31 Days of Oscar

Turner Classic Movies begins its annual 31 Days of Oscar festival tomorrow. And it's not all just winners being screened, either. Sometimes it's an honor just to be nominated. Check the schedule here.

Fresh Prince

I had never seen this before - the extended version of the opening credits for The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

The Church of U2?

The Church of England is planning on staging a service in the English town of Lincoln in which traditional hymns are replaced with U2 songs, like "Mysterious Ways" and "Beautiful Day." Obviously, "With or Without You" was out of the question. Of course, there will be a huge screen (with lyrics) and live band (not U2) for the show...I mean mass.

Under the Influence of Giants

Have I told you just how much I’m digging Under the Influence of Giants’ self-titled debut CD? It’s a blast! How to describe it, for those who’ve never heard ‘em? Kind of like the Bee Gees on steroids – I love the pounding drums and rhythm section, and the vox are top notch. And the stuff is relentlessly catchy.

MP3: Mama’s Room – Under the Influence of Giants
MP3: Stay Illogical – Under the Influence of Giants

Get Your Johns On

A Jasper Johns exhibit, "Jasper Johns: An Allegory of Painting, 1955-1965," opens today at the National Gallery of Art, and it will be running through April 29th. I think I'd like to head over there and take a peek. That's his Diver (1962), pictured above.

A Little Weekend Humor

I just saw this website, "Things My Boyfriend Says," for the first time today. The title is pretty self-explanatory - this girl posts random quotes of wisdom that her boyfriend bequeaths in various situations. And it's freaking hilarious, though it might not be best to read at work.

thanks to Boboroshi for the tip

Caffeinated Donuts?

Since it's not enough just to have only the coffee half of the classic "coffee and donut" pairing caffeinated, a molecular scientist in North Carolina has devloped a way to caffeinate your donut! Apparently this process will supposedly work on all baked goods (mmm...caffeinated danish!), won't involved the bitter taste of caffeine, and will pack the punch of two cups of coffee. Let the bidding begin!

A Case of the Fridays

That’s right, kids, it’s finally Friday, and it’s time to party…Bloc Party, that is. Sorry, couldn’t resist that one. Anyway, I’m really digging the anthemic sound and vaguely 80s English flavor that seems to resonate throughout Bloc Party’s “I Still Remember.” Take a listen.

MP3: I Still Remember – Bloc Party

And so we close out with “Blue Ribbon Baby,” by local act Alec Gross. It’s a beautiful acoustic song, driven only beautifully layered male and female vocals and acoustic guitar. Alec Gross & The Districts will be at Galaxy Hut this Saturday, January 27th.

MP3: Blue Ribbon Baby - Alec Gross

Sweep The Leg

Check out the Karate Kid-themed-video to No More Kings' "Sweep the Leg." And yes, that's actually Billy Zabka (aka Johnny from The Karate Kid) and his Cobra Kai crew, along with Kreese some others...

Van Halen w/ DLR

The season of reunions continues, as David Lee Roth and the Van Halens supposedly are going to make nice and do a 40-date ampitheatre tour.

A Liquid Experience

As if you don't have enough energy drinks to choose from already, Beverage Concepts going to be providing you another, with their impending release of the Jimi Hendrix-themed "Liquid Experience" non-alcoholic drink in April. Drink up, kids!

Headache

Big headache. Right now. Unfortunately, I no longer can take Advil, so I'll just be taking useless Tylenol. Just had to let that out.

James Reunion

Forget The Police reunion, forget the Rage Against the Machine reunion...reports from the Tim Booth website, and the official James fansite confirm that James will be reuniting in early 2007 for a series of live shows with their Laid-era line-up. Further details are upcoming. I'm betting they're only playing shows in the UK, but if they played a show here in DC, how freaking cool would that be?

Prison Break Is Back!

Don't forget - Prison Break is back Monday night with a new episode. So you'll just have to tape How I Met Your Mother and watch it later.

How Big Is Your Paycheck?

Looking to change jobs and and earn some extra dollars? MSN.com just listed the median salaries of America's 50 highest-paying jobs here, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here's the top 10...

1. Surgeons -- $177,6902
2. Anesthesiologists -- $174,2403
3. Obstetricians and Gynecologists -- $171,8104
4. Orthodontists -- $163,4105
5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons -- $160,6606
6. Internists, General -- $156,5507
7. Psychiatrists -- $146,1508
8. Prosthodontists -- $146,0809
9. Family and General Practitioners -- $140,37010
10. Chief Executives -- $139,810

New Shins

Chris over at Music of the Moment has a new track, "Phantom Limb," from The Shins' upcoming album, Wincing the Night Away here. And I think I'm liking it, especially those "ooooohs."

Scrubs Musical: The Final Number

Here's the final song from the Scrubs musical, just for some resolution, of course...

