Brought to you by our hometown (region, really) paper:  the most inexplicable news story to ever make it past a copy editor.

Coincidentally, as I was out for a jog yesterday I was passed by at least 150 automobiles, some of which were most certainly vans.  Against all odds, I escaped this harrowing ordeal entirely rape and molestation free.  Of course, Nashville’s local rag didn’t pick up the story because they suck and don’t care about my non-rape.  You can bet your ass they’re all over it whenever someone DOES get raped, though.  Fair-weather friends, that’s what I call ‘em.  There are journalistic lessons to be learned from our friends at the Wellsville Daily Reporter.  Take a fucking number.

All kidding aside, I’d like to wish our friends Rural Patrick and Johnny Masters a safe trip south this week.  Those big trucks can be tough to handle, especially on long journeys, so do your best to keep her ‘tween the ditches.  ‘Tween the mustard and the mayonnaise and all that.  And though I haven’t experienced it personally, I’ve heard Rural Patrick is a pretty awful driver so better let Johnny captain the ship.  After all, he was more or less a professional driver for a few years for some fucked up reason that I never figured out.

Greg, the Supersized Superman, doing a commercial for our school’s high honor program.

That’s right, folks. Coco will be in the house.

He’ll be there with Andy Richter and his Tonight Show Band. Boo-yah.

Now that Ryan Bingham has an Oscar for Best Original Song, I feel like I can highlight his album “Mescalito” for all of you and perhaps you’ll take me seriously.  Contemporary country music has a bad reputation for willingly embracing parody of its own values (and not without reason; see Blake Shelton’s current No. 1 single Hillbilly Bone).  But, again, if you dig a little deeper than top 40 radio you’ll find some truly genuine and inspired music.

Bingham grew up in West Texas, dropped out of school at 17, and started touring the States as a bull rider.  In other words, he’s earned the right to write country music without scorn;  dude’s legit.  Released in 2007, “Mescalito” was his first major label album.  It (and his June 2009 album “Roadhouse Sun” that I haven’t heard) were both produced by former Black Crows guitarist Marc Ford.  I throw that tidbit in there because I know a few of you get hard-ons over the Black Crows and if their guitarist can dig it than so should you.

Bingham has a voice that sounds like he’s done a few more years of hard living than are possible given his youth.  Then again, he was damned bull rider.  Besides the pure country flavor of tracks like Long Way From Georgia and Ever Wonder Why, there’s enough rock influence on the record to make it accessible for listeners who aren’t accustomed to fiddle and slide.  Highlights of the album include The Other Side, Bread and Water, Hard Times, Don’t Wait For Me and the aforementioned Ever Wonder Why.  Download the album and lemme know what ya think.

Just for fun, here’s Jeff Bridges performing Bingham’s Oscar winner The Weary Kind from “Crazy Heart”.  Also, remember the spunky lead guitarist for Bad’s first backing band in the bowling alley?  That’s Bingham.

So my brother Ben (who is a member here…but must have forgotten the URL or his password) created this killer video that hightlights the 2009-2010 Independence HS wrestling season.

Check it out!: