All Points West

We've been busy all week gearing up for the All Points West festival, the very place we'll be spending the next 3 days. If you're going/thinking of going, check out what's to offer.

MAY ANGELS LEAD YOU IN

Last night while flipping through the channels, the channel 6 news actually caught my attention. 22-year-old Dave Sale and fellow Landale native lost his life Saturday night to the sheer violence of two Fishtown Philly fans. I wasn't close with Dave but I have terribly vivid memories of seeing him laughing at Diners, VFW halls and shows. He was one of the many kids who along with myself took the r5 to see Taking Back Sunday's first major tour date at the Electric Factory. No other word but tragedy comes to mind when I think of how Dave passed. A foundation has been set up by friends to help the Sale family with the cost of laying their loved one to rest. If you can, give, and at the least, keep the Sale family in your prayers.

DAVE SALE MEMORIAL FUND

BLACK MOTH Q&A

My intrvw with Tobacco for Phawker.com. Check it:

PHAWKER: For all the late bloomers out there, give us a quick recap of how the band got started. Especially the how Black Moth Super Rainbow became your moniker.

TOBACCO: The live band came together in 2003 as a way to play out with the stuff I had been making at home. I worked at a grocery store and the name came to me one day because I wanted a band name that would sound like a classic cereal name.

PHAWKER: Each member of your band seems to have a stage name. Are these on-stage personas meant to create an enigma around your performance or is it solely an attempt to keep your private lives private?

TOBACCO: For me, it’s just trying to keep my private life and music life separate. It’s not even another persona to me. It’s just a name that isn’t my real one.

PHAWKER: Upon first listen Eating Us plays out smoother/more chilled out than your last release. Would you say that the fluidity of Eating Us is discernibly different from previous albums?

TOBACCO: Yeah, I wanted to have one album under my belt that was easy to digest, one that might not scare people off. Fridmann smoothed the edges on the actual sound, but I had also just come off of my fucked up friends record and wanted to something that wasn’t so wild.

PHAWKER: How’d the recording process work out this time around?

TOBACCO: Instead of making it at home and putting it out like that, I made it at home and brought my finished version to Fridmann’s studio to polish. So all the drums are real, and a lot of the bass is guitar instead of synth. It wasn’t supposed to be a synth record, even though they’re still all over the place.

PHAWKER: Who’s your lyricist?

TOBACCO: Me

PHAWKER: Would you consider the album’s content thematic in any way? Why or why not?

TOBACCO: No, I really wanted to stay away from themes and concepts with this one because I feel like the story overshadowed everything else last time around.

PHAWKER: The album art is pretty awesome. Who’s the mastermind behind it?

TOBACCO: Thanks. That’s me too.

PHAWKER: When writing a song, is it more of a collaborative effort, or does each band member contribute separately?

TOBACCO: It’s usually just me playing around until I stumble onto something. the difference with this one was with a few of the songs, once I had them as finished as I felt like finishing them, I sent the drafts to Ryan Graveface to add a guitar or even bass.

PHAWKER: Hands down my fave track on the album is “Iron Lemonade.” What’s yours?

TOBACCO: “Twin of Myself.”

PHAWKER: Keeping with the tradition of accompanying your releases with awesome/bizarre packing, what was the inspiration for the fuzzy pouch that came with Eating Us? How do you think fans will put it to use?

TOBACCO: I think it’s important for us to incorporate more senses with our albums, because you can find the music for free anywhere. We had already done the scratch n’ sniff, so fur seemed like the next place to go.

PHAWKER: How do you feel about music reviewers constantly comparing your discography to acid and ’shroom trips?

TOBACCO: I think it’s getting pretty lazy. It’s become like the stock description for people who don’t want to take the time to understand it.

PHAWKER: Where were you/what were you doing when you found out Michael Jackson died? How did you react? Did you cry?

TOBACCO: I was working on a remix for Health. I stopped to watch the news for a second because I thought it was weird.

PHAWKER: Miley Cyrus vs. a werewolf. In your opinion, who would win?

TOBACCO: Somehow probably Pitchfork.

