CricketSoda.com http://www.cricketsoda.com The Chirp Heard Around the Universe Fri, 09 May 2008 01:09:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en CricketSoda’s Back http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/cricketsodas-back/ http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/cricketsodas-back/#comments Fri, 09 May 2008 01:09:53 +0000 Levi Blackman http://www.cricketsoda.com/?p=675 After a little downtime due to hosting issues, CricketSoda is back in action and going strong. Sorry about all the mess, I still love you all.

]]> http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/cricketsodas-back/feed/ Vixens May Cause Boiler Room Boil Over May 4 http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/vixens-may-cause-boiler-room-boil-over-may-4/ http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/vixens-may-cause-boiler-room-boil-over-may-4/#comments Fri, 02 May 2008 00:49:45 +0000 Levi Blackman http://www.cricketsoda.com/?p=670 In a event that may be too hot for The Boiler Room, The Vixens of Vaudeville Revue are performing on Sunday, May 4th at 9:30 PM to help raise money for the Texas Equal Access Fund. The Vixens will be up to their old tricks and kicks! Also, they will be introducing a new performer, Vivienne Vermouth! She has a number that’ll surely get a rise out of you! Also performing with The Vixens are the female punk band, Screaming Red!

You may remember getting a rise from the MINX Burlesque, which used to spice up Denton with many of the same members from The Vixens of Vaudeville Revue. I know you remember MinXmas.

All you really need to know is said in the picture below:

]]> http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/vixens-may-cause-boiler-room-boil-over-may-4/feed/ Famou$ Feti$h http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/famou-fetih/ http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/famou-fetih/#comments Fri, 02 May 2008 00:31:39 +0000 Maria http://www.cricketsoda.com/?p=648 Famous people are fabulous, just like you can be with our Famous Fetish Layout!

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How to transform your profile to this layout:

Step one: Copy the code below and paste it in the about me section in the edit profile section (log in, click the edit profile link, second box down) :

Step two: Hit submit and check out your new profile!

It is that easy! Enjoy!

]]> http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/famou-fetih/feed/ Personal Loans Get Cash in your Pocket http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/personal-loans-get-cash-in-your-pocket/ http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/personal-loans-get-cash-in-your-pocket/#comments Thu, 01 May 2008 05:19:17 +0000 Levi Blackman http://www.cricketsoda.com/?p=668 Just the other day I found out that we owed the electric company for two months because our bill was lost in the mail. I couldn’t believe that all of the sudden I was behind $400 on my bills I had been working so hard to keep current.

I had heard about a nationwide personal loan service that operated online. I didn’t even have to leave the house and I had money in my bank account. It took me three minutes to apply for a loan online, and even with my horrible credit, I was able to get the money I need.

The site is named Personal Loans Mania and they specialize in Personal Loans right from any computer. I was amazed at how fast and easy everything was. They were a true lifesaver, and my lights are still on, and I can still post on my blog!

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Disclosure: This post is a paid advertisement brought to you by Personal Loans Mania!

]]> http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/personal-loans-get-cash-in-your-pocket/feed/ Color Changing Mood Pants Don’t Really Fit my Diet http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/color-changing-mood-pants-dont-really-fit-my-diet/ http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/color-changing-mood-pants-dont-really-fit-my-diet/#comments Thu, 01 May 2008 03:24:08 +0000 Levi Blackman http://www.cricketsoda.com/?p=667 Just so you know, sometimes I fart. Farts happen to some people, and it is generally considered a natural body process by many scientists (just ask one). Sure, I know that I could reduce the amount and loudness, but I am not ashamed. I refused to eat beano, I refuse to stop eating beans/eggs/etc, and I refuse to squeeze when I feel one a-coming, just for your personal pleasure of watching me suffer from a rumble below.

Farts are not all glam and glory. In fact, they can sometimes cause real life problems, that don’t seem to have a solution other than the beano, beanless, squeeze method. For example the other day I wanted to go to a tripped out hippie party wearing my brand new color changing mood pants. I even had the things tailored so that they cupped my crotch just right, and didn’t drag on the ground.

