Sudoku

Although I wouldn't currently classify myself as a geek or nerd (I did deserve both of those titles in high school though), I have to admit that lately I've been hooked on Sudoku puzzles. For those of you not familiar with them, check out the Sudoku website. Basicallly, they're number puzzles that don't require addition, subtraction, or even calculus to solve. Instead you must use logic and reasoning to fill in a grid with the numbers 1 through 9. The puzzle is a square that is divided into 9 larger boxes, with nine smaller boxes in each larger box. Each larger box must contain the numbers 1 through 9, and each horizontal and vertical row in the entire puzzle must also contain the numbers 1 through 9. Although it sounds terribly confusing, it really isn't too difficult to get the hang of. Even the Christian Science Monitor says "Logic has not been this fashionable since the Rubik's Cube. " And if anyone knows what is fashionable, it's the Christian Science Monitor.

The Pipettes - One Night Stand : BBC Radio Wales, Rhyl Town Hall, 7-16-05

Their debut album We Are the Pipettes just came out Monday, although the excitement has been building for what seems like ages with all of their tracks floating around the blog-o-sphere. What else is there to say about these lovely ladies that hasn't been posted on every other blog? Polka dots, 50's do-wop sound, suggestively sexy lyrics, these women are simply irresistable.

Danielson - Two Sitting Ducks : Ships

This is another semi-recent release. I must make an embarrasing confession though. Having bought the album through eMusic and not having the album is my pysical possession, it was only last week that I realized that the stars on the album artwork connected together to spell out their name. Pardon the bright red hue to my face.

Blind Melon - Three Is A Magic Number : School House Rock! Rocks

This is my favorite track from one of my favorite albums. I chanced across it in a used music store, and thank my lucky stars for it. Jack Johnson worked a version of his own (The 3 R's) on his last album, Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies For The Film Curious George, which isn't bad, but I still prefer this version.

Cake - Friend Is A Four Letter Word : Fashion Nugget

"I just want to be friends." Who hasn't cringed when hearing these words spoken by someone of the opposite sex? Please just stick the wooden stake through my heart now.

The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Take Five : Time Out

Possibly one of the most recognizable jazz songs on perhaps one of the best selling and best known known jazz albums of all time. As the album title suggests, it is composed of songs written in different time signatures. It's cool but swings at the same time. A definite classic, even if you aren't a jazz fan.

Hanalei - Derailment at Six Flags : We're All Natural Disasters

I first heard This Is Going to Be the Best Summer Ever over on I Guess I'm Floating's summer mix a while back, and I've been loving it, and a lot of other Hanalei tunes ever since. I actually live in the same town as Six Flags New England, and although I never go there, if I'm ever trying to explain to someone where I live, all I have to do is mention it and they know. I guess it's the same idea as a band being defined by a song they hate.

Arctic Monkeys - 7 : When the Sun Goes Down - EP

The Monkeys are having a huge year. Three years after forming in 2003, and having just released they're debut album in January, they've been nominated for the Mercury Prize, which is Britain's most prestigious music award. Unfortunately, they're going up against Thom Yorke, but I'm still rooting for them.

Ben Lee - Eight Years Old : Something To Remember Me By

It's been too long since I've posted any Ben, so I had to squeeze this one in: a heart-wrenching song of love lost and re-found.

Man Or Astro-Man? - Clean up on Aisle #9 (Turn up the Monitors) : Is It...Man or Astro-Man?

This reminds me a lot of Dick Dale and his Californian surf rock. Take a listen and see if you can catch the wave.