Monkeyshines

We Shall Not Forget

2011-09-11T10:28:00.001-05:00

Mr. Selig: Do What's Right

2010-06-04T16:17:00.009-05:00

I know, I know... LONG time no blog. Well, to be honest, this took a back seat to life which has been pretty hectic for quite some time. However, with the current dispute going on in MLB over Jim Joyce's blown call at first base on the 3rd out of the 9th inning that cost the Detroit Tigers' Armando Gallaraga a perfect game on Wednesday night, I felt the need to weigh in...

I LOVE baseball and have ever since I can remember. Sure, I'm a die hard Yankee fan, but I pay my cable company so I have the ability to watch any game I want to. And on Wednesday evening I was watching history be made at Comerica Park in Detroit. However, when Joyce (who I have always respected as an ump - he's one of the better ones) called Jason Donald safe at first as Gallaraga held the ball in the same glove he used to retire the previous 26 batters he faced that evening, I about lost it. It was clear as day that the ball reached first prior to Donald and even Donald sat there with his hands on his head in disbelief. Amazingly, Gallaraga kept his cool and proceeded to retire an unprecedented 28th batter.

At this point, I began to go around the horn so to speak to see what the rest of baseball was saying. No matter which game I turned on - Yankees, Brewers, Phillies, White Sox, etc... - the story was the same: the commentators had abandoned their calls to speak about the injustice in Detroit. Even ESPN commentator, analyst, and former Big Red Machine marvel Joe Morgan hopped on the horn to provide his two cents on the situation during ESPN's Wednesday night baseball.

Following the hoopla, Joyce reviewed the play and outwardly admitted, with very colorful language, that he made a mistake - a BIG one. This was a move of amazing sportsmanship; along with Gallaraga (who was in AAA just a couple of weeks ago) who took the blow so graciously that it appeared superhuman. The two met the following day as Joyce took his place behind the plate in the official handing over of the line-up card with the media circus in full tow. These two gentlemen have handled this situation so well that I am truly and utterly amazed at Bud Selig's ability to overlook the possibility of making things right by overturning the call. Heck, even the official score keeper that evening tried to find a way to score Donald safe on an error just to keep the no hitter in tact.

This is the first time in my 30+ years of this love affair that I can say, with certainty, that something should be done. Why? Because it will NOT change anything other than a currently recorded and admitted mistake that kept a historic moment of the game off the books. If Seilg overturns the call (as I believe he should)...

The winner and loser of the game remain the same.

The standings do not change.

Gallaraga gets his perfect game.

Joyce doesn't carry this for the rest of his life.

Granted, if this had happened in the 7th or the 8th inning, it would be a completely different story. However, we're talking about the LAST out of the FINAL inning of the game. Seriously, do people really believe that if Selig overturns this that folks will come forward asking for other moments to be changed? I would think not. This is because EVERYONE, including the umpire who made the call, knew it was a bad call in much less than the requisite 12 hours that are given if any type of appeal should be made.

So come on Bud, rather that have meetings about adding instant replay to baseball (which I believe should NOT happen) read the rule book - rule 9 specifically. Even more specifically, read 9.02(a) where it says that the umpire's decision is final. Given that Joyce (the umpire) said that the runner was indeed out (decision), a change in call should be made.

This is certainly a sad state of affairs; and I hope that at the end of the day Emperor Selig can come off his high horse long enough to do the right thing here. Especially since this blunder has overshadowed the news that Ken Griffey Jr. (one of the finest players the game has ever known) called the Mariners Wednesday night, while driving to Orlando, to say he was retiring...

Fin.

Branching Out

2008-03-21T13:27:00.002-05:00

Just want to let you all know that, hopefully within a few days or so, you will be able to find my musical rantings on another page. I have been invited by the talented designers, and contributors, of 'Max Bumps' to join my fellow sixtyone brethren in blogging nothin' but music. I'm both delighted and flattered by the invitation; and hope that I'll be able to live up to the site's greatness.

And with that, I invite you all to visit MAX BUMPS to see what's new in regard to the artists and listeners involved with the greatest music site on the web.

Ta.

It Comes But Once Every Four Years...

2008-02-29T18:14:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's 'Leap Day' and I think I'm posting just for the sake of letting others know that yes, I am indeed still among the living. I survived my work 'marathon' (albeit barely) and spent today cleaning my apartment and getting my life back into a semblance of order. I'm so behind on everything now that it's darn near scary - but at least I have clean socks. So, rather than freak out and try to accomplish everything in a day, I parked my kiester on my couch this afternoon and watched a few episodes of the phenomenon that I missed until now: The Tudors. I highly recommend it to any of you out there that might like to watch the corruption and smut of the 16th century.

And with that, I think I shall return to my divot on the couch and refuel for tomorrow...

'Rock Star' Phil

2008-02-14T16:57:00.005-05:00

Hey all - sorry that missed posting last week - was a little nutty. And here's a warning: there probably won't be a post next week either. I'm about to embark on two straight weeks of work; and well, I don't see me having enough spare energy or brain power to put up something intelligent during that time. But, we shall see.

OK then, moving on to what I promised at the beginning of the month - a FAWM artist. Today, I present to you one of the most talented wordsmiths I have ever encountered: Phil Norman. I am proud to say that I have had direct communication with Phil and he is one of the most genuinely wonderful human beings I have ever come across. Not only is he amazingly talented, but he also has a warm heart, a firm grasp of what's really important in life, and a gift to present both of these facets of his personality to others through his music. And with that, I'm going to let his songs speak for themselves.

Now, to do this, I'm about to release to you my best-kept musical secret. But hell, the secret's out, so I might as well share the wealth. Below, you will find a link to Phil's solo work as well as a link to the music of his band Blue Moonshine. Both of these links will lead you to the promise land of music: the sixtyone. The sixtyone is the brainchild of two independent music loving software geniuses. It's a little bit radio, a little bit gaming, and totally addictive!! If you like what you see/hear on the site, you can sign up to join in the fun. The only thing I ask is that when you do, you please put LMMS in the 'referred by user' box.

Guidance: When you click on one of these first two links you will be taken to the 'footprint' of the artist on the sixtyone. All you have to do is click the little 'play' button if you want to hear one of the three tracks on the footprint. To view further titles, and listen to other songs, simply click on 'view more songs' below the three footprint tracks. ENJOY!!!

Phil's Solo Work

Recommended Tracks: Once More; Collision; Land Ho!; Sweet Dreams; Sinking Down; Told You So

Blue Moonshine

Recommended Tracks: Your Love Is On My Mind; Boat For Two; Tireless Devotion; Blackout Jack

Phil's Link on FAWM 2008

Recommended Tracks: Rely; When I Tell You To; Nothing Left; Aw hell, listen to it all!!

YESSSSSSS!

2008-02-03T17:14:00.000-05:00

Super G-Men

2008-02-02T23:21:00.000-05:00

They beat Dallas - in Dallas.

They beat Green Bay - in Green Bay.

They proved everyone wrong.

Now they've landed in Pheonix to play the Patriots for all the marbles.

Go Giants Go!!!

And even if they don't win (although I have a firm belief that they will; albeit in a squeaker), I'll still be smiling...

Ready, Set, FAWM!

2008-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to a very special Friday edition of 'NRT'. Today, Friday, February 1st, marks the first day of FAWM (February Album Writing Month) 2008. Bring on 29 days of music making joy!

For those of you unfamiliar with the joys of FAWM, here's the quick and dirty:Back in 2003, four music lovers in Madison Wisconsin got together with the idea to make the darkest, coldest and shortest month of the year something special - each of them write 14 songs in 28 days. Needless to say, they had more material for the weekly 'open mike night' at the campus pub than ever before and plenty of folks (myself included) were quite impressed that most of the work was completed in just a day or two.

Now, it's five years later and there are over 1300 FAWMers taking the challenge! So, in honor of all the greatness that is FAWM, this month's NRTs will feature FAWM artists and their music (whether it be FAWM created or not). Consider this week's Ear Candy link to be a preview of the great things to come.

And with that, let the onslaught of demo uploading begin!!

An Arsenal of Sound

2008-01-18T10:44:00.000-05:00

Greetings and welcome to another edition of NRT (albeit a day late). This week, I thought I would change it up a bit and feature a female fronted group. Say Wa??? Yes, it's true... From time to time I actually do enjoy listening to the sound of someone from my own gender category. OK then, now that the shock of that is over, let's get down to business shall we? Put your hands together for:

Hot Bitch Arsenal

HBA is Christina - gifted with a smooth as silk made for jazz voice who does her own thing with her friend Kim - a man and his laptop (no, I'm not kidding). Now, I probably wouldn't have discovered their smooth, relaxing sound if it had not been for a funky, super-cool remix of their tune Double Down Quick done by the artist Nebulae. To hear this gem click here and then click on the Double Down Quick (Nebulae Mix) link (it's the last one on the list in the player found to the left of the page).

Then, enjoy the smooth sounds of this duo by treating yourself to a warm drink and...

All Along The Chilltower

From The Start

You Bet I Will

Sailing On Right By

For an extra goodie (a surprising, and fabulous cover), check out the Ear Candy link on the sidebar.

What's A Girl To Do?

2008-01-13T21:11:00.000-05:00

The Giants won!!! So now, they head to Green Bay to play my

other favorite boys for the NFC Championship. **SIGH**...

This is tough to say, but months ago I had said that I would love

to see The Pack play New England and have The Pack win in
a squeaker. So, (and I'm sorry NY) GO PACK!!

I think I'm in love...

2008-01-10T19:27:00.000-05:00

Today, I present lyrical genius Jonathan Coulton - a Yale grad who quit his day job as a computer programmer to focus on writing/performing music. Granted, I may have a bias given that he sings about all things science and geeky (and seems to have an affinity for monkeys!!); but damn, his stuff is catchy! All the tunes speak for themselves; so I'm going to keep it short and just let you decide (like I have) that this man deserves to a have a shire erected to him someplace.

I Feel Fantastic

I Crush Everything

Skullcrusher Mountain

The Return Of NRT

2008-01-03T16:14:00.000-05:00

So I totally admit that I've been slacking when it comes to ye olde blog. Especially when it comes to one of the reasons that I initially started it up in the first place - to expose readers to music. Thus, one of my resolutions this year is to do a better job with the music exposure and to bring back the weekly post of NRT (New Release Thursday for those who may have forgotten). Also, I am going to attempt to use NRT to expose brand new or under-exposed artists. And with that, let's get back to the music, shall we?

The first NRT of this new year brings you probably the best rock band you've never heard: Tenpenny Joke. Five amazingly talented guys from Down Under; the band is influenced by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Black Sabbath. On first impression, they may come across as five average guys in yet another cookie-cutter alternative band; but they are anything but average. Lead singer Anthony Casey conveys such deep emotion with his voice that he draws listeners into each and every tune (many of which contain powerful, eye-opening lyrics) . While there, your ears are delighted with the amazing musicianship of guitarist (and sometimes vocalist) Brian Rimmer, drummer Jay Pinfield, guitarist Pete Coon, and bassist Jules Senserrick (what's not to like when they've got a guys named Jules?). Their sound is unlike anything I have ever heard and I was hooked the first time I heard the amazing She. And if you like (and I'm certain that many of you will) please take a listen of other gems Black Satellite, Don't Go, Sense, and of course this week's ear candy link. Enjoy and then find their website and demand that they finish up that new record and get themselves state side pronto. I'm still trying to find a way to get my hands on a hard copy of the current album as it seems to only be available in Australia. Bah.

And with that, I will allow you to entertain your ears with the magical sounds of Tenpenny Joke. While you're at it, feel free to check out the new primate spot as well.

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-01T14:16:00.000-05:00

They got started late, but the Mummers have begun to strut their stuff down Broad Street here in Philadelphia. Thus, 2008 may officially begin!! Seriously, nothing is better for a New Year's hang over than a bunch of middle-aged men in elaborate costume carrying parasols down the street to the sound of a plucking banjo.

So, gather your sequins and feathers...

Grab your banjo...

And whatever you do, for heaven's sake, don't forget your parasol!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Benazir Bhutto 1953 - 2007

2007-12-28T20:20:00.000-05:00

I wasn't sure that I wanted to 'blog' this particular topic as each time I think about it, I get quite emotional one way or another. Mostly angry, but I am also quite sad about this. So, rather than sit here and ravage my opinion on the Pakistani government and all of the horrors that could be, I have decided instead to pay my respects to former Prime Minister Bhutto by paying tribute to her legacy - not only as a politician, but a woman of power in an Islamic state who spoke the true beliefs of Islam - peace, good and equality for all.

