Comedian Nick Lavallee

What a Rush!

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Here's a couple things that have happened and some things that I have coming up....

Released the "Steven's Shed" video

Released The Other Dude CD/DVD/MP3 Album

I shot a new Paul video, "Garbage Pail Paul"

I've continued to produce "Artie Eats"

I've performed at the Laugh Factory on the Vegas Strip

I'm doing three shows with the Super Secret Project on 7/20 and 21

I'll be VIP at Just For Laugh's in Montreal this year, and yes, Paul will be there too.
I'm performing at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles on August 16th

The Paul EP, a vinyl record and digital album, will be released on Tuesday September 4th iTunes, Amazon, Newbury Comics, etc. "Ghostbuster Paul" will be the first single from it.

I'm looking forward to the second half of this year, 2012 has been amazing.

Thanks for reading! :)

- Nick

THE OTHER DUDE CD/DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:08:00 +0000

I'm going to attempt to explain what exactly "THE OTHER DUDE", the CD/DVD, means to me.

Bands don't release albums like they used to. Bands release a series of EP's on their own and then eventually take the best pieces of each, add new material and then release an album. Artists who have done this very successfully have been major label artists like Ben Folds, Foster the People, Mumford and Sons and indie artists like The Appreciation Post, Select/Start and MC LARS. This model has worked, because we as music fans and consumers live in a singles society of purchasing .99 cent downloads. It's a lot like the vinyl 45rpm's of the 50's and 60's, only in a digital format sent right to our iPhones, Droids or laptops. When I envisioned releasing a proper album in 2010, I was going to include stand up, funny songs and sketch. Instead, I took the approach of what a band would do in today's digital network with their material.

"Uncle Daddy" was an experiment in "comedy following the EP format". I am proud of that 25 minutes of work and one that I've grown from. I'm happy to have put that content into the world and it received the attention it did. It gave me feedback enabling me to work on things I do well and scrape away the material that doesn't work. It would've taken me much more time and money to accomplish that by doing 4 minute bits in open mic rooms to far less of an audience. An artist now has a potentially large audience providing instant feedback, reaction and insight with less financial expense; the internet.

"Yum Yum! Tastes Nice!" was made up of funny songs following the EP format. It was released just two months after "Uncle Daddy" and I had the advantage of Sally friggin' Struthers willing to dry hump me in a very funny video. Had I rushed it (releasing the EP, not humping with Sally), I could've put them on the same album, combining music and stand up. I had decided that following the EP format, it was necessary to keep them apart as two separate entities, that combining them would've been a bite too big to swallow, as I was still developing both the stand up, and the musical comedy act. I needed feedback first and that's what the EP format had enabled me to do. I delivered content often, in smaller bites, making it easier to consume and just like a rock band, always leave the audience wanting more. Very 2010.

With "The Other Dude" CD/DVD I reached out to those who have supported me by using Kickstarter. I received amazing, generous and kind contributions that I wasn't even sure I would get. That bit of capital allowed me to deliver a product that I'm proud of. Many friends helped me with it, from those financial contributions, to the artwork, photography and guest appearances. There's 43 minutes of audio on the CD, some of which you may have heard on either of the EP's, but the bulk of it is very fresh. On the DVD there's 32 minutes of video that include the funny music videos's along with some stuff that hasn't been posted on YouTube and Funny or Die.

The EP's made it possible for me to grow as a live performer and then carefully pick out the things that I did best and work on the things I could do better. I feel that without that sort of insight, I would never be able to release "The Other Dude" as a whole. It's a very cohesive, thought out body of work, that solidifies what I do best at this point in time. The delivery of it is much different than the EP's were. I emphasized the digital download on the EP's, whereas, I emphasize purchasing the physical media for this release. If downloading is your thing, by all means, download the audio, let me know if you did and at a show I'll sell you the CD/DVD for a little less. I just want it in your hands …the CD/DVD, not my penis. I'm a faithful, married man.

