One of the most promising indie alternative rock bands from Brazil would have to be Diafanes, a four-person group founded by vocalist Lorena Hollander in 2002. It’s really hard to label Diafanes as ‘alternative’ because their sound really defies traditional notions of alt rock. Melodies are a complex mix of guitar, bass, and unusual instruments like the castanet, derbake, and soon koto. Add the fact that vocalist Lorena is a coloratura soprano, which means she can reach the highest notes possible, and you have rock music unlike any other.

The band has release one album so far called “See Through,” and the lyrics are all in English despite the Diafanes’ Brazilian roots. Check out the tracks “Love In” and “Inside Me” for a sample of what Diafanes is all about. Both can be downloaded on their MySpace page. Visit www.Diafanes.com for more info.

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There are no words for this one. I don’t know who this guy in the video is, but David Blaine has some competition.

Did you know that your Dad is on MySpace? Well he is, and he’s not happy with you. When he’s not disappointed in your lazy ass, he’s busy working at Thompson Plastics, reading Fox News, and verbally abusing you. My Dad sent me this message:

I highly doubt that this is a worthwhile use of your time. If I were you, I’d be looking for a real damned job. I doubt anyone is looking to hire someone who is fiddling around on the Internet all day. Pack up your things and get out of my house.

Check out your dad’s blogs as well for some laughs.

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Name: Christine

Age: 23

Location: Sacramento, CA

Height: 5′5″

Sign: Aquarius

Occupation: Model

Tagline: “Bikini, Fitness, and Glamour Model”

Misc: Vote for Christine to make the 2007 BOD Squad by clicking the banner below!

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West Coast artists stand up! The Pacific Art Collective (PAC) has been hard at work since 2002 organizing artists, galleries, and various related groups around a contemporary collaborative arts movement. In less than four years, the results have been nothing short of stunning. PAC has put together over 70 events in which more than 500 local artists have shown their work. The point of all this, of course, is to create cross-cultural awareness among local communities by bringing people together via the art. The PAC website is filled to the brim with links to emerging artists, event pictures, and a great gallery/store where you can purchase pieces of work that were created live on the spot during art shows. Visit www.PacificArtCollective.com for more info.

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There’s not much information about Lab Trak Musiq on their MySpace page, but I guess the music speaks for itself. The tunes are definately hip-hop, but there is a strong soul influence in the beats that reminds one of Madlib or 9th Wonder. Anyway, the artists’ flows are on point as well and lucky you, three of the four tracks are downloadable. Check it out.

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I’m not a kid anymore, but I know for a fact that it’s been a while since there’s been any real innovation in TV programming for kids. Here to fill that gap is a new show called Yo Gabba Gabba! that effectively merges the sensibility of Sesame Street with today’s pop culture. The show is hosted by DJ Lance Rock, who along with some friendly toy monsters, teaches kids simple life lessons and also how to get down and dance at the same time. You might be thinking this looks and sounds kinda lame, but Yo Gabba Gabba is being spearheaded by Magic Store Productions, a collective of young artists, musicians, and artisans rooted in popular culture. As an example of what’s gonna be going on with the show, check out the clip below of Biz Markie teaching kids how to beatbox. Word. Makes me wish I was a kid again. Find out more at www.YoGabbaGabba.com. Air date is unknown as of yet.

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Want a nice sample of what indie music sounds like up in Vermont? SpaceCadetz highly suggests listening to the tunes of a very talented musician named Julie Winn. And by talent I mean that she writes the lyics, sings the vocals, and plays the guitar and keyboard as well. It all comes together beautifully and you may find her haunting vocals echoing in your ears and your head still nodding to the beats long after your first listen to Julie’s music. She is also half of the trip-hop duo Witchz War that includes Kahlagah on the production, so be sure to check out that profile too.

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Check out the work of English artist Jon Burgerman. This guy is quite simply a doodle master. He has become internationally known for his playful, handdrawn charaters that have attracted the attention of companies like Sony, MTV, Computer Arts, and BBC among others. But don’t take corporate america’s word for it. Take a second and click on over to www.JonBurgerman.com where Jon has a ton of great stuff for viewing, purchase, and even download. In the shop section he has a trifold wallet, lunchpail, canvases and more up for sale. Very cool stuff and worth taking a peek at.

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Here’s two minutes and nineteen seconds of some super painful video clips. Ouch.