Seasonal Paradise

Boulder, Colorado Hiking

With Chad (Director, Blitzlocal), Gillian (President, SEOmoz), and Dennis (CEO, Blitzlocal).

Post Affiliate Conference

The calm after the storm, with Matt, Elena, and Marc Lesnick after a successful 1st Affiliate Conference in Denver.

Our Favorite Bagel Lady Celebrates Valentines

The bagels are good at Einstein Bagels but a smile from Barbara is what we really look forward to when we take in our morning coffee.

At The Mike And Juliet Show

Elena & Irena

Poolside at the Friday after-party

Miami Conference After-party

Friday night party

Sabina and Sasha in Miami

Sabina, Irena's friend and Sasha's Godmother, visited from Prague and looked after Sasha while we were at the conference.

With Markus and Annie in Vancouver

Markus is the mastermind behind Plentyoffish.com. Annie is his other half. We took a long weekend to hang out with them and take a tour of Vancouver.

To Steve, Marc and Chris (bachelors)

No Waaay! Marc's Lesson #1 For Sasha

Post Pasta Lethargy At Our Going Away Soiree

Post Pasta Lethargy At Our Going Away Soiree
Originally uploaded by Mark C Brooks

Sasha & Godmom Sabine

Sasha & Godmom Sabine
Originally uploaded by Mark C Brooks

Sane and Stable

Sane and Stable
Originally uploaded by Mark C Brooks

The doctor came round this week to check up on Alexandra and make sure that we are sane, stable parents.  Hmm.  We'll see.

Steak With The (Plentyof)Fish

Steak With The (Plentyof)Fish
Originally uploaded by Mark C Brooks

Dinner with Markus Frind, the CEO of Plentyoffish.com, and the first three
employees of Plentyoffish, Priscilla, Shannon and Kate, at Gothams in
Vancouver. Its the end of Markus first week in his fantastic new 26th floor
offices in downtown Vancouver. Cause for celebration, as POF enters a new
phase of growth. Its already the top site in the UK, and North America.
Where else can it grow? Well, at $10 million a year, with Match.com at $300+
million, it has plenty of room for growth.

At The Joey Reynolds Show In New York

At The Joey Reynolds Show In New York
Originally uploaded by Mark C Brooks

Gay matchmaker Dr Patrick Perrine (myPartner) playing bongos
on a master matchmakers derrier as she loosens
up with some yoga moves... 'downward facing dog.' We had fun on
the Joey Reynolds show after attending the matchmakers conference.

The Incredible Forbes Island

The Incredible Forbes Island
Originally uploaded by Mark C Brooks

After the Mobile Social Networking Conference in San Francisco a
dozen of us took in dinner between Piers 39 & 41 at Forbes Island;
a boat that looks like an island that has a lighthouse on it.

Marc Lesnick and I, at the top of the lighthouse.

Ferry Crossing

Ferry Crossing
Originally uploaded by Mark C Brooks

Ping and Irena on our ferry crossing from PuXi to
PuDong.

Shanghai Custom Tailoring Field Day

Shanghai Custom Tailoring Field Day
Originally uploaded by Mark C Brooks

We saw Marc Lesnick off today. He picked up 15 shirts and 4 suits on his way to the airport. We stuck around and ordered 16 shirts, 2 three piece suits, an Asian dress and 4 ladies shirts.  All custom tailored, all for 3900 RMB all in. That's $500! If you're ever in Shanghai, the place to go is Shanghai ShiLio Pu Clothing Market. There were three floors and over 300 vendors.

The Glamor Bar (i), The Bund, Shanghai

The Glamor Bar (i)
Originally uploaded by Mark C Brooks

Last night, we met up with our new friends Justin and Annabelle who run

FastLife.com, a classy high-end ($70 a ticket) speed dating service. They

will return to Shanghai for 6 months and set up speed dating services here.

Conference Party at Blue Frog in Shanghai

Conference Party at Blue Frog in Shanghai
Originally uploaded by Mark C Brooks

Myself, Marc Lesnick (conference organizer), and Justin Parfitt (CEO of

fastlife.com).

Mirassou Cellars Champagne Tasting

Mirassou Cellars is in Saratoga, CA.

Hedonist Hike at Russian Ridge

Russian Ridge, in Silicon Valley, CA.  I called these hikes Hedonist Hikes because we brought champagne and chocolate and goodies for the pit stop.

First Friday Mixer

The hosting team at the First Friday Fun Professionals Mixer, an event I started running in Silicon Valley in 2000.  

60s Hippy Party

In San Jose, CA

60s Hippy Party, Steve and Grace

Steve and Grace show up for the 60s party, in San Jose, CA.

Sailing San Francisco Bay

Marin Hike

One of my favorite hikes on the planet.  North of San Francisco, off Muir Beach, there's a steep climb that takes you cliff side, and back round to the Pelican Inn.  

Hiking Black Mountain

Hiking Black Mtn with good friends, Barry, Miho, Kevin, Uwe

Hike Rancho San Antonio

Rancho San Antonio is the the most popular hiking area in Silicon Valley.

Charity Dance in Silicon Valley

Mission Peak Hike