I heard Marty mention on the air just now that there are several musicians with birthdays today, so I went to take a look. And indeed, March 30th is a popular day for talented performers.
Have you seen the show Up All Night on NBC yet? Christina Applegate, Maya Rudolph and Will Arnett are the stars and it's pretty funny. Last night, the one and only Stevie Nick guest starred! Turns out, she watched the first episode and heard herself referenced. She thought it was so cute that she actually reached out to the show and asked if they'd like her to appear. She talks about it in this video:
There's even a performance at the end. If you could perform with one artist or band, who would it be?
(The full episode has not been posted yet, but I'll update when it is.)
They say there's someone for everyone, and a new dating website is out to prove it. Survivalistsingles.com wants those preparing for the apocalypse to know they aren't alone. The site is specifically for those people looking to find their soulmate... for all of eternity, and especially after that nuclear meltdown takes the rest of us out.
And good news, ladies. If you're unattached, the ratio of men to women is 2:1, so you're bound to find a man of your liking. Or a woman, or a group. I'll give Survivalist Singles credit - they don't discriminate against sexual orientation... they just want you to find that person(s) who best complements your survival skills. You don't only have to look for love on the site, you can also look for a survival group. That way, you have company to play board games in your underground bunker during the apocalypse.
Right now, the site is free, though they may start charging a monthly fee soon. So, if you're in the market for love, might as well save yourself a few bucks and register now.
CNN did a whole feature on the site recently; if you're so inclined, read on.
Documents released today show that the late Amy Winehouse's estate will go to her parents, not her incarcerated ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil (you know, the one who possibly abused her and no doubt enabled her lifestyle choices.) After taxes and debt, Winehouse's folks will get about $4.66 million. The assumption is that they will give all of the settlement to the Amy Winehouse Foundation in memory of their daughter, but that is yet to be determined.
Over the past month or so, you may have popped over the The Mountain's Facebook page and seen posts from someone other than John or Marty -- me. While I did a quick introduction blog a few weeks ago, I thought I'd elaborate, since I'm excited to get to know everyone... and I'm not very good at being mysterious.
I'm Leslie Scott. I recently joined The Mountain staff to surf the web. Well, kind of. It's my goal to keep you in the loop on all things Mountain, music / tour info and fun stuff to read while you're at work. John & Marty will still be here to post, comment and answer questions; I'm just joining in the fun.
Quick things about me: I was raised on Eric Clapton, The Police / Sting, Van Morrison and Frank Sinatra. Dave Matthews Band was the first band of which I became a total fangirl. I love all kinds of music... and I really love to karaoke. I watch Mad Men, sitcoms and try to avoid reality TV (if it's not trashy, I'll try it.) Baseball, college basketball and football are my favorite sports. Finally, I love to cook, bake and dine! Honorable mention: I like non sequiturs.
I'm really looking forward to getting to know you -- whether online or at events. If you want to reach me directly to say hi, send recipes, send funny videos, or anything else, my email address is lscott@1037themountain.com.
And now, pugs tilting their heads in an adorable, if not confused, manner:
It's not often I'll link you to a celeb gossip story in the New York Post, but this is just too good / bizarre. Songstress Lana Del Rey has been seen with, of all people, Marilyn Manson while in Germany. The full story is below, but this is by far my favorite line:
"The two were also photographed together in plain view backstage at the awards show. However, while Manson did have his left arm around Del Rey, he also draped his left arm around Barry Manilow."
How did you spend your weekend? Hiking? Seeing Hunger Games? James Cameron, director of Titanic and Avatar, spent his weekend 7 miles deep in the Mariana Trench. OK, not the whole weekend, but 3 hours on Sunday. Cameron is an explorer-in-residence with National Geographic and went to the sea floor's deepest point in a submarine he helped build. What can't this guy do?
A Kazakh athlete won a gold medal at an international shooting competition in Kuwait. As she was awarded, they played the national anthem of Kazakhstan... except it wasn't the actual anthem. It was the song created for movie Borat. You've got to be kidding me.
Have you seen this video yet? A husband films his wife trying to answer the question, "how long does it take to go 80 miles at 80 miles per hour?" It's the Viral Video Sensation Of The Week - Couples category.
Is this video geniune, or a set up? I want it to be a set up, because I don't want to think anyone is that clueless... what do you think?
Somehow, David Bowie's concept album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars turns 40 this year. To celebrate, it's being reissued in CD and limited edition vinyl. All 11 tracks will be remastered and the vinyl comes with an audio DVD of previously unreleased mixed. Cool? Cool.
We're stressed. That's life in 2012. But according to a new study by Sperling's BestPlaces, maybe we can blame our stress on living in Seattle, the #9 most stressful city in America.
Lead researcher Bert Sperling says people don't think of Seattle as stressful, but our high divorce and alcholism rates factored into the study, along with the commute times and crime rates.
I can't argue with the commute factor. But don't stress, there are plenty of cities (8) that rank above us. Tampa is #1, followed by Las Vegas, Miami, Jacksonville, Detroit, Orlando, Riverside, CA, Sacramento and West Palm Beach (#10).
I've never eaten Spam for breakfast... but I do often spend time during breakfast cleaning out my Gmail spam folder. It's a quite comical way to start the day. Now, Gmail is offering a feature that tells you why something has been marked as spam. Google hopes to educate its users about the dangers of spam. Hey, Google, maybe I want to give that Nigerian prince all of my personal information.
I was lucky to meet Eric Hutchinson twice in 2009, and let me tell you, I'm a fan for life. There are few nicer out there. So, I'm excited to bring you the premiere of the video for his new song "Watching You Watch Him." Eric's new album hits stores in April, called Moving Up, Living Down.
You can hear the song on The Mountain2, our music discovery station. Stream it here!
It'd been at least 3 days since there was a video circulating of a child doing something adorable. It was time for something new. This is pretty stinkin' cute.
Remember the movie Once that featured the music of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (now, The Swell Season)? It's become a musical that just opened on Broadway. The video below features scenes from opening night. The Swell Season makes an appearance as well, though not with their instruments.
Have you participated in Earth Hour before? It started in Australia in 2006, and grew into a global project within just 2 years. Now, in 2012, over 135 counties are expected to participate.
I like Earth Hour, and have tried to participate since I learned of it in 2008. The last Saturday in March, from 8:30 - 9:30pm, I turn out the lights and unplug the TV/laptop/phone chargers/etc. (Seriously, have you ever considered just how much is plugged into our walls now?) I'm always amazed by how quiet and peaceful it can be.
This year's Earth Hour is this Saturday, March 31st. I invite you to join me in at least turning off our lights... if you can do more, that's great! Take the opportunity to light candles and talk, play a board game (provided you have enough candles to see), or maybe just go to bed early (but leave the alarm clock plugged in, just in case...)
It seems like every cause known to man has its own "day" now, but I thought this one was worth pointing out. I'd never heard of World Water Day before, but it's a day to recognize the way we use water around the world, not just for drinking, but growing food. We each drink 2 to 4 liters (half a gallon to a gallon) of water a day, but to produce 1 kilo (2.2 lbs) of beef, it takes 15,000 liters (~3,750 gallons) of water. I'd never really considered the water usage of giant food producers. Another reason I like to buy local and organic!
Anyway, World Water Day is this Thursday, March 22nd, as declared by the United Nations. You can find out more information from their website here. If anything, it might give you an even greater appreciation for the Earth's resources and how we must start managing them.
This is one of my favorite songs on our new 103.7 The Mountain2 music discovery channel. White Rabbits have a unique sound, and their new album "Milk Famous" just came out this month. Here they are on Letterman.
Clooney gets credit for his humanitarian efforts, sure, but it would be nice if there was more focus placed on that... instead of who Kim Kardashian is dating.
The Boss released Wrecking Ball last week, his 17th(!) studio album. As expected, it debuted at #1 on the Billboard chart this week, narrowly edging out Adele for the top spot. With that #1 slot, Springsteen joins a new eschelon of musicians - those with 10+ albums at Billboard's #1 spot.