Just before we left, I let one go. I would say it was a small one, others might call it a medium. Everyone agrees it wasn’t a mammoth of a wind, but it wasn’t something to let go of in church. Before I could even enjoy the relief, my friends had their fingers extended, pointing at my ass, and laughing in that please be offended because you have a green dot on your ass.

I turned to look to see my purple pants turning a shade of red, and a large green splotch where my fart had heated up the fabric.

Green?!? Of all the colors it could have possibly turned, I would have picked red at the far color. I mean, my farts can be pretty hot. I guess from the journey out of my ass the gas cooled down enough to turn it green.

So I got rid of the pants. They just don’t really match my style.

]]> http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/color-changing-mood-pants-dont-really-fit-my-diet/feed/ M.I.A. And Holy Fuck at Palladium Ballroom May 2 http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/mia-and-holy-fuck-at-palladium-ballroom-may-2/ http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/mia-and-holy-fuck-at-palladium-ballroom-may-2/#comments Thu, 01 May 2008 01:05:46 +0000 Levi Blackman http://www.cricketsoda.com/?p=663 I’m was never really a big fan on M.I.A. and her website gives me a headache (no to mention the mislabeled links). But, my tastes in music aside, you really have to respect someone as big as M.I.A. who still keeps it real. In her videos, instead of thugs, bitches and diamonds, she has street dancers, and real people, who don’t look like they are made of plastic.

See video evidence here: http://www.miauk.com/videos/birdflu-small.mov

Holy Fuck on the other hand, are amazing. For new dance music they really pump up the beat.

Video Evidence

Now is your chance to see them live in Dallas, but you have to act quick, it’s this Friday.
BUY YOUR TICKETS:
CLICK HERE: Ticketmaster.com

]]> http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/mia-and-holy-fuck-at-palladium-ballroom-may-2/feed/ The Denton Music Scene http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/the-denton-music-scene/ http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/the-denton-music-scene/#comments Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:11:18 +0000 Levi Blackman http://www.cricketsoda.com/?p=660 Coming up this week are a few local acts you won’t want to miss. And hey, sitting in front of the computer all day gets old after a few years right?

Bagbrown
Bagbrown @ The Denton Garage May 2nd 11:00 P.M. - Garage Rock Blues with little pop influence, Neil Young fans will dig this trio.


Tapes And Tapes and White Denim @ Hailey’s Club $14 at the Door May 3rd 8:00pm – Just watch the video:


The Boxcart Bandits and Jeff Jeffus @ The Boiler Room 03 May, 09:00 PM $5 – Blue grass knee popping good time if you can handle it.

]]> http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/the-denton-music-scene/feed/ Why I Get All the Freelance Jobs, and You Don’t http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/why-i-get-all-the-freelance-jobs-and-you-dont/ http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/why-i-get-all-the-freelance-jobs-and-you-dont/#comments Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:25:56 +0000 Levi Blackman http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/why-i-get-all-the-freelance-jobs-and-you-dont/ First I want to say, as a little encouragement to those working in a freelance market, it is an extremely tough way to get business, and very competitive. Before I failed over and over again, I had no idea what I was doing, and it really showed when I had to face up against a professional seller. I would try to sound smart and end up using words the customer didn’t understand, while my competition smoothed talked their way into contract after contract.

I did have one advantage that in the end made me stand out over everyone else. I was really good at what I was doing, and I really loved doing the best possible job. Once I figured out a few key aspects of freelance markets, there wasn’t a job I couldn’t get if I really wanted it.

The market I mainly deal with is the Wordpress support, which is basically setting up websites using the same platform we use here at CricketSoda, and personalizing it to meet their needs. Some of these “reasons I get the job” may be related to my market, but I hope that you can find ways to related it to your own market. After all, part of being a good freelancer is being creative.

These are listed in order from most important to least. I want you to surf away from this article with the top items on your mind. And hey, if you try these out and still don’t see any improvement on the jobs you land, I will buy you a drink.

So at least you will get some sleep either way.

Reason #1 : I sound smarter than everyone else, but any idiot can understand what I am talking about. When you are talking to someone use everyday language, but don’t numb it down. The person who is going to hire you isn’t 3, but they may be new to the industry, or have little hands on experience (which is likely why they are hiring someone). Keep in mind that the person really just wants a complete project without hassle. Explaining things thoroughly but in easy to understand language is important.

