TrippOdd / Dan's Diatribe

Steve Earle - Jerusalem

I've been listening to Steve Earle's album "Jerusalem" quite a bit today.

I woke up this mornin' and none of the news was good
And death machines were rumblin' 'cross the ground where Jesus stood
And the man on my TV told me that it had always been that way
And there was nothin' anyone could do or say

And I almost listened to him, yeah, I almost lost my mind
Then I regained my senses again and looked into my heart to find
That I believe that one fine day all the children of Abraham
Will lay down their swords forever in Jerusalem

Well maybe I'm only dreamin' and maybe I'm just a fool
But I don't remember learnin' how to hate in Sunday school
- Steve Earle - Jerusalem

Dan on 06.30.04 @ 12:44 PM PST [link]

I Hate Politics... No, Really

Sorry that so many of the posts on my blog have been about political stuff lately... Well, sorta.

I started blogging with the intent of using it as a way to entertain myself, and to pass along cool links to "hey, look at this cool site" stuff on the internet. It seemed better than IMing everybody individually or sending out e-mails, etc.

I've never been particularly interested in Politics, but lately, it's been necessary to get involved. One of my friends says "you know the place is going to Hell in a handbasket when people like me start to take notice and do something about it." This is, in essence, why I am posting. My personal feeling is that so many of our civil liberties are being challenged that if we do not take action now, we will be unable to take action later.

I don't care if you agree with my political comments or not. You're entitled to disagree. My concern is that we need to become more aware of what's going on and vote after thoughtful, intelligent consideration of the issues.

Hopefully, we can resume our normal program of ranting and raving about that which is truly insignificant soon.

Dan on 06.29.04 @ 11:32 AM PST [link]

COPA Sent Back to Pennsylvania - Ashcroft Must Be Pissed

A divided U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday barred prosecutors from filing criminal cases under a federal law designed to restrict Internet pornography, concluding that enforcement could violate Americans' free-speech rights.
The 5-4 ruling upheld an appeals court injunction preventing the Justice Department from enforcing the Child Online Protection Act, or COPA, until a full trial takes place. COPA restricts sexually explicit material deemed "harmful to minors" that appears on commercial Web sites, and it includes civil and criminal penalties.(from ZDNet)

Ashcroft must absolutely hate the Judicial branch of the United States Government. First it shot down parts of the so-called "Patriot Act" and now they're not allowing Ashcroft to hinder Free Speech.

Anyone with a modicum of compassion, intelligence, or common sense is fully against child pornography and other already-illegal and definitely immoral acts. But thank you, Supreme Court, for understanding that giving Ashcroft the power to declare things "obscene" would likely result in the unlawful detainment of individuals akin to how those who have been labeled as "terrorists" have been treated.

It's disgusting to me that attempts to revoke/stifle civil liberties are disguised with names like "The Patriot Act" and the "Child Online Protection Act." It's sickeningly Orwellian.

Why are we allowing a man who was defeated in an election by a deceased candidate hold this position of power in our country?

Dan on 06.29.04 @ 11:13 AM PST [link]

Big Security Flaw in Internet Explorer

A major security hole discovered in Microsoft's Internet Explorer last week has become a golden marketing opportunity for alternative browsers such as Mozilla and Opera that are unaffected by the flaw. (from ZDNet)

Will this be the death of Internet Explorer? No.

Is this a good thing for Mozilla? Indirectly.

"Since there is such a disproportionate use of IE on the Internet right now, it does make it a very high-profile target," said Chris Hofmann, the Mozilla Foundation's director of engineering. "That's what people who are writing exploits are targeting, because that's where they get the biggest bang for the buck."
   /snip
"If we were in a world where there were less of a monoculture for browsers, it would make it harder to design exploits that would affect that much of the marketplace," Hofmann said. "That's one of the driving forces of the Mozilla Foundation, to provide choices so that someone can't come up with an exploit that affects nearly the whole population."

I've been a big fan of Mozilla since the day my friend came over to my cube where we used to work and expounded upon its virtues... prompting a download. Mozilla is a superior browser, in just about every way.

There are at least 101 Reasons for using Mozilla.

The very few times I've had to use Internet Explorer since switching (some sites absolutely ignore web standards) I've been shocked to see all the pop-ups, pop-unders, Microsoft Ad Words, and crap. It's impressive how much crap Mozilla whacks down. It's become absolutely invaluable to me. Tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, etc., etc.

