Random Pecking

Though I wish I could keep up with my blog, I know I don't have many readers, so this actually is helpful in two ways. I think I can write more freely and not worry about critical comments- "oh, I don't agree with this" "Oh, I don't understand what you mean that" Well, I know I'm a good writer so if I can make sence of what I'm writting, then its less pressure to produce a winning blog...
Being out of the UK loop doesn't stop me from thinking internationally, its just that I'm not faced with it every minute of the day as I once was. I've lost my false british accent and i'm back to sounding like I have a 3rd grade education and have a home by the local bay. Though I can't eat the fish in the bay, its quite nice that the sess pool bay is now quite flocked with swans. I don't know where they came from, but they must have eatten the local sea gull to survive. These beauties sadly have to endure morons feeding them bread and drinking from the toxic water, but if they last through the winter it will be nothingless than a miracle.
Its a miracle that I have been holding up as well as I have. I decided to try my hand(for the upteenth time) at selling my music collection. I would have never considered doing this but I feel its time and hopefully the reward($$$$$) will be a better option than staring at these items I can no longer keep. I love music collecting, so as much as it feels like a psychological nightmare ("NOOOO, that's so damn rare, don't touch it! It took five years to find that FK release!), the other options tend to win out...(er, having $, who doesn't need money and space). It will cost more $ to throw these items in mini storage than to profit from giving them up, but it does affect me. I think its even worse that people have to ask why...

Gen-ah-sis@Giants Stadium

"Wow, I didn't know he could drum so well," my friend had exclaimed to me at the thursday night Genesis Concert in NJ. Upon hearing this, I shot the newbie fan a look of surprise and said "ITS PHIL COLLINS, COME ON!" Fortunately, the amazement of the night between the two of us continued, maybe for myself, more than for my friend, who didn't want to hear "Follow You, Follow Me" and the swarms of people who left during the beautiful "Ripples" and refused to dance. "I can't dance" was the general additude of the fellow audience in nosebleed who prefered to smoke pot and check Mets scores.
Though I was fine with my newbie friend checking Mets scores because he did show an interest in the concert, the concert was better than the aformentioned audience who attended. Either I was too psyched and angry that I wasn't doing the wave as I did the last time Genesis played at Giants Stadium(June 1992), but I felt I saw the best Genesis concert I was ever going to see and the people who paid top dollar for the highly commericalised tour were among the few who shared my excitement. (Plus, these people got shown on the high television tech screens for the sole purpose of jumping for joy when they figured out the whole stadium could see them...).
Admittedly, honest to G-D above, my favorite band is not Duran Duran. Its not even the Beatles, Its Genesis. Every other british band I worship have been tops with me for different reasons yet do not mirror the personal reasons I'm declaring Genesis as the #1 favorite. I've been a fan since 1991, six months before the 1992 NYC tour, I was 15 and had trouble getting through high school. Though all the crap of disfunctional family version 3.0(or 4.0, lost count, sorry) and hating school mates, for some reason British music was becoming my escape. I credit Phil Collins with this, but I looked up to him as a musician who introduced me to his own work while sparking my interest in music appreciation. After I saw the 1992 show, I decided that the music business might interest me...for life.
Thursdays show opened with "Behind The Lines,"(from Duke, 1980) yet I was disapointed when I could sing along to the words as the song was strickly an instrumental version. Collins left the drum kit to approach the mic, wearing an all black track jacket and immediately the song shifted into "Turn it on again." Was the concert over? Nope, but the associated closing number song simply introduced the theme of this "Turn it on again" Tour. Early into the show, my friend looked pleased and commented that the sound contained no "feedback" which was a positive sound experience. I was in awe that the vocals were vastly improved from earlier 2007 television appearances and the show was polished, to the point of of 1992 time warp. I was happy as a clam because I knew exactly when Tony Banks would be coming in with a keyboard section and that I would have the opportunity to enjoy it("Firth of Fifth" was beautiful due to both Banks and Daryl Sturmer).
As much as I thought I knew what I was instore for, some of the classic "Audience Participation" cheestasic moments had changed(Home By The Sea, 1983, got updated a la a halloween appropriate intro tale), and certain songs like "In The Cage," "Mama" and "I Know What I like" I had not personally seen and fully enjoyed. "Mama" finally made Collins actually resemble the Devil instead of "Devilish" as previous incarnations of the songs performance over the years. His blue eyes looked stone gray and his face paler than an undertaker as mood lighting was used to highlight the evil laughs of the song. Thank Goodness my friend and I were a safe distance away. Freddy Kruger Lives!
But, it wasn't supposed to be a dig at the band's ages. They were already over-the-hill in 1992, so this wasn't the main focus. If anything Mike Rutherford looked propped up and Tony Banks remained true to form(keenly focused but hard edged), yet unexpectedly cracked an adorable smile. The entire group played like they knew that people had counted on a flawless performance. It ended in fireworks(literally, a fireworks ending) and I even cracked a bigger smile than I had in a long time. My money was well spend and I bought the t-shirt. ...and "That's All" but they didn't have to play it they upheld the
theme that this would be the last tour. It was certainly my favorite gig of the year.

