Maria Full Of Grace

http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/03/30/drug.tombstone.ap/
They must get LOST in Mexico.
-pd

the OBD (original blast door)

Raise your hand if you like blacklights and Latin sayings. It's just like one of those liberal east coast colleges I've read so much about.

?

Judy Garland, Oliver Stone, and more...

Mark your calendar:
30 March 2006: Heidi's 12th Birthday
31 March 2006: Transfer Day, commemorating the transfer of the Danish VirGin Islands to the Americans. In your face Denmark. Is there any land that you didn't own and give away for no reason? Let's celebrate by drinking gin, eating danishs, drawing amusing caricatures of religious figures, and then, sacrificing vir gins to them.
01 April 2006: Owen's 2nd Birthday
01 April 2006: May Day
02 April 2006: Day Lights Savings Time Starts or ends. I can never keep that straight. All I know is I got to get up earlier on Monday.
02 April 2006: DC United beats Red Bull New York in their season opener. Miss the first hour of the game because clocks are set wrong.
03 April 2006: Make sure I get up at the right time.

According to Warner Independent Pictures, Richard Linklater's film adaptation of the Philip K. Dick sci-fi novel 'A Scanner Darkly,' will feature music by Radiohead, including a brand-new track from lead singer Thom Yorke's upcoming solo release. The music for 'A Scanner Darkly' may be all new or a mix of new songs and old.
I'm not sure if I believe this because I think that I'd know that Thom was planning a solo release.

Notable & Unnotable Actors in 'A Scanner Darkly':
Keanu Reeves
Robert Downey Jr.
Winona Ryder
Woody Harrelson
Rory Cochrane (Slater in 'Dazed & Confused' & Lucas in 'Empire Records')

Notable & Unnotable Richard Linklater movies:
'Dazed & Confused'
'SubUria'
'School Of Rock'
'Slacker'
'Before Sunrise'
'Before Sunset'

Notable & Unnotable films based on Philip K. Dick stories:
'Blade Runner'
'Minority Report'
'Paycheck'
'Total Recall'

Concerts too far away to even consider going to, but are of note any way:
Who: The Cure
When: April Fools Day (for real)
Where: Royal Albert Hall, London
Link: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/artist/947528
Why: Only Cure show scheduled this year (so far) and proceeds go to teenage cancer patients.

Who: Rufus Wainwright w/ a 40 piece orchestra performs Judy Garland
http://www.carnegiehall.org/article/box_office/events/evt_8420.html?selecteddate=06142006
When: Wed June 14 & Thur Jun 15
Where: Carnegie Hall, NYC
Why: Performing Judy Garland's 1961 concert in its entirety (?!?!)

Who: Radiohead
When: 2006
Where: Tennessee and numerous places around Europe
Link: http://tickets.waste.uk.com/
Why: Do you have to ask?

Movies I Am Not Looking Forward To:
Superman
Wonderwoman
Basic Instinct 2
Slither
World Trade Center (directed by Oliver Stone. No, I am not making that up.)
-pd

V For Vgly

Last week's next big thing has graduated to today's "Now's Big Thing": http://www.arcticmonkeys.com/
Arctic Monkeys - "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor"
http://www.insound.com/mp3/mp3s.php
What can be said about Sheffield's Arctic Monkeys? These kids are all about 10 years younger than me, and I have never seen this much hype and praise for a band condensed into a two week blitz. The album 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' has been hailed as the album to save humanity. I wouldn't say that, but it is well worth the $9.00 it costs at Circuit ShCity. I can say that this is what the new millieum of post-punk should sound like. Before I pass final judgement on it, I want to listen to it a couple more times, but all signs are pointing to a thumbs up. Musically, I'd say that they are kind of like The Strokes, if The Strokes were British and 10 years younger. The lyrics which I haven't had time to digest fully are supposed to be one of the band's strengths. Lyricly they are the non-hip-hop version of Mike Skinner/The Streets, and there is a bogus internet rumor circulating that Jim Bob from Carter USM wrote all their words. If that isn't a good enough reason to pick up this album, maybe long song titles such as "Red Light Indicates Doors Are Secured," "Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But..," and "You Probably Couldn't See For the Lights But You Were Staring Straight At Me" might persuade you. This is the present. I fear that as they grow up rich and famous, they won't be able to make another album like this. I guess there's the hope that there will always be another bunch of naïve immature kids to come along and make a genius, all stars aligned, pop album about the importance of being the naïve immature youth. The Se x Pistols and the Streets did it, and is it much too soon to expect it to happen again here? Either way it is enjoyable.

