Friday Lyric Quiz, No. 466 (The Sorry, Rivers Cuomo, Edition)

So this is hilarious, y’all. Moreso than the fact that I always misspell “hilarious” (I want to add an extra “L”). The inspiration for last week’s quiz theme was “Buddy Holly,” which in fact was NOT Weezer’s first U.S. single with any legs. While more successful than “Undone (The Sweater Song),” it was not our first taste of Weezer. It was also the only song I didn’t cross-reference with some Wikipedia action, so sure was I of its inclusion in the theme at hand.

Go figure. More than one person pointed this out. And to (some of) them, I say, “Gee, thanks. Where are you the other 51 weeks of the year?”

Let’s do something this week that’s a little less controversial and not as prone to my own oversight. Songs that mention the great summertime hobby of swimming. For those of us that don’t have a pervasive fear of drowning.

Friday Lyric Quiz #466 [scroll down for answers to last week's quiz]

1. “Using symbols, using words can be likened to a deep-sea diver who is swimming with a raincoat” (late 90s)

2. “Voices tell me, I should carry on. But I am swimming in an ocean all alone” (mid-2000s)

3. ” Can I come over, after school?  We can hang around, by the pool” (early 2000s)

4. “She swam by me, she got a cramp”  (late 70s)

5. “Boys in bikinis, girls in surfboards. Everybody’s rocking, everybody’s frugging”  (early 80s)

6. “Sometimes we swim around, like the dolphins in the ocean of our hearts”  (early 2000s)

7. “She was afraid to come out in the open, and so she sat bundled up on the shore” (early 60s)

8. “Her bikini – small; heels – tall, she said, she liked the ocean” (late 80s)

9. “All that night and all the next, swam without looking back, made for the Western pools, silly, silly fools”  (late 70s)

10. “The ice we skate is getting pretty thin, the water’s getting warm so you might as well swim”  (late 90s)

Answers to Friday Lyric Quiz #466 [The first notable U.S. singles by prolific artists]

1. “And I get discouraged ’cause you treat me just like a child. And they say I’m so shy but with you I just go wild!” (late 70s)
I Wanna Be Your Lover, Prince

2. “Fingernails are pretty, fingernails are good” (mid-90s)
This is a Call, Foo Fighters

3. “Or a prisoner in the dark, tied up in chains you just can’t see Or a beast in a gilded cage, that’s all some people ever want to be ” (mid-80s)
If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, Sting

4. “And the waitress is practicing politics, as the businessmen slowly get stoned” (mid-70s)
Piano Man, Billy Joel

5. “I put myself in this position, and I deserve the imposition” (early 80s)
Burning Up, Madonna

6. “I can’t run and I can’t kick, what’s a-matter babe, are you feelin’ sick?” (mid-90s)
Buddy Holly, Weezer

7. “I don’t care if it hurts, I want to have control” (early 90s)
Creep, Radiohead

8. “The newspapers say … say … say it’s true, it’s true, and we can break through” (early 80s)
New Year’s Day, U2

9. “They’re made of lipstick, plastic and paint, a touch of sable in their eyes” (mid-80s)
Runaway, Bon Jovi

10. “I swam across, I jumped across for you” (early 2000s)
Yellow, Coldplay

Friday Lyric Quiz, No. 465 (The Rookie Edition)

Totally Irrelevant to this Discussion.

As I heard song number six on this quiz yesterday morning, I thought “You know, I don’t like any other song by [this band] better than [this song], which was their first-ever popular single.” It’s a sad state of affairs to see an act peak right out of the gate (though 98% of you may disagree with this example – you’ll see next week).

Anyway, it gave me a theme.  All of the songs below were the first successful (in the U.S., at least) singles from these fairly prolific acts. Not all went downhill from there. Just a few.

In other news, happy Memorial Day weekend to everyone! Wishing you fair temperatures, tasty grill-ables, cold beverages, and friends to share them with.

