Thursday, January 31, 2008

Ay Caramba!




Nancy Cartwright hands over £5million to the Church of Scientology

The woman who voices Bart Simpson handed over £5million to the Church of Scientology last year.

Nancy Cartwright, 60, donated twice as much as Tom Cruise, 45 - the cult's most high-profile member.

The US actress, who is rumoured to earn £125,500 per episode of The Simpsons, gave the equivalent of almost two years' wages.

Other big donors were Kirstie Alley, £2.5million, John Travolta and wife Kelly Preston, £1million.

And now more on this UNBABLIEVABLE story!

Hahahahahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahah.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

3rd time's the charm?

Dude, maybe YSI is blocking that shit for some reason? I'm at a loss.

Let's give it one last chance:

Bon Iver - "For Emma"

Paul McGuinness: Uncork'd



I love U2 more than anyone I know does, but the weight of his tens of millions of dollars might be making Paul McGuinness unravel. Of course, he wasn't finger-pointing when the record companies "temporarily" raised the prices of CDs to "pay off the new manufacturing equipment," nor does he seem to have a problem with Ticketmaster fees, etc.
Warning: Link contains music-industry wonkery.
Paul McGuinness speech.

We have a winner



It was, indeed, Dustin Hoffman. Here he is 100 pounds ago with Rue McClanahan.

oops...here's the link

Sorry, the link thingy didn't work. Since you're all dying to read about it, here's the article in People:

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20174022,00.html

The moment we've all been waiting for...


After 14 long years, the speculation has finally become fact: New Kids on the Block are getting back together. Aw, yeah.

Click here

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The Third (Down) Reich

The Man Behind The Mask



Can you guess who this is?

Download Redux

Should work now. Sorry. It's a great song - don't sleep.

Bon Iver - "For Emma"

Headline of the Year So Far

My pal Vinay sent this to me, BA blogged it, but it bears repeating here:
Yahoo News changed the headline from
U.S. woman abducted in Afghanistan. Taliban responsible?
to
U.S. woman abducted in Afghanistan. A Taliban snatch?

This rivals the old Sun-Times article "Schwantz's Long Road to Glory" and "Real Bush Stands Up at Last."

Holy Merde!



La Machines de l'Lile
“A team of machine builders have set up their workshop in the industrial warehouses of the former shipyards, at the heart of the Ile de Nantes. The designers let their imaginations roam from the treetops to the savannah to the ocean depths, building a bestiary of living machines that escape the confines of the workshop to populate this area under redevelopment. The Great Elephant, the Marine Worlds and the Heron Tree are urban sculptures open to the public. Like doors to the world of dreams and magical journeys, they give this area a mysterious feel harking back to the time when it was the starting point for vessels setting out to travel the world”

WOW. I mean WOW.

20 Bucks Says It Was A Newport Light



Chicagoist reports that Helen's Two Way Lounge was the first Chicago bar cited for breaking the smoking ban.

Famous.

Women of Gravitas Smackdown 08: It's On Now, Bitches!




Poet Maya Angelou has come out in support of Hillary.

The Clinton campaign is featuring the esteemed poet in a new radio commercial featuring her distinctive and captivating voice.

Says Angelou:

“As a child, Hillary Clinton was taught that all God’s children are equal, so as a mother she understood that her child wasn’t safe unless all children were safe.

I know what kind of president Hillary Clinton will be because I know who she is. Hillary Clinton has always been a strong woman and a passionate protector of families. For 35 years, that’s exactly what she has been doing.

Each generation of African Americans stands on the shoulders of those who came before. Today, the challenges facing us threaten the dreams we have had for our children. We need a president with the experience and strength to meet those challenges.

I am inspired by Hillary Clinton’s commitment and courage — a daughter, a wife, a mother — my girl.”

Amazing Flickr Photos from The Library of Congress




There's a whole section of color photos from the 1930's and 1940's

Monday, January 28, 2008

Bon Iver



After months of not finding any new music I really dug, I've been on a bit of a hot streak, so I thought I'd share the wealth. This song is by a guy who records under the name Bon Iver, which I believe is an intentional misspelling of Bon Hiver, or Good Winter to our French friends. I know he's from Eau Claire, WI, that he recorded all this stuff in an isolated farmhouse, and that his record is being re-released by super hipster Jagjaguwar Records next month. The rest of it is all conjecture. I do like all the songs I've scammed off of Hype Machine so far, so that's a good sign...

