Bush and I on the Metro in London

I saw this ad while riding the Metro to Tower Bridge in April 2005. I would say more, but I think the picture speaks for itself!

Prosperity4.com Advertisement

Music: 10 Questions for MikeBz

Stats
Genre: Hip Hop
Current Album: Happy New Year

1. What is the name of your current album?

Well, the last album I made was named Happy New Year. It's name comes from the turn of the new year. I started the album at the end of 2005 and finished it early this year.

2. Which musical acts have inspired you?

I've been influenced by several artists, but the most influence comes from Timbaland. He has always been one of the top producers and, in my mind, the best. Like him, I don't use samples. I don't use them because, to me, it's not original work.

All of my beats are sample free so, any of them would be a good example of his influence.

3. Which track is your favorite and why?

The Wrath is my favorite because it shows me how much I've grown in the past 5 years. I went to my old style on that one, but I added some things that I have learned along the way.

4. What has been the most difficult incident you have experienced?

Time. There's never enough of it and there's always a demand for it. I'm not particularly the type to care about what time it is so it's something I just have to get adjusted to.

5. Describe two qualities your fans love about your music?

I wouldn't know come to think of it. I only hear that my music is hot. I know some of it can get you crunk.

6. How do you feel you have contributed to the evolution of Hip Hop?

I try to make music out of something you wouldn't normally listen to and like. I may use the most annoying sound for a beat and make it into something you'd like. I think in this way I am opening the tolerance for what type of music people want to listen to.

7. If you could have one track on your current album be the theme to a movie or TV show which would you pick and why?

I have one that's called Trying To Live that I just love. I don't really watch television too much right now, but it could be a nice theme for a show or movie dealing with survival like Saw or something.

8. How many people have a song by MikeBz on their MySpace Profile?

I don't think anyone has one of my beats on their profile. No lyrics kinda do that to you. If I were to recommend one, it would have to be my latest beat: Where's The Money.

9. Are your parents fans of your music?

I think my mom likes my music. I don't think she wants to encourage me to pursue such an uncertain profession, so she doesn't really comment on my music.

10. Tell us a rumor (real or fake) that you think would garner your musical genius massive news coverage.

I don't think there are rumors about me going around, especially any that would stop me. I think that I may give people a vibe that I am gay, lol, but people are going to have their opinions.

Essential Links:

• TightBeatz.com


• MikeBz on MySpace

Music: 10 Questions for Diabolique

Stats
Genre: Rock
Current Album: Uses of Disorder
Band Members:

• Drums: Jeff Farmer
  
• Bass: Brian Tully
  
• Lead Guitar: Shane Pierce
  
• Vocals/Guitar: Pascale Jean-Louis

1. What is the name of Diabolique's current album?

I got the idea from a book by Richard Sennett called The Uses of Disorder: Personal Identity and City Life, which talks about how people living in modern, affluent societies suffer from an existential malaise - especially in the suburban communities which are stultifying, rigid, conformist, and dull, dull, dull. An excess of order threatens our society to the point where children are being micromanaged and pressured to the point where all the fun is being taken out of growing up. Little Johnny has soccer practice, AP classes, band camp, math camp, judo lessons, computer classes, and a Japanese tutor, and that's while he's in kindergarten, because parents are so competitive and fearful. I sound like I'm presenting a term paper, but there you have it!

However, you can use the diversity, the anarchy and the creativity of urban life to reinvent yourself. Think of how exciting and dangerous NYC was in the 70s and 80s (even if your only experience of NYC is through watching "The Warriors") compared to today. Now NYC is one big middle-brow shopping mall that's safe for tourists and women who model themselves after the cast of "Sex and the City."

2. Which musical acts have inspired Diabolique?

Any wild, crazy-sexy female front woman. My old-school favorites are Siouxsie and the Banshees, who were sexy and intimidating, and a punk pioneer, plus Joan Jett, Chrissy Hynde, Blondie and PJ Harvey. The Pretenders' Learning to Crawl was one of the first records I brought.

I remember watching Blondie perform on "Solid Gold" when I was a wee-lass, and wondering why Debbie Harry looked so HAPPY onstage. When I got older, and hung around potheads and stoners, I knew why she was really smiling.

