Top 20 things from 2006 [updated]

It is the time of the year to make a list. There are various types of lists. Music, Christmas, Books, movies etc. My top 20 mixes all things from 2006.

• 20. The Hold Steady - Boys and Girls in America - CD - I downloaded this one but seeing them live a few weeks ago sealed the deal for me. These guys rock and they sure can drink.


• 19. Playing live with Avisohara one more time down in Wilminton NC, during wefest, this past May was a nice treat. In fact it was the last time I plugged an electric instrument and cranked it up. It reminded of everything I love and hate about playing in a band. Hopefully I can do this again soon in some capacity in 2007.


• 18. The Replacements - 'Message to the boys' - single - first new song in 16 years can't be beat by anybody. For old dorks - captain's dead has bunch of older mats songs post on his mp3 blog from a comp call Boink!


• 17. Youtube - for free distro vids like The Replacements doing "bastards of young" on SNL above.


• 16. My Mt bike - a black Cannondale jackel - I think I road about 20 times this year and it has gotten me into healthier habits. I can't say i've been riding as much as i would like too, in particular around the holidays but I sure am going to keep trying. Once this one is beat to the ground I'm going to invest in a lefty.


• 15. Chavez - live warsaw. My review stalker live review says most of it of what I wanted to say


• 14. The Flaming Lips - At War With The Mystics - The "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah song says it all. it's go politics, funny video and a unpolotico message - Eventhough Chan screwed up the lyrics on this video of war pigs at sxsw-- it's still cool.


• 13. The Pixies


• 12. rbally.net - Jennings for posting some great live bootlegs this past year. He certainly has allowed me to re-discover a whole bunch of artists or live performances that would have just been part of dream and then forgotten. Thanks to my Pal Walter for hiping to this site.


• 11. I am fuel you are friends - Heather's fuelfriends mp3 blog also had similar effects. I am her devoted fan. I hope there is no retribution and mp3 blog culture is able to evolve.


• 10. mog.com - Lots of waste, excellent bloggers and a rekindled knowledge that there are other die-hard music fans out there like me. we are not alone in our addiction.


• 09. Tapes N' Tapes - The Loon - This album was a complete surprise and a great find for me this year. I can't wait till their follow-up. I hope they don't get to discruntled with their gear loss, having had band crap stolen out of my van years ago sucks dogs balls


• 08.


• 07. tbd


• 06. tbd


• 05. tbd


• 04. tbd


• 03. My dog


• 02. My Family


• 01. My pregnant wife

Net Neutrality Democracy action needed: Lets not loose control

YOU MUST WATCH THIS VIDEO AND LEARN WHAT NET NEUTRALITY IS. Verizon, AT&T, and your local cable(comcast, timewarner etc) providers are planning on taking control of the very pipes you currently take for granted. Today you have the freedom to belong to any blogger, mogger, myspace community you want to be a part of. Today you can create, share and view any content you to want to partake in. Tomorrow, when fiber optics get placed in the home, this will not be the case. The FCC(GOVERNMENT) is planning on stealing or allowing the above business groups to take this freedom from you by controling the new gateways which operate like the existing internet gateways that were created by the open source community. This is as important an issue as our environment and the current level polital playing field. Everything you enjoy about the internet is at risk. This is freedom is going to be stolen forever just as the radio airwaves were taken away from the people.
TAKE ACTION

• Sign-up at Itsournet.org
• savetheinternet.com
• spread the word: you tube | Take action

Attack of the PMS monster

Normally, I stray away from questionable un-pc material for the analog living blog, but come-on folks, this is just too funny. Plus since my wife is preggers there is a new variation of this occurence. The beast within is real - and beautiful. Thanks.

Zen and the Art of Mountain Biking

Quite simply put as I look around the business interactive space there are a few cross fades that have unified asymmetry or cross-over to the real world. In this case Zen and the art of Mountain biking metaphors can enable measures of success in the business world with the clear challenges that are in woods. There are large and small rocks, inclines, slow accents, steep descents, slippery paths and fallen trees,etc, that can be tied back to some work place situation. Assuming there is no level playing field where egos and vertical success ladders are mainly based on confidence. A good rider must learn what the terrain is all about first. This does not happen casually or overnight. So in essence the focus you need is all about you and the trail ahead. There are simple things to keep in mind:

• When you see a hard and difficult obstacle pedal fast, as speed or time is the only measure of success. This is a basic law of inertia that perceived slow moving objects will tumble. Believe me it is much easier to over a large bunch of tree trunks fast.


