God put a smile upon your face...

Wow, what a fantastic show Coldplay put on at Nissan Pavilion last night.

Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first. Remarkably, it only took Becca and me a little over an hour to get to the venue on a Friday afternoon, so we had plenty of time to hang out and grab a bite before the show. Leaving the show, on the other hand, was a first-class nightmare. After getting to my car a little after 11 pm, I didn't even start my car to move an inch until an hour later. Then, it took close to another hour to actually exit, but not before we dealt with some ridiculous parking lot antics and near fender-bender drama with some really moronic girl. Luckily, Becca and I didn't have to start a parking lot riot, and we carried on our way, not letting the post-concert misery ruin an otherwise amazing evening.

As I mentioned in another blogpost from months back, I managed to score pretty sweet tickets for this show (the general admission orchestra section), so when I walked into the Pavilion a little after 7 pm I found myself just feet away from the stage. It was definitely an incredible feeling to be that close for what I knew was going to be one of those knock-your-socks-off, big stadium, crazy lights kind of show.

Here's what it looked like behind me. Pretty freakin' crazy:

Rilo Kiley was the opening act and they played a 45 minute set. Prior to last night, I was a casual listener, but I'd never really gotten into them. But after seeing and hearing them perform live, I enjoy them a lot more and will definitely give their music another chance. It's a nice mix of alt-country, rock, with splashes of pop, and a female vocalist (who is Jenny Lewis of "Troop Beverly Hills" fame, no less!).

Here's Jenny along with her Conor Oberst-lookalike guitarist (who was also a childhood actor with a recurring role on "Boy Meets World," though I don't remember him):

After what felt like an unusually long time to set up the stage for Coldplay, the lights went down around 9:30 and the last show of this U.S. leg of Coldplay's Twisted Logic tour was on.

They opened with "Square One" as a huge digital clock projected on the big screen and counted down to the big, booming chorus of the song.

The show's setlist followed with a nice combination of songs from X&Y, A Rush of Blood to the Head, and Parachutes. Between "Politik," "The Scientist," "God Put a Smile on your Face," and "Trouble," among other old favorites, they really did a great job as far as crowd pleasers go. While some of you may remember me not being crazy about the new album, I will say they were well-suited for the stadium show and I enjoyed hearing them performed live. Chris Martin is definitely a showman, and it's great to see him so passionately perform his music and know that he's a genuine guy. He was running around from one side of the stage to the next, jumping like crazy and really engaging the crowd.

During "Talk," he did a totally cool rockstar thing by grabbing someone's cell phone out of the audience and singing into it. Ok, so he's kind of a cheesy guy...at times he changed his lyrics around to fit the Washington, DC theme...but it's also cute that he's a self-professed geek.

Here's a shot of the guys (minus drummer Will Champion, who oddly was out of my view for the entire show, leading me to believe they were playing a drum track), and also a view of Chris's now well-known Make Trade Fair logo piano:

The biggest highlight for me was hearing "Green Eyes," which is my favorite Coldplay song. It was particularly awesome because as diehard fans know, Coldplay announced a couple years ago that they would no longer be including it as part of their regular setlist. The reason? Chris wrote it about a girl who was not Gwyneth. That pissed off just about every Coldplay fan, but it appears she must be 'over it,' since they've reintroduced it into their show. Still, it's only been performed live a handful of times over the past few years, so it's pretty damn awesome that we got to hear it. They performed it in an acoustic set which also included "Til Kingdom Come" and "Ring of Fire" (a Johnny Cash cover).

I also decided that Chris Martin is one of those guys who can pull off the lead-singing without a guitar without looking awkward. On the piano, he works, but when we saw him playing the guitar he just looked like a big dork. I think he was holding it high up on his chest, à la Dave Matthews, except he didn't pull it off quite as well. Anyway, just a side observation.

As expected, Coldplay ended the show with a resounding version of "Fix You," a song which Chris Martin has said is the band's favorite. I have to say, I definitely liked the song before, but after hearing it performed live, it's still stuck in my head and I've been completely hooked on it for the past couple days. It's just a great, powerful and anthemic song, all building up to that moment where all four guys sing together in harmony. At the show, that part was especially moving, as all of their faces were projected on the big screen and the place was just erupting. It was the chill-inducing concert moment, I suppose.

