Ryan Adams is on PBS tonight. It's a rerun of a 2005 episode where he sings songs from Jacksonville City Nights.
Recently saw Aloha and Cat Power live at Subterranean and the Vic, respectively. Both shows had one disturbingly missing ingredient: the audience's interest. Really, why come if you're not going to pay attention? It's all the buzz and "hip"ness. Yeah, you know what I mean. People want to be scene these days more than they want to be heard.
Listening to: Typical Cats "Civil Service"
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
"Puttin in work," as they say.
I don't know how I missed it... It was one of those, "I'll listen to that real soon" kind of things... but Nick Cave's Grinderman record is fan-fucking-tastic. Highly recommended.
Also The Dodo's "Visiter" is turning my head.
So how about Obama's speech on race? Any staying power? Did we see a moment in history kind of speech? I thought so at first, but the way it was filleted by the haters has me wondering if that's even possible these days.
I'm writing a piece on Pitchforkmedia.com and Pitchfork.tv for BW Chicago this week. Keep an eye out for it a few weeks from now.
Listening to: Make Believe "Shock of Being"
I don't know how I missed it... It was one of those, "I'll listen to that real soon" kind of things... but Nick Cave's Grinderman record is fan-fucking-tastic. Highly recommended.
Also The Dodo's "Visiter" is turning my head.
So how about Obama's speech on race? Any staying power? Did we see a moment in history kind of speech? I thought so at first, but the way it was filleted by the haters has me wondering if that's even possible these days.
I'm writing a piece on Pitchforkmedia.com and Pitchfork.tv for BW Chicago this week. Keep an eye out for it a few weeks from now.
Listening to: Make Believe "Shock of Being"
Monday, March 17, 2008
I'm going to see Jose Gonzalez at the Lakeview Theatre tonight! "Time to Send Someone Away......."
Seriously, what is the deal with square-toed shoes? They're hideous. They don't resemble normal anatomy, nor do they flatter it. They are the shoes your mother buys you when you are 14 and have to go to a funeral of some uncle you never knew.
Holy something. No Country For Old Men is amazing. I watched it twice this weekend. And they all have the coolest boots...
Bar on Buena ='s best hamburgers in Chicago.
Happy St. Pat's. Today is my parents anniversary. Yup, we're that Irish. Come join our party.
Listening to: LCD Soundsystem's cover of "No Love Lost"
Seriously, what is the deal with square-toed shoes? They're hideous. They don't resemble normal anatomy, nor do they flatter it. They are the shoes your mother buys you when you are 14 and have to go to a funeral of some uncle you never knew.
Holy something. No Country For Old Men is amazing. I watched it twice this weekend. And they all have the coolest boots...
Bar on Buena ='s best hamburgers in Chicago.
Happy St. Pat's. Today is my parents anniversary. Yup, we're that Irish. Come join our party.
Listening to: LCD Soundsystem's cover of "No Love Lost"
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Clash documentary on PBS tonight!!! 9:30 p.m. PBS has been amazing lately. Arcade Fire on Austin City Limits, a documentary on the homoeroticism and homophobia in hip hop, a Pete Seeger documentary and now the Clash.
I hate people that wear fur. Really? It is 2008. Materials and fashion have come a long way. Must you skin things to wear? Are they really that much warmer than my down filled parka?
From now on, I'm going to start throwing my gum into every single fur coat that passes me on the CTA.
I can't wait for Aloha! I'm not as big a fan of "Light Works" as I am of "Sugar" or "Here Comes Everyone," but they are one of the most amazing live bands I've ever seen.
Viva la Spitz! Actually, cheating is the most rephrehensible of all the fouls committed here. He's about to get a good old American fall from grace ass roasting in the press.
Went to Reckless Records on Broadway last night. Picked up these vinyls: Echo and the Bunnymen "Songs to Learn and Sing," Talib Kweli and Madlib's "Liberation," Bob Dylan "Freewheelin" and Flock of Seagulls "S/T." A good trip I would say. I also got a vinyl version of Alkaline Trio "Goddamnit" in the mail, green and red with black smoke design. I listened to it right away. That record still stands up after 11 years. It's a classic.
Listening to: all the above.
I hate people that wear fur. Really? It is 2008. Materials and fashion have come a long way. Must you skin things to wear? Are they really that much warmer than my down filled parka?
From now on, I'm going to start throwing my gum into every single fur coat that passes me on the CTA.
I can't wait for Aloha! I'm not as big a fan of "Light Works" as I am of "Sugar" or "Here Comes Everyone," but they are one of the most amazing live bands I've ever seen.
Viva la Spitz! Actually, cheating is the most rephrehensible of all the fouls committed here. He's about to get a good old American fall from grace ass roasting in the press.
Went to Reckless Records on Broadway last night. Picked up these vinyls: Echo and the Bunnymen "Songs to Learn and Sing," Talib Kweli and Madlib's "Liberation," Bob Dylan "Freewheelin" and Flock of Seagulls "S/T." A good trip I would say. I also got a vinyl version of Alkaline Trio "Goddamnit" in the mail, green and red with black smoke design. I listened to it right away. That record still stands up after 11 years. It's a classic.
Listening to: all the above.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Some things I read today:
Fidelity Investments is estimating that a couple retiring in 2008 will need to set aside $225,000 for medical bills alone, a four percent increase from last year. Have you started saving yet? Ready to change that McCain vote yet?
The FCC is investigating a 12-minute signal blackout in Alabama that occurred during the show 60 Minutes. Coincidentally(!), it was during a 13-minute segment on Don Siegelman, the state's former governer, who's sitting in jail. The story suggested that Republican politics were behind his prosecution for corruption. I wonder what happened...
14,250 homes were foreclosed on in Chicago last year. Consider that most of these houses had more than one person living in them, several of them families.
Hillary Clinton won Texas and Ohio?!? Good thing I'm wearing black today.
Listening to: Orange Juice "Rip It Up"
Fidelity Investments is estimating that a couple retiring in 2008 will need to set aside $225,000 for medical bills alone, a four percent increase from last year. Have you started saving yet? Ready to change that McCain vote yet?
The FCC is investigating a 12-minute signal blackout in Alabama that occurred during the show 60 Minutes. Coincidentally(!), it was during a 13-minute segment on Don Siegelman, the state's former governer, who's sitting in jail. The story suggested that Republican politics were behind his prosecution for corruption. I wonder what happened...
14,250 homes were foreclosed on in Chicago last year. Consider that most of these houses had more than one person living in them, several of them families.
Hillary Clinton won Texas and Ohio?!? Good thing I'm wearing black today.
Listening to: Orange Juice "Rip It Up"
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Pitchfork is launching an online tv channel. Videos, documentaries, interviews, the works... all on demand.
Fuck the Backlash! It will be badass!
Also, cool shows coming up. Friday is Headlights and Evangelicals at Schubas.
American Music Club at Schubas April 12.
Aloha at Subterranean March 28.
El Perro Del Mar at Schubas May 12.
El-P, Dizzee Rascal and Busdriver at Abbey Pub May 15.
Listening to: Lootpack "Soundpieces"
Fuck the Backlash! It will be badass!
Also, cool shows coming up. Friday is Headlights and Evangelicals at Schubas.
American Music Club at Schubas April 12.
Aloha at Subterranean March 28.
El Perro Del Mar at Schubas May 12.
El-P, Dizzee Rascal and Busdriver at Abbey Pub May 15.
Listening to: Lootpack "Soundpieces"
Monday, March 3, 2008
Ever seen Gimme Shelter, the documentary about the Rolling Stones? Infamously, a concert-goer is caught on film being stabbed to death by Hell's Angels, who were hired to do "security" for the show at Altamont.
Well, apparently that wasn't enough for the Angels. They were so pissed about the negative attention, a group of them set out to kill Mick Jagger. They boarded a boat, tools in hand, and were going to sneak up through his garden to avoid security and....
But, along the way, a storm hit. The men were thrown overboard. They never tried to kill Mick again.
Listening to: El Perro Del Mar
Well, apparently that wasn't enough for the Angels. They were so pissed about the negative attention, a group of them set out to kill Mick Jagger. They boarded a boat, tools in hand, and were going to sneak up through his garden to avoid security and....
But, along the way, a storm hit. The men were thrown overboard. They never tried to kill Mick again.
Listening to: El Perro Del Mar
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Friday, August 3, 2007
So Lollapalooza is today... and I just couldn't stomach the ticket price. $200 for live music just seems greedy, no matter how many great bands--and there certainly are a lot of them this weekend.
I attended last year's festival (which was a lot cheaper) and make no mistake, it is a corporate advertising playground. NOT that there is anything necessarily wrong with that. I know there is a huge cost to putting on the festival and the bands also must be paid. But come on, they couldn't come down on that price?
What really makes me kick myself is that I received the "semi-secret" email for $60 tickets to the fest a good 6-7 months ago, but I didn't act. I'd love to be there for $60 this weekend, but alas I'll be at home.
The semi-good news, however, is that there's a live web simulcast of SOME of the acts here. Most of the key players are missing, but they are showing sets from LCD Soundsystem, Tapes n' Tapes, MIA, and Interpol.
Sorry Modest Mouse, !!!, The Rapture, TV on the Radio, Spoon, Against Me!, Chin Up Chin Up, Son Volt, Blonde Redhead, CSS, Muse, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Apostle of Hustle, Iggy and the Stooge, Kings of Leon and My Morning Jacket... I guess I'll see you some other time.
I attended last year's festival (which was a lot cheaper) and make no mistake, it is a corporate advertising playground. NOT that there is anything necessarily wrong with that. I know there is a huge cost to putting on the festival and the bands also must be paid. But come on, they couldn't come down on that price?
What really makes me kick myself is that I received the "semi-secret" email for $60 tickets to the fest a good 6-7 months ago, but I didn't act. I'd love to be there for $60 this weekend, but alas I'll be at home.
The semi-good news, however, is that there's a live web simulcast of SOME of the acts here. Most of the key players are missing, but they are showing sets from LCD Soundsystem, Tapes n' Tapes, MIA, and Interpol.