My other favorites are Karen O and Katie Jane Garside. Katie Jane isn't that well-known in the states, but she's the singer from Daisy Chainsaw and Queen Adreena, one of the best goth-punk bands in the UK. She's like this heroin-chic crazy Tinkerbelle wearing garlands and torn wedding gowns with bruises on her legs; though I think the band has cleaned itself up considerably since they got signed to a major U.S. label. Oh, and on the guy side, David Bowie
and Jim Morrision are huge influences. There's two versions of The Doors' Unhappy Girl on the album and In Walks the Twilight has a bit of the Pretenders in it.

3. Which track is your favorite and why?

My favorite track is In Walks the Twilight because I'm very calm and cool while singing it, though, the subject matter is kind of sad, since I wrote it about my father, who’s deceased.

4. What has been the most difficult incident Diabolique has experienced?

Every time we get into the recording studio, it's a nightmare! Everyone has their own vision of what the band should sound like and I'm a bit of a control freak when it comes to the arrangements and how they should go. If the guitarist is playing a part that I think doesn't sound quite right, you can watch me have a heart attack in the control room. At the last session, I got locked in the ladies' bathroom for 30 minutes (the door was jammed), which gave the guitarist just enough time to lay down his solo tracks. Afterwards, he said that I should have stayed there all night. Looking back, I wonder whether the whole incident was sabotage and I was locked in on purpose!

And don't remind me of the gig we had at Crash Mansion in 2004. It was supposed to be this label showcase, only the timing was off. It was on the same night the Yankees and the Rex Sox World Series - game 7. Besides the other bands playing there that night, there was about 2 people in the club. We were the last band to perform, but the staff literally pulled the plug on us after the 4th song so they could go home early. The only consolation was that we didn't have to travel far for the gig, but the band playing before us came all the way from Philadelphia to play there, and they also got a parking ticket for their trouble.

5. Describe two qualities Diabolique fans love about the music?

The fans usually point out the lyrics and the unpredictable qualities of the music, like their favorite, crazy aunt.

6. How do you feel Diabolique has contributed to the evolution of the band's genre(s) of music?

I hope that Diabolique is part of a new wave of kick-ass female-led bands, because the world is in dire need of them right now. I also think that we're part of a contingent of bands that's comfortable in their own skin. We're not trying to prove anything, or jump on any bandwagons, like Electroclash. Frankly, I don't think contemporary music has evolved that much in the past few years. In fact, we're probably regressing. Rehashed new wave and watered-down punk is NOT revolutionary, people. Ladies, worry less about looking cute and f**k-able, and learn some damn guitar chords! I think mainstream rock and hip-hop is going through a fallow period. If I were a teenager right now, I'd probably be a metal head, because I think that's where the most interesting stuff is happening. The bands out there are really mixing it up, blending genres, and testing boundaries.

7. If you could have one track on your current album be the theme to a movie or TV show which would you pick and why?

I'd pick Indie Boy because it's our poppiest, snottiest song. I could picture that song on the soundtrack to The OC. If Avril Lavigne sang it.

8. How many people have a song by Diabolique on their MySpace Profile?

I'm not sure. Is there a way to check? I'd recommend Indie Boy and In Walks the Twilight.

9. Are your parents fans of Diabolique?

God no! My mother has a vague idea that I'm in a band, but if she even caught wind of the name, or saw our logo, she'd have a heart attack. I grew up in a strict Catholic household where AC/DC and Motley Crue records were banned, so can you imagine telling your parents that your band is called "Diabolique" and the logo is four skulls and an inverted pentagram? One of the skulls is wearing a bow, which negates the Satanic aspects, and none of our songs refer to the Devil, but I don't think they'd get the joke. " One day, I'll invite my mom to one of our shows. She hasn't been to any of my shows since I performed recitals in high school.

10. Tell us a rumor (real or fake) that you think would garner your musical genius massive news coverage.

That we're actual devil worshippers and I channel the ghost of Anton LaVey onstage. Or, Diabolique made a pact with the devil and only gained notoriety after performing a Satanic rite in the middle of Central Park. After 5 years and a VH-1 "Behind the Music" special, the devil will return to claim our souls and during our last show, the band will disappear in a cloud of sulphurous smoke.

Essential Links:

• DiaboliqueMusic.com


• Diabloique on MySpace

The Matador & The Producers Soundtrack Reviews

The Matador Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Buy The Matador @Amazon.com

From the Los Fabulosos Cadillacs “El Matador” to Tom Jones’ It’s Not Unusual” get ready to groove. Fantastically smooth and hip The Matador soundtrack delivers a cool Latin sound that neatly packages decades of musical styles.

