I never understood giving people “gifts” for donating their blood. Shouldn’t that be one of those random acts of kindness? I guess not, seeing we are always short on blood. But now - for the first time - I am ecstatic that they give us gifts.
A little birdie told me that if you give blood to the Florida Blood Center, you can get a free backstage pass to Warped Tour. (For those of you who don’t know – Warped Tour is a yearly outdoor rock festival, which pays a visit to Miami on July 21.)
Now, of course, I was skeptical of such a wonderful freebie, so I did my homework.
And, drum roll please… it is completely true. If you donate blood to the drive, you get to go back stage and meet your favorite bands.
The mission by giving away backstage passes is “to help save lives by creating simple opportunities for people to give and get back something special related to music, musical artists and general entertainment,” Florida’s Blood Centers said.
This year may not have the all-time best bands, but there are a few worthy candidates. Here are my Warped picks:
All Time Low – “Coffee Shop Soundtrack”
For more check out their website
Anberlin – “Paperthin Hymns”
For more check out their website
Boys Like Girls – “The Great Escape”
For more check out their website
Hawthorne Heights – “Pens and Needles”
For more check out their website
Just a little history behind the video… It was filmed at a Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale, and guess who was there? Yours truly.
New Found Glory – “My Friends Over You”
For more check out their website
Paramore – “Emergency”
For more check out their website
So no matter if you just want to get wasted and/or sunburned, it is worth “saving a life” to go meet one of your favorite bands during the show.
Remember, there is more to life than free backstage passes.
Warped Tour is Saturday, July 21. Doors open at 11 a.m. – try to get there early; there will be a long line and most likely an awesome band playing right when you get in – and tickets are $31 plus taxes. You must buy a ticket in order to use the backstage pass!
There are only a few more days to get your free pass, so don’t miss out!
South Florida Donation Days:
July 9 – 12 2007
FIU- Biscayne Bay Campus: Miami 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
July 13 - 14, 2007
Lake Park Branch Location
(561) 845-2323
July 13: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
July 14: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
For more information on Warped Tour, visit their site , and for more information on the blood drive, visit Music Saves Lives website.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Paris Is Out. Yippie?
12:15 a.m. Tuesday morning, Paris Hilton walked out of jail.
Like I care.
By now, every person who can come in contact with a form of news media has heard about Hilton’s drinking problem and jail stay. Every top story online these past couple of weeks has had something to do with Hilton.
America is being fed so much about Hilton that magazines do not want to talk about her anymore. It has gotten so bad that US Weekly doesn’t even want to put her on the cover this coming Friday.
On Tuesday, the US Weekly Editor, Janice Min, told The Associated Press: "When it came down to it, the staff and I felt what I believe a lot of people in America are feeling. Which is just enormous Paris fatigue."
Could this mean we are actually moving on? Maybe we can remember that there is a war still going on – or not. We worry so much about celebrities that we do not remember there are American people dying overseas; all we care about is Hilton's first meal after her stay in the pretty celebrity jail cell.
The media has been going nuts over the wrong things, from whether or not Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington will return for another season, to how much Angelina Jolie weighs. So what if Hilton is in jail? She’s messed up; anyone who can watch an episode of “The Simple Life” and not think, “What is this world coming to?” is in the same boat.
E! Online had a video showing a grown man at Hilton’s release “party” screaming: “Our princess is free!” People can stand outside of a jail and fight for a celebrity's freedom from prison, but these same people cannot stand up to protest the war - which is something that could actually affect them.
Whatever.
In an AOL News poll, over 170,000 people agreed that Hilton was served justice.
Is that a joke? The idea that people actually care about her to this extent is sickening.
Hilton was charged with reckless driving in January and put on three years probation. Doesn't reckless driving heighten the chances of killing people? I guess not in her eyes. But no, being put on probation wasn’t enough for her. She was then pulled over two times by police officers and, the second time, was sent to court. She was then sentenced to 45 days in jail for violating her probation. Now, if she would have killed someone, that would be interesting - she would probably have to serve the same jail time, and nothing more.
