At Beware of the Blog, you can listen to an episode of The Simpsons described for the blind. I was aware of the technology, but was surprised how well the sight gags of a Simpsons episode can be rendered audibly.

Washed up at 27: Life of a Las Vegas cocktail waitress. I found it interesting to read that properties bypass Culinary Union rules by subcontracting out to nightclub operators, whose arrangements with the union allow them to hire based on appearances. The Union doesn't have a problem with the arrangement:

Casino attorneys say the Culinary Union won't balk when older workers don't get the new, lucrative serving jobs. It's the sacrifice for bringing more tourists to town - and keeping the vast majority of the union's 60,000 members happily employed making beds and washing dishes. Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer D. Taylor said the union has prevented casinos from firing older workers, who can work as servers as long as they are able. And the union has at least gotten management to allow servers to wear lower heels and offer maternity uniforms for pregnant servers.

So the next time you're served a highball at your favorite Las Vegas nightspot by a sexy little thing in a maternity thong, be sure to look for the union label.

Orphan Works Copyright bill introduced in congress. Seems like a reasonable compromise to allow the 98% of copyrighted material not commercially available to be put to some use.

Another highly addictive internet time-waster. Visual instead of audio, this time.

It seems like there are all sorts of odd things on the internet that are as addictive as crack cocaine, which reminds me of something I only just this week noticed, reading Wil Weaton's account of E3. Wil Wheaton writes about many things, but video games are a major beat of his. And I thought it odd that he played Wesley Crusher, who in one canonical episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, saved the crew of the Enterprise after they had all been brainwashed by a high-tech futuristic video game (which actually looks primitive compared to the latest XBox 360 games). Could it be that the episode was not, in fact, fiction, but that Crusher actually succomed to the addictive Tetrisesque video game, was sent back in time, and now is trying to soften us up for the inevitable invasion by reminding us how fun Root Beer Tapper was to play as a kid? Don't say I didn't warn you.

And given that neither Wil Wheaton nor Star Trek has much of a web presence, I'm sure I'm the first person ever to think about this.

Oh, and I never did mention E3. I'm sure those who are interested in such things read the news coverage and don't need me pointing it out. I'll just say I was very excited to see Nintendo do so well and Sony so poorly. I will be buying a Wii, and definately not buying a P3. I am pseudo-boycotting Sony (I did buy the Dixie Chicks new album--not bad--and will be picking up the new Johnny Cash collection soon, I'm sure), so it is nice that they made such a mediocre product at such a ridiculously high price. I'm actually half-tempted to get an XBox 360, just because the online stuff looks tempting, but I'll wait to see what the Wii's online library will be like. And I really can't justify spending that kind of money. I'm hoping the Wii is $199, but if it does come in at $249, I could just barely justify that, but I couldn't justify that and another game system. Anyway, kudos to Nintendo for putting on a good show, and I hope their success carries over to the marketplace.

Lloyd Bentsen, dead at 85.

Johnny Cash's new album, "Personal File," can be heard in its entirety on AOL. You might want to move fast, as I don't know how long it'll be up; T-Bone Burnett's album was up this weekend, but when I went to listen to it on Monday, it was gone.

Cash's new album sounds pretty okay. Nothing too spectacular. I was looking forward to hearing his version of "Paradise," but I like John Prine's better (Cash would have been better off covering "Sam Stone"). I'll probably pick it up eventually, even though I hate giving money to Sony. But I'm much more excited for the new American Recordings album, due out July 4th.

How best to warn future generations not to poke around our nuclear waste dumps?

The Scandanavians know how to make some catchy tunes. In Norway, the soundtrack to a frozen pizza commercial went on to top the pop charts for eight weeks. It's not hard to hear why; they really manage to put those deligtful Fanta girls to shame.

In Finnland, meanwhile, a group called Loituma had a hit with Ievan Polkka, which is deligtful on it's own, but became the internet equivalent of crack cocaine when 24 seconds of the intermezzo was paired with a few seconds of anime to create whatever the hell this is. After a few hours of watching this, I started thinking the leek-twirling girl was telling me to burn things.

Detailed presidential itinerary retrieved from garbage. I guess they're too busy monitoring my phone calls to bother keeping the whereabouts of the nuclear football secret.

And with regards to yesterday's post about the BBC mix-up, it turns out the guy wasn't a cabbie, but was there for a job interview that took a bizarre turn. I had started to wonder why a cabbie was dressed so well. It's still hilarious, though.

I attended the Padres game against the Brewers last Wednesday, as a guest of Valley View Casino. This was the second year they extended an invitation to watch a game from their deluxe skybox, and again I had a very good time. I'm not a big sports fan, but baseball is one of the few sports in which I do have at least a passing interest, so an opportunity to see a game in person, from one of the absolutely best seats in the house, with free food and booze, is one opportunity I won't miss.

