TV is Kind of Good Again

Do you remember back in the day when there was nothing that would keep you from watching your favorite television show? I loved TV as a kid. I was an addict. I knew what would be on every channel at any time, 7 days a week.
Throughout my 20's I probably watched about 2 hours of television total. I still loved TV, but the shows all sucked. Honestly, was there any good TV on in the 90's (aside from Seinfeld)? I don't think so. And don't give me this FRIENDS crap. Friends wasn't that friggin good. As a matter of fact I found it obnoxious. Lisa Kudrow is not funny. Aniston is over-rated. I enjoyed Chandler's wise ass comments but that was it.

Anyway, television is getting good again. The return of the sitcom has happened. Dramatic television makes you use your brain. I think Reality TV is good in doses. American Idol and Survivor are both cool shows. I can't stand the Bachelor or The Bachelorette, or I want to Marry Your Uncle, or I Want to Sleep with a Cow...Those shows are ridiculous.
Jason Lee and Steve Carell have made Thursdays Must-See TV nights again. Is there a funnier character on TV today than Earl Hickey. Everybody Hates Chris is also a very funny show. Chris Rock is definitely a genius. LOST is absolutely friggin brilliant. It never stops messing with your mind. I can't wait to find out "why" they are on the island. My wife lives for "24" with Kiefer Sutherland.
The common denominator for the emergence of these great shows is the resurrection of brilliant actors. We had not heard from Charlie Sheen in years, now he is getting Emmy and Golden Globe Nominations. Jon Cryer was Ducky..and now he is on the highest rated comedy on TV. Jason Lee went from second fiddle in Almost Famous and Chasing Amy, to showing his comic expertise on "Earl". Kiefer Sutherland was the bad guy in every damn movie he was ever in. Now he defends the President and the well being of us all every week.

Anyways, I'm glad TV is finally good again.

Mary-Year 1

Tomorrow is my daughter's birthday...and I haven't screwed her up yet.
I remember when I was 1, the good old days. Just Kidding.
The year has flown by and I can't believe that I am still a father.
I am so lucky to have a healthy, beautiful daughter.
Someone once said that you learn something new every day. With a child, you learn something new every minute.

Anyways here are the top ten things I've learned since becoming a parent.

1. When it's your kid, it's not called babysitting, it's called parenting.

2. Babies R Us is very fashionable.

3. Bert and Ernie are kind of gay.

4. Don't heat up a bobo with the nipple still on it.

5. Poop can come in a variety of shapes and colors.

6. The wheels on the bus go round and round all through the town.

7. Stage 3 Peas don't look as yummy coming out via projectile vomit.

8. Bedtimes vary depending on moods.

9. Baby + Cookies = Nasty

10. I've learned how lucky I am, because I know so much about Babies R Us, Bert and Ernie, Bobo's, Poop, The Wheels on the Bus, Stage 3 Peas, Projectile Vomit, Bedtimes and Cookies!

Happy Birthday Mary!
Love
Dada

Annoying Sitcom Characters

They make you turn the channel. They make you cringe. If they were real, you would want to kill them. They do not exist in our reality.

I hate cheesy sitcom characters. There are plenty of them. I don't understand them. Anyways...here are my all time top ten most annoying sitcom characters.

1. Mona-Who's The Boss- The oversexed queen of the one liners. My Grandma does not behave this way. Every episode she was having another date or offering sex advice. Slut-Whore!!! Most Grandmas give you ten bucks for your birthday...Mona would probably get you a subscriptiopn to Hustler. Tony Danza did not deserve her. By the way Mona, get your own house and a job.

2. Jonathan Bower- Who's the Boss- By the way, I hated this damn show. Jonathan was the annoying creep who had no life. I wanted to beat the crap out of him. He was recently outed by STAR Magazine. I could have told them that he was gay since 1986. He was upset with Angela during one episode. He muttered, "Great Balls Of Fire, Mom!" Most 11 year olds would say, "Gee, That Sucks!" Who came up with this charcter. He would have received a butt kicking if he went to my high school. He freakin sucks!

3. Natalie- The Facts of Life- One Joke Wonder. We get it Natalie...You're fat. That was her thing. She was fat. Every storyline was about her being obese. Try Atkins!!! Eastland was so fake. There is no way Blair would have hung around with Natalie. They should have had a "very special episode" where Natalie gets stabbed.

