Well, I'm ready to reveal the first piece of iTest news as we quickly approach the launch of the 2007 iTest:

The 2007 iTest will feature yet another side contest this year. This time, its a "make your own video" contest, whereas in previous years, we've had contests to design logos and capture still pictures.

The 2007 iTest Video Contest will be centered around the song "Typical" by Mute Math (couldn't possibly be a better fit, could it?) as individual students or teams of students will document iTest teams competing in the 2007 iTest on video to this piece of music. Video submissions will be a maximum of a minute and a half in length and will focus on the bolded piece of the song below.

More details to come in a detailed explanation on the iTest blog (blog.theitest.com).

If you haven't heard this song, go download it. Mute Math's self-titled album is one of my favorite albums of the year. As judging by the music video for "Typical," posted on YouTube, this is definitely not your usual rock band.

The song is very uplifting and this upcoming video contest concept fits with my agenda of "crowdsourcing" marketing material for the iTest to use in future proposals. It's bewildering that this song hasn't been grabbed by some marketeer out working at a big company and integrated it into a marketing campaign. Or better yet, it'd actually be a perfect song for a recruiting/HR piece. The commercialism of the song is just a byproduct of its strong production, strong lyrics, and EXTREMELY strong musical performance (incredible drumming and bass complement; vocals are like a young Peter Gabriel)...

So, maybe I'll be tired of the tune after watching a bunch of video iTest submissions, but I doubt it.

"Typical" - Mute Math

Come on, can I dream for one day?
There's nothing that can't be done.
How long should it take somebody
before they can be someone?

Cause I know there's got to be another level
somewhere closer to the other side.
And I'm feeling like its now or never...
can I break the spell of the typical?

Now I've lived through my share of misfortune,
and I've worked in the blazing sun.
But how long should it take somebody
before they can be someone?

Cause I know there's got to be another level
somewhere closer to the other side.
And I'm feeling like its now or never...
can I break the spell of the typical?

Because it's dragging me down...
I'd like to know about when...
when does it all turn around?

Yeah I know there's got to be another level
somewhere closer to the other side.
And I'm feeling like its now or never...
can I break the spell of the typical?

Break the spell (of the typical)
Break the spell (of the typical)
Can I break the spell
of the typical?


Great song.