Chanson du Jour

The semester is over. Test went well today. Got a nice solid B in cardio. That will be something great to tell future patients..."Well, I know the cardiovascular system and the lungs about...ummm...85%. Now, let's have a looksie".

Today we have a good song with a great video. Well, at least that is how I would rate it. I especially like the percussion man in his pj's.

Maasai Mara by The Ruby Suns

Chanson du Jour

Well, I took my second to last test today. 62 questions in 14 minutes to solidify my A in the class. Not too shabby. Let's just hope tomorrow's test is just as easy (It most certainly will not be). But, regardless, in 11 short hours, I will be done for the semester.

Enjoy The Ruminant Band by Fruit Bats

Chanson du Jour

Why couldn't these guys have been on the ferry I took across the Puget Sound? Maybe they have done impromptu performances at Fat Smitty's as well...

About To Walk by Throw Me The Statue

Chanson du Jour

I have only one thing to say about today's song: There are black people in Sweden (is that racist?)?

Enjoy Appelknyckarjazz by Movits!

Chanson du Jour

I have been listening to Regina Spektor's latest album almost nonstop for a few days now (at the great expense of Christmas music). I love it. Here is one of the songs.

The Calculation by Regina Spektor

Chanson du Jour

Just got dominated by my cardio test yesterday. Need a nice, happy, chill song to cheer me up. Maybe this one will work. At least the video made me laugh...

The Waves by Princeton

Chanson du Jour

I have never really been a fan of today's band. Then, I heard this "ready for the radio" song and really liked it. Maybe I need to give them another listen? The die hard fans of this band, a few of which follow this piece of garbage blog, may think this is their worst song, but I like it.

Plus, the video features the Snuggle bear's evil twin wreaking havoc on a city, which is pretty awesome. Turn this one up as loud as you can to get the full experience. It is a good rockin' out song.

Uprising by Muse


I like this one too. It's kind of Travis-y. Invincible.

Chanson du Jour

Well, it has finally happened. I have finally found an Eagles song that I find worthy to select as a song of the day. Imagine that. An Eagles song. Oh yeah...Did I mention that the band is not the lame harmonizing group of weirdos, but just an abbreviation for Department of Eagles, the band's name?

Enjoy No One Does It Like You by Department of Eagles

WARNING: Violence abounds in this video

Chanson du Jour

Today we are having a new contest. I will play 3 songs by Rachael Yamagata with different styles. Tell us which one you like the best...

Fast, Poppy Rachael Yamagata
Worn Me Down


Slowly Crescendoing Rachael Yamagata
Elephants

Or Pared Down Piano Playing Rachael Yamagata
The Reason Why


Clearly, the poppy one is my least favorite and Elephants is by far my favorite (probably my favorite song out of all of her songs), but what do I know. Oh wait, I have impeccable taste. So, I guess I just gave the answer. Oops.

Lazy Or Concussion?

I don't care who you are, this is funny. Just further proof that football players suffer serious brain damage while playing their beloved sport.

Chanson du Jour

We are going to have a competition today. It will be interesting to see which song will win.....Most Sleep Inducing Song (this should really please Anonymous).

Up first is this ditty. Curs In The Weeds by Horse Feathers


What about this one? It Will Follow The Rain by The Tallest Man On Earth (misleading name - don't get too excited)


Or this one? Dream by Priscilla Ahn


And the answer to your question is YES, I do like all three songs. Now I must go back to learning about ventricular preload and an exciting lineup of afternoon classes that will cover heart embryology, cardiac muscle mechanics part 3, and microcirculation. Think I'll be awake for those 3 hours? I think you're right.

Chanson du Week

I agree, hadzic clan.

Bohemian Rhapsody by The Muppets

Chanson du Jour

It's finally getting cooler here. Like 60s. Lame. Here is today's ditty.

In The Summertime by Rural Alberta Advantage

Chanson du Jour

Done with neuro. On to cardiopulmonary. It appears to be much easier. Yessireebob.

In Our Talons by Bowerbirds

Chanson du Jour

Study break from yet another test next Monday. Does the fun ever start?

The Men Who Live Upstairs by The Most Serene Republic

Chanson du Jour

Scotland's version of The Jonas Brothers?

You and Me by The View

Chanson du Jour

The hadzic clan made this recommendation a few days ago and I never put it up. It is awesome.

Side note: I was asked to be in this video, but I had a Dig Dug tournament that I had already committed to. Unfortunate.

Thunder by Nuttin But Stringz

Chanson du Jour

In today's song of the day we address a hotly contested political issue: the legalization of marijuana. I, of course, am for it and when I go to Congress to make my case, I am just going to show them this band. Then, rest my case. More pot = More Bands Like This. Simple math.

Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Chanson du Jour

This song and this album tell an entire story. This guy is super talented.

