So I was browsing around through some blogs the other day, trying to find something interesting to share with everyone when I came across a neat blog series called Reasonable People Disagree. Now, I’m not usually one to snag an idea straight from someone’s blog, but these series of articles really grabbed my attention because it is two professionals sharing differing opinions on a variety of subjects — a recent topic was social media. I always try to look at things in a non-biased perspective, so I thought this was be a great article for me to share some of my thoughts about.

Dalton Conley, a Dean of Social Sciences at New York University and an author of multiple books argues that technology, in most cases, is tearing families apart. As more and more technologically advanced gadgets are being released, people are becoming more distracted by them. People have developed increasingly poor social habits and manners as they answer their telephones at the dinner table, text each other instead of simply conversing, and much more. Everyone seems to be too immersed in their individual social media to see beyond it. In some cases, I would say this is true, however, I feel like this is primarily based on the individual. I believe that technology has always been a tool, and an obstacle for man.

Sure, these same technologies help us to keep ourselves organized on a daily basis and keep in touch with those who are important to us, so its more about how we embrace it and use it as a tool. If you happen abuse it to the point where you’re a social slug that’s stuck behind a computer updating your twitter account every hour, that’s your personal choice. I agree with Conley’s statement that in order to be intimate with our families, we need time alone. This reaches a point where you need to ‘cut the electronic umbilical cord’ and give ourselves the opportunity to connect with people on a personal level and be the social beings that we are. I believe part of this has to do with the way we are raised. Dinner should be one time in the day where families can come together and enjoy each others’ company. He mentions making a no-screen rule as punishment and also a way to give them time for themselves. I think this could be effective as a punishment, however, I think its highly based on the individual. If you don’t want your children to text or answer the phone at the dinner table, then perhaps you should set a good example for them, and not allow it to happen in the first place. Be the change that you want to see.

Natalie Jeremijenko, a tech-obsessed artist, engineer, and blogger for the website HowStuffIsMade.org has a differing opinion on the subject. She argues whether technology is tearing families apart, or rather bringing them closer together.

It’s doing both at the same time. We can use technology to connect with one another or to disconnect. The question becomes: To what extent do we exercise that agency? And why don’t we feel more in control of it?

She begins addressing this issue by talking about the popularization of it in her household. While in agreeance with Dalton on the subject of ‘cutting the electronic umbelical cord’ and giving oneself time to reflect, she also talks about the idea that we are the ones in charge of our lives, not the technology. If we choose not to take some quiet time off from the world to contemplate and reflect, they we may not need it.

On another note, she comments on Dalton’s punishment of taking away the computer from children by simply stating ‘bring it on.’ She believes that facebook is the type of social tool that kids should use to interact, get school assignments from friend they may have missed, and so much more. ‘School is social, and a social technology like Facebook can be a worthy partner.’ This is true because much of what we learn in school is how to function socially. We learn from interacting and responding with others. Sure we can’t learn all of this behind a computer, but it doesn’t mean the this can’t be supplimented by social interaction online as well. If anything, I think this is supported by the fact that most schools nowadays are embracing the idea of computer labs, video conferencing, and other technology to help enhance the education of their students.

With all this being said, I think we all need to take in consideration that technology isn’t going anywhere, and at this point I don’t think social media is either. We are all in charge of our lives so whether or not we use these tools to enhance our lives is completely up to us. ‘We’re the authors of our own lives—we’re not under the remote control of our technology.’

I found this new print by one of my all-time favorite artists, Dave Kinsey. This limited edition print is entitled Black Diamonds and can be viewed / purchased from BLK/MRKT Gallery. I’ve always appreciated the craft that he puts into his work especially after understanding how much effort is involved in screen printing. Although at first glance it may seem a little abstracted, there’s so much emotion and detail lying within his work, that its hard not to think everything single brush stroke is intentional. Happy Friday!

