politics

Musicians Angry that US Gov’t Used Music as Torture

Published October 23rd, 2009 by Karen
IMG_1076
Creative Commons License photo credit: mike.benedetti

As if Trent Reznor doesn’t pop up in the news enough these days thanks to his weekend wedding and surprising Twitter resurrection, the newly-retired Nine Inch Nails frontman is teaming up with stars like Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) and R.E.M. to take on a music industry monster that might be worse than the RIAA: The United States Military. Continue reading »

"Nick Jonas should take his story directly to the people, and not waste his time with the politicians. Why? Because the grain, and sugar lobby own the..."
  testosterone dude

Nick Jonas Lobbies for Diabetes Research

Published June 24th, 2009 by Wendy
JONAS BROTHERS
Creative Commons License photo credit: SWEET SUGAR

Nick Jonas spent yesterday lobbying Washington D.C. big shots on the need for diabetes research, even stopping for a photo op with President Barack Obama, according to an Associated Press report.

The arrival of the youngest Jonas sent Capitol Hill interns scurrying for their cameras, according to the AP. “I know some people can become star-struck and lose sight of what they’re here for, but if Nick Jonas makes juvenile diabetes a cause that people are more aware of, it’s worth it,” said Ashley Woolos, an American University student and intern in the office of Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass.

Jonas, 16, is scheduled to testify before two Senate committees today on federal funding for diabetes research. Other witnesses include boxer Sugar Ray Leonard and actress Mary Tyler Moore.

Nick Jonas publicly revealed that he has Type 1 diabetes while performing at a Diabetes Research Institute fundraiser in 2007. The Jonas Brothers released their fourth CD, Lines, Vines and Trying Times, last week.

"make money out of good things not things that bring disorder in your country and bad life to citizens. Thank you."
  paul

Santana Wants Obama to Legalize Pot

Published April 4th, 2009 by Wendy
honk for hemp
Creative Commons License photo credit: Karmalize

President Barack Obama joked about repeated questions as to whether he supported the legalization of marijuana at his online town hall meeting last month, but Carolos Santana seriously thinks it’s a great idea, according to an Associated Press story.

“Legalize marijuana and take all that money and invest it in teachers and in education,” Santana said in an interview this week. “You will see a transformation in America.”

The rock legend, who resides in Los Angeles, also had an earful for California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: “I really believe that as soon as we legalize and decriminalize marijuana we can actually afford a really good governor who won’t keep taking money away from education and from teachers and send him back to Hollywood where he can do ‘D’ movies and we can get an ‘A’ governor,”

Santana made his remarks as he was promoting his May rock residency in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Who is Sarah Palin? McCain Announces VP Pick

Published August 29th, 2008 by Karen

Who is Sarah Palin?

Well, if John McCain has his way, she just might be the next Vice President of the United States. With this surprise announcement comes a flood of questions, let’s sort through some of the basics.

1. Who is Sarah Palin?
Sarah Louise Heath Palin is the Governor of Alaska. The 44-year-old politician is only three years younger than Barack Obama, but 28 years younger than her running mate John McCain. This is interesting because McCain has been quick to target Obama’s youthfulness as a sign of inexperience. Hypocritical? We’ll let you decide.

2. Does she have experience?
Of course this will be a hot topic. The short answer is: sort of. Palin was tapped as Governor less than two years ago, making her a relative newcomer to big-time politics.

3. Is picking a female VP a wise move?
Again, this is pretty subjective. However, this might be a good opportunity for McCain to win over some voters left cold by Hilary Clinton’s removal from the presidential race. It may also help him soften his image.

4. Is Palin the first female VP candidate?
No. In 1984 Geraldine Ferraro was on the Democrat ticket. Palin is the second candidate representing a major political party.

5. As Gov. of Alaska, what’s her position on drilling for oil?
From 2003-2004 Palin was a member of Ethics Commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. She eventually resigned in protest over what she called the “lack of ethics” of fellow Alaskan Republican leaders, who ignored her whistleblowing complaints of legal violations and conflicts of interest. After she resigned, she filed formal complaints against Alaska’s Republican partychairman, Randy Ruedrich and former Alaska Attorney General Gregg Renkes, who both resigned; Ruedrich paid a record $12,000 fine.

6. Um, Alaska?
Alaska became a state in 1959. Known for its natural beauty and resources, the secluded state has become a hotbed of political debates regarding the possibility of drilling for oil on protected lands. Alaska is also the home of folk/pop singer Jewel “Who Will Save Your Soul?” Kilcher (the host of Nashville Star recently wed longtime beau/rodeo star Ty Murray). Free Jewel mp3 music downloads, here.

We’re sure tons of other questions will pop up over the coming hours and days, so check back for more information as it becomes available.

Do you think Palin is a good VP choice?
Leave a comment
and tell us what you think!

Jenna Bush Wedding, Music, Photos, Ring and More!

Published May 12th, 2008 by Karen

The President is on the way out of the spotlight, but his daughter Jenna was the center of attention at her wedding over the weekend.

26-year-old Jenna Bush wed 30-year-old Henry Hager in a ceremony in her hometown of Crawford, TX. Photos of the President and first daughter on the big day have been released, we think this one is pretty sweet, here. (Of course, we much prefer this photo of President W. with the Easter Bunny, here.)

With all the weddings in recent weeks—Beyonce and Mariah top the list—and nuptial from Ashlee Simpson around the corner, we’re in a wedding mood. Here are some of our favorite wedding songs—and a few we kinda never want to hear ever again. Sorry, chicken-dance fans.

According to People online, Jenna and Henry shared their first dance as a married couple to Taj Mahal’s “Lovin’ In My Baby’s Eyes.”

Um, really? Now this has to be their song. Forever. They should’ve planned better.

The bride danced with her presidential pop to the tune of Joe Cocker “You Are So Beautiful,” which is sweet.

Those are pretty good choices, but here are some others we love (and hate). Free wedding music downloads, too! Enjoy lots of free wedding music downloads here.

TOP WEDDING SONGS

“Never Make a Pretty Woman Your Wife”
We LOVE this song. We realize that some brides will be offended by this song. Fair enough—but they’re missing the point. This calypso classic is actually one of the sweetest wedding songs ever written. It’s about faithfulness, happiness and fidelity—but with a witty twist.

Of course, calling your wife ugly on your wedding day may not be a wise idea. You better be CERTAIN that she appreciates this cheeky number before you allow the DJ to play it.

Wedding March
Sometimes, you just have to stick with the classics.

“YMCA”—Village People
Chicken Dance
Nobody looks cool dancing to these songs—but they are guaranteed to get even the most reluctant dancers on the floor. Still, we’ll never, ever understand what the YMCA has to do with weddings.

“The Way You Look Tonight”—Frank Sinatra
We love Frank, really we do, but this is such a cliché that it has lost all meaning.

Better Alternative:
“Love and Marriage”—Frank Sinatra

What Do You Think?
What song would you love (or hate) to hear at your wedding?
Leave a comment and tell us what you think!