Recently, someone said to me that with music, an audience expects a live band to only play the songs that the fans know. A comedy audience expects the comedian to do the opposite; to always deliver something new. I feel that may not entirely be true anymore, thanks to our digital downloading, singles-based society. I notice bands release songs often, leaving less possibility for live material to seem unheard. When I think of contemporaries, I don't think of my influences. My influences were successful in a very different period (70's, 80's, 90's), but my contemporaries have been successful in our online-heavy marketplace (2000's). I've seen Aziz Ansari twice, in two different states, each time he's received outspoken requests to recite material from his album. Ansari took it in stride, and eventually retold those stories. The person requested that paid $35 for a seat and could've heard it on disc at home, but you know what? Their date may not have heard the album yet and was just treated to one of his best bits. When a young audience has gone to see Bo Burnham perform, as much as they like hearing new material, there's a lot to be said for him to share his classic bits or songs with them. It's comfortable, reminding the audience why they like the performer in the first place.

I have no fear in someone hearing "I Love You, Sally Struthers" on "The Other Dude" and being disappointed if they've already downloaded it from the EP version. Sometimes, a few familiar things are a good thing, especially when the older work compliments the newer content that follows. I needed to do so to make sure that the package as a whole represented one cohesive body of work, because my audience may become much larger than before. By that, I'm saying that I hope that more people are exposed to me through this newest effort. I expect people will discover "The Other Dude" before anything else I've released before. It represents 3 years of work, now polished with love, care and a little bit of humping from an Emmy-award winning actress.

I listened to Chris Rock and Marc Maron (on his WTF podcast) discussing if a performer could be seen too soon. Rock made very valid points, but even he seemed unsure in giving a definitive answer. Personally, I'm not entirely sure what's worse, being seen too soon or not being seen at all. I've been seen and heard, but my reach has been relatively small. With "The Other Dude" as a CD/DVD package, I feel that I've ditched the wings I used to wear and instead, strapped on a jet pack. Let this jet pack take me to the stars or send my brand of comedy crashing to the ground. Because either way, I will have been seen and not wondering what it would've been like if I hadn't tried at all.

I hope you enjoy this record as much as I've enjoyed the process of creating it, thank you.

- Nick

PS - If I do crash to the ground, make sure my younger brother takes care of my Garbage Pail Kids collection.

PPS - If I do crash to the ground, I'll probably dust myself off and continue working the 9 - 5 job I love.

PPPS - Yes, you can borrow the jet pack. Just ask.

PPPS - Don't tell my wife I bought a jet pack.

Pre-Order "The Other Dude" CD/DVD online at http://shop.theotherdude.com

PRE-ORDER MY NEW ALBUM "THE OTHER DUDE" CD/DVD!

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:03:00 +0000

I knew 2011 was going to be special and it has been more than I could've imagined. I wanted to close out this year with something fun, unique and involve talented friends. I'm excited to get these wheels greased and announce this exciting project. My next album is called "The Other Dude" and it's a CD featuring live stand up comedy and very funny songs with a DVD of their videos. I've launched a Kickstarter campaign in order to raise funds for its release. By pre-ordering the album for $20 through Kickstarter, you're assuring its release, contributing to the production and artwork of this album. How cool is that? It gets cooler! Depending on your pledge, you may end up with a production credit, a personalized song written about you, a signed VHS Cassette from MC LARS or even "Paul's" Laserdisc Player from the funny or die viral video. For all of the information and to pre-order the album, visit my kickstarter page by clicking this really long url: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theotherdude/the-other-dude-nick-lavallees-comedy-cd-dvd

Unreal Comedian

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:48:00 +0000

Recently, I was referred to as "not being a real comedian". This was largely based on the idea that I'm more of a character on the internet than a stand up comedian. Though my internet videos just recently surpassed 25,000 views, I've also performed stand up comedy for audiences large and small in six states, sometimes as an opener for national acts. Hell, my self-released stand up comedy album charted in iTunes Top 50 Comedy on its debut.

