Although the Boston Bruins may not be carrying any torch for Boston sports anytime soon, one of the most exciting players to watch is the young sophomoric Milan Lucic. The twenty year old has many solid years ahead of him, promising to be a future force for the B's. Likened to a Terry O'Reilly, he is a goalscorer and he is a fighter. Check out one of his hits from the other night on Mike Van Ryn of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Artist Spotlight: Clouds
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: ‘CLOUDS’ OPEN UP
by Matt Brown
To open up the new year of the Student Voice’s Local Spotlight, I recently sat down with the band Clouds. Bassist John Northrup and drummer Michael Quartulli, otherwise known as Q, discussed their new record, their sound, their future, and they also managed to fit in some politics.
Your sound is not generic rock, how would you describe your sound? Would you call yourselves "radio friendly"?
Johnny: We've been described as "The worst doom-pop crap I've ever heard", "…will only really appeal to greasy middle aged virgins who still live at home", and "Hard to listen to and even harder to like."
Q: Any time someone asks what our band sounds like I say the same thing, Loud Rock ’n Roll. That's all it is. We just play rock ’n roll the way we play rock ’n roll. It’s not like we go to practice thinking we have to sound a certain way, which is what I love about this band. We play lots of different styles, but they are all Clouds. We try not to pigeon hole ourselves.
How is the new record “We Are Above You” doing?
Q: Well the new record is out there. Some people love it, some people hate it. The people that hate it seem to hate that we don't stick to one particular genre, which is fine by me. I don't play music so some dude in his grandma's basement will like it. I play music because that's what I love to do. I think we have a good combination of creative forces and we get what we get out of it. I'm proud of our record and can't wait to record more.
What are some of the goals of the band? Is a major, or near-major, label a must for you to accomplish what you have set out to do?
Johnny: Our goals include missing holidays and major events in the lives of loved ones while touring, plunging further into unassailable debt, and not growing up and becoming real people for as long as possible. So far, so good.
Q: Personally, my goal with this band is to play the music that we all want to play and have fun doing it. As far as major labels go, it's something I've never experienced. (Guitarist and singer) Adam McGrath has. He has his horror stories. I certainly don't want to be on a label that doesn't care about our music and only cares about making their tight white asses richer, only to sh*t us out when they realize we can't make them any money. We have a great label now, Hydra Head, that does care about our music and let's us play music the way we want. They have been nothing but generous to us and I appreciate that greatly.
What are some other bands you listening to right now?
Johnny: I just listen to my own songs. Not even Clouds. My solo stuff that no one will ever hear. I'm like Prince, only infinitely less talented and successful. Taller, though.
Q: Brian Eno, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Ray Charles, The Melvins, Billy Bragg and Micah Blue Smaldone.
What can people expect from a Clouds live show? And what local venue do you like playing best?
Johnny: Four handsome, acrobatic gentleman prancing about on stage in front of big, loud amps, and engaging the huge, huge, humungous, appreciative audience of attractive young men and even more attractive young women with our unique brand of what could only be described as off-key caterwauling.
Q: Whether its playing to hundreds of people or playing to the other bands on the bill, we try to play our best. Someone there paid money to see a show so we might as well do our best to give them one. And when there aren't many people there, that’s when we usually break out the covers.
Johnny: I like playing the Middle East Downstairs because the people that work there are awesome. Sound guys, bartenders and bouncers are all cool. We get major drink tickets there!
What is in the near future for Clouds? Recording, touring, or side projects?
Johnny: By the time you read this, we will be on tour with Torche. We will also have just recorded a 4 song EP. As far as side projects go, we are Adam's side project. It says so in all our press releases.
Q: “We Are Above You” is coming out on vinyl. Its the full album on one piece of wax and bonus piece of wax with 4 covers on it. There are two Guided By Voices songs, a Blue Oyster Cult song and a Kinks song. How convenient for us to have this come out just before we head out on a
Anything else you'd like to add?
