The Firebare Blog

FOUND: How To Open A Beer Bottle With A Piece Of Paper

2007-09-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

I know this has been circling the web for about a year, but this was my first time seeing it, and I think it's pretty cool.

So, if you ever find yourself stranded with a bunch of beer,reams of paper and no bottle opener... now you know what to do!

Video: SNL - Iran So Far

2007-09-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

I love the SNL Digital Shorts that have been on the show lately. Thanks Andy for providing me with unending laughter and love.

YouTube Freak O' The Week: Leave Britney Alone!

2007-09-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

If you've been online for the past couple of days, you've probably seen the latest freak on YouTube Chris Crocker and his plea to the world to "Leave Britney Alone". I almost died laughing when I saw this, and can't seem to get enough of it. I love the 5 year old temper tantrum this guy has! If you haven't seen it yet, here it is:

I hope he's joking!

But, then I found a response video from Perez Hilton that's too good to pass up. Here it is:

Somebody finally took Miss South Carolina's place as national laughing stock! It's only been up for 2 days, and it's already had over 3.3 million views!

This Week's Free iTunes Downloads: 9-11-07

2007-09-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

Today's mix of free stuff couldn't reach more polar opposites! Here's my picks out of the bunch.

This week's iTunes Free Single Of The Week is "Ambushed" from Rampage, a member of Busta Rhyme's Flipmode Squad. And while I'm not a huge fan of this kind of Hip-Hop/Rap, I'm glad iTunes keeps variety in their weekly singles. I ~~fortunately~~ unfortunately wasn't able to listen to the entire song since I kept getting an alert telling me the song was currently not available because it's being modified, so you'll have to check out the whole song for yourself to see if you like it.

This week's Discovery Download was downloadable, and couldn't be more different, coming from Christian Rock group Mainstay, their single "Become Who You Are" comes with no surprises in sound or originality. It just seems like I've heard songs just like this a million times over. Again, I'm glad iTunes keeps a variety of genres in their free downloads, but I would have never downloaded it if I had to pay for it. Mostly because this is the kind of song I would only listen to a couple of times, and then it would work its way to the back of my music library only to be listened to during one of the very few times that I actually use the Party Shuffle feature in iTunes.

I think todays best free downloads come in the TV Shows section, and again I find it hilarious how polar opposite they are! The first is just a 4 minute 17 second preview for the half hour comedy show It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, airing Thursdays on FX 10/9c. There's actually two clips available. The first in the list is the "Making of the Sunny Pilot", and the second is the preview titled "Best of Sunny Funnies", and if the whole show is this funny, I'm going to want to watch every episode. I've seen a few previews on TV for the show, and it's just seemed really funny yet really bizarre at the same time. From the "Best of" clip, you should be ready to laugh so hard you pee your pants and be highly offended multiple times within the short context of the clip. Then again, maybe the only reason I find it funny is because half of my relatives live in the Philly area, but I don't think so. Check it out.

The polar opposite has to come in the form of : FREE SESAME STREET EPISODES!!! (Well, sort of...) Keeping in the true Public Broadcast spirit, it looks the Sesame Workshop is offering episodes of their Learn Along With Sesame free of charge, and they range from 13 minute to 43 minute per show. The sixth clip in the series is listed in the "FREE on iTunes" section, and is caled "A is For Asthma", so that's the one I downloaded. I think it's great that they're offering free educational programs for kids, and Sesame Street at that. So jump over to an iTunes store near you, and grab your free episode of Learn Along With Sesame.

Indiana Jones 4 Title Released

2007-09-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

It's official, the fourth installment in the Indiana Jones series finally has a name:

The name, was revealed yesterday by actor Shia LeBeouf during the MTV Music Awards. According to the film's site IndianaJones.com, it will be released on Memorial Day 2008 in the U.S. and simultaneously in most territories worldwide.

The film is being directed by Steven Spielberg, and according to IMDB.com, lists the cast as including: Shia LeBeouf, Cate Blanchett, John Hurt, Karen Allen, Jim Broadbent and of course Harrison Ford.

