Part of the Channel 4 News Team.

Residents have spotted a turquoise lamp traveling from one Charlottesville location to another.  It’s quite phenomenal, to say the least– a lamp traveling.  How about that?  Does it have feet?  Channel 4 has received reports that this mobile lamp is a part of a contest involving local businesses and Gibson Design Management member, the Shade Shop.  Meteorologist Brick Tamland has responded with: “I love lamp,” offering no further comments when questioned about his devotion to this mysterious lamp.

Authorities have noted that this Shade Shop’s cheerful turquoise lamp has moved to a new temporary residence every Wednesday, waiting for curious Charlottesville locals to stop by, take photos, tweet (@ShadeShop’s #TravelingLight Lamp Giveaway), or respond to the weekly question posted on the Shade Shop blog– all of which were ways to enter to win.  And the outcome? It looks like the word has traveled about this lamp and a lucky winner will bring this charming lamp home at the end of this very week!

Unfortunately this means the lamp will not be gracing our studio with his presence – but hey, I can’t even be mad. That lamp is amazing!  At least someone will be able to enjoy him in his glory.   When I am finished reading this teleprompter, you should go read the Shade Shop blog to learn more about this breaking news story and find out what lucky son of a bee-sting gets to take him home.

For all of us here at the News Center, I’m Ron Burgundy.

You stay classy, Charlottesville.

There’s no better time to catch up on some past due business reading than when you’re snowed in.  If you’re like me, you probably have several books in the rotation, plus a couple that are on your desk or nightstand that are in queue.  My most recent conquest:

Crush It: Why Now is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion (by Gary Vaynerchuk)

I recommend this book.  It’s short and conversational, much like reading a blog.  The content is a good mixture of anecdotes, detailed “how-to”s, and sage advice.  While the social media information is fairly basic, I still felt that it was a good reminder.  Most importantly, this book reinforced the importance of really doing what you love.  I feel fortunate that I do that already, and even more fortunate that now is a great time to actually make a living doing what I love.

The books currently in the rotation:

ProBlogger: Secrets to Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income (by Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett)

While I am only 2 chapters in to this book, I already find it to be very informative.  In fact, I stopped after two chapters so that I could start working on some of their suggested exercises.  This book definitely falls under “How-To” manual.

The Breakthrough Company: How Everyday Companies Become Extraordinary Performers (by Keith McFarland)

I was fortunate enough to hear Keith speak last year at Inc. Magazine’s GrowCo conference.  This book is Good to Great for the smaller guys.  Keith and his team took solid metrics and found a handful of businesses that have not only survived but thrived by breaking through the entrepreneurial phase into the solid, established business phase.  This aspect makes The Breakthrough Company even more fascinating to me than Good to Great as it feels closer to home.

What business book did you just finish reading and what do you have in the rotation?

Leave a comment and we’ll send you a copy of Gary’s book, Crush It!