How in the world did I get here? I turned 35 a little while ago and for some reason 35 sounds so much older than 34. I'm not one to get caught up in a persons age. It's all mental to me, and well, a little physical too. Just before my birthday I had a collision at the end of a soccer game. I flipped over and landed on my shoulder, resulting in a trip to the hospital and a sprained AC joint. My arm was in a sling for a couple weeks and it's still hard to put my socks on.

My physical feeling of age is more due to the fact I'm out of shape and slightly overweight. A few years ago, after breaking my back, I worked out all the time, road my bike, swam, and did pilates and yoga. I was in great shape and felt better than I had in years. So I know my physical well being isn't as much about my age as it is my personal habits and amount of exercise I get.

I had a great birthday party with a friend of mine, Ryan Goedhart. We had a house party over at his place,a big ol' BBQ, with a DJ set up outside. A lot of good friends came out we danced the night away. People just don't have solid house parties any more. Next big party will be at 40 I guess.

The last shot is of me and Ryan, the night we were trying to figure out how to put out an eVite. You know you don't party like you used to when you can't remember how to post an eVite and all the contact information in your profile is out of date.

I continue to lose faith in the news media. I think they have forgotten the difference between current events and in-depth reporting. They, as media companies, don't seem to understand that different communication vehicles should be used for different types of media or information. I have a little theory about it? Then I'll get to why I like and would recommend watching The Daily Show.

So I find that there are a couple different communication mediums: words/text/copy, photography and video. You then communicate using different methods like traditional means of: newspapers, magazines, books, TV and the newer online medium of: blogging, twittering, photo galleries, streaming videos, digital downloads, YouTube, Hulu and social networking everything you find. What amazes me is that major media networks don't know how to differentiate the mediums, methods and content nor how to generate revenue from it.

I'm going on an unplanned tangent here, so I'll try to bring it back to the show here soon, but you'll see what I mean. Why is it that some TV news, newspapers and magazines are failing? Because much of their revenue model was based off of ad revenue, which the amount a company could charge for that advertising was/is based off of the number of people who view the content, or what's called "reach." No longer was media charged for or purchased for it's quality. Most news became measured on if it was the latest breaking story, not whether the story even is justified being told. Our news was no longer based off of investigative reporting, that's too expensive to generate and takes too long to put together. I think we have "Reality" programing to help thank for the demise. It's just cheaper to produce.

But if you are a TV show, newspaper or print magazine... you will lose to the Internet every time. There just is nothing faster, so if newspapers, magazines and TV are going to compete with the internet on "current events" or "happenings" they will never be as fast as online media. Online media, where the content is given away for free will end up generating more revenue off of advertising than traditional media going forward. Especially as media now is mobile with cell phones and laptops.

The level of production for much of the media has become hollow. I mean there is no depth to it, it just sits there looking at you with simplicity and basic face value. It is either straight up information or pure mindless entertainment. News media has become too sensitive and worries too much about making people feel uncomfortable. You have media outlets that pander to the left, to the right and some who try to be in the middle, but it's all mindless ranting and hearsay. I think that provocation, stimulating debate, is much more desirable than ignoring sensitive issues to avoid hurting anyones feelings. But what is communicated has to informed and educated, instead of most of the mindless reporting that is being done.

Traditional media is going to have to revert back to putting out quality content, that is different or premium to that of what is available online. People or consumers will have to pay for getting the content. They will have to make money off of putting out a quality product, that engages people mentally. It's about content management. How media companies distribute and syndicate the content that is current event news for free versus quality engaging information that is paid for.

I feel it's a lot like art, for it to be truly genuine, it has to be done free of financial restraints. Or the creator, director, writer or artist has to have complete freedom, both financially and with time constraints. For something to be worthwhile of my time, it has to have something provocative, engaging and a point of view. Too much of what we see today is pretty meaningless and just about fame. I think the news media has become too driven by revenue generation, so as the revenue started dropping, old business minds found themselves in a panic, not figuring out the root of their problem.

So to bring it all back now, because I could write a whole blog on my media theory, managing content and distribution, etc. I like engaging information, that is well thought out, makes me question, I like it to be entertaining and if at all possible, I like it to have some humor and humility.

