Crazy, some would say.

The Times, They Are a Changin.

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:46:51 GMT

Psst. Hi there.

Just to let you all know, I have relocated my witty banter on pop culture minutiae. My lyric quizzes are there, as are daily rants on all things music, TV, and fashion.

http://www.megasizzle.com

Find us on Facebook and Twitter as well.

If I need to blog about personal things, I will return to LJ. Until then, I hope to catch you at the new homestead.

Cheers,
OW

Friday Lyiric Quiz

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:02:56 GMT

Potpourri today, from the beginning of the rock era until now (aka, five years after the end of the rock era).

9-12-08 – QUIZ #359

1. "Oh I hate your friends, but I don't know how and I don't know when to open your eyes"

2. "No -- it's much better to face these kinds of things, with a sense of poise and rationality"

3. "You always knew to wear it well, and you look so fancy, I can tell"

4. "I gave my all for you, now my heart's in two and I can't find the other half"

5. "On to the street, on to the next, safe in the knowledge that they tried. Faking the smile, hiding the pain, never satisfied"

6. "Someday you'll laugh at the heartache, someday, you'll laugh at the pain, somehow you'll get through the heartbreak, somehow, you can get through the rain"

7. "Make you get hot, make you work up a sweat, when you skip-to-my-lou, my darling"

8. "And even as I wander, I`m keeping you in sight, you`re a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter`s night"

9. "She's got a wall around her nobody can climb. She lets her ladder down for those who really shine."

10. "Don't your feet get cold in the winter time, the sky won't snow and the sun won't shine"

11. "Things wouldn't be so confused, and I wouldn't feel so used, but you always really knew,
I just wanna be with you"

12. "Now through lines of the cheap venetian blinds, your car is pulling off of the curb"

13. "The passion's so complete, it's never ending. As long as I receive, the message you're sending"

14. "Take a good hard look for the very last time, the very last one in a very long line"

15. "It`s real to me – but not like these fools, and not like this scene"

ANSWERS TO 9-05-08 – QUIZ #358

1. "She wants to send him a letter, uh yeah yeah, just to try to make herself feel better"
Jamie's Cryin' – Van Halen

2. "Everyone smiles as you drift past the flowers, that grow so incredibly high"
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds – The Beatles

3. "Wish you were here, I'm - a wounded satellite. I need you now, put me back together, make me right"
Anna Molly – Incubus

4. "One day up near Salinas, Lord, I let him slip away. He`s looking for that home and I hope he finds it"
Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin

5. "Oh, the engineers used to see him sitting in the shade, strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made"
Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry

6. "She caught me off my guard. It amazes me, the will of instinct"
Polly – Nirvana

7. "No, his mind is not for rent to any god or government. Always hopeful, yet discontent,
he knows changes aren`t permanent"
Tom Sawyer – Rush

8. "Won't come in from the rain, she's oceans running down the drain, blue as ice and desire"
Maria – Blondie

9. "Well, here she is again on the phone, just like me hates to be alone. We just like to sit at home, and rip on the President"
Meet Virginia – Train

10. "Just a few more hours, and I`ll be right home to you, I think I hear them calling…"
Beth – Kiss

11. "You tell yourself you're not my kind, but you don't even know your mind. And you could have a change of heart"
Rikki Don't Lose That Number – Steely Dan

12. "Your eyes have died, but you see more than I"
Daniel – Elton John

13. "When you see me shed a tear and you know that it's sincere. Don't you think it's kinda sad that you're treating so bad"
Cathy's Clown – The Everly Brothers

14. "With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats, you can`t say we`re satisfied"
Angie – Rolling Stones

15. "The sergeant cried, 'we`ve got to hang on, boys … we got to hold this piece of ground'"
Billy Don't Be a Hero – Paper Lace

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:44:44 GMT

What's in name? That's the theme this week. Every song title includes a name (male or female). Meanwhile, I'm already dreading the Chicago winter.

9-05-08 – QUIZ #358 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "She wants to send him a letter, uh yeah yeah, just to try to make herself feel better"

2. "Everyone smiles as you drift past the flowers, that grow so incredibly high"

3. "Wish you were here, I'm - a wounded satellite. I need you now, put me back together, make me right"

4. "One day up near Salinas, Lord, I let him slip away. He`s looking for that home and I hope he finds it"

5. "Oh, the engineers used to see him sitting in the shade, strumming with the rhythm that the drivers made"

6. "She caught me off my guard. It amazes me, the will of instinct"

7. "No, his mind is not for rent to any god or government. Always hopeful, yet discontent, he knows changes aren`t permanent"

8. "Won't come in from the rain, she's oceans running down the drain, blue as ice and desire"

9. "Well, here she is again on the phone, just like me hates to be alone. We just like to sit at home, and rip on the President"

10. "Just a few more hours, and I`ll be right home to you, I think I hear them calling…"

11. "You tell yourself you're not my kind, but you don't even know your mind. And you could have a change of heart"

12. "Your eyes have died, but you see more than I"

13. "When you see me shed a tear and you know that it's sincere. Don't you think it's kinda sad that you're treating so bad"

14. "With no loving in our souls and no money in our coats, you can`t say we`re satisfied"

15. "The sergeant cried, 'we`ve got to hang on, boys … we got to hold this piece of ground'"

ANSWERS TO 8-29-08 – QUIZ #357

1. "Well open up your mind and see like me, open up your plans and damn, you're free"
I'm Yours – Jason Mraz

2. "I was feeling like a creep as I watched you asleep face down in the grass in the park in the middle of hot afternoon"
Dreamgirl – Dave Matthews Band

3. "You like this and you know it, caution, it's so explosive, them chickens is ash and I'm lotion"
It's Like That – Mariah Carey

4. "With their big fake smiles and stupid lies, while deep inside you're bleeding"
Welcome to My Life – A Simple Plan

5. "We've all seen the man at the liquor store beggin' for your change, the hair on his face is dirty, dreadlocked and full of mange"
What It's Like – Everlast

6. "There's a smell of stale fear that's reeking from our skins. The drinking never stops because the drinks absolve our sins."
Believe – The Bravery

7. "Trying hard not to hear but they talk so loud, their piercing sounds fill my ears, try to fill me with doubt"
Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis

8. "Tick tick tock it's a quarter to two, and I'm done, I'm hanging up on you` "
Hung Up – Madonna

9. "There's a will in me and now I know that this could be the end of me and everything I know"
It's Not My Time – 3 Doors Down

10. "Remember days of skipping school, racing cars and being cool"
Never Say Goodbye – Bon Jovi

11. "Spinnin' around like a wheel on fire, walkin' the tightrope on love's highwire"
Close to You – Maxi Priest

12. "You stand in the line just to hit a new low; you're faking a smile with the coffee to go"
Bad Day – Daniel Powter

13. "I need your love, and I won't bring no pain game. A little birdie told me that you feel the same, game"
Lovergirl – Teena Marie

14. "Your body's cold but girl, we're getting so warm"
Shake It – Metro Station

15. " There's a stillness in the air, like no one else is there, and every moment stays in the moment"
The Real Thing – Bo Bice

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:54:38 GMT

Good morning, all. Happy Friday - potpourri this week.

8-29-08 – QUIZ #357 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "Well open up your mind and see like me, open up your plans and damn, you're free"

2. "I was feeling like a creep as I watched you asleep face down in the grass in the park in the middle of hot afternoon"

3. "You like this and you know it, caution, it's so explosive, them chickens is ash and I'm lotion"

4. "With their big fake smiles and stupid lies, while deep inside you're bleeding"

5. "We've all seen the man at the liquor store beggin' for your change, the hair on his face is dirty, dreadlocked and full of mange"

6. "There's a smell of stale fear that's reeking from our skins. The drinking never stops because the drinks absolve our sins."

