This is not a statement on death. It’s a celebration of life. An idea came to me several years ago about creating a fictitious cast of characters that would perform in cemeteries on flat screen monitors installed into the ground – almost like a coffin. As time passed, this idea shifted into more personal connections. But throughout my thought process, this remained a celebration of life. It is not a statement, mockery or slight on dying, death or loss. Trust me. I know the pain and sadness that comes with that.

Original sketch for Coffin Chatter

I spend a lot of time in Crown Hill Cemetery. I visit my father’s tree once a week and I enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with thoughtful reflection. I think we’re supposed to be that way. Right? Or maybe not.

This is a new time. The digital era. The life we live in today allows anyone to be an author, creator and producer of memories. And these days, we’re talking digital memories – memories or quips or jokes or laughter or stories or performances or advice. Think about what we do with digital files.

I thought about some of my favorite people over time – Earnest Hemingway, Kurt Vonnegut, Steve McQueen, George Gershwin, Edie Sedgwick, Gandhi, Peter Sellers and lots more. I would visit their graves at the drop of a hat.

I would also jump at the chance of visiting an interactive grave – incorporating digital files from their life – music, comedy, writings, teachings, advice, quotes, video, historical information, and dialogue.

A family of talkers

It’s a cross between the moving images in the Harry Potter picture frames or newspapers and a traditional grave – all produced with thought, grace, respect and ideally, moments of laughter and tears.

A lonesome, interactive grave

When I consider digital strategies, I often think about the longevity of digital projects. The digital content we produce today via Twitter, Flickr, Facebook, blogs and YouTube, in theory, will last forever. Technology will always support converting our current files into future file extensions and uses. Unlike the generations before us, we are generating more personal data than ever before. Digital memories. Our digital footprints will outlast us and it’s our own way of leaving an impact in this world. Billions of us are doing it.

Maybe in the future, our kids or grand kids will visit Jim Morrison’s grave in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. They’ll encounter a headstone and maybe, just maybe, a new cemetery interaction with digital memories such as poetry readings, photographs, album covers, concert footage and interviews.

It gives rest in peace a new meaning. I write, take photographs, think creatively and develop collaborations because I’m focused on creating my own digital memories.

After all, this blog post and crazy concept will live longer than I will.

Renderings courtesy of Michele Jasper.

Daytona – not the prettiest spot in Florida, but filled to the brim with sunshine, fresh seafood and fast, fast cars.

Welcome to Daytona

I’ve never quite understood endurance racing. There are big cars, small cars, different series and classes and the whole 24 hour thing with multiple drivers. Nonetheless, I found myself incredibly excited for this event. In the past year, I’ve had the honor of covering the Centennial Running of the Indianapolis 500 and now the 50th Anniversary of the 24 Hours At Daytona. How lucky.

The cars are incredibly beautiful. I’ve become accustomed to open wheel cars, but these sports cars offer familiar and innovative lines. Some look like a car you would drive (if you’ve got bank) and others are directly from the drawing board. There is diversity abound.

Familiar and innovative machines

The sultry blue Corvette

The crowd is not incredibly diverse, but they’re certainly devoted. Many camped out for the full 24 hours. A few stayed the whole time. Most of the fans left for some shut eye, but returned at day light. That’s incredible commitment. This is a different level of race fan – passionate, in it for the long haul, and incredibly knowledgeable of their sport. It’s more like a cult (a good cult of course).

It’s also an environment where young up and coming drivers mix with sports cars superstars, IndyCar drivers, NASCAR drivers and legends from the past. And when I say legends, I mean Sir Jackie Stewart. Wow. I simply love this photo and it all came down to luck and timing – like most things in life.

Sir Jackie Stewart

Staying up for the 24 Hours is tough. Like most race events, I turned my thoughts to the experience of the mechanics. I’m just not sure I could stay so switched on for that long. I remember one of the Ganassi cars coming in after about 18 hours for a gearbox change! That’s insane. The mechanic responsible for that change not only has to respond quickly, but also without error. The real superstars of this event? The Crews.

The Crew

In terms of an event – impressive. GRAND-AM runs a professional race and a superb media center. The members of SPEED were as always, a joy to work with. And I was absolutely blown away by the power of a brand, specifically Rolex. Before this race, I associated endurance racing with Tag Heuer and Steve McQueen. Not now. I get the romance and allure of a Rolex. When I watched the winning drivers receive their watches, it all made sense to me. Like IndyCar drivers chasing a taste of milk at the Indy 500, these drivers all chase one thing – a Rolex they’ll wear for the rest of life. It’s a brand, it’s a memory. Well done Rolex.

Rolex 24 & Champagne

When I landed back in Indianapolis late Monday night, utterly exhausted, I tweeted that this had been on of the best weekends of my life. Sure I got grumpy during periods of the night. I was cold walking around at 3am. And I might have cursed when I realized I had to start our camera to get time lapse footage of the sunrise. But you know what? A 24 hour race is a challenge, a test, an endurance race and I made it.

We’re all chasing something in life. I’m still going.

Now I just need to get that Rolex.

I’d like to put my name forward as a tester for any of your vacuum cleaning robots. I’m in awe of your adaptive technology, clever design, innovation in the field, and the fact that you’re creating purposeful, hard working and tidy robots. Nothing like that perennial show off, ASIMO.

Fancy Pants ASIMO

I think you’ll find my qualifications unique for this role. In fact, if had to provide a resume, I have no doubts you’d be impressed. I’m bring a lot of Robot street cred. And my home is the perfect testing ground. It’s like being in the trenches.

In regards to my Robot credibility. I can recite Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics. I have an extensive Robot collection, you can view HERE. And I’m CEO of a clothing company called RobotoWear: Clothing for humans, inspired by robots. I also used to teach kids how to build LEGO Mindstorms robots. You get the idea.

As for being in the trenches. I live in a hundred year old condominium with my wife, 2.25 year old son (I hate saying ages in months) and a 11-year old deaf cat named Ludwig.

Ludwig would treat the Roomba like his brother

It can be chaos. My cat has a tendency to knock things off counters, drag things into rooms, puke in the most inconvenient spots, shed everywhere, and when we do vacuum, he loves to ride the Dyson. Did it really take Dyson 10+ years to develop that vacuum cleaner? I digress. My cat would love to befriend a Roomba.

As for the humans. We do our best to keep the place clean. But 2.25 year old Oliver isn’t drinking our corporate family kool aid. He likes to hide toast. After a few days, it actually resembles a ceramic tile that flakes rock solid crumbs. His obsession for Gold Fish leaves an orange glow around the house with fragments of fish everywhere. It’s like Old Man and the Sea meets The Cove.

A messy Father and Son

Our old home features great hard wood floors, area rugs and plenty of obstacles – Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head parts, the occasional hair ball, or an old piece of waffle Oliver has strategically placed in a location we’ll never find. If the Roomba was being sent to the real trenches, it would experience boot camp at our house first.

The fact is we need a Roomba. And with my hand on my heart, I swear that we’ll use it. That poor robot has it’s work cut out for her/him.

In return, you’ll get full documentation – photos, videos, blog posts and positive publicity, as we welcome the newest (and favorite) member of our family.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely, Daniel (and Ludwig)

A rough or fragmented geometric shape that can be split into parts, each of which is (at least approximately) a reduced-size copy of the whole. – Benoit Mandelbrot

I visit my Father’s tree at least once a week. As I stop to grab my breath and save my lungs (I usually run there), I’m always struck by its perfect symmetry. It’s shape is actually etched in my mind. Sometimes I think it’s a tree made up of identical leaves. Fractals.

Dad's tree - waiting for the leaves!

Nature presents some incredible patterns.

It’s pretty amazing when you think about it.