(Maybe it's just me, but does anybody else think LeBeouf looks out of place? I hope that's not his costume. This pic kind of makes him look like a fan visiting the set!)

I think I'm going to be humming the Indiana Jones theme song for the next few days.

Markets Closed: Apple Up 3.75%

2007-09-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

Apple closed out the day with a 3.75% increase in stock value (+ $4.94) leaving them at a healthy $136.71 per share. This is a positive outlook for shareholders who have been negatively affected by the dramatic price reduction on the iPhone last week from $599 to $399. This change comes after the announcement this morning of Apple's 1 millionth iPhone sold as of yesterday, September 9th, a landmark that took the iPod 2 years to reach.

I would not be surprised if we see a 16Gb iPhone on the market by the end of the year, perhaps as early as next month, fitting into the $499 price bracket, as well as major upgrades to the iPhone OS.

Apple Stock Jumps As 1 Millionth iPhone is Sold

2007-09-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

It's amazing for me to think that in a mere 74 days, Apple has managed to sell one million iPhones! But according to Apple's reports, the hit the mark yesterday September 9th:

"Yesterday, just 74 days after its introduction on June 29, Apple sold the one millionth iPhone. 'One million iPhones in 74 days—it took almost two years to achieve this milestone with iPod,' said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We can’t wait to get this revolutionary product into the hands of even more customers this holiday season.”

Curious about how this is effecting Apple's current stock value, I popped open my trusty stock widget in Dashboard, and to no surprise, Apple's stock is up almost $3.00 while everybody else is down.

I personally wasn't expecting to see this goal hit until the end of the month, but I don't think anyone can deny that it has a huge part to do with two of Apple's announcements at last Wednesday's "The Beat Goes On" event. The first being the most obvious $200 price drop from $599 to $399 for the 8Gb model, and then the fact that you can now pick up a 4Gb model on clearance for $299! That's a huge difference especially considering that one of the major criticisms of the iPhone has been the price. I can't count how many people I heard say things like, "Who would want to carry around a $600 phone with them?" Well, you can't exactly make that excuse any more, so it would appear that people hit the stores in multitudes. Stocking up for Christmas maybe?

The second influence is just a speculation on my part, but it's something I have wanted for some time, and I know others have wondered about as well, and that's the ability to buy songs while on the go. Some time back when Apple announced that you would be able to sync songs purchased with the same account on two different computers using your iPod, I thought for sure that a Wi-Fi iTunes store was imminent, but only time would be the tell. And that seems to be the case here. I'm not sure when Apple will make this feature available for iPhone owners, but my thoughts are, with over 1 million iPhones out there, it won't be long.

And then, come next February, while I'm in line to get my coffee, I can browse what songs are playing in my local Starbucks, and buy them if I want. Can anybody say, "Brilliant Strategy"?

Coming Soon: Movie Rentals on iTunes?

2007-09-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

According to a Flickr photo posted by David Watanabe, it appears that Apple might start renting movies through iTunes.

Along with the picture, Watanabe added: "I was trying to report a problem via iTunes, and this pop-up for selecting a reason contains some interesting/revealing strings... looks like "RentalMovies" will be coming to the iTunes store."

Adding a rental service to the iTunes store would be a great move for Apple, and one that I have thought they should do for some time now. If other iPod / iPhone owners like myself feel the same way about buying a $9.99 to $14.99 movie that can only be plaid on one of their devices, the option to pay a small fee to rent the movies for a limited time is very welcoming. The fact remains, I will not buy a movie just so I can play it on my iPhone, but I might be inclined to consider renting one if the service was available to me.

This is one rumor I definitely hope is true!

Refurbished iPhone Owners Get $150 Credit!

