Like at the Oscars, we’ll keep this short, but there are definitely some people to be thanked here. First, Derek Olson at Foraker Labs for his Yoda-like advice as well as for his referral to web developer, Mike Pack. Without Mike, there would be no Similar Blue site. His development prowess (in WordPress and beyond), his patience, responsiveness, stamina AND his appreciation of design made the process of building our site a cinch. First meeting to launch in under three weeks. No kidding. Second, we need to give a shout out to Elaine Marino, who showed up on our doorstep just when we needed her most. We’re thrilled to have her on board working with us, pushing us, informing us, making us laugh.

Check it out. And please, let us know what you think. The unvarnished truth would be good. Referrals to new clients, even better.

It seems like Bogusky, with COMMON, has figured out a way to make money for himself and his partners doing something he loves doing and a way to make money for those who actually bring the companies to market. What is less clear is how the “community” will profit (in hard dollars vs. social benefit). What we liked is that Bogusky seems to be OK with saying, “I dont’t know.”  We’ll be paying attention. Because if it works it will be awesome.

Also worth a mention: AIGA’s Living Principles and bikes made from Alabamboo. And, note to selves: make TEDxDU badge smaller (check out the one from the 2011 big TED above)!

The drive in Vail was a totally different experience on wet, icy roads. Eric liked the improved interior trim, but didn’t get a chance to get sideways, so he’s feeling a bit cheated. And driving home in our Subaru was more than a little bit of a let down.

We’re rooting for Tesla, not just because they’re part of our Boulder business community, but because we love what they’re up to – fast, fun, and well-designed ELECTRIC vehicles.

We were struck by his remarks about community engagement in their projects. The community of people that will be impacted by his projects (art lovers, art haters, residents for and against, the EPA, government officials, etc.), who probably never would have communicated with each other otherwise. And, the community that debates the project ad nauseam before it ever gets built and how that’s so much a part of the art. To paraphrase Christo, “How many pieces of art do you know that get talked about so much before they’re even created?”

On the way home, we met up with friends in NYC to soak up some culture (and to EAT!). On our first night there, we sat outside at the Spice Market (yes, not the newest and coolest, but who can resist an outdoor table in the Meatpacking District on a warm fall evening?) and watched as this Jeff Koon’s sculpture was being installed about 10 ft. from our table. At 9pm on a Friday. The noise was crazy. Anywhere else, you would have left. But, how could we? Art was in progress.

The rest of the days we walked (and lounged) on the Highline, ate leisurely patio meals at Barolo, Pastis and the Standard Hotel, chowed on a HUGE amount of tasty Korean BBQ at Madangsui, did the “best of our art history classes slide shows” tour at the MoMA, poked around the shops and galleries in SoHo, got Eric some new Campers, and quaffed late night cocktails at ABC Kitchen (because it was impossible to get a table).

The mural on the side of The Brig, “Brandelli’s Brig”, was painted by Arthur Mortimer in 1973 for the original Brig, and restored in 1979, 1989 and 2001. 2001 is the year that The Brig gentrified (the year after we sold our house, quit our jobs and headed to Asia, Minnesota and Aspen). Not sure where all the people with their beer cozies and large combs in their back pockets are drinking now, but it’s not here.