The Rapscallion

Dirty Linen Night on Royal Street

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:09:50 PDT

Dirty Linen Night is the French Quarter response to White Linen Night, which took place last week in the arts district of downtown New Orleans. Dirty Linen Night has taken place on Royal Street for the last nine years, and it has focused on the eclectic offerings which tourists and locals alike can only find in the historic Vieux Carre. The art in the French Quarter ranges from not to good to great, and everything from sculpture to live performance art was available fro viewing at Dirty Linen Night. Pictures from the French Quarter event can be seen here.

From Dirty Linen

Saints Training Camp 2

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:04:27 PDT

Saints Training Camp

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 16:30:06 PDT

The Saints took to the field last Saturday, even with a heat index of 105 degrees. The team looked good during the annual Black and Gold scrimmage. While the defense looked as solid as ever, the first team offense spent much of the afternoon working out some kinks. The team has had a lot on its plate the last few months, and hopefully, now that the revelry of Super Bowl XLIV has subsided, we can get back to business.

French Quarter Festival April 9-11

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 22:24:14 PDT

TGIF! or Thank Goodness It's Festival time. Folks, we have officially entered musical festival season in New Orleans, and French Quarter Festival is back and rocking away. As always, the French Quarter Festival features a wide variety of talent from New Orleans, and it takes place across several stages and several days. All of this musical merriment comes to you sans cash, aka, this cultural experience is yours for free. Additionally, most of the city's best restaurants set up shop to provide festival goers with some food. More information and a schedule for the festival can be head at French Quarter Fest's website, here.

The Flaming Lips Video for Watching the Planets

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:08:43 PST

Prepare to have you mind blown by nakedness in this video for Watching the Planets from the new record by the Flaming Lips, Embryonic
http://www.nme.com/video?bcpid=26429438001&bctid=49582897001

One More Way To Kill Time

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:58:56 PDT

I should be reading for graduate studies, but now I am reading the comments of my peers. Darn you Google.

in reference to: Google Sidewiki (view on Google Sidewiki)

Craigslist Scammer

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:18:38 PDT

I have been trying to sell a fridge on Craigslist, and every so often I get harassed by some moron trying to buy my items via a wire transfer or money order. What makes this so ridiculous is Craigslist forwards every email with a bold, multi-color header that warns against making such a transaction.

This morning I received one of the worst, most flagrant scam emails that has ever graced my inbox.

Hello,
I appreciate your item ads posted at www.craigslist.org and i will like to make inquiry. Am interested in buying the item from you. I would have love to come and check it myself and make payment with cash but I just got married and am presently on a honeymoon trip to Hawaii with my wife. Kindly withhold it with immediate effect from the advert Web as i don't mind adding $50 for you to do that, so I can be rest assured that the item is held for me.

I should believe it is in good condition as stated. I will be making the payment via Money Order,which my secretary will mail across to you. My Mover will be coming to check it from you once the payment has been cashed. Please I will need both your full Name, Phone Number and physical Address to issue out the payment. Awaiting your reply.

Regards
Gary Collin

After reading this, I was moved to reply to this asshole.

Dear Mr. Collin,

I appreciate your interest in my listings. Your generic email which makes no reference to any of my items for sale made me optimistic. If you would like for me to hold the items, I would appreciate it if you please send the money order to my cousin in Nairobi. He has been having some tough times as the prince of an obscure territory in Africa and has found much of his funds locked up in a bank. In order for him to get access to his funds, he needs a small loan which will allow him to get his money and pay back 10 times your investment! If you are interested, please wire the funds to
8 Valley Road. P.O Box 42254.
City, Nairobi. Country, Kenya
c/o Prince Mahmoud Bhaja

I look forward to doing business with you.

Sincerely,

The Rapscallion

P.s.- Go F*** Yourself and Stop Ruining Craigslist you sack of s***!

If you would like to sell anything to Mr. Collin, please feel free to email him at garrycolline@gmail.com. I am sure he will make you a good deal.

