The Lisa Loeb Experience

Last Tuesday, I went to the Lisa Loeb concert at the Jammin’ Java in Vienna, Virginia. You’re wondering why a person who predominantly talks about sports, recruiting, Kornheiser, and others would attend a Lisa Loeb concert? Two reasons:

1. I really like her music.
2. If I ever get married and reach the 10-year anniversary marker, I would use my “free pass” on her, if given.

As for the concert, this was the second time I went to the Jammin’ Java to see a concert (my first encounter was in 2006. Details here). It mentioned on their website that the Lobby Bar was open at 6PM. However, Lisa flew from New York , where earlier, she was doing a live performance for VH1 and likely arrived late in Vienna. So, I stood in line for almost 45 minutes into the wind and at the same time, I had a conference call on a project I’m working on.

Around 7PM, the crowd enter in the Lobby Bar after sound checks were done and 30 minutes later, everyone enter to the stage to take the seat. I initially had a table, but apparently I was seated on the VIP table. I was in that seat for 30 minutes and met a father-daughter duo who sit next to me. The father was very talkative, while the daughter felt embarrassed that her father was talking to strangers (that would be me).  I mentioned to her that your father is fine and he’s not being a jerk and if I know your father is a jerk, I would walk away. I didn’t. The only time I had to walk away was when someone had VIP seats and was in one of them and had to walk behind the seats to not cause a scene. Everything worked out though, but I am further away from the stage.

The concert started with Satellite. It was a nice and quick 45 minute set from them and at 9PM, it was Lisa Loeb (and the Nine Stories). She played songs from the current album and play the classics. Lisa talks about being born in Bethesda, MD, but her family say they’re from D.C.

(As you know, if we discuss where I live, I tell them if they’re in the D.C. Metro area, I say I’m from Fairfax, VA, anywhere outside the D.C. area, I live in the D.C. region. It’s like Lisa and I are twins!)

Lisa also talks about going to Walgreens to find Passover Socks (or as she likes to call it, pey (P in Jewish alphabet) socks), why she made the album, and in an endearing way, she forgot some of her lyrics to some of the classics like “Fools Like Me.” Remember, it has been six years since her last adult album. In between, she got married and wrote children’s song. In her next to last set, she played “The Disappointing Pancake,” which is a creative children’s song.

After the concert, Lisa stayed to sign autographs, a quick chat, and taking pictures. I brought her Sing-Along book for my nephews and niece (please, don’t tell them it’s their Easter gift next week).

The only real disappointment of the night is that I didn’t take a picture with her and put it on my profile. Other than that, the concert was great and was the most transparent of the concerts I’ve been. This will likely be the last Lisa Loeb experience I will have and enjoy every bit of it. It felt like I was…ok, I said too much, but you know what I mean.

Album Review: No Fairy Tale is easily the most rocked-out album Lisa Loeb has done. Her tone and music shines through. The issue I have is Chad Gilbert’s involvement. Hearing about the guitarist from New Found Glory was involved, I got scared because I do not like pop-punk, especially from them. It does deter the album, but only a little. It is still a good album and would still buy it. If you have a choice between Camp Lisa and No Fairy Tale, take her children’s album first and if you have extra money leftover, you can buy No Fairy Tale.

If I Was Running A Company…Pop Culture HR Award #7

For the next recipient of the Pop Culture HR Award and the last one to give out in 2009, I’m going to the HR Buzzword for the year: Branding.  Personal, Employee, Employer Branding has been the second hottest topic (behind social media) in HR.  In honor of that, I present to you the Seventh Pop Culture HR Award Winner:

MARIAH CAREY

Let me get this out of the way: She has a wonderful voice, but made made terrible decisions from Glitter to the marriage of Tommy Mottola.  Now, why I give her an HR award?  There are two main reasons:

Trends

Mariah was part of the music industry and one of a few who broke out.  She had the voice and image that people want to die for.  You hear in most of the 2000s that Mariah was crazy and has her breakdown.  Could it be the demand from her record company to do everything?  At that time, she was an employee for Virgin and the executives can do whatever they want to do for her.  Now with record labels fumbling to handle technology, Mariah took it to her own hands and is doing the dirty work for herself and it is paying dividends.  She admits she hates doing it, but it is the only way of survival in the music business, which leads me to…

Personal Branding

Mariah understands now that selling music doesn’t cut it.  You have to promote products you like and people would buy.  Mariah had her own line of clothes and makeup.  However, if fans want to “truly” know Mariah, they buy her most recent album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, but if you live in a selected market, not only you get the album, but an Elle Magazine dedicated to Mariah.  Not the cover story, not 10 pages of ads…A whole magazine including Mariah articles, ads supporting Mariah, and free samples by Mariah.  Also, the Elle deal cover the costs of making the album, so if they only sell one album, it makes the profit.  In addition, her PR are leaking press releases to bloggers and real fans to know where Mariah will be next.

You may or may not like her music, and Mariah was not the first person to have this approach, but is she is doing it the best and thus the 7th recipient of the Pop Culture HR Award.

The Roxette Holiday Story

This is a fan fiction of personally the most under-appreciated and best musical groups of all-time…in Sweden.

