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Editor’s note: Every Friday from now until April 1, we will be announcing the winners of our contest Fierce Friday on the blog. Fierce Friday was launched as a way to highlight our best writers and copy editors working on the Tyra Banks’ Beauty & Fashion website, typeF.com, which is launching March 15. Each winning writer will receive $300 in Concert Cash for LiveNation.com, and each winning copy editor will receive $100 of the same.
Please read on to learn more about our first winning article and for a sneak peek into typeF.com.
From Runway to Roadway: Why This Works
What should you wear on a motorcycle? Well, it’s a pretty safe bet that the readers of typeF.com won’t come to an article like this hoping for advice on how to conjure up Jesse James. Instead, they’re probably looking for information on how to maintain sex appeal while also being safe.
Writer River Holmes-Miller delivers on this, which is why she and CE Aldene Fredenburg are this week’s Fierce Friday winners.
From the clever subheads and great photo to the funny jokes and thorough information, River’s article encourages safety and style. She pumps the reader full of confidence that she can strut straight from the catwalk right to her Harley, looking both sexy and safe.
The best thing about this article is it never once loses the point amidst the humor. Every single sentence has a specific purpose and is integral to the piece. After reading the article, we know the importance of high-quality leather as opposed to the cheap stuff. We also know why gloves, boots and a helmet are so vital to hopping on that cruiser before riding off into the wind.
Want to know why we know all this? Because this article is so entertaining and smart, we couldn’t help ourselves but to keep reading! It’s not cheesy, though it could’ve been. It’s not boring, though it definitely had the potential. Instead, it has the perfect balance.
Congratulations to River Holmes-Miller and Aldene Fredenburg for creating such an extraordinary article for typeF.com.
What Should I Wear on a Motorcycle?
By River Holmes-Miller for typeF.com
If you have dreams of hitting the highway in your Daisy Dukes and teeny-weeny bikini top, you better think again. Like it or not, there's a reason motorcycle mamas swaddle their hides in pounds of leather. Whether you're at the controls or simply the babe on the back, you've got to make your clothing count when the rubber meets the road.
Don't Have a Cow . . . Wear One!
Everyone from the biggest, baddest biker dudes to the sweetest biker honeys know that there's nothing sexy about turning your top half into Hamburger Helper. That's why leather jackets are the go-to accessory for the biker set. And not that wafer-thin, cheap-o stuff you see on sale at the mall, either. This leather is the real deal -- layers of heavy-duty cowhide that won't bite the dust if you find yourself hitting the pavement at 100 mph. And an even better bet is leather that's got some hard plastic inserts around the elbows and other strategic spots -- it may look a little Michael Jackson, but it'll keep your tender parts safe if you crash.
Smarty Pants
If you don't want your mile-highs to look deep-fried, you've got to go long when you're on a motorcycle. One little bare-legged bump with that pipin' hot exhaust will give you a raspberry the size of an orange. So if you've ever wondered whether you had the mojo to pull off a pair of leather pants, now's your chance to find out. Leather pants will keep those gams under cover in event of a crash and turn chance encounters with exhaust pipes into no big whoop. If leather pants are just too disco, put on your thickest, burliest pair of jeans -- they're not half as good as leather, but they're better than bare.
Full-Throttle Footwear
Flip-flops and sandals are the kiss of death on a motorcycle, so don't even think about it. Motorcycles can kick up anything from gravel to pancaked squirrel guts, and with your tootsies just inches from the ground you'll want some protection. Leather boots are best, especially if they've got plenty of protection around the ankles.
Keeping Your Dome Dent-Free
The prospect of helmet hair may not thrill you, but it's a small price to pay for seeing your next birthday. A motorcycle helmet is simply a must -- it'll protect your head and face from flying debris and go a long way toward keeping your noggin intact. According to Motorcycle.com, you need to look for something that says "DOT" on the back of your helmet -- this will let you know your helmet means business when it comes to safety.