• Plan your route of attack on the trail on a winding and steep accent. Make your gears loose and easy and peddle your ass off. This action will impact a faster and safer arrival on the next plateau.
• On a steep and treacherous accent take a systematic approach. Make a growl. Plot where you are going to dig in so a visible path can be attained.
• When you see another biker or pedestrian on the path. Tell them to watch out on one side or the other. Be clear and communicate "Biker, on your right!" Directing your path will give way to next set of obstacles and you will at the same time get respect.
• Learn to enjoy the scenery and steep descents, put your ass back in the seat so you don't do an end-over and break when you need to. This is the ultimate biker high. There well be additional jumps and rocks in the way but you have inertia on your side so no need to exert too much if you don't need too. Just watch the ground and beware of conflict.
• Know the mountain. Know that beginnings are usually very muddy but as you rise to the top, things get easier, as this is where the sun finds it easier to reach the mountain. Enjoy the sun and take a break.
• Know your equipment. If only 20 gears of 21 work, learn to use what you need and oil those strengths and put them in front. If your legs are short, know that you can probably navigate a windy path better than somebody's long legs. Address and embrace your weak traits and figure out how to turn them around and use them to your advantage.
• Hydrate and make sure you don't over heat. Wear layers if under 45 degrees, and peel them back as your body acclimates. This will allow you to be calm and collected and you won't get so fatigued where you will loose your cool and allow you to make the best responses to conflict or issues.
• Don't litter as it is very annoying to find garbage on the trail. Try and give back to other fellow mt bikers. Take 10 minutes out of your ride to fix a jump or path so they don't have to. This is a benefit of collaboration and example of an action that makes the experience more enjoyable for all.
• Ride with better riders if you can. Find a mentor. Talk with other riders. Tell them how you feel or ask them questions. Share experiences. You can't learn in a vaccum. This will help validate and build your confidence.

Mt Bike Ride #25 Chimney Rock NJ

So i've started to get my sealegs back, after catching a bad cold and finally getting with clipless program and my lungs back in some sort of shape. The parking lot was jammed packed today at Chimney Rock with half leaf watchers and bikers. I went out solo and did a 2hr loop. Bob and the gang were out too but doing repairs and fixing the trails, re-routing some pretty muddy areas and building bridges. It was a little muddy in the lower levels and I think I counted three new bridges on the west side of the pond and road them. They did great work! I did my small shar by the damn where a very large tree fell on the fence, so I ramped it up so I could get over it and moved along. I'm looking forward to a ride at Round Valley next Saturday with the fellas.

Sierra Leone’s Refugee @ SOB's Tuesday

There is an amazing element in people that give them the power to overcome even the worst of odds. Sierra Leone’s Refugee all Stars are a literal grass roots movement that have gotten some attention. Even if it is for a moment. Their music is made for a dire need to communicate their situation in a country dismanteled by war. The are fighting for rights to just exist.

Download Living like a refugee - free mp3 from ANTI
Last year Konomo #1 another African group made it into Emusic's number 1 spot and I hope they get more attention in that space. SLRA are a little less 'experimental' from the few tracks I've heard so far. The over-all sense is one of hope and power to the people thing. Which brings me to my point for today Denizons. Get out and freakin vote! I'm not saying we compare to the situation in Africa but a on larger sense our right are getting chipped away. Lets take back the power of the people with NJ Election day registration. According to the ACLU Six states have higher voter turn-out than all others because they practice Election Day Registration (EDR). I did not know Voter registration protection card(pdf) existed. It's 2006 not 1965! Very scary and we can only wonder what is going on with voter anti-fraud technology.

The NJ senate vote matters so do the right thing

Did you ever wonder if your voice would have any impact on a outcome? The Senate race and campaign smears are in full force and I can't keep-up with all the info, however I just hope that the undecided will do the right thing. The video clips at perfectly wrong are pretty funny, Tom Kean Jr come's off as very weak when his only weapon is denial but lets look at the big picture. Even though there is a very cold Winter supposedly upon us and gas prices are going down magically before our very eyes. The price of gas is linked to George Bush and even so is not seen as a good thing. The oil 'haggle' is on accross the nation and prividers are locking you in to ensure they don't loose their shirts up to November. I see it like this. I buy for 2.50 today, $2.oo up to Nov 7th and then in December everything goes over 3 dollars again till the next election. If I'm lucky my 2.75 cap will proof effective. So who controls the prices of oil? I'm no fool, I'll take whatever "discount" is being given but what is the real price? Democracy?

