My Stylee Life Weblog

Xmas Toy Drive and Black Friday Sale at Air & Earth in Mount Pleasant, SC

mystyleelife — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:35:41 +0000

Some call it a modern day surf shop, others an action sports center. Any way you put it, Air & Earth are simply “big kid” toy stores owned by Elea Faucheron and Adam Von Ins in in Mount Pleasant, SC. Adam and Elea are so thankful for the support Charleston has given them this year, they want to give back by helping every kid, little or big, get a toy this holiday. Air & Earth’s 13 Days of Xmas Toy Drive, a collection of new and used toys for those in need, starts on Black Friday, November 27, 2009.

Air & Earth’s 13 Days of Christmas are focused on making toys available to those in need. They are giving back in two ways:

1. They are collecting both New and Used toy donations. There are several drop-off locations. The first is at Air & Earth’s shop by the Mt. Pleasant Target @ 1313 Long Grove Drive. They’ll also be donating staff (AKA Santa’s Xtreme Elves) along with the Earth Mobile Skate Park, their large funky truck, to set up various mobile collection points at high traffic shopping areas. As a bonus, each donator will receive a free Air & Earth gift card.

New Toy donations need to be in original packaging. To support the recycling efforts of the store, the owners are also asking for used board sport donations in good condition. Bring any board that is gathering dust in your closet, either it is a skateboard, surfboard, skim board, body board, snowboards or kiteboard. They are also collecting things associated with these sports: like used helmets, pads and wetsuits.

Air & Earth are accepting donations from both individuals, and businesses. Donations will go to various charitable groups such as Toys for Tots, Charleston Boys & Girls Club, local Churches and any other groups needing toys. They will pick up.

2. To help you get a new toy or a gift, Air & Earth are giving away free Gift Cards to the first 113 people through their doors the day after Thanksgiving November 27, 2009. They’re starting the 13 Days of Xmas on Black Friday. These gift cards can be used to get a toy to donate, or give to someone you know. The store will also offer large discounts, starting Nov. 27, on their most popular items such as skateboards for $25, wetsuits for $50, and 50% off sunglasses.

Air & Earth’s two-story surf, skate and kite sports center is located at 1313 Long Grove Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.

For more information on Mobile Drop-off locations, donation details & requests, Black Friday events and the 13 daily featured items:
•   Online: 13days.catchsomeair.us
•   Email: 13days@catchsomeair.us
•   Phone: 843-388-9300
•   Texting: Text “13days” to 41-411 for mobile drop locations and 13 days special items.

Online Applications That Will Make Your Search, Collaboration and Analytics Easier

mystyleelife — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:41:19 +0000

Journalistics.com published a comprehensive list of online applications and tools that will make your life and job easier. We only selected our favorites:

Aggregation & Collaboration

Alltop – one of the leading blog aggregators out there; check out the Journalism section as a good example
Digsby – get your IM, Email and Social Networks all in one place, that’s what Digsby is all about
Tinychat – create chatrooms on-the-fly; BackNoise is another good one for this
Gist – helps you learn more about the contacts you’ve made – all in one place
Google Apps –check out Google Reader or Google Wave
Instapaper – a fast, easy, and free tool to save Web pages for reading later
Utterli – another online chat tool you can use to start discussions via the Web or your mobile device
Skribit – let your readers suggest topics for you to blog about, and put an end to writer’s block

Monitoring & Analytics

ConvoTrack – a bookmarklet that enables you to see the entire conversation surrounding a post (see comments from Twitter, FriendFeed, Digg, Reddit, etc.)
TweetBeep – the “Google Alerts” for Twitter – monitor keywords in Twitter and receive email summaries for free
Google Analytics and Google Alerts
SocialMention – a free, real-time social media search and analysis tool
Monitter – real-time, live Twitter monitor – lets you monitor Twitter for keywords, similar to features in some Twitter clients
Twitterfall – my favorite tool for following any topic on Twitter, powerful Twitter monitoring tool that displays tweets in a “waterfall” window

File Utilities

YouSendIt – easy way to share large files online
Twitpic – easy way to share photos via Twitter

For a full list of apps and tools collected by Jeremy Porter, please check out: Journalistics.com

RT: More Americans Tweeting – 19% of Internet Users on Twitter or Another Service

mystyleelife — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:16:35 +0000

Here are some findings published in Pew Research Study, click here to learn more about the study.