She was in jail for less then three weeks, and that is justice? Well, I guess celebrities just have it easy – we have to remember that she is a Hilton.
It is amazing what people think is justice. I guess all that matters now is children can idolize an ex-con. We’ll see where that leads the youth of America.
Like I care.
By now, every person who can come in contact with a form of news media has heard about Hilton’s drinking problem and jail stay. Every top story online these past couple of weeks has had something to do with Hilton.
America is being fed so much about Hilton that magazines do not want to talk about her anymore. It has gotten so bad that US Weekly doesn’t even want to put her on the cover this coming Friday.
On Tuesday, the US Weekly Editor, Janice Min, told The Associated Press: "When it came down to it, the staff and I felt what I believe a lot of people in America are feeling. Which is just enormous Paris fatigue."
Could this mean we are actually moving on? Maybe we can remember that there is a war still going on – or not. We worry so much about celebrities that we do not remember there are American people dying overseas; all we care about is Hilton's first meal after her stay in the pretty celebrity jail cell.
The media has been going nuts over the wrong things, from whether or not Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington will return for another season, to how much Angelina Jolie weighs. So what if Hilton is in jail? She’s messed up; anyone who can watch an episode of “The Simple Life” and not think, “What is this world coming to?” is in the same boat.
E! Online had a video showing a grown man at Hilton’s release “party” screaming: “Our princess is free!” People can stand outside of a jail and fight for a celebrity's freedom from prison, but these same people cannot stand up to protest the war - which is something that could actually affect them.
Whatever.
In an AOL News poll, over 170,000 people agreed that Hilton was served justice.
Is that a joke? The idea that people actually care about her to this extent is sickening.
Hilton was charged with reckless driving in January and put on three years probation. Doesn't reckless driving heighten the chances of killing people? I guess not in her eyes. But no, being put on probation wasn’t enough for her. She was then pulled over two times by police officers and, the second time, was sent to court. She was then sentenced to 45 days in jail for violating her probation. Now, if she would have killed someone, that would be interesting - she would probably have to serve the same jail time, and nothing more.
She was in jail for less then three weeks, and that is justice? Well, I guess celebrities just have it easy – we have to remember that she is a Hilton.
It is amazing what people think is justice. I guess all that matters now is children can idolize an ex-con. We’ll see where that leads the youth of America.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
We Need Moore Health Care
Director/Actor/Writer Michael Moore has a new documentary, Sicko, which was leaked on YouTube and other file sharing sites this past weekend. Moore is infamous for his documentaries Bowling for Columbine and Fahrenheit 911.
Sicko is a documentary about health care in the United States, or for that matter, what health care?
In Sicko , Moore asked the United States Treasury Department for an OK to go to Cuba, where he wanted to get health care for three 9/11 rescue workers. With no response from the Treasury Department, Moore took the workers into Cuba to get them the health care they deserved, which would add a few years to their lives.
Moore claims that the workers were ill due to 9/11 and the U.S. government was not coming to their aid.
Students all around campus seemed to have the same conclusion to the health care problem that Moore shows in the documentary.
“Bottom line, he saved three people's lives. It shouldn’t be such a big problem,” said Brian Torres, a junior with a concentration in business.
This is one of the key facts: He saved three people who would have otherwise died here without having been treated. We are the richest country and we have our people suffer from not being able to have health care. I just don’t get it.
“It's OK [what Moore did], he saved people. Why should they have to suffer if we can do something about it?” said Keith McIntosh, a junior with his focus on communication.
The problem with people going to Cuba is that the United States does not want its people to be there; the only people allowed in are journalists. Moore asked the Treasury Department for permission to go there but they never responded, so he went on with his plans.
I don’t believe it is the government’s decision to say who goes where. If people know the problems behind where they are going, then it’s their call to travel into these foreign places.
