Yes, it's yet another episode that brings the UBC Faculty of Education (or at least our own little part of it) to you.
Or, you can say it brings my voice to you, whichever is more likely to get you to listen.
Episode 5 was posted yesterday (believe it or not, actually on time!)
We're back to normal audio quality this time, as both the podcast itself as well as the interview were recorded in our normal manner.
I also think it sounds better because I was a bit better prepared this time.
Anyway, subjects of the podcast include one of the courses that our office is offering, as well as a discussion of the potential pitfalls of K-12 teachers being on Facebook and what they have to watch out for.
Plus an Xbox joke!
So please take a listen. I'd love to hear what you think. And send an email to us! We may even read it on the air.
Saturday, 12 February 2011
Friday, 11 February 2011
Book Review - Gauntlgrym by R.A. Salvatore
Welcome to Day 4 of Book Week here on Dave's Buttoned-Up Mind!
We've moving into the home stretch, and today's entry is the last SF entry of the bunch. So my friends and readers who are not SF fans can pay more attention tomorrow.
Today's book is Gauntlgrym
by R.A. Salvatore, another in the author's ongoing Drizzt Do'Urden series about the dark elf warrior. It takes place in the Forgotten Realms universe of the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) game.
I've always kind of liked Salvatore's writing, though it's never wowed me. Unlike yesterday's book, Salvatore's main strength is his action writing. You can almost see the choreography of his fight scenes as you're reading. The characters aren't necessarily bad, but they can be kind of wooden sometimes. That doesn't necessarily apply to Drizzt, who has been through many adventures (though I haven't read them all). But some of Salvatore's incidental characters would have to work hard to gain a second dimension, much less a third.
Gauntlgrym is the first book in the "Neverwinter" series, so it looks like even more major changes are in the works in the life of Drizzt.
From the review:
This book is pretty much for D&D fans as well as Salvatore fans.
I'm not sure the writing quality is up to attracting any readers who aren't interested in that genre.
And that's not necessarily a bad thing.
We've moving into the home stretch, and today's entry is the last SF entry of the bunch. So my friends and readers who are not SF fans can pay more attention tomorrow.
Today's book is Gauntlgrym by R.A. Salvatore, another in the author's ongoing Drizzt Do'Urden series about the dark elf warrior. It takes place in the Forgotten Realms universe of the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) game.I've always kind of liked Salvatore's writing, though it's never wowed me. Unlike yesterday's book, Salvatore's main strength is his action writing. You can almost see the choreography of his fight scenes as you're reading. The characters aren't necessarily bad, but they can be kind of wooden sometimes. That doesn't necessarily apply to Drizzt, who has been through many adventures (though I haven't read them all). But some of Salvatore's incidental characters would have to work hard to gain a second dimension, much less a third.
Gauntlgrym is the first book in the "Neverwinter" series, so it looks like even more major changes are in the works in the life of Drizzt.
From the review:
"Decades have passed since two of Drizzt’s longtime companions (one of whom was also his wife) crossed into Death’s realm, and both he and the Dwarf King Bruenor Battlehammer are growing restless. Bruenor has decided to give up the throne and go on a quest to find the fabled Dwarven kingdom of Gauntlgrym with his old friend Drizzt by his side. Elves and Dwarves being very long-lived, they no longer feel the lust for life that marked their younger years, the passage of old friends taking a great toll on them. But other forces are at work, also looking for Gauntlgrym and the natural force that inhabits it. Will Bruenor and Drizzt find it before the evil is unleashed? And will Drizzt continue to lose himself in battle lust, no longer caring what happens to him after the long, lonely years he’s spent?"Salvatore's books are always a fun read, but they're not always that gripping. That's even more so this time, as decades pass just within this book itself.
This book is pretty much for D&D fans as well as Salvatore fans.
I'm not sure the writing quality is up to attracting any readers who aren't interested in that genre.
And that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Book Review - Canticle by Ken Scholes
Welcome to Day 3 of Book Week at Dave's Buttoned-Up Mind! Or should that be "in Dave's Buttoned-Up Mind?"
