Covering the crossroads of music and film.
November 2008
10 Things To Do On Black Friday (Besides Shop)
By Jim Shearer on 11/28/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE10. Listen to Metallica's or Jay-Z's Black Album. 9. Count how many times Black Rob says "whoa" in his 1999 hit, "Whoa." 8. Take the Indie Ear Black music quiz. 7. Give your black cat a fist-pound. (left: This is my black cat, and, yes, I already gave her a fist-pound today.) 6. Pull out your guitar and attempt to play AC/DC's "Back In Black" while simultaneously duck-walking like Angus Young. 5. Watch one of the funniest music videos of the year, The Black Keys' "Strange Times." 4. Cross your fingers for the sake of our economy and hope... MORE »
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My Thanksgiving Recap
By Jim Shearer on 11/28/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEAnother Thanksgiving come, another Thanksgiving go. Here are some of my higlights and low-lights from yesterday: T-DAY HIGHLIGHTS: Four Pittsburghers celebrating Thanksgiving in a small NYC apartment. The homemade meal was strong, and because I haven't puked within the last 12 hours, it means I didn't undercook the turkey (whew). (left: I'm thankful for 1. Me not cutting off a finger while carving the turkey, 2. Trimmings, trimmings, and more trimmings, and, 3. Spending T-Day with these three lovely ladies!) Foo Fighters as the special guests on Top Chef. Dave Grohl critiquing Thanksgiving dinner equals television gold! Green bean... MORE »
LUNCHBOX: 8 Annoying Things of '08
By Jim Shearer on 11/26/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOG8 things that randomly annoyed me in the year 2008... The flash 8 plugin was not detected. var so = new SWFObject("/static/bc/ifc_generic_blog.swf", "annoying", "380", "295", "8", "#ffffff"); so.addParam("wmode", "transparent"); //change player width so.addVariable("pwidth", 380); //change player height so.addVariable("pheight", 285); //distinguish between different videos so.addVariable("s_movieID", "annoying"); //insert brightcove title id here so.addVariable("bctid", 3319817001); so.write("annoying"); MORE »
It's Never Too Early
By Jim Shearer on 11/26/2008
Filed under: NEWSThat's right. It's never too early to start planning your summer music festival. This week, Bamboozle announced that Fall Out Boy and No Doubt will be headling thier festival (good news for me, cause I've been waiting seven long years for the follow up to No Doubt's Rock Steady). (left: Yes, let it be known, I do love me some No Doubt.) All Tomorrow's Parties has also announced a handful of artists that will be performing at their 2nd annual ATP New York festival:... MORE »
A "No Quick Fix" Fix
By Jim Shearer on 11/26/2008
Filed under: FREE SONGSI realize that yesterday's GN'R smorgasbord on this blog must've been an indie purist's worst nightmare. To make up for it, here's a free download of Nada Surf's "No Quick Fix." This B-side from the Let Go (left) sessions is one of the goodies available on their limited edition mega-box-set that was recently released. As always, enjoy! No Quick Fix.mp3 MORE »
The Many Faces of Axl Rose
By Jim Shearer on 11/25/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEHere's a look back at some of my favorite Axl Rose personas over the years. Enjoy! Catcher's-Vest Axl Not only was Axl's catcher's vest a nice fashion accessory, but I'm sure it also protected him on many occasions when drunk fans chucked beer bottles on stage. Young-Backwards-Baseball-Cap Axl He looks so young, so innocent, how could this kid ever get on someone's bad side? Hairspray Axl Though GN'R helped put an end to let's-all-dress-up-like-girls-and-play-hairspray-metal, even Axl had an affinity for the product back in the band's early days. Dinner-Party Axl Honey did you make the reservations for 7PM? Are... MORE »
LUNCHBOX: In Between GN'R Albums
By Jim Shearer on 11/25/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGA look back at everything that's happened since the last time Guns N' Roses released an album... The flash 8 plugin was not detected. var so = new SWFObject("/static/bc/ifc_generic_blog.swf", "gnr", "380", "295", "8", "#ffffff"); so.addParam("wmode", "transparent"); //change player width so.addVariable("pwidth", 380); //change player height so.addVariable("pheight", 285); //distinguish between different videos so.addVariable("s_movieID", "gnr"); //insert brightcove title id here so.addVariable("bctid", 3226892001); so.write("gnr"); MORE »
Guns N' Roses Day!
