SCOUT

I'm dreaming of being a talent scout? Not exactly, but today I've been thinking about the talented people the Internet has brought into my life. Some of them, I know personally. Others, I just admire. But they all share a common thread: they are up-and-coming talents. With that thought in mind, I'm introducing these folks to you, gentle readers. They are ones to watch. In no particular order, here are some people I think you should visit on the Internet:

A master of wit, Joel Settecase is the self-proclaimed "King of the Internet." Joel authors "You Better Believe It," a weekly blog aimed at college-age and twenty-something conservatives. Check out Joel on wikipedia, myspace, facebook, flickr, and blogger. Here's a sample from Poppa Joely: "Joel Settecase started this weblog because he had something to say to the world. Along the way, he seems to have forgotten what that was."

Pauline is a freelance writer and media personality (Yes, P. - I'm talking about you!) She regularly publishes Metamorphing Metaphors, a blog of her everyday-life observations, and she will soon be featured weekdays on her city’s largest Christian radio station! Occasionally, she puts something up on flickr. What's she like? Here's an excerpt from her blog: "A butterfly starts out as a worm. The cocoon experience is even worse - being left alone in the dark. But even during the dark times, there's hope. Something beautiful is being created. She is being dressed, being given wings to fly. She's being prepared to someday dance among the flowers. A butterfly tells a story of the redeemed. I am one of them."

Shoa shares the bitingly humorous and not-so-funny moments of her daily life in "Hello Virtual World." You can also find her on myspace. After reading her weblog for awhile, I’m reserving my copy of her first novel; I’m sure it will be a grand success! Here’s a sample of her writing: "This morning, I was struck by a remarkable truth. Something occurred to me, and I cannot believe I never realized it before. Does that ever happen to you? A moment of supreme enlightenment? Something far greater than the proverbial light-bulb, far more life-changing than a job change, and far more invigorating than a morning shower? Well. It happened to me. And it happened this very morning. Let me reiterate: I was struck by a remarkable truth. I look good in the color brown."

Opus Moreschi is a performer and comedy writer who showcases his work on Yomomma.com (not affiliated with the MTV show) and myspace. You won’t regret watching his comedy sketches posted on youtube or glancing through his photos on flickr. He used to write for Tom Green, if that tells you anything. Here’s a quote from his blog: "Today, I had to act in a short commercial the ad agency was shooting. In the shoot, I am in the background, I am chatting up an attractive woman and she jots down her phone number and hands it to me. I take my role as unimportant background actor very seriously. I really wanted to capture the true spirit of the Guy In The Background Getting A Phone Number From An Attractive Woman. So of course, my flirting seemed real - because I'm a method actor."

Dr. Rusty Spell is an author, comedian, web personality, musician, and all-around good guy. Dr. Spell showcases his talents on Rustyspell.com, and you can also find him on myspace and download one of his latest singles here. Here’s a quote from Rusty: "One of the art organizations around here asked me to provide music for the silent movie ‘The General’ with Buster Keaton, and it showed last Friday night. It was cool to be in an auditorium with the big screen and surround speakers playing my stuff, even if there were only a handful of people there (apparently the kids don't go out on Friday nights for silent pictures like they did in the 1920s). During several moments, I pretty much figured I was a genius."

John Mora is a Nashville-based lyricist/musician and founder of Sweet Tempers. You can check out his profile and blog on myspace and his photography on flickr. Here’s a sample of John’s unique style: "my friend ellie says i'm ‘the boy that lives alone in his heart’. jess says ‘you look like a kid in grown up world.’ sometimes i worry they're right….the last couple of weeks have been difficult. my friends love me, and I have everything I need in my life. but there's a hole there, and it needs to be filled. patience, love. -- i'll tell myself."

Matt J. is an aspiring artist from Oklahoma who works primarily with photography and mixed media. His photographs are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. You can find him on myspace and his work on flickr. No quote I could find for Matt really fits his style, but check out his work, and you'll see what I mean.

Luke Barats and Joe Bereta are actors and independent filmmakers based out of Spokane, WA. Graduates of Gonzaga University, the duo are winning awards and becoming a mini-cult phenomenon with their cutting edge satire reminiscent of Andy Samberg of Saturday Night Live and The Lonely Island. You can find them on myspace, youtube, and their web site. Here's a quote from their bio: "Their work includes music video clips, film making, skits, lip sync contests, stand-up and improv comedy. Their collaboration hinges on individual specialties. Barats is a senior double-majoring in theater arts and history, while Bereta received his Bachelor's degree last spring in broadcast studies. Barats is involved in the writing aspect and Bereta has been involved in video production. Their combined talents result in a fun and unique form of media convergence."

Christine Castro is an amazing and award-winning web-designer, blogger, and maker of "Darling" things. Visit her on flickr, her personal blog, her design studio, or her shoppe. Here's a snippit from her blog archive to give you a peak into what she's up to this month: "Most of my memories about the week before the wedding involve laughing—which I suppose is a lot better than crying or stressing or having a total breakdown....I really was calm, though. I found some strength and wisdom inside myself that I wish I always had handy. It was the acceptance that I had done everything I could. It was time to let go of my grand plans and let it all unfold. If I tripped down the aisle or I forgot my vows, if a heat wave or Storm Watch 2006 suddenly hit, if the flowers wilted and the cupcake tower tumbled to the floor, it would still be okay. At least it would make a good story. And at the end of the day, Rama and I would still be married."