Cooped up? Schmooped up.

I feel really lame telling you about entertainment that has to do with being lazy. It’s almost summertime. I was talking to my friend Amanda, and I was like, “Amanda, what the heck am I going to write about this week?” and she said “Outside stuff. Being active. That sort of entertainment.”

Wow. How true.

Go outside the next chance you get. Tan. Swim (when the lakes are finally warm enough.) Run. Take pictures of the beautiful scenery, if you can find any these days. Go for a hike. Ride your bike. Take a walk to get some ice cream with your friends. Pick up trash on the side of the highway. Pick up skateboarding. Dress up as a ninja with your friends and go film a movie outside while you scare your neighbors and make sure to act as crazy as you can. Be a little kid again!

It makes me sad that a few years ago I was telling my mom, “See ya I’m gonna go play!” or trying to make an excuse for why my new jeans were so muddy. I used to build tree houses that I knew would fall down in a day, but it was the rush of it and the excitement of being outside in the sun and taking in everything around me that made me want to get up in the morning.

People wonder why there’s such a heightened state of depression in the world right now. It’s because there are way too many things that keep us indoors. We’re living in a time where we have to grasp what nature gives us and we need to feel reality in order to be happy. We’re losing ourselves in digital worlds and we forget what’s really important: the simple things.

Have a great summer.

-Kassandra



photo from channel4.com

Bored? Read.

I have been reading ever since I can remember. When I was little I was reading anything I could get my hands on, whether it was the comics from the newspaper, nutrition facts, or the labels on various household products. I always came home from school with books and they were the first things on my Christmas and Birthday wish list. I was a little geek. The thing is I’m proud that I like to read, because without that I wouldn’t have an efficient vocabulary and I wouldn’t have the drive to write. I thank my parents for putting me in workshops to better my skills, even when I was made fun of for it (not that I’ve ever cared that much.)

I think that people are losing sight of what reading actually is. It is the foundation of everything we know, along with writing. If you do not have the ability to at least somewhat comprehend something you are reading then you have basically nothing. Schools are indeed trying to get kids to want to read, but it’s not working. Television is taking over, and although the Internet has many sources for reading, kids aren’t using it as so unless they’re told to. I feel this is a problem.

Reading is entertainment. So isn’t going to the museum and so isn’t taking a walk and taking in what is around you. People are stuck in society right now. They aren’t grasping what is right in front of them. If I didn’t grow up reading I never would have wanted to read, because there are so many distractions.

Magazines are amazing. Books are wonderful. Articles, essays, poems… they’re all so special and the only way people are wanting to read is by being pushed to read for work and school and so forth. If you open up your mind and realize that reading and using your imagination is a form of entertainment, your vocabulary will expand greatly and everything will just seem so much easier.

You won’t feel empty when you don’t have the computer handy or the television on. You’ll be yearning to go home and finish that juicy chapter rather than beat that level in that video game. I’m sick of people complaining that they didn’t get taught the right way in English classes growing up and that’s why they stink at it in college. It’s not true because you should want it, and you need to want it. It’s an essential, and it kills two birds with one very valuable stone.


-Kassandra

Flautist, Flutist The Difference between Beer and Champagne

I started my musical career singing show tunes for the kindergarten kids at "Show and Tell" and recess. It wasn't until the fifth grade however, when I picked up my first instrument; the flute. I've been hooked ever since.

As I matured, my flute playing came along, and I got good enough to hold the first chair in the school band. Then I moved on the the Bangor Youth Symphony Orchestra and availed myself of any playing opportunity I could. I played in All State and took the Gold at several Solo & Ensemble competitions statewide. I was even accepted to attend the Boston Conservatory of Music just out of high school, but unfortunately couldn't swing the cost of tuition, even back then.

Many people never knew exactly what to call me; A Flautist or Flutist? To many, I'm sure it's a mundane argument like tomah-to or tomay-to. In my class and refinement I'd like to suggest the pronunciation is the difference between beer and champagne. I prefer champagne to beer so I prefer flautist.

Regardless of what you call me, I only wish I had stuck to my playing consistently. Who knew you wouldn't need to get to the stage of Carnegie Hall for an appreciative audience, especially in the day of YouTube, where I could post like Nina Perlove here.



The tone I produce is just as rich (if I may say so) and my Selmer Omega Flute is open-holed and has a gold mouthpiece. However, the reality is, my fingers are not as limber any more and I don't play for hours a day like I once did. Nina would blow me right off the map, but with a little more consistent practice on my part, I'd be willing to play duets with her!

by Susan Pattten

Time for Cool Sounds

It really is cool! (Does any one use that word any more?) My love for music and the outdoors come together in the City of Bangor when the concert series "Cool Sounds" ramps up in June. What makes it even more cool is the cost; free!

The "Cool Sounds" concert series kicks off this year on Thursday, June 12th with the Flash in the Pans steel drum show. The concerts are held in Pickering Square in downtown Bangor and never fear if it rains because they'll take it all into the parking garage if necessary. The concerts will feature Blues, Jazz, Rock and more and they wrap up on July 31st, with the Queen City Big Band.

I'm "jazzed" and ready to kick off the summer with some great live music that I can take my young daughter to, without worrying about protecting her from stumbling dunks. Her next life lesson is avoiding men with two left feet on the dance floor.

by Susan Patten

Worship Not These False Idols

Posted By Seth Davis

Yeah that's right, the Bible. I've been coming down from the mountain these last few months and trying to give the commandments of music, metal and entertainment to my vast readership, and now I challenge you all to renege on one of the most popular shows in American history – American Idol.

I say step away, from that false devil. Backing me up is a fellow blogger, Bob Lefsetz from Yahoo Music.com who wrote an article that upset a few Kelly Clarkson fans.

The classic rockers were built on their own material. There were no song doctors. It was directly from their heart to yours. And this has delivered audiences in some cases 40 years after their debut. If you're just singing someone else's song, you're driving the BMW. Someone else can get inside and take the wheel instantly.

