MIA Kala

I am hipster enough to notice that M.I.A has been killing it this summer, however. Everyone's favorite British rapper of Sri-Lankan descent is set to drop her new album, Kala, next week. Luckily for us, M.I.A has put her entire album up, a week early, on MySpace. While most of it may sound like inaudible drivel, it is at least inaudible drivel you can nod your head to. But once you get past her accent, your in order for some of the hottest, most unique, and hell ,weirdest shit ever.

Beastie Boys perform in Central Park

Photo: Jefferson Gaddis

The Beastie Boys performed two shows in NYC this past week. Apparently I wasn't hipster enough, because I had no clue. The first performance was Thursday at McCarren Pool in Brooklyn, while the second was Friday at the Summer Stage in Central Park. The show looked crazy. Too bad I missed it. For more check out BrooklynVegan.

Soulja Boy "Crank Dat"

Listen. I have been trying to avoid posting about the whole Soulja Boy craze. The dance has taken over Youtube, been performed by Beyonce - OMG @ the catsuit - on stage and is soon to be shown every 15 minutes, that they show videos, on MTV. I was hoping it would remain an internet thing, but alas, I was wrong.

It was featured at the beginning of last night's Entourage. Not even finding out that Mrs. Ari had a bad body for a middle-aged women could stop the bad taste in my mouth. I was tight...until I read what completely changed my idea about Soulja Boy's message.

"The mis-spelled name might seem silly to some, but it is his way of depicting himself as a soulful person. Growing up on the streets of the inner-city, Soulja Boy found it difficult to not develop the hardened shell of many of his peers. He saw death and destruction and ever juncture, but still maintaind his soul. He is also a rastafarian, thus explaining the "ja" at the end of his name. He removed the "h" from "jah" in order to preserve the subtlety of his name.

His song Crank dat soulja boy is an ode to his hostile environment. In the inner city, "crank" means to emulate, to follow in the foot steps of. Soulja Boy is trying to inspire the youth that are not walking in the footprints he left behind in that concrete jungle he once called home. He is telling them to be like Soulja Boy. He is also telling them to "superman that hoe." Essentially telling them that the miscreant females of the street or "hoes" will cause him harm. Likening them to kryptonite, and the ghetto youth are Superman.

Soulja Boy is the epitome of lyrical aptitude, the likes of which have not been seen since the untimely death of the Notorious B.I.G."

Thank you fabionthegreat. You've openned my mind and heart.

Fam-Lay "Da Beeper Record"

This is the video for Fam-Lay's "Da Beeper Record." The video is directed by the legendary Hype Williams - who actually deserves that title. The black and white video is shot Williams' signature wide screen ratio and seems like a mix between Pharrell's HP commercial and a montage of Ricky Powell photos.

This song is about a year old in Virginia, but hopefully it'll caught on across the country. Hopefully it will lead to the release of his album, and not end up like Rock'nRoll. I've been a big fan of Fam-Lay since his freestyle on the Clipse's Lord Willin,' so I'm pulling for him.

"It ain't nuthin ya'll can teach me/I been lock up mo' times than sweet pea"

Graduation Album Cover

This is the official album cover for Kanye West's third album "Graduation." The cover art was designed by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. It features Kanye's bear mascot being shot through the air, signifying his commencement.


This is the other picture circulating the internet as Graduation's official cover. It featured West's mascot sporting a pair of Jeremy Scott stripe sunglasses - similar to the one's West has in his video for Stronger.

Also, Here's the alleged tracklist for Graduation...

1. Good Morning
2. Homecoming (Featuring Chris Martin)
3. Stronger
4. Champion
5. Good Life (Featuring T-Pain)
6. I Wonder
7. Even More Broke Phi Broke (Skit)
8. Can’t Tell Me Nothing
9. Drunk and Hot Girls (Featuring Mos Def)
10. Evrything I Am (Scratches By DJ Priemier)
11.Good Night (Featuring Mos Def & Al Be)
12. Big Brother
13. Graduation (Skit)
14. The Glory
15. CRS (Featuring Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell) [Pre-Order Only]

Time will tell if it's true.