Sorry Modest Mouse, !!!, The Rapture, TV on the Radio, Spoon, Against Me!, Chin Up Chin Up, Son Volt, Blonde Redhead, CSS, Muse, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Apostle of Hustle, Iggy and the Stooge, Kings of Leon and My Morning Jacket... I guess I'll see you some other time.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Charles Simic is to become the country's new poet laureate today. He's dark, funny and imaginative. Great buzz words for a poet. Here is one of my favorites by him...
Eyes Fastened With Pins
How much death works,
No one knows what a long
Day he puts in. The little
Wife always alone
Ironing death's laundry.
The beautiful daughters
Setting death's supper table.
The neighbors playing
Pinochle in the backyard
Or just sitting on the steps
Drinking beer. Death,
Meanwhile, in a strange
Part of town looking for
Someone with a bad cough,
But the address somehow wrong,
Even death can't figure it out
Among all the locked doors...
And the rain beginning to fall.
Long windy night ahead.
Death with not even a newspaper
To cover his head, not even
A dime to call the one pining away,
Undressing slowly, sleepily,
And stretching naked
On death's side of the bed.
Audio: The National "Boxer"
Eyes Fastened With Pins
How much death works,
No one knows what a long
Day he puts in. The little
Wife always alone
Ironing death's laundry.
The beautiful daughters
Setting death's supper table.
The neighbors playing
Pinochle in the backyard
Or just sitting on the steps
Drinking beer. Death,
Meanwhile, in a strange
Part of town looking for
Someone with a bad cough,
But the address somehow wrong,
Even death can't figure it out
Among all the locked doors...
And the rain beginning to fall.
Long windy night ahead.
Death with not even a newspaper
To cover his head, not even
A dime to call the one pining away,
Undressing slowly, sleepily,
And stretching naked
On death's side of the bed.
Audio: The National "Boxer"
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I got a job!
Beginning this week, I'll be an Editorial Assistant at BusinessWeek Magazine. The office overlooks Millennium Park - you almost look directly down on the Cloud Gate with Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain right in the distance. It really is my favorite place in the whole world...
I should celebrate.
Audio: Persona "Hard-Work for Hang-Ups"
Beginning this week, I'll be an Editorial Assistant at BusinessWeek Magazine. The office overlooks Millennium Park - you almost look directly down on the Cloud Gate with Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain right in the distance. It really is my favorite place in the whole world...
I should celebrate.
Audio: Persona "Hard-Work for Hang-Ups"
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The Decemberists played with the Grant Park Orchestra last night at Millennium Park...
it was so unbelievably crowded that it was impossible for about 3/4's of the crowd to see the stage. Still, it sounded great. It wasn't so much the orchestra that sounded so good, but Colin Meloy's singing. But I'm ready and willing to concede that I could have been mostly hearing sound from the speakers and not the orchestra since I was so far in the back.
it was so unbelievably crowded that it was impossible for about 3/4's of the crowd to see the stage. Still, it sounded great. It wasn't so much the orchestra that sounded so good, but Colin Meloy's singing. But I'm ready and willing to concede that I could have been mostly hearing sound from the speakers and not the orchestra since I was so far in the back.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Is George Bush's commuting of Scooter Libby's sentence an incentive for other Republicans to commit perjury?
With subpoenas being issued to Sara Taylor, Harriet Myers and others, is the White House saying go ahead and perjur yourself, pardons are on the way?
Could it be that the Executive Privilege being tossed around the Hill is more like Karl Rove Privilege?
Is it Rove, Tim Griffin and the Republican vote caging machine that needs to be protected? Could it be that Bush's time is nearly over and the election rigging machine that Rove and Griffin command is of the most importance?
As Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) put it to Sara Taylor, "Karl Rove should be sitting at this table, not you."
With subpoenas being issued to Sara Taylor, Harriet Myers and others, is the White House saying go ahead and perjur yourself, pardons are on the way?
Could it be that the Executive Privilege being tossed around the Hill is more like Karl Rove Privilege?
Is it Rove, Tim Griffin and the Republican vote caging machine that needs to be protected? Could it be that Bush's time is nearly over and the election rigging machine that Rove and Griffin command is of the most importance?
As Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) put it to Sara Taylor, "Karl Rove should be sitting at this table, not you."
I was on Talk Radio Today!
Fox News Radio to be exact. I'm going to make my new hobby calling into the conservative talk shows and arguing with the hosts. Give these shows a listen... it's damn near brainwashing.
The story: A report comes out showing that Iraqis and "would be terrorists" are being smuggled into the U.S. via the Rio Grande. Evidently, these suspects are paying $25,000 to be smuggled in.
I ask Spencer Hughes: "What does this mean for the 'Fight Them Over There So We Don't Have to Fight Them Here' doctrine? There seems to be a logical inconsistency when the back door is leaking. Does this nullify Bush's theory?"
Spencer Hughes: "So you're saying that it doesn't make sense because people are finding ways to get in; being smuggled in and what not?"
Me: Exactly.
Spencer Hughes: "But what about the report this week showing that the lack of terrorist activity in the country is a direct result of the U.S's counter-terrorism efforts?"
Me: "I don't know to which report you're referring, but the big news this week has been multiple reports from both U.S. Intelligence and the New York Times showing that Al-Queda has re-strengthened to pre 9/11 power."
Spencer Hughes: "Those reports just aren't correct."
And then I was hung up on!
Audio: Nouvelle Vague "Nouvelle Vague"
Fox News Radio to be exact. I'm going to make my new hobby calling into the conservative talk shows and arguing with the hosts. Give these shows a listen... it's damn near brainwashing.
The story: A report comes out showing that Iraqis and "would be terrorists" are being smuggled into the U.S. via the Rio Grande. Evidently, these suspects are paying $25,000 to be smuggled in.
I ask Spencer Hughes: "What does this mean for the 'Fight Them Over There So We Don't Have to Fight Them Here' doctrine? There seems to be a logical inconsistency when the back door is leaking. Does this nullify Bush's theory?"
Spencer Hughes: "So you're saying that it doesn't make sense because people are finding ways to get in; being smuggled in and what not?"
Me: Exactly.
Spencer Hughes: "But what about the report this week showing that the lack of terrorist activity in the country is a direct result of the U.S's counter-terrorism efforts?"
Me: "I don't know to which report you're referring, but the big news this week has been multiple reports from both U.S. Intelligence and the New York Times showing that Al-Queda has re-strengthened to pre 9/11 power."
Spencer Hughes: "Those reports just aren't correct."
And then I was hung up on!
Audio: Nouvelle Vague "Nouvelle Vague"
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
CLIPSE was definitely the highlight of Pitchfork. It began with blistering Momma I'm So Sorry and finished with a resolute Virginia.
For most of the set, I watched from my perch near the entrance to the festival, where the stage and giant screen were easily visible. But then... a ripple in the fabric of time. Two lone Pitchfork workers (How can they be lone when there were two you ask? Rent the movie Airheads for the answer.) saw me mouthing every word and took pity on me by slipping me a ticket through the gate.
I made it in just in time for Mr. Me Too and the encore. The group also revealed that they "are 6 songs into" their new album which they will be going into the studio to finish next month! "All the label troubles are over and it's time compete..." they said. "We're not stopping!"
....maybe one of the best aspects of the set: NO STUPID HYPE MEN! Just Malice and Pusha T. It was like you could actually understand them without 50 people yelling out every word that rhymes and What?, Come On!, or any other nonsense. I really hate that about Hip Hop shows. It almost always ruins them. Even GZA was nearly drowned out by the parade of idiots on stage with him.
I stuck around for Cat Power (is Chan Marshall insanely hot or is it me?) and explored Flatstock. I even met the artist that created a TV On The Radio gig poster for the Metro that hangs proudly on my wall.
Yoko Ono sounded like a cat being tortured but Thurston Moore was the special guest guitar player. He can play.
Could the Cubs be kicking any more ass?
CONTEST?
The vinyl copy of Arcade Fire's Neon Bible came with a coupon for 3 downloads of the entire album. Obviously, I only need one of them. The first two people to post a comment or email me will get the code...
Audio: Spoon "Get Nice!"
For most of the set, I watched from my perch near the entrance to the festival, where the stage and giant screen were easily visible. But then... a ripple in the fabric of time. Two lone Pitchfork workers (How can they be lone when there were two you ask? Rent the movie Airheads for the answer.) saw me mouthing every word and took pity on me by slipping me a ticket through the gate.
I made it in just in time for Mr. Me Too and the encore. The group also revealed that they "are 6 songs into" their new album which they will be going into the studio to finish next month! "All the label troubles are over and it's time compete..." they said. "We're not stopping!"
....maybe one of the best aspects of the set: NO STUPID HYPE MEN! Just Malice and Pusha T. It was like you could actually understand them without 50 people yelling out every word that rhymes and What?, Come On!, or any other nonsense. I really hate that about Hip Hop shows. It almost always ruins them. Even GZA was nearly drowned out by the parade of idiots on stage with him.
I stuck around for Cat Power (is Chan Marshall insanely hot or is it me?) and explored Flatstock. I even met the artist that created a TV On The Radio gig poster for the Metro that hangs proudly on my wall.
Yoko Ono sounded like a cat being tortured but Thurston Moore was the special guest guitar player. He can play.
Could the Cubs be kicking any more ass?
CONTEST?
The vinyl copy of Arcade Fire's Neon Bible came with a coupon for 3 downloads of the entire album. Obviously, I only need one of them. The first two people to post a comment or email me will get the code...
Audio: Spoon "Get Nice!"
Sunday, July 15, 2007
NEW YORK TIMES
By ROBERT PEAR
Published: July 15, 2007
WASHINGTON, July 14 — The White House said on Saturday that President Bush would veto a bipartisan plan to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program, drafted over the last six months by senior members of the Senate Finance Committee.
I'm wallowing in disappointment.
By ROBERT PEAR
Published: July 15, 2007
WASHINGTON, July 14 — The White House said on Saturday that President Bush would veto a bipartisan plan to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program, drafted over the last six months by senior members of the Senate Finance Committee.
I'm wallowing in disappointment.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Went to Pitchfork tonight. Being the thrifty/broke person that I am, I watched from right outside the front gate, a little off to the side. The view was great and the giant screen made it perfectly viewable. Hell, I was closer than I was for some of the sets at Lollapalooza last year.
