Here are Lava Row interns Kim and Erin discussing how they stay on top of emerging social media / technology news, and why they are excited about Google Wave, YouTube Insight and the Apple Tablet.

Yesterday we were honored to have Tara Hunt (@missrogue on Twitter and author of The Whuffie Factor) and the entire Whuffaoke crew stop by the Lava Row office during the Des Moines leg of their cross-country tour. We grabbed a quick video with Tara during her visit, where she explains the origin and purpose behind the Whuffaoke adventure:

Thanks to the entire crew for visiting Des Moines!

As we share more and more of our lives on social networks, is it possible to maintain a balance between the professional self and the personal self? Lava Row summer interns Erin and Kim explore this question in the video below.

How do you maintain balance across all of your online identities?

Today we drove to Sioux City for the fourth leg of our Summer 2009 Road Trip. A total of six hours in the car can really wear a person down, so here are a few things that we do to stay awake and focused. Yes, including a discussion about Iowa’s Loess Hills, which would put most people to sleep.

How do you stay alert during long road trips? Please leave your comments below.

The road trip has been great so far and we’ve met all sorts of interesting, curious and bright new people. We’re wrapping it all up this Friday in Iowa City – be sure to stop by if you’re in the area!