The Finishing Touch
Get a grip with a good pair of leather gloves. Going bare-handed at high speed is a good way to turn your digits into "Look Ma, no hands!" The heavier and longer the better. Whether you're driving or riding, you'll need to be able to hold on tight, so pay attention to fit.
Key Concepts
* wear on motorcycle
* dressing for motorcycle
* dress motorcycle ride
* riding motorcycle clothes
* reason leather motorcycle
References
* "Motorcycle"; What to Wear When You Ride -- and Why; Jeff Cobb; November 6, 2009
http://www.motorcycle.com/rider-safety/what-to-wear-when-you-ride-and-why-88120.html
* "Los Angeles Times"; What to Wear on a Bike; Susan Carpenter; October 10, 2007
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/highway1/la-hy-gear10oct10,0,1938825.story
Please read on to learn more about our first winning article and for a sneak peek into typeF.com.
From Runway to Roadway: Why This Works
What should you wear on a motorcycle? Well, it’s a pretty safe bet that the readers of typeF.com won’t come to an article like this hoping for advice on how to conjure up Jesse James. Instead, they’re probably looking for information on how to maintain sex appeal while also being safe.
Writer River Holmes-Miller delivers on this, which is why she and CE Aldene Fredenburg are this week’s Fierce Friday winners.
From the clever subheads and great photo to the funny jokes and thorough information, River’s article encourages safety and style. She pumps the reader full of confidence that she can strut straight from the catwalk right to her Harley, looking both sexy and safe.
The best thing about this article is it never once loses the point amidst the humor. Every single sentence has a specific purpose and is integral to the piece. After reading the article, we know the importance of high-quality leather as opposed to the cheap stuff. We also know why gloves, boots and a helmet are so vital to hopping on that cruiser before riding off into the wind.
Want to know why we know all this? Because this article is so entertaining and smart, we couldn’t help ourselves but to keep reading! It’s not cheesy, though it could’ve been. It’s not boring, though it definitely had the potential. Instead, it has the perfect balance.
Congratulations to River Holmes-Miller and Aldene Fredenburg for creating such an extraordinary article for typeF.com.
What Should I Wear on a Motorcycle?
By River Holmes-Miller for typeF.com
If you have dreams of hitting the highway in your Daisy Dukes and teeny-weeny bikini top, you better think again. Like it or not, there's a reason motorcycle mamas swaddle their hides in pounds of leather. Whether you're at the controls or simply the babe on the back, you've got to make your clothing count when the rubber meets the road.
Don't Have a Cow . . . Wear One!
Everyone from the biggest, baddest biker dudes to the sweetest biker honeys know that there's nothing sexy about turning your top half into Hamburger Helper. That's why leather jackets are the go-to accessory for the biker set. And not that wafer-thin, cheap-o stuff you see on sale at the mall, either. This leather is the real deal -- layers of heavy-duty cowhide that won't bite the dust if you find yourself hitting the pavement at 100 mph. And an even better bet is leather that's got some hard plastic inserts around the elbows and other strategic spots -- it may look a little Michael Jackson, but it'll keep your tender parts safe if you crash.
Smarty Pants
If you don't want your mile-highs to look deep-fried, you've got to go long when you're on a motorcycle. One little bare-legged bump with that pipin' hot exhaust will give you a raspberry the size of an orange. So if you've ever wondered whether you had the mojo to pull off a pair of leather pants, now's your chance to find out. Leather pants will keep those gams under cover in event of a crash and turn chance encounters with exhaust pipes into no big whoop. If leather pants are just too disco, put on your thickest, burliest pair of jeans -- they're not half as good as leather, but they're better than bare.
Full-Throttle Footwear
Flip-flops and sandals are the kiss of death on a motorcycle, so don't even think about it. Motorcycles can kick up anything from gravel to pancaked squirrel guts, and with your tootsies just inches from the ground you'll want some protection. Leather boots are best, especially if they've got plenty of protection around the ankles.
