Archive for July, 2011

CASHMERE TECH WRAP-UP

Friday, July 29th, 2011

UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP LAUNCHES SPOTIFY PLAYLISTS FOR U.S.

The past few weeks have been a great success for the new music service Spotify, and this week they got a huge new boost from the music label industry.  Universal Music Group has created a fan interactive playlist service called Digster, curated entirely by UMG staff and artists.  Different UMG personnel will create playlists for fans to subscribe and follow via Spotify.  These playlists will feature music from all labels, and will have different editorial features as well.  Spotify users will be able to follow each specific list, as well as a link to buy each song through iTunes.  Digster is already available in Sweden and Norway, and will be available to all free users of Spotify in the U.S. very soon.  This is a huge step for the relationship between music labels and the online space, bridging the gap in hopes of keeping the music sales alive while attracting the users who mainly find and play music online.

Read full article here

FACEBOOK LAUNCHES BUSINESS PAGE TO BATTLE GOOGLE+

The world’s number one social network has launched a new site to help businesses advertise and market through its platform.  Facebook for Business was launched to help business use tools such as deals, ads, pages, and social plug-ins to reach a bigger consumer base.  Lately, Google+ has seen a jump in businesses joining their network to take advantage of its tools, so its only natural that Mark Zuckerberg would be right behind with this new site.  Many brands, artists, and businesses have seen very successful Facebook marketing campaigns and the team in Northern California is hoping to bring that to a much bigger community.

Read full article here

MYSPACE FOUNDER TOM WEIGHS IN WITH HIS TWO (OR FIVE) CENTS ON GOOGLE+

From his experience launching the first major social network on the web (Friendster doesn’t count), Tom Anderson can give the Google+ team a little insider advice from what he learned from MySpace.  Tom guest-posted for TechCrunch, with five tips for the people at Google responsible for this enormous task.  First, to cater to journalists and tastemakers, and work off of their feedback to help work out the kinks.  These people build the public opinion of a company, and it is extra important to get to know them.  Second, to focus much time and energy on working through privacy issues. These issues will always be a factor in customer satisfaction, and they can never spend too much time making it right.  Next, to put as many Google analysts and experts on the Google+ team as possible.  This also includes bringing in outside product executors and visionaries who will take this product to the next level, and make sure they are taking this network to its full potential.  And finally, to make sure there is one defined leader to make it all come together.  Tom built one of the biggest websites in our generation, and it would be smart of the Google executives to at ponder his advice.

Read full article here

HOTEL IN IBIZA ADDS FACEBOOK PILLARS FOR ITS GUESTS

A famous hotel in on the Spanish island has added pillars throughout the hotel for guests to update their status, upload photos, and check-in, all in an effort to “make your Facebook friends jealous”, according the staff.  These pillars are located throughout the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, to check-in to different locations, such as the club, pool, and the beach.  Now hotel guests can update their location, without even using their smartphones or laptops.  The entire system is based on RFID bracelets, which transfer data from your hotel bracelet to a reader on the pillars.  This seems to be a new wave of consumer interaction, and there is sure to be a big increase in the use of this technology in the future.

Read full article here

MAC OS X LION TOPS 1 MILLION DOWNLOADS IN ONE DAY

It has been a solid week for Apple, recording rising sales, as well as the new Macbook Air hitting stores around the world.  The biggest news coming out of the tech giant is the high sales of the new version of the operating system, MAC OS X LION.  With over 1 million downloads in 24 hours, they new features must be a big hit with Mac users.  This software is the first of its kind to be exclusively sold in the Mac App Store, and it retails at a reasonable $29.99. With the new features and clean display, it is safe to say for most Mac users, it’s time for an upgrade.

Read full article here

Join Some of the Cashmere Folks at the All City Bike Ride

Friday, July 29th, 2011

In LA? Have a bike?  Join Rona and Kristen from Cashmere and the 213 Bike Crew and friends as they participate in Audiology “The All City Ride Edition.” Presented by  Emortal Clothing & Black Gold Kartel, who have collaborated with companies and local bicycle crews from L.A., to do an inner city ride from Hollywood, DTLA, Fairfax and back to the Blu Monkey Bar &  Lounge.