Oh, Mr. Pegg....Over Here!

What a treat it was to not actually attend the special screening and Q&A for "Run, Fatboy, Run" at Lincoln Center in NYC(tickets were sold out and $40 a pop). Not only did I manage to take a few decent shots of the arrivals of the celebrities, but my friend and I got close enough to get autographs/photos with lead actor, Simon Pegg. Some other guy, named "David Schwimmer" was present as well, though I can't say he hung around for too long and I didn't want to approach him. Clearly, our "friend"ly encounter was with Pegg.
Simon Pegg, is best known in the states for his cult comedy films with Nick Frost like "Shaun of The Dead" and the recently out on DVD, "Hot Fuzz." He did make another movie, acting with David Schwimmer that was panned earlier this year (no offense, "Ross"...), but this time, the hopefully-coming-out-stateside-soon, "Run,Fatboy,Run" throws Schwimmer into 1st time director, and Pegg attempting to animate Michael Ian Black's (a 'VH1' staple) script about an fitness-challenged bloke trying to prepare for a huge marathon to win back an old love(Thandie Newton). Can he do it? How the hell should I know-it cost $40 to see it early, remember?
As exclusive as the actual screening was, the pre-press arrivals were open to the public because they were done outside the event. There was a portion of time for the press to shutter bug the stars behind the backdrop. Blocked by a small but clustered group, I got a few pics but decided to move closer and away from the press barracades. A short time later, when Pegg was recording an audio interview, I waited until he finished speaking and got his attention by asking for an autograph on a Doctor Who playing card with his character, "The Editor" from an episode in 2005 called "The Long Game." He recognised it and offered some related banner about "The Editor" which raised a smile from both us girls, who are familar with is connection to the new series as a guest star. Eventually, my friend reminded me to take more photos and I took a couple more, one of which another fan asked me to snap and unfortunately blurred.
Back to reality for a moment, an assistant came over to take him back to the photo backdrop as I was asking to take my own picture with him. Kindly, he told me that he would return after to pose for our picture. Mr. Pegg is a class act, the assistants wanted to wisk him away following his press op, but he told them "One moment, I promised a girl I would take a photo!"
I sheepishly apologised for holding him up after declaring quietly "I'm the girl!" and he was completely easygoing, which was a relief.
As far as I've heard, the movie opened in the UK at #1, but I suspect that it will be in limited release here. I was happy to get this fluke opportunity after seeing the event postcard while at seeing "King of Kong-A Fistful of Quarters." From King Kong yesterday to a Comedy King today, its been a winning week.

Aggie and Kim need to clean my house..stat!

"How clean is your house?" is basically a DIY tips television show where these two English ladies try to help people with filthy living conditions. The popularity of their original C4 program had launched a second USA version with the same hosts, but instead of London flats, for example, they could come to my apartment. I've seen both versions of the program before and it is most memorable for the "cat feces found on the bed sheets" type shock of discovery, than actually being entertaining for restoring home order and cleanliness. I started skimming the pages of one of their book, recently, in hopes that I can learn quick tips to keep my half of my house tidy. I learned its best to air out your bedding every day because people shed skin cells each day and bedbugs love it. I doubt I have bedbugs but I memorized a few other of the book suggestions for prevention. Now, i'd like to have my rooms immaculate so I can promptly slide a copy of this book under my roomates door with the chapters highlighted about bugs. The book might bounce back because the roomate has a mounting garbage problem and a visit from Aggie and Kim might be an emergency. For what its worth, these cleaning gurus are sencible despite their shock-tatic methods to get people to clean. On BBC america, the show has got 5 listed seasons so its certainly not going anywhere. I'd better start my letter today, I see some trash leaking out of the roomates door already as I type....

File Sharing-are we all going to hell?