I have found that The Daily Show with John Stewart has all of these things. It's makes fun of all the dumb reporting on the cable and main news shows, it pokes fun of the total absurdity that sometimes is American Politics, yet it has a level of intellectualism not found in today's news. Jon asks hard questions, not what many consider "hard" in today's news which is usually some rude, disrespectful question, but a hard question of substance that you wish other people would ask.

When I watch the show, it's almost like an affirmation of what I think or my opinion of much of main stream media. I think because the show can mask itself or hide behind the fact it's a comedy show, allows it to take on issues that other programs can not. I often wonder if Jon Stewart is more of a comedian or a voice for much of what's troubling Americas news media. He knows what many of us want and the show gives it to us in a non-serious, entertaining, engaging, thought provoking way. I believe their is half truths to most jokes, with The Daily Show, I think it's more like 3/4's of the content rings true.

I'm sure most have heard of or watched a little bit of the Daily Show. The following are a couple clips that I think demonstrate what I'm trying to say, from the online video communication medium doing it better than anybody, Hulu, and the "TV shows" own website.

Here's the format or one of the reason's why I like the show. The beginning is where Mr. Stewart goes through different news stories from MSNBC, CNN, FOX and even the non-cable news shows of NBC sometimes and makes fun of how poor their interviews and stories really are. Here's an example of a show just a little while ago. The beginning makes fun of reporting done on Pakistan, the whole Taliban and what's going on, then makes fun of how much coverage was given to when Obama and Biden went to lunch at a Hamburger joint. Check it out:

Now Jon Stewart also has a lot of guests on the show. Sometimes they are other comedians, sometimes they are actors promoting their latest film, lots of authors, but he also has political figures. One of his most interesting and invigorating interviews was with Jim Crammer of the CNBC show Mad Money. It just felt good to watch him tear into Jim Crammer on what he does on his "news" show. Watch it and you'll see what I mean. It's still funny and Jon keeps things light, but he gets straight to the point. He could do a similar interview with most anchors of news shows. Even Brian Williams, of the nightly news of NBC could be torn to shreds. Oh now I loved to see that, and I'm a fan of Brian Williams. I guess it also has to do with accountability. The news media used to hold everybody else accountable. Now they need somebody like Jon Stewart and The Daily Show to hold them accountable, because for some reason we the viewers are not.

Here's Part 1 of the interview:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 1
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

And if the first part got you engaged, here's the second part:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 2
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

Oh and the final part, let's get it all people:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Jim Cramer Pt. 3
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

It is almost my 35th birthday which causes, as most birthdays do, for me to reflect on my life. It makes me question my decisions and paths I've chosen. Then it makes me wonder about my future and how I will continue to grow.

As I do these things, I sometimes seek out help to some of life's questions. In doing so, I came across an amazing piece of work. It's the book, film and exhibition called "Wisdom." I would highly recommend it to anybody. Here's a little information on the concept:

"Inspired by the idea that one of the greatest gifts one generation can pass to another is the wisdom it has gained from experience, the Wisdom project, produced with cooperation from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, seeks to create a record of a multicultural group of people who have all made their mark on the world. Presented against the same white space, all of the subjects are removed from their context, which not only democratizes them, but also allows for a clear dialogue to exist between them. In an attempt to create a more profound, honest, and truly revealing portrait of these luminaries, the project encompasses their voices, their physical presence, and the written word. This comprehensive portrayal of such a profound and global group is an index of extraordinary perspectives. Wisdom is an ongoing project. Additions to the list of contributors continues."

The project was done by Andrew Zuckerman.

I think one of the reasons why I enjoyed this project so much was that it took one theme, multiple sub plots and then communicated a message that challenges you mentally through multiple communication mediums. I have only seen the movie and read the book. I wish I could have seen the exhibit.

Here's is the teaser to the film. I would also encourage you to visit the website, as it has different video edits explaining the concept and how the project came together. Go to: http://www.wisdombook.org/.

There are certain elements needed to enjoy the great sport of skiing, like snow for example. As many of us enjoy it, we are destroying that very environment at the same time, putting the future of our sport at risk. Mark Abma has taken the first step to help create awareness and bring attention to climate change.

