Party Crashers

Many of the posts on this blog are inspired by either a link or news story I find that intrigues me enough that I want to comment on it. Today's link is one of the many pieces in response to the party crashers at President Obama's State Dinner. It is a letter to the president from Tom Foreman, a correspondent with CNN who can be seen occasionally on Anderson Copper 360. In his letter he points out that we are lucky these people were only trying to climb the social ladder and weren't actually dangerous. While this is true I have to ask: Why are we giving them so much press time then? It seems to me that we could report how serious this is without giving them the recognition they were obviously looking for. This just gives them validation. Where's the punishment? If these people have gotten everything they wanted out of this experience, then what tells them it was wrong and they shouldn't do it again or else? Obviously this story is still ongoing so punishment of some kind could still be in the works. If not, I may have to put America on notice, Colbert style.

My Black Friday Experience

Traditionally Black Friday marks the start of the Christmas season and is the day most stores finally start to see a profit after a year of being "in the red". Yesterday I ventured out into the scary world of shopping to purchase a new computer (MacBook Pro, for those who are curious). It was early afternoon, but already many people had gone back into their secure bubbles of non-spending. After hearing stories of people camping overnight for the best early bird specials, it seems most of these did their shopping early in the morning while I was still fast asleep and were now safely back home. Don't get me wrong, the Apple store was still crowded, but then again it usually is. It wasn't the scary level of crowded I had expected though. It would seem many are still scared to open their wallets for anything that is not a necessity just yet. We will have to wait and see if this continues through the Christmas season. Will we see a rise on homemade gifts this year? Only time will tell...

President Obama in a Thanksgiving Tradition

Thanksgiving Survival Guide

Thanksgiving, a time spent sitting around the table sharing what we are thankful for in between helpings of turkey and stuffing... and trying not to kill any of our relations in the process. That's why the link for today shares a few tips on how to survive Thanksgiving with the family. So grab a drumstick and a glass of wine and try to remember what is really important about today... the pumpkin pie.

just kidding ^_^

Glee Gone Until April

According to my sources (see above) Glee will be going on hiatus until April. When it comes back it will be moved to Tuesday night at 9pm... the same time as Lost. If Fox was trying to make their biggest hit come crashing down then congratulations, you have done your job. With Lost wrapping up its last season I highly doubt many viewers will be choosing to DVR it for their Glee-full guilty pleasure. Hopefully this doesn't hurt the rating too much and it is able to continue after it loses Lost as competition.

Hooked On Technology

I recently had a conversation with someone about how prominent technology is today and thought it would make for an interesting discussion. I argued that technology (specifically computers and cell phones) was both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing because it helps makes our daily lives much easier, but it is also a curse because we are never sure what to do when it stops working. We are too dependent on it at this point to be able to function without it. He countered by saying that it is not that we are too dependent on technology; it is that everyone else uses it, so therefor we must do so as well. If we do not follow the rest of the world, we will have trouble keeping up. It was an interesting argument, but I wonder if this doesn't still translate to the same end result. We may not need technology to get by in our own lives, but without it we will not be able to keep in contact to the same degree the rest of the world is able to.

Discussion on this matter is welcome, whether you follow the blog regularly or are just passing by. I look forward to seeing what others have to say on the matter.

Amanda Palmer Slays Music Hall of Williamsburg

Last night Amanda Palmer played to a sold out (and energized) Music Hall of Williamsburg. The crowd loved her from the moment she marched on stage. Nervous Cabaret (the opening act) played the beginning and end of the set with her, including marching with her from the back of the venue to the stage. Other guests for the evening included Sxip Shirey and Franz Nicolay, both of whom joined Amanda during the encore. The set consisted of the usual combination of Dresden Dolls songs, selections from the solo album, and a few covers. There was also the Ask Amanda segment, which is usually both amusing and informative. Something that was added for this tour, however, was an artist is selected for each show to complete a drawing which will be auctioned at the end of the night. This show there were actually two artists, so two pieces were auctioned towards the end of the set. The entire night played out almost like a theater production (solidified by the addition of Franz to the final songs). Amanda has always been a pleasure for me to see live, and this time was no exception. Words can't fully describe the experience, so pictures will be added to this post by the end of the day.

Alyson Greenfield Nov 13th (tonight!) @ Santos Party House

Spend your Friday the 13th at Santos Party House (96 Lafayette Street) for a night of music and creepy good times. Show starts at 7pm, Alyson goes on at 9pm. Other performers include:

Sydney Wayser
Emilyn Brodsky
Lachi
Zambri

It promises to be a very good night.

Alyson Greenfield - When You Were Young

Playing multiple instruments at once... can you say talent? Plus you gotta love the toy piano...

Switchfoot - Mess of Me

The new video for "Mess of Me" by Switchfoot is up on their YouTube page. Also, tickets are on sale for their upcoming tour. The New York date is 12/8 at The Filmore Irving Plaza. Personally I have never had the chance to see them live, although I have be trying for about two years now. Anyone have an opinion on their live show? Comments on this are welcome.

Snow Patrol - Just Say Yes

Snow Patrol's new video for "Just Say Yes" was posted on YouTube a couple of weeks ago. I've linked to it above for those who haven 't seen it yet. The song appears on their new album, "Up to Now" which will be available November 9th. The album is mostly a compilation of songs spanning their entire career, but there are also three new tracks that will be included. "Just Say Yes" is the first of these to be released.

Sherlock Holmes

In case you weren't excited enough, the new Sherlock Holmes trailer is out for your viewing pleasure. (link above).

And if you haven't seen it yet you should watch the original trailer as well.

Some may be skeptical because this version looks like more action than they are used to with their prize detective, but I am actually quite thrilled. The original story was always grimier than the Basil Rathbone movies made him out to be. Looks to me like they are trying to show that here. Just as long as they don't take it too far I think it will be thoroughly enjoyable.

Jukebox the Ghost Sheet Music

Ever wondered how to play "Hold It In" or "Good Day" for yourself. Well now you can learn. Jukebox the Ghost has put the sheet music for some of their songs up for sale. Each song is about $4 or you can buy the set for $12.95. Place to do so has been linked to. Happy playing!

101.9 RXP Presents Matt Pinfield’s Holiday Extravaganza

Looks like z100 isn't the only radio station planning a huge holiday concert this season. It may not feature nearly as many artists, but 101.9 RXP has announced their holdiay concert, which is scheduled for December 2nd. Details can be found on their website (or I've linked to it above). The line-up currently includes Phoenix, Passion Pit, Jack's Mannequin, and Manchester Orchestra. Sounds like a decent night of music, if you ask me.

Foo Fighters vs. Tom Petty

I got an email from someone who thought that the new Foo Fighters single, "Wheels" sounds a lot like Tom Petty's "Learning to Fly". Said person was concerned this would lead to a lawsuit. While I do hear some similarities, I do not feel it is close enough to warrant concern. You can judge for yourself though.