CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-21 18:46:15 (28 comments, 6 reshares, 41 +1s)

Hangout On Air Today with +Shimrit Ben-Yair
3:30pm PDT from my profile

Today I'm going to be sitting down with members of the G+ community and product manager Shimrit to discuss some of the new features of the new Google+. See ya there!

p.s. Sorry for deleting the first version of this post... I didn't like the audio and tried to fix it. Oh well!

2013-05-21 17:39:09 (62 comments, 13 reshares, 62 +1s)

Say hello to the XBOX ONE

Looks like Microsoft wanted to get the jump on Sony - the first thing they showed was the box. I mean, and then they showed me how I could watch movies on it instead of focusing on the hardware. But then they started talking about the hardware. But then they showed me more voice commands. Then back to hardware specs....then to SmartGlass...

It's a little bit of a "I WANT TO BE EVERYTHING!" device and it doesn't appear completely clear that Microsoft knows where to focus its energy. That being said, the XBOX ONE is certainly pretty and looks powerful.

I guess we call the first #Xbox  the XBOX OLD now? ::P

2013-05-21 04:16:13 (30 comments, 13 reshares, 233 +1s)

Sleepy San Francisco...

Decided to catch on some easy tasks tonight instead of trying to do anything that involved too much "think." Worked my butt off this weekend and I know when to take a break now to be productive later. Even though I may have an hour long talk to prepare and the launch of +The LittleBigFund coming up, this time is important.

So I'm going to look at this photo for a little bit and collect my thoughts. It's going to be great.

2013-05-20 21:01:58 (6 comments, 0 reshares, 35 +1s)

How does The LittleBigFund Work? Answers to your questions.
Check out the full FAQ here: http://bit.ly/14p5vtG

When we launch in less than two weeks, we want you to be empowered to know how we work, where your contributions go, and anything else you may be wondering about. We'll spend this week addressing some of the larger inquiries about our process in more detail, but today we wanted to provide you with our FAQ. Enabling you, our most passionate fans, to know the answers to these questions will better prepare you to be an advocate for The LittleBigFund and put your mind at ease when you donate/vote.

We value transparency and we want you to know that you can ask us anything. If there's a question you have that isn't on the FAQ let us know in the comment below! We'll be sure to answer you :)

2013-05-20 18:59:50 (360 comments, 143 reshares, 596 +1s)

Marriage is just for procreation you say?

Don't worry guys - God's pretty crafty and will figure something out if he has to. Frankly it shocks me that people can't hear the absurdity of what they suggest. All it takes it looking at a situation from a new perspective to see that these one-line "God will..." quotes are pretty frickin' inclusive. While I'm sure some people will continue to think that marriage is only about procreation, I'm happy to see the definition of family evolving in the majority of people. Can't stop progress :)

#LGBT   #GayMarriage   #PridePlus  

2013-05-19 02:59:47 (32 comments, 4 reshares, 112 +1s)

Oh you know, just making LittleBigFund.org

You guys are in for a treat when the website for +The LittleBigFund launches on June 1st. I'm sitting here on a balcony in Oakland with its designer +Alexander Parker (pictured) who clearly know how to work. Bubbles, strawberries, the outdoors - I'm certainly not complaining.

2013-05-18 23:44:37 (55 comments, 0 reshares, 69 +1s)

Not impressed that I'm covered in poison ivy....

Well, I guess is what I get for going hunting for plants to put in the terrariums I built last weekend haha. It's actually sort of nice to have an excuse to sit at home, work on the imminent launch of +The LittleBigFund, and read up on dorky things. Specifically I'm reading Windows 8 Kickstart by Google+'s own +James Russell. Figured I probably needed to learn more about Windows 8 other than just what I read on blogs. It's a good oatmeal bath read :P

Anyways, I won't show you my poison ivy because I would never want you guys to think that I am anything other than a perfect human being (haaaaa....) but just know that it's super gross.

If you're as geeky as I am you can check out James' book here: http://amzn.to/19MVyH2 I love Google+ people :)

2013-05-18 02:44:14 (46 comments, 15 reshares, 235 +1s)

The card everyone wants to get

I need a boyfriend who's going to make me a card this geeky. Dinosaurs not required but recommended.

