Five For Fighting - Review

For many years I have been listening to Five for Fighting, the music speaks so clearly. John Ondrasik is the song writer for Five for Fighting, and the singer. His voice is so mellow, calming and true. He writes the way he sings, deeply personal.

Listening to the newest album, Slice, has been great. Hearing his voice, his words and the simple way he delivers both is pure joy.

From the website:

If every album provides snapshots of where an artist's mind at heart is at the moment, Slice, the latest offering from John Ondrasik (aka Five for Fighting), is a collection of digital jpegs and faded Polaroids.

The very personal level of his songs is something so few artists have, so many don’t write their own music. This is something that drew me to him, and kept me hooked from the beginning.

Not only is John Ondrasik a wonderful musician, he is involved in social media and more importantly some wonderful charities. In 2007 John launched the charity website whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com. It raises money for many charities when visitors view videos provided by other visitors. The current view count…3 million! That translate to $300,000 donated.

John is also a strong supporter of the US Troops. He has performed at Guantanamo Bay, Hawaii, Guam & Japan through USO Tours. With that John created a CD of fabulous recording that is available to any active service person for free!

John has composed songs for many movies, most recently August Rush, We Were Solders and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. He was also featured on a promo for the new show The Good Wife this past week.

Five For Fighting’s newest album “Slice” is a strong contender for my new favorite, it has power, patience and quiet. It fits so well with any mood, something that is important as I constantly listen to my Ipod at work.

Many thanks to One2One Network for the chance to hear Five For Fighting’s newest album Slice!

Brandi Carlile - Review and Giveaway

Brandi Carlile is a guitar playing Washington bred amazement. She is a part of VH1’s “You Oughta Know” collection, and has had many of her songs featured on episodes of my favorite show “Grey’s Anatomy”.

Brandi Carlile reminds me of the Indigo Girls, one of my favorite duos. She very soulful, with a bit of country/blue grass. She sings from the heart, and leaves it all out there for you to hear.

Her new album, "Give Up the Ghost" gave her the opportunity to work with Elton John, and record at Sunset Sound (where The Doors have recorded…The Doors people!). They recorded this album live, and with some pretty cool instruments.

Brandi Carlile isn’t an artist I would have picked for myself, but I am so glad that I had the chance to listen to this album. Her voice is incredible, and the lyrics are real life. So many artists don’t take the time to record their own songs, let alone write them. The fact that she and her band, “The Twins” took the time to write and record their own music speaks to the type of album they wanted to create.

Want to win a copy of Brandi Carlile's album "Give Up the Ghost"? Leave me a comment to entered. Tweet the giveaway for an additional entry, just leave me your link.

The giveaway will close Sunday November 1st.

Many thanks to One2One Network for the chance to preview this great album.

Michael Buble - Crazy Love

This post is sponsered by One2One Network

There are very few artists that can touch so many people, and Michael Buble is one of them. With his smooth voice, amazing lyrics and great song style, there aren’t many people that don’t like his music.

On October 9th, Michael Buble released his newest album “Crazy Love”. With his well known sound, this album is already making its way up the charts. He was on Oprah Friday (here’s a link to the video) and is spreading the word on this amazing album. There is not a bad song on this record, with the title song being a cover of Van Morrisson's Crazy Love.

A multi-Grammy winning artist, Michael Buble has moved millions with his smooth jazz vocals. With “Crazy Love” he has done it again. This album is another great hit for him, and I can’t wait to see what he brings in the future.

Click here to join the Michael Buble fan page on Facebook, or here to visit his website.

You can get his new album here.

Many thanks to One2One Network for allowing me the privilege of hearing this album first.

Harry Connick Jr.'s "Your Songs" - review

Harry Connick Jr. is a man of many talents. He is an actor, a singer and a song writer. His talents have been well known for many years, and a staple especially during the Holiday season. Many of his Christmas songs are played in our house.

