Don't Sell Me Bro (guest starring me)

I have trouble selling what I do. I'm not sure if it's a lack of confidence that what I do is valuable (it's easy for me, but only because I have lots of practice), have an issue asking people for money (highly likely) or I just don't like talking to people (unlikely), but I've never been a great salesman.

When Conrey and Cooke offered me some quick sales training on their Don't Sell Me Bro podcast, I jumped right on it.

Excellent tips and a few pointers that I'm still using. My biggest lesson?

Ask for the sale. Never going to happen unless you ask.

Very proud today

There are times in my life that I am completely, totally and absolutely both proud of myself and the people that I know. While I frequently make do with arrogance and bravado, this time it's the most humble form of pride that I know.

A friend sent this yesterday: 

"Short and sweet: I finally figured out what I want to do when I grow up because of you. Thanks for that. Keep doing what you do."

I did nothing to directly help my buddy, but I'm damn happy that I assisted.

Scooter riding has perks

I just drove nearly two miles at night on a 50cc scooter through a few busy intersections while impaired, wearing Vibrams and listening to music via earbuds.

I'm not sure if I have a death wish or that I think I'm invincible, but I feel fucking alive right now.

Fast Five Man Date on Sunday, 5/1 at 10am

Think you're manly? Do you like fast cars, wooden characters, big explosions and predictable plots? IS SHINY AND LOUD A REQUIRED FEATURE FOR YOU?

If so, join us for an East Valley Man Date on Sunday, 5/1 at 10am. We'll be watching Fast Five at the Harkins SanTan. 

We'll be there a few minutes before and will enter the theater no later than 9:45am. If you're late or still getting popcorn, look for us inside.

Best entrance ever

Dose Fly Id - TEDxScottsdale

As a sometimes journalist, full-time writer a very amateur video creator, I don't often have trouble getting people to open up. I have a ton of practice in asking probing questions that get interview subjects to open up about topics they normally wouldn't speak about.

When the subject knows that a) anything recorded will be edited and b) I'm not in it to make them look stupid, they usually relax a bit and we have our conversation, I take my notes and then write my story.

But in this case, the interview WAS the story, as we were trying to set up as realistic a presentation as possible without making it look like Dose had people behind the camera prodding him. So, we tried to ask ONE question and let him give his presentation.

We tried that three times. It didn't work.

Then Bob had the idea just to turn on the camera, start talking as a group and slowly ease out of the frame. This worked well, and the video you see has a minimum of edits. Most of the segues were his own.

Airport, Bikilas and Surround Sound System for sale!

Time to pass on a bunch of stuff I'm no longer using.

First, my b/g Airport Extreme Base Station. It's the UFO one AND it has a modem. No longer made. Works perfectly, I was offered a free newer one.
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/ele/2300887549.html

As much as I love Vibrams, I never could get used to my Bikilas. Time for someone with higher arches than my flat feet to try them out. Good condition.http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/clo/2317036154.html

Katie and I brought this JVC surround sound system back from Chicago because I really wanted it. Turns out, it's too loud for this apartment. Or I'm not man enough to handle the bass. Either way, someone else should be using this. Has TOSLINK (optical audio) inputs.
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/ele/2297192568.html

I'd rather not split the surround system up, but am willing to listen for the right price.