Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Need Something to do on Sunday October 10th?
350
350 parts per million is the upper safe zone of carbon in our atmosphere. The world currently sits at 392 ppm. Severe impacts on the Earth are at stake if we do not make changes to our daily habits that pollute our atmosphere!
10/10/10
Sunday October 10, 2010 marks the day in which 350.org is rallying people, communities and organizations all over the world “to do projects that cut carbon and celebrate climate solutions.”
These projects are being coined as a “Work Party” and can be hosted by anyone that wants to educate, work or have fun spreading the word about climate change.
GET INVOLVED
Check out http://www.350.org/en/map and find a “work party” going on in your area to attend…
…or do something on your own…
-Bike or walk somewhere you normally not or car pool
-Plant a tree
-Pick up trash
-Start a compost
-Do some research and make your own decision about climate change
-Spread the word about 350.org over email by sending them to my Blog http://jonmegrus.blogspot.com
I will be in the Boston area on Sunday having some fun. Drop me a line if you are interested in hanging out and getting involved.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sustainability, the EARTH and YOU
“[Sustainability] is the capacity to endure. In ecology the word describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. For humans it is the potential for long-term maintenance of well being, which in turn depends on the maintenance of the natural world and natural resources.” –Daniel W. Bromley (2008). "sustainability," The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics, 2nd Edition.
With generations of humans becoming accustom to a life of consuming products and discarding without thinking (myself included) of the ramifications on our EARTH we MUST change our habits. If we do not change our habits we will see adverse conditions appear in our every day lives. The Tsunami in Asia and the BP oil spill are only the start of the EARTH revolting if we are not careful.
That being said over the course of the next two years (and my life beyond) you will see Sustainability blog posts sprinkled throughout the Sports and Music.
My GOAL:
1. Provide education and insight into how human beings are destroying our precious Earth.
2. How YOU can make a difference, change your habits, save money, be creative and ultimately preserve our Earth for generations to come.
3. Why Sustainability is not a partisan issue. Yeah that’s right; whether you’re a free stater, democrat, republican, communist, socialist, independent, pacifist or whatever you should all CARE!
Here are two resources that can help start a revolution.
Nike Re-Use-A-Shoe – Since 1990 Nike has been reusing every part of shoes that we send in to make running tracks, basketball courts and tennis courts! That’s right less rotting shoes at the landfills!
http://www.nikereuseashoe.com/
Cradle to Cradle – One of the most fantastic, thought provoking, inspiring and perplexing books every written. Who would have thought that running shoes contribute to climate change, that soda bottles could one day be discarded to plant a tree or that WASTE = FOOD!
http://www.mcdonough.com/cradle_to_cradle.htm
Keep it real, keep it clean and keep it smart!
-Jonathan Megas-Russell
With generations of humans becoming accustom to a life of consuming products and discarding without thinking (myself included) of the ramifications on our EARTH we MUST change our habits. If we do not change our habits we will see adverse conditions appear in our every day lives. The Tsunami in Asia and the BP oil spill are only the start of the EARTH revolting if we are not careful.
That being said over the course of the next two years (and my life beyond) you will see Sustainability blog posts sprinkled throughout the Sports and Music.
My GOAL:
1. Provide education and insight into how human beings are destroying our precious Earth.
2. How YOU can make a difference, change your habits, save money, be creative and ultimately preserve our Earth for generations to come.
3. Why Sustainability is not a partisan issue. Yeah that’s right; whether you’re a free stater, democrat, republican, communist, socialist, independent, pacifist or whatever you should all CARE!
Here are two resources that can help start a revolution.
Nike Re-Use-A-Shoe – Since 1990 Nike has been reusing every part of shoes that we send in to make running tracks, basketball courts and tennis courts! That’s right less rotting shoes at the landfills!
http://www.nikereuseashoe.com/
Cradle to Cradle – One of the most fantastic, thought provoking, inspiring and perplexing books every written. Who would have thought that running shoes contribute to climate change, that soda bottles could one day be discarded to plant a tree or that WASTE = FOOD!
http://www.mcdonough.com/cradle_to_cradle.htm
Keep it real, keep it clean and keep it smart!
-Jonathan Megas-Russell
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Presence by Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s seventh album, Presence, was recorded at a torrid pace while Robert Plant recovered from a brutal car accident on a Greek isle.
Here are three of my favorite tracks:
“Achilles Last Stand” is a ten-minute epic and one of the greatest Zep songs of all time. A thunderous rhythm section with precious picking and machine gun snare drums drive the track. Page strums loose guitar notes through the beginning and as the song builds he weaves guitar solos brilliantly through the intense rhythm that abounds. Plant’s vocal solos are haunting and his vocal solo at the end of the track is fantastic. I bet it was tough recording vocals in a wheel chair.
“Nobody’s Fault but Mine” – This Blind Willie Johnson original is taken to a new level. It builds from a simple guitar and vocal intro into a fast paced blues riff that crescendoes with Page ripping a solo. The hard rock bass and drums crash throughout the song with cymbals splashing and bass bopping. Plant rocks a harmonica and blasts different vocal tones and variations of the words “nobody’s fault but mine”.
“Tea for One” – A blues rhythm and guitar riff make this a kindred spirit of “Since I’ve Been Loving You”. The ebbs and flow of pretty guitar licks dance across the laidback drums, bass and vocals. This track exhibits Jimmy Page’s stellar versatility with his guitar and why this band is so damn great. As Page echoes through the song “a minute feels like a lifetime” I have often wondered of the meaning. Is he tired of his recovery? Tired of playing in Zep? Or was it just a cross roads in his lyrical writing. Take a listen and maybe you can connect with the meaning.
This album is a great reminder of the fantastic musical energy and chemistry Led Zeppelin was able to produce even on their later musical efforts. While the band does not revere this as one of their best efforts I believe it is a classic. Dust off the vinyl or open iTunes as its time to revisit or fall in love for the first time with Led Zeppelin’s Presence.
Here are three of my favorite tracks:
“Achilles Last Stand” is a ten-minute epic and one of the greatest Zep songs of all time. A thunderous rhythm section with precious picking and machine gun snare drums drive the track. Page strums loose guitar notes through the beginning and as the song builds he weaves guitar solos brilliantly through the intense rhythm that abounds. Plant’s vocal solos are haunting and his vocal solo at the end of the track is fantastic. I bet it was tough recording vocals in a wheel chair.
“Nobody’s Fault but Mine” – This Blind Willie Johnson original is taken to a new level. It builds from a simple guitar and vocal intro into a fast paced blues riff that crescendoes with Page ripping a solo. The hard rock bass and drums crash throughout the song with cymbals splashing and bass bopping. Plant rocks a harmonica and blasts different vocal tones and variations of the words “nobody’s fault but mine”.
“Tea for One” – A blues rhythm and guitar riff make this a kindred spirit of “Since I’ve Been Loving You”. The ebbs and flow of pretty guitar licks dance across the laidback drums, bass and vocals. This track exhibits Jimmy Page’s stellar versatility with his guitar and why this band is so damn great. As Page echoes through the song “a minute feels like a lifetime” I have often wondered of the meaning. Is he tired of his recovery? Tired of playing in Zep? Or was it just a cross roads in his lyrical writing. Take a listen and maybe you can connect with the meaning.
This album is a great reminder of the fantastic musical energy and chemistry Led Zeppelin was able to produce even on their later musical efforts. While the band does not revere this as one of their best efforts I believe it is a classic. Dust off the vinyl or open iTunes as its time to revisit or fall in love for the first time with Led Zeppelin’s Presence.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Pearl Jam 5.15.10 - XL Center Hartford, CT
A combination of 1980’s hockey rink acoustics (former home of the Whalers) and a serious level of fandom for Pearl Jam’s May 15th concert made it one of the loudest and most electric shows that I ever attended in my life. Pearl Jam was thrilled by the reception from the crowd and displayed it in rocking two hours of intense and stellar set list.
The night opened with “Unthought Known” from Back Spacer and then fired right into an electric version of “Corduroy” that got the whole arena warming up their voicals! On “Even Flow” Mike McCready showed of his blues/grunge guitar craft. During “Jeremy” the crowd accompanied Eddie Veder through every word and starred on the vocal solo section at the end of the song. The biggest surprise of the night was hearing a freaking awesome cover of Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”. “Crazy Mary” was a treat as Stone Gossard led Vedder with his acoustic guitar and helped filled the arena with lighters. The night ended with an emotional and energetic version “All Along the Watch Tower!”
In addition the set list featured much of the new album Back Spacer. Those songs included “Amongst the Waves”, “Got Some”, “Johnny Guitar”, “Speed of Sound” and of course their singles “The Fixer” and “Just Breathe.”
Guests on stage included the Connecticut artist (Don Perkins) whom created the Back Spacer album artwork and Ben Bridwell from the opening act Band of Horses for a stirring rendition of “All Along the Watch Tower.”
Set List:
Unthought Known
Corduroy
Do the Evolution
Got Some
Severed Hand
Dissident
Low Light
Amongst the Waves
Even Flow
Nothingman
Johnny Guitar
I Got Id
Jeremy
Daughter
Satan’s Bed
Lukin’
Gonna See My Friend
Just Breathe
Speed of Sound
State of Love Trust
Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love
Porch
The Fixer
Crazy Mary
Alive
Indifference
All Along the Watchtower
The night opened with “Unthought Known” from Back Spacer and then fired right into an electric version of “Corduroy” that got the whole arena warming up their voicals! On “Even Flow” Mike McCready showed of his blues/grunge guitar craft. During “Jeremy” the crowd accompanied Eddie Veder through every word and starred on the vocal solo section at the end of the song. The biggest surprise of the night was hearing a freaking awesome cover of Van Halen’s “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love”. “Crazy Mary” was a treat as Stone Gossard led Vedder with his acoustic guitar and helped filled the arena with lighters. The night ended with an emotional and energetic version “All Along the Watch Tower!”
