hill in a handbag

11 O'Clock...tick...tock...

You know how lots of blog posts start with a question and then they give you all of the steps they took to find the answer and then...the answer!  Yeah, that's not at all what's going to happen in this blog post.

How the crap do you promote a local band?

Maybe I should have asked myself this before I volunteered to do so.  Years ago, Jenny and I started up 11 O'Clock PR.  I believe Jenny actually did PR stuff but I just kinda liked the name.  I mean, Jenny, Amanda and I are also in an imaginary band called The Garden Tarts but I ain't booking gigs.  Hmmm, I bet 11 O'Clock PR would rock marketing The Garden Tarts.  Wait...

My friends' (yes, that's possessive plural and I don't get to use that on my blog often) old band Big Idea are having a reunion concert here in Newport News next month and 11 O'Clock PR was asked to promote.  I suspect that our Virginia office (my MacBook and my couch with Mad Men in the background) was asked to take on this task because of our catchy name and not because of our impressive resume...I guess also because we're cheap (pro bono...hee hee.)

So I've managed to get the event listed on every single event calendar I can possibly think of.  I thought that was a good idea but I didn't realize how everything is connected.  There are so many mentions when you Google Big Idea Reunited that eBay thinks there are tickets to be sold and gives you a link to search.  That's good, right?  Yes.  I've sent emails to every single local media outlet I can imagine and still awaiting replies.  But what I really want is a little tiny write up in our local paper The Daily Press and I'm not at all sure how to go at that.  I sent an email and a tweet to the paper's music guy but I haven't heard anything back.  You know my theory on cats, two year olds and singers in bands...how the less attention you pay them, the more attention they pay you?  I'm kinda discovering that the same theory may apply to me too.  I don't like being ignored so I may have to take further action until I hear something back from him.  Cats knock stuff off tables, two year olds throw fits and singers shine lights in your face...what do I do?

I feel like the Underwear Gnomes from South Park:

Step 1:  Collect underpants.

Step 2: ??

Step 3:  Profit.

I actually think I'm not doing a bad job at this but I'm going to keep trying and am definitely open to suggestion if you have any sort.  Any tips on how to promote a little local concert?  If you do, hurry it up because this show is June 1st.

If only I had some sort of outlet of my very own where I was in control of all of the content and up to seven whole people a year read it...

 

Put your make up on, fix your hair up pretty...

I know this isn't going to interest all of my readers but...it's my blog an I'll cry if I want to.  But for those of you who are interested...here are a few of my favorite cosmetic items of the week.

1.  NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic

Apparently, this is a very popular color.  My local Ulta did not have it in the store (I checked twice).  Finally, I got a really good deal and ordered it online.  It did not disappoint.  I'm not sure I've ever used a blush I liked this much.  Yeah, I said the same thing about Nars Orgasm.  That is still one of my favs but sometimes you just gotta mix it up a bit.  Plus, the NYX blush is matte and cream.  I've also never used cream blush before.  I use it with a stippling brush.  It's very high pigmented and is such a natural color that it just looks like you're blushing.  That's the goal...right?  You can buy this through NYX or Ulta and it retails for $6.99.

2.  Real Techniques Stippling Brush

I just discovered stippling brushes a few weeks ago.  They're amazing for applying cream of liquid cosmetic products.  Not good for powders though.  The way it works is that the brush has two sets of bristles...one is longer than the other.  The longer bristles pick up the product which you just dot on your skin and the shorter bristles buff the product in.  It's genius!  It almost has an airbrush quality when you look at the final product.  You also need very little product to make this brush work.  The first one I tried was by e.l.f. which I love, but it's pretty big.  You can use it if you actually want to stipple on foundation and it works perfectly.  But the Real Techniques brush is much smaller and easier to control when you're using blush and highlighter (it works fab with liquid highlighter).  Plus, this brush just looks cool.  Anyway, you can get this brush for $9.99 from Real Techniques online or Ulta.  Just note that I've also never seen this in stock from my Ulta store.

