I'MMA LET YOU FINISH
Atrios, not sure if you did yet but how about posting the Reuters story about the Pakistani spy outing by bushCo so they could get their terror alert out right after the dem convention...
Kos had it late last night.
link in homepage
I am on several lists. I should know in a couple of weeks, like most people.
If I can get tickets for somewhere other than Philly, are you still interested?
Dammit, I wish I lived in a battleground state. Or had a car. Or had money for a ticket.
Hey, my ex-boss at Flagpole Magazine is good buddies with R.E.M.'s manager Burtis. I could try.
Course, I spent the entirety of my tenure at Flagpole poking fun at R.E.M. (who I do like and who are all nice guys, especially Stipe) and left said magazine with some sour feelings (the boss wouldn't let me write anything but pop culture-entertainment stuff 'cause he was afraid of who I'd piss off). So...ya never know.
That's Burtis Downs, by the way. He's a nice guy but he thinks I'm insane. *Shrug*
nah, I'm carless, so only philly.
Backslider, it just doesn't sound awfully likely but part of your character is your sunny optimism, so .....
Has anyone told Vote for Change that Tennessee is now a "swing state?" Just asking.
This will sound weird, but check with local boxing promoters.
They receive tickets to all the good events and often don't have use for them.
That's how I got tickets to the Pixies' show in Minneapolis.
Shit, now how am I going to put that cat back in the bag?
Well, I wouldn't hold out a huge hope, but if they're mine, they're yours.
Backslider, it just doesn't sound awfully likely but part of your character is your sunny optimism, so .....
GWPDA | Email | Homepage | 08.07.04 - 4:41 pm | #
Ya know, I don't know if that's sarcasm or you're just really confused. But I'm stoned, so even if I could figure it out, I wouldn't care by the time I did!
"I don't know if that's sarcasm or you're just really confused."
Nah, it's sheer appreciation for hopefulness in the face of extreme uncertainty.
Nah, it's sheer appreciation for hopefulness in the face of extreme uncertainty.
GWPDA | Email | Homepage | 08.07.04 - 4:48 pm | #
That's beautiful, man.
heh, I can't stand Stipe for one major reason: he's a notorious (perhaps the MOST notorious) Beatle hater I know of.
I also find him a little obnoxious, but the band is pretty good.
tk - Ever smelled him?
I hope he's overcome his disdain for deoderant.
Try It,
Which Pixies concert in Mpls. The one at the Fine Line or the one coming up.
Backslider,
I always thought you'd be a huge REM fan. Nothing is as cool as getting stoned, turning off the ligths, and putting on Automatic For The People.
Now that is sarcasm.
OT
Excellent bit on Russian oligarchs, but also various other places dear to all our hearts, from Uri Avnery.
URI AVNERY UPDATE NOBODY CARES ABOUT!!!!!!!!!!!
In the English translation of the last Avnery piece in Counterpunch, there was a massively erring estimate of the number of Jewish French citizens. If you went to his actual site, this was accurately rendered as 1% (instead of ten!). It appears to be a translation or typographical error.
Atrios, I'd help if I could, but I can't so I won't. Umm... that is unless you need cabfare. I could pony up a little turkee so that the Internet's Mightiest Unknown whoops Knwn Blogger can rub elbows with the stars...
This would be from someone on your side. This is why you will lose in November. Because decent Americans find your tactics and rhetoric disgusting.
S.F. Man Says Beheading Video Is a Hoax
The video was titled "Abu Musab al-Zarqawi Slaughters an American." Zarqawi is an al-Qaida linked militant whose group, Tawhid and Jihad, has claimed responsibility for numerous deadly attacks across Iraq, including the beheading of U.S. businessman Nicholas Berg.
Vanderford's video also showed images of disfigured and injured people in Iraq. A recording of the Quran, Islam's holy book, played in the background.
Sipping soda in his kitchen, a shirtless Vanderford said he spliced images he took from a Hamas Web site showing mutilated bodies. He later edited the 55 second video to downgrade the quality so it would look similar to beheading tapes distributed since the war in Iraq began.
"We had to make it more lower quality to make it more realistic," said Vanderford, who works at a bank. "That was another experiment that was part of this to see how quickly that system will spread news."
He said he understood if relatives of those killed in Iraq thought his stunt was misguided, but he offered no apologies for the hoax.
"I see how it could be considered disrespectful. But I think people, if they look at it, will understand two other big issues it brings up," he said. "A small group of disgruntled people in Iraq or Saudi Arabia could just get more attention just by easily releasing something like I did on the Internet."
Backslider:
Not to squelch yer dreams or nuthin', but they had a pretty big falling out with Bertis Downs years ago. Don't think he can swing tix for you.
I'm listening to the local NPR radio station. They're doing a program on Florida voters. One woman said that he doesn't know if Kerry can understand what average American life is like. Nobody asked if Bush's life is any closer to that average. So the stupid propaganda crap is working.
Still, more people seem to be going to Kerry than to Bush.
jps,
Ya know, R.E.M. is one of those bands I should like, given my taste for jangly guitar pop and gothic Southernisms. But, like Van Halen, Frank Sinatra, Husker Du and Queen, it just never clicked. I don't hate 'em; it's more a case of "Ehhhh...whatever" whenever someone puts them on the stereo, ya know? However, I do like some tunes and my band's covered "Driver 8" on occasion.
Dodgson,
That's news to me, man. Last I was involved in such matters (about a year-and-a-half ago), Bertis was inovled with the band in some fashion or another. Course, that could've changed. Maybe he wasn't manager anymore and just ran the home office, I can't remember, but he was involved.
I've been in my little bag of happiness this afternoon, so no doubt my memory's playing tricks on me.
Atrios,
Tell Move.On that you'll blog about it and they can link to you!
Heard today that young single women are the least likely to vote of any group. That's sad.
I am half sick of shadows.
Echidne, it's odd that Bush is liked for being the "average" President - when surely the point of a President worth his salt is that he (or she) should be a little out of the ordinary, in order to be able to take on a very unordinary world...
PS: anyone else feel the same way as this BBC reporter? I know I do: walking to Union Station in DC along 2nd St there must've been half-a-dozen police checkpoints on all the roads into the Capitol area.
I'd sooner give a ticket or two to the man in the grey turtleneck, if I had them. As a regular Whiskey Bar patron cut loose and set adrift, I think it takes a lot of nerve to beg for a ticket now. But me old mom said it best. "Beggars can't be choosers."
Backslider:
Give "Murmur" a chance.
TheaLogie,
There's no reason for all those policemen and what could they do if a plane flew into the Capitol anyway? I'm more and more convinced that this is Georgie's best last hope -- keep everyone terrified.
But is this some amazing early August weather in DC or what?
steve simels,
Yeah, it's on my list. I find myself digging 'em more and more, when in my youth I fucking hated them. Course, then I wasn't aware of their past, just the big fame they hit when I was in high school. Plus, they're practically worshiped here in Athens, and I can't help but be contrary sometimes.
I do like the band's dynamics and path to fame and fortune, very inspirational. And Mike Mills is a great bass player in my book.
I wish we were getting a concert here, so I could stop thinking about Iraq going south, at least for an evening. Seriously, Virginia is in play this year.
Nothing is as cool as getting stoned, turning off the ligths, and putting on Automatic For The People.
Now that is sarcasm.
jps
Gawd I hope so.
"Life's Rich Pageant" was about the end for me. But "Begin the Begin" will still get my heart rate up.
Vividly remember the first time I heard the "Radio Free Europe" single. And SRV's "Pride and Joy," but that's a different story.
Hey Backslider, mebbe they ought to dig up Dexter and Crow to open these shows. Might put the Boss to shame 
Backslider, how come you never run out? Are you one of the Chosen Six that uncle sam supplies or something? As my campy friend Chaz would say, hate her.
I have something to say musically here: Rick James, damn.
Yeah I guess he did some asshole drug-induced shit back when. But I loved him as a writer & performer - he seemed to have such a light touch and ability to laugh at himself as a pop stah - and hooks just flowed from him - I'm in awe of that in anybody.
Oh, and when the Daily Show sorta ridiculed Carole King singing you've got a friend at dem con, sorry Jon I love you, but that was a firely mocking the sun.
No, not stoned - wish I had a damn fatty - just rambling on a beautiful Sat afternoon with all the windows open and the bugs singing and birdies twittering.
FireFLY.
Yeah, Hecate, for early August, this is just unbelievable. It's only 109F, 19% humidity - but I can see the monsoon clouds burgeoning to the southwest, the sky the autumn shade of blue. Couldn't be nicer. I'm going back to the pool with my novel and glass of white wine. Arthur's having the best time a dog can have, rolling in the fresh-cut grass and then having a nice nap in the damp muddy place in the middle of the beanpatch.
Frankly, I expect that we're going to have war declared on us by Germany shortly, but that's just me....
Melanie,
It would be so great if Va went Dem for the first time in 40 years. I'm thinking this may be the first time that northern VA doesn't go the opposite of the rest of the state.
Backslider, how come you never run out? Are you one of the Chosen Six that uncle sam supplies or something? As my campy friend Chaz would say, hate her.
While I can't reveal my sources, it comes from the combination of having an otherwise inexpensive lifestyle, mostly quitting drinking, living with another pothead (my brother), and the fact both of us are lightweights when it comes to grass. Funny, but it's true.
As far as Rick James goes, it's sorta like when John Entwhistle and Leon Wilkerson died. Yeah, a bummer and love to family and friends, but these guys didn't live exactly the healthiest lifestyles. Death means nothing, it's the living that matters. Between you and me, I'd rather have 57 of Rick James' years rather than 90 spent eating health food and excercising constantly. Dig me?
GWPDA,
Where are you and Arthur? In DC it's like 70 some degrees and no humidity, blue sky, amazing. I've been digging up daffodills all day. Now I'm on the screen porch w/ Wagner on the stereo, Stoli and bluecheese olives in a glass, and corn on the stove. And my Chartreau cat (sorry I missed the kitty blogging!) Madeline curled up in the sunny spot. The Goddess is immanent and all's right with the world!
So Sharkbabe is the only other commenter responding to Rick James' death?
So Sharkbabe is the only other commenter responding to Rick James' death?
k&y, both as rei's | Email | Homepage | 08.07.04 - 5:51 pm | #
Nah, there were some others yesterday when it was announced. Least I think I remember seeing some, but again, I am stoned as we speak, so my rememberin' may be a bit dicky. If I remember correctly, it was ubiquitous enough to convince me I didn't need to lend a hand (as one not being a big fan of James' funk).
We get Pearl Jam & Death Cab For Cutie here in Asheville. I'm guessing at the Civic Center, rather than the Orange Peel, though I don't know for sure... but it's a great choice by MoveOn.org.
But is this some amazing early August weather in DC or what?
It's that. And thank goodness for it.
Mike Mills rules!
Stoli and blue cheese olives? Oh man, Hecate....
There's a place in Chicago clled Raw Bar where they have killer crwfish soup and martinis with feta-stuffed olives. Truly decadent.
Course, I'm up the pole and on the wagon, so none of that stuff for me these days.
NYMary,
That sounds amazing! I'm adding it to my list next time I'm in Chicago!
And I forgot to mention that my fig trees have figs starting to get ripe! That's the other thing that makes this a great day, although I'll have to share with those damn birds.
And, um, if you don't want them, can I have your olives?
Hecate,
It's on Clark, near Wrigley Field, and next door to a great little club called Metro. My spouse (Thersites) and I are heading out there in December to see the farewell show for a band we've been following a number of years, and I'll be all delivered and stuff by then, so let decadence reign!
Go NYMary! You must be getting close! Let me know when you deliver and I'll be happy to do a tarot reading for the new Eschatonian, if you like. You can e-mail me using the addy in my e-mail line.
Phoenix, Hecate, Phoenix....
Tapas on the patio? Nice. I'm still working on the tamales - this batch will be green corn/beef/green chiles and should take me into next year. Try this from the LA Times for tapas. That gazpacho sorbet with balsamic vinegar or the roasted pepper, tomato and tuna mold with basil and black olive purées are enough to keep you going thru the weekend....
I was in Phoenix once for a conference. Hot, but nice sunsets. Ate at a good restaurant I can't remember the name of == office building with fountains outside, a litte out of downtown?? Concierge recommended it.
