Response

2/28/2006 - 8:33 PM EST

oh what a monster we've created.

when i am called by my manager to read a post that is burning through the internet it makes me wonder. ive never responded to rumours or shittalking online, no matter who it came from- at the same time there is nothing that makes my blood boil more than reading this- being who i am, my first instinct is to blow it off- but then i consider how anytime anything is written on the internet people believe its true- no matter what, no matter the biases or subjectivity of the sources. my first instinct is to lash out- to say everything i think about you and every situation- to defend myself and attack you. as unbelievable as it is- i am an extremely insecure person- everytime i read something about myself negative or positive i react in probably the exact same way anyone would.
-

but like i said- i am going to continue to do this my own way, what i consider to be the higher road. i understand when we get angry we often lash out- ive done it myself on many occassions. if you want to talk to me about any of this call me on my cell phone and we can do it one on one-

i will not be responding to anything else-

however, the attacks about our fans and the people that listen to this music and read these words is completely offbase- the fans of this band are my entire life- ive lost my girlfriend, my friends, much of my "normal" life- just to keep this relationship going- this isn't to say that i dont make mistakes, take misteps. just because youve seen me on tv or at a show doesn't make me anything less or more than human. you dont ever see the other side of the way we agonize over every decision we make or try our best to please everyone- because we've given up in bands before and we know how it feels and we dont want that to happen. everyone in the band is upset about this- remember everyone that makes up fall out boy- they all wanted me to voice that we appreciate our fans and friends that weve met more than anything- and that we realize because of where we are all the arrows are pointed at us- but we will try our best. and we do try our best. we also, have far more faith in the intelligence and dedication of the people that believe in us to think that they will be swayed easily. if you want to hear other stories of how we actually talk about our fans or think of them please ask other bands, they will testify to how we really act. we just want you to know that in four years when noone cares, we still hope you are there. im not going to freak out or whatever, but please an attack on our fans or our relationship with them as a p.r. move is uncalled for.

this doesn't need to be reposted anywhere- i am sure that fob fans know where to find it.

chris if you want to talk the phone line is there.

i wrote this pretty fast so i apologize for the typos and run-ons.

until then, thank you to everyone who reserves judgment and has my back until the end of time.

- petey

http://www.fueledbyramen.com/journal/pete.html

You know it doesn't ever really stop. People calling bands sell-outs and such. Why so much drama? Are guys like Pete Wentz really such assholes? Are bands including Fall Out Boy really fake? No one really knows what to believe anymore. People will take sides. People will want to believe what they want to believe. It really does go both ways. Bands may be a bunch of asshole and sell-outs, but fans are also helping these bands sell-out in a way. When will it ever stop?

Fake Fake Fake

Hm, I thought there was something fake about Pete when I met him. Now Pete really does have some haters and he probably deserves it:

Written by: askheychris

an open letter to pete wentz.
it takes a lot to make me mad.
it takes even more to infuriate me.

so, after all this time i finally learned the truth. that it was you telling my ex girlfriend lies and secrets. despite even giving you the pass card after i caught you trying to talk dirty to her online, this is how you repay me? no wonder why you couldnt look me in the eye on the bus last summer and no wonder why you avoided me every chance you got.
you hug me and tell me you love me then you tell lies to my girlfriend behind my back to lure her away from me? you tell her i cheat on her and then you tell me to come stay on the bus?
you are a spineless fucking sham.

i regret every second i spent defending you and your selfish ways.
dont forget, i know you. not that shitty glammed up poser image you present to the masses to consume. the dude i knew never would have worn a fucking dinosaur shirt or sold out one of his friends. the dude i knew had heart and fucking loyalty. well lil buddy, you are fucking done.

you want to sell me out to the most important person in my life and then have the audacity to make ME think I did something wrong to not deserve your friendship? you fucking arrogant bastard.
since we're discussing sellouts lets discuss how when kids give you presents you laugh at them and throw it straight in the trash. oh yeah, ive seen it many times. lets talk about how you talk shit about the fat girls that are your fans and mock their letters. you are fucking undeserving of every ounce of attention you've ever gotten. from every one of your calculated business moves to your "spontaneous" jumps in the crowd parts to your well rehearsed cliche lines you've been spouting for 400 shows in a row. you're boring, contrived and old. "oooh, no one loves me, its sooo hard being on magazine covers and tv shows. someone save me from me." what are you, fucking 12? go light your little candles ask yourself why no one will ever truly love you. its amazing no one has caught on to your little fucking show. you're nothing more than a shitty opportunist business man with even shittier fashion sense.

so pack up and move to whatever million dollar house you've picked out in california paid for by your lies and hypocrisy and deceit and selfishness and over medicate yourself like youve been doing for years...because guess what? no one wants you here anymore. you are not welcome.

oh yeah, hows that straight edge tattoo doing? as well as the tattoo for your "crew" who now refer to you as a fraud and a con? stay gold dude, stay gold.

remember this each night of the tour when you play the lie, "hey chris, you were our only friend."
downplay it all you want by saying the song is about "friends", but guess whos fucking name you're saying each and every night? mine. thats right. what a bunch of fucking phonies. sing the songs you dont even believe in anymore. fucking liar.

you know the friends i have and you know how we feel about loyalty.
you know who im talking about and you know they're not happy either.
so dont get caught slipping and you better make damn sure you watch whos on your guest list because a plus one might come backstage to punch your fucking teeth out and tear the windpipe from your throat.

you fucking sell out.




oh, and next time you decide to write another song about me, do it right you fucking coward.





