Th-Th-That's All Folks!

It's the end of an era. It's time to lay this blog to rest. We had a good run, but it's time to move on.
Please feel free to visit the new blog: "Fresh Dread, Baked Daily-treading water in the cursed mourning light".
Thank you for the support. This page will remain for posterity.
I'll now close this chapter of my life and cling to air-brushed memories of days past. ~ Adam

"Love Me, I'm a Liberal"

"In every American community you have varying shades of political opinion.One of the shadiest of these is the Liberals, an outspoken group on many subjects, 10 degrees to the left of center in good times, and 10 degrees to the right if it effects them personally."~Phil Ochs
It was 32 years ago today that, self described, "singing journalist" Phil Ochs died.
Ochs, labeled a protest singer by many, preferred to be called a topical singer.
The singer/songwriter hanged himself after a lengthy downward spiral of self-destructive behavior.
Here's one of my favorite Phil Ochs' songs along with a video demonstrating how it can be applied to Hillary Clinton and her kind. I prefer the updated version of the song by Jello Biafra & Mojo Nixon, but neither one of them died on this date... yet.
Here are the lyrics to both the newer, and the original versions.
... but wait!, here's an even more timely version(new to me).

Yes Guitar Virtuoso Steve Howe Turns 61

Click photo and get The Clap

More Toilet Etiquette

A Musical Tribute to Charlton Heston

A Murderer for the Masses

Charles Manson releases new album as free download.

Pipe Dream

The term pipe dream refers to a fantastic hope or plan that is generally regarded as being nearly impossible to achieve. Pipe Dream is also the title of this piece of musical-animation from Animusic. Pretty cool, eh?

Metheny Sounds Off on Kenny G

"But when Kenny G decided that it was appropriate for him to defile the music of the man who is probably the greatest jazz musician that has ever lived by spewing his lame-ass, jive, pseudo bluesy, out-of-tune, noodling, wimped out, fucked up playing all over one of the great Louis's tracks (even one of his lesser ones), he did something that I would not have imagined possible. He, in one move, through his unbelievably pretentious and calloused musical decision to embark on this most cynical of musical paths, shit all over the graves of all the musicians past and present who have risked their lives by going out there on the road for years and years developing their own music inspired by the standards of grace that Louis Armstrong brought to every single note he played over an amazing lifetime as a musician. By disrespecting Louis, his legacy and by default, everyone who has ever tried to do something positive with improvised music and what it can be, Kenny G has created a new low point in modern culture - something that we all should be totally embarrassed about - and afraid of. We ignore this, "let it slide", at our own peril."~ Pat Metheny

Sweet!

National Public Radio will play host to Eric Cartman tomorrow (4/5/08).
Eric Cartman, of South Park fame, will be featured on NPR's
"In Character" interview series.
It's sure to be entertaining and educational , so check your local listings.

It's the Religion of Peace...

... and they'll kill you to prove it.
More uproar over Fitna.
Despite all the hype the film is ok at best. It's no "Gremlins" or "E.T.". It's not exactly a roller coaster of emotion,but worth a look nonetheless-know thine enemy.
Fitna lacks the cinematic power of "Schindler's List", but that's to be expected without the direction of Steven Spielberg. Imagine their(islam) outrage if "that Jew" made the film. Then again, Spielberg may have digitally altered the violence like when he changed guns to walkie-talkies in the 20th anniversary "E.T."( parodied in the South park episode "Free Hat").
Maybe we've got it all wrong. Maybe Hollywood is behind Fitna and all this "Islamic Outrage" is elaborate P.R..
Perhaps the less than stellar script is a result of the writers' strike.

Qadaahul Haajah

I'd make a terrible muslim, too many rules. There's even rules for Islamic toilet etiquette.