2007-09-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

I purchased my iPhone a little over 2 weeks ago through Apple's "Refurbished iPhone" section on their online store. I was probably thinking the same thing you are, "They already have refurbished iPhones?". But, after a little research, I found out that Apple treats them as new, so I would have all of the same Apple Care options as if I was buying a brand new one; it was just $100 cheaper at $499 fo an 8 Gig iPhone! So, of course I took the cheaper option. And then, this last Wednesday, Steve Jobs had to make the one announcement I didn't want to hear: a $200 dollar drop on new iPhones, I couldn't help but feel the nation wide "D'oh!!" felt by all early adopters.

The second blow came when I found out that I was outside of the 10 day grace period to receive a credit on the price change. However, as I was reading all of the hype about Steve's decision to give a $100 store credit to everyone outside of 10 days, the light at the end of the tunnel started to come back. And then, I read something about Apple extending the 10 day period to 14 days, the exact amount of time since I had purchased my iPhone! But the big question was whether or not this offer would be extended to my refurbished phone, but I just had to find out!

After a very long, yet highly worth it, hour long wait I was finally able to talk to a Customer Support member, and found out that I did qualify for a credit, but since I had purchased my phone refurbished it would only be $150. Good enough for me!

It feels good to know that I only paid $349 for my iPhone!

So, if you're a proud owner of a refurbished iPhone, and paid $499 like myself, get on the phone and see if you qualify to get your $150 back. And if you can't do that, at least try for the store credit. It's worth it!

(note: While on hold, I learned that as long as you're on a wi-fi network, most of the iPhone's features like YouTube, Mobile Safari & even the iPod still work when you're on the phone!)

It's Been a while, but some comments on Myspace

2007-08-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't call myself the biggest Myspace user, but I do use it quite a bit to keep in touch with certain friends. I have been on Myspace since April 2005, and if there is one thing I have always wished I could have my preference on is the ads that show up on my page. Well, today, it went a little over the top. I logged in to my page as usual, to be greeted with this ad:

Ok, so I can understand most of the ads that I have seen in the past advertising certain dating services using pictures of models who quite honestly would probably not be using the service themselves, but advertising "plastic surgery help" sites? Come on guys, you are probably the largest social networking site on the internet. Were these guys really the highest bidder for the ad space?

But then to add to the whole thing, the ad at the top of the page, an American Red Cross Ad with a sub-title that read "Together, we can save a life", which in my opinion could not have been more opposite!

So, while we're encouraging people to spend money by donating to the American Red Cross, let's spend more money adding to our superficiality, then one day maybe we'll all be helping people look like this:

BLACK IRISH

2007-04-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

Check out the trailer for this great new film called "Black Irish" starring Michael Angarano, Brendan Gleeson, Tom Guiry, Melissa Leo and Emily VanCamp.

I had a chance to see this film and was blown away by it's amazing quality. If you get a chance to see this movie, do it! You won't be sorry you did. It's the debut film for director Brad Gann who wrote the screenplay for "Invincible", and it recently won both the Jury Award & Audience Award at the Florida Film Festival, and picked up Best Picture, Best Actor (Angarano) and Best Supporting Actor (Gleeson) at the Method Fest Film Festival in Calabassas, CA.

See the trailer below:

New Changes & Renovations

2007-04-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Firebare Entertainment is undergoing massive renovations, so keep checking our site for new updates on what we're up to and what we're doing.

Exciting things are soon to come!

Burn On!!!

The Departed

2007-03-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

I finally saw The Departed last night. I know, I know, I'm a little behind the game here, but I have to say that it was one of the best films I have ever seen. A warning to the light of heart though: this film is not for you. Scorsese didn't pull any punches with this film as he puts you right into the hotseat with each of the characters. And in my opinion he deserved the awards he won at The Oscars this year!

