meet geraldine at .blogspot .com

I'm A Sound Snob

2014-07-08T00:38:00.002-07:00

I grew up in the 80s with a family that loved music. My parents loved to sing karaoke and cha-cha. My sister loved to dance and listen to new wave / pop / freestyle and... umm, The Jets. What genre is that? I guess R & B? (R & B has so many different styles, but anyway...) My brother was a DJ spinning everything from hip-hop (public enemy, beastie boys, sir-mix-a-lot) to cha-cha to new wave / synth-pop / freestyle (yaz, duran duran, will to power, trinere).

I love all of the above, attend many concerts, listen to A LOT of music. Always have.

One of earliest memories of hearing loud music was sitting in my brother's black fiat convertible. These days people like lots of bass or big sound with rattling trunks. For some reason at that time, my brother and his friend were into tweeters with HIGH TREBLE. My brother was so excited to show this to me, so we road around in his convertible listening to some public enemy and paris on blast. It was horrible! I didn't like it at all.

That being said, since then I've had a love for mids and lows. On the flip side, a sensitive ear to treble. When I'm at the club, a concert, anywhere. If there's just a bit more treble then I like... I make a face and shake my head (c'mon sound guy!!).

I'm a sound snob.

For the past 2 years, I'd been yearning for the right set of earbuds that can suit my need for decent mids and lows. I'd went through several different types. Even those wooden ear buds that are supposed to have really good acoustics and good tones. I've spent up to $100 on ear buds and returned them every time.

I finally found ear buds with acceptable mids and lows for... $11 and free shipping with my amazon prime account!!

They are the Monoprice Enhanced Bass Hi-Fi Noise Isolating Earphones. Don't get me wrong, these are not the best of the best... But for $12, I'd buy multiple pairs to keep in my office, my bag and my bedside.

Finally! Reviews that are reliable, thank you universe. And if they break, I'll buy em again.

I'm Back! And It's 2014!

2014-03-20T22:56:00.002-07:00

Within the past couple years I thought that I'd abandoned this blog forever. Since then a lot of things have changed and progressed. A colleague and I (which I will introduce later) agreed that we were both going to create blogs for ourselves. I kept talking about how "I used to have a blog" and for the past 3 months have been trying to figure out an AWESOME NAME for a new one.

It wasn't til 2 days ago that I said to myself.... My old blog name is awesome, it is what birthed the name of my business that is still running today and (excuse me for my nerd/tech language) from an SEO standpoint, it makes complete sense for me to use it because it has content and established links!

So here I am, a little more than 3 years after my last post. I'm back!

What's new with me is...

1) MeetGeraldine has expanded from a blog and website design company to a business strategy, marketing and design company with a (currently 11 person team) called, "MeetGeraldine".

2) We have an office based in downtown Oakland.

3) I am thinking of (actually going to) finally release all of the music I made from the late 90s to early 2000.

4) I have chosen to dedicate 2014 to listening to others, hearing their greatness and accepting their wisdom.

5) I drive a Volvo.

6) Years ago, I sold off all of my equipment. But TODAY, I just ordered a new DJ Controller.

Lots to tell. Stay tuned.

Eyes Wide Open

2011-12-31T01:38:00.000-08:00

For the past couple days I've been heavily acknowledged by my colleagues. The comments touched my heart and gave me the ability to re-discover who I truly am and who I have been for other people.

I've also been observing judgements I've made of people in my mind. I'm committing myself to keep aware of these thoughts as they come up. I want to see greatness in the future for myself and for everyone that I come into contact with from this point forward.

Eyes wide open.

-MeetGeraldine.

A message from Simon Sinek

2011-02-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

Simon Sinek is one of my favorite authors. I'm signed up on his newsletter. Here is the latest and greatest.

Good Marketing vs. Bad Marketing on Re:Focus

Good marketing offers us a view of the world.
Bad marketing offers you a product to buy.

