Peppy Bismilk, or, Why is everything just a little different here?

Despite all of the similarities between the United States and Australia (including the eerily similar treatment of its indigenous peoples), there are some products that, despite their content being the same, are simply called different names.  This could be because of any number of reasons, copyright issues, rebranding in an effort to appeal to more Australians, etc.  Whatever the reason, sometimes when I see things in supermarkets, convenience stores and the like, I think of the 30 Rock episode where Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) goes down south to recruit new talent, ends up getting sick, and before trying "Peppy Bismilk" (not to mention "Schwupps Ginny Pale") to rid her of her bug, she screams, "Peppy Bismilk?! Why is everything just a little different here?!" Sometimes Lemon, I know how you feel...

Apparently Kellogg didn't feel the word "Krispies" would fly over here in Australia.  Maybe they were concerned that too many people would question the quality of the product since "Krispies" is clearly word from the land of make believe.  They are kind of like bubbles though, don't you think?  Maybe Australia is on to something here...anyway, here are some cover versions of songs since they are kind of related to what I'm talking about in the sense that it's the same content, just packaged a bit differently.

Radiohead - Ceremony (New Order)
TV on the Radio - Heroes (David Bowie)
Howie Beck - Reptilia (The Strokes)
Scarlett Johansson - Bullet (Steel Train)
Ryan (that's me) - Ayo Technology acoustic (50 Cent)

Holiday Mixtape #3: Kickass Covers

So we're all familiar with all of the holiday classics, and I think it's safe to assume that most of you share the same sentiments as I do, in the sense that they are all extremely dull and boring. The fact that we hear the same versions year after year doesn't help matters. While all the sixty-plus crowd is huddled around the fire, eyes closed, gently swaying back and forth to the sound of old Bing's voice like they were hippies at a Phish concert, the rest of us roll our eyes and wish the Holiday's didn't bring out such dullness. Well, fret not, this year will be jammed packed with classic tunes that your grandmother will recognize, but appease you as it will totally rock your socks off. Enjoy.

1. The Pretenders - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
2. Jimmy Eat World - Last Christmas
3. The Dandy Warhols - Little Drummer Boy
4. Jack Johnson - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
5. REM - Merry Xmas Everybody
6. Asobi Seksu - Merry Christmas (I Don't Wanna Fight Tonight)
7. Phantom Planet - Winter Wonderland
8. Stars - Fairytale of New York
9. Pearl Jam - Someday At Christmas
10. Death Cab For Cutie - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
11. The Fray - Happy X-mas (War Is Over)

The following songs are repeats of the ones above, but they are certianly different versions, so I didn't want to deprive you of expanding your Holiday music collection, call it an alternate collection.

Grandaddy - Alan Parsons in a Winter Wonderland
Snowden - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Montt Mardie, Le Sport & Mr. Suitcase - Last Christmas