So FOF Tommy Norman brings six Fred to meet Obama at Avalon [the self-proclaimed super club] in Hollywood. It was going to be an exciting night. First, Tommy meets his friends with Fred and rides in an eco-limo [which is the ultimate in green over-the-top]. Essentially, Tommy, Fred and friends crammed into a Toyota Prius, paid a driver to take them to the gala, and supposedly felt really good about themselves in their hybrid. So get this: FOF Tommy arrives at the event and upon entering gets stopped by the security guards. It seems Fred caught their eye and in a split second the situation escalated. FOF Tommy explains Fred is an all around good guy, Security Guard 1 cracks open the cap and takes a whif [as if Fred had BO or something], FOF Tommy laughs, Security Guard 2 freaks, FOF Tommy sets the record straight, Obama can be seen through the crack in the entry door, Security Guard 1 grabs FOF Tommy and brings him to the back alley, not pretty. It all ended with Fred outside and Tommy inside to see Obama. What a tough night, sorry Fred Shout-out for the awesome stencil of Obama, designed by Shepard Fairey. Double shout-out to FOF Tommy for thinking of Fred and backing him. Usually it’s Fred who has our back. L8tr.

Fred has been hanging out in Philly for a few months now, getting to know the city and its fine people. He gives them both a big thumbs-up and a light punch on the shoulder. And while Fred adores the triumphant “Rocky steps” and cheesesteaks “wiz-wit”, his favorite Phillything can be enjoyed in any city in the world. I am of course referring to the FX television series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. Without question the funniest show currently on the tube, “Sunny” plays out like Gen-Y “Cheers” on methamphetamines. What could be funnier than that? Absolutely nothing (until the Arrested Development movie arrives). Full episodes are available for download on iTunes - start with the one titled “The Gang Solves the North Korea Situation.”

If Fred could draw, I bet he would draw something like this. First, he’s into cool characters. And for sure, he’s into LOVE. - FOF Adam Wich

Were Paul Revere alive today, he would be driving his Lexus SUV through the salt speckled streets of Boston announcing the arrival of Fred. Or maybe he’d be at home listening to sports radio and texting his early-adopter buddies “Frd fnlly hr!” Either way word would get out fast because the good people of New England have been clamoring for Fred to start hanging out Hub-style since he first visited last year.So what did Fred get himself up to during his first week in Boston? Lots of cruising around. He hit Faneuil Hall, took the T to Newbury Street and then chilled with BU students back on campus for the first day of spring semester. He’s also been spotted spreading the love with ‘Smaat’ kids in Cambridge at Harvard Square [7 Eleven on JFK St. and the Harvard Coop - there’s only one :)] and in the MIT cafeteria, plus Allston, Somerville, Southie, Dorchester and Quincy. Look out for Fred all over New England in the coming weeks, dude just loves to travel.

By popular demand, FredSpot has been 2.0ed, blogged up, RSSed, linked in with Facebook and MySpace, you name it. You can comment to posts, gain posting priveleges, it’s pretty cool what’s up for Fred and FredSpot in ‘08. In addition, the man is making friends all over the country, so he’ll be available to all. More on this shortly. And more on the benefits of subscribing to FredSpot too. Happy New Years FOFs!

Are these categorically the best records of the past year? Who knows. All we can say for sure is that they played more times in our Brooklyn HQ than any other 2007 releases. They’re all damn addictive, so you should check them out you’re into that kind of thing. And if you’ve already heard them all, you deserve a small plastic trophy with an eagle on it.

_{NOTE: While Sing the Greys by Frightened Rabbit and Writer’s Block by Peter, Bjorn and John enjoyed countless plays, they were both released in the UK in 2006 rendering them ineligible for our list. Sorry, mates.}

1. Panda Bear Person Pitch
2. LCD Soundsystem Sound of Silver
3. Drug Rug Drug Rug
4. Shout Out Louds Our Ill Wills
5. Arcade Fire Neon Bible
6. Menomena Friend and Foe
7. Andrew Bird Armchair Apocrypha

LVHRD is the infamous New York party that takes place at a new secret location every month. The uber-hip LVHRD members know the date of the party, but not the address until a text arrives on their mobile phones mere hours before go time. How charmingly clandestine! Each event explores a theme based on creativity and social awareness, and the bar is cash-free (alcohol is donated)! Fred will be in attendance as usual, working the crowd and keeping the hot peoples cool.

On Jan 29th, a LVHRD crowd favorite returns. The Architect’s Duel pits two teams of structural-soldiers against one another in a live model-building competition. A quick hand and steady mind are required, nerves of steel are encouraged.