Oh The Places You'll Go

Whilst trolling for Lee Hazelwood songs, I came across an artist of whom I knew nothing. Nothing I say! You will no longer be allowed to be unaware of Rita Pavone as I have been these long, wasted years.

Rita sang the swinging tune Viva La Papa Col Pomodoro back in the 60s, when she was but a whisp of a girl of 18.

YouTube - Rita Pavone la papa col pomodoro

Is anything cooler than Italy was in the 60s? Maybe one thing. But only one.

Tell Me About Phaedra

Legendary songwriter Lee Hazelwood died on Aug. 4th at the age of 78.

SteveAudio writes that Hazelwood

"spent most of his career writing or producing hits for others, while his own records lampooned the business. In fact, Hazlewood became legendary for his independence and for his disdain for the industry — an attitude that earned him the adoration of a later generation of rock musicians that includes Nick Cave and Sonic Youth."

Here are two versions of my favourite Hazelwood song, "Some Velvet Morning".

Here is the classic 1967 version done with Nancy Sinatra.

And this one features Primal Scream teaming up with Kate Moss.

"Summer Wine" is also a good duet with Ms. Sinatra. Very dramatic in the Hazelwood style.

Aaron Ruell - Wacky Genius

My only exposure to Aaron Ruell thus far has been his role as Napoleon Dynamite's brother, Kip. While he did not turn out the be the great cage fighter that he wanted to be (nobody wants a roundhouse kick to the face!), it does seem that Aaron is a talented S.O.B. Along with his photography, he has taken to creating and directing wacky commercials. For example, this Powerade ad, and this amazing commercial for the much maligned Filet 'O Fish. Truly an auteur for the new age.

Another lesson from the Christian Squirrel Roast

I have been thinking a lot about the Christian Squirrel Roast in Saskatchewan and the ethical, and spiritual, debates that arise. At the root of the issue is that the counsellor made a mistake and then used Christian principles and beliefs to make the most of a bad situation. This, among many other things in the world, left me confused about Christian beliefs.

So I would like to pose a question to see what others think, but I will not be responding since I have nothing to add on the subject. I am stumped.

Here is my question. Do Christian beliefs guide an individual to take responsibilities for one's actions and the consequences of those actions?, or, Do Christian beliefs provide a way that an individual can absolve themselves of the responsibility for their actions and consequences?

In the case of the squirrel roaster, there seems to be a view expressed that the counsellor is not responsible for the throwing of the stick at the squirrel in the first place. THat is, there seems to be a number of "he didn't mean to do hurt the squirrel" arguments.