MUSIC FOR YOU TO ENJOY: VOL 2

Hello Friends,  here is the second entry to the incredibly well-received "Music For You to Enjoy" section of the blog.

To me, the following two songs carry a similar message.  They sort of convey a view of escapism.  The first song confesses "I keep holding on...waiting for the sun.  I keep holding on...waiting for the light...".  I think that towards the latter half of this winter, we all can't wait for spring.  Whether it's the Red Sox, or just the mild weather in general, the literal message of the chorus definitely applies.  Though these same lyrics can carry a deeper introspective message that screams of "keeping the faith and waiting for better days".  Either way, I think this song is great and the chorus is one that may stay in your head all day.  Without further nonsense, I give you The Shore-Waiting for the Sun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrBRLkiPM64


The next song is by Thriving Ivory. You may know this song.  But if you don't, you should.  "Don't tell me if I'm dying, cause I don't wanna know.  If I can't see the sun, then maybe I should go.  Don't wake me cause I'm dreaming...of angels on the moon..."  Without hearing the music that accompanies these lyrics, it might appear sorrowful.  But the song has a sweeping, epic, uplifting style about it.   This kid's voice is unlike most.  If you heard one of your friend's trying to sing like this, you'd probably tell him it sounds awful.  But this guy has such a unique sound and it meshes perfectly with the music.  Hope you like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWcXuu16ttc

WHAT TO DO IN FEBRUARY: PART 2

I will say this about a miserable winter: it gives me reason to get things done for work.  Feeling productive is always a good thing.  But being productive for work is only so exciting.  The mind tends to wander.  I think about palm trees and golf and grass and other fun things I haven't experienced in a long time.  Here are some other crazy and not so crazy things to try and/or think about in the dead of winter:

-play racquetball- Great workout, but somewhat dangerous.  If you aren't that good yet, there's a chance you could get smashed in the skull by your opponent's racquet. And there's always a decent shot of a rubber ball rocketing into one of yours.

-Cook- I'm trying to become a good cook on the grill.  I cook homemade burgers, steak tips, chicken, sausages, and even salmon on the grill.  But in case you didn't know, the grill is outside.  I am very intimidated by the oven/stove combination and to be honest, I didn't know which was which until very recently.

-Go to the Gym- I don't like the gym.  I love being active but I only enjoy sports that involves throwing, catching, or kicking a ball.  Solution?  I purchased the Perfect Sit Up machine.  I like it and I do find it easy to use, but my God is this thing awkward looking.  If it didn't say Perfect Sit Up in huge letters, you would think it was a contraption from a Swedish Porno-not that I watch Swedish Porn.

-Here's an idea I heard on Felger and Mazz:  Push the NFL season back by one month.  When the NFL kicks off, it's usually the first or second Sunday in September.  For a lot of people, this is still the summer.  We aren't as dependent on football yet.  We can go in the pool, go to the beach, go to a cookout, and do a number of outdoor things.  If the season started towards the end of September, the Super Bowl wouldn't be until the week before President's Day.  How great would it be to know that today (February 8th), we still had a big game to look forward to?  Any true football fan would enjoy this.

-Buy a Car- President's Day sales are here because people are antcy, they've been in hibernation, and they want to DO something.  Why not buy a car?  The new car smell alone will make you think you're in a rental vehicle in a warmer climate.

-Play Pool With Some Friends- I don't have a joke or an interesting comment here.  I just think it's a good idea.

-Have a Baby-I realize you have to plan ahead on this one for the kid to actually come out in February.  My wife's parents had her in February  and that turned out pretty nice.  So I get to buy her presents and give her a special day one week after Valentine's Day.  Speaking of Valentine's Day: it's stupid.

Anybody have any better ideas?

WHAT TO DO IN FEBRUARY: Part 1

If you are reading this blog entry from New England, you get it.  It's freezing.  It's so cold that  you don't even want to wake up, or change out of your pajamas, or sit on a toilet, or take a shower, or get in your car and actually move enough to put on your seat belt.  I don't have to sit here and tell you that there's a lot of snow out there, but just look at it.  It's not going anywhere.  It's black and dirty.  Those shitty chunks that fall out of the wheel wells and undercarriages of vehicles are all over the road.  And speaking of roads, it's like car-slalom out there with these potholes.  And can you hear that noise in the distance that sounds like a bomb about to drop?  That's the resale value of our salt-covered vehicles plummeting due to this winter wear and tear.  But I'm being hypocritical because I'm sick of people talking about snow.  It's like going to a stranger for your haircut in the middle of a heatwave and having them say "hot enough for ya??"  I've always hated that.  I've had the same barber for years so I don't have this problem, but whenever I hear the obligatory weather convo starter at the barber shop, my toes crinkle up and I cough awkwardly. 
OK,  I've said my piece about the snow.  It's here.  It sucks.  I don't ski.  I don't skate.  And I'm too old to sled.  And this is the worst time of year for sports.  It's no coincidence that Sports Illustrated puts out the swimsuit issue in February.  The Super Bowl is over and March Madness is in, well...March.  So what's a young man like myself supposed to do besides pretend like I care about American Idol?  I have a few ideas...stay tuned...