In Jersey, Robert Menendez has a good chance to win the Senate race. He has strong positions on Iraq, Energy, Education and he has even put the Environment on as one of his bullet points and actually accomplished some good. I saw a picture of Kean cribbing off of Menendez. So, why wouldn't the working class and the suv driving soccer moms see the clear good that can come from an obvious cheater. I think the people are tired of the Bush agenda but are afraid of the tax word being used and Tom Kean Jr exploits the people who it really does not affect most. Lets be honest here, the only thing that would really make people jump out of their seat to vote is if our property taxes actually went down and not up every year! But we need to elect somebody who knows how to make things happen. What are the good old house party boys offering other than the status quo which is run by fear? I also find it hilarious that one of Kean's bullet points is ethics? I'm also baffled by his point of view on immigration:: "

In the wake of 9/11, Tom Kean believes that illegal migration is a significant national security concern."

What so you keep hard working Mexican's out? I don't think any smart terrorist is going to use the front door and going to swim the rio grande. Let maybe focus on better profiling techniques, not random searches and stop with the big wall of barbed wire. What, are we Russia? - Rant over.

ABC facist lies and The Path to 9/11

Dear Americans,
Not only should you be weary of Fox News but now ABC and Walt Disney are part of facist regime. The ABC television network, owned by the Walt Disney Company, is airing what it calls a "docudrama" entitled "The Path to 9/11". ABC has claimed the mini-series is based on the 9/11 Commission Report, but that is simply not true. "The Path to 9/11" is actually a bald-faced attempt to slander Democrats and revise history right before Americans vote in a major election.
So what can you do for the millions of Americans who might believe this crap?

You can tell Walt Disney president Robert Iger that you hold his company responsible -- and that you demand that ABC tell the truth about 9/11 via Democrat.org.

You can tell ABC must not air partisan propaganda on 9/11 via Moveon.org.

In just about 48 hours, ABC is airing a five-hour docudrama on the 9/11 attacks. The movie was written and produced by a right-wing activist who fabricated key scenes to blame Democrats and defend Republicans. Public outrage is mounting across the country, and ABC is now "mulling the idea of yanking the mini altogether. So in the words of Spike Lee. "Do the Right Thing."

Thanks,

How to visit the afterlife and prolong life

There was a going away lunch yesterday for one of my company's art director's who decided she was going to pick-up camp in NYC and move back to California. It was quite a nice little family sit down for our team since we rarely take lunch, it was good to just let "loose". I literally made all 14 of us do the wave around the table, not once, but three times in her honor! I'm not sure where it came from since I'm not really a sports guy which made it even funnier for this creative group. It seemed appropriate. I also made her a piece of window art for her next gig out in LA. Now if you met her you would know she is a peaceful California spirit in her heart. Malmypal will be missed.

Sitting on my end of the table was my boss J and a few others from the creative team, one was playwright Cheryl, who is also paying the bills as copywriter and was recently pronounced alive by the state and had been dead, as far as NY was concerned, until she showed them she was not. After numerous phone calls she beat the afterlife. But where was she? Where do we go inbetween? The piece I made Malsmypal illustrated a window in time. A place we go during the living part. Four panes with her in mind: daylight, her face, buildings and iconic letter that represented the very large international business machine client we've been working on together for the past year. The piece, as long as it does not disintegrate or get thrown away, has the potential to live on. Obviously it is only a blip between the receiver and myself. I see music, writing, photography, and life this way. These are artifacts that can live on through one's ears and mind. How else can people live on? Through their children is one way or things already present in nature. In science, life expectancy can be extended to prolong enzymes that cause aging but this is not forever yet. These enzyme are present in red wine. So drink up!

I saw a man in the news the other day who is in his 90's who has been taking lots of testosterone. He looked like a body builder but his face still was somewhat weathered tan and skin on his face was tight. Strange, but my question is: Are we meant to live on?