Bon Iver - "For Emma"

Obama Pile On


Kennedy Chooses Obama

Toni Morrison Endorses Obama




Dear Senator Obama,

This letter represents a first for me--a public endorsement of a Presidential candidate. I feel driven to let you know why I am writing it. One reason is it may help gather other supporters; another is that this is one of those singular moments that nations ignore at their peril. I will not rehearse the multiple crises facing us, but of one thing I am certain: this opportunity for a national evolution (even revolution) will not come again soon, and I am convinced you are the person to capture it.

May I describe to you my thoughts?

I have admired Senator Clinton for years. Her knowledge always seemed to me exhaustive; her negotiation of politics expert. However I am more compelled by the quality of mind (as far as I can measure it) of a candidate. I cared little for her gender as a source of my admiration, and the little I did care was based on the fact that no liberal woman has ever ruled in America. Only conservative or "new-centrist" ones are allowed into that realm. Nor do I care very much for your race[s]. I would not support you if that was all you had to offer or because it might make me "proud."

In thinking carefully about the strengths of the candidates, I stunned myself when I came to the following conclusion: that in addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age, experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates. That something is a creative imagination which coupled with brilliance equals wisdom. It is too bad if we associate it only with gray hair and old age. Or if we call searing vision naivete. Or if we believe cunning is insight. Or if we settle for finessing cures tailored for each ravaged tree in the forest while ignoring the poisonous landscape that feeds and surrounds it. Wisdom is a gift; you can't train for it, inherit it, learn it in a class, or earn it in the workplace--that access can foster the acquisition of knowledge, but not wisdom.

When, I wondered, was the last time this country was guided by such a leader? Someone whose moral center was un-embargoed? Someone with courage instead of mere ambition? Someone who truly thinks of his country's citizens as "we," not "they"? Someone who understands what it will take to help America realize the virtues it fancies about itself, what it desperately needs to become in the world?

Our future is ripe, outrageously rich in its possibilities. Yet unleashing the glory of that future will require a difficult labor, and some may be so frightened of its birth they will refuse to abandon their nostalgia for the womb.

There have been a few prescient leaders in our past, but you are the man for this time.

Good luck to you and to us.

Toni Morrison

What tha'?? OR: Your Vote Will Actually Count.


Unless I'm not reading this right (which could be the case), the upcoming primaries on Feb. 5th will so totally matter.

Not just because it's wide-open between Hillarious and B-Rock, but because popular Lake Effect states such as Illinois, California and Utah (aka, the Beehive State) will all be awarding delegates to the convention proportionally.

What that mean?

Assuming your preferred candidate gets more than 30%, they will get a delegate in proportion to their vote count. So Hillary could win in CA, but your Obama vote will still get him some delegates ... which, if you believe those nerds at the NYTimes, might end up being crucially important.

Quoth the Hitmaker: It's on now, Bitches!

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Caroline Yes!

"I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans."

Caroline Kennedy-Endorsing Barack Obama in the NYT January 27, 2008, just after he smashed Hilary in SC, getting two votes to her every one.

Full OP-Ed Piece

Saturday, January 26, 2008

It only took my little finger to blow you away



Elvis Costello performed this version of Watching The Detectives on SNL this particular evening only because the Sex Pistols had an issue with their US visas and had to cancel last minute. When you watch this great footage you realize:

1) How dope the song is (in case you forgot, cuz you never really choose to play it on your copy of EC's Greatest Hits).
2) How much the bass player looks like Tom Petty, and how effortlessly he smokes these ridiculously sweet bass lines.
3) The fact that Oasis pimped their look from the keyboard player (is this Steve Naieve?) And is that a jacket or shirt!?!?

and most IMPORTANTLY

HOW MUCH ELVIS LOOKS LIKE TONY BIANCHI!!!

I MEAN REALLY!

