It's almost the weekend. Just a few more hours. Of course, many of you got snow days this week, so maybe the weekend isn't quite as exciting.
I know you'll all be super-crushed, but Audioslave has officially broken up. Hopefully this means Soundgarden will get back together. For some reason I'm not that psyched about the potential of Rage expanding their reunion beyond Coachella.
Update: Supposedly an SG reunion is not likely, but I'll hold out hope.
Prince suddenly seems to be everywhere, doesn't he? That includes the NBA All-Star Game.
Yes, that game happened, and I surprisingly found myself not watching, though I wasn't surprised to find myself not caring. All-Star Games just don't have the luster they're supposed to anymore. Let's just get to the playoffs and have them be as thrilling as last year.
As for other sporting news, Ohio State's men's basketball team may be sliding into the No. 1 spot.
Also, that big car race happened, and ESPN is subliminally making me at least a little interested in the outcome by bombarding me with the stuff. That's OK, I guess, as long as I never again tune in expecting to see PTI and am subjected to NASCAR Today. Now I know how you soccer haters feel during the World Cup. (Except, of course, soccer is awesome.)
Lastly, in more gossipy sports news, Tom Brady may be expecting with his ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan, which could put a cramp on the whole Giselle thing.
My Internet connection is crawling today, so this might be a short links day.
Justin Timberlake was in town last night, and Aaron Beck was there to review it. I would have liked to have seen the show myself, but you can't have everything you want, I suppose.
Apparently Hugh Grant's songs from Music and Lyrics are burning up the charts in real life.
Hey, the Internet is back to full speed! Let's hurry up and see what else I can find...
Pitchfork ran a cool feature yesterday about the music scene in Antarctica. Chris Dahlen continues to do a good job of finding cool stories and telling them in a way that anyone can appreciate.
I don't know how interested you are in the ethics of using anonymous sources, but The San Francisco Chronicle has an interesting look at the topic through the prism of the Barry Bonds-BALCO case. (via Romenesko)
The two big satellite radio companies, XM and Sirius, plan to merge. No word yet on whether the government will let them.
John Ross and I were just discussing how ridiculous it is for TV shows to continue using laugh tracks, and now look at thisDispatch feature on that very topic.
Unfortunately, the traditional sitcom seems to be back in style. Freaking CBS.
Whoa there, Mr. and Mrs. Incest, let's take a step back and re-examine our decisions, eh? Seriously, though, this is equally engrossing and disturbing. (via Gawker)
Meetings and interviews have me short on time, so here is a short links list. Chow down on these:
PopMatters has an interesting feature about why The Office has thrived while Arrested Development petered out.
OU? Oh yeah. My alma mater added a new scandal, though I don't consider leading the nation in illegal downloads to be that scandalous.
Lots of good stuff out of Hollywood today. Taye Diggs has been tapped to co-star in the Kate WalshGrey's Anatomy spinoff I mentioned yesterday, and Yahoo is launching a musical newscast.
Also, the lovely Marcia Cross gave birth to twin girls, and Jimmy Fallon is being groomed to take over Late Night when Conan moves to The Tonight Show. Here's more on Fallon from The New York Times.
Friday again. Great episode of The Office last night, and a legitimately tingly OC finale. Plus a medicore movie and a sugar explosion at Little Brother's. More on all of that this afternoon; for now, click on links.
So much juice here! Taste a sample platter: Robert DeNiro is developing a third Fockers movie. (Blech. That second one was unbearable.) George Clooney and Cate Blanchett might be lending their voices to Wes Anderson's upcoming animated movie. (Delicious!) Warner is considering a Justice League movie. (We'll have to wait for the aftertaste to pass judgment on this one.)
Corey Dillonwants off the Patriots. He ain't what he used to be, but I'll take him in a Browns uniform right away.
You may have heard about fans of the book Bridge of Terabithia griping over a trailer that painted the movie version as a fantastical romp. They worried that the book's depressing ending would be hacked off. Not so. Slate looks at what the book teaches kids.
Mel Brooks is getting his wish from the Season 4 finale of Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Producersis closing on Broadway.
The TV Addict has a preview of next week's Heroes, which looks to feature a heaping helping of my favorite character, Mr. Bennet aka Horn Rimmed Glasses.
Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood is assembling a reggae compilation, says Stereogum.
Finally, I'm just getting into the music of Richard Thompson, so I enjoyed this interview.
I'll be back later with lots of content, so sit tight.
Today, a real lunch break links for you once again:
First, let's catch up on some TV stuff. Still grappling with The OC's demise? Creator Josh Schwartz answered viewer questions at EW.com. And The TV Addict has compiled all its coverage about the show into a convenient archive.
TV Guide has a feature on Law & Order: SVU, one of the only procedural shows I can stomach. And they have interviews with 24's Chad Lowe and a recently departed Heroescast member.
Pop Candy linked to this interview with Matt Groening about the Simpsons movie, the show and the return of Futurama.
More Jack McBrayer! The 30 Rock star talked to AV Club. Aaaand...
Chinese Democracy: Re-re-re-re-re-rescheduled for Sept. 18.
See, I told you the Beckhams coming would be good for soccer in America. When the Los Angeles Galaxy is peripherally in a bunch of episodes, people will start paying attention. (Fingers crossed.)
Did you know Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway and Alan Arkinare on board for a Get Smart movie? I did not. (Also starring: The Rock.)
Despite my misty eyes and runny nose, you get links. SO CLICK ON THEM.
A few tracks from the upcoming Wilco album Sky Blue Sky are up at Indietastic, though I could only get the ones at Idolator to download. Very downbeat stuff. It will be interesting to see where the album goes from there.
Really? The Geico Cavemen are getting a TV show? Really?
(To retread a joke made millions of times this TV season, perhaps Nuclear Ted from Heroes can join the cast.)
My former flame Lindsey sent me this NY Times article that's "real life The Wire." Definitely worth a read whether you watch the acclaimed cop show or not.
ESPN columnist Bill Simmons took a spin in the commentator's booth for some college basketball games and surprisingly discovered "It's not that hard."
EW's Whitney Pastorek ran another one of her chart flashbacks, revisiting the hits from 23 years ago this week.
Slate asks: "Do female suicide bombers get virgins too?"
Peyton Manning is the latest SNL host to get my hopes up. Cut that meat!
I need a haircut and a shave, and you need lunch break links. At least one of us is getting what they need today.
I'm not sure how I missed this last week, but one of my favorite bands, The Dismemberment Plan, is reuniting to play a benefit concert in DC. I'm seriously considering the trip.
Shaq is doing a new weight-loss reality show for ABC. (Also, Borat's Ken Davitan has joined the cast of Get Smart and Ashton Kutcher is developing a game show for CBS.)
Codgers and bigots rejoice: Rap music sales are down. Somehow, I don't think Hip Hop Is really Dead.
In related "news," an unreleased Jimmy Page guitar riff will be removed from the vault to save rock 'n' roll, The Onion reports.
Is it really that big of a deal to be "cast" as an extra in a movie? Well, former OSU basketball player Matt Sylvesterhas been.
The 11th(!) season of South Park premieres Wednesday, and Comedy Central isn't revealing anything about the first show's topic because it's supposedly too controversial. As co-creator Trey Parker put it, "someone would try to stop us from doing it before it got on the air." Even if it's a little skimpy on details, this interview with EW is worth a read. I can't wait.
Wild Hogs continued our nation's grotesque streak of No. 1 movies. Black Snake Moan? Only made $4 million.
The director of 300, which I'm psyched to see at our Alive-sponsered preview tomorrow, has begun work on an action fantasy called Sucker Punch.
As advertised during Heroes last night, NBC is hosting 7+ minutes of Spider-Man 3 footage for today only. Check it.
Speaking of Heroes, you can discuss it here, here and here. I officially made the switch and chose Heroes over 24 this week, so I'll have to go online to catch Jack's exploits. Turns out he's off the hook, though, since Heroes is gone until April 23.
From Pop Candy: Beastie Boys are putting the finishing touches on a new album. For some reason, I thought To the 5 Boroughs was going to be the end.
Also via Candy, Woody Allen's newest recruits: Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem. And apparently "meh" is sweeping the nation(s), but I didn't realize this was a new development.
