OK This is the Coolest Invention Since the iPod
Saturday, January 29, 2005
http://www.sonos.com/
Check this out, this by far is the coolest mp3 device for the house I have come across. Now the price sucks so I won't be getting one for a while but the idea is here. What you have is a zone player for a room, that runs $499 a piece and u supply the speakers, kinda like the mac mini. Then for $399 you can get the controller that can access up to 32 different zone players. The controller displays all the zones and is color and shows your cd artwork if your tags are correct. Each player can stream internet radio and mp3s (all formats) wirelessly and does not have to play the same songs. So you can have different music in each room all pulling from your collection. They are selling 2 zone players and a controller for $1199, maybe when it comes down to about $399 for that setup I will be on board. I have a feeling I will be waiting for a while but feel free to keep this as a birthday or xmas gift for me, I wouldn't turn it down.
If this is too much for you, there is always the squeeze box from slim devices, there is no cool remote but the price is $199. I don't think you can have multiple ones around the house, I need to research that one but you have display on the unit with the song that is playing. You can download for your pocket pc a remote device that works wirelessly and shows artwork and playlists. This is way cool and would be a reason I would buy this unit.
http://www.slimdevices.com/index.html
For the mac users you have Air Port Express with Air Tunes that plugs into stereo systems and broadcasts your music wirelessly. I need to head to the Apple store to find out more about this one to see if u need the Air Port Extreme or if this will work with an existing wireless router. The price is $129, a remote is extra for $59. I don't really think this is the best option even though I have been raving about mac products the last couple months. There is no display and I am not really sure how this fits into existing stereos.
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/
One of my other favorite players out there is from Roku Labs, it looks way cool and can stream internet radio, mp3s and plugs into existing speakers. This one has a display on the unit that is easy to read and uses a remote to access your music. Now if this had a cool remote interface like the Sonos this would rock but of course no display on the remote.
http://www.rokulabs.com/
So I am still sitting here mulling over all the choices and will do so for probably the next 6 months. The Sonos rocks but too expensive, the air port, too many possible restrictions so that leaves me with the Roku which I think is a better option than the Slim Devices. If anyone has any other devices they think are worthy, please feel free to post a comment. There are a few other ones that I have looked at that are good but I can't remember their names so I couldn't write about them.
Posted by mardenhill 1/29/2005 05:00:00 PM 1 comments
NEW RYAN ADAMS!!!!!!!
Friday, January 28, 2005
AMERICAN TRILOGY
RYAN ADAMS has announced plans to release three albums, including one double LP, this year.
A mock wedding invitation appeared on the singer’s official website revealing the titles and producers for Adams’ forthcoming releases.
So far ‘Cold Roses’, the double album, is the only one with a confirmed release date, April 19.
That record is credited to Ryan Adams And The Cardinals and is produced by Thomas Schick, who has also produced Willy Mason.
Schick has also produced an solo release to be titled ’Jacksonville’ after the town where Adams was born.
The other album revealed is another solo effort called ’29’, which sees Adams reunite with long-time collaborator and Kings Of Leon producer Ethan Johns.
Posted by mardenhill 1/28/2005 11:43:00 AM 1 comments
Progressive Talk
Thursday, January 27, 2005
http://www.wxdx1310.com/main.html
Detroit (Courtesy of Clear Channel, go figure, they must be up to something) has a new station on the air at AM 1310. This is a mix between Air America shows and local personalities and this is its first week. I was listening on the way into work this morning and it was pretty good. It still seems a little raw and needing some more production but I think it will be a good listen. I was a bit annoyed with the caller and that the host kept the discussion going as long as she did. Check out the station when you get a chance and hopefully this blossom's into something good.
Posted by mardenhill 1/27/2005 09:16:00 AM 2 comments
Detroit Revival
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
http://www.theworldiscoming.com/
Check out the website above, it will contain restaurants, bars, hotels, events etc all taking place in Detroit. They will also update it with economic development news relating to the Superbowl, Final Four, All Star Game all of which will be in Detroit over the next couple years. The site officially launches tomorrow so if you hit it tonight you will just get the front page. This is pretty cool and I hope that it is full of useful info.
Posted by mardenhill 1/26/2005 05:32:00 PM 2 comments
'Bout Time Blair
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/green/story/0,9061,1398116,00.html
Tony Blair is meeting with the World Economic Forum tomorrow in Switzerland where he will have the ears of corporate execs to push thru environmental regulations. No, we will not get Koyoto but something is better than nothing seeing that our lame ass president refuses to address the subject. Blair has finally climbed down from Bush's lap to do some good for the global community.
Posted by mardenhill 1/26/2005 01:54:00 PM 2 comments
Parmesan Bagels
One of my favorite bagels are the parmesan ones and Elaine's Bagels make some of the best. The problem is they are only made on Wednesdays and sometimes on Saturday if they come up on the baking calendar. This means that you have to wait until Wednesday to have one and if you don't get there early enough you miss out. I have been craving one for the past month and finally had one this morning, so now I am a happy camper. Enjoy the rest of your day.
Posted by mardenhill 1/26/2005 01:07:00 PM 0 comments
Strange Bedfellows
http://slate.msn.com/id/2112608/
This article talks about Green Neocons, at first you may laugh but it makes sense, the neocons want to be more self dependent and out of the Middle East (after they bomb the hell out of it, can't forget that one). So what this means is that the left and the far right are teaming up to block the Bush admin's energy policy and push for more renewable energy. This along with Hillary's move to the center will start to fracture the Republican party, force the fat cats out into the open who only want to exploit the earth for its resources and hold them accountable. So who will be left, Bush and the religious right, yes they are a big voting bloc but if he starts to lose other factions of the party then he is screwed.
