"American Brandstand is a barometer of 'brand relevance' in hip-hop and youth culture." There were 82 different brands mentioned in the Billboard Top 20 in 2003: *The most mentioned brand: Mercedes Benz. *The artist who mentioned most brands: 50 Cent. *Only one branded song was not connected to hip-hop or R&B: Good Charlotte's 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous'. I am lamely admitting linkage from Gawker.

Curious, George: We need a new word. more inside

Who knew that "heavy petting" was so germy? "Handling another's seemingly healthy genitals is generally perfectly safe, however, one must be very careful to then not handle their own genitals or mucous membranes, unless it is with their other, uncompromised hand, or transference will occur." Ewww.

The truth about John Lennon's murder. File under "Magnificent Obsesions:" Steve Lightfoot has the goods on Lennon's murder, and wants to tell you all about it. Among those implicated by Lightfoot are Nixon, Reagan... and Stephen King. Especially Stephen King.

CURIOUS, GEORGE I'm a 41-year-old male in reasonable shape. I do not smoke, I'm married with no kids yet but we're trying. Should I be thinking of buying life insurance? (A close pal died last year about this time and his family was financially wrecked...) Or should I invest it elsewhere?

Justify Your Love: You are an unprincipled, spoiled, conceited brat! It's the Holidays. What are You doing to be good during the one time of year you're somewhat supposed to?

Beautiful prints by an unsung Master. And the most elegant and understated use of Flash I've seen in a long time, via my pal Matt of Scrubbles.

President of the Apes! [Quicktime, AVI versions here.]

minima. a journal of the small and potent.

Dodge cancels their Lingerie Bowl half time show scheduled to air during the Super Bowl, due to the controversy it has generated.