10 Worst Band Names

I’ve been a big fan of music since childhood and, therefore, have become accustomed to the oddness of band names.  I remember looking at album covers of Jefferson Airplane and Abba and thinking their names were so strange and, yet, mysterious.  I liked them and still do.  However, today, I imagine at least one of them has made it onto a list of worst band names.

This evening, as I was attempting to compile a list of 10 Worst Band Names for Monday Listicles, I found there are a ton of such lists out there.  Looking through some of them I realized, yes, some band names are bad.  But really, what are the options for naming a band?

I mean, The Band already exists.  The most logical name for a band is taken.

It’s popular to name bands after their founders and/or lead singers, and, why not?  Even though it does come across as ego-maniacal, what are the options?

Hole? Rush? Styx? 

Kansas, Boston, Chicago?

So before I give you my own list of worst band names, let me say, I appreciate the attempts, the creative vigor, and the bravery of musicians who give themselves a collective “name” and put themselves out there.  I’m grateful for the music.  (Although I could do without Butthole Surfers).

10 Worst Band Names

Swans – Are they like feathered creatures from the Swan Lake ballet?  Do they sound like Tchaikovsky?  Maybe they should have taken a cue from E. B. White and gone with The Trumpet of the Swan.  At least that would evoke something musical.  What does a swan sound like?  Well, I found out.  You can listen here:  Swan Sounds

Yellow Ostrich – Another of the ornithological variety.  I actually love this band.  However, do yellow ostriches exist and if so, what do they sound like?  You can find out here (make sure to listen to the screaming ostrich selection):  Ostrich Sounds

Flogging Molly – I actually love this band, too.  And this name actually works.  It’s memorable and catchy.  But who’s Molly?  Why is she being flogged?  Wiki explains:

the band's name comes from the bar (Molly Malone's) thatfaithfully supported the band from the very beginning, "We used to playthere every Monday night and we felt like we were flogging it to death, so wecalled the band Flogging Molly.

I like that story.  I am now uncertain Flogging Molly even belongs on the list.  But it stays.  Onward we go….

Fun. – Whenever they come on the radio I always say to my girls, “Hey! It’s fun period!”  Yeah. 

Toad the Wet Sprocket – Creatively derived from a Monty Python sketch, the band meant it to be nonsensical. Whew. 

Bubble Puppy – The images this name conjures...I see my tiny Chihuahua dogs floating above me...each imprisoned in his own...bubble.

Pussy Riot – Great story, inspiring really.  Very brave young women.  But, you have to admit, their name is well chosen for a prison-stay.  And I just wish they could be vocal about feminist issues without naming themselves after female genitalia.

The The – You would think this name would be impossible to Google.  It's not.  Pops right up there followed by Mr. Mister.

Days of the New – I find this name highly annoying.  Why?  I have no clue.  Does it bug you, too?  Is it perpetually Easter in some parts of the world?

Dave Matthews Band – I’ve seen this on other lists.  And I love this band.  But even Tom Petty added “and the Heartbreakers” to his identity.  DMB simply lacks the creative spirit I expect from someone who has beguiled me for 25 shows and counting.

photo credit: opethpainter via photopin cc
photo credit: ldbaker via photopin cc

Save It for Later: Mother's Day

In Save It for Later you’re getting a brief run-down of each week's stand-outs from things I've bookmarked to "read later" either from Diigo "Read Later" list, Pulse News, Twitter, and/or Pinterest.  


Read Reel Girl

Reel Girl Screen Capture

I took my 12-year-old daughter out to get her nails done on Wednesday for our monthly “date night.”  It was a pleasant experience, she’s a fun kid and I love her so, so much.  However, the salon had their giant flat-screen tuned to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer who was going on and on about the women in Cleveland who were found and brought to safety after a decade of being held captive, raped and tortured.  The coverage was annoying, to say the least, and failed to articulate the real problems we have with violence against women in the US.

In lieu of CNN, please check out these two articles from Reel Girl who does a great job articulating the complexities of violence against women in this country:

Ex-wife of Ariel Castro charged him with domestic violence, case dropped
Rep. Jackie Speier takes the lead to stop sexual assault in the USA

Stories about Moms

On a lighter note, I have been curating “Stories about Moms” for a little over a year on Pinterest.  It’s a group board, so if you’re on it, start adding and a BIG "thank you" to those who have.  If you would like to add some stories let me know.  If you are looking for a lot of wonderful stories about moms, you now know where to go!