Here are some high profile reviews of Columbus acts Lambsbread and Jordan O'Jordan. (OK, so Jordan moved almost two years ago, but he made the album here...)
We got a press release about this site called jaman.com, where you can "discover, enjoy and share world cinema."
Also heard from some PR folks about thepalestra.com, a cool news video site staffed by college students around the country. It's run by ex-NBC4 reporter Joe Weasel.
Those new OSU B-Ball unis have been unveiled. What do you think?
Also, a bunch of OSU basketball players got Big Ten awards, but they managed to feel slighted by not winning every possible honor. Now they're "got something to prove" in the Big Ten tourney.
The whole Wilco album leaked. Idolator has another track for you, but if you look around, you can find the whole thing.
I haven't watched The Black Donnellys yet, but for those of you who are into the show, NBC has posted an online-only episode. Interesting tactic.
George Lucas wants to turn Star Wars into TV shows. This guy says Lucas is naive.
That article mentions that she was in 101 Dalmations, which I happened to see some of this weekend (don't ask). Also in the film, portraying one of Cruella de Vil's henchmen? House.
Speaking of House, Dave Matthews is guest-starring tonight.
I have a side note to this story about diehard Hanson fans as well. This girl who works under my friends at esteemed college newspaper The Post also has a gig writing for a Hanson fan site. She has a monthly column! Monthly!
Crap, I can't find the link. I'll seek it out and update this later. I'm not trying to make fun of her.
OK, I am. Sorry, Susan.
UPDATE: Here it is! Visit fanson-online.com for all your Hanson fandom needs!
I'm off today, so I'm compiling links here in the early AM. See you back here tomorrow. In the meantime, today's selections:
In one of the least surprising turns for a reality TV star, Jason from The Hills and Laguna Beach is going to jail.
EW.com is chock full of good stuff, like this bit about Timbaland wanting to "save" Britney Spears by working with her on a new album, and his "best friend" Justin supposedly being in on the plan.
Or what about this story regarding all the uncertainty about which Grey's Anatomy cast members are coming back?
Or this take on the record industry's ridiculous list of the 200 CDs you must own. I mean, most lists like this are ridiculous, but this one really dips to a new low.
And, of course, I forgot to link to yesterday's Lost theorizing, which is still a good read after last night's badass episode. Speaking of last night, you can discuss it here, here, here and here (though the comments section seems to be screwed up at that last one).
To complete today's Lost binge, this TV Guide cover story promises exclusive clues about Claire's past.
What? There are other topics on the Internet? Read on to discover some of them.
Well, I headed to Cleveland yesterday to see my beloved Ohio Bobcats get trounced by archrival Miami in the MAC tournament. Shucks.
300 opens today, and it's expected to dominate the box office thanks to so much hype and no real competition. After seeing it Tuesday, I have to concede that all the political discussion about the flick is worth having. Check out the reviews at rottentomatoes, and especially check out this one from Slate.
Hey! So... I'm not sure if you know this already... but the NCAA basketball tournament is starting this week. March Madness. Hoops Heaven. The Big Dance. Heard of it?
Of course you have! ESPN's Pat Forde has an awesome preview of what to look for in the next three wonderful weeks.
You might also have heard that Ohio State won the Big Ten title and got a No. 1 seed in the NCAA's South bracket, setting them up for the first two rounds in nearby Lexington, Kentucky. Here's how to get tickets.
You might also have heard that Nationwide Arena will be hosting some tournament games this weekend. Here's how to get tickets.
You might also want printablebrackets, on the off chance you haven't found one yet.
In conjunction with the big hoops tourney, local music and pop culture site The New Dark Ages is hosting a contest known as March Badness. The idea is to pare down 64 awful pop culture icons to decide who is so bad they're good. (My pick to go all the way is Norm MacDonald, since he is the man and doesn't deserve to be in such a disgraceful bracket, no matter what subpar movies and TV shows he was in.)
And here's one more basketball link, just because it makes me happy: The Cavs won their fifth straight last night against the Pacers.
It's a wonderful Tuesday to be alive. Chirping birds and all that. So read this stuff, then go outside.