I showed up right in time for GZA's performance of the entire Liquid Swords album. Bad, ass! From what I could tell Cappadonna was with him, but beyond that I'm clueless. Highlights were Duel of the Iron Mic and Hells Wind Staff. My favorite of the record though, 4th Chamber, was a little lacking without RZA's insane verse. Hey yo camouflage chameleon...
Sonic Youth sounded great and I am now at peace having heard Teenage Riot live. I would never call them one of my favorite bands, but they always put on a hell of a show.
I'll be in the back tomorrow for Clipse!
I showed up right in time for GZA's performance of the entire Liquid Swords album. Bad, ass! From what I could tell Cappadonna was with him, but beyond that I'm clueless. Highlights were Duel of the Iron Mic and Hells Wind Staff. My favorite of the record though, 4th Chamber, was a little lacking without RZA's insane verse. Hey yo camouflage chameleon...
Sonic Youth sounded great and I am now at peace having heard Teenage Riot live. I would never call them one of my favorite bands, but they always put on a hell of a show.
I'll be in the back tomorrow for Clipse!
Conrad Black: convicted in a Chicago court room today.
Audio: The gentle hum of a laborious air conditioner
Audio: The gentle hum of a laborious air conditioner
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Senator Webb's Troop Protection Amendment, which would have provided mandated rest for US National Guard and Reserve troops, was blocked by Republicans AND the spineless, worthless Independent, Joe Lieberman.
Lieberman fillibustered the act which would have given Guard and Reservist troops as much time as home as on the battlefield. Remember, these are not full-time professional troops--they have careers and families back home.
26-year-old Erick Botta, a reservist from Port St. Lucie, is suing the military to keep from being deployed for the 5th Time in 5 years!
Audio: Spoon "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga"
Lieberman fillibustered the act which would have given Guard and Reservist troops as much time as home as on the battlefield. Remember, these are not full-time professional troops--they have careers and families back home.
26-year-old Erick Botta, a reservist from Port St. Lucie, is suing the military to keep from being deployed for the 5th Time in 5 years!
Audio: Spoon "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga"
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Remember the bizarre story about the pizza man who was allegedly strapped with an explosive collar around his neck and order to rob a bank? His name was Brian Wells was killed by the collar in the street in front of the police and watching cameras.
Well today prosecutors are announcing that Wells was involved in the plot.
Well today prosecutors are announcing that Wells was involved in the plot.
Your daily dose of Republican fear mongering....
Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff has a "gut feeling" that there will be an increased chance of a terrorist attack this summer.
Already burning up talk radio, the usual pundits (hacks) are telling people "Chertoff chooses his words carefully and is a man of few words... If he took the time to say it, he must feel strongly about it and therefore it must be true."
Sound a little like Colbert's White House Correspondents Dinner speech instructing us to "look it up in your gut?"
********************
BE SURE TO WATCH THESE 2 FILMS:
I watched both of these documentaries last night. I was frightened.
Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff has a "gut feeling" that there will be an increased chance of a terrorist attack this summer.
Already burning up talk radio, the usual pundits (hacks) are telling people "Chertoff chooses his words carefully and is a man of few words... If he took the time to say it, he must feel strongly about it and therefore it must be true."
Sound a little like Colbert's White House Correspondents Dinner speech instructing us to "look it up in your gut?"
********************
BE SURE TO WATCH THESE 2 FILMS:
I watched both of these documentaries last night. I was frightened.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Monday, July 9, 2007
President Bush invoked executive privilege today (AGAIN!) to deny requests by Congress for testimony from two former aides about the firings of federal prosecutors.
I wonder if he is trying to hide anything (said in the most Homer-esque, sarcastic voice humanly possible)?
Audio: Animal Collective "Feels"
I wonder if he is trying to hide anything (said in the most Homer-esque, sarcastic voice humanly possible)?
Audio: Animal Collective "Feels"
Friday, July 6, 2007
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Checks and balances... dying little by little.
President Bush "commutes" Scooter Libby's sentence... after he is convicted by a jury.
Audio: Sufjan Stevens "Illinois"
President Bush "commutes" Scooter Libby's sentence... after he is convicted by a jury.
Audio: Sufjan Stevens "Illinois"
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Bush today says he will not comply with subpoenas to produce documents regarding the firing of federal prosecutors....
White House council says Harriet Myers and others will not testify to congress over the firings....
Cheney refuses to comply with an executive order to produce documents and accounting for past rationales effectively argues he is neither part of the Executive or Legislative branch.....
The Republican Party in the White House dumps all their emails....
CHECKS AND BALANCES A THING OF THE PAST?
Really, I want to know... what the hell are we supposed to do?
The administration has gone wild, scoffing the law each day, at will, unchecked by other branches of government. Where does it end? How CAN it end? Are we supposed to sit by and wait for the next president? Is that our only recourse?
Really, I want to know... what the hell are we supposed to do?
I invite your comments....
Audio: Iggy and the Stooges "Raw Power"
White House council says Harriet Myers and others will not testify to congress over the firings....
Cheney refuses to comply with an executive order to produce documents and accounting for past rationales effectively argues he is neither part of the Executive or Legislative branch.....
The Republican Party in the White House dumps all their emails....
CHECKS AND BALANCES A THING OF THE PAST?
Really, I want to know... what the hell are we supposed to do?
The administration has gone wild, scoffing the law each day, at will, unchecked by other branches of government. Where does it end? How CAN it end? Are we supposed to sit by and wait for the next president? Is that our only recourse?
Really, I want to know... what the hell are we supposed to do?
I invite your comments....
Audio: Iggy and the Stooges "Raw Power"
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Save Internet Radio!
Visit www.savenetradio.com for information on the Internet Radio Equality Act and how big labels are attempting a money-snatch on broadcasters.
Special note: This bill would only set the royalty rates for internet music to the same as Satellite radio. The fees, which will go into effect unless the equality act is passed, are estimated to be more than 1200 percent of the typical broadcaster's revenue.
Under the impending rates, even songs used as transitions or background music would have to be paid for.
This would severely affect NPR and college radio!
If you want Internet radio to sound like Pop radio and be controlled by corporations then ignore the issue. It only takes a minute to email your senator.
Audio: Quasimoto "The Unseen"
Visit www.savenetradio.com for information on the Internet Radio Equality Act and how big labels are attempting a money-snatch on broadcasters.
Special note: This bill would only set the royalty rates for internet music to the same as Satellite radio. The fees, which will go into effect unless the equality act is passed, are estimated to be more than 1200 percent of the typical broadcaster's revenue.
Under the impending rates, even songs used as transitions or background music would have to be paid for.
This would severely affect NPR and college radio!
If you want Internet radio to sound like Pop radio and be controlled by corporations then ignore the issue. It only takes a minute to email your senator.
Audio: Quasimoto "The Unseen"
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
I don't know how else to convey my utter disgust at Carl Rove and the Republican party... I'm just going to copy over this AP article. If you want to see just how badly these pricks mock citizens, the law and morality read below.
House Panel Says Records of E-Mails Are Missing
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: June 19, 2007
WASHINGTON, June 18 (AP) — E-mail records are missing for 51 of the 88 White House officials who had electronic message accounts with the Republican National Committee, the House Oversight Committee said Monday.
The Bush administration may have committed “extensive” violations of a law requiring that certain records be preserved, the committee chairman, Representative Henry A. Waxman, Democrat of California, said.
An interim report from the panel said the number of White House officials who had accounts at the Republican group and the number of messages sent and received were more extensive than had been thought. The White House said about 50 officials had accounts in President Bush’s tenure. The House panel found at least 88.
The Republican group has preserved messages by some of the heaviest users, including 140,216 sent or received by Karl Rove, the top political adviser in the White House.
The report said “the R.N.C. has preserved no e-mails for 51 officials,” including Ken Mehlman, a former White House political director who reportedly used his account frequently.
“Given the heavy reliance by White House officials on R.N.C. e-mail accounts, the high rank of the White House officials involved and the large quantity of missing e-mails,” the report said, “the potential violation of the Presidential Records Act may be extensive.”
The White House press secretary, Tony Snow, told reporters that he would not respond specifically to the findings but said the e-mail accounts “were designed precisely to avoid Hatch Act violations that prohibit the use of government assets for certain political activities.”
“The R.N.C. has had an e-mail preservation policy for White House staffers,” Mr. Snow said.
Congressional Democrats are investigating whether White House officials used their accounts to conduct overtly political and, perhaps, improper activities like planning which federal prosecutors to remove and preparing partisan briefings for federal employees.
House Panel Says Records of E-Mails Are Missing
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: June 19, 2007
WASHINGTON, June 18 (AP) — E-mail records are missing for 51 of the 88 White House officials who had electronic message accounts with the Republican National Committee, the House Oversight Committee said Monday.
The Bush administration may have committed “extensive” violations of a law requiring that certain records be preserved, the committee chairman, Representative Henry A. Waxman, Democrat of California, said.
An interim report from the panel said the number of White House officials who had accounts at the Republican group and the number of messages sent and received were more extensive than had been thought. The White House said about 50 officials had accounts in President Bush’s tenure. The House panel found at least 88.
The Republican group has preserved messages by some of the heaviest users, including 140,216 sent or received by Karl Rove, the top political adviser in the White House.
The report said “the R.N.C. has preserved no e-mails for 51 officials,” including Ken Mehlman, a former White House political director who reportedly used his account frequently.
“Given the heavy reliance by White House officials on R.N.C. e-mail accounts, the high rank of the White House officials involved and the large quantity of missing e-mails,” the report said, “the potential violation of the Presidential Records Act may be extensive.”
The White House press secretary, Tony Snow, told reporters that he would not respond specifically to the findings but said the e-mail accounts “were designed precisely to avoid Hatch Act violations that prohibit the use of government assets for certain political activities.”
“The R.N.C. has had an e-mail preservation policy for White House staffers,” Mr. Snow said.
Congressional Democrats are investigating whether White House officials used their accounts to conduct overtly political and, perhaps, improper activities like planning which federal prosecutors to remove and preparing partisan briefings for federal employees.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
There is a very well-written piece about Ryan Adams in today's New York Times.
