I’ve gotten pretty quick at blasting through a photoshoot in Lightroom to select my favorites, do some basic color correction, and spit out some jpgs. So I thought I’d share a sped-up video of the process from a recent blind tasting at the Snooth HQ. Enjoy!
Say it ain’t so! Looks like they’re finally pulling the plug on that aging Sony PSP billboard on Houston Street.
I had a wonderful and totally not-terrifying experience at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday.
Among the bevy of things I’ve learned while working Snooth, one that caught me off guard (even though it’s pretty much the entire point of the site) is that it IS possible to know a lot about wine and not be a dick about it. I guess for a number of historical reasons, being “into” wine is seen as a pretty snooty endeavor, but the more I think about it and the more I learn, you can geek out about wine as much as you can geek out about anything.
Gregory Dal Piaz - a fellow Snoother, a Master of the Domaine (wait, that’s actually pretty funny), and a genuine nice guy - first got me thinking about this when he referred to his peers as fellow “wine geeks” rather than what I was expecting him to say - “wine snobs.” (True, while a snob would probably never admit to being one, it takes a true geek to refer to him/herself as a geek - it’s a basic tenant of Geek Pride.) So when Greg dropped that g-bomb, everything just became a lot clearer for me.
As with any topic, hobby, sports team, or other endeavor that inspires geeking, wine offers all the back-story, trivia, subtle distinctions, and of course - enjoyment - that makes it hold up as a pretty enjoyable thing to geek out about. Plus it can get you shitfaced. (Let’s see you try THAT, stamp collecting.)
So anyway, all this is what’s swirling around in my head as I read Greg’s latest blog post on the Snooth Blog, covering a blind tasting of Pinot Noirs for Thanksgiving. There’s a lot of no-nonsense, entertaining, and enlightening discussion about these wines (as well as a few well-placed curse words), and it’s all especially entertaining because nobody knows what they’re actually drinking until after all the reviews are done. Hence, none of the snottiness and all of the geekiness. It’s a lot of fun to read. (The photos are pretty good too. I’m just sayin…)
Geeky but fun question - how long has it been since you’ve restarted your computer? (If you’re a Mac user, the best way to find out is to open up the “Terminal” program inside your Applications > Utilities folder and type “uptime” without the quotes, then press return. Shazam.)
To the comments!
Do you ever have days when you feel privileged to know people who can make stuff this awesome?
Check out the trailer for Jason Pollock’s new documentary, “The Youngest Candidate.” Trailers don’t get much better than this.
PS - check out the movie’s website, http://www.theyoungestcandidate.com. It was designed by Shepard Fairey. Don’t know who Shepard Fairey is? He’s the guy that designed this. ‘Nuff said.
Ever wonder how creative professionals at a big ad agency goof off during brainstorming sessions? Check out markercomp.blogspot.com to see more. Full disclosure: this kicks ass.
Here’s another cross-post with the Snooth blog. I promise I’ll be adding more to this site in the near future, or Snooth isn’t a made up word!
If anyone’s curious, here’s some of the stuff I’ve been up to at Snooth.
Some very encouraging news coming from America these days. There’s not much particularly insightful information I can shed on the situation except to mention that from a branding perspective, it’s finally time to ditch the Obama “O” logo as fast as possible. It was a great symbol of change and it’s served him well, but to McCain supporters (who make up slightly less than half of our country) I’m sure it remains a strong symbol of their opponent. It’s time to switch back to the good ‘ol American flag - one of the most powerful brands in the world - and move forward as one country with one brand.
When I saw this satellite photo of Mount Everest, I couldn’t not put a tilt-shift effect on it. The result is pretty cool:
Palin Failin:
Yesterday was a pretty cool day at Snooth. Among a slew of usability improvements we rolled out, we launched the Snooth Pulse - a real-time geographical measure of what people are searching for on Snooth. I hope you’re ready to have your mind blown.
We also added a Features page, which basically gives people an overview of Snooth at a glance, and showcases a pretty nifty video I put together. That’s right - I just said nifty.
Exclusive photo of John McCain’s notepad from last night’s debate:
Any street photographer will tell you that one of the most difficult parts of photographing people is building up your balls.
That’s right. Your balls.
Because in most societies (including ours) it’s considered rude as hell to whip out a camera and start taking a stranger’s picture without permission. Sure, there are ways around this - such as shooting from the hip, using a telephoto lens to keep your distance, or a few other tricks up the discreet photographer’s sleeve. But in my opinion, if you don’t have the balls to walk up to someone and snap their picture, then you’re doing it wrong.
Cut to today, when I’m walking through SoHo enjoying some rare free time, and low and behold I see Vincent DonOfrio sitting on a street corner outside his trailer during a break in shooting Law & Order, Criminal Intent. I had my Canon G9 in my pocket so I figured it would be a good chance to grow my balls a little bit by snapping a picture of arguably one of the most intense actors of our time. (Sure, he’s been in some crap lately, but the guy was in Full Metal Jacket. I mean, come on.)