Keith Won't Stop

"The drugs? Oh yeah, they were great."~Keith Richards
News Shocker

E.C. is 63

Legendary guitar player Eric Clapton celebrated his 63rd birthday today.
I'd love to share with you my many thoughts and memories about all of the music he's played and the number of times I've seen him over the past 25 years, but frankly I'm just too tired right now and it's getting late. That will have to wait until another post, as will my piece on his ranking as #4 (?!) on Rollingstone's list of top guitarists-that's a whole other post, indeed. Happy birthday Eric!

I've Always Said that Gregg...

... is one hep cat, but who knew?
The Allman Brothers Band cancel performances due to Gregg Allman's illness.
Here's more hep info from Phil.

Call Me a Skeptic

visit Skeptic online.

Hillary Did Not Misspeak!

Maybe I should have waited until Tuesday on this one, but I could not resist.

Watch Jackie's rebuttal.

LiveLeak Pussies Out!

The LiveLeak Team obviously has smaller testicles than I. Their link now shows a disclaimer in place of the film. I guess I'll have to seek out the dvd anyhow. How "Bout Now?! WILL NOT succumb to any idle threats by those Islamo-fascist bastards!

STOP THE PRESSES!!!
It turns out Google has a set. Film can be viewed here , but for how long?

"Sacred cows...

...make the best hamburger."~Mark Twain
MC seems to be blogging a lot about hamburgers lately.
Could this be due to some subliminal advertising in the media?
Here's a very subtle example of such an ad.
I have also done a burger post in the past.
This guy seems to have an even bigger burger bug.
Here's a related video for JB.

Dutch Video May Anger Islamists

...but then again, what doesn't?
Fitna , a Dutch film accusing the Koran of stirring violence is now available for viewing on-line. I was worried I'd have to wait for the dvd release.

THIS JUST IN!!! Better see my above post.

Does Anyone Remember...

..."Elephant Parts"? The Nez was by far the most talented Monkee.

Confusing Contrast

Al Jolson in black face or Obama in white face, is one more offensive than the other?

Update on the Passport Scandal

MC had expressed some concern that the media would just drop "Passportgate". Luckily, the R.S.U. team pursued the story.

Do You Know What That Stuff Does to Kids?!

Forget the war on drugs. It's time we faced The Frozen Menace.
It has been said that marijuana is a gateway drug because many who abuse harder drugs had first smoked pot. I'm sure that statistics would show that an even greater number of individuals had tasted ice cream long before using any drug, thus indicating that ice cream is also a gateway.
It would appear to me, however, that it is more often smoking marijuana that leads to eating ice cream.

ManBearPig?

MC links to some Bear-Wolf sightings, which brought to mind this inconvenient truth.

It's St. Patrick's Day!

"Believe it if you need it...

... or leave it if you dare." -Box of Rain (Lesh/Hunter)

Grateful Dead Bassist Phil Lesh turns 68 today. The Grateful Dead disbanded after the 1995 death of founder Jerry Garcia.
Phil continues to tour with his band Phil Lesh and Friends.

Best Live Albums (this list goes to eleven!)

I'm no expert. This list is really more of an exercise to stimulate some response, a conversation starter of sorts. Here goes nothing:
1.) The Name of this Band is Talking Heads
2.) The Who -Live at Leeds (Deluxe Edition)
3.) The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East
4.) Violent Femmes -Viva Wisconsin
5.) Neil Young and Crazy Horse -Rust Never Sleeps
6.) Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! The Rolling Stones in Concert
7.) Hot Tuna
8.) Nirvana -mtv Unplugged in New York
9.) The Grateful Dead -Dick's Picks volume 4
10.) Frank Zappa - You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore volume 2 The Helsinki Concert
11.) Miles Davis -Live-Evil .
Yes, I know this list is VERY subjective. I'm sure my own choices will probably have changed before I finish/publish this post. Most of you will find many glaring omissions, or see my selections as debatable (if not ridiculous). Let the games begin.

Stop, Thief!