Ahem, anyway...
Today's entry is yet another 2-for-1.
Have you ever been browsing at a bookstore and picked up something where the cover looked kind of neat. You read the back, and the description sounded kind of interesting too. Then you read a passage in the book and were just wowed?
That happened to me with Ken Scholes, when I was visiting White Dwarf books (the local SF bookstore here in Vancouver). I was looking through the "New Arrivals" section of the store and saw this interesting-looking book called Canticle
. It looked like a political fantasy book, maybe a bit along the lines of George R.R. Martin's "Song of Ice & Fire" series (though not quite as grim).
Since this was book 2 in the series, I had to pick up the first book and read that. This is one continuing story, so I didn't want to jump into the middle of it.
The first book is called Lamentation
, and the cover just completely drew me in. Lots of birds, soldiers on horses, and all of that. I'm sure you'll agree. I raced through this book because it was almost impossible to put down.
Here are the links to my reviews of the two books: Lamentation and Canticle.
Here's the setup for Book 1:
While there is a little action, this series is not for the action junkie. There's a lot of thought going on behind everything, but there isn't a lot of swordplay. Those interested only in that sort of thing should check out Michael Stackpole or R.A. Salvatore.
Check out the reviews and let me know what you think!
Ahem, anyway...
Today's entry is yet another 2-for-1.
Have you ever been browsing at a bookstore and picked up something where the cover looked kind of neat. You read the back, and the description sounded kind of interesting too. Then you read a passage in the book and were just wowed?
That happened to me with Ken Scholes, when I was visiting White Dwarf books (the local SF bookstore here in Vancouver). I was looking through the "New Arrivals" section of the store and saw this interesting-looking book called Canticle. It looked like a political fantasy book, maybe a bit along the lines of George R.R. Martin's "Song of Ice & Fire" series (though not quite as grim).Since this was book 2 in the series, I had to pick up the first book and read that. This is one continuing story, so I didn't want to jump into the middle of it.
The first book is called Lamentation, and the cover just completely drew me in. Lots of birds, soldiers on horses, and all of that. I'm sure you'll agree. I raced through this book because it was almost impossible to put down.Here are the links to my reviews of the two books: Lamentation and Canticle.
Here's the setup for Book 1:
"Some ancient technology or magic has destroyed the city of Windwir, home of the Androfrancine Order and the collected knowledge of most of the world both before the cataclysm hundreds of years ago and today. Sethbert, Overseer of the Entrolusian City States, glories in the results of what he has done, but others are also quick to react. A former member of the Androfrancine Order comes to see for himself the destruction that was wrought. Rudolfo, Lord of the Ninefold Forest Houses, comes to exact justice for the perpetrator of this foul deed, and other leaders of the Named Lands do as well. War is brewing as all sides play the game of politics. These leaders will have to choose which side of the game they will join."I loved both the characters and Scholes' plotting in this book, and even more so in the second book:
"The ancient Androfrancine city of Windwir is gone, destroyed by an ancient weapon used with misguided intentions. Windwir was the seat of power and knowledge in the Named Lands, and the last Androfrancine Pope, Petronus, has charged Rudolfo, the leader of the Ninefold Forest Houses, with protecting what remains of that knowledge and potentially rebuilding it through the mechanized men that the Androfrancines were hiding. It’s been nine months, Rudolfo will soon have an heir, and he is holding a celebratory feast. Suddenly, strange hidden assassins burst into the room, killing the noble guests from the various other lands, with the strange exception of Rudolfo himself. At the same time, another mechanized man appears at the gates to the Churning Wastes with a message to Petronus, a message that will spark an exploration of the Wastes in order to find what knowledge may have been hidden away - or what ancient enemy may be finally willing to reveal itself."Scholes' prose just keeps you reading as the various events unravel in front of you. The characters all have their strengths and weaknesses that define them and carry the plot forward. The plotting is so intricate, with secret machinations on top of secret machinations, that I was riveted from beginning to end.
