War Torn

I sat and watched Baghdad ER tonight, and I cried. I saw this huge, young Marine get operated on, after taking shrapnel to the chest from an IED. He wouldn't stop bleeding, and it became clear that he was going to die soon. The chaplain leaned down and said to him that they wanted him to fight. But, if he couldn't fight anymore, it was okay to let go. And, he died. While it was happening, this group of doctors and nurses prayed over his body. Then he was gone.

The soldier didn't know this chaplain, but at least he had someone there, telling him it was okay, and that he wasn't alone. How many soldiers over there have had to die all alone, blown up on the side of some sand road? If you have ever had to tell someone you love, lying in a bed dying, that it was okay to let go, you know it is the hardest thing you will ever have to do. And, this chaplain had to do it way too much I'm sure. He may not know these young soldiers, but you could see how much he cared for all of them.

When will all of this stop? When is it ever going to be enough?

Anakin = Vadar

Okay, it's official. I am now a member of the dark side. I'm on myspace.com. I know, I swore I would never, but alas, here I am. So, fine all you people who have been bugging me since god know's when: I'm here, I'm lacking in friends, what are you going to do about it?

Unrelated Events

Just a few things to let everyone know I am still alive.

*Being kind of new to this whole 9/11 conspiracy thing, I was shocked when I watched this movie about the theories surrounding the events. Whether you believe it or not . . . fascinating as hell. (PS If I go missing, I'm at Gitmo)

*Just got the book from the Harvard girl, I'll let you know how it is.

*Trying to decide if I want to bag the idea of the 30th birthday party, and just go to Vegas. Opinions?

*Got someone in trouble at work today, felt good. Am I horrible?

*Add Margaret Cho to the ongoing and never-ending list of concerts for me. July 6th.

I'll write more when there is more to say.

The Cribs: The New Fellas

There is nothing worse on earth than going to see a concert and having to sit through a shitty opening act. Most of the time, I skip the opening act entirely, if their reputation precedes them. But, on my recent pilgrimage to see Franz Ferdinand and Death Cab for Cutie with my cousin, the Cribs were the opening band. Not knowing a thing about them, and with no where else to go, we decided to listen. I'm glad we did. These Brits, in keeping with the tradition of acts like Babyshambles and the Libertines, rocked.

The threesome from Wakefield, England, kicked through song after song of snotty, energetic pop. So, I decided to go out and buy the record. While lacking a little energy of the live show, I have to say the record did not disappoint. Tracks like "Hey Scenesters!" and "Mirror Kisses" showcase the band's pop-punk energy and swagger best. Top to bottom, I have to say that the Cribs certainly know how to get your head bobbing. So, go put on your tightest pants, your most ironic Girl Scout t-shirt, your horn-rimmed glasses and listen to the Cribs rock like only nerdy Brit boys can. You won't be sorry.

Hits Just Keep on Coming . . .

* Two more shows added to the schedule *
Missy Higgins on June 8th at the Canal Room in NYC
Cat Power on June 10th at the Town Hall in NYC

#44

I have been absent from my blog lately. Mostly due to the fact that I have been completely uninspired. I haven't been feeling strongly about anything, at least not anything good, and I find I dwell too much on the bad shit as it is. So, why write about the bad, when I can't even think of anything funny to say about it.

I am attributing this feeling to the fact that I am thinking back to a year ago. When I was climbing bridges, swimming with the fish, holding wild animals in my arms and driving on the wrong side of the road. This time last year, we were in Australia, and having the time of our lives. On this day, last year, we were getting ready to spend our second-last day in Sydney. I'll never forget turning a corner and seeing one of the most famous buildings, the Sydney Opera House, for the first time. We shopped for records, and probably walked 15+ miles in one day. Then, we jetted to Cairns, and dove on the Great Barrier Reef, held a koala at the Kuranda Animal Sanctuary, and cruised the harbor by the light of a million new stars. Then, we finished in Melbourne, quite possibly the coolest city ever. We drove the Great Ocean Road, cruised the Queen Victoria Markets and ate delicious muffins in a garden sanctuary in the middle of the city.

This year, I am here. There is no awe-inspiring view from my window. No wild adventures waiting when I wake up, no jet lagged laughing sessions in the middle of the night. Just work, home, and waking up to more of the same. So, sorry for the lack of posts. I'll be back to (relatively) normal soon. Until then, I'm ten thousand miles away.