The Producers Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Buy The Producers (2005 Movie Soundtrack) @Amazon.com

You do not even have to watch the movie this soundtrack is equally as funny an entertaining! Catchy lyrics and melodies layout the entire Producers experience in just a little over an hour. Not only do you get hear the classic performances by acclaimed duo that brought this Mel Brooks classic to Broadway Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, you also get to hear the vocals of Uma Thurman as the Swedish bombshell Ulla and Will Ferrell as the hilarious Franz Liebkind!

Save the Internet!

SOURCE: SaveTheInternet

Congress is pushing a law that would abandon the Internet's First Amendment -- a principle called Network Neutrality that prevents companies like AT&T, Verizon and Comcast from deciding which Web sites work best for you -- based on what site pays them the most. If the public doesn't speak up now, our elected officials will cave to a multi-million dollar lobbying campaign.

Music: Single Minded: Seeed "DING"

Single Minded is here to provide you with the best singles from around the globe you need to hear and SHARE. Somethings are just to good to be kept a secret!

---

Seeed's DING
Buy Seeed's "DING" at Amazon.com

Seeed is a Deutsch group (German for the culturally ignorant) and the name of the song is the reggae hip hop influenced "DING". This song is catchy and the video is hilarious! Primates and mammals doing the booty dance and grinding is more than enought to get my vote!

I saw this video on my Eurotrip over Easter Break 2006. I went to five countries (England, France, Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands) and in four out of the five I saw this video at least twice a day! I love it!


Note the animals drinking that crazy Absinthe the drink that makes you crazy (or at least it used to you). Just ask VanGogh it was his drink of choice!

If you think your song is worthy of being featured in Single Minded drop me a line at reviews (at) ybfree (dot) com.

Let me know if you like this video by posting a comment! :)

Stephen Colbert roasts the DC Establishment

Stephen Colbert Roasts the DC Establishment
at the 2006 White House Correspondents Dinner

Stephen Colbert is truly the greatest living American!

Stephen Colbert the only man with the talent to aptly mock Bill O'Reilly has made an indelible mark on American history with his magnificent roast at the most recent White House Correspondents Dinner. C-SPAN (thank God for cable) aired this magnificent speech. If you missed it, you must not be a patriot!

Here are excerpts from the monologue:

SOURCE: Cobert Transcript from http://dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/4/30/1441/59811

• By the way, before I get started, if anybody needs anything else at their tables, just speak slowly and clearly into your table numbers. Somebody from the NSA will be right over with a cocktail.


• I believe in democracy. I believe democracy is our greatest export. At least until China figures out a way to stamp it out of plastic for three cents a unit.


• And though I am a committed Christian, I believe that everyone has the right to their own religion, be you Hindu, Jewish or Muslim. I believe there are infinite paths to accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior.


• I stand by this man (George Bush). I stand by this man because he stands for things. Not only for things, he stands on things. Things like aircraft carriers and rubble and recently flooded city squares. And that sends a strong message: that no matter what happens to America, she will always rebound -- with the most powerfully staged photo ops in the world.


• Look, by the way, I've got a theory about how to handle these retired generals causing all this trouble: don't let them retire! Come on, we've got a stop-loss program; let's use it on these guys. I've seen Zinni and that crowd on Wolf Blitzer. If you're strong enough to go on one of those pundit shows, you can stand on a bank of computers and order men into battle. Come on.


• Mayor Nagin! Mayor Nagin is here from New Orleans, the chocolate city! Yeah, give it up. Mayor Nagin, I'd like to welcome you to Washington, D.C., the chocolate city with a marshmallow center. And a graham cracker crust of corruption. It's a Mallomar, I guess is what I'm describing, a seasonal cookie.


• Joe Wilson is here, Joe Wilson right down here in front, the most famous husband since Desi Arnaz. And of course he brought along his lovely wife Valerie Plame. Oh, my god. [looks horrified] Oh, what have I said? I -- Je- minetti (sp?). I am sorry, Mr. President, I meant to say he brought along his lovely wife Joe Wilson's wife. Patrick Fitzgerald is not here tonight? OK. Dodged a bullet.



Watch the 25 minute video NOW:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-869183917758574879&q=colbert

Why Free Comic Book Day is a Flop!

This is an article from 2004 about Free Comic Book Day (which is today by the way ;)) But it is still pertinent!