By Jim Shearer on 11/25/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEA month or so ago I said that if Axl Rose (ahem, Guns N' Roses) really does release Chinese Democracy this year, I'll dedicate a day's worth of blog postings to him. (left: "That's right, you said a whole day of nuthin' but GN'R.") Well, he kept good on his word, so I'll keep good on mine. Join us today for random Axl Rose and GN'R blog postings... MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Nov.25)
By Jim Shearer on 11/25/2008
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYJust in time for Black Friday and the upcoming holiday season... Rivers Cuomo, Alone II: The Home Recordings of Rivers Cuomo (left) If the rumors about Rivers are right (having written thousands of demos over the years), expect (many, many) more of these albums. Kayne West, 808s & Heartbreak This is the part of the story where we find out what Kanye did after he dropped out of college...he bought a vocorder. The Killers, Day & Age The ampersand makes a big comeback this week. Guns N' Rose, Chinese Democracy I know, I can't believe it either. Coldplay, Prospekt's... MORE »
From Old To Gold? Still Don't Know?
By Jim Shearer on 11/24/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEAs we pointed out a couple weeks ago, The Raconteurs have launched a new YouTube channel asking fans to upload their "treasured keepsakes and thrift store finds." The band recently released their second From Old To Gold infomercial parody (see below), and because it takes me twice as long as the normal human-being to figure things out, I still don't know what The Raconteurs have up their sleeve. At first I thought it might have something to do with a future music video, but The Raconteurs just released a video for, "Old Enough," which besides the word "old" has nothing... MORE »
Random Sunday
By Jim Shearer on 11/24/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEThis is going to be sort of a random blog posting, but here goes: Yesterday while traveling from borough to borough, preparing for Christmas pageants (no lie) and getting some holiday shopping out of the way, two items of music interest caught my ear and eye. 1.) Early in the morning, probably around 8:30AM, I was in a McDonald's out in Queens and heard The Shins, "Australia" play on the muzak system. Sandwiched between songs from Michael Buble and The Spin Doctors, the Shins' modest hit actually held its own. Not only did "Australia" sound just as hit-worthy as... MORE »
All Hail The Mighty Klosterman
By Jim Shearer on 11/21/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEAuthor, writer, columnist, talking-head, and wordsmith Chuck Klosterman recently did a guest album review for The Onion's AV Club. What album did he critique? Only the one rock fans have been waiting 15 long years to hear. As expected, Klosterman's review cracked me up two sentences into my read. Enjoy! MORE »
Bjork's Birthday
By Jim Shearer on 11/21/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGToday, Bjork turns 43 years old (which means she's exactly one day younger than the Beastie Boys' Mike D and Cypress Hill's Sen Dog, who celebrated their 43rd birthdays yesterday). To commemorate the occasion, I've decided to post my favorite Bjork video, the Spike Jonze directed, "It's Oh So Quiet" (which coincidentally comes off of my favorite Bjork album, Post). It also seems to make sense to watch this video on Bjork's birthday, cause when she says "shhh," it's almost like she's blowing out imaginary birthday candles. (Bjork was a crisp 30 years old when she starred in this clip).... MORE »
Wow, It's Really Happening
By Jim Shearer on 11/20/2008
Filed under: NEWSAfter what, 14 or so years? Wow, I almost can't believe that I'm saying this, but Guns N' Roses are really releasing Chinese Democracry. It's done?! (left: Whoa, is that a pig I see flying?) Even though there have been some published album reviews, I thought it was all part of an elaborate practical joke, but today GN'R are streaming Chinese Democracy in its entirety on their MySpace page. MORE »
IT'S LIKE THAT: Judgment Day
By Jim Shearer on 11/20/2008
Filed under: IT'S LIKE THATIn the early 90's, Terminator 2 (aka, T2) was one of my favorite movies. The special effects were years before its time, Sarah Connor (played by Linda Hamilton) ushered in a new era of female heroines that could kick some serious ass, and those half-sentence catch phrases from Arnold Schwarzenegger--man--who couldn't resist those? Though I loved the film, I always thought the storyline was a little far-fetched. Computers and robots taking over the world? Yeah right! (above: "I'm the biggest rock star of the decade!") As I sit here today, a good 17 years after the film was released... MORE »
LIKE IT? LOVE IT? HATE IT?
