what it means to be a sensitive guy...with a guitar...

TOMORROW'S THE BIG DAY!! Plus... a Christmas Song Expose

Hey guys,

Well, tomorrow's the big day, and I can't wait. We have a couple of great surprises for you, and Reggie See, Jon Fritz Lagua and a few of their sensitive fellows are going to open up the night.

By show time tomorrow, them Jersey roads should be clear, so dress warmly. I suggest wearing cocoa mitts. It's really just two giant muggs of hot chocolate that you dip your hands in. It sounds weird... but your hands stay really toasty... and scalded. Hope to see you tomorrow!




December 20, 2008
PJ's Coffee
5PM - 9PM
Show starts 5:30!
315 Raritan Ave
Highland Park, NJ‎
(732) 828-2323‎
$5

------

Since I haven't blogged in a while, I thought it might also be worth posting a little bit of an expose on a classic holiday song that's well... not so sensitive... let's go for it :).

Baby, It's Cold Outside
I simply can't stay (But baby it's cold outside)...

And so starts a light hearted jazz standard, that has enthralled the hearts of millions, including mine. But let's put this in perspective. Here is a lady trying to get home after a nice date, and the guy in the song is trying to get her to stay... in his residence... to drink and smoke.

This is typical game ladies, so watch out! If you're ever in the 1940s in the Winter and being romanced by a gent, he'll try several approaches to keep you at his Art Deco inspired flat. He'll appeal to your rational side by talking about how cold it is as well as your inquisitive side with references to pneumnoia. AND THEN he'll try to seal the deal with compliments on the magnificence that is your body. SG Archetype John Mayer (pre Heavier Things) was right... your body IS a wonderland, and with the weather, he's trying to make it a Winter one. Keep it snow angely though.

Now the naysayer may say nay by noting that the male is clearly just trying to keep her safe... but let's look at some key phrases, starting with the prechoruses:


My mother will start to worry - Beautiful, what's your hurry
My father will be pacing the floor - Listen to the fireplace roar
So really I'd better scurry - Beautiful, please don't hurry
---
My sister will be suspicious - Man, your lips look so delicious
My brother will be there at the door - Waves upon a tropical shore
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious - Gosh your lips look delicious

Here is the woman clearly stating that her family will be concerned... and here's the guy with only one thing on his mind. As a guy--more importantly, an SG-- I can openly say that he's thinking with the wrong head ladies...

I'm sure the mother's already dialed 9-1 , her father's pacing the floor with a shotgun, the brother's at the door with a sniper rifle, the sister's donned brass knuckles, and the maiden aunt is using telekenesis to send mind bullets.

Let's be real... her family probably looks like this:



But he doesn't care... apparently he's spiking her lime rickey:

The neighbors might think - Baby, it's bad out there
Say, what's in this drink - No cabs to be had out there
I wish I knew how - Your eyes are like starlight now
To break this spell - I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell

Other than I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, this has got to be amongst the most non-SG songs for the holidays. If this man were truly an SG the lyrics would have gone like this:

I really can't stay - Yes darling (never baby--she's a woman. Not a child) it's cold outside.
I've got to go away - Ok let me grab your coat and I'll warm up the Cadillac Fleetwood
This evening has been - So very nice
So very nice - Wow I love how it's like we can finish eachother's sentences...

And thus ends my rant. Just to clarify... I'm completely kidding, and I actually love this song. I think it's clever, flirty, and lyrically genius. I do stand by the thought that this guy is laying the game on so thick you could stock a toy store aisle with the woo he flings, but let's be real-- this is the 1940's... he was probably getting her to stay for a night of hand holding.


At least I'd like to hope.


Here's a great video of the song:



And that's it from me... til tomorrow!

Stay Sensitive,

JL

Argyle Hunting with Wonder Marq

Still on a sensitive high after a successful and memorable premiere of SGWG NYC edition #1, I decided to embark on the sensitive guy's favorite past time...argyle hunting.
I remembered seeing an argyle hoodie at Express that I wanted to get for the show, but didn't have time to, so I went to see if it was still on sale....



What?!?! An ADDITIONAL 20% off?!?!

Seriously guys, my head almost exploded into pieces of argyle.

And then my friend Rex was like "Yo, the manager is giving out these cards for another 20% off!"

"What?!? So that's a total of an additional 40% off!?!?!"

And then it happened..


I couldn't believe it either, but it really happened. In argyle flower grew from my head in a matter of seconds. All it took was a magical drop of 100% pure sensitivity.

So I ended up buying 2 argyle sweaters and 3 pairs of argyle socks which would've cost me a little bit over $200, but with the discount came out to only $80!



What's a Sensitive Pirate's favorite type of clothing? Yup, you guessed it...



What's Bruce Lee's favorite drink?

WATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTAAAAAH!!!!!


Arlo the Sensitive Sock Puppet!



So check out the holiday sale at Express before it's over! Christmas is only 9 days away! Time is sensitive.

See ya Saturday!

Your Sensitive Guy,

Wonder Marq

SG's starring in HSM3???

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

post by Ashley Clack

NYC VENUE(TEABAG)=SUCCESS!!