Why Free Comic Book Day is a Flop!
An Action Guide for Comic Book Stores
By Jennifer Walford
Original Source: http://www.ybfree.com/40FREECOMICBOOKDAY1.html

Free Comic Day has failed to attract the well-deserved hype the event deserves. Usually scheduled during the weekend of a highly anticipated super hero movie this event is supposed to attract new comic fans, and bring lost fans back into the ranks. For three years I have observed this event from a distance. Every year, I hope for a little more, and every year I am greeted with the same disappointment: limited selection, repeated titles, and to boot the stores in major shopping districts are often empty so anyone looking for a chance to connect with like-minded fans will spend most of the time talking to his or herself.

The SUPER Event that Fails

Why is Free Comic Book Day not even a blip on anyone's radar? Well, for starters Free Comic Book Day is not actually free. Stores that chose to participate have to pay .15 cents per comic. According to one proprietor, Bishop of Comic Book Heaven in White Plains, New York, "One year we elected not to do it because of the cost and the low turnaround and because of low turn around there is no real benefit for stores".

Additionally there has been little press or promotion for the event, besides a few notable mentions here and there in the mainstream press, the event has yet to garner the anticipated status that an affair attached to the word FREE should garner. The lack of promotion by the event's organizers was the central concern for owners and employees of comic book stores. Donna Rubin of American Legends in Scarsdale, New York, missed the deadline because she was not notified; despite the fact American Legends participated in last year's Free Comic Book Day!

Have Comic Book companies and their Distributor in an effort of solidarity essentially. alienated their most loyal customers and partners in the empire-the comic book store proprietor? The people, who despite slumps in the customer base, managed to maintain profits just enough to keep the passion in the public eye?

Alright that was a little too romantic, but a fact is a fact, these stores are central to the sales of comic books today. Yes, there is the Internet, but the electronic space cannot provide the same human and multi-sensory interaction that takes place in comic book stores of the 21st Century. These stores are meeting places for savvy entertainers, seeking intellectual conversations and a multimedia exchange, from RPG to video games.

Case Study:
How to Pimp Your Comic Book StoreFree Comic Book Day Saturday, July 3, 2004.

Dragon's Den at the Cross County Mall in Yonkers, New York was out in full force promoting the 2004 Free Comic Book Day, to a nearly empty mall due to the Fourth of July weekend. Unlike previous years, when Free Comic Book Day was held the Saturday of opening weekend, Spider-Man 2 premiered, Wednesday, June 30th creating an awkward situation.

In addition to handing out free comics, Dragon's Den had Spider-Man make a special appearance! Spidey autographed copies of his umpteenth million series for a nominal fee. Heck, he even posed for pictures with fans!

Dragon's Den also created a pamphlet to distribute to customers prior to the event. On the first page of the flyer the store took advantage of the popularity of Spider-Man 2 and gave 20% off any Spider-Man merchandise, as well as, promoted the Spider-Man meet and greet for Saturday. The inside spread of the brochure told readers what the store sold along with an ad for Free Comic Book Day. The pamphlet concluded with a calendar of events Dragon's Den would be hosting throughout the month of July, which included a Comics Workshop, Hero Clix Tournaments, Anime and Wrestling viewings.

Combine your Superpowers!

The lesson? Dragon's Den did not wait for the Corporations and Distributor to bring customers to them, the owners and employees took matters into their own hands and created a successful and impressive event. With a little common sense and plenty of fan passion any store could repeat Dragon's Den success easily. But for those of you still at a lost here are three ideas that will get you on your way!

1. Pool resources
On Free Comic Book Day I visit between 3-5 stores to scope out the different titles. Stores within a close proximity could coordinate their titles; create a pamphlet outlining the fellowship and special offers.

2. Free Comic Book Day is International
Join forces with a comic book store in another country! Get out your web cam and allow fans to see one another. Since comic book stores cannot resell Free Comic Book Day titles why not swap comics? Perhaps there are titles not available in your country?

3. Grassroots Promoting
Local and College media outlets (Newspapers, Magazines, and Radio Stations) are a great source of publicity. Unlike most major metropolitan papers, these papers actually take a vested interest in community events and issues. (Anyone who needs help locating such fine institutions can e-mail me at bandwidth (at) ybfree.com, Subject: FCD Resources)

Presentation is half the battle! Complaining about what the industry has not done to make this event into something it is up to the local dealers to take the helm. Your passion for comics is why you have been able to produce a sustainable bottom line! As a comic book dealer first and foremost your concern is for fans not investors, they are who you are accountable too. Wall Street is not breathing down your back, so you can take risks, and stop looking for handouts. Remember in a Market Economy only the fittest will survive!

