It’s been two weeks since I attended Startup Weekend Detroit. (#swd09 on Twitter)I have been meaning to write about it, but haven’t had the time. It was a very productive, “workshop” style gathering of entrepreneurs and social media gurus from around the area that came together to create new ideas for businesses in order to stimulate job growth in the Metro Detroit region.

The group I was involved with, Detroit Sharp (D#), came up with an idea to stimulate Michigan’s music scene by empowering artists and giving them new avenues for generating revenue. The problem we have in Michigan is that good talent tends to leave the state in pursuit of better profits, and in most cases, any profit at all. It is important for musicians to be able to sustain themselves so that they may dedicate their time to their craft, instead of having to pick up a side job to pay the bills.

We will do this by mobilizing artists, bringing the resources to them instead of following the traditional model where profits are funneled down into the record label. Many artists are willing to put in the work that is required to make it in the business, they just need the resources to stay ahead.

Check out our presentation below. If you are interested in getting involved, please visit the Contact page of our web site.

Thanks to Barack Obama, it seems lately that I’m addicted to change. Since the election, I’ve changed a lot of things in my life. Last night, I decided to make a new change by shifting the focus and direction of this site. (Formerly www.therockstarrepublican.com) I have made a few decisions that will change the way I interact with people on the internet.

• I am leaving the Republican Party. I will be registering as an Independent soon.
• I am expanding the focus of my blog to other areas I am interested in, including environmentalism, technology and social media.
• I am stepping up my efforts to contribute more to the economy here in Michigan, by buying and promoting Michigan products, and supporting ideas that will stimulate economic growth.
• I always thought it wouldn’t be possible to have more fun in life. I am now striving to prove myself wrong.

Here’s to new beginnings! Thanks for your support.