Posted by mardenhill 1/26/2005 09:19:00 AM 1 comments
U2 Tour Dates
http://www.pollstar.com/tour/searchall.pl?By=Artist&Content=U2&Key=Y
Here you can check out the latest U2 dates for their new tour, at this time Detroit is not present but will be on the 2nd leg of the tour starting in the fall. Sources tell me that we should be expecting an October show at the Palace possibly the 25th. There is only 1 Detroit date scheduled but that can change since they are not playing before or after.
From the www.u2.com site:
Once again, U2 will offer General Admission floor tickets giving fans the best view in the house for the lowest ticket price. Reserved seat tickets in the stands will also be available. In North America, general admission floor tickets will be $49.50 (plus applicable service fees). Additional ticket prices will vary per market. There will be an 8 ticket limit per person with a maximum purchase of 2 general admission floor tickets.
So I am thinking that tickets will be $60-$70 by the time all the service charges are doled out. This is expensive but then again its U2 and I missed the last 2 tours so I will be attending this one.
******
Update on the U2 tour dates, I have found the "Unofficial" list of shows that contain dates thru the end of the year and Detroit is listed on Oct 25th with multiple dates before and after open.
http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2004/dec04/20041231_u2.html
Posted by mardenhill 1/26/2005 09:01:00 AM 1 comments
Bush & Co. Inc
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Courtesy of www.watchingthewatchers.org
This so-called ill treatment and torture in detention centers, stories of which were spread everywhere among the people, and later by the prisoners who were freed… were not, as some assumed, inflicted methodically, but were excesses committed by individual prison guards, their deputies, and men who laid violent hands on the detainees.
Can anyone tell me who said that? Was it:
A) George W. Bush
B) John Ashcroft
C) Donald Rumsfeld
D) Someone else
If you answered “someone else", you’d be right. It was Rudolf Hoess, SS Kommandant of the infamous Auschwitz death camp where over 2.5 million people were murdered.
Conservatives, who love to call Liberals whiny, get whiny as hell when the Bush administration is compared to Nazi Germany, or to fascism in general. Guess what, though? The comparisons are beginning to come through more and more.
Hitler was installed, then re-elected. Bush was installed, then re-elected. Hitler had Reichstag, Bush had 9/11. (I am not implying government collusion in 9/11, FYI) Both used their respective catastrophes to assume more power (Hitler with the Enabling Act, Bush with the USA PATRIOT Act), and to assume dictatorial powers.
Hitler used Christianity to give his words absolute authority and decried any who dissented as unpatriotic. Bush uses Christianity to give his words absolute authority and decries any who dissent as unpatriotic.
Hitler said:
“The German people are not a warlike nation. It is a soldierly one, which means it does not want a war, but does not fear it. It loves peace but also loves its honor and freedom”
Bush said:
We’re pursuing a strategy of freedom around the world, because I understand free nations will reject terror. Free nations will answer the hopes and aspirations of their people. Free nations will help us achieve the peace we all want.
I have rejected this type of comparison of Bush to Hitler for months, because Hitler was a genocidal maniac bent on ruling the world with his ideology. I submit this comparison now because I believe the same to be true of George W. Bush.
George W. Bush will have his empire, and he will kill any person, group, or country that stands in his way. I challenge any of you to tell me why that is not so, as he has already proved it.
Randy speaking now:
Do I agree with this, not completely but there are some valid points that need to be voiced about the current administration. People are all in a tizzy because Condi hasn't been confirmed, but when Bush makes statements that since he was elected he doesn't have to answer to the "misteps" in Iraq, the people have spoken and don't care. Well there are over 58 million people who care and if we can't get Bush to face the music then we sure as hell will hold his buddies to the fire. Bush's time will come, it will be more of a deconstruction of the republican party that he has completely destroyed by pushing it farther and farther right and using hate to gain power. I am glad that Barbara Boxer and other senate dems are asking the tough questions in the Gonzolas and Rice hearings, it needs to be done. Could this have happened say 2 years ago, I don't think so, too many "You're Unpatriotic, You're a Commie" would be flying everywhere. These are still being said but I think America is waking up a bit to the Bush administration's use of Patriotism as a weapon against their detractors. Condie will be confirmed, I have accepted this but I want to see her knocked down a few pegs and for once admit to the administration's mistakes.
Posted by mardenhill 1/25/2005 10:25:00 PM 4 comments
Randy's Best of '04
Here is my best of that I have composed for my buddy Ted, if you do not have any of these releases, let me know and I will get them to you as fast as I can.
Mark Lanegan Band - Bubblegum (Probably the best singer/songwriter of our generation, the Bob Dylan of the Grunge Era, excellent cd, darker and more raw than his previous cds)
Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter - Oh, My Girl (Jesse's voice is amazing, the sound of the cd is dark, haunting, alt country)
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - (Great comeback cd from Nick's last release, its dark gospel backdrop is new and makes for a refreshing sound)
Interpol - Antics (Excellent cd from a great band, its hard to say anything bad about Interpol, its a given)
Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand (Best "new wave revival" band, Franz Ferdinand are the only ones that have their own sound in this crazy nostalgic world of ours)
Neko Case - The Tigers Have Spoken (Neko has the best voice in the Alt Country genre and hearing her covers of classics just proves that she is for real)
Left Of The Dial Box Set ( This box set is full of great songs from the past, stuff all of us grew up on.)
