I love Far East Movement. They are killer live, too. I had the pleasure of seeing them with Robyn and Kelis a few months back in SF. Their new video for Rocketeer (feat. Ryan Tedder) is so chill and a lovely portrait of Los Angeles and Japan.
I had such an amazing time spontaneously shopping with my buddy James today. I had no intentions to shop today, but I'm glad we did. It was seriously the most fun shopping day I've ever had. I had no idea that I had a GQ advice giver on my hands. ;)
I had to get a suit for an upcoming wedding in a couple of weeks. Parts of my outfit are complete. Just a bit more to go!
A job well done by Katy for my song of the summer. :)
She also dedicated this to the "It Gets Better" Campaign.
I went to the El Pollo Loco in Sunnyvale, CA... my old hood. I used to frequent this location 3x a week at one point. I haven't been here in a while wife I moved to SF a few years back. The manager still remembers me and gave me that straight guy "wassup" head nod. It's good to be back!
... and today I do. Jill P., who sits in the cubicle next to me, lent me a mullet to wear after I told her I wasn't dressing up for Halloween.
So I combined some flanel and a mullet to be a redneck ! :)
Simple costume, easy execution. Halloween 2010 at YouTube! Woot!
It was a very cool experience to be part of a startup advertising team to bring revenue to YouTube. I was brought over as the first Promoted Videos CSR at YouTube, given my 3 years of experience in AdWords.
Promoted Videos, YouTube's first self-service advertising product, hit another major milestone this week - 500 million Promoted Videos Views. It was an exciting time working with editorial, legal, policy, product managers, engineers, UI, directors, product specialists, etc.
On Mashable: http://mashable.com/2010/10/28/youtube-promoted-videos/
On The YouTube Blog: http://youtube-global.blogspot.com/2010/10/promoted-videos-hit-half-billion-v...
Not entirely sure what took Sweden's Pop Music Star so long to release the video for his single "Lovekiller."
As it turns out. The wait was well worth it. Visually stunning.
Love this song. Too bad I played it out for myself about 5 months ago. :P
Lovely. Just lovely.
//I'm gonna love ya like I've never been hurt before.
Robyn 'Indestructible' Official Video
Robyn | Myspace Music Videos
Sounds Lovely. Can without the Bieber-esque haircut, though. :P
I love the latest post (#52) from the "Stuff No One Told Me (But I Learned Anyway)" blog. Word.
I wrote for the first time in my new paper journal tonight. It was quite magical. No limits. No lines. No distractions. It sorta reminded me of the days when I used livejournal and had no social-ness to it.
I can get used to that.
I guess I'll use this more for sharing and remembering digital stuff I like, but without the limitations and restrictions Facebook imposes.
So why was it so hard for me to disconnect? A lot of reasons and I wrote about that. The good news is that I'm on my way to having that balance. It's nice.
Kevin was kind enough to get me a nice paper journal with a thougthful inscription for my 27th birthday. I nearly cried when I read it.
So today was the day. The day I finally put pen back to paper.
These are my thoughts...
I recently converted to a stand-up desk at work. I love it. It forces me to stand up and walk around. I guess it's also good for your health, too. I love the idea of treadmilling during an interview or during a phone call.
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/sitting-long-work-pose-health-danger/story?id=11926874
File this one under very cool. Another great addition to the It Gets Better Project.
... so I could Listen to NPR more.
I remember this one time when I went to work in Mountain View and sat in the parking lot for 10 minutes just so I could finish listening to an NPR story. The funny part, I wasn't the only one.
I parked my car, finished the story on NPR (which was on California banning trans fats) and then got out of my car to walk into work. Next to me was Nai, getting out of his car nearly the same exact moment. I said, "I was just listening to this amazing NPR story." He was like, "Trans Fats?" I nodded.
It spurred a good conversation after.
This morning, I felt the same way about a story on the topic of "The Lost Art of Reading" during this morning's Forum on KQED with Michael Krasny.
