Mystery light switches…we have no less than three switches that we have no idea what they control.  For all we know, the constant flipping of these switches could have cause the TVA spill.  I have investigated these switches and I know they operate something….I found this out the hard way…in a cloud of black smoke and a bright blue spark….but that’s another story.

I would like to report that we now have found peace and comfort in  solving the smallest of problems.  We now have a garage door opener.  I know what you are asking…”So what?”

Well, you see when we moved in we couldn’t find the garage door opener for our garage door.  No big deal.  We’ll just use the button on the wall mounted door opener in the garage.  And this is what we’ve been doing for months.  But what you may not realize is the acrobatics that are involved.

Let me explain.

We would load the kids (and usually the dogs) into the minivan and then open the door with the wall button.  I would usually then back the minivan out of the garage while THE WIFE patiently waited at the top of the stairs.  When I had successfully backed the minivan out of the garage, THE WIFE would then dart down the stairs, while the garage door was closing, and then, because of the laser senor at the bottom that stops the door from closing if something or someone is in the way, THE WIFE would “hop” over the laser…while trying not to hit her head on the descending garage door.  It was a sight to see.  And the more she performed this move she added high kicks, mid-air turns, and other moves she developed during her years as a high-school cheerleader.  It became quite entertaining.

The big problem was when I wasn’t with her to assist in the ‘garage door closing procedure.’  When she was making a trip to the store; she would have to load the kids (and sometimes dogs) into the van, open the door, back out the minivan, put it in park, run back into the garage, hit the button, dart down the stairs, run through the garage, perform her acrobatics, and then she could drive off.  And then when she returned home…put the minivan in park, go through the front door and into the garage, open the garage door from inside, get back into the minivan, pull it inside, unload the kids and the close the door from the wall mounted button.

Annoying to say the least!

But last night she finally solved this problem.  A simple search for our type of garage door opener on the internet, a call to the store and a quick trip…which meant she would have to perform her acrobatics one more time.

The tiny little remote, which was about $35 was now in hand.  A few minutes of reading the manual and…tadaaa….we now have a garage door opener…like any normal sensible American family.

I think I will miss the acrobatics, but we are glad to be basking in the pleasure of a garage door opener.

And you may be asking, “Why didn’t you take care of this sooner?”

The simple answer is that I suck as a husband and I somewhat enjoyed watching my beautiful wife display her coordination every time we went somewhere.  You can only imagine how stupid I looked trying to perform the ‘garage door closing routine.’  I am not nearly as graceful.

Oh and by the way, I learned this morning that you should not leave the new garage door opener where a 3 year old can find it.  When I left for work this morning, the garage door was half way open…or closed…depending on if you are a half glass empty kind of person.  So we have now added the the “NO TOUCH” list.  THE MEESTER (our 3 year old) is quite disappointed, but mommy is happy. (There were actual HIGH-FIVES all around when I got the opener programmed and working…sad really when you think about it).

[photo credits]

“They contacted me on YouTube.com after seeing some videos I had posted on the web site”

Now I will admit I have watched the show from time to time.  At times I think they should call it “America Has No Talent But Crazy Folks That Want To Get On TV.”

But every now and then, they actually showcase some talented folks.  I think you’ll agree that Shawn Irwin has a pretty good shot at making it through the audition.

What?  You haven’t heard of EOK either?  Well go and check out the EOK site, then join EOK, and then RSVP for the event.

Thanks in advance to the EOK Board for setting this up and to Jack for agreeing to let us pick his brain for a little while.

Space is limited, so make sure to RSVP.

*UPDATE* Wow what a great interview.  Thanks Jack.  Here’s the podcast. Episode 16

Why? You may ask.  I think NewsTechZilla will become a household name… and I want you to remember that you heard it here first. (actually you may have heard it here or here or here or here or here or here…first…but then you heard it on KTOWN.

NewsTechZilla (NTZ for short…that’s my nickname for it, you did hear that here first) is (in my opinion) a monster site for two reasons:

1. The content.  It is excellent, informative, extremely useful and practical for the audience it serves.
2. The niche.  It is specific, well defined, and well serviced by two authorities.

