Category Archives: Best of the web

About six weeks ago, I got an amazing offer from someone I really admire. Gabe Bridger — Creative Director, podcaster and blogger — invited me to come onboard as the editor of his well known MINI news blog, MotoringFile.com. I now handle the day-to-day curation and creation of content for the site, and I’m beginning to coordinate other contributors as well. Gabe needs the help as he’s extremely busy rockin’ the ad world full time and and being an automotive journalist part time.

If you’re a regular reader, you know that I’m a big fan of MINIs. In the next few years MINI is introducing several new models, but I’m especially looking forward to the forthcoming Countryman crossover. Though it certainly won’t be the car for everyone, it just might be perfect for my and The Mrs’ adventures here in the great frozen north of Minnesota. What’s more, with recent engine advances from MINI and BMW, the four door Countryman will get slightly …

Upon its debut, I was summarily unimpressed with Apple’s upcoming iPad tablet thingy. I don’t hate the thing, I’m simply disappointed by several of its hardware and software omissions. Those gripes remain, but this Engadget story has opened my eyes to what will be the killer feature of the iPad: content.

I’ve got quite a few big things going on right now, but I’m pausing here to say thank you to everybody who reads me around the web, especially here on my blog. Thank you!

About 15 years ago, my dad built a 1/6th scale radio controlled flying model of Charles Lindbergh’s iconic Ryan NYP, better known as The Spirit of St. Louis. In the two years he spent constructing his 91″ replica, dad extensively researched Lindbergh’s life and seminal, 1927 New York-to-Paris flight. This research showed in the meticulous detail of his plane. Every detail is represented in immaculate miniature — from Lindbergh’s uncomfortable wicker seat, to each and every one of his instrument panel gauges, to a tiny working version of his side periscope complete with mirrors. Dad’s research gave him enough expertise that he could see un-captioned photos of the plane and know when and usually where they were taken. He even uncovered inaccuracies in some of the written accounts. However, one detail escaped him: the golden nose.

I was laid off about a year ago this week. During the time I spent looking for new employment, a thousand ideas went through my head for things I could do outside the world of advertising and design. Two videos from this post by Seth Godin have me wondering now what would I be doing here in February 2010 if I hadn’t been rehired in my field in May 2009. Are you doing what you love?

The fine gentlemen at the White Roof Radio podcast made kind mention of my Streetliner project on the podcast this week. You can download the episode here. Skip to about 19:30. If you’re even remotely interested in the MINI, WRR is the best way to plug into the MINI community.

Thanks again, fellas!

Special thanks to the folks over at Los Vesparados for featuring my Flickr set of their site.

Los Vesparados: The Art of the Scooter Ride Log: Los Vesparados