It was written by Anthony DeCurtis, one of the few music journalists I can stand. In fact, he's actually quite respectable.
Find it if you would like to know about the speedball (heroine and cocaine) habit that almost killed him, his role as the "petulant child" of Lost Highway Records and his Banana Republic model girlfriend.
It was written by Anthony DeCurtis, one of the few music journalists I can stand. In fact, he's actually quite respectable.
Find it if you would like to know about the speedball (heroine and cocaine) habit that almost killed him, his role as the "petulant child" of Lost Highway Records and his Banana Republic model girlfriend.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
I graduate from school Saturday and I'm actually really sad about it. I would do it forever if I could only get paid for it. Studying journalism at Medill, Northwestern University, has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. It also led me to Chicago, which now owns my heart.
Audio: Def Jux "Bucket of B-Sides"
Audio: Def Jux "Bucket of B-Sides"
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Al Gore has beeen on the mind lately.
Last week's Time Magazine featured him on the cover and the story within was fascniating. He talked about what he's been up to and his new book, The Assault On Reason. Yesterday, Gore signed copies at the State Street Borders, but damnit, I just found out about it today.
The book has some heavy critique of the media and its focus on celebrity gossip and sensationalism rather than real Journalism. As a Journalism grad student, I couldn't agree with him more.
I also watched An Inconvenient Truth last night... scary as hell. It really is a triumph for Gore, though... an amazing crusade.
The DVD has an "update" from him, with some new information released since the documentary was filmed. It's worth checking out. Also, the hardcover novel version of An Inconvenient Truth is out. The book looks amazing, like the designers at Apple, where Gore is on the board of directors, did it. Someone should make it a present to me.
Audio: Jeff Buckley "Grace"
Last week's Time Magazine featured him on the cover and the story within was fascniating. He talked about what he's been up to and his new book, The Assault On Reason. Yesterday, Gore signed copies at the State Street Borders, but damnit, I just found out about it today.
The book has some heavy critique of the media and its focus on celebrity gossip and sensationalism rather than real Journalism. As a Journalism grad student, I couldn't agree with him more.
I also watched An Inconvenient Truth last night... scary as hell. It really is a triumph for Gore, though... an amazing crusade.
The DVD has an "update" from him, with some new information released since the documentary was filmed. It's worth checking out. Also, the hardcover novel version of An Inconvenient Truth is out. The book looks amazing, like the designers at Apple, where Gore is on the board of directors, did it. Someone should make it a present to me.
Audio: Jeff Buckley "Grace"
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
I move to Lakeview Thursday. This is requiring a tremendous amount of concentration.
I hope to have valuable food for thought soon....
Upcoming: An attack on Todd Stroger, the Cook County Board President. He is a hack and has been taking heat from the Tribune, Sun-Times and Crain's lately, and his awful management of the county.
I told you so.
Audio: Bonnie Prince Billy and Matt Sweeney "Superwolf"
I hope to have valuable food for thought soon....
Upcoming: An attack on Todd Stroger, the Cook County Board President. He is a hack and has been taking heat from the Tribune, Sun-Times and Crain's lately, and his awful management of the county.
I told you so.
Audio: Bonnie Prince Billy and Matt Sweeney "Superwolf"
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Is anyone else sick of hearing about the so-called Smashing Pumpkins reunion (featuring only two of the old members)? I feel like I have to read something about it everyday.
It wouldn't matter if they were all back anyway, they hadn't put out a good album since Mellon Collie. And sorry Chicago, but Billy Corgan is a douche.
As for music in Chicago that is actually good....
Frog Eyes play Schuba's Sunday.
Murder By Death play Schuba's Wednesday.
The Sea and Cake play the Empty Bottle Thursday.
Audio: Jeru the Damaja "The Sun Rises In The East"
It wouldn't matter if they were all back anyway, they hadn't put out a good album since Mellon Collie. And sorry Chicago, but Billy Corgan is a douche.
As for music in Chicago that is actually good....
Frog Eyes play Schuba's Sunday.
Murder By Death play Schuba's Wednesday.
The Sea and Cake play the Empty Bottle Thursday.
Audio: Jeru the Damaja "The Sun Rises In The East"
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Check out a new Spoon song "The Ghost of you Lingers," from the upcoming album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, right here.
Also check out the cool new The Economist cover!
Also check out the hilarious new Floyd Landis inspired The Onion bracelets. You can buy them here.
Also check out the cool new The Economist cover!
Also check out the hilarious new Floyd Landis inspired The Onion bracelets. You can buy them here.
So... I've found myself in the following scenario often:
Someone: mentions "emo" bands, the fashion associated with it or its effect on pop music.
I almost always respond: "That b.s. is not emo. It is poppy punk."
Someone: Why do you think that?
Me: Because it has nothing to do with the original movement. It doesn't sound anything like it. It falls much more in line with the history of pop-punk (i.e. Green Day, Blink 182, Fall Out Boy, Warped Tour bands, New Found Glory, Ataris etc....are all part of the same sound and history.)
Them: Well what is real emo then? What are some of the bands?
So............ I've decided to post some "real emo" bands which I acknowledge is a completely retarded thing to do, considering the word wasn't even attached to some of them before they broke up, and I fully realize the psuedo-hipster implications.
So you see, I fully know I'm not cool before you have a chance to tell me...
Bands: Mineral, Moss Icon, Rites of Spring, Fugazi, Gloria Record, Elliot, Sleepytime Trio, The Jazz June, Christie Front Drive, Jejune, Jets to Brazil, Karate, Moss Icon, Recess Theory, Sensefield, Grade, Ink and Dagger, Bloodshed, Promise Ring, Camber, American Football, Tha One Up Downstairs, Early Get Up Kids, At the Drive In, Focused
Someone: mentions "emo" bands, the fashion associated with it or its effect on pop music.
I almost always respond: "That b.s. is not emo. It is poppy punk."
Someone: Why do you think that?
Me: Because it has nothing to do with the original movement. It doesn't sound anything like it. It falls much more in line with the history of pop-punk (i.e. Green Day, Blink 182, Fall Out Boy, Warped Tour bands, New Found Glory, Ataris etc....are all part of the same sound and history.)
Them: Well what is real emo then? What are some of the bands?
So............ I've decided to post some "real emo" bands which I acknowledge is a completely retarded thing to do, considering the word wasn't even attached to some of them before they broke up, and I fully realize the psuedo-hipster implications.
So you see, I fully know I'm not cool before you have a chance to tell me...
Bands: Mineral, Moss Icon, Rites of Spring, Fugazi, Gloria Record, Elliot, Sleepytime Trio, The Jazz June, Christie Front Drive, Jejune, Jets to Brazil, Karate, Moss Icon, Recess Theory, Sensefield, Grade, Ink and Dagger, Bloodshed, Promise Ring, Camber, American Football, Tha One Up Downstairs, Early Get Up Kids, At the Drive In, Focused
Due to new IOC rules, Chicago must change its Olympic logo. Story and pictures here.
Audio: Jazz June "The Boom The Motion The Music"
Audio: Jazz June "The Boom The Motion The Music"
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Stream a new Ryan Adams track, "Two" from his upcoming album here.
The background vocals are Sheryl Crow, but we won't hold that against him.
In other news, Adams said that he was hoping to put out a bunch of unrealeased material in a box set later this year. I'm hoping that he is referring to the plethora of albums he recorded, but record companies wouldn't release due to the sheer amount of music and lack of time and resources to promote all of the albums.
Demolition was actually a compilation of songs from these full albums, taking about 3 songs each from four albums. Most people were unaware of this and some ignorant critics assailed it for its dis-jointedness.
I read in an interview long ago that Adams actually pressed vinyls of the albums, artwork and all, for his home collection. Hopefully, they'll come out as he envisioned them because some of the artwork is great.
I, fortunately, tracked down all the albums on the internet as they were released. As far as my collection reflects, these albums would include...
48 Hours
Duets, Covers
Fool's Gold
Exile on Franklin Street
Heartbreaker Demos
Pinkhearts 1 & 2
Suicide Handbook
Swedish Sessions
California EP
Rescue Blues EP
Halloween EP
Q Division
There are also some unreleased Whiskeytown albums out there for those of you that are so inclined...
The background vocals are Sheryl Crow, but we won't hold that against him.
In other news, Adams said that he was hoping to put out a bunch of unrealeased material in a box set later this year. I'm hoping that he is referring to the plethora of albums he recorded, but record companies wouldn't release due to the sheer amount of music and lack of time and resources to promote all of the albums.
Demolition was actually a compilation of songs from these full albums, taking about 3 songs each from four albums. Most people were unaware of this and some ignorant critics assailed it for its dis-jointedness.
I read in an interview long ago that Adams actually pressed vinyls of the albums, artwork and all, for his home collection. Hopefully, they'll come out as he envisioned them because some of the artwork is great.
I, fortunately, tracked down all the albums on the internet as they were released. As far as my collection reflects, these albums would include...
48 Hours
Duets, Covers
Fool's Gold
Exile on Franklin Street
Heartbreaker Demos
Pinkhearts 1 & 2
Suicide Handbook
Swedish Sessions
California EP
Rescue Blues EP
Halloween EP
Q Division
There are also some unreleased Whiskeytown albums out there for those of you that are so inclined...
Monday, May 14, 2007
The Chicago Sun-Times has an article about a police sting targeting unlicensed drivers.
I thought it was pretty damn hilarious. The cops were waiting outside of the courthouse parking lot and just as people had their licenses suspended by a judge who warned them not to drive, they were pulled over.
Also, Congress's approval rating has dropped to the same low level as President Ass's. People are sick of the stalemate over the war and other issues.
Well come on people!!! You have a stalemate because the president is a stubborn jackass. Congress is basically doing what the American public is calling for... ending the war!!!
Nothing will change until we have a new president. I give you my money back guarantee.
Audio: Modest Mouse "We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank"
I thought it was pretty damn hilarious. The cops were waiting outside of the courthouse parking lot and just as people had their licenses suspended by a judge who warned them not to drive, they were pulled over.
