Some Important Thoughts

First of all, should we be surprised that a company that combines the words "Go" and "Ogle" to form their name has a significant group of people worried about their privacy?

Second, I found this website linked to a blog I read. Based on the writing on their site, I would love to work there.

Finally, Water Spaniels! And no, I don't really get the significance either.

Schwartzy would be pleased to know that the tradition of intentionally misheard song lyrics continues, as this week I drove around listening to U2 (see the Personal Top 5 post). One of the tracks on there is “I Will Follow,” which I like a lot. However, because my mind wanders, I converted it to “I Will Swallow,” which gives it an interesting twist. Especially if you alter the other lyrics to promote beverage consumption.

Some of the other U2 songs include “Someday, Buddy, Someday” and “Greenest Thing.”

However, none of them compare to the Cranberries infamous song “Zombie” which is translated to “Salami.” Some of the lines go like this:

Salami, Salami
It’s on wheat bread,
On wheat breeeeaaad,
Salami
Salami
Sa-la-mi-e-e

Chloe Loves Jack?

More to look forward to in the non-stop season...

Autumn and REM

We found out today while riding around looking for yard sales that Autumn really likes R.E.M.. She started singing along in the back seat to "Belong" off of the Out of Time CD. There were a couple others she liked on there as well. Weird kid.

Happy Earth Day!!!

Flowers From Galen!

The International City's Unofficial Slogan

E.D.I.M.G.I.A.F.A.D.

I'm not making it up.

A Nice Hot Cup of Joe

At long last, Lent is over and a day of celebration was in order (punctuated by having to work from 11am-7pm). It was so nice to have a cup of coffee again this morning. It was Kenya Kirinyaga from the Starbucks Black Apron series. Very tasty, even thuogh I made it less strong than usual.

Also -- this evening I tried Coca-Cola's new Blak "Fusion Beverage" which is basically Coke with coffee extract. It's not very good as a stand-alone, but is actually quite tasty as a float.

Happy Easter

Easter Affirmation No. 888

Leader: This is the good news which we have recieved, in which we stand, and by which we are saved:

People: Christ died for our sins, was buried, was raised on the third day, and appeared first to the women, then to Peter and the Twelve, and then to many faithful witnesses. We believe Jesus is the Christ, the Annointed One of God, the firstborn of all creation, the firstborn from the dead, in whom all things hold together, in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell by the power of the Spirit. Christ is the head of the body, the church, and by the blood of the cross reconciles all things to God. Amen.

Whad'ya Know?

This morning as I was driving in to work I had NPR on in the car (which is what I frequently listen to, more so than music). It was the weekend, so instead of all of their usual news-themed shows they have their NPR gameshows, one of which is called Michael Feldman's Whad'ya Know? I have to say that I am a fairly regular listener to this show, and every time I find it an absoultely maddening experience to listen to it.

First of all, the flow of the program is like he is making it all up entirely on the spot with no real clear direction of where he is going, except for perhaps a few major bullet points that he needs to cover. The delivery is complete with ummms, ahhs, and other spontaneous interjections indicating lack of planning for the next thought. Second, the jokes are frequently really lame and are often somewhat sarcastic. Third, as he moves forward in the show, he is often able to crack jokes by bringing it back to an original joke from way back in the conversation. The rambling nature just continues as he talks to various members of the live audience and interviews them. Fourth, being that it is NPR they are usually talking about something cultural (like today's program about the centenial of Samuel Beckett, whom I might point out with dismay is not the guy from Quantum Leap, but an author...) that is usually somewhat serious, but with enough deprecating remarks that it is hard to know what the true facts are. I honestly have no idea why I keep tuning into it, because it is so frustrating to listen to all the nonsensical rambling that never seems to have a point to it.

That is, until I realized that if I were to have a radio show of my own, it would probably be very similar to that. Whad'ya Know?

www.notmuch.com

From the Achives

Caption: Aaron the Redneck Yuppie of Indiana (L) wears a homemade corsage and Texas-themed jewlry while joining Karl Kilgore in munching on ice cream sundae bars in this undated photograph.

Oh Yeah!

My Personal Top Five

These are the top five CDs that I keep coming back to over and over again, consistent with the Douglian and Gabelian philosophy of the top 5.

Tigerlily -- Natalie Merchant
I really like the smoothness of this CD. It is one of those projects where the whole CD sounds like one song, yet not in an annoying way. Good to listen to as background or to enjoy. Has a little jazz flavor to it, sorta. I am a fan of Natalie and also the other 9,999 Maniacs who are now unemployed.



Eponymous -- REM
This has a lot of their early sound which I really like a lot. On songs such as Gardening at Night, the focus is on the sounds that the words make and as such blend into the music. This has a really cool effect. Also just love to listen to this CD when I am just driving around. It has a lot of the early REM/indy/college/underground feel to it.


Best Hits 1980-1990 -- U2
I feel a little inauthentic in putting up a "best hits" CD, but this is one I like a lot. I think it is much better than their 1990-2000 Best of CD. I had to put it up though, because it is one I go back to a lot, even if it does seem "blah."




Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou -- Various Artists
My favorite Wes Anderson film, this movie is hilarious if you enjoy subtle humor, sight gags, and irony. The soundtrack is also ironic in that it consists heavily of David Bowie tunes in Portuguese. As you can imagine, the sound is unique, and the soundtrack really makes you remember and enjoy the film every time. But you can also enjoy it even if you haven't seen the movie. Definitely one of my favorites.

Carbon Leaf -- Echo Echo
This is a really great CD, which includes what is probably their biggest hit, The Boxer. These guys are also my favorite band, bar none. Their sound has a twinge of Irish in them, but the band is from Virginia. This particular CD is very high-energy and upbeat, which probably surprises the heck out of some of you. Their wordplay is what I think I like the best about this band. A lot of their lyrics don't necessarily make sense, but they make them sound really cool. I also highly recommend their newest and probably most polished album, Indian Summer, which is another one I listen to frequently. Avoid their early stuff, such as Meander.

Insights From Galen!

Here is an interesting tibit from Galen (an infamous inaugural student who apparently skated by, using MouseCRAP. It is unclear how he is making it through lawschool without it). Please remember to set your clocks 12 hours forward, just in case:

On Wednesday, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06.

That will not ever happen again. Cool, huh!

OK, OK...in another 1000 years, but who wants to wait that long?

Hail to the Chief, He's the Chief and He Needs Hailing...

Congrats to Mark on his successful bid for the Presidency. His determination, spirit of public service, and dedication to principle will serve him well in his new office. He's a great American.

From the RedneckYuppy

"Continuing drama at PHC... Just another reminder that older more educated people are subject to the same passions and emotions as anyone else. I just wish they could take care of some things without bleeding their conflicts all over the poor students who are trying to concentrate on keeping up and surviving the academic load. Prayers are needed and appreciated."

This pretty much summarized what I was thinking.