Entry #50 Tuesday, March 29, 2005 To celebrate our 50th update, I’m posting a video for The Situation song “Can’t Relate” that was filmed and edited by Justin Clowes. The live footage was mostly taken from our performance at Tis Was in July of 2004. Justin’s also been working on videos for Mad Action and The Capitol Years. I’ve been sitting on this for a while, but hadn’t gotten around to converting it for the web. The file’s 9.8 megs so be patient, damn it! Enjoy!

Entry #49 Monday, March 28, 2005 I had a dream the other night that The Situation played with The Descendants and Black Flag at some old high school gymnasium. Man, what a great gig!. Rollins was young, skinny and intense - rocking his long haired ‘80’s look circa “Slip It On In”. The Descendants stole the show, though, with an insane high energy set complete with a full on stage invasion and tons of pogoing. I remember being stoked that they played “Coolidge” and a bunch o track from “I Don’t Want to Grow Up” I spent most of both sets hanging out at the merchandise table. I’m pretty sure The Minutemen played as well but, unfortunately, I don’t remember their set, which is disappointing because they were such a great band. Waking up is so hard sometimes.

Entry #48 Friday, March 25, 2005 I caught some crazy program last night about the history of the devil and the rise of the Church of Satan. Those guys are a laugh a minute. Hey, I like Danzig too and all but, come on. That’s alright, mama - I think I’m starting to lean toward the other new church on the block. Anyway, this weeks Top 5 comes straight from Sitch skin beater and east coast surfin’ ladies man, John Paul Travis. Take it away, homeboy: John Paul Travis’ Top 5 reasons it's good to date a reality TV star (even if she’s only on PBS) 1. It's a good way to start conversations with other girls while she’s away filming. 2. With a PBS star, sex is always a learning experience. Even for me. 3. It's a good conversation starter with girls after she has left you for the hot guy on "Survivor". 4. She won't actually leave you for the hot guy on "Survivor". The "Survivor" people are too cool to talk to the PBS people. 5. She got used to wearing stockings and no underwear. Thanks, JP. That’s all for this week - have a great weekend.

Entry #47 Thursday, March 24, 2005 So - it’s official. The Situation is now being legally represented by Nas’ lawyer, Michelle Jubilier of the prestigious law firm King, Holmes, Paterno & Berliner. See, if you read this little box often enough, things DO start to make sense. Anyway, my amp is still under the knife at the workshop, going through the equivalent of open heart surgery. We’re all pulling for it, though, so please, keep it in your prayers, brothers & sisters. Speaking of prayers - Rest in Peace, old friend. And thank you for years of chocolate egg sweetness. They can never taint you in my eyes. Red Bull is out and, apparently, Skaterade is in. I haven’t had Nelly’s Pimp Juice yet, so, the jury’s out on that one. JP - I think you may have found your next favorite pre-show beverage. Tomorrow’s Friday and still no ideas for the Top 5 - any suggestions? Speak now or forever hold your peace.

Entry #46 Wednesday, March 23, 2005 If JP asks if you have any good photos of him, don’t worry - they’re not for online dating or anything. He just needs a few good shots of himself for his new home. Besides, friendster isn’t really online dating. It’s more like virtual swinging, right? I wouldn’t send one of those photos to VIncent Gallo though - it doesn’t sound like he’d appreciate it very much. Anyway, here’s a very hetro-looking photo of the man himself. Drool on, ladies. Speaking of photos, here’s another good idea that never lived up to it’s potential. What do you mean it looks like steel wool down there? Rock the Cradle, indeed. Talk If you’re thinking about making a vodka and cranberry with juice that’s been fermenting in your fridge since October of 2004 - take it from Nick - it’s not a good idea. He hasn’t been right since. The last time I saw him this ill was when I forced him listen to The Streets for a few hours.

Entry #45 Tuesday, March 22, 2005 Apparently, as I’ve been told recently, “blog” is short for “weblog” - they just removed the “we”. The man is always trying to take the “we” out of everything. Regardless, “blog” still sounds lame. If you can come up with something better, send it in and if I like it, I’ll use it. Our old friends Weird War (featuring Ian and Michelle from the Make-Up) have a crazy new website up. Take sometime to look around - there’s a lot of strange stuff hidden deep within. I know, I know - I feel the same way you do. Today’s update is really uninspiring. We must be on the same cosmic wavelength or something. Gotta run - someone’s listening to some Gil Scott Heron in the office today and whitey’s on the moon.

Entry #44 Monday, March 21, 2005 Question of the day: Is this a blog? Everyone I know keeps calling this news section a blog. Can’t we think of a more charming title than “blog?” Blogging sounds like something you do when you’ve had too much to drink and you’re swapping spit with the porcelain queen. What does the hell does “blog” stand for anyway? From now on, this is no longer a blog, it’s a revolution. Ok, I overshot that one - let’s just settle on a column (or if you like, Mr. Castro’s Virtual Soapbox) I spent the weekend laid up on the couch with fever so I caught up on watching “Gigantic: a Tale of Two John’s” which Nick loaned me. It’s a fairly well done “rockumentary” on They Might Be Giants which I enjoyed, even though I’m not their biggest fan. I could admit to you that I saw TMBG once at the Troc back in 1991 but then again, I might as well just say I’m old and boring. I also picked up “End of the Century,” the new film about the Ramones. Highly recommended and very well done. The Ramones were one of the first band growing up that I got really obsessed with and this film definitely does the band justice. Actually, I saw them in 1991 as well at the Tower. So, Maybe I’m just old, not boring?

Entry #43 Friday, March 18, 2005 This Friday’s Top 5 comes from my close friend and former bandmate (and the only person so far to put a ban on The Situation), Tim Coslar. As you may know, Tim is currently the mouthpiece for The Invasion and I owe him more favors than probably either of us could count. Take it away, homeboy: Tim’s Top Five “Good Guys in Movies” Joe and I love a lot of the same records, but we have different favorite songs from them.  Same with films.  Joe's for the sobering brutality in "Goodfellas", while I'll take the romanticized hard drama of "The Godfather".  Though I think we'd both pick a rebel artist like Lennon over a smart craftsman like McCartney.  Maybe.  Anyway, my top 5 "good guys" in movies. Liam Neeson as Robert Roy MacGregor in "Rob Roy".  He fights a corrupt establishment @ the cost of everything he has, loves, and is.  Plus Tim Roth is so good @ being bad in this, you fear and root for Rob even more.  Rob's defining lines: "Honor is a man's gift to himself.  You must never dishonor a woman or malign a man, nor stand aside and let another do so."  "Old men with honor are kings, but not all kings have honor." Eric Bana as Hector in "Troy".  He's out of place when reason is strangled by greed, pride, and superstition.  Honor guides his thinking and what he lacks in skill he (almost) makes up for in heart.  Defining lines:  "I've killed men, and I've seen them die, and there's nothing glorious about it."  "All my life I've lived by a code.  Honor the gods, love your woman, and defend your country!" Ethan Hawke as Jake Hoyt in "Training Day".  New vice cop is manipulated, slapped around, held @ gun point in 3 LA ghettos, and violates several police rules on his first day on assignment.  Denzel Washington is great in this, and Jake Hoyt refuses to break, even in the scariest kitchen scene I've ever watched.  Defining lines:  Well, actions speak louder. Sylvester Stallone as Jack Carter in "Get Carter".  Sly's like a samurai in a shark-skin suit, returning home to find out how his honest brother died; or who killed him.  Defining lines: I don't remember exactly what he says to his teen-aged niece.  But after what she's been through and you see them both tear up, you'll go easy on him for wreaking merciless, indignant fury on the guilty.  And Mickey Rourke's a bad @$$. Omar Epps as Q in "Juice".  People always seem surprised to know I like some hip-hop.  GQ wants to make music and rise above.  Respect without intimidation.  Tupak Shakur looked pretty comfortable in his role as Bishop.  Defining lines:  Most effective is Q silently shaking his head "no" on the roof.  But the best is when Q tries to talk it out to avoid more violence, and when it fails he drops a beatin' with his bare hands.  Five plus face! Honorable mentions:  Matt Dillon as a remorseful scam-man on a quest in "City of Ghosts"; Russell Crowe as super-intense Bud White in "LA Confidential"; and Javier Bardem as a principled policeman tracking a political terrorist in "The Dancer Upstairs". Thanks Tim - have a great weekend everybody.

