ENJOI

INTRODUCTION:

A lot of talk about Facebook IPO. The stock price keeps falling and I think it will continue.

People don’t know what Facebook is going to do, they know the advertising model has yet to be proven and there is much skepticism from traditional investors about how they are going to monetize.

But you have to think, why would this terribly successful private company need to go public? Why does Zuckerberg need an additional surge of capital? What is he going to do with the money?

I have a few hunches and If I were the CEO here are a few things I might be looking into:

HARDWARE:There are an estimated 2.6 billion people on earth using the internet. Of that approximately 900 million people on FB. Mark needs this number to rise. Many developing nations are using cheaper means of logging on like smart phone, tablets, and netbooks as opposed to space consuming desktops and expensive laptops.

If I were Mark I would be positioning myself to make a bid on the dying Blackberry company Research In Motion. If only for the value of the Enterprise platform. It is the most secure network and syncing functionality of all the major mobile players.

This will allow them capture all that additional development band width, hardware expertise, and of course the patents.

This would put FB in front of consumers in with a tangible product in stead of behind them. Mark won’t have to worry so much about proving his shaky ad model because they will have a steady source of revenue from hardware. He’ll get to tap into more people that are already online and capture those immerging markets where people are newer adapters to internet technologies.

MEDICAL:There is a huge growing market of medical software solutions. I would look to weave FB into that space. There are a few successful startups that have been able to network medical records, treatments, and support groups into social networking-esque platforms but none with as robust features or user base like Facebook.

Currently you can upload your professional network, city or origin, but what if you could upload that your specific medical information? I’d make FB a place to register for donor lists, network with members of a similar clinical trial or patients who are under the care of a particular physician.

Remember Mrs. Zuckerberg is a pediatrician and FB has the ability to link people in many innovative ways. By changing what data they capture and who they share it with they have the capability to create a social-medicine space.

This kind of program would help capture additional users in existing markets that are really interested in keeping in touch with HS comrades but if they are mapping a path to health or a better quality of life would certainly be enticed to join.

INTERCORP COMMUNICATION:

I would open Facebook up to priavate networks similar to what it was when it was University exclusive. I would license FB networks to large corporations to facilitate non email communication via chat, file share, and augmented network infrustructure.

Those that large companies always have trouble comunication and one of Facebooks current strenths is the ease of sharing media. This application could just as easily be lended to excel files or Google Doc-type products. Project management, chat, communication can all be lended to companies to support their operation and at the moment there aren’t very many pioneers in this space beyond the traditional guys, IBM, EMC,Cisco etc.

This could be big bucks for FB but they would need to the capital to grow their development teams, costumer service, and sales. The strenth of the brand, ease of transition and familiarity with the interface could make FB a simple option here.

CLOSING

I think the price will continue to drop perhaps as low as $25 or $26 dollars per share, but if I am Mark Zuckerberg I am less worried about the stock price at the moment and more focused on what I am going to do with all the money I just raised. Those short sighted investors will jump ship and take a beating but its the 5year and 10 year play on FB stock that is going to be the cash cow.

People are constantly comparing Google and Facebook as if they are in direct competition but they have different roots and are not necessarily stepping on each others toes outside of the social networking space. Facebook,like Google has applications far beyond social networking and with the huge user base they already have they have the capability to provide a host of services to monetize in ways far beyond advertising.  Mark Zuckerberg is poised to create first world’s official registry where you manage all your essentials  from one place, effectively making Facebook nearly synonymous with the internet itself.

Anyway, it’s just a hunch.

www.paisleysockwear.com

Enjoi.

HORIZONTAL ZAG PATTERN IN “KING WILLIAM” COLORWAY

VERTICAL ZAG PATTERN IN “PATRIOT” COLORWAY

OVERLAPPING QUADRAHEDRON PATTERN IN “NEOPASTEL” COLORWAY

So often in Los Angeles I find my self at events, where there are all the ingredients for a fun time but for some reason there is no spark. There are mixers that call themselves pool parties. They may have people, a body of water, music, and the appropriate spirits but some thing about the experience still doesn’t convince me it was intended to be fun. A lot of gatherings in L.A. are so cool they are exhausting. The focus seems to have shifted to branding, promoting, and ensuring high number of attendees from creating a good time for everyone who shows up.

Summer tramp is the answer to this, when I asked Andrés Rigal about attendee goals, he said “
I’m not so focused on the numbers, the money, I really just want to make an event that means something to people.”  Not focusing on the numbers is a luxury Mr. Rigal can afford when he fills the astro turf floored space with over 400 Angelinos, and a line wrapping around the block to enter.

Enjoi

I walk into the party and I see a few familiar faces, and a few that I’d like to make familiar. It is 2010 and I am just getting to know what will soon become one of my favorite Summer destinations, The Do Over. Behind a set of tables I see a gyrating body dawning a white t-shirt that boldly reads SCHOOL SUCKS. Valida Carroll is conducting a symphony or rhythm. At the moment she catches my eye it seems she is throwing her own party and at the same time creating one for everyone else. Fast forward one year and yet again I find myself in the midst of a slamming summer bash, Summertramp. This time there are so many people going ballistic on the dance floor I take the time to investigate who is running the set out of sheer curiosity.

