It’s already been an incredible spring with some good stories to tell, but to shake off the cobwebs I thought I’d give the little bloggy a minor makeover. New theme, in with some new plugins, out with some old. So help me out here – play around with the Facebook social plugin stuff — if you’re into that — unfortunately I won’t be customizing my content for you but I might look into sending your grandma a new pair of shoes if you’re nice. And thanks to Facebook’s concern for your privacy, her shoe size should only be a couple clicks away. But really, if you happen upon this old, neglected blog-o-mine, I do appreciate any and all honest comments and criticism. This has always been more of a testing ground for me than anything else — a place to play around before I bring things to the big stage (or any level of greater accountability).

But seriously, spring is here, I’ve got some time, and a whole lotta ambition. Let’s shake things up, start something new, and rock out in the sun. You ready? (P.S. if you’re on Spotify, I a made a little mix for this right here.)

Last week, Michael Liskin came up with a very bright, win-win-win-win idea that would help him get to SF, help sponsors pimp their wares, help conference-goers shed the extra free crap they attain, AND benefit underprivileged kids with tangible and wearable goods in the process.

It’s called The Schwaggin’ Wagon. I immediately jumped on board when Michael told me about last weekend and quickly set up a snazzy WordPress blog. I’ll also be hanging out and helping Weds night thru Saturday in San Francisco where I’m attending the Web 2.0 Expo for work. Michael, David Preciado, and Kyra Reed all took off this afternoon in the Wagon and Marjorie Kase is already ironing out logistics in SF. Awesome!

Everybody follow the Schwaggin’ Wagon!

My mother doesn’t understand why I’ve quit all attempts at meeting girls via Nerve, OKCupid, JDate and the like.

It just never (OK – rarely) seemed to work out.

So this morning I have officially jumped the Internet dating shark as my dear friend Caroline began a contest in which three lucky ladies will win one of three dates with me. The best of those three dates will be continued on a special Valentine’s Day date.

That’s it, no TV cameras, no silly games, well, just my trust in Caroline’s ability to select decent matches from among her adoringly cute readership. What am I looking for? I am a picky man, but I’m not specific about it. It takes a genuine smile and an eye-to-eye conversation to assess legitimate attraction, which may explain why I’m over the Internet dating thing.

Now you’re curious arentcha? Check it out over at CarolineonCrack.com.

Photo by Dave Bullock / eecue at BarcampLA-4