Cookie Party Prep - Day 6

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What's this? No Cookies?!?! Say it ain't so!

Cookie Party Prep - Day 5

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Chocolate Peanut Meltaways and Oatmeal Raisin

Cookie Party Prep - Day 4

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No-Bake cookies, Green Gables Lemon Biscuits and Cornmeal Wafers

PaD - Douglas in situ - 11/28/07

PaD - Douglas in situ - 11/28/07
Originally uploaded by dewelch

I have been in one place all day -- in front of my computer. In situ (in the place) as it were, where you can often find me when I am not flitting about the LA area solving computer crises. Wish I was outside, frankly, but duty calls.

Why is it that this time of year always seems to the busiest business time, as well. Along with all the other distractions, I have to keep my professional life on an even keel as well.

Whew! Time for a walk, maybe?

Cookie Party Prep - Day 3

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Day 3 in our on-going cookie Extravaganza!

Cookie Party Prep - Day 2

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Cookie of the Day -- Peanut Butter

CVGeeks (Coachella Valley) Tech Community

After all my crowing about Heather, BarCampLA, Geek Dinners and all the other cool tech community events here in LA, my sister, Denise Welch, has stepped up and started CVGeeks for all the tech folks in and around the Coachella Valley.

Everyone tends to think of the Palm Springs area as nothing but retirees, but the tech community has grown greatly over the last several years with companies both large and small, entrepreneurial and corporate.

Their first Geek Dinner is scheduled for Dec 5, so pass along word to anyone you might know in the area.

CVGeeks also has its own community site at http://cvgeeks.ning.com/

Thanks to Heather and all of the BarCampLA crowd for showing the way to a more connected tech community, no matter where you might be.

Video: The Ultimate Speed Bump

I guess I am feeling some sense of futility since the speed bumps on our street have only moderately slowed down traffic, but I found this video to be laugh-out-loud funny. I am sure the neighbors wondered what was happening. The dialogue is in German, but the the sight gag works without knowing a thing they are saying.

Cookie Party Prep

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Douglas and Jopseh mix up the first batch of fudge in perparation for their annual cookie party.

Event: Holiday Open House and Edwardian-Style Christmas

Holiday Open House and Edwardian-Style Christmas

Date: December 9, 2007
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: Pasadena Museum of History
Address: 470 W. Walnut St. , Pasadena , 91103
Cross Streets: Walnut St. / Orange Grove Blvd.

Directions: General Transportation Directions

Region: San Gabriel Valley Area
Phone: (626) 577-1660

Admission: Free

Kid Friendly: Children’s story time and family holiday crafts; visit and photos with Santa

Food Services: Refreshments included

Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access,

Website: www.pasadenahistory.org

Description: The 100-year-old Fenyes Mansion, decked out in Edwardian-style holiday splendor, will open its doors for a free Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 9, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This is one of only two days during the year that the historic residence is open for public, self-guided, tours. Continuous live musical entertainment, crafts for the whole family, children’s story time, delectable treats, and -- of course -- a visit and photo with Santa Claus, will all add to the festivities. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy and reminisce about bygone days in the city while touring the exhibit, "Prosperous Pasadena: Business in the Crown City and Beyond." The Museum Store will be open throughout the afternoon, featuring a wide variety of unique gift items as well as official Tournament of Roses merchandise. A Members’ Only Salon for Museum members will feature special entertainment and refreshments in the Curtin House.

Free Wheel Chair Accessible Refreshments included Children’s story time and family holiday crafts; visit and photos with Santa Museums Holiday / Seasonal Specials Walking Tour

Submitted By: Pasadena Museum of History

Cookie Party 2007 Preparations Start!

Cookie Bake-Off 2007 is here!

Ok, since I caught the blogging and videoblogging bug, I am going to try and document my progress a little more this year. To start off, here is the list of cookies I hope to make this year. It will probably be a fairly traditional year with few new additions. Then again, I can never quite tell what will happen by the time the party arrives.

