The New Frontier

Okay - from the posting title, you'd think what I had to say here was something epic. Sorry.

If you want something epic with the same title, perhaps a good dose of Darwin Cooke's ode to the Silver Age of comic books.

It's nothing short of amazing.




My work however is less exciting. And far short of amazing.

I've taken a new position within CNN's L.A. bureau. Here's bureau chief Pete Janos with the latest:

Today we are beginning a new western region initiative that shows tremendous promise.
We have created a digital team to provide material for CNN’s many digital platforms.
Heading up this endeavor are Sara Weisfeldt and Matt West. They both bring a versatile skill set and passion to the project. They have already begun working on pilots for pod casts, pipeline, and CNN dot com.

The goal here is to take the lead on digital extensions for the CNN networks. Please send any digital platform ideas/concepts/programs you have to Matt and Sara.

And there you go. It's a collaborative effort all the way with very few parameters. It's a little daunting, but pretty exciting at the same time. It's basically whatever I want it to be.

I've got to be honest - I pitched this concept out about 6 months ago. When the original idea seemed to die on the table, I wasn't sure I wanted to stay with CNN. So unsure in fact, I found myself applying for a position with the X-Prize Foundation as their Director of Production.

The interview process there was very exciting and was told the decision was between me and one other candidate.

Coincidentally, at the time that the folks at X-Prize were trying to decide between me and that other person, CNN finally came around and offered me this opportunity. At the time, I was set on leaving and going to join the X-Prize.

Fate had other plans. The X-Prize Foundation chose my competition (something about their having more of an entrepreneurial background and costing less). Either way, second prize wasn't so bad.

I've been at this for a little more than a week and today, I finally came to the decision that I actually like what I'm doing.

I'm working towards a big presentation in Atlanta in about a week and a half, developing several new pilot segments for use on their digital platforms. It's a combination of writing and producing along with project management with a healthy dose of super-heroic innovation. It's been fun.

It should get more interesting in the coming weeks. It's a new frontier.
Without a power ring.



Maybe I can requisition one in the next budget cycle.

Random Nonsense

Because breakfast is indeed the most important meal of the day, how about a little retro-toaster goodness?

The good folks at Instructables.com have instructions on how to make your own 80's arcade themed toaster.

Of course, you should probably ask your parents' permission. Then again, if you're still living in your parents house, maybe you should spend less time on funky arts-and-crafts and think about something a little more productive.

If you're a music junkie like me, Critical Metrics is probably gonna be your new pusher.

It's a new site that collects reviews from all across the music spectrum and gives you samples of the best new music according to critics, DJ's and tastemakers. You can listen to tracks, read the reviews and if you like what you hear, you can link to online retailers such as iTunes and Rhapsody to buy them.

Speaking of new music, the new Bjork album drops tomorrow in the U.S.* It's ridiculously good. But then again, I'm a fan.
You either get it or you don't.

And chances are, if your only reference for the pixie like, Icelandic vocal wunderkind is her "swan dress" appearance at the Academy Awards in 2001, you don't.

(*I say "in the U.S." as if I have a wide, international readership...)