Adrian Barnes' Blog

Joanna Newsom: Have One On Me

Adrian — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:08:25 +0000

I couldn’t sleep last night as I was in the enthralls of a particularly stubborn sinus infection so I was begrudgingly flipping through late night television when I came across Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. I’m not a fan of Jimmy Fallon (his incessantly shifty and nervous behavior causes me anxiety) but I stopped channel surfing due to finger fatigue and found myself struck by the originality and authenticity of Joanna Newsom’s performance. I made a mental note this afternoon to see if last night’s over the counter drug binge (resulting in a semi-hallucinogenic state) temporarily clouded my musical palate. Definitely unique…Joanna’s latest album, Have One On Me, hit stores on February 23, 2010.

The Bravery: Stir The Blood

Adrian — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 22:26:09 +0000

A great way to discover new music is to start with a band/album you enjoy and utilize Amazon’s user purchase trend data to follow what folks worldwide are listening to that dig similar music. I came across New York-based The Bravery via this method and have thoroughly enjoyed listening to their discography’s Punk/New Age blend over the past few weeks. Their latest album, Stir The Blood, dropped on December 1, 2009.

Tom Brokaw Explains Canada To Americans

Adrian — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:13:27 +0000

This is old news but, in case you’re not aware, Tom Brokaw does an excellent job of explaining the relationship between Canada and The United States, in a pre-recorded short film that aired on NBC, prior to the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on February 12th, 2010.

Site Updates: About Page & Curriculum Vitae (Résumé)

Adrian — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:23:25 +0000

It took a little more than 7 years but I finally got around to updating my blog’s About Page and Curriculum Vitae (Résumé). I’ve been meaning to deal with my procrastination tendencies for quite some time…

Can I Watch the News Tonight?

Adrian — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:54:20 +0000

Discussion on the drive home tonight:

Natalie: “Can I watch the news tonight?”

Lisa: “Why would you want to watch the news?”

Natalie: “To see if the groundhog saw his shadow.”

Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

Adrian — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:05:48 +0000

In April of 2003 I had an opportunity with my employer at the time to come to St. John’s, Newfoundland for a six-week project. Aside from a few vacations and business trips, I have never left. Over the years, I have bumped into acquaintances where I have noticed an amusing trend. During the process of “catching up” I mention that I now reside in Newfoundland which usually results in a curious glance as if to question my sanity. I have long since ceased being offended by this ignorance as I, knowing little about the province and having never visited previously, would have displayed the same reaction prior to travelling here. As such, I try to use it as an opportunity to educate my friends on the aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador that struck me and, ultimately, motivated me to settle down here. One of these aspects is the harmonious blend of culture, history, and architecture contrasted against the natural beauty of the landscape. To illustrate this point, please see below videos (from Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism):

David Blaine: How I Held My Breath For 17 Minutes

Adrian — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:10:34 +0000

I’m not a big David Blaine fan but you have to admit the man is dedicated (see “rebreather” with CO2 scrubber at 04:00).

Stereophonics: Keep Calm and Carry On

Adrian — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:49:56 +0000

The Sterephonics’ last few albums have been hit or miss but the bands’ seventh album (titled Keep Calm and Carry On, released on November 16, 2009) sees them back at the top of their game again. The album’s debut single was Innocent (see first video below). The second single from the album, Could You Be The One?, will be released on February 15, 2010 (see second video below from Later…with Jools Holland):

Bono, Jay-Z, Rhianna: Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)

Adrian — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 12:34:25 +0000

Bono, Edge, Jay-Z and Rhianna performing Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour) live at “Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief,” hosted by George Clooney, Wyclef Jean, and Anderson Cooper to raise funds for earthquake relief. Too bad Bono’s microphone volume was too low during chorus.

You’re the Weird One!

Adrian — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:39:31 +0000

Conversation on the way out the door this morning:

Adrian (joking to Lisa): “…Natalie is pretty much fully reared now isn’t she?”

Natalie: “You’re the weird one Barnes!”