PHAWKER: Ever been to Eat ‘N Park? If so what’s your take?

TOBACCO: Yeah, I think Eat ‘N Park gets a bad rap with out-of-towners. I love it. I‘m there at least once a week.

PHAWKER: If applicable, what’s your favorite thing about being on tour?

TOBACCO: I don’t like being on tour, but it’s nice to kind of leave the worries at home.

PHAWKER: What will you miss most while on the road?

TOBACCO: MY TOTAL FREEDOM!

Also Today: X-mas in July

America Hates Obama

Okay, so maybe the people don't exactly hate the man. But today marks the first time the president's overall approval rating has ever fallen below 50 %. See how he scored on his health care plan, economic stimulus package, and more here. It ain't pretty.

Interview w/ Joe Stakun of I Love My Bicycle

Last month we mentioned the premiere of I Love My Bicycle: The Story of FBM Bikes at Philadelphia’s Bicycle Film Festival, being that it was the hometown of yours truly. However, this film’s popularity is far from ending. In fact, it’s just begun, with premieres everywhere from LA to Paris, and a DVD release within the next couple of months. Joe Stakun, the director of the film, sat down with The Big Ugly to explain the film’s appeal in detail.

[Above: Joe Stakun, the director of ILMB]

BU: Where did you grow up?

Joe Stakun: I grew up in Fairless Hills PA the first part of my childhood followed by Doylestown PA the second part. I’ve been in Philadelphia mostly the past 5 years.

BU: When did you become interested in BMX, how long have you been riding? Who were your inspirations growing up?

JS: I started riding BMX fairly late in my life when I was about 14, so I’ve been riding for almost 10 years now. I sort of lacked role models as a kid. I was always inspired by anyone doing their own thing especially if it was unique and original. I looked up to many different BMX icons as a kid, also I really looked up to Spike Jonze as a filmmaker since I was young. I am happy that many of those riders are in the film along with some photos that Spike shot.

BU: Is this your first experience with making a film?

JS: I have had smaller projects and films screen in film festivals starting in high school. Right after high school I made a short documentary on my grandfather, which went to a few festivals. I also really enjoy making music videos. I made one for Modest Mouse a couple years back and most recently one for Future Islands. This however is my first feature film.

BU: Why FBM? How did you get to know those guys?

JS: Growing up riding BMX I was familiar with FBM’s history and reputation. They seem to have such a unique and unbelievable story. I randomly met the owner Steve Crandall while staying at Woodward Camp one winter weekend and we got to talking about video stuff. He mentioned that somebody told him once that there should be a documentary on FBM. It instantly sounded like a great idea and I said I’d do it.


[Above: The early beginnings of FBM.]

BU: How were you able to nail access with so many riders? How long did it take you to put the whole thing together?

JS: I knew some of the folks and Steve got me in touch with the people I didn’t know. It is amazing how many people came together and contributed to the film. I think being an independent DIY film about a DIY company really helped with other like minded folks contributing and being a part of it.


[Above: Steve Crandall; owner of FBM bikes]

BU: What were you hoping to accomplish with this film?

JS: My main goal with the film was to make something that everyone in the BMX community could get behind and really take pride in as well as something anyone outside the community could really relate to and enjoy.

[Above: Joe Stakun]

BU: What cities will be premiering the film? Will you attend most of them?

JS: It is premiering in a bunch of cities around the world and more folks keep asking about more premiers. All the cities are listed on www.ilovemybicyclemovie.com

I can’t afford all of the travel however I plan on attending a few more of them. This month I aim to get to the Austin and LA premiers.

BU: How did you go about promoting the film, getting it to show in so many well-respected places?

JS: I just submitted it to some film festivals. The Bicycle Film Festival was pumped on the film and decided to screen it at about 25 of its festivals it throws around the World. As for promotion I just mail out advanced copies of the film and a zine to folks who are in the film and bicycle industry. I’ve also been getting stickers out there for kids to put on there bikes or bathroom walls or wherever.

BU: When will the DVD be coming out? Who will be selling it?

