And Happy Boxing Day Too!!!!

Merry Christmas, One and All!

I hope everyone had a fine time. I got the presents of a lifetime: snowshoes and an octopus box, plus a rare book on atomic testing. It's everything I love!

I plan on writing more soon, and getting photos in. There might be a wee surprise visit from a good friend that will deserve some documentation, and my parents will be here on Monday.

But for now, dear readers, please learn about the Catalonian Christmas. All I can say is I laughed so hard I felt my stomach muscles. And a new respect for poop. Also, really try to sing the songs and get in the spirit.

To All Lurkers

Please don't lurk. Comment or something.

(I'm looking at you, Canadian lurkers.)

Also

I can say whatever I want about Canada and its people. My blog. So there, RG.

The Decade in Music, Pt 1

According to Pitchfork (and brought to you by Haagen-Daaz. Thank you Haagen Daz, for helping me through this decade)

Any other music decade lists?

Thoughts on the Week

My moms is here and we are kicking it. I mean, kicking it. We've been cleaning, decorating, baking, touring, watching films, drinking toddies by the fire. We got our seasonal agenda on point. Except we don't have the tree up yet. It will happen soon.

I've still got a crush on Idris Elba and think that Christian is secretly threatened by this. I think he will get over it. Normally I get comedy crushes: John Oliver, Eugene Mirman, Jermaine Clement. This is the first regular famous-person crush Ive had.

Christian has finally discovered etsy and may well be addicted.

I was diagnosed with bronchitis but am on the mend. I still get wicked tired really quickly. I sometimes swoon for no reason.

That is the week so far.

Plus, Another Luminous Beast of Pain

It's a jellyfish.

And you are welcome.

OCTOPI ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!

This may be late, but as the only site DEVOTED to all things cephalopodic and octopi especially, this is important news.

Octopus can use tools!

Specifically, they can tippy-toe around the ocean floor with coconut shells suctioned underneath them and then hide in the coconut shells when they feel scared. Think of the person you know that still believes in the usefulness of bomb shelters, and then this is the octopus equivalent. They need the shell just in case.

(Image courtesy of National Geographic)

LET THE DECADE ROUND-UPS BEGIN!

If anyone finds some good ones, post them in the comment section. Personally, C and I are breaking up the years in the decade into three days each and listen to songs from that year only. Right now we are in 2002. For me, 2002 was a lost year, musically. I was in Japan and just did not get any jopp or pazz or whatever. I was inundated by Glay.

Favorite songs from each year? Anyone?

I feel old because I need someone to explain Lady Gaga to me.

In other news:

Friends came to get a Christmas tree yesterday--Super Fun! -- and my mom comes tonight so I'll upload pictures soon.

They Won't Even Admit This In American Papers!

EXTRA EXTRA!!!

It's Embarrassing To Be A Canadian!

Hey Canada, clean up your act.

And stop being so damn smug.

And get your Governor General to stop clubbing baby seals and eating their beating hearts. It's pretty creepy.

And I had to go the UK's The Guardian to get this. Shame on you Canada. Shame.

A Passive-Aggressive Note for Neil

When I saw this I could not help but this of my cousin Neil. I really, really hope this makes your day. Thanks, Passive-Aggressive Notes.com

This Would Make a Suitable Laptop Bag

. . . for me, who still lacks a laptop bag sleeve/bag that would pad it and keep it safe.

Do You Guys Know About This?

I need to share this. I love these guys: Seth Romatelli and Jonathan Larroquette (yes, John Larroquette's son). It's "America through the eyes of two American Americans," alternatively put as "Two American Americans saving America from herself." I love that Seth is off the grid and doesn't do social networking or email. (He does believe in the phone, but not the cell phone.)

Please, please take a listen to the podcast of Uhh Yeah Dude. I really like them and look forward to their podcast every week. Their website has some video clips too so you can see them in action. To quote them: We do our best to make it easy.

I Don't Know Whether to Laugh or Cry

A can of pork and beans for buying a house?

whaaaa?