When I announced last night that I was coming out of retirement I am sure that more than a few of you were skeptical. In order to show that I mean business, tonight I'm even busting out a new Friday Night Confession, Christmas Edition.
There are many Christmas songs that could be considered guilty pleasures. Tunes from our childhood like The Christmas Song by Alvin and the Chipmunks or All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth (Big J make sure you click on that link). Perhaps you might enjoy a novelty song like Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer, The Twelve Pains of Christmas or Walkin' Round in Women's Underwear.
For my money, the two greatest guilty pleasure Christmas songs are the cheesetastic Wonderful Christmas Time by Paul McCartney and the mother of them all, Last Christmas by Wham!
I could have sworn that last year I posted this on The Skog Blog but apparently I never did. This year, to save me from tears, I'm giving all of you special Skog Blog readers this little treat. Last Christmas I was directed by several other blogs to a great website where they are doing some very noble work. For the past four years these salt of the Earth people have been compiling every known version of the Wham! classic track of Christmas love and heartbreak. Checkout their list of 'Artists Who Have Covered The Song' and then you can search the website for the posts wherein their version lies. For example, I noticed that Coldplay was on the list so I searched their archives and was directed to this page: http://www.last-christmas.com/grace-potter-vinyl-devil-coldplay where I was serenaded by Mr. Paltrow and the gang. Not a Coldplay fan? Well, currently on the front page of this website you can find versions by a French Diva, a Ukranian Boy Band and a German Michael Jackson impersonator. Many of you might have already discovered this site as well and think that you don't need to go back. Well you do. You can never have too much Last Christmas during the holiday season. I dare you to try and not waste hours on this site because If Lovin' Last Christmas is wrong I don't wanna be right.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
News and Whimsy
News
It has come to my attention that I only posted 3 blogs during the month of November. I'm not afraid to admit that it was a pathetic effort on my part. The good news is that I am finally done with med school* and I passed the bar exam as well* so as long as the girls cooperate at night we can return to our regularly scheduled Skog Blog programming. I had a Skog Family Week in Review ready to go tonight but decided that at this point I will just wait until Sunday and add anything exciting that happens this weekend. Stay tuned.
* (May or may not have actually happened)
In more important news, the Loosle side of the Skog family welcomed another mini KG into the world this week. No need to be surprised, loyal readers, it wasn't actually a full fledged KG, rather it was the newborn son of my best pal and cousin, David. He generously named his boy after his favorite cousin stating that 'somebody needed to carry on the KG legacy' since I am apparently not capable of producing a son myself. Here is Oliver KG Simmons who weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs 14 oz and at 21.5 inches long.
Whimsy
For the Glee fans out there - a list of 20 Memorable Quotes from Sue Sylvester. My favorite: ''That was the most offensive thing I've seen in 20 years of teaching — and that includes an elementary school production of Hair.''
I know we've already missed a few of the Christmas classics but here is a handy directory of 2009 TV Christmas Specials.
Perhaps the thought of hearing FM100's Christmas coverage for the 30th consecutive year makes you feel Grinchy. Checkout the online stream from WOXY for some new Christmas hits.
I found The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody to be clever but also a bit underwhelming. See for yourself.
Is there anything Lebron James can't do? See you on Jan 14th, Mr. James.
And finally, let's say someone told me that there was going to an A Capella Competition on NBC. I would be intrigued. Then the person informed me that one of the competing groups was from UT. I might have to check this out. Last, I discover that the competition will be judged by none other then Mr. Ben Folds. My tivo has been set. Starts Dec 14th on NBC.
It has come to my attention that I only posted 3 blogs during the month of November. I'm not afraid to admit that it was a pathetic effort on my part. The good news is that I am finally done with med school* and I passed the bar exam as well* so as long as the girls cooperate at night we can return to our regularly scheduled Skog Blog programming. I had a Skog Family Week in Review ready to go tonight but decided that at this point I will just wait until Sunday and add anything exciting that happens this weekend. Stay tuned.
