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February 28, 2005

Blizzards, Scoliosis & Saki

We have an exciting month ahead of us. February is on it's way out and the new edition of Dork hits webstands March 10. Look for a few changes around these parts as well as another dork party at Low Bar. This month's party will be crazy - Jenga is back in effect, Rice has a new range of Saki and I finally got my hands on Final Scratch 2 (which means no more scoliosis or being limited to the two bags of records I usually bring). Anyway, as we dodge this winter blizzard - peep some of the crazy links headlining today's news below...

• Public Enemy No. 1: My homeboy Ian gives you some coverage of the PE event last night. This quote alone is ridiculous, "Hank Shocklee talked about how during the recording of "Black Steel in the Hour Of Chaos" they had accidentally left one effects lead half-unplugged and in the process discovered the "filtering" production technique which went on to become popularized by Large Professor, used on many early-mid 90's hip hop records and later a standard pre-set on modern outboard gear. He also recalled how Chuck had a cold and didn't want to cut his vocal but that in the end the effect it had on his voice really captured the emotion they needed on the song." Different Kitchen is no joke - go run tell that!
• iWorld: Have we retreated to an iWorld? Here's some interesting commentary from our friend Andrew Sullivan.
• Yikes:This is just funny. I don't know how Josh finds this stuff...
• Nerd Radar: I know that I'm a nerd myself, but this is too much. The Verb people must be having a fit. It kind of reminds me of those gopher cakes. ha! Remember how ridiculous that commercial was? Man, you don't even have to leave the couch anymore - this is just pathetic. Why call when you can order during the game.
• Nerds who are Pimps: Well since we're on the nerd thing - nerds can be pimps too. So why wouldn't you have your firefox browser interface all pimped out. The game is to be sold and not told, but in this case I'll just tell ya.

peace.taj

PS> The latest edition of the New Yorker has a dope article on Bobbito. In addition, Complex has a survival guide that hit newstands this week as well.

Posted by taj at 01:55 PM | Comments (116)

February 25, 2005

Tonights Midnight Marauding

Well it's Friday and I think I deserve to get stupid and party hearty. After I make a little pasta with a tomato basil blush sauce I'll probably hit up The Vapors party - they have $1 40 ounces. Catchdubs is spinning as well. Stone groove my man, stone groove.

Oh yeah, i bet you never thought Roadblock from GI Joe had something in common with the King of Pop.

peace.james

Posted by james at 06:11 PM | Comments (123)

February 23, 2005

Cee-lo, FBI, White Stripes

Last night I went on an MTV binge and watched everything from Real World to the Osbournes. In between I caught Sweet Sixteen - the one with Cee-lo's daughter. At first I was afraid to watch it. Usually this show portrays kids that can't be pleased, and parents who have lost control somewhere along the way. I thought, please don't let Cee-lo be one of those parents. Cee-lo is too cool to be punked by a spoiled child. Luckily Cee-lo's wife wasn't having it - no spoiled children there. Homegirl had to get her grades up before she got a party. Albeit, the party was a little over the top with the helicopter, model runway and 5 outfit changes, but when you compare this episode to the other Sweet Sixteens, it was balanced in good fun and some hard work (it's all about the grades).

• Apple News: ThinkSecret was close, but a little off with their prediction of the new Ipod line.
• Cookery: For all the precision chefs out there, check out this magnetic timer. It's the perfect compliment to a stainless steal kitchen.
• Boredom: If you're bored and looking for a challenge. Why don't you try to destroy the world.
• Music News: The White Stripes head back to the studio to work on their fifth album. I'm definitely looking forward to this one.
• Taken too seriously: As important as you may think you are - a regular web surfer, looking for the latest and hottest news - the FBI has not issued you a citation for the dangerous webpages you've found.
• Songs you can't get away from: Although we’ve covered Amerie’s new single, album, et al a bunch of times, it doesn’t mean we can’t link you to someone else's jawn who’s talking about her. Fabolous or no Fabolous, Jay-Z or no Jay-Z — you make the call. In addition, I can’t even front – this is the most touching rendition of the mockingbird song I've ever heard. The video footage is mad personal.

peace.taj

PS> Just in case you didn't notice, on the index page, under the post, we've included a new links page and a download section that will be updated weekly with some cool media.

