This is freshtastic. Rob Gaudette recently launched Growing Up Forty a pop culture blog celebrating comics and movies and video games from a 40-ish POV. He’s killing it.
He recently posted one of the fisticuffs we’ve been having and concluded the post with this:
“Finally, if you’re on Twitter, follow Sammy. His opinions and conversations will either infuriate you or make you laugh out loud. May or may not be best read while going to the bathroom, I leave that to you.”
Outstanding branding! I wish I could cram all that onto a business card…what an excellent way to kick off the weekend. See you in hell pants…
A recent gathering of prominent podcasters unfolded at Pacific Junction Hotel on a Sunday night (June 4, 2017) where Girth Radio Superstar Sean Sirianni holds court as the host of The Creative Imbalance.
He injected a number of the podcasters into his world including Andrew from Geek Hard. You can hear that interview at the 1 hour 15 minute mark.
(And following Andrew’s interview myself and another Girth Radio super star Alissa Santiago chat it up sharing the Tinder Date Tale.)
As Sean Says:
Just dropped a podcast EPIC featuring a handful of mini interviews with a plethora of other podcast creators and enthusiasts in the city. This massive episode is co-hosted with my pal Jenny Potter, and features personalities from, Fairy Tales for Unwanted Children Podcast, The Freeze hiphop podcast, Geek Hard, PodCamp Toronto, The One Sheet – Podcast, and Girth Radio! … show also wraps up with a sick brand new track from Eddy Scott Infante!
So my Back Issue Bloodbath co-host Andrew and I were sitting in the Pacific Junction Hotel bar following a podcast recording when Carrie Fisher’s last book came up: The Princess Diarist.
I get the standard celebrity reduction means her death will be strictly Princess Leia; still Carrie Fisher was a fantastic writer. I mentioned so in my post Goodbye Carrie Fisher on her passing.
Thanks Andrew for the opportunity. Be fun to write more nerdness for Geek Hard.
To read my review of The Princess Diarist visit Geek Hard.
Well now 2016 has not unfolded as I anticipated. Hannibal may love it when a plan comes together but life is not always so neat. I mean I hafta drive myself instead of get into a van driven by Mr. T.
I’m launching a new era in Geek Hard‘s Back Issue Bloodbath…as Andrew Young’s co-host! What? Sweet.
Yeah it turns out regular co-host Gavin Stephens has a few things on his plate so I got called up from the minors…I’m the Rudy of podcasting. (What an awful metaphor…I’m the Twilight Chick of writing).
This is so cool! I wanna find my creative voice online…how to talk about comics. I get into with nerds all the time so it’s not new. But with this great power and this great responsibility the hope is to share what’s fresh and avoid what’s tank…so many good comic out there. Nobody should be wasting time reading bad comics.
In this episode of Back Issue Bloodbath I surprise the gents with a wild and crazy about Black Science! Which is totally different than Weird Science: thankfully (or sadly) we did not have to wear bras on our heads.
This episode is an autopsy on the recently completed New 52 by DC Comics. It’s hard to sum up the New 52 in a 30 minute podcast. Even now after doing this podcast I’m still not sure what my bottom line is: was New 52 slick storytelling? Marketing Magic? Both? I dunno.
I highly recommend Batman…all 52 issues. Justice League and the Forever Evil crossover…excellent work. Lastly Geoff Johns’Aquaman run…s’about 20 or 25 issues.
Happily I was invited to write about Phil Knight’s memoir Shoe Dog. Sweet.
This is how I closed the review:
The great irony of Nike advertising is the singular focus and celebration of the individual player often in a team sport like basketball or soccer. Yes: Michael Jordan is one of the greatest NBA players (and all his Nike marketing effectively branded his status) yet Jordan still needed Rodman to rebound, Paxon or Kerr to hit those threes and Pippen to draw the D. Jordan truly became successful when he had a legitimate and capable team. Knight’s Nike story is no different than building an NBA contender. He succeeded in business because he surrounded himself with the right team. He invested in the people who believed in his vision and did not waste time trying to convince those who did not.
If you want to succeed in business, if you want to make your 5-9 your 9-5, if you need some encouragement as if Just Do It is not enough, then read Shoe Dog.
Sammy Younan, Girth Radio’s talented and adorable program director, is proving that he is just as tender-hearted as he is handsome by participating in this year’s A Good Book Drive. Read on…
From Sean Sirianni host of The Creative Imbalance…which I decided to pick up for Girth Radio:
“After a long hiatus The Creative Imbalance Podcast returns with Sammy Younan the program director of Girth Radio.
This is a bonus episode one week before The Creative Imbalance officially launches on www.girthradio.com.
Stream/Download this candid convo to see how this came to be, and listen to Sean make himself comfy in his new audio home at Pacific Junction Hotel.”
This episode focus on Ed Brubaker…absolutely ecstatic to join Andrew Young and Gavin Stephens to breakdown the goodness, the dirt, the dirty deeds done dirt cheap that is Ed Brubaker.
I highly recommend 2 Ed Brubaker series; well worth reading: Gotham Central (The tv show we shoulda had instead of plain ol Gotham)
This episode focus on DC: New Frontier…I hang out with Andrew Young and Gavin Stephens to discuss, dissect this old-timey comic. Straighten your Norman Rockwell hanging in the living room because here comes the milk man!
