Author: Brent Evans

morning babble / Friday 08-05-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

A lot of copyright flags today, but remember I do this for fun. But still – spread the babble!

First an update – family is feeling way better. In particular, little Violet has definitely bounced back nicely.

149 days until EXIT PLAN

They Might Be Giants – one of my dearest friends – Joe – introduced me to this band back in college. Yesterday, the playlist got me through some work trying moments. You have all heard of They Might Be Giants – they’ve done some TV themes: Malcom in the Middle and the Hot Dog Song from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show One of my favorites was when their song “The Statue Got Me High” was used for MTV Movie Awards – the very first one back in 1992.

Speaking of MTV – you remember 120 minutes. TMBG clip

Anyway, Spotify played for me yesterday, their “This is TMBG” playlist

Afterwards . . . when the playlist is over, they act like Pandora and begin pulling music that sounds similar. First one up was a song from Fountains of Wayne. You probably wouldn’t have known that one – it was a deep cut. Everyone knows their hit though – “Stacy’s Mom”. Video is pretty memorable too.

From there, it went on to Jukebox the Ghost who just played a show last night in Lewes, DE at the Grain on the Rocks – awesome place to visit by the way. Anyway – it made me dig into that band a bit more. I’ve always been a fan, but never really dove in. Well, they recently had an album come out this past May and I searched my website . . . I didn’t talk about it. The album is called Cheers. They’ve released several singles from it: Hey Maude, Wasted, and Million Dollar Bills. (play clip) I like that video. So, do yourself a favor and go back to any of their past albums but definitely their most recent one which is called Cheers and check out Jukebox the Ghost.

New Music Friday:

• Topping the new music releases this week for me is Black Pistol Fire with their new song “Bad Habit” – love it. I would probably say that of anything new from these guys, but I really am enjoying this one. Not sure if more is coming, but I’m ready. (For a recap of my daughter’s first show with Black Pistol Fire, click here)

• Now, the bigger name and full album drop that is truly topping this week’s new music releases is the record from Calvin Harris and his Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 – all kinds of stars are on it – Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg, Lil Durk, Busta Rhymes and even more. When an album like this comes out, I’m always curious how many of those people will be able to join in on the tour. How many are just video images of them singing? Great sounding party album though to help wrap up your Summer of 2022.

• Fun song that I heard the other day was “PDA” by Franky. (clip) It’s an upbeat poppy song. I liked it. I found it in my head a bit too much later that I had to go back and write it down for this. Another random song – been out a couple months though – that got into my head was by LOLO singing “The Floor is Lava” (clip) Any time you drop a Nirvana reference – I’m in.

• New stuff but old stuff – Fancy Box Set Number One is from a Beatle – Paul McCartney – McCartney I / II / III Box Set includes the solo work done by Sir McCartney that were produced 1970, 1980, 2020. Little gap there between the 2nd and 3rd one. Anyway – whether you want CDs or Vinyl – you can get this specialty box set beginning today.

• Alright this 2nd one isn’t a box set really, but it is a greatest hits – round 2 from Eminem. Officially, it’s called Curtain Call 2 and highlights Eminem’s hit singles from 2009 through today. This is a sequel to his 2005 greatest hits album Curtain Call: The Hits which includes songs that can be heard on some “oldies” stations now. It’s true. (clip) That song is 20 years old. It’s on some stations that are calling themselves Oldies.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“We can’t always choose the music life plays for us. But we can choose how we dance to it!” – by someone

morning babble / Thursday 08-04-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Last one to fall was my daughter and in all honesty – she is the one that we worry about the most. 2020 was the first year that we didn’t have a hospital stay with her due to lung issues. She’s vaccinated and she is older now. But – it was amazing. Took the test at 2:30pm. Results by 4pm. Fever by 4:30pm.

HAPPY FRIDAY EVE!

150 days until EXIT PLAN

Listen to the White Stripes Icky Thump album / “Catch Hell Blues” – amazing guitar in that song. In fact, the 2nd record . . . I tend to play and flip that one the most.

