Undertones, Jackboots, and the End of the World

Well, it looks like I'm getting an iPod. See, Apple had a special back-to-school offer about free mini iPods with new computers. So it's FREEEEEEEEEE, mate. Which means that I will be able to put Undertones songs on it without having to order the CD via Borders. Which is good. Plus I'll be able to get "The Queen is Dead" by the Smiths because our idiotic family CD player (circa 1982, when CDs first were introduced) scratched that particular song. Which is a pity because I like it. Incidentally, the Undertones did a tune called "Casbah Rock." Hmm, does this sound familiar? From what I've heard of it, it's a very good tune, reminiscent of Vanilla Tapes Clash stuff and not at all like "Rock the Casbah." But I don't like Feargal Sharkey's voice much.
And concerning jackboots: I need a pair. Not that I'm a skinhead or anything; I like my shoulder-length hair too much. But I do like skinhead fashion. (Please note: I am not talking about fascist or racist skinheads. I mean straight-edge skinheads like Paul Simonon circa 1969. It's hard to be racist if the majority of your friends are black and you listen exclusively to reggae.)
And as for the End of the World: this is a particular Flash file on AlbinoBlacksheep. It is an absolutely hilarious account of how the U.S. is going to start the nuclear armageddon. It makes fun of everyone except California, Alaska, and Hawaii. Some of my favorite charicatures:
French guy: Sh*t, guys, we have ze missiles! We must fire our sh*t!
French lady (with abundant underarm hain): But I am le tired.
French guy: Okay, have a nap. AND THEN FIRE MISSILES!!!
Aussie: WTF, mate?
Canadian: What's going on, eh?
Russian: AAGH, MOTHERLAND!!!!!
Check it out!
Cheers,
Jasper and Pinkie the Delinquent Guitar

Exit, Pursued By A Bear

This is Shakespeare's most famous stage direction, used in the play "A Winter's Tale." I recently saw this play at our local Shakespeare festival.
But that isn't the most interesting thing I saw recently. Friday, 12 August 2005, found me and my mates at Red Rocks Amphitheater to watch, yes that's right, the Killers. It was brilliant. I would describe the ambience, the lighting, and the pervading odor of cigarrette smoke, but my friends are already rather tired of such accounts. Anyway it was great, wish you had been there.
Some Other Random Notes:
What I've been listening to lately:
The Kinks- a wonderful proto-punk British Invasion group.
Blondie- punked up discopop at its best. Sounds weird when I describe it, but it's great.
Pretenders- good ol' Chrissie Hynde. She's American but the rest of the band are Brits. The sound is Clash guitar with Chrissie's own lyrics. Excellent.
That's all folks.
Jasper