Mike D. Merrill's Life Stream http://mikemerrill.posterous.com Random thoughts posterous.com Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:16:00 -0700 Hatch Green Chile Delivered from Biad Chili Products http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/hatch-green-chile-delivered-from-biad-chili-p http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/hatch-green-chile-delivered-from-biad-chili-p

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Hatch Green Chile is one of the true treasures of New Mexico. Having grown up in southern New Mexico and now living in Dallas, TX I really miss authentic and spicy green chile. That's why today I was excited to receive my shipment of Biad Chili Hatch Green Chili Big Jim Reserve - HOT. I'm now in possession of twelve containers that should last me a while. Looking forward to my next omelet! My personal favorite are Chile Rellenos. 

Did you know that green chile is actually a fruit, not a vegetable? How do you like Green Chile? What's your best recipe?

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Sun, 17 Jul 2011 13:56:00 -0700 My Love Affair with the 2011 Ford F150 Harley Davidson http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/my-love-affair-with-the-2011-ford-f150-harley http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/my-love-affair-with-the-2011-ford-f150-harley

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I've been fortunate and grateful to participate in a program with Ford over the last few months taking extended test drives of various new Ford models and sharing my thoughts and experiences. Honestly, my impression of Ford has improved greatly and their strategy around integrating more technology in their cars has me wondering where the future will take us. Now I grew up driving trucks and they will always have a special place in my heart. Although they tend to have a lower gas mileage than I desire, they truly are one of the most comfortable vehicles to drive. Because of the long 4th of July weekend I was able to keep the F150 for a full two weeks. I drove it down to Austin to see my twin brother and enjoyed driving it.

To date I've driven a Ford Mustang GT, Ford Edge, Ford Explorer LTD, Ford Flex, Ford Expedition King Ranch Edition, F150 Harley Davidson edition and this week the Lincoln MK7. I like the look and feel of the Ford Flex but really want a bit more power. That's the challenge with providing good gas mileage. You often have to make tradeoffs with horsepower to get there. But Ford's strategy of offering a range of eco friendly options across a variety of platforms for customers is probably correct. All of us aren't going to go with the small super eco friendly sedan. We all want choices. 

9 Features I Would Require in My Next Car

  1. Full hands-free phone support via Bluetooth - Ford Sync
  2. Bluetooth media integration allowing me to stream my Pandora from my iphone handsfree
  3. Keyless Entry
  4. Remote Start - In TX heat, getting the car started sooner is always a plus
  5. Power folding seats (SUV)
  6. Standard power plug and USB plug
  7. Air conditioned/heated seats
  8. Deep cup holders so my Starbucks Latte won't spill everywhere when I take turns like a boss
  9. Built in cooler - Both the Ford Flex and Lincoln MK7 have a small cooler built in the rear console. Brilliant.
  10. Auto Window Rolldown - In my '99 lexus I used to have the ability to roll all 4 windows down at the same time. I want to do this remotely. Again, it's a TX heat thing

 

Future features I'd like to see

  1. Ability to push Google Maps directions to the Nav system via bluetooth
  2. Voice activated Facebook, Twitter and G+ updates - assuming the voice recognition actually works

Anyways, I look forward to driving more vehicles, post pictures, and sharing my thoughts. 

Any of these cars you specifically like? Any features I didn't mention that I should have? Leave your thoughts below. 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Sun, 24 Apr 2011 09:39:32 -0700 2011 Ford Flex Rear Folding Seats http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/2011-ford-flex-rear-folding-seats http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/2011-ford-flex-rear-folding-seats

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One of the decision criteria for an SUV is the ease of use of the rear folding seats. Here my daughter Chloe demonstrates just how easy it is.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:40:00 -0700 6 features the @Ford Edge has impressed me with so far #DallasAutoShow http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/6-features-the-ford-edge-has-impressed-me-wit http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/6-features-the-ford-edge-has-impressed-me-wit

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Ford has asked me to drive the new Edge Limited to get my feedback and overall assessment. In the picture above you'll see the monroney label showing off all the features. I'm fortunate to participate in this program and look forward to the the other cars they have lined up for me to sample such as the Ford Mustang Boss 302, Ford F150 Harley Davidson Edition, Mustang 5.0 and Convertible and possibly the Flex. So here's a rundown of a few of the features I've been impressed with so far. While some of these aren't all new to the market, for this size SUV to have these options is impressive. I may give one of the hybrids a spin too. That's an area of the market I am personally interested in.

  1. Ford SYNC® - I know this has been out for a while but the fact it quickly paired my iPhone to the speaker system via BlueTooth and enabled hands-free calling within a minute or so is impressive. If every car had this functionality we'd save some lives for sure. There are far too many features to this technology for me to comment on all of them, but I'm looking forward to testing out sending Google Maps to the Navigation system directly and playing music on your phone via BlueTooth or USB. 
  2. Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support - Basically you set the cruise control at a desired speed say 55 mph (yeah right). If you approach a car in front of you the vehicle automagically (yes, that's a word) slows down to maintain a safe distance. You can use a button on the steering wheel to shorten or widen the gap between the car in front of you. The collision warning also came in handy when a car slammed on it's breaks last night coming home. Basically sounds an alarm that a car is too close and you need to stop. Ideal if you get distracted easly...not that I ever do or anything.
  3. MyFord Touch™ - The 8 inch touchscreen with multiple menus provides a range of features and choices to leverage the SD Card, AUX inputs and USB ports.
  4. MyKey - Now I don't read auto magazines every week or I would have known about this unique safety feature. Since my oldest daughter is about to get her license in a month, I am paying close attention. So this allows you to customize a max speed, max sound volume, seat belt alarm and early fuel warning for specific users. My having a specific key with specific settings you can control how the vehicle is driven by others. Next time you lend the car to the in-laws, you can take all the fun out so they won't ask again. No joy riding when the radio won't turn up passed a slow murmer :)
  5. Panoramic Vista Roof™ - Really like how much sunlight you can bring into the car. Brightens up quite a bit with two sunroofs.
  6. Reverse and Rear View Camera - Displays images behind you when backing up and alerts you if a cars is approaching or too close. First day this little feature came in handy at the Yogurt Shop. 

Much more to come from me about Ford vehicles. And since my wife is in the market for a car late this year, the timing couldn't be better.

Let me know your thoughts on these features or others I need to get to know better.

 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:38:00 -0700 75 Stats Every Local Marketer Should Know [STATS] http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/75-stats-every-local-marketer-should-know-sta http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/75-stats-every-local-marketer-should-know-sta Reachlocal Web Presence Factbook
View more presentations from ReachLocal

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Thu, 24 Mar 2011 10:50:04 -0700 One Last Plea to Donate to #Dallas4Japan #PrayForJapan http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/one-last-plea-to-donate-to-dallas4japan http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/one-last-plea-to-donate-to-dallas4japan

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Please donate to our cause by visiting http://Dallas4Japan.eventbrite.com. 100% of the funds generated tonight will go toward's the American Red Cross to support Japan.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:49:00 -0800 How @CharlieSheen has already improved conversations in my Dr's Office #sheenisms http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/how-charliesheen-has-already-improved-convers http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/how-charliesheen-has-already-improved-convers

Mike_merrill

Priceless

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:41:00 -0800 4Square and 7 Years Ago - #igniteDallas #dallas cc @NikkiNore http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/4square-and-7-years-ago-ignitedallas-dallas-c http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/4square-and-7-years-ago-ignitedallas-dallas-c

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A year ago we kicked off #IgniteDallas during Global Ignite Week. Look how far we have come and how many people we have touched. It was a long day of meetings and hanging out at Pearl Cup working. 

Hope to see you at our next Ignite Dallas event as part of the Big Design Conference later this year. 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Tue, 15 Feb 2011 06:52:25 -0800 My first CarCast: [VIDEO] #smcdallas #ignitedallas http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/my-first-carcast-video-smcdallas-ignitedallas http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/my-first-carcast-video-smcdallas-ignitedallas

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First time using my new Glif for iPhone and Joby mount. Enjoy.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Thu, 10 Feb 2011 13:06:27 -0800 Cool new #SocialMediaValentine [INFOGRAPHIC]. Upload to Facebook and Tag your friends and Romantic Interests http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/cool-new-socialmediavalentine-infographic-upl http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/cool-new-socialmediavalentine-infographic-upl

Socialmediavalentine

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:29:00 -0800 Super Bowl XLV Party Crashers & 2011 Ford Explorer [VIDEO] #explorerssb45 http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/super-bowl-xlv-party-crashers-2011-ford-explo http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/super-bowl-xlv-party-crashers-2011-ford-explo

A team of us were very fortune to drive around a new 2011 Ford Explorer and explore all Super Bowl XLV parties had to offer. The team included Liz Bradford, Cari Perez, Cynthia Smoot, Bev Garvin, Chris Brown, Gustav Schmiege and myself. The YouTube video below represents the first time I have ever used iMovie which is pretty obvious I'm sure. 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:03:25 -0800 Liz Bradford of Bradford PR issues the challenge #explorersb45 http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/liz-bradford-of-bradford-pr-issues-the-challe http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/liz-bradford-of-bradford-pr-issues-the-challe

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Here's the video.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Sun, 19 Dec 2010 09:20:05 -0800 Here's How A 2011 Chevrolet Suburban Looks like in Corrales NM Thanks to @MyQCars http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/heres-how-a-2011-chevrolet-suburban-looks-lik http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/heres-how-a-2011-chevrolet-suburban-looks-lik

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Really enjoying the roadtrip thanks to Q Chevrolet. Love the mountains in the background.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:32:00 -0700 Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac You Make Me So Angry! http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/microsoft-office-2011-for-mac-you-make-me-so http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/microsoft-office-2011-for-mac-you-make-me-so

The one with the scream

As a recent MacBook Pro convert I've standardized across the board on the Apple product family with an all iPhone family and an iPad in the house as well. In the office, I started using MSFT Entourage on my Mac only to discover there were all sorts of issues syncing with Zimbra and MobileMe. I wasted $99 on MobileMe as Entourage duplicates contacts and calendar events. Some of my contacts would be duplicated like 40 times. Right now none of my contacts are in sync. 

Having cut my teeth on Microsoft Outlook in the corporate world on PCs, it's the holy grail for corporate productivity where you can manage email, calendar and tasks with one solution. I was like a kid in a candy store waiting for the new Office for 2011 for Mac. I was hoping to solve all of my calendar and contact sync issues for good and for once have all my iPhone data in sync as well. 

With great sadness I first learned that this product didn't include a connector for Zimbra, our current Exchange type product. Then I learned that there is no out of the box Calendar sync for the iPhone either. Now I realize Microsoft has no real incentive to put out a product that is just as good as what they offer on Windows but wow. This is exactly why companies are moving to standardize on Google Docs for the small business. 

Having worked at Intel and Dell, I thought one day I may work at Microsoft to do the trifecta, but don't ever see that happening now. Microsoft, please make the Mac complete with a suitable product! Then us Mac users can move over to complain about AT&T coverage on the iPhone. I just wish I could make a call from my house without it dropping 3 times.

What do you suggest I do? I hate iCal.

 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:05:00 -0700 I Just Funded the Glif on http://www.Kickstarter.com - iPhone 4 Tripod Mount & Stand http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/i-just-funded-the-glif-on-httpwwwkickstarterc http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/i-just-funded-the-glif-on-httpwwwkickstarterc

I really like the idea of KickStarter.com started by Perry Chen, a Ted Fellow. As a result I just funded them with a small donation and I receive one when they are manufactured. 

Watch the video below and pledge 

 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:16:04 -0700 BlogWorld 2010 Expectations http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/blogworld-2010-expectations http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/blogworld-2010-expectations As i enjoy the cab ride to the Luxor hotel I have high hopes for my first BlogWorld experience. Hopefully it won't be like the last several where most content is aimed at beginners.

My main goal is to improve my knowledge of business blogging and the tips/tricks around improving traffic, engagement and leads. Most of the sessions I'm sitting in on Friday an Saturday will focus there.

I also hope to secure some top notth speakers for SMC Dallas.

Be warned I will be tweeting and over sharing the next few days.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:37:40 -0700 10 iPad Games Worth Paying for http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/10-ipad-games-worth-paying-for http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/10-ipad-games-worth-paying-for Maybe I need to invest in a few games for the iPad

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Wed, 16 Jun 2010 06:35:30 -0700 RT @hughbriss Get a Facebook “Like” Button Rubber Stamp and Start “Liking” Things Offline http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/rt-hughbriss-get-a-facebook-like-button-rubbe http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/rt-hughbriss-get-a-facebook-like-button-rubbe
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via hughbriss.com

I need to get one of these... if I actually worked in an office with others and printed anything.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Mon, 17 May 2010 08:56:07 -0700 The Power of Attitude! #li http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/the-power-of-attitude-li http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/the-power-of-attitude-li As I was catching up on recent issues of Success magazine this past weekend, I came upon a great piece by Chuck Swindoll. I wanted to share it with you below:

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or scale. It will make or break a company... a church.. a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change the fact that people act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it, and so it is with you... We are in charge of our attitudes."

Read the full article discussing the power of a good attitude from John C. Maxwell titled "Attitude Is the Difference Maker"

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill Sat, 15 May 2010 11:39:32 -0700 Angelo and Vito's Restroom Signs Support Their Playful Brand Image http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/angelo-and-vitos-restroom-signs-support-their http://mikemerrill.posterous.com/angelo-and-vitos-restroom-signs-support-their  
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I have been a customer of a nearby Pizza place called Angelo and Vitos since I moved to Dallas in 2006. They have great pizza, pasta, desserts and fresh salads. Normally we take it to go so I haven't really paid attention to all the signs on the wall. Last night I just happened to hit the restroom to wash my hands and noticed these funny signs on the wall strategically placed in various areas of the restroom, all targeted to the use case, if you no what I mean.

This reminded me of something you would see or hear at Dick's Last Resort in the Dallas West End. Regardless, I thought these playful in your face signs did a great job supporting their branding and positioning.

Hope you get a good laugh here.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/359156/Profile_2_Mike_5X7_02__Small_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3sTqsEEZEwcF Mike Merrill Mike D. Merrill Mike Merrill