Five for Friday – Five Festive Funnies

I started thinking about Christmas and my thoughts turned to great Christmas songs that nobody else seems to like, yet are among my favorites.  How can one go wrong with Dr. Demento, Stan Freberg, Weird Al, Spike Jones…? 

With that in mind, here’s a Five for Friday – Five Festive Funnies (and it’s only Tuesday):

All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth – Spike Jones & His City Slickers

The Singing Dogs’ Jingle Bells – Dr. Demento

I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas – Gayla Peevey

Green Christmas – Stan Freberg

Christmas at Ground Zero – Weird Al Yankovic

Enjoy!

Five for Friday – Five Festive Films

Christmas is coming… very soon.  With that in mind – a (very early) Five for Friday – Five Festive Films (I haven’t done this in quite a while, so consider this an early – or late – gift):

According to Moviefone, these are the top five Christmas films.  My tastes are similar to those of the Moviefone family, but in a (somewhat) different order:

5. White Christmas – (Moviefone description) Aren’t we all dreaming of a ‘White Christmas’? The movie starring Bing “Mr. Christmas” Crosby and Danny Kaye is as charming as the tune, with all the elements to warm the heart: Two GIs come home from WWII, fall in love with singing-and-dancing sisters and help their general with his failing Vermont inn. Awww.

My thought: I’m good with this one.  My family has watched this together for years on Christmas Eve.  It’s a classic.  I also like the film that introduced the song White Christmas – Holiday Inn.

4. Scrooged – (Moviefone description) Only Bill Murray could so expertly walk the fine line between pathos and hilarity, as he does playing miserly TV exec Frank Cross. Complete with a taxi-driving Ghost of Christmas Past and a (literally) ball-busting Ghost of Christmas Present, this Dickens send-up is so offbeat and fun, Yule love it!

My thought: I’m pretty good with this one too.  I love Bill Murray’s humor – Groundhog Day and What About Bob are among my favorite films.  Plus, I have a soft spot for almost anything Dickens.

3. Miracle on 34th Street – (Moviefone description) If this ’47 classic doesn’t make you a Santa believer, nothing (especially the ’94 remake) will. It’s dark stuff for a Christmas flick — Kris Kringle is put on trail to determine if he’s legally insane — but the endgame (in which the US Postal Service saves the day!) is utterly heartwarming.

My thought: This is probably my spot for A Christmas Story (see #1), but ‘Miracle’ would likely still be in my top 15.  I love it when he bops the psychologist on the head.

2. It’s A Wonderful Life – (Moviefone description) A tale of depression and almost-suicide doesn’t exactly scream “Christmas classic” — which is probably why Frank Capra’s flick flopped at the box office. But more than 30 years later, it endures as a beloved testament to everything Christmas embodies: family, friends and the joy of life.

My thought: This is a movie that really caught on with the advent of TV and a need to fill time during the Christmas holidays.  Enough airplay and it became a classic.  My son and I love it, my wife and daughter hate it – not much of a barometer to go by, because that is true of most movies in our home.  ‘Wonderful Life’ is still in my top 10, but  my number 2 is Moviefone’s number 16 – Die Hard.  Nothing gets one in the holiday mood like terrorists/thieves battling the entire Los Angeles police force and FBI, but being brought down by one New York cop (well, he is played by Bruce Willis).

1. A Christmas Story – (Moviefone description) There’s nary a scene to forget in this near-perfect nostalgic look at where Americana and Christmastime meet. The story of a young boy’s epic quest to get his hands on a Red Ryder BB gun provides the hilarious backdrop for a timeless tale rife with family hijinks, frozen tongues and, of course, sex-oozing leg lamps.

My thought: I think it is a funny film and very well done, but not quite up to number one – maybe third.  Watch for yourself on TBS on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it will make an annual 24 hour run.  My number 1 is Moviefone’s number 11 – Alastair Sim as Scrooge in the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol.

Honorable Mention: Elf. (Moviefone description) Frank Ricard. Ron Burgundy. Ricky Bobby. They’re all unforgettable Will Ferrell personas, but the role he might be remembered for most in 50 years is Buddy the Elf (what’s your favorite color?) from ’03’s instant holiday classic. This non-stop laugher exemplifies all-ages entertainment.

My thought: Elf is on the edge and may very soon make it into my top five.  It is humorous, charming, and very nearly innocent fun.

Enjoy!

Five for Friday – Unique USB Devices

I have many USB storage devices (or memory sticks, or thumb drives, or…), but I don’t have any of these:

A “real” thumb drive:

My favorite – the teddy bear:

My least favorite – sushi (I don’t like fish):

Can I has a cheezburger:

A technogeek’s dream:

And a bonus –

These dogs apparently have mistaken your computer for a leg:

Enjoy!