* (May or may not have actually happened)
In more important news, the Loosle side of the Skog family welcomed another mini KG into the world this week. No need to be surprised, loyal readers, it wasn't actually a full fledged KG, rather it was the newborn son of my best pal and cousin, David. He generously named his boy after his favorite cousin stating that 'somebody needed to carry on the KG legacy' since I am apparently not capable of producing a son myself. Here is Oliver KG Simmons who weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs 14 oz and at 21.5 inches long.
Whimsy
For the Glee fans out there - a list of 20 Memorable Quotes from Sue Sylvester. My favorite: ''That was the most offensive thing I've seen in 20 years of teaching — and that includes an elementary school production of Hair.''
I know we've already missed a few of the Christmas classics but here is a handy directory of 2009 TV Christmas Specials.
Perhaps the thought of hearing FM100's Christmas coverage for the 30th consecutive year makes you feel Grinchy. Checkout the online stream from WOXY for some new Christmas hits.
I found The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody to be clever but also a bit underwhelming. See for yourself.
Is there anything Lebron James can't do? See you on Jan 14th, Mr. James.
And finally, let's say someone told me that there was going to an A Capella Competition on NBC. I would be intrigued. Then the person informed me that one of the competing groups was from UT. I might have to check this out. Last, I discover that the competition will be judged by none other then Mr. Ben Folds. My tivo has been set. Starts Dec 14th on NBC.
Friday, November 20, 2009
News and Whimsy
The day has arrived! The most important film of all time is out and ready for our viewing pleasure! I hope you have your tickets because if not you are going to have a really hard time getting a seat for one of the 3000 screenings that will take place in Utah over the next few days. Best of luck to everyone!
I enjoy busting Wheels' chops about the stupid Twilight books and flicks but I do have to give them credit for putting together an excellent soundtrack that I have been enjoying the past month or so. Bands like Bon Iver, Death Cab For Cutie, Muse, The Killers and Thom Yorke from Radiohead can be found singing about Draculas and Wolfmen or something like that. Give it a listen - it will either help you get excited for the movie or at least take the edge off listening to your loved one tell you about the saga.
News
The Swell Season will be performing in SLC next Saturday night (11/28) which is sure to be the concert of the year. It is sold out so I hope you planned ahead and weren't distracted by the movie event of the year.
Whimsy
Here is another fantastic 80's Dating Video Montage.
Say what you want about Tom Cruise, I know the man has lost some of his lustre over the years but he is the best in the business when it comes to dramatic running in films.
Last but not least, as I child I used to enjoy singing 'Where is Heaven?' and now as an adult I'm glad I finally found it...
I enjoy busting Wheels' chops about the stupid Twilight books and flicks but I do have to give them credit for putting together an excellent soundtrack that I have been enjoying the past month or so. Bands like Bon Iver, Death Cab For Cutie, Muse, The Killers and Thom Yorke from Radiohead can be found singing about Draculas and Wolfmen or something like that. Give it a listen - it will either help you get excited for the movie or at least take the edge off listening to your loved one tell you about the saga.
News
The Swell Season will be performing in SLC next Saturday night (11/28) which is sure to be the concert of the year. It is sold out so I hope you planned ahead and weren't distracted by the movie event of the year.
Whimsy
Here is another fantastic 80's Dating Video Montage.
Say what you want about Tom Cruise, I know the man has lost some of his lustre over the years but he is the best in the business when it comes to dramatic running in films.
Last but not least, as I child I used to enjoy singing 'Where is Heaven?' and now as an adult I'm glad I finally found it...
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday Night Playlist
I didn't play high school football. In fact, my only 'real' football experience consists of one season of The Little Ute Conference when I was in the fourth grade. Even without being a 'real' football player, I spent nearly 6 hours per day during my youth involved with football in one way or another between the months of August and February. Recesses were spent playing games that would go on for days. After school we would all rush home, change into our favorite players' jerseys and sweat pants and get a game going on any piece of land that was rectangular enough (or sometimes not) to be a field whether it be grass, cement, snow or mud. Once Christmas rolled around there were countless hours spent playing the latest video game on the Atari, Nintendo, Sega, and then Playstation. Another fun rite of fall passage was the high school football highlight video. Since I had no older brother I was at the mercy of my friends to secure a copy of this annual holy grail. Once we got our grass stained and video game callused hands on the tape it was passed around and re-recorded more times than Star Wars.
