Friday's Reason for Optimism

This week's reason for optimism comes a day early as I'll be away from the PC tomorrow.

Thanks to Kelvin for this fantastic link.

Nice to know that, even in the wake of a zombie takover, when the rest of us are nothing but food, the turtles will be taken care of.

Seriously- Haley Joel Douchebag has a movie deal and this kid doesn't? That is a crime. Wes Craven - sign this kid up for Little Monsters II. Either that or The Reaping II.

So close...

Perusing cnn.com just now, and their latest news section had, back to back these two stories:

Story the first.
Story the second.

Of course, with the links back to back, my pre-coffee brain interpreted that yes, the Spice Girls had died in a fiery crash.


Rats.

Politics killed the radio star

Today is the online radio day of silence, to spur protest of recent copyright royalty board decision that would make online streaming of radio difficult beyond practical means of most listener supported public radio stations. Personally, I've never been a big fan of "Day of Silence" style protests. Seems that communication is the best way to reach understanding, and the odds that a lot of people notice anyone not talking seems low. But the cause is certainly good, and if they feel this is a useful expression of protest, who am I to judge. The important thing to do, whether you agree w/ shutting down the i-airwaves for a day or not, is to call/write/effigyburn your elected representatives and let them know that while they can take our lives, they cannot take our Freedom.

More information and resources here. And here.

Looking Indiana, feeling Arizona

Check it out...

It’s been known for a while that a fourth installment of Indiana Jones was in production, and I’ve reserved pre-judgement until now. Last Thursday, Harrison Ford got into costume for the first time in 18 (!) years, and the film’s website captured the “action”.

Yes, this is a cash grab on par with reunion shows such as those of the Pixies and the Police. Folks who, as teenagers used to love Pixies/Police in their primes are now in their 30s/40s, married w/ children, but not so old that they don’t want to rock, albeit at a safe, seated show w/ a big jumbotron. Likewise, folks who were in the target demographic - little kids - when the Indy franchise launched are now in their late 20s, and while we might not want to shell out $150 for a 300 level ticket to watch Sting’s rippling muscles (enjoy, ladies), we sure as hell can afford $10 for a movie ticket. In other words, regardless of the exact original target demographic, there’s money to be made. They’ve realized that their former audience is feelin’ nostalgic and newly flush with capital, and have stood up to meet our demand. If this stuff is poor art, or bad for society, the problem ain’t Hollywood/TimeWarner, it is us.

And you know what? That Pixies reunion kicked ass. From all reports, so does the current Police one. So I’m setting aside the sarcasm, laying down the indie fan rockist hipster dbag mantle, and listening to my inner child: the kid who first saw Indy melt Nazis’ faces and get the girl and decided that Archaeology might be fun is still in here somewhere, and he wants more Indy, even if Indy wears Depends.

Plus, Ray Winstone (aka Gal) and John Hurt (aka “Oh no, not again”) are on board. In my book, that counts for a lot. Thus, this will earn my full recommendation, and while I’ll allow that it may suck, I’m going in with good expectations and excitement. Plan is for the film to open 5/22/08.

No, Hillary, NO!!!!

Hillary Clinton announced her presidential campaign song.
It's not exactly "Don't Stop Believin'"
yep. It's Celine.
Celine Freaking Dion.
The song was chosen via an open vote, beating finalists Shania Twain, U2, and Smashmouth.

Smashmouth?!

Off the top of my head, here's some songs that would have been a better choice:

1) ANY other song
2) No song.

Just for fun, here's my top presidential campaign theme songs. Add yours in the comments.


8. Hail to the Thief - Radiohead (kidding)
7. The Big Payback - James Brown (reserved for Al Gore should he ever get elected)
6. Damn it feels good to be a gangsta - Geto Boys
5. It's the end of the world as we know it - REM
4. Motion Movement - Blue Scholars
3. Huddle Formation - The Go! Team
2. War Pigs - I'd get Flaming Lips to perform their live cover
#1 with a bullet. Wake Up - Arcade Fire

South Philly = Rhodes, cont...

So, you remember the previously posted here story about a pack of frothing idiots who think putting a couple 400 ft. towers at Broad and Washington will revitalize South Philadelphia.

Well, the same developer who wants to build those big steel phalli also annexed an entire sidewalk along South Street next to his nearly completed enormous eyesore monument to gentrification. To build a diabled access ramp for the 1st floor shops. That actually more closely resembles a terrace. That people in wheelchairs can't access, because, well, the sidewalk is too narrow for wheelchairs. Because of the access ramp this idiot built. Without zoning approval. Do yourself a favor: don't read those sentences again, or think about them too much - it can cause brain damage.

