Random Facts (or how many bologna sandwiches it takes before you go insane.)

Light Roast coffee beans have MORE caffiene than Dark Roast coffee beans.

Why: Caffiene is roasted out of the beans during the roasting process. You get the picture. So while dark roast coffees may seem more robust in flavor (i.e. more eye opening), if you'd really like to wake up and "get 'er done" you'd best drink the "mild" or "light" blends sold in your favorite coffee house.

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He-Man was supposed to be based on Robert E. Howard's version of CONAN THE BARBARIAN as well as the movie, but when Mattel saw the adult content of Conan from the movie to the comics, they decided that it wasn't something for minors to handle like they couldn't create a tree of woe playset. As a result, Conan was given blonde hair and was renamed "He-Man".

*note: Skeletor was unavailable for comment at press-time.

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At least eight brown tree snakes have been found in the Hawaiian islands since 1981. Because they can cause the same amount of harm to Hawaii as they have done to Guam, the State of Hawaii makes concerted efforts to inform the public about the snakes, particularly at Honolulu International Airport.

The Hawaiian government have just been notified that the TREE OF SNAKES are also a potential threat to the public.

csfam,

phl

Sunday Comes Alone Again.

Nothing is quite as reassuring as being able to say these people have not left your life yet... better yet, is knowing that you're a mere 4 months from seeing them in person again...with these people.

Also, I'd like to tell everyone that THE BOREDOMS will be playing THE GROG SHOP on June 28th. On top of that, MISSiON of BuRMA will be playing at this particular venue this summer...Cleveland Power.

Ok... on to some videos for your personal enjoyment:

SONIC YOUTH- DIRTY BOOTS
Someone bring back the 90's and every single thing in this video, including alterna-dreds.

THE FLAMING LIPS- TURN IT ON
It's still weird seeing Wayne Coyne without facial hair. I think this video was made by about a hundred other bands too.

THE EAGLES OF DEATH METAL- I WANT YOU SO HARD
If you've been paying any attention you'd know that this album is actually loosely based on my life. Predictable cameos or not, you wish you were in this band.

THE MUMMIES- UNCONTROLLABLE URGE (devo) on public access tv.
If you didn't know you better call somebody!!! Or just call Dan Watson- who introduced me to punk's answer to toilet paper... THE MUMMIES. Arguably more bang for your buck than if The Stooges and The Ramones turned into a super stoogeramone robot and played in your backard all the time...getting a little off track here....just watch.

AMERICA'S FUNNYMAN
Though my NewDarkColleagues and friends Kevin and Brooke might have you believe that this is comedy's answer to toilet paper... I can assure you that they would be wrong most of the time.

talk to you soon.
phl

My New Friend the Stranger Pt. 1

So it's finally springtime. My dramatic return to Cleveland in early February has fermented into a strange brew of clarity and bewilderment. I wake up in the morning, and this person staring back at me looks so much like my old self that I'm forced to accept him as my own reflection. Somehow though, I am utterly convinced that this man/boy is not me, but some stranger that has been waiting to emerge from my psyche for the majority of my sexual maturity.

Where did this guy come from and why does he care about the Indians game? Why does he seem to like music and superheroes more than the guy before him and obsess over the return of The Black Heart Procession and/or Superman? Does anyone else see this stranger... or do they just think it's me?

This experience as my stranger is so unfamiliar and exciting- but lonely and self-absorbed just as that person staring at the mirror. Strange.

Word to the wise.

Sometimes, not all the time- we all act a little nuts. It could be for any number of reasons: some personal or family matter, no sleep the night before, or for nothing in particular at all. Regardless, never ever tell anyone that you actually are crazy- even if you really are and really trust the person.

Now please look at some of Columbus, Ohio native painter Rob Jones recent work... the one here is his ode to Lemmy.

Love you like a reptile,

vp.

Everyday is Like Sunday...

Like any day... a Sunday I don't work is a day to create a list of music videos I think are worth watching:

The Cure- Lullaby

Robert Smith gets creeped out by the rest of his band and "spider- man"... go figure.

Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

This "Hit" off of the French DigiDuo's masterpiece DISCOVERY is part of the saga of Interstella 555... a band from outerspace that are kidnapped and taken to Earth to sell records... Wait, isn't that The Doobie Brothers story...?

The Stone Roses- I Wanna Be Adored

Best. Song. Ever... but it would help if you'd sing in the mic Ian...methinks.

Stereolab- The Free Design

Oh God Yes.

Das EFX- They Want EFX

You want effects? Puddles are awesome.

Chicken Sandwiches for all mankind.