Per Gessle was signing for one of the top bands in Sweden, while Marie Fredriksson was a struggling singer in the Blonde Bar.  In the early 1980s, Per saw Marie’s talents and put her in her band as a backup vocalist for Gyllene Tider.  After a few attempts at stardom on their own in the mid 80s, the both decided that as a group, they will become a strong musical group. They would call themselves… Roxette.

Roxette had intermediate success with Pearls of Passion in Sweden, their first full-length album.  They were the group that succeeds ABBA as the new hot Swedish group and they were on their way.  In 1988, Roxette made their breakthrough album, Look Sharp!. All of Sweden got the album and made Roxette country heroes…but that was the start.  Dean Cushman, an American exchange student in Sweden, grab Sweden’s treasure and gave it to a Minneapolis radio station and told them to play Roxette over the airwaves.  When Roxette hit the airwaves, all of Minnesota were dancing, and then all of the United States was dancing to “The Look”.  Roxette became international stars.  Roxette traveled the world from 1988-1990 to play for their new fans outside of Sweden.  When Roxette came back home, they saw something unexpected: despair.

In the early 90s, Sweden was in the middle of an country-wide financial crash and there was little to no hope. Roxette release Joyride to uplift the Swedes, but it had modest success in Sweden because of the economy and did not carry internationally with the rise of rap, grunge, and alternative music.  Roxette was losing their voice and would be overthrown.

Roxette’s fellow Swedish musicians, Ace of Base, debut in 1993 with a rousing start and what you expect.  Roxette were on the downswing, while Ace of Base were the rising stars.  Roxette decided they wanted to create an album for Sweden.

In 1994, Roxette went back to the studio and released Crash! Boom! Bang! The album correspond to the end of the Sweden financial crisis and a start of new hope in Sweden.  At first, sales were slow because people still view Roxette as over the top, but when they heard the music and message, people drove to the stores to buy the album.  Crash! Boom! Bang! signified two things: Roxette return as Swedish heroes and sparked the beginning of Sweden’s financial recovery.  It was the last time they reach platinum status.

After Crash! Boom! Bang!, Roxette made many compilation albums and side projects.  In 2002,  Marie Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  The Swedish media were so in the story, that someone put a rumor that Marie had a second tumor.  The doctors held a press conference stating that Marie didn’t have a second tumor.  A few months later, Marie was tumor free, and sue the Express.  Roxette were still popular, but were heading to paparazzi puppets, so the group took a long break.

In 2006, Per and Marie reunited for the 20th Anniversary of their first album, Pearls of Passion.  It was another collection of their greatest hits setup by their record company, but it had one new song, “One Wish”.  The song was not as popular, but that one song had a feeling that Per and Marie really missed each other.  For months, Per and Marie discuss and chat about a comeback album and other things.

In 2008, the global economic crisis hit and talks of a Roxette reuniting started to heat up.  In April 2009, Per had a conversation with the BBC stating Roxette would be coming back if Marie wants to be in.  In May 6th, 2009, Per was on his Night of the Proms tour and played solo.  After several songs, Per said on stage (translated in English), “Ladies and Gentleman, for this next song, let me introduce a friend I met and want her to come on stage.”  It was Marie.  The duo played a few songs and everyone took notice…Roxette is back.

Currently, Roxette is in studio for their comeback album with Marie having losing her sight a bit from the brain tumor several years ago and the world has change with mp3s, social media, and a diverse music talent pool battling for audiences.  However, the world called on Roxette because the economy is tanking.  Roxette had this challenge in 1994 with their own country’s crisis.  When Roxette came back in the Summer of 2009, the economy is starting to recover worldwide.  Everyone is thankful Roxette reunited and Per and Marie are thankful to have been together to help the economy.  The second Joyride has begun.

Trevlig Helg Roxette!

If I Was Running A Company…SHRM Playlist

Two things to know:

1. I was going to take the week off posting because of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Conference and the holiday weekend.
2. This is an informal post.  The how-to stuff will resume next week.

I am not there for the SHRM Conference in New Orleans as I am at home reading tweets of HR people partying, learning, sweating, and showing off the goods (you know what I mean).  Now, people will have different opinions on how the conference went if they learn something, met new people, or their experience and I’ll be interested on everyone’s thoughts about the SHRM Conference in my Google Reader and Twitter.  However, SHRM made bigger news beyond the conference.

In Tuesday’s SHRM Conference blog post, SHRM release their official song tunes on iTunes.  I know SHRM read Human Resources Puf and Stuf about music and did a great thing of releasing their general session playlist.  As for the playlist itself, two words:

UTTER CRAP!!!

At least they had Michael Jackson after what happened last week, Sheryl Crow, Goo Goo Dolls, and some New Orleans music.  However, in the Sound Opinions scale of buy it, burn it, trash it, this should of not exist.  SHRM has always said that want to progress and reach out.  If you have artists like Jonas Brothers, Jesse McCartney, Fall Out Boy (vastly overrated), The bad Linkin Park, the remix crap from Haddaway, and the other pop stuff.  That list makes me question SHRM’s progress to move forward and I do not know if SHRM will be taking serious again.  Even the Washington Nationals Music Supervisor is laughing.