Stories about Moms

Kid President

Lastly, I was reading some blogs in an attempt to catch up (I still haven't, but will, eventually, by the end of the year) and came across a lovely Mother's Day post from one of my favorite bloggers, Kimberly Rues of Rubber Chicken Madness.  In it was this video message from Kid President, of course.  Check it out!

Wednesday's Woman And finally (which always follows "lastly" ...in case you didn't know) don't forget to check out the inspiring Mother's Day Edition of Wednesday's Woman. Happy Mother's Day!

Off the Cuff

I am still participating in BlogHer's NaBloPoMo for May.  But, I haven't blogged everyday.  AND I am going to make-up for it.  There will be 31 posts in May.

I haven't been too busy.

I am no longer depressed.

I could blame it on my having ADHD and not being medicated.  However, ADHD is a disability that shows itself in one being unable to get started on something they do not like to do.  I can use it as an excuse for my house that needs cleaned or the trip to the store I need to take.  But, I like blogging.  So, what's the deal?

Am I lazy?

I don't think so.

Last Friday I woke up at 4 am to go to my gig as a nanny, picked up my daughter who was returning from camp from school at 3:30, did her laundry and packed her for her dad's pick-up at 5:30, then concluded the day volunteering at the high school for the OMEA state choir adjudication from 7-midnight.

Not all of my days are like that.

And my word for the year is "patience" so I'm trying not to beat myself up for leaving things on my to-do list unchecked.

But, I'm thinking I need an intervention. Like Tabatha-Takes-Over-style.

I think I am simply stuck in the old behavior of depression--choosing to sit idly while watching "interesting" things online or on cable TV--because it's comfortable.

It's 2:41 pm.  I need to shower, get to the store for my daughter's allergy medicine and pick up both daughters from school by 3:20.  The shower probably won't happen.

My daughter's clarinet lesson is here tonight, in this house, and it desperately needs cleaned.

I've always been last minute.

But I've always worked to change.

I've been patient enough.

So, blogging?  I procrastinate maybe because of ADHD, but mostly because I'm afraid.

"Do I sound stupid?"

"Does anyone care?"

Anyway...I'm writing this post totally "off the cuff", right in the Blogger "create new post" window.  No Word document and editing.

Fearless?

I'm leaving you with the shows and videos I watched all morning instead of blogging.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did and I totally understand if you do not have time to watch two full episodes of NOVA.

Thanks for listening.

Beautiful Day U2

Bert and Ernie on Family Guy Madeline Kahn sings with Grover (I love this so much) Bert gets carried out of his bedroom by dancing sheep Oh, yes, Stravinsky I now understand God The dancing I get, the biology, not so much NOVA - Doctor's Diaries

NOVA - Life and Death in the War Zone

Linking up with:

and:

I will be commenting.  Soon.  I promise.

photo credit: michal_hadassah via photopin cc

Wednesday's Woman: Mother's Day Edition

Welcome to the Mother’s Day edition of Wednesday’s Woman!

When I began the Wednesday’s Woman series I thought many I asked to guest post would write about their mothers or women who were like mothers to them.  That has not always been the case.  The scope of women highlighted here has been greater than I anticipated and for that, I am grateful.  Still, every once in a while, I’ll receive a guest post from a writer who wishes to honor her mother and I’m always deeply moved.  The mother-child relationship is complex and is not necessarily bound by biology.  Adrienne Rich wrote in Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution:

“Probably there is nothing in human nature more resonant with charges than the flow of energy between two biologically alike bodies, one of which has lain in amniotic bliss inside the other, one of which has labored to give birth to the other. The materials are here for the deepest mutuality and the most painful estrangement.”

And Oprah has been quoted as saying:

"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."