“I believe that what Moore does helps the general public understand just how big the problems are that we seem to ignore on a daily basis,” says Nicole Carstensen, a sophomore studying communication. “He needs to go to these extremes so that things will change. Why can’t Americans have free health care? Our surrounding neighbors [Canada and Cuba] both have it.”
I agree that what Moore did was majorly extreme, and needed to be done. Why should the government attack him for trying to save people and prove his point?
The only way to get through to that many people is by mass media, in an "art" form. By making a movie out of the United States Issues, will make people understand just how horrible health care here is.
It’s time for Americans to take a stand and try their hardest to get free health care.
“Sicko” Trailer
There is a preview of “Sicko” at the Regal South Beach 18 in Miami on Saturday, June 23. It is scheduled to hit theaters on Friday, June 29.
Sicko is a documentary about health care in the United States, or for that matter, what health care?
In Sicko , Moore asked the United States Treasury Department for an OK to go to Cuba, where he wanted to get health care for three 9/11 rescue workers. With no response from the Treasury Department, Moore took the workers into Cuba to get them the health care they deserved, which would add a few years to their lives.
Moore claims that the workers were ill due to 9/11 and the U.S. government was not coming to their aid.
Students all around campus seemed to have the same conclusion to the health care problem that Moore shows in the documentary.
“Bottom line, he saved three people's lives. It shouldn’t be such a big problem,” said Brian Torres, a junior with a concentration in business.
This is one of the key facts: He saved three people who would have otherwise died here without having been treated. We are the richest country and we have our people suffer from not being able to have health care. I just don’t get it.
“It's OK [what Moore did], he saved people. Why should they have to suffer if we can do something about it?” said Keith McIntosh, a junior with his focus on communication.
The problem with people going to Cuba is that the United States does not want its people to be there; the only people allowed in are journalists. Moore asked the Treasury Department for permission to go there but they never responded, so he went on with his plans.
I don’t believe it is the government’s decision to say who goes where. If people know the problems behind where they are going, then it’s their call to travel into these foreign places.
“I believe that what Moore does helps the general public understand just how big the problems are that we seem to ignore on a daily basis,” says Nicole Carstensen, a sophomore studying communication. “He needs to go to these extremes so that things will change. Why can’t Americans have free health care? Our surrounding neighbors [Canada and Cuba] both have it.”
I agree that what Moore did was majorly extreme, and needed to be done. Why should the government attack him for trying to save people and prove his point?
The only way to get through to that many people is by mass media, in an "art" form. By making a movie out of the United States Issues, will make people understand just how horrible health care here is.
It’s time for Americans to take a stand and try their hardest to get free health care.
“Sicko” Trailer
There is a preview of “Sicko” at the Regal South Beach 18 in Miami on Saturday, June 23. It is scheduled to hit theaters on Friday, June 29.
Monday, June 11, 2007
There Was More to Life Than The Sopranos Series Finale
Yes, I did care if Tony Soprano got wacked this past weekend - but my love of music prevailed. I forcefully detached myself from the last episode ever and watched the Tony Awards.
(For those of you who don't know - the Tony Awards are the most important Award for Broadway productions.)
About 10 years ago, I remember standing on Flager Drive in West Palm Beach, waiting in anticipation to see the singer, whose mom currently lives in Hobe Sound, Duncan Sheik.
I was 10 years old and ever since that concert I have enjoyed his music. The Grammy-nominated soloist has released 5 records since his well-known self-titled album.
Now the man behind the hit, "Barely Breathing," has made his mark on Broadway.
The musical, Spring Awakening's success is due to Sheik and Steven Sater - Sheik wrote the music and Sater wrote the lyrics.
The New York Post called it "An unexpected jolt of sudden genius! A groundbreaking must-see musical sure to wake up Broadway!"
This past weekend, Sheik and crew were nominated for 11 Tony Awards and won 8 of them including Best Musical and Original Score.
When Sheik accepted one of his awards he said, "Thank you for letting this live. You did a very cool thing. And musical theater rocks."
Now for the next couple of months the show will sell out, and basically be untouchable.
