Free music!!!

1. Jens Lekman had made three previously tour-only EPs available for free download on his site!
2. A 72-track album by The Caretaker, Theoretically pure anterograde amnesia, can be downloaded gratis from V/Vm Test Records!

It should be front-page news.

For some reason, important science stories get less attention in the mainstream press than the latest American Idol developments. Hence I have decided to point out some recent science news stories that have come to my attention. This has been a very eventful week in terms of announcements that will potentially overturn our assumptions about the natural world. Here are some of these now (possibly) discredited assumptions, with links to their associated news items:

• Rings can only accrete around gas giants.
• Neutron stars always pulse in regular intervals.
• Mammals didn't infiltrate the seas until after the dinosaurs became extinct.
• Humans and Neanderthals co-existed in Europe for about 10,000 years.
• Evolution occurs over long periods.
• Paleolithic cave paintings in Europe were created by shamans and other learned men.
• Pre-Columbian colonists always entered North America via the Bering Land Bridge.

Here is what I've been listening to this week:

1. Baby Dee: Love's Small Song
2. Tears for Fears: Songs from the Big Chair
3. Baby Dee: Made for Love
4. Clearlake: Amber
5. Various Artists: I Am the Resurrection: A Tribute to John Fahey
6. Goldfrapp: Ooh La La
7. French Quarter: Barrels & Heaps
8. Destroyer: Destroyer's Rubies
9. Town and Country: Up Above
10. Galaxie 500: Today
11. Godspeed You! Black Emperor: f# a# ∞
12. The Caretaker: Theoretically Pure Anterograde Amnesia
13. The Avalanches: Since I Left You
14. Arctic Monkeys: Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
15. Jason Collett: Idols of Exile
16. The M's: Future Women
17. Maxïmo Park: Missing Songs
18. Tim Buckley: Honeyman
19. Frog Eyes: The Folded Palm
20. Dizzee Rascal: Boy in Da Corner
21. Man Man: The Man in a Blue Turban With a Face
22. Robyn: Robyn
23. Madonna: Confessions on a Dance Floor

paleunderweight podcast 4

The new podcast is now available:

1. Sing-Sing: "Tegan"
2. Nina Simone: "Just Say I Love Him"
3. Wooden Wand and the Vanishing Voice: "Caribou Christ to the Great Void"
4. Material: "Dark Things"
5. Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins: "You Are What You Love"
6. Aceyalone & RJD2: "Supahero"
7. The Knife: "You Make Me Like Charity"
8. Bel Canto: "Oyster"
9. Neu!: "Weissensee"
10. The Minus 5: "Cemetary Row"
11. Caribou: "Sunsesame"
12. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: "The Carnival Is Over"
13. echohce: "Leaving ('Untouched')"
14. Tears for Fears: "Suffer the Children"
15. The Delgados: "Never Look at the Sun"
16. Clogs: "Death and the Maiden"

Hubble images

Some dazzling images of NGC 1309 and the Orion Nebula.

Yesterday's listening

1. Tim Buckley: Greetings From L.A.
2. Arab Strap: The Last Romance
3. Wiseblood: Dirtdish

Socially acceptable plagiarism

I noticed this on a co-worker's blog.

1. Copy this whole list into your journal.
2. Bold the things that are true about you.
3. Add something that is true about you.