Friday Lyric Quiz #465 [scroll down for answers to last week's quiz]

1. “And I get discouraged ’cause you treat me just like a child. And they say I’m so shy but with you I just go wild!” (late 70s)

2. “Fingernails are pretty, fingernails are good” (mid-90s)

3. “Or a prisoner in the dark, tied up in chains you just can’t see Or a beast in a gilded cage, that’s all some people ever want to be ” (mid-80s)

4. “And the waitress is practicing politics, as the businessmen slowly get stoned” (mid-70s)

5. “I put myself in this position, and I deserve the imposition” (early 80s)

6. “I can’t run and I can’t kick, what’s a-matter babe, are you feelin’ sick?” (mid-90s)

7. “I don’t care if it hurts, I want to have control” (early 90s)

8. “The newspapers say … say … say it’s true, it’s true, and we can break through” (early 80s)

9. “They’re made of lipstick, plastic and paint, a touch of sable in their eyes” (mid-80s)

10. “I swam across, I jumped across for you” (early 2000s)

Answers to Friday Lyric Quiz #464 [No theme]

1. “She taught me how to trust, and to believe in us” (early 2000s)
Right Now, SR-71

2. “Your hair is brown. Your eyes are hazel, and soft as clouds.” (early 80s)
Turning Japanese, The Vapors

3. “The sweet words you whispered, didn’t mean a thing” (late 80s)
Could’ve Been, Tiffany

4. “If I had just one wish, only one demand, I hope he’s not like me, I hope he understands” (early 2000s)
With Arms Wide Open, Creed

5. “The twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn” (mid-90s)
Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Elton John

6. “Things look so bad everywhere. In this whole world, what is fair?” (late 80s)
Higher Love, Steve Winwood

7. “I’ll never be your mother’s favorite. Your daddy can’t even look me in the eye” (early 2010s)
It Will Rain, Bruno Mars

8. “With every day that passes, I fall nearer to the ground” (late 80s)
Dreaming, Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark (OMD)

9. “Though I’ve tried to resist, being last on your list, but no other man’s gonna do” (mid-80s)
Saving All My Love For You, Whitney Houston

10. “Don’t need make-up to cover up, being the way that you are is enough.” (early 2010s)
What Makes You Beautiful, OneDirection

Friday Lyric Quiz, No. 464 (The Facebook goes public edition)

RIP, Donna Summer! Man, it has been a terrible year for musicians of my childhood.If I’d heard the news sooner, I would have tried to think of a Donna-worthy theme. Maybe next week.For now, enjoy a potpourri of mostly terrible songs.

Side note: Why will wedding DJs play ‘Last Dance’ and then proceed to play 14 more songs?  If you’re playing ‘Last Dance’ (which you shouldn’t have to, because it’s massively overdone), then at least have it be the last slow song of the night, people!

Anyway. Happy Friday.

Friday Lyric Quiz #464 [scroll down for answers to last week's quiz]

1. “She taught me how to trust, and to believe in us” (early 2000s)

2. “Your hair is brown. Your eyes are hazel, and soft as clouds.” (early 80s)

3. “The sweet words you whispered, didn’t mean a thing” (late 80s)

4. “If I had just one wish, only one demand, I hope he’s not like me, I hope he understands” (early 2000s)

5. “The twisting kaleidoscope moves us all in turn” (mid-90s)

6. “Things look so bad everywhere. In this whole world, what is fair?” (late 80s)

7. “I’ll never be your mother’s favorite. Your daddy can’t even look me in the eye” (early 2010s)

8. “With every day that passes, I fall nearer to the ground” (late 80s)

9. “Though I’ve tried to resist, being last on your list, but no other man’s gonna do” (mid-80s)

10. “Don’t need make-up to cover up, being the way that you are is enough.” (early 2010s)

Answers to Friday Lyric Quiz #463 [Songs mentioning cities/regions in the Midwest]

1. “In the middle of the night, there’s an old man threading his toes through a bucket of rain” (mid-90s)
Omaha, Counting Crows

2 .”She was seventeen and she was far from in-between, it was summertime in Northern Michigan” (late 2000s)
All Summer Long, Kid Rock

3. “Gotta get down to it, soldiers are cutting us down. Should have been done long ago” (early 70s)
Ohio, CSNY

4. “You can find me, in St. Louis rollin’ on dubs, smoking dubs in clubs, blowin’ up like cocoa puff” (early 2000s)
Country Grammar, Nelly

5. “Black bandana, sweet Louisiana, robbin’ all the banks in the state of Indiana” (mid-2000s)
Dani California, Red Hot Chili Peppers

6. “She came down from Cincinnati, it took her three days on the train” (late 70s)
Fins, Jimmy Buffett