(from LtoR: Ashley Clack, John-Flor, Danny Katz, Jay Legaspi, John Violago, & Marq Romero.)this was a photo taken by Stephen Chhouth aka a new friend i made tonight at our NYC venue and the launch of SGWG's.  it was a spectacular evening of talent, friends, family, & sensitivity.  the room was sold out/standing room only... WHAT, WHAT?!!  we achieved our goal of spreading the sensitivity through our New York audience and raised a great deal of money for our charities :) i don't know the exact amount... but it's baller status "S-G-UNIT!!" hahaha!!  THANK YOU once again to all that came out.  good luck to all the college students on any last final exams they have to take, and if you enjoyed tonight(who wouldn't of?? psssssh!!) COME OUT & TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT our next venue the SG's will be stopping by...

December 20, 2008

PJ's Coffee

5PM-9PM

ALL AGES SHOW

315 Raritan Ave

Highland Park, NJ

(732)828-2323

$5

opening act: Reggie See(&friends.)

LOVE,

Ashley Clack

(Sensitive Gal... learning the ukulele from John-Flor. hehe.)

GET THERE EARLY! SEATS ARE LIMITED!

Hey all,

Just wanted to post the show details again.

12/12/2008
Silk Road Cafe
30 Mott St.
Chinatown, NYC
$10
7:30-10:30
Doors open at 7PM
ALL AGES WELCOME!

Click here for a map of the where the venue is.

A little note about the venue. It is a small cozy spot in Chinatown, so if you'd like a seat please get there sooner than later. The show will start at 7:30, but the doors open at 7... and we're going to do our best to run on time.

We hope you guys all come through! Again, were donating to both GILAS and JDRF, so your support leads to the support of 2 great causes. Your watching us would make us so sensitively happy. :)

Get to Know Our Special Guests- Mike and Myke

Hey all,

So today is the big day! Are you as psyched as I am? The level of my excitement is somewhere between Belle getting the keys to the library and Aladdin meeting Jasmine for the first time.

Yes... I'm using Disney analogies so you know I mean business.

ANYWAY... I thought it only appropriate to give you guys a little info on our special guests who will be opening the show for us.



The man on your left is friend of the SG's Myke Christian. A local NYC cat, his smooth vocal stylings are only complimented by his style of dress. He's also equipped with that bilingual songwriting ability, so all you Filipinas... get ready. Go ahead and check out some of his tracks here.

Our blond haired friend on the right is also a Mike--in fact, when I was first introduced to him and Myke, he was little Mike--but there's nothing little about my boy's talent (come to think of it, he's taller than me too, so that moniker is pretty misleading). Always loving music, he took big strides to get his name out there this year, and often plays under his project name of Romance. Influenced by punk, funk, and heavier styles of rock, he'll be the edge us SG's need.

We've all gotten a chance to share the stage with both these cats, and we can't think of anyone better to help us open this gala event. We hope you join us tonight!

Pac-Man Knocks Some Sensitivity Into Goldenboy

A belated SGWG congrats to Manny Pacquiao for knocking some sensitivity into Oscar De La Hoya that there was no hope for him after the 8th round.



Known as Pac-Man, he's a humble and simple man who enjoys chess, darts, karaoke, and first and foremost thanking the Man up above from his corner before and after every fight.



Carrying the weight of the Philippines on his back, Manny is known to give away food and lots of money to the poor Filipinos that line up at his house.

"I believe our mission in this world is not only to make money, but we have a big responsibility," said Pacquiao. "If you get the blessing from God, we are to give some to our people, and especially the poor people."

A warrior in the ring, so fearless he refuses to have a translator at his side during interviews. (I dunno about you, but I find it highly entertaining when he speaks English during an interview. Gotta love him. Reminds me of one of my tito's back home in the Philippines when trying to speak English. lol) But what he lacks in his English, he makes up for with his sensitive heart (and ARGYLE ATTACK!). :)

And we, the Sensitive Guys With Guitars will too be using our talents of music and good English to raise funds for the less fortunate at our upcoming shows Dec. 12 and Dec. 20 for:





So we hope you're metaphorically bleeding the same type of sensitivity Oscar De La Hoya was, and that you submit to the calling inside you to come out to our shows. We promise it will be full of fun, laughs, surprises, and of course sensitivity.

Your sensitive guy,
Wonder Marq

SGWG Presents- John Violago...<3

No words...

Get to Know Your Charities- Team Kaila/JDRF

In Part 2 of our Charity report, I'd like to draw a sensitive candlelight on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and Team Kaila.

For those who don't know, Type 1 Diabetes, also known as Juvenile Diabetes, is a debilitating disease that affects millions of people. At this point in time, those with Type 1 can maintained with shots of insulin and blood sugar checks-- but this is not a cure.

The JDRF is amongst the forefront in finding the cure to Type 1 Diabetes, with an amazing network of advocates whos strength, as the site states:

"...lies in our numbers and the ability of our Advocates to work together to build bonds--bonds with one another, as well as with our Members of Congress. These relationships strengthen our community, provide support for those who are living with type 1 diabetes, and deliver our message--the need for a cure--faster and more effectively."

