What is Hip?

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

2009-08-21T17:18:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-08-19T23:26:00.004-04:00

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

2009-07-06T23:44:00.006-04:00

(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!

2009-03-19T21:38:00.005-04:00

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

2009-02-27T11:25:00.004-05:00

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

2009-02-01T19:27:00.003-05:00

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

2009-01-21T09:23:00.005-05:00

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

Happy New Year! My Mad List of Resolutions!

2009-01-01T23:11:00.005-05:00

Now that you have all joined me in '09, I have a few resolutions that I'm going to keep track of here!

1) At least 20 minutes of practice everyday

It's not much but better than nothing when I have little time

Status: Going strong

2) Assembly Act

Most likely Avenue Q- The Internet is for Porn
I want to have this ready for the last assembly of this school year!

Status: Haven't really started D:

3) Memorize 15 jazz heads and be able to solo on them easily by the end of the school year.

Need these for my McGill audition (I actually need 30 so this is a good start)
Hopefully, in both alto and tenor keys

Status: 1/15 (not too bad IMO)

4) Get a job!

Need the money for a new tenor and for any grad plans!
Yes I am thinking that far ahead.

Status: I have applications! And a resume!

5) Get 'The Fraser (and Kim) Show' started.

It's going to be awesome!

Status: We have a video recorder and like 30 minutes of footage! *high five* LOGE

6) Get 'Real Time' (the quartet I'm in) back in rehearsals XD

Will be a lot easier when I can drive.

Status: It'll happen eventually.

Is that all?

Oh right.

7) Develop a chibi!

I have a book!

Status: Not going too well...

And finally...

The Resolution made by practically everyone:

8) Live a Healthier year.

Cut back on junk food and shit
Get to the gym more often (no clue when I'll have time for that with all these resolutions)

Status: Could be doing better but it's going! (Hoping for wii Fit lol, even if it is a crock of shit).

So, yeah, that's about it. I'll keep you updated as I go along and accomplish what I have set for myself!

Welcome to 2009! The Year of Possibilities!

Ideas for Media Arts Assignment

2008-12-11T09:54:00.003-05:00

See if you understand this. Go here http://computers.ca.googlepages.com/unit2-photoshop and download the Final Project file under AWS3M. Read it through. Tell me what you think.

Do you have any ideas that might help me for this project? I'm stumped on what to do. It's just so vague.

Smow Day

2008-12-10T21:07:00.001-05:00

So, today, as you very well might know, was a smow day. Not a snow day. A sMow day. Great fun.

Got 4 hours of extra sleep which was nice then I went to lunch at the works with Tasha. We both got poutini martinis (so corny). Then played so RB2. *Says she's cool for cats. She's cool for cats!* And then Tasha, Kim and I made our trailblazing journey to Starbucks. Took us quite some time. Deep snow and all, you know. We got our drinks, talked with Christine on the phone about why she was at school and all, then made our way home.

On the way back we discussed Tasha's Twilight spoof. Great fun. So many ideas. Then me and Tasha parted ways with Kim and attempted to decorate the banister. So funny. Oh Tasha, by the way, my mom says it's the best job she's seen XD

After that we went to Tasha's hoping to watch zombie movies but in the end there was no laptop so we listened to the new FOB album. We then started looking for bands on tour (of which there are none). Then we looked at the Razia's Shadow album and found new bands like The Matches. So good!

I then came home, wrote my concert review, wrote a postlude and prelude (I hate Alberti Bass) and made $20 to do a weekend job that takes about 20 minutes of my time. Only downside to this day was my children's story work.

Anyways,
HAPPY SMOW DAY,
LOGE,
*high five*
I'M HUNGRY,
Peace,
Peas,
Fraser

(That would even piss me off. Sorry :D)

Holiday Stress!

2008-12-08T20:24:00.000-05:00

AHHH! So much to do before the holidays start. I have three concerts, at least one essay due, a final media arts assignment, at least three gift exchanges/secret Santas, a party, possibly a movie night, and there was something else but it has slipped my mind. Oh right, preparing for my G2 exit test on the 22. Road Trip! *high five* As well, I have theory assignment due Thursday that I am performing for elementary school kids on Monday or Tuesday. I also have a shit load of ticket selling to do. No time to rest until at least the 18.

On the bright side, we put up our tree tonight. It's a fake one but it has a seizure inducing setting. It's so cool. Anyways, I am watching Canada's Worst Driver. I love this show. Their reactions are hilarious. Especially the one that cries every time she gets in a car. Oh and the one who keeps saying "I canna seeeeee!!!" She reminds me of my hairdresser, Yoko.

Until later,
LOGE
Fraser

Inspiration from a magazine

2008-11-30T16:39:00.000-05:00

So, last night at chapters I bought a Photoshop magazine. It had a free CD and a bunch of tutorials. I've already taken two of them and done some work with them and I have put the new brushes and tools to good work as well. You can see them here http://erochichi.deviantart.com/

Tell me what you think!

LOGE

May the Road Rise to Meet You

2008-11-29T11:56:00.000-05:00

I might be going to Ireland this summer! So far we have calculated that I have about half of the cost. This is all coming from the cost of stuff I would have been doing (i.e. jazz camp), money from my grandfather to go towards my education, and equivalent costs to Harris' and Cameron's summer activities.Plus, I could use this as a big Christmas+ Birthday gift. Then, I just need to get a job, a heck of a lot of housework, or get my lessons started.

Oh, and apparently the mailmen tear down any flyers or posters on the mailboxes so that option is out. I'm going to put them up in community centers and grocery stores if I don't apply at little music schools like The Kanata Music Academy (Kim- Do you know if I need any RCM stuff to get in there?) or apply for a job at a Starbucks or Chapters or the like.

LOGE

Long weekend....woot....

2008-11-16T22:52:00.000-05:00

Due to my apparent boredom yesterday my parents decided to give me $40 and told me to find something to do today. Only problem with that is that I can't change people's schedules.

At first I was like- "Fine, I'll go to the anime con after all."
So, I attempt to reach Liz, to no avail. I then phone Genna and ask her whether or not it's worth going to which she answers- "No."

On to Plan B- The mall. I ask Ryan if he'd want to go with me and Tasha and he says "Sure." So, I phone Tasha and she can't go because she wants to be sure she'll be back on time for her NaNoWriMo get-together. Understandable. At this point Plan B has turned into a major sausage fest. Abort.

So, Plan C. I sit at home all day, watch 3 hours of MTV Real Life, eat ketchup chips, play gameboy ROM's, clean out of utter boredom, then walk the dog. It was bloody cold today.

After my very eventful day I cap it off with some sort of bland beef strogenoff (that is so spelled wrong), a trip to Chapters ( got a job app) where I buy only one book, a stop at Loblaws for a whirlwind shopping experience (it was closing soon) and then to Rogers to drop off some movies.

On the plus side I now have $40...

I Need A Job

2008-11-16T00:35:00.000-05:00

This weekend has been so boring. I know the long weekend is supposed to be crazy fun but it really isn't when everyone is busy (or in some people's cases locked up). I had a great time going to lunch on Friday and then recording but everything from there is downhill. I even got bored of video games.

So, I've decided indefinitely the job hunt begins tomorrow!

Hopefully, by the end of the month I will have a job. Maybe then I'll start saving up for a tenor sax that stays in tune.

To blog or not to blog? Depends on how bored I am.

2008-11-15T01:38:00.000-05:00

So, thought I would set up a blog for no reason really. Don't have anything to say really but maybe other people I know will start to blog after they read this. Guess that's it for now.

Until I have something to say,
Fraser