The leader of this pack is unsurprising - The Beatles sent 19 records to #1. I was surprised by #2, though - rapper Jay-Z - who has 12 #1 records. With Wrecking Ball's debut, Springsteen is tied for 3rd with Elvis at 10 apiece.
As for Adele? She's still chasing the record for #1 for non-consecutive weeks. The album to beat? Prince and the Revolution's Purple Rain soundtrack... that was at #1 for over 24 non-consecutive weeks.
We all want the best for our kids and ourselves, but organic food can be expensive! Sure, it would be nice if we could all grow our own organic produce, but some days it's hard enough to cook dinner, let alone grow it.
National Geographic has made it easier to determine what is worth spending money on when it comes to organic foods. It turns out, some produce is more pesticide-laden than others. This "dirty dozen" is worth buying organic because they are exposed to so many pesticides: apples, blueberries, cherries, grapes, peaches, strawberries, nectarines, celery, bell peppers, kale/collard greens, spinach and potatoes.
However, there are a few "conventional" fruits and veggies that experts say are OK to consume (and OK to not spend money on the organic stuff): cantaloupe, honeydew melon, watermelon, pineapple, kiwi, mango, avocado, corn, peas, onions, asparagus, sweet potatoes, cabbage and eggplant.
If you're looking for new music this week, here are my top picks:
(Pictured) The Decemberists - We All Raise Our Voices to the Air (Live Songs 4/11 - 8/11): A collection of the band's favorite live tracks from their 2011 summer tour. Consider this like a Greatest Live Hits, as selected by the band. This first ever Decemberists live collection comes in a double-album or triple vinyl set.
Lucero - Woman & Work: Disclaimer: I'm a Lucero fan girl. From Memphis, the band is great at driving country-inspired rock & roll. This is their first record on Dave Matthews' ATO Records and according to lead singer Ben Nichols, "it's one part barrelhouse rock & roll and one part lonesome nights." Lucero happens to be at Neumo's on March 25th, too.
Meat Loaf - Hell In A Handbasket: Just what you'd been waiting for - new Meat Loaf! This honestly made the picks list due to appearances by Lil Jon and Public Enemy's Chuck D. What could possibly go wrong? Also featuring Patty Russo, Meat Loaf's long time duet partner, on two tracks - "Our Love and Our Souls" and a cover of "California Dreamin'."
The Ting Tings - Sounds From Nowheresville: The Ting Tings return after their 2008 release "We Started Nothing." Will they beat the sophomore slump? This album was recorded in southern Spain and is full of tracks that "make the band happy."
Shooter Jennings - Family Man: In his 5th album in 7 years, Shooter Jennings not only wrote the whole album, but took a swing at producing as well. He collaborates with some of the best roots musicians in the country to create what he says is his most country album yet. The lyrical content is mainly autobiographical, dealing with his family, illness, fatherhood and more.
Delta Spirit - Delta Spirit: This record, their third, is being considered as their breakout record. After years of touring, the band has a sound that is all their own and proves it with 11 catchy songs.
Anya Marina - Felony Flats: Seen around Seattle often (as she's from Portland), Anya Marina is known for her humorous story lines and catching melodies. This album is no different, with 10 textured and personal songs.
The Hunger Games mania is certainly sweeping the country preceding the March 23rd release of the film. And, a la other young adult flicks (ahem, Twilight), the soundtrack is filled with a mix of young adult and adult artists alike. Sure, Taylor Swift stars prominently with 3 songs, but the soundtrack also features Decemberists, Glen Hansard (from Swell Season), Civil Wars, Neko Case, Carolina Chocolate Drops and more. Not too shabby, especially with the number of parents that will be accompanying kids to the flick.
Enter Arcade Fire. Last week, the internets went crazy for the latest addition to the soundtrack, "Abraham's Daughter." In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler had this to say:
"I tried to put myself in the headspace of how excited I’d be if this film was coming out when I was 15. I still remember hearing Radiohead’s ‘Exit Music (for a Film)’ in [Baz Luhrmann’s] Romeo + Juliet when I was that age.”
