• Pop Talk Archive • Recent stories by David Segal • Entertainment Guide: Music • Talk: Entertainment message boards • Live Online Transcripts • Subscribe to washingtonpost.com e-mail newsletters • mywashingtonpost. com -- customized news, traffic, weather and more

Pop Talk
With David Segal
Washington Post Music Critic
Wednesday, June 19, 2002; Noon EDT

For a few years, he played guitar and sang in a deeply terrible cover band, the Bremers. The highlight of the group's show was a stalker version of "Leavin' on a Jet Plane," which was retitled "You're NOT Leavin' on a Jet Plane." He's been at The Post for going on eight years, first as a Book World editor, then a Business section reporter and finally as pop music critic. He enjoys the work and would like to point out that he is writing his bio, even though it's written in the third person, like someone else wrote it. Segal is doing that so he appears more important than he is, which is hilarious when you think about it!

Submit your questions and comments before or during today's discussion.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

David Segal: Whoa! Sorry I'm late. Never get your apartment renovated, that's my advice.

Ok, let's just get down on it.

Wash DC: Dave, loved the Bowie article; great stuff. I take it that you got to meet him; how was he in person? He came off as very friendly. And who do you have lined up for further installments? Elvis Costello, who was just in town, and Joe Strummer, strike me as great future articles - they both have an encyclopedic knowledge of music and like lots of weird stuff.

David Segal: The surprise about Bowie is that he was really happy. I expected a pretentious dude, a guy full of himself, someone who was a little suave. Instead, he just laughed and seemed almost goofy at times. He was singing a lot. It was really a hoot.

Costello turned me down for a My Top Ten, the jerk. Joe Strummer would be great. I've got another one lined up but will withhold name till it actually happens. It'll be fun, I assure you.

McLean, Va.: Dave, what on earth is up with Elvis Costello these days? No offense, and I don't mean to be mean, but the word from his recent concert was that he was pissed off all night and really didn't perform that well. Hell, if someone has an off night, then they should just say so. In fact, I've seen some performers say this before their show -- something like "I have a slight cold" or "a close friend passed away" or "I'm just not feeling well tonight"--and then, if they're terrible, at least they said something. From what I hear, Costello didn't say anything and was just plain bad. What's up with that?!

David Segal: I don't think Costello had an off night. He's not cuddly or anything and he didn't say all that much, but I think he was really enjoying himself. You've got to remember, this is a guy, as I said in my review, who used to blast distortion at his fans after he finished a 45 minute set. He's mellowed considerably. He was once notorious.

Anyway, I thought besides being into it, he seemed like he was almost cheery by his standards. He's no longer an ornery young man. Now in his late 40s, I guess it's about time.

Potomac, Md.: Just wanted to say that I, and many others, are looking forward to a great triple-bill Tuesday the 25th at Merriweather: Dio, Deep Purple and the Scorpions! Are you going? If you're not, and don't have someone going, would you like a short review? This should be a great show. And I'd like to note that the price for this show, for an orchestra front center seat, and including all of the stupid "service" charges, was about $55.00. That's everything, for three bands. If my math's correct, that's only about $18.00 per band -- a bargain these days! Thanks for the time. Rock lives!

David Segal: I sort of hoping that our dino-rock critic, Dave McKenna, will handle that line of up godzillas. Thanks for the offer, though.

Hyattsville, Md.: Have you heard the latest Neil Finn album? He's coming to the 9:30 Club next month, for which I thank the forces of universal creation. I love his music so much, but yet he's criminally underappreciated in this country. I think he's definitely on par with Lennon/McCartney. What gives!? Any thoughts on this?

David Segal: I wouldn't put Finn in the company of L-Mc, though that's not exactly a slam. Nobody is the league of that team. But he wrote some cool songs, and I liked Split Enz, his band with his brother, Tim. I was just listening to "Don't Dream It's Over," his hit from the 80s, which is featured on a big Rhino compilation of 80s music that I think is out next month. Not a bad tune, though some lame lyrics by the end of the number. "Get to know the feeling of liberation and relief" or something like is one of those lame lines. Lennon would never write something like that!

I haven't heard anything about his new album.

Maryland: David,

You suggested on Sunday that Elvis Costello is at his best when he's angry. Sounds a lot like David Letterman, who's funniest when he's grumpy.

