Songs of the season

Following up on a previous post, Summerfest has finished announcing its headliners …

If this was like past summers, this would be my go-to list …

• Thursday, June 24: Sheryl Crow
• Tuesday, June 29: Guster
• Wednesday, June 30: The Moody Blues
• Thursday, July 1: OAR
• Friday, July 2: Yes
• Saturday, July 3: Counting Crows

… And those are only my top choices. Never mind that I’d also love to catch a glimpse of Colbie Caillat, She & Him, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, The B-52s, 311, Danny Gokey, and Blue Oyster Cult playing “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” (... more cowbell!)

But this won’t be like past summers. We’ve entered a new era. We’re starting over and trying new things.

At least I can take solace in the fact I’ve seen Guster, I've seen OAR and I've seen Counting Crows -- three times, in fact, on all three. It’s the idea that they’re so darn fun to hear and see that keeps me wanting more! I also can settle on the idea that The Moody Blues and Yes are, um, aged and perhaps wouldn’t be worthwhile …

Which leaves the one and only Sheryl Crow. The dream isn’t dead yet.

If all goes well and according to plan, we’ll be moving from K-Town the weekend that Ms. Crow will be touring through the area. Which is also my birthday weekend … Yay me.

Of course, now I’m on a mission to find the hot concert venues around our new home base.

* * *

The New Pornographers show I was pining to attend in June, however, is not likely to happen for me.

Sigh. It’s ok. Really. We have a lot on our plate right now. And we don’t need to spend the money. … Sigh.

Ooh, but it could have been great. Seeing one of the great indie bands of this era, the ridiculously talented supergroup, with all eight of its members jamming on a stage together. Hearing upbeat rock songs like “The Bleeding Heart Show” and “All the Old Showstoppers” live. Perhaps Neko Case would pull out a couple of her solo songs …

Surely there would be some cuts from their new album, "Together," which I picked up the day after its release a couple weeks ago. I haven’t felt the immediate love I did for 2007‘s “Challengers,” but it’s growing me.

Here’s a great perspective from AllMusic.

* * *

I am certain on not liking another album …

Court Yard Hounds. In case you’re not familiar with the duo, it’s the Dixie Chicks, minus Natalie Maines. You’d think it’s gotta be great, right!?

I had already added it to my Amazon wish list in wild anticipation, when I streamed it online a couple weeks ago … And oh, how very disappointed I was. A Washington Post review couldn’t have summarized it better: “tepid, torpid and disappointingly pleasant.”

I want Natalie Maines back.

* * *

The other night I spotted a posting about Ingrid Michaelson covering R.E.M.’s “Nightswimming.”

I gasped and logged onto YouTube for a glimpse.

In our household: “Nightswimming” + Ingrid Michaelson = Bliss.

Check it out.

* * *

Before I go …

Here’s one more I got wind of this week …

Ben Folds covering Elliott Smith’s “Say Yes.” More bliss.

Check it out.

Phoebe's Playlist

Here’s another post I’ve been wanting to write for weeks - months even.

Not long after Kates and I learned she was pregnant, I began delving deep into our music collection for the perfect playlist. Naturally, music is a huge part of our lives, and we hope it will be a big part of Phoebe's …

Perfect being the key word, the construction of this playlist turned into a tedious, obsessive process. I am a perfectionist after all, and when I really want something I'm gonna go after it whole-heartedly, not moving to the next task until the one at hand is complete. I'm digressing ...

Also noteworthy is that the making of this list only spanned what I have on CD and digital formats. Imagine what it would’ve been had I broken into my vinyl collection or my boxes and boxes of cassette tapes, and taken the time to record those songs into a digital format …

There were some tough cuts along the way -- Johnny Rivers' "Swayin’ to the Music" being one of them -- but they had to be made in order to keep the playlist to a good number - a two-CD set if you will. Then, some more cuts were made after Phoebe’s birth, because some of the songs I had chosen were gender specific. I toiled long and hard to get the right songs with just the right lyrics and just the right sound.

In the end, it proved to be exactly what I had set out to do ... It's a marvelous collection of music, comprised of the artists we love, singing the songs we love. A lot of the lyrics are pretty appropriate and meaningful, and there’s a couple really good cover versions on this list.

I rocked Phoebe to sleep using it tonight ...

