Lijit

Who knew March has so much to offer? (Of course, if you’re currently in Austin taking part in SXSW, then none of this applies to you.)

But for those of us not geeking out over music, films & the internet in Texas, you might be interested in knowing that in the course of one week, the following events all occur…

• Daylight Savings time. Spring forward by setting your clocks ahead one hour before you go to sleep on March 13th. Enjoy losing that hour of sleep.

• Pi Day. As your mathematical sensibilities should tell you, March 14th is when this one takes place. Be sure to bake your favorite pie or simply thank your favorite mathematician. Better yet…you should bake your favorite mathematician a pie and think back fondly on your favorite math teacher.
• Ides of March. This is March 15th and you should review your Shakespeare to fully understand this one. Let’s just say that you should be wary of close friends stabbing you in the back on this day. Literally. Perhaps we should all pay more attention to soothsayers?

• March Madness. If college basketball is your thing, then March Madness is probably your version of heaven. Or close to it. The opening round begins March 16th and you should most definitely have your teams picked by then.
• St. Patrick’s Day. On March 17th, have your green on and shamrocks ready for this special day. Even if you’re not Irish, this holiday is one that encourages celebration by all. Besides, how often do you get the chance to drink green beer?
• House vote on Senate healthcare bill. The White House’s goal is to have the vote done on March 18th and while this one may not seem like the traditional type of celebration, if the bill passes, then we’re one step closer to health care reform. And what’s not to like about that?

Hopefully, something on that list catches your eye and causes you to celebrate…even just a little. Let us know in the comments what other fantastic March occurrences we forgot and help your fellow man to see the goodness that is March.

There’s nothing we love more than local support. (Okay, maybe company happy hours…) And we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to be located in such a fantastic community with entrepreneurs and tech startups at every turn. For example, look at how happy we’ve made Megan with one of our comfy shirts and a few stickers…

In addition to being a new blogger using Lijit, Megan is also the co-founder of a Denver production company that helps clients tell their stories more effectively with video. If you’re looking for some help in the video arena, be sure to check out Alpine Light Pictures or follow Megan on Twitter.

And to see an example of her work, take a look at the following video she made for a series about TechStars founders. The video speaks for itself.

Many thanks to Megan for her support and fantastic evangelism! If you see her around Denver, be sure to give her a high-five for us.

This is a special Valentine’s Day guest post from one of our most Lijit publishers, Kristen Chase. She blogs at both Motherhood Uncensored and Shredheads. We appreciate her support and her sense of humor.

I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by the sex-related Lijit searches on my blog, and not just because I’m a sex columnist who recently penned a book about sex.

It seems there’s no shortage of folks searching for sex on the Internet. I can only imagine the disappointment when they click on the link for “sexy boobs” and find themselves at my mom blog.

But with Valentine’s day this weekend, the search for sex is pretty timely. Whether you’re a mom, dad, or a parent of pets, the “sexy” can still be pretty elusive thanks to busy schedules, lack of sleep, and well, life in general.

So why not use February 14th as a catalyst for change? It doesn’t matter if your battery is dead and needs a jumpstart or you need to trade-in your old junker of a libido for a newer model. Instead of the overprices flower fest and cheesy card exchange, invest in something that will sustain you way after you’ve eaten that entire box of Whitman’s chocolates.

And then save your searches for something more important, like mysterious body ailments and politician sex tapes.

**GIVEAWAY RULES**

To win an autographed copy of Kristen’s book, just share your funniest (and/or sexiest) Lijit search term in the comments and Kristen will pick her favorite. We’ll be running this giveaway until February 18th, at which time a winner will be announced. Only Lijit users are welcome to enter. So if you’re not using Lijit, get on it.

For tips, tricks and a little libido butt-kicking, check out “The Mominatrix’s Guide to Sex”, Kristen Chase’s frank and funny new advice book. You can also read her bi-monthly sex column and listen to her weekly podcast “Morning Sex with the Mominatrix”. Or just search “Brad Pitt pubic hair”.

One of our Lijit users, Gretchen Rubin, recently published a book, The Happiness Project. She’s been test-driving different happiness tips for the past year and has been sharing her insights on her blog of the same name.

We’re excited to congratulate her on not only the culmination of all of her hard (but happy) work but also? She’s number one on the New York Times bestseller list for Hardcover Advice books. Nice job Gretchen!

(And if that doesn’t help with her happiness, I don’t know what would!)

I’d like to think I helped Gretchen with her spot on the bestseller list because, as you can see above, I purchased my copy of the book this past weekend and can’t wait to dig in. And, although she may not mention us by name in the book, I’m confident that Lijit has only brought her, and her blog, much happiness.

If you’re looking for a little more happiness in your life (and who isn’t really?), I suggest you invest in Gretchen’s book as well.

