Really, you should be listening to music every day, but thanks to Twitter, Monday has become the best day of the week to discover new songs, show some love to the tune currently dominating your iPod playlist and quietly judge the listening habits of your closest friends. yes, it’s #MusicMonday, one of Twitter’s most enduring trending topic. hence “MTV News’ #MusicMonday,” a weekly look at the songs we’re obsessing about here in the Newsroom. Here’s what’s on our playlists right now.

Jim Cantiello, MTV News Correspondent: “She Wolf, Shakira’s jaw-droppingly wild and deliciously unpredictable new CD, is one of my favorite pop albums of the year (if not the decade — yes, I said decade). The standout Shakira song for me is “Mon Amour,” a playfully nasty kiss-off. In the song, the she Wolf hopes her ex and his new lover have a horrible relationship-ruining vacation in Paris. The brilliantly-specific lyrics elevate the song to dizzying heights of lover-scorned insanity. “Hope the French fleas eat you both alive/ And your room smells and the toilet doesn’t flush.” love it. Even better? The track’s new wave sound mashes influences as varied as the Cure, the Beach Boys and Cyndi Lauper. as far as “Pissed Off Ex-Girlfriend” anthems go, “Mon Amour” belongs right up there with Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U been Gone” and Alanis’ “You Oughta Know.” can I get an amen? (Or at least an “Awooooo?”)”

Kyle Anderson, Newsroom Blog Editor: “Lately, my brain is melted daily by the self-titled debut album from them crooked Vultures, the supergroup that brings together Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme, Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl and Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones. The most brain-meltingest song on the album is a track called ‘Mind Eraser, No Chaser.’ Like the best Queens of the Stone Age tunes, it’s probably about taking copious amounts of drugs (or at least contemplating taking copious amounts of drugs), and it’s got an incredibly heavy riff. It’s also one of the few spots on the album that features Grohl’s vocals. The back half of the record gets a little too psychedelic, but I haven’t found a better first six songs on a rock record this year.”

Jocelyn Vena, MTV News Pop Writer: “Sure the song leaked a few weeks back, but that doesn’t mean John Mayer and Taylor Swift’s ‘Half of my Heart’ is any less catchy. Harkening back to Mayer’s Room for Squares days, the song combines his keen knack for writing perfect pop love songs with Swift’s sweet vocals. They make ‘Half of my Heart’ a perfect pop duet in a world where there are too few. when these two halves combine, they make a lovely whole.”

Joel Hanek, MTV News Production Assistant: “My Music Monday is Blakroc’s ‘Ain’t nothing Like you (Hoochie Coo).’ They’re comprised of the Black Keys and a bunch of different rappers. This one has Mos Def, and it’s excellent. Ohio represent!”

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it’s time for the onslaught of the holiday season! Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and even Solstice will soon be here, and that means so are the appropriate albums.

Up first, December 8th marks the release of Glee: the Music, Volume Two, proving that there’s no such thing as too much glee. many of the songs have already been performed on the show, and while a number of the songs have been simply amazing (Jenna Ushkowitz’s cover of “True Colors for one,) I can’t wait to see what they do with the Broadway standards coming down the pike. plus Glee covering Kelly Clarkson? Yes, please!

And if that’s not enough Glee for you, their cover of Wham!’s “Last Christmas” is already available as a single on iTunes. and in the spirit of holiday giving, a portion of all sales of this track will benefit the Grammy Foundation for music education. Seriously, can Glee do any wrong?

For those of you into something a little edgier, out rocker Rob Halford recently released his holiday album, Halford III – Winter Songs. That’s right! we finally have a heavy metal version of “We Three Kings” and “Oh Holy Night.” Talk about rockin’ around the Christmas tree. but make no mistake. This is no throwaway holiday album. unlike some lackluster heavy-metal holiday albums (I’m looking at you Twisted Sister!) this one delivers. If metal’s your thing, give it a listen, you won’t regret it!