Posted by taj at 12:30 AM | Comments (73)

February 22, 2005

Mussels in White Wine Tomato Sauce

Last night I made that. To accompany, I made a marinated pear, endive, and roquefort salad. Try it at home, I suggest making your own croutons. Make sure you listen to Mind Fusion Vol. 2 while you make it. Madlib's jazzy, funky, soul mix is the perfect addition to this dish. After that have a little Marcel Rangaud (a lovely cognac) and read the new issue of Vapors Magazine. A lovely night INDEED!!!

Posted by james at 02:17 PM | Comments (14)

February 21, 2005

{Madlib, Paris, & Midnight Hour}

I'm listening to Mind Fusion Volume I, mixed by Madlib. Before I continue, I'm a huge Madlib fan. Many ask why? But he's one of the only creative minds left in Hip Hop doing stuff outside the box while at the same time never hesitating to let you in on the fun. In addition, it's clear that he's still a fan of rap music. He takes acapellas, flips them, and if it doesn't work, too bad he tried. This cat proves that it's not always about the end product but rather the process, the bravado, the courage to rock something new, like purple dunks with orange corduroy. You may joke today but he's the cat who breaks a trend and blows the market wide open for hush puppies (obscure tipping point reference). But honestly, this album is fantastic. It has exciting points mixed with great production and hilarious drops. In other news, I've got some crazy links for you today...

• Celebrity News: I know in our mission statement we mention an effort to stay away from celebrity news and focus on everyday people, but the following news will have an effect on dorks far and wide despite who's involved... Paris Hilton's Sidekick was hacked! Yes, this sucks for her and all of her friends whose photos, addresses, emails, and phone numbers were made public. However, the real problem is that SideKick's server may be unsecure. Nooo!!! Some speculate that her password was coaxed out of her. Others suspect that the servers had been hacked.
• Blogging News: Since Blogging has been getting so much coverage in the news, I thought it fitting that I give a shout to my Technological Blogging Parents. I also wanted to hip you to this article on Wired's blog regarding bloggers and the questionable first amendment protections.
• Science News: The million dollar man isn't too far off. Monkey thoughts are moving robotic arms as you read this...
• Illadelph Sports: The Eagles lost the SuperBowl, but AI is still trying to bring home some trophies. Big up to the Answer's MVP win last weekend.
• Banana Clicks: The backroom whispers from one of my favorite sites gives you the update and peep the ridiculous gear/accessories from StereoHype.
• In the Studio: Check out this footage of the Neptunes in the studio working on the Midnight Hour. Crazy!

peace.taj

Posted by taj at 02:44 PM | Comments (26)

February 18, 2005

{Midnight Marauding}

Last night was super cool - especially since I didn't want to go out. I felt like I had to because I did laundry and had to experience the sensation of wearing clean clothes. Anyway I checked this photography exhibit @ the 3more Gallery. It featured the work of Josh Wildman & Alain Levitt - I liked it. The only bad part was that they had an open bar and I decided to try Red Bull and vodka (like 4 of them). That stuff is horrible and I was drunk yet super awake - very bad.

After that I went by my friends Shanti & Victoria's spot and chilled for a second. They are always working on some crazy stuff, so it is cool to check them out. Unfortunately that crazy red bull vodka devil drink was still lunifying me and then I remembered I had two cups of coffee 3 hours earlier. Caffeine is no good, no good. I left.

Time passed and after buying a beer, so this pizza dude would let me use the bathroom, (by the way the bathroom key was the size of a clipboard) I went by APT. DJ Language and DJ Lindsey were spinning. The door man didn't want to let me in, but I did that wack Hollywood ish and slid him my card and of course I was cool - I felt really corny for having to do that. Talked to that dude Language for a second, he said he just got back in from Dubai. The way he made it sound, Dubai is poppin! Next thing you know Dipset will be doing shows out there.

Well that was my night. Not like you care. Oh yeah, I forgot to give the pizza guy his clipboard bathroom key back. I'm sorry.

Posted by james at 11:08 PM | Comments (34)

February 16, 2005

{Mars Blackman, Tees & Mighty Mos}

Five tenth's of Dork is cold rockin it here in Columbus. It was a long and busy day, but we made it. I'm here watching Alexander and it's not nearly as bad as the critics portrayed. In my humble opinion it's pretty good. Unless it takes some ridiculous unforeseen twist, this movie gets a thumbs up from me. "So conquer your fear and I promise that you'll conquer death!" Man I love some roman/greek mythology/history depending on what you believe type stuff. In other news, here's today's update...

• Mars Blackman: Although Mars isn't completely back on the advertisement tip - it's good to see brother Spike making some more of his classic material. His latest Nike Clip is ill. I didn't get a chance to catch She Hate Me, but it's still driving some press.
• Tee Shirt Overload: Just get to clicking - these are some of my favorite hunting spots... here and here and here and here.
• Dame and Diddy: What's up with Dame now that the Roc Dynasty appears to have changed or shifted hands? But the more things change the more they stay the same - Diddy hits us with yet another Making the Band.
• Cool Cheese: Here's a quick glimpse of the new Amerie video - Check out how Nas' continues to rip it, Mos Def talks about a diverse career & these wallets are just too sick.

peace.taj

Posted by taj at 10:39 PM | Comments (22)

February 15, 2005

{Chris Rock, Electro-Fur and Global Warming}

It’s Day two of this Ohio fun and we rocked it today. Everything is going according to plan. But I must admit – this weather has me a little concerned. One moment it’s freezing and the next it feels like spring. It felt so nice today that we threw around the rock and played a few games of horse after work. Right around H-O-R-S I took a breather and realized that global warming is real. It shouldn’t feel like this in February, especially in the midwest. ha! Anyway it's getting late and I gotta pack – I’m hitting up Columbus tomorrow. Until then, here’s the rest of today’s news...

• Oscar Rumblings: I knew there'd be some controversy with my man Chris Rock hosting the Oscars. Although his comments haven’t affected the producer's swagger, the academy has voiced some concerns. I have to agree with these cats on this one, but I don’t think it’ll be a complete flop.
• Ill Garments: I definitely need to cop this jacket - the ultimate marriage of form and function. The Wearable Warning Fur looks like something from an anime comic book.
• Illegal Genius: I knew it was only a matter of time before someone put Napster in its place and hacked the service. It'd be really ironic if it was the cat who developed the original napster to begin with.
• Reasons for visiting Lucifer: This is just wrong. You can't jack young cats for their ipods. Lesson to parents - if you buy your kids an ipod, please also buy them some black headphones.
• Spine Magazine: Visit them here! They are easily one of the dopest website out right now. Their most recent entry has clips of Jazzy Jeff smashing things on the turntables with Final Scratch of Serato (one of those digital jammies) Check it out.

peace.taj

PS> The Lambo pic was taken at last weekend's car show in Philly. My pops and I go every year and take in the new auto innovations. This year continued to please.

Posted by taj at 11:57 PM | Comments (70)

February 14, 2005

{Wandering Wifi, CNN's on a roll & Common}

I need to be a hotel critic. Man! I purposely selected this hotel because of its advertised wifi capabilities. Internet connectivity is crucial. I feel completely lost without it. But, I should have known things weren't looking good when I entered the room, dropped my bags and went to click on the tv. No response. The tv didn't work. I didn't care though, so long as the wifi was operating, I was good. However... THAT didn't work either. I seriously almost lost it in my room. So, here I am hitting you with this late evening update, over a dial-up connection and held captive by a thin, baud skeething telephone cord. WanderingWifi needs to step up their game in the realest way. Anyway, in other news...