So I stop in the middle of the sidewalk, fish out my camera, and take aim. And get this - he looks at me. And his eyes are doing more than just looking into my eyes. His eyes are looking into my soul, telling me he’s going to murder my children. My children. So I took the picture and got both the hell out of there and the heeby jeebies at the same time.
So that’s about it. Enjoy the photo below. It’s going to cost me dearly.
It’s no surprise to me that the very same scheming Wall Street financial engineers who masterminded such risky practices as credit default swaps and naked short selling have unveiled their latest, and perhaps most brilliant way to keep raking it in - the “triple fist”.
Hold on to your shoes people. Or at least tie your shoelaces very tight. Because what I’m about to tell you is going to knock your socks clean off and I don’t want your shoes flying all over the place and hitting some person in the face.
Tomorrow I’ll be leaving my post as group creative director at DCF Advertising as I transition my career trajectory from advertising into interactive and information design. So starting next Monday I’ll be settling in as the full-time web designer at my favorite website ever, Snooth.com.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t first say that the folks at DCF Advertising have been great to me for the past four and a half years. And when I told them I’d be moving on they were incredibly understanding and supportive. I’m going to miss working there. But enough with the tiny violins. Let’s talk about wine.
I’m so psyched to be working at Snooth it should be illegal. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Snooth, it’s the world’s largest online wine database wrapped in a slick interface (designed by my buddy Clint) and backed by a home-grown, extremely powerful social network and community. I could call it “Facebook for wine” but that would be a gross understatement. It’s a place where you can review wines (even if you’re a wine idiot like me), see what your friends are drinking and reviewing, and find wines close to your home. But here’s the kicker - Snooth’s magical algorithm will recommend wines for you based on what you like and dislike - automatically. So it’s a great site for people who know everything about wine and for people who know nothing about wine. Stop what you’re doing right now and create a free account and add me as a friend - my screen name is solomania9. Do it. DO IT!!!
So the bottom line is that working at Snooth will allow me to stay on the cutting edge of today’s web technology, while utilizing my passion for creating engaging and memorable experiences on the web and beyond. That’s a roundabout way of saying it’s going to be pretty fucking sweet. I’ll keep everyone posted.
Now please carry on and start picking up all the smithereens that used to be your shoes.
I just finished creating the website for ID Real Estate Partners, LLC - a New York based real estate company that offers a progressive approach to real estate mixed with boatloads of experience.
Long-time readers of this blog will remember a photoshoot I did at the top of Nelson Tower (link here). Well as you may have guessed, that shoot was for the ID Real Estate site. I’m very happy with how everything turned out, and especially glad that I didn’t die in the process.
Mike Solomon lives in New York City where he works as Creative Director at Snooth.
Recent Wines
10.16.08 at 1:03 pm
I have poo in my pants…
10.16.08 at 4:14 pm
I need a diaper change … quick
10.16.08 at 5:23 pm
Oh great, now I’ve got the AIDS too.
10.16.08 at 7:30 pm
Hanoi Hilton flashback….
10.16.08 at 10:22 pm
oh-crap i think i got cancer again. hope everyone is ready for prez palin
10.16.08 at 11:04 pm
Let me see you stripped, Obama!..
—————————-
btw, Mike…. www.per.ec - the same idea …heh!…
10.17.08 at 4:05 am
Gawd, BA-rack, when’s the last time you took a shower?
10.17.08 at 1:28 pm
Ugh… Heart Attack!!!
10.17.08 at 6:03 pm
my tongue tastes like bad shower
10.17.08 at 6:05 pm
. . .this guy smells like curry
10.18.08 at 4:12 am
Let’s roleplay! You be Joe the Plumber and I’ll lick your plumber’s crack!
10.18.08 at 10:11 am
I’m shit in the polls but my creepiness index is through the roof!
10.18.08 at 10:12 am
EEERRRRGGGGG!!! What did u eat yesteday?
10.19.08 at 8:15 pm
I must take this but home !!
10.20.08 at 1:47 pm
Braiiins…. must find braaaains… for masteeeeer
10.20.08 at 7:04 pm
I just touched a black man’s ass…..erghh, they wont like that at the next KKK gathering…..I’m in trouble.
10.21.08 at 9:26 am
Hey, give me back my credibility…. I think I see it….. Arghh, it’s all dirty now…
[LMAO Oh man, I’m on a roll]
10.21.08 at 9:29 am
You put your right hand in, you put you right hand out, you put your right hand in and you shake it all about…..
10.21.08 at 9:53 am
Honey, wait for me, you know I cant walk that fast….