THE SUPER BOWL: SECOND ONLY TO CHRISTMAS?

I've always felt that an accurate way to define American society was through the celebration of holidays.  We can learn so much about religion, economy, tradition, entertainment, values, and other sociological identifiers by stepping back, observing, and comparing holidays over time.  It is my contention that Super Bowl Sunday has turned into perhaps the second most popular holiday in America, trailing only Christmas. 
If we look at the sheer amount of human beings that somehow celebrate the Super Bowl (and by celebrating, all I mean is being aware and contributing to the event-which in this case involves turning on your television and acknowledging the festivities), the volume that contributes to this day on an American, and even global scale, beats out holidays like Easter, Independence Day, New Year's Eve, and other lesser recognized holidays easily.  You're questioning Easter?  Well, if you don't have children under age 9 the Bunny doesn't apply to you.  And oh by the way if you aren't very religious and/or you don't have a lot of family, then Easter Sunday becomes just another day. 
This brings us to Thanksgiving.  If you look at the factors that make up the magnitude of a big holiday, several apply to Turkey Day.  First, religion doesn't limit the number of folks who celebrate Thanksgiving.  Next we look at economy.  It can be argued that between the jam packed grocery stores leading up to Thanksgiving AND the ultra-famous Black Friday combined allow this holiday to rival Christmas in terms of spending.  Here's where Thanksgiving takes a hit:  it is strictly an American holiday.  Even those in Canada don't technically celebrate it.  So while Thanksgiving probably slightly overpowers the Super Bowl in our country, on a global level it's not even close.  You want proof?  check out how many countries broadcast the Super Bowl.  The worldwide television ratings alone show us that the Super Bowl impacts more people than Thanksgiving.  It's not even close from this aspect.
Admittedly, Christmas is King.  Yes, it is predominantly a Christian holiday.  But the gift giving, the Santa Claus, the songs, the LEGNTH of the season, and the collective world wide celebration in one way or another is untouchable.  So let's not even go here.
This brings us to the Super Bowl again.  Let's look at our major factors:  Religion does not apply so it doesn't limit any particular participant.  The economy is hugely impacted.  Food, liquor, Vegas, the COMMERCIALS, and other spending is off the charts.  Tradition definitely applies.  Yes it has evolved into so much more than a game, but the tradition of football, Sunday, et cetera has not changed.  I can't see a lot in the way of values.  Maybe some people watch it with family I guess, but other holidays trump the Super Bowl here. 
My point here is this:  The popularity of the NFL is at an all time high.  The impact on our American society/economy alone is beyond enormous.  And the Super Bowl, an unofficial holiday, has turned itself into something second only to the birth of Jesus Christ.  And there might not be a season next year due to a labor dispute between owners and players.  Billionaires versus millionaires.  Our struggling economy would take a hit that it cannot withstand right now.  Middle to lower class America needs the NFL and its grand finale-Super Bowl Sunday.
Here's hoping that if Arlen Specter (a senior senator from Pennsylvania in the Federal Government) can get involved for "Spygate", I hope that the most powerful country in the world can step up and make sure we have football next year too.

MUSIC FOR YOU TO ENJOY: VOL. 1

These are some songs that I really like that are not on the radio.  Most of us live in a technologically dependent world now so it's fairly easy to access millions of songs.  With itunes, Rhapsody, myspace, Pandora, and more, we are constantly exposed to new music from lesser known artists.  TV soundtracks have also grown increasingly popular.  When I was younger, I enjoyed listening to radio late at night, searching Napster, MTV.com or other obscure websites to track down new music.  I learned that the majority of great music out there never even makes it to radio.  It was up to us to discover it as true music fans.  Like I said, in today's day and age, it's easier to hear more music-which is great.  But still, there is so much out there that is yet to be enjoyed by most of us.  Here are a few youtube links to songs and artists that I really like. 