"There's Jimmy Page, the greatest thief of American black music who ever walked the earth." ~ Homer J. Simpson
Jimmy Page: genius or charlatan?, Led Zeppelin: innovators or plagiarists? The answer: YES.
No one will deny 'Zep's place in the pantheon of rock, and as a premiere session man it is estimated that Page played on about 60% of everything recorded in England between 1963 and 1966. There's also no denying that Led Zeppelin had bad reputation for "borrowing" music and lyrics from lesser-known artists, artists that seldom received credit or royalties from these millionaire rockstars.

Who Wouldn't?

Pro Golfer would rather get drunk than play golf. John Daly misses tee time. He's the everyman golfer, an inspiration to Joe 12-packs everywhere.

I am so sorry

Loyal readers, forgive me but, I'm just in no mood to blog today. I find myself in an odd little space somewhere betwixt bitter and melancholy. If I were to post, I would probably mention the bust of Dawn Wells, or maybe a piece about the efforts to outlaw salvia (we "researched" it once with a roofer from Philly). I might even be inclined to post about agreeing with Geraldine Ferraro, or the sexploits of my governor. I could even blog about the rise of teen sluts with s.t.d's. Alas, I'm much too listless. I'll probably just settle in with some light reading, or better yet drink a Leffe and go to bed.

More Drugs and Less Hippies

Violent crime on the rise in Indian state. Some might say Goa is paradise. Maybe it's something in the water.

"It takes a special talent to be a drunk...

... it takes endurance." It was last call for writer/poet Charles Bukowski 14 years ago today.

One Never Knows...

... what treasures will turn up on the bestof Craigslist.

Bob Wills

Western Swing pioneer and legend Bob Wills, was born 103 years ago on this date. As the fiddle player and leader of the ensemble Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, he defined the genre of Western Swing along with others like Milton Brown and Spade Cooley. In 1998 The Pine Valley Cosmonauts released a tribute to Wills which I strongly suggest seeking out. You can listen to live performance of material contained on that album here. Be sure to also visit the Swingin' West site for further fun.

Iggy Stooges for Madonna

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to induct Madonna, The Stooges to play tribute.

Moses Be Trippin'?!

Researcher suggests that the biblical Israelites were high on drugs that led to their profound religious and spiritual feelings. Ayahuasca and other Entheogens have been present in human culture throughout history. One British scholar even proposes that Christianity arose from sacred mushroom worshiping cults. This book looks to be a good resource for more on the fungi-religion connection. The Erowid site is a great place to find information about psychoactive plants and chemicals.

Play the Blues...

... or just speak the language. I love the blue, it's a great song.

The Hot Toddies

Here's an interview with my new favorite all-girl rock band via yorkrules.

Richard Manuel

It was 22 years ago on this date that The Band's Richard Manuel committed suicide. The Band would continue to tour, but I guess Richard opted to hang out in a Florida motel room. March fourth (not to be confused with march forth) also marks the passing of Minnie Pearl, an alum of Hee Haw and the Grand Ole Opry.

Rutles Reunion

Dirk,Nasty,Stig,and Barry are back! The Prefab Four will reunite to mark the 30th anniversary of "All You Need is Cash". "The Rutles, a living legend that will live long after other living legends have died." In a related story, Robert Plant says no to Led Zeppelin tour.

Doc Watson Turns 85!

Happy birthday, Doc. I've had the pleasure of attending many Doc Watson performances over the years, and I once met him in New Haven after a show.

Jamaica Ponders Legalization

Jamaica is reportedly the largest producer and exporter of marijuana in the Caribbean region and a major hub for drugs trafficked to the United States. Here in the U.S. the cannabis trade is driven underground. Goes to show you don't ever know what you'll find when you look beneath the surface.

Beer Goes Braille

Japanese make beer an equal opportunity beverage. A new meaning for blind drunk. Cup holders for wheelchairs could be next.

Roots Music on the Rise

New York has lately become remarkably hospitable to musicians upholding more rustic ideals.

"BBC Journalist Smokes Marijuana ...

... in order to fully understand the effects of drugs on her body and reflect on this for the benefits of the audience." I've been involved in similar "research and fact-finding" myself for some time now.