2013-05-17 19:54:03 (9 comments, 4 reshares, 37 +1s)

Why we want you to donate monthly
Read the full explanation here: http://bit.ly/107HbJ5

When you donate to The LittleBigFund you'll have the option of donating on a monthly recurring basis or one time. It's our hope that you'll choose to donate monthly. Why? Many reasons. From assuring an ever growing fund to attract awesome nonprofits, to not making the ask more than once, monthly donations serve an important function in the nonprofit world. By no means do we want you to stretch your wallet and do something you can’t sustain every month, but the idea is that you don’t notice the $5 or $10 each month but DO notice the impact you’re making.

Be sure to read our full explanation on our blog here: http://bit.ly/107HbJ5

2013-05-16 16:56:21 (80 comments, 11 reshares, 210 +1s)

So a million people follow me (and what that feels like)
Part retrospective, part confession

This is going to be a long post but here’s a spoiler - it probably feels exactly how you’d expect. Of course I feel pressure to not let it change my posting habits. Of course it’s impacted how I post anyway. Of course it’s overwhelming. Of course it’s empowering. I can only speak to my personal experience. I have lots of friends with far more followers than me, but this isn’t a general overview of what it’s like for most people. This is how one million pairs of eyes impacts me. Let’s start with how I even got here...

How I got here.
Some of you know this. For those that don’t: I joined on the second day of the field trial while I was blogging for the Ad Council. I joined because I was sick of the expectations other places online. I joined Google+ withthe intent to sha... more »

2013-05-15 21:48:27 (55 comments, 100 reshares, 120 +1s)

Say hello to the new Google+!
A quick tour of what you're about to (or just) see(ing)

It baffles me how quickly and unilaterally Google is rolling out massive updates to its social network. With each new update, Google+ helps you find and interact with more and more content. This update is no different. Frankly, it's putting facebook to serious shame. Announced at Google IO today, I made a simple slideshow so you can check out the new experience you're about to have here!

#IO13   #GPlus  

2013-05-15 17:39:51 (61 comments, 75 reshares, 157 +1s)

Say hello to the new Google+ stream!

I have to say, this is absolutely beautiful. Google promises that it will be easier to find the topics you're interested in, post, and search. It's exactly what we've always predicted Google+ would become. You can click on a card, flip it over, and see related content. Most amazing is that when you post a photo, Google will scan the image and show you related content. If you share a photo of the Eiffel Tower, you don't have to say "Eiffel Tower" in your post anymore. Google knows and will suggest other posts about it. Epic.

#IO13  

2013-05-15 16:41:48 (12 comments, 5 reshares, 71 +1s)

900 Million Android Activations To Date

Success! Congrats to the Android team. That's a huge number.

#IO13  

2013-05-15 01:09:52 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 19 +1s)

Added photos to Google+ San Francisco PhotoWalk with Thomas & Trey! All skill levels are invited - Grand Prize: Google Glass!.

2013-05-14 17:07:28 (29 comments, 5 reshares, 29 +1s)

The music that keeps me going - What's on your playlist?
Share your playlist with hash #MyPlaylist  

With two weeks to the launch of +The LittleBigFund I've needed some serious tunes to keep me going. Actually, the music I've been listening to has been pumping me up to the point that I don't realize how late it is anymore, turning me into the wizard of productivity.

In the effort of getting making everyone dance while they work, share your productivity playlist with everyone with the hash #MyPlaylist .

Here's mine (link to playlist below):

1) LORDE - Royals (below)
2) Janelle Monae - Q.U.E.E.N.
3) Daft Punk - Get Lucky
4) Christian Falk ft. Robyn - Dream On
5) Major Lazer - Get Free
6) Major Lazer - Scare Me
7) Major Lazer - Mashup the Dance
8) Patrick Wolf - Hard Times
9) Patrick Wolf- T... more »

2013-05-14 00:17:08 (51 comments, 2 reshares, 84 +1s)

You can be tolerant and passionate

This has bothered me for a long time and continues to. It baffles me that people sincerely believe that it makes someone else intolerant if they don't believe in or support intolerant views. That's so fucked. Sorry, but it's oppressive views that are intolerant, not anyone's efforts to promote equality. I frequently debate (specifically) those who are religious, Republican and conservative. To hear them whine that a fight for equal and inclusive rights is the real measure of intolerance is the definition of backwards. Don't be fooled by it - the oppressants are not the victim.

