Dirty Projectors {thanks, Mia Ferm}

1. Dirty Projectors, Bitte Orca
Upon first spin, Bitte Orca proves band leader Dave Longstreth views music in colors (Google “synesthesia”). Luckily for the rest of us, Longstreth honed in his countless ideas with the help of angelic-voiced female band members and a proficient band. Each layer of sound feels like a brush stroke from the most vibrant palette.

2. Lil Wayne, No Ceilings
Jay-Z challenged the mix tape Weezy on “D.O.A.” Big mistake, Hov. Wayne took the baton and sprinted faster than Usain Bolt, bludgeoning other artists’ beats to the point of sheer intoxication.

3. Animal Collective, Merriweather Post Pavilion
It sounds like there’s a hiatus on the burnt-out horizon, which is a shame, because Merriweather is the work of a confident group perfectly clicking as it leans even more on its emerging pop sensibilities. A short break, please! Read the rest of this entry »

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In this Feb. 13, 2005 file photo, Kanye West poses with his three awards at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. West won for best rap album, “The College Dropout,” best rap song and best R&B song {thanks, AP}

Let’s speak in simple terms for a moment. The ’70s? Hippies at Woodstock. The ’80s? A Flock of Seagulls haircuts. The decade after that is still branded the “grunge” era. This is all very generic and easy (problematic, too, but that’s another story), but there’s something about these sweeping generalizations that continue to stick.

Will the aughts of the 21st century be remembered for anything? It seems too splintered, too disjointed to label any sound a proper representation. Which is completely fine, as it allowed our most important, coveted artists emerge. Here are our 10 most important albums of this decade:

1. Kanye West - ‘The College Dropout’
For all of his egotistical mishaps, Kanye West’s legacy as a hip-hop pioneer is cemented with his forward-thinking, soul-sampling debut LP. Even today, “Dropout” sounds wholly unique — a true one of one.

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On Sept. 11, 2001, a jet airliner nears one of the World Trade Center towers in New York {thanks, AP}

NEWS STORIES:
1. Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks/ war on terror
The moment that changed the world. And every American. A quick attack to Afghanistan and, two years later, an invasion of Iraq that divided a nation united after 9/11.

2. Hurricane Katrina
A devastation matched only by the devastating images of the dead and homes lost — and the devastating government response.

3. Global recession
Greed and bailouts became the buzzwords of the decade. Apparently, we hadn’t quite had enough nostalgia for the 1980s.

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The fantasy football season is almost over — hopefully, your teams are still playing this weekend for obvious reasons — so it’s time to look back and recognize the season’s biggest studs. Without further ado, here is my 2009 All-Stud Fantasy Squad. [Drumroll, please.]

QB: Drew Brees, Saints. Brees, the first quarterback taken in most leagues, didn’t disappoint. His 33 passing touchdowns through 15 weeks are tied for tops in the NFL, and he’s thrown for 4,130 yards to boot. Honorable mention: Aaron Rodgers, Packers.

RB: Chris Johnson, Titans. Johnson was selected in the middle of the first round in most leagues, but he turned out to be a pleasant surprise for owners who wound up with him. He’s closing in on 2,000 rushing yards, and has been a major factor in the Titans’ passing game, too. He’s my pick for 2009 fantasy MVP, too. Honorable mention: Ray Rice, Ravens.

WR: Andre Johnson, Texans, and Reggie Wayne, Colts. Johnson leads all NFL receivers with 1,433 receiving yards, and though his eight touchdowns are a bit below expectations, that’s still pretty good. Meanwhile, Wayne has put up impressive receiving totals as well, including 11 touchdowns, which ties him with Larry Fitzgerald for the league lead. Honorable mention: Fitzgerald, Cardinals, and Miles Austin, Dallas. Read the rest of this entry »

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{thanks, The Baltimore Sun}

Towson Catholic shut down. City trash pickup was cut to once a week. Water main breaks were a weekly occurrence. And a Hopkins student killed an intruder with a samurai sword.
Signs of the apocalypse? No, just a typical year in Baltimore and environs.
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thanks, THE BALTIMORE SUN

Complete the sentence: Baltimore during Christmas means …

Posted in Baltimore, Your Say, b the paper, christmas, question of the day | 12 Comments »

1. Lewis re-signs with the Ravens: After reportedly considering other options on the free agent market, franchise cornerstone and Baltimore icon Ray Lewis signed a three-year contract in March that will likely allow him to retire in a Ravens uniform.

2. Wieters makes his debut: In late May, Orioles catching phenom Matt Wieters made his highly anticipated major-league debut in front of a packed house at Camden Yards. Wieters went 0-4, but the Orioles won, 7-2, thanks to two Luke Scott home runs.

3. Ravens lose to Steelers in AFC title game: After beating the Dolphins and upsetting the top-seeded Titans in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Ravens saw their improbable playoff run come to an end in the AFC championship game in Pittsburgh. Rookie QB Joe Flacco threw three interceptions in the heartbreaking 23-14 loss. Read the rest of this entry »

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In this Sept. 4, 2002 file photo, Kelly Clarkson, 20, sings “A Moment Like This,” after winning “American Idol” {thanks, AP}

A new golden age of TV? Well, yes. But there’s more to it than that. Here are our picks for 10 defining TV shows of the decade.

1. “American Idol,” 2002-present
Whether you’re a fan or not (we go back and forth), there’s no denying “Idol’s” influence. From its format to the stars it’s produced (Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson … the list goes on), “Idol” changed not only participatory TV, but also how musicians broke into the industry. It’s perfectly representative of the instant-gratification-focused 2000s.

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Posted in TV, celebrity, the aughts | 1 Comment »

The gang from “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” {thanks, New Line}

In the vibrant, eclectic 2000s, movies reached a new high-point of influence. This isn’t a top 10 list; these are the movies that defined the decade, for better or worse. Here’s what we’ll remember the most:

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Posted in celebrity, movies, the aughts | 2 Comments »

Broward County canvassing board members Judge Robert W. Lee, left, and Judge Robert Rosenberg examine disputed ballots Thursday, Nov. 23, 2000 at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. {thanks, AP}

The 2000s, the aughts, the oh-ohs — whatever you call it, this decade definitely changed the way we live. So we’ve compiled the 25 moments, events, people and trends that defined the decade, in no particular order. From wars on terror to natural disasters to reality TV and everything Apple, the decade has an identity all its own.

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Posted in Lifestyles, b the paper | 1 Comment »