Audrey Macy by PT Walkley

Chanson du Jour

The greatest group in the world just dropped their latest album this week. It is good. Here is their single.

(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To by The Weezers

Chanson du Jour

I don't like rap...but I like

Hip Hop Violin by Paul Dateh (with inka one on the turntable)

Chanson du Jour

I have been listening to these guys a bunch lately. I really like them.

How You Like Me Now by The Heavy

Chanson du Jour

Another great song for you, but aren't they all great? I mean, really. My taste has really proven to be impeccable here. Just in case you didn't notice.

If I Didn't Know by Jenny Owen Youngs


And for those of you who like rap songs (or at least indie covers of rap songs) check out her version of Nelly's Hot In Herre (BEWARE: it is mostly edited, but please expect rapper language if you watch this video).

Chanson du Jour

Just to beat Anonymous. As for the hadzic clan and anyone else, I have no idea. The musical taste of the hadzic clan still seems enigmatic to me (kinda like the politics of the hadzic clan), but I keep trying.

Soon We'll Be Found by Sia

Chanson du Jour

For all the anglophiles out there...

Nomads by High Llamas

Chanson du Jour

A week's worth of songs selected by the hadzic clan is enough to get anyone rejuvenated. Thanks again for filling in. Let's see if I can muster some sort of consistency moving forward.

Who knew that actor Ryan Gosling had a band? I did. And they're good. Neener Neener.

Enjoy Name In Stone by Dead Man's Bones

Chanson du Jour

Another electronica selection from hadzic clan.

Kelly Watch The Stars by Air

Chanson du Jour

Another hadzic clan song today.

Around The World by Daft Punk

Coming Soon

I was watching the video from yesterday again, and I got excited for Wes Anderson's new movie Fantastic Mr. Fox. I can't wait for this...



Which reminds me, I am also excited for the new Coen Brother's movie, A Serious Man.

Chanson du Jour

Another selection by the hadzic clan. Let's give this one a whirl.

What Else Is There? by Royksopp

Chanson du Jour

If The Donald were a follower of the blog (which I somehow doubt) he would fire me. I have been less effective. The Hadzic Clan has offered to pick up the slack and help a brutha out, so we will mix in her selections with mine so we can hopefully get a song up here every day. We just started a new class, so maybe I will not be as ineffective as I have been. Wish me luck.

Here is the first selection from the hadzic clan. Marble House by The Knife

Chanson du Jour

Been a while. I don't care to tell you why. Here is today's song.

Hi by Psapp

Chanson du Jour

This one is a blatant attempt to appease Anonymous. I know for a fact that he/she does not like The Killers. We will give him one more shot to hop on that bandwagon. They covered a song by a band that I know Anonymous likes (at least some of their songs). So, here is The Killers doing a version of Dire Straits' Romeo And Juliet.

Chanson du Jour

The Absentee by Half Cousin

My Racist Dog

So, I needed a textbook for one of my classes (Cellular Physiology if you were wondering) and I decided to take the baby and the dog for a drive into downtown Dallas to go pick it up today (mom is at a work function). While down there (near UT Southwestern), we ran in to many bruthas and sistas on Harry Hines and other adjoining streets. Now, I love bruthas and sistas, but Molly felt the need to bark at all of them she saw. Why would she bark at them? I have no idea. She only barks at the yappy dog across the alley and the UPS man. Why now? Why here? AK and I were very confused at the erratic behavior of our dog. Yes, our BLACK dog. Go figure.

I guess the chart at the following link needs to be updated to include barking dogs.

Racist Chart

Chanson du Jour

Two Way Monologue by Sondre Lerche

Chanson du Jour

There is joy in my heart today. Why? Because I did a good deed. And not just any good deed. A good deed for an underappreciated, underpaid, public servant. Cami and I were taking a late night jaunt up to Green Acres tonight to pick up the babe, when we saw a public servant sitting along the side of the road. This particular road, as with many of the roads up thar in them there boonies, has no street lights. So, it was dark, late, there were no other cars on the road, and there was no one for this public servant to talk to. So, I took it upon myself to spread some happiness to him and conversate for a while.

Well, sure enough he followed me, showed me his lights, and even came up to my car. I could tell that this was going to develop into a quick friendship. He was so eager to be my friend and he was so excited that someone was willing to talk to him. It really made me feel like all the effort I was going through was truly worth it. He got my name and address, license plate number, driver's license number, and my insurance information. I got his number and the number where I can reach an "honorable" man. What a nice guy he was.

But, he is turning out to be a kinda high maintenance friend. Right off the bat he asked me for money. I was not down with that. So, I don't know if I am going to call him. But, I dedicate today's song to my new sorta friend. But, whether this turns into a lasting, meaningful relationship or not, I can still feel good that I did a public service for a public servant. And that will help me sleep tonight (that and I have been up for over 19 hours). Good night, officer. Good night, y'all.

