Currently based in San Francisco, vocalist Sony Holland comments on the recession and her career. You can read the story here.
Click here to view the artist slideshow page which includes photos and comments.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Vocalist Sony Holland In The New York Times
Currently based in San Francisco, vocalist Sony Holland comments on the recession and her career. You can read the story here.
Click here to view the artist slideshow page which includes photos and comments.
Out Of This World by Sony Holland Goes Green
Out Of This World by: Sony Holland
Going green with an eco-packaged design and new vocals produced by Van Ness Musical Productions and HeebaLibra Music this 2009 remix is better than ever. It boasts 13 tunes with 10 classic standards and 3 originals by songwriter Jerry Holland.
The cover stays true to the title and look of the CD. It is an eco-packaged design without any plastic or shrink wrap. Anything sans shrink wrap - I love. The inside cover displays the song list, composers and band members. On the inside right flap, which holds the CD, is a photo of Sony during a recording session along with a personal note autographed by her. The back cover displays each track along with another photo of Ms. Holland during one of her performances.
The songs on this CD will be familiar yet presented in a fresh unique tone. The new vocals are smooth and sensual yet powerful as is evident in the Etta James hit “At Last.” Sony’s voice matures with each and every performance and CD release. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” is the perfect example. Smooth, soft tones emanating off the lips of this fabulous singer like a rich Cabernet massaging the palate. The title track “Out Of This World” is just that and is indicative of the entire CD. “It’s An Understatement” penned, composed and arranged by Jerry Holland is lyrically a treasured testament to love. It employs a Latin sound and one of those songs that when heard, you just have to get up and dance. “In A Sentimental Mood” is simply delectable and shows the height and range of Sony’s voice. My all time favorite “Old Devil Moon” is performed with a sassy smoothness that tantalizes and beguiles. Her voice just keeps getting better and better and as a result, the CD’s - hotter and hotter!
Out Of This World 2009 is a classic in it’s own time. For information, song clips, news and reviews go to http://www.sonyholland.com
Enjoy!
Living Green Rooftop At The California Academy Of Sciences
Measuring in at around 200,000 square feet, the rooftop at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco houses the densest population of native wildflowers and plant species in the city. The skylights above the larger domes as you can see in the photo open and close throughout the day to allow sunlight to reach the exhibits below.
The living rooftop with it's seven hills and slopes is designed with the patented Bio Tray. There are 50,000 of these porous biodegradable trays which encompass the entire roof and are made of coconut husks and tree sap and are used as containers for the vegetation. These containers allow the roots to interlock and fit together likes pieces to a puzzle.
The green rooftop keeps the interior of the building about ten degrees cooler than a standard rooftop. The plants and vegetation also transform carbon dioxide into oxygen, capture rainwater and reduce energy needs for cooling and heating. The weather stations on the roof monitor the wind, rain and temperature for the automated ventilation system.
Known as the world's "greenest museum" I thoroughly enjoyed the living rooftop. This is a must see when you visit the museum. For more information visit the Living Rooftop page on the Academy of Sciences website.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Ships Along Hyde Street Pier And San Francisco Bay
Princess Cruise ships docked at Pier 35 in San Francisco Bay.
Pier 35 docks.
View of the Balclutha and the Hyde Street Pier vessels from Aquatic Park.
The Hercules.
The Hercules.
The Eureka Ferry Boat.
Entrance to the Eureka Ferry Boat at Hyde Street Pier.
Friday, May 15, 2009
My Story With Today.com
I've been contemplating for weeks whether or not I should tell my story about Today.com and finally realized after reading some of the posts on their forums by newbies that I should get all the facts out there so that new bloggers are able to make informed decisions about whether or not they should be blogging with today.com
I joined up with them in September of 08 after seeing an ad on Craigslist. At that time I knew absolutely nothing about blogging. When I saw that they paid $1.00 per post for two blogs plus $0.02 per impression I thought well, why not give it a try. So, I signed up, got my two blogs A Poets View and My City By The Bay. I took my blogging very seriously and posted daily. It was like a job for me. I must say that I learned alot from all of my fellow today.com bloggers in the forums. I was always able to get a quick response by other bloggers to my questions. Admin, half the time ignored what they did not want to answer.
In the beginning it was great. My traffic was steadily growing and I was gaining readers each day. I loved writing on the San Francisco blog because it allowed me to be a tourist in my own hometown. It was fun. Then, Today.com decided to change the blog templates to a universal one. I didn't like the idea but went along with it. Then they decide to implement their advertising program. The rates in the beginning were very low at only $4.99 to advertise on any blog for the entire month. This was before they made it public. I admit I thought it was a great idea so I went ahead and bought advertising on some of my favorite blogs including my own. What they did not tell us was that after a months time the rates could skyrocket. When I found out I immediately wrote to them and told them I could not afford those ridiculous rates. I got an email from them telling me that the way it works is that once we buy the ads they will stay in effect until either I or they decide to cancel them. Which basically told me that they stay at the original price until someone else buys them at a higher rate. I knew then, that they could not be trusted.
The new advertising guru HP had told me before this happened that he would be talking to me about being partners with him in the revshare program. When I let all the ads cancel after the month's end, I never heard from HP again.
Then they come up with the affiliate program. Again I thought well why not? It's a way of making some extra money. So, I implemented affiliate ads into each post, which by the way I did not enjoy doing because I didn't want my posts to look like I was selling something. Not to mention, on my San Francisco blog all the affiliate ads for tours, attractions etc... were way overpriced in comparison to actually being in San Francisco and buying tickets and I felt bad about that but again, I did what they asked. I also realized that there was really no way for me to see any stats on these affiliate ads. We had to just go by what Today.com told us. I made one sale for eight cents.
Then comes the Entrecard debacle. I had a problem with a virus from an EC ad at that same time Today.com banned them. Then, they decide not to ban them but threaten if we allow any paid ads our accounts would be closed. The whole thing was ridiculous.
We've always been told that traffic from Google pays the $0.02 CPM well I can tell you for a fact that they are lying about that statement. For almost a month I didn't post on either blog or advertise them. My stats showed traffic only from Google and the amount did not add up to the $0.02 they claimed. Not only that for some reason they disabled Google Analytics so we could no longer track the stats - a second red flag for me.
In March, Today.com gives me the Editor's Choice award for my A Poet's View blog. Of course I'm thrilled to get that and I'm thinking how wonderful they are and even write a post about how they are the most wonderful blogging community around. The day after, that same blog is taken off PPP. I'm obviously baffled as to why so I write asking what's going on and of course, no response. I write again and I'm told that quote "It's just A Poets View and not on My City By The Bay." That didn't really answer my question but I left it at that.
During this same time I do a copyscape search on both blogs as I did on a monthly basis. To my horror I find that since middle March each and every post on my A Poets View blog had been scraped to include not only the text but the photos and affiliate links as well. The text was somehow altered so that it was not verbatim and the posts were on at that time five different blogs. They are now on eight different blogs all located in Russia. I totally panicked, did not know what to do so I wrote to admin. I heard nothing, I wrote on the forums pleading for help and of course I heard nothing from admin but did receive some good suggestions from fellow bloggers. I wrote again to admin and they told me quote "thank you for bringing this to our attention." I would think that since Today.com owned the content they would help in resolving the issue but did nothing. I issued a cease and desist order which I found online but of course they plagiarists ignored the order and there was really nothing more I could do. I blogged about the plagiarism and received many comments including one from another Today.com blogger who mentioned that there was another blogger on Today.com who was posting scraped content from the Washington Post website on pasting it on her own blog at Today.com. A day later I get an email from Admin telling me to delete that comment because it "looked bad" for Today.com I hated censoring a comment but I deleted it.
As a result of the plagiarism I no longer could stomach writing on A Poets View blog any longer so I stopped. At the same time I noticed and began reading about all the bloggers who were locked out with their accounts and being closed for speaking out in the forums. When I heard that I decided that I no longer wanted any part of Today.com.
I checked my stats and realized that I would just make the $50.00 payout for the month so I would wait to do or say anything. Then, as we all know payday is the 10th of the month. So, on May 8th, we all receive an alert while looking at our VIP stats that if we made $600.00 for the year we would have to send them a w9 before we were paid. Well, because of that award I received and the fact that I was still on the PPP for My City By The Bay, I reached that amount. So, on Friday the 8th, I download the w9 in it's entirety, fill it out, sign it and mail it. It was being mailed to PA from California so it would not take more than three days to arrive. I contact them on the13th and they tell me they don't have it. We go back and forth with emails and by this time you have to realize I do not trust anything they say or do so I finally tell them if I don't receive my pay NOW I'm contacting my attorney. They write back and tell me they are sorry I feel this way but they cannot pay until they receive the w9 because they are now based in the USA as opposed to being in Canada. Long story short and I know, I'm sorry this is so long, I tell them that I will send it again and if I don't receive my pay by the 22nd - can you say lawsuit? I then decided since I don't have a scanner I'll take a photo of the w9 and email it. Seconds later, I receive an email from accounting telling me the funds have been deposited.