I myself am one-half Middle Eastern. You wouldn't know it to look at me, but I am. Due to this, I had what most consider to be a unique upbringing and can guarantee that my household was the only one in our middle class NJ neighborhood tuned into late night world news so my father could keep up with the happenings in the Middle East. Thus, we were front and center in 1988 when Benazir Bhutto was sworn in as Prime Minister. My father, of course, had his opinions on the situation; but I was completely mesmerized by the fact that this strikingly beautiful, incredibly intelligent woman was being sworn in to lead an Islamic nation even though I know I was too young to understand the brevity of the situation.

I was saddened, and angered, to see her dismissed from power in 1990 due to corruption charges; and when she was re-elected in 1993 I hoped things would be different. Sadly though she was once again dismissed and then fled into self-imposed exile in 1998. When she announced she would return to Pakistan this past summer I had mixed feelings about it. I was of course elated that she was going to return to Pakistan, but feared that she would encounter violence that even she could not have imagined given the sweeping changes in view point that have taken place during the last five years in the Middle East. But, when she knelt down to kiss the ground upon arriving back in Pakistan, I knew that she would either change the world, or die trying. Sadly, it is now the latter. I commend her bravery and hope that her supporters continue to fight for her beliefs in her honor. May every man, woman and child around this Earth take a page from her book and come to understand that all persons, no matter sex, color, religion or economic status, are equal. Finally, may Allah keep Bhutto by his side and keep all she loved from harm.

Exit, Stage Left...

2007-11-07T13:07:00.000-05:00

I guess it's time that I just suck it up, face the music, and make it official...

Last week, I made the decision to withdraw from my graduate program and did so on Friday after several meetings and obtaining umpteen signatures (yes, I realize that I will not be receiving a tuition refund). It's a decision I had been struggling with for a while, and just finally concluded that the path I was on wasn't the right one for me. It's not that I couldn't handle the work, it's just that I wasn't really all that happy; and finally saw the light on a dream that I've been chasing for seven years now. I guess it comes down to that you can want something so badly that you block out everything else. Then, once you get it, your eyes are able to see the other things you've been missing. I think this is what happened to me; and now I've got a world of possibility ahead of me. In all honesty, I'm excited and scared to death all at the same time.

Should I Even Bother?

2007-10-30T14:24:00.000-05:00

'Cause you know if I post this, then it's only going to change. Oh well, here goes nothing...

I was burning the late night oil (HUGE midterm today - over now - phew!!) and had ESPN on for background noise. Well, after the highlight reel from yet another Brett Favre history making moment (Go PACK!!), 'As the NY Yankees Turns' proceeded to have diarrhea of the mouth so to speak. Highlights:

Girardi coming in as Skipper.

Works for me.

A-Rod leaving.

I say good riddens. I can't wait to see what we can stock the bullpen with now that his over-inflated salary will need to be put to good use elsewhere.

Donnie Baseball says bye-bye.

Say WHA?!?!?!

Joe Torre may go to the Dodgers and take Don with him.

I'll wait for the next conflicting report to emerge on this one given that the Dodgers need to buy out Grady Little first.

Now, as thinking too far into this will most likely result in giving me a brain cramp, I think I'll just leave it at that. I need to retain the few neurons that I have left in order to make it through class later anyway...

Yup, It's Baseball - AGAIN...

2007-10-26T15:15:00.000-05:00

Hi all. First, my sincere apologies to Ourika and those of you who have messaged me in disappointment of seeing the musical reference only to discover that the post was about Baseball. However, that's just the way it is right now. I'm finding that when I have a bit of time away from school, work, and life in general that the only thing that is making me truly happy is Baseball. I've always been a rabid fan, but this season I found myself more in tune with the game than the last five years. I think it's because when I'm taking a break (whether it be at 8pm or 2am) that I can turn on the tube or hop on the net and find it. Also, I don't have to feel bad 'hanging up' on a game when I have to get back to work. So, please forgive me, but chances are that Baseball is going to be the topic 'round these parts for a while.

OK then, on with the show...

Turns out that we still don't have an answer from Steinbrenner, Inc and won't have one until the end of the World Series. Thank you Bud Selig who seems to believe that if the Yankees announce who the new manager will be that it will distract from the Series. Hello? The only thing distracting (or perhaps I should say repelling??) people from the Series right now is the fact that Boston is up by 2 games. Blech. So, as I wait patiently to see who will be leading my boys next season, I will do what all Yankee fans are bred to do: ROUTE AGAINST BOSTON! Although I was big time apathetic during the NLCS after Philly got knocked out, I am now riding the Rockies band wagon...

GO ROCKIES!!!!

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I Love Ya, Tomorrow! We're Only (possibly) A Day Away...

2007-10-25T19:43:00.000-05:00

But, who will it be????

Mattingly?

Girardi?

Pena?

The Latest Chapter...

2007-10-21T08:01:00.000-05:00

As the soap opera that is the New York Yankees continues to spin along its merry-go-round, enter Don Mattingly - Donnie Baseball; Number 23; Mr. Eight Time Gold Glove Winner; Mr. .407 Career Slugging Percentage; whatever you would like to call him... will head to Tampa this coming week to meet with the Steinbrenner, Inc. regarding the open manager's position.

I know I should be excited; but, instead, I'm somewhat torn about this. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE the man (sat along the first base line many a time during the late eighties and early nineties just to watch him in action); and believe that he will make an excellent manager. But, I'm not sure that this is the 'right' time to do it. I always knew that he would be a Yankee forever and would ultimately rise to the position of skipper; and was totally delighted when he moved from hitting coach to bench coach this last season. However, I'm fearing that the front office is looking to perhaps take advantage of the vulnerability of the team and may look to hire Don under some sort of 'situational contract' that could ultimately cause all kinds of turmoil. What will Steinbrenner do if he hires Don and the 2008 team fails to make it to the Series, or even to the playoffs? Could Don sadly turn into the next Billy Martin? OK, not that bad, but you know what I'm trying to say. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this pans out...

So, as the interviewees (former catcher Joe Girardi and current first base coach Tony Pena are also scheduled) descend upon Tampa, I will hope that Steinbrenner, Inc. pulls their collective head out of it's ass and does this in a decent and professional manner. After all, we ALL only want what's best for the Bombers.

Ah yes, some final words before I get back to work...

GO TRIBE!!!!

Oh Joe, Say It Ain't So...

2007-10-19T21:23:00.000-05:00

This is yet another one of those times that proves that all good things must come to an end. Yes, boys and girls, the news is true... After 12 years as skipper of the Bronx Bombers, Joe Torre is leaving. And as sad as I am, I really cannot blame him. What Steinbrenner, Inc. did to this man was not only incorrigible, but down right insulting. Seriously, who looks to give a manager who lead a team to 12 straight post season births a one year deal with incentives for going to the postseason along with a clause that says that the position will only be tenured if the team makes it to the Series? Talk about sad. Sad for the whole Yankee family - except for those who planned this perfectly; and who were no doubt clanking their champagne glasses together after Torre's news conference earlier today.

Oh yes, George, Hal, Hank, this means you. For 10 days you sat around and tried to figure out a way to get this to work in your favor without actually having to fire the man. Well, you may have gotten your way, but you're all still looking like the southern end of the north bound horse thanks to this little stunt.

Joe, I'll miss you - deeply. I will also miss those players who will no doubt now take leave of the team as you will no longer be there to guide them. However, please know that I do not, and will not, think any less of any of you; but rather, will continue to hold the memories that you have given me over the last decade. My twenties were, thanks to you and your players, the best of my 'baseball years'; but I know that there will be more to come.

Best wishes to you Joe. You will certainly be missed...

Some End Of Season Parting Words...

2007-10-10T21:34:00.000-05:00

To my boys:

I LOVE you no matter what and always will.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To Steinbrenner (aka - the jackass of the front office):

For you, whom I do not care for one iota; I have an all together different message:

If you fire Joe Torre, I will personally come to NY and stage a one woman riot in right field. I have been a Yankee fan since I found out what the word 'baseball' meant nearly 30 years ago; and can say with all honesty that firing Joe would be the STUPIDEST move you have EVER made. And you sir, have made more than a few stupid moves...

Wanna Know What Turns Me On??

2007-09-03T19:40:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to Vemrion over at Electric Monkey Pants for the introduction. I'm drooling like Homer Simpson over this puppy and am fantasizing about the amazing things I could build. Yes, I'm a geek, but you already knew that. Just imagine 3D models of brain regions in full color detail...

Watch this baby in action!!

Puppets Rock!

2007-08-24T18:46:00.000-05:00

Confession time...

This summer I watched reality TV. WTF?!?! Yes, apparently, even I am capable of sucomming to the horrors that cable brings us in the off season. How did this happen you ask? Well, there I was, flipping around, when I came across NBC's America's Got Talent. There was this dude with a giant puppet wearing a feather boa on his arm. I thought to myself 'Oh goodie. Yet another douche bag who thinks he's capable of getting a couple of yucks from bantering with a puppet. Here's hoping I don't see his lips move.' I settled in with every intention of making a full on negative commentary. Then, the son-of-a-bitch made me eat my words. I was captivated and he totally blew me away!! Shit, I started to tune in just to see him. And then, when it came to down to the final, I freely admit that I voted - multiple times! Yes, I got on my phone and then proceeded to use up my votes on TX ventriloquist Terry Fator.

Needless to say, I'm delighted that he won. I wasn't able to catch Tuesday's finale due to class, but give thanks for the internet. And now for those of you who may not have been sucked into the AGT abyss (or perhaps were spending your evenings on some other guilty pleasure), I give you the amazing Terry Fator and his friends. ENJOY!!!

My first encounter

Simply brilliant (my personal favorite)

The big winner (the final four performance)

The show stopper (too brilliant for words!!)

Holy Cow...

2007-08-14T21:15:00.000-05:00

I lost a hero today. Well, yesterday. But thanks to microbiology, etc... I didn't find out until just now. Phil "The Scooter" Rizzuto died yesterday at the ripe old age of 89. He was one of the greatest shortstops ever to bless the diamond; and he was the best damn sports broadcaster ever. Because of the Scooter, I wanted to be a shortstop and I wanted to be on the radio. Thankfully, I managed both. The first not as well as I would have liked; but with the second I pretty much cleaned up. I honestly believe that I have him to thank for my radio success as he showed me at the tender age of three what could be accomplished by a voice across the airwaves with his unmatched ability to call the game while adding endless color commentary. In addition, this October marks the 29th anniversary of when I hid under my blankets with my portable radio listening to the Scooter call the 1978 series into the wee hours (well, at least for a four-year-old). I gave thanks for my carpet square and made good use of my nap time at preschool just so I could hold out long enough; but I never did make it to a game end. My mom or dad would always have to come in to turn off the radio and my mom recalls finding me more than once hugging it in my sleep. Thus, I can pretty much say without a doubt that the Phil Rizzuto was my first 'real' hero. I will never forget those nights as they are some of my fondest childhood memories; and I will never EVER forget the Scooter.

I never thought I would ever do this, but to quote Steinbrenner:

"I guess heaven must have needed a shortstop,"

And so, in honor of #10, I close with this:
(thanks to Steve Berry's website)

And This...

The Scooter At His Best (Audio)

2007-06-14T16:34:00.000-05:00

Don Herbert July 10, 1917 - June 12, 2007

We have lost yet another great mind of our times. Don 'Mr. Wizard' Herbert sadly lost his battle with cancer this past Tuesday. I have nothing to say other than thank you for turning multiple generations of kids onto science. We love you; and we're still playing with fire...

Anyone care for a tornado in a glass??

And Now Back to the Music...

2007-06-08T15:29:00.000-05:00

Back in the fall of 1995 I drove from central PA to Camden, NJ to catch a stop on the David Bowie/NIN tour. I had my old, yet reliable, truck as my rocket that day; and the tape player had given up the ghost about 10 days earlier. Thus, I was subjected to the radio for the entire 4 1/2 hour ride. However, it turned out to be a good thing. Why? Well, as I sitting waiting for my companion to emerge from the local mini-mart with a necessary caffeine buzz, the local college station put on a new single from "that new really angry chick out of Canada". Needless to say that with an intro like that, I turned up the volume slightly and was intrigued when I heard who I would later learn was Alanis Morissette singing about having one hand in her pocket and doing something obscure with the other. Not to mention that the 'I'm brave but I'm chicken shit' line really sold me.

Then, like every other female between the ages of 18 and 25 that year, went and bought my copy of Jagged Little Pill. Had it been a cassette I would have warped it beyond recognition because I played it so damn much. All I Really Want, Ironic, You Oughta Know, and my most favoritest 'girl' song ever - Head Over Feet,- kept that puppy in my CD player for months. I waited ever so patiently for album number two, but instead was given a soundtrack song that was so good it just made me want a second album more. And then came...

Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie and I said 'eh'. Now don't get me wrong, the album has a few good tunes. Thank You, Unsent, and That I Would be Good (props to my fellow flautist!) are all moving, well written songs; but the album just didn't suck me in the way Pill did. A part of me firmly believes that Alanis felt the same way because it took her four years to release Under Rug Swept which brought back some of the 'punch' that was missing from Junkie with songs like Hands Clean and Precious Illusions. However, as I was older and wiser (much like Alanis who's got about 8 weeks on me) I enjoyed the maturity of 21 Things I Want in a Lover and Surrendering.

So in 2003 when I finally got the chance to see her live in Milwaukee I was a bit surprised by her new found sound when she played a brand new tune called Eight Easy Steps. Whoa - dancy! But when So-Called Chaos was released, it showed that Alanis was finally at peace with herself with songs like Excuses and Everything.

And now, since just about everything has been purged from her system, she's decided to poke a little fun at Fergie's rear end. Alains's version of My Humps is genius in every way imaginable and thus, has been crowned this week's Ear Candy. Enjoy!!

All in the Name of Conservation

2007-06-01T16:38:00.001-05:00

I've given it loads of thought and have decided that yes, I will indeed share the latest of my goofy escapades. Long story short, I 'won' a coconut monkey pair and with that had to take them on an adventure. Well, we did Philly and had one hell of a good time...

Tennis Anyone?

2007-05-28T20:26:00.000-05:00

The height of Grand Slam season has arrived, so let the games begin! Roland Garros (for those of you not in the 'know', that's the French Open) is underway in lovely, yet rainy, Paris France; and here's my question for the season: Can he do it??? Roger Federer won the Australian back in January, but can he take the French, Wimbeldon, and the US Open? He won all three last year; but can he repeat?? As the only man to win three of the four majors twice (he won all three of the aforementioned tourneys in 2004 as well) I figure that there is only one thing that stands in his way...

Yes, that smiling handsome Spaniard on the right could be his undoing. Twenty-year-old Rafael Nadal, (aka 'The King of Clay'), beat Federer in the last two French Opens (the semis in '05 and the finals in '06) and could do it again if Federer allows himself to get wound up in the psychology of the whole thing. Like the greats Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, and Pete Sampras, The French Open is the only Grand Slam that Federer has never won. However, a win at the French this year would give him a Non-Calendar Year Grand Slam as well as put him on a path for a possible Calendar Year Grand Slam. No, no pressure.

Here's something to think about though. During the last year, Federer and Nadal have competed on clay three times with the following results: The Masters Series Monte Carlo - Nadal beat Federer in the finals; Internazionali d'Italia - Nadal wins while Federer is knocked out in the third round; The Masters Series Hamburg - Federer beat Nadal in the finals. So, does the fresh win keep Federer's head above water, or does the pain of the last two years drown him in a sea of psychological angst? Looks like we'll have to wait and see; but my money's on Roger...

A Stroke of Genius

2007-05-11T11:35:00.000-05:00

So there I was clicking around last night when I came across the Colbert Report from Wednesday night (Comedy Central has the good sense to repeat the previous evening’s broadcasts for those of us who just can’t make it until 11:30 on weeknights). Anyway, I stopped to check it out and proceeded to see one of the cleverest five-minute interviews I’ve seen in ages! The guest was Salman Rushdie – Booker Prize winning author and Iranian fatwa recipient. He was brilliant to say the least!!

The topic was that newspapers are starting to ‘remove’ literary critics from their staffs. Many people are finding this absurd while others simply do not know or care. It seems that Mr. Colbert resides in the former and asked Mr. Rushdie (who does critique from time to time for papers such as the New York Times) to commiserate with him. Although this isn’t word for word, this was the highlight of the interview:

Colbert: ‘Why exactly do we need literary critiques?’

Rushdie: ‘Without them we wouldn’t know what to read, much less what’s out there to read. For instance, you wouldn’t know about Paris Hilton’s memoirs.’

Colbert: ‘Paris Hilton reads?’

Rushdie: ‘Well, she has people that can read for her…’

HA!

This leads me to giving my ‘two cents’ towards this latest chapter in the Paris Hilton ‘saga’. Paris is off to prison – whoopee. Yeah know, I’m really sick and tired of hearing about her. She’s only 26, doesn’t seem to have more than a reptilian brain, and the only reason anyone gives a damn is because she was stupid enough to let somebody video tape her while she spread her legs for the ‘flavor of the week’. It truly saddens and angers me that she equals big news and that if you Google the word ‘Paris’ with the Google quick search on your toolbar ‘Paris Hilton’ is displayed at the top with ‘Paris FRANCE’ a distant third. What has this world come to? There are people on the streets of our nation and many others in great need of help due to war, illness, etc… But rather than pay attention to things like this, the vast majority of this nation would rather watch what this nitwit is going to do next. Maybe the Red Hot Chili Peppers were onto something when they told us to throw away our televisions...

Kermit's Empire of Dirt

2007-04-20T15:01:00.000-05:00

My latest issue of Rolling Stone arrived today and of course I turned to the first section to which I always do - the new releases. The cover story is the new Nine Inch Nails album (!!!) (Year Zero) and the first paragraph of the review pays literary homage to a video that hit YouTube not too long ago - Sad Kermit singing Reznor's anthem Hurt from Pretty Hate Machine. Several folks have covered this tune; but my personal favorite is Johnny Cash. He recorded it shortly after his wife, June Carter Cash, past away and takes the song to a deeper place than even Reznor was capable. RIP Johnny.

However, a new twist has been taken by the king Muppet himself and let's just say that this ain't for the short set. My apologies to the late, great Mr. Jim Henson (whom we lost much too soon) who is no doubt spinning ever so slightly in his grave; but this really is a work of creative genius. So, go ahead and click below to view. Then, if the guilt you feel is just a bit overwhelming (as it was for me), click for therapy and sing along. It'll bring a smile to your face - promise.

Sad Kermit
Therapy :)

Me Peepers

2007-04-11T19:54:00.000-05:00

So, the eye doctor told me that I should try not to 'strain' my eyes so much or I'm going to end up back in bifocals (bad enough that my contacts are now two different scripts). Suggestions included things such as less time at the computer, less time performing 'close' tasks at work, getting some reading glasses, etc... As I really don't feel like going back to 'geek city' (I've got enough trouble without the bifocal stigma), I think the first thing I'll do is enlarge the font here on **Monkeyshines**. Gotta start someplace, right?

2007-04-06T15:55:00.000-05:00

My sincere apologies for the lack of posts as of recently. Things have just gotten nutty again. I have the second PJ post nearly done, so I'm hoping to get that out next week. Planned it for this week, but my computer decided to have a small fit and froze up earlier this week which caused me to lose 1/2. However, I figured I should get out something; so why not fill everyone in on my fun times with the pet food recall??

So, as you've all probably heard, there has been a major recall of pet food in this country by Menu Foods, Inc. (and other producers of popular pet products) due to a contamination of the wheat gluten that is used in some products like gravy bases and treat fillings. I'm still wondering how enough melamine (a plastic for those of you who may not know) got into the pet food supply to cause toxicity. Seriously, I would have figured that an animal would have to ingest a whole hell of a lot of something for it to cause renal failure. And now, of course, China is saying that they have no record of anything in the wheat gluten that they shipped. All 792 metric tons of it!

In addition to this horror, United Foods Inc (as well as a few others) has found salmonella poisoning in some of their pet food products. The list is just getting longer; and if you add it up, it's getting to the point where not all that much that's left on the market is safe right now.

So, really, why am I whining? Well, my fuzzy child may be a victim here. When the recall was initially announced in March, I thought nothing of it. There was NBC stating that the tainted food was sold under names such as Safeway brand, Authority, and 'Ole Roy. Kudos to animals that can digest the stuff, but I pay for the 'good' stuff due to my kitty's chancy tummy. Are we safe though? Oh hell no! I come to find out that just about everything she's been eating for years is on this recall list - Neutro, Natural Choice, Science Diet, and Iams just to name a few. This brought two things to the forefront of my frontal lobe:

1. I'm paying double/triple for the same crap that's sitting in the store brand.
2. Kitty has probably been barfing for a reason.

So, like a good pet parent I switch foods immediately. Even went to the local vet to get some prescription diet to be really safe. A week goes by and she starts acting squirrely - lost interest in eating the way she once did and started drinking water like it's going out of style. Granted, these symptoms can be caused by a countless number of issues (diabetes and intestinal inflammation are just two of the possible choices). So, today, we were off to the vet.

I got the 'look' (you know the one: not overly concerned, yet somewhat grave all at the same time) from the good doctor who announces that they should get a full profile on her. So, back she went for a full blood workup and a urine culture. Now I get to sit around until next week to see if her kidneys are failing. And boy won't I be pissed if they are.

Long story short, if you even THINK that your pet has ingested any of these products you should get him/her to the vet pronto. I say this because the symptoms of renal failure can be undetectable at first, especially in felines. In many cases, by the time the symptoms are showing up consistently, it can be too late. So, here are the links to ALL of the companies involved. Each link will take you to the list showing ALL the recalled pet products from that particular company. Please, if you have a pet, (or even if you just know someone who does and may not have full access to info) read this and read it carefully. Then, even if you think that your pet may have eaten any of the listed products, call your vet for an appointment. Believe me, you'll sleep better; and your furry friend will thank you.

Menu Foods - CATS
Menu Foods - DOGS
Del Monte Foods
Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc
Nestle Purina PetCare Company
Sunshine Mills
United Foods/Eight in One Inc
Petrapport

Science is FUN!

2007-03-16T10:09:00.000-05:00

Being that I've been quite behind on postings lately (and may be for a while still), I thought I would tide you all over with a catchy little tune that is quite educational. So, gather the kiddies and click below to learn all about our favorite star. Enjoy! :)

Why Does the Sun Shine?

Stepping Out Onto The Porch

2007-02-11T17:03:00.000-05:00

Greetings! Sorry this wasn’t posted on Thursday. Life got just a little wacky and I didn’t have a chance to finish (let's just say that I got a little tired of seeing 'This video is no longer available due to...' on YouTube). But rather than belly ache, we're just going to get into it. For those of you who don’t quite ‘get’ the post title, here it is in plain language: I'm finally going to devote a NRT of one of my all time favorite bands - Pearl Jam. My love affair with them began in 1992 and has been holding steady for the past 14 plus years. Hell, I still hold a glimmer of hope that Eddie will some day leave his wife to be with me. Until that happens, I will continue to feed my passion with late night listenings and many an hour of video viewing. However, we must all remember that before this great band could be created, the stars had to correctly align themselves. With that, I give you the first of a two part series on the MIGHTY Pearl Jam…

In the mid 1980s, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament were making music with their new band Mother Love Bone. Their first band, Green River, considered a Godfather to the Grunge movement in the Pacific Northwest, received only local success before disbanding in 1987. Following Green River's breakup, Gossard and Ament took up with their guitarist Bruce Fairweather' Malfunkshun's front man Andrew Wood, and Skin Yard drummer Greg Gilmore to form Mother Love Bone. Side note: the other two members of Green River [Mark Arm and Steve Turner (who was replaced by Fairweather)] went on to form Mudhoney. Anyway, Mother Love Bone was very well received and was signed to a major label in 1989. Sadly, just a mere six months before the release of their first album, Wood died of a heroin overdose - yet another great talent to leave us before his prime. However, this tragedy lead to one of the greatest Grunge gatherings of all time. You see, Chris Cornell had shared an apartment and a close friendship with Wood for many years. After Wood’s death, Cornell dealt with his grief by writing Say Hello 2 Heaven. He then approached Gossard and Ament and spoke about recording the song as a single to honor Wood. They rounded out their group (Temple of the Dog) with Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron, and guitarist Mike McCready who was kicking around things with Gossard and Ament in hopes of creating a new band.

Now, about this time, Eddie Vedder was living in San Diego and working part time at a gas station in between his gigs with funk-rock band, Bad Radio. Knowing he was looking for something a bit more stable, his buddy, and former Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons, gave him a demo tape that he had received from Gossard (Gossard had high hopes of getting Irons to sign on for drummer). Irons never did sign on, but Vedder high tailed it to Seattle to audition for the vocalist slot. While in Seattle, Vedder made one hell of a splash. He nailed his audition and then sat in while Temple of the Dog worked on Say Hello 2 Heaven and a few others. During a practice session, Vedder chimed in on the vocals to Hunger Strike and history was made. With the final edition of drummer Dave Krusen, a new band was formed: Mookie Blaylock (named after the NBA great). Mookie Blaylock made their appearance in Seattle in October of 1990 and were later signed to Epic records in March of 1991 where they changed their name to Pearl Jam in order to avoid any kind of trademark issues.