I almost did miss out, though, because unlike last year, and other events I have attended at Valley View, they never called to confirm my attendance. So the day prior, I gave them a call to double-check that I was on the list, and I was not. After checking a few other dates (apparently this isn't computerized) and not finding me, they said there were a few tickets left, and I could still attend. So I went up the night before and picked up the tickets, and had the buffet and gambled. Their buffet is always a favorite of mine, but this time, in particular, it really shined. One of the first things to catch my eye was at the dessert counter, where they had added bananas foster (in a tray, not made-to-order, but that's fine). I tried the fried catfish, and was really impressed. There actually were quite a few good entrees, so for once I actually ate a fair amount of real food, rather then filling up on dessert. The bananas foster was pretty good, though they went a bit nuts with the cinnamon (there were whole sticks of the stuff thrown in the vat). I had some sort of amaretto cake dessert, which I just expected to taste like caramel, but actually had a very distinct amaretto taste (if that's a good thing or bad thing I'll leave to your judgment). And my old favorite, the various berries and cream, made me very happy, and the berries tasted particularly fresh (some of the best raspberries I've ever had). I've always liked the buffet, but it's always nice when it can go above and beyond enough that you get to rediscover just what a fantastic find it truly is.

While I'm on the topic of food, I should probably discuss the food at the skybox now, rather than later. The buffet at Valley View was better then the spread at the game. Not that it was bad. But it wasn't really that amazingly great. It seemed like they kept things slightly simpler than last year, with things like hot dogs and chicken strips and seven-layer dip. I actually forgot to have any dip, which is a shame because I remember from last year it was pretty good. I had a hot dog and some chicken strips; the hot dog was fine, the chicken strips were underwhelming. They had bags of Cracker Jacks, always a good thing. The presents have gotten chintzy; it was just some paper thing you unfolded to find out who the person pictured grew up to be (it looked like the little girl in the picture grew up to be Benjamin Franklin, but apparently it was supposed to be Susan B. Anthony). The desserts were good: Haagan-Daaz bars and some really good brownies. Overall, I certainly don't mean to complain about the food. It was good, and by ballpark prices, I easily consumed at least $50 worth (and we're not even talking about alcohol yet).

I took my mom this year; she had fun when I took her to the football game at Qualcomm Stadium, and had never been to the new Petco Park. Her arthritis has been bothering her, so she was very concerned about how to get there, and how much walking would be involved. I told her we'd take the trolley, and told her where it let off, but she was fretting that it would all be too much for her. A friend said you could buy parking spots online, so I just went ahead and bought a spot right by the stadium, so she could stop worrying. The tickets were free, so why not pay a bit to park? I ended up paying $27.50 for parking, including service fees for paying online (which is actually a bargain, considering that a basic parking spot at Qualcomm next football season will set you back $20). We parked in the Padres Parkade, which looked to be the closest on the map, but once we got down there, it looked like the tailgating lot is probably the best bet (at the same price). And I was able to show Mom how conveniently located the trolley is. We probably walked a bit more then we would have had we taken the trolley. But anyways, we were there, and after a few wrong turns found the suite and settled in to wait for the game. I fixed a plate of food and then found the liquor, where I was disappointed to learn they'd switched brands of vodka from Skyy to Absolute. I'm not picky, but Absolute is the one brand of vodka I really don't like. But I made do, and had a few screwdrivers, along with one of those Jack Daniel's brand bottled malt beverages (the fruit punch flavor), which was pretty good (though I'm rather partial to the watermelon flavor). Later, when it was time for dessert, I moved on to Bailey's, served on the rocks along with a couple of packets of half & half from the coffee area. I didn't get wasted or anything, but I rarely drink anymore, so it was a nice change to get a little buzz going while enjoying a sporting event.

The game was a good one. I'd like to tell you all about it, but the back of my ticket clearly states the following:

Holder agrees not to transmit or aid in transmitting any description, account, picture, reproduction, or other depiction in any media now or hereafter existing, of all or any part of the baseball game or related events to which this ticket admits the holder. Breach of the foregoing may result in legal action against the holder.

So I will refrain from commenting on the game. I hope my getting drunk is not considered a "related event," or I could already be in hot water for mentioning that.

Anyway, it was a good game, one team emerged triumphant, and all was well. We slipped out in the eighth inning to beat the traffic, and were home in no time. I'm a bit of a Valley View booster, and events like this are exactly the reason why. Now obviously, I wagered quite a bit to get invited to such events, but we're not talking millions or anything. I can assure you, from personal experience, that giving pretty much any other local casino twice the action I've given Valley View wouldn't get you nearly the comps they have given me over the years. I just wish their table games were better (lose the 6:5 single deck and put in real double deck blackjack!), and there was a bit more room to move around. Hopefully, after their expansion, those dreams may come true. Huzzah and kudos, Valley View, for treating players right in San Diego.

BBC accidentally interviews cabbie instead of computer expert. It's funny as a wacky mix-up, but it's especially funny in that the interview goes so well. In fact, his answer to the first question is basically to explain that there's a mix-up, that this isn't what he thought he was there for, but she just lets it slide, and later their man on the street reporter says he made a good point. Hilarious stuff, and the look on his face when they identify him at the beginning of the clip is priceless.

A heart-warming tale of triumph over addiction. I don't know why this made me laugh so hard.

Stephin Merritt: racist? In case you're wondering, the answer is no. But the reaction to his mentioning "Zip-a-dee-do-dah" does not bode well for "Song of the South" coming to DVD anytime soon.

Last Sunday, I saw Whit Smith's Hot Jazz Caravan in concert. The Hot Jazz Caravan emerged from the ruins of the Hot Club of Cowtown, one of my all-time favorite groups, so I was eager to hear how they stacked up to their predecessor. I saw Elana James and the Continental Two a few months ago, and was very impressed, so I was also curious how Smith's new project would measure up to her.

The concert was put on by Dark Thirty Productions, a series of house concerts in Lakeside. The house wasn't huge, but had a large open living room, so that the crowd of 80 or so could just barely be accomodated. A bit cramped, but not terribly bad. The $20 admission included a pretty good food spread, and beer and wine. Parking was a bit tight, and I was parked in, and concerned how long it would take me to leave. But the person parking me in was the first to leave, so I was also one of the first out. I'd certainly go see a concert there again.

Whit Smith's Hot Jazz Caravan took the stage (such that it was) prompty at 7:30, and did two sets. A lot of familiar stuff, either from the Hot Club of Cowtown days or off their iTunes LP, with just enough new covers to fill the evening (I think they performed every song they knew...and a few they didn't). They sounded great throughout, and had a lot of energy and charisma. They weren't up to the level of the Hot Club of Cowtown, but they're still getting their bearings as a band. It was hard not to compare them with Elana James' new band, which is unfair, but I gave up on that soon enough, as they both have their own style. Whit Smith's voice is more instantly appealing, while Elana James' vocals are not quite as strong as her fiddling skills (though she certainly has grown on me over the years as a vocalist). And both have kept their songs from the Hot Club of Cowtown days, so while James sings songs like "Forget-me-nots" and "You Took Advantage of Me," Smith can sing songs like "It Stops With Me." I would say that Elana James and the Continental Two move more seemlessly from western swing to hot jazz, while the Hot Jazz Caravan seems more comfortable in the cowtown setting (though they did an admirable job with some Hot Club of France material).

Do I have a favorite? Yeah, probably Elana James and the Continental Two. But luckily, I don't have to choose. If there is a silver lining to the Hot Club of Cowtown's break-up, now the talent of the group has been dissipated a bit, into at least two touring acts, and maybe some of the Hot Club of Cowtown magic will make it to town twice as often.

A clear legal analysis of the Apple Computers trademark decision.

Apple Computers wins trademark challenge from Apple Corps. I must admit I'm surprised, I thought the Beatles had a strong case. Apparently, it all comes down to the use of the phrase "physical media" in their previous settlement. And Apple Corps argument that iTunes is functioning as a full-fledged music label seems a bit of a stretch.

I had some lousy luck Friday playing poker online, after a good week, but the good people at Paradise Poker gave me some relief, informing me that I was one of the top 500 players on their point board for their World Series of Poker promotion, and was entered into a tournament to win a World Series of Poker seat. A one-in-500 chance to make an ass of yourself on ESPN is pretty exciting, and I'd love to tell you how the tournament went. But Paradise Poker e-mailed me around 1:00 for a tournament that started at 2:00. And I'm at work, so even though I got the e-mail in time, there was nothing I could have done about it. Their software doesn't work on Macs, and in any event, I think my employer would frown on me installing gambling software on my work computer. I already qualified for another tournament next Sunday, with 5000 players and two seats up for grabs. There's also some minor prize money for the three runners-up. Not a bad deal for free, but not worth taking the day off work, when I've already got Wednesday off. So it looks like the actual odds for that tournament will be around 2-4999.

I saw Wendy Waldman in concert, with Stacy Earle and Mark Stuart. Good show all-around, with Waldman doing a strong hour-long set, and the Earle/Stuart performance being a nice bonus. Couldn't quite decide if I found Earle annoying or endearing, it went back and forth, but overall I enjoyed their set.

When I came out, my car wouldn't start. Had to call AAA, and didn't get home until midnight, and had planned to do some schoolwork that evening. So that was annoying. Especially so considering I had borrowed my mom's car, as mine is way past due for an oil change, and I figured the Camry would be more reliable. But I think, being unfamiliar with it, I must have bumped something, and left the lights on. In any event, it's working fine now, but I'm driving my own car at the moment, as I'm going to a house concert in Lakeside, and would rather not break down in a neighborhood where I'm advised to bring a flashlight just to walk to and from my car.

Free concerts in El Cajon this summer. Johnny Cash cover band Cash'd Out and The Farmers look to be the most promising acts.

There was a Buddy Blue fundraiser at the Belly-Up Thursday. I wanted to go, but couldn't. Another concert is scheduled for June 18th at the Casbah.

I'm listening to songs on Napster again, and realized in my previous post, I forgot to mention the sound quality. Rapsody has much higher-quality music, while free Napster users only hear a 32kbps stream. The difference is definately noticable. But again, it's free, so why bitch about it?