Team Kaila is the name of the JDRF Walk-a-thon team JoAnn Arcenal (friend of the SGWG) formed for her darling daughter Kaila, who currently lives with Type 1 Diabetes. According to their walk-a-thon page, their team raised $275... which is an amazing feat. With our help, I believe we can only up the ante.

With one half of the show proceeds going to GILAS, the second half goes to the JDRF in Kaila's name.

We don't think we could have picked a better charity to give to. With Kaila near and dear to our hearts, and many of our own family members living with Diabetes, this is our sensitive stand to raise awareness. We are honored to help Team Kaila, JDRF, as well as GILAS.

If you'd like to learn more about the JDRF, you can always go to the website at http://www.jdrf.org. You can also reach them via phone at 212-689-2860.

Before I go, I just wanted to share a pic of Kaila. Ain't she a cutie:



You're gonna break hearts when you grow up kid ;). Be easy on 'em.

Stay Sensitive,

JL

EDIT: So... they actually raised over $4,000 for the JDRF!!! We're just going to add to that amount... that's incredible... wow....go Team Kaila! Let's hope the SG's can only add to that :D

Get to Know Your Charities- GILAS

Hey all,

Jay again. So if you didn't know already, this Friday, December 12th in Chinatown, NYC is our first SGWG event. The excitement wells up inside me like the howl of a desert coyote after watching Titanic and Sleepless in Seattle back to back.

With that in mind, I thought I might give you guys a look into the charities we're donating to for the December wave of SG shows. I thought I'd start with one near and dear to my family-- GILAS.

According to the website, "GILAS aims to provide Internet access to all public secondary school students in the Philippines, thus giving them an opportunity to a brighter future."

At present, there are 6,373 public schools in the Philippines, and a little over 2,000 have been wired with Internet connectivity thanks to the initiative.

At first glance, it may seem like a strange thing to fight for in the Philippines, when issues like hunger and poverty are rampant in the country. In all honesty, that was my initial reaction as well. But then my father, who is an avid proponent of the initiative really broke it down for me.

My father's support of GILAS stems from his view of a bright future for the Philippines where the upcoming and future Filipino high school graduates do not find themselves drowning in the new wave of ever evolving technology. After my talks with my papa, I agree.

Alongside understanding new technology is the fact that with increased world connectivity comes the increasing of an individual's world view. GILAS, as well as myself, are hoping that this sentiment carries on to the students of schools they wire. Ultimately, I think the increased access to the world will give these kids a chance to dream bigger than the circumstances of their environment may allow them to. And those dreams can lead to change.

SGWG is happy to donate half of the earnings of the next two shows to GILAS. For more information, please go to http://www.gilas.org.

Getting Nods from the Blogs

Two good net pals Angry Asian Man and Slant were posted up my requests to them to help promote the show.

Both tireless watchdogs for Asian American rights, I gotta give them the love for showing us the same beautiful sentiment on their sites.

Here's to both of them, who's kindness and support flows like an unending stream, pure and filtered, through the Colorado Rockies, only accentuated by the crisp breeze of the mountain air and man I've been watching a lot of beer commercials.

Stay sensitive, and thanks to Angry Asian Man and Slant Eye!
http://www.angryasianman.com
http://www.slanteyefortheroundeye.com

JL

Digital Flyers are Out!

Hey All!

Just wanted to let you know that we just finished making our digital flyers. I'll have a couple of smaller tags ready soon, but if you could be so kind as to help us promote :).

12/12/08 - Silk Road Cafe, Chinatown NYC


12/20/08- PJ's Coffee, Highland Park NJ



We wanted the classic vinyl LP look. Hopefully we pulled it off.

Hope to see you there! As mentioned before, all proceeds go to GILAS and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Till next time,

Stay Sensitive

JL

Danny just returned from a Sensitive Retreat

Dear Diary,

I’m sorry for being an (in)sensitive guy who’s been missing in action ever since this argyle explosion of love was launched. But there’s a good reason for my silence.

I was at a Sensitive Guy training retreat. You see – sometimes even the most Sensitive Guy (and let’s face it, I’m the most sensitive one in the bunch since I hug teddy bears and unicorns in public ALL THE TIME) needs to be reshown the ways of the Sensitive Guy. I love New York City as much as I love puppies and children, Santa Claus and Hanukkah Harry, but sometimes the city makes you a little crazy, and you feel a little less willing to give.

Well I’m happy to say I’m a new man!

At the Sensitive Guy Retreat, I learned how to refold my bed sheets into nice squares, how to arrange dinnerware and how to use just the right amount of fabric softener so that my girlfriend’s laundry is snuggly soft. I learned to appreciate that my teardrops taste like gum drops. They’re delicious. And I learned how to rake leaves with just the gentlest touch so that the leaves don’t cry.

And what is this about a girlfriend? Yes, Mr. Formerly Lonely Heart Bear has a girlfriend. But who is she? Let’s just say we share the same love for Care Bears (and their cousins). She’s the Bright Heart Raccoon to my Cheer Bear. The Optimus to my Megatron. The Misfits to my Gem. Without her I am nothing, crying alone into my knitted designer sheets. And sometimes when I think of her, I shower in rose petals and breathe in deep, envisioning being wrapped with her love.