So here it is, Phoebe’s (Lullaby) Playlist … Phoebe’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Playlist is forthcoming.

(Songs are in order and titles are linked to their lyrics - where applicable - for your perusal …)

Disc One

1. Thirty-Something Main Theme … It is a quintessential theme for adulthood, and I think it’s one of the sweetest instrumentals ever composed.
   
2. Here Comes the Sun (Bob Khaleel) … Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter. This was the first song Phoebe heard when we turned on the iPod after her birth, and I was holding her for the first time.
   
3. April Come She Will (Simon & Garfunkel) … And while I was holding her for the first time, I rocked her and repeated gently "April come she will!" Phoebe’s due date was April 10, but there was a time we thought she was going to arrive in March, and even then we thought she was going to be a boy. I badly wanted to use this beautiful song on her playlist.


4. Sweet Thing (Van Morrison) … Had to get a Van Morrison song on the list. And “Sweet Thing” is a sweet song.
   
5. I Will (The Beatles) … Simple, sweet melody. And it’s The Beatles.
   
6. Night Swimming (REM) … An old-school favorite of ours and probably our favorite REM song of all. Kates and I were unanimous about adding it to the list when it came on the iPod while we were driving home one night last winter.
   
7. I Don’t Want To Live On The Moon (Shawn Colvin w/Ernie) … We adore Shawn Colvin’s music, and here she’s singing with Ernie - need we say more? We’ve long loved this song and the night we heard it live will always be a cherished memory … (Hear the song (with a really bad Ernie voice) and watch the video here.)
   
8. Windmills (Toad the Wet Sprocket) … Another old-school favorite of mine that’s perfect for mellowing out …
   
9. Homebird (Foy Vance) … Much of this song’s beauty lies in its sound. (Hear it here.)
   
10. ‘Til Kingdom Comes (Coldplay) ... "For you, I've waited all these years / For you, I'd wait 'til kingdom come."
    
11. Ice Cream (Sarah McLachlan) … Another longtime favorite.
    
12. Gotta Have You (The Weepies) ... It's no coincidence there's a lot of Weepies music on this list. We've been listening to them a lot for the last several months.
    
13. The Luckiest (Ben Folds) … If you know me at all, you know Ben Folds' music is something deep and special to me. Still, I didn’t start to fully get the sentiments expressed in “The Luckiest” until last fall.
    
14. World Spins Madly On (The Weepies) … Sort of a dark song. But it’s The Weepies and, like “Homebird” much of its beauty lies in its sound. (Hear a sampling of the song here.)
    
15. Songbird (Eva Cassidy) … Christine McVie’s original for Fleetwood Mac is a gem, but Eva Cassidy’s voice brings another dimension to it that makes the song even more beautiful. (Hear it here.)
    
16. Love Has a Hold On Me (Amy Grant) … This one was on the cutting board, but after a strong vote of approval from Kates, I kept it on the list.
    
17. Imagine (Avril Lavigne) … I wanted to add “Imagine” to the list, and out of all the versions out there I settled on Avril’s cover because she’s current, Kates and I love her music and her version has a sweet, childlike, girlish vibe to it.
    
18. Answer (Sarah McLachlan) ... I will be the answer / At the end of the line / I will be there for you / While you take the time / In the burning of uncertainty / I will be your solid ground / I will hold the balance / If you can't look down (Hear it here)


19. All Through The Night (Shawn Colvin) ... A beautiful, prayerful lullabye


20. Lullaby (Dixie Chicks) … This one is heart-achingly beautiful.

Disc Two

1. Sooner or Later (Michael Tolcher) ... This is the edgiest and most upbeat song on the playlist, and it could've easily gone on the Rock 'n' Roll, but there's the gentleness in the lyrics, and the parental sense of wanting to see your daughter succeed, made this song too hard to pass up.


2. Everything (Michael Buble) … A recent hit, this song was another one of those that would’ve made our Soundtrack for the Last Nine Months.


3. Song For You Far Away (James Taylor) … I had to get some James Taylor in there, and this was the one to get in.
   
4. The Heart of Life (John Mayer) ... I hate to see you cry / Laying there in that position / There's things you need to hear / So turn off your tears and listen
   
5. Keep It There (The Weepies) ... The thing I love about this one is the way the lyrics read like a nursery rhyme, and the melody is beautiful, too. For the purpose of this playlist, it's my favorite Weepies song.