However, no need to fear SHRM as I have an alternate playlist to cover your mistakes.  Let’s kick this off:

First, SHRM needs to set the tone, a positive attitude for the conference:

There will be a lot of talking in the conference and there will be new connections made:

You be attending a lot of sessions and hear a lot of speakers. If you want some rhythm on what you’re learning, get out the headphones, put one side on and the other hanging on the side.  Listen to this beat and hear the speaker talk and magic happens:

I know SHRM has a few New Orleans musicians on the playlist, which is wonderful.  I would like to add a few more:

Marc Broussard – Must Be The Water

In most HR surveys and exit interviews, people stay or go because of money.  Well, yeah. (I know it’s cheesy, but it’s so bad, it’s good)

The only thing I like about the SHRM playlist as I mention is honoring Michael Jackson.  How about the artist who truly catches the spirit of Michael Jackson.

In SHRM Conferences, there will be some negotiations

After the negotiaons are done, you feel confident that you snatch something important like stealing candy from a baby:

I know some songs on the playlist is very adult and not suitable for children.  No worries:

Then you celebrate

The conference is all over, but with social media, we will always be around:

That’s a playlist SHRM..Now, I need to figure out the playlist for next year in San Diego…or does Shamu DJ?

The Anne Murray Holiday Story

This is a fanfic of the strife between Anne Murray and Liz Clarke.  Although the title is Anne Murray, she is the cause of the story.  The main character is Liz Clarke, who has this hatred of Anne Murray like no other (except Tracee Hamilton hating on Roy Williams of leaving Kansas for North Carolina and using her witch pipe to get what she wants).  Most of the events are real based on accounts from Liz Clarke and their Wikipedia page.  The situations are fake.  I created this story to understand why Liz Clarke really hates a 2 minute song that is as long as a horse race.  Please, don’t take this seriously, but do give me credit for research (I kid, I kid).  Here’s the Anne Murray Holiday Story:

Fifty years ago in Canada, Anne Murray was a sensation. She was making hit after hit in Canada. She was what Faith Hill and Dolly Parton was in Canada back in the day.  She had a folksy voice that was perfectly fit our neighbors up north.

Liz Clarke was a young, smart child in New York.  She had big dreams. She kept her thoughts to herself and never reveals anything to her family and friends.

Liz felt bored in the United States and wanted new challenges. Liz convinced her family to move to Goose Bay, Newfoundland. When she arrived, she develop her craft as a writer and looked over at her window to see the building, dreaming of been a writer (and a figure skater). For the few months, she enjoyed her stay in Goose Bay: the blueberries, Eskimo city, the landscape, and inspirations that she thought she could live. Then, her family bought a phonograph that changed her life forever.

In one wintry afternoon in 1968, the family bought a phonograph that had two free LP records by purchasing this device. The two records were Gordon Lightfoot and Anne Murray. The whole family loved Gordon Lightfoot and played the record through the night. The next day, the family listens to Anne Murray’s record. The family wasn’t as enthuse, but the album was plausible. Then, the strum of the guitar and the voice reckoned “Snowbird” and Liz’s family jumped around and dance the night. Liz and her family were going to sleep that night humming Snowbird. However, the next day was whole other story.

The next morning, Liz’s father was to play another LP record, but the Anne Murray record was stuck and when they place the needle, it was repeating “Snowbird” over and over again. At first, Liz’s father was trying to fix the phonograph, but the record was stuck to “Snowbird.”   The family couldn’t fix it, but they loved the sound of her voice and kept playing.  It felt like they’re back in New York.  Everyone was dancing and singing along a record that was stuck on one song.  Everyone was happy, except the small, brunette hair sat in the corner name Liz Clarke.  

Liz use to like the song, but hearing it again and again, it created a migraine to her head and with her desire to write, started a diary.  The family moved back in the States because Canada was way too cold for them and Liz was very happy to escape from Anne Murray.  However, she didn’t realize “Snowbird” was a hit in the United States as well.  For two years, she wrote her devious thoughts about Anne.  Here’s an excerpt:

“The slumber party was fun, however the Anne Murray background music was making my friends run out the door.  I don’t hate my family for it, but Anne Murray must die.”

“Anne Murray is ruining my social life.  When I talk to my friends, I keep saying the lyrics to Snowbird.  Now, kids give me the stink-look.”

“Great…my school is doing “Snowbird.”  Please shoot me.”

She was not happy those two years and blamed Anne for ruining her kid years.  Then, one special concert at  New Jersey in 1974 that change Liz’s life.

The Clarkes, despite opposition from Liz, travel to the Meadowlands to see Anne Murray.  It was a sold out concert and everyone was real excited and the buzz went through the roof.  The Clarkes had front row seats and were giddy about seeing Anne.  As you know in concerts, there’s a lead-off act and the lead-off act was a local favorite…Bruce Springsteen.  When Bruce came to the stage, there was a good applause and then, sang his set.  After the first song, there ere loud cheers, but there was one person who went beyond cheering… Liz Clarke.  She never felt so alive and was screaming at every song.  Then, on the second to last song, Liz’s mother felt something on her shoe and felt something was wet and sticky.  She looked around and found out that it was Liz.  She realizes when Bruce sang, Liz just became a woman at that moment.  The whole family had to exit the arena to accompany Liz.  The Clarkes missed the last song from Bruce and the whole set with Anne Murray.  The Clarkes were disappointed to miss out but wanted to take care of their daughter, who founded her inspiration.

