Go Canada!

Since Canada is kicking ass and taking names in terms of gold medals at the Vancouver Games, I thought I'd post something before the big game!

Either way we're getting a medal tomorrow - and it's going to be an awesome game.

It's been fun following these Olympic Games. Makes me realize how much I love living in Canada.

Also, thank you again for Jon Montgomery. My favourite Olympic boyfriend.

Weekend (Postcrossing) Update #13

It's been a busy couple of days for me postcrossing wise, I hadn't received a lot of cards over the past few weeks, but yesterday I got five, and today another. It's fun getting them all in one clump because I have a pile of fun mail to read.

1) China - This card came from Shanghai and was typed by the sender. I'm not sure what the image is on the card - modern art? Also, you can't see it, but it has an enormous postage stamp on it.


2) This one comes from the USA. The sender lives in Bethalto, IL, which according to her is 20 mins from St. Louis, Mo. She's moving closer to the Canadian border soon for school and hopes to visit Canada when she does.


3) This card is from an American on holiday in Germany. The image on the card has nothing to do with America or Germany, but the sender wrote that she's tired of seeing snow, so she sent me this. I hope she had a lovely time in Germany. She made this postcard herself, and sells other cards she makes on Etsy.


4) This card came from Saint Petersburg, Russia, and is a photo of The Russian Museum. The sender tells me that the building was once the Tsar's palace, but now it's home to Russia's largest collection of art - bigger than the Tretyakov gallery in Moscow (which I received a postcard of several months ago). It appears I'm starting something of a collection of postcards of Russian art museums. Oh, she also likes the movie "The Holiday."


5) Postcard from snowy Finland. The sender lives in a small village with her two kids and her cat.


6) Canada! This card just came and I was soooo excited to see it. I know it sounds weird to be excited over a card from my own country, but it's not so much the place it came from that made me happy, but the card itself! Postcrossing allows users to click a <3 icon to "favourite" different cards. I've added over a hundred cards to my favourites list, but this is the first time a sender has sent me something that I've added. It's a cat doing yoga! Love it! Also, the sender used a pretty awesome Gold Medal stamp, in celebration of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. You people know how much I love the Olympics, so this also made me happy.

Check Out My Etsy Shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/alliweb

I just started it tonight - so I hope you'll stop by. Tell your friends!

Curling eh? Poll Results!

Which Winter Olympic sports would my readers enter if they could?

Results are in:

Hockey
0 (0%)

Figure Skating
1 (20%)

Bobsled
0 (0%)

Luge
1 (20%)

Snowboarding
1 (20%)

Alpine Skiing
0 (0%)

Moguls
1 (20%)

Aerials
1 (20%)

Ski Jumping
0 (0%)

Curling
2 (40%)

Speed Skating
2 (40%)

Cross country skiing
0 (0%)

Skeleton
0 (0%)

Other
0 (0%)

I should have mentioned that you were to choose which event(s) you'd enter in your wildest dreams - disregarding actual athleticism and commitment. Curling is fun, I've done it - but seriously? You wouldn't want to compete in snowboard or moguls? Also, to the person who selected luge, you are a brave soul.

iTunes Playlist Tuesday! #33

My good friend Rob wrote the first half of this list this week:

As an English person growing up in Manchester, I had never heard of Canada, let alone any Canadian bands or musicians. Now, as a full-grown adult living in a town just outside of Toronto, I find myself friends with many Canadians and enamoured with the Canadian music scene. One of my Canadian friends has asked for me to share my thoughts on the best songs by Canadian musicians. So, here are ten favourites put in the form of a playlist, from the perspective of a foreigner.

1. Neil Young – War of Man
What can you say about Neil Young that hasn’t already been said? There are tons of his songs I could have chosen to be on this list. War of Man was chosen because I think it shows perfectly how he is able to intertwine great lyrics and great musical ability with his own ideological message and create a song that attaches itself to you.

2. Arcade Fire – Wake Up
I’ve never seen Arcade Fire live. But I can only imagine that if i did, for days afterwards I would only communicate by singing the chorus line to this song. It’s an anthem. It’s one of those songs that doesn’t even let you judge it subjectively, it just says “I rock – listen.”