Johnny: If I could just take a minute to address the fine folks in your scholastic institution for a moment with this advice: Vote, dumbasses. Yeah, I know how the electoral college works and yeah, your vote doesn't actually count for much when its all said and done. However, it's your ticket to the 'Complain Game' when things don't go right. Your complaining just sounds like whining if you don't at least participate in the process. Specifically, vote for Obama. Hopefully he'll give us less to complain about than the other guy.
Check out Clouds’ EP “Legendary Demo” and their new full-length record “We Are Above You”. Both are out now on Hydra Head Records.
Monday, October 6, 2008
I Got The Spirit....
In the vein of Halloween, I stumbled across a forgotten little gem. Now, sometimes I get the feeling that I'll see a preview in the theater and then it's as though the movie disappears and never comes out. Attributing this to personal conspiracy, I never think twice. Except for now.
One of the movies I remember seeing a preview for a long time ago was "Trick 'r Treat". The movie is finished, but Warner Bros. dropped the film and now it has to find a studio to distribute it. It's hard to think that with the new "True Blood" series on HBO that an Ana Paquin movie can't get picked up. And the fat kid from "Bad Santa" is there to boot!
The film is no Oscar material or anything, but here's the trailer for a film you'll probably never see.
One of the movies I remember seeing a preview for a long time ago was "Trick 'r Treat". The movie is finished, but Warner Bros. dropped the film and now it has to find a studio to distribute it. It's hard to think that with the new "True Blood" series on HBO that an Ana Paquin movie can't get picked up. And the fat kid from "Bad Santa" is there to boot!
The film is no Oscar material or anything, but here's the trailer for a film you'll probably never see.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Comedy. Who Knew...
One of the things that I can not help but find hilarious is when people are characters. When Will Ferrel dons Ron Burgundy, or James Franco dons Saul Silver, I have to be put on piss awareness. I don't know if Perry Hilton is playing a character but all I know is this man is funny. Dumb and Dumberer, not so much, still.
See more funny videos at Funny or Die
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Small Things In Life...
My job does not provide me with too many perks. The other day I finally got to bask in one of these perks, and bask I did.
One part of my job entails setting up large inflatables, also known as moon-bounces. now, I am sent out to the most random of places for these things but the job is always the same. I set the inflatable up and then I sit and wait. My job is to make sure the inflatables stay inflated and don't fall apart. I bear no responsibilities to the safety of the children that flock to these things like they were handing out crack in Worcester.
Now, sometimes the people who run these events don't realize that I am only there for when something goes wrong with the inflatable. The other day was one of these days.
So there I was, sitting down near this massive obstacle course inflatable reading my book. I see this small, plump girl trying to climb over a section you are clearly advised to go through, not over. I get this giddy feeling like I was 4 again, anticipating the inevitable. I gently put down my book and just stare at this girl. I stare like I was planning on dragging her into a van. I peer around making sure no other parents see her, I do not want this to be spoiled. My anticipation is through the fucking ceiling. She climbs to the top and the piece caves under her weight and she rolls over the side and takes a glorious digger onto the hardwood gym floor. She looks at me and starts to cry.
Maybe it's the sadist in me, but my day was made in that moment. I get a sick and deranged kick out of seeing small children hurt themselves and cry. Their sadness makes me happy. I like how their faces flush with red and they cry out because they are totally and completely helpless to aid themselves.
Such a sweet joy. I work so I can see things like this happen.
One part of my job entails setting up large inflatables, also known as moon-bounces. now, I am sent out to the most random of places for these things but the job is always the same. I set the inflatable up and then I sit and wait. My job is to make sure the inflatables stay inflated and don't fall apart. I bear no responsibilities to the safety of the children that flock to these things like they were handing out crack in Worcester.
Now, sometimes the people who run these events don't realize that I am only there for when something goes wrong with the inflatable. The other day was one of these days.