If you read his entire post, his point is that American Idol may be good entertainment, but it is not good music. That most of the sales are from popularity than any talent.

I agree and go even further. I feel that American Idol is hampering the growth of new music and furthering the belief that image is more important than quality. That releasing a single you didn't even write yourself and getting it on Itunes is some how more important than a well written album. To me nothing is better than a good band or artist pushing the boundaries of their art.

We live in a society where films mocking other films make millions of dollars. Where remakes turn into prequels and then sequels. Where teen pop star, Hannah Montana portrays herself as “normal”, despite making more money than Britney Spears.

False idols. I am not asking anyone to erase everything on their ipod, or destroy every cd they own. I am simply saying, next time you are looking for some new music, why don’t you try something new.

As always I will provide a few videos to leave my fans with. Artists new and old that I'm sure the "judges" of American Idol would find some fault with.

Bob Dylan - House of The Rising Sun

Tom Waits - Hold On

Army of the Pharaohs - Dump the Clip (Some Swearing)

*Thanks to MSNBC.com for the picture and YouTube for all the diverse tunage.

Iron Maiden

O God of earth and altar
Bow down and hear our cry
Our earthly rulers falter
Our peolple drift and die
The walls of gold entombe us
The swords of scorn divide
Take not thy thunder from us
But take away our pride
(g. k. chesterton: english hymnal)

Iron Maiden Revelations (live 2006)


Iron Maiden has been carrying the torch of heavy metal for over twenty years. I still remember the day I saw their video playing on MTV. Yes, on TV. It was late at night on Head Bangers Ball. It was an odd show that would mix the thrash of Testament and the hair of Bon Jovi. Yet on came a video of their legendary performance at Castle Donington in England in 1988 in front of over 70,000 fans for the Monsters of Rock festival. The bass line had me hooked. They were different.

It wasn’t what they looked like or what clothes they wore; no to my sophisticated teen mind I knew that this was metal.

They had a classic singer in Bruce Dickinson who had and still has an energetic stage presence and could sing with ease. The leader, bassist and head song writer Steve Harris has taken the band through many different eras and over eighteen albums.

They have never had a top radio hit in the U.S., something the band almost embraces as most of their songs are too long for radio play. However they have sold over 50 million albums in twenty three years and just recently played to over 300,000 fans in Brazil. Yet beyond longevity they can be considered one of the most influential bands in music influencing an entire generation of metal. They have won awards, been inducted into halls of fame, and are respected in all circles of music. I leave with the video that hooked me.

For more information visit Ironmaiden.com

*Picture of band from Wikipedia.com

Posted by Seth Davis

The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Sweeney Todd is one of those movies ... like Transformers, Titanic, King Kong or Spiderman ... it's a lot of pressure to have on you as a director because you aren't allowed to screw up these kinds of movies. Epic movies. Famous plots. Historic events. So when I heard that Sweeney Todd was being filmed, I was a little nervous. How are they going to pull this off? But when I learned it was Tim Burton directing, I thought, "Perfect." Then when I saw it was Johnny Depp playing Sweeney Todd I knew it would be one I'd have to see. And nobody could have played it like him.

Let me give you a little backstory. Sweeney Todd is set in London, the story of a barber named Benjamin Barker. When the evil judge falls for his wife, he casts Barker from London in order to have his wife and daughter for his own. Now back for revenge, Barker disguises himself under the name Sweeney Todd and re-opens his barber shop with intentions of luring those responsible for his exile to his establishment for a shave, only to slit their throats in the barber chair.

He befriends Mrs. Lovett (a part perfectly played by Burton's wife) whose pie business is failing. It just so happens that her business is below Todd's barber shop. After Todd's first killing, the idea strikes to use the meat from the bodies as meat in Mrs. Lovett's pies. Her business will be back up and running again and there will be no way to trace the killings.

I know. A gruesome story. And oh, the blood. Oh, the squirting blood. I'm not a fan of blood, but when I knew it was coming, I would peek through my fingers which I clasped over my eyes. After all, its quicker to close up a small peep-hole in your fingers than try to blink at the swinging of a barber's blade.

My brother, convincing me to watch the flick regardless of the gore, assured me I would be laughing by the third kill. I didn't believe him. But he was right. Something about the scene - Sweeney Todd singing a sweet lovely tune, slitting throats and pushing the pedal on his chair to open the floor and slide the body below where Mrs. Lovett would make her meat pies.

Weird. Twisted. I know. But it's an interesting story of revenge and love and there are even a few surprises at the end. I won't tell you, because I don't want to expose the secrets if you haven't already watched it.

Watching this movie was a big step for me. I'm not into movies with lots of blood. Not my style. But give it a shot. Just make sure you watch something happy afterwards or at least before bed because Depp gives an unforgettable performance - one that might carry over into nightmares!

Jillian

Juno

Reading the back cover of the DVD case as I finally sat down to watch Juno, I became a little skeptical of what I was going to see. A teenage girl gets pregnant and searches for the best family to adopt the baby. I wasn't in the mood for a touchy-feely sort of comedy. I was in the mood for laughs.

After the second scene in the movie, I was already laughing. Ellen Page, the young actress playing the part of pregnant 16 year-old Juno, gave a wonderful performance. All of the smart and quirky comments of hers are what made me laugh. It wasn't just her mannerisms, though, it was her delivery. You'll see a few examples in the trailer.



I enjoy Hollywood's recent "honest streak" in creating films where the "life struggle" isn't just getting pregnant. It's also about family, love and the ability to hope for the good in all of those things despite experiences in the past.

"Knocked Up" was brutally honest. So honest that you got a nice medium shot of the baby crowning. And while Juno steers clear of being quite so graphic, there is real material that tells a real story.

Funny. Quirky. Sweet. Watch it.

