...For The Ride Home: Heidi and Spencer have been lying all along, Cheryl Hines is single and a must-read for those who are in their 20s

OK, OK. I know I promised to babble about Hanson in today's Ride. But as I sat down to compile this opening paragraph, I thought, "Wow. There is way too much to say than a mere one paragraph. This needs an entire post." So, to the six of you who read this blog, the Hanson stories must wait one more day. Promise it'll only be one day, though, and, of course, promise it will be worth it. In fact, I'd go as far to say that you definitely would like to check back tomorrow morning for a full Hanson-related post. And don't worry. You can thank me then, not now. I'll understand. Oh, and I need to take a moment to sincerely thank you wonderful, fabulous friends for offering up movie titles yesterday. I believe that may have been our most-commented post yet, and all of you can rest assured that I will take each suggestion and give it a shot. Much, much love to you fantastic people for that. Moving froward, I made it a half-hour into this movie last night, and I plan on finishing it as soon as this post goes live. Really can't explain why I put it on my Netflix list, but, hey, it's pretty short, and it has Morgan Freeman, Bill Macy and Christopher Walken. It can't be all that bad, right? Right. We've come across a few rainy days now for really the first time this summer, and, to be honest, I kind of dig it. Summer's gone, anyways. There are few better things in the world than a warm rain, you know. I'm not sayin' but I'm just sayin.' In any case, enjoy the following links, be ready and be excited for tomorrow's long-awaited Hanson diatribe, and be nice to those you may meet in public. Nobody likes to be treated badly, you know.

Hey, look. Further Seems Forever is reuniting with the guy from Dashboard Confessional! (Alternative Press)

Brazilian referee stabs soccer player in the chest after arguing over a penalty. Wow. (Deadspin)

The Baltimore Sun’s magazine is coming back. Who said all news about newspapers was bad, again? (Baltimore Brew)

For those who watch Candy Crowley on CNN. Here’s a profile that is worth your time. (Washington Post)

Cheryl Hines is officially back on the market. (People)

Just in case you haven’t read this by now (and if you happen to be in your 20s, and you haven’t read this by now, shame on you). The current batch of 20-somethings are taking longer to grow up than previous generations. Keep an eye on the five milestones. (New York Times)

So, about all that Heidi and Spencer stuff. It’s a lie. (Radar)

A nice read on Joe Scarborough. There was once a time in my life when I religiously watched Olbermann’s show on MSNBC and some of the best moments of the night came when he threw to Joe’s “Scarborough Country.” Funny dude. (GQ)

...For The Ride Home: A vote for Google to begin charging for its use, Alicia Keys falls and LeBron is staying in Cleveland?

I don't know. It was OK. I stall on the notion that this particular movie was just so darn culturally significant. And of all movies, how did this end up being one of the very, very few that won all five important Academy Awards that year? I feel like I'm missing something. Actually, like I'm missing a lot. Everywhere I turn, I read or hear that this is supposed to be one of the greatest movies in the history of movies. I mean, it's good. Sure. I don't think it's great, though. Must be missing something. Help me. Anyways, welcome to the nice round number of 15 and the week that accompanies it. Wow, that was a much needed break from everything computer. Don't really know how much I like being back yet, either. But alas, we push on into the dog days of summer. Is it hot? It seems to be awfully hot anywhere, actually. How was your holiday? Good? That's good. This would be a good time to tease a post for tomorrow now, but I shall leave that up to surprise and (low) expectation. Before we get to tomorrow, though, we must make it through today and to help do that, I offer up the links below to share with you, the fantastically talented reader. Now don't sit in the sun too long. You know how bad sunburns can get.

Well now isn’t this interesting. Toronto says it would OK a deal to send Chris Bosh to Cleveland. Now, who said all that stuff about LeBron leaving again? (ESPN)

Wait, The Huffington Post doesn’t always report the facts? Really? (The Huffington Post)

Exploring the idea of charging people for the use of Google. And, well, The New York Times. (Bloomberg)

How great is this? Prince says the Internet is done. Yep. Done. (The Daily Mirror)

I thought this was funny. (Deadspin)

Netflix is going to stream Relativity movies now. DVDs have five years until they are obsolete. (The Hollywood Reporter)

Ut oh. Alicia Keys fell over the weekend while performing. Fortunately, the baby is OK. Damn, though. Take some time off, girl. You’re pregnant. (New York Daily News)

Ringo Starr turns 70 tomorrow. He’s the luckiest man in the history of music. No, but really. He is. (New York Times)

...For The Ride Home: A legend dies, a perfect game is thrown and a Hot 100 list that has Katy Perry at the top