During her high school years, Liz was a terrific student not because she studied hard; she founded confidence in The Boss.  She went to local music stores and bought Bruce’s albums.  She carried Bruce’s rhythms and carried it to class.  To be frank, she was not an expert on math or science, but when she was humming along Bruce, her face lit up and came out of high school in the top 5% of her class.  The happiness continued when she got her allowance, got a paid job as a waitress in Vermont for the summer, and won a $500 writing contest.  She used most of the money on going to the Springsteen and the E Street Band tour and had a time of her life.  At Barnard College, she excelled at her classes and became one of the better writers at Barnard during her time.  However, after her junior year in college, something changed.

After her junior year, she interned at a local newspaper in New York.  Right then and there, she wanted to be a writer…a music critic to be exact.  She loved Springsteen so much; she inspired to listen to music that even would compare to Springsteen.  She took that during her senior year and wanted to be the music writer for her college newspaper.  The editor-in-chief enjoyed Liz’s writings and would have no problem to have a position for the college newspaper.  Then, when the editor-in-chief turned on the radio, the EIC heard a sound and quickly turn back and it was Liz.  Apparently, when a Springsteen song comes on air or on the record, Liz has a tendency to swoon when Springsteen comes on.  The EIC realizes it and told it straight to Liz that she cannot be a music writer with her “tendencies.”  The EIC put Liz as a sports reporter for Barnard.  She accepted her role, but by her face, she was disappointed of her new role.  Then to make matters worse, during the winter time in Vermont, Canadians came down to enjoy the maple syrup Vermont is well known for.  It made great business for the restaurant Liz was working, but individually, it was bad since Canadians don’t tip.  Each waking hour, Liz looks at the Canadian customers with disdain and wanted to throw plates to those Canadians for not tipping.  Then, a special customer came by.

Liz was so tired that day; she was looking into the paper and did the regular greeting.  The customer wanted blueberry pancakes with the classic Vermont maple syrup.  Liz took the order and head back.  Fifteen minutes later, the blueberry pancakes with Vermont maple syrup came to the customer.   For thirty minutes, the customer chewed on those pancakes and the guest was swept by their feet.  When the plate was done, the guest said, “Those were the best pancakes I ever had.”  Liz handed the customer a check and expected to see a tip.  Instead of money, the customer gave Liz a record inside the cover was a note.  Liz opened the letter.  It says,

Dear Liz,

The blueberry pancakes were wonderful and I love the maple syrup.  Seems appropriate this time of year.  Anyway, I heard about you disdain of me because what happen to you as a child.  I do admit my music is not everyone’s cup of tea (or syrup), but I feel so sorry of what happened and I want to make it up.  Here’s a new album from me.  I hope you enjoy it and congratulations on graduating next year.

Sincerely,

Anne

The letter did get Liz’s attention and she ran to the window to see Anne.  What Liz only saw was the silver tips of her hair.  At that moment, Liz thought of going home and play Anne Murray’s new album.  Then, someone came to the jukebox and selected B25, “Snowbird” by Anne Murray.  By then, Liz’s hatred of Anne Murray still burns and threw the new record in to the trash.

After graduating from Barnard College, Liz traveled a lot as a young sportswriter.  She was writing places in Dallas, and in D.C.  She was writing stories about various sports topics in the city she covered.  In each of those places, Liz kept a scrapbook at her desk she made in college.  It was a bunch of pictures of Bruce and the band and a cutout of Liz in many different outfits.  In one of the pictures, it had Liz in a wedding dress with Bruce.  The money paid well, so she can travel to any Bruce Springsteen concert she had time to attend.   She wasted nearly half of her yearly salary on Springsteen tickets.   Yet, she had the time of her life and brought in more pictures of Bruce and more cutoffs of herself.  Then, in 1988, Liz was assigned to cover the Winter Olympics in Calgary.  While there, she did reports and interviews of stars people have not heard of in the States.  Coming out of Olympic Village, she spotted someone familiar… it was Anne Murray.  Liz never spoke to Anne and went the opposite direction.  By that time, The Boss was married, divorced, and remarried; Anne was out of the spotlight; and Liz was a rising star in the sports journalism scene, but it wasn’t the direction she expected.

In 1990, Liz moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to be the beat writer for the Charlotte Observer.  Charlotte was a rising city that had a NASCAR track and two expansion teams coming in.  Liz’s supervisor selected her to do NASCAR coverage.  Liz did not have a clue about NASCAR, except “Cadillac Ranch” from Springsteen about Junior Johnson.  She uses that to develop her NASCAR expertise and it was a rough start.  Her first day at a NASCAR track, she wore a dress out of many people in dirty outfits.  She was clueless in a rising sport, but had help from an unexpected source.  He was called the Intimidator, the Guy in Black, and a Champion.  Dale Earnhardt rarely had relationships with anyone, but when he saw a young reporter lost, he took Liz by her side and shows her the ropes.  The relationship not only help Liz understand NASCAR, she mastered it.  In 1996, she became Motorsports Journalist of the Year at the time when open wheel racing was splitting up and NASCAR was rising ( She won another one in 2003).  At that time, Liz moved to Washington D.C. to be the beat writer for the Washington Post.  It was also at the time The Boss was becoming a legend and Anne had her personal problems.  Then came the 2000s.

