Yankees and Red Sox Will Meet in 2009 MLB Playoffs

by Noiz 8. October 2009 11:49
Much to the chagrin of baseball fans sick of these two media darlings, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox will battle one another in 2009 MLB Playoffs.   
 
We predict both high profile clubs will survive their opening round matchups and meet up in the American League Championship Series.  The Yankees will easily dispatch the Minnesota Twins while the Red Sox will eventually handle the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

As for the National League, prepare to see the upstart Colorado Rockies go against the wily St. Louis Cardinals with a trip to the World Series on the line.  

The networks may not appreciate a NLCS without the Los Angeles Dodgers and/or the Philadelphia Phillies but we just don't see those teams moving on.
 
YANKEES-TWINS
On paper it's the Yankees, and then the Yankees and then some more Yankees.   

Even causal baseball fans don't think the Twins can defeat The Empire or even take a game.  It has nothing to do with the Yankees' superior starting pitching, bullpen and lineup.  It has nothing to do with the fact that the only guy on the Twins team you'd take over his Yankee counterpart is Joe Mauer.

The main reason why the Twins will be swept out of the playoffs is they had to play an extra game.  
 
That one-game playoff against the Detroit Tigers completely discombobulated the Twins' starting rotation.  Teams involved in a 163rd game usually don't fair to well in the post season (2007 Colorado Rockies notwithstanding).

Besides, the Yankees have to win.  Their $200 million-plus roster wasn't built to just win 103 games; it was built to win the 11 games necessary to be crowned World Series champions.
 

Yankees in 3. 

RED SOX-ANGELS
The Red Sox and Angels met in the postseason in 2004, 2007 and 2008.  In those three series, the teams played 10 games with the Red Sox winning 9 of them.

Will that trend continue in 2009?

The Angels have home field-advantage and the Red sox are a bad road team.  

The Angels added Bobby Abreu to the middle of their lineup and so far he's paying huge dividends.  

As for the Red Sox, catcher Jason Varitek is playing like he's 50 and David Oritz is no longer the Big Papi of old.

So should fans rip up their 2009 Boston Red Sox playoff tickets and concentrate on the Celtics and Patriots?

Not so fast.

The Red Sox have the best starting rotation in the majors while the Angels have a shaky bullpen.  And with the addition of Victor Martinez, the Red Sox's lineup is better than it was last year.   

We don't see any reason why The Nation's postseason dominance over the Halos will end.  The Angels win at least one game but the Red Sox advance.

Red Sox in 4.

PHILLIES-ROCKIES
In their championship year of 2008, the Phillies were 79-0 in games they led after eight innings.  In 2009, they're 79-10.

The culprit of their late inning demise (if you can call it that) is Brad Lidge.  Last season Lidge converted 48 of 48 save opportunities including 7 of 7 in the post season.  In 2009, he blew 11 saves on his way to posting a 7.21 ERA.

If the Phillies' closer problems weren't bad enough, the Rockies have a lineup that can actually exploit such a weakness.

Troy Tulowitzki, Todd Helton, and Clint Barmes possess the power necessary to really capitalize on mistakes.  Corner outfielders Seth Smith and Braw Hawpe must be reckoned with as well.

With analogous power on the Phillies' side—Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Jason Werth, and Raul Ibanez—this series could break the scoreboard.

So who advances?

It's nearly impossible to predict anything when the Rockies are involved.  They were 15 1/2 games out of first place on June 3.  They didn't win the NL West but they did keep the Dodgers from running away with the division.   Eventually, their pluck and tenacity made 2009 a playoff year for the Colorado Rockies.

Therefore get your playoff tickets for the Philadelphia Phillies while you can.  The Rockies take this series.

Rockies in 5.

DODGERS-CARDINALS
This series is a matchup of the Cardinals' veteran starting lineup and the Dodgers' awesome bullpen.

The Cardinals have two perennial Cy Young candidates in Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright while the Dodgers have Hong-Chih Kuo, George Sherrill and Jonathan Broxton coming out of the bully.

This series obviously comes down to how well the Cards bullpen can hold leads and how many quality innings the Dodgers' starters can give manager Joe Torre.  

It should be noted that the Dodgers have the best ERA in baseball.  While part of that achievement is due to the vastness of Dodgers Stadium, most of it is because of their stellar bullpen—not their starting rotation.

Both these ball clubs come into the postseason struggling.  The Cardinals finished the 2009 campaign 1-6.  The Dodgers were slightly better at 2-5.

In order to get red hot and rolling, the Dodgers need Manny Ramirez to start hitting like Manny Ramirez.  They also need leadoff man Rafael Furcal to get on base.  When he's swinging the bat well the Dodgers' lineup is tough to contain.

For the Cardinals, someone other than Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday needs to be productive.  Maybe Ryan Ludwick or Mark DeRose?

Due to the way the Dodgers dominated most of the season it's hard to pick against them, but you have to go with starting pitching.

Cardinals in 4.

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Brand New Tour

by Noiz 5. October 2009 06:36
The rock band "Brand New" has one of those names that induces comical exchanges between music fans.   It's very similar to the phenomenon caused by bands like "The Who,"  "The Guess Who," "Them," and "The The."

Here is an example of a conversation invoked by the name "Brand New:"

"What are you listening too?"

"Brand New."

"Oh,  they're new huh?"

"No, they're Brand New."

