After Mike asked the fans to help make his 'top album' list on iTunes, he finally decided on an option that brings the best of both worlds. From Mike's blog:

It's very considerate of Mike to come up with this decision, even though we here at Bennoda.com are not very surprised seeing Chester's name. I wish Mike would do the "I paint to" list and Chester the "surprising list", but the major wins, so hopefully we can get to see their lists soon.

Mike also updated his twitter with a retweet from Stryker relating to Prop 8. Nice move ;)

TedStryker

Dear Richard Simmons, its legal now, just pop the question and I'm ready. #prop8

about 8 hours ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®
Retweeted by m_shinoda and 18 others

LPAssociation has an interview with Dark As Day's director Levi Holiman where the director confirmed Chester's appearance on the movie but was not sure about Mike, also claimed to be an avid listener of Mike's music

- On how Levi met Chester, and involved him within the project:
Chester and I went to High School together in AZ. I had written the "Dark as Day" script, 5 years ago, after moving to Los Angeles. I ran into Chester on the set of "Bleed it out." We hadn't seen each other since 96 maybe? So I told him about the script and asked if he'd be interested in reading it. He gave me his info and I sent it to him.

About a week later, he emailed me and agreed to play a part in the film. We initially wanted to see if he would be good for the lead but because of his busy schedule, he felt it would be better for him to make an appearance in the film rather than committing to the lead. Understandable.


- On whether or not Mike Shinoda will be involved:
I don't know Mike Shinoda though. As far as I know, Chester will be the only one from LP involved. I do love Mike and his music. SOB is one of my favorite groups. I listen to "Second to none" almost everyday on my ipod.


- On Mike's name being listed on IMDB:
I just checked imdb and have no idea how Mike's name got on the castlist. It would be great to have Mike but I have no other information on that.

Read the full interview HERE

Labels: Mike's blog, news: Bennoda, prop 8

Hello sweet tarts! Here's Jules' first updates, and she's got a few things for you! Let's start.

- On Monday, while Chester was on the phone with BBC radio (see this post), Mike and Brad (love me some Delnoda!) were in the KROQ studios in L.A. to deliver The Catalyst in person. They did a small interview in the hallway, in which they mostly talked about the new album. You can watch the video on KROQ's website, right here.

- Mikeshinodaclan has uploaded a radio interview with Mike from Live 105. Once again, he talks about The Catalyst, A Thousand Suns, and producer Rick Rubin. You can download the mp3 on their site.

- Linkin Park has uploaded a lyrics video for The Catalyst on their youtube channel. Obviously, this is not the official video, but if you want to sing along to the song, you definitely gotta watch it! It's a pretty cool video.

- Talking about videos, tt's been confirmed by WBMG, the official music video for Linkin Park's new single, The Catalyst, will premiere on August 26th. Mark your calendars! Thanks to LPAssociation for the info!

- LPtimes reports that Mike and Chester are on the cover of the September issue of the Japanese magazine Rockin' On. The magazine also contains an interview with the two singers. Japanese fans, this issue is on sale right now! So bring us some scans, will ya?


-Finally, we've got a couple of new promo pictures for you! The Bennoda ones will probably be added to the gallery when Ann comes back from wherever she's disappeared to ;)


Lookin' good, aren't they?

That's it for now! Mucho lovin' and chocolate kisses.

-J.

 EDIT: Breaking news: PROP 8 HAS BEEN OVERTURNED! 

Labels: golden cupcake post, interview, news: Linkin Park, pics, prop 8

Some lovely pics from O2, London, England and Texas along with Washington from PR 07, 08









Credits: devilbearrock, anime89, jacalynweissert, kayla, eugen.istrate

Something about the overturning Prop 8 campaign. If you live in California and are interested in some activities, read on:

As the California Supreme Court considers legal arguments for overturning Prop 8, LGBT community centers, in partnership with Equality California and allied organizations throughout the state, are joining together to host a series of Town Hall meetings in early April. The meetings will include updates from Prop 8 legal experts and open discussion on the future of the movement

• April 1 - Los Angeles (L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center)
• April 2 - San Diego (San Diego LGBT Community Center)
• April 9 - Santa Barbara (Pacific Pride Foundation)
• April 13 - San Francisco (San Francisco LGBT Community Center)
• April 16 - Fresno (Fresno City College)
• April 21 - Sacramento (Curtis Hall, Sierra 2)
• April 23 - Long Beach (The Art Theater)
• May 7 - Orange County (The Center OC)

Labels: pics: live, prop 8

Day 3: Add Your Name
(we skipped Day 2? >.>)

We know that being out as an LGBT person, or as an advocate for equality, is essential to our fight. That is why we are asking you to come out in a big way—by adding your name to a scroll of supporters on the homepage of eqca.org.

