AR-I GOING TO WORKPLAY TUESDAY? Damn well, I better. Yes, Ari Hest and The Damnwells are going to be co-headlining a show in the WorkPlay theatre. The gig marks a turning point in the dues-paid category for Hest’s musical career. The New York City singer-songwriter has visited Birmingham a couple of times to open up for other acts at WorkPlay. He’s earned a following among the locals, though, and has his headlining chance this Tuesday, May 22. He’ll share the time on stage with his Brooklyn-based buddies, The Damnwells, who have also played before Birminghamians before – notably at City Stages. The indie rock/black metal hybrid band should play several tracks from its most recent offering, Air Stereo. Check out this two-fer at 8 p.m. Tix are $12. 380-4082 or www.workplay.comFor more Weekly Picks visit Bhamweekly.com

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Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards has raised $314,902 for his current presidential campaign in Alabama. We hope his donors got their money’s worth. Campaign disclosures made public last week showed that Edwards spent campaign funds on at least two haircuts, each costing him $400, and another $250 to a New Hampshire salon that caters mostly to women.

We love to say we told you so, and now we can say with great confidence that Edwards will never be president. Once again, and maybe once and for all, his quasi-populist campaign message has been crippled by his conspicuous consumption — a contrast that demonstrates clearly that his hypocrisy might be exceeded only by his stupidity.

In his campaigns, Edwards has said that there are “two Americas,” a fact that he illustrates by example. You see, there are two John Edwards, one defined by what he says and the other defined by what he does. He’s earned a place on The List.

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UPDATE: Sen. Mitchell on defensive, after the jump.

We’re adding a new feature here at Mixed Media. We call it The List. You can always access it from the link at the top of this page. You don’t want to be on The List. This enumeration is for the jackals and jackasses who have made Alabama and Birmingham a worse place in which to live, who have betrayed their constituents and fellow citizens. Their indiscretions border on the unforgivable. The list is short for now — only one name — but it will surely grow longer. Read and remember. The first name on The List is …

Sen. Wendell Mitchell

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