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The Kingdome consisted of two main categories of construction: Structural, which held the building up, and support construction, which could be pre-removed.
The structure consisted of poured-in-place, pre-stressed and post-tensioned concrete elements.
Nonstructural ramps, slabs, and siding were removed to reduce the amount of debris that fell to the ground.
Explosives were placed in the structure at key locations.
Demolition of the main structure occurred in two phases of a single implosion sequence. Explosives in the Phase 2 areas were detonated several seconds after Phase 1.
Special material wrapped the structure at the blast points to control the explosion.
Small explosions fractured the rigid concrete allowing the structure to buckle and fall. The flexible rebar remained intact, acting like ropes to pull the columns toward the center.
Gravity did most of the work.
Phase 1 continued to fall, helping to pull Phase 2 in. Phase 2 was detonated several seconds later and collapsed and fell the same as Phase 1.
More explosions further fractured the concrete into smaller pieces.
About 20 seconds after the first explosion, the entire structure collapsed with all of the debris falling within the Kingdome footprint.
The detonation area provided latitude around the entire perimeter for structural debris to fall adjacent to the footprint, but still within the demolition site.
Crushed concrete berms were placed across the Kingdome playing field surface to cushion the fall of the roof. Debris on top of these berms in this area was approximately 25 feet high.
Debris from the perimeter columns and seating construction fell mostly straight down or inward, averaging piles less than 60 feet high.
Click Here to watch the video.


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By RICH FOLEY
Did you celebrate Earth Day last week? I hadn't planned any special observation at first, but after discovering an old file of potential column ideas that never made it to print, recycling some of them seemed like the right thing to do. It also saved me from thinking up something new.
The first item, from the New York Times, concerned the growing trend among fancy restaurants not to allow substitutions, provide normally expected options and other odd policies.
For example, one restaurant in San Francisco refused to furnish salt or pepper because "the chef always seasons each dish perfectly." Another, in New York City, banned more than one order of any particular item at each table. Maybe the chef liked preparing a variety of food. If you and a friend liked the same thing, I guess you had to sit at separate tables.
Other restaurants banned some or all condiments, particularly ketchup and mayo. One serves cheeseburgers with Roquefort cheese only. They'll leave it off if you want, but substituting a different cheese is not allowed.
Another New York restaurant offers regular but not decaffeinated coffee, whole but not skim milk, and regular but not diet soft drinks, citing a lack of space to supply so many options. The owner offered this advice: "If you're really on a diet, drink water." I'm betting he only offers tap water.
If you want to buy a new car with a cassette player, you're too late. The 2010 Lexus SC 430 was the last one available with a factory installed tape deck.
The only surprise to me was that Lexus was the final holdout. How many people who can afford a Lexus are still using cassettes?
Also out of luck is anyone with an undeveloped roll or two of Kodachrome film. The last place in the world capable of processing it, a small business in Parsons, Kansas, shut down their machine at the end of 2010, intending to sell it for scrap.
Dwayne's Photo had a rush of business at the end, including an Arkansas railroad worker who brought in 1,580 rolls of film, paying nearly $16,000 to develop nearly 50,000 slides. Every single slide contained an image of a railroad train. The man borrowed money from his father's retirement account to pay the bill.
A woman flew from London, England to Wichita, then drove to Parsons to have three rolls developed. Wouldn't it have been a lot cheaper just to FedEx the film to Kansas?
A Los Angeles pathologist complained that he still had 400 unused rolls and not enough time to use it. The store had dozens of requests from both professional and amateur photographers that their roll be the final one processed, but that honor eventually went to store owner Dwayne Steinle.
His roll contained shots of his home, his family and downtown Parsons. The last frame was to be a picture of all his employees standing in front of the store.
And finally, some frightening news for those of you who have decided to help save the Earth by using those cloth shopping bags offered for sale by so many supermarkets these days, instead of the free plastic ones used for years. According to some researchers, the cloth bags could put your health at risk.
One study at the University of Arizona found coliform bacteria including E. coli in half of the bags tested, "at a level significant enough to cause serious health problems, even death." It gets worse. It was discovered that leaving the bags in a hot car trunk or on the back seat in the sun for as little as two hours increased bacteria growth by ten times.
A Canadian study found bacterial contamination in 64 percent of bags tested, with 40 percent testing positive for yeast or mold. One researcher added, "The presence of fecal matter in some of the reusable bags is particularly concerning." Causing much of this trouble is cross contamination that occurs when raw meat products that may leak are carried in a bag in a prior shopping trip or at the same time as fruits and vegetables that are eaten uncooked.