But this is only because the Sensitive Guy Retreat reminded me that it’s ok to cry at Disney movies, it’s ok to love and, most importantly, it’s ok to give with all your heart.

I hope you have been giving with yours, this holiday season.

Do it for the turkeys, the turducken and the tofurkey,

Your Reformed Sensitive Guy

Danny Katz

SGWG SHOW IN NYC AND NEW VIDEO!

Hey guys,

Are you all staying sensitive?

Some great news has come in! We now have an official venue for our NYC Show! That makes two shows for some great causes. Here's the info:

December 12, 2008
Silk Road Cafe
7:30PM - 10:30PM
30 Mott St.
Chinatown, NYC

December 20, 2008
PJ's Coffee
5PM - 9PM
315 Raritan Ave
Highland Park, NJ‎
(732) 828-2323


Proceeds go to GILAS and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation‎

Also, other than the Thanksgiving entry below, we also have a new video for you... enjoy!

Thanksgiving- A Celebration of Sensitivity and Cranberry Sauce

Hey All--

So I meant to put up a post over the holiday season, but well, Thanksgiving is not a time to be hunched over a keyboard in front of a screen that glows like the smile of your first love in those moments after your lips first touch hers.

No, this is a time for family, a lot of good food (as you can see in the picture above), and if you believe in magic, pets that cook phenomenally well. My dog kills it on the grill. I actually took a picture:


But enough kidding aside, I just wanted to give you guys a Top 5 of certain things I'm thankful for:

• 1. Barry Manilow: Other than Dick Clark, no one represents Americana more than this man--which is why it was fitting that he sang the theme for Dick Clark's American Bandstand. The man's voice is dipped in gold with the epicness of whale song, and he continues to spread that magic on decade specific compilations. His newest one, Songs of the 80s, is out now. On it, he covers a great song about how he's never gonna give, never gonna give, give you up.
• 2. Speaking of which, did you watch Rick Astley do his thing during the Parade? I'm thankful this song continues its never ending rise to the top.
• 3. Cranberry Sauce: Here at SGWG, we know that sometimes, the most important parts of anything are often the unsung elements. In the Thanksgiving world, nothing unsings more than cranberry sauce--a delicious gel that is so often overlooked that when we take it out of the can, we never bother to gussy it up (in my household, it often still has the ribbings from the can from whence it came). Well that changes today Cranberry Sauce... consider yourself sung today. You're sweet and amazing, and an amazing foil to the succuluence brought to the table by the turkey that was brought to the table. And don't worry... even though the turkey may be the V8 HEMI that gets everyone running to the table, I know that you're the oil that makes it possible to do what it does. You're the Cyranno of the table, and while some may not know where those dulcet tones come from, don't worry CS. I know. You're an SG.
• 4. Pictionary: True story. When my family or friends get together, more often then not, we play Pictionary. But we play what I'd like to call with Argentinian Sheep Shank No Holds Rules... I don't know why its Argentinian, and why a sheep shank is involved, but essentially only 2 teams are made, and it's all play all the time, with the artists on both sides drawing whatever the hardest thing on the card is. Nothing makes me happier than screaming "Jackal! It's a Jackal!" over and over or not knowing how to draw the word "compare" so you try drawing the scene in Con Air where the plane lands on the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel because Con Air kind of sounds like compare (I swear to you this is a true story).
• 5. Family and Friends: In all seriousness though, I'm very thankful for all my family and friends. We here at SGWG would also like to thank the readers and the folks that are thinking of coming out to the shows.

That's it from me kids. Til next time... Stay Sensitive.

JL

Is 'Twilight's' Edward Cullen an SG?

We wouldn't be SG's if we didn't have a post about SM's (Stephanie Meyer, "S" could also stand for Sensitive) best-selling-book-now-a-motion-picture, "Twilight", which opened this past Friday! Yes, I'll admit I read the book. Well technically, listened to the audiobook. Mostly because I think vampires are cool...and high school teenage angst is a sensitive subject I hold close to my heart. (Anyone watch "True Blood" on HBO? I think vampire, Bill Compton can also be considered an SG.)

Me as a vampire last halloween. (photo by Michael Violago)

SENSITIVITY DISCLAIMER: This might be the only blog you'll find a guy writing about Twilight. That's how sensitive we are here at sensitiveguyswithguitars.com. :p



For those who are not familiar with the book, here's really all you need to know: Bella Swan is the new girl at school and falls for the mysterious guy Edward Cullen, who turns out to be a vampire (a good vampire). Bella learns this secret, but that doesn't stop the two from falling in love. Blah, blah, blah...bad vampires come to town and endanger Bella. blah blah blah... Does Edward save Bella? Hmmm...

So fictional Edward Cullen somehow wound up winning the hearts of real-life girls all around the world. I've even seen my female friends' Facebook statuses expressing their love for Edward. It's crazy. Kinda like when I first saw Jessica Rabbit in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?", but not really.

Would Edward be considered an SG? Let's take a look...

