Musical Interlude

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're not likely to have missed the latest installment of "schmoyoho's" Auto-Tune the News. Spawned from the unholy alliance of T-Pain and the iPhone App Store, Auto-Tune allows a user's voice to be remastered into music and song. But really, back to the point of the matter: these music videos are SICK! Head on over to YouTube and do a little search for "auto-tune the news". Trust us, we'd never steer your wrong on music...

Here's a little taste:

A Light Jog Down the Potomac...

...Why yes thank you I will.

Reginald reporting in from behind the camera, as usual.

I bring you tidings from Foggy Bottom/Adams Morgan/Dupont/Rhino Bar/etc. on this monthly little trek to the District of Column's (it's either that or Columbus, and I think columns are cooler). A neat event just occured; the United States Army 10 Miler (ATM forthwith). A ten mile race beginning to the northwest of the Pentagon, winding across the bridge into Washington proper, through the monuments and back down the river. Oh, and did I mention over 30,000 participants this year?

Why the trek for this auspicious occasion you might ask? Well my master's dear "souer" decided to exercise her exercise-tastic abilities, and try out a road race. So what transpired, and where didst our journeys take us?

Arriving midday Saturday at Reagan International Airport, we disembarked from that tin can and headed deep into Beltway territory to grab a bite to eat. As we perused the local neighborhoods for a tasty treat, we came upon a fairly surprising celebration/creative festival. The one and only, CRAFTY BASTARDS Arts and Crafts Fair, as presented by the Washington City Paper. Ridiculous, "crunchy", and "granola" do seem to be apt phrases for this event, but the mixture of alternative arts and crafts, handmade tchotchke, B-boy competition, and more make it undeniably cool and boss. Check out Washington City Paper's highlights of the events HERE.

Onto the event in question, I suppose. Rising bright and early in anticipation of a 7:30 kickoff, the intrepid travelers (myself included) headed over on the Blue Line to the Pentagon stop, and queued with the other 30,000 plus ATM racers, exhibitors, sightseers and supporters along the starting route.

Top individual times of the day went to Ms. Samia Akbar of Virginia with a time of 55:25 and to Mr. Alene Reta with a time of 46:59. Both times broke previous ATM event records, and are incredible in the amout of stamina and effort exhibited by each racer. My owner's sister finished strong and consistent around the 10 minute mark, and frankly, I think she just didn't want to embarass her opponents. Congratulations to everyone who went out and competed!

The last stop of the weekend was one of culinary delight. Founding Farmer's restaurant is a "farm-to-table" style restaurant and one of very few "Gold" rated LEED Certified restaurants in the U.S. Owned by a cohort of farmers, fishers, and ranchers; Founding Farmer's provides high quality food and drinks from high quality resources and produce. Items like diver scallops and pumpkin risotto, to rack of lamb, low country shrimp and grits, and so much more. I highly suggest you wet your snout with a Constitution or Dark and Stormy cocktail to set things off properly. Check out their great blog here: Founding Farmers: true food and drink

Thats all for now, but stay tuned: The Nose is goingto start having foreign correspondent entries from our two new staff! In the meantime, as the "Most Interesting Man in the World" would say: Stay Thirsty!

Sweet tunes...

Got a little update the other day, and thought I should clue y'all in to a band that should be on your radar:

OSO CLOSO

Hailing from the Texas side of things, Oso Closo combines the essence of well wrought piano rock with elements of old soul, early Ben Harper, and a funkalicious jive that makes for an irresistable moment of head bob along the way. Here are some comments by some greater linguists than I.

“Oso Closo is remarkable. These people can write, arrange, sing and play in a league that only a few get to - with a lot of hard work and talent... Their skills blow me away. I especially like the sound of Adrian's voice and how the guitars can sometimes go off into the land of Brian May from 'Queen.' It's all kind of a mind blower. Check 'em out.”-Jim Heath, aka The Reverend Horton Heat"

A very original rock band with insanely good musicians ...intelligent songwriting... soulful vocals; lots of rock; incredible guitar playing..."-Bryce Avary (The Rocket Summer)

“Oso Closo proves that everything really is bigger in Texas. Their lush string arrangements and massive guitar solos are almost as big as burly front man Adrian Hulet's beard... They are able to tastefully meld the piano singer-songwriter and indie-rock string section with face-melting Guitar Hero extravagance."-NPR's Open Mic, August 6, 2007

That's some pretty dope street cred, ya hear? So check it out; Oso is coming to a venue near you on their Fall 2009 Tour