In 2001, Dale Earnhardt died in a multi-car crash at the Daytona 500.  The death of Dale not only hurt NASCAR, but it lost Liz as well.  At the same time, Anne had to conquer divorce, cancer, and personal problems.  For the next five years, all of their careers became stagnant, which lead us to 2007.

In 2007, Liz finally admits her hatred of Anne Murray on the Tony Kornheiser Show in May of 2007.  She discussed why she hated Canada and the main reason was “Snowbird” by Anne Murray.  She also discuss Celine Dion and tipping, but her hatred of Anne Murray runs like a thousand suns.  She told Mr. Tony that if Anne Murray ever share the same room, she would walk off.   Mr. Tony and Jeanne McManus were taken aback by Liz’s hatred of Anne. 

At the same time, Anne Murray was back at the recording studio making her comeback album with “Duets” from famous Canadian artists.  Not only it was a number one album in Canada, but had moderate success in the U.S.  She felt so good about her comeback album; she decided to start her comeback tour.  Most of them would be in Canada and the south, where country reigns supreme.  However, one of her assistants forward her the podcast to the Tony Kornheiser Show with Liz Clarke’s comments.   Anne still remembers meeting Liz at the restaurant and remembers her face.  She also remembers she has not respond back to their meeting 20 years ago.  So, Anne mention to the tour people to add events in the Mid-Atlantic and one of them be in the DC Metro Area.  The event planners found one on March 18, 2008 in North Bethesda, Maryland.

In early 2008, Liz Clarke was promoting her first book, One Helluva Ride.  The book had moderate success and was a local hit in Washington DC.   Anne Murray was in the middle of her North American Tour and was heading to the States and could not wait to go to Maryland to see Liz.  Anne actually got Liz’s email through Google and send her complementary VIP seats to her show in Bethesda.   Liz got the email, but never responded back.  One day before her concert in Bethesda, she realizes that Liz is not coming.  However, there was a Plan B…”Neil.”

On March 18, 2008, Plan B was to have “Neil,” who is a lawyer in Rockville, help setup an “impromptu” book session with Liz Clarke.  “Neil” gave the call to Liz saying that a lot of people would come to her book signing.  Liz did not answer the phone, so “Neil” went to his backup plan…Liz’s agent.  Liz’s agent agreed to this “impromptu” book signing because “Neil” had booked the place from 7-8PM that night.  So, “Neil” text message his friends to come by Columbia Books to have the book signing.  “Neil” drove all the way to DC to pick up Liz from her workplace.  “Neil” and Liz had a nice conversation and “Neil” told what’s going on.  “Neil” and Liz arrived at Columbia Books and Liz did her regular session follow by the book signing.  After 8 PM, “Neil” told Liz that you’re going to a party similar to what Sally Jenkins setup Liz a few weeks ago in DC.  Liz had that same excitement like she’s hearing another Springsteen record.  So, it was back to the road and heading to the party.

“Neil” and Liz were traveling north and “Neil” mention the party would be at the Strathmore.  Liz jumped around and even gave “Neil” a kiss on the cheek.   Liz attended a backstage party with friends and “Neil’s” friends.  They all chatted about her book.  Then, “Neil” took her to the balcony of the Music Center and Liz was very impressed, until the guitar strings strung that sounded familiar.   Yes, the backstage party was the Anne Murray crew and yes, she attended an Anne Murray concert.  Liz was livid at “Neil” and pounded her purse to his face.  “Neil” had to explain to Liz that Anne sent him there because she received Liz’s book from fellow Canadian and NASCAR driver, Ron Fellows.  “Neil” was Anne’s spokesperson at the time to explain that Anne read Liz’s book and enjoyed it.  Liz was stunned by the response, yet still threw the purse at “Neil’s” face.  Liz left the Strathmore during the middle of Anne’s set and took the Metro home.  “Neil” was still numb after the numerous hits from Liz’s purse.  The backstage crew saw the damage on “Neil” and told him to go home and rest up for tomorrow for his regular daytime job.  At 11PM, Anne’s concert was finished and was jolted from the loud applause.  She properly bowed to the audience and thank everyone of attending and told the audience that she is having fun singing again.  Backstage, Anne was hugging the band and crew members for the tremendous work that night.  Anne headed to her dressing room and saw the book One Helluva Ride on her desk.  She opened it up and there was an autograph from Liz Clarke and a letter she wrote.  It says:

Dear Anne,

I still hate “Snowbird” and hate it to the end of time.  However, I have been receiving emails from Canadians who are passionate about your music and their home country and I have to say I’m progressing to like Canada a little.  Plus, I discovered last year that a Canadian invented insulin, for which I am thankful since I am diabetic.  I also know you receive a copy of One Helluva Ride from Ron, which is very nice of him.