I love BBCAmerica, I used to watch it a lot and took it for granted, until I got a bum deal with my new cable company. This other company doesn't carry the network. I am at a loss. Anything I wanted to watch recently has been a problem. I want to watch about four different dramas and I surely don't have $500 to spend in the BBCAmerica shop or amazon UK. Firstly, i'm not spending money on Torchwood(ever) and Life on Mars is easier to aquire living on pluto...I digress...
For an entire week, I had been watching the six-part "Jekyll" online. I made it as far as episode five and two web sources were zapped by the time I made it to episode 6. THE FINALE. Needless to say, I'm hooked and frusterated.
File Sharing is a touchy subject, even if you are for or against, you know that it isn't Kosher. I don't want to pull food out of the hand of rich television executives who don't want unauthorised viewers, but I continue to do. These people are losing weight and I am gaining free entertainment. It should be a win/win situation but I cannot act as Robin Hood's Merry Men, at least when the Sheriffs are in town....
The main argument that supports file sharing and monetary rights to the owners, is that fans will still buy retail material. This doesn't apply to me, because as I mentioned before, I don't have money to burn on telly dramas. Jekyll, for instance, import, I think is $60. That's $10 for each 45 min episode. Nope, sorry, can't help you. In fact, I have to be selective in my purchases. Say, I finally get watch the Finale and get angry at the ending, I'll be thrilled I didn't waste $60 trying to watch the bloody(literally) thing the first time. If I'm head-over-heels and the price was reduced, I would consider the better viewing and pretty packaging.
Are we facing decisions that will somehow justify seedy behaviour? Probably, but I don't *wink wink* know any Nylon sources that have music or videos. Really, I don't...

Blockbuster Video-Wow! What a difference!

Video stores, remember those? The place where we used to rent VHS and BetaMax cassettes? NetFlicks has seemed to faze out the local shops. I have a memembership to Hollywood Video. I've used it to rent DVDs probably once a month or once every few months.
My strange roomate started acting stranger when she returned home with a stack of rented videos from the same video store branch. She asked, out-of-the-blue, if I wanted to see this Brit-com film about strippers. I played real stupid "oh, is it the 'Full Monty' ?" I asked(one of my all time fave films). I didn't understand why the roomate was trying to push the film on me.
A few days later, I went past the store and saw the "going out of business, everything 30% off" sign. I went inside and saw the walls nearly bare. Even soda was 30% off, sure enough, I saw the roomate roaming the ailes. Before I could turn and run, she ran over to me to apologise for not telling me sooner. I prepared myself to break the news to my mother, who had recently returned from a vacation(she normally frequents the store more than myself).
The video store suggests we take our memberships to other branches in areas of Brooklyn that would cost more money to travel to than to rent a movie title. Well, I figured I'd survive, but what would my poor mother do when she wanted to rent "out of africa" for the 3 millionth time?
Blockbuster Video is a ten minute walk from my house and I remember this when I took a different route home this afternoon.
Sure enough, the place was cleaner and packed with titles, but I just wanted a video card. It took about 3 mins to sign up, get a spare card for my mom, and quickly spend $10 total for 2 rentals. The lady who signed me up was awake for a change and did her job. She even knew I was a misplaced Hollywood customer and we chatted. It's nice to make friends!
Despite the fact I need to get a life, at least my mom will be pleased that I rent titles like "Oceans 12." Yet, this doesn't mean she gets to watch them...

Duraned Out-A new corner

I've been a Duran Duran fan for many years, ten years, in fact. The next album comes out very soon and I'm looking forward to writing a review about it. However, I don't think I can be taking on the effort it takes to keep up with the fans. I will not take the time to insult the fans of this band. It is just time for myself to have a variety of interests, which I have expressed doing for sometime now.
I've personally had enough of the machine of being a public "Duranie." I have maxed out the excitement even when it comes to personal enjoyment of the bands work. No, they aren't The Beatles, but they were My Beatles(though 10 years too late, technically). I think I've been withdrawing at a poor pace. I did end my six year website tribute about 10 months ago, but then I spent at least $150 to see the band this past June in the city. I would be a very bad substance abuser, so it great that I don't have a vice for illegal drugs or alcohol. I'd probably give up daily drug needles but sniff coke on holidays, weekends, and on whims. Here lies the problem with Duran Duran, I'll have to be weened off and lord knows what else, but if anyone tries to ruin my signed copy of "Pop Trash"(the one with the "To Meredith...With Love, Nick Rhodes" I will drop kick them...I weigh under 150 lbs, I could do it...maybe...if the person also said 'Simon Le Bum").
The fact that Andy Taylor departed is not the reason for my interests to wander, I just have other priorities and I seek balence. I'm older and have different wishes. I wish that Justin Timberlake will not cause the band to sink on a creative level and I also hope Andy Taylor's tell all book will not make the music industry more of a joke to me than it already is...I honestly don't care if the album sells or not, I just hope the production hasn't been overworked, for I am currently "Duraned Out." We'll see this fall if the "Le Bon" doesn't "Le Bum" me out when Red Carpet Masacre gets released.

