Little Island

BACK TO SCHOOL PLAYLISTS FROM ITUNES

I was wandering around on iTunes last week and stumbled on their BACK TO SCHOOL playlists. The categories: HIPSTERS, HIPPIES, SK8ERS, HIP HOP HEADS, HONOR ROLL, GREEKS, COWBOYS, CHEERLEADERS, CLUB KIDS, EXCHANGE STUDENTS, BAND GEEKS, and THE FAITHFUL. They are great playlists and I wound up purchasing some songs from these lists. Mostly I was attracted to the HIPSTERS (although I'm not that cool), SC8TRS (I can't expain this but I have an inner sc8tr), HONOR ROLL (although I don't believe I was ever on it in high school), and GREEKS (because I was one in college) playlists. I did toss in a few from THE FAITHFUL (because I am), CLUB KIDS (no idea why). I talked to my daughter about what she had - as I wanted to go through her CDs to see if I could find some of this stuff. My daughter had every song I wanted from the HONOR ROLL, GREEKS, and SK8TER lists. Interesting mix.

So pop over to iTunes and check out these BACK TO SCHOOL playlists. Find out if you're really a band geek or cheerleader and don't know it. If you've been out of school for awhile - like me - it will be even more fun because you don't even have to go back to school to dig into this cool music. Sometimes it's nice to be all grown up.

Soothing Sounds - Common Household Sounds Can Create A Peaceful Environment

Life is noisy. The modern world is full of noise and distractions. Whether at home, at work, or sitting in an airport, it can get to you. Sometimes you just want quiet - for rest and relaxation or for concentration. I often use music to block out the noises of the world and I have a number of playlists on my iPod that are just environmental - Pure Nature - Birds, Pure Nature - Ocean, Pure Nature - Night are a a few examples. Sometimes the sounds of the waves and chimes blowing in a light breeze or birds singing in some faraway field are just so calming and stress reducing. I have never tried white noise before but recently I discovered CDs by Pure White Noise. I was intrigued because they mix white noise with the nature sounds - something I'd never heard of before - and they include what I call modern environmental sounds in their list of CDs.

For instance, I have always found the sound of the washer and dryer very relaxing. It gives me a kind of cozy feeling for some reason. The sounds of an electric fan whirling away in the background in the summer can be peaceful too. The steady hum of an air conditioner takes me back to my childhood when the window air conditioner was the only air conditioner at my aunt's home and we didn't have any air conditioning at all - I can't expalin it but that sound just chills me out.

Pure White Noise actually has CDs like this and they are great. I know they are great because I bought a stack of them recently - so intrigued was I by their titles. I was not disappointed when they arrived and I loaded them all up on my iPod. I am telling you - that stuff is relaxing. When my house gets noisy and I am working from home I can even layer it - quiet music on my laptop and the relaxing sound of an a washing machine going in the background. Sounds crazy but it works like a charm. Distractions are driven away and I'm not using any water.

They also had some nature and white noise CDs. I got one called Winds of White Noise and the windy sound is flat out soothing. I will probably buy the Wonderful Waves of White Noise because I never heard an ocean waves CD I didn't like.

What Is The Universe Coming To?

First, Disney cancels Phil of the Future and now scientists downgrade Pluto to a non-planet. Hey, what's going on here? We may not be able to impact the fate of the planet/non-planet Pluto but we may be able to save Phil and friends. For some reason, my stressed adult self just gets a big kick out of Phil of the Future. Of course, I discover it late in the second season - via my teenagers who will always have a soft spot for Disney shows. I'm well behind the curve on this one and now it looks like I'll have to say goodbye after just saying hello. I don't mind about Pluto (planet/non-planet) but I'm mad about Phil. If you feel compelled to help Phil out then check out this Save Phil site. Networks do respond to viewers. For instance, Wonderfalls was cancelled early in it's first season but eventually they released the whole first season on DVD. It's great by the way. I bet we'd have never seen it if it wasn't for a persistent Save Wonderfalls campaign.

American Idol - Time to Vote

Tonight is the big night on American Idol. Everyone has their favorites. Of course, I have mine.

I think Chris Daughtry was the best of the group. Sadly, he is gone from the show. I was shocked. It's really pretty crazy as he was the most professional of all the singers this season. It is probably fortunate for him that he not be tied to an American Idol contract, however. I think he will do better off on his own in the long run. I'd buy any CD he put out. I hope he does that soon. He has an amazing voice.

As a side note on two contestants that went off a little earlier, I feel confident that Paris Bennett can make it especially if she focuses on jazz. She has a nice jazz voice. Kellie Picker could hit the country charts because she has the down-to-earth quality that really works well in that venue.

Elliott Yamin was my pick for winning American Idol once Chris was off the show. He has a gorgeous voice and I like the music he picks. He is another one whose albums I will definitely buy and I do hope he gets a recording contract so I can do that. I also thought he seemed like a humble and genuine person. I like that.

So what's left. Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee.

Katherine has a nice voice but it is clear that she is going to be easily convinced to go sleazy and silly as have many great voices before her as record execs press young female singers to let it all hang out to sell those CDs. The bottom line is that I do like her voice and I would buy her CD. I hope she stays a class act.

Then there is Taylor. Please save us from Taylor, dear Lord in Heaven. I am sure Taylor is a very nice fellow but as a performer he makes me shudder and long to shut off the TV. He seems to endure spasms when he sings. Sometimes he just looks like he really needs to pee. His grimacing during the ballads that he sings just makes me want to shake him. I think if he stopped with the goofy dancing, goofy singing stance, and goofy faces and just sang he would be better off. I will never - never, never, never, never - buy a Taylor Hicks CD. I think he would be fun to see in Vegas but he is not the kind of singer that works for me over the long haul. I just don't care for his singing style, his song choices, or his voice.

So tonight, I wish I could vote for Chris or Elliot but I will vote for Katharine.

Who writes these "first singles" for them by the way. They are awful for both Taylor and Katharine. Get better songwriters for these tunes, American Idol. Of the two, I think Katharine sang her "single" better than Taylor and she got the worst of the two songs.

And that's how I weigh in on American Idol. To each their own. Katharine - good luck. Chris and Elliott - I hope you get those recording contracts and you both become more famous than any American Idol.

Whoever you vote for, indulge in those American Idol downloads before they yank them off the site. The video and audio downloads are only available through May 24. The downloads are a great idea. It gives us a chance to enjoy favorite performances for this season before they disappear.

One of the best parts of the show was hearing Daniel Powter sing Bad Day. Now that's a great song.

What They Said

AFI's Top 100 Movie Quotes has been released and the quotes chosen won't surprise you. What are your favorites?

Here's my Top 15 of the Top 100:

Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. Gone With the Wind

May the Force be with you.  Star Wars

There's no place like home.   The Wizard of Oz

After all, tomorrow is another day! Gone With the Wind

You're gonna need a bigger boat. Jaws

I'll be back.  The Terminator

Well, nobody's perfect.  Some Like It Hot

Houston, we have a problem.  Apollo 13

You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk? Dirty Harry

Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into! Sons of the Desert

Elementary, my dear Watson. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Here's Johnny! The Shining

Hasta la vista, baby. Terminator 2: Judgement Day

Yo, Adrian! Rocky

Carpe diem.  Seize the day, boys.  Make your lives extraordinary. Dead Poets Society

My favorite quotes that didn't make the list? ---

I have a very bad feeling about this. Star Wars

Vote for me, and all your wildest dreams will come true.  Napoleon Dynamite

Years ago my mother used to say to me... 'In this world, Elwood, you must be Oh-so-smart, or Oh-so-pleasant.' Well, for years I was smart” I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.  Harvey

You'll shoot your eye out, kid.  A Christmas Story.

Go back to your desk. Settle down. Focus. Catch up. Haiku Tunnel

Star War Quotes Fun

Got Star Wars fever? I love the idea of adding a Star Wars quote to my diary or blog. If you can't get enough Star Wars then you can get one of your own quote generators at Star Wars Quotes. One great thing about it is that I can pick all the Star Wars films or just one. I love Episode IV best - it's my all time favorite. I've got those quotes running on my diary - Suburban Island - right now.

Not So Looney

Thanks to spritopias for cluing me in to some new Looney Tune news. Looney Tune cartoons were the morning TV fodder of my youth. Recently the characters got a makeover for a spin-off series. A meaner, more modern look that - even though it was not going to replace classic Looney Tune looks - really did surprise me. I understand the focus audience is difference but a rougher, tougher, more anime-like Bugs and Daffy? Nah. Give me the annoying, brash, loveable, original crew. I don't really like the babified versions of the characters either - no Baby Looney Tunes for me. If the truth be know, I'm not so big on the very early versions of Bugs and Co. They were a little more raw around the edges. My taste in Looney Tunes in for the robust and refined versions that graced TV screens in my youth.

So, while I was whining about Warner Bros. wackiness on my blog, this kid was taking action.  Sounds like Warner Bros. may be listening too and the Loonatics have been redrawn to give them a less menacing look.

One person can make a difference - even in the ruthless world of kid's programing. Good job, Thomas Adams!

Ultra Music

Ultra Lounge has it going.  I should know, as I am slowly building up an enviable collection of their CDs. These funky, cool, wild, and wonderful music compendiums make any time of day a party. My daughter just brought my home a new CD for my ultra cool collection - Ultra Lounge Vegas Baby! I am a lucky mom. She also brought me home a set of Therapy word refrigerator magnets - perfect for the stressed out mom. And that's not all. She found the loveliest little Alice in Wonderland notebook. It's too beautiful to use. So it is sitting on my shelf like a piece of artwork. I feel like a pampered mom today and frankly I need a little fussing over this week. I have a lot on my plate right now and really appreciated my daughter's thoughtful treats. It reminds me of how important thinking of others is to ourselves and the others we are thinking about. Funnily enough - it really is the thought that counts.

Family Plots Plots On

Hurray, a new season of Family Plots begins tonight on A&E. This 1/2 hour reality series chronicling the events of a family-run funeral parlor is fascinating.

Warner Bros. Wacky

What's up, doc? That's what I want to know. Warner Bros. has decided to revamp Bugs and company and give them a more modern look. Warner Bros. - you have made me very angry, very angry indeed - as your Marvin the Martian was wont to state in times of great distress. Many a suburban Saturday of yore did I watch Bugs, Porky, Tweety, Daffy, Sylvester, et al. as a kid. I could hardly wait to introduce the Looney Tunes cartoons to my own kids. Hahahaha - look at that crazy rabbit. Uh, then again kids - don't. Cutting edge - maybe - but even Bugs Bunny fans have their limits.