Shed A Tear Cuz I'm Missing You But I'm Still Alright To Smile

Let's shuffle.

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted by Jimmy Ruffin (49) - This is one of those songs that I have to be in the mood to listen to. Of course...listening to this song is never a good thing but not everyday can be great. There is a strong sense of despair in the song and I think that everyone who has ever had their heart broken can relate to it. The opening line is pretty depressing and the song continues on a downward spiral from there. Yet at the end there is hope and in the end isn't that enough? Best Line: "I'll be looking everyday...I know I'm gonna find a way, nothings gonna stop me now...I'll find a way somehow".

Somethin' Stupid by Robbie Williams (62) - Call me crazy but I actually prefer this version to the Sinatra version. Moving on...it is impossible not to start to sway whenever I hear this song. I am not sure what possessed me to learn every word to this song but it doesn't matter where I am...whenever I hear this song I have to sing it as I am swaying and furthering proving that I am geek. It is such a romantic song that I cannot help but smile in spite of the fact that my first mental image when listening to this song is of Sideshow Bob and Selma. Best of all...the best line of this song is the opening line...which always gives a song bonus points. Best Line: "I know I'd stand in line until you think you have the time to spend an evening with me".

Making Love Out of Nothing At All by Air Supply (198) - I know that I am going to catch a ration of shit for this one...but I love this song. I suspect that a lot of other people love this song as well but are too ashamed to admit it. Where as this is a song that I have always wanted to sing at a karaoke bar...I have never felt brave enough to actually do it...yet. I will say that this a very common Car/Shower Karaoke song in the world of Millie. If this song isn't awesomely bad enough on its own...it was taken to a whole new level after its appearance in Mr & Mrs. Smith. I don't know if Brad Pitt has ever been sexier than he was when he was singing this song while driving the mini-van. Deal with it indeed. Best line: "And I’m never gonna tell you everything I gotta tell you but I know I’ve got to give it a try".

Patience by Guns N' Roses (93) - I have recently been reminded how damn awesome Guns N'Roses were back in their day. They were/are no where nearly as awesome as Bon Jovi but still pretty damn great. While I truly enjoy their rock songs...it is their power ballads that I love. Whenever I hear this song...I usually have the urge to stop whatever it is that I am doing. I am not sure why but this song makes me want to pause and reflect for some reason. Maybe it is because lately patience has been a virtue that I struggle to possess. It is extremely hard to patient and I find myself in need a reassurance that it is worth the wait. This song is all about giving reassurance which is probably why I enjoy it so much. Best Line: "Was a time when I wasn't sure but you set my mind at ease, there is no doubt you're in my heart now".

321 by Hedley (148) - Flamingo Pose....ready...go! Anyway...this really is a catchy little tune. It isn't exactly awesome or anything...but I can't help but sing whenever I hear it. Whenever no one is looking...I will even strike the flamingo pose as I sing the the 321 part. I suspect that there is only one person who might know what I am thinking about and even he might need a subtle reminder. Seriously though...if you are going to own one song by Hedley....it should be this one. Oh and once again we have bonus points for the best line being the opening line. Best Line: "I heard a distant early warning but I chose to ignore it...and it came back and bit me".

Not Much of a Weekend

I am so sick of cleaning...sick of spackling...sick of gardening...So let's take a minute and focus on more exciting things...

Ok so maybe sweeping the Astros isn't the greatest accomplishment in the Yankee's history but based on how the season is going...I'll take it.

The Yanks are over .500 which is awesome. Sure we are still a painful 6 games behind the damn Red Sux who are showing no signs of slowing down but that's okay. Things are looking up in the Yankee Universe.

Most significant of it all is the fact the fact that Derek Jeter is playing the way that he should. Sure I gave him credit for "being a man" after that nasty hit he took in the wrist from that asshole from the Orioles but clearly it shook my man up. Nevertheless...he is once again playing like the superstar he is and I think that it is awesome.