This is a track from Jon Foreman.  Jon's the lead singer of the band Switchfoot.  This song, "The Cure For Pain", shows a different side of the frontman.  This acoustic song contains heartfelt lyrics while incorporating subtle horns and background vocals that really add to the sound.  It's a true departure from the Switchfoot singles most people know from the radio.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M-_sZIh2cQ


This next song is by an artist named Ari Hest.  I first heard Ari back in one of those headphone listening booths in the old Tower Records in Burlington.  He has a very cool, unique voice and his writing is very creative.  He has grown with every album he has released and he's also a great live performer.  This particular track, I've always felt, would be great as the soundtrack to an important scene in a psycholigical thriller.  What I like about Ari is that almost every song has its own identity.  Notice the production in this sound.  His vocals start off recorded with a distinctly low-fi sound and the song eventually evolves into a clear multi-instrumental, harmony-filled gem.  (sidenote:  this is the best sounding version I could find on youtube.  don't blame me OR Ari Hest for the creepy anime cartoon figures on top of each other.  thanks.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_gzUbmHKjc

If you don't like these two songs, fear not.  Keep an open mind and I will post more in the future.

Live Like You Were Living

Live Like You Were Dying is a crazy thing to say.

It's what Tim McGraw said after Tug passed away.

Laughing, loving, splashing in the waves,

like Ben Franklin said, let's sleep when we get to our graves.

If I lived like I was dying I know I'd be sad.

I'd be stuck reminiscing about all the good times I had.

"Live Forever" is what I like to pretend.

For those that I love I don't picture the end.

Live like you were living and  take away the pain.

If we worry about the bad things there's nothing left to gain.

I'm not sure I'd be ok if I lived like I was dying.

I just think I'd sit in my room and do a lof of crying.

Kiss your wife and hug your kids and give your dog a bone.

Cherish your friends and all those around you and never be alone.

Make every day count and do the little things right.

And even if it doesn't snow, may all your Christmases be white.

Sing your favorite song in a karaoke bar.

Roll the windows down and smile in your car.

Be sure to take in sunsets.  Always enjoy the views.

And if you still read the paper, search for some good news.

There are more than a million things we can do to make us smile.

So make a difference in this world, enjoy yourself, and stay here for a while.

Thoughts I Had While Snow Blowing...

I think it would be fun to have a tv show with a caucasian man and and an Asian man.  They would constantly have moral dilemmas to deal with and they would also be debate team rivals.  The name of this show would be called "White Against Wong".  Or, "Knowing White from Wong".  Or we could completely change the concept of the show and make it about a Chinese woman who has the hots for a white guy but they are stuck in "best friend mode".  In this case we could call the show "If Loving You is White, I Don't Wanna be Wong".  Or maybe not.

If someone says "off the record..." before the next sentence, does that mean they can say anything they want and it's ok?  Like, "off the record...I killed a guy."  Where do we draw the line here?

SEVERELY OVERRATED FAMOUS PEOPLE

I'd like to discuss a few people that I feel get free passes in life, mostly in terms of their professions.  For most of us, these are less than ideal economic times.  These are the days when I get especially angry at those who make a shit load of money for not doing a whole lot.  Not only do they not do a whole lot, but they're pretty much admired.  It drives me crazy.  I may even expand on this topic in later blogs as more dickheads come to mind.

Andy Richter:
Andy is Conan O'Brien's sidekick.  He's not even the announcer (like Ed Mcmahon was for Johnny), he doesn't do too much during Conan's monologue, and he's not even on camera when Conan's interviewing a guest.  I'm sure he writes jokes and contributes to skits and things like that, but I'm pretty sure he makes a shit ton of money to basically just laugh at Conan and talk when he feels like it.  Who could not do this??  I admit, I used to like Andy.  I thought he was a nice touch on the old show.  Then Andy left to pursue his own acting career, failed in two sitcoms, and had a few small parts in movies (children's book writer in Elf).  Then Andy boomeranged back to Conan after failing on his own and now he can relax again.  Guaranteed he's making at least 250,000 dollars. 

Guy Fieri:
Or as he calls himself "Guy Fee-eddy".  I have to be clear on this one: Guy is a world-class chef so I am in no way attacking his cooking skills.  Basically, I'm jealous of this guy.  On "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" (which I love by the way) this GUY (haha) gets to tour the country in search of really awesome foods at really cool restaurants.  He literally goes into the kitchen where the chef tells him how to make the featured food.  Every episode-without fail, Guy will dip his finger into the dish while it's being made, list off the ingredients to sound smart, stare at the camera as if to tell us "This guy's CRAZY!  He just put STRAWBERRIES in the MEATLOAF!  No WAY this is gonna taste good!" then sure enough it's the craziest, best meatloaf he's ever tried.  Every goddamn time.  Every episode's the same, just with different food.  I don't hate Guy.  I just think that most food loving people could go on vacation, try food, and enjoy doing it. 

Randy Jackson:
Of all of the judges that have ever been on American Idol, how is this the only person still on the show??  Is it because he's black?  Paula was sort of black and she's gone.  The contestants don't care what he says.  They never did.  Let's be clear: Simon was the king.  But even the other crappy judges said something quotable once in a while.  Randy we get it:  you say dawg and yo a lot.  And you often call women dudes.  That's his shtick...genius.  And don't tell me that he's more than that because he played guitar in Journey for a while and also produces some songs.  Randy would be absolutely nothing without this show.  He would play a shitty guitar and gain 200 pounds again.  By the way he  makes over a million dollars.  This one really stings me and hopefully the rest of middle class America.

