Squeeeeeeeee! Buffy! Sing.A.Long.

I looks like the Buffy sing-a-long in St. Louis has changed it's dates from Maire's wedding weekend to the weekend after that. AWESOME!

I'll go alone but it would be cooler to have a friend. Who's coming with me?

Also, check out this NPR interview with the creator of BtVS Sing-a-long.

A to Z cds: Day 32

145. Kind of Blue ~ Miles Davis (last listen: 1-3 years)

146. Bitches Brew ~ Miles Davis (last listen: 3-5 years)

147. On the Corner ~ Miles Davis (last listen: 3-5 years): This is the one cd that I could never listen to while studying. I don't know why that is except for that I would always find myself distracted by this disc. That said, even though Miles got a lot of flack for this cd, I think it's pretty awesome.

148. Australia ~ Howie Day (last listen: never): Melissa B. (now Mrs. George) from library school gave me this disc and the next disc in an attempt to get Beth and I to go see Howie Day with her. I don't remember if Beth went or not; I know I couldn't go. This cd is decent, typical sensitive boy music. I am not dissing it or anything but so far nothing about this cd has made me overly excited. Sorry, Mel (though I am not sure she even reads this).

149. Stop All The World ~ Howie Day (last listen: never): Nothing against Howie but the whole time I was listening to this I was literally counting the songs until I could get to Dead Prez.

150. Let's Get Free ~ Dead Prez (last listen: 0-3 months): What can I say about Dead Prez? They are brilliant and socialist and make fantastic music. I wish I could see them play live someday. These two guys rap about racism, healthy living, activism, religion and that's only the tip of the iceberg. I might be hard pressed to pick a favorite song on this disc as I love so many of them but I think I would have to choose I'M A AFRICAN (video is made by some youtuber) if for no other reason than that song just moves me every time I hear it. Close ties for first place, They Schools, Hip-Hop, Police State, Mind Sex.

A to Z cds: Day 31

140. The Lillywhite Sessions ~ Dave Matthews Band (last listen: 3-5 years)

141. The Central Park Concert ~ Dave Matthews Band (last listen: never): Okay, even I think it is insane to have a song go on jam band style for almost 19 minutes.

142. Chocolate to the Bone ~ Guy Davis (last listen: 1-3 years): This cd is solid blues brought to us by Ozzie Davis' son.

143. Miles and Coltrane ~ Miles Davis and John Coltrane (last listen: 1-3 years): Another cd that got me through nights of writing papers in grad school. I love Miles (an StL native); Coltrane's not bad either.

144. Steamin' ~ The Miles Davis Quartet (last listen: 1-3 years): I love this cd. Another one that got me through grad school. But more importantly, Davis and the band tackle "Surrey with a Fringe on Top" from Oklahoma. Now, if I only know what happened to my Cookin' with the Miles Davis Quartet cd, well, I would be in business.

On a non-music related note, it looks like most of you will get over your guilty feelings of finding Dan Radcliffe a cutie now that he's legal. A new quiz is up.

Robot Chicken

So, once again, Netflix has given me access to a show I would previously never have watched. That gem of a show is Robot Chicken.

Conceived by the adorable Seth Green and some other guy named Matthew Senreich, Robot Chicken is claymation and stop motion animation of toys that satirizes pop culture. And it's brilliant.

For example, there's a little sketch where Skeletor, Mumm-Ra, Cobra Commander, and Lex Luthor are car-pooling and get stuck in traffic. What we learn is that Skeletor is one flatulent mother frakker. Also, Lex taunts two children in the car over and bitches about how he should have just teleported into work. The rest of the baddies complain about Lex's complaining. Well, then their "good guy" counterparts breeze past them in the faster lane and Lex loses it. He teleports but it backfires and he ends up in the car with two kids he was taunting. Hee.

Anyway, the episodes are only about 15 minutes long or so. They are just jam packed with funny goodness. The show even won an Emmy. These guys will mock anything I do believe. They do spoofs about Buffy, Voltron, Fidel Castro, Disney, etc.

So, check it out on Cartoon Network if you have a few minutes to spare. Season three is starting soon.


In other tv watching news, I am steadily making my way through MI:5 (Spooks) season two. Only one disc left before I get to season three. B-Mart, you really need to look into watching the dvds because the show is actually an hour long and when they put it on A&E or BBCA they end up cutting stuff out. Can't wait for the next disc because Tess comes back to wreak some havoc. Awesome.

A to Z cds: Day 30

136. Live at Red Rocks ~ Dave Matthews Band (last listen: 6 months - 1 year): Do you all remember back in those Ally McBeal days where the show was all about people having a theme song? Well, I do and I did. The live version of Dancing Nancies was my theme song. In a lot of ways it still is. I love that frakkin' song. Because really, could I have been anyone other than me? Every time I hear it I just want to smile and dance. Which is sort of what DMB is all about.

