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The very third "Me. My World." banner.

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The very second "Me. My World." banner.

Banner #1

The very first "Me. My World." banner.

Micachu and the Shapes - "Golden Phone"

This song is entertaining, but the video makes me wonder about the conversation leading up to the shoot.

"Hey, Micachu and the Shapes! You need to make a music video." "What? Awe, really? Maaaaan. Fiiinnne. But we're gonna act really apathetic and there needs to be a lot of geometry."

Song of the Day: I and I - "The Bottom"

Me ... on TV!

I had the opportunity to share my post-collegiate experience, thus far, on KELO. Please ignore the part where I stumble over my words.

Sigur Ros - "Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur"

I may not speak Icelandic, but Sigur Ros always produces beautiful music that I enjoy listening to.


Song of the Day: Dinosaur Jr. - "I Want You To Know"

Little Boots - "New In Town"

I thought I would throw out some Little Boots to kick off the weekend. Feel free to stand up and frolic about the office.

Song of the Day: Polvo - "Beggar's Bowl"

Jokes on me ... and every major news network.

Later yesterday evening, I learned that Al Jefferson isn't going anywhere. Apparently the Suns called about the deal and the Wolves swiftly turned them down (because it was completely awful, let's be honest). David Kahn even had to call Al Jefferson to assure him he wasn't be traded.

I understand why McHale is leaving, but I don't understand this.

Yesterday, the Timberwolves' new GM, Dave Kahn, put the media at ease by finally announcing the departure of Kevin McHale. I spent much of my evening watching the press conference and reading reactions to the news and I was happy that Kahn's ready to move in a new direction. However, I woke up this morning to the news that Kahn is looking to deal the one Wolves player (Al Jefferson) that you could build around, for Amar'e Stoudemire.

Al Jefferson is the best low-post scorer in the league. If you gave him as many touches as Shaq got in his prime, he would put up similar numbers, not to mention he's a better free throw shooter. I've listened to execs, broadcasters and players discuss how amazing his footwork is. He will be a perennial All Star soon and he's younger than Stoudemire. Plus, Amar'e could opt-out in 2010, meaning we could lose Stoudemire, Jefferson and this year's 6th pick by 2010. No deal Howie.

The Blood Brothers - "Laser Life"

This isn't, by any means, a new video. I just genuinely enjoy it.

Song of the Day: The Gossip - "Dimestore Diamond"
This is for the ladies.

Beirut - "The Concubine"

Toy piano! I'm going to try and use the word "concubine" in my vocabulary this week, as I know many.

Song of the Day: T. Nile - "Cabin Song"

Woods - "To Clean"

I'm pretty sure this is what I dream about each night, except there are usually more bananas involved.

Song of the Day: Modest Mouse - "Autumn Beds"

Animal Collective - "Summertime Clothes"

I've been reading a lot of criticism about this video and of course, there's the "original" AC fans saying the band is too poppy now. Let's all just remember, it's just a band and this is just a video. Enjoy it for what it is and don't hate. This is still one of the greatest albums of 2009.

Song of the Day: Soulcrate - "Reflections (We All Have Hooks for Hands Remix)"

Coconut Records - "Microphone"

I wish Mr. Schwartzman would have incorporated the dog more. Other than that, this is a very lovely tune.


Song of the Day: Portugal. The Man - "People Say"
Adding punctuation in the middle of the band's name is a copywriter's nightmare.

Mof Def - "Quiet Dog (Bite Hard)" (live on Letterman)

Once you're done watching Mos on Letterman, please, be kind, rewind.


Song of the Day: Terry Lynn - "Jamaican Girls"
Here's a little ditty to get you spinning in your swivel chair on Thursday morning.

Phenomenal Handclap Band - "You'll Disappear"

There are some pretty phenomenal handclaps in the background, if you listen closely.


Song of the Day: Dirty Projectors - "Stillness Is The Move"

Amadou and Mariam - "Masiteladi"

Amadou and Mariam are from Mali and interestingly enough the pair, known as "the blind couple from Mali" met at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind, and found they shared an affinity for music.


Song of the Day: J. Tillman - "Earthly Bodies"

Chairlift - "Bruises"

Chairlift finds life after the iPod commercial. I think Caroline Polachek could have settled for just one television screen, because there are screenless children in Africa.


Song of the Day: Yacht - "Psychic City"

May Playlist for Song of the Day!

MGMT - "Kids"

I'm glad I didn't go through what this kid did while I was a child. It's hard to believe I've had Oracular Spectacular for a year-and-a-half and this is still one of my favorite tunes from the album.