Good marketing speaks for us.
Bad marketing speaks at us.

Good marketing starts with a cause.
Bad marketing starts with a goal.

Good marketing drives loyalty.
Bad marketing drives transactions.

Good marketing promotes values.
Bad marketing values promotions.

Good marketing tells us exactly what a company really thinks.
Bad marketing tells us what the company thinks they want us to think they think.

Good marketing seduces.
Bad marketing targets.

Good marketing never mentions price.
Bad marketing always mentions price.

Good marketing uses the products to help tell a story.
Bad marketing tells stories about products.

Good marketing is about us.
Bad marketing is about them.

Bad marketing manipulates.
Good marketing inspires.

For more info on Simon visit: www.simonsinek.com

All about tipping.

2010-05-23T00:29:00.000-07:00

I've learned a lot since my last post in January. For those of you that may not know my primary hustle/job/position/career (whatever you'd like to label it as) since January of 2009 has been as a manager of a beautiful restaurant in oakland, ca (with delicious food) called, Spice Monkey.

One of the most informative and practical things that I have learned about while working in the service/hospitality industry has been "tipping"...The why and how it works. I am posting this because previous to this career change, I had no clue.

In the midst of observing my staff, I've realized that the way people do or do not tip (even in the midst of excellent service) can sometimes be taken personally.

Here are the facts...
#1 - Servers make a low amount hourly. Usually minimum wage.

#2 - Several restaurants require their servers to "tip-out" the people who assist them with table service. This can be the kitchen staff, bussers, bartender, it all depends on the restaurant. The amount tipped out varies. Generally 10 - 15% of tips.

#3 - The proper amount to tip is 18% before tax.

#4 - If you are dining with a group and gratuity is not already included on your bill, NEVER ask the server to charge the amount of your food (already including your tip amount) then assume that your homies are gonna tip for you.

I admit, I used to tip shitty 20% of the time. The main reasons were that occasionally I was low on cash and was not in a position where I could tip well or the food took too long and my server did not come to check on me.

If I'd known fact #2 maybe I'd take my food to-go instead OR give my server the heads up that I wanted to tip them better, but I wasn't able to because I was low on funds. I often find that my servers give excellent service and get really bummed/disappointed when they are left a low tip. They often wonder what they'd done wrong. Since I used to be that way, I realize that sometimes they did nothing wrong. Sometimes it may be unawareness on the customer's part. Lesson for fact #2 is in most cases you're not only tipping your server, your tipping the staff. If you have a complaint, tipping shitty won't do much except for leave the server emotional. Service or attitude issues will not be addressed just because you didn't tip. Leave feedback or talk with a manager instead.

Regarding fact #4 - when having your credit card charged in a small group, add up how much your portion of the bill was and ask your server to charge that amount, then write in the tip yourself. Why? Sometimes other people tip poorly. Often what happens is if you ask your server to charge your portion of the bill (including the tip) on your card, your homey says, "put the rest on this card". THEN they only tip based on what was charged on their card (which is lower than what they really had) because you asked the server to deduct your portion of the food + your tip. The person paying for "the rest" often does not really know how much their food costed because they didn't wanna deal with the bill splitting or was too busy talking the whole time.

Right??

So now... I always tip what's fair. Don't get me wrong, I might not tip 18% or more if I got poor service, but I will NEVER tip zero.

First Post of the New Year: Random Facts

2010-01-11T10:39:00.001-08:00

happy new year peeps.

i was on this site today and read some interesting things. here are what they are and my initial responses. follow the link for more...

"During good sex, endorphines are released, which are powerful painkillers. So headaches are in fact a bad excuse not to have sex"
**does not always prove to be true. at least not for cumming. why?

Kissing is healthier than shaking hands
**disturbing but true. wash your hands people!

Ants never sleep
**bastards.