Styling On You Bitches!

So I come home from the mall this afternoon, and I'm greeted by an IM from a YoungFreshnGood. After some inquiry, I find out it's my old chum Saida from Brooklyn Tech. She randomly stumbled across my blog (it's the catchy-ass name!). Long story short, she happened to have a blog herself called Styling On You.

It's very informative for those lacking any fashion sense or for those fashionistas in the know. Her blog also covers music and entertainment, so it's worth checking out. Saida was always the freshest girl in Tech - a David Beckham kick game and the style of Posh - so she knows what she's talking about.

Transformers Pack

Photo:Freshness

Here's a look at the Optimus Prime Air Trainer III. After about a few months of speculation, these are suppose to hit store today, as a part of the Transformers Pack. Freshness unveiled the other two shoes in the pack yesterday. They are a Megatron Air Trainer Huarache and Starscream Air Max 90 boot.

Nike should have released the pack before the movie - a la Simpsons Vans - as the hype has died down. Although I'm sure the die-hard transformers fan or sneakers head will pick them up.

MEGATRONNNNNNNNNNN...it looks nothing like him.



I'm tight Starscream got this!

Cement Spiz'ikes

Photo: Nice Kicks

Jordan Spiz'ikes are sort of a love hate/thing. The shoe, which amalgamates the Jordan III, IV, V and VIs, has sported a variety of color ways and received mixed reviews amongst sneaker heads. Things seem to be beginning to look up, however. Thanks to Air-Randy, the good folks at Nice Kicks have provided a picture of the Cement Spiz'ikes. These are set to release December 15 just in time for the Christmas rush. Stay tune for more info.

Rolling Stone Internship

I had an interview with Rolling Stone magazine yesterday - yeah, I don't believe it either. It went pretty good. I would probably rank my interview at MTV above it, but it's fucking Rolling Stone! It's like comparing diamonds and pearls. Hopefully, I'll hear something soon. But then I have to choose between the two. But that's a great problem to have.

And since I made a Prince reference....

I work for MTV.....Potentially.

So Friday I had an interview at MTV regarding an internship with MTV News. Long story short, I fucking nailed it. The girl - she looked about my age - interviewing me was so impressed, she had me meet with the head of editorial. I'm not sure if they did this with everybody, but I prefer to think it was just me.

Any way, he seemed just as impressed. He grilled me with a few questions, but I took a breath, answered, and the awesomeness just flowed. I hadn't slept the night before, because I was up in anticipation. But leaving the building, I could honestly say I had the job in the bag.

Then came my tragic hero moment. In every tale of Greek mythology, the main character is the man, the cat's pajamas and cooler than Freddie Jackson sippin' a milkshake in a snowstorm. But he always has that tragic flaw. Hercules was crazy, Oedipus was a know-it-all and Vegeta was arrogant - the last one isn't Greek, but you get where I'm going.

My flaw apparently is that I think too much. A lot of my friends may think I'm quiet, but I'm honestly processing 20 different scenarios at a time. Hell I thought of 20 different ways to write that last sentence. But this causes me to worry, as every scenario has a back to the drawing board moment (Yeah it gets crazy in here).

Back to the point, my internship was dependent on me getting credit from my university. I knew they weren't going to give it, because I'm no longer feeding them that good tuition, but I was banking on one of my professors writing me a letter saying I would.

But she said no and was upset that I would ask her to lie. Now my internship was in jeopardy and I pissed off one of my professors who I held in high regards. Sure there were other scenarios to get the internship, but this one was just so damn easy! So I began to worry.

I talked a lot of shit about getting this internship, and of course it bit me in the ass. I was depressed as shit. I wanted this internship, because it was going to supply me with the tools I needed. I want to be one of those journalist that flies around the world shining a light on improvised and deprived people.