Finally, if you’re looking for a quick fix, you can follow Gretchen on Twitter for bite-size morsels of happiness or check out her blog and use her Lijit search to find out even more of what you’re seeking. We love celebrating with our publishers and thank Gretchen for her Lijit support!

Greg, the blogger behind Mud and Cowbells and a HUGE Cyclocross racer, was a Lijit user before he came to work for us. I can remember him signing up a few years back and sending him the usual customized thank-you note that was par for the course back in the day. And instead of getting a few sentences back from him, I got a five paragraph email with tons of feedback, product requests and ideas for the future. Yep. Even back then, it was obvious this guy needed to work for us. Especially with a face like this…

Our dreams have come true because Greg is now Lijit’s VP of Product Management and regularly rocks our world (or at least our office) with his passion, enthusiasm and spot-on impressions. When he’s not racing bikes, talking bikes or watching bike races, he leads the Product team with his vision for what Lijit should be. Read on for his answers to the usual questions…

What is your Lijit contribution?

Bomb hair. Or so my kids call it. Ha! But seriously, I think a lot of the core thing I may have contributed to the company over the last 5 months or so is to start a cultural shift in thinking categorically about the ‘products’ (plural) the company has put/is putting forth to the market and more importantly, helping to elevate the understanding of them by the now multiple constituencies we serve (publishers and advertisers primarily). We’re right at this exciting point of the company’s evolution. The work we’ve done in introducing ’social search’ to bloggers in a meaningful and impactful way has proven itself and that won’t stop.

Now, what we’ve learned by capturing and analyzing data about the reader audiences and their intent (e.g. search patterns) has led us to sit on one of the largest datasets in the industry. This information can help us assist brands with better precision in matching their campaigns with the right readers through our advertising services. Elevating this understanding vis-a-vis the products we prioritize and release and the marketing surrounding them are core to the group I’m establishing here at Lijit.

What is your favorite word and why?

Freedom. My wife consistently reminds me that ‘my cage door is open…’ This means so much to me and allows me to think without constraints or fear. It’s an abstract term really, but freedom strips away so much ’static’ life can throw at you when you focus on it and know you truly have it. I should probably  tattoo that in reverse across my forehead so I can remind myself of that fact when I look in the mirror every morning. You have to remind yourself of this occasionally is my point or have a wife like I do that knows when to slap me up the back side of my head to reinforce it.

What turns you off, emotionally, spiritually or creatively and why?

Deceit. Subversive agendas make me sort of insane. I say exactly what I mean and mean no harm at any time. I’ve seen deceit blow up great marriages, see friends diverge after years of friendship and businesses suffer when deceit enters the equation. Not so fun. Moving to Boulder was an amazing journey on precluding a lot of the deceitful knob-heads I knew in the past. This town and its people generally wear their hearts on their sleeves. I like that. No, love that.

What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt and why?

I’d run a cycling team. I love making cyclists feel invincible and get them to achieve higher levels…all by believing they can do it. That is an indescribable feeling. Teaching clinics, seeing progress and re-enforcing how the athlete is going to crush it.

Something you’re guilty of…

Obsessing over Dutch-made cycling tires. That, or maybe my all-white Joe-Namath-style Italian cycling shoes. Either of those put me in a camp of obsessive compulsive ‘consumers’ not unlike Sarah Jessica Parker and her shoe fetish. But I can’t live without them. And now I digress…

If you haven’t checked out his blog and you’re into Cyclocross, you’re missing out. He’s also on Twitter, where he is a source of all things bicycle-related. Greg has been a fantastic addition to the Lijit team and we can’t wait to see what else he has up his cute spandex biking sleeves. And when in doubt, hup hup, buttercup!

In case you hadn’t heard, January is a very special month. Not just because we all head back to the gym with resolutions in mind or because it’s considered the door to the year, but also because it’s the month that we celebrate oatmeal. What? You didn’t know? Let us explore the wide world of oatmeal together, as seen through the lenses of some of our publishers…

Food Loves Writing shares the recipe for the best cookies she eats, which also happen to be oatmeal chocolate-chip. If the picture doesn’t do it for you, take into consideration that she bakes a lot of cookies…and these are the best she eats. That says a lot about oatmeal. And these cookies.

Perhaps you’re in the mood for a cookie and for oatmeal, but you want something that might be a *bit* healthier than the cookie pictured above. EcoSalon has a yummy recipe for Oatmeal Harvest cookies, which substitute dried fruit for chocolate chips. So maybe you feel a little less guilty eating ten of them?

Then, there’s the Brown Eyed Baker, who eats oatmeal in the mornings, but enjoys it in a different form. She has a delicious-looking recipe for Maple-Oatmeal Scones. Although not as healthy as a bowl of oatmeal, they seem to be much shinier. And quite possibly tastier.

If you’re in Chicago, one of our publishers highly recommends going to the Protein Bar, a healthy cafe where you can get a bowl of oatmeal that tastes like a pancake. But much better for you. In my opinion, this is one Foodie Wannabe that dishes out good recommendations.

Joining in on the oatmeal party is another of our publishers, Whisk, who proudly shares an old family recipe with an awesome name…the Rickety Uncles. Seriously. But judging from the picture, these are probably much tastier than anyone’s real rickety uncles. I’m guessing.

If you’re looking to go a completely different direction in celebrating this fine food, one of our local Colorado publishers, Crunchy Domestic Goddess, has a very interesting idea: oatmeal burgers. She says that they’re a great alternative to veggie burgers and since I’ve met her in real life, I’m thinking she’s not totally crazy when she claims such things. Plus, she makes them look good.

Perhaps healthy isn’t what you’re looking for with your oatmeal. If so, might I suggest some oatmeal stout ice cream? It’s featured on one of our most favorite sites, Drink of the Week, and it looks dangerous. And while you’re over there, be careful searching for new drinks…you never know what kind of trouble you’re going to find.

And speaking of drinks, in case you were curious, this is the official drink of the month. (Unfortunately, we don’t have any beer bloggers using Lijit, but it’s a vertical that I plan to go after. Soon.)

Many thanks to our Lijit publishers, who continually teach us about new recipes and make our mouths water with their pictures. No matter what means you choose to observe National Oatmeal Month, be sure to enjoy it. And in the famous words of Wilford Brimley…

Although his title above is self-appointed, there are many signs that point to it being true. For instance the header on John’s blog states that the stunts he performs on a closed course should not be attempted by the home viewer. I think this has something to do with MySQL, but I could be wrong. In addition, he also claims to be the first person on earth to connect a Tcl/Tk application running on a Mac to a PostgreSQL database running on an mklinux server.

Yep. He really is that awesome.

But just in case, you need further proof, check out what John has to say when asked some hard-hitting questions.

What is your Lijit contribution?

I’m on the team that is developing the coolest business intelligence system on the planet. Right now I’m building the processes that will load the data. When it is done, Lijit will rule the universe. No really, it will.

What is your least favorite sound and why?

Gasoline engines. They just don’t have the calming rumble of a diesel. Crying is a close second.

What turns you on emotionally, spiritually or creatively and why?

Hiking in Colorado, especially near streams does it for me. Instrumental music really helps me in the creative category.

What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt and why?

I’d like to be a professional fishing and hunting guide. Then I would know where all the secret spots are and have a great excuse to go more often.

Something you’re guilty of…

Nothing - I was acquitted, thank you. I will admit that I have no problem stealing candy from my kids’ Halloween stash, or desks of co-workers.

Now that we know that none of the candy in the office is safe, John suddenly seems much more dangerous. Or perhaps that’s just how all top-notch database architects talk?

Either way, welcome aboard John. We’re glad to have you joining us in the mission of total domination. Your help is greatly appreciated.

(This is Court, from Points in Case, and his first ever Christmas tree!)

To all of our Lijit publishers…

We hope your searches are successful this holiday season and into 2010!

How to top last year’s holiday party?

Mix in even more employees, add bigger pint glasses and sprinkle some humor at the management’s expense. Judging from the looks of everyone in the office today…you could safely say the party was a success.

And many thanks to Greg Keller for the amazing pictures to prove it.

Following are a few highlights from last night’s Annual Lijit Holiday Party…

The roof was raised.

As were the pints.

With speeches made,

jokes told,

and the band back together,

the crowd couldn’t help but have a good time.

Some folks were hanging ten,

some finance guys (almost) got licked,

and some new guys were hazed…in the most innocent sense of the word.

(It’s not like we spanked him or made him drink all of that beer.)

And of course, smiles aplenty…

Here’s hoping your company’s holiday celebrations are this much fun!

(Did we mention the cops showed up? Because that’s always the sign of a good party!)

Boulder is normally pretty mild in terms of winter, but recently, we’ve been in the grips of a cold spell. Six inches of snow fell on Wednesday and it’s been bitter cold since then. So cold that it’s been a topic of conversation around the office and complete strangers have been asking “Cold enough for you?”.

In the hopes of torturing ourselves heating things up a bit, I though I’d share some pictures of our publishers in warmer climates. Because I’m pretty sure that we don’t have any publishers in colder climates.*

This is BJ, with Harry and Lhasa, on a summer day in Boulder.

This is Joe, in San Francisco, after riding his bike across the country.

This is Laura, on vacation in Thailand.

And this is Jay, on his fixie and rocking a vintage Lijit shirt in Denver.

Not sure if that helped anyone else, but just seeing people in shorts and Lijit t-shirts gives me hope that my legs might see the sunshine someday too.

Cold enough for you?

*If you’re blogging in Antarctica and using Lijit, then I stand corrected. And I’d like to hear from you!