Lecorpio User Conference 2013

Our company held its first (annual?) Lecorpio User Conference on Friday, and it was a dandy.

The Utah team got to fly out to the Bay Area for it, which was cool, other than having to wake up before 4 am to make our Thursday morning flight. After landing in Oakland, we drove down to the office for conference prep and also to get our company shirts.

I think he doubles as a shirt model in his spare time

Our hotel was in Burlingame, so we'd be close to the conference in the morning.
For convenience, we hit up a restaurant in that area for dinner. Mmm, I love a good steak.

Everybody was at the venue early on Friday to set up, and we started meeting the clients right off the bat.

There were various speeches, presentations, and panels throughout the day, including giving the attendees a chance to air their thoughts and requests for updates to the software. Good stuff.

Thanks for a great time at the conference, Lecorpio friends and attendees! See you again in 2014!

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Tunes-day Trio: Satisfy that Sweet Tooth

Ok, ok, ok. It's been forever since the color-themed Rainbow Connection trio post.
My interest in blogging waned, but it's waxing now, so we'll take advantage of that while we can.

Turns out there are a whole lotta songs that fit a sweetness/sweets/candy theme.

Plenty of honorable mentions this week:
- "Candy" by Mandy Moore - thanks for the reminder of this gem, Erin Masi!
- "My Boy Lollipop" by Millie Small, graciously pulled from the archives (1964) by AmandaStretch
Props to Miss Megan for these next five. Clearly we were raised on oldies.
- "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond, because Boston deserves a little extra love right now
- "Sweet Darlin" by She & Him
- "Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows" by Lesley Gore, makes me think of my brother Dave every time
- "Sugartime" by the McGuire Sisters, talk about a trio of old-school wholesome hotties
- "Lollipop" by the Chordettes, for best vocal percussion punctuation to a chorus
And I'll throw some newer tunes in for good measure.
- "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard, *insert stripper-related joke here*
- "Sex and Candy" by Marcy Playground, total downer song, why did we all like it so much?
- "Tootsee Roll" by 69 Boyz
- "Milkshake" by Kelis, a family favorite when waiting in line pretty much anywhere

You have to admit, that's a stellar bunch of honorable mentions.

All leading up to these three delicious selections for the Tunes-day Trio:

"Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies

I had no idea the song had been written for the cartoon, or at least released through that venue. Such a catchy song, and you can't help but smile and feel happy listening to this tune from simpler times.
Another great pick, Megan.

"Candy Man" by Christina Aguilera

So many elements I like about this song. Great old-style music, Christina's pipes, and the military video.
Good call, Amanda.

"Stuck Like Glue" by Sugarland

Just an all-around fun song, and it's peppy as any could be. Plus, Sugarland is excellent in concert, so I'm happy to give them a special shout-out. Oh, and as a bonus, it kind of goes along with next week's theme in a couple of its lyrics, too.

Next Time
For the next one, we're gonna do something a little more subdued.

Thinking of how hard it is to run the 26.2 miles of a marathon, and also thinking of the people who lost loved ones in the Boston Marathon explosions, I think it's appropriate to do a theme showing support and offering strength to keep going in hard times.

Which is why the theme is supporting those in need/shared strength/carrying on.

We can all lift each other up in our times of heartache and pain.

So if there's a song that's buoyed you up, please share the title and artist in the comments.
Maybe it'll be a much-needed boost to someone else who's having a rough day.

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Boston Marathon Solidarity

The bombings at the 117th Boston Marathon were cowardly and horrible.

I'm grateful that no one I know personally was injured in the attacks, but I feel sorrow for those affected and my thoughts and prayers continue to go out to them.

In contrast, my spirit is buoyed by the incredible response of both Bostoners and people around the country.

First, this happened, and we were all stunned and shocked and horrified.

Then this happened, and we were reminded of how strong the people of Boston and its marathon are.

Then Patton Oswalt spoke up, and Stephen Colbert intro'd his show with this.

The Colbert Report

And people all over the country joined together in support of Boston and the people affected.

Seeing this arena-wide singing of the National Anthem at the Boston Bruins game on Wed, 4/17/13, brings tears to my eyes. Beautiful song, and a beautiful response as a city.

This quote by Mr Rogers has come up multiple times in the past couple years, and I find additional comfort in his reminder of the helpers and how many more people want to do good in this world than seek to do evil and harm innocents.

God bless Boston and its people, and I hope those responsible are brought to justice soon.

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NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concerts

How did I not know about this?!?

I quite enjoy NPR's programs, especially Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, This American Life, and Prairie Home Companion.

So I was tickled pink to discover the Tiny Desk Concerts while perusing music videos on YouTube.

It's like having personal concerts in a small setting, but without the high ticket price and sticky floors.

Check out these gems:

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Note: contains strong language, but the first song is safe

Brandi Carlile

Adele

Also, The Cranberries, Yo-Yo Ma, Juanes, They Might Be Giants, The Decemberists, etc.

But they also play some less-known talented artists, and I've loved finding new songs I like. For example:

Robert Cray

Spirit Family Reunion

Flaco Jimenez

Anais Mitchell

If you want to just listen to the entire series (that's what I've begun doing--it provides a whole work-week worth of enjoyment), you can click here for the full playlist.

You're welcome.

*drops mic and walks away*

hahaha

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