‘David Matthews’ Popped at DMB show; Cops Want Tasers
A pair of Dave Matthews Band shows at New York’s Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) led to 30 arrests, including a charge of sexual assault against a David Matthews of Cohoes, New York – no relation to the singer – for “inappropriately touching a woman during the concert,” according to the local television station WTEN….
Senate Passes Smoking Regulation Bill
These British cigarette warnings, highly intense and seemingly obvious though they may be, may soon become reality in the United States with the June 11 passage of the FDA Tobacco Regulation Bill by the Senate. Menthol cigarettes, the cigarette companies’ ability to advertise particular brands as “lite” or “mild,” and the release of future altered…
Who’s In Favor of the Food Safety Act?
Google HR 2749 – The Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 and you’ll be bombarded by naysayers and haters. Really, is anyone in favor of HR 2749? The latest version of the Food Safety bill was approved yesterday by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. A recent Washington Post article explains that the new…
Georgia Theatre 1978-2009
A sad day for Athens, Georgia, is a say day for the world of live music. This morning, the historic Georgia Theatre burned down. Host to countless memorable shows by HeadCount affiliated artists, the Georgia Theatre has long been a staple for touring bands. The Athens-Clarke County Fire Chief called the venue, which opened in…
Wilco, Green Day Single Out ‘Vinyl Day’
A natural follow-up to the popular “Record Store Day,” tomorrow is “Vinyl Saturday.” Artists such as Wilco and Green Day have released limited edition 7-inch singles on vinyl, feeding an emerging niche of fans and collectors. Some recent 7-inch releases have hit the $30-$50 mark on ebay, according to the Houston Chronicle Wilco’s single features…
Settling: Ohio Agrees to Change Election Practices
In 2004, Ohio became the new Florida. Secretary of State Ken Blackwell became the most reviled figure in the election reform movement long before election day, when he attempted to nullify tens of thousands of voter registration forms based on technicalities. When the results of the election came down to Ohio late at night, reports…
Andrew Bird and the ‘Beast’
Andrew Bird, currently on tour, resembles the hip science teacher you might have been lucky enough to have in high school. He’s the kind of guy who knows how the gears of economics and politics mesh with the the natural world, and he’s nice enough to clue you into these mysteries without making you feel…
The Chartreuse of Civil Disobedience in Iran
This post commemorates the millions of Iranians who have taken to the streets in the spirit of Mohandas Gandhi’s satyagraha and Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful rebellion. The protesters mostly wear the lime-green chartreuse color (it’s a real “clash” of opinions) associated with presidential candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi. On Monday, at a rally in Azadi (Freedom)…
Congratulations Josh Gelfand, Winner of First HeadCount Reality Check at Bonnaroo
Nine straight wins. That’s what it took to win Reality Check, HeadCount’s music and politics trivia game show. After four days of competition, a disputed answer (was “Ernest” – rather than Ernesto – acceptable as Trey Anastasio’s correct legal name?), and a final tournament that attracted a throng of contestants and observers, San Diego’s Josh…
Food Stamps and Green Carts
Why shouldn’t low-income families have access to fresh, local, and sustainably grown foods? Regardless of your opinions about the federal Food Stamp Program in general, the fact remains: The government gives low-income families and individuals assistance in the form of taxpayer-funded programs like Food Stamps. Why, then, shouldn’t the recipients of these programs have the…