Discovery: Vampire Weekend + Ra Ra Riot = Album of Summer 09

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:30:58 PDT

Started as a side project in 2005, Discovery is the interesting pairing of Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend and Wes Miles of Ra Ra Riot. Discovery was put on hold after both gentlemen found success in their respective bands. However, with some down time, they managed to craft a unique pop record that makes use of hand claps for rhythms and synthesizers for harmony. Their debut LP, aptly titled LP, combines auto-tuning and drum machines with the R&B vibe of Vampire Weekend and the straight ahead melodies of Ra Ra Riot. LP by Discovery comes out on XL July 7th. Listen to both "So Insane" and the incredible remake of the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back."

("I Want You Back" by Discovery)

("So Insane" by Discovery)

Sneak a Peek at Burton's Wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:15:46 PDT

When Tim Burton announced his plans to film a live action version Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures In Wonderland," many questions were raised how the visionary director would distinguish his work from the classic 1951 Disney film, "Alice in Wonderland." Well the first images are out, and judging from the looks of Johnny Depp in the role of the Mad Hatter, audiences young and old are in for a treat next March when Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" hits theaters.
Alice's adventures down the rabbit hole have become a literary favorite since they were first published in 1865. Since then, Alice and here whimsical Wonderland counterparts have enjoyed many cinematic treatments, including a 1903 silent film directed by Cecil Hepworth. The best known version is Walt Disney's "Americanized" treatment of the British text. Although it strays from the source text, it succeeds in creating a visual spectacle which has mesmerized audiences for the last 50 years.
The legacy and popularity of Disney's original "Alice in Wonderland" is unmatched, but Tim Burton is one director who is not afraid to tread on hallowed ground. Roald Dahl's whimsical "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" enjoyed an excellent film treatment with the 1971 musical which starred Gene Wilder as the eccentric Willy Wonka. While "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" has become a children's classic since its release, Burton felt that there was still something more to get from the original story. With the help of Johnny Depp and his Michael Jackson-esque portrayal of Wonka, Burton brought audiences back to the Chocolate Factory in his 2005 version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
The most recent treatment of note for Alice was in 1999 with a TV version released by the Hallmark company. The costumes and make up were pretty, but many critics complained that it lacked the punch of the Disney film. Ultimately, it left the door wide open for one more shot at a visual manifestation of Wonderland.
Disney had long desired to do more with the Alice story, and Joe Roth started putting the pieces together in 2007. It was not until later that year that the project solidified with the inclusion of Tim Burton as director. He originally stated that, "the goal is to try to make it an engaging movie where you get some of the psychology and kind of bring a freshness but also keep the classic nature of Alice." Fortunately, that freshness will come in 3D, as Disney and Burton believe that technology has progressed enough to offer the film in the exciting medium.
The film is already in the can, having been shot last winter over 40 days. All we are waiting on now is the CG to be finished. Starring Johnny Depp, Matt Lucas, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, and Mia Wasikowska as Alice, "Alice in Wonderland's" "important date" for release is March 19, 2010. Don't be late.

Manny Ramirez Suspended for 50 Games Trying to Get "Fertile"

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:04:54 PDT

Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games. It's not what you think. He wasn't taking steroids, he was just trying to boost his fertility. According to ESPN

HCG is a women's fertility drug typically used by steroid users to restart their body's natural testosterone production as they come off a steroid cycle. It is similar to Clomid, the drug Bonds, Giambi and others used as clients of BALCO.

Oh... Well, I still think it's ridiculous. I think Manny was just being Manny when he was taking women's drugs. He is obviously pulling a Dennis Rodman and trying to get in-touch with his inner female.

Music to Get Life Going

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:12:58 PDT

As I wind down on the massive amount of school work that awaits anyone who plan on attending college, I feel as though I need a last bit of stimulus and pick me up. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are just the band to help me get through it. Their latest single, Young Adult Friction," from their self-titled release is stellar.

Young Adult Friction - The Pai...

"Willy" Ray Nagin's School of Politics on WTUL New Orleans

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Sat, 02 May 2009 13:34:59 PDT

Anyone visiting New Orleans during this beautiful Jazz Fest should pop on over to City Hall and say hi to our ~~idiot~~ mayor. For those of you who do not know who Ray Nagin is, he's that guy that said that "chocolate city" thing a while back. By the way, he was elected to a second term.