6. Northern Sky (Nick Drake) … Nick Drake's stuff is one of a kind, and this is one of those that gives me chills every time. (Hear it here.)


7. Sunrise (Norah Jones) … Sunrise, sunrise / Looks like mornin' in your eyes (Hear it here.)


8. Love Song (Treat Williams) … A great cover of a great song I discovered just a few months ago. The cover version, not the actual song.


9. Somebody Loved (The Weepies) … Sun turns the evening to rose / Stars turning high up above / You turn me into somebody loved


10. Blackbird (Sarah McLachlan) ... It's Sarah McLachlan's angelic voice on one of the most beautiful Beatles songs around.


11. Stewart’s Coat (Michelle Branch) ... Just give me many chances / I'll see you through it all / just give me time to learn to crawl.


12. All the Pretty Li’l Horses (Shawn Colvin) ... Hush-a-bye / Don't you cry / Go to sleep, my little baby.


13. Let It Be (Brooke White) … Like “Imagine,” it was important to me that this song also made the list. Brooke White charmed us big time this year on “American Idol,” and after her amazing rendition of the song, it seemed only appropriate to add her version. (Watch it here.)


14. Never Saw Blue Like That (Shawn Colvin) ... Sung at our wedding this song has as much meaning to Kates and I as any on this list. (Hear it here.)


15. A Cold Wind Will Blow Through Your Door (Bill Ricchini) … As Kates and I were driving up and down the state’s eastern coast after my grandfather died last Easter, this song seemed to come on every time we turned on the iPod. I couldn’t resist putting it on Phoebe’s playlist. (Hear it here.)


16. I’ll Say I’m Sorry Now (Shawn Colvin) ... For everything I do / That will tear into you / Let me say I'm sorry now


17. Last Sunset (Glen Phillips) … A gentle gem from the great Glen Phillips, former frontman of - do you know? - Toad the Wet Sprocket. (i.e. one of my all-time favorite bands and the artist behind the “Windmills” song above.)


18. Stars (The Weepies) … A dreamy, good lullabye. (Hear it here.)


19. What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) ... A classic that needs no explanation. (A nice clip here.)


20. January Rain (David Gray) … Another sweet, sweet instrumental - this one conjures up warm visions and dreams, and gives Kates and I the chills every time.


21. Lullabye (Billy Joel) … This one made Kates cry a couple weeks ago as she was rocking Phoebe to sleep to the song. Take a look at the lyrics and this one explains itself. It's perhaps the most perfect song on the list, and the perfect way to end it. (Hear it here.)
    

Sunday reading

... Our church services and my Sunday school class was canceled this morning thanks to this latest winter storm ...

A friend of ours called Kates and I last night to let us know things might be called off if we actually got the huge amount of snow the weather forecasters were predicting. If we only got a dusting, she said, the regular Sunday schedule would still be on ...

I went to bed pretty late last night, seeing little snow falling but still hoping that perhaps things would be canceled. And when I got up this morning, there was barely any new snow on the ground ... So I got ready for church.

Still, the news stations were scrolling dozens of church closings. And ours wasn't being mentioned ...

So I ate breakfast with just minutes to spare before I would be heading out the door ...

Then the phone rings ...

It was Amy. No church activities today. The ice was so thick, the pastor couldn't even open the door ...

Praise the Lord!

... But don't expect me to be feeling so thankful tomorrow. We had 40s last week!! 40s!! We thought spring was on its way!! Enough snow and cold already!!

My point?

It's a good day for cozying up on the couch, doing some reading and watching the biggest basketball game of the season ...

Here's some good reads from the past week ...

Sports ...
a 2007 could be the end of an era
a Jacque Jones happy with another year with Cubs
a Ivy League or bush league? Cubs last team to place ads on outfield walls
a Early to rise? Cubs ready to go
a Cubs' Ramirez hustles to remove lazy label
a Santo wants Hall selection 'very badly'
a Daytona Offers Hollywood Ending ... I'm not a Nascar fan, but watching the finale to last weekend's Daytona was one for the ages ...

