As a part of the Purchase community, i've met some pretty talented people. One of these people, is Sam Bennett. Sam is a composer, director and an overall cool dude. I was doing some internet lurking and found some impressive videos that he's directed. What makes me so impressed, is his ability to dabble in all forms of video. If it's the the funny short, the apocalyptic snippet, or my favorite, the music video. He composes his work in a creative style that keeps me wanting more. Take a look at his work, and you decide!
The Funny Short.
This wouldn't be a proper plug if i didn't plug everyone in this video. Check out these Musicians who are also in the video.
John Hancock- Russ Barrnett
William Floyd- Adam Mcheffey
Samuel Adams- Pete Mcque
The Apocalyptic
The Music Video
Make sure to Check out Sam's music Here
love always,
the other sam.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Rising Vinyl Sales Keep Small Store Afloat
-by Jason Debiak
As John Schlapak attaches labels to a stack of merchandise in his Westwood, NJ record store, a post-grunge pop song reaches its chorus on the radio. “See, this is a typical example,” he says, scrunching a face that has seen its share of fads come and go, “some moaning, groaning song that’s going nowhere and no melody.” Like it or not, Schlapak now runs one of the hippest shops in town.
While album sales plummet in the age of new media and its profit-killing MP3’s, the format that brought Schlapak into the music business in 1979 is seeing a resurgence. With artists from Brian Wilson to Radiohead releasing vinyl versions of their latest albums and an entire label - Eyeball Records in New Jersey - planning to release all new albums in the format, nostalgia is definitely in.
If it weren’t for the CD displays, you might swear Music Merchant was trapped in a time warp. 8-tracks, a 1960’s era scale and an assortment of indeterminable old gizmos collect dust atop shelves of calcified records. The aisles are made narrow by neat rows of boxes labeled with a black marker. Schlapak, a white haired man in his early 60s, fiddles diligently behind the counter. A slow, but steady stream of customers picks through the unwieldy collection of an estimated 30-40,000 albums on a clear Saturday afternoon.
As the proliferation of digital music choked off industry earnings, Music Merchant has seen its share of competitors come and go, crowded out by big box retailers. Shlapak’s secret? “I watch my overhead.”
Of course, not every record store has the luxury of a one-man payroll, and even he was forced to close Music Merchant’s second location in the in 2004.
“In this environment, I think that if you’re holding your own you’re doing pretty well,” Schlapak said. “CD sales are down, but vinyl sales make up for it.”
U.S. album sales fell 9.5 percent in 2007, and the fate of this year’s sales numbers seem bleak considering an even more uncertain economic environment. Shlapak concedes that if not for the apparent rebirth of vinyl, especially new releases and pricey collectibles, he would likely be out of business. Music Merchant estimates that vinyl sales make up 40 percent of business, with the rest going to compact disks.
In a world where the “medium is the message,” as author Marshall McLuhan wrote while trying to make sense of media in the 1960’s, Shlapak believes music is reasserting itself as a permanent work of art through vinyl. “CD’s are disposable and have no value as a collectible,” he says, affixing a label to a CD case and placing it on a growing stack.
An older man in a cabbie hat, a bald middle-ager in a flannel shirt and a young guy with a black hooded sweatshirt and tight jeans begin a slow climb up and down the aisles in search of a hidden gem. Shlapak says his customers prefer vinyl records for the warmer sounds, durability, trendy retro appeal and album art larger than a handheld frame. Plus, he’s noticed that teenagers often raid his 49 cent discount pile, probably looking for kitchy bedroom art.
In the back of the store, John’s twin brother Tom Schlapak sorts through a stack of records. He’s got a regular job, but comes in on weekends to perform the “therapeutic” task of refurbishing records. Tom, like his brother, speaks with deliberative pauses, gazing into the salmon walls with a faint smile as he recalls better days for the industry. Also like his brother, Tom is armed with a laundry list of complaints about the modern music industry.
“It has no soul,” Tom paused momentarily, searching for a way to make his point clearer. “Excuse the expression, but it has no balls.”
The prospect of big box stores shifting to collectible vinyl draws smirks from the Schlapak brothers, whose shop is filled nearly to capacity with 30 years worth of merchandise. John figures there is little chance retailers like Sam Goody could build a competitive archive.
“I can’t get out from underneath it,” Tom said, summing up his efforts to clear more room in the store. “There’s just so much stuff.”