Props
Artwork: Dave Kinsey
Gallery: BLK/MRKT Gallery

In light of the holiday we have among us today (Valentine’s Day), I decided to share something special. This blown glass vase created by Eva Milinkovic of Tsunami Glassworks entitled Ventricle Vessel is inspired by the human heart. It highlights on the structure, complexity, and natural beauty of the heart, that we too possess inside, as well as out. This is definitely a heart you wouldn’t want to break! I hope you all have a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Props
Sculpture: Tsunami Glassworks

I stumbled on this interesting piece of typography the other day while cruising around through Behance Network. This collective of found objects make up the typeface entitled, ELEKTROTRASH, was created by California-based graphic designer, Alex Varanese. In no way is this anything you’d consider a traditional typeface, but its a very clever manipulation of ordinary objects used to communicate an idea. The examples included are a display some really nice ways in which he’s put these together into compositions. How will this typeface affect the way you view your everyday surroundings?

Props

Typeface: Alex Varanese

Every year I scour back through my iTunes purchases, my CDs, streams, bookmarks, and websites to wrap up my thoughts about the year in music.  The daily mix of music drives our work, gives me an outlet to play guitar, and motivates us on a daily basis as the soundtrack to our lives.  Some songs stick with me, but usually its an entire album or artist that makes the list.  If I like one track, I’ll like them all in general.  So here’s my roundup for 2009, guaranteed to entertain, challenge, or just fire you up to roll down the windows and drive VERY fast.

These are in no favorite order…

Them Crooked Vultures

This is my album of the year, I think.  Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, and John Paul Jones.  These guys have collectively played in some or (if not THE) most influential bands in history.  Led Zeppelin’s bass player, Nirvana/Foo Fighters drummer, and Queens of the Stone Age’s guitarist/vocalist make for a timeless set of rock swagger, all in one neat, hard-driving package.  It grabs you from the beginning, but like fine wine, is even better when allowed to breathe.  All hail TCV!

Alice In Chains • Black Gives Way to Blue

I know, I know…Layne Staley’s dead. RIP Layne.  But the new singer, William DuVall, kicks some butt in his own way, adds a second guitar to the mix where necessary, and sounds enough like Layne to make it work without being a clone.  He’s got his own vocal power, and the harmonies with Jerry Cantrell are pure magic in much the same way as the first few albums.  Surprise “comeback” album of the year for me.  I’m also stoked to have tickets for the National next month when they play.

The Dead Weather • Horehound

Anything Jack White touches is generally really thought-provoking and interesting to listen to, and this debut of Jack as drummer (he’s done everything else, why not?) is pure eclectic awesomeness.  Vocals by the Kills singer Alison Mosshart remind me of early Bauhaus in a gothic/rock kinda way.  Great stuff here, and just challenging enough to keep it interesting, even after playing it most of the year!  Dark, loose, with lots of emotion and a real “played live” feel.

Dave Matthews Band • Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King

I almost bumped this album off the list, not because it doesn’t deserve to be here (it DOES!) but because the name is LAME.  Big Whiskey would have sufficed.  The album is probably my favorite DMB have recorded since Under the Table and Dreaming.  The band members ROCK again, and Tim Reynolds is in the fold as a permanent electric guitarist.  Carter is insanely original on every song, and is constantly filling in the empty spaces with technical fills reminiscent of Omar Hakim or his earlier recordings.  Great to see DMB back and killing it again.

Ben Harper and Relentless7 • White Lies for Dark Times

Ben Harper is the man.  That should be the whole review.  He’s awesome, and so damn creative that he’s not content with The Innocent Criminals, The Blind Boys of Alabama, or solo work, he’s gotta go out and find a new (kickass) band.  Probably more rockin’ than some of his previous work, but poignant songwriting addressing frustrations over Katrina as well as most hot-button political issues.  He addresses personal accountability, love, war, and more…while still managing to ROCK.

