Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Day 4 - But There's So Much More
But not too much. The kids were back in school on Tuesday (Monday was a conference day). They did really well with their morning routine and pick-up wasn't a hassle. The boy started to come down with something, evident by his crashing on the couch in his coat, hat and mittens. He had some crackers and juice for dinner, but nothing else. Around 12:30 in the morning, he'd wet his bed and had to change. Poor guy.
Day 3 - It's Just You and Me
And we did next to nothing. The kids had a quiet bath, we played outside in the snow. Everyone helped out with the chores. Oh yeah, PGirlJr. hit GalootJr. on his wiener because he was "hiding a turtle in there". Turns out the boy stuffed one of her animal toys down his pants, like a kid hiding their bag of pot when mom comes a knockin'. That's my boy!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Day Two: There's So Much We Can Do
After I finished the last post, I headed upstairs to put the kids and myself to bed. I was met there by PGirlJr. wearing a bikini and GalootJr. wearing a pair of boxer shorts that resembled his swim trunks. They invited me upstairs to hang out in their "hot tub". In our house, this could mean one of three things:
On Sunday, we slept in, ate some breakfast and dropped the girl off at Sunday school. The boy and I picked up a few groceries, returned to get the girl and had some lunch at home. At 1pm we headed to my offices because the current artist in the gallery had to take down her show. Luckily for us, she had a group mandala project as part of the exhibit, so the kids got to make a bit of art.
Napping, dinner and dessert filled the rest of the day - a good one.
P.S. If you're jonesing for a TV show with the chops of "My So Called Life", you should see "Friday Night Lights". I'm as serious as a heart attack here.
P.S.S. Some very recent dialogue:
Girl: GalootJr.'s in my room!
Me: GalootJr. get out of her room!
Sound of footsteps descending stairs.
Boy: Ow! My wiener!
more to come...
- A gaggle of Barbie dolls lounging around the bathroom sinking with more water on the floor than in the sink.
- A bathtub full of hot water which the kids drew themselves. They haven't done this to us yet, but it is probably inevitable and would amount to more water on the floor and an angry response from me.
- An unimaginable scenario that would certainly chill me to the bone.
On Sunday, we slept in, ate some breakfast and dropped the girl off at Sunday school. The boy and I picked up a few groceries, returned to get the girl and had some lunch at home. At 1pm we headed to my offices because the current artist in the gallery had to take down her show. Luckily for us, she had a group mandala project as part of the exhibit, so the kids got to make a bit of art.
Napping, dinner and dessert filled the rest of the day - a good one.
P.S. If you're jonesing for a TV show with the chops of "My So Called Life", you should see "Friday Night Lights". I'm as serious as a heart attack here.
P.S.S. Some very recent dialogue:
Girl: GalootJr.'s in my room!
Me: GalootJr. get out of her room!
Sound of footsteps descending stairs.
Boy: Ow! My wiener!
more to come...
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Day One - We Can Have Lots of Fun
So far, so good. I crawled out of bed about 30 minutes after PGirl left to do some work on the newsletter and to work out on the elliptical. GalootJr. sulked on the couch for awhile, but soon made peace with his mother's business trip.
We did some breakfast, some dishes and some laundry, but mostly the kiddoes played. PGirlJr. made it to ballet class in time for one of the mothers to help her out with her bunhead. The trip to Chautauqua Comics was fun, and each of the kids picked out something to buy (Spiderman lunch box for the boy and Mickey Mouse comic book for the girl).
We attempted a nap in the late afternoon, and ate some dinner before having birthday cake. Both kids finished their veggies with a mix of regret, reluctance and nose-pinching. Ultimately they made it! A few phone calls to PGirl and Mr. Social (his birthday today) and now we're winding down for the evening. We'll live to see another morning.
We did some breakfast, some dishes and some laundry, but mostly the kiddoes played. PGirlJr. made it to ballet class in time for one of the mothers to help her out with her bunhead. The trip to Chautauqua Comics was fun, and each of the kids picked out something to buy (Spiderman lunch box for the boy and Mickey Mouse comic book for the girl).
We attempted a nap in the late afternoon, and ate some dinner before having birthday cake. Both kids finished their veggies with a mix of regret, reluctance and nose-pinching. Ultimately they made it! A few phone calls to PGirl and Mr. Social (his birthday today) and now we're winding down for the evening. We'll live to see another morning.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Excellent!
I turned thirty six today. It says so on Myspace so it must be true. I asked PGirl to tell me what 36 is like and she scowled at me. She can't be too mad at me because I've received some pretty cool gifts today. They include:
Finally, finally. PGirl is heading out to the Windy City for some work and play. So, I get the kiddoes all to myself this week. I think I'll challenge myself to post each day about this potentiallyterrifying wonderful experience.
- Pair of black trousers from Old Navy courtesy of PGirl. I'm a big fan of Old Navy khaki's with flat fronts. I've pretty much worn out my two brownish pairs and a dark gray pair as well, so these are a nice addition to the wardrobe. Also, three long-sleeve tees.
- Gift card to Chautauqua Comics from the kids. I'll take the kids there and let them pick up a couple from the $1.oo bins. I'll get the latest issue of "Angel - After The Fall". Yeah, not only am I a Joss Whedon geek, I'm also a bit of a comic book geek. Now Whedon is doing comics and my head is exploding.
- Some cash from the Silver Fox which we used toward a sushi dinner and the babysitter.
- Black sweater with collar and zipper from the Kentucky Colonel and Miss Elizabeth (got it at Christmas, but it's still cool.)
- Don't know what I'm getting from Saint Eileen and the Organ Grinder, but I'll probably get it when they come back in April.
Finally, finally. PGirl is heading out to the Windy City for some work and play. So, I get the kiddoes all to myself this week. I think I'll challenge myself to post each day about this potentially
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Moment Before....
Weather-permitting, I will be attending a production of "Our Town" at a prep school I used to teach at. Say what you will about the play, but it is one of my favorites. During my last year at graduate school, I played Dr. Gibbs on the mainstage - a role which my thesis would eventually be based on. I'm jazzed to see these kids do this show. Some of my former students are in it and cast perfectly (in my opinion).
When I did the show in grad school, I employed an acting technique that my teacher called the "moment before". Basically, you look at the play and figure out what your character was doing just before entering a scene. Sometimes it is stated in the dialogue, but often it is up to you or the audience to decide. In "Our Town", the first time we see Dr. Gibbs, he is returning home from deliviring twins in the Polish part of town. When I did the show, I'd go out into a common area outside the arts complex and walk out to one building one hundred yards away, then back and try to time it so I'd walk onstage precisely at the right time. Along the way I'd try to think about what the character would be pondering.
In the early days of Steppenwolf (out of Chicago), Gary Sinise and his castmates would run up on a hill behind their performance space (a church I believe), getting wound up and then run onto the stage for their cues. I think the characters were violent thugs in the play "Indian Wants The Bronx".
In 1997, one actor I worked with bested us all with his "moment before". I was playing Falstaff in "Merry Wives of Windsor" and running lights for "Romeo and Juliet" on alternate nights at Florida Playwright's Theater run by the generous Angela and Paul Thomas. These two gave me an acting opportunity I sorely needed, a couch to sleep on and occasional grunt work that kept food on the table. I love and miss you both! They also put together an eclectic cast for the Shakespeare repertory.
In R&J, the actor playing Romeo would come onto stage in his impending suicide scene, racked with grief. He was good. Tears were always hard for me to conjure up and I didn't like delving into "sense memory" to find them. Over the run of the show, some of the other actors noticed that Romeo would sit in a dark corner backstage and watch something on a video camera while listening to something else on headphones - just before he entered his emotional scene. Whatever he was experiencing would set him to tears. Finally, one of the cast picked up the equipment when Romeo was onstage to find out what was up. When he placed the headphones on, he heard Bonnie Tyler's version of "Total Eclipse of the Heart". Then he pushed play on the camera. Legend has it, that the video was footage of dogs and cats being euthanised at animal shelters. I kid you not. I shudder to think of it even now, but damn! The dude rocked the audience every night.
When I did the show in grad school, I employed an acting technique that my teacher called the "moment before". Basically, you look at the play and figure out what your character was doing just before entering a scene. Sometimes it is stated in the dialogue, but often it is up to you or the audience to decide. In "Our Town", the first time we see Dr. Gibbs, he is returning home from deliviring twins in the Polish part of town. When I did the show, I'd go out into a common area outside the arts complex and walk out to one building one hundred yards away, then back and try to time it so I'd walk onstage precisely at the right time. Along the way I'd try to think about what the character would be pondering.
In the early days of Steppenwolf (out of Chicago), Gary Sinise and his castmates would run up on a hill behind their performance space (a church I believe), getting wound up and then run onto the stage for their cues. I think the characters were violent thugs in the play "Indian Wants The Bronx".
In 1997, one actor I worked with bested us all with his "moment before". I was playing Falstaff in "Merry Wives of Windsor" and running lights for "Romeo and Juliet" on alternate nights at Florida Playwright's Theater run by the generous Angela and Paul Thomas. These two gave me an acting opportunity I sorely needed, a couch to sleep on and occasional grunt work that kept food on the table. I love and miss you both! They also put together an eclectic cast for the Shakespeare repertory.
In R&J, the actor playing Romeo would come onto stage in his impending suicide scene, racked with grief. He was good. Tears were always hard for me to conjure up and I didn't like delving into "sense memory" to find them. Over the run of the show, some of the other actors noticed that Romeo would sit in a dark corner backstage and watch something on a video camera while listening to something else on headphones - just before he entered his emotional scene. Whatever he was experiencing would set him to tears. Finally, one of the cast picked up the equipment when Romeo was onstage to find out what was up. When he placed the headphones on, he heard Bonnie Tyler's version of "Total Eclipse of the Heart". Then he pushed play on the camera. Legend has it, that the video was footage of dogs and cats being euthanised at animal shelters. I kid you not. I shudder to think of it even now, but damn! The dude rocked the audience every night.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Ha!
So, for the first time in many months, I watched a lot of televison this past weekend. Lately, I haven't as much on weekend afternoons, but I felt compelled on these past couple of snowy days. I appreciate good drama, science fiction and a handful of reality shows (please, no competitions where deceiving people is rewarded), but comedy is still key with me. Television comedy takes many forms, so I'll hit different sub-genres. After a few recent conversations, I feel like posting my favorite sketch comedy programs that are at the forefront of my mind.
Kids In The Hall
Saturday Night Live introduced me to the genre, but it was my parent's show at the time. KITH was something I could claim as my own. Thematically, the show ran all over the place, but it seemed to have something for every taste. If you liked absurd, recurring characters (minus annoying title cards and theme songs) you could enjoy The Head Crusher, Chicken Lady and Mr. Cabbage Head. Do you enjoy television and film parodies? Try "The Darcy Panell Show", "The Pit of Ultimate Darkness" or the foreign movie work of Francesca Fiore and her lover/director/co-star, Bruno Puntz-Jones. How about some slice of life humor? Drop in on rebellious teenager Bobby, lonely housewife Fran, corporate drone Dan Husk or secretaries Cathy and Kathy. KITH had it all and it took five very different talents to pull it off. This one is available on DVD and if you want to give it a try, you can buy one of two "Best Of" discs that will give you a taste without having to eat all of the "salty ham". Or just type "Kids In The Hall" on YouTube. You'll see more favorites including: Gavin, Buddy Cole, and Mr. Heavy Foot.
Saturday Night Live
I recall watching the early episodes with my parents and enjoying the recurring characters - The European Brothers, The Samurai and The Killer Bees. The other stuff was over my head, though I returned to it later and appreciated the social satire. Many people consider the first cast, the best and they may be right. I grew up with the show and continue to watch it today. Sticking with it is like riding a rollercoaster. A lot of highs and lows, sometimes occuring back to back. (Compare the '84-'85 season featuring Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest with the '85-'86 season featuring Anthony Michael Hall and Robert Downey Jr.). My own favorites were the early '80's and the mid '90's, though great performers and writers existed throughout its history.
Monty Python's Flying Circus
I didn't see this until after watching "The Holy Grail", but I certainly enjoyed it. The fact that you had to live near a PBS station that ran it made it all the more special (though MTV aired it briefly in the latter part of the '80's.) You didn't have to be British to enjoy the comedy which mixed the absurd ("Argument Sketch") with social commentary (any time they played an English housewife). Some highlights include "Queen Victorie Steeplechase", "How Not To Be Seen" and "The Funniest Joke Ever Told".
Mr. Show
This was the closest thing in style and construction that Americans have ever come to Monty Python. Like KITH, this one was aired on HBO and certainly is best experienced uncut. Like Python, recurring characters seldom showed up, but you won't soon forget some of the situations that unfold into one another. I dare you to not laugh/cry if you get to see what happens when heavy metal band, Wycked Sceptre discovers they are gay through a record executive's intervention. Don't forget to check out a lost chapter in the history of American pornography.
The Dana Carvey Show
A brief-live, audacious cousin of Saturday Night Live, this one aired in the family hour on ABC. I'm astounded that some of the material got onto television. Carvey was the star, but the ensemble was destined for greatness. The cast included Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell. The head writer was Robert Smigel (owner of Triump, the insult comic dog). Notable for the debut of "The Ambiguously Gay Duo".
Honorable Mention
Kids In The Hall
Saturday Night Live introduced me to the genre, but it was my parent's show at the time. KITH was something I could claim as my own. Thematically, the show ran all over the place, but it seemed to have something for every taste. If you liked absurd, recurring characters (minus annoying title cards and theme songs) you could enjoy The Head Crusher, Chicken Lady and Mr. Cabbage Head. Do you enjoy television and film parodies? Try "The Darcy Panell Show", "The Pit of Ultimate Darkness" or the foreign movie work of Francesca Fiore and her lover/director/co-star, Bruno Puntz-Jones. How about some slice of life humor? Drop in on rebellious teenager Bobby, lonely housewife Fran, corporate drone Dan Husk or secretaries Cathy and Kathy. KITH had it all and it took five very different talents to pull it off. This one is available on DVD and if you want to give it a try, you can buy one of two "Best Of" discs that will give you a taste without having to eat all of the "salty ham". Or just type "Kids In The Hall" on YouTube. You'll see more favorites including: Gavin, Buddy Cole, and Mr. Heavy Foot.
Saturday Night Live
I recall watching the early episodes with my parents and enjoying the recurring characters - The European Brothers, The Samurai and The Killer Bees. The other stuff was over my head, though I returned to it later and appreciated the social satire. Many people consider the first cast, the best and they may be right. I grew up with the show and continue to watch it today. Sticking with it is like riding a rollercoaster. A lot of highs and lows, sometimes occuring back to back. (Compare the '84-'85 season featuring Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest with the '85-'86 season featuring Anthony Michael Hall and Robert Downey Jr.). My own favorites were the early '80's and the mid '90's, though great performers and writers existed throughout its history.
Monty Python's Flying Circus
I didn't see this until after watching "The Holy Grail", but I certainly enjoyed it. The fact that you had to live near a PBS station that ran it made it all the more special (though MTV aired it briefly in the latter part of the '80's.) You didn't have to be British to enjoy the comedy which mixed the absurd ("Argument Sketch") with social commentary (any time they played an English housewife). Some highlights include "Queen Victorie Steeplechase", "How Not To Be Seen" and "The Funniest Joke Ever Told".
Mr. Show
This was the closest thing in style and construction that Americans have ever come to Monty Python. Like KITH, this one was aired on HBO and certainly is best experienced uncut. Like Python, recurring characters seldom showed up, but you won't soon forget some of the situations that unfold into one another. I dare you to not laugh/cry if you get to see what happens when heavy metal band, Wycked Sceptre discovers they are gay through a record executive's intervention. Don't forget to check out a lost chapter in the history of American pornography.
The Dana Carvey Show
A brief-live, audacious cousin of Saturday Night Live, this one aired in the family hour on ABC. I'm astounded that some of the material got onto television. Carvey was the star, but the ensemble was destined for greatness. The cast included Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell. The head writer was Robert Smigel (owner of Triump, the insult comic dog). Notable for the debut of "The Ambiguously Gay Duo".
Honorable Mention
- The State - These guys and gal were closer to my age than any of the prior programs and were about half funny to me. With a cast of 11, I think that too many cooks spoiled the soup.
- MadTV - I've tried. I've really tried to like this show, but I can't embrace it. I can't argue against the mastery of celebrity impersonations that occur here. But impersonation is just that. When you reduce a character to tics and weird voices there isn't much left to play with in a scene. I'm just saying.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Nineties Music Episode 4: The Crappening
Damn it. I've become one of those snarky fuckers from Best Week Ever. I didn't mean to! I swear!
76. Blues Traveler “Run-Around” - A good song, but their older stuff was better. I'm glad more people found them because of this.
77. Ice Cube “It Was a Good Day” - I don't remember this song, but I would wager that he scowled in the video for it.
78. Lenny Kravitz “Are You Gonna Go My Way” - Again, the older stuff is better, but this was a good song. Not many people can do throwbacks like Lenny.
79. Meredith Brooks “Bitch” - How many young, talented female singers were signed to be the next Alanis? Too many to count. This one was probably number 46.
80. Right Said Fred “I’m Too Sexy” - Another fraternity lip sync hit.
81. Paula Cole “I Don’t Want to Wait” - How many young, talented female singers were signed to be the next - insert name here? #24
2. Geto Boys “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” - A really good rap song. Really, really good. I'm not even going to mention the dwarf who raps. Oops.
83. The Breeders “Cannonball” - A rare, quality radio hit.
84. Snow “Informer” - I sort of recall this one. Didn't he look just like one of the Caucazoids from Color Me Badd?
85. Cypress Hill “Insane In The Brain” - Good enough to get them on the Simpsons. I liked this song.
86. The Cranberries “Linger” - Let's see. What kind of formula can we use to become famous? Rip off another band's sound - The Sundays. Totally change our sound to fit with another trend - No Doubt. Mix, stir, drink, rinse and repeat.
87. Billy Ray Cyrus “Achy Breaky Heart” - A big pile of poop. The apple didn't fall far from the tree on the Disney Channel.
8. Duncan Sheik “Barely Breathing” - Sounded like a lot of other songs.
89. Liz Phair “Never Said” - Another fine debut. Sold out on the last record though. A shame.
90. New Radicals “You Get What You Give” - I think Archie Bunker's niece sang on this tune. Didn't make it any better.
91. Sarah McLachlan “Building a Mystery” - Good song. Didn't buy her stuff though.
92. Public Enemy “911 Is A Joke” - Trying to reach the mainstream a bit here. Still good though.
93. Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories “Stay” - How many young, talented female singers....#78.
94. Fastball “The Way” - These guys had more recognizable songs on this album than you realize. Seriously, buy it, try it and you'll see. Way better than the one hit wonder status they were given.
95. Montell Jordan “This is How We Do It” - Bobby Brown? No. Could have been.
96. Nelson “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” - These two apples were launched miles away from the tree. What a waste.
97. Prince & The New Power Generation “Gett Off” - This dude still manages to put together stellar bands. NPG were second only to his "Little Red Corvette" line-up.
98. EMF "Unbelievable” - Jesus Jones did it better.
99. Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” - A female version of Sean Combs. Just as crappy.
100. Gerardo “Rico Suave” - Why?
76. Blues Traveler “Run-Around” - A good song, but their older stuff was better. I'm glad more people found them because of this.
77. Ice Cube “It Was a Good Day” - I don't remember this song, but I would wager that he scowled in the video for it.
78. Lenny Kravitz “Are You Gonna Go My Way” - Again, the older stuff is better, but this was a good song. Not many people can do throwbacks like Lenny.
79. Meredith Brooks “Bitch” - How many young, talented female singers were signed to be the next Alanis? Too many to count. This one was probably number 46.
80. Right Said Fred “I’m Too Sexy” - Another fraternity lip sync hit.
81. Paula Cole “I Don’t Want to Wait” - How many young, talented female singers were signed to be the next - insert name here? #24
2. Geto Boys “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” - A really good rap song. Really, really good. I'm not even going to mention the dwarf who raps. Oops.
83. The Breeders “Cannonball” - A rare, quality radio hit.
84. Snow “Informer” - I sort of recall this one. Didn't he look just like one of the Caucazoids from Color Me Badd?
85. Cypress Hill “Insane In The Brain” - Good enough to get them on the Simpsons. I liked this song.
86. The Cranberries “Linger” - Let's see. What kind of formula can we use to become famous? Rip off another band's sound - The Sundays. Totally change our sound to fit with another trend - No Doubt. Mix, stir, drink, rinse and repeat.
87. Billy Ray Cyrus “Achy Breaky Heart” - A big pile of poop. The apple didn't fall far from the tree on the Disney Channel.
8. Duncan Sheik “Barely Breathing” - Sounded like a lot of other songs.
89. Liz Phair “Never Said” - Another fine debut. Sold out on the last record though. A shame.
90. New Radicals “You Get What You Give” - I think Archie Bunker's niece sang on this tune. Didn't make it any better.
91. Sarah McLachlan “Building a Mystery” - Good song. Didn't buy her stuff though.
92. Public Enemy “911 Is A Joke” - Trying to reach the mainstream a bit here. Still good though.
93. Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories “Stay” - How many young, talented female singers....#78.
94. Fastball “The Way” - These guys had more recognizable songs on this album than you realize. Seriously, buy it, try it and you'll see. Way better than the one hit wonder status they were given.
95. Montell Jordan “This is How We Do It” - Bobby Brown? No. Could have been.
96. Nelson “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” - These two apples were launched miles away from the tree. What a waste.
97. Prince & The New Power Generation “Gett Off” - This dude still manages to put together stellar bands. NPG were second only to his "Little Red Corvette" line-up.
98. EMF "Unbelievable” - Jesus Jones did it better.
99. Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” - A female version of Sean Combs. Just as crappy.
100. Gerardo “Rico Suave” - Why?
Why Do I Torture Myself?
Apparently, Galoot - the snob is about to crap on some more music.
51. Tupac (featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman) “California Love” - I used to dance to the song they sampled, "Woman To Woman" by Joe Cocker. It was called the plant dance. The plant dance consisted of me, nude dancing with a potted rubber plant held over my privates. I'm not kidding. I did this when completely hammered.
52. Sugar Ray “Fly” - Nice debut. Unfortunately they went with the flow of so many other groups around the same time and changed their sound whenever they had a hit.
53. Naughty by Nature “O.P.P.” - Good use of a popular sample.
54. Joan Osborne “One of Us” - Overplayed.
55. Fiona Apple “Criminal” - Her first single was better.
56. L.L. Cool J “Mama Said Knock You Out” - I bought the solo album of the guy who played guitar in that "Unplugged" session.
57. Jay-Z featuring Amil and Ja Rule “Can I Get A…” - I don't know this song.
58. Sophie B. Hawkins “Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover” - Good tune. Didn't buy her records but still good.
59. Weezer “Buddy Holly” - The blue album still rocks the most. Not from this song, but I loved the lyric, "...wrestle with Jimmy...
60. Bell Biv DeVoe “Poison” - Really good song.
61. Sheryl Crow “All I Wanna Do” - Quite a debut song, the sound, the lyrics. Too bad she threw the rest of the band under the bus. Remember the "Tuesday Night Music" crew? That was the rest of the band. The guys who collaborated with her on the record. Cowrote some of it? Helped you to rise up from being a backup singer for the "King of Pop". Yeah. Remember them Sheryl?
62. Live “I Alone” - Great song!!!! I think it was the only one I played from that disc.
63. The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Mase & Puff Daddy “Mo Money Mo Problems” - Have you ever seen the print ads for Sean Combs' version of Def Comedy Jam? He's the only person in them. No comedians around. He pays off artists to use the most recognizable parts of their songs because he knows he can't produce an original song that would make enough money to pay for his umbrella carrier. Good for him.
64. The Presidents of the United States of America “Peaches” - Obnoxious song.
65. Digital Underground “The Humpty Dance” - A group that was better than this novelty made them out to be.
66. Edwin McCain “I’ll Be” - I don't think I know this song.
67. Deee-Lite “Groove Is In The Heart” - Very good dance song. Played this a lot at fraternity parties.
68. Will Smith “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” - He should have stuck with acting at this point.
69. Korn “Freak on a Leash” - Waste of space.
70. Jamiroquai “Virtual Insanity” - This guy might have been the next Stevie Wonder.
71. Arrested Development “Tennessee” - As overplayed as this was, I really liked this song back then. Still do.
72. Barenaked Ladies “One Week” - Shitty song from a good band. They do great live shows.
73. Marcy Playground “Sex and Candy” - You sound like Kurt Cobain? Cool, let's do a song.
74. Cher “Believe” - I actually have a story for this. A couple of years after this came out, my family went to Ireland to visit with Saint Eileen's cousins. On the first two nights, we stayed at the house of a man who worked for my stepdad, The Organ Grinder. While riding back from a Pub in his car, the host began to play this album. He asked the Drunk Mick and myself about how Cher's music was perceived in our country. We lied to him, telling him that her music was considered borderline genious and that she was a virtuoso to boot.
75. Kris Kross “Jump” - Another catchy hip hop song.
51. Tupac (featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman) “California Love” - I used to dance to the song they sampled, "Woman To Woman" by Joe Cocker. It was called the plant dance. The plant dance consisted of me, nude dancing with a potted rubber plant held over my privates. I'm not kidding. I did this when completely hammered.
52. Sugar Ray “Fly” - Nice debut. Unfortunately they went with the flow of so many other groups around the same time and changed their sound whenever they had a hit.
53. Naughty by Nature “O.P.P.” - Good use of a popular sample.
54. Joan Osborne “One of Us” - Overplayed.
55. Fiona Apple “Criminal” - Her first single was better.
56. L.L. Cool J “Mama Said Knock You Out” - I bought the solo album of the guy who played guitar in that "Unplugged" session.
57. Jay-Z featuring Amil and Ja Rule “Can I Get A…” - I don't know this song.
58. Sophie B. Hawkins “Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover” - Good tune. Didn't buy her records but still good.
59. Weezer “Buddy Holly” - The blue album still rocks the most. Not from this song, but I loved the lyric, "...wrestle with Jimmy...
60. Bell Biv DeVoe “Poison” - Really good song.
61. Sheryl Crow “All I Wanna Do” - Quite a debut song, the sound, the lyrics. Too bad she threw the rest of the band under the bus. Remember the "Tuesday Night Music" crew? That was the rest of the band. The guys who collaborated with her on the record. Cowrote some of it? Helped you to rise up from being a backup singer for the "King of Pop". Yeah. Remember them Sheryl?
62. Live “I Alone” - Great song!!!! I think it was the only one I played from that disc.
63. The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Mase & Puff Daddy “Mo Money Mo Problems” - Have you ever seen the print ads for Sean Combs' version of Def Comedy Jam? He's the only person in them. No comedians around. He pays off artists to use the most recognizable parts of their songs because he knows he can't produce an original song that would make enough money to pay for his umbrella carrier. Good for him.
64. The Presidents of the United States of America “Peaches” - Obnoxious song.
65. Digital Underground “The Humpty Dance” - A group that was better than this novelty made them out to be.
66. Edwin McCain “I’ll Be” - I don't think I know this song.
67. Deee-Lite “Groove Is In The Heart” - Very good dance song. Played this a lot at fraternity parties.
68. Will Smith “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” - He should have stuck with acting at this point.
69. Korn “Freak on a Leash” - Waste of space.
70. Jamiroquai “Virtual Insanity” - This guy might have been the next Stevie Wonder.
71. Arrested Development “Tennessee” - As overplayed as this was, I really liked this song back then. Still do.
72. Barenaked Ladies “One Week” - Shitty song from a good band. They do great live shows.
73. Marcy Playground “Sex and Candy” - You sound like Kurt Cobain? Cool, let's do a song.
74. Cher “Believe” - I actually have a story for this. A couple of years after this came out, my family went to Ireland to visit with Saint Eileen's cousins. On the first two nights, we stayed at the house of a man who worked for my stepdad, The Organ Grinder. While riding back from a Pub in his car, the host began to play this album. He asked the Drunk Mick and myself about how Cher's music was perceived in our country. We lied to him, telling him that her music was considered borderline genious and that she was a virtuoso to boot.
75. Kris Kross “Jump” - Another catchy hip hop song.
Mo' Music Mo' Problems
26. Eminem “My Name Is” - I liked this song. Video was very funny. Unfortunately, this artists who seemed like he had a sense of humor turned out to be a guy who couldn't take jokes aimed at him. What a waste.
27. Counting Crows “Mr. Jones” - See last post.
28. Ricky Martin “Livin’ la Vida Loca” - Obnoxious song.
29. Vanilla Ice “Ice Ice Baby” - If you like the novelty of a white rapper, please try some with chops (Beastie Boys, 3rd Bass, MC Paul Barman)
30. *NSYNC “Tearin’ Up My Heart” - I wouldn't know this song if it bit me on my ass.
31. Radiohead “Creep” - Cool debut by a very talented group. Glad they elevated themselves past MTV's flavor of the year.
2. BLACKstreet “No Diggity” - Again, I don't know this song.
33. Spice Girls “Wannabe” - I liked red haired spice.
34. Third Eye Blind “Semi-Charmed Life” - How many movies used this in their trailers?
35. Oasis “Wonderwall” - Hate Oasis. Hate, hate, hatidy hate them.
36. C+C Music Factory “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” - Another lip sinc favorite at the college.
37. Green Day “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” - I'm thanking goodness that they didn't sell out after this cross-over hit like other groups (I'm talking to you No Doubt).
38. Christina Aguilera “Genie In A Bottle” - Yawn.
39. Goo Goo Dolls “Iris” - Yeah, they sold out.
40. Color Me Badd “I Wanna Sex You Up” - Catchy.
41. Spin Doctors “Two Princes” - It's too bad these guys got the hype that other deserving bands of their ilk could have.
42. Collective Soul “Shine” - Wish I could forget it.
43. En Vogue “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” - These gals had class, chops and great producers. They should have been more successful than they were.
44. The Fugees “Killing Me Softly With His Song” - Remake. Boooring.
45. Hootie & the Blowfish “Only Wanna Be With You” - Nice enough guys. Wasn't a fan.
46. Shania Twain “You’re Still the One” - I hate new country.
47. Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch “Good Vibrations” - Please, God, no.
48. Matchbox Twenty “3 AM” - Should have focused on their music more than their haircuts.
49. Jewel “Who Will Save Your Soul” - Not a Jewel fan.
50. Alice in Chains “Man in the Box” - They said shit on the radio!
27. Counting Crows “Mr. Jones” - See last post.
28. Ricky Martin “Livin’ la Vida Loca” - Obnoxious song.
29. Vanilla Ice “Ice Ice Baby” - If you like the novelty of a white rapper, please try some with chops (Beastie Boys, 3rd Bass, MC Paul Barman)
30. *NSYNC “Tearin’ Up My Heart” - I wouldn't know this song if it bit me on my ass.
31. Radiohead “Creep” - Cool debut by a very talented group. Glad they elevated themselves past MTV's flavor of the year.
2. BLACKstreet “No Diggity” - Again, I don't know this song.
33. Spice Girls “Wannabe” - I liked red haired spice.
34. Third Eye Blind “Semi-Charmed Life” - How many movies used this in their trailers?
35. Oasis “Wonderwall” - Hate Oasis. Hate, hate, hatidy hate them.
36. C+C Music Factory “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” - Another lip sinc favorite at the college.
