This is your first of several reminders to start thinking about your halloween costume. The best Halloween Party Brooklyn has ever seen is only 29 days away! YAY!

On that note, I was having a conversation about Halloween this afternoon and Pedro mentioned the idea of dressing as Popeye, and sent me a link to the video below from the movie starring Shelly Duval and Robin Williams, where Olive is singing about Popeye.

Maybe I saw this movie years ago and didn't remember that this song was in it, but what immediately came to mind was the movie Punch Drunk Love, in which this song also appears. Strangely ironic for several of my own personal reasons, but click on the picture and watch it because it is a great song



He Needs Me
Lyrics from the Popeye soundtrack album.

And all at once I knew
I knew at once
I knew he needed me

Until the day I die
I won't know why
I knew he needed me

It could be fantasy, o-oh
Or maybe it's because

He needs me he needs me
He needs me he needs me
He needs me he needs me

Dah de da da da da da da da da da
Dah de da da da da da da da da dah

It's like a dime a dance
I'll take a chance
I will because he needs me

Noone ever asked before
Before because they never needed me

[Popeye]But I do

But he does!

Maybe it's because he's so alone
Maybe it's because he's never had a home

He needs me he needs me
He needs me he needs me
He needs me he needs me

For once, for once in life
I've finally felt
That someone needed me

And if it turns out real
Then love can turn the wheel

Because

He needs me he needs me
He needs me he needs me
He needs me he needs me


Do you remember singing this?

This makes ME look normal

So, Im chatting with my cousin today about nonsense as usual when he asked me if I knew what a "furry" was. "Ok", I thought, this is totally a set up for something completely absurd so I took the bait- "Is it a wool sweater?" (I knew this was NOT the answer he was looking for).

He then goes on to tell me about this fellow he goes to school with who wears wolf T-shirts every day (the kind you might find at a rest stop, he tells me) and openly professes his fondness of dressing in large furry animal suits, similar to mascot costumes. He tells me they have conventions where thousands of these "furries" gather to be furry together (God can only imagine what sort of visual this thought elicits).

I called BS, and he sends me a link to validate the furries. To my horror/amusement, THIS is what I discovered after further research:



"Members of the furry fandom, known as furry fans, furries, or furs, particularly enjoy media that includes fictional anthropomorphic animal characters with human personalities and characteristics"

"Other furries enjoy wearing their suits for parades, exhibitions, or conventions. Oftentimes these are of a personal character who they are expressing as a form of role play. The fursuiter may consider themselves to be expressing who they really are. These fursuiters may also wear their suits to small, informal meetings among furry fans in their area."

And now for the TMI that is sure to send you screaming down the halls of your office or straight to the nearest costume store, depending on your personal level of obscenity and/or mental illness:



"A portion of the furry fandom exists that considers a fursuit a sexual item. Some fursuits are sold with or modified to contain provisions for sexual activity, such as openings, removable panels, and anatomically correct artificial genitalia."

Well, how about that?

Thanks, Nick. I'm sure to have furry nightmares now.

ENTERTAINMENT LAW BONER!

It's days like today that I remember how FUN being a lawyer can be when you are able to mix business with pleasure!

"The Entertainment Arts & Sports Law (EASL) Section of The New York State Bar Association in cooperation with Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP and CMJ Network will host an all-day MCLE accredited program on November 2, 2006 to be held at this year’s CMJ Music Marathon at Lincoln Center in New York City, from October 31 through November 4, 2006.

The EASL Section program will feature panels and speakers on law-related topics of relevance to the recorded music industry, including:

Copyright Law 2.0: New Developments and Controversies in Copyright Law
Artist as Brand: Ownership and Uses of Trademarks Related to Artists and Music
Evolution of the Artist Contract: New issues in Recording Agreements
Catalog Shopping: Buying and Selling Music Assets and Companies
Managing Ethics and Conflicts in Music Law
Whose Space? Issues Arising from User-Created Content Sites

Called “The Sundance of Rock n’ Roll,” the CMJ Music Marathon is one of the largest and longest-running music events in the world, drawing tens of thousands of music lovers to New York City each year to sample over 1,000 artists representing the worlds of rock, electronica, hip-hop, metal, Americana, world and jazz. The marathon also features panels exploring the most pressing issues in today’s volatile music business, covering a wide variety of topics for people involved with virtually every aspect of the recording industry."

CMJ in MY WORDS: A bunch of up and coming bands playing tons of shows all day long for 5 days straight in all the coolest venues in NYC. Lots of music and partying and good times.