"Okay, but what are they called?"

"Brand New."

"I know they're brand new, but what's the band's name?"

"The band's name is Brand New."

"Their name is brand new?  What was wrong with their old name?"

You see how much fun you can have with a name like "Brand New."  It's like an Abbott and Costello routine only without the baseball. 

Comedy bits aside, Brand New is a mysterious rock/punk/emo band based in Long Island, New York.  They've just released their fourth studio album, Daisy, and will support it with a brand new fall tour.


Daisy, produced by long time friend and collaborator Mike Sapone, has received mostly positive reviews.  Of course most of the reviewers live in dorm rooms and/or go by the name "Kegger."  

The album, which took a year to make, is quite a departure from their previous works.  It's almost like they have a brand new sound.  Daisy is more aggressive, louder and heavier than Brand New has ever been.  

It's curious how reviewers enjoyed the band's brand new pace but worried fans won't appreciate it.  Maybe the band was trying to garner brand new fans?   Maybe the band wanted to go in a brand new direction?  Whatever the reason, Brand New seems to share the reviewers' apprehensions. 

"I'm a little worried [about the new album]. It's a pretty exhausting record. It's quite dense and I think some of the decisions we made don't always go in the most obvious direction. We were thinking a lot more about what we'd want to play when we were up onstage rather than actually what you'd want to hear on a record," says Brand New's front man Jesse Lacey.

Hitherto, Lacey has written most of the lyrics but for this offering the band employed a brand new lyricist, guitarist Vincent Accardi.  

Accardi picked up the pen and composed some of the albums most powerful lines.

"I started to present my lyrics as well as melodies to the rest of the band," Accardi says. "There was no talk of Jesse asking me for help or anything like that, but to some extent, after the first three records, that guy was pretty drained, especially after 'The Devil and God.' That was a pretty heavy record, and that took its toll on us."

The album's first brand new single, "At The Bottom," was released in August.  Daisy, which was released Sept. 22, debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200.

There's speculation that Daisy may be the beginning of the end for Brand New.  Lacey hinted as much in a recent interview with metal magazine Kerrang!  However, Accardi thinks the band can always make a brand new start of it.

"Everybody's starting to sort of feel that maybe they want to spread their wings in other areas of interest in their life.  I don't think that's to say you'll never hear from Brand New again, or there's a hiatus coming up or anything like that. But you have the weight and confusion of what's going on in the record industry and how everyone is handling business now," explains Accardi.

This fall could be the last time to see Brand New in places like Detroit and Houston.  Speaking of their tour, Brand New will sell tickets for a San Diego show and Philadelphia hosts a Brand New concert as well

At the first of the brand new year the band will play a show in London.

Joining Brand New on the road, at one time or another, will be Manchester Orchestra, Thrice, Glassjaw, Sybris, The Builders and the Butchers, and Crime In Stereo.

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Matisyahu Prepares For Fall Tour

by Noiz 25. September 2009 10:41
I’m glad I have to write and not speak about Matisyahu.  Writing about Matisyahu makes it impossible to mispronounce his name.

You know how it is with music snobs.  One little mistake, especially in pronunciation, and they are all over you.    

They become insanely indignant and incensed because you don’t know how to pronounce Matisyahu, or some other musician’s name, correctly.  As if that knowledge is somehow a priori or innate. 

They say things like “I grit my teeth every time someone mispronounces…” or “If I had a nickel for every time someone mispronounced…”

It’s all very ridiculous.  Mispronouncing Matisyahu, or some other musician’s name, is so inconsequential that it’s not even worth mentioning—although I happen to be mentioning it. 

As everyone knows, music snobs are easily annoyed and they take great glee is other people’s ignorance, so what are you going to do?

Thankfully, this is the internet and all I have to do is type “Matisyahu.”  I don’t run the risk offending anal retentive music snobs with my sloppy diction. 

For those not familiar with Matisyahu (music snobs snicker in disgust), he’s a “Hasidic Jewish reggae rapper.”  Matisyahu doesn’t like that description and prefers the epithet of “human being.”

We understand where Matisyahu is coming from.  Some of the labels given to musicians are quite insulting.  However, the term “human being” fails to convey any useful information about his music.  Therefore, we’ll stick with “Hasidic Jewish reggae rapper.”

Born Matthew Miller, the 30-year old Matisyahu looks less like a rapper and more like your friendly neighborhood rabbi.  

That may sound like a gimmick but it’s not.  Matisyahu is the real deal.  He’s been lauded by critics and fans alike.  He offers a positive, upbeat sound that blends his spirituality with elements of reggae, hip hop and rock.

In August, Matisyahu released his third studio album Light (now that we can pronounce).  The collection peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 chart.  His 2006 effort, Youth, peaked at No. 4.  

His most successful single, “King Without A Crown,” was released in 2005 and reached No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The track is featured on both Youth and his debut release, Shake Off The Dust… Arise.

This past summer Matisyahu played for fans all across the country.  This fall, he’s set to embark on another excursion that will once again take him to all over the United States and Canada.   

The tour launches Oct. 17 in Calgary and concludes Dec. 8 in Rochester, NY.

There will be plenty of tickets to see Matisyahu; the New York-born musician is scheduled to visit 40 cities.

Joining him on tour is Dub Trio.  They are not only his backup band but they are also scheduled to open a few shows.  Moon Taxi, Trevor Hall and SOJA will also appear at various concerts along the way.