I know I would like to see more of the story. Being able to observe the wisdom panes of life sounds like the best reality tv I can think of. Mundane for the most part but there are some golden nuggets that will surely make this journey a special one. I would even do it all over again as long as I could bring the wisdom with me. Thanks,

Convenient Terror threat for obscuring Democracy

It was about one whol day into the 11 missing Egyptian students in the U.S. that it dawned on me that it could be another government fabrication, as it seems they were just doing what teenager do getting jobs, roving around before school started and flipping pizza!The PR terror tool was put into play from my point of view: in order to boost Bush sales(oh I mean oil ratings), obscure the loosing civil war in Iraq, pass bad privacy laws, and remind dumb americans why they should vote for Republicans in the primaries. Lets think hard here people so far no connection has been "found" by the FBI and because this is America the land of the "free" you can write freakin' letter and using this move-on counter democracy tool to keep every body focused on the real issues:

* Five years after 9/11, the Bush administration has failed to keep us
safe.

* The war in Iraq has diverted attention from protecting America from
terrorism. This past week 9/11 commissioners said Iraq is distracting
from security at home.

* The war in Iraq has inflamed the whole Middle East and is helping Al
Qaeda attract new recruits. Osama Bin Laden is still on the loose.

* Katrina showed all of us that the Republicans aren't able to protect
America at home. The Republican Congress hasn't followed through on
the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.

* Republican political attacks during last week's terror threat are
outrageous.
* The rising gas profits are unacceptable cost to pay for our Soldiers in Iraq-- The equation does not even add up if you think about it. You would think they would go down

Any questions?

How to hack a diebold voting machine

This is very, very, very scary. A quick an easy way to change the vote in any State without a paper trail. Diebold voting machines should be outlawed. Marty Kaplan from Huffington Post takes you through the 3 easy steps to change the vote on one of them fancy eletronic voting machines. Democracy has been sold and this should alert maybe the 1% of voters who might care.

So if you need a break from your loss of voting power this trick biking video should entertain you for at least five minutes until reality sinks in and that we don't stand a chance unless we take back control from the Bush Administration. Any questions? It's all about the info war and W is loosing slowly but money talks and oil profits rise for exxon and BP. Who is stupid now America? Why are we paying more at the pump?

Solo Mt bike ride today: Chimney Rock

It was hot as hell and we had a few drinks last night and a cuban cigarillo(small thin cigar) in the town of "W", somehow I got myself up, and hit trails in the 90 degree weather by 10AM. I've actually been able to keep to the program of "once" a week. Since all of the severe rain has made most of the first curly steep section really rocky and more than average trees have fallen. Some of the regular riders have wasted no time in ramping the large stumps so that is great. The hardest part is getting there, then after you get over that first 25 minute incline/hump. The adrenalin is pumping and your reflexes are on point. Total ride was almost 75 minutes and I plan on getting it up to two full hour run.

The lot was 1/3 full today which is strange I actually had a chance this past week to go on a Weds and was surprised to find the lot jammed at 6pm. I work in the city so unless I work from home and quit early there is now way in hell I would make a weekday ride. So my question is today... What in the hell do these guys do for work that they are on the trails by 5pm? Must be nice to work in Jersey. I can't imagine any of them work in the City. oh,well. I am going to have to seriously take advantage this next month of my Summer flex hrs. I have 24 left. Which is one of those nice to have perks working at an Interactive Agency that runs you into the ground; as there is no time to enjoy them. Much less plan anything ahead of time. I am going to do it.

I have a new podcast up on the djpspork site called "Jersey Boogie nights in Asbury" and working on next few shows for the summer. ~Enjoy

Loose Change 9-11 documentary or conspiracy?

