New B-52's
Friday, December 08, 2006
One of the greatest party bands, The B-52's will be releasing a new record sometime next year. The last studio record was in '92 so its about time. The B-52's will be working with New Order's producer Steve Osbourne and the band have described the new material as "Rock 'n Roll-Glam-Electro-Soul". If you have never seen the B-52's live you are missing out. Its a non stop dance party with singalongs where the whole crowd gets into it. Watching 15,000 people get down to "Rock Lobster" has been one of my favorite concert moments. I do hope they take a page out of their earlier work for this new release, I don't know if I can handle another "Roam" era.
http://www.theb52s.com/
Posted by mardenhill 12/08/2006 12:38:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Music
Water On Mars?
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Its been a great week for space aficionados like me, first it was the announcement of a moon base now we have water on Mars. If this is indeed true, the idea of manned space trips to Mars is one step closer to reality. Yeah there are some logistics that need to be figured out but if we can get people to Mars in my lifetime then warp speed is just around the corner.
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http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/news/mgs-20061206.html
"These fresh deposits suggest that at some places and times on present-day Mars, liquid water is emerging from beneath the ground and briefly flowing down the slopes. This possibility raises questions about how the water would stay melted below ground, how widespread it might be, and whether there's a below-ground wet habitat conducive to life. Future missions may provide the answers," said Malin.
Posted by mardenhill 12/06/2006 02:28:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Science
Flavia
We have a demo in of the Flavia drink station and everyone who is interested can go get free coffee. The concept is simple, you pick either coffee, cocoa or tea and then a topping and make your own drink concoction. I mixed espresso with the Milky Way topping for a Milky Way Latte. Its more or less a mocha with Carmel but not too much chocolate. Had I used the cocoa, it would have been very sweet but also not caffeinated. They use little bags that you insert into the machine, click a button and when prompted put in the 2nd bag. The machine also disposes of the bags so all you do is take your cup and go. Environmentally these things suck since its just more garbage going into the waste stream but it is convenient. I guess that is what America is based on, convenience at all costs. I don't know if our company will actually purchase these for us, the costs would be enormous but stranger things have happened. I could maybe see myself using this once in a while but I am not one who can drink lattes everyday, its too much. I will still brew my own coffee at home and bring it in, its cheaper and its also better coffee.http://www.myflavia.com/myflavia/en-US/
Posted by mardenhill 12/06/2006 12:17:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Misc
Portrait Of A Jackass
We all know that members of congress have the easiest work schedule known to man and it just kills me that they cry and whine when they are forced to work more. Currently when congress adjurns this Friday, that would have worked 113 days this year, and if you take the total days for the 110th congress it was 241 days. Just imagine only working 113 days a year, wouldn't life be grand?Well "Mr. Panties In A Wad" Jack Kingston is not happy with the new requirements for the incoming 111th congress, starting in January members will be expected to work 5 days a week! So pissypants had this to say about working:
"Keeping us up here eats away at families," said Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), who typically flies home on Thursdays and returns to Washington on Tuesdays. "Marriages suffer. The Democrats could care less about families -- that's what this says."
What an idiot, here's a concept, if you can't handle working, don't run for congress! Its amazing how lazy our govt really is. I broke down my work schedule, we get 26 PTO days off a year plus 15 holidays for a total of 41 days off. That breaks down for a total of 219 work days a year which is very generous and uncommon for most people. The PTO days include sick days plus vacation, its all rolled into one. Maybe I should go to my boss and tell him that working 5 days a week is destroying my home life, I wonder what he would say.
This is why America voted the Republicans out of office, they are a bunch of lazy fools who couldn't govern their way out of a paper bag.
Posted by mardenhill 12/06/2006 10:56:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: Politics
Château du Perier
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Have I ever told you that I love Bordeaux wines? Yeah I probably have but they are just so good that I need to keep talking about them. I had a really crappy Spanish wine the other day which was not worth blogging about. It was a Tinta de Toro which is another name for the Tempranillo grape and was a bit thin and candyesque. It was not as bad as the Beaujolais but it came close. I was expecting a bit more robust wine but oh well, you win some you lose some.
Getting back to the wine at hand, I have just opened a Château du Perier which is from the Medoc region and from the excellent 2003 vintage. This wine is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet and Merlot and has great flavor. After sitting for a half hour, the wine opened up and you could really taste the black cherry and rich tannins. Its not too harsh, a little green but it does linger on the finish and has some nice legs. Its still a bit cold from being in the basement so I may have to wait til tomorrow to get a real taste. I picked up one of those argon gas canisters that help preserve the wine so it shouldn't be a big deal at all. The gas is about $10 and can be used on 100 bottles, or so they say.
Posted by mardenhill 12/05/2006 10:20:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Wine
Moon Base 2020
Nasa announced plans today regarding our return to the moon. By 2020, Nasa would like a permanent base where future missions can be launched avoiding Earth's gravity. Besides all the cool space exploration that could go on from here, think about the tourism aspect. People would pay lots of money to stay on the moon and Nasa could use that money to fund other projects. My goal in life is to make it to space before I die and since Mars is not feasible, the moon will do. I will be in my late 40s/early 50s by the time we have a base but that won't be a problem, I will make sure I am in excellent shape.Posted by mardenhill 12/05/2006 09:04:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Science
Cobo Expansion
Actual Cobo renovations would cost $425 million, but the price tag also includes buying the center from Detroit, paying existing debts and creating a fund to subsidize its operations. Space would be increased by replacing the auditorium and rooms nearest the river with more exhibition room. In addition, Cobo Arena would be demolished. A climate-controlled enclosed walkway would connect to the Renaissance Center and a skywalk would link the Sheraton Detroit Pontchartrain.
There have been many plans presented and pulled regarding Cobo Exhibition Hall in downtown Detroit. The problem stems from the exhibition hall only being 700,000 sq ft and nowdays most major cities have halls over 1 million. The proposal on the table would add another 270,000 sq ft and keep the North American Auto Show here in Detroit for years to come. Detroit could then use this additional space to allure other companies looking to showcase products or hold conferences. Cobo Hall would be torn down which is fine with me since its rarely used anymore. I am content with the plan except for the "Climate Controlled Walk" that would connect with the Ren Cen. Last nite when I read the original article it stated that the walk would be elevated over Hart Plaza but this morning it was cleaned up to reflect what you read below. Either the editor said that is the stupidest thing they ever heard of or they are trying to hide what will really happen. No developer in their right mind would put an elevated walkway across the plaza that overlooks Canada and the heart of the city. Put it on ground level but don't mess with my skyline.
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http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/METRO/612050384
The proposed 270,000-square-foot expansion would be paid for by extending hotel and liquor taxes that paid for the center's face-lift in the 1980s. Those taxes are set to end in 2015. Michigan's counties would have to give up their share of the tax's future proceeds in exchange for $233 million.
Posted by mardenhill 12/05/2006 08:58:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: Detroit
Son Volt & Austin City Limits
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Although Jay Farrar helped create the Alt Country genre with the band Uncle Tupelo, his work afterwards seemed to take a back seat. After the fallout between Jay and Jeff Tweedy, the Alt Country world faced its first Metallica/Megadeth catfight ever. Jay went on to form Son Volt and Jeff formed Wilco. For those of you who are scratching your head on the previous reference, Dave Mustaine was an original member of Metallica but drank too much and was kicked out. He vowed to start his own band, one that would rival Metallica. Megadeth was born and lived in the shadows for years. Dave made it onto MTV and the radio in the mid 90s but never saw the same success his buddies did. Anyways, getting back to the matter at hand, Jay Farrar put out some excellent material under Son Volt and strayed true to the Alt Country sound. Wilco pulled a Metallica and went genre jumping trying to shake the stereotype they felt held them back for years. Did Wilco succeed, in some ways yes but that can be saved for another posting.
Son Volt was part of the Austin City Limits Music Festival this September and released 3 songs from the performance for download via iTunes. The 1st song is "Atmosphere" comes from their latest cd Okemah And The Melody Of Riot. Its raw but has a some great hooks and you can really tell it was recorded live. With hints of a Hammond organ and a slowed down beat this song is a must have for any fan. Track 2 "Circadian Rhythm" is a new song slated for release on their upcoming 2007 cd. Its mid tempo/melodic style has some excellent guitar work and is a bit on the darker side. Track 3 "Medication" hails from Okemah and is more or less a jam with little vocals popping up here and there. The live version is 2 minutes longer than the original and has a bit of hypnotic eastern rhythms to it.
I usually don't download from iTunes, I still think the prices are too high but I had 3 free downloads left over from some free credits a friend at work gave me. They had been sitting in my account for months and when I saw this I decided to go for it.
Posted by mardenhill 12/02/2006 10:52:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Music
I'm Famous....Well Sort Of...
Last month while up in Traverse City visiting Alison we went wine tasting at a number of the vineyards. The 1st stop was Bel Lago where a local reporter interviewed Erika and Alison while I was busy chatting at the tasting bar. Our next stop was Black Star Farms where it was my turn to be be questioned. They had a photographer take a ton of pictures while we were tasting and low and behold, we made the newspaper. If this was the best one they could have come up with, well I would hate to see some of the others. Oh well, its not bad but I look kinda of goofy. Erika's cousin lives up in north and happened to find the article in the paper and sent it to us. I found the article online but no picture and you can read it below. As for Sutton's Bay that is mentioned, its no relation but I like to think of myself as being part of Michigan history.
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Hitting the wine trail
Local tasting rooms wind down peak season
TRAVERSE CITY — Randy Sutton had one weekend in northern Michigan and he was making the most of it.
Accompanied by his wife, Erika, and her sister, Alison Dilts, Sutton hit the Leelanau Peninsula wine trail running on a recent Saturday afternoon.
"Randy is big into wine,” said Dilts, during the trio's first stop at Bel Lago Vineyard and Winery in Cedar. "We like to drink it; he likes to talk about it, analyze it.”
http://www.record-eagle.com/2006/nov/19wine.htmPosted by mardenhill 12/02/2006 01:11:00 PM 2 comments
Labels: Wine
Update: Ryan Adams
Friday, December 01, 2006
I am streaming some songs right now and it is quite amusing, think of a poor man's Beck. The rap is simplistic with some basic beats and the hardcore songs remind me of the 80's during the Dead Kennedy's/Descendents era. Its not good, its not bad, its just musical fodder to make you laugh. Whereas Moby attempted the hardcore scene with "Animal Rights", Adams just gives it away for free and doesn't expect to be taken seriously. Lyrics are full of obsenities and often make fun of other celebrities.
Posted by mardenhill 12/01/2006 10:02:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: Music
11 New Releases!!!!!
I am a huge Ryan Adams fan but I think might be too much. I checked out his punk stuff a few months ago and after 1 listen that was enough. I imagine this will be same thing but I think its cool that Ryan is streaming his fun in the studio stuff for all of us to enjoy. You get some musicians who will take years between releases and only put out stuff that is legit. Adams takes the opposite approach and uses the internet to allow us a glimpse into his world. Streaming side projects on the web costs nothing and he keeps us talking. It may be good, it may be crap but hey its Ryan Adams so we must check it out.....
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Ryan Adams posts 11 new albums online
Under 3 different pseudonyms
Ryan Adams has recorded eight albums this year - and he's going to release them all.
Echoing the three albums he official recorded last year, the singer-songwriter has issued his new efforts on his website Ryan-adams.com.
The singer, has posted rap material under the name DJ Reggie and hardcore material under the names The Shit and Werewolph.
The streams feature cover art of the albums.
Although the albums contain mainly original material, they also feature covers of Creed's 'Higher' and Shania Twain's 'You're Still The One'.
As previously reported , Adams posted teaser samples on his website of the eccentric material.
In total he has posted:
DJ Reggie -'Holla Dayz Inn'
The Shit -'Christmas Apocalypse'
DJ Reggie - A Reginald Gangster'
DJ Reggie - 'Hip HopBreaker'
DJ Reggie -'4:20/20'
The Shit - 'This Is Shit'
The Shit - '...Hits The Fans'
The Shit - 'Hillbilly Joel'
The Shit - 'General Ulysees S. Hospital'
The Shit - 'Slef Portrait'
WereWolph - 'Feel The Laser'
Posted by mardenhill 12/01/2006 09:47:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: Music
Aussie Shiraz
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
My friend Chris bought me a bottle of 1999 d'Arenberg McLaren Vale Shiraz for my birthday and I decided it was time to give it a try. Upon opening, the flavors came out in full force and the smell of the wine filled the room. Colorwise, its dark and a bit rusty like a tawny port. With it being over 7 years old, the wine has developed into a more complex red with hints of chocolate, leather and spice. Its not high in alcohol but you can smell a bit and taste it on the end. This wine is very smooth tho, there are no harsh tannins and its all flavor. Aging did this wine well and I can see how people enjoy opening a bottle they have put away for years. Luckily for me, I didn't have to wait and the bottle was bought for me already aged. I have a few bottles from Napa I plan on saving for a few more years and I hope they turn out as good as this one has. http://www.darenberg.com.au/default2.php
Posted by mardenhill 11/29/2006 08:33:00 PM 1 comments
Labels: Wine
All Of MP3
The Russian run mp3 site allofmp3.com may be closing up shop due to copyright infringement and pressure from the US govt. The site sells mp3s for pennies on the dollar and although they claim to follow Russian law, I don't think the royalties ever end up where they belong. I never used this site since I am not about to give my credit card information to them. iTunes and the rest of the pay sites are too expensive so that leaves me with eMusic.com where I can get songs for about .25c a piece. Just think, if Apple sold music this cheap, more people would download songs and with the masses consuming, royalties could still be paid to the artists. I think $4.99 a cd is a perfect price but do they listen, no they don't. ...........................................