I then write a post on My City By The Bay blog redirecting everyone to my new blog. I get an email from Today.com a few hours later saying my account was closed. I checked My City By The Bay blog and they deleted my post redirecting everyone to my new blog. I knew they were going to do that.
I'm sure there are some points I'm forgetting here because there were so many things that happened. However what I know now is that having your own blog with the freedom to do and say whatever you want far outweighs any pennies you will receive from Today.com. I do however have to thank all the help I received from my fellow bloggers there.
Also another point I want to make. The latest in their advertising "schemes" If you look at any of their blogs you will see green highlighted words which are basically links to websites that are selling you something. The bloggers obviously had nothing to do with these ads. They were implemented by HP in advertising.
That's my story and I just wanted everyone to have the facts. It is so nice to have my own blog, with my own ads even if all I get is pennies a day with AdSense. I know it will grow and I feel so much better about not having to "pimp" my blog for Today.com's greed.
I joined up with them in September of 08 after seeing an ad on Craigslist. At that time I knew absolutely nothing about blogging. When I saw that they paid $1.00 per post for two blogs plus $0.02 per impression I thought well, why not give it a try. So, I signed up, got my two blogs A Poets View and My City By The Bay. I took my blogging very seriously and posted daily. It was like a job for me. I must say that I learned alot from all of my fellow today.com bloggers in the forums. I was always able to get a quick response by other bloggers to my questions. Admin, half the time ignored what they did not want to answer.
In the beginning it was great. My traffic was steadily growing and I was gaining readers each day. I loved writing on the San Francisco blog because it allowed me to be a tourist in my own hometown. It was fun. Then, Today.com decided to change the blog templates to a universal one. I didn't like the idea but went along with it. Then they decide to implement their advertising program. The rates in the beginning were very low at only $4.99 to advertise on any blog for the entire month. This was before they made it public. I admit I thought it was a great idea so I went ahead and bought advertising on some of my favorite blogs including my own. What they did not tell us was that after a months time the rates could skyrocket. When I found out I immediately wrote to them and told them I could not afford those ridiculous rates. I got an email from them telling me that the way it works is that once we buy the ads they will stay in effect until either I or they decide to cancel them. Which basically told me that they stay at the original price until someone else buys them at a higher rate. I knew then, that they could not be trusted.
The new advertising guru HP had told me before this happened that he would be talking to me about being partners with him in the revshare program. When I let all the ads cancel after the month's end, I never heard from HP again.
Then they come up with the affiliate program. Again I thought well why not? It's a way of making some extra money. So, I implemented affiliate ads into each post, which by the way I did not enjoy doing because I didn't want my posts to look like I was selling something. Not to mention, on my San Francisco blog all the affiliate ads for tours, attractions etc... were way overpriced in comparison to actually being in San Francisco and buying tickets and I felt bad about that but again, I did what they asked. I also realized that there was really no way for me to see any stats on these affiliate ads. We had to just go by what Today.com told us. I made one sale for eight cents.
Then comes the Entrecard debacle. I had a problem with a virus from an EC ad at that same time Today.com banned them. Then, they decide not to ban them but threaten if we allow any paid ads our accounts would be closed. The whole thing was ridiculous.
We've always been told that traffic from Google pays the $0.02 CPM well I can tell you for a fact that they are lying about that statement. For almost a month I didn't post on either blog or advertise them. My stats showed traffic only from Google and the amount did not add up to the $0.02 they claimed. Not only that for some reason they disabled Google Analytics so we could no longer track the stats - a second red flag for me.
In March, Today.com gives me the Editor's Choice award for my A Poet's View blog. Of course I'm thrilled to get that and I'm thinking how wonderful they are and even write a post about how they are the most wonderful blogging community around. The day after, that same blog is taken off PPP. I'm obviously baffled as to why so I write asking what's going on and of course, no response. I write again and I'm told that quote "It's just A Poets View and not on My City By The Bay." That didn't really answer my question but I left it at that.
During this same time I do a copyscape search on both blogs as I did on a monthly basis. To my horror I find that since middle March each and every post on my A Poets View blog had been scraped to include not only the text but the photos and affiliate links as well. The text was somehow altered so that it was not verbatim and the posts were on at that time five different blogs. They are now on eight different blogs all located in Russia. I totally panicked, did not know what to do so I wrote to admin. I heard nothing, I wrote on the forums pleading for help and of course I heard nothing from admin but did receive some good suggestions from fellow bloggers. I wrote again to admin and they told me quote "thank you for bringing this to our attention." I would think that since Today.com owned the content they would help in resolving the issue but did nothing. I issued a cease and desist order which I found online but of course they plagiarists ignored the order and there was really nothing more I could do. I blogged about the plagiarism and received many comments including one from another Today.com blogger who mentioned that there was another blogger on Today.com who was posting scraped content from the Washington Post website on pasting it on her own blog at Today.com. A day later I get an email from Admin telling me to delete that comment because it "looked bad" for Today.com I hated censoring a comment but I deleted it.