Harry Connick Jr. just released his latest album, Your Songs on September 22nd. This is a collection of all-time classic songs originally sung by Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, The Carpenters and Elton John to name a few. These are songs we are all familiar with, “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You”, “Smile” and “The Way You Look Tonight” to give you sample.

Harry Connick Jr. is promoting his new album in the coming weeks, starting with Imus in the Morning tomorrow morning, and David Letterman in the evening. After that he is on the Today Show on Thursday and next week Rachel Ray.

I was given the chance to hear Harry Connick Jr’s. new album, Your Songs, and have mixed feelings about it. I love the full orchestra and/or jazz band, but miss Harry Connick Jr. playing the piano. I missed that intimate feel from some of his previous work.

The songs chosen are wonderful, and very much within his range. I love that he did a few not as well known songs, it gave the album a bit of mystery. However, I do wish he had some original music on this album, which is what I have been waiting for.

All in all, this is a good album, with the classic Harry Connick sound. There is something about his voice that always calls you back.

Thanks to One2One Marketing for this great review opportunity.

Rock of Ages Review and *GIVEAWAY*

Melissa of The Marketing Mom is on a roll with my giveaways! She wins, well she was the only one this time around. lol

This review was sponsored by One2One Network

I love musicals, and I say it all the time. It is the perfect combination of music and movies. You get the tunes, and the story line. I have heard some wonderful soundtracks, and some not so great ones.

Rock of Ages is a good one.

Rock of Ages is a five-time Tony Award Nominated Broadway show, and it is jam packed with songs originally recorded by Twisted Sister, Poison and Whitesnake.

Staring American Idol Finalist Constantine Maroulis, Rock of Ages is set in 1987 at the Famous Sunset Strip rock club. Here he meets a small town girl looking to make it big in the music industry. Through a series of events they come together, apart and then together again, to the tune of Journey, Bon Jovi and Styx.

I was apprehensive about this album at first. Who doesn’t love “We Built This City”, “Here I Go Again” or “Wanted Dead or Alive”, but how would they pull the songs into a musical. But this soundtrack sounds like a rock album, not a musical soundtrack, which is pretty cool if you ask me.

Yes, the soundtrack does have a bit of a cheese factor, but what soundtrack doesn’t. The great music and great singing make up for, 10 times over. This soundtrack has been in my cd player since the day it came, my kids are hooked!

Head on over here to watch the album being made, I have watched this at least three times already, and it’s interesting to see the cast members and get their take on the soundtrack.

You can get this album by heading here to order it, OR by entering below for the chance to WIN a Rock of Ages soundtrack.

Leave me a comment about which song off the soundtrack is your favorite, and you will be entered. I will draw a random number on Wednesday August 19th at noon.

Thanks to One2One Network for the great chance to review this soundtrack, and bring me back to growing up in the 80’s!

Plain White T's

Boo has found new music, before me for once.

She is hooked on Plain White T's, and got me hooked too. Their latest song, 1-2-3-4 is great. Boo walks around singing it all the time.

I had seen them on The Hills last year, so I knew they were pretty good. I just hadn't heard them on the radio yet, and couldn't find their cd on Itunes. Now, we have a bunch of their songs and Boo is in hog heaven.

Yesterday, I got her on video. Don't mind the imperfect quality, I don't get my video yet.

Isn't she cute..I love it!

Yanni Voices CD

Remember when I raved about Yanni Voices?

Now that I have the CD, it is even more obvious how outstanding this group of artists are, with Yanni's instrumentals playing right along.

Thanks to One2One Network, my CD arrived just days after the release.

It has been playing non-stop since.

The vocal arrangements have moved me many times, and I have been caught up in the music often. I have even played it for my kids, and they love it as well.

These young artists are outstanding. Their vocal ranges and achievements are unparalleled to anything I have heard in a long time. They are able to bring a mood to a song, and bring the words to life.

While many of the songs are in other languages, you can still hear the emotion and meaning behind them. Music transcends all language barriers when sung with power and emotion. You don't have to know the language to understand the words, simply listen.