There are several loose facts that make this documentary on 9/11 chilling; If you havenÂ’t seen the 2nd Edition of Loose Change 9/11. You will be doing your sanity a favor. The first 10 minutes are what drag you into to see the rest and make you wonder why the U.S. Media sucks so bad. Hunter S. Thompson might of been sacked in my opinion for speaking out, i don't buy the self inflicted shot-gun story at all. He was easy to bring down because he had guns everywhere, but I digress on that conspiracy. You can see loose change here The film has been in Google's top 10 viral movies for awhile. The movie basically outlines all of the assets and little bit of real news that could fake real reporting. Large mass media are afraid to dig unless the people are behind it and well known Government disinformation outlets like Popular Mechanics have been sure to preach theoppositee straight out of the government play-book, as they are heavily linked to the industrial complex(aka government), which really runs things. However, Loose Change really sifts the best evidence; and well i see a long night of googling in your future.
The question then becomes how much do you want to believe? How simple is the answer that has been sold minutes after the incident happened? If you believe there were a few religious zealots run by some "mad-man" then you've been sold the $1.00 version and you should be pissed as you've been ripped off, Not just at the pump, but deep in your 'Merican sub-conscious. Your yellow ribbon wearing neigbors are dead and you still think it is right for some poor bastard to fight some old white guys power war. We've started some serious "shit" and the fall-out has only just begun. Some of the questions for thought from the film:
How come there is no picture of a plane hitting the Pentagon?
How come on the weeks before 911 where all bomb sniffing dogs removed from the world trade center?
How come tons of gold was found in trucks away from the WTC?

How to stop a war and survive to live better

There are several parallel world and local wars going on that center around several man made concepts. There is no easy answer to stop war, greed and desire. It is human nature or literary condition to go to war because: there is a need to "survive", to destroy, to need things you don't really need, buy now and lament later no matter the consequence, to create something you don't really want to stop. There is the obvious OIL war, the war to subvert electric cars, CLASS WARS, war on ecosystems, war on peace, border wars etc, etc and they are fueled by fear and subverting the masses through media. Most fat Americans are dumb as they come. We live in a bubble protected by some body of water, Mexico and Canada. Our way of life is "protected" while other human rights discarded to drive that car, build that house and furnish it with oversized furniture, forks and knifes. We are sold on what they want us to believe. We are what we consume. Billions are never enough. Sharing is out of the question. Few politicians or groups of people take a stand for the people who don't have any power-money for change and you have to wonder that those who have nothing, if put in the same position, would care about the have nots? It's the human condition to ignore the obvious. The truth is we can't save everybody and we have to choose our battles
Wifey and I give to a few charities every year, dog shelters, breast cancer and wfmu. We have to draw the line some where as we need to survive. There is always a hand-out looking for something. These are the choices have to make. Our next car is going to be some hybrid. We leased one of our cars this year with this in mind because we didn't like the choices yet. Sure it's not active but we like what we like and the technology is only going to get better, if everything goes right, is it going to get better? We can only hope. There will always be wars as long as there is a disparity amongst the masses and something known as class. It's what creates the difference. We can stop the war and save a little bit of the world:
If we become efficient consumers
Observe efficient energy consumption
Purchase energy efficiently<
Select a charity(this is your own choice)
Participate in organization likes moveon.org and truemajority.org
support products that are politically savory
Support politicians like Corzine that take action.

It's complicated and people who don't have your best interest in mind will and have taken advantage no matter the cost. Some wars are local. So ignore that NJ Parks are going to be closed for few days, dmv, lottery, gambling & track is closed! Smart move on Corzine's part-- a little pressure goes along way(now if the rest of the us could learn to do this to mr bush somehow) Today maybe baby will get that milk when daddy goes to corner. There is no easy way out folks.
Just remember to "do the right thing" it's not hard and it's not easy lets just be a little bit conscious and call people out when the time is right, embarrass them a little. We all got pride.

Jersey Derelic vs. Diablo mt bike riders

I am so out of shape, legs cramp up for the stupidest reasons these days that even this north jersey dude makes me jealous riding diablo free ride park. Thanks hcor. Gotta get some exercise in soon.

The patio is finally finished

The Suburban Simple life can be achieved... If you can't get to the cafe - make the cafe come to you. In my case it has a bar-b-q, dog and comfort of having to drive no where! The meat, beer & wine fridge is in the garage just a quick hop away. The patio furniture we found was very affordable from lowes and all just in time to enjoy with friends and family this summer. I got through my busy week thinking of just sitting here drinking a cold one and then perhaps something even just as simple as breakfast and the ny times on Sunday. Granted I'm a little bit of a indoor internet junkie but thinking of calling up the geek squad to deal with setting up comcast wireless up and then the possibilities are endless. Life is good and now it's time to go deal with the freakin yard work. See previous post on the I turned the dead space around.

Are dark Ads really signs of the apocalypse?