Mark has created an environmental advocacy group to help ski resorts and skiers reduce their carbon footprint while still encouraging people to get out and enjoy the mountains. The charity, which was launched last fall, is aptly called "One Step." Mark is leading by example by creating environmentally conscious products with his sponsors, like his new bamboo ski with Salomon, supporting the Ekolab products at Helly Hansen, working with Dakine on more environmentally friendly gloves and backpacks, and using Smith helmets and goggles made out of recycled medical plastic. But that's just the beginning.

Mr. Abma realized that a large part of his carbon footprint is driving a big truck with a couple sleds on the back, not to mention accessing terrain with snow mobiles, snow cats and helicopters. Working with Helly Hansen, The Public Works and One Step, he installed a bio diesel converter in his garage. Mark will now get oil from local Whistler restaurants like Sushi Village, take it back to his house and make his own bio diesel fuel to run his big rig. Eventually, he hopes to take this initiative to ski resorts and encourage restaurants to donate extra oil from their deep fryers to power the areas’ snow cats.

When asked what made Abma start his advocacy group, he explained: “I was inspired to create One Step because I love the mountains and skiing and have been noticing the effects of global climate change all around me. It’s affecting ski communities all over the world and I want to create a voice and model in which we can start to make positive changes towards sustainability and a brighter, greener future.”

During the Telus Ski and Snowboard Festival in Whistler, One Step held a launch party at the Blake Jorgensen Gallery. All proceeds from the evening went towards the Whistler 2020 Energy Task Force. Mr. Abma spoke to the crowd, addressing his concerns and offered some insight. “When we connect leaving the lights on to energy shortages and pollution rising, when we connect our trash to landfills and disease, and when we connect the things that we buy and use to the places they come from, we more fully understand the importance of being mindful,” he said. “Ignoring the causes and effects of what we do and how our actions impact our world will eventually come back to haunt us. When we examine issues through an environmental lens, consciousness is raised and the opportunity for change occurs.”

Mike Douglas, along with his beautiful assistant Kristi Richards, got behind the mic and auctioned off photos by Jorgensen, year long yoga passes, Lululemon gear, Salomons new bamboo skis, clothing by Helly Hansen, Whistler vacation packages and some spa time.

With good friends and supporters in attendance, the kick-off event was a huge success. Look for a lot more to come from Mr. Abma and the One Step organization. For more information visit: 1 STEP.

It’s time for the third and final winter installment of the “En Route” webisode series from Nimbus Independent. There will be other short edits coming out this spring and more short edits coming out next fall, but this is the last major release of this season. The plan to shoot the whole thing in Montana fell through due to injuries, weather and travel fatigue. Everyone chose to hang close to home and hit the West Coast. The crew decided split into two groups for increased efficiency.

After a few days rest from the trip to Europe, Pep, Wiegand, Andy, and newcomer Blake Nyman headed to the Mt. Baker area. Upon arrival, sunny skies and good snow greeted them. Moving quickly to avoid landing zones getting side-hilled by the ever growing sledneck population, they built a nice wedge into a steep transition. Blake and Andy went back and forth on the jump, landing numerous tricks backwards or what’s called “switch.” Pep rested his knee but still managed to have some fun on his sled. They celebrated that evening by preparing “the best burgers ever.”

The snow turned good again the next week, prompting Andy to recruit Ike up to his home terrain of Yakima, Washington. Andy showed Ike a nice jump spot the first day. It was one of the few times Ike’s seen a sunny day with cold, deep snow in the Northwest. They took full advantage of the weather and put a few more shots in the bag, then spent the storm days doing avalanche control work with the ski patrol at Andy’s home mountain, White Pass. This led to more good shots and allowed us to ski the resort an hour before the public.

While one crew was in Washington, Chris, Eric and Wiegand hopped down to California and a well known sled zone. They had four good days of sun and deep snow before parting ways. Chris went to Canada to film for Warren Miller, and Eric and Wiegand joined Andy and Ike in Oregon.