Pay attention to the close-up

Almost Redeeming Letterman's Top Ten List

Obama does Late Night:


Friday, January 25, 2008

The Shit: Diamond Dave


BA hipped me to this post, which links to maybe the greatest MP3 on the Web. Prove! Me! Wrong! Bitches!

Whoops, I gotta get in the shower and get to the gig. Enjoy!
Have you all seen these yet?

Unbelievable photos from Russia courtesy of BA's Blog.

Russian Photos

Wait a minute...what?!



Apparently, Daniel Day Lewis gave an emotional tribute to Heath Ledger, ON OPRAH?

''I didn't know him,'' Day-Lewis said. ''I have an impression, a strong impression, I would have liked him very much as a man if I had. I'd already marveled at some of his work, and had looked forward so much to seeing the work that he would do in the future.''



This event has left me saddened and confused.

Late Bloomers Unite

Shecky got me thinking...sure The Beatles and Costello were absurdly young at their peaks, but the late bloomers don't make me feel so old:

Raymond Chandler-45
Henry Miller-44
Leonard Cohen-33 (1st record)
Al Jarreau-38
Anthony Burgess-39
Charles Bukowski-49
Rodney Dangerfield-42
Colonel Sanders- In his sixties

Ages listed are of first published works

Things That Make You Feel OLD


Sean is 32 now.
John was 29 in 1969 when this picture was taken.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Au Revoir, Dennis


Pour out a 40 for The Kuch's campaign.... I was hoping he'd make it to Illinois.

Tha E Train



Happy Birthday E.K. Myers!!! We love and miss you.....

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Breaking news...

The new Joker ain't smilin' no more as Heath Ledger was just found dead. Bummer. Does anyone know if they finished filming the new Batman?

http://http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jpzdve6RF9k9My1ItZGj3eRprEEwD8UB6JT81


How It's Done




Good writing about music is not dead, just comatose. Here's a faint blip on the EKG via Tris McCall, who I know nothing about except he/she is totally awesome. Check out the year-end roundup here.

Rilo Kiley -- "Silver Lining", "The Moneymaker"

Just before Under The Blacklight concludes, Jenny Lewis makes a passing reference to the "dogs of L.A."; right before that, on "Smoke Detector", her band channels whitechocolatespaceegg. Sympathy for Liz Phair bleeds through the cracks of the new Rilo Kiley, and why shouldn't it?, trill recognize trill. Like Phair, Lewis never considered herself "indie" except by trick of ill fortune: she had her eye on the Hollywood Hills from the outset, and if making nice with Conor Oberst could help get her there, well, that was a price she was prepared to pay. Liz Phair owed much of her initial run of terrific press to desperate rock journalists who believed that because of her indie-girl approachability, they stood a puncher's chance to fuck her someday; ditto for Lewis. And that's amusing for awhile, until it isn't. And when it isn't, you might be tempted to put out an album like Liz Phair, or Under The Blacklight: an album that says "no, sorry, you will not ever fuck me; moreover, here is some alienating hypersexuality for you to choke on, just so you understand that you and I are playing in different leagues". Then, those journalists race home to write their bad reviews, and whack off to St. Vincent. So everybody's happy.

These Kids Today


Kate Moss had a birthday party. Please note what 'classic rocker' was in attendance. It's in the last paragraph.

as 'reported' to perezhilton.com:


KATE MOSS celebrated her 34th birthday with a sleazy orgy involving THREE other partygoers

The catwalk queen got hot and sweaty with two female models and a lucky male guest while a crowd of onlookers snorted cocaine and ogled the eye-popping performance.

Kate gasped with pleasure along with the professional female models and stocky fella in her £2,500-a-night suite on the eighth floor of London's Dorchester hotel.

Kate's boyfriend JAMIE HINCE was in the other room during the orgy, but his band THE KILLS' new album, No Wow, was her choice of CD to set the mood in the master bedroom.

It's a saucy echo of Kate's infamous The Beautiful And The Damned birthday bash four years ago which ended up in a no-holds-barred orgy involving Kate's fashion friend SADIE FROST and other party guests.

My insider, who was present at Wednesday's 18-hour birthday celebration, revealed that the orgy was already in full swing by 3am, when Kate arrived at the room.

Earlier she had been out at the Punk nightclub enjoying the company of her celeb guests, who included BOBBY GILLESPIE, DAVINIA TAYLOR, KELLY OSBOURNE, DAVID WALLIAMS and RONNIE WOOD.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Fuzzy Debut

Here is the best I could get out of my weird, hacked and legit video editing warez. I'll reload a nicer looking version when I can tell my codec from my keyframe (in other words, don't hold your breath, Effectors).

Direct from the Saltiest backyard in America...Pancho!

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Friday, January 18, 2008

Inspiration

Here's the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra playing Hey Ya.
I'm quite sure that Brett from Flight of the Conchords is second from left

Thursday, January 17, 2008

La Scala



Balthazar De Ley, known to dozens around the world as the man who recorded East of the Figgy Liggy, has a new band called La Scala. I think they're great. It's sort of a euro-dance-commedia dell'arte thing. And the accordion in the picture is mine.

La Scala - "Parallel Lives"

Nobody Beats the Biz



Who among us can say they never get The Vapors?

Biz Markie - The Vapors

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Anybody Move and I'll Blow My Fucking Nut Off!


http://www.theindychannel.com/news/15051234/detail.html

Get Ready!

Okay, since we're starting to plan our own performances in the ukelele review, I think it's a good time to start the talent portion of our Beauty Pet Pageant 2008.

Please submit pictures and/or video of your contestant involved in his/her "talent". (Costumes are encouraged).

You may also begin to cast your vote for the winner of the first portion of our event "posture/beauty".

To stimulate our imaginations, I give you this video for you enjoyment.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Alvy's House of Style



I think Obama should grow a moustache.

BTW - I photoshopped that one from a Selleck photo. I shit you not.

The Mittster

In honor of Romney's meaningless win tonight in Michigan, I give you the Onion's freakily accurate take on cable news. Check out the "War For The White House" graphics, and the pitch-perfect anchor woman. Almost Scary.


Mitt Romney Defends Himself Against Allegations Of Tolerance

The New Lad?


Because there has been NO ACTION on Lake Effect in the recent past, I offer a silly picture of my pet. This was during Lads rehearsal (I got no lads out here in LA, I do what I can) and he just blew the bridge to 'You're My Best Friend' and was kind of pissed.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Search Engine: Jewgle

BA posted this on his blog today, and it bears repeating: Jewgle

He recommends searching the Talmud. Seriously, get yourself a pastrami from Kaufman's and start searching.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Life is a Cabaret, old chums



A Ukulele cabaret to be exact. Grab a uke and join us, Lake Effecters, for the inaugural outing just after Valentines Day on Saturday, February 16. Where? you guessed it, Silvies. The theme of course will be songs of betrayal and heartbreak...oh, and lust. OK, just for you, we'll throw in LOVE too.

The Guidelines:
1. Each act may play up to three songs (at least one of which should relate to the theme)
2. A uke should be played in each song, other instruments are welcome and encouraged
3. bonus points for theatricality- costumes, props, skits, beatboxes, whatever

Tony and Simo will be hosting the evening. It could be kind of like our own Lake Effect talent show plus some! If you don't yet play the uke, take it from me, its simple to learn and very inexpensive too (from $30 at Andy's.)

So don't delay, put those winter doldrums to work and scare up a song or two.
Hope to see you there.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Friday, January 11, 2008

Simo, The Sequel



I bought this album because it reminded me of Simo (or a doppelganger of simo's)

Not That There's Anything Wrong With That


I'm not saying Bulls guard Ben Gordon is gay, but he does have matching Louis Vuitton luggage.

I Just Wanna Stop and Eat a Banana

Adel just commented below that I had some Gino Viteli (I'm thinking he meant Gino Vanelli) in my DNA. And that, of course, reminded me of this:

Microbiche + Microstella



Also, in honor of it being exactly 4 months and 2 weeks until the biche + ekm nuptials, I bring you the famed photo of their miniature dopplegangers. The microstella is really what makes it.
OK, I'll stop with the photo stuff now...

Simo 70s Gold


With Simo's "Sentimental Lady" post, and The Developher's 70s photo gallery, I couldn't resist reviving this picture.

WTF or Boy, The Japs Are Really Weird!


I believe this site gives you the opportunity to send in a picture of your new baby to be printed on a sack of rice so that you can then send said bag of rice around to various friends and relatives so they may "hold your baby".

As a corallary...

If you need some cheer today, 70's style, you must go to this link List of the Day Olan Mills Photos

The captions are incredible.

I've got me own Daily Download to do



I remembered that song the Autumn Defense covered from childhood. It was Sentimental Lady by Fleetwood Mac, before Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined, but after their straight up blues era. Its from the 1972 album Bare Trees.

DOWNLOAD SENTIMENTAL LADY


Bob Welch, Guitarist with Fleetwood Mac, Re-recorded the song for solo release in 1977, and it became a hit. This is the version I remember hearing in the car. He's backed on the track by Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham. I couldn't find the actual track for download, but here's a youtube montage (creepy!) with this version of the song. I much prefer this version to the original.

A.M. Gold

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Warning


Why hasn't anyone downloaded this yet? DO AS I SAY.

People, don't sleep. I know what's best for you. Listen to this song naked right before you get in the shower, and it will pump you up for the rest of the day. Listen to it in the car and drive slow, pretending you're in the video. Listen to this song on headphones and marvel at the hilarious lyrics.

Trust me.

For What Its Worth

Last night I had the pleasure of sitting in which Quickdraw's 60's cover band Revolution, as their drummer called in sick for rehearsal. We played three hours of 60's classics, including For What its Worth by Buffalo Springfield. As soon as we started it, I flashed on the Muppet Show version which I remembered from my Childhood.

Here you go...

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

The Voice of America Has Returned



Colbert on Hillary In Tears-gate:

"George W. Bush cried during the ceremonies after 9/11. His father cried when Jeb stepped down as governor. And, of course, Barbara Bush wept at the funeral of Slobodan Milosevic. They did go to high school together."

If You Need To Get Angrier

Check out this very short clip.
I think Tiger should get one swing with the club of his choice at her forehead.

Mr. Posture/Noble Dog

Carpet Bombing With Cuteness






I want to vote for him - BUT




Here are my issues:

1)Inspirational talk is a great tool, but what is he going to do specifically.
2)He's been campaigning for the big job since he started in the Senate, has he proven his worth as a public servant yet?
3)Why does he have to constantly refer to Kennedy and MLK alone? These are no-brainer civil rights figure heads. This rhetoric doesn't help me understand the specific goals of his administration.
4)Will someone please tell me why Hillary is the devil? (Honest question)
5) I kept thinking about Bob the Builder during his speech (can we do it? yes we can!)

Yes, We Can


Whether or not you prefer Obama as a candidate, I think it would be hard to argue that he's a great speaker who is rejecting the premise of the Bush years and tapping into the vein of inspiration that human beings want in a leader.
Here's the text of the speech, if you want to save some time by reading it: http://tinyurl.com/33lhg7

Media Hijinx


While I must say that Russell J. Singer's posture is absolutely impeccable (I'd actually like the number of his Pilates instructor), I offer a brief interruption to come Uncork'd (TM) about the campaign coverage.
The media shenanigans are so out of hand that I couldn't possibly provide any kind of comprehensive survey. But, I'd like to present this one small example of the manufactured narratives and false suspense-inducing breathlessness. From CNN.com this morning, we have the headline, "Clinton, McCain Take the Lead," while the accompanying chart right next to the headline shows them in second and third places, respectively. Editors at CNN and nationwide need a spanking.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008


Vote for me or I'll bite your forehead

Throwing Down the Gauntlet!


Here he is, in his Lake Effect debut.
Our new BFF, still nameless, but cuddly, smart and tubby.

Contest Entry



Beauty and Posture, huh? I present Russell J. Singer for your consideration.



Russell is a four year old garbage kitty who enjoys hanging out under the bed in the guest room, playing grabass with his brother, and sleeping on Daddy's lap. His single black toe indicates that he comes from royal blood.