37. Green Day “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” - I'm thanking goodness that they didn't sell out after this cross-over hit like other groups (I'm talking to you No Doubt).
38. Christina Aguilera “Genie In A Bottle” - Yawn.
39. Goo Goo Dolls “Iris” - Yeah, they sold out.
40. Color Me Badd “I Wanna Sex You Up” - Catchy.
41. Spin Doctors “Two Princes” - It's too bad these guys got the hype that other deserving bands of their ilk could have.
42. Collective Soul “Shine” - Wish I could forget it.
43. En Vogue “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” - These gals had class, chops and great producers. They should have been more successful than they were.
44. The Fugees “Killing Me Softly With His Song” - Remake. Boooring.
45. Hootie & the Blowfish “Only Wanna Be With You” - Nice enough guys. Wasn't a fan.
46. Shania Twain “You’re Still the One” - I hate new country.
47. Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch “Good Vibrations” - Please, God, no.
48. Matchbox Twenty “3 AM” - Should have focused on their music more than their haircuts.
49. Jewel “Who Will Save Your Soul” - Not a Jewel fan.
50. Alice in Chains “Man in the Box” - They said shit on the radio!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Mr. Jones and Galoot
In regard to the 90's music list....
I only posted on the top 25. "Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows wound up later on the list. I do have a memory of this that I want to share. At my college, lip synching competitions reigned supreme during homecoming and Greek Week activities. My fraternity had a pretty good track record of wins, including:
I only posted on the top 25. "Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows wound up later on the list. I do have a memory of this that I want to share. At my college, lip synching competitions reigned supreme during homecoming and Greek Week activities. My fraternity had a pretty good track record of wins, including:
- "YMCA" - In full costume.
- "ABC" by Jackson 5 - performed by my African American brothers, a.k.a. Delta Sig Dark
- "Thing" - Aretha Franklin - I was in this one as Elwood Blues.
Smells Like A Memory List...
Both In Java & R have posted their recollections of these songs from the nineties. Let's see, I started the decade as a high school senior and ended it engaged and about to be married. Should be fun...
01. Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – I remember picking up the disc on the same day I bought Uncle Tupelo's "Still Feel Gone". I probably got them both at Streetside Records in Columbia, Missouri. I think "Polly" was my favorite song, but despite it's constant video airings on MTV, I wouldn't skip this track.
02. U2 “One” – I wasn't crazy about this song, or much of U2's output in this decade. Sadly, I remember the Ben Stiller Show on Fox spoofing the video. The band (Stiller as Bono, Bob Odenkirk as Larry Mullen Jr. and Andy Dick as Adam Clayton) hawked "Lucky Clovers" cereal.
03. Backstreet Boys "I Want It That Way" - It took my future wife to recognize a pretty good pop song. Maybe they didn't suck that bad.
04. Whitney Houston “I Will Always Love You” – I pretty much switched the stations when this came on.
05. Madonna “Vogue” – Good song. Good video. Good lord Madonna never looked so good.
06. Sir Mix-A-Lot “Baby Got Back” – I remember a lot of people being turned on to hip-hop with this one. In a bad way.
07. Britney Spears “…Baby One More Time” - This was the last video where she wore clothes that didn't accentuate the weirder parts of her body (a linebacker's neck, for instance).
08. TLC “Waterfalls” – How many of you got tested for H.I.V. after seeing this video. Catchy tune about catching sickness.
9. R.E.M. “Losing My Religion” – I skipped "Out of Time" and picked up again with "Automatic For The People". Probably inspired a lot of folks to try mandolin.
10. Sinéad O’Connor “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Really good song. Compelling video.
11. Pearl Jam “Jeremy” – I think Jeremy shot himself and not the rest of his class. What do you think?
12. Alanis Morissette “You Oughta Know” – I remember girls in grad school at parties, huddling up to sing along when this came on. Kind of like they used to when the Violent Femmes would come on at a party. Ironically, with more violent undertones.
13. Dr. Dre (featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg) “Nuthin’ but a “G” Thang” – I probably remember this one because of the sample and not what they did with it.
14. Mariah Carey “Vision of Love” – Last pop record I bought for myself. If she had married me, she would have been Mariah Barry.
15. Red Hot Chili Peppers “Under the Bridge” – Really good song. I dare say I like their introspective stuff more than their white-boy rap, goofball shit.
16. MC Hammer “U Can’t Touch This” – Another tune that turned white kids onto "hip-hop"
17. Destiny’s Child “Say My Name” - I have no recollection of this song. Beyonce is a hack.
18. Metallica “Enter Sandman” - Overplayed. Way overplayed. Brought them a new audience. Good for them.
19. Beastie Boys “Sabotage” - A video that MTV overplayed that I loved! Good song. Lots of moshers emerged from the crowd at Lollapalooza 1994 for this one.
20. Hanson “MMMBop” - Crap.
21. Celine Dion “My Heart Will Go On” - Shit.
22. Beck “Loser” - The shit.
23. Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue “Whatta Man” - The shiznit.
24. House of Pain “Jump Around” - Good for getting the college kids out on the dance floor.
25. Soundgarden “Black Hole Sun” - Underrated band for sure. These fellas got lumped in with the Seattle sound. They were better than a label. I mean, listen to their stuff..