Song of the Day: Reed KD - "Winding Roads"

Dan Wilson - "Against Time"

Semisonic's "Feeling Strangely Fine" is still one of my favorite albums.


Song of the Day: Tobias Froberg - "What A Day"

Sondre Lerche - "Tragic Mirror"

Song of the Day: Pony Pony Run Run - "Hey You"

Ponytail - "Celebrate the Body Electric"

Song of the Day: Circulatory System - "Overjoyed"

Frightened Rabbit - "Swim Until You Can't See Land"

The concept sounds a little dangerous, but I'm always up for a new FR song.


Song of the Day: Good Old War - "Coney Island"

VV Brown - "Leave!"

It's a head in a box.

Kronos Quartet - "Tashweesh"

Sometimes, strings speak louder than words.

Patrick Wolf - "Hard Times"

Every Wednesday could use a little eccentricity. Especially when it's neon eccentricity.

Jon Hopkins - "Light Through The Veins"

Bright Eyes - "Bowl of Oranges"

Memorial Day throw-back. One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. Doesn't this video just make you want to have arts and crafts time?

Regina Spektor - "Blue Lips" (live on Jools Holland)

Cage The Elephant - "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked"

Son Ambulance - "Horizons"

Cornershop - "The Roll Off Characteristics (Of History In The Making)"

The Killers - "The World We Live In"

Little Joy - "Next Time Around"

Cass McCombs - "Dreams Come True Girl"

Patrick Watson - "Man Under The Sea" (Take-Away Show)

#97 Patrick Watson / Part 4 - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Okkervil River - "Lost Coastlines"

The Mae Shi - "Lamb And The Lion"

Jason Lytle - "I Am Lost (and the Moment Cannot Last)"

I Am Lost (And the Moment Cannot Last)

Lissy Trullie - "Boy Boy"

Great Lake Swimmers - "Pulling On A Line"

Great Lake Swimmers |MTV Music

Pink Mountaintops - "While We Were Dreaming"

The Wombats - "Let's Dance To Joy Division"

THE WOMBATS - LET'S DANCE TO JOY DIVISION
by lablogotheque

April Playlist from Song of the Day!

Ra Ra Riot - "Can You Tell"

Andrew Bird - "Oh No" (live on 89.3 The Current)

Here's a live, in-studio performance by Andrew Bird at my favorite radio station, 89.3 The Current.

Eels - "Fresh Blood"

Cloud Cult - "Chemicals Collide"

Continuing my streak of featuring artists I brought to SDSU, this is an older video by one of my favorite bands, Cloud Cult.

Passion Pit - "The Reeling"

This video was shot, printed out frame-by-frame and then torn to give it the effects seen here.

The Rosebuds - "Blue Bird" (live on In A Van Sessions)

The Rosebuds - Bluebird from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Devendra Banhart - "Baby"

Alternate Routes - "The Future's Nothing New"

I've always try to post music and videos by bands I brought to SDSU. With that, enjoy Alternate Routes.

Doves - "Kingdom of Rust" (Black Cab Session)

Paul McCartney - "Hey Jude" live at Coachella 2009

We The Living - "Black Swan (Thom Yorke Cover)"

I've always try to post music and videos by bands I brought to SDSU. With that, enjoy We The Living.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Heads Will Roll (Live on Jimmy Fallon)"

Ha Ha Tonka - "Caney Mountain"

I always try to include videos from artists I featured at SDSU. With that, enjoy Ha Ha Tonka.

Delta Spirit - "People, Turn Around"

Delta Spirit - People Turn Around from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Franz Nicolay - "Jeff Penalty"

Glasvegas - "Geraldine" (accoustic version)

Lambchop - "National Talk Like A Pirate Day" (Take-Away Show)

CAE Lambchop #1 - "National Talk Like A Pirate Day" from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

The Cool Kids - "The Delivery Man"

Kalai - "She"

Alamo Race Track - "Stanley vs. Hannah"

Alamo Race Track - Stanley vs Hannah - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Company of Thieves - "Oscar Wilde"

Company of Thieves |MTV Music

Beirut - “Various Songs” (live)

Watch the full concert at baeblemusic.com

March Playlist from Song of the Day!

Leodnard Cohen - "Hallelujah"

Crystal Antlers - "Andrew"

N.A.S.A - "Gifted" (featuring Kanye/Santigold/Lykke Li)

N.A.S.A. - "Gifted" featuring Kanye/Santi/Lykke

Roxy Music - "Mother of Pearl"

Department of Eagles - "No One Does It Like You"

Department of Eagles - No One Does It Like You

The Miserable Rich - "Pisshead/Boatsong (Humble Soul)" (Black Cab Session)

The Miserable Rich from Black Cab Sessions on Vimeo.