3.  Victoria's Secret Brilliant Lipshine in Diva

I can actually say that this is the best lipgloss I've bought in ages.  I'm always on the hunt for the perfect pinky-brown shimmery lip gloss.  This might just be what I've been looking for.  It comes in a pen with a click button at the bottom but it's not sticky.  Pen lip glosses are always sticky to me.  Gross.  This is creamy and highly pigmented.  It's only con is that it is not long wearing by any means.  But it's just a little pen so you can reapply easily.  I even had it in my pocket most of last night for easy access.  Love it.  Gonna have to go buy more just in case.  You can get it at Victoria's Secret online or in stores for $14.00.

4.  MAC's Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 Foundation in NC15

I only got this product on Thursday but so far I love it.  I always used matte foundation until I tried a BB Cream and discovered that I do not like matte foundations.  I like having a dewey complexion.  I understand why people wouldn't want a dewy look...like if you have very oily skin you probably don't want anything showcasing shiny on your skin.  But my skin is pretty normal and a little dew looks good.  The color is perfect and it blends very well.  I use it with a new foundation brush and new powder as well (which I will blog about next week maybe).  So far so good.  You can get it at a MAC store or counter for $30.

5.  China Glaze Nail Lacquer With Hardeners in Harmony

This is definitely my favorite nail polish of the season.  It's a perfect metallic purple and I currently have it on my toes and fingers.  I only used one coat for each.  Seriously.  How great is that?  I've never used China Glaze before but this polish is better than any OPI I've ever used.  No kidding.  Gonna have to investigate other colors.  I'm sure you can get it in lots of places but I got mine at Ulta for $7.

 

 

 

4/4/68

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the same article I posed last year and the year before but I loved it so I'm reposting this year.]

Watch this video.  It's not at all comfortable or easy to hear these words but it's powerful and important.  My parents talk about how 1968 was such a horrible year to live through.  I don't doubt that for a second but I look back at 1968 with utter awe.  These people fought and died in the name of freedom.  Maybe we haven't gotten to the dream's mountaintop but look how far we've come.  I was only born five years later but into an entirely different country.  I've never known a time without racial and religious freedom.  Without bias and prejudice?  Yeah. Without freedom?  Absolutely not.  My parents were raised in a time where it was common and acceptable practice to limit one's freedom to even choose their seat on a bus based on the color of their skin.  But in my life I've never known my country to be even remotely that oppressive.  I'm not oblivious.  There's a country club down the street that wouldn't allow blacks, Jews or unmarried women to become members until I was in high school.  That really sucks.  But I honestly don't feel like my restriction to pay a membership which gives me the privilege to hang out with a bunch old men in plaid pants equates being beaten in the streets of Selma.  So yeah, Dr. King secured a great deal of increased freedom for most of us.  Proof?  Two words:  PRESIDENT OBAMA.  That's a lotta freedom y'all.  That said, we're not all free by any means.  Our basic civil rights are violated when states legislate the prevention of same sex marriage.  It's absolutely a civil right to marry who you choose. So maybe as a heterosexual my freedom isn't limited.  Bobby Kennedy's freedom wasn't limited because he was a white man but he still died in the fight for racial equal rights.  We all must speak up because if we don't then we can't depend on other people speaking up for us when our freedom is in jeopardy.  This civil rights barrier will soon be broken as well because of the longevity of Dr. King's message.  Deep in my heart, I do believe.

 

For the love of money, money, money...

Check out this pic...U2 averaged the same amount for every ten seats at 360.  If my math is correct they made about $257,040 the entire October tour (102 shows) and $736,421,586 twenty-eight years later for 360 (110 shows.)  I'm not entirely sure how inflation works but I suspect that's above par. Right?

PS  This was my baby bro Jeremy's 2nd birthday.  Not that he's reading this...right?

And soft skin...forever...

I read beauty blogs constantly so I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring...at least occasionally.  Right now I have a pretty good moisturizing routine so I'm gonna share.  Oh, and in case there are any dudes reading this blog, sans the first product, all of these things are either very lightly or unscented. Guys can moisturize too.

I just got this Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub. I'd never even heard of this brand before it was suggested by an employee at Ulta. It's pretty amazing.  It's a great scrub but not too scrubby and it's so moisturizing but not greasy. I actually use it on my hands more often. I've used Mary Kay's Satin Hands for years but it's kind costly and sometimes a little chalky feeling. This stuff absolutely replaces it and it's only $8. Only con I can think of is that it does have a fairly strong scent.  It fades quickly but very coconutty at first.

Next up in Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream.  This is the best body moisturizer ever.  It's so light and so soft.  It's also cheap and a little goes a long way.  This should be a staple in every household.  That's all.

I've literally had my jar of Mary Kay Oil Free Hydrating Gel for years. At $30 it's so much more than I would like to spend but if you think about how long the jar will last you, it's not a bad deal. You really only need to use a few little dots and your face is all smooth and soft. It's a strange texture because it's a gel and not a lotion or a cream but it's amazing. If you think this is something you might want to buy...my cousin Erica Nachman sells Mary Kay. Click here and tell her that Cousin Hillary sent you.

I literally got Mary Kay's TimeWise Moisture Renewing Gel Mask on Monday.  I've used it twice and I love it but ask me again in a few weeks. It's hard to tell after two uses. This is some strange stuff too because it's a gel. It goes on gooey and then almost immediately dries. After ten minutes you rinse it off and your skin is crazy soft. It also says to leave it on over night for heavier moisturizing.  I haven't tried that yet. Again, if you want to buy this get it from my cousin.  Click here and tell her Cousin Hillary sent you.  

Arbonne's FC5 Skin Conditioning Oil is another interesting product. It's a little tiny tube of oil that it perfect for your cuticles and try patches on your elbows or wherever. Again, a little goes a long way. You only need a drop but the packaging is a little strange so more than one drop wants to escape from it's housing. Beware. I keep this in a drawer by my bed to use on my cuticles at night but I think it's going to be great for airplane travel in the future.  If you don't already have oily skin you can use this on your face too.  It's not very heavy at all. My bestest friend Jenny Steadman sells Arbonne so if you want this you should order from her. Click here and tell her Bestest Friend Hill sent you.

And last but definitely not least...LIPS!  I got Clinique's Superbalm Lip Treatment in a bonus back in May and it sat in a drawer until about a month ago.  Holy crap! This is the most moisturizing lip stuff I've ever ever used.  I'm not sure what kind of magic they put in this tube but I put it on at night and my lips still feel silky soft when I wake up in the morning. I actually have a problem with waking up in the morning with a pretty badly split lip. I look like someone punched me. Not once since I've been using this stuff have I had a split lip. Going to get more next week with the Macy's bonus.

 

 

Totally irrelevant!

Dear Rock Star,

    I'm pretty sure the first signs of becoming irrelevant in music world is worrying about becoming irrelevant.  At this stage in the game getting radio play, a song in a club or getting the kids to turn out does not matter.  Give it up...it's a bullshit excuse.

    What matters, you ask?  Making a great friggin' album that you can stand by and that can stand by you.  Give up on concept albums, give up on time tested combos.  Just go with your gut and your heart because that's how it worked out so well when you were young.  The whole point of this conversation is to discuss an album you made 20 years ago...an album you boast about playing seven straight songs from live back on it's tour.  You STILL play like five of those songs straight through.  RELEVANT?  How many can ya play of your newest album?  Huh?

    The times the are a changin' and you should be worried.  But not about the radio.  Worry about staying in good grace with iTunes.  And PLEASE don't even mention file sharing.  Maybe you gotta pay the bills but people aren't going to stop file sharing and the bottom line is that you're artists.  Unless...it's not about art anymore and then please let me know now so I can retire.  I'm still here because I believe in the art.

