Friday, July 29, 2005
Smoke 'em if you got 'em! (It's your last weekend to do so indoors)...
FRI: Tonight's big show is courtesy of Athens Rewind. It's like a high-school reunion, but for college hipsters. Anyway, tonight's show at the Watt (as if you didn't know) features Pylon and Oh-OK. It's prolly sold out, but who knows. More here and here.
If you can't get in there, there's a coupla' other good shows around town. If you're up for something rockin', there's Five-Eight at the Caledonia (it's like "Rewinding" every time they play!) and what should a wonderful setting/music combo: Venice Is Sinking at Flicker (8:30ish PM).
Don't forget if you're in the mood for 'cue and country, there's Redneck Greece at Jot 'Em Down (6:30-ish PM). And for the ATL folks (or those willing to make the drive), Harvey Milk is playing at The Earl.
SAT: Harvey Milk return to their old stomping ground at The Caledonia (when they played, it was the 40 Watt). Tonight's show should be packed, loud, and definitely has a great opening act: Brown Frown. The Frownies should have copies of their debut EP Romans for sale on (brown?) vinyl as well. More here and here.
And if you're hip (and old) enough to make your way into the 40 Watt, Athens Rewind's private party features a reunion of Time Toy as well as a performance by Bob Hay and the Jolly Beggars. Bob Hay says this: "In honor of the occasion we will be playing folkified versions of some old Squalls favorites...".
Anyone seen Pete Buck around? I haven't heard anything about an R.E.M. performance this weekend, but it seems like an awesome time to start a rumor. Remember: you heard it somewhere else - unless they really do play, then we totally had the scoop. Tell everyone.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
I was watching "Meet The Press" last Sunday... and Tim Russert mentioned podcasts.
This startled me... This is a new technology being mentioned by mainstream media, and I haven't tried it out yet. Does this mean I'm getting old? Am I slipping? Am I no longer a nerd? (Don't answer the last one)
So... after an afternoon of diving into the world of podcasts, I thought I'd shared a couple that might interest TDJ'ers:
- New West Records - Recent programs include an acoustic performance by Drive By Truckers on Sirius, Ben Lee on the Bob Edwards show, Slobberbone live bootlegs, and more.
- Morning Become Eclectic - Features in-studio performances from the show's guests.
- Classic City Reverb - This one was mentioned in the Flagpole a few months ago. It features Athens music, concert calendars, and more... though it looks like they've dropped the ball on this... the last episode was in April. Here's to hoping they'll get back on track.
Can anyone suggest more podcasts that we all might like?
Update: For those that don't read the comments... Modpopradio is a pretty damned nice podcast. It's run by Trey of Athens band Beijing (and from former SC band the Drag). Lots of great music, and it appears he does a semi-decent job of updating.
This startled me... This is a new technology being mentioned by mainstream media, and I haven't tried it out yet. Does this mean I'm getting old? Am I slipping? Am I no longer a nerd? (Don't answer the last one)
So... after an afternoon of diving into the world of podcasts, I thought I'd shared a couple that might interest TDJ'ers:
- New West Records - Recent programs include an acoustic performance by Drive By Truckers on Sirius, Ben Lee on the Bob Edwards show, Slobberbone live bootlegs, and more.
- Morning Become Eclectic - Features in-studio performances from the show's guests.
- Classic City Reverb - This one was mentioned in the Flagpole a few months ago. It features Athens music, concert calendars, and more... though it looks like they've dropped the ball on this... the last episode was in April. Here's to hoping they'll get back on track.
Can anyone suggest more podcasts that we all might like?
Update: For those that don't read the comments... Modpopradio is a pretty damned nice podcast. It's run by Trey of Athens band Beijing (and from former SC band the Drag). Lots of great music, and it appears he does a semi-decent job of updating.
Finally, the return of Harvey Milk. The ear-pounding sounds of that band haven't been heard since the mid 90's, but everyone I've ever known who saw 'em said the show was amazing. Dig the albums, looking forward to hearing it live. Tonight's show is at the 40 Watt. For fans from "back in the day", they'll be at the Caledonia (the old Watt) Saturday as well. More here.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Here's a coupla' funny pics I just got sent...
How proud is that groom?
Find more of these from the stingy bastards at Church Sign Generator.
How proud is that groom?
Find more of these from the stingy bastards at Church Sign Generator.
Fans of the Family Guy will definitely want to go steal the movie online before it's anywhere near a theatre. I mean, if you're into that sorta thing...
The Japanese know how to make even contraception and STD-control cute and cuddly. Check out these Japanese condom wrappers.
(Thanks to Hillary for the link!)
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
For some reason, I've seen a lot of these dudes around lately (please ignore the unibrow):
Can anyone explain this? I mean, I thought that form of goatee was extinct (or nearly so)? How did it travel into the 21st century and why am I seeing these dudes around so much? I mean, I'm totally against telling someone to alter their personal style (it's the biggest calling card you have - and nothing says "tool" from afar like one of those things), but seriously if you're reading this and you have that, do yourself a favor and please shave it or alter it somehow.
And you're welcome (in advance) for the tip.
(Picture courtesy of the Official Gentleman's Facial Hair Club.)
Can anyone explain this? I mean, I thought that form of goatee was extinct (or nearly so)? How did it travel into the 21st century and why am I seeing these dudes around so much? I mean, I'm totally against telling someone to alter their personal style (it's the biggest calling card you have - and nothing says "tool" from afar like one of those things), but seriously if you're reading this and you have that, do yourself a favor and please shave it or alter it somehow.
And you're welcome (in advance) for the tip.
(Picture courtesy of the Official Gentleman's Facial Hair Club.)
If you haven't already done so, I recommend creating yourself a personalized Google homepage. It allows you to add local weather, bookmarks, news feeds, and much more to your google homepage. They've just added some new features, and it's much nicer than any other web portal I've tried in the past.
Also, be sure to add TDJ's RSS feed and our comment feed to your page. Just put the URL's in the "Create a Section" field.
Also, be sure to add TDJ's RSS feed and our comment feed to your page. Just put the URL's in the "Create a Section" field.
My brother sent me this video. Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. As he noted: check out the reaction of the guy in the orange in the background.
I find this story about a military reporting mistake over the weekend a little intriguing.
Finding love at Wal-Mart?
Finally, this story was reported on the evening news last night. It seems some Evangelical Christians are trying to create a community of their own in Upstate South Carolina. They see this area as their promised land. (Note: I have lived near this area and I can tell you that it is NOT the promised land.) Their hope is to make a huge impact politically in one area by slowly refororming local and state laws. Eventually, they would like to (hopefully) create their own state.
After searching for more information, I found basic "calls to arms" for the group on various websites, including this one whereby part of the mission statement reads: "It is evident that the U.S. Constitution has been abandoned under our current federal system, and the efforts of Christian activism to restore our Godly republic have proven futile over the past three decades."
So, it seems this would be very much like the Amish community in Southern Ohio/Western Pennsylvania. Yet, it scares me so much more. What do you think?
Finding love at Wal-Mart?
Finally, this story was reported on the evening news last night. It seems some Evangelical Christians are trying to create a community of their own in Upstate South Carolina. They see this area as their promised land. (Note: I have lived near this area and I can tell you that it is NOT the promised land.) Their hope is to make a huge impact politically in one area by slowly refororming local and state laws. Eventually, they would like to (hopefully) create their own state.
After searching for more information, I found basic "calls to arms" for the group on various websites, including this one whereby part of the mission statement reads: "It is evident that the U.S. Constitution has been abandoned under our current federal system, and the efforts of Christian activism to restore our Godly republic have proven futile over the past three decades."
So, it seems this would be very much like the Amish community in Southern Ohio/Western Pennsylvania. Yet, it scares me so much more. What do you think?
Thanks to Vet Pharmacist for sending strange stories of Jennifer Aniston's teenage love, feline genetic defects, and of course strange Mormon mating rituals.
(Oh, and here's Defamer's take on the whole love letter auction thing.)
(Oh, and here's Defamer's take on the whole love letter auction thing.)
Monday, July 25, 2005
A few weeks ago, Hillary got the scoop on one of Popfest's surprise bands. Now the 2nd surprise guest for Popfest has been announced... it's the Marbles.
Since our beloved Mail Clerk is probably busy today, I'll take the reigns on starting up the Monday afternoon sound-off. (Okay, so usually it's the Monday Morning sound-off, cut us some slack today.) Share with us your props, rants, raves and whatever else you'd like to express about your weekend!
In next month's issue of Uncut Magazine, apparently their 100th issue, there will be a free Bob Dylan tribute cd. The Drive-By Truckers will be on this cd and you can listen to their cover of "Like A Rolling Stone," which was played on BBC Radio over the weekend. (Go to "Listen again to this show" link and it's around the 19th minute mark. You can skip through to that spot).
While it may seem like a surprising choice, take a listen and it makes all the sense in the world. All members (except Brad Morgan) take a verse, including Shonna. This is the first time fans have had a chance to hear the cover. Rumor is that Uncut Magazine approached them to do this tribute cd after their sold out show in London earlier this year.
(Also, Patterson Hood's solo website has been updated with some tidbits and a new mp3.)
Friday, July 22, 2005
Some articles of interest spotted on Pitchfork today.
-Neutral Milk Hotel re-release blurb
-Olivia Tremor Control add yet another four shows, including one in Brazil
-And while unrelated to Athens, I thought this record review of They Might Be Giants was fitting considering our conversation the other day
-Neutral Milk Hotel re-release blurb
-Olivia Tremor Control add yet another four shows, including one in Brazil
-And while unrelated to Athens, I thought this record review of They Might Be Giants was fitting considering our conversation the other day
You know what? I couldn't agree with this article more:
"If minds had anuses, blogging would be what your mind would do when it had to take a dump."
...We are now officially a "clog".
(And in response to the Grand Theft Auto conversation, there's this.)
"If minds had anuses, blogging would be what your mind would do when it had to take a dump."
...We are now officially a "clog".
(And in response to the Grand Theft Auto conversation, there's this.)
While we're on the subject, Harry Shearer wonders what's up with the President's jaw?
There really isn't any reason behind posting this other than it makes me laugh and it's fun to reduce poltical differences to photograph form. Hope you like it.
From Hillary:
"This is a pretty cool little car chase video from Northern Lite. The
song isn't that great, but the chase is exciting."
"This is a pretty cool little car chase video from Northern Lite. The
song isn't that great, but the chase is exciting."
One leaves, another births and album...
FRI: Kevn Kinney plays his final show as an Athenian (at least, for a while - everyone's gotta try somewhere else for 2 or 3 years) at the 40 Watt. It's sad anytime a fixture leaves the scene, but at least this particular fixture tours often enough to know he'll be back around sometime soon. Anyway, hope NY's great for him. Don Chambers opens - I believe it's a non-Goat show. More here.