Of course, you can vote for your favorites in the comments. Tell me what you want!

Douglas


Open House Cookies and Food 2007

• Easy
• • Port Wine Balls
  • Cornmeal Wafers (DB)
  • Chocolate Walnut Fudge
  • No-Bake
  • Peanut Butter
  • Bourbon Snaps
  • Chocolate Chip
  • Oatmeal Raisin
  • Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
  • Bailey's Truffles
  • Chambord Truffles
  • Fragonole Truffles
    

• Medium
• • Cornflake Wreaths
  
  
  • Green Gables Lemon Biscuits (QB)
  • Chocolate Peanut Meltaways
  
  
  • Pecan Snoballs (DB)

• Hard
• • Roll-Out Cookies
  • Angel Bars
  • Peppermint Buttons
  
  
  • Kiss Cookies
  • Stained Glass Window Cookies
  • Caramel Walnut Tart (?)

Places LA 004 - Santa Arrives in Idyllwild 2007

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2008 Sketchtoon Coffee Calendar is Available!

Mike Rohde has been producing these unique coffee-themed calendars for the last several years and they are always a great gift idea for the holidays for those java-junkies in your life. -- Douglas

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2008 Sketchtoon Coffee Calendar is Available!

2008 Sketchtoon Coffee Calendar now complete and up for sale! You can buy it for $19.95 plus shipping at CafePress, with US and international shipping available.

Last year, I started drawing sketchtoon style coffee illustrations in my Moleskine sketchbook in ink, scanning each illustration into the Mac for colorization in Photoshop.

Each month's illustration features a different coffee drink, with several unique drinks from various areas of the world, like the Flat White from down under and the Greek Frappe. Check out the cover and 12 illustrations at Flickr. I'm very pleased with how the calendar turned out.

It's a great gift idea for coffee lovers who would enjoy a unique coffee calendar.

Buy It Today: 2008 Sketchtoon Coffee Calendar: $19.95 + shipping.

Day After Thanksgiving Sales - Bah!

Day After Thanksgiving Sales

Mobile post sent by douglaswelch using Utterz.  Replies.  mp3

Thanksgiving Day 2007

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Happy Thanksgiving from the Welchs!

Happy Thanksgiving Video from YouTube

Happy Thanksgiving from WelchWrite.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is Thanksgiving Day here in the US, so from all of us to all of you, Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are! We are thankful for much and many. May your day be filled with food, fun and family!

Listen to our audio message

Andrea Louise sings "Paradise" at the Synergy Cafe - 2/17/07

Our friend, Andrea Louise, debuts a new song at the Synergy Cafe in Culver City, California.

I helped her get this video on the web so she could share it with some friends who have a close connection to the co-author of the song. Just one of the ways I try to help out those close to Rosanne and I.



You can find more of Andrea's music, and buy it as CD or MP3 download, at CD Baby.com

After-Thanksgiving Sales at Amazon.com

Get your holiday shopping started with these special After-Thanksgiving Day deals from Amazon.com.

After-Thanksgiving Day Sales from Amazon.com

...or check out my recommendations in...

The WelchWrite Store

Places LA - eWaste Recycling

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Randall Street S.A.F.E Collection Center
11025 Randall St. Sun Valley, CA 91352

Universal Waste Information from LACity San.org

Map and Info in PDF Format

Other S.A.F.E Centers

Have a Very Vegan Thanksgiving!

I got this reminder from our friends, Molly and David Anderson over a Madeleine Bistro in Tarzana. A wonderful alternative to the usual carnivorous feast day, if you are so inclined.

Thanksgiving To-Go

We have a full To-Go Thanksgiving Meal featuring all of the traditional faves (seitan, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, stuffing, pies, etc.). It's available for pick-up the day before Thanksgiving - Wednesday, November 21st (you can also pick it up Thanksgiving Day). The price is $45 per person. Call (818) 758-6971 or e-mail madeleinecuisine@sbcglobal.net for more info.