Entertainment ...
a So bad they're good: This year's Oscar field is rife with characters who reside in that shame-filled land of Those Who Should Know Better
a Defense of 'Studio 60' becomes a moot point ... Every Monday night we let our DVR record Studio 60, and every week I seem to put off watching it more and more. But the cast -- a lame excuse, I know -- is the only reason I keep watching. It should be really good, right? But it only seems to get more boring and aimless each week ... Just cancel it already.
a 'Long Way' to Grammys: Was the Dixie Chicks' big win fueled by politics? ... In all the excitement the day after the Grammys, a friend asked me if I thought the Dixie Chicks' Grammy success was actually because of their album or politics. I told her it was both: The Dixie Chicks sang their message and political views loud and strong on their "Taking the Long Way" album, and that resonated with people; it's what music is supposed to do. But it didn't hurt that the album also is really good musically, from top to bottom.
a Guide to the Academy Awards ... I rarely get excited about the Oscars, mostly because on most years I've haven't seen many of the films. This year, the only Oscar-nominated film I've seen is "Little Miss Sunshine." But have at it ...
a Specter of Hudson haunts Fox's 'Idol'
a Twenty-three reasons not to see "The Number 23"
a Britney is bald, but not the first celeb to be so bold
a Britney, Anna Nicole, our obsessions - What's the lesson here?

Everything else ...
a What's next? Defining the new generation of young adults
a Chicago readies itself for visit by U.S. Olympic officials ... oh, to have the Olympic games in Chicago. Talk about a dream come true ...
a Palming off the Ash Wednesday dirty work
a Young Voters Find Voice on Facebook
a 450-year-old receipt proves Michelangelo stayed in St. Peter's
a Maryland to Unveil the Page That Began a New Chapter
a Web site points the way to latest attractions ... The Grand Canyon skywalk sounds so freaky -- and soooo cool!!

And from news of the weird ...
a Sword seized after man mistakes porn for rape

Sunday reading

Good reads from the past week ...

Baseball ...
a '82 Brewers expect team's 25-year playoff drought to end ... me too.
a Already, Selig has an allergy to No. 756 ... me too.

Music ...
a Al Gore to Sound Off On Climate Change With Concert Event
a Country radio won't forgive Dixie Chicks
a Lily Allen: First the Web . . . Now the World
a The Cameras May Be Off, but the Heat Is Still On: Finally, television's top-rated series gets to the meat and potatoes: The 12 male semifinalists take the stage Tuesday and the 12 female semifinalists Wednesday in two-hour sessions of "American Idol."
a Bands come alive on Web
a 'Crazy' over an 'instant classic'

Everything else ...
a Interactive night at the Oscars
a Midday Naps Found to Help Fend Off Heart Disease
a Obama offers to bridge an enduring divide
a I'd Do Anything for You, or to You: They Clicked, Then She Snapped

Still talkin'

... It seemed everywhere I turned today people were talking about last night's Grammys. If it wasn't The Police's comeback performance, it was Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder winning, or Mary J. Blige's historic night, or Christina Aguilera's amazing performance. And everybody was talking about the Dixie Chicks -- God love 'em ...

It certainly was one of the more exciting Grammy nights in recent memory.

Grammy makes nice: The Dixie Chicks' sweep of Sunday night's Grammy Awards was like flipping the bird to the haters. They are shunned in the Red States for their now- infamous anti-Bush statement just before the Iraq war began. But there they were Sunday night, racking up five Grammys, including awards for album, song and record of the year.

A critic's notebook -- The highs and lows (Al Gore and Queen Latifah?) of watching the Grammys ... Turns out I wasn't the only one who was tracking the Grammys minute-by-minute...

MSN also offered its best and worst of the Grammys ...

ALSO SEE:

a My Grammy predictions

a My thoughts on the Grammys

Goodnight Grammys!

My thoughts on tonight’s Grammy’s as the events unfolded … As usual, uncut and off the top of my head …

… Ah, The Police … man, did they sound (and look!) good!! It’s as if they never broke up!! … Their performance of “Roxanne” was A-mazing, but I would’ve much rather preferred a mind-blowing medley that opened with “Roxanne,” then a blend into “Message In A Bottle,” and from there “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” and then end it a with a bang on “Every Breath You Take.”

… The first award: Best Pop Compilation -- “For Once In My Life” (Tony Bennett & Stevie Wonder), “One” (Mary J. Blige & U2), “Always On Your Side” (Sheryl Crow & Sting), “Promiscuous” (Nelly Furtado & Timbaland), “Hips Don't Lie” (Shakira & Wyclef Jean) … Holy cow, this category is loaded!!! ….. All five of these are top-notch and deserving. But I was kind of rooting for the winner: Stevie Wonder & Tony Bennett …

… The Dixie Chicks!! What a performance!!!! … Holy cow, Natalie’s a brunette!! And she looks good!