Jillian

Just Listen

There are tons of ways to find out about music. Swap a CD with someone you know has different tastes than you do, then listen to it in its entirety. Ask a friend when the next local show they're going to is, then tag along.

That's not all. You can go on Myspace and on the Music page, click on a genre you like, or one that you don’t even know. Browse the artists and listen to their songs. Read about them. Go to Google and type in the search engine, “New music 2008,” if you don’t usually listen to mainstream stuff.

Go on your AIM if you have one and look at people’s away messages and profiles and if there’s a good quote, there’s a great chance that it’s from a good song. (You won’t be considered a creep, believe me. It’s flattering.) If you like the lyrics, you’ll most likely love the song, so Google it.

Boomp3 is a good way to discover music.

So isn’t Pandora, where you type in something you like and it gives you something similar that you probably haven’t heard before.

This is just a little advice to be truly happy in life, because it doesn’t just go for music. Live it. Your mother didn’t advise you to try all foods once for no reason. People don’t realize how easily it is to get wrapped up in one’s self, and music is one of the biggest ways to be stubborn and simple minded. I have met so many people who think they have the greatest taste in music, but they only like one thing. Their whole play-list and their entire CD collection is the same song over and over again. They do not have a good taste in music because they only have one taste, and in my opinion that’s boring as hell.

There are so, so many more ways to find out about different stuff. Seriously, I am sick and tired of people claiming diversity when there’s nothing diverse about what they listen to. You can argue and say some people just don’t like certain sounds. This is true, but make sure you actually don’t like the other stuff before you knock it.

-Kassandra Small


Photo from UniqueEvents.com

Daffy Daffodils

You all know I love flowers and one of my favorites, without a doubt, is a daffodil. It's one of the first flowers of spring, it's bright and wonderfully fragrant. Now that being said, I do believe that some people simply take things too far. My case in point, Nantucket, Massachusetts, home of the Daffy Hat contest.

It's all part of their Annual Daffodil Festival which is coming up this weekend. The weekend activities include a Daffodil Tailgate Picnic, Daffodil Dog show and the ever popular, Daffy Hat Pageant. As much as I love Daffodils, I would not be caught dead in a Daffy Daffodil Hat. It really has nothing to do with my self-pride as much as it is about protecting myself from bees!

If you have nothing to do this weekend, you might consider a road trip with friends. This undoubtedly would have to be a festival to witness in person to adequately relay how much fun is had by all attending. Checkout www.nantucketchamber.org

By Susan Patten

photo compliments of the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce

Finals Entertaining?

Let's face it, there are some final exams that are much more entertaining than others. I'm sure most students have never really considered a final to be entertaining at all. I've got one final exam to tell you about however that fits right into Music, Metal and Stage.

A flyer just recently landed in my mailbox at work. It told me really all I needed to know, as the flyer was publicizing an event on campus set for May 2nd at 6pm. It's an invitation to a theater workshop featuring William Shakespeare's romantic comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.

It turns out that this workshop is a final exam for NESCom's Scene Study class taught by Ken Stack. O' methinks this would be a most worthy performance and student-run workshop to attend!

The workshop will be held outside in the Courtyard of Peabody Hall, weather permitting of course!

So compared to a Probability & Statistics final exam, a Scene Study final exam would definitely rate as entertaining.

by Susan Patten

Earth Day Buckethead Style

posted by Seth Davis

Happy Earth Day

A little bonus post to celebrate Earth Day. Our favorite musician doesn't use many words but he is still passionate about the world around him.

Buckethead- Earth Heals Herself

*Picture from Tv.com

Most Outrageous!

So there I was. Bored on a Friday night. Did I mention I need a life?

Since I only get Channels 2, 5 and 7 ... there has been a lack of television variety in my life. But I stumbled upon a show I had never seen: NBC's Most Outrageous Moments. And you know what? It was scary, amazing and hilarious all at the same time... kind of like America's Funniest Home Videos but without the cheesy host and more for an older audience... i.e. WAY COOLER STUFF!

If you visit them online, not only can you watch videos, but you can also submit your own outrageous moments caught on tape and it might appear on the show. You'll cringe, shudder and shout, while hoping that, despite your gut-bursting laughter, nobody was seriously injured.





New episodes start Tuesday night, April 22nd at 8:00. It's very entertaining and a good way to relax and de-stress before bed because it makes you laugh!

And... laughter IS the best medicine!

Jillian

Fallout 3

Posted by Seth Davis

It has been a long time since the first two versions of Fallout. A post-apocalyptic game with a dark sense of humor and a 1950's style. Now finally after over 10 years the franchise is being reborn by the developers of the immensely popular Oblivion. A role playing game known for its "sand box" openness and an ability to spend hours exploring a huge world of possibilities.

When it was announced that Bethesda Softworks had bought the rights to develop Fallout, fans of the original games hoped for the classic turn based approach, look, and detailed character creation. Oblivion fans wanted a game with no loading screens, fun quests and graphics that pushed their computers to the limits. It seems as news comes out that both sides will have something to be happy about.

Occurring 200 years after the second game you will once again set out from a vault to explore the wastelands of America. By all reports you will have limitless freedom to visit almost any place you want from the destroyed capital to the great monuments of the United States. Players will be able to switch from 1st or 3rd person view. Thus old and new school players will be satisfied.

In addition the quests will offer more branching paths, good or evil? There are rumors that the game will have hundreds of different endings based on your choices. And players will have the option of "pausing time" in combat, and playing turn based. Again satisfying both old and new school players. Many actors and talents are being used for this anticipated game that is expected to be a big hit this Fall.

All pictures and information can be found at the official site

Fallout 3 Teaser Trailer

Kyuss

Posted by Seth Davis

Under light, that I have never seen

Go to the light, reach up to the beam

Under light, under light
Reach up to the sun or you can run

Found the roof, the smallness of it all
Found the roof, you will never fall
You'll never

Classic lyrics from the song "Phototropic", that peaks after a three minute introduction.