Celebrity Meltdowns

Celebrity Meltdowns are the "in" thing at the moment. The press seems to love it and there seems to be no escape from personalities going bonkers. It seems like an endless daily report of kooky celebrities not only demonstrating strange behaviour but getting the notice of law enforcement. The Police are getting smart to the fact that maybe its time to lock up these people. "The drugs weren't mine" wails Lindsay Lohan, caught with cocaine in her pockets; "I was trying to land a movie role.." pleads Britney Spears, who went ballistic on a car window with an umbrella. Famous people seem to think just because they try to explain things, as they see it, it should be noted as truth even when it is clearly a lame attempt to escape reality. The excuses would be taken seriously if they made sence, but none of them do. Hollywood is setting a bad example lately and need to learn to take responsiblity. And more importantly, hire chauffers to avoid further embarrassment, you've got the money. Take note, Mel Gibson

Officially Addicted to: Blackpool

How could I resist a 2004 6-part BBC Murder Mystery Drama/Musical? Well, I just didn't get around to watching the series, starring David Morrissey, Sarah Parish, and *ahem* David Tennant. Unfortunately, I put it aside thinking that what I heard was probably true- a sappy british version of "Cop Rocks"(another failed usa drama meets a musical) and buckled down to watch 2 out of the 6 episodes. Its fabulous! I'm not just sayin' this because Tennant has a role in it( PI Peter Carlile) but the story is very entertaining aside from the singing and dancing. The musical concept doesn't ruin the serious drama plots but rather enhances the program. I couldn't wait for more parts in the story to break into song. The actors don't even really sing but sing-a-long to well known rock-and-roll classics. It isn't sappy at all, and there aren't more than five musical numbers an episode anyway. I actually love musical numbers, provided the choreography serves a purpose- To entertain and not cringe at. This series scores. I'm dying to watch episode 3. I wonder what will happen with the core family, and I wonder when the next singing sex scene will occur and yes I did say "singing sex scene"....Viva Blackpool!

I walked out of Harry Potter..10 times...

....because there was no reason to watch it. Firstly, I hate the Harry Potter movies, and secondly, David Tennant isn't in the new film. Let me explain futher....
I love the English, I Love English pop culture, I do, however draw the line at Harry Fricken Potter, because I just don't have the interest in this epic story. I read 4 chapters of the 1st book and was happy to do so. I would have expected to immediately like it, but I never could finish that 1st book. Maybe I read it at the wrong time, but it did nothing for me. I even went to see the first film. Still, nothing. I don't see the appeal, I prefer to keep out of quiddish, muggles, and interest towards a "boy wizard." I do joke occassionally that I have a "Harry Potter Scar" but that's where the interest ends....
Unless you count the afternoon that I ran out to rent the 4th film, fast forwarded through the entire film to find all of David Tennant's scenes(total: about 4, and half of them he was seen in a dream sequence), and then promply returned it to Hollywood Video. Needless to say, though Tennant attended the London Premire of the latest 5th film, he doesn't appear it. Or does he? I'll never know.
I am now officially "in between jobs." I'm not unemployed, but I may as well be. I have been taking on work as an "Independant Contractor" in the meantime. Some of the work I do involves movie theather assignmates. This week, I had to sit in ten screenings of Harry Potter. I did my work that occurs before the film starts and then I have to get up and leave when the feature starts. Could I have actually stayed for any of those screenings? I didn't ask the theather management if I could, but again, why would I want to see a film franchise I can't stand? From my job prohibiting me from staying for the features, they are actually doing me a favor! You can't say I don't stick with my opinions and Harry Potter is not my cuppa....(Tea, cup of Tea...)...Tennant, on the other hand...

Hit the road, JACK...BRUCIE's Back?