3. Serena Ryder – Dark as the Black
Sarena Ryder played a concert in my local area during the summer a few years ago. I have to say, my expectation wasn’t particularly high going to see her, but then she sang this song and said “here, Rob, let me show you my soul.” - Incredible song, brilliant musician.

4. Wolf Parade – Modern World
Who doesn’t love a good anti-society indie-rock now and again? It’s a simple song with a fairly simple message but I think that’s the main reason why it works so well.

5. City & Colour – The Death of Me
Who knew the screaming lunatic from Alexisonfire could write lyrics like this? :

Maybe drinking wine will validate my sorrow?
every man needs a muse and mine could be the bottle

His newest incarnation as this calm-voiced, sweater-vest wearing musician has brought with it some classic songs and this is certainly my favourite.

(Allison's Note: Dallas Green doesn't scream in Alexis, that would be George Petitt, Dallas provides the melodic backup vocals).

6. Matthew Good – Everything is Automatic
Remember 1997 when everyone was playing with their Pogs and we were all wondering what happened to Ace of Base? That was the year this song happened. I have no idea what this song is about (technology is bad and evil?) but when it gets to the chorus, I couldn’t care less.

(Allison's Note: Rob wasn't even in Canada when this came out.)

7. Arcade Fire – Neighbourhood # 3 (Power Out)
I went for another Arcade Fire song because, quite frankly, they’re brilliant. Again this song shows off their spectacular musical range, along with some great lyrics.

8. Barenaked Ladies - Brian Wilson
The first single they came out with in the UK was “one week” and I’ve liked these guys ever since the day I walked in the pouring rain during a typical winter day back in Manchester to get that CD single. I know the song Brian Wilson is a bit dark, since it’s based on the former Beach Boys' musician who spiralled into depression. But for me this song represents their best work.

9. The Tragically Hip – Fiddlers Green
It’s one of those songs that travel alongside you even if it’s been weeks since you last heard them. You can’t help but be affected by it. I believe it’s about Gord Downie’s Nephew who died of heart troubles at a young age. So the girl in the song would be his Sister, a fact which, added to the fact that he has never played this song live because it’s too personal to him, makes this piece of music all the more beautiful.

(Allison's Note: I almost picked this song, seriously! But they did play this live recently - for the Haiti telethon. Amazing song.)

10. Bryan Adams – Summer of 69
Come on now - We were all thinking it. I first heard this piece of Canadian history when I was 16 and back then I had no idea what a “Bryan Adams” was. Listening to it now allows me to grab the memories of hanging out with friends in the Students Union in my old hometown from my subconscious. Cheers, Mr. Adams - classic song.

Did you enjoy that? Well I'm taking back my blog and MY playlist comes from a genuine Canadian girl. Because of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA, I am filled with pride. These songs have nothing to do with the Olympics, but I just want to share with you some of my favourite (and obscure) Canadian songs. I dedicate this list to Canadian Skeleton Gold Medallist Jon Montgomery - you are my fake Olympic Boyfriend. Cheers!

1. The Tragically Hip - Ahead by a Century
It's hard to be Canadian and avoid "The Hip." This song comes from the album "Trouble in the Henhouse." Because I'm old school, I usually write out my playlists on paper first. For my Tragically Hip song I first had "Fully Completely" written down, then "Fiddler's Green," then I settled on Ahead by a Century.

2. The Saint Alvia Cartel - Stones on the Road
Half this band went to my high school. They're doing pretty well for themselves. I believe they go by just "Saint Alvia" now - but if you're looking up this song type in the full band name. This is a much more chilled out song by them.

3. Sam Roberts - Higher Learning
The challenge here wasn't which Sam Roberts song to use, but more, which Sam Roberts song haven't I used? This one is a more uptempo, which I think you guys need after the two previous songs. As I've stated before, I've seen Sam Roberts three times live. His shows are fun and high energy.