Fans can see Matisyahu in Cleveland, Detroit and Anaheim.  There’s even a Matisyahu concert in Washington D.C.  

In addition, Matisyahu will perform in Chicago.  And a Matisyahu concert in New Orleans is also on the calendar.

For this tour, Matisyahu is offering peer-to-peer ticketing.  This means fans can promote shows within their home town, directly link to tickets via their own social networking profiles and actually earn a commission from tickets sold.

More from the scheduled, Matisyahu will perform in Toronto and the city of Vancouver will host a Matisyahu concert as well.  Fans can also see Matisyahu in Denver, St. Louis, and San Francisco.

Finally, Matisyahu will rock London at the O2 Academy on Oct. 13.

By the way, don’t expect to see Matisyahu perform on a Friday.  His religion precludes him from performing on the Jewish Sabbath.  

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Lakers and Cavs on Championship Collision Course: 2009-10 NBA Preview

by Noiz 22. September 2009 09:05
The NBA is different from other sports league.  Two seconds after the NBA Finals are over you can name 14 of next year’s 16 playoff teams.  

That’s not to say the Association is predictable it’s just how it works.  So even though training camps have yet to begin, fans already have a very good idea who are the contenders, the pretenders and the lottery teams.

Below is a look at eight contenders, four in each conference, that are pretty much a lock to be there in May.  

The 2009-10 NBA season begins Oct. 27.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Cleveland Cavaliers
After a humiliating exit from last year’s playoffs, the Cavs made the biggest move of the offseason—literally—when they traded for the “Big Sidekick,” Shaquille O’Neal.  

He’s in the twilight of the career but all Cleveland Cavs ticket holders need is a healthy and energetic “Diesel” come playoff time.  Until then he can go back to making his television show “Shaq Vs.”

The Cavs also added Leonard Powe, Jamrio Moon, Anthony Parker and drafted Daniel Green.  Powe is out to start the season and probably won’t return until the All-Star break.

Deep and possibly more dangerous than last year’s team that won 66 games, the Cavs must find a way to keep all the pieces (egos) on the same page (happy).

Some in the media will purport that if the Cavs don’t win a championship LeBron James will leave Cleveland when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.  It probably won’t happen but the discussion, as well as Shaq’s arrival, means the Cavs will be a traveling circus in 2009-10.

Projected Starters:
PG - Mo Williams
SG - Delonte West
SF - LeBron James
PF  - Anderson Varejao
C - Shaquille O'Neal

The Cavaliers begin the season on Oct. 27 when they host the Boston Celtics.

Boston Celtics
If you have a ticket for the Boston Celtics this season be prepared to see a few new faces.  The team added veteran Rasheed Wallace and second year players Bill Walker and J.R. Giddens.

Even better news, Kevin Garnett is healthy and ready to go.  

The C’s have a nice mix of veterans and young players.  The veterans are led by the big three, Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen.  The youth is led by point guard Rajon Rondo and center Kendrick Perkins.

While Garnett’s health is crucial for the team’s championship aspirations, the play of their burgeoning superstar, Rondo, will ultimately decide the team’s fate.  

It will be interesting to see how head coach Doc Rivers uses Wallace.  Will ‘Sheed play alongside Garnett or just back him up?

Projected Starters:
PG - Rajon Rondo
SG - Ray Allen
SF - Paul Pierce
PF - Kevin Garnett
C - Kendrick Perkins

To open the season, Boston travels to Cleveland on Oct. 27.

Orlando Magic
Out is Hedo Turkoglu and in is Vince Carter.  Some scoffed at the move but when the Orlando Magic signed power forward Brandon Bass and reserve wingman Matt Barnes those same critics said, “Okay, I get it now.”

Realizing they couldn’t sign Turkoglu, the Magic let him go and snatched up the dynamic “Vin-sanity.”  He’s a bit long in the tooth but as long as Dwight Howard is down low, the Magic will compete for a return trip to the NBA Finals.

All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson, who missed a big chunk of last season with a shoulder injury, is back healthy and ready to go.  Bad news, forward Rashard Lewis will miss the first ten games of the season due to a suspension for failing a drug test.

The NBA front office, along with their television partners, will be rooting for the Cavs and the Celtics to reach the conference finals, but the Magic have the talent and depth to crash the ratings party.

Projected Starters:
PG - Jameer Nelson
SG - Vince Carter
SF - Rashard Lewis 
PF - Brandon Bass
C - Dwight Howard

The Orlando Magic begin their Eastern Conference title defense on Oct. 28 when the Philadelphia76’ers come to town.

Atlanta Hawks
With the Cavs, Celtics and Magic garnering all the attention, most forget that the Atlanta Hawks were the fourth best team in the Eastern Conference last year.  Atlanta will be at least that good in 2009-10.

To add depth to the point guard position, the Hawks drafted guard Jeff Teague.  The franchise likes the kid and he will definitely compete with Jamal Crawford to backup Mike Bibby.

Speaking of Crawford, the Hawks traded for him this summer.  It’s a move, both financially and stylistically, that has left some critics scratching their head.

The team also signed Joe Smith and Jason Collins for size and depth.

The rumor mill is churning that Jerry Stackhouse has been working out in Atlanta and impressing both the organization as well as current players.  Fans in Atlanta with Hawks tickets should expect to see Stackhouse at Philips Arena this season.