So, here's my response to the notion that I'm not a real comedian:

"If you are a couple weeks or even a few years into developing your brand of comedy and choosing not to establish an internet presence, it's not that you aren't a comedian: you're simply attaching yourself to a dying breed. It's 2011, I do things in a different way, mostly because I can't afford a time machine to bring me back to 1988. Besides, I look terrible in a blazer and blue jeans while lamenting about the taste of airline food."

I put that part in quotes and italicized, because I'm hoping that's the part that sticks. I hope it will be written on a post-it note, stuck to a dashboard to be read at stop lights as the driver rides to host an open mic gig. Maybe it's printed on an ink-jet printer, then taped to the monitor that sits in the bedroom that is still kept at Mom and Dad's house. If not, then let it stick to the fridge, in an apartment that's being paid for by Mom and Dad, to live a dream while the trust fund is spent. I can't afford to do things that way. My parent's, a postman and a barber, raised four boys with whatever was left over after paying the bills. My goals are dependent of my own time, money and my most valuable asset: the drive to succeed.

Comedy isn't dead, it's evolved and has a new distribution method.

Moved out of the dark clubs and onto the internet. It's a magical place where a comedian can prove to millions that they too, may be a not-ready-for-prime-time player; without ever hoping for or wanting Lorne Michael's to offer an audition. Our society lives on their computers, that's gigantic audience having access to a comedians performance. No real cover charge, a drink minimum or worse of all, the insistence from a promoter that they bring five of their friends to pay said cover. Instead, the internet has given comedians a place to let the audience find them. By creating higher produced content, it may entice an audience to catch a stand up comedy performance. Online content should be the catalyst for an audience to catch a comic in a dark club, not two-for-one drink specials or .25 cent wings.

Eight years ago, the music business was flipped on its ass, then its head, then back on it's ass with digital downloads, legal or through other means. In the advent of YouTube and sites like Funny or Die, Break, and College Humor the industry of comedy has forever been altered. The changed music and comedy industries have found themselves in a polygamist marriage to social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. The two industries are no longer dependent on the clubs, deals with cable television or having an album released by a major label. Nope. Comedians who are savvy enough can do this themselves, not unlike independent musicians have with their content.

Club owners, cable TV and record labels favor artists with an established audience vs. the artist that requires a costly A&R department to create one for them. Contemporaries like Jon Lajoie, Bo Burnham and duo, Rhett and Link made a name for themselves, by themselves, before being approached by a hollywood hand. There's a reason for much of this, but in the eyes of an agent, the performer already established a built-in audience.

With comedy, a portion of the act is finding a voice, but just as important is finding the audience who believes the performer's voice. Online content will help shape a comedian's voice while giving the audience the means to be find their new favorite comic. I learned the importance of establishing an audience long before I attempted my first 5 minute set of stand up Comedy. For six years, I was a front man for a punk band, playing guitar, singing and commanding an audiences attention.

While I toured in a beaten up Chevy Sport van with my band, I gained a mass amount of coveted "stage time", something shady promoters have convinced open-mic comedians of as a form of payment. Before digital downloads my band was distributing CD's to any chain that would take us on as vendor. I manage my brand of stand up and internet comedy with the very same DIY values while appreciating the art form, just as I did with music. I feel this ensures that the audience not only believes me on stage, but believes IN me when I'm not on stage.

My brand of comedy isn't "not real", it's simply distributed using the most convenient and current means. In doing so, it doesn't make it "fake", it means its been born into a different decade and I refuse to be a retro act.

--- Nick Lavallee

http://www.theotherdude.com
http://www.facebook.com/nicklavalleecomedy

A sincere thank you for all of the support you've given me through this first half of 2011. I'm going to be asking for your help on a major project in just a couple of weeks. Here's some links to what we've accomplished together, which gives a great sense of what's to come over the next six months:

January

"I'm a Chubby Version of Joshua Jackson" on Funny or Die
http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/55ue

March

"Paul's Laserdisc Collection" on YouTube
http://youtu.be/aw2J7yV0Sm0

April

"April Fool's Day with Mom" on Facebook
http://tinyurl.com/aprilfoolmom

May

"Hangin' Out, Song Request and Family Dinner" Stand Up Clip on YouTube
http://youtu.be/JFlVc3lx1AY

June

"Paul and Phil are Friends" Featuring MC LARS on Funny or Die
http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/5so6

"From Brian to Katy Perry" on YouTube
http://youtu.be/B4_ui-XDRco

MC LARS and I did a song called "Paul and Phil Are Friends" on his "Indie Rocket Science" mixtape which he's distributing on Warped Tour all summer long!