From the WHAT section of NTZ…

“Our plans are to write about what we know, what we want to learn and hopefully be a guide for other journalists trying to be viable in new markets. There is some fantastic information out in the blogosphere that we will spotlight all in one convenient location. We wanted to also be more than an aggregator of the beast combining news and technology, thus the name NewsTechZilla.”

Being familiar with the bloggers that founded NTZ, one is personal friend and helped me start KTOWNLOWDOWN (sadcox/Scott) and the other was someone I had been reading for some time (Newscoma/Trace), I thought I’d bring you a bit of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of how this monster idea was ‘birthed’.  And don’t make the mistake of thinking that the way this site came about is strictly about a couple of on-line folks creating a website.  This is a model of how many businesses and joint ventures will be started and the efficiency at which they can operate for at least a decade.  NTZ even wrote about an example of this immediacy and effiency.  With all that said here’s the interview:

KTOWN: Can you describe the situation(s) around which you “met”?

TRACE: Scott and I “met” on Twitter. I found I enjoyed talking to him on that social networking service. We spoke of politics… I wrote with tongue-in-cheek one day that I needed to start my own “brand.” It opened another door where we began to talk about the media, putting my blog, Newscoma, on a hosted domain and basically my overwhelming fear that I would “screw something up” with my blog.

SCOTT: Trace’s story is that we met on Twitter, and while that explains how we “met”, the truth is that I knew about her long before that.  After a few months of blogging and trying to get people to link and pay attention to you, it becomes pretty obvious who has people’s attention, and Newscoma stood out for sure.  We started off talking about politics (of course), and I wondered why she didn’t run her site on her own domain (www.newscoma.com) which she owned.

KTOWN: And what was the point at which you saw the other as an authority in his/her “niche”?

SCOTT: It was evident to me pretty quickly that ‘Coma is an authority in the Tennessee Blogosphere in news and politics–actually a bigger authority than I think she realizes.   I was shocked some other tech person hadn’t jumped at the chance to help her out with it.  What little authority I’d built at that point mostly came from helping out friends with their blogs…

KTOWN: like KTOWNLOWDOWN

SCOTT: …and sites, but none of them were as prominent as Newscoma.  What an opportunity!

TRACE: [When]…I finally did host it [Newscoma.com], I ran into a lot of issues I just didn’t understand. He pretty much walked me though things such as transferring the blog due to the volume of my comments, coming up with saucier designs that matched Newscoma. Things like that.

KTOWN: One day NewsTechZilla did not exist and the next day the idea was born.  Can you describe how the idea came about?

TRACE: We were Iming (is that a word) one day and began to talk about there were a lot of people like me out there. With new media coming into the mainstream like a Tsunami, we both sort of agreed that “old-shool” journalists like myself might need some help learning the tech side of things. He had that knowledge. We also wanted to focus on what was being said about journalism and technology around the web. There is also an inherent fear that some of us in journalism have of messing things up. I’ve talked to a lot of folks about that, so in some ways we are taking my hesitation, his knowledge and what we thought might be a need to be filled by creating a community where people could talk about these things. This is, of course, from a news perspective. A lot to learn to remain relevant is one thing I’m basing my role at NewsTechZilla on and hopefully it will help other people as well.

SCOTT: It literally came about during an IM session dealing with an issue Trace was having. She mentioned other media/journalist types were probably dealing with the same issues or were thinking about starting up a blog or news site but didn’t really know where to start. Wouldn’t it be great if there were a resource that dealt with tech issues and also discussed the changes that are taking place with journalism and newspapers?  It’s a hot topic right now, but most people are talking about problems. We wanted to talk about solutions.  It literally was conceived in about 10 minutes on December 11, 2008: (below is the chat thread)

Trace: Do you realize what is happening here?
I’m an old school radio/news person
Scott: parallel universes?
Trace: And you have the ideas about things that are quite amazing and new to me.
Old School/New world.
Scott: I think so…but I’m only a technical guy
Trace: That may be what works. I ask a question and you answer it for those journalists out there that are getting canned and don’t understand new media technology.
I’m the rube. You are the expert.
Hold on. Phone ringing.
Scott: Hopefully that’s a canned journalist with a pocket full of money on the phone.
(pause for phone call)
Trace: Back to what I was thinking. You have an old school journalist asking questions about the new age of media technology.
Then you respond.
Scott: hmm….I like the idea
Trace: The cool thing is that politically you have an old time hippie and a libertarian as well but we can avoid that except to make it work for us, not define us.
Kinda like what Heather Solos and Ivy do at Home Ec 101 but for journalists/techies.
Vicodan in one’s cough syrup can bring out the brilliant, can’t it.
Scott: I really like it! Let’s build a site!
Trace: I like it too. I can send it to all the journalism hacks. We probably could post once a day with specific questions.
Kinda like what you’ve done with me.
On learning how to evolve in journalism through technology.
Scott: I really really really like this idea! We need a cool domain name!