While there is a little action, this series is not for the action junkie. There's a lot of thought going on behind everything, but there isn't a lot of swordplay. Those interested only in that sort of thing should check out Michael Stackpole or R.A. Salvatore.
Check out the reviews and let me know what you think!
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Book Review - Magic on the Storm by Devon Monk
Welcome to Day 2 of Book Week on Dave's Buttoned-Up Mind!
A friend of mine introduced me to Monk's work, suggesting that I try her out since I had reviewed some other urban fantasy. I told her that I would have to do that one of these days, but never really got around to it. Until Monk's Magic in the Shadows showed up on the list of available books from Curled Up With a Good Book
.
I really liked that book, though felt a bit lost because the storyline is ongoing and Monk drops you right in the middle of everything. She does a good job of explaining previous books, so you never are lacking information on what's happened before. I just didn't feel "attached" to it because I hadn't experienced it for myself.
So then comes the next book, Magic on the Storm (the link is to my review of it)
, and I felt much less discombobulated. I knew what was going on, I knew what had happened, and I was able to just let everything wash over me. I love Monk's writing style, and her characters are wonderful too. Unlike a lot of the urban fantasy out there, there isn't even that much sex involved, though there is obviously some.
To give a little background (from the Magic in Shadows review):
Here's the description of the latest book, Magic on the Storm:
Take a look at the reviews and let me know what you think.
Today we've got an interesting fantasy book to take a look at. Devon Monk is one of the authors in the increasingly crowded "urban fantasy" genre, where magic and the supernatural are brought into the modern world. You get locales like Portland (in Monk's series), St. Louis, Toronto, or whatever. It adds a bit of "realism" to help center the fantasy, whether it's werewolves and demons, vampires, or what have you.
A friend of mine introduced me to Monk's work, suggesting that I try her out since I had reviewed some other urban fantasy. I told her that I would have to do that one of these days, but never really got around to it. Until Monk's Magic in the Shadows showed up on the list of available books from Curled Up With a Good Book.I really liked that book, though felt a bit lost because the storyline is ongoing and Monk drops you right in the middle of everything. She does a good job of explaining previous books, so you never are lacking information on what's happened before. I just didn't feel "attached" to it because I hadn't experienced it for myself.
So then comes the next book, Magic on the Storm (the link is to my review of it), and I felt much less discombobulated. I knew what was going on, I knew what had happened, and I was able to just let everything wash over me. I love Monk's writing style, and her characters are wonderful too. Unlike a lot of the urban fantasy out there, there isn't even that much sex involved, though there is obviously some.To give a little background (from the Magic in Shadows review):
"Allie is a Hound - someone who traces the use of magic and tracks down those who abuse their magical powers. Her own use of magic has marked her in distinctive ways; she has magical tattoos all over her arms and body, and recent events have caused her to lose her memory, including those of the man she loves - the man who is intimately involved with the Authority, that group of magic users who control most of the magic use in the world, and the man who may be her ticket into joining the Authority. It doesn't help that Allie’s dead father, Daniel Beckstrom, inhabits her mind, trying to convince her to use her power even more."As you can see, it's right up my alley. I now love this series.
Here's the description of the latest book, Magic on the Storm:
"After two months of relative peace, things are about to get a lot harder for Allison Beckstrom, She’s now part of the Authority, the organization of magic-users who rule how magic is used throughout the world so as to keep the extent of it hidden from the populace (though magic itself is quite common). Allie’s been training for two months even as she keeps at her job as the leader of a group of Hounds, who hunt down illegal magic-users. Now a magical storm is brewing, one of such intensity that it could destroy Portland if the Authority doesn’t band together and stop it. Too bad that the Authority is starting to splinter into rival factions. Sounds like this would be the perfect time for somebody to strike. Having Allie’s dead father reside in her head doesn’t make things any easier."Obviously this isn't for everybody. If you don't like fantasy at all, then you won't like this series. But it is a great series; well-written with likable characters and a great story that will keep you on your toes.
