Song of the Year #4: Flo Rida - Right Round + Bonus Video

Happy New Years Eve Everyone!

Yes this one hit number one for 6 weeks. My only qualm is the heavy sampling done. I am weird about sampling. If done right then I won't mind. All I could think of when I hear this song was he's sampling Dead Or Alive "You Spin me Right Round." Whereas when Rihanna sampled Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Starting Something" on "Don't stop the Music," I initially heard the sample but didn't care and love the song. Weird, I know.



Oh and if you have never seen or heard Dead or Alive... glory in his hair!

My latest acquisition!

I'm sure I did not adhere to any Ferengi Rules of Acquisition, but then again I'm not Ferengi.

Now that I put my Geek-hat away, let me don my Goth-hat on. I'm not really Goth but I had my moment in High School. I would wear all black, I was dark and brooding. I dabbled in the occult (still do.)

The most I got out of it though was the music. The Cure was a staple for any who wanted to get into Goth, it was like a beginners' handbook. For the 90s NIN, though not considered goth, added to my dark nature. Then, there's Siouxsie. I admit I did not listen to her until quite a bit later. Say ten years ago. I went through a bad patch then and though I was not wearing black all the time, my mood was there. My music got darker and angry again. I knew about Siouxsie and the Banshees back in high school but for some reason missed out. I think it may be because I was listening to more male artist back then and only started listening to female artists a little later.
I bought CD but I never bought any Siouxsie CDs.
Years pass... I'm not listening to a whole lot of dark music. In fact, I think I'm leaning to Dance again, but I had to buy this on Itunes. Maybe its the compelling cover art, the eyes telling me I must buy this, maybe there is a darkness inside me that is coming out again. Nevertheless, Siouxsie is now a part of my collection and I'm all the better for it.

Song of the Year #3: Black Eye Peas - I Gotta Feeling

This is the other song from the Black Eye Peas that hit number one. I actually had to warm up to this one, I was listening to "Imma Be" at this point.

Song of the Year #2: Black Eye Peas - Boom Boom Pow

Black Eye Peas dominated the number one spot for half the year. Yeah I wanted the CD so bad I borrowed my brother-in-law's copy and ripped it onto Itunes. Don't you love technology.

Song of the Year #1: Lady Gaga - Just Dance

With the year winding down, I figured I would show the top songs of 2009 before New Years Day. Lady Gaga's "Just Dance" was number one for three weeks with "Poker Face" spending one week.

The Holidays and the Feeling I am Being Watched

The holidays can be such a trying time for people. The manic shopping, the snow (for some areas), the traveling, the mass of people that congregate in one house for a full day.

When I met my guy I knew he had a better relationship with his family than I do mine. His mother is one of many children and each of them has their own family, but each holiday it can be guaranteed that there can be four generations of that family in the house. On top of that, my guy's step-father can have an equal amount of generations among his family in the household as well. A large, extensive and diverse family to say the least.

One distinction this family has is my guy's step-father is South African. And eventhough he lives here, some of his family still lives in South Africa. This season, we met his nephew and his nephew's girlfriend. We made our introductions. I was refered to as his "partner" which is fine for me, but my guy had to make the correction "husband." Mixed company is hard to gauge, but my guy smashes the gauge and tosses it out the window. Okay so awkwardness aside, we got to talking in the family setting we do, which is everyone discuss whatever, we are all adults and family so we can say what we feel. What's happening to the game that is on the TV, how has everybody been, anecdotes and jokes.

All through that, the nephew's girlfriend was staring at me. I thought it was a fluke, maybe she was paying attention to what I said, but it wasn't conversational attention, it felt like a stare. I'm usually not paranoid about these things, but I just had that itching feeling that i was being watched. Eventhough, I know we are among family and i shouldn't feel this way, I just could not shake the feeling. So while conversing, I would glance at her every once in a while and there she was staring at me. When I was actually talking to her, the little I did, she was watching me very closely. Do I have something on my face?! Her boyfriend was okay. He was normally talking and I did not have that weird feeling.

With the possibility of homophobia/ignorance, I thought maybe it was because we were gay. Is she staring at my guy? Or is she staring at everyone? Nope just me. Great it's not homophobia, it's because I'm brown. For a good several hours I had to deal with her scrutiny. I talked to my guy, she's watching me. I talk to his mom, she's staring at me. I talk to my man's step-father, she's watching. I talk to her, she was boring holes into my head.

The level of casualness and civility with mixed company was properly maintained. Amazing how adult we all are considering the childishness us 30somethings can assume. Of course, brother-in-law and stepbrother-in-law gets the brunt of my jokes as do I with theirs. After a while, she slacked off on the staring. After all, I talked to her as I would talk to anyone in that room.

Was she uncomfortable since there was another race in the room? Probably. Should she be, no. But it made me slightly uncomfortable being stared at. And besides it's rude. I wanted to say "take a picture, it'll last longer." Again, I'm not paranoid when it comes to racism, but I always get thrown off when it comes up personally, since it happens so infrequently in my life.

Afterward, I told my man about this and he got all flustered about why I did not tell him. I told him that it was minor compared to the joy we were having with the family. And that's what the season is about, time with friends and family and to put aside pretenses. If there was some prejudice/racism/ignorance on her part, hopefully she learned a little something from our family.