Some 19% of internet users now say they use Twitter or another service to share updates about themselves, or to see updates about others. This represents a significant increase over previous surveys in December 2008 and April 2009, when 11% of internet users said they use a status-update service.

Three groups of internet users are mainly responsible for driving the growth of this activity: social network website users, those who connect to the internet via mobile devices and younger internet users (those under age 44).

Internet users who already use social network sites such as MySpace, Facebook or LinkedIn are also likely to use Twitter (35%), compared with just 6% of internet users who do not use such social network sites.

And, the more devices someone owns, the more likely they are to use Twitter or another service to update their status. Fully 39% of internet users with four or more internet-connected devices (such as a laptop, cell phone, game console or Kindle) use Twitter, compared with 28% of internet users with three devices, 19% of internet users with two devices and 10% of internet users with one device.

Who is on TWITTER
*Demographic Group*	*% of US Adults Tweeting*
All Online adults	19%
Sex
Men	17
Women	21
Race/Ethnicity
White (non Hispanic)	19
African American	26
Hispanic	18
Age
18-29	33
30-49	22
50-64	9
65+	4
Education
Less than high school	18
High school diploma	17
Some college	21
College graduate	21
Household Income
< $30,000	22
30k-49,999	21
50k-74,999	20
≥ $75,000	20
Internet Connection
Broadband	21
Dial-up	11
Wireless or Tethered
Wireless	25
Tethered	8
Number of Wireless Devices
One	10
Two	19
Three	28
Four or more	39
Social Network User
Yes	35
No	6
Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project Survey, (August-September), October 2009

As of September 2009, 54% of internet users have a wireless connection to the internet via a laptop, cell phone, game console or other mobile device. Of those, 25% use Twitter or another similar service, up from 14% of wireless users in December 2008. By comparison, 8% of internet users who rely exclusively on tethered access use Twitter or another service, up from 6% in December 2008.

Analysis also shows that wireless access is an independent factor in predicting whether someone uses Twitter or another status update service. It is not simply because this group is likely to be young or tech-savvy. Owning and using a wireless internet device makes an internet user significantly more likely to tweet.

Age is another strong, independent predictor for use of Twitter and other status-updating services. Internet users ages 18 to 44 report rapid uptake of Twitter over the last nine months, whereas internet users ages 45 and older report slower adoption rates. For example, 37% of internet users ages 18 to 24 use Twitter or another service, up from 19% in December 2008.

The median age of a Twitter user is 31, which has remained stable over the past year. The median age for a MySpace user is now 26, down from 27 in May 2008, and the median age for LinkedIn is now 39, down from 40. Facebook, however, is graying a bit: the median age for this social network site is now 33, up from 26 in May 2008.

Median Twitter Age is 31
	*% of Internet Users*
*Twitter Age Group*	*Dec ‘08*	*Sep ‘09*
18-24	19%	37%
25-34	20	31
35-44	10	19
45-54	5	10
55-64	4	10
65+	2	4
Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project Survey, (Nov-Dec ‘08, Aug-Sep ‘09), October 2009

The report points out that Harvard Business School researchers analyzed a random sample of 300,000 Twitter accounts and found that “the top 10% of prolific Twitter users accounted for over 90% of tweets.” In addition, says the report, Sysomos analyzed 11.5 million Twitter accounts and found that most people post just once per day (and one in five have never posted).

CFADA Artists Painting in Washington Park on Satuday, Nov. 7 from 9am till noon!

mystyleelife — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:59:29 +0000

West Fraser Painting in the Park

CFADA artists are donating their time and talent to raise money for visual art programs at Charleston County high schools. Over $140,000 has been donated since 2004 to: R B Stall HS, Wando HS, James Island HS, St. John’s HS, West Ashley HS, Charleston School of The Arts, North Charleston HS, Burke HS, Septima P. Clark Academy, Garrett Academy of Technology and Academic Magnet High School.

