Pheaturing Zé From JointMethod

Hey, kids, welcome to the Peverett Phile, with over one hundred thousand hits. Thank you.  Well, did you see The Hunger Games? I saw it this past weekend. The movie is based on the books where people are chosen in a lottery to compete in a televised battle to the death. Why can't we do this to the Republican primaries? Wouldn't that be great?  Mitt Romney got a big endorsement this week. The bad news: It was from Etch A Sketch.  Did you see the story about the mother duck and her ducklings helped through a a fence at the White House property? The Secret Service pushed the little ducks through the fence. Of course, the Secret Service checked to make sure the ducks had donated enough money to President Obama's re-election campaign.
 A new experimental cholesterol-fighting drug is now creating a huge buzz among researchers. They say this drug could be life changing. Well, not a moment too soon, huh? I mean, for a minute there, a lot of Americans thought they might have to start eating healthy.  The New York Police Department says Iran has conducted surveillance inside New York City. They say Iranian operatives are using special mobile surveillance units. I believe they're called taxi cabs. Speaking of New York, a madam in New York City claims that John Edwards was a customer in her brothel. You hear that kind of thing and it really makes you lose respect for prostitutes, doesn't it?  This weekend 71-year-old former Vice President Dick Cheney received a heart transplant. And I thought this was nice... they let him shoot the donor himself. Fox News sent Dick Cheney flowers. MSNBC sent chili cheese fries. Cheney was talking to a reporter right after the surgery and he said he wants to live long enough to make sure nobody else gets healthcare.  Osama bin Laden's family has been charged with being in Pakistan illegally. But their lawyer says they were just there willing to do the terrorist jobs the Pakistanis didn't want to do.  The Pope visited Cuba  and witnessed a miracle. Fidel Castro is still breathing. They're so excited to see the Pope in Cuba. They raised a lot of money and bought him a brand-new 1955 Chrysler. The Pope is down there in Cuba to fire up the Catholics and to scout pitchers for the Yankees.  So, I have been working at Disney World, the greatest place to work ever, and I always wondered about Mickey and Minnie's relationship. Well, it seems I had it all wrong. Pluto is not only Mickey's dog, but his lover and Donald and Minnie are an item. Don't believe me? Well, check out this picture that someone took without them knwoing when they watched the Disney Fantasy ship arriving.

Told you.  Alright, I have to mention this... everyone has been talking about the Trayvon Martin case here in Central Florida. I was very surprised to see Treyvon and Zimemrman are featured in an inspirational poster so I had to show it. 

And I have to show this. Phile reader Dave Vandenberg sent me this photo of my dad and I wanna share it. 

Thanks, Dave.  Okay, I mentioned The Hunger Games. Here's the review...

The future will be like the present but even nastier, with one giant entity embodying the worst of government and the worst of corporations fused together into an unfightable tyranny-blob, populated by dirt-poor scroungers crushed by a very rich ruling class. The future will also be like the past, because those dirt-poors will live in shacks with no bathrooms and everybody will survive on squirrel meat, half-poison berries and no Internet. For the people on the other side of the great money divide, the future will be a wacky discotheque piled high with cakes and sartorial frippery, like the court of Marie Antoinette cross-bred with the shrieking lunacy of the brain-scrambling cult 1980 musical, "The Apple". Nothing for miles but beard-glitter, face powder, green cocktails and people constantly exclaiming, "Ooo-OOO-ooh!"  It's probably fleshed out properly in the book I haven't read (and no, I don't need any sales pitches, I never cracked a Harry Potter book, either) but for reasons that remain sort of movie-mysterious, a decades-old rebellion has broken up the country into districts. The richest district dominates the poor ones, depriving them of food and dangling reality-show fame and wealth like a carrot on a stick for the teen "Tributes" who annually fight to the death in what are known as the Hunger Games. Enter Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, a great Winter's Bone-propelled casting choice who nevertheless looks a little too healthy for a scenario of near-starvation), a girl who's got Artemis-meets-Geena-Davis archery skills and who volunteers for the games to save the life of her little sister.  There are more plot convolutions as the battle royale commences, too many to spend time on here, really, along with a front-seat allegory about Haves and Have Nots that couldn't be more current or more honkingly unwilling to remain chill about its rightful subtextual status. That means subtlety is not what you're in for, which is kind of a given when you understand it all as a breathless action-adventure-survival story performing multiple duties as a teenage toe-dip into politics and Occupy Wall Street-style ideas about corporate manipulation and media collusion, lessons in getting by and fables about finding the personal power to fight back against The Man. There are too many plot threads and Big Themes to hammer down, there's no room on the menu for finer details.  What you will be served, though, is stern entertainment (save for Elizabeth Banks and Stanley Tucci clowning it up) that never stops moving and keeps shoving you forward, where you'll find yourself both dragged along and compelled to keep watching even though you can spot a predictable resolution from a long distance. There are sequels on the way, of course, and those next installments absolutely necessitate Katniss's initial victory. Yet in spite of this fairly obvious outcome, Lawrence is a kind of millennial Wonder Woman with a major case of Serious-itis and a screen presence that demands you stay on her side. Director Gary Ross, meanwhile, is smart enough to get out of the way of the product he's selling and not try to get all fancy "interpreting" it. It's a tough balance to strike when so much is riding on birthing a franchise, but by the time the satisfyingly bold, next-chapter-generating cliffhanger comes along, insisting on a tone of distinct unease, you'll be hungry for more. From 1 to 10, it gets a 7 and I doubt I will be buying it when it comes out. Logan on the other hand loved it.

Alright, so the Republican race is almost coming to an end I am guessing. I have no idea what has been happening, so I thought I would invite a friend to the Phile to help explain. So, please once again, please welcome to the Phile Executive Director for the Democratic National Committee Patrick Gaspard. 

Me: Patrick, welcome back to the Phile. So, the Republican attack machine is already cranking up, right?

Patrick: Right. Who says they need a nominee?

Me: So, while Mitt Romney and the other Republican candidates fight for the nomination, what's the RNC doing?

Patrick: Not wasting any time. 

Me: Like what? What are they doing, Patrick?