Out December 1st, Gift Wrapped: 20 Songs that Keep on Giving is a mixed bag of Christmas and Hanukkah songs with performances from My Chemical Romance, Foxy Shazam, the Flaming Lips, Melee, R.E.M. and more. Highlights include the previously unreleased My Chemical Romance cover of Mariah Carey’s “All I want For Christmas is You” and R.E.M.’s rendition of “Deck the Halls.”

1. Cougar: Rhinelander — Crossing progressive, technical rock with ethereal, Gregorian chant-like vocals qualifies this Madison, Wisconsin-based 5-piece band for the title of “alternative.” Stream the track below or download the MP3 from RCRD LBL.

2. Jeremy Fisher: Scar That never Heals — Super feel-good harmonious sunshine about a mysterious gun-running lady.

3. Citay: Careful With That Hat — Hailing from San Francisco, Citay recalls the city’s sound of 40 years ago perhaps moreso than of today’s. great vocal harmonies and psychedelic strains infuse the jam-rock track you can download for free at the Fader.

4. Polvo: right the Relation — You don’t need a perfect SAT score to enjoy Polvo’s brand of surreal math rock. Check out a new video from the Chapel Hill, North Carolina quartet below.

5. Festizio: Every Now and Again — Right-click to download this track from San Francisco’s Festizio, who you can also check out on Facebook.

6. Elizabeth & the Catapult: Taller Children — Fun video for a track that reminds us of something important about “growing up.”

Elizabeth & the Catapult :: TALLER CHILDREN

elizabeth & the catapult | MySpace Music Videos

7. Field Music: Measure — Combining Beatles-esque harmonies and hooks with strings and acoustic guitar, this duo of brothers from Sunderland, England offers a free download at Spinner.com.

8. Dream Pilots: Comedown — Check out the video from the Norwegian rockers’ track “Comedown” below, or right-click for a free download courtesy of Quality Junk.

9. Brian Jonestown Massacre: who killed Sgt. Pepper? — the new album from the psychedelic San Franciscan alt-rockers won’t be officially released until January 1 of next year, but you can stream the entire thing now at the band’s website. [via Rock on the Streets]

10. Grizzly Bear: Ready, Able — This insane claymation video from Brooklyn’s experimental rock outfit Grizzly Bear is like Gumby on acid, with a wistful ethereal soundtrack.

Panthers-Rangers Sums

November 21st, 2009 Panthers-Rangers SumsFlorida 0 2 1—3N.Y. Rangers 1 0 1—2First Period_1, N.Y.

Oilers-Blue Jackets Sums

November 16th, 2009 Oilers-Blue Jackets SumsEdmonton 0 1 1 0—2Columbus 0 1 1 0—3

Report warns that Columbus Blue Jackets need new tax revenue or other solution to stem losses

November 5th, 2009 Report: Columbus Blue Jackets need financial fixCOLUMBUS, Ohio — a new report warns that Columbus may have trouble holding on to the NHL’s Blue Jackets because the club has been losing $12 million per year. the report released Thursday by the Columbus Chamber offers options for strengthening the team’s financial position, such as new taxes or fees.

Sharks-Blue Jackets Sums

November 4th, 2009 Sharks-Blue Jackets SumsSan Jose 1 1 0 0—3Columbus 1 1 0 0—2

Columbus Blue Jackets sign defenseman Kris Russell to 3-year contract extension

October 17th, 2009 Jackets sign Russell for 3 more yearsCOLUMBUS, Ohio — the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Kris Russell to a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the club through the 2012-13 season. General manager Scott Howson announced the contract just minutes before the Blue Jackets hosted the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.

Flames-Blue Jackets Sums

October 13th, 2009 Flames-Blue Jackets SumsCalgary 1 0 0—1Columbus 0 2 0—2First Period_1, Calgary, Glencross 2 (Bourque, Jokinen), 16:19. Penalties_Prust, Cal, major (fighting), 2:06; Boll, Clm, major (fighting), 2:06; Langkow, Cal (hooking), 5:01; Nash, Clm (high-sticking), 5:47.