Below are links to past Wednesday’s Woman posts by writers honoring their moms or those who mothered them.  I encourage you to read them all.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Wednesday's Woman: Mother's Day Edition

Mothers and Daughters -by Missy Bedell of Literal Mom

Sometimes the time for a story comes and you're afraid to write it. I agreed to write for Sperk* for Wednesday's Woman a long time ago.  And when she reminded me that it was today, I had a bit of a panic attack. I can write about moments.  I can give you kid vignettes.  I can hide behind humor and tongue in cheek posts, like I did last week. What I normally don't give you is information about my past. (read more)

The Door Is Always Open -by M

Susan is the mother of three extraordinary people and although I am not her son, I like to count myself as her fourth. She is married to an awesome man and father Rolf, is active member at her church and holds a master’s degree in counseling.  Susan has devoted her life to helping others. She is the founder and director of Brandon’s House Counseling Center in New Albany, Indiana. While working (read more)

How I Met My Mother -by Kerstin Auer

When thinking about women I connected with or who made an impact in my life my mother is certainly the last person I want to think about. Throughout most of my childhood and into my adulthood I considered my mother the enemy. When she got engaged to my father she was the age my daughter is now – 15 years old. She married my father when she was 17 and two years later I was born. (read more)

Fostered By Example -by Tamar at Ladies Holiday

My Aunt Linda, wasn't really my aunt at all. She was my mother's best friend since the age of 7, and as many best-friends-of-moms, she received the honorary title of Aunt as a way of recognizing that close connection not only to my mother but to my mother's children as well. When I was about 5-yrs-old, Aunt Linda had her first daughter (adding to her small family of two nearly grown sons), Jenny, became instantly my "cousin" or almost like my own little sister. (read more)

Three Generations -by Anna Mahler

Each week, I look forward to reading all the awesome Wednesday's Woman posts here at Sperk*. I've learned about well known women doing great things and causing needed change, everyday heroes and even women who are no longer with us but through their own courage and drive, was changing lives and the world we live in before I was even born.

But some of my favorites have been the personal friends and family some have written about and I have to admit, I often feel twinges of jealousy while reading.  I wish I had a great female role model, someone personal involved in my life today. (read more)

WEDNESDAY'S WOMAN IS A WEEKLY FEATURE DEDICATED TO SPOTLIGHTING WOMEN WHO ARE ROLE MODELS FOR OUR DAUGHTERS. . . AND THE WORLD.

photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography via photopin
cc photo credit: Indy Charlie via photopin cc

10 Things I Love That Cost Nothing

Today’s theme for Monday Listicles is 10 Things I Love That Cost Nothing.  I thought about how much I love watching movies on HBO, playing games on my smartphone, and eating hummus from Trader Joe’s.  But when considering the cable, Sprint and grocery bills, those all technically cost something.  So, for today’s list, I tried to choose things that bring me joy that are not linked to any sort of recurring payment.  

10 Things I Love That Cost Nothing
(In no particular order)

*Listening to music

*Exchanging smiles with a stranger

*Writing

*Taking naps

*Hearing my girls practice their music—Sophia sings, Antonia plays clarinet

*Laughing, dancing, talking, anything with my kids (the video below is old, like at least two years old. Yay! for this post which has reminded me that I need to make more).

*Dancing  (this video is also old.  It's from last June.  I promise more in the future because I know you love them.)

*Feeling the warm sun on my face

*Sitting with my dog, Frodo, on my lap

*Tucking my girls into bed at night

What brings you joy?

photo credit: bigvern via photopin cc

Really?

“Isn’t this bag cute?” I asked her.

“If you’re a grandma or a 7^th-grader,” she replied.

Really?

Really?

The five year old that I watch always says “Really?!  Really?!” to her 15-month-old little sister when she snatches her Barbie dolls.  She’s a tiny little thief who just can’t wait to get caught.

All smiles.

Sometimes there are hot tears of anger from the five year old who gets fed-up with the toy snatching.

But generally it’s all smiles, all around.

 

I left the 15-month-old’s diaper bag in my car, so it came home with me.  When I showed it to my teen daughter she scrunched her nose and said, “Mom, you’re a bad nanny!” 

It was cute.

Then I asked her to confirm the cuteness of the bag.  

She’s not mean.  She’s just honest.  I’m not as cool as I think.

I’m 43. 

I do not wish to be a 7^th-grader or a grandma. 