CFADA artists that will be painting in Washington Park during the CFADA’s Charleston Fine Art Annual on Saturday, November 7 from 9am till noon include:

John Doyle, Mark Horton, Chris Groves, Lese Corrigan, Lyuba Titovets, Hilarie Lambert, Sue Stewart, Rick Reinert, Kevin LePrince, Laurie Meyer, Karen Larson Turner, West Fraser, William McCullough, Amy Lind, Robert Lange, Jennifer Smith Rogers, Shannon Smith, Simon Kenevan, Gary Grier, Chestee Harrington, Johnson Hagood, Rhett Thurman and Ted Ellis.

Charleston Fine Art Annual Brings Art Collectors to Charleston, November 4, 6, 7, 2009

mystyleelife — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:42:56 +0000

Over the past ten years, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association (CFADA) has grown from just a handful of founding members to 13 member galleries that continue to help transform Charleston’s art market and to set standards of professionalism. This November, CFADA welcomes avid art collectors and nationally renowned artists to celebrate its 10th anniversary and continue the tradition at the Eleventh Charleston Fine Art Annual. As Charleston’s premier weekend dedicated to the visual arts, the Charleston Fine Art Annual features more than 25 leading artists, exhibiting at CFADA member galleries and painting in Washington Park. The event takes place on November 4, 6, 7, 2009. Proceeds will benefit Charleston County High Schools’ fine art programs.

The fine art weekend kicks off on Wednesday, November 4 with the first of a new three part lecture series on Women in Art, organized by the Gibbes Museum of Art. For ticket information on the lecture series, please visit www.gibbesmuseum.org. The next event takes place on Friday, November 6 at 5:00 p.m., featuring an art stroll and gallery openings at CFADA member galleries. Each gallery will present works by prominent local and visiting artists who travel to Charleston every year to participate in this prestigious event. This free event is open to public.

On Saturday morning, November 7 starting at 9:00 a.m., locals and visitors alike will once again mingle and watch artists at work as they donate their time and talent to creating masterpieces that will be later auctioned off at the Charleston Art Auction to benefit the Charleston County High Schools’ art programs. The ever-popular plein air event, Painting in the Park, takes place at Washington Park from 9:00 a.m. till noon.

The Sixth Annual High School Art Competition, a platform for young talented artists to showcase their unique works, is part of the plein air event and will start at 11:00 a.m. at Washington Park. The finest student works will be on display and judged by a panel of celebrity judges. The winners will be announced at 11:30 a.m.

Saturday evening will be dedicated to auctioning fine works of art, featuring historically significant paintings and drawings together with contemporary works by recognized American artists. The creations from Painting in the Park will be auctioned interspersed between other works. The Charleston Art Auction will start at 7:15 p.m. at the Renaissance Charleston Hotel, 68 Wentworth Street, downtown Charleston. Reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited. Ticket are $50.00 (contributed to the Charleston County High School Art Programs, this includes a fully illustrated sales catalogue) per person.

Founded in 1999, the Charleston Fine Art Dealers’ Association is the source of fine art in the South and consists of the city’s prominent galleries. The association promotes Charleston as a fine art destination for avid collectors and passionate art enthusiasts and supports the artists of the future. CFADA has donated more than $140,000 to local high schools, the Gibbes Museum of Art, Redux Art Center and the Studio Art Department at the College of Charleston. For more information on CFADA, please visit www.cfada.com and for ticket reservations for the auction call 843-722-0128.

Capoeira Classes in Charleston, SC

mystyleelife — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:55:19 +0000

Capoeira transcends martial arts, music, and ritual. It was born on the streets of Brazil. It is a philosophical framework for approaching and interacting with the others and the world at large. It is a deep and holistic art form that pushes the practitioner to the proverbial limits – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Charleston’s Capoeira Performance Arts group performed at the Charleston Arts Coalition Launch Party last February. Now, Charleston youth can learn this amazing art and sign up for classes at http://www.capoeiracharleston.com/

Talking Trash at Green Fair in Charleston, SC

mystyleelife — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:04:41 +0000

I managed to get back from a conference in Florida on Sunday, Sept. 27 just in time to get some Taco Boy tacos and cowboy beans and check out the Green Fair that took place last weekend at Marion Square in Charleston, SC. The Green Fair is an annual green affair, well attended by locals, that it supposed to showcase local green (in some cases unfortunately green-washed) businesses and to create excitement for green products and technologies. The fair also features local food, sustainable seafood cooking contest, musicians, presentations, arts and crafts. It also strives to encourage locals to buy local and recycle. I am always fascinated by the latest advances in solar energy technologies and green building materials. I was happy to see the Lowcountry Local First getting a lot of attention from attendees as they support and promote local businesses and economy.

