Blur Confirms New Album, The Magic Whip

90s style has slowly trickled back into the mainstream over the past couple of years. I have to say, I'm a fan of it all. I was a 90s kid. Roller blades? Yes! Neck chokers? A gangly girl's dream. High waisted Levis? You bet your sweet pancake ass. I love it all. That's why on weekends I'm frequently couch bound scarfing down pizza and Ben and Jerry's playing Mario Cart on Super NES and rocking a sweet neck choker. You know what one of the highlights of the 90s was, friend? Britpop. Oasis. The Verve. Supergrass. Yes. Wrap it all up! I'm in. I'll take it all.

Obviously I'm elated that after 12 years of waiting Blur will be releasing new material. I am waiting for the new Blur album with bated breath. Blur is one of those bands that seems to transcend time. You can listen to them and if each track didn't conjure up so many memories you could easily close your eyes and imagine hearing it on a top 20 countdown.

Damon Albarn's vocals are instantly recognizable with an accent so thick that not even melody will tone it down. I like that. And when I sing along it gives me a chance to work on my British accent. Fans of Blur are excited for their first album when the band announced on social media that they are set to release their eighth studio album on April 27th, titled The Magic Whip. Graham Coxon, has rejoined the lineup for this release after taking a break from the band following the release of 13 in 1999. 

   Track Listing

1. Lonesome Street
2. New World Towers
3. Go Out
4. Ice Cream Man
5. Thought I was a Spaceman
6. I Broadcast
7. My Terracotta Heart
8. There are Too Many of Us
9. Ghost Ship
10. Pyongyang
11. Ong Ong
12. Mirrorball

So, dude, will you pass the Dunkaroos and Mondo? 

Warrant for Elsa: Suspect in Snowmageddon

The weather has been so cold in central and eastern Kentucky. I know mid-westerners think we're babies. I get it. But, we are not used to sub freezing temperatures. We are used to a couple months of mild winter weather. We get a couple decent snow falls and winter is over. Hello Spring. But the last few years we've seen longer spans of cold temperatures, and snow storms that paralyze our communities. We aren't generally equipped to deal with harsh winters. Also, I didn't want to bring it up, but we are part of Appalachia, there are mountains and small country roads. It's hard to care for all of these roads and keep them clear. 

That being said, we've had a bit of a tough week in Kentucky. There was about a foot of snow that fell over Sunday night going into Monday morning. And the rest of the week we've had more snow accumulation and today the temperature has hoovered around 5 degrees. It hurts to breathe. This is Kentucky not Colorado. We are gritting our teeth and bearing it...dreaming of sweet, sweet Spring. 

In the meantime, an eastern Kentucky town has been having a bit of fun with the weather. 

I work with kids. I did not need another reason to be annoyed with the Frozen movie. If I hear that song one more time. One more time. I recall walking down the halls of the elementary school where I worked and hearing children belting out "Let it go" as they watched the movie.  Kids dig that movie. Elsa, you're on my list if you've had any hand in this Snowmageddon situation. Because I'm a southern gal, the snow does in fact bother me. I much prefer sunshine, sun dresses, and mint juleps, thank you. 

Until this snow melts and the temperature has 2 digits again, we are gritting our teeth and bearing it. First world problems, huh? Thanks for the laugh Harlan PD.

Sex and the City

Spoiler alert: I love Sex and The City. Like so many 20-30 something females, I spent my formative years with my good friends, Samantha, Charlotte, Miranda, and the incomparable, Carrie Bradshaw. I pondered her anecdotes, I consumed her wise insights, I envied her friendships, and worshiped her fashion. I even identified with her mistakes (i.e. money problems). 

I always fancied myself a Carrie/Charlotte hybrid. All girls did this. You watched these 4 powerful, relatable women and identified with one (or two) of them over the others. I identified with our fashion heroin, because of her 
Likes: Writing, Fashion, Friendships, New York, Independence, Love, Interesting Men

and 

Dislikes: Co-op apartments, Money Problems, Losing yourself in relationships, Patriarchy

Being naive and somewhat sheltered, I also identified with Charlotte. But, during a recent SATC binge I came to realize that the reason the show stands the test of time is because on a broader scope we identify with all the women at different points in our lives. You are not just a Carrie, or a Miranda, or a Samantha, or a Charlotte; you are all of these women. As you go through life you relate more closely with one character over the others. I was surprised by this. In a very basic way, I saw myself one dimensionally.  Here are the points in which it is likely that you will identify with each character.  