Took some time and settled in to this Academy Award winning movie (the great Herbie Hancock won for original score in 1987, I believe, and the lead role, played by Dexter Gordon, was up for best actor, and damnit, he should have won) last night. Taken from the lives of two jazz greats, Lester Young and Bud Powell, if you claim to have any interest in good jazz music, this is a complete must-see. Hell, even if you would like to see a pretty good movie, it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot. It may run a bit long, but it's definitely worth it. In any case, moving forward, we begin week seven on a sad note. As you will see, Lena Horne passed away last night, and keeping with the jazz theme, we highly suggest you take a look at the woman's obituary, linked below. The Pens, Magic, Lakers and Bruins go for sweep tonight in playoff sports. Though I clearly had some time to catch up on the best reality television out there this weekend, I did squeeze in Real Madrid's late attempt at trying to overcome Barcelona's lead in the Primera Division. They cut it to a point, but we can all agree it's highly unlikely the club moves into first by season's end. Lionel Messi is far too good. Wow, we touched on a lot here, didn't we? Anyways, onward and upward...

One of the 20 most important women in music/film/Hollywood/life of the last 100 years died last night. If you follow one link today, make sure it’s this. Educate yourselves, friends. (Philly.com)

Dallas Braden threw the 19th perfect game in Major League Baseball history yesterday. Like any good man would, he turned to his grandmother for a hug afterward. Great read. (San Francisco Chronicle)

It’s Maxim Hot 100 time. Completely, utterly, maddening-ly disagree with Katy Perry as No. 1. (Maxim)

Really, really neat idea: 48 Hours magazine created over the weekend. It’s like bringing the Internet to print. (Wall Street Journal)

That was the funniest “Saturday Night Live” in years. The only thing missing was a "What Up With That." And, as the headline so elegantly proclaims: Jay-Z crushed it. (Pitchfork)

Interesting: After pulling out of The Players’ Championship yesterday, a vote for Tiger to shut it down for the rest of the year. (The Big Lead)

Piracy caused “Iron Man 2” to not do as well as some may have thought during its opening weekend. Guess $133 million isn’t enough. (The Hollywood Reporter)

Yeah, what’s this all about? (Twitter)

...For The Ride Home: Those funny Kobe pictures, "Twilight," Jon Stewart and suggestive Utah newspaper people

Who's makin' love to your old lady, while you were out makin' love? That's what the Blues Brothers ask in the above video (channeling the great Johnnie Taylor in the process), taking you into the weekend after finishing week six of this blog's existence. It's been fun, hasn't it? This week, we professed our love for Butch Walker, learned some valuable lessons and broke down the calendar year like no other. Next week? Oh, well you will just have to wait and see the fun we have planned for you, the talented, fantastically pretty reader, you. As for now, before you get your tickets to see what has already become a blockbuster, "Iron Man 2," be sure to click on a link or two, leave a comment or six, and meet us right back here Monday morning with more fun than a box of slinkies. Before we go, a reminder: Don't forget the question the above video asks while you are out this weekend, fellas. Stay loyal, stay proud. As always, love you, miss you.

Hell of a week for Kobe and these pictures. Saw them Sunday and didn’t think to link them. Now that the Interwebs have used all week funnin’ around with them, it’s worth a mention. (The Big Lead)

Can’t recall a time I was more excited for an episode of “Saturday Night Live” in the past year. Naturally, I won’t be in a position to watch it. (MTV)

First Newsweek and now Discover. (Folio)

The worst NFL Draft party ever. (Deadspin)

College newspaper’s farewell issue goes over the line with annual vulgar hidden message in the pages’ copy. Why does this matter as much? It’s in Utah. Always thought people in Utah were nice people. (The Salt Lake Tribune)

Five words: Jon Stewart succeeding Katie Couric. (Market Watch)

Only because “The Invention Of Lying” is one of the greatest movies of the last five years. And because for anyone who has ever, wait, take some time to let that set, EVER, been involved with concerts or bands in any way, this rings too true for comfort. (Pollstar)

Good point: Google image searches are a pain. (Popmatters)

The stars from “Twilight” admit they are dating each other. We knew it must be true when they were spotted watching Kings Of Leon together. Three years ago. (E!Online)

...For The Ride Home: The NHL might go to ESPN, old people get their own reality show and the fabulousness of Viola Davis

