Howdy folks. My interview today went well. I feel like I have a good chance with this particularly rockin' web entity.

Yep... a job would be cool.

Otherwise, Jay's shooting really has me down. Such a nice guy, it seems. Damn thugs. Not much humor in a day like that. Let's just all cue up our copies of "Rock Box" and take a moment to remember one of the most important men in popular music of the past 20 years.
posted by Gray at 9:30 PM | | link

Damnit.

Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay of the unbeatable Run DMC, has been shot and killed. He always seemed to be a really nice guy when I saw them perform. This sucks.

I know the group was on the rocks and all, and we might not have ever heard another album from them... but...

I'm glad I got to see two shows...both unforgettable. First in College Station, where all 3 signed my tshirt, then with Abi at Music Midtown. I still have a snippet of that 2nd concert recorded on my mobile phone. The tshirt will be an even more prized possession now.

RIP - King of the Crossfader
posted by Gray at 12:30 AM | | link

"Who you tryin' to get crazy with, ese? Don't you know I'm loco?!" - Hansel

Speakin' of loco, Mr. Jack Bauer continues to show off his badassedness in the new season of "24" tonight. I really enjoy that show. Great action drama with a healthy dose of hotness in the form of young Ms. Kim Bauer.

Yeah... I'll look into that 'leaving the house' thing soon... I promise.

posted by Gray at 11:32 PM | | link

Feel the power of this post, people; it's blasting out of the keyboard 8x faster than the last one. Mmm... gigahertz...

Today was one of those days that does its best to sap your will to move or create or do much of anything. Fortunately, I had some fun stuff to keep me busy. Hopefully the rest of the week will be a productive and candy-filled one.
posted by Gray at 7:15 PM | | link

Well NOW I know why I don't have a job yet...

My resume should be on black paper! KNEEL BEFORE ZOD's RESUME!
posted by Gray at 12:10 AM | | link

Firstly, HEH.

Secondly, since I seem to be a clearinghouse of "Robbery Homicide Division" info lately... yes, that was the Jurassic 5 they played in the final scene of the last episode. It was the supafly track called "A Day At The Races" (featuring the immortal Big Daddy Kane). Why does everyone keep searching for info on "RHD" being cancelled? There's been no mention of that, as far as I know... have faith!

Thirdly, who wants to fly me to L.A. for the Clash of the Titans? I have a friend who would like to come, too, so we'll need 2 tickets.
posted by Gray at 10:43 PM | | link

Graybert and Roeper:
Punch-Drunk Love is a strange, sweet comedic- romance-thing that will no doubt confound and confuse thousands of college boy Sandler disciples across the nation. There's plenty of funny stuff in it, but it's sometimes uncomfortable to watch.

I recommend it if you like funny, unusual movies.

...but it's not as good as, say, Being John Malkovich... and there's no Quiz Kid Donnie Smith in it, nor does anyone have a (visibly) giant shlong.
posted by Gray at 12:24 AM | | link

Interview in the works! Next week, perhaps?

Ohhh...get ready for some more board game analogies...
posted by Gray at 5:28 PM | | link

An Open Letter To Papa Roach:

Dear Papa Roach,
I accidentally saw part of your new video on the MTV, and I must say that the muscle cars racing through the streets were pretty cool. In the future, however, please try not to suck so much in the music department.

Also, if you could let someone else drive the cars, that'd be great.

Thank you,
Gray Whitten, Music Fan
posted by Gray at 1:10 AM | | link

Mmm... simultaneous arrival of gloomy weather and excess snot. Always makes for a fun week.

I have no humor in me this evening.

I think something funny might have happened at Sam's when I was buying vitamins in bulk, but I can't remember right now. Someone please leave funny comments.
posted by Gray at 9:39 PM | | link

So, on the non-entertaining, non-media-related side of life, the (used) transmission in The SuperBonneville is shot. Poor maintenance on my part? Crappy transmission from the moment it was put in? Yes, both of those. Let's leave it at a sort of an amicable compromise of guilt, shall we?

I love the car, but I should have ditched it over a year ago as I once planned. I've endured way too much hassle and spent an uncomfortable amount of ca$h just keeping it on the road. Why? I already told you. I love the car. It's probably the nicest one I'll own for quite a while, but the time has come. I'm gonna have to put 'er down.

I'll just roll in the Grand Prix and get a big ol' woofer that rattles with such ferocity that no one cares WHAT I'm playing, so long as I stay away from them. Wait... does that mean I have to listen to "Big Tymers" and the like? Nothing is worth that. I'll stay lo-fi and jam the NPR, yo.

"All Things Considered" in the hizouse, beeshes!

