At this special time of year, let’s not forget the REAL reason for the season… fabulously gaudy displays of Xmas lights! Heather Lorusso sure didn’t - and even in faraway Tokyo she found enough clever uses of wattage to soften the most humbuggy of hearts. You won’t find these in your neighbor’s yard.

They Think They Are The Robocop Kraus (Epitaph). Review by Aaron Shaul.

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to be a crime scene investigator? Maybe you’ve wondered what impact a TV show can have on our culture. The essays in Investigating CSI debate these and many more topics. Tune in, but don’t forget the duct tape. Bob Pomeroy won’t always have that extra roll.

Chris Catania takes in a triple bill of bubbling-under indie talent, headlined by the flamboyant pop of Bon Savants , and leaves the Chicago venue mightily impressed.

Singer (Skipping Stones). Review by Aaron Shaul.

The Hold Steady are in part known for the copious amounts of alcohol they consume onstage during every performance. How much alcohol can they actually get through in an hour and change? Jen Cray was at their Orlando gig to find out.

Rhona Scoville heartily recommends Michael Graham’s wintery police procedural novel as a great way to pass the time during the holiday season. Eggnog and true crime, nothing could be finer.

The Stories Are True (Hellcat). Review by Jen Cray.

Thanks For Not Asking. Review by Carl F Gauze.

Well, it isn’t a guitar, but… - posted by James Mann on December 21, 2006 07:17

Ok, this is really scary - posted by James Mann on December 21, 2006 07:15

Ain’t free speech a pain? - posted by James Mann on December 21, 2006 07:11

Dewdrops (Livewire). Review by Aaron Shaul.

Veteran left-wing political journalist Bob Scheer has interviewed every elected U.S. President from Nixon to Clinton, and as his latest book shows, he’s done so with fairness and insight. So why hasn’t he managed to chat with George W.? Eric J. Iannelli takes a look at Scheer’s Playing President.

Protected. Review by Kyrby Raine.

Stealing Kisses. Review by Carl F Gauze.

For the GOP, it’s rule by racism - posted by James Mann on December 20, 2006 07:16

Oh, this should be good… - posted by James Mann on December 20, 2006 07:04

We elected you to stop him - posted by James Mann on December 20, 2006 07:02

Chris Catania takes in a Chicago concert by Patrice Pike, contestant on the recent “Rock Star Supernova” show, and he ends up seeing a serious performer, and not a one-trick pony, whose career may have been harmed, rather than helped, by reality television exposure.