I don't much to write about from the world of pop culture because I haven't spend as much time in depths of it and I miss it. I don't see myself getting back into it in the near future as the next few weeks are going to be insanely busy with getting ready to move, Jenn's wedding, and this damn oceanography class. I have been lucky enough to actually sleep over the past few days which is good because I am no longer dozing off while driving but my TIVO is near max capacity.

So let's end it on a positive note...my Yankees are on a 4 game winning streak!

Lovers Always Come & Lovers Always Go & No One's Really Sure Who's Lettin' Go Today

Working at another unit for the past few days has been good for me. From a professional side it gave me a much needed break from my regular office and the nonsense that comes with it as well as a chance to meet people that I have been working for/with for the past few years but never actually seen in person. It was also cool because for the first time in a very long time, I enjoyed being a YN. The only problem is that it makes the thought of going back to the seclusion of a cubicle all the more depressing. Oh well...the point of this post is that the additional three hours I spent in the car each day meant plenty of Millie Car Karaoke. Upon reviewing the "Recently Played" list on my iPod...here are the top songs that were sang/grooved to during the hellish commute from Casa De Millie to PSU 313.

(DISCLAIMER: I left the iPod on shuffle in effort to listen to different songs. When a song came on that was not worth singing/grooving to...I simply skipped it. Keep this in mind as you consider the songs listed below. They were not intentionally sought out.)

The grade next to the song is the Millie Karaoke Grade based off of awesomeness of the song, level of singing difficulty, popularity, the level of increased chance for getting a speeding a ticket as a result of listening to, and ability to make you want to groove. In effort to keep this from turning into another shuffle post...all I am including with the title of the song and the grade is my favorite line of the song. If nothing else...maybe this will expand your musical horizons by encouraging you to listen to the tune.

Is It Any Wonder by Keane: C+
Singable, groovable, but not popular and no impact on driving speed.

"Sometimes I get the feeling that I'm stranded in the wrong time where love is just a lyric in children's rhyme."

November Rain by Guns N' Roses: A-

Totally singable, incredibly popular and significantly increases the odds of getting a speeding ticket...just missing the groovablity factor...but redeems itself with end rock out!

" If we could take the time to lay it on the line I could rest my head just knowin' that you were mine."

Love Today by Mika: A

Totally singable in a fun way, almost too groovable, lacks mainstream popularity, and I am actually surprised that I don't get pulled over every time I listen to this song.

"Every body's gonna love today, gonna love today, anyway you want to, anyway you've got to...love love me, love love me, love love.

The Cup of Life by Ricky Martin: A-

Not only singable but one tends to feel smart since it features three different languages...of course that fact that you are actually singing along with Ricky Martin pretty much negates the intelligence points. It is a popular, speed increasing song written for my least favorite sport on the planet.

"Para sobrevivir y luchar por ella luchar por ella (SI!)"

Brave New World by Michael Penn: C-

Singable and can produce a slight groove...but nothing worth getting excited about.

"This may not be my best day but this ain't no golden age"

Gin and Juice by Snoop Dogg: B+

The inner gangsta in me cannot help but rapping along with Snoop whenever I hear this song. It is popular and groovable but lacks the speed increasing factor.

"Everything is fine when you listenin to the D-O-G...I got the cultivating music that be captivating he who listens to the words that I speak"

One More Time by Daft Punk: B

Low on the singablity factor but totally groovable. Won't cause you to increase your speed but will help you maintain it.

"Music's got me feeling so free...we gonna celebrate"

Da Funk by Daft Punk: A

Would be an A+ since it is a fine example of the all of the standards listed above except for the singablity factor. Not its fault that it has no words. (I am actually dancing in my chair as I type this.)

Your Heart Is An Empty Heart by Death Cab For Cutie: D
(For the record, I am fairly certain that I was on the phone and therefore turned down the stereo.) Not singable, not groovable, not popular and no chance of increasing speed.
"And you shed not a single tear for the things that you didn't need cause you knew you were finally free"

I finally slept for more than an hour at time...the bad part was that it was this afternoon and now I am wired. Damn it all but I must say that I feel a little bit better.