7. “Oh, I need to make it to the river, and leave this old Nebraska town” (early 90s)
Hazard, Richard Marx

8. “She’s a Kansas princess, crazy mother trucker, undercover lover” (late 2000s)
She’s Country, Jason Aldean

9. “Concluding some terms, with a couple of steel firms, when they left fully loaded for Cleveland” (mid-70s)
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Gordon Lightfoot

10. “The Midwest farmer’s daughters really make you feel alright” (mid-60s)
California Girls, Beach Boys

Friday Lyric Quiz, No. 463 (The Midwest Swing Edition)

As I mentioned earlier this week, I’ve got a new job and am headquartered in Ohio for the next few weeks. My extended stay hotel grows more depressing with each passing day, so good thing I’m head off to Cleveland tonight for a long weekend with my parents. Four nights in a queen bed and a ‘fully equipped’ kitchen! Ahh, it’s the little things.

I’m on a veritable tour of the Midwest — Chicago to Cincy to Cleveland — so today’s songs play tribute to the flattest of all American regions. The song lyrics either reference a Midwestern region or city or the song title itself (#s 1 and 3) have a Midwestern region as their title.

Have a great weekend, happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, and see you next week.

Friday Lyric Quiz #463 [scroll down for answers to last week's quiz]

1. “In the middle of the night, there’s an old man threading his toes through a bucket of rain” (mid-90s)

2 .”She was seventeen and she was far from in-between, it was summertime in Northern Michigan” (late 2000s)

3. “Gotta get down to it, soldiers are cutting us down. Should have been done long ago” (early 70s)

4. “You can find me, in St. Louis rollin’ on dubs, smoking dubs in clubs, blowin’ up like cocoa puff” (early 2000s)

5. “Black bandana, sweet Louisiana, robbin’ all the banks in the state of Indiana” (mid-2000s)

6. “She came down from Cincinnati, it took her three days on the train” (late 70s)

7. “Oh, I need to make it to the river, and leave this old Nebraska town” (early 90s)

8. “She’s a Kansas princess, crazy mother trucker, undercover lover” (late 2000s)

9. “Concluding some terms, with a couple of steel firms, when they left fully loaded for Cleveland” (mid-70s)

10. “The Midwest farmer’s daughters really make you feel alright” (mid-60s)

Answers to Friday Lyric Quiz #462 [Songs about remembering and forgetting]

1. “I’m so tired, but I can’t sleep. Standing on the edge of something much too deep ” (mid-90s)
I Will Remember You, Sarah McLachlan

2. “Woke up to the sound of pouring rain, washed away a dream of you” (late 80s)
I Remember You, Skid Row

3. “If we could try, like we tried before. Would you keep on telling me those lies?” (early 90s)
Do You Remember?, Phil Collins

4. “And I laugh to myself when I think of all those crazy things that we used to do” (late 80s)
I Won’t Forget You, Poison

5. “Then I wake up and you’re not there, pain finds me everywhere” (mid-80s)
Don’t Forget Me (When I’m Gone), Glass Tiger

6. “I think it’s one of those deja vu things, Or a dream that’s tryin’ to tell me something” (early 90s)
Set Adrift on Memory Bliss, PM Dawn

7. ”If you need someone baby call my line, call me anytime” (late 80s)
Baby, Don’t Forget My Number, Milli Vanilli

8. “I’ll hope and I’ll pray, to keep your precious love” (early 60s)
In the Still of the Night (I’ll Remember), The Five Satins

9.  ”How you never want to live a lie, how it’s gone too far and you don’t have to tell me why” (early 80s)
I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near), Michael McDonald

10. “I’m harder than me tryin to park a Dodge when I’m drunk as f*ck right next to a humungous truck in a two-car garage ” (late 90s)
Forgot About Dre, Eminem

The Secrets of an Extended Stay

Well, well, well, I got a new full-time job. It’s exciting and new, but strangely familiar, as I took a different — hopefully better — gig with my old company (1997 – 2008) and will report to one of my former bosses. Even more flattering? The Cincinnati-based company recruited me from Chicago, which means they really value my skills but also means I will be frequenting the Queen City more often than I used to.

Which is fine.

I like it here, I have friends here from years past, and the beers are cheap.

