Quoted on RWW

I was quoted on ReadWriteWeb. Just noticed it.

I've already asked this question on Twitter itself and am getting some great responses (my Twitter id is rww). Several people have suggested that their family members may use a Twitter-like messaging system embedded in a social network. On this point, Andrew Baisley noted that "the barrier to entry must be much lower". However, said Andrew, if family members "could update Twitter from their Facebook status" then yes it might be used.

Click here for the full post.

SXSW Wrap-up

Keeping this short... SXSW was okay, Austin is a great city, we had fun.

Here's the loft we stayed in. It was in one of those new condos, the Amli, on 2nd Street.

Here's the view from the balcony:

We spent a lot of time on the pool deck of the building at a three day and night Jelly NYC party. Three stages, lots of Brooklyn bands, two open bars, guitar hero, shuffle board and video games on the roof of the parking garage. Not bad.

Hipsters would have loved the bar-b-q we ate at Rudy's. They proclaim themselves as "The Worst Bar-b-q in Texas" which is ironic because anyone from Austin knows that just isn't true.

We rented bikes and rode all along the greenbelt and Barton Springs, checked out the view from Mt Bonnell and sampled the local brews at The Gingerman.

There were a few hiccups along the way, but overall, it was a good vacation.

Heading Off to SXSW

I'm heading out to SXSW tomorrow (if my flight makes it through the rain). I'll touch base back here, hopefully with pictures, when I get back.

Hiring a Sales Assistant / Designer

I'll be heading to an NYU job fair later this afternoon in search of a sales assistant / designer. If you're interested in applying, or know someone that might be, please let me know.

I can send a full description to interested parties, but in short this is an entry level position supporting the sales and business development teams at ROO with day to day operations. You'll also be responsible for putting together compelling, exciting, and totally awesome mockups and presentations - this is where the /designer aspect comes in.

Besides, who wouldn't want to work with me? ;)

Finding an Apartment in New York City

Finding an apartment in New York is no fun. Your best source of listings is Craig's List, but that's full of spam and, frankly, brokers that flat out lie. I realize why they do it - competition is tough, but isn't there a better way? A 8'x8' room in a 6th floor walk-up is not something that I would call, "Cozy."

Can't we apply the Match.com method to apartment hunting? Broker fills out a profile for each apartment, I fill out a profile outlining what my requirements and nice-to-haves are and I get back some kind of compatibility match. Brokers can be rated on their honestly, their ability to actually show up at a viewing and on how easy it is to work with them.

Are you an old lady, reading this blog, sitting in a fantastic, rent-controlled apartment in the East Village ready to keel over and give me your apartment? You are?! Well here's what I'm looking for:

Requirements:

• If in Brooklyn, must be close to the L train. No, not the J, M, Z - it's not the same.
• Must allow dogs (don't worry, it'll be a small, hipster-type French Bulldog)
• Must be in the $1,300 per month range - hey, I don't want to spend all my money on rent

Nice-to-haves:

• If in Manhattan, near the 4, 5 or 6 trains
• I'd much prefer a converted factory loft over a traditional apartment
• Outdoor space would be great. Balcony, small yard, whatever.
• Big windows are a plus
• Elevators are nice, but I can take the stairs if I have to

That's it! Shouldn't be so difficult. I've seen a few places I like, but I'm taking the time to find something perfect - I'm not stuck in a lease, so I can go anytime.

EveryBlock is Ruining My Appetite

EveryBlock's restaurant inspections are ruining my appetite. Here's a recent inspection from my favorite neighborhood Korean BBQ place. The quick rundown:

• Not vermin-proof
• Improper use of utensil
• Food contact surface not washed
• Food not protected from contamination
• Personal cleanliness inadequate
• Flying insects
• Mice
• Cold food held above 41 degrees F

The "Personal cleanliness inadequate" one scares me the most.

Inspection reports have long been available online through the city's website. But you had to specifically seek it out. Now, with EveryBlock, I've entered the specific location that's important to me, subscribed to an RSS feed and I'm in the know every time my neighborhood deli has a rat problem or my neighbor applies for a permit to attach a parking garage.

That's a good thing, but man am I disappointed about Kimchee Korean Restaurant.