The problem could be easily solved by washing the bag after each use, but after you factor in the water and energy needed plus the cost of soap and environmental impact of laundering a load of contaminated bags each time you shop, those dreaded plastic bags start looking better in comparison.
That's all the room I have for now. At least I can say I celebrated Earth Day by recycling four unused ideas into a column. How do you like that, Al Gore?

subset: commoncrawl


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So they say one of the main rules of being a musician is that you should always keep your website up to date, and if you go too long without making things current for visitors, they will consider you as no longer active and relevant.
Well then...if that's true, I'm afraid you'll have to color me irrelevant.
The past year has been a crazy one, with lots of time being spent learning the art of programming, a big move from one city to another, and lots of personal things that have gotten in the way of me devoting my time to my main love: music. That being said, I have in no way forgotten my musical aspirations....they were just slowly cooking in the background, and painstaking progress has indeed been made, just creeping along in the shadows.
Today, one of those long-cooking pots reaches full boil, and I am happy to finally announce the mystery cover tune that has been over a year in the making: "Let's Get It On," one of my favorite Marvin Gaye songs. All your (and my) favorite Cherry peeps are back: Zach Comtois on guitar, Erin Craig on organ, Ryan Ross on drums, and my good friend Andrew Nault mixing and mastering the hell out the whole thing.
So, here it is....a new Greedy Cherry track! I hope you guys enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it. And more songs are on the way... I promise. ;)
As promised, here is your update regarding the cover tune vocal recording session: it happened today!
Spent a few hours over at master engineer Andrew Nault's home studio, and we layed down some new takes for the Cherry's mystery cover tune. We'll spend the next month or so comping those takes and getting everything in order so it sounds fabulous.....then mixing! Stay tuned...it's taking some time, but there's definitely more to come.....
Hello everyone, and Happy New Year! Hope yours is good so far. Lots happening here at Greedy Cherry HQ.....here's an update!
We still have two tracks in the works, one of which is a cover tune. The instruments are all tracked and completed, and we'll be laying down vocals for the song shortly with our good friend and engineer Andrew Nault. More updates on this soon....
Work is still proceeding on the video we shot last month. Basic tracks have been completed, but more needs to be recorded and tightened up, while our friend and videographer Mathew Tucciarone works on splicing the footage together. Just for fun, we've included a still from the session here!
Unfortunately, it seems that Mr. Cherry has taken another month or so off from his blog, The Cherry Lounge, but word on the street is that he shall return shortly to give you more of his unique perspective on music, music history, and the industry in general. Keep checking back, and stay warm.....it's cold out there!
Well, it finally happened! We shot our first music video! With the help of videographer Mathew Tucciarone, we have some footage in the can....now we just need to edit and mix and all of that other boring but necessary stuff. We'll get back to you with more details when we have them....in the meantime, you can check out a picture from the shoot here on our Facebook page!
Hello everyone! Here's the latest from The Cherry...
Our cover tune is being lovingly mixed as we speak by recording engineer extraordinaire Andrew Nault, who was responsible for the mixes on our "EP" release, so you know it will be good. Once the mix is solidified, we'll get the little guy mastered....you can probably look for this track to be released at the beginning of 2013.
In addition, "Change Is Good" has now been completed lyrically, and we're getting ready to try and track the song. We've also locked down a "yes" from a videographer, so it looks like our first ever music video will be happening after all! We're pretty excited, and we'll give you more details as we get them....including a picture from the video sessions if we can. Stay tuned!
It's time for your October update! We've got our still-secret cover tune in process, so we hope to unveil that song before too long (and we're pretty sure you'll enjoy it! At least we hope so! ;)). In the meantime, work has started on another original entitled "Change Is Good". The lyrics are currently being written, and this one may even come with an accompanying video! It would be our first official video ever, so we really hope we can make that happen. We promise to keep everyone posted!
Exactly one month after our last update, things have slowed a little bit, but are still moving forward. Mixing and editing has started on our fabulous cover tune, and, if you need further proof, go to our Facebook page and check out a picture of the mix session itself! If you can read the waveforms and tell us what tune it is a cover of, we'll give you a prize....;)
In the meantime, after a summer off, the Cherry Lounge is back open for business! Check out our latest entry, discussing the legacy of the Beatles and featuring a link to a song by a new artist who can certainly turn out one excellent cover tune herself!
UPDATE: Our good friend Zach was kind enough to stop by the studios and throw some excellent acoustic rhythm guitar on our new cover tune, as well as some tasty licks on solo electric that would make the most old school bluesman blush. And just yesterday, Mike laid down some lead vocals. It's always anyone's guess what will survive the editing process, but things are looking pretty good! We'll give you more information as it becomes available...
