"Murphy was an optimist!"
Protected: Can you read this? January 21, 2010 10:01 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest , Enter your password to view commentsFirst Red Balloon Found! DARPA Balloon #6! December 4, 2009 5:34 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest , 9commentsOkay…first red herring found. How will we deal with similar misinformation tomorrow?
DARPA has issued a challenge so that it can study study how to solve large scale problems with social networks. All day today people have clamored to create teams in preparation for tomorrow’s red balloon hunt. Tomorrow from 10am eastern time to 4pm local time 10 red weather balloons will be anchored near roads throughout the United States. The person who finds all ten balloons and reports their GPS coordinates will receive $40,000.
Rather than forming a team, I am offering $1000 to the first person who reports the correct coordinates of any of the 10 balloons to me if I am able to win the prize. Read the details here.
Where is red balloon #6?
Okay, the contest doesn’t start until 10am tomorrow. But you can see red balloon #6 here and see the rest in DARPA’s gallery. This post begs an interesting question. How will we distinguish the red herrings? The false information? Each entrant only gets 25 guesses. How many ghost will we chase between now and December 14th?
Get at least $10 from this
I will pay $10 a retweet to each of the first 100 people who retweet the following message on Twitter if I win the challenge. No money rewards will be paid if I am not the first to report all 10 red balloons. Be sure to follow @djuggler.
9commentsHelp @djuggler win the DARPA challenge. $ rewards for balloons and RTs; http://3.ly/10luftballoons #10luftballoons
Air America Cruise Round 1 ends December 4, 2009 12:27 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest, Politics, Touchy Subjects , 2commentsIf today’s live poll on Air America blog is any indication about the results of the first round of the cruise contest, Digsby jumped from position 20 into the top 5. Joe Jervis moved from position 11 into the top 5. And no one was successful in knocking Mike Lux, Karl Frisch, or Pam Spaulding out of the top 5. I hope I’m misinterpreting this and that Aunt B of Tiny Cat Pants actually made it into the top 5.
Update: Yes, here is the round two page.
2commentsAll I want for Christmas is 10 red balloons December 4, 2009 9:03 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest , 3commentsUpdate: Winner declared! As expected, the MIT team won.
If I win, I will share $1000 with each person who was first to correctly identify the location of a balloon.
I will pay $10 a retweet to each of the first 100 people who retweet the following message on Twitter if I win the challenge. No money rewards will be paid if I am not the first to report all 10 red balloons. Be sure to follow @djuggler.
Help @djuggler win the DARPA challenge. $ rewards for balloons and RTs; http://3.ly/10luftballoons #10luftballoons
I’ve always been fascinated with the DARPA challenges. I through for sure I could be a contender on the first DARPA automated car challenge but I could not figure out how to devote all my time to development and still feed my family. I guess that’s part of the challenge. There are many other challenges out there like the X-Prize. These are usually gone after by universities and corporations (I think). Now DARPA has one that is right up my alley. Tomorrow, December 5th, 10 red balloons will be launched in the United States. The places are specific. The person who finds all 10 is rewarded with $40,000. DARPA is studying how to solve large scale problems with social networks.
9910 red balloons.
floating in thesummerwinter sky.
Panic bells, it’s red alert.
There’s something here from somewhere else.
ThewarDARPA machine springs to life.
Opens uponemy eager eye.
Focusing it onthe skysocial media.
Where9910 red balloonsgoTwitter by.
[Source, eighty-eightynine, Lyrics: Nena - 99 Luftballoons (99 Red Balloons); modified by Doug McCaughan]
See the interview with 99 Luftballoons English version author Kevin McAlea.
I believe the large networks of the Internet social media celebrities will get the balloons. However, I’m going to have a shot. I’m registered and soliciting your help If you see a large red balloon with a number on it, please twitter a DM to @djuggler, email juggler@gmail.com, Skype djuggler or call me (865)686-8693 with its location and if possible its GPS coordinates. If I win, I will share $1000 with each person who was first to correctly identify the location of a balloon. A correct location is GPS coordinates with an error of less than 1.0 mile. That means if you are first to correctly tell me where balloon #3 is and I find the other #9 balloons and win, you get $1000 after I receive the prize money. DARPA has pictures of the balloons here.