This is a CD that I would definitely suggest you run out and get, or order.

Don't forget that Yanni Voices is now on tour and I wish I could see them when they are here. If you have the opportunity, take it!

Giddy!

That is exactly how I feel...giddy with excitement.

Monday marks my first EVER ladies only road trip. Yes I did say EVER. I am a major homebody, and it takes a lot for me to get motivated to do anything outside the house.

But Monday, we are leaving for Des Moines to see a concert. What concert you might ask?

New Kids on the Block.

Yes, I am going again with a road trip to make it even more fabulous.

Monday we will set out for our 3 hour drive and get into Des Moines in time to have lunch with Paula and Melody. Can I just tell you how freakin-stand up and scream-excited I am about lunch! I have been reading these ladies FOREVER. I can't wait. CAN'T WAIT! As Paula says, our mouths will be a blur!

Back to the concert.

After seeing New Kids on the Block here in October, I just couldn't turn down the chance to see them again. I had the BEST time, and expect to again. Malia is going, along with the other girl we went with in October. We have one more coming, but we haven't met yet.

All of us are counting down the days, comparing notes and making sure nothing is forgotten. The e-mails are FLYING around just to make sure we don't miss a detail.

I can't wait for Monday! Even with all the chaos that will come before, this is something that will be a highlight of my year! A great concert and a wonderful time with friends. What more could a person want.

Road Trip Soundtracks

Next month a couple ladies and I are taking an overnight road trip. No, I will not tell you yet what we are doing, BUT I am freakishly giddy with excitement. I know, I am strange, but SERIOUSLY - Very excited here. Plus, I get to meet Melody...and Paula if I can convince her!

So, here is my dilemma. We are looking at an almost 4 hour drive, Right now we have 51 songs ready to put on a cd for the "Road Trip Soundtrack", but I want MORE! You know I am a music hound, and I am spacing on ideas for more. We have Kelly Clarkson, Led Zeppelin, Rascal Flatts, Pat Benatar and Nelly already on board (plus so many more), but would love to hear your suggestions.

What do you think is your perfect road trip song? All three of us like a wide variety of music so we are open to pretty much anything. I even debated putting a Yanni song on there, but didn't know how they would appreciate that one.

He loves me...He really loves me!!!

Over the past few months, my ipod shuffle has been slowly kicking it. Slowly, and quite painfully. Well, painful for me.


Almost four years ago, Hubby got me an Ipod Shuffle for Mother's Day. He knew I had wanted one, and knew my need for music everywhere I went. My Ipod has been everywhere with me: the cabin, Vegas, work and even in the car when I had an adapter.


It was my constant companion, and now it is dying.


People at work would give me a hard time when they saw my Ipod, since it was the 1st Generation Ipod Shuffle, it was a stick...but it was my lovely music filled stick.


This past week my Ipod has been shutting off at random times, deciding not to load songs and just being a pain in my butt. I was starting to get a bit bitter, and wanting to throw my Ipod against the wall.


Yesterday, Hubby gave me the green light to get a new one...the one I have been pining over for months.


The Ipod Nano, 4th Generation.


It is so pretty.

It's blue.

I love it!!!

I have been playing with it all day long, and I can't stop!

Hubby may regret letting me get it...just maybe.

Yanni Voices

Many years ago, I danced to this great song, Reflections of Passion. It was a pure instrumental song by Yanni. While the dance wasn't that great, this song has been a favorite ever since.

Yanni has a long history of creating amazing music, and has passed his gifts and knowledge onto four new artists, all in part of Yanni Voices. Working with four young artists, Yanni is debuting new music with amazing vocals.

Some of you may have seen a couple of the artists this past weekend at Blissdom, but listening to the tracks on-line are outstanding.

Nathan Pacheco has such powerful vocals. I love how his voice carries, and you can tell he sings from the heart. Nathan is from Washington DC, and wants to travel with world showing his voice. He sings his songs in Latin, and carries the spirit of his surroundings. He draws in what nature can give, and it comes out in his songs.

