Oh, I’m so proud to be Seattle’s Geek of the Week — I have so many people to thank. My computer teachers, Mr. Fisher and Ms. Rothermel, who taught me everything I know about BASIC. Radio Shack, for developing and marketing the wonderful TRS-80 that I pined over. Texas Instruments for making the even more incredible TI-99/4A, that was connected to my tape recorder backup drive. My parents, for getting me my own phone line, to power my bedroom-powered bulletin board, the Magical Tavern. All of the engineers at TeachStreet, who I’ve taught so much to as we’ve built the site — they’ve learned quickly and have taken well to my guidance and technical wisdom.

Thank you all — I love you all.

Yes, I’m Seattle’s Geek of the Week — take THAT, Daryn — who’s your daddy now?!?

It’s been a great year — and, heck, I may just hit the Mega Million Lottery yet, and have it get even better (in which case, none of you… not even the people on the list below, will ever see me again… except maybe my wife and Hops and Chops).

As I reflect on 2008, I can’t believe how many wonderful people who I’ve met, or become even better friends with — really, the list below is in no particular order… and I’m sure I’ll be leaving a bunch of great folks off… but it’s a reminder of how great 2008 was:

• Chris Hurley and the crew at Beacon Law — you rock (although your bills kinda suck)
• John Braseth at our downstairs art gallery — you can chat with the best of them, and have some sweet art as well — thanks for helping take the edge off of rough days
• Dave McClure — your new year’s resolution should be to make scheduling of board meetings easier by about 18 e-mails each, but other than that, u da man
• Jon Bischke at EduFire — you continue to amaze and inspire
• Scott, Matt, Ayush, Greg and team at Madrona; Melinda at Bezos Expeditions and the rest of our investors/advisors– all I/we can say is thank you, both for your financial support and also for everything else you’ve done to help us improve (Note, if you’re an investor and would like to make this list next year, you can contact me in many ways…)

• My wife — you are amazing. And, Zach the Dog, you inspire me.
• Todd Sawicki – your mastery of all knowledge is awe-inspiring
• Bill Bryant – you do so much to support early-stage entrepreneurs – rock on
• David Stern and Saar Gur – definition of supportive — great meeting & getting to know you
• Jeff Lawson – how did I miss the Rick Rolling phenomenon? Thank you for catching me up — you’re one of the best
• David Eraker — keep dreaming big, brotha — schappell-show is behind you
• Galen & Estately – you give us all hope!
• The entire TeachStreet team — really, to call any of you out wouldn’t be fair… you’ve been amazing — have seen me through highs and lows — rock on

Then, in the Festivus tradition, here are people who have disappointed me — best of luck in 2009 for you grinches:

• you didn’t really think I’d have anyone here, did you? seriously… I started the list… but, the caffeine high precluded publishing… we’ll have to look forward to that in ’09 🙂

p.s. If you weren’t in the list above, it’s because:
1) you weren’t in my recent twitter feed
2) you didn’t send me a JibJab Elf Yourself card
3) no money has arrived recently

Seriously — am sure I left many off… just wanted to give a sense of how wonderful a year’s it’s been — so many great people, new/old friends, and support — couldn’t have made it without all of you and your love/support!

If you haven’t heard about Hulu yet, you will. Several friends, including Eugene, Jason Kilar, Christina and others have worked night and day for the better part of the last year. And, when I say night and day, I mean it — I don’t know a single person who can work longer and with more focus than Jason Kilar — in fact, I don’t think they could have hired anyone better than him to lead Hulu. I made the comment last night that he’s one of those people I’d bet all my money on succeeding in life, even if not in every single venture. He’ll never stop trying to improve, and agonizes over every detail.

Now, on to Eugene — he and I were roommates during my travels to Santa Monica, while I was working with JibJab last year. He’s truly insprirational — at the time, he was taking two years off to attend film school at UCLA, but when Jason called to ask help Hulu, he couldn’t miss out on the opportunity. And without knowing his individual contributions, Eugene’s fingerprints are visible all over the site. His essay last night tells it all — how much he, Christina and the rest of the team care about what they’re doing and how much they love the product, and one another.

So, this is a huge shout out for what they’ve accomplished — I stand in awe of their creation, which is probably a best single view into the future of online video and media.