Patrick: Last week, the RNC announced it was stepping up its campaign, starting with new TV ads attacking the President's record.

Me: So, the RNC aren't waiting I guess.

Patrick: No, we can't afford to either. 

Me: So, can you give the Republicans any credit?

Patrick: Well, they've learned from 2008, when our early organizing caught them by surprise. They're pouring resources into ten battleground states as soon as April, and they're already running misleading ads on everything from gas prices to...

Me: Obamacare.

Patrick: You guessed it. 

Me: And what has the DNC been doing since 2008?

Patrick: We've been building for this day. The DNC has organizers on the ground in cities and towns across the country, building the neighbor-to-neighbor teams it's going to take to win in November. We're supporting local state parties in all fifty states, helping them expose Republican distortions in the media and online.

Me: But, Patrick, you can be sure the Republicans are going to spend whatever it takes to catch up.

Patrick: With the Republicans moving early, we need to redouble our efforts to keep our edge. March 31st marks a crucial fundraising deadline, and a test of strength for Democrats nationwide.

Me: Good luck, Patrick. Thanks for being on the Phile again, and come back soon.

Patrick: Thanks, Jason.

Thanks to Patrick Gaspard. Okay, wanna know who the 15th artist to be pheatured in the P.P.A.G. is? It's comic book artist Jeremy Dale and this is a piece of his work.

Jeremy will be a guest on the Phile the Monday after Easter.

I'm trying to be creative. Marijuana... JointMethod. It all kinda fits in. Today's guest is the lead singer or the band JointMethod whose latest album "Roots and Wings" is available on iTunes on iTunes right now. Please welcome... Zé!

Me: Hello, man, welcome to the Phile. So, how are you?

Zé: Doing great! Busy as hell.

Me: Okay, before we start I have to ask you to tell the readers of the Phile about the story of how and when you got stabbed. It was in the neck after a show, right?

Zé: It was actually before one of our first shows. I was heading to my car after work and noticed a guy inside taking his stereo. Adrenaline got the best of him and a fight ensued. The guy stabbed me in the chest and neck with a screwdriver and then ran off.

Me: I guess the person who did it wasn't a fan. Was he caught?

Zé: Yeah, I doubt he was a fan and no he was not caught. Jerk.

Me: If someone stabbed me I wouldn't call him a jerk. LOL. Alright, now we got that out of the way, let the readers about "503 Panhandle" and "Roots and Wings". Both are available on iTunes which I downloaded. How are the two different?

Zé: "503" has more of a rock edge and, in my opinion, is a more cohesive body of work. "Roots and Wings" definitely has some rockin tunes on there but by the time we started recording we had built up a huge catalogue of songs and some members were changing so we wanted to record everything we had compiled before that happened.

Me: On "503 Panhandle" you do an acoustic version of one of your songs called "Samana Santa" which is great. Are you planning on doing any other acoustic versions of your songs?

Zé: Thanks. We don't have plans to right now but we are definitely open to it. The recording of "Semana Santa" was spur of the moment and done in one take. It's pretty unique.

Me: "Roots and Wings" came out a few years ago. Are you fellas working on a new album?

Zé: Yeah! We hope to be done before Summer.

Me: Let's talk about the name of the band JointMethod. I think of it and drug references come to mind. What is the real meaning of the name?

Zé: The name has to do with the way we write music, perform, and navigate the music biz. It's a group effort. A united scheme. A mutual approach. A JointMethod.

Me: Who is in your band and what are the roles? And tell me about each of you having a nickname. Having a member in the band called Stitch is pretty cool.

Zé: Let's start there. Stitch plays guitar. I have no idea where his name came from. He is from Israel and those cats are crazy. Joseph plays drums. We call him the "beast" because he plays like a mad man. Jose or "Ze", for obvious reasons, is the vocalist. Ruben plays bass. No nickname there. Milo play's percussion.

Me: I was looking over your influences and two stuck out... G Love and Special Sauce, which you guys would rock opening for and The English Beat. You guys probably could do a kick ass version of "Mirror In The Bathroom". Ever do any covers?

Zé: Definitely. Too many to name. I can tell they range from Young MC to Nine Inch Nails.

Me: Have you opened for anybody you look up to?

Zé: Yeah, a few. Fishbone, Dr. Octagon, Jurassic 5. All cool people to hang out with and they can all rock a show.

Me: You are all from Texas, right? And play a lot of shows in that huge state, but are you gonna take the band on the road to other states? Or have you done that already?

Zé: Everyone except Stitch is from Texas. We have done a couple of West Coast tours. We're itching to go back so after the new album comes out we'll begin touring in support of it.

Me: On "Roots & Wings" you have a few guests, right? Are they all local musicians and friends of yours?

Zé: Yes, yes, and yes. We are very fortunate to know a lot of very talented people.

Me: Before we go, go ahead and mention your website and is there anything you want to tell the readers of the Phile? Take care, and looking forward to your next project. Rock on.

Zé: Check us out at jointmethod.com. Hit us up and let us know if you want us to come to your town. We'll make it happen. Support local music. Rock on!

Man, that was a lazy interview. Not on Zé's end, but mine. Anyway, thanks to Zé and of course Patrick Gaspard as always. The Phile will be back Sunday with musician Jean Caffeine. Monday it's Alumni Fogdan and next Wednesday Chris Devotion, the lead singer for the British band The Elvis Suicides. Spread the word, not the turd. Don't let snakes and alligators bite you. Bye, love you, bye. 

Pheaturing Winter Artwork

Hello, welcome back to the Phile for a Monday. I wanna start with some good news. The Phile has now over 100,000 hits. So, thank you to everyone who takes a few minutes out of their day to glance this thing over. Thank you so much. Anyway, today's Phile is brought to you by...