David Segal: Really? When Letterman is grumpy I find him a little off putting. Usually he's being cruel to Paul Schaffer, who always seems terrified of his bosses acid tongue.

Winchester, Va: David, Good article about Elvis Costello. But I never heard much about his cutting shows short. I attended a show at the Warner for the My Aim is True tour and he did 5 encores.

David Segal: You witnessed history. Pretty cool. Yes, Costello was infamous for bad concert etiquette. His manager, Jake Riviera, was part of the problem. If you took a flash photo of E. during his shows, Jake would come and grab your camera and tear out the film. I remember taking some flash shots of E during a show in that era and I was waiting for a visit from the guy. Thankfully, it didn't happen. I still have those shots. He was playing in Vermont, if memory serves.

Washington, DC: I liked your hives review, but, when you get down to it, it doesn't matter what they say in the papers 'cause it's always been the same old scene. As you probably know, there's a new band in town-- but you can't get the sound from a story in a magazine aimed at your average teen.

David Segal: You ought to set these words to music.

Smithfield, Va.: I was fortunate enough to catch the U.K.'s Belle and Sebastian at the Black Cat back in October of '98, and have done my best to read about the band and follow its music ever since. Their composition and use of a variety of instruments to produce well-rounded records still amaze me; I can listen to Boy With the Arab Strap with the intense desire to hear something new the same way I do with, say, Pink Floyd.
Anyway, I see they've just released a new album (although I haven't heard it) -- have you given it a listen? or, what do you think of the band's previous efforts? Finally, any idea if they're crossing the Atlantic soon for another tour? Thanks.

David Segal: Uh, I don't know how to break this to you, but B&S were in D.C. a couple weeks ago.

Haven't heard the new album and missed that show, sadly, so that's about all I know.

Washington, D.C.: Howdy David.

Sounds like the Costello show ROCKED! Who today is making new music along the lines of Costello or Squeeze? Great hum-along melodies with smarter-than-average lyrics?

You rule!

David Segal: Thanks! Interestingly, when Rolling Stone asked E. to name an artist he liked these days he named Cannibal Ox, a Harlem rap duo. Can you believe it? You do need to listen to rap to hear great lyrics these days -- seriously. The Em album is hysterical and very smart, though smutty and low brow as hell.

Joe Henry, who opened E's Wolf Trap show, is supposedly in the same tradition, though I wasn't all that impressed by the little I heard. I mean if you're looking for the sort of stuff that Costello put out when he was in his 20s, you might have to wait a long time. That was once in a blue moon stuff.

Charm City, Md.: Dave --

Really thought you captured the Costello show accurately. It was a wonderful night for me, combining a bit of nostalgia with a fresh dose of middle-age bloodletting. The concert proved Elvis's respect for both his art and his audience: the song selection couldn't be considered a greatest hits collection, nor did he concentrate on "When I Was Cruel."

Which leads me to a complaint about the esteemed Greil Marcus. Whining in Salon recently, Marcus complained that Costello's set list didn't include "Alison" or "Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes." Do you think fans should be spoon-fed all the hits, all the time? I, for one, was glad Costello didn't. Well, sure, "A Man Out of Time" might have been nice, but Sunday night's show proved that Costello remains timely. (Interestingly, Marcus also ripped "The Imposters," claiming they weren't a tight unit. Perhaps the band has come together since it left El Lay, for they seemed pretty well together at Wolf Trap.)

I appreciated your review, considering your thumb's down on Elvis's fine new album.

David Segal: I thought the Imposters were a bit sloppy at moments, too, to be honest but those moments were way outnumbered by moments when they just wailed. As for playing the hits, I don't agree with that. I'm glad Costello didn't play Alison. Enough already with that one. He did some deep cuts, which is a better idea. Like that version of "Clown Time" which was really emotive and very powerful. I really liked hearing "Lipstick Vogue" as well. A nervy choice. It's a challenging, noisy tune.

Vienna, VA: What has happened to MTV's O-Town? One of the members quit early in the show and now I see him (I think it was him) in a video with another group of guys.

David Segal: Whoooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaa! O-Town? Split? Say it aint so? Pulllease say that it aint so. I want at least two more seasons of that drek. I need it! I love it. Those boys rule!