01. I miss somebody right now.02. I don't watch much TV these days.03. I love olives.04. I own lots of books.06. I wear glasses or contact lenses.07. I love to play video games.08. I've tried marijuana.09. I've watched porn movies.10. I have been in a threesome.11. I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.12. I believe honesty is usually the best policy.13. I love ice cream.14. I like and respect Al Sharpton.15. I curse sometimes.16. I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.17. I have a hobby. I just go to school for it.18. I've been told I have a nice smile.19. I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.20. I'm partially TOTALLY smart.21. I've never broken someone's bones.22. I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal.23. I hate the rain.24. I'm paranoid at times.25. I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.26. I need money right now.27. I love sushi.28. I talk really, really fast.29. I have fresh breath in the morning.30. I have long hair.31. I have lost money in Las Vegas.32. I have at least one brother and/or one sister.33. I was born in a country outside of the U.S.34. I shave my legs (females) or face (males) on a regular basis.35. I have a twin (or a triplet, or somesuch).36. I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.37. I couldn't survive without Caller I.D.38. I like the way that I look sometimes.39. I have lied to a good friend in the last 6 months.40. I know how to cornrow.41. I am usually pessimistic.42. I have a lot of mood swings.43. I think prostitution should be legalized.44. I think Britney Spears is pretty.45. Slept with a Suitemate.46. I have a hidden talent.47. I'm always hyper no matter how much sugar I have.48. I have a lot of friends.49. I am currently single.50. I have pecked someone of the same sex.51. I enjoy talking on the phone.52. I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.53. I love to shop.54. I would rather shop than eat.55. I would classify myself as ghetto.56. I'm bourgie and have worn a sweater tied around my shoulders.57. I'm obsessed with my Xanga or Livejournal.58. I don't hate anyone. I dislike them.59. I'm a pretty good dancer.60. I don't think Mike Tyson raped Desiree Washington.61. I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.62. I have a cell phone.63. I believe in God.64. I watch MTV on a daily basis.65. I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.66. I love drama.67. I have never been in a real relationship before.68. I've rejected someone before.69. I currently have a crush/like someone.70. I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.71. I want to have children in the future.72. I have changed a diaper before.73. I've called the cops on a friend before.74. I bite my nails.75. I am a member of the Tom Green fan club.76. I'm not allergic to anything.77. I have a lot to learn.78. I have been with someone at least 10 years older or younger.79. I plan on seeing Ice Cube's newest "Friday" movie.80. I am shy around the opposite sex.81. I'm online 24/7, even as an away message.82. I have at least 5 away messages saved.83. I have tried alcohol or drugs before.84. I have made a move on a friend's significant other or crush in the past.85. I own the "South Park" movie.86. I have avoided assignments at work school to be on Xanga or Livejournal.87. When I was a kid I played "the birds and the bees" with a neighbor or chum.88. I enjoy some country music.89. I would die for my best friends.90. I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.91. I watch soap operas whenever I can.92. I'm obsessive, anal retentive, and often a perfectionist.93. I have used my sexuality to advance my career.94. I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.95. I know all the words to Slick Rick's "Children's Story".96. Halloween is awesome because you get free candy.97. I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.98. I have dated a close friend's ex.99. I like surveys.100. I am happy at this moment.101. I'm obsessed with guys.102. I am bisexual.103. Democrat.104. Conservative Republican.105. I am punk rockish.106. I am preppy.107. I go for older guys/girls, not younger.108. I study for tests most of the time.109. I tie my shoelaces differently to anyone I've ever met.110. I can work on a car.111. I love my job.112. I am comfortable with who I am right now.113. I have more than just my ears pierced.114. I walk barefoot wherever I can.115. I have jumped off a bridge.116. I love sea turtles.117. I spend ridiculous amounts of money on makeup.118. I believe in prophetic dreams.119. I plan on achieving a major goal/dream.120. I am proficient on a musical instrument.121. I worked at McDonald's restaurant.122. I hate office jobs.123. I love sci-fi movies.124. I've never been in love.125. I think water rules.126. I am going to college out of state.127. I am adopted.128. I like sausage.129. I am a pyro.130. I love the Red Sox.131. I have thrown up from crying too much.132. I have been intentionally hurt by people that I loved.133. I love kisses.134. I fall for the worst people and have been hurt every time.135. I adore bright colors.136. I love Dear Abby.137. I can't live without black eyeliner.138. I think school is awesome.139. I think pigtails serve a purpose.140. I don't know why the hell I just did this stupid thing.141. I usually like covers better than originals.142. I don’t like multi-textured ice cream (ex. Chocolate chips, nuts, marshmallows).143. I think John Cusack is adorable.144. I fucking hate chain theme restaurants like Applebees and TGIFridays.145. I need to blog more.146. I have been repeatedly told by various strangers that I am a dead ringer for the same movie star.