But now that was up-in-the-air. So from Saturday until Monday, I was` depressed- as shit. I drank half a bottle of Patron on Sunday night and watched Anchorman to cheer-up. That shit was pretty sad, but so was I. Monday morning I laid in the bed for like 4 hours, but thankful my mom came to cheer me up. She didn't necessarily cheer me up, but annoy me enough to get me out the bed. Love you ma!

I called all around Stony Brook to see what I could do to go about getting credit. *Attention to women who answer phones all-day. Bitch you answer phones to answer peoples' questions or direct them to an answer. It's not our fault you didn't strive for anything for life. If I am bothering you, quit and go better yourself. I don't need your attitude.* I found I could possibly take non-matriculated courses and qualify for internship credit. So I'm going to look into that tomorrow at Stony. If you want something you got to work for it.

This has been quite therapeutic writing with "The Low End Theory" playing in the background. Thanks to all those who read.

Jessica Alba Is Single!

Granted this was in US Weekly, and everything I learn as a journalist says that the story looks completely unreliable, but I really don't want to verify if it's true or not, so until then.........



I'm off to claim my future wife! (courtesy JRizzo06 on Niketalk)

Grizzly Bear (Girl Talk Remix) - Knife featuring The Clipse and Slimm Thug

Photo: Brooklyn Vegan

The Clipse, coke-rap extraordinaries yet so much more + Slim Thugga Da Boss + Grizzly Bear, neo-psychedelic indie rock band x Girl Talk, actually a guy who produces crazy mash-ups =



Hey, it didn't look like it would add up to me either, but it's crack!

Deelishis "Rumpshaker"

Deelishis-rumpshaker
Uploaded by advakidd

You know I could say a lot of things about this video. Like the unfortunate need for Deelishis - or any female artist - to have to dance provocatively in a video instead of showcasing their voice. Or the fact that she's clearly biting Beyonce, but in a more whorish manner, style. But you know what, I won't say any of that.

What I will say is......watch this in mute with Ludacris "Booty Poppin," Bubba Sparxxx's "Ms. New Booty," or Trina's "Pull Over" playing in the backgorund.

*SMH at myself*

Nike Dunk SB "MF Doom"

Photo: Skatehere.com

Here is a look at the MF Doom Dunks that were released this week. The sneakers were designed after rapper MF Doom. Their release caused this Tuesday in New York at DQM.....

Uniqlo Fall '07

Photo: Uniqlo via Hypebeast

Whether you a fixture, casual visitor or tourist in the area, you've notice the popularity of Uniqlo's U.S. flagship store in Soho. The Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer, retailer has garnered the attention of hip-hoppers, hipsters, japanophiles and fashionistas alike. The company recently released images for its up-coming Fall '07 collection. Check it out.

Zach Galifianakis "Can't Tell Me Nothing"

Zach Galifianakis - sound it out children - is a genius. Some of you may know him from his Comedy Central Presents special, Late Night with Zach or Tru Calling - which you know you watched, because you thought it was going to be like Buffy or Angel. But most of you may have no idea who he is. Well thanks to Kanye West, Galifianakis relative obscurity is a thing of the past.

According to an Impose Magazine interview, West spoke with Galifianakis after his set about doing a parody video for "Can't Tell Me Nothing." Galifianakis had previously done videos parodying Anita Baker and Fionna Apple songs. The video debuted on West's website yesterday. It is quite possibly one of the funniest, most refreshing hip-hop videos, since Busta Rhymes started looking like a Street Shark!

Mix-Match Dunkestos

Photos: Sneaker Freaker

Courtesy of Sneaker Freaker, here are a couple shots of the Nike Zoom Air Dunkesto Mix-Match. Dunkestos combine the design of Dunks with the comfort of Prestos. The shoe features an interesting mash-up of designs. According to Sneaker Freaker, there is no word on their release.

W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E

Continuing with the theme of Hip-Hoppers and French Electronic House bands, Wale samples Justice's D.A.N.C.E for his new song - aptly titled - W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E. The D.C. emcee recently release his mixtape 100 Miles and Running. This track is a standout amongst some quality work.

Like Liqour for Punks

Ever the trend setter, it appears Kanye West has started a new trend of using Daft Punk samples. Heartbeat da Producer has released a new mixtape featuring Lupe Fiasco and Common over Daft Punk production. Lupe actually sounds better over many of their beats. Lupe is a beast lyrically, but his album's production almost had a depressing vibe that detracted from what he said. The mash-up really give his songs a new life. Common's "The Light" over Daft Punk's "Digital Love" is crack! Some of the songs are a stretch, but, all-in-all, it's a decent effort from Heartbeat. Be sure to check it out.

These New R&B Duets.........

...Must stop now!

I'm up early this morning watching videos on MTV and MTV2, and I happen to see the remix for T-Pain's "Bartender." A remix is supposed to be for a song so hot that it demands another version. I clearly missed the memo about "Bartender." The song features Akon, who actually signed T-Pain. I guess Akon was drawn to him because of their similarities. T-Pain is known for the synthesizer, while Akon is known for sounding like xylophone.

Then there's Rihanna featuring Chris Brown with the "Umbrella" remix. Umbrella originally sounds like an 8-year-old with Down Syndrome and juvenile diabetes wrote it - no offense to the 8-year-olds with Down Syndrome and juvenile diabetes out there. Chris Brown comes on to add his "flare." He, oh-so cleverly switches umbrella with Cinderella. That's where the magic starts, and I change the station.

Next we have the stupidest song from R.Kelly since "Trapped in a Closet." He calls upon Usher, or "Ush," as "Kels" affectionately calls him, for "Same Girl." The song's premise is that the two have been unwittingly dating the same girl. The song's video takes it a step further, as it is revealed that it isn't the same girl. R. Kelly hits us with another gripping cliffhanger, as he and Ush discover that girl has a twin!

You can stop this people. We must!

Arctic Monkeys "Fluorescent Adolescent"

The Arctic Monkeys are one of my - and damn near every bodies -favorite bands. But these for from Sheffield have further won me over with their video for "Fluorescent Adolescent." The vdieo for their second single off of Favourite Worst Nightmare combines two of my favorite - that's how we spell it in America! - genres.

The video features the British underworld and clowns getting their ass kicked. I'm a huge fan of the films "Snatch" and "Layer Cake" and I have detested clowns since "It." Not to mention, the song is probably one of the best off of Favourite Worst.

DC Comics X A Bathing Ape Bapestas

Photo: Bape

Here's a peek at DC Comics X A Bathing Ape bapestas. The collaboration will feature the DC characters Superman, Batman, the Flash and Wonder Woman. The face of each character are featured on the heel of each shoe. According to Official Bape, these are confirmed to release July 14th in Japan. The collaboration is similar to that between Marvel and Bape a few years back. The Marvel X A Bathing Ape collabo blew these out of the water, however.

New York Times Article on Mark Ronson

Photo: New York Times

The New York Times has an article today on DJ Mark Ronson. His second album, Version, was released today in the U.S. The album had been previously released in the U.K. in April. Version is essentially an album of song covers re-imagined by Ronson. It features covers of the Kaiser Chiefs, Coldplay and Britney Spears by the likes of Lily Allen, the O.D.B and Amy Winehouse. Be sure to check it out.

Sole Bar

Photo: Hypebeast

Here's a look at Sole Bar which opened this past Saturday on Hollywood Blvd in L.A. The spot caters to sneaker heads, offering them a place to talk about ......well sneakers. Limited edition collabos were available for store's grand opening. It seems like a nice idea up front (I mean a little lame too), so if your in the area definitely check it out.

