I can't stop ..... marching on Washington

 

The Daily Show and Colbert Report might be the most effective media watchdogs around right now. Night after night, they manage to satirize both the politicians and the media organizations who cover them with an acid tongue. As you may remember, Glenn Beck, one of their favorite targets (and my least favorite human beings), held a rally at the Lincoln Memorial on the anniversary of MLK's "I Have a Dream Speech" a few weeks ago.

Not to be outdone, last night, Stewart and Colbert announced a rally more or less in response to Beck's. Below, peep their announcements on their respective shows last night. Pretty funny stuff and from everything I've read, this thing is actually happening, though I think that their biggest challenge will be convincing people it's not a joke. Here's to hoping they get a solid turnout.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Rally to Restore Sanity
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
March to Keep Fear Alive
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election Fox News

I can't stop...raising money for Josh

Yeah, I know its sort of backwards the unemployed one raising money for the one with the cushy law job. But I am a better person than Josh. That being said, Josh is in better shape than me. As such, he is doing a 75/100 mile bike ride to raise money to fight MS. Anyway, take two seconds, donate to the cause.

JOSH NEEDS YOUR MONEY!!!!

I made a donation and added an incentive donation if Josh manned up and did the full 100 miles and not the child's 75 mile ride. I encourage you to do the same. Alternative incentive donations that I recommend are:

- Vomit bonus
- Bonus for recreating this with a fellow rider

- Bonus if he organizes a pack and yells at the people in the pack to speed up so he can properly draft
- Stopping at the 50 mile marker and housing a glass of whole milk (which would also get him the vomit bonus)
- Popping a wheelie as he crosses the finish line
- Doing the ride on a unicycle

If you are not into having fun, a regular donation would be much appreciated, too.

Also, if we can get enough support, I am trying to make Josh live vlog the entire ride to see how he performs on our bonuses. Plus it would just be funny to see him ride around with a helmet cam.

Donate!

I can't stop thinking.... I've eaten my last fast food hamburger.

Similarly amazing, albeit in a much more grotesque way, to Mike's post about the Arcade Fire project, is this project doing a form of time lapse photography on a double cheeseburger meal. I honestly can't stop wondering how long it will take for them to look inedible. Below is a clip that shows some scientist going Breaking Bad on a double cheeseburger to show how it digests in your stomach. Safe to say after this I'll be sticking to In'N'Out and Five Guys and praying some photographer/limey UK scientist doesn't get any bright ideas as to similar experiments with them.

I cant stop..watching/listening/experiencing the new Arcade Fire video

Click the link to experience this amazing fusion of music and Google's SkyNet abilities. Then wait anxiously for Michael's Arcade Fire rant (which will appear soon, dont you worry)

http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/

I can't stop listening to .... Cee-Lo

New track from Cee-Lo that is entirely too catchy. Not safe for work for the five of you who happen to read this.

I can't stop thinking .... driving is Beijing must be a fate worse than Hell

Saw this today and was probably more incredulous than when I saw the tiny pencil tip sculptures. 62 fucking miles long? Weeks to clear? What could possibly worse?? Oh I know, having gypsies/nose bears incessantly pestering you and offering their wares at exorbitant prices when you have no where to go to escape their terror. Seriously though, how many people will literally die sitting in this traffic? Hundreds? Thousands?? I think I'd have to place that slightly below being burned alive and above crucifixion on the continuum of awful ways to go.

I can't stop wondering .... how the hell he did this??

I'm still trying to figure out how long these took this this artist to do. Truly amazing and I can't begin to imagine how frustrating it was every time the tip broke.  My guess is he used something other than a #2 pencil.

I can't stop reading ..... the 100 greatest magazine articles of all time

On vacation this week so I'll keep it short and sweet. This is a compilation put together with the help of a bunch of contributers of the 100 greatest long-form magazine articles of all time. The list is separated by decades with the articles receiving the most nominations appearing at the beginning. Two articles I've posted before made the list, the article on hospice care, and the article on the death penalty and the arsonist from Texas. The list gets updated so check back from time to time.

I can't stop listening to...Menomena

A few years ago it seemed like every band I liked was from Portland, moved to Portland or had been from Portland Portland was like epi-center of my musical world. This meant two things; one I pretty much was only listening to music made by white people and two, I thought I wanted to live in Portland. The former has remained true by and large (With some obvious and notable exceptions) while the former can just be added to the long list of things I was wrong about in law school. See, I visited Portland and it wasnt really that cool. The city's shtick was easy to identify and wasnt really that amazing 1) Portlanders are always drinking something, probably coffee or beer, often in rotation to mix the uppers and the downers 2) They hike more than you or I ever will and dress the part with regularity 3) They care less than you 4) They are whiter than you (Arizona should probably just look at what Portland did if it wants to rid itself of Latinos, as its the only city in America I have ever been to where I literally did not see a single Latino/Latina) 5) They are more apathetic than you and will go great lengths to prove to it and 6) They dont respect Kevin Pritchard, which is a joke (google it).

Despite my falling out with Portland, I am mature enough to realize that the city may have a few redeeming qualities even if the hipsters have ruined it. One of those redeeming qualities is Menomena. I'd say they are in my top 5 bands but we all know every band I like is in my top 5 bands I like so thats really a meaningless title to award them. But they are good. They just released a new album, Mines and its good to quite good. Here are a few tracks from it. Their earlier work is also pretty great, so check that out too.

Menomena - Taos


Menomena - Lunchmeat


Menomena - Lunchmeat

I can't stop reading .... about hospice care

I posted another article by Atul Gawande a while back that dealt with health care costs by looking at two towns in Texas. This excellent and at times tear-jerking article deals with looking at reducing health care costs and improving quality of life through the use of hospice car. The article hit close to home on several fronts, but I think anyone regardless of past experience can relate to what he talks about. The article does an amazing job of describing the dilemma physicians face when talking about end-of-life-care as a result of society's view of death. I still blame the GOP for mischaracterizing, nay, lying, about "death panels" when health care was being debated and causing reimbursement for counseling to disappear, but I realize now the problem goes much deeper than that. More than anything, it comes down to a choice between the societal ideal of fighting death to the bitter end or giving up the chance to be healed and focusing on enjoying life and minimizing pain.

I'd like to thank Mike for being the bigger (read: more weak-willed) man and finally posting. The blog is back at least until next month when it's been another six weeks since his lazy-ass has posted.

I can't stop listening to...Robyn

I like pop music. I am not ashamed of it nor do I think I need to apologize for it. Within the genre of pop music, I would say I am inclined to gravitate to women pop singers of a certain age (usually under the age of 18, certainly never over the age of 25). These girls are so capable of capturing my entire emotional range in a 3 minute song that its scary - OMG, how did Miley know that hearing Jay Z makes me feel at ease even in the most uncertain circumstances?! And Taylor's ability to capture what true love is like makes me cry sometimes (granted I always envision myself as the Romeo part, but you get the picture - LOLZ).

Anyway, Robyn isn't that kind of pop music. Yes, she is a female but she is actually a woman in her 30s I believe. I know most of you think thats the era when most pop singers should be posing in playboy to regain the spotlight, but she is something entirely different. This is like good music that just happens to be in the pop genre. Here are a few songs from her most recent album and they are really good - I hope you enjoy them. In terms of Swedish imports she has already cracked the top 3 and who knows what her ceiling is? (First is obviously Peter Forsberg while second I would say goes to the young Mrs. Tiger Woods).

Robyn - Cry When you Get Older

Robyn - Dancing on my own

Robyn - Fembot

PS - If anyone cares, this album is 5 bucks at Amazon for August.

I can't stop thinking ..... Anonymous is a moron.

A few weeks back, Anonymous, who I'll refer to as Chris Clare, predicted this blogs demise within 4 posts. Well like a phoenix rising out of Arizona, this is post #5. Mike promised Chris Clare his comeuppance and I'm here to deliver it. See Chris isn't just an idiot for incorrectly predicting the downfall of our vastly superior blog. He's also an idiot because he's now a Charlotte sensation. He's even gotten shout-outs from the managing partner at his firm. Hell, even lawyers at other firms in the area know his name. For what you ask? I'll leave this certificate created by one of his co-workers to explain. I hope you enjoy one of the many examples as to why Chris Clare is a moron.

I can't stop reading ..... articles that are getting me amped for the World Cup

In case you don't watch TV or peruse the interweb, the World Cup starts this Friday. It's going to be tight. I'm going to watch it. A lot of it. You should watch too. Here are two interesting articles that should help get you interested in it. Both touch on why the US trails the rest of the world in soccer through examining two different subjects. The first is a brief profile in the New Yorker  goalie Tim Howard. I had known he had Tourettes, but had never read much about how it affected him, and this article talks about that.

The second is a feature in the New York Times Magazine about a youth soccer academy in Holland. It's a really interesting look into the business of international soccer, in addition to an examination of the different approaches to grooming youth talent. It's borderline, nay, it's downright creepy how much the kids are treated like assets rather than, well, kids, but it's as good an explanation as any as to why we can't seem to produce any world-wide soccer stars. The Cup starts Friday, and on Saturday at 2:30 we play England and hopefully go Revolutionary War on their dumb asses.

Update: Here's a link to the Sports Guy's podcasts that Mike repped. In addition to the Steve Nash pod, I highly recommend the Michael Davies podcast and anything involving Joe House, just because House should be our next president.

I cant stop thinking...Josh is a little bitch

Dear Josh aka Baby Trotter aka the man formerly known as the Birdman before he became too cool to have fun -

I am alive. I drive the readership - without me there is no blog - the readers just come here in hopes that I have posted the next amazing song, put them on the next great TV show or let them be privy to my acerbic wit. No one cares about your food cravings, and your musical taste is merely derivative of things that I have introduced to you. I am officially reclaiming the blog. Readership - rejoice in being entertained again and not having to deal with Josh's dumb posts. My only worry is that you have given up on the blog because Josh has bored you.


As my first gift you all, I give you the Roots and Ice Cube playing Straight Outta Compton. The Roots are Jimmy Fallon's house band and as such, they often play with the musical guests. Ice Cube was there to promote his new show, Are We There Yet? (which I'm sure Josh will feature in a I cant stop watching post any minute now) and they played this during warm-ups. Its

Ice Cube and the Roots - Straight Outta Compton

Love,
Michael

As

PS - Chris - you are also a bitch and I will deal with you very soon.

I can't stop listening to .... the recent music bonanza, part two

Next in the bonanza is LCD Soundsystem. I'm still steaming over the fact I had to pass on a chance to see them this past Friday in New York, because they're awesome live and this new album is amazing. Mike, if he were still alive, would probably consider this blasphemy, but I like it more than Sound of Silver, even if it lacks a track as tight as All My Friends or Someone Great. Thankfully, Mike's dead, so I can get away with these sorts of claims.

LCD Soundsystem - All I Want
LCD Soundsystem - Dance Yourself Clean

Broken Social Scene also put out a new album, though it's a little older than the rest of this music. Like the National, this album is a bit of an evolution from their past albums, but not so much that their identity or sound is really different. Feist isn't on this album but I have to say I didn't really notice or miss her, which can also be said about Mike's recent passing.

Broken Social Scene - World Sick
Broken Social Scene - Forced to Love
Broken Social Scene - Art House Director

Continuing the hit parade is the Black Keys' latest album. Danger Mouse, of Grey Album and Broken Bells fame (whose post I would link to but for the damn DMCA) returned to produce this album. Like LCD's, I think this is my favorite album in their catalog, excluding their collab effort as part of BlackRoc.
The Black Keys - Next Girl
The Black Keys - Howlin' For You

J. Cole and Drake also recently released new tracks. In Drake's case, it seems like every day brings a new track or leak from him. The first is a song that won't be on Thank Me Later when it drops in three weeks. He also added a verse to the Alicia Keys song that I posted earlier, which is here. The last of the bunch is the first single of J. Cole's album so here it is. I hate the hook but the rest of it is tight.

Drake - 9AM in Dallas
J. Cole - Who Dat

Finally, now that Mike is no longer with us, I can post this last track without fear of reprisal. Here is the title track from Arcade Fire's album that doesn't drop until August. Were he alive today, this would bring on some ridiculous diatribe about how they're the most overrated band of all time and how he can't even listen to their album anymore even as he admits the album is good but not great. With him out of the picture, this track can be enjoyed in peace for what it is. Amen and may he RIP.
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

I can't stop listening to .... the recent music bonanza, part one

After what seems like months without more than a handful of decent releases, the last month has been a veritable music bonanza for listeners of all varieties. First up is the National. My love for them has been well established, but I have to say after my first listen through the album I was a little underwhelmed. Not anymore. "Sorrow" quite simply is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, and I've come around on the rest of the album.

The National - Sorrow
The National - Anyone's Ghost

Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek put out a classic, Train of Thought, 10 years ago under the name Reflection Eternal. They finally released its follow-up, Revolutions Per Minute. It's good, but Train of Thought it is not. I think part of my problem is that they at one point sample Jay-Z giving dap to Kweli's lyrical skills, just seems unnecessary and narcissistic. Also doesn't help that he gets shown up by his guests on the third track here. Overall, it's quality, just probably not worth buying. Here are a few of my favorite songs.