And of course Greg Reece is still running the show Friday nights at Jot 'Em Down. Catch the revolving line-up of Redneck GReece & The Hoggy Bottom Boys around 6:30-ish. Table fills up early and it's cash only. The shows go on for several more weeks at least, and I'd recommend at least catching one. Food's great too.
SAT: The Chasers play the first of two CD release shows tonight at Mell's Lounge in Bogart (out past Best Buy and Circuit City on Atlanta highway - on the same side of the road). They're really an amazing country band and there's no better place to see them play. It's like their 'natural environment' - and in fact, it's where they played their first show a coupla' years ago, if I remember correctly. You can enjoy the music, get a cheap drink, and see some real "locals". It rules.
There's a coupla' decent shows downtown as well. Will Johnson (of Centro-Matic) plays the 40 Watt. His music's a bit more subdued that Centro's, but the songwriting's just as good. There's also a huge punk festival of sorts over at Tasty World - Donkey Punch (who apparently will play any benefit for anyone that's held at Tasty World) and the rest of the usual suspects'll be there. More here.
FRI: Kevn Kinney plays his final show as an Athenian (at least, for a while - everyone's gotta try somewhere else for 2 or 3 years) at the 40 Watt. It's sad anytime a fixture leaves the scene, but at least this particular fixture tours often enough to know he'll be back around sometime soon. Anyway, hope NY's great for him. Don Chambers opens - I believe it's a non-Goat show. More here.
And of course Greg Reece is still running the show Friday nights at Jot 'Em Down. Catch the revolving line-up of Redneck GReece & The Hoggy Bottom Boys around 6:30-ish. Table fills up early and it's cash only. The shows go on for several more weeks at least, and I'd recommend at least catching one. Food's great too.
SAT: The Chasers play the first of two CD release shows tonight at Mell's Lounge in Bogart (out past Best Buy and Circuit City on Atlanta highway - on the same side of the road). They're really an amazing country band and there's no better place to see them play. It's like their 'natural environment' - and in fact, it's where they played their first show a coupla' years ago, if I remember correctly. You can enjoy the music, get a cheap drink, and see some real "locals". It rules.
There's a coupla' decent shows downtown as well. Will Johnson (of Centro-Matic) plays the 40 Watt. His music's a bit more subdued that Centro's, but the songwriting's just as good. There's also a huge punk festival of sorts over at Tasty World - Donkey Punch (who apparently will play any benefit for anyone that's held at Tasty World) and the rest of the usual suspects'll be there. More here.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
"It's Bolivia's version of World Wrestling Entertainment: indigenous women wrestlers in traditional skirts, hats and shawls."
(BugMeNot NYT. Thanks to Hillary for the link.)
(BugMeNot NYT. Thanks to Hillary for the link.)
Venice Is Sinking plays the Caledonia. Ginger Envelope as well. A somewhat quiet evening, but VIS in particular is probably one of my favorite live bands of late. Those harmonies are hard to beat. (Hey y'all, how 'bout an outdoor show this fall when the weather's nice? Just sayin's all...) Anyway, if you've got the time, money, and inclination, this oughta be a good show. More here.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Star Trek's James Doohan died today at the age of 85.
(While reading the news, I also found this strange story.)
It appears the Rolling Stones are set to enter that increasingly wide and extremely unnecessary arena that mixes popular rock music with political messages. I thought the rule was already set: if your first name isn't "Bob", chances are you're going to come off sounding like a pompous jackass. Anyway, it will be entertaining as this might be the biggest stab in the back to suburbanite boomers a celebrated cultural icon since Jimmy Buffett.
(via Wonkette.)
(via Wonkette.)
See which state ranks number one for having the most slackers at work. Afterall, it is the theme around here.
So, the story about Ugandan virgins going to college for free is amusing and all, but as a coworker pointed out, it's much funnier to think about the conversation that happens after the family gets the bill in the mail (the one they didn't think they were going to have to pay).
Hey Gmailers, I know I risk venturing into supergeek (aka CS's) territory, but if you wanna turn your Gmail account into an online harddrive, Lifehacker shows you how.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
This CNN article discuses the number of casualties in Iraq thus far. Regardless of whether the numbers are completely accurate (it's obviously being debated), the breakdown of the statistcs towards the end is very interesting (and of course, unfortunate).
Of course, your day should not be complete without first checking the "Official Karl Rove Indict O-Meter." There is much fun to be had at this site and you can even send in your vote for when (and if) Rove will be indicted. You gotta love American ingenuity!
Oh and don't forget that 'ole GW will announce the new Supreme Court Justice tonight at 9 p.m.
Of course, your day should not be complete without first checking the "Official Karl Rove Indict O-Meter." There is much fun to be had at this site and you can even send in your vote for when (and if) Rove will be indicted. You gotta love American ingenuity!
Oh and don't forget that 'ole GW will announce the new Supreme Court Justice tonight at 9 p.m.
Here is another bit torrent by the machine, Sloan Simpson. This one is I Am The World Trade Center from the Caledonia Lounge on June 24, 2005.
Maddox digs up some old comic book covers (real ones) and finds a few that are unintentionally sexual.
Something Awful takes on a buncha "tried and true" genres, but reserves special derision for They Might Be Giants.
Casper & The Cookies rock the hell outta the WUOG (90.5 FM) studios for tonight's "Live In The Lobby". Supposedly starts at 8, but you know how those go... could be anytime, really, but prolly before 9. We hope. Anyway, you can stream it even if you don't live in the ATH, so check it out.