Chloe has a powerful voice, one that draws you in. Her songs bare her own soul, and will engage emotions in you that you didn't think music could. With her opera training, her love for classic rock and her talent for pop there is nothing this songstress can't achieve. She is definitely one to watch on her climb.

Ender Thomas is another powerful voice. This Venezuelan-born artist has a magical voice that has limitless depth. He has worked to discover the full extent of his talent, and pushing past the boundaries. His time working with the other artists has produced a great duet with Chloe, along with his own great songs. He is an amazing Latin singer.

The last artist that is a part of Yanni Voices, is Leslie Mills. Born in Kentucky, this young lady has worked very hard at her craft, being a part of a folk-rockin band, To the Moon Alice. Now, working with Yanni has shown her a new side of her music, allowing her to write to Yanni's incredible accompaniment. Her voice is so gentle, almost delicate. Her lyrics are quite powerful, and in motion with a different set of instrumentals allows her to explore even more.

There are so many different levels of romance in music, and these artists touch on each one. From soft and emotional to powerful and strong there is something for everyone.

Yanni has put together such an outstanding group of artists, and there are a few ways that you can take your own look at each of them. The Yanni Voices Tour is starting in April, and going all over the country with a great many dates.

On March 2nd there is a PBS special. Not only will there be a showcase of the wonderfully talented artists, there will be information about the work this group of people has done. I will definitely be watching this, as I can't get enough of the videos on-line.

Finally, on March 24th the Yanni Voices cd drops. This is something that I will be getting. This is powerful music, and something my collection needs.

A major thanks to One2One Network for giving me the chance to take a closer look at Yanni Voices.

The Lion fell in love with the Lamb...

This weekend I saw a movie for the second time.

I read the books, all four.

I had seen the interviews, but still I resisted.

I saw Twilight. Again.

I am addicted!

The books are great, and I was hooked after I read Twilight. Stephanie Meyer did an amazing job bringing these characters to life, and the transfer to film was wonderful.

I have talked to a few people at work that asked why I was hooked on these books, then the movie. "Isn't this a teenager book?".

Yes, but Stephanie Meyer was prepared for adults to love this book. She loves these characters, and knew other people her own age would as well as the young adults.

When I first picked up the book, I wasn't sure if I would like it. I love sci-fi books, but this isn't even really that. While it has vampires as the characters, it isn't as much about vampires as it is about the relationships between the characters.

The stories follow the vampire path, but with so much more. The romance between Bella and Edward, then he leaves and the relationship between Bella and Jacob. Then, they come together and the mix is incredible. So much more than a book about vampires (and werewolves).

On top of that, the book was written to young adults, not grown-ups. Some level of cheesiness was expected. It wasn't that bad really.

The movie was wonderful. I loved it. I knew it would be "immature" and made for young adults, but it still flowed like any other movie. Girl sees Boy, Boy freaks out and runs, Boy loves Girl, Girl loves Boy, Vampire tries to kill Girl, Boy saves Girl.

See, completely normal.

The location for the movie was amazing. The forests they shot in, they were spectacular. The light coming in from the tree breaks and the aerial shots were incredible. I always seem to forget there are places like that all around us.

The cast was wonderful, a great combination of actors. They each played their roles so well. While I may not have chosen this guy to play Carlisle, it worked. And having the actress that played Ava/Rebeca from Grey's Anatomy was a bit strange, but it worked pretty well.

There are so many things I could say about this movie, this book and OH THE SOUNDTRACK. You had to know that I would take it there, I mean come on. I love my music!

This soundtrack is not my normal listening style. The music is harsh and loud, along with the single Opera song thrown in. There are ballads and rough emotional songs as well.

Robert Pattinson has two songs on this soundtrack, and he is actually quite amazing. He did an interview where he said his music was his back-up...a pretty good back-up in my mind. I would buy his album.