Sigur Ros - "Við Spilum Endalaust" (Take-Away Show)

Sigur Ros - Við spilum endalaust - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Conor Oberst - "Nikorette" (Live on Conan O'Brien")

Peter Bjorn and John - "Nothing To Worry About"

Dan Auerbach - "Trouble Weighs A Ton"

Passion Pit - "Sleepyhead"

The Futureheads - "The Beginning of the Twist" (Take-Away Show)

Franz Ferdinand - "No You Girls"

Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls

K'Naan - "ABCs" (live on Jimmy Kimmel)

Handsome Furs - "I'm Confused"

Handsome Furs "I'm Confused" from Sarah Marcus on Vimeo.

Yeasayer - "2080" (Take-Away Show)

#87.2 - YEASAYER - 2080
by lablogotheque

Animal Collective - "My Girls"

The Boy Least Likely To - "Every Goliath Has Its David"

The Outliers - Part One

I discussed earlier that I started reading The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell and have thus far finished part one. In short, it's a collection of chapters aimed at uncovering why some people are insurmountably more successful than others. In part one we read about everyone, from a group of illness-proof immigrants, to professional athletes, to the Beatles, to Bill Gates, the list goes on.

In each chapter Gladwell uses a great deal of research to substantiate his claim that success isn't exclusively due to natural talents, but rather a series of lucky breaks, excellent role models, and good old fashioned hard work and practice.

In chapter one Gladwell discusses accumulative advantage, in that “It is those who are successful ... who are most likely to be given the kinds of special opportunities that lead to further success.” For example, if at a young age you exhibit even the slightest advantage over others, you are likely to get placed in "gifted" classes or have the opportunity to attend special programs, which leads to you further excelling. Whereas, the other students have missed the boat and will not have the chance at extra attention. Gladwell notes, “Because we so profoundly personalize success, we miss opportunities to lift others onto the top rung.”

We run into the Beatles and Bill Gates in chapter two, where Gladwell discusses the 10,000 hour rule; this suggests that in order to become an expert in a field, you need to accumulate ten-thousand hours of practice (guess how many hours it took the Beatles to get to Sargent Pepper and for Gates to found Microsoft) . In chapter three and four Gladwell discusses true geniuses, in terms of IQ and practical intelligence, that is knowing "what to say to whom, knowing when to say it, and knowing how to say it for maximum effect.” In these chapters you learn how even children with the highest IQs can fall victim to a poor upbringing. And finally, in chapter five you'll learn the history behind the success of Jewish immigrants in the late Nineteenth Century.

If learning the secrets behind these success stories intrigues you, I suggest you pick up the book. At times, I have found myself being ultimately human by becoming jealous of what I thought was the natural success of others. But now I find myself analyzing my own lucky breaks and leaving doors and eyes open to opportunities for success.

Entering a whole new era.

As I was about to enjoy another wonderious (combo wonderful/hilarious) episode of 30 Rock on Hulu, I was presented with an option I'm not used to seeing (as depicted above). The value of in-show advertising online is steadily increasing; mostly because the number of people who choose to watch their favorite shows online is increasing.

Commercials tend to appear in the same place online as they do during the regular television broadcast, but they are generally only :15 or :30 spots. The only gripe I have with the current system is that I usually have to watch the same commercial four, five, or even six different times. Even for someone who's interested in advertising, that can grow monotonous.

The first reason why this new system is interesting, is that I now have the option to view a longer message (or trailer in this case) from the sponsor, without having to watch the same commercial over-and-over again during my program. This is a definite plus in my book.

But perhaps the most interesting facet of this new system is that advertisers are giving the power of selecting the message to the consumer. It's like going to the dentist when you were a kid and they let you pick the color toothbrush. Now they just hand you one and I'm left thinking, "I don't want the green toothbrush Mandy, I want the blue one." I guess I'm just trying to say, as a consumer, I like choices and recent studies on my generation (Gen Y) indicate they feel the same way.

Emily Riley of Forrester Research suggested, in this 3 Minute Ad Age, of "the creation of a web portal that would enable Gen Y'ers to post their wants in an organized manner." Basically, this system within Hulu is another step in allowing the consumer to choose the message they wish to receive. I am excited to see where this system takes us in the future, because the more precise we can be with delivering our message, the more money we can ultimately save.

Bonnie "Prince" Billy - "I Am Goodbye"

My Morning Jacket - "Touch Me I’m Going to Scream" (Black Cab Session)

Facebook Strikes Back!