Also, Congress's approval rating has dropped to the same low level as President Ass's. People are sick of the stalemate over the war and other issues.
Well come on people!!! You have a stalemate because the president is a stubborn jackass. Congress is basically doing what the American public is calling for... ending the war!!!
Nothing will change until we have a new president. I give you my money back guarantee.
Audio: Modest Mouse "We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank"
Thursday, May 10, 2007
RIP: NEW ORDER 1980-2007
Bassist Peter Hook confirms it here.
In honor of the band, I'm putting my favorite song by them, "Ceremony" in the player-------->
Bassist Peter Hook confirms it here.
In honor of the band, I'm putting my favorite song by them, "Ceremony" in the player-------->
I was in the same room as "reverend" Jesse Jackson yesterday.
I covered the Tribune Company's annual shareholder meeting yesterday and apparently, he cares.
What he was really there to do was bitch about how there isn't enough diversity in the company. He got up three freaking times to say the same thing over and over and over and over.
Does anyone still listen to this guy anymore? I thought it had long been proved what a crook, bigot, hypocrite and shakedown artist this guy is!
And of course, the Tribune devoted half of their article to his complaining. Why does he even get press anymore?
Like we didn't know what he would say before he opened his mouth!
Audio: Frog Eyes "Tears of the Valedictorian"
I covered the Tribune Company's annual shareholder meeting yesterday and apparently, he cares.
What he was really there to do was bitch about how there isn't enough diversity in the company. He got up three freaking times to say the same thing over and over and over and over.
Does anyone still listen to this guy anymore? I thought it had long been proved what a crook, bigot, hypocrite and shakedown artist this guy is!
And of course, the Tribune devoted half of their article to his complaining. Why does he even get press anymore?
Like we didn't know what he would say before he opened his mouth!
Audio: Frog Eyes "Tears of the Valedictorian"
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Stephen King has some damn good taste in music.
Last year, King declared his favorite song of the year "I Summon You" by Spoon. Good start.
Today, it comes out that King wrote the Amazon album review for ...... Ryan Adams' new album, Easy Tiger!!!
King says, "I won't say Adams is the best North American singer-songwriter since Neil Young...but I won't say he isn't, either."
Pitchfork confirmed the review and published the rest of King's writing on Adams here. Apparently, they had quite the converstation.
Well Mr. King, I'll say it. Ryan Adams is the best.
Audio: Blood Brothers "Young Machetes"
Last year, King declared his favorite song of the year "I Summon You" by Spoon. Good start.
Today, it comes out that King wrote the Amazon album review for ...... Ryan Adams' new album, Easy Tiger!!!
King says, "I won't say Adams is the best North American singer-songwriter since Neil Young...but I won't say he isn't, either."
Pitchfork confirmed the review and published the rest of King's writing on Adams here. Apparently, they had quite the converstation.
Well Mr. King, I'll say it. Ryan Adams is the best.
Audio: Blood Brothers "Young Machetes"
Monday, May 7, 2007
About the fight... It was pretty much what we all expected.
It was going to come down to 2 outcomes.. 1) Mayweather on points 2) De La Hoya on KO
The fact that Mayweather was favored almost 2 to 1 gives you a clue on what the likely outcome was.
I feel bad for Oscar, though. I found myself wanting him to nail Mayweather, but he was just outclassed this time.
Mayweather was just too fast and too young.
Audio: Broken Social Scene "Self-Titled"
It was going to come down to 2 outcomes.. 1) Mayweather on points 2) De La Hoya on KO
The fact that Mayweather was favored almost 2 to 1 gives you a clue on what the likely outcome was.
I feel bad for Oscar, though. I found myself wanting him to nail Mayweather, but he was just outclassed this time.
Mayweather was just too fast and too young.
Audio: Broken Social Scene "Self-Titled"
Thursday, May 3, 2007
There's an interesting story in today's Sun-Times about how the Obama camp had to reclaim their "official" MySpace page from the guy that created it.
I'm 100 percent positive that this doesn't mean anything about social-networking, politics, any mix of the aforementioned, or any other sociological concept.
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Audio: Devo "Q. Are We Not Men? A. We Are Devo"
I'm 100 percent positive that this doesn't mean anything about social-networking, politics, any mix of the aforementioned, or any other sociological concept.
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Audio: Devo "Q. Are We Not Men? A. We Are Devo"
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
My blood is beginning to sizzle over the De La Hoya vs. Mayweather Jr. fight this Saturday.
I'm calling it the fight of the decade... I haven't been this excited for a fight in a long while. The biggest boxing fan I know, MY MOM, will be watching from a few hundred miles away as well.
I honestly couldn't pick a winner. Same styles, same speed, same technicality, same chin... it will come down to heart--definitely a cliche, but it's true in this one.
De La Hoya has shown heart in the past, but also gotten cocky and had his clock cleaned. I'm not sure that Mayweather has faced anyone like De La Hoya before. He brings a persona to the ring bigger than the city he fights in.
Ultimately, I am 51 percent rooting for Mayweather. He is just as good a boxer as De La Hoya ever was, but will never have the celebrity. It would be the crowning achievment in his career and he could retire on top (which he said he would do after this fight).
Where will you be watching?
I'm calling it the fight of the decade... I haven't been this excited for a fight in a long while. The biggest boxing fan I know, MY MOM, will be watching from a few hundred miles away as well.
I honestly couldn't pick a winner. Same styles, same speed, same technicality, same chin... it will come down to heart--definitely a cliche, but it's true in this one.
De La Hoya has shown heart in the past, but also gotten cocky and had his clock cleaned. I'm not sure that Mayweather has faced anyone like De La Hoya before. He brings a persona to the ring bigger than the city he fights in.
Ultimately, I am 51 percent rooting for Mayweather. He is just as good a boxer as De La Hoya ever was, but will never have the celebrity. It would be the crowning achievment in his career and he could retire on top (which he said he would do after this fight).
Where will you be watching?
The Sun-Times examines the relationship between Barack Obama and human-stain Tony Rezko here.
Audio: The Dillinger Escape Plan "Calculating Infinity"
Audio: The Dillinger Escape Plan "Calculating Infinity"
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Today in Grant Park an expected 5,000 people will march to end immigration raids/deportations and gain legalization for the 12 million illegals in the U.S.
I'm reminded of an immigrant I spoke with in a McDonald's in Washington, D.C. I wanted to talk with him about health care, but he told me that he was illegal and that his family was back home in Mexico.
We both boarded the nearby train and he sat two seats in front of me. I watched him stare out of the window and I wondered if he was thinking of his family at that very moment. Was he missing them? Was he thinking about a daughter's birthday party? A son's first soccer ball? A dinner with his family?
I was immediately struck by something that hadn't really occured to me before... courage. Could you imagine leaving your home and country, saying goodbye to the people you love, missing a life with your loved ones, just to earn money and support your family?
I can't. I don't know if I'd have the courage to leave everything behind just to give my family a better life -- risking life and limb to come to this country and work a low-paying job that some teenager would laugh at... simply for my family.
Audio: El-P "Fantastic Damage"
I'm reminded of an immigrant I spoke with in a McDonald's in Washington, D.C. I wanted to talk with him about health care, but he told me that he was illegal and that his family was back home in Mexico.
We both boarded the nearby train and he sat two seats in front of me. I watched him stare out of the window and I wondered if he was thinking of his family at that very moment. Was he missing them? Was he thinking about a daughter's birthday party? A son's first soccer ball? A dinner with his family?
I was immediately struck by something that hadn't really occured to me before... courage. Could you imagine leaving your home and country, saying goodbye to the people you love, missing a life with your loved ones, just to earn money and support your family?
I can't. I don't know if I'd have the courage to leave everything behind just to give my family a better life -- risking life and limb to come to this country and work a low-paying job that some teenager would laugh at... simply for my family.
Audio: El-P "Fantastic Damage"
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Is Broken Social Scene our generation's Fleetwood Mac?
Multiple songwriters and singers, both male and female, anthem to a ballad on the turn of a dime, acoustic to grandiose, the feeling of a collective more than a band....
It took Fleetwood Mac eight years to reach their commercial breakthrough, will we be hearing BSS on commercials soon? An MTV Unplugged special in their future? Will Feist's "One Evening" stack up to Nick's "Landslide" in five years?
I think I could make a pretty good case for this.
Multiple songwriters and singers, both male and female, anthem to a ballad on the turn of a dime, acoustic to grandiose, the feeling of a collective more than a band....
It took Fleetwood Mac eight years to reach their commercial breakthrough, will we be hearing BSS on commercials soon? An MTV Unplugged special in their future? Will Feist's "One Evening" stack up to Nick's "Landslide" in five years?
I think I could make a pretty good case for this.
Friday, April 27, 2007
More proof that watching our Federal Government can be the most frustrating thing on Earth...
In two New York Times articles today, the extreme stupidity and lack of forsight in Washington is evident.
From Carl Hulse's article, "The Senate on Thursday sent President Bush a $124 billion war spending measure that he has promised to veto, forcing Democrats to begin confronting the difficult question of what to do after the president acts.
"Lawmakers and senior Democratic aides in the House and Senate acknowledge that there is no consensus among the party’s leadership on how to respond legislatively to the veto..."
So the Democratic party is ONLY JUST NOW thinking about what to do next. The president has been vowing to veto any legislation that even looks like this since the Democrats took over Congress!!!
Do I need to explain why this is absolutely asinine.
From Michael Luo's article, "The Justice Department proposed legislation on Thursday that would give the attorney general discretion to bar terrorism suspects from buying firearms, seeking to close a gap in federal gun laws.
"The measure...would give the attorney general authority to deny a firearm purchase if the buyer was found 'to be or have been engaged in conduct constituting, in preparation for, in aid of, or related to terrorism.'"
You mean to tell me that we don't have a law for this already? Especially after the fear mongering following September 11th?
Who exactly is running this country and how did they get there?
Audio: Beep Beep "Business Casual"
In two New York Times articles today, the extreme stupidity and lack of forsight in Washington is evident.
From Carl Hulse's article, "The Senate on Thursday sent President Bush a $124 billion war spending measure that he has promised to veto, forcing Democrats to begin confronting the difficult question of what to do after the president acts.