CMJ in THEIR WORDS: "Today, more than 100,000 music professionals, artists and fans converge on the music capital of the world every autumn for CMJ Music Marathon and CMJ FilmFest, celebrating the very best in new music, film and pop culture."

Screech gets dirrrrty!

Normal grown-ups probably don't have the time or the interest in scouring the interweb for absurd and disturbing celebrity gossip, so I, being neither normal nor grown up, will do it for you! You're welcome :)

I was reading Perez Hilton today, and discovered this juicy piece (forgive the pun when you read on):



Dustin Diamond, formerly of Saved By the Bell, has reportedly made a sex tape which, of course, is currently being shopped to porn tycoons. NY Daily News reports...

"Everyone who remembers Diamond as a lovable putz is in for a shock once they see a 40-minute video in which he engages in a kinky three-way with two women, sources tell us.
We can't get too graphic here, but word is that the action includes some bodily functions and an act known as a "Dirty Sanchez."

I bet Lisa Turtle is pissed that she never gave the dork a chance back in school because obviously he has developed into quite a class act! Or not....

Serious Concentration Disorder

From looking up turkey stuffed zuchini boats to make for dinner tonight to searching for the meaning of life in various online horoscopes and quizes intended to predict my love life, I have done everything BUT what I am paid to do at work today!

Be my guest and share in the frivolity which I have embraced on the interweb today and learn more about the "real" Talia (according to nothing that matters)

its cool to kick

This weekend Beth and I went to Massachusetts to visit "Boston Bobby" in not quite Boston. While Bobby golfed on Saturday, Beth and I whizzed around the golf course on a John Deer with drinks completing a raucus 14 hour drinking fete which ended very sloppily at a bar in Boston, where (I am told) we saw a Pearl Jam cover band. I remember having a super fun time, but of course, I embarassed myself by AGAIN attempting to kick a stranger in the head! Sorry everyone, has anyone seen my self control? Really? No? Ok, then how about my maturity or dignity? Let me know if it turns up ok?

Anyway, this morning I found this footage of Lindsay Lohan attempting to karate kick the air, on what appears to be a night of drunkeness.....All the cool people drink heavily and kick like a lunatic into the air....I swear!

On my mind...

I had a dream last night....uh, I dunno....just wanted to post this song and share it....been on my mind....great Pearl Jam song

Sad
By Pearl Jam

All the photographs were peeling
And colors turned to gray
He stayed... in his room with memories for days
He faced... an undertow of futures laid to waste
Embraced... by the loss of what he could not replace

There is no reason that she passed
And there is no god with a plan
It's sad... and his loneliness is proof
It's sad... he could only love you
It's sad

The door swings to a passing fable
A fate we may delay
We say... holding on...delivered in our own brace
He let ‘em as he laid in bed
H oping that dreams would bring her back
It's sad... and his loneliness is proof
It's sad... he could only love you
It's sad

Holding his last breath
Believing... he'll make his way
But she's not forgotten
He's haunted...he's searching for escape

If just one wish could bring her back
It's sad... and his loneliness is proof
It's sad... he will always love you
It's sad

Running with Scissors

I have never been more excited about anything (besides Pearl Jam of course) in my life!!!

Cocaine in a can

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? What marketing team came up with this hum-dinger? And more importantly, who was like "Great idea! Lets sell this crap!" ??



Page Six has reported that Redux Beverages, based in Las Vegas, has come out with a new energy drink called COCAINE, which is 350% stronger than Red Bull and supposedly tastes similar to a cherry Jolly Rancher! The inventor, James Kirby stated that "an ingredient was added to slightly numb the throat to add an oral sensation- much like cocaine does."

The target group for the product is partiers as opposed to those concerned with healthy ways of gaining an energy boost- go figure!

I don't have alot to say about this. We'll see if Pete Doherty starts ordering it by the caseload, and that should pretty much say it all for me!

Talia's Song Pick-o-the-Week & More

I am oh so fond of Swedish Singer/Songwriter, Jose Gonzalez! I listened to his interview and acoustic set on AOL Interface, and simply melted. His latest album, Veneer, was released in 2005 and contains my song pick of the week below. My neighbors can catch Jose at the Brooklyn Lyceum (Park Slope's former 1910 bath house) on October 10, where I plan to be in attendance! You can check for more upcoming tour dates on his website: www.jose-gonzalez.com


Heartbeats
By: Jose Gonzalez
one night to be confused
one night to speed up truth
we had a promise made
four hands and then away

both under influence
we had devine sense
to know what to say
mind is a razorblade

to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
for me, no

one night of magic rush
the start a simple touch
one night to push and scream
and then relief

ten days of perfect tunes
the colors red and blue
we had a promise made
we were in love

to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
for me, no

to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough

and you, you knew the hands of the devil
and you, kept us awake with wolf teeth
sharing different heartbeats
in one night

to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
for me, no

to call for hands of above
to lean on
wouldn't be good enough
for me, no




If you like Jose, then you might also check out Josh Rouse on AOL Interface or on his myspace. He's got some good acoustic stuff too!

