Jeff Lail

My favorite business startup in 2009 is one of many that are trying to do live video streaming from mobile applications.

I’m currently using Qik and it works OKAY, but I think part of the problem is that their Blackberry application is still in beta mode and not really ready for the mainstream (why are so many blackberry apps like this?  i’m looking at you foursquare).

I think the implications of live streaming video from your mobile phone are huge – are we getting to the point that we won’t need an actual computer any more?

I’ve met so many new people in 2009, but this choice was actually very easy for me.  Dual recipients are the best new people of 2009;  those people are my current roommates in New Jersey, Steve and Jon.

I met Jon through a craigslist ad when I was looking for roommates up here and Steve moved in a few weeks after I did.  They’re great guys, good roommates and have made the difficult transition of moving to a new place where I knew literally no one besides my coworkers a little more bearable.  I really don’t know how I could have done it without having the two of them around.  I have no idea if they’ll read this, but thanks guys!

The prompt was: Online or offline, where did you spend most of your mad money this year?

The big chunk of my money in 2009 that didn’t go to food or rent went to the biggest purchase I’ve ever made in my life.  I bought my first car on my own in 2009, going through the entire process from start-to-finish by myself (with advice of course).  It felt like a milestone in my life, and I hope that it doesn’t feel like a millstone around my neck at some point.

Here’s what I bought:

One of my job interview trips took me to beautiful Durango Colorado.  For those who’ve never made it to Durango, it’s in the heart of the Southwest Colorado mountains – a beautiful tourist place that’s know for skiing and views.

The problem is that Durango is not the easiest place to get to.  My trip took me from Raleigh to Charlotte to Phoenix to Durango, three flights in one trip.

I tend to be a nervous flier to begin with, but I knew I was in for an adventure when I got into the tiny open propeller plane that would take me to Durango.  The trip to Durango wasn’t so bad, but the trip back qualifies as my best rush of 2009.  Through 1000 foot drops and being tossed side-to-side like a toy in the San Juan Mountain thermals, I nearly lost my lunch and got the privilege of listening to people scream in fear.

I was so nervous I decided to immortalize my trip with a video for posterity.  Thankfully, it was not found at the scene of the crash.

My best place is the bridge that crosses into downtown Raleigh on Morgan St.  From that bridge, you can see the full skyview of downtown Raleigh, as well as the train tracks that lead from the south of the city to the north.  I spent many nights while I was living in Raleigh crossing that bridge on foot, often by myself but occasionally with company.  For some reason, I’ve missed this place in particular.