Pitchfork talked to the pride of Akron, the Black Keys' Pat Carney, about, among other things, his excellent label Audio Eagle. Speaking of which, the interview mentions that the Houseguest and Beaten Awake albums are coming out this spring; I thought they came out last fall, but I guess they must be getting new distribution or something. Good to see those bands getting such wide exposure. [Listen: Houseguest] [Listen: Beaten Awake]
Apparently the NCAA matchups set for Nationwide Arena this weekend are "lackluster," so tickets are getting cheaper. Turning up a nose at these games seems ridiculous. You're bound to see something awesome, no matter who's playing; it's March Madness!
Old news, but relevant in light of 300's success: A film version of The Watchmen, Alan Moore's seminal 1986 comic, is in the works from 300 director Zack Snyder. I've been hearing great things about the book from sources close (my friend David) and distant (the Lost producers, who swear by the comic and may be incorporating elements from its story into their TV show).
Apparently some folks think the Heroes writers are appropriating The Watchmen too—a little too much. (Spoiler warning in effect!)
Libraries will now get copies of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. I was unaware this was a contentious issue, but it turns out it is.
Slate presents: The Enlightened Bracketologist. Plus: A requiem for the guy who used to run your office pool.
I seem to keep posting Girl Talk links, but I'm fascinated with the guy. Here we find out what pops up on his iPod.
Welcome back to Lunch Break Links! My coverage of SXSW Day 4 and a festival wrap-up are coming up later today. For now, enjoy the return to normalcy.
While I was in Texas, the one sacrifice I had to make in exchange for a lovely weekend of music was a huge cutback in March Madness. ESPN's Bill Simmonschronicled the entire (somewhat underwhelming) first round with a running diary, and Pat Fordeassesses the aftermath of the weekend's action.
One game that actually was exciting (and damn it, down in Texas I forgot to watch it) was the Ohio State-Xavier game. Here's a report in case you missed it.
Pitchfork has an interview with The Good, the Bad and the Queen, who "ripped at South by," I must say. Just skip the incoherent babbling of the introduction and go directly to the questions.
Want to see a gross photo of Gene Simmons post-plastic surgery (pre-healing)? Don't say I didn't warn you.
I guess Chris Rock dropped in on SNL this weekend and it was actually pretty good. (Just watched it, and yes, it's actually funny and edgy.) You can get video here.
From Pop Candy: Jeopardy craziness! Rainn Wilson on his new movie! (He's 41?) And here's how John Cusack convinced Hillary Duff to be in his new movie.
A few more music, TV, movies and sports links after the jump, including a must-see blog from one of the NBA's craziest people:
Welcome to Tuesday, a day for music and DVD releases, long lunchtime trips to Chipotle and premature longing for the weekend.
Tuesday is also the morning after 24, which is finally starting to click after a sometimes dragging first half of the season. To discuss last night's episode, go here, here or here. (That last one features discussion of the show amidst other topics.)
Want to go to Texas this Thursday to see Ohio State in the NCAA tournament? Tickets are readily available. (Apparently we're all waiting to go to the Final Four instead. How confident of us.)
Interesting interview here by The Dispatch's Tim Feran. He spoke with Kim Phuc, the girl in a Pulitzer Prize-winning photo from 1972 in war-torn Vietnam. Now a peace advocate, she will appear tonight at Denison University.
Weird Al's parody of "Trapped in the Closet" now has a video.
The new Modest Mouse album comes out today, and to celebrate, this weekend Isaac Brockturned a knife on himself during a concert in Sioux Falls.
30 Rock (which can't come back on the air fast enough) will featureSean Hayes of Will and Grace fame as Kenneth the Page's country cousin.
Sounds like the future is bright for that show and the wonderful Friday Night Lights.
Can I tell you how excited I am to find out about Locke's legs tonight?
I'm very excited. Very, very excited.
Since we're already talking about Lost anyway, might as well link to Doc Jensen's Lost theorizing. The first few paragraphs of that are whetting my appetite even more.
But aside from my continued obsession with Lost, the real news of the day is that West Wing/Studio 60 creator Aaron Sorkin will write the script for a Broadway musical based on the Flaming Lips' Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. How strange is that?
Also, Mike Conley is coming back next season for Ohio State. Sweet!
