Favre Surprises NFL

Listen to the story about how Brett Favre is off to the best start of his career.

Favre huddles up with his offense before a game against the Baltimore Ravens

40 Is The New 30

Brett Favre played 16 years as a professional quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.  His rival for 16 years…The Minnesota Vikings.  Favre came out of retirement for a second time, and the only team willing to give him a chance was none other than Minnesota.  Listen in on how the “washed up” quarterback can extend the best starting record of his career, and how he proves that 40 is the new 30.

Brett Favre huddles up with his offense before a Week Six battle against the Baltimore Ravens

It’s Fun Doing The Impossible

Chris Muccioli sits behind his drum set with the whole world in front of him. Photograph by: Joe Papparotto, Towson University Student

 

Whether a roll on the snare, or an extra crash of the cymbal, Chris Muccioli’s musical knowledge at the helm of his drum set seems to be unmatched. 

The determined look in his eyes is clear as the kick of the bass drum and the splash of his Zildjians enter him into a world of artistic mastery, while mesmerizing those around him.

Every single day Muccioli sits behind the sparkling, white Gretsch drum set and puts his distinct drive to practice; either in the comfort of his own home, or in a jam packed auditorium, or bar across the east coast.

Chris Muccioli is one of thousands of ordinary musicians that look to make it big, look to land that record deal.  Only, there is nothing ordinary about the 21-year-old former Towson University Student.  His interests may be common like his value of family, riding bikes, and taking pictures, but it is his unique, powerful pursuit in music, art and school that sets him apart from any drummer in any band.

“Chris is the most talented individual I have ever had the pleasure of playing with, let alone befriending,” said former bandmate, Kyle Huff.  “He has a knack for what sounds good, what flows well, and he conveys a meaningful message when it comes to music, either at drums, vocals, or anything else he can apply his skills to.”

The small town boy didn’t just pick up this special talent, it’s in his blood.  His father, Chris Muccioli Sr., got his son into the drums when he was in fifth grade.  He started playing in a school band, and then played through high school in the jazz and marching bands.

Muccioli has since then played with multiple bands, spreading his diverse talent into the hardcore rock scene.  The most well-known band he has played in, Sorry For The Silence, was formed in Bel-Air, and received great success around the county and the state of Maryland.

He and Sorry For The Silence band members won multiple “Battle of the Bands” competitions in Harford County, made an appearance on 98 Rock, and wound up releasing their very own EP, in which Muccioli designed the cover, and recorded himself.  Their local success spreading throughout MySpace; drawing thousands of fans throughout the country.  Muccioli also organized a Summer ’08 tour along the east coast for him and his band to branch out to new, and more exciting opportunities.

“Chris plays the leadership role very well,” Chris Chmielewski, former Sorry For The Silence guitarist said.  “He immaculately budgets his time, and helped us perform at different venues.  Without his creativity through artwork and photography, then Sorry For The Silence would not be what it was.  He opened many doors for us, and for that, I thank him.”

Muccioli’s leadership and creativity come as no surprise as his job at StemGraphics Printshop shows, where he works as a Graphic Web Designer.  Here, Muccioli specializes in custom artwork and designs and manufactures countless shirts for bands and companies; not to mention he designs the StemGraphics website himself.

This true unsung hero in Maryland is not always strictly business.  His craving for fun shines through with his current band, Secret Mountains.  Muccioli has found that he can be more himself and just have a good time with his local Baltimore Folk/Indie band, who is also experiencing terrific success, wrapping up a Summer ’09 tour that spread as far as Chicago.

“We drove, we played, we bathed in the reservoir, swam in Lake Michigan, and saw some amazing cities,” Muccioli said about his recent tour.

Secret Mountains is currently working hard on recording their recent singles, while creating new material to keep people interested.

“We strive hard in making sure the album flows as well as single work,” says Muccioli.  “As far as new direction goes I think we want to get a little heavier, at least more upbeat.”

The multi-talented local Harford County boy with dreams of being big is taking his unbelievable talents to the limit.  As he sits behind his sparkling white drum set, he has a slew of options in front of him, all of which lead to a successful life.  His idol, Walt Disney, once said, “It’s fun doing the impossible.”

Kanye&GaGa Cancel Tour

Kanye performs at Virgin Festival 2008 in Baltimore

Uprising Hip-Hop artist, Lady GaGa, and the controversial Rap/Hip-Hop singer, Kanye West, were set to perform together this fall in the “Fame Kills” tour.  However, after tour dates and venues were posted, the “Fame Kills” tour was officially cancelled.  There is major speculation as to why the tour was completely cancelled.  There were a few theories to the sudden cancellation.  Rollingstone reports that it was due to poor ticket sales.  “ Ticket sales ‘sucked,’ to point where  ‘sucked’ happens to be a nicer version of the word.”  Other sources say it was a “mutual decision” between West and GaGa.  Sources are skeptical as to how ticket sales could be low when Kanye West sold out his previous tour, and Lady GaGa is getting bigger by the minute.  Rollingstone can get into as many theories as they want, but we all the know obvious reasons why sales were low.  It might have something to do with West embarrasing himself, and Taylor Swift at the VMA’s.  However, it could be his apology on Jay Leno when West said he would be taking some time off.  Fans might actually have taken him seriously.  Whatever the reason may be, the “Fame Kills” tour is dead.

Kanye West and Lady GaGa were set to make their Baltimore appearance December 19 at 1st Mariner Arena.  Towson University students are blessed with many great concerts this fall, and the “Fame Kills” tour  would have been the cherry on top.  Kanye and Lady GaGa are the two most popular artists amongst college students, and despite any controversy surrounding West, I do believe that this show would have been something sparking interest around campus.  So, if any students were looking forward to attending the show, or planned on buying tickets soon, then I apologize for breaking the bad news.

I personally did not have a problem with the article.  I felt that it gave fans detailed insight on reasons why the tour was cancelled.  However, I would have liked better investigation on the topic.  Using multiple sources and different reasonings confuses the fans.  They do not know what to believe.