NYC radio has been messed up for years, the days of "hit music" have faded and there is little choice. For two years, there was some ray of light(including Madonna) with a brand, new concept for a station-An ipod playlist for your ears, combining the older artists (Elvis) with the newer ones (No Doubt) in a blender. They also had no DJs but a cranky announcer and I loved it. There was no need to keep switching the dial and I listened for most of the 1st year. Problem was, "Jack-FM" killed a well-loved NYC institution, as well as the format for strickly "Oldies" music where classic DJ had lived for at least 30 some-odd years. Yes, that's right, they fired Cousin Brucie!!!!!
Cousin Brucie and his pals from 101.1 CBS-FM had, until previously mentioned, two years ago, were always on the radio dial. They couldn't be avoided, but luckily I appreciated the station's 50s,60s, 70s tunes from Doo-Wop to Motown, Rock and Roll-Easy Breezy Balads. When I was about 12, I had to carpool to school with my neighbors kids on freezing winter mornings. It took a good 10 mins to warm up the car and to get the engine to turn on, so in the meantime, we had "Harry Harrison-the morning mayor" giving us various words of wisdom with a loud annoying echo, due to the audio microphones high-pitched settings. You could not stay a sleep at 7:30am in the backseat of this car-It literally shook the back seat from the radio station more than myself shivering in my scarf.
During the summer, it was better to hear this station at the beach, every time the sounds stuck you in past and it was ok because you were building a sandcastle or taking a dip anyway, so who cared how many times they played "Summer in the city" by the lovin' spoonful, it was way too hot to notice.
Point being, the station was an old, annoying but accepted companion. Who knew that eventually it would demand attention? Cousin Brucie (above), besides selling carpets on tv, was probably the most associated DJ to CBS-FM. He completely threw a fit, blasting the decision to end the format and then finally shut up(I think) when he got signed by Sirius and got some security. I think it was like an inmate who gets out of jail after 25 years and can't cope to life on the outside. I think it was probably best for him to get off the unemployment line and bought out, if only to shut him up for five minutes. Now, he's hinting at a "comeback" to the airways. Whatever...
So, now Jack-FM will lose its air space in NYC, and switch back to CBS-FM this week. Will I be upset? Sure, but you can't deny your "Cousin"-They will eventually crash your party and you just have to accept it....because its family. Yes, I love you CBS-FM, in some twisted way. Unfortunately, I won't be listening as much as I used to.

Duran Duran Rock My Socks...Finally!

I'm too lazy to post a new blog today, so this was reaction to Duran Duran's Live Earth appearance, which I posted on a message board---"Last week, I started a thread and gave my opinion that the diana concert was horrible. The main reason for my vent that day all had to do with the overall presentation. To me, it was tired and choppy and not anything to celebrate. Simon looked completely uninterested for a majority of it. Even though the sound was fairly decent, it was just boring.

Unlike today, I had no attention span for the various audio fk ups, because Planet Earth was done as perfectly as it could be. It was fresh, exciting and more importantly, Simon looked like he actually wanted to be there. He wasn't phoning it in like last week, and most of the crowd looked more interested.

Ordinary World, The song I can't stand, esp. Live, not a downer, at all. I think Simon should remember the "Papers In the Roadside" line, 'cause I don't know what the heck he said by mistake, but no matter, it was good.

Another plus, aside from what sounded like the speakers tweaking horribly, I didn't hear the unfamilar addition of the keyboards in odd places(no offense to Nick, but I don't like them singled out the way it was in Rio last week).

I think it was a wise decision to just do a hits set, the set list was well excuted/planned. I know we've heard Notorious/I wanna take you medly about 1,000 times, but it hasn't shown up in major tv apperances(minus Live From London? Maybe). Which was great to be heard on the wembley stage.

GOF had some more noticible sound breaks, but no matter when Simon threw in extra bits.

I was a little confused if I actually heard a backing track at the end of one of the songs when Simon turned his back to the audience? Maybe OW? Not sure.

Overall, they looked interested, ready to entertain, and for me it was 90% better than last week. I want a MP3 of this, turn PE to 11!"
Yeah, so I'm like a pig in mud right now, and I did get that MP3!

My Cartoon-self

Here's what I think I look like as a Simpson...which is pretty accurate...I consider myself to be good with visual art, not neccessarily Michaelangelo-worthy art, but pretty decent when it comes to style. Strangely, I can't really dress myself, but that's not important, I seem to have an idea of what fits correctly with a general theme. I can even copy portrait photos, without tracing...but I don't practise very often. I prefer to draw in only pencil and my photos lack dimention, though they are quite detailed. In fact, any art project I do is heavy on detail. More is always best I guess. But, you don't want to know what my M&M avatar looks like....

Crazy for Clooney? YEP!