4. Jessie Spano- Saved By The Bell- I'm so excited! I'm so scared!!!! Jessie got addicted to caffeine pills. She played the lead in Snow White in the Seven Dorks. She was Student Council President. She wouldn't date guys shorter than her. She sang a song to Slater's dead lizard. If I did that stuff, I would have to kick my own ass.

5. Blossom-Blossom- There is no way any good natured high school boy would ever date Blossom Russo. Why? The beak. Look at that thing. She looked like a damn bird. That show was a load of BS. She dressed like a maniac and people called it hip! Were we all blind? It looked like the Lucky Charms Leprechan threw up on her. No , seriously Blossom, your hat looks cool!

6. Grandma Winslow- Family Matters- Grandma always got a huge laugh whenever she said something "cool." They tried to make her hip but she came across like an idiot. She was just inappropriate. I hated the beginning credits when she was reading Rolling Stone. "I love u2!" No you don't. You are 112 years old!

7. Eric Matthews-Boy Meets World- Is he trying to be funny or is he mentally challenged? I understand that he was the dumb, good looking older brother. He got more idiotic as the years went by. He had a strange relationship with Feeny too! What exactly was going on there? How did he end up going to college? Why did he end up hanging out with his younger brother's friends? If that was me, I would have got my ass kicked.

8. Kimmie Gibbler-Full House- Shut up!!!! You are not freakin funny!!! Everyone in the Tanner household (except DJ) hated her. DJ, you are not cool for hanging out with an annoying girl who dresses like a moron. There should have been an intervention episode where they forbade DJ to hang out with Gibbler. She was a bad influence on all the Tanner girls. She should have gone to a special school.

9. Andy- Family Ties- He's cute...we get it. Throw him a cute line and people will like him...Hell No! "Oh Look (gush), a tiny Alex P. Keaton!" No! There was only one Alex P. Keaton. We don't need another one. A mini-me. He was cute for about 12 seconds. Now he has tatoos and a band. The kid is a walking cliche. I loathe him!

10. Screech and Urkel- Come on. Grow up. As the years went by, they both got higher pitched voices and continued to dress like mental patients. There is only one original. HORSHACK!!! Neither has a career now. I hope they saved some money.

Minor Saved By The Bell Characters

We all know Zack, Slater, Screech, Kelly, Jessie and Lisa. They all went to Bayside High. They were involved in every club and team which that fine high school had to offer. I am, of course, talking about Saved By The Bell.

This epic and ground breaking TV program answered some of our most intriguing questions...
Can I yell time out and have everything stop?
Can I always eat lunch at the same establishment?
Can every song on a juke box have no lyrics?

These shows were groundbreaking, hard hitting and ultimately life saving! Remember Jessie's addiction to caffeine pills. She was so excited...so scared

Okay, I am a geek. I thought SBTB was so cheesy. Cheesy yet awesome. I loved the main characters because they were so stereotypical. The cool guy, the jock, the geek, the cheerleader, the smart girl and the fashion guru. Miraculously (and thankfully) they all got along.

The best part of the show were the secondary characters. Those unsung characters that pushed a majority of the episodes into another realm.

Anyways, here is my top ten list of the Greatest Secondary Characters on Saved By The Bell.

1. Johnny Dakota- The movie star who planned to shoot an anti-drug commercial at Bayside. Unfortunately, Johnny was a pothead. This episode was fantastic. It included an anti-drug rap performed by the Bayside Students. "When it comes to drugs, just say no." Johnny also hooked up with Kelly. He gave Zack a terrible looking purple jacket as well. The one thing I learned from Johnny Dakota was that there was "no hope in dope."

2. Jeff- He stole Kelly away from Zack. However, he cheated on her in the following episode. Pimp!!! He was the Manager of the Max. Not a bad job for a college guy. Kelly was probably turned on by Jeff's position at the Max and thought that dating him would ultimately lead to a promotion. Jeff didn't care that he was committing a crime by dating Ms. Kapowski. He was 19, she was 16. Statutory!!! Shame on you Jeff!

3. Rod Belding- Mr. Belding's hip, younger brother. After promising the gang that he would accompany them on a white water rafting trip, he changed his mind and went out with a stewardess. Who could blame him? Mr. Belding had a fantastic line in this episode, "Get out of my school Rod." Good on ya Mr. B.

