Beltmann

Not like Michael Moore, who can also breakdance.

If there's a politician cuddlier than Alan Keyes, I haven't seen him.

Jesus?

What I found most interesting was the attempt to draw an analogy between this kind of extremism and the extremism of radical Islam--a comparison that even the subjects openly invite.

That game used to drive me nuts. I finally bought it for the Sega Master System just so I could kick its ass.

Happy birthday, Kristina! You were among the very first VCers to welcome me here, and also among the very first VCers I met out there in "reality." Miss seeing you around!

Artists often rely on recurring themes because they feel compelled to explore ideas to satisfaction--that's what makes them artists. But I know what A-Man means... I don't think he meant it as a criticism so much as an observation that Lynch has a distinct voice as an artist.

I was there that night, and was thrilled with "Blasting Fonda"--that was one of my top hopes for the set.

There are no sacred cows. I'm a little ambivalent about Lynch--love some, hate some--but always eagerly anticipate his work. Unfortunately, Inland Empire isn't coming to Milwaukee until March 23.

I enjoyed Parachutes and especially Rush of Blood. I thought X/Y was a colossal bore, but I'm hoping they will once again make decent music. Since I don't listen to much radio, or watch much TV, I guess the hype machine doesn't factor into my response. But that's an issue completely separate from the music itself, isn't it?

I see a kitten wearing a sweater. I suspect your browser cache just needs to be cleared. Once you do that, you'll see what we see!

Two of the most welcoming voices on VC share a birthday? Sounds astrological...

I understand what you're saying, but our society has clearly made exceptions to your rigid theory, usually on the grounds that such exceptions are in the general interest of the society. One example is free public education for all--it is illegal for schools, which provide a service, to turn away students. Perhaps people do not have a legal "right" to health care, but in my view it is in the general interest of our society to provide it. More importantly, in a prosperous society we have an ethical obligation to take care of each other.

Kamikaze Hearts Centro-Matic Joanna Newsom TV On the Radio Band of Horses

Thank you for sharing your story, Tristan.

I don't have to be in the right mood to enjoy the eels. No great work of art is ever truly depressing--the subject matter might be difficult, but I always feel lifted by the sense of artistic accomplishment. You know what I do find depressing, though? Bad music.

Seconded.

I can understand this. I can't resist listening to live bootlegs along the way--it's fun to observe the evolution--but I won't seek the leaked album. I'll wait until I actually have the CD in my hands.

I found it distracting for about 15 minutes, but only because I know that's not DiCaprio's real voice. But once I became absorbed in the story and in his performance, I didn't really notice anymore. You really find DiCaprio lacking as an actor? I know he's got the whole pin-up image problem and the Titanic backlash problem, but the dude's got chops and is only getting better. When separated from hype, his work speaks for itself.

There are many qualification rules, but the date requirements involve this: A movie must be shown commercially for seven consecutive days in Los Angeles County, and that run must open between January 1, 2004 and midnight of December 31, 2004. Basically, a movie qualifies if it screens for a week in at least one LA theater during the calendar year. Both Children of Men and Pan's Labyrinth met those requirements before starting their nation-wide distribution.

"Blasting Fonda" followed by "Cars Can't Escape."

I saw Wax Fang open for MMJ in November, and I've been listening to a few mp3s ever since (including this morning). Really good stuff.