I’ve blogged about it before, I was just as disappointed as you were when the iPad was announced. I realized that this device might not be for the techy-geek-heads of the world. However, when the iPad is released this Saturday, a lot of heads will turn once people really start thinking about how a device like this might be integrated into our every day routines.

What I mean to say is the iPad product launch will propel the socialization of a tablet computer to critical mass.

Keep in mind, there are other tablets, besides the iPad, that will be released soon. HP, MSI, Asus and the JooJoo (which looks awesome) are a few of the many companies that will be launching tablet computers.

Conceptually, it’s hard for the common person to understand why they would need one. It seems excessive, and a more of a luxury. This is because the device sits in that unfamiliar middle ground of it’s “not a phone” but it’s not your “computer”, but it’s supposed to be everything in between (which is even hard to think about). However, the tablet computer could be the perfect device between an eReader and laptop.

I believe that these tablet computers will create a need for consumers that wasn’t there before. You don’t think you need it- until it’s illustrated exactly how you need to have this device in your life (take for instance what “tone up” shoes have done for the shoe industry, it’s created an entirely new niche market).

I’ve blogged before that there are many practical uses for this type of device we have yet to discover that would make our lives easier. Take for example; graphic designers showing their portfolio at a coffee shop meeting, real-estate agents working with clients using it to show photos and their properties, photographers showcasing their portfolios, or people who need to give a 1-on-1 presentations at table in casual settings. Recently, after watching the guided tours of the iPad, I thought of the idea of using a tablet computer propped up, to run photo slide shows at a wedding guest sign-in table. How cool would that be?

My main point about the iPad product launch, is that this will be the event that thrusts the introduction and socialization of this type of device to critical mass. For some people, when they see this device, there will be moments in which they say things like, “i never thought about that, i could really benefit from using one of these”. Make no mistake, it will take time for this process to occur and it’ll require some great marketing to illustrate to others why they need this device.

Personally, I can’t wait to physically hold it- touch it- and use the iPad, I want to put it through my own tests. And for the record, I would still camp out for this device. I want one.

What do you think? What was your reaction to the iPad? Do you want to buy a tablet computer? Tell me your thoughts.
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I’ve been anxious to share this great news with you for a while. Many of you already know that myself and 12 of my friends dedicate our free time to organizing the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party (in two years, we’ve raised over $25,000 for Operation Breakthrough). After last year’s party, my friends and I have realized that throwing just 1 benefit party wasn’t enough. We wanted to do more. We knew we could do it.

Fast-forward to now.

We’ve started the Breakthrough Crew, a volunteer group with the objectives of increasing awareness about Operation Breakthrough and furthering its mission through service opportunities. We’ve created a website, www.kcbreakthroughcrew.org + a logo for the Breakthrough Crew, check it out:

What exactly does that mean? This group’s mission is to put together fun, meaningful events and activities that will help directly benefit OB or raise awareness about their cause. For example, everything from donation campaigns, fundraisers, to happy hours and online campaigns and memes.

So, to kick things off, the Breakthrough Crew launched our first campaign called Operation: Spring Cleaning. We realized this time of year many people begin Spring cleaning around the house, and instead of throwing stuff away- we want people to consider donating to OB. Gently used clothing, shoes, books, and toys are items that children and adults at Operation Breakthrough can use. And we’ve partnered with Standard Style boutique and Tower Tavern to serve as drop-off locations, who are also offering discounts for donations.

Find out all the details on how you can help on our website or help spread the word on Facebook. You can also print this flier and hang it wherever you’d like.
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The “People Who Rock!” blog post series is dedicated to recognizing those individuals who IMHO, just plain rock at life. This is my personal way of telling them “thank you”, but more importantly giving them proper recognition and the chance for you to get to know them (and connect with them if you’d like).

Terese Babcock (LinkedIn)

Terese is one of those people who is the “glue” to success. I know few people as detailed driven as her. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with her on projects both for work and for personal volunteer endeavors (www.kcsweaterparty.com). When you’re working a project, you want her on your team, period. She also has a huge heart for helping others and remembers it’s ok to laugh at yourself every once and a while. Terese has a way of bringing it all together like no one I know- and I’m proud to call her “friend” and learn from her frequently.

Ron Hill (ronh@redemptionplus.com)

To call Ron a successful entrepreneur is a huge understatement. When you meet Ron for the first time, you know there’s something unique to him. Aside from his amazing intelligence (he founded and is the CEO of Redemption Plus), it’s the passion he has for life and his work that’s palpable when you share a room with him or hear him speak. He’s also dedicated his personal time to organizing a Halloween benefit party that helps the Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center. His last party had 300+ guests attend, and raised over $40k. I personally look up to Ron as a mentor, friend and I’m continued to be greatly inspired by his actions (disclosure; Ron is a client).

This weekend, I was running errands and noticed this awesome “open” sign that hangs on the front window of Miriam Garvey, a boutique here in Kansas City. The playful typography of the open sign, along with strong bold red door caught my attention. So I had some fun putting together this mini-series-capture, especially since this was paired with unexpected snow fall.

One of my goals for 2010 is to take 1 creative photo each week. This has been a fun ongoing challenge for me, with mixed results (i’ve taken some really bad photos, and some good photos). Stay tuned to the blog for more photo blog posts in the future.

I was so excited to learn how to snowboard this year! It was a big-darn-deal to me, I even blogged about it here’s my 3 favorite photos from the trip I posted to flickr.