Add your name to publicly show your support for the freedom to marry and for protecting minorities from having their equality put up for a popular vote.

95 pictures taken by the lovely Leslie Shepherd, from two shows she attended: Noblesville, IN, Verizon Wireless Music Center, Projekt Revolution Tour, 31st August 2007 and Columbus, OH, Nationwide Arena, North American Arena Tour , 15th February 2008. I created a whole album for her pics, check them out.

Leslie Shepherd's pictures

Also, Linkin Park is confirmed for the Sonisphere Festival in July and August.

Linkin Park to Play at First Ever Sonisphere Festival
February 9, 2009

Linkin Park will co-headline with Metallica this summer at the first ever Sonisphere Festival in Pori, Finland on July 25th and in Knebworth, England on August 1st. Other bands on the bill include Lamb of God and Mastodon, with more to be announced soon.

Tickets for both shows go on sale HERE on Wednesday, February 11 at 9am (local).

For more information, visit http://www.sonispherefestivals.com/uk.

To quote Mister Bennington

The singer hinted that Sonisphere might see the band debut some all-new material. "I can't promise because we're still writing," said Bennington, "but I'm going to put it out there that you might hear some new stuff from us."

They're coming back! And co-headline with Metallica? Oh the day when they still tagged along with Kottonmouth Kings or P.O.D, and opened for Paparoach and the Deftones. And new stuff? *wipes tears away* So many good news!

Labels: linkin park, news, pics: live, prop 8

Day 1


Tell 3 people today what's it like for you and your loved one to be LGBT. If you are straight, show your support or listen. Click the image for more on the campaign :)

Back to Bennoda, some concert photos, again. One from Wantagh, NY, Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Projekt Revolution Tour, 22nd July 2008



One from Berlin, Germany, Waldbühne, Projekt Revolution Tour: Europe, 27th June 2008


One from New York City, NY, Madison Square Garden, North American Arena Tour, 21st February 2008


Three from Omaha, NE, Qwest Center, North American Arena Tour, 12th February 2008


Three from Bonner Springs, KS, Sandstone Amphitheatre, 13th August 2008



Credits: Jenpero, darkLP, p.lane

Tyshangshan has a fanart up for Valentine's day. She added up two other slash couples into an old Bennoda one! girlJoe in a dress and pretty girlDave for the win! Ha!


The talented Teresa also has a new piece: Mustaches

Ramona feed our yaoi hunger with two of her manips: Hot Water and Old Bennoda

Great stuff, you guys! Keep up the good works, we need more amazing fanarts for Vday and the Noda + the Benito's birthdays!

Labels: fanart, pics: live, prop 8

Newest post from Mike Shinoda's blog:

IN STUDIO: JUNE 2008 (FLASHBACK)

December 7, 2008



These pics were actually from earlier in the year (right after we shot Road To Revolution, I think--we came home and worked for about a month in the studio). Our engineer Josh just sent these jpegs to me. Phoenix was trying some cello on a song, Chester and I were "helping."

(a little more after the jump)

We had all this inspirational art on the walls that was cool for the time, but I think I like the xmas lights (that are up now) better--the pictures made it feel like we were crazy people in a mental institution for some reason. Claustrophobic.

We've been working on a few things that might end up being instrumentals, or at least parts of songs that don't have words. The album will still probably be vocal-based (like our other albums), but there might be a few more instrumental sections...then again, we may throw all those songs out and try something else...