Final verdict: Coldplay put on a damn good show, and it was nice to go to back to a huge venue to remember what a really big and dramatic concert is like. I'd been so hooked on the 9:30 club recently that I think I forgot what it was like to hear a crowd of tens-of-thousands singing the same song in unison. It's pretty awesome.

Come On Feel the Illinoise!

I arrived at the 9:30 club on Tuesday night for a Sufjan Stevens show, a little tired and not sure whether Sufjan and his soothing tunes would be able to get me pumped and psyched. I was quickly proven wrong.

Sufjan burst onto the stage with five companions who comprise the "Illinoisemakers," and they were like a bunch of kids bouncing with energy. (Actually, the six-some at the 9:30 club were not the same group seen in the photo above... they must have a rotation or something..) To give a little background, Sufjan Stevens has set out on an ambitious project to record an album for each of the 50 U.S. states. So far, he's documented his home state of Michigan, and his most recent effort was a tribute to Illinois, on which this current tour is based.

From various photos, I found Sufjan to be an attractive man, so when he walked on stage, I took note. I was surprised, however, that Sufjan really looked like a frat boy that night, clad in gym shorts with a Cubs baseball cap tipped up off his head. He was also wearing some kind of gold chain necklace, perhaps with a crucifix? (Sufjan is known to be a devout Christian.) Nevertheless, he was good looking in that charming, boyish way.

Sufjan & Co. were fully outfitted as Illinois cheerleaders, complete with pom poms and wristbands. They kicked things off with the "50 states song," then launched right into the Illinois set. The crowd was unusually quiet and subdued, perhaps as a show of respect, but more likely because it was a Tuesday night. To liven things up, the group would conduct cheers to open up some of their songs. Led by Sufjan's "Ready, OK!" they shouted Illinois-themed cheers in unison while performing choreographed cheerleading moves and finishing off with--what else?-- spirit fingers. I have to admit, this was definitely funny and entertaining the first time, but by the fifth or sixth, when you could tell that Sufjan was holding back some laughter at the whole thing, it seemed the novelty had worn off and that the gimmick was on.

If there's a critique you'll hear about Sufjan, it's that all this hype over his 50 states project is just that--hype, and that all of it is far too gimmicky. There are the costumes, the cheers, the bold announcement of producing 48 more albums, and the ridiculous song titles (for example, "The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us," or "Decatur, or, Round of Applause for your Step-mother!") While this may be true, I think if you stripped away all of the costumes, cheers, and showiness of his performance, it would still be a good show based on the music alone. And Sufjan seems neither pretentious nor arrogant. In fact, aside from being head cheerleader, he was a man of few words, sparing us the usual rocker concert banter. The Illinoisemakers provided much support, whether it was on the trumpet, trombone, maracas, xylophone, or the ever-popular triangle. Songs like "Chicago" built up to big crescendos and filled every corner of the venue without sounding like a big mess. As I've said before, something about the music makes every piece fit in; they're like subtle touches over Sufjan's delicate voice and guitar/banjo/piano.

Sufjan also shined on his own. Being the patriot that he is, he performed a moving, piano-backed version of the "Star Spangled Banner." And for the show encore, Sufjan stepped out alone under the spotlight to give us two heartfelt tunes, "Happy Birthday" (not the version we all know), which he dedicated to a fan, and "To Be Alone With You," off the religion-infused Seven Swans.

Despite the often unrelatable themes of the music--midwestern states' history, personal anecdotes, religious references, and so forth-- the music is still somehow accessible, touching, moving, evocative.

On another note, all Illinois natives should be proud of the damn good PR Sufjan and his buddies are doing for their state. After all, it's not everyday that you can get a crowd in Washington, DC to start chanting "Illinois! Illinois!" All told, it was a great show that exceeded my expectations, and I left the club feeling uppity and fulfilled. Finally, here are some samplers...

A Good Man Is Hard To Find
This is one of the standout tunes from Seven Swans (Sounds Familyre, 2004). When Sufjan performed this you could hear a pin drop in the venue. I don't think I've ever heard the place so quiet. The only sound besides his voice was that of the snapping fingers of the Illinoisemakers.

John Wayne Gacy, Jr.
This is one of the darker songs from Illinois (Asthmatic Kitty Records, 2005), in which Sufjan empathizes with serial killer John Wayne Gacy, Jr. ("And in my best behavior/I am really just like him") Very moving albeit slightly disturbing.