4. Homeless Chick in the Christmas Episode- Hysterical! Not that being homeless is funny, but watching this girl act is. She was accused of stealing a Sports Jacket for her homeless Dad. Mr. Moody, owner of Moody's Store for Men, contacted Mall Security only to find out that Kelly had paid for the jacket. Did Kelly switch jobs? Were there no benefits at the Max when Jeff left? Anyway, the homeless girl and father opted to live in the Morris house until they got back on their feet. Of course we never saw them again.

5. Big Pete- Volleyball expert, yes. Actor in school plays, of course. We first saw Big Pete in the "Summer" episodes at the Beach Club. Later, he attended Bayside High. Not only did he have parts in two theatrical productions, (Swan Pond and Snow White and the Seven Dorks) but he was also a member of the Boys Team in the episode where the sexes clash in a battle for a Bayside Money Inheritance. Money for Sports!!!

6. Jessie's Stepmother- When Jessie's father plans to remarry, Ms. Spano suffers ANOTHER traumatic ordeal. Apparently, Jessie thinks her new step-mother is a slut and is only marrying her father for money. Mr. Spano owns a hotel and begins to date her fine ass because she is the hotel's aerobics instructor. I think Jessie's stepmom would have received a nice settlement in a sexual harrassment lawsuit...I'm sure she will clean him out in a future divorce proceeding. The best moment comes when Jessie actually tries to drown her during a swimming race. Issues Spano!

7. Kevin The Robot- In earlier episodes at Bayside, Screech was often accompanied by a smart-ass robot. The best thing about Kevin was that he was programmed to remember Screech's birthday...and forgot. Kevin was also an honorary hall monitor. I just liked Kevin because he wasn't given a crazy futuristic name. Not Gizmo, or Z-123 or Gemini...just Kevin.

8. Mr. Tuttle- Sure, he had his run-ins with Belding, but the guy was one hell of a teacher. Not only did he teach Driver's Ed on a Golf Cart, but he also led Bayside in the Choral competition. (Thanks to Violet, Screech's geeky girlfriend.) Tuttle had no morals. He would also have the students lip-sync during choir performances. He led a teacher strike against Belding. He was also the victorious teacher during the Academic Bowl, even though his protege (Screech) was hospitalized with a severe cold. Belding hosted the Academic Bowl against Valley. There were apparently no other schools beside "Valley" in this California District. (Mr. Tuttle is not to be confused with Leon Carosi of The Beach Club episodes.)

9. Jennifer, The Hot Nurse- Zack, after finally getting Kelly to go steady with him, drops the ball and falls for the new school nurse. After hearing about this, the Nurse, in cohoots with the rest of the gang, double crosses Zack and pretends to have a husband. The made up husband apparently wants to "fight Hulk Hogan for the Belt." Wrestling is fake dummy! Zack loses both the nurse and Kelly in the process. Unfortunately, he continued wearing Converse "Cons" with pegged jeans. Jennifer must have lost her job, because we never saw her again.

10. Wendy, Fat Student Council Member- In a date auction, Zack lands in the very flabby arms of Wendy. A big girl with a big heart. Zack tells Wendy that he doesn't date fat chicks. Wendy tells Zack that she is going to the dance alone because "at least she will be with someone that she trusts." Zack becomes a good guy and dances with her. He even takes her to the Max afterwards for dinner. I hope Zack brought his wallet cause Wendy could probably eat 15 Max Burgers in one sitting.

Poker Pros

I have been playing Poker for the past 3 years. Tournaments and stuff like that. I have played at Foxwwods. It's fun...but boring. My wife does not understand my infatuation. Lately, I have been watching it on T.V., more than playing.

I admire people who have the balls to put ten grand on a line with a 1 in 5000 chance to win 7 million. I don't have the faith in myself as a human to do that. Do you know how many diapers I could buy? I'd have to seek therapy if I lost 10 grand. I've taken some bad beats in 50 dollar tournaments but I couldn't imagine losing so much money on the "river."

The worst beat I ever taken was in a thirty man 20 dollar tourney. First paid about 300 bucks. Not a lot of money, but I am competitive and wanted to win it. There were 8 people left, 6 places pay out.