Tambourine Players:
I've always been enamored that they let these people be part of the band.  And it's always the same thing at the concert.  This guy proves to the audience that he's so much more than just a tambourine shaker.  "Wow the tambourine guy just picked up the woodblock!  Don't even tell me he knows how to hit a bongo during a slow song...he's so versataile!"

Ben Roethlesberger:
And if I spelled his name wrong, I did it because I want to disrespect him.  How is he in the discussion of all time greats?  Stop counting rings and look at his defenses, his running games, his offensive lines, his receivers, his attempts per game, his qb ratings, his Super Bowl numbers, his face, and his rape charges. If Trent Dilfer had a better offense around him in Baltimore, apparently he's an all time great too.

Goo Goo Dolls, John Mellancamp, Tina Turner, modern-day Bob Dylan, and others.  I just don't understand the fascination.

The Bookface: Status Issues

I hate how on Facebook people say the most obvious things in the world.  Things that lack any original thought, information, or entertainment make me wonder why the people type the things they type.
These typically fall into categories like days of the week, weather, physical condition, or a meaningless activity.  Here are a few that bother me:

"I HATE Mondays"
Oh really??  I thought you LOVED Mondays!  Thanks to your status update, I know that's not the case now.

"Fridayyyyyyyyyyy beer time and party time woo yeah!"
Why the extension on words that involve excitement?  Just let the exclamation point do its job. And again, it's Friday all over the world.  You're not solving any days-of-the-week mysteries here.

"Seriously? More Snow???"
Yes.  More snow.  You already know and so do I.  Why do you have to type this?  It's not like it's warm and sunny where I am and your little house is getting rocked by an extremely isolated blizzard.  We're in this together so just relax.

"My head is killing me."
Why do people always say this?  Why can't these same Negative Nancys tell us when they feel fine?  If they're going to bitch about a pounding skull then I'd like these same folks to bring some positivity every now and then like "boy does my head feel nice today!"  Even things out a bit.

"Ice Cream and jumping jacks then bed."
Not only is this a horrible way to spend the latter part of your evening, it's also completely irrelevant to anyone who doesn't live in your house.  If this is the stuff you find important and news worthy in your life then that sucks for you.  I'd want to hear something like "my baby just said Dad for the first time, I saw a bear in my back yard, and my nephew got into Harvard.  Now I'm going to bed."  Now THAT'S a status update!

JEANS AREN'T JUST JEANS ANYMORE

I'm amazed at the things that consume my life.  I have a job.  I have a home.  I'm 30.  I have a woman.  I have a lot of adult-ish things that need to be done.  Yet here I am completely stressed out about the length of my jeans.  For a few years now, I have worn 34W 30L jeans and I always felt pretty right in those sizes.  But since about Christmas, the 30L isn't doing it.  My socks are constantly exposed and I feel like a damn fool.  Did I grow since the holidays?  I'm 30 years old so I doubt that's the case.  But something happened and it's taking over who I am.  Denim owns my soul!
So today I worked up the courage to convince myself to buy some big boy pants-a.k.a. 34W 32L!  YAY CHRIS!  I spent the majority of the short New England daylight in 2 Express for Men stores and 2 Banana Republics.  I find myself trying to act extra masculine and extra straight when I browse around in these stores.  Am I stereotyping? Yes, unfortunately.  But here's the thing:  I like gay people of all sorts.  And frankly, I wouldn't really care if other shoppers in these stores thought me gay either.  So now that I've established that, I really don't have a good reason why I try to appear non-gay in these stores.  In one of the stores, a small man briskly walked up to me with a scarf on and a telemarketer's headset and emphatically told me about the 2 for one jeans sale.  He asked me if I needed help and I said "nah...I'm good" like a linebacker.  I'm an idiot.
Anyhow, I tried on a few pairs of jeans and I finally pulled the trigger on Express's Kingston loose fit boot cut easy rise ball hug dark wash sand blast denim fade style.  Or, as I like to call them, the comfortable navy blue jeans that hid all of my socks.  I returned home at nightfall and I was tired.  I was completely worn out by an unproductive Saturday that only led to me buying pants that hide my socks.  I promise that future blogs will involve production and excitement.  I also hate ladies that drive and walk in malls without truly thinking about those around them.  Sometimes I wonder if I'm the asshole.  Maybe you can decide after you read more of my blogs.  Maybe you'll realize that, if you find yourself thinking some of the things that I think, we're both assholes.  Hopefully the people I write about are the assholes and you and me are smart, thoughtful, cool people who just finally found a nice medium to bitch about things that we don't like.