Movie Club:
I'm breaking the first rule of our so-called 'movie club;' I'm talking about movies. On St. Patrick's day, I celebrated by watching 'V For Vendetta.' In true Irish fashion, it involves hating the English who in turn hate the Americans and themselves. It was quite enteraining. I'd love to see it on IMAX, but according the IMAX website, the closest place to see it would be in King Of Prussia, PA. That can't possibly be right. Can it? Anyhow, I suggest that you spend your hard earned money and go see it too. I don't want to spoil it, but the hero is a terr0rist. There's two problems I have with this movie, but I won't tell you if you haven't seen the film yet. (Check the vgly blog comments for the problems.) Regardless, go see it. Now. Run. Before it gets censored or banned.

Soundtrack Day Was Yesterday:
"V For Vendetta" and "LOST" each had soundtrack CD's released yesterday. The local Circuit ShCity said that they are too small to get every new release, and they had neither. Idiots. As a person who deals with inventory, let me say that they LOST a sale. I went to Best Buy and got the "LOST" disc. I didn't buy the "V" disc. Maybe later. Anyway, Best Buy had over a half dozen copies of both soundtracks. Unfortunately, the LOST disc only has highlights from Michael Giacchino's score. There is none of Charlie's or Driveshaft's music, no old country, and none of Hurley's discman songs. There is no dialog either, but that isn't that big of deal. Like the bootleg version, I downloaded awhile ago, this disc only contains music from the first season, but the bootleg version is better. Hopefully, another legit disc will come out after the current season highlighting all of the non-score music. I won't spoil it for those of you that haven't started the second season, but I can say that there's a lot more music to look forward to. Note that if you aren't done the first season, do NOT read the song names. Like the Star Wars Episode I soundtrack did, this soundtrack indicates a character's death in one of the songs' titles. The difference here is The Phantom Menace soundtrack came out a full couple of weeks before the movie and you should be done watching the first season of LOST by now. (Alert: New episode tonight! New episode tonight!)
Most St. Patrick's Day themed LOST song title that isn't about a character's death: "Shannonigans"
V Highlight: "Bird Gerhl" by Antony & the Johnsons

I make animals:
Speaking of Antony and movies, I saw "Animal Factory" directed by Steve Beschemi staring Willem Dafoe and Ed Furlong. The movie was really good. Ed pretty much plays himself, a kid from a good family that becomes a druggie inmate. (or is it convict? According to the movie either the word 'inmate' or 'convict' is considered derogatory. I don't remember which it is, and I don't want to offend any of our fine upstanding prison-folk, because they scare me.) Willem, another prisoner, basically runs the place, and takes Ed under his wing. Anyway, Antony in his only scene basically plays himself, a singing "gerhlie-man." Micky Rourke is in it too, and he was amazing. It took me half the movie to even realize that it was him. That dude looks so plastic. It's amazing. Thank goodness for movies like this and "S1n City" or he wouldn't act anymore.

Chef Gave South Park the Shaft:
Isaac Hayes (he's a bad mutha… shut your mouth) has quit South Park. Why? He doesn't have a problem poking fun a Christanity or Judism, but he gets offended when the show deals with his personal beliefs Scientology. I guess he's not that bad of a mutha. I'd think that he only likes busting on real religions, but that whole da-dumb gold tablets in the hat episode disproves that theory. If you don't know what I'm talking about, think Utah.

Fantasy Ice Hockey:
Oh, and I've fallen to 3rd place in the fantasy hockey league. Gary is in 1st place. He made 46 roster moves to get there. He really wants his trophy back. Matt is in 2nd place. He has made no roster moves at all. Akshay has overtaken Danny by 5 and a half points for the cellar. Most impressive.

Kick it!
This seems unnecessary:
http://blog.scifi.com/tech/archives/intelligent_shoes_get_smarter.html
…but not as unnecessary as this:
http://www.dadafootwear.com/
-pd
This newsletter is brought to you by the letter "$" and the number "%" and by http://vgly.blogspot.com/

It's all ad space to me

Pvblic Notice:
Thank you Gretchen. A good time was had by all in Pitt. I hope you are enjoying your LOST dvd's. There will be a quiz.

Let's talk about the weather. Why? Why-why? Two days ago it was 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and today it is snowing. Mother Nature hates us, but can you blame her? Lousy Smarch weather. Smarch is the 13th month. March is the 3rd. Wake up.

Deal of the week:
Yeah Yeah Yeahs' new CD single "Gold Lion" is only $0.99 at Best Buy, and it includes a remix by Diplo. Why is it so cheap? I dunno, Karen O is cool. YYY's are playing the 9:30 Club on April 3rd. For every ticket and CD bought by you, I get 0% of the procedes. Zero is a percent.
www.yeahyeahyeahs.com
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7694328&type=product&id=1520605


Another MLS franchise name change:
The soccer team formerly known as the New York New Jersey Metrostars is now Red Bull New York. Makes sense to me. Red Bull gives you wings and gives the team money to build their new stadium in Harrison, NJ. The name is causing controversy, but not because of the corporate ties. The problem is that the team plays in New Jersey and the local government wants them to acknowledge that. You would think Jersey would be used to that by now. Ahem, did somebody say New York Giants or Jets? Maybe when the New Jersey Nets move to Brooklyn, they can keep their name. That's more than a fair trade. Anyhow, George Zoffinger, president and chief executive officer of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, who may or may not have any authority in the matter says that the soccer team "will not play in our stadium unless they have New Jersey in their name."
Well, since the MLS season starts in less than three weeks, there's still plenty of time to change all of the others teams' names, logos and uniforms.
Here is my proposed list:
DC United is now known as DC United Airlines
The Kansas City Wizards are now known as The Kansas City Wizards Of Oz On DVD Now At Your Local Blockbuster
LA Galaxy is now known LA Mitsubishi Galante
Dallas FC is now known as F*C* Texas
Houston Dynamo is now known as the Houston Clash of the Dynamos of 1863 (AKA F*C* Texas II)
The Chicago Fire is now known as the Chicago Zippo Brand Fire
Real Salt Lake is now known as Really Super Lame (as if it wasn't always known as that)
Chivas USA is now known as Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Scotch
The New England Revolution is now the Gillette Revolutionary Quadro Razor
The Colorado Rapids is now known as the Colorado Mile High Football Club
Red Bull New York is now known as the New Jersey Blue Balls (happy now Jersey?)
The Columbus Crew is now known as the Columbus Abercrombie Finches

R.I.P. Former MLS Team Names:
Miami Fusion FC
Kansas City Wiz
San Jose Clash
Houston 1863
New York New Jersey Metrostars
Tampa Bay Mutiny
Dallas Burn
San Jose Earthquakes

The MCI Center was renamed the Verizon Center last week. My home will be renamed Absolut Edgemont, and I'm willing to change Sylvie's name for the right price. Make me an offer.
Also, I would like to be the next to congratulate the University Of Maryland on another year of mens basketball mediocrity. At least they'll get a high draft pick for next season. What do you mean college sprts don't work like that? Man!

Mvsic:
"G@y B@r" was not written by George W Bush and Tony Blair. It was written by Detroit band Electric Six. Here's a better song of theirs.
Electric Six - Danger! High Voltage
http://www.epitonic.com/files/reg/songs/mp3/Electric_Six-Danger_High_Voltage.mp3
http://www.epitonic.com/artists/electricsix.html
And if you listen carefully, you may just hear fellow Detroitian Jack White sing on this track.
Fire in the disco. Fire in the Taco Bell!



On a more serious note, I may have an opportunity to take a promotion in Oklahoma City. The problem is that I don't want to go to OKC. I love my home, and it is nice being close to family. I hate moving. I think I'll enjoy being close to two real cities more than being in one fake one. There's a lot of doubt in my mind that the company could offer me enough money to take a job out there. I guess that there's not much to debate, huh?

NTB: (next big thing)
Arctic Monkeys

-pd
Art to worry about:

deemed offensive

Below is a list of my latest CD's. None of which are recent releases since most of these came from BMG Music Club. I hadn't been a member for a while, and now, I wonder why I ever stopped.

MASSIVE ATTACK - UNLEASHED Soundtrack
All over the place instruMENTAL movie soundtrack with two non-Massive Attack bonus tracks. One is RZA. I wouldn't be upset if RZA & Massive Attack do more film scores. They should get Craig Armstrong's help. He's worked with Massive in the past.
Funniest Song Title: "Right Way To Hold a Spoon"



COSTELLO, ELVIS - IL SONGO
The real Elvis' classical take on Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Unfortunately, he's not playing to his strengths with an instrumental guitar-less album. (My favorate interprtation of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is still an issue of the comic book "The Sandman.")
Funniest Song Title: "The Fairy and the Ass"

JOHNSON, ROBERT - The COMPLETE RECORDINGS Of...
I'd have sold my soul too to be able to make blues mvsic like this. I've learned from the exstensive liner notes that when Robert was a child, he lived in one house with his mom who was the mistress to another guy (not Robert's father) and the other guy's wife and lots of half- and step-siblings. That's bound to mess anybody up. That's way worse than being a child of a polygamist. Plus, his sixteen year old wife and baby died in child birth. That would give the happiest man the blues.
Funniest Song Title: "Milkcow's Calf Blues"

V/A - SOUNDS FROM THE VERVE HI-FI COMPILED BY THIEVERY CORPORATION
You gotta support local boys supporting 60's Latin, Indian, jazz, folk mvsic.
Funniest Song Title: Cal Tjader with Lalo Schifrin's "The Fakir"
Second Funniest Song Title: Cal Tjader's "Cuchy Frito Man" Mmmmm... Crunchy Fritos.