It takes action to promote tolerance, not non-action against and tolerance of intolerance. Don't think that you can't be a tolerant person and fight.

2013-05-13 04:52:45 (61 comments, 3 reshares, 115 +1s)

What my mom +Lindsay Gibson has taught me (so far)

My mom taught me how to use reason to defend my choices from a very early age (and then immediately regretted doing so once I used reason to argue with her to stay out late, play mature videogames, etc).

She taught me how to care about people, always encouraging me to empathize with the other kids on the playground, adults in the grocery store, and showed me the value of putting myself into anyone's shoes.

When I was in high school my mom taught me how to deal with my emotions as I came out into a hostile environment even though she was teaching herself the same thing.

Without knowing it, she taught me how to write just by talking to me like an adult and encouraging me to always keep my voice.

She showed me the value of wonder and appreciation. Whether she made me stop and look at art, sit... more »

2013-05-11 22:37:48 (32 comments, 2 reshares, 86 +1s)

Just imagine...

Trust us guys. The best weddings you'll ever go to will be put on by my people. Hell, we already plan the best for you straight folk! I love you San Francisco street art.

2013-05-10 19:29:02 (37 comments, 25 reshares, 239 +1s)

1 World Trade reaches its final height of a symbolic 1776 feet
Photo credit: Anne Thompson

I was just in New York last week and I have to say, it's a pretty tall building. In fact, it's now the tallest in the western hemisphere. The design of it has definitely grown on me and I'm excited to see it completed.

Good work America :)

2013-05-09 23:58:10 (46 comments, 23 reshares, 177 +1s)

Undoubtedly one of the best viral marketing campaigns I've ever seen

"Who wears short-shorts?" Probably anyone who becomes a walking advert :)

2013-05-09 18:26:37 (31 comments, 7 reshares, 97 +1s)

The face that I've made more than any other face today.

Seriously though... haha. I think we all definitely have these days. But it's okay! Everything will be all good and perfect. ...eventually. Just, one of those days ;)

2013-05-08 23:49:35 (39 comments, 18 reshares, 91 +1s)

You want the honest answer about how G+ made me a CEO?
Great. Here's your answer: http://bit.ly/10sgqDH

I've been waiting a while to write this article, but with BuzzFeed relaunching it's community spotlighting today I figured now was a good time as any. So I took to my keyboard and wrote the genesis of how my experience here created The LittleBigFund. If there's anything I've learned here it's that a big audience correlates to a huge responsibility and I refuse to not do something with it. 

Check it out, let me know what you think, and (if you like the article) go ahead and give it a nice little rating or a share. It'd mean a ton :)

2013-05-07 21:34:45 (21 comments, 6 reshares, 125 +1s)

BREAKING: DELAWARE BECOMES 11TH STATE TO ALLOW GAY MARRIAGE

They did it!!! The marriage equality bill has passed the DE Senate! To celebrate we will be holding a hangout this evening with +Governor Markell after he signs the bill into law.
Join us at +Sensible Politics @ 7:45pm ET today to celebrate this great news!

2013-05-05 19:39:14 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 25 +1s)

Jim Barcelona was tagged in Carter Gibson's album.

2013-05-05 04:20:10 (247 comments, 277 reshares, 1153 +1s)

Kayakers at the top of Victoria Falls.

Yeahhhh...... nope!

2013-05-03 18:36:43 (3 comments, 5 reshares, 61 +1s)

How the Ad Council and an audience on G+ created The LittleBigFund
Read the full blog post here: bit.ly/12xcnBN 

When I started interning at the Ad Council I had no idea that it would one day lead to me to starting my own nonprofit organization. I also had no idea how much storytelling was such a vital part of good advertising.