… Hey, there’s Prince again. He’s been everywhere lately … Wasn’t he always a recluse??

… I’m so over Beyonce.

… I’ve even more over Justin Timberlake.

Ok, his performance was good -- except for that whole holding-a-camera-in-his-face thing… Was he really playing the piano??

… Stevie Wonder couldn’t have given a better introduction -- overjoyed!? I’ll say!! -- Corrine Bailey Rae/John Legend/John Mayer … wow. … Surely Corrine could’ve done the crowd better by performing “Put Your Records On” over “Like A Star.” … ooh, I like the Corrine’s and Mayer’s backing vocals to Legend’s lead … Seriously, Mayer?? “Gravity”?? … What’s with this slow stuff?? This is the Grammys!! Let’s have some excitement!! … I’m disappointed. But hey, Mayer can play that guitar!!

NICE!!!!!!! John Mayer just won for best Pop Album!!! … I thought for sure that one was going home with Justin Timberlake …

Seriously. Can Shakira do anything but shake her hips?? I’m so over her too …

It’s always good to see Burt Bacharach …

Yes. The Dixie Chicks won Song of the Year. I’m smiling from ear to ear. You go girls.

Hey! It’s Allyson Hannigan and Cobie Smulders!! … They’re so great!!

… Ok. Not at all liking Gnarls Barkley’s mash-up Army march version of “Crazy.” … But hey, that’s a sweet set with the band and background singers.

… I don’t care who gets to sing with Justin. I’m not voting’ …

… Wow. Mary J. Blige just gave the performance of her life … that was good stuff.

… The Dixie Chicks just won for best country album … Natalie’s “Simpsons” quote was shrewd and so HA-larious. Yep, a whole bunch of people probably just rolled their eyes and turned off their TVs …

… Rascal Flatts -- nice take on “Hotel California” … But seriously. Do they ever perform any original material?

Here we go best new artist!!! … CARRIE UNDERWOOD!?!?!?! … “This is absolutely unbelievable,” she says … I’LL SAY!!!!!!! (can you hear me groaning !?!?)

Smokie and Lionel might be getting older, but they can still do some smooth singin’ …

Chris Brown. Christina Aguilera. Yawn ... I’m starting to lose interest here.

Mary J. is performing again?? … She was great the first time, but did we really need to see her anymore tonight … this show’s really dragging now …

James Blunt’s performance was nice …

This girl singing with Justin Timberlake isn’t bad. I had my doubts about this whole “My Grammy Moment” thing, but the girl is holding her own, and gosh darn it, she’s having fun …

The Dixie Chicks won again!! Record of the Year!! Man. Good for them.

... Here we go with Album of the Year ... (I can’t believe Scarlett Johanssen is recording an album…. Seriously!?!) … The Dixie Chicks AGAIN!! … Wow. You gotta love ’em.

Puzzles, movies & music

Kates and I arrived at my parents’ place this afternoon to spend the rest of the Thanksgiving weekend with them …

Now Kates and Mom are at my future cousin-in-law's wedding shower …

Dad is at work …

And that leaves me here, with the house all to myself, blogging as I listen to my beloved Bearcats on the Internet in a D-II football playoff game …

* * *

It wouldn’t be a Thanksgiving without a couple jigsaw puzzles on the dining table …

The first one, a 500-piece, came out not long after we arrived at the family farm Wednesday and we finished it much later that night. Then, of course, we laid low Thursday, instead spending time with family and sharing a Thanksgiving dinner …

But on Friday morning, while Kates and her mom started in on their Christmas baking, and Kates’ father read a book in the living room -- I couldn’t keep from starting another one (jigsaw puzzles for me are a terrible addiction I can’t seem to shake …). Another 500-piece, I finished it within a few hours …

* * *

It also wouldn’t be a weekend at the farm without a lot of movies …

On Wednesday night, though my concentration was mostly on our puzzle, we loaded up “Syriana” …

The cast is stellar -- George Clooney, Matt Damon, Amanda Peet -- and all the buzz I’ve heard about this film says this it is a political film you’ve got to see …

But I didn’t get it.