• Edward will do anything to protect Bella from harm. If she did get hurt in any way he would blame himself for not being there to protect her.
• Since Edward was born in the early 1900s, he still holds those traditional values and manners of yore that most of the current male population has forgotten.
• Edward who has been "17" for almost a hundred years said he would still love Bella even if she aged. That's pretty sensitive if you ask me.
• Despite Bella's blood smelling so irresistable to Edward's vampiric nature, he controls himself from unleashing that side of him. I think there's a sensitive metaphor in there if you know what I mean. *wink wink*
• Edward glitters in the sunlight. Even his skin is sensitive. :p
  

With that said, SGWG would like to acknowledge Edward Cullen for being a sensitive guy, an SG - or rather an SV, a Sensitive Vampire. Behind those deadly fangs is the same thing that lurks behind the intense argyle we SGWG's adorn: sensitivity.

So now I turn it over to you guys...What do you guys think? Do you agree or disagree? Is there anything I left out? What do you think of the movie? Please share your comments.

Don't forget about our Dec. 20 SGWG show at PJ's Coffee House in Highland Park. The proceeds will be going to charity!
Click here to RSVP now on our Facebook Event page

And if noone is doing anything tomorrow (11/25) and would like to spread some Thanksgiving love, me and a few of the SG's will be playing at a Canned Food Drive/Open Mic at the Bellevile Public Library at 7pm! (221 Washington Avenue, Belleville, NJ 07109)

Advanced Happy Thanksgiving...or should I say Happy FANGSgiving!!!! *nyuk nyuk* :P

Your sensitive guy,
Wonder Marq

Happy Birthday John-Flor!

In another JF related post- it was his birthday today!!

Happy birthday big man. I'm sorry I couldn't celebrate with you, but I'm sure it was like When Harry Met Sally, Love Actually, and Jet Li's Fearless. Cause it was sensitive, but it still kicked ass.

I wish you many more friend :)

JL

John Flor's New Song- Secret Santa

Hey all, JL, aka Big Sensitivo aka Happy McTearson aka The Notebook here.

I just wanted to give you guys a heads up that fellow SG John-Flor has uploaded a new song on his MySpace. It's called Secret Santa and it's like the scent of your first love enveloped on a scarf she gave back to you after you let her borrow it on a cold winter night.

The song is called Secret Santa, and you not listening would make dolphins cry on the inside.

I'll have a new song up soon too, as well as some updates about the shows, but for now, enjoy the magic that is John-Flor. The music is on the site below:

http://www.myspace.com/johnflor

Kudos JF!

JL

My name is John-Flor, and I'm a sensitivaholic.

There, I've said it. Now it's up to me to rebuild my life.

Dear God, it's like you know when you've hit rock bottom when you start to consider in your mind how great of an artist Celine Dion is. I mean, besides her rock hard abs, chiseled features, and eyebrows from heaven, Celine Dion is not supposed to make me cry. But she does. Everytime. Especially when I rewatched the Titanic after 10 years.

Oh wait...I'm sorry, the person who I pictured in my head was not Celine Dion, but Justin Long. I guess I really love those Mac vs. PC commercials.

And by love, I mean I can eat JL and the fat white dude up like they were Tootsie Rolls...

oh no...I've said too much. The Man Up There, please stay with me through these troubled times. And give me the courage to finally sleep without my teddy bear like I have all my life, and put him in the closet like what i should have done 20 years ago. Although teddy reminds me of the real teddy....and by that I mean Theodore Roosevelt, and he's the greatest president ever.

TR was sensitive. And he loved boxing.

Oh crap...here I go daydreaming about TR again. I really gotta stop.

help me,

john-flor.

"20 Questions" with John Violago, your sensitive guy

1. What was the first thing you did when you woke up?
- I prayed to Baby Jesus, thanking him for giving me another chance to be able to do good in this beautiful place.

2. If you're being extremely quiet, what does it mean?
- That means I'm thinking of ways to be a better person and how I could make life wonderful for each and every one of you.

3. Are you an emotional person?
- Yes, I believe so. I cry when I'm hurt, I weep tears of joy when I'm happy and I just couldn't stop the tears to flow down my cheeks when, when...oh god here I go again...

4. Do you want to get married and have children one day?
- Of course. Isn't that why we're all here? In this world? To find your one true love and spread more joy and goodwill through the little ones?

5. Are you close with your mom?
- Oh yes, dearly. Mothers are awesome and they surely know best.

6. Are you happy right now?
- Very happy. Why wouldn't I? I'm surrounded by wonderful people.

7. How is the weather right now?
- Brrrr....very cold. And I'm in need of a big loving hug to keep me warm. Hug me?

8. Are you allergic to anything?
- If anything, I'd say rudeness. Everytime I see people acting stupid in the subway, it just makes me wanna...sneeze.

9. How are you feeling today?
- Today, I woke up feeling the love and having an urge to just go out and spread more of it.

10. Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
- Is there love in the relationship? Then it's definitely worth it.

11. How do you feel about your life right now?
- Life is great. Life is good. In fact it's so good that I just couldn't...that I just wanna...just wanna...oh dear, here I go again...

12. Do you believe that you are a good boyfriend?
- Well I've always been a good friend. And I've definitely been a good boy. But if what you're asking is, if you were my girl and I was your man? I would definitely make everything 'good' for you.