TEN (Blaylock’s jersey number when he played for the NJ Nets) was released in late August of 1991 and the rest is pretty much history. With songs like Even Flow, Alive, Black, and Porch, Pearl Jam began to gain both a following and critical acclaim. But, when Jeremy was released into heavy rotation on MTV, the dam burst. Their interpretation of a newspaper article they read about a high school student shooting himself in front of his English class in Texas brought Pearl Jam to the forefront of the Grunge movement. They were showered with Grammy nominations, MTV awards, and countless requests for interviews.

Then, on October 19, 1993, I stood in the cold waiting for my local college record store to open their doors at midnight so I could be one of the first to own Pearl Jam’s sophomore release: VS. Originally titled ‘Five Against One’, and then a self titled disc, the band changed the title to Vs. shortly before its release to describe the theme of conflict the album presents. Songs such as Animal, Daughter, Rearviewmirror, and Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town are just some of the highlights of one of the strongest sophomore albums ever recorded.

And that ends the MIGHTY Pearl Jam Part I. Next time, we’ll continue by delving deeper into the evolution of this band (read: Soundgarden breaks up and Pearl Jam reaps the benefits!) as well as take a musical tour. Perhaps not so much the albums, but rather, what these guys do best – LIVE performances and B-sides. And speaking of B-sides, check out this week’s ear candy. As I don’t know when I’m going to be able to get back for part II (my work schedule is in the process of changing and this is going to mean MANY days in sequence), I’m giving you double the pleasure: The flip sides to both Even Flow and Jeremy. Finally, check out the updated Primate of the Week - this species was chosen due to its vocalizations. They 'hoo' just like Eddie. Maybe that's why I love them as much as I do????

Hooray for Procrastination!

2007-01-28T12:17:00.000-05:00

OK, so I'm supposed to be out in my living room breaking down cardboard boxes and whatnot, but I'm having a hard time getting my ass out of my desk chair to do so. After spending the morning penning a 'not so nice' note to my sister's bridal party (they speak of periodically, but let me tell ya, a couple of these girls are in the running for BridesMAIDzilla - seesh), I opted to just sit here a while and catch up on stuff. This included finally reading the comments some of you left in my absence in full. Within those, there was one a gem from Dward and I think that it should be shared with the masses. You see, while I was gone, Dward thought it would be good to have a little music to go round, and he did a hell of a job by leaving a link in the comments section. So, given that it's a football free Sunday, Click Here, and enjoy...

Holy Crap! She's Back!

2007-01-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

OK, so I admit it. I've been kind of lazy when it comes to ye olde blog. Things were a bit nutty there for a while, but I'm finally settled into my new job; my apartment is coming along (insider tip: invest in Ikea now! I think I alone have been raising their stock value); and I'm pleased as proverbial punch to be back in Philly. For those of you who have hung in there and checked in from time to time (kudos to those of you who tried to 'shock' me back) - you shall now be rewarded...

As 'NRT' is the conerstone of this little site, I am opting to come back into the blogosphere with a newish album as well as a trip back in time. You see, as I was unpacking my somewhat massive CD collection (seriously - it takes up a wall), I had the chance to get close with some of my discs once again. Nothing is quite like pulling things out of boxes and going 'Man, I love this record!' and popping it into the player for the first time in a while. With that I present...

Beck - The Information

Plain and simple - I LOVE Mr. Hansen and his groovy beats. Have since the beginning when he declared that he was a Loser. But I went WILD when, in 1996, the man released Odelay and brought us such genius as New Pollution and Devil's Haircut. Since, there have been others:

Midnight Vultures - the album that I refer to as the 'alter ego record' as it's just a touch hokey in parts; but it did bring us such gems as Sexx Laws.

The critically acclaimed and heartbreakingly beautiful Sea Change. Just take a listen to Golden Age and your sure to agree.

And then came Guero, which brought back the true Beck sound (with a little help from the Dust Brothers) and gave us the catchy E-Pro and one my all time Beck favs - Girl.

But lemme tell ya, The Information is a gem and half! Hell, the man provided a piece of graph paper and stickers so you could make your own album cover! How freaking cool is that?!?! But I digress... I really don't have much to say except for 'go out and get yourself a copy of this!'. Then, you can sit and play with the stickers while you get your groove on. I'll just let the tracks speak for themselves...

Nausea
Hell Yes
Think I'm In Love

OK, that does it for new. Now, we'll move on to old. And you just might want to be sitting down for this one...

Soul Coughing's Irresistible Bliss

Yup, you read that correctly. And you remember it - you know you do. If not, let's refresh, shall we?

The opener Super Bon Bon let's you know that you're in for a wild ride as Mike Doughty and the boys take you through the next 12 tracks. The stops along the way include Soft Serv, Disseminated, and The Idiot Kings. I'm sad to say that I can't find any kind of link to my favorite song on the album Soundtrack To Mary; but if you can find it, you should take a listen.

And that, ladies and gents, concludes my return to Monkeyshines. With any luck, I'll keep it up. However, just in case my road to good intentions happens to lead me into you-know-where, know that I've adjusted the 'ear candy' link to something new that is sure to entertain; and there's a new monkey for you to take a look at. This one was chosen in honor of my friend Ourika who just recently discovered the cute little buggers.

TTFN!

Above Ground and Drawing Breath

2006-11-21T16:40:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I'm still alive. Just busy as you-know-what. The move 'went' and that's really all I can say right now. The fact that my couch was in my bedroom until about a week ago and that my internet connection wasn't hooked up until about the same time should say it all. I promise to update soon; but in the meantime feel free to amuse yourself at the following site. This comes curtsey of my buddy Ourika and just may be one of the best time killers ever!

http://illustmaker.abi-station.com/index_en.shtml

And finally, a happy Turkey Day to you all!

Gormandizers Require Some Uplifting

2006-10-16T06:57:00.000-05:00

We all knew it was coming. We read about it in the music magazines; we heard it in the music news; we saw it online... We followed the whole drama, play by play, believing that, in the end, it would all be OK and we could all just pretend that this whole ugly nightmare had never happened. However, that's not how it ended.

At approximately 1am EST this morning, Patti Smith shouted the last words ever to be sung or spoken on the stage at the corners of Bowery and Bleeker streets in Manhattan's Lower East Side. CBGB/OMFUG has closed their door forever thanks to the land owner's unwillingness to renew the club's lease - after 33 years. I am heartbroken for club owner Hilly Kristal, the staff, and all of we music fans that have pilgrimaged (some against our parent's will) to the Bowery for a night filled with smoke, booze, little breathing room, and hard rocking punk sounds. This is yet another sign that the apocalypse is well upon us, and that the meek will NEVER inherit the Earth. Farewell, CBGB. You will be sorely missed...

Well Hello There, Ben!

2006-10-14T15:56:00.000-05:00

Hi there. I know, I know... long time, no post. Sorry 'bout that. However, sadly, you all may have to get used to that for a while as I'm going to be super freaking busy for the next few weeks. Why? Well, of course there is the ever present 12 hour a day job; but in addition, I'm moving! Yes sir re, I'm getting the heck out of Dodge and heading north to the City of Brotherly Love. My first professional job was in Philadelphia, and it's one of my favorite places in this great land of ours. Needless to say, I'm excited to be returning. Getting to watch the Japanese tourists strike a pose next to the Commodore Barry Statue in Independence Square is just a bonus!

So, why am I going? Next fall, I'm going to be starting a graduate program to boost my chances of acceptance to veterinary school. Seriously, nothing is like being 30 something and looking to change careers. People get all wigged out - especially admission departments. "Well, you've been out of school a long time and we just don't feel you'll be able to handle the challenging curriculum of this program. Especially given the grades you received 13 years ago". No, no, I guess I can't. Not me who graduated my masters suma cum laude and has been working as a scientific/veterinary professional for over five years. Buffy over there who was only doing keg stands last week is oh so much more capable of handling a professional medical curriculum. Sorry. My bad.

No, no, I'm not bitter...

So, in order to make all the dolts in the offices happy, I'm off to spend two years in a night program to revamp my 'skills' in biochemistry, microbiology and the always joyful, histology. And, given that the classes are cleverly scheduled for late afternoons and early evenings, I'll be able to work full time! Joy! Yet two more years with no life. However, work is necessary to keep the roof over my head and allow me and the cat to eat from time to time, so I'm delighted to have been offered the position. Not to mention that I'm going back to surgery! I'm THRILLED to say the least.

OK then, that should bring you up to date, so I will sign off with a picture of one of my favorite places in Philadelphia. It's even nicer when you're cruising down the Schuylkill in a skull, but this will do fine. Ladies and Gents, Boat House Row...

Join The Conversation!

2006-10-04T07:09:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know, not a whole lot of posts lately. Two reasons: (1) really busy at work and on the homefront (big news to be posted in the future); (2) I have managed to hurt myself - again. Let's just say that I can't cook and my right index finger has paid a terrible price...

Anyway, due to the fact that my typing skills are somewhat diminished right now, and because, well, it's just too damn brilliant not to share, today's post is simply a link to I Don't Remember Eating That and one of D-ward's best ever rantings on the current government administration. After a break from blogging due to some craziness in his neck of the woods, Sir Rex has come back - on fire! Bravo, friend! The rest of you? Click below and read the post from Tuesday, October 3 (should be right at the top of the page). I promise that you will be emotionally charged and will think just a little deeper about the goings on around us.

Rex channels Woodward

Goin' Platinum?

2006-09-25T21:35:00.000-05:00

I'm thinkin' it's a damn good possibility. Weird Al (who, go figure, has his own MySpace page) has done it again! On the heals of the brilliant You're Pitiful, Al has taken on one of the biggest hits of this past summer. Unless you've been living in a box, you've heard Chamillionare's Ridin' (featuring Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony). Not only is Ridin' a brilliant rap, but it's DAMN catchy. Al took the bull by the horns and has put together yet another parody masterpiece. Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for a little somethin' I saw, posted earlier, by out blogger friend, Vermrion, on Electric Monkey Pants...

WHITE AND NERDY!

You Say You Want A Revolution?

2006-09-21T11:21:00.000-05:00

Hello, and welcome, once again, to NRT - the place where you get the joys of reading my raves (and possible occasional rants) on the music industry. As promised, today I'm going to explore The Beatles' answer to Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys most hailed album ever. But first, a little history...

When Pet Sounds was released in 1967, it was Brian Wilson's answer to another fabulous Beatles album (and one of my favs from them): Rubber Soul, which brought us such great tunes as I'm Looking Through You and Drive My Car (both found only on the British version); as well as In My Life. But I digress... After Lennon sat down with Sounds, he decided that the Beatles needed a quintessential masterpiece of their own. Given that the entire gang was growing tired of touring, and 'Beatle Mania' was starting to decline due to Lennon's infamous 'Bigger than Jesus' comment, the boys set out to make a psychedelic album that could never be out-done. In less than six months time, they did just that. Presenting...

Often regarded as the most influential rock album of all time, and always finishing in the top two of any 'best of forever' list, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was released June 1, 1967, and a day later in the US. It went on to top the music charts of both nations, snagged four grammys, (including album of the year), and has sold over 12 million copies in the last 40 years. Sgt. Pepper's was the first of its kind. It defined the optimism of psychedelia and spread all kinds of goodness from acid to Eastern spirituality throughout the globe. Very few albums since Sgt. Pepper's have had such a wide-sweeping, immediate impact on society and I will not argue that this album is a great work of genius. The 'Fab Four' hook you as soon as you hear 'It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play...' and you're more than willing to buy a ticket for the Magical Ride that will only last the brief 40 minutes (these guys perfected the 2 1/2 minute hit) the album takes to complete. As I feel that it's somewhat inappropriate for me to deeply analyze this record, I have instead (with lots of help from the YouTube community) decided to allow you to judge this one for yourself. Below, you'll find Sgt. Pepper's from top to bottom, with the exception of the Sgt. Pepper's (reprise) found on side two. Enjoy...

Side One:
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
With a Little Help From My Friends
Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds
Getting Better (Beware - the video is kind cheesy; but the song is there)
Fixing a Hole
She's Leaving Home
Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite (with a touch of It's Not Too Bad at the start)

Side Two:
Within You Without You (Harrison's masterpiece)
When I'm Sixty-Four
Lovely Rita
Good Morning Good Morning (sorry; no video - it was just too annoying!)
A Day in the Life

OK then, now that you've had some time to digest, I would like to offer up something more. Everyone consistently talks about how Sgt. Pepper's is the Beatles' best album. Although I will never argue that it's fantastic, I will say that they out-did themselves prior to Sgt. Pepper's release. Somewhere between Rubber Soul and Sgt. Pepper's, while the mania over Pet Sounds was screaming loudly throughout the land, the Beatles released what I consider to be their greatest work. Plain and simple, I LOVE this album:

Recorded at Abbey Road, Revolver was released on August 5, 1966. I have nothing to say other than each and every track is a pure work of genius and imagination. Here, again with the help of YouTube, is the complete album - all 13 glorious tracks. When you're through, ask yourself...

