Google Translate.

I type out the transcript to each of my videos by hand, which makes very accurate Closed Captioning. YouTube now offers Google Translate within the video viewer, which makes the transcripts to each of my videos available in any language. From my best count, there are over 60 languages available!

To watch my videos in another language, follow these steps:

1. Begin playing the video, then pause it.
2. Click on the “CC” button at the bottom right of the video screen.
3. Select “Translate Captions” from the list.
4. A pull-down menu will appear. Select your language, then click “OK”.
5. Click to resume playing the video.

Try it here!

Ike hopes you’re having a good weekend.

In March, YouTube sent a team out here to Austin to shoot some footage on Verypink and how we use video for my business. They’ve edited a few videos from that footage that include other businesses, but here’s the Case Study they did on Verypink –

Shortly after all that excitement, YouTube flew Parker (my friend and producer) and me out to California to take part in a new program called Marketing Ambassadors. We got to visit the YouTube and Google Campuses, watch several great presentations, and eat and eat and eat and eat.

We weren’t allowed to say anything about the Marketing Ambassadors Program until today, when Google was scheduled to make the announcement. So at midnight last night, these links appeared in my inbox – New York Times, and Official Google Blog. OMG. Yes, Verypink was just mentioned in the New York Times.

We also participated in a photo shoot with the other Ambassadors. Here’s me!

Parker and I stayed and extra day in California to take a drive down the coast to Monterey. The weather was perfect. Such a great trip.

In case you were wondering how my dogs managed while I was away, Chris (my ex) stayed with them. As you can see by this photo, they were FINE. In fact, they were better than fine. In my observations, all of the things that the dogs do that I find annoying, Chris finds clever and adorable.

One last note – You might have noticed that I’m wearing a Clapotis in every single photo of me. I highly recommend taking a Clapotis with you while traveling. Not only is it beautiful and warm, but it can go from a shawl to a scarf to a blanket to a pillow, as needed.

Whoops – one more note. I’ve been kind of quiet here on my blog, but I update to Facebook nearly every day. If you’re on Facebook, friend me. I’ll friend you back.

For the first time ever, in sizes for men, women, and kids!

This combination of techniques is such a great way to knit socks, and I’m excited to teach it. First, toe-up is my favorite way to knit socks, because you can use every bit of the yarn with NO LEFTOVERS. Magic loop sock knitting ends up going faster than using double-pointed needles, because you only have to readjust your needles twice in a round, instead of three or four times.

Skill Level: Prior sock knitting experience is helpful. If these are your first attempt at socks, you’ll need strong confidence with basic stitches and pattern reading.

Sizes: Child (5-10 years old), Women, Men (any size, all average widths)
Needles: Size 5 US circular needles with at least a 24” cord
Yarn: 1 skein or hank of worsted-weight yarn (about 100 grams/200 yards) in wool or wool blend. This much yarn will make crew socks in the men’s size (as pictured above), and longer socks in the smaller two sizes.
Additional Materials: Crochet hook in size G or H, scrap yarn, clippie stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Gauge: 5.5 stitches per inch in stockinette

Note on Sizing: The sizing is for average widths, finished sock circumferences 5.75 (7.25, 8)”.

Pattern + links to 5 instructional videos $8 US via PayPal