Heifer International is based on that whole “teach a man to fish” concept that transforms lives forever.  It’s a charity that we feel comfortable supporting because their administrative overhead is low and their mission is simple.

They give families in poverty living animals that supply them with eggs, milk, meat and farming help for a lifetime.You can give a family a cow for $500. Â A sheep is $120, as is a goat. Â A flock of chicks is just $20.

I hope this project ends up helping a lot of families this Christmas. Â We want to make money too, but I really hope that we’re able to announce that you’ve helped us donate a whole herd of animals.Â

That is me in a nutshell. I feel like I am just one person and how could I possible make a difference? I was recently reminded, however, of the idea that you can change the world, one person at a time. I don’t have to be a political leader, involved on some big movement, or even in the spotlight trying to take on more than I can handle, but I could be doing one small thing for one small person and that has already begun the domino effect of change. After all the big picture is completely out of my hands, all I can do is all I can do.

That is how I felt drawn to Songs of Love. They are so simple in what they do, providing a personalized song for a child who is ill or in some other need. I am not a great activist, I am not a great leader, I am not even a wealthy philanthropist, but I do know how to write songs and I believe that is my calling. And if that is the one small thing that I can do to help bring change and goodness to the world, then I will do it.Songs of Love does need continuous help to function, since they are a non-profit. But I really want to make this charity known to all songwriters everywhere, because that is really where this charity needs help. In my busy life I try to write as many songs for Songs of Love, but they still need more songwriters. Aside from donating to this charity, I hope that I can bring more awareness to what a great thing a songwriter could do for just one person at a time.

Something else I would love to say is how amazing the past few years have been in this new online media/podcasting/whatever you want to call it world. I am sure there are much better people who could describe it better.

Cali and Neal are amazing people. I am truly blessed to have met them. Talent, wit, and charm oozing everywhere. GeekBrief.TV is one of THE BEST SHOWS produced right now. And they are both so dedicated to not only putting out the best content, but to helping so many people, like me find a voice in this new media. I am really looking forward to what the future brings as we continue to do stuff together.

Paul Colligan is a genius and a gentleman. He has his finger on the pulse of what is up and coming in this new media landscape and I am proud to have met him as well. He has also put me in touch with countless people and companies that I have been able to collaborate with and create content for.

I hope that everyone gets warm and cozy with our little fireplace in your pocket. I also want to wish you all a happy holiday season and a new year.

-Geoff
www.thegeoffsmith.com

In late October 2007, we were having a conversation with Geoff Smith about a Christmas album project. We were also learning more about Paul Colligan’s feed management application called Premium Cast. Paul suggested we produce an original iYule Log video for iPods, iPhones, zunes and other portable players, and have it scored by the ever-so-brilliant, Geoff Smith.

Geoff hopped on board right away. Paul helped us get set up on Premium Cast so we could sell the video. My mom’s husband shot the video. Neal produced the sound and visual effects, and I did the Web site.

This is something we’ve worked on nights and weekends for almost a month and we hope it’s something that will warm your heart and bring smiles to the faces of friends you share it with.

If you’re giving someone an iPod that plays video this year, load it up with the iYule Log.

If you’re taking that special someone in your life out for a nice holiday dinner, load iYule Log on your iPod and put it on the table for a touch of whimsical romance.

Proceeds will be split by the producers and a percentage will go to three of our favorite charities. Geoff chose the Songs of Love Foundation, a charity that provides personalized songs for chronically and terminally ill children and young adults. Paul has chosen LitLiberation, the largest online literacy experiment in history. Neal and I have chosen Heifer International, a non-profit that helps families in poverty by giving them valuable live animals to provide eggs, milk and farming help.

The video we’ve produced is a cozy multi-sensory experience that pulls me into the romantic essence of a fireplace, every time I turn it on to watch.