Send your comments and or questions about this article to banwdidth (at) ybfree.com.
Acknowledgements and Resources:

Thank you to the stores that provided information and/or opinions for this article:

• Dragon's Den: Yonkers, New York


• American Legends: AmerLegends.com, Scarsdale, New York


• Comic Book Heaven 25 Court Street, White Plains, New York 107601 (914) 948-3288

Resources

• Official Free Comic Book Day Website: FreeComicBookDay.com


• Check out the Testimonials for International Comic Stores
  International Comic Arts Association (ICAA): ComicArts.org


• ICAA is a non-profit corporation that assists Comic Publishers and Retailers with media contacts The Master List of Comic Book and Trading Car Stores

Cool "Entertainment" Jobs for Cool People

Are you interested in a career in entertainment but just do not know where to start?

YBFREE.com has the information you need!

Begin with YBFREE.com's Cool Jobs for Cool People Archives, which features articles by career neophytes and veterans.

Second, visit the Cool Jobs for Cool People Entertainment Career Shoppe for books, magazines, DVDs, and Do-it-Yourself CD-ROMS to aid you on your path to stardom!

If you have any comments, questions and suggestions about entertainment careers or are interested in having YBFREE.com interview you about your career or organization please contact us at Reviews2 (at) ybfree.com.

Cool Jobs for Cool People Interviews:

• So You Want to be a Radio Disc Jockey?
• So You Want to be a Professional Singer?
• So You Want to be a Professional Wrestler?
• So You Want to be an Anime Voice Actor?
• So You Want to be an Author?
• So You Want to be a DJ?
• So You Want to be a Professional Wrestling Promoter?
• So You Want to be a Manga-Ka (Manga Author/Artist)?
• So You Want to own a Record Company?
• So You Want to be a Music Video Director?
• So You Want to be an American Idol Contestant?

Music: 10 Questions for Chrome Mali

Stats:
Genre: Rock
Current Album: Big AMPs SUCK
Band Members:

• Bass Player/Vocals: Vickie Hinz
• Lead Guitarist/Vocals: Dave Amerino
• Drums: Luc Jones
• Vocals/Guitarist: FrankyHollywood

1. What is the name of Chrome Mali's current album?

We all have tiny amps...but we're LOUD AS HELL....who needs big amps...right?

2. Which musical acts have inspired Chrome Mali?

Most of my influences have come from acts like The Clash, Prince, and Aerosmith. You can hear some Joe Strummer phrasing on Save it for us and Harlem has a Aerosmithy feel to it.

3. Which track is your favorite and why?

My favorite track is CLYDE because I wrote it about my UPS man..his name was Clyde....he was always happy and never complained. Then one day he walked in...I asked him how he was doing and he said: "I woke up feeling like shit, and I knew that was best I'd feel all day" I went home and in 10 minutes I had the song done!

4. What has been the most difficult incident Chrome Mali has experienced?

The most is getting people to show up!!!

5. Describe two qualities Chrome Mali fans love about the music?

The originality of it...and that it doesn't COMPLETLY suck!

6. How do you feel Chrome Mali has contributed to the evolution of the band's genre(s) of music?

Being honest and true to ourselves...not trying really to 'fit in' with anyone or any 'click'...and not Sucking to badly.

7. If you could have one track on your current album be the theme to a movie or TV show which would you pick and why?

I Think I would pick Clyde because it's got a good vibe and the energy is good in the song...it can mean almost anything you want it to....but it will always mean what it means to me....

8. How many people have a song by Chrome Mali on their MySpace Profile?

This one Crazy chick has Harlem on her page...other than that...I have no idea who is using our songs....but I'd recommend Clyde it grooves

9. Are your parents fans of Chrome Mali?

My Mom came to one of our first shows...I thought she would hate it...she was so proud...she told me she didn't even know I could sing....or that I knew how to dress properly....

10. Tell us a rumor (real or fake) that you think would garner your musical genius massive news coverage.

When the artists currently known as PRINCE remodels rented homes...he listens to CHROME MALI!

Essential Chrome Mali Links:

• ChromeMali.com
• Chrome Mali on MySpace.com