Nagin is now infamous for his incompetency, and he is now embroiled in a controversy regarding archiving of his emails. I made this WTUL New Orleans radio spot out of frustration. I think a school of politics would do Mr. Ray Nagin some good.

Final Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:11:05 PDT

The new trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is online now. Let the squealing commence.

This is the final trailer for the upcoming film adaptation of the sixth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Those who have read it know that this Harry Potter book is probably the darkest of the series, and it could be compared to another "the bad guys seem to be winning" sequel, The Empire Strikes Back.

From this trailer and the previous two, we can gather the dark look and tone that director David Yates has chosen for his film adaptation of Half-Blood Prince. Unlike the previous five films, including Yates' previous film, The Order of the Phoenix, this Harry Potter film employs a darker, more muted color pallete.

The wobbly bridge also looks especially wobbly, the room of requirement looks great, and the climax looks incredible. I believe this may very well be the best adaptation of a Harry Potter film yet. Let us hope that the tone translates throughout the entire film. A brief synopsis of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince can be found here, via the film's website.

Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort’s defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane’s chocolates! And then there’s Hermione, simmering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.

Kanye Feels "Murdered" On South Park

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:24:08 PDT

or
So last night, one of television's premier outlets for social satire, South Park, lambasted everyone's favorite hip-hop diva, Kanye West. The show, titled "Fish Sticks", is all about how Cartman and Jimmy come up with the funniest joke of all time. Well, everyone in the world finds this joke funny, everyone except Kanye.

In 30 minutes, the show manages to make fun of auto-tuning, the glasses, and even the goofy fashion.

It just goes to show you what being a d-bag will get you. Anyways, Kanye posted a response to the South Park episode on his blog. Some of it is funny, while other parts are sad.

SOUTH PARK MURDERED ME LAST NIGHT AND IT'S PRETTY FUNNY. IT HURTS MY FEELINGS BUT WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM SOUTH PARK! I ACTUALLY HAVE BEEN WORKING ON MY EGO THOUGH. HAVING THE CRAZY EGO IS PLAYED OUT AT THIS POINT IN MY LIFE AND CAREER.

Watch all of the hilarity here.

Dan Deacon in New Orleans

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:53:09 PDT

Dan Deacon is coming to New Orleans at Tulane University on Monday, April 13 2009. And you should be there. If you do not know who Dan Deacon is, then stop reading this and start reading this. His new record Bromst was released a few weeks ago, and it is one of the best records of the year. Bromst combines lush electronic arrangements with interesting beats and a bevvy of backing instruments. "Red F" and "Snookered" are just two of the outstanding tracks that Dan Deacon had provided for his faithful followers on Bromst.

Anyways, Dan and his Bromst band are touring the country in a school bus that has been converted to run on vegetable oil. It is as awesome as it sounds. In an effort to keep costs down and recycling up, Dan is asking folks coming out to his concerts to bring some vegetable oil by his show in exchange for a +1 on the guest list. His full request can be read here, via Pitchfork

hello,

the school tour bus the 20 of us are riding in runs on veggie oil. we need help gathering that oil to fuel our bus. if anyone can bring at least 5 gallons of waste veggie oil to one of the shows we will put you on the guest list. it is easily found behind almost all restaurants.

if the oil looks dark and full of crud we can't use it. the lighter the color and the less viscous the better. if you can bring us CLEAN and filtered oil we can put you + 1 on the list.

an easy way to filter the oil would be to stretch a tight sheet or t-shirt over a bucket and pour the oil into the bucket through the sheet to get all the gunk out. a slower way, but better way, would be to tie one of the pant legs of jeans into a tight knot and hang that over a bucket and pour the oil into the jeans, and clean oil will slowly pass into the bucket.

to arrange the grease for list swap you can call geoff at 862-266-6130. call or text him. he is our oil master. the more oil the better. we have enough storage for 100 gallons of oil. if you can get us 30 gallons we'll cook you dinner on the bus (we have a little kitchen and many great cooks).

please repost this to anywhere you think it might help. thanks you!

dan deacon

Not only is this a good cause, it's a great show. Consider bringing yours to Tulane when you come over to the show on Monday. Listen to "Build Voice" from Dan Deacon's new record, Bromst, via Nasty Panda.