I passed the litmus test(s) and I’m back on Back Issue Bloodbath…a sassy fun comic book podcast hosted by Andrew Young and Gavin Stephens.
Today’s Topic: 3 devastatingly handsome nerds dissecting comic book movies, tv shows…with much mirth and many sarcasm. Which is what you pay admission for. Though we do actually make a few solid insightful points worth pondering.
My first guest appearance on Back Issue Bloodbath…a comic book podcast hosted by Andrew Young and Gavin Stephens.
As if being a guest wasn’t thrilling enough they’ve invited me to discuss Fade Out a phenomenal Brubaker and Phillips comic set in classic Hollywood: murder, mayhem and one other m word I can’t come up with. Oh! Mystery. Bam!
My third year speaking to Ryerson ACS students: Year 1 Year 2
Surreal.
The gig is super simple…me as a handsome and slightly witty professional with an Arts Degree (in English, yo!) mixes and mingles with Ryerson’s ACS students.
Really I just listen to them…what do they wanna accomplish with their Arts degree. There is so much you can achieve…far less limits; we’re all bound by our imaginations.
I’m now the devastatingly handsome face/host interviewer for Girth’s Thursday night show: In Session.
The radio show is officially called In Session With Girth…(Band Name). As in In Session With Girth…with Arcade Fire. I wish. In Session With Girth…Mini Pop Kids. Hah, that’d be so cool.
Some of the Thursday shows will be just a band interview, other nights bands will play an acoustic session in the booth broadcast into the bar. Fresh! I can’t wait to get this party started.
Because it’s a bar and it’s music and it’s fun join me!
So this is super cool and I can’t believe this is happening. (At this point my immigrant parents are hoping to hear either the word marriage or baby so I’m thankful I’m sharing this news with you my pressureless peers instead): some nice people have decided to give me my own radio show. Yo! Read on…
If I were Gwen Stefani I’d say this weekend is b a n a n a s but I ain’t no Hollaback Girl. Tomorrow at 5pm I join a T.O. WebFest panel “The Web Series Soundtrack” with other music makers. Read on…
Gratefully for my Someone Not There contributions organizing the soundtrack I’ve been invited to join a panel at Toronto’s WebFest! “…sweeter than Ben and Jerry” indeed.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Brigantine Room, 5:00PM – 50min
I join the TO WebFest panel The Web Series Soundtrack featuring: Adrian Ellis, Tony Tobias & Aaron Tsang. Moderator: Carly Beath.
A great soundtrack to your series can bring that extra magic when looking to make your mark. Panelists will include music supervisors, composers, and musicians covering topics like original composition, music rights acquisition, and working with indie artists.
For more on TO WebFest, tickets and the whole deal go to their site.
All aboard…the love train for Someone Not There continues to chug, following its triumphant run at LA WebFest. Now with a stop at Toronto’s WebFest!
Director Sherren Lee says it best: “We are so utterly proud to have been selected as part of the INAUGURAL T.O. Webfest, in our very own home town. Super excited for the big event in May!! Thanks T.O. WebFest, and CONGRATS to the entire team!!!”
For more on TO WebFest, tickets and the whole deal go to their site.
Winner, winner chicken dinner! That’s what happened with Someone Not There at LA WebFest. I feel like a proud mom watching her child do alright in the school play.
We won 9 awards:
Series
Writing
Directing
Lead Actress
Supporting Actress
Score
Sound Design
Cinematography
Editing
This is so much better than the crappy “it’s an honour to be nominated” false humble deflection. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew, high fives and fist bumps to the all the winners.
For more on the awards and other winners they have this entire website set up.
This is cooler than Fonzie…Someone Not There is heading to LA! Sunglasses and TMZ here we come!
To quote writer and director Sherren Lee:
“SUPER EXCITING NEWS!! We have been officially selected as part of the LA Web Fest 2014!!! Big congratulations to the entire cast and crew, and to everyone who has offered us your endless love and support. We’re super excited to hit the west coast in March!!!”
If you’re in the City of Angels go and check out all the web series goodness, the medium continues to grow. Netflix isn’t the only game in town. For more info on screenings, tickets and other web series in the festival, it’s website visiting time!
Someone Not There LAWEBFEST 2014 Screenings:
WEDNESDAY MARCH 26th
8PM – LAJOLLA ROOM (66:00)
“The Therapist” (DRAMA/Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA)
“Someone Not There” (DRAMA/Toronto, CANADA)
“Devil’s Circus” (DRAMA/Springfield, MISSOURI)
FRIDAY, MARCH 28TH
9PM – LAJOLLA ROOM (53:00)
“Your Server is Not Out To Get You” (COMEDY/Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA)
“Esther’s Style” (COMEDY/Buenes Aires, ARGENTINA)
“Cuckoo” (DRAMA/Dublin, IRELAND)
“Someone Not There” (DRAMA/Toronto, CANADA)
“The Louise Log” (COMEDY/New York, NEW YORK)
SATURDAY, MARCH 29TH
4PM – LAJOLLA ROOM: (63:00)
“Cuckoo” (DRAMA/Dublin, IRELAND)
“Someone Not There” (DRAMA/Toronto, CANADA)
“Teenagers” (DRAMA/ Toronto, CANADA)
Ryerson’s ACS department hosted an event last night: The ACS Mix&Mingle.