Humans and bonobo monkeys (pygmy chimpanzee) are the only species who have face-to-face sex.
**hmm... interesting. guess that's what they mean by animal sex. (from the back)

Among older men, vanilla is the most erotic smell.
**women, never wear vanilla.

Cold showers stimulate your sex drive
**don't know if i'd dare to try.

Music can help reduce chronic pain by more than 20% and can alleviate depression by up to 25%.
**that's the truth.

have a good day y'all!

berro.com

Saturday, August 15th - Featuring: Impromptu Trio & DJ Bluz

2009-08-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

I was debating whether to have a birthday shindig this year. Around the time of my birthday, I usually have 4 different dinners. One with my fam and three others with certain groups of friends and co-workers. I looked into having my party at different bars in the city, somethin' real casual, DJs spinnin and people mingling, having a good time. Long story short, I looked into it and gave up. It seemed like much to plan.

As I was booking for the August events schedule at Spice Monkey ( a restaurant that's the bomb, by the way ), it occurred to me that I really wanted one of my best friends, Hyp and his new band to perform.

Last month, he put together a ensemble called, "Impromptu Trio" consisting of Hyp playing Harp and periodically a handheld drum (I know that sounds mad ignorant, i'll ask him what it's called, ha!), Nyambezi on guitar and Christine Banks on violin. They played for a dinner crowd at Spice Monkey and y'all... IT WAS THE BOMB. I'd never seen anything like it!! I truly wish more folks had been there.

I saw my wish to have a birthday get together as a perfect opportunity for the world to see what I saw. Sadly, last minute we found out that Christine will be out of town. The GOOD NEWS is that instead vocalist, Tiffany Stewart will join Hyp & Nyambezi in Christine's place. So all is not lost and in a way, it's still an "Improptu Trio". (smile*)

Thanks to rmamisay for flyer design (below). And to everyone reading this, please join me on Aug 15th.

heart*

"what would you buy if you won the lottery?"

2009-05-27T21:49:00.001-07:00

i was having a conversation with brigidope and he asked me... "what would you do with your money if you won the lottery? meaning... you have access to everything and you've already paid taxes. what would you buy the next day?"

here was my answer.

*i'd go through the bridge toll crossing a couple times and drop $100 bill to pay for my toll + the folks behind me.

*pay off all of my record store consignments (approx. $500 worth).

*3 pairs of designer jeans that actually fit (i've gotten way slimmer over the past months, my pants don't exactly fit anymore).

*new carpet + installation for my parent's house.

*a pair of dark kicks.

*a new sink/cabinet for the upstairs bathroom at my parent's house.

*buy a two or three $100 southwest gift cards to randomly use later + give one to my cousin jen to fly up from san diego.

****all other purchases take thought, research and consideration.

This is what happens to your old toys...

2009-04-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

Street Artwork In The Town...

2009-04-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

awesome...

Everyone should make their own version of cribs....

2009-04-22T23:56:00.000-07:00

Kissey Featuring on Garth's Show...

2009-04-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

And plugs... "The Clearing" on the April 16th show. Werd. (Click on that date in the right hand column)

Kissey Asplund this Friday! Get your pre-sale tix now!

2009-04-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

Fri, April 17th, '09

"The Clearing" feat. Kissey Asplund
hosted by: nake & realism*

brigidope : amazing zoo crew
bluz : the clearing
be brown: the people
that girl : groove suite
hen boogie : low self discipline/nobody beats the boog

$8 pre-sale tix
$10 Cover // 21 and up
doors open at 9pm

Citizen Space
425 2nd Street, #100
(Between Bryant & Howard)
San Francisco, CA

http://theclearing.aidogroup.com

"the clearing" april press release

The fine ladies and gents of The Clearing, implore you to erase all thoughts of what you think an event should be and embrace a new standard of excellence and exclusivity. The Clearing is bringing together an international cast of characters to present a new type of event, as it officially presents the first of its “Perfect Limited" nights…

Friday, April 17th, join us as we present the historical first ever meeting between two comrades in music: Hen Boogie & Kissey Asplund.