By Jim Shearer on 11/20/2008
Filed under: LIKE IT? LOVE IT? HATE IT?Kanye West channeling his inner Pee-Wee Herman for his upcoming 808s and Heartbreak album. If this is the direction he's going, I have a few questions? Who will by Kanye's Dottie? Who will be his arch nemesis (Francis Buxton)? And will he steal Pee-Wee's (aka Kanye's) new favorite toy: his vocorder? (above: Kanye is a loner, a rebel.) MORE »
I Like To Make Drawings
By Jim Shearer on 11/19/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEOn Wednesdays I volunteer at a nearby elementary school and attempt to teach kids how to draw. Today, I dropped some Radiohead knowledge and had them sketch Thom Yorke. Are the sketches great? No. But, take a look at them, they're not too far off from the stick drawings Radiohead use in their album artwork and promotional materials. (below: Grade school drawings of Thom Yorke.) MORE »
LUNCHBOX: My Favorite Bored Game
By Jim Shearer on 11/19/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGThere's a reason it's called the "Bored Game"... The flash 8 plugin was not detected. var so = new SWFObject("/static/bc/ifc_generic_blog.swf", "bored", "380", "295", "8", "#ffffff"); so.addParam("wmode", "transparent"); //change player width so.addVariable("pwidth", 380); //change player height so.addVariable("pheight", 285); //distinguish between different videos so.addVariable("s_movieID", "bored"); //insert brightcove title id here so.addVariable("bctid", 2549997001); so.write("bored"); MORE »
Free Music From Our Boy Wonder
By Ben Duklewski on 11/19/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGWho doesn't like free music? I'm not talking about jumping on Lime Wire or Album Hunt and stealing music. I'm talking about when bands give you their music. (left: Our young boy wonder, Ben, wants to shine the Bat-light on You, Me, And Everyone We Know). Well, today the guys in You, Me, and Everyone We Know are giving away their second EP for free (just like they did with their first one). So do yourself a favor and DL both EPs, and once you like them (which you will), go buy them. Bands as selfless as this (especially... MORE »
My Latest YouTube Obsession
By Jim Shearer on 11/18/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEA few weeks ago I began getting hooked on Ian MacKaye (Dischord Records) YouTube videos. At the time, MacKaye was doing a handful of speaking engagements on the west coast, and since I'm on the east coast, I figured my next best alternative was to listen to him speak via online video clips. Yesterday I came across this one (which is a little less than two years old). At a city council hearing, MacKaye speaks against a proposed ban on all-ages shows, following the shooting death of a minor in a Washington D.C. night club. (For those that don't know,... MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Nov.18)
By Jim Shearer on 11/18/2008
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYLadyhawke, Ladyhawke (left) Some pop, some rock, a heaping dose of 80's influence, and a lot of dancing. Mark Lanegan & Isobel Campbell, Sunday at Devil Dirt Mark Lanegan can do it all. Beyonce, I Am...Sasha Fierce Really? I could've sworn your name was Beyonce. Nickleback, Dark Horse Put in CD, stick finger into back of throat, vomit...repeat. David Cook, David Cook The dude that won American Idol (no, the smiley-faced kid who looks like a 12-year old was the runner up). Mudvayne, The New Game Someone at a modern rock radio station is excited to be alive today!... MORE »
The Hives Just Wanna Have Fun...
By Jim Shearer on 11/17/2008
Filed under: SOON...and apparently take on Cyndi Lauper in a duel as well. Here's one more reason to get excited about the HOLIDAYS! (left: Remember, in the mid-80's Cyndi Lauper took on wrestler, Rowdy Roddy Piper in a fight. Howlin' Pelle Almqvist, beware!) MORE »
Saying Goodbye To TRL with Haikus
By Jim Shearer on 11/17/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEI don't know if this popped up on anyone's radar, but last night MTV said farewell to its former flagship show, TRL (Total Request Live). Demonstrating how popular TRL had become, or how low it had sunk, I found out about the finale through a text message from my mother. I was never a fan of the show, so when I found out it was being cancelled, I'd be lying if I told you I didn't feel some sense of joy run through my veins. On the other hand, I had a lot of friends who worked on the... MORE »
Get Up Kids Reunite This Weekend
By Jim Shearer on 11/14/2008