The world is watching. So, Donald Trump’s sons shot and killed endangered animals on a safari. They got an elephant, a crocodile, and that thing on their dad’s head.  Last week a tourist in Puerto Rico took a picture of Rick Santorum shirtless on the beach. I don’t want to say he looked chubby, but his new Secret Service code name is "Newt Gingrich.” That’s right, Rick Santorum was seen lying on the beach without his shirt on. He would have worn sunscreen, but he’s not really into protection. Disney... the greatest company to work for in the world, will lose $200 million on its new movie, John Carter, about a Civil War soldier on Mars. Disney could tell they were going to lose lots of money when they realized they made a movie about a Civil War soldier on Mars. The Hunger Games meanwhile is expected to make $130 million at the box office this week. Experts say the movie has that one quality you look for in a film... it’s not about a Civil War soldier on Mars.  This weekend President Obama visited the border that separates North and South Korea. Not to be outdone, Newt Gingrich visited the border that separates the KFC from the Taco Bell.  Tim Tebow is on the New York Jets, but apparently some Jets players are not happy about it. They're called wide receivers.  There are rumors that Kim Kardashian wants to adopt a child. You can tell orphans are nervous... even Oliver Twist is like, "You know what, I’m good on soup. Sorry for complaining.”  President Obama is calling on Iran to give its citizens better access to the Internet. Right now they only have one social networking site: "Cover-Your-Face Book.”  There are reports that John Edwards visited a brothel here in New York while running for president and paid with campaign funds. Do you realize what this could do to his reputation? Absolutely nothing. Absolutely nothing to that man's reputation.  A woman in Romania broke a world record by having a wedding dress with a train that stretched almost two miles. It was weird for the maid of honor. She was like you probably look beautiful!  A man in Oregon said his snow globes started a fire after he left them in the sun for too long. Fortunately, his wife wasn't injured because she left him when he started collecting snow globes.  So, I am looking forward to The Avengers movie in a few months. I was puzzled by the new poster for it though. 

I didn't know they changed the name of the movie.  So, speaking of movies, the new ad for The Hunger Games also surprised me.

And now, for the final... or phinal...

I do not get that one one bit. Who is that guy? Anyway, the Mayans predicted in December of this year the world will end. Those Mayans were pretty smart, so I tend to believe it. Anyway, I thought I would invite a character back to the Phile to give some more Mayan advice. So, please welcome back to the Phile...

Me: Hello, Marvin, so, what inspirating words do you have today for us?

Marvin: Nya b’a’n tu’n tjax key cyib’aj k’ok’, ku’n b’e’x cyjel× pise t× o’pe te jun majx.

Me: Marvin, that's great, but once again I don't speak Mayanese, or whatever you call it. And I am sure the readers don't understand that either. Can you translate in English?

Marvin: It is not good to sit on pumpkins, because your rump will freeze up for good.

Me: Thanks, Marvin, it's not pumpkin season but we'll remember that in October. Marvin the Modern Day Mayan everybody! Thank you, Marvin.

Okay, well, there's a new Batman movie coming out this Summer and I cannot wait. Anyway, our good friend Jim Mello is such a large comic book fan I wondered what he thinks of the movie after seeing the few trailers for it. So, let's find out. Please welcome back to the Phile, Jim Mello in a pheature we call...

My problems with the Nolan films have nothing to do with my standing as a Batman fan. I'm usually pretty good as taking a film adaptation as its own microcosm universe, and focusing on its merits. If I dislike them, it is usually having to do more with story, acting, direction, etc. However, I do not like Christan Bale as Batman. I do not like Bale as Bruce Wayne. I like Christan Bale in other things, but not here. I think Bale is so bad as Batman that he rips me from the movie, and helps me reinforce my opinion that the Nolan films are less Batman films, and more really really good action movies. Batman is not a realistic character, and trying to make him, and the universe he inhabits, look "realistic" makes it that much more silly. Gotham was built around Batman, for Batman, and with that aesthetic in mind.  Watching the Dark Knight Rises teaser, I was awed by a wonderfully awesome action sequence that was really inspired. I was then knocked from Cloud 9 when I realized that, if I had no idea this was from the third Dark Knight movie, that this teaser scene I saw was from a Batman film.  When I watch these movies, I want to say "That's Batman." "That's the Joker." "That's Gotham City."
  Instead, I find myself wondering, in this realistic universe, how could a man make that illogical jump to become Batman? There are parameters set by a film the second it opens, detailing the reality in which it will lay between, and this film jumps from the fantastic to the realistic. "Wait, no. This is REALISTIC Batman."  What the fuck do you mean, "realistic" Batman? That makes NO SENSE. Not even for a multi-billionaire with childhood issues and a lot of time on his hands. There is no precedent set by tone or atmosphere in the film to warrant such a dramatic change. What it does warrant is the scene we're given in the first film, where a young Bruce Wayne shoots the murderer of his parents in the courthouse. If we follow the films "realistic" tone, Bruce Wayne would have went to jail, learned about the nature of forgiveness by meeting some other criminals, and was redeemed by his childhood friend played by the Katie Holmes character. Or, he goes into jail and starts killing people until he himself is murdered as a cautionary tale.  If the tone was different, if the world was different, I would believe that Bruce Wayne up and left to find the worlds greatest minds in martial arts and criminology to learn how to fight injustice in his hometown. But these movies don't give that to me: they give me grunty, awkward billionaire and his fun trips to Hong Kong with a really awesome Heath Ledger playing the bad guy.  Look, this didn't start out as a rant. I try to avoid this subject, because it seems like I'm just another comic fan pissing on the movies for their lack of uniformity to the comics. That ain't the case at all. I want good comic films, and I enjoy their alternate realities. Just not this one.

Thanks, Jim. You can read more articles like this on Jim's Facebook site Comics Make You Stronger. 

Okay, today's guest is a very talented artist and the 14th artist to be pheatured in the Peverett Phile Art Gallery. Please welcome to the Phile... Winter Artwork.

Me: Hello, Winter, welcome to the Phile. How are you?

Winter: I’m excellent! It’s been a great year so far… hopefully we all don’t die in 2012.

Me: Where are you from, Winter? 

Winter: A very small, very peaceful, very beautiful but very boring island in the West Indies. Barbados.

Me: I don't know exactly where Barbados is. It's by Jamaica, right?

Winter: Contrary to popular believe Barbados is not a suburb of Jamaica... LOL. If you look at the semi circular chain of islands you’ll notice one that’s a little off to the side… that’s us.