• CNN is on a roll: First they had me laughing with this article on Blogging, and then they reported this interesting grammy bit. I did think last year's show was better, but I didn't realize there was this much apathy toward the show.
• Media Find: Unfortunately, I can't appreciate this link since I'm stuck on dial-up. From what I've read, it appears that Common and crew wild'out on the Corners.(Spotted via Funkdigi - nice redesign homey!)
• Digital vs. Analog: Archimedes brings it to Tamagotchi. Care for the little seeds and watch the plant grow. As spotted on Cool Hunting - "Archimedes is a little friend from Japan brought to you as a way to care for and consider the meaning of life."

All right - my surfing capabilities are seriously hindered, so those are all the fly links I can supply for today. I hope all is well in your world.

peace.taj

PS> Big up to the Montrose TGIF that hooked me up with the illest Potato Skins known to man.

Posted by taj at 10:01 PM | Comments (22)

February 11, 2005

{Dork Vday recommendations}

Well the weekend is upon us. Since this is Valentine's weekend, today's links will hit you with a gang of cool events, gadgets and quirky things for you and your homey lover friend. Check it out...

• Dork recommended event: If you're in the Illadelphiatic area, be sure to catch Nick and crew at the Metro Lounge tonight for Lover's Rock!
• Dork recommended movie: In my humble opinion, you should check out Hitch despite what people may be saying. In the very least, that dude from King of Queens will guarantee one funny moment - besides Will is just cool.
• Dork recommended gift: For those who don't know what to get their better half - check this out. I know this would make me fall ten times further in love than I already am... Nerdy yes, but the storage is undeniable. Who could pass this up? Do you know how many mp3's and photos 2 terabytes holds!?
• Dork recommended advice: What ever you do, do not take your better half to this performance. Nothing Compares 2 You is the sappiest song known to man. It was the soundtrack to 90 percent of the break-ups when I was in junior high. Don't do it!
• Dork recommended music: I recommend the Madlib Remix of Bilal's Soul Sista, but if you don't have that handy - throw on this. Psyche! just looking for another reason to play that song. lol! But for real, you don't need no dork advice!

peace.taj

PS> Big shout to my man Renzo for hooking us up with that sick Graf pic. I appreciate it. Not only is dude nice with the camera, but his sneaker collection is gorilla. Check out some of his collection for sale on ebay here.

Posted by taj at 02:04 AM | Comments (132)

February 10, 2005

{Waxpoetics, Halcyon Benefit & MocoLoco}

The other day I went to the book store and copped the new Waxpoetics. I have every issues of the crate diggin journal. In the past, each issue had a formula I really liked. They'd take some artist like Jimmy McGriff who has been sampled to the high heavens - discuss his history - and then take someone like Madlib and discuss his artistic process - beatmaking, cratedigging etc. However, the last couple of issues have delved more into sampled artists and further away from the current beatmaker. Perhaps Andre Torres being the editor of Scratch Mag and Waxpoetics has something to do with this - potential conflict of interest. So WP if your reading this, please go back to intergrating current beatmakers with old-school funk, soul and rock artists. Their relationship, whether personal or sampled, is what made the journal so interesting in my opinion. Anyway in other news...