I ordered some vinyl. White Stripes – the first album that truly had my wife and I fall for this little duet of a band – Get Behind Me Satan – released back in 2005. “Blue Orchid” / “My Doorbell” / “Little Ghost” / “The Denial Twist”

Also, got Lead Belly: Louisiana delta native Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter is the master of twelve-string blues guitar. His story is one of high-highs and low-lows, from serving stints in prison after killing a man in a fight for a woman’s heart, but then eventually earning early release by entertaining his fellow prison-mates and penning a song for the governor, thus cementing his reputation of singing his way out of prison. His songs have been widely covered by artists such as Elvis, Nirvana, Johnny Cash, and the Grateful Dead.

I’ve been watching the YouTube channel of “Too Many Records” guy

Favorite album “sides”

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day” – by Dalai Lama

morning babble / Wednesday 08-03-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

So close to feeling normal – my chest has that feeling of swimming all day at the pool.

One of the best feelings that I received was eating a full large container of Wonton soup the other night. I drank it right out of this container. The spicy meal I got – it was something I don’t typically get, but it had the “spicy” pepper image next to it. That was great too – helped clear me up.

151 days until EXIT PLAN

Welcome to AMA Wednesday –

Via June – “How’s the new Journal?”

I’m not liking it. I miss the hardcover. I must have a hardcover for journaling. Also, the ribbon bookmark thingy, which you would think would have a fancy name and it doesn’t – that’s a must for a journal.

For regular books, I use an index card that I put my favorite quotes on.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“The highest form of wealth is the ability to wake up every morning and say, ‘I can do whatever I want today’.” – by Morgan Housel

morning babble / Tuesday 08-02-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Out of the basement – but that’s not necessarily a good thing. My wife tested positive, so that’s why I could sleep in our bed last night. I must say that she initially offered me the bedroom, but I wasn’t going to do that. I had some people say “why wouldn’t she have you sleep in there.” She did offer, but I figured her positive test was coming soon. She’s the one with the 102 fever – I didn’t experience that. My wife – my eyes are hot

I’m allowed into the office because my son tested positive as well. He lives at his gaming station. Give a wave E-man. The daughter is still negative, but signs are pointing to her testing positive today. So, it certainly looks like we’ll all be pushing through it.

I am feeling a whole lot better.

If you want to enjoy the Morning Babble Wake-up Playlist, then click here (via Spotify).

152 days until EXIT PLAN

PODCAST TUESDAY!

The Video Archives Podcast with Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary – click here

Apple podcasts describe it as: Quentin Tarantino & Roger Avary invite you to become a customer at Video Archives, the store that started it all. They’ll travel back in time to revisit old classics & discover new favorites, pulled from the actual VHS tapes that Quentin and Roger used to recommend to customers at the original Video Archives store in Manhattan Beach.

I’ve only listened to the first one and it was great. I get so wrapped up into trying to learn things and improve life . . . which is good. BUT – you can still learn about fun things like movies and to have these two guys performing for you – it’s wonderful.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“The good ideas will survive.” – by Quentin Tarantino

morning babble / Monday 08-01-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Happy August! I tested positive for COVID. I’m feeling it. I won’t play tough guy.

The Emperor’s New Groove / Love David Spade being the Emperor and the actor that voices Kronk is the same actor who was Puddy in Seinfeld.

I highly suggest this movie / Safe with the kids / or by yourself – that sounds creepy

153 days until EXIT PLAN

GOAL SETTING MONDAY –

For the beginning of August, I’m going to work on my morning routine

I really need to figure out where some things go: Meditation / Work-out / Babble / Jiu-Jitsu

Benjamin Hardy “Peak State Checklist”

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“The cost of procrastination is the life you could have lived.” – by someone

morning babble / Friday 07-29-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

156 days until EXIT PLAN

So – we’re home from the shore already . . .

New Music Friday:

• Well, today is the day – Beyoncé’s new album is officially out – Renaissance. 16 tracks – over an hour of music. I’ve talked about this one enough already and I know that she’ll get enough people chatting it up today, too. Song being pushed today is “Church Girl.”