Reason #2 : I explain my plan for how I am going to get the project done completely before I am even selected for the project. This can take a little extra work but it well worth it. By convincing your possible employer that you already have a plan, and know what you are doing, will push you above everyone else who doesn’t take the extra time to do so. This is especially important if your bid is higher than one of your competitors. People are willing to pay for quality work, and convincing them that you are capable of giving them that will boost you impression before you even start.

Reason #3 : I use a little small talk to break any tension. When I am working with someone, I try to make a little small talk, especially if it is something related to their website. For example, say I am going to do a site for a Florida real estate company; I will usually ask about the weather (since Florida is known for it) and perhaps talk a little bit about real estate. Showing them that you have an interest in what they are working on will let them know you are dedicated to the cause. Always showing concern for the employer always helps, and a Hello, how are you? Is always welcome in a message before you start getting down to business. In a digital world, it is always comforting to know you are dealing with a real person on the other end, so act like you would if you were talking to them in person.

Reason #4 : I let them know where I live, and a little bit about my background. When I am first propositioning someone for a project I want to get in on the personal level as quick as I can. By letting them know a little about me they are then able to relate to me a little bit better. If they have a problem with anything about me, then it is probably better that we don’t work together, just to avoid costly problems.

Reason #5 : I don’t ever half ass anything, especially when it comes to getting my bid accepted. If a potential client ever asks me a question, I try to answer it in a above and beyond kind of way. I want them to know that I am confident in what I am doing, and that I can tackle problems head on. I encourage them to ask questions, that way I can really show them what I am made of. No job is too small, and a lot of the time great things can come from giving special attention to even the smallest of jobs.

I hope that now you know how I do it, you won’t feel so bad that I get all the jobs, while you are bidding lower and lower hoping to pick someone up.

]]> http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/why-i-get-all-the-freelance-jobs-and-you-dont/feed/ The Mind Bender (A game that will bend your brain) http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/the-mind-bender-a-game-that-will-bend-your-brain/ http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/the-mind-bender-a-game-that-will-bend-your-brain/#comments Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:06:19 +0000 Levi Blackman http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/the-mind-bender-a-game-that-will-bend-your-brain/ the-mind-bender-5.jpgYour goal, help your crazy jumping friend find his way to a little pink triangle teleportation device. To assist you in your journey, a powerful telekinesis that allows you to move blocks with the power of your mind. To oppose you, lots of spikes, and tricky jumps that take practice to master.

Check it out, its The Mind Bender!

Post your high score in the comments!

]]> http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/the-mind-bender-a-game-that-will-bend-your-brain/feed/ Wolf Parade: New Album, Summer Tour http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/wolf-parade-new-album-summer-tour/ http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/wolf-parade-new-album-summer-tour/#comments Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:31:22 +0000 Levi Blackman http://www.cricketsoda.com/content/wolf-parade-new-album-summer-tour/ wolf_parade.jpgWolf Parade announced a mid-summer tour to go along with their new album. The new album called At Mount Zoomer is set to come out in June, to be followed by the North American tour in July. Will the new record, which Wolf Parade claims to have work to create a new sound, finally pull the band out of The Arcade Fire’s shadow?

I doubt it, but those Canadians sure do know how to make so damn good music (don’t believe me, see video below), and this might be a show you can’t miss. Here is the dates, coming to a city near you:

July 7: Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom
July 8: Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
July 9: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
July 12: Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
July 13: Seattle, WA @ Marymoor Park
July 15: Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
July 17: San Francisco, Ca @ Fillmore
July 18: Hollywood, CA @ Henry Fonda
July 19: Hollywood, CA @ Henry Fonda
July 20: San Diego, CA @ Cane’s
July 21: Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
July 24: Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom
July 25: Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa
July 26: Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
July 28: Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
July 29: Raleigh, NC @ Disco Rodeo
July 30: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
July 31: New York, NY @ Terminal 5
Aug 2: Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
Aug 3: Montreal, QC @ Metropolis
Aug 9: Toronto, ON @ Koolhaus

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