Scrubs Musical

The Scrubs musical this week started off slow but got better as it went on. Here's the Dr. Cox's rant w/ the Janitor interlude...

The Greeks

I love reading about mythology, and I've always wondered if people still worship the Egyptian, Norse, or Greek gods. Looks like there's some folks in Athens who still are fans of the Greek pantheon. And they're planning on defying the city of Athens this Sunday and using the off-limits 1800-year-old Temple of Olympian Zeus to carry out a rare ceremony to honor Zeus. Quite interesting, eh?

The 2008 Accord Coupe?

This Honda Accord coupe concept should closely resemble the actual 2008 Accord coupe that will be released to the public this fall. Though I prefer to judge car designs in person, I think I'm digging it, from the pictures.

Paula's At It Again...

So do you think that Paula actually has Coke in her cup during American Idol?

Jacko's Ever-Changing Face

This video of the progression of Michael Jackson's ever-changing face is rather...interesting.

Practice Your Slang

Have you been having more and more difficulty figuring out what the kids these days have been saying? Well, perhaps it's time to pick up some slang flash cards here. They're freaking hilarious!

A Case of the Fridays

It was a short week, but my new job definitely kept things busy, at least for me. Anyway, we kick things off with “Forty,” by John Eddie. It’s rollicking, swaggering guitar rock with clever lyrics that proudly celebrate getting older – or at least being only as old as you feel. You can see John Eddie rock the house at IOTA this Sunday, January 21st.

MP3: Forty - John Eddie

Yep, it’s American Idol season again, so let’s close out with Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino’s “Hood Boy.” It’s got some head bobbing beats paired along with her distinctive raspy growl. And check out Big Boi of Outkast on the guest verse at the end.

MP3: Hood Boy – Fantasia (f/ Big Boi)

New Wayne

I'm looking forward to hearing some more power pop goodness from Fountains of Wayne, and luckily, they've got a new album, Traffic and Weather, due out April 3rd. Member Adam Schlesinger gave some insight regarding the upcoming album on Billboard.com here.

I Still Remember

I've never listened to much Bloc Party. But I'm really digging the 80s flavor and anthemic sound of this song...and the video is quite cool.

John Legend

I'm probably one of the last people to get John Legend's album, Get Lifted, but I'm glad I finally did. I'm loving the beats, production and those hooks (thanks, Kanye) - and most of all, I'm digging the soulful vocals and vocal arrangements.

MP3: Alright - John Legend
MP3: Used to Love U - John Legend

And If You Didn't Know...

It's people!!! Get yourself a t-shirt here, and warn the masses!

Idiocracy

I finally got to see Mike Judge's new movie, Idiocracy, last night on DVD. I would have gone and seen it at the theatre (I like Mike Judge that much), but due to studio execs' wisdom, it was only in theatres for less than a week, and it received no ad campaign whatsoever. Frankly, I was astounded that they didn't give the creator of Office Space, Beavis & Butthead, and King of the Hill some more creative freedom and support based on his past output.

Anyway, the movie is definitely worth adding to your Netflix queue. It's a sharply written (like Office Space) piece on the rampant dumbing-down of society, with plenty of the downhome Beavis & Butthead charm.

Yo La Tengo

I've resisted posting about this since I found out about it a couple of days ago, but I can resist no longer. I just have to say how much I love the title of Yo La Tengo's new album, I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass. Classic! My only wish is that they had it written it somewhere on the cover art!

Mmmmm.....Cake

There's gonna be a Cake Love opening up nearby in Shirlington! Or at least so says founder Warren Brown on his blog here. So now I can finally try some of those most delicious-looking cupcakes I've almost always wanted!

thanks to CC for the tip

A Case of the Fridays

The week is almost up, and it’s about time, frankly. So let’s get on with it, beginning with “Elizabeth,” by The Strohs. It’s a catchy pop number featuring tight harmonies and cool instrumental arrangements, complete with keys and horns. And if you like what you hear, The Strohs will be at IOTA Tuesday, January 16th.

MP3: Elizabeth – The Strohs

Yeah, it’s disco-y, but damn, Under the Influence of Giants’ “In the Clouds” has a beat and a half! With vocals that nearly rival the falsetto of The Darkness at times, this song really lights it up on choruses that rock the party that rocks that body. Give it a listen.

MP3: In the Clouds – Under the Influence of Giants

Six Points Music Festival Deadline Approaching

The fourth annual Six Points Music Festival will take place Thursday, April 12 through Saturday April 14, 2007, at several Washington, DC area venues, and the deadline for applying is rapidly approaching. Artists interested in participating should complete the performer submission process by Monday, January 15th.

Jimmy Eat World

I really dug Jimmy Eat World's last album, 2004's Futures, so I'm happy to know that more Jimmy Eat World is on the way. Unfortunately I'll just have to wait until early summer for their as-yet-untitled new album. And Butch Vig (Nirvana, Garbage) is producing!

