Alt Groove links 10.3.13

T O P I C S:

• Ahhhhh the government shut down. The point I want to drive home the most is we voted these people into congress. They have on average, a 90% reelection rate, yet a 9% approval rate right now. We can't complain about congress if we keep giving them their jobs back every election cycle. I will go as far to say maybe you shouldn't complain if you didn't vote. Maybe people will pay attention to who they're voting for now? One can only dream.
• One local effect of the shut down I wanted to highlight is the Head Start program, A federally funded early learning daycare program, had to close it's doors. Approximately 1,200 children In Bridgeport alone under the age of 5 and their working parents are scrambling around to find child care. On top of that, Many of the workers had to be laid off as a result of this.
• Ikea is in the news again for being awesome. They are now making solar panels. Currently they are only being sold in the UK, but I'm sure they'll make their way to the States.
• A dog named Sundance ate 5 $100 bills and left the 1 $1 bill while he waited in the car for his owners. The owner actually collected the remnants and sent it to the US Treasury and the government actually reimbursed him. Lolz.
• The affordable care act has got tons of people in a tizzy. CT has this fancy new site to guide individuals about selecting coverage, and even have this interactive myth busting game that I encourage everyone to play, even if you're not from CT. You can speak with an insurance broker for free; they will hold your hand and answer all your questions. I think this is a great thing for America, even if people don't fully get it yet. 

All of the playlists will now be in an album on my facebook page. woo!

Alt Groove 9.24 - 9.26 Links

Alright, so I've come to terms with the fact that I really wish I was better at posting all the links here after every show. It will happen eventually, I promise! but for now, check out my facebook page to see every playlist I've ever played on the show. I've been debating whether or not to just post the links on my facebook page for all of the stories I talk about but that seems it might turn into borderline spamming and I'm not about that life. 

Also Links is a funny word.

T O P I C S :

• It's banned books week! Apparently my favorite childhood book series Captain Underpants is on the top of the list of "most challenged" books. Boo you whores.
• Chico MacMurtrie has been welding musical robots for decades. He's bringing them all together for orchestral performances throughout the month of October.
• Ikea introduced DIY flat pack homes last year. This year, they joined forces with United Nations' refugee agency and are modifying them to be refugee shelters for those in need in Syria.
• Losing is good for you! Stop unnecessarily over praising little kids, they can handle rejection every once and a while. It'll mess with their minds in the long run.
• Guess how many snakes were found in this guy's home. Just guess.
• George H.W. Bush is witness at a same sex marriage of friends. How sweet! Filed under republicans being awesome.
• City Wide Open Studios is just around the corner! This is an art event that has something happening every weekend in October. Be sure to check it out as all of it is free!

Alt Groove 3.13.2013

I'm not sure why I like this gif so much. But I do. ANYWAYS this show's theme was spring break. More specifically what I am doing/what I would like to do on spring break:

1. I'm going to NCECA! In case I haven't mentioned it enough, I'm going to a conference all about ceramics. I'm hoping to suck up as much knowledge and inspiration as I can.
2. I want to go to NYC. I'm not sure what exactly I want to do in the city this time around, but I found this site that lists mounds of events all year round. Check it out, yeah?
3. I am going thrifting. I need to update my wardrobe and there's so many benefits to thrifting!
4. I want to go hiking. There's plenty of good places in CT for this and it's about time I take advantage of that.
5. Hulu has a vast selection shows that people should take advantage of! I plan on vegging out on hulu quite a bit.
6. I have a wedding to plan and I haven't done too much yet, but during spring break I might get a little somethin' started
7. Lastly, I plan on blogging a couple of posts scheduled in advanced. huzzah!

NEWS TOPICS

• Dad hacks a video game to gender swap the hero and victim. How awesome is that?
• Twinkies are making a comeback sooner than I expected :O) <--(double chin)
• Advertise on thighs. What do you think?
• Boy Scouts Association sent a survey to troops regarding gay members.