HOT DAMN! I think, rather I know, that i've got a crush on Clooney this year, which has been continuing unto summer 2007. Now, the picture above looks old, but it looks wonderful, so I had to post it.
I haven't seen Oceans' 13 yet, but I missed my chance this week. I went to the movies with my family. Majority wanted to see "Ratatouille," a disney/pixar cartoon, I nearly popped a vessel asking to see "Oceans' 13", instead. When asked why I wanted to see it, the question was asked, "Is it because George Clooney, is in it?" My answer? "For the love of G-D, YES!" Needless to say, we saw the rodent film that day and nobody was attractive in that, not even "Linguini," the cartoon, english speaking/accented french boy, foil to the rat...
When I saw a recent trailer for George Clooney's next film "Michael Clayton," I was transfixed on the screen. He look a bit slimmer than normal, but it wasn't a distraction to his attractive presence in the preview. I may have to see the midnight first show screening when it comes out. I plan on wearing a dark, grey, trench coat and sunglasses. This film will get half its revenue from me, even though it looks like a common suspense storyline.
In fact, George Clooney is a decent, good actor, not a superb actor, but good enough to lead in a film. With "Oceans 13" its just a showcase movie for his looks, just like the Clooney/Lopez film, Out of Sight was. I don't remember what that movie was about except the brillant dark shadowed, lighting-cinematography shots of him. About 13 years ago, I had a thing for Costner and now I've choosen another "C" actor who all "A's"-CLOONEY BE THY NAME!

Iphone? No, Thanks...

Dear Steve Jobs, Please do not ask me to purchase your new time-wasting-money-eating-flavor-of-the-month-gadget. Though I have not physically seen your new iphone, I know enough not to bother spending in excess of $2,000 to maintain it. Do I want to be cool and modern? Sure! Do you have another product that actually does something? like work? I heard that Iphone 2.0 is supposed to be better and I assume that will work as a toaster as well as a reliable phone, something the 1st version is lacking. I think your previous products(laptop computer/ipod shuffle) have contributed to my hearing and vision imparement, and quite possibly, cronic pain. No, sir, I'm not joking. This is a serious matter, all due to believing hot pink earphones would pimp my itunes player and image. I'm still a loser. Thanks for nothing. Please stop showing those space-aged commericials. Sincerely, Meredith Evonne Ps. Can I get a U2 black nano for my troubles? Your the best, Dorky Bill Gates, got nuttin on you!

When Concert Goers Cry...

Morrissey appeared last night on David Letterman, in a performance he taped on Monday 6/25. Four days later, the day before his MSG show(THE ONE I HAD TICKETS TO!), the concert is postponed. RATS! I'd like to know what the actual reason is behind the missed date. The official reason is a throat infection. I have never had a MSG date for any concert, postponed or cancelled, and its disappointing, not to mention, odd. Now, instead of seeing a concert tonight, I have to keep wondering if i'm getting a refund or a convenient postponed date. I will give the man the benefit of the doubt, but rumour has it, this is a common occurance. Would any misplaced Morrissey MSG ticketholders like to join me in this song-
Ah, that feels much better now. On to another, music topic-Prince and his soon-to-be-released "Planet Earth" CD. No, The artist doesn't appear to be a Duran Duran fan, but like the fab five, he decided to partner with UK's The Mail on Sunday and give out a free CD to every reader. Did I mention it was for his new album and before it hit record shops? His UK distributers(Sony/BMG) have decided to not release "Planet Earth" to the record shops due to this decision. Read all about itFrom The NYPost
So, Sony/BMG is upset that the record couldn't possibly sell in retail markets, because "2 million" copies will be availible for free. This is bologna. Not everyone will get a copy of the LP in the paper for several reasons. The main reason is the "2 million copies" distributed are not going to make it to 2 million people. I bought 5 copies of the "Mail on Sunday" when Duran Duran had a Cover Mount CD(aka Sampler) . Right there, I denied four people their opportunity to rock out to "Planet Earth"(the song), including small children and the lollypop lady. UK Prince fan will be stuck if they can't find a hard copy of "Planet Earth"(the prince album). The only alternative will be a rare copy(i'm assuming) that will be availible for people who purchased a ticket to his UK concerts. My advice to Prince-DON'T PULL A MORRISSEY! Otherwise, my UK friends will have to ask me to mail them a USA copy. Oh, the things we do for tunes....