I sometimes wish to be somewhere in between, or, maybe, farther along.

I am uncomfortable.  Sometimes the thoughts swirl: “I should be more successful.  I should have saved.  I should have a career.”

The celebration of another year is on the horizon.  I feel it in the unseasonable heat of the day.  Summers end will bring me to 44.

Perhaps I’ll settle into now.

Really.

What type of bags are the 40-somethings carrying?

I've committed to blogging everyday in May with BlogHer's NaBloPoMo.  The theme this month is 'comfort'.  

Why would I do such a thing?  

To challenge myself.

And because I was inspired by Xiomara who did it three months in a row.  Yes, she blogged everyday for three months in a row!

This post is included in her new weekly link up called 'Your Place'.  Click the badge above to check it out.

photo credit: goaliej54 via photopin cc

Wednesday's Woman: Giving Children Hope

Happy May!

Wednesday's Woman is back with an inspiring story by regular contributor, Anna Mahler, who writes at The Mommy Padawan.  What I like most about the woman Anna has chosen to honor is that she has made it easy for us to be of service to children in need.  We do not need to leave the comfort of our homes to make a difference in the lives of children who have been the victims of abuse and neglect.  So, no excuses!

Wednesday's Woman: Giving Children Hope

by Anna Mahler

Screenshot from One Simple Wish

Opening your home and heart to foster a child can be such a kind and beautiful act. Foster parents who provide safe, loving and stable environments have real impact and can change a child’s life for the better. Often, these children are or have been lacking many of the bare necessities we sometimes take for granted so when other needs arise, like needing a nice outfit or being able to go on a special outing, it can feel hopeless and not even worth asking for.

After recognizing these needs and wanting to do something about them, today children in the foster care system have a new way to ask for things they need and all of us, even those who are not foster parents, have a way to help.

Danielle Gletow and her husband Joe have been foster parents since 2006. After hearing friends and family express that they would like to help children separated from their families as well, Danielle wanted to find a way for people to connect with the needs of these children.

"(They) would say, 'I really wish there was something I could do, but I don't want to be a foster parent,' " Gletow said. "I just felt like, this is my opportunity to create something that makes it possible for all of these children who need something to get connected to all of these wonderful people that are out there, that want to help them."

This was the inspiration for, One Simple Wish. Wishes are submitted and approved for kids by social service agencies and caseworkers all over the country. Some of the wishes I read range from a child aging out of the system in need of bedding for his college dorm room, a new bike for a 4 year old girl who loves to play outside, a photography class for a budding artist, a gift card for clothing for a 12 y/o in the care of her grandma and another was simply asking for new shoes for school.

So many of the wishes are basic things I would not even think twice about providing for my own child but for children who may not have an adult in their life they can even go to and ask, it's the little things that mean so much. For many, they have felt let down so many times, they don't feel their voices will be heard so it's not even worth wishing or asking anymore.

"Anybody -- anywhere, anytime -- can go on our website,and they can look at hundreds of wishes that are posted on behalf of children in foster care and children in vulnerable family environments," Gletow said. "These small things make an enormous difference in the life of a child who has spent their entire life wondering if anybody cares about them."

Along with One Simple Wish, Danielle Gletow's nonprofit office is home to two other projects that also benefit foster youths and families in New Jersey.

The Ohana Project helps foster kids, foster-care workers and families by providing 24/7 access to items that can ease a child's transition into a new placement or home like new baby supplies, bed linens, blankets, pajamas and other items.

The Wish to Work program assists older children get the skills needed in professional careers.  They  provide job-training seminars, networking events, résumé feedback and other assistance.

It can take so little to make a difference in a child's life, to give them hope, let them know they are being heard and that someone cares about them. With One Simple Wish, Danielle does all this and more along with allowing all of us the opportunity to make a positive impact as well.

Danielle Gletow is nominated as a 2013 CNN Hero. You can learn more about her and wonderful ways to help a child at OneSimpleWish.org.

WEDNESDAY'S WOMAN IS A WEEKLY FEATURE DEDICATED TO SPOTLIGHTING WOMEN WHO ARE ROLE MODELS FOR OUR DAUGHTERS. . . AND THE WORLD.

photo credit: ecstaticist via photopin cc