You can download it for free here. Also features MC CHRIS, KRS-ONE, Grieves, Sage Francis, MC Frontalot, Weerd Science and so many more!

I feel that I can do something similar with comedy what my friend, MC LARS, has accomplished in music with the new means of distribution. His music, like many other independent artists, has been an inspiration of what's possible in 2011.

Hippo Best of '11, Bob Marley and Funny or Die

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:39:00 +0000

Just a quick note to say thanks to those who named me Best Local Comedian 2011 in the Hippo Press. I appreciate it so much and I look forward to another great year of shows, releasing content on iTunes and videos for Funny or Die. Speaking of which, I have a great show coming up in Concord, NH on Friday April 29. I will be opening for one of my favorite Comedians, Bob Marley at New Hampshire Technical Institute with Eddie Ifft also on board. It's going to be a great night. Tickets are available here and you can find more information on my facebook page here. I have a few new videos on Funny or Die, which you really should check out!

Thanks for reading and I hope to see you soon!

"I Love You Sally Struthers" Video, Yum Yum Taste Nice and more!

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:06:00 +0000

Quick thanks for checking out my new video, "I Love You, Sally Struthers", which is the first song off of the iTUNES ep "Yum Yum! Tastes Nice!" that comes out on November 2, 2010. This mini-album has 5 songs that are all funny and has something for everyone. The number one question today has been "is that really Sally Struthers?" the answer is "YES", it's the real Sally Struthers.

Please share the video on your facebook pages and add me on Facebook to keep up to date: http://www.facebook.com/nicklavalleecomedy

I Love You, Sally Struthers - watch more funny videos

Here's the cover of the album:

..and Uncle Daddy is only $6.99 on iTunes now!

Taking a Leap

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:26:00 +0000

Earlier this year, I had blogged something about the bar being raised, having a lot to work towards, and proving to myself and those that believe in me that I was deserving of a local award. I didn’t take winning anything for my brand of humor very lightly and it certainly didn’t serve my ego. It had the opposite effect, it humbled me. It reminded me that whatever I do next will only be more difficult. I was going to have to take far more risks than performing at open mic’s in New Hampshire and Massachusetts each week.

A few weeks after opening for Bo Burnham, I had scheduled an evening in my hometown of Manchester, NH to record what was to become my first comedy album. I hired a friend, a sound engineer from my days of playing in a punk rock band, to capture the set using a mobile studio. I picked the other acts, more friends, to make for a solid evening of comedy for those paying an admission price. Only a week later, I was at a studio outside of Boston mixing the album.

On Tuesday August 24, 2010 I took the risk in self-releasing this album on iTunes along with other digital and physical retail locations. It’s been a financial risk, but above and beyond the cost of doing business, it’s also setting a precedent for my brand of humor. Mind you, much of this has based off winning a local award that drew the eyes of my comedic peers and contemporaries all forming opinions. I feel the release of this album has been a necessary risk in evolving my name into the comedian that I know I’m capable of becoming.

The album, "Uncle Daddy", debuted at #51 on the iTunes comedy albums, staying in the top 200 for several days.

I’m excited about this. It’s a great feeling, but one greeted with another set of those curious looks, questions and criticism. I expected this to happen, another milestone being met with mixed emotions. I feel that it’s the accomplishment that raises the bar, but others questioning those accomplishments push me to work harder towards success.

I’m looking forward to what’s next.