Kyuss is not a well known band from the 90’s. However, they have been covered by bands such as Tool and Metallica and affected or influenced the make up of popular bands such as The Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age.

Kyuss released four albums in the 90’s before breaking up. They came from the desert and often hosted parties out in the middle of nowhere with just a generator. This became popular and became known as the Desert Sessions. The band was labeled as “Stoner Rock” and are credited for taking the genre to new heights with their first true album – Blues for the Red Sun. They took the sound of Black Sabbath added more bass, blues and of course the singing of John Garcia.

On their third studio album the band grouped their songs into sets, forcing listeners to listen to certain songs together. The group broke up after their fourth album and guitarist Josh Homme and bassist Nick Oliveri left to form Queens of the Stone Age. A band that in its infancy sounded like Kyuss. Drummer Brant Bjork went on to play in the mighty Fu Manchu. Singer John Garcia played in several bands before ending up with Hermano.

Audio evidence supplied by Youtube:

Kyuss - Phototropic

Kyuss - Supa Scoopa and Mighty Scoop (just ignore the dumb pictures and enjoy the song)

Be thankful we have so many bands that have been touched, influenced, or inspired by Kyuss in some way. As it seems a reunion is not in the works anytime soon.

*Picture is from Amazon.com and is of Welcome to Sky Vally, Kyuss' third studio release.

Mrs. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

It's funny ... she's one of the world's most famous and talented female pop stars of our time. But you wouldn't know it if you typed her name in on YouTube. Her music videos are at the bottom. The top is splashed with paparazzi footage and clips catching her in one of her many "Oops"-es.

I'm going to write a post about Britney Spears. But before you navigate away... it's not going to be a post like you'd expect - not going to be a summary of all the mistakes she's made, a collection of irresponsible things she's done in her life, or an outlet for yet more celebrity bashing. My other blog-mates may disown me, but I think it's time to look at Spears' life in a different way.

I sat here tonight watching music videos, interviews and paparazzi footage of this star. I watched her sing and dance as a girl in the Mickey Mouse Club and I watched her being wheeled out of her home on a gurney to be hospitalized for mental evaluation.

It was sad. I actually felt bad for her and that surprised me. I agree - celebrities soak up attention and seek it as a means of boosting record sales. But what happened to being a celebrity because you're talented? Instead, you know you've made it big when you're being criticized in tabloids or in cartoon hits such as South Park and Family Guy. Britney Spears isn't being photographed because of her latest album - she's being photographed for being sick.

I know, I know... I agree she's brought a lot of it on herself.

But she has had a lot of help, too. I don't look at the latest headlines and huff and say "she's so stupid" under my breath. I look at the headlines and think about the tears that came to her eyes when in an interview with Matt Lauer he asked what it would take to get the paparazzi to leave her alone.

"That's my biggest wish," said Spears as her voice cracked. "For them to leave me alone."

Yeah. Everyone has to make a buck. The paparazzi have a job to do. But I don't think we can continue to look at Britney Spears the way the cameras do. She's been in the spotlight since she was a little girl. What if it were you? The so widely sought life of stardom has led this woman to her breaking point.

The price to appear on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? ...Much higher than the bronze star that's there.

Jillian

-photos courtesy of Google images-

Good Stuff

I’ve been asked if I like pop/rap/hip hop music... you know, the stuff that dominates MTV. The answer is YES, DEFINITELY. I just didn’t think that I needed to fill anyone in on that stuff, since it’s on the radio and TV more often than any other genres.

So I guess I’m going to go ahead and give ya’ll a random list of songs I listen to when I’m getting ready to go out, when I’m running, when I’m doing anything I need to be pumped up for. Here you go… and this is just by clicking shuffle and skipping through.

Drink And My 2 Step – by Cassidy Ft. Swizz Beats
Piece Of Me – by Britney Spears
Rock Yo Hips – by Crime Mob Ft. Lil Scrappy
Mr. Me Too – by Clipse
The Next Episode – by Dr. Dre Ft. Snoop Dogg
Go Crazy – by Young Jeezy
Good Life – by Kanye West
Top Back – by T.I.
That’s That – by Snoop Dogg
It’s Me Bitches – by Swizz Beats
Kiss Kiss – by Chris Brown
We Taking Over – by DJ Kahled
Shut Up And Drive – by Rhianna
Drop It Like It’s Hot – by Snoop Dogg Ft. Pharrell
Yeah Yeah – by Bodyrox
Impacto Remix – by Daddy Yankee Ft. Fergie
Make It Rain – by Fat Joe
Tambourine – by Eve ft. Swizz Beats
Ching a Ling – by Missy Elliot
Independent – by Webbie
Lean Like A Cholo – by Down Aka Kilo

I’m not THAT well informed about what’s in the clubs and what not. I do, however, like to shake what my mother gave me once in a while. And, music is music. Don’t judge.

-Kassandra

Photo from haacked.com

Cat Power

She’s an artist of minimalist style. She’s got a knack for dragging you in with her simple guitar playing and delicate, ghostly voice. Her music is a beautifully emotive experience.

Her stage name is Cat Power. She’s from Georgia where she grew up with a pianist and blues musician as a father. She often moved from place to place, living with either one of her divorced parents, or with her grandmother. She says it’s the reason she’s got a love for touring and performing, as well as prepared for it.

Cat Power, or Charlyn Marshall, dropped out of high school and began performing in clubs around Atlanta in her youth. Now she’s 36 and fans can’t get enough of her soothing voice and enticing musical skills. Some people make it by selling out. Some make it being them selves.

Cat Power is definitely herself.

-Kassandra Small

Go Team Venture!

By Seth Davis

I am back again to pontificate and spout off without shame about the entertainment I think you need to be wasting your time with.

Today's lesson: The Venture Brothers.

