I had a good time last night. Tim, Jonathan, and I went out to our friend Andy's newly relocated monthly DJ nite, Potluck, at Wonderland in Columbia Heights (DC). I'd never been there before, so I didn't really know what to expect.
We arrived shortly before 10 to find a bustling crowd hanging out downstairs, near the main bar, with hip hop playing on the jukebox. Upstairs, Andy and friends were DJing to a smaller group lounging at tables and on a couple of low-slung couches. The space was nice and clean, but pretty laid-back. [Just like me!] Low-key lighting, hardwood floors, brick red walls with various LP jackets hanging on them, and lots of windows overlooking 11th St made for a more than decent atmosphere. At one end of the long room was a small, full-service bar with about six beers on tap and a cute bartender. At the other was the DJ/stage area. Although no one was making any use of it last night (it's DC, remember), there was also plenty of room for dancing in between the DJ and the sitting area.
The music was great. Andy played a good mix (hence the name “Potluck”) of upbeat rock: Velvet Underground, the Fall, and the Feelies, to name a few. My personal fav was Love's “Can't Explain” followed by “Throw Aggi Off the Bridge” by Black Tambourine (who covered the previous song)—smart!
It was good to just hang out, have a couple beers, and listen to some cool tunes, without being cramped and having to scream over the music like I would at my usual DJ night.
A regular date has not yet been announced, but Andy says look for the next Potluck one Thursday in February.
1.14.2005
1.13.2005
iPod
I've recently been considering getting an iPod. I'm not really too big on MP3s (I'll certainly never stop buying real records), but in light of the possibility of traveling a lot this year and considering my daily commute to and from work, it doesn't seem entirely impractical.
I was reading reviews last night of the fourth generation 20GB model, as well as its competitors. What? The iPod has competition? Yes, it does. The iRiver H320, for example, has a bunch more features (including photo support with a full color display, support for Ogg Vorbis, longer battery life, built-in FM tuner, and audio line-in for live recording) at about the same cost of the latest 20GB iPod.
Still, the iPod has yet to be matched, let alone outdone, in terms of its design. The minimal looks, the clickwheel navigation, the intangible “cool” factor, and its seamless integration with iTunes, all make for a pretty package.
I do have several preemptive gripes, though. For one, iPods (and especially 4th generation 20GB models) seem to lack some pretty essential accessories. No cradle/docking station? No remote? No case? These are things which, if you're shelling out $300, should be included in the standard package. The skins (protective silicon coverings) sell for about $30. The dock sells for about $40, as does the remote/earphones package. And thanks to Apple's fascist pricing policies, deals are rare or nonexistent. As you can see, it starts to add up:
iPod 4G 20GB: $300
Dock: $40
Remote: $40
Skin: $30
---------------
Total: $410
Another, less important problem: they do not offer a choice colors for the full-size iPods. White only? I don't buy anything white if I can help it. White gets dirty. White is boring. Where's the black, the silver, or the periwinkle iPod? U2 Edition? Fuck that. Now, if they made a Negativland iPod, that would be cool.
I'll probably buy one, though, like a good consumer. I'll also have to buy a skin and replace those white earbuds with something less conspicuous (and more comfortable). I do hope that you current iPod owners realize that the earbuds sold with iPods are the equivalent of having a “please rob me” sign taped to your back. Luckily, I have good pair of portable headphones already.
I was reading reviews last night of the fourth generation 20GB model, as well as its competitors. What? The iPod has competition? Yes, it does. The iRiver H320, for example, has a bunch more features (including photo support with a full color display, support for Ogg Vorbis, longer battery life, built-in FM tuner, and audio line-in for live recording) at about the same cost of the latest 20GB iPod.
Still, the iPod has yet to be matched, let alone outdone, in terms of its design. The minimal looks, the clickwheel navigation, the intangible “cool” factor, and its seamless integration with iTunes, all make for a pretty package.
I do have several preemptive gripes, though. For one, iPods (and especially 4th generation 20GB models) seem to lack some pretty essential accessories. No cradle/docking station? No remote? No case? These are things which, if you're shelling out $300, should be included in the standard package. The skins (protective silicon coverings) sell for about $30. The dock sells for about $40, as does the remote/earphones package. And thanks to Apple's fascist pricing policies, deals are rare or nonexistent. As you can see, it starts to add up:
iPod 4G 20GB: $300
Dock: $40
Remote: $40
Skin: $30
---------------
Total: $410
Another, less important problem: they do not offer a choice colors for the full-size iPods. White only? I don't buy anything white if I can help it. White gets dirty. White is boring. Where's the black, the silver, or the periwinkle iPod? U2 Edition? Fuck that. Now, if they made a Negativland iPod, that would be cool.
I'll probably buy one, though, like a good consumer. I'll also have to buy a skin and replace those white earbuds with something less conspicuous (and more comfortable). I do hope that you current iPod owners realize that the earbuds sold with iPods are the equivalent of having a “please rob me” sign taped to your back. Luckily, I have good pair of portable headphones already.