This weekend is the High School State Championship game and sadly the seasons have ended for my alma mater, my childrens' future alma mater and the teams coached by my friends (Coach ET, Dogface and Brohammas). This week I also received a random Facebook friend request from an old friend and our former high school QB so I figured this was as good of a week as ever to breakout tonight's playlist:
The Ultimate High School Football Highlight Video Soundtrack
Football is a violent sport and therefore the music must be a representation of the exciting plays and bone jarring hits. However, it must not be too hardcore as to scare off or offend the teammates who were also on the Seminary Council or any parents who will be watching the video. Because of this the best type of music is some form of hard rock or metal, preferably from the 1970's or 1980's. Here is the best of the best.
AC/DC - Thunderstruck or Big Gun - AC/DC should not be left off the soundtrack under any circumstances. Pick one of these or both.
Black Sabbath - Iron Man - Just ask P and 2oots. This song is always a crowd pleaser.
White Lion - Little Fighter - Perhaps a little less known than their other 'hits', this White Lion song is so good that after hearing it on a video a young KG and Dogface called every music store in the Salt Lake Valley and had Dogface's mother BonBon drive us to Fashion Place mall to secure it. Sure we thought it was actually 'Little Fire' which might have made the search more difficult than it needed to be but we found it and we played the crap outta that cassette.
Living Colour - The Cult of Personality - If I have to explain to you why this song is supposed to be on this list then you obviously have never heard it and if that is the case then shame on you. Speaking of misheard lyrics, once upon a time I was blasting this song while getting ready for school and just as Corey Glover was belting out 'I'm am the cult of...' repeatedly at the climax of the song, Crazy Sue burst into my room and said, "What is this crap? I am a dodo? I am a dodo? Turn this off."
Guns N Roses - Paradise City - This song has the great intro where you can show the team walking from the bus or heading onto the field, etc and then the ball is kicked off, it hangs in the air and just as your team slams into the poor sap who had to return the kickoff there is a whistle and the song explodes into fury that can carry the rest of the game footage.
Van Halen - Dreams - Well you did it. Your team has made it to the semis and is going to play in the stadium of your local university. You need a song that is inspirational yet reflective. Something that says, "We made it but we haven't quite won it all..." Thank you, Sammy Hagar.
Cinderella - Don't Know What You Got (Til It's Gone) - There are only two songs that can be used for the final game. This is obviously not the one who want to closeout your video but was on every video that I watched as a child.
Queen - We Are the Champions - Of course, this song is the other option. It only happened once but it was awesome. I could not have been more proud of my boys and deep down felt a small sense of pride that they couldn't have done it without me and the 1000 hours of football I played with them as they honed their craft. Ok so they could have done it without me but back off. Boys sports had a tough run during my high school years and I sure as crap can't claim any piece of the numerous titles won by our girls teams. Just let me have this...
May all of the highlights of your life end with this song, win or lose.
This weekend is the High School State Championship game and sadly the seasons have ended for my alma mater, my childrens' future alma mater and the teams coached by my friends (Coach ET, Dogface and Brohammas). This week I also received a random Facebook friend request from an old friend and our former high school QB so I figured this was as good of a week as ever to breakout tonight's playlist:
The Ultimate High School Football Highlight Video Soundtrack
Football is a violent sport and therefore the music must be a representation of the exciting plays and bone jarring hits. However, it must not be too hardcore as to scare off or offend the teammates who were also on the Seminary Council or any parents who will be watching the video. Because of this the best type of music is some form of hard rock or metal, preferably from the 1970's or 1980's. Here is the best of the best.
