General Thoughts

Requesting Song Suggestions

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The thing you don't suspect is that this dog actually "Ahwooo's" with a deep bass voice.I like music, I really do. I don’t listen to music as much as other people, largely because I like music so much that it sucks me in. I can’t work with music playing, because I just stop and listen to the music. I can usually watch TV while working, because it doesn’t draw me an as much as music.

Here’s my problem: After my car accident, I don’t really recall all the music that I used to. I know of many artists, but my knowledge is usually responsive rather than something I can call up at will. (ie, I hear a song and I recognize it, but I’d never think of it before hearing it first)

I’m hoping those that read my blog can help with directing me to songs I might like. Please don’t hesitate to suggest something. My likes are widely varied, and change from day to day. The kind of music I really want to rediscover would be music that:

  • Shows off really good vocals
  • Showcases unique vocal talents, a voice that is easily identifiable.
  • I prefer lighter instruments. If it’s not terribly clear, I’m big on vocals. 🙂
  • Art trumps perfection. The reason Miles Davis was so great was that he was perfect at his imperfections. The way he would fall off a note at the perfect time would add character not attainable with mere musical perfection. You can feel free to disagree, but that’s the kind of music I’m looking for. (Ironic I used an instrumental musician to showcase what I mean about vocals I really like — but a really good instrument counts too. Maybe it’s not just the human voice I like.)
  • I really hope for specific song suggestions. Norah Jones, for example, I find to be absolutely brilliant. I don’t *feel* all of her songs though. So please, be specific.

So what do you think? Do you have any suggestions? Here are some random artists I enjoy from time to time:

Norah Jones, Jane’s Addiction, Nirvana, 3rd Day, Barry Manilow, Randy Travis, The Carpenters, Elton John, REM. I know there are tons more, but sadly I just can’t recall all the good ones. Please help me. 🙂

What it Means to Live in a Small Town

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Living in a small town means:

  • If you forget to tip your waitress, you drive back to the restaurant and do so.
  • If you take a sick day, you’d better be sick, and you’d better stay home. If you don’t, everyone will know.
  • You don’t have to lock your car. If someone steals it, everyone else will know who did it.
  • Police officers have a difficult time making friends, because if they showed favoritism to everyone they knew — no one would get speeding tickets.
  • Everybody knows your business. Everybody.
  • The only comfortable way to buy condoms, feminine products, or adult diapers is through the self checkout. Before that technology, it was either awkward or you drove to the next town.
  • You buy groceries locally, even though it costs a bit more. Because you know the owners, and they are good and honest people.
  • Everyone knows who gives the good candy at Halloween.
  • If you run out of a prescription, the local pharmacist will give you a few pills while they wait for the doctor to call in the refill. Even if the prescription is outdated. UPDATE: I don’t mean any controlled substances here, strictly things like blood pressure meds.
  • Fundraisers work. And you buy more candy, knick-knacks, and pizza kits than you’d ever need. Because it is benefiting the local school kids.
  • Phrases like, “I’ll have the regular” really works at restaurants.
  • School pride is a town-wide phenomenon.
  • The librarian knows what sorts of books you enjoy, and will offer some useful advice on new reads.
  • If your dog, cat, or child run away from home, someone will bring them back to you.
  • If you get fired for doing something stupid — it’s hard to get another job, because everyone knows the stupid thing you did.
  • Checking candy at Halloween is a lot less stressful. Sure, you still throw away the cupcakes from old weird Harriot, but not because they’re poisoned, rather because she’s really weird and put unwrapped cupcakes in your kid’s bags.
  • People attend high school sporting events. Lots of people.
  • If someone breaks down on the side of the road, you stop to help them. Even if it means you get dirty, are late to work/church/school, or aren’t dressed for the task.

That’s just off the top of my head. Feel free to add more.

This Email Wins the Crazy

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Putting the crazy frog in this post is really an insult to him. But really, stop holding your mouse over this photo and read the crazy. It's totally worth it.A co-worker forwarded me this email she received. It’s long, but I assure you it’s worth the effort to read.

The Beautiful Son of the King!
So lovely is the work of the beautiful Son of the King, the precious manchild of Revelation Chapter Twelve. He is a delight to see; and His works are heavenly works; for from Heaven He comes and to Heaven, He will soon return, and straight to the throne of our Saviour He will go. He is now over thirty-two months old and growing stronger and more full of the power, the strength and the light and fire of our Saviour every day.

Marvelous things He does to dissolve the massive amounts of hard plastic, which are put into me via the ships of the U.S. military and through the hands of Satan and all of his hoards.

Read more

I Didn’t Buckle

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This is like a nicotine patch for Coke drinkers, but without the nicotine. So, I guess that means it’s like a pointless sticker that resembles a nicotine patch.

I think the gold label is an attempt to make Diet Caffeine Free Coke resemble something valuable. Fail.


At the very least the Coke company could make caffeine free Coke Zero — which would probably taste fairly good. Sadly, I’m not the guy they turn to for suggestions like that.

Funny What Makes News

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You know, a few months ago, I could have posted this screenshot and probably gotten on the local news. Or possibly on the cover of The Enquirer as a secret UCF/LHC/Palin conspiracy member.

This isn't nearly as awesome as me getting a visitor from NASA. Sadly though, more people are interested in Wasilla gossip than space exploration. Sigh.

Of course in these post-Palin days, I figure it’s just one of my Alaskan friends visiting. Still, seeing it makes me chuckle. 🙂

Exercise That Is Fun

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OK, I hate exercise. I really really do.

I'll give you a hint, I'm not the physically fit trainer on the left.

I would like some suggestions for exercise that is fun. Something that I might not consider exercise, but rather something fun to do.

No, not that. Sicko.

Here’s a bit about the requirements:

1. I don’t like being outside when it’s cold.

2. It’s always cold here.

3. I have no exercise machinery, nor do I plan to buy any.

4. I enjoy being lazy, but not wasting time. Yes, there is a difference.

5. The first one of you to suggest Richard Simmons videos will get such a pinch.

6. The closest racquetball court is a 40 minute drive, one way.

7. I can’t swim. Well, maybe if being pursued by a shark, but for the most part I don’t swim.

8. I’m the type of person they were targeting with those “electric zapping belt” products from a few years back. If I’d had disposable income at that point, I’d own one.

9. I have pretty severe asthma.

10. I really hate exercising. Really.

Ideas?