Archived entries for Prince

[mix-tape] Pink Bears are Funny

Here at nonpretentious, we love a spot of British comedy (or humour, as they like to misspell it.)  And we also love Mister T (and we pity the fool who doesn’t.)  So we were overjoyed that the Queen’s own Robin Fry, actor, comedian, and voice of Mister T, agreed to make a mix-tape for us.

Mr. Fry hails from the sunny, southern shores of Brighton, England and follows in the long line of British comedians that starts with Benny Hill and ends up somewhere around Mr. Bean. When he’s not writing, acting, search engine optimizing, or parenting, Robin works as a stand-up comedian and regularly performs improv with The Off The Cuff Comedy Collective. He also partakes in “proper acting” every so often. For example, he’s “currently typecast as a nutjob in ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.’”  (His words.)  A relatively unknown fact about Robin is that he writes a mean title attribute, a skill any computer geek can appreciate.

Most importantly, Robin Fry, is also a founding member of the Pink Bear Club. (Er, most importantly, unless you are one of his kids….)

What is the Pink Bear Club?

According to Robin, the Pink Bear Club “[does] interactive multimedia comedy shows, which may sound poncey but they’re really bloody funny actually.” He gets points in my book for using the word “poncey,” but let me translate for those of us who celebrate Independence Day. The Pink Bear Club is a group of comedians who can’t get enough of the cozy, pink nest. (I get points for double entendre.) They make funny movies and like spaghetti westerns and are gearing up for Bicycle Day. (Gearing up for Bicycle Day?  Pun!)

Robin’s nonpretentious mix goes from grime to Elvis to old-school hip-hop and could very well touch off another round of Mods v. Rockers if played loudly enough. And if that’s not enough to get you to listen, maybe you should consider the repercussions of angering (the voice of) Mr. T.

rmf

We love it.  Click to read the liner notes penned by the Pink Bear himself. Continue reading…

[mix tape] IndyHall's Alex Hillman Knows Karaoke

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Now, I’ve never met Alex Hillman but, when you do anything tech/web/creative community-related in Philly, you’re bound to know his name.  To mere peons like me, he’s pretty much a demi-god.  Actually, as much as I respect/look up to him, I’m not even sure that I want to meet him in person.  Most likely, my palms would get all sweaty and I’d trip over my words or say something totally ridiculous.  I’d definitely ask for his autograph.  (See?  Ridiculous.)

What is it about Alex that intimidates me so?  Although he does write at http://www.dangerouslyawesome.com, it’s not his URL.  Scratch that.  Maybe it is his URL.  Or, what his URL says.  He is dangerously awesome.

For example, he takes his knack for problem-solving and offers to unstick you.  I’d totally like to be unstuck.  (When I can afford it, I’m scheduling an appointment.  I wonder if he can unstick me over the phone?  My sweaty palms would be less of a liability.  Something I’ll have to look into….)

He also does other things, like karaoke, which you’ll hear more about below.

If you don’t believe me or Alex’s URL about his awesomeness, I’m sure you could ask any one of the “designers, developers, writers, artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, educators, small business owners, telecommuters, marketers, videographers, game developers,” who make IndyHall their home (er, office).  And, what is IndyHall exactly?  Well, I’m glad you asked, Dear Reader.  It’s a co-working space inspired by Citizen Space in San Francisco.  If your town doesn’t have one, sucks for you.  Just kidding.  Alex and Geoff DiMasi (another one of my demi-gods), IndyHall’s co-founders, are approachable resources – well, unless you’re me – and are willing to offer guidance.

So, as I explained, I’m already wowed by Alex Hillman.  Can you believe my reaction when I received his mix tape?  I expected to be blown away and he managed to surpass my expectations.   Just read on below…

Continue reading…