Entry #42 Thursday, March 17, 2005 Things went well at the old office of the Knitting Factory last night and, if all goes according to plan, it looks like Nas and I will have something else in common besides a wicked rhyme flow. Speaking of NYC, if you’re heading there anytime soon, be forewarned - there’s major construction going on in the Holland Tunnel so you may be kicking it with lots of happy new yorkers in some bumper-to-bumper. All in all, it was a good night until JP learned that his favorite jacket was left behind by a certain accident prone lead singer. Seems like the curse is spreading. And the next time you’re in the big apple, watch what you say. The walls have ears, you know. I’m heading out of here - I’m sick as a dog (whatever that means.) Happy St. Patty’s Day.

Entry #41 Wednesday, March 16, 2005 Guard dogs are so passe'. is there anything more effective to scare off intruders than to be greeted by a badassss kimono wearing primate. I think not. Gotta run - we're getting ready to load up the van for the trip to NYC

Entry #40 Tuesday, March 15, 2005 According to the shark, the word of the night last night was hubris. At least it was at the big Camp Sitch pow wow at Tucker’s crib. And, no, I didn’t know what it meant either. When he first mentioned it, I thought he said “hummus” so, as you can imagine, I was very disappointed when no one came out with chips and dip. In the end, it was a very positive meeting complete with a contract re-signing and a fine bottle of champagne! Things are looking promising for the group although there’s still a lot of work to be done. If you’re in NYC tomorrow night, stop by the Knitting Factory - The Situation goes on around 7:00 p.m. in the old office room. We’ll be sharing the stage with another band called “Adult Situations” whose members are most likely younger than us. Can you taste the irony? I sure can - tastes like hummus, actually.

Entry #39 Monday, March 14, 2005 So, after giving the new Doves record a few more spins while painting this weekend I decided I really like it. It’s definitely a grower but a strong album, nonetheless. Sometimes a weekend with no obligations is just what the doctor ordered. I lazily spent the days painting, playing music, drinking coffee and watching movies - does it get any better than that? Only when you rub it in. Here’s what the Inquirer had to say about our show with Hot Hot Heat.

Entry #38 Friday, March 11, 2005 Thanks to everyone who made it out to the TLA last night I hope you had as much fun as we did! I spent the afternoon trudging through rush hour traffic to retrieve my amp from the shop only to have it break down once again during sound check. Then, the backup amp I borrowed had no power cord, so I had to scramble at the last minute to find a replacement. Add in some good arguments with the doorman concerning the guest list, an even better argument with the shark about contracts, broken strings and $30 that apparently walked away by itself and you have a pretty good idea of what it was like behind the scenes. I know, I know - poor little rock star. At least no one got hurt. In the end, it’s only rock-n-roll and I like it. So, the amp is back in the shop for round four of repairs. If the treatment doesn’t take this time, I’m taking it to an exorcist or a witch doctor or something. Everyone seems to think it’s cursed. If you can help with this, let me know. This weeks Top Five comes from none other than Joe Castro. Top 5 Excuses Why There’s No Top Five this week 1) With the Michael Jackson trial going on, how could I concentrate on anything else, much less sleep. 2) I’ve been too busy lately between gigs, rehearsals and photo shoots....plus I’m extremely lazy. 3) My dog ate it. Actually, I don’t have a dog but there is a really nasty possum that lurks around my apartment building when the moon is full. 4) Top 5’s are so 2004.....and I’ve run out of friends to do my dirty work for me. 5) The man is always keeping me down. And you know what - I really hate it when cops just run red lights for no reason. I’m sorry but they’re supposed to follow the same laws and rules that we all do. Tonight, we’re back at the khyber - I hope to see you there. Have a great weekend everybody.