Stories can make you care about, well, anything. A photograph, a building, a shirt, a business plan—anything. With so much pressure to broadcast through the noise on social media, getting a nonprofit organization’s story out there can be extremely difficult. When it comes to stories, you have to tell amazing ones to be heard at all. The web is saturated. There’s so much noise that only the best story will win. There’s no room for mediocrity. Sadly, too many nonprofit organizations are left with amazing stories and not enough resources totell them... more »

2013-05-03 00:03:20 (31 comments, 13 reshares, 100 +1s)

+The LittleBigFund launches in less than 30 days. Are you in?
Learn more here: http://bit.ly/ZqJerh

In less than a month my nonprofit, The LittleBigFund, will launch. When we do, we'll tell the stories of three nonprofits, collect donations from people like you, and then let you, the donors, decide which organization receives all the money you raised together. Believe me when I say we have three amazing LGBT organizations to show off!

But I can't do all this by myself. I'm really counting on you guys to spread the word and while of course I'd love to see you donate, the most important thing is knowing that I have people who will be advocates for the cause. This is a grassroots, community effort and always will be!

Can I call on you to make The LittleBigFund successful?

2013-05-02 19:04:32 (27 comments, 0 reshares, 73 +1s)

Got to see Nathan Lane last night! Thanks +Jim Glaub!

Last night was epic. My friend Jim is the Creative Director at Sernio/Coyne which handles social media for the Tony Awards and we met at SXSW this year. Turns out we have a ton of mutual friends from the Ad Council and, since I'm in NYC, he took me and +The LittleBigFund Board President +Jessica Noonan out to the theater! We saw The Nance which stars Nathan Lane. Yeah. Nathan. Effing. Lane. Way cool. Definitely checking seeing Nathan Lane live off my bucket list. 

Anyways, the play was really good but the dude who played opposite Nathan Lane was pretty meh....but extremely hot. And he was naked at one point so that made up for this being his first Broadway play...Anyways! You guys should definitely get to know +Jim Glaub. He rules :)

2013-05-02 23:55:31 (161 comments, 610 reshares, 1470 +1s)

The difference between a boss and a leader

Being a 22 year old CEO of a nonprofit is tough work. Luckily, that hard work means I'm not the "boss" of anyone. Bosses are no fun. Leaders are. The best people to work with are the people who actually work with you. 

2013-05-01 00:57:42 (90 comments, 0 reshares, 38 +1s)

Hey guys.

I'm settling a bet.

Answer honestly.

Am I funny? ;)

2013-04-29 17:58:59 (20 comments, 9 reshares, 58 +1s)

Storytelling is your most useful hidden talent
My op-ed for The Advocate: http://bit.ly/Y92uw6

When I got the opportunity to write an article for The Advocate my jaw almost hit the floor. Luckily, I knew exactly what to write about. With my experiences here on Google+ I launched +The LittleBigFund which takes advantage of my love for storytelling. Being in the LGBT community, I realized that more than anything, telling stories is how any of us are able to empathize with anyone. 

I firmly believe that not telling your story is a disservice to yourself and those that share your experience, especially for the LGBT community. If that scares you, it shouldn't - we all have the ability to use our experiences to tell amazing stories. So go ahead and take a read! Hopefully you enjoy it :)

2013-04-29 01:19:58 (36 comments, 14 reshares, 161 +1s)

Your unique and fantastic brain
via Reddit user undego1423

Our brains are capable of the driest equations to the most advanced quantum physics. They can make us color in the lines or create immense and fantastic works of art. We know so little about our own brains, but what we do know is that they have the unique ability to create and reason. Even though the left-brain / right-brain theories are disputed, the fact that remains true is that they are special instruments.