Garon leads Columbus Blue Jackets to 2-0 victory over Coyotes

October 10th, 2009 Blue Jackets beat Coyotes 2-0GLENDALE, Ariz. — Rick Nash and R.J.

Blue Jackets-Canucks Sums

October 5th, 2009 Blue Jackets-Canucks SumsColumbus 1 3 1—5Vancouver 1 1 1—3First Period_1, Vancouver, H.Sedin 1 (Burrows, Bieksa), 15:29. 2, Columbus, Vermette 1 (Nash, Roy), 19:18.

Torres helps Blue Jackets top Bruins 4-2

September 26th, 2009 Torres helps Blue Jackets top Bruins 4-2BOSTON — Raffi Torres scored one third-period goal and then set up Nikita Filatov with the go-ahead tally Saturday night, lifting the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-2 preseason victory over the Boston Bruins. with one preseason game left, the Blue Jackets rested most of their top players, including Rick Nash and goalie Steve Mason, the Calder Trophy winner as the NHL’s top rookie last season.

Bruins-Blue Jackets Sums

September 22nd, 2009 Bruins-Blue Jackets SumsBoston 2 1 2 0—5Columbus 2 1 2 0—6

Wild-Blue Jackets Sums

September 21st, 2009 Wild-Blue Jackets SumsMinnesota 0 0 1—1Columbus 0 1 1—2First Period_None. Penalties_Bouchard, Min (hooking), 15:25.

Blue Jackets-Wild Sums

September 18th, 2009 Blue Jackets-Wild SumsColumbus 0 0 0—0Minnesota 1 1 0—2First Period_1, Minnesota, Clutterbuck 1 (Miettinen, Burns), 18:46 (pp). Penalties_Steiner, Clm (boarding), 2:43; Sheppard, Min (hooking), 13:56; Huselius, Clm (high-sticking), 17:19; Klesla, Clm (delay of game), 17:50.

Right wing Derek Dorsett signs 2-year contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets

September 12th, 2009 Dorsett signs contract extension with Blue JacketsCOLUMBUS, Ohio — right wing Derek Dorsett has signed a two-year contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets that runs through the 2011-12 season. General Manager Scott Howson announced the deal Saturday.

Columbus Blue Jackets sign C Derick Brassard to 4-year contract extension

September 4th, 2009 Blue Jackets sign Brassard to 4-year extensionCOLUMBUS, Ohio — the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed center Derick Brassard to a four-year, $12.8 million contract extension through the 2013-14 season. Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson announced the signing Friday, lauding Brassard’s passion and talent.

C Pahlsson gets 3-year contract from Columbus Blue Jackets on first day of NHL free agency

July 2nd, 2009 Blue Jackets sign C Sami Pahlsson to 3-year dealCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Seeking depth at center, the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed free agent Samuel Pahlsson to a three-year contract. Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson announced the move on Wednesday, the first day NHL teams could sign free agents from other clubs.

Swiss orders Polanski kept in jail; bail, house arrests offers deemed to pose flight risk

October 20th, 2009 Swiss court orders Polanski kept in jailBELLINZONA, Switzerland — Director Roman Polanski has lost an appeal to be freed from a Swiss prison ahead of his possible extradition to the United States for having sex in 1977 with a 13-year-old girl. the Swiss Criminal Court said Tuesday releasing Polanski on bail or under house arrest posed a high risk of flight.

Uruguay announces its biggest drug seizure so far

October 16th, 2009 MONTEVIDEO – Uruguayan authorities confiscated some 2,000 kg of cocaine at a small marina on the outskirts of Montevideo, the biggest drug haul in the history of the South American nation. Coast guard sources said the seizure followed a six-week investigation that led to a yacht anchored on the Santa Lucia River in the town of Santiago Vazquez.

