Oh blog...

I've been neglecting you!! The update is i'm moving to DC and will be doing plenty of blogging in the months to come!

But for now, bear with me.

I'm also still trying to find a way to upload these santigold concert pics here...working on it...i also have YET to blog about the LOTR trilogy in one hour play I saw in St. Louis...I may have to give up on that one.

toodles.

Get your free beer on! - STL Pt. 1

Whoever said that there was no such thing as a free lunch lied. Two 10 oz beers and a bag pretzels are being given out for free at conclusion of the St.Louis Budwieser Brewery and Museum Tour. The only "charge" is the 45 min you spend listening to how beer is made; from the molshing of the hops, wheat and barley, to the 3-week beechwood aging fementation process and the pastuerization of the beer which preceeds the bottling steps. The science/art of beer making is actually quite facinating, especially if you are a fan of a nice cold hard one on a long summer day (pause). Tour participants even get to take pictures with the iconic Clydesdale horses which are the largest beasts you'll ever encounter up close outside of a public zoo. At the end of the tour the opportunity to sample some of the freshest beer you have ever tasted on either side of the Mississippi is graciously granted (unless one has forgotten one's id and can't pass for 21 because of one's very youthful looks). All this free beer and prezels made me wonder: what's in it for Budweiser? Publicity? A more dedicated and loyal customer base? Until the new ownership of the largest Beer producer in the world wises up and starts charging, be sure to stop by the brewery and get your free lunch on. Brandi and I certainly enjoyed ourselves. I had the Shocktop, unfiltered Hefewiezen and Brandi sampled the Bud Lime flavored summer beer (until her beer was confiscated because of her youthful looks and lack of ID). We still had a good ol' time.

KJ

Guest Blogger!!!! ***KJ***

He's an the artist that most closely fitted the description of hippie, Christian, poet and musical genius. I was introduced to this relatively unknown singer/songwriter shortly after arriving in the US from Jamaica in 1986. I used to listen to a contemporary christian music station while doing my elementary school homework in my family's East Flatbush apartment in Brooklyn. It's an odd picture; a 10 year old jamaican immigrant listening to what some describe as "white gospel music" in a predominantly black Brooklyn neighborhood. I guess I had an open mind even at a young age; not to mention the fact that my parents forbade us from listening to hip hop and reggae for fear of exposing us to negative influences. Rich Mullin's classics like "Awesome God", "If I stand", "Sometimes by step" began to grow on me and have stayed with me ever since. My favorite album of his is, A Liturgy, a Legacy, & a Ragamuffin Band. The world lost an incredibly gifted and genuine artist when Rich died tragically in an auto accident 12 years ago. His ability to tell stories in his songs is nicely demonstrated in this youtube post recorded during his last performance before God took him home. Makes you wonder what Jesus was like as a boy. "They say stories like that make a boy grow bold, Stories like that make a man walk straight...

The Adventures of Mo and B: Erykah Badu

So, Mo called me one night a few weeks ago and told me to GET DRESSED!! Ms. Erykah "On and on" Badu was performing at a spot on Greenville Ave @ Goods Records for FREE!! It was great. We got there early and marked our spot darn near on the stage!! Has Erykah EVER put on a bad show? No!

Playing For Change: PEACE Through Music

I loved this...enjoy.

http://www.playingforchange.com/

Looking Forward To: The Piano Lesson

If you haven't read the play The Piano Lesson by August Wilson, I encourage you to do so before seeing the play. I really enjoyed it and I'm really looking forward to the play. More information below:

March 27 – April 19
The Piano Lesson

By August Wilson
Directed by Ed Smith
August Wilson won his second Pulitzer Prize for this haunting drama. It is 1936, and Boy Willie arrives in Pittsburgh from the South in a battered truck loaded with watermelons to sell. He has an opportunity to buy some land down home, but he has to come up with the money right quick. He wants to sell an old piano that has been in his family for generations, but he shares ownership with his sister, and it sits in her living room. She has already rejected several offers because the antique piano is covered with incredible carvings detailing the family’s rise from slavery. Boy Willie tries to persuade his stubborn sister that the past is past, but she is more formidable than he anticipated.

No performance on April 12
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Evenings at 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 3 p.m.

