Category: entertainment

Friendly Fires.

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Friendly Fires.
Ever need some dance but good quality music for the summer months? Well Friendly Fires offer the perfect solution for this problem. The group’s alternative beats and sounds, described as dance punk, along with their fast and spontaneous lyrics combine together to make the perfect summer BBQ music.

Forming at the age of 14 in school, the St Albans group came together to produce great music. As the group progressed through the different stages of education so did their music and in 2009 they released their first album “Friendly Fires.” Including hits such as “Jump In the Pool” and “Paris” the album was announced as one of the shortlisted bands for the Mercury Music Prize.Now, two years later, the English band is set to release their second album “Pala.”

Expected to be released on the 16th of May in the U.K and the 24th in the U.S, the first song off the album “Live Those Days Tonight” has already been previewed.  With similar but more grown up sounds in comparison to the first album, “Pala” is deemed to be a great success in the coming months.

The Social Network Review. Who was the bad guy?

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So I just watched the Social Network for the second time with my mother and sister. As it turns out, Armie Hammer, one of our neighbors in Santa Monica, played the Winklevoss twins in the movie. This fact however is there just for show and provides no bias in any way. Here’s my observation this time around when I could focus on the movie and not have an alcohol joke made every 5 minutes or the phrase “heyyyy, that’s inappropriate” made more than once.

So we know that Mark Zuckerberg, played by Jesse Eisenberg, is the founder of the internet phenomenon facebook.com and the main character of the movie. He starts off working with the Winklevoss twins and their associate Divya Narendra on a site called HarvardConnection.com. It basically does the same thing facebook does. Zuckerberg allegedly steals their idea and starts facebook. The movie has just as much footage of the lawsuit in 2008 as it does flashbacks to their days at Harvard in 2004. So with the movie  basically summarized, here is my question: Who was the antagonist?

Now we know that we as a film audience are incensed to support little Zuckerberg against the big bad Winklebi however, look at the qualifications. Zuckerberg makes his girlfriend break up with him at the beginning of the movie and then writes a scathing blog entry about her. He then insults the entire female population at the school by comparing their looks on facemash.com. This gives him 6 months academic probation. He alienates his only friend Eduardo Saverin by almost completely removing him from the company even though he was the co founder, and of course, is accused of intellectual property theft by the Winklevoss twins. If this is truly how facebook is created, then Zuckerberg is no different than any other typical CEO who will step on anyone to reach the top.


Now in the mean time, all the Winklevoss twins and Narendra are guilty of are being the bump in the road for this creation to take place. Yet really think about it here before you either think rationally or act typical. They were only normal kids with an idea at an ivy league university who they feel had robbed from them. The idea was revolutionary and worth a lot of money so they did what they thought was right. Whether it be physical appearance that portrays them as bad guys or if you thought their actions were wrong, they were only doing what they thought was right. After all, many people agree that Eisenberg protrayed the facebook founder as a socially awkward jerk. Should all this be true, then we as a film audience have some thinking to do.

You be the judge.

Avi Buffalo

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I’ve been to about 30 concerts in my life. From seeing the Rhianna to Michael Franti, I’ve made my way around the different genres and different venues. This last Saturday I was lucky enough to see Avi Buffalo at the Getty Museum.

I had never been to the Getty before and didn’t have much of an idea of what to expect. I’ve always driven down the 405 and wondered what that white tram led to and what wonders were inside the museum itself. All that I can say is that it’s magnificent. Every single molecule in that museum is beautiful.

From to the different exhibits, to the perfectly mowed lawns, to the magnificent water gardens, and to the city views, it’s simply the most beautiful place that I have ever been to. I plan on returning there as soon as possible to spend my day exploring all the parts that I didn’t even have time to see. But that wasn’t even the best part of my day.

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My friends and I were walking to use the restroom when Charlie (pictures above) stopped dead in her tracks and said “That’s him!”[The lead singer of Avi Buffalo] We followed him down in order to get a picture or two with him and watched him walk through the crowd without being noticed. It’s so strange to watch someone so talented and known not be recognized by the mass majority of a crowd. Though after the show he was a lot more popular.

It’s also needless to say that the show was amazing. The band only has one album out, but on set they played several songs that hadn’t been heard yet and many that the crowd was yearning to hear. We were all in the front row and we couldn’t have been happier. The energy feeding off the stage mixed with the flashing colored lights, sounds of the crowd, and the smell of inscents made the prefect mixture that was blissful.