Related
- DARPA Challenge Competitors Already Mobilizing Social Networks
- DARPA Network Challenge FAQ
- @DARPA_news
- US military offers $40,000 challenge to internet users
Take a 20 seconds today to vote for Aunt B December 1, 2009 11:51 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest , 1 comment so far
Air America is sending one of America’s progressive bloggers on a cruise to meet the Air America hosts. Our very own Tennessee blogger Aunt B (Betsy Phillips) of Tiny Cat Pants is in the running! She is currently tied in position 13 with Jamie Sanderson, The Politics of Jamie Sanderson; Markos Moulitsas, Daily Kos; Matthew Filipowicz, Huffington Post, Headzup; John Amato, Crooks and Liars; and Jane Hamsher, FireDogLake. She needs to be in one of the top 5 positions in the next 3 days! To vote, simply go to the nomination form page and nominate Aunt B or Betsy “Aunt B” Phillips of http://tinycatpants.wordpress.com. We can get her on that cruise. Please vote for Aunt B and spread the word.
Thank you!
1 comment so farI made her stammer May 16, 2008 10:54 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Daily Life, Of Interest , add a commentApparently I’ve been entered into a contest to win $100,000. I simply had to answer some demographic questions. The first hiccup in the call was a refusal to answer a question about monthly income but we got beyond that. However, when the operator happily told me that she’d be sending me some free magazines, I interrupted with "I’m an environmentalist and don’t want them. I read everything online" she stammered. Apparently the script wasn’t ready for that answer. Her next statement of "well, can’t argue with not killing trees" had enough fake tone to let me see over the phoneline her twirling her finger beside her ear. Her supervisor will be calling back to give me some free gas. Sure.
add a commentZappos has me hooked April 27, 2008 10:29 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Cool Sites, Of Interest , 2commentsThe shoe and apparel company Zappos is making the best marketing use of Twitter I have seen to date. (The American Red Cross still has the best utility usage of Twitter.) The Zappos CEO, Tony, is inspiring awareness of Zappos.com through contests and give-a-aways introduced through Twitter!
Twitter @zappos link 2 ur favorite shoes & ur favorite Zappos core value (hint: @missrogue has blog) by 7 PM Pacific. Will pick 1 winner! [Source, Twitter, @zappos]
They also happen to be avid bloggers! Zappos has given away shoes to random Twitter followers, each month they give away a pair of shoes to people signing up from Zappos.com, and even flew a random Twitter follower to Vegas for lunch with Tony the Zappos CEO. Oops. I was typing up this post and browsing shoes and got my entry into this contest either right on the wire or a few minutes late but I know Tony will have more contests! Right Tony? I chose the Michael Toschi Lorenzo SKU #7415650 and the company core value "4. Be Adventurous, Creative, and Open-Minded." I have a wide foot. The picture doesn’t look like it would fit comfortably. Fortunately Zappos has free shipping both directions and 100% satisfaction guaranteed with a full refund within 365 days of purchase!
Be sure to follow Zappos on Twitter @zappos. Search Twitter for "Zappos" and you can discover the COO and other Zappos staffers! You can follow me @djuggler. Watch Miss Rogue’s Interview: Zappos.com’s Tony Hsieh and Rachael Brown to learn more about this great company. Btw, the Zappos ten core values are:
- Deliver WOW Through Service
- Embrace and Drive Change
- Create Fun and A Little Weirdness
- Be Adventurous, Creative, and Open-Minded
- Pursue Growth and Learning
- Build Open and Honest Relationships With Communication
- Build a Positive Team and Family Spirit
- Do More With Less
- Be Passionate and Determined
- Be Humble
Honestly, I’m sold. My next pair of shoes is coming from Zappos! Fortunately for Zappos, this seven family household needs roughly 14 pairs of shoes in the very short term.
Update: Sarah Lacy does not like Zappos but many of her commenters disagree.
2commentsThis is a $100 post January 31, 2008 3:04 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest , add a commentI’ll bite. This post is my entry into Contest Blogger’s New Year Contest sweepstakes. Way to work the SEO!
add a commentContest Blogger Sucked Me In November 14, 2007 10:57 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest , add a commentYes, this post is an entry, inspired by ContestBlogger, into RomanceTracker’s love contest for $100.
add a commentIts all about contests now! November 4, 2007 10:03 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest , 1 comment so farSo, what happens when a blogger wins a prize? He becomes addicted and let’s his posts become links to other people’s Personal Blogs in hopes he can win a iPod Video Nano. Browie was inspired by Darren Rowse’s Problogger giveaway. Apparently he won a cash prize and much like contestblogger, he is passing the good fortune onto us. This is not a paid post but does gain me an additional 2 entries into his contest. Cathy sure could use an iPod!
1 comment so farVote her up! October 25, 2007 9:37 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest , add a commentCathy’s caption and my caption are both on the Leader board. Let’s push them higher!
add a commentHelp Send Cathy and I to BlogWorld – We’ll call it a honeymoon October 24, 2007 9:08 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest , 4commentsSouthwest Airlines will be sending two people to Las Vegas on November 8th and 9th to attend Blogworld!
