Before AFI bassist Hunter Burgan was hanging on posters tacked to the bedroom walls of a million gothed out teens and selling more records than MC Hammer, he played in a band called The Force, from Grass Valley, who I mainly remember from a promo flat one of my old roommates hung on his bedroom wall, that had Greebo, my favorite Star Wars character on it. The Force also included singer Matt Wedgley, who now fronts the band Viva Hate (which coincidentally also includes Geoff Kresge, the old bassist from AFI who Hunter Burgan replaced) and guitarist Mark Roustabout now with The Roustabouts. Long story short, the band is getting back together for a couple of shows marking the 10-year anniversary of their last show together in 1998 and to celebrate a re-release of all their old material. Here’s the press release:

June 29, 2008— NorCal hardcore/punk band, The Force, is reuniting for the first time in 10 years. Singer Matt Wedgley, bassist Hunter Burgan, guitarist Mark Roustabout and the inimitable drummer Chad Cox went their separate ways after the band’s final show in 1998, each following his own path to personal and professional success.

This reunion will give fans as well as those who missed The Force the first time around a chance to witness California hardcore/punk at its truest and finest.

The Force will only be playing three shows, the first of which will be in their hometown of Grass Valley, CA (a small town in the Sierra Nevada foothills, between Sacramento and Reno) followed by a Bay Area concert and finally a Southern California stop. The dates are as follows:

August 29, 2008 - Miner’s Foundry in Nevada City (Grass Valley), CA
August 30, 2008 - 924 Gilman St. in Berkeley, CA
August 31, 2008 - Chain Reaction in Anaheim, CA

Formed in May of 1995, the band recorded and toured for three years. The Force released several recordings, including a 7″, a 10″ and a split 7″ as well as a number of songs on compilations.

This reunion will coincide with the release of a complete discography, containing every song The Force ever recorded. A limited edition, 21-song double-LP will be sold at the shows as well as online while supplies last.

Who knew Jay-Z could play the guitar? Or cover Wonderwall? Do you dig it or hate it? I think he kinda skimped on the lyrics & the actual guitar playing.. but he looks good with it I guess.

The first cardboard bike has been created by Phil Bridge, a design student from the UK. The design is almost finalized as the last few kinks are being worked out. The frame is completely made of cardboard so it’s all recycled and VERY green. The wheels are standard bike wheels made of rubber and metal but you won’t find any other materials besides carboard. It can hold a person up to 168 pounds and only costs $6 to make!! Retail value is around $25. This is awesome.

The 2008 lineup is FRESH! KRS-One, 88-Keys, Buckshot, Blu & Exile, Fresh Daily, Mickey Factz, J. Period, Zaki Ibrahim and DJ Premier. The Brooklyn Hip-Hop main performance day is July 12th. Check the calendar on the Web site for the rest of the festival days programs & performers. If yer going, I’m super jealous - take me with you! I can fit in small spaces!

Below is an ACTUAL job application that a 75-year-old man submitted to a Wal Mart in Arkansas. The senior citizen was hired because he is freakin’ hilarious. Who wouldn’t hire this guy based off the picture he sent with his application alone?

NAME: Kenneth Way (Grumpy Old Bastard)

SEX: Not lately, but I am looking for the right woman (or at least one who
Will cooperate)

DESIRED POSITION: Company’s President or Vice President. But seriously,
whatever’s available. If I was in a position to be picky, I wouldn’t be
Applying here in the first place

DESIRED SALARY: $185,000 a year plus stock options and a Michael Ovitz
Style severance package. If that’s not possible, make an offer and we can
Haggle.

EDUCATION: Yes.

LAST POSITION HELD: Target for middle management hostility.

PREVIOUS SALARY: A lot less than I’m worth.

MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT: My incredible collection of stolen pens and
Post-it notes.

REASON FOR LEAVING: It sucked.

HOURS AVAILABLE TO WORK: Any.

PREFERRED HOURS: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL SKILLS?: Yes, but they’re better suited to a more
Intimate environment .

MAY WE CONTACT YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?: If I had one, would I be here?

DO YOU HAVE ANY PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD PROHIBIT YOU FROM LIFTING UP
TO 50 lbs.?: Of what?

DO YOU HAVE A CAR?: I think the more appropriate question here would be “Do
You have a car that runs?”

HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY SPECIAL AWARDS OR RECOGNITION?: I may already be a
Winner of the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes, so they tell me…

DO YOU SMOKE?: On the job - no!
On my breaks - yes!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS?: Living in the Bahamas with a
Fabulously wealthy dumb sexy blonde supermodel who thinks I’m the greatest
Thing since sliced bread. Actually, I’d like to be doing that now.

NEAREST RELATIVE …7 miles

DO YOU CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR
KNOWLEDGE?: Oh yes, absolutely.

This new Web site Boobs For Barack is definitely a new type of campaign and people are taking notice. The same makers of the “Big Cock Barack ‘08″ t-shirt, which features a giant rooster, have started up the titty extravaganza! In honor of Barack Obama, Boobs For Barack encourages ladies to strip down and show some support by submitting pictures of boobs. ALL types are welcome: real, fake, big, small, black, white, even man boobies - just take a picture in a bra, bathing suit top, or go totally nakie and write a message on ‘em!

There are already tons of pictures on the Web site slide show so check it & get creative. Kinda makes me think about who’s responsible for Boobs For Barack? Hopefully not some creeper pervs that can’t rack any women up on their own.. but most likely.

Not endorsed by the Obama campaign.