Kasabian - Kasabian (Best new band, I love this cd, take the Happy Mondays, The Charlatans and the Stone Roses mix it together and u have Kasabian. The cd is like a greatest hits of all the best british bands from the past)
The Twilight Singers - She Loves You (Greg Duli is in the top 5 of the greatest singer/songwriters of our generation. The cd is all covers but listening to it, you would never knew if you didn't know the original. Greg is one of the few who can take a cover and make it his own)
The Waxwings - Lets Make Our Desecent (Great local band from Detroit, full of 60's janglepop)
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Damage (Jon Spencer is one of those you either love him or hate him, this isn't his best cd but it has some great songs and deserves to be mentioned)
Kings Of Convenience - Riot On An Empty Street (Kings are from Norway and their style is soft, lush, Simon & Garfunkel for the modern age)
Keane - Hopes & Fears (I thought this was the new Coldplay but changed my mind, still great cd, lots of crazy soft piano exploding into a giant wall of sound)
The Polyphonic Spree - Together We're Heavy (I'm not religious but this cd makes you want to wave your hands in the air and praise the lord, lots of fun)
Ryan Adams - Love Is Hell (This technically came out in 2003 as 2 EPs but the full cd came out in 2004 so its on my list, Anything Ryan does is great and the dark, brooding sound of this cd just rules)
Elbow - A Cast Of Thousands (Take all the emotion of Radiohead without the whiny vocals and multiply it by 10x, you now have Elbow. This cd is full of a beautiful melodies and rockin angst. Listen to Power Blue from their 1st cd and you will be blown away).
Wilco - A Ghost Is Born (Same as Interpol, can't really go wrong with Wilco, will just leave it at that)
R.E.M. - Around The Sun (Love R.E.M. been a fan forever and they make music that will still be good 10-20 years later)
Air - Walkie Talkie (One of the best cds to put on right before you fall to sleep, not quite Moon Safari's perfection but getting there)
Stereolab - Margerine Eclipse (Another excellent band, Stereolab takes all thats pretentious in the indie rock world and spins it into non traditional rock thats hard to sing along to but still fun to listen to)
Sonic Youth - Sonic Nurse (Sonic Youth is like R.E.M., one of those bands that has stood the test of time and continues to create amazing music)
New Best Bands of 2005
Athlete (The next Coldplay (but better), pick up "Tourist" the second it comes out, these guys are amazing)
Bloc Party (Mix American Indie Rock with British Indie and you have these guys)
Dears (Morrissey/Smiths worshipers, sometimes a bit too much but their cd "No Cities Left" has some great songs)
Posted by mardenhill 1/25/2005 03:21:00 PM 2 comments
Love the Mac Mini, Love the Mac Mini
http://www.freep.com/money/tech/mwendland25e_20050125.htm
So if you are in the market for a new computer or 2nd one, check out this review of the Mac Mini, it just may convince you to switch. I am still in love with the imac, its more powerful, all in one unit but more expensive. And for those of you still on the fence with the ipod, just buy it, you will not regret it. I have played with most of the mp3 players on the market and none come close to the simplicity and look of the ipod. Yes, they are more expensive but worth every penny. Consider this, you have 500 cds in your collection, rip them down to mp3, and store the bulk of it on your ipod, this becomes your stereo and you have decreased that much more clutter from your life.
Posted by mardenhill 1/25/2005 01:30:00 PM 1 comments
New Blogger on the Block
http://cirrocsworld.blogspot.com/
Bookmark this blog and don't forget to check it out, its a good one.....
Posted by mardenhill 1/25/2005 01:21:00 PM 3 comments
Keeping up on the Downloads.....
Monday, January 24, 2005
And to think the RIAA and record company execs thought people would never pay for digital downloads. I have done my fair share, I have bought about 6 cds from itunes so i am part of that 250 million downloads. Now if iTunes could lower their price and be more reasonable like www.emusic.com than I would download more.
courtesy of www.appleinsider.com
Apple today announced that music fans have purchased and downloaded more than 250 million songs from the iTunes Music Store.
iTunes users are now downloading one and a quarter million songs per day, which is an annual run rate of almost half a billion songs per year. The iTunes Music Store is now available in fifteen countries, which together represent more than 70 percent of the global music market.
"When we launched the iTunes Music Store we were hoping to sell a million songs in the first six months—now we’re selling over a million songs every day, and we’ve sold over a quarter billion songs in total," said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. "iTunes is leading the way into the digital music era and together with iPod is changing the way millions of music lovers find and enjoy their music."
The iTunes Music Store features more than one million songs from the major music companies and 600 independent record labels, over 9,000 audiobooks, gift certificates and exclusive music not found anywhere else online.
