I am so excited to see the movie "Somewhere"
Its from one of my favorite directors Sofia Coppola who wrote and directed one of my top 5 movies ever "Lost In Translation."
Monday, December 20, 2010
Movie to See This Week: Somewhere
I am so excited to see the movie "Somewhere"
Its from one of my favorite directors Sofia Coppola who wrote and directed one of my top 5 movies ever "Lost In Translation."
Friday, December 10, 2010
Listen To This: Naked & Famous "Punching In A Dream"
I can't get enough of this band
The Naked & Famous "Punching In A Dream"
Check out there video for their other single "Young Blood" here
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Check out there video for their other single "Young Blood" here
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
3 Seattle Rockstars To Follow
Follow these three because in a year they will run this city, so get to know them now.
Franz Falkowski
I've never met anyone who was such a natural rockstar like Franz Falkowski. He is wise beyond his age and one of the most amazing hairstylists I have ever met. He is creative, an artist, sings, plays guitar, drums and is an amazing networker. Expect to see him in 5 years either rocking out on the mic as lead singer to a rock band or as an international hairstylist God!
Follow Shanon at http://twitter.com/ShanThor
Shanon's upcoming event:
winterGREEN: Saturday, January 8th from 12-4 at The Chloe Apartments. It's an annual Seattle green and local artist event that promotes both sustainable living and our community. They will be turning vacant units into pop-up stores, art galleries and installation rooms with a rooftop party.
Download and check out one of his mixes
http://www.mediafire.com/?97bcf4rjhjqnlsj
Follow DJ Skiddle at http://www.facebook.com/deejayskiddle
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Follow him at http://twitter.com/franzodactyl
Shanon Thorson
photo by usnaps.com
One of the nicest guys you will ever meet. A natural at networking, when you meet him you instantly feel like you were destined to be friends. Shanon is an event producer, musician, property manager and handles the social media for his buildings on Capitol Hill. An LGBT advocate, Shanon will also be launching his queer rights website early next year. Look out for winterGREEN coming up in January at the Chloe and expect to see Shanon in 5 years running the Capitol Hill scene with the best parties or running his own bar.
Shanon's upcoming event:
winterGREEN: Saturday, January 8th from 12-4 at The Chloe Apartments. It's an annual Seattle green and local artist event that promotes both sustainable living and our community. They will be turning vacant units into pop-up stores, art galleries and installation rooms with a rooftop party.
DJ Skiddle
My absolute favorite Seattle DJ. Been following DJ Skiddle for a good year now and recently did my Birthday party which I still get complements on. I love his style and over all taste in music. You can catch him at the Drive @5 on C89.5
Download and check out one of his mixes
http://www.mediafire.com/?97bcf4rjhjqnlsj
Follow DJ Skiddle at http://www.facebook.com/deejayskiddle
Listen To This: Secret Shoppers
Easily my new favorite band in Seattle.
I was lucky enough to catch the making of there latest music video for "Genie" which will be debuting this week sometime.
Listen to their song "Genie" and catch the Secret Shoppers December 18th at Pony
Follow them at http://www.facebook.com/secretshoppers
Get Blog Updates By Email Add Me On Facebook - Twitter - Linkedin RSVP to my Birthday Dance Party at Purr
Friday, December 03, 2010
Upcoming Events: Grim's, HolidayMash, Tweetdrive & Pike Pine Holiday Shopping
Grim's Grand Opening
Grim's, a Gothic Steampunk bar/lounge will be opening this weekend. Soft launch on Sunday and pre-party on Saturday. RSVP to grimseattle@gmail.com to get on the list for the Saturday preopening party. Grim's is coming from the same owners behind the sports bar Autobattery and Podogs.
Date: This Weekend
Location: Grim's Seattle (1512 11th Ave; 98122) @GrimSeattle
HolidayMash
Mashable and Seattle are teaming up to bring you #HolidayMash. This will be a great networking event drink specials, appetizers, music and make sure you get your picture taken.
