I was reading the paper tonight on my break at work, and I read that the Crash Test Dummies had a new Christmas album out. I was all excited, and I decided to see if I could find any samples online. I always liked the Crash Test Dummies, and I especially liked their version of The First Noel from a few years back. So I run a search, and Hooray! For me, they have a website, with samples from the new album.

Dear Sweet Lord, I have never heard anything more bizarre or frighteningly UN-festive. Their version of Jingle Bells is positively eerie. It sounds like a Russian work song� Merry Christmas from Darkest Siberia!! The samples for the other songs are pretty amusing too, but none are nearly so completely inappropriate to the source material than Jingle Bells. There�s even a new version of The First Noel. Sad� even a song which they had previously done very well did not survive mutilation� Brad Roberts always had that trademark low baritone, but now he just sounds like he�s suffering from throat cancer. How awful.

I can�t wait to get that album.

The girls at work all chipped in together to buy me a Christmas present. I got all teary-eyed when they gave me the present, and I hadn�t even opened it yet. How sweet� I just don�t know what to say about that other than thanks, guys� you�re a great crew and I love working with you. You really didn�t have to do that, but I am glad you did because it makes me feel special.

These antibiotics I am taking are HUGE. Really big. And they have this great big, ominous-looking warning label that says:

"do not take dairy products, antacids or iron preparations within one hour of taking this medication"

I wonder what would happen�

I have this vision of me mutating like the Mogwai who ate after midnight.

I�m feeling much better, by the way. 12 � hours sleep and a few days of antibiotics and vitamins makes a pretty big difference.