Happy Birthday to Me!

Who could be sad about a birthday when you are greeted with this in the morning?



Yes, I know it is sideways. No, I do not know how to fix it. It isn't that long of a video, so deal with it. It's worth it.

Playlist: Melanie Gras 2009

Unveiled at last - the 2009 Melanie Gras playlist. Those of you joining me out tomorrow will get your very own copy!

1. Best of What's Around - Dave Matthews Band
2. Groove is in the Heart - Dee-Lite
3. Paul McCartney - Scissor Sisters
4. In the Ayer - Flo Rida
5. Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) - Beyonce
6. When I Grow Up - Pussycat Dolls
7. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) - Michael Jackson
8. Give It to Me - Rick James
9. Womanizer - Britney Spears
10. Leavin' - Jesse McCartney
11. Toxic (Version Revisited) - Mark Ronson
12. American Boy - Estelle (featuring Kanye West)
13. Too Funky - George Michael
14. Lovelight - Robbie Williams
15. All I Want to Do - Sugarland
16. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
17. Hold On, I'm Coming - Sam & Dave
18. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher - Jackie Wilson
19. Lie in Our Graves - Dave Matthews Band
20. Tripping Billies - Dave Matthews Band

Playlist: Melanie Gras 2008 - Road Trip to Utica!

The playlist for Melanie Gras 2009 gets released tomorrow, but in the meantime, here's last year's playlist to keep you company. Jason absolutely loved listening to this 27 times on our way back and forth to Utica. Right, Jay?

1. Golden - Jill Scott
2. Just Fine - Mary J. Blige
3. Stronger - Kanye West
4. Dance Floor Anthem - Good Charlotte
5. Criminal - Fiona Apple
6. Gimmie More - Britney Spears
7. Smile - Lily Allen (Note: The Mark Ronson remix is better, but I hadn't discovered it by then.)
8. Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
9. The More Boys I Meet - Carrie Underwood
10. Big Girl (You Are Beautiful) - Mika
11. Do It Well - J. Lo (featuring Ludacris)
12. Dance, Dance - Fall Out Boy
13. Cobrastyle - Teddybears (featuring Mad Cobra)
14. Freedom - Robbie Williams (a remake of the George Michael song)
15. Stop - Spice Girls
16. Nothin Better to Do - LeAnn Rimes
17. Relax Take It Easy - Mika
18. Uptight (Everything's Alright) - Stevie Wonder

The New Hotness: Trailer Choir

So, a big thanks to Lorraine for bringing this awesome song to my attention. If I'd had more notice, it would have made it onto the Melanie Gras 2009 cd. Maybe next year, Trailer Choir. Maybe next year. Behold:

Trailer Choir   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

Please notice the appearance of the "Worm Cam" towards the end. That dude got nothing on Mr. Los Fitz. Viva Los Fitzes!

Sign of the Apocolypse: Soap Stars Sing Sonny & Cher

This is just a travesty of the highest order and yet so awesome. I really love the one girl who plays Annie on All My Children - she has the best attitude about it. She clearly karaokes. And brings the house down.

Cute Kid Alert - Complete Stranger

Saw this video on the Bonnie Hunt Show - and it's just so precious.

Lady GaGa - The New Hotness or Sign of the Apocalypse?

So, I'll admit it. My exposure to Lady Gaga is rather limited - primarily to an appearance on So You Think You Can Dance? over the summer and I think an episode of The Hills. Turns out she doesn't just cameo on reality TV. She fancies herself a singer as well. Behold:





PS - Hi, Mols!

The Superbowl of Music, aka The Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are on Sunday night, bitches! This is my most favorite awards show of them all. And don't be late - or you might miss something awesome. Behold this clip from 2004.



Prince at his Sasha-Fiercest, y'all!

I Like It, So I Put a Ring on It

After Paul Rudd hosted SNL, I spent the next few days trying to find this clip and was so disappointed when it wasn't available. I finally found one this week. The quality isn't fantastic, but you can still drink in the majesty. Behold:

I'm Gonna Knock You Out!

The result of my hand going head-to-head with the door frame at my apartment this morning. Bled all the way to the subway. Yikes!

Go Red For Women - National Wear Red Day

Friday, February 6 is National Wear Red Day sponsored by the American Heart Association to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke. Make it work!

Wearing red is only one way you can support the cause. For example, from February 5-8, Macy's is offering in-store savings to customers wearing red.