Let's Hear It For The Boy!

While I standby my utter and total disgust with the Boston Red Sux (which only grew stronger last week with the Coco Crisp fiasco...followed by the Manny-Jason battle in the dugout)...I must give credit where credit is due. So let's hear for the newest American citizen...Big Papi!

Today alongside 226 other immigrants...David Ortiz was officially sworn in as an American citizen. Call me sentimental...but I find the whole thing pretty cool.

He did not make a deal of the fact that he was doing this...in fact very few people knew that he was actually doing it. I love that he did not do this for the publicity....unlike another player who made such a show of it that I still hear about it nearly four years later. Not to say that it isn't a big deal...but my point is that there is something touching about the fact that Big Papi didn't do this for media attention or all-star votes...he did this for himself. The smile on his face as he left the courthouse said it all....he is proud to American which is totally awesome in my book.

So congrats to Big Papi....now if only he would pull a Johnny Damon and see the light.

You've Got To Win A Little...Lose A Little...And Always Have The Blues A Little

So its a day but thanks to this seemingly never ending case of insomnia...you're gonna get double the shuffle. So sit back and enjoy a few extra songs on me.

Jungle Love by The Time: If you don't automatically think of Jay and Silent Bob within 15 seconds of the start of this song...I must ask what are you doing reading this blog? Seriously though...the only reason that I like this song is because of Jay and Silent Bob. I love those guys. I don't really know any of the lines except for "O-E-O-E-O!" so lets close this one with...Snootchie-Bootchies.

Realize by Colbie Caillat - This is one of the newer songs on my iPod that I was a little unsure about. I couldn't decide if I actually like it or not. Upon listening to it, I don't enjoy the lyrics at all...but only because it is painful to listen to them. I hate that I completely understand the song and the frustration that comes from being there. I am not sold on Colbie's voice as I tend to find it slightly annoying. It doesn't help that I absolutely hated her last song...but this one isn't too bad. Best Line: "But I can't spell it out for you, no its never gonna be that simple, no I can't spell it out for you."

About A Girl by Nirvana: Critics be damned but I swear that this is the best song by Nirvana. The unplugged version of this song is what launched the Nirvana Unplugged into record-breaking album sales so how could anyone doubt the awesomeness of this song? The unplugged version kicks the original's ass but that is not the point. The point is that I strongly believe that this song is Nirvana at its best and I wish that more of their songs were like this and a lot less like Smells Like Teen Spirit. Who doesn't "Need an easy friend with a ear to lend"?

Susanne by Weezer: Holy shit...it must be a sign that I am need of some Kevin Smith. This movie is also awesome largely in part of its use as the end credit song of a movie featuring Jay and Silent Bob. (Seriously...I love those guys!) Aside from its greatness in the last minutes of Mallrats...this song is awesome because it is tons of fun to sing with a group of friends. My beloved friend Todd knows that this song is always guaranteed to make me smile...and is always willing to sing it with me solely for that purpose. I don't think that there is a better Weezer song than this....and it belongs on everyone's iPod. Best Line: "And all I can do is say that I haven't much I can give you in return...Only my heart and a promise not to turn...But I sing to you every day and every night."

Joker and the Thief by Wolfmother: Damn stupid Shrek the Third for turning a kick ass song into a cartoon soundtrack song. I loved this song until it was used in that movie and honestly...that is the moment that I stopped loving Wolfmother. How in the hell can one go from Jackass 2 to Shrek the Third? Ladies and Gents....this is the perfect example of selling out. I can't hear this song without thinking of Far Far Away and I should be thinking of Johnny Knoxville riding a rocket. Bloody hell it really pisses me off. No line as a form of protest.

Let's Get Down by Tony Toni Tone: There is one person who reads this blog who will know why this song always makes me smile...and I hope it will have the same effect in return. You'll be out of the hospital and "feeling better than a little while ago" soon my dear friend.

Bad Habit by The Offspring: I doubt that there is anyone around my age who did not learn at least one new curse word from the song. For that reason alone it will always have a place in pop culture as a classic. That is a pretty major feat considering that it was never released "mainstream". Is there a better song that captures the essence of road rage? I think not. As stated previously...I do not condone road rage...but I have had my moments when I have truly understood the words in this song. I have chosen the next line as the best because I can completely relate to it. Best Line: "When I go driving I stay in my lane but getting cut off makes me insane."

If I Had Eyes by Jack Johnson: "Sometimes time doesn't heal, no not all...just stand still while we fall". Truer words have never been sung. Time doesn't seem to help at all. This song is different from most of Jack's other songs but I actually really like it. It took me a few times of listening to it before I was won over but that's okay. It lacks the laid back island feel that is symbolic of Jack. Nevertheless...it is a great song. And it poses a very good question...and the winner of the best line: " The more of this or less of this or is there any difference or are we just holding onto the things we don't have anymore?"

Hey Ya by Outkast: Hear me out on this one...but I honestly think that this one of the best written hip-hop songs ever. I mean...in spite of its happy and bouncy beat, its sometimes silly lyrics, and musical madness of Andre 3000...it addresses a few very real points of life. The 1st is the line "If they say nothing last forever than what makes love the exception?" Next is the line "My baby don't mess around and this I know for sure. But does she really want to but can't stand to see me walk out the door?" Next is the line "we get together but separates's always better when there's feelings involved." I don't know...I just think that if you get past the shaking like a Polaroid picture part...it is a rather thought provoking song.

The Glory of Love by Bette Midler: OK so probably one of the cheesier songs on my iPod but rather appropriate for the times. This song really is like an old friend...being that I watched Beaches like 1000 times while growing up. (For some reason it isn't shown on basic cable every weekend like it was in the days of my youth.) Friends come and go from our lives...but I have been lucky to have two that have remained over the years and I suspect that they will be there in end...whenever that might be. While I am sure that to say this is in some way a stab at their masculinity but I always think of Robin and Todd when I hear this song. I do believe that "When the world is through with us...we've got each others arms."

For those of you have been bugging me for an update...Robin is doing better. He is not talking but the docs suspect that it is by choice and nothing serious. He is not out of the woods yet but he is getting a little better everyday. I have no idea when he will be released or what will happen after he leaves the hospital so stop asking.

Should Have Been One Missed Movie

OK so I am little late in reviewing this movie...but if I can prevent one person from watching it...then I have done my job. This movie totally suuuuucked!!! It was not worth the money spent to rent it nor the time I wasted watching it.

So you have Shannyn Sossaman in the female lead role...and she cannot carry a movie on her own. So throw in Edward Burns and a few no-names and guess what...the film still comes up short. The only thing enjoyable about the movie is Burns and I spent most of the movie cursing him for signing on for this role.

The plot of the movie had potential. Think of how much it would suck to get a voicemail from the future and you could hear your own death. The movie is based off a Japanese film so I had high hopes. Maybe that is why I am pissed that it let me down.

The problem was that the voicemails weren't scary. The death scenes weren't scary. Not even the "scary" distorted figures that randomly popped up were scary. I never jumped once through the 87 minute long movie. (Which seemed much longer than that while I was watching it.)

When the person behind the "curse" is revealed...it wasn't shocking....it was kind of like "huh?" Much like the rest of the movie...it didn't make sense.

To make it worse....the movie didn't end when it should. They had to waste another ten minutes of the viewer's time to try to fit in one last scare...and it failed miserably. In fact, they just pissed me off more because not only did they waste my time...but they killed off the only decent character in the movie...and they did it in the lamest way possible.

I mainly watched it because there isn't much else to do when one can't sleep and of course my theory that you can't feel down if you are scared. This movie did not scare me in the slightest...and that pissed me off.

I Don't Know What To Say But I'll Say It Anyway

So if you are going to do something that you suck at....you might as well do it as terribly as possible and love every minute of it.