Tickets: $14-$20

Call or stop by the Jubilee Box Office at 817-338-4411, Tuesday thru Friday from noon to 6 p.m. or 45 minutes before curtain time.

www.jubileetheatre.org

Looking Forward To: AFI Dallas International Film Festival

The Adventures of Mo and B: Wendy and Lucy

Mo and I went to the Angelika Theatre to see a film titled 'Wendy and Lucy'. Pretty good movie. Michelle Williams starred as Wendy. Wendy and Lucy (her dog) are headed to Alaska when her car breaks down. I'll stop there without giving too much away. The movie ended abruptly which allowed us to now only wonder what happened, but to make up our own ending. There wasn't much dialogue, but we could HEAR everything in the movie. By the time I got home my sense of hearing was so heightened it was annoying.

I'm recommending that you go and see Wendy and Lucy...trailer below...enjoy.

Must see movie...

If you haven't seen Slumdog Millionaire, you're a little behind. If you couldn't tell by the 8 Academy Awards it won, including Best Picture, it's a GREAT movie.

I personally enjoyed the soundtrack and it is currently in heavy rotation on my ipod right now.

It's a GREAT movie!!! I was so excited that the academy recognized the film AND the soundtrack! Who would have thought that Jai Ho would be performed on the Oscars!!!

If you haven't seen Frost/Nixon, that's another good movie along with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Where is your money going?

The stimulus bill has been signed by President Obama, but do you know where your money is going?

recovery.gov

I'm just a bill...

So, I've been keeping up the the Stimulus Bill that's hopefully going to be sent to the president soon. I found myself asking "what's the exact process of a bill?" Well, thanks to the famous episode of Schoolhouse Rock from 1975, my question is answered. I'm sure the process is more complex than "I'm just a bill" but understanding the basics is the beginning right?

enjoy.

Classic Nickelodeon

While at my cousins house the other night we started talking about classic Nickelodeon shows!!! I had forgotten about some of them, and they brought back so many memories!!! Let's see if you remember any of these!!! They were such great shows!!

Salute Your Shorts!!


You Can't Do That On Television


The Elephant ShowSkiddida Rinky Dinky Dink...YOU KNOW THE REST!!


David The Gnome


The Adventures of Pete and Pete


Today's Special


Legends of the Hidden Temple

Land of the Lost

Ren and Stimpy

Clarissa Explains It All

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

Guts

Hey Dude

What Would You Do?

Wild and Crazy Kids


and the list goes on...feel free to add any i've forgotten!

So...

I did a heavy rotation post a couple of months ago about Duffy. Her album is GREAT and I recommend that you get it if you don't already have it. Browsing through youtube being lame, I ran across her videos. I don't watch music videos so, I had never seen any of her videos before. First I watched to Warwick Avenue which I one of my favorites off the album. But I ran across Syrup & Honey , another favorite, and WOW. I know Duffy is talented but this amazed me...she is awesome.

Enjoy.

Will.i.am - New Day

I know I'm late but this song is great! I'll be sure to add this my happy music playlist. This song makes me smile and sporadically dance. I'm a fan.

Enjoy.

Will.I.am - it's a new day
by Dritingtofrenchus

Award Season!!!

So, I love this time of year. I've always had a thing for award shows. The Golden Globes, the Oscars and the Grammys!!! Is it me or have the Grammys gotten BETTER the past couple of years? Last years Grammys were GREAT(probably because it was the 50th anniversary), and who can forget the performance by Beyonce and Prince in 2004.

Personally, my favorite performance was by John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae, and John Mayer in 2007. And all three of their albums are a must in your music collection...

Enjoy the video below.

...

You know sometimes you just don't have anything to say? Well, that's how I feel right now...bear with me people...new posts coming soon...

Heavy Rotation: Bebel Gilberto

I've been meaning to blog about Bebel Gilberto for awhile now. First off, I MUST thank Steven for introducing me to this talented artist. Yes, I know I'm late. This album came out in 2004, her most recent album is titled Momento.

I enjoy this self titled album because it instantaneously put me at ease. When I want to relax, this has been the first album I play. I don't like talking about how much I enjoy a cd, i'd rather you listen for yourself.

More information here.

Out and About: Pete's Dueling Pianos

So, I have never heard of this place but I was invited to go by some friends. I had no idea what to expect...a sing-a-long bar? with pianos?

But I had an AMAZING time!!! They played a little bit of everything and it was all on the piano; from Kanye to Journey. It was so much fun. Everyone was there to have a great time and that we did!!!

I RECOMMEND it !! I went to the one in Addison but there's one in Ft. Worth, Austin and soon to be one in Houston!!! For a friday night the cover was $9 (well worth it). They also had great drinks made by great bartenders.

More information here.

Enlightening...

So I read this tweet yesterday...