Posted by mardenhill 1/24/2005 09:19:00 AM 3 comments
Motown Winter Blast
Sunday, January 23, 2005
I went downtown today to check out the Motown Winter Blast and was suprised on how many people were down there. I guess after the bad weather yesterday, everyone flocked down today to check it out. They had warming tents setup with cars, bands and a taste fest booth with some great restaurants. I sampled the shrimp helena, shrimp wrapped in filo dough and a marinade from Opus One and a fish taco and cheese empanada from Dona Lola which is a new Latin seafood restaurant downtown. Its over by Mexicantown and doesn't have a liquor license but you can bring your own wine. Erika's boss has been there and has been raving about it for months now and keeps bugging us to check it out. There were dog sledding, model t car rides, sledding and ice sculptures and ice skating for everyone to enjoy. I just missed the Orbitsons playing, I walked in as they were tearing down which kinda sucked. This is a trial run to see how the turnout will be and they are planning on doing it next year during the superbowl. I would have to say it was a success and would to see it again next year.
I also went down to the auto show, I had a free ticket from work and didn't want it to go to waste. The best cars were the Toyta Prius, Sion XA & XB and the Smart cars from a division of Daimler Chrysler in Europe. They are supposed to be over here the end of the year and are pretty sweet cars. They are very small, think the mini and priced between $12K and $20K. There is a 2 person car, remember the rollerskate Suzuki had out back in the 90s, yeah its about that size. The 4 door is a decent size, if u were in the market for a Mini I would definitely check this one out also. There is also a 2 seater roadster which was very cool looking. Most of the american cars sucked, just big, gas guzzling and boring designs, nothing worth really buying. I am holding out for a Prius, probably in about 2 years.
www.thesmart.co.uk (The Smart car's website)
Posted by mardenhill 1/23/2005 07:06:00 PM 2 comments
Love The iPod, Love The iPod
We all know that the ipod goes well with the mac but I just realized yesterday how flawlessly it works. I hadn't loaded my ipod in months since my pc died and I got the mac. I wanted to finish ripping and reorganizing my mp3s before I did so I would have music to put back on. Well with the help of the snowstorm yesterday I had some time to kill to reload my ipod. I plugged it in and within 5 minutes it was wiped clean and reformatted. I then just dragged and dropped new stuff onto it. The music doesn't even have to be in iTunes to copy to the ipod, I opened my external HD and pulled stuff right off that. So what I am saying is that everyone should give up their pcs and just onto the mac bandwagon.
New band to watch is Bloc Party, they will be getting a ton of press over here soon so keep your eyes open. I think they are playing Detroit in a couple months so mark your calendars. They are kinda all over the board sound wise, its hard to compare them to anyone.
From allmusic.com
Equally inspired by Sonic Youth, Joy Division, Gang of Four and the Cure, South London art-punkers Bloc Party mix angular sonics with pop structures.
I can see these bands but then none of them stand out more than anyother. They are probably the indiest sounding British band out there, lots of tension style riffs with talking/singing vocals.
www.blocparty.com
Posted by mardenhill 1/23/2005 11:41:00 AM 1 comments
The Next Coldplay
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Well I think I have found the next Coldplay and they go by the name of Athlete. Their new cd "Tourist" starts off with a piano and lazy singing then the strings, drums and guitar break in. The vocals are a mix between Chris Martin and the guy from Elbow which make for a great sound. Athlete mixes a little more electronics into their music than Coldplay which is the only thing that really separates them. On the song "Tourist" there are hints of an RnB feel, I thought the UK white boys realized that they cannot play this sound after the Charlatans UK bust in this genre, but by the 6th song there are gospel background vocals and the guy keeps singing about "you got soul". This is Athlete's 2nd cd, I need to get the 1st one to have a better understanding where these guys are coming from. Overall, the cd is a good listen, its just like Coldplay you don't want to like it but it just sounds good. I am very curious to see what Chris Martin and Co. will pull off with their 3rd cd, will it be a Pearl Jam that started to branch off in a different direction or will it be played safe with larger than life piano ballads. Check this one out, don't think you will be disappointed and then you can say u heard of them before all the mags jump all over them. Actually I really can't say that, its been months since I last read a music mag and they may already be there. NME loves them and we all know that if NME gives out props then it must be good.
Posted by mardenhill 1/22/2005 05:13:00 PM 0 comments
1st the Telletubbies now Spongebob
Thursday, January 20, 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4190699.stm
This is classic, the religious right is now attacking spongebob for being "too gay". I guess when you inject happy images, humor and friendly dialog into something it becomes gay. There will now be a boycott of spongebob because he appears in a diversity/unity video. I guess its veggie tales 24/7 for the rest of our natural born lives. Man I can't wait to sit down and get my 30 minute moral lessons from talking food. If you have never seen veggie tales, its mighty painful and I don't recommend it on anyone. I'm not a big spongebob fan, he is kinda annoying but this is pathetic.
Well we are stuck with the monkey for another 4 years, get the flasks out, its going to be a long nite.
Posted by mardenhill 1/20/2005 01:45:00 PM 1 comments
Petition Time
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Ok, its a bit late but better late than never, check out and support Barbara Boxer.
http://ga4.org/campaign/ricehearings/step1.tcl
Barbara plans on asking the Condi Rice why she lied about the Saddam/Bin Laden connection and why we were not better prepared for an attack. We all know Condi will be confirmed but it would be nice to actually have some answers from this administration for a change.
from www.dailykos.com
This is an excerpt of Barbara's opening statement for the hearings.
It is my hope that today, we will have a candid discussion, Dr. Rice, because I believe it is crucial that a Secretary of State speak openly and honestly with the American people and with Congress. Frankly, this issue of candor is where my concern lies.
Since 9/11, we have been engaged in a just fight against terrorism. I voted to use force against Osama bin Laden and the terrorists in Afghanistan, and I assumed that we would focus on that challenge, not stopping until we got bin Laden, dead or alive, and broke the back of al Qaeda.
However, instead, with you in a lead role Dr. Rice, we went into Iraq. I want to read you one paragraph that best expresses my views, and the views of millions of Californians, on the impact of the Iraqi war on the war against terrorism. It was written by one of the world's experts on terrorism and foreign policy, Peter Bergen, five months ago.
He wrote:
"What we have done in Iraq is what bin Laden could not have hoped for in his wildest dreams: We invaded an oil-rich Muslim nation in the heart of the Middle East, the very type of imperial adventure that bin Laden has long predicted was the United States' long-term goal in the region. We deposed the secular socialist Saddam, whom bin Laden has long despised, ignited Sunni and Shia fundamentalist fervor in Iraq, and have now provoked a "defensive" jihad that has galvanized jihad-minded Muslims around the world. It's hard to imagine a set of policies better designed to sabotage the war on terrorism."
This conclusion was reiterated last Thursday by the National Intelligence Council, the CIA Director's think tank, which released a report saying that Iraq has replaced Afghanistan as the training ground for the next generation of "professionalized" terrorists. NIC Chairman Robert L. Hutchings said that Iraq is "a magnet for international terrorist activity."
These quotations are significant to this hearing, Dr. Rice, because as a major proponent and spokesperson for the war in Iraq, and as someone who was asked by the President to make the case for this war to the American people, and as the person in charge of the reconstruction effort- you have many questions to answer to the American people.
This war was sold to the American people- as Chief of Staff to President Bush, Andy Card said-like a "new product." You rolled out the idea and then you had to convince the people, and as you made your case, I personally believe that your loyalty to the mission you were given overwhelmed your respect for the truth. That was a great disservice to the American people.
But worse than that, our young men and women are dying. So far, 1342 American troops have been killed in Iraq. More than 25 percent of those troops were from California. More than 10,000 have been wounded. I don't want their families to think for a minute that their lives and bodies were given in vain. Because when your commander in chief asks you to sacrifice yourself for your country, it is noble to answer the call. I am giving their families all the support that they want and need, but I will also not shrink from questioning a war that was not built on the truth.
Posted by mardenhill 1/18/2005 11:35:00 AM 6 comments
A Place Not To Live
Monday, January 17, 2005
I was listening to NPR today and they had a segment on the new religious hotspot in the US and it is Colorado Springs. This city is home to a number of new religious right political action groups and ministries. Back in the 80s young men headed out west to start new churches and settled in Colorado Springs. The pastor of an 11,000 member congregration said that it is the US answer to Jerusuleum and Mecca. They are now running for office and dictating their agenda in all aspects of life. One good thing to know, the start of the Darwin fish car stickers originated here by a local who is sick and tired of what has been happening to his city. It was a pretty scary report, and you think Salt Lake is bad, this is even worse. Next time you receive some obnoxious political mailing with hints of religion check to see where it came from, chances are it's this town.
Posted by mardenhill 1/17/2005 11:17:00 PM 1 comments
Simply Wine
If you haven't been down to Simply Wine in Ferndale I highly recommend it. The store is on Woodward south of 9 Mile across the street from the Woodward Avenue Brewery. The store's setup is pretty interesting, instead of the traditional order the wines are categorized by flavors. You have clean, mineral, crisp area featuring a selection of whites that fall into that taste. This can be chardonnays, chenin blancs and sauvignon blancs etc, from all different regions. There is also rich for whites, rustic and ripe for reds. The owners want you to tell them what flavors or styles you like and they will help you pick a wine out. The prices are all under $15 on these shelves (a few are couple dollars more) and the special occasion section. You will not find a Kendall Jackson here, don't expect to see to many names you recognize. The owner wants to sell wines that don't typically make it to your normal stores but are still good and a bargain. I picked up a 2000 LaPlaya Claret from the Colchaua Valley in Chile for $11.25. This wine is a blend of cab, merlot, carmenere and syrah and is aged in oak.
Overall I was impressed with the store, the concept is cool and its nice to see some different bottles. I have about 3 other ones that I am interested in trying, maybe this weekend I will pick up another bottle. They also have a monthly wine tasting for $20, this month will be pinot noir.
Posted by mardenhill 1/17/2005 06:31:00 PM 2 comments
from Wonkette.com
CBS News: Now with More Perky!
TIME reports that Katie Couric has been approached about using her pert behind to fill the CBS Evening News anchor seat, a move we can only applaud. It's about time that the national evening news more resembled the comforting, cheerful pabulum that makes our mornings so delightfully numb. We can kinda hear her now: "Social security. . . blah blah. . .Iraq killings . . . blah blah. . .This kitten got stuck in a tree! And Senator Bob Dole is 82 years young!" And who knows how she'll cover natural disasters: "And I actually called our newsdesk on Saturday and said: 'I know that we have this tsunami going on, and--and all these people, but is it true that they broke up?'"
Oh, wait. . . that already happened.
Goodbye, Dan. Hello, Katie? [TIME]
I cannot think of another way to kill a show and all its credibility than to hand it over to Katie Couric. I bet Bush has something to do with this, he didn't like Dan Rather and wants to get back at CBS so putting Katie in charge is one way of doing it. I really hope this doesn't happen, TV news will have officially reached an ultime low and force me to rely only on the internet.
Posted by mardenhill 1/17/2005 06:26:00 PM 2 comments
If At First You Don't Succeed, Change Your Story
Friday, January 14, 2005
Well its official, the search for WMD's in Iraq has come to a close with the grand total found, a big ZERO. Lets go back in time, Bush's reason for invading Iraq reason 1. Saddam helped Bin Laden with the 9/11 attack. This was proven false so reason 2, Saddam had WMD's pointed at the US ready to kill us all. This was proven false a number of times so onto reason 3. The liberation of Iraq which hasn't proven to be as easy as they thought. So 200 Billion dollars later and we are still there hoping the election will take place so we can slide out the back door. Our coalition of the willing is shrinking, Ukraine will be pulling their troops out in the next few months.
I just found this and I think it is the 1st Bush apology ever, amazing I tell ya.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush (news - web sites) said he regretted sending the wrong impression of the United States when he used phrases like "Bring 'em on" and "dead or alive" in his first term and pledged to be more diplomatic.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=584&e=1&u=/nm/20050114/pl_nm/bush_bluntness_dc
So what does this tell us, the cowboy mentality really doesn't fly with the rest of the world. Dirty Harry only exists in the movies, not real life. Will Bush change, I think not but he is finally coming around and admitting to his arrogant mistakes. Will he ever admit to lying about WMDs?
Posted by mardenhill 1/14/2005 11:10:00 AM 1 comments
Front Page News
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Damn that Prince Harry, he knocked Kid Rock off the Drudge Report front page with his Nazi costume. I have a feeling that Bush had the pic planted to divert attention away from him and onto the Brits who are starting to distance themselves from the Administration. Yep, Bush paid off Drudge just like he paid off Armstrong Williams to promote No Child Left Behind. For those of you who are not familiar with this story, Armstrong was paid $240,000 to promote the failed plan thru his tv spots and news columns. Yes, this is illegal and rumor is there are more pay for plays floating around that will be coming out in the next few weeks.
A good site to bookmark that will keep u on top of things is www.rawstory.com
Ok, maybe Bush didn't have anything to do with it, but its fun to connect the dots.
Posted by mardenhill 1/13/2005 10:32:00 AM 1 comments
New Elbow in May
ELBOW GO BACK TO THEIR ROOTS
ELBOW’s third album sees them return home and go back to basics after the traumatic recording of ‘CAST OF THOUSANDS’.
The band have recorded their new album in Manchester in an open plan space on the top floor of Salford’s Blueprint Studios. The band have produced the album themselves.
Singer Guy Garvey told NME.COM: “It’s very well documented that [making the second album] was really tough. And much as we all love the record, there wasn’t much joy involved in it. The actual experience was thoroughly fucking joyless to be honest.”
Determined to change the process, the band resolved to write on the road, and, refreshed, set about making the album without any outside influences.
The band have been joined by Mark Thomas from the Soup Collective, who alongside doing the visuals for Elbow, has made videos and animations for big-league pop stars Girls Aloud and Appleton.
Thomas is working on animations and visual ideas that grow at the same rate as the music that inspired them. But far from an Andy Warhol Factory vibe, bassist Pete Turner insists “it’s more like a youth club!”
“It’s brilliant though,” he continued, “because there’s artists coming in doing little sketches every day, people coming in and taking photographs.”
Mark’s works in progress are projected on a giant screen in front of the band as they write and record.
“It’s such a great vibe,” continued Guy. “We totally have control of what this environment looks like, feels like. It makes sense to have Mark up there, because [images] are so closely linked in the way people perceive stuff these days. And he makes a great cup of tea.”
Opening track ‘Station Approach’ describes coming home, taking its name from the road leading up to Piccadilly Train Station, while possible first single ‘Buddha With Mace’ describes a fat bouncer.
Guy added: “We’ve all really missed being at home. I spend a lot of time in the same few bars, but you fucking crave them when you’re away. It’s fucking great here, compared to how it was. It’s just getting better and better.”
The album, currently untitled, is due in May.
Posted by mardenhill 1/13/2005 10:30:00 AM 2 comments
Start the Book Burnings
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42351
Just like I said before, Bush is caving to the religious right and pulling Kid Rock from the twins inauguration concert. Citing perverse lryics and bad morals the American Family Association has pressured the administration to pull Kid Rock from the bill. Its ok for him to play the superbowl and to perform for the troops overseas but now he's a bad guy even though he supports the president. Chalk another one up to the christian coalition, how many more before this country wakes up.
Posted by mardenhill 1/12/2005 03:00:00 PM 7 comments
Ipod Shuffle
Ipod Shuffle
Here is the latest ipod, its a flash based player, 512 megs and 1 gig for $99 and $149. You will see there is no screen this fits with Apple's "Life is Random" catch phrase. The idea, you plug it in like the USB jump drive and it randomly pulls tracks from your itunes catalog. You can set it to pull from specific genres but it is all random. That way when you are listening you have no clue what the next song is. This is not for control freaks but the idea is pretty sweet and would be great for running/exercising. I won't be getting one but I still think they are pretty sweet plus they are smaller than a pack of gum.
Check them out at www.apple.com
Posted by mardenhill 1/12/2005 01:53:00 PM 0 comments
New Mac Desktop
Mac Mini
Here is the new Mac Desktop, its called the mini and costs $499 and can be upgraded. You supply your own keyboard, mouse and monitor or can buy them from Apple but its geared for windows users to switch. The specs are pretty good and can be upgraded from 256 megs of ram to 1 gig and the harddrive from 40 gigs to 80 gigs. I say spend the extra money and get an imac but for a 2nd box for those of u with a disposible income, this rocks. No dvd burner just player and cd burner but that can also be upgraded.
the size is 6x6x2 and fits in the palm of your hand, talk about cool. Check it out at www.apple.com
Posted by mardenhill 1/12/2005 01:52:00 PM 2 comments
I Hate Cars!!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
What a wonderful way to start the day off, waiting for roadside assistance to come unlock your car. Thats me today, I was cleaning off my car this morning and locked my keys in my car after starting it. I must have hit the lock button on that stupid remote and shut the door. I have torn apart my house but cannot find my 2nd set of keys anywhere. If I was smart I would have looked a long time ago and then gone and had a 2nd set made to hang up next to Erika's 2nd set. But no, thats too easy. At least I was at home and can wait for asssitance inside while I blog and watch CNN. I had to call my boss who just laughed at me and will of course tell the rest of my team.
I just got a copy of the new Magnapop which is amazing, I didn't even know they were back together until Woxy had played them the other day. If anyone is interested let me know and I will make u a copy. I aslo have the new Bloc Party which is supposed to be the next Franz Ferdinand, they are the latest buzz all over the UK. Well it looks like my assistance is here, more later.
Posted by mardenhill 1/11/2005 09:25:00 AM 0 comments
Detroit at it again
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Now this is classic, get Kid Rock to perform for your daughter's and piss off your conservative base. Lets see what Bush will do, appease his base or put family first, my bet is on the base. Last year Kid Rock performed at the superbowl while wearing a flag but Janet seemed to get in the most trouble. I am hoping he plays and the conservatives and their false values protest the show, that would be a sight to see. Hey the conservatives want the south and the common man, but with that comes the booze and sex. Not sure how that fits into their grand plan. They can have Kid Rock tho, I would rather have Eminem on my side.
Rap Kid Rock inaugural pick; AFA is not happy.
BY MAKI BECKER
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Conservative Christians are flabbergasted about reports that raunchy rock-rapper Kid Rock will perform at a youth concert at the presidential inauguration. "What in the world are these people thinking?" asked Donald Wildmon, chairman of the American Family Association in Tupelo, Miss. "This is the biggest slap in the face to the Christian conservatives." Kid Rock reportedly will perform at "America Rocks Today: A Call to Service," a multimedia concert.
Ann Coulter loves the Kid, so it shouldn't turn out to be a problem.
courtsey of www.politicalwire.com
Kid Rock Rapped
"Inauguration planners seemed to be backpedaling yesterday" about a possible Kid Rock appearance at an inaugural event, the New York Daily News reports. Said a spokesperson: "Kid Rock has not been confirmed."
The problem? "The almost-34-year-old Detroit bad boy is currently dating porn actress Jessie James, never goes anywhere without a pint of bourbon in his back pocket and rattles off X-rated lyrics that regularly earn his albums parental advisory warnings."
Posted by mardenhill 1/08/2005 10:33:00 PM 1 comments
NEW OASIS!!!!!
Friday, January 07, 2005
NOEL SPILLS BEANS ON NEW OASIS LP
OASIS guitarist NOEL GALLAGHER has spoken out about the release of the band’s forthcoming studio album.
The as-yet-untitled LP will hit the shops on May 16 and features 12 songs written by Noel, singer Liam guitarist Gem Archer and bassist Andy Bell.
He said: "The finished album is my favourite one of the last four. Because we're all contributing to the songwriting there's a different feel to it. In fact the only songs that sound like Oasis are Andy Bell's funnily enough.
"I've been listening to a lot of Bob Dylan last year, Liam was obviously some guy who used to be in a band in Liverpool, Gem's a very rock and roll but not in a Jet way if you know what I mean. Andy's just sound like Oasis, which is great."
The band are currently approving the artwork for the release, which according to Noel "looks quite bleak and northern", but are yet to decide on the first single to be lifted from the LP.
"There was an obvious first single but I was singing it," Noel explained. "After 12 years of Oasis, Liam thought that might sound a bit odd, people might think he'd left the band. He threw his cans out the pram."
Talking to Radio 1's Jo Whiley, the guitarist gave fans an insight into his favourite tracks on the album and said that his brother’s songs are "very, very good".
"If I had to pick one it would be ’The Importance of Being Idle’," he revealed. "That sounds a bit like The Kinks, a bit like The La's, a bit Liverpudlian. I think it's got the best lyrics. I'm getting quite fed up with London at the minute, there's one song called ’Part Of The Queue’ which is about living in London and how you always seem to be queuing up for things in that city and how it almost … when I moved to London about 12 years ago it blew me away but the novelty has worn off. It's become so overcrowded over the last three or four years that we're upping sticks and moving."
Noel said: "The most interesting thing will be when you hear Liam's songs. They are very, very good. A song called ’Guess God Thinks I'm Able’. The end 30 seconds will blow you away. It's great."
Oasis will head out on a UK stadium tour in the summer, having sold over 330,000 tickets for the dates. The shows are Glasgow Hampden Park (June 29), City Of Manchester Stadium (30, July 2-3), Southampton Rose Bowl Stadium (6) and Milton Keynes National Bowl (9-10).
Noel said that the group have "bagged some magnificent support bands" for the tour, though did not reveal the exact names.
