Birdie Birdie on the blanket...

Via West Elm

Although I have a comforter I still need to finish, I found myself completely taken with these "vintage" linens from West Elm. Someday.

I want

A Gary Fisher fixed gear with fenders, chain guard, and capabilities to mount a rack for groceries and books. Check out the seat, and the color? I'm in love. Perfect second bike, and I've been looking for a second bike for 6 months now. But since I just bought a new bike last year....I don't see this one in my future. Le sigh, le boo hoo.

Sharon and Rhett.....Best Two Days Ever?

A while ago I was listening to NPR and happened upon a piece about Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Teri Gross from Fresh Air interviewed Sharon and one of the guys from the band, and I found myself more or less riveted. After listening to the band described as "1969 Soul," hearing a couple of singles and even seeing the cover of the album, I was sold. This band I had to see. Well, they are playing at the Black Cat on the 17th of January and you bet I have tickets. Their music is definitely 60's and early '70s soul and yet sounds fresh and retro at the same time. Anyway, enough of me. Let Sharon sway you:



Here's the video of 100 Days, 100 Nights. If it sounds a little like Amy Winehouse, well this band backed Amy on a couple of singles from the "Back to Black" album.
Fresh Air Interview

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings "You're Gonna Get It" MP3

As I bought the Sharon Jones tickets I stumbled across concert gold: Rhett Miller, almost too pretty to look at, was playing the next night. I missed seeing him the last time or so when he was in town, Kelli waxes poetic about him fairly often, and well--I need some eye candy and some good tunes so I ended up getting tickets for that too.

Rhett, the lead singer for the Old '97s is an easy listen to (did I mention he's easy on the eyes) and here's the Believer (The song is about Elliott Smith and his suicide).

Rhett Miller "The Believer" MP3

See, Pretty!

7 things about me: Christmas Joy Edition

No Surf tagged me for one of those memes.



1. I fall in love at least once a day. Sometimes it’s a guy on the metro, or it’s a skirt or piece of clothing someone is wearing, a piece of fruit I’m eating, a picture I see, a piece of artwork or even a chocolate chip cookie. I pity my future husband, because I sometimes wonder if monogamy can work for me. Well, I might share my cookie, but only if it doesn’t have oatmeal in it.

2. Cardinals scare me. Oh, they are gorgeous birds, and I like looking at them when they are in a tree, but I’m still not comfortable with seeing a little red streak coming towards me when I walk out of my house. A pair of cardinals live in our neighborhood part of the year, and the male liked our yard in the mornings. He and I would startle each other at least two or three times a week. On top of that, one of my co-workers has a plastic cardinal that squawks when you walk by the bird in their office. Even though I know the cardinal is there, it still unnerves me. Creepy Cardinals.

3. When I was a little kid (like four or five) I thought conifer trees shed their leaves just like deciduous trees. The reason is that the trees up on the Ashley Forest above where we lived were going through a massive bug kill and a good percentage of the trees were dying about the time I was four and five.

4. My first birthday cake was a fruit cake. My parents were traveling and at my mom’s aunt’s house for my birthday. No one made me a cake, so someone stuck a candle in a fruit cake and the family sang to me. The funny thing about this is I only learned about it a few years ago because my mom was mortified the family did this. The story still makes me laugh.

5. I have a hard time not laughing when someone asks me, “so do you get more or less gifts since you were born on Christmas? Or “does it suck being born on Christmas?” Um, I was never born another day, and I haven’t tallied up the difference between the number of gifts my siblings or friends got compared to me. I still get asked these questions, and I can’t help but thinking, ‘um, I’m an adult, there’s more important things than getting gifts for Christmas.’ Okay, maybe not. Viva Ludi-Christmas (30 Rock Reference).

6. I really wonder about my taste when I shop for souvenirs on vacation. Some of the things I buy while out of country? So very, very tacky. So horrendous, I can’t exactly give them away except to Goodwill. I should probably work on that.





7. If I were to get a tattoo, I now know what it would look like. No, it wouldn't be a drawing of Bob Dylan, it would be something like this. Isn't this the coolest tattoo ever? Okay, even if you haven't seen my souvenirs I've purchased in the last couple of trips, you're probably seriously wondering about my taste. That's alright. Still the coolest tag.

Alright, I tag.....you or someone like you. I also apologize if I seem a little punchy in this post. I've had a steady diet of sugar and caffeine this afternoon.