Join Us Thanksgiving Day

We will also be open on Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 22nd, from 12:00pm - 5:00pm (last seating starts). We are offering a five-course prix fixe menu chock full of holiday favorites. The price is $75 per person. Reservations are required. Call (818) 758-6971 or e-mail madeleinecuisine@sbcglobal.net for more info.

Join our e-mail list today so that you can keep up-to-date on all the happenings at Madeleine Bistro throughout the year. Just e-mail to suscribe@madeleinebistro.com and we'll add you to the list.

Visit the Madeleine Bistro Web Site

Thanks for your support,
Molly & David Anderson

Project: How Turn Soda Can Into Popcorn Machine

Cute idea and a fun "maker" project to introduce the kids to the concept of making your own things.


How Turn Soda Can Into Popcorn Machine

Video: Coopers (not Red-tailed) hawk in the garden this morning

Wow! This red-tailed hawk decided to visit my bird bath for over 30 minutes this morning. It was a great opportunity to watch one of these large birds up close.



Watch the Video

Places LA - Tujunga Village

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Located near the corner of Moorpark and Tujunga in the San Fernando Valley, Tujunga Village offers a pleasant respite with its wonderful shops, restaurants, coffee bars and  spas.

BarCamp San Diego 2 - Quick Interviews

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Douglas E. Welch grabs some candid comments from BarCamp San Diego 2 attendees.

Visibility for You and Your Career from BarCamp San Diego 2

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Douglas E. Welch speaks at BarCamp San Diego 2 on November 11, 2007

The Why , What and How of Podcasting from BarCamp San Diego 2007 (iPod/iTunes)

Watch the Why, What and How of Podcastin from BarCamp San Diego 2

The Why , What and How of Podcasting from BarCamp San Diego 2007

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Douglas E. Welch speaks on the Why, What and How of Podcasting at BarCamp San Diego 2 - November 10, 2007

Places LA 002 - Crepe X-press - Sherman Oaks (iPod/iTunes)

Fine french crepes...in a mall!?!? Yes, it can happen.

A short talk with Alex from Crepe X-press in the Sherman Oaks Fashion Square.

iPod Ready Video here

Places LA 002 - Crepe X-press - Sherman Oaks

Fine french crepes...in a mall!?!? Yes, it can happen.

A short talk with Alex from Crepe X-press in the Sherman Oaks Fashion Square.

iPod Ready Video here

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BarCamp San Diego - Geting Started

A short video of the scene as we get started with BarCamp San Diego.

Link: iPod Ready Video

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BarCamp San Diego

BarCamp San Diego
Originally uploaded by dewelch

Down in San Diego this weekend for BarCamp San Diego 2. Check back for regular updates Utterz and video today and tomorrow.

iPod: Places LA - Stone Canyon Overlook

Download the iPod Version

Places LA 001 - Stone Canyon Overlook (repost)

A short videoblog on the Stone Canyon Overlook on Mulholland Drive.

Download the iPod Version

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The WelchWrite Store -- in association with Amazon.com

The holidays are approaching fast!

Check out some of my recommendations in The WelchWrite Store, in association with Amazon.com.

There you'll find featured items for all the WelchWrite blogs and podcasts including A Gardener's Notebook, My Word, Career Opportunities, Careers in Podcasting and TechnologyIQ.




Don't know what to give? Try an Amazon Gift Certificate

Project: Clip Star

Here is a cool (and easy) project you can do with the kids or on your own. I can see one of these, painted gold, as a great Christmas decoration.


Star - video powered by Metacafe

Clip Star


What you need:
Clips and glue

By: msolek

(Via explore.)

