y-100 Jingle Ball 2011 by Ben Pawliger

December 10, 2011 was the day for Y-100’s annual Jingle Ball concert, a night full of today’s top pop and rock artists performing. Live from the Bank Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida performed huge musical stars such as Pitbull, Demi Lovato, the Script, Kelly Clarkson, LMFAO , and more. Thousands of South Florida music fans came out to watch their favorite musicians perform their top songs during this annual holiday festival.

The show opened up with Demi Lovato who came out singing her top songs such as Unbroken, Skyscraper, and My Love is Like a Star.  Following Demi was Brookline Massachusetts’ new band, Karmin on a separate stage. The 2 member band came out singing their remake of Look At Me Now, Firework, and more. Foster the People then came out with extreme enthusiasm singing their top single, Pumped Up Kicks. Foster the People also sang Don’t Stop(Color on The Walls) causing the whole building to sing along with them.

Back on the second stage came out the love of every teenage girl’s life, Cody Simpson. With his acoustic guitar, Cody sang along with his fans in the arena, causing thousands of people to sing along with the young Australian. Following Cody was American Pop and Rock Band Gym Class Heroes. With Miami’s own, Travie McCoy, the band sang Top songs such as Stereo Hearts, Billionaire, and Cupid’s Chokehold. Next came Y-100’s own DJ Mix Cartel playing some tunes before Canadian Pop Artist Avril Lavigne got ready. Once Mix Cartel was over, Avril came out and sang some of her most famous rock songs such as Girlfriend, Skater Boy, and Complicated. Avril and her rocking band shook the arena with her performance.

After Avril came out Irish Rock Band, the Script. The Script came out singing their top singles Breakeven, For The First Time, and More. The band performed terrifically, with Danny O’Donoghue and Mark Sheehan rocking the show. Next came out Cobra Starship on the second stage singing the top hits, You Make Me Feel.., Good Girls Go Bad, and Middle Finger.  Succeeding Cobra Starship was American Idol Winner, Kelly Clarkson. Singing along with the thousands of girls, young and old in the stands, Kelly sang Stronger, Behind Hazel Eyes, Since U Been Gone, and more.

After Kelly came the most interesting performance of the night, LMFAO. Currently holding the #1 song and #11 song in America, LMFAO sang their top songs, such as Party Rock Anthem, Shots, Sorry For Party Rocking, I’m In Miami B*tch, and of course, Sexy and I Know It. Even though Sky Blue was absent, LMFAO with the help of their mascot robot shuffler and their world famous wiggling and shuffling rock the Bank Atlantic Center.

Once LMFAO left the stage, world famous French DJ David Guetta came out and rocked the room. Playing top songs of the day and some of his own with other artist, Guetta changed the tone of the show from a fun atmosphere with LMFAO to a nightclub atmosphere. With Guetta came out Florida’s own, Flo Rida. Once Guetta left the stage, Flo came out again singing his top new hit, Good Feeling, while moving around in the crowd on the shoulders of his body guard. After Flo came out the closing act of the night, Mr. 305 himself, Pitbull. Pitbull came out in his suit and shades singing his top hits such as Hotel Room service; Shut it down, Calle Ocho, and Rain over Me. With the crowed with him, he closed the show with his former #1 hit, Give Me Everything. The song was a great way to end a great, star filled night.

 

NEW ALBUM by Florence + the Machine: Ceremonials

By: Laura Saker

Florence + the Machine have just released their newest album, titled, Ceremonials. This is the band’s sophomore album. The most popular tracks on this album are: “Only If for a Night”, “Shake It Out”, and “Never Let Me Go”.  The album all together is very creative, passionate and blissful. Florence Welch’s voice is unique and really makes the lyrics come to life. All of the tracks are very alike in a way; however this makes the whole album appear very peaceful and easy to listen too. The album is appealing to a variety of people and has received excellent feedback from people of all ages. I would recommend this album to anyone that likes soothing music and meaningful lyrics. Ceremonials already hit stores on November 1, 2011. Go pick up your copy today!

 

The Beastie Boys are an american hip-hop trio from New York City. It’s members contain Michael Diamond (Mike D), Adam Yauch (MCA), and Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock). Mike D plays the drums, MCA plays the bass, and Ad-Rock plays the guitar. They have been around since 1979, and started out as a harcore punk band.

Over the years, they have became more into the hip-hop genre of music. They have just released a new song this summer, called “Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win. It is a very good song, in my opinion, but it is for a special listener. I know for a fact if i asked my relatives to listen to this song, they wouldn’t like it, because they are simply not used to listening to this type of music.

The Beastie Boys are very special in that they can rap, sing, and play instruments while all mesh to make fantastic songs. The music video for this also shows an episodic of action figures. It is probably one of the coolest music videos i’ve ever seen. Although the beastie boys aren’t on the radio that often anymore, they are still an extremely popular music group, and have received an extravagant amount of awards for their music, which consist of: best rap performance; best hard rock performance; best alternative performance;best rap album;best pop instrumental; etc.

As you can see, they produce all different types and kinds of genres in the music industry, and i would like to see even more out of this very talented group!