You know I love blonde(Thanks Neil) jokes but not necessarily when mixed with my lowest common denominator television programming and super models opening doors and falling into traffic from the sky. Reality T.V. and real life are mixing like "This is your brain on Drugs" commercials. For instances take the latest OJ pay per-view show "Juiced", where he tries to sell the white bronco. As attack Ads and tragic advertising get darker and darker {insert egg in frying pan sound} it's just going to get worse and worse. Take for instance the "Safe Happens" VW Ad. What is next? Keep guns away from children? Use your imagination. The famous SNL skit "I hate it when that happens" pretty much made you giggle, ewww and gross out all at the same time. Are dark Ad trend really signs of the apocalypse? I think it's time for an Ad that shows a green planet turning brown and becoming a giant hot body of water and then it gets dried up by the sun and turns into dust. How is that for a dark spin?

Air America protecting you from the Oil Depression

My friend joseph sent me the latest from Air America.

If you have any bags of money lying around, gold would be a very safe sure bet as the dollar will be crashing again shortly, there is a 30% possibility of a morbid systematic depression (given the spotty outsider information I have). Asian Investment banks have been ordered to move their investments from dollars to euros and gold. In the short term it really couldn't hurt as gold could rise from 667 to somewhere estimated around the high teens 1,800 -2,000 very very quickly. so get an ounce or two if possible.

The down side is interest rates may double shortly on mortgages and credit cards, prices on items made of oil may double, imported parts and goods. people are really going to be hurting for a long time after the republicans are gone

It is time to impeach Bush because the Republican policies are directly leading to an economic collapse in this country (again). It is probably a good idea to poke your head over to money.com and the Financial times to read between the lines.
Warren Buffet moving his money out of American dollar investments like coca-cola.
It is a matter of time before Bush goes to War in Iran, while picking your wallets and doubling credit and rising mortgage rates. People are already giving blood literally to purchase gas and the best part is 'they' don't want you the people to vote them out so they can continue pilaging uninterupted since the major media outlets are doing barely nothing about the oil problem. We know who wins and loses when gas prices go-up. no shit cnn.

How to turn a dead space into a nice Barb-que patio area

Not alot of magic in this spring project I undertook. Just a lot of large steps. Digging ditches is a lot of freakin work so if you are afraid of this manual labor hire somebody. I converted a useless 22 x 9 space on the side of house into a soon to be usable patio. The grass really wouldn't grow, the shade is nice and dog seems to like it so far and there is also less mud for me to pick-up after her since she likes the cool bricks.

If you can get your brother in law to help out this will really move the project along. Thanks Scott!

I designed the layout after I selected some options from Libery Construction in Cranford,NJ. They delivered the rocks, sand and pavers in sequence as I went.
The hardest part now is going to be getting rid of all the excess materials. The dirt from the whole I dug and the pieces of side-walk. Back of drive-way looks like disaster I think I am going to find a home for all the excess in the back of the garage. I'll post pictures when complete and I do all the work up to the side door and expand the flower bed out a little.
The Tasks:
1) Dig ditch about 6-9 inches down slanteda away from house, there particular shuffle for digging and other for schelping materials get them both.
2) Pour down rock bedding 1-2 inches for patios
3) Put down lots more sand and Tamper down so it even "flat",it's the weird looking tool with flat metal piece on it
4) Make sure your pavers fit and if you get fancy like me you can repeat some sort of design
5) Use a tamper and long level to watch your slope and evenness (very important)
6) I used a string to try and keep a straight line and to make sure depth matched up
7) Using a rubber mallet pound the pavers into place so they fit snug watching how they are angled
8) Don't worry about perfection(at least I didn't) because once everything is down you are going to fill the cracks with sand and wet it down, this cleans it up real nice
9) The sand will eventually help harden and it will set thing into place
10)The smaller the paver the more work, I paid a little extra for my pavers to be beat-up and different sizes. Everybody asks how much it all cost so, delivered Materials came to about $1,250, plus all the extra tools I didn't have. Borrow what you can. I did end up getting a discount at once place because I went in all dirty and they gave me contractor discount(very nice)
11) Have Bar-b-q and invite me over I'll bring the beer.

