Interactive

We could’ve designed a kick-ass T-shirt. We could’ve slapped our logo on some sweet mugs and coasters. But would simple swag be enough to truly represent what Urban Influence is all about? Would that alone be enough of a gift to satiate our rabid fan base? No, of course it wouldn’t. They’re not easily satiated. 

We've been busy working on some exciting new websites that we can't wait to show off. Until then–think medical, guns and shopping. Sounds like a lovely mix, right? Don't worry, as this will be the only time they'll be mentioned alongside each other.

I'm really liking this new sketching app for the iPad called Paper by FiftyThree. Watch the video below and you'll be tempted to download the app (free with in-app add-ons).

I first heard about "kanban" years ago, when a former boss and agile coach, started talking about it more and more. At the time, I let it slide as a fad, but it was in the back of my mind as I went through life. It wasn't until last year, when I started looking for a replacement to my failing to do lists, reminder programs, and GTD systems, that I returned to the idea.

It's been a while, but I want to pick up where I left off with another installment of Tools of the Trade. This time, I'd like to talk about tools that are more specific to my programming workflow. 

iTerm2

Most developers who have been developing with Rails for more than 3-4 years will remember the Mongrel Web Server. In the early days of Rails development, Mongrel was generally considered the preferred method of choice for Rails deployments, if for no other reason than the fact that mod_ruby was painfully slow.

Here's an entry I think Mike would love. It's an iPad app for The Better Bacon Book. It's filled with 20 HD videos on how to make your own bacon, build your own smoker, find the best bacon, etc. And the list goes on—Search through 150 high-resolution photos and 31 recipes from top American and Canadian chefs.

Hey all, we've been extremely busy and haven't had much time to update our site, however we did manage to squeak in two new projects for Endurance and AdoptUSKids. TV expert Courtney Hansen leads the new Endurance campaign, so make sure you click on over to the portfolio and check it out in full. There is also plenty of eye candy for AdoptUSKids, the Nation's leading adoption and foster care resource so go get your sugar fix on.

We've been all kinds of busy but are planning on some much needed updates to the portfolio and some other big changes around the site, so stay tuned!

SIC 2011 just wrapped up yesterday, and I spent the day going to talks by speakers from the worlds of UX, SEO, marketing, and branding. Like any convention, there were a lot of great talks going on simultaneously--it was hard to choose which ones to go to!

I've summarized some of what was talked about below, spanning mobile, design, SEO, and networking. Hopefully you get something out of it!