Monday, July 18, 2005
If you are a political junkie, you've probably already seen this John Gibson piece (Fox News) where he asserts that Karl Rove should get a medal for the CIA/Plame leak. If you haven't watched it yet, here's the clip. Not surpisingly, Gibson received a lot of hate mail over the weekend as well as a lot of attention in the "liberal news" (I use that statement loosely). So, for further amusement, I searched out his defense of the original statements he made. I knew that he would really have to come up with something to defend what he said and sure enough, he stands by his words. Anyway, since his original statement was big news, I figured folks should hear his attempt at a defense of it as well. At the very least, FoxNews is doing what I think it has set out to do and that is to entertain. Follow this link, go to O'Reilly factor on left side, and then choose "Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points" to hear Gibson's response.
Drop us a line in the comments to let everyone know what you did this last week that was any good. A good bite to eat, a good flick, a good show, a very special 'experience', whatever...
Ceramic Dvck, Rump Posse, and others play at this mysterious new venue, "The Secret Squirrell". Again, supposedly on the corner of Church and Broad (underneath the Point?), but that's all I got for you. If you went this past weekend or know anything about this stuff, drop a line in the comments. How quickly I am old.
In other DIY venue news, it appears Tight Pockets is simply calling it a day, and moving on to some new project - using the opportunity to better their vision in a new location. Full story here.
In other DIY venue news, it appears Tight Pockets is simply calling it a day, and moving on to some new project - using the opportunity to better their vision in a new location. Full story here.
Friday, July 15, 2005
If you're frightened of celebrities (and who isn't?), tomorrow is your last day to hang out around the Big City Bread / Go Bar / Grit part of town - R.E.M.'s playing the last show of their Around The Sun world tour tomorrow in London (it had been postponed).
So now, we can finally get back to those times when every show with a band with a weird name or any tenuous connection to R.E.M. is rumored to be a secret show.
So now, we can finally get back to those times when every show with a band with a weird name or any tenuous connection to R.E.M. is rumored to be a secret show.
Addicting Games' Punk-O-Matic allows you to make compose own punk rock music with little to no musical skill - just like the pros!
Here's a new flash application that allows you to draw your own flipbook online. It's like wasting time the old-fashioned way, only modernized.
(via Screenhead.)
(via Screenhead.)
FRI: Nikki Sudden makes a solo appearance at Flicker with Summer Hymns' Zachary Gresham opening up. Show starts at 8:30. I've never heard Zachary play solo, but it has the potential to be really good.
Also, I've seen a flyer for a Bloodkin show at the GA Bar tonight. Doesn't seem to be listed elsewhere, but if someone went through the trouble of making a flyer, I'm sure they gotta be playing. You'd think.
And as if you didn't know it (I'm gonna keep sayin' it till they stop), Redneck GReece at Jot 'Em Down around 7 PM-ish. I've said it before and I'll say it again - their BBQ is great and the music is quite entertaining (more 'funny' than 'great', but worthwhile, definitely). Cash Only.
And at the end of the night, you can dance the drunk away at the Krush Girls down at the 40 Watt. I've got some mixed feelings about those shows. Mostly due to my oft-misguided sense of nostalgia(Where art thou, Cut-A-Rug & Big Nasty?). Oh, DJ Twin Powers opens.
And for you ATLiens, don't forget that Maria Taylor's playing the Earl tonight.
SAT: Southern Bitch headlines the Caledonia. When Southern Bitch is on, they're hard to beat. It's like stadium-rock in a tiny club - but just as loud. They're awesome. I had the opportunity the other day to get to listen to some of their new album as it was being mixed in the studio - it's gonna be amazing. Hopefully they'll debut some of it at this show.
Also, there's a show at "the Secret Squirrell" (corner of Church & Broad, underneath the Point, supposedly) with We Vs. The Shark, Cinemechanica, and others. Don't know anything more than that, and all the flyers are conflicting, but hopefully someone'll drop us some info in the comments.
SUN: Brown Frown, Garbage Island, and Geoff Reacher (and maybe others?) play at the UltraOdd. Show should start in the late evening/early night time period (7 or 8-ish, supposedly) and end by midnight. That's the goal, anyway.
To get there (from downtown): Take College Ave. away from campus, turn left on MLK, pass the big fence immediately on your right. Either turn into driveway just past it or park on the shoulder of the road, your choice.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
You know, we make it a point not to try to push our views on other folks on this site (or at least, not outside the comments sections), but in response to today's top story in the Red & Black and the recent events involving Little Italy, I just have to say this: Don't do meth ... if only because it makes you very ugly.
(That last link via Memepool from a while ago.)
Okay, the grooming/fashion/image craze has now officially stepped over the line. I'm sure there's a great play on words to use with this story, but I'm really just a bit freaked out and can't think right now. It sounds like an Onion story if it weren't so gross. Egh.
(Thanks to Hillary for the link and utterly grossing me out. Not Safe For Work - Text.)
(Thanks to Hillary for the link and utterly grossing me out. Not Safe For Work - Text.)
CNN reports that Cooter's not happy about the new Dukes film. Here's his note (though it's pretty slow-loadin' right now).
UPDATE: Looks like CNN's managed to crash Cooter's Site. Let's see, the Dukes of Hazzard movie is a Warner Bros. property. Cooter said bad things about it. CNN, a property of time Time-Warner releases a "news" story about that and mentions Cooter's site, which they know cannot handle all those hits. Site goes down, CNN becomes the ultimate authority on what was and was not said about their parent company's upcoming film... hmmm... Looks like the man's trying to silence Cooter!