Take a look at the reviews and let me know what you think.
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Book Review - Cryoburn by Lois McMaster Bujold
Sharon, my editor on Curled Up With a Good Book, just posted a ton of my reviews (ok, just 5...but it feels like a ton), so I thought I would make this Book Week in my Buttoned-Up Mind. I can't fit them all into one post and do them justice.
Doesn't mean I won't post other stuff, but there will be one book review a day for the rest of the week.
Let's start the week with my favourite of the bunch: Cryoburn
by Lois McMaster Bujold.
I've been a huge Miles Vorkosigan fan since the early 2000s, and was really disappointed when Bujold left the Miles story to go on to other things. I enjoyed the other things she wrote, but I missed Miles! In my review of this book, I call him a "pint-sized cyclone of chaos," and it's certainly true.
The Miles Vorkosigan books are science fiction books taking place on the planet Barrayar and in its surrounding area of space. There are a number of planets named, but Miles is part of Barrayaran aristocracy.
Reproduction on Barrayar is mostly done through in-vitro fertilization and uterine chambers that carry the fetus to term, but Miles wasn't born that way. His mother was injured in a chemical attack while she was pregnant, resulting in Miles having an extremely brittle body and being, well, pint-sized.
From my review of Cryoburn:
The characters are so well-done, Bujold's writing is wonderful, and she definitely has not lost her touch with Miles. While the book covers a serious topic, it's also very humorous as well. Who can't help but smile as they see Miles getting in deeper and deeper over his head? Watching him scramble to keep all of the plates in the air is a wonder to see.
This book is fabulous, but I'll let you read the review to find out why.
Let me know what you think! And if you're a Miles fan, leave me a comment and we can gossip about him.
Doesn't mean I won't post other stuff, but there will be one book review a day for the rest of the week.
Let's start the week with my favourite of the bunch: Cryoburn by Lois McMaster Bujold.I've been a huge Miles Vorkosigan fan since the early 2000s, and was really disappointed when Bujold left the Miles story to go on to other things. I enjoyed the other things she wrote, but I missed Miles! In my review of this book, I call him a "pint-sized cyclone of chaos," and it's certainly true.
The Miles Vorkosigan books are science fiction books taking place on the planet Barrayar and in its surrounding area of space. There are a number of planets named, but Miles is part of Barrayaran aristocracy.
Reproduction on Barrayar is mostly done through in-vitro fertilization and uterine chambers that carry the fetus to term, but Miles wasn't born that way. His mother was injured in a chemical attack while she was pregnant, resulting in Miles having an extremely brittle body and being, well, pint-sized.
From my review of Cryoburn:
"Seven years after the events of Diplomatic Immunity, Miles has a growing family back home on Barrayar. However, his position as Lord Auditor for the Emperor Gregor, galactic problem-solver for Barrayar’s interests, has brought him to Kibou-daini, a planet heavily invested in cryogenically freezing the dying. Ostensibly attending a convention on the planet, Miles hopes for a bribe attempt from one of Kibou-daini’s massive cryonics companies which may be making a move on Komarr, one of Barrayar’s planets. He gets more than he bargained for, however, as he stumbles upon another, far more sinister scheme. With the help of a young boy whose mother was taken away and frozen eighteen months ago, Miles must get to the bottom of what’s going on. Corruption, kidnapping, illegal freezing - Miles has to learn quickly and try to stay one step ahead of the scheme, or it will roll right over him."I loved every page of Cryoburn. While I have missed Miles, I didn't realize how badly I had until seeing him in action again.
The characters are so well-done, Bujold's writing is wonderful, and she definitely has not lost her touch with Miles. While the book covers a serious topic, it's also very humorous as well. Who can't help but smile as they see Miles getting in deeper and deeper over his head? Watching him scramble to keep all of the plates in the air is a wonder to see.
This book is fabulous, but I'll let you read the review to find out why.
Let me know what you think! And if you're a Miles fan, leave me a comment and we can gossip about him.