As for a tour, I don't see them coming over until fall, that way they can play the European festivals. I can wait til fall, another show like the last one at the Fox and I will be a happy camper. Their last show was the best show I have ever seen them on, it was the last of the tour and they did not want to leave the stage. It does rival their very 1st show I saw in '94 when someone threw a shoe at Liam and he stormed off stage and Noel finished the show but musically it wins hands down. If you have never seen Oasis, you are missing one of the best live bands around.
Posted by mardenhill 1/07/2005 09:43:00 AM 2 comments
Delay and Co.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Courtesy of www.dailykos.com
The GOP will drop efforts to change the ethics rules, and will also go back to the old rule that indicted leadership have to surrender their posts.
House Republicans suddenly reversed course Monday, deciding to retain a tough standard for lawmaker discipline and reinstate a rule that would force Majority Leader Tom DeLay to step aside if indicted by a Texas grand jury.
The surprise dual decisions were made by Speaker Dennis Hastert and by DeLay who asked GOP colleagues to undo the extreme act of loyalty they handed him in November. Then, Republicans changed a party rule so DeLay could retain his leadership post if indicted by the grand jury in Austin that charged three of the Texas Republican's associates.
When Republicans began their closed-door meeting Monday night, leaders were considering a rules change that would have made it tougher to rebuke a House member for misconduct. The proposal would have required a more specific finding of ethical violations.
Republicans gave no indication before the meeting that the indictment rule would be changed. Even more surprising was DeLay's decision to make the proposal himself.
Jonathan Grella, a DeLay spokesman, said DeLay still believed it was legitimate to allow a leader to retain his post while under indictment. But Grella said that by reinstating the rule that he step aside, DeLay was "denying the Democrats their lone issue. Anything that could undermine our agenda needs to be nipped in the bud."First they're for ethics, then they're against them, now they're for them again.
We all know what that's called, right?
One of the main reasons, Pelosi was going to intruduce a vote in the House today on whether or not this should take place. This vote would have put targets on anyone who supported it so Delay and co. caved at the last minute. Delay is an arrogant asshole who still thinks he should hold house leader even if he is indited. Instead of dragging his party thru the mud with him, he finally got some balls and will face the music himself. This is the party that came in '94 and changed the law to what is currently is then wanted to change it to benefit them. Hmm, flip flopping, sleazeballs who have no moral backbones and who want to dictate every inch of your life. Looks like we are off to a good year so far.
Posted by mardenhill 1/04/2005 09:14:00 AM 1 comments
Sandbox
Monday, January 03, 2005
Just talked to Kent and he is alive and well, missed the Tsunami by 1 day so we can stop worrying about him.
I just got the latest Mark Sandman - Sandbox which is a 2 disc set featuring songs not recorded for Morphine. It spans Mark's whole career and is amazing in the sense you can see all of his influences and interests. I have just added this onto my best of 2004 list, its too good to pass up. There is a dvd that comes with the set so I will pick this one up at the store one of these days. I am a huge morphine fan and anything related to them is almost as good as Oasis, Buffalo Tom and Babybird in my book.
I just got a copy of the Tears - Live, the quality is ok but it comprises Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler. Both were members of Suede but Bernard left the band after the 1st release and hadn't talked to Brett until last year.
Other than that, just at work trying to catch up on things.
Posted by mardenhill 1/03/2005 11:21:00 AM 5 comments
Well Its About Time!!!
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Happy New Years to everyone, hope this year is even better than the last.
For starters, this should make some people happy.
Goin' South, Gonzo StyleUpdated 10:07 PST Mon, Dec 27 2004
CONCORD, Mich. (AP) _ The Motor City Madman is officially turning Texan. Michigan rocker and hunting activist Ted Nugent says he plans to get a Texas driver's license soon. He said in a phone interview Wednesday that he officially will become a Texas resident in 2005, after moving his family to Crawford, Texas, about a year and a half ago. The rock guitarist was at his Michigan house in Concord, near Jackson, during the holidays to prepare for his Whiplash Bash tour. Nugent said he plans a New Year's hunting excursion with Texas Gov. Rick Perry. He said his son, Rocco Nugent, is excelling in the local schools and has done well in sports. And the hunting in Crawford is great, too, he said. "Right behind Rocco's school is game! It's a barbecue dream," he said. Nugent, who said he supports President Bush "100 percent," said his new home is "right around the corner" from Bush's ranch. Nugent said he is working with the Texas fish and game department, where he writes for a state publication on bow-hunting. Nugent and his wife have started a "Hunters for the Hungry" program there that delivers venison and other game to those who need food, he told The Jackson Citizen Patriot. The second episode of his VH1 TV series, Surviving Nugent, was shot last spring in Waco, Texas, not far from Crawford. Nugent said he will keep his Michigan property and rebuild the house next spring, returning for hunting and family events.
This rules out Ted for governer now which has been heavily rumored. I don't think he could be Granholm but u never know with the way things have been lately. This may work in our favor, get all the crazies to move to texas, cut it off from the US and give it back to Mexico.
I talked to my friend Tonya who just received a postcard from our friend Kent who is vacationing in Thailand which said he was heading to Phuket on Dec 24th. I have scoured the internet for info on him but havn't found out anything yet. He is supposed to be back in the states tomorrow, we are hoping for the best. Its Kent Bergwall, please keep your eyes open for this name if u are reading anything regarding the Tsumani.
Well its off to clean up from last nite, had a fondue party and need to finish cleaning the kitchen.
Posted by mardenhill 1/01/2005 01:01:00 PM 0 comments