I realize that if I am going to end up at any of the best places to be this season I am sure to run into her again in 2012. DJ V. is going be returning to Summertramp again this year and will also be spinning at the first ever Downtown LA Prom hosted by LA Canvas Magazine in addition to maintaining her KCRW “Dessert Nights” residency at the Standard Hollywood on wednesday nights.  Valida has come a long way from her home of Bosnia, her presence at an event has become a sure fire for a great time and having just released her first single “Mine To Take”  things are surely heating up.  She was kind enough spare a few moments to talk about summer, the single, and a little bit about her style. Take a look at the video and learn more about the person behind it, you’ll surely be glad you did.

Citizens Of Culture: First things first, Summer is right around the corner and you are known for being an eclectic DJ.
What is one song that you feel reminds you of summer of totally embodies the spirit of the California summer experience?

Valida:There are many songs I could pick…but probably, right now it would have to be a tie-in between Allah-Las “A Long Journey” and Best Coast’s “The Only Place”….
If we were going for a more classic number, then Marlena Shaw’s “California Soul” would have to be it!

COC:Its also no secret that you are a total babe with a great look, what is one item that you consider to be a summer style essential?

V:Thanks! ( she blushes) I would have to say I can’t wait to rock some short summer dresses with boots!

COC:And when its time to hit the water, would you prefer to hang at the beach or poolside on a sunny day?
V:The Ocean…However, infinity pools are a close second.

COC:Besides your residency at the Standard what other spots will folks be able to catch you this year?

V:Besides Summertramp and DTLA Prom coming up in May and June, you can catch me each first Thursday at The DelMonte Speakeasy in Venice for a new night of live music and DJ sets called Hot Sand, which I am co-hosting with an awesome DJ partner: Heidi. Also, I’ll be at a variety of KCRW-presents shows as well. For instance, I’m really looking forward to KCRW Summer Nights at One Colorado in Pasadena on June 9th. I get to introduce Bahamas and DJ before and after his performance! Also, the Hammer Museum series in August will be great as will be the Animal Collective/Flying Lotus show at the Hollywood Bowl on Sept 23rd, which I’m introducing.

COC:So for the DTLA prom, how did that come about?

V: I have worked with one of the producers of the show, Edgar Varela, in the past. He reached out to me about playing and I happily agreed.

COC:When you lived in Bosnia, did they have proms there? Did you go?

V:Bosnian proms are slowly beginning to look like American proms, but you NEVER really have that classic American dance prom anywhere outside the US…I always wanted one growing up and of course it didn’t happen…so I get to have one now and I’m pretty stoked. Hope I have a cute date.

COC:We LOVE Summertramp too, it seems like you have a few different venues  in short period.
Do you change the way your approach each one musically? What is in your playbook?

V:Summertramp is the ultimate fun pool party…The motto is just to have a great time playing happy dance music…
And yes, I tailor my sets according to where I’m playing, for whom, and when…It’s important to be respectful of other DJs and if you are playing the opening slot at any party, not to “seek and destroy” in the first hour…Any night needs to build…Also, my DJ sets at Desert Nights (the weekly live music series I produce at the Standard Hollywood) or my KCRW shows are markedly different from a set I would play at a dance party…It’s important to know who your audience is.

COC:So now, not only are you a DJ but a music artist as well. Is this a newer development or is this something you have wanted to do for a long time?

V:I have been singing my whole life. I have lent my vocals on a number of songs that have been releases on various labels…All of 2011 was about learning Logic software so I can be self-sufficient and work on my own time. I’m just getting back into it now that I am inspired again…and now that I have more time to devote to it. Luckily I’m no longer at a point where I need to play 4-5 nights per week just to pay bills. I think I have paid my dues in that respect and now can afford to spend more time in the studio.

COC:The single “Mine To Take” isn’t a dance as one might expect from being familiar with your live DJ sets, what led you to lead with this song over others, or something up tempo?
What is special about this to you?
V:Haha…No, it’s definitely not a dance number, although I might drop it at the prom as a closing number…hmmm… It’s just what I was going through when I wrote it back in December…I didn’t hold back and that’s what came out.

COC:Tell us about the creative team behind the project, were you working with writers and producers or doing more of the writing on your own?

V:I wrote, produced and engineered the song….The mix was done by Josh Marcy at Mophonics studio and it was mastered by Kelly Hibbert. A special spark that ignited the  making of it was my friend a fellow artist Justine Bennett http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justine-Bennett/38513621193 She basically told me I could do it and sat with me until I wrote something I was happy with. I am forever grateful for her nurturing spirit.