7. "Trying hard not to hear but they talk so loud, their piercing sounds fill my ears, try to fill me with doubt"

8. "Tick tick tock it's a quarter to two, and I'm done, I'm hanging up on you` "

9. "There's a will in me and now I know that this could be the end of me and everything I know"

10. "Remember days of skipping school, racing cars and being cool"

11. "Spinnin' around like a wheel on fire, walkin' the tightrope on love's highwire"

12. "You stand in the line just to hit a new low; you're faking a smile with the coffee to go"

13. "I need your love, and I won't bring no pain game. A little birdie told me that you feel the same, game"

14. "Your body's cold but girl, we're getting so warm"

15. " There's a stillness in the air, like no one else is there, and every moment stays in the moment"

ANSWERS TO 8-22-08 – QUIZ #356

1. "I'm gonna need a forklift 'cause all the baggage weighs a ton. I know we had our problems, I can't remember one"
Almost – Bowling for Soup

2. "Schoolgirl sweetie with a classy kinda sassy little skirts climbing way up the knee"
Walk This Way - Aerosmith

3. "We go to a party, and everyone turns to see. This beautiful lady that's walking around with me"
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton

4. "My hands were steady, my eyes were clear and bright. My walk had purpose, my steps were quick and light"
Like a Rock – Bob Seger

5. "He lives on my block and he drives an IRO-C, and he doesn`t know who I am"
Teenaged Dirtbag – Wheatus

6. "Run a mile for the 'cause, I'm righteous above the law, playa my styles raw"
Country Grammar – Nelly

7. "How old were you? -- Don't remember. Then what happened? -- I met Amos."
We Both Reached for the Gun – Fr. "Chicago"

8. "Yeah, I got on sneaks, but I need a new pair 'cause basketball courts in the summer, got girls there"
Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

9. "I can understand how you`d be so confused, I don`t envy you"
Bitch – Meredith Brooks

10. "She a-hollering about the front rent, she'll be lucky to get any back rent"
One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer – George Thorogood

11. "He was blowing it out, a-really knockin' em dead, playin' rock and roll music through the horn in his head."
The Purple People Eater – Sheb Wooley

12. "Scream at me until my ears bleed, I'm taking heed just for you"
She – Green Day

13. "Is this too much to live through? It always seems too far to drive the point home, send more letters"
Everytime I Look For You – blink-182

14. "And if she had to die trying she - had one little promise she was gonna keep"
American Girl – Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

15. "Greedy little people in a sea of distress. Keep your more to receive your less"
Give It Away – Red Hot Chili Peppers

16. "And when they went to their church, they shook and lurched all over the church floor"
Mmm Mmm Mmm – Crash Test Dummies

17. "That's all right 'cause my body's in motion, it's supposed to look like a fit or a convulsion"
The Humpty Dance – Digital Underground

18. "She's dressed to kill, the TV's on, he's connected to the sound"
Flavor of the Week – American Hi-Fi

19. "Flashback, 72, another summer in the neighborhood hanging out with nothing to do"
A.M. Radio – Everclear

20. "It`s just one of those days, feeling like a freight train. First one to complain, leaves with a blood stain"
Break Stuff- Limp Bizkit

21. "They have pre-wrapped sausages but they don't have pre-wrapped bacon"
If I Had a Million Dollars – BareNaked Ladies

22. "Some say I'm crazy, 'cause I'm pushin' up daisies, the underground sound that you have found"
Whoomp! There It Is – Tag Team

23. "You can have my isolation, you can have the hate that it brings"
Closer – Nine Inch Nails

24. "If you come to visit you'll be bored to tears, we haven't even paid the phone bill in 300 years"
Amish Paradise – "Weird Al" Yankovic

25. "I could tell she liked me from the way she stared (The way she stared)"
Stacy's Mom – Fountains of Wayne

26. "A body like yours oughta be in jail cause it's on the verge of being obscene"
Little Red Corvette – Prince

27. "But she was mad and sad and feelin bad, thinkin about the things that she never had"
Let's Talk About Sex – Salt N' Pepa

28. "We always agree, who's in charge here is me. We never fight you know I'm right, it's always straight between you and me."
Playmate of the Year – Zebrahead

29. "I want a new tour bus full of old guitars, my own star on Hollywood Boulevard"
Rockstar – Nickelback

30. "You're essentially an employee and I like you having to depend on me"
Hands Clean – Alanis Morissette

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:44:57 GMT

Sorry about last week's lack of a quiz – I found myself in Ontario lacking a wireless connection. But today you get two quizzes in one! My darling, younger-man of a husband is turning 30! So the quiz gets 30 songs, all of which are among his favorites.

8-22-08 – QUIZ #356 [scroll down for previous quiz's answers]

1. "I'm gonna need a forklift 'cause all the baggage weighs a ton. I know we had our problems, I can't remember one"

2. "Schoolgirl sweetie with a classy kinda sassy little skirts climbing way up the knee"

3. "We go to a party, and everyone turns to see. This beautiful lady that's walking around with me"

4. "My hands were steady, my eyes were clear and bright. My walk had purpose, my steps were quick and light"

5. "He lives on my block and he drives an IRO-C, and he doesn`t know who I am"

6. "Run a mile for the 'cause, I'm righteous above the law, playa my styles raw"

7. "How old were you? -- Don't remember. Then what happened? -- I met Amos."

8. "Yeah, I got on sneaks, but I need a new pair 'cause basketball courts in the summer, got girls there"

9. "I can understand how you`d be so confused, I don`t envy you"

10. "She a-hollering about the front rent, she'll be lucky to get any back rent"

11. "He was blowing it out, a-really knockin' em dead, playin' rock and roll music through the horn in his head."

12. "Scream at me until my ears bleed, I'm taking heed just for you"

13. "Is this too much to live through? It always seems too far to drive the point home, send more letters"

14. "And if she had to die trying she - had one little promise she was gonna keep"

15. "Greedy little people in a sea of distress. Keep your more to receive your less"

16. "And when they went to their church, they shook and lurched all over the church floor"

17. "That's all right 'cause my body's in motion, it's supposed to look like a fit or a convulsion"

18. "She's dressed to kill, the TV's on, he's connected to the sound"

19. "Flashback, 72, another summer in the neighborhood hanging out with nothing to do"

20. "It`s just one of those days, feeling like a freight train. First one to complain, leaves with a blood stain"

21. "They have pre-wrapped sausages but they don't have pre-wrapped bacon"

22. "Some say I'm crazy, 'cause I'm pushin' up daisies, the underground sound that you have found"

23. "You can have my isolation, you can have the hate that it brings"

24. "If you come to visit you'll be bored to tears, we haven't even paid the phone bill in 300 years"

25. "I could tell she liked me from the way she stared (The way she stared)"

26. "A body like yours oughta be in jail cause it's on the verge of being obscene"

27. "But she was mad and sad and feelin bad, thinkin about the things that she never had"

28. "We always agree, who's in charge here is me. We never fight you know I'm right, it's always straight between you and me."

29. "I want a new tour bus full of old guitars, my own star on Hollywood Boulevard"

30. "You're essentially an employee and I like you having to depend on me"

ANSWERS TO 8-8-08 – QUIZ #355

1. "And here you laugh at me when I`m up, I see you when you`re crying for me when I`m down"
Talk Talk – Talk Talk

2. "There's a bird that nests inside you, sleeping underneath your skin. "
A Murder of One – Counting Crows

3. "I thought that pain and truth were things that really mattered"
In a Big Country - Big Country

4. "The next time we hang out I will redeem myself, my heart can rest till then"
See You Again – Miley Cyrus

5. "I found a way to break through this cellophane bag, cause I know what's goin on in my mind"
Living in a Box – Living in a Box

6. "Deep in the world tonight, our hearts beat safe and sound. I`ll hold you so close, kust let yourself go down."
Everybody Have Fun Tonight – Wang Chung

7. "I slink down the alley looking for a fight"
Stray Cat Strut – Stray Cats

8. "Rebel souls, deserters we are called, chose a gun and threw away the sun"
Bad Company – Bad Company

9. "Drop of a hat, she`s as willing as - playful as a pussy cat"
Killer Queen – Queen

10. "Went solo on their ass but it's still the same, Long Beach is the spot where I serve my cane."
What's My Name – Snoop Dogg

11. "We're gonna bring the flavor, show you how. I've got a question for you, you better answer now, yeah"
Everybody (Backstreet's Back) – Backstreet Boys

12. "I staggered back to the underground and the breeze blew back my hair"
Who Are You – The Who

13. "And as the moon rises he sits by his fire, thinking about women and glasses of beer"
Sweet Baby James – James Taylor

14. "The Northern Lights and the Southern Comfort, and it don`t even matter if the veins are punctured"
Bawitaba – Kid Rock

15. "Standing on the turnpike, thumb out to hitchhike, take me to New York right away"
Creeque Alley – The Mamas and the Papas

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:23:06 GMT

Who doesn't like talking about themselves? No one. These artists took it to a new level, however, becoming self-referential in their own songs. Go, Vanilla, Go!