PLAYLIST

Alt Groove 2.27.13

This show was dedicated to Black History Month. I have my own person qualms with the idea of highlighting topics each month, but it's more pros than cons methinks. I went over this list of super awesome women in black history and little known facts about them. My personal favorite is Condoleezza Rice.

TOPICS

• The new advertising fad is to bring famous people back from the dead. I personally think this is a bit degrading to their legend. Having Audry Hepburn in your ad is great n' all, but is it really necessary?
• Man reunites with his dog from ten years ago. Such a feel good story!
• Super exciting news for the LGBT community and equality supporters! Over 75 republicans are now supporting same sex marriage! Who cares why they've flip flopped on the issue, it's a step in the right direction.
• Climate change is among us, what will a hotter summer mean?

PLAYLIST

TTFN!

-Avé

Alt Groove 2.20.13

IT'S BACK! Finally, right? First show of the semester ya'll, and it felt better than expected. 

TOPICS:

• Around this time, those diet and eating healthy resolutions start to fade. But fear not! here's a list of some helpful heathy tips to keep you on track. One that's not mentioned that's great for college students: use less of the seasoning pack to cut out some sodium, and add things like frozen veggies, chicken, tofu, or beans to add protein, fiber, and other awesome nutrients that are lacking from this typical meal. With all that added goodness, you could split the meal and save half for later. Other favorites were don't drink calories, don't skip meals, and end calorie consumption 3 hours before bed time. 
• Google glasses are here! But only for a select few to start. You could get your hands on a pair to test out if you're willing to drop $1500. THE FUUUTUREEE.
• The new health care law will allow employers with more than 50 employees to charge overweight employees more for their insurance if they so choose. I do think this is a good idea since lets face it; with extra weight comes extra health risks. Employers are also implementing programs rewarding those who lose weight. 
• Gaga cancelled the remainder of the Born This Way Ball. I'm heartbroken that she's injured, but excited that I'll be able to go to her concert whenever she recovers. She would have been in my area in March and March is booked for me. Selfish? Maybe just a little, but I wish her the best in her recovery!
• Meteor hits the atmosphere over Russia. 500+ injured, but no fatalities. I think it was the illuminati. 
• Woman accused of threatening Gateway Community College with a mass shooting. This is so scary because it's my alma mater, so I pray that this will be dealt with swiftly. The FBI currently has her in custody.
• Blade Runner from South Africa shot his girlfriend through the bathroom door. Accident or not?

PLAYLIST:

Missed this show? that's ok. Click here!

That was a mouthful. Till next time!

-Avé

P.S. New thingy on the side bar: Events! Mostly galleries/exhibits that I've seen or would like to see in the CT and NYC areas. huzzah! 

Alt Groove Recap 4.25 - Jahkeem from (S)ecrets Interview!

*Featured track: "All Night All Day" by (S)ecrets*

I had the chance today to interview Jahkeem from the band (S)ecrets, the official "pop ensemble" on campus. They have been together for a couple of semesters and preparing for a show this coming Monday. (S)ecrets recently released an album titled (S)ecrets: On the DL. There are nine people in the band and they all collaborate with all sorts of influences to make this awesome pop/hip hop sound.

Click here for the audio from the interview!

L O C A L :

• Free Yoga for earth day rescheduled for monday 12pm - 2pm
• Keith Haring exhibit of his earlier work at the Brooklyn Museum till July 8th
• You should go to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens!
• (S)ecrets LIVE in the quad @ 1pm, then again @ 7:30 pm at the Garner Recital Hall

TTFN! <3

Alt Groove Recap - 4.18 - Tuna Scrape, what?

P L A Y L I S T :

F A S H I O N :

This has been the week of flowy dresses on campus all week! Larger patterns in style, I can dig it. I'm also diggin' the availability of canvas shoes this season. I plan on dying and designing a pair for myself, so hopefully you'll get a chance to see it. Lastly, a trend I'm seeing on campus for both boys and girls are deconstructed denim vests; it's a great way to express and personalize your style--great for everyone!