Song of the Day (Work Edition): Bjork - It's Oh So Quiet

While the warehouses are more than likely abuzz with last minute shopping before Christmas, my group is rather quiet. To commemorate this lull:

Song of the Day (Holiday Edition) : Jimmy Fallon and the Muppets - The Twelve Days of Christmas

It's almost here are you all ready?! I love the Holiday Spirit.

Song of the Day (Holiday Edition): Trans Siberian Orchestra - Carol of the Bells.

This vid has been around a while but it's still really cool to look at.

Math Alert!

I was asked to make a math equation for a friend's birthday cake... simple enough. It's just an exercise in reduction. No muss. No fuss. Can you figure it out?

The Flooding of Lake Costco

Yes, it's drizzly and gray here in the Seattle area, but we normally do not flood much. However, every year our man made lake at my corporate offices always flood. During the summer people can walk around the lake, enjoy the sunny nice day, but at winter time the path is underwater and actually becomes part of the lake. Recently, we had a cold snap that froze the lake and made the water level recede. However, the parts of the path that were still underwater were icy. The rain returned and most of the path is submerged again.


The other day that barricade was on dry ground, the water is now three feet passed the barricade. I still love that sign back there that says "Caution Wet Pavement May Be Slippery."

Don't be fooled by the illusion, the base of the lamppost is underwater a few feet from the grass line.

The little grassy hillside is super saturated, i could not get close enough to this bench without possibly slipping.

another bench pretty much submerged. If you can get to it, it may be a relaxing bench to nap on.

I wonder if this is the shallow end or the deep end.

Song of the Day (Holiday Edition): Al Green and Annie Lennox - Put a Little Love in Your Heart

From the soundtrack of Scrooged. The song itself may not be Christmas specific, but the movie and the songs message is Christmas-centric. Besides I love Annie Lennox :-)

Song of the Day (Holiday Edition): Alvin and the Chipmunks - The Christmas Song

Wow! I almost forgot this one! how can I forget, "Me... I want a hula hoop!."

Song of the Day: Ke$ha - Tik Tok

She sounds like several artist at the same time: splash some Le Tigre, throw in some some Fannypack and just a hint of Lady Gaga. hmm don't know if this is good but she's popular in the dance and pop charts.

Song of the Day: Cage the Elephant - Ain't No Rest for the Wicked

Ain't that the truth!

GPOYW: The Journey continues...

My daily routine has become increasingly difficult. I am now wanting the shortest day of the year to hurry up so i can get some sunlight as i make my trek to the gym. It's already bad enough that i wake up to darkness, but when my shift is over at work i go home to darkness. The rain and drizzle doesn't help my mood either.

Anyway, it has almost been a year since I started and I lost 25 lbs. On average, that is about a pound every two week. I am now the same weight as I was about several years ago when I worked in a tire shop. This has been a short term goal of mine, now to keep going. My next goal is to hit 200lbs; so my journey continues.

Outside my front door using the porchlight for illumination. Each morning I wonder why I'm doing this.

Cool consequence of moving my iphone before pic was fully taken. I don't think I can duplicate this again.

Post Workout: Sweaty,scruffy, and apparently I need a haircut too.

My keys are on the floor.

Song of the Day (Holiday Edition): Lady Gaga - Christmas Tree

Not a music vid, but at least it is a link for the latest Christmas song by Lady Gaga... lyrics below. I wonder if there is a hidden meaning to Christmas Tree.

Ra pa pam pam, ra pa pam pam
Ra pa pam pam, ra pa pam pam

Light me up put me on top, let's falalalalalalala
Light me up put me on top, let's falalalalalalala

The only place you wanna be is
Underneath my Christmas tree
The only place you wanna be is
Underneath my Christmas tree

Light me up put me on top, let's falalalalalalala
Light me up put me on top, let's falalalalalalala

Ho ho ho, under the mistletoe
Yes, everybody knows
We will take off our clothes
Yes, if you want us to we will

You, oh ,oh, a Christmas
My Christmas tree is delicious
Oh ,oh, a Christmas
My Christmas tree is delicious

Light you up, put you on top, let's falalalala
Light you up, put you on top, let's falalalala
Let's go

Ho ho ho, under the mistletoe
Yes everybody knows
We will take off our clothes
Yes, if you want us to we will

You, oh ,oh, a Christmas
My Christmas tree is delicious
Oh ,oh, a Christmas
My Christmas tree is delicious

Here, here, here
The best time of the year
Take off my stocking's we're
I'm spreading Christmas cheer
Yes, if you want us to we will

You, oh ,oh, a Christmas
My Christmas tree is delicious
Oh, oh, a Christmas
My Christmas tree is delicious

Space cowboy, Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga
And she goes
Space cowboy, Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga
Here we go

Cherry, cherry, boom, boom

Song of the Day: Lady Gaga - Bad Romance

After the VMA performance I thought the image of her in white using fake blood, would've turned me out of Lady Gaga, but it didn't. She took a risk there and that is what she does. She gets critiqued about her styles, but that just gets her more noteriety. Her singles are all infectious. When I first heard Bad Romance, just hearing "Ra ra a a aaaa" made me go "huh?", but then I got into it and it's fun to sing. Yes I sing to the song, in the car away from anyone to hear me, hopefully.