Hey there, kiddies! Everyone have a good summer? We sure did....accidentally took the whole thing off, as a matter of fact (sorry about that). But the good news is that new tracks have now been laid down! Still working on original songs for a new EP or CD, but decided that enough was enough.....SOMEthing had to be recorded! So we picked out a really groovy tune by a classic artist and decided to play around a little with a special cover version.
The next step was calling the Greedy Cherry faithful back into service, and, no matter how far away they were, they responded! Our drummer extraordinaire Ryan Ross just turned in his drum tracks, and Mike's bass parts hit the hard drive soon thereafter. We'd almost forgotten how much fun recording was! :)
More updates as things come together! Stay tuned!
Posted a new blog entry yesterday about a very important topic to all of us who call ourselves musicians: the state of the music industry itself. The ReThink Music Conference came to Boston this past week, and from talking to friends who went and mulling things over a little ourselves, there are definitely some good things - and some seriously bad ones - to think about in regards to where things stand. There are more opportunities than ever before to make music, and yet fewer opportunities to succeed, it would seem. Anyway, read our entry yourself and leave us some thoughts, won't you?
Well, it was bound to happen eventually! Facebook finally let Timeline take over our little Greedy Cherry page, so we responded with a bold new header (or as they now like to call it, a "cover photo"). Take a look and tell us what you think! (We're really good at taking constructive criticism. Then again, we also don't mind a compliment or two....;))
Sometimes, folks, songwriting is hard. Trying to finish up a new song, and dropped another verse in last night...but it's certainly slow going. If we can get that darned bridge worked out, we'll have another new one under our belt! Still looking forward to bringing you some new material, so stay with us....it'll happen eventually, we promise!
Wow, it's amazing how time flies when you're not paying attention! Wasn't it just Christmas last week or something? Geez, we've gotta get a calendar or watch or something....
Momentum is building towards some new tunes here at Greedy Cherry HQ. Actually have a few smaller videos planned; some more intimate performances....maybe a little acoustic sumthin' sumthin'? Check back soon and we'll see what we can get filmed for you. In the meantime, another new old video up on the YouTube page....a performance of our EP's first single, "No Excuse." Check it out and let us know what you think!
Mr. Cherry has also been keeping up with his blogging duties in our official place for musical commentary and opinions, The Cherry Lounge. We've registered our most hits in a single day with his latest post on the unfortunate death of Whitney Houston. You can read and leave your comments too by clicking here.
Well, that's all for now! Keep checking back....more tasty stuff on the way....
Another video added to the ol' YouTube page....a slow, bluesy version of Bill Withers' classic hit, Ain't No Sunshine. You checking these out? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment or two on the page there for us, won't you?
Still working on songs for the next EP....more news as soon as we get it. Keep checking back, true believers!
Hey there, kiddies! Been keeping up on the newest Greedy Cherry performance videos we've been posting intermittently to our YouTube page? If not, you should head there now...we've put up a couple more since our last entry here: a straight cover of Steely Dan's "Josie," and an improvisational jazz reworking of Def Leppard's "Hysteria" are ready for you to go check out and drop your comments on. So yeah....do that thing, won't you?
Also of interest, today we got our first official music blog review! A fine young man named Jester Jay Goldman included "No Excuse" in his list of "October Singles", a monthly grouping of short song reviews of tunes that have caught his attention during the month in question. We're honored to be included, and think you should not only check out our little review, but should also take some time to poke around his blog to find other tasty nuggets. We have actually enjoyed some of Jay's past music reviews of various songs and albums ourselves, so we feel it's a recommendation worth making.
Mr. Cherry, meanwhile, is still writing up some tunes for that second CD, so keep checking back for more info and a sound snippet or two. Thanks again for all your support, and we'll talk to you all again real soon!
Some exciting news to report from Greedy Cherry HQ today, all you happy campers! Two bits of news, actually, so let's get right to it!
First, today we finally got around to setting up a nice little YouTube account for ourselves. Seems like video is all the rage with the kids nowadays, so we decided to get with it and join in the fun! We set up our page and even uploaded our first video too...a live 2008 performance of Freddie King's "Hoochie Coochie Man"! (We even lovingly crafted a nice little link to simplify your journey to our page, and stuck it up there at the top of our website on our fabulous telecommunications globe.) Make sure you go and take a listen...and then leave us a comment, or "like" the video....or whatever it is you crazy kids do on YouTube.
Secondly, we can now announce (with as much certainty as anyone can manage in these situations) that the wheels have begun turning on our second EP! Tunes are starting to be picked out, new songs written, and "to do" lists are being made...so stay tuned to our website for further details! We'll keep you posted as things happen, you can bet on that!