Fractal from Nature by Flickr user jacl_o_lantern

Fractals 3 - Symmetry by Flickr user marosh

No title by Flickr user aseloph

If you look closely around you, you’ll notice fractals or repeating patterns in trees, plants, clouds, lightning, waves, snow flakes, and more. They even find themselves represented in art – from Jackson Pollack to mandelas to modern day artists.

Fractal ART - monad AIWASS - モナド

You can even create your own fractal, based on the Mandelbrot set (from the guy who’s quote I used at the beginning). It’s based on mathematics, sequences, infinity and lot of other stuff I don’t understand. No doubt, Benoit Mandelbrot would have been really good on The Price is Right.

There are also fractal generators online. And thanks to PBS and NOVA, you can create your own Mandelbrot Fractal. Here’s mine.

My Mandelbrot Fractal

I don’t pretend to understand the science and mathematics behind fractals. I mean, what does this really mean? zn+1 = zn2 + c = NO IDEA.

But I am observant and I notice patterns. You strip away the science, the math, and the patterns and it comes down to something completely unscientific – beauty and sum of all parts.

Now is the perfect time to find your fractals. Snowflakes come and go, and Spring is hitting the snooze button. Leaves will be here to mesmerize you before you know it. Or if you’re the impatient type, look up at some clouds.

I always do.

T.P.S. Report by Flickr user Philhouse

Have you filled out your T.P.S Report? Let’s get on with it.

I’ve been reading ya’ll.

The Lotus Magazine is beautiful in every possible way. It’s also surprising. It does a superb job of representing the Lotus brand without over selling. They manage to blend history with contemporary culture in way that makes perfect sense. The latest issue features Mario Andretti, Swiss Beatz, Lindsay Lohan and Steve McQueen. Not to mention the gorgeous Lotus Cars. Definitely check it out.

Lotus Magazine

I’m also reading the Kurt Vonnegut Biography, And So It Goes, by Charles J. Shields. It’s incredibly well written and obviously well researched. But, I will say, it’s kind of like discovering your idol is just as damaged as you are. News flash: Kurt Vonnegut was a human being.

And music.

Oliver and I are really into Lupe Fiasco’s Laser’s at the moment. It’s addictive!

Also, still into George Gershwin. His collection An American in Paris is not only the perfect name, but features an offering of his best work.

And watching. A lot – TV and movies.

Band of Brothers, The Pacific, Modern Family, Californication, The Cove, Kung Fu Hustle, The Natural and Super 8 – which I thought was brilliant and sentimental and endearing. Watch it! I’m looking forward to more laughs, escapism, and thought provoking films and shows in the coming months. After all, there are new seasons of Archer and An Idiot Abroad debuting soon…

Archer Season 3

So while I wait for my web nuggets to be mined?, I’m staying busy with lots of ideas, but also with a lot of reading, listening and watching. It’s been a long time coming.

Did I miss a great book, song or film? Please let me know.

They’re like a spell from Albus Dumbledore.

They could be from the brush of Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light

Or suddenly appear in an episode of J.J. Abrams LOST.

Northern Lights by Flickr user Joar Andre

The Northern Lights appear magical, conjured, out-of-this-world and spell binding. Who wouldn’t want to see them?In anticipation of Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington bringing us Season 2 of The Idiot Abroad, The Bucket List, I figured the Northern Lights would be a good topic. I’m really not a fan of ‘bucket lists’ – it’s kind of annoying phrase, but renaming this topic to Pail Tally reeks of pretense. So begrudgingly, it’s bucket list.

But back to the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights by Flickr user Kaimp

They appeal to me on several levels -

• It’s a far away trip to a place I’ve never visited
• It involves lots of photography
• I’d eat a ton of seafood
• It would reveal unforgettable imagery

Northern Lights by Flick user 11304375@N07

Norway and the Northern Lights (obviously Northern Canada or Alaska would suffice). I love getting up early with camera, although in this case, it would mean staying up late. Either way, the thought of standing patiently outside in freezing temperatures, waiting for the skies to clear, wary of my eyelid sticking to my viewfinder sounds like….heaven. After all, aren’t the Northern Lights almost like a glimpse of heaven?