Southwest Airlines is proud to be the Official Airline of the BlogWorld Expo, which is being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 8 and 9. This is a huge event promoting blogging and new media…we are offering a package to attend BlogWorld for one creative Nuts
About Southwest reader. This package includes air travel for two on Southwest Airlines to Las Vegas from your closest Southwest city; the good folks at BlogWorld are providing free registration for the Expo; and our friends at the MGM Grand are providing a room for three nights (November 7 through November 9). [Source, Southwest Airlines Blog, Nuts About Southwest]
Cathy has entered the contest and needs your help. Please visit her caption and give her a vote up! You can also vote for my caption. And if you participate in the contest, it helps to mention either "cathymccaughan" or "djuggler" as your referrer. Thanks!
4commentsContests without strings October 16, 2007 9:08 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest , 1 comment so farI must say, I go through phases of loving contests. Blogging seems to present opportunity for contests that do not come with strings attached or hordes of junk mail. Contest Blogger has announced that Romance Tracker is having a Love Contest and that you can be placed in a drawing to win $100 simply by linking to their home page with the anchor text "love" (as I just did). Be sure to follow up with an email to let them know you created the link. You can also simply subscribe to their rss feed and email them. Good luck!
1 comment so farCathy Won a Vacation! October 9, 2007 6:53 am
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Cathy, Contest, Daily Life, Health, Mental, Of Interest, Travel , 1 comment so farCathy won! She won "3 nights in Sedona, AZ – Retreat and Heal" prize from Darren Rowse’s Problogger Birthday Bash. Oh oh! I wonder who she’ll take. Pick me! Pick me! It’s the Grand Canyon! After 6 years of marriage we can finally do something that resembles a honeymoon! Anyone want to babysit for a week?
1 comment so farWhich prizes are left? October 7, 2007 3:29 pm
Posted by Doug McCaughan in : Contest, Of Interest , 25commentsAre you following Darren Rowse’s Problogger Birthday Bash $54,000 giveaway? Here are the prizes with the ones already offered up scratched out.
Hawaii Stretch DVD – Best Hawaii Vacation Bloghand-beaded lucky gemstone necklaces and a bottle of I ALLOW IN WINS Essential Roll-on Oil – Contest Queen3 domain names from namecheap.com (AWARDED) – Groovy VegetarianCD – Zane Tate – Leisure Lab$100 Gift Certificate – site only (jewelry) – Lisa Marie Dias Designs(3) cleaning solution kits (enviro friendly) – Morris Green Cleanvarious cd’s and dvd’s and posters (11) – On Target Media Group2 winners – pick from bargains on site from – The Bargain Queenone month of winner’s choice of business coaching for writers, artists, or entrepreneurs and one month of group business coaching for 8 winners – Center of Muse(3) t-shirts and coaching sessions – Explore Life BlogSEO/Internet Marketing pkg – Freezing Hotone year membership – coaching program – Jill Koenigone full month unlimited assistance from a virtual lifestyle organizer along with a get-back-on-track basket – Mary Jo Rulnick5 Secure Delivery Pro subscriptions for free, for life – Secure DeliverySEO services – SEO Aware$300 AdWords management package and $300 cash – SmallFuel Marketing1 Month of Wellness Coaching (three 45 minute sessions with a certified wellness coach) – The WellCenter GroupLogitech Cordless Desktop Wave Set – Derek BeaucheminKingston 8GB portable USB drive – Geeky SpeakyIt’s Alive Game – Jer GamesEnSpire Series Stand-By UPS – NetLink WebPeppermint Marshmallow Pinwheel Pastries & photo/art – Nika’s CulinariaFrescobaldi Laudemio Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2006 Harvest – Olive Oil Passionbook and soy coffee – Soy CoffeeThe Logitech G5 laser gaming mouse – StarFeeder20 cigars and starter kit – Stogie Reviewtea package (pot, warmer, tea, spoon) – Tea Party Girlcollectibles from Binions Horseshoe Club in Las Vegas, NV – The Collecting Life$100 Gift Certificate to artisanscup.com – Artisan’s Cup (Teas)2G digital video camera ERV – Associated ContentLogitech G15 gaming keyboard – Blogging Tips4 x 1lb bags of Gimme Coffee beans – Time For Coffee and TeaRhinoskin Aluminum HardCase for Treo 700 series smartphones – Treo Today1 