The musical backbone of the night will be provided by the stalwart cast and crew of musical conductors that The Clearing has been known for: That Girl (Groove Suite), Be Brown (The People), Bluz (The Clearing), and Brigidope (The Amazing Zoo Crew).

Members of the Apothecary Mixologist Crew will be on hand, live and direct from New York and Parts Unknown to bring together a libations menu unseen in the Bay Area. Led by nightly host, nakeISM, the ladies and gents of the Apothecary will be providing a special set of cocktails through the night: including the mimosa red (a perfect mimosa served over chilled blood orange infused simple syrup) and the dark and stormy night (dark moonshine rum served in ratio over bundaburg ginger beer and a dash of secret essence).

A variety of never mixed in cocktails will be unveiled in celebration of this special night. Expect dope music, dope vibes, and dope people.

This is a limited engagement. Reserve your space and a chance at charging up you groove and liquid palate by securing presale tickets at: http://theclearing.aidogroup.com

LUV - "he hit me with his love... got me caught in a wreck i'm a mess"

2009-03-03T22:02:00.000-08:00

one of my favorites*. song goes on repeat.

somber yet calming.

2009-02-21T23:40:00.000-08:00

“Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over.” - Gloria Naylor

"the clearing" at Spice Monkey in oakland this friday...

2009-02-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

Now THIS is whasup... Baron Zen, Stones Throw.

***an intimate post valentines edition of...
"the clearing" // FRIDAY, 20th FEB 09 // 9pm - 1am

this month @ spice monkey - 1628 webster street @ 17th street, oakland, ca.

hosted by: nake & realism*

with djs...

be brown : the people
brigidope : amazing zoo crew
baron zen : stones throw
presto : spikeypillows.com

$4 ALL NIGHT

dope cuts. sangria specials. prom style photo booth.

http://theclearing.aidogroup.com

early arrival is suggested, space is limited.

street parking. free lot to the right of the venue.

find out more about the venue - www.spicemonkeycafe.com

A Valentine's Day option that will cause salivation of the mouth...

2009-02-12T18:37:00.001-08:00

For those of you who don't know I manage a restaurant in downtown Oakland... Come by this Saturday!

Join us on Feb 14th from 5pm - 10pm for an intimate Pre-Fixe dinner or come by and hang at our Singles Bar (drink specials all night). Either way, we’d love to see you!

“3 Courses of Love”

$ 55 per person (w/ bottle) // $40 per person (w/out bottle)

Soup or Salad

Adam & Eve Salad
Grilled Plum & Green Apple Salad with baked Goat Cheese

Roasted Goodness Soup
Red Roasted Bell Pepper with Sour Cream

Main Entree

Sweetness Steak
Sweet & Sour Skirt Steak with Taro Mash and Veggie Ragout

Cozy Chicken
Braised Chicken with White Wine Shallots on a Huckleberry Couscous

Lovers Moussaka
Veggie Lover Greek Moussaka

Dessert

Chocolate Red Mousse
Chocolate Love Mousse with a house made Pomegranate Whipped Cream

Pear Me Up
Sugar Glazed Bosch Pear Tart with French Vanilla Ice Cream

Beverages (optional)

Fourplay - A delightful interplay between four of Sicily's native grapes, Fourplay is the perfect way to start your evening.

Sparking CAVA Rose - Celebrate the sensuous with light, delicate blush colored bubbles from Spain.

Golden Star (Non- Alcoholic) - Organically made elegant alternative to Champagne with rounded sweetness, complex acidity and a floral nose.

Make your reservations today!

Spice Monkey Restaurant
1628 Webster St @ 17th
Oakland, CA 94612
www.spicemonkeycafe.com
510.268.0170 phone

*gift certificates now available*

Getting Picked Up By Old Men... Is Not the business.