It's the mother-grabbin' year 2002... where's my flying car (and robot wife)?

NP :: Boards of Canada - I don't know any song titles and I'm lazy.
posted by Gray at 10:14 PM | | link

Look At The Big Brain On Lex!

Points to "Smallville" for using both 'amiable' and 'detante' in the same breath.
posted by Gray at 9:33 PM | | link

Do you people realize that they make frozen cookie dough with caramel already in the middle? I'm traditionally in support of the space program and pure research in general, but if I could see more breakthroughs like this one, I might have to support the idea of more taxpayer dollars being funnelled straight into Dessert Engineering!

Mmmm...caramel...
posted by Gray at 1:11 PM | | link

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

Why can't the rest of America learn to hate laugh tracks as much as I do?

It would make the world a better place, I promise. A world unfettered by "Yes Dear"s and "Baby Bob"ses. A world where "Undeclared" is still on the air. A world where Ted Danson polishes the shoes of Andy Richter and Judd Apatow.

Say it with me, folks. "I hate laugh tracks."
posted by Gray at 8:55 PM | | link

"We keep the funk alive by talking with idioms." - Del Tha Funkee Homosapien aka Deltron 3030

Since I seem to be a magnet for folks searching for Deltron and "Robbery Homicide Division" lately, I thought I'd throw up a little shout out.

Yep, that's "3030" that was used in the commercials and at the start of each episode (more briefly now). I missed the premiere, but I think it was used to score the opening scene of that. Michael Mann has some pretty nice taste in music. The soundtracks to HEAT and The Insider were both pretty hot, and he used a DJ Shadow track in the 2nd episode of "RHD" (it was "Blood On The Motorway" and the effect was very cool).

So yeah... this Deltron just keeps getting better. Glad to see other fans out there.

NP :: Deltron 3030 - "Positive Contact"
posted by Gray at 2:03 AM | | link

I really got a kick out of this... someone visited The Grayscale via a Google search for "Mack yourself a website." Now, I don't know if that was what they REALLY meant or if it was supposed to be "Make." Considering the fact that I've made quite a few web sites and that I've also macked free hosting for everything I've ever done... either way, I think the search was pretty accurate.

I'm sure this will interest almost none of you... but I macked this site, and I can post what I please.

NP :: Faith No More - "Ashes To Ashes (Hardknox Horned Hand Mix)"
posted by Gray at 3:50 PM | | link

I continue to enjoy my Game Boy Advance, Dreamcast and Playstation, and I agree with Mr. Maddox when he offers Seven Reasons Why The X-Box Can Suck It.
posted by Gray at 1:06 PM | | link

In other news, I found a book I've been looking for tonight. Creature Tech by Doug TenNapel looks really great, and I'm eager to get started on it. I'll give my thoughts upon completion.

NP :: DJ Shadow - "100 Metre Dash"
posted by Gray at 1:14 AM | | link

Optimism...rising! For those of you playing the home version along with me... move the Gray token ahead to the "Successful Phone Interview" square, and collect one Writing Test card.

Now if I can just hit one of those arrows that shoots me directly into the Full-Time Employment box... sweet, sweet full-time employment...
posted by Gray at 1:02 AM | | link

Insane In The Brain
Insanity Test. Disregard the test part... just enjoy the Flash. (sound required)
posted by Gray at 12:33 PM | | link

Lucky Monkey
"I tried to bring a monkey from Mexico, but they're illegal." - Salma Hayek
posted by Gray at 12:25 AM | | link

Equilibrium - Remember the name, kids. Whenever it finally makes its way to the theaters, it's a white Cadillac full of coolness. I believe the bar shootout in Desperado has been outdone... and if you know me and my tastes, you know that thass'a bold statement.

I'll steal Nick's mathematical summary from CHUD and tell you that it's The Matrix + Gattaca + Fahrenheit 451. That's pretty accurate. Go see it when you can.
posted by Gray at 11:20 PM | | link

Milk Pride
So, PETA activists were pelted with cartons of milk in Aberdeen, Scotland this week. Warms my heart. I mean, I enjoyed a Belinda Carlisle video as much as the next fella back in the day, but there's no way I'm adopting her hippie tenets because of it.

Please don't take this the wrong way... I love my dog, and don't like the idea of animals in pain any more than you, but protesting milk? No man shall stand between me and the key ingredient in the Bruster's ice cream cone, the Frosty (tm) Dairy Dessert and most importantly of all, the Kraft American Single (tm)...the finest garnish known to mankind.

These are pillars of society we're talking about. Stick to the fur protests, PETAns... I have no interest in wearing a garment of 100% pure minkass, so you have free reign from me there.