Tony Gwynn

This statement regarding Tony Gwynn's vote total, courtesy of Jayson Stark, pretty much sums up my opinion...

"But there is no other responsible reason -- none -- to withhold a vote for Ripken. And the same goes for Tony Gwynn, who should have been an easier choice than Ripken. Aside from the blank-ballot duo, 11 voters failed to vote for Gwynn -- owner of the second-highest career (.338) of any player whose career began in the last 75 years. (Only Ted Williams, at .344, is higher.) For even 11 writers not to have cast a vote for Gwynn is an embarrassment to the BBWAA."

iPhone, Therefore I Am

Yep, Apple will now be taking over the world, one cellphone at a time.

Pearl Jam Who?

Heather over at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends has got an mp3 of the new Pearl Jam cover of The Who's Love Reign O'er Me here. Eddie belts alot.

The Future of Metro

DCist has got a cool little piece about potential new lines and new stops (new colors and new dots) that may be added to our little Metro maps! Check it out here!

Bowie Turns Sixty

In celebration of David Bowie turning sixty, the BBC has provided Sixty Facts About David Bowie. You can decide for yourself just how interesting they may be. I never was a huge David Bowie fan, but I can appreciate the influence he's had over his career, and I do like certain songs of his.

Super Mario Bros.

If you've ever wanted to see someone play the theme to Super Mario Brothers utilizing two guitars at the same time, it's your lucky day!!! Does anyone else have the urge to eat mushrooms?

New Patty Griffin On The Way

Patty Griffin has one of my favorite voices in music, and her fifth album, Children Running Through, is dropping on 2/6/07. Stereogum has got the track "Heavenly Day" from the album posted here. It's quite beautiful, though it sounds like she won't be rocking out on this album (like she did on my personal fave of hers, Flaming Red). Hopefully she'll be touring in the DC/Metro area sometime soon - she's amazing to see live.

Weekend Pics

Window Grill Of Lights

Drinking Glass/Fireworks Still Life

Some Toad

I've been known to enjoy myself a little Toad the Wet Sprocket every so often, and Heather over at I Am Fuel, You Are Friends has posted a 12/2002 TTWS show from the Warfield in SF here.

Space Lord

Every so often, you just need to listen to some Monster Magnet.

A Case of the Fridays

Finally, we’re into 2007! Funny, it feels a little bit like 2006. Anyway we open up this week (and this year) with Hotspur’s “Young & Reckless.” It’s a glorious ball of pounding drums, high energy, urgent vocals and tasty hooks. And if you like what you hear, they’ll be bringing their hyper-kinetic live show to IOTA Friday night, January 5th. That's where I plan to be.

MP3: Young & Reckless - Hotspur

And we close out with “Wishing Well” – Not the song by Terence Trent D’Arby, mind you, but a different track by The Airborne Toxic Event. The eighties-flavored pulsing beat and whirring keys whisk the song along, as the vocals are delivered with a hint of English flavor. Take a listen.

MP3: Wishing Well – The Airborne Toxic Event

When Life Won't Take American Express...

When life won't take American Express, you can bet it'll take Gene Simmons! Go out and get your new KISS Visa card and charge some KISS action figures and stuff.

Zenyatta Don't Care-ah

Yeah, you're right, I admit it. This post is more about coming up with a snappy title, as opposed to really being concerned about whether or not The Police really do reunite for a tour in 2007, the the 30th anniversary of the release of "Roxanne." But just so you know, those Billboard.com people are talking!

Washington, DC Restaurant Week

Washington, DC Restaurant Week is coming up January 8th to the 14th. So figure out which restaurant you usually can't afford, make a reservation, and go get your gourmet on!

Coming In '07

So with the close of 2006, are you wondering what you're going to be listening to in 2007? Well, Blender has put together 25 Reasons to Love '07, a list of upcoming releases to look forward to. I notice that they haven't included Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy. Maybe they're saving that for '08.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing some more power pop from Fountains of Wayne (#23), some rockin' pop from Avril Lavigne (#17) and Kelly Clarkson (#16), and something crazy from Linkin Park (#2). And I'm looking forward to hearing some new Matt Nathanson, even though Blender has decided to not include him on the list!

Attention D.C. Bloggers

As pointed out to me today by the one and only Mike Holden, the Washington Post is having a little shindig January 9th, or as some may call it, a DC Blogger Summit, for bloggers who cover life in the DC Metro area. Check out this post on DCist for more details, and if you contact the Washington Post by the end of today, you just may score an invite!

Smoking Ban in D.C.

Beginning on Tuesday, D.C. bars and nightclubs will be smoke-free. Guess I won't have to Febreze myself after I come home from a show in the District...