The Most Intolerant Place in the US?
A county in Tennessee is seeking the state’s permission to outlaw homosexuality. The county will ask for an amendment to the state’s criminal code so that gay people can be charged with “crimes against nature.” “We need to keep them out of here,” said Commissioner J.C. Fugate, to the delight of the audience at a recent commissioners meeting. The Rhea County commissioners approved the request 8-0. Rhea County, as you know, is also the home of an annual festival commemorating the Scopes Monkey Trial. Forget SXSW, I’m checking this thing out.
The iPod Headphone Debate
If it wasn’t already dangerously easy to spend money on songs off of iTunes, it is increasingly difficult to resist outfitting your iPod with smooth gear. 
Recently, I convinced myself that I needed new headphones. More specifically, “in-ear” headphones. Apple fans, of course, can be very opinionated, and it is no surprise that people on iPodlounge are sounding off about which in-ears are the best. In the “moderate” price range it comes down to the Sony Fontopia MDR-EX71 vs. the new Apple In-Ear headphone. After reading what people had to say I went with the EX71s. I even found a white Japanese version on eBay to match the iPod. But there is one big problem. They have an asymmetrical Y-cord. Supposedly this is so you can “wear it behind you neck.” What does this mean exactly? I tried wrapping the longer cord over my shoulder and then behind my nect and I felt ridiculous. I keep reading that this a “brilliant design.” Since I like brilliant design I really want to like them. I actually quite like everything else about these in-ears but the uneven y-cord is just too damn brilliant for me. I think I’m gonna put these back on eBay and give the new Apple headphones a chance even though they allegedly fall out of your ears. The truth is my $4 headphones from Walgreens sound and feel about as good as any of them.
SXSW for Free
I’m a little late this year with my annual roundup of Free SXSW events. Employment will probably get in the way of a lot of SXSW action this time around, but I think we’ll try to get out some. As usual this list is incomplete, so please feel free to add any parties, free outdoor shows, “secret” gigs, or in-stores worth attending.
Sunday, March 13th - Tuesday, March 16th
Free pass to Interactive/Film trade show, Convention Center
Pass out business cards, win stuff, see product demonstrations, and check out the activities on the Day Stage–all for free. Simply fill out this survey and you’re in. Sunday’s day stage events include the Texas Interactive Media Awards, a Video Blogging tutorial, a presentation on High Definition technologies, Sony DVcam demo, and more. Also, the Fourth Annual Weblog Awards are on Monday from 12:30pm-1:30pm. This free pass is a great opportunity to meet people and experience a part of the Interactive festival for free.
Flatstock
“Flatstock 4 will feature the works of more than 80 artists from across North America and Europe. Posters representing decades of styles, colors and techniques mirroring the trends in popular and underground music culture will be on display.” Learn more about the exhibit and check out promotional posters.
Wednesday, March 17th
Sons & Daughters, 33 Degrees, 3:00pm
U-Godzilla (from Wu-Tang Clan), Tower, 4:00pm
The Wrens, 33 Degrees, 5:00 pm
Thursday, March 18th
The Unicorns, Preston School of Industry, and others at Yard Dog (Schubas day)
The Thrills, Tower, 1:00pm
Trash Can Sinatras, 33 Degrees, 5:00pm
Friday, March 19th
Bloodshot Records day at Yard Dog
Frog Eyes, 33 Degrees, 2:00pm
Broken Social Scene, 33 Degrees, 5:00pm
Saturday March 20th
Robyn Hitchcock at Yard Dog (thanks Tony)
