In this installment of the Technology and the Arts podcast, we share some interesting news, web sites and online resources we have come across recently, including the disastrous launch of Apple’s Mobile Me online services and the brilliance of and the controversies surrounding the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Plus, we discuss the recent passings of a trio of entertainers: Isaac Hayes, Bernie Mac and Philadelphia singer-songwriter Robert Hazard…and more. Hosts: Brian Kelley and John LeMasney. File size: 11 MB. Time: 24 min.

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Related Links:

• FriendFeed.com/lemasney – John LeMasney’s tumble log.
• lemasney.com – John LeMasney’s Web site.
• FriendFeed.com/bktandem – Brian Kelley’s tumble log.
• Tandem With the Random – Brian Kelley’s blog
• John was unable to record this week’s podcast, so it’s just Brian going solo. However, here are some links to John’s FriendFeed profile and other projects: BeerCritic, NJ Dining Review and his reviews on Yelp.com.
• Here are some things Brian mentioned:

He has recorded an accordion part and backing vocals for a bluegrass version of Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock” for his friend, singer-songwriter Christian Beach. The track will be appearing on the upcoming Main Man Records tribute to 80s hair metal. Also, here are some photos Brian has taken at some of Christian’s shows this summer.

Brian and his girlfriend, Alison, spent time with Brian’s longtime friend Jason Pester, who is visiting his home state of New Jersey from his current home state of Colorado. They saw the movie “Hancock,” which was not as bad as Brian expected, and played miniature golf…Brian won…again. Also, the three of us saw the amazing rainbow in the photo above.

The opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing were amazing…however, some of it was done with CGI and with a “cute” girl lip-synching a song recorded by a girl considered “less cute.” Also, a Microsoft Blue Screen of Death apparently made an appearance.

Researchers claim to have made a breakthrough in developing an invisibility cloak.

Apple messed up with the launch of MobileMe…and Steve Jobs ‘fessed up in an e-mail to Apple employees (that Ars Technica graciously posted for us all to read).

Brian reflects on the recent passings of three entertainers: Isaac Hayes, Bernie Mac and Philadelphia singer-songwriter Robert Hazard, who wrote “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and had an 80s hit of his own with “Escalator of Life” (see video below).