A few weeks ago, George and I had a few friends over to our apartment before one of Michael Arenella’s incredible events (he does the Jazz Age Lawn Party too!)
The Sweetheart Soiree was filled with a candy bar, champagne, and fabulous music… and as you can see from the picture above, a heart-themed photo booth.
In case you’re interested in Michael Arenella and the style of his music, check out the video above, which includes an interview with Arnella himself.
A few days ago, a coworker and I were having a conversation about Super Junior’s “Mr Simple” video that won a few awards (and has garnered over 33 Million views), and she sent me a video that blew my mind. This video, embedded above, features Hatsune Miku, a fully digital Japanese pop star princess, created by Crypton Future Media, a company known for creating virtual singers.
Born on August 31th, 2007, ”HATSUNE MIKU” computer music software enables users to create synthesized singing of unprecedented quality and remarkable realism by just typing in lyrics and melody. The tech behind the phenomenon is powered by YAMAHA’s VOCALOID2(= Vocal + Android) technology. The name of the character comes from a fusion of the Japanese for first (初 hatsu?), sound (音 ne?) and future (Miku (ミク?). Her voice is sampled from Japanese voice actress. Saki Fujita.
But what I really wanted to know is how Hatsune Miko’s projection technology works, which seems to be a secret, as there is much discussion on boards trying to figure it out. However, an article describes it as being achieved by “a special method of rear projection against a semi-transparent screen.”
Overall, the effect is pretty incredible if you ask me – so – if you’re interested in purchasing some music from Hatsune Miku, a record in collaboration with supercell is available on iTunes -and has 5 star rating. One fan mentioned that “If you’re new to Hatsune Miku, and you want to start getting her music on iTunes, I would definitely recommend getting this album first. It contains some of the essential Hatsune Miku songs that every fan ought to know.”
But what ties this all together is it’s similarity to a DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) titled Pixel Perfect. The movie is about a failing band called the Zettabytes, who leverage a friend’s knowledge of technology to create a holographic lead singer, Loretta Modern. The band instantly becomes successful, but Samantha (the original lead singer) begins to feel alienated, Roscoe discovers feelings for Samantha, and Loretta struggles with individuality. The ties between the DCOM (released in 2004) and Hatsune Miku (launched in 2007) are incredible – way to go Disney Channel for being ahead of the curve.
What does this mean for the music industry and the intersection of digital and entertainment?
Working from the Porch - The Good Life :)
Happy Easter Sunday to All!
Miss Techyness is blogging to you live from sunny Key West, Florida — and so I’d like to share a warm “Happy Easter” greeting to all.
Regarding techyness levels here on the island, I’d have to say the foursquare use is pretty low, as I am continuously adding new venues — while simultaneously explaining to my 8 family members what exactly foursquare is and why I use it.
One venue that I added today (with plans to be mayor!) is bésame mucho. This wonderful store embodies everything I’d ever want in a real-life, physical store. And it’s more than just the name, which means “kiss me often” and comes from a 1940′s spanish song.
The store owner and I had a few techy conversations, first- regarding our love for florence and then regarding my “Keep Calm and Carry On” print purchase from sfgirlbybay on Etsy, and then about our favorite blogs, including sea of shoes and sfgirlbybay’s blog. I’m hoping she takes my advice and starts up a blog!
If you’re interested in the song that inspired the store name, check out the video below with bocelli singing (love it)
(a few lines from the song)
Bésame, bésame mucho,
Como si fuera esta noche la última vez.
Bésame, bésame mucho,
Que tengo miedo a perderte, perderte después.
(love this).
Yesterday, someone special (you know who you are), mentioned “ChatRoulette” during a normal, everyday skype conversation (and by normal and everyday, I mean infused with tech and social media buzz words.)
He looked very surprised that I:
a. Had no idea/never used/tested Chat Roulette
b. Was not aware of this viral video featuring Merton.
For those of you who are in a similar situation as me, Chatroulette is a site ”that pairs random strangers for webcam-based conversations. Visitors to the website randomly begin an online chat (video, audio and text) with another visitor. At any point, either user may leave the current chat by initiating another random connection.” [wiki]
So what about Merton? Is he Ben Folds (yes)? Watch these two videos and see for yourself..
First — The video that started it All. (Merton!)
Second– Ben Folds Live in Charlotte, NC (and over Chatroulette). This is a hilarious incorporation of new technology.
Celebrate Vday with a Dunk Mug... hehe
As time gets closer and closer to Valentine’s day, I’ve been noticing an increase in articles on “Top [insert number here] Valentine’s Day Gadgets for Her and Him,” and others similar.
Therefore, I have a few feelings on these lists, froma techyness point of view.
#1. Yahoo’s 10 Valentine’s Day Gadgets for Her and Him: I have a few thoughts on this one. OK, so any article that starts off with ” Two well-established facts: 1. Girls love to take pictures. 2. Girls love cute, tiny things.” makes me a little skeptical on the research done by the journalist here.