Young professionals (professional…hah! I’m wearing a Spider-Man seatbelt belt) mixed and mingled with ACS students to discuss one on one how they got to where they did in their career.
It’s fascinating hearing the kids…they have twitter and LinkedIn all this access I did not…I barely had an email address by the time I graduated.
As this month comes to an end, I’m happily tired and super grateful:
I got to work with all kinds of handsome and talented peoples on all kinds of crazy cool projects.
I feel like Jerry Maguire, I help make dreams come true, only I’m not married to Renée Zellweger. So Life is Grand.
Expect a buttload of goodies in the next few months, I’ll be pestering you like a Girl Guide’s Mother pimping her daughter for cookies. All you got is vanilla cookies? Get away from me woman.
Sadly this week’s NewMusic Ten playlist starts on a sombre yet beautiful note. As many of you know and are still processing Paul Walker passed onto the next life on November 30. Man, I dig those Fast and Furious movies.
Paul’s friend, the talented RZA penned this soulful tune, Destiny Bends in immediate reaction to Paul’s death. It’s raw and visceral and real…it’s rare to encounter music like that anymore s’why I included it.
Mercifully after that the playlist picks up with all kinds of sonic delightfulness. Dance along to Australia’s Skipping Girl Vinegar and Carousel’s Into the Night. And is it me or does Heart Attack the hauntingly second track stand in a warm New Order shadow?
If there is one thing that can improve this world all while helping the tedious work day fly right by…it’s Chair Dancing. If you can’t remember the last time you Chair Danced that’s ok, NOW is your opportunity.
Chair Dance like nobody is watching! Here’s your Chair Dancing soundtrack: NewMusic Ten Playlist #3!
Sadly this week’s NewMusic Ten playlist starts on a sombre yet beautiful note. As many of you know and are still processing Paul Walker passed onto the next life on November 30. Man, I dig those Fast and Furious movies.
Paul’s friend, the talented RZA penned this soulful tune, Destiny Bends in immediate reaction to Paul’s death. It’s raw and visceral and real…it’s rare to encounter music like that anymore s’why I included it.
Mercifully after that the playlist picks up with all kinds of sonic delightfulness. Dance along to Australia’s Skipping Girl Vinegar and Carousel’s Into the Night. And is it me or does Heart Attack the hauntingly second track stand in a warm New Order shadow?
So as I wrote before I got to be a model for my profile in Product Magazine. Surreal.
And now you can read The Product 10 with Sammy Younan:
http://producttoronto.com/2013/11/product-10-sammy-younan/
How I answered the most underrated movie question…clearly I’m one of those who can kill a game show at home but under pressure folds up faster than a pop up tent pitched by a lousy boy scout suburbanite. Bonus…feel free to enjoy the playlist as you go to work, beat back White Christmas for a couple more days!
Check this out…NewMusic Ten has teamed up with Indie Minded like a fresh booming Voltron to deliver this spectacular playlist. It’s a mad beautiful range of music…from the soulful Basia Bulat, to Brooklyn’s Firehorse to the infectious Lucius and so much more:
Grateful for the fantastic and strange opportunity to talk to Humber College students earlier today. We got to talk about business, seeking opportunities and the music business.
Oh and I would whip candy into the crowd like free swag at an NBA game if somebody asked an engaging question or offered a staggering insight. Nobody lost an eye, jokes were made and I didn’t get chalk dust on my butt (wearing black jeans)…overall, fun night.
And now a special announcement slash Bat Signal support request from DC, the other half of S’up Cuz:
Yo Yo: DC in da house! I have a new t-shirt design accepted by Threadless for scoring and I need your support!!
Quick recap:Threadless is a community based t-shirt company, anyone can submit designs for various theme challenges. Winners get cash/prize and their design printed.
This is a big one folks – $10,000 prize!
This design is my homage to the original king of the road: The Hobo. Gentle yet street savvy; instinctive and in-tuned, he needs no train schedule to know where the next opportunity is. True fact: Hobos started Hollywood. Yes, he’s more than a man; he’s the gold standard in which all street warriors measure themselves to. I present to you…
You score by rating the design between 1 and 5 — 5 being the best score and… don’t you worry your pretty little head about the rest of the numbers.
Remember you have to be a community member of Threadless to vote. Good news is, its free with no obligations, just create a username and password and opt out of the newsletter if you want.
Tell your friends, tell your mother, tell your friend’s mother!
Talia Crockett from The Arts Scene came to the NewMusic Ten NXNE showcase and had this to say about 2 of the acts, while Adnan Mohamedbhai took many crazy good photos, check it all below:
“Local country duo The Lovelocks is an undoubtedly multi-talented act. Not only do these ladies create sweet harmonies with their voices, but they also display talent on the fiddle, mandolin, and acoustic guitar to complement and enrich their lovely covers.” Read More.
“{Tara Priya} combines traditional soul and contemporary pop to create a truly unique musical amalgamation.” Read More.
Twitter Love!
Adnan Mohamedbhai ?@AD_TO
PHOTOS: The amazing & adorable due @HeyLovelocks rock out at the Measure during @NXNE http://buff.ly/11gsirX #NXNE
The charming Olivia D’Orazio…founder and Editor-in-Chief at Raz Mataz Magazine was present at the NewMusic Ten NXNE showcase: based on these reviews this lady had an extraordinary time. Musta been the cake…or probably all the hard working fun rockin bands.