Chicago
As far as I can tell, this song doesn't say so much about Chicago as it does about a memorable Sufjan roadtrip and the mistakes he made and learned from. Either way, it's a great tune, definitely one of the more "poppy" ones from the album, with lush instrumentation and choir vocals.

Enjoy.

Benator?

My excuse for posting this ridiculous celeb news is that it's C-ville relevant, so here goes. It looks like 'Benator' is the latest in the string of hokey Ben Affleck nicknames, this one used to describe his rumored political aspirations as Virginia Senator. The most recent Bennifer (is that used to describe the relationship with Garner, too, or only J-Lo?) rumor had them house-shopping in Charlottesville, and now word on the street is that he's a possible challenger to Senator George Allen for the race next year. According to political-honcho Larry Sabato, the idea has been spreading widely among Virginia Dems in the "political underground."

As crazy as it all sounds, if Arnold could get elected Governor in CA, who knows what's in store for Ben (though to be fair, he's no Terminator). In fact, maybe Benny's got what it takes to turn Virginia into a blue state! Hmm...

We are being ruined by the iPod.

Ok, not really, but you probably want to read on...

I'd meant to post this New Republic Online article a while back, but never got around to it. It's a new take on my favorite personal device that points out one of the negative consequences of the endlessly burgeoning iPod culture.

The article, for the most part, has me nodding my head in agreement, but here is one of my favorite excerpts:

But there's a dark side to the iPod era. Snobbery subsists on exclusivity. And the ownership of a huge and eclectic music collection has become ordinary. Thanks to the iPod, and digital music generally, anyone can milk various friends, acquaintances, and the Internet to quickly build a glorious 10,000-song collection. Adding insult to injury, this process often comes directly at the Rock Snob's expense. We are suddenly plagued by musical parasites. For instance, a friend of middling taste recently leeched 700 songs from my computer. He offered his own library in return, but it wasn't much. Never mind my vague sense that he should pay me some money. In Rock Snob terms, I was a Boston Brahmin and he was a Beverly Hillbilly--one who certainly hadn't earned that highly obscure album of AC/DC songs performed as tender acoustic ballads but was sure to go bragging to all his friends about it. Even worse was the girlfriend to whom I gave an iPod. She promptly plugged it into my computer and was soon holding in her hand a duplicate version of my 5,000-song library--a library that had taken some 20 years, thousands of dollars, and about as many hours to accumulate. She'd downloaded it all within five minutes. And, a few months later, she was gone, taking my intimate musical DNA with her.

Oh, how it's true! The acquisition of music--huge amounts of music-- has come down a few fleeting moments with friends (and sometimes people who aren't even friends) through iPod updates, burnt CDs/DVDs, and the like. The problem was introduced when CD burning began, but looking back, it was merely a nuisance then whereas now the idea of cloning music collections is simply what's accepted.

And I'm not here to point fingers. I certainly have gained my share of new music from others' iPods, "digital libraries," and burnt CDs. But I do regret that the whole sanctity of one's music collection is forever changed. This is probably one of the reasons that despite the ease and bargain of purchasing albums off iTunes ($9.99 for any complete album is a steal), I still try to make a point to go to record stores to browse the aisles. For my most favorite artists, I almost always pick up the actual CD. While some would argue that liner notes and plastic cases take up unnecessary space, these things are priceless to me. I think it's my attempt to try and preserve the "thrill of acquisition" as mentioned in the article, and my small effort to see that CDs don't become completely replaced by intangible files on a computer. Heck, I know for sure that someday I want my own record player. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned like that.

Carlton Draught: A Big Ad

All I have to say is that if I were an Aussie, I'd be drinking Carlton Draught. Apparently the huge and popular ad for the beer was released way back in July via email to employees only before it made its TV debut. Soon, through the magic world of the Internet, it had been downloaded 2 million times via blogs and e-mail.

Anyway, it's pretty sweet. It's always refreshing to see an innovative beer commercial that doesn't feature bikini-clad women or other dumb bar scenes.

Check it out!


Current Music: Parting Gift, by Fiona Apple

Lost returns!

Whew! Other fall premiere shows are going to have to be pretty damn good to top tonight's "Lost" season 2 premiere.

Talk about intense! There were far too many details to absorb in the one hour of intense drama, not to mention they didn't even get to anything about the people on the hijacked raft! This is definitely one of those good DVD shows. The episodes never get old because you can watch and rewatch each one to overanalyze every little thing.

