To share or not to share...

Someone absolutely wonderful sent me this song to get me through the lows and as much as I want to keep its wonderfulness a secret Im going to share this incredible song with all of you. I promise not to blame you if you play it six times in a row likeIdoeverysinlgeday.

Cheers.

Happy Challahdays

If you know me and my mood as of late you'll know that I'm significantly less than stoked about this holiday season...but after much thought I figured that it really wouldnt be fair to play Grinch and hold back these goodies from you guys, so here I present (no pun intended) to you my Holiday posting-------

I may be the only person living in the tri-state area to [proudly] say that I have yet to see the new MTV show "Jersey Shore" but from what I hear its pretty intense. I've heard through the nonsense-vine that one of the broski's nicknames is "The Situation." Well I have not a clue what this dbag looks like but Im picturing him to look something like the snowman above. More funny snowman comics here.

Next, have you ever sat on Santa's lap and felt a bit less than comfortable or that Santa was enjoying it just slightly too much? Well these people win hands down for sketchiest Santa sittings ever.

Hmmm, on another note (mwahahaha) letters to Santa, how nice. I think one year I asked for a new sister, needless to say Santa never made the switch, damn fat man! Jokes, Ihavethebestsistersinthegalaxy. Well it may seem like asking for a sister swap out may be a little too much until you see what these little kiddies have in their letters to the North Pole.

Lastly, Im not sure if many or rather any of you watch ABC's show "Modern Family," if you do then you know just how amazingly hysterical it is, and if you have yet to see it then you can thank me now because here is the link to episode 10, Undeck the Halls. Dont worry if you havent seen any of the previous episodes, its unnecessary. What is necessary though, is that you watch [at least] this episode, I promise you its worth 22 minutes of your oh so precious time.

"...just for fun, for a laugh, haha..."

Since 2007 when I first saw the Wes Anderson short film Hotel Chevalier, a prologue to The Darjeeling Limited, I've had the theme song "Where Do You Go To My Lovely," by Peter Sarstedt, playing non-stop in my head. Clearly, it must be something special if its been in my head for this long, so I've decided to share it with you, youcanthankmelater. I've sung the lyrics time and time again, be it shower or subway (quietly, yes quietly,) but prior to this blog, names like Zizi Jeanmarie and places such as Juan-les-Pines, never actually meant a thing to me. Well if your having the same curiosities I had then you sureashell lucked out, I have done the dirty work for you.

"You talk like Marlene Dietrich
And you dance like Zizi Jeanmaire
Your clothes are all made by Balmain
And there's diamonds and pearls in your hair
You live in a fancy appartement
Of the Boulevard of St. Michel
Where you keep your Rolling Stones records
And a friend of Sacha Distel

But where do you go to my lovely
When you're alone in your bed
Tell me the thoughts that surround you
I want to look inside your head

I've seen all your qualifications
You got from the Sorbonne
And the painting you stole from Picasso
Your loveliness goes on and on, yes it does
When you go on your summer vacation
You go to Juan-les-Pines
With your carefully designed topless swimsuit
You get an even suntan, on your back and on your legs
When the snow falls you're found in St. Moritz
With the others of the jet-set
And you sip your Napoleon Brandy
But you never get your lips wet

But where do you go to my lovely
When you're alone in your bed
Tell me the thoughts that surround you
I want to look inside your head, yes I do

Your name is heard in high places
You know the Aga Khan
He sent you a racehorse for chistmas
And you keep it just for fun, for a laugh haha
They say that when you get married
It'll be to a millionaire
But they don't realize where you came from
And I wonder if they really care, they give a damn

But where do you go to my lovely
When you're alone in your bed
Tell me the thoughts that surround you
I want to look inside your head

I remember the back streets of Naples
Two children begging in rags
Both touched with a burning ambition
To shake off their lowly brown tags, yes they try
So look into my face Marie-Claire
And remember just who you are
Then go and forget me forever
'Cause I know you still bearthe scar, deep inside, yes you do

I know where you go to my lovely
When you're alone in your bed
I know the thoughts that surround you
'Cause I can look inside your head"

"Dearly Beloved. We are gathered here today to get through this thing called life."

Thinking about the idea of settling down? Heres some food for thought...

My reasoning for blogging about this topic may appear to come from a bitter standpoint, but I can assure you its not. From being a Sociology major, literally studying insane amounts of marriage and divorce statistics, and asking friends and family (single, married, or divorced) their opinions I feel confident that it is better to wait until you are a bit older, and shall we say wiser, to say "I do."

