365 days ago…..
I can’t believe a year has already gone by……just to relive the memories, here are a few photos from the wedding.
Happy Birthday Mom!
I have mixed feelings today. Up until 2001, September 11 was my mom’s birthday. Now the date is shared with a event in history that we will never forget…the attack on the United States…World Trade Center, The Pentagon and Flight 93.
So, in the spirit of my mother’s birthday. I looked up the history of the Happy Birthday song.
According to the Guiness Book of World Records - it is the most recognized song in history. The melody of the song comes from another song - Good Morning To All, which was written by two sisters in 1893. They had written that song as a song that was easy for children to sing. The actual words to “Happy Birthday to you” has been accredited to Preston Ware Orem and Mrs. RR Forman in 1935. Based on those copyrights, the copyright will run out in 2030. There are other history notes as well that vary a little from this.
Did you know the public performances of the song are technically illegal unless royalties are paid?HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
Then and Now
Remember when MTV actually played videos? Remember 120 Minutes? The show I had to record (VHS) on Saturday night since it came on too late? (and yes, I hyperlinked VHS) Remember the best game show ever…Remote Control….
I think it all hit the fan for me over the weekend….In my opinion….MTV is awful.
I try to keep up with music. Trust me, I really don’t listen to mainstream music like Britney or Jonas Brothers….but I do try to see what’s going on. Yes, I’m a Maroon 5 fan, but I would rather listen to The Postal Service than Mariah Carey.
Anyway, the Video Music Awards this past weekend has received much controversy regarding the host being, let’s say, a litte outspoken as well as the ever “comeback” of Britney. I’m glad she’s doing well. But I’ve realized that either I’m getting way too old, or I just don’t like today’s music. I couldn’t watch it. I honestly tried watching the show, but had to change channels. What ever happened to the “good ole days” Darn it…I am getting old.
And don’t get me started on shows like “exposed” or “Next”
I do like watching America’s Next Top Model Marathons on MTV sometimes. Nothing says new music like a show about models.
Here is an excerpt from Remote Control starring…..the very young Adam Sandler…..as Stud Boy….
Go Away Gustav
Not much to write about this blog….just felt like I need to mention this. On the Friday before Labor Day….to honor those workers who helped those in need in New Orleans in 2005 and those who continue to assist…….on the eve of Hurricane Gustav who will put New Orleans in the path of destruction……..Louisana…..you are in our thoughts and prayers…
Hansen not Hanson
Not a big fan of the group Hanson…..but a huge fan of Beck Hansen…..he goes by just Beck.
On the drive to the gym this morning, I was listening to NPR. Low and behold, Beck was being interview on NPR’s Morning Edition. He has new album coming out Modern Guilt which I’ve heard bits and pieces from, but really need to sit down and listen. His music is so unique….and is definitely one of those artists that you like or don’t like. I’m not sure if there is much in-between.
In his interview on NPR, it was interesting to hear the history of the way his songs are sung….kind of off the cuff…what did he just say, making up new words, etc. He says he based it off of how his grandfather used to talk…back in the 1960s.
A quote from NPR from Beck about his grandfather:
“He had a lot of made-up words, or what seemed to be made-up words,” Beck says. “He was just riffing all the time. You know, it was ‘broken-down traffic miasma, we boogied uptown over here,’ and whatnot, and this and that. It was all just rolling off of his tongue.”
I just think he is the coolest cat around.
Take a listen…..
(circa 1997 Grammys! Check out Ellen)
Here comes your man!
My husband is a huge Pixies fan.
For those of you who are familiar with The Pixies….a small band out of Massachusetts that went on to create music history. Even my favorities….Bono (U2) and David Bowie consider The Pixies one of the most influential bands in music history! Within a year of Mike and I dating, I had the chance to see the Pixies here in Raleigh, but as a good girlfriend and someone who at the time could only name 2 Pixies tunes (Debaser, Here comes your man, Wave of Mutilation, etc)…I gave up my tickets so a few of our now close friends could go. They were huge fans, so it was an easy choice.