It can be seen on the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. Cartoons for adults, insomniacs and anyone with a sense of humor. Season three will be starting in June.

It follows the adventures of Dr. "Rusty" Venture and his two sons, Hank and Dean and of course the family body guard, Brock Sampson. Rusty is living in the shadow of his Bond like father and struggles with things like dating, science and parenting. Villains and adventures are behind every corner. Thankfully Brock has a license to kill and the villains beyond being funny, just plain suck.

The show is from the writers and creators of the super hero cult classic, The Tick. It features a few things that many adult cartoons lack these days: complex characters, a story line, and some sense of continuity. Not to mention cool animation.

However it is in no sense serious. Each half hour show features more crazy villains, sick humor and violence than the eye can handle.

Here is a full episode courtesy of Cartoon Network: Ghosts of Sargasso

Home Grown and Going National

Well, technically she's a transplant but she's been living on the coast of Maine since she was four. She is Juliane Gardner and Castine has been her home since moving here from New York.

Juliane is making headlines as one of her songs will be be part of the ABC show Men in Trees. The episode will air on April 23rd and her song Love and Comforting will be interwoven between scenes.

Juliane released her debut album, Packsaddle Road, back in 2003. Since that time her songs have been used in a documentary about Castine and in MPBN TV series, not to mention getting airplay on the radio.

I really like her style or should I say styles! Check her out at www.julianegardner.net

Kudos to yet another Maine talent making a name for herself in the music industry.

by Susan Patten

photo from www.julianegardner.com

Thursdays Are Back!

I've missed my Thursdays. Long as they are, they are still not complete until I get to see Grey's Anatomy at 9:00. Thus we conclude that my Thursdays haven't been complete for a while. But that's about to change! Starting next week - an all new Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and LOST (which I still can't watch because when this season started I was still catching up on Season 3).

Man, I love ABC. Don't judge me.

So this is your warning! It may seem silly to give one... but I almost missed the new Desperate Housewives this past Sunday. If it weren't for my mother's call during a long day in the computer lab as a slave to Adobe InDesign, the time would have passed without my remembering the show.

If you're a fan of Grey's... here's a brief hint at the new episode, courtesy of mysa.com

"Grey's Anatomy" (ABC, 8 p.m., April 24) Expect a Derek (Patrick Dempsey)-Meredith
(Ellen Pompeo) love reunion. Kate Walsh's Addison is expected to return for one episode.

Oh! I just got a little nervous when I saw that it's on at 8:00 Thursday night ... then recovered after realizing that it's a different time zone. "9/8 central"... WHEW.

Don't judge me.

Jillian

Goofy Art

For many, the semester is winding down and final projects are beginning to be assigned. With projects, papers and job interviews (for seniors), stress levels are high and tensions are boiling. I've learned the importance of stepping away from your work (not in the middle of class, of course) and taking a breathe-er. I don't necessarily mean stealing away from the world to be outside and take long drags from a cigarette, but simply to do something different, fun and maybe even child-like to help you de-stress.

And I've found the perfect thing. As it turns out, there's a slew of places online where you can be creative, no rules or grading or guidelines, and share your work with others. How does this tie into an arts and entertainment blog? You're creating your own art! As primitive as this may feel at first try, it'll be fun and take your mind off of work. What's better is that you can email it to friends or family for a good laugh and as a little message for them to take a breather, too.

At art.com the blank canvas is yours to splash with color. As the website indicates: "Click anywhere to express yourself!" Here's a little something-something that I whipped up as an example. I went for a Jackson Pollock themed background and used the brush tool to paint a very subtle reminder of my favorite blog in the whole wide world.


At mrpicassohead.com, you can create your own Picasso! Or not. But you do get to sign it which is pretty cool. Here's mine ...


Or, if you're still not de-stressed - this next artistic opportunity will do the trick and make you laugh. The bluemangroup.com website allows you to create your own art using odd food items. Ever blasted a blob of jell-o at a canvas? Stuck Captain Crunch cereal to paint? Added a few Twinkies just to mix things up? It's odd, but pretty fun. And in case you were wondering about the first image on my blog - that's exactly what it is... twinkies, jell-o blobs and Captain Crunch with a few paint splatters.

Happy de-stressing!

Jillian

Another Unique Artist

Alejandro Escovedo is his name and he's appearing at the end of this month at the Strand Theater in Rockland. I've never seen him perform. Let's be honest here, I'd never heard of him until it was time for me to find something artsy to blog about this week. I'm in the great position of receiving press releases from entertainment venues in Maine so it's relatively easy to come up with something to write about.

I was initially skeptical about Alejandro Escovedo. He was described as a punk-rocker from San Fransisco and I'm not really into punk rock. But the same release said he was actually able to move an audience in Ellsworth to tears. He was accompanied only by a string quartet when that happened. Now we're talking my style, so I decided to give his videos on Youtube a peek.

The title of this song I Was Drunk didn't do much to entice me, but once the band kicked in, I found myself enjoying his style. I don't think I'd listen to a lot of his music, but certainly as a musician, I can appreciate his talent and songwriting capabilities.

The best part of his scheduled performance in Rockland is venues like the Strand, The Grand in Ellsworth and now Shangri-La in Ellsworth exposing Mainers to a wonderful variety of talented entertainers.

by Susan Patten

Photo provided to press by Shangri-La

The Legacy of Evil Elvis

By Seth Davis

I have highlighted several Gods of Metal and music in my posts before and now we move to the evil one himself, Glenn Danzig, or as I prefer to call him -- Evil Elvis. His real name is Glenn Anzalone, born June 23, 1955, in Lodi, NJ.

The singer, writer and business man was one the founding members of the punk band The Misfits (one of Hot Topics favorite bands) is best known by many for his MTV hit of the 90's "Mother" from his solo band, Danzig. He has adapted from his 70's punk roots and not only formed an international fan base, sold over 8 million records, but has challenged himself with each album. He has shaken off the chains of the record industry and now written the music he wants to write.

