Oscar Grimm

Welcome to the first video installment of our new Dinner And A series. In this episode, we get a visit from Ryanne Hodson of RyanIsHungry , Jay Dedman of Momentshowing , and Eddie Codel of Geek Entertainment TV . As this was our first attempt at capturing a dinner event in episodic format, Im sure we missed a few details. Thats ok, the company was great and the food was spot on. Ryanne and Jay brought some fresh mixed greens from their backyard garden, along with a mystery squash that they had grown from seed. Eddie brought along an organic chardonnay that suited his Gary Vaynerchuk alter-ego just fine. Ryanne and Jays squash was destined to become a spiced squash soup, featuring the surprising combination of cinnamon and dill. And even I was surprised by the liveliness of their fresh greens. Im still always struck by the difference between produce served minutes or hours after picking, rather than days or weeks. The evening was filled with roving topics, like any good dinner party should be, though eventually we settled on cross-promotion and surviving in a new medium. Making a go of it in the world of online content is still a tremendous challenge; the industry at this point is still a sea of turbulent waters. Add to this the issues of unaffordable health care and fading social security, and the outlook could appear grim for long-term survival in the video blogging world. Young professionals in todays work force, especially the increasing ranks of freelance professionals, are in for a potentially bumpy road. There are some real advantages to the transient work life that has evolved in modern America, such as greater flexibility to pursue interests and less likelihood of chronic boredom. However these perks in many lie on top of a shakey foundation. Dismal health coverage was unanimous among us, and at the current rate social security will be a thing of the past well before were likely to need it. Talk about a domestic threat the office of homeland security needs to sic itself on reinstituting usury laws, reducing insurance premiums, and fighting labor loss and infrastructure deterioration in order for us to have a truly safe and stable country. There was a palpable patriotism to much of the evenings discussion; despite the likelihood of choppy waters ahead, everyone present seemed interested and determined to make a positive change in their corner of the world. In the end, were blessed enough to be doing what we have a passion for, making content, entertaining, trying to affect change. None of us are likely to switch jobs any time soon. On the subject of passion, this Friday night the Freshtopia.net team, along with Ryanne and Jay, and Doctor Popular will be presenting at Eddie Codels Video Salon Redux . If youre in San Francisco Friday night, consider stopping by and saying hello. Happy Dinning, Tags: Ryanne Hodson , Jay Dedman , Momentshowing , Eddie Codel , Eddie Codels Video Salon Redux , dinner party , Geek Entertainment TV , momentshowing , ryanishungry