13. What is the one thing you notice first with the opposite sex?
- Her heart through the beauty of her eyes.

14. Are you a forgiving person?
- Holding on to hate is such a terrible feeling. If you haven't forgiven someone who has done you wrong in the past, I suggest you do it now. I guarantee you'd live a happier, fuller, more meaningful life. I am an SG and I am a very forgiving person.

15. Do you hug your pillow when you sleep?
- I have the tendency to hug whatever is next to me when I sleep. It's in my nature to seek for that warmth and cuddliness :)

16. Do you think you have made a difference in anyone's life?
- I believe all of us could make a difference in everyone's lives. All of us are hoping for change. We all want to live a more fruitful existence. I believe if we want that change to occur in the way we live, it should start in you. If you have changed the way you perceive things and accept the good in mankind, actual change would start to unfold all around you. So, did I make a difference in your life? I would say yes. Because with me just being here, you would have another person who'd love you and accept you for who you are.

17. Were you happy when you woke up today?
- Was I happy when I woke up today? You betcha! Was I happy that you've reached question number 17? absolutely! :)

18. When was the last time you cried?
- Just now, when I found out you kept on reading my answers, and actually cared about me. Thank you.

19. What/Who always makes you feel better when you’re upset?
- I would say my guitar. It lets me convey all my sad emotions into wonderful melodies that let me gather all the pain in my heart and pour them all into thin air.

20. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks?
- In six weeks, there's nothing else that I look forward to the most, other than seeing all your beautiful faces at our next "Sensitive Guys with Guitars" show @ PJ's Coffee on the 20th of December. It would make me really happy if you're there. So please come! Spread the love! All the proceeds would go to charity :) Details on the right ->

Again, this is John Violago, your Sensitive Guy, thanking you for sharing a bit of your time...

with this, I bid thee farewell and always bear in mind, "A litte love goes a long, long way..."

- JV

An "SG" Can Also Be A Lady...

Dear Diary,

Sensitivity is not only limited to one gender of course.  However imagine if there was a collision of a "Sensitive Guy" and a "Sensitive Gal" in one room... "WHOA!!"  I think we might have to pull out the Puffs... because "A nose in need deserves Puffs indeed."  I myself as a "Sensitive Gal" will cry over a deep haiku or song lyrics that remind me of a past relationship gone sour.  Speaking of sour...  Warheads make me cry.  I'd rather have something like hot chocolate with those little marshmallows in them... "I think I can get something of that sort at a place called PJ's Coffee in Highland Park, NJ??" (*cough*shameless self-promotion)  I may not make much sense, but when you are that sensitive sometimes it just doesn't matter... SG's speak from the heart.

Speaking of hearts... aren't those little candies you get with the messages on them like "Be Mine." on Valentine's Day just the best?

Allow me to formally introduce myself... hmm, I don't know how formal a blog post is but just wait and I'll explain...

My name is Ashley Clack and I am a "Sensitive Gal".  I like to "cupcake"... for those of you that don't know what that is, it's sweet talk.  I enjoy going to pet stores just so I can play with the puppies when I need to be cheered up.  I've probably watched the movie "My Best Friend's Wedding" more times than an 8-year-old had watched the HSM movies.  I like to knit scarves.  And most importantly I am your host for "Sensitive Guys with Guitars".  Besides making you feel like you're in the comfort of your own home, I will be reading/reciting poetry because a "Sensitive Gal" doesn't "spit", and I may also give you a free hug... just because I LOVE YOU!!

On behalf of these fine men in argyle I cordially invite you the evening of Saturday, December 20th to PJ's Coffee in Highland Park, NJ 5pm.  Please stay tuned for the official flyer & more details.

XOXO

Ashley Clack

"Sensitive Gal" & your host

My Life's Soundtrack- With Sensitive Commentary

Dear Diary,

So I've gotten this forward several times where you throw your iPod into shuffle mode to see what the soundtrack to your life would be.

I'm going to attempt to do this right-- the SG way. With added commentary. So here we go.

Thanks to Theresa Lee for the idea. :)
*/--Forward starts here--
IF YOUR LIFE WAS A MOVIE, WHAT WOULD THE SOUNDTRACK BE?

So, here's how it works:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool...
7. Be Sensitive and add why you agree to how fate chose this song for you.

Opening Credits: Heaven- John Legend
- Man, if this were really the soundtrack to my life, I would love for this to be the beginning. Nothing says directed by Ang Lee or Judd Apatow (strangely interchangeable in my mind). But let's be real... this song screams sensitive... even though sensitivity never screams, but rather talks in a soft voice... why? So you'll listen.
Key Lyrics: "Sometimes when we're talking words get drowned out by the sound/Let's get back to touching we'll get back to solid ground"--Amen Jonathan Legend... nothing says I have something important to tell you like getting back to touching... I'm pretty sure I know what that means... you sir... are classy.


Waking Up: City of Angels- Bill Withers
I'm not so sure how this works in my life since I've been to LA all of 3 times in my life. But hey... it's fate so I'll take it. The song does reflect a longing for a location in life. Although sometimes I think it's more of a reference to Manifest Destiny 2.0. Maybe it's a sign I need to get out of Jersey and play in the West Coast. West Coast Sensitive Contingent... I'm pointing at you.
Key Lyrics:"Eastern cities move too fast/And southern ones too slow..." Proof positive that in this Mother Goose world, the west coast is not only the bee's knees, but apparently also the Baby Bear's Porridge.


