Mike O'Connell

The great thing about 21st century living is that there’s a new cultural phenomenon to get swept up in every five minutes. Don’t like this one? Just wait five minutes.

I might as well weigh in on the sensation of the moment, because everyone else in the world is. It’s Tidying Up, the Netflix bonanza based on the best-selling book. In case you’ve been under a rock the past few weeks, it’s that show in which that woman, you know, Marie Kondo, shows people how to “tidy up” their lives, asking us the immortal question (while holding up a piece of junk): does this spark joy?

Let the record show I am completely on board with the Tidying Up lifestyle. It’s basically what I’ve been doing my whole life; I just never thought to write a book about it. Actually, mine is more like an OCD-inspired need for everything to be organized and in the “right” place.

I like my junk in the right places.

And if you’re going to let me be the one who determines what sparks joy and what doesn’t?

Yeah, I can live with that.

You’d be surprised what I’ll say passes for joy.

Now to go admire my VHS tape collection…

For more than a decade I’d been a closet fan of The Killers, Las Vegas rockers who have brought me occasional joy this century amidst what has passed for “music” the past 18 years.

Their new single, “Land of the Free,” is a great study in contradiction. I don’t think I’ve ever liked a song more, musically, with which I have had such displeasure with its lyrics. Those last few stanzas of “This Land is Your Land” (go ahead and google it)? Maybe.

“Land of the Free” begins with a piano intro that can be described only as Billy Joel-esque. Okay, check number one. Sweet chorus with some surprising chord choices? Yeah, check two. And the sentiment of America? Yes, yes, and yes.

Unfortunately a full read of the lyrics shows the title and choral refrain as pure irony. This is not the land of the free, say my friends from Sin City. Too bad, because I really like the song. And I suppose it does give us something to think about and something to strive for in the future.

Until then, please, somebody produce a Muzak version of this one stat!

My local NBA team (that would be the Washington Wizards) has had sort of a rough go of it this season, but how many NBA teams can say they’ve won games on two continents this year?

Following a 101-100 win over the Knicks in London last night… at least one. (And the bizarre ending just made it that much funnier.)

Now if they could just win a few more on this continent.

What, me?

Just basking in the glow of picking three of four NFL winners this weekend and having a snow day I didn’t even need.

Yeah, that’s it.

I’m still soliciting opinions on whether to add more Coke or Sprite in making my homemade ginger ale.

So far it’s about 50-50.