8-8-08 – QUIZ #355 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "And here you laugh at me when I`m up, I see you when you`re crying for me when I`m down"

2. "There's a bird that nests inside you, sleeping underneath your skin."

3. "I thought that pain and truth were things that really mattered"

4. "The next time we hang out I will redeem myself, my heart can rest till then"

5. "I found a way to break through this cellophane bag, cause I know what's goin on in my mind"

6. "Deep in the world tonight, our hearts beat safe and sound. I`ll hold you so close, kust let yourself go down."

7. "I slink down the alley looking for a fight"

8. "Rebel souls, deserters we are called, chose a gun and threw away the sun"

9. "Drop of a hat, she`s as willing as - playful as a pussy cat"

10. "Went solo on their ass but it's still the same, Long Beach is the spot where I serve my cane."

11. "We're gonna bring the flavor, show you how. I've got a question for you, you better answer now, yeah"

12. "I staggered back to the underground and the breeze blew back my hair"

13. "And as the moon rises he sits by his fire, thinking about women and glasses of beer"

14. "The Northern Lights and the Southern Comfort, and it don`t even matter if the veins are punctured"

15. "Standing on the turnpike, thumb out to hitchhike, take me to New York right away"

ANSWERS TO 08-01-08 – QUIZ #354

1. "I hear you calling and it's needles and pins (and pins), I want to hurt you just to hear you screaming my name"
Poison – Alice Cooper

2. "Lying in a den in Bombay. With a slack jaw, not much to say"
Down Under – Men at Work

3. "Open fire on my burning heart, I've never been lucky in love. My defenses are down, a kiss or a frown I can't survive on my own"
Send Me An Angel – Real Life

4. "All of my friends have a ring on their finger, they have someone. Someone to care for them, it ain't fair, I got no one"
Some Guys Have All the Luck – Rod Stewart

5. "Take me as I am, put your heart in mine, stay with me forever"
Will You Still Love Me? – Chicago

6. "The road is long, there are mountains in our way. But we climb a step every day"
Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes

7. "Rise up, gather round, rock this place to the ground. Burn it up, let's go for broke, watch the night go up in smoke"
Rock of Ages – Def Leppard

8. "Wait on me, girl, cry in the night if it helps, but more than ever. I simply love you more than I love life itself"
I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues – Elton John

9. "Forever … seems so far away, there's time for love and for play"
Seasons Change – Expose

10. "Sometimes I wanna give up, wanna give in, I wanna quit the fight."
When I See You Smile – Bad English

11. "Days go by leaving me with a hunger. I could fly back to when we were younger"
Change of Heart – Cyndi Lauper

12. "To have you with me I would swim the seven seas, I need you as my guide in my life"
We'll Be Together – Sting

13. "Don`t need nobody on my side, to dull the blade I`m on. So don`t be waiting for love, cause I`ll be waiting to ramble on"
Headed For a Heartbreak – Winger

14. "Now he's in control, he is my lover, nations stand against him, he's your brother"
Situation – Yaz

15. "All my dreams came true last night, all my hopes and fears. All my dreams came true once more, in tears, in tears"
Be Near Me - ABC

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:42:06 GMT

Potpourri with an old-school twist. All songs are from 1980-1989.

8-01-08 – QUIZ #354 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "I hear you calling and it's needles and pins (and pins), I want to hurt you just to hear you screaming my name"

2. "Lying in a den in Bombay. With a slack jaw, not much to say"

3. "Open fire on my burning heart, I've never been lucky in love. My defenses are down, a kiss or a frown I can't survive on my own"

4. "All of my friends have a ring on their finger, they have someone. Someone to care for them, it ain't fair, I got no one"

5. "Take me as I am, put your heart in mine, stay with me forever"

6. "The road is long, there are mountains in our way. But we climb a step every day"

7. "Rise up, gather round, rock this place to the ground. Burn it up, let's go for broke, watch the night go up in smoke"

8. "Wait on me, girl, cry in the night if it helps, but more than ever. I simply love you more than I love life itself"

9. "Forever … seems so far away, there's time for love and for play"

10. "Sometimes I wanna give up, wanna give in, I wanna quit the fight."

11. "Days go by leaving me with a hunger. I could fly back to when we were younger"

12. "To have you with me I would swim the seven seas, I need you as my guide in my life"

13. "Don`t need nobody on my side, to dull the blade I`m on. So don`t be waiting for love, cause I`ll be waiting to ramble on"

14. "Now he's in control, he is my lover, nations stand against him, he's your brother"

15. "All my dreams came true last night, all my hopes and fears. All my dreams came true once more, in tears, in tears"

ANSWERS TO 7-25-08 – QUIZ #353

1. "Who's up for game three? I can barely see the bourbon drowning next to me"
Crazy Game of Poker – O.A.R.

2. "You kept me hanging on a string while you made me cry, I try to give you everything but you just gave me lies"
Stuck – Stacy Orrico

3. "Please, don`t miss this train at the station, 'cause if you miss it I feel sorry, sorry for you"
Love Train - The O'Jays

4. "Well, I guess I should stick up for myself but I really think it's better this way"
Self Esteem – The Offspring

5. "Maybe you`re the same as me, we see things they`ll never see"
Live Forever – Oasis

6. "I can`t love you anymore, I`m scared of the sound of it."
Why I'm Here – Oleander

7. "This town is colder now, I think it's sick of us. It's time to make our move, I'm shakin off the rust"
Stop and Stare – OneRepublic

8. "Pictures from a magazine. Diagrams and charts, mending broken hearts"
Weird Science – Oingo Boingo

9. "Now through lines of the cheap venetian blinds, your car is pulling off of the curb"
Here it Goes Again – OK Go

10. "I was only wishing you would notice me, instead you said goodbye"
Dreaming – OMD

11. "Throw away this very old shoelace that tripped you again"
Clumsy – Our Lady Peace

12. "Just cause you`re right, that don`t mean I`m wrong, another shoulder to cry upon"
Your Love – The Outfield

13. "It goes sweatbox, laser beam, flashing lights, wild cards men from Mars dressed in stars and stripes"
Starry-Eyed Surprise – Paul Oakenfold

14. "I could be right, I could be wrong, it hurts so bad, it's been so long"
Mama, I'm Coming Home – Ozzy Osbourne

15. "We've been together, ohh, we've been together, but separate's always better when there's feelings involved"
Hey Ya! – Outkast

Meme Time

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 02:17:07 GMT

Mr. Whirled is out of town for work so it is time to waste time with a Scattegories meme from sheeva7 and others.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Beth
4 LETTER WORD: Brat
BOY NAME: Brody
GIRL NAME: Beatrice
OCCUPATION: Barrister
A COLOUR: Burgundy
SOMETHING YOU WEAR: Broach
BEVERAGE: Bacardi (like it's my birthday)
FOOD: Beignets
SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Bactine
PLACE: Bermuda
REASON FOR BEING LATE: Bus was late
SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: Bloody hell! (No, I don't really shout this. But I'd like to.)

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:57:53 GMT

Artist alphabet time again, folks. Every artist this week (band name or solo-artist surname) begins with an "O." Happy Friday, all!

7-25-08 – QUIZ #353 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "Who's up for game three? I can barely see the bourbon drowning next to me"

2. "You kept me hanging on a string while you made me cry, I try to give you everything but you just gave me lies"

3. "Please, don`t miss this train at the station, 'cause if you miss it I feel sorry, sorry for you"

4. "Well, I guess I should stick up for myself but I really think it's better this way"

5. "Maybe you`re the same as me, we see things they`ll never see"

6. "I can`t love you anymore, I`m scared of the sound of it."