Dear Constable by Harrisons

How Much Is A Congressman's Pee Worth?

This is classic. We have all heard about the angry people, mainly geriatrics, at these town hall meetings. Well, the politicians are getting feisty. I enjoy watching this go down. While I disagree with liberals, I also think the hyperbole that is used on the right is a little silly as well. So, watching this is like watching the bearded lady argue with the midget that can lift 500 pounds. It isn't going to affect my life in any way, but it is just flat out entertaining to watch.

Here is an exchange between everyone's favorite bozo Barney Fthrfthrank. Now, let's get one thing straight. I disagree with everything this man stands for. But, he is funny and unabashedly so. I like this exchange. This lady seemed to be extreme, so he gave her an extreme answer.


Here is an exchange between Rep. Stark and a constituent. I won't say whether Stark is a Republican or a Democrat *cough*Democrat*cough*, but I thought the Constitution said that the Congress works for us, not against us. What have we come to?


But, the conversation has taken even an awesomer turn. Liberals are homing in on the word "racist" and are using it against anyone who disagrees with Obama. So, now, thanks to libs and their control over the news, conservatives hate the following groups (in no particular order):

1) Muslims
2) Gays
3) Minorities
4) Especially Immigrants
5) Non-Christians
6) Atheists
7) Liberals
8) Old people
9) Poor people
10) Anyone whose net worth is under $2.5 million
11) Anyone who does not work a white collar job
12) People in the inner city
13) Foreigners
14) Socialists
15) Anyone who does not completely agree with them
16) Women

I think that is a fairly good list. But, what the news won't tell you are the reasons that conservatives don't like these groups. I will tell you. That is why you read this blog. We want to ostracize all those groups and narrow the voting field down to 1% of the population (many of whom are registered Democrats - that being the rich white man of course) just to make elections more exciting. Conservatives have no interest in benefiting the above groups with any of their policies because they don't want their vote. They don't care. Just let us kill, torture, discriminate, and hold our hate rallies in peace please. Thank you.

Chanson du Jour

Not really a pick-me-up song today, but I like it nonetheless. I cannot tell if she loves prescription medicine or hates it. My guess is she hates it.

Dr. Blind by Emily Haines and The Soft Skeleton

A New Year

September 10, 2009 was a big day here in Dumb Blog Headquarters (DBH). It is true. Last Thursday we celebrated one year of wasting people's time. 527 posts, most of them songs that only I like. 6,780 visits, most of them me listening to said songs. 11,641 page views, mostly me defending those same songs after all the reader lambasted them. As you can see, it was a big day here in DBH. Now, we will give you a little update as to the goings on here at DBH, the changes, and a detailed description of how we celebrated turning one.

Over the past few months, management of the blog (1 head writer and 1 editor-in-chief) has taken on new responsibilities that have affected the quality of the product. For that we apologize. But, we are turning over a new leaf. We have a new company name, Saiaku Media (yep, I'm gonna make you Google "saiaku" - it will be the first thing that pops up), to help give us focus. We are trying to get adjusted into our new building, DBH, and are becoming accustomed to our new responsibilities. Now, that the dust is settling, we promise to return with more unreadable content, pointless time-wasting exercises (you are in the middle of one if you couldn't tell), unlistenable songs, spot-on political commentary, obvious observations, sports news, ridiculous videos, etc. That is the promise of the Saiaku Team.

Now, on to the good stuff. We had a big one-year celebration last Thursday that looked like a who's who of awesomeness. We were gonna have Kanye perform, but he hates white people, plus we were pretty sure Taylor Swift was gonna be coming (according to her RSVP) and we didn't want that awkwardness. So, that fell through. We then wanted to honor Michael Moore's new anti-capitalism movie by recanting the important moments of his filmography. After watching all 5 of his documentaries, we could not find one thing that made sense, had any part of truth, or that was worth showing to a human. So, that fell through. Then, we thought it would be fun to get The Eagles to perform at the event, but we couldn't track down their room number in the nursing home. So, that fell through.

You get the point. So, we just celebrated alone with a little cake action. Plus, if we would have had an elaborate party, Nancy Pelosi would have reprimanded us for spending our own money (she only likes spending other people's money) on an event when there are Americans that can't have such events, and we just don't want a genius like her to think poorly of us.

But from the Saiaku Media Team here at DBH we welcome you to one more year of blogging. Hope you enjoy. Here's to 365 more days.

Chanson du Jour

Well, test on Friday and big test on Monday means a few days off. My apologies. I am back with a new creation from the genius, Stuart Murdoch, that brought us Belle & Sebastian.

