WFMU pranksters and 2007 drive by fund drivers

I love WFMU for their independence. Once a year they hold out their tin cups so they don't have to take any advertising from the MAN so they can play, prank, sing, scrape, blast and rock the airwaves with their no-format radio. Otherwise known as Free-form radio WFMU has takes great pride in allowing a bunch of wayward DJs do their thing. A recent glorious prank Ken Friedman and Andy Breckman played on the NYTs, is an example of their sense of all things around them. They are the cavemen of airwaves. They are not smut peddlers and really care about the state of things in these times of greed and corporate warfare and believe just about all ilk should get their chance to spin(except for the man) what they are passionate about. WFMU belongs to the people. So get your wallets out now. You have one week left to donate a little lunch money, blood money, beer money, or whatever you can afford.

About a week ago, here's what Boston actually thought.

Evidence that Boston is re-taded and that the Cartoon Network Chief Jim Samples might not have had to resign over a Marketing Blunder. NYC didn't even blink. We know advertising when we see it.

Steve Jobs is doing his best Howard Dean

Can music be 100% DRM-free?
I can personally attest to this stat and i knew they were tracking my GBs.

Today’s most popular iPod holds 1000 songs, and research tells us that the average iPod is nearly full. This means that only 22 out of 1000 songs, or under 3% of the music on the average iPod, is purchased from the iTunes store and protected with a DRM. The remaining 97% of the music is unprotected and playable on any player that can play the open formats. It’s hard to believe that just 3% of the music on the average iPod is enough to lock users into buying only iPods in the future. And since 97% of the music on the average iPod was not purchased from the iTunes store, iPod users are clearly not locked into the iTunes store to acquire their music
Now go subscribe to new DJ Spork & Review Stalker podcast.

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?