**********REPOST EVERYWHERE YOU CAN****************

TED

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists (www.tedleo.com)

Now on Touch & Go Records, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists have released demos through their website and they promise that they will bound to sound better "especially the guitar solos". At least fans can get their Ted Leo fix as they prepare their next album.

Downloads (New Demos):
Army Bound
Some Beginner's Mind

If I Had A Movie/Show...

If I had a movie/show, it'd be a male version of Gilmore Girls with Adam Brody as the son and Vince Vaughn as the father. Oh and is it just me, or does Pete Wentz look like a much better version of Val Kilmer? [Random Thought of the Day]

I Am Jacks Empty Bottle of Daniels

Augustana (2/25/06)

Amazing, amazing show tonight at the Underground in Roseville. I went to see Augustana play for the third time since Snow Patrol last May and I got the honor of doing my very first interview with them back in September. I have no idea how it turned out nor do I remember what I asked and what they said. They sounded amazing as usual, but Dan (vocalist/guitarist/pianist) seemed completely out of it, which affected their performance and you can tell by his voice. They would sound so much better in a venue like Empire. They played "Boston" last, which was the song some fans were asking throughout the entire set that they'd play.

Honey Trees feat. Brighten & Blesk (2/25/06)

Local band called Honey Trees was incredible. She reminded me a lot of Eisley. Her band featured members from different bands like Brighten, who coincidentally will be opening for Eisley on April 23rd at The Library in Sacramento. Beautiful band, beautiful music! I was not disappointed nor was the crowd. I think the biggest surprise of the night was seeing another local band... Affirmative, Cameraman!

Damn, they ARE amazing. Their stage presence is crazy! The lead singer looks like Chris Martin from Coldplay and has moves like Chris Martin and Daryl Palumbo of Glassjaw combined. The lead singer's voice is reminiscent of Daryl Palumbo's. They now have CDs selling for $5 and features 3 songs: 1. "Bunnies In Crosshares", 2. "Handsome People Do Handsome Things", 3. "I Am Jacks Empty Bottle of Daniels". They're my new favorite band and now they're your new favorite band.

Affirmative, Cameraman (2/25/06)

Links:
Affirmative, Cameraman
Augustana's Official Site
Blesk
Brighten
Honey Trees

Dance Dance

Pete Wentz = Adam Levine. The new Rolling Stones is out now. Ya know, the one with the cover story on Shaun White, "The Coolest Kid in America".


Shaun White in RS article
FOB in RS article

Downloads:
Arctic Monkeys - Dancing Shoes
This is my favorite track off their debut album.

Panic! At The Disco - Camisado
A great song from a Las Vegas band that deserves more attention than The Killers. Sorry, but I think it's true.

The Raconteurs - Steady, As She Goes
I was never a huge White Stripes fan nor was I ever a huge Brendan Benson fan, but when these two (Jack White and Brendan Benson) collaborate with one another, well I just have to say I'm a huge fan now.

I Hate Kids

Remember Oregon Trail? Or that Truck/Cross Country Game? Or that Math Game? Cause I do.

I Love Kids

Living or visiting Sacramento? You should definitely check out the music scene. It's the most diverse city you'll ever find. There are many great indie bands. I've seen metal, screamo, pop bands in Sacramento and have yet to have run into any good punk bands until tonight. I have to admit that punk is not the type of music that I would listen to at home, in the car, whatever, but it is definitely fun and good live.

I visited McClatchy High School for a benefit concert not knowing what to expect, what type of music would be played, or even what bands were playing. The bands that stood out for me were The Secretions and The Knockoffs. Some members in The Secretions were featured in The Knockoffs. I've definitely heard of these bands before just like I hear about many other bands, but I've never gotten a chance to listen to their stuff. Today I have and it was definitely a surprise because I'm not normally into punk music. They are fun bands to see live. They have amazing energy and stage presence. The crowd was enjoying their sets all the way through. One of the members thought that I wasn't enjoying the show because I had this serious look on my face, but really I was just listening intensely to the music.

Although all the bands that were featured were punk bands, there was one that definitely stood out from the rest and it's not just because of the use of the smog machine and the neon lights, but because of their music. I didn't catch their name, but I believe they're named Hello Jack. They are just high school kids folks and I'm not saying that as some sort of harsh comment. I'm just proving how talented they are at their age to be able to put out the quality of music that bands who have been together longer have put together. I mean the music just has this professional quality about it and they're not just some amateurs. One of the members is featured in a hardcore local band called Fixed, which is very popular at McClatchy and John F. Kennedy High Schools as all the members are from those schools. Hello Jack is instrumental and keyboard driven. It's just the keyboards, guitar, and drums. It's reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky and B. Fleischmann. The music and tone was just mellow and was splendid to hear among all the upbeat, punk music played the rest of the show. Hopefully, Hello Jack will keep making more music as they are extremely talented and gifted especially for their age. Be sure to always try and catch small shows like these that feature indie bands because you never know what you might find!

Links:
Fixed on Myspace
The Knockoffs
The Secretions

Ha-Ha You're So Funny

Quote of the Day:

• "I feel like we've failed our senior year of high school and we're back and we're taking a freshman to the prom." - Adam Levine

Hey Scenesters! Hey! Hey Scenesters!

From NME:

ShockWaves NME Awards star hospitalised twice in a night

High drama on the Kaiser Chiefs' table

The Cribs singer Ryan Jarman has been hospitalised twice after an incident at the ShockWaves NME Awards.

Jarman threw himself onto the Kaiser Chiefs table after being handed an award for Best Live Band - despite not actually winning it.

Guest presenter Peter Hook noticed Franz Ferdinand were unable to make the ceremony at the London Hammersmith Palais, and decided to hand the award to the Kaiser Chiefs instead.

In turn, they announced The Cribs should get it, at which point Ryan came forward and threw himself onto the table - landing on the glasses and bottles that were on it.

An eyewitness told NME.COM: "He threw himself onto the table, and it was apparent he needed treatement. He had stitches, and came back to continue the party. But after about 10 minutes in the pub someone called an ambulance."

A spokesperson for the band told NME.COM the singer had been discharged at around 5am, and should make a full recovery.

Counting Down the Days

Big City Rock (March 14, 2006)

I have written earlier about this band, but here is the cover for Big City Rock's debut album on Atlantic Records due out March 14, 2006. It's coming up!

(L-R) Kaumyar, Tim, Andy, Nate, & Frankie

More Links:
Big City Rock's Myspace
Help BCR Spread the Word on "This Band Rocks"
Pre-order it now on Amazon.com!

A POLO OH NO!

No, I will certainly not be talking about Apolo Anton Ohno in this post or of any other Olympian especially Bode Miller who seriously has bad luck. Speaking of bad luck, how about Lost huh? This week's episode is a re-run and ABC is showing the "Pilot" episodes 1 & 2. If people want to watch re-runs from the first season, go rent or buy the fuckin DVD. Or download them whether legally or illegally.

Good news though! Project Runway is still on for all those PR fans. And unfortunately FOB is not going to make another appearance on One Tree Hill, therefore you won't be seeing Pete Wentz hitting on Peyton again. Anyways, since this week's Lost is a re-run, let's take a brief recapse on last weeks episode, "One of Them":

It's said on the Lost boards that the heiroglyphics possibly mean "Cause To Die".

And Henry Gale from Wizard of Oz is definitely an Other because it'd be crazy if he weren't. He deserved that beating by Sayid. C'mon look at this face.

Also from Lost boards: Ethan Rom - Other Man (Rearranged)
Henry Gale, Minnesota - "See An Other Man Lying"

NEW W.A.S. VIDEO

Watch We Are Scientists' new music video for their song "What's The Word". Their videos are always ALWAYS brilliant. Love em.



Downloads:
Belle & Sebastian - Another Sunny Day
B&S is always a favorite of mines. I wrote a review on this album earlier this month. This track is off their new album "The Life Pursuit", which is the best album released so far this year.
Mellowdrone - Oh My
I saw this band awhile ago in my hometown and they were awesome, although they would've sounded better if the venue's sound system didn't suck. I especially love their song "Fashionably Uninvited".
The Elected - Not Going Home
Blake Sennett's (of Rilo Kiley) other band. Their new album is just lovely. It's just as good as their 2004 debut, Me First.

Some Crazy Shit

James Blunt (Guardian.co.uk)

BLUNT SOLD SISTER TO WEALTHY MAN ON eBAY

British singer JAMES BLUNT sold his little sister to a wealthy man on auction website eBay - and his sibling has enjoyed a nine-month romance with the lucky bidder and is moving in with him next month (SEP05).

The YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL star put his sister EMILY up for sale because she had no transport and needed a man to take her to a funeral.

And fortunately, a man bought the 27-year-old and flew her to the ceremony in his own helicopter.

Blunt explains, "She needed to get to a funeral in Ireland. It was within 24 hours and she couldn't get there. The trains, the ferries, the planes, nothing was working.

"And I have a problem with eBay addiction. I've eBayed the entire contents of our flat and have nothing left to sell. So I thought, 'This is a dream come true'. I eBayed her as a damsel in distress. People started bidding and this guy won because he had a helicopter.

"Now they've been going out for nine months and she's moving out of my flat and in with him.

"I have one sister left to flog on eBay." (Contact Music)

No, No You'll Scare The Fawn

We Are Scientists' With Love And Squalor (Jan. 2006)

This is overall one amazing band. They're a cross between Phantom Planet and The Strokes, and have similarities to Thunderbirds Are Now! and to tour mates Arctic Monkeys. We Are Scientists consist of three members: Keith Murray on guitar and vocals, Chris Cain on bass, and Michael Tapper on drums. They are not only incredible musicians, but they are a hilarious group of guys as well and their humor is presented through their music videos and website/blog. Watch Keith's hilarious scene with Yoda in a video on their WAS group on YouTube, but enough of their humor because clearly I think they're funny. Their debut album on Virgin, With Love and Squalor, released last month is quite an exceptional piece of work. Every track will keep you swaying to the music. The drumming, bass, guitar, and vocals flow together perfectly creating a sound that is just incredible and will keep you dancing like you were in "The Great Escape" music video. "The Great Escape" is the most upbeat track off the album and has "great" lyrics to it with a "great" beat. Other highlights include "Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt", "This Scene Is Dead", "Inaction", "It's A Hit", and "Lousy Reputation". They're your new favorite nerds.