Come Monday Night by God Help The Girl

Chanson du Jour

We continue the week of songs I don't like with a rather recent band. With all the buzz and comparisons this band received, I thought I was going to have a new favorite on my hands. But, every single one of their songs is just absolutely unlistenable. If you are looking for a new method of causing your ears to bleed (i.e. if the old methods of listening to Keith Olbermann, Bill Maher, Chuck Norris, Obama, Cheney, Skip Balis, Jim Rome, or that annoying guy from PTI just aren't working anymore), please take a listen to this beating.

Please suffer through the rectal exam that is The Racing Rats by The Editors

Chanson du Jour

I have tried and tried and tried to like today's group, but I have yet to find a song of theirs I like. Let alone an entire album.

Please endure the flogging known as Phantom Limb by The Shins (although I do like this video - it reminds me of a school play written and directed by Wednesday and Pugsley Addams)

Chanson du Jour

This week we are going to have a little fun. I have noticed something strange about my musical taste (and it is something you may have noticed as well). I have noticed that it does not follow any predictable trend. Sometimes I like songs that one would think I shouldn't like and sometimes I don't like songs that one would think I should like. It is this latter group that we will talk about this week.

All us music lovers have had this happen to us. We learn about a new group/singer/song that is supposedly comparable to a group/singer/song that we really like. We get all excited. We go listen that that group/singer/song and something tragic happens. It stinks. We don't like it at all. It is nothing like the group/singer/song that we like. We have no idea where this comparison came from and we don't appreciate it. But, it seems that every article we read, every critique we read, and every other thing written about this new group/singer/song compares them to a genre of music that we like. But, for some odd reason, we just don't like it. It is unexplainable, but true.

This week, I will play for you some songs from that category for me. Songs that, by all accounts, I should like, but just can't get into. Enjoy.

Based on who they tour with, who their influences are, and who thinks they are an awesome band (The Strokes went on and on about how awesome this band is, and I love The Strokes), I should be a huge fan of the band Kings of Leon. But, I would rather watch Walker, Texas Ranger all day than listen to one of their songs. I can't explain it. It's just a fact.

Please don't enjoy Use Somebody by Kings of Leon.

Chanson du Jour

I hope you will all forgive me for taking a few days off. Enjoy blog post #523.

Polite Dance Song by The Bird and The Bee

If this isn't the greatest music video ever, I don't know what is.

Chanson du Jour

Well, the test didn't turn out as bad as I was hoping. I am through with my first class of medical school (despite my best efforts). On to the musculoskeletal system. I met my cadaver on Monday. She is a 90 year old who died of pancreatic cancer. Truly, I can't thank her enough for helping me with my education. Her and I will soon become good friends, as if we already hadn't. Well, anyway. Here is the song.

It's Because Of People Like You by Obi Best

Chanson du Jour

I Adore You by Melpo Mene

Chanson du Jour

Verily by Merz

Chanson du Jour

Well, I am pretty sure I just got owned by my cell science test today. Hopefully I pass the class and never have to see it again.

Enjoy And Then You by Greg Laswell


Sorry it's not an official video.

Chanson du Jour

I should really be studying. Test on Friday. Here is today's song. Gotta run.

For Every Drop by Sonya Kitchell

Chanson du Jour

Lake Michigan by Rogue Wave

Chanson du Jour

Apparently yesterday's song, a longshot from being the most boring song on the blog, put everyone to sleep. Let's wake y'all up, maybe.

Suzannah by Turner Cody

Chanson du Jour

While You Were Sleeping by Elvis Perkins (the lovechild of Harry Potter and John Lennon?)

More Genius

What do you get when you combine Jared Hess (of Napoleon Dynamite fame) with Jemaine Clement (of Flight of the Conchords fame)? This:

Aging Is For The Birds

I watched this video the other day. I think it may have a few bad words. Sorry if it does. But, this guy is very funny and he is a gerontologist. He is 100% convinced he can stop aging and allow humans to live to 1000 years. Interesting, if you have a spare 22 minutes.

Chanson du Jour

Over the last year or so, I have gotten really into "anti-folk" music. I don't know what it is about it. I just like it. I think it is really funny. It started with Moldy Peaches and Adam Green and has blossomed into a full-blown love for most anti-folk artists. Some of them have been on display on this blog. Here is another one.

East River by Jeffrey Lewis


And a bonus song for a special reader. I have always found it interesting that my political views would automatically disqualify me from any friendship with any of the musical artists that I like. Most of them, yes Anonymous including Radiohead, are passionate, with a capital P, liberals. That includes Jeffrey Lewis.

Chanson du Jour

Your Rocky Spine by Great Lake Swimmers


Now, I get to go listen to the hearts and feel the vascular system of some geriatric patients. That will be good practice for working on Ano....ummmm.....nevermind.

Chanson du Jour

Let's Head Out by Figurines

Fall In Line

Well, Obama, our fearless leader, can't seem to take criticism or even a reasonable question. So, we should just take it easy on him and fall in line.