Sunday, 6 February 2011
One Hit Wonders of the 2000s (Part 9)
The plague is over!!!
Or close enough for government work, anyway.
Yes, I'm back to my, relatively, normal self. So lock up your women and children!!!! You might want to close your ears too. And maybe plug your nose? You know how sick people don't generally shower, right?
But *don't* close your eyes! And *don't* leave this blog page. Keep reading! Yes, you have to keep reading.
Things are back to normal here at One Hit Wonders Inc, with the Typhoid Mary intern having been sacked (sorry, but if you get the boss sick, you have to go, union or no union).
In fact, here's a picture from the office party celebrating my return.
Yeah, we are rather animated in the office, aren't we? They love me.
Anyway, we're at week 9 of the one hit wonders of the 2000s! We're entering 2002 at the blistering speed of the Sunday driver.
But we get to where we're going. Eventually.
As usual, you can find the list I'm taking these from here.
Go ahead and look! I double dog dare you.
Here we go!
(Warning: Youtube's been a bit slow today when I'm loading these videos. That will probably clear up soon. Either be patient as they will load eventually, or try another time)
1) The Calling: "Wherever You Will Go" (#5) (March 16, 2002)
(Yay, Vevo!)
Oh yes! I remember this song now. I actually quite like it, too.
Isn't it just that way? You get a tattoo of your honey on your arm, and that very day you discover they're cheating on you. I guess you know what that means, eh? Yep. Tattoos of your honey's name are never a good idea.
And as the woman collapses into the corner, wondering what she's going to do, looks up, and I'll bet the first thing she thinks is: "Who the hell is this asshole sitting in my kitchen? And where'd he get that silly haircut?"
Ok, I love the song. The video, while making sense, doesn't really go along with the song that much.
But just like chocolate cake, chocolate brownies, and a good beer all wrapped into one, you can't have everything.
No, I haven't tried that. Why do you ask?
*BURP*
2) Glenn Lewis: "Don't You Forget It" (#30) (March 16, 2002)
(Yay, Vevo!)
I really don't like when "story" videos (as opposed to concert-type videos) showcase the name of the artist. It just seems really self-indulgent.
"Don't forget your way home?" I guess that is a concern when you're living in New York City. But Glenn. Shouldn't you be waiting there for her, then? Rather than going to some alley to sing some song to the alley cats?
Ok, I'm afraid I don't get the point of that video. Mom, for once, I'm with you.
The song's not bad, though. And at least for once, the singer didn't get laid.
That's always a plus. Ok, not for *him*, but for the rest of us.
3) P.O.D.: "Youth of the Nation" (#28) (April 6, 2002)
P.O.D - Youth of the Nation
Uploaded by Tunashaker. - See the latest featured music videos.
(Embedding disable on Youtube? Give me a break)
Hey, did you know today is Super Bowl Sunday? How could you miss it, right? My Steelers are going to kick some ass today, I just know it. And this is the first time in a long time where I won't habitually mute the commercials!
Or I wouldn't, except that we don't *get* the Super Bowl commercials, or at least not many of them. Sadly, the game's simulcast on CTV up here in Canada, so we get the Canadian commercials.
I think there should be riots in the streets about that.
I share this dog's sentiment. He's making his voice heard!
WE WANT OUR COMMERCIALS! NO COMMERCIALS, NO PEACE!!!!
There, I said it. I'll go back to my Laz-e-boy now.
A man's got to go in style, don't you know.
4) Chris Cagle: "I Breathe In, I Breathe Out" (#35) (April 13, 2002)
(Can't find a regular video)
Another country song!! Seems the early 2000s were the years for crossovers.
Thankfully for Chris, along with his other country cohorts, the crossing was pretty uneventful. The river didn't flood, there was good food and drink on the journey there, and lots of hangers-on. We're a pretty welcoming sort over here.
I heard when he went back he didn't get the greatest reception though.
Once you cross over, you really have to work to get them to take you back.
