If you've got the curves, I've got the angles

What a weekend. First, the tragedy in Norway is still too horrific to comprehend. What does one do after a streak of madness causes widespread devastation, affecting countless lives? I'm quite at a loss. I'll pray for the victims, and hope their families find strength and solace somewhere, somehow. If you, Dear Reader, or someone you know has been affected, I'm sorry for your loss.

In another bit of sad news, Amy Winehouse passed away, joining other troubled celebrities who died at an early age. She leaves behind a brief legacy of some quality songs and a whole lot of what-ifs.

What now? I'm out of my depth when it comes to such serious matters. So, I'll do what I know and put up my usual type of post. It's a couple of days late, again, and I'm not sure if that's a sign of things to come. We'll see how the next few weeks go.

*FYI, the title of this post is borrowed from Wolfman Jack, a deceased radio DJ. He was a wholesome fellow.

-   The feel-good story of the week is the resolution to a feel-bad story from last year. Rachelle Friedman, of North Carolina, was all set to tie the knot this weekend, a year after becoming paralyzed during her bachelorette party. Hopefully, the event went smoothly. And in a gesture of good will after the wedding, Toyota gave her a new van.

-   Here's a silly look at a serious series. I present to you: cutesified versions of the house banners from A Game of Thrones.

In baby-talk voice: Wook at the cute wittle Lannister lion. Does somebody want to roar? Yes you do. Yes you do! Be a good lion and go play with your gold.

-   Since we're on the subject... somewhere, Sean Bean is playing golf with clubs made of solid gold, completely ignoring movie pitches unless the scripts mention that his character will die. It's like Meryl Streep crying in a movie: it will happen, and it will be good. Nonetheless, like Streep, Bean is quite good at his craft. Proof: Watch Sean Bean die...21 times!!! (Warning: Contains 21 spoilers.)

-   Do you love dramatic readings? Are you fascinated by horrible sweaters? Have you ever imagined being read The Three Little Pigs by Christopher Walken? This video has all of those things for you, and more. Personally, I think parents and teachers have been doing children everywhere a disservice by not jazzing up fables and fairy tales like Walken does. I am not exaggerating. Buongiorno, salami!


You're welcome.

-   Yesterday, Roberto Alomar became the first player inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame as a Toronto Blue Jay. There have been something like upwards of 17,000 professional baseball players ever, and only 205 are in the HoF. Amazing. Now if only someone could find the old "Catch de taste" commercial he did for McCain Punch...

-   "Captain Planet, he's a hero. Gonna take pollution down to zero." If that task wasn't enough, he's also going to take on the movie box office. Yes, it looks like the Captain Planet series is getting made into a movie. It will be interesting to see what happens to the stereotypes from the show, and the magic rings, and the Captain's haircut. Stay tuned, and Goooo Planet!

-   Song of the week: That would be How I Met You, by Jenn Grant. Short and snappy, this fuzzy, hook-driven song is pure pop. I wonder if it's too simple to be more than a fleeting gem, but only time will tell. What do you think? I can't embed this one directly, but I can link to it, or you can go to CBC Radio 3: http://r3.ca/0C98

Not to steal the spotlight from Grant, but in memory of Ms. Winehouse, here's the song that first brought her to my attention, back in the days when she looked healthier. She was still finding her voice, but this send-up of gals who get dolled up and play the club scene has both infectious hooks and cutting lines.


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Thank you for reading. Tune in next time.