Chanson du Jour

A thousand apologies for the absence. If I am not posting songs everyday, what good am I to the world? This is all I have to offer. This just goes to show you that when Cami is not around, my life just falls apart. I can't even remember to post a song each day. I can't figure out how to prepare a meal. I can't figure out a decent time to fall asleep. Nothing seems to go right. I look forward to Friday, when the chaos will end upon her arrival. But, until then, let's hang in there.

Percussion Gun by White Rabbits

Chanson du Jour

So, I have been a little slacky the last couple of days. But, we will make up for it today with a lengthy video. I really think you will enjoy it (especially all of my reader who love/remember/long for the 70s). It may not be an official song, but I think you will all agree that the song is awesome. If you want to skip the informational intro, go to about the 3:30 mark and the song will start about there. But, for those of you with a weak science background (like me) may need the 3 minute intro. Skip it if you like.

Protein Synthesis by Stanford University Chemistry Dept.


PS - I sat thru a 2 hour lecture on this. I could have just watched this 13 minute video and learned the same garbage.

Chanson du Jour

Arrows Of Eros by Golden Silvers


Maybe? I don't know. I kinda like this song. Their other songs sound kinda similar. Kind of a 70s meets 80s meets Brit Pop meets who-knows-what.

Chanson du Jour

It seems like everyone has their own version of this song. But, this is my favorite. Plus, add Michel Gondry behind the camera and you have an awesome video to an awesome song.

Mad World by Gary Jules

Chanson du Jour

Let Me Kiss You Now (And I'll Fade Away) by Plushgun

Chanson du Jour

The Wolves (Act I & II) by Bon Iver

Chanson du Jour

It's not even 9 am. Have been on campus almost 3 hours already. About to sit through a 3 hour lecture on "Transcription and RNA Processing". I can think of nothing I would rather do. It is times like these where I need to fall back on my surefire form of entertainment: the lethal beating of Anonymous with a blunt object. That is why I chose today's song. It has the trifecta of Anonymous-beating.

1) Slow and long
2) Repetitive
3) In a foreign language

This should be an absolute drubbing and the thought of him having to sit through the next 4.5 minutes will keep me going all day today. So, here's to you, Anonymous. My sanity.

Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros

Just as a side note. I do like Sigur Ros. A lot. But, they are not a group that I can listen to at anytime. I have to be in the mood. But, I think their music is beautiful. I have heard their concerts are absolutely amazing. You just have to know when to move your "fins" to the left and right.

Chanson du Jour

Well, it's official. I can palpate your zygomatic arch, acromioclavicular joint, inferior lateral angle of sacrum and your mastoid process (to name a few). After all that poking and prodding, I need a good little ditty to get me back into studying mode. This is actually a movie (Michael Jackson style) and you can skip to 2:30 if you don't want to watch it.

Rabbit Habbits by Man Man

Chanson du Jour

A special treat for everyone today. This woman is either absolutely insane, or a musical genius. I happen to like the music.

Symphony 1 In The Barrel Of A Gun by Emily Wells

Chanson du Jour

Another winner for you. There is a 2 minute intro (just the band talking about nonsensical things) that you can skip. Just start the video at the 2 min mark.

A Spell For Letting Go by Dark Dark Dark

Chanson du Jour

Sorry about the lack of video for today, but I really like this song for some reason. Maybe because it accurately portrays my gloomy mood as I head into a weekend full of...studying!!! Does anyone else find it interesting that the first proto-oncogene ever discovered was the Src gene, found in chickens, which is a tyrosine kinase? Why does phosphorylating a tyrosine amino acid cause a mutation that speeds up cell proliferation (or does it inhibit apoptosis? - I can never remember that)? I have more powerpoints to go over. I will get back to you on that one. I still have no idea what my professors are talking about.

Black Tables by Other Lives

Chanson du Jour

O The Vampyre by A.A. Bondy

Chanson du Jour

After hours and hours of molecular biology and biochemistry, I just want to listen to some nice music from a guy with a funny name. I have just the thing. Take this and call me in the morning.

Enjoy Meet Me In The Garden by Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele

Chanson du Jour

Greetings from my new headquarters at the UNTHSC library. I hope all are doing well. Before I get back to learning the multitudinous differences between lysosomes and peroxisomes, I will post a little musical delight for all (but mostly for myself).

Enjoy Cheer For Fate by Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band

Chanson du Jour

Songs may come at weird times now that I am in school again. But, I promise to keep them coming. Enjoy Tokyo by Telekinesis.

Chanson du Jour

Next Time Around by Little Joy

Chanson du Jour

This is kind of a country/bluegrass/folk meets rock meets Abercrombie & Fitch. I guess the official genre is "Old Time Music". But, I kinda like it.