Our goal is to make L.A. a bicycle friendly city. It will give an opportunity for all levels of cyclists to enjoy a medium pace, fun, and safe ride on a Saturday afternoon with the coolest folks on bikes and their crews in Los Angeles.

Along the way there will be designated rest stops, in which a few of the crew team leaders will assist riders to make it a fun and safe ride. All ages are welcome to ride, but you must be 21 & over to party with us at the Blu Monkey later that night for Audiology.

Audiology – The All City Ride Edition
Date: July 30, 2011
Meet @ 3:30pm, leave @ 4:30 to DTLA
Meeting spot on Sunset & Western by the Carl’s Jr parking lot.
Rest stops at Echo Park, Pershing Square, Yogurtland break in Little Tokyo. La Fayette Park, and Pan Pacific Park

We should arrive at the Blu Monkey by 9:00pm to party at Audiology. Also the Metro Station is conveniently across the street from the Blu Monkey for those that need to ride the subways that night.

The route for this Saturday can be found here.

It would be a medium paced ride for all levels.  HELMETS are recommended!

Resident DJs: C. Pablo/Jayski/Source
Special Guest: Mothership Collective, DJ Ezentric

FREE GIVEAWAYS BY EMORTAL & ARCHRIVAL!

The Blu Monkey Lounge
5521 Hollywood Blvd
No Cover but must be 21& Over
Time: 9pm till 2am

Supporters:
Emortal
Black Gold Kartel
213* Bike Crew
Dicknose Monkeys
TreatsNBeats
Archrival
Store 13
SKDROLL
Pedal Mobbin
Freqnt Flyr Bike Co.
CoolAss Ride
Original Bike Co.
626 Bike Crew
Fix2Fix
Spokes N’ Smoke
First Republic

Throwback Thursday: Biz Markie – “Just a Friend”

Thursday, July 28th, 2011

Today we’re taking it back to 1989 when the legendary Biz Markie dropped his classic hit “Just a Friend.” Biz first broke into the music scene in 1985 as a beat box for Roxanne Shante of the Juice Crew and is still a relevant artist and DJ in the industry.

Thanks to his endurance and influence on Hip-Hop culture, Biz Markie is one of the most enduring icons as a entertainer and DJ in the business. Recently, he had guest appearance in the new VH1 show Single Ladies as “just a friend” of Keisha Green, played by the beautiful LisaRaye.

Biz also just launched his new Pro-Keds collaboration. To pay tribute to one of hip hop’s longest loved sneaker brand, Biz and Mike Packer both created the Pro-Keds 69er. Check out the video for the Biz’s “Just a Friend” below.

-Austin Hudson, @RealWorldAustin

X Games 17 Invades Los Angeles

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Each year skaters, BMX, motocross riders and rally car drivers gather in the summer to participate in one of the biggest events of its kind: the X-Games. This year marks the 17th X-Games, which will be hosted in Los Angeles’ Staples Center and L.A Live Just to recap, X Games 16 was viewed by 35.4 million people alone in the U.S over a four day period.

The X-Games are an action spots enthusiasts dream come true with several days of non-stop competition. Athletes perform in various events as they get judged on time, skill, difficulty, execution, and other categories for the various events.

Tune into the X-Games on ESPN starting Thursday to witness skateboarders like Bob Burnquist, Bucky Lasek, Nyjah Huston and several others rip it up as they kick off with with the BMX Park Elimination event at the Event Deck at L.A Live. A full schedule of the X-Games events can be viewed here.

This is definitely shaping up to a be a must watch for any X Games fan. Check out some of the higlights from X Games 16 below. X-Games 17 begins this Thursday, July 28th at 12:00 P.M. on ESPN.

Shvona Lavette Releases Debut Album: 3 Percent & Rising!

