NYC Days One (or at least a bit of it)

So, I was so tired after the trip yesterday that I didn't update the blog. Right now I have some downtime before we go back on the tour bus so I'll post about what's happened on the trip so far.

We spent about 2 hours playing driving games (finding the alphabet, in order, in road signs mostly) and then got to the airport. I forgot about my studded belt and sent the metal detector off. Noob move on my part. Waiting for the plane we listened to the announcements about the planes and boarding and could not understand anything but the numbers mentioned. We then got on the plane.

Cam and I sat in the back. I was next to the window and got a great view as we left the ground. The sky was pretty clear so we got a great view of the ground and could see all of the pools, golf courses, and baseball diamonds upstate New York has to offer.

We then arrived at Laguardia airport where we took an airplane van to our hotel. Driving in this city is insane and I have concluded I would be too polite to drive here. I'd have to bike or use public transit if I ever do decide to live here. We got to our hotel room...or hotel roomette (like a kitchenette). There is almost nowhere to move in here it's hilarious.

Oh, food is here! I'll post the rest later!

I HEART NYC!

So, at 6a.m. tomorrow I am finally on my way to the Big Apple! I've waited at least 2 years for this trip and every time we try to go it is interrupted by some sporting event. Bah! Well, not this time!

I cannot wait to see everything: Strawberry Fields, Central Park, Central Perk (apparently it exists :O) , the Statue of Liberty, whatever museums are there and Broadway! It's going to be amazing! Also stoked to see the sketchy street vendors and hot dog carts. Hopefully, though, I won't have to endure a Yankees (or whoever plays for NY in baseball) game.

I'll be sure to post each day as I will have my laptop with me. Also, I'll put up some pics if I have the time. Oh, and one more thing! Tomorrow will be my first time flying! So, I'll post pictures of me freaking out and looking like I'm about to vomit! :D

Finally, I have a new band to add to my list of summer listening. Aberdeen is another band from Toronto who have an awesome sound. Consisting of the basic drums, bass (wicked player), guitar, and vocals, they also have some songs with keys and extra rhythm guitar this Canadian group has a wicked sound. Don't ask me who they sound like because lately I have found that sort of difficult to pin point for a lot of bands. Anyway, check out their myspace: http://www.myspace.com/aberdeen (side note: Being a musician myself I still do not have the ability to spell rhythm. Thank God for spell check!)

Until later (when I'm in New York City!),
Fraz

Summer Music I Think Everyone Should Check Out

(Keep in mind that this was originally written for a Panic at the Disco forum)

Coeur de Pirate (Heart of Pirate) is a French Canadian indie band from Montreal, Quebec. You may not be able to understand exactly what the lyrics are but the music is beautiful and Beatrice Martin has the most amazing voice.

They have also done a song with the lead singer of Malajube (the other French Canadian band I posted about).

They have an awesome folk sound and a variety of instrumentation including ukulele, violin, electric keyboard, double bass, bells, percussion etc.

Got the pleasure of meeting Beatrice Martin after a concert and she is a very cool person. She was nervous the audience would not like the music. She was able to take a song I absolutely hate, Umbrella by Rhianna, and turn it into an amazing ballad.

Check out their myspace: http://www.myspace.com/coeurdepirate

Another new band I have started to listen to are The Envy. Saw these guys back in June at a Marianas Trench concert. Got a t-shirt and a CD (combo deal lol). Awesome music, strong vocals, crazy performance! Plus, they are Canadian! From TO.

Check them out here: http://www.myspace.com/theenvymusic

You can also find free downloads of some of their songs off of their EP there.

Now there is,Esperanza Spalding. For those of you willing to step outside the boundaries of your regular listening of bands like Panic I suggest you start here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8gynGy8pSg . Spalding is an amazing jazz bassist and vocalist and also sports the most kickin' fro ever! My friend got to touch it! Got her to sign my yearbook XD

Hope you enjoyed at least one of my suggestions and I'll be sure to add more as the summer continues! So much music, so little summer!

Lake George: You Should Go!

So, I'm down in New York for the next three days and so far it has been an interesting trip. It was about 4-5 hours of driving but it's going to be worth it when tomorrow comes.

We all have to come down here at some point. It's so scenic and the hiking looks great! You are surround by towering cliff sides covered in trees and rocks. The skiing looks amazing!

Now, this is all in Lake Placid, an hour and a half north of Lake George, where our hotel is. Everything here is closed! It's a seasonal town so even half the hotels are closed. From my afternoon/evening spent here I have come to believe there are three things to this town:

1. They love mini-putt here. I have seen at least 5 different courses.
2. Outlet malls in the middle of nowhere still have great stuff. I got two pairs of jeans and I'll probably get more on Saturday.
3. They have the strangest tourist attractions. More on this tomorrow (with pictures to follow (hopefully)).

Anyway, I'm having a good time so far.

P.S. Next time you are in the states, look for an UNO Pizzeria. Best food at amazing prices!

This is what happens when you get 'work' time in music

So, I'm in the keyboard lab, supposed to be working on my recital project. It's boring so, I'm not.

I just wanted to say that you should all blog more! I doubt any of you have actually been on since my last post anyway XD

I also wanted to mention my 98% on my history unit test! Awesome mark FTW!

Anyway, talk to you all later!
Fraz

PS If you need a computer tower case Masquerade/Strider (I forget your blogger ID) has one.
LOL FREE CASE

And So It Begins

So tomorrow is the first day of the new semester. New subjects, new teachers, new classmates. Always an exciting experience. I just wish I didn't have to go to school for my afternoon classes. Math and bio. Both of which I will not need in my future studies!

I can't wait until I am taking only classes I want to be taking. Luckily, that is only next year. I have decided that no matter what I am dropping math. I've heard all the arguments as to why I should not do this but I don't really care. I don't need it for any of my prospective programs.

I just hope this semester goes smoothly.
Hope everyone has a good first day of semester 2!

Oh, and I guess this can also be my birthday post! Hooray for turning 17. Least exciting birthday ever. It brings no new benefits like the 16th or 19th (18th if you want to go to Hull) birthdays do. Oh well, that won't stop me from stuffing around 20 people in my basement (with socks on) for an awesome party!

Until later,
Fraz

Obama Day

I'm sure you all caught some of the Obama Festivities yesterday. What an annoying bunch of bull. Apparently, the most important moment of the night, the time we were all waiting for (even if we didn't know it) was when they announced what Michele Obama would be wearing to the inauguration ball.

It's great and all that the states were able to put a black man into office (even if he is only half-black) but all this pomp and circumstance is ridiculous.

On top of all this they had to brave a six hour parade in -3C. Oh the horror! Who cares about the hard economic times as long as we can party! 45 million down the drain, not counting security and other expenses. Way to go US of A!

I quite enjoyed this article that displays most of my annoyances.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-01-18/the-coronation-of-king-obama/

Well, anyway, back to being bored in media arts. Thank god I am not going to first period tomorrow!

Hope I didn't offend anyone,
Fraz

Oh and good news! I got a 4 on my poster! I won't post it until the deadline for the competition just in case :D