I can't be sure, but I think this song is about cocaine. It's subtle, but I am pretty good at pulling meaning out of lyrics. Enjoy Tell It To Me by Old Crow Medicine Show


Covering The Rolling Stones...Down Home Girl by Old Crow Medicine Show

Chanson du Jour

I'm just hitting home run after home run this week. Another awesome song. You're welcome.

Click, Click, Click, Click by Bishop Allen

Chanson du Jour

And we thought nothing good ever came from Oklahoma. This proves we were wrong. Check out this Norman, OK band.

Popsickle by Starlight Mints

A Voice For Baseball

I have an analogy for all you preparing for the SAT: Baseball:Sports :: Conservatism:Politics. Now, I explain.

Baseball is quickly becoming the pariah of the sports world. It is no longer cool to admit that you enjoy baseball, played baseball at any time in your life, or enjoy the occasional baseball game on TV. What we have forgotten is that baseball, as America's pasttime, is an American staple. It is part of the founding of this country (although it came much later). Just like conservatism is at the founding of this country and is now becoming the butt of any pundit's joke. Why does this happen to baseball? What did baseball do that is so offensive to everyone? Why do we pay more attention to sporting imports like soccer and hockey? Why do we worship a game in which its players can't even make it through a 16-game season? Why do we obsess over a sport that thugs and criminals can excel at? Scratch that. Basketball is good, too. Why is Nascar even considered a sport? All we need as Americans are the Big Bad Games. BBG. Get it? Big Bad Games. Remember that. Big Bad Games. BBG. Baseball, Basketball, Golf. Big Bad Games. BBG. BBG.

Let's talk about the merits of baseball (and yes, this is a response to my cousin's thrashing of baseball on his blog and to the constant ribbings of my in-laws, who as we speak are on one of their abundant soccer trips - because you have to fly to all parts of the country to find one other person interested in playing soccer).

1) Baseball, unlike other sports with the exception of golf, rewards talent and skill over athleticism. In what other sport can an aging man throw 70 mph knuckle balls and be an all-star, like Tim Wakefield? The younger, more "talented" pitchers just can't do what he can. They have stronger arms, better health, younger bodies. But, they cannot excel like he can because he has the skill and know-how to dominate batters.

2) Which brings me to this point: baseball is the smartest game. This highly offends football players (and yes, there is strategy in football; just ask John Madden - "you see, you want to get the football in the endzone more times than the other team in order to be successful and win the game, you see"), but your sport can be understood and played by any blockhead. Just take a look at the average intelligence of the football fan. MORONS. It's a simple game. Baseball, on the other hand, is full of strategy, trickery, game-manipulation, strategic roster changes, mind games, etc. Other sports just don't have that. Baseball is kinda like chess in that you need to anticipate what your opponent is going to do in order to make your move. Don't guess wrong. Football players just memorize what they are supposed to do in certain formations and do it. Simple as that.

The heads of every football player and fan just exploded looking at this!

3) Todd, my cousin, criticized the fact that baseball teams play their rivals 20 times a year and that takes away from the magic. Well, what about interleague play? Baseball, for the most part, does not have it. So, the AL and NL are truly 2 different leagues with different rules even. Then, when they meet in the championship, it is something truly special because there is a good likelihood the teams have never played before. Nice.

4) Todd also mentioned that any sport where you can eat sunflower seeds and play at the same time is not a real sport. Just the opposite, amigo. That is true talent. And the sign of a true sport. Remember when the official drink of the MLB was All-Sport, the CARBONATED sports drink? Awesome. Next it will be Budweiser that is in the coolers (I would be surprised if it's not already there). That is a true sport.

A true athlete

5) He has me on the managers wearing uniforms thing. That is pretty funny. They all look like The Penguin from Batman Returns out there. But, we baseball fans just chalk that up to physical comedy, which spices up our game.

Plus, no cheerleaders, games played in warmer weather, no drill/dance teams, dot races, the risk of losing your life at any moment by taking a foul ball to the temple, the memories that can be formed with your father as he throws you into the row in front of you to catch said foul ball, 7th inning stretch, the fact that studies have shown that hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in all of sportsdom, combined with the fact that uber-talented teams like the Yankees and Red Sox can be outplayed and beat by a bunch of ragtag players like the Rays make baseball THE GREATEST GAME ON EARTH.

That being said, I can't wait for football season (pro, not college, of course).

Chanson du Jour

Now this is a great song.

Bye Bye Bye by Plants And Animals

Chanson du Jour

Did you miss me? Well, whether you did or not, I am back. I am bringing the heat for the next little while with all manner of crazy songs, just for all the reader out there.

Sometimes, you listen to music just 'cuz you want to. It has no redeeming qualities, no talented musicians, no deep lyrics, no harmonized femmy vocals (Eagles slam!), no nothing. Just fun music that you can rock out to. Today's band is such band, such dutiful band (you are welcome for the Vincent Dooly reference joke).

Please enjoy the fun-loving cacophony that is O Katrina! by Black Lips

Chanson du Jour

Another pick from the liberal menace.

Papa Was A Rollin' Stone by The Temptations

Chanson du Jour

Here is a selection by Anonymous.

All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down by The Mavericks

Chanson du Jour

Greetings from Times Square New York. We would like to thank the Residence Inn for the wi-fi so we can keep the songs a-comin'. This is one of the liberal menace's pick-me-up songs that always gets her moving.

Evil Woman by ELO

Chanson du Jour

Here is the suggestion for this week's songs of the day, made by Anonymous.

Here is my suggestion: WE all have songs that are on a very short list of songs that anytime we hear them; does not matter the time day, what we are doing, the mood we are in or how many times we have listened to it, we turn up the volume and get lost in the song. It would be interesting to have anyone out there tell us the song(s).

Ok, let's play. I will start. We already have contributions from Anonymous and the liberal menace. Any other contributions are welcome. We will get them all up, as long as they are in on time. And by the way, I am not going to Cheyenne and will not say hi to Dick Cheney, but Cami does not know where we are going yet so I had to make something up. But, it will be fun. I have always wanted to go to Roswell, NM. HA!

Here is a song that will make me shake my tailfeather every time I hear it, no matter what...

Whenever I have to do some chores I don't want to do, or mow a lawn in hot weather, I can listen to this song and feel energized and excited about the dreaded task, no matter what.

You Only Live Once by The Strokes

Next Week's Chanson du Jour

Who wants it? Cami and I will be out of town in Cheyenne, WY and I don't want the stress of choosing a song each day. I will turn it over to the highest bidder (first person that shows interest in doing it). Just comment here, I will give it to you, and then you can email me the songs for next week. Capish? Let the bidding begin....right......now!

Chanson du Jour

Since yesterday's song was maybe not played at stake dances (which is still being debated), I will put up a song that for sure was played. We have put it on the blog before, but it is great enough to put up again.

I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers

Always end with a slow song at a stake dance. For a while, it was always this song...at the request of a girl with some pull with the DJ (no not my sister). We go from the Scots (Proclaimers) to the Irish...

Lady In Red by Chris De Burgh - this song was re-made famous by the recent Tina Fey movie, Baby Mama

Chanson du Jour

I have a confession to make. I can't remember if this song actually made the stake dances of yesteryear, but this song really reminds me of the DJ. I know for a fact that we bought the single for this song, and I am 99% sure we used that single at the dances. Please help me out, if there is anyone out there who knows if this song was used. If not, it at least reminds me of searching for music with my dad...for the stake dances.

How Bizarre by OMC

Chanson du Jour

Unfortunately, each stake dance included a country line dance. Usually one of these two songs...

Boot Scootin' Boogie by Brooks and Dunn

Any Man Of Mine by Shania Twain

Sorry for the country music, liberal menace. It is as hard for me to post as it is for you to listen to. When these songs came on, I would, fully knowing the proper way to line dance, either grab a chair and sit in the middle of the line dancing monkeys (which drew the immediate ire of the old man) or try and walk through the line dance without touching anyone (tricky because you have to anticipate the dancers' moves). But, I was less than enthused when the DJ Extraordinaire decided to play these songs.

But, this one I participated in...and I pretty much felt like this video looks.

Cotton-Eyed Joe by Rednex

Chanson du Jour

No stake dance would be complete without a swing song. Here is a favorite of our DJ, my dad, Bruce Jensen.

Rock This Town by Stray Cats

Canción del Día

Love the movie. Love the music. Love this song. It's crazy...this is exactly how I clean my house!

Hobbies Part (5th Prime Number Starting From 0)

Click on the pictures to enlarge them...

Going to very public places and pretending to be MI6 agents with malfunctioning earpieces (British accent and all)


Just being plain smart (this is how William Tell discovered gravity with the pear)


Gangsta Camping (don't worry, T-Les and I are wearing shorts - Molly, on the other hand, is butt nekkid, as usual)




Posing Forlornly



Testing people's honesty by leaving electronic equipment unattended while feigning sleep in public places (recommended only if you want a new camera - as we learned the hard way)

Message From The Liberal Menace To Me

The liberal menace sent me the link to this video, which is stinking hilarious by the way, and I had to ask myself: Why did she think of me? What is it about this video that reminds her of me? Curious. Is it because of my poor eating habits? Is it my well-known love of fast food that inspired this welcome, if not uninvited, email? Maybe it is my, as Bill Maher would put it, "flat-earth" mentality towards the global warming hoax.