Thanks,

- Nick

"Uncle Daddy" can be downloaded here:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/uncle-daddy/id386714776

--

Headshot

"Uncle Daddy" + August Appearances

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:19:00 +0000

Super exciting past couple months all leading up to the next couple weeks. I know what you're thinking, that someone is pregnant with my baby, but that isn't the case. Instead, I've impregnated iTunes with my first comedy album, "Uncle Daddy", and its birth will be on Tuesday August 24th. The album is also available on CD through a handful of the Newbury Comics stores in New England and at Bert's Better Beers in Hooksett, NH. There's close to 30 minutes of comedy on the CD version and both feature a New England treasure: Mr. Fritz Wetherbee.

Here's a list of everywhere I'll be this month to promote "Uncle Daddy", come and say hello!

Fri August 20th Weirs Beach, NH
at Patio Garden 8PM

Sat August 21st in Manchester NH
at Mulligans 333 Valley St. 9PM

Sun August 22nd in Portland, ME
at the Comedy Connection 8:30PM
www.mainecomedy.com

Tue August 24th INTERNATIONAL
My album "Uncle Daddy" on iTunes!

Tue August 24th Hooksett, NH
CD Release Party at Berts Better Beers
Includes Rogue Beer tasting!

Wed August 25th Manchester, NH
"The Roast of Brad Hagen"
at the Shaskeen 909 Elm St 9PM

Sat August 28th Watertown MA
at the Halfway Cafe 10PM
w/ Matt Kona, Jimmy P, Kevin Cotter and more!

It's a Hot New Hampshire July 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:45:00 +0000

Hi Internet,

It's a hot July in New Hampshire and it's been a busy couple months. I recently uploaded clips on youtube from the forthcoming digital and physical CD release of "Uncle Daddy". Click over to my youtube page and have a laugh.

I'll be releasing more video in the next couple weeks leading up to the release of the album. On Thursday July 30, 2010 I'll be on stage at the legendary Boston club, "Nick's Comedy Stop". I heard a rumor that the club was actually named in my honor, but I'm not sure how true that is.

Thanks for coming to the site, remember to add me on facebook or come by a show and "poke" me in person.

- Nick

ps - Music from my band, Kara's Boyfriend, is already available on itunes by clicking this link.

"I Did It."

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Tue, 04 May 2010 13:43:00 +0000

I did it. I accomplished one of the larger goals that I had set for myself last year and I opened for a national headlining comedian. On April 23, 2010 in front of nearly 800 comedy fans, I delivered 18 minutes of my strongest material. I used many local references, as I wear the title of being a "local comedian" like a Boy Scout wears a merit badge, I earned it. I accomplished a goal and I'm proud. I'm happy that I could do so without embarrassing those who have believed in me, instead we shared that moment of pride. I feel that setting goals is important, it gives reason and purpose.

Without goals, I would be a participant and never an accomplishment.

This Saturday, May 8th, I've assembled a night of stand up comedy that features people that I believe in. One of them, a mutual friend, came from the same performance world as me, fronting a punk rock band. Ken Reid is a Boston comedian who is successful, because he earned it by believing in himself and his friends believing in him. I've wanted to bring Ken to Manchester for the past 6 months, he's exceptionally funny, uses many local and pop culture references, and was recently nominated as one of Boston's best comedians. Joining Ken and I are four friends: Jay Chanoine, Sean Tumblety, Shawn Rough, and Dave Carter.

Over the summer I'll be releasing an album on iTunes which will be stand up and also feature clips you'll see on the web over the next couple months. Releasing my material on the internet is my next goal; behind the goal lays reason and a purpose. I have no desire to participate without reason, purpose, and accomplishment. I'm setting goals with the intent to accomplish them, with your help, there will success.

As I stressed at the end of my set and just before I introduced Bo Burnham to Concord, NH: "I am one of you. I am New Hampshire. Thank you."

See you on Saturday night!

- Nick

Saturday May 8, 2010 at 8:45PM
Manchester, NH
at the Shaskeen 909 Elm St.
Nick Lavallee and Ken Reid
with Jay Chanoine, Sean Tumblety, Shawn Rough, Hosted By Dave Carter

Friday June 18, 2010 at 7PM
Boston, MA
at Great Scott's "the Gas"
Nick Lavallee and more!

