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Sue Bonzell
Sue Bonzell
12:00pm - 7:00pm

The Bull Blog Archives for 2020-02

App Culture & TikTok

With the invention of the smartphone and its increasing popularity in recent years, a new popular culture of sorts has taken over our younger generations: Apps and the ability to stream yourself through them. You don’t have to be rich. You don’t need to have looks. You don’t even need to be super talented necessarily. All you need is your phone, an app such as TikTok, some sense of humor and creativity, and you could be famous. How did we get to this point where you can film a short video of yourself on your phone and become an internet star? Well, we need to take it back to a couple years before the first iPhone was released. 

 

In 2005, three former PayPal employees officially created a website called Youtube where anyone can view, upload, and share videos for the world to see. Only a little over a year after its creation, Google purchased the site in 2006 for $1.65 million. Youtube opened up the door to the idea that anyone can be famous, giving people the freedom to create any content for the world to see through their account as long as there was a camera and a fun idea. After “Charlie bit my finger”, countless song parodies and original songs, dance videos, pranks, and kittens, Youtube became a hit and is now estimated to be worth $160 billion. People simply fell in love with this new idea of not having to be a monstrous athlete or amazing actor/actress to be famous. It was easier now for regular people to get recognition. 

 

As 2007 rolled around, the first ever iPhone was released and the world went crazy over the fact that everything was at the touch of your fingertips. On top of Siri and the sleek touchscreen, Apple continued to add new features, leading to the addition of an app store in 2008. Now you had people trying to come up with the next big app on the app store that everyone would use. From having a lightsaber on your phone to launching birds, the app store rapidly grew from the first 500 available when added in 2008.
 

Apps have arguably become the defining feature of the modern smartphone, and one in particular really set the bar in 2013. Vine was released and once again being a star became even easier. Just like Youtube, you could have an account to post all of your content for your followers to see, except this time you only needed to entertain people with a six to fifteen second looping clip. The videos got shorter but the concept remained the same: The ability to become internet famous easily. Vine had 200 million active users two years after its debut and completely redefined entertainment. No need for lots of planning, fancy microphones or cameras, elaborate skits, etc. Just pull out your phone and do it. The best part was you can see what everyone else is doing and try to recreate it or put your own twist on it. An app that made things simple, fun, and created a massive social network. Which brings us to TikTok.

 

TikTok is easily the most popular app to date. What can you do? One of the most popular things to do right now is film yourself doing a “TikTok Dance” that someone else has created and everyone is trying (i.e. Renegade). Of course on top of lip-syncing and dancing, there are lots of cute baby/animal videos. Maybe you want to rant about a funny story. There are even “TikTok Challenges” that everyone shares and tries to accomplish. In addition, a lot of creativity and editing goes into these videos with all of the effects, features, and easy-to-use tools TikTok has to offer. Essentially, apps such as Vine and now TikTok have created a huge social network and culture of streaming yourself to others, sharing your content, and striving for fifteen seconds of fame. These apps have also made it easy and to the point, creating entertainment that pleases everyone. 

 

So what’s to make of all this? Try it out! Download TikTok. Hangout with your friends, parents, or kids and create a TikTok together. Laydown with your significant other and laugh at TikTok videos. Even try other video apps like Triller. No matter your age, you will have a good time engaging in one of the many current trends going around right now, and you may even come to appreciate it.

Enjoy Restaurant Week in Sonoma County

Now that the weekend of love has come and gone, it’s time to think about what to do THIS weekend. Look no further than our own backyard of Sonoma County. Sonoma County Tourism invites locals to indulge in the wonderful culinary creations and experiences North Bay has to offer. Chefs around Sonoma County are preparing a one-of-a-kind menu only available during this week.

 

The event begins today and ends Sunday, March 1st. The steal of a deal allows you to enrich your local cultural experience with lunches between $10-$15 and dinners between $20-$40. 

 

These deals are scattered all over the county including Rohnert Park’s favorite, Bear Republic; Petaluma’s Wild Goat Bistro; Guerneville’s BROT Modern German; Forestville’s Canneti; Occidental’s Hazel; Sebastopol’s Fern Bar; Cloverdale’s Piacere Italiano; Graton’s Underwood; Healdsburg’s Valette; Windsor’s Ume Japanese Bistro; and into the Sonoma Valley for the girl & the fig and Della Santina’s. See what I mean? They are EVERY WHERE!

 

Each restaurant and bistro has a 4-5 star rating and want locals to come in and enjoy what they have to offer. All of the participating 23 establishments are completely unique and individual to Sonoma County. Their lunch and dinner offerings will tantalize your taste buds and please your wallet. 

 

As a college student at Sonoma State University, going out for a meal usually means a quick run to Oliver’s Market with the occasional splurge for a sit-down restaurant. I got excited when I saw the options for these restaurants and I can’t wait to try them and still stick to my budget!

 

If you are interested in dining during Restaurant Week, be sure to book your reservation soon via OpenTable before spaces fill up. You can see an entire list of participating restaurants at SonomaCounty.com/restaurant-week

 

Bon appetit!

Think Outside of the Chocolate Box

1. A Hand-Written Love Letter

What could be more personal than handwriting a letter to someone you love, expressing your feelings? Your sweetheart will love this meaningful gesture. Write down what you love about them and how much you appreciate them. Nothing says “I love you” like gushing to your sweetie via pen to paper. *Bonus Points* Send the letter to Loveland, Colorado where it will be stamped with a special message and mailed directly to your mate. This will add that extra touch of love.  Look up “Loveland Remailing Program” or just send your letter to: Postmaster, Valentine Re-Mailing, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538.