Live in the NJ area? Make sure to visit the Music Merchant in Westwood, NJ. Don’t live in NJ? Then support your local independent record store!
(This article was written by Jason Debiak. Jason has a blog called Air and Sea Battle. Visit it Here )
As John Schlapak attaches labels to a stack of merchandise in his Westwood, NJ record store, a post-grunge pop song reaches its chorus on the radio. “See, this is a typical example,” he says, scrunching a face that has seen its share of fads come and go, “some moaning, groaning song that’s going nowhere and no melody.” Like it or not, Schlapak now runs one of the hippest shops in town.
While album sales plummet in the age of new media and its profit-killing MP3’s, the format that brought Schlapak into the music business in 1979 is seeing a resurgence. With artists from Brian Wilson to Radiohead releasing vinyl versions of their latest albums and an entire label - Eyeball Records in New Jersey - planning to release all new albums in the format, nostalgia is definitely in.
If it weren’t for the CD displays, you might swear Music Merchant was trapped in a time warp. 8-tracks, a 1960’s era scale and an assortment of indeterminable old gizmos collect dust atop shelves of calcified records. The aisles are made narrow by neat rows of boxes labeled with a black marker. Schlapak, a white haired man in his early 60s, fiddles diligently behind the counter. A slow, but steady stream of customers picks through the unwieldy collection of an estimated 30-40,000 albums on a clear Saturday afternoon.
As the proliferation of digital music choked off industry earnings, Music Merchant has seen its share of competitors come and go, crowded out by big box retailers. Shlapak’s secret? “I watch my overhead.”
Of course, not every record store has the luxury of a one-man payroll, and even he was forced to close Music Merchant’s second location in the in 2004.
“In this environment, I think that if you’re holding your own you’re doing pretty well,” Schlapak said. “CD sales are down, but vinyl sales make up for it.”
U.S. album sales fell 9.5 percent in 2007, and the fate of this year’s sales numbers seem bleak considering an even more uncertain economic environment. Shlapak concedes that if not for the apparent rebirth of vinyl, especially new releases and pricey collectibles, he would likely be out of business. Music Merchant estimates that vinyl sales make up 40 percent of business, with the rest going to compact disks.
In a world where the “medium is the message,” as author Marshall McLuhan wrote while trying to make sense of media in the 1960’s, Shlapak believes music is reasserting itself as a permanent work of art through vinyl. “CD’s are disposable and have no value as a collectible,” he says, affixing a label to a CD case and placing it on a growing stack.
An older man in a cabbie hat, a bald middle-ager in a flannel shirt and a young guy with a black hooded sweatshirt and tight jeans begin a slow climb up and down the aisles in search of a hidden gem. Shlapak says his customers prefer vinyl records for the warmer sounds, durability, trendy retro appeal and album art larger than a handheld frame. Plus, he’s noticed that teenagers often raid his 49 cent discount pile, probably looking for kitchy bedroom art.
In the back of the store, John’s twin brother Tom Schlapak sorts through a stack of records. He’s got a regular job, but comes in on weekends to perform the “therapeutic” task of refurbishing records. Tom, like his brother, speaks with deliberative pauses, gazing into the salmon walls with a faint smile as he recalls better days for the industry. Also like his brother, Tom is armed with a laundry list of complaints about the modern music industry.
“It has no soul,” Tom paused momentarily, searching for a way to make his point clearer. “Excuse the expression, but it has no balls.”
The prospect of big box stores shifting to collectible vinyl draws smirks from the Schlapak brothers, whose shop is filled nearly to capacity with 30 years worth of merchandise. John figures there is little chance retailers like Sam Goody could build a competitive archive.
“I can’t get out from underneath it,” Tom said, summing up his efforts to clear more room in the store. “There’s just so much stuff.”
Live in the NJ area? Make sure to visit the Music Merchant in Westwood, NJ. Don’t live in NJ? Then support your local independent record store!
(This article was written by Jason Debiak. Jason has a blog called Air and Sea Battle. Visit it Here )
Obama's Thoughts
“If somebody was sending rockets into my house where my two daughters sleep at night, I would do everything to stop that, and would expect Israel to do the same thing.”
