So, And Thus...

MCCAIN'S DEER IN HEADLIGHTS MOMENT

Wow, that was bad. So bad.

Bear Alert

From the debate tonight.

My favorite part.

wow!

(I'm married, but not dead! Ein Oso liked him too. so there)

Oh yea, Obama totally won.

Sarah Palin in the Debate

The debate last night might have been a live broadcast, but Palin was definitely pre-recorded.

Fly-Life: Labelle "Roll Out"

First single from Labelle's new album "Back To Now".

Here's the email from Fly-Life:

Labelle "Roll Out" First Single

From New Album 'Back To Now' (available Oct 2 1 st - Verve)

"Roll Out," the infectious lead single from Labelle's first new studio album in over 30 years, represents just one dimension of the group's genre-bending sound. The modern mid-tempo dance track produced by and featuring Wyclef Jean (and Jerry 'Wonda' Duplessis) highlights bouncing synth drumbeats and soaring vocals that deliver an empowering message to women.

Listen to "Roll Out" now:
http://verve.edgeboss.net/qtime/verve/labelle/roll_out.mov

From their formation in 1961 at the dawn of the girl-group era, through their pioneering years fusing rock, soul, and funk, Labelle's innovation has set them apart in a genre all their own. With additional production by Gamble & Huff and Lenny Kravitz, 'Back to Now' embodies everything Labelle has ever been.

Honestly, I'm not feeling it. Nothing that brings me back to what Labelle used to be.

New Wendy and Lisa: White Flags of Winter Chimneys

A new Wendy & Lisa album!

Free download of their first track "Invisible" can be found on their website.

Their MySpace page has "Invisible" and another track called "Balloon", both from the new album. Incredible!

Not sure when the album will be released, but I just got chills thinking about it.

I've been a huge W&L fan ever since they were with Prince. I'm glad they had time to squeeze in another album among all the soundtrack work they've been doing.

White Flags of Winter Chimneys. (cool cover)

Album name is taken from the Joni Mitchell song "Hejira".

New Volleyball at 2008 Olympics

If you were watching any indoor volleyball this past Olympics (and who wasn't!), you might have noticed that they were using a new ball.

Pretty.

Here's a press release on the new ball.

This new design is supposed to give players "dramatic and improved ball control". There are dimples in the ball and a special coating that will help with slippery balls cause by sweat from players. The balls will also have a more stable flight path because of the design.

I've played once with this ball. It seems a bit heavier than I was used to and the cushioning definitely affected my passing, something that will go away one I play enough with it. When I was setting, I ball felt really good in my hands. I hope all of my leagues will start using the new ball. This is really going to help with those long games when the ball gets really sweaty.

My team got me this ball for my birthday. Can't wait to play with it!

Rav4 Isn't Ravenous

From an article in The New York Times - Misers in Disguise: A Dozen Unlikely Fuel Sippers

CONSERVING CROSSOVER

TOYOTA RAV4 V-6

BASE PRICE: $22,245

M.P.G. RATING: 19 city, 26 highway, 24 combined.

COST TO DRIVE 100 MILES: $16.48 (regular fuel)

A YEAR OF FILL-UPS: $2,935

For S.U.V. owners eager to downsize, but who still want a vehicle with reasonable utility, the RAV4 may be a smart place to land.

Those who recall the original RAV4 as a cute trucklet for college sophomores may not realize how roomy and grown-up the third-generation model has become. The base RAV4 has a 4-cylinder engine, but even the conservation-minded might consider Toyota’s 3.5-liter V-6, which not only produces 269 horsepower but is one of the most fuel-efficient 6’s available. The 19/26 mileage rating for a RAV4 with all-wheel drive virtually matches the 19/27 of the 4-cylinder RAV4, yet the V-6 pumps out 103 more horsepower.

The V-6 RAV4 zips from a stop to 60 m.p.h. in just 6.4 seconds. That kind of performance, combined with surprisingly gung-ho handling, makes the RAV4 one of the most entertaining models to wear a Toyota badge.

I love my car!

Quick Review: WALL-E

I saw WALL-E on Friday night with Ein Oso.

For those of you who know me well, it's no secret that Pixar films are always among the top of my favorites. WALL-E is no different. I absolutely LOVED the film!

I have to say that WALL-E is the best character that Pixar has created. Pure magic.

Here's an extended preview to the movie. (spoilers!)

Donna Summer Special Performance at Mansion

Thanks to the wonderful staff at Fly-Life, Ein Oso, Will-O and I got to see Donna Summer give a special performance this past Tuesday night for the release of her new album "Crayons".

(invite with the WRONG address, but we had a nice walk anyway.)

On the way to the show, we ran into Fly-Peter and Fly-Martha enjoying a nice pre-show dinner on 8th ave. (Martha, sporting a new sassy hairstyle). I mentioned my blogging buddy xolondon to them: "WE LOVE HIM!"

Once in the venue, we made our way up to the open bar (so much for my diet). Will-O then quickly found our spot for the night, complete with a modest-size dance area. Shortly after, Fly-Peter, Fly-Martha, Michael P., Bill C. And David S. waltzed in.

The crowd was mostly industry and wannabe. Nile Rogers walked by us as did the Cowboy from The Village People (apparently, changing his role to the village idiot as he continued to semaphore YMCA all night long). There were some real fans there, but most of the crowd seemed like they cared more about how they looked... until the Queen took her throne.

The crowd was crazy for her. At one point, when the cheering wouldn't' stop, she started to cry and joked about it. She was truly appreciative of all her fans.

Set list:

• MacArthur Park (INCLUDING the beautiful b-section!)
• I'm A Fire
• Bad Girls/ Hot Stuff Medley (combined with her rock 'n roll microphone stand choreography)
• Science Of Love
• Stamp Your Feet
• Smile
• Last Dance

This woman is incredible. At 59, she's still showing the younger singers how it's done properly. Unlike some of the other "older" artists whose voice has changed dramatically (Debbie, Stevie, etc...), Donna's voice is still intact. If you haven't seen her live... ... ...who am I kidding.

We love you Donna!

(Here is a picture of my eye and Donna Summer, who is about to pet my head)

Suzanne Vega on Long Island

James S. emailed us the other day. He saw that Suzanne Vega was going to be playing in Huntington. That's right: Huntington, Long Island.

So James, Ein Oso and I went to see her last friday night. Turns out that this was the first night of her tour.

Very solid performance. Suzanne was up on stage singing and playing guitar with a bass player and a drummer (who had a computer with some keyboard parts for a few songs). It's amazing what kind of a sound they got from just the three of them.

Her voice was consistent and sounded just like her recordings. I really admired her guitar work. "Tom's Diner" (the DNA version) actually worked quite well in a live setting.

Suzanne chatted with the audience between songs, sometimes giving a little history on the song, sometime just joking around in her quite, laid-back way. I found her so enjoyable!

The next morning, I played "Beauty & Crime" 3 times in a row! What a great album. I listed it here on the blog as my favorite album from last year. Great stuff.

"Beauty & Crime" (Suzanne Vega)