'All the lonely people; where do they all belong?'

Side One:
Taxman
Eleanor Rigby (possibly the best ever utilization of a sting quartet in a rock song)
I'm Only Sleeping
Here There and Everywhere
Yellow Submarine
She Said She Said (this video has "Butcher Cover" footage!)

Side Two:
Good Day Sunshine (Live)
And Your Bird Can Sing
For No One (Paul - solo)
Dr. Robert (With footage from the show House)
I Want to Tell You (From Concert for George)
Got to Get You Into My Life (Paul with Wings - live)
Tomorrow Never Knows

And that, ladies and gents, concludes my run on the Beatles. I hope that you have enjoyed. However, if you didn't get enough, the ear candy link this week is what I consider to be a gem. Here's your hint - it evolved from It's Not Too Bad, and was released as its own single, a double A-side, with Penny Lane.

And finally, in honor of the band, the primate of the week is one that enjoys beetles above all other insects.

Shiver Me Timbers!

2006-09-19T07:24:00.000-05:00

Avast, me hearties!! 'Tis 'International Talk Like A Pirate Day'! Created by John Bauer and Mark Summers in 1995, it's become an international sensation!

So, join the rest of we lubbers and get your shanty on! If nothing else, it's sure to drive your mateys at work wild!

Aarrr...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Avast! Me Pirate Name!

My pirate name is:

Black Ethel Cash

Like anyone confronted with the harshness of robbery on the high seas, you can be pessimistic at times. You're musical, and you've got a certain style if not flair. You'll do just fine. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

2006-09-17T16:38:00.000-05:00

I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this time of year. The weather is starting to cool down, the trees will soon begin to change over into their beautiful fall splendor, and in a couple of weeks, pumpkin patches will be open for business. But most importantly, I am fully in my tom boy glory surrounded by sports heaven!

Football is up and running at full speed and I couldn't be happier. Pro, college, whatever - I'll watch. My Giants are off to a 1-1 start with their OT win over the Eagles today (!), but sadly, the Packers are at an 0-2 start (Brett, dude, I'm not going to say it, but you know where I'm coming from). In other good news, my college boys are doing well thus far with Penn Sate at 2-1 and Wisconsin sitting pretty at 3-0 (Go Bucky!!).

Not only has football begun, but baseball is entering the most exciting time of their season with October just right around the corner. Hooray for weeknight prime time ball games! My Yankees (please, no griping - I've been a fan since I'm 2 1/2) are in prime position to take the AL East, but I have this feeling that the playoffs are going to be a bit tough this year. Oh well, I'll still love Jeter no matter the outcome. And with the preseaon started in the NHL, I'm gearing up to start pounding on the glass from the blue line...

Good Vibrations!

2006-09-14T19:55:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know. I didn't post last week. Sorry 'bout that - WAY too much going on. However, I have returned to bring to you the first in a two part series on what are considered by many to be most influential albums ever recorded. I have chosen to do this for two reasons. The first is that as I was flipping through my new Rolling Stone, I ran across a page announcing the 40th anniversary of the album I'm presenting this evening. And the second is that, growing up, I believed that the two greatest loves in my mother's life were not my sister and me, but rather The Beatles and The Beach Boys. With that, I give you...

Hailed as Brian Wilson's greatest masterpiece, and one of the greatest and most influential albums of all time, Pet Sounds was released in May of 1966 and has since sold over a gazillion copies (hell, I think my mom has two) and has been ranked in the top three of every 'greatest album ever made' list known to man. After The Beatles released Rubber Soul in 1965, Wilson challenged himself to put together an album that would have the flow and collectiveness he heard on Rubber Soul. And so, Pet Sounds was begun. When they were finished, The Beach Boys had a Pulitzer for your record player, telling the story of maturing into adulthood in the 60s from the eyes of Wilson. The album opens with the incredibly harmoniously layered Wouldn't It Be Nice and hooks you for the ride. You're taken on a tour of Wilson's heart, right brain, and melodic genius only to find the first side ending with Wilson's version of a traditional West Indies folk song: Sloop John B, which perfectly gears you up for side two. Flip that bad boy over, drop the needle on the edge and you're greeted with the lovingly sweet God Only Knows. You move through to the very telling I Just Wasn't Made For These Times and then, finally, your heart is broken, in less that three minutes, with Caroline No. And thus, ends Pet Sounds. What's so tragic about this is that soon after, Wilson began work on what was to be the greatest accomplishment of his musical career - Smile. However, sadly, due to intense 'creative differences' between band members, arguments with new Wilson collaborator and lyricist Van Dyke Parks, and Wilson's escalating drug use, Smile was shelved before its scheduled release in 1967. One good thing did come of it though, and you'll find that in this week's ear candy.

And so concludes my brief presentation of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. I hope that your ears enjoyed. Next week, I plan to cover The Beatles' answer to this album, which I have to say, I enjoy much more. Sorry, Brian! I'm just much deeper into your early, 'more childish' songs such as I Get Around, Help Me Rhonda, and Surfer Girl. I still dance and sing along when I hear them.

Finally, in honor of our beach loving friends, the primate of the week is a fine swimmer. Check it out - you'll learn something.

2006-09-11T07:46:00.000-05:00

For my friends who ran from Lower Manhattan that day as I watched in horror on a small television screen in Wisconsin. For my friends who phoned me in panic telling me that they couldn't contact their loved ones and that the east coast phone lines were so jammed that I was one of the few people with whom they could connect. For the thousands who perished, and for the thousands more that still suffer to this day. And finally, for the countless numbers of NYC's finest who did what they were born to do only to find that it was too late, know that we will NEVER forget...

Steve Irwin: February 22, 1962 - September 4, 2006

2006-09-05T06:43:00.000-05:00

I wasn't in my office for more than 15 minutes when I opened Internet Explorer to find that Australian naturalist and wildlife expert, Steve "The Crocodile Hunter" Irwin, died yesterday from a stingray barb wound that he suffered during a dive for a documentary. I will certainly edit this post later today with more detail, but I wanted to get something up early as it's a very sad day for all those in the animal kingdom. RIP, Steve.

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Now that more news is available on this tragedy, I thought I would update the story. It seems that poor Steve's luck finally ran out. Stingrays are very gentle creatures until you piss them off (aren't we all?) and Steve just happened to come up behind one that was burrowed in the sand and was apparently quite annoyed that his nap was interrupted. Steve sadly took a barb in the chest - one of only two places on the human body that a ray bite has the ability to cause death (the other being the abdomen). According to what his poor camera man witnessed, Steve was able to remove the barb, but the poison had already reached his heart - killing him within minutes.

Australia is currently arranging for a state funeral, should the Irwin family wish for that to occur. My thoughts and sympathies go out to his entire family - his wife, children, and his family at the Australia Zoo in Queensland. He will be deeply missed by all he touched - including the many animal species he dedicated his life to protecting and saving in the Australian Outback, and beyond. I know that the conservation organization that Steve and his wife Terri created - Wildlife Warriors Worldwide - will continue to work towards one of the many goals Steve Irwin set forth to do: ensure that all creatures great and small were granted every opportunity to thrive. Thanks, Steve. You will be missed.

The End of an Era

2006-09-03T18:33:00.000-05:00

After 21 years and 60 singles titles (including eight Grand Slam titles and one career Grand Slam - a feat only five men are able to boast), Andre Agassi retired from professional tennis today to thunderous cheers and a standing ovation of 20,000+ fans at Arthur Ash stadium in Flushing Meadows, NY. In response, I have just this to say:

Gonna miss you, man. Gonna miss you...

Rockabye... Metallica?

2006-08-31T20:41:00.000-05:00

It's a NRT first! A children's album...

Have you ever been sitting around listening to Metallica and wondered what it would be like if Mater of Puppets were performed with a glockenspiel? Maybe a mellotron? Well, wonder no more! This past Tuesday, Baby Rock Records released their latest masterpiece - Lullaby Renditions of Metallica. You'll hear such gems as One, Enter Sandman, and Nothing Else Matters performed in a series of plinks, plunks, and vibes. To be honest, it really is quite soothing (click the song titles for musical clips). Who ever would have guessed that a glockenspiel could be useful when playing in a minor key? These folks have other lullaby albums using the works of Radiohead and Coldplay, with albums utilizing the songs of Pink Floyd and Tool (yes, Tool - you read that correctly) due out next month. There are also many more albums due in the coming months showcasing music from bands such as The Cure and The Pixies. I think that I'm going to start collecting these for when my sister has kids - that way I can start warping them while they're young!

To recognize this fabulous, yet somewhat bizarre achievement, the ear candy this week consists of a Metallica performed song that you will find on the lullaby album. I chose this particular track not only because I adore the song (see my 'tag line' under my blog title), but because Cliff Burton, the original bass player who tragically died in a 1989 bus accident, was part of its creation. I chose this particular video for a few reasons. First, this bootleg, from a 1986 concert in the USSR, contains footage of Cliff doing what he did o so very very well. Also, this was about the time I was discovering Metallica. I was in the 7th grade and the sound pissed off my father so much that he would bang on the walls telling me to turn down my ape music (and I wonder why I work with monkeys?). Finally, if you look close enough, you'll see that James is wearing a Misfits t-shirt. Why is this important? Well, in the summer of 1994, I had an assembly line job at an exact-o knife factory in Vernon, NJ. I sat on a stool for most of the day placing pieces of exact-o knives into blister packaging. Some days the handles, some days the card backs, but I digress... I was eating lunch early in my first week and I heard this hard hitting sound coming from the rafters. I started to look around and noticed that none of people around me appeared phased by this. Finally, one older woman saw the look on my face and said 'Oh, we've forgotten you're new. Sorry about the racket, dear, but the boys like to have band practice during lunch sometimes. We've just all become quite used to it and you will too.' Suddenly, the sound turned more familiar as the opening chords to Die, Die My Darling started to echo down the stairs. Then it hit me - the f@#&%$ Misfits (sans mister Danzig, of course) were upstairs! They never sang a single word during those times, but they jammed about three times a week. Never on Fridays though. Each Friday at about 11:30am, they would come stomping down the stairs (this was the only time I ever laid eyes on them as they treated that upstairs machine shop like their sanctuary) and would head out the front door only to come back about an hour later smelling like a brewery. So, in honor of of all things metal, click the link, throw your devil horns in the air, and bang your head until your neck is sore! Then, when you're finished there, move on down to the primate of the week link for facts about one hell of a tough primate.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

2006-08-30T06:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, while in New Orleans, NBC Nightly News anchor man Brian Williams interviewed OGL regarding the Katrina anniversary and other points of interest regarding the current administration. It was CLASSIC!!! First, bravo to Williams for not only asking the questions that needed to be asked, but for keeping his composure (albeit with a smirk and a hand over his mouth stifling a gafaw like laugh) as OGL gave 'highly intelligent' responses to questions such as...

WILLIAMS: If your administration ended today would you be satisfied with the record thus far? Again, the view out there, I think if you asked 9 out of 10 historians -- High point: bullhorn, in the rubble of the buildings that came down. Low point: We're standing on it. Is that fair?

BUSH: First of all, there's no such thing as short-term history as far as I'm concerned. I think that you can't judge a presidency based upon a moment's notice. I believe you have to take -- eventually my standing in history will be judged by people 30 or 40 years from now who will be able to take an objective look, at whether the decisions I made led to peace and prosperity. You know, this is a job where you make decisions. And you, you do what you think is right. And you let people recognize, and the people are gonna say what's on their mind at the moment. But I read three histories of George Washington last year. The first President of the United States is still being analyzed by historians, which oughtta say to this president and future president: "Do what you think is right and eventually historians will figure out whether it made sense or not."

You'll find the entire interview (transcript and video) here.

2006-08-29T05:10:00.000-05:00

This post is to honor all of those who lost their lives, homes, friends, families, pets, and/or any thing else that was precious, to one of the greatest natural disasters to ever hit our nation. One year ago, today, at 6:10am, hurricane Katrina made landfall on the eastern shore of Louisiana as a category 4 storm. The storm brought walls of water so high and winds so damaging that over 1800 people died and hundreds of thousands of people became displaced. We should never forget what happened on this date in 2005, nor should we ever forget the following weeks of bureaucratic idiocy that, to this day, continue to leave people homeless and without the basic needs in life. FEMA, I hope your ears are ringing.

To those of you who stayed in the hospitals, nursing centers, zoos, biomedical animal facilities, public works facilities, volunteer organization shelters, and rescue squad vehicles; and went without sleep for days at a time in order to help those who could not help themselves, know that you are all heroes.

