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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

August Blog Hop: Pole Dance and Social Media

This month's blog hop is about pole dance and social media.  This is a very popular subject!  If you want to check out other posts in the blog hop, click HERE.  

I almost can't remember a time before Facebook (*cough, cough* Friendster and MySpace, although I really feel like the pole dance explosion happened after Facebook became THE social media site).  What an amazing tool to help me meet people around the world I never would have had the opportunity to meet in the not so distant past.  My very first memories linking pole dance and social media were finding the blogs of Heather Yesko and Jennifer of Pole Skivvies.  They both lived on the East Coast, but I "met" my first pole sisters very early after I started my pole adventures in 2009.  


Flash forward a few years and I interact on a daily basis with amazing pole dancers all over the world and feel like I know some of them very personally even though I've only met them once (or not at all).  Without blogs, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and the myriad of other social media outlets, I know I wouldn't be as in touch with my extended pole family.



Mina and Nadia
Even the subset of the Pole Dancing Bloggers has taken on its own form and we now have our very own social media sites.  Just for us bloggers!  Find us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterJoin us on Instagram.  This month, we started a weekly photo challenge, so please feel free to participate!  The group was spearheaded by my beautiful pole sisters, Sheena in New York and Valentina in Italy, and I am very excited to be part of another group of amazing polers who are working hard to promote the pole industry.  I actually have an assignment for the PDB and need to get off my sorry injured butt and start pulling together my part.  :-)

I'm sure I have posted this many times in the past, but if you are trying to find me on social media sites, here are my links:

https://www.facebook.com/TwirlyGirlConfessions

http://www.twitter.com/lolorashel

http://www.instagram.com/lolorashel 
(sorry, there are a lot of selfies, bruises and cats...I really can't help myself)

 
Cosplay with the beautiful Leen Isabel

Other important links (for me) are pages I manage on Facebook and would love for people to join if you're interested.

Nor Cal Pole Posse...I try to keep Northern California studios and events posted on this page:  https://www.facebook.com/NorCalPolePosse

Twirl for a Cause...our fundraising pole dance page for events around the Bay Area:  https://www.facebook.com/TwirlForACause

As most of you know, I post about many topics, not just pole dancing.  But I try to tag things appropriately so you don't waste time reading anything you might not be interested in.  I feel like without the power of social media behind me, how else could I turn a simple legal secretary into a fiery pole dancing Viking Warrior?  Before the invention of Facebook fan pages, where it was suddenly okay to toot your own horn, I may have been committed into an insane asylum for telling people I had a Viking alter ego.  


Miss you, Cupkates Truck!
Without social media, I also wouldn't have access to so many fat/size acceptance groups to help build my confidence and self-esteem (and now to my new cosplay/Chunky Girl Comics friends!).  I wouldn't have so much support to help me realize that I am fabulous no matter what I weigh and that I shouldn't wait to lose weight to do all the things I want to do, whether its on the pole or in regular life.  I started using the hashtag (another social media invention) #myfatwashere to track the fun stuff I could do even though I'm not society's "normal" body type.  And without social media, how would I share my cupcake obsession?!


Kate of Pole Etak
I feel like social media is essential to the health of the pole industry.  Even when I can't make it to events, I love seeing photos and watching videos posted by others.  So social media keeps me connected.  I also feel like seeing others working on their moves motivates me to work on mine.  Part of why I was so eager to hurry and have surgery on my foot was so that I could heal and get back to pole dancing the way I used to.  


How do YOU feel like social media affects the pole industry?  What changes would you make, if any, to how we all interact with each other?



BadAzz

Jill Anne

Nadia n my boobs

SeanMichael




Twirly Girls on TV: Let It Ride on National Geographic

A few weeks ago, Kate (Pole Etak) provided some of us Twirly Girls with an opportunity to be background players on a reality television show.  They were filming in Pleasanton, so it made sense that some of us would be in the area.  That show, called Let It Ride, starts tonight on the National Geographic channel.  I understand our episode should appear in a few weeks (probably fourth or fifth episode -- it's not on the episode list yet). 

Check out a preview here:  http://youtu.be/ePdwxyyZoUI

Our episode is about accessorizing a woman's bike.  Kate almost punched me but I did say I would put a stripper pole on the back of the bike.  lolololol!  Hey, no one knows what a pole fitness pole is!! 

I have no idea how much any of us made it into the show, but if you like motorcycles, it looks like a cool show to watch!  Keep an eye out for Twirly Girl sightings and let me know if you see us!  :)



Monday, August 12, 2013

Pole Dancing Bloggers -- Weekly Photo Challenge #poleblogphoto

I have made it through!  Five days post-surgery...and I already want to pull my hair out.  I can't participate, but I did want to make sure everyone was aware that the Pole Dancing Bloggers have started putting out a photo challenge and I would love for everyone to submit their photos.  

Follow the PDS on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PDBloggers

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/pdbloggers

Instagram:  http://instagram.com/pdbloggers

Even if you don't follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, use the hashtag on public photos to participate: #‎poleblogphoto‬

 Here are August's challenges:



Here are some rules/suggestions by our fearless leader, SLY:


PDBA presents the AUGUST POLE PHOTO A WEEK CHALLENGE

The Pole Dancing Bloggers Association has just launched a fun, new social challenge for the Pole Dance & Fitness community. Let’s all do a twirl or maybe a booty pop for the “Pole Photo A Week Challenge” created by the PDBA.

PDBA INTRODUCTION
For those of you who don’t know, the Pole Dancing Bloggers Association (PDBA) is a community for pole artists to share, connect, create and report engaging content about the ever growing and evolving world of pole dance. The group exists to encourage community by sharing resources, prompting dialogue and establishing contacts within our field. Currently the PDBA consist of over 100+ pole dance/fitness bloggers who create fun, sizzling content on a consistent basis while sharing their personal journeys.

ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
Each month the PDBA will release a series of 4 -5 challenges that are to be completed by the Saturday of that week.

HOW TO PLAY
  • Take a look at the August photo a week challenge list.
  • Take a photo according to whatever the prompt is.
  • Once you’ve taken the photo, SHARE IT. (See below for sharing techniques.)
  • Connect with others by viewing their photos too. Browse through them on social media platforms by searching the #poleblogphoto hashtag. Check out our facebook page too.

WHERE TO PLAY
  • Instagram: Upload your photo. Add a caption like “Week 1 – Favorite Pole Move. I love the fireman!” and then add the hashtag #poleblogphoto.
  • Facebook: Upload your photo onto the Pole Dancing Bloggers facebook page and add the hashtag #PoleBlogPhoto.
  • Flickr: Upload your photo, by using the app or the website. Remember, use the hashtag #PoleBlogPhoto.
  • Twitter: Upload your photo on twitter and share it using the hastag #PoleBlogPhoto.

THE PROMPTS
Right click the list above and save it to your desktop or take a screenshot and save it to your phone. You can even print it, if you want. You can also reference the list by visiting this blog post and visiting our facebook page.

There are no rules when it comes to our photo a week challenge. Everything is up for interpretation as you see fit. Get creative. Have fun! For those who need suggestions, check out below.

  • Aug 4 – 10 | YOUR FAVORITE POLE MOVE. Take a photo of your favorite pole move. This could be any and everything. It could be an invert, a trick, a pose, a spin….anything!
  • Aug 11 – 17 |HAIR. Hair flips. Hair toss. Sexy hair. Hide behind your hair. Updo. How does your hair react to the pole?
  • Aug 18 – 24 |BLACK AND WHITE. We want to see a black and white photo that incorporates pole dance and fitness. This is wide open to interpretation to encompass ANYTHING.
  • Aug 25 – 31 | POLE BAG. What’s in your pole bag. Show us a snapshot. Or maybe only one item. Or maybe show us your bedazzled bag itself.