While the aforementioned teams are built to win now, the youthful Hawks have a window.  However, for the team to take the next step they need Josh Smith and Joe Johnson to become better playmakers.  The Hawks occasionally suffer from bouts of offensive stagnation.  

Projected Starters:
PG - Mike Bibby
SG - Joe Johnson
SF - Marvin Williams
PF - Josh Smith
C - Al Horford

Atlanta gets the season underway Oct. 28 at home against the Indiana Pacers.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers had two major offseason storylines.  

Trevor Ariza was allowed to go to Houston Rockets.  To replace him, the Lakers signed former Rocket Ron Artest.  Ariza’s departure seemed to be about anything other than money.   The former UCLA Bruin signed with the Rockets for less money than the Lakers offered.

The second storyline in La-La Land involved the resigning of Lamar Odom.  After some headline-stealing drama, the Lakers and Odom finally hugged it out.  The versatile forward with the epic sweet tooth will be back to help L.A. defend their title.

At the point guard position look for veteran Derek Fisher to face fierce competition from Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown.  Don’t be surprised if you have L.A. Lakers tickets and Farmar is in the starting five by season’s end.

Lakers Fans are dying to know how Artest will fit in.  Not so much on the court but in the locker room.  The controversial Artest has already said if the Lakers don’t repeat as NBA Champions fans can blame him.  Chances are fans won’t be blaming Artest at year’s end but thanking him during the city’s celebratory parade.

Projected Starters:
PG - Derek Fisher
SG - Kobe Byrant
SF - Ron Artest
PF - Pau Gasol
C - Andrew Bynum

The Los Angeles Lakers begin their title defense against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 27.

Denver Nuggets
Ticket owners in Denver know that their Nuggets are one meltdown away from a team implosion.  But until that happens they are one of the best teams in west.

Their status as an elite team mainly rests on the calming influence of point guard Chauncey Billups.  His floor generalship and ability to make big shots is key to the Nuggets’ success.

This offseason the team lost Dahntay Jones and Linas Kleiza to free agency.  To replace Jones they signed the much cheaper Arron Afflalo.

To replace Kleizia, the Nuggets top brass is looking at Wally Szczerbiak, Flip Murray and Rashad McCants.

Also this offseason the Nuggets acquired point guard Ty Lawson via a draft-day trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Nuggets might be looking at a slow start.  Starter J.R. Smith will miss the first seven games of the season due to an NBA suspension for pleading guilty to reckless driving.  The incident took place in 2007 and a passenger was killed in Jones’ car.

Projected Starters:
PG - Chauncey Billups
SG - J.R. Smith 
SF - Carmelo Anthony
PF - Kenyon Marton
C - Nene Hilario

The season starts for the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 28 when they host the Utah Jazz.

San Antonio Spurs
Despite being another year older NBA pundits still list the San Antonio Spurs as legitimate Western Conference contenders.  If they stay healthy and take their Geritol, there’s no reason why the Spurs can’t return to the NBA Finals.

This summer their defensive stalwart, Bruce Bowen, retired.  To replace him the team traded for scorer Richard Jefferson.  They also acquired power forward Antonio McDyess.

The Spurs lacked a first round pick but they did manage to draft Pittsburgh’s DeJuan Blair in the second round.  He’s a tailor made Spur and where they picked him in draft he’s an absolute steal.

Last year the team suffered a rash of injuries and the trend seems to be continuing.  Richard Jefferson has a dislocated thumb and Manu Ginobili has a bum ankle.  Troubling yes, but both should be ready for training camp.

Projected Starters:
PG - Tony Parker
SG - Manu Ginobili
SF - Richard Jefferson
PF - Antonio McDyess
C - Tim Duncan

The Spurs are in San Antonio to start the season.  They host the New Orleans Hornets on Oct. 28.

Houston Rockets
Okay, those with tickets to see the Houston Rockets shouldn’t expect to see Yao Ming this year.  And the return of Tracy McGrady is anyone’s guess.  However, the Rockets are still one of the four best teams in the west.

This overachieving, scrappy team knows no fear and does all the little things necessary to win.  They may not always be the prettiest but they get it done both at home and on the road.  Did we mention they also know have to play defense?

The Rockets lost Ron Artest to the Lakers but signed former Laker Trevor Ariza (and they got him cheap too). 

Approaching training camp, the Rockets are looking to add Stromile Swift, Lorenzen Wright or Jelani McCoy.  All three players have been working out with the team.

With Yao out, Houston will go with a center by committee.  The committee features David Andersen, Joey Dorsey and Mensah-Bonsu.

The names may not be sexy and they may not have a representative at the All-Star game but the Rockets will be there at the end of the season.

Projected Starters:
PG - Aaron Brooks
SG - Shane Battier
SF - Trevor Ariza
PF - Carl Landry
C- David Anderson

The Rockets’ season-opener is Oct. 27 at the Portland Trail Blazers.

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Disney On Ice, Six Times As Nice

by Noiz 18. September 2009 12:56
Almost everyone has heard of Disney on Ice, but did you know that there are at least six different versions of Disney On Ice and all of them are touring the United States.  

It’s not a production, it’s a franchise!

Parents who were unaware of this fact are now hyperventilating in horror as they realize they may actually have to go to more than one of these things.