Keeping Your Dome Dent-Free
The prospect of helmet hair may not thrill you, but it's a small price to pay for seeing your next birthday. A motorcycle helmet is simply a must -- it'll protect your head and face from flying debris and go a long way toward keeping your noggin intact. According to Motorcycle.com, you need to look for something that says "DOT" on the back of your helmet -- this will let you know your helmet means business when it comes to safety.
The Finishing Touch
Get a grip with a good pair of leather gloves. Going bare-handed at high speed is a good way to turn your digits into "Look Ma, no hands!" The heavier and longer the better. Whether you're driving or riding, you'll need to be able to hold on tight, so pay attention to fit.
Key Concepts
* wear on motorcycle
* dressing for motorcycle
* dress motorcycle ride
* riding motorcycle clothes
* reason leather motorcycle
References
* "Motorcycle"; What to Wear When You Ride -- and Why; Jeff Cobb; November 6, 2009
http://www.motorcycle.com/rider-safety/what-to-wear-when-you-ride-and-why-88120.html
* "Los Angeles Times"; What to Wear on a Bike; Susan Carpenter; October 10, 2007
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/highway1/la-hy-gear10oct10,0,1938825.story
Your weekly update on what’s happening now. Each week the editorial team will highlight trending topics that are creating buzz on the Web and what you should keep an eye on in the coming week. For more information on how to best use this information, log in and check out the community forum post located here.
Five Trending Topics:
Five Breakout Topics:
Five Trending Topics:
Libya Protest
Space Shuttle Discovery Launch
DOMA
Wisconsin Protests
DOMA
Wisconsin Protests
NBA Trades
Five Breakout Topics:
iPad 3
Winter Weather
Academy Awards
NFL Draft
St. Patrick's Day
Winter Weather
Academy Awards
NFL Draft
St. Patrick's Day
Editor’s note: As our emphasis on quality – that of both our content and your experience – continues to grow, so does our team. We recently brought on three assistant editors to help ensure we’re seeing to your needs as best possible. These three individuals will be helping out with Help Desk, the forums, rejection appeals and more, and we’re very glad to have them here. You’ll be seeing their names pop up from time to time, so we felt it only appropriate to have them share a bit about themselves. To learn a little about their backgrounds and interests, read on!
TIM
My name is Tim. Since you all will be seeing my name around, I figure it would be a good idea if we got to know each other. And since this blog post is a bit of a one-way conversation, let me tell you all a little about myself.
I’m a native Southern California resident, born and raised in the smallish city of Lawndale, which is a suburb of Los Angeles. My two passions in life are writing and athletics, one of which currently has me on crutches and wearing a protective boot for an ankle injury. I’ll let you guess which one! I’m also a bit of a nerd, which encompasses anything from literature to science fiction. If there is a way to nerd out on it, guaranteed I will find a way.
I’m very excited to be here working for DMS, and I’m looking forward to working with all of you as well.
KENDRA
I am absolutely elated to be working with all of you. Before I was hired as an assistant editor here at Demand Media Studios, I had absolutely no idea how to remove a tree from my front yard and I most certainly did not know that the best way to DIY pink highlights is by using a perforated shower cap.
Thank you all for sharing your writing, experience and gumption. It’s contagious.
As I’m sure you can easily assume, it was my love of writing and editing that brought me to Demand. So instead of launching into a laundry list of work experience and writing samples, I will tell you exactly what I would tell you if we were bonding over a couple of cappuccinos.
I shamelessly love talking about food, politics and pop culture. In my ideal world, every night would be a dinner party and every morning would be spent reading, blogging and walking the dogs.
MIKE
Hi, I’m Mike. I am new to Demand and to Los Angeles. In a way, you could say that I’m new to America. I’ve just returned from nine years living overseas. I lived in Japan until last November. Everything is a bit of an adjustment. In L.A., it can even be an adventure just riding the bus to work (although, to be honest, I’ve heard that’s the case for everyone riding L.A. buses).