Don't take my word for how great it is though... try it for yourself.

Dan on 06.29.04 @ 02:15 AM PST [link]

Hats Off and Thank You to True American Patriots

An important part of the U.S. Army report on Iraqi prisoner abuse prepared by Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba that I feel has been overlooked by the media as a whole is a section down at the bottom, in the "OTHER FINDINGS/OBSERVATIONS" section. (copied from MSNBC's republishing, emphasis added)

3. (U) Throughout the investigation, we observed many individual Soldiers and some subordinate units under the 800th MP Brigade that overcame significant obstacles, persevered in extremely poor conditions, and upheld the Army Values. We discovered numerous examples of Soldiers and Sailors taking the initiative in the absence of leadership and accomplishing their assigned tasks.
a. (U) The 744th MP Battalion, commanded by LTC Dennis McGlone, efficiently operated the HVD Detention Facility at Camp Cropper and met mission requirements with little to no guidance from the 800th MP Brigade. The unit was disciplined, proficient, and appeared to understand their basic tasks.
b. (U) The 530th MP Battalion, commanded by LTC Stephen J. Novotny, effectively maintained the MEK Detention Facility at Camp Ashraf. His Soldiers were proficient in their individual tasks and adapted well to this highly unique and non-doctrinal operation.
c. (U) The 165th MI Battalion excelled in providing perimeter security and force protection at Abu Ghraib (BCCF). LTC Robert P. Walters, Jr., demanded standards be enforced and worked endlessly to improve discipline throughout the FOB.
4. (U) The individual Soldiers and Sailors that we observed and believe should be favorably noted include:
a. (U) Master-at-Arms First Class William J. Kimbro, US Navy Dog Handler, knew his duties and refused to participate in improper interrogations despite significant pressure from the MI personnel at Abu Ghraib.
b. (U) SPC Joseph M. Darby, 372nd MP Company discovered evidence of abuse and turned it over to military law enforcement.
c. (U) 1LT David O. Sutton, 229th MP Company, took immediate action and stopped an abuse, then reported the incident to the chain of command.

These individuals, units, and battalions should be commended for upholding the true values of the United States. Sadly, their names and actions won't ever receive the same noteriety as the names and actions of those who did what was wrong.

We, as American Citizens, owe these folks and the rest of the Armed Forces (active and retired), a big thank you for doing their jobs, submitting themselves to protect the rest of us, and in many cases, standing in the presence of that which is wrong and choosing to do that which is right.

Those who have died or been wounded in service to our country (not just in Iraq, but throughout our nation's history) deserve much more than a big thank you. They more than deserve our respect, admiration, and remembrance.

Dan on 06.29.04 @ 12:23 AM PST [link]

Ashcroft's Crusade Against Obscenity

According to several stories (story, story) and this speech, Attorney General John Ashcroft says that "The Department of Justice is committed unequivocally to the task of prosecuting obscenity." This is the best thing I've ever heard... and I have a good suggestion about where it should start: Donald Rumsfeld.

The creation, publishing, and distribution of pictures of prisoners from Abu Ghraib being abused, sexually molested, and tortured conforms with just about any sensible person's defintion of obscene. It won't be long until Rumsfeld's actions are fully exposed, and he's publically acknowledged as being responsible for approving/encouraging/allowing this behavior. Any efforts that the Department of Justice takes to investigate and prosecute these obscenities would benefit Truth, the American People, the People of Iraq, and the World.

And yes, the slime that produce the equally disgusting and degrading filth like bestiality and kiddie porn should rot in prison right next to Rumsfeld, Charles Graner, Sabrina Harmon, Janice Karpinski, and the rest.

Let the Eagle Soar.

Dan on 06.29.04 @ 12:11 AM PST [link]

F3ll0wsh1p of teh R1ng

Sadly, I understand a vast majority of this: F3ll0wsh1p of teh R1ng and laughed aloud when I read bits of it.

Ross, this is why you need to kick your City of Heroes addiction NOW!!!

Dan on 06.28.04 @ 04:21 PM PST [link]

Damn It, There's Too Much Cool Stuff

There's too much cool stuff on the internet. If only I had more time to check it all out. Here are some things I'm blogmarking to check out in a bit more depth later.