Tonight, for example, when Jack first enters the hatch he sees the number 108 scrawled all over the walls. No big deal, right? Lost fanatics will soon realize that 4+8+15+16+23+42 = 108, and as we all know, the numbers 4 8 15 16 23 42 have appeared in some form in many other episodes. Read and discuss more here if you are really into the crazy theories and all the number madness.

I'm surprised I've gotten into this show so much considering I'm not usually a fan of the "supernatural" stuff. I mean, the mysterious-black-cloud-of-smoke-monster-thing? Not my style. But for whatever reason, I'm hooked to this show. I think it's because the writers did a really good job on emphasizing character development and making sure the viewers are committed to the people, first and foremost. That way, the storyline, while farfetched, is based upon characters we relate to or at least feel invested in.

Speaking of characters, here's a nice chance to post a photo of my favorite fella and the hottest island-dweller, Charlie Salinger-- oops, I mean... Jack Shephard. Hey-- how about that hair in tonight's episode flashback? Great wig, folks. Thank goodness the doc got a buzz cut for the island...

On that note, and with other season premieres yet-to-come, fall is here! One doesn't need the autumnal equinox to ring in the season (although tomorrow does officially mark the beginning of the fall season); you know it's here when your days are again dictated by the TV guide. (I know i sound like an addict, but I know most of you agree!!) So while we lament the end of the long days of summer, we have all-new television to ease us into the colder months... should be a goodie!


Current Music: Golden Slumbers, by The Beatles

Grand Opening: Treetop Kids!

The newest Treetop Kids toy store in Arlington celebrated its grand opening yesterday after an impressive 19-day marathon of prepping it for customers.

Congratulations to Molly, the manager, for her hard work and new role as head honcho of the new location. She is seen below in what was an exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch the official opening... If only she'd had giant scissors!

In other news, I am the newest sales associate at the Arlington store. Let me tell you, I'm having a field day discovering all the amazing toys--not to mention the incredible backyard playground options (there's even one set up in the store!)-- available to kids these days. There's really not a more fun way to earn some cash while I churn out cover letters and resumes awaiting a positive response. I can't wait to bring Auddie, Max, and Mira in to browse and let them pick their favorites. Which is to say, I am very tempted to buy a lot of these things for myself and I can't wait to have a chance to pressure kids to buy things I want to play with.

For any of you in the neighborhood, stop by Treetop and say hello! It's located on Lee Highway in the Lee Heights Shopping center. It's the one with all the colorful awnings-- you can't miss it!

Oh, to be a sevie again...

Now that school is back in session, I'm lucky enough to get the daily 7th grade update from Auddie. It's been less than two weeks and already we've had scheduling issues, a huge demand for locker shelves (sold out at Target and all Staples stores), and of course lots of girls who have quickly found new boyfriends.

So far Auddie has already gotten reprimanded by the same witchy Principal that made me sit on the stage by myself during lunch when I was a sevie myself. This disgruntled old lady pulled Auddie aside to tell her her shirt was too low! :o !! How very unexpected, especially considering the shirt in question was not even a v-neck or otherwise revealing cut. Ridiculous woman, really. Now Auddie goes through multiple shirts each morning before deciding which one will draw the least attention.

I was shocked to discover that physical expectations for 12-year-olds have been drastically reduced since my time, as the weekly always-dreaded ticket run in P.E. now only requires 3 laps in 15 minutes for an A! Just for comparison, the 1994 ticket run demanded 6 laps in 13 minutes for the same grade! And let me tell you, this was long before my running days and I'm certain I never earned better than a B.

In other developments, Max the third grader has discovered "jinx" and is having a field day with it. The other day in the car, he asked me "Pouy, did you ever have a bully??" Then he proceeded to make up a poem about how to tactfully handle bullies. Good for him. I'm guessing he's had some experience with this.

Anyway, it's definitely a strange feeling to know that Auddie is now in middle school, since I still remember it so vividly. Even as we speak, she's practicing her chromatic scale on her clarinet in the very room where I used to do the same! The other day she brought home a logic puzzle from Math class and I have to admit I had the best time doing it with her. (You know-- the ones with the big grid with names and titles all over it, and you have to figure out who goes with what by deciphering the clues and placing X's in the boxes to indicate a non-match or a circle for the right combination?) I get this great sense of indescribable pleasure going through kids' homework and realizing the same worksheets I used to do haven't changed in a decade. After all, there's nothing like a little pre-algebra to make you nostalgic...