There are a lot of friendly and welcoming people here. I have to strongly resist bowing to everyone. Don’t be put off if I seem too formal.
I was a contractor with Demand for the past year and learned about the company through a friend who worked with me in Japan.
Anyway, I’m sure you’ll get to know me through our many online interactions. I’m one of the people you get when you contact Demand for help.
Your weekly update on what’s happening now. Each week the editorial team will highlight trending topics that are creating buzz on the Web and what you should keep an eye on in the coming week. For more information on how to best use this information, log in and check out the community forum post located here.
Five Trending Topics:
Five Breakout Topics:
Five Trending Topics:
Iran Protests
Unemployment
Watson
Medicare Fraud
Wisconsin Budget ProtestsFive Breakout Topics:
iPad 3
Winter Weather
NBA All-Star Weekend
Motorola Atrix 4G
President's Day
Winter Weather
NBA All-Star Weekend
Motorola Atrix 4G
President's Day
Your weekly update on what’s happening now. Each week the editorial team will highlight trending topics that are creating buzz on the Web and what you should keep an eye on in the coming week. For more information on how to best use this information, log in and check out the community forum post located here.
Five Trending Topics:
Five Breakout Topics:
Five Trending Topics:
Egypt Protest
Unemployment
Verizon iPhone
Flu Season
Diet SodaFive Breakout Topics:
iPad 3
Winter Weather
NFL Draft
Facebook Phone
Winter Weather
NFL Draft
Facebook Phone
Valentine's Day
Editor’s Note: Alex is our Studio Intern who is a senior at BYU majoring in print journalism. She is working on a series about unearthing unusual methods of relieving writer’s block and putting her findings to the test.
Looking back to a very specific memory of one of my early encounters with the dreaded block reminded me that sometimes sitting still is what shakes you free from it’s frustrating grip.
After being asked to write a poetry assignment to summarize my life thus far, I asked my teacher where I should begin. At the ripe age of 11 I believed that I had already developed into a fairly complex character and trying to condense that into a few stanzas seemed ridiculous. My teacher responded, “Begin by accessing your earliest memory.”
It took me a while to try to put some of those earliest memories in any sort of chronological order, but one flash back kept crossing my mind:
There is a spot at Disneyland, next to the spinning tea cups, with a small round pink door with the words “W Rabbit” engraved on a gold plate. I remember going back to that same door and taking a picture every year. At first it was always by myself, but later it became a family affair with my siblings joining in on the fun. I can recall feeling like the White Rabbit’s door was the perfect size for me and one day I would have a door just like that.
As the years passed, I noticed the door felt smaller and smaller. As it shrank in my eyes it held less intrigue and mystique to me. I thought back to a few months earlier, after a recent growth spurt, I could barely fit my 11-year-old awkward and gangly body on the front step.
My dramatic and nostalgic self decided to write on the subject of out-growing a childhood fantasy. And yes, to write something like this now may come across melodramatic, but at the time the realization that I was growing up was a Judy Blume-size awaking.
I would suggest finding a peaceful place to reflect, listen to an old song that may trigger past memories or go into whatever environment that will lend itself to deep pondering. Once you grab hold of a memory, remember how it made youfeel (lonely, happy, frustrated, embarrassed). In my experience, feeling nostalgic and really examining those past emotions has helped me put my mind into perspective, usually breathing in new life to my writing or way of thinking.
Looking back to a very specific memory of one of my early encounters with the dreaded block reminded me that sometimes sitting still is what shakes you free from it’s frustrating grip.
After being asked to write a poetry assignment to summarize my life thus far, I asked my teacher where I should begin. At the ripe age of 11 I believed that I had already developed into a fairly complex character and trying to condense that into a few stanzas seemed ridiculous. My teacher responded, “Begin by accessing your earliest memory.”