7. "This town is colder now, I think it's sick of us. It's time to make our move, I'm shakin off the rust"

8. "Pictures from a magazine. Diagrams and charts, mending broken hearts"

9. "Now through lines of the cheap venetian blinds, your car is pulling off of the curb"

10. "I was only wishing you would notice me, instead you said goodbye”

11. "Throw away this very old shoelace that tripped you again”

12. "Just cause you`re right, that don`t mean I`m wrong, another shoulder to cry upon”

13. "It goes sweatbox, laser beam, flashing lights, wild cards men from Mars dressed in stars and stripes"

14. "I could be right, I could be wrong, it hurts so bad, it's been so long"

15. "We've been together, ohh, we've been together, but separate's always better when there's feelings involved"

ANSWERS TO 7-18-08 – QUIZ #352

1. "These are the moments, I know Heaven must exist. And these are the moments, I know all I need is this"
I Could Not Ask for More – Edwin McCain

2. "And though I only want the best it's true, they can't believe the things I do for you"
What You Won't Do For Love – Bobby Caldwell/Go West

3. "But you should never let the sun set on tomorrow, before the sun rises today"
If I Am – Nine Days

4. "You've taken the fun, out of everything, you're making it clear, when I don't want to think"
There's No Other Way – Blur

5. "Attention that we crave, don`t tell us to behave, I`m sick of always hearing 'act your age.'"
Fat Lip – Sum 41

6. "And his daddy's gone, somewhere smoking rock now, in and out of lock down, I ain't got a job now"
What Would You Do – City High

7. "And there's nothing sure in this world, and there's nothing pure in this world, look for something left in this world"
White Wedding – Billy Idol

8. "Keep it up homegirl, don`t you quit you know the way you scream is the ultimate"
Every Other Time – LFO

9. "I do not sing - but I make a def song - you could live your whole life - and I hope you live long"
Slow and Low – Beastie Boys

10. "Back to the street, down to our feet, losing the feeling of feeling unique”
Nine in the Afternoon – Panic At the Disco

11. "I think it's true that we've all been through some nasty weather. Let's understand that we're here to handle things together”
Get On Your Feet – Gloria Estefan

12. "It makes you burn to learn you're not the only one, I'd let you be if you put down your blazing gun”
If I Never See Your Face Again – Maroon5 (f Rihanna)

13. "Life`s an empty picture when you`re living alone, maybe that`s the reason every heart needs a home"
Soldier of Love – Donny Osmond

14. "Thursday morning was a hot flash factor, her face still focused in my mind"
Freeze-Frame – J. Geils Band

15. "Time can break your heart, have you begging please, begging please”
Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton

Why...

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 02:27:44 GMT

... do I insist on watching the Saw movies? Grinding my teeth through number four right now. Donnie Wahlberg, what are you DOING?

Oh - and because I gave up on the IMAX dream, we saw Dark Knight yesterday. Yay! Fun to see the shots of Chicago, for sure. And Heath will be missed. We've lost quite a talent.

Why So Serious?

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:32:57 GMT

For real? Dark Knight tickets for JULY 28 are sold out. Ten days after this thing opens, friends.

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:46:27 GMT

Potpourri. Happy Friday. Stupid American League.

7-18-08 – QUIZ #352 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "These are the moments, I know Heaven must exist. And these are the moments, I know all I need is this"

2. "And though I only want the best it's true, they can't believe the things I do for you"

3. "But you should never let the sun set on tomorrow, before the sun rises today"

4. "You've taken the fun, out of everything, you're making it clear, when I don't want to think"

5. "Attention that we crave, don`t tell us to behave, I`m sick of always hearing 'act your age.'"

6. "And his daddy's gone, somewhere smoking rock now, in and out of lock down, I ain't got a job now"

7. "And there's nothing sure in this world, and there's nothing pure in this world, look for something left in this world"

8. "Keep it up homegirl, don`t you quit you know the way you scream is the ultimate"

9. "I do not sing - but I make a def song - you could live your whole life - and I hope you live long"

10. "Back to the street, down to our feet, losing the feeling of feeling unique"

11. "I think it's true that we've all been through some nasty weather. Let's understand that we're here to handle things together"

12. "It makes you burn to learn you're not the only one, I'd let you be if you put down your blazing gun"

13. "Life`s an empty picture when you`re living alone, maybe that`s the reason every heart needs a home"

14. "Thursday morning was a hot flash factor, her face still focused in my mind"

15. "Time can break your heart, have you begging please, begging please"

ANSWERS TO 7-11-08 – QUIZ #351

1. "I've been walking along a crooked path, where the walls have fallen and broken me in half"
In the House of Stone and Light – Martin Page

2. "I remember way back then when everything was true and when, we would have such a very good time such a fine time, such a happy time"
Our House – Madness

3. "Broken glass, broke and hungry, broken hearts and broken bones"
Old Apartment – Barenaked Ladies

4. "Sign says –'stay away fools,' 'cause love rules"
Love Shack – The B-52's

5. "In a world so cold a place of disbelief, where will the people go without enough to eat"
This House – Traci Spencer

6. "Well, I was eighteen and still talking to myself. Where were you, where'd ya go Daddy, can't you tell"
House of Pain – Faster Pussycat

7. "Well, I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train"
House of the Rising Sun – The Animals

8. "I`ll be your sugar in the morning and the sweet stuff you need at night"
In My House – The Mary Jane Girls

9. "The clothes she wear, her sexy ways. Make an old man wish for younger days"
Brick House – The Commodores

10. "He`s got greasy hair, greasy smile, he says, Lord, this must be my destination"
Pink Houses – John Cougar Mellencamp

11. "Such a cozy room, the windows are illuminated by the evening sunshine through them"
Our House – Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

12. "I used a tiny camera, I thought I'd Japanese her, I made a voodoo doll of her and sat around and squeezed her"
Spy in the House of Love – Was (Not Was)

13. "Yeah, a pickup truck is her limousine and her favorite dress is her faded blue jeans"
Two of A Kind, Working on a Full House – Garth Brooks

14. "But when something this strong gets a hold on you. The odds are ninety-nine to one, it's got a hold on him too"
House of Love – Amy Grant and Vince Gill

15. "All wet - hey you might need a raincoat, shakedown - dreams walking in broad daylight "
Burning Down the House – Talking Heads

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:47:30 GMT

For the last week or so, Mr. Whirled and I have been looking at apartments, and it's been a trickier experience than one would think. Naturally, housing's on the brain. Every song title today includes the word "house," "apartment," etc. Wish us luck on our continued quest! And happy weekend.

7-11-08 – QUIZ #351 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "I've been walking along a crooked path, where the walls have fallen and broken me in half"

2. "I remember way back then when everything was true and when, we would have such a very good time such a fine time, such a happy time"

3. "Broken glass, broke and hungry, broken hearts and broken bones"

4. "Sign says –'stay away fools,' 'cause love rules"

5. "In a world so cold a place of disbelief, where will the people go without enough to eat"

6. "Well, I was eighteen and still talking to myself. Where were you, where'd ya go Daddy, can't you tell"

7. "Well, I've got one foot on the platform, the other foot on the train"

8. "I`ll be your sugar in the morning and the sweet stuff you need at night"

9. "The clothes she wear, her sexy ways. Make an old man wish for younger days"

10. "He`s got greasy hair, greasy smile, he says, Lord, this must be my destination"

11. "Such a cozy room, the windows are illuminated by the evening sunshine through them"

12. "I used a tiny camera, I thought I'd Japanese her, I made a voodoo doll of her and sat around and squeezed her"

13. "Yeah, a pickup truck is her limousine and her favorite dress is her faded blue jeans"

14. "But when something this strong gets a hold on you. The odds are ninety-nine to one, it's got a hold on him too"

15. "All wet - hey you might need a raincoat, shakedown - dreams walking in broad daylight "

ANSWERS TO 7-04-08 – QUIZ #350

1. "Now you promise me the moon and stars, save your breath you won't get very far"
My Lovin' (Never Gonna Get It) – En Vogue

2. "It`s driven me before, it seems to have a vague haunting mass appeal"
Drive – Incubus

3. "Under the pale moon, for so many years I've wondered who you are"
The Sign – Ace of Base

4. "Johnny made a record, went straight up to number one. Suddenly, everyone loved to hear him sing the song"
Shooting Star – Bad Company

5. "And now my bitter hands cradle broken glass, of what was everything"
Black – Pearl Jam

6. "You made room for me but it's too soon to see if I'm happy in your hands"
Love Song – Sara Bareilles

7. "All these strange relationships really gets me down, I see nothing wrong in spreading myself around"
My Prerogative – Bobby Brown

8. "I hear the sound of a noon bell chime now, I'm far behind"
Like the Weather – 10,000 Maniacs

9. "I hear you calling, far away. Tearing through my soul, I just can't take another day"
Don't Know What You've Got (Till It's Gone)

10. "There are time it seems to me I'm sharing you with memories"
All or Nothing – O-Town

11. "I`ve waited so long, so long to play this part, and just remembered that I`d forgotten about my heart"
Head Over Heels – The Go-Gos

12. "No, I don't even know your name - it doesn't matter. You're my experimental game - just human nature"
I Kissed a Girl – Katy Perry

13. "If I was President, the minute the Congress call my name. I'd say who do, who do you think you're fooling"
Loves Me Like a Rock – Paul Simon

14. "Now, sure as the sun will cross the sky, the lying's over. Gone, like the tears that used to tide me over"
Only Time Will Tell – Asia

15. "After the laughter has died away, and all the boys have had their fun"
It's a Mistake – Men at Work

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:04:02 GMT

Quiz number 350. Oy vey.

Hooray for the flag of the free. May it wave as our standard forever. Happy 4th, State-ers!

7-04-08 – QUIZ #350 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "Now you promise me the moon and stars, save your breath you won't get very far"

2. "It`s driven me before, it seems to have a vague haunting mass appeal"

3. "Under the pale moon, for so many years I've wondered who you are"

4. "Johnny made a record, went straight up to number one. Suddenly, everyone loved to hear him sing the song"

5. "And now my bitter hands cradle broken glass, of what was everything"

6. "You made room for me but it's too soon to see if I'm happy in your hands"

7. "All these strange relationships really gets me down, I see nothing wrong in spreading myself around"

8. "I hear the sound of a noon bell chime now, I'm far behind"

9. "I hear you calling, far away. Tearing through my soul, I just can't take another day"

10. "There are time it seems to me I'm sharing you with memories"

11. "I`ve waited so long, so long to play this part, and just remembered that I`d forgotten about my heart"

12. "No, I don't even know your name - it doesn't matter. You're my experimental game - just human nature"

13. "If I was President, the minute the Congress call my name. I'd say who do, who do you think you're fooling"

14. "Now, sure as the sun will cross the sky, the lying's over. Gone, like the tears that used to tide me over"

15. "After the laughter has died away, and all the boys have had their fun"

ANSWERS TO 6-27-08 – QUIZ #349

1. "I ain't Superman and I can't fly, if you wanna stop me, baby, don't even try"
Can't Stop This Thing We Started – Bryan Adams

2. "Ain't nothin' better, we beat the odds together. I'm glad we didn't listen, look at what we would be missin'"
You're Still The One – Shania Twain

3. "Heaven help me for the way I am, save me from these evil deeds before I get them done"
Criminal – Fiona Apple

4. "People are so phony, nosy cause they're lonely, aren't you sick of the same thing?"
Like I Love You – Justin Timberlake

5. "She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati on a snow white Christmas Eve"
Jesus Take the Wheel – Carrie Underwood

6. "Let 'em say were crazy, what do they know? Put your arms around me, baby, don't ever let go"
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship (Grace Slick)

7. "Well, the rain exploded with a mighty crash as we fell into the sun"
Band On the Run – Paul McCartney

8. "But all you savage cats knew that I was strapped with gats when you were cuddled with Cabbage Patch"
Forgot About Dre – Dr. Dre

9. "For a fortune he'd quit, but it's hard to admit, how it ends and begins, on his face is a map of the world"
From Yesterday – 30 Seconds to Mars (Jared Leto)

10. "Must have been a hundred miles, any of a hundred styles, it's not about the smile you wear but the way we make out"
Hump De Bump – Red Hot Chili Peppers (Anthony Kiedis)

11. "I never wanted to be your weekend lover, I only wanted to be some kind of friend"
Purple Rain – Prince

12. "I know you don't love me anymore you used to hold my hand when the plane took off"
Last Day of Our Acquaintance – Sinead O'Connor

13. "And all my doubts and fears kept me wondering, yeah. If I`d always, always, be in love"
It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over – Lenny Kravitz

14. "I met a gypsy and she hipped me to some life game, to stimulate then activate the left and right brain"
Rosa Parks – Outkast (Andre 3000)

15. "Suddenly, thunder, showers everywhere, who can explain the thunder and rain but there`s something in the air "
Don't Get Me Wrong – The Pretenders (Chrissie Hynde)

Collaborate and listen

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:18:10 GMT

I woke up this morning thinking, "did last night really happen?," and then I saw the tangible evidence. A Vanilla Ice autograph. But that's not even the most hilarious part about the evening.

Let's back up.

Mr. Whirled and I went with A.K. and her husband to see Rob Van Winkle himself. The venue? An alley next to a dive bar. Said bar was charging $5 for the pleasure. The scene was PACKED, however, and Sir Vanilla did an energetic 55-minute show. Seemed in good spirits. The rage and self-loathing and attempts at death metal out the window. I couldn't help but laugh when he first took the stage, appearing in a cloud of dry ice, surrounded by inflatable Halloween decorations (it's June).

Notes:
1. The music wasn't even that BAD. Of course, he sang some "new" rap songs, and they were certainly more listenable than most 50 Cent records.
2. He shot his "Ice Ice Baby" wad early, doing it mid-way through the abbreviated show. But he did an absolutely straight, no bullsh*t, version. He is finally embracing his legacy.
3. He had a schtick of dumping water bottles out into the crowd every 3 minutes or so and then tossing the bottles. This happened about 30 times until, evidently, his supply ran out.
4. Multiple times, he yelled for girls to "show their t*ts." How 90s!
5. By the last 15 minutes, A.K., Mr. Whirled, and I had bum rushed to the front of the stage. Meanwhile, on stage, several girls had been pulled up to stripper dance, guys were rolling a joint clear as day on stage (off which Vanilla was partaking - check TMZ later for this, I'll bet), and Vanilla was sharing a bottle of Jaggarmeister with whomever in the crowd was dumb enough to put their lips to the bottle.

So ... the autograph. I'd worn this tee shirt , which tvnewseditor sent me for Christmas. By the end of the show, the four of us had decided I had to get it signed. A.K. and I jumped up on stage to try to get into backstage "V.I.P." No dice. We ended up standing to the side of the V.I.P. section, arguing with bouncers, and basically giving up until, lo and behold, Vanilla emerges, Sharpie in hand. I somehow muscle my way to him, and he graciously signed my shirt. For, like ... 30 seconds. It took him forever because he signed something illegible, drew a bunch of crap, and was also apparently stoned. Should I have been talking to him? Asking if he was sad to hear of Tammy Faye Baker's passing? I just stood there, dumbfounded. And now I'm a proud owner of a Vanilla Ice tee shirt WITH a Vanilla Ice autograph. Of course my camera is broken so I can't share a picture of the autograph. But trust me, it will be in a tee-shirt frame one day.

Oh - and the hilarious part of the evening I mentioned? Due to some strangeness in a world in which Trishelle is the first lady, Johnny "Fairplay" Dalton, of Survivor and Danny-Bonaduce-fighting notoriety, was among Vanilla's entourage. He also emerged from the "V.I.P." (ahem) tent, and no one was paying the skinny motherf*cker any mind, so I yelled "Johnny!" and stuck out my hand to shake it. He reciprocated, and then, no lie, did the "PSYCHE!," hand-smoothing-one's'-hair-behind-one's-ear, leaving attempted hand-shaker hanging and humiliated. I was George McFlyed by Johnny f*cking Fairplay. At which point everyone in the crowd watching laughed, I swatted him on the shoulder and yelled "TYPICAL," and he flipped me the bird. Now, I realize his whole persona is one of a horrible, shameless asshole, but for God's sake. If I had bigger boobs this would not have happened.

