Despite the apathy plaguing me for the last week (depression’s a bitch) and my muse being in hiding, I still have plenty of things to be grateful for.
I have had DSL internet at this trooper’s headquarters for the last year and a half. DSL is ridiculously slow. After looking around, I found out that Time Warner offered broadband (which is 8x faster than what I had) for 10 bucks less a month. So I signed up on Monday and after three days of ridiculously inept customer service from their “tech support” I finally convinced them to get a tech out here. Once he ascertained the problem (the wire was disconnected at the box outside my headquarters), I had flawless and ample internet service. Baby C can now watch his Thomas the Train YouTube videos and play PBS Kids without lag.
Monday also saw the release of the new “Weird Al” Yankovic album. Longtime followers of this here weblog know just what a huge fan I am of Weird Al, and I finally picked up the new album this morning. One of the songs from this new album has already gone viral, and it’s one his best ever, in this trooper’s opinion. That song has become a rallying cry for grammar nazis everywhere. If you haven’t heard Word Crimes yet, give it a listen…
The 16th was a very special day. It was my brother Revis’ birthday! Because of our schedules we have not had time to celebrate together, but hopefully we can figure something out soon.
The twins had been pestering me to see the new transformers movie for the last couple of weeks. On Wednesday, I finally had a chance to take them. The movie was pretty good, but needlessly long. The amount of time spent on the background of Mark Wahlberg’s character was excessive, and the predictability of his disdain for his daughter’s suitor is a tired story. Still, the movie was pretty entertaining.
Lastly, because of my new high speed internet connection, I was finally able to have a video chat with my favorite Brit, Lizzi, who informed me that my laptop wasn’t laptoppy because it doesn’t have a webcam. She also found it mildly hilarious when I said “ohhhhhhhhhhh” when I finally grasped understanding of something. It was good to finally meet her and have a conversation with her. She also met the twins, and apologized to Baby A for his frequent deaths while playing Mass Effect.
So, despite my demons dragging me down, some good things happened this week. Take THAT, demons! Assholes.
Mental Defecation 
I love this video. I was posting it all over the place the other day and begging my teacher friends to use it in their class rooms. Obviously it’s not as cool as School House Rock, but it’s pretty f*cking great.
LikeLike
It is HILARIOUS. Hopefully it will persuade those who purposefully misspell their words because they think it’s cool to stop doing so.
LikeLike
Ha! Great song TD – “hireacunninglinguist” Ha! Glad you had a chance to go to the movies.
LikeLike
Thanks, Paul! And the cunning linguist line is great.
LikeLike
When time warner works, it’s great. I find I have to reboot my router frequently though, because they are run by a bunch of MBAs who barely have enough tech skill to turn on the lights.
LikeLike
Well, they just bought Insight, which was the company in place here until last year. I can only assume TW is still using Insight’s infrastructure, which was great.
LikeLike
If you think they have poor tech skills now, wait until our pal Rupert Murdoch buy them. That guy won’t rest until he owns everything, everywhere, including yo ass.
LikeLike
My company is privately held, by an Italian, who seems to not like anyone.
So my ass is owned by a completely different foreign entity.
LikeLike
The video is classic. Love it. : ) I hope you are doing well. Tough stuff.
LikeLike
I’m hanging in there. How are you?
LikeLike
Riding the ride, per se’. The video made me smile. I just texted it off to a friend, as we had a recent conversation about the subject matter in the video. : )
LikeLike
It really is a great song.
LikeLike
Oh I love that word crimes song too! Hooray for video chat – yay Lizzi! I skyped for the first time last myself – crazy! Sorry this week has you a little down – being grateful is always a good spoonful of sugar : )
LikeLike
You got your cherry popped? Woohoo!!
LikeLike
I think you need to Transform those Depression Demons!
LikeLike
If it were only so easy.
LikeLike
Yeah.
LikeLike
Oh I love Word Crimes too. Brilliant!
LikeLike
YES!
LikeLike
FOURHUNDREDANDSEVENTYEIGHTH!