01. Nirvana “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – I remember picking up the disc on the same day I bought Uncle Tupelo's "Still Feel Gone". I probably got them both at Streetside Records in Columbia, Missouri. I think "Polly" was my favorite song, but despite it's constant video airings on MTV, I wouldn't skip this track.
02. U2 “One” – I wasn't crazy about this song, or much of U2's output in this decade. Sadly, I remember the Ben Stiller Show on Fox spoofing the video. The band (Stiller as Bono, Bob Odenkirk as Larry Mullen Jr. and Andy Dick as Adam Clayton) hawked "Lucky Clovers" cereal.
03. Backstreet Boys "I Want It That Way" - It took my future wife to recognize a pretty good pop song. Maybe they didn't suck that bad.
04. Whitney Houston “I Will Always Love You” – I pretty much switched the stations when this came on.
05. Madonna “Vogue” – Good song. Good video. Good lord Madonna never looked so good.
06. Sir Mix-A-Lot “Baby Got Back” – I remember a lot of people being turned on to hip-hop with this one. In a bad way.
07. Britney Spears “…Baby One More Time” - This was the last video where she wore clothes that didn't accentuate the weirder parts of her body (a linebacker's neck, for instance).
08. TLC “Waterfalls” – How many of you got tested for H.I.V. after seeing this video. Catchy tune about catching sickness.
9. R.E.M. “Losing My Religion” – I skipped "Out of Time" and picked up again with "Automatic For The People". Probably inspired a lot of folks to try mandolin.
10. Sinéad O’Connor “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Really good song. Compelling video.
11. Pearl Jam “Jeremy” – I think Jeremy shot himself and not the rest of his class. What do you think?
12. Alanis Morissette “You Oughta Know” – I remember girls in grad school at parties, huddling up to sing along when this came on. Kind of like they used to when the Violent Femmes would come on at a party. Ironically, with more violent undertones.
13. Dr. Dre (featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg) “Nuthin’ but a “G” Thang” – I probably remember this one because of the sample and not what they did with it.
14. Mariah Carey “Vision of Love” – Last pop record I bought for myself. If she had married me, she would have been Mariah Barry.
15. Red Hot Chili Peppers “Under the Bridge” – Really good song. I dare say I like their introspective stuff more than their white-boy rap, goofball shit.
16. MC Hammer “U Can’t Touch This” – Another tune that turned white kids onto "hip-hop"
17. Destiny’s Child “Say My Name” - I have no recollection of this song. Beyonce is a hack.
18. Metallica “Enter Sandman” - Overplayed. Way overplayed. Brought them a new audience. Good for them.
19. Beastie Boys “Sabotage” - A video that MTV overplayed that I loved! Good song. Lots of moshers emerged from the crowd at Lollapalooza 1994 for this one.
20. Hanson “MMMBop” - Crap.
21. Celine Dion “My Heart Will Go On” - Shit.
22. Beck “Loser” - The shit.
23. Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue “Whatta Man” - The shiznit.
24. House of Pain “Jump Around” - Good for getting the college kids out on the dance floor.
25. Soundgarden “Black Hole Sun” - Underrated band for sure. These fellas got lumped in with the Seattle sound. They were better than a label. I mean, listen to their stuff..
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Weekend Update
Some random thoughts on the weekend:
- Degrassi has turned really crappy as of late. 90210 crappy. Characters just out of high school who are running their own businesses crappy. Crap, crap, crappy.
- The commercial with the guy getting ready to buy a big tv, who then gets his hand slapped by the dude in the pig make up - creeps me out. If you haven't seen it, please don't seek it out.
- The kiddoes were playing really well together this weekend. A lot of make-believe stuff. It was fun to watch them. GalootJr. was doing great in the mall to boot. Didn't take off once!
- We upgraded to an HD package on our main tv. Holy shit the picture is clear! Our locals from Buffalo don't come in HD through our system, but we get to see a lot of our favorites (Discovery, ESPN, TNT, etc.). I'll get to see some Kentucky games crystal clear.
- Miley Cyrus seems to be channeling Reba for her sitcom skills. Reba's sitcom skills suck. Miley Cyrus is channeling suck.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Turd's-Day Thirteen
The blogosphere welcomed another Unexpected Guest today with the addition of my good friend, The Viking Slacker 0r Slacker Viking. Whatever. This is a Turd's Day Thirteen list dedicated to him because he is the shit.
Thirteen Things You Don't Need To Know About The Vicking Slacker Slacker Viking:
Thirteen Things You Don't Need To Know About The Vicking Slacker Slacker Viking:
- He is a surrogate uncle to PGirl and GalootJr. They love him unconditionally, even when he smells of the smoke.
- One of the few doodles I have done in my adult years was a mocking one of him when we were rehearsing for "12 Angry Men". When I passed it to him, it was the first time that I busted his balls in a long standing fued of cracks.
- He's a bass player. "His playing is so sweet, I'm getting chubby."
- His hairstyle often alternates between mohawk and stubble. Rarely longer....
- He is a serious gamer.
- He often portrays eccentric old men or eccentric young boys in our improv shows.
- He throws New Years parties pretty well.
- He works with me at the Arts Council.
- He doesn't drink beer.
- He drives an Oldsmobile that sounds like a hot rod.
- He loves Kids In The Hall.
- He loves Frisky Dingo.
- He might love you.
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