update Russia has agreed to shut down Allofmp3.com and other music sites based in that country that the U.S. government says are offering downloads illegally.
The nation has struck the agreement with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as it seeks entry to the World Trade Organization. The U.S. has suggested that it would hold up Russia's acceptance in the WTO unless leaders there took action against digital piracy.
"Russia will take enforcement actions against the operation of Russia-based websites," according to a press release issued November 19 by the U.S. Trade Representative. "(Russia will) investigate and prosecute companies that illegally distribute copyright works on the Internet."
Posted by mardenhill 11/29/2006 07:51:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Technology
iTV
Steve Jobs introduced this prototype at the last Apple expo and got the internet talking. The idea behind iTV is a new internet appliance that will stream media to your entertainment center. You will be able to access your mp3s, podcasts, internet radio, photos, videos and dvds all wirelessly. Everyone was on board except it was missing 1 important component, a hard drive. Why you may ask, well simple, if this has a hard drive then it can also become a dvr and record all your tv shows.
Well some analysts have talked up the product a bit and gave us a glimmer of hope. With your dvd burner on your mac, you could theoretically burn shows that are saved onto the hard drive. Lets hope Apple goes down this route and we can eliminate more pieces of hardware from our entertainment centers.
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Although Apple would not disclose additional specifications of iTV, Neff said the company highlighted that the device fits within its vision of simplifying consumers' use of content.
"Though details remain sketchy, Apple emphasized [the] focus of iTV [is] to improve user experience by leveraging its software expertise and implied that there may be features beyond the mere streaming of video content," the analyst wrote.
Apple has already acknowledged that the device will also be capable of streaming photos, music and podcasts. But during the meeting it also hinted at additional features such as an "internal hard disk drive for storage" and "advanced user interface software."
Posted by mardenhill 11/29/2006 04:17:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Technology
Simple Minds
I was listening to Simple Minds Greatest Hits and didn't realize how many good songs they put out. Everyone seems to remember them from the Breakfast Club fame and maybe 1 or 2 songs afterwards. Out of the 32 tracks there were 8 that most people should have heard one time or another and probably never equated with the band. There are more great songs but I just wanted to single out the more popular ones. Simple Minds formed in '78 and just released a new cd in '05 with the revival of new wave. They have a great catalog of music and I recommend everyone should own at least this greatest hits.
Don't You (Forget About Me)
Primised You A Miracle
Alive & Kicking
Sanctify Yourself
Up On The Catwalk
Life In A Day
See The Lights
Stand By Love
Posted by mardenhill 11/29/2006 09:42:00 AM 1 comments
Labels: Music
Live Oasis
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Today at 4pm EST Noel Gallagher and Gem from Oasis did an acoustic set to promote their greatest hits cd "Stop The Clocks". They have played a number of songs, Talk Tonight, Wonderwall, Slide Away, Cast No Shadow and Half The World Away just since I tuned in. I tried connecting via my mac but it wouldn't stream, so I missed the first few minutes. My co-worker Jay is also a big Oasis fan and has the concert streaming at his desk. We are about 10 feet away and the feed is maybe 2 seconds off so it sounds pretty funny when you stand between our cubes. I hope MSN or Youtube will have this available to watch again since I had to do some work between songs. Don't people know not to bother me when I am watching Oasis!!!!!!
Posted by mardenhill 11/28/2006 04:38:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Music
Ticket Increase
Monday, November 27, 2006
Tigers announce 2007 ticket prices
November 27, 2006
The Tigers announced ticket prices for the 2007 season, with increases introduced for five seating levels. Ten seating price levels remain unchanged.
The on-deck circle ($65), infield box ($40), outfield box ($30), rightfield grandstand ($20) and bleacher ($10) area prices have all been increased.