A guy skating around in a Mickey Mouse suit is impressive for about 10 minutes but after that it gets really “Goofey’ really fast. 

The six touring Disney On Ice shows are Princess Classic, Finding Nemo, Celebrations, World of Fantasy,100 Years of Magic (don’t worry, the show’s not really a century long, it just feels like it) and New Disney.

Disney On Ice: Princess Classic features all your favorite princesses like Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan, and Snow White.  We’re unsure if she’s technically a princess but Tinker Bell also makes an appearance.

Our favorite character in this show is the Beast.  Not the Beast from the X-men comics but the second part of Beauty and the Beast.  He’s quite a formidable figure zipping around the ice.

You can hook up with the Princesses in Buffalo, Miami, and Oakland as well as several other cities. Don’t forget Princess Classic San Diego, Princess Classic San Jose and Toronto’s Princess Classic.

Europe has their own version of this show called Princess Wishes.  Check it out if you’re in London, Manchester or Liverpool this fall.

In all these shows, most of the non-human characters—the Beast, the Genie, the Seven Dwarfs, Jiminy Cricket—are played by skaters in full costumes making them appear like they’ve skated right out of the cartoons.  

The characters actually look like their 2-D counterparts from their respective movies.

In Disney On Ice: Finding Nemo the costumes are a little different.  Most of the major fish characters have their face on the skaters’ chest and their tails attached to the skaters’ backs.  Basically, the skater is perpendicular to the fish and the fish is parallel to the ice.

It may sound corny but it’s actually a nice affect.

Finding Nemo features a large whale on skates, a flying pelican, a turtle the size of a Winnebago and acrobats performing death-defying tricks high above the ice.  

You’ll also meet Nemo’s new friends, the Tank Gang.

You can catch Nemo at Asheville and Charlottesville.  There’s also Finding Nemo Chattanooga as well as a scheduled performance in Knoxville of Finding Nemo.

Disney on Ice: Celebrations features your favorite Disney characters in a medley of holiday celebrations and festivals from all over the world.  

For example, Mickey attends a Chinese New Year Celebration and Minnie enjoys a Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan.

There’s a royal ball with the Disney princesses and a visit from the Disney villains (that’s a redundant term).

This show includes some periphery Disney characters they you don’t see very often like Lilo & Stitch and Jack Skellington from the Nightmare Before Christmas.

You can enjoy the Celebrations in Atlanta, Baltimore, and Indianapolis, just to new a few scheduled stops.  There’s also a Celebrations performance in Nashville as well as a Disney On Ice Celebrations in Raleigh.

If you’re a fan of the new Disney vehicles like Cars, Little Mermaid and the Lion King, you should check out Disney on Ice: World of Fantasy.

In this show you’ll be treated to Lightning McQueen from Cars, Little Mermaid’s undersea kingdom, The Lion King’s circle of life, and Tinker Bell’s Pixie Hollow.

This ice show features appearances by Tiana and Naveen, two new Disney characters from the upcoming animated flick, The Frog Princess.  

Hopefully the World of Fantasy will be coming to a real town near you.   The show is set to visit several cities including Anaheim, Denver, and Kansas City.  You can also catch the World of Fantasy in Portland and Tucson will host this Disney on Ice show as well.

Make sure you arrive early, about an hour, so you can check out the gowns of the Disney Princesses.  This exhibit is free for all ticket holders.

Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic tells 18 stories and features 65 Disney characters.  You’ll see Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofey, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and of course, the Disney Princesses.

Movies featured in this show include Lion King, Mulan, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story.

In the near future, 100 Years of Magic performs in Boston, Houston, and Philadelphia.   Disney fans in Virginia will be able to attend 100 Years of Magic in Richmond.

Finally, Disney On Ice: New Disney is about the Incredibles taking a trip to Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom (talk about your cross promotion).  The production concludes with a parade featuring dozens of Disney characters.

The show opened in September and is scheduled to appear in 65 cities over the next 12 months.  You can catch it in Auburn Hills, Chicago, and Cleveland.

In real time, the Disney on Ice shows run between 90 and 120 minutes.  How long that will feel like is anyone’s guess.  The shows have a 15- to 20-minute intermission.

The major Disney characters—Mickey, Minnie, Goofey, Donald—make appearances in all the shows.  So even in the Princess Classic and Finding Nemo you’ll get your fix of Mickey and company.

In all seriousness, the Disney on Ice shows are well done and are solid family entertainment.  After all it’s not every day you get to see Timon pull off a salchow or Buzz Lightyear perform a triple toe loop.

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Jay-Z’s Plan for Blueprint 3

by Noiz 12. September 2009 09:31
Jay-Z’s 11th studio album, and the third with the name Blueprint, dropped Sept. 8.  

The rapper wanted to release the album on Sept. 11, the eighth anniversary of the original Blueprint, but he was forced to move the date after it was leaked to the internet.  

While the move ruins the symmetry of the release date, it's likely to ensure that Blueprint 3 debuts at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.  

When it does it will be Jay-Z’s 11th number-one album.  The achievement will move him out of a tie with Elvis Presley and into sole possession of second place on the list of most number-one albums of all-time.  The only artist in front of Jay-Z is The Beatles (19).

Blueprint 3 has received generally positive reviews.  Many claim it’s his best work since the original Blueprint while even more purport it’s better than Blueprint 2: The Gift and The Curse.  