Beer is Proof that God Loves Us...

... and wants us to be happy.~Benjamin Franklin. Church group poses the question: What Would Jesus Drink?

Life Imitates Art

... in what appears to have been a random attack. This might just catch on for slasher flicks. Anyone remember sensaround?

Firehouse Beer and Porn Accustion

Business as usual in Murfreesboro? The three firefighters in question face a disciplinary hearing and all firefighters in the department will be retrained on sexual harassment.

Another Meaningless Endorsement

Dodd backs Barrack. Who cares? The only people who even know, or care who Dodd is are the unfortunate citizenry of Connecticut who have had to suffer beneath the less than competent representation provided by this idiot and the corrupt senator that was his father before him. It's even less valuable than Ted Kennedy's endorsement.

Meet the new boss

... same as the old boss. Is anyone really surprised? Cuba still controlled by a Castro.

Oaksterdam University

School prepares students for jobs in California’s medical marijuana industry, teaching them how to cultivate cannabis. I wonder if I can get a scholarship.

Absolutely Ridiculous Burger

Michigan eatery builds a bigger burger. Designed to put Mallie's in the Guiness World Records Book for "Largest hamburger commercially available", the burger weighs in at almost 150lbs!

Jackie and Dunlap

Visit the Red State Update boys at their fancy new website.

The World's Greatest Collection of Recorded Music is in Search of a New Home

The preservation of a society's music is every bit as vital as the preservation of its art and literature. Optimally, Mawhinney would like the collection to go to a major library or museum, or someplace that will keep it intact. All I can say is wow! By the way, my birthday's not that far away.

Those Rotten Neighbors

. Site lets you locate troublesome neighbors (or lets them find you). via boingboing. Also via boingboing: Evil Elmo.

“I want to present a different kind of change. I want to change change. If you continue to change change then it truly becomes change ..."

Dave Grohl to run for prez. He's at least as qualified as Barry O.

prediction / declaration

Like it or not, John McCain will be our next president. Call it a hunch. Let's just hope that old liberal bastard doesn't have some sort of flashback and think he's back in a tiger cage in 'Nam, while he's in the Oval Office.

Hollywood is above the law

... of physics.

I guess Michael Vick got off pretty easy

At least 65 people have been killed by a suicide blast while watching a dog fight. Has anyone questioned PETA?

"... he stands for change and for hope, and I can't wait to see what he stands for."

Susan Sarandon "enlightens" us about Obama (?).Has he really ever said anything of substance? In other news, Jane endorses Clinton ( I think. I just read the headline).At least she didn't say anything about pimping Chelsea. No one in their right mind should give a damn what these celebrities think anyway.

Those whacky Islamofascists

... are at it again. Extremists threaten retaliation to the publishing of "offensive" images. Game on!

Mason asks "How hard is it to build a fence?"

"America is the greatest nation on earth. We harnessed the power of the atom, sent men to the moon and unlocked the secret of the human genome, but somehow, we can't build a wall on our southern border. Now, Michael Chertoff gives us this cockamamie excuse, that it's so hard for us to move people's land a few inches. I guess we want to use eminent domain only for profit, instead of protecting our nations security and sovereignty." ~ J. Mason

The Happy bouncie hunting ground of DOOM

A long list of labels for the living-impaired.

Birthday Greetings!

February 5th marks the birthday of 'Tap guitarist Nigel Tufnel. I first discovered Nigel through his session work with Lenny and the Squigtones. Check out the complete Spinal Tap discography.

"The Day the Music Died"

Forty-nine years ago today Buddy Holly was tragically killed in a plane crash in Clear Lake,Iowa.Many theories abound as to the cause of the crash. This transcript provides one possibility proposed by The Kids in the Hall.

Planning a vacation?

Top 10 Dangerous Destinations.