JS: I am still looking for distribution however I am fully ready to distribute the film myself. I am hoping to get the DVD out by November. It will be available through BMX mail orders and bike shops here and over seas. I hope to get it out to record shops and other retailers where I can.

BU: How has your life changed since the film?

JS: Hmmm. Really stuff hasn't changed too much since I am still working on the film prepping it for DVD and getting all of that stuff in order. I am excited about all the great press and good reviews the film has been receiving from folks. The DVD work is just getting underway and I’m already pumped on the how it’s going to turn out.

BU: What's next for you?

JS: I plan on doing some more music videos and working on my video installation work. Hopefully finding a neat job in the film industry somewhere for a bit. Who knows though we’ll see.

BU: Lastly, a question we ask all our interviewees. If you met a girl and fell in love, but she had really big feet. Would you still love her?

Yeah..I guess.

To find out when ILMB will be premiering in your city, visit http://www.ilovemybicyclemovie.com/.

Also, you can follow Joe and the film at twitter/ILoveMyBicycle.

(And if you've got some time on your hands, you can follow us too.)

Looking for something to do this weekend?

If you're in the Philly area, there is plenty to do this weekend. As we previously mentioned, tonight 500 days of Summer hits Philly theaters.



Tomorrow, Exit Skateshop premiers their new park at Pop's playground from 3-5pm.

POP's Skatepark Grand Opening 7/25/09 from Exit Philadelphia on Vimeo.

Also tomorrow night Black Moth Super Rainbow will be playing Johnny Brendas at 9pm. This should be awesome.

..and you thought there was nothing to do in this city.

First Look At Alice In Wonderland

Kat Von D, Ink Free

Kat Von D has paired up with Sephora to create a tattoo concealer. This may be helpful for wedding days, job interviews, or just a fresh look. Watch as she explains.

Chris "Beat Her Down" Brown Attempts To Apologize

A few things worth noting:

Brown says although he was advised by his attorney not to talk about the situation, he felt it was "the right time" to do so. Don't you think it's a little too late for that?

Brown is not supposed to be within 50 yards of Rihanna until his August 5th hearing, a hearing which was scheduled by request of Rhianna to "lessen the restrictions." All I have to ask is: Why does she still want to be around this douchebag?

I feel like people probably are sick of hearing about this by now, as am I. It just makes me infuriated to see domestic violence so easily pushed aside.

Free Monday Download

Emusic.com's free daily download today features the lovely Maria Taylor with "Time Lapse Lifeline," featured on her new solo record Ladyluck. You can download the track for FREE here. Enjoy; I do.

Vintage JFK Jr.

The 10th anniversary of his death passed two days ago. Sad. He was a charming man, even early on, as this photo shows.

Walter Cronkite Signs Off

After reports of American broadcaster Walter Cronkite being gravely ill, the NYTimes twitter has reported the legendary anchorman's death at 92 years of age. (Though no major news websites are confirming the death just yet.) Cronkite defined CBS news during the crucial dates of American history, including the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the impeachment of Richard Nixon. A part of journalism has been buried today; you will be missed sir, but certainly not forgotten for your impact in this world.

Slicin' Up Eyeballs! Oh oh oh!

For the past few months, my friends and I have enjoyed the taste of a delicious M&M McFlurry to beat the summer heat nearly every day. Well, my McFlurry train has come to an end after hearing about an incident in West Philadelphia that cost a man his eyesight.

Read Further, as told by CityPaper:

"Brandon Henderson lost his left eyeball over a McFlurry. On the evening of Feb. 15, authorities say, Khalif Lewis, an 18-year-old cashier at a West Philadelphia McDonald's, attacked the 35-year-old Henderson as he attempted to leave the restaurant after an argument over whether he could substitute a dessert item for french fries. Lewis punched him once in the eye with a key he placed between his fingers, authorities say. (Authorities have a surveillance tape of the incident.) Henderson's eye was ruined, and doctors removed it. Lewis was charged with aggravated assault and possession of an instrument of crime. Lewis has been released on bail and is awaiting trial, and despite having partially blinded a customer, is still working at the McDonald's.." writes City Paper's Mike Newall.