WAS in The Great Escape Video


Inaction Video

Downloads:
The Great Escape

Links:
We Are Scientist's Official Website
We Are Scientist's YouTube Group

Another Word For Desperate

WTF??? If I knew about this earlier, I'd give my dad my sleeping bag and drop him off at the store.

From The Sacramento Bee:

Ikea fan plans to be first in line

Man is camping out in front of new store to win a gift card.

By Ed Fletcher -- Bee Staff Writer

Glenn Reynolds says he managed only to be the second person in line when Ikea opened a store in Stoughton, Mass., and is looking to better that by a spot at the company's new site in West Sacramento. (Sacramento Bee/Florence Low)

For Glenn Reynolds, another second place just wouldn't do.

So while many people were sleeping off a Super Bowl-induced hangover, Reynolds, of Quincy, Mass., was directing his cab driver to take him to the big blue-and-yellow building in West Sacramento.

And that is where he's been ever since, camping out in front of West Sacramento's yet-to-open Ikea home furnishings megastore in hopes of being the first in line when it opens March 1.

Reynolds says he's a dedicated Ikea fan, but his concrete camp-out isn't just about pride in inexpensive, smartly designed furniture. If Reynolds doesn't break any contest rules and remains first in line, he stands to collect a $3,000 Ikea gift card. He took home second prize after camping out before the grand opening of Ikea's Stoughton, Mass., store.

"It's almost like a hobby of mine, going to Ikea store openings," said Reynolds, 51, who details cars and boats for a living.

Ikea officials said Reynolds would set a record for longest store camp-out, if he follows contest rules.

"I'll make it. I'm a dedicated fan of Ikea," Reynolds said.

He said his first Ikea experience was going to the Stoughton store.

Reynolds sleeps in a small dome tent near the store's entrance. He has a thin sleeping bag - he said he was thinking about palm trees and beaches when he packed - a duffle bag worth of clothes and his tent. He buys water and sandwiches from a chuck wagon that occasionally comes by for workers.

While his living conditions are Spartan, he is not lonely.

Two days after his camp-out began, Dave Sisson, 39, of Citrus Heights, joined Reynolds. Sisson said he sells cars but can't work because of a back injury.

Sisson - who stands to collect a $2,000 gift card if he remains second in line - said he's never been inside an Ikea. (Rules say you can't go in even to sample the meatballs in the cafeteria.)

"I'm going to stick it out," Sisson declared Friday.

While Reynolds traveled light, Sisson likes to sleep in comfort. His dome tent featured a fold-out cot. The store would not let him use his stove. Friday, he ordered pizza while dominos were scattered on the top of his ice chest.

Reynolds said someone with the company somewhat jokingly challenged him after his second-in-line finish, but he didn't know what the prize would be before he lined up.

"Although IKEA has a special tradition at its U.S. grand openings and often celebrates with giveaways to its loyal IKEA customers, both of these 'campers' had no idea what to expect or details about what they'd be getting," the Sweden-based company said in a press release, adding it was "humbled and flattered by the excitement that these two loyal IKEA customers have about our grand opening."

As of early Friday evening nobody had arrived in an attempt to claim the $1,000 gift card that's the third-in-line prize.

David Sisson of Citrus Heights is holding down second place in the early lineup in front of West Sacramento's new Ikea store. He's camping in a dome tent complete with a cot and stove, but store officials have refused to let him use the stove. (Sacramento Bee/Florence Low)

I'll Stop The World and 'Melt With You'

Nouvelle Vague's Nouvelle Vague

It can be fresh and breathtaking when artists and bands cover songs that sound just as good as the original, but at the same time it's difficult because usually the original is always better. With Nouvelle Vague it may not be better to some, but it certainly is fresh and unique to hear these 80s songs in a different light. Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" has been covered by possibly every single band in existence by now from Calexico to Fall Out Boy to U2 and Arcade Fire, but Nouvelle Vague turns it into a smoky ballad. Nouvelle Vague is a cross between Kings of Convenience and Brazilian Girls with its smooth jazz and vocals, and its acoustics. "In A Manner Speaking" is haunting and beautiful, and brings some sort of sadness to it. The vocals itself gives you chills, which is perfect with the tone of the song. "This Is Not A Love Song" has an R&B feel to it with its beats. The vocals in "Too Drunk To Fuck" really bring the essence of well... being too drunk to fuck. Other highlights include "I Melt With You" and "Teenage Kicks".

Downloads:
In A Manner of Speaking (Highly Recommended)
Love Will Tear Us Apart
I Melt With You

Links:
Nouvelle Vague's Official Site

Nouvelle Vague Live (Nouvelle Vague)

Vote for Danny Kass

And no, I'm not being biased ahem:

Kasserole (Danny Kass) & Tomato

The Apprentice and The Olympics

For the very first time in the history of the Apprentice, Donald Trump and Mark Burnett (creator and executive producer, Apprentice) want you, the viewer to tell them who you think should be an Apprentice candidate on season six.