Looking to see some music outside? This show at the Orange Twin compound is now on my radar and should probably be on yours if you like any of the bands (or if you are just looking to go camping and people-watching with some cool music in the background). It's on Saturday August 6. I'm telling you the date because it's glaringly missing from the page with the lowdown.
Thanks to Printmaker for the heads-up.
Thanks to Printmaker for the heads-up.
A very, very cool bit of Athens history has made it to BitTorrent format - a rare set from The Lot Lizards (a band featuring Patterson Hood and members of The Possibilities) at the High Hat in 1995. It was taped on Patterson's boombox, transferred by Kevin Lane, then had a little bit of extra work and conversion done by Sloan Simpson, and now you can get it here. Cool stuff - thanks Sloan!
Hillary's doing a live Q & A with Atlanta Cuisine at 10 AM this morning. Go there and ask her some questions about food in the ATL and ATH. Make her pimp stuff live! (Or make her finally say public disparaging remarks in print.)
Vet Pharmacist keeps doing her part to keep me (and thus, us) updated on weird news [my comments in italics]:
-Every fitness nut wants to eat candy while exercising...right? The peeps at Jelly Belly think it could work.
-"Muldoon's husband said the family would return the book to the publisher, though his stepson, Sylum Mastropaolo, admitted reading about two pages."
They should shoot that kid.
[This reminds me of a recycled headline from this week's Onion:
"Report: Unreleased Harry Potter Book More Secure Than U.S. Trains"]
-Cheryl Ann Schoonmaker ... forced the two girls, ages 8 and 10, to take turns in the trunk July 1 because there wasn't enough room in the car...
Good mothering skills alive and well in the U.S.A.
-"The increased cost of the coffee is covered by improved productivity as employees are not making 40-minute round trips to the nearest Starbucks."
Aren't there Starbucks all over the place in New York? How could it take 40 minutes to cross the street twice?
-"Brad Pitt hospitalized. Publicist: 'I think he has the flu'."
Brad Pitt gets his own CNN story when he has the flu? Sad stuff.
[Sad enough, but the entertainment sites were all over it. Some even have great theories as to the source.]
-"...Not all employers would characterize ['wasting' time] as money for nothing. Some, Coleman said, view it as 'creative waste' that benefits the company's culture, work environment and even improves the bottom line."
Wow! An article about what 'The Day Jobs' stands for. You guys help waste $759 billion a year! Keep up the good work.
[Thanks, we try. Mighty proud of that ourselves, but can't take all the credit.]
-Every fitness nut wants to eat candy while exercising...right? The peeps at Jelly Belly think it could work.
-"Muldoon's husband said the family would return the book to the publisher, though his stepson, Sylum Mastropaolo, admitted reading about two pages."
They should shoot that kid.
[This reminds me of a recycled headline from this week's Onion:
"Report: Unreleased Harry Potter Book More Secure Than U.S. Trains"]
-Cheryl Ann Schoonmaker ... forced the two girls, ages 8 and 10, to take turns in the trunk July 1 because there wasn't enough room in the car...
Good mothering skills alive and well in the U.S.A.
-"The increased cost of the coffee is covered by improved productivity as employees are not making 40-minute round trips to the nearest Starbucks."
Aren't there Starbucks all over the place in New York? How could it take 40 minutes to cross the street twice?
-"Brad Pitt hospitalized. Publicist: 'I think he has the flu'."
Brad Pitt gets his own CNN story when he has the flu? Sad stuff.
[Sad enough, but the entertainment sites were all over it. Some even have great theories as to the source.]
-"...Not all employers would characterize ['wasting' time] as money for nothing. Some, Coleman said, view it as 'creative waste' that benefits the company's culture, work environment and even improves the bottom line."
Wow! An article about what 'The Day Jobs' stands for. You guys help waste $759 billion a year! Keep up the good work.
[Thanks, we try. Mighty proud of that ourselves, but can't take all the credit.]
World music fans should have quite an evening out, as you can catch both Erik Hinds playing over at ATHICA and Dromedary (w/Andrej - formerly of "Victor & Andrej") playing at the Healing Arts Centre (which despite having to take your shoes off and the whole hippie vibe is still a cool place to see a show).
No idea what Dromedary'll be playing, but Erik should dish out some songs from his new album: a complete cover of Slayer's Reign In Blood (I kid you not - check the link). Good night out for Solponticello.
Hey Y'all,
Just a few words on what to expect on this site in the coming weeks...
Firstly, as you read yesterday, Computer Support has moved to the West Coast. Since most of his stuff wasn't Athens-centric anyway, the only major change (we hope) will be that some of his posts maybe three hours later than usual. Or four. Or more. I don't know, they sleep a lot out there and don't do much of anything, so I hear.
In addition, I believe we have new audio/photo-blog folks lined up, but since I'm not too good with technical stuff, that might not start till CS gets all set up out there and can e-mail those folks some details. Don't quote me on all that, though. I don't manage much around here, even though I probably post the most stuff (I've got a lotta nothin' to say).
Speaking of me, I'll be starting grad school here in about a month or so and only working part-time. So, my regular posts maybe delayed a bit or posted early - don't know which yet. But again, I'll still be mouthing off plenty. As for the other TDJ-ers, not sure what they're up to, but I'm sure we'll hear more from them in the future (Legal Bitch, Desktop Publisher, Advisor - you out there?).
Long story short: We're going to be a more diverse blog soon with more content and spread out more - probably nearing a 24-hour format. Maybe CS'll make us a bi-coastal blog, and we'll get some Oregonians 'round here. Maybe we'll get "Tonight In Eugene" posts as well. Who knows? Just thought I'd mention all that.
And if none of this comes to fruition, we'll delete this post and pretend it never happened.
Rock on,
-MC
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
For all those who think the smoking ban helps business, there's this. Just another, stronger note to all the "undesireables": Get out of downtown, there's a change on the way.
Then again, how awesome would it be if Athens lost its cool weekend party center and reverted back to a house-party town?
Then again, how awesome would it be if Athens lost its cool weekend party center and reverted back to a house-party town?
Seems like when developers aren't busy cutting down trees and kicking poor people out, they're shutting down rock shows. AthensWorld's got the story about the recent threat to the local DIY venue known as Tight Pockets. Good luck, y'all. I hope you win the fight.
(Thanks to Mike from CommentaryDVD.com for the link.)
From Memepool:
"If you're ever in Seat 29E, make sure nobody is carrying any dry ice."
(And since that's all kinda gross, here's a technical review of kittens.)
"If you're ever in Seat 29E, make sure nobody is carrying any dry ice."
(And since that's all kinda gross, here's a technical review of kittens.)
I started asking about this over on Hillary's page, but then did some research and wanted to clear things up once and for all...
-They did not originate in some sort of freakish lab experiment and then escape (at UGA or anywhere else). Also, they are not limited to Athens; this species (Romalea microptera - the eastern lubber grasshopper) lives all over the Southeast:
-They change colors with age, so they're not always the red-yellow-black menacing combo that they're known for.
-Supposedly, you cannot get rid of them by chopping them up and spraying them all over the bushes. They're cannibalistic creatures and will actually be attracted to the scent of their own species' death. Of course, I've never tried it, and that's just hearsay from someone I've met who's studied them.
Here's the coupla' articles I used for "research" about 'em [1, 2]. And here's an old Flagpole article on them. But y'all prolly knew all that anyway...
Today is the last full day in Athens (and on the East Coast - where regular people live) for Computer Support and his wonderful, and now fully-rebuilt, fiance Sarah. Tomorrow morning, they head out into the west towards an ultimate destination of Eugene, OR. I just wanted to wish them both well on their journey to hippie-land and to say that though it's not always been fun this last year, it's been great having them around and I wouldn't trade it for anything (well, not most things).
Anyway many of you know them, but even if you don't and just read the site and wanna wish them well, post something in the comments below. In a few days' time they'll both be blogging again, but on what CS used to call "devil time".
Good luck, y'all!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
If you wanna see what Athens was like decades ago, well... you're S.O.L., but if you want some kinda approximation with a much better sound system and a lotta older people, you oughta buy tickets now for the upcoming Athens Rewind Party show at the 40 Watt. Pylon and Oh-OK* will be headlining. There's a private party beforehand that's invite-only, but the show is open to the public. I'm sure tickets are limited because of that. You've been warned.
*=No word on which line-up, but I doubt we'll see Matthew Sweet there. But just for kicks, here's an Oh-OK interview from a while back.
(Thanks to Vet Pharmacist for the heads up.)
Former Athenian Orenda Fink will be releasing her solo record, Invisible Ones, on August 23rd. This, of course follows hot on the heels of (former?) Azure Ray bandmate Maria Taylor's solo album 11:11 (Maria will be at The Earl in Atlanta on Friday night on tour). No Azure Ray tour (or album?) plans currently exist that I know of, but the two do share a bill in New York in September.
Invisible Ones was recorded here in Athens earlier this year and was produced by Andy Lemaster (Now It's Overhead). You can preview a song from it here. It is not yet known whether the "Ones" in the titles refers to beers (as in the Strongbadian use of the word) or other things.
There's a bit more on both musicians up at AthensMusic.com.
"POLLACK AND GREENE TEAM UP OFF THE FIELD LEAVING A LASTING IM “PRESS”ION ON THE CORNER OF BAXTER AND POPE
Hometown Heroes Lend a Hand to Open Pollack’s Press
Athens, GA, July 11, 2005 – Ushering in a new era [of coffee], just off the hedges, Athens’ favorite duo David Pollack and David Greene, are joining forces with Georgia native sons [read: the only people actually involved in the project] Caleb Harris and Nathan Shack to open Athens’ first sport’s themed coffee shop [apparently Walker's Coffee doesn't count]. Pollack’s Press which open’s its doors Tuesday July 26, 2005 is located at 494 Baxter street, just steps [several of them] away from legendary Sanford Stadium, where the awesome twosome made history in the 2005 season [yet only one of the twosome was awesome enough to get his name in the signage]. The sports coffee shop will be open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, and will be serving jock themed java with items such as the Pollack, Tahitian vanilla frappe sprinkled with Oreos and topped with whip cream (the stars favorite) and the Greenie, a jet tea green apple smoothie [very jock-ish, very masculine. grrrr].