The bad part of me laughed, a lot, about this. The good part says, "That's fucked up!" Read the rest here.

Good Girl Gone Bad

Emma Watson, of Harry Potter fame, is scheduled to premiere in a darker version of Cinderella. The director? Marilyn Manson, of course! How these two got together and what they possibly could have talked about to get Watson to sign on, is unknown. Point blank, this should be awesome!

Amy & Blake Donezo?

We're talking miss Winehouse, here. It appears Amy and her former husband Blake Civil-Fielder have finalized their divorce today, after a mere 26-months of marriage. Civil-Fielder filed adultery claims against Winehouse. Does anyone care at this point? Hopefully Amy will return the focus to her career now that Blake is out of the picture.

Pops Skatepark Grand Opening

Finally. I saw this park when it was nothing but a pile of dirt. So proud.

POP's Skatepark Grand Opening 7/25/09 from Exit Philadelphia on Vimeo.

WHEN: July 25th, 3PM

WHERE: E Huntingdon St. & Trenton Ave. in Philly

WHO: Exit Skatepark presents Pop's Skatepark

GO GO GO!

Orenda Fink // Ask the Night

Birmingham native and FT Saddle Creeker Orenda Fink finally sets a date for her second solo release. The official follow up to '05's "Invisible Ones," Fink's forthcoming full length "Ask the Night" drops Oct. 6th. In the eyes of the Big Ugly, Orenda can do no wrong. Let's just hope that her new album is accompanied by a tour.

Get Your Fix On

Click here for the deets

Twitter Saves?

It's not often that I praise Pete Wentz. (I'm not sure I ever have, actually.) For the most part, I keep my opinions of him to myself. Today, however, he's won my support by drawing attention to a cause I've set my life's ambitions towards; improving upon the situation in Africa, if even it means just giving a dollar a day. That's exactly what Pete's doing--well, sort of. After reaching a million followers on Twitter, Wentz presented with the help of Invisible Children, his own page in correlation with the website. Fans/Supporters will be able to donate $1 a day, and spread the word by tweeting and retweeting on the website. Whether you like him or not, knowing how many followers this man has, this all could be a good thing. Way to use your celebrity for good and not evil this time, Pete.

You can follow Pete Wentz @ www.twitter.com/petewentz

You can follow us too @ www.twitter.com/thebiguglyblog

Strange But True

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Grizzly Bear On Tour (Again)

Just like last time, ONLY BIGGER.

"I'm bluffin' with my muffin"

Weezer's latest cover gives props to Lady Gaga and Prince wannabes MGMT. Both fondly familiar and most def. over played, the band's poptastic mash-up of "Poker Face" and "Kids" is unfortunately catchy, fun, and kind of weird. Liken to watching Rivers sing along to his iPod in the shower, Weezer's recent antics are (as always) aloof and hip.

A Bromance Bonanza

Release yesterday, Lynn Shelton's "Humpday" explores male bonding, marriage, and the disconnect between what we wish we were and what we actually are. Add in two BFFs (the happily married Ben and the Kerouacesque Andrew), a sexy event called Humpfest with a macho bet and you get this. Sorry kids, it looks like Philly show times for this flick are nil.

Facist Free Shopping Spree

Two days of LPs, band tees, and vintage everything. 50+ vendors selling their shit for cheap. Bike over to the Starlight Ballroom this weekend to support R5. Consider it philanthropy for Philly's music scene. Still in need of more motivation? Here's a quote from the horse's mouth. " All proceeds raised will go to the purchase of necessary equipment and supplies to ensure that all ages shows continue to remain a reality at The First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia," explains r5. "Do not let the name of the event lead you to believe that it's just punk records, clothes etc. - it's a full on flea market with everything from furniture to vegan treats." Sounds rad. Too bad I'm out of cash.

Stop The Clones

Fear not, store bought hipsters! Want a fixed gear bike? Forget supporting your local bike shops; you can now purchase your very own bike from Urban Outfitters for $399. For a price that cheap, you know you're getting a quality bike, right?? Not sure how to measure a bike for your size? No problem! They come in generic t-shirt sizes; small, medium, and large!