Bread and Butter

Not only the second favorite sandwich -PB&J is first, of course - amongst kids who grew up poor in the U.S., Bread and Butter is a clothing trade show. It is akin to the annual Magic trade show held in Las Vegas. This year's show takes place in Barcelona and features various brands from Puma, 10 Deep, Mishka, Royal Elastic, G Star to Burton. Check out a complete list of brands here.

If Apple Ruled the World

I came across this while surfing the web. Italy's main newspaper, La Repubblica, did a story about what would happen if Apple decided to delve into other industries. There's an iPottie, iBator and even an iWatch. It basically foreshadows what will happen in 10 years when Steve Jobs and China rule the world.

Dizzee Rascal "Old School"

A native of East London, Dizzee Rascal is a major artist on the U.K's grime scene. Grime is an amalgamation of various forms of music, most notably hip-hop, U.K. garage and dance hall. Although grime is generally an underground genre, Dizzee has garnered mainstream and critical acclaim for his work. It takes a keen ear to decipher what he's saying - his accent is very thick - but it's worth the effort. He recently released his third album, Maths+English. The album feature's guest appearances by Lily Allen, Alex Turner of the and UGK. This is the video for the single "Old School."

Old School Video of the Day - Radiohead "Karma Police"

This song has been stuck in my head all day, so I decided to make it my inaugural Old School video of the day. This is Radiohead's "Karma Police." I always loved the eerie vibe of the song, and the video is so simple its perfect.

Sorry For the Delays

I'm back everybody. I'd like to apologize to my readers - Selwyn, Gabby, and those of you high and googling strawberry milkshakes - but apparently all of my friends' parents were going at it like rabbits, during Halloween some 20 years ago. I've been out celebrating birthdays with them. A lot has happened in the world, so I'll try to catch up.

New DQM

Photo: Chris Keeffe

Dave's Qualit Meats is my favorite boutique in New York. Beside the fact that the workers aren't a-holes, the theme of a sneaker meat market is genius. They dropped their new summer line today. It features three new tees and three new plaid caps. The info is from Chris Keeffe's blog. Go check it out.

Simpsons Vans

Photo: Keith Hufnagel

Here's an preview for the upcoming Simpsons x Vans collaboration. Apparently 12 artist including Stash, Neckface, Futura, Dave Flores and Mr. Cartoon took part in designing the Simpsons' Vans. The sneakers are to commemorate the release of the Simpsons Movie on July 27th. According to Hufnagel's blog at Honyee, the sneakers are set to release on July 14th and are extremely, excuse me, mad limited.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Down Boy

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are probably my favorite Indie/Garage/Alternative/Art Punk rock bands ever. The music has such pure energy in it. Case in point, their first single off of their new EP, Is Is, "Down Boy" is full of sexual energy. The video looks like a lustful late night romp.... in nightvision.

Sean Kingston - Beautiful Girls

You're way too Booooooooootiful Girl. This song is ridiculously catchy. I can't deny it. The video is nice too.

Nike Air Structure Samples

Photo: Kick-Fiend

The Nike Air Structure makes its triumphant return in 2007. The shoe was originally released in 1990, but thankfully Nike decised to retro them. According to various sources, the stripes on the upper grey will be removed, however. Look out for more info.

Executive Privilege

President Bush invoked his Executive privilege and will not be handing over subpoenaed documents to the Senate Judiciary Committee. This should be fun. Article here.

Oden to Portland

According to ESPN.com's Ric Bucher, Greg Oden will be selected number one by the Portland Trailblazers. I couldn't make up my mind, but in my hearts of hearts, I'm thought "you always go for the big man", because athletic swingmen are a dime a dozen- Jonathna Bender, Darius Miles. The Times ran this great piece on him yesterday. Check it out.


P.S. Durant is and will be a beast. Think an offensive Tayshaun Prince.

P.P.S In fairness to Jonathan Bender, injuries did him in. Miles is still just a bum, however.