Last Aviso'hara show! come be in the video

After a year of treading water, playing very few and select shows, we're putting in the towel. We were able to demo a few new songs. None of which you will here sat april 15 at the Court Tavern. Only way you could have gotten an earfull is if you went to last few shows or were a fly on the wall at rehearsal. We'll probably post some music on the myspace site but then again the tunes just might appear under the Fireside Chats(walt's band) or The Mega Oks(My new band) in development. Regardless. You've all been awesome. So here are some live mp3 Aviso'hara tid-bits from a year ago! Download: Born to Drive | Heaven Hangs the lonely |Drop the mids | Ready.

PLASTIC Hoax CANCER NEWS FROM JOHNS HOPKINS

The email that starts:
No plastic containers in microwave

No water bottles in freezer

No plastic wrap in microwave



Is a hoax.


Nuke it.

Fast and furious morning: interactive SXSW on video blogs

I am thankful for technology somedays when especially when it makes my precious Saturday morning efficient. I went to the car dealer for a tune-up, called early, got there early out in under 35 minutes. Now, this was then topped off by going to the NJ DMV and getting a license renewal in under 15 minutes! The ex-governor Mcgreevy fixed a couple things for sure before he left. Now, how does this innovative progress and streamlined processes happen? Obviously, you have to have all your proper docs and data back-up prepared, so you can give it to them when they validate your persona. They enter info into a tablet move you along to the next station. These type of innovations come from somewhere. Thankfully, supergeeks like all the folks who showed up at the SXSW interactive festival going on in Austin are moving things along in real-time too. They even have freakin' audio podcasts and video clips up already with Craig Newmark of craiglist fame! SXSW is not just about rock n'roll anymore. Luke's blog has been posting as he digests the festivities. His summary of the interactive panel is short and sweet; and in a matter of 7 minutes I got the take-away. So no need to attend. Other than of course to check out some rocknroll. Although, I would argue that "Three minutes is the perfect length for media content online", as most user these days are willing to wait for quality content especially if the take-away is excellent and I think that 50% of US homes have high-bandwidth now. I would though agree that the first large Agency that brings the big players advertising and marketing dollars to the field and glues great editorial and video podcast technology is going to be king.

So folks, I can safely say that yesterday's video podcast launch of IBMer Andy Stanford-Clark "A Master Inventor at work" is bringing in a new era of corporate embrace where innovation, quality editorial and business processes are actualized. --It's on.

WFMU.ORG pledge your love to the radio

I can't believe you haven't whipped out your wallet? You must love repeator radio stations. It is time for all independent folks to put your money where your pieholes are. Get off the soap box and reach deep to save facism & capitalism from itslef by supporting wfmu's marathon pledge drive. Yo La Tengo is playing for free on Tuesday nite with their reliable audio stream and taking requests for cover songs for your hard earned mula. Do it now.

Roller Derby metal chicks

Call me a pig but this is just perfect. World renowned label Relapse records who has put out records by Neurosis, Today is the Day and [insert weird band name here] with Dave Witte on drums is sponsoring The Heavy Metal Hookers roller derby team as reported by CMJ. Visit their myspace page. How could you not support their team with names like Foxy Cotin(#37), Holly Caust(#71)and Mandawar(#333) among some of skating stars in Philly Roller Girls roller derby league. Snuka fans forget pro-wrestling and get into the flat track all girl action.

Two pulled calf muscles and all my teeth

Today I met, Torcher and Curly, up in part of the Bridgewater Mt Bike trails of NJ; despite having pulled both my calf muscles toward the begining. I kept going, downed some goo and slugged a bunch of water. I was amped and determined. I think most of the pull is due to the fact I probably don't drink enough h2o in the first place. The 9 am ride started at 30 degrees and the trail conditions were just right for riding the terrain. Rock, leaves and roots. Although, I couldn't push it as hard as my mind wanted too. I did manage to stay the course and keep up with rest of the bikers for the whole ride. TRT 2:45. Last time I stuck on for 1:30, and the time before that about an hour when i was almost passing out after taking a piss. Mind you there are 2-5 minute breaks between each run and the runs are either furiously paced up whindy tracks or fast pace downhill runs. The challagening part of being last, and with in shape riders, is I usually have the least rest but the guys are curtious and responsible die-hards who are in the best condition, and will not hesitate to go back looking for you if you are taking too long to catch-up. These riders have great tales to tell. From pits in the ground they look at and say "yeah, that sink-hole cracked my rib a couple weeks ago so I am taking it easy". I think leg shin gaurds are due for me once i invest in clipless system for my feet because I've certainly been falling a little and I know once I get ballsier again, i'll be glad to still have knee-caps that work and don't crink when I walk.

In other exciting news, I'm still slugging it out in the big agency life and I've posted show number for the DJ spork presents podcast. So download the follow-up cast Jersey's Best Dancers II which is more rockin'. Funny, just checked some more comments and one of the bands, i played and knew very well were wondering who the mysterious dj was, t.cynlinder figured it out. So that is like three comments. whoop-whoop.

Where is the comedy for my tv diet?

Goodbye Arrested Development. You folks really set the bar for comedy that takes risks again. The irony that every freakin' new show takes the formula, is astounding and the execs made a huge mistake and should be sacked. The Office and My Name is Earl probably would not have been possible, but then again documentary style and reality-tv are now in vogue. There hasn't been anything funny to look forward to on Thursdays in a long time. I've given up on SNL and wish that maybe some of the writers from AD went over there. There are a couple new pilots that look promising that have looseness of said shows, but this comedy poll clearly shows, the people dug AD. Telechimp has not weighed in on this subject and I wonder where he is at? On the other hand there are my serious shows like 24 and Lost, to satisfy the dark side edge of the mind, and those are also bringing back regular tv viewers from hbo but then again the world of television is changing; slice, diced, siloed and segmented into preferential chunks for small minds.

How to make your life easier: remove clutter

An age old technological question, that these gals & guys over at IBM try to answer through Autonomic Computing, with the real life concept of a self healing computer and IT systems. The Washingtonian surely has a list of stuff to do. The over arching solution is to get rid of clutter, time-suck tasks and consolidate mundane tasks. Hmm, like finding the right CD for the right case perhaps? Solution? Get a big CD book and trash all the jewel cases. Result? You still have to find the right slot, so that pile of solo discs does not get too high. So depending on what works for you or maybe the answer is to give stupid crap new meaning. Like managing iTunes,another time suck which has made things easier for me to make mixes for the car or even random Shuffles and downloading files, etc but the reward is this new enjoyment and instant gratification. Or you could let other DJs do the work for you, like yours truly, as it all comes back to me, DJ Spork presents: Show #5 Jersey's Best Dancers so just either download the music file or enjoy via RSS the short playlist. It's a bitch to do because I am not totally set-up on a computer, the show is record live to cassette! And then mixed down back to CD. Remember this is analog living and the human transfer element is in process here I might be too lazy to learn new mixing software, although I am sure it's easy, just need ellusive time. I'll get there, honestly it's question of; if my current machine can take it and maybe a bulkier slush fund, but that is another blog for another day. Enjoy.

Hellow nurse Ratchet

I Investigated with the 10AM mtbiking club a part of the bridgewater ride, i had never been too, which they've nicknamed nurse ratchet because if you don't plow through it full speed, along side the crick, sharp rocks and mud, you will go down, or slowed, and then eventually just off the bike. She got my mojo but looking forward to riding again and extending my ride.

DJ Spork Presents: Show #4 Missed jems from 2005

Recorded in glorious analog and then digitized for your podlovin' pleasure. Please enjoy the latest and first DJ Spork presents podcast of 2006. [RSS] The DJ Spork persona digs around the archives and top 50 lists of 2005 and spins some rock music. -Self promotion is so damn-easy.

Happy blingin' 2006

Well another year of doing bad things worse and good things better or reverse that I think better in all but still discovering all this new intellectual ground and capacity. It happens when the universe expands and you spend some time at high-altitudes. In my new autonomic theory of life-being where all things tend to work themselves out with a little bending and spinning; there is still the human element that drives the beaters and drummers, there is still alcohol to slow things down to a livable pace, but not much I can do slow time back to a crawl, the weekends feel like a couple hours and the sleep I gather during weeks, inbetween Agency life, is moving incredibly fast. One moment I am dreaming and next I am flinging information around with my team of creatives and clients. I do think I need some new belt buckle blink but we'll see how things pan out. So I can put my catch phrase of the minute up, it's tiring enough trying get people to read my communications by osmosis, pigeon, email, fire, schedules, IMs,etc etc.