-- Barack Obama
-- Barack Obama
Saturday, January 3, 2009
KUT It OUT
Register your Ramones name on The Ramones Name Generator
Designboom.com gives you some Wallpaper Ideas
The NYTIMES discusses the hazard of 3rd hand smoke
Explosm.net offers a Cute Web comic
BBC.com offers some new pictures on The Gaza Conflict
I haven't seen this film yet but it looks sensational.
Keep Checking for new updates!
-sam
Designboom.com gives you some Wallpaper Ideas
The NYTIMES discusses the hazard of 3rd hand smoke
Explosm.net offers a Cute Web comic
BBC.com offers some new pictures on The Gaza Conflict
I haven't seen this film yet but it looks sensational.
Keep Checking for new updates!
-sam
Downer Alert: Israel Attacks Hamas, Hamas Attacks Israel, Repeat.
Israel's recent incursion into Gaza has a lot of people wondering how to interpret the most recent spike in Israeli-Palestinian violence. The air assault is continuing, and the ground-game is coming any day now, so expect to hear a lot more about this in the coming weeks.
For the uninitiated, here's a brief history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The unfortunate trend in the US is for mindless (mostly Conservative...sorry) drones to cheerlead whatever course of action Israel takes because they're our allies, and anyone who supports the Palestinians is just pallin' around with terrorists.
Don't forget that Israel is a democratic country. Their policies are subject to deliberation and debate just like our own policies. That means if you disagree with their policies, you're not anti-Israel or anti-Semitic or pro-terrorism, you just...disagree with the policy.
Think about it. If criticizing Israel makes you anti-Israel, that would mean all Bush critics are anti-American, and all Obama critics must also be anti-American...which would make us a nation of anti-Americans?
In this case, invading Gaza may be counterproductive to Israel's long-term security. Hamas sucks. No question. But they're a militant wing of a huge oppressed group. Millions of Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere are barely surviving on a tiny piece of land and meager resources, and the Israeli attacks are killing hundreds of civilians and pushing millions to the brink of starvation. If Israel keeps pounding the shit out of them, it will push the moderate peace-minded Palestinians towards violence, out of the mere necessity of self-preservation. That's bad news for liberals, conservatives and moderates alike.
What do you think about the whole situation? How will Obama break from Bush in handling this mess?
Discuss...
For the uninitiated, here's a brief history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The unfortunate trend in the US is for mindless (mostly Conservative...sorry) drones to cheerlead whatever course of action Israel takes because they're our allies, and anyone who supports the Palestinians is just pallin' around with terrorists.
Don't forget that Israel is a democratic country. Their policies are subject to deliberation and debate just like our own policies. That means if you disagree with their policies, you're not anti-Israel or anti-Semitic or pro-terrorism, you just...disagree with the policy.
Think about it. If criticizing Israel makes you anti-Israel, that would mean all Bush critics are anti-American, and all Obama critics must also be anti-American...which would make us a nation of anti-Americans?
In this case, invading Gaza may be counterproductive to Israel's long-term security. Hamas sucks. No question. But they're a militant wing of a huge oppressed group. Millions of Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere are barely surviving on a tiny piece of land and meager resources, and the Israeli attacks are killing hundreds of civilians and pushing millions to the brink of starvation. If Israel keeps pounding the shit out of them, it will push the moderate peace-minded Palestinians towards violence, out of the mere necessity of self-preservation. That's bad news for liberals, conservatives and moderates alike.
What do you think about the whole situation? How will Obama break from Bush in handling this mess?
Discuss...
Friday, January 2, 2009
Top 11 Essentials for an Impromptu Dinner Party
More often than not we have unexpected (but always welcomed) guests who come through our doors in search of a good meal and great company. It seems that because of our well stocked refrigerator and pantry, we are always able to step out of the kitchen with steaming plates and effortless smiles. How do we do it? Read on to find out our top 11 essential ingredients/items to pull of an Impromptu Dinner Soirée!
Top 11 Essentials for an Impromptu Dinner Party
1. Salt, Pepper, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a Head of Garlic- We call this the "holy quad" of the kitchen. You will use at least 1 (if not all 4) of these ingredients in most of your kitchen pursuits.
2. Rosemary- Our favorite herb that can be used on your protein as well as vegetables and starches. Store in a tightly sealed zip lock bag for up to 7 days.
2. Chicken (breasts, cutlets, or whole)- Chicken is a great thing to have because it is white meat, and it is likely that your guests will eat it.