Giants to do battle in Superbowl

Tomorrow is Super Sunday and there seems to be another battlefield beyond the gridiron as politicians from New York and Massachusetts wage their own pissing contest. The wager pits local food fares against one another.Both governors pledged to donate the meals to charity.This sends me a mixed message. The losers donate to the needy? Does this mean that their respective constituents can starve,and they'll feed another's if only their team were to lose? The controversy does not end there. Are the Giants really a New York team? "... in case no one noticed, the Giants do not play in New York" ~ James L.Cassella - mayor of East Rutherford, N.J. When the New York Giants won the Super Bowl in 1987, former mayor Ed Koch refused to allow a victory parade in the city, saying they should instead hold a parade in New Jersey, where the Giants play at the Meadowlands. Go Islanders!

Way to Go, Ralphie boy!

The Dim-ocrats still blame Nader for Gore's failure."They are congenitally unable of avoiding the scapegoat tag. Instead they should look in the mirror and ask why they lost."~ Ralph Nader I voted for him,but I would not have voted for Al.

Costco?!

Who'd of thought Costco would enter the beer market?

WHAT A FREAKIN' MORON ?!?!!!

A new level of stupidity. On a lighter note, convenience reaches new heights.

Essential Reading

I've been planning a career change for some time now, and this guide might be just what I've been looking for. Via Quirk Books. They have many other helpful how-to books as well. This book looks promising also.

Mark Your Calendar

The Knockemstiff Hillbilly Bash takes place July 11th-13th in Knockemstiff (yes, it's a real place- I shit you not.), Ohio. The event is sure to be "one of the biggest hell raisin' hogroasts of the year." "The world's largest outlaw gatherin' - AINT NO DAMN LAW MAN GUNNA RIDE INTA THIS FUK'N GATHERN, LESS HE BE HANGIN FROM A BIG OL TREE!!!"~ Mr.Spooky Holler

Is Huck Fin?

Huckabee's high profile supporter is a cheat, among other things. I guess this means Huck is either corrupt, or naive, or both. This race is getting grimmer by the moment. We're used to picking the lesser of (2) evils, but this is ridiculous. I weep for this former superpower. I feel as if I'm trapped on one of the lower decks of the Titanic as it descends into the icy waters of despair. The baby boomers have tossed it all away. I see no hope left. We're going to Hell in a bucket. Maybe partying will help? I think I know how Taylor must've felt in that final scene in Planet of the Apes. I refer of course to the original with Chuck Heston, not the cheesy, albeit aesthetically pleasing, remake with Marky Mark. I shudder to think that society could be en route to a fate similar to that in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes.

Who needs Heath?

We still have bunnies!

Oh Good!, Another endorsement.

so she thinks he'll be another do-nothing, womanizing president who eventually "dies for his country"? John was not the liberal martyr that some would have you believe.The bridge between Kennedy and King was a shaky, precarious link, one built with the purpose of increasing black voter loyalty to the Democratic party. Do you know why Kennedy was never a boxer?....'cause he couldn't take a shot to the head. "err-uh,err-uh,ow!" With all this talk about Hillary and Barak making history by being female and black candidates,respectively, I have to wonder why doesn't Connie Rice run? I might vote for her.I really dislike the front runners in both parties.

Celebrity Endorsements

Rambo supports McCain. Chuck likes Huck. Oprah likes the black guy. Who cares?! While none of these are rockers, this quote seems to fit: "If you're listening to a rock star in order to get your information on who to vote for, you're a bigger moron than they are." ~ Alice Cooper. If America chooses a leader because of what some aged action heroes or fat talk show hostess tells them we're doomed. If it's not already too late. Allowing the ignorant masses to vote is like arming a chimp.

Taxation without legalization

A tax on a commodity that no one is supposed to have? Can they have it both ways? I guess it's all about revenue.

Beer: The All American Drink

America was founded on liquor, but for the majority of its history as an independent nation, America has been beer country.

Oh the humanity!

Unfortunately not funny, unlike this classic. Don't forget Chuck Heston and Karen Black's similar adventure. Yah, I know, I'm sick, I need help.

