A New York judge rules that sending a MySpace "friend request" to a person who has a restraining order against you is illegal. Cold War conspiracy! Russia believes America's announced plan to shoot down one of its broken spy satellites is, in reality, a test its of its anti-missile defense system's capability. At any rate, it looks like the satellite is going to crash to Earth pretty soon, so keep your head on a......

Today's New York Times has an interesting article on Austin gaming mogul Richard Garriott, the person behind the Ultima franchise. The eccentric millionaire is a self-described space junkie, but whereas other enthusiasts would be content to collect "normal" space-related objects — "astronaut autographs, mission patches, ... 'flown' goods" and the like — Garriott has the means to think outside the, err, box. To wit: a giant, Soviet-made aluminum replica of Sputnik, which he purchased......

California's Cold War Kids have been the object of both adulation and derision since their inception in 2004. The band's songs traffic in third-person tales of downhearted and desperate characters, and their music frames the stories rather than overpowering them. After playing SXSW in March, Cold War Kids return to town for both a spot on the ACL Festival bill this Saturday and an aftershow at Stubb's on Sunday evening. Austinist traded emails with......

UPDATE: NME is also reporting that Muse will play at Stubb's on Sunday night, we'll have details as they emerge. A lot of this might be old news for ticket holders who have been scurrying around trying to figure out how they're going to be compensated for their White Stripes @ Stubb's tickets, but it's true: Muse's performance has been moved up, and they will now occupy the White Stripes' slot, while the rest......

Let's get to it: ACL Fest organizers dropped the aftershow schedule yesterday, and it's fairly extensive. Stubb's, La Zona Rosa, The Parish, and Antone's will all host aftershows over the Thursday to Sunday that everyone is in town for the big event. Highlights include an intimate show from The White Stripes and Cold War Kids at Stubb's, an extra gig from Argentina's loungerific Gotan Project (also at Stubb's), appearances by Spoon, Common, and Queens......

Tony from LAist, here again to give you some choice picks of some of the bands that LA is very proud of. Tonight is one of those nights where you really wish you could split yourself up into several you's to check out all the bands that are rocking your fine town. The pick of the day has got to be Dengue Fever which is a multicultural group starring Cambodian pop star Ch’hom Nimol.......

As SX07 approaches, we'll be keeping you informed on all of the official confirmations, rumors, and non-SX events that we feel are worth your attention. With January's arrival, a lot of news has surfaced in the past few days. Here's a quick recap: Confirmed Performers (via SXSW): Pete Townshend, Rachel Fuller, Emmylou Harris, The Stooges, Interpol, Lily Allen, Bloc Party, Devin The Dude, Hoodoo Gurus, Matt & Kim, Ghostland Observatory, The Watson Twins, Stax......

Hey, did you hear that Google bought YouTube? No? Well, then go buy some records. Damien Jurado And Now That I'm In Your Shadow (Secretly Canadian) October's releases seem to be in touch with the temperature drop (however small) and shift of mood. Damien Jurado's latest offering is the perfect example: dark, sparing treatments on the decline of romance in the Midwest, a disagreement between friends in the back of a pickup truck, and......

Last night’s Tapes ‘n Tapes show was pretty boss, even though Bruce Springsteen never showed, which wasn’t a surprise, really, since he was never even rumored to show up, anyway. Is it wrong to secretly wish that The Boss might drop by for a song or two at some random venue? No, it’s not. [Ed. Note -- where are we going with this?] Regardless, the show was great. All three bands -- Cold War......

It would be a magnificent idea to head down to Stubb's tonight to catch this rock show. The fellas in Tapes 'n Tapes are known for their hearty work ethic and their ability to take care o' business (TCOB). Those crazy guys played 9 shows in 4 days during SXSW. You can catch them at Waterloo around 5pm and at Stubb's later in the evening, when they'll be joined by The Figurines and Cold War......

MONDAY [12] [sports] World Cup Games at Alamo Village (Through 16th, 11am & 2pm) (link) [film] Labrynth at Alamo South (Through 16th, 1pm, Free) (link) [film] Baby Doll at Paramount Theatre (7pm) (link) [film] Gram Parsons: Fallen Angel at Alamo Downtown (7pm, $10) (link) [film] Blue Velvet at Rounders Pizzeria (8pm, Free) (link) [film] GoodFellas at Austin Java (8pm, Free) (link) [film] Rolling Roadshow: Nanny McPhee at San Marcos (8pm, Free) (link) [film] Stunt Rock......

Danish indie rock band Figurines have garnered quite a bit of press in the past few months since their second full-length, Skeleton, came out. Often compared to the likes of Modest Mouse and Built to Spill — lead singer Christian Hjelm could pass for Coco Rosie's brother, if you ask us — the foursome are currently touring North America with Tapes 'n Tapes (whom we interviewed yesterday) . Check out their video for "I......

FRIDAY [7] [music] Cruiserweight, Driver Friendly, Kissinger, Radio Pioneer at Emo's (link) [music] Low at The Parish (link) [music] The Mercers at Stubb's (link) [music] Mr. & Mrs. Mays, Faceless Werewolves and Pocket Symphonies at Hole in the Wall ($3) (link) [music] Dark Star Orchestra at La Zona Rosa (Through Sat) (link) [art] A slew of public art makers and thinkers get together to discuss "Public Art: The Good, the Bad, and the Temporary" at......