..

Seriously? I would not be surprised if UO started their own tattoo station as well within the next few years.

Shit's Bangin' Pt. 2

The Big Ugly Twitter. Add us ASAP.
@ http://twitter.com/thebiguglyblog

BLOBFEST '09

Phoenixville pays homage to its claim to fame at the Colonial Theater.
Show your pride for low rate scifi and the Keystone State this weekend alongside friends and fans with a Tin Foil Hat contest and screenings of THE BLOB.

God Save the Queen

Looks like her majesty is tech savvy after all. Friend her on Twitter along with the rest of the UK's microbloggin' monarchs. Current updates include:

11 Jul 11:00: Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle http://www.royal.gov.uk/G
about 16 hours ago from Royal Household

9 Jul 11:00: Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace http://www.royal.gov.uk/G
2:01 PM Jul 8th from Royal Household

8 Jul 11:00: Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace http://www.royal.gov.uk/G
4:56 PM Jul 7th from Royal Household

With such poignant updates, one can only wonder how the world managed before Royal tweets. Get your fix here.

Perez Hilton The Record Exec?

In the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, (Do people still read this magazine?) blog icon Perez Hilton announced he will be starting his own record label. Let it be known that I have no problem with Perez most of the time. Who he is and what he does are two separate things, as he has said many times before. I will defend him 9 times out of 10. But a record label? I don't know if opinion alone is good enough to run a record label, though judging by some of the acts today, it looks like that's how things are being done in the music biz. Who knows, maybe Lady Gaga will join and I'll have a change of heart. (Gagaloo for life.)

Public Displays Of Affection

NY mural artist Steve Powers plans to paint a love affair from 63rd and 46th street. Fashioning his latest project after love letters and romance, Powers' piece will beautify 50 of West Philly's empty walls. According to its creator, the Mural Arts Program's latest is intended to reflect "the area and the kind of supportive communication that makes relationships and neighborhoods work." Already in the works, Powers' "Love Letters" should be completed by September's start.

I Scream, You Scream

Describing themselves as a "family of people pulled together by cosmic forces," NYC outfit Hearts Revolution are sharin' their love for art and candy with the masses with their very own truck stocked with treats coined the Hearts Challenger. Carrying megaphones for $2,500, glitter guns, and retro sweets, this ice cream truck for kitschy young adults just might be enough to put Mr. Swirly out of business. P.S. Their webstore is to die for.

Sexting, Cheating, Sneaking, Etc.

Men are dogs.



Okay, so not all men are dogs. Most of my friends are dudes, so they pretty much know how much I think they suck already and will not take offense to this. Nor do any of them partake in something so ridiculously funny I think I just peed a little. (Not really.) Over the past 2-3 years I'd say, I've lured in a plethora of sleazy men with girlfriends who think it is okay to send me text messages of their nudie parts.

Sexting = Suggestive Picture Text = NO NO NO.

Reasons why you do not want to send me a "sext":
1 - I will show your picture to all of my friends.
2- I will laugh for hours on end at how stupid you look.
3- I'LL TELL ON YOU! Or, your partner WILL find out some way or another and will give us BOTH SHIT. I don't feel like dealing with my own drama, let alone someone else's when I DEFINITELY don't reciprocate whatever sick fan-boy feelings you've got for me. Plus, do you really want your balls chopped off?
4- I'm a heartless ice queen. I do not feel sorry for you, no matter what excuse you come up for cheating. (I.E., "My gf lives far away.") Just ask any dude whose had the displeasure of meeting me.
5- Besides all of the above, it it was me you were cheating on, oh boy, your life would be a living hell.

If that's not enough reason not to sext me, well boy, try your luck.

9 Reasons Not To Date a Tyrannosaurus Rex

As a dinosaur lover, this site makes me laugh everytime I visit. Mingle2.com's blog includes 9 reasons not to date a tyrannosaurus rex, my personal favorite being number 9.

Neglect in the U.S.