So take care of your brain! Give it exercise. Make it think. Make it think in new ways. You can make your brain better, and part of doing so is what you're doing right now: absorbing new information and reacting to it :)

2013-04-27 20:00:10 (33 comments, 2 reshares, 151 +1s)

Oh you know, just derping on a roller coaster

Ha. So. We were going to try to look bored for the photo but the only person who pulled it off was +Jessica Noonan - I was not very successful. The other two girls (I guess) forgot about the photo. For the record, I was trying to do that whole look off to the side thing. Instead I just look like a partially sedated Wolverine. Oh well :P

Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey

2013-04-26 18:56:33 (45 comments, 19 reshares, 223 +1s)

Off to NYC for the next 10 days!
Just for fun, the pic is the view from the top of the New World Trade Center

Whoo hooo! I'm off to NYC for my company's conference UserConf today! The conference isn't until May 3rd, but I decided it would be fun to work from New York for a few days. If any of you guys are around definitely hit me up! I'll do my best to come see you. I'm going to be at Six Flags NJ tomorrow but I should be free most evenings if you wanted to grab a beer or something. Let me know!

2013-04-25 19:14:08 (27 comments, 30 reshares, 156 +1s)

Always gotta shake it up

Do your part. Do you thing. Change the world one small step at a time. 

2013-04-24 17:41:52 (9 comments, 7 reshares, 45 +1s)

For all you Major Lazer fans - Full set, Coachella 2013 Weekend 1
AKA What the kids are listening to these days / Best moment of my life

I'm still recovering / reeling from Coachella this past weekend. A lot of you have asked me what my favorite concert was and it is hands down this performance by Major Lazer. I couldn't find weekend 2's performance but they still got in giant hamster balls and ran across the crowd. Essentially this concert melted my brain and I'm still trying to reenter the land of the living.

Enjoy. :)

2013-04-23 19:13:52 (13 comments, 3 reshares, 60 +1s)

We have over 30 nominations and applications! Send us yours!
Nominate more here: http://bit.ly/101q8xR

Wow! Thank you all for an amazing announcement! You nominated a slew of amazing organizations that we're sorting through now. We'll be contacting all the organizations you nominated soon and will let you know if an organization you nominated has been selected. If you applied on behalf of an organization we'll be reaching out to you soon too!

But we're not done yet! We're specifically looking for LGBT-oriented nonprofits for our June launch so be sure to keep the nominations rolling in!

2013-04-23 23:16:35 (61 comments, 128 reshares, 504 +1s)

7 amazing facts about our oceans
To help us take care of  #OurEarth .

1. 70% of our Earth's surface is ocean with 94% of life residing in it. Yup 94% of life. That means all the humans and mammals on Earth account for less than 6% of life on the planet.
2. We've explored less than 5% of the ocean. We have better maps of Mars than we do of our own ocean's floor.
3. The ocean floor could crush The Titanic like a Coke can but crabs and shrimp live there next to ocean vents.
4. If all the salt from the oceans were extracted they would cover all the land on Earth in 5 feet of salt.
5. Mount Everest isn't the tallest mountain on Earth! Hawaii's Mauna Kea is at 33,465ft tall. Everest rises 29,028ft. 
6. Coral is so close to the chemistry of human bones that it's now being used to repair or replaceb... more »

2013-04-22 20:15:21 (50 comments, 3 reshares, 133 +1s)

Coachella ranks as one the best times I've ever had
My photos from the weekend

There's something to be said for camping, rocking out to music, and generally getting goofy. Whether I was sweating at the campsite, scrounging for glow sticks at night, or putting my friends on my shoulders to dance the night away, Coachella proved to be an exceptional experience. Moments like that fill me with an immense sense of gratitude and appreciation. There's something to be said about reflecting on your life laying under a giant ferris wheel as the bass bumps in the distance. Here are my photos from this past weekend! Enjoy!

And remember, I did say that things got pretty goofy ;)

2013-04-21 17:46:47 (31 comments, 7 reshares, 196 +1s)

Coachella ferris wheel at dusk

Snapped this photo last night and it was too surreal to not share with you all. So far I've seen Major Lazer, the xx, Dillon Francis, Janelle Monae, Wolfgang Gartner, Sigur Ros, The Postal Service, C2C, Jurassic 5, Pusha T, Bat for Lashes, Fredde Le Grand, and Benny Benassi. Major Lazer impressed the most.

Phew! And there's still one more full day to go!

2013-04-21 03:01:25 (38 comments, 1 reshares, 187 +1s)

Attention Google

I am appreciative for ever single person that sees this post. I could not have asked for a better life. I could not have ever expected to have the experiences I've had or to interact with any of you. I love you all.