Current Music: History of Lovers, by Iron & Wine and Calexico

Bush asks for bathroom break

A sharp photographer allegedly caught President Bush with a full bladder during a U.N. meeting today. I'll let the photo and caption speak for themselves. One has to question how legit it is, though you can't imagine Reuters would fabricate such a thing. In either case, it's pretty hilarious and amusing.

Need to Vent?

While googling something unrelated, I somehow stumbled upon this crazy site where people can basically anonymously bitch about anything in their lives. I think it's an old site, but still amusing nonetheless. Damn the internet for unwanted distractions. So, if you want to read random people's vents to their boss or ex-boyfriend or even letters to themselves, or if you need to vent and would like to do it through an internet portal, go for it. Some of them are worth a read. Others are extremely sad and borderline suicidal. I would post a preview, but the funniest ones are not G-rated.


Current Music: Train Underwater, by Bright Eyes

Indie/Pop worlds collide!

Despite a case of bronchitis, original American Idol Kelly Clarkson made an appearance last week at the ReAct Now: Music & Relief telethon in Los Angeles for Hurricane Katrina victims.

I was both surprised and delighted to find out that she performed a Ray LaMontagne song instead of one of her 'originals.' Don't get me wrong--"Since U Been Gone" is probably my favorite pop single of the year, but to hear her sing a soulful and slow ballad like "Shelter" was pleasant, and it was great to hear her showcase her lovely voice again. Plus, it's always crazy to see the MTV teen pop and indie worlds clash. Sometimes it makes me uncomfortable, but in other cases it's kind of awesome. In case you missed it, here's the link to her cover of "Shelter," courtesy of fansite Kelly Clarkson Voice.

It's also interesting and impressive to see how well KC has done as an AI contestant. She seems to have some pop cred now, especially after her big win at the MTV VMAs over bigshot Gwen Stefani. For that, kudos to Kelly! She's almost at that same place Justin Timberlake reached after he released his solo album. People don't seem to be ashamed anymore-- she's not even a guilty pleasure. There's no guilt involved, everyone's just owning up to the fact that when those opening bars of "Since U Been Gone" start up, you can't help but blast your stereo. There really has been no better sing-along song in quite some time. At least not since Britney was ruling the charts. Oh Brit... why did I even bring that up??

Mmm...

Just spent the weekend in Philly and had an awesome time. It was a perfect mix of eating, drinking, late nights out, watching the U.S. Open, being lazy, exploring the city, and taking in the excellent weather. Very college-esque, so definitely fun. It was all highlighted by my favorite Philadelphian thing, a good ol' Geno's cheesesteak-- Whiz with, of course. It was a great way to top off a fantastic weekend. So delicious. Always hits the spot.

Current Music: Friends, by Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

National Geographic predicts Hurricane disaster.

I just came across an eerie article from the October 2004 issue of National Geographic, which remarkably--and nearly a year in advance-- told the story of the devastation that we've witnessed over the past couple weeks along the Gulf Coast.

We've already heard that the Hurricane did not come as a shock to a lot of weather experts, but it's still chilling to think that they could have been so dead-on. Here are the first few paragraphs which are enough to give you a sense of what I mean. You can click the link to read on, but by the time I'd gotten through the following, I already had goosebumps.

It was a broiling August afternoon in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Big Easy, the City That Care Forgot. Those who ventured outside moved as if they were swimming in tupelo honey. Those inside paid silent homage to the man who invented air-conditioning as they watched TV "storm teams" warn of a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. Nothing surprising there: Hurricanes in August are as much a part of life in this town as hangovers on Ash Wednesday.

But the next day the storm gathered steam and drew a bead on the city. As the whirling maelstrom approached the coast, more than a million people evacuated to higher ground. Some 200,000 remained, however—the car-less, the homeless, the aged and infirm, and those die-hard New Orleanians who look for any excuse to throw a party.

The storm hit Breton Sound with the fury of a nuclear warhead, pushing a deadly storm surge into Lake Pontchartrain. The water crept to the top of the massive berm that holds back the lake and then spilled over. Nearly 80 percent of New Orleans lies below sea level—more than eight feet below in places—so the water poured in. A liquid brown wall washed over the brick ranch homes of Gentilly, over the clapboard houses of the Ninth Ward, over the white-columned porches of the Garden District, until it raced through the bars and strip joints on Bourbon Street like the pale rider of the Apocalypse. As it reached 25 feet (eight meters) over parts of the city, people climbed onto roofs to escape it.