ENTRY #37 Thursday, March 10, 2005 So, I arrived at rehearsal last night to find that my amp (which I just got back from the repair shop this past Friday) was not working again. With the TLA show less than 24hrs away (9:00 p.m. tonight if you’re planning on making it out), I made a flurry of phone calls and took the amp back to the repair shop with a chip on my shoulder. To make a long story short, it’s being worked on as I type this. Tonight should be very interesting, indeed. Never a dull moment in The Situation, I’ll tell ya! Thanks to Lance from The Invasion for offering up his baby as a back-up. It’s really appreciated. Nick has been walking around all day today mumbling something about P.M. Dawn and karaoke. Actually, I think that’s one of the signs of the upcoming apocalypse -at least that’s what the Weekly World News told me. Watch out for fire, brimstone and boulder-size hail. Actually, with the way the weather’s been lately, it wouldn’t surprise me. If you’ve ever heard Nick’s rendition of “Momma Said Knock You Out”, you’d know he’s no joke. I saw some kid late last night bunny-hopping curbs on a unicycle on the main strip of Ridley Park in the frigged night air without a jacket. Wow, that was a long, pointless sentence. Welcome to mightyjoecastro.com.

ENTRY #36 Wednesday, March 9, 2005 If you’re ever organizing a photo shoot, I’ve learned it’s a good idea not to write anything like “so, we’re planning on shooting the president around 3:00p.m.” in any out-going emails. Apparently, the federales don’t like it so much. Here’s a sneak preview of the layout of my one man tribute to Motorhead. Just kidding. Yeah, I worked really hard at the shoot for the last two days. Things seem to be pretty tense at Camp Sitch lately. Now that the shark’s off the shit, he’s been waging a one-man all out war against slackness like he’s General Patton on speed. Between you and me, I think the long days of commuting to the Big Apple have been making him a little bit cranky. Don’t worry, man, we still love you. Tucker loaned me Dylan’s book, “Chronicles Vol. 1” What I like about it is that he not only tells you about all the books he has read, but also the ones he hasn’t! It’s a good read, though. The jury’s still out on this new Doves record. I think I have to give it a few more listens.

ENTRY #35 Tuesday, March 8, 2005 Your momma always said if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all. See ya tomorrow.

ENTRY #34 Monday, March 7, 2005 I got to listen to a sneak-peek copy of Bullette’s forthcoming album and I’ve got to say that it’s really, really good. She’s come a long way stylistically since some of the early demos that were floating around. I think it’s definitely going to surprise more than a few people. I’m not sure when it’s going to be released but do yourself a favor and pick up a copy when it does. Thanks again to everyone who made it out to Pianos Saturday night - it’s always good to see old friends. Hopefully, we’ll see some of you at the TLA on Thursday or the Khyber on Friday. I’ve got a photo shoot today and tomorrow - no rest for the wicked!

ENTRY #33 Friday, March 4, 2005 Ok, if you’re going to go out wheat pasting, it’s usually NOT a good idea to hit law offices or police stations. Just thought I’d pass some wisdom along. Just a reminder, if you’re in NYC tomorrow night, The Situation will be performing at Pianos so stop on by. To make things interesting, Laz flies in to Philadelphia from Las Vegas at 7:00p.m. Saturday night, which will be followed by a mad dash up I-95 N to try and make it in time for the show. Vegas odds has it at 4-1 he won’t make it. However, what they don’t know is that I’m riding shotgun and God is our co-pilot. Luckily, I made him watch “Cannonball Run” a few months back so he knows what it takes to get the job done. Holy Shit - it’s Chris Hillman’s robotic Top Five! Chris Hillman’s Top Five robots (or robogroups) that make you say “Holy Shit!” 1. Holy Shit because that`s alotta cables. 2. beach babee goonhoomebeachbabeegoawhatahoozit?..Holy Shit! 3. Holy Shit that looks ... .. ...really expensive 4. Holy Shit - look what they did to my cute little rolly robotrek toy ..what`re they gonna do next, strap explosives to dolph ..oh yeah. 5. The military coulda saved money and just hired these guys  ...i`m surprised they havn`t killed people already  (or did they..I forget). Holy Shit - a flaming pig ball! Thanks Chris. Have a great weekend everybody.

ENTRY #32 Thursday, March 3, 2005 The Situation will be returning to the Khyber in Philly next Friday night (March 11th) - please stop by, say “hello” and have a good time. Here’s the latest flyer. Correction from yesterday’s update - apparently, Andrew Conway never proclaimed himself to be a “Tango God”. That title was given to him by a co-worker who most likely doesn’t dance. He has claimed recently to be a “Sex God” but the jury’s still out on that one, though. Still working your way through the League of Nations, Andyman?

