Nov. 3 (Bloomberg) — MasterCard Inc., the world’s second- biggest payments network, fell in New York trading after cost cuts aided a jump in third-quarter profit, prompting one analyst to question the quality of earnings.Shares of MasterCard dropped as much as 5.9 percent, the most since April 20, after the company said it cut advertising and marketing spending by almost 30 percent in the third quarter. Chief Executive Officer Robert Selander said in July expenses would be “significantly higher” in the second half.
“MasterCard did beat the number, but a lot of that was on much lower than expected advertising expenditures,” said Robert Dodd, an analyst with Morgan Keegan Inc.
The second half of the season could be historic for the Houston Texans. They have a chance to make the playoffs for the first time, with their best record ever (5-3) at the midway point of the season.
After a 1-2 start, the Texans have momentum. Matt Schaub is playing superbly at quarterback, teaming with Andre Johnson to become one of the NFL’s most prolific quarterback-receiver combinations.
Lo-fi indie rock Black Lips punk. Now that I have your attention…
Philadelphia Phillies pitchers Brett Myers and Cole Hamels had words after Game 5 of the World Series on Monday, one witness told Yahoo! Sports.
The incident was related to Hamels’ statement after Game 3 that he was looking forward to his frustrating season being over. As Myers walked past Hamels in the locker room Monday he reportedly said sarcastically, “What are you doing here? I thought you quit?”
WorldNetDaily
Less than 24 hours after WND reported a proposal from U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, to audit the Federal Reserve was approaching majority support in the U.S. House, he is confirming the plan has reached that “crucial benchmark.”
“The tremendous grass-roots and bipartisan support in Congress for H.R. 1207 is an indicator of how mainstream America is fed up with Fed secrecy,” Paul said shortly after U.S. Rep Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, became the 218th cosponsor, giving the plan, technically, majority support in the 435-member House.
“I look forward to this issue receiving greater public exposure,” Paul said.
Band: Au Revoir Simone Label: Moshi Moshi Records Release: May 2009
1. “Another Likely Story” – 8.3 2. “Shadows” – 7.2 3. “All Or Nothing” – 8.9 4. “Knight of Wands” – 8.9
5. “The Last One” – 7.5 6. “Trace A Line” – 9.3 7. “Only You Can Make You Happy” – 8.7 8. “Take Me As I Am” – 8.3 9. “Anywhere You Looked” – 9.5 10. “Organized Scenery” – 8.9 11. “We Are Here” – 8.0 12. “Tell Me” – 9.0
Comments: One has to expect a band with the name Au Revoir Simone to be artsy and have at least two girl members. Right? When it comes down to it, this is the kind of obscure pop act that’s sure to be considered rather household in that genre, comparable to toned down electro-pop outfits like the German quartet Lali Puna. Whereas bands like Handsome Furs, Editors, and most recently Clap Your Hands Say Yeah offshoot Uninhabitable Mansions (of which ARS’s Annie Hart is a member) have embraced elements of this genre in putting together instantly catchy tunes, Au Revoir Simone requires some patience on the part of the listener. The best songs that ARS has on this album are infectiously dreamy and fast paced. I’d be lying, though, if I said that there is a lot of lasting appeal to these numbers. They are great if you want a quick mix of quirky electronics and attractive female vocals.
I hate making these posts, but I use it more as a heads up for upcoming posts that I have not forgot about; it helps me remember to do them. I have some homework to attend to today and other duties. Yesterday I was out nearly all day. I have concert, cd, and film reviews on the way, and I’m sure others too. So stick around!
Yeah, I know some of my sentences ended in prepositions, but I DON’T GIVE A FUCK! (look out for the King Khan & BBQ Show concert review part II to Glen’s exciting review of their first Mass concert this week.)
1. “Peeping Through Your Curtains” by The 4 Counts – Rockabilly Revival
2. “Zombies” by King Khan and BBQ Show – Blues/Punk Influences
3. “Tenleytown” by The Walkmen – Punk Influences
4. “Pie In The Sky” by Frank Black – Rockabilly Revival
5. “Beautiful Girl” by Mark Sultan – Hard Swingin’ Rhythm
6. “Getting Thin” by Sleeping in the Aviary – Aggressive Male Vocalist
7. “Getaway” by The Giant Robots – A Light Swing Groove
8. “A Clean X” by Three 4 Tens – Basic Rock Structure
9. “No Way Out” by Three Head Coats – Unusual Vocal Sounds
10. “We Who Wait” by Jay Reatard – Mild Rhythmic Syncopation
11. “Que Lindo Sueno” by King Khan & His Shrines – R&B Influences
12. “(When In Doubt) Turn It Out” by The Dirty Novels – Extensive Vamping
Comments: For all you Boston area folk the best I can do in describing Real Estate is to say I hear Faces on Film. Real Estate is less minimalistic, heavier, and generally more accessible than Faces to the non “zomg I <3 folk” diehards of the world. I also hear a little Built to Spill here and there and I might as well throw in Cotton Jones as a similar band as well. I’m not going nuts over this album, but it doesn’t lack in the chill department. It’s soothing, depressing, and exciting. I like hearing songs called “Atlantic City” that remind me of the old boardwalk and the feel-good resort casino atmosphere. Speaking of feel-good, how can the “Fake Blues” riff not make someone smile? “Green River” is almost a perfect tune for this time of year. It’s sad in a way, at least for me, because it reminds me of opportunities missed. The instrumentals make the latter part of this album. Just awesome stuff.
Kids Like You & Me (KLYAM) 