In a reaction to the rising popularity of Twitter, Facebook is about ready to unveil its new homepage and profile page. Some of the changes include real-time updates on your homepage and removing the 5,000 friend limit (I'm only at a 1,000 ... so this doesn't quite apply to me ... and do I even know 1,000 people?). Read more about the reasoning behind the changes here or see for yourself here.

It is absolutely amazing observe the nascent online culture. Just three years ago, you were a nobody if you didn't have a Facebook account; a virtual social castaway. Three years of Facebook later (mostly riddled with complaints about the layout changes and a slew of ex-piano teachers adding you as a friend), social media junkies are jumping on the Twitter bandwagon. Twitter user aren't exactly abandoning Facebook, but they are sure spending less time on Facebook as they enjoy the new Tweet buzz.

As someone who has grown with the Internet, I remember logging on with a dial-up tone onto my Netscape navigator to check out the latest news on Yahooligans. I'll admit, my first experience with the Internet was confusing. I didn't quite get it, but I quickly moved from a confused fourth grader, to a sixth grade who was printing of Penny Hardaway's mom's meatloaf from NBA.com.

(side note: I just heard KSFY mention their Twitter account).

That last side note astonishes me, because only 6 months ago, I couldn't mention the word Twitter without getting a stream of juvenile giggles. Which makes me wonder if grandma just rechecked her hearing aid while watching the evening news.

I remember the first time I heard the words, Yahoo, Google and now Twitter and every time I just chuckled and said "come again?" Well, I will no longer sit idly by while people my age are making heaps of money on crazy ideas and goofy names. I don't exactly have a plan for the next social networking phenomenon, but I do have a name. Originally I wanted to go with ShamWow, but apparently that's taken. Instead I have settled on (let it be noted: I searched about 20 words that I thought were non-existent until I settle on this) Phlergen (patent pending). No reason behind that one. I just think it's fun to say.

Just remember, some day "If You're Not Phlerging, You're Not Trying."

Fleet Foxes - "Sun Giant" (Take-Away Show)

Fleet Foxes - A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Röyksopp - "Happy Up Here"

Happy Up Here from Röyksopp on Vimeo.
Röyksopp is an electronic and chillout music duo based in Bergen, Norway.

Coming soon...

I have been reading the book "The Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell and thus far it has been absolutely fascinating. To sum it up, it is evaluating how some of the most successful people in the world got to where they are. I will start discussing it as soon as I am done.

FavTape

Need exactly 20 songs to spice up your day? Click here and enjoy the mix I made especially for you!

SDSUPC

The new generation of college students are becoming increasingly dependent on the Internet and are constantly plugged in with wireless Internet and smart phones. So as the President for the University Program Council, I knew it was important that we reach students on an etheral level.

My mission for my third and final year on the UPC was to continue the development of a brand identity for UPC, as well as utilize numerous online entities to promote UPC.

The central online hub for UPC is our main web page. Our goal is to provide an easy-to-remember URL to link you to all of our other online resources. As of right now, you will find a list of this semester's events, a few pics from our events, as well as links to our MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts.

We use our MySpace to provide a more detailed semester calendar, post pictures and original videos of our events, blog about ways to get involved with UPC and post videos from upcoming artists.

Our Facebook Fan page allows us to connect to students on a website that students visit as part of their daily routine. This page also provides pictures and videos, event information, as well as an outlet for students to post comments or questions regarding UPC.

Twitter is about to explode and UPC is certainly ready for students to get on board. We post reminders about events so students never have to worry about forgetting about events they wish to attend. We also utilize TwitPic and 12 Seconds to post pictures and video of events or UPC news as it is happening! How cool is that?!

And finally, we upload all of our original videos to our YouTube channel so students can keep up with events they attended/missed. We also favorite videos of artists who are coming to campus soon.

Our online process is relatively new and we are continually seeking ways to better utilize social networks. If you have any questions about UPC, feel free to email us at upcpreview@gmail.com

A New Addiction

I remember checking out Twitter about a year ago at this time and I couldn't wrap my head around it. I didn't see how it could be useful.

I finally signed up for the service this fall and began following a few friends, a couple random celebrities and even signed up the University Program Council (UPC) for an account.

After many attempts to add Twitter to my daily life and to find ways to utilize its power to promote UPC I have finally become addicted. There is comedy, practicality and free expression built into this little online application.

I recently downloaded TweetDeck and signed up for the 12 Seconds program and as someone who is very interested in publicity/promotions, I am brainstorming all the ways UPC can benefit from Twitter.

If you haven't checked out Twitter, I suggest you head there immediately. If you are already on Twitter, follow me and follow UPC.

Aching for some new music?

Here are a few music-oriented sites that I check out daily in between hours of productivity.