In addition the set list featured much of the new album Back Spacer. Those songs included “Amongst the Waves”, “Got Some”, “Johnny Guitar”, “Speed of Sound” and of course their singles “The Fixer” and “Just Breathe.”
Guests on stage included the Connecticut artist (Don Perkins) whom created the Back Spacer album artwork and Ben Bridwell from the opening act Band of Horses for a stirring rendition of “All Along the Watch Tower.”
Set List:
Unthought Known
Corduroy
Do the Evolution
Got Some
Severed Hand
Dissident
Low Light
Amongst the Waves
Even Flow
Nothingman
Johnny Guitar
I Got Id
Jeremy
Daughter
Satan’s Bed
Lukin’
Gonna See My Friend
Just Breathe
Speed of Sound
State of Love Trust
Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love
Porch
The Fixer
Crazy Mary
Alive
Indifference
All Along the Watchtower
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Vote for the Oreo Jingle
GO vote for my buddy who is a finalist in the national Oreo jingle contest.
Vote for Finalist #2.
http://kraft.promotions.com/oreojingle/votegallery.do
Vote for Finalist #2.
http://kraft.promotions.com/oreojingle/votegallery.do
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Joanna Newsom
I truly believe that a talent of this level only comes around once in lifetime. I personally put her in the musical realm of Led Zeppelin, Bjork and Aphex Twin. Her fingers flutter across the harp like a goddess dictating the intricate movements of a wave. The interactions between keys, percussion, strings and horns is dynamite. The lyrics she writes are heartfelt, jubilant and inspiring. The emotion placed in every word and harmony comes from a deep place within an old soul. Her ability to not only record these beautiful colonial, soul, blues and folk songs but perform them live is incredible. At times her vocals hover in the arena of Tori Amos, Fiona Apple and Natalie Merchant but stand apart in her own unique manner. While I am not convinced every reader of this blog will enjoy Joanna Newsom I challenge you to pick up her album and listen. You will be presently surprised.
http://www.joanna-newsom.com/
http://www.joanna-newsom.com/
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Twitter - Follow me @jonmegrus
I have given in, follow me on twitter @jonmegrus
If you are not a member of twitter...join (https://twitter.com/signup?follow=), yeah mom...do it!
If you are not a member of twitter...join (https://twitter.com/signup?follow=), yeah mom...do it!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Lost Albums of the Past Decade: Medulla and Frances the Mute
Over the past few weeks many publications and blogs have written about the "best" albums of the past decade. I thought I could bring to light two albums that did not appear on many of the “best” of the decade lists.
Medulla – Bjork
Over the course of Bjork’s career she has created a unique blend of psychadelic and vocally emotional electronic music. Medulla stretches the listener’s ears even further and is almost entirely based on vocal instrumentation such as a capella, beat boxing and ghostly choirs. Bjork’s voice is alluring and sexxy. Rahzel (The Roots) and Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle) are two of the many guests that helped to shape this album.
Key tracks: “The Pleasure is All Mine”, “Who is It”, & “Where is the Line”
Frances the Mute – The Mars Volta
After their critically acclaimed debut LP De-Loused in the Comatorium (Rick Rubin produced, Flea on bass) they followed it up with another that proved that prog rock is not done being shaped. They layer and mold classic rock, punk, latin, jazz and eletronica into a cohesive psychadelic concept album (if you want the whole story about the album just google; mars volta and repo.) If nothing else do yourself a favor and listen to the beautiful classic rock track “The Widow” and be blown away you had not heard it previously.
Key Tracks: “The Widow”, “L’Via L’Viaquez” and “Cygnus….Vismund Cygnus”
Some of my other favorite albums over the past decade…
OOf Fungi and Foe - Les Claypool
Icky Thump - The White Stripes
Ys – Joanna Newsom
Stadium Arcadium – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Anonymous – Tomahawk
Leviathan – Mostadon
Medulla – Bjork
Over the course of Bjork’s career she has created a unique blend of psychadelic and vocally emotional electronic music. Medulla stretches the listener’s ears even further and is almost entirely based on vocal instrumentation such as a capella, beat boxing and ghostly choirs. Bjork’s voice is alluring and sexxy. Rahzel (The Roots) and Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle) are two of the many guests that helped to shape this album.
Key tracks: “The Pleasure is All Mine”, “Who is It”, & “Where is the Line”
Frances the Mute – The Mars Volta
After their critically acclaimed debut LP De-Loused in the Comatorium (Rick Rubin produced, Flea on bass) they followed it up with another that proved that prog rock is not done being shaped. They layer and mold classic rock, punk, latin, jazz and eletronica into a cohesive psychadelic concept album (if you want the whole story about the album just google; mars volta and repo.) If nothing else do yourself a favor and listen to the beautiful classic rock track “The Widow” and be blown away you had not heard it previously.
Key Tracks: “The Widow”, “L’Via L’Viaquez” and “Cygnus….Vismund Cygnus”
Some of my other favorite albums over the past decade…
OOf Fungi and Foe - Les Claypool
Icky Thump - The White Stripes
Ys – Joanna Newsom
Stadium Arcadium – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Anonymous – Tomahawk
Leviathan – Mostadon
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