4. Broken Social Scene - Ibi Dreams of Pavement
I have to include a song by Canada's most ridiculously huge band. I saw this song performed live (on TV) at the Junos (Canada's version of the Grammys) and was blown away by a band with two drummers! I suggest you Wiki this band and you'll see how huge they really are. All of the musicians have other projects - I suggest you check out Feist, Stars and Amy Millan.

5. Danny Michel - Mr. Black
I had the same problem here as I did with Sam Roberts. I chose Mr. Black just because I never have before. It's a fun song. Anyone who knows me well knows that I adore Danny Michel.

6. Chantal Kreviazuk - God Made Me
Now I'm not a religious girl, but I love this song. I think this was the first song by Chantal that I saw the video for. I love the piano in this song. It's not really a "religious" song, it's more about just being who you are and being okay with yourself.

7. Die Mannequin - Bad Medicine
What better way to follow Ms. Kreviazuk than with some chicks that know how to rock out. It's a bit of a change from the rest of my list, but I don't need to justify my musical tastes to you. I really like Die Mannequin.

8. Arkells - No Champagne Socialist
I'm also running out of Arkells songs to recommend. They need to make a new album so I have more selections! This band is from Hamilton (next to my hometown, and I'll defend Hamilton to haters). This band is good at telling stories through their songs - this one is no exception. Check it out!

9. Buck 65 - Wicked and Weird
Okay, busted, I've used this song at least twice before in playlists, but that's only because I want everyone to listen to it. This is as close to Hip Hop as I'm going to get in this list. I call this blue collar hip hop.

10. Joel Plaskett Emergency - Million Dollars
I heard this song in the movie One Week, where Joel Plaskett plays the part of a Toronto busker (playing this song on an acoustic guitar). The studio version is pretty good. For me this song is about just going out and not caring about what people think - just having fun.

Well, that is the end of the playlists for this week. Thank you Rob for your British perspective. If you want to read more of his ramblings, check him out at http://goforthandblogeth.blogspot.com/

GO CANADA!

Suggestions for next week's list?

"I Hate Cats" - The Truth About Cat & Dog People

Since the indoor domestication of dogs and cats (or I can only assume) humans have been classifying themselves by which animal they prefer. Quite often the lines in the litter-box are firmly drawn, "I'm a cat person, I'm afraid of dogs," or "I'm a dog person, I hate cats."

Then there's me - I have had both and love both equally. Dog people will often tell you that they are allergic to cats (if this is true, I somewhat get the "hate" because they make you sneeze). Cat people will often say, "I'm afraid of dogs, I've had a bad experience with one."

Okay, so something in your life has caused you to believe that one animal is dumb, or pointless, or evil - but like humans, not all animals are bad. For example, the cats I had as a kid were outdoor. My one cat was basically the devil disguised as a tiny fuzzy lap cat. My other cat was mostly nice, but wasn't against giving you the smack down if needed, and howling in your face when she wanted out. These are the cats I had when I was aged 3 to 20. Crazy right? The cats that my mom got as "replacements" for my beloved Softie (named her when I was three) and Sally (named her when I was four) are basically big wusses. Neither bite or scratch. Both have weight issues (one is an over eater, while the other has bulimia nervosa I believe), and they go outside in the spring and summer on little harnesses attached to rope. Real scary, right?

I also had a dog - a Dalmatian named Freckles. She was gorgeous, but had a few health problems. She also freaked people out by running at full speed towards them (she would veer off at the last second). She loved people, except if you were walking on the other side of the street, 'cause then she would bark her face off. If you came to the door though she would wag her tail and get all happy and excited that someone was visiting. She hated thunderstorms and fireworks and would shake. She loved my dad the best because he walked her on the weekend.

So I feel the need to defend either animal - when you say "I hate cats" I'll often replay, "okay, but you haven't met my cats." And to those cat haters who say cats don't do anything - I say again, "okay, but you haven't met my cats."

There are evil cats and dogs out there - but they don't speak (or bark or meow) for the whole bunch.

It isn't a MUST for me that you love dogs and cats, but you should give them a chance.

But if you love snakes, you need not apply.

Weekend (Postcrossing) Update #12

This card came from Switzerland. You can't see the writing, but the message is written sideways, which is how the last card I received from Switzerland was written. Also, she was the second sender from Switzerland to recommend the band Gotthard to me. Must be a popular Swiss band.



