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?

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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Currently Listening To: The Radio Dept. - "Heaven's On Fire"






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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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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

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"



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/


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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

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.


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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.


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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.

"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


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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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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


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Currently Listening To "Washed Out"

Washed Out - Feel It All Around




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