Atomic Tom iPhone Subway Song

Remember the iPhone spoof video that poked fun at the seemingly endless possibilities enabled by technological advancement? If you need your memory refreshed watch the following video.

Although the video embellishes about impractical features of the phone, there are actually far-fetching opportunities created by the iPhone that perhaps were unthought of during its development. All it takes are a few clever individuals who challenge how mobile devices can expand upon their intended uses.

Enter Atomic Tom, an up-and-coming electronica rock band from Brooklyn, NY. The quartet spent four months recording their debut album, The Moment, in a tiny apartment with the help of one of their close friends.

Ironically enough, their big break came from a recording in an even smaller venue: a NYC subway train car.

Atomic Tom, comprised of lead vocalist Luke White, Phillip Galitzine on bass, guitarist Eric Espiritu, and drummer Tobias Smith proved that seemingly anything is possible with the aid of an iPhone.

Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess has used an iPhone application during live concerts before, which is also impressive, but you would be hard pressed to find a performance more remarkable than what follows.

To push this over the top, the video was shot and edited using three iPhone cameras. It was shot live in one take.

"Take Me Out" is not only the band's first single but also the infamous song in the subway video. According to vocalist Luke Wilson, "It's a vulnerable song. It's about letting people into your life, letting people rescue you."

For these Brooklyn rockers, they've let approximately 2.5 million people into their lives from youtube alone as of this posting.

2010 Brian and Justin CFB Predictions - Week 7

Remember the time where healthy debate and competition ran rampant on this blog? We do to. Which is why, after an extended delay to begin the year, Justin and I have resurrected our 2010 predictions competition last seen in 2009.

This year's edition is much the same, save for a few updates and modifications I made to the spreadsheet.

The document below (love google docs!) was actually created at the beginning of the football season before any games were played. Accordingly, the outcomes and predictions have not been altered based on what actually occurred to date through the halfway point of the collegiate football season.

With a combined record of 11-3 my predictions have served slightly more accurate than my associate's (9-5) guesstimates. In order to stage a comeback, though, Mr. Cates needs to see both Navy and USC defeat the Irish.

Of course, even if the Midshipmen and Trojans defeat the Irish we would still be tied in terms of wins and losses. As soon as this weekend we'll discover if Justin is on his way as Notre Dame travels to Meadowlands Stadium to play Navy "on the road."

As far as point differentials are concerned, my accuracy in point totals for the Irish have helped secure a moderately comfortable lead at a cumulative -98 compared to -150 points for Justin. But the season is just barely through the halfway point as mentioned above and there is clearly room for both improvement and closing the gap.

We will attempt to better reconcile the happenings of each weekend now that things have calmed down. Apparently someone thought it would be a good idea to get married earlier this year. Another someone thought it would be an equally astute idea to move to a new locale without Internet access. I digress.

Notre Dame Hockey Arena Groundbreaking

It's been awhile since the latest update on the hockey arena but rest assured progress has been made.

On September 11, 2010 Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. commenced the groundbreaking ceremony for the Compton Family Center, Notre Dame's new home ice arena.

Kevin and Gayla Compton, owners of the San Jose Sharks of the NHL, were the generous donors of the lead gift that helped make a dream come to reality for one of the many Notre Dame programs basking in the shadows of the football program.

The arena is scheduled to open its doors in October 2011. Stay tuned for further updates.

Hokie Lineman Greg Nosal Goes All Out

During the Hokies' 45-21 win over Central Michigan Saturday, offensive lineman Greg Nosal lost the tip of his pinkie finger after it was sandwiched between two Chippewa helmets.

The medical staff searched and found his finger tip in his glove. They gave him the option of immediate reattachment or putting it on ice and waiting, he chose the latter.

The Hokies now sit at 4-2 on the season and more importantly 2-0 in the ACC. Tech is back in action again next weekend at home against Wake Forest.

Amanda Bateman returns to Blacksburg for that tilt. Prepare accordingly.

SunChips Caves to Silly Consumers

SunChips released the world's first 100% compostable chip bag just a year and a half ago, but now they are relinquishing to idiot consumers and discontinuing the bags, which are almost comically loud.

I'm annoyed with all the people who complained because it's not the point.

The bags, made of vegetable matter, are indeed extremely noisy. However, a company that cares enough about the environment to make green packaging should be lauded not inundated with complaints from people who feel self-conscious about their eating habits every time they hear a bag crinkle.

I salute SunChips for being a forward-thinking company and making a good product.

For the record, the company will continue to sell its original flavor of SunChips in the green bag. I still think those are the best anyway.