Ratatat in New Orleans at House of Blues

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:09:51 PDT

Everyone's favorite guitar-synth duo Ratatat are returning to New Orleans for a show at the House of Blues. Tickets are still available at the door, and Ratatat are a guaranteed good time. Last year's LP3 made most top ten lists, so I am not only one hyping this show. So put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to climb aboard the Ratatat railway. Check below for a sample of their sound.

Twitter is Creepy

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:22:16 PDT

If you have not yet discovered Twitter, the next big thing, then fly on over to Twitter's site to sign up and tweet.

Those familiar with the micro-blog phenomenon know that tweets are available to be read by anyone who may come across your Twitter profile. The ease of access to information on Twitter is convenient, and each Tweet is an easily digested update to stay in touch with friends and family. However, more recently, I came to the realization that the open nature of Twitter is kind of creepy.

For example, I was walking down the street, minding my own business when I heard from across the road, "Hey Bryan, how are you feeling?" Concerned that I was about to be ambushed by something that would not have felt good, I looked around and saw a gentleman I used to work with. To be honest, I forgot this guy existed, since I had not seen him in over a year. We met eyes, he waved and then yelled, "I saw your Twitter about your stomach, hope it cleared up." I had not spoken with this guy in a year, and yet he knew that 2 days earlier I had been ill with a 24-hour stomach virus. The nausea was so fleeting, I had not even told my girlfriend whom I saw three times that day. However, this guy knew because of a quick tweet that mentioned it.

I understand that once something is put out on the internet it becomes fair game for anyone. But Twitter and its Tweets do not collate just any information; creepy Twitter organizes personal information.

I now realize the importance of discretion within Twitter. These are a few rules I now implement in my tweets.

1. Do not include anything you would not want overheard at a coffee shop.
2. Keep it simple by not including too many personal details.
3. Mention locations, but don't be so specific that you can be ambushed by ninjas.
4. Do not kiss and tell. Remember, even mom can find you.

If you want to be the next one to creep me out, you can ~~stalk~~ follow me at my Twitter account.

"Hey, Stella!," It's The Tennessee Williams Festival

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:17:47 PDT

Tennessee Williams' 1947 New Orleans masterpiece "A Streetcar Named Desire" remains an important piece of popular theater 50 years after its first performance. Streetcar is also the play that inspired the literati of New Orleans to organize a festival honoring Tennessee Williams. The Tennessee Williams Festival has attracted writers, actors, students, and play goers to New Orleans since its inception years ago, and this year's festival was the biggest and best yet.

One of the most popular events is the "Stella" screaming contest, during which, 25 participants gather in the heart of the French Quarter and get the opportunity to yell out Stanley Kowlaski's famous exclamation, "Hey, Stella!" While the role is probably best known for Brando, Williams' Stanley is dynamic enough for any festival-goer to find a new way to scream out to the Stella stand-in perched on a balcony on one of the famed Pontalba apartments in the French Quarter.

Each entrant competes by calling " "Stella!" (or "Stanley!") three times. Loudness counts, but contestants should also portray Stanley’s angst and emotion. Finalists selected in the outdoor portion of the contest compete on the main stage of Le Petit Theatre for the grand prize.

For the past several years, the French Quarter contest has grown in size, and the quality of the competition has also improved.

This year's competitors, not all of whom were from New Orleans, ranged in age and approach, but all of them yelled for Stella with intensity and passion. It was a fun and interesting way to successfully close this year's Tennessee Williams Festival. It was also just one more reason why you should come and visit New Orleans, one of the most interesting cities on Earth. Below is one "unique" performance that attendees were treated to.

Warner Brothers and the Pirate Bay Join Forces!

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:52:16 PDT

That's right folks, everyone's favorite movie studio, Warner Brothers has joined forces with everyone's favorite torrent site, The Pirate Bay. According to the report at TorrentFreak:

The deal, worth over $13 billion (10 billion euros) came about after the recent performance at the Pirate Bay trial gave strong indications that the judgment would go against Warner Bros. For the Hollywood movie studio, it seems that acquiring The Pirate Bay was the only option left.

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! Read more about it from Pirate Bay's official press release.