5) Tommy Shane Steiner: "What If She's An Angel?" (#39) (May 4, 2002)
(Another one with no video)
Woohoo!! Guilt trips! Gotta love it.
*CLICK*
6) Steve Azar: "I Don't Have to Be Me ('Til Monday)" (#35) (May 25, 2002)
(Yay, Vevo!)
Another country star? Was there no actual popular music in early 2002? Well, of the one-hit wonder variety, anyway?
I love the guy with his "passage to paradise" doorway, except that they all seem to lead to Steve's concert. Conceited much? Or maybe this guy's Steve's agent? Yeah, that's probably it.
A nun wants to be a prize fighter? There are definitely some weird ones in here.
And I don't know about anybody else, but if I happen upon a psycho-looking guy who's trying to entice me to go through a weird doorway in the middle of the street, I think I'd call the Looney Bin, not walk through it.
Especially if the destination is a Steve Azar concert.
(Ok, that was mean and uncalled for. He's not bad)
7) Truth Hurts: "Addictive" (#9) (June 8, 2002)
That's funny. I have no idea what they're singing about.
Can anybody help me out with that?
That's the trouble with music today (ok, I mean back then, but today too!). It's just too damned subtle. Don't make me think! Metaphors? Pshaw!!!!!
Give it to me straight.
That's why this song is so great. No need for fancy word. Just boning, flowing, sleeping, and all that good stuff.
Then again, maybe you'd better put back those metaphors. There are innocent ears listening...
And there we are! Half-way done with 2002 already. My, how time passes. Blink and you'll miss it!
Too late! You missed it.
It's good to be back. It's almost as good as doing this
to my interns who misbehave.
But that could just be a power trip.
Or bad hair.
Anyway, I'm off to enjoy my Sunday. But first, I have to make my friends back where I come from feel at home.
Somebody should really put a cork in that guy.
See you next week!
One Hit Wonders of the 2000s
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Part 14
Part 15
Part 16
Part 17
Part 18
Part 19
Part 20
Part 21
Part 22
Part 23
Part 24
Part 25
Part 26
Part 27
Part 28
Part 29
Part 30
Part 31
Or close enough for government work, anyway.
Yes, I'm back to my, relatively, normal self. So lock up your women and children!!!! You might want to close your ears too. And maybe plug your nose? You know how sick people don't generally shower, right?
But *don't* close your eyes! And *don't* leave this blog page. Keep reading! Yes, you have to keep reading.
Things are back to normal here at One Hit Wonders Inc, with the Typhoid Mary intern having been sacked (sorry, but if you get the boss sick, you have to go, union or no union).
In fact, here's a picture from the office party celebrating my return.
Yeah, we are rather animated in the office, aren't we? They love me.
Anyway, we're at week 9 of the one hit wonders of the 2000s! We're entering 2002 at the blistering speed of the Sunday driver.
But we get to where we're going. Eventually.
As usual, you can find the list I'm taking these from here.
Go ahead and look! I double dog dare you.
Here we go!
(Warning: Youtube's been a bit slow today when I'm loading these videos. That will probably clear up soon. Either be patient as they will load eventually, or try another time)
1) The Calling: "Wherever You Will Go" (#5) (March 16, 2002)
(Yay, Vevo!)
Oh yes! I remember this song now. I actually quite like it, too.
Isn't it just that way? You get a tattoo of your honey on your arm, and that very day you discover they're cheating on you. I guess you know what that means, eh? Yep. Tattoos of your honey's name are never a good idea.
And as the woman collapses into the corner, wondering what she's going to do, looks up, and I'll bet the first thing she thinks is: "Who the hell is this asshole sitting in my kitchen? And where'd he get that silly haircut?"
Ok, I love the song. The video, while making sense, doesn't really go along with the song that much.
But just like chocolate cake, chocolate brownies, and a good beer all wrapped into one, you can't have everything.
No, I haven't tried that. Why do you ask?
*BURP*
2) Glenn Lewis: "Don't You Forget It" (#30) (March 16, 2002)
(Yay, Vevo!)