Tara Priya at NXNE
“On stage, Priya performs with the same high-energy excitement that she always does. Her voice seems to get better and better with each show. It’s strong and powerful and on point for the entire duration of her performance. ” Read More.
The Lovelocks at NXNE
“And that’s the best way to describe The Lovelocks – they’re a wonderful combination of oldies rock-n-roll and country music.” Read More.
Vibonics at NXNE
“The band then jumps into an upbeat jam reminiscent of parties on a beach. And that’s half of the Vibonics’ set – laid-back, up-beat, fun and exciting. The other half is intense, still fun and upbeat, but with more of a serious energy.” Read More.
The Cheap Thrills at NXNE
“Their songs are also energetic – quick-paced and upbeat, certainly engaging the crowd, which is dancing furiously. Each of the instruments work so perfectly together; it’s fast-and-dirty rock and roll.” Read More.
Bonus: Facebook photos from the NewMusic Ten NXNE showcase and other fine NXNE acts like Cai.ro!
Last night was the first NewMusic Ten NXNE showcase. 5 outstanding Artists: Tara Priya, The Lovelocks, Vibonics, The Cheap Thrills, The Dirty Names. I am deeply grateful for everybody who made this happen…from NXNE, to the bands, to the NewMusic Ten team, to Measure (the venue). Just under 250 people showed up…on a school night no less…to sing, dance, hang out, yam free cake and discover new music. And as grateful as I am I’m equally sorry everybody had to wear pants. Pants are not very rock n roll. Next time…I will fix this! Oh…and yeah, there will be a next year. Yes Guy!
At this year’s @NXNE festival ?@NewMusicTen hosted and arranged a freshtastical @NXNE showcase @MeasureTO in Toronto on June 12, 2013. 5 outstanding bands who should all be selling out and playing the ACC, instead humbly agreed to play our first ever festival showcase. I remain deeply grateful to them, their talents, and their courage to share their music with us and well with anybody who is willing to hear. And of course I deeply appreciate everyone who came out, grabbed a slice of cake, took handfuls of candy when they thought nobody was looking and danced, danced, danced.
Thank you to NXNE for letting us put on this party…can we do it all again next year?
Here are some of the best tweets from last night’s NewMusic Ten NXNE showcase!
Comedy Records ?@ComedyRecords
Check out New Music 10 show tonight as part of @nxne Produced by our buddy @mypalsammy
Olivia D’Orazio @oliviadoRAZ
LOVED every single performer!!
Gilles LeBlanc ?@ROCKthusiast
Birthday wishes to one of the singers of The Lovelocks, complete with cake and LOOT BAGS! What other #NXNE13 showcase has that?
Raz Mataz Magazine ?@razmatazmag
{The cake} was delicious! Can’t beat a band that feeds its audience!
Lana Gay @LanaGay
There is cake and candy at the @NewMusicTen showcase?!? Bonus! Also, NMT is a great concept, check it out. #nxne
Scott Howard ?@howardscottj @mypalsammy good tunes, bad-ass t-shirts, cool venue, and cake! Best #NXNE13 showcase I’ve been too. ?@NewMusicTen thanks 4 invite
Mel Carrey @MelCarrey @mypalsammy we had a blast! Great show. I’m still finding candy in my purse lol
The Indie Machine @theindiemachine
So much fun…thanks for a great night!
Culture Snap ?@culture_snap
Kudos to @NewMusicTen You did an amazing job with your #NXNE showcase. Great bands and moments Good to see @rockthusiast too 🙂
The Cardinal Points @crdnlpts
Wish we were at the @NewMusicTen showcase at #NXNE tonight.
Follow the hard working and devastatingly handsome NewMusic Team:
Sammy Younan AKA ?NewMusic Ten
Gilles LeBlanc AKA ?@ROCKthusiast
Henry VanderSpek AKA @culture_snap
The NewMusic Ten NXNE showcase got some press…and as you can see based on the photo, they put us next to B.B. King and Nom Nom’s Frozen Yogurt…mmmm. All win!
Super cool speaking gig…with excellent food. All-Win!
Ryerson’s ACS department hosted an event last night: The ACS Mix&Mingle.
Young professionals (such as myself…so the term is professional is not entirely accurate!) mixed and mingled with ACS students to discuss one on one how they got to where they did in their career.
Other professionals included lawyers, teachers, journalists, people who work in the media, public relations…the type of folks that graduate with an arts degree. I got mine in English.
Process of elimination…I’m excellent at reading and writing. Hence…English degree.
I’ve been classified as a Game Changer. Which is great, now I know what to write on the Occupation line on those Customs Cards.
And here it be: This week’s Volunteer Spotlight is on Sammy Younan! At Raising The Village, we believe that knowing our volunteers means knowing our organization. That’s why we want to give you the opportunity to learn a little bit more about all of us! As part of RTV’s board, Sammy gives the organization its creative spark.
I’ve been blessed with the lovely opportunity to sit down with the charming Ronit Rubinstein from PRODUCT Magazine! The magazine, in their words covers: “Amazing People, Places and Great Things!” And last I checked I am a noun! (I’m feeling tender these days…usually when the self-esteem is higher I feel like a verb, you know how it goes).