Date: Thursday, December 16th - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m
Location: Grim's Seattle (1512 11th Ave; 98122) @GrimSeattle
Holiday Tweet Drive
The Holiday Tweet Drive is a nation-wide toy/clothing drive that will use social media to give back to children who are less fortunate and spread some Holiday cheer along the way. All they ask is that you donate a NEW toy or NEW article of clothing. Drinks, networking and holiday cheer!
Date: Thursday, December 9 · 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Club Sur 2901 1st Ave. S Seattle, WA
Finally Shop Local (Pike/Pine)
My very own Emerson Salon will be participating along with some amazing Pike/Pine local business's. Emerson Salon will be offering that weekend 25% off all hair services. Call ahead and book your appointment for that weekend. (206) 323-7437
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
A Raveonettes Christmas! Whats your favorite Christmas song?
I usually don't like Christmas songs, they are overplayed and no matter who sings them, they all sound the same, unless its the Raveonettes. I love any christmas song The Raveonettes cover.
Here are a few of my favorites
The Christmas Song
Christmas Baby Please Come Home
Come On Santa
What are your favorite Christmas Songs?
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Here are a few of my favorites
The Christmas Song
Christmas Baby Please Come Home
Come On Santa
What are your favorite Christmas Songs?
My New Jam: Far East Movement feat. Roger Sanchez- 2Gether
"This club is going crazy..."
Also check out the shout out one of our clients the Rover Puck in the opening scenes.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Download My Birthday Party Mix by DJ Skiddle
If you made it to my party then you already know how amazing DJ Skiddle's set was. If you missed it or just want to jam out to it again, you can download the entire set from Saturday night below.
http://www.mediafire.com/?97bcf4rjhjqnlsj
DJ Skiddle is easily one of my favorite DJ's in Seattle. Catch him on C89.5 at the Drive @5 and follow him on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/deejayskiddle
New Music: Ellie Goulding - Bright Lights
Ellie has been one of my favorite artists for the last year. Her album Lights hit number one in the UK but for some reason it was never released in the States. Finally the album is being re-released with 6 new tracks and finally hitting the US.
Check out 2 of my favorite songs off "Bright Lights"
Lights
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
New Music: Cut Copy, Nicki Minaj & The Naked and Famous
From the forthcoming album check out the new Cut Copy single "Take Me On". I can see myself dancing to this in the near future.
Nicki Minaj's new album Pink Friday dropped today and its everything I expected. Check out "Girls Fall Like Dominoes" which samples The Big Pink
Finally I recently discovered The Naked & Famous and I'm hooked. They kind of remind me of Passion Pit, check out their song "Young Blood"
Get Blog Updates By Email Add Me On Facebook - Twitter - Linkedin RSVP to my Birthday Dance Party at Purr
Nicki Minaj's new album Pink Friday dropped today and its everything I expected. Check out "Girls Fall Like Dominoes" which samples The Big Pink
Finally I recently discovered The Naked & Famous and I'm hooked. They kind of remind me of Passion Pit, check out their song "Young Blood"
Why I Love Banyan Branch
I love Banyan Branch because we are all geeky in our own way. Whether its about music, pop culture, science fiction, video games or education, the one thing we all have in common is that we are extremely passionate.
Some of the recent events that have made me proud:
- We threw two amazing parties in Las Vegas at WOMMA (thanks to the very talented Jess Estrada)
- Ross and our interactive team grilled a bunch of smartphones for our client EZGrill which got us featured on every possible tech blog and featued on cnn with 1.2 million view and counting.
- Stephanie Fortson and our education team rocked out the last Get Schooled tour date in Denver and helped put Get Schooled on the map by getting it trending online in Denver, putting a spotlight on what Get Schooled is doing in Education.
- Even when not at work, Team Banyan Branch is always looking for ways of being creative. Check out what Forest & Tara and the rest of the crew did for fun one weekend. Star Trek meets Chatroulette
Follow Banyan Branch on Twitter and Facebook and follow our adventures.
Recent Videos I Took: Robyn and Cars Sliding Into Each Other
The Robyn show on Sunday was amazing. I have to say it even beats out Lady Gaga, something about seeing someone as big as Robyn in an intimate setting that just blows you away.
