The first item that I’d like to start working towards marking off  my list is an interactive children’s book. The working title for the book is “Ein, the wonder dog”.

Note: The above image is a draft thought, nothing more.

In preparation of starting this project I’ve spent the last couple weeks reading an iTunes U course from Yale on Children’s Literature and I’m about 40% through it. I’ve also been reading a couple books like Curious George, Clifford, Where the Wild Things Are, Tangled, and Dr Seuss to a friends kid. It’s quite fascinating to see how kids respond to different books. I found that animal fantasy books that tap into reality ever so slightly were popular. I must admit though, it was pretty difficult to read Clifford. The general message from that series was “Look how big this dog is” and it had very little substance. The only reason that book was interesting at all was because it had a dog. I’m hoping that I can create a fun book with some interactive animated elements, and some very simple morals.

So what’s the plan? First off, I need to finish reading this iTunes U course but while I’m doing that I can figure out the art style for the book. so expect some draft artwork and story elements soon. I’ll be blogging throughout the entire process of creating this interactive  iBook.

Note: I’ve also started logging things I like around the web on tumblr here.

As of today I’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for exactly 10 years. Yes, I’m officially quasi-old.

I vividly remember my first day living in San Francisco. Mainly because we had to carry all my furniture up four flights of stairs since most of the buildings are too old to have elevators. Also my dormitory was conveniently located in the Tenderloin, effectively known as the ghetto. And trust you me there is nothing tender about that place.

I’ve had several great and fun experiences while living here. I met my first of many crazy eyed girlfriends, raced a big wheels bike down that giant hill on Lumbard street, dressed up as Darth Vader for a flash dance party at the Old Navy on Market, had a drunken laser tag birthday party (Stinson would be proud), and various other things that will not be tolerated in my new city. I’ve also achieved some of the proudest moments while working with my colleagues and friends at Disqus. Helping a small scrappy company become a giant cuddly bear of the blogging sphere it is today. Ya know, I’ve been there since 2008, and it’s still one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Part of the reason I’m moving to New York is to head up our Partner Relations efforts for all paid clients under the Disqus umbrella. I’m super psyched about helping large publishers elevate quality conversations and generally just the adventure of exploring a new city has its appeal.

In summary, we have two months to hang out, and then I’m OUT! So hit me up and we’ll hang.