The last leg of our journey took place in Eastern Oregon. Everyone drove thru the night expecting to get another sunny powder day. Unfortunately the snow was already baked, so we headed back west to check out Mt. St. Helens. To no one’s surprise the snow was baked there too! Guess it was the first week in April, but nobody complained and still made do with great snowpack and some airsoft guns. Needless to say, the next webisode has variety. If we were to tell you everything that happened, it would take longer than watching it. So don’t forget to go to nimbusindependent.com on or after tax day, April 15, to watch “En Route - America.”

Go to Nimbus Independent for more videos.

Well, we just launched the second webisode for Nimbus Independent. It's a lot shorter than the first one, but still pretty good quality. Launching this episode was not as smooth as the last. Actually now that I think about it, neither have been that smooth.

You know how you have certain projects that just never seem to get totally completed? I have a couple of those going on right now. Need to finish the Investment Prospectus and Biz Plan for Spacecraft, been hammering on BNQT to finish the Nimbus site. Then I have to get going on the film tour and organizing the Poor Boyz Production business. Better to be too busy than bored I keep telling myself.

Hopefully I can check some of these off my list once and for all. I need to feel like I'm moving forward and progressing. Just having a bit of an instant gratification issue. I want it all done and to happen now. I need to clone myself four of five times. Anybody know of a good place to clone yourself?

So I'm going to just get to it. The following is the latest webisode from Nimbus. It's best to go to our website and download the HD version. Or just go to the website to watch a larger streamed version. Still having embedding issues, so our media player may cut off some of the video content. Guess I better get back to work then.

Go to Nimbus Independent for more videos.

It's getting hard to stay positive these days. The media is hammering us with "crisis" after "meltdown", after "tragedy", after "scandal" and so much crime reporting that is seems like we live in a lawless country. But life is getting a little harder and some of my friends have lost their jobs. But I do have hope in our new President.

I worry about my friends and family and am worrying a little bit about my self these days. I have been working really, really hard lately and sometimes question whether it will pay off. I like working hard but sometimes I wonder how much personal life I'm sacrificing. I just wish I could see into the future, will this pay off. Should I zig, zag or stay the course?

I think why I love skiing and being in the mountains so much is that all the stress and grind just fades away. It had been just over a month since the last time I had gone skiing. A personal record for me, as I can't recall the last time I've gone so long during a winter season without going to the mountains. It's my release, it balances me out.

I went up to Crystal and had the best day. It was blue sky, fresh groomers and boot deep powder in South backcountry. I went up with my roommate Mark and friend Jane. We got up early and were in the parking lot before 9 am. The conditions and the view couldn't have been better. You could see Baker, Adams, Hood, Helens, and big ol' Rainier.

I was at peace for the day. I also hiked the backcountry three times and tired myself out. Took the fight out of the dawg one could say. Exercise is so good for the mind, I need to get back to it on a regular basis.

There's only a month and a half left of the season and I am still too busy to enjoy it like I used to. But I'm going to get back on track, skiing at least every weekend. It's too important to my overall mental health. Here's a shot of Jane traversing out of the North Backcountry. North wasn't nearly as good as South. I kind of enjoy the traversing although it's not a favorable for snowboarders.

Well, now it's back to more work than I can get done, stress and worrying about the economy.

How do I use this thing? It's been so long since my last blog post, I hardly remember how it even works. I'd like to think or make the excuse the reason why I don't blog as often is because I'm too busy. I am very, very busy but there is always enough time to say a few words.

Maybe it's because I think I'm a deep guy, who needs to say profound things when I write? That I have to have cool images to go with my posts? That I have to "wow" the audience. I do have deep topics that I want to write about and share. I imagine I've lost any audience I once had. There were times when you'd email me, asking for more. Those emails have subsided, to now once and a while a friend may casually mention, "man I miss your blogging."

It has to be a thing of habit. I keep saying I'm going to start and get a regimen, but it's just like dieting and/or working out, you want to do it and you know it's good for you, it's just getting started is so hard.

So what's been going on? How far back should I go and how much time do you have? Let's see, so I'll give a little update from January until now. I went to Salt Lake City for the X-Dance Festival. It's kind of like Sundance, but in Salt Lake City and without all the Hollywood types. It's an action sports film festival, where some 300 films enter, then 40-50 are selected and a few win some awards. It takes place over the course of five days, with back to back film screenings with a few seminars and question answer series. I saw some amazing surf, skate, motto, enduro, ski and snowboard films.