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

Accomplished actress and singer, Shvona Lavette breaks her way onto dance floors with her debut EP 3 Percent & Rising, available today! With two singles already released, “Always” and “Drop Dead,” 3 Percent & Rising will draw listeners into a lush, electronic soundscape, crafted from global house influences.

With 3 Percent & Rising, Shvona has scripted a musical narrative filled with suspense and melodrama. From the cautionary message contained in “Drop Dead” to the passionate longing of “Last Call”, 3 Percent & Rising is a fitting score of our own generation’s passions and pursuits.

3 Percent and Rising is available on iTunes and Amazon. Listen to her entire album via Grooveshark and check out Shvona’s latest music videos for her singles “Drop Dead” and “Always” below! Keep up with Shvona  online on Facebook and Twitter.

Nephew Tomy’s Just My Thoughts Available Now!

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

At Cashmere, we love to laugh and the release of Nephew Tommy’s DVD, Just My Thoughts, is going to ensure that laughs just keep on coming. Thomas Miles, known as Nephew Tommy from The Steve Harvey Morning Show, brings an edge to the comedy world.

Produced by Melee Entertainment, in association with One Village Entertainment, Just My Thoughts, showcases Nephew Tommy’s “in yo face” brand of comedy as he hilariously targets a variety of subjects. The controversial topics range from Obamas’ first day in the White House, to the worst “playas” ever and to his potential new business venture, Tommy’s Ass Whooping Factory.

Go get Nephew Tommy’s Just My Thoughts today at select Walmart and Target locations or stay home and get the digital copy at Amazon.com and iTunes.com

-Andrew, @DevilDogPR

#2DBZBBQ Recap

Monday, July 25th, 2011

Summer is marked by warm weather, trips to the beach, pool parties, vacations, going to the movies and of course BBQs. This past Saturday, Cashmere Agency hosted the second annual 2DopeBoyz BBQ to gather donations for Edeyo Foundation, which provides aid to the children of Haiti. The party began at 2PM; however, people began lining up at 12:00 PM, anxious to donate school supplies for Edeyo and get the party started.

DJ Trackstar and 2DopeBoyz’s very own Meka set the mood on the ones and twos. In addition to great music, other  activities included a dunk tank, NBA 2k11 set-up, dominoes, Jenga, free cigars by Executive Branch, and Twitter contests. This exclusive event even drew in notable celebrities including TDE members, Kendrick Lamar, Absoul, Schoolboy Q, Problem and Glasses Malone. Lucky guests and generous donators received gift bags with apparel by street wear brands Orisue, LRG, IM KING, Rocksmith, and Teruo, as well as Flud Watches, 2K Sports video games, and more.

What would be a great BBQ without great food and drinks? Food included delicious tacos and quesadillas provided by the “O.G Taco Lady”. While enjoying their tacos, attendees stopped by the bar as well as indulging in the Shave It Nation shaved ice truck. All in all it was a great event that will be remembered for years to come. A major shout out to Meka and Shake of 2DopeBoyz.com, Edeyo Foundation, as well as everyone who was able to make it out. See you all next Summer!

Jason Termechi, @jasontermechi

While NBA Takes a Break, the Drew League Excites Basketball Fans

Monday, July 25th, 2011

It’s been a quiet summer in the world of basketball. The NBA Lockout is in full effect and that means no Las Vegas Summer League, no pre-season training camp, no NBATV, and obviously no regular season. In the midst of all this, Los Angeles has been able to scrap up a few lingering pieces of the NBA and bring them to the legendary Drew League.

Located in Watts, not only has the Drew League been a place of solace for basketball enthusiasts who are dying to see some competitive basketball, it is also a place where current and former NBA players  and even celebrities can go get in on the action themselves. Players such as James Harden, Dorrell Wright, Nick Young, Demar Derozan, Tyreke Evans, Michael Beasley, Derrick Williams, Kevin Durant, and Lebron James have all showcased their talents to the city of Los Angeles.