If you follow me on Twitter or follow my blog, you probably have seen updates about my ongoing involvement with leading the Timberland Earthkeepers website project (at Digital Evolution Group). We just launched the redesigned blog for Earthkeepers (click here to visit the blog). I’m really proud of the team that put this together, it’s built with a WordPress backbone, and is integrated with YouTube, Twitter, DISQUS and Facebook.

It’s exciting to help lead part of the effort Timberland has dedicated itself to (and I’m not just saying that because they’re my client). They’re doing incredible things, like planting 1 million+ trees around the world, and drastic things like banning the use of bottled water (by their CEO) at all their corporate offices.

Personally, since I’ve started this project, I’ve learned so much and started to take steps of my own: I now use a reusable water bottle at work and at home, I use reusable grocery sacks, I’ve convinced our office to not buy styrofoam cups or plates, I even created an Earth Day video blog last year to get the good word out.

FYI: if you’re wondering what the term “Earthkeeper” means, it’s a person who cares about the environment. Timberland describes Earthkeepers as people who do small things- like recycling, biking instead of driving, and using energy-efficient light bulbs. Earthkeepers are also people who do BIG super cool things like replanting eroded areas or retrofitting their engines to run on bio fuel.

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Today I learned how to snowboard and I can’t stop smiling about it. Why is that such a big deal? It was the experience and the challenge of learning something new.

I’ve skied for many years with my friends and family- and it’s comfortable. It’s in no way an intimidating sport for me. Prior to this trip I had always wondered what snowboarding was like. I knew that sticking with skiing would be the “easy thing to do”. The thought of starting new again and having to learn new things …it was overwhelming. What if I suck at it? Does that make me a failure? Why not stick with skiing since I know how-to already? Nevertheless, I committed myself to learning how to snowboard and told myself, “I’m doing this, no excuses.”

I wanted to learn something new.

And guess what happened? I had the time of my life learning how to snowboard and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to skiing. (I also want to mention how great it was to have one of my best friends, Adam, teach me how to snowboard)

As I’m getting older, I’m beginning to think that life inconveniently gets in the way of learning new things. New experiences seem to be harder to “schedule” or “find the time to do”.

That sucks.

The rich sense of fulfillment you get from new experiences is one of the best things in life, IMHO. Finding time to do this, I think, is essential- and anything else is negligent.

Are you finding the time to make sure you try new things? Or are you quick to make excuses? It’s easy to find reasons not to try new things or tell yourself you just don’t have the time.

Think of the things you’ve always wanted to try, make a list. Then figure out ways in which you can do them- what steps you have to take in order to do it. Ask smarter people who can help you in achieving them.

Now you get out there. Take advice from my friend Matt, who once told me, “Explore. Dream. Discover.”

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Do yourself a favor. Carve out 20-minutes of your time, in the next 5 days, and sit down to watch this speech by J.K. Rowling. It’s incredible. Do what I do; sit down at the dinner table with your laptop or fire up the TED iPhone app and watch this. Forget everything you know that she’s written previously, this speech isn’t for kids or Harry Potter fans. It’s much better than that.

It is eloquently, inspiring and well delivered.

I’ll stop here, because I worry I’ll ruin the brilliance in her delivery. Just watch it already.
…don’t forget to share your thoughts on her speech in the comments section.

Most normal people write their goals at the beginning of the year. I didn’t do that this year. I forgot.

I accept, and take full responsibility for the lack of direction I’ve provided my own self.

There. I said it. Shame on me.

In my defense, I’ve put thought towards my 2010 goals prior to writing this blog post, and this personal homework of mine is long overdue.

So, you might be wondering- it’s March 1st already, why am I bothering to do this now?

I realized last year when writing my goals for 2009, it’s important to sit down and go through this process. I’ll admit, it’s sorta weird at first. But like every great project, setting goals and objectives is the first step in planning to succeed. We become who we believe we are. And if we don’t know what to believe we are, you’re just going through the motions (life’s too short to do that).

PS, I wish I could have tracked my own traffic to my 2009 goals blog post- because I visited it often throughout the year …just to see how I was doing. Most of the time, I was furthering each goal throughout the entire year.

*(this list is in no particular order)

*10 things I want to achieve in the year, 2010:

1.) Improve upon my knowledge and experience as a web consultant and digital strategist (w/emphasis on social media).

2.) Spend more time being helpful through my blog publishing (ramseymohsen.com). Develop an active community that interacts and contributes.

3.) Do: 1 random act of kindness each week.
4.) Shoot: 1 creative photo each week.

5.) Mature as freelance video blogger. Try new things with it and increase the professional execution of my work to a new level.

6.) Ask lots of questions when in the presence of brilliant people, then share it with others.

7.) Spend more time with my family.

8.) Plan and organize an even better Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

9.) Improve upon my photog skills from others (like Rebecca) and continue to experiment and learn my own.

10.) Continue to discover my personal passions in life (and share them with others).

Here are my three words to describe my goals for 2010 (an exercise explained by Chris):
1.) Alignment
2.) Build
3.) Jump

So how about you? How’s your start on 2010? Make a comment. Are you on your way to set yourself up to achieve the things you want in 2010? Have you put thought to what you’re trying to achieve in 2010?

I say bring it 2010 …i’m going to knock it out of the park.

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(photo credit: Robin)