VIDEO: 2010 Emmy Nominations for "Outstanding Commercial"

Today, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the nominees for the 62ndst Primetime Emmy Awards. The winners will be announced on Sunday, August 29, 2010 with Jimmy Fallon hosting. The show will air on NBC from Los Angeles' Nokia Theater.

I'm so happy with Modern Family's nominations!:
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
    - Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell
    - Eric Stonestreet as Cameron Tucker
    - Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy
- Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
    - Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy
    - Sofia Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett
- Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series
    - Fred Willard as Frank Dunphy
- Outstanding Art Direction For A Single-Camera Series
- Outstanding Casting For A Comedy Series
- Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
    - Modern Family - Pilot
- Outstanding Picture Editing For A Comedy Series (Single Or Multi-Camera)
    - Modern Family - Pilot
    - Modern Family - Family Portrait
- Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (Half-Hour) And Animation
- Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

Anyways, per tradition, below are this year's nominees for "Outstanding Commercial", but first, here's last year's winner:

Heist - Coca-Cola
Wieden + Kennedy, Ad Company
Psyop, Production Company

And now for this year's nominees...

...for Outstanding Commercial

Coke Finals - Coca-Cola
Wieden+Kennedy, Ad Agency

(sorry for the scrolling banner, this was the only vid of it I found on YouTube)

This commercial follows their pattern of Coke someone sleeping and tiny things opening a bottle of Coke. My thought is that the history miniatures could've also just hit the alarm. Meh.

Green Police - Audi
Hungry Man, Production Company
Venables Bell & Partners, Ad Agency


Entertaining the first time I saw it a few months ago, I think that I'm a bit worn of it now. Meh

Human Chain - Nike
Wieden+Kennedy, Ad Agency
Smuggler, Production Company


Loved it the first time I saw it, love it now. Great effects and inspirational.

The Man Your Man Could Smell Like - Old Spice Body Wash
Wieden+Kennedy, Ad Company
MJZ, Production Agency


Ha ha ha! Quick narrative, smooth transitions, ADD-friendly. I like this one too.

Game - Mars Snack Food US/Snickers
BBDO New York, Ad Company
MJZ, Production Company


OMG, never under-estimate the power of Betty White!

Anthem - Absolut
MJZ, Production Company


This commercial was well done, I suppose, but something's lacking... inspiration from a hard alcohol?

Anyways, my vote would go to Nike's "Human Chain" or Snickers' "Game".

Which one would you choose?
(Leave a comment. *wink wink*)

[For a complete list of nominees, let me refer you to the [generic] Emmy nominations page]

TELEVISION: America's Got Talent

[When I went up to SC last weekend, I made a stop to visit my sister in Charleston. Some of her friends were over, and we got caught up on America's Got Talent. It was surprisingly entertaining. Below are three of my favorites from that evening.]

Nick Pike, 30 Juggler - Orlando Auditions


Chipps Cooney, 61 Illusionist - NY Auditions, Day 2


Doogie Horner, 30 Comedian - NY Auditions, Day 1

MUSIC: "When We Didn't Get Along" by Danny Jacob / "S.I.M.P. (Squirrels In My Pants)" by 2 Guyz N the Parque from Phineas and Ferb

This past weekend, I was introduced to Phineas and Ferb, and now I'm a big fan. I was immediately drawn to the show's structure and incredible wit -- plus, Perry the Platypus is just adorable. And the songs... what a surprise! Below is "When We Didn't Get Along", my favorite of the episodes I've seen so far, though "S.I.M.P (Squirrels In My Pants)" is a close second... yeah, I'll post that one below too.

"When We Didn't Get Along"
by Danny JacobLyrics:

Without your schemes my life it seems is empty.
I spend all my time keeping you from doing wrong.
You were my only nemesis
I'd foil your plans but still I miss
The moments when we didn't get along.

I fell for you the moment that you pushed me.
You captured me and held me for so long.
But now you're doing battle
With a panda from Seattle
I miss the moments when we didn't get along.

So search your heart please Dr. D
And I am sure that you will see
That you were always meant to be
My only lifelong enemy.

You gave my life heroic cause
Back when my only mission was
The moments when we didn't get along.

-----

"S.I.M.P (Squirrels In My Pants)"
by 2 Guyz N the Parque

Another season of So You Think You Can Dance begins, and this time they've re-introduced some All-Stars. I'm most excited to see Pasha and Allison back. Below is a Samba that features Pasha. Before, I felt disappointed when he went gratuitously shirtless, but since he's not "competing" this season (and the shirt looked like it was getting in his way), I'm perfectly fine this time. Anyways, enjoy!

SYTYCD, Season 7, Week 1
Music: "Work" (Freemason remix) by Kelly Rowland
Choreographer: Jason Gilkison
Style: Samba
Dancers:
      Cristina Santana, Anya Garnis (all-star), Pasha Kovalev! (all-star)

Video clip:

MUSIC: "Til Summer Comes Around" by Keith Urban

I've been on a Country music kick this week -- most likely an influence of the cowboys who are still in The Amazing Race. I'm totally crushing on Cord McCoy, more so after reading an article [PDF] about his near-death incident back in 2004. He seems like a great encouragement and a really really nice guy (beyond my league), and I really wish him much well. Reading his CBS bio, it astounds me that Cord and I are the same age, and I ask myself "What have I done?" -- a bit of a somber question as I'm not really pursuing my passion, and perhaps the reason I gravitated to this somber song by Keith Urban. I find myself day-dreaming of a second chance somewhere else or maybe it's another interest to explore.

"Til Summer Comes Around"
by Keith Urban
Lyrics:

Another long summer's come and gone
I don't know why it always ends this way
The boardwalk's quiet and the carnival rides
Are as empty as my broken heart tonight

But I close my eyes and one more time
We're spinning around and you're holdin' on tightly
The words came out, I kissed your mouth
No Fourth of July has ever burned so brightly
You had to go I understand,
But you promised you'd be back again
And so I wander around this town
'Til the summer comes around

I got a job working at the old park pier
And every summer now for five long years
I grease the gears, fix the lights, tighten bolts, straighten the tracks
And I count the days 'til you just might come back

Then I close my eyes and one more time
We're spinning around and you're holdin' on tightly
The words came out, I kissed your mouth
No 4th of July has ever burned so brightly
You had to go I understand,
But you swore that you'd be back again
And so I'm frozen in this town
'Til the summer comes around
'Til it comes around

And I close my eyes and you and I
Are stuck on the Ferris wheel riding with the motion
And hand in hand we cried and laughed
Knowing that love belonged to us girl, if only for a moment
And "Baby I'll be back again," you whispered in my ear
But now the winter wind is the only sound
Yeah and everything is closing down
'Til summer comes around
'Til summer comes around, yeah
'Til it comes around and it comes around

Ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo...

And I miss you baby,
Ooo and I miss you baby

MUSIC: "Halfway Gone" by Lifehouse (and performed by BradInTampa)

"Halfway Gone"
by Lifehouse
Lyrics:

You were always hard to hold
So letting go ain’t easy
I’m hanging on but growing cold
While my mind is leaving

Talk, talk is cheap
Give me a word you can keep
Cause you’re halfway gone and I’m on my way
And I’m feeling, feelin' feelin' this way
Cause I’m halfway in but don’t take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone
You got one foot out the door
And choking on the other
Always think there's something more
It's just around the corner

Talk, talk is cheap
Give me a word you can keep
Cause I’m halfway gone and I’m on my way
And I’m feeling, feelin' feelin' this way
Cause you’re halfway in but don’t take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone

If you want me out, then I’m on my way
And I’m feeling, feelin' feelin' this way
Cause you’re halfway in, but don’t take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone (wohoww wohoww)
I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone (wohoww wohoww)

Now I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone
Don’t take too long, don’t take too long
Cause I’m on my way
If you take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone and I’m on my way
And I’m feeling, feelin' I'm feelin' this way
Cause you’re halfway in but don’t take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone

If you want me out, then I’m on my way
And I’m feeling, feelin' feelin' this way
Cause you’re halfway in, but don't take too long
Cause I’m halfway gone, I’m halfway gone (wohoww wohoww)
Cause I’m halfway gone, and I’m halfway gone (wohoww wohoww)
Cause I’m halfway gone, yeah I’m halfway gone

[And here's the cover of "Halfway Gone" by BradInTampa. I actually heard the song first from Brad -- a great song for him. And it was actually another Lifehouse cover that I discovered him.]

MUSIC: "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum

[I love this song. The song is very structured, and the chorus is quite catching. Both lead singers do fantastic, but I find the guy's voice particularly sexy. I had to look him up, and he honestly didn't disappoint -- he looks like Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling's love child. Seriously. Add to that all the longing and vulnerability in the song, and I'm recruited to Team Lady A.

Speaking of ladies... I bought this song on iTunes along with Lady Gaga's "Telephone" feat. Beyonce, and I do have to mention that I've been playing the two songs on a loop in the car, and though one's country and the other is dance, they're quite complementary (each with their intros and outros). Anyways, enjoy!]

"Need You Now"
by Lady Antebellum
Lyrics:

Picture perfect memories scattered all around the floor.
Reaching for the phone 'cuz I can't fight it anymore.
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind.
For me it happens all the time.
It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now.
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now.
And I don't know how I can do without.
I just need you now.

Another shot of whiskey, can't stopping looking at the door.
Wishing you'd come sweeping in the way you did before.
And I wonder if I ever cross your mind.
For me it happens all the time.
It's a quarter after one, I'm a little drunk and I need you now.
Said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now.
And I don't know how I can do without.
I just need you now.

Oh whoa
Yes I'd rather hurt than feel nothing at all.
It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now.
And I said I wouldn't call but I'm a little drunk
and I need you now.
Well I don't know how I can do without.
I just need you now
I just need you now.
Oh baby I need you now.

Official Music Video:

MOVIE: A Single Man "George and Jim Meet"

[I can't remember whether or not I wrote up my visit to the Enzian to watch A Single Man a couple/few weeks ago (I could simply search my blog for it, but I'm about ready to head to work). Anyways, I loved the movie -- a definite must for a gay man's movie collection. No, there's nothing explicit, but just the style and mentality of the film... Anyways, the scene where George and Jim meet, I think, is one of the sweetest I've seen, and I am glad to have found the clip of it on YouTube (Thank you Weinstein Company). Enjoy. And Congratulations to Colin Firth on his much-deserved Oscar nomination!]

"George and Jim Meet"
from A Single Man

MUSIC: "They-Say Vision" by Res

[I've been tired of podcasts and "today's music", so I've been going back into the archives and pulling out some stuff from college and my early months of Florida. One of my favorite favorites is this song, "They-Say Vision" by Res. Her album "How I Do" is Solid. I appreciate the song's message of wanting to give up and just subscribe to everyone else's point-of-view. That was much of my mindset through college, though with my growth and perspective today, perhaps I'm providing a vision for others to subscribe to.] [wiki]

"They-Say Vision"
by Res
Lyrics:

I wanna try that pill that people take
Make you believe all the things that people say
Sick of shuckin' 'round with a screwed up face
With my heels dug in trying to leave a trace
Now come on put me down somehow
How you lose your faith
(just take my hand and lead me where you wanna)

[Chorus:]
Pay no more mind to what you think you've seen
It's as they do only
Say what they say
'Cause there's only one way
They-Say Vision
It takes you back to just where you want
Like when you ain't know no way

Industry's down think I've died and I've flown away
So so long to them thieves who came and took all the things to say
I play the joker sometimes but then those moments slide back my way
'Cause for real I'd give my soul away
Give it all away
(so take my hand and lead me where you wanna)

[Chorus]

I know where they all go find someplace
Where they don't mind loafing about the waste

They-Say Vision takes you back to where no conscience
Free from how you really see

And if you think that you know
Take the back road
They got you where they want
They got you

DISNEY: "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" and the FL-Resident "Dream Pass"

Also, Walt Disney World's offering Florida-Residents a 4-Day "Dream Pass".

Now through May 25, 2010, in-state residents can get four days’ admission to any of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks for $99. Not only does that spell incredible savings but it’s a time when the parks are less crowded and there are more ways than ever to enjoy the magic.

Details:
* 4 Day Dream Pass
* Admission to any of the 4 Walt Disney World theme parks any 4 days (excluding blockout period); 1 park per day.
* $99 for adults (ages 10+) plus tax, $84 plus tax for ages 3-9
* Offer period: Jan. 3, 2010-May 25, 2010
* Purchase by: May 21, 2010
* Blockout dates: March 27-April 9, 2010
* Proof of Florida residency required; pass is nontransferable and excludes activities/events separately priced.
* To purchase or for more information: disneyworld.com/99.


MUSIC: The Christmas Can-Can performed by Straight No Chaser

Thanks for the link Cung!

Straight No Chaser (Indiana University) performing their Christmas Can-Can:

And here's their 12 Days of Christmas from 2008:

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkhachakh, and Joyful Kwanzaa everybody!

MUSIC: "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga

"Bad Romance"
by Lady Gaga
On Ellen:
Official Video:

Lyrics:

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your ugly
I want your disease
I want your everything
As long as it's free
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love)

I want your drama
The touch of your hand
I want your leather-studded kiss in the sand
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love)

You know that I want you
And you know that I need you
I want it bad, your bad romance

I want your loving and
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!)
I want your love and
All your lovers' revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

I want your horror
I want your design
'Cause you're a criminal
As long as your mine
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love-uuhh)

I want your psycho
Your vertigo stick
Want you in my rear window
Baby your sick
I want your love
Love-love-love
I want your love
(Love-love-love I want your love)

You know that I want you
('Cause I'm a freak bitch baby!)
And you know that I need you
I want a bad, bad romance

I want your loving and
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!)
I want your love and
All your lovers' revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Caught in a bad romance

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

Walk, walk fashion baby
Work it
Move that bitch crazy

Walk, walk fashion baby
Work it
Move that bitch crazy

Walk, walk fashion baby
Work it
Move that bitch crazy

Walk, walk passion baby
Work it
I'm a freak bitch, baby

I want your love and
I want your revenge
I want your love
I don't wanna be friends

Je veux ton amour
Et je veux ta revanche
J'adore l'amour
I don't wanna be friends
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
I don't wanna be friends
(Caught in a bad romance)
I don't wanna be friends
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
Want your bad romance
(Caught in a bad romance)
Want your bad romance!

I want your loving and
I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh!
I want your love and
All your lovers' revenge
You and me could write a bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Want your bad romance
(Caught in a bad romance)
Want your bad romance

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh!
Want your bad romance
(Caught in a bad romance)

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah!
Roma-roma-mamaa!
Ga-ga-ooh-la-la!
Want your bad romance

JOURNAL: Dog Wash Run / RUN: 5.16 miles, Home<-LL->WWTP, Melbourne, FL

Today was a fine day. I spent the night on Pom's couch and was able to sleep in until 10:30am. Then she made breakfast as we watched Top Chef and some History Channel. After that, I resisted the urge to head back to the parks, and I drove home.

I went out to get a book of poetry from the library only to find it was closed on Sundays. I also wanted to get my oil changed, but the two places I had coupons for were also closed. Then I saw that the new Top Dog Express Car Wash near my house also did oil changes. I pulled in only wanting to know how much an oil change was, but I quickly caved and let them have at it. And I have to say that I was incredibly impressed.


The staff was incredibly nice and professional (also: young, clean, attentive). I was in the car the entire time ("due to insurance reasons, customers must remain in their car the entire time") and that wasn't for too long. They were quick and efficient -- their communication with each other for each step of the service was pretty awesome.

They also checked my car's fluids and air filter then took the time to go over this with me. One of the guys also check my car's cabin air filter (behind the glove compartment), and it turned out to be incredibly dirty (it's been 155K+ miles); I was fine with getting it replace there because it was a good find, and I felt like they were doing a good job making me comfortable throughout this process.

It was like an auto-shop version of Chic-fil-a.

Included with the oil change was a free car wash -- and it was a really nice one too. It was one where you put your car in neutral and your car is guided through a series of sprayers and wet noodles. Then, I drove around and some workers hand-dried the car, brushed the tires, and worked to remove some of the bugs from the hood.

It was like a D23 Oil Change/Car Wash -- it felt very VIP.

Anyways, I hope that they didn't set my expectations too high. It really was very good service, and I'll definitely be back in another 3,000-4,000 miles.

So, I drove home feeling really good -- I saved a lot of time; my cabin air filter was now clean and smelling of lemon. And I translated this good feeling into getting changed and back outside to mow the lawn, which was relatively easy this time around. And then, I changed shoes and grabbed the music (NPR: Most-emailed stories) and headed out for an extended run.

Tonight, I ran from my house to the roundabout then west until the sidewalk ended (entrance of the waste water treatment plant). I stopped briefly a few times, mostly because I found the run to be boring, but otherwise think that I did well -- I had a couple sprint stretches. Perhaps I should go easy on the Orlando weekends and instead do the Saturday morning causeway run with co-workers and then the Sunday long runs up in Cocoa with the running club.

Anyways, here's tonight's picture of me. It's time for bed.

[eop]

MUSIC: "Fallin' For You" by Colbie Caillat

[I like this song despite her last single, Realize, which bothered me. And I'm glad to have found the music video to share, but it plays off very lame after a genuinely promising start. Oh well, this'll be good as background music.]

"Fallin' For You"
by Colbie CaillatLINK to official music video, found on Clevver.com
Lyrics:

I don’t know but
I think I maybe
Fallin’ for you
Dropping so quickly
Maybe I should
Keep this to myself
Waiting ’til I
Know you better

I am trying
Not to tell you
But I want to
I’m scared of what you’ll say
So I’m hiding what I’m feeling
But I’m tired of
Holding this inside my head

I’ve been spending all my time
Just thinking about ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’ve been waiting all my life
And now I found ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’m fallin’ for you

As I’m standing here
And you hold my hand
Pull me towards you
And we start to dance
All around us
I see nobody
Here in silence
It’s just you and me

I’m trying
Not to tell you
But I want to
I’m scared of what you’ll say
So I’m hiding what I’m feeling
But I’m tired of
Holding this inside my head

I’ve been spending all my time
Just thinking about ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’ve been waiting all my life
and now I found ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’m fallin’ for you

Oh I just can’t take it
My heart is racing
The emotions keep spilling out

I’ve been spending all my time
Just thinking about ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’ve been waiting all my life
and now I found ya
I don’t know what to do
I think I’m fallin’ for you
I’m fallin’ for you
I think I’m fallin’ for you

I can’t stop thinking about it
I want you all around me
And now I just can’t hide it
I think I’m fallin’ for you (x2)

I’m fallin’ for you

Ooohhh
Oh no no
Oooooohhh
Oh I’m fallin’ for you.

[eop]

MUSIC: "On A High" by Duncan Sheik

[I heard the intro of this song in the background of one of the episodes of Alias (Season 2), and I knew that I had to search it out. It's a self-affirming song with a powerful undercurrent. It was my happy find for the month.     :)]

"On A High"
by Duncan SheikLINK to official music video, found on Clevver.com
Lyrics:

I'm on a high, on a high
nothing more to it.
we are the sea and the sky
and the blue that runs through it, yeah.

and there are some who say there are so many things I need
so I run or I fight and I crawl or I scream and I bleed
I bleed, I bleed

well, it's a lie, it's a lie
don't you believe it.
if you're fine then you're fine
it's all how you see it.
oh, there never will be no conspiracy of happiness.

I'm on a high, on a high
nothing more to it
I have the sun, it's a star
why should I refuse it?

and there are so many reasons I could give you why I should be down
there's not enough money or time and my love you're not around
around, around

but it's a lie, it's a lie
don't you believe it.
if you're fine, then you're fine
it's all how you see it.
oh, there never will be no conspiracy of happiness.

you're alive, you're alive
how else could you hear me?
you are fine, you are fine
there's nothing worth fearing
'cause there never will be no conspiracy of happiness

I'm on a high, on a high
we are the sea and the sky
I'm on a high, on a high
I'm on a high

it's a lie, it's a lie
don't you believe it
'Cause I've tried and I've tried
I can't really see it
yeah, I'm trapped inside my conspiracy of happiness.

said I was yours, you were mine
but I didn't really mean it
and I lied and I lied
and I wish you hadn't seen it
'cause I'm trapped inside my conspiracy of happiness

I'm on a high, on a high,
there's nothing more to it, yeah.

[eop]

JOURNAL: The GreenBox (Pizza Box)

This is really cool. I want to design stuff like this!

'Green Box' Product Promo (Pizza Box) from Green Box on Vimeo.

[eop]

VIDEO: "The Spartans" from SNL (Gerard Butler)

"No strategic value... just wanted to get my hands on you."

MUSIC: "Us" by Regina Spektor

This song is from (500) Days of Summer, a film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel about the life of a relationship. It has a playful, independent feeling that I find refreshing, like finding a shiny quarter laying on the ground, waiting for me to pick it up.

"Us"
by Regina Spektor

>

[LINK to YOUTUBE video]

Lyrics:

They made a statue of us
And put it on a mountain top
Now tourists
come and stare at us
Blow bubbles with their gum
Take photographs
for fun, for fun

They'll name a city after us
And later say it's all our fault
Then they'll give us a talking to
Then they'll give us a talking to
Because they've got years of experience
We're living in a den of thieves
Rummaging for answers in the pages
We're living in a den of thieves
And it's contagious
And it's contagious
And it's contagious
And it's contagious

We wear our scarves just like a noose
But not 'cause we want eternal sleep
And though our parts are slightly used
New ones are slave labor you can keep

We're living in a den of thieves
Rummaging for answers in the pages
We're living in a den of thieves
And it's contagious
And it's contagious
And it's contagious
And it's contagious

They made a statue of us
They made a statue of us
The tourists come and stare at us
The sculptor's mama sends regards
They made a statue of us
They made a statue of us
Our noses have begun to rust
We're living in a den of thieves
Rummaging for answers in the pages
We're living in a den of thieves
And it's contagious
And it's contagious
And it's contagious
And it's contagious
[eop]

MUSIC: "The Lining Is Silver" and "Up And Up [acoustic]" by Relient K

This week, I had visited the public library to check out some CDs to help me get through the hours at the office -- I use the music to drown out the distractions -- and I just happened to pick up The Bird And The Bee Sides by Relient K. I think I mistook it for some other album but it turned out to be a great find -- it reminds me of SR-71 except gentle of Ben Lee and with more creative range. But my first thought was how my little sister would like some of their music.

"The Lining Is Silver"
by Relient K
Lyrics:

I found my new black shoes
While cleaning out the bones left in my closet
They were there with the bad excuse
Bon Voyage

And I found a back up plan
I'm grateful that I didn't have to use it
But it's made of real good friends
Bon Voyage

Isn't it nice to know
That the lining is silver
Isn't it nice to know
That we're golden

Well I found a list of flaw
That I saw in myself and other people
And I threw it away because
Bon Voyage

Isn't it nice to know
That the lining is silver
Isn't it nice to know
That we're golden
Yeah we're golden
Oh

When it all falls apart and you can't see
The forest for the cemeteries
Isn't it nice to know
Isn't it nice to know

Isn't it nice to know
That the lining is silver
Isn't it nice to know
That we're golden
Oh

Isn't it nice to know
That the lining is silver
Isn't it nice to know
That we're golden
Yeah we're golden oh

I found a love in me
I always somehow knew that it existed
It just needed to be set free
Bon Voyage

Isn't it nice to know [3x]

-----
"Up And Up [acoustic]"
by Relient K
[note: sorry, really couldn't find a good source for the entire song]
Lyrics:

Yesterday is not quite what it could have been
As were most of all the days before.
But I swear today, with every breath I'm breathin' in
I'll be trying to make it so much more.

Cause it seems I get so hung up on
the history of what's gone wrong
That the hope of a new day is sometimes hard to see.
But I'm finally catching on to it.
Yeah, the past is just a conduit
and the life there at the end is where I'll be.

Chorus:
Cause I'm on the up and up.
I'm on the up and up.
I haven't given up,
given up on what
I know I'm capable of.
I'm on the up and up.
And now there's nothing left to prove.
Cause I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you
A better version of me for you.

Now I have all that I could ever need:
the confidence of knowing there's still time.
Time to make amends, and try to build a better me.
And to take the right steps as this road unwinds.

You see, I'm finally catching on to it.
The past is just a conduit
and the life there at the end is where I'll be.

Chorus

Never cease to supply me with what I need for a good life,
so when I'm down I'll hold my head up high
cause you're the reason why, you are...

I'm on the up and up.
I'm on the up and up.
And I haven't given up,
given up on what I know I'm capable of.
Yeah I'm on the up and up,
now there's nothing left to prove
Cause I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you
I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you.
I'm just trying to be a better version of me for you.

CUTE: Commercial for the NY Lottery

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