I’ve been collecting the photos and just realized that I didn’t write down any of the sites from which I retrieved them.  Sorry.  I know it’s frustrating to find a photo of something you would like to buy, then find the location is missing.  Again, sorry.

Five for Friday – Favorite Internet Timewasters

It’s Saturday… which means Five for Friday is a day late (and several dollars short – you know, the economy and all). 

I spend much of my day online as I do a variety of work-related tasks (primarily communicating through email, reading articles, and researching for courses I teach), but now and then I need a break.  That’s when I go to my favorite Internet sites to waste time:

WordPress– that’s right.  I’m here now (obviously).  I have really enjoyed getting to know you (well, those of you who comment or write one of the blogs I frequent) through this blogging community.  Thanks for your encouraging comments and your interesting blogs.  I don’t comment as often as I should, but I do read.

Facebook.  Much less anonymous than blogging, but I’ve had people find me who I haven’t heard from in years.  I really hadn’t much interest in Facebook, but was receiving referrals to this blog from a Facebook site and wanted to see who it was.  I was required to join, so did so, then began to be found by people from my past.  It’s been fun to reconnect.  I also have four or five timewasters on Facebook alone (like Speedracing and Might of Many – my nerd games, as my wife likes to call them).

Yahoo Fantasy.  I like fantasy baseball and football.  Several of my friends and I form a league and play against each other each year.  I also enter two or three public leagues.  My favorite part of managing a fantasy team is picking up and cutting players, so although I don’t always win the league, I do usually lead in the number of players I go through during a season.

YouTube.  I like it primarily for the music videos, but there are some amazing things to be found.

FreeRice.  Build your vocabulary and feed people at the same time.  How can you go wrong?

Enjoy!

Five for Friday – Impressive Rock Formations

This is likely just a cheesy attempt to highlight some of my favorite bands, so I thought I should also include something scholarly, therefore… Five for Friday – Impressive Rock Formations:

Wave Rock – Australia

This 15 meters high and 110 meters long impressive natural rock formation is located in Western Australia. It derives its name from the fact that it is shaped like a large, smooth wave. The total outcrop covers several hectares. The unusual shape of the rock is greatly highlighted by vertical darker streaks of algae, which grow on the surface of the wave, and by dark black stains which change to brown during the dry season.

http://www.scienceray.com/Earth-Sciences/Geology/Worlds-Most-Impressive-Rock-Formations.139316

The Beatles – England

The Beatles were a pop and rock band from Liverpool, England: John Lennon (rhythm guitar, vocals), Paul McCartney (bass guitar, vocals), George Harrison (lead guitar, vocals) and Ringo Starr (drums, vocals). Former members included Pete Best (drums, vocals) and Stuart Sutcliffe (bass, vocals). Although their initial musical style was rooted in 1950s rock and roll and skiffle, the group worked with different musical genres, ranging from Tin Pan Alley to psychedelic rock. Their clothes, style and statements made them trend-setters, while their growing social awareness saw their influence extend into the social and cultural revolutions of the 1960s. After the band broke up in 1970, all four members embarked upon successful solo careers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles

 The Wave – USA

This spectacular sandstone formation called “The Wave” is located on the slopes of the Coyote Buttes, Arizona. This incredible formation can be reached by hiking approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) across rugged, trail less landscape, making the round-trip to and from The Wave a nearly 6-mile (9.7-kilometer) hike that climbs about 350 feet (107 meters) in altitude.

http://www.scienceray.com/Earth-Sciences/Geology/Worlds-Most-Impressive-Rock-Formations.139316

Aerosmith – USA

 Aerosmith is an American hard rock band, sometimes referred to as “The Bad Boys from Boston” and “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band”.  Their style, rooted in blues-based hard rock, has come to also incorporate elements of pop, heavy metal, glam, and rhythm and blues, which has inspired many subsequent rock artists.  The band was formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1970.  Guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, originally in a band together called the Jam Band, met up with singer Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano, and formed Aerosmith.  By 1971, Tabano was replaced by Brad Whitford, and the band began developing a following in Boston.  They were signed to Columbia Records in 1972 and released a string of multi-platinum albums, beginning with their 1973 eponymous debut album.  In 1975, the band broke into the mainstream with the album Toys in the Attic, and their 1976 follow-up Rocks cemented their status as hard rock superstars.  By the end of the 1970s, they were among the most popular hard rock bands in the world and developed a loyal following of fans, often referred to as the “Blue Army.”

http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/aerosmith/photos/collection/photo/119

Brimham Rock – England

 This 300 meters high incredible rock formation located on Brimham Moor in North Yorkshire, England is part of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

http://www.scienceray.com/Earth-Sciences/Geology/Worlds-Most-Impressive-Rock-Formations.139316

…and a bonus:

The Traveling Wilburys – Earth

Traveling Wilburys was a supergroup consisting of George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Bob Dylan.  The band recorded two albums during the two years they were together.  “Wilburys” was a slang term coined by Harrison and Lynne during the recording of Cloud Nine as a pet name for various types of equipment in the recording studio.  The term was used again when the entire group was together.  Harrison suggested “The Trembling Wilburys” as the group’s name; instead, Lynne suggested “Traveling”, which was agreed on by the group.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traveling_Wilburys

Enjoy!

