Archive - 2007

December 13th

NASA TV: Giant Spider Attacks Space Shuttle

I hate to admit it, but I love to watch NASA TV.  If there is anything remotely cool happening at NASA, you will find that I have logged in to the site to check out whatever it is.  Apparently, this past week, a large arachnid attacked the Space Shuttle.  I said to myself that such things were only found in science fiction - but it was true!  The video confirms it!

But, NASA TV allows you to watch the mission control room, documentaries, and live feeds from just about anything NASA is up to.  It is very nerdy and if you checked out my nerd quiz results you will understand why.  Check it out but watch out of the spiders.

December 13th

You Were The Chosen One: Traviss Corry Becomes A Blogger

Traviss Corry - Rappin'A. Traviss Corry has decided that he needs to put his mouth on his foot, his face in his mouth and, maybe, his brain his back pocket.  Or was that my foot on his butt?  In either case, anyone who knows him will understand what I mean.  Whatever happens, he is coming to the realization that he should be a blogger.

It has taken me a few years to convince him that blogging is a powerful medium.  He can write words, post photos, and promote just about anything he is involved with.  He can also avoid having his high school photos showing up on Flickr.  Well, maybe not.  (Want the link?  Drop me an e-mail and I will give you the inside access.)

Welcome, Traviss.  I am glad you have committed to dancing your way into the hearts of millions.  Just say nice things about me - I will be subscribed and watching.  (Insert evil laugh here.)  Oh, wait, I will build it for you - so, more about his new fancy site when he launches.

December 12th

Why I Love Twitter

I love Twitter.  I also love Jaiku, Tumblr, and Pownce.  At times, I think such services are life sucking non-services that do no good - but, there are other priceless moments when we get commentary that makes me smile.

Is it just me or does a limit of 140 characters in a message force us to be quick and on point?  I believe so - and Bill takes it to heart.

Cat Vs. Crawfish: What Else Do You Need To Know?

There is really no explanation other than, listen to the music on this video.

December 8th

Shane Birley Is A Nerd

According to Chris, he is not all that nerdy. He took some test and it determined he wasn't overly nerdy - thus, it must be true.  I always thought of him as someone who was geeky.  But I had never imagined he would score so low!

This made me question my level of geekiness, so, I took the same test he did. Here is the result.
NerdTests.com says I'm a Highly Dorky Nerd God.  What are you?  Click here!


I am such a nerd.  All bow and worship my god like nerd self.

December 7th

Philip Stephen Gear at Arts Off Main

Hey, lovers of art.  Arts On Main is having a sale and Philip Stephen, ass kicker of painting, is one of our clients and he shows his works there.   He is also a good friend of ours and we have a few of his pieces hanging in our office!  Here is the e-mail he sent me today:


Hello friends and art lovers!  

I wanted to pass on to you that the artist run Gallery I am a member of, Arts Off Main, is having a 10% off sale Dec. 8th and 9th!

Our partners have been working hard and have all kinds of new work for you to feast your eyes on. Paintings, ceramics, photography, sculpture, jewelry, prints and cards! 

If you are looking for gifts, this is the place to find them!  So come in from the cold and join us for some hot apple cider, goodies, and art! Find the gallery at 216 E. 28th Avenue.

Phil.  

www.artsoffmain.ca
www.philipstephen.com
I will wander over sometime on Sunday, if anyone is interested, let me know.

Kaya Fraser Released Her New Album!

Hey, kids.  I got this friend.  She is cool.  She has a guitar and she sings.  But, I will let her tell you a little more about herself:

Wise beyond their writer’s years, Kaya Fraser’s songs search out the dark corners of the heart, illuminating them with lightning-flashes of clarity. Her brand of literate folk-pop recalls Joni Mitchell and Ron Sexsmith in its lyrical eloquence, while musically it draws on elements of roots, R&B and jazz to create infectious melodies and compelling grooves. Kaya’s influences are many and varied, from folk icons like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, to pop songwriters such as Lennon and McCartney and Aimee Mann. Her songs are carefully crafted and soulfully performed, not unlike those of fellow Canadians Sarah McLachlan, Leslie Feist or Sarah Harmer.

Born in Toronto and raised in Montreal, she received formal musical training throughout her adolescence and studied English literature in university. This education has honed her skills in writing both music and lyrics. Now living in London, Ontario with her husband and her dog, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Canadian literature, which is a field that, for her, includes the history of Canadian songwriting: her country and its literatures have been important in shaping her artistic vision.

2007 has been a busy year for Kaya; her songwriting and performances have been garnering more and more attention. On several occasions she was broadcast nationally on CBC Radio One and locally on university radio. She was also a prizewinner in the University of Western Ontario’s “Original and Unplugged” singer-songwriter competition in March, and she has been playing at various local venues to enthralled audiences.

She also embarked upon two mini-tours, including shows in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Having won a FACTOR grant, her focus in the fall of 2007 was on recording an EP at Willyboy Recordings in London, Ontario, with the assistance of engineer Will Haas and producer Jason Hakin. This debut record, entitled Tremor and Slip, was released in late November, 2007.

Kaya Fraser - a hot girl with a guitar.  Go buy her album.  Details on her web site.

About Me

Shane Birley is a blogger, huge geeky nerd, web developer, poet, and creative writer based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He is a partner at Left Right Minds, a web development, arts management, business blogging and on line marketing company.

buy the book, blog your world, feel like a million bucks

Just in case you didn't know, I co-wrote Blogging For Dummies! Before you send me any congratulations, questions, flowers, or blow me any number of kisses  - why don't you go buy ten copies and make me rich and famous.  

Or you could just buy a copy since it is a really good book and it has loads of great information for those of you out there who want to jump into blogging because it is fun and exciting.

flickr photos