Never made tamales. Are they hard to make?
We have screen porches instead of patios -- due to killer mosquitos.
Hecate - Phoenix is bigger than Philly.... But you were probably at the Pointe Tapatio or the Pointe South Mountain, or possibly the Biltmore. Hard to know.
Tamales, hard to make? Well, I'm going into the second week here, but it's not the difficulty as much as the assembly. You really can't make only a few. I'm up to about 12 dozen green corn, and it's looking like maybe another half of the beef. Farm stuff - the kind of thing that makes a chest freezer well worthwhile.
Think of us as El Norte.
tps - The Wilkins show last November.
I couldn't get tix to Fine Line...
I need both of my kidneys, thank you.
To those in Chicago, check out the Green Zebra. They just got a nice write up in today's NYT.
Then when you're in the Twins, check out Ecopolitan.
Dodgson - Wasn't the REM fallout with Jefferson Holt in '96?
He'd been accused of sex harrassment in their Athens office or something but parted ways under confidential circumstances.
I hadn't heard anything about Mr. Downs being out.
heh, I can't stand Stipe for one major reason: he's a notorious (perhaps the MOST notorious) Beatle hater I know of.
But he was a good friend of William S. Burroughs, so he can't be all that bad.
Try It,
Yeah, I think that's what he's thinking of. Google Holt's name, and the first link is an excellent summary.
Fuck - you and Billmon both begging for tickets to the Vote for Change concert.
Atrois, call MSNBC and have them hook you up
Something's happening.
I was in Lawrence, Kansas, Friday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. with 1,000 other people waiting for the Kerry/Edwards train. It was supposed to come through at 10:30, but got delayed from the huge campaign rally in KC of 25,000. The Lawrence thing was a totally spontaneous gathering, with no promise the train would stop.
It didn't. But I think if they'd have known the sixe of the crowd, they would have. Kerry and Edwards rushed out on the train's rear deck as it went by the station.
I saw campaign staffers rushing to windows as they passed, seemingly amazed and delighted by the crowd. They must have felt bad, because Edwards scheduled a special trip to Lawrence for Sunday.
I just got home from a John Fogerty concert in Austin and he has one of the strongest, most distinctive voices in the history of rock. He sang "Fortunate Son" for an encore and it's still as poignant today as 35 years ago. It could've been written about George W.: (excerpt)
Some folks inherit star spangled eyes,
Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord,
And when you ask them, "How much should we give?
"Ooh, they only answer more! more! more! yoh,
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no military son, son.
It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, one.
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no, no, no,
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate son, no, no, no,
He's a perfect addition to the "Vote for Change" tour.
I have something to say musically here: Rick James, damn.
Yeah I guess he did some asshole drug-induced shit back when. But I loved him as a writer & performer - he seemed to have such a light touch and ability to laugh at himself as a pop stah - and hooks just flowed from him - I'm in awe of that in anybody.
As people tend to become yesterday's newspapers shortly after the last eulogy, may I just inject one thought I've wanted to put out there for some time?
I LOVED "Party All The Time" by Eddie Murphy.
This tune was maligned when it was out as simply being a vanity project for Eddie, and therefore trivial ("He CAN'T SING!", etc.). After it was off the charts (it charted BIG, in fact), radio saw to it that it was buried, and never reared its funky little head again.
In truth, this was a sublime Rick James moment. It was, for all practical purposes, a Rick James record. All Eddie had to do was deliver the vocal track with a modicum of soul (he did a much better job than is generally admitted!), and you had this driving, thumping, super-compressed, hookier-than-hell little pop record that could wake the dead with its infectious adrenaline.
And that's the last time I'll ever write like a damn rock critic, promise! But overdue props to "Party All The Time", and mah man Rick James.
I do have a maybe sort of potential hookup. If something like 2 tickets for 2 weeks of blogads would be possible, would that be swingable? Not sure just how much pull I can grab for this.
Dear Atrios:
Screw Philly: The Reading Show has Death Cab For Cutie. Make the trip.
I thought Billmon had a grand left over from the extra bandwidth he isn't buying any longer....
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