My ears are ringing, but my spirit is not broken.

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:43:46 GMT

For the several weeks, I've been trying to cut down on (or completely stop) my intake of meat, particularly beef and pork. Oddly enough, it's been pretty easy and the only thing I find myself craving is Big Macs. Whaaat?

Anyway, there are plenty of veggie-friendly folks in the music business. All of these artists (or the front-persons of these groups) are vegetarians or vegans. All this data is from Wikipedia, so, you know, grain of gelatin-free salt.

6-27-08 – QUIZ #349 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "I ain't Superman and I can't fly, if you wanna stop me, baby, don't even try"

2. "Ain't nothin' better, we beat the odds together. I'm glad we didn't listen, look at what we would be missin'"

3. "Heaven help me for the way I am, save me from these evil deeds before I get them done"

4. "People are so phony, nosy cause they're lonely, aren't you sick of the same thing?"

5. "She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati on a snow white Christmas Eve"

6. "Let 'em say were crazy, what do they know? Put your arms around me, baby, don't ever let go"

7. "Well, the rain exploded with a mighty crash as we fell into the sun"

8. "But all you savage cats knew that I was strapped with gats when you were cuddled with Cabbage Patch"

9. "For a fortune he'd quit, but it's hard to admit, how it ends and begins, on his face is a map of the world"

10. "Must have been a hundred miles, any of a hundred styles, it's not about the smile you wear but the way we make out"

11. "I never wanted to be your weekend lover, I only wanted to be some kind of friend"

12. "I know you don't love me anymore you used to hold my hand when the plane took off"

13. "And all my doubts and fears kept me wondering, yeah. If I`d always, always, be in love"

14. "I met a gypsy and she hipped me to some life game, to stimulate then activate the left and right brain"

15. "Suddenly, thunder, showers everywhere, who can explain the thunder and rain but there`s something in the air "

ANSWERS TO 6-20-08 – QUIZ #348

1. "Please, baby, can't you see I'm trying to explain. I've been here before
and I'm locking the door and I'm not going back again"
I'm the Only One – Melissa Etheridge

2. "You've got a way to keep me on your side, you give me cause for love that I can't hide"
I Walk the Line – Johnny Cash

3. "You won't regret it if you let me stay, I'll teach you everything that a boy should know"
In Your Room – The Bangles

4. "One look, from you, I drift away. I pray, that you, are here to stay."
You Got It – Roy Orbison

5. "Love, love on the run, breaking us down, though we keep holding on"
Tell It To My Heart – Taylor Dayne

6. "And if ever, comes a day, when you should turn and walk away, oh no,
I can't live without you"
Caught Up In You - .38 Special

7. "And I don't think I have ever seen a soul so in despair. So if you want to talk the night through, guess who will be there"
Roll to Me – Del Amitri

8. "We cannot live together, we cannot live apart. That`s the situation, I`ve known it from the start"
Throwing It All Away – Genesis

9. "She couldn't scream while I held I close, I swore I'd never let her go"
Jenny Was a Friend of Mine – The Killers

10. "They gave you life, and in return you gave them hell. As cold as ice, I hope we live to tell the tale"
Shout – Tears for Fears

11. "Everywhere I go, every smile I see, I know you are there smilin back at me"
Together Again – Janet Jackson

12. "Somewhere in my memory I've lost all sense of time, and tomorrow can never be cause yesterday is all that fills my mind"
Never Had a Dream Come True – S Club 7

13. "You can cry tough baby, it's all right you can let me down easy, but not tonight"
Shadows of the Night – Pat Benetar

14. "She calls me baby, she calls everybody baby"
Lonely Ol' Night – John Cougar Mellencamp

15. "I'm in the mood, the rhythm is right, move to the music, we can roll all night"
Slow Ride – Foghat

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:33:08 GMT

Potpourri. Nothing newer than 2004. Happy first days of summer!

6-20-08 – QUIZ #348 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "Please, baby, can't you see I'm trying to explain. I've been here before and I'm locking the door and I'm not going back again"

2. "You've got a way to keep me on your side, you give me cause for love that I can't hide"

3. "You won't regret it if you let me stay, I'll teach you everything that a boy should know"

4. "One look, from you, I drift away. I pray, that you, are here to stay."

5. "Love, love on the run, breaking us down, though we keep holding on"

6. "And if ever, comes a day, when you should turn and walk away, oh no, I can't live without you"

7. "And I don't think I have ever seen a soul so in despair. So if you want to talk the night through, guess who will be there"

8. "We cannot live together, we cannot live apart. That`s the situation, I`ve known it from the start"

9. "She couldn't scream while I held I close, I swore I'd never let her go"

10. "They gave you life, and in return you gave them hell. As cold as ice, I hope we live to tell the tale"

11. "Everywhere I go, every smile I see, I know you are there smilin back at me"

12. "Somewhere in my memory I've lost all sense of time, and tomorrow can never be cause yesterday is all that fills my mind"

13. "You can cry tough baby, it's all right you can let me down easy, but not tonight"

14. "She calls me baby, she calls everybody baby"

15. "I'm in the mood, the rhythm is right, move to the music, we can roll all night"

ANSWERS TO 6-13-08 – QUIZ #347

1. "And all I wanna hear is the message beep. My dreams, they've got to kiss, because I don't get sleep"
Feel Good, Inc. – Gorillaz

2. "I saw you one time at the back of the club, chewing on glass and a ticket stub"
Flathead – The Fratellis

3. "Feelin great because the light's on me, celebrating the things that everyone told me"
Work That – Mary J. Blige

4. "Revolutionaries wait for my head on a silver plate. Just a puppet on a lonely string, oh who would ever want to be king?"
Viva la Vida – Coldplay

5. "I can't stand the beat, I'm asking for the check, girl with crimson nails, it's Jesus 'round her neck"
Vertigo – U2

6. "Have you seen her all in gold, like a queen in days of old. She shoots colors all around, like a sunset going down"
She's a Rainbow – The Rolling Stones

7. "A little off center and I'm out of tune, just kicking this can along the avenue, but I'm all right"
Jerk It Out – Caesars

8. "Music is my beach house, music is my hometown. Music is my kingsize bed"
Music is my Hot Hot Sex – CSS

9. "I was playing in the beginning, the mood all changed, I been chewed up and spit out and booed off stage"
Lose Yourself – Eminem

10. "Sweetheart, bitter heart, now I can't tell you apart. Cozy and cold, put the horse before the cart"
1, 2, 3, 4 – Feist

11. "Gone is love. It's me that ought to be moving on, you're not adorable, I was something unignorable"
Shut Up and Let Me Go – Ting Tings

12. "He's fat and he don't run too fast, but he's faster than me. Last night at the show we saw him going out of his tree"
Walkie Talkie Man – Steriogram

13. "I'm rhyming on the top of a cop car, I'm a rebel and my .44 pops far"
Rock Star – N.E.R.D.

14. "But since I came here, felt the joy and the fear, finding myself making every possible mistake"
New Soul – Yael Naim

15. "Big black boots, long brown hair, she`s so sweet with her get-back stare"
Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet

Wilbur

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:43:52 GMT

Since moving to Chicago, Mr. Whirled and I have been seeking out better grocery options. There's a produce market we go to every week - very fresh, very affordable. Trips to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's are more frequent. And yet, this healthy eating hasn't been reflected on the scale. But I digress.

Today we stumbled upon a fresh butcher shop/meat market. I haven't been eating mammals for several weeks, but I thought we could get some fresh chicken and fish. True enough, jumbo shrimp, $4.95 a pound. Boneless chicken breasts for $1.79 a pound. Whole catfish and halibut and ground turkey - oh my!

Now, this was an old school, few-frills butcher shop. For every bit of ground meat, there was a bin of chicken feet or beef tongue. Or hooves. I realize everything can be a delicacy if cooked the right way, and many cultures like to use every part of an animal, unlike us wasteful Americans who don't even do drumsticks so much anymore.

But then, lo and behold, something that struck terror into my heart. Almost enough to make me adopt a vegan lifestyle. Pig heads. Ohhhhhh ... pig heads. I'm talking, straight from a Pink Floyd show, snout and ears and eye sockets, swine heads. How can I go back for the cheap fowl and fish when I know Babe will be staring me down?