Thanks again for all your support! We certainly appreciate it, and can't wait to get you more tasty tunes to listen to!
Today, Greedy Cherry happily joins the burgeoning community of musicians on Bandcamp! There's a whole page set up for the "EP" release, where you can go to download the lead track "No Excuse" for free, or download the whole album at a price of your choosing!
Full lyrics for each song and a listing of musician credits are also up on the page, so go here (or click on that little Bandcamp link to the left over there) and check it out!
Well, the grand experiment has come to an end...a month straight (more or less) of one blog entry a day! We certainly hope you have enjoyed some of the topics Mr. Cherry covered and the music or video links he left for you, and we thank you for any kind comments or questions you may have left us along the way.
Keep checking in with the Cherry Lounge when you can for more tasty blogging goodness! Just because we won't be doing it every day anymore doesn't mean we won't be doing it often...
Do you like experiments? Good, because we've got one for you to enjoy! For the next 30 days, Mr. Cherry has decided that he will attempt to write one blog entry a day, discussing and debating the latest in news, music, and whatever else enters his mind. We've been told maintaining a strict blogging regimen is hard to stick to, but he's decided to try it out nonetheless. Won't you join in the experiment?
Head over to the Cherry Lounge daily to catch the latest thoughts and hopefully coherent ramblings from Mr. Cherry...and don't forget to leave a comment or two about what you've read. He does so love feedback! See you in the Lounge!
Exactly one month after our last update, Mr. Cherry brings you news that is both sad and happy at the same time. The list of nominees was finally released by the Independent Music Awards for their 10th annual awards, and, unfortunately, Greedy Cherry did not make the cut with our debut CD "EP." Yes, we're a little sad, to be honest, but there is good news as well!
As it turns out, some friends and former colleagues of Mr. Cherry's did make the cut, and we'd love to have you check their work out and throw some support their way. This matters because in addition to the awards the IMA gives out on its own, there is also a contest where the fans can listen to the nominated artists and cast votes for their favorites. They call these awards the "fan-selected" winners, oddly enough, and we truly and honestly believe that these friends of ours in the industry are worthy of your support. Won't you check them out and throw them your precious vote?
Singer/songwriter Zack Orr hails from Pennsylvania (to which he has recently returned after some time out west), and his nominated record "Francisco The Man" is a concept album (which, of course, explains why it's nominated in the "Concept Album" category) that holds "twelve songs in twelve keys for the twelve months in a year." It's pretty tasty, as is his first record from 2003, "The Unstoppable Lift." We'd suggest you check out both.
"Songs For The People" is a nominated album in the "World Traditional" category by Christiane Karam & ZiLZALA, a Boston-based Middle Eastern Ensemble that has played to full-capacity crowds in both Boston and New York, and was a two-time nominee for "Best World Music Act in Boston" by the Phoenix Best Music Poll. Christiane, who came to the United States from Lebanon, is also a teacher at the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston, and just generally a pretty wonderful and talented person. We promise!
Finally, in the "Love Song" category, our old friend Seth Glier is nominated for his track "Naia," off his 2009 album "The Trouble With People." While we sheepishly admit we haven't heard this entire record yet, or his newly-released "The Next Right Thing," we have indeed heard his 2007 release "Sojourn," and can tell you without hesitation what a talented songwriter and singer he is. Hell, Livingston Taylor said that Seth is responsible for the "greatest pop songwriting since Billy Joel"! What more do you need to hear to check this guy out?
Okay, so go here to access the "IMA Vox Pop Jukebox" (I know, strange name, right?) and cast your vote. Choose a category from the column on the left, listen to the nominees, register (yes, it's a requirement), and then vote for your favorite artist!
And by favorite artist, of course, we mean those people we just listed above.
And cross your fingers while you're at it...the nominees for the International Songwriting Competition will be announced soon, and we've got a horse in that race as well. Here's hoping! Check back soon for the final results...
Hey there! Sorry it's been so long since you've heard from us, but we've been busy! The new year has brought new happenings in the Greedy Cherryverse, so let's catch you up on the latest...
First, you can now find a page for our lead single "No Excuse" on a new website that is testing in beta. It's called Viinyl, and the idea is to have artists create song-based websites to help brand and promote their songs (or, as they put it, a platform to turn "your song into an interactive website - a digital version of the 45rpm single"). You can find our page for "No Excuse" here. (The song is even available as a FREE download, and all we ask in return is your e-mail address!) We're excited to be a part of something new and growing!
Also, Mr. Cherry had been hearing quite a bit about the music site SoundCloud in the past few months, so he finally decided to join up and post all his songs there. Feel free to go here and listen to all the tracks from our latest EP...mark one as your favorite, leave a comment, or share with your friends!