Select from these twelve extremely successful, fiercely competitive and talented US Olympians, each who have their own reasons why they would be the perfect Apprentice. But it's you the viewer who ultimately will decide. Voting runs throughout the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, concluding on Sunday, February 26 with the Closing Ceremony. The winning Olympian will automatically earn a place on season six of the Apprentice, vying for the opportunity to become Donald Trump's 'Apprentice.'

But first, catch season five of the Apprentice premiering the day after the Closing Ceremony on its new day Monday, February 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. It's an international affair as 18 new candidates hailing from London, the former U.S.S.R and the United States begin their season-long interview with Donald Trump. (NBC Olympics)

VOTE!

Kass on His Silver Medal-Winning Run in Turino

I Saw 'Sparks'

Melee at the Troubadour in LA (July 2005)

Downloads:

A friend is just as obsessed with this song as anyone else:
Acceptance - So Contagious

I never get tired of this song:
Coldplay - Sparks

A great pop song from a great pop band:
Mae - Tisbury Lane

Band that I've only seen outside of my hometown (Trust me, I don't get out THAT much):
Melee - Francesca

The Cribs Open for FF/DCFC

The Cribs

These three brothers from the UK are heading out on tour with Franz Ferdinand and Death Cab for Cutie in March/April, which has recently been announced by Filter. They've toured with Franz Ferdinand before as well as Kaiser Chiefs. They just released their sophomore album, The New Fellas. Here are The Cribs' tour dates:

March
22 - Portland, OR @ Memorial Coliseum
23 - Sacramento, CA @ Memorial Hall
24 - Reno, NV @ Reno Hilton Pavillion
26 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues* no Franz Ferdinand
27 - Tucson, AZ @ Centennial Hall
29 - Austin, TX @ The Backyard
30 - Houston, TX @ Verizon Wireless Theater
31 - Grand Prarie, TX @ Nokia Theatre

April
1 - Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom* no Franz Ferdinand
3 - Omaha, NE @ Sokol Auditorium* no Franz Ferdinand
4 - St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant* no Franz Ferdinand
5 - Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle* no Franz Ferdinand
6 - Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle
7 - Durham, NC @ Duke University
8 - Camden, NJ @ Tweeter Center
9 - Ithaca, NY @ Cornell University
11 - Washington, D.C. @ Constitution Hall
12 - Boston, MA @ Agannis Arena
13 - New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom
14 - New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom
15 - Montreal, QC @ CEPSUM at University of Montreal
17 - Toronto, ON @ The Docks
18 - Detroit, MI @ State Theatre
19 - Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom
20 - Minneapolis, MN @ Northrop Auditorium
21 - Madison, WI @ Orpheum Theatre* no Franz Ferdinand
23 - Winnipeg, AB @ Burton Cummings Theatre
25 - Edmonton, AB @ Shaw Conference Center
26 - Calgary, AB @ Stampede Corral
28 - Vancouver, BC @ PNE Coliseum

My Apple!!! Not Yours

Apple Hackers Encounter a Poetic Warning

By MAY WONG, AP Technology Writer Fri Feb 17, 1:04 AM ET

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Apple Computer Inc. has resorted to a poetic broadside in the inevitable cat-and-mouse game between hackers and high-tech companies.

The maker of Macintosh computers had anticipated that hackers would try to crack its new OS X operating system built to work on Intel Corp.'s chips and run pirated versions on non-Apple computers. So, Apple developers embedded a warning deep in the software — in the form of a poem.

Indeed, a hacker encountered the poem recently, and a copy of it has been circulating on Mac-user Web sites this week.

Apple confirmed Thursday it has included such a warning in its Intel-based computers since it started selling them in January.

The embedded poem reads: "Your karma check for today: There once was a user that whined/his existing OS was so blind/he'd do better to pirate/an OS that ran great/but found his hardware declined./Please don't steal Mac OS!/Really, that's way uncool./(C) Apple Computer, Inc." (LOL)

Apple also put in a separate hidden message, "Don't Steal Mac OS X.kext," in another spot for would-be hackers.

"We can confirm that this text is built into our products," Apple issued in a statement. "Hopefully it, and many other legal warnings, will remind people that they should not steal Mac OS X."

The hacking endeavors are, for now, relegated to a small, technically savvy set, but it underscores a risk Apple faces if a pirated, functional version eventually becomes as accessible and straightforward as installing other software on a computer.

It's a risk that became apparent after Apple decided to make a historic transition to Intel-based chips, the same type that its rivals use in predominant Windows-based PCs. Apple previously relied on Power PC chips from IBM Corp. and Freescale Semiconductor Inc., but this year began switching its computers to the Intel platform.

Various analysts have since hypothesized a worst-case situation in which Apple would lose control of its proprietary Macintosh environment: how its reputedly easy-to-use and elegant operating system would no longer be locked to its computers, a critical revenue pipeline for Apple.