While Pollack’s Press is a celebration of the two athletes that Vince Dooley dubbed, “ the two most influential athletes ever to come through Georgia,” owner Caleb Harris describes the Press as, “A place where the community can come together and celebrate the legacy of the Davids’ and what they have meant to the Athens’ community, while enjoying coffee, sandwiches and smoothies in a relaxing environment [but mostly celebrating the Davids, which is what most Athenians do on a daily basis and thankfully there's a haven for that now]. We envision Pollack’s Press as a place students come to study and get a quick pick me up, a place former letterman can come and visit before they make the trek over to Stadium on game day [because hot coffee goes well with a morning's worth of drinking in the hot sun] and finally a wholesome environment that really reflects the values that Pollack and Greene live for on and off the field.” [debauchery?]
In addition to serving the South’s best coffee Pollack’s Press will sell signed jerseys and souvenir items in the gift shop. [a-ha!]
On opening day, July 26, 2005 David Pollack will be on hand to sign autographs for fans attending the opening from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (All items to be signed must be purchased from the gift shop and there will be no exceptions.) [Don't even try it, poor folks!]
Pollack’s Press is the vision off four college friends looking to create an environment that will foster and uphold the legacy of the legendary Davids’ values and commitments [two that have the legacy, two that need money and know secrets]. Owners Caleb Harris and Nathan Shack will run Pollack’s Press while the namesakes look to continue their winning tradition in Seattle and Cincinnati; however they will be making frequent appearances at the Press throughout the year. [or else the whole world will know about "that night"]
David Pollack and the new owners of Pollack’s Press invite you to join them on Tuesday July 26, 2005 as they open their doors with a special autograph session from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Pollack’s Press is located on the corner of Pope and Baxter Streets and is open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. For more information and to view our menu please visit our website at www.pollackspress.com [Please, TDJ readers, go check out the site as it stands now - at press time].
[Actually y'all, I'm just playing around. I hope the coffee's great and everything goes well because making Baxter Street a better place'll help everyone out. Just thought the release, and let's face it the theme is a bit funny. But if you've got the fame, why not flaunt it while you got it, right? And they were damn good on the field. Go Dawgs!]
You know when you have a song stuck in your head and you sing it for someone and then they have it stuck in their head and sometimes that works to get it out of yours? Well, I'm gonna do that to everyone. Click here and select "Puppet Stuff" from the remote control and then click on "Everybody Knows It" (at the bottom of the right side menu). It's really weird and strangely captivating and catchy. You've been warned.
When you're addicted you can download the audio here.
When you're addicted you can download the audio here.
I totally forgot to mention one of my favorite things I did this weekend - I saw my first episode of the news program produced by Jack Van Impe (pronounced Van M.P.) and his wife, Dr. Rexella Van Impe. Have y'all seen this? Man, I've never seen any two people more happy about the Apocalypse or absolutely sure it's coming. That's to say: they're not angry or pointing fingers or whatever, they're just really, really glad that the world is gonna end soon.
They assured me that the signs were all there through recent news stories: cross-breeding of human and animal genes, creation of headless humans for organ-farming, and some sort of super-jet. You read your Bible, right? Remember the 'Scramjet' passage in Revelations? If you're confused, just check your illustrated Apocalypse Timeline.
Anyway, it's really worth your while to see. You can use the links above to watch it. Also, while searching for images of them, I stumbled on this bit of art featuring the Van Impes. You can check out the other individuals portrayed here.
(Thanks to Vet Pharmacist for the links!)
The always-great Wee Turtles make a rare appearance to open for Dressy Bessy at the 40 Watt. The world's greatest rapper shows his sensitive site with songs about the Fantastic 4 (not the new, destined-to-be-crappy film, mind you). I've never heard Dressy Bessy, but their mugs are all over the free mags around town, so they're either fairly well-known or have a great publicist. Hopefully it's a good combo. More here and here.
UPDATE: Wee-Turtles link updated. Thanks, DJ!
Monday, July 11, 2005
This raises the question - if you weren't in Athens, where would you prefer to live and why? What qualities make a place great to live in and what makes a city endure? You'll notice that they never put the same cities in the top spots - so as soon as one place gets announced as 'top', it must get overpopulated and crummy to live in pretty quickly.
Had the great opportunity of eating some of this over the weekend. If any of you folks ever pass through Greenville SC, this place is well worth planning your lunch around (it's about a mile from 85, so not tough to get to).
And if you ever need any barbeque catered in the ATL, there's always our friends over at Fox Bros. (they're from TX, but you shouldn't hold that against 'em - everyone loves their food).
And if you ever need any barbeque catered in the ATL, there's always our friends over at Fox Bros. (they're from TX, but you shouldn't hold that against 'em - everyone loves their food).
From Sloan Simpson:
"So they aren't an Athens band, but most of Athens was at the Dino Jr. show the other night, so thought you may wanna post it."
"So they aren't an Athens band, but most of Athens was at the Dino Jr. show the other night, so thought you may wanna post it."
Of, if you happen to be a stripper, even better. Just let us know what's the most popular perfume around there. If fact, you're a stripper, we probably have a bunch more questions for you...
Finally I'm back in the office and it's not post-AthFest and it's not a holiday, so I can start this up again. Anyway, let us know in the comments what you've done in the last week or so that's worthwhile. Eaten anything great? Seen or heard anything exceptional? Know where to get cheap fireworks that are actually cool in the post-4th season? Let us know!
Friday, July 08, 2005
Here are some interesting pictures that show just how screwed up the Atlanta Motor Speedway was from the storms last Wednesday night.
That Brit Hume... such a joker...