Thousands drowned in the murky brew that was soon contaminated by sewage and industrial waste. Thousands more who survived the flood later perished from dehydration and disease as they waited to be rescued. It took two months to pump the city dry, and by then the Big Easy was buried under a blanket of putrid sediment, a million people were homeless, and 50,000 were dead. It was the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States.

When did this calamity happen? It hasn't—yet. But the doomsday scenario is not far-fetched. The Federal Emergency Management Agency lists a hurricane strike on New Orleans as one of the most dire threats to the nation, up there with a large earthquake in California or a terrorist attack on New York City. Even the Red Cross no longer opens hurricane shelters in the city, claiming the risk to its workers is too great.

...


Current Music: Dream Awake, by The Frames

Agassi: One for the Ages

It's nearly 1:30 am and I'm so hyped off the unbelievable tennis match I just saw that I must post about it.

In short, 35-year-old Andre Agassi came back from a 2-set deficit to beat wildcard cinderella-story James Blake in an all-American quarterfinal that was nothing short of epic.

Blake dominated Agassi in the first two sets, literally running him off the court and keeping him on the defensive. Agassi never looked comfortable while Blake looked unstoppable, at one point winning 15 of 18 points. It looked like the overhyped match would be a great disappointment. As Blake went up a break in the third, I (and I assume most everyone watching) considered Agassi done.

But then... a small turn of events changed the course of the match. Agassi broke back, picked up some momentum and claimed the third set. At this point I was just happy for him to have gotten a set to stay in the match; no one wanted this to be a straight-setter. But Blake couldn't recover; he looked down and his serve failed him in the fourth set as Agassi seemed to pick up energy and remarkably force a fifth set.

I was already in disbelief over the fact that Agassi came back from two sets down, so by the time the fifth went to a tiebreak, my heart was racing, palms sweaty-- the whole deal.

From a fan standpoint, the match was a rollercoaster as I was never sure who I was rooting for. I was happy for Blake and would have been thrilled to see him continue his great year, but then again there's Agassi, the last great remaining player of yesteryear whose future grand slams are numbered.

As soon as Agassi hit that last winner to win the match, though, I knew I was rooting for him all along. I screeched, got the goosebumps, and my eyes started filling up with tears. God, I'm such a sap, but what can I say, I'm a sucker for these great emotional stories.

In the end, I think it was fitting that after one of the most memorable U.S. Open matches ever, the old guy--the legend--pulled it out in the end.

Truly amazing.

Now let's just hope he can continue his streak and win another Open to top off his long and distinguished career!

(Wishful thinking? Perhaps. But I don't care! After tonight's match anything is possible.)

The incredible shrinking iPod

Just when you thought Apple was taking it easy for a while, they unveil yet another new iPod design. While I wasn't crazy about the iPod shuffle, the release of the iPod nano looks to be pretty cool. Basically, it's a mini mini. It's about the size of a business card and pencil-thin, but it packs up to the same amount that a mini can store (4 gigs, or 1000 songs).

[addendum: The more I look at this thing, the more I love it. So sleek, so cool. It's by far the best iPod update Apple has come up with since they ditched that primitive first and second generation design. Even now the third and fourth gens are starting to look like the equivalent of Zack Morris's cellphone compared to the nano.]

Next up is something we all knew was coming: iTunes for your cell phone. Apple has joined with Motorola to create the ROKR E1, the first mobile phone compatible with iTunes, capable of storing up to 100 songs. This one I'm not so crazy about. I like my iPod to do what it does and my phone to do what it does. To combine them wouldn't be so bad, but at only a 100 song storage capacity, it seems rather pointless to me. I suppose, though, that the idea here was to essentially combine the iPod shuffle with a cell phone, which may appeal to some people. Also, as Cingular is the exclusive carrier for this phone, if you're interested you may have to switch wireless providers.

I also just upgraded to iTunes 5, which was also unveiled today and probably introduces the most drastic change of the "digital jukebox" since its inception. New features include a new interface (I'm still deciding if I love or hate it), better search options, folders for playlists, album reviews, and apparently lots more.

Finally, in a hilarious effort to appeal to everyone under the sun, Apple has a special Harry Potter collector's iPod available--complete with engraved Hogwarts crest--along with the complete set of all 6 audiobooks. All for the bargain price of $548. Classic.