The author, David Ulin, talked a lot about how technology is hindering us from really remembering the special moments. Is an 8 year old going to remember tweeting or that one time he went to the baseball game with his father? It wasn't so much the content of the day as much as the feelings and memories that are created. Technology seems to be slowing us down there. I can relate. Trust me, I can relate. He also just talked about how people feel like they're missing out on something when they aren't engaged with technology. He also discussed how people are now having a hard time even reading a book. The internet has caused us to react immediately rather than ponder, reflect and be solitary. It's almost as if we don't have enough time to formulate an opinion. Or at least, a well thought out one. He also goes on to talk about empathy and how emotion is getting lost when people aren't reading literature. It encourages us to put us in another person's experience. You have to give up your own rhythm and get lost in a book.
I wish I had someone at work who is just of a big NPR nerd as me or Nai. The book related to the story, "The Lost Art of Reading: Why Books Matter in a Distracted Time."
Sometimes you need those small reminders to keep you in check as to why you love something or someone.
Having been at Google for nearly 5 years (in January 2011!), I love how supportive Google employees and its founders/executive staff are toward LGBTQ causes. Small touches such as:
Well, the Gayglers finally have a YouTube Channel Up @ BetterInTech. They've created the following video for the "It Gets Better Project."
I'll be adding one of my own to the mix, soon enough. Everyone has a story to tell, including me.
P.S. - My roomie already created one:
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| Eddie, Ty, Alan & Will | From SF Pride 2008 - Sunday Parade |
This is an awesome online video documentary from Bloomberg on Steve Jobs. It's about 45 minutes in length and has has a good amount of interviews from his colleagues thoughout the years. It's also a great history of Apple Computer. Another good history of Apple (and Microsoft) is Pirates of Silicon Valley. That movie made me want to move to Silicon Valley and work in tech. And look at what happened...
It's also a great documentary on business. Has Apple learned from its past mistakes? That question is still up for debate but Apple under Steve Jobs is the best turnaround story of the past decade.
If you give them the power to affect you, you're letting them win.
Another great clip for the "It Gets Better Project."
I love "Firework" by Katy Perry. It was my personal song of the summer. The video should be released any day now. Here is a lovely live performance on the UK's X Factor (from this Sunday). Her voice isn't super strong here, but the overall performance is quite energetic and exhilarating. :)
I'm not gonna lie. In the last two years, especially post living in Ann Arbor, I lost myself. Friends (well, one in particular) were kind enough to call me out on my shit but I became defensive and instead didn't do much about it.
Well, today is a new day and I move forward. I'll do my due diligence and look upon the past to see how I got to where I am, but I'll be very much forward-thinking. I've got a lot of optimism going on right now. I don't have all the pieces figured out (but when do I ever?), but it's exciting to see what will happen next.
I talked with Yonius on Friday since he was in town. We talked about careers for a bit. I often read his blog, which is simple and to the point. He posted this amazing manifesto. I need to figure out how to frame it and get it up in my room. It's like every little piece of good advice all wrapped up on one page. It'll serve as a constant reminder to be me and go live my life. I'm in the process of regaining independence after I started to use people as crutches.
I'm ready to bring back Will, Circa 2008, and move him into 2011.
THE MANIFESTO
And remember with that... don't pull the trigger!
I vaguely remember seeing information on this film a while back. Then when I was in NYC, Joe kept on raving about how excited he was to see the film. I mean, two music icons (which are going to pull from both ends of the gay age spectrum) and Stanley Tucci. What can be better? I was then constantly reminded of the film anytime I watched a movie in the theatre.
The visuals look nice. The music sounds wonderful. The production looks high class. Christina looks like she's on top of her game, a la 90's pop vocals of yesteryear. Cher looks snarky as all hell. The trailer rocks. I'm excited to have something to watch on Thanksgiving. Let's do this! :D
I first heard of N-Dubz back in 2009 when I went to Europe with Milo, Jordan and Thomas. When in London, we crashed with Luke and Jasper.