If you haven’t heard of them, please go look them up now. You can download their album here for free, and believe me, it’s well worth it. But if you can, do try to support them! They aren’t too big yet, so they could always use the money from music sales. I hope that you like them! Oh and go visit the Getty if you haven’t already as well. You won’t regret it!

Angus & Julia Stone

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Angus & Julia Stone

Although the sun has currently disappeared in South California the summer sun will once again return in the next couple of weeks, we hope.  The grey days may sadden many but this doesn’t mean it’s time to put on some heavy metal; instead we should listen to those summer songs that make us feel happy once again.

The music of Angus & Julia Stone is the definition of great summer music. Their rustic tones and acoustic sounds paired with simple lyrics such as and rhythms make for music that is truly great.A brother and sister combo from New Port, Australia the pair have astonished many with their paired talent and unique sounds.

Growing up with a strong love for music the siblings decided to give the profession a go releasing their first EP “Chocolates and Cigarettes” in 2006. This followed on to the release of a second EP in 2007 titled “Heart Full of Wine” and the later album “A Book Like This.” Their first album went platinum in their home country following on to its release across the world.

At the beginning of last year the group released the album “Down the Way,” which reaped much success. Featuring songs like “Big Jet Plane” and “Hold On” the album won numerous awards with many of the group’s song featuring on TV shows across the globe.

The pair create great music which is simple but great, proving that often simplicity is often the key. If you need to get in the mood for summer blast out some Angus & Julia Stone and I assure you it will make you feel better.

http://youtu.be/yFTvbcNhEgc

Vogue’s Anna Wintour’s Claim to Fame

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Anna Wintour is an inspiration, an icon of fashion, power, and success; the epitome of a successful, independent woman.

Anna Wintour is an abusive, power hungry woman; the epitome of an unintelligent, horrid woman.

These two descriptions of Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour are quite the opposite. However, it seems that these are the exact definitions she obtains. Simply put, people either love her or hate her.

If you don’t already know, Anna Wintour is the British-born editor-in-chief of American Vogue. Wintour arrived in New York City in her teenage years, destined to be something great. She climbed the social ladders in both journalism and fashion, and in 1988 claimed her current role as editor-in-chief of the infamous magazine, Vogue.

Well, I choose the first description.

I believe she is a role model, a mentor. She is a headstrong woman who battled her way into her position at Vogue through numerous obstacles and setbacks. The one trait I admire most about Wintour is her courage. Wintour constantly tried new things. When given the position of Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Wintour created several new magazines to add to the brand name, such as Men’s Vogue and Teen Vogue. Although the only survivor was Teen Vogue, Wintour was not afraid of failure, and from her courage came a magazine enjoyed by millions of teenagers each month.

Throughout her life, Wintour has faced harsh criticism claiming that she is a pure “devil” in her job. For example, the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” is inspired by Wintour.

Although Wintour might not be warm and cuddly at times, the question stands of “Why should she have to be?”

Wintour is successful because of her drive, her personality, her strength, so why should she have to change that?

She is honest, straightforward, and strict. Her success was derived from this, and not because she was a timid, controllable woman.

The Kooks.

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The Kooks

As the sun and heat have returned to California, us residents often celebrate by going to the beach. For me this means I get to wack out some of my all time favorite tunes and listen to the sweet acoustic sounds of great bands.  Such artists include my ultimate favorites, The Kooks.

Listening to both albums just fills me with warmth. The Kooks music is full of merriment in the form of unique guitar rhythms, rusty tones and quirky lyrics, each song setting the scene for the perfect picnic at the beach or breezy bike ride through the hills of the countryside.

An indie pop band from the seaside resort of Brighton, a place I also associate with home, the group started off very successfully, getting signed 3 months after forming by Virgin records. In 2006 they released their first album “Inside In/Inside Out” and followed with”Konk” in 2008. Both albums were extremely successful and we can only hope that they will release some new material soon.

So as the sun is shining I would recommend that you get into the summer spirit and get listening to The Kooks !

Arctic Monkeys.

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Arctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys are a four-piece all male band, formed from the suburbs of Sheffield. Specializing in Indie Rock the band boomed in 2005 receiving much praise from the BBC radio stations and the tabloids. Due to release their third album in June, people all over the glob are excited to see what this new album will entail.