I’m here right now for a month and am staying in an Extended Stay hotel. It’s clean, it’s close to the office, and the shower’s water pressure is surprisingly satisfying. And yet, I must admit, it’s a tad depressing. There are fellow business people here, but also people who appear to be shacked up indefinitely. I saw one room from the parking lot where a mother and small daughter had evidently hauled in in a wire shelving unit to hold piles and piles and piles of clothes.

Sigh.

Here are other things I’ve learned in my 24 hours here:

1. Bring or buy your own coat hangers. My room had four. For a place that charges by the week.

2. You might want to bring your own towels. This isn’t the Ritz. Ditto body wash, hair dryer, shampoo and conditioner. This isn’t the Hampton Inn.

3. A ‘fully equipped kitchen’ means one skillet, one pot, two plates, a small fridge, a sink no bigger than the one on airplanes, bowls large enough to hold one Frosted Mini-Wheat, no oven, and a colander.

3a. If buying wine for said small fridge, get screw-top, because there isn’t a corkscrew. And snag a wineglass or two if you’re particular about such things. I? Am not.

4. Go ahead and bring/buy some: dishwashing detergent, Clorox wipes, paper towels, hand soap (for the kitchen if not the bathroom as well).

Now, I’m not sure how many people use the ‘fully equipped kitchen,’ but it was important to me.  It’s not healthy to eat every meal out, nor is it economical for my company. And I figured my new/old job in my new/old city (temporarily) would be a good chance to kick off on achieving my new/old body. When I left Cincinnati in 2001, I weighed about 15 pounds less than I do now. If I keep up this impressive 15-lbs-per-decade pace, I will not be living my Golden Girls life to the fullest.

So I swung by Trader Joe’s last night after checking in and picked up some provisions. Fizzy water, tea bags, wine (see above), raw oatmeal. And for dinners I aimed for simplicity. Tonight was veggies stir-fried with a touch of curry sauce served over Quinoa.

And this feast came after a lovely walk in the park. Oh yeah. Also on the ‘pro’ side of this Extended Stay hotel? It’s a five-minute drive to a beautiful park with a 2.6-mile jogging loop that provides dusk-time glimpses such as this:

And a visit with this little guy:

So it’s not all bad. I’m excited by the prospective challenges of my new job, I look forward to some time spent with long-distance friends, and while I miss Chicago, maybe I’ll be looking a little bit trimmer when I return. Just in time for lake season. (Note: I go to the lake like once a year).

Friday Lyric Quiz, No. 462 (The Memory Remains Edition)

Last week, I missed the boat on my typical 7 a.m. publication of this here lyric quiz, so my good buddy Molly suggested having my next quiz be on the competing themes of remembering and forgetting. Maybe she wasn’t serious, but it was as good a theme as any…

The majority of these songs have some derivation of forget or remember in the title; the remaining are on the theme of memory (or at least have a memorable (?) lyric on the topic).

Happy Friday, and don’t forget to watch the Derby, celebrate Cinco de Mayo, or have a great time no matter what your weekend may bring.

Friday Lyric Quiz #462 [scroll down for answers to last week's quiz]

1. “I’m so tired, but I can’t sleep. Standing on the edge of something much too deep ” (mid-90s)

2. “Woke up to the sound of pouring rain, washed away a dream of you” (late 80s)

3. “If we could try, like we tried before. Would you keep on telling me those lies?” (early 90s)

4. “And I laugh to myself when I think of all those crazy things that we used to do” (late 80s)

5. “Then I wake up and you’re not there, pain finds me everywhere” (mid-80s)

6. “I think it’s one of those de ja vu things, Or a dream that’s tryin’ to tell me something” (early 90s)

7. ”If you need someone baby call my line, call me anytime” (late 80s)

8. “I’ll hope and I’ll pray, to keep your precious love” (early 60s)

9.  ”How you never want to live a lie, how it’s gone too far and you don’t have to tell me why” (early 80s)

10. “I’m harder than me tryin to park a Dodge when I’m drunk as f*ck right next to a humungous truck in a two-car garage ” (late 90s)

Answers to Friday Lyric Quiz #461 [No theme]

1. “So what, you’ve got the world at your feet, and you know everything about everything” (early 2010s)
Mr. Know It All, Kelly Clarkson

2. “You look at every face in a crowd, some shine and some keep you guessing” (late 80s)
When It’s Love, Van Halen

3. “If the music’s pumping, it will give you new life” (early 90s)
Vogue, Madonna