It took me a while to try to put some of those earliest memories in any sort of chronological order, but one flash back kept crossing my mind:
There is a spot at Disneyland, next to the spinning tea cups, with a small round pink door with the words “W Rabbit” engraved on a gold plate. I remember going back to that same door and taking a picture every year. At first it was always by myself, but later it became a family affair with my siblings joining in on the fun. I can recall feeling like the White Rabbit’s door was the perfect size for me and one day I would have a door just like that.
As the years passed, I noticed the door felt smaller and smaller. As it shrank in my eyes it held less intrigue and mystique to me. I thought back to a few months earlier, after a recent growth spurt, I could barely fit my 11-year-old awkward and gangly body on the front step.
My dramatic and nostalgic self decided to write on the subject of out-growing a childhood fantasy. And yes, to write something like this now may come across melodramatic, but at the time the realization that I was growing up was a Judy Blume-size awaking.
I would suggest finding a peaceful place to reflect, listen to an old song that may trigger past memories or go into whatever environment that will lend itself to deep pondering. Once you grab hold of a memory, remember how it made youfeel (lonely, happy, frustrated, embarrassed). In my experience, feeling nostalgic and really examining those past emotions has helped me put my mind into perspective, usually breathing in new life to my writing or way of thinking.
Announcing the winter edition of the Writer Enrichment Program! As you may know, the Writer Enrichment Program includes a webinar series, one-on-one chats with in-house editors and access to a group where you can collaborate with other Writer Enrichment Program writers. Head over to Studio News in the forum for even more information on the program and how to apply to participate.
Thanks!
The Demand Media Studios Team
Each week we will feature a DMS community member who we feel goes above and beyond what is asked of them to make our community great. We want to spotlight those who are active and positive contributors in our forums, on our Blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. It's our creators who make us great and you deserve to be recognized!
Welcome to the 'Meet Your Moderator' edition of Community Kudos!
With all the great work our Community Moderators do in the forums we thought it was only appropriate that they get some love too! We recently caught up with Jacqui, a DMS community moderator for almost one year, to see how things are going and ask a few questions. Read on to see what she had to say and learn a little more about your faithful Community Moderator!
1. Where do you currently reside? Is it covered in snow like the rest of the country?
I live in Huntington, WV. We've had a pretty snowy winter, but right now (knock on wood!) we are snow-free.
2. How long have you been a Community Moderator? What’s your favorite part?
I became a Community Moderator in April 2010. I enjoy answering questions and helping others, especially newer writers.
3. How would you spend your ‘ideal day’? What would you do?
My ideal day...hmmm. This is something that changes all the time, but right now it would consist of a lazy early-summer afternoon spent on a hammock in the shade, with a great book and an endless supply of sweet tea.
4. What is the last book you read? Did you like it?
I'm currently reading "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke, and it's excellent. I usually have two or three books going at once, so I'm also re-reading "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield -- it's one of my favorites.
5. What did you want to be when you were 12 years old?
A scientist, a librarian and a writer. I'm no good at math, so the science thing went out the window pretty quickly!
6. What’s one thing most people in the DMS community probably don’t know about you?
I'm an unrepentant geek. I love video games, science fiction and fantasy. I actually wrote a fan letter to Carrie Fisher when I was 12 (but never got around to mailing it).
So there you have it!
If you see Jacqui in the forums be sure to give her some kudos of your own.
Stay tuned for the next installment of 'Meet Your Moderator' coming soon!
Your weekly update on what’s happening now. Each week the editorial team will highlight trending topics that are creating buzz on the Web and what you should keep an eye on in the coming week. For more information on how to best use this information, log in and check out the community forum post located here.