truffle tree (first year care & maintenance) – Truffle Tree$50 cash – [Geeks are Sexy] Technology News$300 cash – 1 Cool FileNew blog installation & customized template package (AWARDED) – Angela Wills$25 Amazon Gift Certificate – Another Old Movie BlogMedia Interview Training (AWARDED) – Author Media Training(3) 6 month subscription to both svcs. – Babble Soft1 new 8GB iPod Nano – Back in Skinny JeansBarefoot Bunny Slippers – Barefoot Parties$25 Amazon Gift Certificate – BazPhoto wallpaper measuring 6 foot x 6 foot – Better Wallpaperblog analysis + 125×125 ad (AWARDED) – Blog About Your Blogone hour blog consulting (AWARDED) – Blog Louder$250 cash – BlogFlux400 word review & feedhost PRO (1 yr) token (AWARDED) – Blogging Fingers$50 cash or a Amazon Gift Certificate – Blogging With Cents1 year – Access for your (3rd-12th grade student) – Book Test OnlineCaddy – Water bottle holder + carrier – BVT ProductsFlickr Pro Upgrade – Cheap Shooter$501 cash – Chitika6 art photography prints – 3 each of 2 – Christina Perduedesign and color analysis – office design (AWARDED) – Color ThemesComplete Blog Contest development package (AWARDED) – Contest Bloggerblog header design (AWARDED) – Cory Millercustom logo design (AWARDED) – David Airey2 LG 20-inch FlatronWide L206WU USB-based monitors – DisplayLinkHow to make PR work online ebook (AWARDED) – distilled: pure website expertiseebook, book for entrepreneurs, and press release & dist. on PRweb.com (AWARDED) – Egg Marketing Blogframed sports photo – Eye On The Ball Images2yr subscription to Nylon Mag – Fashionista TV$1000 donation to charity of winner’s choice – Free Money Finance$25 Amazon Gift Certificate – Freelance Writing Jobs$200 cash – Genealogy Reviews OnlinePampered Pooch Package & Doggie Mommy Pack – Good Doggie$333.33 Cash – Grown Up GeekIpod touch with (8GB) – Help Desk Geekcustom logo design (AWARDED) – Holiday for Every Day1 year subscription to Home Exchange Site – Home Based Holidays1GB iPod Shuffle – I Hate Bad Service6×6 Custom oil painting – One custom full color single pet portrait – Intricate ArtiPod Video or Nano-Extreme Makeover (new LCD, front plate, rear plate & battery) – iPod Repair of Memphis8 GB video iPod nano – It’s Write Now10 articles of 500 words each custom-written to the winner’s specifications (in progress NOW!) – JCM EnterprisesJewel Caddy, “NO Tangle” Jewelry Organizer – Jewel CaddyWhatever Wall Clock – Kim and Jason2 entrepreneurial books by Kirsty (AWARDED) -Kirsty Dunphey – speaker, author, entrepreneur, retired at 27assorted baby and kids items – Lille Punkin’ Reviews$20 Amazon Gift Certificate – Lulu3 night stay in FL condo near Walt Disney World – Magic Vacation Villas25 tubes of New & Improved Mederma (AWARDED!) – Mederma for scars15 x 13 Limited Edition art print – Melissa Roberts3 books of the winner’s choice – Meryl Evans – Content Maven10 coffee mugs – Mighty Mugs16 x 24 poster of one of my photos – Mike Cavarocad spot for pet-themed site – Million Dollar Pet Pixpremium design/dev WordPress package (AWARDED) – Nathan RiceThe Google Story (book) + $10 – No Full StopHome Office Virtual Organization Package (AWARDED) – Organize & SimplifyOrganized Outcomes Remote Stylist Prize Pack (AWARDED) – Organized Outcomescustom WordPress theme (AWARDED) – MiloChild Guard – Personal Self Defense$300 cash – Publicity HoundA Little Twist of Texas book + postcards from travels – Raven’s Roadslinkbait boot camp (AWARDED) – Remarkable Communication3 nights in Sedona, AZ – Retreat and Heal$35 Amazon Gift Certificate – Sea Slugs! Anime BlogSeekZap Premium Directory Submissions (AWARDED!) – SeekZap12 copies SEO Book – Aaron Wall (AWARDED!) – SEO Book$150 cash – Simple Kind Of Life(2) $500 cash and free Premium upgrade subscription for 6 months to SKY.fm radio – SKY FM RadioInternet Radio directory and mp3 (AWARDED) – Street Smart Marketing30-45 second theme song for use in a blog site or website (AWARDED) – Tamra EngleThe Essentials of Trading Course DVD – The Essentials of Tradingtwo FREE nights at a Bed and Breakfast in Puerto Rico – the Palmetto GuesthousePro voice production package (theme, voice, music) (AWARDED) – Tim “Gonzo” Gordon$50 Amazon Gift Certificate – Viral Electronics50 pesos, 2 Jamaican dollars, 5 Canadian dollars, 50 American dollars, and an unused NFL Pro Bowl Ballot from 1994 – Wall Street Fighter5 hours writing/editing services (AWARDED) – Zach Everson