Paris Hilton-Poor Little Rich Girl

Just when you thought it was safe to watch television again, Paris Hilton gets out of jail! Oh, the horror of the media circus! Oh, the drama of Larry King Live!
Well, I did watch a little of Larry King Live last night (the non-live repeat at 12...). It was so obvious that Mrs. Hilton was looking to be overdramatic, yet, I do think that she has changed. However, you may never see the "reformed" side of her anytime soon. She has always played up for the cameras, but you somehow know that privately, she is quite humble or down-to-earth.
I can say all this because during the nerve -wracking 1st season of "The Simple Life" I had been reviewing her programme for a reality tv website(now defunct). Day in- and Day-out, I got to watch a seemingly normal, family-oriented woman parade around like a clueless jackass in a fashion to raise ratings and eyebrows. But, portions of the show, allowed me to understand that it was just fiction and not actually a "reality" show.
Hilton has immerged normal(sort of humble like in last night's interview) on other occassions. Most noteable, Saturday Night Live, when she spoke about dealing with the "internet sex tape" fiasco. Honestly, whenever the socialite get embarrassed enough, she seems to get off her high horse. This is the Paris Hilton I like(the innocent, honest one; not the snob from hell)
In some ways, her box office bomb films and "Stars are blind" weak music career are her most endearing. I don't care about what party she crashed, or what her status with Nicole Richie is at any given moment. I do care that she can be fashionable, or more importantly, attempts to be pro-animal rights(in some screwed up ways, but she gets an "A" for effort), and frequently, mirrors a mature adult within her heiress responsiblities. I like her better than I'll admit, but I can agree that the media would prefer she stay an air head. I think they are better off looking no further than Nicole Richie, if in genuine bimbo they seek(she faces jail soon, set your TiVO now!). Paris is slowly on the way to greatness. Let's hope she gets another horror flick soon....

What's a DJ to do?

Pull My Hair Out! That's what...Sigh! I guess I haven't mentioned that aside from my interest in writing about pop culture, I'm a an FCC licensed Non-Commerical DJ. All this means is that I can legally broadcast on any public radio station that is non-profit, I am assuming. Yet, no one is knocking down my door to take me under their wing, so for the past decade, I have considered myself a novice DJ who occassionally(once in a blue moon) gets a gig.
In fact, since 2005, I have been trying harder to get more practice since being fueled by a 2nd place win of DJ equiptment in a Virgin Megastore contest. Even though, I share the 2nd place title with 20 other people, I still blame the mixmaster sponsers for allowing me to slam on their computer equiptment for ten minutes in Times Square. My $75 prize was only used once when I had access to a PC. I had no idea how to use the product to produce tracks then, and I certainly can't use the Windows program on my Mac now.
Usually, my "MagentaKrush" DJ live act doesn't see the light of day. I've had 2 live gigs and a month long studio session opportunity, learning how to mix vinyl(yes, Vinyl). Its very difficult when you don't even own "Two Turntables and a microphone" but "just some random music on a cd player and ipod." I doubt my 100+ LPs will ever get pulled out again, unless I scrape together more $ for the studio session practice again. Anyone got $350? *Hears chirping and cries*
I have been weighing my internet options, but I need a mentor to motivate my madness. My strong points lie with playlists. I know what songs go well together, hence the entire point of a Disc Jockey. I tried to produce a show online, but I am in talks with teaming up with another internet radio station. Its just talks, sadly, as copywrite laws are a main obstacle. I should investigate.
I'm trying to rehash my announcer voice as well to go along with my DJ work. Practice makes perfect, so I guess my calling into Talkshoe, a live podcast website, and participating with various shows(uh, currently one) has been helpful with my rusty vocals(I used to DJ on college radio stations over a decade ago, it seems my radio nerves are just as bad, but are stedily improving-Hooray!)
So, watch this space for updates on my Djing, or lack there of.....

He's Just Glad To See Me....

David Tennant, the current star of Doctor Who, playing the 10th Doctor on BBC1 and BBC3, has taken my heart and refuses to let go. I have been slowly, but surely, becoming a rabid fan of the Russell T. Davies produced series which struggles to find a USA audience aside from cult followers. Damn that show called "Heroes" for stealing its thunder. For futher information about my interest in the new series, visit my Doctor Who Series 3 USA page(see in "Links").
Briefly, without getting too carried away here, I watched last nights' new episode("Sound of Drums") over the internet and I was a bit disappointed in the storyline, but more than pleased with Tennant's acting, as well as the sharp additions of John Simms("Life on Mars"), and the 2nd return episode featuring drop-dead gorgeous John Barrowman! The actors are reason enough to stay home on friday nights when series 3 starts on the SciFi Network, July 6th. Unfortunately, Sound of Drums was not the highlight of the season for me, what can you do but just be distracted by Tennant holding up a "Sonic Screwdriver"(above) and just except the other fluff without much judgement. When you watch the show, you need to suspend belief anyway and that's part of the charm....that and did I mention the male actors are extremely FANTASTIC! You'll never get me hooked on "Heroes" without a TARDIS or until Christopher Ecceleston(ex-9th Doctor) joins the cast...which ever comes first. However, my loyalty belongs to 10. You've been warned to not vote for Harold Saxon....