Lord.

Finally saw S&tC. It made me miss my long-distance girlfriends, that's for sure. And I didn't realize how much I'd missed Carrie, Char, Miranda, and Sam. And Anthony. Also? Chris Noth has trimmed up. Maybe it's the running around after perps on Criminal Intent. Or maybe a deceased pig head ruined his appetite for several months.

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:46:08 GMT

Mere weeks after I invest in a BlackBerry, Apple announces a bigger, brighter, and cheaper iPhone. Figures. Either way, in tribute to Steve Jobs and his little company that could, all of today's songs have been featured in a commercial for the iPod or other Apple product.

6-13-08 – QUIZ #347 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "And all I wanna hear is the message beep. My dreams, they've got to kiss, because I don't get sleep"

2. "I saw you one time at the back of the club, chewing on glass and a ticket stub"

3. "Feelin great because the light's on me, celebrating the things that everyone told me"

4. "Revolutionaries wait for my head on a silver plate. Just a puppet on a lonely string, oh who would ever want to be king?"

5. "I can't stand the beat, I'm asking for the check, girl with crimson nails, it's Jesus 'round her neck"

6. "Have you seen her all in gold, like a queen in days of old. She shoots colors all around, like a sunset going down"

7. "A little off center and I'm out of tune, just kicking this can along the avenue, but I'm all right"

8. "Music is my beach house, music is my hometown. Music is my kingsize bed"

9. "I was playing in the beginning, the mood all changed, I been chewed up and spit out and booed off stage"

10. "Sweetheart, bitter heart, now I can't tell you apart. Cozy and cold, put the horse before the cart"

11. "Gone is love. It's me that ought to be moving on, you're not adorable, I was something unignorable"

12. "He's fat and he don't run too fast, but he's faster than me. Last night at the show we saw him going out of his tree"

13. "I'm rhyming on the top of a cop car, I'm a rebel and my .44 pops far"

14. "But since I came here, felt the joy and the fear, finding myself making every possible mistake"

15. "Big black boots, long brown hair, she`s so sweet with her get-back stare"

ANSWERS TO 6-06-08 – QUIZ #346

1. "As he rises to her apology, anybody else would surely know - he's watching her go"
What a Fool Believes – The Doobie Brothers

2. "Trying not to reach out, but when I'd try to speak out, felt like no one could hear me"
Breakaway – Kelly Clarkson

3. "But the string's already broken and he doesn't really care, it keeps changing fast, and it don't last for long"
Rocky Mountain High – John Denver

4. "I'm a fine-tuned supersonic speed machine, with a sunroof top and a gangster lean"
Shut Up and Drive – Rihanna

5. "Hey, shout, summertime blues, jump up and down in my blue suede shoes"
Rock On – Michael Damian

6. "I tried all night not to break down and cry, as the tears rolled down my face"
Something to Believe In – Poison

7. "All that noise, all that sound. All those pieces that I have found"
Speed of Sound - Coldplay

8. "Some of them want to use you, some of them want to get used by you"
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – The Eurythmics

9. "It`s been six months and still no word; I don`t deserve it? I know you got my last two letters, I wrote the addresses on them perfect"
Stan – Eminem

10. "She feels safe now in this bar on Fairfax. And from the stage I can tell that she can`t let go and she can`t relax"
Lullaby – Shawn Mullins

11. "You're packing up your stuff and talking like it's tough and trying to tell me that it's time to go"
Crazy – Aerosmith

12. "Everybody here's a number, not a name but I guess that's all right with me"
Every Little Kiss – Bruce Hornsby & The Range

13. "We're the new face of failure, prettier and younger but not any better off"
I'm Like a Lawyer With the Way I'm Always Trying to Get You Off – Fall Out Boy

14. "And if you like in the club we can do it in the DJ booth or in the back of the V.I.P."
What's Your Fantasy? – Ludacris

15. "When I'm tired and thinking cold, I hide in my music, forget the day"
More Than a Feeling – Boston

This blog is about positivity

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:13:35 GMT

So, yes, yes, yes, the New Kids on the Block are reuniting, and no fewer than five persons to whom I haven't spoken in a decade have contacted me with said info. Because when many folks from high school or college think "New Kids," they think "Beth." Sigh. It's a rough legacy.

First of all, unless tickets fairly literally fall into my lap, I won't be going. I spent too many hundreds of dollars between 1989 and 1991 on magazines, tickets, tees, and really REALLY bad music to justify $100 now on what will certainly be even worse. Donnie D. is like FORTY now, y'all. Can he pull off "Cover Girl," when he could barely squawk it out as a 22-year old? You're my ev-er-y-THI-ING. (As Nic points out (and I agree), arguably the worst key change in popular music.)

Second of all, there's this, from the indubitably awesome Best Week Ever blog. I think I had eight of these on my walls in high school. I'm so sorry, Mom and Dad. And all my friends and classmates that ever had to see my room.

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:46:41 GMT

Potpourri and happy Friday!

6-06-08 – QUIZ #346 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "As he rises to her apology, anybody else would surely know - he's watching her go"

2. "Trying not to reach out, but when I'd try to speak out, felt like no one could hear me"

3. "But the string's already broken and he doesn't really care, it keeps changing fast, and it don't last for long"

4. "I'm a fine-tuned supersonic speed machine, with a sunroof top and a gangster lean"

5. "Hey, shout, summertime blues, jump up and down in my blue suede shoes"

6. "I tried all night not to break down and cry, as the tears rolled down my face"

7. "All that noise, all that sound. All those pieces that I have found"

8. "Some of them want to use you, some of them want to get used by you"

9. "It`s been six months and still no word; I don`t deserve it? I know you got my last two letters, I wrote the addresses on them perfect"

10. "She feels safe now in this bar on Fairfax. And from the stage I can tell that she can`t let go and she can`t relax"

11. "You're packing up your stuff and talking like it's tough and trying to tell me that it's time to go"

12. "Everybody here's a number, not a name but I guess that's all right with me"

13. "We're the new face of failure, prettier and younger but not any better off"

14. "And if you like in the club we can do it in the DJ booth or in the back of the V.I.P."

15. "When I'm tired and thinking cold, I hide in my music, forget the day"

ANSWERS TO 5-30-08 – QUIZ #345

1. "With your feet in the air and your head on the ground, try this trick and spin it, yeah. Your head will collapse if there's nothing in it"
Where Is My Mind? – The Pixies

2. "Yesterday and days before, sun is cold and rain is hard"
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? – CCR

3. "You're an accident waiting to happen, you're a piece of glass left there on the beach"
Whose Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses? – U2

4. "Happy times together we've been spending, I wish that every kiss was never ending"
Wouldn't It Be Nice? – Beach Boys

5. "See I've already waited too long, and all my hope is gone"
How Soon is Now? – The Smiths

6. "He's acting shy, looking for an answer, come on honey, let's spend the night together"
Do Ya Think I'm Sexy? – Rod Stewart

7. "There was always something more important to do, more important to say. But 'I love you' wasn't one of those things - and now it's too late"
Do You Remember? – Phil Collins

8. "We said we needed space, but all we found was an empty place. And the only thing I learned is that I need you desperately"
Where Do Broken Hearts Go? – Whitney Houston

9. "I tell myself, hey only fools rush, and only time will tell if we stand the test of time"
Why Can't This Be Love? – Van Halen

10. "There`s a rhyme and reason to the wild outdoors. When the heart of this star-crossed voyager beats in time with yours"
Can You Feel the Love Tonight? – Elton John

11. "Everybody's got their history, on every page, a mystery"
Would I Lie to You? – Charles and Eddie

12. "He always breaks my heart in two it happens every time"
When Will I Be Loved? – Linda Ronstadt

13. "In this world that we livin' in, people keep on givin' in, makin' wrong decisions, only visions of the dividends"
Where Is the Love? – Black-Eyed Peas

14. "Happiness is just an illusion, filled with sadness and confusion"
What Becomes of the Brokenhearted? – Jimmy Ruffin/Paul Young

15. "I really do appreciate the fact you're sittin' here. Your voice sounds so wonderful, but your face don't look too clear"
Why Don't We Get Drunk and Screw? – Jimmy Buffett

If you don't dream big, find another dream

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:41:06 GMT

So ... Idol is done, rendering 12 foolish kids irrelevant once again. But time marches on.

