Global State of Affairs and the DVR

Hey there. I know it's been ages since I've posted but honestly, there really hasn't been much to post about. Everything is just A-OK.

Seriously. I am very concerned about the totalitarianism by exhibited by our government, the overblown response to the swine flu and a host of other issues including the long tentacles of Goldman Sachs, Israel and Pakistan. There is much to blog about.

As one who does enjoy diversions, I do want to state that I really hope that both Chuck and The Sarah Connor Chronicles get renewed next fall. I have a feeling that the economy will still suck, the world will be a scarier place and the NY Yankees will not be playing meaningful games. I hope that NBC and FOX will continue to offer some quality programming for the DVR. Enjoyable shows may not better the human condition but their existence and the technological marvel of the DVR offer a nice quiet get-away any time one.

More to come....

Thao Nguyen, a ray of sunshine

So I was rereading my last post and realizing how gloomy it is and how it could really be a buzz kill so early in the morning as we make our way towards the weekend. Well, gray skies be damned. The world might be ending but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun in the process.

I'd like to highly recommend "We Brave Bee Stings and All" the sophomore effort of Thao Nguyen and her band the Get Down Stay Down. I don't listen to a whole lot of bouncy music but this album has replaced Vampire Weekend as my happy album of choice for the moment.

From the opening song Beat this album grabbed me. There is something about Thao's voice and the spartan but effective music that is really compelling. My favorites songs are Big Kids Table and Swimming Pool but I would suggest you figure it out on your own. (You can get a free listen by clicking here.) This is a great album from start to finish and one that puts a smile on my face at every listen. Like most great albums the more I listen to it, the more I love it and I hope you might too.

Lisa's Birthday Party

Hey there. I've been quite delinquent in posting the past week and I'm going to conveniently blame my lack on blogging on the incredible amount of prep time that went into planning Lisa's 40th Birthday party. Oh yeah, work's been busy too.

While we're on the subject of Lisa's party, I'd like to offer my biased opinion of the event.. it rocked.

As you can see from the picture above Lisa looked absolutely great (I'm the less telegenic one on the left).

And, most importantly, Lisa had a great time and that's what the whole shebang was all about. Everyone cut loose and had fun and you need a night like that every now and again. I'd like to extend my gratitude (in no particular order) to DJ Mario, Party Ease, Jaymi and Don, The Decorating Committee and The North Caldwell Fire Department. It was such a wonderful time that I can't wait to plan the 50th.

Additionally, I learned that I like to play with dolls. Note to Hasbro: In these trying economic times you may wish to extend your brand and audience. The centerpieces were a hit. Call me.

Anyway, I'm really glad that everything went off so well and I'm eager to expend some spare energy back into blogging. The world is still a strange and mysterious place, the global economy remains in shambles and the new administration continues to confound me.

Book Recomendation - Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Hey there. Just wanted to update everyone on a truly great book, Life of Pi by Yann Martel. My friend Ravdeep Sawhney recommended it. I finished it over the weekend and you might want to put it on your reading list. (If you are a geographically close friend of mine I would be happy to lend you my copy.)

This book won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction in 2002 so this is hardly some hidden gem of a recommendation. My tastes are usually a little more esoteric and I had never heard of the novel or the author. It is a very interesting and entertaining look at religion, zoology and survival. It is at turns funny and thoughtful and I highly recommend it. I won't summarize it here, but if you are interested in delving further, you can check out this link http://www.amazon.com/Life-Pi-Yann-Martel/dp/0156027321

Not everyone shares my eclectic tastes in reading, but I feel confident in saying that I can't think of anyone who wouldn't enjoy this book. That's a bold statement, so all you Yann Martel haters keep your opinions to yourself.