You've probably seen headlines regarding the neglect and malnourishment of children in poorer nations. But what most people don't know is there are twice as many cases of negeglected children in the U.S. than there are sexually and physically abused combined. According to Dr. Bruce Perry, a child psychiatrist, approximately 500,000 children are neglected annually by their caretakers.

[Above: Dr. Bruce Perry on the Oprah Winfrey Show.]

Today on the Oprah Winfrey show, a special aired on the subject of child neglect, primarily on one little girl named Danielle. Danielle was subject to neglect on a daily basis, leaving her with the functioning skills of an infant today. When Danielle was six years old, she was found by Florida police, cowering in a dark, damp basement infested with mold, cockroaches, and feces. She was just 43lbs. at the time. Today, Danielle is ten years old, and has been adopted by a family that is more able to care for her, fortunately. Diane and Bernie Lierow have taken care of Danielle for the past year and a half.

To read more about Danielle and other cases of neglect, go here.

STFU, Agyness Deyn

Agyness Deyn, as she appeared in the NYTimes yesterday:


An older photo of Agyness:


Dear "Agy,"

You are a beautiful, fresh faced girl. Pale is the new tan. But please, shut your mouth! You constantly look like you're trying to suck someone off in your photos and it is not attractive, nor is it "artistic." But what do I know; you're the model, I'm the normal.

Swine Flu Vaccine

Kathleen Sebelius, the U.S. secretary of health and human services, announced today that there will indeed be a vaccine for the H1N1 virus (affectionately called "the swine flu") beginning in mid-October.

Bill O'Reilly Sounds Off On MJ

And just for old time's sake, a look back at O'Reilly's flip out over a year ago.

SID LIVES

Zooey Deschanel and 500 Days of Summer co-star Joseph Gordon-Levitt play Sid and Nancy for MSN's Cinemash. This clever short aptly recreates one of rock 'n rolls most legendary couples. 500 Days of summer hits theaters next Friday.

Getting To Know You

Since my childhood I've hated Judy Garland. Nauseated by her performance as a busty whiny tween in the Wizard of Oz, I've avoided her films strategically. Despite my disregard for her talent, looks, and voice, I reluctantly allowed myself to watch TCM's rendition of her biography. Running from 6-8pm, "By Myself," highlighted Garland's personal life and career from start to fin. Ignorant of Garland's onstage triumphs and offstage tribulations, "By Myself," dissolved my dislike for Dorthy Gale. After viewing her bio, I realized how much of her work I'd love to see (i.e Easter Parade, A Child Is Waiting). Once a hater, now a fan. I can't wait to see Anne Hathaway as the vibrant troubled starlet in "Get Happy." Godspeed 2011.

Two Times Ten

According to music critic Rich McLaughlin, there are very few labels you can trust. Merge Records is one of the few. Founded in '89 by Superchunk's Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan, this NC based label's roster has stood the test of time. With former acts like Neutral Milk Hotel and current bands like She and Him, Ballance and McCaughan's formula for success stands tried and true. "We've always run the label like music fans," says McCaughan. "We started a label, and we run a label counting on there being people like us." Here's to two decades and many more.

Mental

A long over due addition has been made to Philadelphia's court system. A collaborative effort with the city's Department of Behavioral Health, the new court aims to aid non-violent offenders who qualify to receive counseling and services for up to a year instead of serving time in jail. "We want to identify them, we want to get them the right treatment, and keep them out of our jail cells," PA Supreme Court Justice Seamus McCaffery explains. " People that are given the kind of treatment they need for whatever their illness may be do not come back through the system. The last place you want to put somebody with mental illness is in jail."

Judge Shelia Woods Skipper will oversee the court.

Humbert Humbert

"Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta."

TiVo destroyed Cabaret, so instead I'm watching Lolita (again). Besides the film's evocative undertones, style, and lead, Kubrik's rendition of Nabokov's dirty read wows me to no end. Looks like its time for me to breakdown and buy it on DVD.

Shame on you, Philadelphia

Creative Steps Day Camp of Northeast Philadelphia was overjoyed at the idea of sending their kids once a week to the Valley Swim Club.

Today NBC reports over 60 campers were turned away from the swim club, with racial tensions listed as the most probable reason. Pool attendants told the children minorities were not allowed in the club, as the club's caucasian children exited the pool.