Here is Robyn performing "Dancing On My Own" acoustic at the easy street instore
Robyn playing it live at Neumos later on that night
Then the next night we were hit with a #snomg 2010 (Thanksgiving Edition)
This was my view from my studio on 15th and Pine
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Here is Robyn performing "Dancing On My Own" acoustic at the easy street instore
Robyn playing it live at Neumos later on that night
Then the next night we were hit with a #snomg 2010 (Thanksgiving Edition)
This was my view from my studio on 15th and Pine
Friday, October 29, 2010
Crystal Castles & Robert Smith Collaboration
"...I'll give you my heart.. no one lives there anymore..."
Such an amazing collaboration. Track is available for download first week in December
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Such an amazing collaboration. Track is available for download first week in December
Get Blog Updates By Email Add Me On Facebook - Twitter - Linkedin
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
New Belanova single and video
Off the new Belanova album Sueno Electro
Nada De Mas
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Nada De Mas
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
DJ Turn That Music Up! 3 Tracks for any Friday or Saturday
Three 6 Mafia feat. Tiësto - Feel It
Far East Movement - Like A G6 ft. The Cataracs, Dev
Kylie Minogue - All The Lovers (WaWa And MMB Radio Edit)
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Far East Movement - Like A G6 ft. The Cataracs, Dev
Kylie Minogue - All The Lovers (WaWa And MMB Radio Edit)
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Music Download: Oh No, I Like it and Commander
Easily my new favorite artist
Kelly Rowland - Commander
I love the new Kelly, love the look and I am definitely your Commander!
Enrique Iglesias - I Like It
Its hard not to like Enrique.
Watch this!
By: Ben Crowther
Last weekend I saw the movie Inception. As I left the theater, I could barely comprehend what I had just seen. The movie was absolutely spectacular. It has the epic feel of the Dark Knight (with the same director), the intellectual challenge of The Matrix and the "wtf" factor of Requiem for a Dream. You'll want to watch this movie at least 2-3 times.
Last weekend I saw the movie Inception. As I left the theater, I could barely comprehend what I had just seen. The movie was absolutely spectacular. It has the epic feel of the Dark Knight (with the same director), the intellectual challenge of The Matrix and the "wtf" factor of Requiem for a Dream. You'll want to watch this movie at least 2-3 times.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Prop 8 Stay Lifted
By: Ben Crowther
The stay put on the Prop 8 decision Perry v Schwarzenegger will be lifted on August 18th
The stay put on the Prop 8 decision Perry v Schwarzenegger will be lifted on August 18th
"That judgment shall be STAYED until August 18, 2010 at 5 PM PDT at which time defendants and all persons under their control or supervision shall cease to apply or enforce Proposition 8. "
Monday, August 09, 2010
Watching Now: Full Metal Alchemist - Brotherhood
If you have seen the original I highly recommend Full Metal Alchemist the Brotherhood series. It's the series retold as the creator intended. It's very dark and the anime is amazing! Part 2 on Blu-Ray is out August 24th
My New Ride
Picked up my 2011 Audi A5 last Friday, totally in love with it right now!
LGBT News Round Up
Prop 8 Overturned
"Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional."
Mexico Supreme Court Upholds Marriage Equality in Mexico City
"Mexico's Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a law allowing same-sex marriages in Mexico City is constitutional, rejecting an appeal by federal prosecutors who argued it violated the charter's guarantees to protect the family."
Target Sort-of Apologizes for Political Donation
"Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel wrote employees to say the discount retailer was “genuinely sorry” over the way a $150,000 contribution to MN Forward donation played out. Steinhafel said Target would set up a review process for future political donations."
Ugandan Bill Stalled
"The “Anti-Homosexuality Bill” renders gay sex to be punishable by death. In particular, the bill endorses capital punishment for HIV positive citizens who engage in same-sex relations. It also extends the death penalty to those who have “gay sex” with a minor."
Hospitals Now More Queer-Friendly
"Nearly all U.S. hospitals are now required to administer health care to LGBT people and their kin, effectively voiding discriminatory state and municipal laws."