2009-02-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

As I approached the entrance of the Downtown Berkeley BART station (on Shattuck Ave) I was approached by a man who was probably in his 50's. I was going to get onto the escalator and he stopped me...

The convo went like this.

Old Man: "Hey, you have 30 cents so I can get on the train."
Geraldine: "Sure, actually... I don't have 30 cents, but I can give you a dollar is that coo?" (I was in a generous mood today)...
**I then proceed to take money our of my pocket.**
Old Man: **he sees a $10 bill**
"Oooh. You gon' give me that ten? You're pretty."
Geraldine: "Here's a dollar, what's your name?"
Old Man: "Steven, can i... can i... Come to the side real quick. You have a phone number that you can give to me?"
Geraldine: "I do have a phone number but I cannot give it to you."
Old Man: "Why not?"
Geraldine: **sticks out her hand to shake his**
"It was nice meeting you Steven, have a good day"
Old Man: **sticks out a finger for me to shake, since he's holding the dollar in the rest of his hand**

"Getting Picked Up By Old Men... (and at BART) Is Not the business."

Just how i remember it...

2009-02-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

Last night a friend of mine told me about the "way back machine". The way back machine is an internet archive search engine. Meaning.. You can look up and sometimes see sites that no longer exist. Back in my day of being really conceded and vain, I had a couple sites that were pretty me-centric.

The first was "worldism.com" - everything related to me as a person and as my rap persona.

The second was "feelmygrooves.com" - my artist management company back in the late 90s, early 2000. its a shame that i do not have that domain name anymore considering its more relevant to the now vinyl record store, feel my grooves vinyl.

snapshots...

Meet Wonway...

2009-02-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

I've known Wonway since the late 90s, back when we hung with the same circle of people and were both emcees. What's funny is I hadn't found out until within the last 5 months that he was a SUPER DOPE DJ too. We invited him to spin at "the clearing" (photo above - thanks miles)... And I caught his set at "The People". Wow. I'm proud of him and everything he's up to.

Bio...
When he's not emceeing with his group Secluded Journalists, his band The Park, or lending his acting talents to places such as Intersection for the Arts or La Peña Cultural Center, Wonway is providing the bay area and beyond with his own distinguishable sound behind the turntables. In his short time back to deejaying on a regular basis, he has already played with Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Eleven, Sake One, the Oakland Faders, & DJ Boogie Blind of the X-ecutioners to name a few. Wonway's selection goes far past the expected HipHop, and regularly dips into Funk, Soul, Salsa, Afro-beat, Jazz, Reggae & more. He holds residencies at "Makossa" with fellow Latin Soul Brother DJ Joe Quixx Tuesdays @ Easy Lounge in Oakland, and the bi-monthly parties "Musiquarium" 1st & 3rd Sundays at Oakland's Water Lounge and "Devil's Pie" 2nd & 4th Thursdays @ Namu Bar in San Francisco.

Wonway's latest mix...Download, Burn, Throw It On Your iPod... ENJOY.
http://www.divshare.com/download/6468572-3bb

Follow Wonway...
www.twitter.com/wonway
www.theparkmusic.com

design that inspires....

2009-01-30T23:13:00.001-08:00

Rest In Peace to a Rock Legend...

2009-01-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

I got an email from Steve @ UK Vibe announcing that British Singer, Songwriter & Guitarist, John Martyn had passed this morning.

If you don't know who he is, check out the following YouTube clip + Wiki. He did amazing work over a span of 40 years.

John was also honored by the Queen on New Years with an OBE.

He will be remembered and I will be going onto iTunes today to download some of his tunes to play/reflect on in his memory.

yes, i gave in!

2009-01-28T22:35:00.000-08:00

i am finally on twitter...

follow me if you'd like to - http://www.twitter.com/meetgeraldine

werd.

Interesting Things You Find In The Bathroom...

2009-01-23T02:31:00.000-08:00

send it on....

2009-01-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

how can i refuse...