So there I was, sitting down near this massive obstacle course inflatable reading my book. I see this small, plump girl trying to climb over a section you are clearly advised to go through, not over. I get this giddy feeling like I was 4 again, anticipating the inevitable. I gently put down my book and just stare at this girl. I stare like I was planning on dragging her into a van. I peer around making sure no other parents see her, I do not want this to be spoiled. My anticipation is through the fucking ceiling. She climbs to the top and the piece caves under her weight and she rolls over the side and takes a glorious digger onto the hardwood gym floor. She looks at me and starts to cry.
Maybe it's the sadist in me, but my day was made in that moment. I get a sick and deranged kick out of seeing small children hurt themselves and cry. Their sadness makes me happy. I like how their faces flush with red and they cry out because they are totally and completely helpless to aid themselves.
Such a sweet joy. I work so I can see things like this happen.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
You See, The Thing is...
(Taken from a post for my "Diversity and Multicultural Education" class)
Ever since I took Intro to Communications freshman year I have always thought, "The news media on t.v. and in the newspapers is not much more poignant and relevant than a romance novel." First it was Fox news refusing to cover a train accident that involved a partnered train company with Fox so as to not tarnish any ties and funding. Hundreds died but why should Fox report it when they'll lose money, right? Then it was the topics that people focus on most, sadly.
People look to celebrity news and fashion for their daily news fill. Doing so only makes the financially troubled newspaper business look to celebrity news and fashion styled pieces in order to gain readers and ultimately funding. This general principle is not common knowledge, as seen by how many more Glamour, US Weekly and Star magazines are sold everyday over newspapers. So is it really too shocking to see the amount of news coverage focusing on Hillary's "low-cut outfit" during one of her speeches? How about the focus on the sex appeal of Sarah Palin? THIS is what average American's want to see, who gives two-cents about what they stand for? Donny Deutsch sure doesn't.
I found the amount of political backlash against Hillary Clinton running interesting. The 11-1 vote by major news media claiming it was indeed fine to refer to her as a "bitch" stayed in my head. Not only does that rule out the neutral stance reporters are supposed to take, but it is expressed as though everyone should also refer to her as such because 11 of 12 major political anylists think so. You use toothpase because 9 out of 10 dentists reccomend it, so why not vote against Hillary because 11 out of 12 anylists reccomend it. Poor execution news media.
Ms. Pozner did leave everyone, I think/hope, with a sense of renewed vision. I know for myself I have learned to look even more closely at what exactly is being covered by the news media and have yet even more reason to disregard the multitudes of reports and opinions out there. Think for yourself, look at the cold hard facts and be intellectual. Follow that and you'll be a whole-damn-lot better off. And thats no Lord Chesterfield's Letters to His Son knowledge, its merely common sense.
(1) Supporting Example: http://www.postchronicle.com/commentary/article_212170927.shtml
(2) Contradictory Example: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campbell.brown.palin/
Ever since I took Intro to Communications freshman year I have always thought, "The news media on t.v. and in the newspapers is not much more poignant and relevant than a romance novel." First it was Fox news refusing to cover a train accident that involved a partnered train company with Fox so as to not tarnish any ties and funding. Hundreds died but why should Fox report it when they'll lose money, right? Then it was the topics that people focus on most, sadly.
People look to celebrity news and fashion for their daily news fill. Doing so only makes the financially troubled newspaper business look to celebrity news and fashion styled pieces in order to gain readers and ultimately funding. This general principle is not common knowledge, as seen by how many more Glamour, US Weekly and Star magazines are sold everyday over newspapers. So is it really too shocking to see the amount of news coverage focusing on Hillary's "low-cut outfit" during one of her speeches? How about the focus on the sex appeal of Sarah Palin? THIS is what average American's want to see, who gives two-cents about what they stand for? Donny Deutsch sure doesn't.
I found the amount of political backlash against Hillary Clinton running interesting. The 11-1 vote by major news media claiming it was indeed fine to refer to her as a "bitch" stayed in my head. Not only does that rule out the neutral stance reporters are supposed to take, but it is expressed as though everyone should also refer to her as such because 11 of 12 major political anylists think so. You use toothpase because 9 out of 10 dentists reccomend it, so why not vote against Hillary because 11 out of 12 anylists reccomend it. Poor execution news media.