Filed under: SOONIn their first live performance since 2005, the Get Up Kids are randomly (seemingly) playing a one-off gig in Kansas City on Sunday: Sunday, Nov. 16 Record Bar 1020 Westport Road 18-and-over $10 Rumors began swirling about the reunion after former member, James Dewees, (Reggie and The Full Effect) apparently began dropping hints about reuniting with a band form the "late 90's/early 00's." The Get Up Kids also made available on their website a brand new t-shirt, which simply reads: Be Prepared. (above: "Be Prepared." Huh, it wasn't just a catchy t-shirt slogan after all.) For now, the Get... MORE »
Justin's Back
By Jim Shearer on 11/14/2008
Filed under: SOONOur ol' buddy from IFC News' Independent Music Panels, Justin Oulette, creator of Muxtape--the online file sharing service that recreates the joy of sharing music via mixtapes--which was shut down by the man a couple months ago, is set to re-launch soon. To the best of knowledge, the new twist--which I'm piecing together from different blog postings and the below interview--is that Muxtape will be a service for bands only. In the same simple manner Muxtape once operated (users creating mixes consisting of only 12 songs), bands will make available their Muxtape to the public. The payoff? Many of Muxtape's... MORE »
The Raconteurs Want Your Trash
By Jim Shearer on 11/13/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGETrash? Yes, The Raconteurs want your trash. But you know that old saying, right? One man's trash is another man's treasure. It's still unclear what The Raconteurs have up their sleeve, but here's what we know thus far--they've created both a website and a YouTube channel called From Old To Gold and are asking fans to upload their lost treasures, appropriately tagging their videos: From Old To Gold Could it be for an upcoming video? Or have The Raconteurs unhatched this diabolic scheme just to come across some really cool thrift store finds? Unfortunately, I don't have any answers at... MORE »
ANTI Sampler
By Jim Shearer on 11/13/2008
Filed under: FREE SONGSNo, no, no, no, I think you misunderstood me. I'm not "anti sampler," I'm talking about the ANTI sampler, a FREE digital download of 17 songs from the record label ANTI. You can download the entire album for free HERE. You'll notice Kool Keith is also on a track, making this the second Indie Ear Kool Keith sighting in as many days. (left: Do free digital albums need album covers? Apparently so.) Anti- Records 08/09 Sampler tracklisting: 1. "Mexico City," Jolie Holland 2. "Pieces Of You," Islands 3. "Say Hey (I Love You),"Michael Franti & Spearhead 4. "Whispers," Lyrics... MORE »
Kool Keith Sighting
By Jim Shearer on 11/12/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEBecause me and my buddy/blog-pioneer Troy B. Mouer once went to a Lollapalooza just to see Dr. Octagon (Kool Keith), only to find out that he cancelled (because he allegedly used his Lollapalooza advance to buy dirty magazines), we always get excited when he honors a live concert commitment. Troy managed to track him down at this year's Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, TX. Here are some PIX. [VIA] MORE »
Yey! Nada Surf Box Set
By Jim Shearer on 11/12/2008
Filed under: SOONFresh from the warehouse and available to the mass public on November 25, Nada Surf will be releasing a limited edition box set (only 1,000 numbered copies) containing the following: + All five studio albums on vinyl + An exclusive repressing of their first 7" single + Full-color 24-page lyric and photo book. + Download codes for MP3 versions of The Proximity Effect, Let Go, The Weight Is a Gift, Lucky, and a collection of rare and out-of-print bonus tracks and b-sides. (above: Can I ask for this without sitting on Santa Clause's lap?) Interested parties can pre-order the... MORE »
LUNCHBOX: Seein' Elevens on 11/11
By Jim Shearer on 11/11/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGHow to properly celebrate your 11/11... The flash 8 plugin was not detected. var so = new SWFObject("/static/bc/ifc_generic_blog.swf", "eleven", "380", "295", "8", "#ffffff"); so.addParam("wmode", "transparent"); //change player width so.addVariable("pwidth", 380); //change player height so.addVariable("pheight", 285); //distinguish between different videos so.addVariable("s_movieID", "eleven"); //insert brightcove title id here so.addVariable("bctid", 1913290760); so.write("eleven"); And most importantly, make sure to pay respect to all the men and women who have proudly served our country over the years and have helped keep it a safe place to live. Happy Veteran's Day!... MORE »
Finally...Christmas Is Here!