To those of you who spent days on your rooftops waiting for help to arrive, know that you are all survivors and are the strongest of people.

To those of you who endured too many days of dehydration, hunger and death in public shelters that were crammed with too many people only to finally be placed on buses to be taken far away from your home into yet another too cramped place, know that you are both strong and heroic in your own right for making it through the most horrid chapter of your life and for moving forward following that nightmare. You are true inspirations.

To those that traveled to the torn regions following the storms and lived in tents to help the survivors, both human and animal alike - thank you.

And finally, to those of who have returned to the Gulf Coast to rebuild, I want you to know that I have always found those of you in the Gulf Region to be some of the most amazing, yet stubborn folks alive. My Uncle was in the military and trained in Biloxi and I worked for a brief time for the military along the Gulf Shores of Alabama, so a little part of my family does remain in your region. The I-10 corridor is filled with people and culture that I feel our nation simply cannot do without. It's not just the Jazz and Creole, but the way of life. The slower, kinder, live today like tomorrow's never gonna come attitude. This is something I cannot imagine the area without. So thank you and keep the perserverance going - from the French Quarter, to the Blow Fly Inn, to the community of Bayou, La Batre. I know that you're all going to make it come alive again.

My thanks to the United States Geological Survey. The pictures below were obtained from their website.

In memorandum...

Biloxi, Mississippi

Waveland, Mississippi

Dauphine Island, Alabama

And finally, thanks to the National Alliance to Restore Opportunity to the Gulf Coast and Displaced Persons for this last picture. As the physical and emotional damage to the city of New Orleans was so wide spread, I thought it best to remember them in a more public manner. In honor of that great city, I give you a branch of the New Orleans Public Library; located in the Lower Ninth Ward, and named after one of the strongest men of our time...

New Orleans, Louisiana

Bruce Gary: April 7, 1951 - August 22, 2006

2006-08-24T07:42:00.000-05:00

Bruce Gary passed away yesterday, of lymphoma, at the age of 55. I find it somewhat ironic that two weeks ago I did a homage to drummers for NRT and now here I am honoring yet another - but for a very sad reason.

Gary was best known for his role as the drummer for The Knack (for those of you who may need a refresher - click the 'ear candy' link). However, this man's credit list is over a mile long. To start with, his session work covers everything from rock to surf to Broadway. In addition, he performed, and recorded, with such greats as Bob Dylan, Jimmi Hendrix (for whom he also produced several successful posthumous albums), John Lee Hooker, George Harrison, Jack Bruce, and Robbie Kreiger (if you don't recognize these last two names - Bruce was the bass player for this classic band, and Kreiger played guitar for this amazing group). And, sadly, even with all of that, I feel that Gary's talent was always somewhat under-appreciated. Regardless, Gary was an exceptionally talented drummer and musician. His presence in the industry will surely be missed.

And please forgive my tardiness with this post. Found a GIANT freaking wood spider in my living room (yes, my DC Metro Area living room) and we had a big 'ole battle. Needless to say my arsenal of carpet cleaning spray and my vacuum pronounced me the winner at the end, but the Buddhist community would not look kindly on my actions.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I need to post a new 'primate of the week'. I'm going to go with a small, yet powerful, creature that primatologist Dr. Dorothy Fragaszy calls 'Hercules with a Tail' (also the title of the very cool presentation she gave at last week's ASP meeting). Check out the 'primate of the week' link for this incedible little creature as well as more about Dr. Fragaszy's research.

I'm Ba-ack...

2006-08-22T20:17:00.000-05:00

Well, I was back on Sunday night, but needed to catch up on a few things before I had the time to sit down and post. That whole 'life' thing just gets in the way sometimes. So, for those of you who might have been a little cranky that I didn't return to the blogosphere faster, you can stop being cranky and instead be slightly disturbed...

That, boys and girls, is the premier attraction of the Davey Crockett Interactive Outpost in downtown San Antonio, TX - right down the street from the Alamo and nestled next to Ripley's Believe it or Not. I personally think that this should be a display for Ripley's. Instead, this frightening creature sits out front and 'dances' at the waist while it pumps the gun up and down, points out into the street and belts the song Davey Crockett. If I hadn't been so weirded out, I would have had the good sense to take a short video to post. But, alas, a still is all I have to share. I dare say it's enough.

Other than that, the ASP meeting was a blast! I had a great time catching up with old students, friends, and colleagues; 'did' the Alamo (where they have a log from Davey Crockett's childhood home on display - complete with plaque; still pissed that photos weren't allowed inside because that's a really hard sell without evidence); walked the lovely river walk through downtown San Antonio; got nice and drunk a couple of times; and just talked monkey. I had a great time and didn't miss DC one bit.

Things I did miss, however, included NRT. Sorry kids, no internet access and well, I was just a touch busy on Thursday night drinking beer and whatnot. So, to make up for that, I present something that I found on another blog - Electric Monkey Pants. You will now find a link to this blog over yonder in the 'fellow blogger' links. It's good read - check it out. Anyway, if you know Outkast's Hey Ya (if not - take a listen here - I can almost guarantee you'll start boppin' along) you're going to love this cover. It's performed by Mat Weddle of the band Obadiah Parker (who are pretty good - a little folk, a little funk; light and easy on the ears and soul). But anyway, on this cover, it's just him and his six string doing a folked up version and it's AMAZING. Click here and enjoy. If your ears like what they hear, he also does Bjork!

Better Late Than Never

2006-08-13T12:36:00.000-05:00

As many of you may know, one of the Discovery Channel's biggest ratings draws is Shark Week. That glorious time of year when they present specials containing bizarre people, with thrill issues, in cages trying to get as close as possible to these awesome creatures. Some of it can be really cool; but sadly, they missed the boat on advertising this go round. This year, Shark Week ran from July 31 through August 4, and during that time, the Discovery Channel headquarters in downtown Silver Spring, MD opted to advertise in a BIG way by turning their building into a shark for the week. The pictures that I managed to snap (forgive the quality - I was in my car waiting at red lights for both) simply don't do the beast justice. It was amusing to say the least as it was held up to the building with cables and strings. Seriously, this thing had Mystery Science Theater 3000 written all over it (I'm secretly hoping that some wanna be film director got some overnight footage for the best 'B' movie ever). What really gets me is that this sucker was five years in the making and supposedly made of some kind of space-age material that could withstand 40mph winds and then be reinflated to original size in under four minutes should rain and/or heavier wind knock the air loose. They had that down, but couldn't find a more aesthetic way to attach it to the building? To top it all off, the 'ass' end of the shark is what faced the downtown proper. So, as you drove into town from the north, south, or west you were greeted with the back end first. Is Discovery trying to tell the people of Silver Spring something? Hmmm...

And on that, I shall bid you all ado for now. I will be absent for the next week as I am heading to San Antonio, TX to attend the annual meeting of the American Society of Primatologists. It's a glorious five day period where all we do is talk monkey by day and drink by night. How I do love my peers. If all goes well, and the FAA doesn't decide to hold me hostage for having a tube of lip balm, I shall return early the week of the 21st with delightful tales of monkey mayhem.

TTFN!

NRT: With Added Flair!

2006-08-10T20:31:00.000-05:00

Greetings! Yeah, I know, a whole week. Sorry 'bout that. Been just a little busy. The big news (the flair, if you will) is that my colonoscopy went off without a hitch and it seems that I will live. Yippee! Now, you may be asking yourself, why is she sharing? Well, it's because the word colonoscopy gives just about 99.9% of people who hear it the heebie-jeebies. Due to this, I am opting to get the word out that really it ain't so bad. Seriously, the worst part is what they kindly refer to as 'the prep'. That's the joy of cleaning out your system the day before so they can get a good look at all your plumbing - you have to fast all day, drink the cocktail around 6pm and then you get to set up camp near the 'head' for the evening (good time to catch up on some reading). Then, once you get to the procedure in the morning, it's cake. They give you an IV, fill it with happy drugs, and viola! In less than 90 minutes you wake up in a comfortable haze with a nice person asking what you'd like to drink. No pain, no discomfort (well, my lower tummy is a tad sore today, but nothing horrid) and you get to walk away on your own accord. And ladies, there's an extra added bonus - you get to leave on your bra! Some dignity is maintained!! So, if there's anyone out there who has been told that a colonoscopy is in their future - fear not.

OK then, on with NRT (New Release Thursday for those who may be behind). First, the new monkey of the week. I was having a bit of a time deciding until big news came out of the Philadelphia Zoo this week: A new Golden Lion Tamarin was born!! Click on the Primate of the Week link to catch the news feed from the Philadelphia CBS station - pictures and video galore. This is fantastic news as it is helping the zoo's primate preserve's quest towards conservation of several primate species. Way to go!!!

And now, on to the music!! This week, I'm going to do something just a little different. This morning as I was checking to see if Dwardisimo Rex rose from his vacation slumber, I read some new comments added to last week's NRT Annex. Seems that his buddy Poppersmoke feels that drummers aren't respected near enough. As I am a drummer myself, I am here to change his mind. Sure, most of us can't sing to save ourselves (hence, why Keith Moon needed to be 'removed' when the Who did ballads live), but we can beat the hell out of a pulled skin with a stick and we'll stop the show in the process. Think about it - who's the coolest group in the marching band? The DRUM line. When's the only time marching band is ever considered to be cool? DRUM and bugle core. What's every kid's first instrument albeit a spoon and pot? A DRUM. OK, I think you get the point. A unique bunch, we talk loud, party hard, and really could give a shit about what others think. Because of this, we tend to worship the ground our heroes walk upon. I will now proceed to discuss three of my favs and with each, you will find a link that will take you to that individual's page on Drummerworld where you'll get a bio, music clips, and be able to watch videos of some of their greatest performances.

First on my list is John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. I simply don't have words to describe my love for this man. Seriously, if I could remove the vocals and guitar from some of Zeppelin's tracks, I would, just to listen to Bonham go ape. Next time you listen to Whole Lotta Love, give that some thought. However, his greatest achievement is by far Moby Dick, where the solos would rage on for up to 30 minutes. Others have tried, but none can match Bonham's ability to drive along the toms and cymbals the way he can.

Next up is Carter Beauford from the Dave Matthews Band. I would first like to thank Arsenio Hall for saying that he didn't want Carter for his show's band. This enabled Carter to return to Virginia where he hooked up with Dave and friends. As for DMB, sure, Dave is one hell of a song writer and has quite the swooning voice, but without Carter behind him, as far as I'm concerned, the band wouldn't have the depth and power it does with Carter at the helm of the percussion. I classify Mr. Beauford as a 'super genius'. He's clever, creative, and somehow manages to be smooth, yet tight while sitting behind a 20+ piece kit. Also check out his work with Victor Wooten: it'll help you get your groove on.

To round out my three (and be grateful that I'm only doing three because I could go on forever), I give you Dave Grohl. Drool, pant, howl, etc... I worship this man, plain and simple. The younger folk out there may only know him as the founder and lead guitarist of the Foo Fighters, but this man is a bonafide drummer extraordinaire. From his early days with Nirvana up until the Queens of the Stone Age were wise enough to have him sit in on an album, Dave has beat the skins with a fierceness and passion like no other. Love you, LOVE you, LOVE YOU, Dave!!

And there you have it, an NRT dedicated to drummers!! I hope that you have found this both educational and enjoyable. Look for sequels in the future. Oh, I nearly forgot - the ear candy link is a sure treat. There is just something about a drum duel and no group does it live as well as Godsmack. Flair indeed!

A 'Keen' NRT

2006-08-03T11:49:00.000-05:00

I won't be getting into this week too deeply simply because I've been ultra busy. Between work (where I'm still at - just taking a quick break) and the mini-flood I found in my bathroom last night (nothing is quite like finding that it's raining indoors), it's been a very interesting few days. Nonetheless, I wanted to get some new tunes posted for the week. And of course, there's a new monkey as well. Check out the Primate of the Week link for a fascinating new creature (with a very unusual name) brought to you by the Oregon Zoo. I highly recommend checking out the videos to watch the kids at play. It'll lower your bp - promise.

OK then, the tunes this week are from a band from across the pond - Keane. I discovered Keane while listening to internet radio a few months back, and was enthralled by the song Somewhere Only We Know, the first track off their first full length album Hopes and Dreams. It's all very good stuff. Lyrics and melody match beautifully with singer Tom Chaplin's marvelous set of pipes. I encourage you to check them out if you're not familiar. Also, to add to the fun, they released a new album in late June (Under the Iron Sea) and the first single is the very catchy Is It Any Wonder?. You'll find that neatly tucked into the ear candy link. But before you treat your ears to that, take a listen to this performance of Bend and Break (from their first album) from the Late Show. They're just as good, if not better, live as they are on recording.

Well I'll be damned...

2006-07-30T15:49:00.000-05:00

Go to Google and type the word 'failure'. Then, click the 'I'm Feeling Lucky' button and see what pops up in front of your eyes. I know that the current administration is pretty much one giant SNAFU, but I really don't know what to make of this. On the other hand, I don't know why part of me finds it somewhat shocking. Getting sympathetic? Hope not. Guess it's time to go back and re-read Shrub...

Introducing...

2006-07-27T21:39:00.000-05:00

The Red Hot Chili Peppers! In order to complete the triad of one of the best shows on the road from the early 1990s, the Chili Peppers will now be honored. If you'll think back to last week, you may remember that I chatted about the Smashing Pumpkins for NRT. Well, that same day, over at the NRT Annex, Dwardisimo Rex gave homage to another one of my favorite bands - Pearl Jam. In the early 1990s, the Chili Peppers headlined a show that traveled around this great nation and introduced us to both the Pumpkins and Pearl Jam - little known bands at the time. Most of us who went to the show were there for the Chili Peppers; but came away with so much more.

Now, before I get into their first new album in four years (!) I would like to give you a little back history. I was introduced to the Chili Peppers in early 1990. My friend Meghan decided that I needed more to my musical catalog than REM and Metallica, so she gave me a mixed tape full of the newly crazed 'alternative' music. On it was a copy of Catholic School Girls Rule from the 1985 album Freaky Styley. That's when my love affair with the Chili Peppers began. For all practical purposes, this band and I grew up together. I was in high school, they wore only tube socks on stage. I went to college, they still wore only tube socks on stage. I went to grad school, and they began to don tighty whities. I went into the real world, and they all discovered pants. Now I'm a full fledged 'adult' and they dress in full. As time went by, we all gained some new friends, lost some old ones, grew up, cleaned up, and discovered that there was just a little bit more to life than sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll. Their music has changed some, but still has that funky groove feeling of the older stuff - with just a little more maturity.

So now, I present, Stadium Arcadium!

Released back in early May, this double disc is 122 minutes of pure joy. Sure, they're singing about California again; but it's deeper this time, more intense. These guys are no longer just a band; they have officially become musicians. Anthony Kiedis's voice remains smooth as silk while his vocal croonings trade banter with Flea's bass. They've given John Frusciante more opportunity to strut his stuff, and if you didn't know already, you now know that this guy is DAMN good with his six string. And last, but certainly not least, drummer Chad Smith, as always, continues to perfect what he does so very very well - combine high powered rock rhythms with blistering funk grooves. Chad, my man, you ROCK.

You'll find the first single - the very catchy Dani California - under the ear candy link; but I would also like you to delight in the title track, Stadium Arcadium. It's a lovely ballad that displays the talents of all the band's members. And if you listen closely, you'll find that they have layered the track to perfection. Sit back, relax, and let the Chili Peppers take you to the moon...

Why I Always Have My Camera

2006-07-26T20:55:00.000-05:00

I left work, as usual, really late this evening - around 7:30pm. I was there for almost 13 hours and was somewhat grumbly on the way to my car. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, this precious little creature came along and made me smile wider than I have in some time. Simply put, baby animals ROCK! If you click on the picture(s), you can get a closer look at the little darling. Enjoy!!

2006-07-24T21:05:00.000-05:00

It took a few days, but I think that I'm finally cooled off enough to discuss the stupidity that is OGL's veto of the stem cell bill. What this man has done has not only put another speed bump into medical progress, but has possibly put many of my colleagues' research projects at risk. Yes, that's right - my colleagues. I guess it's time the cat comes out of the bag. I am, by education, a behavioral neuroscientist and my passion is the study of neurodegenerative disease. I am, by trade, a biomedical researcher and I once studied these diseases in animal models. I have seen stem cells work miracles like nothing else. I have seen mice grow new brain cells after developing symptoms of Huntington's disease and I have seen rats walk again after developing the muscle freezing from Parkinson's. I have worked (albeit briefly) with the great Dr. James Thomson (the godfather of stem cell research) and he is truly a genius. The sad part is that even back in 2001 we knew that there would be trouble in the budding paradise that was the promise of stem cell research. Behold! Time magazine - August 20, 2001:

We were PROUD dammit! And how could we not be? We were on an amazing path of discovery with Jaime Thomson at the helm. Then the dark days came when OGL announced that we could not produce any more stem cell lines and that funding would be limited for those lines we already had. At that time there were only 60 in the entire research nation; a majority of which were not usable for human research trails because they were grown on animal tissues. With this latest blow, OGL continues to put medical advancement at risk. For the last few years, biomedical research dollars have been more difficult to obtain (unless you're willing to study anthrax and/or bioterrorism) and the National Institutes of Health's budget has taken a hit year after year because it has been placed on the DEFENSE bill. That's right boys and girls - the heart and soul of the USA's medical research has to sit fourth fiddle to Georgey boy's war games. For instance, a technician in Dr. Thomson's laboratory makes a whopping $26,000 [gross] a year because that's all the FOUNDER of stem cell research can afford to shell out of his budget. And people wonder why I want to toss it all and go to veterinary school. Well, there you have it - I fear that there may come a time when what I do will no longer be valid because the 'high and mighty' will have come to save we sinners from the fire. What do I want to say to these people? I say this: If you ever have the opportunity to feel the pain of a debilitating disease such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's or ALS, then I do wonder if you'll think that those 'precious' cells are better off in the trash than in the safe hands of our nation's highest minds.

The Idiot Box

2006-07-22T21:37:00.000-05:00

So there I was, parked in my lazy boy, eating ice cream for dinner (yeah, healthy, I know), and flipping through the channels, when I came upon a Ron White special on Comedy Central. I adore Ron White - he's funny as hell, he's real, and to top it all off, he smokes and drinks on stage. Really, it's impossible not to like this guy. The best part is that Ron doesn't tell 'jokes' per se. Rather, he tells stories and makes you laugh your ass off in the process. Tonight, I was pleased as proverbial punch to hear him tell one of my all time favorite stories about him getting thrown out of a bar in NYC. If you need to have your funny bone tickled, click here for a replay of this classic.

In addition to Ron, Comedy Central is also now airing one of my favorite parts of the World Cup half times - Red Stripe commercials (I personally think the stuff tastes like ass, but these commercials are fun-nee). If you were watching the World Cup, and didn't need the whole half time to pee, you saw one of these. If you think you may have missed them, allow me to jog your memory - Hooray Beer!

In conclusion:
Hooray Beer!
Hooray Ron White!
Hooray idiot box!

Happy FREAKING Thursday!

2006-07-20T19:50:00.000-05:00

You ever have one of those weeks when you finally just reach a point where you say 'I could really give a shit."? Well, I'm at that point now. Falling into that comfortably numb state that I like to call apathy. I have officially run out of energy to care. Highlights from the week: The world is exploding; my GI doc thinks that yes, a colonoscopy would be a SPLENDID idea; OGL proclaims that god forbid we take cells from cells; I finally have the chance to enter the road to veterinary school but have to DEFER due to time, money and said rear-end troubles; and I have a stress test at the age of 31 because my bp is WAY up. Really? No kidding. Let the good times roll!!!!

But rather than that, let's discuss the picks for NRT. The primate this week is actually a relative of the mongoose! Check out the link for this lovely creature, and click HERE to hear its call!

Now, on to this week's ear candy pick - the Smashing Pumpkins! And in particular, their album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. I thought that after Tuesday I would be listening to harder rock, but what I was really seeking was angst riddled with bitterness. Seriously, who better than the Pumpkins? Corgan is one of the kings of angst. I initially had out Gish, then moved onto Rotten Apples (greatest hits comp.), but went with MCIS after I found myself listening to Zero on repeat. You'll find even more 'happiness' when you click on the 'ear candy' link.

My Head's Gonna Explode!

2006-07-18T11:50:00.000-05:00

And that's why I'm going to take a brief hiatus until Thursday when I will no doubt present a review of some really nasty hard-ass rock album. Either that, or it will be something so nutty that even I won't understand why I chose it!

Bonus Track!

2006-07-16T20:24:00.000-05:00

He's ba-ack....

Yes, that's 'Weird Al' Yankovic, and he's done it again.

There I was leafing through a back issue of Rolling Stone when I come upon a random picture of James Blunt - former Captain of the British Army turned pop star - sitting on a beach somewhere with a way too damn thin model. But I digress. The significance to all of this is that under the picture they say that Weird Al has parodied Blunt's mega hit, You're Beautiful, calling it You're Pitiful. This, ladies and gents, has the making of a Weird Al classic. It's up there with Like a Surgeon and Fat. Plain and simple, it's good stuff!

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I didn't want to like James Blunt. He's kinda whiney, and his voice can be quite feminine. However, after a while, I broke down and bought his album Back to Bedlam and for some strange reason can listen to it on repeat. I find it soothing and think the songs are beautifully written.

Anyway, back to our main event - Al. His parody is a must hear. But first, if you're not familiar with the work of Mr. Blunt (and if you're not, you've been living in a cave as You're Beautiful has been in heavy radio rotation for at least 15 weeks) click here to check out the video stream and hear the tune (also, check out the nifty monkey on the page!!). Then, listen to Al here and enjoy!!

And yesterday continues into today...

2006-07-13T19:22:00.000-05:00

It seems that when I was honoring Bill Cosby yesterday, I managed to leave out his other great piece of children's programming. I apologize. My friend Ourika (see my blog links for a further glimpse into her psyche) reminded me about Picture Pages! Originally created by Captain Kangaroo(!), Bill came on in the late 70s to host the shorts. How the hell could I forget Picture Pages? "Open up your Picture Pages..." Mortimer Marker? Come on!! Best part of this whole thing? When I went in search of footage (and sadly only found some bizarre re-done theme from the early 90s - BAH) I found this!! . Enjoy, gen x'ers, enjoy... Next up? "I'm just a bill..." But I'll save that for another day. Why? Well, because it's NEW RELEASE THURSDAY!!!!

However, first, I should probably give a glimpse into as to why I'm typing like I've been eating too much paste. Well, I've had quite the crappy week and when I got home, dinner consisted of two beers and 1/2 a pita while I watched the cartoon network (not that you really give a shit). That, combined with the fact that I've gotten minimal sleep this week, means that I'm just a tad giddy. Anywho, on with New Release Thursday. There is of course a new monkey to view, and it's in honor of this week's Get Fuzzy cartoon strips. Thank you Darby Conley!

To keep you in suspense for just one more minute, thanks are also in order for my blogging buddy, Dwardisimo Rex, for adding to the musical fun on his blog: I Don't Remember Eating That (again, see the blog links for a glimpse into his psyche). Seriously, you should go to check out the very cool band he's posted - Super Black Market. Pretty good stuff - even for 6am in my opinion. And while you're there, see what DR has to say about this crazy world as well.

OK then, enough already!!!

This week's album is Interpol's Antics. Originally, I was going to put out some much harder, angrier stuff (remember, I've had a crappy week), but then I did my weekly check of CMJ. I'm sad to report that Weezer is on hiatus - again, but delighted to report that Interpol is working on a third album. I am SOOO happy to hear this. And you'll be happy to hear and see them do their thing by clicking on the 'ear candy' link to the right. Antics is catchy and original with just a smidge of Joy Division thrown in around the edges. The key track in my opinion is Evil, but the whole damn thing is good from top to bottom. Now, be warned that the 'ear candy' link is to Yahoo! music as I'm trying to provide posts where you'll be able to hear the band if you've never heard them before. You may need a Yahoo! login ID to get access. If you ain't got one, make one; or you'll be SOL...

TTFN!

Hey Hey Hey!

2006-07-12T16:37:00.000-05:00

Happy 69th birthday to Mr. Bill Cosby! Lots of people love Mr. Cosby for many reasons - mainly his stand up comedy and general sense of humor. However, I'm going to pay homage in a completely different way by honoring one of the all time GREAT Saturday morning cartoons.

Hey, Hey Hey! It's Faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat Albert!!!

This cartoon ROCKED the house and was conveniently placed in the CBS Saturday morning lineup near reruns of Land of the Lost and good golly did I LOVE it. Fat Albert, Mushmouth, Dumb Donald, Weird Harold, and all the junkyard band gang wholesomely providing us with life's lessons at the very end of each show. The cool part was that Bill himself would pop in from time to time to talk about what the kids were doing and how it was all going in the 'wrong direction'. They would always turn in around in the end, though.

So happy birthday Mr. Cosby, and thanks for making my Saturday mornings in the late 70s and early 80s some of the best ever.

Na Na Na, gonna have a good time... :)

Syd Barrett, 1946-2006

2006-07-11T21:06:00.000-05:00

Pink Floyd founding member, Syd Barrett, has died at the age of 60.