Ms. Pozner did leave everyone, I think/hope, with a sense of renewed vision. I know for myself I have learned to look even more closely at what exactly is being covered by the news media and have yet even more reason to disregard the multitudes of reports and opinions out there. Think for yourself, look at the cold hard facts and be intellectual. Follow that and you'll be a whole-damn-lot better off. And thats no Lord Chesterfield's Letters to His Son knowledge, its merely common sense.
(1) Supporting Example: http://www.postchronicle.com/commentary/article_212170927.shtml
(2) Contradictory Example: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/24/campbell.brown.palin/
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Truth About The Guy With Tattoos
As I'm sitting in my lovely little apartment, which I have recently been aborted from, a girl who is sitting on the couch across from me asks about my tattoo. Nothing new to me. I have been asked by all kinds of people in all kinds of situations. They range from cops who have pulled me over to janitor who pass by my hospital room. But I digress.
She asks, "What's that tattoo on your arm?"
My tattoo takes up 3/4 of my arm so it is damn near impossible to hide at times. I reply humbly to her, "Its an octopus".
Then she replies solely with an "Oh." The small hint of disapproval is not well hid from her face. She follows this up with the question I can not stand when it comes to asking a complete stranger about a tattoo, "Why did you get that?"
Never ask a person you do not know this question. Sure, most of the time the person will be nice and tell your overly-inquisitive ass just why he or she got the tattoo they did. Maybe there is some deep rooted family meaning, maybe it reminds the person of childhood. But let me tell you deep down what I think every time someone asks me.
"Who the fuck do you think you are? Do I owe you something to have to explain why I got the tattoo I got?"
If at one point during a friendship one divulges to the other the reason behind a tattoo then that is perfectly fine. But to have a customer in a store come up to you and bluntly say, "O.K. Let me see the tattoo. What's it mean?" is just too invasive. What if the tattoo has a meaning that is far too personal for me to want to tell a stranger? Then I am forced to make up a lie and make myself sound like a complete jackass for getting a tattoo that I seem to not care about.
My response to the overly-inquisitive girl was curtly and directly this, "Because I wanted to." A response that must have put her off, but yet could not have been more truthful.
Two minutes later she responds, "I have tattoos too."
And there it is, the weak retort in the effort to establish a connection.
She asks, "What's that tattoo on your arm?"
My tattoo takes up 3/4 of my arm so it is damn near impossible to hide at times. I reply humbly to her, "Its an octopus".
Then she replies solely with an "Oh." The small hint of disapproval is not well hid from her face. She follows this up with the question I can not stand when it comes to asking a complete stranger about a tattoo, "Why did you get that?"
Never ask a person you do not know this question. Sure, most of the time the person will be nice and tell your overly-inquisitive ass just why he or she got the tattoo they did. Maybe there is some deep rooted family meaning, maybe it reminds the person of childhood. But let me tell you deep down what I think every time someone asks me.
"Who the fuck do you think you are? Do I owe you something to have to explain why I got the tattoo I got?"
If at one point during a friendship one divulges to the other the reason behind a tattoo then that is perfectly fine. But to have a customer in a store come up to you and bluntly say, "O.K. Let me see the tattoo. What's it mean?" is just too invasive. What if the tattoo has a meaning that is far too personal for me to want to tell a stranger? Then I am forced to make up a lie and make myself sound like a complete jackass for getting a tattoo that I seem to not care about.
My response to the overly-inquisitive girl was curtly and directly this, "Because I wanted to." A response that must have put her off, but yet could not have been more truthful.
Two minutes later she responds, "I have tattoos too."
And there it is, the weak retort in the effort to establish a connection.
Monday, September 22, 2008
And Then It Began
This is the first of hopefully many posts. The site could barely be considered in an "early stage". Its somewhere in that pre-early stage. That exists, right? Well, this will soon become a regulated blog hell-bent on forcing me to write everyday. So, take a gander into what goes on in this mind of mine and fell free to comment.
Cheers
MB
Cheers
MB
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