KTOWN: Can you each describe the lessons learned about the other’s area of expertise?

TRACE: I return to a few factors I referenced before. Here are two people who don’t know each other from Adam, meet on Twitter, find out we are more alike than we initially knew and realized our differences could flatter and enhance an online experience. The idea just sort of came up and we realized we might be onto something. I kept telling him to use me as a guinea pig before the idea was being formed. Then it was just there and we knew it was a good one. I’m basically a communicator first, a writer second and a research hound third. I realized these were just part of me but when it came to the technical side of things, I was sorely lacking.

SCOTT: One thing I’ve learned from this process is actually a confirmation of what I already believed–there is a lot you can gain personally by being open to helping other people.

TRACE: I have found that on, and off, NewsTechZilla, I’m learning a great deal not only about my chosen profession, but I’m also finding that it’s helping other people out too.
A jewelry designer from Paducah, Ky wrote a post about how the information was assisting her in her online business and I found that to be thrilling. It’s more than just journalism and technology, it’s about helping everyone with a thirst for knowledge about new media, those intrigued with citizen journalism and for people who have a niche and want to build on it. You have to remember, I started out with wax paste-up which shows there have been a lot of changes in media since I first started out. I also use to have the only Associated Press wire in Martin, TN. Now everyone has one so why not work within those confines which is part of what we are saying. So I’m enthusiastic about Scott’s posts about how technology can help us all out, even old-schoolers like myself.

SCOTT: I am AMAZED at the response we’ve had so far with the site, and that is totally due to Trace.  I could build a beautiful site with all sorts of bells and whistles and write the exact same articles, but very few people would read it. Riding on her coattails has given me a great opportunity to help a group of people who are actually interested and gaining something. I would have never been introduced to all of these folks without her stamp of approval. She’s spent a lot of time building relationships, creating great content consistently, and building a brand and reputation.

END OF INTERVIEW…

I am excited to watch and read how these ‘local’ folks use the power of their ‘authority’ to help others in and outside this niche.  There’s more to learn from this joint venture than just how to start a website, but I’ll leave that to you to figure out for your own applications in your own niche.  Don’t be afraid of creating a monster.

Thanks to Trace and Scott for taking the time to “speak” with KTOWN.

Not because of the parties…when you have two little ones, the evening usually consists of setting the alarm for 11:45pm in case you dose off during the local news, and you want see the ball drop and the fireworks.

It’s not for the resolutions.  I don’t make them. If I determine there’s something I need to do or stop doing…then I usually don’t wait.  Seems dishonest or highly inefficient to wait for a completely arbitrary day like January 1st.  Why not the second Tuesday in March?  That could be a cool day…if there were parties and fireworks.

I love NYE because of the inherent reflection upon the previous 12 months in which I often indulge.  (I realize this can be arbitrary too, I can reflect anytime on any amount of time passed…but then again…no fireworks).

So I take pause right now, to peck out on the keyboard a few thoughts about life here at KTOWN the past year.

In January of ’08 the Wife began to suffer from symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as MS.  What a shock that was!  But now, almost a year later, we both look back and see how God has provided for us throughout this year.  We caught it very early on, started treating it with medication, and just last month found out that although new lesions had appeared on the Wife’s MRI, the old ones were actually healing.  That just doesn’t happen.  Otherwise known as a miracle.

In March, about 8 months after quitting my job and starting my own business, I was sitting in a local coffee shop doing some work.  I ran into a guy I had previously worked with on a project.  I told him that I had started my own business a while back, and then he mentioned that he was working for a client that was looking for someone in this area to do some consulting work on a project that just getting underway.  That conversation led to an email with an officer of the company starting the project, which led to an interview two weeks later, which led to a long term contract on a major project for my company…just three weeks after being in that coffee shop.  The right place at the right time…or…The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

In June, we decided that our lovely little house in SoKno was just too small for our growing family.  How could we afford that?  Well, it just so happened that it was a great time to buy a house…especially a foreclosure.  We found a house, but it was way out of our price range.  We decided to put in an offer.  $60K lower than the bank had originally listed the house.  The bank bit and after some negotiations, we got the house for $1000 under the maximum price we could afford.