Coachella 2013.

2013-04-18 19:29:44 (34 comments, 6 reshares, 131 +1s)

I'm off to Coachella!

Well guys. I just scored tickets to Coachella when some of my friends dropped out so I'm taking tomorrow off to enjoy one of the most epic music festivals anywhere. What bands am I most excited about? Well. I'm glad you asked: The Faint | BassNectar | Blur | Robert Delong | Janelle Monae | Pretty Lights | Red Hot Chili Peppers | Sigur Ross | Teagan and Sara | The Postal Service | Major Lazer. But if I had to pick one that I'm most excited about? Janelle Monae and The Faint. That's two, I know....and Major Lazer.

I'll be sure to share photos with you guys! There are rumors of a special guest Saturday night too....I feel like it's Daft Punk but maybe that's just wishful thinking :)

Oh! And will any of you be there!? Let me know and I'll try to meet up!

2013-04-17 20:58:37 (23 comments, 18 reshares, 46 +1s)

How to Grow Your Audience On Google Plus

Google plus is currently the 2nd biggest social network in the world. It’s not rocket science to see that you should be apart of what is going on here, but many people and brands are not sure where to get started. I am often asked questions that I answered in this article I did .... Including things like...

* How to get started... like seriously what is Step 1
* How often should I be Posting...
* Why post about things not DIRECTLY related to my business... 
* SEO benefits...
and many more...

Hope you enjoy my top 10 tips for growing your brand and community here on GooglePlus... and feel free to share with friends, family or non believers. :) Especially on other social networks.. I think we as a community need to start getting some of these tips "out there" more. I'll be working on it a lotin... more »

2013-04-17 08:51:32 (56 comments, 16 reshares, 201 +1s)

((yawns)) Goodnight Google+ :)

I work every day from 9am - 5pm and then 7pm - 2am. It excites me. Whether I'm doing something with my nonprofit, sharing with you guys, or working on ways to engage people at my job I am so driven to make sure everything I do is done the best I can do it. But then 2am rolls around and my productivity plummets and I realize that, like this puppy, I need to sleep.

So now for my 6hrs of sleep before getting up and doing it all over again. See you guys tomorrow. Post awesome stuff for me to read when I wake up!

2013-04-16 18:00:53 (28 comments, 8 reshares, 88 +1s)

Say hi to our (awesome) team, including our new Community Manager! 
Meet them here: http://bit.ly/12iiEED

Our team consists of highly talented individuals who are working for less than their worth or for free. Why? Because they sincerely believe that The LittleBigFund will make a meaningful impact to other nonprofits. They join our 11 person board of directors in assuring that we facilitate a powerful, meaningful experience for you.

Today we welcome +Jeff Carroll to our team as our Community Manager. He'll be in charge of communicating with you all and is an invaluble addition. He joins designer +Alexander Parker, developer +Paul Spoerry, and epic volunteers +Tiffany Henry, +Kiakiali Monteverde, and +Candice Achenbach.

Be sure to give them a nice big welcome!

2013-04-16 22:41:39 (54 comments, 37 reshares, 206 +1s)

Welcome to my life

The amount of coffee I consume probably isn't healthy....but that's okay because of how delicious and necessary it is. Happy Tuesday :)

2013-04-16 03:10:04 (55 comments, 4 reshares, 72 +1s)

Was just on the radio now debating gay rights and marriage equality
Listen in here: http://bit.ly/Yr47lH

I just joined the very first installment of the All New 'Michael Blum Show' which will discuss things like Sexuality, Substance Abuse, Politics and Spirituality. We will be discussing Gay Rights as they apply to the Boy Scouts of America and their vote in May on whether or not to overturn the ban on gays in the Scouts, and new developments in the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA) as a result of Supreme Court hearings. 

You can listen to the show tonight on AM 1470 from 9pm to 11pm ET or in iHeartRadio for free! To call in an get involved in the conversation, the studio number is 888-565-1470. Listen in!

The person I'm debating: www.facebook.com/AmericasWakeUpCall