Costelloville: Read your review of the Elvis Costello concert and you hinted at opinion of his latest: "When I Was Cruel." (I missed the Post's review). I think the critics who have hailed it as a return to roots listened only to the first song, which is primarily an electric stomper. The remainder of the album dishes out more of the same trash he's been giving us for nearly two decades: clunky lyrics and obscene arrogance. It's time for people to call it like it is. The guy's a jerk -- and while it was fun once, it's not endearing anymore.

David Segal: I really don't get much of a jerk vibe from Costello any more. He's definately chilled quite a bit and he seems to have found love, which will mellow you out every time. Funny thing is that he was so pissed off in the first place. His anger peaked during "This Year's Model" which is when he had gained so much renown and was finally getting the attention he deserved. Weird.

Virginia: D.S. -- After several weeks of living with the new Wilco album, I've decided it's pretentious, overrated junk. Is it possible that critics (most of whom seem to love it) gave the band credit for their battle with the record company and artistic integrity -- which I applaud -- and overlooked the lackluster music?

David Segal: I have tried a few times to leap into that one and it just won't let me in. I don't get it either. Certainly, the story about how the album was made helped a lot. But it isn't enough for me. I'd like some captivating songs, too, and I don't hear but one or two of them on this album.

Lexington Park, Md.: Hey Dave, looks like a full schedule for you to compete against. I know we can defeat all of them, for we rock on with our bad selves!

Anyway, haven't heard anything that doesn't sound like it came from Epic itself. So have you heard the new Korn album? Is it any good? Should I morgage my house and buy it or a movie ticket?

David Segal: You know, the weasels at that label have yet to send me the album. Is the whole planet waiting for the new Korn album? You'd think so. You'd think they were about to start selling $10 bills for a fiver. We'll see. I'll review it, and Papa Roach's brand new bag, on Wednesday next.

Alexandria, Va.: In reviewing the Hives show, you managed to completely neglect the Pattern and Mooney Suzuki. Miss them or just not worth the print space?

David Segal: Missed them. What did you think?

Washington, D.C.: Hi David,

Couldn't help but notice your Rhode Island roots. Did you snag autopgraphs from X backstage at Lupo's or the Living Room? Great places, and I still remember seeing X at the Living Room. Why do you think the Schemers never made it big? They had great pop material.

David Segal: I saw them at the Living Room. Weee hooo. Maybe we're talking about the same show. What a great evening that was. Lordy, lordy. And I still have those autographs, everyone except Bonebreak, who I simply didn't recognize. Recently, a buddy here lent me an X video from way back and Bonebreak actually steals the show. He stands in his kitchen at one point and plays three different rhythms at once -- one with each hand and a third with a foot. It's totally amazing. It's like he has 3 brains.

Memphis, Tenn.: Dear David,

My question is one regarding developing a young mind's interest in music. My almost-14-year-old nephew is a music fanatic. His taste's range from the Beatles, to Black Sabbath, to Tom Petty, to Aerosmoth, to the Rolling Stones, to the Grateful Dead. He has just started song writing, he owns his guitar, but until he gets a car and can take himself to lessons, it will just collect dust.

I would like to encourage ths interest; I think he is primed for books (reading comprehension skills!) regarding bands, music, etc. Do you have an recommendations?

Thanks in advance!

David Segal: Hmmmm. Great question. Let me think. I read every dang book I could find growing up -- not just music, but anything that was within my grasp. Music-wise, I'd recommend the Peter Guralnick bio of Elvis Presley -- a very fine read, esp the first volume. Also, there's a great oral history of punk's roots called "Please Kill Me" which is really terrific, though maybe a bit sordid for a kid. If he's like some sobering sense of the music biz, introduce him to "Hit Men," which gives portrait of the biz and the men who created it and ran it for years. Pretty amazing.

Washington, D.C.: Even if Elvis was pissed off all night, what's the problem with that? Waddaya want, John Tesh? Elvis was great. I saw him in '79 at McDonough Gym (opening act: The Rubinos). Yeah, then he was angry. But that's what's great about him. That time, the crowd was much cooler. I sat next to a guy that kept asking us if we wanted a sniff of his airplane glue. Which was much preferable to, like Sunday, being surrounded by Yuppies who think he's angry.

David Segal: If you read my review, you'd realize that I was applauding his rage. Check it out. I'm very pro-rage. I just wished he were angrier.

Kensington, Md.: Hi David,

The answer to the trivia question is Big Star. Or it should be.

Your first impression of the new GbV? I think it's a stronger album (after just two listenings, mind you) than Isolation and Collapse. "Cheyenne" is a GREAT pop song.

You gonna review the new Sonic Youth next week? Thanks.

David Segal: Ah, a GBV fan. I'm sad to report that my first listen of the new album did not impress me much. I've got to give it more time, but not much jumped up and bit me, which often happens with their stuff. I was a pretty large fan of Isolation Drills, which I think was awfully great at moments. "How's My Drinking" was especially memorable.

I'm sorry that I didn't come up with a trivia question. I just barely made it here on time!

Washington, D.C.: What was up with that Courteney Cox wannabe doing K.D. Lang dancing in the front row of the Elvis show? OK, lady, you've gotten your attention, sit down and stop being an idiot. We're not here to see you and you look like an idiot with no rhythm. Maybe this person is the one who thought Elvis was angry, since he pretty much ignored her. Which is another reason Elvis Is Cool.

David Segal: That lady was a dead ringer for Angela Bowie! But Elvis was actually playing to her for a moment or two early in the show. Yes, she must have thought she was part of the entertainment.

I think I've got to write a story about jerks at concerts. There are so many! It's amazing. Some jackass was talking near me for most of Costello's show. Why the hell would you buy a ticket to a show and then talk during it?

And shouldn't there be some sort of, you know, PUNISHMENT for that type of thing?

Boston, Mass.: The Hives' lead singer is more fun to watch than most rockers these days, no? He's cheeky, energetic and funny. And pretty darn good-looking. Also, the Hives music rocks without bludgeoning, a wonder in these Korn-saturated days. What's your take on the Hives, Dave?

David Segal: Here's my take on the Hives. It ran a couple days ago:




By David Segal
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, June 17, 2002; Page C01


The Hives are kidding, aren't they?

It sure seems possible. Either they're pulling our legs or they really are five guys from Sweden -- Sweden! -- dressed in identical black shirts and skinny silver ties, playing jerk-and-stop punk-pop at sound-barrier speeds and leaping around like happy jackals. Either they're joshing or they really have a rhythm guitarist named Chris Dangerous and a bass player named Matt Destruction. Either they're snickering at us or lead singer Howlin' Pelle Almqvist was utterly sincere when he breathlessly announced, midway through the band's Saturday night set at the Black Cat, "I had a good time during the entire course of that song and so did you. If you didn't you're a square and all squares go home now."

Squares? Did he say "squares"?

He did. And though we might learn one day that the Hives are a record-label hoax and the quintet actually hails from Brooklyn, let's just assume for a moment that these fellows are from Fagersta, Sweden, as they claim. And let's assume that Almqvist was not being arch or ironic when he deadpanned at the end of one song, "We are your new government, your new Senate. We are the Hives, but you can call us Mr. President."

Let's assume this, if only because taking the Hives at face value is such a blast. The group is often lumped in with the Strokes and the White Stripes as part of a mini-movement to revive rock, but a Hives show feels like something a lot brisker, sharper and way sillier than the word "revival" implies. The Hives aren't merely trying to jump-start rock's pulse -- they're pounding on its sternum, strapping electrodes to its chest and shouting "Clear!" Their show was like CPR by a guy in a Bozo mask.

Preening before a bank of light bulbs that blinked "THE HIVES" at key moments, Almqvist seemed to channel the spirit of Mick Jagger, circa 1966, through the soul of those "wild and crazy guys" played by Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd years ago on "Saturday Night Live." Apparently, nobody told him that in the United States rock is a self-serious business and that real stars don't boast of their greatness or demand more applause or instruct the audience to request an encore. Nobody told Almqvist that fans don't need to be told, "Behave as you should and scream and shout between songs." Nobody explained that phrases like "worshiping at the altar of the rock music" sound a little funny to American ears.

And nobody should. Almqvist's triumphalism is an overdue answer to the aloof reserve of our homegrown acts, who often seem embarrassed by the spectacle they make. The Hives are unembarrassable, and they've apparently been that way since they formed in their teen years in 1993. In the United States, the Hives are breaking out courtesy of "Veni Vidi Vicious," their second full-length album, a 12-song Tilt-a-Wheel that spins in tight and vertiginous four-chord circles from start to finish. These boys have studied late-'70s punks -- the Buzzcocks, a British band that never really caught on stateside, seems a major influence -- and mid-'60s pop. There's a lot more brawn than brain in the typical Hives melody, and the lyrics have a rock-as-a-second-language feel that English-speaking songwriters would run through the word processor a second time. "Do what I want 'cause I can and if I don't / Because I wanna be ignored by the stiff and the bored / Because I'm gonna / Spit and retrieve 'cause I give and receive," Almqvist sang on "Hate to Say I Told You So."