Isn't it odd how similar spring and fall are, yet the feelings they portray couldn't be more opposite? Spring is a time of hope, setting you up for months filled with memories, nice weather, vacations, romance, opportunity and reason for optimism. Fall is a time of reflection, setting you up for months filled with cold, isolation, longing, loneliness and a beauty that is only beautiful because of its tragedy. But nature gives us something near the exact same backdrop for almost all the duration of both (depending on the when the leaves either fall or bloom). A 50 degree day in May is certainly not a 50 degree day in October. I digress. Can't wait to get to "An Education." Ms. Mulligan looks cuter than three boxes of buttons. And finally, Happy one-month anniversary! Goodness, how time has flown! Again, the exclamation point is added for effect. We are eternally grateful for you, the wonderfully beautiful reader, for reading the silly things we have to say. To think we have even had one comment, one follower or one reader is a blessing, so please know it does not go unnoticed. Then again, the day we see that nobody is reading this, we will cry until our eyebrows need to be air-dried. That said, from us to you, we thank you and we look forward to many more months together in what promises to be a prosperous relationship. Because if relationships aren't prosperous, what good are they?

When he says “Use this, I beg of you,” you know it has to be good, right? This has to be a candidate for the biggest show on OPN (The Old People’s Network). And if you get that joke, I will seriously buy you a dinner of your choice. (New York Times)

Who doesn’t love "The Price Is Right?" Side: Once interviewed a showcase showdown winner, and she had nothing but glowing things to say about everything involved. Weeks later, she was still elated. (TV Squad)

In the name of “House,” saw this and had to post it. Scroll until you see. (PostSecret)

I agree. (Cristina Moreno)

Said this years ago (and someone who may or may not be involved with this blog knows it): ESPN is looking at another go with the NHL. And that, friends, is the key to success. (Mediaweek)

Guess who said it: You can’t kill the New York Times. (New York Observer)

New Eminem single Friday. Will it be clownish? Will it be serious? Wait. Will it be good? (MTV)

Remember Viola Davis from “Doubt?” How incredible was she? Correct answer: Very. Now, she’s going to be up for a Tony after staring opposite Denzel. Why isn’t she a star, yet? (Los Angeles Times)

For fans of “True Blood.” (MSNBC)

Forever young. I want to be forever young.

So, it was my birthday yesterday. How do I know I'm getting old? These birthdays are becoming less and less important (though I swear my life goal is to make sure both birthdays and holidays never, ever become redundant, boring or un-special.) Keeping it fresh is always a bit hard when it comes to birthdays, and the weight of expectation is typically never light enough to lift when it comes to one's special day. That said, though, I'll continue to stand firm in my stance that birthdays should always matter, no matter how cynical one may get.

Anyways, how do I really know I'm getting old? The two biggest gifts I got were a nice bottle of wine and a gift card to get my eyes examined. That's right. I'm 20-something, going on 70-something. It would be ridiculous to think either present wasn't special, needed or, well, great. But becoming excited over the possibility of new eye wear and a night in which I can finally relax with a nice glass of wine isn't exactly what birthdays used to be.

Remember when your birthday parties mattered? Family members would gather. You'd be forced into eating some type of cake that you really aren't in the mood for when the time comes around. Balloons were blown. Signs were made. Candles were bought (and then, when you got smart enough, someone would sneak those pesky unable-to-blow-out candles on the cake, much to the delight of every onlooker). You got up early. Your name was read on the loudspeaker at school or some idiotic English teacher made it a point to have your name plastered on the chalk board as though it was a list to see who made the cast of the school's production of "Beauty & The Beast."

Ahh, yes. Those were the good days, right? With all of this getting old stuff abound, one has to think, what would be the equivalent of today's presents when considering the presents of yesteryear? If a simple bottle of wine can mean so much these days, what would it's 1989 incarnation be? How about this...

Boyhood gift - Additions to a classic WWF wrestler collection.
Today's gift - Subscription to AARP magazine.

Boyhood gift - Soccer cleats for when the high school season begins in the fall.
Today's gift - Life-Alert.

Boyhood gift - A basketball because last year's has lost its bounce and tread.
Today's gift - A copy of the complete Lawrence Welk series on DVD.

Boyhood gift - Media Play gift certificates, allowing me to shop for all the new CDs I could want.
Today's gift - Vitamins.

Boyhood gift - A card filled with money, re-upping the stash for the fun things boys do, like eat out and go to amusement parks.
Today's gift - A card filled with money to make sure the electric bill can be paid on time this month.

Boyhood gift - A nice meal, of my choice, cooked by mom.
Today's gift - Six pounds of butterscotch hard candy to put in a glass bowl.

Boyhood gift - An Atlanta Hawks or New York Jets hat.
Today's gift - Rogaine.

Boyhood gift - A new coat for when winter's harsh weather comes around.
Today's gift - The Clapper.

Ugh. It's true: When you are young, you strive to be older, and when you are older, you regretfully look back on what sometimes amounts to a wasted youth. Oh well. At least Jay-Z and Beyonce seem to have it down...