The areas unchanged for next season: Tiger Den ($60), terrace ($35), club seats ($25), upper box infield, rightfield, leftfield ($20), pavilion ($15), mezzanine ($15), upper reserved ($12) and skyline ($5).
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We knew this would happen and every team will take advantage of a good season. I don't think its that big of a deal tho because the seats we usually buy are the $12 and $15 ones and those didn't increase. Lets hope we have another great summer with the Tigers next year.
Posted by mardenhill 11/27/2006 03:19:00 PM 1 comments
Labels: Tigers
Stop The Presses!!!!
First Jessica then Britney, now Pamela. And to think, they had 3 ceremonies around the world, I wonder how much that had to cost. I never did get to see her around town but I guess that is for the better since she would probably be very scary in real life.
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TMZ has learned that Pamela Anderson has filed for divorce from husband Kid Rock.
Anderson, who is represented by celebrity hotshot lawyer Neal Hersh, cited irreconcilable differences. The couple was married August 3, 2006. Earlier this month, Anderson suffered a miscarriage.
"EXTRA" first reported and TMZ has confirmed that Kid Rock also filed divorce papers today (documents to follow shortly).
We've learned there was not a prenup, however, the two were married for such a brief period of time it will probably have little impact.
http://www.tmz.com/2006/11/27/pam-anderson-files-for-divorce/
Posted by mardenhill 11/27/2006 02:31:00 PM 1 comments
Labels: Misc
Cyber Monday
Today is officially Cyber Monday, the electronic equivalent of Black Friday for shoppers. Everyone returns to work after the Thanksgiving holiday and jumps online looking for deals. If you are in the market for an external hard drive I have a great deal for you. I bought the Western Digital My Book 500 gig Premium drive a few months ago and love it. I keep all my mp3s on it, organized and ready to go when I need them. The Premium has both Firewire and USB 2, a must if you are a mac owner and can be bought from the Dell online store for $224, a better deal than Buy.com or Amazon.com. If $224 is too rich for your blood, you can get the 500 gig My Book Essential (USB 2 only) for $190. In order to get the Dell additional discount, you need to go to www.dealcatcher.com and choose Dell Home and select the 10% off coupon. It will take you to the store where you search for the hard drive. The discount will be added in the cart at the end.
http://www.dealcatcher.com/dell-home-coupons
I highly recommend this hard drive to anyone out there in need of a place to store music, photos and whatever else your digital life throws at you.
Posted by mardenhill 11/27/2006 01:52:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Technology
A Twisted Christmas
Sunday, November 26, 2006
When I railed against Christmas albums a few weeks ago, I never knew it could sink any further. Well folks it has and we are now graced with a "A Twisted Christmas" by Twisted Sister.
Track 1 "Have Yourself A Merry Christmas" starts off as a drunken saloon then the metal kicks in. Its retro metal and signature Dee Snider going full force. Track 2 "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" is "We're Not Gonna Take It", the exact sound just the lyrics changed. This one is amusing tho and you can picture is the band dressed up in Santa Claus outfits, chanting and pounding their fists in the air. Track 4 "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is a duet with the legendary Lita Ford and just like any good ballad there are blistering guitar solos. Track 6 "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" starts off with a heavy riff that continues throughout the song. The chunga chunga guitar makes its way thru maybe 3 chords but is the backbone to any good metal song. Track 8 "Deck The Halls" has a background chorus sounding like the Hells Angels getting ready for a fight. Track 10 "Heavy Metal Christmas (12 Days Of Christmas) is the only song where the lyrics were changed but they are classic and should replace "Grandma Was Run Over By A Reindeer" as the song for the ages.
"Heavy Metal Christmas"
On my heavy metal Christmas my true love gave to me,
12 Silver crosses
11 Black mascaras
10 Pairs of platforms
9 Tattered t-shirts
8 Pentagrams
7 Leather jackets
6 Cans of hairspray
5 Skull earrings
4 Quarts of Jack
3 Studded belts
2 Pairs of spandex pants
And a tattoo of Ozzy!
I cannot think of any other metal band able to pull of this feat. Its a disaster but entertaining at the same time. Twisted Sister are geniuses tho, this thing has the potential to sell like hotcakes and keep the royalties flowing for years to come. The highlights are "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and "12 Days Of Christmas" the others just tend to blend together with the exception of the Lita Ford duet. Search for Twisted Sister on the iTunes Music Store and you can hear 30 second clips of each song.
Posted by mardenhill 11/26/2006 12:55:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Music