So I was there to represent my favorite client, Nimbus Independent. I had submitted our ski film "Hunting Yeti." We did pretty well for a first year film company, just being an official selection was an honor, then we got nominated for Best Core Film, Best Soundtrack, Best Cinematography and Best Editing. To think, with our little film budget, that we could compete against the likes of million dollar budgets is pretty astonishing.

So at the same time, I was staying with my friend Jon Atencio. Him and I go way back. He's a nice guy, whom I used to party pretty hard with. Now he still gets it going, but now he has a lovely wife and two kids. Jon works for Backcountry.com, so while I was there, figured I should stop by the office and try to sell them some Spacecraft goodies.

It was an eye opening experience. Backcountry.com is an e-commerce force. I felt like my parents must have when I explained to them DVD's were going to replace VHS. These guys have it pretty well dialed in. So I met with a bunch of different people on numerous topics.

It was great to hang out with Jonny and his family. They showed me a great time and drove me all around SLC. So right when I was leaving, I got to meet the guy who sources our music for the ski films, Chad Davis. The whole Poor Boyz ski film crew arrived and we got a second to chat. Then off to the airport.

So home for a couple days, then packed and went to Aspen for the X-Games and Powder Video Awards. I barely made it there and back. I mean we tried to come in and land four times, finally touching down and the last attempt. When I left, it was just as much a miracle I made it home. Flying is not what it used to be, it's now a huge hassle instead of a fun adventure.

But Aspen was awesome. Ran into a ton of friends and people from the wintersports industry. Started out with Poor Boyz Productions and came to an agreement that I would become their business manager. One more client for the G Brand. I'm excited as there are a lot of economies of scale between Nimbus and PBP. It's going to be rewarding, as I love the film industry.

Then it was off to the Powder Video Awards, where "Hunting Yeti" was nominated for Movie of the Year, Best Concept, and Best Editing. We won for best editing and I got up on stage and accepted the award on behalf of the Nimbus Crew.

Nimbus award for Best Editing and PBP award for Movie of the Year (I held on to it for safe keeping that night, so it wouldn't break in the celebrations.)

After the ceremony, it was off to the Helly Hansen after party at their Aspen flagship store. It was one big hug fest with my old boss and co-workers. It was very rewarding to be standing inside, watching Hollywood types and the main TV personality for the X-Games having a tough time getting in. My old boss Cory and I dreamed of that moment years ago, when we could barely get anybody to come to a HH party.

That's my old boss Cory, me after too much Red Bull, and Mike, who has my old job at HH.

My friends at MSP.

Eric Hjorliefson, me, and my marketing chins. I gotta get some exercise.

Next morning it was a few meetings with Oakley, Red Bull and then off to fly home. In and out, get home, unpack and repack. I am leaving the morning after I return home from Seattle to go to Las Vegas and the Snow Sports Industry Trade Show.

Got down there, set up the Spacecraft booth, which was an art project in itself, and then started to conduct business. Meetings, drinking water all day, more meetings, then drinking booze and eating all night, with more socializing and parties. It's a very trying week. Kind of like a marathon that leaves you exhausted upon completion. Since this was the last year for the trade show in Vegas, it was in over drive.

This is our booth, made of hollow core doors with hinges, unfolded and wheat pasted.

Sell it ladies!!!

Beers and beanies.

I'm going to skip much of what happened while I was there, as what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Let's just say there were some amazing VIP parties. Saw Snoop Dawg perform, that was a highlight for sure.

Whew, it's always tough to get home when the sun is just coming up. Time to shut the blinds and grab a few hours sleep.

So then home for pounding out some serious work. I have been knee deep in websites for what seems like forever. I'm not even that web savvy, but I had two sites that just were a mess. I can't say either were my best work. I had them organized and well thought out, they just took forever to get done and were two steps forward and one step back. So glad that they are done. The first was the main Spacecraft website. The second was their online storefront which features art and collectables. Trying to save money sometimes ends up costing you time and more money in the end. It's all about execution.