One of my FAVORITE things we did we just sorta chill and absorb some of the local culture. What better way to do it than by watching some music videos on the telly?
I remember this one tune called "Wouldn't You" came on by this group called N-Dubz. I mean, the group and the thugginess is kinda laughable. I mean really? Are those chains necessary? But the tune was incredible. Slower-paced and influenced by the local Indian culture, the track popped. There is this one moment in the song that is distinctly British in tone. It's when the lead rapper says "Shut Up." It always makes me giggle.
So they have a new tune that was just released called "Best Behaviour." It's pretty good. Also slower in pace, the tune feels like it could be on American radio. With little to tell this is a British tune, other than the extra "u" in "Behaviour." :P Lyrically, it's also pretty catchy.
Okay, so I dig Rihanna's new-ish song "Only Girl in the World." The song kinda randomly popped up unexpectedly a little over a month ago. She already had another single out that was getting airplay. Then this dance-y number took radio and clubs by storm. The song was released on iTunes shortly thereafter it was leaked.
The beat is infectious. How would you picture the video? Fast-paced? Some choreography? Yea, this vid's got none of that. It evokes a 1970s singer/songwriter vid/song. I think the video director thought sharp camera angles and twists would make the video cool. I don't think it succeeds with the music but it may succeed with the lyrical content. But in reality, can you see this video being played at a bar? You'd probably fall asleep.
Tonight I cooked for the first time in a long while. I cooked something Mexican-ish, mainly because it's what I'm most comfy with. My Mexican heritage always tends to come out with food. :)
I modified a recipe that I grew up with and made it more for my lifestyle and change in taste buds.
So, I made Turkey Tacos, sort of an old standby of mine. They never have to be the same, but I decided to use stuff I had around.
The version I grew up with used beef (which is mighty damn tasty) and had more stuff like avocado, tomatoes, sour cream, etc. I decided to just use some natural sharp cheddar because I like the flavor and the dish does need some fat. Also, the risk of making this dish with white meat turkey vs. ground beef is that white meat turkey tends to dry out (hello, no fat!).
The other flavors such as La Victoria Medium Taco sauce is just something my palate grew up with and it reminds me of my youth. I'm sure there is better, but to be honest, the ingredients are minimal and it doesn't have much in the preservative department.
Also in terms of using Iceberg lettuce, I think the flavor goes well, similar to how it would with a burger. I could fancy shit like micro greens or whatever. But I'm not that bougie, well at least with home cooking. ;)
I was catching up on my DVR of months of recorded TV. I happened to come across the finale of the 7th season of "So You Think You Can Dance."
I saw the performance by Quest Crew (whom I've met and are total sweeties) perform to Caravan Palace's "Suzy."
I hadn't heard ANYTHING like this song ever. I'm a big music nerd. I have a vast depth of (mostly) useless music knowledge. So when I heard this track, my ears perked up. I watched the performance (which was great) but then I had to rewind. And rewind I did. The song totally connected with me. I couldn't stop thinking about it.
I did a quick YouTube search to find the music video (below):
I was like, "What music genre is this?" It's totally 1920's, 30's, 40's influenced with a bit of dance and disco thrown in. Disco is one of my favorite genres, so my ears perked up because of that.
I later read a few of the comments and found out this genre of music is called Electroswing. It was born in the late 90's. Apparently there are a few music labels that specialize in this genre, one out of France (hence the heavy influence in the video) called Wagram.
I think I'll do a bit more research to discover some new tunes in this genre of Electroswing. It made my ears tingle.
I think Fort Worth City Councilman said this best, "Give yourself a chance to see just how much better life will get. And it will get better." If you haven't been on of the 1+ million people who've seen it, check it out. It's worth watching.