Regardless, Blueprint 3 is an accessible and consistent collection of hip hop gems.  The album’s 15 tracks appeal to hardcore fans of the genre as well as causal adherents.

The album features appearances from Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Pharrell and Young Jeezy.  Just about every track has a different producer although West, Timbaland and No I.D. do most of the heavy lifting.  The album was executive produced by Jay-Z and West.

To support Blueprint 3, Jay-Z will embark on 18-date tour of North America.  Tickets for these Jay-Z concerts are already on sale.  

The tour kicks off Oct. 9 at University Park, Pennsylvania and wraps up with Jay-Z in Austin, Texas on Nov 22.  “Hova” will also visit Seattle, Fresno and Albuquerque.

The nearly 40-year old rapper will also visit the Great White North.  On Oct. 30, Jay-Z rolls into Montreal and then on Halloween night Jay-Z performs in Toronto.

Before starting this tour, Jay-Z has to endure a hectic schedule that sees him performing a benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, two different stints in the U.K. supporting Coldplay and appearances on both the new Jay Leno Show and MTV’s Video Music Awards.

At the VMA's, Jay-Z will take the stage with Keyes and perform his tribute to New York City, "Empire State of Mind."  This will be the first time Jay-Z performs the Blueprint 3 track live.

For Leno’s premiere, Jay-Z, with buddies West and Rihanna, will perform Blueprint 3’s second single, “Run This Town.”

For fans of Jay-Z's b-ball team, the New Jersey Nets, it looks like they'll be making their move to Brooklyn in 2010.

With progress being made on various legal issues, Jay-Z is hoping to begin stadium construction this December in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Prospect Heights.  It will take about a year to complete the stadium.  

According to Jay-Z, when the team moves they will also change their name to the Brooklyn Nets.
 
Also launching a tour in the beginning of October is the controversial R&B star R. Kelly.  The Ladies Make Some Noise! Tour launches Oct. 8 and is currently scheduled to make 36 stops.  While dates and cities have been announced, venues for the R. Kelly’s concerts have yet to be released.

Kelly is touring in support of his ninth studio album, “Untitled,” which is scheduled to drop on Oct. 13.

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NHL 2009-10 Season Preview: Storylines, Players To Watch, and Important Dates

by Noiz 9. September 2009 19:16
Most NHL teams start their training camps the weekend of Sept. 12th.  The puck is dropped on the regular season Oct. 1.  

Due to the Winter Olympics the NHL All-Star game is suspended this season.  Instead the league will shut down from Feb. 15 through Feb. 28 to allow NHL players to skate with their respective countries.

The regular season concludes April 12, 2010.

Just a reminder for those that may have taken too many pucks to the head, the Pittsburgh Penguins are the defending Stanley Cup Champions and the San Jose Sharks won the President’s Trophy.

NHL In Europe
 
Hockey fans in Stockholm will get the chance to see the Detroit Red Wings and the St. Louis Blues begin their 2009-10 regular season in earnest.  The Wings and Blues will play a pair of games at the Ericsson Globe in Sweden’s capital city.

Also opening their season in Europe are the Chicago Blackhawks and the Florida Panthers.  They will play two games against one another at the Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland.

Not ‘Lanta?
 
This may be the last season that Atlanta Thrashers fans will get to root for Ilya Kovalchuk.  The Russian is a legitimate NHL super star as well as an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.  He’s perturbed with the team’s lack of improvement and may look to apply his talent elsewhere.

To appease their frustrated star the team put the “C” on his jersey.  Kovalchuck responded by playing like he had an “S” on his chest.  In 37 games as the Thrashers’ captain Kovalchuk had 28 goals and 49 points.

To help out his cause Kovalchuck courted his countryman Nik Antropov.  The big, powerful winger was eventually signed by Atlanta.  The team also traded for defenseman Pavel Kubina.

If the Thrashers don’t make the postseason Kovalchuck could very well vacate the Peach State for a more competitive team.

A Giant On The Ice
 
If Tyler Myers makes the Buffalo Sabres team you won’t need to learn about it on television or read about it in a tweet.  All you’ll have to do is look on the ice.  You can’t miss him.  Myers is 6’8”. 

The lanky defenseman was the Sabres’ first round draft pick in 2008.  In January, he helped Team Canada win the world junior championship.  He was also named the WHL’s playoff MVP after notching 5 goals and 15 assists in 22 games.

Even though the 19-year old will be given every opportunity to make the team at his height he is still considered a long shot.

The Winter Classic
 
The 2010 Winter Classic is scheduled for Jan. 1 at venerated Fenway Park in Boston.  

This will be the NHL’s fourth outdoor game and third Winter Classic.  

Since the game is being held in Bean Town half of the ticket is the Boston Bruins—the best team in the Eastern Conference last season.  The B’s will be battle the Philadelphia Flyers.

Southern Hospitality
 
Since the 2004-05 lockout, the Carolina Hurricanes have brought back nine former players.  The latest to return to the RBC Center as a Hurricane is Aaron Ward.  

Ward was traded to the Canes from the Bruins on July 24th, 2009 for Patrick Eaves and a draft pick.  

Previously, Ward played for Carolina from 2001 through 2006.  He scored a goal for the Canes in their Game 7 victory in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

There’s No Place Like Saddledome
 
Pengrowth Saddledome has been selling tickets to Calgary Flames games since 1983.  It’s old and decrepit and the team feels they need a new home to compete in the NHL.  

