A Place Between Us

A.PlaceBetween.Us is a great Google Maps mash-up that helps you and a friend find a spot to meet up for coffee, drinks, etc. Now when my friends from across town want to catch up for lunch, we don't have to waste time pinpointing a central spot to meet.

Props again to GetTRIO for the tip.

Airplane Grounded, Flooded Train Station and Large Pipe Burst

Today was just another page in my book of travel woes. For me, business travel is always an adventure. However, today's unique series of events bares mention, even if purely for the sake of entertainment.

Earlier this morning, my flight to Detroit — out of LGA — was canceled due to a severe weather system that swept through, wreaking havoc on travel across the tri-state area. AA kindly offered later flights, but were made available with little guarantee on time of departure. I, of course, learned this the hard way by taking them up on the offer.

As the time quickly approached 11am, my 12:30pm in-person Detroit meeting was no longer within reach. So, Plan B consisted of a 15-minute cab ride home, allowing me to dial-in and leisurely conduct the meeting from the comfort of my own home. Here's the part where I learned that the weather "wreaked havoc on ALL travel..."

Plan B began to derail when my 15 minute cab ride turned into a 2-hour ordeal. And boy, let me tell you — there's nothing like leading a meeting from a cab!

I'll save readers the gory details as to how my call went. My interesting story continues after I arrived home and considered heading into the office. News reports (and other reliable sources, ie. my wife) said that my train line was closed indefinitely due to water damage. "Water damage???" A further investigation revealed the extent of flooding.

This evening I learned that working from home may have been for the best. You see, news reports revealed that one of NYC's largest steam explosions took place only blocks away from my office. Read about it here, here and here. While my heart goes out to those who were injured in the mayhem, I'm thankful my wife and I were able to avoid it — and the gnarly mass transit delays that followed.

Oh, and the forecast shows similar severe weather for the next two days...

I Don't Always Eat Money

We're hiring. Yes, we're hiring at Avenue A | Razorfish. I am interested in sharing this news not just because of the prize money I could earn for hiring you, but also because I was instrumental in creating the video promotion.

Where US Presidency Campaign Finances reside

The NYTimes.com has brilliantly assembled a map to highlight where 2008 US Presidential candidate campaign donations come from. Using this tool, just select a candidate and see where the deep pocketed supporters reside! Oh, and it's great fun to see what mid-western states are supporting the obscure candidates. Enjoy.

Who needs an iPhone when you have an iDea?

Creatives should always choose a table napkin over an iPhone. introducingidea.com

"Like the iPhone, it's got simplicity going for it - and like the iPhone, it can accommodate your biggest ideas, then act as a vehicle to communicate it to the rest of the world. Add-on accessories include masking tape."

(courtesy of adrants.com)

NYTimes' Eye For All That's Urban

Look out DailyCandy and MUG Newsletter, there's a new hip daily NY nightlife and shopping newsletter from the folks at NYTimes.com called UrbanEye.

After receiving the newsletter for a couple of weeks, I've found their recommendations for restaurants, night spots, shopping, books and music to be on point. Being the NY Times, they shoot for a broader audience, unlike aforementioned dailies targeting hipsters.

Flickr User Posts from Around the World

flickrvision (beta) is an incredible new time waster, that integrates Google Maps with Flickr user data. Thumbnails of recent posts from Flickr users pop-up on a view of the world map, identifying where the posting originated from.

While this has no practical use, it's fascinating to occasionally log on to see what's visually going on around the world at a given time. Props goes to Get Trio for the link.

Now Working for Microsoft

As if every publication hasn't already offered enough coverage on the topic, I'd like to share the news that my employer; aQuantive (AQNT), today announced their acquisition by Microsoft (MSFT).

While every publication and ad rag may have offered you an outsider's take, I'm here to offer you an insider's perspective.

I first learned of the news by email this morning shortly before 8:30am EST. I read the note with mixed emotions — err, mostly surprise and amazement. Rumors of a Microsoft acquisition of our Atlas division have been floating around for weeks, but a purchase of Mother AQNT? Absurd! I wondered, alongside other early morning stragglers; "what would Microsoft want with an interactive advertising and media agency"? Sure, scoop up Atlas' ad-serving tool to go head-to-head with Google/DoubleClick = DoubleGoo. The price of the spin off might hover close to 1 billion, but the days of $3 billion ad-serving purchases are soooo last quarter. 24/7 only cost WPP $649 million!

So, my day at the office today consisted of several all-hands conference calls and in-person speeches — by every last AQNT and MSFT member of senior leadership. The word on the street is, naturally, "business as usual". Once the acquisition officially passes mustard with the U.S. Gov't, our business units will continue to operate separately from our new parent company, folding under MS Professional Services division. Sounds greeaaaat.

What does this mean for Avenue A | Razorfish? What does it mean for me? Time will tell, and this will surely be the spot you'll find out. Stay Tuned.