• MocoLoco - a dope site by the way - hips us to a new book called The Very Small Home. It takes a look at Modern Furniture and space conscious architecture. (Check it out! )
• This caught my eye, since I travel everywhere with my camera. If you’re in the Chicago area be sure to check out Universal Experience (Art, Life and the Tourist’s Eye) From February 12 – June 5, 2005. Word up!
• The Sony Toshiba IBM Cell Processor has changed the game in a big way. Intel, Nvidia, AMD and ATI aren’t ready. Playstation 3 first and then the world.
• Lil Bow Wow before there was a Lil Bow Wow – it’s the lyrical mac. Speaking of Hip-Hop, did you all hear Jay-Z' response diss to the whole biter thing - this seems a little ambigious but cool none-the-less. (listen!)
• Here’s some more Beck goodness compliments of stereogum. I remember one of the old Fader covers had D’Angelo and Beck loungin together – They matched them up as brothers of funk – this is definitely true, but another thing they have in common is how they utterly disappear for years and then come back with the monster smash of musical bananas. I can’t wait to cop this new Beck album. D' when's your album going to drop? It's been too long!
• Last but not least, if you're in the BK area, be sure to stop by Halcyon for their Tsunami Benefit called, Hard Times an Art Show. 50 artists' work all for under 100 beans. Check them out from February 8-March 20. More details here.

peace.taj

Posted by taj at 10:45 AM | Comments (10)

February 09, 2005

{Kanye, Indie Music Awards, Fashion Week}

Hey it is me, Jahmez. I know you don't care. Anyway Kanye West Is huge right now! Not only does he have the dumb and hard to please "streets", but the intelligerati loves him. Last night he was on Charlie Rose and he just got the cover of the Village Voice. Check both out, the boy is a lot deeper than you may have thought...

Kanye owes his success to the ungerground hip hop community and he gave them credit. He should head out to the Plug Independent Music Awards tonight at Webster Hall, NYC @ 7pm. My friend Graykid will be hosting and Aesop Rock and RJD2 are performing, so it should be a fun
time.

Oh yeah it's Fashion Week in the NYC. I am still tired from last week so I don't know how many events I will hit up, but it's a good opportunity to get your "poser" on and crash some cooler than cool parties and lie your butt off.

peace.james

Posted by james at 01:26 PM | Comments (13)

February 08, 2005

{Sunrise, Podcasting & Brazilian coaches}

Lately, the weather has been amazing. Sunny, clear & mild. This morning I had a 7:30 meeting so I woke up around 5:30 (to eat breakfast, get my game face on, etc). As I looked out my window I noticed the most beautiful sunrise. The way the sun hit the city was absolutely striking. I love peaceful moments like that. I briefly thought about trying to wake up every morning around 6 so I could watch the rise, but then I realized there was no monkey-trucking way I could do that. I’m just not a morning person. Anyway, it was a beautiful moment while it lasted, peep the rest of today’s news...

• Back in the day, I used to try and make radio broadcasts from tapes and real-encoder. Now cats are just loading stuff up in Mp3 and offering it to the world. The digital age presents so many interesting grassroots twists - peep this article on Podcasting.
• By no means am I a big fan of the 80's. I've seen hipsters desparately try to bring back this era, but not even I can front on this tee. Our friends at GiantStep also have this collabo tee with Puma - all proceeds go toward Habitat for Humanity.
• Dustygroove is carrying two major items for me right now: First up is the latest edition of WaxPoetics. The Second is Big Pooh's Sleepers.
• I thought this headline was pretty ill, I might sign up - "Brazil to teach world their soccer secrets..." Word! But until then, I'll just continue my online soccer domination. If you need schooling, feel free to ring me up or check out here or here.
• Finally, the Napster vs. Itunes debate: Over the weekend my pops and I had a debate as to what was better. I’m for ownership while he is for quick access to unlimited amounts of music. Check out this breakdown of the two services by Daring Fireball.

peace.taj

Posted by taj at 12:16 AM | Comments (20)

February 07, 2005

{the best week ever, twister & party pics }

Last week was the best week ever. Well, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it was a pretty good one. Lots of people continue to visit the site and give us positive feedback. And, last week's Dork Party was bananas. Pure fiyah! Thanks to all that came out and showed support. Cats were playing Jenga, one chick nearly threw over a table when she won a round of Uno, and Twister was about to make its way out to the floor until someone discovered the plastic mat was flammable. Trust me - we don't want to violate any fire codes, Ian had the place hot enough with his Amerie to Mariah, to the Game mix. Anyway, here's today's news...

