Video Episodes:
13 Views
03:58:48 09/25/11
Meet the new Freddie Mercury...
[LESS INFO] 13 VIEWS | ADDED 03:58:48 09/25/11
Throughout the day yesterday, my Twitter and Facebook feed EXPLODED with links and posts about my buddy Marc Martel of the band Downhere who uploaded a video to YouTube a few days ago which went viral. And by viral, I mean more than 1.5 Million views in less than 3 days! The video he submitted is a recording of himself singing a cover of the Queen song Somebody to Love as part of the Queen Extravaganza competition. Queen drummer/songwriter/singer Roger Taylor launched the competition only a few days ago in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the band Queen and offers the opportunity for winners to tour in the Queen Extravaganza Live Tour in early 2012. Music fans worldwide have suddenly discovered what we downhere-fans have known for years: that Martel's Freddie Mercury impression and likeness are beyond stellar. However it's not just an impersonation - Marc's actual singing voice lends itself not only to Mercury, but in the early days of downhere, he was often compared to the likes of Bono of U2 and even former DC Talk member Kevin Max. (I really should dig up a copy of Downhere's cover for U2's Beautiful Day ; my husband and I preferred it over the U2 version, but I know that's a bit sacrilegious to say out loud.) Marc has even ventured into singing opera in the past few years, which may seem a little farfetched for a rocker, but as one commenter stated, "This guy is the Swiss Army knife of singing!"
Though it may seem like videos go viral all the time, Marc stated in an interview with WGBL that the reporter he talked to from the Wall Street Journal on Friday said it truly isn't that common. Nonetheless, views today (Saturday) have grown to more than 1.8 Million total views, and strangely enough many fans including myself have noticed the YouTube counter seems to get "stuck" on the play count for several hours before jumping up again.
I have known the members of Downhere, Marc, Jason, Jeremy and Glenn, for about 10 years now, ever since a friend at Word Records introduced me to them and asked me to edit a promotional music video for their first album release. From the moment I first heard clips of their to-be-released debut until now, they have been my absolute favorite band. I've always told them that someday I expected them to get a big break like Christian rockers Switchfoot did in 2003 when their fourth studio album suddenly sold 2.6 Million copies after being marketed to the mainstream music industry. While this is certainly not the same story, Marc's new-found fame will certainly prove to enhance the awareness of Downhere . Over the years I have heard SO many new fans discover Downhere's music and say things such as "WHY aren't you all better known? This band has so much talent!" However, I also believe that God has used their journey to keep them grounded as the most down-to-earth set of performers that I have ever encountered. Not a concert goes by where they don't spend at least 30-45 minutes after the show in the lobby greeting every single fan who wants to meet and talk with them. This deep connection to their concert goers has established a grassroots fan base for them that has grown and sustained them as a band over a decade when many Christian performers have come and gone.
FINALLY an opportunity has arisen that will shine the spotlight on these guys who spent 9 of the past 10 years touring North America in a 15 passenger van. Media coverage by outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Huffington Post , and the CBC to name a few, has just started. Whether Marc gets a chance to perform with Queen in early 2012 or not is yet to be seen, but many fans feel it would be a travesty otherwise.
Marc's Original Audition video: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dREKkAk628I)
Amazing "Mashup" video with Marc and Freddie Mercury singing simultaneously: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPhkfk8EBsI
CBC interview: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV1-9TeMS4w%feature=share)
GREAT Radio Interview out of Chicago: http://twt.fm/491745
Celebrity Values article: http://celebrityvalues.com/marcmartel.html
CNN clip: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2011/09/23/ctw-han-viral-videos.cnn?hpt=hp_c2
Marc Martel Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marc-Martel/283556381655697
1 Views
05:39:43 01/24/10
To Save a Life
[LESS INFO] 1 VIEWS | ADDED 05:39:43 01/24/10
Today I took 27 friends to go see a new movie that just hit theaters yesterday titled " To Save A Life ." This was my second screening of the film, as my husband and I saw a sneak preview last fall. We went in expecting very little, but were both blown away by the quality and substance of this "indie release" film. The quality of the acting, screenplay, and technical aspects surpassed everything I was expecting. It's the story of a Middle-American high school senior named Jake Taylor, who "has it all"... he's popular, has a cheerleader girlfriend, a basketball scholarship to his dream college, and is living up his senior year. That is, until his childhood best friend Roger commits suicide in the school hallway and turns Jake's life upside down. He begins to question everything about himself and realizes there may be a lot more to life than beer pong and sex with his girlfriend. He learns to reach out to some new friends and finds ways to make Roger's death a legacy, not just a tragedy.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but I will say that this movie touches on at LEAST a dozen hot topic issues that modern teenagers have to deal with on a daily basis. This is the most realistic portrayal I have seen of a typical high school in a long time, and as one of my young friends said tonight, "It was TOO realistic." The movie is rated PG-13 for good reasons and I wouldn't recommend it to a younger crowd. However I DO recommend it to anyone in high school or older. It is an EXCELLENT movie that all teenagers need to see... It causes the viewer to reflect on the impact that each person has on others around them and how much difference one person can choose to make in the life of another who is lonely.