Street Art Gone Commerical

Yesterday, I wrote about a Times story about a "Splasher" or "Splashers" who had been targeting street art in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn with globs of paint. There's a follow-up piece in today's NY Times.

As a writer - someone with an artistic side, I can understand the tendency to shy a way from the commercialization of that work. You want your work to reflect your true nature, but at the same time you do want recognition. And in a capitalistic society that recognition breeds money. So I think those opposed to streets art's new found commercial appeal need to get over it and congratulate their peers on their success.

White House Subpoenaed

The Senate Judiciary Committee subpoenaed the White House, the office of Vice President Cheney and the Justice Department on Wednesday. This is all in an efforts to investigate the NSA's policy of wiretapping without war rents. You can check out the story in the New York Times. Who could trust a face like?

New Supreme

Photo:Honyee

Supreme has recently released a look at its Summer '07 line-up. Six tee shirts were unveiled included the Miles Davis, which had been the only one previewed until now. There will also be a Skull Skate collaboration tee. According to Hypebeast, the shirt features an amalgamation of artistic photographs by SKull Skates. The other shirts will include oldies but goodies like Deny Everything and the Showbiz tee!

Amy Winehouse - Tears Dryon Their Own

This is Amy Winehouse's new video for "Tears Dry on Their Own." It's a great song, but the video is kinda whack. In fact, all of her videos have been kinda whack. I get the whole "dead to the world because I'm depressed" angle, but it's still kinda whack. But hey, an artist should be recognized for the quality of their music, and I can't knock her there.

Playstation 3 Air Max 90/360 Hybrid

Photo: Freshnessmag.com

This is a photo of the Nike Air 90/360 Hybrid Playstation 3 Promo Sneaker from Freshnessmag. These are about as shiny and suped up as the actual Playstation 3, but even more expensive. They're running about the same price as when the PS3 initially hit Ebay. I'll post more pics, once I figure out how to do a jump.

Police Brutality on 13 Yr Old Skateboarders

Ya'Know, kids could be doing a lot worst things then skateboarding. I saw this while web-surfering and wanted to help get this cop.

The officer’s name is Joey Williams, and he works for the:
Hot Springs Arkansas Police Department
Phone: (501) 321-6789
Fax: (501) 321-6708
Chief of Police, Bobby Southard
Email: bsouthard@cityhs.net
641 Malvern Avenue,
Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901

Shogo Blazer

Photo: Dunktastik@NSB.ORG

These are the new Nke Shogo Blazers. Based on info available thus far, they're designed in reference to Shogo Kubo, a Japanese member of the orginal Dog Town Skaters (thanks to XnuggetX@hypebeastforums). There's no word on a release date. It appears that Nike Blazers may become the new dunk, in terms of popular SBs.

Chicago Hip-Hop

Chicago has the best and most enjoyable Hip-Hop right now. Most New York rappers are trying to out-nigger each other and ruining the music. The South has some very good and under-appreciated rappers, but most can't get past the bad. So for now, Chi-Town is on top.

The Cool Kids are refreshing because they reflect the urban hipster, trendsetter or cool kid not afraid to be different.


Kid Sister just has this unique flow, distinct, soft-yet-raspy voice and body moving sound. But I'm not sure if I'm saying that because I have a crush or she's nice. You decide...



Flosstradamus are just two DJ's that remix songs, giving them such an ill sound. I'm not sure if they're "hip-hop," but their ish is fire.



There's nothing I can say about Kanye West that he probably hasn't already said himself. And Jeezy's ad libs make this song.



Common is just the best rapper out of the Chi, period.

Ann Coulter is a Bitch

First off, let me start by saying my mother taught me better than that to call a woman a bitch. Despite years of listening to rap and meeting a few unsavory women, I have never called a women a bitch to her face. But my mother also taught me a spade is a spade.