Me: I have to ask you where did the name Winter Artwork came from. And how did you come up with the logo of the guy with the patch over the eye?

Winter: There’s not much to the story. Winter was a nick name and I just slapped on the artwork. The logo is a mixture of my fascinations… skulls, bolts and circles.

Me: How long have you been drawing, Winter?

Winter: Pretty much all my life. I really can’t remember a time when I wasn’t illustrating.

Me: Do you remember what was the first thing you learned to draw?

Winter: Not sure but it was probably some Cthulu-like demon creature thingy. I drew a lot of monsters as a kid… mostly in church.

Me: Did you study art or did it come natural?

Winter: Never formally studied art. All my skill comes from instinct and trial and error.

Me: Your artwork has a lot of styles, so I have no clue who your influences would be. Who do you admire artistically?

Winter: Too many influences to list but I’m deeply inspired by logos, comic artists and several of my fellow TeeFury/Threadless designers.

Me: You do a lot of work that looks like actual beer labels and such. Have you ever designed an actual beer label?

Winter: Haven’t had the pleasure yet. Hey, Beer companies... call me! *wink*

Me: I love micro brewery's and checking out their labels. Is there a favorite one you have? Mine is Amber Waves from Capitol City in Washington DC. 

Winter: Stumptown Tart’s label from Portland looks pretty cool.

Me: Oh, we're talking about labels... I thought actual beer. LOL. I noticed you are a big fan of sci-fi as a lot of your artwork is "Doctor Who" (one of my favorite TV shows) and "Firefly". Are you a big sci-fi fan?

Winter: I’m a HUGE sci-fi nut. I was raised on "Star Trek:The Next Generation".

Me: Is sci-fi big in Barbados?

Winter: About as big as it is anywhere else… you’ve got your sci-fi nerds and then you have the “normal” folks who make fun of the sci-fi nerds. LOL.

Me: Speaking of "Doctor Who", I love the drawing of the Doctor and the watch done Mickey Mouse style. How did you come up with that design?

Winter: Like most of my ideas It just came to me on a bolt of inspiration. It’s such a natural combination when you think about it… two iconic characters bound by time.

Me: I first discovered your artwork when I saw your "Ride the Falcon" shirt on Teefury. 

Me: How did you come up with that idea? 

Winter: It’s really an old concept. As a kid I always pictured Han and Chewie riding a giant space falcon through the stars.

Me: How did you get into t-shirt designing, Winter?

Winter: It’s really just fell into it. I was surfing the net one day about 4 years back and I came across a website called Uneetee which was hosting a tee design contest… I entered and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Me: Is there one shirt you designed that is your favorite?

Winter: It hard to choose but “Pandora Blueskins” and “Smash!” are two of my favorites.

Me: I have pictures of them here. Hang on.

Me: I mentioned the Star Wars themed shirt and there seems to be a lot of it you designed. I am guessing Star Wars is your favorite movie?

Winter: That and Lord of The Rings.

Me: I work on the Star Tours ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios and your Star Wars designs are a big hit with us who work there. Ever been on the ride?

Winter: No I haven’t but I’m officially adding that to my “to do” list. I’d love to come by some day and see you guys! You and the crew should take a pic for my Facebook wall.

Me: I am not a big fan of zombie films, but I love Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland, and everyone tells me I should see "The Walking Dead" TV show. Are you a big fan of that show? If I haven't seen it, what can you tell me about it?

Winter: Yeah I’m a HUGE fan of the show and the comic series! It’s your typical zombie apocalypse scenario but "Walking Dead" is really about the interactions between survivors and the hard choices they have to make in order to survive. It’s the kind of series that pulls no punches and I can wait to see what’s on the horizon!

Me: I have to ask what tools do you use.

Winter: Pencil, pigment liner, paper, Photoshop and Corel Draw X5

Me: Do you sketch out your artwork and designs by hand first

Winter: Yes I do!

Me: Okay, I have to ask, if you were to design the Peverett Phile logo how would it look?

Winter: I’d give it a retro noir look with some crazy elements mixed in like a flaming t-rex... LOL.

Me: I bet you're always drawing, right?

Winter: Like a shark needs to swim. I actually get depressed when I don’t sketch something for the day.

Me: Winter, thanks so much for being here on the Phile, sir. You have designed tee's for a few websites. Why don't you tell the Phile readers where they can check out your stuff and buy your designs?

Winter: You can check out my Red Bubble page at redbubble.com/people/winterartwork/collections/97588-t-shirts. My SplitReason Store: splitreason.com/winterartwork. My Society 6 page: society6.com/WinterArtwork. You can also find my work on Threadless, Jinx and FanGamer.net!

Me: Thanks so much for being part of The Peverett Phile Art Gallery, and please come back anytime. Is there anything you wanna say to the readers before you go?

Winter: Thanks for having me! I’d just like to thank the readers for their time and shout out all my excellent fans and supporters! PS: add me on Facebook... facebook.com/pages/WinterArtwork-Illustrations/150149308346470
or Twitter twitter.com/#!/WinterArtwork.

Me: Thanks, Winter. Take care.

Well, that about does it for another entry. Thanks to my guests Jim Mello and of course Winter. Okay, real quick. The Phile will be back on Wednesday with Ze from the band JointMethod. Sunday it's singer Jean Caffeine and Monday it's Alumni Fogdan. Spread the word, not the turd. Don't let snakes and alligators bite you. Bye, love you, bye. By the way, here's a drawing Logan. Not off to First Watch.