1.12.2005
Bush Inauguration BS
Asked how much the federal government was paying for inauguration security, [Tom] Ridge said: "It's in the millions, and I don't know how many millions. . . . We haven't calculated it yet." [Wash Post]
Hey, Tom—maybe you should figure that out. We have this budget deficit of $412.5 billion, not to mention the good ol' $7.6 trillion national debt. Remember?
While it's only a drop in the bucket when you consider the big numbers, the estimated $40 million that will be spent for next week's inauguration—which, by the way, doesn't include Tom's unknown millions for security or the private donations from, say, big corporations—is almost double that of Clinton's second-term inauguration, which occured during peace time and with a deficit roughly 1/4 of today's.
It's no wonder they're trying to get DC (who voted for Kerry, incidentally) to shell out $11 mil to help pay for the rent-a-cops. I hope it comes through, too. I mean, there are so many damn terrorists around these days I practically step on them on my way to work everyday.
Does anyone else see the hypocrisy in all this? Is it not the Democrats who always get ripped on for being the “big spenders” in our government? Crock of shit.
The good news: because of all the bullshit closing of streets and whatnot next Thursday and since I work downtown, I get to stay home!
Further reading:
Inauguration Shutdown Of Downtown Extensive
U.S. Tells D.C. to Pay Inaugural Expenses
D.C. Getting Burned for Bush's Party
[Washington Post]
Unprecedented Security Preparations For Bush Inauguration [Democracy Now!]
Hey, Tom—maybe you should figure that out. We have this budget deficit of $412.5 billion, not to mention the good ol' $7.6 trillion national debt. Remember?
While it's only a drop in the bucket when you consider the big numbers, the estimated $40 million that will be spent for next week's inauguration—which, by the way, doesn't include Tom's unknown millions for security or the private donations from, say, big corporations—is almost double that of Clinton's second-term inauguration, which occured during peace time and with a deficit roughly 1/4 of today's.
It's no wonder they're trying to get DC (who voted for Kerry, incidentally) to shell out $11 mil to help pay for the rent-a-cops. I hope it comes through, too. I mean, there are so many damn terrorists around these days I practically step on them on my way to work everyday.
Does anyone else see the hypocrisy in all this? Is it not the Democrats who always get ripped on for being the “big spenders” in our government? Crock of shit.
The good news: because of all the bullshit closing of streets and whatnot next Thursday and since I work downtown, I get to stay home!
Further reading:
Inauguration Shutdown Of Downtown Extensive
U.S. Tells D.C. to Pay Inaugural Expenses
D.C. Getting Burned for Bush's Party
[Washington Post]
Unprecedented Security Preparations For Bush Inauguration [Democracy Now!]
Good Morning Captain
It looks like the idea of going to Chicago to see Leigh and the reunited rock band Slint (an adventure I'm calling Operation Sleicago) has just moved closer to becoming a reality. They've added an additional show—March 24, at The Metro—to their already sold-out stint in the Windy City.
When Leigh called me yesterday with the news, I told her to go ahead and buy tickets. I'll figure the rest out later.
When Leigh called me yesterday with the news, I told her to go ahead and buy tickets. I'll figure the rest out later.
1.10.2005
Rare, OOP Blog
Netflix has implemented a Friend's Page feature where you and your friends can share ratings and recommendations on the movies you're renting. I'd really like to get in on this. I often have a hard time trying to pick out movies for my queue. If you have an account and would like to share the wealth of your movie-watching knowledge, let me know.
[via Slashdot] Google Groups lists its 20 Year Archive of Usenet Timeline featuring some interesting first-posts dating back to 1981. My favorites include First mention of MTV ('82), First mention of a compact disc ('82), First "Me too" post ('83), and First discussion about "New Coke" ('85).
largehearted boy had a link a few days ago to this band, Tungsten74, who have posted the theme music to the Nintendo classic Metroid. Looks like they're planning to cover it. Anyway, it reminded me of this remix electronic/IDM artist Lexaunculpt did a few years ago, which may or may not be the track “Samus” on the Children of Mu compilation. I dunno—I haven't heard that one.
+ One of my favorite records of 2004 was The Concretes' self-titled debut album, so I decided to pick up their first full-length, Boyoubetterunow, a CD released on UP records which compiles two of their EPs. I somehow got it in my head that this record was out of print, an idea reaffirmed by this auction I found. Before considering a bid, I decided to do a little more research. I soon discovered that this “VERY RARE OOP CD” is available from Sub Pop for $10. The auction, starting at $29.99 and ending with a winning bid of $55.55, was a complete sham. This guy (let's call him Hugh...Hugh Jashol) completely lied (whether he intentionally lied or not is beside the point). Scams on eBay??! Shocking, I know. I'm just saying this as a reminder: be careful and always research that shit. For my five minutes of extra Googling, I got a reasonably-priced copy in a timely manner and without the hassle of waiting for some goon to get off his ass and go to the post office.
[via Slashdot] Google Groups lists its 20 Year Archive of Usenet Timeline featuring some interesting first-posts dating back to 1981. My favorites include First mention of MTV ('82), First mention of a compact disc ('82), First "Me too" post ('83), and First discussion about "New Coke" ('85).
largehearted boy had a link a few days ago to this band, Tungsten74, who have posted the theme music to the Nintendo classic Metroid. Looks like they're planning to cover it. Anyway, it reminded me of this remix electronic/IDM artist Lexaunculpt did a few years ago, which may or may not be the track “Samus” on the Children of Mu compilation. I dunno—I haven't heard that one.