R I P

Suzanne Pleshette. Suzanne was most notable for her role as Emily Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show. Emily was not the typical "Stepford" sitcom wife that audiences were previously used to.She was to reprise this role some years later in the series finale of Newhart. The episode is considered by many to be the greatest series ending ever, in complete contrast to the steaming pile which "rubbed-out" The Sopranos.

New York Islanders sign Colin Powell!

Well, not exactly, but that headline sounds better than "Colin meets Wang!"

"Let's do it."

the famous last words of Gary Gilmore. Gilmore became the first person to be executed in the U.S. after the death penalty had been reinstated. His death by firing squad was 31 years ago today in Utah. His last meal consisted of a hamburger, eggs and potatoes,although his original request was for a six-pack of beer. More on last meals here.

The Fun Police

... are at it again. "Bargain booze" under attack. Tennis to become (even more) boring.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICK!!!

Former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor celebrates a birthday today.Mick played with the 'Stones during what many consider to be their greatest period. Another notable birthday celebrated today is that of Eartha Kitt. You may remember her as Catwoman,on the Batman T.V. series.She was neither the original, nor the best Catwoman, however.

Larry Craig

The good ol' A.C.L.U. defends Larry's right to have private bathroom sex. I side with Mr. Broyles on this one .Jackie says "use the bathroom , wash your hands, and get the hell out of there!"

The Old West is Live

... and on the web!

W.W.R.D.?

Sign up and receive a free pocket constitution.

Borat has New Book!

A book of "touristic guidings" for both Kazakhstan and the U.S. and A. If you are bored?, click here.

OOPS!

Ironic, isn't it?

One for Cooney

Technological battle rages on. This is like the Video Tape Format war back in the '70's. Remember Betamax?

What's the Problem?

Maybe they should just take your word for who you are. What could go wrong? Why do just the Democrats see a problem?

I'm not sure which is more disturbing

....the website or the beer.

Maybe I should wrestle more than indecision

WWE more tolerant than Home Depot.

Nice Idea

Too bad it's not a better beer. But wait!, there's more gadgetry.... and for the hobbyist. Watch the video! A new way to get waisted.

Goldie Hawn is full of shit!

Aspen is Full of Paparazzi? Either Goldie is as sick and delusional as Britney, or she's trying to create a buzz about herself. I guess it worked.She's in the press for the first time since god knows when. What a dumb bitch. Does she really think anyone gives a damn about her has-been ass? When I start to think the paparazzi are stalking me, I just take (or sometimes stop) my meds. Maybe she's right. Maybe the press is after photos of her and her children (32,29,and 22 years old) like they were with other celebs and their kids.Maybe she needs to get knocked up like Jamie-Lynn. If she were to give birth at 62 that might warrant some press. Perhaps a "Tony (Randall) award". As for Dr Phil, I get the impression he's just jumping into the middle of a hot topic for his own gain, like Jesse and Al. I must give Ms. Hawn some credit.I doubt that I'd of ever blogged about her before this recent cry for attention. Maybe she should go to rehab,that makes headlines.

Cool Cooler

RC Cooler brings the brew to you!

Box-office Spin

Box-office revenues are up!, Good news for film industry?, Not necessarily. Studios report revenue, not attendance. Sure, movies continue to set record earnings, but ticket prices have soared. With all the crap, remakes, and sequels Hollywood churns out, it's tough to feel for the striking writers. Maybe a Reagan type housecleaning would help improve the bizz.

My Friend Dave

... needs your help! Please vote here for his band, The LeeVees, and their song How Do You Spell Channukkahh?

E for Effort

An overzealous mother goes to extremes to get tix. JB and I once had a similar scheme to get into a Bromberg show.Our caper involved a wheelchair, a nurse's uniform, my shaved head and a small keg... I mean respirator.

Winter Classic 2008

A great day for hockey, for the NHL, for Crosby, and for the fans! Click here for video.

The Irish

MC links to an interesting museum. This link may help if you need translation. This may also be helpful.