Such scenarios have raised a debate among Apple observers about whether the company should just license its operating system to run on other machines, similar to Microsoft Corp.

But Apple has repeatedly said it will not do that.

Meanwhile, security experts on Thursday identified a new computer worm that specifically targets Mac computers running OS X — a rarity since most worms target the broader base of PCs with Microsoft's Windows. Experts, however, consider the threat low.

(Yahoo! News)

My Daughter Imogen

Okay, so I don't have a daughter, but if I do, she shall be named Imogen. After Imogen Heap...

Imogen Heap's Speak For Yourself (2005)

Imogen Heap is one half of Frou Frou, who provided one of the tracks to Garden State. This is Heap's solo album without producer Guy Sigsworth. It's still Frou Frou, but it's toned down. She's a one woman band. She's been compared to Annie with her smooth pop multi-layered vocals. "Hide and Seek" is the most unique track off the album. It's just Heap and her layered vocals distorted electronically with pretty much no other instruments. Other highlights include "Goodnight and Go" and "The Walk".

She will be playing on the first of the two days of the Coachella Music Festival in Indio, CA on April 29th. (Coachella)

Downloads:
Goodnight and Go
Hide and Seek

'Rock'ing the City Big

Big City Rock at the Troubadour in LA (July 2005)

3+2=5. Music is so much better when there are collaborations. Big City Rock first consisted of members Nate Bott, Frank Staniszewski, Tim Resudek, and Jeff Conrad (now a full-time member of Phantom Planet). After Jeff's leave, HeadParade members Kaumyar and Andy Barr joined BCR as the missing pieces. After years of touring with bands like Maroon 5 and Phantom Planet, and recording 3 EPs, they are finally going to release their debut album, with a pop-synthetic sound and keyboard driven, on Atlantic Records, home to their friends Gratitude, which they spent months in New York recording away from their LA home. The release date to their as-yet-untitled album is March 14th.

Tracks include a newer version of "I Believe In You", "Sink" etc., but does not include their most well-known song I would say, "Do You Know What You Want", which they also recorded into a music video. It is not a surprise that they left that song out of their major label debut album as you can find it on their last EPs. Be sure to get our your dancing shoes because once you put on BCR in your home or car or wherever you listen to music, you are not going to be able to keep yourself from dancing!

This past October, I had the chance to interview these five amazing guys at The Boardwalk in Orangevale/Sacramento, CA where they made a stop during a tour with label buddies Gratitude, which aired on CSUS' KSSU. Here is the transcript filled with the many random questions (edited and unofficial):

Q: How did you guys all meet?

Nate: Me, Nate Bott, and Frank Stanszewski and Tim Resudek grew up together in Madison and came out to LA and Kaumyar and Andy. Formed a band about a year ago. Been writing songs and building steam ever since.

Q: How would you describe your music?

Kaumyar: Big City Rock.

Nate: Big City Rock.

Q: How have you guys grown as a band?

Tim: I think when Andy and Kaumyar joined it was a great shift. It was a big jump.

Kaumyar: Just writing and going into the studio with our producers.

Nate: We learned to like get out there and just chill out and play music and have fun.

Q: What was your initial reaction when you were signed onto Atlantic?

Andy: We were really psyched. I remember when Tim called I went into a state of uncontrollable laughter. I couldn’t stop.

Q: How is your album coming along?

Frank: We couldn’t be more happy right now. It’s actually being mixed right now. And the mixes that we’re getting are really face melting just like the way that we’ve always envisioned our songs, the way they should sound. And hearing that actually become reality is really exciting. And that’s fueling the performances on tour. We’re checking the mixes as we’re from the road. So the album should be done very soon (Note: March 14^th release date).

Q: You lived in New York for awhile, how was that like?

Andy: It was like Summer Camp kind of.

Q: Was it hard getting used to New York?

Nate: You kind of settle into it.

Frank: It was a really cool energy for us while we were doing a record and especially all being together.

Kaumyar: Living together we can always talk about it and live in a nice loft in SoHo.

Nate: We had old friends living in New York and had great parties.

Q: New York or LA?

Kaumyar: LA.

Frank: We got burnt out.

Kaumyar: Nate so expanded when we got off the airplane.

Q: What’s the biggest show you’ve played so far?

Nate: Biggest show is…

BCR: Sacramento.

Kaumyar: It was like 12,000 people.

Q: What’s the best gift a fan has given you?

Andy: We got a 10lb. Chocolate bar once.

Kaumyar: With gummy bears in it.

Andy: They melted gummy bears into it, which was a nice touch.

Q: What do you do for entertainment when you’re out on the road?

Andy: Well today if you’ve checked your internet, they released a new version of iTunes that let’s you purchase TV shows like Lost.

Tim: Andy and I are going to have a Lost party at the hotel tonight.

Q: What do you think the monster is?

Tim: We didn’t see last weeks so maybe this will sound dumb. I just hope this show doesn’t end up to be a dream or a heaven.

Andy: No it’s not. The monster is going to turn out to be ourselves.

Q: Why do you think they’re on the island?

Tim: You’re asking because you know the answer. Tim responds with stupid answers. Why do you think they’re on the island?

Frank: That’s where the plane crashed right? That’s why they’re on the island!