AC/DC - Thunderstruck or Big Gun - AC/DC should not be left off the soundtrack under any circumstances. Pick one of these or both.
Black Sabbath - Iron Man - Just ask P and 2oots. This song is always a crowd pleaser.
White Lion - Little Fighter - Perhaps a little less known than their other 'hits', this White Lion song is so good that after hearing it on a video a young KG and Dogface called every music store in the Salt Lake Valley and had Dogface's mother BonBon drive us to Fashion Place mall to secure it. Sure we thought it was actually 'Little Fire' which might have made the search more difficult than it needed to be but we found it and we played the crap outta that cassette.
Living Colour - The Cult of Personality - If I have to explain to you why this song is supposed to be on this list then you obviously have never heard it and if that is the case then shame on you. Speaking of misheard lyrics, once upon a time I was blasting this song while getting ready for school and just as Corey Glover was belting out 'I'm am the cult of...' repeatedly at the climax of the song, Crazy Sue burst into my room and said, "What is this crap? I am a dodo? I am a dodo? Turn this off."
Guns N Roses - Paradise City - This song has the great intro where you can show the team walking from the bus or heading onto the field, etc and then the ball is kicked off, it hangs in the air and just as your team slams into the poor sap who had to return the kickoff there is a whistle and the song explodes into fury that can carry the rest of the game footage.
Van Halen - Dreams - Well you did it. Your team has made it to the semis and is going to play in the stadium of your local university. You need a song that is inspirational yet reflective. Something that says, "We made it but we haven't quite won it all..." Thank you, Sammy Hagar.
Cinderella - Don't Know What You Got (Til It's Gone) - There are only two songs that can be used for the final game. This is obviously not the one who want to closeout your video but was on every video that I watched as a child.
Queen - We Are the Champions - Of course, this song is the other option. It only happened once but it was awesome. I could not have been more proud of my boys and deep down felt a small sense of pride that they couldn't have done it without me and the 1000 hours of football I played with them as they honed their craft. Ok so they could have done it without me but back off. Boys sports had a tough run during my high school years and I sure as crap can't claim any piece of the numerous titles won by our girls teams. Just let me have this...
May all of the highlights of your life end with this song, win or lose.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Skog Family Week in Review
This week we have Halloween Tricks and Treats, some movie stars and we get to introduce a new star to the Skog Blog Family. Let's get to it...
Introducing Baby Lambchop
One of the reasons this week's review was delayed somewhat was I wanted to get approval to show off the newest edition to the Skog Family, Baby Lambchop. Big J, KG and Flanksteak are about as good at producing men as the Jazz are at stopping their opponents from scoring in the 4th quarter. Luckily for us we have nearly mastered the art of producing adorable girls and Baby Lambchop is no exception. She was born to Flanksteak and E almost two months ago and this doll is already breaking hearts around the neighborhood and attempting to break records previously set by Skog girls of the number of times people say the words "Cutest thing ever" when they see her. And to top it all off, she may or may not already be the favorite of Grammie Sue. Congrats to Flanksteak and E. Very nicely done, indeed.
Scary Pumpkins! Scary Pumpkins!
Flanksteak and his family joined us this year for the pumpkin carving extravaganza. Wheels and I provided a tasty dinner of ice cold fajitas (KG taps his chest and says, "my bad") and Flanksteak and E brought the pumpkins and dessert. Win win for everyone. P had a great time this year and even stuck her hand into the pumpkin to feel its guts. 2oots, on the other hand, was a bit freaked out by the pumpkins which she found to be both yucky and scary. Not only did she come running down the hall about 1 AM screaming "Scary Pumpkins! Scary Pumpkins!" but the next day she wouldn't play outside unless we turned the pumpkins' faces in the other direction.
Other than 2oots, an enjoyable evening was had by all. If great times like these can't convince Flanksteak and his family to move up north, perhaps a new In N Out Burger could. Stay tuned.
Lil' J is the Gatekeeper
I'm not sure what in the world Lil J was trying to do this week as she ate her lunch. Wheels thought that perhaps she was trying to recreate 'The Rat' while I thought she was doing an impersonation of Zuul from Ghostbusters. I think we settled on some sort of toad.