Swiss banker, lawyer charged with helping clients evade US taxes

August 20th, 2009 Swiss banker, lawyer face US tax charges in probeMIAMI — a Swiss banker and a lawyer are the latest to face U.S. criminal charges in a wide-ranging international tax evasion investigation.

Swiss police uncover child pornography ring involving 2,000 people in 78 countries

June 28th, 2009 Swiss police uncover int’l child pornography ringBERN, Switzerland — Swiss police say they have uncovered a child pornography ring involving more than 2,000 people in 78 countries. Federal Police spokeswoman Eva Zwahlen says authorities were monitoring a Web site with a provider in the Swiss canton Vaud, acting on a tip from Interpol.

Philippine police rescue Swiss Red Cross worker, Italian volunteer still held by militants

April 17th, 2009 Philippine police rescue Red Cross workerMANILA, Philippines — Officials in the Philippines say police have rescued a Red Cross worker from his al-Qaida-linked kidnappers three months after he and two colleagues were kidnapped on a southern island. Press Secretary Cerge Remonde says that according to “verified reports,” Andreas Notter from Switzerland was rescued in Indanan township on Jolo island early Saturday.

Really, you should be listening to music every day, but thanks to Twitter, Monday has become the best day of the week to discover new songs, show some love to the tune currently dominating your iPod playlist and quietly judge the listening habits of your closest friends.

Yes, it’s #MusicMonday, one of Twitter’s most enduring trending topic. and since we’re all big fans of the site — not to mention music — we decided it was time to get in on the act, too. so, for the first time, we’d like to present “MTV News’ #MusicMonday,” a weekly look at the songs we’re obsessing about here in the Newsroom. and given that this is our big debut, we’ve recruited a big-name talent to help us out: “American Idol” champ Kris Allen.

So, here’s what’s on our playlists right now.

Kris Allen, “American Idol” Season eight Champion: “I might be biased, but there’s a couple of songs on the new Switchfoot album that I really like. [Ed. note: Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman co-wrote a song on Allen's album.] ‘The Sound’ is really good. I think it’s Jon Foreman’s voice and the way he sings. He can sing nice, but he can also go up there and sing that rock voice, or he can scream and stuff. It’s cool.”

Jocelyn Vena, MTV News Pop Music Writer: “I am listening to Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance.’ I just think it’s really catchy. She’s got that battle cry in there and it shows her growth as a pop star. It’s her, but taken to a new level.”

James Montgomery, MTV News Rock Editor: “I’m listening to the Flaming Lips’ song ‘Watching the Planets.’ the video just premiered a couple of weeks ago, and it’s got a bunch of naked hippies in it. It’s the last song on their Embryonic album, which is one of my favorite records of the year. I really dig the harsh, lo-fi thing — it sort of reminds me of the Folk Implosion’s ‘Natural one.’ and it’s a really good ending to a really confounding and deep record. and it’s got Karen O screaming on it.”

Tara Chislett – the Aquinian

Serena Ryder (Atlantics Records)

Serena Ryder has accomplished a lot in the last few years.

Since opening for Hawksley Workman in 2003, the Millbrook, ON, native has gone on to tour across Canada, the United States and internationally in Europe and Australia. with four full-length albums —three on major labels — and two Juno awards under her belt, Ryder will be stopping at the Playhouse on Nov 28.

But while album releases and award wins are exciting for any artist, the highlight for Ryder so far was having one of her songs picked for Music Monday, a program geared toward promoting music awareness in schools.

“There were millions of kids singing my song at the very same time,” she said. “I was on tour in the states and I was watching the Canadian national news, bawling my eyes out in the back of the van.”

If it seems like a strange highlight, it shouldn’t. At 25, Ryder’s wisdom comes across in songwriting and in conversation. Instead of talking about her albums in detail, she’s more interested in talking about the honesty of children and the importance of being able to relate with other people.

Being interested in, and inspired by, people is something Ryder thinks is important, especially in the music industry.

