ThisNext Blog - *Media: Film/Music/TV/Print

VMA Prep

VMA — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:41:42 +0000

This Sunday MTV will host their yearly Video Music Awards. These award ceremonies are clearly ANYTHING but typical. Britney making out with Madonna, Michael Jackson being in public and Busta Rhymes presenting with Martha Stewart are some key memories from past VMA’s. This year, Russell Brand, from Forgetting Sarah Marshall, will host so it should be highly entertaining. Scheduled to preform are teen pop group sensation, The Jonas Brothers and Christina Aguilera. Guests include the cast of Gossip Girl, The Hills and the one and only Britney Spears. Should be quite the show. To get prepared for the show ThisNext made a list of all of the musical nominees so you can cast your own vote and cheer them on on Sunday. Don’t forget to tune in September 7th, 9 pm ET Sharp!

See more of my VMA’s list at ThisNext.

revisiting apple tv

VMA — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:48:57 +0000

Admittedly, when it was first released in the Spring of ‘07, I overlooked the Apple TV, casting it off as a trendy device attempting to exploit a fleeting UGC video trend. After taking some time to give it a spin, it’s clear that the powerful box is much, much more and truly provides a glimpse at the next generation of home entertainment.

The sleek Apple TV is a clever digital media receiver that allows you to instantly rent high-definition movies, purchase and watch TV programming, enjoy YouTube videos, access Flickr and podcasts, and more. You can even use it to purchase music through iTunes and pipe tunes through your home entertainment system. Imagine having access to all of this content from your couch. From Apple’s stylish laptops to their iPhone to this stunning device, the innovative company shows a clear commitment to allowing consumers to enjoy media wherever they are.

The Apple TV is available in 40GB and 160GB capacities, and is priced from $229.

Video Game Girl

VMA — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:33:00 +0000

So I have a confession to make: I’m a girl that digs video games…an absolute junkie. Yep, this ThisNexter plays console games and often references them in her stand-up comedy act (coming soon to an Open Mic near you). Though I find the PS3 and Wii interesting, I’m what you call an “old-school gamer”. I long for SNES (that’s Super Nintendo for you young’ns) with Mario 3 and Mario Kart, and even the original Nintendo and Duck Hunt games. Frankly, I’m just not old enough for Atari or Commodore but if I was, they’d make the list too. Admittedly, I do enjoy some of the current pop culture titles, ie Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Civilization is cool too, and have you checked out Pixel Junk Monsters for PS3? - also a bit addicting…actually maybe you’d better not start!

three movies

VMA — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:00:30 +0000

I’m gonna pull a High Fidelity, of sorts, and make a list that will inevitably be praised, mocked, ridiculed and, maybe if I’m lucky, be corrected by Jack Black. So, here it is, three films this ThisNexter thinks everyone should watch.

The first is, my all time favorite, Harold & Maude. If you’ve never seen it, you’re probably already a sceptic. “A 16-year-old with an 80-year-old,” you’ll cry out. “That’s just wrong.” It might be, but it’s also beautiful and sweet and completely hilarious. If you don’t trust me, trust the fact that it’s on about every funniest movies list around.

What does Bill Murray plus Jason Schwartzman plus Wes Anderson Equal? My second favorite movie of all time and one that everyone should watch, Rushmore. It’s become the status quo for quirky comedies and the standard to which films like Charlie Bartlett are held to and, inevitably, critically crucified.

“One word, plastics.” Two words, The Graduate. This has to be on the list, not because it is one of the best films of all times (which it is), but because it’s something that almost everyone can relate to. You know, completely lost.

See more of the Three movies list by chadosko at ThisNext.

gregory crewdson

VMA — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:02:54 +0000

Systematically placing everything perfectly within a frame, Gregory Crewdson is the personification of staged photography perfection. He’s notorious for shutting down city blocks, cutting down signs he doesn’t see fit or for even bringing in his own weather. As if it was a movie set, Crewdson will use a team rivaling most small film productions and the equipment to back it up. Often, a single shot by him is the result of months of planning, staging and preparing that is all capped off with less than a few minutes of actually shooting. Like no one else, Crewdson’s precise attention to detail is what makes him one of the most respected photographers to date. Every photograph he takes is raw and real and uncut, but also spectacularly perfect. I can’t look at a Crewdson without feeling like I’m watching The Truman Show. Not because his pictures are perfect, but because they are perfectly flawed and natural. If you’re ever lucky enough to get your hands on a Crewdson print, it’d be about 8 feet tall. It wouldn’t resemble a simple print, but a window into his world.

Gregory Crewdson Photography.
Shopcast powered by ThisNext
Get this for your blog or website

Racy Ads

VMA — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:02:06 +0000

Sex. Drugs. Rock and Roll. You’ve seen them in print, on television and perhaps have heard them on the radio. Now you can get your hands on these controversial and provocative products.

Check out the racy merch on ThisNext.

See more of my Racy Ads list at ThisNext.

Sunset Junction

VMA — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:54:54 +0000

The Sunset Junction Street fair is an annual event held in Los Angeles that features amazing musical performances, rides, food and merchandise vendors. August 24th and 25th will be a day packed with wonderful arts and crafts, fun games, a fully decked out skate park and valet bicycle parking on the street of Santa Monica Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.
Check out a list of this year’s music at Sunset Junction on ThisNext.