This was the Pixies reunion tour (2005). Mike was stoked…eventhough the Disco Rodeo did not have air conditioning and can Bud Light was $5!
Over the weekend, Mike and I watch a documentary on the Pixies. Old videos, interviews, etc. It was pretty neat. I think Mike has always had a crush on Kim Deal (bassist) ……..the same kind of crush I have always had on Michael Stipe or Michael Hutchence. By the way, Kim and her sister were The Breeders before they broke up.
If you are into music that has let’s say….alot of expression and emotion…..take a listen…..
FYI - During our wedding, Mike and the groomsman walked down to an instrumental version of Here Comes Your Man. Not sure if anyone knew. (I walked down to Yellow by Coldplay….also instrumental!)
BEIJING WELCOMES YOU
Friday was the opening ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics. Unfortunately, I was unable to see the opening ceremonies because fortunately, I was vacationing at the Beach!! (this was the first time my husband and I have been to the beach together since our wedding last year!)
But since we are so technologically advanced….I watched the opening ceremonies online!!!
China is such a rich culture. Everything from the colors to the smiles of the children are bright!
I ran aross this Welcome to Beijing video that includes some of the more well-know Chinese….the only one I recognize is Jackie Chan.
The video is a bit long, but amusing. For me, I can appreciate the culture a little bit more by watching this. You can appreciate the variety of musical styles of the country. It’s like a tourism video for Beijing….like the Welcome to West Virginia!
DO YOU HAVE AN ALIBI?
CHECK IT OUT!
NEU ROMANCE - ALIBI BAR - MARTIN STREET
EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT!
Makes me wonder if this December will be long?
Last night, Mike and I were able to attend the Maroon 5 and Counting Crows concert at Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion.
We are noticing how we are “getting older” in relation to music. Most folks were there to see Maroon 5 not Counting Crows. The Counting Crows have a history of opening for bands, not headlining. This is bizarre to me since most of the bands that they are opening for are SO much younger than them. I guess they like the ability to leave at a decent hour and not have the stress of headlining. They still rock though. I’m still wondering when the OLDIES station will start playing Madonna, (the old) New Kids on the Block or Duran Duran…..man….that’s going to be a tough day.
I used to be a closet Maroon 5 fan. But Mike and I have the ability to say outloud (now)…We are Maroon 5 fans. They had a great set list of almost all the songs that I enjoy (I won’t go home without you….one of my favorites)
Counting Crows is one of those bands that take me back to high school and college but still they have carried on throughout the years in my life occurances. All good memories. ”A Long December” (the video features the lead singer’s ex-wife….Friends’ Courtney Cox!) It’s one of our favorites - both good and sad memories of year’s past (2003) - but the next year was better 
They had a good sample of their music. But they did not play my favorite song….Mrs. Potter’s Lullaby. It’s such a great song. Sorry I had to post another YouTube video….
Although, last night I showed my age. Half-way through the set - I was ready to go. They had played all the songs I knew. Lights, smoke and 10:30 pm…..Jenn Barron (Williams) was out. Heading home without facing the traffic….small late night snack and I was in the bed before midnight!
We also have a tradition of when we do leave concerts early (the concerts in which we have decent seats) - to find those “superfans” in the bad seats or lawn seats….and give them our tickets. Last night, we did the same. I hope those girls had a good time.
*The title of the blog is my attempt to combine (Makes Me Wonder (Maroon5) and A Long December (Counting Crows)).
I Want To Be Sedated
This is all I can think of when I read Donald Jones blog about his 24 hours of Booty. Our morning anchor just finished the Official 24 Hours Cycling Event of the Lance Armstrong Foundation in Charlotte this past weekend. This event also benefits local cancer initiatives. You can read more about his journey on his blog.
Rock on Donald…
Courtesy of You Tube and The Ramones