Operation AXIOM
I hope all & sundry enjoyed Groundhog Day. The groundhog predicts an early spring, but let us hope that baleful state does not come to pass. You might think I'd be sick of winter, my father & I having spent three solid hours shoveling Wilson Field on Wednesday, but you'd be very much mistaken. The backbreaking labor might not be fun in the moment, but it is an honorable & necessary ritual of the winter, & rituals add richness & solemnity to our lives. And I do so love both winter & snow: glorious, gorgeous snow. So, three cheers for Punxsutawney Phil (Hip hip! Hooray! Hip hip! Hooray! Hip hip! Hooray!), but let's hope he's dead wrong about Anno Domini 2011 having an early spring.

The Rebel Black Dot Songs of the Day
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, "Science Fiction Double Feature" from Are a Drag (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: Oddly enough, the proper title of the original song is "Science Fiction/Double Feature." The slash is superfluous, making this a rare case in which I'm pointing out a bit of punctuation that should have been removed—& was by the Gimme Gimmes.

Mittwoch, 2 Februar
John Linnell, "Pennsylvania" from State Songs (T.L.A.M.)

Commentary: In commemoration of Groundhog Day & Punxsutawney Phil, not the upcoming Super Bowl & Pittsburgh's wholly loathsome quarterback.

Dienstag, 1 Februar
Lou Bega, "Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of…)" via iTunes (T.L.A.M.)