Friday, February 25, 2011

PS22 Chorus => OSCARS!

Have you heard? These awesome kids from my 'hood are going to L.A., to sing onstage at the Oscars this Sunday! Yeah, what did you have on your resume before you turned 12? =D And if you don't know who these kids are, here's a clip of one of their performances! Educate yourself XD



I'm so excited! Thanks to their ever giving and amazing teacher, Greg Brienberg, a.k.a. Mr. B. We need more inspirational teachers like him (ESPECIALLY like my dear friend, Miss U!!) who love what they're doing for our future generations. When Miss U and I hang out, we exchange stories about work that are great, funny, sometimes disgusting and even horrid! But Miss U wouldn't change anything for a second because she loves teaching our kids. If you're reading this Miss U, I plan to have my kids in your class someday, haha! And me? ...Well I'm still looking for my calling ;)

How much energy and popped veins these teachers have sacrificed, in the likes of Socrates, Hippocrates, Confucius and for me, Mr. Doyle. These lessons stays with us forever whether we realize it or not. Thanks, to all the teachers. Cheers and good luck, P.S. 22!

"Teachers don't impact for a year, but for a lifetime." - Anonymous

Guilty Pleasure of the Week - Cocktail Waitress...

Here's my Guilty Pleasure of the Week. We allllll have one. WARNING - Spoiler Alert:

I was giggling like a teenage girl when Rachel and Blaine kissed! WOWZAS. Dang it, I wish they continued this Blaichel or Raine thing for at least some time (few episodes) during their experimental teenage angst years. They both look so good together! They got jipped of that. So did we. Boo.
Then the love bugs break out into The Human League's, Don't You Want Me for all the 80's babies. All karaoke-ers should follow their dance moves. It's so in touch with the song, lol! Now I can't get it out of my head! Oh, there's nothing quite like you, 80s music.

I was working as a waitress at a cocktail bar
That much is true
But even then I knew I'd find a much better place
Either with or without you

CLICK HERE for the clip I personally made for you, *wink*!
http://www.hulu.com/watch/215566/glee-blame-it-on-the-alcohol?c=775:921

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MNDR - Cut Me Out

Just thought I'd check in on my girl, Amanda Warner, a.k.a. front woman of MNDR, and see what she's been up to since my last posting of her here.

I wanted to see when she'll be in town again, since I MISSED her performance in NYC on 2/4/2011. Sigh. On another note, I was absolutely ec-freakin-static when I saw MNDR on the cover of this month's SPIN!! Although they have seem to have forgotten to mention that MNDR is actually a duo with Amanda Warner and behind the curtains partner, Peter Wade. According to the magazine, she's on the 2011 list of "ones to watch." YUP. MNDR has been getting more and more airplay...guess where? Overseas in the UK, of course. Which is still awesome. This Cali native, with her huge whopping signature white glasses, graces the stage and sings her original songs with infectious hooks, unique voice and pounding (or dizzying) visuals. Her voice is like Pop Rocks compared to other big name-rs' Nerds.

MNDR's first single release of the year, Cut Me Out, came out on January 19th. Catch their new single here! Enjoy!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

A Hsu-Nami is a comin'

I don't know about you but I can confidently say: THIS. IS. SO. COOL. Hsu-Nami is a New Jersey based rock band, that features an er-hu. An er-hu is an ancient Chinese instrument that is comparable to a violin but only has 2 strings. As a side note, I'd like to also point out that the er-hu is usually used in the soundtracks of soap opera series (!) that are set in ancient China. And I grew up watching these type of series! It's a pretty melodramatic instrument. So this is quite a rumble for the senses to see an er-hu as the lead in a rock band! I guess we can define this as "fusion."

When their name popped up on my radar, I knew I've seen them before. How many other er-hu rock bands are out there anyway. It took some digging but I found my old pictures from a dragonboat race. Voila! A picture of Hsu-Nami! I remember that I was walking away from the stage towards the food concession stands (hey, a girl has got to eat) when all of a sudden I hear an er yu with rock...

Hsu-Nami consist of band members, Jeff Hsu (er-hu), Brent Bergholm (lead guitar), Tony Aichele (rhythm guitar), Derril Sellers (bass), John Manna (drums) and Dana Goldberg (keyboard). The group formed in 2005 during their college years. Their first album, Entering the Mandala, came out in 2007. The Four Noble Truths, their second and latest release came out in 2009. The title song, The Four Noble Truths, is 10 minutes long and absolutely reminisces Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

The band has been busy lately with performances in cities all over the country...actually, technically the North Eastern States. But hopefully that will change in the future! One of Hsu-Nami's major successes was having their song, "Rising of the Sun," represent the Chinese National Basketball Team during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Nicely done.

Hsu-Nami will be performing on March 13, 2011 at Arlene's Grocery. Hope you'll pop in if you're in the area!

Paul Van Dyk - for the dancers, the lovers, the live-rs

On a cold and windy February night, I went to watch Paul Van Dyk. What about you? I don't remember if I've ever danced non-stop so much in one night! Yes. There was definitely fist pumping involved. *hides* My friend, *Recess, danced his butt and arms off! Apparently he is still recovering.