I am dealt Ace of hearts, and 7 of hearts. I call the big blind with two other players. The flop comes 8 hearts, 6 hearts, 5 hearts. Yes, I flopped the Ace high flush. Unbelieveable. I check, the big blind bets, I come over the top. The other players fold and the big blind calls my raise. I put him on a heart draw which I already had (I also had the straigh flush draw). 2 of clubs on the turn. I check. The other guy bets, I smooth call. The river brings the 2 diamonds. I check. He goes all in. I call. He flips over the 8 clubs and 2 spades. Full house. I am livid. I am eliminated.

I, of course, couldn't sleep for a week after that hand. I couldn't stop thinking about it. That's when I thought, I will never play professionally. I mean that was 20 bucks. Could you imagine if it had been for 10000. I'd have to kill myself.

Anyways, I admire Poker Pros. I like watching certain players. Here is my list of Favorite Poker Pros.

1. Daniel Negranu- He is unbelievable. He lays down straights when someone has a flush. He slow plays Aces better than anyone in the world. The guy is also hysterical at the table. He pushes buttons not in a mean way but playfully. He plays flawlessly at final tables. WSOP Player of the Year in 2004. All time money winner on the World Poker Tour.

2. Phil Ivey- He shows no emotion when he wins. He shows no emotion when he loses. The guy is a statue. He tends to have bad luck at final tables but has balls to go all in with a crappy pair like 5's or 6's. There is a great story going around where he had to win a 500,000 dollar tournament to break even after losing 500,000 betting on which card would come out next. Balls!

3. Greg Raymer- A nice guy who defied the odds. Won the WSOP in 2004 against 2500. Then he placed 25th in 2005 against 5700. Unreal. That's like winning the lottery two years in a row. He gets lucky in coin flip situations, but has the gonads to call Ace-King with pocket 4's.

4. Mike Matusow-The Mouth is freaking entertaining. After getting eliminated in WSOP 2004. He started to cry. He cried on ESPN. He came in 76th place. He won 30,000 grand and started crying. He made an unbelievable run in 2005, placing 9th in the Main Event(paying him 1 million). He ultimately won the Tournament of Champions for 1 million. Not a bad year. 2 million bucks. I wouldn't want to be at a final table with him. He'd probably make fun of me.

5. Dutch Boyd-He's a weird dude. I like his poker profile on ESPN. He graduated from Princeton at the age of like 14. You can tell he is kind of crazy. I love the way he said, "I'm gonna have to make some desperation calls." He is also cool because he started a "Poker Gang". "The Crew!" So gay!!!

6. Dan Harrington- You don't see too much of him on TV. Only during the WSOP. He is just a solid player. People are afraid to play against him. If he bets on a hand, most people fold. He had a classic bluff with a 6-2 offsuit at the final table of the main event causing Raymer to fold his Ace-2 Suited. He is arguablly the best WSOP player ever, with a win, a 3rd and a 4th. (The latter two happening in consecutive years against the biggest field in World Series history.) He also wears an ugly green Red Sox hat.

7. Sam Farha- He is a pimp. 2nd in the Main event in 2003. He busted Goldie Hawn's son on the first hand of the Main Event in 2005. He dresses cool and doesn't smoke but always holds a cigarette. Ironic, Don't you think?

8. Mike McDermott- Alright, he is not real. The movie Rounders was awesome. He has a friend named Worm, and lost all his money to KGB. He then got his money back from KGB. He broke up with a hot chick and hustled tourists out of their money. That is one life lived, my friends.

9. Todd Brunson- Doyle's son. he won a bracelet this year and was 2nd to Chan in the Poker Superstars Invitational, but the thing I like most about him is his ponytail. I will repeat that...he has a ponytail. Yes, a ponytail.

10. Gus Hansen-He plays 7-2 offsuit like they were Aces. He plays almost every hand ever dealt to him. Nobody ever knows what he is playing. he mixes up his game nicely. He would move higher on this list if he had a ponytail.

It's fun watching the poker professionals play. They have guts man.