Coat with olive oil and rub with salt, pepper and finely chopped rosemary. Sear in an olive oil coated skillet on all sides until you have color on the meat. Transfer to oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or until your meat thermometer reads 140 degrees. Allow to rest at least 5 minutes before serving.
4. Baby Red Potatoes- These keep in the refrigerator for at least 10 days.
You can boil these and serve with olive oil, salt, pepper, but we like to cut the baby spuds into fourths, coat with olive oil, salt, pepper, and finely chopped rosemary and bake in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20-30 minutes.
5. Green Beans or Spinach- It is important to have something green on the table. These ingredients are simple, but delicious, and enjoyed by most.
Sauté with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender or wilted (respectively).
6. A Box of Pasta- Nothing will save you faster than a box of pasta. If your guest count goes from 4 to 10 before you can open your door- breathe. Just boil some water, cook until al dente, add olive oil, sautéed garlic, salt, and pepper (and some parmesean, if you have it.) Consider yourself saved by the pasta!
7. Baguette- Unfortunately, you can only keep a baguette for 2 days before it is harder than the bobble on your cocktail ring, but there is no substitute and it really is important to have. We use half the baguette thinly sliced (if you have the time, toasted with olive oil) for hors d'oeurves, and the other half cut up for the table during dinner. Any leftover can be eaten with eggs for breakfast.
8. Cheese- We normally have a wheel of brie on hand because it is a mild, soft cheese that is easily spreadable and eaten. However, anything will do. You want to have something to serve with your thinly sliced baguette, so use your culinary instincts and explore the world of cheese.
9. Dessert- Everyone has a little sweet tooth and your guests are no exception! We love to bake simple cookies and cakes before bed, however, there is NO SHAME in buying desserts from your local bakery. A simple fruit tarte, delicious cupcakes or cookies are a perfectly appropriate finish to a wonderful home made meal.
One of our idols, Ina Garten, once said, "Just because I spent all day hand making pastries, doesn't mean that my guests will have any more fun eating them. Go to the bakery!"
Wise words, sister!
10. Wine- While your guests should bring wine, always have at least 1 bottle of red and 1 bottle of prosecco or white wine on hand, just in case.
Guests: If there are under 3 guests, one bottle is great. If there are 3 or more, bring two bottles.
11. A Table Cloth- This may seem silly, but a table cloth is a quick and easy way to transition from day to night, from life to entertaining. It will make your guests feel special and appreciated and will save you from messy cleanup at the end of the evening.
We hope that these 11 essentials will become staples in your home. Remember, you can alter this list and make it your own. If you don't eat meat, cut the chicken and add mushrooms. If you hate green beans and spinach, add brussel sprouts or broccoli. If we have learned anything over the years it is this:
YOU ARE THE BOSS IN THE KITCHEN (and out).
Enjoy!
Thanks to our friends in Missouri for suggesting this excellent topic!
The LoveSchack! Mixtape Volume 1 (Laura's Version)
Before you get all humbly jumbly. Just now that my mixes are premium. They are desired by Kings and Fascist rulers around the world.
I made this for my friend Laura who fits somewhere in between those two types of people.
This is my first upload so all the songs are in alphabetical order. This means that the songs are not positioned in the exact order i want them to be in. BUT i think that you will still enjoy the mix as much as Laura does.
Thanks to Laura for the inspiration.
Tracklist:
"5 years time" - Noah & The Whale
"Crushed Bones"- Why?
"Disloyal Order Of Buffalo"- Fall Out Boy
"GNG BNG"- Flying Lotus
"Golden Age"- TV On The Radio
"He doesn't know why"- Fleet Foxes
"Holidays"- Jim Gaffigan
"Honey, won't you let me in"- The Tallest Man On Earth
"I wasn't made for fighting"- Woodenhands
"Joe Budden Diss"- Jay-Z
"Keep Your Eyes Ahead"- The Helio Sequence
"Sex On Fire"- Kings Of Leon
"Spaceman"- The Killers
"Swordfish"- The Delay
"The 59' Sound"- The Gaslight Anthem
"Womanizer" (cover)- Timid Tiger
"Your English Is Good"- Tokyo Police Club
-sam
PS- Please only use these songs as samples. Try and get rid of them after a couple of days so the FCC doesn't put me in prison. <3
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