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ACADEMY: Clear your couches – TCM’s 31 Days of Oscar begins February 1st

HITS: It’s a sad truth, but as football players dole out the big hits, concussions add up, and can cause long-term damage – but at least current athletes are donating their concussion-addled brains for scientific study to help future players

BRUCE: In case you didn’t already see it, Rollingstone has a very nice piece on The Boss, “The Band On Bruce Springsteen,” over here

Cory Chisel Live @ Electric Lady Studios

Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons recently did a live session over at Electric Lady Studios for WFUV. And here they are on "See It My Way." If you're a fan of The Swell Season (from the movie Once) then you might enjoy the beautiful harmonies created by Cory Chisel and Adriel Harris over top of a folkish/Americana arrangement.

Cowboys' Harsh Reality

The Cowboys are an undisciplined mess, and Jerry Jones is OK-ing a Cowboys reality show hosted by Michael Irvin? Please. Anyway, contestants compete for a spot in Cowboys training camp, Survivor-style. I wonder if T.O. will be a special guest judge/performer...

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U2: U2’s new single “Get On Your Boots” has hit iTunes early, apparently – go grab it here at Pretty Much Amazing

CUT: The Top 15 Male Grooming Products of 2008 – go get ‘em and make your lady happy

OBAMA’S DINNER: Just yesterday the other day I learned from our neighbor that the President has to pay for his own food while he’s in the White House, which I found quite interesting – here’s some more info over on Mental_Floss

New Coldplay Video - "Life in Technicolor ii"

Coldplay's got a new video, and it's kind of like "The Lonely Goatherd," but with Chris Martin and the gang. The song ("Life in Technicolor ii") remains gorgeous.

The Obama Poster

At this point, you’re probably familiar with the ubiquitous Obama poster that was omnipresent during campaign season. The original collage is going to be on display at the National Portrait Gallery beginning January 17th, and in case you’re a bit interested about the man who designed it, Shepard Fairey, check out an interview with him over at Smithsonian.com here.

Tagalongs Safe - But For How Long?

Here's hoping the peanut butter recall doesn't affect Girl Scout cookies - it hasn't so far, but I'm worried, since Tagalongs have passed Samoas on my "favorite GS cookie" poll.

New Damnwells...Coming Soon!

One of my favorite bands, The Damnwells, apparently have completed a new record titled One Last Century, and they are in need of cover art. No corporate logos - they're asking their fans to supply it - check it out here, and time is short. The contest is cool, but I'm more excited about the prospect of hearing some finished new studio material. Here's a video of them recording "I Am A Leaver" for their last excellent album, Air Stereo.

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ELECT: Obama-ize yourself (see above) over here

DLR: Did you ever want to control exactly what David Lee Roth is singing? You can do that with pieces of Roth’s “Runnin’ With the Devil” vocals here – check it out.

SUPERLATIVES: The 20 Worst Foods in America – how can you resist finding out what has 2600 calories and 135 grams of fat?

Beastie Boys - "No Sleep To Brooklyn," "Rhymin & Stealin"

I've been a bit lax in posting recently, yes, but I've been a bit busy. Anyway, here's some vintage live Beasties from back in '87 at the Palace performing "No Sleep Til Brooklyn" and "Rhymin & Stealin."

Don't Call It A Comeback, Kelly's Been Here For Years

Have some power pop goodness and take a listen to Kelly Clarkson’s new Dr. Luke-produced single, “My Life Would Suck Without You” before you tune into the new season of American Idol tonight. Or you can download it over at Pretty Much Amazing here. But I didn't tell you that. Timing is everything, right kids?

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LUNCHBOX: Who watches your lunch? The Watchmen, of course. Order here

U2: U2 gives some scoop on their upcoming album, breaking it down song-by-song

COVERS: Get your 80s songs, covered indie-rock style here

A Little "Self Control" For Laura Brannigan

I was just checking out indie-rock covers of 80s songs, and I remembered how much I liked "Self Control" by Laura Brannigan.

Jay-Z/Radiohead Mash

What happens when HOVA is gets together with Thom Yorke and the boys? You can go stream/download Minty Fresh Beats' Jaydiohead mashups here before they're gone. Check 'em out.

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FREE BRUCE: Bruce Springsteen is offering his track “Life Itself” as a free download via Amazon for today only – go get it!

STUFF: 100 Things We Didn’t Know Last Year, courtesy of the BBC

EAT LOCALLY: Alexandria’s first Restaurant Week is coming up (January 17th – January 25th), so make your reservations!