The recent press coverage of LGBT teen suicides in schools has given birth to the "It Gets Better" project. Keep in mind that this topic of internet bullying has been around forever. I can't help but be curious as to why NOW it's suddenly covered by the press. I guess that's my realistic side talking.
I can honestly say that growing up being bullied for being fat (and sometimes) or being gay (well, more like not masculine) has made me a stronger person. That isn't to say I haven't had many weak moments (of which there were many). When I look back at all the hard, difficult and tear shed moments, they seem menial in comparison to how much better my life has gotten. I've got amazing friend and family. All of which have stuck by me.
Not one person, not a single person that I can recall has dropped me as a friend for being gay. (Note: People have dropped me as a friend for being an asshole. So, don't be an asshole, okay?) Did I think they would drop me as a friend for being gay? You bet. In fact, most of the time, people were curious as to the topic. Curiosity has only grown from the straight community I know since I came out in 2005/2006. The people who I thought would be the most homophobic turned out to be some of my strongest supporters. I think a lot of LGBT youth like to make assumptions without actually asking directly what someone's opinion may be.
When I was younger I associated actions or comments with whether someone was homophobic or not. Then from there I would assess my comfort level of hanging out with them. I eventually learned that assuming got me nowhere. Not only that, no one likes to directly ask whether or not someone is gay. That is tremendous amount of pressure. It's your responsibility as a LGBT person to take the plunge and educate your friends/family on your experience. No one is going to pull your teeth to get you to talk.
Rejection is a fear that is common amongst most people. Rejection in and of itself isn't a bad thing. In fact, it's the one thing that usually gets people to get their shit together. Rejection is a chance to be free. A chance for you to focus. There are so many positives that come out of rejection. I often find that people forget that side of rejection (including myself).
So, with that said, I gave myself a chance because I knew I was worth it. I just with everyone on this planet would realize that. :)
I got to watch a video of Michael Pollan talking about his book, "Food Rules" at Google. It was such a good talk. I'm sad I didn't get to see him in person.
I've had the book for a few months. I just read it today. It's a light read. Very good information and premise! I want to now give it as a gift. :)
I've been in love with this short web clip series called "Sassy Gay Friend" put on by the Second City Network. It essentially inserts a witty gay man in Shakespeare plots as he tries to prevent the tragedy that inevitably would occur.
I've also been in love with the "It Gets Better Project" (as associated with the Trevor Project). I first heard about the Trevor Project several years ago when watching the PBS show "In the Life" which highlights stories from the LGBT community.
When the two worlds collide, you have the following:
And just for a laugh, my favorite "Sassy Gay Friend" episode on Othello. (One, he's crazy, Two, he wears pleated pants.):
This blog entry seems to be making the rounds on social networking sites. It's a positive entry from a blog on Positive Thoughts on no matter what seems to make you crumble, you'll always have worth because you're unique.
Kevin pinged it to me today to help get me over the whole fiasco of what happened last week. I think at the core, it's a great analogy and worth sharing. It sort of goes against theories along the lines of the Law of Attraction because it's hard to be positive and attract positivity when you're broken. (Essentially, people wouldn't be driven toward a broken person.) But I couldn't help but smile...
A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked. "Who would like this $20 bill?"
Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you - but first, let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple the 20 dollar note up. He then asked. "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air.
"Well," he replied, "what if I do this?" He dropped it on theground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?"
Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. Nomatter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless; but no matter what happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.
Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you. The worth of our lives comes, not in what we do or who we know, but by ...WHO WE ARE.
You are special - don't ever forget it."
I'm nearing 5 years at Google and I'm really trying to decide whether recruiting is something that I want to continue doing. I personally think I'd be a better college recruiter, but that's a different story.
So I had quite a traumatizing event last Thursday that was kind of the final straw in making me think about switching careers. It wasn't something that happened at work, but rather in my personal life. It has to do with one of my biggest insecurities being exposed and pretty much putting my self esteem at rock bottom. Probably the lowest I've felt as a human. I couldn't really show that at the time, though.
If I can save one person from feeling what I felt last Thursday night, then I can leave this planet in peace. I really do think it's why I was put here. What I want to pursue isn't glamorous but has the potential to save and improve people's lives for the better. Plus, it's just good information to know from a practicality standpoint.
I've had this idea of pursuing a Masters in Nutrition for the longest time. Well, probably 2 years. I've never really acted on it, but it's something I'm almost 100% set upon after Thursday. I want to make sure people are armed with knowledge so they can make the right decisions.
If I were to have an ideal careers/scenario, I'd want to pursue weight loss management for gay youth. I think it's a completely underserved market/area that needs huge attention, not only from a nutritional standpoint, but from a counseling/psychology standpoint too.
I think weight loss is really a combination of 3 parts: 1) Nutrition/Diet, 2) Excercise/Physical Activity, 3) Psychological.
I don't think I could ever be an expert at all 3, cause I'd need to be a nutritionist, personal trainer, and psychologist all in one. Probably not going to happen in my lifetime. I could reasonably choose to knock down one of those, though.
I think I'll save the bitching of last Thursday for another time. But in reality, I don't think I've shed this many tears ever.
Even though I heard this songs months and months ago, I still love it. I think I played it repeatedly for a month straight. The video is very simple and well done.
Enrique Iglesias feat. Nicole Sherzinger, "Heartbeat."
After traveling for what amounts to about a the past month, my body and mind is quote tired. I'm not sure I want to see another airport for quite some time. But for some reason, I crave another international trip.
Before this whirlwind of a domestic trip, I was pretty much set that my next international travel destination would be in Asia. I for some reason craved a trip to Japan (blame Bill Murray and "Lost in Translation"). I just wanted to observe everything for myself.
I think several events as of late have drove me away from that idea and toward traveling to Asia and instead travel to my neighbor to the south, Mexico. I'm part Mexican and feel really compelled to learn more about where my family comes from. My mom's side of the family is from Mexico City and I'd love to see where my roots lie.
I really can't believe I'm 27 and haven't traveled Mexico. I've been to Canada and Europe, and yet Mexico is just right there. I crave the tastes of the culture. Hearing the language after studying it most of my life. Taking part in a Fiesta. Discovering local fashion.
I suppose it's proximity is what made it not very exciting to travel to. It wasn't very far and it would be somewhat familiar. I think that's what also makes it so very exciting now that I'm older.
After meeting Rick Bayless, he inspired me to discover Mexico for myself. When I was in Chicago, I made it a point to try some of food at the quick serve version of his resto, Frontera Fresco. The flavors were phenomenal, presentation was simple and the ingredients were fresh. I later discovered there are 3 Frontera Fresco's, one being at the Macy's in Union Square. I'll be visiting more often.
Mexico is also becoming a trendy travel destination as its art scene is being slowly discovered. Conde Nast Traveler has a new article on Mexico called, "Mexico's Moment" which goes into several parts of Mexico. Gridskipper outlines a guide to Artsy Mexico City.
I can't wait...
When I was in Cambridge earlier in the week, I took a coffee break (well, tea break) at Starbucks with Mo and Elizabeth to catch up on life.
Much of the conversation revolved around boys. Then we started to chat about work for a little bit. Mo quoted a former colleague's (who's now at biz school at HBS) thoughts on work life vs. a relationship. She said,
Working at <insert company name> is like that boyfriend who treats you really well but that you're never really in love with. Eventually you'll part ways.
I've actually thought about what I'd expect out of work vs. what I'd expect out of a romantic relationship. It often overlaps (being challenged, consistently learning, etc.). I just found it fascinating that others thought of work the same way. Maybe it's just our generation. Our parents would never think such a thing. They're all about comfort and safety in the workplace. How did the mind shift happen?