4. “That girl, like somethin off a poster. That girl, is a dime they say” (late 2000s)
Iyaz, Replay

5. “Are you more than hot for me, or am I a page in your history – book” (late 80s)
Straight Up, Paula Abdul

6. “And I see that these are the eyes of disarray, would you even care?” (early 90s)
Plush, Stone Temple Pilots

7. ”You always knew to wear it well, and you look so fancy, I can tell” (late 70s)
Just What I Needed, The Cars

8. “You might’ve been hurt, babe, that ain’t no lie. You’ve seen ‘em all come and go” (early 2000s)
It’s Gonna Be Me, NSYNC

9.  ”Running around, staying out all night, taking it all instead of taking one bite” (early 80s)
That’s All, Genesis

10. “Now he’s the freshest D.J. from coast to coast, my man can cut and scratch, but I don’t mean to boast” (late 80s)
Supersonic, JJ Fad

Friday Lyric Quiz, No. 461 (The Delayed Edition)

Happy Friday, everyone!  Sorry for the delay. Apparently an early sushi dinner doesn’t get me home early enough to prepare the next day’s quiz if it is followed by cocktails across the street at a completely empty gay dance club.  Who knew.

Anyway, it’s been a while since I had a quiz without a theme — since March 23rd, in fact — so today’s quiz is  a simple potpourri.  Enjoy!

Friday Lyric Quiz #461 [scroll down for answers to last week's quiz]

1. “So what, you’ve got the world at your feet, and you know everything about everything” (early 2010s)

2. “You look at every face in a crowd, some shine and some keep you guessing” (late 80s)

3. “If the music’s pumping, it will give you new life” (early 90s)

4. “That girl, like somethin off a poster. That girl, is a dime they say ” (late 2000s)

5. “Are you more than hot for me, or am I a page in your history – book” (late 80s)

6. “And I see that these are the eyes of disarray, would you even care?” (early 90s)

7. ”You always knew to wear it well, and you look so fancy, I can tell” (late 70s)

8. “You might’ve been hurt, babe, that ain’t no lie. You’ve seen ‘em all come and go” (early 2000s)

9.  ”Running around, staying out all night, taking it all instead of taking one bite” (early 80s)

10. “Now he’s the freshest D.J. from coast to coast My man can cut and scratch, but I don’t mean to boast” (late 80s)

Answers to Friday Lyric Quiz #460

1. “So you play your albums, and you smoke your pot. And you meet your girlfriend in the parking lot” (early 70s)
Captain Jack, Billy Joel

2. “Now the tow truck’s pulling away, and I know why (why, man?)” (early 2000s)
Because I Got High, Afroman

3. “My old man was born to rock, he’s still trying to beat the clock” (mid-90s)
You Don’t Know How it Feels, Tom Petty

4. “They’ll stone you when you’re trying to make a buck, they’ll stone you and then they’ll say, good luck” (mid-60s)
Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

5. “People talk about me, baby. Say I’m doing you wrong, doing you wrong” (early 70s)
The Joker, Steve Miller Band

6. “Boy, you’ve been a naughty girl, you let your knickers down” (late 60s)
I Am the Walrus, The Beatles

7. ”You got me blowing, blowing my mind. Is it tomorrow or just the end of time?” (late 60s)
Purple Haze, Jimi Hendrix

8. “Rolling numbers, rock and rolling, got my Kiss records out ” (late 70s)
Surrender, Cheap Trick

9.  ”Music happen to be the food of love. Sounds to really make, you rub and scrub” (early 80s)
Pass the Dutchie, Musical Youth

10. “Born high forever to fly, wind velocity nil.” (mid-60s)
Mellow Yellow, Donovan

Friday Lyric Quiz, No. 460 (The Rasta Edition)

The reunion was a success! It took me two decades to gain some semblance of confidence, it appears. Just think how unstoppable I’ll be when I’m 60!

So today is April 20th, and the last time 4/20 occurred on a Friday, I was chastised for not paying homage to so-called Cannibis Day. I am, how shall you say, completely lacking in experience in this area (I just had to look up how to spell “cannibis,” for God’s sake). And that’s fine – it’s technically illegal, after all.

But as a result of my naiveté I just found myself on High Times and other niche websites cruising for songs that qualify for the themed quiz below. You’re welcome.