I don't think it is any of that. I just think it is funny and she wanted to share it with all of you reader. So, here it is, compliments of the liberal menace.....fixing humanity one funny video at a time.


Taco Bell's New Green Menu Takes No Ingredients From Nature

Chanson du Jour

We will continue Stake Dance Week with another fast one. I was never much into The Beatles growing up. Little did I know that I would marry the biggest Beatles maniac in the world. Luckily, I was able to salvage the relationship and come up with a song of theirs I knew, thanks to the stake dances. Here she is; the song that got me married...

Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da by The Beatles


And yes, I am a big Beatles fan now. Thanks Cami.

Chanson du Jour

Ever since I bought my first cds (Live - Throwing Copper, Blues Traveler - Four, Batman Forever Soundtrack, Pearl Jam - Vitalogy) I have been on a never-ending quest for good music. But, my dad taught me something when I was a teenager that I will never forget (and rarely use). Good music is not always good dance music. Good dance music is not always good music.

As DJ for the Stake dances, my dad was responsible for the musical entertainment of the teenagers in our area. This is a responsibility he really enjoyed. I would help him pick out the music, along with several other teenagers, for the dances. Late night trips to Barnes & Noble to listen to new music each month was one of our favorite pasttimes. We would gather and collect music and then present our discoveries to the committee for review. Thumbs up or thumbs down. That was all we needed. And remember, you are not voting if you like the song or not, but rather you are voting on whether that song is a good dance song or not. Clean, upbeat (unless it's a slow song), relatively short, danceable.

So, in honor of my dad who taught me the difference between good music and good dance music, we will have Stake Dance Week this week. Songs I remember from the Stake dances of my youth. Songs that I have associated with my dad in some way or another (yes, this is a cheap ploy to pay him back for the torture I put him through last week). Enjoy.

Sell Out by Reel Big Fish

Chanson du Jour

The latest Radiohead album is called In Rainbows. In a show of defiance to the greedy you-know-whats at the record labels, Radiohead released this album online that you could download for the price that you named. $0? No problem. The album is yours. Pretty awesome. Here are my favorite songs off the album.

15 Step - performed at the Grammy's this year and also the song played at the end of Twilight


Nude


Videotape - my favorite song on the album


Well, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that Radiohead is in the recording studio right now banging out #8 for all us peasants to enjoy soon. I can't wait and I know you can't either.

As for Anonymous, happy 4th of July. You are officially free of the British and can claim your independence. The Red Coats won't attack you on this blog ever again. This blog is done with Radiohead (but probably not all British artists), forever (say it like Squints, for me).

Chanson du Jour

The sixth album is Hail To The Thief. The album title tells you everything you need to know about their political views and their opinion of George W. Bush. But, I digress. Let's get crack-a-lackin'. Here are my favorite songs off the album.

We Suck Young Blood (Your Time Is Up) - not the official video


A Punch Up At A Wedding (No No No No No No No No)


I Will (No Man's Land) - short song, just for Anonymous


My favorite song on HTTT has 2 F-bombs in it (at 37 and 38 seconds - if you want to mute it there), making it PG-13 Rated. Watch the following video at your own risk.
A Wolf At The Door (It Girl, Rag Doll)

Canción del Día

This song is dedicated to my dad. He would bust out this record at the end of every semester at BYU and blast it in our little Wymount apartment. I have many fond childhood memories of this song. It meant that dad was done (at least for the time being) and that life was awesome. I even carried on the tradition when I attended BYU. When I would talk to my dad at the end of a semester he would invariably ask if I had played the song and I would respond with a resounding YES! I love.this.song and hope you enjoy it too (and the AWESOME 70's getup featured in the video)! Enjoy "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry.

Chanson du Jour

Album #5 is Amnesiac. If I were having an argument with myself, I could see myself convincing me that this is my favorite Radiohead album. Hard to pick a favorite, but I might could convince myself that this is the one. Who knows? But, the answer, in case you were wondering, to the question "What is your favorite Radiohead album?" is "The one I am listening to". Just in case you were wondering.

Today is another day where there are too many good songs to narrow down, so I didn't. There is too much music here to just listen to. Go ahead and get the videos playing and then go on to something else and enjoy the music. Here are my favorite songs off the album.

Anonymous, you may just want to skip the next few days. But, I do have a special treat for you. Maybe you will like a Radiohead song if it's not an original, but a cover. Radiohead doesn't do these often, but this one is pretty good. I will put it at the end, just for you.

Life In A Glass House (favorite song on Amnesiac, favorite Radiohead song period, maybe my favorite SONG, period) - best listened to VERY LOUD


Pyramid Song


You And Whose Army? (a close second - almost my favorite song on the album)


Knives Out


I Might Be Wrong


Radiohead cover of Nobody Does It Better by Carly Simon from the James Bond "The Spy Who Loved Me" soundtrack