Running with Scissors

Despite the fact that he likes to test my patience on a daily basis with little pranks such as making the bar in my closet fall down once a month when I am late for work, putting gum under my butt on the subway, etc, I am convinced that God does in fact love me because he has allowed one of my favorite books of all time, Running with Scissors, by Augusten Burroughs to become a MOVIE! It is set to be released in select cities on October 11, 2006. Watch the Movie Trailer on YouTube HERE



It looks like they've got an amazing cast on board, including Annette Bening, Gwyneth Paltrow, Alec Baldwin, Joseph Fiennes, and Joseph Cross. If you haven't read this book I highly recommend it, alog with another little gem by Burroughs called Dry.


My favorite aspects of Burroughs's writing style are his incredible wit and candor which dominate as he reveals embarrassing and absurd aspects of his life with such ironic enthusiasm! My only hope is that this film captures even a fraction of the humor and beauty of Burroughs's writing. I'll be at the theater the night it opens, if its the last thing I do!!! :)




Take my advice...have I ever let you down? (ok don't answer that, just read the book and see the movie!)

MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC

Something a little different

Tonight I am going to Lincoln Center to experience the Wordless Music Series. Despite the "situation" Grutza and I had during Wilco at Lollapalooza this year, I decided to give a few of the band members another shot while they "demonstrate that the various boundaries and genre distinctions segregating music today-"popular" and "classical"; "uptown" and "downtown"; "high" art and "low"-are an artificial construction in need of dismantling." This show was my friend John's idea and I trust his judgment, so off I go tonight with open ears! I'll let you all know the dilly tomorrow! :)

UPDATE: MY REVIEW
I have to say that the Wordless Music concert last night was definitely interesting and different than any performance I have ever seen. Nels Cline (from Wilco) started off with a guitar and a bunch of other toys and electrical gadgets in a very abstract performance which had me wondering if it would have sounded ANY different if I, who knows nothing about how to use all that fancy equipment, had gone up there and started messing around with it, flipping switches, banging on the guitar with a metal stick, and shouting into a voice altering thingy. Im sure he's very talented when it comes to more structured melodic guitar playing, but I was confused about how much talent is required to mess around with equipment and make a bunch of unrelated sounds. Maybe I just didn't get it.

Elliott Sharp came out next, and its clear that this guy has talent. While his performance was also pretty abstract, he seemed to have some sort of a plan when he moved his fingers, which he did incredibly quickly, by the way and sparked my curiosity about whether guitar players are more prone to develop carpal tunnel than non-guitar players. I was pretty amazed at his rapid finger skills, so that was pretty cool.

Jenny Lin, the pianist was pretty good. I like the sound of piano music, and unless you're banging frantically, piano music is generally more structured and melodic anyway, so it was more pleasant to listen to than Nels's stuff.

Glenn Kotche, the percussionist, was probably my favorite. Despite being the best looking, the variety of instruments he used to bang around seemed less random than Nels's toys. Plus, at one point he stood up and opened a bunch of boxes on a table that contained crickets, who immediately started chirping loudly and on queue! Plus, I think I have a thing for drummers. Glenn stared seductively at the audience as he got all sweatty and banged his drums. It was pretty hot.

The last thing they did was perform all together as an ensemble and that was pretty cool. I guess when you're playing with other musicians you don't have the creative freedom to be so random and unstructured and that was refreshing. Overall I'd give the show a B. Better than doing nothing on a Monday night, for sure AND there was free wine! :)

20th Anniversary of Bridge School Benefit

Next month marks the 20th anniversary of the Bridge School Benefit concert with a stellar line- up:
Neil Young
Pearl Jam
Dave Matthews Band
Brian Wilson
Foo Fighters
Trent Reznor
Death Cab for Cutie
Gillian Welch
Devendra Banhart
plus special guests!

The concerts take place at the Shoreline Amphitheater October 21 and 22 in Mountainview CA, and some of my friends are going. Will TALIA be there, you ask? Only time will tell! You remember how the Gorge shook down...might as well do what you love whenever you can, right?

Dat's all for now, friends. Keep listening :)

Recommendations

I caught this band on AOL XM this week, and I really dug em so I'd like to share with you:

















Silversun Pickups (exerpt below from AOL Music)
Brian Aubert (guitar/vocals), Nikki Monninger (bass), Christopher Guanlao (drums), and Joe Lester (keyboards) comprise the swarthy indie rock stylings of Silversun Pickups. The quartet's textured melodies capture the hypnotic dream pop threads of My Bloody Valentine and pop bitter sweetness of Earlimart, and such a blend has wowed their native L.A. since 2005. Silversun Pickups issued their debut release, the six-song Pikul EP that same year while shared show dates with the likes of Brendan Benson, Dead Meadow, Two Gallants, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club followed into 2006. Produced by Dave Cooley (Rolling Blackouts, Citizen King, Smash Mouth), their full-length debut Carnavas, arrived in July.
~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide


I particularly like Lazy Eye. Check out Silversun Pickups on AOL Music here

Talia's Song Pick-o-the-week

I heard this song this morning, and I thought I'd make it my song of the week. Its from a great band called Iron and Wine and can be found on the album The Creek Drank the Cradle, released in 2002. I was lucky enough to have seen this band perform at Lollapalooza this year, and also lucky enough to have spent much of my weekend with JJD ESQ, who Iron and Wine always makes me think of :)












Bird Stealing Bread
By: Iron and Wine

tell me, baby, tell me
are you still on the stoop
watching the windows close?
i've not seen you lately
on the street by the beach
or places we used to go

i've a picture of you
on our favorite day
by the seaside
there's a bird stealing bread
that i brought out from under my nose

tell me, baby, tell me
does his company make
light of a rainy day?
how i've missed you lately
and the way we would speak
and all that we wouldn't say

do his hands in your hair
feel a lot like a thing
you believe in
or a bit like a bird
stealing bread out from under your nose?

tell me, baby, tell me
do you carry the words
around like a key or change?
i've been thinking lately
of a night on the stoop
and all that we wouldn't say

if i see you again
on the street by the beach
in the evening
will you fly like a bird
stealing bread out from under my nose?

Talia's 2006 VMA Highlights

List of Talia's Highlights from the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards with photos (please excuse the grainy camera phone pictures, we were not allowed to bring in our real cameras)


I had an awesome time last night! I thought the performances and theatrics were great, but the presenters were lame and Jack Black was not as funny as I had hoped. These are my personal highlights, NOT a review of the show. I only care about ME, duh!




Beth and I sat to the left of the stage on a platform that was constructed as part of the VMA set, right next to the section where all of the MTV reality stars were seated. We had a perfect view of all stages and we didn’t have to move the entire show!

A few rows ahead of us was Danity Kane, aka the girls from Making the Band. I also ran into them in the bathroom, where I shared a mirror with Aundrea. The bathrooms were a free-for-all party. Everyone used the same bathrooms and there were no separate bathrooms for celebrities. I also ran into the guys from Avenged Sevenfold while making my way to the toilet!

To our immediate left and maybe 4 feet in front of us sat Paul Simon, who looked super old. I snapped a grainy camera phone pic of him to show everyone. UPDATE: That man may or may NOT have been Paul Simon. That's just what Beth and I were told. I can't see for shit without my glasses.



James Blunt and Petra Nemcova couldn’t find their seats, so they asked me what row I was in. Then, the show was starting so Beth offered to let them sit next to her until the next commercial break. Petra’s beautiful, even up close.

My newest love affair with Jared Leto was reinforced because my seat was on the aisle that he kept walking through to his seat. The first few times he walked by next to me I stared so hard that eventually he started staring back at me. I think we are in love now. I stole the reserved sign from his seat when he got up to leave!



During one of the commercial breaks they played ALIVE, to which I appropriately stood and jammed out as if I were at a Pearl Jam concert!


BEST PART OF THE SHOW: OK GO's performance of Here it Goes Again while doing their famous treadmill dance! They were fantastic! They pulled the choreography off perfectly- those guys RULE! Watch their video on YouTube HERE.

For the finale, we were moved up close to fill the spots of the people that had already left. I sat in a seat that had been reserved for the Killers because they were performing the finale. In front of us was Christina Aguilera and her husband, who is surprisingly less ugly in person.



At the end, I was sitting two seats from the main aisle and the girl on the end smacked my leg and said “that’s Axle Rose!” So we looked, and she said “Hi Axle”, and he looked at us while we both waved like a couple of jack asses! He then proceeded to present an award, and man does he look old these days!






Good times! I can’t wait till next year! :)