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Prop 8 Ruled Unconstitutional
By: Ben Crowther
A federal district court in California just ruled Proposition unconstitutional in a 136 page opinion released today. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"Proposition 8 is unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses"
"Although Proposition 8 fails to possess even a rational basis, the evidence presented at trial shows that gays and lesbians are the type of minority strict scrutiny was designed to protect"
"The trial record shows that strict scrutiny is the appropriate standard of review to apply to legislative classifications based on sexual orientation. All classifications based on sexual orientation appear suspect, as the evidence shows that California would rarely, if ever, have a reason to categorize individuals based on their sexual orientation. Here, however, strict scrutiny is unnecessary. Proposition 8 fails to survive even rational basis review.""fundamental rights may not be submitted to [a] vote; they depend on the outcome of no elections.”
"a marriage license is more than a license to have procreative sexual intercourse"
More info at NYTimes, San Francisco Chronicle, HuffPoMonday, August 02, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Listen To: Bye Bye Blackbird - Float On (Modest Mouse cover)
Nothing like some good dreamy, atmospheric, synth-pop to get me through the day.
Yay or Nay? What do you think?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
5 Essentials For Every Social Media Rockstar
My 5 essentials that every social media rockstar should have.
1. Energy Drinks
Gotta stay engaged and focused throughout those long days, meetings and when you're up late working on a client project. For some people, it's coffee; but for me I find myself downing a few Monsters and Redbulls daily. It's the only way I can keep my ADHD in check and stay on top of my game.
2. Eye Rejuvenator
Can't look tired when you're meeting with clients! After those long nights partying or up late working on client projects, an eye rejuvenator will keep you looking fresh. A great eye rejuvenator helps keep away the dark circles and puffiness under your eyes. Cold Plasma is my personal favorite, but Kiehl's also makes great products. Both are available at Nordstrom. A good product will run you a good $50, but it's worth every penny to look like you just got 8 hours of sleep when you know you're running on 2.
3. Dry Shampoo
If you've been out late partying, gotten one hour of sleep and don't have time to jump in the shower and get ready for work, make sure you have a dry shampoo. Kevin Murphy's fresh hair is my absolute favorite. Spray it on your hair, towel-dry and you've got that freshly showered look! Dry shampoo removes odors and hair product from the night before. Ask your local salon about a dry shampoo - or if you're in Seattle stop by Emerson Salon, I always keep it in stock.
4. Personal Shopper
Can't truly be a rockstar with out some amazing clothes to keep you looking fresh. If you're anything like me, you don't really have time to shop! That's why I highly recommend getting a personal shopper that knows you and your style. My personal favorite is David from David Lawrence. After meeting me once, he had my style and sizes pinned down. These days I walk in and he has 4 or 5 options ready for me.
5. Access On The Go
Plenty of options for this one: the key is you need to have access 24 hours a day. For me, that's a combination of my MacBook Pro, iPhone, iPad and Clear 4g mobile wireless device. It's a lot of stuff to carry with you but access is top priority if you want to keep your clients happy. Invest in some devices that will keep connected with what's going on with your clients.
