Another Episode of Odds & Sods

A few things from the dustbin of my brain on Leap/Hump Day...

• Today is Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day (no, do not attempt to say this 3 times quickly - no good can come of it).  It's scheduled for the last day in February.  On a leap year like this one, this results in it falling on the least repetitive day on the calendar.  Weird.
• Hint to the guy I passed on the right coming home from work - "passing the time" is not a good reason to be in the far left lane (i.e., the "passing lane") of the 401.  You pretty much have to be passing other vehicles for it to apply.  I only wish the MTO handbook for new drivers was a little more clear on the subject.
• Finally concrete evidence to explain why incompetent people are so endlessly frustrating - they simply do not think (or won't admit) that they are incompetent.  Says here that even when offered a reward, they can't predict how poorly they've done at a task with any accuracy.  Hmmm... that does explain a few things.  Warning:  if you think you're competent, they might be talking about you, but how would you know?
• After listening to a lot of new music, thought I'd plug a few recent releases by artists who are worth checking out:
• John K. Samson - Weakerthans (from Winnipeg, MB) front-man released a solo album on January 24th that is typically terrific.  Check out the video for "Longitudinal Centre" here.
• Young Galaxy - ok, so it's not that new, but another Canadian act that has put out a ton of very good, catchy music.  Check out "Blown Minded" here.
•  The Big Pink - if you like 80's influenced synth-pop (and you need something to wash Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" out of your frontal lobe), check this out.
• The Wombats - you've likely stopped dancing to Joy Division, but the new Wombats release is pretty decent, too.  Here's "1996".
• Again, it's not brand-spanking new, but Wilco's most recent albums is awesome.  Here's a live version of "Whole Love", recorded on the Letterman Show.  Yeah - remember when Letterman was relevant?  You're old.
• The Decemberists - I'll admit that I don't think they can ever do anything wrong and that Colin Meloy is a genius, but Down By the Water could be the best thing they've done to date.  Instantly catchy.  This version was recorded on Austin City Limits.
• Like Mumford & Sons?  Try Of Monsters and Men - "Little Talks" is "Little Lion Man" with a brass section and some female vocals reminiscent of early Björk (ca. the Sugarcubes) - you may even hear a similarity with the Beautiful South, if your memory is long and your tastes ran that direction in the 80's.
• Can't forget the new single from the forthcoming Shins album, due out March 20th.  Here's "Simple Song".