Google Gmail Autopilot

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 06:47:14 PDT

While checking my Gmail this morning, I noticed the most fantastic new feature. It is called "Autopilot" and it allows Gmail to draft automatic Gmail responses to all of your pesky emails. As they explain it how Autopilot works:

The more Gmail messages Autopilot can sample, the better. With fewer than 100 messages, there may not be enough data to calibrate Autopilot effectively. You can adjust tone, typo propensity, and preferred punctuation from the Autopilot tab under Settings.

This is another brilliant time management tool from Gmail and the folks at Google. For more information, check the terms to find out more about it.

The Top "To Go" Items From Your School's Cafeteria

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 07:50:01 PDT

So, you're a poor college student who cannot afford to head over to the grocery store. Not a big deal. All you need to do is take your college books out of your decently sized bag and head over to your local college cafeteria.

I know this may sound like its against the rules, but my rationale is that the food is going to get eaten anyway. Taking food from the cafeteria is a right of passage for college students, and these tips are only to aid those who must "borrow" in order to get past the pizza and ramen. Most cafeterias cost 9 bucks to get in the door. Your meal at the time is around 4 bucks, so if you can gather around $5 if food, then it is worth your while.

Now, there are several rules you need to consider:
1- Don't get caught. This is embarrassing and may lead to academic discipline and you getting kicked out permanently.
2- One way not to get caught, don't be greedy. Only grab what you need immediately. If you are not going to eat it before it goes bad, leave it for some other hungry college student who will eat it.
3- Grab easily handled items first. Fruits and vegetables have a natural Tupperware seal, so put these higher on your list than something like a sandwich, which requires additional gear.
4-Don't waste time with fried foods. They never taste as good later, and are easily acquired with the change in your pocket.
5- Take things that you cannot acquire on your own. Pizza and pasta are cheap and easy to get at home, so again, focus and fruits and vegetables, items that may get thrown away by the cafeteria. Ultimately, you may be doing them a favor by relieving them of their extra food.
6- Bring a wing man. This person can serve as your look out, and it is less conspicuous if you split the load between two people.

Most college campuses require first year students to pay for a meal plan, so none of this is necessary if you have a meal plan. Although it may get real old, real fast, the pre-payed nature of the cafeteria never gets tiresome.

Don't be greedy, and only take what you need and what you will eat. Happy foraging.

11:30AM-12PM, The Final Countdown

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:35:20 PDT

The work space by the end. Note the copy of Walden I read for 8 minutes during the only downtime we experienced around 4AM. I should note that after reading it, we received $150 to make me stop. It worked.

Caitlin just holding down the final minutes of the broadcast, trying to make sure we have the right tally of money going toward my gallon challenge. For the record, we did not get the $1,000 in the hour, as I had wanted. It took one hour and 20 minutes, so I ended up scrapping it, and leisurely drinking a single glass of milk.

Even after nearly 24 hours on air, I am still amused by the simplest things.

The official end of WTUL New Orleans Marathon with The Rapscallion. In the end, we managed to raise some stations funds, so it was all worthwhile. Thank you everyone who supported us and cared enough to invest in the future of WTUL.

11-11:30AM, The beginning of the end of the reign of madness of Marathon.

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:37:29 PDT

11-11:30AM, The beginning of the end of the reign of madness of Marathon.

Passing the time, for the last time, during my 24 hour stint.

A big swing, and a big miss from the Rapscallion. Perhaps that hat is hindering my view...

The set-up outside, in the rain. It is super comfy in a cold and wet way.

10AM-11AM, Breakfast with Bryan, Hoping to Raise Money for the Gallon Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:23:52 PDT

The addition of the beard indicates I have lost my mind by hour 23.

DJ DPMD, DJ Nothing Special, DJ Disc Jockey, and the Rapscallion

Just hanging out in the last few hours, waiting for pledges.

Two lovely ladies, who are also fans of community radio.

8AM-9AM, I am getting my fifth wind.

noreply@blogger.com (The Rapscallion) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:22:25 PDT

Caitlin and the Lady Iyann. We had some good support for the classical listeners, so thank you for that.

Even Mike, the microphone mascot, is starting to look tired.

The beard means that things are getting dire. However, I did enjoy running my hands through it.