The Number Song

One of Hip-Hop's key texts, "Endtroducing" by DJ Shadow, is getting the special edition treatment.

A new bonus disc will augment the album with edits, remixes and demos. Of particular interest is the unreleased extended version of "Organ Donor" which was a massive club favourite just under a decade ago.

One of the stand-out tracks on the original album is "The Number Song", which contains hundreds of cut-up samples of people counting. I have no proof, but I reckon that at least some of these originate from the mysterious "Number Stations."

Number Stations are shortwave radio stations that broadcast streams of numbers, letters, or words. They appear and disappear continuously, and the assumption is that they have something to do with the secret service.

If you want to hear some examples (and perhaps spot DJ Shadows sample library), head over to The Conet Project.

Billboard: DJ Shadow Expands 'Endtroducing'

Wikipedia: Numbers Stations

The Conet project

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What are the celebs up to today?

Cradle snatched!
Katie and Tom make a cute couple, but doesn't the thought of it make you feel slightly dirty? Like when teachers used to flirt with you?

High-profile paedophilia case bungled!
Seriously - how useless are the prosecution in the Michael Jackson trial? Even their surprise star witness ends up making Jacko seem a victim (of "vultures", bizarrely).

Man aware of his own crimes against humanity!
Sting admits to Gwen Stefani that he is "a dick".

Hair bleached!
The internet is overcome with the news that Linday Lohan has dyed her hair blonde for a film role. Whatever next? Kevin Bacon wears hat? Nicole Kidman applies blusher? Sean Penn lightens up? ...Hmm, maybe not.

Oh for fuck's sake!
Now they're kissing... Why, Lord? Why?

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A window into the soul

It's not often you come across a website that really makes you think*... Here's one.

On postsecret you're invited to send anonymous postcards containing your deepest secrets.

Some of the responses are amusing;
"I believe my dead grandmother watches me with great disappointment every time I masturbate."

Others are plain creepy;
"Everyone who knew me before 9/11 thinks I'm dead."

What would yours be?

PostSecret

*Except this one, which is exceptionally erudite and informed. But you already knew that.

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Cominatcha in 3D!

We've already mentioned the ridiculous hyperbole surrounding the new Xbox. Now it's the turn of the new Nintendo machine...

According to one former employee of games giant EA, not only will the Revolution (for that is its name) have wireless controllers and touch-screen inputs, but it'll project 3D images into your eyes!

Just imagine little Mario running across your retina, jumping over your eyelashes, and being flattened by the power of winking.

It's obviously bullshit, of course, but still quite amusing.

Brken Saints: Next Mario to be Stereoscopic?!?!

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My faultless taste in music!

I've just discovered audioscrobbler by way of plasticbag.org.

You can now keep up to date with what I'm listening to (hint: Janet Jackson and Prince) at any time of the day.

I imagine everyone's life has now changed beyond all recognition.

Audioscrobbler: mrdiscopop

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Sorry, what?

The press release breathlesly exclaims "Will and Grace back for Season Eight!"

This is great news, because it turns out we've all been worried that NBC might not commission another series of the award-winning, globally syndicated, massively money-spinning comedy series.

But, hidden away in the details of this standard PR pap is something truly shocking.

According to the Boston Globe, "for the first time since the series debuted in 1998, Mullally (Karen) and Hayes (Jack) will be brought up to full paycheck parity with Messing and McCormack."

So, wait a minute, you're telling me that for the past seven years they paid more for Dharma and Greg Will and Grace than the two funny ones?

Who would have thought it, etc?

Boston.com: Deal set for Will & Grace

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