YAY to vidchatting with you. *loved* it, even more than our little voice messagey things we send. And I do love when you say “ohhhhhhhhhhh” – there’s a particular cadance to your voice at those times which, for whatever reason, I find WONDERFUL 🙂
I’m glad we chatted. I’m glad you found Good Things and that I got to meet the twins and commiserate with the dying one. OH and you taught me what a popsicle is, don’t forget that part. And I ESPECIALLY like the Weird Al (though I’m still sore you didn’t share it with me properly)/
LikeLike
I SHARED IT ON FACEBOOK!!! I can’t help it if you ignore me!! 😉
I forgot about the popsicle.
I cant wait to chat again!
LikeLike
I have loved Weird Al since I first discovered him in, um… maybe grade 5…and agree that this is one of his best. Did you also like Doctor Demento?
Glad you came up with a decent list for this week… was a little surprised that Emma Stone’s lipsync wasn’t included…perhaps a guilty secret pleasure? 🙂
LikeLike
LOL. I forgot about that, honestly. I was busy with C while trying to write this at the same time, so I was a bit scatterbrained. I almost forgot to include Weird Al…
No, I never listened to Dr. Demento. I discovered Weird Al because my dad had the album 3-D on vinyl and I used to listen to ALL the time. Then he got me Even Worse as a birthday present and I’ve been hooked ever since.
LikeLike
Well almost forgetting Weird Al would be a crime indeed!!
LikeLike
I know! I would have never forgiven myself…
LikeLike
Weird Al always puts a smile on everyone’s face.
LikeLike
I KNOW!
LikeLike
Hurray for broadband! Happy Birthday to your brother. Hope the twins enjoyed the Transformers movie.
LikeLike
They did! There was a surprising abundance of laugh-out-loud moments in the movie, too.
LikeLike
Lol! for showing them (demons)! Yay for speedy internet. Your muse? Am I allowed to ask?
LikeLike
Inspiration for writing. 😉
LikeLike
Yeah! Take that demons! I hear ya! It’s too bad I missed the vidchat the other night. It would have been nice to talk to you ‘face to face’. I don’t get a chance to join in very often but the last time I did, Lizzi and I were up half the night…well, all night for her. She actually saw the sun coming up when we signed off! Lots of Weird Al fans this week on FB and all over the blogs. It is a good song and I know some folks who should take heed. I may or may not be guilty of at least one thing…
I hate our DSL. Hate. It. We’re all bundled with our satellite and landline so pain in the ass, but I would love to change it.
LikeLike
Oh, Sandy. I’m so sorry to hear about your internet connection. Or lack thereof. Satellite is even slower than DSL.
I had to cut the chat short because the battery on my phone was about to die, hence another reason why I need to get a webcam. Hopefully we can meet up soon!
LikeLike
Sorry for those asshole demons, but thanks for the video. I had seen some links, but hadn’t had a chance to watch it.
LikeLike
I already consider it among his best songs.
LikeLike
You know, I may have to agree with you.
LikeLike
I watched the Transformers movie and it was great!! Hi to another Weird AL fan!
LikeLike
Weird Al!! WOOOT!
LikeLike
Have you ever seen the Weird Al episode of Behind the Music on VH1? It’s really good!
Wasn’t that Transformers movie something like three hours long? That would give me a fucking headache.
LikeLike
No, I haven’t seen the BTM for Weird Al. I’ll hafta see of it’s on YouTube.
Yes, the movie was 2 hours 45 minutes long, and it certainly didn’t need to be. There were a lot of unnecessary parts, especially in the beginning. Still was enjoyable overall, though.
LikeLike
Your one-way video chat sounds awesome! 🙂
I’m thankful that the giant mess I created demolishing the tiled walls around the tub Monday is now a beautiful new tub surround as of yesterday. The remainder of that bathroom should be finished by end if this coming week. Woot woot!
LikeLike
Hooray for destruction and remodeling!!! I haven’t done anything like that in a long time, but it’s a good feeling to know you can do it.