Song of the Day: Muse - Uprising

Someone remind me to get this CD... kthnxbai.

Song of the Day (Holiday Edition): Kylie Minogue - Santa Baby

I was trying to find a good Eartha Kitt version of the song but couldn't find a decent one, so instead here is Kylie's version, obviously from a Top of the Pops performance.

Song of the Day: Metric - Sick Muse

My hunt for music videos always brings up nice surprises: Here is one from Metric. Seems almost stripped down and simple, just the band having fun and all the random parts coming together. I admit I was looking for a video for Gold Guns Girls, but there's none out there. Should be, since it charted decently.

It's too cold!

Inspired by a conversation with @leewaters:


Moments later...

GPOYW ( Early Morning Edition)

My daily workout ritual involves me getting up and heading to the exercise facility of my condo. The weather has been great, with respect to no rain lately (knock on wood), but it has been effing cold! in the morning.

Here is my OMG it's too cold to be out here in shorts shot.

And this is just a shot showing the sun just about to rise. Actually I was trying to show my breath in the cold, but this works too.

Song of the Day: Alice In Chains - Your Decision

A band from the 90s that is doing decently now. I have to admit, I forget how many songs Jerry Cantrell contributes as vocal. Layne Staley had a recognizable voice, when I heard him I know AIC. However, Jerry was there along with him singing back up or as a dou. I was apprehensive when AIC brought on a new member, it felt like replacing Layne, but this new incarnation feels right. Here's to Layne and the new Alice in Chains

Song of the Day Part II (90s edition): Enigma - Mea Culpa

I was reminded of this song during my twitter convos and thought I'd share a remembered and treasured song and band.

Song of the Day: Black Eye Peas - Meet Me Halfway

I don't know if it's the slower tempo or if it's Fergie singing but I enjoy this song. I mean, Fergie can belt it out pretty good, but then she does something like London Bridge. I get entertained by the novelty, then turned off by how bad it sounds.

Song of the Day: Cascada - Evacuate the Dancefloor

The song sounds so generic as far as music go, but i still like it. And yes I dance in my car when i hear dance songs.

An excerpt from...

It is the holidays again and we need all the help we can get to maintain out sanity during this stressful but enjoyable time of the year. In case you ever come across a reindeer in your travels, shopping, or at home here is... (oh I will be interjecting with random comments.)
How to fend off a charging reindeer:

1. Stand your ground. Most Reindeer have been bred to be docile livestock; they are sometimes referred to as "tundra cows." The will run around, rather than over, a standing person, even when charging in a herd.
   
2. Watch for Reindeer in rut. Reindeer mate from late August to October, when they will be in rut, or heat, and much more dangerous. Each male, or bull, will keep a harem of females and will become unpredictable and aggressive with any person who approaches. While both male and female reindeer have antlers, male reindeer are noticeably larger, weighing 400 pounds or more. During rut, necks on male will be large and swollen. (Of course, you may be some nice piece of reindeer ass and the buck just wanted to mount you.)
   
3. Watch for Front-leg Kicking. When disturbed, reindeer will rear up on the hind legs and kick out with the front hooves. Females are generally not dangerous except when defending calves. Stay well back and to the side to avoid being kicked. During rut, reindeer bulls will try to gore rather than kick, when antagonized. (heh, gore or bore.)
   
4. Watch for Antler Display. Before goring, a male will often attempt to intimidate by showing, or "presenting," its antlers, turning his head to the side. Be wary in approaching or cornering a bull reindeer during this display. (You would corner a reindeer... why?)
   
5. Back Up Slowly. Speak to the reindeer in a soft voice. Do not make any sudden movements. (aaahhh!!!! oogala boogala om nom nom.)
   
6. Do not Raise Your Arms Over Your Head. The bull may take this as a challenge sign that you are displaying your antlers. (raise your hands, like you just don't care. Make your hands look like Antlers of a... Deer. yeah i was stretching that.)
   
7. If the reindeer attempts to gore you, grab the antlers. Grasp one branch with each hand and attempt to steer the head away from you. If the reindeer tries to lunge forward, you may not be able to stop it, but guiding the antlers may allow you to redirect its charge. ( ...if you can get your hands in between all the points!)
   
8. Move to the side quickly as you release the antlers. The reindeer will now be beside you and may just move away. Do not run, or you will call attention to yourself. Carefully put distance between yourself and the reindeer.
9. Call for Help. Using voice and tone that does not further antagonize the reindeer, advise others in the area of your situation. They may be able to distract the reindeer, if it still in pursuit. (So in other words, make others around you potential targets.)
   

Be Aware:

• Caribou, which are much more aggressive and dangerous, are often mistaken for reindeer. Reindeer have shorter legs and are rounder.
• Male reindeer have huge antlers, with as many as 14 to 18 points per side.
  

Song of the Day (Holiday Edition): Bing Crosby and David Bowie - Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth

Out of all the holiday songs both present and classic, this song is my absolute favorite. I guess it is because of the odd pairing. Think of it, the androgynous Ziggy Stardust singing alongside Mr. White Christmas himself. In my idealistic view, i see the ability to maintain some traditional thoughts and incorporate them into our exponentially evolving and culture. What better analogy then one of our classic crooners singing "Little Drummer Boy" and David Bowie sing a new song "Peace on Earth" and incorporating them together.