Celebrate responsibly.

Friday Lyric Quiz #460 [scroll down for answers to last week's quiz]

1. “So you play your albums, and you smoke your pot. And you meet your girlfriend in the parking lot” (early 70s)

2. “Now the tow truck’s pulling away, and I know why (why, man?)” (early 2000s)

3. “My old man was born to rock, he’s still trying to beat the clock” (mid-90s)

4. “They’ll stone you when you’re trying to make a buck, they’ll stone you and then they’ll say, good luck” (mid-60s)

5. “People talk about me, baby. Say I’m doing you wrong, doing you wrong” (early 70s)

6. “Boy, you’ve been a naughty girl, you let your knickers down” (late 60s)

7. ”You got me blowing, blowing my mind. Is it tomorrow or just the end of time?” (late 60s)

8. “Rolling numbers, rock and rolling, got my Kiss records out ” (late 70s)

9.  ”Music happen to be the food of love. Sounds to really make, you rub and scrub” (early 80s)

10. “Born high forever to fly, wind velocity nil.” (mid-60s)

Answers to Friday Lyric Quiz #459

1. “Then you’ll know how it was meant to be, see the signs and know their meaning.”
These Are Days, 10,000 Maniacs

2. “But now you’ve come along and brightened up my world, in my heart I feel it, I’m that special kind of girl.”
Finally, CeCe Peniston

3. “But a v8 engine is a good start for me. Think I’ll drive to find a place, to be surly.”
Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now), Cracker

4. “Although I am black and proud, problems got me pessimistic.”
Tennessee, Arrested Development

5. “I’m living in an empty room, with all the windows smashed.”
Walking on Broken Glass, Annie Lennox

6. “I’m your average ordinary everyday dude, drivin’ with my baby, to get her in the mood.”
Let’s Get Rocked, Def Leppard

7. ”People try to say I act a little funny, but that’s just a figure of speech to me.”
What About Your Friends, TLC

8. “And I’ll take with me the memories to be my sunshine after the rain.”
It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday, Boyz II Men

9.  ”She sees my good deeds and she kisses me windy.”
Under the Bridge, Red Hot Chili Peppers

10. “Time can break your heart, have you begging please … begging please.”
Tears in Heaven, Eric Clapton

The Holy Union of Kevin and Anton

For the last several years of my life, I’ve passionately argued for the legalization and universal support of gay marriage. For my entire life, I’ve supported the gay lifestyle. Why not? I’m not asking for a medal — it just makes sense. In fact, it shouldn’t even be a subject to “support” or “argue.”

And this week, at 37 years old, I finally attended my first gay wedding.

As a happy plus-one, I went with my cousin Jenny (who is the closest thing I have to a sister) to the wedding — technically the solemnization of their Vermont union last fall — for one of her childhood best friends, the Reverend Kevin (an Episcopal priest) and his partner of 10 (12?) years, Anton (an Indonesian chef). Kevin and Anton live in Chicago so I had met them previously on Jenny’s trips north.

Delightful folks.

They met at Disneyworld when a still-learning-English Anton approached Kevin to ask about the book he was reading.

They frequently visit with two children that are biologically Kevin’s but raised in the home of a lesbian couple.

They danced their first dance to “For Good” from the Wicked soundtrack. The dimpled and shaven-headed Kevin spun the laughing, caramel-skinned Anton in jubilant fashion until the dance floor opened for all attendees. Often, they pulled in close and whispered those loving words couples share between one another. Their guests of all ages and races blinked back tears while maintaining huge grins.

They adore each other absolutely, and have, from first sight in the shadow of the Cinderella castle.

And yet … their marriage isn’t recognized in the vast majority of our states.

I am not going to get political here – I don’t have the smarts to, and I just won’t. But sitting in the church today — the Episcopal Cathedral of Chicago — I was extraordinarily moved. Not only by Kevin and Anton’s love, but by the support of their community. The church was packed with young and old, gay and straight, supportive friends of all races. A troupe of Indonesian dancers performed in full garb on the alter ahead of the communion hymn.

The homily was delivered by the Dean of the Cathedral, a middle-aged woman who proclaimed (I’m paraphrasing): Back in my day, marriage was sanctioned as a pairing between two people of the same race, the same religion, and different sexes. You all have one out of three going for you.