Please visit the American Heart Association Go Red for Women site for more information on symptoms, treatments, programs, and shopping savings!

Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

1. Didn't someone notice they were missing something?

2. The rain boots with the lime green trim that are in the background? Belong to a DUDE.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Happy birthday to my super awesome Dad!!!!


And in continuation of my apology to Jason - additional pictures from Melanie Gras 2008! This might actually cause Kristen to break up with me. Oh wait - she doesn't read my blog. I'm safe!

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week

Taking a break from the usual hilarity for a serious topic - this is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week.

One of my dear friends, a true bad mama jama, endured years of abuse in her first marriage. Thankfully, she eventually found the strength to leave and her journey has put her in a place to share her story in hopes of helping others. It is because of her I am aware of this cause and its resources.

I'm not good at the serious stuff. I'm not going to pretend I am an expert or that I know what I'm talking about or that I have any answers. If you need help, or know someone who does, please use these resources. If you are not sure if you need help, or if you aren't sure your relationship is healthy - please call and ask an expert. They will not judge you.

The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline operates via telephone and Web 24 hours a day and is staffed by both teen and adult advocates. Teens (and parents) anywhere in the country can call toll free, 866-331-9474 or log on to the interactive Web site, loveisrespect.org, and receive immediate, confidential assistance.

Liz Claiborne Inc. partnered with the Education Development Center to develop the Love Is Not Abuse curriculum. The curriculum is designed to help teens and teachers identify the signs of abuse, prevent abuse and learn where to get help.

We ARE The World

During girls night last week, we spent a good portion of the night listening to the 80s music channel on TV and were treated to several gems, including We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa. Seven minutes of heaven people. So, I looked up the video on YouTube (love you, YouTube!) and found this awesome version - which includes performer names (for main performers) and lyrics on screen. Because I know you want to play along at home.


In reviewing this awesomeness, I started to imagine a We Are the World for the 2009 - and wondered who it would feature. Now, I know what you are probably thinking - there is no substitute for the original. I mean, suggesting someone replace Bruce Springsteen? The mere suggestion might actually get me run of out town. But, let's play anyway. Here are my thoughts - look forward to your feedback in the comments section.

There comes a time when we heed a certain call - Lionel Richie (Chris Brown)
When the world must come together as one - Lionel Richie & Stevie Wonder (Chris Brown & Ne-Yo)
There are people dying - Stevie Wonder (Ne-Yo)
And its time to lend a hand to life - Paul Simon (Jason Mraz)
The greatest gift of all - Paul Simon & Kenny Rogers (Jason Mraz & Toby Keith)
We can't go on pretending day by day - Kenny Rogers (Toby Keith)
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change - James Ingram (Ben Harper)
We are all part of gods great big family - Tina Turner (Leona Lewis)
And the truth, you know, love is all we need - Billy Joel (Jon Bon Jovi)

Chorus - Michael Jackson (Justin Timberlake)
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So lets start giving

There's a choice were making, We're saving our own lives - Diana Ross (Beyonce)
Its true well make a better day, Just you and me - Michael Jackson & Diana Ross (JT & Beyonce)

Send them your heart, So theyll know that someone cares - Dionne Warwick (Rihanna)
And their lives will be stronger and free - Dionne Warwick & Willie Nelson (Rihanna & Kid Rock)
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread - Willie Nelson (Kid Rock)
So we all must lend a helping hand - Al Jarreau (Usher)

Chorus
We are the world, we are the children - Bruce Springsteen (the guy from Nickelback)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving - Kenny Logins (Brad Paisley)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives - Steve Perry (Rob Thomas)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me - Darryl Hall (Seal)

Theres a choice were making, Were saving our own lives - Bob Dylan (Daughtry)
Its true well make a better day, Just you and me - Bob Dylan (Daughtry)

When youre down and out, there seems no hope at all - Michael Jackson (JT)
But if you just believe, there's no way we can fall - Huey Lewis (guy from 3 Doors Down)
Well, well, well, well let us realize that a change can only come - Cyndi Lauper (Kelly Clarkson)
When we stand together as one - Kim Carnes (Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland)

Chorus repeats a bunch. Eventually an appearance by Ray Charles (RIP) (John Legend)

Did I forget anyone from the original song? There was also the choir made up of people like Bette Midler, Dan Akroyd, most of the remaining Jackson's (except Janet), John Oates (aw, so sad), etc.