Who cares what it means? It makes as much sense as the T-shirts for sale at the concession stand that read "The Hives are law. You are crime." This band isn't pleading for your affection with complicated sweet talk and an appeal to reason. No, they're issuing demands the way professional wrestlers announce their next fights -- with bluster and a confidence that borders on naivete.

The band got to just about everything on "Vini" during its hour-long set, which Almqvist helpfully annotated with progress reports every few minutes. ("We've got about 37 minutes left!" he shouted, a mere 10 minutes into the concert.) It was more than enough time to slam through "Knock Knock" and songs such as the hyperactive "Outsmarted," as Almqvist blew kisses, spun his microphone and swung from the rafter pipes.

In the end, the audience hooted for an encore without further prodding, and when the last notes sounded the Hives tossed their ties into the crowd and waved like they'd just taken over the solar system. They hadn't, of course, and given the novelty-act simplicity of their music, conquering the world one nightclub at a time seems like a more realistic ambition. And a worthy ambition, too. If all of this is a joke, bravo to the people who dreamed it up. If it isn't, bravo to the Hives. They invented something entertaining: Swedish meatball rock.

Enough about Elvis: To paraphrase a quote: the only reason record critics love Elvis Costello is because he looks like them.

David Segal: I'm confused for Elvis all the time.

Actually, I'm not. But a kid did, I swear, walk up to me at a lunch place in Georgetown a few months ago and ask if I'm "Ian from Fugazi."

If I've said it once, I've said it...once: That Ian -- he is a VERY good looking man!

O-Town: I think the writer was referring to Ikaika (sp?) the kid from Hawaii. I don't think the rest of them split up yet. They have a 10-year contract to fulfill, don't they?

David Segal: Phew!! Ok, I'm calm now.

Washington, D.C.: Mr. Segal --

Update: Bought my husband the iPod for his birthday and he LOVES it (has written to you deciding between the iPod and XM Sat radio)! Spent a good part of that evening and night online tracking down music! Thanks for the help!

David Segal: Ah, yes. It's the wife of the year, the lady trying to decide between buying her hubby an iPod or a subscription to XM radio.

I think I love you, ma'am. I hope your dude appreciates his good fortune.

Ummm...: The whole point of Elvis Costello is that he is a biting, smart, cynical guy. I was at the show, thought he was great. The band sounded great, and his voice was excellent (for him). For you Marys who can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.

David Segal: Amen!

Arlington, VA: I have on good authority from a friend of mine who is obsessed with the train wreck that is O-town that they have a new album coming out in August and their website is set for a relaunch soon...and Trevor's 'fro is bigger than ever. So, no, they have not split up. And also LMNT, the "band" including the last couple of guys tossed out of O-town had an album released a few weeks ago.

David Segal: Ok, thank you thank you thank you. I was worried there. Now I can breathe.

Arlington, Va.: David --

While I liked your excellent Hives piece, you neglected to mention their one towering influence: Iggy Pop and the Stooges, particularly in their James Williamson period. To me, the whole band's a knock-off of that sound.

Also, are we so desperate for real rock that we're willing to settle for pale (if decent) imitations of the real thing like the Strokes and the Hives?

David Segal: That's a very good point and I actually thought about putting a reference to the Stooges in the piece, but went with the Buzzcocks instead. You're quite right, though.

Yes, it does seem a little crazy for us to swoon too much for five Swedes who have studied Iggy et al. But really, it was a great show. A really great show. The shelf life of this band -- well, don't expect them to be around for long. But if you get a chance to see a band that flat out enjoys playing that much, take it.

College Park, Md.: Here's a book for the 14-year-old kid to read: "Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground 1981-1991."

David Segal: That's a good idea. I liked that one.

La Plata, Md.: Hey Dave, this is how I taught myself to play guitar. I got the "Nirvana Unplugged" album and tabs book then taught myself using those. It's a great starter because Nirvana usually only uses the easier chords and the songs themselves are pretty easy to play. It's like your own starter kit.

