heart grow fonder. (Good news – everyone is too preoccupied with themselves to concentrate on what you’re doing or why you continually step on the big toe.)

Third rule of dance class: Bring a sweat rag
- Dudes like me sweat as the slightest physical exertion in a still room. Strangers don’t like to touch sweaty strangers. Is it just coincidence that one female has yet to return after witnessing droplets of sweat dangle and fall off my ear lobe as we hacked through some Rumba? Honestly, I didn’t want to return either.

Fourth rule of dance class: Hold the onion
- Please watch the lunch, people. We’re breathing the same air here.

Fifth rule of dance class: Don’t watch yourself in the mirror
- You only thought you were confused with the steps until you looked up and followed the guy in the mirror. Blind can’t lead the blind, pal.

Sixth rule of dance class: Bribe yourself
- If I go back to dance class we can walk across the street for some Blue Goose brisket tacos and margaritas. Works every time.

Seventh rule of dance class: Stick with it
- You know, week one tested my will. I was really dreading round 2. But once we rolled in a couple of strange things happened. 1. Several people dropped out from week 1, making me an immediate champion. Score! 2. The steps seemed to go better together the second time. And even better the third.

I’m no Travolta yet, but at this pace…

Seriously though, I’m finding myself having fun with it. Erin and I are having laughing all the way through – what better birthday present is there than quality time and new adventures. Life’s a Trip, you know.

 

Babysitting Bree

Michael and I babysat our one-year-old niece on Wed. night.  Here she is digging for the remote in the sofa cushions.

 

What I Want for My Birthday

Oddball Birthday Cake, originally uploaded by espeedy123.

Erin here. As of Monday I am three decades old. Michael gave me ballroom dance lessons. He must love me because that’s truly a present I will enjoy that he will likely not.

Here’s my birthday request for the blogosphere:

If you’d like to make my 30-year-old self smile, click on over to my blog Hands On and comment on something. No old lady jokes please. Just say something so I can appreciate having another comment. You will get extra points if it’s a relevant comment.

This is a shameless ploy but I do so enjoy checking my wordpress stats that it will make my birthday week!