Destination: Beautiful

As promised, the following are my top ten vacation cities that I've already been to. I can't possibly explain how difficult it is to actually rank these, but I made myself do it anyway. The top spot belongs to Catalina Island, my home away from home.

1. Catalina Island, California

2. Montreux, Switzerland

3. Amsterdam, Netherlands

4. Florence, Italy

5. New York City, New York

6. London, England

7. Paris, France

8. Frankfurt/Rothenburg, Germany

9. Venice, Italy

10. Washington, D.C.

You won't want to miss my upcoming list of non-sexual man crushes...

All dressed up to catch a glimpse of the list

Today I make my dramatic entrance back into the world of blog. I have realized how much I can say through the endless lists I've formulated in my head over the last 23 years. So this post serves as the first of many such lists. I challenge you to improve any of my lists.

Best Holidays

1. Christmas Eve
2. Thanksgiving
3. Christmas Day
4. Thanksgiving Friday
5. Halloween
6. 4th of July
7. Thanksgiving Saturday
8. Easter
9. Labor Day
10. Valentine's Day

Stay tuned for vacation destinations...

Hell is Full of Musical Amateurs

This, according to whoever came up with the idea, is what my album would look like were I in a band. I am pretty happy with the result. My band would be called the Gateau Affairs and the album would be titled "When I am Filled with Music." I inverted the colors on my cover and really liked it. The original colors are shown below. Click on the pictures to see them more clearly, since my layout makes it difficult to see them. I spent way too much time on this. If you want to play, here are the instructions:

1. Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random which will produce a random Wikipedia article. The name of the article that appears is the name of your band.

2. Go to http://www.quotationspage.com and select "Random Quotes." The last four or so words appearing in the last quote on the page make up the title of your album.

3. Go to http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days which will produce a random collection of interesting pictures from the last 7 days. The third picture listed is your album cover.

P.S. "Hell is full of musical amateurs." -George Bernard Shaw

Say What You Need to Say

Below is a conversation I had yesterday with my 5 year-old cousin, Evan. We were having a sort of tug of war and began discussing possibile candidates for strongest people ever. As you'll see, my choice for strongest man ever is Superman. Read what Evan thinks.

E: Are you as strong as Superman?

D: No, I don't think so. I think Superman is probably a little bit stronger than me.

E: Do you think the Hulk is stronger than Superman?

D: That's a real close call. What do you think?

E: I think Superman is stronger.

D: Yeah, I agree. I don't think anyone is stronger than Superman.

-Long Pause-

E: What about Jesus?

I stand corrected. Evan also has plans to practice jumping for 500 years so he can eventually jump as high as heaven. But Jesus won't let him go in the gates because he's not dead yet. So, he'll jump up through the floor and skip the gates altogether.

Just Dying for a Subject Change

The following is my semi-permanent list of the top 5 greatest bands of all time.

1. Journey - They have been around forever, and they are credited with one of the most motivational songs ever (Don't Stop Believing) and one of the greatest love songs ever (Faithfully).

2. U2 - They have also been around forever, and they are still putting out great hits. Plus, one of the most popular bands today (Coldplay) aspires to be like them.

3. The Beatles - They are the single most influential band ever.

4. Queen - I think Queen is very underrated. Who doesn't know a Queen song?

5. Boston - To be honest, Boston's place on this list is the least stable. Who should be in the 5 spot?

Missy Higgins - On a Clear Night

...keeping the noise from breaking through...

The brilliance of Missy Higgins was introduced to me by my big sis, and I salute her.  Missy's voice is hot.  This Aussie sings quite a bit in the lower register, a trend that seems to becoming more popular with female artists.  She has complete command of her voice.  That kind of talent is especially impressive in her song, "Steer," in which she rivals the ability of John Mayer to flip flawlessly from chest to head voice and back again.  

On a Clear Night is the first album I've heard by Missy and I enjoyed each song.  Some are stronger than others, but I am extremely impressed by Missy and plan on looking into her past albums.  She has released three albums and a handful of singles.  Her latest single, "Where I Stood," is all over the radio.  You can listen to the complete album, On a Clear Night, on her website, www.missyhiggins.com.  I've also posted my two favorites from the album at the top of my playlist to the right.  You should really start getting friendly with my playlist.

Gradebook

On a Clear Night:   A-

I Need Direction to Perfection

In my mind's eye, I can see my faithful blog followers anxiously checking my blog daily. Each day, their hearts fall as they realize that no, their dreams have not come true this day. For causing such agony, I apologize. I need direction when it comes to writing anything. I find it much easier to write when I have a specific topic. So, to satisfy the nearly thousands of pleas for more consistent blog posts, I'm going to tell you (more frequently) what I think about everything.

To start, I've decided to focus on music. I'll be reviewing some new albums, and maybe some old favorites. I want to hear what my dedicated fans think. I want you to suggest albums to listen to and review. I want to know who you like and don't like. Comment all you want and give me new ideas! For now, stay tuned for my first reviews. I'm thinking Missy Higgins and Keane would be a good place to start.

The Year in Review

The idea of the following post was the primary motivation to begin a blog.  I love the thought of declaring to the hordes of my faithful followers my indisputable opinions of the best (and a few of the worst) of 2008.  Of course, these decisions are based solely on my experiences and interests from the year.  That's what makes my blog spectacular.  Let's begin.

Music

Album of the Year

Yes, we have a tie this year.  Anberlin's new album should be no surprise. But The Killers have really impressed me with their newest.  Every song is a hit.

Honorable Mentions:  John Mayer, Where the Light Is; Journey, Revelation

Best Live Show

The greatest band ever is back.  Thanks in large part to new, young singer Arnel Pineda, Journey is as good as ever.

Honorable Mentions:  Anberlin, The Brobecks, There For Tomorrow

Best Album, New Artist

Yes, she's my sister.  And yes, her CD rocks.

Honorable Mention:  Craig Blake, A Christmas Dream Come True

Worst Band

I really hate to post a picture of this awful band permanently.  I just don't want them staring at me everytime I go to post.  So if you have to know which demonic, grimy group I'm talking about, click here and prepare to shield your eyes.

Honorable Mentions for worst bands are still being determined.  Feel free to make suggestions.

Movies

Best Movie

Most of my family will disagree entirely.  But Christian Bale has made himself the best Batman and Heath Ledger's performance was tremendous.

Honorable Mentions:  Wall-E, Iron Man, and - why not? - Kung Fu Panda

Worst Movie

Again, my family will disagree entirely.  But I give you three words to justify my choice: Pierce. Brosnan. Sings.

Honorable Mention:  Enchanted (yes, I know it came out in 2007, but it was just that bad)

Best Movie Soundtrack

The movie featured a great original score by Harry Gregson-Williams, and some really impressive new songs by Regina Spektor, Oren Lavie, Switchfoot, and Hanne Hukkelberg.

Honorable Mention:  Mamma Mia! (it is ABBA, after all) 

Miscellaneous

Best YouTube Video

These British children will steal your heart.  And your cat.

Worst Company

I feel it is my duty as such an incredibly influential person to warn the masses of this company from hell.  For just one example of what a horrible business this is, please see this Long Personal Rant.

And So it Begins

The blogging world has finally penetrated my defenses. This therefore becomes the outlet for my opinions of the world.  I look forward to you reading and agreeing with my opinions of everything.