(Obama) Man, why can’t I just put him in a home??
10.21.08 at 9:55 am
aawwwwwsss!!! smels like teen spirit!!!
10.21.08 at 5:58 pm
my name is simpson - hoomer simpson.
10.22.08 at 3:36 am
igor needs obama’s ass for experiments
10.23.08 at 10:34 am
Shit!! I hawe so short tongue to lick him. I must train more
10.23.08 at 11:43 am
Hey Obama, you debate like this, “dur dur dur!”
10.23.08 at 6:26 pm
Is that a Pubic Hair of Palin in my Through? Ihiieee she got a shave that Cold Alaskapussy.
10.24.08 at 9:59 am
Oh, I remember the good times…
10.25.08 at 8:42 am
Obama is the best candidate
10.25.08 at 8:51 am
John McCain approves this hand jive.
10.25.08 at 11:12 pm
I have two left hands
10.26.08 at 11:56 am
Waaooo Mama, I wanna kiss your black ass.
10.27.08 at 4:24 pm
You think you’ve got the All Blacks thing covered?… KA MATE, KA MATE, KA ORA, KA ORA…..
10.28.08 at 7:54 am
Homo….orthograde
10.28.08 at 9:57 am
oh YOUR ASS SMELL LIKE A YOUR WOMEN´S PUSSY
10.29.08 at 11:59 am
Help me! The black man took my pills from me!!!
10.29.08 at 3:28 pm
(Maybe if I keep acting like I’m senile, I’ll get the sympathy vote.)
Look at me I’m retaaarded!
duuuhhhhh….
10.29.08 at 8:03 pm
Meeestah Lova lova
10.31.08 at 6:13 am
McCain: “Race will never be an issue in this election, the US has come a long way in terms of racial equality. I have no doubt in my mind that the fact that Obama is… UUrrghh… NNNgghhkk… UUUURRRGGHhh
AAAARRRUUGGHHHHHH…. gurrrrrhh… URRRGHHKYHRHRH… erm sorry… is… UUrrghh… NNNgghhkk… UUUURRRGGHhh
AAAARRRUUGGHHHHHH…. gurrrrrhh… URRRGHHKYHRHRH…”
Intercom Guy: (Slightly grainy radio sound)”McCain, gather yourself together… Talk some bullshit to cover your ass, youc an do that… Can’t you?”
McCain: Woah… oh woah… Sorry guys… I have erm… umm… convulsive tongue wagging syndrome. It, is a terrible disease that plagues millions of decent Americans.”
10.31.08 at 7:56 am
Gotta get me some piece of that fine black ass.
10.31.08 at 9:02 am
Oh, how I want, but can …
11.06.08 at 6:05 am
At least I’ll tell my grandchilren I vomited on the President…
11.08.08 at 12:58 pm
Bleeeh,I won’t eat those cockroaches…
11.13.08 at 6:56 am
hahaha
what about whis?
http://www.creomania.com/forum/index.php?s=029dcba3755beec19dee4b6506731c58&showtopic=35079
11.13.08 at 8:13 am
I switched his water for a glass of my urine… WHEN did he switch it back?
11.14.08 at 11:33 pm
yammii!!!
11.15.08 at 11:25 am
I DIDN’T RISK MY DIGNITY TO HAVE A BUNCH OF RETARDS LEAVE HORRIBLY UNFUNNY CAPTIONS!!!
11.16.08 at 6:46 am
After ecletion ill enjoy this sweet butt
11.16.08 at 8:34 am
At first i was like…
11.18.08 at 5:33 pm
Back that shit up!
11.19.08 at 4:26 pm
c’m ere, bami! i’m gonna screw you, but GOOD!
11.20.08 at 10:35 am
Say Obama… What’s that smell?
11.20.08 at 11:23 am
A mirrooooorr….AAAHHH
11.20.08 at 2:41 pm
aiq rica jorrrrrs
11.21.08 at 10:35 am
FFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUU
11.24.08 at 2:10 pm
how would u like to suck my balls?
11.25.08 at 7:41 am
guys
11.25.08 at 2:19 pm
your but looks tasty oboma i hope my nose wont turn brown
11.25.08 at 4:56 pm
I just remembered Mr. Burns of that great television programm ‘The Simpsons’. He is my great rolemodel!
Perhaps I should start to act like him? The good-looking is nearly the same.
11.26.08 at 5:16 am
“there’s shit on your pants”
11.27.08 at 10:08 am
“There’s shit on your pants…”
11.27.08 at 10:09 am
* non-verbal *
11.27.08 at 10:10 am
Mmmm, pomacałbym takie czarne dupsko…
11.27.08 at 11:27 am
behind you !