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1. Energy Drinks
Gotta stay engaged and focused throughout those long days, meetings and when you're up late working on a client project. For some people, it's coffee; but for me I find myself downing a few Monsters and Redbulls daily. It's the only way I can keep my ADHD in check and stay on top of my game.2. Eye Rejuvenator
Can't look tired when you're meeting with clients! After those long nights partying or up late working on client projects, an eye rejuvenator will keep you looking fresh. A great eye rejuvenator helps keep away the dark circles and puffiness under your eyes. Cold Plasma is my personal favorite, but Kiehl's also makes great products. Both are available at Nordstrom. A good product will run you a good $50, but it's worth every penny to look like you just got 8 hours of sleep when you know you're running on 2.3. Dry Shampoo
If you've been out late partying, gotten one hour of sleep and don't have time to jump in the shower and get ready for work, make sure you have a dry shampoo. Kevin Murphy's fresh hair is my absolute favorite. Spray it on your hair, towel-dry and you've got that freshly showered look! Dry shampoo removes odors and hair product from the night before. Ask your local salon about a dry shampoo - or if you're in Seattle stop by Emerson Salon, I always keep it in stock.4. Personal Shopper
Can't truly be a rockstar with out some amazing clothes to keep you looking fresh. If you're anything like me, you don't really have time to shop! That's why I highly recommend getting a personal shopper that knows you and your style. My personal favorite is David from David Lawrence. After meeting me once, he had my style and sizes pinned down. These days I walk in and he has 4 or 5 options ready for me.5. Access On The Go
Plenty of options for this one: the key is you need to have access 24 hours a day. For me, that's a combination of my MacBook Pro, iPhone, iPad and Clear 4g mobile wireless device. It's a lot of stuff to carry with you but access is top priority if you want to keep your clients happy. Invest in some devices that will keep connected with what's going on with your clients.LGBT News Round Up
By: Ben Crowther (tumblr)
Dan Choi gives Sen. Reid his West Point Ring
"Choi gave Reid his West Point ring. Reid initially declined keeping the ring, but after pressure was put on him by Choi and audience members, he agreed to keep it until the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy is finally repealed" Article
Court Stops Arizona from Canceling Domestic Partnership Benefits
"A federal judge is blocking Arizona from implementing a state law that eliminates domestic partner benefits for gay and lesbian state employees." Article
Dan Choi Officially Discharged
"News has just come out that Army Lt. Dan Choi was discharged from the military on June 29, though the actions were not made public and Dan made no official comment. Lately, Dan has been more known for his activism (and arrests, including yesterday's in Las Vegas), but he has long been an outspoken opponent of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell,"" Article
Uruguay Next American Country for Queer Marriage?
"Canada, Argentina, and Uruguay fell at the positive extreme with over 50 percent support, while Guyana and Jamaica fell at the negative extreme with less than ten percent support." Canada and Argentina have both legalized queer marriage. Uruguay, you're up next. Article
GetEQUAL protests in Las Vegas
"In a rare incidence of civil disobedience in this destination's tourism corridor, eight activists protesting Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's inaction on gay rights legislation were arrested for blocking traffic at one of the Strip's busiest intersections today" Article, Video
Seattle Ranks #5 "Gayest City"
"Same-sex couples per thousand households: 6.71 " Article
Dan Choi gives Sen. Reid his West Point Ring
"Choi gave Reid his West Point ring. Reid initially declined keeping the ring, but after pressure was put on him by Choi and audience members, he agreed to keep it until the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy is finally repealed" Article
Court Stops Arizona from Canceling Domestic Partnership Benefits
"A federal judge is blocking Arizona from implementing a state law that eliminates domestic partner benefits for gay and lesbian state employees." Article
Dan Choi Officially Discharged
"News has just come out that Army Lt. Dan Choi was discharged from the military on June 29, though the actions were not made public and Dan made no official comment. Lately, Dan has been more known for his activism (and arrests, including yesterday's in Las Vegas), but he has long been an outspoken opponent of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell,"" Article
Uruguay Next American Country for Queer Marriage?
"Canada, Argentina, and Uruguay fell at the positive extreme with over 50 percent support, while Guyana and Jamaica fell at the negative extreme with less than ten percent support." Canada and Argentina have both legalized queer marriage. Uruguay, you're up next. Article
GetEQUAL protests in Las Vegas
"In a rare incidence of civil disobedience in this destination's tourism corridor, eight activists protesting Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's inaction on gay rights legislation were arrested for blocking traffic at one of the Strip's busiest intersections today" Article, Video
Seattle Ranks #5 "Gayest City"
"Same-sex couples per thousand households: 6.71 " Article
Tuesday's Mix Tape: Marina and the Diamonds, Scissor Sisters, and The Blow
By: Ben Crowther (tumblr)
Marina and the Diamonds "I am not a Robot"
Scissor Sisters "Fire with Fire"
The Blow "Parentheses"
Marina and the Diamonds "I am not a Robot"
Scissor Sisters "Fire with Fire"
The Blow "Parentheses"
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Watching "Holy Fuck" at the Capitol Hill Block Party
I had a great view of Holy Fuck and MGMT last night from Emerson Salon
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Friday, July 23, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
New Ryan Pfluger Site
My friend and one of my favorite photographers ever just relaunched his site. If you haven't seen Ryan Pfluger's work before check it out at http://www.ryanpfluger.com
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PSBJ's 40 Under 40
So after having a crazy busy day I got the good news that I made it as one of this year's 40 under 40 for the Puget Sound Business Journal.