I ended up seeing The Social Network with a friend on my last stop on the AYCJ pass. Watching the film brought back so many memories of working in the Silicon Valley and the drama that ensues. Funny enough, I was in Cambridge yesterday, where much of the film takes place at Harvard.
I think that trip alone gave me a new perspective on the film and characters. I'll have much more to write about later, but this film was a total trip down memory lane.
I've been traveling for a week via JetBlue's All You Can Jet (AYCJ) Program and what I'm starting to realize is that it's the simple moments that stick out in my memory the most. Running into college friends I haven't seen in 5 years and catching up on the fly. Tasting Rick Bayless' food in a food court. Staring at the blue skies of the Midwest. Getting Thai Food with Nobel. A hug from Devon. A conversation with Joe on his bed. Brunch with Jason x2 and Brian at Jane discussing Slow Cooking. Grocery Shopping in Chinatown with Jason. A Starbucks Coffee Break with Mo & Elizabeth discussing boys and dating. Watching football with Charlie and Elizabeth. Sipping a nice glass of wine with Charlie. Sipping tea with Elizabeth. Seeing Cobblestone Streets. Trying a cinnamon apple tart fro yo that made me realize it's fall! Watching the leaves change colors. Tasting Muesli for the first time since Europe. Discovering a Coconut Green Tea from Harney and Sons that was the bomb. Oh, and maybe that facial in Chicago.
It was never anything touristy, elaborate or complicated. It was simply seeing people I love, catching up and noticing the small stuff around me.
At first, I was going to visit a bunch of places I've never seen. Then I slowly realized what I really wanted was to see was the people I love the most.
I'll save seeing new places with the people I love.
Discovering a new Coconut flavored Organic Green Tea from Harney and Sons. Delish.
So I was at Las Vegas (McCarran) Airport (LAS) heading to Terminal D.
This Asian guy, whom I later find out is from Thailand, asks me to take a picture of him in front of a mural that depicts several international cities as thought out by school children.
He seems a bit chatty and wanted to strike up a conversation. His english was a bit broken so I had a hard time understanding him at first.
He first asks where I'm from, what I do, where I'm traveling to, etc. As it turns out, he used to work for the Embassy but recently quit to travel around the US for 6 months. He spent 3 weeks in San Francisco and stayed in the Castro.
Badaboom, he just subtly let me know he's "family" (the term used by gay men to subtly refer to another gay man).
He let me know he's going to be in NYC for a week. I let him know I'll be there for a couple of days in the near future. I gave him my email address in case he wanted to hang out.
Funny enough, he asked why I like San Francisco so much. He let me know he liked the natural beauty but not the cold weather (he preferred NYC and Chicago). I let him know San Francisco Summers are like Winter and that Fall is like Summer. He was a bit confused, but got it eventually.
So why do I in fact like San Francisco? It's small but feels large. It's easily navigable. Clearly has the best mass transit on the West Coast (although, that's not saying much if LA is your major competitor). You can run into friends really easily. You can be yourself and no one will really judge you (kind of the opposite of NYC --- but NYC helps you grow balls). A city doesn't get more liberal than this. Like Food? So do San Franciscans. Care where your food is from? So do San Franciscans. Like innovation? It's the soul of the Bay Area. I generally love what the Bay Area stands for. It pushes the envelope on initiatives that help this country move forward. No matter how large or small the initiative, the Bay Area paves the way. (Think Gay Marriage, Banning Plastic Bags, Cell Phone Radiation Laws, etc.)
I finally found out the Thai man's name was Pock. A funny moment is when he asked me whether I was famous in San Francisco. I said, "Of Course! Everyone knows me." :P I later told him I was just being silly.
Anywho, when traveling, gay men clearly like to stick together. I'm not entirely sure why sexuality is the common binder when it comes to gay men. With my straighties, it's usually a common hobby or a common city that helps bind people together. Whatever floats your boat...
A mural depicting Berlin at Las Vegas Airport in Terminal D; An example of one mural that Pock wanted me to take a photo of him in front of