By Jim Shearer on 11/11/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEToday--November 11, 2008--The Flaming Lips will FINALLY release to the public their self-financed, made-in-the-backyard, holiday/outer space-inspired motion picture entitled, Christmas On Mars. To celebrate, The Flaming Lips are also offering a Mega Deluxe Edition of the film (watch the video below for all the details): Christmas On Mars (by the way, don't expect a high-end Hollywood production) has been in the works for many, many years. I first met the Flaming Lips almost six years ago, and even then the film was a few years in the making. Wayne Coyne, being the Wayne Coyne that he is, never ducked the... MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Nov.11)
By Jim Shearer on 11/11/2008
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYThe Bronx, The Bronx III (left) Considering their last album was titled The Bronx II, it looks like they're enjoying releasing their albums in sequels. Tracy Chapman, One Bright Future FYI, tomorrow Tracy will begin her first solo tour in 10 years. David Archuleta, David Archuleta C'mon, you're not a little curious? T-Pain, Thr33 Ringz Anyone heard any good vocorder jokes lately? Jean On Jean, Jean On Jean Former member of dance-rock outfit takes the tender and soft path. The Postmarks, By-The-Numbers A collection of cover songs (written monthly) with numbers in the titles that correspond to the month.... MORE »
Who Here Is NOT a PC?
By Jim Shearer on 11/10/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEThis little pop quiz might help jump-start your brain on this Monday afternoon. Of the following people (clockwise from top: Girl Talk, Pharrell Williams, Erykah Badu), who is NOT a PC? MORE »
Kanye's "Heartless"
By Jim Shearer on 11/10/2008
Filed under: VIDEO BLOGKanye West recently released his second single, "Heartless," from his forthcoming album, 808s and Heartbreak. A Hype Williams-directed rototscope video shortly followed. Here it is: West's 808s and Heartbreak is due for release, on November 25. MORE »
WWWMMFD?
By Jim Shearer on 11/07/2008
Filed under: FREE SONGSWhat would What Made Milwaukee Famous do? They'd give you free music, of course. Here's a great way to end the week, What Made Milwaukee Famous has just made available their Sugarhill Sessions EP for free! Download it HERE. It's only available for a limited time, so get that zip file downloaded to your hard drive as soon as you can... MORE »
IS IT ME? OR...
By Jim Shearer on 11/07/2008
Filed under: IS IT ME? OR......was Lou Reed kind of an asshole in his most recent interview for SPIN magazine? (left: "You're not interested in music. We're done talking.") It's not always easy being the one who has to ask questions, especially to someone who's heard them all. (Gotta stick up for a fellow interviewer every once in a while, you know?) MORE »
IT'S LIKE THAT: McMusic Memories
By Jim Shearer on 11/07/2008
Filed under: IT'S LIKE THATPeople get weepy when stadiums close down (see: Yankee Stadium) and legendary music venues go out--or are forced out--of business (see: CBGB's), so it should come as no surprise that one can get a little nostalgic when certain fast food restaurants are leveled to the ground (see: Shaler McDonald's). This week, one of our Indie Ear contributors (the one who's nuts about Madonna) informed me that my former place of employment back in Pittsburgh, Shaler McDonald's, was whacked with a wrecking ball and is no more. I spent seven-and-a-half years of my life in that building. Most of those... MORE »
LIVE: Illinois, The Heavy
By Sarah Pesin on 11/06/2008
Filed under: LIVE"Remember, remember the 5th of November." Who said that? V for Vendetta? No, no, that was just the movie based on Guy Fawkes! For those of you who don't know, every 5th of November, those across the pond in Britain celebrate bonfire night with fireworks and a great party. Because I aspire to be British and I'm always looking for a great party, I decided to celebrate Guy Fawkes/Bonfire night in my own special way--by seeing a show! (left: If you're a girl and you're nearby, The Heavy's Kelvin Swaby will serenade you!) I got there late (not by... MORE »
INDIE EAR GLOSSARY (Just For You!)
By Jim Shearer on 11/06/2008
Filed under: BLOG BIOSThe Indie Ear Blog (yes, the very one that you're reading right now) has been chugging along for the last nine months or so. In that time we've posted blogs on various different topics, under various different headings. Today, I realized that I've never taken the time to explain what each category actually means. So for your convenience, I've created a Glossary for you. This will help you better understand each cateogory represented in the Indie Ear Blog (I care about you, that's why I did it!): (above: Don't be intimidated by the big book.) By the way, for... MORE »
BEN & JIM: Favorite Songs of 2008
By Jim Shearer on 11/06/2008
Filed under: BEN & JIMWelcome back to the round table (although there's only two of us, so the table doesn't necessarily need to be round) discussion of power-pop-occasionally-Warp-Tour-attending, Ben and indie-minded-see-you at-SXSW-in-March-music-enthusiast, Jim. Today, Ben and Jim discuss their favorite songs of 2008: Ben's Top-10 Mix 1. Underoath, "Too Bright To See, Too Loud To Hear" 2. Lydia, "Hospital" 3. Deas Vail, "White Lights" 4. The Matches, "Point Me Toward the Morning" 5. The Hush Sound, "Honey" 6. Valencia, "Holiday" 7. Straylight Run, "Wait and Watch" 8. PlayRadioPlay!, "Lococommotion" 9. Automatic Loveletter, "The Answer" 10. People in Cars, "Clutch" Jim's Top-10 Mix 1.... MORE »
LIKE IT? LOVE IT? HATE IT?