Cops have groupies. Usually washed-up cop wannabes who either drink too much, or are too fat or too stupid to actually make it through the academy. My dad's #1 groupie was a little of all three. For anonymity's sake, we'll call him Bluto, circa Animal House. Bluto loved to drink beer, and hang out with my Dad as he worked his side job as security at the McDonald's parking lot (keeping those rowdy high school kids in order on Friday and Saturday nights!). But one night, sitting around his trailer picking up empties, Bluto invented something amazing. He shared his knowledge with my father, who shared it with us the next morning, to our mother (and the local fire department's) horror.
You have to understand that since we were dirt poor, we made a lot of toys to entertain ourselves (for instance, I once got a "Barbie dream house" made out of wood planks ganked from the house being built down the street, constuction paper I raided from my school's supply closet, and carpet samples my dad stole from the trash of the furniture store down the road). And we all had an interest in things that would blow up, shoot, or catch fire. My brother and I would watch MacGuyver every week and take notes whenever he'd make an atom bomb or something else far fetched out of duct tape, chewing gum, a compass, and rubbing alcohol, while out mother shouted "You know they leave off a few key ingredients, don't you? You can't really build a bomb out of that!" (she would then call our father at work to make sure that we really couldn't build a bomb from those ingredients).
But back to the cannon already. The materials you will need are 5 beer/soda cans (empty of course), a knife, duct tape or electrical tape, and lighter fluid. It's construction is simple:
1. Take five beer cans. Cut the top and bottom off 3 (which is the middle), and cut the tops off the other two (which will be the end/combustion chamber and the front/firing hole).
2. For the two cans that still have the bottom attached, take the first and poke two holes in it (one directly in the middle and one near the bottom). For the other, saw out half the bottom).
3. Tape the cans with no tops/bottoms together as the middle, and then tape the can with the holes in the bottom to the back with the holes facing out, and the other can to the front with the half bottom sticking out. (Please reference the quick drawing I did on a post-it note here at work).
Once you have assembled the cannon, squirt lighter fluid in the middle hole of the back can, and shake the shit out of it, but being careful not to shake any out the front. Then strike a lighter under the bottom hole in the back can and BOOM - fire shoots out the half moon on the other end like a rocket. Simple. Cheap. Dangerous.
So of course we spent some family time together building our beer can cannon and shooting it out the door of our back porch that morning when my dad got home from work. Then of course, Dad went to sleep, and despite his warnings of a severe beating if we were to play with the cannon without his supervision, we did anyway. Of course, I hadn't paid much attention the night before during our safety briefing, and therefore shot it off BACKWARDS, with the firing hole pointing into our house, and more particularly, at our back door and the curtains my mother had lovingly sewn for it out of her old nightgown. The curtains immediately went up in flames, and my brother almost crapped his pants. We ran around screaming as the curtains burned. I ran to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of Hawaiian Punch and threw it on the curtains, while my brother frantically looked under the sink for the fire extinguisher. My mother walked in after hearing the commotion, saw the fire, and said "You have 10 seconds to put that shit out before I wake up your Dad." Luckily, my brother had found the fire extinguisher by then and saved the day. Then my mother astonished us by saying "Kids, get in the car - we gotta get to Lowe's and replace that damn door before your Dad wakes up!" Typically, she let us get our asses beat for doing something stupid, but this time was different somehow. I guess she figured she'd be implicated too for her lack of supervision when we played with fire. Like we didn't play with fire without supervision every day, but whatever! So we hauled ass to Lowe's, picked out a cheap new door, and hauled ass back home to replace it (we carried the old door deep into the woods behind our house until we could find the time to either chop it up, bury it, or finish burning it). My Dad didn't even notice the new door (or the scorch marks we had missed cleaning up on the ceiling of the back porch) until about a week later.
QUICKIE LEGAL DISCLAIMER: If you are stupid or bored enough to try this at home, don't blame me or sue me if you get burned or burn your house down. Oh, and don't shoot it toward anything but open air, or you'll burn your shit down.
FRI: 63 Crayons and Shiitake Knights (from the folk who brought you "REN" aka "Transmitter" aka "Special Teams") will be playing the Caledonia. It's all good, catchy rock n' roll with a pop sensibility.
There's also the ol' standby: Redneck GReece at Jot 'Em Down. 7PM-ish. Cash only.
SAT: Audition With Max Reinhardt play their final show at the 40 Watt. The Flagpole listing says "expect numerous surprises and special guests". Even without that, Liz Durrett opens and that's reason enough to go.
Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Gardner Linn. The man who was very much responsible for inspiring our blog celebrates the anniversary of his birth, and we wish him many more such celebrations.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Since the topic came up in today's conversations regarding weather reporters, I went on a search to find the hilarious MySpace page dedicated to The Weather Channel's premiere storm reporter Jim Cantore. If you have watched him report during these storms, you should find this page especially entertaining. Also, using the words "The Weather Channel" in the MySpace search engine quickly reveals that a whole heaping of people are REALLY into the t.v. station. Try it out.
While searching google, I find this amusing analysis of various weather reporters during hurricane season. Basically the author discusses the "hype" of the media during such events and then advises us on which channel is the best to watch when it comes to dangerous weather systems. It's especially funny if you are one of those people who, like me, get very annoyed at weather reporting and the extremely cheesy way they go about doing so.
While searching google, I find this amusing analysis of various weather reporters during hurricane season. Basically the author discusses the "hype" of the media during such events and then advises us on which channel is the best to watch when it comes to dangerous weather systems. It's especially funny if you are one of those people who, like me, get very annoyed at weather reporting and the extremely cheesy way they go about doing so.