I loved this card - my first from Japan. And it only took 8 days to get here. She wrote it on Day 1 of the Olympic games. It's nice to share the spirit with the rest of the world. She also recommended a book to me, "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World" by Haruki Murakami - an author I have read before. He wrote the book "What I Talk About when I Talk About Running," a non-fiction book about running and writing.

Valentine's Day is

the day I get gifts and cards from the person I love
0 (0%)

a tacky holiday
3 (100%)

an expensive waste of time
2 (66%)

the day I eat a whole box of chocolates alone
1 (33%)

the day I drink a whole bottle of wine alone.
1 (33%)

is so much fun.
0 (0%)

My Olympic History

I know the Olympics are a hot topic right now. I personally love them, but for me it isn't just because they're being held in Canada, it's been a life long love of mine.



















I first watched the Olympic Games in 1992 - the winter games in Albertville, France. The Canadian team wore purple and white and my mom thought it was silly. I don’t remember specific events - but I must have liked them, because that summer I was glued to my TV watching the summer games in Barcelona, Spain. I was 8 years old. I was so invested in them that after they were over I cried during the closing ceremonies. A moment my mom never lets me live down. I was just sad that it was over.

In 1994, the Lillehammer, Norway games were no exception. I would have my dad save the newspapers for me and my mom bought me dollar store scrapbooks and glue-sticks to paste the memories in - along with a pack of smelly markers and some clip art.

By the summer of 1996 - I was primed for Atlanta. For the first time I was aware of pre-game expectations. I knew that Donovan Bailey was the man to watch. For years after my brother and I kept a newspaper poster of him with his gold medal pinned to our basement walls. We were proud that for several years Canada held claim to the fastest man in the world.

























1998 - Nagano, Japan. This was my last set of scrapbooks. I documented Ross Rebagliatti’s rise and fall (and rise). I documented the men’s hockey team’s failure to win a medal.


























The 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia aren’t that memorable to me. I gave up scrapbooking and just saved a few newspaper pages.

By 2002 in Salt Lake City was the year the men’s hockey team won the gold medal - a game that caused a nationwide celebration. It caused my 16 year old brother to jump into the back of some random person’s pick up and parade the streets with flags. I remember wearing my team Canada hat and screaming at the TV with my family.

The 2004 Summer games are blank to me - I know they were in Athens, Greece. I was at York at this point and didn’t pay much attention. I watched a few events while at my cottage. A girl from York won a medal in trampoline.

The 2006 Games in Turin, Italy were exciting. I watched events during my reading week that year. By the end, the excitement over Vancouver 2010 was building.

2008 in Bejing, China - I stayed up late to watch a triathlon! Yep, an entire triathlon! Also, I wrote an angry comment to CBC regarding the cold hearted reporter who interviewed Adam van Koeverden after his disappointing race. A guy who went to my high school also competed at these games - which was exciting.

Now here we are, Day 6 of the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games and so far we have two gold medals, two silver and a bronze! Go Canada!

iTunes Playlist Tuesday! #32

I volunteered to write a list of songs with Allison and she decided we’d do one of foreign language songs. I liked that idea when she mentioned she might be doing it eventually. She likely chose it for this week because she knows I have an abundance of French music, and that we probably wouldn’t be choosing any of the same songs. I tried to include a couple other languages on here as well, besides French.

My tastes run a bit on the cheesy side… but I love them and make no apologies. Enjoy. I’ve linked to a few music videos as well, when available. I miss music videos.
- Amanda

1 . Montreal Motel – Antoine Gratton (French)
- Discovered this song when I was on vacation in Sept-Iles, my hometown… probably from Musimax, which is the Quebec version of MuchMoreMusic. It’s a fun, catchy song.
CLICK FOR VIDEO

2 . Maudit Bordel – Marie-Chantal Toupin (French)
- Another song I discovered on a trip back there. This singer has been around for a while and I downloaded a lot of her songs after I found her…but I actually bought this album and really like this one, the title track.
CLICK FOR VIDEO

3 . La Loba – Shakira (Spanish)
- Shakira is probably my favourite “pop” singer and I accidentally downloaded the Spanish version of She Wolf… it’s just as good as the English one. I love her voice.

4 . Adagio – Lara Fabian (Italian)
- This woman is like a more legit version of Celine Dion. She’s from Belgium/Canada… this song has an Italian and English version. She’s got a very powerful voice.
CLICK FOR VIDEO

5 . Homme 7up – Les Respectables (French)
- I can’t remember how I discovered this song… Maybe the MuchMusic show French Kiss? Apparently it was released in 1999. It’s been on my computer forever.
CLICK FOR VIDEO

6 . Étrange – Dobacaracol (French)
- Folksy girls with dreadlocks… Saw the video first (again on vacation) and thought it was just a beautiful, funky song. Folksy with a reggae flair.
CLICK FOR VIDEO

7 . Brid Og Ni Mhaille – The Corrs (Traditional Irish song)
- I’m a huge fan of the Corrs, and have been since I first discovered them in 1996. This song is from their album “Home” which is full of traditional Irish songs.

8 . Tattoo – Eric Lapointe (French)
- Discovered this song through the movie Bon Cop, Bad Cop. See it if you have not already.
CLICK FOR VIDEO

9 . Si Tu N’étais pas la – Fréhel (French – Amelie soundtrack)
- I checked the soundtrack to one of my favourite movies all time (Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain) to see what I could find for this list.. this is the only lyrical song on it. But the whole soundtrack sounds very French, even without lyrics. This song is from 1934.

10 . L’idole – Roch Voisine
- I can’t get through the list without including Roch Voisine. Many songs to choose from because I’m a dork… but I really love this one, from 1989.

Honorable mention:
Comme J’ai Toujour Envie D’aimer – Roch Voisine (cover of Marc Hamilton’s song)
- This is not his song, it’s a cover and I’m a sucker for French love songs. And I’ve seen it live.

My turn! I don’t speak any other language but I love listening to foreign language music sometimes. It calms the mind I think - to enjoy music, but be unburdened by its meaning. It’s probably how the rest of the world experiences popular English music.

1 . Take this Waltz by Adam Cohen - Spanish
I discovered this song on the War Child album that came out last year. It was an album of newer artists playing classic songs. This is Leonard Cohen’s son, Adam, singing his father’s song - only in Spanish.

2 . Temp by Amylie - French (Quebec)
- I discovered one song by Amylie on CBC radio and loved it, despite not understanding it. When I went to Montreal last spring we went into a popular record store, and I searched for her CD in the French Canadian section. I picked this song because I really like it. But her whole album is great.

3 . Quelqu’un m’a dit by Carla Bruni - French (France)
- I heard this song in the movie (500) Days of Summer. It’s by Carla Bruni, French President Nicolas Sarcozy’s wife, an ex-model, now folk singer.
CLICK FOR VIDEO

4 . Jai Ho - A.R. Rahman et.al - Hindi (India)
- This was an obvious choice, but I was looking for more diverse song choices. Thank you Slumdog Millionaire for this little gem!

5 . 99 Luftballoon by Nena - German
- Gotta love 80s German pop!

6 . Julie Louise by Daniel Lanois - French/English
- This song is about 50/50 French and English. I can’t really remember when I first heard this, but it’s delightful and heartbreaking at the same time.
CLICK FOR VIDEO

7 . Michelle by The Beatles - English/Bad French
- The story is that Paul McCartney was dating a French woman and this song is about her. He admitted that his French was bad. It’s about not being able to tell her how he really felt because he couldn't, literally.

8 . Sad Robot by Stars - French
- Stars’ singer Amy Millan said in an interview once that because French isn’t her first language they made the song computerized sounding on purpose - how a robot might sing French? Stars are based in Montreal now.

9 . Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros - Icelandic
- For times you just need to chill.

10 . Life on Mars by Seu Jorge - Portuguese
- I was thinking about the movie The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou not long ago, and I had it in my head that one character played Bob Dylan songs in Spanish. After looking it up, it was David Bowie songs in Portuguese. My bad. Still good.