See more of my Sunset Junction list at ThisNext.

Wednesday Listen: 3OH!3

VMA — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:00:09 +0000

There are very few musicians that have a sound and style that is truly their own, but the members of 3OH!3 are definitely among the original! It’s not the music alone that makes 3OH!3 soar above the rest, it is their entire package. Anyone can appreciate their fast-paced tunes, their energetic stage show, and the dedication they’ve shown to their one-of-a-kind style—Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte have been wowing fans in their hometown of Boulder, Colorado for years

After finally securing a deal with Photo Finnish Records, the duo released their “Want” LP this summer filled with infectious music that crosses all borders between pop, rock, electronic, dance, techno, and “gangster rap”—all in one song! If that’s not enough to intrigue you, they hook you in with clever one-liners and catchy choruses that you can’t help but sing along to.

If there is one album that you take a chance on this summer, make it “Want” from 3OH!3. There are only two options with this group: you will fall in love instantly or you will hate them with all the venom and animosity in your soul. Honestly, there are very few people who have chosen the latter.

Check out their official profile on MySpace.

88 Boadrum

VMA — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:23:36 +0000

The sequel to last year’s 77 BoaDrum, this year the 88 minute composition of 88 drummers on 8/8/08, a bicoastal event that will be featured at the Los Angeles Tar Pits and New York City’s Williamsburg waterfront. Beginning at 8:08, 88 drummers selected by the Boredoms and artistic director Hisham Bharoocha of Soft Circle will be playing in Los Angles. At the same time 88 drummers conducted on behalf of the Boredoms and Brooklyn’s own Gang Gang Dance will be jammin in NYC.

Check out the music on ThisNext.

See more of my 88 Boadrum list at ThisNext.

Harry Potter Prep

VMA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:22:15 +0000

With the sixth Harry Potter movie coming out November 21, 2008, you must do all you can to catch up and be prepared for the movie. This list includes books, clothes and other little things that will get you ready for Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts. This time Harry is “spellbound” by his potions book which has been used by the “Half Blood Prince” and he begins to learn more about Voldemort’s past. Everyone is a Harry Potter fan but if you aren’t you only have 3 months to catch up!

See more of my Hogwarts list at ThisNext.

Muppets Revival

VMA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:20:38 +0000

Earlier this month, new and revived Muppet clips were released on Youtube. These clips surfaced to promote the debut of an all new variety show special which is airing Sunday, August 3rd on The Disney channel. Guest stars for this bit include: Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, Dylan & Cole Sprouse, Jonas Brothers. Don’t miss out as Miss Piggy tries to join the Jonas brothers as Kermit and Gonzo enters on “The Suite Life.”

Catch up on The Muppet Show with the digitally remastered DVDS on ThisNext.

See more of my The Muppet Show list at ThisNext.

Celebrity Baby Names

VMA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:31:15 +0000

Since the birth of Brangelina’s twins, it became necessary to recognize the ridiculous names that celebrities choose to name their children. The list ranges from inanimate objects, to locations and then to food. Its really entertaining and fascinating. WARNING: Do NOT use this list to pick out a name for your child….You might find yourself on PerezHilton.

See more of my Celebrity Baby Names list at ThisNext.

Because it was so good: Dark Knight Merchandise!

VMA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:29:34 +0000

The fact that the Dark Knight still has a 94% on Rottentomatoes is enough to grant it star status. To add to the hype, I haven’t heard a single review of the movie that wasn’t stellar. Put all of this together, and we’ve got ourselves the best summer blockbuster of the new millenium!

Because I personally loved the movie so much and am actually excited to see it for a second time (a rarity for me), my eyes have wandered towards the movie’s merchandise. There are items ranging from t-shirts to collector’s statues to an incredible soundtrack, The Dark Knight has incredible products to help fuel your Batman fire! Check out the list I made of merchandise on ThisNext. You can even teach your children to read with Dark Knight reading books! My favorite item is the 1000 piece puzzle. I’m easily amused, I know.

See more of my Because it was so good: Dark Knight Merchandise! list at ThisNext.

Laugh Riot: TV on DVD

VMA — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:29:09 +0000

When you’re having a rough day and need a laugh, this list of comedies will certainly tickle your fancy. They are the best of the best television comedies on DVD that will give you a jolly good time. From the genius that is Dave Chappelle to the musical talents of Flight of the Conchords, you’ll be sure to have a smile on your face in no time.

See more of my Shizz and giggles list at ThisNext.

"...and as we all know, fun rules"

VMA — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:55:55 +0000

I know we tend to somehow turn our brains completely off during the summer months and just focus on having fun, especially students. Who wants to read a book when we could be at the beach or the movies? But it wouldn’t hurt to keep the engine warm and “Waking Life” is a film that will definitely get those wheels turning.

I watched this film for the second time recently and was as equally enthralled. It’s a very trippy, animated film about a young man (Wiley Wiggins) that is trapped in a dream state. As he tries to find his way back to reality, he meets several people that provide their insights on life and all it’s meanings—what we go through, who we are, where we come from, and where we are going as individuals and as a society. This is a great film for anybody that just wants a mind-bending experience! So, come in from the sun and fun for a day and watch this film. It’s sure to be a great discussion piece among friends and family too.