Matt Marks Music

“Brian Eno once famously remarked that the problem with computers is that there isn’t enough Africa in them. I kind of think that its the opposite: they’re bringing the ideals of Africa: after all, computers are about connectivity, shareware, a sense of global discussion about topics and issues, the relentless density of info overload, and above all the willingness to engage and discuss it all – that’s something you could find on any street corner in Africa.

I just wanted to highlight the point: Digital Africa is here, and has been here for a while. This isn’t “retro” – it’s about the future. “

Shut up DJ Spooky. Dropping an Eno reference and speaking with glitter-eyed optimism about the similarities between a continent and a tool, which computers still essentially are, don’t make you hip. That’s like saying ice cream and the Spanish language are similar. Let’s see if I can do this. Um, they both involve interesting usage of the tongue. They can both make you smile on a rainy day. Yeah, you get the idea. Go back to being adored by the ignorant experimental music elite for having a shred of insight into an area of music they know nothing about.

PS Shareware means you pay, btw, ie. try before you buy…

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November 21, 2007 · 6:59 pm

Conservapedia in the closet

If you needed any more proof that the farther to the Christian Right you are, the more gay-obsessed you are, Andrew Sullivan found this on Conservapedia (the ridiculously biased Right-Wing version of Wikipedia):

Most viewed pages

Main Page‎ [1,906,753]

Homosexuality‎ [1,572,873]

Homosexuality and Hepatitis‎ [517,087]

Homosexuality and Promiscuity‎ [420,690]

Gay Bowel Syndrome‎ [389,278]

Homosexuality and Parasites‎ [388,124]

Homosexuality and Domestic Violence‎ [365,972]

Homosexuality and Gonorrhea‎ [331,553]

Homosexuality and Mental Health‎ [291,235]

Homosexuality and Syphilis‎ [265,322]

-via The Daily Dish

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November 21, 2007 · 6:48 pm

Study find no link between video games and violence

Well, duh. Still, front-running Hillary has always been a major foe of video games.

Clinton said she would soon author a bill to create a federal law that would “put some teeth into video game ratings.” Reminiscent of a California bill introduced by Assemblyman Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) and similar measures in several other states, the legislation will “prohibit the sale of violent and sexually explicit video games to minors” and make such action a federal offense. Clinton said the penalty for violating the law would be a mandatory $5,000 fine.

Jesus, lady. Take it easy. Of course that was in 2005, in response to Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (one of the best games ever, seriously, a work of art). Unsurprisingly I don’t believe anything really came of that bill. She was just caught up in the controversy, playing to peoples’ impulses. But I’m sure she would never, ever do such a thing as president, right?

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Filed under video game violence

November 21, 2007 · 6:26 pm

Tasered for arguing over a speeding ticket

Disgusting. The most telling part is near the end when the cop explains to his fellow officer why he tasered the man, blatantly lying. He says the man was “jumping around” and that he informed the man he would tase him, neither of which actually happened as you can see from the video. Couple this type of gratuitous use of the taser with the increasing amounts of deaths by taser.

-via The Agitator

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Filed under speeding ticket, taser, tazer

November 21, 2007 · 3:41 pm

The death of The Sexiest Man Alive

I was just walking out of Starbucks, the Barnes and Noble one in Park Slope, when I saw a magazine (People?) with the Sexiest Man Alive on it. It was Matt Damon.

Ok, I was wondering. The last Sexiest Man Alive I remember there being was Matthew McConaughey, who knows what year that was. The thing is, he’s still alive. I mean, I think he is. He died a hilarious Stewie-related death on Family Guy, but I’m pretty sure that was just fictional (Chris! Help me get rid of this thing!).

Are they saying that the former Matthew is now past his prime? He was fated to be replaced by a sexier, more youthful Matt? I noticed that the Sexiest Men Alive also tend to be in their forties. Does that mean when I’m a creaky, viagra-huffing, metimucil-spooner I’ll be seen as Sexier? Perhaps the next variation on the reign of Matthews is the sleeker, redesigned Mafoo, due out in 2026!

PS sharing the Sexy magazine cover is the enigmatically-proclaimed “hottie”, Patrick Dempsey (who may have also been a SMA). I’ve heard accolades to his Sexiness from countless women (including my own girlfriend!). Sorry ladies, that dude straight looks like a weasel. I don’t care how alluring he might appear backed by warm lighting and a James Blunt soundtrack on Grey’s-fucking-Anatomy, he’s still that geeky guy from Can’t Buy Me Love, no matter how much hair-product he currently employs.

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Filed under matt damon, matthew mcconaughy, patrick dempsey, sexiest man alive

November 20, 2007 · 7:22 pm

New Cloverfield trailer

Who knows if this will be good or not. I originally thought that J.J. Abrams was directing but apparently he is producing. Big difference there. This was “produced” by Steven Spielberg.
Still, it looks intriguing. I like that you don’t see the monster (or whatever is killing Manhattan) and that the viewer seems to share in the characters’ ignorance. That is one of my favorite aspects of Lost. Cloverfield is written by a Lost guy, Drew Goddard, so it could be cool. Though let’s hope all of the build-up doesn’t culminate in a monster as lame as this:

Uf! That was a buzzkill.

(PS it’s the little green man from Signs)

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Filed under j.j. abrams, Lost, signs

November 20, 2007 · 6:18 pm

Getting out of jury duty

How to get out of jury duty.
I haven’t served yet. I almost had to, but it was the California court system that wanted me to serve and I had already been living in New York for a few years.
I do have a real, honest reason for getting out of jury duty, but I could easily see it not working: I am an anarchist. I don’t believe in prisons. I would never vote guilty on anyone, no matter how harsh the crime.
I rue the day that I have to explain my philosophy to an impatient group of jurors wanting to get home to their families and deliver a prompt guilty verdict to an obviously guilty person of a violent crime.
That is why I should never serve.

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Filed under jury duty, mental floss

November 20, 2007 · 5:22 pm

you don’t need it.

New “anti-ad” in Oakland, Ca.
I used to be into the idea of culture jamming. I bought Adbusters and shit. Then I kind of realized that it is just another way for people to feel better about themselves, by illustrating that they themselves are not susceptible to the tyranny of advertising. And, of course, in their limitless grace, they will extend a hand to guide you to the true path.

Fuck that. Why not just make a sign that says “I’m better than you.”.

Ok, while I may not “need” my third vinyl copy of Linda Ronstadt’s Get Closer, I want it. I want it bad.

Because,

A. One can never own enough versions of Kate McGarrigle’s Talk to Me of Mendocino.

and

B. The cover, featuring Linda in a red polka-dot dress (!) folds out. So I obviously need one to display, one to listen to, and one to keep in my collection. Duh!

PS feast your eyes on Mafoo’s extravagant decadence anti-consumerists! Allow Linda’s airbrushed blush to seduce you into the alluring world of excess!