When Star Wars Had Cool Characters

I am 30 years old. 30. I am married and have a daughter. I am a parent. Why do I still love Star Wars?
I fell in love with Star Wars as a kid. I was the perfect age for the toys and movies. Every Christmas there would be oodles and oodles of Star Wars action figures, vehicles, books, punching bags, shrinky dinks and whatever else nestled under my Christmas Tree. I know kids ordinarily play with these toys once and up in the attic they go. Not me...I was obsessed. I would watch the original trilogy as much as I could...every waking moment. I would photograph my figures in battle scenes. Living in Boston, the seasons always created my background. Winter was always Hoth. April Showers brought Dagobah. Summer was all about Tatooine. Fall was Endor. It was magnificent. I always felt bad for the kids who playes with GI Joe guys. They were in a much less significant league than I. I will always cherish the times with my brothers and friends building ewok villages and snow castles. Having Lightsabre battles. Pretending we were Luke and Han in the woods. Such fun times.

I didn't mind the new trilogy. They were O.K. I had issues as a Star Wars purist. The great thing about the original trilogy were the locations. They seemed real. It wasn't computer generated snow in Empire. Cloud City had a beautiful set. It wasn't green screened. The new ones looked fake. Even the characters in Jabbas palace looked more "real" than frickin Jar Jar. George Lucas was showing off with his computer team and special effects. The reason why we loved the special effects in the original trilogy was because they seemed hand made. Very little computer animation.
Most of all we loved the characters. Sure Ewan McGregor was cool, but that was about it. I enjoyed the dialogue and the actions of the old characters. Anyway, I am not here to bitch about the new ones. I want to pay homage to the original.

Here Are My Top Ten Coolest Star Wars Characters Ever:

1. Boba Fett- He had the coolest outfit. The coolest voice. The coolest weapons. The coolest ship. I hated his new back story form Episode II. Another wasted opportunity. Still, "Put Captain Solo in the cargo hold" is such a kick-ass line!

2. Jabba the Hut- I was scared to death of seeing him on the big screen. He was the most fantastic creation I had seen on film. Why did Lucas had to go and computer animate him for the prequels. Again, he looked more realistic in 1983 than in 1999. I loved it when he killed his dancing girl. Good on ya Jabba.

3. Max Rebo- The blue keyboard playing alien in Jabba's Palace. He kind of looked like a cross between an anteater, a smurf and an elephant. The way he jammed on his keyboard was so awesome. I never knew a muppet could rock so hard.

4. Han Solo- Obviously. The guy was a friggin Pimp! He lied, cheated and stole and was a GOOD GUY. He was the guy who smoked in high school. He was the kid stealing hood ornaments in junior high. He was the dude getting thrown out of the movies for making out with a chick in the back row. I wish I was more like him. "Maybe you'd like it better back in your cell, your highness." Pimp!

5. Wedge- The guy blew up the 2nd Death Star. I always marvelled at Wedge's promotions throughout the original trilogy. He went from Red 2 to Rogue 2 to Red Leader. That's like going from the mailroom to CEO in 1 year. Wedge never got the credit which he deserves. He was probably the best and luckiest pilot in the rebellion.

6. Admiral Ackbar- The leader of the rebellion's sneak attack on the 2nd Death Star looked like a lobster. "Concentrate all fire on that Superstar Destroyer !" Awesome delivery of a line. Kudos Ackbar!

7. Gold Leader (original Star Wars)- During the trench run in the 1st Death Star, I always dug the way the guy said this line..."Switch to Targeting Computer." He got his ass blown up a few seconds later, but still he must've done something right to become a high ranking pilot.

8. Walrus Man and the Other Guy who OB1 kills in the Cantina-"You better watch yourself, we're wanted men, I have the death penalty on twelve systems!" The guy has got to be cool. Homeboy must have done some crazy shit warranting that many death penalties. I'll be careful. "You'll be dead!!!!"

9. Lobot- Clud City Security. He didn't do much. He totally rocked those headphones though. He also saved Leia and Chewie from Stormtroopers. Lando's right hand man.

10. Sarlacc Pit-"You will be slowly digested over a million years." He supposedly killed Fett, props to the Pit.

Unsung Heroes in Boston Sports

Brady, Bird, Manny, Ortiz, Schilling, McHale, Bourque

Heroes. Boston Sports Royalty. They will never have to buy a beer in Beantown again.

But what about those other guys. The other athletes who we tend to forget. The athletes who made the big play but were later forgotten by a heroic effort made by a more "popular" player. These players deserve kudos. A tribute. Maybe even a monument showcasing their extraordinary efforts. Well, this is the least I could do.