You will identify with Charlotte 

* When you are young and naive 

* When you are looking for love

* When you are actively trying to learn to love yourself

* When you are feeling girly and somewhat like a princess

* When you start your life as someone's wife

You will identify with Samantha

* When you are feeling confident 

*When you are taking charge of your life

*When you have learned to love yourself and your body

*When you realize who you are and don't need validation from others...in the least

You will identify with Miranda

* When you are doing great at work

*When you are trying to learn how to be in a relationship

*When you are learning to compromise

*When you're feeling a little cynical 

*When you are in charge of your money flow...like a boss

* When you start your life as a mother

You will identify with Carrie

* When you are striking out on your own

* After a tough break up

* When you are feeling contemplative

* When you are rocking a particularly amazing ensemble

* When you go to your girlfriends to pick their brains on a problem

* When you start your life in a new state, city, apartment

And if I am having a terrible day or my life feels like a mess I try to channel my inner Samantha Jones. Why? Because she doesn't put up with nonsense. She doesn't complain about her problems, she solves them! 

And now, because I am snowed in STILL. I took the time to make a lovely SATC quiz to see what lady you are currently channeling. Take the quiz and find out! The link is below the meme! Enjoy!

What Sex and The City Character Are You - QUIZ

Tell me what you think! Do you agree with your results?

Snowmageddon 2015

It's day two of Snowmageddon 2015. I'm cold, I'm hungry, I'm in the beginning stages of cabin fever, and hallucinations are kicking. I kid. This is pretty great. It is day 2 of about a foot of snow, which is nothing to sneeze at in the south. We don't get a lot of snow, so when we do everyone loses their damn minds. 

When the snow started coming down, I could no longer suppress my childlike urges. I thought, "What a great memory we would make if we all made the trek downtown to get coffee!?" Bear in mind the trek downtown from our apartment is about a mile. I'd also like to point out that it was windy and about 12 degrees with a foot of snow on the ground. I'm sure as you guessed, we did not have the resolve to make it downtown. It's all the same. Turns out that the coffee shop was closed, anyways. We did walk around our block. And while we were walking around I saw several cars stuck and spinning. God bless the nurses, doctors, firefighters, and postal service workers. Because, I was certainly of the mindset that I was not risking my safety to go to work.

This is me thinking I was ready to brave the cold.

©© Several long sleeve shirts ©©

©© Nylon running pants ©©

 ©© Jeans ©©

©© 2 pairs of socks ©©

©© Gloves ©©

©© Boots up to my knees ©©

©© Scarf ©©

Yes. I was not ready. We got to the end of our street and I went into a mild panic mode, because I was fairly sure that hypothermia had started to set in on my feet. I imagined myself this summer...I'd be unable to wear flip flops, because they'd have to cut each of my big toes off. Street passerbys would look down and inquire and I would simply say, "Octavia."

Things quickly got less fashionable and more functional. Guys! I feared for my toes and my face! I would like to also say that I got a gnarly windburn. It was pretty ridiculous. 

This guy was a mad man over the snow. Regardless of the snow hitting him in the face, it being piled up to his little tummy, and the fact that it was freezing he got an insane burst of energy and resorted to primal instincts. He was pulling us through the snow and sniffing and sneezing. Dogs are weird, huh?

At one point he had a snow beard and his eyes crossed. I imagine he was saying, "Nahhh. It's not cold. It's all good! 10 more minutes."

I knew the time to go back in and get warm was fast approaching. I couldn't bring myself to head back inside without making a rocking snow angel. I was pretty proud of myself.

It was time to get these fellas inside. I mean, obviously, I was pretty tough and could've stayed outside longer but they were getting pretty cold. 

When we headed back in the snow was still falling. It was a pretty scene, despite freezing temperatures. This is usually a busy street. Not today. I appreciate it when the city gets to hit pause and everyone can enjoy a snow day.

Now we are in the midst of Snow Day: Part II. It's currently 9 degrees out. There is more snow in the forecast for tomorrow. Temperatures for the rest of the week include highs of 18 degrees and lows of  -9 degrees. I've done the snow trek. Today I look forward to snuggling with loved ones, binge watching SATC, and concocting something yummy in the kitchen. How are you spending Snowmageddon 2015? Stay safe and warm out there, snow warriors!

SNL Celebrates 40 years of Comedy

Last night, SNL celebrated 40 years. As one of the longest running shows it proved that it still brings the laughs. And while watching the flashbacks, it became apparent to me that while it is no longer the trailblazer it once was. I’m a millennial. Sorry. I didn’t realize that it was the forebearer to Comedy Central and The Daily Show. I didn’t even realize that Dave Chapelle’s white face was basically Eddie Murphy's, White Like Me skit. As soon as they showed a clip, I thought, "I've been lied to!" I thought that was just a Dave Chappelle thing. I've been living a lie all this time. Tsk. Tsk.  

Eddie Murphy: White Like Me clip

Like the live shows, there were some sketches that fell flat. I was not a fan of The Californians. It's like the writers thought, "We already have Kanye doing the music, but Taylor Swift is here. Where could we put her that it won't be a disaster?" And they thought that a small part in the midst of skit that Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Fred Armison, and Betty White would carry would be fine. But it wasn't, friends. Swift had an odd accent that made it almost impossible to distinguish any intelligible words. And the awkward silences where laughs were supposed to be were painful. This would be my worst nightmare. To do a live show, make a joke, and have the audience just stare at you. No need to feel too bad for Swift, she does have a couple other talents to fall back on.

