Features

Keeping Up (Vol. 26)

by Darren Paltrowitz

Here are another 5 quick picks for you, the loyal reader:

MUSIC: Bird Of Youth – Fronted by noted music journalist Beth Wawerna, Brooklyn-based Bird Of Youth has come onto the New York scene strong. Produced by Will Sheff of Okkervil River, Bird Of Youth’s debut is full of interesting and soulful (yet laid-back) alt-country. Fans of Lucinda Williams ought to check out the brilliant album-opener “The Sound Of One Name Dropping.” (myspace.com/birdofyouthmusic)  

talent_175BOOK: Geoff Colvin / Talent Is Overrated – Read regularly in Fortune Magazine and heard daily on CBS Radio, Geoff Colvin is known as an authority on topics like leadership, management, and globalization. A precursor of sorts to Malcolm Gladwell’s New York Times best-seller “Outliers,” Colvin’s book “Talent Is Overrated” is sub-titled “What Really Separates World-Class Performers From Everybody Else.” Let’s just say that Colvin may have you re-thinking what “talent” is and if it has anything to do with why many people succeed. (geoffcolvin.com)

SERIES: Between Two Ferns – Having become more of a household name via starring in “The Hangover,” Zach Galifianakis is the host of “Between Two Ferns,” an online series exclusive to Funny Or Die. Although each episode is under five minutes in length, such is enough time to show the humorous nature of Galifianakis as he struggles to get through celebrity interviews. Fans of guests like Jon Hamm, Natalie Portman, and Charlize Theron ought to tune in. (funnyordie.com/between_two_ferns)

TOOL: Spotify – In the process of being imported to the U.S., Spotify is a free music-streaming service that originated in Sweden. Enabling users to listen to major label and independent artists alike, Spotify is along the lines of Last.fm and Pandora yet a downloadable application. Keep checking the website to find out when it is set to launch, or better yet, when more beta testers will be needed. (spotify.com/en)

ARTICLE: Chris Guillebeau “The Case For The $100 Business” – Another recommended post from the “Art Of Non-Conformity” blog, Chris Guillebeau discusses how everyday people can start up a business with minimum capital or outside help. Guillebeau provides a plethora of ideas to readers at no cost, just as other the site’s readers in post replies. The beauty of it all is that no one is expecting anything in return for having shared some free advice. (chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/the-case-for-the-100-business)  

As always, if I’m missing something that’s worthwhile and deserving of column space, please reach out with an e-mail: darren.paltrowitz@gmail.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for another 5 picks...

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