“What really knocks me out is a book that, when you’re done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it.”
I know just how you feel, Holden.
Monthly Archives: July 2012
Midnight Mix
I need to tell you about this song. Remember that one time when I confessed to listening to dangerously cheesy tunes while working out? Well, let’s just keep that (medicine) ball rolling and share a little more music.
This song is a metaphoric game-changer for me. I say metaphoric because you will not find me doing any sort of competitive contact sports pretty much ever. I’m not a competitive person and I don’t necessarily enjoy that color on others so I try to avoid making direct contact with it. I like to watch sports, but not play sports. I’m sorry, I digress.
Here is why this song is so magnificent. Picture yourself getting your fitness on at the gym. You’ve been there for a while and you’re not totally feeling it, but you’re already there so why not just finish the session. You’re fitnessing all over the gym but it’s half-assed at best. THEN, this song comes on and you start throwing dumbbells with a passion; you sprint at l-i-g-h-t-n-i-n-g speed on the treadmill; you literally pick up circuit machines and throw them. It’s just the power of the song.
Now, this may not be that song for you, but I’m guessing that if you regularly get your sweat on you have one. Right now, this is mine. And, yes, the songs that inspire this sort of frenetic physical activity changes. Just give it a listen. Something explosive happens around 1:17 and you’re like, great, this is pumpin’, I’m already feeling stronger. But, then, around 1:34 it’s all, Holy pit stains! I am about to hulk out of this workout gear because I am STRONG AS AN OX.
It honestly happens just like that.
Now it’s your turn. What song makes you feel invincible?
Independence Day
Two years ago I celebrated Independence Day in Switzerland.
Last year I spent July 4th in Thailand.
We were at this swanky hotel looking over the (dirtiest) river (I’ve ever seen) in Bangkok.
Getting some tasty Pad Thai from this gentleman in an open market
And ogled at these creatures in a similar market
This year I’m in the States! It feels good to be surrounded by other patriotic Americans, some sporting flag-inspired doo-rags and jean shorts (or wait, is that only my dad?). Truly, though, I love the Fourth of July and plan on spending the day at the beach, if the weather cooperates, eating cheeseburgers, drinking beer, and if I’m lucky, seeing some explosives in the sky.
Whatever I do today, I know I will take some time to feel sincerely grateful to live in this country. I am so blessed and feel truly lucky to be here.
AMERICA!!!
Camera 1, Camera 2
Aren’t covers just great? I don’t mean sheets and blankets, but those are special too. I mean covers of songs. I love the idea of hearing another person’s interpretation of an original. There’s just so much creativity out there, how can we possible harness it all?!
Here are two versions of the same song, “Teardrop.” I first heard the Jose Gonzalez edition (the cover) and obviously loved it, because Jose is the man and has a top-notch voice. Then, several moons later I heard the Massive Attack variant and was like, “Oh, yes, now this is very good.” Some songs you just definitely prefer one over the other. This one, though, is a toughy. I truly like them both.
Thoughts?*
*maybe disregard that this first video is of a fetus in the womb and the second video has Jesus flying like a super-hero. Just focus on the music…
Restoring Humanity
This is not the first (and I”m sure not the last) time I have featured a list created by BuzzFeed on the blog. They make good lists. It’s true. To start, I’m a fan of numbered items. Additionally, I like photographs that accompany the aforementioned numbered items. It’s a win-win as BuzzFeed excels at both!
So here is another list for you: 21 Pictures That Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity. Again, I’m totally late on this. Over 40,000 people have already Twittered it. But, since I don’t do the Twittering or have Google+ (but, really, who does?), and don’t share a whole lot on Facebook (pronounced the Italian way, “fah-chay-book”), I’ve somehow missed it.
Viewing this is a good exercise in understanding generosity. And humility. And general kindness. All actions we could use more of. Especially today.
This is me passing it along to you, who may also be late to arrive on the scene. It’s really quite beautiful, actually. I particularly love numbers 4, 7, 18, and 21. What about you? What are your favorites?