Here are my top ten favorite Unsung Heroes in Boston Sports

1. Mark Bellhorn-Red Sox-We all remember Schilling's sutured ankle and gutsy effort against the Yankees in Game 4 of the ALCS in 2004. Most people forget the 3-run homer by Bellhorn giving Schilling a small cushion. Game 1 of the World Series, Bellhorn stepped up again on a windy, blustery, cold night and belted the game winning home run which ultimately led to a Red Sox Championship. I proudly wear my Bellhorn jersey even though he struck out too much.

2. Mike Vrabel-Patriots-You would think opposing teams in the Superbowl would start covering this guy. 6 career receptions...for touchdowns. 2 in the Super Bowl. By the way, he is also one hell of a linebacker.

3. Kevin Millar-Red Sox-He drew the biggest walk in Red Sox history. Dave Roberts got the glory for stealing 2nd off Rivera, but we forget how he got to first base. Millar also carried the Sox on his back when they went on that huge winning streak in August. He opened his stance and crushed pitch after pitch during that stretch.

4. Gerard Phelan- Boston College Eagles- Flutie threw that Hail Mary over 50 yards...but who caught it? Phelan, Flutie's roomate, is possibly the greatest receiver to ever put on the BC uniform. How did he sneak behind the Miami D-backs and manage to catch that ball? Unbelievable play! Perhaps the most well-known catch in College Football History.

5. Reggie Lemelin-Bruins-He led the Bs to their greatest season in the past 30 years. Stepped up big during their playoff run, especially against Montreal. I loved the fist pumps after victories.

6. Scott Wedman-Celtics-People remember Bill Walton as the 6th man for the Celtics back in the glory years. Wedman was perhaps a better shooter than Larry Legend. In numerous big games Wedman consistently scored 12-14 points and had a near perfect field goal percentage. He had a game where he went 8-8 against the Lakers in a championship series. The guy just shot lights out.

7. Bill Mueller-Red Sox-Millar walks, Roberts pinch-runs and steals second. Someone had to knock him in. Against the greatest reliever of our time, in the 9th inning of a must win game, Mueller had the biggest clutch hit in Sox history. That summer he also hit a game winning homer in the brawl game against Rivera in extra innings. Yankee-Killer!

8. David Givens-Patriots- 2 Super Bowls and 2 Touchdown receptions. He also remains a vital weapon in Brady's arsenal. At one point he had like 20 straight receptions for first downs. An underrated player in the NFL, but a player every team would like to have.

9. Tim Wakefield-Red Sox-This knuckleballer has done it all. Starter, long relief, closer. Always good for 12-15 wins. Stepped up in the Yankees ALCS when he was needed to eat up innings in a rout. Always puts the team before himself. Does it all without complaining.

10. Josh Miller-Patriots-Ahhh, the lonely punter. Not only is he one of the best punters in the league, but he is the holder for the greatest clutch kicker of all time. Sports fans do not appreciate the art of the holder. He never lets down the Pats or their fans.

The Wiggles are the New Beatles

"Toot toot Chugga chugga Big Red Car"

Who are the creative geniuses behind this brilliant lyric? The Beatles, sorry. The Rolling Stones...nope. The Beach Boys...incorrect

It's The Wiggles! A group of 4 middle-aged men who are the saving grace to parents everywhere.
I am sure you have heard stories of how annoying they are. How absurd the songs are. Maybe even how rich they are. But they are one of the better educational programs for children today.

Sure, I had my reservations. 4 men in solid colored shirts hanging out with a dog, a dinosaur, a pirate who tickles and a disturbing looking octopus. It doesn't sound like the best thing for a child to watch. It sounds more like a weird gay porn. Then I watched the T.V. show. I bought a C.D. I bought a few DVD's. I bought the toys. Not only was my daughter obsessed. I was as well. It got to the point where I was listening to the Wiggles in my car...when my daughter wasn't with me.
My daughter gets so excited when I put a Wiggles DVD in the player. She knows she will have an hours worth of songs, dances and comedy. Her face lights up and her excitement turns into laughter. Plain and simple, they make her happy...which in turn makes me happy. So, yes, I am in debt to the Fab 4 from Australia. As a parent, they are the perfect baby sitters. There are no worries and you don't have to pay them. (Well, 15.95 per DVD, but its well worth the investment.)