Connecting with nature...

Since grabbing this image at dusk in the Valley of Fire, I’ve been more serious about photography and the natural environment. Instead of simply planning travel to travel, I’ve been thinking about travel for photography. I’d like to think that I’m becoming more serious about life, finding new connections to our environment and slowly building a more beautiful legacy to leave behind. Time will tell, but in the meantime, that’s my path.

So, the Northern Lights it is. Hvordan sier man dette på norsk?

Where would you go, camera in hand?

I'm Jabba The Hutt (from Flickr user Jazza2)

Getting back into the running mindset means one thing. The right music.

I headed to one of my favorite places to run, 100 Acres with my headphones, iPhone, some extra pounds and the right playlist to get me through the increase in heart rate, stress on my old bones, strange aches down my side and soon-to-be soaking wet feet (this is a trail).

Wet and Muddy

Running is a mental activity. The following playlist got me through a 3 mile-ish run. I’m confident it would get you through it too.

I started of with Summertime, the DJ Jazzy Jeff & Mick Boogie version from the Summertime 2: The Mixtape. It’s a feel good song that will distract you from the fact you really have no interest in running. Trust me on this one. It sets the tone for you to slowly ease into things and warm up the muscles.

The next song is key because you need motivation. I can’t think of a better song than N.W.A.’s Alwayz into Somethin’. This beat will push you through the main period of pain, where your heart feels like it’s in your throat and your lungs burn. And I know I don’t want to let down MC Ren.

With N.W.A ensuring success so far, you still need a song with a good beat to keep moving. Here I opt for Mos Def’s Wylin’ Out (Kut Masta Kurt Remix – Original) – it’s catchy, upbeat and keeps one foot in front of another.

After about 8-10 minutes of running, you need a song that will let you settle into a comfortable rhythm. This is where I do my best thinking, brainstorming and sometimes find my rare moment of running Siddartha (the experience where you forget you’re actually running). Gang Starr’s Words I Manifest (Remix) is just what the Doctor ordered. It’s poetic.

After some Zen and the art of running, It’s time for a little more energy through the headphones. Hit play on M.I.A’s Paper Planes (Diplo Remix). You can’t go wrong with this one, and you can dream of being a millionaire.

Follow up something familiar with a curve ball like I love Acid by Luke Vibert. It’s a transition from hip hop into some techno, but manageable techno and an added spring in your step. It’s needed.

And finally, end with a classic like Electric Relaxation by A Tribe Called Quest. The techno from the previous song has transitioned you into the final leg. You want to cross the finish line with a smile on your face and some swagger. This song will guarantee that.

So that’s my trail mix. It’s perfect for those of you just starting a resolution or are dusting off the old KangaROOS or suddenly realized you’ve been sitting on a couch for two months. If you’re not into running, this mix will keep you bopping your head while cooking, driving or sitting in a cube.

Click the image below to open this mix in Spotify.

Click here to see photos I’ve taken while running.

I’m out and feeling some aches.

Spotify Trail Mix

2011 Blog Cloud

This site has now become more than just a hobby. It requires management, a direction, a content calendar and a strategy. That’s a really good sign.

Instead of writing my goals for 2012, I thought I would share them in terms of a digital strategy for my site. After all, I do work in this field.

I mean, do you really want to know that I plan on running more, eating less dessert, being a nicer human, working on my abs, visiting India, learning to skateboard, growing RobotoWear, watching more Jet Li movies, and possibly buying a Roomba as a pet? I didn’t think so.

Instead, these are the main components of focus for running and communicating via this site.

Frequency: You can expect more posts, but better quality too. If I’m not improving my writing or means of communication, then what am I really doing here? I’ve been guilty of rushing to publish in the past. I plan on being more selective and therefore better.

Expand Current Categories: Expect more May I present to you, Art Concepts, Odes to Andre Breton, Travel and Photography. These were underutilized areas for me, but all have been positively received and there’s more room for growth. And I have limitless ideas for these.

New this past year and part of Art Concepts & The Italian Collection

New and Fresh: New ideas are key and there will be lots of them. Whether it’s collages (see below), new art concepts (yes), more specific photography projects or new, random collaborations. Expect these. And expect to be caught off guard. Were you really expecting a Roman Colosseum Hot Tub?

Who knew I was a scrapbooker?

Professional Input: I work in the digital and online realm. And I have lots of opinions. Expect more musings on the state of 2012 digital, including emerging technologies, emarketing and ecommunication, content, SMS, mobile, and all of the the other buzz words. It will be helpful.

More Community Focus: I want to feature more people in the May I present to you category and reveal more about what others are doing in the digital space. I’m also considering some guest authors for my site – really bringing in an outsider to inject a little wit, sarcasm and genius into this site. Yes, I’m riding coattails here.

And Some General Goals:

• Establish a better connection with the online community for content sharing and cross-promotions
• Do more good with this site
• Highlight the brilliance of others
• Advocate for companies or brands I truly believe in
• More laughter
• More Creativity
• Leave a legacy for young Oliver
• Be utterly brilliant

As always, thank you for reading. I never take that for granted.

Got suggestions? Would love to hear them.

Later playas.

Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.

- Langston Hughes.

My last pic of 2011

Here’s to dreams….cheers.

5

Here are most viewed 5, based on Google Analytics.

1. Depression is My Nemesis
2. Fatherhood
3. The Perfect Penalty Kick
4. The Roman Colosseum Hot Tub
5. Indianapolis Memorial for Sal Incandela

All are easy to explain. #1 was the most honest, revealing thing I’ve ever written (over 160 comments). Who doesn’t like to be a voyeur? It also got picked up by lovebomb (still so touched), and the reason I got so many hits/comments. #2, Fatherhood, was my most popular post of 2010 and after my father died, it got a lot of traffic. #3, this one got picked up by some sites in Europe and I’m not sure anyone was expecting it. #4, I love this one – funny, creative and outrageous – this one got lots of love online and was only published in December. #5, this one is pretty obvious.

So what are my favorite 5? Drum roll please.

At #5.

Me at the Louvre (unfortunately no race in Paris)

I wrote a museum tour for IndyCar fans that might be traveling the Series from race to race. I liked this piece because it combined my museum knowledge with motorsports – not the most obvious connections. Content is all about connections. You can read the tour HERE.

#4.

Scratch and sniff me in Cuba

I love sharing my idiotic travel tales. I hope to write more on this site, because I honestly am hopeless but incredibly lucky. Earlier this year, I wrote about a trip to Cuba, titled Old Man and the Pee. It made me chuckle just writing about it. And let’s face it, the title is pretty, pretty good.

In 3rd.

The Original Sketch of The Perfect Penalty Kick

The act of posting The Perfect Penalty Kick was pretty symbolic action for me. It was a sign of awakening, letting go, showing some courage and becoming creative again. This post led to other art installation and more creative posts, including two new categories, Art Concepts and The Italian Collection. I guess it showed me not to hold back anymore.

In P2.

The importance of the Father/Son bond

Adoring George Gershwin and Rhapsody in Blue. My father bought my son Fantasia 2000 right before he passed. My son and I completely bonded over this song and I marveled and marveled at Gershwin’s creativity. It was inspiring and I had to write about it. There was no hook to this piece, just a writing exercise. And I loved writing it.

And in 1st place.

Oliver at the airport

I love travel. I love flying. I love my son Oliver. Even after this trip. This was my account of taking my son on two flights and how it all went terribly wrong. In the end, I only saw the funny side of it, even if I did almost lose my cool. There’s a reason I titled it Fear and Loathing in an Airplane.

It was tough picking just 5. Hip Hop Chop didn’t make it. Neither did Walter the Warthog. There was no room for any of my Japan, photography, motorsports or other posts.

I’m still surprised when I get a comment, a FB like or see that people are reading my work.

If you had a favorite post of my mine, I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you so much.