Moving to Tumblr...

Image via WikipediaChange can be a good thing, right? I'm kicking off my 2009 by changing over to a Tumblr blog. First, I like to change things up every now and then, and Tumblr feels like a fun way to bring some different functionality to my blogging. Second, I've got too many pseudonyms.... I'm going back to my Kellogg base as Papi. I think you know him well.

http://papilicious.tumblr.com

Please join me at my new link, and spread the word.

Aural Fixation 2008 (Papi's Best Of)

I've enjoyed putting together my list of favorite songs of 2008, as it's a nice reflection on a year of many changes. Some people like to put togher best albums of the year lists, but I find those a little tiring (both the lists and some of the albums). There are SO many great tunes out there, but there are much fewer albums that merit purchase. And if the entire album isn't worth purchasing, why diminish the due respect for an awesome song?

Anyway, my only rule for putting together this list is that the song must have been released in 2008. Also, let me issue a disclaimer... This list is completely of my own making, and not of any influence of a list from NPR, Rolling Stone, or any other great music publication. It just so happens that we share the same opinion on several of these groups.

And while this list may not have the cohesive playback as one of Orn's "Sunday Morning" compilations, here are the songs that got me through the year (in no particular order)...

Deerhunter - Nothing Ever Happened. Me gusta the outro.
Kaiser Chiefs - Never Miss A Beat. Blend the Ramones and Interpol, and you have this song.
Drive By Truckers - That Man I Shot. A modern day, yet darker, "I shot the sheriff."
Bound Stems - Clear Water and Concrete. The song sounds like a waterfall and I'm not sure how they accomplished that.
Fleet Foxes - Ragged Wood. Difficult choice here, because the whole album is phenomenal. If you don't own it yet, you know what to do.
She & Him - This Is Not A Test. Did you hear Zooey is engaged to Death Cab's Ben Gibbard (who amazingly looks like Dwight Schrute's contemplative older brother)? Maybe he'll start writing happy songs again.
Bon Iver - Skinny Love. Again, tough choice, as I love the entire album.
Thievery Corporation - Hare Krishna. A recent pickup, but a keeper. I haven't heard electronic music that I like as much as these guys.
Los Campesinos! - You, Me, Dancing! Exclamation points!
DeVotchKa - The Clockwise Witness. Kind of whiney, but a good tune.
My Morning Jacket - Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Part 2. Like Beth, I opted for this one as one of my favorites. Long, yes, but well worth it.
David Holmes - I Heard Wonders. Cruisin music.
The Walkmen - Four Provinces. May I recommend these guys for an upcoming Friday Chill Music?
The Raconteurs - Salute Your Solution. Jack White does it again.
Vampire Weekend - Mansard Roof. Perfect summertime chilling music.
Death Cab For Cutie - Bixby Canyon Bridge. Moody and dark, but Death Cab at its best.
Sigur Ros - Gobbledigook. Flism flasm.

PS: For those of you who made a request, your CDs are on their way.

My computer is broken and hates me.

OK, so much for my promises of sending my 2008 best of to people. I can't even burn a single CD. I'm getting the "4450 error," which, to no avail, I haven't solved yet. Sorry peeps. I'll tell you my list when I get back from Xmas travels. All the best!

Aural Fixation 2008 (Papi's Best Of)

It's on its way soon. Would anyone like a mailed copy? If so, please email me.

Fair Dogs

Image via WikipediaNow we've proven that even dogs have a concept of fairness. Fascinating stuff.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/12/08/dogs.jealousy/index.html

Bear Grylls Injured!

Image via WikipediaLet's see if you can guess how Bear was hurt. Was it:

(a) Tongue burnt after Earl Grey sipped too soon after steeping;

(b) Ankle twisted after slipping on luxury bathsoap;

(c) Shoulder broken after fall on 9,000 Antarctic peak;

(d) Neck strained after Les Stroud choke slam.

See the answer after the jump... http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2014278.ece

This guy is awesome...

Great track from David Holmes

David Holmes may not be a household name, but the movies he's scored - Out of Sight, Oceans 11-13 - were arguably made better by his very music. Please listen to this track... Again, it's another one of those songs that should have warnings about pending speeding tickets.

http://hypem.com/track/648800/David+Holmes-I+Heard+Wonders

The Plague of Happiness

Image via WikipediaWe've all had experience with these types of people...

You know, the over enthusiastic, always happy, never ruffled, good-natured, cheery, chirpy, model citizens? Whether you've consciously realized it or not, these individuals may be spreading their happiness in an epidemiological fashion to others. And, this has now been scientifically proven, people.

What, you ask, is the effect of the converse, Debbie Downer? The study, detailed in New Scientist, also states that dour sentiments spread slower than happiness.

So take stock... Your mood has a larger ripple effect on those around you than you know.

Do us all a favor, and . . .

. . . fire this brand manager NOW.

"Santa! I know him!"

You will get a kick out of these.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-scared-santa-sm-081202-pg,0,52957.photogallery