Bob Dylan • Together Through Life

It’s amazing to me that Bob Dylan is still getting better with age, especially since he’s been doing this whole music thing for over 50 years.  Insane.  The new album is as Americana as it gets.  Tasteful playing from an amazing backing band that’s been with him for a number of years now.  It reminds me of a mellower version of his collaborations with The Band in the 60’s.  Great disc for a lazy Sunday afternoon or mellow road trip.  And I must admit – I listed to his Christmas album a BUNCH, too!

Closure In Moscow • First Temple

I’m a big progressive rock fan.  I have been since the mid-70’s when Genesis and Yes were pushing the envelope with the studio, length of songs, atmospheric textures, and sheer musicianship that couldn’t be found on the radio…not many stations out there playing 35 minute song suites!  Closure In Moscow are ridiculous players.  Like really good.  Inventive, not afraid to challenge themselves musically or vocally.  If you like Coheed & Cambria or Mars Volta, you’ll love them.

Cracker • Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey

Just plain old GREAT songwriting.  David Lowry is a casual friend around town, but his influence on regional music is hard to measure.  This album stands alongside their best work and holds up very well.  You’ll find yourself humming melodies and vocal lines after the first listen.  Infectious and well-done local Richmond music for the masses.  The show at the National in Richmond last year was a highlight of my concert year.  Great classics mixed with modern, mature songwriting.

Dirty Projectors • Bitte Orca

File this under “experimental” – these guys are what Frank Zappa would write and produce if he were in a modern indie band.   The music is challenging and unconventional, but listenable at the same time.  An acquired taste that’s more interesting every time you hear it.  They collaborate with David Byrne and Bjork, if that tells you anything about the lack of conventional boundaries that make up the sound of Dirty Projectors.

Dream Theater • Black Clouds & Silver Linings

This double CD set rips your jugular out from the first :30 and keeps it up for its entirety.  In some ways excessive in arrangement and orchestration, but you’d expect that from Dream Theater.  Another fantastic band that consistently sells out wherever they play based on sheer talent alone (radio is certainly not going to play these 15 minute+ songs).  A must-have for any heavy/progressive fan…but then again all Dream Theater music is.  One of the most talented bands on the planet.

Drivin’ N Cryin’ • The Great American Bubble Factory

One of my favorite songwriters, Kevn Kinney, back with his seminal band Drivin’ N Cryin’ for their first disc in 13 years or so.  Fantastic American storyteller who finds himself rocking again with some old friends.  This is one of the most under-appreciated artists in America who always plays like he’s at Madison Square Garden, whether playing for 2,000 or 20 people.  And I’ve seen both.

Go see them if you get the chance.  You can thank me later.

Fu Manchu • Signs of Infinite Power

My favorite driving CD of the year.  Put this on and set cruise control quickly before you get a ticket.  Guaranteed to make your head bob, your booty bounce, and your heart rate to race.  Think Black Sabbath for skaters/surfers, this band helped define the whole “stoner rock” scene along with Kyuss and Queens of the Stone Age.  The riffs are heavy and overdriven, the music slamming.  Get it and put some earplugs in if you’re too old.

Heaven & Hell • The Devil You Know

This is Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio on vocals, the same lineup that recorded “Heaven & Hell” in 1981.  The metalhead in me loves this.  Trudging, heavy, and melodic stories of dragons, evil, and emotion, these songs showcase the vocals and playing of Ronnie and Tony Iommi beautifully.  It sounds old-school, yet modern at the same time.  It stayed in my CD player in my Pathfinder for almost a month.  Always a sign of a great CD!  Sabbath fans – GET IT.

Rodrigo y Gabriela • 11:11

Latin flamenco craziness played by fans of Pantera and Metallica, these two musicians from Mexico City have been in my playlists for a few years now.  The new album cements their status as GODS of their genre, along with Al Dimeola and more conventional artists.  What makes these guys different is their ability to get thousands at Bonnarroo off their butts and dancing with devil horns flying at the same time.  A truly cultural anomaly that deserves your attention.  Musically untouchable if you enjoy acoustic music.

The Mars Volta • Octahedron

These guys are NUTS.  In the most experimental band performing today, each of these members gets an overly ambitious amount of room to move around and make noise that somehow manages to work together.  Mix some Zappa with some Led Zeppelin with Slayer, then add LOTS of LSD (literally, they’re big proponents)…shake well and pour into a cup of absinthe and somehow turn that up to 11.  Voila!  Not for the squeemish, some of their stuff requires multiple listens with headphones for full effect and appreciation.  Get it.

Mastodon • Crack the Skye

These guys pick up where the Melvins, Ozzy, and Thin Lizzy left off, Mastodon’s innovative, lyrically astute blend of progressive metal, grindcore, and hardcore has positioned them as the melodic alternative to other heavy acts like Lamb of God.  Heavy, grooving, and haunting at the same time, the band has added an additional layer of melodic vocals to the new album that make it even more accessible without selling out! I recommend this CD for great driving tunes!

Muse • The Resistance

American audiences are late-comers for this band, who have already conquered Europe and most of the world in terms of chart success and sales.  My theory is that we’re WAY to short-sited to take in music with this much ambition and arrangement.  These guys are a modern Queen – not afraid to orchestrate, layer, and harmonize while rocking you with some of the best stadium-ready guitar riffs around.  And they do it as a 3-piece!  I saw them a few times this year and was blown away with their tight musicianship.

Porcupine Tree • The Incident

Steven Wilson’s progressive rock monster of a band, like Muse is also under-appreciated in America, yet incredibly talented.  I try to explain these guys as:  the mellowness of Pink Floyd, the power of Rush, the dynamics of Smashing Pumpkins, and the raw talent of Dream Theater.  Something like that.  They’re another great headphones band, especially if you’re not afraid of unconventional, longer works of music.  One of my favorite bands.

RX Bandits • Mandala

I absolutely love these guys for their quirky, tight arrangements.  If the Police were playing today (not as the old guys, the young kickass guys) this is what they’d sound like.  Frantic, yet clean guitars, mix with intricate drumming and pulsing rhythms that aren’t afraid of being unconventional and challenging.  Good stuff.  Some people think these guys are punk or emo.  I think this is melodic, pumped rock without boundaries of genre.

Street Sweeper Social Club

Tom Morello’s post-Rage band, alongside Boots Riley have created a new brand of bouncy, aggressive, funky, groove-oriented protest music.  Always political, you must give these guys full credit for standing for their values and ethical standards.  But beyond the politics, this is just fun window-rolled-down rock to crank up in the car.  These guys were an intense opening act for NIN/Jane’s Addiction this summer, it was just too bad more people didn’t show up early to take them in.  Their loss, my gain.

Umphrey’s McGee • Mantis

These guys are my favorite “musician’s band” as my friend Jeff would say.  Each member of Umphrey’s McGee is a master at what he does, and you simply won’t find another band in the jam/jazz/improvisational genre that can blaze like these guys (with the exception of Phish when they’re playing and ON).  I consider them progressive rock, but they could easily slip into jam/experimental music.  They met in college and are highly educated musicians, speaking in terms of their playing and training, Umphrey’s always puts on a two-set, uniquely different show each night.  You simply never know what you’ll hear, but you can be sure it WILL blow you away.

Wolfmother • Cosmic Egg

If you want to channel Led Zeppelin in 2009, you’d pick this CD up, insert it in player of choice, and do some damage to your hearing with a fat grin on your face.  Pure, unadulterated rock, this version of Wolfmother has been remade from the first (read between the lines:  Andrew fired the rest of the band and started over for the most part).   If you have a convertible, go put the top down, put some Electric shades on, and really piss off your neighbors as you peel out of the driveway.  YEAH!  Great website, too.