"Lawmakers and senior Democratic aides in the House and Senate acknowledge that there is no consensus among the party’s leadership on how to respond legislatively to the veto..."
So the Democratic party is ONLY JUST NOW thinking about what to do next. The president has been vowing to veto any legislation that even looks like this since the Democrats took over Congress!!!
Do I need to explain why this is absolutely asinine.
From Michael Luo's article, "The Justice Department proposed legislation on Thursday that would give the attorney general discretion to bar terrorism suspects from buying firearms, seeking to close a gap in federal gun laws.
"The measure...would give the attorney general authority to deny a firearm purchase if the buyer was found 'to be or have been engaged in conduct constituting, in preparation for, in aid of, or related to terrorism.'"
You mean to tell me that we don't have a law for this already? Especially after the fear mongering following September 11th?
Who exactly is running this country and how did they get there?
Audio: Beep Beep "Business Casual"
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
The Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times are laying off a load of human beings. To quote an anonymous source, "They're dressing themselves up to be sold."
Audio: The fancy new music player to the right ---------------->
Audio: The fancy new music player to the right ---------------->
Billionaires Bill Gates and Eli Broad are joining forces to pump $60 million into a political effort that aims to bring EDUCATION to the top of the issues list in the 2008 elections.
Experts say that this will be the most money ever spent on a single-issue initiative.
Bill Gates, as unsavory a person he is, has been campaigning (pun intended) for a long-needed overhaul of the education system, and he's really upped the stakes with this move.
I'm EXTREMELY interested to see if this produces any results. We all have known for a long time that politics, and especially the campaign process, is driven by money. Let's see what big money can do for a worthy cause.
Audio: The French Kicks "Two Thousand"
Experts say that this will be the most money ever spent on a single-issue initiative.
Bill Gates, as unsavory a person he is, has been campaigning (pun intended) for a long-needed overhaul of the education system, and he's really upped the stakes with this move.
I'm EXTREMELY interested to see if this produces any results. We all have known for a long time that politics, and especially the campaign process, is driven by money. Let's see what big money can do for a worthy cause.
Audio: The French Kicks "Two Thousand"
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Some good old Chicago corruption... here.
It seems taxpayers have lost $5.7 million this time - thanks Daley and Rezko!
"The leaves may change but the roots stay the same."
Audio: Cave In "Until Your Heart Stops"
It seems taxpayers have lost $5.7 million this time - thanks Daley and Rezko!
"The leaves may change but the roots stay the same."
Audio: Cave In "Until Your Heart Stops"
Friday, April 20, 2007
THIS JUST IN !!!!!!!
ORCHESTRAL MANEUVERS IN THE PARK
Metro and The Decemberists have had a lot of fun over the years, from their first time here in June of 2004 to their two nights with us in October of 2005. The band then took it up another notch, this week in fact, with two nights at the Riviera Theatre. Metro is now proud to announce the band's next Chicago performance and a celebration of the club's 25th anniversary. Join us at 6:30PM on Wednesday, July 18 as The Decemberists perform with the the Grammy-nominated, 82-member Grant Park Symphony Orchestra at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in downtown Chicago's Millennium Park. All ages are welcome and the event is FREE TO THE PUBLIC. This unique Grant Park Music Festival performance will feature brand-new orchestral arrangements of The Decemberists’ songs, arranged and conducted by Sean O’Loughlin, a fresh voice and a rising name in the music industry. While months away, this is very exciting news and we hope to see you come July 18.
ORCHESTRAL MANEUVERS IN THE PARK
Metro and The Decemberists have had a lot of fun over the years, from their first time here in June of 2004 to their two nights with us in October of 2005. The band then took it up another notch, this week in fact, with two nights at the Riviera Theatre. Metro is now proud to announce the band's next Chicago performance and a celebration of the club's 25th anniversary. Join us at 6:30PM on Wednesday, July 18 as The Decemberists perform with the the Grammy-nominated, 82-member Grant Park Symphony Orchestra at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in downtown Chicago's Millennium Park. All ages are welcome and the event is FREE TO THE PUBLIC. This unique Grant Park Music Festival performance will feature brand-new orchestral arrangements of The Decemberists’ songs, arranged and conducted by Sean O’Loughlin, a fresh voice and a rising name in the music industry. While months away, this is very exciting news and we hope to see you come July 18.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
I recently had the pleasure to work on a mini-documentary in D.C. on the uninsured in this country. Astoundingly, there are 14 million people between the ages of 19-29 that don't have insurance.... twice the percentage of those younger and older than these ages.
One of the experts featured in my piece was a state legislator from Maryland named Heather Mizuer. I spoke with her b/c she had introduced a bill in the state to force insurance companies to insure young adults up to age 25, rather than booting them off there parents' plans when they turn 19.
Well today I received this message from her....
"Best of all, I have great news to report… my bill passed the legislature this session and will be signed into law by the Governor! The law, HB 1057, would require health insurers to allow young adults up to age 25 to remain on a family health plan."
Congratulations Del. Mizeur, you made a difference. And best of all, she's a brand new legislator, already making a difference.
This should be a call to other politicians that it is possible to make some headway on an issue you care about. Del. Mizeur cared about this issue and got the law passed.
Because of her actions, some 21 year-old kid won't be saddled with medical bills for 10 years over something as simple as a broken leg... because that's exactly what happened to me.
Audio: Modest Mouse "This Is a Long Drive For Someone With Nothing to Think About"
One of the experts featured in my piece was a state legislator from Maryland named Heather Mizuer. I spoke with her b/c she had introduced a bill in the state to force insurance companies to insure young adults up to age 25, rather than booting them off there parents' plans when they turn 19.
Well today I received this message from her....
"Best of all, I have great news to report… my bill passed the legislature this session and will be signed into law by the Governor! The law, HB 1057, would require health insurers to allow young adults up to age 25 to remain on a family health plan."
Congratulations Del. Mizeur, you made a difference. And best of all, she's a brand new legislator, already making a difference.
This should be a call to other politicians that it is possible to make some headway on an issue you care about. Del. Mizeur cared about this issue and got the law passed.
Because of her actions, some 21 year-old kid won't be saddled with medical bills for 10 years over something as simple as a broken leg... because that's exactly what happened to me.
Audio: Modest Mouse "This Is a Long Drive For Someone With Nothing to Think About"
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
So I got to thinking... You know in the world wars how the soldiers would have that one picture of the woman they loved? It would be inside a locket or tucked in a special place in the uniform. It was the picture they stared at everynight; the thing that brought them peace and a good night's sleep. The personification of beauty and love in one photo....
So I got thinking... What if it had been a "bad picture?"
... like the light hit her face wrong, or the angle highlighted a nearly nonexistent bump in her nose. What if the cut of her shirt misrepresented the curve of her body? What then?
What then?
Audio: !!! "Myth Takes"
So I got thinking... What if it had been a "bad picture?"
... like the light hit her face wrong, or the angle highlighted a nearly nonexistent bump in her nose. What if the cut of her shirt misrepresented the curve of her body? What then?
What then?
Audio: !!! "Myth Takes"
I'm just simply horrified by the shootings at Virgina Tech. What could you even say?
And if you didn't think we were screwed enough in Iraq already, Moktada al-Sadr has pulled six of his Shiite ministers from the Iraqi cabinet. Can you feel the ground giving way? Full collapse seems imminent.
Ornette Coleman won the Pulitzer Prize for music. I'm not sure what that means, but probably something about how jazz is the new classical, etc... It only seems about 50 years too late. I would probably give a Pulitzer to Ryan Adams, just to piss off the haters.
I saw Blonde Redhead at the Metro Saturday. It was nice, but not amazing. They pretty much played only new stuff, much slower and ethereal. Good for record, not for live. I really wanted to hear some stuff from "La Mia Vita Violenta" or "Fake Can Be Just as Good."
On a better note, I visited Wrigley Field for my first day game. Cubs are pretty pathetic as always, but the field and weather were beautiful. We managed to score tickets outside the stadium for a mere $10. In a strange occurence, a foul ball headed our way and all three of the people I was with, including me, touched it, but didn't manage to snag it. Next time.
Audio: DJ Cam "Mad Blunted Jazz"
And if you didn't think we were screwed enough in Iraq already, Moktada al-Sadr has pulled six of his Shiite ministers from the Iraqi cabinet. Can you feel the ground giving way? Full collapse seems imminent.
Ornette Coleman won the Pulitzer Prize for music. I'm not sure what that means, but probably something about how jazz is the new classical, etc... It only seems about 50 years too late. I would probably give a Pulitzer to Ryan Adams, just to piss off the haters.
I saw Blonde Redhead at the Metro Saturday. It was nice, but not amazing. They pretty much played only new stuff, much slower and ethereal. Good for record, not for live. I really wanted to hear some stuff from "La Mia Vita Violenta" or "Fake Can Be Just as Good."
On a better note, I visited Wrigley Field for my first day game. Cubs are pretty pathetic as always, but the field and weather were beautiful. We managed to score tickets outside the stadium for a mere $10. In a strange occurence, a foul ball headed our way and all three of the people I was with, including me, touched it, but didn't manage to snag it. Next time.
Audio: DJ Cam "Mad Blunted Jazz"
Monday, April 16, 2007
Chicago won the U.S. bid for the Olympics yesterday. This means that we'll be competing for the next two years with several other cities, like Madrid and Tokyo, to get the games for 2016.
All this competing for the games, first at home and now abroad, is a lot like being in the Olympics itself. It takes years of preparation, planning, training, sponsors, etc... etc.... just to get to the games. Chicago just won nationals and is heading to an olympic games of its own.
I'm going to get tickets to the decatholon before they sell out!!! (Like the upcoming Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire shows, damnit!) I heard there's a 10 year-old kid in Decatur who can run the 40-yard dash in 28.2 seconds!!!
In other news, there has been a rash of random nosebleeds in Chicago lately. First, my professor Joe got a nosebleed in class (I'm a graduate journalism student at Northwestern); he said he hadn't had one in a long time. Then, today on the train, my nose starts bleeding out of nowhere. I make to class and my classmate Clay tells me that he had a random nosebleed last week, also.