Now we couldn’t wait for our other house to sell, so we are carrying two mortgage payments…ouch!  And the cost of the Wife’s medicine each month was almost what we were paying for our first mortgage.  So cash was tight, but for ‘some reason’, although the Wife had been taking her medicine for almost 5 months before we closed on the new house…we never received a bill.  It was only after being settled in the new house for two months did those bills start arrived.  Just enough time to recoup some of the costs for closing.

And in November, we found out that the Wife was accepted into a program offer by the drug company that will cover the cost of her medicine for a year.  So what was the equvilant of another mortgage payment going out the door was reduced to the cost of taking the family out to Chi-fil-a (we go big when we go to Chic-fil-a).

Money is still tight around KTOWN, but the business I started in 2007, led to another business in 2008…and that business is on track to have a very good year…and 2009 hasn’t even started yet.

My intent in this post is not to brag (I apologize if it seems I have done so), but to reflect upon the past year and share our journey.  And remind those of you that need it, and demonstrate to those of you who don’t realize…

God is in control.  Whether you think it’s good or bad…(Romans 8:28)

Bring on 2009!

Entrepreneurs of Knoxville (E.O.K.)

…provides a collaborative environment for members to share ideas, partner on projects, learn common business practices, mentor other members, locate resources, and help its members succeed in achieving their goals for their business.

What does all that really mean?  It’s a “Rubber Meets the Road” organization.  You may have a great idea for a business, but have no idea how to get started.  They can hook you up with marketers, business executives, accountants, web designers, or just plain smart people that know how to get things done.  The membership currently stands at just under 200 individuals, and EOK holds events throughout the year (weekly, monthly, quarterly, and randomly) to educate its members, collaborate on projects, and…sometimes…just hang out and have a few pints.  And if that’s not enough to get you interested…membership is FREE.

Knoxville Overground (KO)

…is a grassroots not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering independents with the community infrastructure, practical education, and professional credibility that they need to be successful entrepreneurs and stewards of the public interest.

KO’s  five values, also known as its “five pillars,” are entrepreneurship, public service, education, community, and coworking.  KO has already established a Co-Working space in Knoxville – 1204 Kenesaw Ave (in Sequoyah Hills).  KO is also working with other business resources in the area to establish  partnerships and realtionships in order help their members find funding through KO’s relationships/partnerships.  KO also provides guidance to its members through the various levels of entrepreneurship in order to make its members as successful in their projects and businesses as possible.  Check out Knoxville Overground for details on membership.

In these tough enconomic times, it may be just the right time to declare yourself an entrepreneur and start working on the next great thing.  These organizations can help you get there.

[Note: the author is a member of both organizations and a Board Member of each]

But if had I know I could put a Shrimp on a Treadmill and receive worldwide fame…well hindsight is 20/20.

And somehow this is “serious science”.  From MSNBC:

“What those who have been amused by the running shrimp may not know is that they’re actually watching serious science, on issues that could affect us all….[the scientists involved in the experiment] wanted to learn how bacterial infections affected a shrimp’s endurance.”

This spot was featured as one of the stories

“in which the TODAY anchors fanned out across the globe to investigate the strain put by humans on our most precious resource — water.”

Obviously, NBC doesn’t think that “fanning out acroos the globe” puts a strain on the environment.  Anything to report THE NEWS.

And yes, water is a precious resource…I guess we’re just lucky it literally falls from the sky.

Sorry dad, I guess I could have saved your coffee mugs and fried up an appitezer when I was done experimenting.

Don’t worry though:

“The shrimp used in the experiments were bred for research and were not taken from the wild.”

As long as they aren’t taking them from the supply that ends up at Red Lobster, than I am ok with it.  Oh wait…

Burnett and Scholnick said, ““We plan on building one for lobster…We have one for blue crabs.”

Dang it.  Is nothing sacred?

[HT: twitter @lissakay via @sadcox]