Though it's touted as an "inspirational" film, there's absolutely nothing cheesy about this movie. It portrays Christians in a very accurate light, with both good and bad attributes acknowledged (such as hypocrisy & imperfection). It's not preachy or pushy with its message, except to say that you CAN make a difference in the world around you. It's also not without humor that this movie entertains the audience, taking on several twists and turns throughout the plot. If you've seen it already, I invite you to leave a comment below regarding what YOU thought about it!
16 Views
18:47:55 09/16/09
2009 Raleigh-area Consignment Sale Roundup (Fall/Winter Sales)
[LESS INFO] 16 VIEWS | ADDED 18:47:55 09/16/09
It's that time of year again... back to school shopping will start all too soon and parents will be sorting through clothing & toys to decide what still fits and what needs to be replaced. Almost a year and a half ago I discovered a new favorite hobby in bargain shopping called Children's Consignment Sales. I posted a blog last summer about my initial experiences with consignment shopping. Since then I can easily say that I've been to more than a dozen sales total, which are kind of like giant cooperative yard sales. I'm still by no means an expert, but do eagerly look forward to the chance to get nearly-brand-new clothing and toys for my child for about 25% of the original retail cost. Even toys or "play clothes" that look a little worn work fine for a toddler... she doesn't care or know the difference!
For new moms or parents who haven't shopped a consignment sale before, here are a few tips of my own followed by some local news videos explaining the sales and then a list of the upcoming Raleigh, NC-area Fall/Winter sales.
1.) Take a list! Start making a list now of every item you can think of that you need for your child. It can be specific or generic, but just write it down, sort it by category type and even prioritize it by importance. I would never remember everything I want without having it on paper while shopping a sale. Don't think, "Oh that's too specific - I'd never find that at a sale." I've been blown away by very specific items I've found at sales before... such as One Step Ahead's " Walking Wings " (normally $24.95, but I found them practically new for $10). Last year I bought an $85 Kozy Carrier for only $20! The amount of new-with-tag clothing items for sale is often quite surprising too.
2.) Since the sales don't provide shopping carts, take something to carry your items in; I recommend a device with wheels! I use our SnugGlider stroller frame (without the infant car seat) and attach a rectangular laundry basket with a bungee cord. It works fabulously! I also have seen shoppers using carts such as this one , but I've never made the investment to get one of those. A wagon or an empty stroller could work well too.
3.) If possible, sign up for a time slot to work a few volunteer hours so that you can shop early. The best items always go first and once you shop a sale early, you'll realize this. Consignors (people who sell their items) also usually get to shop earlier than the public as well. The only thing to remember about consigning is that there is usually a consignors fee ($5-15) which you pay whether or not any of your items sell. If you do sell your items, depending on the sale you'll typically get about 2/3 of your selling price and the sale owners keep the other 1/3.
The Raleigh area is very fortunate to have quite a few consignment sales nearby and those numbers seem to be growing! I've compiled a list of 10 upcoming Fall/Winter sales with their dates and locations below. There are 4 more area sales that I'm aware of, but have not yet confirmed their upcoming dates/location. First though, here is some local news coverage from two of the area's largest sales, KidsExchange and Kids Everywear. Note that these videos are from last winter's "Spring/Summer" sales and are not specifically referring to the upcoming sales.
.....
.....
.....
......
If the crowds in those videos overwhelm you, take heart... all sales aren't as chaotic as those two! In fact, many of the smaller sales are great because since they aren't as crowded, you can find better bargains! Feel free to leave a comment below inquiring about a specific sale and I'll be happy to let you know any details I know about it. (Although there are a few on this list that I haven't been to before.)
Here is the list, sorted by upcoming sale dates:
Kids Exchange July 20 - 28, 2009 (Mon-the following Tue) NC State Fairgrounds Jim Graham Building http://www.KidsExchange.net Note: This is the biggest sale in the entire area… it’s MASSIVE!