By Jim Shearer on 11/05/2008
Filed under: LIKE IT? LOVE IT? HATE IT?A self-released $6 album of ambient instrumental music (titled Effects of 333) from the Black Rebel Motorcylce Club. Once again, the only reason I ask, is because I'm undecided myself... MORE »
For Those About Barack (We Salute You)
By Jim Shearer on 11/05/2008
Filed under: IT'S LIKE THATYesterday, millions and millions of Americans pressed touch-screens, flicked levers, and punched chads all in an attempt to Barack the Vote. Some smelled what Barack was cookin', others didn't. As results began coming in, we saw Barack around the clock, and vote by vote, he continued to Barack On. Could he actually pull this off? At 9PM, Barack was ahead of McCain both in popular and electoral votes, leading his supporters to proclaim: "I Love Barack n' Roll" (put another dime in the jukebox baby!). Some once skeptical Americans, overcome by the excitement of the night, began swaying slightly... MORE »
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Nov. 4)
By Jim Shearer on 11/04/2008
Filed under: SUPER TUESDAYDanielson, Trying Hartz (left) Wow, if you've never heard of Danielson, I don't even know the first place to start. Think of it as family-oriented-indie-anything-goes kind of music. The Knux, Remind Me in 3 Days How 'bout I do it in four and we call it even? Montell Jordan, Let It Rain This is how he does it. Devin the Dude, Hi Life I just like his name. As you can see, not a spectacular release week. I guess some people don't want to share the spotlight with the Presidential hopefuls. If I missed anything good, please let me... MORE »
Poundin' Home The Message
By Jim Shearer on 11/04/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGELast time, I promise... The flash 8 plugin was not detected. var so = new SWFObject("/static/bc/ifc_generic_blog.swf", "vote", "380", "295", "8", "#ffffff"); so.addParam("wmode", "transparent"); //change player width so.addVariable("pwidth", 380); //change player height so.addVariable("pheight", 285); //distinguish between different videos so.addVariable("s_movieID", "vote"); //insert brightcove title id here so.addVariable("bctid", 1900221391); so.write("vote"); MORE »
I Just Voted!
By Jim Shearer on 11/04/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGEYes indeedy, I woke up at the crack of dawn to cast my vote (figured the lines would be shorter at 6AM than 6PM). Still blows my mind though that the fate of the free world is decided in bingo halls across the country, while senior citizen volunteers stand guard over voting machines that have been in use for the last 50 or so years. It's both frightening and awesome at the same time! (left: Me and my voter registration card.) MORE »
Saul Williams' Open Letter to History
By Jim Shearer on 11/03/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGENo stranger to writing open letters and thought provoking poetry, Saul Williams recently wrote an Open Letter to History, on the eve of one of the most crucial Election Days of our time: Dear History, For too long have I pondered your meaning, memorized dates of battles, years of servitude, decades of injustice, named eras after movements, mourned the extinction of species, cursed founding fathers, worn vintage suits and cloaked myself with references of your hold on me. I have walked through museums wondering how it is that greatness had lived and died all before my time. Parts of... MORE »
IS IT ME? OR...
By Jim Shearer on 11/03/2008
Filed under: IS IT ME? OR......does that "saved by zero" Toyota jingle make you want to stick sharpened pencils in your eyes? The jingle is borrowed from the song, "Saved By Zero," from the 80's new wave group The Fixx. The band's biggest U.S. hit was "One Thing Leads To Another," which like "Saved By Zero," was released off their 1983 album Reach the Beach. (left: Saved by not hearing that f'ing commercial jingle anymore@#!) No disrespect to The Fixx (who by the way still tour) or their fans, but I hate that commercial so much, it's at the point where I will go... MORE »
Ben Stiller Gets His Root Down
By Jim Shearer on 11/03/2008
Filed under: HODGEPODGE, VIDEO BLOGDuring a recent stop on the Get Out and Vote tour, Ben Stiller (dressed as the Beastie Boys' Adrock) managed to sneak on stage while the guys were busy doing "The Weave." Here's what happened next: MORE »
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