The Wind Cries Mary ... And So Does Hendrix

"Rock legend Jimi Hendrix pretended he was gay to get out of the US Army, a new biography reveals.

Hendrix was discharged from the 101st Airborne division in 1962, launching a musical career that would redefine the guitar, leave other rock heroes of the day speechless and culminate with his headlining performance of The Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock in 1969.

[snip]

In regular visits to the base psychiatrist at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in spring 1962, Hendrix complained that he was in love with one of his squad mates, Cross writes.

Finally, Capt John Halbert recommended him for discharge, citing his 'homosexual tendencies' – four years before Arlo Guthrie suggested that path for avoiding military service in the protest song, Alice's Restaurant."

Hmm....

I might be late to Internet fads, but this one, if you haven't seen it, is pretty good.

Lolla

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Cleo and I (and thousands of other folks) went to Lollapalooza last weekend. The bands were great, the weather was steamy, and the chances of running into someone you knew were bigger than one might think. Conci was standing right in front of us during the Liz Phair set and it took us a little while to realize it.

Technorati's 2000th most popular blog

Too bad our blog isn't this cool (as rated by Technorati - can anyone figure out how to determine where Unfocus Group would rank?).

Ouch

USA's Chelsea Davis hits her head on the board during a preliminary round in the women's three-meter springboard diving competition at the World Aquatics Championships Friday, July 22, 2005 in Montreal. Davis required stitches after hitting her head. (AP Photo/Ryan Remiorz)

Larger version.

"Excuse me, an angel is here for you"

...These were the words spoken to me by a coworker, who interrupted a meeting I was leading this afternoon at the office.

Me: "Huh?"
Coworker: "Yeah, a guy named Angel is here to see you."
Me [confused]: "WHAT?! I'm not expecting anyone."

So, I go to the reception area... And I see a guy who I've bumped into once or twice on the way to the office. He told me he was having a party tomorrow night, and that he thought it would be nice if I could come along. He lived in Roger's Park. He gave me his phone number. I didn't know what to say.

Some background: He had tried hitting on me and chatting me up a few times, but the last thing I want to do in the early morning on the way to the office is flirt with someone. I had been sort of put off by his aggressiveness. He seemed nice though. He works in the same building, and he had asked which office I work. He had apparently entered the elevator at the same time as some coworkers of mine, and he has asked them if they knew me and if he could see me.

So, what should I do?

A little encouragement from our friend, Ann Coulter

Believe me, I'm not getting my hopes up very high with the Roberts supreme court nomination, but any time some piece of news pisses Ann Coulter off, I feel a little better.

(Since the link is incredibly slow, here's may favorite snippit:)
It means nothing that Roberts wrote briefs arguing for the repeal of Roe v. Wade when he worked for Republican administrations. He was arguing on behalf of his client, the United States of America. Roberts has specifically disassociated himself from those cases, dropping a footnote to a 1994 law review article that said: “In the interest of full disclosure, the author would like to point out that as Deputy Solicitor General for a portion of the 1992-93 Term, he was involved in many of the cases discussed below. In the interest of even fuller disclosure, he would also like to point out that his views as a commentator on those cases do not necessarily reflect his views as an advocate for his former client, the United States.” This would have been the legal equivalent, after O.J.'s acquittal, of Johnnie Cochran saying, "hey, I never said the guy was innocent. I was just doing my job."

Department Of Consolations

"Nancy Chen, for example, was in elementary school when the first Harry Potter book was published. Now she is about to become a senior at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, a boarding school (like Hogwarts, Harry's school) in Oklahoma City. "I'm not really fond of math or science, I just ended up there," Ms. Chen said. "Harry Potter made it seem really cool. I thought, 'Maybe my school would end up teaching me magic.' That hasn't happened, but I've learned about calculus."

Media Moment

Gay Democrats call for Rove's head.

Is that all they can think about at a time like this?!

The Perfect Shade Of Ass

Now, for just $75, you too can have a perfectly tinted asshole.
Thank you Dr. 90210!

(courtesy of Towleroad.)

Because If You Sound Like Shit, You Might As Well Look Like Shit

Lenny Kravitz starts design firm.

Why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover:

Because more than one book may have the same cover!

Ellen and Mark Are Okay

Just so everyone knows, I spoke to Mark this morning. Both he and Ellen are fine. They flew out of Heathrow in London yesterday and are back stateside. Apparently the tube station at Aldgate was near the hotel they were staying at.

Speaking of Spermy...

Click here to see a video of the journey of a poor, confused sperm.

Courtesy of Victor

Those Wormy, Squirmy Fireworks

Click on the photo below to download a video from this evening's Evanston fireworks display, hosted by Jon.



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Girls Behaving Badly

My former roommate, the bride, during her bachelorette party.

@ Batteries Not Included in Boystown

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No, I don't think I will watch free, thanks...

Is it just me, or is there something twisted about the new way CNN.com conveys that you can watch video coverage of events on their website? A recent sampling:

• Attack on patrol kills 5 Iraqi troops | Watch Free

• Teen shark bite victim released from hospital | Watch Free

• Teen killed for his iPod, police say | Watch Free