Flex-MX: a site about Web Design, Flash, Rich Internet Applications and other stuff I'm interested in. There's a blurb about PhotoBlox there, which is how I found it. While I dig all the links to interesting things... the person whose iTunes list is displayed has quite bad taste in music... check this out:

>> 10 Recent iTunes:

George Michael - Somebody To Love
George Michael - Killer / Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
George Michael - Freedom 90
Genesis - Wish It Could Rain Down
Genesis - Throwing It All Away
Genesis - No Son Of Mine
Def Leppard - Torn to Shreds
Def Leppard - Hysteria
Commodores - Sail On
Bon Jovi - Stick To Your Guns

The 80's are over dude!!

PhotoBlox: a neat photo viewing application built using Laszlo.

SoundBlox: oh, man... a super-duper-hella-mega-cool application for playing .mp3s from a web site. The Mister Edgars site might be using this on their/our web site in the near future. This gets a hip++ rating. 'tis another application built using Laszlo.

SlayerOffice: "web exeriments gone horribly awry." More proof that Andrew has his finger on the pulse of cool stuff.

CheapAss Games: cool, fun games.

del.icio.us: The site Andrew tells me about once a day, on average. =) Tons of cool/interesting links to things.

Dan on 06.28.04 @ 04:01 PM PST [link]

News of Interest to Dan

A review of Catwoman:

The best way we, the Bandits, can summarize this film is as follows: if you’ve ever fantasized watching Halle Berry hissing (not once, not twice...but THRICE) and rubbing a sack of catnip all over her supple lips and face in ecstasy, then this pic is for you.

Fahrenheit 9/11 makes Box Office history.

Star Wars Episode VI, er III, will undoubtedly suck.

There's a new version of Gamegrene.

Today's Pearls Before Swine is pretty funny.

Dan on 06.28.04 @ 03:09 PM PST [link]

Erik's Guitar, or is He PACKIN'?

Is that Erik's guitar... or is he just PACKIN'? (Originally from here.)

Dan on 06.28.04 @ 02:54 PM PST [link]

Faisal's New Pictures

The Mighty Frisky One has posted some really great photos from a day out in London. Ch-ch-check 'em out!

Dan on 06.28.04 @ 02:49 PM PST [link]

Fahrenheit 9/11

I saw Fahrenheit 9/11 today, and cannot encourage you enough to see it for yourself.

Get over the hype and commentary from those who haven't and won't see it... because they're likely the same ignorant folks who picketed The Last Temptation of Christ and Dogma.

More importantly, please register to vote.

Dan on 06.27.04 @ 10:48 PM PST [link]

Laszlo/ LinkBlox, and Why I'm Not Using It (yet)

I've been aware of the Laszlo Presentation Server for a while, and went to a presentation they did for the Silicon Valley Java User's Group (thanks again for the pizza). I've always thought it was a cool idea. In its current state of being, Laszlo is basically a neat way to convert XML and Javascript into a Flash 5 compatible movie.

My friend Andrew loves it. In fact, that's well understated... he REALLY loves it. (Take a gander at the demo apps at MyLaszlo to see what I mean.)

I decided that I didn't care for their then-ambiguous licensing, so I kinda lost interest. I haven't looked at their licensing scheme recently, though the last I recall is that a server license was in the neighorhood of $2,000/cpu. Kinda reasonable for what it does, but out of my reach for sure... especially when I can buy Macromedia's Flash MX2004 Professional for about 2/3 less.

The other reason I'm not using Laszlo is because they promised me a freakin' t-shirt for registering and posting in their forum.

Do I now have a Laszlo t-shirt? Nope.

MyLaszlo is a service that hosts non-commercial Laszlo apps for free, but I'm not that interested in using it, because the licensing/rights management isn't to my liking. Sensing a trend?

Anyhow...

I decided to check out LinkBlox, which is an application created using Laszlo. It's pretty hip. I signed up to use it (free), and converted my links to OPML (an XML schema that's really easy. Using the sample file as a starting point, it took me 10 minutes to convert my links. Very simple). Here's what I came up with:

Pretty nifty, considering that all I had to do was create a simple text file and dump a single line of HTML into the page I wanted to use the LinkBlox on. The colors are user-definable, so if you don't like my color choices, rest assured... you don't have to use them.

However... (You knew that was coming, no?)