Douglas @ BarCAmp San Diego this weekend (Nov 10-11)

I will be attending BarCamp San Diego this weekend (November 10 & 11) and speaking on a topic as yet undecided. When I speak at BarCamp events, I like to get a feel for the audience before I decide completely. Obviously, if enough people want something on high-tech careers, then I would be glad to talk about that.

If you have never been to a BarCamp event before, I highly recommend it. BarCamp is an unconference where the attendees are also the presenters. The sessions are wide-raning and eclectic and the people are always interesting. On the first day everyone posts their sessions on a large time and room grid and then the conference starts. Meals are usually provided by sponsors and admission is free, so you really need a good excuse NOT to come. (SMILE)

Come on down and let's talk! That is one of the best parts of every BarCamp.

You can see a recent talk I gave at PodCampAZ in Phoenix last weekend on my Careers in Podcasting and New Media blog to give you a feeling of the type of talks you might experience. You can also check out info and links from the first BarCamp San Diego last year on the BarCamp San Diego Wiki.

Elsewhere Online: More reason to support the WGA

Here is a really cognizant opinion (Warning: contains strong language) on the WGA Strike from a WGA member. My wife, Rosanne, is a member of the WGA, although she is not currently working on a show.

Working in new media, I can see directly how the issues decided in this work action are going to effect everyone -- old and new media alike. As I have often said, content creators deserve appropriate compensation for their work. At its very base, this means than when money made with their content, they should receive a portion of that money. It is as simple as that.

More reason to support the WGA

Ruth666:

Below is an email post from Micah Wright, posted on the WriterAction (WGA-only board). He's granted his written permission to "spread it like the plague."

I wrote this yesterday but forgot to publish it (ironic?) - so here it is now. Long, but very much worth reading.

(FYI, to set the scene, the tone of Micah's intro is in response to another WA poster unhappy with the leadership).

Well this is ONE angry Horad that's confused about your stance. The AMPTP clearly never intends to pay us one single cent for internet delivery. The music business model clearly indicates that internet delivery for most, if not all content is the future. What then were we supposed to do when faced with rollbacks and refusals to bargain in good faith? Pray? Or just swallow the bullshit they were trying to shove down our throats, and forget about not only what we're making, but also what every person who ever follows us into this union will ever make?

(Continues)

(Via Blogging.LA.)

Audio: Developing ideas and content for a weekly show with Douglas E. Welch

This is my talk from PodCampAZ on November 3rd, 2007 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Video coming soon!

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Developing ideas and content for a weekly show with Douglas E. Welch
Listen to this talk

[audio:http://welchwrite.com/cip/audio/2007/cip-podcampaz-20071103.mp3]

Douglas, writer and host of Career Opportunities -- a weekly print column for ComputorEdge magazine in San Diego, and pioneer podcast -- presents this session on developing content to keep your show humming from week to week.

Topics covered will include:

* Knowing what your gettng into
* Collecting ideas, no matter where you are or what you're doing
* Using your own life experiences to drive your show
* Using series to provide on-going material
* Using co-hosts to share the load
* "The Beast Must Be Fed!" and other truisms from journalism
* It's like writing a novel....every year!

Douglas is now in his 12th year of publication with the print edition of Career Opportunities and recently celebrated the 3rd Anniversary (Est. September 24, 2004) of the Career Opportunities podcast.

Technorati Tags: podcast, podcasting, speak, speaking, arizona, podcamp, podcampaz

Elsewhere in LA: Observatory is drivable again

Thank goodness!

Maybe I can actually visit now.

Observatory is drivable again The parking ban and shuttle bus system at the renovated Griffith Observatory is history as of today. Although the mayor says 650,000 patrons have visited since the observatory reopened a year ago Friday, visitation has waned. So now you can once again drive up the hill and fight for one...

(Via L.A. Observed.)

Douglas' talk from PodCampAZ

Developing Ideas and content for a weekly show from PodCampAZ.

Watch the recorded version here. Higher quality video and audio coming soon!