SNL 40: The Californians clip

I couldn't help but feel disappointed after Chris Rock's long introduction, Eddie Murphy appeared and did not tell one joke. Not. one. joke. What the what? Eddie Murphy's SNL career was before my time. I was looking forward to hearing Murphy. And then that!? The man who saved SNL? At least Chris Rock recounted a yo' momma joke from Murphy. 

SNL 40: Eddie Murphy Tribute clip

While SNL may no longer be the rowdy, envelope pusher that it once was, it has created a pop culture legacy. Throughout the years it's created a host of lovable characters. We have invited the casts into our home. We've followed the comedians as SNL freshman and throughout their tv and movie careers. As I watched, last night, I noticed myself saying, "YASS! I love that skit! Ooops I crapped my pants is the best!" or "Schweddy balls is the best," "Stefon is the best," etc., you get the point. I was jazzed! 

I also remembered some of my favorite childhood memories involved Saturday sleepovers with my girlfriends piled around a t.v. watching Molly Shannon as Mary Katherine Gallagher or the time Amy Poehler was "rocking one leg, bro" in a parody of The Swan. As a young girl, I dreamt of being on SNL. Just hanging out with funny people, being creative, writing sketches, owning the world. Lol. I remembered thinking that this was a legitimate possibility for the trajectory of my life. Last night, SNL gave me all the feels.

Best moments of SNL 40

6. Audition Tapes

SNL Auditions clip

Leslie Jones and Pete Davidson introduced a montage of SNL auditions, many of which I had no clue even existed. Jim Carey really didn't make the cut!? Let's take a moment to reflect on how different SNL and In Living Color would've been. Mmmm. Yes. I enjoyed seeing that many of the cast members brought rough versions of characters that they would craft and evolve on the show. My guess is, (cough, cough, Keenan Thompson)  that if you only do a few impressions (of Bill Cosby and Al Sharpton) that those will be the only skits they put you in. And F.Y.I. Jones was correct, she was hil-ar-i-ous! 

5. Martin Short and Maya Rudolph as Beyonce

Martin and Maya clip

Here are 2 cast members who still have it. While Short brings energy and physical comedy, I had forgotten just how funny Maya Rudolph's impressions are. And can I say bravo, Ms. Rudolph for rocking a Beyonce inspired body suit? Even though this skit was a little long, it did offer returns from Garth and Kat, Marty and Bobbi Culp, Joe Piscopo as Frank Sinatra (even though, Beyonce is better), Dana Carvey, Opera Man, King Tut, Nick Ocean, AND The Blues Brothers. I mean they packed a lot of punch into that 15 minute skit.  

4. Wayne's World

SNL 40 Wayne's World clip

It just wouldn't have been a SNL reunion show without Wayne and Garth. The most hilarious aspect of this skit was that they managed to get Kanye in on the joke. All I could think of was how Mike Meyers must've felt when they said, "Mike we would really like Kanye to be in on the joke." Do you think he made the face he made when they were doing their 9/11 special and Kanye blurted out that George Bush hates black people? I'd like to think Meyers did a double take, and in his very nice, Canadian way, was like, "Oh, ok, yeah. That'll be great." Aaaand scene.

  

2. Jeopardy

SNL 40: Weekend Update clip

 During original airing, Jeopardy was a guaranteed laugh, thanks to Darrell Hammond's version of Sean Connery. Darrell Hammond was such a dynamic cast member. One of my all time favorite skits was during the 2000 Presidential Debate when he was Al Gore and Will Ferrell was George W. Bush. After that skit, we all knew that no matter who won the presidency, we were in for a wonderful 4 years of laughter. 2 words: Lock Box. 

I digress. This skit was a wonderful mingling of SNL past and present with Ferrell, Hammond, Norm McDonald as Burt Reynolds, and Kristen McKinnon as Justin Beiber. Jim Carey came back with his impression of Matthew McConaughey from the Lincoln commercials. This skit was a true gem.  

2. Weekend Update with Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Jane 

SNL 40: Weekend Update clip

Weekend update was always one of my favorite parts of the show. Maybe it's partly due to my love for Tina Fey and Amy Poehler? Maybe it's because as a kid, this was my primary source of news and I had to pay close attention so I could bring up little factoids at family dinner the following day? Who can say? 

The Weekend Update was sprinkled with homages to Matt Foley and Roseanne Roseannadanna. And what's better than one Stefon? TWO! Thanks to Edward Norton, fans were treated to a twofer. However, my favorite joke came from Jane Curtin when she stated she used to be the only pretty, blonde, lady doing the fake news, now there's a whole channel dedicated to that. Hey-oh! Zinger alert.

1. Monologue

SNL 40: Monologue clip

Now this is how you open a show. You give the people the impeccable Steve Martin, America's Tom Hanks, Billy Crystal, Chris Rock, Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, and Alec Baldwin. It got me jazzed. You know what? They showed pre-recorded clips after that and I ain't even mad.