Thursday, March 31, 2005

Some 'Stache

dude, check out the World Moustache and Beard Champions!

thanks to Davezilla for the tip
Smashing Cure

Billy Corgan will be releasing his solo debut, "The Future Embrace," on June 21st, and Robert Smith (of the Cure, if y'all didn't know) will be doing some backing vocals. seems like everyone's hot for Robert these days...

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

More Than 50

rapper 50 Cent's got some new digs. he purchased Mike Tyson's former house for only a mere $4.1 million. it always strikes me as bad business when a new sensation in the music industry starts living large. i mean, if you've been around for awhile, like the guys in U2 or something, by all means, purchase mansions, yachts, and Ferraris. But if you've only had 1 hit album (and the second is getting up there, i admit), exactly how much money are you bringing in/have you brought in? and what if those two albums are it, and the gravy train stops? you've seen those MC Hammer repossession commercials, right?
Drunk On Idol

did any of you watch American Idol last night? is it me, or did Paula Abdul look drunk or high during the show? now, most of us would have to be drunk or high to spew the apple pie critiques that she says every show, but this week, she was extremely mellow, loving everyone, waving her arms, stoned to the world. Whitney, looks like you might be getting a new roomie...

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Stickin' It To The Man

there's a big gap between what taxpayers owe and what they pay. according to the IRS, it's between $257 billion and $298 billion. ain't nuthin' like shorting Uncle Sam...
Gentlemen, Start Your Laptops

Unhappy with the current state of computer music performances, Kris Markle and some friends livened it up a bit. Borrowing freely from a long tradition of rock band battles, rapping contests and poetry slams, they staged their first laptop battle at a Seattle lounge in April 2003. Since then, they've founded a group -- laptopbattle.org -- that has staged battles in other West Coast cities and helped spawn similar events around North America.

thanks to Lee Head for the tip

Monday, March 28, 2005

Show Me Your Fingers

do shorter index fingers lead to shorter tempers in men? this ridiculous study seems to think so. go laugh at it.
No More Tears

this compound may end cat allergies, among others...
How Do You Excercise and Elephant?

buy it a treadmill, of course!
And Back Again

one of the guys i went to high school with, Matt Wachter, plays bass in the progressive hardrock band 30 Seconds To Mars. actor jared leto (Fight Club) fronts the band, and they're releasing a new album very shortly. billboard.com had a little piece on 'em and their new album.
It's Over

Paul Hester, the drummer from eighties band Crowded House was found dead in a park in Melbourne, Australia, having hung himself from a tree. Crowded House became big in the US with their hit, "Don't Dream It's Over."
mmmm....Food Porn

USA Today reports that the No. 2 fast food chain is set to debut its Enormous Omelet Sandwich Monday. The sandwich will have one sausage patty, two eggs, two American cheese slices and three strips of bacon, according to the paper. That's 730 calories and 47 grams of fat, for those of you that are counting.

thanks to Lee Head for the tip

Sunday, March 27, 2005

Chappelle

wanna hear some clips from The Chappelle Show? go take a listen here....
...Is That The Floor?

do you enjoy taking pictures that screw with people's minds? well, here's how to set up a few...

thanks to Davezilla for the tip

Friday, March 25, 2005

Speedy Rails

china's got one fuckin' fast train. 270 mph. if only the metro went that fast.
Slowness

yeah, i know, no posts today. am i being lazy? perhaps. or maybe it's just that there's nothing quality that jumps out at me so far. so i added a new little feature ditty to the blog - mp3 of the month. don't even ask me to do "mp3 of the day," cus searching for that would kill me. selecting one a month should be doable. anyway, this month's pick is "Pure," by Paul Kamran. i can't seem to get it out of my head. it's got a breezy feel to it, and it reminds me a bit of The Samples. so what are you still reading this for? go download "Pure!"
The Brood

this is a cool little excerpt from the current Rolling Stone article on children of musical legends...

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Spelling Class

this is really cool! you can type in any word and have random pictures of letters spell it out. well, it's really neater than it sounds...
What The Heck Is My Cat Saying!

i figured you might have that problem. so solve it. go here and find out!

thanks to Davezilla for the tip
Your Art. On The Wall.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Many a visitor to New York's Museum of Modern Art has probably thought, "I could do that."A British graffiti artist who goes by the name "Banksy" went one step further, by smuggling in his own picture of a soup can and hanging it on a wall, where it stayed for more than three days earlier this month before anybody noticed.