Q: Have you ever googled yourselves?

Andy: There’s an Andrew Barr Accounting Award. It’s a very prestigious award for accounting.

Tim: I remember once we googled Frank.

Frank: And I was second to my dad. I was really really upset. My dad’s name is Frank Staniszewski as well.

Nate: It’s very painful when I do it because I just get all those pictures that I did for money years ago.

Frank: Band laughs.

Kaumyar: I’m actually the only Kaumyar on the internet. The way it’s spelled at least. So when you type my name up, all that stuff is actually about me.

Andy: His mom’s a pretty bad speller.

Kaumyar: Yeah, that U fucked it all up.

You’re unique.

Frank: U-nique.

Q: What was the last show you went to that you were in the audience for?

Nate: Oasis. Hollywood Bowl.

Q: Was it good?

Nate: Bliss.

Q: What CDs are you listening to right now?

Nate: Royksopp – Melody A.M.

Kaumyar: Our iPods are random.

Nate: We had a Neal Diamond fest the other night.

Frank: Bob Dylan.

Q: What’s one band that you would absolutely love to tour with?

Tim: I don’t know about you guys, but I would love to tour with Institute (Note: They had just found out they were going to tour with them). If we could do that…

Frank: If the stars aligned.

-------------------------------

Link:
Big City Rock's Myspace

They're Magical

Magic Bullets (www.myspace.com)

This San Francisco band, Magic Bullets, looks like they could fit right into LA area bands, such as Melee and Satisfaction. Their sound is similar to The Strokes and Youth Group and their performance is energetic (not including some of the band members). The lead singer has a voice reminiscent of the singers from Interpol and The Strokes, but is more lively and has some nice dance moves. They certainly have an incredible drummer with amazing beats that will sure to keep your head bobbing and your foot tapping or keep you dancing.

Go Listen

Don't "Set Yourself On Fire"

Stars' Set Yourself On Fire (2005)

... because you need to stay alive to hear Stars if you have not yet already. Broken Social Scene is possibly one of the best indie bands around right now. What's amazing is that there are so many members in BSS and they have many solo and side projects. For instance, Leslie Feist is doing her own thing nowadays as Feist and is on the major label, Interscope Records. Jason Collett also has his own solo project with the album Idols of Exile. Emily Haines and James Shaw are part of the band Metric. And Amy Millan and Evan Cranley are with... Stars. And those are just some of the BSS members.

Before it was Seattle and now there's Montreal. It seems so many talented musicians are coming out of Montreal nowadays like Arcade Fire, BSS, and now Stars. Stars have really evolved since their last album, Heart. The keyboard-driven pop sound just keeps getting better and better, which is just lovely to hear. Their sound is amazing and is a bit reminiscent of BSS. The lyrics are smart and interesting and are like conversations, such as in "The Big Fight". "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" was on one of The O.C. Mixes and is incredible live just like every other Stars song. Other highlights include "Ageless Beauty", "What I'm Trying To Say", and "One More Night".

Download:
Stars - Your Ex-Lover Is Dead

"We Make Party"

Shaun White in Turino "Crying for The Tonight Show Audience" on Monday's Jay Leno

Shaun White will be a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday night (2/16).

Shaun White on Off The Podium

Tom Green Falling On His Ass On The Halfpipe (The Tonight Show with Jay Leno)

Now This is Just Sad

Hunter Shot by Cheney Has Heart Attack

Tue Feb 14, 1:31 PM ET

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - The 78-year-old lawyer who was shot by Vice President Dick Cheney in a hunting accident has some birdshot lodged in his heart and he had a "minor heart attack," a hospital official said Tuesday.

- Yahoo! News

Andrew McMahon Engaged... ?

Andrew McMahon in the Newest Version of "The Mixed Tape" Video

I can hear all the pre-teens go *GASP*. The Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin frontman is rumored to have gotten engaged over the holiday to his longtime girlfriend (wait, weren't they engaged before?) and was asked to confirm that rumor during an online interview, but he had no comment on it. Apparently on a video from the One Tree Hill podcast, Mark Schwahn (Creator/Executive Producer of One Tree Hill) mentioned how "Andrew's fiance is wonderful", who went along with Jack's Mannequin to Wilmington, NC for the taping of One Tree Hill. This appears to confirm the engagement rumor, but then again it's not going to be confirmed unless Andrew states it himself.

By the way, One Tree Hill with Jack's Mannequin airs tomorrow (Wednesday) at 8pm.

Awwwww

A Tomato & A Donut (Shaun White, NBC Interview with Bob Costas at the 2006 Olympics)

----------------------------------------------------------------

And WTF was up with Apolo Anton Ohno? Someone looked confused.

'Project Runway' Quote of the Week

"Are you making space pants for me?" -Santino














"What do you mean space pants?" -Kara













"Because my ass is out of this world." -Santino

Can We Do The Ball Thing Everyday?

Just a few (leader of all extracurricular activities, a ballerin-o, a drug dealer, and an elf):

Jason Schwartzman in the Hollywood Issue of Vanity Fair (2006)

Jamie Bell in the Hollywood Issue of Vanity Fair (2006)

Camilla Belle in the Hollywood Issue of Vanity Fair (2006)


Zooey Deschanel in the Hollywood Issue of Vanity Fair (2006)

To Trudge:

...the slow, weary, depressing, yet determined walk of a man who has nothing left in life except the impulse to simply soldier on.