 

2. A Lesson on Love

It doesn’t matter if you just started dating, or have been married for years, it is always a good time to find new ways to show your love. In fact, there is even a book that teaches you ways to communicate love. While some people prefer to receive love in the form of gifts, others prefer love in the form of affection. Finding out how your partner prefers to feel loved is key. We recommend picking up this book to learn a few lessons: The Five Love Languages [$9.95]

 

3. “What I love About You” Book

You know those little boxes filled with pieces of paper that have all the reasons you love someone? The project that seems like it takes forever to think of ways you love your special someone? Well let’s think outside of the box. This year, there is a book that helps you do the same thing! All you have to do is fill in the blanks (i.e., “I love how you BLANK every day;” “I love to watch you BLANK,” etc.) And the best part is that you can personalize the book with funny, serious or romantic entries that really relate to the relationship you have. What I love About You [$9.90]

 

4. NO PHONES…. for 24 Hours
There is always one (sometimes both) in a relationship who just can’t seem to put their phone down. Whether it’s when you are talking to them, you ask them to stop, you are trying to do something important or personal with them, they just can’t seem to put the phone down.  I know we are all guilty of this, but it can be extra frustrating to your lover. Here’s an idea… both of you put your phones down for 24 hours. This may be hard, but your loved one is well deserving of 1 day of your undivided attention this Valentine’s Day.

 

5. Secret Notes or Candy
Give your special someone a few sweet surprises. Hide candies or love notes in places you know they will find them throughout their day. Tape one to the mirror, in their shoe, on the door handle of their car, etc. Waking up and finding a little love note stuck to their toothbrush is sure to brighten their day.

 

6. Scavenger Hunt
Want to make them work for their Valentine’s Day gift? Leave clues and riddles around for them to follow, leading up to their gift. This is a fun, personal way to show someone you love them. Plus, it’s kind of fun to watch them confused while running around looking for it.

 

7. Make Dinner Together

Although taking your date out to a fancy restaurant and getting dressed up is nice, sometimes it just makes more sense to stay in, get in your comfy PJ’s, grab a glass of wine, and make a homemade dinner while making memories at the same time. You can even keep it simple by making pizzas or casserole! So instead of making reservations this Valentine’s day, head to the grocery store and pick up a few ingredients and get to cookin’!

 

8. Go on a Picnic

If the weather is in your favor, take your lovely date on a picnic. It just takes a few simple supplies; food, wine, and a soft blanket. But don’t think you have to go to the local park. Try heading out to the coast or go on a hike where there is a nice view.

 

9. Become a “Local Tourist”
There are tons of places to discover close to home. Whether you head to the city, find a local museum you haven’t been to, or even go wine tasting. Sonoma County is a great place to be a local tourist for the day. This Valentine’s Day ideas can be inexpensive and fun to discover new places close to you.

 

10. Take a Dance Class!
This Valentine’s Day, sweep your lady off her feet. Take your man to the dance floor and see who has the better moves. Surprise your date with a dance lesson in Salsa, Tango, Swing or Line-Dancing. This is a great way to potentially pick up a new activity with your partner or realize you BOTH have two left feet and leave the night with some good memories. Either way, it is a great way to learn something new with someone you love.  

Valentine's Day: Sonoma County Style

Top 5 Places to Take Your Date on Valentine’s Date: Sonoma County Style

Wild Jungle Love

“Drive Your Sweetheart Wild and Unleash your 'inner and outer' Party Animal!” Start out with a romantic dinner followed by a presentation on the “'ins and outs' of mating practices of our wild friends and then everyone heads out for a Safari ‘Amour’ Tour. You’ll travel in an open-air vehicle encountering giraffe, rhinoceros, wildebeest, Cape buffalo, zebra and more!”

When: Friday, Feb 14th OR Saturday Feb 15th 11:30am-5:30pm

Where: Safari West

3115 Porter Creek Road

Santa Rosa, CA

Cost: $165

 

https://www.safariwest.com/calendar/valentines-day-rumble-jungle/


Valentine’s Succulent Heart Workshop

Have a special someone you want to give your heart to? Join Annie in a succulent heart making workshop (with champagne) to give a gift that keeps on growing.

When: Sunday, Feb 9th 11:00am, 1:00pm or 3:00pm

Where: Hotel Petaluma

205 Kentucky St.

Petaluma, CA

Cost: $55

 

https://www.tinyterrainsbyannie.com/workshops-events/valentines-succulent-heart-workshop

 

Valentine’s Day Sushi Making Class

If you are looking for a unique way to spend the romantic holiday, look no farther. Roll with the best and learn how to make sushi with Notre Vue. The best part? The sushi dinner you just made it paired with a glass of Notre Vue Brut Sparkling.

When: Friday, Feb 14th 6:00pm-8:00pm

Where: Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards

11010 Estate Lane

Windsor, CA

Cost: $120

 

https://www.notrevueestate.com/Events/List-of-Events

 

“Hoppy” Valentine’s Day at Moonlight Brewing Company

Grab your date and head to Moonlight Brewing Co. this Valentine’s Day to sample craft beers while you  create your own beer themed wooden sign. All materials and live music included.

When: Friday, Feb 14th 6:00pm

Where: Moonlight Brewing Co.

3350 Coffey Lane

Santa Rosa, CA

Cost: $39

 

https://www.boardsandbottle.com/upcomingworkshops

 

Valentine’s Dinner, Comedy and Dance

What could be better than a three course meal, having a good laugh, and dancing the night away with the one you love? Enjoy fresh crab, dessert, and a live band at Sally Tomatoes.

When: Friday, Feb 14th 6:00pm-10:00pm

Where: Sally Tomatoes

1100 Valley House Drive

Rohnert Park, CA

Cost: $20-$110

 

https://sallytomatoes.com/upcoming-events/#event=36858571

 

 

Sue Bonzell
Sue Bonzell
12:00pm - 7:00pm
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