Cinebarre Holds a Free Movie Screening of E.T., September 26

mystyleelife — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:22:01 +0000

To show its appreciation for its supporters, Cinebarre announces a completely free event this Saturday, September 26. As part of its Moonlight Movies lineup, Cinebarre will show the beloved classic E.T. outside under the stars at 8:00pm. BUT, this time the movie isn’t the only thing that will be free! Cinebarre is making everything free — hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, chips, cookies, soda, water, and hot buttered popcorn — all free! Beer is only thing not free (bring cash).

Just bring a chair or blanket to sit on and you’re good to go for an all out night of fun and food. The outside cookout will start at 7:30pm. E.T. will start at 8:00pm sharp.

Wells Gallery’s Most Avant-Garde Show to Date by Sarah Ashley Longshore, October 2

mystyleelife — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:34:16 +0000

The Wells Gallery looks forward to sharing its most avant-garde show to date by Sarah Ashley Longshore on October 2 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Longshore’s uninhibited bold oil paintings are best described in her own words as “Pop Expressionistic”. Guests will get a preview of Longshore’s live streamed video blogs. You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind show at the Wells Gallery! Clever and bold, shiny and fresh, are all words that come to mind when viewing her work, but above all, confident.

This confidence caught the attention of high end retailer Anthropologie, and her designs will be featured on furniture and packaging for 2009. Longshore’s work was most recently emblazed on 75,000 eco totes highlighted in the 2008 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Manhattan. No stranger to the spotlight, Longshore counts Salma Hayak and Peneloope Cruz as collectors.

Preferring to “infuse humor with things taken from everyday life,” the New Orleans native was recently named New Orleans’s artist to watch. The Wells Gallery was introduced to her work when gallery owner Hume Killian passed the Longshore Studios Gallery in the heart of Magazine Street during a recent visit to New Orleans. He found himself enraptured, saying “I couldn’t decide whether to laugh or look away! It was racy, it was original, it was exactly what we needed during a time when many people are facing hardship. Either way, I was intrigued and knew we had to feature her work!”

The Well Gallery is located at 125 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston, SC.

BeliefNetworks to Provide Rehava Real Estate Store with Technology to Enhance Access to Relevant Content

mystyleelife — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:23:12 +0000

rehava Real Estate Store, an industry leader in bringing new real estate technologies for real estate online search, announced today that BeliefNetworks, Inc. will provide innovative online technology to the Charleston-based real estate company. rehava is also known for its high efficiency that translates into real estate rebates; the company pays half of its commission back to buyers at closing.

BeliefNetworks, Inc., a leader in semantic intelligence and predictive analytics, provides innovative technology that will serve semantically relevant display ad recommendations to its users and additionally to provide its users relevant content from other sites, blogs and real time Twitter conversations.

Just a few days ago, BeliefNetworks, Inc. announced a similar agreement with one of the most trusted information resources for the world’s business leaders, Forbes.com.

“As a technology leader that markets to buyers and sellers on the Internet, we are always keeping our eyes and ears open for new online technologies that will allow us to provide our homebuyers in Charleston, South Carolina with new services and better experience,” says Steve deGuzman, broker in charge of rehava.com. “BeliefNetworks provides us with innovative technology that will bring high quality original content to our clients as well as real estate news and market trends from across the web, blogs and Twitter.”

The rēhava ~Real Estate Store is a full service real estate broker that combines cutting-edge technology, focus on services and a new way of doing business to better serve clients. Located in Charleston, SC, the real estate company offers an innovative 50% buyer’s commission rebate to home buyers when they purchase their primary residence using one of rēhava’s REALTORS™. The first real estate store is located at 5060 International Boulevard in front of the Tanger Outlet Center. For more information please visit www.rehava.com.