I first noticed Paul Bettany in A Knight's Tale, in which he co-starred alongside Heath Ledger. Without Bettany, that film would've been nothing, but just another film with a pretty boy. Bettany brought smart (not stupid) comedy and was a joy to watch as he is a pretty handsome man. He also starred opposite Kirsten Dunst as a pro-tennis player whose career is on the verge of early retirement in Wimbledon. but enough of this. Paul Bettany is starring in both Firewall and The Da Vinci Code this year. In The Da Vinci Code, Bettany plays Silas the Albino. I still haven't gotten past the first chapter of that book.

Paul Bettany and Nicole Kidman in Dogville (2004)

Could Paul Bettany be starring in the next Batman film? He is rumored to be playing the Joker, but Bettany states that no one has approached him about the film so it will remain a rumor for now, but wouldn't it be interesting and amusing if it were true?

Paul Bettany in Firewall (2006)

Rabbit Safe, I Approve

The Boy Least Likely To asks you to please "be gentle with" them. Because they're sensitive, but actually I don't know if they are. If you're feeling depressed and need some uplifting or you're actually feeling happy and want to do something while you're still in that state then watch The Boy Least Likely To's new video for "Be Gentle With Me", which features little cute furry creatures, rabbits. Don't worry, no animals were harmed in the making of this video because they're puppets, but they're just as cute as the real thing or cuter even.


"Be Gentle With Me" video (Quicktime)

The song that really got me hooked onto this UK band was the track "Monsters". Track after track on their album The Best Party Ever brings happiness and innocence to teens and adults alike, although children can listen to it as well as since it does not contain profanity, but I'm not so sure about "Sleeping With A Gun Under My Pillow", although that is an awesome track with a catchy chorus. Who knew that pop music could be this good? "I'm Glad I Hitched My Apple Wagon To Your Star" are for those who feel accomplished and "Hugging My Grudge" are for those who hold grudges.

For those US fans who are looking forward to see The Boy Least Likely To, you'll be lucky enough to get to attend one of their headlining shows on the east coast as for the rest of the country will have to catch them open for James Blunt in larger venues compared to their canceled US tour in favor of Mr. James Blunt in March and April, which they are "quietly excited for" (interesting quote). For tour dates, go to their Official Site

If you're unfortunate to make it to any of their shows, then pick up their The Best Party Ever album which will make its debut in the US on April 4th and watch their "Be Gentle With Me" video over and over again because you'll never get sick of it.

CD Reviews

February releases:

Belle & Sebastian's The Life Pursuit (2/7/06)

Some would say this is the best release yet of 2006. It could possibly be the best Belle & Sebastian album released. It is one of those albums that don't grab your attention until the second time around. Every track screams Belle & Sebastian which some tracks have a David Bowie influence to them. Their sound definitely brings a 70s feel to the album. "We Are The Sleepyheads", "Funny Little Frog", and "For The Price Of A Cup Of Tea" are just a few of the highlights.

Arctic Monkeys' Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (2/21/06)

I have to admit that Arctic Monkeys didn't catch my eye when I first hear "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" and despite hearing and reading all the good reviews and success they were having back home in the UK. Their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not released on Domino Records made history by breaking the number of record sales in its first week with 365, 735 records sold in the UK. They've also been "claimed" by Harry Potter. No, not the wizard Harry, but actor Daniel Radcliffe, who has been jealous of the many new fans of the Arctic Monkeys nowadays from their success. Every track on their debut album is brilliant and is just as good as The Libertines whom they've been compared to. They've got a little bit of The Libertines and Kings of Leon in their sound. Highlights on this album include "Fake Tales of San Francisco", "Dancing Shoes", "Riot Van", and their latest single "When The Sun Goes Down".


Hawthorne Heights' If Only You Were Lonely (2/28/06)

The second album release of Hawthorne Heights' on Victory Records has received some mixed reviews. Hawthorne Heights has a following and has been mainstreamed on MTV with "Ohio Is For Lovers", but there are those who think their sound is "generic" and do not see anything "special" about them. You can decide for yourself. Highlights include "I Am On Your Side".

Last Whatever...

The last CD I bought: With my own money? Panic! At The Disco's A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

The last legal download: "One More Day With You" by Eisley, some Hanson member etc.

The last illegal download: Hawthorne Height's If Only You Were Lonely

The last concert I went to: Coldplay Twisted Logic Tour in Sacramento

What I'm playing now: "Speechless" by Self Against City

Ten songs I'm loving at the moment:
1. "Dancing Shoes" by Arctic Monkeys
2. "Sparks" by Coldplay << I never get sick of this song
3. "The Mixed Tape" by Jack's Mannequin
4. "Heart" by Stars
5. "7/4 (Shoreline)" by Broken Social Scene
6. "Goodnight and Go" by Imogen Heap
7. "The Hardest Part" by Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
8. "Homesick at Spacecamp" by Fall Out Boy
9. "Two More Years" by Bloc Party
10. "Classifieds" by The Academy Is...