RIP, Syd - Wish You Were Here.

OGL strikes again!

2006-07-11T20:10:00.000-05:00

You're intelligent people, I'm sure. However, I'm willing to bet that you may not see beyond the obvious in the above picture. Sure, the smiles on the faces are similar (not to degrade the chimpanzee in any way) but do you know what else they have in common? Come on; think hard. Give up? Aside from getting a little cranky when they don't get their afternoon nap, both are good at fooling with numbers! Chimps will hide pieces of fruit behind their backs, or in their mouths, and pretend they don't have any just to get more. Mr. Bush predicted at the beginning of the year that the national deficit would be well over $400 billion and then he so happens to have a mid-year report showing that they can slash their prediction to a little less than $300 billion. And do you know why they're all so excited? It's because 300 is LESS than 400. Well, DUH!! Bully for us! A balanced budget to $300 billion dollars in debt in less than six years. Yay us! We done good.

So as we all sit back and watch yet another myriad of funding for good causes such as schools and public libraries get cut, we can rejoice in the fact that Our Glorious Leader (henceforth to be known as OGL {pronounced "ogle" as in 'Stop ogling my boobs!'} on this blog) understands that less is good.

Riddle me this

2006-07-09T21:08:00.000-05:00

Why exactly is it that the days I look OK, have my hair in place and all, I have zero to do; and the days that I look like hell, I have a series of household 'crises' and end up having to leave the house multiple times?!? Today, sadly, was one of those days. Now, I consider myself to be of average looks - I'm not stopping traffic or clocks any time soon - and most days, I'm at least semi put together. However, today, I had 'bed head' and was wearing a pair of scrub pants and my 'Got Monkey?' t-shirt thinking that all I was going to do was sit on my ass and watch sports finals. Oh no, that would have been too simple. The dryer crisis cleared itself up, which allowed me to watch Wimbeldon in it's entirety (congrats to Roger!!) but the overhead kitchen lamp is a different story. It burnt out (or at least I thought it did) and I hauled myself up to the ceiling to find that the damn thing takes those round fluorescent bulbs (two different sizes just to add to the fun). Since I don't naturally keep any of these in my apartment (really, who needs a frisbee made of glass?), I was forced out onto the streets of suburban Maryland - on a Sunday. This alone is a deathwish all in itself, because everyone and their mother has to hit the highways with their worst possible driving skills. Also, trying to get a parking spot in any business establishment requires great maneuvering and 'sign language' skills. The initial trip to Target wasn't too bad. I was pissed because the World Cup Final was set to kick off in moments and they only had one size bulb. I figure what the hell, grab it, pay, and make it home just in time for the opening minute of play. I then look on the back of the bulb box and there's this precautionary paragraph regarding the dangers of only replacing one bulb. Crap. So, back out I go - to the Home Depot. Help us all! Sunday afternoon in the DC Metro area and there isn't a place to park. Seriously, who the hell is going to start a home improvement project tomorrow morning? I circle, jockey, and narrowly miss taking out an older gentleman who appeared from behind a van. Finally, I nab myself a spot in the back corner of the lot - no biggie, the walk will do me good. I head in to find that they have the larger bulbs - goodie! - and I pick up one. I head to the 'self' check out and find that I have run out of hands. So, after some thought, I place the old bulb (took it along for sizing) around my neck. The lady next to me just stares. I look at her for a moment and reply with 'Well, it fits'. She looks at me again and says something to the effect of 'That's clever' with that 'Thank goodness I left the children at home, the loons have escaped the institution again' look. Whatever. Head home, put both new bulbs into the fixture and TA DA - I have light.

I figure I'm allowed to watch soccer now. I sit, watch some of the second half and then decide to get up to get a drink. I flip on the kitchen light and it just fizzles. GOODIE. I haul myself back up the ceiling to check the connections and all looks good. I check the bulbs, etc... All continues to look good. I wiggle the lights a bit - TA DA - I have light again. I repeat this ritual three times while France and Italy end up deciding their winner with PKs (Congrats to Italy - though not my pick they played a good game {at least what I saw}). Then the whole thing just decides it doesn't want to work. At this point, I'm done. Thankfully, I rent. Tomorrow, when the poor land lady gets back to me about having the dryer fixed, we can talk electrician. I see good times in my future...

OK, I'm done bitching now.

Wildlife geek alert!!

2006-07-07T20:31:00.000-05:00

Here it is, Friday night, in our Nation's Capital. What have I accomplished? Well, I had dinner with my sister, had a beer; then ran home, grabbed another beer, and watched the latest episode of Meerkat Manor! Have you seen this? It's the work of the Kalahari Meerkat Project (a long term field study done by Cambridge University near the Botswana border). Interested? Animal Planet. Fridays. 8pm (EST). Hop on the Meerkat train folks! If my excitement doesn't sell you, maybe this will: try to imagine what would happen if Days of Our Lives cross-pollinated with Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom - all narrated by Sean Astin (for those lesser geeks out there - he played the Hobbit, Samwise Gamgee {aka - Frodo's faithful friend and sidekick; guy ROBBED of an Oscar}, in the LOTR movies). And if that STILL doesn't get you to tune in, or at least TIVO, this should:

New Release Thursday!

2006-07-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

Greetings! That's right - it's Thursday, and I have chosen to make this day of the week my 'new release' day for the ear candy pick as well as Primate of the week. Why Thursdays? Well...

1. I abhor Mondays.
2. New record albums are released on Tuesdays.
3. New comic books are released on Wednesdays.
4. New movies are released, usually, on Fridays.
5. Weekends tend to be hit and miss.
6. Why the hell not?

So, without further ado, this week's album is... Ring of Fire: The Legend of Johnny Cash. Told you my taste was eclectic, didn't I? I LOVE this album because it runs the entire career of Cash from Big River to his version of U2's One. If you do nothing else, download his haunting cover of NIN's Hurt. The 'Man In Black' made the recording shortly after his wife, June Carter Cash, died in May of 2003. I promise, Cash's pain will tear you up even deeper than Trent's did.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, to catch up on a few things. The first being that I LOVE New Yorkers. Not because mom is a native Manhattener, or because I grew up in Jersey not too far away, but because they have the balls to publish headlines like this:

God bless the Post! And not just for Page Six either. My sis and I had a conversation about this particular headline and have decided that they're going to have to lay the SOB in state just so we can all make sure that he gave up the ghost rather than go to hide in the 'bunker'.

In other news, VIVA LA FRANCE! Although the German's lost their match (talk about heartbreaking - 119th minute?!?), France prevailed over Portugal thanks to a PK in the first half. But can they outrun Italy on Sunday? Only time will tell. My pick? As I would like to see Henry go out on top - France 1 Italy 0, with one overtime.

Speaking of the French - they are in their glory in the sports world right now - wow! Not only do they have the World Cup in their grasp, but the cyclists are touring the country side (Viva La Tour!) and their tennis mavin, Amelie Mauresmo, is headed to Saturday's ladies' Wimbeldon final. However, I'm more looking forward to the Wimbeldon gentlemen's final. Can Swiss sweetheart, Roger Federer, fourpeat? He's going to have to get through the semis and the Swede first. And once all this craziness is over, I can finally get back to that good ole' American pastime, baseball. That is until NFL preseason starts!!!

The cold, icy hand of death reaches for...

2006-07-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

Yes, ladies and gents, that's correct. Ken 'Kenny Boy' Lay, the corrupt former CEO of Enron, and major supporter of the Bush administration (does anyone see a pattern there?), died of a massive MI in Aspen, Colorado early this morning. This news was apparently brought to the attention of the media by Mr. Lay's pastor - Dr. Steve Wendt. Yes, his PASTOR, the 'doctor'. And I'm thinking that 'Dr.' ain't no MD, DO, PhD or anything that would qualify him to ascertain the condition of the body of Mr. Lay. Hello? The real doctors have performed an autopsy and the results are out - they're calling it 'coronary artery disease with no foul play seen'. I'm personally going to hold out for the tox reports and see what his blood stream has to say about all this. Somehow I'm not buying that 'The Foreman of Fraud' just up and bought the farm conveniently two months shy of his sentencing. However, if he was thinking about the possibility of becoming somebody's bitch, that just may have done his candy-ass in.

That being said, we should all remember that Mr. Lay had a family. For their loss, I have sympathy.

Happy 4th!

2006-07-04T11:15:00.000-05:00

'Rhythm and Booms' (2005) - Madison, Wisconsin

Restoring my faith in humanity

2006-07-02T21:16:00.000-05:00

So as the blog evolves, so does my way of thinking. I was all set to sit down and type out my rant on how the drivers in the greater DC Metro area seem to have gotten their licenses from Cracker Jack boxes; but instead I found another post from my unknown, who will now be known as 'rex'. Anywho, it seems that 'rex' believed I was offended by his/her group's use of the word 'Monkeyshines' to describe yucky tasting beer and was kind enough to offer to remove the use of said word from the group's vocabulary. Just to clarify, I was not offended in any way - just disappointed that two things I appreciate so much were put together in a way I never thought possible. To be honest, I found your usage quite amusing - very clever in fact. Beer made of monkeys? HA! However, your gesture tells me that there are good people left on this Earth; and for that, I thank you. In honor of this greatness, I have placed several links to some of my favorite charities under the 'Improve your Karma!' heading in the sidebar. So have at it people! Let's try to make this world a better place.

And now for something completely different...
Still somewhat sad that England lost yesterday in World Cup play. Seems that 100 rounds of 'God Save the Queen' couldn't save the boys, but what a match! When it comes down to PKs you know you've seen something special. And way to go France! Seems that age and wisdom can conquer (this is of course if you consider 30 to be old!). An all European final? When was the last time we saw this?! 1982 to be exact (yes, I'm a sports geek). Personally, I'm a bit surprised (as is probably most of the South American continent) but am enjoying it nonetheless. I would LOVE to see a Germany/France final. But first, I will plan to sit on my keister for the Germany/Italy semi on Tuesday and route heavily for Deutschland! Log on for all the mayhem - http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/index.html

'In The Black'

2006-06-30T21:25:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been all of three whole days and I've already switched my template. I have to say that I'm MUCH happier with this. The natural springy green was all well and good; but somewhat hard on the eyes, and really didn't fit my personality all that much. So now I'm 'in the black' and I can feel my blood pressure lower as my devil horns rise...

Also, please note that I'm getting a handle on my HTML(!) and my links are starting to come together. The first will remain as my 'musical selection' of the moment (although I see the name of the link changing to something more catchy). This will change periodically and you'll be able to link up to an album or artist I'm currently enjoying on the home PC, office PC, MP3, or living room sound system. Seriously, it's a reason to keep coming back because I have VERY eclectic taste in music. Everything from Mozart, to Metallica, to this week's pick - Matisyahu.

In other news, I got my first comment from an unknown! Should I be this excited? Probably not as this individual and their cronies use my nickname as another word for 'skunked' beer. How sad for me as I do adore my beer (especially this and this) and would hate to see my 'name' be used in a negative way towards something I love so much. However, I fear that I will have to get by as these folks were most likely using the word WAY before I.

What's in a name anyway?

2006-06-29T20:31:00.000-05:00

So, here we are on day two and I think that I should provide the 411 on the title and the address of this here blog. Let's start off with the title: Monkeyshines. The dictionary definition of the word monkeyshine is a playful or mischievous prank (often used in the plural form). Also, it seems that 'Monkeyshines' is the name of a 1988 movie, adapted from the book of the same name by Michael Stewart, where a little helper monkey with a part human brain becomes evil when her person starts to date again. This, I gotta read! However, neither of these inspired the title.

The title is derived from a nickname that my dear friend Nathan once used when speaking about me to another one of his friends. If you haven't figured it out by now, I adore monkeys. And as it turns out, my job is working with the little darlings (yes, cool, I know). So, when he was speaking to this said friend, he referred to me as 'Little Miss Monkeyshines'. Needless to say I found it rather endearing and decided to keep it. There, now you know.

Happy Paul Bunyan Day!

2006-06-28T16:39:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read that correctly - it's Paul Bunyan Day. The legendary enormously large lumberjack who had a blue ox, named Babe, for a pet. Don't ask. I'm not certain why, but the folks in the northern woods of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan celebrate and even have statues erected to the man and his four legged friend. One of the originals (if not the original) is in Benidji, MN, but I personally like the one in Eau Claire, WI better.

So anyway, what better day for me (a former Wisconsinite) to enter the blogosphere. I'm not exactly sure as to where this is going to go, but at least it's started. Stay tuned for the further adventures of moi as I battle life in Washington DC (personal and professional), try to find my way in this world, and perhaps post pictures of my pets and friends if they're all game (well, the pets really have no say). Welcome to the wild ride that is MONKEYSHINES!