"THE 7-FOOT-7 FORMER NBA shot-blocker agreed to terms Tuesday to play with the Indianapolis Ice of the Central Hockey League. Bol is expected to be in uniform for an appearance with the Ice on Saturday night, but it is unlikely he will play in the game against the Amarillo Gorillas. “We’re in the business of selling tickets, the business of entertainment,” Ice general manager Larry Linde said. “We’re not going to do anything to jeopardize the integrity of the game or Manute. We’re out there to have fun."

Uhm...

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"The voice on an audiotape praising recent terrorist attacks is that of Osama bin Laden, NBC News was told Tuesday. “It’s him,” two senior U.S. officials in different agencies said even as the CIA analyzed the recording."

I'll bet he's hiding in Iraq!  George is smaht.

"Dear Salon Reader,

A year and a half ago we launched our subscription service, Salon Premium. In that time we've been heartened that more than 52,000 of you have stepped up to subscribe. Our subscribers have had exclusive access to all of Salon's award-winning content -- our investigative scoops, our in-the-trenches coverage from Afghanistan, everything.

But some of you continue to tell us that you're still on the fence. You've considered subscribing but you want to sample the merchandise first. Well, you're in luck. For a limited time, the folks at Mercedes-Benz will essentially pick up the tab for you. Consider it a Salon Premium test drive of sorts. You can access Salon Premium for the day and all you'll be asked to do in return is interact with a few screens featuring the new Mercedes E-Class luxury sedan. To take advantage of this offer just go to a Premium article and select the Mercedes-Benz link at the bottom. "

Obviously, I find a lot of value in supporting Salon, whether through my premium membership, or through this weblog.  Now here's a chance to get a taste of what Salon's premium content is all about.  Try it, you might like it.  And with a few different plans available, it may be cheaper than you think.  I don't mean to sound like a Salon pimp, but I think they provide very valuable, reasoned content for a fair price.  And if you don't support that, it will no longer exist.  Oh yeah, and if you missed out on the fund-raising drive over the last month or so, go support your local NPR station too!</PledgeBreak>

Just another pointer to Guanubian, the new blog of my former college roomate, and pimpdaddy supreme, John-Paul.  We don't always agree on things, but he always has well thought out positions and its nice to see him put his expensive English degree to work ;)

I'm more into jazz and improvised music than indie pop/rock/rap, but this looks like an interesting view on some of the lesser known indie pop/rock/rap artists out there that are well worth a listen.  Besides, any list containing the work of Mike Patton, Sonic Youth, the Kronos Quartet and Bjork has to be worth a look.  Plastic discussion follows here.

[via Plastic]

"Broadway producers are quietly preparing to keep their shows running with recorded music - what have come to be known as virtual orchestras - in anticipation of a strike by the musicians union when its contract expires in the spring. "

This is one of the many reasons I gave up on my college plans to become a professional musician.  Even 10 years ago, when my plans were still in motion, I (and my teachers) realized the impact computers could have on live musicians, especially musicians working out of sight, like those on Broadway.  However, even the most "in sight" musicians are threatened, as evidenced by a story on NPR yesterday about the Defense Departments plans to supplement the overwhelmed 'Taps' playing ranks of military buglers with digital bugles and ordinary uniformed service members.  Sometimes I regret the fact I gave up on something I spent 10 years working towards, but in the end, I can always be involved in music without having to try and scrape a living from it, and its probably more enjoyable and much less stressful that way.  And had I followed those plans, I certainly wouldn't be writing this here today ;)

[via LawMeme]