First Day At School: Lost to the Lonesome- Pela
This is actually the first time I've heard this song on my iPod. I downloaded it as it was the band of a colleague of mine and I never got around to listening to it. There is elements of lonliness in the song, and a longing to be someone... which is exactly what I want to be. Incidentally, I also wanted to be something/someone my very first day of school. If you guessed Fireman, you're absolutely wrong. (The kid riding the Transformers big wheel would have been the right answer... good guess though).
Key Lyrics: "Don't just stand there with your face in your hands/Don't just stand there, clean up your broken glass"- No real significance here, I just liked it.

Secondary School: Virus- Deltron 3030
I heard this song for the first time in college, but it fits my less sensitive, rebellious high school years, when I wore 36 inch bottomed Kik Wear and JNCOs, getting into Hip Hop and giving it to the system. Nah I'm kidding... I had the asian butt cut and was singing Boyz II Men's 4 Seasons of Lonliness to my crush.
Key Lyrics-"I want to devise a virus/to bring dire straits to your environment/crushing corporations with a mild touch/trash your whole computer system and convert you to papyrus"- Apparently my iPod is reminding me that I wanted to get rid of English and write in heiroglyphics...ironically.. Del the Funkee Homosapien, the lead rapper of the group, was from the Heiroglyphics crew.


Falling In Love: We Leanin'- Zeebra
This song is vaguely appropriate, given that Falling In Love to me was like a foreign language to me, and this song is in Japanese.
Key Lyrics- 最高なこのfeeling/You, Me, we dreaming.-So sensitive... no need to translate.


Fight Song: Balloons- Foals
No lie.. these are the lyrics to the song:
There is a thing called //
there is this fuel called //
we can fly balloons on this fuel called //
fairweather storms are all in yr head //
oh there is this thing called..... (L) //
there is thing a thing called
this is all called //
WE CAN FLY BALLOONS ON THIS FUEL CALLED! (Love!!!)
- If that doesn't make you want to fight someone...namely the person who wrote it... Just kidding.. the song rocks.


Breaking Up: Genius- Kings of Leon
Ok. this song has nothing to do with me... and is much less sensitive.. but strangely... it appears to be about breaking up with someone you were having a fling with. That's not sensitive. Shame on you iPod... why aren't you playing my All 4 One playlist... it's 60% of the songs on you.
Key Lyrics- You keep stickin' to me like a prickly porcupine/You're gettin' your information from the grocery checkout line/Are you through confessin' of your little girl obsession/'Cause I was only messin' and I had a little time- Apparently... the Kings of Leon are not Prince Charmings.

Prom: Gangbangin' 101- Snoop Dogg
HOLY CRAP MY IPOD IS F***KING WITH ME. (pardon.. that wasn't sensitive)
Key Lyrics- If you ain't a Crip or a Blood just throw up Westside- She was wearing a red dress... i KNEW I shouldn't have gotten a blue boutineer. At least I threw a W up in her parents face as I passed by... now that's sensitive.

Life: Jim Gaffigan- The Case Against Cinnabons.
Ok so I skipped 2 songs because one was talking about blaming God (Woodlands National Anthem-Arcade Fire)... not gonna do it. The other one that came next was a snippet that had no lyrics. And then I landed on a comedy bit by Jim Gaffigan... and I was like.. why not. For those who don't know the bit, Jim Gaffigan talks about how Cinnabons shouldn't be considered food.
Key Lyrics- How about that Cinnabon odor? You're like, "What's that smell..awww I just got a cavity!"- Well... life sure is sweet (I still think my iPod is messing with me... that's not very SG of you iSGPod.

Mental Breakdown: Walkinonit- J Dilla.
This is fitting. When Dilla died, I was very sad. It was a very tragic passing for music and Hip Hop. Not many people realize the influence Dilla Dog had on music... if you're curious, he produced Q-Tip's Vivrant Thing and Janet Jackson's Got Til It's Gone, which sampled Joni Mitchell. And that's just the tip of his achievements.

The song Walkinonit has no lyrics save a vocal loop of someone singing Broken and Blue. That's how you left the world homie. RIP. TURN IT UP!!

Driving: Vermillion 2- Bloodstone - Slipknot
Kinda a weird thing to have pop up for Driving but sure. And yes, I do like Slipknot...for some reason. This reminds me of driving angry...with a angry demon carnival in the backseat.
Key Lyrics- I Won't Let this Build up inside of me. - You gotta admit... for a masked metal band. That's pretty sensitive.

Flashback: Another Rainy Day- Corinne Bailey Rae
FINALLY a song that's actually up to SG standards. A gentle ballad about being shy in front of someone you dig like a garden just starting up... and that garden... is LOVE.
Key Lyrics- Why am I so shy around you? /Why am I so shy?- Oh Corinne Bailey Rae, it's like you opened up my grade school yearbook and plucked out 12 year old Jay to remind me that I used to secretly refer to girls I liked with my friends with Anime Girl Character Codes ("Man... Akane is so cute! I like Kasumi!... they were Irish and Italian... respectively).