Check this out…I am Ronit’s first magazine interview…how cool is that?
We talked about NewMusic Ten, S’up Cuz…creativity and more!
Look for that in January 2013. I know my Mom will be on the lookout.
Oh but in the meantime look for Ronit’s book…she and 2 others edited City Voices: A Book of Monologues by Toronto Artists.
You can visit one of the following: a) the pantsless option: cityvoices.ca or b) the pants option: TheatreBooks, The Glad Day Bookshop, Tarragon Theatre.
To quote Marge Simpson it’s time to give back to the community we’ve taken so so much from!
Ladies and gentlemen put your hands together…for NewMusic Ten’s Christmas Cheer Celebration!
NewMusic Ten has joined forces with Raising The Village who are:
“a non-profit organization that provides critical infrastructure, tools and training to recovering villages in Uganda.”
This is incredible work that impacts children, women and…elephants. Yes elephants. Have you ever heard of a beehive fence? Now you have and you’ll have the most fascinating bit of trivia to share at holiday parties this year. No more suffering through small talk for you.
Each of December’s Artists have or will contribute to Raising The Village. And normally NewMusic Ten earns 30% from every sale but for December all of that money will go Raising The Village. Suddenly we’re all looking better than this year’s sexiest man alive.
And you have an opportunity to participate, to donate:
Buy music and as I said the 30% will go to Raising the Village. Get your single friends to drop by and buy music, hey it’s the holidays…what better gift can you give to people you love than fresh music?
Donate to Raising The Village directly! We’ve set up a special CanadaHelps giving page for this month only. So raid your couch for coins, skip the Taco Bell and do something extraordinary with your money. This isn’t charity…it’s an investment in yourself and in this world.
Be sexy! Helping others is fun, good for you and makes you attractive to others. Share all this goodness with all the beautiful people you know.
Lastly…you want to help, lemme know how! I’m on the twitter and the facebook.
This XConnect interview had a huge impact on me. In the past when I’ve done interviews it was typically for 1 product or 1 company, say just a S’up Cuz interview. This interview we discussed everything…NewMusic Ten, S’up Cuz, The SampleBank all kinds of goodness.
I understand how broad interviews make me appear unfocused (I’m sure I appear scattered on this website) however I’ve adopted the exact same business model as Richard Branson’s Virgin (expect space, that I can’t afford…for now). Ultimately I’m motivated by stories: telling my stories or telling the stories of others. The great thing about social media and the web is…the campfire which we all gather around has gotten way bigger. There are not only more stories but now more storytellers. We live in one of the greatest eras!
Hypebot writer Clyde Smith wants to know if you’re enticed by the NewMusic Ten premise:
NewMusic Ten: Anti-iTunes Pop-Up Shop
I would have included NewMusic Ten in an earlier music discovery roundup, but I mistakenly thought it was a service offering music bundling. But that’s on me cause I should have realized from the press release that “online music’s first ever pop up shop” is the “anti-iTunes coupled with eHarmony.”
NewMusic Ten offers a monthly selection of an album or EP from each of 10 artists. At the end of the month, everything is erased including comments and a new batch is introduced. And, before too awfully long, the whole thing will be gone because it’s “designed with obsolescence in mind.” Enticed?
Part of the process of building The SampleBank is listening. Listening to bands and fans and people who work at record companies. One of the common struggles is discovery.
Sure word of mouth is great for sharing new music but…how does that get started? We live in an era of music abundance and while the internet has been great in offering musicians myriad methods of distribution we still require opportunity generators for discovery.
Enter NewMusic Ten!
NewMusic Ten is online music’s first ever pop up shop.
In real life in retail pop shops literally spring up everywhere. Sometimes for 2 weeks…sometimes for a month. I am transferring pop up shop principles to an online music store.
Music fans have 1 month to explore 10 Artists offering 1 album/ep each.
That’s it. 1 month! On midnight February 29 the site will be erased and another 10 Artists will be uploaded.
It is a pop up shop so please, don’t expect it to last. Here today…gone, well I’m not sure. Let’s have some fun with this.
Go, discover new music, encourage the artists…there is no sign up. I’m not collecting any information nor do I want it. Leave comments, vote, explore and share. It’s your world, your store…let’s now build a great soundtrack.
Who are the first 10? We got a ukulele player from NYC, a Scottish rock band, hip hop from Chicago and more!
The twitter account is @thesamplebank and hashtag is #NewMusicTen. (Yes the twitter is confusing but again pop up shop people so no point in getting a temporary twitter!)
So this is funtastic! As you know DC and I run S’up Cuz and we’ve slowly been adopted and accepted among the t-shirt set. Hopefully as we continue to improve our stock will rise. Today however I’ve become a t-shirt reviewer for Tee Gazette.
From their About: “The Tee Gazette is a way for designers to get the word out on new designs that are being released, and contests, discounts. This will be a one stop shopping experience for those who are interested in t-shirt design and purchasing!”
So this is mega cool and a sweet honour. The work, as always begins…check out published for my reviews.
I had the immense privilege of spending a few moments being interviewed by Kurt Sasso from TGT Media.
We talked about creativity, a couple who came by our booth on their honeymoon (nerds in love!), S’up Cuz t-shirts, my book Red Letter Nights and of course…candy!
Thanks to all who came, bought or just supported us during FanExpo.