Read more and check out some of his pieces here (just scroll down a bit). I like the beetle, myself.
mmmmm....Crowes

looks like the Black Crowes are going to be touring with Tom Petty this summer. tasty.

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Top Python

here's Entertainment Weekly's list of the Top 20 Funniest Monty Python Sketches. yeah, i know, i keep giving you lists. but you keep eating it up!
Is That Enough 'Tang For You?

was that a long-enough teaser for you? anyway, Shelby and Ford have unveiled the 450-hp Ford Shelby Cobra GT500. it's oozing with more horsepower than anyone needs, but who cares, right? go to the article and see some images. you know you want to.
And Why Did You Call Out Sick Last Time?

here's a list of some of the more strange reasons given for taking a sick day...
Is This Florida?

there were some errors in the voting on American Idol Tuesday, so there's going to be a re-vote show on wednesday...
Velvet

well, i just got back from the Velvet Lounge - it was my first time there, and it's a cool little place with a big, thick velvet curtain along the back of the stage. i'm quite tired, so i'll keep my update brief. brice woodall - that kid has an amazing voice, along the lines of Thom Yorke or Chris Martin. and he has a drum machine. paul kamran & his band - i wasn't sure what to expect, but i liked what i heard. good stuff. and yes, i even metroed in and out of the city - it's a pretty convenient way to get to all those places on U Street you've always wanted to go.

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Spamming the Spammers

IBM is about to unveil a feature that bounces unwanted spam back to the sender, giving the spammer a taste of his/her own medicine. this sounds tasty.

Monday, March 21, 2005

DeLeorean Gone

entrepreneur and auto visionary John DeLorean died this past Saturday. without him, Michael J. Fox never would have been able to travel back in time, and we never would have gotten to see cool stainless steel cars w/ doors that open "funny." he was also accused (and aquitted) of trying to sell a boatload of cocaine, and his middle name began with a Z.

Fear The Turtle

is there really an image of Satan on this turtle's shell? check it out.
Somnia

so in what positions do y'all sleep?

Sunday, March 20, 2005

Buy or...

i just got back from seeing Rent at the warner theatre w/ christine and her friend, Lynn. i've been wanting to see this for awhile, and i was really happy to find that it was coming to DC. usually it's tough for movies and music to live up to high expectations, but i really enjoyed Rent. strong songs with multiple parts and harmonies, and interesting characters that pull you into the story. and there was no conventional orchestra - there was pretty much a rock band back in one corner of the stage. very cool. my next amazon order just may include the Rent soundtrack.

thanks to christine for getting the tickets...
Mmmm....

my new band of the moment is Kasabian. kind of like if Kula Shaker and Oasis mated. stream 'em here...check out "Club Foot."

Friday, March 18, 2005

Tour

oasis and jet are touring together. i don't care what y'all say - that would be a fucking cool show. i'd go see 'em. looks like the closest show is at Penn's Landing in Philly in June.
Eat

no, this post isn't about the sign that still hangs over what used to be Whitey's. i just felt like observing that eating lunch at 11:00 makes for one long-ass afternoon. and in case you're wondering, I never took steroids.
Mario Wants Out

apparently, Mario Vazquez wants out of the American Idol contract binding him to 19 Management - so Mario has hired the lawyer that got Clay Aiken out of his contract.
Please Don't Talk Too Loudly

yeah, it's the day after St. Patty's. and you might have had a few last night, but still come into work. if you're feeling rather hung over, here's a few things you can do to improve how you feel...

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Convicted

rapper Lil' Kim was convicted of perjury and faces up to 20 years in prison. but stars never do time, right?
It's All In The Wrists

blog a lot? wrists, arms, and fingers sore? here's an all-inclusive site on carpal tunnel syndrome.
It's All In The Wrists

blog a lot? wrists, arms, and fingers sore? here's an all-inclusive site on carpal tunnel syndrome.
What's That I Smell?

"They told me, stay away from cocaine, stay away from heroin. They never said stay away from inhalants," Jessie said at a news conference with the drug czar.

seems like inhalant use is still going strong and rising...
SIX POINTS IS COMING

only three weeks left until the Six Points Music Festival...April 7th til April 11th...@ 13 venues w/ more than 40 bands, if you know what i'm sayin'. tell your friends. tell your friends' friends. post it on your blog. if you know what i'm sayin'.
Constitutional

it'll be fun hearing major league ballplayers say, "I plead the fifth," all day today...and it'll be even more fun hearing it on ESPN over and over again...
Constitutional

it'll be fun hearing major league ballplayers say, "I plead the fifth," all day today...and it'll be even more fun hearing it on ESPN over and over again...
Blogger

sorry there was no posting yesterday, kids. blogger was being a fickle beast and not allowing for any posts or blog activity. on my blog at least. anyway, it appears that the problem has been remedied, so i'm now free to post away...

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

How To Lose Money Online

here's a list of the top five online scams

Monday, March 14, 2005

The Czar

for all you Arlingtonians out there, the Czar of Arlington, Mike Holden, will be returning to IOTA Tuesday, March 14th. and he'll be rockin' out with his band, none of that solo stuff, so make sure you wear some comfortable clothing, ya know what i mean? of course you don't. anyway, the show starts at 8:30, and David Andrew "I Have More Names Than You" Smith and Laura "Don't Call Me Burn" Burhenn will opening. and if y'all are lucky, you may hear a few cuts from Holden's upcoming EP, like "Help Me Sleep." oops, was that a shameless plug?
Matthews Info

a date has been set for the new Dave Matthews Band record - May 10th. and Rolling Stone tells us a bit about the making of the album.
Metabolize

as i'm eating these peanut M&Ms, i give you this list - Ten Things to Increase Your Metabolism
Drink

what do you know about alcohol? find out and take The Alcohol Knowledge Test!

thanks to Articulatory Loop for the tip...
Edwards

certain people will be interested in reading the Pitchfork review of Kathleen Edwards' new album, Back To Me. for those of you interested in seeing her live, she'll be at the Birchmere May 13th.
Dre

would you expect to find a neat little article on Dr. Dre's hitmaking abilities on slate.com?
The Big Dance

take a look at the Syracuse Bracket....yep yep, that's fucking Bucknell in the NCAA Tournament, baby!!!! and we're not even a 15 seed!
In The Mix

i'm in a mixtape club. each month i get a name assigned to me, and i then create a song mix and send it to that person. that same month, someone else in the club gets assigned my name, and then sends me a mixtape. one of the members wrote a tasty little article in an online publication this month. give it a read.
Not One At IOTA

Well, I went and saw Lianna w/ Wes Tucker & The Skillets last night at IOTA. And yes, IOTA needs to be in caps, cus that’s just the way it is. And yes, some things will never change. But back to the story. The place was packed for Lianna’s CD release party. And hot.

Anyway, this was my first time really seeing Wes and his boys , and they rocked the hizzouse, laying down some groooooves. Guitarist Bryan Washam came packing some wah-wah heat, and I was severely into it, as I was reminded of Clapton’s wonder years with Cream. Wes T has a kind of Mark Knopfler-esque (or –ish) voice, which slipped comfortably over the nimble grooves provided by the Skillets' rhythm section. I’d see ‘em again.

As for Lianna, they were pretty much what they were the last time I saw ‘em at Old Town Theatre not-so-long ago – very tight, energetic pop with delicious harmonies and backing vocals, accompanied by some oh-so-tasty guitar work by my new local guitar hero, Arch Alcantara (but you're still my favorite, pete!). So I was quite pleased with my outing.
What? You Don't Want to Sign Your Life Away?

American Idol finalist Mario Vazquez (and odds on favorite) has surprisingly withdrawn from the competition, citing "personal reasons." i'm guessing he probably wasn't too keen on signing his professional life away to the puppet masters of american idol.

thanks to Christine for the tip...

Saturday, March 12, 2005

I Heart Amazon.com

have i told you? i love amazon.com. it's so easy to buy stuff. as a matter of fact, i just placed an order w/ my girlfriend. what did i order, you ask? well i'll tell you...

first, i picked up the Les Miserables Dream Cast in Concert DVD - basically, members from LM casts all around the world come together to sing songs from the musical. oh, don't be skeptical. and secondly, i ordered The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, by David Bowie. i've been wanting some Bowie for awhile, and i didn't want to get a generic "best of" album. anyway, we've been jamming on Suffragette City at the Blue Room the past few times, so i figured this is the album to get. and lastly, i picked up a used copy of Stutter, James' first album. it's only available as import, so i think that used is the way to go. of course, i may change my mind if a get a battered and scratched copy sent to me. aight, so now i play the waiting game...