Earlier this month Premier Ed Stelmach told the Flames they can have their new arena but not a penny will come from taxpayers.  How refreshing is it to hear that from a politician?

The Saddledome is the sixth oldest arena in league—which isn’t surprising since half the teams in the NHL are either an expansion team or they recently relocated.  Calgary hopes to breaks ground on a new facility in three to five years.

The Flames didn’t get the government support they wanted but at least they signed defenseman Jay Bouwmeester to a five-year deal.

The Canucks Are On The Road Again… And Again… And Again…
 
The 2010 Winter Olympics will force the Vancouver Canucks to undergo the longest road trip in NHL history.  Vancouver will play 14 straight road games from Jan. 27 to March 13 to allow officials to revamp General Motors Place.

Young-Hawks
 
The Chicago Blackhawks are the league’s youngest team.  Their captain, Jonathan Toews, is only 21-years old.  

The Blackhawks have only five players 30 or older: Brain Campbell (30), Marian Hossa (30), Brent Sopel (32), Cristobal Huet (34) and John Madden (36).

Don’t expect to hear much Nirvana or Pearl Jam blaring in the locker room before games.

Quiet In Columbus
 
The Columbus Blue Jackets made one major offseason move and it really wasn’t a move at all.  They gave their best player, 25-year old Rick Nash, an eight-year contract extension.  

They also re-signed 22-year old center Derick Brassard to a four-year deal.  So the Jackets really made two moves that weren’t really moves at all.

That’s a fairly low-key summer for a team coming off their first ever post season appearance. 

Where Have You Gone Joe Sakic?
 
For the first time in 20 years, the Colorado Avalanche will start the season without Joe Sakic.  The team will retire his number 19 at the Avalanche’s home opener on Oct 1.

That might be the only time all season the ‘Lanche go into the game without a losing record.

Olympic Stadium Is An Olympic Hassle
 
The franchise wanted to sell Montreal Canadiens tickets to Olympic Stadium for a Nov. 28 game against the Washington Capitals but that’s not going to happen.  Apparently, priming the stadium for an NHL hockey game is just too much trouble.

It all starts with the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes.  Depending on how well they do in the playoffs the Alouettes may need Olympic Stadium for a game on Nov. 22.  Officials fear that wouldn’t give crews enough time to erect a rink and get the everything ready for a game.  Olympic Stadium holds 70,000.

Instead, the game will be played at Bell Centre.



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Classic Rock: Allman Brothers and Van Morrison

by Zinder 3. September 2009 10:59

When it comes to different styles of music, there are certain genres that probably have appeal to just about everybody and others that require a more diverse and sophisticated musical palate. Classic rock falls into the first for me, probably because the music is so raw. I can still remember the first time I heard Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” when I was 14 and I have loved it ever since.

The song was so upbeat, melodious and I just loved the grit of Morrison’s voice. Van Morrison has been around for quite some time and still continues to tour even today. In fact, from Van Morrison Las Vegas gigs to other shows around the country, he is still courting new fans and delighting old ones with songs that many of us grew up on. Moreover, Morrison has worked with some of the best musicians in the entire industry, with my personal favorite being his collabos with blues legend John Lee Hooker.

In fact, the inclusion of blues, jazz, classical and hard rock is why classic rock tends to have such a strong presence, which often comes together to create a real, raw, deep sound --- the kind that makes you feel as though every song is reflecting the complete range of emotions in your life.

I think more than anything this is the appeal of classic rock. Similar to old school R&B, whatever the band in question was singing about, you could really feel it through their voice. Other bands that are consider pioneers of the classic rock genre include Lynyrd Skynyrd, Doobie Brothers, Jethro Tull, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Steve Miller Band and many, many others. This list of amazing classic rock artists is far from comprehensive and simply reflects my favorites and a few of the ones I think had the most profound effect on the industry. It should also be noted that The Allman Brothers Band is another group that is the embodiment of classic rock.

Whenever you see a live Allman Brothers show, it’s as if you are in the midst of a regular old jam session and you are going to get to witness something really amazing come out of it. This kind of kinship with fans is just the kind of vibe that most classic rock groups and artists court.

The Allman Brothers Band has had some of the craziest trials and tribulations throughout their storied career, but even with band members coming and going, switching out here and there and being substituted on top of substituted, the band never seems to lose its cohesiveness and ability to bring that great classic rock sound to everything they do.

In fact, the group is on tour yet again. The group continues to draw on the talent, experience and passion for music that has kept a group like the Allman Brothers on tour all these years later and fans continuing to fill venues to see them. Some might say that it is this determination and love for the music that keeps true classic rock alive, even after all of these years.

More Allman Bros. Shows:

More Van Morrison Shows:

 

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Paramore Experiences Growing Pains, But Manage To Pull It Together

by Administrator 28. August 2009 01:50

 

When the rock group Paramore first hit the scene, I shook my head in dismay about another young band’s sudden role in the limelight, cast as the next greatest thing in music. I mean, I get the appeal. Lead singer Hayley Williams is adorable with her shocking red-pink-orange hair and her angst-ridden voice. The other three guys in the group are nice to look at it, too and have immense talent on their various instruments. However, Hayley is really the star of the show, which means that this group is bound to go through a similar situation as groups like No Doubt.