"There was concern that a lot of kids would change the complexion … and the atmosphere of the club," John Duesler, President of The Valley Swim Club said in a statement.



Frankly, and in laments terms, I can't believe this crap is still going on. As a Philadelphia resident, I am disgusted. No other words can describe how infuriating this is. Land of the free, my ass. Keep on working at it, America.

R.I.P. Hotdogs

Oscar G. Mayer has passed away today. He was 95 years old.

SEE FERNANDO

Hollywood diva Perez Hilton tips his hat to the lovely JLew. Exclusively debuting her latest vid as yesterday's music minute, Perez has indie gods like Pitchfork humbly bowing before his feet. Oh and BTW, Jenny looks great.

Milan's Ode To Morrissey

The Bottega Veneta fashion show in Milan seems to have taken a cue from Mr. Stephen Patrick Morrissey, more fondly known as Moz, with their style.

All Grown Up

On the cover of this month's Elle, Miley Cyrus's photo spread with the mag debut's the tween starlet all grown up!

Old Miley:

New Miley:

Embarrassing to admit to some, but I'm on Team Miley. No hate for this overbite beauty.

YOUNG ADULT FRICTION

Ron Weasley Has the Swine Flu

Rupert Grint, more commonly known as Ron Weasley to Harry Potter fans, has acquired a case of the swine flu. Thankfully, after a few days in bed the poor chap has recovered.

"I thought 'Am I going to die?' But it was just like any other flu really," Grint told the press.

So far, only four extreme cases of swine flu have resulted in fatalities in Britain. Looks like lady luck was on Grint's side.

Fun With Boards

Marijuana vs. the FDA

The Best News Of The Week

You've probably heard by now that Sarah Palin has indeed resigned. The polar bears (or what's left of them) can now run free. Unfortunately, she has been running around telling media outlets she has plans of "beating Obama" in the next presidential election. Good luck!

Fun Times At DQ

Convertiable Music

^ Josie's still got it.

Thanks to a local Goodwill, I am now the proud owner of Josie Cotton's "Convertible Music" cassette tape circa '82. Covered in dust but still playable, Cotton's debut release blared through the speakers of my car nonstop for hours, causing me to fall in love with her sugary lyricism (i.e. "He Could Be the One") and New Wave sentiments ("So Close"). Initially seduced by her performance of "Johnny Are You Queer" in "Valley Girl," Cotton's cassette has turned me into a full on addict. Move over Siouxsie Sioux, I've finally found a new fave.

The Patriot

Happy Birthday

WILD THANG

Dave Eggers, McSweeney's mastermind/meta-fiction literati, preps for the release of "The Wild Things." Loosely based on the children's classic by Maurice Sendak and Egger's upcoming screenplay with Spike Jonze, "The Wild Things" tells the story of a boy named Max who finds himself stuck "in a world he can't control." Described as funny, dark, and alive, Eggers rendition of everyone's fave is well worth its pre-order status. Two versions of the novel are available, one with fur and one without.

Let's Not Forget Our Own

In the wake of a slew of celebrity deaths last week, it was easy to miss the death of a hometown hero. It wasn't that I had forgotten the death of Steven Wells, one of the best arts and entertainment writers Philadelphia has ever grown to know, I just wasn't sure what to say. Steven probably would have called me a "pussy licker," because that's just the kind of guy he was. In your face, straight up english witt, with a side of heart above all. He had made quite the name for himelf in England, his homeland, before working for Philadelphia Weekly for five years. Steven was unafraid to say what he thought, (he scared Bono shitless) especially about the very disease that plagued him; cancer. He was scared, sure, but he treated the situation like any other in life--he was pissed off, and the world was going to hear about it. It was this attitude that put so much life in his writing, and why he will be so greatly missed. For this reasson, I still think journalism is the best field in the entire world, despite being unemployed (save a dozen of free gigs) and in debt. I'm pissed off, sure, but life's a bitch. Steven taught me that; thank you Mr. Wells.

R.I.P Steven Wells - 1960-2009