Uncategorized – Page 336 – The Designer Monologues

June 8, 2007

Passport Hell: “Oops.”

The Bush administration on Friday temporarily waived some of its new, post-Sept. 11 requirements for flying abroad, hoping to help irate summer travelers whose trips have been jeopardized by delays in processing their passports. The change would aid those fliers awaiting a U.S. passport to meet the new rule requiring one for travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

Until the end of September, travelers will be allowed to fly without a passport if they present a State Department receipt, showing they had applied for a passport, and government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license.

Too little, too fucking late, of course….since the people who rushed to apply for passports for travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda are the reason why there is now a 3 to 4 MONTH backlog on processing. So, great if you’re one of the people in the queue who is travelling to one of those places, but not so great if you’re going anywhere else, since you’re still going to have to wait through the backlog.

The Federal Government….”What can DUMB do for you?”

June 8, 2007April 19, 2010

Friday Music

This week:

First, one of my “get in the mood to work” songs — because writing always goes much better when you’re primed and ready: Erik B. and Rakim – “Don’t Sweat The Technique.”

An odd track from Robbie Williams’ 2006 album, Rudebox, where he teams with an 80s icon to sing about another 80s icon. Strange, but then again, that’s Williams all over, innit? Robbie Williams (feat. Pet Shop Boys) – “She’s Madonna.”

The first single from M.I.A.’s forthcoming album, Kala has been officially announced and released. Good stuff, but so far I think that I like the earlier stuff better. I’ll reserve judgement until I hear more: M.I.A. – “Boyz.”

Here’s a fun track from a Brazilian trio, who mix rock guitar riffs with funk carioca (Brazilian funk). I’m loving this. Bonde Do Rolê – “James Bonde.”

Summat for tha Goffiks: My favorite track from Rasputina’s debut album, 1996′ s Thanks for the Ether, featuring their signature three-cello sound. Rasputina – “Transylvanian Concubine.”

The Rosebuds are a new indie group who do some interesting stuff. One one track, they might sound like a late 60s garage band and on another, a mid-70s dance group. No matter the historical genre, though, they’ve got the sound down. Here’s one of my favorites: The Rosebuds – “Get Up, Get Out.”

Lastly, another track by South African pop group Johnny Clegg and Savuka. This one was their best known song, (well, best known everywhere but the US), which was a pretty interesting feat at the time this song was released (1987), due to the cultural embargo placed on SA at the time. Johnny Clegg and Savuka – “Scatterlings of Africa.”

Enjoy.

June 7, 2007

Nation Saved From Broken Air-Conditioner Salesman

So, the latest terrorist supervillain plot that ~~Jack Bauer~~Bush & Co. have saved us from?

You know, the one that government officials have described as “one of the most chilling plots imaginable” which might have caused “unthinkable devastation?” An attack that would have “crippled America’s economy”?

When they caught these guys, it was all over the news. OMG WE HAF BEEN SAVD!!

Turns out, though, that the plot was never operational, they guys had no explosives, there was no financing, and no connection to any terrorist groups. One of the “conspirators” is a drug addict and occasionally homeless, and the ringleader sells used books on street corners, and exports broken air-conditioners to Guyana.

Of course, those stories, if they’re being reported at all, are buried in local papers. CNN, MSNBC, Fox….all silent. They did their jobs, after all — they told us of how the Decider has saved us from the Evil Brown People once more. Now, they’ve got better things to do….like giving us constant updates on the Paris Hilton jail drama.