My cousin Kruh - the babiest of all first cousins on Mom's side - tied the proverbial knot with 'ber this weekend in Treasure Island, FL (southwest of St. Pete). Saw most of the NOLA clan, and it wasn't nearly as weird as I thought it would be to hang with them without Spanish moss and the promise of po-boys defining the visit. Our camera went to the Best Buy in the sky, but I'm counting on sweet shots from my cousin P.O. and my aunt coming down the pike.

Until then - proof that Q went barefoot for the sake of his good friend/cousin.

Of course, 45 SPF sunscreen was no match for my stupidity, and my torso skin is currently about as pink as this blog. So be it.

Some of the old gang is coming in this weekend. I predict late nights, lots of good food, way too much laughter at stories that have been told 100 times before, and karaoke.

I still need to lose about 14 pounds. All the free food and libations at the new gig isn't helping.

I could wax pseudo-cryptically about the Lost finale, but 1,200 other bloggers have already done it better than I. You all, everybody. Yunjin Kim kicks Evangeline Lilly's ass twice on Sunday.

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 30 May 2008 13:28:00 GMT

All of today's song titles pose a question (for example - "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding," or "What's My Age Again.") How well will you do?

5-30-08 – QUIZ #345 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "With your feet in the air and your head on the ground, try this trick and spin it, yeah. Your head will collapse if there's nothing in it"

2. "Yesterday and days before, sun is cold and rain is hard"

3. "You're an accident waiting to happen, you're a piece of glass left there on the beach"

4. "Happy times together we've been spending, I wish that every kiss was never ending"

5. "See I've already waited too long, and all my hope is gone"

6. "He's acting shy, looking for an answer, come on honey, let's spend the night together"

7. "There was always something more important to do, more important to say. But 'I love you' wasn't one of those things - and now it's too late"

8. "We said we needed space, but all we found was an empty place. And the only thing I learned is that I need you desperately"

9. "I tell myself, hey only fools rush, and only time will tell if we stand the test of time"

10. "There`s a rhyme and reason to the wild outdoors. When the heart of this star-crossed voyager beats in time with yours"

11. "Everybody's got their history, on every page, a mystery"

12. "He always breaks my heart in two it happens every time"

13. "In this world that we livin' in, people keep on givin' in, makin' wrong decisions, only visions of the dividends"

14. "Happiness is just an illusion, filled with sadness and confusion"

15. "I really do appreciate the fact you're sittin' here. Your voice sounds so wonderful, but your face don't look too clear"

ANSWERS TO 5-23-08 – QUIZ #344

1. "Now don't hang on – nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky."
Dust in the Wind – Kansas

2. "As the music draws you closer and you fall under my spell, I will catch you In my arms now where the night can take us no can tell"
Rhythm Divine – Enrique Iglesias

3. "I can promise you, you'll stay as beautiful. With dark hair and soft skin...forever"
Possum Kingdom – The Toadies

4. "You probably spend hours on the phone talking 'bout nothing at all. It doesn't matter what the conversation just as long as he calls"
Invisible Man – 98 Degrees

5. "A totally amazing mind, so understanding and so kind; you're everything to me"
Dreams – Cranberries

6. "Reaching out for something to hold, looking for a love where the climate is cold"
Out of Touch – Hall & Oates

7. "It's a wonder man can eat at all when things are big that should be small"
Virtual Insanity - Jamaraquoi

8. " You are the bearer of unconditional things, you held your breath and the door for me"
Head Over Feet – Alanis Morissette

9. "So why does you pride make you run and hide, are you that afraid of me?"
Wait For You – Elliott Yamin

10. "Backbeat, the word was on the street that the fire in your heart is out "
Wonderwall – Oasis

11. "It's a struggle, livin' like a good boy oughta, in the summer, watchin' all the girls pass by"
Take Your Mama – Scissor Sisters

12. "And then you move to the city but she goes abroad, is she telling you something, is she getting bored?"
Your Cover's Blown – Belle & Sebastian

13. "Shadows and shape mixed together at dawn. But by time you catch them, simplicity's gone"
Hero – David Crosby and Phil Collins

14. "I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines"
Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield

15. "He'll tell you he's the king of these barrio streets, moving up the Shangri-la"
Dr. Feelgood – Motley Crue

Friday Lyric Quiz

Fri, 23 May 2008 11:42:35 GMT

Potpourri, friends. Have an enjoyable and safe Memorial Day weekend!

5-23-08 – QUIZ #344 [scroll down for last week's answers]

1. "Now don't hang on – nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky."

2. "As the music draws you closer and you fall under my spell, I will catch you In my arms now where the night can take us no can tell"

3. "I can promise you, you'll stay as beautiful. With dark hair and soft skin...forever"

4. "You probably spend hours on the phone talking 'bout nothing at all. It doesn't matter what the conversation just as long as he calls"

5. "A totally amazing mind, so understanding and so kind; you're everything to me"

6. "Reaching out for something to hold, looking for a love where the climate is cold"

7. "It's a wonder man can eat at all when things are big that should be small"

8. " You are the bearer of unconditional things, you held your breath and the door for me"

9. "So why does you pride make you run and hide, are you that afraid of me?"

10. "Backbeat, the word was on the street that the fire in your heart is out "

11. "It's a struggle, livin' like a good boy oughta, in the summer, watchin' all the girls pass by"

12. "And then you move to the city but she goes abroad, is she telling you something, is she getting bored?"

13. "Shadows and shape mixed together at dawn. But by time you catch them, simplicity's gone"

14. "I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines"

15. "He'll tell you he's the king of these barrio streets, moving up the Shangri-la"

ANSWERS TO 5-16-08 – QUIZ #343

1. "How's it gonna go down, will you meet him on the main line, or will you catch him on the rebound"
Gloria – Laura Branigan

2. "If you wanna be with me I can make your wish come true, just come and set me free, baby
and I'll be with you"
Genie in a Bottle – Christina Aguliera

3. "I don't understand the way you think saying that she's yours not mine. Sending roses and your silly dreams, really just a waste of time"
The Girl is Mine – Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney

4. "When your love is falling like the rain I close my eyes and it falls again, when will I get the chance to say I love you"
Gotta Get Thru This – Daniel Bedingfield

5. "Tell me why - everything turned around. Packing up, shacking up`s all you wanna do"
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac

6. "Sweet Loretta Martin thought she was a woman, but she was another man"
Get Back – The Beatles

7. "Look at the situation, they got me facing, I can't live a normal life, I was raised by the strip"
Gangsta's Paradise – Coolio featuring L.V.

8. "So what you wanna do … I got a pocket full of rubbers and my homeboys do too"
Gin & Juice – Snoop Doggy Dogg

9. "We had no cameras to shoot the landscape. We passed the hash pipe and played our Doors tapes"
Goodnight Saigon – Billy Joel

10. "Now's the time that we need to share, so find yourself, we're on our way back home"
Give a Little Bit – Supertramp

11. "Petty little Ayatollah come around to judge and stone ya, all we're trying to do is make a fortune"
Get Off This - Cracker

12. "So I handed him my bottle and he drank down my last swallow, then he bummed a cigarette and asked me for a light"
The Gambler – Kenny Rogers

13. "Girl, you must resist, don't let him squirm his way into your heart. No girl, I must insist, you've got to stop the fool before he starts"
Girlfriend – Pebbles

14. "Morning came into my room, caught me dreaming like a fool"
Good Thing – Fine Young Cannibals

15. "I paid the price to control the dice I'm more precise, to the point, I'm nice"
Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) – C&C Music Factory

Cooked

Thu, 22 May 2008 03:09:09 GMT

For all y'all in the pickle of my-farging-DVR-screwed-the-pooch, here's the clip of the final few minutes of tonight's Idol finale.

http://www.rickey.org/?p=7959

The site keeps crashing though, because Rickey (of rickey.org) is awesome and reliable and people knew he'd have this clip up post haste. And are therefore flooding it. Good luck.

I totally blame Rupert Murdoch for this.