For example he has experimented with industrial, dark blues and classical/orchestral albums. Danzig is often asked about Satan worship and religion and often responds that he simply finds Satan and the Bible itself interesting topics.

Danzig has written songs that were performed by Johnny Cash and more. As usual I provide examples.

The live version of Mother that took MTV by storm in the old days when MTV played videos:

And a fan tribute of Danzig's Blood and Tears showing his relationship with Elvis:

I think that sums things up.

*Thanks to http://music.aol.com/for the artist info and picture.
And always thanks to Youtube.com for the audio backup

Close Your Eyes And Picture It

The Decemberists!

Their music is one story after another. Folk stories for lyrics and sad backgrounds mixed with upbeat folk music. The singer’s voice is a quaint narrator that puts together what he’s trying to say with such powerful feeling. I don’t know much about this band. For once, however, I don’t feel I need to research anything, because they are not about them selves. They are about the stories they tell and the beautiful music they produce. If I ever get a chance to see these people live, my life will be way more fulfilled.

-Kassandra Small

BTS Art Show

The exhibit at the Husson College Art Gallery has once again changed and now features the work of students, faculty and staff of the Bangor Theological Seminary.

The exhibit features a complete mix of artwork from pottery to digital photography to book art. The one piece I liked the most was created by two artists in a team approach. Mom, Annette Joseph, and daughter Anna combined their skills to create an illustrated book of poetry. Annette is the poet and Anna the artist.

Check out the BTS exhibit when you get a chance. It called, Beauty.

by Susan Patten

Photo by Susan Patten

Video Competition

I was invited via Facebook group to vote for videos on OurStage. It is a website where college kids submit videos for a festival and then registered members of the site can then watch and vote for these videos. The way it works is there is a face-off for each vote. Two side-by-side videos are to be played for at least fifteen seconds each, and then the voting takes place to decide which video was better. I find each video to be very funny, but I do not have any knowledge on how a video is to be properly made. I am also not generally picky; if something gets me laughing, that’s all it is to me. I encourage you all to check it out! The videos I found the most the amusing were “Tears Of Red” and “Hanging By A Thread.” Enjoy!

Kassandra Small

NESCom Stars

Young, talented, motivated and enterprising are adjectives I would use to describe one of our NESCom stars. This particular star got my attention one day in an audio engineering classroom located across from my office. I must admit that it's difficult some times to focus on my work when I have the rhythm track of Loverboy's Turn Me Loose on a loop running through my head. It's even harder to concentrate when I hear the voice of one of our students and it's immediately evident she's a very good singer. The talent and diversity of some of our students truly excites me. Kayla Wass is one of our stars and I understand she's even competing in the Husson Idol contest on campus.

I'm a musician and have grown up in a musical environment all of my life. I can easily recognize a good musician from a bad one. Kayla has great vocal control and range and she's got good pitch. Musicians who don't have good pitch can be very painful to listen to if you have a trained ear!

Kayla has quite a schedule set for herself in 2008 and you can find out where she's appearing next by checking out her website kaylawass.com. Her website is where my use of enterprising comes in to play. How impressive it is that Kayla understands the business end of the music industry and grasps the need for marketing herself and her music.

I think Kayla is a NESCom Star destined for great things. Not only is she a great entertainer but a wonderful role model for other young musicians as well.

by

Susan Patten

Can't Stop Change

I was in college during the Napster craze. Record labels and bands were caught in the middle between a horde of hungry pirates looking for free downloads and change itself. Change always wins.

That craze began on college campuses due to the spread of broadband. Students away from mom and dad's dial up were drunk on bandwidth.

Today you can find broadband anywhere, even in rural Maine. Because of this change entertainment habits changed as well. Tivo a product for recording your favorite shows has become an adjective. Watching your favorite shows when you want is now not an issue. And where you want is becoming easier every day as networks and websites scramble to compete with the demands of consumers. Now you can watch shows like Lost or Heroes on your computer in High Definition. Or download them for your mp3 player with director and actor commentary. Features once reserved for dvds.

As many know this was one of the concerns that the writers had when they went on strike. How do companies get paid in this era of change? Syndication? DVD's? What will survive?

Netflix is competing with iTunes and soon Amazon will jump in the fray with direct downloads. For now subscribers can watch movies and some shows on their computer. Of course technology does allow you to hook up your television to your PC.

As cable and internet prices rise congress refuses to allow an a la carte payment system, but we can only hope for quality television shows.

Best sites for Free Web TV

~Seth Davis

See What Happens When You Whine

It seems Bangor does negotiate with terrorists. After my earlier complaints that during the slow months of cinema Bangor had let a potentially good movie pass them by, and I was rewarded with concessions.

Playing at the local Theater, two months after its initial release was Be Kind Rewind.

And guess what? It wasn’t that bad. I do like comedies, despite what a few people think. This movie just possessed a basic charm. It also helped that it had a ton of 80’s nostalgia and Danny Glover.

The plot is rather simple, but the director Michael Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) keeps it fun and the entire movie has a spontaneous feel. You're just not sure what is going to happen next despite a somewhat familiar formula. An aging Danny Glover is holding on to his video store, holding back time and developers. Protegé Mos Def works there and gets tangled up with Jack Black who works at a near by junk yard. After an accident Jack finds himself magnetized and ends up erasing all the videos in the store.

It is up to Mos Def and Jack to fix the problem. When the two friends get together and add the neighbors it creates characters and scenes that will have you laughing into the parking lot.

It does start out slow, and probably isn’t for everyone, I suppose that why it works.

After you finish the movie go online and watch "Sweded" movies.