+ One of my favorite records of 2004 was The Concretes' self-titled debut album, so I decided to pick up their first full-length, Boyoubetterunow, a CD released on UP records which compiles two of their EPs. I somehow got it in my head that this record was out of print, an idea reaffirmed by this auction I found. Before considering a bid, I decided to do a little more research. I soon discovered that this “VERY RARE OOP CD” is available from Sub Pop for $10. The auction, starting at $29.99 and ending with a winning bid of $55.55, was a complete sham. This guy (let's call him Hugh...Hugh Jashol) completely lied (whether he intentionally lied or not is beside the point). Scams on eBay??! Shocking, I know. I'm just saying this as a reminder: be careful and always research that shit. For my five minutes of extra Googling, I got a reasonably-priced copy in a timely manner and without the hassle of waiting for some goon to get off his ass and go to the post office.
Back to Bidness
Though I'll spare you the details, let's just say that one sick day became three, which ultimately became a five-day weekend. So here I am, back at werk and heading into a full werk week. Hooray.
I really didn't do much, other than the usual relaxing at home (music, reading, video games). I did however have a surprisingly good time at the 611 Florida show on Saturday. I was surprised because I normally don't have much fun when I go to a show alone. Jonathan decided not to go, so not only would I have to go alone, but also ride the Metro (whose Greenbelt-bound L'Enfant platform I would soon find out smells much like a Porta-Potty), which is something I hate doing when not absolutely necessary. Then, I heard that a friend I was sure would be there wasn't coming. Damn. It looked as if I might be standing around by myself.
Well, I was taking some pics of Derek——practicing my low-light, flash-less photo skills——when, lo and behold, I spotted John H and Marc (of the Plums). Excellent. A few minutes later, I heard a familiar voice coming from the hallway. It was Les (no less)! She was with her friend Theresa(?). I don't know Theresa(?) but she was apparently friends with my ex-girlfriend, Sara, who used to live in DC but who currently resides in Seattle. Weird. I wouldn't have known had she not asked me out of the blue, "Do you know Sara C____?" Small world. Anyway, things were looking up.
The show itself was pretty good, though I didn't stay for the headlining act, Birchville Cat Motel. I went in support of Derek's band, the Mikroknytes, who were great. Donna Summer and Howard Stelzer were both a bit underwhelming, though. Donna did feedback stuff with two delay pedals for her set, and Howard was manipulating a bunch of tape decks. Both performances are interesting in theory but came off a little tedious, I thought. I don't know, I guess noise just isn't my thing. It was cool, though. And I found it pretty funny that people were smoking pot all out in the open. House shows are interesting like that.
As I mentioned, I did take some photos. I've posted some of them to my flickr account, in fact. You may notice that I've added a flickr “badge” to the sidebar on the photos page. I figure I'll make greater use of that site by actually posting to it——specifically, by posting photos that might not be too great technically but that I feel are worth sharing anyway. Check it out and let me know if you're on flickr too so we can link up.
I really didn't do much, other than the usual relaxing at home (music, reading, video games). I did however have a surprisingly good time at the 611 Florida show on Saturday. I was surprised because I normally don't have much fun when I go to a show alone. Jonathan decided not to go, so not only would I have to go alone, but also ride the Metro (whose Greenbelt-bound L'Enfant platform I would soon find out smells much like a Porta-Potty), which is something I hate doing when not absolutely necessary. Then, I heard that a friend I was sure would be there wasn't coming. Damn. It looked as if I might be standing around by myself.
Well, I was taking some pics of Derek——practicing my low-light, flash-less photo skills——when, lo and behold, I spotted John H and Marc (of the Plums). Excellent. A few minutes later, I heard a familiar voice coming from the hallway. It was Les (no less)! She was with her friend Theresa(?). I don't know Theresa(?) but she was apparently friends with my ex-girlfriend, Sara, who used to live in DC but who currently resides in Seattle. Weird. I wouldn't have known had she not asked me out of the blue, "Do you know Sara C____?" Small world. Anyway, things were looking up.
The show itself was pretty good, though I didn't stay for the headlining act, Birchville Cat Motel. I went in support of Derek's band, the Mikroknytes, who were great. Donna Summer and Howard Stelzer were both a bit underwhelming, though. Donna did feedback stuff with two delay pedals for her set, and Howard was manipulating a bunch of tape decks. Both performances are interesting in theory but came off a little tedious, I thought. I don't know, I guess noise just isn't my thing. It was cool, though. And I found it pretty funny that people were smoking pot all out in the open. House shows are interesting like that.
As I mentioned, I did take some photos. I've posted some of them to my flickr account, in fact. You may notice that I've added a flickr “badge” to the sidebar on the photos page. I figure I'll make greater use of that site by actually posting to it——specifically, by posting photos that might not be too great technically but that I feel are worth sharing anyway. Check it out and let me know if you're on flickr too so we can link up.
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