Pitchfork
Pitchfork offers you music news, album reviews, media posts, interviews, and also original footage through PitchforkTV. This is a great place to discover new music, although I would advise taking their reviews with a grain of salt. Listen to the artists on your own time and formulate your own opinion.

Stereogum
Really sweet music blog. I think they do a better job than Pitchfork at grabbing the latest mp3 releases and music news, but I could be wrong. There's a lot more on Stereogum than just music news and posts. Definitely check it out.

Daytrotter
Daytrotter has an excellent collection of live, in-studio sessions with both established and up-and-coming artists. This is the site to check out if you want to find a new sound or love unplugged, raw music.

Black Cab Sessions
I've blogged about these sessions before, but don't feel guilty mentioning them again. Most of the footage takes place in the UK, but I noticed they are planning a trip "state-side" to gather some new footage. Think of these videos as Unplugged in a taxi.

La Blogotheque
The French bloggery (is that even a word? if not ... patent pending ...) has some ultra-sweet "behind-the-scenes" footage of some really great musicians. I suggest taking a look Arcade Fire's elevator performance first, if you are new to this site.

Fabchannel
Full concerts in excellent quality. You'll recognize some of the bands, but if you're like me, you'll discover a few new favorites. As you're watching a show, you can actually save your favorite songs to create a playlist of live music. Far out!

Hype Machine
The Hype Machine is a collection of the most popular blogged music from across the web. This is a great place to sample music before albums are fully released. Take the time to check out a few of its other featured as well, such as the Radio.

The Current
This is the homepage to my favorite hometown radio station. 'nough said.

I write a dating column: # 5

(This came out last fall, but I forgot to post it.)

Do you remember innocent note-passing? It was just you and your middle school crush engaged in a series of pointless flattery. I think this simple act should be resurrected at this point in our lives. Wouldn't it be great if your significant other just dropped you a quick message, whether it's on paper, Facebook or e-mail? I think the best way to brighten someone's day with a note is through the act of writing a Haiku.

This Japanese poetry form is arranged in three lines: the first contains five syllables, the second contains seven syllables and the third contains five syllables. I went through the work of coming up with a few examples to express any type of feelings you may be having. It is important to note if you use any of mine, I want any royalties you may make off my brilliance.

You're Neat
I enjoy your face
It looks nice in a mirror
Is that a pimple?

I Like, Like You
I think about you
Constant, beautiful, kind thoughts
Please lend me your car

Holiday Love
Snow gently falls down
I see your bright eyes glisten
Why are you cross-eyed?

Love/Hate
Your presence scares me
Charming and nicely you smile
Let go of my hair

Obsessed Love
You control my mind
Powerful, intense feelings
I swallowed the key

Geek Love
You make my pits sweat
Stunning like Princess Leia
Gaming is better

Binary Love
One zero zero
Zero zero one zero
One one zero one

Stalker Love
Your door was open
Many bright pretty sweaters
Your boyfriend is strong

Friend Love
You are always there
Trust, compassion, empathy
Dude, that's my girlfriend

Unrequited Love
Why don't you love me?
Empty, lost, lonely
I'm wearing your bra

Puppy Love
Aarf, woof, barky bark
I am hungry for kibble
Your butt smells friendly

Sporty Love
You are a touchdown
Celebration and thrilling
Nothing like jock itch

Romantic Love
I long for your touch
Soft, warm and gentle embrace
The candles burned me

True Love
Your life completes me
Content, comfortable, whole love
I farted on you

What is really newsworthy?

I just read a report that President Barack "Joe Cool" Obama bumped his head as he turned to wave to a crowd before he boarded Marine One. I am so thankful for this report, because without it I wouldn't have been able to promptly send off a get well card to the White House.

This just in: Michelle Obama placed one-to-many snack packs into Malia's lunch this morning, resulting in an over-satisfying lunch. Okay, that didn't really happen, but wouldn't that be about as relevant as reporting about President Obama's unfortunate collision with a doorway?

We're talking about a President who plays pick-up basketball. If we start reporting about every time he gets bumped, there's going to be an insert in the New York Times every time he steps foot on the court.

President Obama is already the most transparent President in U.S. history, in terms of online communication and his general desire to create an open-to-the-public government. If it were up to me, we would stick to reporting on his policy decisions, foreign relationships and other pertinent presidential tasks. Unfortunately, I'm not making the calls in the CNN newsroom, so everyone will continue to enjoy precious presidential snippets such as: "Obama Misses Layup," "Obama Sneezes Twice in a Minute," or "President Obama Does Not Finish His Vegetables."

Apparently in the midst of an economic crisis, there is still such a thing as "a slow news day."