• Red Hot Chili Peppers are currently touring and just a few months ago they released their comeback record Unlimited Love. Well, they have now announced another new studio album: Return of the Dream Canteen and it’s due out October 14th. I had written this one up already for today in anticipation of mentioning what new song was released from it. BUT – nothing yet. So, go back and enjoy Unlimited Love. The next album is coming this Fall.

• New music from AJR arrived – the song “I Won’t” has been played at times as early as April during their recent tour. Last night, it was on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. I have scoured the internet in search of new album info . . . nothing yet.

• You know Mumford & Sons. Well, we’re just going to get the front man – Marcus Mumford – for a new album. Couple weeks ago, we did get the song “Cannibal” where there’s a video too – directed by Steven Spielberg, who shot it on an iPhone. Today, we get another song off of this upcoming album. This song is called “Grace.” Full self-titled album drops on September 16th.

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Words make you think. Music makes you feel. A song makes you feel a thought.” – by Yip Harburg

morning babble / Thursday 07-28-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

Not quite the weekend, but it is FRIDAY EVE!

Meditation every day is still going strong. Today, the line I enjoyed was “Meditation is the art of paying attention to what really matters.” This is all via Sam Harris and his app “Waking Up” – I think it’s great. I love how it really walks you through everything.

157 days until EXIT PLAN

Several weeks ago, we were at a friend’s house and we were discussing cupcakes, desserts, and such, when she asked – do you like vanilla? My wife and I agreed. Our friend then added, “Well, it comes from beaver’s butts.”

Article on the National Geographic website “Beaver Butts Emit Goo Used for Vanilla Flavoring” For more info, click here.

Beaver butts secrete a goo called castoreum, which the animals use to mark their territory. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists castoreum as a “generally regarded as safe” additive, and manufacturers have been using it extensively in perfumes and foods for at least 80 years

“While most anal secretions stink—due to odor-producing bacteria in the gut—this chemical compound is a product of the beaver’s unique diet of leaves and bark.” So, instead of smelling like . . . butt, “castoreum has a musky, vanilla scent, which is why food scientists like to incorporate it in recipes.”

Did I mention that I enjoy Vanilla Bean which means it comes from the Vanilla Bean!

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QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – by Maya Angelou

morning babble / Wednesday 07-27-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

158 days until EXIT PLAN

Welcome to AMA Wednesday –

Via someone – “Did you bring the dogs and bird to the shore?”

WATCH THE VIDEO!

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – by Aesop

morning babble / Tuesday 07-26-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

159 days until EXIT PLAN

PODCAST TUESDAY!

I’ve got none because I’ve been listening to – The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler

I’m packing . . . and it’s a lot.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“I begin to speak only when I’m certain what I’ll say isn’t better left unsaid.” – by Cato

morning babble / Monday 07-25-22

This is the scribble that leads to the babble. Sometimes, it gets tidied up; but other times, not so much. When all else fails: watch the video!

25 days of meditating. . . in a row. Today, Sam Harris taught me: “No matter how stressful or busy your day might feel, you can always “put a smile in your mind” in the present moment”

I use the “Waking Up” app and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I have not worked out or ran since my U of D 5k run on June 5th.

160 days until EXIT PLAN

GOAL SETTING MONDAY & REVIEW –

Yesterday, I was finally clearing out some emails and was drilling through some James Clear ones. His newsletters really are the best. Anyway – I retweeted the following:

“A surefire way to make a bad situation worse is to continue replaying it in your mind.

The damage is done. The only thing that matters now is making the best choice given your current position.

Next play mentality.” – James Clear

Don’t dwell – GO!

I’m also wrapping up listening to the audiobook – The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler

Reminded me of several ideas, but a key one in setting goals for the day is you begin it by “Eating the Frog” – I believe that was a Mark Twain quote, too.

Please subscribe on YouTube and spread the Babble wherever you can – Thank you!

QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Frightened of change? But what can exist without it?” – by Marcus Aurelius