FAQ –
Can I use photos I’ve taken before? You could but where’s the fun in that. This challenge is about trying some new things. So if possible, use the entire week to get the best photo that you can for the challenge. That professional photo shoot you did last year generated great photos, but it’s probably not the best option for the challenge. We want NEW STUFF!

I’m not a photographer. This is too hard. I don’t know what to do. Okay. Breathe. And if this brings on panic attacks, it’s okay. Maybe don’t participate. But if you’re up for the challenge, here are a few tips.
  1. Download a self timer app such as TimerCam. It’s free. This will help with your selfies when you don’t have a pole partner to take the picture for you. If you’re using a DSLR camera, remotes help as well.
  2. Consider your angles. While a crossknee layback looks the same on the pole for most dancers, try getting creative with the angle in which you take the picture. What if the camera is directly below or above you? Is that even possible? What would your photo look like then? 
  3. Consider your composition. What if instead of you being in the center of the photo you were at the bottom on the right? What does that do to your photo? 
  4. Consider emotions. We want your photos but we also want story, emotions and expressions. So when you’re doing your invert or your crawl or whatever the prompt may be, how can you capture personality, individuality and your own expression into the photo? 
  5. TRIPODS HELP!
  6. Steer clear of flash. Its usually so unflattering and leaves most people looking overexposed and blown out. 
What if my photo is late? What if I skip a week? Its okay. There are no penalties.

I don’t like the prompt. I can’t do the prompt. Why did you pick that horrible prompt? Remember that the prompts are up to interpretation. If you can’t do a certain move, maybe capture someone else doing the prompt…with their consent. Or maybe your cat is the subject in the “pole pose” photo prompt? It’s also true that you won’t resonate with every prompt. Skip it. Or do the opposite. Or try it anyway. It’s all up to you. It’s just for fun!

I don’t have access to a pole studio this week. I don’t have a pole at home. I want to participate and you’re making it difficult. WAAAAA! We considered this when creating the prompts. That’s why each week, you’ll find that there’s usually only one POLE INTENSIVE prompt and the rest can be done any and everywhere! See, we planned ahead! We’re taking care of you. Also, maybe go to the park and take the pole photo there. Or on the train? Get creative. Try something new.

I have a suggestion that I want you to use for a future prompt. COOL! We love ideas. We keep a list going of prompts. To date we have over 60+ ideas we’re going to be throwing at you. But we want your thoughts too. Send us your ideas and we’ll add them to our list. YAY!!!!!

Monday, August 5, 2013

San Francisco BART strike and the News

Last month, I wrote about what the BART strike cost me personally.  The strike ended after four and a half days, with an agreement to extend contracts 30 days to get the trains moving again.

I wrote that blog on a Friday...before I left work for the day.  Since the trains started again at 3 PM, apparently the ferry decided to go back to their regular schedule, without notifying anyone or updating their website.  I left work at 4 PM hoping to catch the 4:30 ferry home.  When I got there around 4:15, I heard the boat horn blast...and I knew I had been left behind.  I joined a long line of unhappy campers who were informed that the ferry had returned to it's regular schedule and that another ferry would be along at 5:20 for us.  We were furious.  The lady who worked for the ferry said, hey you could take BART home (oh yeah, except our cars at at the ferry, you idiot!!!).  Then she told us to just be happy it was Friday.  She's lucky no one attacked her.  A lady in line asked why there was a boat sitting at the docks.  She was informed that it was an extra boat -- just in case.  That lady then marched down there, spoke to the captain and got us on the boat.  We left around 5:00 PM (half an hour later than we thought we would leave but still 20 minutes earlier than we would have on their "regular"ferry).  What a clusterf*ck.  Seriously, the ferry didn't think that all of those people who rode the ferry over wouldn't have to return??  Not the smartest move, friends! 

