I love Beyonce, but I’ve got to hand it to these kids from HOPE Christian Schools in Milwaukee. Check out their hit single, “Scholar Ladies,” which is even better than the Justin Timberlake SNL version of the Beyonce hit. Go, HOPE!
She deserves an award just for getting that principal to rock out!
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Posted by Sarah Ockler
I’d like to send a big ol’ congratulatory shout-out to my good friend and agent brother-from-another-mother, Josh Berk, on the official release of his debut novel, THE DARK DAYS OF HAMBURGER HALPIN!
This isn’t Josh’s first appearance at SarahOckler.com. You might recognize him from such well-publicized scandals as the animal cruelty thing, the NCTE big fat lying liar thing, and the highly un-Kosher pig-Frenching thing.
Video evidence aside, Josh’s days as a cow-killing, name-dropping, pig-smooching sociopath are behind him. In honor of his debut release day, he’s used his new-found talents for threatening bookstore employees, dancing on desks, and exploiting small children and household pets to produce a mostly family-friendly musical number. And because I’m so excited for Josh and his lead character, Will Halpin, and because I’m kind of embarrassed for him on account of all that public dancing, I’ve officially certified THE DARK DAYS OF HAMBURGER HALPIN as cruelty-free, lifting the nearly year-long boycott on Josh and his critically-acclaimed meat-monikered novel.
So go forth, good readers. Sing, dance, point, laugh, and buy Josh’s books in large quantities!
Congratulations, Josh! 
1 Comment | books, music, reading | Tagged: Josh Berk, The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin | Permalink
Posted by Sarah Ockler
Sometimes you see something so cool that you just have to stop and thank the universe that you’re even freaking alive.
And then you hide behind a lamp post on Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo just so you can video-stalk the most adorable kid in the universe without getting dirty looks from her dad. Or the police. But I just had to share this with you! Not the best quality video but it zooms in after a minute or so. Check it out.
I really admire her. I hope she stays like that forever.
8 Comments | Buffalo, home, music | Tagged: Buffalo, Elmwood Avenue, Elmwood Village | Permalink
Posted by Sarah Ockler
I got this from R.J. Anderson, author of FAERY REBELS: SPELL HUNTER, which I just had the pleasure of reading!
What Does Your Music Say About You?
IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Ask Me Anything by The Strokes. Which is interesting when you consider the chorus… I’ve got nothing to say. I got nothing to say. I got nothing to say. I got nothing to say. Maybe that’s a polite way of saying “Piss off?”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Fire Door by Ani DiFranco. Well, read into that as you will, but my favorite line in this song is, And my mind is disconnected but my heart is wired. In the live version, which is what’s playing, she also rocks out into this funky little version of Amazing Grace, which is pretty cool.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Designs on You by Old 97s. Hmmm. I guess this means I’m into tattoos, or giving my mate a makeover. I won’t tell you which one Alex has had, other than to say he is tattoo-free.
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Away in a Manger, by some opera-esque holiday singer. Well, I am feeling somewhat Christmas-y, what with all the snow and all. That, and I keep waking up with hay in my bed. WTF?
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Girl Like That by Matchbox 20. I’m same old trailer trash in new shoes? It’s important to have goals, I guess.
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Cause a Rockslide by Badly Drawn Boy. Your sweetness would cause a rockslide. LOL now that’s just comedic, as my parents will attest, I’m fresh outta sweetness. I think I ran out around 1991.
WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?
Farewell, Angelina by Bob Dylan. It’s funny, because I actually do think about this song all the time. It’s one of my favorite Dylan tunes, and it reminds me of 9/11 for various reasons, which frequently creeps into my thoughts. Farewell, Angelina is one of Dylan’s most beautiful works. Check out the version on the 1991 Bootleg Series, disc 2 and really listen to the words.
But farewell, Angelina
The night is on fire
And I must go
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
In My Own Eyes by Brandi Carlile. Maybe it means I like him just exactly as he is, well, in my own eyes.
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Today’s the Day by Aimee Mann. Yep. It’s the last two lines that make this song:
Isn’t it enough to prove today’s the day?
Isn’t it enough to prove today’s the day?
So… what are you waiting for? Today’s the day, man!
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
The Setup by NaS. Now, I generally don’t think Alex is settin’ me up when I see him. Okay, so maybe he inspires a spontaneous outburst from the rap phenomenon otherwise known as me, but I can’t compete with NaS. Check out the It Was Written album if you have a little pent-up aggression that needs somewhere to go.
WHAT SONG DID/WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Falling in Love is Hard on the Knees by Aerosmith. Can this answer be topped? I think not!
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
God Bless the Child by Ruthie Foster. This one’s off the Stages album. Perfect, right? I actually fell in love with this song when Billie Holiday sang it, but Alex and I got to see Ruthie live at the Swallow Hill Music in Denver, and it was pretty damn soulful. I think Billie would be proud. Plus, this song reminds me of my office BFF Loren, with whom I used to kick back on Fridays for a little cubical jazz and wine in Styrofoam cups while the boss wasn’t looking. Shhhh!
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues by Bob Dylan. Yep. Paranoia definitely creeps me out, especially when it’s propagated by the fear culture. This song is all about irrational fear — check it out, also on the Bootleg Series.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
You Belong to Me by Jason Wade.
And I’ll be so alone without you
Maybe you’ll be lonesome too
Not sure what that has to do with secrets, but it’s a beautiful song. Dad and I danced to it at my wedding.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Come Undone by Wise Crack. Definitely something to think about.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO NAME THIS POST?
Ants Marching by Dave Matthews.
Take these chances
Place them in a box until a quieter time
Lights down, you up and die
BONUS ROUND: SARAH’S ATTEMPT TO END ON A HAPPIER NOTE
Tiny’s Tempo (Short Take 1) by Charlie Parker. Yes! Charlie always makes me happy. For an intro, check out The Immortal Charlie Parker, Vol. 1. Now I feel like dancing. Or at least like pretending to dance while really just jumping and bouncing around until I knock something over and/or injure myself.
How about you? What does your music say about you? If you’re reading this, I tag YOU to give this fun meme a try on your own blog.
1 Comment | music | Tagged: iTunes meme, music | Permalink
Posted by Sarah Ockler
Here’s the thing, people. As cute and sweet as David Archuleta is, that doesn’t fly with us girls anymore (ahem… when I say us, I mean, um, me). I like a man who’s a little rough and ragged with the potential to, like, freak the hell out. One who’s hiding a lot of pain and has like this whole secret brooding-prince-of-darkness thing that could just blow up outta nowhere.
I think about that when I watch David Cook sing. Sure, he looks kind of like a nice guy, and he probably is, but on the inside, he’s definitely pissed off about something. Remember when Ryan went all smarmy when he brought up the bartender thing? I could swear David pulled him aside right before the cut and said, “You pull that shit again, Seacrest, and I’m gonna lay your spray-tan-wearin’ ass out.”
Fireworks!
Archuleta is talented and true and has a whole career ahead of him, I’m sure. But for my money? Cook takes the cake. And eats it, too.
I have no idea what that means, but whatever.
Let’s look at an example from another recent cultural phenomenon: Stephenie Meyer’s TWILIGHT. Edward Cullen vs. Jacob Black. Jacob is sweet and endearing and loyal and all that, like a best buddy. Or a dog. Or a werewolf, more accurately. But Edward? Anger management issues. Protective. Borderline possessive. Hella-intense. And he has that whole pissed off, misunderstood vampire thing going for him. See? Brooding. Prince. Of darkness.
That’s not all, people. Let’s dig deep into the archives. For those of us who grew up in the 80s, there was Michael Carrington of Grease II fame. Did super-hottie Stephanie Zinone want the sweet, shy type? No. In her own words, set to music, and tight leather pants, she wanted a “C-O-O-L *pause* R-I-D-E-R.” Ya, I learned that song before I learned my ABCs.
“Stephanie, have you ever… read… the Superman comic?”
“Not in the last few hours.”
See? And certainly none of us over the age of 25 (okay 30. Ish.) can forget this:
“Remember how you said your parents use you to get back at each other? Wouldn’t I be outstanding in that capacity?”
*Shiver*
Anyway, congrats to both Davids. And for the record, I’m not sure I could sit through a performance of someone singing the phone book, but, like Paula, I do get a little choked up when they cry. Dreams coming true and all that.
Leave a Comment » | grab bag, music | Tagged: American Idol, Breakfast Club, Cool Rider, David Archuleta, David Cook, Edward Cullen, Grease, Jacob Black, Twilight | Permalink
Posted by Sarah Ockler
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