Oscar Bound

Day 80 "I've Got A Name"

Imagine my surprise when I received a Google Alert yesterday stating that Sandra K. Longo had passed away (gulp!). After checking my pulse, and realizing I was still here, I read further and realized that it was another Sandra K. Longo in Michigan (my sincere condolences go out to her family, of course--she sounds like she was a great lady).

I guess this is what one should expect when you are ego-centric enough that you've asked to be notified about any possible mention of your name in the world of cyber- space :) And although it's a bit of a shock to see my name in an obit, I really shouldn't be surprised to learn that there are other "me's" out there -- after all, I actually went in search of (and found) several others with my name on Facebook when I first joined. As of today I am friends with six other Sandra Longos out of the 39 listed, and also with 4 of the 16 just plain Sandy Longos :)  And these are just the women showing up on Facebook!

I think what got me was the middle initial "K"...I usually don't see that listed and it's how I sign my name on most documents...so it really did startle me.

All of this made me think of the song, "I've Got A Name" by the amazing Jim Croce. 

So in honor of all the Sandra, Sandra K. and Sandy Longo's out there...this song's for you!

Day 79 "Nothing Left to Lose"

For several years I've been dealing with some thyroid related issues (in my case due to a fairly rare brain disorder called empty sella syndrome)  and have had a hard time getting them regulated, especially recently when my hair started falling out (yikes!) and I've been suffering from extreme fatigue.  I've been treated by endocrinologists, acupuncturists, nutritionists and a host of other specialists, all to little avail :)

SO, I was thrilled when a good friend of mine told me that several people she knows have had great success with a variety of health issues working with a former chiropractor who now does something called a "body scan" (no x-rays; not sure how they do it, lol) and can tell you anything that's weak in your system. In fact, they "identify your weakest organ, weakest gland and weakest system", and show you your number one stress out of a list of 6,000 items. They also determine your Biological Age and tout that they can usually lower your Biological Age by at least 30 years in 6 weeks (what if you're 30 when you go in? LOL)

For treatment,  they use only natural supplements and homeopathic remedies to boost your system, as needed.

Although it sounds a bit strange, I feel really positive about this and can't wait to get over there this morning....

I've chosen Mat Kearney's song, "Nothing Left to Lose" because that's exactly how I feel about this...I've tried pretty much everything else :) 

Wish me luck!

Day 78: "The Letter"

I was saddened to hear that Alex Chilton, lead singer of the 60's group, The Boxtops, passed away this week in a New Orleans hospital....and very surprised to read that he was only 16 when he first found success with the mega hit, "The Letter", in 1967. 

Alex went on to found the Memphis-based band, Big Star, which achieved a "cult status" among musicians and is credited with inspiring R.E.M.

Day 77: "Satisfaction"

"Satisfaction"  is the song I kept waiting to hear on this week's American Idol (where it was Rolling Stones week for those of you wondering what I'm talking about, lol). This was the Stones first international #1 hit in 1965 and in 2004 Rolling Stone magazine placed it in the second spot on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

I have to say I am very underwhelmed with the Top 12 this year...the only two I look forward to seeing at this point are Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze, and even they were pretty mild this week.

Day 76: "There's Your Trouble"

Just saw a news story that the Dixie Chicks are reuniting in June to tour with Keith Urban and The Eagles...now there's a concert I might have to attend. Say what you will about the Chicks' politics, but their music is great and I was sad to see them split up.

"There's Your Trouble" is one of my favorite Dixie Chicks songs...but there are actually quite a few that I love, so am going to post a couple more:

"Wide Open Spaces"

"Cowboy Take Me Away"

And while I'm at it, here are my favs from Keith ("Better Life")  and The Eagles ("One of These Nights")

You gotta admit, this is going to be a great concert! Anybody want to go with me?

Day 75: "Infinite X's and O's"

I was perusing my Facebook news feed a few days ago and happened to see a post by Nashville based singer/songwriter Carolyn Dawn Johnson letting everyone know about a song she co-wrote with 15 year old new-comer, Jordyn Shellhart (who recently released her debut album, "In A Room"). I think it's very catchy...here's Infinite X's and O's ....take a listen and let me know what you think...

To me she's a combination of Taylor Swift and Colbie Caillat -- who are both doing well right now, so I think that bodes well for Jordyn!

Brief Promo/Interview with Jordyn

BONUS

It only seems fair to post one of Carolyn's songs as well--"Complicated" was a hit off of  her 2001 debut album, "Room With a View"

Day 74: "Angel"

"Angel", by Shaggy (featuring Rayvon) is one of my favorites from several years ago and brings back fond memories for me...when we first adopted our kids, they used to dance to this song (at age 18 months) and crack us up. 

The song which hit #1 in 2001, is built around two song samples -- Merrilee Rush's 1968 hit, "Angel of the Morning" and  the 1973 hit, "The Joker", by The Steve Miller Band. (love both of these too!)

No matter what mood I'm in, whenever I hear this song it makes me smile. Not a bad way to start off the week!

Day 73: "Vagabond"

A friend of mine from college (hey, Deanna!) recently turned me on to the music of a friend of hers...Nathan Morris. Nathan is a singer/songwriter based in Nashville and in addition to his talent as a musician, is being touted as a bit of a heart-throb with fans comparing his looks to John Mayer and Robert Pattinson.

Take a listen to his song, "Vagabond" and I think you'll agree he's a talented guy!

Nathan's latest CD,  "Just Me, Just You" is now available for sale. (I don't get a cut...just trying to help out emerging artists, lol) .

Day 72: "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again"

Dealing with rain again here in NJ....made me think of the The Fortunes' song, "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again".

Sonny & Cher  did a version of the song as well...here's a clip from the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour which you may enjoy (they sing part of the song, then begin bantering).This brings back memories of when we used to watch this with our mom every week!

Here's hoping the sun comes out soon!! It's a good day to hang out in the bookstore or head to the movies  :)

Day 71: "Sylvia's Mother"

I was listening to Rosie O'Donnell's radio show yesterday and had a good laugh. After  talking to a caller named Sylvia, Rosie broke into song (as she is prone to do) and sang the  Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show classic, "Sylvia's Mother".  The hilarious part was that she then had taped comments from the American Idol judges which she played to judge her performance. (I know...you had to be there). BUT...hence the inspiration to profile the song for you. 

Anyway, the song was the group's first big hit back in 1972 and reached #5 on the Billboard singles chart. (and #1 in Ireland--go figure!) According to Wikipedia, the song, written by Shel Silverstein, was autobiographical.

And imagine my surprise when I discovered that none other than Jon Bon Jovi had done a cover of this song.  Check it out:  Bon Jovi's version

TRIVIA:

*A sequel entitled "Mrs Avery" has been written and performed by the British folk rockers The Men They Couldn't Hang. This song begins where "Sylvia's Mother" ends and concerns what happens next.

*In addition to writing most of the lyrics & music for Dr. Hook, Shel Silverstein also wrote Johnny Cash's hit, "A Boy Named Sue" and The Irish Rover's "The Unicorn".

BONUS

My favorite Doctor Hook song though is "The Cover of the Rolling Stone"...I remember loving this song & playing it over and over as a kid.

***Did I really just segue from Rosie O'Donnell to Dr. Hook to American Idol to Bon Jovi, Johnny Cash and The Unicorns all in one blog? Crazy, but fun!