Friday, March 11, 2005

Able To Leap Tall Buildings...

just slip a couple of these on your feet, and you'll be bouncin' over anything!

thanks to Christine for the tip...
More

in keeping with my "git your list on" theme for today, here's Rolling Stone's "Top Ten Artists to Watch in 2005." yes, it's a long list title. and unfortunately, the only band on the list that i've heard of is the Kaiser Chiefs. my hip cred is draining as i type...
Were You Born First?

a norweigian study shows that first-born siblings are smarter.
Wanna Play?

here's some new information on the soon-to-be released new Coldplay album. eat it up, folks.
We're Not A Drug-Oriented Band. Really. Honest.

Scotty Weiland is clean and sober for good. forever. and ever. or at least until the next time mr. heroin dealer or Courtney Love comes calling...

thanks to Pete for the tip...
Rich. Or Wealthy?

Forbes has released its 2005 list of the Richest People In The World. today seems to be a good day for lists.
Propecting

here's a list of the Top 10 baseball prospects. why? cus foxsports says so.
Songs To Play (When You're Dead)

here's a list of the most popular songs people would like played at their funerals...better make arrangements for some AC/DC now!

thanks to Lee Head for the tip...

Thursday, March 10, 2005

It's Panda Time

apparently, folks at the National Zoo are getting excited about the rapidly approaching "panda mating season." apparently they've changed the music in the panda section from muzak to Barry White, and they've started feeding Mei Xiang oysters and chocolate. yes, i can hear the groan from the peanut gallery...
Somebody Told Me...

...that The Killers are going on tour! i'd go an see 'em - for the right price, of course...
Somebody Told Me...

...that The Killers are going on tour! i'd go an see 'em - for the right price, of course...
The Twelve

America has spoken! the 12 finalists for American Idol have been chosen. bask in their glow.
The Twelve

America has spoken! the 12 finalists for American Idol have been chosen. bask in their glow.
Train A Comin'

i just feel the need to list some of the shows i'm looking forward to seeing in the next month (besides ths Six Points Festival)...

**Sunday, March 13 - Lianna (that's the band) is having their CD release show at IOTA @ 8:30 w/ Wes Tucker & The Skillets - $10 cover, but i'm willing to shell it out for this one...
**Sunday, March 27 - Catfish Honeymoon will be back at the Zoo Bar (finally!) @ 8:00 (free!)
**Thursday, April 14 - Angie Aparo will be at IOTA w/ his new band, The Infidels - $13
The Who?

on the way back from band practice, pete and i heard a pretty cool song on 94.7, a local classic rock station. the singer sounded strangely familiar, but the song sounded like it was recorded recently - which would, i assume, forbid its being played on a "classic rock" radio station. anyway, i made sure i listened til the end of it, and lo and behold the DJ actually said the artist's name. it was Robert Plant. it must have been the first single off of his new album.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Is Not A Tumor

what kind of headache do you have?

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Monty Comes to Broadway

finally! "Monty Python's Spamalot," the first stage adaptation of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," opens on Broadway March 17th! and there's a bunch of relatively big names in the cast, including David Hyde Pierce, Tim Curry, Hank Azaria, and it's directed by Mike Nichols.
Oops

today Stereogum's got a rather funny picture of Britney Spears up on his blog...
On the QT

quentin tarantino is talking about directing a new Friday the 13th movie - as if they didn't already have enough blood. i must admit, i've never seen the original Friday the 13th, nor any of its myriad spawn. does Jason even talk? i'm not sure, but i don't think so. and that might make it difficult for him to spout the requisite witty QT dialogue. but i'd still go see it.
Can I Use That?

here's a quick evaluation of the discriminatory nature of........public toilets. enjoy.
It's What The Kids Are Doing These Days (besides Jacko)

here's a little chart of online slang - are you down with it?
Delinquent

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York's legendary rock club CBGB, which helped launch everybody from Blondie to the Ramones, faces closure if it does not resolve a dispute over unpaid rent with the homeless charity that owns the building.

I've never been there, and I'd like to go - so hopefully they'll scrape together the rent!

