Category Archives: Discoveries

California’s Budget Solution: Legalize Marijuana

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San Francisco Assemblyman Tom Ammiano proposed a bill this week that would decriminalize and legalize the sale of marijuana to adults 21 and over in California.  The tax revenues would generate more than a billion dollars annually for our cashed-starved state.  A perfectly plausible and sensible solution really, but sure to be met with resistance from the federal government’s prohibition policy on cannabis.  However, Ammiano said federal officials may be receptive to such changes under the administration of President Barack Obama.  

Imagine the boon to tourism in our state if this happens too.  Buy a ticket to Disneyland and a bag of weed. The Magic Kingdom awaits.

Listen to the psych rock sounds of Arbouretum’s “False Spring”.  Their new album Song of the Pearl will be out on Thrill Jockey records March 10.  They will be touring heavily this summer opening for Band of Horses.

More Evidence Billy Corgan is a Tool

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Not like I need any more convincing on this subject, quite frankly, but I was reading the recent issue of Spin and smirked at this review of Billy Corgan’s December 3 LA Smashing Pumpkins show where he figuratively spits in the faces of fans.  His response to fans screaming “Billy, I love you”? “Last time I checked, I was nobody’s bitch.”  Way to mock your audience, Billy.

Read the full article for more antic dotes of his surly display of self-pity.  There’s also a hilarious review on Pitchfork blasting their 20th reunion tour as a ‘shitshow’.

Black Gold

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My Beautiful Blue Bottle Latte

20 Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee – Drink Up!

  • Regular coffee drinkers have a lower chance of developing cirrhosis of the liver…
  • Reduces the risk of skin cancer…
  • Increases sense of well being and happiness…
  • May reduce the chance of Parkinson’s disease…
  • Very high in antioxidants…
  • It’s the second most economic valuable product in the world – black gold!
  • May reduce colon cancer in women…
  • Can reduce the risk of developing type II diabetes…
  • Reduces muscle pain…
  • May reduce heart disease…
  • Fights cavities…

…and more!  For the full article, click here.  

In the meantime, listen to Athens, Ohio-based Southeast Engine’s “Black Gold” from their new release From the Forest to the Sea.  

Shit Storm

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In case you were wondering why San Francisco isn’t a beach town, you can add this to your list.  A ruptured sewage pipe in Marin County has leaked more than 500,000 gallons of stinky, bacteria-laden raw sewage into the San Francisco Bay this week. Thanks to this brave soul, the leak has been fixed – temporarily.  (Oh joy.) Apparently this isn’t the first time this has happened to Marin sewage plants either. While the news of this event is horrific and disturbing, I can’t help but muse over the fact that our Bay is being consistently contaminated with the shit of thousands of environmentally enlightened Marin County residents. Irony is not dead people.

Listen to “Heads Will Roll” from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs forthcoming album It’s Blitz due out April 14.

Drumming Is Good For Your Health

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I came across an interesting article today in BBC News Health that reports drumming has therapeutic benefits. Experts believe that rhythmic drumming can aid health by inducing a deep sense of relaxation, reducing stress, and lowering blood pressure. Apparently drumming is being taught to patients with problems ranging from addiction to autism, and learning difficulties to mental health issues with amazing results.  

Maybe that’s why I can’t seem to give up my drum lessons.  Now if only it can cure this cold I picked up in Apsen this weekend.

Read more.

Suck It Scar Jo

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For butchering the Jeff Buckley classic, ‘Last Goodbye’.  No, no, no, no! Just stop it already. That’s enough. I held my tongue with the Tom Waits tribute album last year, but it’s gone too far with this one. Just because you performed with The Jesus and Mary Chain at Coachella a couple of years ago and can hold a tune does not give free license to cover any rock icon you please.  Clearly you are the muse to many in both the film and music industry – The Jesus and Marychain, TV on the Radio, Woody Allen. Come on, they’re just a bunch of dirty old men who just want to see your tits! Argh.

Bad:

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Radiohead to Play Grammys

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Set your DVRs!  The line up of artists performing at this year’s Grammys is actually worth watching. Radiohead is confirmed to play at the 51st annual Grammy Awards on February 8 in Los Angeles. It’s the band’s first live US television performance since 2000. Radiohead has five Grammy nods: Album Of The Year and Best Alternative Album for In Rainbows, and Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, Best Rock Song and Best Short Form Music Video for “House Of Cards.”  Whew.  Sweep it Radiohead!

Paul McCartney is also on the bill and will be backed by Foo Fighter Dave Grohl on the drums.  The rest of the line up I don’t really care about.  The broadcast starts at 5PM PST/ 8PM EST.

Pavement to Reunite…If the Price is Right

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There’s been lots of speculation of a Pavement reunion tour of late, but this article from The Guardian UK yesterday seems to imply a reunion is imminent for 2009 and centered around both the band and their label, Matador Records, 20th anniversary this year.  Makes a lot of sense. Apparently Coachella’s booking agent is all over it, but as of now, the festival has yet to promise a big enough guarantee.

Read the entire article here.

Listen to Pavement covering Echo and The Bunnymen’s ‘Killing Moon‘ :