I close with the words of the immortal George McFly:

"Lou! Give me a milk... *dramatic pause* Chocolate!"
posted by Gray at 1:14 PM | | link

Animation geek alert! New Wallace & Gromit today! The first in a series of 10 new W&G web shorts premieres today at noon! (not sure on the time zone...)

Start refreshing the page compulsively now.
posted by Gray at 10:08 AM | | link

Since I've been a slacker in posting over the weekend, let's practice our brevity:

The Transporter - Ridiculous, and I mean that in the most complementary way possible. Lots of fun if you're in the mood. [ 6 / 10 ]

Croupier - Worth a rental, especially if you're a fan of: gambling, Clive Owen or that British lady doctor from "ER." A very clever drama. [ 7 / 10 ]

The Mack - Best dialogue ever? Could be. A pimpin' primer. Richard Pryor's highest hour. [ 8 / 10 ]

Monsters Inc. DVD - Amazing, as usual. I have barely scratched the surface. [ 9 / 10 ]
posted by Gray at 11:41 AM | | link

Personal note to the person in Ireland who found their way here by asking Yahoo "where can i find pics of teenage boys":

NOT HERE.

And to the person who arrived via "funny pics of cartoon pimps," or something to that effect:

HERE.
posted by Gray at 11:01 PM | | link

Gotta blog this for posterity... thanks to the elfchick for the link.

[ Stupidity @ The Hardware Store ]
posted by Gray at 8:54 PM | | link

I know it's not really nice to make fun of people you don't know, but uh... sometimes it's deserved. Today's Anonymous Harassment victim is this guy.

Have any of you heard of the report that high school and college professors are starting to have trouble with students using chat lingo in school papers? How dumb do you have to be to try that? N E WAY, GTG. L8R!

*shudder*

"USE REAL WORDS!" - Tommy Lee Jones
posted by Gray at 2:38 PM | | link

This morning's Rockin' Track is:

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - "Room At The Top"

This opening track has always been the standout on Echo for me, and now, three years after its release, it still hits me just right. Mr. Petty in top form, even if the album was not my favorite, overall. It has something of a sad feel to it, but it makes me feel like things are gonna be okay, regardless.

I haven't yet picked up the new album, but hope to soon. Any comments on it from the masses? (who am I kidding... it's nowhere near a 'mass'... more like a 'group.' A small group.)
posted by Gray at 11:46 AM | | link

I saw The Ring tonight. By the logic of the movie, I now have seven days to live, unless... Well, that would be telling.

It's a spooky one, folks. Very creative.

...and Naomi Watts is a fox.
posted by Gray at 2:14 AM | | link

Happy Birthday to Diamond David Lee Roth!
posted by Gray at 12:44 AM | | link

Your Life Lesson for Thursday: How To Bathe A Cat (by Bob Brown).
posted by Gray at 10:25 AM | | link

Netflix, you confuse me. How is The Mosquito Coast similar to Hands On A Hard Body? I guess they're both... movies?

Whatever the case, remember to upgrade your gray matter, 'cause one day, it may matter!
posted by Gray at 5:24 PM | | link

This afternoon's Hot Track is:

Deltron 3030 - "3030"

I haven't listened to this album in a while, or very much at all... it's REALLY GOOD. Dig up a copy and give it a spin. Great, great production, and lots of humor. I think the intent was for the album to resemble an aural sci-fi movie, and it worked in my ears!

(OR just go listen to AC/DC's Back In Black again... 'cuz that ALWAYS works in EVERYONE's ears.)
posted by Gray at 5:16 PM | | link

Is there a God?

Various creative types reply here.

For the record, my answer is 'yes.'
posted by Gray at 11:52 PM | | link

Anyone else think my theory is valid that in the future (possibly even IN THE YEAR 2000), we'll have hordes of teenage boys who get turned on by the sound of steel drums as a result of overexposure to GIRLS GONE WILD commercials on Comedy Central?
posted by Gray at 11:32 PM | | link

Jurassic 5 Media Watch:

J5 on MTV:
"News Piece" Featuring Jurassic 5
10/9 @ 2:50pm

J5 on CBS:
The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn
10/10 @ After Dave

J5 on the Interweb:
Click Here Now!

J5 in Atlanta:
11/5 @ The Roxy

...and of course, the new album came out TODAY. Go purchase it. (Money can be exchanged for goods and services.)
posted by Gray at 10:27 PM | | link

How considerate of Messrs. Letterman and Leno to stagger their musical guests (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Queens of the Stone Age, respectively) so as to allow me to see both performances!

