Kermit the Frog says dreamers are better than hipsters

It has been such a ridiculous time since my last post (which I just realized, Blogger didn't even post. Thanks, Blogger).

So, while I rewrite my nerd manifesto, here is a musical collection of awesome things to keep you occupied throughout your day.

The Muppets: The Green Album

Listen to 'The Green Album' for free on NPR. The album is really pretty great. Not only can you listen to some of your favorite Muppets songs-- the bands that cover the songs are great (Weezer, OK Go, Andrew Bird).

Mika's new Single ~ "Elle Me Dit"

Listen to this song immediately (scroll to the bottom of the page). It will fill you with joy all day long! The song is in french (not gibberish as I initially thought) and despite my inability to directly translate this song-- it isn't hard to connect with the utter joy that oozes from this little ditty. The only line that I do understand(ish?) is "Danse Danse Danse/ Elle Me Dit Danse" (Dance, Dance, Dance/ She said to Dance) and that is a sentiment I can get behind.

Smithsonian Player

The Smithsonian has an exhaustive collection of folk music that you can listen to for free. It isn't just "American" folk music-- you can listen to music from the Comanche, the Chinese, the Irish. Basically you can listen to all the folks' music.

"I've grown up a lot since before dinner."

- Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles is one of my favorite galleries because a) they sell affordable and awesome prints and b) they have exhibits that pay tribute to comedians, famous books, video games, and one of my favorite movies of all time "Wet Hot American Summer." View the prints here and the paintings here. The fact that this exhibit exists says to me that you really can do anything you want. Anything.

- My obsession with The Hairpin continues with "Taglines for Romantic Comedies that will never exist."

- The current issue of "Under the Radar." The theme is "Music vs Comedy" but really it is a wicked awesome fusion of the two. There are interviews with comedians who sing, singers who do comedy, and awesome pictures of comedians dressed as musicians. To the left is Nick Offerman (Ron Swanson from "Parks and Recreation"). Another picture I remember was Ty Burrell (from "Modern Family") as Joni Mitchell. Classic.

- "Best Songs of 2011 to Air Guitar To While Naked In Your Room." You can start to see that I have an affinity for remarkably specific lists.

- Second to lastly, everyone should be listening to the "Nerdist" podcast. Chris Hardwick is fast becoming my new hero celebrating all things comedy and nerdy alike. He just interviewed Zooey Deschanel and it is delightful. My favorite interviews include: Drew Carey, Maria Bamford, Felicia Day, Donald Glover, Mike Birbiglia, Kevin Smith, Jimmy Fallon, John Oliver, and THE MUPPETS! Listening to this podcast is one of the things that finally made me start doing open-mics. It is pure nerd inspiration.

and lastly... this:

"Green With Envy" Trailer/ YOU GUYS, IT'S THE 'MUPPET MOVIE!!!!

It's time to play the music/ It's time to light the lights!

I love the Muppets.

I love them.

I would lobby for the Muppets to be featured on American currency before any other person (living or dead).

They are an American treasure.

My childhood was spent watching Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and the Muppet Show. While Disney movies came out once a year-- Muppets were with me ever day.

Which is why I am psyched that a Muppet movie is coming out this year.

Let me innumerate the reasons this is mind-meltingly awesome.

Awesome-Amazing thing #1: The Human Cast

Mila Kunis, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Jason Segel, Rashida Jones, and Zack Galifianakis will all be sharing the screen with Kermit, Gonzo, and Miss Piggy.

The easiest way to see how fun it is when celebrities and Muppets unite are all the celebrities appearances on Sesame Street. Ricky Gervais, Feist, Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman, and even Ray Charles and Johnny Cash have all been on and each time it is amazing.

I would say what makes having such an amazing (human) cast in this movie is that it so uninterested in fame and celebrity. No matter who shows up-- they all play second fiddle to the Muppets.

Also--anyone who knows me knows that Jason Segel is kind of my hero. Love his movies, his appearances on talk shows, and his character on "How I Met Your Mother" (Marshall Erikson) is one of my favorites.

Plus-- he is almost as exited as I am about this movie.

Awesome-Amazing Thing #2: "Flight of the Concords" influence

Chris Cooper is set to do a rap in the film.

Before you cringe, hear me out.

James Bobin, the director of the film, is the mind behind "Flight of the Conchords." Bobin has drafted one part of the folk duo (Bret McKenzie) to help out with the songs. "Flight of the Conchords" is responsible for gems like "Prince of Parties", "Boom", and "Robots." So that same bizarre creative energy that fueled the first Muppet movies is going to continue on with Segel and Bobin at the helm.

Awesome-Amazing Thing #3: More "Mahna Mahna" and "Rainbow Connection"

Do I really have to explain this?

Awesome-Amazing Thing #4: Muppets

I realize I just spent the entire entry gushing over them, but seriously-- they are the best.

You can always count on them to be humble and subversive and to nurture the creative underdog in everyone.

I cannot wait until November.