LikeLike
And far easier on the wallet than outsourcing!
LikeLike
Very much so.
LikeLike
Word Crimes needs to be played daily in every classroom across America!! I’ve watched it a million times and love it more and more with each view.
I love your one sided chat …hahaha!
Have a good week and stay thankful : )
LikeLike
Thanks, Lisa! And I think that video should pop up (like the old pop up ads) any time you post something grammatically incorrect on the internet.
LikeLike
It would be quicker to mention the things I am not thankful for… like Dick Cheney…
LikeLike
That’s a short post, though.
LikeLike
true dat
LikeLike
That song is great. Love me some Weird Al too. Seems like just yesterday I was in the back seat of my mom’s car laughing hysterically at his song “Eat It.” Lol. Glad you’re up and running with proper internet speed now, that’s important. Also glad you’re finding light in some otherwise dark moods. Keep your chin up pal. There are lots of us out here who think you’re a great guy.
LikeLike
Thanks, Don. You’re pretty awesome yourself.
LikeLike
I am thankful that you posted the video. I was tipped off to this parody’s existence by my Mom (of all people), but forgot to look it up. I agree, it kicks ass, and Weird Al hasn’t lost his mojo one bit. There is no reason at all the man shouldn’t be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame…
I wonder how many of Weird Al’s grammar rules I just violated in this comment?
LikeLike
Hmmmm…..I’m sure I’m guilty of a few word crimes myself.
LikeLike
Hey, you got to take the twins to the movie. All right! I enjoyed Weird Al. He’s been gone for some hasn’t he? I can see this video being used in schools. It’s entertaining and educational. Glad you got to talk to Lizzie. I hear so many great things about her. Yay, for a fast connection!
LikeLike
Lizzi is pretty fantastic.
LikeLike
Love, love, love Weird Al. He had said he thinks this is his best album. I have about 15 of his albums and 3 dvds. I like to listen to his music when I need a smile. This song is just great, but the video makes it. Glad you’re feeling better.
LikeLike
Yes, the video DOES make it better. I have all of his albums and a couple of VHS tapes.
LikeLike
Awesome! I don’t quite have them all but am getting there. Lol I have seen him in concert every time he’s come to Cleveland. Once I got 4th row tickets and got to sing with him when he came into the audience! Nice to meet another Al fan! 🙂
LikeLike
That’s awesome! I’ve never made it to any of his concerts. Something always seems to come up when he’s in Cincy…
LikeLike
He’ll be touring for this album I’m sure. We’ll have to keep our eyes open. Hope you get to go!
LikeLike
Me too!
LikeLike
All these comments about how awesome Weird Al is (which of course he is), but not one person wishes me a happy birthday….. how rude….
LikeLike
Happy Birthday Revis!!!!!
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear Revis
Happy Birthday to You.
From good friends and true,
From old friends and new,
May good luck go with you,
And happiness too.
YEAH REVIS!!
LikeLike
I read that acknowledging the things we are grateful for actually helps promote feelings of happiness. i am always reminding my kids to look for the things to be thankful for when they feel like life is unfair, but I don’t always do it myself. Thanks for the reminder!
And Weird Al is a genius. I was giddy when I watched “Word Crimes,” and my husband was a little disturbed by my permanent smile as I stared at the laptop. I have come to realize that I kind of want to be him when I grow up. Speaking of which, do you have his children’s book “When I Grow Up”? If not, get yourself onto Amazon pronto and order it for Baby C. It is one of my favorite children’s books on our shelf. And one last reason to love Weird Al (at least in my book): he opened for The Monkees during one of their tours in the 80’s. I never saw it, but I am sure my head would have exploded…but not literally. 🙂
LikeLike
I had no idea he had written a book. I’m gonna go check that out now!!
LikeLike
Woo Hoo!! I actually think he may have written two, but we only have the one.
LikeLike
Woohoo! You got to connect with Lizzi! Something to be really grateful for!
LikeLike
I know! She’s awesome!
LikeLike