my name is neal

Over the last month on nights and weekends, we’ve been working on a Yule log video for portable players. It’s a project inspired by 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris and our meeting with Dave Ramsey. Tim’s book explains in exhaustive detail how to use the power of Internet technology to launch a business that pretty much runs itself. Cali asked Dave for advice, and he told her to create a great product that she’s proud to send to people.

The product we created is at iYule.TV. It’s a 30-minute Yule Log video shot in HD and scored by the amazing Geoff Smith of Digg the Code fame. It’s available in three resolutions: one for 4:3 portables like the iPod Classic and the iPod Nano; one for widescreens like the iPhone, the iPod Touch and the Zune; and one for TV and computer displays. All three sizes are also available without music for the Bah Humbug types who don’t like Christmas music.We’ve partnered with Geoff Smith and Paul Colligan to make it happen. Geoff’s original score is hypnotic, and I can imagine thousands of homes playing it during Christmas dinner. Paul Colligan’s Premium Cast application makes it possible for us to sell the videos, like virtual albums, DRM free.

Last Christmas, I put a fireplace video on my iPod and pulled it out during a romantic Christmas dinner. It’s a quirky, whimsical, romantic thing to do. I hope some guys get the iYule Log video and do the same thing. I also hope people who are giving iPods for Christmas will load this on the players ahead of time.A portion of the proceeds will go to three charities chosen by the producers. Geoff will give to the Songs of Love Foundation. Paul is giving to Tim Ferris’ LitLiberation project and we’ll be giving to Heifer International.

Here’s a sample and an example of why I hate flash (it starts all wonky):

We chose the Virb flash player because it’s the most beautiful one we’ve found so far.