Bo Burnham with Nick Lavallee Concord NH

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:09:00 +0000

Hi,

In April I'll be doing several shows in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, including an opening spot on Bo Burnham's tour stop in Concord, NH. I'm very excited for each of these shows and look forward to seeing your face.

Love,

Nick

April 7, 2010
Manchester NH
at the Shaskeen 909 Elm St
Stand Up Comedy at 9PM FREE

April 21, 2010
Somervile MA
at the Burren 247 Elm StA
Stand Up Comedy at 9PM FREE

April 23, 2010
Bo Burnham (Comedy Central)
with special guest Nick Lavallee
New Hampshire Technical Institute (Gym)
Doors Open at 6:30PM
BUY TICKETS ONLINE:
Tickets for Bo & Nick!
Stand Up Comedy

"Thank You, Very Much"

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:42:00 +0000

I used to play in bands and had always been comfortable with being in front of an audience. I never believed the music that I played was groundbreaking and neither did the audience. Instead, I'd receive compliments of being a true showman, an entertainer and above all, funny. "You're a comedian" I would be told, "the songs are alright, but you're hilarious", all statements that a musician should be offended by. I was not insulted, as I never classified myself as a musician, and I rarely took myself serious. Instead, I felt constantly reminded that I need to try stand up comedy.

So on this day one year ago I became a stand up comedian. March 18, 2009.

It was the night after St. Patrick's Day at an Irish bar in Manchester, NH, and the open mic contest didn't have many of its regulars due to a well-celebrated day of drinking. I figured that if I were to give this a shot, then I'd be at an advantage, as there would be more friends in seats than there were strangers. Before my name was called, I was invisibly nervous. Being on stage doesn't make me uncomfortable, but the words I rehearsed at home and in my friends car, had worn out their laughs already and I wasn't sure how convincing I'd seem even to those that knew my personality already. I performed a six minute set that went over surprisingly well, so much in fact that the nights host seemed surprised I had never done it before. When questioned, I omitted my previous experience with playing in a band.

I quickly became a regular to the open mic at this bar. The third time I had performed, it ended up being my first paying gig, $50, as I made the room laugh the most. This was a nice incentive, as it fell on the eve of a trip to Las Vegas to celebrate my 30th birthday.

This week, I was named "Best Local Comedian" 2010 in New Hampshire's Hippo Press. I'm touched by this, because I have friends that were kind enough to take the time to vote for me and feel that I'm deserving of the title. The paper's newsstand date, March 18, 2010, serves as a reminder of my first year of performing and where I want to go next.

Open mics are the perfect venue to try new material and practice the craft, but attending them several times a week can turn into a neverending cycle of doubting my abilities. Like music, these rooms are filled with my peers. Some of them are friends, but many simply want me to fail, perhaps because of their own insecurities. Comedians, by nature, are insecure. I feel I'm an extremely confident person, but to the insecure, confidence can be threatening.

I believe in myself because I'm surrounded by friends and family who believe in me, as I believe in them. I want to keep it that way. My goal for the next year is to not dwell on unimportant things, but instead move forward. Being named “the Best” doesn’t serve my ego. If any thing, it reminds me that I have more to live up to. Expectations of my comedy are far greater than they were last week. I’ve been given a title to remind myself that I have a lot to prove in my second year of being a stand up comedian. I’m honored by this recognition. The bar is raised and I have a lot to work towards and prove to myself and those that believe in me.

I'm humbled by it and it serves as reminder that now I have to work twice as hard.

Thank you.

Introducing iPacket: Heinz Revamps Ketchup Packets‎

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:36:00 +0000

NEW YORK, NY -- The H.J. Heinz Company (Nasdaq:HNZ) the world's largest maker of ketchup and other food products, shocked the business world, in particular the technology sector, with the announcement of the new iPacket.