All joking aside, she then went on to say how Kevin and Anton’s love is inspirational for their friends and important for our world.

The ceremony reaffirmed my faith not only in “non-traditional” love but in the Episcopal church. I believe it is the liberal values of this church and my parents’ own teachings that have instilled in me a sense of acceptance and kindness. The fact that some could see the love that Kevin and Anton share and deny them the expression of that love just doesn’t make any sense to me. It isn’t kind to keep them from this. It isn’t right. It isn’t fair or necessary. And etc. Remember, friends, that Jesus himself was BFFs with some folks that may at the time have been deemed a bit “alternative lifestyle.”

Anton and Kevin are sweet and loving people. Way better people than I am, or than a lot of people fighting against their marriage are.

And so.

I’m off my soapbox. The situation is far improved now than it was 30 years ago, but we’ve got a long way to go, Charlie Brown. I just hope the skeptics run across a Kevin and Anton in their lives and learn that a couple in love is a beautiful and rare thing, even if they don’t look like your typical Rockwell picture.

And thank you, K and A, for letting me crash as a plus-one on your special day. All the best to you all the days of your lives.

Friday Lyric Quiz, #459 (The Alma Mater Edition)

Though you wouldn’t know it by my youthful exuberance, I’m rounding out my 30s. In fact, this year (specifically, today) I’m headed to my 20-year high school reunion. I spent ninth through twelfth grade at an all-girls’ school in Chattanooga, Tennessee after being transplanted from my hometown in Southern Illinois.

It was a bit of  a shock to the system. I didn’t understand why no one else had a Dukakis/Bentsen sticker on their locker.

And yet, I found my groove, made some good friends and connections, and have almost entirely fond memories. There were only 91 ladies in my graduating class, so we all sort of know each other. Some I’ve kept in close contact with and others haven’t seen me since I looked like the attached photo.

What I do know is that I have better hair now. Marginally better musical taste. And that now, we are all of legal drinking age.

I’ll report back on the goings-on sometime next week. Until then, enjoy these 10 cuts from my graduating year — 1992 — when colored denim was in, political campaigns were revving to a fever pitch, and people couldn’t stop talking about Whitney Houston. So I guess not much has changed.

Friday Lyric Quiz #459 [scroll down for answers to last week's quiz]

1. “Then you’ll know how it was meant to be, see the signs and know their meaning.”

2. “But now you’ve come along and brightened up my world, in my heart I feel it, I’m that special kind of girl.”

3. “But a v8 engine is a good start for me. Think I’ll drive to find a place, to be surly.”

4. “Although I am black and proud, problems got me pessimistic.”

5. “I’m living in an empty room, with all the windows smashed.”

6. “I’m your average ordinary everyday dude, drivin’ with my baby, to get her in the mood.”

7. ”People try to say I act a little funny, but that’s just a figure of speech to me.”

8. “And I’ll take with me the memories to be my sunshine after the rain.”

9.  ”She sees my good deeds and she kisses me windy.”

10. “Time can break your heart, have you begging please … begging please.”

Answers to Friday Lyric Quiz #458

1. “I took her out, it was a Friday night, I wore cologne, to get the feeling right.” (late 90s)
What’s My Age Again, blink-182

2. “Friday night, I’m going nowhere, all the lights are changing green to red.” (early 2000s)
Babylon, David Gray

3. “Oh Lawdy mama, those Friday nights, when Suzie wore her dresses tight.” (early 70s)
Crocodile Rock, Elton John

4. “Think I need a ginger ale, that was such an epic fail.” (early 2010s)
Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.), Katy Perry

5. “Friday night we’ll dance the spotlight grind, stop time heart for me if she’s not mine.” (early 80s)
Freeze Frame, J. Geils Band

6. “7:45, we’re drivin’ down the highway, cruisin’ so fast, I want time to fly.” (early 2010s)
Friday, Rebecca Black

7. ”Throwing out your frown, and just smiling at the sound.” (early 90s)
Friday, I’m in Love, The Cure

8. “It’s Friday night and she’s all alone, he’s a million miles away.” (early 2000s)
Flavor of the Weak, American Hi-Fi

9.  ”It’s Friday night, and I feel all right, the party is here on the West side.” (mid-90s)
This is How We Do It, Montell Jordan

10. “Friday night arrives without a suitcase.” (late 60s)
Lady Madonna, The Beatles