“A lot of artists can be very self-contained,” she said. “But I just find everybody to be such a mirror, you know? To me, the one thing that makes me feel like my job is a blessing is when you can relate so wholeheartedly to someone else and feel like you’re not alone in the world.”

The search for answers to life’s questions, recognizing and exploring the darker side of love and the journey toward understanding self-worth are a few of the themes Ryder speaks to in her latest release, “Is it O.K.?”

Inspired by Leonard Cohen, Neil Young and the Beatles, Ryder doesn’t shy away from tough subjects, approaching writing the only way she says she knows how to: honestly and with the goal of connecting with others always on her mind.

“I find that as humans, we’re constantly relating to people in our happiness and not relating to people in our sadness,” she said. “If we’re happy … we’re very vocal about it and then we feel like other people can relate to us. But then as soon as we have the opposite feeling … we feel like we’re absolutely alone in the world and we have nothing to relate to other people with. which is hilarious because we all kind of go through a lot of the same emotions.”

“For me, it’s sort of coming to that place where you can have a conversation with someone and realize that there’s no sense in being on an island and it’s all about the bridges you build with other people that help you become a family. All the things you realize, all the secrets that you keep, all the things you hold inside are pretty much the things you should really let out. That’s my goal in music.”

Serena Ryder will be at the Playhouse on Nov 29 at 8 PM. Tickets are available at the box office.

(edited on Nov 23 to correct the date of the show)

Tom Hanks comes to New Orleans for opening of new WWII Museum theater and 4-D documentary film

November 4th, 2009 NEW ORLEANS — Tom Hanks is scheduled to be there when the National World War II Museum in New Orleans debuts the war film he produced to immerse audiences with all their senses in key battles. The film “Beyond All Boundaries” will be shown exclusively at the museum’s new Victory Theater, which includes elements billed as “4-D” such as wind and shaking seats to accent vintage footage from Pearl Harbor and the Battle of the Bulge playing on a 120-foot-wide screen.

Pearl Jam Say Goodbye to Philadephia Venue In Style

November 3rd, 2009 Rockers PEARL JAM became the latest act to close a fabled music venue on Halloween night (31Oct09) when they performed the final show at the Wachovia Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The group played four sold out nights at the Spectrum and closed the venue with a three hour-and-35-minute set.

John Still Too Ill For Stage Return

October 27th, 2009 SIR ELTON JOHN is still too ill to return to his touring duties – the singer has cancelled another concert as he battles a nasty bout of influenza. The superstar was forced to scrap gigs in Sheffield and Newcastle, England on Friday (23Oct09) and Saturday (24Oct09) after doctors ordered him to rest up.

Dr. No Dies at 91

October 21st, 2009 JAMES BOND’s original nemesis DR. NO has died – the actor JOSEPH WISEMAN passed away on Monday (19Oct09).

Cornell Reunites Temple of The Dog at Pearl Jam Show

October 8th, 2009 Grunge supergroup TEMPLE OF THE DOG briefly reformed in Los Angeles on Tuesday night (06Oct09) when CHRIS CORNELL joined PEARL JAM onstage. The former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman formed the band in the early 1990s with the musicians that were to become Pearl Jam – and they released one album.

Austin City Limits Festival – The Big Stink

October 5th, 2009 Music fans who attended the third and final day of this weekend’s (02-04Oct09) Austin City Limits Music Festival in Texas were left filthy and smelly when heavy rain obliterated the Zilker Park site, and brought sewage to the surface. according to local newspaper the Austin-American Statesman, organisers have shut the park down for two weeks as they work to revamp newly-laid grassland ruined by festivalgoers.

Vedder & Pearl Jam Rock Austin All Weekend Long

October 5th, 2009 PEARL JAM took over Austin, Texas at the weekend to celebrate their first number one U.S. album in 13 years with a trio of showstopping appearances.

Pearl Jam Return to The top of The U.s. Album Chart after 13 Years

September 30th, 2009 PEARL JAM have scored their first U.S. number one album in 13 years by ending JAY-Z’s run at the top of the charts.