The songs hit the movie head on. They show the confusion, the anger and the love. They are able to take you through the movie without seeing it. The music is that wonderful.

Linkin Park, Collective Soul and Paramore are the most familiar artists on the cd, but I am seeking them all out. Such a great collection, I can't wait to find more on each artist.

I do think that Linkin Park's "Leave out all the Rest" is one of my favorite songs.

"I dreamed I was missing, you were so scared. No one would listen, cause no one else cared. After my dreaming, I woke with this fear. What am I leaving...so if you're asking me, I want you to know...When my time comes, forget the wrong that I've done. Help me leave behind some reasons to be missed...Don't resent me, and when you're feeling empty, keep me in your memory, leave out all the rest, leave out all the rest."

Such powerful lyrics, and the rest of the song is even better. Here is the video for the song.

The rest of the songs are equally amazing, this one simply stands out.

Along with the lyrical soundtrack, there is also the Score. Carter Burwell is the artist that plays each song, and he is phenomenal.

The scene in the movie where Edward is leading Rosalie and Esme through the woods to throw off the tracker is a powerful scene. It shows the dedication and drive he has to protect her, and Rosalie's want to walk away from it all. The instrumental that accompanies that part of the movie is incredible. It has such power, while still keeping a softer side. I can't wait to get this one.

This is a movie that Hubby rolls his eyes at me about, but that I would see again in a heartbeat. It comes out a DVD March 21st, and yes I will be getting it. Yes, I will also be seeing New Moon when it comes out later this year.

Is it a good book, yes.

A good movie, yes.

A good soundtrack, heck yes!

Tear Jerker

I love watching movies that are made based on books. I always read the book first, before I see any movie. I have to know how it really starts and ends. It is the same way with Broadway shows. I read Wicked before I saw the show, even though the book is NOTHING like the show.

I have stacks of books, and I do mean stacks. There is no organization, but I wouldn't be without them (hubby may argue that fact if he had his way though). I have large selection of books, from Biographies to Sci-Fi and trashy romance novels. I don't care, just give me the books!

Many of my books have been made into movies, or televisions shows (Women's Murder Club). At one point I had very single John Grisham book ever made, and had seen every single movie too.

In the past few years, there have been movies based on the books by Nicholas Sparks. This guy has a ton of great books, ones that I really need to get soon. Four of his books have been made into movies, with rumors of a couple more. I have seen two of these movies, and fell in love with one just recently.

I have been wanting to see A Walk to Remember for such a long time. I read the book when it first came out, shortly followed by the movie.

Mandy Moore plays Jamie, a preachers daughter with a life threatening secret. Shane West plays Landon Carter, a high school senior with dreams of being a doctor. They fall in love, as only high school students can, but this is short lived.

The ending of the movie had me in tears. The things Landon does for Jamie are amazing. He even comes back to visit her father 4 years later.

There is some amazing music in the movie too, both in the school play and a remake of a Tiffany song. I have already downloaded the soundtrack, and can't wait to listen to it at work tomorrow.

This movie has replaced The Notebook as my favorite movie based on a Nicholas Sparks movie. If they made a movie based on The Wedding that would trump them all though.

Next up, when it comes out on video...Twilight. I.Can't.Wait! I have read all the books, and am ready for this one.

the Music of the season

You had to know that I would tie music into the holidays right??

I mean come on.

Have we met?

Or are you new?? If you are...Hi! Welcome!

Anyway, back to the music of the season.

One of my favorite memories around Christmas time is from my freshman year of high school. This was the only year that Big Sis and I would be in the same school...EVER. We also were both in Choir, see more music.

For the holiday season all the choirs came together to sing Handel's Messiah. Man alive, that is some powerful music. Each Choir took a song and had it down cold for the concert. Then, together we all sang Hallelujah Chorus. The power of all the choirs was moving. (I can guarantee that right now, Big Sis is reading this, and singing. I am 100% positive on this one! I think I know which song too, but not completely sure on that one.)