As time passes by, I know I have to settle a score at some point and I can’t get all angry at you, but you did somewhat ruin my childhood.  However, I want to move on and I’m writing this because I do not want to be hated that much (trust me) and hope we’ll meet…in 2010 in Vancouver.  I never been there before and hope you can be my tour guide.

2009 will be a busy year for me as I will settle the score in Tampa with Bruce and her wife and take advantage of the environment, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, good luck and hope to see you in 2010.

Thanks,

Liz

Anne read the letter, giggles a little, shook her head and spoke to herself, “I understand Liz, see you in 2010 in Vancouver!”

THE END

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.

 

Tracy Tran’s Holiday Mixtape 2008

I hope you’re enjoying Black Friday.  It means jackola with the economy and the money execs use on spa treatment.  Also, it is the time for gift cards and cheap gifts.  I hate those.  If you’re in a money crunch, the most inexpensive and most creative is creating a mixtape.  I have one to share and here we go:

If you’re at a holiday party, start the party which some traditional holiday songs.  Here are my favorites:

Play it a few times, then when most of the guests arrive, step outside to get a few surprises and have a theme entrance to define who you are (Damn you, Washington Capitals!):

Have your short, boring introduction and then get back to the holiday mood with great holiday songs like this:

Yes, all of them are Darlene Love.  She has the perfect voice for this season.  But there are others to chew on:

You can put additional songs, and it doesn’t have to be related to the holidays, but for the holiday mixtape purpose, I want something to relate.  After everyone is in the holiday spirit, time to breakout:

First…Old School:

Then a little moshpit action:

A little new school:

How about an oldie but goodie:

Really, any Fatboy Slim song is appropriate.  Then you can conclude the dance portion with the most appropriate dance for the holiday season (The video is disturbing when you look at it hard, but the music is cool):

Now, if you want to go into the deep end and prefer something exotic, there are two:

After all that dancing, it’s time to get a drink.  I prefer numbers songs for this occasion. There are two approaches:

The fast approach:

or the slow approach:

Don’t make the drinking segment too long.  And then some karaoke songs to butcher:

Then it’s time for gifts:

Let’s take a step back and join our love ones under a big mistletoe and enjoy this classic love song:

Finally, time to call it a night and the end song that people should remember.  In my case last year, it was Rick Rolling.  This year…Anne Murray:

That my friends is a holiday mixtape.  It’s easy to assemble and you can share it with everyone.  I woul like to know yours.  Please forward this and:

HAVE A HAPPY ANNE MURRAY HOLIDAYS!!!

If you’re wondering:

1. Bobby Helms – “Jingle Bells Rock”
2. Trans-Siberian Orchestra – “Wizards in Winter”
3. Rev Theory – “Hell Yeah”
4. Darlene Love – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
5. Darlene Love – “All Alone on Christmas”
6. Darlene Love – “Winter Wonderland”
7. Collective Soul – “December”
8. Bruce Springsteen – “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
9. The Dandy Warhols – “Everyday Should Be A Holiday”
10. C & C Music Factory f/ F. Williams – “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”
11. House of Pain – “Jump Around”
12. Kevin Rudlof f/ Lil’ Wayne – “Let it Rock”
13. Fatboy Slim – “Rockafellar Skank”
14. Quad City DJs – “C’mon N Ride It (The Train)”
15. Montell Jordan – “This is How We Do It”
16. Rob Zombie – “Dragula [remix]“
17. Feist – “1234″
18. Brian McKnight – “Back At One”
19. Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip “Thou Shalt Always Kill”
20. Billy Joel – “We Didn’t Start The Fire”
21. Letters to Cleo – “Here and Now”
22. Skee-Lo – “I Wish”
23. Ricky Gervais (or David Brent) – “Free Love Freeway”
24. Anne Murray – “Snowbird”
25. Anne Murray – “The Last Dance”

*  You expect the quality music videos from these artists.  Well, I can’t because they blocked it.  Blame the artists and the record companies for it.

Tracy’s Random Thoughts March 2008 Edition

A lot of things for March, let’s go to the videotape:

1. Election 2008

John McCain is the Republican Nominee and now can rest up and find the weaknesses for the Democratic Party, which there are a plenty.

For disclosure, I am a registered Democrat since 2001 and I am very disappointed at the party is turning out to be.  I don’t blame Barack Obama for moving forward and keeping the Democratic conscience.  I also don’t blame Hillary Clinton’s tactics of gaining the nomination.  Although dirty and below the belt, she has the right to run her campaign and if she wants to do it to make the party divisive, that’s her choice.

I blame the whole debacle of the Democratic Party to the leaders.  There is no backbone to the party and no one standing up to make a stance.  What is everyone waiting for… cushier jobs? The leaders will say let the election process continue and so forth.  If that were to happen in June, the party will be split and the leaders will buckle down like the NCAA Selection Committee and go to the RPI, won-loss record, and electability.  Where’s Howard Dean, John Edwards, Al Gore, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi?  If I were the Democrats, someone must make a stance between now and April 22 in Pennsylvania.  If this continues to drag on, your party is even in more shambles than the Republican Party. 