On a note completely unrelated to the above, here is the past two days' listening:

1. Neu!: Neu!
2. Tears for Fears: The Hurting
3. Nina Simone: Forbidden Fruit
4. The Minus 5: The Minus 5
5. KT Tunstall: Eye to the Telescope
6. Rachid Taha/Carte de Séjour: Carte Blanche
7. John Fahey: The Transfiguration of Blind Joe Death
8. Aceyalone/RJD2: Magnificent City
9. Sing-Sing: The Joy of Sing-Sing
10. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: Kicking Against the Pricks
11. Caribou: Marino
12. The Knife: Deep Cuts
13. The Delgados: Hate

Correction

As it turns out, "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly" is a Ned Sublette song. It's still pretty odd that Willie would cover it.

"This is truly a disturbing universe."

The events of the past few days have made me begin to question whether the universe just took a temporo-spatial wrong turn a few days ago. Things aren't creepy or wrong or sinister, per se, just weird. Exhibit A: The VP shoots someone in the face. Exhibit B: Willie Nelson releases a cover of a Pansy Division song, "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly (Fond of Each Other)".

Not that I object, mind you. I have a fondness for Pansy Division that stems from my adolescence, ever since I heard their cheeky re-write of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit", which they re-titled "Smells Like Queer Spirit". They have frequently managed to be funny and poignant simultaneously, and they have always been unapologetically out and proud. I think that they significantly influenced my own coming-out, inspiring me to never hide from anyone.

However, I still think that Willie's new single is evidence that I somehow woke up in a parallel universe sometime last week.

1. Clogs: Lantern
2. Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins: Rabbit Fur Coat
3. Wooden Wand and the Vanishing Voice: Xiao

Schadenfreude ist die schönste Freude (denn sie kommt von Herzen)

Everyone knows by now that our VP accidentally (we assume) shot someone in the face. Let me say, first, that I wish Mr. Whittington a speedy recovery. While I disapprove of his sinful Republican lifestyle, nobody deserves to get shot on the face. I can only pray that he will seek conversion therapy and begin to live a clean, morally upright liberal life. It's never too late, Harry!

As for Cheney, however, schadenfreude can only begin to describe how I feel. Luckily, I am not alone. Mr. Sun has some beautiful commentary on this matter. (Thanks to Grumpator for the tip.)

Today's rotation:

1. echohce: echohce
2. Greg Davis and Sebastian Roux: Paquet Surprise
3. Bel Canto: Birds of Passage
4. Tears for Fears: The Seeds of Love
5. Material: Secret Life
6. Spain: She Haunts My Dreams
7. Revolting Cocks: Beers, Steers & Queers

paleunderweight podcast 3

The new podcast is now available:

1. Brian Eno: "By This River"
2. DJ Shadow: "Mutual Slump"
3. The Advantage: "Ducktails - Moon"
4. Paavoharju: "Ilmaa Virtaa"
5. Syd Barrett: "No Good Trying"
6. J Dilla: "People"
7. Belle & Sebastian: "Funny Little Frog"
8. His Name Is Alive: "In My Dream"
9. Super Furry Animals: "The Turning Tide"
10. Jane: "Slipping Away"
11. Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention: "Dog Breath in the Year of the Plague"
12. Arizona Amp and Alternator: "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys"
13. Love Is All: "Used Goods"
14. Mylo: "In My Arms"
15. Current 93: "Larkspur and Lazarus"
16. Prefuse 73: "Keeping Up With Your Quota"
17. The National Trust: "Elevators"
18. Beth Orton: "Absinthe"
19. Belong: "Red Velvet or Nothing"
20. Shriekback: "Il Mystera del Tempo"

Illness

It has been a few days since I have posted. I've was very busy with schoolwork early this week. Then I got sick. It's the usual suspect: my sinuses. I've been using decongestant, Flonase left over from my last sinus difficulties, numbing throat spray, and Advil. A friend told me that he started irrigating his sinuses and gargling with salt water every night and he hasn't had a sinus infection or sinusitis since. I think I'll try it.

Unfortunately, due to illness, I didn't get credit for a lot of the school work I did. I thought about going to class yesterday (even though I called in sick to work) but I decided it wasn't worth making myself feel worse for 2% of the final grade.