ENTRY #31 Wednesday, March 2, 2005 If you’re looking for the perfect house warming gift for the person who has everything, get them this! Especially if you’re jealous of the rich bastard. Happy 29th birthday to former Delaware resident now Colorado hellraiser Captain Chaos! Don’t worry - I didn’t get you the aforementioned gift. Actually, I haven’t gotten anything yet because I’m a slacker. Sorry! Not only is Andrew Conway an actor as well as a self proclaimed “Tango God,” but he also bears a strange resemblance to a certain sud-slinging cartoon character. Catch him in, “Fingerbanging” which is in the film section of this site. And, no, it’s not “that” kind of film, gutter-brain. Bozo the Clown has a posse. He must be taking a cue from Andre the Giant or something. Either way, he’s down with Captain Kirk so step off!

ENTRY #30 Tuesday, March 1, 2005 Former My Wig Is On and Smashing Orange frontman Rob Montejo is displaying some of his recent paintings this Friday, March 4 at the Buzz Ware Village Art Center in Arden. I really like his work, so stop by and show him some love. Speaking of Smashing Orange, Elephant Stone Records, home of the Reece Nasty EP, will be releasing an impressive retrospective on the band this spring complete with artwork by The Situation’s own, Christopher Tucker. Pre-order now or be left in silence, suckers. By the way, did I mention that Mr. Tucker is obsessed with this sugar substitute? Word on the street is that he’s also in the process of buying up half the houses in Fishtown. I can’t wait to see this new documentary on The Minutemen. If you’ve never heard them before, pick up Double Nickels on a Dime - you won’t be disappointed. Everything you learned in school is wrong. Not only does marijuana help with alzheimers but the Great Wall of China is built out of rice!

ENTRY #29 Monday, February 28, 2005 And the winner is.....no -not the oscars! Don’t you read this site? If not, then scroll down my brother (or sister) and read this past Fridays update.Yes, I fought the law and I won! Now I know how Snoop and P.Diddy felt. Take that, Philly Parking Authority! Look out, Tucker - your dream world may be about to end! The coffee debate rages on. “Oi - the next person who mentions John Squire is going to get it with this here tambourine!” We had a great time at the Ian Brown show at Wester Hall this weekend. Despite all of the dodgy sound problems and false starts, King Monkey put on a good show. And it was great to hear “I Wanna Be Adored” live again. The after party at Don Hills was a blast as well with the boys dancing till the early morning hours. Even Ian and the band swung by. Thanks to D$ and Justin for the ride. And thanks to Krista for the free copy of Almost Round Three. And, so I don’t play favorites, thanks to Jamie for hanging out and chatting it up. We love everyone here at Castro headquarters. On that note, here’s a picture of D$ with Ian Brown’s hand!