Song of the Day: Franz Ferdinand - No You Girls

Why do I feel like this band is flying below all our radar? I've heard several good songs from this band and I don't hear the same acclaim other bands get.

GPOYW (Gratuitous Pic of Yourself Wednesday)

I figured I'd incorporate GPOYW with my somewhat-weekly picture diary of my weight training. Of course, I did not start this until really late in the year while I started my weight loss right at the start of this year. I have a photo set in flickr that shows each update. Do you see a difference, I don't. It is about 5 or 6 pounds between the beginning date and 12-02-09 so it may be too minor at this point... my journey continues...

And as I finish this post, the smell of teriyaki wafts from the deli downstairs... to teriyaki or not to teriyaki.

Song of the Day: Beyonce - Sweet Dreams

I don't understand my fascination with Beyonce. I made fun of Destiny's Child and called it Beyonce's Child since it was always her spotlight, but I still loved the songs and vids. I made fun of her solo because she still relied on back up dancers in vids so it still had a Destiny's Child feel to it, but I still am entertained and like the music. I don't know if I can compare her to Diana Ross since it feel like this is a modern day Diana Ross and the Supremes, or if i can compare her to Tina Turner (have you seen Beyonce's legs!!) I'll just continue to enjoy this pop phenomenon.

Huckabee: Ban Gays, Free Murderers And Rapists

Obviously, I don't agree with Huckabee's politics since he wants to deny my rights to love and marry and uses his religious beliefs as a basis for his politics. For a little while, I honestly thought we separated church and state, but I know that that thought is the idealist in me. Despite his religous belief structure, lets look at his political actions:

Mike Huckabee is the target of both the Left and the Right today, as news comes that nine years ago, as Arkansas Governor, he commuted the sentence of Maurice Clemmons, the man – hours ago shot dead by police – who is accused of assassinating, execution-style, four Washington State police officers Sunday as they sat drinking coffee in a local diner.

As Governor, Huckabee indirectly led to the deaths of four officers who were not even on duty. Consequently, nine children are now without one of their parents. This is just barely a month after another Seattle police officer was killed while on patrol. No one can foresee what would happen when you take a particular course, one could even say it was fated to occur in such a way. However, someone who supposedly have a moral compass should see this and wonder if what he did was correct or at least understand the implications and take some measure of responsibility.

Click-y for details.

Song of the Day: Gossip - Heavy Cross

I swear sometimes the rest of the world gets good music and understand the music is good, even though the bands come from the US.

Year	Single	Peak chart positions										Album
		US	AUS [1]	AUT	GER	IRE	ITA	NL	NZ	SWI [3]	UK [4]
2009	"Heavy Cross"	—	7	4	2	—	4	22	12	2	37	Music for Men
	"Love Long Distance"	—	50	—	—	—	31	—	—	—	—

In light of twitter behaving badly...

... this is what it's like when I don't hear from my friends for a while then all the updates come pouring in. It may sound lame, but conversations across twitter helps maintain my sanity.

Bjork - It's Oh So Quiet

For some reason, I WANT to think Bjork did that flip.

Song of the Day: Weezer - If You're wondering if I want you to (I want you to)

You know after 15 years, Weezer has not lost popularity with me as did some of the other bands of that time. Favorite part of this vid, Pat singing while on the car around the two miinute mark.

Song of the Day: Wham! - Last Christmas

With Thanksgiving over and Black Friday here,
I thought I would spread some holiday music cheer.

Song of the Day: The Thanksgiving Song by Adam Sandler

Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Let's all celebrate by pigging out :-) This song is now how old? and yet still rather young... I think this can be called a modern classic? Happy Thanksgiving all!

Song of the Day : The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads will roll

Massive points for the werewolf reference!

WTF! "Hello Seattle" by Owl City

Okay I pride myself on how us Seattle people are all around good people. But I also pride myself on how snarky, sarcastic, and passive-aggressive we are. Owl city has a song called "Hello Seattle", that is ensconced in good nature and happy warm fuzzy feelings that it make me want to hurl a little inside. If your gonna write a song about Seattle, sing about how gray, drizzly and depressing this city is and also how we need coffee to keep us sane, that is true Seattle, oh and how friendly we are :-)

Here is the song lyrics and the actual song is below, listen to it's carefreeness if you can:

Hello Seattle, I am a mountaineer
In the hills and highlands
I fall asleep in hospital parking lots
And awake in your mouth

Hello Seattle, I am a mantaray
Deep beneath the blue waves
I'll crawl the sandy bottom of Puget Sound
And construct a summer home

Hello Seattle, I am the crescent moon
Shining down on your face
I will disguise myself as a sleeping pill
And descend inside of you

Hello Seattle, I am a cold seahorse
Feeling warm in your sand
I sing about the tide and the ocean surf
Rolling in the evening breeze

Hello Seattle, I am an albatross
On the docks and your boats
I sail above your inlets and interstates
Through the rain and open wind

Hello Seattle, I am an old lighthouse
Throwing beams of bright lights
Red in the morning, blue in the evening sun
Taking heed from everyone

Hello Seattle, I am a mountaineer
In the hills and highlands
I fall asleep in hospital parking lots

Take me above your light
Carry me through the night
Hold me secure in flight
Sing me to sleep tonight

Take me above your light
Carry me through the night
Hold me secure in flight
Sing me to sleep tonight

Hello Seattle - Owl City

Spiritual Health Care

I understand the power of prayer as part of the healing process, but does it really need to be covered by our insurance? Why would someone need to pay a third party to pray? Couldn't that be done at home, at church or where ever, with those close to you or your church? Seems like a no-brainer here but...