Next week: See what a British guy thinks of Canadian Music.

Weekend (Postcrossing) Update #11

Slow week - I only received one card from Finland. And only one of my sent cards was received. But I did get to mail one to someone who seems pretty cool.

I don't want to sound bias, but some of the people I send cards to just have interesting and detailed profiles. This girl, like myself, was interested in knowing my favourite music, my favourite book and movies I like and dislike. It was fun writing to her because I felt like I had something to say to her.

Also I received a text from my friend Leanne yesterday saying she'd received my February letter and a little Valentine's Day card I'd mailed her. I love that this stuff makes people's day or week.

The Olympics started yesterday and already I feel like I have to defend my love of the games. There seems to be as much hate as there is love towards the event. But today I felt happy when a random postcrosser from The Netherlands sent me a private message telling me he hopes I'm enjoying the games. So the world is watching Vancouver, and I intend to as well.

I will write a separate blog about my love for the Olympics and how I came by it honestly, as a child. First I have to dig out my Olympic scrapbooks (Yes! Indeed, I have Olympic scrapbooks that I made as a kid).

I like February because...(Poll Results)

LOST season 6 started
1 (33%)

Superbowl
0 (0%)

Valentine's Day
1 (33%)

Groundhog Day
0 (0%)

Skiing/Snowboarding
0 (0%)

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics
1 (33%)

It's a short month
2 (66%)

February is cold and I hate it, so it's not awesome.
0 (0%)

iTunes Playlist Tuesday! #31

Ten songs for the loved and in love, ten songs for the rejected and bitter. Crappy (Happy) Valentine’s Day!

LOVE

Warm & Fuzzy songs selected by Jacqueline:

1 .  This Modern Love by Bloc Party
2 .  All I Want Is You by U2
3 .  At My Most Beautiful by R.E.M.
4 .  First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
5 .  Passenger Seat by Death Cab For Cutie
6 .  Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap
7 .  Such Great Heights by The Postal Service
8 .  Is This Love by Bob Marley
9 .  Wasting Time by Jack Johnson
10 .  Girl I Wanna Lay You Down by Donavon Frankenreiter/Jack Johnson/G.Love 

HATE

Angry & Bitter songs selected by Allison (me):

1 . Kiss Off by the Violent Femmes
2 . You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette
3 . 50 Ways to Leave your Lover by Paul Simon
4 . I Can’t Wait by The White Stripes
5 . Is it Never by Sloan
7 . Ex-Girlfriend by No Doubt
8 . Heart Heavy by Mother Mother
9 . Uh-huh by Munchausen by Proxy
10 . She’s in it for the Money by Matthew Good

I don't know what I'm going to do for next week's list, but if anyone wants to co-write a list with me like this one, that would be cool.

Weekend (Postcrossing) Update #10

This Lord of the Rings postcard came from Germany - the birthplace of Martin Luther (not King, but the man who started protestantism).



This card came from Russia in an envelope with a note separate from the card.



This card from China is pretty. The sender wrote that it is Chinese Lunar New Year soon.

MJ should have never left the stage.

It’s really too bad that months after the death of Michael Jackson we are reminded that he was actually a fantastic singer and performer. I’m talking about the documentary This is It. The film is mainly rehearsals for “The King of Pop”’s ill-fated shows scheduled to take place at London’s O2 arena for 50 dates. Watching this film made me feel bad for all the dancers, technicians, musicians etc. who never got to have their dream realized.

This film also made me think about Michael Jackson’s life over the past few years. I watched this film with my parents, and after it was over my mother said, “Why did he ever stop performing?”

Michael onstage was very different from Michael offstage from what I can tell. If you’ve seen “This is It” you see how particular he was about every single element of the show. From the way the music was performed, to which dancers made the cut, to how the special effects would work. He never seemed insincere or ungrateful either when dealing with the production staff and the dancers and musicians.

He’s done a lot of crazy things over the years while on his hiatus - dangling “blanket,” veiling Prince Michael and Paris, inviting children with cancer into his home and into his bed, plastic surgery nightmares, trials, and many more. I can’t help but think had he stayed “onstage” and focused his energies into his music perhaps he’d be alive today. Defenders of Michael have said that he took so much time off to raise his kids - which would normally be a fair enough excuse, except he’s Michael Jackson.