11.29.08 at 5:08 pm
Too much booty in the pants…
11.30.08 at 3:56 pm
yack that stuff on obama’s d**k not taste good
12.02.08 at 1:14 pm
lol
12.03.08 at 3:41 pm
Hi#
12.07.08 at 2:10 am
Ble…
12.12.08 at 1:52 pm
umm l like bum
12.13.08 at 2:49 pm
obamas ass is hot
12.16.08 at 8:38 am
WOW! BIG!
12.16.08 at 9:13 am
ACK - OOP!
12.16.08 at 10:13 am
I catch youuuu!
12.17.08 at 9:25 am
wow nice black ass///i liiiike it))))
12.17.08 at 12:32 pm
Come back! Unfreeze me! I didn’t mean it. :(
12.18.08 at 10:47 am
woow… thiis ass… i want to liick it…:)
12.19.08 at 2:20 pm
I guess once you go black…you can’t go back. Ugh…
12.20.08 at 12:43 pm
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHNUS
12.20.08 at 11:28 pm
WTF???
12.21.08 at 6:44 pm
I’m holding this ass cheek, Obama, grab the other one. Excuse me Sir, Can I lick that for you?
12.26.08 at 5:06 pm
ufff
12.27.08 at 9:32 am
After Election, now…ERECTION!
12.31.08 at 12:36 am
Hey, why do you kissed my mum?
12.31.08 at 11:06 am
NIGGER
12.31.08 at 11:08 am
uummbbllluughh , hell no i dont want sloppy seconds with ophrah!!!!
01.05.09 at 1:41 pm
YUUUK!! Losing always did leave a bad taste in my mouth!
01.07.09 at 2:05 am
he has sharp blades up his ass,my tongue hurts!!
01.07.09 at 12:51 pm
he has sharp blades up his ass,my tongue hurts!!
edit : forgot to add anme :D
01.07.09 at 12:52 pm
WAZUUUUUPPP???
01.15.09 at 11:01 am
i want to take it!
01.27.09 at 1:54 pm
fuck dick cunt
01.30.09 at 9:50 am
que culo que tiene¡¡
01.30.09 at 10:18 am
I can´t dance, I can´t walk….
01.31.09 at 8:50 am
yes i do it for my Country
or yes i can
02.06.09 at 3:44 am
Look at mee, I’m a breakdancing dinosaur!!!
02.09.09 at 9:00 am
Bruce Willis is dead…
02.11.09 at 6:19 pm
I aaaam aaaa zoooombiiiieeee…
02.13.09 at 6:57 am
Obama! c’mon man we can be friends………. get my hands on some fried chicken … yeaaaahhhh!
02.15.09 at 9:10 am
Oh you’re wife fucked like my mother
02.18.09 at 9:39 am
This is Spartaaaa!
02.18.09 at 11:04 am
Do the Humpty Dance……
02.21.09 at 1:06 pm
iirghhhh, you pass gas *barf*
02.27.09 at 7:53 am
igrencsin yavrum!! birdaha yap göreyimm
02.27.09 at 7:54 am
you have got a fucking ass
XP
03.10.09 at 1:13 pm
Obama I can be your dog, look at me I can imitate a dog.
03.27.09 at 1:39 pm
obama is the president?!
ARRRGH
my heart!!!
03.31.09 at 4:31 am
In times of desperation thou must eat thy enemy…
04.04.09 at 7:15 pm
I like big asses :D
04.10.09 at 10:40 am
hey hussein do you want to see a joke? kah kah kkhh :)
04.19.09 at 4:36 am
you have some shit on your ass. Let me wipe it off for you. EEEEWWWWW does not taste like chocolate like those mushrooms said it would. MMMMMMMMM mushrooms.
04.23.09 at 12:33 pm
F**K THE SYSTEM!
04.27.09 at 5:12 pm
i’m BEOWULF!!
05.25.09 at 5:33 am
America is for white only… You can be a president in your ghetto only.
06.13.09 at 12:45 pm
Your mother ass was big like that, this night, your turn nigger
06.13.09 at 12:54 pm
U’ve lost ur chance with Condoleeza…
06.13.09 at 12:59 pm
Fuu!!, what small $-(
06.19.09 at 12:11 am
fuck.
06.27.09 at 10:18 pm
Must… Eat… Giant… Invisible… Burger…
09.02.09 at 9:17 am
COVER THAT ANKLE, I CAN SEE YOUR ANKLE.
09.03.09 at 11:48 pm
If I looked any more stupid, and could get any more captions on my dum ass posted, I would look like the former prez. George W Bush. Oh come on Barak, give it to me bro.
09.06.09 at 10:00 pm
3 meters…2 meters…1 meter…
09.12.09 at 2:18 pm
WAZAAAAA!!!!!!
09.30.09 at 2:16 pm
That’s evolution (from human-left, to monkey-right)
10.15.09 at 3:48 am