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For the non-degenerate gamblers out there, the 136th Kentucky Derby will take place on May 1, 2010. Whether you follow the sport for financial reasons or the amazing (and over-the-top) outfits/hats, the Kentucky Derby is truly a spectacular sporting event.

However behind all the glitz and glamour of the event, there are difficult decisions concerning the horses that fall to injury throughout the season. With no other options, many owners are forced to have their horses euthanized.

While this is a regular occurrence in horse racing, are there similarities in the digital advertising world? Are brands running out of options with their work horse, the brand web site?

I try really really hard on Sunday’s not to think about work, at all.  It’s my day for sleeping in, Yoga and catching up on the DVR.  It is also the only night that I actually watch television programing in close to real-time.  I’m a die hard Amazing Race fan and literally get a little sick to my stomach with anticipation of each new episode.

That is important to know only because it so happens that I extended the record time on Amazing Race this season and have by default, also been recoding and watching Undercover Boss.  Now before you judge, please take solace in the fact that I’m not an American Idol fan.  My reality television viewing has only included two shows up till now (Deadliest Catch premiers tomorrow night, don’t miss it!).  That said, I failed miserably last night at separating church and state by finding inspiration and crying real tears while watching the final episode of the season of Undercover Boss–now you can judge.

9 days until the greatest thing to happen in a desert since Jabba the Hut forced Princess Leia to wear that bikini – the return of Coachella. To prepare for the release of the final schedule, I’ve broken down the acts into star ratings that work as follows:

****  Do not miss this show

***    I really want to see this and will do what I can

**      Would love to see but may get sidetracked by a churro

*        Would rather watch Perry Farrell DJ (just kidding)

Comments and/or snark follows each act. Within each star grouping, I have then mercilessly ranked each act in order again. So, for example, I would really like to see The Specials. It’s just that I want to see Them Crooked Vultures a bit more.

As always, a few comments for perspective:

+ I like seeing stuff I haven’t seen before when I go to festivals so most acts get heavily docked if I’ve seen them a few times (unless you are Muse and you are headlining). I note who that applies to in each case so adjust accordingly.

+ Mellow and singer/songwriter rarely work as well at large festivals like this so acts like Local Natives slip a bit most of the time.

+ I like to gamble on acts that will likely either amaze or disappoint and these ratings will continue to change up until the moment I’m at the show. Thank me if you love a show I recommend but don’t blame me if you don’t. Fair?

Without further ado, the ratings:

I knew I was late to the game on Hoarders, A&E’s  “look inside the lives of two different people whose inability to part with their belongings is so out of control that they are on the verge of a personal crisis,” so I watched it over the weekend. I was smirking as the show came up and the initial interviews with the subjects began.  Initial shots of their homes revealed stacked up boxes, stuffed animals, guns in open cases, and– in one home– a computer tucked away down a meandering walk-lane made of detritus.  I happened to have my laptop open and glanced at my screen.

And then I became afraid.

We’re very excited about this April Fool’s day, and not just because the long-awaited Meeting Roulette debuted. April 1st, 2010 marks the next stage of the betacup challenge – the betacup contest is officially live.

Everyone and anyone can now submit ideas that rethink the way we consume coffee and help reduce paper cup waste through jovoto.com.

The contest starts today and will be accepting submissions through June 1st, 2010. Ratings will be accepted through June 8th. Experts in design, coffee, and innovation (including some from threadless, Starbucks, and yes even Denuo) will offer professional advice and guidance throughout the contest. There’s also $20,000 up for grabs for the best ideas as determined by the expert jury and the larger community.

We’re excited to partner with such a fantastic cause and pumped to see what the power of mass collaboration and creativity can do. We’ve got even more brewing in the betacup pot (see what I did there?!), so keep an eye out and get cracking on submitting your breakthrough, world-saving ideas.