Thanks to Brian E for snapping photos, you can see some of them up @supcuztshirt on the twitters.
At the urinal next to me Darth Vader saddled up (he has a zipper??). I leaned over & advised: “Don’t “force” it. Hard to tell with the mask but he seemed less than amused.
It’s called The Innovation Seduction: Musicians Meeting Nerds. It’s about how musicians need to get going and start seeking soft innovations. Mash up the scene, yo!
And you know what? I want to get it. I don’t care about the odds. And I don’t want to get it for my own fame or glory. No.
I want to get it because the folks assembled here the A-Team. They are the best kept secrets but it’s time to blab. They should all be household names, with every move covered by TMZ and in interviews they should be casually remarking they are bigger than Jesus.
Plus I’m too old to do something small.
Introductions: here are the folks on the SXSW panel:
Karim Awad is the Q to my James Bond: when it comes to the technical stuff he always makes me look good. He is the Principal and Creative Director of big time design & communication which…in this small space I can’t even describe all the cool things those gents get into. Karim enjoys painting.
Travis Persaud is a writer, editor for Chart (RIP), Exclaim, Zoomer and I dunno what else. I dunno how many bands he’s seen, maybe he doesn’t other, but he is guy from Almost Famous, he hangs out with the bands. 5-9 Productions is his shift into PR and marketing and as my shrink: dude always takes the time to listen to me. Travis enjoys quality cigars.
Lana Gay lives in Vancouver blogging, twittering, djing and so much more for CBC3; her delightful show is called Lanarama. Naturally curious always playful she would totally fit in on Pirate Radio (she’s damn funny!). Lana enjoys Scooby-Doo.
So…go: get people to vote. Ring the alarm. Spread the word about this panel and let’s see what can we do to make it happen.
Today’ll be fun: I’m teaching kids how to write poetry.
I’m privileged to host poetry workshops; the kids & I have a blast.
To get em thinking about types of poetry I’m using:
Jay-Z Empire State
Dr. Seuss’ Oh The Places You’ll Go
Ruby Dee’s I Am Somebody
and Twip a poem I wrote about Spider-Man.
I ain’t Robin Williams-Dead Poets Society but for true this ain’t gonna be your typical boring English class.
At the Clothing Show, as per S’up Cuz tradition our booths feature candy (and Sassy Classy t-shirts!). Like a cute dog, like a small naked child motoring on two chubby legs candy attracts the masses. The system works!
There DC and I had the fortunate opportunity to engage Yvette-Michelle Cottle Darby who was also hosting a Clothing Show booth. After plying her with candy we heard more of her story and about being a writer for the blog Crafted Spaces. Oh and hosting a Crafted Spaces podcast, which she asked that DC and I partake as an interview slash discussion on partnerships.
Excellent. Time to polish our jokes because podcasts like life don’t offer a second take!
Oh…as for why…why on a blog devoted to comeuppance and justice we’d invite a music writer?
I say why ask why!
Any questions?
On Your Nose (www.onyournose.com) is the charismatic celebration of comeuppance in pop culture and life. Come·up·pance noun: A punishment or fate that someone earns. On Your Nose: For when In Your Face just won’t do & Deal With It isn’t enough!
On Your Nose is the ideal expression for this remarkable community seriously seeking satisfaction in successes (“I told you so!”), a bold way to engage pop culture and declare the misfortunes of common cautionary tales. Not quite karma, not quite grace, not quite funk, not quite soul.
On Your Nose is that seriously sassy spot where your nasal bone ends and your cartilage begins. Yes Guy!
This one is a rockin cd review of Sweet Thing’s self-titled major label debut. Check it.
If you’re curious about Sweet Thing you can see their music in the cheeky movie Easy A or of course on the internets!
If you’re curious why we occasionally feature music related items on On Your Nose Blog’s well we have some good reasons, none of them are probably “logical.” On Your Nose logic!
First Stacie rocks, she’s an outstanding music writer and we wanted to expose her work to a larger audience. As for the content fitting in well it actually makes sense: you need good music to celebrate comeuppance. A silent celebration doesn’t exactly pack the place with ladies. Plus it’s fun. So…there it is. On Your Nose logic!
Any questions?
On Your Nose (www.onyournose.com) is the charismatic celebration of comeuppance in pop culture and life. Come·up·pance noun: A punishment or fate that someone earns. On Your Nose: For when In Your Face just won’t do & Deal With It isn’t enough!
On Your Nose is the ideal expression for this remarkable community seriously seeking satisfaction in successes (“I told you so!”), a bold way to engage pop culture and declare the misfortunes of common cautionary tales. Not quite karma, not quite grace, not quite funk, not quite soul.
On Your Nose is that seriously sassy spot where your nasal bone ends and your cartilage begins. Yes Guy!
Ok so most of you guys know my pal Jordan…from Sam Hell and the editor of my poetry book Red Letter Nights. He and another friend Mark are in this band called Vas Vega. They’re starting a residency on Monday nights, starting on the 10th and I’ll be opening for them…every Monday night with a couple of poems. Read on…
So with the recent launch of On Your Nose we’re adding a sexy fun feature.
The On Your Nose Blog is called PillowTalk! (Actually we wanted to add PillowFight but it got so complicated!).
(“It’s just PillowTalk baby!”).