• First Juventus goes down against Palermo - which allows Milan to bark awfully close to their heels in Serie A. Then the Eagles lose to the Pats. None of my squads had a good showing this weekend.
• The official launch for Google's Gmail may be just around the corner. People who have been using the service thus far, have seen an increase in their invites rise from 4 to 50. Word!
• Spike Lee, The Roots, Ludacris and Kweli come together to commemorate Malcolm X in Harlem. (Spotted via SoHH )
• Check out Freshness for their interview with Mo about his ill designs and Nike SB's.
• Last but not least, peep the pics from last Thursday's dork party. I was going to try and do a recap, but a few of my friends helped me out here and here. Basically, we had a blast.

peace.taj

Posted by taj at 08:13 AM | Comments (19)

February 03, 2005

{Superbowl, Amerie & Dork Party Tonight}

Okay so the Superbowl is this Sunday. To me it is the worst game of the year. I usually watch games during my extended Sunday nap. I wake up every few minutes to see if anything interesting is going on. If it's a blowout, or if the teams are just trading field goals, I go back to sleep. All the commercials and hype make the Superbowl about as interesting as sitting in a focus group for hearing aids. But it is a good excuse to get drunk, eat and watch 7 hours of television so I will conform - Go Eagles!!!

Anyway, try this at work - very fun. lol!

I can't get Amerie's new song out of my head. She is the queen of the hot single that doesn't blow up. I will do my part by playing "one thing" at least 5 times tonight at our party @ Lowbar. Come out.

Posted by james at 12:25 PM | Comments (50)

February 02, 2005

{Sa-Ra, True & Arsenal}

After all the buzz I'd been hearing about Sa-Ra I finally got a copy of their EP off itunes. Its pretty good. Many people have called the album refreshing, innovative, etc. When I listen to this stuff I can't help but think about the overwhelming influence Jay Dee's drums have had... People follow his heavy boom clack undertone to the highest degree. No matter how many spacey elements someone layers over the beat, jay's influence still shines through. But, since I'm a huge Jay fan - the beats and melodies on Sa-Ra's Ep sit well with me. No qualms here. I'm just not sure if innovative is the right word to describe them, but refreshing and super cool will work.

• The other day I was watching the Wedding Singer and dying about how cool people thought they were in the 80s when they owned a cd player or brick cell phone. That was some high tech stuff back in the day. I can only imagine how cats felt if they owned one of these.ha!
• Noooooo!!!! Not the gunners - say it ain't so... It looks like my boys took a lost the other day to Manchester U. Pure blasphemy! Sian I'm talking to you :)
• I was drinking Coke, but I'm temporarily officially switching to Pepsi so I can collect my free music from Itunes. Word!
• Google continues to smash everything in sight. I wonder if Microsoft's new search enginge will be able to compete.
• The Usher madness continues... Ciara and Usher lead in nominations for the Soul Train Music Awards.
• Tee Shirt Report: As many of you know, I'm a tee-shirt addict. Digital Gravel is one of my favorite spots to find unique tees. They've been selling underground shirts and breaking new graphic artist for quite some time now. So check out a few of their artist if you get a chance.This jawn is classic.

peace.taj

Posted by taj at 12:03 AM | Comments (18)

February 01, 2005

{Red Stripe & Good Music}

Last night was cool. I made pasta puntanesca - a lovely dish made with anchovies, tomatoes, olives, capers, and basil. After that I went to a party at Sway, DJ Jackie and DJ Lindsey were on the 1's and 2's. I gotta say those women really know how to select music, if you haven't heard either spin you are really missing out. I smuggled some Red Stripes in the club and had a great time with some of my buddies - I couldn't ask for a better night.

Don't forget to check us out Thursday night.

Posted by james at 01:50 PM | Comments (11)