I loved the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack when I was about that age as well. Officially, I have something in common with Win Butler. You just never know what you'll learn while reading blogs on a rainy Monday...
John posted about this today, but in case you missed it - free ice cream today! Molly Moon's is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts by giving away kids' scoops of Scout Mint Ice Cream today.
Jack White -> The Shins is certainly an improvement over Lana Del Rey -> Karmin -> Sleigh Bells, I think.
The Shins did "Simple Song" and "It's Only Life" on Saturday night. The funny Jonah Hill hosted... I didn't see much of the show (being new to town, I've yet to set up the DVR), but the Coolio sketch made me laugh out loud. (Note: a Google search just revealed the Coolio sketch is not online. Lame.) So, for your Monday morning viewing, I present:
As this weekend marks the one year anniversary of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, CBS did this story about a woman who is salvaging photographs lost in the destruction and reuniting the owners with their memories.
It made me smile (and tear up) this morning, so I thought it might do the same for you. Just click the link below...
Apparently, there's a "trend" (and we'll use "trend" loosely) spreading from Italy... men in tights. Dubbed "mantyhose," these nylons are mainly worn like long johns, but there is a growing number of men who are wearing the tights under shorts as a fashion accessory.
And don't worry about comfort, guys. The designer behind mantyhose assures you that the nylons are extra stretchy and not super tight on top. Plus, they add a bit of "shaping" in some cases... like Spanx. Feel confident in your mantyhose!
If there's anything good to come out of this trend, it's a lesson in gender equality. Ladies, how many times have you put on pantyhose for a night out while your husband just puts on a loose pair of slacks? It's not fair! At least now mantyhose wearers will get a taste of what it's like to be in shapewear for a night. Otherwise... I hope this is one of those trends that comes and goes.
The annual Dave Matthews Band shows at The Gorge were recently announced (did anyone have any doubts?), and tickets go on sale tomorrow morning at 10am.
The info:
August 31st, September 1st, September 2nd (Labor Day weekend)
Tickets range from $60 - $90, and there is a camping option as well.
We don't know each other well yet, but somehow I bet you, or someone in your family, loves Oreos as much as I do. Yesterday, the Oreo cookie celebrated its 100th birthday. I think it's pretty neat that the cookie has remained pretty much the same as it did when it first hit shelves. There aren't many things that we enjoy the same way our parents, grandparents, great grandparents did (when they weren't walking to school barefoot, in the snow, uphill both way, that is.)
So, happy birthday, Oreo. You look good. And here's to 100 more years, so that maybe my great grandchildren can enjoy a sandwich cookie, too... when they aren't taking their hovercrafts to school. Man, that sounds rough.
What if I told you that you could help children in India just by carrying a tote made from... elephant dung? Sounds strange, right?
Well.
Trudie Styler (you know, Mrs. Sting) has made that a possibility by helping to launch The Bag Issue. Each bag is handmade by Indian women on low subsistence wages, and the proceeds benefit the Mukti charity, which funds a major orphanage outside of Delhi. The bags are made from banana skin fibers and, yes, elephant dung. A triple-threat, really... The Bag Issue provides income for poor women, provides funds to an orphanage, and uses natural resources. Not bad.
And if you're thinking what I am... no, the bags don't smell.
Considering this is a Trudie and Sting fronted operation, you'd figure these bags are more expensive than your average earth-friendly shopping totes. However, the bags are available for £2.99 (just under $5 USD). You can read more about the project here.
Hi. I'm Leslie Scott and I'm joining the Mountain team. You'll see me online at our 103.7 The Mountain and The Mountain2 Facebook pages, or respective Twitter feeds (Mountain, Mountain2). Plus, like John and Marty, I'll be posting fun (and hopefully interesting) things here throughout the day to help get you through your workday. I'm looking forward to sharing and getting to know all of you digitally.
So, we'll start with this. I thought Jack White nailed it on Saturday Night Live this past Saturday. After being criticized for a "weak" musical line-up this season, Jack may have helped SNL redeem itself.
Jack White performing "Love Interruption" with an all-female backing band:
