1. The kick-ass trailer for Kick-Ass is up; the movie, which is based on the comic book series of the same name, is due in theaters next April. [MySpace via Pop Candy]
2. Vampire Weekend reveals the inspiration behind the title of their upcoming album, Contra. [via NME]
3. 600,000 gamers may have been cut off from Microsoft’s Xbox Live for modifying their consoles to play pirated games. [via BBC]
4. Playgirl is really trying to do its nude shoot with Levi Johnston on a budget. [via NYP]
5. Denzel Washington will return to Broadway this spring in a revival of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winner, Fences. [via Variety]

Bonus link: Best American Short Stories: By the Numbers