Bleeding art: Steve van Gelder is Joe Fool

Steve van Gelder is more than just a double for newsworthy comedian and Howard Stern Show favorite Robert Schimmel.

In fact, he’s a versatile and accomplished talent who’s achieved notice as a tasteful Canuck rocker, prize-winning painter and self-hating corporate graphic artist.

Now, Steve is following the lead of other indie musicians who have given up on making money with their art by dumping his entire catalog on the Web via his new site, joefool.com. Continue reading

Posted in: Profiles at 11:29 pm Tue, May 26, 2009.

Big Phil brand could be in play

Big Phil’s dieting. Identity in question, he’s not sure whether he’s really Big Phil, Bizarro Phil, Bald Phil (He confesses he’s also stopped shaving his head!) or James Brown, the Godfather of Soul.

Which Phil is he today? “The Bizarro Phil, not…the Phil…Big Phil!” he replies triumphantly after some hesitation. Sigh.

Madison Avenue is shaken. Analysts suggest the U.S. $1B Big Phil brand could be up for grabs. Meanwhile, Phil Thompson, host of the popular podcast Big Phil’s Love Parade, continues to try on new hats, seeking the best fit for his smooth dome. Continue reading

Posted in: Podcast Roundup at 3:32 pm Mon, May 18, 2009.

Nation asks: Who will be the next weiner?

The time for panic will arrive soon enough.

As the Department of Homeland Security often reminds us, every American should know when to abandon all sense, cover your mouth and nose with a 10-cent dust mask from Home Depot and imagine you’re bleeding internally.

But that moment is not here yet. Continue reading

Posted in: Hot Topics at 12:57 pm Fri, May 1, 2009.

Mayfest pulls plug on pig flu scare

Oh, how the sausage turns.

Almost exactly one year ago, I was performing on the Zone Stage at Mayfest 2008 in Fort Worth, vainly competing for audience share with the far more appealing Ham Bone Express. I didn’t stand a chance.

“I’m not finished entertaining you yet!” I hollered as the crowd abandoned me for the bright lights and carny appeal of the neighboring pig races. Continue reading

Posted in: Hot Topics at 5:21 pm Thu, Apr 30, 2009.

Bad video: I’ve Got A Hole In My Head

In case you’re wondering where I’ve been the past week, well, I’ve been immersed in geek mode, attempting to produce a video that won’t turn to mush on YouTube.

But here’s what I eventually discovered: Everybody’s videos look bad on YouTube! The bad videos are what make YouTube a great big, fuzzy democracy. Continue reading

Posted in: Video at 11:28 pm Wed, Apr 15, 2009.