Reflection Eternal - Back Again
Reflection Eternal - Black Gold
Reflection Eternal - Just Begun

Whereas with the first two, I was counting down the days till their album released, I hadn't heard of Janelle Monae until I heard a track of hers on the interweb two weeks ago. Her album is unreal pretty much from start to finish. As Mike said regarding Phantogram, this is a true album, in that you really should listen to the whole thing as it was arranged rather than isolated tracks. It has this musical-like quality to it, I'm guessing in part due to the string compositions and up and down energy levels of the tracks. I truly can't stop listening to this one.

Janelle Monae - Faster
Janelle Monae ft. Big Boi - Tightrope
Janelle Monae - Say You'll Go

To be continued...

I can't stop .... posting for Mike's lazy ass

Mike put me on this today, though in his gyspy fashion he told me the only version was on Facebook, where I was forced to turn over all of my confidential information to Nike before being able to view. Of course, it's all over the interweb and Mike was just too lazy to look elsewhere. About the only thing wrong with this ad is Nike's shameless continued promotion of Ronaldinho, who isn't even on his squad's reserve team. Still, the commercial manages to top the Joga Bonito ads that preceded the last World Cup. I couldn't be more jacked for the World Cup. Enjoy.

I can't stop ..... calling 7 year olds terrorists

It's been a long time (long time), shouldn'ta left you (left you), without a dope post to step to (step to, step to). Alright enough corny Timbaland references. Unlike Mike, after trips to Napa and home, I'm back like cooked crack. Anyone who knows me knows that I have irrationally strong fears of certain things, two of which are pre-teen beauty pageant participants and middle school cheerleaders. Running into a team from those cheerleading competitions will induce a cold sweat and cause me to freeze like a Vietnam vet having a flashback. The sight of those little militant girls with their clown make up on and shrill voices is enough to shake me for a few hours.

Well, the rest of my work day has just been shot (which is the reason I'm posting this now) because I just came across this, which combines both of those fears in a hair-raising and terror-inspiring two minutes.


After watching this, I'm left wondering who's more of a terrorist, these girls or Faisal Shazahad. Tough to say... I'm curious as to two things. First, where people think these girls will be at age 25( my guess: hitting their prime in the soft-core porn industry or living week to week as a professional cheerleader down on their knees, maybe literally, praying for a shot at bagging an athlete) Second, what should be done to the parents who allow, and I'm guessing encourage, participation in terrorist activities like this (my vote: forcing them to watch their child's eventual sex tape that is released in order to generate buzz for an upcoming reality show appearance in which they attempt to hoodwink some washed up celeb into "marrying" them by demonstrating their ability to eat an extra-beef kosher hot dog without chewing.)

I can't stop .... mourning one of the greats

Guru, one of the all time greats died after a year-long fight with cancer. God must've need an MC. Although he went on to do some solo work, he'll always be known as the MC for Gangstarr. He and Premier came up together and despite the weird falling out they had, they'll always be linked. They were one of the best in the golden era of boom-bap and it's sad he died while they were on such bad terms.  Full Clip is one of those songs I'll always remember where I was when I first heard it.  Hard to believe he was only 43.  R.I.P.

Gang Starr - Full Clip

Gang Star feat. Total - Discipline

Gang Starr - Mass Appeal

Gang Starr - Work

I can't stop .... eating all over the eastern seaboard pt. 2

RJD2 - Good Times Roll (part 2) Whereas part one concentrated on Philly, part two hits some spots I tried on recent trips. Last weekend I went up to NYC for all of 16 hours. What followed was a non-stop food and booze bonanza. Friday, we had a feast in house. My buddy introduced me to Moe the butcher and his amazing dry-aged steaks. I showed him a new way to do scallops that I got from Thomas Keller's awesomely accessible cookbook. What was new to both him and I wasn't the simple presentation or the searing, but the use of clarified butter and a brine. The result is awesome. No sauce needed, the scallops are crazy flavorful by themselves. If you're like me and grew up with somewhat of an aversion to scallops because of the texture, this will change your mind and make you realize your mom couldn't cook for shit. The recipe is excerpted here. One note of caution, product does matter here. Since there are basically no other ingredients involved, splurge on decent diver (dry-packed) scallops. LCD Soundsystem - All my Friends

After getting him hooked on Tito's Vodka and staying up till 5 drinking them on the rocks, I figured the only way to start the morning was with a trip to the Doughnut Plant in the Lower East Side. Neither of us had been before, but I had heard and read really amazing things. As we got in line, we saw a woman emerge with a monstrous coconut cream doughnut. After she took her first bite, her eyes rolled back in her head and her limbs went limp in what I'd certainly describe as the mythical female orgasm, if I knew what one of those looked like. Needless to say, I was convinced after that the place would live up to the hype. Jurassic Five - Great Expectations