The Friendship Closet Consignment Sale August 7 - 8, 2009 (Fri-Sat) Apex United Methodist Church 100 S. Hughes Street / Apex, NC 27502 http://www.friendshipcloset.com/dates-location
Upscale Resale August 13 - 15, 2009 (Thu-Sat) Cary Masonic Lodge 1142 SE Maynard Road / Cary, NC http://www.UpscaleResale4Kids.com Note: Trunk Show, Boutique & higher-end consignment sale clothes
TMOTT Sale (Triangle Mothers of Twins & Triplets) August 15, 2009 (Sat) N.C. State Fairgrounds Kerr Scott Building http://www.tmott.org/sale.htm
Twice as Nice August 20 - 22, 2009 (Thu-Sat) New Horizons Fellowship 820 E. Williams Street / Apex, NC 27502 http://www.twiceasnice4tots.com/ Note: One of my very favorite sales, and not just because I designed their website! :-)
NEXT 2 NEW 4 KIDS August 26 - 30, 2009 (Wed-Sun) Cleveland Gymnasium 8994 Cleveland Road / Clayton NC 27520 http://www.next2new4kids.com
Divine Consign Show - Raleigh DCS Fall Show August 31 - September 4, 2009 (Mon-Fri) Stonehenge Shopping Center 7432 Creedmoor Road / Raleigh, NC http://www.dcskids.com Notes: Exclusive Trunk Show & Boutique Overstock and Consignment Sales; Also has a Grandparent Preview Show & New Mom Shopping (must pre-register)
Kids Everywear August 29th - September 15th
Morrisville Outlet Mall 1001 Airport Blvd / Morrisville, NC 27560-8935 http://www.kidseverywear.com/ Notes: Probably 2nd largest sale in the area & growing each year! ; Also has early shopping days for Pregnant & New Moms (must pre-register)
Kidaround Kidsale Two Sale Dates & Locations! #1 - Sept. 11 - 13, 2009 (Fri-Sun) @ The Factory in Wake Forest (MVP Factory Sports indoor basketball court) 1839 US 1-A /South Main St. Wake Forest NC #2 - Oct. 9 - 11, 2009 (Fri-Sun) @ The Lighthouse Center in South Raleigh 326 Tryon Rd / Raleigh, NC (the Garner side of Raleigh) http://www.kidaroundkidsale.com/
Nearly New Clothing Exchange September 16-20, 2009 (Wed-Sun)
Pleasant Valley Shopping Center
6270 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27612
Next door to Kirklands
http://www.nearlynewclothingexchange. com
Chatham Kids Consignment September 18, 19, 20, 2009 (Fri-Sun)
11312 US Highway 15 501 N
Chathams Crossings
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
http://www. chathamkidsconsignment.com
First UMC Cary Fall Sale September 19, 2009 (Sat) First United Methodist Church, Cary 117 S. Academy Street / Cary, NC 27511 http://www.consignwithfumc.com/ Note: Planning Ahead? Spring Sale will be Saturday, February 20, 2010
Church Kidz Stuff October 1 -3, 2009
Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Raleigh
http://www.hbbc.net/Ministries/ChildrensMinistry/ChildrensConsignmentSale/
Just 4 Kids Consignment Sale October 4 - 10, 2009 (Sun-Sat) Life Spring Community Church 501 Wake Chapel Road Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 http://www.just4kidsnc.com
Second Blessings Consignment Sale Spring 2010
Greenwood Forest Baptist, Cary http://www.gfbccary.org/consignment/
1 Views
18:43:31 07/16/09
Evian's Rollerskating Babies
[LESS INFO] 1 VIEWS | ADDED 18:43:31 07/16/09
My 19-month old daughter insisted that we watch this video no less than 13 times, after which she finally got enough of it. (After 8 times though, we had to go find her baby doll so it could watch too.)
Kudos to Evian for pulling off a creative concept involving so many babies! :-) Check out the " Making Of " videos to see how they did it.
Uh oh, my daughter's asking to watch it again now...
2 Views
03:13:04 12/27/08
Downhere - "How Many Kings" - Live Performance
[LESS INFO] 2 VIEWS | ADDED 03:13:04 12/27/08
Okay, I know I just posted a different video of this song a few days ago, but it's still Christmas and this is such a gorgeous song that I never hear enough of it. Hope you enjoy this live performance by the band on a radio station's broadcast.
4 Views
18:59:22 12/22/08
How Many Kings - the Christmas fan video
[LESS INFO] 4 VIEWS | ADDED 18:59:22 12/22/08
Just in time for Christmas, the Ross family is making their music video debut with the downhere Christmas fan video. Check it out! :-)
1 Views
20:19:15 10/29/08
Twitter in Plain English
[LESS INFO] 1 VIEWS | ADDED 20:19:15 10/29/08
Twitter is a cool little website that I've been using for a while now. It basically takes the "What are you doing?" status update portion of Facebook and strips away everything else. So it's a very simple, to-the-point way to update people on yourself. You can Twitter about yourself, an event, include web links, photos from your cell phone, and also reply to other people's "tweets." Here's a quick video describing it more:
09/16/09