So here are my top ten favorite Wiggles Songs;
1. This Little Baby is Born Again- "Santa's Rockin"-It reminds my sister of my Dad, who passed away in Decmber of 2004. A beautiful song letting us know the true meaning of Christmas.
2. The Monkey Dance- A perfect club song for toddlers. It's the Childrens version of the Macarena. It basically tells you to imitate a monkey, elephant and tiger. It also asks us to jump to the front and back. A lot of fun.
3. Rock a Bye Ya Bear-A lullaby which has been sung to my daughter many times in a solo performance.
4. Swim Like a Fish- "Wiggle Bay"- If the Beach Boys were from Australia this could have been 'Surfin USA'.
5. Captain Feathersword Fell Asleep on his Pirate Ship- The chorus is "Quack Quack Quack Quack Quack Cock-a doodle do"...nuff said.
6. Can You Point Your Fingers and Do the Twist- Could have been another club song...kind of like the electric slide.
7. Toot Toot Chugga Chugga Big Red Car-The Wiggles sing about the hippest car this side of the Batmobile.
8. The Dancing Flowers-You need to see this video. The Wiggly dancers are dressed up as flowers singing BataBaPa-One Word...ART.
9. Bit By Bit-Here, our friends help build a set for the Wiggles TV Show. It demonstrates teamwork. As they say in Australia, Good on Ya Wiggles!
10. Hot Potato- It has never been this much fun singing and dancing about vegetables and spaghetti.

So I'd like to send a big hearty thank you to the Wiggles on behalf of parents everywhere, except for the ones that watch theTeletubbies.

311 baby

Yeah, I am bloggin now.

I've been diggin 311 for almost 10 years now. 1995 baby! I remember working at Circuit City and having my buddy Shawn telling me to "Check this Shit out." I rambled over to the Play Station (not the game console but a device in "The City" which played new recordings.) From the first line of the first song on the blue album, I was hooked. "Chill! Light on my side as my ego becomes, a funky child put some words on my tongue." BANG, BOOYAH, and WOW!Instantly, I knew that this would be the band I would always connect to. They knew what I wanted to hear. They knew how to say everything I felt. A band that would lift me up. I found the soundtrack of my life.
Over the years, we have grown together. My musical tastes have changed. As has 311. More Melody and Harmony now...but still catchy hooks. Their words have expressed every emotion I have felt through my 20's.

During my yearning for love phase;"Twilight Zone, Twilight Zone, I'm floating in the dark alone, and is there any love out here, let me know." 'Prisoner'

During my yearning for my lost youth phase; "4th of July, with Lucy in the Sky, I remember palm trees and the cloak of many colors; I was 19, I'd do anything, Shit like that now scares me but I'd like to do it again." 'Homebrew'

During my yearning for my Dad phase; "Lost a thousand ships in my heart, so easy, still it's fine from afar." 'Amber'

I yearn a lot apparently.

Here is my top ten list of favorite 311 songs you must listen to;
1. Down-Blue Album- Probably their most well known song. Enjoy SA's driving lyrics with Nick's catchy chorus. Still pumps me up.
2. Getting Through to Her-Don't Tread on Me-A beautiful song. Listen for Nick's harmony in a few spots. Poignant.
3. Prisoner-Transistor-A pure love song, plain and simple. An antidote for those searching for their solemate.
4. Do You Right- Music- The happy slam dance song is one of my favorite party anthems.
5. Hive-Blue Album-The angry 311 song. It gets you pumped and pissed. The guitar build up into "CCCCCome in like a nightmare" is so killer.
6. Omaha Stylee-Grassroots- The chorus people, the chorus! It leads into the great line,"All we coming with is a little bit of swing, every one like it ain't no thing"
7. First Straw-Greatest Hits- A message about 2nd and 3rd chances and why we need an excuse to get there.
8. Flowing-Soundsystem-It basically tells us to concentrate on the task at hand and not to dwell on the past...with a catchy chorus
9.My Stoney Baby-Music- The greatest opening line of any song ever;"The fish who keeps on swimming is the first to chill upstream." Yes! Hexum!
10. Frolic Room-Don't Tread on Me- I love big hits and delays in songs. Listen for "The Party(beat), at the Party (beat)...Glorious!