Props to Squarespace!

I've been using Squarespace to publish my blog for a couple of months now, kind of on a trial basis to see if I liked it enough to permanently move over from Typepad, which I've been using since 2004.

I really, really like it. Even though I've had to re-learn a few commands and get used to a totally different publishing interface, I find the service overall intuitive and fun to use, and the themes look good.

Speaking of themes, mine was custom made by Krystyn Heide, Squarespace Design Architect who does fantastic work (she's the brilliant mind behind my buddy Kevin Pereira's blog, among others). Not only do I think Krystyn is extremely talented, but she put up with my non-designer ass for about a month while I hemmed and hawed about where my search bar should go (I'm not kidding, I changed it about 12 times... in 2 days. If I were her I would have dumped me so hard). So, a huge thank you to Krystyn! You can check out her custom designs and learn more about her here.

Everyone else at Squarespace has been wonderful and has made my transition as smooth as possible. If you're looking for a good blog host/engine, Squarespace has my vote.

And now, back to Christmas shopping...

This WEEK in FUN

Recently I posted a video of my friend and colleague Leo Laporte teaching me how to operate his Tricaster setup in the TWiT cottage. It was a complicated (and humbling!) tutorial.

Leo gave me his blessing to "take over" the cottage while he takes a much-needed vacation over the holidays - a generous offer, considering my limited knowledge of the Tricaster. But one that I could not refuse. So my old pal Martin Sargent and I decided to have a little fun!

My friends, I present to you... This WEEK in FUN #1 (shoot date 12/18/08):

But wait, there's more! Martin and I had so much FUN with TWiF #1 that we decided to shoot another "show." (what can I say... we love to hear ourselves talk)

Keeping in mind that the actual "show" doesn't start until roughly one-third of the way in, my friends, I present to you... This WEEK in FUN #2 with bonus guest: the lovely and talented DemoGirl! (shoot date 12/21/08):

Big thanks to the folks at odtv.me for hosting these files!

Baby, It's Cold Inside

When one gets flustered by chilly temperatures in my house, one usually resorts to any or all of the following three things:

1. Red wine to numb frostbitten extremities

2. Chips and hot salsa to fire up the sinuses

3. Photo shoot with furry, warm friend who may or may not agree with your overall artistic vision

Unicorns & Cats. All I've Ever Needed.

Three things:

1.  Pretty sure I'll never have a shagged-out bowl cut again in my lifetime.
2.  Sweet tan, Sarah.
3.  That cheetah is so high.

Tricasting.. It's Complicated

Here's an exciting excerpt from my most recent visit to the TWiT studio as Leo Laporte teaches me how to use the Tricaster (thanks to odtv.me for hosting the video!).

Apologies for our rather mundane conversation while I was learning the ropes. It really is challenging to maintain a conversation while keeping cameras, graphics, and everything else straight when you're live, trust me! Keep in mind that I'm sitting where Leo usually sits and "switches" his shows (by "switches" I mean controls all aspects of the Tricaster) singlehandedly. It's a lot of work, so kudos to him.

But I love a good challenge, so I'll be back to the TWiT studio soon for more practice. :) More details as they develop. In the meantime, I'm taking suggestions: what would you like me to talk about next time I'm there?