"Hard to find wisdom on Gaza? The Economist is a blast of clarity: http://tinyurl.com/79lnos 3:22 PM Jan 10th from web"

I'd been keeping up with the whole Gaza situation but I wanted to know how it got to this point. I hadn't taken out the time to research it. After reading this tweet, the article was very enlightening. I recommend you read it too!!!

The Arabs and Israel
The hundred years' war
Jan 8th 2009
From The Economist print edition

School in a Box

Help out those in need.

More information here

I'll tell you what grinds my gears...

Songs that have sirens in them. Does the artist NOT think that it'll be played in anyone's car? I hate turning off my radio to CHECK if there's an emergency vehicle approaching!!!!! Grrrr...

SNL Skit with Peyton Manning

I always enjoy a good laugh...

The Adventures of Mo and B: Glo Lounge

I've never been here. But I really enjoyed myself. Good times catching up with Mo.

We got there early so we got a seat at the bar. Of course, you had the random guys trying to make conversation. My intention for going there was to be with Mo. I was in jeans, uggs, and a shirt. Other ladies had on heels and such. I didn't care to get all dolled up.

But I had a good time. Good drink specials, no cover.

The only thing was the guy to girl ratio. There were so many guys there!!! And I dunno if this guy was trying to see if my hair was real? Who knows, but I felt a tug on my HAIR!!! That was so random!!! I asked him if he just pulled my hair!!! Of course he apologized but WHO DOES THAT!!!! LOL.

Minus the guy who pulled on my hair and the has been radio personality Nanette Lee, I'd go back.

http://www.glo-lounge.com/

New Years Resolutions

I don't set New Years resolutions. I find them pointless. Interesting fact:

Recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a Resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. Men achieved their goal 22% more often when they engaged in goal setting, a system where small measurable goals are used (lose a pound a week, instead of saying "lose weight"), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.

Some of the most common NYR's are:

Lose Weight
Gain Weight
Get out of Debt
Save Money
Get a Better Job
Get Fit
Eat Right
Get a Better Education
Drink less Alcohol
Quit Smoking
Reduce Stress
Take a Trip
Volunteer to Help Others
Be Less Grumpy
Be more independent

I have no intention to set any New Years resolutions anytime soon...

Big 3...not so big anymore?

So, All three major U.S. automakers announced plans Wednesday to shut down manufacturing plants due to the slumping domestic auto market, including a monthlong closure of 30 Chrysler plants starting Friday.

Not too sure what to think about this. I haven't really done too much research on this issue. So what happens IF they don't get 'bailed out' ? How bad will it effect the economy? I know that jobs will be lost but but other than that how will it effect us? Some people think that they shouldn't get 'bailed out'...who knows.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this situation...

*sidenote: when I was searching for a picture on google and searched 'big 3' Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce came up...I thought that was funny...

My new toy!!!

So I FINALLY got a new digital camera. It's a step up from the one I used to have!!! It's so exciting to get a new toy!!! I'm in the process of figuring out how everything works, which can be frustrating at times but in due time I will master how I operate this camera!!!

This guy did what ALOT of us want to do!!!

My Opinion: Ain't I...

So I heard this song and found myself saying WHAT THE HELL did he say? All I recognized was cheese and broccoli...the music now-a-days is truly terrible. Even though I don't understand what he's saying, I’m sure it's talking about money, sexing, and drugs...we're doomed...it's a shame how easily we're influenced...damn shame.

I've posted the video below, good luck deciphering what he's saying...

Looking Forward To... ICE! at the Gaylord Texan!!

Doesn't this look fun!!! I'm going...SOON!


What is it? Glad you asked...

The truly spectacular 14,000-square-foot "ICE!" exhibit, presented by Coca-Cola and sponsored by Nissan, Reliant Energy and Sylvania, will feature a variety of magical holiday scenes and sculptures hand carved by 40 visiting artisans from Harbin, China.

Visitors will feel as though they have been transported to the North Pole as they bundle up in warm parkas and enter this winter wonderland created with TWO MILLION pounds of ice and kept at a wintry 9 degrees.

This year, "ICE!" will showcase several new additions including Old Man Winter blowing snow, dazzling colored ornaments, a winter forest with an ice skating pond, a life-size Santa's lap to sit on, a candy land full of tempting treats, and an entertaining animal band.

Returning favorites will include the thrilling ice slides, 25-foot angel, icicle canopy, and breathtaking Nativity.

Get your tickets here.

While at HEB in Austin, I ran across this wine...it's Chardonnay, I like wine but I think i'll pass...if you can't read it, it says "Pure Evil"

That CAN'T be good...