Pheaturing Matt Burke From Have Gun, Will Travel

Hey there, kids, welcome to another entry of the Phile for a Sunday. How is it going? I have to start off with an apology. In Wednesday's entry I ranted and said I didn't like Reba McEntire's son Shelby. There is even a comment from a reader at the bottom of that entry that said, "Check your facts, asshole! Kelly Clarkson is dating Reba's stepson, Brandon Blackstock, Blake Shelton's manager. Shelby Blackstock is Reba's son - not stepson - and he's not dating Kelly nor is Kelly dating him!" Man, someone is mad. Okay, so I apologize to Shelby, but as for as far as Brandon goes... Brandon. I don't like him either. And hey, it's not the first time I made a mistake on the Phile.  Okay, let's see what else is going on. Rick Santorum wants to crack down on pornography. Most political analysts say it could hurt him with the "every single man in America" vote. Santorum also said when he's in the White House he'll tell his attorney general to prosecute people who distribute any content that is deemed obscene. Will he appoint a team to watch porn all day? If so, he could solve the unemployment crisis.  Some top Republicans are urging Newt Gingrich to leave the race, but he says he's sticking around. If they could get him to marry the race, he would probably leave it eventually.  This Wednesday Mitt Romney goes one-on-one in a debate against the one man who stands in the way of his nomination: Mitt Romney. Massachusetts moderate squares off with die-hard conservative Romney on the issues. Man versus machine. Romney versus Romney.  Well, here is some sports news in case you didn't know. Peyton Manning has signed a $96 million deal to play for the Denver Broncos. How ironic is that? Tim Tebow's prayers to help the Broncos win are finally being answered.
The other big football story is that Tim Tebow has been traded to the New York Jets. Can you imagine Tim Tebow in New York City? Talk about throwing a Christian to the lions.  This is sad... the man who created the Red Bull energy drink has died at the age of 89. Actually, he died five years ago. He was just so wired, nobody could tell. Red Bull's creator is survived by a very jumpy wife and a bunch of really jittery kids. I don't like Red Bull myself. It doesn't give me wings, it gives me the shits. My wife Jen likes it though. I like the good ole Starbucks codee Mocha Frappuccino.  The movie The Hunger Games is out. It's based on the best-selling book. It's tricky turning a book into a movie. Sometimes people love the book so much that no adaptation lives up to what they imagined. You can avoid that disappointment by never, ever reading books. A lot of people are comparing The Hunger Games to the Twilight series. But that's thematically inaccurate because "The Hunger Games" takes place in a futuristic dystopia whereas the "Twilight" books are... what's the literary term again? Shit.  So, the other day I started running because I thought I was being chased by a Tracker Jacker. Then I realized it was just a wasp. Then I realized I wasn't in the Hunger Games. The closest I'll get to winning the Hunger Games is when I spot the last donut in the kitchen. Why is it that in every movie about the future, the future is awful? Just once, I would like to see a movie about the future where everyone just hangs out at Applebee's, has a good time, and then flies home in jet packs.  March Madness is still going on and I think we are down to the final 8. I don't know. Anyway, President Obama's bracket was in the top 2 percent of everyone who makes picks on ESPN.com. I guess it helps when you can send the CIA in to scout the teams. President Obama did this last year, too. Once again, he is out of touch with regular hard-working Americans who don't know how to bet on college basketball.  I work for the Walt Disney Company... the greatest company to work for ever... and I thought this was cool. One of Walt Disney's oldest drawings is seeing the light of day after being locked away for nearly 40 years. Here it is if you didn't see it. 

Well, at the same display they also revealed a drawing Disney of Mickey that hasn't been seen in years either. And I have a picture of it here. 

Nice, right?  So, Michael Bey is rebotting the Teenage Muntant Ninja Turtles film franchise and a lot of fans are skeptical. I am not. I have an exclusive screen shot of the film never before seen. 

I cannot wait. I think it's gonna be good.  Well, you all heard about the Trayvon Martin story, right? Well, all African-American kids about Trayon's age are starting to carry cardboard signs now. Here is one of those kids.

Alright, now from the home office in Phulfortha City, New York. Here is this week's...

Top Ten Signs Your High School Classmate Is an Undercover Cop
10. Does his homework in a parked car at Dunkin Donuts. 
9. Thinks doing his homework makes him fit in. 
8. He wants you to talk directly into his pants. 
7. There's just something about the way he shoves his notebook into his holster. 
6. Freshman class president keeps calling him "dad". 
5. Constantly taking notes while he's talking to you. 

4. Keeps talking about his retirement... er, graduation date. 

3. Drug-sniffing dog keeps eating his homework. 

2. Keeps bragging to the guys about the number of body cavity searches he's done. 

And the number one sign your high school classmate is an under cop...

1. As the rest of the class says the Pledge of Allegiance, he reads the Miranda rights. 

Okay, a regular guest of the Phile wanted to come on here and talk about a video she saw on Youtube that touched her. I don't know what it is, but here she is to explain it. Please welcome back to the Phile, Chair of the Democratic National Committee... Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

Me: Hello, Debbie, welcome back to the Phile. So, the video is about a woman named Jusy, right? What about this video that you like so much and wanted to come on the Phile and other blogs to talk about?

Debbie: Judy's story makes me proud to be a Democrat.

Me: What's so special about Judy's story?

Debbie: She's proof that health care reform is making our lives easier, longer, and healthier. In Judy's case, the Affordable Care Act saved her life.

Me: What happened to her, Debbie?

Debbie: Because many preventive services are now covered at no additional cost, Judy didn't hesitate to get a mammogram in January. Cancer was detected early, she was treated, and now her outlook is great.

Me: This is right around the two year anniversary of ObamaCare, Debbie, so that all ties in, right?

Debbie: Yes, Jason, two years ago, her story might have been very different. No one should have to think twice about whether to get a mammogram, cancer screening, bone density test for osteoporosis, or other preventive care services.

Me: That's very true. 

Debbie: And this is one of the law's many benefits and one of the many reasons we must protect it from repeal. Watch Judy's story... then stand with the reform that made it possible.

Me: Where can my readers see this story?

Debbie: youtube.com/watch?v=w4n_qBZf3R0&feature=player_embedded. 

Me: Can you relate to Judy;s story, Debbie?

Debbie: I know what Judy's feeling when she tells her story. Right after I got my first mammogram, I learned that I had breast cancer. Like Judy, I caught it early. And like Judy, I got through it with the help of my family, and quality care.

Me: Wow. I lost both of my parents to cancer in 2000, so I know what you're talking about in a way.

Debbie: I am sorry to hear that, Jason. Everyone in America deserves to have what they need to beat cancer and other illnesses... and health care reform is working to make that possible. The new law also protects all of us from insurance company abuses, will eliminate unfair premium increases for women, and extends the life of Medicare.

Me: Debbie, we should be sharing these stories about the Affordable Care Act...

Debbie: Especially around its anniversary, and especially since it'll be a defining issue in this election. There's no doubt: If we don't fight to protect health care reform, our opponents will take it all away. 

Me: Thank you, Debbie. And Phile readers, please put the video on your Facebook pages. I will put it on mine. 

Debbie: Thanks for stepping up.

Me: Thank you, Debbie. Talk to you soon.

Okay, let's talk football. Please welcome back to the Phile my good friend Jeff Trelewicz in a pheature I call...

Me: Hey, Jeff. So, welcome back. What do you think about Tebow going to the Jets? He was soooo close to go to Jacksonville. What happened? 

Jeff: Well, I was way off with my prediction for Tim Tebow. I don't honestly know what to think of it, since he will still be the back up in New York until Sanchez struggles (which will happen). As far as what happened in Jacksonville, I just think Tebow didn't want to go there. 
The team isn't very good, with the exception of Maurice Jones-Drew, so he wanted to play for a team with a chance, though I don't see the Jets being that much better of a team, especially with a loud mouth for a head coach. 

Me: Will Tebow be Quarterback and what will happen to Mark Sanchez?

Jeff: Tebow will be a QB, and be used in the wild cat formations because he is 1000% more mobile then Mark Sanchez.

Me: Okay, is there any Steelers or Giants news?

Jeff: The Steelers need some offensive line help, as well as help in their secondary. The Giants lost Mario Manningham in free agency, so I'd say they could use another WR or some secondary help too.

Me: Alright, so, as I didn't want this whole conversation to be about football, are you gonna see The Hunger Games?

Jeff: I am not going to see The Hunger Games! Why? I saw it yesterday. It was pretty good. A review will be coming possibly today on Entertainment Guru for it.

Me: Jeff, thanks for being here, and come back with a report on Wrestlemania. And check out Jeff's own blog at entertainmentgurunews.blogspot.com. Thanks, Jeff.

The 14th artist to be pheatured in the P.P.A. G. is named Winter, and this is one of his pieces. 

Winter will be a guest on the Phile tomorrow. And man, I like that piece.

Okay, kids, today's guest is the lead singer for the Florida based band Have Gun, Will Travel. They have a new CD available on iTunes called "Mergers & Acquisitions". They'll be next appearing at Hillbilly Hellfest “Aces Lounge” in Bradenton, Fl on April 20th. Please welcome to the Phile... Matt Burke.

Me: Hello, Matt, welcome to the Phile. First, let me say you are one of my favorite new bands. How are you?

Matt: Doing well. Thanks very much for having us.

Me: I was surprised to find out you boys are from Florida. It's not every day I get guests from Florida here. Where in Florida is the band based?

Matt: Scott, our guitar player lives in Saftey Harbor. But the rest of us live in Bradenton.

Me: That's past Tampa, am I right? I live out by Clermont. Do you guys get to Orlando often to play?

Matt: Yeah. Bradenton's about an hour south of Tampa. We play in Orlando probably once every couple months.

Me: Okay, so, who is in the band?

Matt: Matt Burke (myself) on vocals, acoustic guitar and harmonica. Danny Burke (my brother) on the stand-up bass and back-up vocals. Scott Anderson on electric guitar and lap steel. JP Beaubien on drums and other various percussion implements. And sometimes Andy Brey on mandolin.

Me: Are you all from Florida?

Matt: Scott's originally from Woodstock, GA. Danny, JP and I were all born and raised in Bradenton.

Me: Alright, let's talk about your new album "Mergers and Acquisitions" which I love and downloaded from iTunes. So, what does that title represent?

Matt: Well, it was originally the title of one of the songs on the record. The song title got changed to "To the Victor Go the Spoils," but we still liked it as an album title. I guess it represents the direction in which we're moving as a band. we're moving along on this path, and along the way we meet other like-minded people and bands that have similar goals and ideas. As that happens, our paths merge and it becomes more of a community effort.

Me: Where was the album recorded, Matt?

Matt: Mostly at our practice space in Bradenton. For the last couple records we've done most of our own recording. Our guitar player Scott engineers most of the sessions. We also did some additional tracking at our friend Andy's house studio in Tampa.

Me: I have to ask you about the band name. Are you fans of the TV show with the same name?

Matt: Yeah, for sure. It's a great show. I've seen quite a few episodes.

Me: So, do you really travel with guns?

Matt: Not really. But considering the few times that we've been robbed on tour, we might want start thinking about it.

Me: Okay, let's go back to the album. This is your third album, am I right?

Matt: Indeed.

Me: I have to ask you about one of the songs... "Katharine, Don't Fall Off the Wagon". Is that about anybody in particular?

Matt: We've actually been asked that before. And the answer is no. It's not about anyone in particular. But I've had experience with alcoholism both personally and with people around me. So it's just a well-informed narrative song about a fictional character.

Me: I like the song "Thirteen Miles To Empty" you made the video for. How did you guys choose that song to be the single?

Matt: Well, it's a song about touring. And our friend Brad Fleming (who directed the video) was on tour with us, getting a lot of footage from the road. He decided to edit the footage into a video for the song.

Me: Speaking of songs, didn't I hear one of your songs in a Chevy commercial? Was that a big thrill for you, having a song played nationally like that?

Matt: Yeah. The song "Blessing and a Curse" was from our first record, "Casting Shadows Tall As Giants". The music licensing company that we work with pitched it to Chevy and we got lucky.

Me: You guys have played many festivals. Is there a favorite of yours?

Matt: We really enjoy playing festivals. We just played one the other day in Tampa. The first annual Gasparilla Music Festival. That was a lot of fun. Hopefully, they'll start doing it every year. Tropical Heatwave in Ybor City, Florida is one of my favorites. This year it's going to be like 46 bands on 9 stages.

Me: Didn't you play a Zombie book signing or something?

Matt: We did. A friend of ours released "Zombie St. Pete", a collection of Zombie fiction based in St. Petersburg. We played the release party in full zombie make-up. I'm a big fan of the genre and actually wrote a song called "Living Dead Blues" which we recorded. It may or may not be released in the future.

Me: I have to ask you who are your influences. I am guessing Dylan or Wilco. Am I right?

Matt: As a songwriter, some of my influences are Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, John Prine, Gram Parsons, Neil Young, Townes Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Elliott Smith. As a band, we all have different tastes and influences. But a few would be Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Rolling Stones, Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt... too many others to list.

Me: Have you heard of the band Deer Tick? They sould similar to you guys.

Matt: I've known about them for a while, but just recently got into their music. We actually just played with them a couple days ago at the aforementioned Gasparilla Music Festival.

Me: So, what's next for HGWT? Any plans for a new CD yet? How about a live CD?

Matt: We've already started writing and recording songs for another album. While we were on our most recent tour, we had a few days off near Atlanta. So we set up our recording gear at Scott's parents house and started tracking. We're happy with what we've got so far. So we're just going to keep the ball rolling and work toward the next record.

Me: Thanks so much for being on the Phile. Please come back again. Go ahead and plug your websites and everything. Continued success to you and the other guys, Matt.

Matt: Thanks again for having us. Website: www.hgwtmusic.com, Facebook: facebook.com/hgwtmusic, link to our newest video "Dream No More": youtube.com/watch?v=U1RXNokbyQ8.

Alright, that about does it for another entry. Thanks to my guests Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jeff Trelewicz and of course Matt Burke. Also thanks to Heather West for hooking the interview up. The Phile will be back tomorrow with artist Winter. Then on Wednesday it's Zé, the lead singer for the band JointMethod. Next Sunday it's singer Jean Caffeine and on Monday Phile Alumni Fogdan. So, spread the word, not the turd. Don't let snakes and alligators bite you. Bye, love you, bye.

Pheaturing Dave Hause

Hello, kids, welcome to aWednesday entry of the Phile.  Let's start of with something sad, and something I am depressed about. Kelly Clarkson is dating Shelby, Reba McEntire's step-son. Shelby, what kinda stupid girlie name is that? What are they gonna be called? Kelby? Grrrr. I like Kelson a lot better. Damn stupid Shelby. I hate him. Okay, I am glad I got that off my chest. What else is going on? Yay, Orlando is in the national news again. This time for the shooting of Trayvon Martin. Way to go, O-town.  Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich made his final public appearance the other day, before beginning his 14-year prison term. No word on who his cell mate is yet. It's probably a good chance it's another former Illinois governor.  Drug users in San Francisco have formed a drug users union. If you're in the drug users union, and you pass the drug test, do they kick you out?  I will be talking about this in a minute, but the Denver Broncos have signed Peyton Manning as their new quarterback. That means Tim Tebow may be traded. There's no telling where he'll end up... you know, like one of his passes.  So, I was thinking, Mitt Romney is so rich, he taught his dog to roll over... an IRA.  The new iPad went on sale. The picture's so fantastic, you can see with amazing clarity just how obsolete the iPad you got for Christmas is.  This week the makers of Camel cigarettes said 10 percent of its workers would be eliminated by 2014. Especially if they keep smoking Camels.  According to a new book, President Obama blames Fox News for his political problems and losing voters. How could Fox News lose voters? If you're watching Fox News, you're probably not voting for him in the first place.  Pope Benedict will visit Mexico this weekend. Historians say he will be the first Pope ever to attend spring break. The State Department is warning spring breakers about the dangers of violence from Mexican drug gangs. So, to avoid the threat, stay out of L.A.  Next month the movie Titanic will be re-released in 3D. In this version, the captain doesn't see the iceberg coming because he's not wearing the special glasses.  Well, kids, it's Spring Break and I am so glad there's a Spring Break inspirational poster. 

Well, a lot of people seem to be running for President this year, and one of those people is Jason Russell who did that whole Kony 2012 video and was arrested for public mastubating. Anyway, Jason has released a new campaign poster. 

Speaking of campaign posters... on Sunday I interviewed a musician named lee Abramson who has Lou Gehrig's disease and who is running for President. He wanted me to show you his campaign poster. This is for real, people.

Okay, so, kids, it's Spring Break, and I wanna give you guys some advice. It's something I hardly ever do, but I thought it's the least I could do. So, sit back and pay attention. It's time for...

Okay, these are a few things you should not do on Spring Break. Trust me. 
Get Married
This should be obvious, but even if “Sandy,” “Krystal,” or “Taylor” (never trust girls with “Y’s” in their names, fellas) totally nailed that wet t-shirt contest, don’t get down on bended knee with a ring fashioned from discarded wristbands. I married a Jennie, but her name ends with an i an and e by the way.

Swim at the Beach
It’s called “spring” break and not “summer” break for a reason. It’s balls cold. Sure, I know you’re going to be shirtless 85.6% of the time, but your alcohol-fueled warmth will wear out fast in the Atlantic Ocean in March. 

Sign Anything
For MTV, the precursor to the Jersey Shore School of Embarrassing Television was its spring break programming. Young people alcohol - parental supervision x awkward erections = ratings gold. Good thing no network can plaster your mug on cable unless you sign a release form. Don’t do that. 

Trash Your Room
It’s just a dick move. It’s not going to help you get laid and the hotel staff will hate you. Who cares about the hotel staff, right? Well, if you want security to allow ladies back to your room, and access to the… party goods shady front desk workers can provide, then care you should. There, that should help you. Now, go have fun.

Okay, a lot has been hapepning with football news and other stuff so once again I thought I would invite someone on the Phile to explain what's going on. So please welcome once again my good friend Jeff Trelewicz in a pheature I call...

Me: Jeff, glad you're back on the Phile. So, we have a few things to talk about. First, now Payton Manning is going to the Broncos, what do you think will happen to Tebow?

Jeff: Always good to be back on the Phile. It has been a big couple of days of major athletes. As far as Peyton Manning, I am very surprised that he went to Denver. I figured for a guy that has spent his entire career playing in a dome, playing somewhere as cold as Denver would be 
a detractor. There is no Tebow will remain with the team. Owner John Elway was never happy with Tim Tebow as quarterback so the first chance he got to replace him, he took. I see Jacksonville being a legit contender for his services as well as Miami or Cleveland as well.

Me: My wife Jen said if he goes go Jacksonville we're getting season tickets. Anyway, I am skeptical. Screw Elway, lying sack of shit. If Peyton gets injured, Elway will look like an fool. Fool for the damaged Quarterback. 

Jeff: It disturbs me that Peyton Manning will wear another uniform. He should wear two his entire career! The Colts and the AFC Pro Bowl Jersey. That's why I'm glad Hines Ward retired today from the Steelers, instead of wearing another jersey.

Me: Alright, so last week everyone was talking about Dwight Howard, if he was leaving the Magic or staying. What was your take on it? Are you
a Magic fan?

Jeff: I am happy to see Dwight Howard sticking around with the Magic, at least for one more year. It gives them a chance to really try to build a team around him. I'm just a big fan of players staying in one city. 

Me: What else is going on, Jeff? You have Wrestlemania coming up. What are you looking forward to seeing? I don't know much about wrestling so after Wrestlemania do you wanna come back with a report?

Jeff: Wrestlemania is in just two weeks, and it is shaping up to be one of the biggest Wrestlemania's of all time! The Rock returns to the ring for just the 2nd time in eight years against John Cena! I will be more then glad to give you a report afterwards! 

Me: Alright, Jeff, come back on Sunday and give us your opnion on where Tebow goes. Thanks again, and have a good week.

Jeff: Hope all the Phile-ites are well!

Me: Phile-ites... I like that. Thanks, Jeff. 

Okay, the 14th artist to be pheatured in the P.P.A.G. is winter, and this is one of his pieces...

Winter will be a guest on the Phile next Monday.

Today's guest is an American singer-songwriter that has played in multiple Philadelphia, PA area punk and hardcore bands. He currently performs solo as well as sings and plays guitar in The Loved Ones. He has a new album out on iTunes called "Resolutions" and will be appearing next Meerhout, Belgium at the Groezrock Festival Grounds on April 28th. Please welcome to the Phile... Dave Hause.

Me: Hello, Dave, welcome to the Peverett Phile. So, how are you, sir? 

Dave: I'm doing well.

Me: Let's talk about The Loved Ones. When did that band form?

Dave: The band began jamming together in 2003 and played our first show in May of 2004.

Me: Listening to your music for the last few years I am gonna guess you grew up like me being a Social Distortion fan, right?

Dave: I listened to all kinds of music and still do. I do like Social Distortion, yes.

Me: Have you ever toured or met Mike Ness? I have and he's a cool as hell person who one day will be interviewed for the Phile.

Dave: I have met Mike Ness, yes. He's a nice fellow.

Me: So, you have a new album called "Resolutions". How is that album different then The Loved Ones stuff?

Dave: It's a bit more laid back, using more acoustic instrumentation, it was also played with a variety of different musicians.

Me: Who plays on it, Dave?

Dave: It has a variety of friends and family playing on it.

Me: Correct me if I am wrong, but the last TLO's album came out last year called "Build & Burn". It's a really good album. Are you getting a lot of feedback on it?

Dave: The record came out in February of 2008. We did get a lot of great feedback on it, it was nice to have people listening.

Me: Oh, four years ago. Guess I'm running behind. There's some political songs on "Build & Burn". Tell the readers of the Phile who the song "Dear Laura" is about.

Dave: Dear Laura is an open letter to Laura Bush, essentially trying to come to grips with how an adult woman, a wife, a mother, etc, could support the job her husband had been doing for the last 8 years.

Me: Any plans for a live album?

Dave: Not as of now.

Me: I have to ask you about your tattoos. How many do you have and what are they? Where do you get them done?

Dave: I have a bunch of tattoos, I don't really know how many. I've gotten them all over the world. Most of them I've gotten in San Francisco, from my friend Erik Reith.

Me: You have another EP out called "Distractions" which has three original and three covers. What are the covers and how did you and the band choose them?

Dave: "Johnny 99" by Bruce Springsteen, "Lovers Town Revisited" by Billy Bragg and "Coma Girl" by Joe Strummer. We just love those songs so much and wanted to record our own versions on them.

Me: Speaking of the band, go ahead and tell the readers who they are, Dave.

Dave: Dave Walsh plays guitar, Chris Gonzalez plays bass and Mike Sneeringer plays drums.

Me: I have a compilation tribute album of Johnny Cash covers and The Loved One's are on it. You guys did "Cocaine Blues" one of my favorite Cash songs. Did you guys choose that song to do or did someone that put together the album choose it for you?

Dave: We chose it, it's one of my favorites too. Great story.

Me: If you were gonna do a song for a Foghat tribute album what song would you choose?

Dave: "I Just Want to Make Love to You".

Me: What about A Social D tribute album?

Dave: "When The Angels Sing".

Me: Is it true, Dave, before you founded The Loved Ones you were a roadie? Who did you roadie for?

Dave: I was, I roadied for all kinds of bands. Mostly The Bouncing Souls, Sick of it All and The Explosion.

Me: Tell me about working for Fat Mike and his label. And tell the readers who Fat Mike is.

Dave: I don't work for anyone. Fat Mike runs Fat Wreck Chords, a record label that put out 2 albums and an EP for our band, so I suppose he sort of works for us.

Me: After your solo project any luck you'll be working on another The Loved Ones CD?

Dave: We are working on the next Loved Ones record right now.

Me: Dave, anything else you wanna tell the fans of the Phile? Anything you wanna plug?

Dave: Thanks for reading, take care of yourselves.

Me: I hope this was fun and when The Loved Ones CD comes out, can I do a follow-up? Keep rocking, Dave.

Dave: Sure. Thanks for the interview. See you around.

Thart about does it for another entry. I can't tell how that interview went... good or bad. Please let me know. I hope Dave comes back to the Phile soon. I will ask him how it went. Anyway, thanks to Dave and also Jeff Trelewicz. The Phile will be back on Sunday with Matt Burke, lead singer for the band Have Gun, Will Travel. Then on Monday it's artist Winter. Next Wednesday it's Zé, lead singer for the band JointMethod. So, spread the word, not the turd. Don't let snakes and alligators bite you. Bye, love you, bye.