ENTRY #28 Friday, February 25, 2005 I just found out the The Situation will be playing at the TLA on March 10th with the very cool band, Hot Hot Heat! We go on first, so, if you’re planning on attending, get there early and dress to impress. We’ll also be performing the following night at the Khyber in Philly - so why not make a weekend out of it? I have to go to traffic court this afternoon to fight a parking ticket. Everyone who knows me knows how much I dislike the PPA so, to get myself psyched up for my battle with “the man,” I’ve been listening to nothing but The Clash and Peter Tosh. Wish me luck! Hopefully, I’ll be able to drive a stake into the heart of the vampire that is this babylon system. If not, then I’ll just have to suck it up and shell out the $43. Either way, this cliffhanger will have to wait until Monday - so tune in to find out if our hero survives! Finally, in honor of Ian Brown’s show tomorrow night at Webster Hall in NYC, this week’s Top Five comes from ex-Starter Culture guitarist, Justin Clowes: Justin's Top Five Bands From Manchester 1. The Smiths Morrissey's memorable lyrics and Marr's guitar wizardry made the Smiths an interesting proposition. Every alienated kid had something to feel a part of, all the cool kids wanted to know what all the fuss was about. You need to take Mozzer with a pinch of salt at times, but he's well worth it. His bravado combined with Marr's talent made the Smiths one of England's most influential bands. Smack in the rhythm section showed some warning signs, but in the end Morrissey and Marr couldn't set their egos aside. 2. New Order Formed from what was left of Joy Division, New Order went for that homo- electro sound. The DJ's still spin them week in week out. Blue Monday was a huge 12" (no pun intended). It took New Order some time to step out of the shadow cast by Joy Division, but by using drum machines and actively pursuing dance rhythms, they can be credited with a good part of what became known as "Madchester" 3. The Stone Roses Their first album and the leftovers (B side collection) were enough to establish their legacy. Lyrically, musically and groove wise they were "What the world is waiting for". Their combination of Indie Rock and E textured dance grooves made them irresistible to many young Mancunians. Things took a turn for the worse with legal entanglements, mounting drug use and the Brown/Squire writing partnership dissolving. "Second Coming" while having its moments left many disappointed. With Brown blaming the demise on squire's vacuum cleaner cocaine habit and Squire calling Brown "...a tuneless knob", the band was as good as finished before the record's release. 4. Happy Mondays Hovering around for a while putting out a lot of mediocre fair, Shaun and Bez were out making headlines for smoking crack. Their drug use and willingness to flaunt it made them outrageous. The sleaze funk of "Pills, Thrills and Bellyaches" solidified their place in Brit Pop history and makes anybody that listens to it feel like a bad ass. Try putting on "Bob's yer Uncle" next time you bring somebody home. They'll either run for the hills or it'll be the best night of your life... 5. Oasis Hmm... where have I heard that riff before ? With no originality, they summed up what Manchester had become. There was no artistic edge like the Smiths or the Roses. Instead they relied on hype and swagger. After reading about the Gallaghers every week in the British music press and hearing of packed to capacity stateside shows, I got sucked in. Songs like the working man's anthem "Cigarettes and Alcohol" gave them the cred, while "Slide Away" and "Live Forever" confirmed them as non-pretenders. The slew of quality b-sides made it all the better with new material appearing by the boatload. When "Morning glory" dropped, the first chink was already in the armor. Yes, "Champagne Supernova" made it all go away and it was a long way down... But with Liam being a prat, a horrendous MTV unplugged and the ubiquitous cocaine being blamed for all manner of mishaps, they started the long slide down into line up changes, kids, divorces, getting clean etc... Their later work patchy but not without merit, the band's early catalogue keeps the crowds coming back for more. Thanks Justin. That's all for today - have a great weekend.

ENTRY #27 Thursday, February 24, 2005 Last week I read that drinking coffee is good for you because it prevents liver cancer. Today, though, I read that coffee is now bad for you because it can put a strain on your heart. What’s the deal? Life can be so confusing sometimes. And what the hell’s up with coffee enemas, anyway? Nick’s been jumping up and down for the past ten minutes because he got something back from the printer with a mistake and it wasn’t his fault. You go boy. It’s your world, I’m just in it. D$ just told me that Morrissey has been ranked #9 in Maxim's Top Ten Male Virgin list, barely beating out Clay Aikin. Go Mozzer! Yeah, so, today’s update sucks but what can you do. It’s snowing outside, it’s Thursday, and I don’t feel like being here either.

ENTRY #26 Wenesday, February 23, 2005 I got to meet Ken Jennings at this year’s Toy Fair. Apparently, the $2.5 million that he won on Jeopardy wasn’t enough so he’s now endorsing his own trivia game (as well as doing those wireless phone commercials.) They had a “mock' trivia contest where they provide you with a question to ask Ken and, if he gets it right, you lose. Of course, those who know me, know how much I hate to lose (which I did) Anyway, it wasn’t pretty. Use your imagination. Also from Toy Fair, my new favorite bumper sticker. Ok - whose bright idea was this? Is nothing sacred? Anyway, that’s it from this year’s Toy Fair. It’s good to be back in Philly. In other news, Ian Brown’s live on Conan tonight. Make sure to catch “King Monkey” doing his thing. Speaking of Ian Brown, have you seen “Shaun of the Dead” yet? Great british zombie spoof - much better than “Return of the Living Dead.” There’s a nice Stone Roses joke in there. British humor - always so subtle. Lots of Situation shows in the works -stay tuned for more info. In the meantime, check out this interview with Elephant Stone Records boss, Ben Vendetta.