This Chuck Klosterman article on the NFL and steroids is definitely worth a read.
Here's another long Friday Night Lights feature. It comes back on tonight with the first of the season's last four episodes. I implore you to watch. 8 p.m. on NBC. Save this show.
Tom Cruise has signed on for a new WWII movie by Bryan Singer (X-Men, Superman Returns). The film "depicts an attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler."
I forgot to mention this before, but Morrissey is coming to Columbus. Polarize yourselves at your leisure.
People: Fookin' Lost!? And Friday Night Lights!? Two of the elite shows on TV, folks, and they showed why last night. Those who soured on the former or ignored the latter, pay attention. If you watch primetime TV at all, these shows deserve a chance.
ANYWAY...
I would normally link to lots of Lost discussion pages, but why not discuss it here in the comments section? In case you missed it (and inexplicably don't care if you see it), here is a recap.
Their buddy Justin Timberlakewill not be honored by his home state of Tennessee thanks to some prudish legislators.
The NCAA Tournament continues today, with the Buckeyes facing Tennessee tonight at 10. The Dispatch preview is here.
NBC, which as far as I'm concerned is the top TV network right now, is announcing a lot of new online content today, including social networking elements and a summertime continuation of Heroes. Variety reports on the Peacock's climb back from the brink.
Ho-ly crap. What a game last night for the Buckeyes! Lots of pleasing entertainment options lately: One night it's TV, one night it's sports, and hopefully this weekend it will be film and live music. And more sports.
We'll start with sports, then get to music, movies and all that entertainment stuff.
As you might have heard, Ohio State is in the Final Four. ESPN's Pat Forde has all you need to know about next weekend's matchups. (Also, I grabbed that picture of Oden from their home page. Emotion... who knew?) SI has coverage too.
Landon Donovan had a hat trick in the United States' win over Ecuador yesterday. ESPN's Jen Changwonders why Donovan doesn't put out like that more often. Here's the game recap. Also, he's only 25? How is that possible?
This just in: The Riches rules. More on this show later this week (or perhaps this afternoon). But be sure to watch tonight at 10 on FX, and read this interview with Eddie Izzard.
On an opposite note, I concede: After reading this bit, I have to agree with the Grey's Anatomy haters. I put that show on the backburner thanks to The OC and 30 Rock, anyway. (Though I would totally catch up on the last few months if anybody has them on tape.)
This week Stylus explores the Top 50 One-Hit Wonders. They'll reveal 10 picks each day through Friday.
TMNTwon the box office race this weekend, partially thanks to me. I wasn't knocked out by the blast from the past, but I definitely had fun.
Big sports weekend, so let's start with that.
My Internet connection is crawling today, so this might be a short links day.
Say goodbye to February, folks, and say hello to Lunch Break Links.
It's Friday. I love Friday.
From Pop Candy: Beastie Boys are putting the 
Those new OSU B-Ball unis have been 
And, of course, I forgot to link to yesterday's Lost theorizing, which is still a good read after last night's badass episode. Speaking of last night, you can discuss it 
300 opens today, and it's expected to 
Thanks to 
Hey! So... I'm not sure if you know this already... but the NCAA basketball tournament is starting this week. March Madness. Hoops Heaven. The Big Dance. Heard of it?
Libraries will now 
While I was in Texas, the one sacrifice I had to make in exchange for a lovely weekend of music was a huge cutback in March Madness. ESPN's Bill Simmons 
Tuesday is also the morning after 24, which is finally starting to click after a sometimes dragging first half of the season. To discuss last night's episode, go 
But aside from my continued obsession with Lost, the real news of the day is that West Wing/Studio 60 creator Aaron Sorkin will 
People: Fookin' Lost!? And Friday Night Lights!? Two of the elite shows on TV, folks, and they showed why last night. Those who soured on the former or ignored the latter, pay attention. If you watch primetime TV at all, these shows deserve a chance.
Ho-ly crap. What a game last night for the Buckeyes! Lots of pleasing entertainment options lately: One night it's TV, one night it's sports, and hopefully this weekend it will be film and live music. And more sports.
As you might have heard, Ohio State is in the Final Four. ESPN's Pat Forde has 
TMNT