I really don't like when "story" videos (as opposed to concert-type videos) showcase the name of the artist. It just seems really self-indulgent.
"Don't forget your way home?" I guess that is a concern when you're living in New York City. But Glenn. Shouldn't you be waiting there for her, then? Rather than going to some alley to sing some song to the alley cats?
Ok, I'm afraid I don't get the point of that video. Mom, for once, I'm with you.
The song's not bad, though. And at least for once, the singer didn't get laid.
That's always a plus. Ok, not for *him*, but for the rest of us.
3) P.O.D.: "Youth of the Nation" (#28) (April 6, 2002)
P.O.D - Youth of the Nation
Uploaded by Tunashaker. - See the latest featured music videos.
(Embedding disable on Youtube? Give me a break)
Hey, did you know today is Super Bowl Sunday? How could you miss it, right? My Steelers are going to kick some ass today, I just know it. And this is the first time in a long time where I won't habitually mute the commercials!
Or I wouldn't, except that we don't *get* the Super Bowl commercials, or at least not many of them. Sadly, the game's simulcast on CTV up here in Canada, so we get the Canadian commercials.
I think there should be riots in the streets about that.
I share this dog's sentiment. He's making his voice heard!
WE WANT OUR COMMERCIALS! NO COMMERCIALS, NO PEACE!!!!
There, I said it. I'll go back to my Laz-e-boy now.
(Thanks to FoundShit)
A man's got to go in style, don't you know.
4) Chris Cagle: "I Breathe In, I Breathe Out" (#35) (April 13, 2002)
(Can't find a regular video)
Another country song!! Seems the early 2000s were the years for crossovers.
Thankfully for Chris, along with his other country cohorts, the crossing was pretty uneventful. The river didn't flood, there was good food and drink on the journey there, and lots of hangers-on. We're a pretty welcoming sort over here.
I heard when he went back he didn't get the greatest reception though.
Once you cross over, you really have to work to get them to take you back.
5) Tommy Shane Steiner: "What If She's An Angel?" (#39) (May 4, 2002)
(Another one with no video)
Woohoo!! Guilt trips! Gotta love it.
*CLICK*
6) Steve Azar: "I Don't Have to Be Me ('Til Monday)" (#35) (May 25, 2002)
(Yay, Vevo!)
Another country star? Was there no actual popular music in early 2002? Well, of the one-hit wonder variety, anyway?
I love the guy with his "passage to paradise" doorway, except that they all seem to lead to Steve's concert. Conceited much? Or maybe this guy's Steve's agent? Yeah, that's probably it.
A nun wants to be a prize fighter? There are definitely some weird ones in here.
And I don't know about anybody else, but if I happen upon a psycho-looking guy who's trying to entice me to go through a weird doorway in the middle of the street, I think I'd call the Looney Bin, not walk through it.
Especially if the destination is a Steve Azar concert.
(Ok, that was mean and uncalled for. He's not bad)
7) Truth Hurts: "Addictive" (#9) (June 8, 2002)
That's funny. I have no idea what they're singing about.
Can anybody help me out with that?
That's the trouble with music today (ok, I mean back then, but today too!). It's just too damned subtle. Don't make me think! Metaphors? Pshaw!!!!!
Give it to me straight.
That's why this song is so great. No need for fancy word. Just boning, flowing, sleeping, and all that good stuff.
Then again, maybe you'd better put back those metaphors. There are innocent ears listening...
And there we are! Half-way done with 2002 already. My, how time passes. Blink and you'll miss it!
Too late! You missed it.
It's good to be back. It's almost as good as doing this
to my interns who misbehave.
But that could just be a power trip.
Or bad hair.
Anyway, I'm off to enjoy my Sunday. But first, I have to make my friends back where I come from feel at home.
Somebody should really put a cork in that guy.
See you next week!
One Hit Wonders of the 2000s
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Part 14
Part 15
Part 16
Part 17
Part 18
Part 19
Part 20
Part 21
Part 22
Part 23
Part 24
Part 25
Part 26
Part 27
Part 28
Part 29
Part 30
Part 31
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Authentic Blogger - come join the fun!