Onto the other election stuff, I’m glad Obama mention the Rezko case and his situation with Pastor Wright.  Obama understands everyone will be targeting you and denouncing Wright’s words, talking to the Chicago Tribune Board about Rezko, and releasing his earmarks are excellent steps of an open President. 

On the Geraldine Ferraro comments, I think was Gerry wanted is that Blacks don’t have it easy as women in the high ranks of anything, including politics.  I really don’t think she’s trying to be racist, but she wants the race vs. gender card in the table and her actions and tone speak of racism.  I don’t think what she’s saying is racist, but her behavior is making it otherwise and made the campaign worse for both campaigns.

Finally, the Saturday Night Live skits with Obama and Clinton.  I think there are good writers there in SNL, but you couldn’t find a better Obama and what is with Hillary Clinton getting all the key lines?  The writers say they are pro-Obama.  Really?!!!  Are you saying that to cover your gigs?  Even MAD TV has you beat on Obama, and it’s from FAUX.  If there is a death nail, SNL has sealed their fate.  You know SNL (and especially Lorne Michaels), there are thousands of people who can impersonate Obama and you chose Fred Armisan, who can’t do a lick in that role?  You made Obama into a lunkhead, and you would all vote for Obama?  No wonder the networks didn’t want writers.

2. Eliot Spitzer

If you are the Governor of New York and consider yourself “Mr. Clean” to clean up the state and you pull this act, you deserve to be kicked out of politics.  What’s worse is Spitzer was married and has three teenage daughters.  I have no idea what these ladies are thinking, but they must be very upset and angry that a man they know who wants to clean up the state was using it for its own personal use.  Now, there are two sets of opinions I want to make:

• For prostitution to be legal, I wouldn’t mind.  Just to be clear, I oppose of prostitution and if I were the governor or mayor, I would reject prostitution to be legal because of my beliefs and values.  That said, if any mayor or governor wants to make prostitution legal, I’m fine for it.  As odd as it sounds, prostitution does make for great business not only for the company, but for the state or city economy (i.e. Las Vegas).  Having business people spending a lot of cash to be with a woman, the amount can be up to 5 digits.  It might be the last alternative, but there are some sick people who would pay a lot of money for pleasure and that amount might be golden.
• What former Governor Spitzer did is unethical to his own belief.  If it were former Governor Jesse Ventura, I wouldn’t have a problem since he wanted prostitution legal in Minnesota and he’s following his own guidelines.  On his campaign for Governor, Spitzer promised the people to clean up the states out of filth and restore order.  He did that, except for himself.  When you made a promise to the people of cleaning up the state, but not yourself, you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.  He had to resign from his position and right now is in the bottomless pit with his family.  I really do hope the family stays together and fight this off, but those odds are microscopic.

3. The Music Industry

I have heard many critics and fans say the music industry is down and because the music is craptastic and there are no elite artists anymore.  On the music front, I think there are tons of choices that people can listen to.  Most of my music came from word of mouth or my college radio station.  On an economic standpoint, it is down because the music companies don’t know how to handle this new technology.  Also, the music companies do not have a clear model of profiting from music downloads to concerts.  The music companies still believe in the CD albums and concerts by the old standard. 

I’m sad the music companies don’t appreciate Steve Jobs because he’s lowering the price on albums and singles and yet he’s the only savior of music.  Now the money distributed between Jobs and the record companies is a different story, but the record companies must kiss its feet to Jobs because if it wasn’t for iPod and the cell phone devices, the music industry would be a bigger hole. 

What the record companies need to do is let the audience choose what’s good and what’s not.  The companies are force feeding on who should we buy, but it needs to be the other way around to maximize your sales.  There’s a reason albums are not selling 100,000 albums anymore and that’s choice, but a great record would change that.  However, the record companies will not going to learn its lesson and the slump will continue.

4. Water, redux

From my general post about water, I now understand why people buy bottled water.  The EPA made a study that several cities’ water contains medical supplements and the people are drinking them.  I still hold the position about bottled water because it’s pricey, but now people, a filter for your sink and faucet might be a great idea, so get one now.

5. Mixed Martial Arts

In the next upcoming weeks, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) will be on network broadcast television for the first time and they missed their opportunity to gain a big audience.  I understand why people love MMA, but here’s the bigger problem for the sport: What’s the difference and who’s your superstar?

To answer the first question, if I hear MMA, I usually think the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).  That’s a good thing but there are several MMA organizations that you don’t know which ones which.  The MMA has become mainstream, but the problem is the sport is saturated that everyone wants the piece of the pie.  In the long-term, this could decline the sport because of money and notoriety.

Who is the superstar of MMA?  The only person I can think is Kimbo Slice, who is likely the only known superstar MMA has and would be featured in the CBS event.  Who else is a superstar?  Randy Couture retired; Tito Ortiz lost it and went to the Apprentice; Chuck Liddell was the face of MMA but lost his championship 45 seconds into the fight.  The point is if these MMA organizations believe people will see other people fight, that’s fine, but the MMA needs to know when it becomes a novelty act and is there a superstar out there to carry the sport for a long time.  Kimbo might be it, but what about the others waiting in line?

