Burial

Here's a really good interview with Burial, the reclusive UK artist whose new record "Untrue" has critics swooning big time. His music is based in the dubstep genre, but significantly atmospheric, dirty, textured and haunting. I'm right in line with those critics - it's a beautiful work of art.

The Village

Images from Maple Leaf Village, the Niagara Falls amusement park where I worked during the summers of 1979 and 1980. My first job ever, and by far the most fun. Casino Niagara now sits on this property. This is the web's only page of MLV info.

Some music from that era that always reminds of The Village - Cheap Trick: Live at Budokan, The Cars: Candy-O and Supertramp: Breakfast in America. The Swinger ride had a sound system and a handful of cassettes. I recall sneaking some Sex Pistols into the rotation at some point.

The Falls

Impressive high-res satellite photo of Niagara Falls. Can you spot both Maid of the Mist boats?

I wish all Google satellite views were this good.

Black Friday, Indeed

This made me sad. I'll be hiding in my basement if anyone needs me.

Imaginary Brands

Designer, Mike Ford creates and sells fictional brand t-shirts, such as Tyrell (the replicant producers from "Bladerunner") and The Overlook Hotel. Cool idea and a great little niche market. Here's a NY Times article and here's his company website.

Also - Wikipedia list of fictional companies, which has at least one glaring omission - Rio Rancho Properties. Mitch and Murray would not be happy.

Talk Talk

I'm a talk junkie. Although I'm generally a pretty quiet, introverted guy, not prone to delivering speeches of any length, I get plenty inspired listening to other people talk. I should clarify - other interesting people.

Some great resources: The Sound of Young America archives, Ted Talks, Charlie Rose archives, This American Life, BBC Radio 4, Podcast Alley

Tip o' the talk iceberg, friends. Enjoy. Learn.

He Slices Like a Hammer

A wonderful monologue from Mr. Paul Anka, who has a few minor issues with his band.

That's just the way it is.

The Spirit of Radio

Although I have absolutely no interest in listening to it now, CFNY-FM 102.1 was a vital part of my life during the late 70's to mid 80's. For a young guy enthralled with the punk and new wave scenes, this station was IT. Now, thanks to The Spirit of Radio fan site, I can listen to hundreds of hours of old programs. This is all kinds of awesome. Marsden, All Night Andre, Liz Janik, Earl Jive...good times.