All this new technology is overwhelming me. Will it ever stop?


Current Music: Speaking Confidentially, by Cowboy Junkies

More on Katrina... and Kanye, too

I know I already had a Katrina post, but I feel the situation that has unfolded in the week following the Hurricane warrants some additional comments.

Truth be told, in the days after the big storm, while I was speechless and saddened over the destruction of the storm, I really had no idea about the magnitude of the situation down there and even less of a clue about what little was being done for the people.

Now I think it's safe to say that everyone knows about the unacceptable response to the situation and overall disorganization and unpreparedness by all authorities--and the chaos that has ensued as a result. What is saddest to me, though, are the images of corpses on city streets that have been there for days and days, and stories of rape and murder among people who should be binding together as a community.

That this catastrophic event has highlighted racial divisions is an understatement. People have posed the question-- a valid one-- about what the response would have been like had the victims been mainly white and affluent. Poor black people have become the face of this tragedy, and the images of looters on TV have been mostly of black men. What is unfortunate is that the small percentage of those who are adding to the chaos--the ones who have stolen guns and opened fire at random, the ones who have made the situation unsafe for innocent families trying to find shelter-- are painting a negative portrait of the community-at-large, and in the process are giving critics even more of a reason to turn their back on the city.

I didn't get a chance to catch the live drama of Kanye West's off-script comments on the NBC live concert fundraiser on Friday night, but I haven't missed the buzz it's created. As crazy as it is that he lashed out on live TV like that, and though I don't necessarily think what he did was right, I want to give him props for speaking his mind!! What he said about the slow, ineffectual response to the victims are thoughts that so many people have had, and in the midst of all the usual media rhetoric, it was refreshing to see someone get all emotional and just say it like he saw it. It was also something else to see the usually confident, almost arrogant Kanye appear so_freaking_nervous in a public appearance.

I was actually on the treadmill today at the gym watching an Oprah special on the Katrina catastrophe. I was running as usual but all of a sudden I was getting choked up and almost felt sick at one point from some of the horribly graphic and sad images. It hadn't hit me like that up until this point... What can I say, Oprah's always had a way of rousing up all my real emotions.

In any case, I thought I'd post some links about ways to help. Most of us know about the usual channels, so here are additional ways to make a contribution:

Gulf Coast Relief 5K - Saturday, September 17: All of the proceeds from this 5k in Old Town Alexandria will be donated to the American Red Cross hurricane relief effort.

Give Blood: Here's a Red Cross link to where you can schedule an appointment to donate blood in the DC area for victims of Katrina and for other areas in need.


Current Music: Forgiven, by Ben Harper

Cause Perfect Didn't Feel So Perfect...

I just enjoyed a lovely Labor Day weekend in Sea Girt and Bay Head on the Jersey shore with great company and perfect beach conditions (we could actually swim in the water!). While it was no OC, I had a heck of a good time, as I'm not really that picky about my sand and sun, so long as I'm on the beach with good friends and good beach snacks.

Speaking of the OC, I haven't shouted out to Laguna Beach since Season 2 began, so let this be the post where I do so. I was wary of a Season 2 that promised to center around Kristin and the senior newbies, but so far this season--aside from the disaster that is Jessica, and Casey, the Paris-Hilton-in-waiting-- has provided a pleasant entertainment experience.

I find myself so fixated on the show, and I can't quite explain why. I'll even be glued to the reruns, overanalyzing all the teen drama: the awkward conversations and dates, who's hot (Stephen!!) and who's not (Jason..), and of course the confusing timeline (how exactly did Alex ask Jason to the formal before he started dating Jessica, even though we are watching her ask him out while Jason and Jessica are together? Is there an unofficial and official ask session that they have out there in the 'Real OC'?)

Kristin has really stepped it up this year. Despite being the royal bitch that she is, I truly think she's got her head on straight and out of all the "characters," she got good sense and knows what's going on the most-- "keeps it real," if you will. Now, if only LC could keep it real and stop pining after Stephen, who, despite being a hottie "college guy" who should be getting lots of chicks, is so clearly still in love with Kristin and wants only to be friends (though admittedly, he's a great friend-- what guy brings flowers and chocolates to his "friend" on Valentine's Day??)

