+ It's awesome having a friend who works at a record store. This week's half-priced used finds: Midnight Movies: s/t, Neu!: Neu! '75 Heartworms: Space Escapade, Mazzy Star: She Hangs Brightly.
+ Pitchfork has news on two records I'm excited about: new albums from The Books and Portishead(!)
+ Having Thursday off for the inauguration was the least I should get for putting up with another four years of Dick and Bush.
+ Did I mentioned I got an iPod recently?
- Almost breaking my iPod yesterday. Newsprint is a bitch.
- Why a snowstorm on Saturday, when I could be getting days off of work? Oh, and there are no hills to sled on around here.
- Another friend moving far away.
1.22.2005
1.21.2005
1.20.2005
iHacked
I decided to give hacking my iPod's firmware a try. It wasn't hard at all, with the help of iPod Wizard. It allows you to alter the firmware by replacing graphics, fonts, and text. I replaced the dumb NO sign (circle with a line through it) that flashes when the iPod is connected to the PC with a picture of Wally, my cat.
1.18.2005
1.17.2005
iPod Pt. 2
Well folks, I took the plunge (i.e. bit the bullet, joined the club, and cooked my own goose—all at the same time). On Saturday, despite possibilities of either getting one used or discounted by up to 20%, I decided to jump the gun and just buy one. And so I did...
I chose to go to Best Buy because I also needed to get a USB 2.0 card for my PC and didn't feel like driving out to Microcenter. I ended up getting the 20GB model I was considering last week. They had this opened/returned unit for $50 less than normal price, but when I looked it over and saw a few minor scratches on the screen and someone else's greasy fingerprints all over it, I opted to forgo my last chance to save a few bucks and ended up paying full price to get one brand-new. Yes, I can consume with the best of them.
It's been awesome, so far. I had a few issues installing the USB card (it kept conflicting with my video card, causing my PC to lock up whenever I plugged into the USB), but since I got that sorted out, it's been smooth sailing to MP3sville. The rest of my weekend was all about ripping CDs. It's tedious stuff for sure, but I'm about halfway through my first round of essentials (currently up to about 4GB). I imagine there will be at least another pass or two through my collection after I realize everything I loaded on is crap and I have nothing to listen to.
Several of the reservations I had about the accessories have been confirmed. The stock earbuds aren't doing it for me; they're uncomfortable and don't sound too great either. I've ordered these Sony MDR-EX71SL buds recommended to me by John, the reviews for which have been mostly favorable. I'm also ordering a black iSkin, since I'm already tired of handling this thing like it's a newborn strapped to twenty sticks of dynamite. As for the other stuff, the dock now seems rather unnecessary, and I'll have to wait and see how I do without a remote before looking into those. I already have an aux input on my car stereo, so I'm finally able to make use of that with the help of a simple 1/8" cable I had laying around.
I've checked out iPodLounge.com, Anapod Explorer (fully integrates the iPod with Windows Explorer and allows for direct transfer of MP3s outside of iTunes), and read about hacking the iPod firmware to add custom graphics. [Yeah, not so fast there buddy.]
So, what's next? How else can I insulate myself from this daily life I find littered with so many toolbags, rednecks, mouth-breathers, conservatives, and outright dandy fops?
How about a pair of iBalls? Why yes, thank you.
I chose to go to Best Buy because I also needed to get a USB 2.0 card for my PC and didn't feel like driving out to Microcenter. I ended up getting the 20GB model I was considering last week. They had this opened/returned unit for $50 less than normal price, but when I looked it over and saw a few minor scratches on the screen and someone else's greasy fingerprints all over it, I opted to forgo my last chance to save a few bucks and ended up paying full price to get one brand-new. Yes, I can consume with the best of them.
It's been awesome, so far. I had a few issues installing the USB card (it kept conflicting with my video card, causing my PC to lock up whenever I plugged into the USB), but since I got that sorted out, it's been smooth sailing to MP3sville. The rest of my weekend was all about ripping CDs. It's tedious stuff for sure, but I'm about halfway through my first round of essentials (currently up to about 4GB). I imagine there will be at least another pass or two through my collection after I realize everything I loaded on is crap and I have nothing to listen to.
Several of the reservations I had about the accessories have been confirmed. The stock earbuds aren't doing it for me; they're uncomfortable and don't sound too great either. I've ordered these Sony MDR-EX71SL buds recommended to me by John, the reviews for which have been mostly favorable. I'm also ordering a black iSkin, since I'm already tired of handling this thing like it's a newborn strapped to twenty sticks of dynamite. As for the other stuff, the dock now seems rather unnecessary, and I'll have to wait and see how I do without a remote before looking into those. I already have an aux input on my car stereo, so I'm finally able to make use of that with the help of a simple 1/8" cable I had laying around.
I've checked out iPodLounge.com, Anapod Explorer (fully integrates the iPod with Windows Explorer and allows for direct transfer of MP3s outside of iTunes), and read about hacking the iPod firmware to add custom graphics. [Yeah, not so fast there buddy.]
So, what's next? How else can I insulate myself from this daily life I find littered with so many toolbags, rednecks, mouth-breathers, conservatives, and outright dandy fops?
How about a pair of iBalls? Why yes, thank you.
1.16.2005
Pass the Timosil
I've just finished watching the first season DVDs of Fox's Arrested Development a second time. Man, what an awesome show. I don't think I've seen anything on broadcast television quite like it. It's a wonder it hasn't been cancelled already!
The writing is top-notch, for one. It has this weird blend of really subtle and completely over-the-top moments to it. I mean, there are just as many dry, sarcastic lines as there are prat falls or fart jokes. This dynamic is at least partially character-driven, though the same could be said for the show itself. Michael (Jason Bateman), for example, is like the straight man in the middle being driven crazy and is very dry and acerbic, while Buster (Tony Hale) is at times a complete imbecile—hilariously childish and goofy.
Which brings me to the other cool thing about the show: the amazing ensemble cast, including one of my favorite comedians, David Cross(Mr. Show, Shut Up You Fucking Baby) as Tobias Funke. He's really good, of course, though I can't say he's my favorite character. Gob, played by Will Arnett (Amy Poehler's husband) and George Michael (Michael Cera) are probably my two favs, but all of them are funny (that's the ensemble part). There are also some cool cameos, including plenty of Mr. Show cast members and various other “out-of-the-mainstream” comedians (e.g. Poehler and her fellow Upright Citizens).
What else can I say? This is a really good show. It's got clever writing, a great cast with funny people...oh, and fart jokes, a couple of fart jokes here and there. Let's just hope it's not too good, if you know what I mean.
1.14.2005
Potluck
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.
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.
1.13.2005
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!]
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