Five Trending Topics:
Five Breakout Topics:
Five Trending Topics:
Super Bowl
Unemployment
Egypt Protest
Cyclone Yasi
PGA TourFive Breakout Topics:
Healthcare Reform
Winter Weather
Blackberry Playbook
Verizon iPhone
Nokia and Microsoft
Winter Weather
Blackberry Playbook
Verizon iPhone
Nokia and Microsoft
Editor’s Note: Alex is our Studio Intern who is a senior at BYU majoring in print journalism. She is working on a series about unearthing unusual methods of relieving writer’s block and has decided to put her findings to the test.
J. Paul Getty, the renowned American industrialist, was a believer in the ability to reset his brain. He did this by completing a simple exercise called cross crawling. Cross crawling is exactly what it sounds like: you just get down on the ground and crawl like a baby. But to effectively re-balance your mind you must make sure your opposite hand and knee strike the ground at the same time. This diagonal action re-balances the two sides of your brain, and helps you recover from those ever-feared "brain farts.”
Some doctors are recommending a similar exercise that should give you the same effect without causing such a stir when you are crawling around your cubicle.
Begin by taking hold of your right earlobe with your left hand and your left earlobe with your right hand. Then bend your knees into a squatting position and then slowly staighten you knees back to a standing position.
My Attempt:
To save myself from embarrassment, I performed my re-balancing exercises from the comfort of my own home. I attempted both rituals twice, once by myself so I could really focus on what I was trying to accomplish and then a second time for my sister to capture on camera for documentation.
After a long commute home, I hoped the exercises would clear my cluttered mind. I began with the crawling exercise which, at first, felt more like a yoga core workout than a brain teaser. After I was three-quarters of the way across the room, I recognized the definite challenge it was to perfect the cross-crawl. I’m not sure about how well my mind was rebalanced but it did give my mind a relief while trying to focus on the correct technique.
As for the ear lobe squat, in the end, I just felt sort of dizzy. And yes, maybe the reason I felt dizzy was because I had just crawled a 5K but either way it didn’t seem to do much for me. I suggest trying one routine or the other instead of attempting both at the same time. I plan on giving the ear lobe squat a second chance on a later date.
Other variations of the cross crawl can be found on http://headbacktohealth.com/Cross_crawl.html. This will give you the chance to find the cross crawl that will work for you.
J. Paul Getty, the renowned American industrialist, was a believer in the ability to reset his brain. He did this by completing a simple exercise called cross crawling. Cross crawling is exactly what it sounds like: you just get down on the ground and crawl like a baby. But to effectively re-balance your mind you must make sure your opposite hand and knee strike the ground at the same time. This diagonal action re-balances the two sides of your brain, and helps you recover from those ever-feared "brain farts.”
Some doctors are recommending a similar exercise that should give you the same effect without causing such a stir when you are crawling around your cubicle.
Begin by taking hold of your right earlobe with your left hand and your left earlobe with your right hand. Then bend your knees into a squatting position and then slowly staighten you knees back to a standing position.
My Attempt:
To save myself from embarrassment, I performed my re-balancing exercises from the comfort of my own home. I attempted both rituals twice, once by myself so I could really focus on what I was trying to accomplish and then a second time for my sister to capture on camera for documentation.
After a long commute home, I hoped the exercises would clear my cluttered mind. I began with the crawling exercise which, at first, felt more like a yoga core workout than a brain teaser. After I was three-quarters of the way across the room, I recognized the definite challenge it was to perfect the cross-crawl. I’m not sure about how well my mind was rebalanced but it did give my mind a relief while trying to focus on the correct technique.
As for the ear lobe squat, in the end, I just felt sort of dizzy. And yes, maybe the reason I felt dizzy was because I had just crawled a 5K but either way it didn’t seem to do much for me. I suggest trying one routine or the other instead of attempting both at the same time. I plan on giving the ear lobe squat a second chance on a later date.
Other variations of the cross crawl can be found on http://headbacktohealth.com/Cross_crawl.html. This will give you the chance to find the cross crawl that will work for you.