David Segal: Also a fine idea.

Garageland, Md.: Hey Dave,

I missed the Hives show, but am most lamenting missing the Mooney Suzuki opening. If you missed them, you gotta check out their new album "Electric Sweat." MC5-ish, R&B-influenced rawk.

And if you're still groovin' to the Stripes' "De Stijl" like you were a coupla weeks ago, give a listen to the Von Bondies' album "Lack of Communication." Jack White produced, and it sounds like a '60s garage-punk band reached in through a time warp and stole a bunch of songs that Jack wrote somewhere between "De Stijl" and "White Blood Cells." Good stuff.

(And your Bowie story is, BTW, a terrific, entertaining piece of work. Kudos!)

David Segal: Thanks much.

You remind me that the Hives covered a song by a band called The Compulsive Gamblers, who are on the same label as White Stripes, and the song was superb. I mean superb. I've got to get that album. It actually was so good that it pointed out a big problem with the Hives: they can't really write a great melody.

Anyway, I'll check Von Bondies. Cool tip.

Sign of the Apocolypse: SIR Mick Jagger.

Brian Jones must be spinning like a top in his grave.

David Segal: I thought I heard a whirring sound.

Who do you think has done more spinning in their grave than anyone else? Someone should do a Nexus search and figure it out. Edward R. Murrow is forever spinning in his grave, whenever there's some great dive in television news quality. Maybe he's history greatest grave spinner. We here at Style once tried to figure this question out.

Happy sadist: "I think I've got to write a story about jerks at concerts. Why the hell would you buy a ticket to a show and then talk during it? And shouldn't there be some sort of, you know, PUNISHMENT for that type of thing?"

Duct tape their mouths and hang them by their thumbs at the back of the stage.

I saw Sarah Vaughn at Blues Alley and there was a table right in front of the stage who just would not shut the f--- up. Sara Vaughn finally stopped the show to ask what songs they wanted to hear "since obviously you haven't heard what you wanted to yet." The crowd broke into applause and the jerks looked like they wanted the earth to swallow them whole. Which we all wanted, actually.

David Segal: Amazing. I don't understand it. I guess people figure, Hey, it's rock. Ok, it's rock. But you still need to HEAR IT! I've got to start interviewing these people after shows. "Hey, I couldn't help but notice that you were a complete, yakking jackass through the whole show. What the heck were you thinking?"

Southern Maryland: Dave,

I've enjoyed your "My Top Ten" articles as interesting reading, but without the music, that's all it is: just reading. Is there any way you can get one of those Sound Bite phone numbers to accompany the article? There's no other way the typical reader is going to find the Legendary Stardust Cowboy (or whatever his name was), or catch the Edit Piaf hook, etc. Context is everything.

David Segal: Just reading? JUST reading? And I suppose your mother is just a mother.

(I stole that last line from "Happy Days" believe it or not.)

Yes, My Top Ten would work way better as a radio show. We should do soundbites for it. A fine idea. I'll make sure that happens next time.

Los Angeles, Calif.: How do you decide what shows to see and review? Or what albums to crtique?

David Segal: I use a Ouji board. I'm like, "Oh spirit of rock, please guide me to the very finest and most interesting shows out there." And the board is always like, "Go see Poison at Jaxx."

And I'm like, "No, seriously, who should I see?"

And it's like "What did I just say, you ninny?"

And I'm like, "How could the Poison show be any good?"

And it's like...

Ok, I can't do that any longer. I'm not sure how I choose. I listen to people. I read. I listen to CDs. I see if the show time conflicts with my pedicures. I make sure it doesn't overlap with my weekly seaweed wrap. I just sort of plod along. It's not exactly a fool proof system.

Grave Spinning: George Washington has probably done his fair share.

Thomas Jefferson -- every time John Ashcroft opens his mouth, while in front of the sheathed statue.

David Segal: Oh yeah, those guys have spun quite a bit.

Adequate Punishment: Sit THEM next to a chatterer during their kid's piano recital, band concert, etc.

David Segal: Fine idea.

Ok, I'm outta here folks. I recommend you hang around till 1:30 for the Busta Rhymes chat. Yeah, HE is the dude.

I'll "see" you all in two weeks.

Till then,

Rock on with your bad selves.

   |      |