Are you a blogger? Want to join a group of like-minded individuals who also have awesome blogs themselves? Why not join the Authentic Blogger group on Facebook?
I've been a member of the group since....checking history....wow, it was created in December 2009? Um, ok, I don't know exactly how long I've been a member (for some reason, I was thinking September 2009, but obviously not). But I know I've been there a while, and you can't find a much more inviting group of people.
To quote from the group description:
The most important word there?
Community.
We are a community of bloggers. Everybody's encouraged to share their posts on the wall of the group, getting word out to the other members that they've posted something good on their blogs.
It's a mutual support system.
Got a blogging question? We currently have 670 members. I'll bet at least one of them has an answer for you. Or if you just want to shoot around some ideas, I'm sure there are plenty who would love to offer some thoughts.
Or just meet some awesome people. I've become friends with the creators of Authentic Blogger, Duane & Dawn, both of whom have awesome blogs of their own.
But it's not just the creators. I've also met some other really awesome people on there. There's Anahid, my co-new-admin (as opposed to "new co-admin," since what I mean is that Dawn & Duane just asked both of us to help them administer the site...look, I've coined a new word!)
Or Lisa, who will always have a special place in my heart (and this blog's, if it, you know, had a heart and everything) for not only being such a cool blogger, but for giving me my tagline (there, just under the name of the blog...no, the *other* side...there you go). She will always be a part of this buttoned-up mind.
But those are just examples. There are lots of great people! Become one of us (only not in that creepy, Village of the Damned kind of way).
Get your blog noticed. Get some readers. Find some new blogs to read yourself.
It's all good in the Authentic Blogger group.
Look, I even gave you the link again so you didn't have to scroll up. Aren't I a nice guy?
Don't answer that...
Oh, and hey. While you're doing the Facebook thing and everything, how about "liking" my blog? Why not get all the Facebook stuff done at the same time?
Sounds like a good idea to me.
I've been a member of the group since....checking history....wow, it was created in December 2009? Um, ok, I don't know exactly how long I've been a member (for some reason, I was thinking September 2009, but obviously not). But I know I've been there a while, and you can't find a much more inviting group of people.
To quote from the group description:
"Authentic Blogger is a community site for blog promoting, publicizing, sharing of tips, accolades, awards and overall encouragement to bloggers worldwide to continue dreaming, writing/blogging and creating."
The most important word there?
Community.
We are a community of bloggers. Everybody's encouraged to share their posts on the wall of the group, getting word out to the other members that they've posted something good on their blogs.
It's a mutual support system.
Got a blogging question? We currently have 670 members. I'll bet at least one of them has an answer for you. Or if you just want to shoot around some ideas, I'm sure there are plenty who would love to offer some thoughts.
Or just meet some awesome people. I've become friends with the creators of Authentic Blogger, Duane & Dawn, both of whom have awesome blogs of their own.
But it's not just the creators. I've also met some other really awesome people on there. There's Anahid, my co-new-admin (as opposed to "new co-admin," since what I mean is that Dawn & Duane just asked both of us to help them administer the site...look, I've coined a new word!)
Or Lisa, who will always have a special place in my heart (and this blog's, if it, you know, had a heart and everything) for not only being such a cool blogger, but for giving me my tagline (there, just under the name of the blog...no, the *other* side...there you go). She will always be a part of this buttoned-up mind.
But those are just examples. There are lots of great people! Become one of us (only not in that creepy, Village of the Damned kind of way).
Get your blog noticed. Get some readers. Find some new blogs to read yourself.
It's all good in the Authentic Blogger group.
Look, I even gave you the link again so you didn't have to scroll up. Aren't I a nice guy?
Don't answer that...
Oh, and hey. While you're doing the Facebook thing and everything, how about "liking" my blog? Why not get all the Facebook stuff done at the same time?
Sounds like a good idea to me.
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