I don’t think Michael faired very well away from the stage and the studio. At 50 years old he was teaching the 20-something dancers how to move. Watching him dance and move and sing looked so effortless and fluid. It was as if dancing and singing was walking and talking. He was in control and in his glory. The shows would have probably been his crowning achievement. But This is It offers the audience a unique insight into MJ’s creative process, and that makes me sad all over again.

In the “real world” he was just Jacko - the guy who just didn’t belong. The guy who’s live was shrouded in mystery. The guy who bought the Beatles catalogue and married Lisa-Marie Presley. The guy who seemed to change his race. The guy with the glove. On stage he was an entertainer. The last song and dance man who could actually sing and dance.

Anyways - even if you’re not a fan, it’s an interesting documentary to watch about the show that would have been, could have been, should have been.

12 Letters, 12 People - February

Mailing my February letter tomorrow.

October: Lauren, Vancouver, BC
November: Amanda, Belleville, ON
December: Laura, Toronto, ON
January: Megan, Salford, ON
February: ?
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:
August:
September:

I have two spots that I haven't filled in terms of having an idea of who I'm going to write to in the future. Send me your address if I don't have it already.

Do You Read? The results are in amigos...

Yes - I always have a book
3 (60%)

Yes - mostly newspapers
0 (0%)

Yes - but not that often
1 (20%)

No - reading is for nerds
1 (20%)

Yes - only because I'm a student and I have to
0 (0%)

Yes - I'm addicted to Twilight!
0 (0%)

To the three people who always have a book - Good for you, I hope we're friends in real life.

To the one person who reads, but not that often - You should set a goal and read more.

To the person who checked off "No - reading is for nerds" - Get out. Yeah, you heard me. Are we friends? I feel sorry for you.

Also, I'd like to thank my voters for not checking off the Twilight choice. Aside from the loser who doesn't read (unless you cannot read, in which case, I am sorry and I think you should learn - it's never too late to change your life!), I think I can be friends with all you anonymous voters!

iTunes Playlist Tuesday! #30

My animal sounds theme proved to be harder than I thought, so here it is: Five songs that feature animal sound samples, and five songs that are about animals or feature the word “animal” in the title.

1 . Thunder in the Mountain by Danny Michel - This song features roosters crowing, dogs barking. It was Danny Michel’s music that inspired this playlist. I could have added a few more of his songs, but chose this as it’s a pretty great example of animal sounds used in a song.

2 . Summer Turns to High by R.E.M. - This song features crickets. This song is off of their Reveal album and wasn’t a single or anything.

3 . Jack-Ass by Beck - Donkey sounds near the end of the song.

4 . Blackbird by The Beatles - Bird sounds (obviously).

5 . Whoa Mule by The Black Crows - You’d think this would be mule sounds, but no, this song also features bird sounds.

6 . Carrion by Fiona Apple - Carrion is a the dead carcass of an animal. Obviously it is a metaphor (or simile) in the song.

7 . When Doves Cry by Price - Do you want to know what it sounds like when the doves cry? Listen to this song!

8 . Where they Left it Wild by Hawksley Workman - This is the song Hawksley wrote for the Great Canadian Song Quest about Algonquin Park. He writes about moose and deer coming to the side of the road in the spring to get away from the black-flies and eat the salt from the winter.

9 . Great Whales of the Sea by Matthew Good - I’m not really sure what this one is supposed to be about. Not sure if the whales are a metaphor or not.

10 . Animal Bar by Red Hot Chili Peppers - This one is about a place in Australia that hardly ever gets rain and it nearly dies. The Animal Bar is a bar in Australia.

Next week: Because it’s the week before Valentine’s Day, I will be posting 10 songs chosen by me that are Anti-Valentine’s Day songs (Hate) and my friend Jacqueline will be providing me with the Pro-Valentine’s Day list (Love) so next week will be a 20 song list. This way I can make most people happy. Those in love (or who want to be) and those who are bitter and alone...and those who are a bit of both.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!