Click-y for details.

Leaders of the Church of Christ, Scientist, are pushing a proposal that would help patients pay someone like Lewis for prayer by having insurers reimburse the $20 to $40 cost.

The provision was stripped from the bill the House passed this month, and church leaders are trying to get it inserted into the Senate version. And the church has powerful allies there, including Sens. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), who represents the state where the church is based, and Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), who said the provision would "ensure that health-care reform law does not discriminate against any religion."

Song of the Day: Lily Allen - F*ck You

This song picks me up for some reason. :-)

Song of the Day: Deadmua5 - Ghosts n' Stuff

Song of the Day: Phoenix - 1901

Keeping tabs on current music and their vids. I actually saw this vid on MTV... amazing!

An excerpt from...

With the holidays upon us, I figured I'd impart some knowledge from this book. Where we received it, i don't know. However, there are some interesting wisdom, such as:


How to Determine the contents of a wrapped gift. (of course i will be interjecting with my own thoughts on this.)

Without opening the present:

1. Observe the position of the gift. (the closer it is to the top of the pile, the more likely it is fragile or expensive item.)

2. Note the gift's surroundings.

3. Examine the wrapping paper. (if it is a sloppy job, a kid probably did it, or me since i can't wrap gifts.)

4. Smell the Box. (if it smells bad... it could be a pet... a dead one if it's really bad.)

5. Squeeze the Package. (apparently, it is not Charmin.)

6. Measure the Package.

7. Shake the package gently. (Because you don't want tho shake the puppy or kitten too hard.)

8. Weigh the package. (seriously!, who has a scale readily available?!)

Three reasons Christopher Walken is awesome!

For me, it started here:

then, the sketch:

and now the reading!

The Gorillaz are back!

Well not yet, but soon! It's actually been over a year since it was announced that the Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewitt were working on the new Gorillaz Album. Even back then it was said to happen in 2010, which can be a long time. The last thing published was in September when it was said that The Horrors were asked to help on the new album. I just got wind of it today as I was listening to the radio.

I'm definitely wanting March 2010 to come soon since this when the new CD is supposed to come out. Demon Days is in heavy rotation on my ipod and I kinda got giddy when i heard that a third album was happening. It will be interesting to see what the Blur band member and Tank Girl illustrator has in store for us.

On a side note, it is rumored that the Gorillaz website will be relaunched in December with new content.

The Devil Ducky Super Post

So it's been a while since Devil Ducky had a post, and I figured it's time for him to come out and play for awhile. Beside being busy with plans for world domination, Devil Ducky has been working fervently to maintain and raise his evil nature. As you can see, people can try to avoid the ducky, but he will always be there... right behind you... thinking of the chaos he will produce.



Also, a good friend has come up with lyrics for Devil-Ducky's theme song. He was singing a song about Devil Ducky in the tune of Rubber-Ducky, but I thought Devil Ducky needed a more metal sounds and lyrics. So here are the lyrics and you can insert your own metal sound; throw in heavy guitars , guttural sounds and some screaming and you pretty much got Devil-Ducky's theme song.

Devil Ducky's a Li-ar
Devil Ducky's on Fi-ar
Devil Ducky will cause you pain
Devil Ducky will make you lame
Yeah!
Devil Ducky - Devil Ducky - Devil Ducky - Devil Ducky!
I will follow - Where - You -Lead
Even if it - Makes - Me - Bleed
Devil Ducky - Hear My Creed!
Devil Ducky - You - Fill - My - Need!
Yeah!
Devil Ducky - Devil Ducky - Devil Ducky - Devil Ducky!
Yeah! You fill My Need!
Devil Ducky - Devil Ducky - Devil Ducky - Devil Ducky!


Finally, Devil-Ducky has official minions. They have been dubbed the Four Duckies of the Apocalypse. Tremble in fear.
That's all for now. Go on with your normal business as usual. Don't think anything is wrong if you see any of these ducks wandering around your neighborhood. Nothing to see here. Move along.

The Halloween Post w/ music videos!

Happy Halloween!

As in past years, I'm probably not doing anything this Halloween, but there definitely seems to be a buzz about it this year. It's making me excited. Maybe it's because this year the day falls on a Saturday, so the revelry can be way more spectacular. Even seen creepy clowns in the sidewalk telling us to go to their haunted house. I've seen numerous sign post for more haunted houses. and I'm in the mood to carve a pumpkin. I even have the great pumpkin recorded on my DVR.

So in honor of this holiday, I present great songs for Halloween!

Rocky Horror Time Warp

I'm Your Boogieman

Of course, I have to put this up RIP Michael Jackson

Thriller - Music Video

And my personal favorite:

Oingo Boingo - Dead Man's Party

Popular Music besides in the US

I figured I'd check out what Europe and Canada see as popular music.