Five for Friday – Classic Concert Posters

I love music and really like concert posters.  I found a site that offers t-shirts with concert posters printed on them.  To find these great t-shirts with classic concert posters by Bob Masse, click here. 

Here are the Five for Friday – Classic Concert Posters:

Bob Dylan:

http://www.visualgallery.com/masse/dylan_05_large.jpg

The Animals:

http://www.visualgallery.com/masse/burdon_masse.jpg

Pink Floyd:

http://www.visualgallery.com/masse/floyd_large.jpg

Jefferson Airplane:

http://www.visualgallery.com/masse/starship.jpg

The Who:

http://www.visualgallery.com/masse/who06small.jpg

And a Bonus – Cream:

http://www.visualgallery.com/masse/cream_masse.jpg

Enjoy!

Five for Friday – Wrong Santa Gift Cards

It’s the day after Christmas.  I’m again realizing that Christmas has become so commercial that in our day-to-day life it’s hard to recognize its origins.  So, I thought I’d let my sarcastic nature run its course and have some fun at Santa’s expense (particularly since he has already delivered all the gifts and there is no chance of a lump of coal in my stocking).  These are the kind of gift cards I would attach to gifts for my friends (if I did any of the wrapping) – Five for Friday – Wrong Santa Gift Cards:

1.

http://wrongcards.com/ecard/santa-real

2.

http://wrongcards.com/ecard/sadistic-christmas-rituals

3.

http://wrongcards.com/ecard/santa-claus-myth

4.

http://wrongcards.com/ecard/not-rudolf-please-santa

5.

http://wrongcards.com/ecard/merry-christmas-homeland-security

Enjoy!

Five for Friday – Great Christmas Songs

Our family enjoys Christmas music and we have it playing on our stereo from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, but these are the songs that (for various reasons) my wife won’t let me play during Christmas:

One of my all time favorites – David Bowie and Bing Crosby:

Bing (again), this time with White Christmas, which originated in the film Holiday Inn:

Karen Carpenter – an incredibly unique voice – singing Merry Christmas Darling:

Elvis – Blue Christmas (enough said):

Casting Crowns with Silent Night:

And a (Christmas) bonus – Relient K’s version of the 12 Days of Christmas:

Enjoy!

Five for Friday (X2) – 50 Worst Cars

I like the cars that I have owned over the years.  My first car was a 1973 Pontiac Grand Prix (back when they were still cool).  I’ve also owned a ’66 Chevelle Malibu, a ’60 VW bug (no guts – I was actually passed by a guy on a 10 speed while going uphill), a ’60 Chevy Stepside, several other pickups, and currently drive a Red PT Cruiser with wood paneling (what a poser).

Anyway, when I found these cars, even my worst (a Ford Station Wagon) looked good.

Consider this an early Christmas present – Five for Friday times 2 – this week only – Five becomes Ten.

These were found at Time (and you can see the rest there):

A semi-horseless carriage.  They put a horse head on the front in hopes that it wouldn’t scare real horses.  Umm hm:

The Janus.  Going or coming, it looks the same.  The backseat passengers face backwards and the doors are actually on the front and back rather than the sides.  Weird:

The Octoauto – too many wheels:

The Trident – this one looks like something from the Jetsons.  I kind of like it… for the backyard:

Can’t leave out the Edsel:

Or the Yugo – the world’s first disposable car:

The Pacer.  Isn’t there a basketball team named after it?:

How about an amphibious car? (it leaked):

The Pinto – it doubled as a BBQ if you were ever hit from behind”

The Trabant – the dealer would pay you to take it.

Enjoy!

Five for Friday – Knitting is not for Wimps!

I tried to knit (once), but couldn’t get the “knit one, pearl two” rhythm together.  At any rate, if were able to knit, I’m (very) afraid that my work would look a lot like those below:

The adorable unicorn:

http://www.slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/knittingpsychos.htm

Getting a “leg up” on the competition:

http://www.slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/knittingpsychos.htm

You have been told not to run with scissors:

http://www.slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/knittingpsychos.htm

Alligator or Crocodile?  Do you really need to know which is eating you?:

http://www.slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/knittingpsychos.htm

Proof that carrots aren’t always healthy:

http://www.slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/knittingpsychos.htm

Enjoy!