The Monthly Pimp: January '09 Edition

Although it’s been way more than a month, per our little agreement, here’s some recent Merlin-related stuff that may interest you. Really good stuff this time around.

Today/Friday: Macworld PULSE

Like Chairman Gruber, I’m frustrated that it’s crazy-hard to link to our session. But, basically today is one (wow, long) day of TED-ish 20-minute presentations from…

Dan DiPaola, Co-Founder, HD-encoding.com

Adam Engst, TidBITS

John Gruber, Daring Fireball

Craig Hockenberry, The Iconfactory

Andy Ihnatko, The Chicago Sun Times

Vincent LaForet, Photographer

Merlin Mann, 43 Folders

Chris Pirillo, Lockergnome

Rick Smolan, Photographer

Ge Wang, Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA), Stanford University

Musical Group LIYANA

Great group, if — yikes — a total sausage fest. Come hear me make shit up about “Design Patterns” for creativity.

I’m pretty sure my session is at 11:20. Right after Gruber. So, if anyone asks, I’ll be happy to do my impression of him. He loves that.

New Video Project: “Most Days”

Most Days

Most Days (2009-01-04) from Merlin Mann on Vimeo.

I’m trying my hand at a (close to) daily video. Basically, every morning, I turn on the camera and just start talking. With the barest of preparation, no script, no editing, and ideally no more than two takes. The primary goal is regularity over polish, and the ideal outcome is whatever the heck it turns into.

I’m only committing to doing it (daily) for a week. But, given what I’m hoping to do with video over the next year, I have a feeling it’ll go longer. We’ll see. It’s an exercise in I’m-not-quite-sure-what, but I hope you’ll enjoy it. Or at least tolerate it.

In keeping with that lack of certainty (and with a deliberate openness to whatever the project decides it wants to be), I’ve titled it, “Most Days.”

I’m no Jean Shepherd, but, what the heck, it’s a project.

CBC Spark “How to Blog” Series

Spark | CBC Radio | Full Merlin Mann Series: How To Blog

I do a regular bit on CBC’s wonderful Spark radio program. If you enjoyed my “How to Blog” video, you’ll like this 5-part series we did on the same topic. Man, I love working with Nora and Dan. They’re just great people and total pros.

Here’s a zip file of all the Spark segments in one place.

You Look Nice Today: “The Noises Rest”

“The Noises Rest” on Vimeo
The Noises Rest | You Look Nice Today

OK, I’ll admit it: I’m really proud of this.

MoMA (yes: that MoMA) asked us “You Look Nice Today” guys to make a video response to some silent films that they screened the other night. So, Adam, Scott, and I got together in LA a few weekends ago, and made “The Noises Rest.”

It’s a short film about doing “Foley” for silent movies. We wrote and shot it ourselves, and Adam (as usual) did an amazing job with editing the final product. Supposedly Michel Gondry was at the screening. Which is terrifying.

Looks way better in gorgeous HD, but here’s an embed for you:

“The Noises Rest” from lonelysandwich on Vimeo.

Don’t tell anyone, but “You Look Nice Today” is my favorite thing I do. Love those magnificent bastards. And their car horns. Subscribe to YLNT on the iTunes.

Also

Exclusive Audio Interview: Leo Interviews Merlin Mann of 43 Folders - I really like this interview. Leo was nice. If you enjoy the “new” 43f direction toward creativity, rather than “productivity tips,” you’ll get some insight into how I arrived here. If that matters to you.
SF Sketchfest: Monsters of Podcasting w/ Jordan, Jesse, Go! and You Look Nice Today at Eureka Theatre (Sunday January 25, 2009) - Upcoming - Come see You Look Nice Today and Jordan, Jesse, Go! live on stage, at the insanely great SF SketchFest. Tickets here.
Integrated Media Association Conference - Pretty sure I’m confirmed as a speaker at this public radio conference in Atlanta next month. Hoping I can finally meet Jay Allison and give him his long-overdue opportunity to punch me in the mouth. While someone gently fingerpicks a guitar.
43 Folders Clips - Don’t forget about the new 43f sub-blog of notable things that are getting my attention. [RSS it]

And, finally

You should totally hire me to speak to your company or group. I’m good at it, plus it’s really fun and theoretically useful. Now booking Quarter 2 and beyond. Email Erica: speaking at merlin mann dot com.

As ever, thanks for your patience with the pimping. I appreciate your time and attention very much.

43 Folders