As a result of the plagiarism I no longer could stomach writing on A Poets View blog any longer so I stopped. At the same time I noticed and began reading about all the bloggers who were locked out with their accounts and being closed for speaking out in the forums. When I heard that I decided that I no longer wanted any part of Today.com.
I checked my stats and realized that I would just make the $50.00 payout for the month so I would wait to do or say anything. Then, as we all know payday is the 10th of the month. So, on May 8th, we all receive an alert while looking at our VIP stats that if we made $600.00 for the year we would have to send them a w9 before we were paid. Well, because of that award I received and the fact that I was still on the PPP for My City By The Bay, I reached that amount. So, on Friday the 8th, I download the w9 in it's entirety, fill it out, sign it and mail it. It was being mailed to PA from California so it would not take more than three days to arrive. I contact them on the13th and they tell me they don't have it. We go back and forth with emails and by this time you have to realize I do not trust anything they say or do so I finally tell them if I don't receive my pay NOW I'm contacting my attorney. They write back and tell me they are sorry I feel this way but they cannot pay until they receive the w9 because they are now based in the USA as opposed to being in Canada. Long story short and I know, I'm sorry this is so long, I tell them that I will send it again and if I don't receive my pay by the 22nd - can you say lawsuit? I then decided since I don't have a scanner I'll take a photo of the w9 and email it. Seconds later, I receive an email from accounting telling me the funds have been deposited.
I then write a post on My City By The Bay blog redirecting everyone to my new blog. I get an email from Today.com a few hours later saying my account was closed. I checked My City By The Bay blog and they deleted my post redirecting everyone to my new blog. I knew they were going to do that.
I'm sure there are some points I'm forgetting here because there were so many things that happened. However what I know now is that having your own blog with the freedom to do and say whatever you want far outweighs any pennies you will receive from Today.com. I do however have to thank all the help I received from my fellow bloggers there.
Also another point I want to make. The latest in their advertising "schemes" If you look at any of their blogs you will see green highlighted words which are basically links to websites that are selling you something. The bloggers obviously had nothing to do with these ads. They were implemented by HP in advertising.
That's my story and I just wanted everyone to have the facts. It is so nice to have my own blog, with my own ads even if all I get is pennies a day with AdSense. I know it will grow and I feel so much better about not having to "pimp" my blog for Today.com's greed.
Sunday Brunch at McCormick & Kuleto's
Sunday at McCormick's
Every Sunday
11:30am – 3:00pm
Start off your Sunday right at McCormick and Kuleto’s as you enjoy brunch overlooking the beautiful San Francisco Bay. From San Francisco treats like Crabcake Omelets to classic Buttermilk Pancakes drizzled with fresh fruit, McCormick and Kuleto’s is the perfect start to any day.
Brunch at McCormick and Kuleto’s will be offered on Mother’s Day serving the standard menu as well as a few special options in appreciation of moms everywhere.
For reservations Click Here
Moon Jellyfish At The California Academy Of Sciences
While perusing the exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences, I became completely fascinated by the Moon Jellyfish aka Moon Jelly. Watching these creatures drift around had me mesmerized. There are several different species of Moon Jelly which are impossible to identify without genetic testing. They are translucent and are very limited in motion. They basically drift within the oceans and are found all over the world close to shores and harbors.
Moon Jellyfish are without a respiratory system and therefore breathe by diffusing oxygen from the waters around them through very thin membranes. They hunt their prey by stinging them with tentacles and dine on crustaceans, mollusks and eggs from fish. Moon Jellyfish are eaten by sea turtles, some bird species and other fish. Humans of the Southeast Asia region all enjoy them.
I enjoyed just watching them and I hope you enjoy the short video clip I took of the exhibit.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Balclutha At Hyde Street Pier In San Francisco
At over three hundred feet in length and one hundred and forty five feet in height, the Balclutha is a major attraction housed at the Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco. It has just returned home from a Winter’s dry dock.
Launched in Glasgow, Scotland in 1886 this square rigged cargo ship was built to carry everything from grain to fish to lumber and much more worldwide. Over two dozen seafaring crew members are needed to handle the ship while on a voyage.