They were "helping" Dave? Sound interesting. Hopefully we will get a new album next year like Mike promised. If you're interested, check out a previous post by Secret Asian Man on Mike's blog: Prop 8 the musical. Someone does approve gay marriage, I guess? :)

Also, you can have a clearer look at the LPU 8 CD's cover (high quality picture) when you visit LPUnderground.com. Mmm... Cookies? (there's a hidden link on Chester's nose, HA.)

Labels: linkin park, LPU, Mike's blog, news, pics, prop 8

HE DID IT! The blog post is back!
Read Mike Shinoda's newest blogpost about Gay Marriage/ LGBT rights HERE
This post was posted, then deleted, then posted again. Mike didn't voice his opinion, but with this post, and his family's donation to NoOnProp8, I think we can safely assume how Mike think about this.

November 12, 2008

I'm going to go out on a limb on this one. Opinions of the commentator aside, let's talk about the issue of gay rights in the following piece. The following was an opinion piece on Keith Olbermann's show:



I am pretty sure this conversation is not going to fit in the comments section here on MS.com, so: to the first commenter, please start a new thread on linkinpark.com for discussion on this topic. As a reminder: flaming, slurs (including ones directed at sexual orientation and race), and intimidation will result in a ban of your account, so be respectful.

Thoughtful, intelligent contribution to the topic is the only kind I want to see. Think carefully before you post.

mike

As requested by Mike, Ana (lp_fm_fan) created a thread on the LPMB where you all can discuss on this. Thank you Ana!
Just in case someone would want to save Keith Olbermann's amazing speech, you can download HERE (.flv file, 23.58 mb).
Full text of Keith's special comment HERE: Gay marriage is a question of love.

Mike also mentioned Chester's back injury and his recovering in a previous post:

Chester's back is recovering well. He is still scheduled for regular visits to the doctor, but he's able to go about most of his daily routine. He had a scare the other day when he was recording a vocal; in the middle of a take, his back seized up. he thought he might need to go back to the hospital, but after some rest and doctor's advice, it relaxed again. Things are looking good. Thanks for your support!

Amazing news! Thanks for your update, Michael.

Labels: Mike's blog, news, prop 8

Firstly, I want to congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his victory in the US election - now may I call President Obama. As much as I try to avoid voicing my personal political view here, I believe this is a turning point in the US history and it also has a large impact on the world's history. The world is going through a hard time: an economic crisis that is assessed to be worse than the 1930s' Great Depression, wars and armed conflicts that are still not yet solved properly, natural disasters and environmental issues. For all of that, I feel grateful to someone who can bring hope back, who can make people scream in tears "Yes we can" when we all know we still have to face a lot of problems. I believe that yes, we can, we shall overcome this rough time and get to a better future.

Secondly, I feel disappointed to have to inform you all that California Prop 8 "Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry" has passed with 52,5% vote approving this Proposition. We know that this is unfair, but this is just a small loss. The fight is no way over yet. I will quote President Obama on this one

"While we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can."

Yes, we can, we shall overcome all of this injustice and discrimination because there is still love, and there is still hope. This is not just about a lone California state, or the lone US, this is about all of us, about the world, our future, our kids. I hope you all will listen and give a hand in this long hard fight - we need every single one of you.

Last but not least, some small information on Linkin Park's donation for opposing Prop 8:

ANNA SHINODA $3,700 SHERMAN OAKS CA 91403 SAME NAME Oppose
ROBERT BOURDON $250 SHERMAN OAKS CA 91403 SAME NAME Oppose
ELISA DELSON $1,500 SHERMAN OAKS CA 91403 SAME NAME Oppose
JOSEPH HAHN $1,850 SHERMAN OAKS CA 91403 SAME NAME Oppose

Thanks Linkin Park (together or apart) and their family members for their support in opposing Prop 8. Even though we did not succeed this time, we still appreciate your donation very much. :)
You can search for the Prop 8 (for and against) contributors HERE. Thanks Enigmatic on LPfiction MB for the link!

On a quick note: According to Mike Shinoda's blog, his second JANM art show, Glorious Excess (Dies), which was scheduled for January, will be postponed. Shinoda expect to open the show in late 2009. Well, another not so good news today.

Two small Bennoda pics to cheer yourself up, hopefully:

Thanks Ana for the pic!

Labels: linkin park, news, prop 8