My initial test failed miserably because, like a dunderhead, I made a simple error or two in the XML file. LinkBlox didn't bother to tell me why it wasn't displaying any of the data I was providing it. It took a minute or two to realize my error and correct it, and then, blamo... it worked great... until I realized that it wasn't displaying all the links I was providing it. It desperately needs a scrollbar.

LinkBlox is a great idea... it just needs a little more love. If you don't mind that it won't display all your links, then get yourself over to sign up to use it. It's hip.

And one last thing... just because Andrew is my friend doesn't mean that he agrees with my thoughts about this stuff.

My opinions are my own.

Dan on 06.27.04 @ 12:28 AM PST [link]

Beastie Boys' "Copy Protection Virus"

The new Beastie Boys CD, To The 5 Buroughs, has a lot of folks' panties in a knot... not because of the music or lyrical content... but because of the "Copy Protection Virus."

This seems to have started from a mailing list post, which alleges that the DRM/ Copy Protection mechanism on the new CD silently installs software on the user's PC.

According to the Beastie Boys' site, the copy protection scheme used on the discs is only on non US/UK discs, and is the standard operating procedure of Capitol/EMI for European distribution. The site contains text from EMI's statement:

While the Beastie Boys CD does use copy control in some territories, there is no copy control on the Beasties Boys discs in the US or the UK. Where copy protection is used, it is Macrovision's CDS-200 technology; the same technology being used for the past several months around the world for all of EMI's releases in those territories. This Macrovision technology does NOT install spyware or vaporware of any kind on a users PC. In fact, CDS-200 does not install software applications of ANY KIND on a user's PC. All the copy protection in CDS-200 is hardware based, meaning that it is dependent on the physical properties and the format of the CD. None of the copy protection in CDS-200 requires software applications to be loaded onto a computer.
The technology does activate a proprietary Macrovision player in order to play the CD on a PC, and that player converts WMA compressed files to audio on the fly. It also temporarily installs a graphic "skin" for the player. Nothing is permanently installed on a hard drive. These details can be verified in the 'install.log' file in the computer's root directory.

The dunderhead who wrote that statement obviously misunderstands the computing community, particularly the average Slashdotter's anal-retentive attention to detail. Example:

If none of the copy protection requires software applications to be loaded, why does the very same article say that it sets up an audio player in RAM?
"We installed DRM software into RAM but we did not install it onto the computer"
"I smoked pot, but I did not inhale."
"I did not have sex with that woman."

Another good example:

>This Macrovision technology does NOT install spyware or vaporware of any kind on a users PC.
What a relief, we can only imagine what disastrous effects it might have if Duke Nukem Forever were to be surreptitiously installed on the defenseless hard drives of innocent beastie-boy fans.

The statements about how silently installing software on a user's machine is the behavior of a computer virus is absolutely correct. Record companies are exposing themselves to serious potential class-action lawsuits by ignorantly tinkering with DRM technologies which exhibit this type of behavior.

While I wonder if the fact that the original post was on a site called "Security Focus" seems to give the post more credibility than it deserves, it's obvious that record companies are wasting a lot of time and effort to control the behavior of computer users. Requiring that an album be played back using a proprietary player might be shadily dodged as being "legal," but it's definitely a stupid move. Record companies should pay attention to the software industry's experience with copy protection. Bottom line: somebody will build de-copy protection software eventually... and it's an uphill, pointless battle.

Then again, record companies have tons of money from habitually ripping off artists and will have even more once they move all their operations to India, so they obviously have money to burn persuing stupidity. Too bad they don't choose to compensate artists, or invest in something that has/could have a tangible value to society.

I can't imagine that the Beastie Boys are pleased to hear all the hype about this, but the truth is that you can't shake the devil's hand and say you're only kidding. This is where the party ends*, guys... it's time to step up and denounce all this stupidity... and take steps to compensate your fans who have bought DRM/Copy Protected discs that won't work in their CD players.

Links to message board threads/articles on this subject:

• Beastie Boys' New Album Silently Installs DRM Code
• Thread at Mac Forums

* These lyrics from They Might Be Giants are fitting, even though the connection between TMBG and the Beastie Boys may only be in my head.

Dan on 06.26.04 @ 10:05 PM PST [link]

More Stuff to Think About for The Crisis Project

The indie/punk/underground scene is alive and well. I think these articles contain a lot of good things to consider while we're working on The Crisis Project.

• The problem with music
• By the power of Satan

Dan on 06.26.04 @ 01:44 PM PST [link]

LOTR: Mega-Uber Special Edition

Hopefully, this new character won't be in the Lord of the Rings: Mega-Uber Special Edition 400 DVD set when it comes out.

Speaking of which, when does it come out? I'd sure love to see a 4-hour documentary of "Live on Location: Craft Services of Lord of the Rings."

Dan on 06.26.04 @ 11:12 AM PST [link]

New Guitar - First String Break

Yeah, I know this is of about -0- interest to anyone but me, but I had my first string break on my new Ibanez... the "B" string. Kinda interesting, because normally I break the E's or the A... a B break is kinda rare for me.

Anyhow, blah, blah.

Dan on 06.25.04 @ 12:00 PM PST [link]

Model Rocketry is a Dying Hobby

Thanks to clueless legislators, Model Rocketry is dying as a Hobby.

When are we, as a nation, going to overrule the fear that's being promoted by the self-interested a-holes in power? Model Rockets cannot take down aircraft. They're not a threat to national security. Promoting Fear and Hatemongering is, however. It's time for this nonsense to stop. Please vote intelligently.

Dan on 06.25.04 @ 10:15 AM PST [link]

Open Mic at The Jungle

The Mister Edgars have a 9:30 p.m. spot at The Jungle's open mic tonight, in the event you're looking for something to do. =)

The Jungle is located at 542 High Street - Palo Alto, CA 94301 and is fun++. A huge (and free!) parking garage is right next door. Does it get any better than that?

Dan on 06.25.04 @ 09:35 AM PST [link]

Economics Class Gig = Fun

No pictures/audio/etc. from the Economics class gig, but it was fun. The instructor thanked me like five times. =)

Karen drove through Wendy's afterwards and bought me lunch. My first "paid gig."

Dan on 06.24.04 @ 11:50 PM PST [link]

State of the Music Address

After tonight's band practice, Robert, Merrilee, and I listened to a side of Zappa's Uncle Meat, which was the first time I've had the pleasure of sitting and listening to it. I'm only familiar with a few of Zappa's albums (Apostrophe, Overnight Sensation, and Absolutely Free... all of which I'd listened to repeatedly for years), and it's time to listen to more. =)

I used to drive my coworkers at the print shop I worked in after high school nuts listening to "Call Any Vegetable" and have repeatedly seen the "what are you talking about" lifted-eyebrow expression after querying: "Is that a real poncho, I mean is that a Mexican poncho, or is that like a Sears poncho?"

After listening to a slab of Uncle Meat, we listened to a few works of Edgard Varese, whom Frank Zappa regarded as an idol.

Our band is headed into a recording session next Thursday, which I'm terribly excited about. It should be terribly fun.

"Call any vegetable, and the chances are good... that a vegetable will respond to you."

Dan on 06.24.04 @ 12:48 AM PST [link]

Mozilla Evangelism

I would be remiss in my duty as a human being who likes web technologies to not encourage you to download, install, and use the almighty Mozilla. It truly rocks.

This article: (101 things that the Mozilla browser can do that IE cannot) expounds upon the virtues of Mozilla, and is a worthy read.

Dan on 06.24.04 @ 12:26 AM PST [link]

Wilco Ponies Up for Samples

Wilco has paid nearly $30,000 for use of samples that were available elsewhere for free, because of some quirks in copyright law. Basically, Jeff Tweedy decided it was cheaper to pay off the guy who re-recorded the original stuff instead of fighting a lengthy legal battle. I'm disappointed to see the money leave Wilco's pockets.

Dan on 06.23.04 @ 04:55 PM PST [link]

Economics Class "Gig"

So, the "gig" singing in front of Karen's Economics class is set up for tomorrow... hehehe. I'm so totally looking forward to it. I wonder what I should wear...
I'll post pictures if I end up with some. =)

Dan on 06.23.04 @ 04:25 PM PST [link]

Gallery

Once again, I've got some pictures up for viewing. These were all taken this past weekend or so. =)

Dan on 06.22.04 @ 12:04 PM PST [link]

Back from Eureka

Man, that was a really great time. I've got a bit that I'll write about and some pictures to post after I get a little bit of rest.

Dan on 06.21.04 @ 05:31 PM PST [link]

Why So Many Posts Today, Dan?

In case you're wondering... today is a busy blog day because the next three or so won't be. I'm going to Eureka with Dave for a big birthday bash a bunch of his friends are throwing. It'll be suh-weeeeet to see our mega-badass bass playin' friend Tim, and finally meet Marshall ("oh my God, Dan... Marshall played your guitar and he's SOOOOO AWESOME").

Dan on 06.17.04 @ 04:08 PM PST [link]

Spears' Tour Cancelled Due to Knee Injury

Britney Spears' tour has been cancelled so she can recover from knee surgery. According to the article, it's a "dance injury."

So... that's what the kids are calling "carpet burn" these days. We used to call it "knob polishing" or "doin' the Lewinsky."

Dan on 06.17.04 @ 03:33 PM PST [link]

Droppin' the Hip Hop, Traffic-Stoppin' Beats

As a testament to how absolutely whoopass the Beastie Boys are, New Yorkers stopped traffic to Ch-Check 'em out.

Oh yeah!

Dan on 06.17.04 @ 03:19 PM PST [link]

Coco Cox

As if this were actually important enough to write about... Courtney Cox and David Arquette named their daughter "Coco." I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop... the drug charges... because it's beyond obvious that Cox and Arquette must be smoking a hell of a lot of crack.

For a well written encapsulation of thinking I completely agree with, visit this dude's blog.

Dan on 06.17.04 @ 03:13 PM PST [link]

The Huge Snake

No, that's not a reference to my equipment...

There was a huge snake found/caught (by facilities, using a pool cue and a large trash container) at the campus where I used to work.

Damn it, I always miss the good stuff.

Dan on 06.17.04 @ 01:07 PM PST [link]

Alas, Poor Ross, I Knew Him Horatio.

Sadly, my friend Ross is exhibiting signs of entering Massively Meaningless Online Really Pointless Game (MMORPG) addiction. He'll slowly start to exhibit the symptoms of advanced addiction...

1. Reduced social interaction with live, in-person human beings. "Screw pancakes, Lloyd, I'm going to increase my stats!"
2. Beginning to type using bizarre acronyms.
3. Blog posting regularity will diminish.
4. Posting of pictures of character(s) online.
5. Reduced/back-burnered Olsen Twins obsession.
6. Diminished interest in NASCAR. (This is the only positive benefit of MMORPG addiction.)
7. Creation of "female" characters to help remind the player of "what women look like."

I'm almost ready to fly down, round up the posse, and have an intervention.

Dan on 06.16.04 @ 10:13 AM PST [link]

Yahoo Mail Improvement, Thank You Google

Suh-weet! Likely in response to Google's GMail, Yahoo Mail has decided to upgrade their free mail service from a nigh-unto-useless storage capacity (4-5 MBs, depending upon when one signed up) to 100MBs, has increased the possible attachment size to 10MBs, and "streamlined" their interface.

Too bad, for Yahoo, that many of us have already moved on over and don't have a tremendous desire to downgrade from GMail, that is until we realize some hidden privacy violation in Google's TOS, or GMail starts to have storage or reliability issues. Surprisingly, GMail has been remarkably solid for me, minus an e-mail that I'd sent which didn't actually get delivered.

Dan on 06.15.04 @ 09:39 AM PST [link]

UrbanDictionary.com's Interesting Method of Online Quality Control

Urban Dictionary has an interesting method of "Quality Control." Any user can vote for or against keeping definitions that other users complain about. I found myself more addicted to voting whether certain definitions should stay or go than I did giving ratings on HotOrNot.com when it first came out. The idea of affecting whether or not ignorance should be removed from the web site is remarkably appealing.

This site, as a whole, started out as an interesting place to get some information on slang. What it has degraded into is a forum for ignorant idiots to post blather about how "gay" so-and-so is. I had the notion that racism and intolerance were on the decline. This site proves that notion to be amazingly false. There are countless racist and intolerant definitions and comments.

The creators of the site should get a nod for providing an interesting site. I can't imagine that they're happy with the way the online community has abused it.

Some of the reasons people give for deleting definitions are almost as amazingly stupid as some of the definitions that people post:

"This is ethnically prejudiced against all Americans and should be removed for its senseless hatred."

Um, "American" is not an ethnicity/race.

"This is stupid middle school shit...write this on a bathroom stall and leave this website alone."

Sadly, this describes a majority of the "definitions" on the site.

this f*ckin idiot..... i love you if you delete this. And yes, I'm female. I do girls too, if you wanna know

/puzzled look

Dan on 06.14.04 @ 01:19 AM PST [link]

Happy Birthday Olsen Empire

The Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen empire turned 18 today to the delight of countless little girls everywhere, many an internet pervert, and Ross.

Their parents have done an outstanding job or turning cute twins into a media empire. They're done a much better job of sustainably exploiting their children than Gary Coleman's did.

Ross (the primary reason I have much knowledge of them at all, aside from Alyssa Hubbard's devotion to their shows/videos) resurrected one of the pages from his old Olsen-Fans site. Ross has sworn (for the past five years or so that I've known him) that the site started as a bar joke. It (and my collection of Britney Spears stickers) was a constant form of amusement where we were working, and is responsible for some of the most fun smack-talk sessions I've ever witnessed or participated in.

My defense of the Britney stickers was simple: at least she was already 18. /snicker

I guess the internet perverts will have to reset their counters now... to when Mary-Kate and Ashley turn 21... in hopes, perhaps, of taking them out for a drink.

It's my hope that someone gives them a trip to the Betty Ford clinic or teaches them how to eat for their birthday. They look emaciated: like they're strung out on something, or eating very improperly (or both) in the pictures I've seen of them lately. It's sad to see the little girls from Full House (one of the most inane shows ever on television) starting to exude "crackwhore chic."

Dan on 06.13.04 @ 10:22 AM PST [link]

Rodeohead

Oh, man... what a complete work of genius this is: Rodeohead.mp3.

Dan on 06.13.04 @ 01:30 AM PST [link]

Review of Russell, Erik, Tim, and Pamela's Show Tonight at Barefoot Coffee Roasters

I could probably summarize this show in a few words, those words being "totally worthwhile" but instead I'm going to share my thoughts in a bit more detail. I normally summarize my thinking about their playing with the words "you rock" but I felt that this time around they all deserved a bit more effort than that.

Pamela Mosher opened, and was absolutely great. Her voice, at times, evokes a Dar Williams comparison (which, to me, is a high compliment), without putting her in the arena of being even remotely akin to a Dar Williams clone. Her songs are well written and interesting. I'm particularly fond of the lyric (paraphrased) "learn from my body" from a song about dissecting cadavers. It's a beautiful, unexpected deviation from the more-worn-path songwriters frequently follow. Frankly, I didn't expect a lyric like that from her, and was most impressed.

Erik Ostrom joined her on mandolin and harmony vocals on several songs, which was nothing less than sublime. (Not the "I don't practice Santeria" type of Sublime, Russell. ) Erik has a profound sense of how to add just the right amount of color with his mandolin and harmonies.

Russell Barber and Erik are both songwriters/musicians that I've respected and been impressed with for a long time. It's been a total pleasure to see/hear them play recently. Together, with Tim Cupps, they establish a beautiful, full, complete sound. All three have a highly-admirable sense of how to establish just the right amount of space. Their harmony vocals reflect obvious effort and skill.

Erik commented that someone recently told him that they thought he was "mellow." I'd imagine that what they'd intended to say, and would have said, had they a more solid ability to articulate, is that his music/musicianship doesn't rely on him being "showy" or "over-the-top." To me, one of the major hallmarks of solid, mature musicianship is putting in the effort to learn what you're doing as a group ahead of time, and to play parts that support the song itself. Russell, Erik, and Tim all demonstrate this remarkably well.

Erik and Russell both have a highly admirable sense of how to add the exact texture/color a song requires, and are excellent at complimenting each other musically. Russell's electric guitar playing was contextually perfect.

Erik's influences come through (I am subtly reminded of the Jayhawks in particular) in his performances, though his music is very original, soulful, and intelligent. Being a long-time Uncle Tupelo/ Wilco/ Son Volt fan, I totally loved their cover of Jay Farrar's "Outside the Door."

Every moment of this show was worth being there for. Folks like these are among humanity's greatest assets, and it's my hope that their musical endeavors put them in the position where they're able to focus on the music/art they're doing so well at creating and presenting.

Erik is playing tomorrow at Brainwash, in San Franciso, which is a combination cafe/laundromat. I'm sure he'll be outstanding, and would attend if my car was operable.

