Adopt a homeless pet in Delaware

The Delaware Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Faithful Friends Inc., Forgotten Cats Inc. and other animal rescue groups are working together on a statewide effort in Delaware to reduce the number of pets who are put to death because homes cannot be found. Click here to learn more.

Where to adopt a pet in Delaware:

• Delaware Humane Association


• Delaware Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals


• Faithful Friends


• Forgotten Cats

Gas explosion next door

Last week there was a gas explosion in the house next door, which you can read about here.

Fortunately our house is intact, although there appears to be some structural damage. Still waiting on inspectors, engineers and insurance companies to give us the lowdown.

I wasn't home when the explosion happened, but several neighbors tell me it was loud and even rattled their windows. The best news is that our dogs, Kitty, Jazz and Augie are all OK, but were a little shaken by the explosion.

Archmere Academy graduate claims sexual abuse

Why am I not surprised to read that Archmere Academy graduate, Kenneth Whitwell, is suing Archmere Academy and the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington for alleged sexual abuse?

You can read the story here.

Several things struck me about this article. First, I had the priest referenced in the article as a teacher. Whitwell's assertion rings true to me - a few of the priests who taught at Archmere while I attended definitely had groups of boys that were almost groupies in a sense - they hovered around them and had relationships which on the surface, seemed to go beyond the typical teacher-student relationship.

Second, what male who attended Archmere in the mid-'80s doesn't remember walking the school halls and getting their behind groped by a certain someone? I mean, inappropriate touching happened to me on more than one occasion! It's worth noting that it's pretty easy to dismiss or ignore the intermittent ass grab when you're that young. But looking back, it was almost a rite of passage, because it seemed like an open secret. The guy even had a nickname, which everyone I knew referred to, so I know it just wasn't limited to me. A lot of people experienced it. A few random instances of grabass, I can live with. But the type of incident Whitwell is claiming is much more serious.

But even as a young teen who was having a really tough time fitting into the clique/Catholic hierarchy and student way of life at the prestigious private high school, it was evident there was some type of monkey business going on behind the scenes.

I applaud Kenneth Whitwell for coming forth with his claims. It took a lot of nerve to go public with such a private story that has undoubtedly caused him a lot of personal pain and embarssment. I'll be looking forward to see how this matter plays out.

Mitch Hedberg tribute on Sirius

I got a pleasant surprise when I turned on Sirius this afternoon on my drive home from work. Raw Dog channel 104 did a two hour tribute to Mitch Hedberg featuring his wife Lynn Shawcroft and Doug Stanhope.

They played a lot of previously unheard Mitch stuff and told a bunch of stories of how great Mitch was. I tried calling in, but I got disconnected after 90 minutes on hold, which was a bummer.

Lynn sounded like a cool chick.

Check out mitchhedberg.net.

Going Underground

I'm reading George Hurchalla's book, "Going Underground" right now.

It's a really good account of the American punk underground with quotes from old fanzine interviews as well as some first person recounting by the author.

The fact that Hurchalla documents a lot of the Philly punk scene (he grew up on the east coast) resonates with me since I turned onto a lot of the same bands and shows he discusses (e.g., McRad, Electric Love Muffin, Fugazi playing in the parking garage at Drexel).

Anyway, it's a good read and a nice companion to "American Hardcore."

I have a crapload of other stuff I want to read. It takes me a long time to read a book because my attention span for reading books is so poor.

Used Wigs DIY Mix 02

Thanks to Jeff from usedwigs.com who sent me the link to the new Used Wigs DIY Mix 02.

Loads of free MP3s including key tracks by The Soviettes, Echo and the Bunnymen and The Bomb (feat. Jeff of Naked Raygun on vocals!)

Carrie Underwood's new CD, track by track

I wrote a review of Carrie Underwood's new CD, "Open Hearts" for work. You can read it here, if you're so inclined.

Riot Fest 2005 pics and wrap-up

Mike from The Punk Vault has some great pictures from Riot Fest 2005, held in Chicago.

Some legenday bands played including The Germs, Dead Kennedys, The Angry Samoans and The Effigies. Thanks for the great pics Mike!

Riot Fest 2005 day one
Riot Fest 2005 day two
Riot Fest after party at The Exit

Dave McGurgan writing samples
Updated July 2008.

Marketing/Promotional/Affiliate-driven content:

Joy Division DVD, CD & Vinyl Giveaway - Conceived and implemented contest to promote phillyBurbs.com must-have music content, build traffic and affiliate sales and generate new user registration.

Must-Have Movie Guide (phillyBurbs.com) - Conceived, created and maintain this evergreen movie guide to build traffic and affiliate sales in the entertainment sections. Oversee and edit submissions from staff, write content and promote it within site. Also see Must-Have Music Guide.

9 to Fried - Print and Web campaign to raise awareness of phillyBurbs' irreverent goof-off-while-you're-at-work blog, 9 to Fried. Worked with editorial and marketing teams to create Web site banners, print ads and billboards.

Freelance:

Super Lawyers magazine: Freelance writer since 2006. Write advertorial profiles of attorneys. Interview and research clients. Interact with production manager and editor to ensure content consistency.
Sample profile: Hinkle Elkouri Law Firm L.C.C., Kansas

"Get Carried Away With Bags and Totes" (Promotional Marketing Magazine) - Freelance assignment for Promotional Marketing Magazine. Interviewed sales representatives and researched promotional bag industry.

"Managing Cancer Registries, Battling Cancer" (For The Record Magazine) - Freelance assignment for health information management professionals trade publication. Conducted in-depth research on state and national cancer registries as well as interviews with cancer doctors and tumor registrars.

Blogs:

The Big Blogger - In early 2008, I created this video blog that supported phillyBurbs' advertiser-driven and editorial content multimedia offerings.

Popped Culture (phillyBurbs.com) - This is my pop culture/gossip blog for phillyBurbs. With over 2,000 entries of relentless and sometimes inane celebrity coverage, Popped Culture continues to be one of phillyBurbs' longest running and most popular blogs.

davemcgurgan.com - My personal blog with opinions on music, film and culture as well as selected photos.

New Mudhoney album in March 2006!

According to aversion.com, Mudhoney will release a new album, "Under a Billion Suns," on March 7, 2006. I gotta say I really dug their last album, "Since We’ve Become Translucent."

The band is also working on a 2-DVD set featuring videos and live material.

Link: aversion.com: Mudhoney Returns Next Year
Link: Another Unofficial Mudhoney Home Page

Butterscotch pudding

I've been singing the praises of butterscotch pudding a lot lately. I just love the creamy texture and smooth taste.

dessertfirst recommends butterscotch pudding for a bad mood.

I also love butterscotch hard candies. Butterscotch may be one of my favorite flavors for sweets, right up there with cheesecake and key lime pie.