Usually I like the movies that are crammed with multiple storylines working at the same time. But this one was almost too busy, too convoluted and too abstract for me. And the storylines never came together for me …

Luckily that was a one-time sentiment as the weekend-watching continued …

On Friday afternoon, after finishing my jigsaw puzzle, we put in “Lake House,” starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock …

Contrary to “Syriana,” everything I’d heard about “Lake House” was that it was a forgettable film. So my expectations were low going in …

Sort of like “Vanilla Sky” meets “Frequency” (two of my favorite movies of all-time) with a hint of “You‘ve Got Mail,” Kate moves from her lake house to a new flat in the city and Alex becomes the new owner. But when the two begin corresponding by mail, they don’t realize Alex is living in 2004 and Kate is living in 2006 … As they discover the mystery, Kate and Alex fall in love via their snail mail and yearn to meet -- even though 2004 Kate is in a serious relationship and has no clue about 2004 Alex. So Kate begins to write about memories she has from 2004 and instructs Alex to try meeting her at various places in 2004 …

The plot, obviously, is complete fantasy, but it was hard not to get wrapped up in the hope Kate and Alex share. The ending is a good one. The chemistry is great. And the cinematography and shots of the Chicago skyline and architectural icons is superb …Good flick.

Then before the credits could roll too far on “Lake House,” I was sticking in “Something’s Gotta Give” …

Now this is one Kates’ father adores, owns, talks about all the time and has watched multiple times … Me? I’d seen parts of it but it never really interested me. I thought it was time to sit down and watch it once and for all …

Turns out, it was pretty darn good. The chemistry between the actors (nice to see you again Amanda Peet and Keanu Reeves) was great! The screenplay was full of wit and good fun -- and it works … definitely recommended.

Finally, with some quick Thanksgiving leftovers for supper, we sat down for one more -- this time it was one I hadn’t heard of -- “An Unfinished Life.”

Funny how the ones you didn’t know about often turn out to be the best ones …

In this one, Jean Gilkyson (Jennifer Lopez) tries to escape from her abusive boyfriend and moves with her daughter Griff to live with Einar (Robert Redford), Jean’s mysterious father-in-law, on his Wyoming ranch. But Einar isn’t so happy to see Jean because he still blames her for the death of his son in a car crash several years earlier. In fact, he doesn’t even know he has a granddaughter.

Making things more interesting -- and comical -- is that Einar is caring for his friend Mitch (Morgan Freeman), who is haunted by a bear attack.

The heart of this film is watching Einar’s slow transition from a man who’s cold and cruel to Jean and his daughter to a man who’s forgiving and willing to do whatever it takes to help them. Eventually, Jean’s abusive boyfriend does find her and it’s up to Einar to protect the girls …

Aside from the heartfelt storyline, the banter between Einar and Mitch is well-played and their chemistry is one of the highlights of the film -- like two baseball coaches shooting the breeze in the dugout. Just as good was Becca Gardner, a scene-stealer as the tough and curious Griff. And I gotta say I was pleasantly surprised by how good Jennifer Lopez’s performance was …

Admittedly, the ending did fall a little flat, and we never really get answers about this bear that attacked Mitch and plays such a major part of the film -- but this is such a brilliantly-done film overall, I can get over its shortcomings …

* * *

So I got to hear the Dixie Chicks new album for the first time yesterday morning. Kates’ parents have it and they popped it in the kitchen CD player …

Wow. Wow. Wow.

Top to bottom, start to finish, I think it’s the Chicks best album yet.

“Not Ready To Make Nice” surely deserves all the radio play it’s getting right now for its great sound and heartfelt lyrics, but it’s hardly the best track on this album.

One of my favorites has to be the catchy lead track, “The Long Way Around.” And the comforting second track, “Easy Silence” is right up there too. I love the lyrics of “Bitter End” and the up tempo feisty-ness of “Lubbock Or Leave It.” And it all ends with the splendid Gospel sound of “I Hope.”

Great, great, great album.

Sunday reading

A few interesting, intriguing, insightful reads from the past week and the world of entertainment ...

a Adrian Pasdar and Milo Ventimiglia play brothers in 'Heroes' ... save the cheerleader! save the world, baby! I can hardly wait for tomorrow night ...
a Finding a 'delicate balance' is 'frustrating' ... apparently Katie Couric is still trying to find her way on the nightly news desk. I wouldn't know ... I tuned out a long time ago ...
a Singer-songwriter Jewel returns with a more sophisticated take on self-reflection
a A Revealing Peep at the Dixie Chicks ... a fascinating look at the Dixie Chicks. I should see this movie ...
a 'Brothers & Sisters' works it out ... Kates and I have been faithful to 'Brothers & Sisters' since its debut. Yes, the storylines are a bit antiquated and sappy at times, but the acting is strong, and amen to the show's creators and writers for staying true to the family-based plot ...

Catching up ...

... It's been one of those weeks ...

... It's never a good thing when your boss starts it by saying he's heavily medicated. But give him credit, he had just returned from a cross-country trip and was going on two hours of sleep ...

... Our office also ushered in a new computer system and software this week. Oh, the madness ... I arrived in our office Tuesday morning to the sight of a gleaming new flat screen computer on my desk. But it was another three hours before the tech guys had all the proper drives installed and programs working properly -- something that was supposed to be completed overnight. Worse yet, I couldn't access my email. The tech guys told me the program was fixed before I left Tuesday evening -- only to discover the next morning they input the wrong password to my computer when they were changing over the system on Monday night ... and the problems with my machine were hardly as bad as some of my cohorts ...

* * *
... It's that time of year again. The first quarter is coming to a close, and Kates is stressing about filling out grade reports and dealing with crazy (... that's putting it nicely for some of them ...) parents.

... add to that the stress of her masters classes ...

... yeah.

Pray for her.

* * *

... With as cold as it's been around here this fall, we've been ready for snow any day now ...

... then on Monday, the leaves kept falling, the sun shined ... and the temperature rose ...

... despite being night falling earlier, it was freakishly warm as we arrived home from work. And I heard a weather report the next morning that said O'Hare's temperature guage read 62 degrees at midnight...

... in October!

* * *

I spent Thursday afternoon visiting the new Discovery World museum in Milwaukee ...

Another museum, I'd love to go back to on my own ... when it's finished.

It's truly a new world of fascination on Milwaukee's lakefront, sandwiched between the art museum and the Summerfest grounds ... But half the museum is still under construction. Walls are being painted, exhibits are being assembled and down the halls you can hear workers banging and drilling. The museum officials contend they wanted visitors to be able to see the museum grow and evolve, but I don't buy it. Sure about two-thirds of it is open and ready, but the lack of a finished product makes it look as though they ran out of money and had to open the big white box in hopes of attracting some visitors and raking in the money to finish it ...

... aside from the construction mess, the museum atrium alone is a sight to be seen with its wide-open views of Lake Michigan. And the interactive science and technology exhibits on the second floor are worth your time as well.

As expected, though, the aquatic room is by far the highlight. The tunnel underneath the aquarium of Carribean fish sucks you in and doesn't let go -- we stood inside the tunnel for several minutes just gazing at the fish passing over us... amazing. And then there's the parts of the floor where only a piece of glass seperates your feet and the fish-filled water that flows underneath you -- that sensation of walking on the water is sure to freak out nine of every 10 people who visit the museum ...

* * *

It was a good TV week ...

... Sunday night's Brothers & Sisters was entertaining and pulled on the heart strings, as usual. And this week's Desperate Housewives may have been my fave of the season. Seeing the girls get drunk on Lynette's porch was classic. And then Lynette finally gave it to Nora ... yes!

... Unfortunately, Lost isn't holding up as well. We didn't watch Wednesday night's episode until late Friday night because, well, we're not so interested anymore. And even then, I'd already heard enough to know that Eko was going to be killed off ... Here's hoping they let Ben die off, end the torture and the survivors band with the Others to figure out what's really happening on that island ...

( ... I totally disagree with the people who are suddenly coming out of the woodwork and saying Eko was one of the most entertaining characters ... but Tim Goodman's rant is a little entertaining ...)

... As for Thursday night, the Aitu tribe's good vibes and domination never ceases to excite me on Survivor. So long Flica: I'll miss ya, you were darn cool, but you were the weakest link ... The Office, as usual, was good for a chuckle here and there ... and Grey's Anatomy finally started making some sense again. Thank goodness ...

But ...

None of those comapare to Heroes. These days, there is no show I look forward to more each week than that exciting web of ordinary people discovering their crazy super-powers ...