Anyway, last week, I ended up speaking with Bay Area News Group reporter, Erin Ivie, about the BART mess.  It was frustrating knowing the strike was really only postponed.  Frustrating that BART management and the unions and workers didn't seem to be negotiating much, and that the lead negotiator took a 10 day vacation in the middle of this mess (after being paid $399,000 for his four month contract).  Frustrating that 2,000 union members were probably going to again hold 200,000 daily BART commuters (not to mention all other commuters now sharing ferries and the road way) hostage by striking again.  Erin sent a photographer, Dan, on BART with me to do a little photoshoot of my commute (which was funny...people sure do get squirrelly around cameras!!).  What I didn't know was that this story would be front page of the Saturday news in the Contra Costa Times, Oakland Tribune and San Jose Mercury News.  It was so cool!  I got tons of texts and e-mails from friends who were also enjoying my new "celebrity" status.  

The strike was supposed to start again today.  At 10 PM last night, well past most of our bedtimes since we were supposed to be getting up at 5 AM, Governor Jerry Brown called for a 7 day extension in order to investigate whether or not BART and the unions have been negotiating in good faith.  This potentially means everyone could be doing this all over again next week, but I guess I personally won't have to worry about it since I'll be out for surgery!  I had written a letter to Governor Brown, as I am sure many people did, asking him to step in.  Being a union guy, I am very surprised he did step in.  Although I am also very grateful as I did not want to spend the two days I had to come to work this week stuck in a crappy commute.  

Below are links to the article and photos.  I will also post some of the photos in case the link goes bad.  They are copyrighted, belonging to the Bay Area News Group.


SAN FRANCISCO -- Telecommuting isn't an option for Lori Myers, a legal secretary from Walnut Creek, if BART workers go on strike again next week. 

Myers, who travels to San Francisco for work, got a taste of how things might be during the four-day strike in early July, getting up at the crack of dawn and traveling for two hours by car, ferry and foot to make it to her job. She owns a car -- unlike many others who take transit to work -- but parking near her Embarcadero Center office was more than $50. 

"If this is going to be something that goes on for one or two months, it's going to affect everything I do," said Myers, whose added time spent commuting also cut into her nighttime job as a dance teacher. "It affects my bottom line. I guess I'm going to have to get used to waking up early enough to cover the extra hours in each direction.

"I guess 4:30 is the new 6:30."

Read the rest of the story below:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_23785510/bart-strike-burden-cuts-across-workforce

Photos:

http://photos.mercurynews.com/2013/08/02/walnut-creek-woman-anticipates-second-bart-strike/












Stockon-Con with Chunky Girl Comics

Yesterday, I was very excited to be formally introduced to a new family of amazing people:  Chunky Girl Comics!  Recently, I was cast as the live action version of Candy, one of the members of the Heavy Response Unit.  I joined the creators of the comic at Stockon-Con for some cosplay yesterday.  Cosplay is apparently nerd-speak for dressing up as a character and running around having the most fun you can possibly have! 

First off, Marisa, her husband, Jose, and their partner, Grant, are all such nice people.  Marisa and Jose's kids are adorable and sweet.  And one of my HRU besties, Sweet Pea (played by the gorgeous Violet Ruthless) was on hand to cinch me into the smokin' hot corset and go off on adventures with me throughout the event.  She was a lot of fun to hang with all day and I am really happy to have met her.  Her boyfriend was very sweet as well, patiently taking lots of photos for us all day.  I want to thank my friend, Lety, who came as Super Letitsia (Super Tits for short), for being my drag husband for the day, carrying bags, holding phones, taking hundreds of photos, and helping make the day even more fun (if that was even possible).  Also, thanks to my friends Vanessa and Toni, and Kristina and her clan for trekking all the way out to Stockton to say hello! 

I'm really excited to be part of a cause that is showing little girls that you don't have to be a size zero to be amazing.  I was happy to be rocking my thunder thighs for all to see.  There certainly didn't seem to be a shortage of people asking to take photos with us.  I'm sure it didn't hurt that I was at least 6'4" in those boots and was displaying my boobies proudly in that corset.



Below are some photos from the day.  I am looking forward to future adventures with Chunky Girl Comics!