Mary Katherine Gallagher P
Due to her clumsiness, ability to spazz out like none other and her occasional declarations of weird smells enjoyed, Wheels and I wonder if our little star P is turning into a true Superstar. Pictures like these found on the camera this week will do nothing to help resolve said fears.
Halloween 2009
And now for your obligatory Halloween Photo shoots. Super(star) Girl was a real trooper this year as she ran from house to house and collected as much candy as possible. Our little witch 2oots carried her pumpkin bucket around for 2 days leading up to Halloween and thoroughly enjoyed the Trunk or Treat that we attended. Unfortunately she was quickly knocked out of commission when the real Trick or Treating came around when she tripped while chasing Super(star) Girl and spilled her candy all over our neighbor's driveway. Once I got her settled down we headed up to the third house and the knockout blow was delivered - Our neighbor came to the door in a skeleton mask dancing to The Monster Mash and our little witch had no spells to deflect her fear. I dropped her off at home and she was able to concoct a mean brew of candy and Backyardigans to make her feel better.
Introducing Baby Lambchop
One of the reasons this week's review was delayed somewhat was I wanted to get approval to show off the newest edition to the Skog Family, Baby Lambchop. Big J, KG and Flanksteak are about as good at producing men as the Jazz are at stopping their opponents from scoring in the 4th quarter. Luckily for us we have nearly mastered the art of producing adorable girls and Baby Lambchop is no exception. She was born to Flanksteak and E almost two months ago and this doll is already breaking hearts around the neighborhood and attempting to break records previously set by Skog girls of the number of times people say the words "Cutest thing ever" when they see her. And to top it all off, she may or may not already be the favorite of Grammie Sue. Congrats to Flanksteak and E. Very nicely done, indeed.
Scary Pumpkins! Scary Pumpkins!
Flanksteak and his family joined us this year for the pumpkin carving extravaganza. Wheels and I provided a tasty dinner of ice cold fajitas (KG taps his chest and says, "my bad") and Flanksteak and E brought the pumpkins and dessert. Win win for everyone. P had a great time this year and even stuck her hand into the pumpkin to feel its guts. 2oots, on the other hand, was a bit freaked out by the pumpkins which she found to be both yucky and scary. Not only did she come running down the hall about 1 AM screaming "Scary Pumpkins! Scary Pumpkins!" but the next day she wouldn't play outside unless we turned the pumpkins' faces in the other direction.
Other than 2oots, an enjoyable evening was had by all. If great times like these can't convince Flanksteak and his family to move up north, perhaps a new In N Out Burger could. Stay tuned.
Lil' J is the Gatekeeper
I'm not sure what in the world Lil J was trying to do this week as she ate her lunch. Wheels thought that perhaps she was trying to recreate 'The Rat' while I thought she was doing an impersonation of Zuul from Ghostbusters. I think we settled on some sort of toad.
Mary Katherine Gallagher P
Due to her clumsiness, ability to spazz out like none other and her occasional declarations of weird smells enjoyed, Wheels and I wonder if our little star P is turning into a true Superstar. Pictures like these found on the camera this week will do nothing to help resolve said fears.
Halloween 2009
And now for your obligatory Halloween Photo shoots. Super(star) Girl was a real trooper this year as she ran from house to house and collected as much candy as possible. Our little witch 2oots carried her pumpkin bucket around for 2 days leading up to Halloween and thoroughly enjoyed the Trunk or Treat that we attended. Unfortunately she was quickly knocked out of commission when the real Trick or Treating came around when she tripped while chasing Super(star) Girl and spilled her candy all over our neighbor's driveway. Once I got her settled down we headed up to the third house and the knockout blow was delivered - Our neighbor came to the door in a skeleton mask dancing to The Monster Mash and our little witch had no spells to deflect her fear. I dropped her off at home and she was able to concoct a mean brew of candy and Backyardigans to make her feel better.
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