Although I do want to settle down, get married, and have a family I've always told myself that I want to wait until I'm around thirty to do so. For me a big part of it is that I know that people change drastically from the time when they are experiencing their twenties till the time they thirty-ish. That being said, plus many other reasons, I'd say wait, get through your twenties and marry near thirty. I'm sure some of you aren't going to agree with me and thats entirely okay, but if you are thinking of taking that big step, or not, I encourage you to read the following articles:

Divorce Rates

Is there an ideal age for marriage?

Young Marriages

Liberty and Justice for...some.

Usually when we think of a role model we picture someone older and wiser than us. Today I found a story that changed my idea of a role model, someone I look up to.

At West Fork Elementary School in Arkansas, 10 year old Will Phillips stood up for what he believes in, and exercised his rights as an American. The student has been refusing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance because he feels that there isn't actually "liberty and justice for all." Phillips told the media that he will not recite the pledge until there are equal rights for gays and lesbians.

I think its amazing that this 10 year old has the awareness and strength to be controversial and really stick to defending gay and lesbian rights, while many adults couldnt be bothered. Will Phillips truly is a role model.

Read the full article here.

Also, while youre there, participate in the poll asking "Should students be allowed to abstain from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance?" The results are not what you'd think.

Tonight, Tonight

This is for all of my non-city friends...

Leonid Meteor Shower TONIGHT Monday, or I guess you can call it early morning Tuesday, from 1am till dawn. Its supposed to be one of the best annual meteor showers so put your slippers on, go outside, and look up!

Hip, Hip, Hooray Hipster!

Okay, so you're BK living, L train loving and all is going well. You're "fitting-in" almost perfectly even though you'd never admit it since you are such an "individual" [elegantly disheveled in your vintage flannel, beat-up converse, ray-bans, and skinniest jeans] BUT theres still one thing missing from your picturesque vision of how it would all go: a MUSTACHE, of course! Blame on it what you want--- not producing enough testosterone, being a girl, whattteeevvvveeerrrr! Well dry your little mopey eyes my darling hipsters, I found the solution. Oh, and heres an extra treat while I'm feeling so generous...if you're amused by hipsters or mustaches, or hipsters in mustaches then heres the place for you.

Get In Sync

If you say you're not a fan of Justin Timberlake it's safe to assume that you are lying, but only to yourself. After all, who doesn't love a little Justin now and then? So if you're a fan of JT, [which don't kid yourself youclearlyare] then you'll appreciate this...

Because Mrs. Quiggly taught me how to share back in kindergarten you get to laugh too.

Obviously their Moms and Dads didnt tell them that "if they keep making that face it will be stuck that way"...

If you dont think this is funny then theres probably something wrong with you.

I'm on a catamaran!

This is one vacation Andy Samberg would definitely approve of...

Catamaran Sailing Adventures offers a different idea of vacationing. With relatively reasonable prices you can enjoy your own privately charted catamaran mini-vacations. B&B has a whole new meaning... Boat & Breakfast! These accomodations are only $350/couple/night, and half day sails are modestly priced from $700. Other fun things to do during your catamaran stay or sail include yoga or meditation classes, hiking, exploring, snorkeling, kayaking, massages, and dolphin encounters. During your stay or sail you will be served delicious, fresh, healthy meals. The menus are designed to suit each guests likings and vegetarian options are available. Find out more about this refreshing vacation at Sailacat.com.

Weird

Wont you be my neighbor[hood]?

Dear friends,

My new addiction will now be yours too.  Yeah, youre welcome.

With love,
William S. Burg

Phoenix Brat Pack Mashup

So what I stole it from freewilliamsburg.com, it is too good to pass up!

Renegade Craft Fair

The 5th Annual Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn is this weekend!! This year’s event is taking place June 6 + 7 from 11am - 7pm, at McCarren Park. The Artist list is up, so check it out and get a sneak peak at who will be there!

Over 300 indie crafters are participating in the fair, so there’s sure to be something for everyone! Be sure to stop by the Info booth near the corner of Bedford + N. 12th St. to sign up for Raffles provided by Sublime Stitching, Stencil 1 and Craftside. And grab some delicious grub from Urban Rustic, Lefty’s & The Treats Truck!

The Renegade Craft Fair is FREE to attend, and open to the public. Take public transportation to the Fair by hopping on either the G or L trains to Brooklyn. Hop off at Bedford Ave. and walk north to McCarren park if you’re riding the L Train or, if you’re riding the G Train, get off at Nassau and walk two blocks south!

Ringtone Rap

Seriously, can this be serious?

The Next Tony Hawk?

Just a random picture for your viewing pleasure... I took this while hanging in McCarren Park on Saturday. This little boy couldnt have been more than two, I kid you not (nopunintended). Happy June.