Affleck and Garner Plan Another Movie Collaboration

September 30th, 2009 BEN AFFLECK and JENNIFER GARNER are making plans for their first movie collaboration in six years. The couple first met on the set of 2001 movie Pearl Harbor but didn’t start dating until they were reunited for 2003 film Daredevil.

Bernal ‘legalise Drugs’

September 3rd, 2009 GAEL GARCIA BERNAL has called for the legalisation of drugs in his native Mexico – to end the country’s bloody civil unrest. The Motorcycle Diaries star is adamant the majority of street battles in the North American country are sparked by the trade in illicit narcotics.

MJ’s mum ‘devastated’ over bitter court battles

August 23rd, 2009 LONDON – after losing two bitter court battles, Michael Jackson’s mother grieving mum Katherine is at breaking point. On Friday, Katherine, 79, failed to stop plans by entertainment giant AEG to cash in by exhibiting her son’s personal items.

Matthews Pregnant

August 18th, 2009 former CATATONIA frontwoman CERYS MATTHEWS is pregnant with her third child at the age of 40. The Welsh singer already has two kids with ex-husband Seth Riddle, who she split from in 2007 after four years of marriage.

Daisy Lowe’s cervical cancer scare

July 21st, 2009 WASHINGTON – English model Daisy Lowe lived a nightmare after being faced with a cervical cancer scare earlier this year. The daughter of singer Pearl Lowe and Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale learnt she would have to undergo surgery after pre-cancerous cells were found during her routine check-up in may.

Japan’s royal couple head to Canada, Hawaii to reach out to Japanese immigrants

July 3rd, 2009 Japan’s royal couple head to Canada, HawaiiTOKYO — Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko hope to reach out to Americans and Canadians of Japanese ancestry during a two-week tour that began Friday, but they won’t be going to Pearl Harbor. “Both Canada and the state of Hawaii are home to many people of Japanese ancestry,” Akihito said in a statement ahead of the trip.

Jackson’s shock death may start long series of legal battles, says lawyer

June 27th, 2009 LONDON – The Jacksons’ family lawyer Brian Oxman has said King of Pop Michael’s sudden death at the age of 50 could be the start of a long series of legal battles. While on CBS’s Early Show, Oxman said the remains of his fortune, his property and his children could all be fought over in court, reports Sky News.

Pullman Not Sure If He’ll Be Back As Independence Day President

November 17th, 2009 Movie president BILL PULLMAN is trying not to think about a rumoured INDEPENDENCE DAY sequel – because he fears he won’t be a part of it. The actor played President Thomas J.

‘2012′ roller-coaster ride into modern day Noah’s Ark (Film Review — Rating: *** )

November 15th, 2009 more imagesmore imagesFilm: “2012″; Cast: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor; Director; Roland Emmerich; Rating: *** Will the world really end on December 21, 2012? Nobody has a clue. But thank god, the Mayan prophecy gave the makers of this solar-plexus-aimed colossal spectacle a chance to pull out all stops and design the greatest grandmother of all disaster epics.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star Jonathan Pryce ‘doesn’t want another sequel’

November 8th, 2009 more imagesmore imagesLONDON – Pirates of the Caribbean actor Jonathan Pryce has criticised making of sequels of high budget films, hinting that he does not wish for another addition to the pirate series. The actor, who played the father of Keira Knightley’s character in the last three ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies, feels that higher scale films completely overshadow lower budget cinema.

Emmerich Plans To Take 2012 To The Small Screen

November 5th, 2009 more imagesmore imagesMoviemaker ROLAND EMMERICH enjoyed making upcoming disaster movie 2012 so much, he’s now making plans to turn the project into a TV drama. In the film, John Cusack and Amanda Peet race to avoid a series of end-of-the-world events, and now the man behind the special effects wants to continue with the franchise on the small screen.