DON’T BUY THIS ONE!  Chris Cornell • Scream

And last but not least the WORST album of 2009 must have been the Chris Cornell solo album produced by Timbaland.  Yep, I said Timbaland.  Truly horrific stuff here.  Don’t buy it.  I mean, really.  I’m a BIG Chris Cornell/Soundgarden fan, and I think this is atrocious.  I wish he had officially released the Live in Sweden acoustic show from last year.  If you can dig up a copy online to check out, look that one up.  Stay away from the mega-mix, dance-floor ready Scream album….it’s a stinker.

In closing, I spent an hour or so looking back at 2009’s releases.  I think we had a great year for music – there were many records that didn’t quite make it on this list, mainly due to my lazyness, not the quality of the recording!  Some other great releases included Dinosaur Jr, 3, The XX, U2, Dan Auerbach, Transatlantic (yea!!!), Tori Amos, Silversun Pickups, Manchester Orchestra, Rocco DeLuca, Rancid, Pearl Jam, Phish, Marillion, Jet, Lemonheads, Elvis Costello, as well as remasters of Radiohead and many more. It was a good year!

If you haven’t signed up for the blog via email, add yourself with the Feedburner subscription box in the upper left corner, and thanks again f0r reading The Rocket Ride!

Cheers,

Scott

I’m sure the new year always makes everyone nostalgic and reflective of the past, so what better way to end the decade and bring in the new year than with a witty, iconic chart. Check it out to see what you might have experienced, or missed.

Sure we’ve had our share of ups and downs, but the important thing is that we’re still here, and we’re still moving on.

Please leave some comments and let us know of some things that stood out to you in the last decade. How do you think our generation will be remembered in years to come?

I found this on the YouTube blog and thought it was a great reference for some really interesting “how-to” videos on YouTube.  Just goes to show, you can learn almost anything instantly these days if you only know where (or in some cases “how”) to look.

We’re working on screencast tutorials for two clients at the moment, as well as other video projects we’re sure you’ll enjoy.  We’ll keep you posted how those go…you’ll be able to see them on our YouTube Channel here.

Don’t forget that YouTube now supports 1080P HD video, so don’t be afraid – you’ll actually get much better resolution out of YouTube at the moment than you’ll see from any other medium other than Blu-Ray.

Printed from the YouTube blog, originally found here.

From bacon-infused drinks to saving money — what *can’t* you learn on YouTube?

Richmond, VA • Monday, August 31, 2009

Chris Miller joins the team at Rocket Pop

Rocket Pop Media announced today that Chris Miller has joined the company and has been appointed Manager of Strategic Solutions.  Chris brings a decade of Internet marketing experience to Rocket Pop Media, with an emphasis on creative online solutions, social media integration, brand identity, and strategy.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Chris as the newest team member at Rocket Pop,” says Scott Dickens, founder and President.  “He has a tremendous record of innovation and creative thinking, as well as a deep understanding of both our market and the use of online integrated solutions to drive business.”

Miller’s direct responsibilities will include development and sales of integrated social media, video, and online client strategies.  Rocket Pop is looking forward to continued growth with the expansion, including increased brand awareness for SNAP, Rocket Pop Media’s innovative and scalable “Social Networking Acclamation Package.”

“We’re excited to hear about Chris’ involvement at Rocket Pop Media,” said Charlie Diradour of Lion’s Paw Development. “We look forward to continued excellence and the additional resources he will provide as we move forward with Rocket Pop Media.”

Miller provides a wealth of experience and creativity in online marketing from working directly with companies of all sizes over the past 8 years.  Most recently, Chris developed and implemented unique online strategies for local and regional businesses as an independent “Netrepreneur” and consultant.  In the three years prior, he served as the Executive Product Developer for a budding national family web portal.

Chris started his online career early by working on the Clear Channel Radio launch of their multi-station Virginia Internet programs, after selling his mobile/indoor billboard media startup (featured in Entrepreneur Small Business Start Ups).   Other relevant experience includes strategic sales & development for Lamar Outdoor, AmazingMail.com, Valpak Direct Mail Systems, and several other internet specialty companies and website properties.