137. Before These Crowded Streets ~ Dave Matthews Band (last listen: 3-5 years)

138. Listener Supported ~ Dave Matthews Band (last listen: 3-5 years): I seem to only have disc one of this double disc.

139. Busted Stuff ~ Dave Matthews Band(last listen: 3-5 years)

The Office vs. Grey's Anatomy

So, this September I am going to make a hard Thursday night choice. Now that I have become addicted to The Office, can I continue to snub it in favor of Grey's? Especially when I was so displeased with the way Grey's was headed at the end of last season. George and Izzie? Really? Just eww. And Derek? Get over your damn self. Your girlfriend almost dies and then loses her mother and you are pissed at her for being a little off? Frak you. But then again, I love Bailey and the Chief and Cristina.

See, on the other hand I have Jim, Pam, Dwight, and Michael. They make me cringe, laugh, and the romance is just perfect. Not too little, not much in the romantic department. Although, Pam needs to shit or get off the pot. Know what I mean?

What would you do, dear readers?

I suppose I could take the time to figure out how to watch one thing and tape another with my tivo. That might fix this problem right away.

A to Z cds: Day 29

Hope you like the blog look. I am trying out something new. I may keep it and I may find something else I like better. Let me know what you think.

130. Devil's Night ~ D12 (last listen: 3-5 years): I bought this cd because I love Em. But really, it's not that great. Favorite song: Purple Pills.

131. Brown Sugar ~ D'Angelo (last listen: 6 months - 1 year): Ladies, do you recall that D'Angelo video. You know the one I am talking about. The naked one. So. Hot. That's why I pilfered this from Squater.

132. Be Sure Your Sins Will Find You Out ~ The Damn Millionaires (last listen: 0-3 months): I talked about this cd here. Beth, I've got one for you.

*************************************************************************************
GMYH, I feel like today and tomorrow might lower me in your estimation. However, I look at it like this, if we are ever able to dominate in WSOPC, my liking DMB might come in handy.
*************************************************************************************

133. Recently (EP) ~ Dave Matthews Band (last listen 1-3 years)

134. Under The Table and Dreaming ~ Dave Matthews Band (last listen: 1-3 years)

135. Crash ~ Dave Matthews Band (last listen: 1-3 years)

Librarians play piano too

Via Beth:

Former BCMRL (I really wish Sam had been able to keep that website) phenom not only plays racquetball but also tickles the ivories.

Way to go Eytan! Now, how do I get my hands on one of those cds? That would make a nice addition to the U section of my cd collection.

A to Z cds: Day 28

125. No Need to Argue ~ The Cranberries (last listen: 5+ years)

126. Heavy Picks ~ The Robert Cray Band Collection (last listen: 3-5 years)

127. Disraeli Gears ~ Cream (last listen: 3-5 years)

128. Willy and the Poor Boys ~ Creedence Clearwater Revival (last listen: 3-5 years)

129. Chronicle Vol. 1 ~ Creedence Clearwater Revival (last listen: 0-3 months): There is something about CCR that just screams ROAD TRIP to me. Whenever I have to drive my car to a destination more than 4 hours away, I feel the need for CCR to be in the car. I don't know why that is; it just is. I listened to CCR on my way home from SoInd back in May. Although we didn't listen to it, this cd was along for Girl's Weekend last month. Anyway, CCR just says to me summertime in the car with the windows down and the stereo cranked up.

A to Z cds: Day 27

121. Recovering the Satellites ~ Counting Crows (last listen: 0-3 months): This is my favorite off all the Counting Corws cd.

122. This Desert Life ~ Counting Crows (last listen: 5+ years)

123. Hard Candy ~ Counting Crows (last listen: 3-5 years): Another cd passed on to me by DiRRty but I was sort of over my CC phase by then. However, there are a few decent songs on here. I particularly like the song Good Time.

124. Steal This Album ~ The Coup (last listen: 0-3 months): This cd is pretty great. That is if you like rappers who advocate murdering CEOs and slamming the lack of America's healthcare with lyrics like this: You know I'm uninsured up in this Beeyiyatch!/My medical plan was to NOT get shot!

Happy Birthday, Maire!

Happy Birthday, darlin'! You rule. See you in September!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Well, I had the book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as of about 12:30 a.m. Saturday. Luckily, I had gone to Borders very early that morning to get line tickets for my pal Tricia and I. It was a very long day so I only read for a few hours that that before turning in. Tricia and I spent most of Saturday reading the book while Squater watched on. I am sure he was bored. We took a Buffy break and went to dinner. Then I read more that night and ultimately finished the book Sunday afternoon.

I am going to talk about the book without revealing too much because I know that some of my readers haven't gotten the book yet. If you want the deets, and things I generally agree with then go see B-Mart's blog.