The tinnitis from the Queens show eventually went away completely at some point in Mississippi, by the way. I was a bit worried for a few days, though.

NP :: Queens of the Stone Age - "No One Knows" (live)
posted by Gray at 12:36 AM | | link

Oh, and Lyza's site has been redesigned, expanded and enhanced with black market cybernetics technology.

Check it out.
posted by Gray at 6:10 PM | | link

We have a response! (Hey, anything I can get, I latch onto) A nice productive phone interview would be a good start to the week, don't you think?

A pretty restful weekend... and by restful, I mean "I didn't get a DAMN thing done." (aside from the aforementioned concertgoing and celebrity-worship)

If any of you enjoy action movies and aren't watching "Samurai Jack" on Cartoon Network, you're really missing out. 22 minutes of amazement this week. Just excellent.

Other shows worth a look:
- "Alias" (coolest thing going)
- "Boomtown" (enjoying it so far... creative and daring)
- "Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law" (INUPCHUK!)
- "John Doe" (has a cool car. conspiracy is forming)
- "Robbery Homicide Division" (HEAT: The Series!)
- "Junkyard Wars" (should be mandatory for kids)

(yeah, I'm watching too much TV... settle down. Something will get cancelled before long, I'm sure...)
posted by Gray at 11:21 AM | | link

Boy howdy, DJ Shadow put one one of the greatest shows I have seen last night. Just amazing. Adding to the fun is the fact that I met DJ Shadow.

UPDATE: Here's my summary of the concert to the In/Flux mailing list.
posted by Gray at 12:32 PM | | link

Dear web page, I am sorry I have ignored you. I didn't even give you proper recognition for your 10,000th visit this week. And now your counter thing has been broken for a couple of days. Please forgive me. I will fix you now.

Gray

NP :: DJ Shadow - "...Meets His Maker"
posted by Gray at 4:20 PM | | link

DJ Shadow plays Atlanta tomorrow night. Oh yes. Who's going? Well, me, for one. We'll see if the new girls next door are down with that kind of musical quality...

(Anyone else in the ATL who is interested in the show, please leave a comment. I'm always up for having a posse, or even a clique. A cohort? Any of the above.)

NP :: Boards of Canada - "Julie and Candy"
posted by Gray at 2:43 PM | | link

Okay, go along with me here... no skipping ahead:

CNN tries to get hip in search for younger viewers for headline news service (as reported by Conan last night)

Now:

CNN.com - Phat Version
posted by Gray at 1:41 PM | | link

By the way, the staff of The Grayscale are awaiting a phone call from a very cool company regarding potential employment. Think positively for them, won't you?

Thanks, The Mgmt.
posted by Gray at 10:25 AM | | link

"The funniest joke in the world" got a laugh out of me. It's definitely better than your average drawn-out snoozefest.

I like this excerpt from the article:

The team's analysis has also revealed the world's "funniest animal" - the duck. "If you're going to tell a joke involving an animal, make it a duck," Wiseman says.

( ...or a monkey. Duh.)
posted by Gray at 10:19 AM | | link

Okay, a bit of elaboration is due, I suppose. The trip to Miss'sippi was fun. The weather was perfect for a wedding (that of my cousin Denise), so the vowing and cake-eating and birdseed-throwing all went smoothly.

Also worth noting, I got to put my previous usher experience to use and ush the heck out of some wedding guests... in a tux, no less. Witness:



So that was cool. Now, the near-tragic part... My dog, the almighty Muffin, stayed at the home of some relatives during the wedding. My unkle went back to get some rest while the cleanup began, and the aforementioned dachshund eventually needed to go outside. Once free, she promptly wandered off into the darkness and the 3 acres surrounding the house. With no familiar smells, sights or voices, she didn't seem to be interested in returning to the house. My uncle comes to get me at the church, to help 'round up Muffin.'

Cut to the chase, after about 20 minutes of calling her name in the dark, I heard a familiar jingle of collar tags, and saw a dark spot ambling down the road towards me. My little friend, only slightly damp and nervous, was fine. She'd made it at least a third of a mile from the house (which is more impressive when you think in terms of 4"-long legs) in almost complete darkness.

So, in closing; family happy; dog safe; cousin married; cake eaten; tux worn; weekend successful!

Oh, and there was a strip club on the highway in AL called The Boobie Trap. Sorry, my attempted picture from the car didn't come out. And what's up with all the 'arcades' in AL? Somehow I don't think I would have found Soul Calibur 2 or Tekken 4 in those places...
posted by Gray at 11:11 PM | | link

Valhalla I Am Coming:
NEW FAVORITE FLASH ANIMATION
posted by Gray at 1:51 PM | | link