You can’t think of a party without great tunes and you can bet on DJ Valida to provide not only choice jams but her own special energy and smile to spark the fun. Check out Valida’s site for all her information and be sure to track her down if you are looking for a great time this Summer in Los Angeles and elsewhere. She is one of the true currators of the culture and we’ll definitely be keeping in touch as DJ Valida continues to become synonymous with great music.

DJ Valida
www.valida.com

Fellas:
Do you remember 10 years ago, or 5 years, or heck, 3 years ago when you not only  graduated with honors but were also crowned the coolest kid in school and scored with the head cheerleader in the limousine on the way home from the dance?

Ladies:
Do you remember when you got to rub your success into the faces of all the jealous wenches that ever doubted you  on the magic night  you danced dressed like a princess in the arms of your high school sweetheart?

It’s more than likely that this isn’t how your senior prom went, that is, if you even attended.
It’s more than likely that the fellas were just a bunch of pimple faced boys trying to put it in between the legs of some unsuspecting co-ed.
It’s more than likely that the ladies were more concerned about their hair and outfit than anything else that was going on in their lives at the time.

Point is, in high school we were deloused, believing that we were the center of the universe and that  Senior Prom was going to be the biggest night of our lives. The night where dreams came true.

Sadly, we now know that isn’t the case, we are older, more mature, and of course, now we can drink.

As I type, a ragtag group of LA residents is putting together a prom remix. It is an event hosted by LA Canvas and a group of  local sponsors that will give you the chance to relive your glory or change your destiny.

If some tramp ruined your night by showing up in the same dress as you, now is the time for redemption. If you couldn’t go to prom because your grades weren’t good enough so your parents held you prisoner, this is your moment. It is possible that you were just a pimple faced dork that never made it with the girl of his dreams, now is the time to re write your history.

This doesn’t happen for everyone, but you now have a second chance, so don’t be a loser.
Find a date and go to prom.

Go to www.dtlaprom.com for more information and a handy prom guide.

Justin Hopkins is like a kid who told someone he wanted to be a painter, and like most people he would have been handed a brush, easel, and palette of colors.

Justin Hopkins is the kid whole knocks over the easel, and paints on the walls using a combination of household condiments, smeared play-doh, and charcoal.

The resulting image might resemble  the album cover for his newest record release Daizo.

Justin Hopkins is Rarebit.
(“Aggro Crag” ft Sandra Wallace)

If the name looks familiar it is because you might have seen Justin before, we did a story on Justin over a year ago and he has since joined the roster of L.A. label, Non Projects and released 2 recordings and has recently launched a new visual art website. What makes Justin an interesting character though isn’t what he does, but who he is. We sat down with Justin at chef, Jason Michaud’s newest Echo Park eatery Red Hill and over fine food we discuss finance, art, and how one creates an album that sounds as mystical and intimate as Diazo does.

I asked him very few questions, Justin is articulate and seems to be very clear about what he wants to say, not as if he has rehearsed it but as if he is guided by something, or driven towards it. Rarebit tells me the creative process for this album is more like writing and directing a film. With the actors editing the film as they perform.He is attempting to step out of himself and the only way to do that is to illicit contribution from others. So here we have an album that some have credited as more a curatorial project than a composition. Justin believes in the idea of building art form a community perspective. Gathering the collective genius from within the culture creating something beyond what is capable by a singular visionary.

The project itself travels a journey through interaction. From Me and You, early on the speaker is more focused on themselves. The rest of the songs like Emergence and Convergence, begin and articulate a change of focus finally settling with You and Me where the focus is no longer on the speaker but the audience, whomever that may be.

It is about family and relationships, introspection and what the value of  those relationships is to a person. This is something that Justin had to face when working on the projects. What better way to analyze and document relationships than by creating musical relationships with other artists. During the creation of the project there seems to be no border from his actual life and what he was putting on record.

With such a strong sense of community it is no wonder the title of the album is Diazo once you know its origins. The name is his grandfathers Japanese name, one his grandfather stopped using, a name that was abandoned while he worked in American internment camps during WWII.  Justin has a concern for history and honor, he values the legacy of the generations before us and wonders wisdom what we might loose as the generation of his grandparents fade. I get the sense that he is doing more than just collaborating but extending the reach of his own work, but with this album leaving a legacy that can be claimed by his whole generation.

Let’s not forget the food. Justin had this to say about  their  Blood Orange Carmelized Fennel Risoto.

” It complimented the philosophical conversation. It had a pale fire that is still lingering after a few glasses of water. Not overly expensive for a chef with a vision and the ambiance is great.”

Rarebit’s LP is available now at Origami Vinyl and digital download is also available on iTunes.

For a selection of his visual art  visit: http://cargocollective.com/justindraws

Here we have the latest from Def Sound, featured here. The video’s excellent animation was done by Joe Merrell and the track was produced byDef’s partner in crime, RC.

If you don’t like the song however, Def is giving you a chance to remix it. Click the link below for the a capella version.