Releasing their first album “Whatever People Say I am, That’s What I’m Not,” in January 2006 the band reeked much success. With hits such as “I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor” and “When The Sun Goes Down” hitting the charts and clubs people of ages would dance to the catchy songs knowing the words word for word. Their northern tones and quirky lyrics captured the nation.

A year later in April 2007, the band released their second album “Favourite Worst Nightmare.” Although sounding similar to the first album it included more heavy tones, which didn’t appeal as much too many. A couple of songs will always be remembered because of their release into the charts but the rest many would not know.  In my opinion you can’t beat the originality of the first album but the second is still superb.

In 2009 “Humbug” was realized. With a less rocky and more melancholic sound the album was less successful. Although the songs included great lyrics and rhythms, the new sound of Arctic Monkeys just wasn’t for the public.

This June the group’s fourth album “Suck It And See” will be released. I guess we can only hope that they bring fourth their originality f]and create an album which is outstanding.

My fantasy come true

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The Yankees have announced that on Sept. 14, Yankee Stadium will host “The Big 4” — a concert event featuring Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax.

Here’s all I can say to that, HOLY CRAP!

For many metal heads, the rift between Megadeth’s frontman Dave Mustaine with Metallica as a band has become the stuff of legend and has prevented any such concert from taking place. However, finally as a part of the Big 4’s US tour, this fantasy many of us have has finally come true. Add on Slayer, the titans of thrash, the deacons of death metal, and the craziest and fastest band sporting adidas sweatsuits, Anthrax. These four metal supergroups are sharing a stage performing some of the most famous songs metal has ever been graced with.

In Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, Metallica’s ENTER SANDMAN can be heard whenever closer Mariano Rivera emerges from the bullpen to save a game. But on September 14th, 2011, the greatest venue in America will be rocked to its foundation by a moshing maniacal metal fest in which the metal messiahs will own the night.

Nobody Likes Nicholas Cage

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At least no one that I’ve ever met does.

Recently a video of Cage arguing with his wife has unveiled and apparently he’s been arrested.

The article states that Cage was arrested while arguing with his wife, extremely intoxicated, and pretty mush having a hissy fit.

In all honesty Nicholas Cage isn’t even a good actor and seems to ruin every movie that he’s in. He’s been around of ages and has only been nominated for a few awards and has hardly actually won any. I don’t understand why the keep asking him to be in movies! It’s ridiculous.

I mean just look at him freak out.

In all honesty that doesn’t look like good acting to me. It does look pretty embarrassing though. He kind of looks like a wet cat. Not to mention every time he comes out on the screen or starts going on one of his emotional rants, my friends and I can’t help but hold in out laughter.

I’m sorry if you do actually like Nicholas Cage, but I am definitely not a fan.

Nerd Rant, Part III

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Before I begin this segment of Nerd Rant, I must issue a “formal” apology to all of my musicians out there:

I’M SO SORRY. I’M SO, SO, SO, SO, SO SORRY. I COULDN’T HELP IT, IT DRAGGED ME IN AND NOW I’M TRAPPED.

Well, now that you all probably think I got addicted to some kind of drug… I AM!

My dear friends and odd stranger, I, TheyCallMeDame, am addicted to Glee.

I am a Gleek.

The thing is, Glee goes against all of my principles as a musician and especially as a proud vocalist. They take the best singers and rarely ever give them solos, and the people they do give solos, they are so autotuned that the music producer adds synthesizer to disguise the robot-on-crack sound that autotune gives a singer when they hold a note for too long or slide from one note to another (or you could be like Rebecca Black and use so much autotune that no one can tell what her real voice sounds like, except that it is extremely nasally).

But yes! I have been roped in.

Even though I get insulted when they cover brilliant songs and butcher them completely, totally making me want to cry, I still can’t stop watching.

As a musician, I am ashamed to call myself a Gleek (BUT I CAN’T HELP MYSELF).
And the plot lines are so cheesy and the drama is slightly predictable but what’s a girl to do?

So, I’m sorry to my musician friends, and I’m sorry to my mom, who patiently watches all the episodes with me so I “don’t feel too bad.”
And I’m sorry, but I’m a Gleek.
For real.

This segment of Nerd Rant has come to a close; please stand by.