Under The Covers

Its rare that we find a cover of a song that we like more than the original.  Below are 5 songs that, in my opinion, blow the originals out of the water.  Hopefully you will agree...

It isnt always about winning...

FAILBLOG
...a place that has captured hundreds and hundreds of true fails, whether it be communication fails or a failure in design this blogspot has it all. Dont fail to check it out.

(and yes, I think I am very funny.)

Only in Dreams

Thank you to Jesse for introducing me to this breathoffreshair.

Genius Advertising

“The perfect con is one where everyone involved gets the thing they wanted."

Written and directed by Rian Johnson, The Brothers Bloom is the story of two con men that leaves you with an "emotional payoff," says Johnson. This film stars Mark Ruffalo, Adrien Brody, Rachel Weisz, Rinko Kikuchi, and Robbie Coltrane.

Heavier than expected, The Brothers Bloom is most definitely worth a see. The dialogue was smart and witty, and the cinematography by Steve Yedlin was perfectly executed. Every last shot in this film was entirely thought out to a tee.

Fact not Fiction: In the film Penelope (Rachel Weisz's character) is asked by Bloom (Adrien Brody's character) "So what do you do?" she replies "I collect hobbies." During the two week rehearsal period Weisz had to learn to look like she could do all the skills that her character Penelope knew. This included banjo, violin, guitar, piano, juggling, break dancing, skateboarding, card tricks, and more. Brody helped Weisz learn to skateboard, she said, "Brody is a good skateboarder, we were in the parking lot outside the place we were filming." Brody also helped her with the difficult talent of rapping, when she first tried "he was so ashamed." The card trick was the most difficult for Weisz and took her a month of practicing every day to learn. The shot itself took eleven or so takes, but the one continuous shot in the film is not enhanced in any way.

Your Mothers Vagina

Umm, seriously, how much do we love this girl??

Radiohead is back in the studio!

This definitely calls for a Yeah Baby!

"Radiohead have started working on the follow up to their 2007 album In Rainbows.

Bassist Colin Greenwood told 6 Music the Oxford band have been busy in the studio over the last week with producer Nigel Godrich. "It was very noisy and chaotic and really fun," he said. 

"It’s at the stage where we’ve got the big Lego box out and we’ve tipped it out on the floor and we're just looking at all the bits and thinking what’s next?"

"I'm very impressed and grateful for Nigel our producer and his ability to make it all sound vaguely plausible," he added.

Greenwood, who was speaking at the Great Escape music festival in Brighton, where he was helping to launch a new music journal called Loops, gave no indication as to when the Oxford five-piece will be releasing their next record or whether they will be briging it out in a similar format to their last LP.

"It's at the stage where we've got the big Lego box out  and we've tipped it on the floor." Colin Greenwood on Radiohead's new album 

Last time, Radiohead offered fans the chance to choose how much they were prepared to pay for In Rainbows.

"We were just saying to people how much do you think we're worth?" he added. 

"It's like a long term relationship and it was great because it kicked off lots of debate about it."

The band have just finished touring with electro pioneers Kraftwerk in South America which Greenwood described as a "brilliant experience".

"They are one of our musical heroes and it was a real privilege to share a stage with them," he enthused.

"What I like about Kraftwerk is I obviously love the beats but I love their melodies too. They seep into your brain and stay there."

The five-piece are due to headline the Reading and Leeds Festivals this summer for a headline show where they have some unfinished business.

"It was a bit frustrating when we were playing some of our own shows last year because it was light for the first half hour, 40 minutes of the show... so we wanted to do it as it was meant to be seen – darker and louder," Greenwood said."

**Article was taken from BBC Radio 6music**

Ear Candy

Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson!  My guess is that this is going to be a pretty amaaazing album.  Hear the single "Relator" now at www.thebreakupalbum.com.   

The ablum of duets, titled The Break Up, is said to release on September 8, 2009.  Until then, the lead single, "Relator" is available starting today on itunes.  

About the idea to collaborate with Johansson, Yorn says "I was having a strange week of insomnia and when I finally passed out, it came to me in a dream. I woke up and the whole thing was in my head, fully formed."

Here is the track list for The Break Up: 

-Relator
-Wear and Tear
-I Don't Know What To Do
-Search Your Heart
-Blackie's Dead
-I Am The Cosmos
-Shampoo
-Clean
-Someday

Ridiculously Cheap Flights to Europe!!