Rocket Pop Media is a full-service advertising agency providing turnkey solutions for brand development, online marketing, video production, and social media solutions.  The company, founded in 2000 by Scott Dickens, is a boutique agency and production house focused on impact and value for their clients.

For additional information, contact Scott Dickens: (804) 644-2525, or scott@rocketpopmedia.com

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Here’s the deal.  If you’re working on a PC running Windows, please do yourself a favor and kick Internet Explorer to the curb.  I know, it’s easier because Microsoft pre-installs it and makes it the default browser, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the best or the easiest to use.  Once you discover Firefox, you’ll wonder how you got anything done without Add-Ons, Extensions, and all the other bonuses you get in addition to one of the fastest and most compliant browsers in the world.  So, go get your own copy of Firefox here!  Go.

Internet Explorer is notorious for security problems, and has a mind of its own sometimes when rendering html code properly.  Every other browser, no problem. But inevitably something will cease to work on Explorer.  As a web developer,  I’m dealing with at least two of these issues now, so I must admit that my insistence that everyone “cease and desist” with Explorer is at least partly selfish. While Explorer still has a grip on the browser market share on PCs, Firefox has climbed the ladder and now occupies 22.5% market share, including mobile devices, Macs (which you can’t even GET Explorer for anymore – whew!), and PCs that are preset to use Explorer.  That means that a good number of you who come across this article have already seen the light of day!

The other beauty of Firefox is that it’s an open source project, meaning that:

• It’s FREE
• There are thousands of people working on new functionality, plug-ins, add-ons, and extensions to make Firefox even more functional.
• It’s FASTER (Explorer ranks last in this regard when compared to Safari, Opera, and the leader Firefox).
• Cross-platform support

I personally use Macs and an iPhone, so Safari is the default choice rather than IE, but still not as functional and customizable as Firefox.  OK, so when you make the switch (and you WILL), there are about 5,000 add-ons waiting for you to customize your web browsing experience.  There are some essential add-ons and plug-ins and doo-dads and thingamabobs that I find essential to my day, and you might find useful:

PingFire – (pings updates automatically to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, blog, LinkedIN, etc- adds one button to your menu bar!
All-in-one Sidebar – organizes your add-ons, downloads, etc into a neat single sidebar.
Facebook Toolbar – automatically updates with number of messages, status, etc. – adds to the top menu of Firefox
FoxyTunes – adds a menu bar at the bottom to control iTunes, and monitor what you’re listening to, etc.
TwittyTunes - works with Firefox to ping your Twitter status with what you’re listening to, browsing, interested in, etc with one click. Also shortens URLs automatically.
StumbleUpon – for finding interesting websites, discovery, recommendations, or just inspiration.
TinyURL creator - to automatically shorten really long URL’s for easy emailing and inclusion in Twitter posts.
XMARKS – syncs your bookmarks across all your machines, automatically, including passwords (use at your own risk, although I trust it enough to use it myself.)
Video DownloadHelper – will download any Flash video, quicktime movie, etc from almost ANY website (YouTube, Vimeo, news sites, concerts), and will convert to most formats (including Quicktime), then add to iTunes for a killer video playlist!!
Boost for Facebook -  lets you “skin” Facebook with different themes colors.  Tired of that blue yet??
Clear Cache – adds  a simple button to your toolbar to clear the internet cache.  Really useful for web developers.
FireBug – allows you to view and adjust a site’s HTML/CSS code in real time! Pinpoint where that mysterious formatting problem originates. An ESSENTIAL tool for web designers.  Great for developers to discover file names, CSS formatting, includes, and font treatments embedded in code.

There are literally over 5,000 plug-ins for Firefox, some more useful than others. I use the list above every day, and would have a very hard time using another browser at this point. That should get you started!

Yet another blast from the exhaust of The Rocket Pop.

Ride the Rocket,

Scott Dickens
Owner and Social Media Junkie