So, Nick-When Are You Going To Bring Out Your Photography Book?

Here's Duran Duran back in 1983, answering viewer mail....Nick's "book" is now out-of-print and cost about the same as a 2007 concert these days. You guessed it: Around $150 USD (75 pounds) a copy. I've been looking for his 1984 book, Interference, since 1997, yet I don't have much room to display "close-up television screen pictures." The band is now currently promising an October release for the new album, tentively called "Red Carpet Masacre." No word if this twisted title was another result of Andy Taylors' 2006 exit....

OH NO, NOT AGAIN! WHEN PR ATTACKS!

SPICE GIRLS RETURN AGAIN-WHY G-D? WHY?
I hate Eddie Murphy, not because he had relations with Melanie Brown(aka "Scary Spice") and didn't face the music that he was the indeed father of her newborn baby(reveled yesterday), but because he went and gave her a platform in Hollywood. This woman can now do anything she wants in the press when a few years back, she couldn't get arrested and had been modestly appearing in such things like, on Broadway, in "Rent." Is it a huge conscience that the SPICE GIRL REUNION(!?) is now days away to being announced? THANKS A LOT, EDDIE MURPHY!
I love Public Relations in the Media, especially related to music. I find it fascinating how musicians can use the press to both promote their new albums and air their dirty laundry to the world at the exact same time. Nowadays, it seems that you can't have one without the other. Melanie Brown has now got the world as her oyster as the American public, who hasn't cared about her in a decade, will be tuned in enough to buy whatever crap the Spice Girls come out with, and think its their "Masterpiece." *COUGH COUGH*
I know a bit too much about the Spice Girls than I'd like to admit. I think they peaked commericially, crashed and burned, and now are better suited as solo artists. I'd much rather listen and watch their solo hits(don't ask me what they are, but I can sing bits of them and recognise some the videos). The idea that they are going to revisit their teeny-bopper images, is nauseating. England has the lastest version of the Spice Girls already-they are called "GIRLS ALOUD"....duh!
The announcement of a reunion has been grossly overestimated anyway...Back in the spring, three of the woman-Geri, Emma, and David Beckham's baby momma, Victoria had dinner and the UK press reported every incinuation that they were meeting to plan their reunion. WRONG! All they did that night was entertain the idea and Sporty Spice, the other Melanie, eventually stated that she wasn't going to do this. Plus, Scary Spice was living in the states and planning press conferences around the birth of her unborn baby-The story of her giving birth was more focused about proving Eddie Murphy as the dad-look at my daughter- and less about the "Power Lunch" the three others had met for around the same time(around April). I can only imagine the media frenzy is again stronger overseas about the new announcement this week. I guess someone showed Sporty Spice some sweaty money...
Are the Spice Girls really all that bad? Probably not, but their press is stronger than their substance. I'll listen to their music in a 90s mix and like them as a guilty pleasure, but only because I know that as personalities, they are as flimsy as they acted in Spice World. Kurt Loder fell asleep next to me during the NYC press screening and I had my face switching, if that is any indication that they cannot act, just pose. (Don't make me pull out the pictures I took during the Spice World press conference, but it was a memorable moment in my college press years.)
All I can say, is that the recent new 2007 British Invasion is not being given a good fighting chance. I'm pleased that Katie and Peter, have gotten a time slot on E! and it would be great if they could eat "the alien," Posh Spice for dinner...one can only hope....

Greetings(1st blog)

Hey there, Hi there, Ho There-This is Me. Rather, This is me at during one of my favorite times, Visiting London back in 2006. If I had it my way, i'd never leave. But, then again there's a little problem...I'm a US Citizen, so I can't overstay my welcome and need to always have a return trip ticket to come back home to New York.
So, naturally, I act like a looney when I visit the city of London. Yet, I'm usually a cheesy woman anyway, if you weight some the evidence.
-My Favorite Band is Duran Duran(you'll hear alot about them!)
-My Favorite Television Programme is Doctor Who ("EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!")
-I Play In Scrabble Groups
-I hug Trees and Broccoli
-I don't mind being a dork(especially when I'm good at something).
-If you call me a nerd, I will slap you senceless...
So, now that we know that I am a cornball, you can decide to keep reading or not...did I mention that my favorite movies usually star "Miss Piggy"?
......Welcome to my blog!