"The iPacket will revolutionize the industry," Said Heinz Packet Technology Supervisor Tom Harriman. "For years customers have been clamoring for our packets to just do more. Now they can not only squeeze their kethcup, they can also dip their chicken nuggets and be able to keep up with their friends on Facebook, all with one one delicious packet."

The iPacket will include a USB 2.0 port, an internal Wireless N card, a .25 inch speaker, a 1.25 inch Kindle reader screen and several inputs for users to utilize various hand-held accessories. The iPacket will also be blue-tooth enabled, and will see wide distribution exclusively through McDonald's restaurants.

The lack of competitive carriers, such as Burger King, Wendy's and Verizon, didn't hurt the wave of unbridled enthusiasm for the product or the company's stock. Shares of Heinz traded at a brisk pace after this morning's announcement, closing at a 12 month high of $47.38 per share, up nearly 10%. On a day where the Dow Jones Industrial average traded sluggishly, the announcement was well timed to help both the food and technology sectors.

News on the street was also received with open arms.

"Kick ass, man," Teddy Baker, a Long Island teenager said while he used one of the first of the new iPackets to roll out during the company's testing phase in selected school cafeterias around the country. "This fucking thing rules the day. I mean, I want fries with that, I want ketchup with those fries, and now I can finally download the new Phoenix song directly to my ketchup packet."

Others were not so enthusiastic. Rebecca Gold of San Bernadino California, who considers herself a "casual user" of condiment packets, questioned whether downloading and surfing the web would catch on with such a device. "I mean, what the hell," the 32 year old mother of three continued, "I'm supposed to download an episode of Lost to this? Then what? It doesn't even have a God-damned keyboard." Gold is not alone, as many question the validity of downloading media to a disposable device.

Bob Willard, a freelance financial analyst, said he likes the iPacket, but would wait to jump on board, citing the device's lack of modern video hardware. "I mean, RCA inputs? What the fuck for? So I can plug my old Atari Jaguar into it? Forget about it. I'll wait for the HDMI input and a new firmware version in it's next generation model. USB 3.0 would also be nice."

Willard was pointing to one of the biggest flaws those in the food/internet business see as a potential problem. Upon launch, one executive had a problem reading "A Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley on his iPacket. The executive had downloaded the book, but it was unable to open for several minutes. Some in the room chuckled while others threw old, used ketchup packets on the stage, a subtle protest to the Ketchup giant's venture into uncharted territory.

Still, industry experts say it could be stiff competition to Apple's recent launch of the iPad.

Apple executives are rumored to be nervously watching the numbers to see how sales match up. Steve Jobs today released a statement saying "Really? How can I take this seriously. I mean, if Apple were to start selling mustard packets with iPhone apps, that might be one thing," adding, "Jesus-fucking-Christ."

For now, users can download content by logging into separate websites, but that may change soon. The announcement fuels speculation that Heinz will finally release the long anticipated Ketch-APP store, where consumers can simply download music, movies and books on one website while simultaneously enjoying the world's best selling ketchup.

---

Reported By: Adam McCune & Nicholas Lavallee
For more information visit: www.adammccune.com and www.nicholaslavallee.com

Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Nick Lavallee) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Thanks for stopping by!

I finally have one website to link my work in media production, music, and stand up comedy. I'll be posting upcoming appearances and I'll attempt to blog once a week. If Doogie Howser made entries to his computer diary nightly, I think I can devote once a week to literature on the interwebs.

This site came to fruition thanks to my great friend and roommate, Jim Connolly. Jim's a talented web and graphic designer who is constantly expanding his knowledge of all things web and his creative mind. One night this past September Jim showed me the "Nick Simulator", I laughed, was amazed he took the time to do this, and surprised when he told me he worked on it throughout the summer without ever sharing with me! Jim created the animation to practice character movement in flash. His work inspired me to merge all of my creative endeavors into one web site, and Jim's "Nick Simulator" was the perfect way to headline the page. Jim's graciously taken the time to code the entire website based on the layout design that I gave him.

You should take a peak at Jim's work. Thanks for stopping by and a big thanks to Jim Connolly for putting this all together!

- Nicholas