    Wake up old man!  You just finished the best (quality) tour of my professional career and the companion album kinda sucked.  Imagine what you can do with a solid album filled with life and soul instead of antidotes and ambiance.  The world is still your oyster if you want it.  You have no competition...definitely not Lady Gaga.  Come on, that's who we're talking about here, right?

    I kinda do appreciate the humility you show on this subject...but more-so it shows how out of touch you are with your audience.  Just like your songs, we'll stick by you but you gotta stick by us too.  We'll make you relevant if you don't make us irrelevant.

    Sorry to be harsh but I've never kissed your ass and I'm not gonna start now.  I'm quite confident that you still got it even if you think you've misplaced it.  Hint:  It's in the songs.

    Love,

    Me

    P.S.  Thanks for explaining Even Better Than The Real Thing.  If you had said it was a piece of Pop Art back in 1991, I wouldn't have spent the past 20 years saying it was the only piece of crap on the album.  Maybe it would have been a better fit on Pop.  Oh.

 

(No clue what I'm talking about?  Click here.)

4/4/68

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the same article I posed last year but I loved it so I'm reposting this year.]

Watch this video.  It's not at all comfortable or easy to hear these words but it's powerful and important.  My parents talk about how 1968 was such a horrible year to live through.  I don't doubt that for a second but I look back at 1968 with utter awe.  These people fought and died in the name of freedom.  Maybe we haven't gotten to the dream's mountaintop but look how far we've come.  I was only born five years later but into an entirely different country.  I've never known a time without racial and religious freedom.  Without bias and prejudice?  Yeah. Without freedom?  Absolutely not.  My parents were raised in a time where it was common and acceptable practice to limit one's freedom to even choose their seat on a bus based on the color of their skin.  But in my life I've never known my country to be even remotely that oppressive.  I'm not oblivious.  There's a country club down the street that wouldn't allow blacks, Jews or unmarried women to become members until I was in high school.  That really sucks.  But I honestly don't feel like my restriction to pay a membership which gives me the privilege to hang out with a bunch old men in plaid pants equates being beaten in the streets of Selma.  So yeah, Dr. King secured a great deal of increased freedom for most of us.  Proof?  Two words:  PRESIDENT OBAMA.  That's a lotta freedom y'all.  That said, we're not all free by any means.  Our basic civil rights are violated when states legislate the prevention of same sex marriage.  It's absolutely a civil right to marry who you choose. So maybe as a heterosexual my freedom isn't limited.  Bobby Kennedy's freedom wasn't limited because he was a white man but he still died in the fight for racial equal rights.  We all must speak up because if we don't then we can't depend on other people speaking up for us when our freedom is in jeopardy.  This civil rights barrier will soon be broken as well because of the longevity of Dr. King's message.  Deep in my heart, I do believe.

 

Behind the Boathouse...

 

I loved this song back when it came out.  But after going many many years without hearing it...I now think it's pretty lame.  So many songs circa 1994-98 sound very similar to me with perspective.  I hate that I feel that way because that was my era of music  and I have such great memories but it's so true.  In terms of original art...that sucked.  In terms of (good) cover bands...that rocked.  That was a very good time to have five or so cover bands in your heavy rotation.  Recently I have noticed such bands on the rise again locally.  I like that.  So to recap:  Possum Kingdom = Lame.  Memories of Possum Kingdom = Quite fond.  

*I reserve the right to change my mind tomorrow.

Freaks & Geeks...

"Hey, I believe in God, man.  I've seen him, I've felt his power.  He plays drums for Led Zeppelin and his name is John Bonham, baby!" 

- Nick Andopolis (Pilot Episode)

King Of Trash!

The new Gavin Friday single Able is available as a free download.  It's off of his forthcoming album Catholic.  I like this song a lot.  I've missed his mysterious and sexy voice.  It's been 16 years since his last album Shag Tobacco.  Can't wait to hear the album in it's entirety!  Yay Gavin!