STA Travel is offering a limited number of travelers the chance to buy $30 round-trip airfare to London or Paris on Wednesday, May 20, starting at noon Central time (STA offices are open earlier and will accommodate a line, but won't sell the tickets until then). The $30 round-trip tickets, including taxes and fees, are available to any full-time registered students (over age 13), anyone under the age of 26, or any teacher. Tickets can be booked by visiting an STA Travel branch or by calling 1-800-360-9273, not online. The discounted tickets are available only on departures from New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle. Tickets sold will be on either Virgin Atlantic or American Airlines and the purchase is nonrefundable and not amendable. All travel must start before June 15 and be completed no later than midnight 90 days after departure from origin.

"She makes other beat boxers look like Nickelback"

Dont miss out on Brandon Sheer!

"Let Me Let You Go", is the debut EP from the 21 year-old NYC-based singer songwriter Brandon Sheer. The EP is a heartfelt collection of songs that truly capture his feelings of angst and emotion without coming off trite or sounding cliché. The record was Brandon’s first attempt as a producer and hopefully not his last. With songs like “Stare at the Sun” and title track “Let Me Let You Go”, Brandon is well on his way to commercial success, resembling artists such as Pete Yorn and Ryan Adams. “The EP was really just the culmination of my frustrations over the last year. I needed a way to vent”. Undaunted, Brandon realizes the challenges on the road ahead. "To me there just seems to be a void out there right now - a total lack of straightforward, well written, melodic pop rock songs," says the 21-year old dynamo. "I'm not claiming to reinvent the wheel here, nor do I feel that I have to. I just want to write the type of songs that people can relate to and sing in the shower. I am really excited about the response to the new songs," says Brandon. "The reaction is far greater than I’d anticipated" he adds. Brandon's songs combine noticeable elements of his favorite 90's alternative acts as well as some Nashville influences. The lead single, "Stare at The Sun", is a deceptively sunny pop-rock song about self-destruction with an undeniably catchy chorus, while the title track, "Let Me Let You Go”, is a slow burning rocker about trying to get over someone but not being able to. The EP is rounded out by the Beatle-esque “Someone Else”, a ballad about people losing themselves when they become romantically involved with another person. Brandon will continue writing and playing shows and hopes to have a full-length album out sometime next year.

Come see Brandon Sheer LIVE on Wednesday May 20th at 7:00pm at The Canal Room in NY!!!

Brandon Sheer's Myspace

Lets Give Them Something To Talk About

Since I havent done so in a while, I was excited to post some music to share with you. Between Merriweather's voice and lyrics and Francis' Elvis/Michael Jackson dance moves I realized that I couldnt pick just one. So heres two awesome songs/videos that I feel you would enjoy...

We cant hear you when you mumble, Brat-man.

Consumer Email

Like most Americans I am an avid consumer, and as I avidly consume I often find myself ranting, raving, or even questioning a product. Countless times Ive found myself saying "Im going to write to this company blah blah blah" but not once have I actually done so.

Today I came across a site called Minor Tweaks. Its a guy by the name of Tom Bartlett's blogspot dedicated to consumer emails AND responses. You may be asking yourself "Who cares what this dude has to say about random products?" but I kid you not, these emails are definitely worth a read. If you have any sense of humor at all you will enjoy these hysterical and sarcastic emails and responses.

Oh and if you dont have a sense of humor I heard you can buy one on Canal Street for pretty cheap, Recession Special perhaps. The author of these emails, Mr. Bartlett uses his wit and cleverness to make ordinary questions something to laugh about. Heres one for example that I personally enjoyed...

"CONSUMER E-MAIL: Gatorade

Dear Gatorade,

I recently tried your new flavor, Rain. It tasted just like rain -- only sweeter! Way to go! Have you considered offering an icy version of Rain? You could call it "Snow" or perhaps "Sleet." Also, in your advertisements you ask "Is it in you?" Just so you know: It's in me.

All the best,
Tom

[REPLY]

Tom:

We are glad to hear how much you liked Gatorade Rain. One of the brightest spots in our work week is receiving comments like yours. We have ways of measuring success, but none of them are as satisfying as hearing directly from you.

Please be assured that we will always do our best to produce high-quality products that you and your family will enjoy. We want you to know we do make Gatorade Ice, we have Gatorade Watermelon Ice flavor and All Star Ice Punch flavor. Please talk to your store manager to see if they can order it for you.

We appreciate your interest and thank you for taking the time to contact us.

Geri
Gatorade Consumer Response"


So go ahead, do it, click on the link and laugh away. What else are you going to do on this rainy Sunday anyway?
Ohhh right.. you may be heading to Canal Street for that Sense of Humor Special.
Ciao.

Faster Than Furious

If you know me then you know Im like a teenage boy at heart who loves fighter jets, UFC, and ice hockey, and thinks theres nothing funnier than men named "Dick". If you enjoy any of those things, or if you also catch yourself acting like a teenage boy, or if you just really like fast things then I suggest you watch the video below.