T O P I C S :

• The Needle Drop came by and talked about his career as a music critic via his vlog, blog, and radio show. It was awesome! Check out my full review of the event here.
• The media studies club hosted a showing of The Purity Myth. This film showcases the inequality between men and women when it comes to sex and virginity. Lately, government agencies, schools, and the media want to see a return to gender rolls circa 1950 and have been placing a huge importance on women's virginity. It lead to great discussion; I made sure to point out to the men in the room that this view of women adds yet another layer of challenge that women face in everyday life that men never have to worry about. The film also shows people in favor of this movement towards virginity opposing feminists. The most shocking part was the women who were against feminism--REALLY? Feminism is the support of equality between the sexes. When women are still being paid 20 cents less than men across the board, I don't know how any woman could be against it. Other points were made, like not every christian or republican thinks like this and how the crazy few make the rest look bad to the public. I think the most important part of this event was showing how crucial it is to vote so Romney people who think like this aren't elected into office.
• While scrolling through my twitter feed, I came across NPR's tweet that jeopardized my love for spicy tuna rolls. Apparently there's a growing concern about the safety of raw fish because of something they call "tuna scrape," which is the meat closest to the bones. Say it ain't so! Read more about it here. 

Internet's Busiest Music Nerd...On Campus!

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony Fantano of the b/vlog, The Needle Drop. WSIN radio, where he got his start, hosted the event. If you haven't heard of or seen it yet, The Needle Drop reviews music from all sorts of genres focusing on those of the "independent persuasion."

We talked about how he started, how he makes a living, advice for future media entrepreneurs, music stuff, etc etc... It was slightly surreal to meet a youtuber I'm so used to seeing on my computer screen, but it was really awesome! He was super nice and helpful, just what I needed as I'm kicking this hobby into high gear :).

There were two little gems of info that I gained from this Q&A session (three if you include the birth of Cal Chuchesta):

1. Post content consistently, using all social media sites to your advantage. He used a rapper by the name of Little B (Lil' B?) as an example. He's certainly not the greatest rapper (to say the least), but he's constantly uploading mix tapes, music videos, and posting on twitter--so much that it leaves little room to breath and consume it all; but it's effective.
2. As long as you provide an original perspective on a topic you love, people will come back and might even follow. This is especially true if you share content with others that they may not have learned otherwise.  It also helps if it's content that people would want to share.

There were a bunch of other things like how he handles his diverse fan base and requests, where does his income come from with advertisements, and more businessy type things, but I'm not quite there yet :P Still, super cool to meet him and learn behind the scenes things about a young, successful entrepreneur. Hope to see him again sometime!

Alt Groove Recap! 4.11.12

P L A Y L I S T :

• "11th Dimension" by Julian Casablancas
• "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen
• "Higher Ground" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
• "Joy Ride" by The Killers
• "Punching in a Dream" by The Naked and Famous
• "Cosmic Girl" by Jamiroquai
• "Lollipop" by MIKA
• "Sins of My Youth" by Neon Trees
• "Take on Me" by A-Ha
• "Steady as She Goes" by The Raconteurs

F A S H I O N : 

Check out hautelook.com for great deals (50% - 75% off, whaaaat?!)  on designer brand clothes for men, kids, and women! they have home goods, tech goodies, and all sort of things.

L O C A L :

• Buzzathon today! Akira will be performing around noon!
• Purity Myth screening in Hickerson April 17th, 7 to 9. I'll be on the panel discussion. Check out the trailer!
• Anthony Fantano of The Needle Drop will be talking about his experience in professional radio. *swoon* Monday April 16th in the student center theater.

