Ways You Might be Ruining Your Credit Score

Although this isn't about Seattle, I thought I'd share what I consider the most simple, straightforward, and informative article I've found in regards to creating a good credit score. While I was purusing the internet today, I came across this article about how you might be ruining your credit score.

I'm a twenty-something and deathly afraid that I'm trashing my credit and that when it comes time to purchase a house or car or a boat (in my fantasies!) I won't be able to.

I have credit card debit and I want to know how to best handle it in order to improve my credit. So whenever I see links to articles about credit, I always click.

Then I read it and feel more lost than ever. I get lost in the garagon or there is a disclaimer stating, "well, there are differing views on . . . " Which doesn't help me.

That's why I was so excited about this article- it made perfect sense to me!

My quick intrepretation of the article (to keep it brief):

1.Be willing to try to change what the credit card company's rules. An example from the article- Had one late payment? If your record is squeaky clean, ask them nicely to remove the blemish from your credit history (which, remember, could cost you up to 100 points on your credit score).

2.If the company ups your limit beware of spending more.

3.Don't transfer balances! Lower debts look better for you.

And here's more on the author's Marie Clare blog.

Hope this helps!

V Weekend Reviewed

As I blogged about on Friday, I saw V Weekend at the block party and the show was everything I'd hoped it to be.

Despite, a couple of peeps not exhibiting concert friendly behavior- my friend's bf (who is usually pretty relaxed) almost got into a fight because they were being THAT rude- it was a great show!

As a surprise- our governor, Christine Gregoire, got onstage with her daughter and gave Seattle a welcome and introduced the band. And they did not disappoint.

Ezra's voice sounds even better live than on the CD, which is a rare thing indeed. The crowd got pleasantly into the music and I had a blast.

They played a new song, which is always a treat for the fans, and played everything that I wanted to hear.

I left the block party's main stage with

"Is your bed made?
Is your sweater on?
Do you want to
Like you know I do"

pleasantly replaying on repeat in my head . . .

V Weekend- My New Favorite Band!

In honor of Seattle's Block Party this weekend (I only get to attend one day of it because tomorrow I'm flying to Vegas for a dear friend's 30th birthday), I decided to listen to Vampire Weekend (V Weekend)because they are playing tonight at the Cobra Stage at 10:45 pm (if they go on at the scheduled time).

I've been listening to their one and only album for the last couple of days and I'm completely addicted. Mostly because their lyrics fanscinate me.

As most peeps who know me, I'm big on lyrics. I may not recongize a badass guitar rip being played on the C string BUT if I love a band or a musical artist you BET YOUR ASS I'll know all of the words to their songs.

One particulary catchy tune, Oxford Comma, has really got me thinking because I don't entirely understand the song. So today, while I'm on my company's dollar, I decided to google "vampire weeekend interviews" and found
this interview.

My favorite part?

'"So," I ask, "in the couple of months between now and the release of your LP, what is the fourth thing you would like journalists to focus in on?" It's not an easy question, I'll admit, but for my own piece of mind, I'd like to pretend that I'm offering Koenig some kind of journalistic reprieve. "I guess I'd like to hear people ask more specific questions about what inspired a song, either lyrically or musically . . .'

Why?

I'm DYING to know what inspires their song lyrics.

Best surprise?

' . . .I wanted to talk about: Lil Jon -- the king of crunk named-checked on "Oxford Comma," the last and best song on the band's first EP. "I love him," Koenig answers. "Well, I specifically like ["Get Low"] a lot. I like the dance where you point your hands to the window and to the wall. I don't dance a lot, but I did have a couple of experiences dancing to it." '

Why?

I love indie-rock/emo as much as the next hipster but I also love rap- sometimes I get a hipster nose/music snob nose turned up at me for saying that. And I, too, have had a couple of experiences dancing to "Get Low".

And the Lil' Jon inspired lyrics to read for yourself:

First the window, then it's to the wall
Lil' Jon, he always tells the truth

Show your paintings
At the united nations
Lil' Jon, he always tells the truth

For more about V Weekend, read here, here, and here. And a great article by The Badger Herald.

Gay Pride Weekend in SeaTown

It doesn't get better than this!

Fun Seattle Weekend Plans :)

Cheap Beer in Seattle and Woodinville! Sign ME up!

July 24, 2008
WEEKEND PLANS

ROCK OUT- I'LL BE THERE :)
Capitol Hill Block Party
What: More than 50 bands — including Vampire Weekend, Chromeo, and The Hold Steady — provide the soundtrack to Seattle’s hippest summer scene with proceeds benefiting Home Alive and The Vera Project.
Why: It's in my 'hood.
When: Fri. & Sat. Schedule online.
Where: E. Pike St., b/t Broadway & 12th Ave. Tickets online at thestranger.com and available without a fee at Urban Outfitters locations.

WOO HOO!
H&M Grand Opening
What: The trendy yet affordable store finally hits our neck of the woods. Show up with open arms — to grab every tank, tee, and trouser in sight.
Why: It's about damn time.
When: Opens Fri.
Where: Westfield Southcenter (206-246-0019).

FASHION
Diane Kappa Trunk Show
What: Local textile designer’s luxurious fabrics; cheery, crisp graphics; and vibrant colors embolden any room.
Why: Paper napkins are trash.
When: Thurs., 4-6 p.m.
Where: Inside Out, 115 Ave. A, Snohomish (360-563-0767).


MOVIE
Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired
What: Documentarian Marina Zenovich breaks down the trials (literally) and tribulations of the most controversial director of our time.
Why: It’s perfectly legal.
When: Thru July 31. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 2 & 8 p.m.
Where: SIFF Cinema, 321 Mercer St. (206-633-7151).

CONCERT
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
What: The first lady of funk and soul croons her way into your heart and out through your hips at this savage outdoor concert.
Why: You’re an an-i-mal on the dance floor.
When: Sun., 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Woodland Park Zoo, N. 59th St. & Evanston Ave. (206-548-2500). Tickets at Metropolitan Market, 5250 40th Ave. NE (206-938-6600).