I found this great 4 minute behind the scenes clip about the film with interviews from the actors and producers:

Ask A Ninja

2007-03-10T00:52:00.000-08:00

I was recently introduced to an amazing online show called "Ask A Ninja" hosted at askaninja.com. I can try to explain it to you all day, but you won't appreciate it unless you watch it. Their episodes are available online and through their podcast on iTunes. Here's the latest episode:

Humerous Video

2007-03-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

Michael Nease's Editor Reel

2007-03-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

Amazing Stop Motion Video

2007-03-05T02:51:00.000-08:00

Don't Be That Guy

2006-12-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

I take my hat of to Don't Be That Guy Films. Their pieces hilariously mock those people that everyone knows, and no one wants to know: the "Social Retards" of life.

DBTG's short films are, in my opinion, pure genius and I honestly wish I had come up with the idea myself. To try to describe what they have captured in their films would probably sound silly to most, and in fact you probably wouldn't be too far off in thinking that. They are very silly, but then again most of us are silly at some point in our lives without even realizing it, now aren't we? And lo and behold, it always seems like there is going to be someone waiting around the corner, reeling with anticipation to pounce upon us with great laughter and mockery when these moments come about.

Don't Be That Guy's films currently grace the pages of YouTube, Revver and Myspace, and a more interactive version of their website at www.dontbethatguy.com.

And now, to satisfy your curiosity, here's the video that introduced me to DBTG's genius "Things you CAN'T do when you're NOT in a pool":

YouTube UNDERGROUND - WINNERS (Best Song)

2006-11-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

If you were following the YouTube Underground contest sponsored by Cingular, then you might have voted on the many bands that submitted their videos. Two days ago, on November 28, the polls were closed, and the winners announced.

Here's the winners (listed in my order of my favorites):

BEST VIDEO: "He Said, She Said" by MalDroid :

MOST CREATIVE: "Freak Show Carnival" by OstrichHead :

BEST LIVE: "Gets So Hard" by Pawnshop Roses :

BEST SONG: "The Way It Is" by Greenland :

"A Few Confessions" by Crystal Thomas OUT NOW!!!

2006-10-28T02:05:00.000-07:00

Crystal Thomas' music has a magical way of drawing you in and taking you on an amazing adventure of feelings, excitement and sheer brilliance. Her brand new EP "A Few Confessions" just went up for sale yesterday, and the few songs I've heard so far are enough to make me want more. I'm sure you'll feel the same way!

If you haven't heard Crystal's music, go to her MySpace page now, add her as your friend and then buy her CD! It's a must buy!! You can purchase it right from her MySpace page for only $8.00 (plus $2.50 s+h).

Here's a few words from Crystal about her new EP:

Band Focus: "The On Offs"

2006-10-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

A hop, skip and a jump over the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of the United Kingdom is a town called Northampton. And apparently good music comes from Northampton because that's where this week's featured band hails from. The On Offs are the first in our British Uprising series. I keep hearing amazing bands from the UK, and I want to start sharing them with you.

I absolutely love The On Offs' music, it's the kind of tunes that I enjoy speeding down the freeway to. Some of their songs have a certain vibe that just makes me want to get up and move, while others just seem to make me happy. So, sit back, grab a cup o' tea with some tasty biscuits and enjoy The On Offs. You'll be glad you did!

To buy their music, check out "This Town / Grow Your Own" - Single on iTunes, or you can get their latest single "Wrong Upstairs" from www.hmv.co.uk (if you don't mind buying from the UK).

Find out more about The On Offs at www.theonoffs.com or on their MySpace page.

The On Offs - Wrong Upstairs

Free Music Video Codes @ ProfileMix.com

10-24-06 iTunes Free Single of The Week

2006-10-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

This week's iTunes Free Single of The Week "Apocalypso" comes from the Danish quartet Mew. Download it for free from 10-24-06 through 10-30-06 (why not, it's free?).

Here's what iTunes has to say about Mew:

"In a music industry where things are too easily compartmentalized, the Danish quartet Mew is able to avoid classification. The group is as etheral and adrift as Sigur Ros, as compelling and inventive a rock band as Sunny Day Real Estate or Muse, but also contain a grandiosity that is nearly theatrical and yet also melancholy. Check out our free Single of the Week, 'Apocalypso,' and decide what for yourself."