* * *

... Still, with no more baseball to watch and several shows in reruns this week I spent much of my evenings this week laying back and -- as the lovely and talented Corrine Bailey Rae sings so beautifully -- put my records on ...

Talk about a great way to get away from it all ...

... I caught the Dixie Chicks on Storytellers last weekend ( ... amazing performance! Catch it if you can in reruns!! They rocked "Cowboy Take Me Away" ...) and that got me on a kick that started the week with "Wide Open Spaces."

... Monday night was truly dedicated to the records: Cat Stevens: Greatest Hits, Fleetwood Mac: Rumors, The Carpenters: A Song For You, Billy Joel: The Stranger, Elton John: Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player ...

... On Thursday morning, I reached way back and pulled out Hootie's Fairweather Johnson ... underrated album.

... And as the weekend arrived, my stereo has performed multiple plays of the Rent movie soundtrack, KT Tunstall's Eye To The Telescope and, dare I say, Paris Hilton's Paris ... hey, it's a catchy album!

Sunday reads

... A rainy Father's Day ...

... Kates and I visited her parents and took them out to IHOP for brunch ...

... and the rain canceled my baseball game, so I took advantage of my free time be falling asleep on the couch.

Here's a few of my favorite reads from the past week, or two ...

a Fiona Apple finds comfort on stage
a Dixie Chicks `Not Ready to Make Nice' ... Their new one is top-notch, and I couldn't be more happy with the fact their music is selling again, and the girls are getting the coverage they deserve, even for speaking their minds ...
a Sgt. Pepper Returns
a Superman: Gay Icon? Christ Figure?
a Bonds, Pujols Could Make for Quite a Show
a How things fell apart in Kansas City ... this article says otherwise, but I've always thought things started falling apart the day the Royals hired Allard Baird. ...Trading away Jermain Dye, Johnny Damon? Seriously.

Sunday reads

Some good reads from this week and beyond...

Baseball reads...
a Bonds conserving his anger, too
a Bonds, Pujols Could Make for Quite a Show
a Ten worst baseball teams of all time
a Excuses have kept Cubs, Baker busy

Movies reads...
a Critters Offer Consumer Retorts in 'Over the Hedge'
a Studios avoid critics’ pan of movies that click with fans

Music reads...
a The Wreckers Shine On Debut Album
a Dour Dixie Chicks ‘Taking the Long Way’ back
a Dixie Chicks find way outside of country

TV reads...
a Doing what it takes to steady their grip
a NBC Betting on Aaron Sorkin's New Drama
a TV Highs and Lows: Taking stock of the TV season's memorable and forgettable shows

Sunday reads

Some good reads on this rainy Sunday afternoon ...

... what are they thinking?
a Man Accidentally Divorces Wife in Sleep ... Kates often talks in her sleep. I shudder to think ...
aApple Corps, Apple Computer feud over logo ... John, Paul, George and Ringo: I like you guys a lot -- but get over it!!!
a `Grey's Anatomy' climbs in ratings, may move to Thursday ... Why! why! WHY! can't TV execs keep from tinkering with good shows!! It's a hit and it's working just fine on Sunday nights! Please don't kill it ...

... good, old-fashioned fun.
a Beverly Cleary, Age 90: Before Harry and Hermione, there was Ramona the Pest ... truly a classic.
a Of Flab and Flimflammery: Veteran Prankster Behind Esquire's 'Fat Tax' Spoof ... I've been in on some good pranks in my day, but this is top-notch.
a Dixie Chicks address that grudge in their return to radio ... I never understood all the hub-bub about their Bush comments in the first place ... The Chicks are still a heckuva threesome, and I'll enjoy them whether they're against our stupid war or not.

... I can relate.
a The square minimum? A cubicle ... I hate the cubicle ...
a Mark Patinkin: 'Make mine a Shirley Temple, barkeep, and hold the grenadine!' ...I'm a straight-beer-man.
a A foul-mouthed America ... I get teased for this occassionally, and now that I think about it, don't really understand why, but -- I don't cuss. ...It's not that I can't do it. I just don't. And it's not like it offends me all that much when someone does... but seriously. What's the point? Is your life really that messed up? Was the driver who cut you off really that malicious? Was the telemarketer you just hung up on that rude? ... whatever happened to the simple 'shoot?' Let's relax a little, America. That's all I'm saying ...