Be Kind Rewind - How To Swede

~Seth Davis

A Modern Disney Remake

One of my gal pals and I decided to order pizza and rent a movie this weekend. We chose a new release titled Sydney White - mostly because it seemed to be the kind of stupidly funny comedy we were in the mood for. It wasn't until after the movie that I realized we were watching what was intended to be a modern remake of Disney's Snow White. Let me explain the movie and you'll see...

Sydney White is a young woman ready to enter her freshman year at Southern Atlantic University. Her mother, who died when she was just nine, was part of the Kappa Phi Nu sorority at the same college years ago. Sydney goes off to college with plans to pledge the same sorority as her mother to carry on her legacy. She soon finds out that greek life isn't what she thought and is banished to live with seven dorks in a house called The Vortex where outcasts at the university reside. Standing up against sorority President, the evil Rachel Witchburn, and with the love of fraternity cutie Tyler Prince, Sydney vows to run for Student Council President and give the university back to the students and away from greek row. At one point in the film, Tyler even kisses Sydney to wake her up in time for the debate after she had fallen asleep finishing a paper.

See the similarities now? The tag line of the film is even "freshman year is no fairy tale." Somehow I completely missed these hints and didn't discover the Disney undertones (though I doubt Snow White ever pledged a sorority). I discovered online through imdb.com that the working title for this film was "Sydney White and the Seven Dorks." It becomes obvious then, right?

It's a fun film. Like any college fraternity/sorority bit of its type, the plot is similar and there are certainly cheesy moments. But it was fun to watch all the same. Amanda Bynes used to annoy me during her Nickelodeon days, but she has grown as an actress.

Jillian

-photo courtesy of movies.yahoo.com-

An Art Crime Oxymoron

Graffiti wall - Portland, Maine

Legal graffiti.

Sounds like an oxymoron, huh? But it's not anymore. Graffiti artists are now being asked, in some cases, for their decorative services.

It's always a little frustrating for me to see graffiti sloppily splattered across cement walls, bridges and even public landmarks. To me, this is defacing and vandalism of public property. For these reasons, graffiti has always arisen negative thoughts or associations in my mind. But after an online search, I find many of these pieces to be art.

"Most of the opposition to graffiti art is due to its location and bold, unexpected, and unconventional presentation, but its presentation and often illegal location does not necessarily disqualify it as art," writes George C. Stowers. Stowers is a student in an Aesthetics class at the University of Miami. I discovered a paper of his online in which he tackles convincing the reader that some forms of graffiti are art.

I feel that there are two forms of graffiti: that which is conducted illegally without permission and when a graffiti artist is asked by an owner to paint a building or surface. An article I discovered online tells the story of a Los Angeles graffiti artist who was asked to decorate the 10,000 square feet of concrete wall along the bank of the river. It was a public event and many families came to watch the artist. But once it was finished, concern arose among local politicians who wondered why the city should now allow a practice that has formerly cost them so much money to clean up. There was also question as to whether some of the graffiti was obscene.

The wall was whitewashed.

Graffiti is a subject that can create a great deal of controversy. The question I pose to you? Is graffiti an art or an art crime?

Jillian

-photos courtesy of http://www.graffnews.com/?p=761 and flickr.com-

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

The popular audience was not introduced to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs until their appearance on the VMAs on MTV a few years back. With their performance of “Maps,” I believe MTV made a bold move and that it is one of the reasons they have a more wide variety of music on their station today. Where Rap and Rock dominates, they had finally filled a space for the not-so-normal artists to show the world that they deserved respect. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs got some negative feelings from their fans about performing on a television station which was said to be the major contributor to the slaughtering of music. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs kept on doing what they were doing, playing indie shows and appearing mostly on alternative stations. I think that without that performance, which confused and at the same time intrigued the audience that night, MTV would have not known how experimenting with style is most certainly a very, very good thing. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs is a musical group that oversteps many boundaries with their style, and you actually have to think deeply into their lyrics to find meanings to their songs. Some find it annoying, but most people have a brain and like to exercise it. Listen to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Maps” and tell me that it belonged on MTV in 2005. You would be wrong, and that’s why it’s so utterly amazing how well the pop genre responded to this group’s talent. Believe me, I'm one of the people who get annoyed when bands sell out just for money, but in this case I do not believe they sold out at all, let alone for cash. They did it for the music and the sake of its slow evolution into something with meaning.

-Kassandra Small

Reminders of Spring

Daffodils on kitchen counter

I guess you can tell that we're all a little excited about spring here at the A-List. Susan's post leads wonderfully into mine, as I want to share my recent experiences in the way flowers can act as art --- brightening a room, drawing positive focus and being little reminders that spring is here or, if you're in Maine, on it's way!

For me, this season brings the need to open the windows once it gets warm enough to let all the stale winter air out and the fresh spring breeze in. Since it's not yet warm enough, my boyfriend and I decided we could do something else to bring spring in. So we went on a search for flowers.

At Shaw's, we found daffodils that had not yet bloomed. Three bundles for $6. I was skeptical because they weren't pretty yet. I needed instant gratification. But the next morning I didn't regret the $6 and actually began to consider what a bargain it was. We placed a bundle of daffodils in the bathroom, the kitchen, and the entryway next to the door. In the morning, they had opened up and vibrant yellow flowers filled the vases, lifting our moods and bringing a certain brightness to each room.

Daffodils as bathroom art

Flowers are art. Especially after a long and cold winter.

Jillian

Celebrating Books

A celebration of the written word. Who would want to attend such a celebration and how exactly, would the written word be celebrated? Well, people who read books of course might enjoy the 2nd Annual Maine Festival of the Book which is set for May 15-17th in Portland.

According to promoters, the festival's goal is to encourage dialog between authors and their readers. They intend to accomplish that goal through readings, performances and panel discussions.

Opening night features David Baldacci, bestselling author of Stone Cold, performer Michael Maglaras and poet Annie Finch. Most of the events are free to the public. Books will be on sale and as many as forty Maine authors will be in attendance to sign their books. Kids will be well entertained too by children's entertainer and author of Hey, Little Ant Phil Hoose, Paul Janezko and Lyn Plourde.