PillowTalk features videos and photos and all kinds of sublime treats for your other remaining senses. Mmmmmm that’s a tasty blog, Sammy.
As if that wasn’t enough we’re also offering an intrepid music writer Stacie’s perspective on music!
CD reviews, rock shows…concert venues you have to read it to believe what this woman writes about.
If you think Daredevil is fearless you haven’t seen anything yet! (And technically neither has he!).
Now if your hand is raised to ask why on a blog devoted to comeuppance and justice we’d invite a music writer I’d answer by saying good question.
And suggest not everything in this life is designed to make sense. Or dollars. (Works better if you say it out loud).
Just make tea and enjoy her first blog here: Stacie is a great writer plus critics should note she rolls with Roller Derby chicas so expect cross roller bruisers at your front door for negative reviews! As my mom says during road trips: “You’ve been warned!”
Any questions?
On Your Nose (www.onyournose.com) is the charismatic celebration of comeuppance in pop culture and life. Come·up·pance noun: A punishment or fate that someone earns. On Your Nose: For when In Your Face just won’t do & Deal With It isn’t enough!
On Your Nose is the ideal expression for this remarkable community seriously seeking satisfaction in successes (“I told you so!”), a bold way to engage pop culture and declare the misfortunes of common cautionary tales. Not quite karma, not quite grace, not quite funk, not quite soul.
On Your Nose is that seriously sassy spot where your nasal bone ends and your cartilage begins. Yes Guy!
People in cyber land meet On Your Nose, On Your Nose meet people in cyber land.
onyournose.com is…for you and by you. This is a new community. Does the web need another community? Absolutely, community is what the web is all about, especially a community with a special flavour. Check it…
As it says on the home page:
On Your Nose is the charismatic celebration of comeuppance in pop culture and life.
come·up·pance noun: A punishment or fate that someone earns. Yes Guy!
On Your Nose is that seriously sassy spot where your nasal bone ends and your cartilage begins.
On Your Nose: For when In Your Face just won’t do & Deal With It isn’t enough.
Oh yes, we’ve all been there. So go, sign up, play, post, read, comment, it’s your community. Make it what you will.
For my next Top Five for Pop Candy a USAToday blog written by Ms. Whitney Matheson I wanted to celebrate Christmas. And what says Christmas more than…a turkey?
So here is my Top Five Christmas Movie Turkeys. (You really thought I was gonna say Baby Jesus? Or even Santa…a Christmas tree maybe? Yo…I’m in it for the food!)
For the hopelessly romantic, for the bookworm now reading at a Grade 5 level or higher & for fans of Spider-Man this Christmas might I suggest my book: Red Letter Nights.
This one has it all True Believers! Mayhem, Magic and Much Much More! Hotter than Bratz & cooler than an ipad it has to be read—without pants—to be appreciated. This Christmas…give the gift of poetry.
So as per my agreement with Lana Gay and her wonderful CBC 3 show Lanarama I had to select 3 winners from Vancouver, who would receive concert tickets and then 3 winners from outside BC to get copies of my book Red Letter Nights.
Here’s what I picked along with some bonus commentary.
Ever sat at the uncool kids table in your high school cafeteria? Well no more! Here’s my chance to run with the fun and cool and hip kids.
I’ve got a SXSW pitch up and it’s available for public voting and…you’re public. Please vote, if one of us can escape the uncool kids table there’s hope and inspiration the rest of us can get there. Plus good karma, vote for me and usher in goodness into your life. (Offer Void in Quebec, Hawaii and Alaska).
Not sure what SXSW is? To the Internet! Oh…wait, we’re already here. Wow, things are moving more rapidly.
So SXSW means South by Southwest. It’s in Austin, Texas. Really cool hip town (the whole town is a cool kids table).
SXSW is a film, interactive and music festivals extravaganza all rolled into 1 over 4 days in March. Over 2000 bands, I dunno how many movies, loads of parties and as for the interactive part all kinds of web creators, entrepreneurs, designers and other funky fresh individuals show up and tell us about all the cool stuff they are working on. It’s nuts, I’m just working on today, some of these people are like working on the future.
In 2007 Twitter was launched at SXSW. Coolness.
You will need to create an account to vote, this is what the nice SXSW people say:
Voting is simple and FREE! Go to PanelPicker.sxsw.com any time between August 9 and August 27, 2010, click “Sign In” at the top left of the page. Next click “create a new account” and fill out the simple form. Once you are signed up you will be able to review, rate and comment on all submissions for the 2011 event. Voting officially closes on August 27, but the interface will remain open for comments through the event.
Feel free to add comments, questions, Eva Mendes’ phone number and jokes to the pitch.
So, go, vote, help me get to the cool kids table, I’ll bring you all with me. Promise.
Got a chance to frolic in Paul Allardyce’s blog In Tenor & Vogue a blog that is “a retrospective on behaviour, attitude and image. a tip of the hat and a cheers of the glass to some of the icons of style who have set the bar in method and form.”
Really cool insights and a sweet celebration of creativity…I highly recommend your check out this blog.
My post contribution is about Ms. Patti Smith! Check It.
Recently a journalist asked where I was in terms of career and where did I want to go. Not sure how to answer that I threw out the standard “world domination” bit then cackled madly. (He wisely pointed out it was a newspaper interview the laugh didn’t need to be there but I believe in giving quality in all things).
Later I made tea and soberly pondered the question. (Had I drunkenly pondered the question I’d have gone back to world domination then cackled madly but laughing when you’re alone is worse than laughing to an unamused newspaper reporter).
I’ve come up with 10 things, some longshots, some not, that I’d like to achieve over the next year.
Come by often to see updates and how the status will change.
1) Oprah’s Book Club
Classic yes I know. And I don’t think Ops has ever picked a book of poetry for her club. Longshot at best but meh…it’s still a shot. No point in playing if you’re not gonna ask for the ball in the 4th quarter.
2) Challenge Ellen DeGeneres to a dance off!
On her show Ellen often dances, celebrates and has a good time. Except for the having my own tv show part…so do I. It’s time to kick it old school and challenge her. And you know? I can take her. I believe it, deep in my bones: I can take her! Chick’s going down.
Observe…40 seconds of sheer greatness!:
STATUS: Putting the package together to send her and lay the challenge down!
3) Contact Mark Waid
I recognize Mark Waid is not a household name for many. But those in comic fandom know him well. In the mid-90s he wrote a staggering Flash run (insert pun). All these years later those astonishing tales inspired my Flash poem on page 68 in Red Letter Nights called River of Speed. It’s why that poem is dedicated to him. Really I just want to say thanks: I’ve deeply enjoyed his tales over the years no matter the characters.
STATUS: Wrote up a not-to-nerd-letter and put it with Red Letter Nights into the mail. Now we wait.
4) Shake Jordan’s hand & give him a book
I’ve never met Michael Jordan. Mr. 23. It would be outstanding to give him a copy of the book especially with the poem Flight 23: Wingspan (on page 61) and just say “yo: thanks for all the mad adventures.” Another super long shot.
5) Volunteer at 826 in New York City & San Francisco
I do this poetry workshop bit in schools and with inner city kids. We all have fun, get to be creative and see where the muse takes us. And honestly the stuff those kids write is crazy amazing. As a fan of Dave Eggers and what he’s been able to pull off with these 2 stores, it would be most awesome to give back to the community. Even if the community isn’t mine.
6) Contribute 1 Today’s Top Five on Pop Candy
Pop Candy is an awesome USA Today blog written by Whitney Matheson. She graciously asks readers to write and contribute a Top 5 on…anything so long as it’s related to pop culture. I figure since it’s National Poetry month I should be able to get my thinking cap on and send in something!
Status: I got an idea! Thank Jeebus for the idea factory known as the shower. Now I write.
Status: Done&Done! It got published: Today’s Pop Five: Sammy Y.’s poetic film picks. To quote Whit: “I love this!”
7) File a report on Daily Show as a correspondent
It would be all kinds of ruckus to be able to file a funny political story half Daily Show half Ali G. The hardest part would be keeping a straight face. Got no sweet clue how to pull this one off but it’s gonna be all tales to get her done.
While at 65 it’s great I’ve got more followers than Jesus there’s something to be said about critical mass. About having a buzzing and funky online community. Twitter is the updated version of the caveman cave drawings. It’s our story, our presence, our jokes and our good times. All the more reason to have more people gather round the campfire.
9) Tea With Poets
There are a number of the poets who I dig who are alive and doing all kinds of mythical and mighty work. My desire is to have tea with them. To hash it out, push and prod, to get into it…all of it. From Bono to Alicia Keys to Ms. Ruby Dee to Maya Angelou. Just a tea. How cool would that be? Want to come?
10) Get Super Powers & use them for good…
Politicians can never change the world because they don’t inspire. A superhero is a living Nike ad in living colour: Just Do It indeed. I need a hook first…an odd freak accident or something to obtain super powers. Maybe start wandering hydro fields during thunderstorms. Or help the army with bizarre not quite moral experiments. But then after that I’m determined to use my super powers for good. Well most of the time. For example I won’t have to take any guff at Target when I’m returning an opened item. But yeah most of the time I’d use my super powers for good. No tights though…not with this figure.
There…that be the Top 10 Plans I have for the next year. Any ideas? I really need help with the last one but if you can help out any of them hit me up. Let’s make it happen.
Go to www.aipf.org for more information on the Austin International Poetry Festival. It’s really encouraging poetry as a medium can throw a party like this. Sure film festivals get all the glory and music festivals get all the chicks but poetry’s down and can get down with the best of them.
UWindsor grad aims to be well-fed poet
By Paul Breschuk, Lance Features Editor The Lance
“While the book (Red Letter Nights) may not offer any definitive answers as to the true meaning or purpose of a certain colour, its careful study resembles a classical composer’s exploration of various keys.
Interestingly, it was the synesthesia of composer Alexander Scriabin which allowed him to experience musical notes as colours. The same sensory blending and creative reworking of interpreted truths can be found within the lines of Red Letter Nights.
Younan’s refined perception leads him to find inspiration in any manner of experience, constantly evaluating the poetic possibility of even the most mundane occurrences.
“Any writer who says they have to wait for inspiration is fired,” explained Younan. “Inspiration is not like the bus. It will not come because you are faithfully standing in the right spot.”
This is the hot spot to catch up on all things Sammy. And I have a lot planned for 2010, please stick with me, come by often!
First up: Check out my new book Red Letter Nights…available online wherever fine books are sold. Well and the not so fine books either. Love that riff raff.