GIBBONS, BETH & RUSTIN MAN - OUT OF SEASON
Those of us waiting for Portishead's 3rd studio album aren't holding our breath, because we'd have passed out long ago. This, though, will hold me over a little while longer. Beth's haunting vocals are just as good on this as any of the Portishead discs.
Funniest Song Title: "Spider Monkey"



COXON, GRAHAM - HAPPINESS IN MAGAZINES
More blur than the two latest blur albums. Supposedly Graham's just waiting for Damon to invite him back into blur, & Damon's just waiting for Graham to ask. Which side will crack first? Who cares? Damon's Gorillaz are keeping him busy, and Graham's singing has gotten much better on this solo effort. He even kind of sounds like Damon on this.
Funniest Song Title: "Bittersweet Bundle Of Misery"
You can find some recent radio session tracks by Graham here:
http://www.redpenguin.net/blog/index.php
Graham Coxon - I Can't Look At Your Skin (XFM session 27-02-2006)
Graham Coxon - Standing On My Own Again (XFM session 27-02-2006)

MOS DEF - BLACK ON BOTH SIDE
Mos definitely worth while. You know the actor can rap, because even you've seen him a couple of times on the Dave Chappelle Show, but did you know he can sing? He can, and he does a lot on this album, his solo debut.
Funniest Song Title: "Ms. Fat Booty"
Here is a link to Mos Def's "Mathematics" from this album:
http://indoorfireworks.blogspot.com/
Mos Def - Mathematics

Sport:
The MLS team formerly known as the San Jose Clash and San Jose Quakes can now add Houston 1836 to its list of past monikers. The San Jose franchise moved to Houston and had fans vote on one of ten or so names. The winner was Houston 1836. Some European teams add the year to the name (For example: Hannover 96, Schalke 04, and 1860 Munich) and 1836 was supposed to be a referance to that as well as signifying the year in which Houston was founded. 1836 also happens to be the year which Texas defeated Mexico for its independence, and therefore deemed offensive to some of the Hispanics that the team needs to win over as fans. Anyhow, they changed the name to the Houston Dynamo after a team that lasted only three years and previously stole the name from a Russian club.

Record as the Dynamo: 0-0-0 but those numbers are bound to go up
Record as 1836: 0-0-0 and that's how they'll stay
Record as the Quakes: I dunno, but they did win one championship
Record as the Clash: I dunno, but they didn't rock the casbah

They should have left the name alone. They had it right the first time with the Clash.

Falling from grace
Plagarized from the news:
Gary Glitter - Rock n Roll part II (aka "the hockey song" if you ask Heidi)
British rocker Gary Glitter, 61, has been sentenced to serve three years in a Vietnamese prison following a conviction for mole sting two Vietnamese girls, ages 10 and 11. Glitter, whose real name is Paul Francis Gadd, reportedly will be deported to Great Britain after serving his sentence.

Former Minnesota Twin Kirby Puckett died. He was my favorate player growing up. A lot of bad stuff came out about him at the turn of the century, and it sounds like it was all true. Baseball hasn't been putting its best face forward lately with Puckett and Barry Bonds in the news.

Movie nobody saw:
Oh, why did nobody ask me whether or not it was a good idea to make a Calito's Way prequel including Puff Daddy? I could have saved them some money.
-pd

jinx! you can't talk until i say your social security number

The US men's hockey team did exactly as planned; they did nothing. The US women's team under performed. They only got the bronze. They had no chance at the gold though, because the Canadians are so much better all of the sudden. The Canadian men are the true underachievers. It's hard for anybody outside of Canada to understand the heartache there. It's really the only thing they care about.

(Olympic hockey sidenote: The all-tournament team was annouced and every player on it is Swedish or a Fin, except for Mr. Capitol Alexander Ovechkin. Believe the hype. Oh, and the Swedish head coach played for the Caps. We're taking over.)


The US really only holds their own in the winter Olympics thanks to our women and the size of our country. A large percentage of our medals came from snowboarding. I assume an American invented snowboarding. We are always good at things we invent at first, like basketball and baseball. Then we end up losing, like basketball and baseball. The summer Olympics in 2008 will include BMX biking for the first time. I assume we invented that too, and I assume an American will win the gold.

Mvsic:
R.E.M - It's the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)
http://musicforants.blogspot.com/
Actually, I'm sick, but thanks for asking.
It's time I spend some time alone. It's time I spend some time alone.
Remember the kid in that video? He was cool. He had a Vision Jinx skateboard.

-pd
In colour at: http://vgly.blogspot.com/