E.T voted Greatest Alien Film Ever

October 10th, 2009 LONDON – Steven Spielberg’s 1982 classic E.T has been voted the greatest alien film ever. The movie starring a young Drew Barrymore was voted as the favorite in a poll of 7,675 film fans conducted by phone recycling website PhonePiggyBank.com.

Cox Slams Friends Reunion Rumours

October 7th, 2009 COURTENEY COX is baffled by recent reports a FRIENDS movie is in the pipeline, insisting she knows nothing of plans to reunite the hit sitcom’s cast. Rumours have brewed since the longrunning show left the air in 2004, after 10 seasons – fuelled recently by castmember James Michael Tyler’s claims the six main stars are planning to take Friends to the big screen.

Archive Roland Emmerich

October 2nd, 2009 Director Marco Kreuzpaintner and director Roland Emmerich at the Oktoberfest 2009 at the Alm Rosl tent..more images

Taiwan says it will bar visit by Uighur activist to avoid harming ties with China

September 25th, 2009 Taiwan to bar visit by Uighur activistTAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan’s interior minister said Friday the island will bar a visit by Uighur activist Rebiya Kadeer, whom Beijing has accused of inciting ethnic violence in China’s far west. The decision was made “in consideration of our national interests,” Chiang Yi-hua said.

Michael Feinstein plans a return to Broadway in ‘All About Me’

September 8th, 2009 Michael Feinstein plans a return to BroadwayNEW YORK — Michael Feinstein plans a return to Broadway early next year — his first appearance there in nearly 20 years. The show is tentatively called “All About Me.” It will feature the vocalist and pianist accompanied by a small orchestra in an evening of standards.

Cincinnati Pops Conductor Kunzel Dies

September 2nd, 2009 Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conductor ERICH KUNZEL has died, aged 74. The award-winning conductor lost his battle with liver, colon and pancreatic cancer on Tuesday (01Sep09).

Report: Cheney felt Bush gradually turned away from him, gained unexpected independence

August 13th, 2009 Report: Cheney felt Bush stopped taking his adviceWASHINGTON — Former Vice President Dick Cheney believes his old boss, President George W. Bush, gradually turned away from his advice during their second term in the White House, showing a surprising independence as he started taking more flexible positions on a range of issues, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.

Clarification: Michael Jackson-TV

July 6th, 2009 Clarification: Michael Jackson-TVNEW YORK — In a July 4 story about various television networks’ coverage of the Michael Jackson memorial service, The Associated Press reported that Fox News Channel had not announced its plans. Fox communicated its plans Friday to several news organizations, not including the AP.

President Obama celebrates Independence Day, daughter Malia’s 11th birthday on Saturday

July 4th, 2009 Obama to mark July 4, daughter’s birthday SaturdayWASHINGTON — With a fireworks show and a picnic at the White House, President Barack Obama leads the nation in observing Independence Day. Saturday is also his daughter Malia’s 11th birthday.

Rare bust of George Washington to be auctioned in London shortly after US Independence Day

July 3rd, 2009 Rare bust of George Washington to be auctionedLONDON — Art lovers looking for a way to mark U.S. Independence Day may want to consider a rare bust of George Washington being auctioned by Sotheby’s in London.

Danny Gokey has big plans for life after ‘Idol’: foundation, eyeglass line, ’soulful’ album

May 14th, 2009 Danny Gokey has big plans for life after ‘Idol’MILWAUKEE — Danny Gokey (GO’-key) has big plans for his life after “American Idol.”Besides touring this summer with the top 10 finalists, the former church music director from Milwaukee plans to work more with Sophia’s Heart Foundation. He started it after his wife, Sophia, died during surgery for a congenital heart defect last summer.

Simultaneous North American Musical Performance Aims to Promote the Benefits of Making Music for Everyone and Kicks off NAMM’s National Wanna Play Music Week In May

CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ — NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants, announced today that it will join the Coalition for Music Education in Canada in its sixth annual Music Monday event May 3, 2010, to demonstrate the importance of music education programs throughout North America, and to celebrate the many proven benefits of playing music for people of all ages.