I am starting to feel somewhat better. To be on the safe side, I won't go to temple tonight. I'm also not going to see the kitties tomorrow; they have enough of a problem with illness without me bringing my germs. I'll probably keep my hair appointment tomorrow though. I desperately need a haircut.

Michael is expecting a friend from Philadelphia tonight. The flight comes in pretty late and they are leaving for Flagstaff and Sedona first thing in the morning. This means we won't be doing our weekend routine, but I think it's good to have the occasional weekend apart. They'll be back early Sunday evening, so I'll get to see Michael and meet his friend soon enough. In the meantime, I'll read, rest, and of course, listen to lots of music.

1. Current 93: Soft Black Stars
2. Mylo: Destroy Rock & Roll
3. Prefuse 73: Security Screenings
4. Jane: Berserker
5. His Name Is Alive: Detrola
6. Belle & Sebastian: The Life Pursuit
7. The Advantage: Elf-Titled
8. Beth Orton: Comfort of Strangers
9. Brian Eno: Before and After Science
10. The National Trust: Kings and Queens
11. Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention: Uncle Meat
12. Paavoharju: Yhä Hämärää
13. J Dilla: Donuts
14. Belong: October Language
15. Love Is All: Nine Times That Same Song
16. Shriekback: Cormorant

Burglary

I arrived home tonight to find two officers in the house. They had responded to the security alarm, which had begun to sound only minutes before. Burglars had broken two windows, moved the couch across the room, and left hastily without stealing anything. The best news is that Missy and Sugarfoot were unharmed. Missy seemed happy to have met some new people, without any suspicion of their sinister motives. I found Sugarfoot hiding under the bed, scared but safe. Minutes later, she was frolicking about the living room floor as though nothing had happened.

1. Vladislav Delay: The Four Quarters
2. Super Furry Animals: Guerrilla
3. Syd Barrett: The Madcap Laughs
4. Arizona Amp and Alternator: Arizona Amp and Alternator
5. DJ Shadow: Endtroducing...

paleunderweight podcast 2

The new podcast is here:

1. Martin Denny: "The Enchanted Sea"
2. The Human League: "Love Action (I Believe in Love)"
3. Scissor Sisters: "It Can't Come Quickly Enough"
4. You've Got Foetus on Your Breath: "Today I Started Slogging Again"
5. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: "Brother, My Cup Is Empty"
6. Josephine Foster: "Trees Lay By"
7. Brian Eno: "The True Wheel"
8. The Notwist: "Trashing Days"
9. Grandaddy: "Jed the Humanoid"
10. Vacabou: "Life as Interference"
11. Nina Simone: "Porgy"
12. Linda Perry: "Fruitloop Daydream"
13. Yo La Tengo: "The Whole of the Law"
14. Rachid Taha: "El H'Mame"
15. Palace Brothers: "Riding"
16. Robert Pollard: "Dancing Girls and Dancing Men"
17. Nôze: "Gaïa"
18. Matthew Herbert: "The Nine Seeds of Navdanya"
19. The Magnetic Fields: "Infinitely Late at Night"

untitled

1. Public Image Ltd.: Second Edition
2. Yo La Tengo: Painful
3. Josephine Foster: Hazel Eyes, I Will Lead You
4. Robert Pollard: From a Compound Eye

Mmm... nosh!

Today I had my first meeting with a rabbi. It went really well. I think I'll go to services tomorrow night. Thay even have nosh right before services! You know I'm all over that. I have been noshing since long before I found out I was a Jew.

1. The Magnetic Fields: i
2. Brian Eno: Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)
3. Palace Brothers: There Is No-One What Will Take Care of You
4. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: Henry's Dream
5. Adult.: Gimmie Trouble
6. Rachid Taha: Diwân

Stranger than fiction

I think this is the first instance of the words 'teacup' and 'accident' occurring consecutively in an English-language sentence without a comma or semicolon between them.

More evidence for a 10th planet.

Today's listening:

1. Gorillaz: Demon Days
2. The Human League: Dare! / Love and Dancing
3. Martin Denny: The Exotic Sounds of Martin Denny
4. Linda Perry: In Flight