Rebuilding Malaco, the little studio that could

It's difficult to stomach the incredible devastation caused by the string of tornadoes that have swept through the South in recent days and weeks. And it's difficult for residents of those areas to be thinking about entertainment when their lives have been turned upside down. 

But it is heartwarming to hear stories like this "Soundcheck" episode describing efforts to rebuild little Malaco Records, a historic soul-music studio in Jackson, Miss. Small independent companies like Malaco have been a rich part of the Southern culture for decades, so it's fitting the soul and R&B music that transformed a region and its politics a half-century ago will again be part of the healing process.

"Open Wheel tribute"

I've been spending a lot of time lately studying racing history, particularly dirt-track racing in the 1950s and 60s. Many race fans consider that period the golden age of auto racing, when ever-growing speeds and technology ran head first into unforgiving tracks built for slower times. 

This video -- a mashup of Dick Wallen race video and musician Moby -- is a touching reminder of how cool those old cars and drivers were, and how many of those circle-track heroes left the track in ambulances. 

"The new face of publishing"

I find marketing superstar Seth Godin to be 2 parts genius and 1 part annoying.

I think he spends too much time telling us how different he is from the rest of us mortals. But I guess he's earned that obnoxiousness because I can't think of another Internet-age marketing voice who consistently delivers unique insights, vision and lessons day in, day out. 

Case in point is his new Domino Project, an effort to revolutionize book publishing. 

Godin lays out his vision for his brave newpublishing world in an interview with litopia.com. It's well worth a listen for anyone in media; you'll find yourself wanting to "bookmark" places in the interview.