Yesterday Coulter appeared on Hardball with Chris Matthews for an interview. During the interview, Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Presidental hopefully John Edwards, called in to ask Coulter to stop attacking her family.

Terrific George

Photo: Sneaker Freaker

About 5 streetwear brands pop up a week, so it is good to see one that has something unique. This is a new brand out of Melbourne, Australia called Terrific George. It caught my eye as I was browsing Sneaker Freaker. It's over-the -top, loud and, apparently, "Australian for Streetwear!"

Mark Ronson featuring Lily Allen "Oh My Good"

This is the new video for Mark Ronson's "Oh My God" featuring Lily Allen. The song is a cover of the Kaiser Chiefs, while the video seems to be a cover of "Who Framed Rodger Rabbit?" Allen just doesn't have that same appeal as Jessica Rabbit though. This is the second single off of Ronson's new album, Version. You can read a review of it here. *shameless plug*

Glow in the Dark Bike by Brooklyn Machine Works

Photo: Hypebeast

I remember bumping N*E*R*D's "In Search Of" back in High School and my friends asking "who the was the guy sitting on the couch?" and "why do you listen to this weird ish?" Yet in the same breath, they proclaimed that the Neptunes are the best producers in rap. Nowadays my boy Pharrell is King, and the masses skip to his Lou. But still nobody knows it was Shae on the couch.

I see Pharrell today on Hypebeast sitting a top of a bike, and I can't help but think "everybody is gonna ride bike now. " The bike is made by Brooklyn Machine Works for their 10th Anniversary and it glows in the dark. According to Hypebeast, there will only be 10 made and one's for his new video with Twista. I can't lie though, I want one too.

Street Art, Vanadalized

Photo:Bengiveno/ New York Times

The New York Times, probably the best newspaper in the world, has a great arts section. In today's section there is an article by Colin Moynihan about a so-called "Splasher." The Splasher has been dousing pieces done by prominent street artists in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan with globs of paint. It's a interesting piece showing the backlash mainstream recognition can reap upon artist. Check it Out

NY Times Poll FInd That The Youth is More Liberal

The NY Times/CBS News/MTV has found that young Americans - ages 17 to 29 - are more likely to lean to the left. As compared to the general public, they are more likely to favor universal health care, an open-door immigration policy and the legalization of gay marriage. The poll also found that they are more than likely to say that the war in Iraq is heading to a successful conclusion. Sooo..... Hey, we're optimise too!

Thierry Henry to Barcelona

I started watching soccer or, as the rest the world calls it, football when I was in Hong Kong. I couldn't sleep because of the time zone changes - they are about 12 hours ahead, so 4 pm here is 4 am there - and other stuff on my mind. There were only two channels in English in my hotel room, the BBC News and a video game channel that looped the same half-hour all day.

One thing I did understand was soccer. I was never that big of a fan, but it was that or Chinese billiards, and I understood kicking a ball a lot better. Here in the states, people hate on soccer, but it can be the most enjoyable thing to watch. It is the beautiful game.

They showed a variety of matches featuring Arsenal. The team was fun to watch and showed how tuff soccer was. Their best player was a guy named Henry. I called him Henry, until I got back to the states and learned he was French, and that it was pronounced Onry. He scored in every game I watched, and did it with such confident swagger and ease.

I've been a fan of Arsenal and Henry ever since. But last Saturday, Henry left the club to join Barcelona amid internal problems he perceived at Arsenal. This is huge news to fans overseas, but I'm blogging about it, because I have to go buy some new kicks to match the ugly ass Barcelona jersey I pre-ordered.

Kanye West Stronger

There's been a lot of buzz for this video since photos released last week. The video was directed by the legendary Hype Williams and looks heavily inspired by Japanese cyberpunk animes like Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira. The song includes a sample from Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger." They are featured in the video along with the drool-inducing Cassie. Graduation, which drops later this summer, is probably one of anticipated albums of the year - no matter what genre.