Things We Can No Longer Say

The band They Might Be Giants forbids the usage of the following phrases. Ha! My own additions are at the end -- repeat offenders I know well will remain nameless ;) (you know who you are, and I do love you anyway...).


too much information
off the hook
that's what (s)he said
my bad
game changer
crackberry
that's how we roll
I can't work under these conditions
playing the (whatever) card
throw under the bus
drinking the kool-aid
LOL
phone tag
don't go there
it's all good
it is what it is
talk to the hand
think outside the box
off the reservation
oh no you didn't
I threw up a little in my mouth
one hundred and ten percent
IMHO
no worries*
jumped the shark
voted off the island
(anything) on acid
(anything) from hell
(anything) on steroids
literally (unless it's actually used properly)

Of course the list itself is now on the list.

*No worries enjoys a unique “workplace dispensation” where it can be used with a co-worker to help decompress a work situation.

My additions:
beats a sharp stick in the eye
whatever used as an exclamation(or whatev, or even worse... whatevs)
at the end of the day
the net-net is...
for real
open the kimono (I absolutely DETEST this one)
double-click on

Piragua

Saw In the Heights last Friday night, and I swear I've been singing about these flavored ices ever since. I kind of have a Bubbles-like crush on Eliseo Roman the Piragua Guy. The whole show was fantastic - you have to go see it!

Legen... wait for it... dary!

Six Year-Old Emily Bear

She even composes most of her own songs!

Cool stunt in Central Station, Antwerp

Some have seen this and remarked that it would never work in Grand Central Station. I'd actually disagree - I think it'd work anywhere. People live for witnessing glorious, surprising acts like this. Even, or maybe *especially*, New Yorkers.

The only disappointing thing about this stunt is that it wasn't done purely for the fun of it. Apparently, it was to publicize a new reality TV show focused on choosing a Maria. Oh well, I still like it. Thanks, Aunt Wendy!

This is the Mayer I Dig

found it courtesy of his blog - went on to see if he had a response to Timberlake's impression on Jimmy Fallon (he did not). Still kills me that dude is so talented given what a DB he is.

His note on it was: "Took a break from setting up the studio space and jammed a bit. There's something I love about playing with just drums because it gives me the harmonic freedom to go wherever I like. And whenever Steve and I see each other and there's a drum kit and a guitar rig around, this is how we say hello to one another. For the playas: I'm using a '52 Tele through a Fender Princeton. No pedals."

Justin Timberlake with the Roots on Fallon

because Timberlake's Mayer and McDonald impressions are spot on...

U2 Comes to Fordham!

Keating looking beautiful in the early AM
U2 takes the stage

I considered not going. I teach Thursday nights, and I'm usually exhausted Friday mornings so getting up at 5:30 am was not sounding so pleasant. Now, though, I can't believe I ever thought I might not go. What a wonderful event for Fordham. The short (6-song) show, though outside, felt really intimate, and I have to say U2 sounded amazing even in a more stripped-down show than I've ever seen them in before. I'm used to their shows being a huge spectacle, but they can truly entertain without all the special effects and hype. Bono's voice was a little hoarse, but other than that, the band sounded as tight as ever. I love the voice of Edge's guitar. The new album is growing on me; I like the more "new" 2nd half of the album better than the first half that sounds more like what they've done before. I had "Magnificent" in my head all weekend.

The whole morning also ended up being a fantastic bonding adventure for some other junior Mgmt profs and me. Days after, I am still beaming with pride at all the great publicity the school got. That was the best Friday morning I've had in a long while.

GMA U2 interview at Fordham:

Slow Jamming the News

This rocks. The Roots are the best thing about Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Sing it, Tariq!

Antony and the Johnsons "Another World"

This song is beautiful. I am listening to a good interview with Antony Hegarty on WNYC's Spinning on Air show. While Antony's latest CD may feel a bit unapproachable at times, the man himself is surprisingly present and non-pretentious and human and accessible. This interview and the music from The Crying Light was a lovely addition to my Sunday evening.

Raphael Saadiq, The Way I See It

I've been playing this album since it came out in September... and every time I do, RMW asks me, "What/who is this?". He's repeatedly shocked it's a new CD - not from back in the day. I've seen it on a few year-end lists in the press as the best 2008 CD you never heard. It really is a lovely little seamless throwback to Motown. Here's a quick little Billboard Q&A with the artist: