"The BCS Is A Plague"

I could not have said it any better myself, and because of this article, I won't even try. Washington Post columnist Michael Wilbon writes about the college football "postseason" exactly what I think almost daily, only he uses fewer expletives. Enjoy his brilliant commentary.

Tuesday Tunes: O Holy Night

This one is for my mom, who tears up within the first few notes of this holiday classic (though it should be noted that the tearing up phenomenon is not entirely uncommon for her). I will admit that I, too, really enjoy this tune, as it is one of the few singer's songs heard this time of year. Interestingly, according to Wikipedia, "O Holy Night" was the first musical creation ever broadcast over the radio, back in 1906. While only an instrumental performance, that broadcast increased the song's popularity and paved the way for future vocalists to perform it.

Much like the national anthem (see previous Tuesday Tunes entry on Whitney Houston), there are a number of different versions and recordings of "O Holy Night," but only a few measure up to the song's inspiring standard. While my mom prefers a male vocal, such as Johnny Mathis or Josh Groban, I am awed by a clean, crisp female rendition because of the quality and impact of the high soprano notes. Compare the male voices to those of Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. Regardless of personal preference, when the song is performed expertly, the performer indeed becomes secondary to the song's powerful meaning and sound.

As "O Holy Night" reminds me to reflect on the blessings of the season, I am humbled by my life's fulfillment and good fortune. Season's Greetings to all.

Tuesday Tunes: It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Yeah, I know it's Wednesday. A day late and a dollar short seems to be my life story these days...at least until I start my new job tomorrow. Hooray! Back to the music. As promised, I plan to use the holiday season to explore the wonderful world of holiday music...beginning with Andy Williams's "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year." If you're not familiar with this classic tune (because, presumably, you've been living under a rock), enjoy this refresher (complete with festive light bonus).

Obviously, it's a catchy tune with a simple, happy message. Like no other time of the year, the holiday season seems to bring out the best in people. We relax. We appreciate the blessings in our lives. We spend time with our families and friends. We don't worry so much about being slaves to our jobs. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year, in my opinion. Adding to the general merriment are the cheerful light and decoration displays. The doldrums of impending winter (at least for those of us who live in areas with four seasons of climate change) are transformed for a few weeks into an uplifting respite for the mind, body, and soul. I love to indulge in the joy of the season, and "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" is an exemplary way to revel in it. Have a listen, and be joyful.

Fight Song Friday: Stanford Week

Notre Dame closes the regular season tomorrow with a West Coast matchup against Stanford. The Cardinal is a much improved and dangerous team this year, and since the game will be played on Stanford's home field, I expect the Irish to have their hands full. Unless the Notre Dame administration surprises the college football world entirely by retaining Coach Weis, this will likely be Charlie's last game as the Irish head coach. Perhaps the boys can send him out with a win. Perhaps not. We will only know after they play the game.

Interestingly, there is some chatter about the possibility of Stanford's coach being recruited to coach Notre Dame beginning next year. I don't know how much stock I put in such rumors, especially considering Harbaugh is a Michigan graduate, and Michigan may also be in the market for a new football coach. The off season will certainly be exciting...

That's enough for today, as the family is celebrating Thanksgiving a day late. Time for turkey!

Tuesday Tunes: Holiday Preview

Next to college football season, my favorite time of year is the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Those precious few weeks are filled with food, family, and fun. They are also filled with warm, catchy, feel-good music that only surfaces during this special time of year. Interestingly, most people have rules for when holiday music is "allowed." Personally, I think the day after Thanksgiving is fair game for breaking out the holiday tunes, and I intend to do exactly that. Typically, I can find a radio station that dedicates all of the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to holiday music, and for a few weeks my car becomes a joyful transport in which I sing along to my favorite classics and emerge happier than when I embarked on my drive. I'll use the next few Tuesday Tunes to examine some of the season's best music (in my opinion), but I must wait until it's "allowed." Until next week...