T O P I C S :

• Jenna Talackova will be allowed to participate in Miss Universe! She was born a man, but believe me when I say she's all woman. Congrats, girl!
• 8.6 magnitude earthquake in the Indian Ocean; all surrounding areas are on tsunami watch. Lets send our thoughts and prayers their way.
• Ashton Kutcher rumored to play Steve Jobs in an indie film. what.
• Schools in Brazil are putting locator chips in students' uniforms to help track tardiness and text parents. Do you think technology is going a bit to far here or is it just something bound to happen?
• An elderly gentleman fell as he was getting out of the car and was stuck in the street. Two good samaritans helped him up and carried his groceries into his home. This was on my way home last night; although I didn't see him fall, I drove up to the scene as the girl got out of her car to help him up. Good people still exist in the world!

Alt Groove 4.4.12 recap! - Mike Nice

P L A Y L I S T :

• "Two Weeks" by Grizzly Bears
• "Damn" by Dom
• "Harder Better Faster Stronger" by Daft Punk
• "Shake a fist" by Hot Chip
• "Soul Meets Body" by Death Cab for Cutie
• "Something is not Right With Me" by Cold War Kids
• "Crown on the Ground" by Sleigh Bells
• "Bangers and Mash" by Radiohead
• "Junior Kick Start" by The GO! Team

Mike Nice is a talk show host of his very own show, Mike Nice Talk of the Talk. He has had a variety of guests ranging from the governor, to student athletes, to Nobel Peace Prize winners. He's very active in the community and connects his audience with other individuals in the community. He got his start during his senior year of high school and has been driven ever since he was a kid to make it as a talk show host. How many people can say they've had their own show since high school?

I got the chance to talk with him about how he got his start, how he runs his show, and some fun facts about the man himself. Mike is a truly diverse and open minded individual. He's making his dreams a reality. I think that's what I love about him the most.

His show airs (for the locals) on channel 27 CTV, in New Haven, West Haven, and Hamden. But of course everyone can check out clips of his show atwww.mikeniceshow.com.

He originally approached me as I was ending my show a couple of weeks ago to ask if he could be on my show and this really was a great experience as my first guest on air. I'm sure you'll hear him on my show again in the future!

---

Alt Groove 3.28.12 Recap

P L A Y L I S T:

• "Paddling Out" By Miike Snow
• "Trouble Maker" By Weezer
• "Jerome" By Lykke Li
• "Spank" By The Naked & Famous
• "Ceiling of Plankton" By The Givers
• "Did I Let You Know" By Red Hot Chili Peppers
• "Sleepyhead" By Passion Pit
• "Southern Point" By Grizzly Bear
• "Single Ladies by Pomplamoose (Covering Beyoncé of course)
• "DARE" by Gorillaz
• "Blister in the Sun" by the Violent Femmes

F A S H I O N:
Jean jackets for all! more and more popping up on campus for both sexes. Personalize it with patches, bleach splatters, pins, whatever you want!

L O C A L:
Snoop Dogg is in town today....haha. No seriously, at Toad's tonight. Also, Trayvon Martin Protest in the quad tomorrow at noon. Wear a hoodie to show your support!

T O P I C S:

• Rumor has it that KONY is founded by the government (or the CIA) and was just a public front for the US. All we really want is oil, of course. CONSPIRACY! But it makes sense.
• Sugar, a cat in boston, jumped out of it's owner's apartment from the 19th story. that's about 150 feet. She landed on her feet in a patch of moss with only a couple of bruises. How awesome is that?
• This is the first time I'm a part of a fandom of a book series turned mega movie hit...The Hunger Games! Haven't seen the film yet, but I'm totally bothered by theracist tweets and comments about the black characters in the movie. Collins mentions the skin color of two out of the three characters in question, Rue and Thresh. As for Cinna, can we really believe that's the name of a white person? Come on America! We still have a ways to go for equality.
• I'm convinced that I should home school my future children. Schools in London are starting to ban best friends, A school in NJ bans hugging, and a school in Texas bans a cerebral palsy girl from using her walker BECAUSE SHE FELL IN THE PARKING LOT.SERIOUSLY?