The Maine Festival of the Book will also offer writing workshops and the Theater of the Unexpected will feature work of emerging playwrights at the Portland Stage Company.

To find out more about the festival's offerings log on to www.mainereads.org

by Susan Patten

graphics compliments of:
www.DavidBaldacci.com
www.philliphoose.com

10, 9, 8 And I'm Breaking Away...

Founded in 2002, Shiny Toy Guns is a musical group of the electronica, punk and indie genres. Up-tempo dance beats mixed with the singers’ rock voices makes them unique. Starting their fame locally in California and gaining fans on their Myspace page, this band began abruptly and became successful just as quickly. The indie music world needed something to dance to, as slow and sad is what had occupied its charts. Shiny Toy Guns is talented in not only music but presenting themselves as brave and free-spirited. Their first album We Are Pilots captured me with the first note of track 1, “You Are The One.” My favorite song by this group, by far, would have to be “Don’t Cry Out” from this same album. Their style is filled with intriguing and explosive sound effects and they mix indie rock culture in with dance eloquently. With a girl as one of the lead singers, Carah Charnow, the sound couldn’t be more perfect. Accompanied by the other lead singer and guitarist Gregori Petree, a contrast is evident in some of their songs and it makes listening a strong experience. The other members consist of Jeremy Dawson with the bass and Makey Martin on drums.

-Kassandra Small

Entertainment Garden Style

You've got to remember that I'm the old fart on the A-List. It's really quite apparent when you read my posts, compared to those of my team. I blog about the Symphony of Spring and the Expression of Nature while others are blogging about Buckethead.

So now that I've shaped your perspective with that reminder, I want to tell you how truly entertaining it is to stroll through the Bangor Garden Show every year. The show is this weekend and come hell or high water, snow, sleet or hail, I'll be there.

The beauty of the landscape exhibits always make me conjure up images of my little frog pond, meticulously adorned with colorful flora, waterfalls, fountains and gnomes. Then I think about how expensive landscaping can be and I quickly snap out of it! Perhaps some day I may be able to afford my fantasy landscaping but until then I've got the garden show.

After I take in the talent and creativity of Maine landscapers and tantalizing fragrances of daffodils and hyacinth, I make my way over to the Civic Center to stroll through the vendors. I do throw down a little cash in exchange for things like pickled brussel sprouts and fiddle heads from Stanchfield Farms and no trip to the garden show is complete for me until I buy a bouquet of ornamental lilies.

You can also educate yourself at the garden show. Now that's really entertaining! This year my mission is to find out more about backyard composting.

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, entertain yourself at the Bangor Garden Show.

by Susan Patten

Photos compliments of Bill Shepard

Yes! The Art of Spring Cleaning!

Piece chosen by Collins for her bedroom

Cleaning is never a fun thing to do, unless you're me. And even then, it's fun to clean because you know how nice and dust or germ-free everything will be afterwards. I know, I'm an odd duck. But I guarantee that if you were a spring cleaner like myself you would find it enjoyable. Of course, there's an art to it.

I was roaming around online when I came across an article written by a writer by the name of Anna Collins. Collins writes that she decided to hire someone to clean her house this spring, instead of doing it herself. This lead her to her new spring makeover idea --- Collins decided to take down all her old artwork and replace it with new and fresh art. She points her readers to art.com to find inexpensive but great art. Once, she strays from the site and incorporates old postcards into the new scenery in the bathroom.

"The Bathroom. You may not think of this as a place for art, but let’s face it, we spend a lot of time in the bathroom, so why not make it interesting? Who wants to look at those same dumb watercolors of a bathtub and vanity that seem to be so popular amongst the masses. I’m already in the bathroom; I don’t need to be reminded that I’m in the bathroom. This was the only area where I diverted from Art.com. Instead, I took some vintage Florida postcards and framed them for a lovely vertical piece of artwork. I purchased the frame, which is specifically fashioned for 4”x 6” postcards from HomeGoods and the postcards I got at a yard sale." - Anna Collins

Collins goes on to describe her choices for each major room in her home and how each piece of art carries a desirable and appropriate feel to the space in which is resides. I find her article very interesting as an individual ready for spring cleaning and, at the same time, embarking upon the tiring yet rewarding journey of redecorating my apartment. I learned from this article to, not only buy art that makes sense, but buy art that fits. And yes, those are two different things.

Happy Spring Cleaning!

Jillian

-photo and quote courtesy of http://www.annacollins.com/art-of-cleaning.htm# -

HBO Generation Kill

The Wire has now ended . . . and John Adams despite being entertaining is no Rome or Deadwood. Now HBO has just advertised an encore presentation of the final 8 Sopranos episodes. Wasn't that a year ago?! And wasn't it not all that good? Anyway. It seems the network I have grown to love has been losing more than it is gaining.

Giving us more 1/2 hour shows of varying quality, like Entourage and In Treatment and less of the epics we have grown to love. Don’t hold your breath waiting for a Deadwood movie. Then they quietly announced they had canceled their longest running show -- Inside the NFL. We are still waiting for the Spielberg/Hanks sequel to the epic WWII drama Band of Brothers.

Thankfully someone at HBO has found a good book and has turned it into a miniseries. (See past posts for references about turning books into movies) Generation Kill: is a book by embedded journalist Evan Wright of Rolling Stone. The series will be 7 episodes and is “inspired” by true stories of marines fighting in Iraq in 2003.

Sound interesting? Wait there is more. Remember that show The Wire? Well David Simon and Ed Burns both writers and producers of that show are deeply involved in Generation Kill. The show will start in July. In the meantime enjoy John Adams, and Soprano reruns.

Generation Kill (2008) Miniseries Trailer - HBO

*The image above is the cover of the book. A book I might try to read before July to make a better judgment of the show.

~Seth Davis