SAT SEPT 12 - FORT WORTH, TX - WOODY'S TAVERNw/ Shurmanhttp://www.woodystaverntexas.com
THUR SEPT 17 - Denton, TX - Boiler Roomw/ Ha Ha Tonka and Maycon Greyson. doors 8 show 10.http://www.theboilerroomdenton.com/
FRI SEPT 18 - Lewisville, TX - T's Bar and Grill9 pm. No cover.http://www.myspace.com/tsbarandgrill
SAT SEPT 19 - Tulsa, OK - FlyTrap Music Hall9 pm.http://www.flytrapmusichall.com/
SUN SEPT 20 - Lenexa, KS - Jerry's Bait Shop9 pm.http://www.jerrysbaitshop.net/home.asp
Mon Sept 21 - Lee's Summit, MO - Jerry's Bait Shop9 pm.http://www.jerrysbaitshop.net/home.asp
THUR SEPT 24 - MaDison, WI - Frequencyw/ Richard Lloyd. 9 pm.http://madisonfrequency.com/
FRI SEPT 25 - MILWAUKEE, WI - MIRIMAR THEATERw/ Rosemary's Garden. 8pmhttp://www.themiramartheatre.com/home/
SAT SEPT 26 - Chicago, IL - Reggie'sw/ The Innocent. 9 pm.http://www.reggieslive.com/musicjoint/
TUE SEPT 29 - Champaign, IL - The Iron PostEARLY SHOW! - 7 PMhttp://www.theironpost.com/
THUR OCT 1 - Lexington, KY - The Green Lantern9 pm.http://www.myspace.com/greenlanternbar
FRI OCT 2 - Murfreesboro, TN - Club 5279 pm.http://www.myspace.com/club527
TUE, OCT 6 - CHATTANOOGA, TN - JJ'S BOHEMIA9 pm.http://www.myspace.com/jjsbohemia
FRI, OCT 9 - SHREVEPORT, LA - ELDORADO CASINO9 pm.http://www.eldoradoshreveport.com/entertainment/schedule.aspx
THUR OCT 15 - Bryan, TX - Rock The Republic Festivalhttp://rocktherepublic.com/
FRI OCT 16 - Bryan, TX - Rock The Republic Festivalhttp://rocktherepublic.com/
SAT OCT 17 - Bryan, TX - Rock The Republic Festivalhttp://rocktherepublic.com/

And for one last "taste" of what these boys are all about, check out their WINNING Chipotle burrito presentation video! Congratulations guys!

The Nose Knows Supports...

Chicago Dance Marathoner's unite!

CHICAGO Dance Marathon

While I may be man's best friend, even "man" likes to help out others occasionally. Coming up on March 6th, 2010, CHICAGO is going to have its first DANCE MARATHON. Here's a little comment from their website:

On March 6, 2010 Chicago will be the host of the first-ever Urban Dance Marathon. Hundreds of local young professionals will gather at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place for one day to participate in a life changing experience, complete with the opportunity to meet the children and families treated by Children’s Memorial Hospital and the beneficiaries of the funds raised by CHICAGO Dance Marathon.The funds raised by CHICAGO Dance Marathon will benefit the greatest needs at Children’s Memorial Hospital, which have traditionally included Charity Care, Advocacy, Patient & Family Services and Pediatric Research.With your help we hope to make CHICAGO Dance Marathon one of Chicago’s biggest and most successful philanthropic events.

CHICAGO Dance Marathon

For those of you that don't know, Dance Marathon is an event set up by Children's Miracle Network (also famous for that nifty Make a Wish thingamajig) in which a participant, or Dancer, stays on their feet for a long period of time in support of children battling life threatening conditions. Events can run from 8 hours, to 36 hours, and beyond in an attempt to allow Dancer's to empathize with these children. Dancers raise donations for the hours that they dance, and these funds are donated to a regional Children's Memorial Hospital, where those funds can be used for anything from treatment, to family support, to providing diversions for the children.

Needless to say, this should turn out to be an INCREDIBLY fun event, and I highly encourage you readers to get your hindquarters on the dance floor for these kids.

The Nose Knows will be there, and I'll certainly be "sniffing" for you.

CHICAGO Dance Marathon

A Minor Diatribe...

There's nothing quite like the impending sense of nature-wrought doom to liven up the day. For any of you who are questioning my canine sanity, I'll explin by mentioning that I happen to love hurricanes. Now, don't get me wrong, this fascination has nothing to do with the evident destruction that comes with it all, I just to waggin' my tail with the anticipation of huge storms. Check these tidbits from the web today:

National Hurricane Center - NOAA

Weather Underground - A nifty little map with lots of sweet colors

NY Times City Room - Apparently they're encouraging surfing during hurricanes. I raise my glass to you Mr. BodaciouslyRadInTheFaceOfResoundingDoom

Your trip begins...