If you will recall, No Doubt went through various trials and tribulations because lead singer and ultimate hot chick Gwen Stefani got so much attention and the guys kind of got shoved to the background, because well, she is gorgeous and they are just regular dudes that happen to be talented. Paramore has already started to experience similar growing pains and it remains to be seen as to whether or not they can weather it.

They have a lot to fight for. They have already been nominated for a Grammy after only being on the rock scene for four years. Their second album, Riot, went platinum in the U.S. and gold in the UK. They are in the process of promoting their third album, Brand New Eyes, which will be released in September.  They are touring support of the album, with a Paramore San Francisco tour stop and a Toronto Paramore show. They are also taking it down south with an Atlanta Paramore tour stop and a Paramore Orlando show.

However, they have already had some signs that the pressure of having Williams as their lead singer might prove to be too much. A few magazine pieces that focused more on their lead singer with the other members of Paramore in the background caused some tension in the group. Then, upon sitting down together last year to begin to write new music for their upcoming album, they found themselves in the midst of tension and unspoken division. However, they decided to talk about it instead of letting it fester and Brand New Eyes was born. Paramor
While the process was tough, it was necessary to allow the group to get over the hump. For the moment, it appears that they have. The first single “Ignorance” is hard-hitting and the video is devoid of the gimmicky styling, the appearance of Williams before and in lieu of everyone else and the dark, scowling vibes. The group appears to be united; however, it remains to be seen as to whether they can stay that way.

In fact, the entire album was written with the group’s struggles in mind, which makes the songs honest, gritty and real. This is the stuff that sells albums because it reflects the emotions that people experience every day. Pain. Emotion. Jealousy. Separateness. Anger. All of that and more.

I, and other fans, will be watching to see if Paramore can in fact navigate through the waters of an industry that is just waiting to see them break up under the pressure. So far, they are hanging in there and Paramore fans everywhere are hoping they will be able to maintain their united front for the foreseeable future.

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Rockettes Rock Christmas 2009

by Noiz 27. August 2009 17:48
Christmas isn’t just about shopping, presents and consuming large quantities of eggnog.  It’s also about something much more important like the Rockettes and their annual Christmas show.

Tickets to see the 2009 Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes are currently on sale.  Their annual Christmas show… wait for it… kicks off on November 13th (we’ve got a million of them) and runs until December 30th.

If you can’t hoof it to New York’s Radio City Music Hall, the show does step out of the Big Apple.  There’s an arena tour that visits 30 cities in North America and then there’s a theatrical tour which serves five select markets in the United States.

The cities hosting the theatrical tour include Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Pittsburgh and Seattle.   For example, the Fox Theater will sell tickets to the Christmas Spectacular in Atlanta.  Across the country in Seattle, the Spectacular can been seen at the Paramount Theatre.

Meanwhile, the arena tour will bring a little bit of the Radio City to Philadelphia and it will also sell tickets in Toronto for the Christmas Spectacular.

This show has been kicking for 77 years and every year critics give it high marks.  Then again, women raising their feet high above their heads almost always receives rave reviews.
 
This year’s spectacular features dancing reindeer, dancing toys, and dancing stuffed animals.  At one point doing the show, the Rockettes whisks the audience to the North Pole to visit the man himself, Santa Claus, and to do some more dancing.

Fans will delight in the show’s signature numbers, Twelve Days of Christmas," "New York at Christmas," and "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers."  There’s also a living nativity scene and a 3-D film.  

Earlier this week, the Christmas Spectacular gave a preview performance on New York’s 6th avenue.  Joining the Rockettes was Santa Claus and Lawrence Tynes, the New York Giants kicker.

Doesn’t that sound like a lineup from one of those bad 1970’s TV Christmas specials? 

“Joining the Rockettes tonight on their network Christmas special is Marilyn McCoo, Vic Tayback, the cast of The Wiz and Tony Dorsett.”

Tynes made some ridiculous comment about how kicking a field goal is like dancing before collecting his check and shuffling off to a gentlemen’s club to kill some time before practice.

Some quick facts about the spectacular, in one scene 3,000 Swarovski crystals are used for each Rockettes costume.  In another scene, over 30,000 pairs of cheeky red dots are employed.   The whole show also goes through 1,400 pairs of pantyhose.

If you don’t believe us and you have a ticket to the Washington Spectacular we challenge you to count them all.

One of the most interesting aspects of the performance is the full-size Gray Line tour bus that drives across the stage.

It’s not on a track but controlled by a computer program.  A giant battery powers all of its light and it’s synced to the time code of the set’s video wall.  Obviously, it’s a bit of a logistical nightmare especially since it has to turn around.

Since the vehicle can’t physically turn around—there’s not enough room—the production makes it appear that it has turned around by changing the bus’s appearance.  

Stage hands remove the bus’ face plate to reveal a new plate that makes it appear like the bus is going in the opposite director.  Then the actor driving the rig takes the steering wheel and races to the other end of the bus.  

When the bus reappears on stage it looks like it has made a "U" turn.

You’ll be able to see this clever maneuver at all stops on the national tour including when the Radio City Christmas show plays in Baltimore.

The spectacular is a great family show that comes highly recommended for kids.  

In certain cities, especially New York and the cities on the theatrical tour, the Rockettes perform up to four shows a day.

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