Canada has:

David Guetta Ft. Akon - Sexy Bitch (Official Video) HQ

Currently number one in the European Hot 100:

Robbie Williams - "Bodies" - Official VIDEO New SINGLE (HQ)

I admit I have this weird fascination for Robbie Williams, i think it's that tattoo and the swagger, or it could be this vid:

rock dj (uncensored)

That is until around the 3 minute mark... you have been warned if you have not seen this before.

I still head bang like Wayne's World

Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody

Push play. Read new Lyrics. Enjoy
oh if you can buy the shirt too.

Is this a graveyard? Is this a castle lab?
So many pieces that those other people had
Sewed them one by one, a new sort of son he’d be
I called for Igor, he brought a brain to me
Because Prometheus
He will rise
Show them all
I was wise
They all thought me maaaad
I’ll show them who’s maaaad you seeee
Not meeee

Mummy
Just killed a man
Opened up the casket bed
He got cursed and now he’s dead
Mummy
His sarcophagus
Was comfortable and they took it away
Mummy
Ooooo oooooo
Didn’t really want to rise
But if they don’t put it back before tomorrow
they’re all gone
they’re all gone
And he will show no mercy

His job
Is never done
All his organs kept in brine, he’s made lots of overtime
Pharaoh was his buddy, his life-long bro
Said he’d stay awake and guard him in the tomb
Mummy
Ooooo ooooo
there aren’t even windows
He cannot ever die
He’ll sometimes wish he’d never signed on at all


Igor be ready with that switch in your hand
God’s domain, God’s domain, going where you should not go
Thunderbolt and lightning, the monster is rising, see!
Come here, Igor
Here’s your Igor
Help me, Igor
I’m your Igor
Igor, shut it help me pull
This circuit clo-o-o-osed

I’m just a wolf man nobody loves me
He’s just a wolf man, oh the humanity
Three days a month he will hunt you and me

Quake in fear, I am here, to collect my rent
Dracula, no! We will not pay your rent
Pay my rent!
Dracula! We will not pay your rent
Pay my rent!
Dracula! We will not pay your rent
Pay my rent!
Will not pay your rent!
Pay my rent!
Will not pay your rent!
Never pay my rent?
No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Master we flee-a have to flee-a they have pitchforks at the door
The villagers have come to kill the monsters weeee
That’s weeee
We beeeeeeee


So you hit me with lightning and bring me to life?
Left me scared and confused and now I’m the bad guy?
Ohhhh, monsters
Who are really the monsters
Technically us
Technically, sure, but you see


We’re just allegory
You watch vicariously
We’re just allegory
You’re all the true monsters
Not weeee


Note the clever ennnndiiiing
CRASSSSSSssssssssh

Having too much fun...

with my iphone and photoshop.com

R-71 revisted

I just wanted to touch base again on this issue since ballots are being mailed out and Nov. 3 is quickly approaching. The referendum is not about gay marriage. The actual ballot even states it is not a gay marriage bill. Whether they are misinformed or know the details and wish to confound the issue, opponents of the referendum have taken steps to mislead. There has been signage that says, "Reject R-71. Marriage = One Man. One Woman." I don't understand why American society has this weird issue with marriage. A good percentage of people either don't mind or actively believe a same sex couple should have the same rights as a heterosexual couple, but say the word "marriage" and that percentage shrinks, and with that, the rights that become exclusive with the word "marriage." It may be cynical of me, but sometimes i think certain people knows this difference and uses it against us and society.

Nevertheless, I feel it is necessary to make sure people see the difference, so they know that rights are being denied. There will be a time when American society will accept gay marriage, but in the meantime, at least give committed gay couples the same important rights a married couple has.

These are the voyages of the Starship... what!?

The only thing is... I don't know if I should cringe or if this is awesome.

Edelweiss - Raumschiff Edelweiss

Why?!

What really scares me is the fact that there are ones for your dogs too!!

I'm not just a Hopeless Romantic, I'm a Tragic Romantic

I'm definitely mood driven when I choose my music. If I'm in a dorky mood, some nerd-y songs about One angry dwarf and 200 solemn faces would do. If I'm angry, some Rage against the Machine works well for me. However, there are a few songs that no matter what mood I'm in, I will listen to them.

Death Cab For Cutie I Will Follow You Into The Dark

Morrissey - Everyday Is Like Sunday

the smiths - how soon is now..

We Will Become Sillhouettes

Yeah it's not just me being in love with love, but I'm all about the love that is eternal. I know morose but romantic, right?

What is the turn of the Millenium music?

Each decade has a music scene that can only be defined in nostalgia or if the music was so radical that it was history in the making. The 70's gave us disco. The 80s have new wave. the 90s is grunge. But what about when we hit 2000? Was there something there that defined this musical generation? Taking a look back should help understand what's happening between 2000 and 2010.

The 70s popular music was disco. For at least a decade or two, the 70s was looked back with a cringe on the face. I think for many they wanted to forget the bell bottoms and platform shows and disco was very much associated with that. As we all moved forward, we began looking at the 70s with a goofy look on our collective face. It was no longer, "ack! what were we thinking," it's now more, "OMG! what were we thinking LOL." Disco dominated, but other musical styles made a move. Rock was there in all its forms, from the whole arena style to glam to alternative - though alternative was never really given the name until later. The B-52s and Talking Heads were so different the only thing is to call them alternative. Punk was also coming around giving the middle finger to pop culture. The 70s also gave rise to funk. Though to varying degrees funk was what brought disco around, funk was also the precursor to hip/hop and rap.