"Cheers" from the land of cherries, lake shores, 8 Mile (really, Eminem?), and wine. I know its been a bit of time, but at long last I return from from my sojourn in the tips of the "Mitten". While not traveling far afield this time, upper Lower Michigan (confusing ain't it?) is a favorite destination of mine offering a myriad of summer and winter vacation possibilities."Where to go and what to do?" is your ever obvious reply, and frankly, Harbor Country offers significant opportunities for all sorts of globe/state-trotters.

Traverse City, the epicenter of this little excursion, provides all the resources that any sightseeing sage might need. Just across the peninsula (to the west) lies the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Shrouded in local lore, the dunes and nearby islands are representative of a local legend regarding a mother bear and her cubs. For myself, its just a great time to stretch the legs, ease some calloused paws, and soak the schnoz in a bit of the clear blue. Pack the sunscreen, or you're gonna get some nice shoulder burns. Apparently my owner still hasn't learned the lesson of his pastiness.

Next stop on our tour of the finer Michigan delights sets us up on the island of Mackinac. Known to many for the cinematic classic Somewhere in Time, Mackinac is host to something I find to be even more tantalizing: Fudge with a capital F. With sixteen fudge shops on the island, it gets a bit hard to avoid this tasty delight; in flavors ranging from milk chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, rocky road, cherry chocolate, and more. When you're finished gorging your gorge (the idea works if you think about it), there's always the 8 mile trail around the island to bike and stretch your legs. Did I mention that there are no motor vehicles barring lawnmowers and the occasional snowmobile on the island? Find a horse drawn carriage if you get lazy...

Our last stop for this segment puts us in the nearby village of Leland; one of the few remaining fishing communities of the upper "Mitten". Home to the semi-famous "Joy" (a gaily white, blue, and green painted tug), Leland is home to a variety of fine crafts, shopping, excellent seafood, and a crackerjack cheese concern. Their delightful and decadent deli sandwiches are easily enjoyed along the lakefront as one can watch the passersby in their petite punts cruising the dock (awkward sets of alliteration included).

To speak nothing of the wineries in this region would be a crime, and the quality is on par with the international cousins. Entities such as Chateau Chantal, Black Star Farms, and Bowers Harbor Vineyards are but a few of the numerous and high quality local producers that provide tastings, tours and lodging opportunities.

It's sad to wrap up this installment an barely touch on the charms of Traverse City itself, but its helpful to remind readers that if such a harbour community can be surrounded by all these charms, goodness knows what gems lie waiting to be discovered. Ta ta for now readers, and don't forget to get a little sun on your Nose.

Places to be?

So I hear some people might be wondering what gives me credentials to write this diatribe. Well darn it, I'll tell you!

Over the last few years I've hit at least 2 continents, 4 countries, and most states east of the Mississippi River. Still not enough for you? Well I don't care, and if worried, you can sniff how far I've spread my scent.

Here's a recent picture of me with my owner; check out that smug little look on his face. He decided to take me on a bike trip of Washington, D.C.! We visited the Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Jefferson memorials; Alexandria, Virginia by bike; the Logan, Adams-Morgan, Georgetown, East Capitol neighborhoods and more; and ate more ethnic food than I can remember. I'm still waiting on the Ethiopian food next time.

Here's a shot of the village of Cluny in the south of France. Can you see me up on the wall in the middle? Apparently I'm a little short and I blend into the brick a little too much. Talk about some good vin et fromage...

My next spot is a bit of family vacation in good ol' Michigan. I'm planning a stop or two in Traverse City, Petosky, Leland, and my favorite; Mackinac Island!

Let's see what happens next!

WELCOME TO THE NOSE - A PINT SIZED POOCH'S PLANET PERSPECTIVE






















Long and drawn out, I know, but I've finally broken free of my owner's constraints. I've made a break from his Oldsmobile Alero's cupholder, and I'm now in the bigtime.

"Bigtime" you say? Well I'm off traveling the world. Apparently, my owner (if you can call him that) Mr. Chuck has been taking pictures of me all over the planet for some time. I've decided to capitalize on this and share some opinions, thoughts, and unsolicited commentary on where I've been.

Join me, as often as you can, for some tantalizing, and possibly perturbing, insights into my travel experiences!