6. George Mason

It’s great to have my alma mater back in the big dance and I might be an optimist here, but George Mason could possibly go to the Sweet Sixteen.  Now, is this team better than the 2006 team?  No, but as I said to my friends, the George Mason Patriots are the original Cinderellas, the originators of the upset, and every team in the United States they look up to.  Anything can happen, even an another Final Four.  My real prediction:  George Mason to the Sweet Sixteen and lose to North Carolina.  Not bad for the Kryptonite Kids!  By the way, in my brackets, I’m going to have UCLA or Georgetown winning he title (depending what group I’m in and the prize).

That is all, get drunk after work and be sober for Easter weekend. 

Tracy’s Random Thoughts September-October 2007 Edition

I'll be honest, I haven't written anything because there's nothing in length talk about.  So, here's a list of things I have been thinking.

1. Blackwater - Ah, the smell of the government and contractors shooting down Iraqi civilians.  That's wonderful, now we are truly hated because of this.  Good luck with this.

2. Politics in general - When Bush and Congress approval ratings are at 30%, this country has problems.  I will say this, if you want change, you need to bring the Generation Y voters, however, that's difficult because of our perception that we don't change or the system is screwed up (ok, the electoral college is screwed up). I went to a reception where the keynote speaker was Mike McCurry, former press secretary for President Clinton, and he said people now want change and that's good, but a good set of people are not out there voting.  I will challenge the young voters that if you don't like the candidates, there's a write-in vote and select who you want for president.  Also, next year is a crucial period for this generation to pick the next President because if the young voters don't come, the status quo will remain the same, but if they really care about the future, they better make a move after the holidays.

3. College Football - This is fun, now we have new powerhouses in South Florida, Hawaii, and Kansas.  The dynasties are over in this era.  You might get a 3-4 year run and that's it.  People want playing time, period and this is going to be a great college football season.  Can you say three co-champions?

4. Fall TV Season - There is no buzz for this season's crop of TV shows because people have more choices, affiliation of big networks, and DVR.  There's only one show I'm excited about:  Pushing Daisies.  Saw the first two episodes and they're brilliant.  The premise is great with Ned's unique talent and the chemistry between Ned and Chuck (yes, they use it as a woman's name).  The supporting cast is talented and the one that stands out is Emerson Cod, who is the realist of this fantasy storybook type show.  It's the only show I'm watching and hopefully it doesn't get cancelled (but likely will).

5. Larry Craig - You did it, you plead guilty, but you had a second thought and wanted to change, but you already turn it in.  Dude, give it up.  At least you can go back home and enjoy the potatoes.

6. Movies - Can anyone tell me any good movies out there for the fall/winter.  Can't seem to find one.

7. Music - Don't know anything out there, but I have to say the buzz on music has been there, the problems is the record companies are relying too much on CD sales from stores.  I might be in the minority of this, but Steve Jobs made a brilliant plan of iTunes.  Albums are $9.99 and singles are $0.99.  Problem is that he's controlling too much power and has never made any collaboration to the record companies or entertainment industries.  His big ego is causing these industries to bail on them, but his product is now part of a franchise like Pepsi and Coke.  The entertainment industry need Steve Jobs more than Steve Jobs needs them. 

8. Daylight Savings Time - I wonder the heat wave in October is due to the fact the government expanded Daylight Savings Time?  Ponder that.

9. The little big cities - Last week, I went to Crystal City to attend a conference and meet up with my Internet friends.  I've been through Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Tyson's Corner.  These areas are going to be crucial for businesses and shops but here's what I know:  THEY'RE THE SAME PLACE!!!  The reason I love working in Washington is because of the shops, the atmosphere, the monuments, and the activity.  I'm a Northern Virginian all my life and I knew it was going to expand one day, but the planning hasn't been that great.  Create buildings and shops and business will boom.  It might work in the short term, but they need to build something to make these workers stick in the area.  Now I worried that DC might become Tyson's Corner with several Mom and Pop shops closing for corporate retailing.  Really Sad.  If you want references to this, go to the Nathan's of Georgetown site, where Carol Joynt writes a fabulous blog and tells her experience with her restaurant and the landlord.

10. Facebook generation - I knew people would go into Facebook.  When Facebook open the applications format, it would become big.  Right now, Facebook is the hottest thing in the Internet and could probably stay there.  The reason people like MySpace originally is because it was open to everyone and "express" themselves with photos and wallpaper.  However, when Rupert Murdoch bought it, I knew it would go on a downturn because people are going to stuff ads and stuff crap all over.  On the other hand, Facebook is still independent and have change the social networking structure.  People worried that it will be too big for their own good.  However, the reason I love it so much is you still keep the networks you have and hopefully it could expand.  Also, If you are part of a group, you do feel attached to that group (hence the groups I created)and you want to share information.  Now will Facebook get scrutinized by getting bought by Microsoft or Google?  Absolutely, but the companies need to realize don't mess with a successful product.  Look at MySpace is doing; it's losing visitors and the buzz is there, but not as big as Facebook.  I hope no one screws up Facebook.

That's all for me, I actually have a few things to say this week, so getcha popcorn ready (I would like pizza as well).