I'm a sucker for integrations of social media and traditional media, so I was interested to see today that CNN found themselves a partner in presenting Tuesday's live streaming coverage of the Michael Jackson funeral. That partner? Facebook.

If you streamed online, the above is what you saw: the infamous status update feature of the application found at right with a constantly updating feed from fellow Facebook users around the world with their MJ related status updates. In essence, it's creating a chat room effect - complete with the mix of poignant, annoying and flippant comments you'd expect with such a controversial subject as Jackson.

There was also an annoying moment when the sound kicked out at the beginning of the ceremony, which led to dozens saying the same thing: no sound. (Really? Does everyone need to be told this? Patience is a virtue, everyone. Jeez.)

There was also 'This is a sample of what everyone watching is saying' disclaimer at the bottom of the chat, so I assume the API between CNN/Facebook is randomly selecting from people that are logged in. The anchors are acknowledging the feed, creating a online version of the classic man on the street interview with users around the world.

There are some complaining about the speed of the feed with some speculating that it's because of the Status Update feature. From an uptime and steaming standpoint, how much the CNN servers were no doubt tested.

And for the non-Facebookers out there, there is a  traditional 'Your Voice' comment feature but it seems antiquated compared to the FB feed. For Facebook, this is another huge coup for them as a brand. There are still those that are not on on the social media powerhouse, so perhaps there is the tipping point for them to sign up. There is no doubt that Facebook is a major component of our world now and instances like this have helped the effort.

The continuingly fusing DNA between old media and social media...gotta love it.

Happened to stumble across this Nashua Telegraph story about Jon Hall, a famous/infamous Unix lover here in the Granite State, and the story of his fight to keep Unix free and the signifiance of putting 'UNIX' on a New Hampshire license plate. Here is one such excerpt:

"Negotiations between DEC and AT&T were proceeding so slowly that the exasperated Stettner, tired of saying "not yet," had the brilliant idea of making fake versions of his license plate.

Queried onstage at a software conference about when Unix licenses would be available, he cried "Right now!" – which, according to Hall, practically produced a heart attack in DEC lawyers in the audience, who knew that corporate negotiations were still going on.

Stettner whipped out the fake plates, there was pandemonium among the crowd of programmers (who love a good pun as much as they love a free trinket), and a cult was born."

We don't do a ton here with Unix/Linux, but anytime you can give a shoutout to a fellow web geek fighting the good fight in New Hampshire, you have to do it. 

In an industry such as ours, computer humor can be pretty funny. Who among us hasn't dealt with situations like this one? A find courtesy of developer John Norton, please enjoy 'Your My Documents'.

What's that saying? Sometimes you don't see the forest for the trees? I think that's the case when it comes to not realizing just how free information and entertainment you can find on the internet. (And if you're thinking about porn, you're a dirty, dirty person.) More...

I'm happy to report some great news as long-time General Manager Stephen Wheeler has been promoted to President of Amplify Studios.

(Now can I have a raise, boss?) More...

I'm a bit of a data collection nerd in that I like reading and learning about different techniques and contests that reputable marketers are using to learn more about the black hole of customers they don't have direct interaction with. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has thousands upon thousands of fans that they know exist but can't market to because they don't know their names, addresses or emails. This past June, they decided to do something about it using the time-honored technique of giving away money for the information.More...

-When you really think about it, there's a lot of content out there you can take in. I mean, a LOT of content. As I got my latest copy of a magazine I barely read the other day right around the time a few new albums came out to download and while I was ready to check in on some TiVo'd shows I have, it really sunk in. More...

Since we have been so busy lately and have a crankin' July-August coming, we needed to do something we hadn't tried in a while: a company outing. El Presidente decided that we should have our weekly company meeting at Stadium Ten Pin here in Manchester and then, bowling a few games. We divided the company up into three groups and went at it, bowling two strings of games with mixed teams. More...

Hi there! How are you? You look fantastic...you been working out? New haircut? 

Welcome to the new-look Amplify Studios, a new-look approach for our interactive company. In the past year, we knew that we needed a breath of fresh air as our old site was clunky and too, well, traditional. It didn't really tell who we were and represent what we wanted to say. So one day, we just started working on this site and a few days later, here we are.

We had another busy week here with the highlight being the announcement that actor Denis Leary's Leary Firefighters Foundation charity is now a member of the Amplify Studios family. The good people at the LFF will soon be using our Amplify-created SendLabs email marketing solution, in addition to us assisting them with development on their web site. This is a very important group to us as their main goal is to assist firefighters in getting the training they need and the right equipment to do it. Often, we take these heroes for granted but the LFF does an awesome job at making sure the needs of this group are always at the forefront of our minds.

Welcome Leary Firefighters Foundation! 

To view the release, click here.