Of course, brain damage would qualify you for a seat on Philadelphia's city council, right down the row from Frank DiCicco, spokesman for hubristic developers everywhere.

In short,

DiCicco = dickbag.

Samir Benakmoume = Napoleon w/ a smaller penis and more VD.

Streets Department = chickenshit.

Wheelchair bound people = fucked.

South Street and 13th = deathtrap.

Rich, white tenants of the good ship = happy w/ a terrace (ramp) that they'll probably never use, cause then they'd have to sit within view of people who have a different skin tone than them.

A treat for all manner of dorks

Do your inner child a favor and watch this.

Perfect. Just perfect. Even the horribly filmed ending worked for me.

My favorite part? The snake.

Yes, I will now spend my entire evening amongst the legos. Did I mention I'm 29?

Arcade Soundsystem

Yup. According to pitchfork, LCD Soundsystem and Arcade Fire will be touring together this fall.

Only one date announced thus far, out in LA. Suffice to say that I would slap yo grammama, right in front of you, for tickets to this. More later once show dates are released.

Friday's Reason for Optimism

Cheer up!

Scientists at the University of Oregon just discovered that giving to charity feels gooooooooood. They're publishing the results in this months issue of Science.

Try it out. Grab yer checkbook, pick out a suitable partner (Planned Parenthood, maybe?) and wait for the Philanthrorgasm to crash over you.

South Philly = Rhodes

Whoo hoo!

Apparently, my 'hood is about to become the fancy, bona fide doorway to center city that everyone wants it to be.

Wait, did I say everyone? I meant, ALMOST NO ONE.

Notice that this collossal monument of hubris is brought to you by none other than Frank DiCicco, local councilman. This is precisely my problem w/ DiCicco. He's blatantly pro-business, pro-development, pro-whatever will line his district and pockets with more $. And he is so at the expense of the opinions of the people he represents.

While there's nothing at all wrong with being pro-casino, or pro-development, or pro-this-new-project, having that stance when it directly conflicts with the overwhelming majority of the people you represent is NOT ok. It's not democracy. Yes, he later changed course on the casino deal, but never forget that he was one of the biggest proponents of the deal at first. I can imagine him changing his stance on this come next election cycle, but meanwhile everything he's done since the election demonstrates his total disdain for his constituency. He's a piece of shit.

And, speaking of pieces of shit...
Fear not, young Fado dwellers! Roofie coolattas are back on the menu.

Here endeth the rant.

Foodies on vacation

I just discovered a pretty durn cool resource. The US Department of Agriculture maintains a map that lists farmer's markets all across this great nation of ours. While I'm sure that it's information is far from complete or up-to-date, it's still a nice development.

Planning a trip to New Mexico? Now with the click of a mouse you can get an idea where you might pick up some fresh local huitlacoche. A lot of the listings even have phone #s you can call beforehand to find out hours of operation, which, although listed, are probably not very current.

This would make a fantastic Food Network show- a big ol' road trip from market to market, hanging with local farmers and tasting what's good from week to week, from place to place. Of course, if such a show ever happened, it would no doubt include Rachael Ray and square dance lessons. Much like the 8th circle of hell.

Foodie Report - Tequila's

Tequila's, at 16th and Locust.
Went there today for lunch. Nice place. Really nice staff. Although service was a bit slow, it was actually kind of a nice change of pace compared to the usual center city rush job.

Highlights- Two words, people: Grasshopper tacos. I didn't get them only cause it was a work lunch and I feared offending folks. I am 100% positive they're delicious though. They were a special, so I'm curious how often these sweet sweet babies are available. Other highlights - nice decorations and ENORMOUS portions, each nearly big enough for 2. excellent black bean soup, served w/ queso fresco, bacon, and onions. Really good limes. Cool bathrooms.

Lowlights- Mediocre ceviche (overcooked), underspiced sauces, very not ripe tomatoes in the pico de gallo, mole dishes underspiced and overcooked.

Overall- not nearly as good as some of the nuevo latino places, nor as good as Las Cazuelas. But definitely a fun, nice place- has an AMAZING booze selection (all the varieties of hangar one vodka, plus what I've heard is the best tequila selection in the city). Would be good to go w/ a group who feel like boozin' and sharing those huge portions.

I'll give it 2.5 Jiminy Cricket Enchiladas out of 4.