It is housed along with other seafaring vessels at Hyde Street Pier right off of Aquatic Park . Before the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge, the Hyde Street pier was the main ferry terminal between San Francisco and Marin. It is now a part of the San Francisco Maritime Park Association. The pier is open to the public and offers tours of their ships. There is an annual Hyde Street Pier festival for tourists and locals alike.
Touring the ships is not only a learning experience but an enjoyable one as well. If you love ships and sailing, this is the attraction for you. I’ve toured the ships many times and I never get tired of visiting. While visiting there last week I went a little camera crazy. So, I will have more photos throughout the week. Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Yoshi's Jazz Club June Lineup
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Wordless Wednesday - The Botanical Gardens
Being Wednesday allows me to showcase some of my favorite spots in San Francisco. These photos were taken a few days ago at the Botanical Gardens while I was in the area visiting the Academy of Sciences. Remember to click on the photo to see the full size image. Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wisdom Path ~ Hong Kong
While traveling in Hong Kong one of the highlights is visiting Wisdom Path which is located on Lantau Island in the same area as Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Wisdom Path is at the foot of Lantau Peak - the tallest mountain in Hong Kong.
The international scholar and poet Jao Tsung-I donated his original calligraphy of the Heart Sutra to Hong Kong in June of 2002. He wanted an open air display of the work to be presented and dedicated to Hong Kong. As a result, Wisdom Path was created and completed in May of 2005.
Situated atop a steep mountain the 38 wooden columns or obelisks which are reminiscent of bamboo tiles which were used in ancient times form the number 8 which means infinity. With an aerial view the number 8 is clearly defined and seen. The heart sutra prayer is carved into each of the wooden columns. The heart sutra defined as “The Perfection of the Wisdom of the Buddha.” The prayer is a sacred treasure revered by Buddhists and Taoists alike.
It was created on the slopes of Lantau Peak so that worshippers could appreciate the inspirational venue mixing art with philosophy. Located within the same area as Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery this spot has a spiritual aura which resounds high atop the mountains.
Lantau island is the largest in Hong Kong in size though less populated than any other island. It is simply stunning and to visit Wisdom Path, the Buddha and the monastery in one day is nothing short of spellbinding.
There are stone steps to walk and immerse yourself among the spiritual setting of the carved obelisks. While I was there worshippers were kneeling at the foot of the wooden columns and praying. Being there and experiencing the peaceful and serene setting of Lantau Peak and it’s surroundings was breathtaking. I have never seen such beauty in one spot. Across from Wisdom Path is Lantau Peak which you feel as if you could just reach out and touch the pinnacle as it was so close in proximity. The sun reflected off the waters which were miles down the lush green mountain slopes. Walking through a forest setting towards Wisdom Path was a refreshing and inspiring journey.
Due to the sacredness of the area of Lantau Island, the Hong Kong government banned the use of vehicles on the island. The only vehicles allowed are buses and taxi cabs. If you live on the island you need special permission to drive a car.
If you ever have the chance to visit Hong Kong this is a must see sight along with Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. A day here will invigorate the senses and have you yearning to go back as soon as you leave.
Below is a map of the Lantau Peak area. If you have any questions or for itinerary planning, please leave a comment and I will get back to you.
African Penguins At The California Academy of Sciences
Located at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is the African Penguin exhibit which is situated at the end of the African Hall area. There are twenty penguins frolicking about on a replica of their natural habitat which originates in Namibia in South Africa. This species is a part of the survival program which is aimed at conserving species in the wild.
The video above shows the penguins in this exhibit. There are tours, question and answer sessions and two feeding times which draw quite the crowd. I absolutely love penguins but do have to admit that this exhibit I found to be too confining for the penguins. Seeing them behind glass confined to a rather small space bothered me. I think the San Francisco Zoo exhibit is far and beyond more beneficial to the penguins as it is outdoors, it is much larger and the penguins seem to enjoy themselves much more. The video below shows the penguins diving, remaining underwater for a short time then coming up for air. Again, this video bothered me as it looked as though the penguin was struggling. It could just be me as I am very sensitive about penguins because I love them so much. I was looking forward to seeing the penguins here though I was disappointed in the exhibit.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Philippine Coral Reef
With over 200,000 gallons of water at 25 feet deep, the Philippine coral reef exhibit at the San Francisco California Academy of Sciences is one of the largest in the world.
It houses a wide range of aquatic life to include hard corals, mangroves of the Philippines, reef sharks, stingrays and a large variety of colorful reef fish.
Below is a short video I took of this exhibit. It is dramatic and amazing to see in person.
For more detailed information visit The California Academy of Sciences website.
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