Read all about the 40 under 40 and join me at the reception
http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/events/2010/40_under_40/
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tuesday Mix Tape: Big Boi, Imagine Dragons, Kele & Chiddy Bang
What I'm listening to right now:
Big Boi - Daddy Fat Sax
Chiddy Bang - Dream Chasin'
Kele - Tenderoni
Imagine Dragons - All Eyes
What are you listening to?
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Big Boi - Daddy Fat Sax
Chiddy Bang - Dream Chasin'
Kele - Tenderoni
Imagine Dragons - All Eyes
What are you listening to?
Friday, July 16, 2010
LGBT News Weekly Roundup
By: Ben Crowther (tumblr)
Welcome to the first installment of the LGBT News Weekly Roundup. Below you'll find some headlines from the week along with a few sentences explaining the event and a link to a bigger article.
Argentina legalizes same-sex marriage
Argentina became the 10th country, and first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage this week. It passed through the upper legislative chamber on Thursday, having passed through the lower chamber earlier. President Cristina Kirchner has promised to sign the bill when it reaches her desk. This is a major victory after hours of debate, a close 33-27 vote, and heavy lobbying against the bill by the Mormon and Catholic churches. CNN.com
Problems with the Pentagon's DADT survey
Several bloggers are raising red flags about the Pentagon's DADT survey that was sent out last week for the big report due in September. This report, remember, is what the President, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of Defense will use to determine if the law should be repealed (at least, if the bill passes through the Senate). There's controversy around the use of the term "homosexual" rather than "gay and lesbian", over whether gay and lesbian service members will be protected from being discharged if they take the survey openly, and over how some of the questions and answers were phrased. Change.org
Employment Non-Discrimination Act no longer on the table this session
"It is phenomenally disappointing that ENDA will most likely not pass this session, more so because the Democrats could lose control of Congress in November. It will be that much harder to pass ENDA under a Republican majority. The real tragedy, however, would be if we cannot move on and start strategizing for the future." 365gay.com
Defense of Marriage Act ruling
Last week, a federal district court judge in Massachusetts ruled that section 3 of DOMA, the part that defines marriage as between "one man and one woman" for federal purpose, is unconstitutional. With section 3 overturned, couples that have a same-sex marriage will be able to receive federal benefits like immigration and taxes. The powerfully written opinion will be important if the Justice Department decides to appeal the case to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, and may eventually go to the Supreme Court. Combined with Perry v Schwarzenegger, the Prop 8 case, along with several others, we're looking at some very important legal decisions in the next couple years. Change.org
Gays are more likely to use social media
54% of gay and lesbian respondents read blogs, compared to 40% of heterosexuals. 73% use Facebook, and 29% use Twitter compared to to 65% of heterosexuals on Facebook and 15% on Twitter. The study didn't try to guess why, but I'd guess it has to do with the fact that it's a lot harder to find other queer people in person, so people turn to social networking sites. 365gay.com
Welcome to the first installment of the LGBT News Weekly Roundup. Below you'll find some headlines from the week along with a few sentences explaining the event and a link to a bigger article.
