Things have been a bit rough in these parts in the nearly two years since I wrote the intro to the last one of these "top ten-ish" things we did. For those who somehow manage to ignore the news, the Houston/Galveston area got a ferocious smackdown from the asshole hurricane named Ike (who managed to pretty much ruin the name among folks down here; apologies, all you "Ikes" out there), and while we were still reeling from that, folks like yours truly still without power, the world economy -- and the US economy, by extension -- had the audacity to upstage us... [more] || [seven daring writers] || [01/28/10]

First a brief note to explain the existence of this interview. In summer 2008, I was assigned by another publication to do an interview with Amy Rigby and Wreckless Eric in advance of their show in Houston to promote their first album together. The interview was supposed to run in two parts on a blog the Friday before their show, but unfortunately, my editor was preoccupied with battening down the hatches for Hurricane Ike... [more] || [Daniel Joseph Mee] || [01/14/10]

Modern day visionaries, like the Rupert Murdochs and the Warren Buffetts, have exceptional antennas for business. However, few can boast that they've clothed a generation and, through music, forged a sociopolitical movement that has encapsulated the attention of young America. Russell Simmons is perched at the core of an expansive conglomerate that has changed the face of the mogul into a suit and Addidas impresario... [more] || [Rafael Rivas] || [01/11/10]