But all of that frustration was made up for with probably the best web project I've been apart of. The last three weeks I have been working with some great people in launching our new website for Nimbus. I mean, we delivered on exactly what I had envisioned. How often does that happen? It was like magic. Granted we still have some tweaks and more phases to roll out, but the infrastructure and CMS is there.

The Nimbus Crew also launched it's first websiode, En Route - Japan. I can tell you that this is it. This is my future. I can see it clear as day. We have a great product and I think I have the business plan that will yield great success. If you like what you see, please tell your friends. Below is the webisode.

There is more I could type, report on, but I've already written a small novel. I hope this update finds you all doing well, even in these tough economic times we are facing.

To see the En Route -Japan webisode as it should be, go to our website and click on the HD button to the left of the player. The download is a hefty file coming in at just over 800mb, but it's well worth the space on your hard drive.

Go to Nimbus Independent for more videos.

There is something soothing to the soul about seeing a beautiful sunrise. I've had my head down working full steam ahead and needed to stop, look around and take a deep breath.

Last Tuesday I got up super early and was driving up to my favorite ski hill, Crystal Mountain, when I was happily surprised with an amazing sunrise. There was a crispness in the air, snow everywhere and Mt. Rainier along with the Cascades were backlit with orange. Ah.

I was driving along, grabbed my camera and took this picture. I didn't think it would come out, as it's through the window of my car. But my trusty Canon Powershoot delivered.

I had forgotten how amazing and good for my well-being a day in the mountains is. I've now got three days of riding in. My back hurts worse than it has since I broke it a couple years ago. Time to get the core back in shape.

Hope you all had a Happy Holidays, took a deep breath, and recharged the batteries.

So I'm sitting here all decked out in my red, white and blue. Yep, I'm rocking USA addidas, dark blue jeans, my Obama tee, red/white belt, red, white and blue socks, and my red, white and blue track jacket. I feel sort of silly, like it's Halloween again, but I'm also feeling hopefully and anxious that Obama is going to be elected President. I've been hoping that the polls are wrong, that it isn't a close race but an absolute blowout. I want to see a landslide victory.

I've noticed that I've been writing a lot of political blogs. I have to admit, I'm also looking forward to moving on from the onslaught of political news. Enough talking about changing the world and making the country a better place. I ready to now get to work and making it happen. Enough talk, let's do this.

Every so often, there are times when America must rise to the moment. Our moment is now, this is our moment. This is our time, to unite in common purpose, to make this century the next American century. Let's go change the world.

Yep, I've gotten pretty behind with blogging. I will use the excuse that I've been too busy to blog, but that probably isn't totally true. It doesn't take that much time, just energy. So I've really been lacking the energy to write. I'll say that I'm going to get back to it, as it's great therapy and good writing practice, but it's got to become habit again.

So I've almost completed one year of working for myself and the G Brand. It's been great personally, sometimes challenging financially, but I'm going to stick it out. Just starting to ramp up for season number two of Nimbus Independent, as the first year "Hunting Yeti" project is now done and completed. It went really well in my opinion, too bad the economy is going into the crapper. Should be interesting to see how much money I can raise for the new project.

So since I feel behind in posting the episodes, here they are. This fourth post is a summer surf session the crew had. The download is amazingly better than the stream, so go download it if you have time on our producer page: Rip.Tv.

So then in late summer, Chris Benchetler and Pep Fujas broke out on separate trips to Australia and Argentina filming themselves. Not as solid as the first four webisodes, but still fun to watch none the less. Enjoy.

I do have to say that the support for the project has been awesome from consumers and the industry. Let's hope that translates into good DVD sales. Seems like a lot of work completed, with more in front of me. I have to say it's very rewarding personally. Making ski films is sort of a childhood dream come true. I always loved going to the Warren Miller films.

Only three days left to the big day, election day. I'm feeling pretty good that Obama will be the next President but you never know how those electronic ballets will be counted. If you want to get almost over the top supportive of the Obama 'movement', you can download a full DJ set that mixes all sorts of political voice-overs with great songs like Pink Floyd, Audioslave, Public Enemy, Rage Against the Machine, etc. It's a really good mix, I recommend it.

To download, go to: http://djztrip.com/obama/