The Drew League has become synonymous with one of, if not, THE best Pro-Am leagues in the country. Dino Smiley, the Drew League commissioner, has been constantly commended for his creation of the Drew League and the driving force behind it; he always reiterates the fact that the league is for the benefit of the community and most importantly, the kids.

The Drew League holds games every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and the best part about it? It’s absolutely FREE. Click here for more information: http://www.drewleague.com/

Tim Lee, @timbox29

Inaugural Cashmere #StirFryFriday

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Cashmere Agency hosted the inaugural #StirFryFriday this afternoon to celebrate the diverse members of our family. The initial #StirFryFriday, coordinated by the Visual Production Department, comprised of: Aron Fyne (Video Production), Ashten Winger (Graphics and Video Production), Brandon Banks (Graphics), Colin Pierce (Video Production), Grace Park (Graphics), and Joseph Austin (Video Production intern).

The #StirFryFriday menu offered the “Divers-ito”, a burrito that combines ingredients that represent each of our heritages.

• Aron brought tortillas because he grew up in Florida where Cuban food is everywhere.
• Ashten brought fried chicken because his roots are in the South where food is primarily fried.
• Brandon brought Jambalaya rice because he grew up eating this dish frequently.
• Colin brought French fries because fries are essential in a California burrito, which originated from his hometown, San Diego.
• Joseph brought Red Velvet cake and would like to say his grandmother invented it.
• Grace brought Sauteed Kimchi and Bulgogi (marinated beef) because those two are the most well known Korean dishes.

To add to our fun Friday, we added some NBA 2K11 for some recreational play, and DJ Willie Shakes brought the music to the party.  All in all it was a great time, and only the pictures below can describe how much fun we had.

Here are a couple recipes we are willing to share!

Kogi truck style Kimchi:

• 1lb of sliced kimchi
• 2 tbsp of sesame oil
• 10 perila leaves
• 1 tbsp of sugar
• Salt and sesame for seasoning

Heat up pan with sesame oil. Add kimchi and fry for about 4 minutes. Add perilla leaves and sugar and fry for additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add salt, sesame, and sesame oil to your liking.

Bulgogi:

• 1 lb of thinly sliced beef
• Soy Sauce
• Water
• Sesame oil
• Sugar
• Onions
• Minced Garlic
• Mirin
• Salt and Pepper

Combine soy sauce, water, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and Mirin in a large resealable container

Ratio:

• Soy sauce: 3 cups
• Water: 1 cup
• Sugar: 1 cup
• Mirin: 2 cups
• 1 tbsp of garlic and sesame oil per cup

Add beef and onions into the sauce and marinate for about a day. Cook over high heat for 4-5 minutes till meat is browned through.

Grace Park, @gracesharkpark

2DopeBoyz.com x Cashmere Agency Hosts 2nd Annual 2DBZ BBQ

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

There’s nothing better than a BBQ.  Everyone always has at least one BBQ that they go to over summer. For Cashmere Agency, that time is this weekend and there’s no better way to have new office open house than with a BBQ.

In association with 2DopeBoyz.com, Cashmere will be hosting the 2DBZ BBQ this Saturday, July 23rd, from 2pm – 7pm. There will be great food, games, music and other exciting activities at the event that should help keep our guests entertained. The best part about the BBQ is that it’s for a worthy cause, donations will be taken for children in need of school supplies for the Edeyo Foundation.  Everyone in attendance will be donating ten dollars or ten dollars worth of school supplies for the foundation. We aim to beat last year’s donation of 20 backpacks.

To find out more, make sure to keep up with Cashmere on Twitter (@CashmereAgency) and Facebook, as well as the hashtag  #2DBZBBQ for the up to the minute pictures, comments, and everything going on at the event. We will also be sending out questions for our fans to answer to keep involved from home.  Questions will be posted throughout the BBQ, so keep refreshing your Twitter and Facebook pages.

This is promising to be a great BBQ event for our guests, 2DopeBoyz.com, as well as a worthwhile fundraiser for for the Edeyo Foundation.

-Taylor Toomey, @Giveit_Toomey50