More to come in the weeks ahead...stay tuned, and thanks for your support!
So, hey....did you know that Greedy Cherry is now on Last.fm? Because....uh....we are!
Great news! We are pleased to announce that as of today, Greedy Cherry is officially an affiliate member of the performing rights organization SESAC! Unlike bigger PROs, SESAC thrives on a "Jerry Maguire"-type philosophy, taking fewer clients and maintaining a higher level of selectiveness while being able to give superior one-on-one service to those clients they do sign. And just what exactly does a performing rights organization DO, you ask?
According to SESAC's website (which I think sums the matter up nicely), PROs "are businesses designed to represent songwriters and publishers and their right to be compensated for having their music performed in public." So, essentially, if one of Greedy Cherry's songs gets played on the radio, or used in a television commercial, or performed in a live venue, SESAC makes sure we get paid! And money, of course, helps us keep this whole music-making career thing going...
Mr. Cherry is honored to be accepted into the SESAC ranks, and looks forward to a long and prosperous affiliation!
Well, after a long, hard week of work, most of you are ready to lay back, relax, and get some seriously-deserved down time under your belts this weekend. As for us, the Greedy Cherry train keeps chugging onward and rests not (as Yoda might say).
For instance, today Mr. Cherry joined ReverbNation and began setting up our very own band page! We'll probably use the group mailing function to start sending out monthly updates to all the people on our mailing list, and that EPK feature looks mighty tempting....we'll see about setting one of those up shortly. In the meantime, to see our page, click here, or use the graphic link in the left-hand column!
Today we submitted our new CD, "EP," to the 10th annual Independent Music Awards. We entered our little musical prize into a new (yet appropriately titled, we thought) category for 2010, "Music EP." Lots of great artists have made the list of winners in the past decade, and we hope to join their ranks! Nominees will be announced in December, with winners to be posted in February.
How will we do? Only time will tell! Stay tuned.....
Today an e-mail arrived from a guy named DJ Frederick, who operates a radio show/podcast called "The Village Green" from Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire. On his show, DJ Frederick plays local and regional music from New England artists, and he was writing to ask if Greedy Cherry would mind being included in one of his upcoming shows!
"Well, of course not," Mr. Cherry replied.
Therefore, at some point in the next month, the songs "William Isaac" (from the new CD) and "Hoochie Coochie Man" (a live track, found exclusively on our Myspace page) will be on-air and broadcast to those in New London, New Hampshire, and the surrounding states! So keep your ears open to "The Village Green", broadcast on WSCS, 90.9 on your FM dial. And thanks for your support!
So do you listen to a lot of internet radio? If so, maybe you've heard of Jango.com. Jango is a custom radio station which plays, much like Pandora, music based on your selection of artists you enjoy. The unique thing here is that new, upcoming artists can pay a small fee to have their music put into the rotation with established artists, thereby opening up a new avenue with which to expose potential new fans to their songs!
All of this is just to say that as of today, Greedy Cherry is now in the Jango lineup. So head on over to Jango.com and check out a site that, as a PC WORLD review said, "makes it fun to discover new music." Who knows....maybe you'll even hear a Greedy Cherry tune pop up between two of your favorite songs!
And the Greedy Cherry empire expands....
As of today, "EP" is officially available on iTunes and Amazon! If you haven't landed a copy of the year's most eclectic CD yet, feel free to grab it at these very popular shopping destinations. Or, you can download it one track at a time over the next month or so....maybe today you're partial to a lovely bossa nova and can pay your 99 cents to give yourself something to sip margaritas to. Tomorrow may be a funk day....I'd suggest "No Excuse." Collect all five tracks as the mood strikes!
More updates as they arrive...
Well, this is great news! It hasn't even been a week yet, and already we've received a request from CD Baby for more copies of "EP," as they seem to have sold out! Of course, we're only MORE than happy to oblige the request...
We would like to take this moment to humbly thank each and every one of you who has visited the site, clicked on the links, left comments or e-mail addresses, and, most relevant to this post, bought copies of our little CD. Getting our music into as many people's ears as possible is our main mission here, so anything you can do to further the cause is most appreciated! Perhaps give a copy as a gift as Christmas approaches? Play your favorite songs for coworkers or friends? Get our logo tattooed on your body and run naked down the....uh.....
Nevermind. Just know that we appreciate ALL of you! :)
Okay, so did you know that even though this website is brand new, the official release date of our first CD, coyly and accurately named "EP," was September 1st? Hey, we had to put SOMEthing down in those blanks on Discmakers' website when they asked when the CD was released! Besides, it's pretty accurate. We did have the CDs here at Greedy Cherry headquarters then...the website just wasn't ready yet.
The real question here, of course, is this: do you have your own copy of "EP" yet? If not, there are a few lonely links over there to the left just waiting to be clicked on......
And so it begins...
Now that the website is up and the CD is manufactured and ready to roll out to the masses, Mr. Cherry thought it would be nice to begin his plans for world domination with a submission into the International Songwriting Competition. "No Excuse," the first track off our brand new "EP" release, was entered into the category of Adult Album Alternative (referred to by industry types as "AAA".....no, NOT the motor club). We did this only because "Eclectic As Hell" wasn't an officially listed category.
The International Songwriting Competition has been around for nine years, founded by Candace Avery, a 20-year veteran of the music industry. Avery, a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, has also founded a few other high-profile events that foster and encourage new musical talent, such as the NEMO Music Festival and the Boston Music Awards. For a list of some of the amazing musicians and industry folk that act as judges for this contest, click here.
Anyway, finalists are announced in February, winners in April. Check back next year to see how we did!
Testing, testing....is this thing on?
So, welcome ladies and gentlemen! You have arrived at the preeminent destination for tasty, genre-busting music. Your guide through this journey will be our very own Mr. Cherry. Step right up....don't be shy!
First things first. If you want to listen to the music right away, the best way to do that is to click on the little Myspace logo up there on the left side of the globe. While our songs are indeed located in other places, this link is the quickest way to get to listening post haste...and there's even an audio extra or two you won't find anywhere else located there! So click on over and enjoy...and then come back and let us know what you thought by putting a comment on our reviews page! Or perhaps you could show us your affinity by purchasing a copy of the EP...
Which brings us to second things second. You can buy the brand new EP (and we really wish you would) by clicking one of the purchase options over there to your left. Two of these will take you straight to websites where you can effortlessly give us five bucks and then download the entirety of the album (including, on DigStation, the CD artwork in PDF format). Of course, some of you may prefer an actual, physical copy of the CD. To you, we say "Ah.....old skool! Nicely done."
If you wish to have us send you a physical copy, that is absolutely, positively no problem. Just click on the Paypal or CDBaby icons over there on the left, fill out the appropriate boxes when asked, and your order will be sent directly to Mr. Cherry. He's pretty good at taking and processing mail orders, so let him know how many copies you want (there's a little extra for postage, of course...we're not philanthropists yet), and he'll make sure those hit the post office as soon as cherrily possible. He may even throw in a little something extra....a doodle, a signature on the cover, whatever you need that he can provide. Just ask! He's very accomodating when he's in a good mood. And he's ALWAYS in a good mood when he's getting his music out to the masses!
Well, that's it for now. Poke around the site, check out the links, sign up for the mailing list, make a comment or two.....hell, buy an EP for Pete's sake. We've got more delicious tuneage to bring you...but we'll need more cash to finish up the rest of the songs and do the next CD. So be a sport and do your ears a favor, eh? We promise they'll appreciate it...
Until next time...get greedy! Catch the cherry!


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IMFSurvey Magazine: What Readers Say
Concern over IMF Impact on Health Spending
December 11, 2009
Health activists concerned that IMF has critical, indirect impact on health spending, particularly through its advice related to budget deficits and inflation, writes Rick Rowden.
Goal Is Efficient Credit Delivery, Not Just Profit
October 13, 2009
U.S. firms that benefit most from the complexity of thousands of deals seem to forget that the purpose of the exercise is to deliver credit and credit investment efficiently, not just to make profit for intermediaries, writes Robert Kent from New York City.
IMF Lending Reform Should Go Further
May 13, 2009
The IMF's move toward more flexibility in its lending is welcome, but there are still problems with the conditions that are attached to IMF loans—particularly in poor countries, writes Jean-Pierre Dumas.
Africa Needs Trade and Investment, Not More Aid
April 02, 2009
Global fiscal stimulus and action to unblock the credit markets in the north will likely do more for Africa than another round of aid-financed government consumption, writes Robert Liebenthal from Zambia.
Reducing Uncertainty
March 18, 2009
When uncertainty reigns and the economic environment is highly complex, the result is often extreme caution on the part of investors, consumers and firms. This behavior, in turn, feeds the crisis. To get the economy going again, we must reduce uncertainty, writes Tayo Fagbule.
Crisis Breeds 'Fear Psychosis'
February 18, 2009
Talk of recession has created a fear psychosis among consumers that has little basis in reality, leading to underutilized capacity and job cuts. To break the vicious circle, governments should promote sectors that foster employment and growth, writes Mahendra Dash.
Are 'Temporary' Fiscal Boost Measures Really Reversible?
January 28, 2009
Fiscal measures to stimulate sluggish economies should be reversible, the IMF recommends, and governments should precommit to unwinding once economies recover. But the bulk of Europe's public expenditures are entitlements and for political reasons they are not reversible, writes Jean-Pierre Dumas.
Fiscal Boosts May Create Problems for Developing Countries
December 31, 2008
The merits of loosening fiscal policy to combat recession seem focused on the advanced countries. Unfortunately, many developing countries infer that looser monetary policy and fiscal stimulus will revive their economies. This is creating problems, writes Edi Segura.
Need to Invest More in the Food Supply Chain
May 14, 2008
Sustainable development of a food supply chain requires developing complex and complementary forms of expertise. The International Commission for Food Industries has been training agri-food sector personnel. Collaborative efforts with the IMF would enhance its effectiveness.
Good Times Hide Latin America's Frailties
May 08, 2007
Every Latin American indicator that looks good today will look lousy if the external environment deteriorates, Ernesto Talvi, Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Economic and Social Affairs, writes from Montevideo, Uruguay.
Is the 35-Hour Workweek Really Bad for France?
March 22, 2007
Jennifer Hunt of McGill University wants to double-check the findings of an IMF study that found France's 35-hour workweek had not achieved its overall objectives. The study argued that the shorter workweek had failed to create more jobs and had generated a mainly negative reaction from both companies and workers.
BRICs Drive Global Economic Recovery
July 22, 2009
We may be witnessing the emergence of a new world order, with countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China supplanting the industrial countries as the lead economic powers, write Mario Lettieri and Paolo Raimondi.
Fresh Approach Needed in Banking System
April 14, 2009
Fresh, innovative thinking is needed to solve the deeply rooted problems in the banking sector. The IMF should spearhead a new compact between the world of finance and the real economy, writes Robert Regard.
Time to Rethink Global Economic Framework?
March 26, 2009
The buildup of debt in the United States and a handful of other countries fueled the growth of the world economy over the past few years, writes Rudolf Witske.
Let's Revive Multilateral Consultations
February 23, 2009
There are ominous signs that countries are taking, contemplating, or continuing harmful unilateral action. The IMF has an important role to play in counteracting economic policies that harm other countries, writes J. Onno de Beaufort Wijnholds, a former IMF Executive Director.
Careless 'Doom and Gloom' Chatter
February 11, 2009
The next years are going to be very difficult, especially for those who are vulnerable to the consequences of economic contraction. But the IMF should not use rhetoric that fuels a downward spiral of disaster talk, writes Brett Hughes.
Don't Forget the Role Automatic Stabilizers Can Play
January 21, 2009
When recession hits a market economy, trends such as lower tax takes and higher unemployment benefit payouts effectively ease fiscal policy. These "automatic stabilizers" have a prominent role in European economies, writes Horst Siebert of the Kiel Institut.
Laissez-Faire States are Keynesian Now: How Refreshing!
December 30, 2008
U.S. economic orthodoxy once shunned government intervention and glorified laissez-faire policies. It is refreshing and edifying that the United States and some other developed economies have welcomed the Keynesian proposition of government involvement in business, writes Resa Imbuye.
Getting Plugged In
July 18, 2007
A U.S. participant in the IMF Institute's Distance Learning program shares her impression of the Financial Programming and Policies course that provides ten weeks of online training for mid-level officials who can't be away from their jobs for an extended period.
Symptoms of a "Failed Relationship"
March 23, 2007
Edwin M. Truman, a Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, D.C., argues that both the IMF and World Bank have a mutual interest in putting past rivalry behind them and implementating the Malan Report on Fund-Bank cooperation.


text:
'MacGruber' Is a Brainless Beauty
MacGruber is a movie that knows it's dumb because it's so smart. If you can understand that, you'll have a wonderful time with this brainless beauty.
MacGruberDirector: Jorma Taccone
Cast: Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Ryan Phillippe, Val Kilmer, Maya Rudolph
Rated: R
Studio: Rogue Pictures
Year: 2010
US date: 2010-05-21
UK date: 2010-05-21
When Not Ready for Prime Time Players Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi decided to turn their love of blues into a running performance piece musical spot on Saturday Night Live, no one could have predicted that the long running sketch comedy showcase would end up spawning several hit or miss cinematic efforts. But in 1990, producer Lorne Michaels secured a first look deal from Paramount, and from that point on, every possible popular bit from the program was seen as big screen fodder. From fan favorite Wayne's World to cinematic abominations like It's Pat and A Night at the Roxbury there was a belief that SNL was a hotbed of possibilities just waiting to be exploited.
However, after the less than successful returns of Superstar in 1999 and The Ladies Man in 2000, studio suits placed a moratorium on said small screen ideas. After all, without a major commercial value, there were seen as self-indulgent and unnecessary. Now, a decade later, comes the rebirth of the category with MacGruber. Based on the famed ABC action adventure series MacGyver and turning its non-violent secret agent who can find an out in everyday objects into the most accidental of heroes, it hopefully signals a comeback for SNL based burlesque. The results here definitely signify the potential for a rib-tickling renaissance.
When noted international terrorist Dieter Von Cunth hijacks a rogue Russian nuclear bomb, the United States government has no choice but to call in their best covert ops agent, MacGruber. So Col. Jim Faith travels to South America, where the highly decorated hero is hiding out. Trying to find some tranquility and forget his past, MacGruber at first wants no part of the problem. But when he learns it is Cunth behind the crime, he cannot resist reentering the game. You see, the villain was responsible for the death of MacGruber's wife, and our champion wants payback in the worst way. Teaming up with passionate Pentagon rookie Lt. Dixon Piper and groovy gal pal Vicki St. Elmo, he devises a plot to infiltrate Cunth's inner circle, locate the missile, and save America in the process. As usual with MacGruber, things don't go quite as planned (not that there WAS a plan to begin with).
With its reliance on almost every facet of the comedy handbook (and a few farcical tactics all its own), MacGruber manages the almost impossible task of not only becoming one of the rare Saturday Night Live skits to make the successful transition to the big screen, but to also stand on its own as a classic crude comedy. It does both brilliantly. Even those unfamiliar with the Richard Dean Anderson series being spoofed, or the frequent SNL appearances of the character will enjoy this wonderful riff on the '80s action film. It is a perfect parody? Not hardly. The script is too in love with naughty language and crude comic names to be 100% effective. There are also bits that lag, sequences which fail to payoff in the way the actors or the dialogue intend.
Still, any film that can get Val Kilmer to mimic John Travolta (or even better, mock his own Real Genius persona of nearly three decades ago) can't be all bad, and for what works, MacGruber is great. The opening montage where our lead has to round up his old gang of beefy, buff assistants is excellent, each acquisition adding another layer of understanding - and laughs - to the set-up. What happens next is equally effective, even though it's as predictable as much of MacGruber's punchlines. Even better, Kristen Wiig takes her mousy minx quality and channels it into something superbly surreal. We are not quite sure why Vicki is part of the team. While she is capable in a pinch, her true technical talents remain more or less unknown. Yet with every line reading, every attempt at matching the other's feigned machismo, Wiig wins.
For his part, Forte is an enigma. Part of the time, he plays MacGruber like a cocky second cousin to John Rambo and James Braddock. At other times, he's a perfect pale comparison of Patty and Selma Bouvier's favorite TV good guy. But there are also instances when he drops the bravado and turns amusingly moronic, saying and doing things that seem antithetical to our initial understanding of who MacGruber is supposed to be. In many ways, Forte's performance is like that of an old vaudevillian. He recognizes the super short attention span of his core audience and never once lets his gonzo spirit sag. He will do anything for a laugh (clearly part of a post-post modern trend) and relies on his castmates to support even the stupidest idea.
That being said, it is up to TV talent turned first time feature film helmer Jorma Taccone to keep things in check, and for the most part, he does. He understands the beats of old school action film and peppers his backdrops with a wide variety of recognizable '80s music. Sure, sometimes his timing is off, especially when MacGruber is having a rapid fire verbal showdown with an opponent, and he doesn't do enough visually to remind us of the Greed Decade excesses of the genre. But just keeping a proper balance between Forte's fearlessness, Wiig's wacked out whimsy, and the straight man stresses of Powers Booth (as Faith) and Ryan Phillipe (as new guy Piper), he does a more than competent job.
Besides, you'll be laughing so much that it really won't matter. You will definitely feel embarrassed every time you giggle at Kilmer's recast "C" word surname, but it takes a special kind of silliness to make said curse work each and every time - and MacGruber has that. In fact, almost all the juvenilia and scatology, all the toilet humor and sexual slapstick, becomes part of this movie's maniacal world. We expect characters, including those in command, to lace their explanations with random F-bombs. We know that when Vicki St. Elmo is confronted by a baddie, she will passively panic and say something odd. Even when our hero hops around in the nude with a certain leafy vegetable hanging out of his…area, we recognize the intelligent attempt at being idiotic. Indeed, MacGruber is a movie that knows it's dumb because it's so smart. If you can understand that, you'll have a wonderful time with this brainless beauty.