The two organizations are encouraging schools and after-school programs, organizations, groups and individuals across the U.S. and Canada to participate in Music Monday by either performing the designated Music Monday piece or a song of their choice at the exactly the same time on May 3.

The song will be sung and played by all schools and participants across the U.S. and Canada at 10 a.m. Pacific time, 11 a.m. Mountain time, 12 p.m. Central time, 1 p.m. Eastern time and 2 p.m. Atlantic time, and 2:30 in Newfoundland. NAMM is also encouraging people to pick up any instrument of their choice and play anytime on that day.

NAMM has supported the Coalition for Music Education in Canada’s Music Monday event since its inception in 2004. This is the third year that NAMM has hosted this galvanizing event in the United States and featured it as the kick off event for its “National Wanna Play Music Week.”

The number of North American schools participating in this annual event has grown to more than 2,000, representing nearly 700,000 students.

“This partnership highlights the many benefits that music making brings to our children and to our schools,” said NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. “We hope to see more countries join in to support music education around the world.”

Help grow participation in this event and register your school or organization as a participant in Music Monday by e-mailing musicmonday@namm.org. Upon your registration, NAMM will provide you with a free support kit specifically created for schools, after-school programs, groups or organizations to implement a Music Monday event in your community. To learn about past U.S. Music Monday events, or to find a music store or music lessons in your area, visit wannaplaymusic.com.

This year’s Music Monday song will be announced shortly by the Coalition for Music Education in Canada. Many arrangements of the designated song will be added to the Coalition for Music Education in Canada’s Web site at musicmonday.ca by the end of the year.

As a not-for-profit association, NAMM has supported research to examine the effects of music on children and adolescents. The studies have shown that playing music positively affects the development of cognitive skills in children and teens. The activity also builds confidence, instills self-discipline, increases productivity and helps kids and teens connect socially with their peers.

Studies specifically show that playing music:

• Develops skills needed by the 21st century workforce: critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, and teamwork
• Keeps students engaged in school and less likely to drop out
• Improves the atmosphere for learning
• Helps communities share ideas and values among cultures and generations
• Provides a sense of belonging for teens
• Gives teens the freedom to be themselves, to be different, to be something they thought they could never be; to be comfortable and relaxed in school and elsewhere in their lives
• Helps adolescents release or control emotions and coping with difficult situations such as peer pressure, substance abuse, pressures of study and family, the dynamics of friendships and social life, and the pain of loss or abuse.

This year, NAMM is encouraging more U.S. schools and organizations to sing and play together and heighten the public’s awareness about how music education empowers children with important tools such as creativity, achievement and social engagement. Many schools across the country have cut music programs because of lack of funding and cannot offer students the proven benefits associated with hands-on musical training.

About Music Monday

Music Monday is hosted annually on the first Monday of May in North America by the Coalition for Music Education in Canada and the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). The special event demonstrates an appreciation for music in our lives and in our schools. Many schools, along with community and professional organizations, perform one piece of music at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, 11 a.m. Mountain Time, 12 p.m. Central Time, 1 p.m. Eastern Time, 2 p.m. Atlantic Time and 2:30 p.m. in Newfoundland. The performance is intended to transcend all genres and unite people through the melody and the act of performing the piece at the same time. The idea is that if one were to open the front door of his or her home and stand on the street on the first Monday in May, one would hear music and the skies would be filled with melody. For more information, visit musicmonday.ca.

About NAMM

NAMM is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the international musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM or the proven benefits of making music, interested parties can visit namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).

MEDIA CONTACT: Kymberly Drake Scott Robertson, APR Public Relations Manager Director of MarCom NAMM NAMM 760-438-8007, ext. 162 760-438-8007, ext. 102 Fax: 760-438-8257 Fax: 760-438-8257 kymberlyd@namm.org scottr@namm.org