What could be causing this gaunt rash of random, seemingly-harmless, potentially-shirt-ruining, nose-bleedery?
What if I had been wearing white?
Audio: The Rapture "Echoes"
All this competing for the games, first at home and now abroad, is a lot like being in the Olympics itself. It takes years of preparation, planning, training, sponsors, etc... etc.... just to get to the games. Chicago just won nationals and is heading to an olympic games of its own.
I'm going to get tickets to the decatholon before they sell out!!! (Like the upcoming Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire shows, damnit!) I heard there's a 10 year-old kid in Decatur who can run the 40-yard dash in 28.2 seconds!!!
In other news, there has been a rash of random nosebleeds in Chicago lately. First, my professor Joe got a nosebleed in class (I'm a graduate journalism student at Northwestern); he said he hadn't had one in a long time. Then, today on the train, my nose starts bleeding out of nowhere. I make to class and my classmate Clay tells me that he had a random nosebleed last week, also.
What could be causing this gaunt rash of random, seemingly-harmless, potentially-shirt-ruining, nose-bleedery?
What if I had been wearing white?
Audio: The Rapture "Echoes"
Thursday, April 12, 2007
I came to the realization tonight that each Beck album could represent my life from middle school through graduate school. If I wanted it to, it could go something like this.....
Beck: Mellow Gold - I was in 7/8th grade when "Loser" hit MTV and my cd player like a ton of bricks. I remember watching America's Most Wanted and Alternative nation and everday the clips of him dancing in the graveyard and walking down the surfboard in hand--it seemed to define that summer. Also some of the lyrics had cusswords and being in 8th grade it was now fun to quote the "curse lyrics" with my friends.
Beck: Odelay - Just like 9th and 10th grade... Having a social life for the first time, just like Beck seemed to be having for the first time as well. "Where It's At" and "Devils Haircut" were the soundtracks to my first cool parties, and first few beers. It was fun and quirky and a mix between the Beastie Boys and Nirvana.
Beck: Mutations - Beck was going through some changes and so was I. First love, thinking about college-this was senior year, by the way-you know, getting serious about life. Starting to use my brain for the first time. Beck was developing song-writing skills, real lyrics and real instruments. He was starting to become a "recording artist."
Beck: Midnight Vultures - This was a sexy time for Beck. Prince-influenced, funky, experimental, but skilled. We still knew where he was coming from. It's like being educated and young for the first time. This is college.
Beck: "Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime" - From the Eternal Sunshine soundtrack. That song and movie together defined the hardest breakup of my life, both independently and simultaneously. That was synergy on a tri-level.
Beck: Sea Change - Sea Change was getting serious again. Beck brought it back to some instruments, real songs again. Recording artist things... but better. This was graduating from college, getting into grad school. Thinking clearly. Feeling a little free again--falling in love again. But, Like Sea Change, calculated, smart, and honest.
Beck: Guero - Moving to Chicago, or Chicago summer 1. Best time of my life. Guero is a fun record. A record for having a few beers and a cigarette. Meeting up with old friends to have that drink in the bar you wanted so desperately to go to when you were 16, are now finally of age to get into. Hell Yes might be the "coolest" song of the last few years... James Dean cool.
Beck: The Information - Possibly the best Beck album. Rhythm and melody stripped to badassness. This is a freedom record, freedom to finally, finally get where you want to go. "1000 bpm" is the most badass song Beck ever recorded. It's the hip hop record we all wanted to hear from him, but not really hip hop. He had to use some melodies, instruments and electro and drum sectioning. Wait, that's why it is the best ever. Hip hop, like the walks through urban D.C. I was taking everyday while studying in our glorious nation's capital. You need something to give you a curled lip when your'e walking in the swamps. Both intellectually and morally.
But you know, the irony is that I'm not really even that much of a Beck fan. There are some people out there that really love him. The thing is, you don't really seek out Beck records. They always find you somehow. I heard their selling The Information in Starbucks now. I hope that doesn't say anything about the current phase of my life...
Audio: Beck - Everything
Beck: Mellow Gold - I was in 7/8th grade when "Loser" hit MTV and my cd player like a ton of bricks. I remember watching America's Most Wanted and Alternative nation and everday the clips of him dancing in the graveyard and walking down the surfboard in hand--it seemed to define that summer. Also some of the lyrics had cusswords and being in 8th grade it was now fun to quote the "curse lyrics" with my friends.
Beck: Odelay - Just like 9th and 10th grade... Having a social life for the first time, just like Beck seemed to be having for the first time as well. "Where It's At" and "Devils Haircut" were the soundtracks to my first cool parties, and first few beers. It was fun and quirky and a mix between the Beastie Boys and Nirvana.
Beck: Mutations - Beck was going through some changes and so was I. First love, thinking about college-this was senior year, by the way-you know, getting serious about life. Starting to use my brain for the first time. Beck was developing song-writing skills, real lyrics and real instruments. He was starting to become a "recording artist."
Beck: Midnight Vultures - This was a sexy time for Beck. Prince-influenced, funky, experimental, but skilled. We still knew where he was coming from. It's like being educated and young for the first time. This is college.
Beck: "Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime" - From the Eternal Sunshine soundtrack. That song and movie together defined the hardest breakup of my life, both independently and simultaneously. That was synergy on a tri-level.
Beck: Sea Change - Sea Change was getting serious again. Beck brought it back to some instruments, real songs again. Recording artist things... but better. This was graduating from college, getting into grad school. Thinking clearly. Feeling a little free again--falling in love again. But, Like Sea Change, calculated, smart, and honest.
Beck: Guero - Moving to Chicago, or Chicago summer 1. Best time of my life. Guero is a fun record. A record for having a few beers and a cigarette. Meeting up with old friends to have that drink in the bar you wanted so desperately to go to when you were 16, are now finally of age to get into. Hell Yes might be the "coolest" song of the last few years... James Dean cool.
Beck: The Information - Possibly the best Beck album. Rhythm and melody stripped to badassness. This is a freedom record, freedom to finally, finally get where you want to go. "1000 bpm" is the most badass song Beck ever recorded. It's the hip hop record we all wanted to hear from him, but not really hip hop. He had to use some melodies, instruments and electro and drum sectioning. Wait, that's why it is the best ever. Hip hop, like the walks through urban D.C. I was taking everyday while studying in our glorious nation's capital. You need something to give you a curled lip when your'e walking in the swamps. Both intellectually and morally.
But you know, the irony is that I'm not really even that much of a Beck fan. There are some people out there that really love him. The thing is, you don't really seek out Beck records. They always find you somehow. I heard their selling The Information in Starbucks now. I hope that doesn't say anything about the current phase of my life...
Audio: Beck - Everything
Investment advice from my best friend in the world, Phillip Antley...
"The best way is to open up a Roth IRA, which directly invests into mutual funds. It's technically a retirement account, but after 5 years a Roth allows you to make "qualified disbursements", or penality free withdrawls for certain things such as the downpayment for your first home, college tuition, medical expenses, etc. You could open it and put in what you normally would for your retirement, but also put in the extra for your house downpayment...mutual funds have been earning about 12% over the past 50 yrs...not a bad return....Toni and I both have one, you can open them for as little as $50 I think. Even if you don't plan on buying a house, you need to get one and start saving now for your future."
Audio: French Kicks "Two Thousand"
"The best way is to open up a Roth IRA, which directly invests into mutual funds. It's technically a retirement account, but after 5 years a Roth allows you to make "qualified disbursements", or penality free withdrawls for certain things such as the downpayment for your first home, college tuition, medical expenses, etc. You could open it and put in what you normally would for your retirement, but also put in the extra for your house downpayment...mutual funds have been earning about 12% over the past 50 yrs...not a bad return....Toni and I both have one, you can open them for as little as $50 I think. Even if you don't plan on buying a house, you need to get one and start saving now for your future."
Audio: French Kicks "Two Thousand"
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
The journalist in me played a little trick on my friend... I interviewed her without her knowing it. It was a phone conversation and I had my laptop out, and kind of started taking notes.
My friend has a MySpace account and I asked her what she thought about MySpace these days and if it had changed. These are the shorthand notes, as taken, non-edited.......
"it's like a high school class reunion 24 hours a day... they get ready and look their best for the pictures..... it's a way to check up on everyone without contacting them... if you want to see someone from high school but not want to talk to them... these are people you wouldn't call, but want to see where they live, what they look like... it's like a chance for everyone to show off and the whole world is looking at it...."
..BUT, she still loves and uses her MySpace Account almost everyday....... and this is why I think she is very cool.
Audio: DJ Krush "Stepping Stones - Lyricism"
My friend has a MySpace account and I asked her what she thought about MySpace these days and if it had changed. These are the shorthand notes, as taken, non-edited.......
"it's like a high school class reunion 24 hours a day... they get ready and look their best for the pictures..... it's a way to check up on everyone without contacting them... if you want to see someone from high school but not want to talk to them... these are people you wouldn't call, but want to see where they live, what they look like... it's like a chance for everyone to show off and the whole world is looking at it...."
..BUT, she still loves and uses her MySpace Account almost everyday....... and this is why I think she is very cool.
Audio: DJ Krush "Stepping Stones - Lyricism"
Saturday, April 7, 2007
...Went to see Jedi Mind Tricks last night at Subterranean. The show was pretty good and I was surprised at the quality of the venue's sound system.
Upcoming Shows in Chicago
VHS or Beta, April 12
Blonde Redhead, April 14
Mr. Lif, April 14
Decemberists, April 18-19
RJD2, Busdriver, April 20
The Walkmen, April 20
Modest Mouse, April 22
Ben Gibbard, May 4
LCD Soundsystem, May 6
Cocorosie, May 12
Cursive, Against Me, May 12
Dick Dale, May 14
Arcade Fire, May 18-20
Frog Eyes, May 27
And that's just what I've narrowed it down to... I don't think I can afford all this..... I love Chicago.