And now, for your viewing enjoyment, here's a video of Mew performing Apocalypso live:

Fore more on Mew visit their site: www.mewsite.com

*Please Note: Last week's free download expired at midnight on 10-23-06, but can still be purchased at the iTunes store for only $0.99!!

Weekend of Oct. 20-22 Boxoffice Results

2006-10-24T02:19:00.000-07:00

Movie Boxoffice top 10
1.	The Prestige	$14.8
2.	The Departed	13.4
3.	Flags of Our Fathers	10.2
4.	Open Season	8.1
5.	Flicka	7.7
6.	The Grudge 2	7.6
7.	Man of the Year	7.0
8.	Marie Antoinette	5.3
9.	Texas Chainsaw Massacre	3.7
10.	The Marine	3.8
Weekend of Oct. 20-22. Estimated figures in millions.

10-17-06 - iTunes Free Single Of The Week

2006-10-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

If you've ever been to the iTunes Store, you know that every Tuesday, they give away a free song available for download for an entire week. I've been introduced to some amazing bands through this feature, such as Snow Patrol, and now I want to start helping you out. Every Tuesday, I'm going to start posting the iTunes Free Single Of The Week, here on The Firebare Blog. And the best part, it's not going to cost you anything! I'll be linking each post directly to the artist's page on iTunes, so you don't have to do any unnecessary searching if you're not familiar with the process.

This weeks featured iTunes artist is Paolo Nutini with his extremely catchy single "New Shoes" Here's what iTunes has to say about the song:

Paolo Nutini comes from an Italian family - but one that has lived in Scotland for generations. He's fresh out of his teenage years and he's got a voice that channels Ray Charles, Bill Withers, Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, Chris Martin, and well, whoever you happen to like. Let's just say he's got an amazing voice. "New Shoes" is an uptempo, ridiculously catchy folk-pop track that we'll also call Single of the Week.

Now for some fun, here's a video of Nutini performing "New Shoes" live:

Go here to download "New Shoes" free from the iTunes Store

TV, Film & Music Charts From Last Week

2006-10-16T02:38:00.000-07:00

Charts from The Hollywood Reporter

Top TV shows in total viewers
1.	CSI, CBS
2.	Grey's Anatomy, ABC
3.	Desperate Housewives, ABC
4.	Dancing with the Stars, ABC
5.	CSI: Miami, CBS
6.	NBC Sunday Night Football, NBC
7.	Criminal Minds, CBS
8.	Ugly Betty, ABC
9.	CSI: NY, CBS
10.	Survivor: Cook Islands, CBS
	For week ending Oct. 1. Source: Nielsen Media Research

Movie Boxoffice top 10
1.	Grudge 2	$22.0
2.	The Departed	18.7
3.	Man of the Year	12.6
4.	Open Season	11.0
5.	Texas Chainsaw Massacre	7.8
6.	The Marine	7.0
7.	The Guardian	5.9
8.	Employee of the Month	5.6
9.	One Night With the King	4.3
10.	Jackass Number Two	3.3
Weekend of Oct. 13-15. Estimated figures in millions.

Top DVD titles
1.	The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
2.	Curious George
3.	Lake House
4.	The Wild
5.	Stick It
6.	Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses
7.	Grey's Anatomy - Season 2
8.	One Tree Hill: The Complete Third Season
9.	Stay Alive
10.	Lucky Number Slevin
	For week ending Oct. 1. Source: First Alert

Top albums
1.	Evanescence, "Open Door"
2.	Killers, "Sam's Town"
3.	George Strait, "It Just Comes Natural"
4.	Tony Bennett, "Duets: An American Classic"
5.	Justin Timberlake, "FutureSex/LoveSounds"
6.	Ludacris, "Release Therapy"
7.	Beck, "The Information"
8.	Monica, "The Makings of Me"
9.	Janet Jackson, "20 Y.O."
10.	Hinder, "Extreme Behavior"
	For week ending Oct. 11. Source: SoundScan