The Extras Christmas Special / Series Finale...

...totally warmed my heart last night. Not as funny as the regular episodes, it still was pretty clear that "Andy Millman" found the project of integrity he was looking for. Bravo.

Apparently everything my mother told me was true, or she's manufacturing signs

Christmas Gift

Please somebody buy me this. Just kidding, I'll ask me ma. ;-)

Josh Ritter...

...does a great cover of "The River" available for download here. Treat yourself.

Romney is insane

“Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom.”

WHAT?!!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!

Music Documentaries

Music documentaries may be my favorite new film genre, if they qualify as one (they do, right?). Maybe I've just been lucky, but Netflix has fed my mailbox some quality stuff recently. Here's a list:

I'm Your Man: Leonard Cohen (brought me to tears)
No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (made me wish for the sixties, just like in The Bends)
Standing in the Shadows of Motown (made me shake my rump)
Bob Dylan: Don't Look Back (made me slightly angry, as the director definitely made BD look kind of like an arse, but the scene with Bob Dylan playing "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" to Donovan made it all worth it)

And of course, the eternal

The Last Waltz (I can't say enough)


I'm going to continue to pursue this path, I believe, so if anyone has any suggestions - bring 'em on. And to the rest of you - these are all highly recommended by me - get some!

Break up Songs

Now, I don't break up very often, so I don't really have any practical use for this list, but I like to fantasize about potential situations, and be prepared, should it come up. That may be the worst sentence ever (I need to do some serious cutbacks on my clauses), but I will persevere. My lovely Olivia sent me Leonard Cohen's Songs of Love and Hate album (it's pure gold!!!). During my first listen, one song grabbed my attention so fiercely that I pretty much couldn't listen to anything else for the rest of the night. It was the first song I'd heard by Cohen where he sounds legitimately pissed off. It's fabulous, and now, it's my favorite break up song ever. I am actually excited to use it someday in the distant future. So here's my short list for best break up songs - PLEASE feel free to comment if you have a favorite or two, as well. Someday, I may have use for it - but until then, we can daydream, right?

"Diamonds in the Mine" Leonard Cohen
"I'm Waking Up to Us" Belle and Sebastian
"4th Time Around" Bob Dylan
"Must I Paint You a Picture" Billy Bragg

Doing Good

Is it just me, or does everyone feel more charitable around Christmas? It's somewhat ironic, because it's usually the time of year when I have the least amount of extra cash, but I can't help myself. Bloody good-will-toward-all-mankind just comes streaming out of me. Well, this year, I had a special outlet for my philanthropic leanings because my friend Deanna is doing something even more amazing and donating her time/body/willpower to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She'll be running in the Rome Marathon and is undertaking some pretty intense training right now. If any of you are searching for a good cause - here is Deanna's web page with a link to donate online. Happy holidays, folks!

Bands I like, and should get more of their past albums

Iron & Wine
The Books
Elliott Smith (I should get all of his albums)
The White Stripes
Pink Floyd (any recommendations for great early albums?)
M. Ward
Tegan and Sara

I don't even have the words.

I wish this were a cartoon, ripped out of a newspaper or from some clever chap on the internet, but no, it's a coloring book. For kids. Put out by the Catholic Church. To combat sexual abuse. And it's 100% for real (unless April Fool's Day came very early this year). I'm honestly speechless.

It's almost crafted for ridicule. Note the overly attractive "angels". The eager look on young Billy's face. And the creepy over-the-shoulder wave (and in my head, he also winks) from our mustachioed priest. I mean, seriously?