I have to say that overall, I was exceptionally pleased with this final installation of the Harry Potter series. I was a late-comer to the world of Harry Potter. The fifth book was already out when I started reading these tales. Yet I found myself in love with the series. I approached this book with the requisite amount of excitement and sadness. I admit while I longed for this last tale; I was also scared of this because I didn't want the stories to end. I didn't want to know because knowing would mean that there would never be another Harry Potter book. And, for all that I love Harry; I also love this richly created world of Wizards and Muggles, Diagon Alley, the Burrow, and most especially Hogwarts. Harry, while obviously integral, doesn't have to be a part of my daydreams of what it would be like to go to a school like Hogwarts. Trust me, I've had many a dream of going to a school like Hogwarts since reading these books.

J.K. didn't let me down. Do some characters that I've grown to love die? Yes, they do. Do some characters who I wish had died lived? Yes, they do.

I'll admit that this book for large portions felt so odd to me because it by and large doesn't take place at Hogwarts. I kept wishing to know what was happening back at the school. When we finally learn what was happening I was filled with happiness and dread knowing what all those kids had been through.

I will say that this book is a reward in many ways for those readers who have paid close attention to the little things. There are great payoffs and some real revelations. If there is one message that this book conveys it's that life isn't always fair and right. People you love die. Death is something that cannot be stopped no matter if you are wizard or muggle.

I know a lot of folks aren't happy with the ending of this book and the series but personally, I think that it ended as it was supposed to. Ultimately, it's not up to the fans because realistically you can't please millions of people. The series ended the way J.K. Rowling wanted it to end and that's just fine with me.

I cried at the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows because I knew it was the end of an era. I look forward to seeing how they make books six and seven into films. I'm sure I will even be there on opening day. But the end of these books makes me sad. I think I will always want more stories about Harry, Ron, and Hermione and their tragic and wonderful world.

I am starting a reread of book seven this week as I am sure I missed some details as I always do.

Feel free to comment. If you are going to go into detail, I ask that you make sure you let others know that spoilers are in your comments.

Books Read in 2007:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ~ J.K. Rowling
A Thousand Splendid Suns ~ Khaled Hosseini
The Bermudez Triangle ~ Maureen Johnson
Fray ~ Joss Whedon
The Dragonriders of Pern ~ Anne McCaffery
Embroideries ~ Marjane Satrapi
13 Little Blue Envelopes ~ Maureen Johnson
The Cider House Rules ~ John Irving
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ~J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ~ J.K. Rowling
The Good Men: A Novel of Heresy ~ Charmaine Craig
An Abundance of Katherines ~ John Green
The Count of Monte Cristo ~ Alexandre Dumas
Looking For Alaska ~ John Green
Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest ~ Stephen Ambrose
Drinking, Smoking, and Screwing: Great Writers on Good Times ~ edited by Sara Nikles
Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood ~ Ann Brashares

A to Z cds: Day 26

Forgot to post this on Thursday. Ooops.

115. A Rush of Blood to the Head ~ Coldplay (last listen: 0-3 months):I'll admit when I first saw Coldplay on MTV, I really wasn't that impressed. In fact, it wasn't until after A Rush of Blood to the Head came out that I really started to pay attention. There is something about this cd that pulls me in. I'm not sure how many times I've listened to it but every time I listen to it I just get sucked into Chris Martin's emotions.

116. X & Y ~ Coldplay (6 months - 1 year)

117. This Fire ~ Paula Cole (last listen: 5+ years): I am sorry I ever bought this cd. God damn you, Lilith Fair. Whenever I hear that "I Don't Want to Wait" song I think of this scene in the movie Urban Legends starring Josh Jackson (such a hottie) wherein his character hears the song, mocks it, changes the channel on the radio and then is killed, if I remember correctly. Is it a little poke at Dawson's Creek? Yes, it is. Thank Jebus for all the mocking of Dawson and his five head, even though I have seen every episode of that show. What? I did love me some Pacey Witter. But that Dawson; he was insufferable.

118. Be ~ Common (last listen: 0-3 months): This cd is pretty solid. Some of the beats pop into my head on a regular basis. I like Common and I should own more of his stuff.

119. When I Was Cruel~ Elvis Costello (last listen: 3-5 years): I got this cd via my friend Rochelle Rochelle because I thought it was time I became an Elvis Costello fan. I mean, shouldn't everyone become an Elvis Costello fan? Although, I think it's safe to say, since I haven't listened to this disc in 3-5 years that I didn't become a huge fan either. However, this cd is much better than I remember it being.

120. August and Everything After ~ The Counting Crows (last listen: 3-5 years): If you were alive in 1993/94, I do believe it was mandatory to own this cd. There's a good reason for that as I happen to really like this cd. This cd reminds me of the summer before my freshman year of college. That was a crazy summer.

Buffy came; not bored now

Well, as I called in my comments, Buffy was waiting for me on Tuesday when I cam home from work. I do believe I actually squealed when I saw the package. You'd have to ask Squater as I was talking to him when I saw the package. I was careful to not scratch the box when cutting off the plastic wrapping. The box was dented or anything. If you haven't seen this box, well, it;s blood red on top and then a kind of light grey on bottom. In the grey part are images, in a darker shade of grey, of the main characters of the series. On that open flap, it says the whole she-bang about how there is only one girl in all the world and she's chosen. Frak right she is.


I had to let Squater go so I could properly delve in to the beautiful box. There are four major components here. Component 1 are the dvds themselves, which all arrived in perfect condition. Component 2 is a booklet listing Joss's 12 most favorite episodes and why. The rest of the booklet is a listing of all episodes with blurbs about each episode. Component 3 is this little message from Joss about how much he loved working on Buffy and so forth. Finally, Component 4 is the dvd of extras. This dvd includes interviews and featurettes. I watched a few on Tuesday and learned some stuff. Like, and I am sure many of you already knew this, that SMG was actually cast as Cordelia but then the network had her read for Buffy...and history was made.

I was rather conflicted about what episode to watch first. Do I watch my top five favorites? Do I start at the beginning? Do I watch season three (since overall it's probably my favorite storywise and big bad wise)? I decided to watch Once More, With Feeling and then I decided to just start where it all began. It's odd because I haven't watched the pilot for a long time. They all look so cute and young. Oh, if you only know where you will all end up. Anyway, it looks like I am just going to rewatch the whole series again. It seems like it's a necessity.


Images yanked from Amazon as I don't have a digital camera. Thanks, Amazon.

Accio Deathly Hallows

Hank sings pretty much exactly how I feel. I love those Green brothers.

New beds and other miscellania

About two weeks ago I bought a new bed. Macy's was having a big July 4th bed sale. So, I took them up on their offer. It was past time to get a new bed. I'd had my old bed for about 17 years or so. It was old. It was starting to get uncomfortable. My bed was always squeaking. Any time you sat or laid on it, well, it was noisy. My friend Melissa even mocked me for it when she and her hubby slept on it over Christmas. She said my whole bedroom was one big squeak between the hardwood floors and the bed. Honestly, I always thought my bed squeaked because of the wooden frame.

I am here to tell you that it ain't the frame. On Saturday morning, Macy's delivered the new bed. First of all, it's so taller. It's literally a foot higher than my old bed. I actually have to do a little bit of a run to get into it. What can I say? I'm a little on the short side. Anyway, the bed no longer squeaks or creaks or makes a noise of any kind. And, though my back is still adjusting, it's a very comfortable sleep. It's the best $500 I've spent in a while.

Right now I am aching because I had my first session, with my new YMCA membership, with a trainer last night. You know how there is knowing something and there is knowing something. Well, last night I found out just how bad of shape I am in. The trainer worked me pretty hard last night. Too hard, honestly. My sprained knee which hasn't bothered me in ages had shooting pains last night and twinging pains all day. This is why I will be swimming for a while. Swimming is the reason I joined the Y to begin with; I could have gone to 24 hour Fitness but I chose the Y for the pool. So, laps and water aerobics here I come. My knee is thanking me already.

On the Buffy front, I should have the dvds waiting for me at home. But I guess I will find out soon enough.

A to Z cds: Day 25

112. From Here to Eternity ~ The Clash (last listen: 1-3 years): The Clash live. I wish I could have seen that.

113. Greatest Hits ~ George Clinton (last listen: 3-5 years):

114. Parachutes ~ Coldplay (last listen: 3-6 months): Favorite songs: Don't Panic, Shiver, Spies, Sparks, Everything's Not Lost

Too many meetings and not enough cd time today.

A to Z cds: Day 24

107. Give 'Em Enough Rope ~ The Clash (last listen: 1-3 years): Favorite songs: Safe European Home, English Civil War, All The Young Punks

108. London Calling ~ The Clash (last listen: 6 months - 1 year): I remember when I bought this cd that I didn't really appreciate The Clash in the way one should. I knew their hits but I didn't really realize that The Clash had made tons of music before Rock the Casbah and that their success was the beginning of their end. But I remember listening to London Calling for the first time and falling a little bit in love with The Clash. I really love the song Train in Vain.

109. Sandanista ~ The Clash (last listen: 1-3 years): Favorite songs: The Magnificent Seven, Rebel Waltz, Somebody Got Murdered, Career Opportunities

110. Combat Rock ~ The Clash (last listen: 6 months - 1 year): Favorite songs: Know Your Rights, Should I Stay or Should I Go, Rock the Casbah, Straight to Hell

111. The Story of The Clash Volume 1(last listen: 1-3 years)

Read A Book (NSFW)

This cartoon, rap video is so funny. Read a book, mother fucker.

Buffy: Woo!

Buffy: The Chosen Collection is being shipped as of now. So much excitement. Woohoo!

I wonder how many times I will track my package before it actually arrives? Any bets?

A to Z cds: Day 23

102. Esperanza ~ Manu Chao (last listen: 3-5 years)

103. The Story of Chanson ~ Various Artists (last listen: 5+ years): I don't know why this is in my C section, probably because I figured Chanson was the key part of that title. Anyway, I like listening to French music, especially Edith Piaf.

104. Chant ~ Benedictine Monks (last listen: 5+ years): Yep. I jumped on this bandwagon all those years ago. Why? I don't know. I think I even bought an Enya cd that year, which you will hear soon enough. What was I thinking?

105. Cheryl Liz ~ Cheryl Clarke (last listen: 3-6 months): This cd is my friend Cheryl from Hanover singing her own songs. She's got a great voice and I like a lot of these songs. They are catchy and they make me think of Cheryl and how I miss hanging out with her.

106. Breakaway ~ Kelly Clarkson (last listen: 6 months-1 year): Sometimes I really like pop music. This is a very good pop cd. I really love the song Since U Been Gone (and I fell in love with it because of this fan made Luke-Lorelai video [Be warned, Beth. It's anti-Chris.]).

A to Z cds: Day 22

98. The Essential Johnny Cash 1955-1983 ~ Johnny Cash (last listen: 1-3 years): This three disc box set has every song by Johnny Cash I'd ever heard and bunch I'd never heard. It's about as complete as you can get if you don't include all those discs he made with Rick Rubin. Speaking of which....

99. American IV: The Man Comes Around ~ Johnny Cash (last listen: 1-3 years): What's not to like about Johnny Cash covering Nine Inch Nails, the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkle, and Depeche Mode?

100. Black Cadillac ~ Roseanne Cash (last listen: 0-3 months): This cd is a beautiful memorial to Johnny, June, and Vivian Cash. It's all about remembering being a child, becoming an adult, and learning to live with the loss of a parent.

101. Clandestino ~ Manu Chao (last listen: 3-5 years): I got into Manu Chao after I listened rather intently to his former band Mano Negro. I forgot how much I liked this cd. There are no song breaks; all the songs bleed into one another. Manu Chao is an awesome mix of Latin Salsa and French Pop. Most of the time I have no idea what the songs mean but they sound awesome. However, from what I've read about Mano Negra and Manu Chao, these songs are pretty political and it's my kind of politics.

Can I see your id, please?

[Via Chazzbot]

Mingle² - Online Dating

Borders, you lose

Yesterday I received what might be the worst customer service I have ever encountered at Borders. After work I went in to look for a book and to see if they had Buffy: The Chosen Collection in stock. I've been waffling about buying it and I finally decided to bite the bullet. I thought I would get it from Borders because I am constantly getting coupons from them so I would get the dvd collection at least 20% off. Considering the thing costs $200, that made me happy. Plus, I had read complaints from some that when they ordered their dvds on Amazon a few came to them broken.

So, I looked up the dvd on their computers to see if they had it in stock. They didn't; which was fine. The computer instructed me to go to the Info Desk to order the item. So, I did.

Behind the counter was this hipster early 20-something looking guy. He's one of those guys who is cute but he knows it. You can just tell from the way he talks to you. Anyway, I explain to him that I looked up Buffy on the computer and they don't have it. Could he please order it? He gives me this big sigh like I am putting him out. So he starts typing and a few minutes later he says he can't find the book I am talking about. I explain to him that I am not looking for a book but for a dvd collection (and I mean seriously, had the guy never heard of the show Buffy?). He does some more searching and still cannot find it. He then asks me to pull it up on the computer. So, I did. It took me a whole minute. He prints out the page and goes behind his desk to do more searching. Then he tells me the obvious, we don't have this in stock. No shit, asshole. Why do you think I am even talking to you? Then he proceeds to tell me that the dvd is out of print and Borders can't order it. And he does it with a really assy and condescending tone in his voice. I looked at him incredulously. I said, well, I don't think that's true as the dvd collection is only a year old and it's available on Amazon. He says, sorry, ma'am. I can't help you. So, I said, fine. I will go spend my $200 at Amazon. And then he says, okay. Bye.

What the frak? Thanks for being no help at all. You know, I was under the impression that Borders and Barnes and Noble stores really didn't like their customers shopping at Amazon. It cuts into their profits and such. Apparently, I am wrong.

However, this morning I am happy to report that I ordered my Chosen Collection from Amazon. It should be on my doorstep in two days. So, fuck you asshole Borders guy. I win.

BSG: Woohoo!

So, here's a really cool video of an interview of some BSG cast and a director. I haven't seen the whole thing but I would imagine it's got spoilers for those of you who haven't finished season three. Enjoy!

ETA: There are spoilers. DO NOT WATCH IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED SEASON THREE.

A to Z cds: Day 21

96. Can the Circle Be Unbroken ~ The Carter Family (last listen: 6 months-1 year)

97. At Folsom Prison ~ Johnny Cash (last listen: 0-3 months)

Not a lot of time today. Too many meetings and impromptu conversations about meetings.

A to Z cds: Day 20

92. Grace ~ Jeff Buckley (last listen: 5+ years): I don't remember the last time I listened to this cd. All I know is that it's always sort of depressed me. Then it depressed me even more after poor Jeff Buckley drowned in the Mississippi River. His version of Hallelujah is beautiful and haunting. When I hear it I want to cry.

93. Once More, With Feeling ~ Cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (last listen: 0-3 months). I loved this cd. I love everything about it. I love the fact that the only really good singers are Sweet, Tara, Giles, and Spike. But I don't care. I listen to this cd a lot. Joss Whedon is my master. Hee. Seriously though, storytelling-wise, this cd does an amazing job at laying out all the warring emotions going on within the Scooby Gang. But I do believe I have mentioned this before. Anyway, I just found out that a Buffy sing-a-long will come through the Lou in October but I can't go as I am maid of honor in Maire's wedding. Words. not. being. formed. OMG. Maire, I hope you appreciate the seriousness of this. I think I will try to make the Kansas City, KS showing in August. It's only a four hour drive. Anyone want to join me?

94. Bullworth Soundtrack ~ Various Artists (last listen: 5+ years): This is another present from DiRRty. I loved the movie Bullworth even though it wasn't a big hit. What's not to like about a movie with the line, "Say that dirty word! SOCIALISM!" The movie is a huge commentary on the state of our political system. Which is probably why people didn't see it. But even I can recognize how hot Halle Berry is in this flick.

95. Electriclarryland ~ Butthole Surfers (last listen: 5+ years): I remember buying this cd but I don't ever remember actually listening to it. Although, I am sure I did at some point. Upon relistening, I can tell you that this cd would not have been my thing back then but now, it kind of rocks.

ETA: Here completeth the first shelf of my cd collection. Tomorrow starts shelf number two and the C's.

Damn you, Glarkware

This month Glarkware has two "NON" shirts that I would love to have. How do I choose between my love for The Office and my love of How I Met Your Mother? How?

What would you do? Pretzel Day or Mall?

This is so hard. Of course, I have also been contemplating the stapler shirt too. It cracks me up so hard.

Is it really possible to have a wardrobe made up of only t-shirts and jeans? Because I dream of that someday.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

When I heard that Khaled Hosseini, author of the brilliant, beautiful, and heart wrenching The Kite Runner, was writing another book I approached it with equal parts trepidation and excitement. I wondered if this new book would pull me in the way The Kite Runner did.

I shouldn't have been so worried. A Thousand Splendid Suns isn't The Kite Runner but then, it isn't supposed to be.

A Thousand Splendid Suns tells the stories of Mariam and Laila. Mariam and Laila are two Afghani women who, due to horrible circumstances, end up married to the same man. I don't want to say more because I don't really want to give away the intricate details of this book. But this is one of those books, that if you are a woman, can strike terror in your heart. It's hard for most of us to imagine being married to a man who is sympathetic to the Taliban and even harder to imagine why a woman, let alone millions of women would go along with these daily humiliations and deprivations. But Hosseini does a remarkable job of showing exactly how two women who never thought they would be in such a situation end up there.

I read this book in a day. I couldn't put it down. Hosseini drew me in again. He made me laugh and cry. He made me really glad that I live in America where, this morning, my problems don't seem so big. While this is clearly a work of fiction, it's also very clearly based in a realistic world. I hope that you all read this book and then go donate to the UNHCR. I know I did.

Books Read in 2007:

A Thousand Splendid Suns ~ Khaled Hosseini
The Bermudez Triangle ~ Maureen Johnson
Fray ~ Joss Whedon
The Dragonriders of Pern ~ Anne McCaffery
Embroideries ~ Marjane Satrapi
13 Little Blue Envelopes ~ Maureen Johnson
The Cider House Rules ~ John Irving
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ~J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ~ J.K. Rowling
The Good Men: A Novel of Heresy ~ Charmaine Craig
An Abundance of Katherines ~ John Green
The Count of Monte Cristo ~ Alexandre Dumas
Looking For Alaska ~ John Green
Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest ~ Stephen Ambrose
Drinking, Smoking, and Screwing: Great Writers on Good Times ~ edited by Sara Nikles
Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood ~ Ann Brashares

A to Z cds: Day 19

88. Live at the Apollo, 1962 ~ James Brown (last listen: 3-5 years):

89. Guit With It ~ Junior Brown (last listen: 6 months-1 year): I love Junior Brown. He's like old school country and yet, definitely a man of our time. This man is the master of what is called Guit-steel, which is a combo of a standard 6 string electric guitar and a steel guitar. Junior makes some really great country music that is witty and sarcastic but it can also be beautiful. Plus, this guy plays the guitar like nobody's business. I made Beth go see Junior Brown with me at the Bluebird back in 2005. I am pretty sure she enjoyed herself. Favorite songs: Highway Patrol, My Wife Thinks You're Dead (check out what his guitar looks like in this video), Party Lights

90. Long Walk Back ~ Junior Brown (last listen: 6 months-1 year): I bought this cd at All Ears in B'ton. It's pretty good but I love Guit With It more.

91. Time Out ~ The Dave Brubeck Quartet (last listen: 3-5 years): Another cd that got me through the Ruckh years.

A to Z cds: Day 18

Since there is no shame associated with the great relistening project of 2007, I decided I would allow you all to see the not shame that was once my love of Garth Brooks. My junior and senior year of high school I loved Garth and I continued to like him, albeit in a more secret fashion as to avoid being mocked, through undergrad. For my eighteenth birthday my parents bought me tickets to see Garth in concert in Evansville, IN. It was the one and only time I've worn cowboy boots. To this day, it's one of the best concerts I've been to. Garth really can put on a show. Anyway, my love for Gsrth has cooled in the ensuing years but sometimes I listen to "I've Got Friends in Low Places" and think back to how retarded I was in high school. Good times.

Side note: How did Garth breathe and produce offspring wearing jeans that tight?

80. No Fences ~ Garth Brooks (last listen: 5+ years): Some songs on this cd are real stinkers but I still love Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House, The Thunder Rolls, and Friends in Low Places.

81. Double Live ~ Garth Brooks (last listen: 5+ years): Garth plays Central Park.

82. Garth Brooks (Limited Edition) ~ Garth Brooks* (last listen: 5+ years): Funny story, my friend Jody also loved Garth. It made me feel less ashamed about my own love. When we both graduated from undergrad in 1998 (oh my god, when did I get old?) we got each other a gift since we were some of the very few of our friends to actually get our degrees in four years. Well, Jody and I ended up buying each other the Garth Brooks Limited Edition box set. I recall opening each others present in her dad's kitchen and laughing our asses off. Anyway, favorite songs: Not Counting You, Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old), and The Dance.

83. No Fences (Limited Edition) ~ Garth Brooks (last listen: 5+ years): I have the case but no cd. Odd.

84. Ropin' The Wind (Limited Editon) ~ Garth Brooks* (last listen: 3-5 years): This is my favorite Garth cd. Funny story, my friend Jody was also my high school graduating class's valedictorian. As Jody gave her speech, I kept thinking to myself, this speech has a familiar ring to it. Why? And then it hit me....Jody basically ripped off Garth's song "The River." When I confronted her on it later in the summer, she sheepishly copped to it hoping that no one would figure it out. I may not have been valedictorian but I am not stupid either. Also, I can kick Jody's butt at Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit. Hee. Favorite songs: Actually, I love all the songs on this cd. The exception may be the added song "Which One of Them." I kind of especially love his remake of Shameless.

85. The Chase (Limited Edition) ~ Garth Brooks (last listen: 5+ years): Even I admit that this is not one of Garth's finer music moments. I think he should have taken a little time off, regrouped and then came out with....

86. In Pieces (Limited Edition) ~ Garth Brooks (last listen: 3-5 years): Favorite songs: Standing Outside the Fire (wherein, Gsrth comes onto the stage via a trapdoor and then through flames, yo), Ain't Going Down (Til the Sun Comes Up), Callin' Baton Rouge

87. Fresh Horses (Limited Edition) ~ Garth Brooks (last listen: 5t years): Favorite songs: To Make You Feel My Love, She's Every Woman




*I am pretty sure I owned these two on tape since I had them before I owned this box set.

The Bermudez Triangle

So, I heard about Maureen Johnson via Brotherhood 2.0. Then I heard that Maureen's book The Bermudez Triangle was going to be banned by a school. That pretty much made me want to read the book. I figure most of the best books are banned at some point by some person who doesn't realize that in America we supposedly have freedom of speech and press. I mean, that's why we are in Iraq, isn't it? Isn't it?

Speaking as a librarian, there are very few things that piss me off more than someone wanting to ban a book because it's "inappropriate." What does that mean anyway? Inappropriate for whom exactly? For you, your children? And what gives someone, generally religious people, the right to decide what is appropriate? Is it appropriate for Bibles to be in the libraries of public schools? We do have such a thing as separation of church and state in this country, supposedly. But do you see me going around trying to ban the Bible everywhere? No, because it's stupid. People will read what they want to read. And if you don't want your kids reading certain books that is your right. Just don't tell me what I can and can't read.

So, like I said, I read The Bermudez Triangle. The story revolves around Nina, Avery, and Mel. They are three best pals spending their first summer apart (the summer before senior year of high school). Nina goes off to some student council camp at Standford and meets Steve, a cute eco-warrior, who she starts to date. Back at home, Mel and Avery decide to have some girl on girl action. When Nina comes home she senses that she is the odd man out and comes to find out, in a really horrible way, that her two best friends are dating. But then Avery starts to realize that she still likes boys while Mel really only likes the ladies. As their senior year unfolds, all three girls experience heartbreaks and healing in friendship and romantic relationships.

I really liked the way this book laid out how the two girls thought about their sexuality. It was honest and realistic for the most part although, I imagine in real life there would have been much more whispering and hardships involved.

For a variety of reasons I am going to pass this book on to my niece. But mostly so that she might learn a little tolerance because I am sure she is not learning that from her parents who are two of the least tolerant people I know when it comes to race and sex.

Books Read in 2007:

The Bermudez Triangle ~ Maureen Johnson
Fray ~ Joss Whedon
The Dragonriders of Pern ~ Anne McCaffery
Embroideries ~ Marjane Satrapi
13 Little Blue Envelopes ~ Maureen Johnson
The Cider House Rules ~ John Irving
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ~J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ~ J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ~ J.K. Rowling
The Good Men: A Novel of Heresy ~ Charmaine Craig
An Abundance of Katherines ~ John Green
The Count of Monte Cristo ~ Alexandre Dumas
Looking For Alaska ~ John Green
Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest ~ Stephen Ambrose
Drinking, Smoking, and Screwing: Great Writers on Good Times ~ edited by Sara Nikles
Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood ~ Ann Brashares

Conchords

This is why I love the Flight of the Conchords. Hee.

A to Z cds: Day 17

76. Thug World Order ~ Bone Thugs -N- Harmony (last listen: never): I don't remember buying this cd at all. But apparently I did. It's actually really frakkin' catchy. They have an interesting remix of Phil Collin's song Take me Home. It actually makes me kind of like Phil Collins.

77. Interiors ~ Brad (last listen: 6 months-1 year): This Brad cd was passed on to me from Squater. He really loves this cd but, as much as I have tried to really like this cd, I think it's just average.

78. Give It Up ~ Brian Jonestown Massacre (last listen: 0-3 months): I became interested in the Brian Jonestown Massacre after watching Dig! (which, btw, was used as inspiration for the Gilmore Girls episode, He's Slippin' Bread...Dig!), the documentary that followed the rise and fall of them and the Dandy Warhols. Anyway, this cd pretty much rocks. BJM is a sort of sixties revival band. And, you can hear it in their music. But that's a very good thing. On this cd alone you get some serious rock songs and some sitar. That makes for a good album in my eyes.

79. Bride and Prejudice Soundtrack ~ Various Artists (last listen: 6 months-1 year): Beth bought me this for my birthday, I am thinking last year? I don't exactly remember except that I was living in SoInd. Anyway, this cd is a mix of English, Hindi, and instrumental songs. I like the Ashanti song "My Lips Are Waiting" and I like the Punjabi wedding song. Of course, some of it is your typical musical/Bollywood music. So, if you aren't into that then you may not enjoy this cd.

WSOPC

Well, it looks like Monday kicks off the 2007 World Series of Pop Culture. It's been well documented that the Biz Sinkers tried and failed to make it to this year's WSOPC.

I think the thing that really burns me up is that a team from our session made it to the big dance. That group's name is Three Men and a Little Lazy. Which, really, makes no sense, as we pointed out to each other on the day of the test. Yes, I get that it's a play on the movie Three Men and a Little Lady, it's just a bad play on a bad movie title. I should know; I've seen that horrible movie more times than I care to admit. Plus, they were dressed in bathrobes. (p.s. Am I a poor loser? Yes, I am.)

I've decided I will be watching the show none-the-less. There are several reasons for this but mostly it's a form of punishment for not making the grade. Because I know that once I start watching I am going to know the answers. While it may make me a little bit mad it will also bolster my resolve to try again.

If Andrew and Beth are willing, we've got the damn shirts and I want to try out again next year. I mean, now we know what to expect. We've got the talent and the drive. All we need is three more correct answers a piece next time. Heh.

A to Z cds: Day 16

69. No More Drama ~ Mary J. Blige (last listen 3-5 years)

70. Blind Melon ~ Blind Melon (last listen: 5+ years): Yep. It's the Bee cd. I remember listening to this cd a lot when it came out. I still like the song "Tones of Home." However, the rest of this cd, yeah. Not so much. It must have just been something in the air back in 1992.

71. Enema of the State ~ Blink 182 (last listen: never): I remember that Karl Rove ordered this cd because he really liked how Blink 182 had a video that made fun of the Backstreet Boys. Karl's so funny some times.

72. Blues Traveler ~ Blues Traveler (last listen: 5+ years)

73. Four ~ Blues Traveler (last listen: 5+ years)

74. Straight on Til Morning ~ Blues Traveler (last listen: never)

75. Bridge ~ Blues Traveler (last listen: never)

I know it's not just me because Sqauter told me he agreed. So, why is it then that all of these Blues Traveler cds sound like they are all the same? WHY? This made for a very long afternoon. I don't dislike John Popper but man, enough already.