Audio: Chad VanGaalen "Skelliconnection"
Upcoming Shows in Chicago
VHS or Beta, April 12
Blonde Redhead, April 14
Mr. Lif, April 14
Decemberists, April 18-19
RJD2, Busdriver, April 20
The Walkmen, April 20
Modest Mouse, April 22
Ben Gibbard, May 4
LCD Soundsystem, May 6
Cocorosie, May 12
Cursive, Against Me, May 12
Dick Dale, May 14
Arcade Fire, May 18-20
Frog Eyes, May 27
And that's just what I've narrowed it down to... I don't think I can afford all this..... I love Chicago.
Audio: Chad VanGaalen "Skelliconnection"
Friday, April 6, 2007
Here is a hilarious video of Bill O'Reilly and Geraldo Rivera screaming at each other on that disgrace of a channel Fox News.
Audio: GZA "Liquid Swords"
Audio: GZA "Liquid Swords"
Thursday, April 5, 2007
The hardest part of living in Chicago, and there aren't too many, is that there's no Yuengling.
According to the company, "As a United States brewer, Yuengling is only allowed to ship to our assigned distributors. Due to various State and Federal laws, we are not permitted to ship beer directly to retailers and consumers."
I think there comes a time in a man's life when he must choose a beer to call his own. Damn, I miss it.
Audio: Def Jux and Adult Swim "Definitive Swim"
According to the company, "As a United States brewer, Yuengling is only allowed to ship to our assigned distributors. Due to various State and Federal laws, we are not permitted to ship beer directly to retailers and consumers."
I think there comes a time in a man's life when he must choose a beer to call his own. Damn, I miss it.
Audio: Def Jux and Adult Swim "Definitive Swim"
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Tribune... sold to Zell.
The future is safe... for now.
EMI has agreed to sell songs on iTunes, DRM-free. Hoorah!
This really wasn't a suprise, after all, it made the most sense. What's interesting, however, is that they will be selling the songs without DRM for 30 cents more--also at a higher quality.
Audio: Air "Pocket Symphony"
The future is safe... for now.
EMI has agreed to sell songs on iTunes, DRM-free. Hoorah!
This really wasn't a suprise, after all, it made the most sense. What's interesting, however, is that they will be selling the songs without DRM for 30 cents more--also at a higher quality.
Audio: Air "Pocket Symphony"
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Dreary Sunday Album Mix
Chad Van Gaalen - "Infiniheart" & "Skelliconnection"
Sam Prekop - "Whose Your New Professor?"
Tha One Up Downstairs - "Self-Titled"
Mineral - "End Serenading"
Ugly Casanova - "Sharpen Your Teeth"
Aloha - "That's Your Fire" & "The Great Communicators"
American Footbal - "Self-Titled"
The Walkmen - "Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone"
Modest Mouse - "Everywhere and His Nasty Parlour Tricks" & "This is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About"
*Put the albums in a playlist and shuffle through all of the songs together.
Chad Van Gaalen - "Infiniheart" & "Skelliconnection"
Sam Prekop - "Whose Your New Professor?"
Tha One Up Downstairs - "Self-Titled"
Mineral - "End Serenading"
Ugly Casanova - "Sharpen Your Teeth"
Aloha - "That's Your Fire" & "The Great Communicators"
American Footbal - "Self-Titled"
The Walkmen - "Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone"
Modest Mouse - "Everywhere and His Nasty Parlour Tricks" & "This is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About"
*Put the albums in a playlist and shuffle through all of the songs together.
Interesting articles in the New York Times this weekend...
Apparently, Hillary Clinton and Co. are scared of Obama. Concerned about the amount of money the Chicagoan has raised, Hillary brought in the big guns -- Mr. Clinton and... wait for it... Timbaland.
Secondly, the Bush administration has said they will "strenuously resist" any Democratic plans to expand the Childrens' Health Insurance Program. They are arguing that it was originally intended for low-income children, but now the program is out of control, covering 45 percent of kids. They also say Democrats only want to expand the program to start the slippery slope towards universal health care.
Well Good! There are a number of experts that say a move toward universal health care would be easier based on the framework that SCHIP and Medicare/Medicaid provide. Essentially, these programs only need be expanded upon to provide health care for the rest of us.
And this still ignores the biggest health care issue in the U.S. -- those aged 19-29 are twice as likely (at 30 percent) to be uninsured than those both older and younger. Elevating the eligibility age of programs like SCHIP could take a large chunk out of the 14 million uninsured young adults in this age group.
Bring on the slippery slope.
Audio: Ugly Casanova "Sharpen Your Teeth"
Apparently, Hillary Clinton and Co. are scared of Obama. Concerned about the amount of money the Chicagoan has raised, Hillary brought in the big guns -- Mr. Clinton and... wait for it... Timbaland.
Secondly, the Bush administration has said they will "strenuously resist" any Democratic plans to expand the Childrens' Health Insurance Program. They are arguing that it was originally intended for low-income children, but now the program is out of control, covering 45 percent of kids. They also say Democrats only want to expand the program to start the slippery slope towards universal health care.
Well Good! There are a number of experts that say a move toward universal health care would be easier based on the framework that SCHIP and Medicare/Medicaid provide. Essentially, these programs only need be expanded upon to provide health care for the rest of us.
And this still ignores the biggest health care issue in the U.S. -- those aged 19-29 are twice as likely (at 30 percent) to be uninsured than those both older and younger. Elevating the eligibility age of programs like SCHIP could take a large chunk out of the 14 million uninsured young adults in this age group.
Bring on the slippery slope.
Audio: Ugly Casanova "Sharpen Your Teeth"
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Props to the Sun-Times for their headline
CTA "Hell" To Begin Monday. Because that's
just what it is... Hell.
When I recently returned to Chicago, I thought the move down from four tracks to three on the Red Line (w/ brown and purple) had already happened. It took 45 minutes to go from Granville to Belmont! Then I found at shortly thereafter that the downscaling hadn't even happened yet. It will be Hell, I'm going to go ahead and GUARANTEE it.
The buses are a little faster, but crowded, stinky, the seats are starting to hurt my ass, and they're always late.
You know, I hated the DC metro when I was living there--ugly orange/beige scheme, stops like when an elavator slams up too hard, and most of it in concrete tunnels...... at least in Chicago you could have a view, feel like you're in your city--but now, those much quicker and more reliable commutes are starting to look good.
Audio: DJ Krush "Holonic: The Self Megamix"
CTA "Hell" To Begin Monday. Because that's
just what it is... Hell.
When I recently returned to Chicago, I thought the move down from four tracks to three on the Red Line (w/ brown and purple) had already happened. It took 45 minutes to go from Granville to Belmont! Then I found at shortly thereafter that the downscaling hadn't even happened yet. It will be Hell, I'm going to go ahead and GUARANTEE it.
The buses are a little faster, but crowded, stinky, the seats are starting to hurt my ass, and they're always late.
You know, I hated the DC metro when I was living there--ugly orange/beige scheme, stops like when an elavator slams up too hard, and most of it in concrete tunnels...... at least in Chicago you could have a view, feel like you're in your city--but now, those much quicker and more reliable commutes are starting to look good.
Audio: DJ Krush "Holonic: The Self Megamix"
Howard Stern is going after American Idol. He says he wants to derail the entire show and reveal it for the farce that it is by getting people to vote for Malakar, who he deems the worst.
I on the other hand have deduced the equation for winning American Idol...
(akward geekiness)(looks) - singing ability/simon cowell + the whims of 13 year old girls = american idol winner
Audio: Digable Planets "Reachin A New Refutation of Time and Space"
I on the other hand have deduced the equation for winning American Idol...
(akward geekiness)(looks) - singing ability/simon cowell + the whims of 13 year old girls = american idol winner
Audio: Digable Planets "Reachin A New Refutation of Time and Space"
Friday, March 30, 2007
Looks like Sam Zell may not be buying Tribune Co. after all.
In an eBayish twist, a few Los Angeles billionaires have raised him a dollar per share.
Zell, who said he is "intrigued by innefficient markets" may be a better match for the paper, though. He just might be the shot in the arm the failing business needs.
Audio: LCD Soundsystem "Sound of Silver"
In an eBayish twist, a few Los Angeles billionaires have raised him a dollar per share.
Zell, who said he is "intrigued by innefficient markets" may be a better match for the paper, though. He just might be the shot in the arm the failing business needs.
Audio: LCD Soundsystem "Sound of Silver"
So it's getting very frustrating trying to find vinyl these days.
I don't know if it's because so many indie acts have jumped to major labels, but vinyl records don't seem to be a priority for many bands. If they come out at all, it is months after the relase date. This goes for traditional vinyl genres like hip hop also.
Vinyls I couldn't find this week.................
Modest Mouse "We Were Dead.."
LCD Soundsystem "Sound of Silver"
Clipse "Hell Hath No Fury"
Arcade Fire "Neon Bible"
Cannibal Ox "Cold Vein"
Aesop Rock "Appleseed"
DJ Cam "Mad Blunted Jazz"
Hot Chip "The Warning"
That included stops to Reckless (both locations), Gramaphone, Dr. Wax and Virgin.
Audio: The Walkmen "Pussy Cats"
I don't know if it's because so many indie acts have jumped to major labels, but vinyl records don't seem to be a priority for many bands. If they come out at all, it is months after the relase date. This goes for traditional vinyl genres like hip hop also.
Vinyls I couldn't find this week.................
Modest Mouse "We Were Dead.."
LCD Soundsystem "Sound of Silver"
Clipse "Hell Hath No Fury"
Arcade Fire "Neon Bible"
Cannibal Ox "Cold Vein"
Aesop Rock "Appleseed"
DJ Cam "Mad Blunted Jazz"
Hot Chip "The Warning"
That included stops to Reckless (both locations), Gramaphone, Dr. Wax and Virgin.
Audio: The Walkmen "Pussy Cats"
Thursday, March 29, 2007
I've decided that if I had to lose one sense, it couln't be smell.
It's not because I need to be warned of fire or inhale those great cooking smells...
It's because I can't pour a drink without smelling the glass first.
I must of had a traumatic souring accident when I was young.
Audio: Company Flow "Funcrusher Plus"
It's not because I need to be warned of fire or inhale those great cooking smells...
It's because I can't pour a drink without smelling the glass first.
I must of had a traumatic souring accident when I was young.
Audio: Company Flow "Funcrusher Plus"
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