Monday, March 07, 2005

CBGB Delinquent

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York's legendary rock club CBGB, which helped launch everybody from Blondie to the Ramones, faces closure if it does not resolve a dispute over unpaid rent with the homeless charity that owns the building.
Yeah!

i'm thirsty and i feel run down. i could go for some crunk juice...
Idolatry

don't try and deny it. you know you watch American Idol. accept it. embrace it. so then get with it and read Entertainment Weekly's odds on the contestants...
Slice of Bavaria

BMW revealed some of their newly-styled models at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, including the updated 3-series. i guess it's not as bad as it could be, considering the re-design of the 7-series.
Acoustic Pill?

to commemorate the 10th anniversary of her "Jagged Little Pill" album, Alanis Morisette is recording an "unplugged" version of the album with original producer Glen Ballard. that just seems a bit strange. what if other artists started doing that?

Friday, March 04, 2005

Points. Six of 'Em

the line-up for the 2005 Six Points Festival has been released. check it out here.
Is That Your Face?

soon, cellphones will be able to recognize your face, as an increased security measure...
Something To Crow About

looks like the brothers Robinson are serious - the Black Crowes have finalized their line-up for their reunion tour, and they've added a bunch of new dates. no DC dates are listed, but supposedly there's more to come. hopefully they'll play a venue that doesn't suck around here, so i can attend in financial and physical comfort! the one time that i saw them at the H.O.R.D.E Festival in Philly, the sound was so bad, i had to imagine what they were sounding like.

Thursday, March 03, 2005

That Tastes Flat

this woman is able to taste and see differences between musical notes, which must be an interesting sensation, for us non-synaesthetes. mmmmmmm.....middle C.
Worthless

Pilot Steve Fossett has become the first person to fly solo nonstop round-the-world. His plane, the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, touched down Thursday afternoon in Salina, Kansas, more than 66 hours after he lifted off from the same spot.

how worthless of a "record" is this? frankly, any capable pilot should be able to shove gobs and gobs of fuel on any old Boeing 7(insert number here)7, stick it on autopilot, and then sit back and watch "Titanic" 23 times of so while he "circumnavigates" the globe. if he did it in a Cessna, i might be impressed. if he did it in 1950, i might be impressed. if he did it in 20 hours i might be impressed. but he did it in a highly-customized plane in 2005, and it took him 67 hours. a modern day Magellan? hah.
Where?

this picture is freakin' hilarious. so then why, you may ask, did i not make it my "Picture of the Day?" because i didn't feel like it.
Don't Call Me "Flower!"

Bambi is thumpin' the charts. maybe i should have purchased it instead of "Jackass." then again, maybe not.
Lazy. But That's How It Goes

"Generation Y" law associates are getting a bad rap for what some say is a flabby work ethic and an off-putting sense of entitlement. or maybe they just want some sort of personal life outside of the office.
Puttin' The 'D' Back Into Dallas

the Cowboys made a quick strike in free agency, shoring up their most gaping holes and signing defensive tackle Jason Ferguson and cornerback Anthony Henry. i'm pretty happy with these signings. Ferguson's acquisition pretty much confirms that the Cowboys are going to be playing some 3-4, the chic defensive concept of the moment. and hopefully Anthony Henry will be a better bargain than Samari Rolle and/or Fred Smoot.
Extraordinary

some of the tracks from Fiona Apple's unreleased album, "Extraordinary Machine," have hit the streets. can i vouch for their extraordinariness? i can't - i haven't listened to 'em yet...

thanks to Casper for the tip...

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Mine's Sloppy

handwriting. everybody's got some. but what can it reveal about its owner?
Naming Rights

nah, this isn't about someone trying to call the Fleet Center the "Jeter Center" for a day....it's about what celebrities are naming their kids. is that more exciting? you can decide....
SXSW

bummed cus you'll be unable to head down to Austin in two weeks for the South By Southwest (SXSW) music festival? then check out mp3s of the bands playing there right here - this is pretty cool!

thanks to AMS and Weird Curves for the tip...
NFL Free Agency

here's a nice little synopsis of the market, done position-by-position. and here's a list of the top guys out there... samari rolle or fred smoot would be nice.
Fat

are NFL players obese? some people think so.

thanks to LeeHead for the tip...

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Darth Cohen

Darth Vader is coming to "The O.C." The trailer for "Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith" will premiere during the March 10 episode of the Fox show.
No Game

apparently 50 Cent has booted rapper, The Game, from the G-Unit. i would have done that as soon as i heard his first single....but that's just me.
Lay Me Down With Beer & Cigs

A woman accused of digging up and taking her boyfriend's cremated remains more than a decade ago -- and drinking the beer that was buried with them -- was sentenced to 60 days in jail. romantic, eh?
Minty Fresh

wow, apparently, the US Mint brings in quite a bit of dough for the US Treasury.