 

by Jake Wasserman

Twenty-eight-year-old Lil Boosie has been a rapper since 2000.  He is not very popular in comparison to other rappers.  He did feature in a once very popular rap song with multiple artists, “Out Here Grindin’,” by DJ Khaled.  Currently, he is serving a 4-year jail sentence.  He presents rap music with a very simple beat to rap over.  His rhymes are right on.   In “Dime Piece,” he likes to reiterate his chorus.    In the music video for “Dime Piece,” many camera shots are at a strip club with him dancing with the girls.  Also, many shots are shown with him reading lyrics out of a notebook.  By depicting this image of him reading lyrics out of notebook, he is showing is everyday life: writing lyrics.  To enjoy this artist, you have to really enjoy rap, since his music really is not about the beat and instruments, even though the snare drum is used constantly which is a great addition to a rap song.  His music is more about the lyrics and style of rap.

David Guetta, a 43-year-old French House music producer and DJ, has been popular all over the world.  His music has been topping the charts and people cannot stop dancing to his music.  One of his newest hits, “Where Them Girls At,” has been a hit all over the radio.  This tune is very upbeat and gets people stomping their feet and bopping their heads.  The beat that David Guetta gives to the song is simple, yet listeners never get bored of it.  In the music video, he features the two artists singing in the song, Nicki Minaj and Flo-Rida, who nail their lyrics down.    It starts out with a camera shot over a city with skyscrapers with bubbles everywhere.  David Guetta is featured on top of a skyscraper as a DJ.  Overall, David Guetta keeps on topping the charts in Hip-Hop and Dance music.  He is one of the best artists today that produce dance music.

And the winners are..………

After close scrutiny and durability testing by a team of experts, and yes 10 years of school carrying stuff makes you an expert,  we have declared some winners in each category.

As different schools and different  dudes have different requirements, there is not a “one size fits all” solution to what to buy and what to carry.  Commuters need one thing and on campus housing might need another.  Still,  we were about to narrow down the field to just a select chosen few.

BEST COMMUTER BACKPACK  (Lighter weight division)

“The Smart Alec” by Tom Bihn-Seattle .

This bag is light weight but sturdy .

The Smart Alec has two long pockets on either side of the bag that zip open and close with splash-proof zipper. One of the side pockets has an expanding water bottle pocket .The other side pocket has two pen slots and a wallet/PDA sized pocket, and can also fit other items such as a paperback book, notebook, scarf, or other smaller accessories.

The comfortable shoulder straps on the Smart Alec are made from 3/8″ padding that offers serious comfort without bulk.  This worked great for Ben who is 6’5″ tall.

 

MOST AWESOME LARGER SIZE ( longer) BACKPACK

“The Babylon Backpack” by  Wheelmen & Co.

 

 

One of the greatest features of this backpack is that it sits a little narrower and longer than the traditional size backpack.  We found this bag doesn’t interfere with standing  in line at airports as it doesn’t sit “out” as far on the sides .  The quality is amazing with leather trim and a waxed cotton outside shell.     This bag was Max’s choice for the perfect backpack.

 

BEST ACCESSORIES TOM BIHN-SEATTLE

Vertical Sleeve for papers and folders

Vertical Freudian SlipThe Freudian Slip slides inside the Smart Alec and features four slots of files and folders on one side, and organizer pockets for cables, small electronics, business cards, pens, and more on the other side. Best of all, you can pull the Freudian Slip out of the Smart Alec and hang it nearby your desk, giving yourself easy access to your accessories while keeping them organized.

Organizer Pouches:these simple pouches will add an extra pocket of organization to any bag. The clear window allows you to know what’s inside.  We found that these were especially good for jump drives and SD cards along with cables.

 

FAVORITE MESSENGER BAG-SKOOBA Ipad/Netbook Messenger

Just perfect for our new Macbook Air, the SKOOBA messenger bag is a great size for Ipads,  netbooks, kindles, nooks and smaller size electronics. Compact and light, yet packed with  pockets.

• Holds iPad or other tablet or netbook(up to 10.5″ x 8.5″ x 1.5″), plus power cord and accessories, with room to spare for books or papers and more.

• Over a dozen pockets and compartments in all, hold cords and adapters, compact gadgets and accessories.

If you are able to go without carrying books or large notebooks, this bag is awesome.   It was definitely  our favorite messenger bag of all the ones tested.

 

BEST BIKE COMMUTER BAG-NORTH STREET BACKPACK PANNIERS

 

This small, durable backpack organizes everything you need for the day.  A quick-release flap and pockets inside and out keep everything organized and accessible at a moment’s notice.  Each bag is made from durable water resistant fabric which works well in the unpredictable South Florida weather.  They are made in Portland Oregon where it rains a lot too.  The only downside to this bag is the metal connectors where it attaches to the bike frame.  You wouldn’t want to bang into anyone with them cause they are quite rough on the edges.  Other than that, this bag is a perfect commuter backpack for bike riders.   Check out all the great bags this company makes for bike riders!

 

 

That’s all for the award winners.  Check back in late August for our video feature.

The Crew