I was kind of skeptical at going. I wasn't sure what the hoopla was about. Isn't it the same as listening to this music in a club or of your computer? Well, that's like saying what's the difference between watching "The Matrix" in the theater and on your laptop. Also, being a wannabe music blogger, I have no excuse.
The roars of the crowd screaming, "PVD. PVD." were barely contained by the walls of Terminal 5. PVD is prompt and doesn't let us wait any longer. Within 15 minutes the whole place was jumping! And freaking sweaty hot, too. My heart starts beating along with the bass. Thump, thump, thump, thump.

Paul Van Dyk was born in East Germany as Matthias Paul. His childhood included his father leaving the family, the Berlin Wall, and illegally smuggling pop music into the country to listen to! PVD started his massive career in 1990 and it doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon. If you can see him live, do it. He'll make you feel alive. Cheesy, but true.

Yeah. Now I know why PVD has been one of the top 10 DJs in the WORLD since the 1990s. I love most that he dances along with his audience and fans. This man loves to smile, haha. Straight from 11PM - 2AM. NO break. And no one wanted to stop. The whole place was a mass of spontaneous techno energy. Except those kids that I saw puking into a garbage can by the bathroom around 9 PM. One of them was wearing a t-shirt that says "--- High 2010." Oy, geez. What are you doing here, kid? Then I remembered my days in college =X And let's move on!
Ladies, wear a tank/light top. Please, ladies no sk**k wear. Also, always carry light!
Like this lil' wristlet here. Gents, stick with a nice t-shirt. Kids, just stay home.

PVD's first studio album, "45 Ways," came out in 1994. It is anticipated that he realease his 6th album later this year. In his spare time, PVD shows that he's not just about the music, but also cares about his fellow brothers and sisters around the world. He's made his opinion of being against the Iraq War known, wished that there's peace in the Middle East and also joined the campaign for "Rock the Vote" for the American Presidential election in 2004 and 2008. It can't be denied that his upbringing in East Germany had a heavy influence on his political views, as well as his determination to be as happy as a clam. And he wants you to be one, too. You can tell that he is, from seeing his performances.
Check out his song, "For An Angel."

Recess says his ears are still ringing. Ha! Amateur.


*Names have been changed to protect the innocent and the not so innocent.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Blooming Robyn



This Swedish beauty, Robyn, can steal your heart and soul! Her music is electropop-ish with hints of smooth renderings. Robyn has been around for over a decade. Her first album, Robyn is Here, came out in 1996. She's been hitting up high on the charts ever since. Well, more specifically, the charts overseas. Within recent years, Robyn's music has been slowly creeping into the States. Finally!
This year she was nominated for a Grammy in the Dance category for the song, "Dancing On My Own" from the album, Body Talk, Pt 1. Ah, another lovesick song. Why do I mention her now? Well with all the (well-deserved) pizazz about Adele, I just thought of her. I don't know why, lol. Maybe actual real talent has a lot to do with it! There are so many international stars that barely break into the States because our usual taste doesn't understand it. Kind of like how we are into football as the rest of the world is into futbol. Nothing wrong with that. Just different, but worth it to explore, no?

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Caution - When Hipsters Attack...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Might be best to do your research first, stay silent and nod, or just change the topic to food, lol.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Grammys 2011

Shall we discuss how Eminem got jipped? Or maybe not because it's too heartbreaking for me. But he was still so grateful of the awards he received. I enjoyed his Recovery album. Arcade Fire? Really?? But let's be fair.I haven't heard all of their songs and I'm guessing they at least deserve airplay since they also got nominated!


I loved Bruno Mars and his doo-wop performances with B.o.B. and got SO FREAKING EXCITED when I saw Janelle Monae on stage!! AHHHHHH!!! Artists like her deserve to be heard. I love that she still keeps her style. The un-Snooki poof, the suspenders and energy. Woo! Of course, I had to see this on the internet because I was still making my way home from snowboarding in Vermont =D And I might've gained a few bruises here and there.
But coming home to Eminem's performance made it all better.
Rihanna and Drake's duet of "What's My Name" was just hot. That's it. Though, I'd prefer to listen to Rihanna on record rather than live =/ But, yes, again, Eminem brought down the house. I'm not biased XD

And the big ol' catchy performance of the night belongs to Eminem, Skyler Grey and Dr. Dre. Stage full of talent (as Eminem sings his love song to Dre)! When Skyler sang "I need a doctor..." I just thought, "Wow, she sounds so familiar yet I don't recognize the name". After a little help from my friend, Google, BAM! Skyler Grey = Holly Brook. Years ago, Holly was the guest singer to Fort Minor's track, "Where'd You Go." I'm also a fan of her track, "Blood and Honey."

I can't explain the name change. It maybe for a new beginning. We all have chapters in our lives we want to close and open. Or it could be a simpler explanation, haha. Anyways, if you want to get into the masses, you perform everywhere. And the Grammys ain't a bad start. As of last night, I'm sure her name became one of the top searches on the internet. Alrighty, time for me to peace out for now. BBL!


Monday, February 7, 2011

Hi!


Whoops. Where have I been?

Sorry about the lack of (or none at all!) new posts! Just been busy this new year, vacation and then celebrating another new year! Happy Rabbit Year! May this year be filled with luck, prosperity and happiness for y'all!