Adam Daniel Mezei

My 2009 Roundup

30. 12. 2009 | 10:12

Přečteno 20750 krát

It's that time of year where we round up all that went down over 2009, and all that'll be surging down the pipe during Twenty-Ten. So here's a very short summary of the excellent year which was, and a few tip-offs about the promising year which is to come -- despite the obvious onset of worsening economic conditions wherever you live.

Notable milestones:

China: So I finally managed to head on over to the People's Republic -- Beijing and Shanghai, specifically -- last month, the very two cities I'd been dreaming about since the beginning of the year. We didn't know where Vitamin C: Your Daily Dose On China was eventually going to lead when we'd commenced it during 2009's "Prague Spring," but it turned out to be quite the catchy little vidcast, except in China, that is, given its "Great Firewall." Even we couldn't access the best of what Vimeo and YouTube had to offer through our VPN in China. In any event, as of last count, we've completed almost fifty-five episodes, augmented by a handful of Vitamin C Road Shows in Romania and Switzerland which got us off our rubber butts for several weeks during 2009's spring and summer. I look forward to a packed 2010 for the moving image as we've recently upgraded our gear (now four machines and counting!) and juiced up our editing software (Final Cut Pro) that will allow us to take even more creative risks of the sorts you've become used to. I look forward to one additional China sojourn set to take place during early 2010 to -- Luke Skywalker-like -- tie-up some loose Chinese ends.

Romania: With 2009 being the extensive travel year it was, we also managed to spirit ourselves away from the Romanian capital for a couple of weeks in September during our swing through the fabled (and positively breathtaking) Transylvanian countryside (Brasov, Ploiesti, Pitesti, Poiana Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara). The trip will remain one of my 2009 highlights because it reinvigorated my passion for Romania's resolute, courageous folk and offered me some insights into the vast diversity of Romania's society outside of Bucharest and about how dastardly its dictatorship was. We kicked back with the locals as we enjoyed some of the rural culinary delights and libations (palinca, tuica, and french fries, Romanian-style). I was delighted to discover how some Romanians who might have otherwise emerged from the Ceausescu era with tremendous emotional scarring somehow succeeded in maintaining their positive outlook on life, an astonishing revelation given the stereotypes people still hold about this talented, but deeply scarred, Balkan country.

Czech Republic: My love for the city of Prague remains fully intact, despite some autumn logistical setbacks with our creative studio. Thankfully, our local networks run very deep and the unplanned changeover lasted only a couple of days. A propos, too, I suppose, in light of what was taking place on the national scene as the money supply tightened and the Czech authorities announced an increase to the tax rate in order to stem the rapidly-swelling budgetary deficit. Some good friends lost their jobs, and other long-standing Prague expats pulled up stakes and left town. This otherwise placid Central European nation suddenly understood that it wasn't an island disconnected from the financial ravages of the rest of Planet Earth. Czechs sadly only woke up to this reality around March or April, and when it hit home, it stung with a bitter vengeance. I guess this means the end of eleven a.m. drinky-poos for all the local bureaucrats I see in the cafes who now suddenly realize you have to shake your moneymaker if you want to be somebody in this town. Prague will continue to play a part in my 2010, but on a drastically-reduced level. You shall, nevertheless, continue to hear from me my dear local friends. Our long ponderous chatty nights in our favourite watering holes and bistros will continue!

Canada: Looking forward to putting the finishing touches on a small Vancouver Olympic project we're completing as I type. As such, my flying schedule shows no signs of slowing down next year and I shall sadly continue being that profligate airborne polluter -- the worst kind! -- which pushed me into "silver" standing in at least two prominent frequent flier programs (yay, business lounge benefits!). I can't wait to get up the new photos from some of the Olympic venues.

Some other notable highlights throughout the year:

1938 Media: Our association with Loren Feldman's 1938 Media was a great learning experience. Despite his shock-jock Howard Stern-esque style, Loren remains one of Web Two-Oh's notable celebs, with a keen eye on tech and business trends who sports a deliciously caustic tongue. I enjoyed spoofing him as part of his popular "Monday Matters" series this past Prague summer. We look forward to increased future collaborations.

Theoretically Speaking: New York's Vincent Ferrrari has been nothing short of a sage-beyond-his-years debating partner in this new debating show we kicked off during the fall. We've only managed to pull off three episodes this year, but things once things settle down in 2010 we'll have some more for you. Check out this clever clip Andreea did with Vinny.

800-CEO-READ: Many thanks to the affable funnyman Wayne Turmel of The Cranky Middle Manager Show for introducing me to Jack Covert & Todd Sattersten's (formerly) truly excellent business book operation (go Milwaukee!). I'll be guest blogging for them from time to time on expat business trends as part of their new "8cr Global" series from Prague. If you're on my Facebook Wall or follow me on Twitter you'll be able to catch a few of those posts when they go live.

Aktualne.cz: I continue to guest blog at the largest Czech group blog, "Aktualne" (or, "current events"). Nice to receive some local feedback on the events of the day.

Blog: My website will be undergoing its third revamp early in 2010. Look out for more China stuff, more video, and more political punditry.

Wherever you are and whatever you've got planned, make sure to write down your 2010 goals and make them come alive over the coming year, and as always, I wish for you...the best of things...

My 2009 Roundup

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