There has always been music tied into holidays growing up. Whether it was the Elvis my dad blared when we got our first CD player, or watching Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas movies and listening to the hilarious songs. Between being the choir and being at home, music was ingrained. I loved every minute of it.

Besides, who doesn't love Bing Crosby singing with David Bowie...that is one of my all time favorites. You should watch this if you have 4 minutes. They are both amazing. This is right up there with The Blenders. They are a Capella group that is from North Dakota but calls Minnesota home. They have some amazing voices, built for the wonderful holiday season.

So, in the music mood that I am in...I have a $15 itunes gift card to giveaway! How fun is that. You can buy your favorite Christmas music, or give it as a gift.

Now, the rules. There are two ways to enter this lovely giveaway...

1) - Leave me a comment letting me know your favorite holiday music. If you don't like holiday music I won't hold it against you, but tell me your favorite song of the moment.

2) Tweet about the giveaway will give you another entry. Make sure you have @FritzFactz if you tweet! If you aren't on twitter, that is okay. Blog about it instead. This will get you one extra entry.

Tune in Friday around noon for the winner! I will contact the winner via e-mail and order the gift card that same day. If I don't hear from the winner by Saturday at noon, I will draw another winner.

WICKED!!!

It feels like days since I blogged last, and it was only two. That is how hectic the week has been. On top of it, Boo and I are both still fighting this cold a bit. We have moved onto the cough portion of the program. Hubby loves us...I swear.

But, this week I did have one piece of escape. One night of culture, music and FREAKING AWESOMENESS!!

Tuesday night...

I saw WICKED.

Let me tell you how amazing that show was. The music, the voices and the costumes. It was FREAKING AWESOME!! I am still in awe of what I saw, and wish I could see it again and again. This is one that I will see again, some day.

Wicked is based on the book of the same name by Gregory Maguire. He has written twists on many fairy tales, including Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, Mirror Mirror, Son of Witch (the sequel to Wicked) and newly released A Lion Among Men (the third book in the Wicked series). I can't wait to make my way through all of these, and buy his kids books for my little readers.

The book and the musical are different, the endings are very different. I won't tell you what happens, in case one of you is seeing it or reading it, but it was a great change. One that I never expected.

During the musical there are lines from Wizard of Oz thrown in "There is no place like home" for one. The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion make an appearance in the end, with a little twist.

The story is about Elphaba (el-fa-ba), who turns into the Wicked Witch of the West and Galinda (who become Glinda by mistake), who turns into the Good Witch. It tells the story of them meeting at school, and how things ended up. You never see Dorothy, but do see the water being thrown in the end. How that comes about, it where the twist on the old comes into play.

This is also one of the funniest shows I have seen since Lion King. There were a couple ad lib moments, when even the cast was laughing a bit. The stage was slippery, and Galinda kept slipping in her bare feet. It was very funny.

That is all I will tell you about the story, I don't want to be a spoiler.

The costumes were great. They took regular costumes, and put a fun spin on them. Strange angles and shapes. It was fun to see how it all played together.

The music and voices were spectacular. I can't wait for next weekend when I get the soundtrack. Some of the notes the singers held were amazing. You could feel how intense the scene was even before it started, just from the music.

Did I mention that Idina Menzel who is part of the original Rent Cast played Elpahaba when the show opened! Talk about an amazing voice. She has a solo CD coming out that I have on my wish list. Plus, her hubby is amazing as well.

Kristin Chenworth played the original Galinda, and was amazing. Her voice is a shock coming from someone I have only seen in comedies, not at all what I expected on the soundtrack.

I would recommend this one, even for older kids. The show recommends age 8, but I think Boo would have loved this one. She loves musicals as much as I do.

Another one I can cross off my list:
A Chorus Line (when I was 17)
Rent
Les Miserables
Phantom of the Opera
Lion King

We are hoping to take Boo to a show this year, just have to find the right one to break her in. Annie is coming (but only for three days) in February, and I think Mary Poppins. Both would be great for her. We shall see.

Take the time to read Wicked, Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men, to see how the other half lived after Dorothy!! I can't wait to read them all.

See the musical if you can, you won't regret it! I know that I never will.

Tonight...Tonight

19 years, and one month almost to the day that I first saw them in concert, I saw New Kids on the Block again. I was 10 years old the first time, and so many things have changed since then.

I think Joey said it best during the concert "Our fans can drink now, and there are a lot of females rubbing their stomachs. You could double our ticket sales with all the babies".

It was a great concert, and I had a blast. They sounded great, the dancing was great and the effects were great.

Okay...who am I kidding. The guys looked great, and it was well worth losing my voice. I kept telling myself that I wasn't going to be "That girl". You know the one, screaming and dancing all around.

Yeah...I was totally that girl the minute the lights went out. We got a ton of pictures, and they turned out pretty good, they are below.

Here is the opening of the show. The song is their newest release, Single. They played a lot of their new songs (here is Click Click Click, Grown Man and Twisted), but they also sang some of their old songs, Tonight, Step By Step, Hanging Tough and I'll be Loving You to name a couple.

There is something new about them though. They aren't little boys anymore, and their songs now reflect it. They are more...gown up lyrics to the new songs, but they are grown up. Boo loves the old albums, but she doesn't get to listen to many of the new songs.









The opening of the show


I Believe in You


Tonight


The Pose Off (this was hilarious)



At the end of the show - after Hanging Tough



We had great seats, and were so close for everything. It was a great time, and I would go again in a heart beat!!

I know, I owe you pictures and the run down from the concert. I am working on it, I promise! Let me just say, it was a blast!!

Tonight I am off to a late night scrapbooking extravaganza with Big Sis. What am I working on? Vegas baby! It was only over a year ago.

Don't judge!

So, tomorrow I will post at least some of the pictures from the concert, and pick my chin up, wipe up the drool and stop singing long enough to do a run down.

Guess where...

Guess where I am RIGHT NOW (I love pre-posting)!!!!!

I can't wait!! I can't wait to talk about it tomorrow!! Woohoo!!!!!!

A little help here

I need some ideas here.

I am at the end of my new tunes listening. How sad is that! I need some new music, or old music that I should re-listen to again.

What are you listening to right now? What is on your MP3 player? What is playing in your car? What PodCasts are you listening too? Anything is a help!

It is very rare that I run out of music, it is my lifeblood. It is my constant companion, so help me out!!

Age appropriate???

I remember the dances during Junior High...the first ones I ever went too. The music was great, my friends were all there and the dancing was wonderful.

But now, as a parent, I look back with different eyes. I hear the lyrics to the music that played, the dancing that took place and the friends that weren't really there.

This week I had the chance to talk to a co-worker about her daughters first middle school dance. She had the opportunity to stop at the dance, and heard some the music, and immediately filed a complaint with the principal, who was grateful that a parent spoke up.

The principal let her know that unless parents complained, the music wouldn't change. They parent committee that hires the deejay doesn't think there is anything wrong with the music, and doesn't ask for age appropriate tunes.

WHAT?

Some parents want their child to hear about "Apple Bottom Jeans" and "Dip baby just dip Dip baby". They don't listen to the words that are being sung at their children, even the 11 year olds.

Me? Not really.

I don't allow my kids to listen to the "Pop" station, and half the time I can't stand listening to it myself. I cringe at some the lyrics young kids sing when they are listening to their ipods, they are just plain offensive.

Now, don't get me wrong. I have songs with questionable language on my ipod, the ipod that my kids are not allowed to touch...EVER. That is my music, that as an adult can listen too. When they are adults, they can have whatever they want on their ipods (man I sound like my mom...).

I am hoping that these school realize what they are putting in front of these kids at dances. While the atmosphere can be great, the music needs to be age appropriate.

Oh, and my friend...She went home, googled the lyrics and e-mailed them to the principal along with her complaint. Hopefully, next time the music will be better.