Turkey & Stuffing...& Cranberry Sauce...& Potatoes...

I forgot many other foods in my title, but anyway...

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Nirvana Unplugged DVD

Nirvana's Unplugged in New York is finally getting released on DVD after almost 14 years.

This performance was recorded for MTV in December 1993, just 4 months before Kurt Cobain's death. I've had the CD since it's release back in November 1994. Every time I've listened to it, though, I've gotten a very sad and eerie feeling, and I'm sure the DVD will do much the same thing. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to buying the DVD anyway, as it is, in my opinion, one of Nirvana's best live performances.

I'll always remember a certain haunting camera shot of Kurt, where he looked up from his guitar...his blue eyes were piercing as he stared off into his own thoughts. Thinking back on that, it has always left me unsettled, as if he knew of things to come.

Rogue Wave

No, I'm not talking about massive freak waves...I'm referring to one of the best bands you've never heard of. Well, maybe you have. If you are a Heroes-watcher, you may remember hearing their song, Eyes, in an episode last season. (You can hear the track on their website, here).

I saw them in Philly last weekend with my friends, Patrick and Kendra, who also happen to be fans. We saw them at a small venue called Johnny Brenda's, which had a balcony overlooking the stage. Fortunately, Kendra and I pushed our way into a prime spot along the rail (we were standing at one of the balcony's pillars, which you can see just to the right of center in this picture).

In my opinion, it was an outstanding show. Rogue Wave has very melodic music and manages to use a range of tempo. Perhaps one of my favorite qualities, however, is their ability to incorporate harmony without it sounding overdone or out-of-place. It suits them perfectly.

Below are some pictures I snapped with my camera phone. (There are a few shots where it looks like there are about 15 people on stage. This is when the band invited the local Philly men's chorus group, The Silver Ages, on stage to add their harmony to the set.)

Happy Halloween!

First, here's some candy for ya...just take one!

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Have you ever heard of Darwin Chamber? Well, that's not his real name; it's a stage name. His real name is Mark Greenfield. DC/MG is well-known for his "environment" albums...you know the ones where you hear the sounds of a particular environment? He's got everything from Thunderstorms to Oceans to Rain Forests to Birds to Whales to Frogs...and the list goes on. Darwin Chamber also does trance-y electronica-type music as well.

Some of the best environmental sound effects he's done are those for Halloween. It sounds very real. If you have a good surround system, you can especially hear the sounds playing back and forth among your speakers. It's amazing and creepy all at the same time. His work is most accessible on iTunes, where some tracks are 30 minutes in length, but only cost $0.99. Well worth it.

Here's a little sample of his SPOOKY Halloween sounds...

3D 2007 Halloween Sampler

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And, finally...if you are in the mood for some scary stories or podcasts, go here!

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Watch Out For That Hole!

So, if you haven't seen this video yet, here's your chance. A model named Sarah Welch fell through a hole in the runway during Fashion Week. Apparently she was a former contestant on The Bachelor. Her name sounds familiar but I'm drawing a blank on remembering her on the show. Anyway, if you watch Heroes, you might recognize the guy who helps her up...yep, that's Jimmy Jean-Louis, The Haitian (mind-eraser guy)!




Back to the fall at hand. My first reaction really was not laughter, but shock...I couldn't believe that she somehow didn't see the hole before she stepped into it. And, at the very least, why didn't anyone backstage warn the models? Duh. Perhaps next time a big orange cone will be more effective...I'm sure they can work it into the show somehow!

Let's Say Thanks

I want to share a great website my sister sent me (thanks, Kel). Xerox is sponsoring the "Let's Say Thanks" program. Basically, people can visit the site and view cards to personalize and send to our troops. All of the card designs were done by kids from across the country. Once you select your design, you choose a pre-written message (or write your own) and then send. It's that simple! It's all done electronically and takes no more than 5 minutes. (Well, I used all 5 minutes because I couldn't decide which card to choose...they were all so cute!) Now, go send a card and then pass the link on to someone else so they can do the same!

www.LetsSayThanks.com

Mad Skills

Apparently, my family and friends have caught on to the fact that I like to cook and bake. So every once in awhile I receive homemakerish type gifts. For example, for my last birthday, my sister Erin bought me an ice cream maker. This one, to be exact. This summer, I used to it to make a Vanilla Custard Ice Cream...it was delightful...so delightful, in fact, that my cousin told me that I had to make it every weekend from then on. My next attempt at ice cream will probably be for Thanksgiving next month. Erin would like to see, er eat, the fruits of her gift to me, so she has requested that I make a Pumpkin Ice Cream. So, I found this recipe on my beloved Food Network website.....sounds yummy, so I'll give it a go.

In addition, I have inherited the job of making my Grandmother's cole slaw for Thanksgiving (as well as for any other holiday or picnic it's requested), which I have been doing for the last few years now. I call it "Grammy's Famous Cole Slaw" because no one makes it like hers, not even Mr. Ron. Sorry, Mr. Ron.

And, finally, my friend Jon really likes Pumpkin Pie...I mentioned to him that my Mom-Mom makes them at least once every year, and will most likely be making some for Thanksgiving. His exact words were, "Steal me some! I'm serious." No need to steal! I'll just get her recipe and make it myself! He and my other buddy, (Jon's roomie) Tom, will just have to fight over it!!!!