Dan on 06.12.04 @ 11:28 PM PST [link]

Weird/Fun Gig

My long-time friend/neighbor Karen is taking an Economics class, and the instructor is offering extra credit to any student who will get up in front of the class and sing. Karen asked if she could bring somebody else in to sing on her behalf, and was told that it'd be ok as long as the instructor "doesn't have to pay for it." I don't think her instructor realized how serious she was... because she's asked me to sing/play a song for her class. I'm game, for sure.

She's going to double-check on Monday to make sure it's ok to bring me in, and if it is, I might end up doing this on Tuesday or Wednesday next week. I think this is straight-up hilarious.

I'll post pictures and stuff if/when it happens.

Dan on 06.12.04 @ 06:19 PM PST [link]

Russell and Erik @ Barefoot Coffee Roasters - Tonight!!!

Russell Barber and Erik Ostrum are playing at Barefoot Coffee Roasters tonight! Woo hoo! Tim Cupps is joining them on bass, so right there... three great musicians all at one venue.

I'm bummed that I missed Russell and Erik at The Jungle last night because we got there a bit late (because of Robin's graduation), but definitely stoked to see them play a much longer set tonight. I'm totally looking forward to it.

(added after being reminded by Erik via a comment): Pamela Mosher is opening for Russell and Erik. So that brings the great musicians count to four.

Dan on 06.12.04 @ 11:03 AM PST [link]

Movies: Immortel: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Fahrenheit 9/11

This looks like it could be an interesting movie. It's called Immortel in France, so it'd probably be called "Big Daddy's Day Care" or something here in the U.S.

The trailer keeps with today's apparent "boobies" theme, so of course I had to post it.

In other movie-related news, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has cast wolves as minions of the White Witch. Someone took photos of some promotional banners for it, and based off the banners it looks like it'll be visually interesting. Before I get too excited, though... I have to admit that they're just promotional materials done before filming... and Disney is involved. Further, they're starting with the second book in the series, not the first... though I can cut 'em a bit a slack there. There's still plenty of possibility that it'll suck horribly, but I'm still going to hold out some hope.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy movie looks like it has massive potential for greatness, however. Moz Def and John Malkovich have both been cast in it, and this self-interview from/with the head writer (Karey Kirkpatrick) helped me to understand that he has as much respect for The Guide as Peter Jackson did with the Lord of the Rings series.

The last in this bit o' babble about movies is about Fahrenheit 9/11, the new Michael Moore movie. I personally dislike Michael Moore, though I thought Bowling for Columbine was well worth watching. However, based on the trailer, I'm definitely going to see this movie. The trailer has two bits that are insanely revealing to me... the part where Moore is attempting to get senators to register their children for military service (and the expression on the face of one of 'em)... and George W. Bush on the golf course and his complete insincerity. To me it's an astounding summarization of who George W. Bush is... unscripted, and in context.

Dan on 06.11.04 @ 01:18 PM PST [link]

Ross' Commemorative Olsen Tribute

Wowsers, I just caught wind that Ross is planning to do some sort of Commemorative Olsen Twins Tribute... in honor of their 18th birthday... frightening.

(09:53:22) Ross: what day is sunday?
(09:58:07) Dan: The 13th?
(09:58:25) Ross: and?
(09:58:55) Dan: MK&A = 18!!!!!!!!!!!!
(09:59:07) Ross: exactly
(09:59:49) Ross: go to http://www.archive.org and search for www.olsen-fans.com
(10:00:02) Ross: any of them will do
(10:00:12) Ross: that was my old site
(10:01:40) Ross: i'm gonna do something special

Hey, I only knew it was their birthday because of the countdown thingie on Ross' blog.

Dan on 06.11.04 @ 10:57 AM PST [link]

I Feel Loved

Oh yeah... I feel loved. (not "work safe")

Dan on 06.11.04 @ 02:03 AM PST [link]

Good Luck Scott, John, Leo, and Patty!

Good Luck at your golf tournament Scott, John, Leo, and Patty!

Please take pictures of Scott dancing around and flexing when he gets a good shot... I need good pictures to use for t-shirts! Unfortunately, the best picture I have of Scott is him looking like he's about to pass out while listening to Jeremy talk about Chaos Theory/ Constantine/ Ancient Mystery Schools/ Thermodynamics/ Planet X/ Gnosticism/ Music/ Politics/ Physics/ etc.

Dan on 06.11.04 @ 12:32 AM PST [link]