As usual, I could go on, but I probably ought to stop before I get carried away. Since I couldn't find a good Season 2 pic, and because I love and miss Trey and I dislike the "new girls," here's a lovely Season 1 cast shot...

And finally, as a bonus, here's that ridiculously catchy and anthemic theme song that we all know and love...

Hilary Duff :: Come Clean

Before Laguna Beach, this song was just another pop ditty that would appear on teeny mixes and just as soon disappear into a garage-sale cd box. But now, Hilary Duff is counting her blessings because this song has become so much more than any ordinary tune. It is the perfect opening theme song for Laguna Beach, almost as if it were written for the show. You see the bright, tan, and smiling faces of Kristin, Stephen, LC & co. flashing before your eyes as you hear "Let the rain fall down and wake my dreams...!" and suddenly you're taken back to being 17 and for those brief 30 seconds, you truly feel like this is really important, that these events in their lives--the formals, the dinners at Pomodoro, the bonfires on the beach--are critical and deserving of the attention we give it. (In reality, we're just completely jealous.. well, at least I am!)

Anyway, it's somehow become a profound and inspiring teeny tune, and listening to it is actually a great way to start your day (just ask Huan). Enjoy!

The Constant Gardener

I just came back from seeing "The Constant Gardener" on the second night after its opening. It was easily one of the best movies I've seen recently. After what I felt was a disappointing Oscar season last year, it was great to finally finish a movie and say "Wow, that was great."

Directed by Fernando Meirelles ("City of God") and adapted from the novel by John Le Carré, "The Constant Gardener" takes us on a journey of one man on a search for truth about the woman he loves. Throughout this discovery, we travel to London, Kenya, and Sudan, among other locations, and Meirelles invites us to enter a world mostly mysterious and unknown to most of us through powerful footage with documentary-like appeal.

Ralph Fiennes is excellent in his lead role as Justin Quayle, a slightly awkward and demure British Diplomat who marries a young and energetic activist, Tessa, played by the captivating Rachel Weisz. The film is unique for its richness and complexity--that is, its ability to so intricately and convincingly combine themes so deep and relevant, yet usually not discussed in any related context.

In the case of "The Constant Gardener," the issues are corporate corruption, grave international crises, and of course, the universal theme of love. Though confusing at times (or perhaps I'm slow), occasionally slow, and with a few too many dizzying camera effects, the movie was beautifully crafted and the story was profoundly moving.

Anyway, this film comes highly recommended by me. But just to forewarn you, don't go in expecting a feel-good, warm and fuzzy movie. This isn't one for a first date. If that's what you're looking for, try "Must Love Dogs" instead...


Current Music: Lover Lay Down, by Dave Matthews Band

Katrina Aftermath

Hurricane Katrina took the usual weather small-talk to a whole new level this week. Indeed, the images and stories on the news, online, and everywhere else you looked painted a picture of utter devastation and helplessness. Your immediate reaction is to shake your head at the unfathomable strength of mother nature and wonder--what are these people going to do?

I genuinely feel for the people who have lost their homes and loved ones in the tragedy. I can't imagine what it will be like to try and rebuild the big cities that are now under 20 feet of water, much less how the people who have lost their homes, jobs, and possessions will begin to rebuild their lives.

I don't mean to undermine the seriousness and significance of what happened as a result of this Hurricane, nor to treat the massive loss of life in the Gulf Coast region lightly, but... I've been surprised (or maybe not so surprised) at various reactions to this natural disaster. I understand that the economic consequences of this disaster will likely rival or surpass that of the Asian Tsunami, which is just remarkable. Despite the widespread destruction and loss of life from the Tsunami, not to mention its absolute unpredictability, it seems people here have been particularly moved, emotionally, by the interviews, video reels, and other media displays about the aftermath of the hurricane. It might just be that it's 'closer to home,' (or actually home, depending on how you look at things) or perhaps another case of perceived 'invincibility,' as some people have implied in interviews (I never imagined that it could happen here).

I guess that year after year, there are always Hurricane threats and you see people board up their homes, pack their bags and go, but it usually ends up as a "could have been much worse" story. Katrina showed us the worst, but the worst is likely yet-to-come for many. Now that Martial Law has been declared in New Orleans, let's just hope that the folks down there can focus on the important things, like getting shelter, food, and water to the people who need it.

Finally, here are some astounding satellite images of what New Orleans looked like before and after the Hurricane.


Current Music: Like Spinning Plates, by Radiohead