Getting Back Together: Maybe- UpDharmaDown
No one writes love songs like the Filipino Bloc Party. Not so much a getting back together song, more like a "Do I stay or do I go" but good try iPod.
Key Lyrics- When I see you standing there/I still want you here with me- Oh wait... it is kinda like a getting back together song... nice.

Wedding: Boku mo- Nitro Microphone Underground
I speak Japanese, but translating Japanese rap is really difficult. I think my iPod is telling me again, that this stuff is a foreign language to me...Boku mo means "Me Too"... so I think I'll get married... I believe it... my iPod says so.

Birth of Child: I Wanna Do it For You- Lonestar
Don't judge. SG's like Country. It's an unwritten code. We wear argyle, but next to our loafers, is a pair of cowboy boots.
Key Lyrics- I've Heard You Saying That You Need Someone Like Me/Baby, Open Up That Door- Yea I know the "baby" referenced in this song is like a lady baby and not a goo goo ga ga baby...but it fits. Like my hand in hers.

Final Battle: Derka Derk (Terrorist Theme)- Team America Soundtrack
Well... I ... uhm... yea... moving on.

Death Scene: Can't Let Her Go- Boyz II Men
Nothing says touching death scene like a P.Diddy produced club banger. But hey... Boyz II Men could sing from the Appendices of an Organic Chemistry text book and I'd still think it was appropriate.
Key Lyrics- Hey Boyz II Men, why'd you guys let go of Michael "Bass" McCary? I know that you guys replaced him with an actual bass guitar, but that's not cool. He had that quiet cool factor with that cane and well placed "Hey Baby". Can your bass guitar do that? I know there's no lyrics here... but he was great. I know he has sclerosis, but you could have at least had a press conference about this or something. Bring him back...please. <3.

Funeral Song: (PM~AM)-Buddha Brand/Under My Umbrella-Incubus
I'm calling two songs for this because the first one is a slick instrumental by a Japanese rap group. Apparently my iPod is telling me I will die unmarried and not understanding Love... in Japan. The second song that came up is equally strange Incubus's Under My Imbrella... an album written during what seems to be a sad time in Brandon Boyd's life.
Key Lyrics- When I close my eyes/I can see for miles/There's comfort in my dark scene/And chaos in the aisles- Cryptic.

End Credits: Learn- Vordul Mega
I wouldn't mind going out on a vibed out hip hop track like this. HARLEM!
Key Lyrics- Everyday we learn/Every day we turn/To make right knowing the basics- There's not much else to say.. they're the end credits...

And that... was my SG playlist... even though in hindsight, it's not very sensitive, and pretty Japanese... but hey such is life. I hope the other SGs do the same exercise as me...I might have to hound them. :)

Stay Sensitive.

JL

ps. Usher's My Boo just popped up on shuffle as I'm writing this... WHERE WERE YOU FOR THIS POST. My iPod and I are having words later.

Sensitive Guys with Guitars... a Primer...to Your Heart.

Dear Diary,

You know, I think it was Uncle Ben (Spider-Man's paternal figure, not the guy that sells rice... though he's cool too) that said, "With great power comes great responsibility". I agree... and my power, as well as the other sensitive guys who will write in this blog, know that our power, comes from our sensitivity... and argyle... which we all know is the matrix of feeling.

Now to those who might be reading this open chronicle of our thoughts which bleed into this digital paper like the tears of dolphins staring at a Hawaiian sunset, I know what you're thinking. You're probably thinking, "Sweet Peaches and Cream, that has to be the most cliche way to start a blog...not to mention the bastardization of one of the strongest quotes of comic book history".

You know I'm right.

Now you might be asking yourself how in the world I knew what you were thinking... it's simple.

It's because I'm so sensitive that I can read the pages... of your heart. And while I can't read your mind, I knew that as you read those first words, that that beautiful gray matter graciously took the co-pilots chair and told your heart to take the wheel.

But enough of that jibber-jabber. I just wanted to welcome you to the wonderful world of Sensitive Guys with Guitars, or the SGs.

At this point, the SG's are 5 artists strong, including Danny Katz, John Violago, WonderMarq, John-Flor Sisante, and myself, Jay Legaspi. Our goal, to spread our message of sensitivity and argyle through the art of lyric matched with music in the purest form of song, all the while raising money for charities, benefits, and causes that are most dear to us and the community around us. We hope you join us for our concerts to share in us reaching these simple goals.

The shows we hold under the SG will be not-for-profit, with all proceeds from admission to the concerts going to charity.

Our first confirmed show is in Highland Park, NJ at PJ's Coffee on December 20--we hope to see you there!

December 20, 2008
PJ's Coffee
5PM - 9PM
315 Raritan Ave
Highland Park, NJ‎
(732) 828-2323‎

We will also have a show in December in NYC- the info for that is TBD.

In the meantime, we hope will enjoy the upcoming entries to the site. Feel free to browse the artist links, and keep those beautiful eyes of yours peeled on the event calendar.

Til next time,

Stay Sensitive.
JL