Argentina legalizes same-sex marriage
Argentina became the 10th country, and first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage this week. It passed through the upper legislative chamber on Thursday, having passed through the lower chamber earlier. President Cristina Kirchner has promised to sign the bill when it reaches her desk. This is a major victory after hours of debate, a close 33-27 vote, and heavy lobbying against the bill by the Mormon and Catholic churches. CNN.com
Problems with the Pentagon's DADT survey
Several bloggers are raising red flags about the Pentagon's DADT survey that was sent out last week for the big report due in September. This report, remember, is what the President, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of Defense will use to determine if the law should be repealed (at least, if the bill passes through the Senate). There's controversy around the use of the term "homosexual" rather than "gay and lesbian", over whether gay and lesbian service members will be protected from being discharged if they take the survey openly, and over how some of the questions and answers were phrased. Change.org
Employment Non-Discrimination Act no longer on the table this session
"It is phenomenally disappointing that ENDA will most likely not pass this session, more so because the Democrats could lose control of Congress in November. It will be that much harder to pass ENDA under a Republican majority. The real tragedy, however, would be if we cannot move on and start strategizing for the future." 365gay.com
Defense of Marriage Act ruling
Last week, a federal district court judge in Massachusetts ruled that section 3 of DOMA, the part that defines marriage as between "one man and one woman" for federal purpose, is unconstitutional. With section 3 overturned, couples that have a same-sex marriage will be able to receive federal benefits like immigration and taxes. The powerfully written opinion will be important if the Justice Department decides to appeal the case to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, and may eventually go to the Supreme Court. Combined with Perry v Schwarzenegger, the Prop 8 case, along with several others, we're looking at some very important legal decisions in the next couple years. Change.org
Gays are more likely to use social media
54% of gay and lesbian respondents read blogs, compared to 40% of heterosexuals. 73% use Facebook, and 29% use Twitter compared to to 65% of heterosexuals on Facebook and 15% on Twitter. The study didn't try to guess why, but I'd guess it has to do with the fact that it's a lot harder to find other queer people in person, so people turn to social networking sites. 365gay.com
Listening To Jenny Owen Youngs "Have You Forgotten"
I am absolutely in love with Jenny Owen Youngs cover of the Red House Painter's "Have You Forgotten"
She has a beautiful voice that reminds me a lot of Deb Talan from the Weepies. This song will always remind me of the fall, hanging out with Matt and Bruce. Give it a listen and download it off iTunes.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
You Have 10 Days To Catch Up On Mad Men!
Season 4 starts July 25th. Now do yourself a favor and go buy Seasons 1 thru 3 and watch them in the next 10 days. You'll thank me later.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Movie To Watch: Inception
Movie comes out this Friday and it looks amazing! From Christopher Nolan (Dark Knight) and stars some of my favorite actors, specifically Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Mysterious Skin) and Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later, Sunshine).
Biggest criticism "Inception" has recieved so far is that it's to smart for mainstream movie goers.
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Biggest criticism "Inception" has recieved so far is that it's to smart for mainstream movie goers.
"It's a challenge and a minor chore to follow Nolan's cerebral lead, but anyone complaining that Hollywood lacks bold inspiration can shush for a while." St. Petersburg Times
"No matter how high your personal expectations for "Inception" may be, the film not only meets but wildly exceeds them." eFilmCritic.com
Pictures from the Mashable Summer Tour
Andy and I at the Mashable brunch on Saturday.
Couldn't make it to the Mashable meet up later that night but team Banyan Branch was there to represent.
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Couldn't make it to the Mashable meet up later that night but team Banyan Branch was there to represent.
Just Bought: Kylie Minogue "Aphrodite"
Check out the new video for the single "All The Lovers" from the new album Aphrodite.
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Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Free Tix To The Capitol Hill Block Party
Emerson Salon has teamed up with the Capitol Hill Block Party to offer free tix with any haircut or color at Emerson. So if you need a cut and plan to attend the block party, make sure to stop by the salon. Check out the details here
Saturday, March 06, 2010
My Playlist: Lil Wayne, Ellie Goulding, Goldfrapp & Freelance Whales
Goldfrapp4 songs currently in heavy rotation on my iPhone/itunes
Goldfrapp - Rocket
Off the new album, Goldfrapp never disappointments.
Freelance Whales - Starring
This band reminds me of Mae and all the good memories that come with Mae
Ellie Goulding - Starry Eyed (Monsieur Adi Remix)
Great remix
Lil Wayne - Knockout
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