2 things, buddy. 1. I am a girl. 2. I like gadgets… so don’t advise crappy ones, ok? Sure, buying a GPS for your girl is a nice Valentine’s day present (my suggestion would be to program it ahead of time with where you are planning to meet her and leave a note telling her to turn on the device and press a preset button, because that’s really cute), but really, why are you suggesting a $200 Roomba, a robotic vacuum cleaner!??!! Not good.
Create a digital MixTape using a MixTape shaped flash drive :)
#2. Dvice’s Top 10 Gadget Gifts for Your Valentine: These guys are a little bit more on the money, with pointing out a Slingbox (awesome), Umbrella built for two (innovative), a plasma tv, and even the blackberry-shaped “marziphone.” Not bad, guys.
#3. Chip Chick’s Top 12 Geekiest Gadget Gifts: This list has been the most creative thus far. Take the ping “dunk mug,” that has a dedicated area to keep your cookies. Or how about the usb flash drive shaped like a mix tape… this could be cute if you put mp3 files on it and actually give it as a digital mix tape (that would be totally cute!), which is of course, from ThinkGeek (a personal favorite).
#4. ThinkGeek, Flowers=Lame, Get Something Better for Valentine’s Day. With some uber-geeky stuff, it’ll at least make you smile. But the I <3 Geeks Handbook might come in handy for some.
In the end, I would admit that most of these are indeed much better options than what’s currently #1 on Amazon.com’s list…. the “Oxford Biscuit Jar,” only $99.99. I think I only want one if there are diamonds in it.
Or, if you really enjoyed the Tamagotchi’s from years back, and you’re lacking a date this year… there’s always the virtual boyfriend/girlfriend. With a really low total cost of ownership of ~$25 (not including future battery replacements), it’s probably cheaper than the last person you ended up dating.
I’ve been working on compiling my goals for 2009. Not just long-term goals, but also the shorter-term options. Since I’ll be moving to Albany at the end of February (woo upstate new york here I come!), it is necessary for me to make it to a concert (hopefully rap, it is atlanta).
Thankfully, I have found my personal solution with LiveKick- a fun application that helps to discover local live concerts based on the artists you like (and can upload from your iTunes library!), and to find the best and cheapest available tickets online.
Livekick Desktop Widget
You import your iTunes artists, PC music libraries, favorite artists from web music services such as MySpace Music, Last.fm, Pandora, iLike or Rhapsody, or manually enter your favorite artists. Based on these artists and where you live or travel to, Livekick gives you live concert recommendations via the web or email.
Livekick picks up where other web apps leave you hanging. Think ticketmaster or stubhub… you have to search multiple sites to find something good (and you may or may not find a good deal!)
Livekick works by– importing your favorite artists, widgets (mac/pc), Concert recommendations delivery to iPhone, iCal, Outlook, OS X dashboard, iGoogle or any RSS reader, venue information and tour listings and specifics.
So, save some money and get out there and enjoy some music in 2009!!!
I recently purchased the Skullcandy TI’s in pink (proceeds to breast cancer research) after spending months lusting after them on the skullcandy website.
I know what you’re thinking… I didn’t buy the pink furry ones (sorry!) But those are cool too- for people who like that sort of thing.
For the money, these headphones are worth it. Once I take my earrings out, they are comfortable, completely encapsulate my ear and have amazing bass response.
What I didn’t realize until later is that famous people and DJ’s have been sporting the same headphones that I purchased.
Too bad they are my “homework” headphones.
Oh well, at least they’re pink.
Confessions of a Pandora Addict
A few weeks ago, I was in the computer cluster here at Syracuse University and the worst thing happened in the middle of creating a ERD. my ipod died. Upon realizing I was a bit frustrated at this situation, my friend turned to me and said “Alana, have you tried Pandora?”
Being the geeky person that I am, my thoughts turned to Greek mythology and Pandora’s role as the keeper of the world’s evils… and of course that she was the first woman created by Zeus, and gifted by all of the gods (I guess you could call her the Greek’s “Eve”) and she was also considered to be something “beautifully evil” hummm…
Anyway, thinking this about Pandora, the last thing on my mind was music. So of course, I was fascinated, not only by the concept of this (commercial) free Internet radio, but why the name “Pandora?”
So after analyzing it, I thought of a few answers before I went on the site to find the “real answer” :
drumroll, please….
and according to the Pandora website, the real reason for the name is:
“The name Pandora means “all gifted” in Greek. In ancient Greek mythology, Pandora received many gifts from the Gods, including the gift of music, from Apollo. She was also, as we all know, very curious. Unlike those Gods of old, however, we celebrate that virtue and have made it our mission to reward the musically curious among us with a never-ending experience of music discovery.”
hummm… I guess I was kindof close. I’m just glad they left out the whole woman is evil part. Thanks Pandora.