As the disco era began to fade in the 80s, a new pop music phenomenon made its mark on the decade. New Wave music, with the heavy use of synthesizers, odd hair styles, and colorful clothes churned out the hits. Most of the alternative styles of music fell into that catagory. For instance, the B-52s were thrown in there with Kajagoogoo. But no matter how much we were told we were too shy shy, we decided to stay in the Love Shack with the B52s and let them make more records even to this day. Rock decided to take elements of its arena days, throw in the glam of David Bowie and the campyness of new wave and gave us those dang hair bands *blech!* I disdain, but i have my guilty pleasures. Hip/hop and rap also became more mainstream in the 80s, towards the later part of the decade gangster rap became a dominating force in the hip/hop movement.

As the 90s approached, new wave music began to ebb, the hair bands were being looked at as a musical effrontery, and hip/hop rap became less about the hardships of life and more about the life of a rockstar. Early on in the decade though, a style of music took precedence among all - grunge. Take some heavy metal sounds, throw on a flannel shirt, and look disillusioned and you have grunge. It's probably that disillusionment that fueled grunge. I definitely found myself brooding and sarcastic during those times and it wasn't a response to the music, it was more the music resonating my feelings. As grunge faded, music took a weird detour as popular music leaned to boy bands and female pop artists like Britney Spears. I can trace this phenomenon with two words: Spice Girls.

So where are we now musically? The whole boy band thing faded for now... but they always seem to come back. There seems to be no giant movement either commercially or underground. Country for a while had mainstream success, but nothing awe inspiring. Something I have noticed is a retooling of music. Rather than creating a musical movement, it seems like artists are tweeking what we have now. Some artists Popular music now spans many genre. One day the most popular song could be hip hop, the next it could be a country song - Black Eye Peas to Taylor Swift. A few years back, I said that music seem to be stagnant, that nothing is happening. Now I'm beginning to wonder if this is a transitional decade. With everyone mixing up musical genres and experimenting with what we have now, I think something is on the horizon.

I've always said...

...to my man that life is not always about unicorns and rainbows.

To which he retorts, "yes it is," and points to a rainbow. I hate when we have this argument in the rain.

Now a new bar is opening up in Capitol Hill District of Seattle, The Unicorn. And of course every time we go down there now, my man will point out that at least for Capitol Hill, it IS about rainbows and at least one unicorn.
Does this post make me look gay?










As Chris Hardwick would say, "gayer than cum on a mustache."

Taking it all in stride.

I would be afraid if I were in a garage by myself and I encountered these people.

Fall TV Season has started: Are you watching the right shows?

Here are some of my favorites this season:The Season opener Road to the Multiverse was great.

I can't help it, I think Mike Rowe is hawt! Him getting dirty just adds to the appeal. Of course, I'd need him to take a shower... that dirty, dirty man.Sad to say I just started getting into this one. I feel like they are speaking my language.

If you need to know what others you should be tuning into, here is a Monday through Sunday break-down of the shows you should be watching; not that I'm promoting everyone to sit on there butts all night and watch the shows:

Click-y for details.

Might I recommend getting a DVR so you can watch TV on your own time.

Quote of the day.

First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin. Then, shalt thou count to three. No more. No less. Three shalt be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once at the number three, being the third number be reached, then, lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in My sight, shall snuff it.

-Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Best Opening Tracks. EVER!

KEXP.org did a great thing the other day. They went through a countdown of the best opening tracks voted by the listeners. I had nothing to do with the voting process but I definitely enjoyed quite a few tracks. I blipped some, listened to others on the way to work, and looked at the stuff I didn't know.

The ones in bold print are some of my favorites:

Rank	Opening Track	Band	Album
110	Caribou	Pixies	Come On Pilgrim
109	Is There A Ghost	Band of Horses	Cease to Begin
108	It Was There That I Saw You: Source Tags and Codes	And You Will Know Us By the Trail of the Dead	Source Tags and Codes
107	Cowboys	Portishead	Portishead
106	Song Remains the Same	Led Zeppelin	Houses of the Holy
105	Love Burns	Black Rebel Motorcycle Club	Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
104	I Will Follow	U2	Boy
103	Packed Like Sardines In a Crushed Tin Box	Radiohead	Amnesiac
102	To Bring You My Love	PJ Harvey	To Bring You My Love
101	The District Sleeps At Home Tonight: Give Up	Postal Service	Give Up
100	Never Let Me Down Again: Music For The Masses	Depeche Mode	Music For the Masses
99	Love Vigilanties	New Order	Low Life
98	Leave Them All Behind	Ride	Going Blank Again
97	Secret Meeting	The National	Alligator
96	New Year	Death Cab For Cutie	Transatlanticism
95	She’s In Parties	Bauhaus	Burning From the Inside
94	Drive	REM	Automatic For the People
93	Kissing The Lipless	The Shins	Chutes Too Narrow
92	Baba O’Riley	The Who	Who’s Next
91	Speed Trials	Elliott Smith	Either/Or
90	Nebraska	Bruce Springsteen	Nebraska
89	2+2=5 (The Lukewarm)	Radiohead	Hail To the Thief
88	Rhymin & Stealin	Beastie Boys	License to Ill
87	Whole Lotta Love	Led Zeppelin	Led Zeppelin II
86	Message in a Bottle	The Police	Regatta de Blanc
85	Everything Hits At Once	Spoon	Girls Can Tell
84	Beautiful Day	U2	All That You Can’t Leave Behind
83	While You Were Sleeping	Elvis Perkins	Ash Wednesday
82	Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)	Kate Bush	Hounds of Love
81	Summer Babe (Winter Version)	Pavement	Slanted & Enchanted
80	Jimmy James	Beastie Boys	Check Your Head
79	15 Step	Radiohead	In Rainbows
78	Bombtrack	Rage Against The Machine	Rage Against the Machine
77	Bridge Over Troubled Water	Simon & Garfunkel	Bridge Over Troubled Water
76	Caring Is Creepy	The Shins	Oh, Inverted World
75	The Queen Is Dead	The Smiths	The Queen Is Dead
74	Fake Empire	The National	Boxer
73	Planet Telex	Radiohead	The Bends
72	My Name is Jonas	Weezer	Weezer
71	New Day Rising	Husker Du	New Day Rising
70	Finest Worksong	R.E.M.	Document
69	Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough	Michael Jackson	Off the Wall
68	I Saw Her Standing There	The Beatles	Please Please Me
67	I Am Trying to Break Your Heart	Wilco	Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
66	In The Flowers	Animal Collective	Merriweather Post Pavillion
65	The Stars of Track and Field	Belle and Sebastian	If You’re Feeling Sinister
64	Bittersweet Symphony	The Verve	Urban Hymns
63	Age of Consent	New Order	Power Corruption & Lies
62	Untitled	Interpol	Turn on the Bright Lights
61	Radio Free Europe	R.E.M.	Murmur
60	I Am One	Smashing Pumpkins	Gish
59	Help!	The Beatles	Help
58	Disorder	Joy Division	Unknown Pleasures
57	Know Your Rights	The Clash	Combat Rock
56	3rd Planet	Modest Mouse	The Moon and Antarctica
55	Respect	Aretha Franklin	I Never Loved A Man the Way I Love You
54	I Will Dare	The Replacements	Let It Be
53	Good Times Bad Times	Led Zeppelin	Led Zeppelin I
52	Up A Beach	Jane’s Addiction	Nothing’s Shocking
51	Sympathy for the Devil	The Rolling Stones	Beggars Banquet
50	Tangled Up in Blue	Bob Dylan	Blood On the Tracks
49	Rid of Me	PJ Harvey	Rid of Me
48	Space Oddity	David Bowie	Space Oddity
47	Welcome to the Jungle	Guns & Roses	Appetite for Destruction
46	We Will Rock You	Queen	News Of the World
45	Let’s Go Crazy	Prince	Purple Rain
44	Foxy Lady	Jimi Hendrix	Are You Experienced
43	Sgt Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band	The Beatles	Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
42	Boys Don’t Cry	The Cure	Boys Don’t Cry
41	Cherub Rock	Smashing Pumpkins	Siamese Dream
40	Plainsong	The Cure	Disintegration
39	What’s Going On	Marvin Gaye	What’s Going On
38	Who Loves the Sun	Velvet Underground	Loaded
37	Hells Bells	AC/DC	Back In Black
36	Search and Destroy	The Stooges	Raw Power
35	Taxman	The Beatles	Revolver
34	Fight Test	Flaming Lips	Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
33	Burning Down the House	Talking Heads	Speaking In Tongues
32	Blitzkrieg Bop	Ramones	The Ramones
31	Hell’s Bells	AC/DC	Back In Black
30	Search and Destroy	The Stooges	The Stooges
29	Come Together	The Beatles	Abbey Road
28	Gloria	U2	October
27	Wouldn’t It be Nice	Beach Boys	Pet Sounds
26	The Stone Roses	The Stone Roses	The Stone Roses
25	Get Up Stand Up	Bob Marley and the Wailers	Burnin’
24	Imagine	John Lennon	Imagine
23	Pink Moon	Nick Drake	Pink Moon
22	Only Shallow	My Bloody Valentine	Loveles
21	Devil’s Haircut	Beck	Odelay
20	Head Like a Hole	Nine Inch Nails	Pretty Hate Machine
19	Rusty Cage	Soundgarden	Badmotorfiner
18	Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’	Michael Jackson	Thriller
17	Sympathy for the Devil	Rolling Stones	Beggars Banquet
16	Sunday Bloody Sunday	U2	War
15	Gimme Shelter	Rolling Stones	Let It Bleed
14	Bone Machine	Pixies	Surfer Rosa
13	Angel	Massive Attack	Mezzanine
12	Break on Through	The Doors	The Doors
11	King of Carrot Flowers	Neutral Milk Hotel	In An Aeroplane Over the Sea
10	Just Like Honey	Jesus and Mary Chain	Psychocandy
9	Teenage Riot	Sonic Youth	Daydream Nation
8	Everything in Its Right Place	Radiohead	Kid A
7	Where The Streets Have No Name	U2	The Joshua Tree
6	Like a Rolling Stone	Bob Dylan	Highway 61 Revisited
5	London Calling	The Clash	London Calling
4	Debaser	Pixies	Doolittle
3	Airbag	Radiohead	OK Computer
2	Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)	Arcade Fire	Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
1	Smells Like Teen Spirit	Nirvana	Nevermind