The term “unalive,” while used since 1828, has evolved into a vague euphemism that undermines language clarity and seriousness. Its modern application as a verb often circumvents content moderation and promotes linguistic laziness. Meaningful communication relies on precise language, essential for discussing life’s gravitas, especially in challenging contexts like death and grief.
Did you know there are over 43 quintillion permutations of 3x3x3 Rubik’s Cube? That’s 43 followed by eighteen zeroes. 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 to be more precise. For most of us, that’s a number we can’t even comprehend, so let me put some perspective on it. If you had one of these at the Big Bang (13 billion…
I don’t know why I suddenly wanted to re-watch the body-swap comedy Vice Versa (1988) except to say that I felt unreasonably nostalgic. If someone can give me anything with a more provocative flavor than nostalgia, I’d be much obliged. I remember when it was first released, and I know I liked it well enough…
What follows is the speech I gave at an old Army friend’s wedding in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in November of this year. I’ve known Don for twenty-two years. My earliest memories of him are from Ft. Huachuca wherein I thought, “Who’s that old guy running in our group?” [aside: he’s only five years my elder].…
We all remember our first loves, right? When it comes to music, my first love was grunge. My parents exposed me to great music: southern rock, classic rock, and 80s country for the most part. My older brothers—between four and eight years my elders—turned me on to heavy metal and hip-hop. On any given day…
Contemporary folk music seems to be right at home here at the Hangover Cafe and Gregory Alan Isakov’s “The Stable Song” is no exception. Naturally. As with most of the songs I’ve selected for this column, this song’s lyrics are introspective and poetic. I also contend that the vocals can evoke an emotional response from…
In 2020 Nathaniel Rateliff released his third studio album And It’s Still Alright. He wrote the album during a tough time in his life (his divorce and the death of a close friend) so it makes sense that the lyrics from this album would cut deep. The most emotionally charged song on the album is…
Tracy Chapman’s “Stand by Me” cover is a captivating interpretation of Ben E. King’s 1961 hit classic. With over 400 covers to its legacy—hell, even Muhammad Ali has a version, it’s a passable rendition, but forgettable—this is a song that really needs no introduction. I’m willing to bet anyone over 20 years of age can…
Joshua Radin’s “Three Little Birds” may be the most touching cover of Bob Marley’s classic. The original is excellent and technically doesn’t need a cover. That hasn’t stopped anyone though. Most aren’t worth mentioning and I won’t. But my second favorite cover features Baaba Maal and several others (including previous Hangover Cafe featured guest, Keb’…