Spring Awakening plays in New York City, yet the CD has been available everywhere for fans' listening pleasure.
Even if your not a fan of musicals or Sheik, the soundtrack is packed with some good stand alone tracks such as, "Bitch of Living."
The New York Observer called it "A Miracle that must be seen to be believed, the best new musical in a generation!"
So whether or not you can travel to NYC just yet, you can still take a listen to the Award winning music convienently on your iPod.
Spring Awakening performance at the 61st Tony Awards
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Summer TV May Actually be Worthy of Watching
One thing that bothers me every summer is how I finally have time to watch TV and none of the shows I want to see are on.
One show that has caught my eye since it premiered three seasons ago is Entourage on HBO (which was conveniently on after The Sopranos on Sunday nights). That is the only show that captivates my attention during the summer.
If you haven't seen Entourage, and have HBO, you can go to the Guide and see every episode of it from this last season thus far.
Now that the summer is here, I realized that I need to have something else to get addicted to, so I did some homework.
Here are some shows which seem worthy of investing at least one episode:
- Heartland on TNT, Starts June 18th.
Treat Williams is no 'House' but this is a surgeon drama and surely has to have some redeeming factor.
- The Closer new season begins on June 18, on TNT
- The Starter Wife Re-premires on the USA Network Tomorrow.
Emmy winner Debra Messing, of Will & Grace fame, stars in the six- episode mini series, which follows the life of a divorcee who is making her way back into the dating world.
- Hidden Palms is on the CW, Wednesdays at 8pm.
Seems like a twisted version of "The OC." From the same creator of "Dawson’s Creek" and I Know What You Did Last Summer, this new show is a perfect combination of the two.
On the other hand, if none of these shows appeal to you there are a few more options.
1.) Go to Blockbuster and rent a season you didn’t get to catch last year - or buy them so you don't have to deal with late fees.
2.) Head over to NBC.com or FOX.com to catch this past seasons shows for FREE!
I started to watch Heroes when it premiered last season, but realized I had no time for it.
But now that summer is here, I can finally watch it without paying for it.
Just go to NBC.com and click on the show you want to see. You can start with episode 1 and go all the way to the season finale. This applies for numerous shows besides Heroes.
So the next time you have to watch some Full House reruns, remember to just go online and watch something new.
One show that has caught my eye since it premiered three seasons ago is Entourage on HBO (which was conveniently on after The Sopranos on Sunday nights). That is the only show that captivates my attention during the summer.
If you haven't seen Entourage, and have HBO, you can go to the Guide and see every episode of it from this last season thus far.
Now that the summer is here, I realized that I need to have something else to get addicted to, so I did some homework.
Here are some shows which seem worthy of investing at least one episode:
- Heartland on TNT, Starts June 18th.
Treat Williams is no 'House' but this is a surgeon drama and surely has to have some redeeming factor.
- The Closer new season begins on June 18, on TNT
- The Starter Wife Re-premires on the USA Network Tomorrow.
Emmy winner Debra Messing, of Will & Grace fame, stars in the six- episode mini series, which follows the life of a divorcee who is making her way back into the dating world.
- Hidden Palms is on the CW, Wednesdays at 8pm.
Seems like a twisted version of "The OC." From the same creator of "Dawson’s Creek" and I Know What You Did Last Summer, this new show is a perfect combination of the two.
On the other hand, if none of these shows appeal to you there are a few more options.
1.) Go to Blockbuster and rent a season you didn’t get to catch last year - or buy them so you don't have to deal with late fees.
2.) Head over to NBC.com or FOX.com to catch this past seasons shows for FREE!
I started to watch Heroes when it premiered last season, but realized I had no time for it.
But now that summer is here, I can finally watch it without paying for it.
Just go to NBC.com and click on the show you want to see. You can start with episode 1 and go all the way to the season finale. This applies for numerous shows besides Heroes.
So the next time you have to watch some Full House reruns, remember to just go online and watch something new.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)