Randomizer Volume IV series VI

The holidays are upon us and soon time will expire forcing us to reveal how unfulfilled our intentions were through Outback Steakhouse gift cards. Here are a few thoughts to enjoy while you nibble on some gingerbread cookies.

• Christmas Music- In our attempt to inject some Christmas spirit into our lives we inundate ourselves with music from the season. Unfortunately most of the music is sourced at the commercial springs of our local radio stations. So instead of "Silent Night" we get fifteen different pop renditions of "Santa Baby". I can tolerate 1-5 listenings of the Muppet's rendition of the "Twelve Days of Christmas". But when it is played for the 6th time in 24 hours and I haven't even heard "Away in a Manger", "The First Noel", or "We Three Kings" once I have to wonder why we have such a hard time even mentioning the real reason for why we celebrate this holiday. Here's to more sentimental, traditional, and -dare I say- religous music at Christmas.

• The surprising quality from the 80's- Do you ever get sucked into watching one of those countdown or "remember the..." programs? The other night Jodi and I fell victim to a VH1 countdown of the best songs from the 1980's. Somewhere between "A-Ha" and "Guns N' Roses" we realized how great that music was, especially in relation to the uninspiring stuff of the past decade. These songs offered a new sound, were well crafted, and were exceptionally catchy. I have a hard time naming any song from the past 8 years that could be considered ground breaking or orginal. I have a hard time naming any song from the past 8 years that could be a "pop classic" on the scale of "Billie Jean" or "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." I probably have 1,200 songs from 2000-2008 and they are all suprisingly just pretty good.

• Eleanor Antin- On a recent trip to San Diego we had the opportunity to visit Museum of Art at Balboa Park. On display was the work of Eleanor Antin. Her work was titled "Historical Takes" and it focuses on a large series of tableaux photographs that are based on Greek and Roman history but mixed with modern themes. I have posted a couple of her photos here for your enjoyment or dismay. I think her work is definitely worth a moment of your time.

• Favorite Movies, universal theme?- We recently rewatched "Stranger than Fiction" and I remembered why it is amongst my favorite flicks. The ending credits had barely begun to roll when I realized how similar this is to a couple of my other favorite movies, "Truman Show" and "Lost in Translation". They are all great films that mark a serious departure for actors who had previously only been known as goofy comedians. They do a great job of broaching themes of loneliness, dreams, and human connection. They all were original and had a very quirky charm. Do yourself a favor and go rent one of these great movies over the holiday break.