Wordless

Random Thoughts

Emmy Rants

I didn't watch the Emmys last night, but I was happy to see America Ferrara win for her role on Ugly Betty and 30 Rock (best comedy since Arrested Development) win. Both were totally deserving. However, I was bewildered, dismayed and wanting to know how in the world did Katherine Heigl win best actress for Greys Anatomy? Her storyline in Season 2 tanked, her storyline in Season 3 was even worse...and she won the Emmy? The Emmy? Just because she's hot doesn't mean that translates well into acting. She's the weak link on Greys and she wins the Emmy? Between Heigl and Jeremy Piven winning, I'm glad I didn't watch.


Sherpa Wants

I saw this sweater on Whip up, and I fell in love. I want, but then I think if I have that sweater, I'll probably wear it any time I can..its absolutely brilliant and I've never been a big fan of Wonder Woman. Check out the original blog and pictures here.

Best Week Ever

The fall is becoming busy, just the way I like it, but the week of the 24th to the 29th has pretty much turned into the best week ever. Seeing DC United play Chivas, A Bob Dylan concert and then taking in a Yankees game that may mean something (the second to last game in the regular season?) the next night?

Going topless for World Peace?

The media's all abuzz with these pictures of Putin going topless on vacation in Russia. While, I'm not the biggest Putin fan, I'm almost a little ashamed to admit that top picture is kind of hot, while the bottom picture snaps me out of my Russian President (dicator) fantasy really quickly. And then I realize either he's using industrial strength deet or he just took his shirt off, because there's no mosquito bites on his body....

Happiness is........

I'm off to worship this week

I'm out until Saturday or Sunday to make the pilgrimage to the Church of Baseball. Although we're not going to Mecca, the Yanks will be there so its the 2nd best thing. And so will my parents and one sibling. And the Yanks look to finally be pulling their offense together--and I get too see them in the best stadium for hitters. Happy am I to go worship this week.

From one of the top three baseball movies of all time: The other two being......

Annie: I believe in the church of baseball. I've tried all
the major religions and most of the minor ones. I've worshipped Buddha, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, trees, mushrooms, and Isadora Duncan. I know things. For instance, there's 108 beads in a Catholic rosary and there's 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance. (she sighs) But it just didn't work out between us. The Lord laid too much guilt on me. I prefer metaphysics to theology. Y'see, there's no guilt in baseball, and it's never boring. (she giggles) Which makes it like sex. There's never been a ballplayer slept with me who didn't have the best year of his career. Making love is like hitting a baseball. You just gotta relax and concentrate. Besides, I'd never
sleep with a player hitting under .250. Not unless he had a lot of RBIs and was a great glove man up the middle. Y'see, there's a certain amount of life wisdom I give these boys. I can expand their minds. Sometimes when I get a ballplayer alone, I'll just read Emily Dickenson or Walt Whitman to him. And the guys are so sweet, they always stay and listen. Of course, a guy'll listen to anything if he thinks it's foreplay. I make them feel confident, and they make me feel safe -- and pretty. 'Course what I give them lasts a lifetime. What they give me lasts a 142 games. Sometimes it seems like a bad trade. But bad trades are part
of baseball. Who can forget Frank Robinson for Milt Pappas, for god's sake! It's a long season, and you gotta trust it. I've tried them all, I really have. And, the only church that feeds the soul, day in, day out, is the church of baseball.

A couple of old favorites and more Rufus.

I was looking for a clip of Rufus Wainwright in drag seeing Judy Garland's signature hit," Get Happy," when I found this lil' treasure. I haven't seen this in years, but it was a favorite when I was a girl.




And here's Rufus...its a fan filming it, and she's giggling a lot, but its the best quality of this number I've found.



I was looking for Judy in Summer Stock singing this (if you've seen that, then Rufus's choreography makes sense--he's totally paying tribute to that number from the show). This isn't what I was looking for, but its good to hear her voice. What a star.

Check out those gams

Monday morning I noticed that Rufus Wainwright's concert on Saturday night was online on NPR. I clicked on the link, then decided to check out the pix from the show. There was some nice eye candy but nothing too eyedropping until about 34 seconds left on the slideshow where there's a shot of him in a white terry robe holding a high-heel. Then, go to the next slide and be prepared for your jaw to drop a little. What I wouldn't give for legs like that. Holy cow. He pulls it off as only a gay man can.

I was telling Kelli about it and we were joking if I was confused asI, a straight girl coveting the legs of a gay man in drag paying homage to a straight, gay icon who herself was sporting a mens jacket and in drag king wear if you will. We were confused, you? All I can say is, listening to him perform "get happy," was a highlight-its one of my all-time favorite moments from the old-school musicals since I was a little girl.

As far as listening to the live concert goes, its great. He's over the top, flamboyant, witty, and what a voice. If you get a chance, its definitely worth listening to and now I'm really excited for the dvd of the Judy Garland recreation show he did last year (and will do again next month, I believe.)

Check out NPR for much better pictures of this.

Look who showed up for the show on Friday night.

Dog people, cat people

Last night, I had a choice between seeing a play or a free screening of "Year of the Dog." Late in the afternoon, I chose to see the film partly because I really wanted to see it and it was well, free. After getting up there and we were led to our seats, it was announced that Mike White was going to take questions afterwards. Its always been a little dream of mine to meet Mike for some reason, you could even say I have a little crush on him or at the very least--I make it a point to watch eve

ry film he writes. Anyway, because Year of the Dog had been getting early buzz, it was being marketed as a romantic comedy (I should have known better) and I really liked the cast-I was looking forward to the film. First off, its not a romantic comedy. The film is about love but not in a "love means never having to say you're sorry," Ali McGraw dying tragically kind of way.

Its more about realizing what you love and what you're obsession is and being okay with it. Anyway, its an unsettling film, but well done. After the film Mike White was cute, funny, a little offbeat and charming. A great way to spend the evening.

Another Threadless Gem

http://threadless.com/product/714/Perpetuate_The_Stereotype

I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't need it, I don't.....

Threadless's (2nd) Best

The name of this t-shirt gem is "The downside of genetic engineering." Seriously Awesome, and only $10.00 at Threadless for a limited time.

Billy Idol still is hot, even singing Jingle Bell Rock.

Sorry Blonde Bond...........

Ever feel for the need for a little nostalgia (well, the film is out in a month, but these are in b/w) and maybe a bit of eyecandy? Check out these photos from the upcoming movie the "Good German." Movies set in the 40's post-war Europe seriously fascinate me, and this one intrigues, even if it is rated-r (at least I've got the book on the shelf).

So Hot Right Now

Right now James Bond (the franchise) must be sitting on the top of the world. Their latest movie scored a 94% rotten tomato rating, both men and women are buzzing about this movie. However, since Daniel Craig was picked to play Bond, professional and arm chair reviewers have been arguing about whether or not Daniel Craig is good looking enough to play the Bond. Personally, I wasn't quite sure until the pictures from Bond came out (specifically the pictures of his pecs and shoulders, but I digress). This past week after reading a few articles about Bond and having this same discussion with a couple of friends, we came to the same conclusion. From the pictures and trailers alone, this Bond is hot..he's not classically handsome, but he's got raw sex appeal, the type that Steve Mcqueen, a young Sean Connery etc had, or as a friend says, "He's sex on legs."

Update: At church, two of my friends brought up to me how hot this James Bond is. Daniel Craig=serious buzz

Ah, as a yankee fan....this totally is acceptable.

You scored as Johnny Damon. You are Johnny Damon!! You are very down-to-earth and like to joke around a lot. This is apparent through your appearance. You are known for looking unkempt, perhaps even caveman-like, but everyone loves you for it. Oh yea... Johnny is my homeboy! Johnny Damon 83% Curt Schilling 73% Jason Varitek 70% Theo Epstein 63% David Ortiz 60% Mark Bellhorn 60% Kevin Millar 60% Manny Ramirez 50% Which Red Sox Player Are You? created with QuizFarm.com

Adieu Chris

For some reason, Chris Parnell has been my fave snl cast member since he was rehired. No more Merv the Perv, Sean DeMarco, Tyler, Warren Bloder.....oh, and he can rap too.

I'm not ready to give up on snl even though Dane Cook is hosting the premiere. Seth Meyers as the weekend update host? Sweet!!

Update: Thanks Laurie, its gonna be Seth Meyers with Amy Poehler. These two may be better than Jimmy and Tina..

Ross v. Shepherd

Back in the day (when Clooney was on the show) I used to watch ER faithfully. Oh, the drama, the medicine, the drama (Susan and Dr Green, Ross and Nurse Hathaway). Well, since er has gone the way of the melodramatic soapopera, there's been a void in my life that I didn't realize was even there until my roommate Megan introduced the top half of the house to Grey's Anatomy (the bottom half of the house has been watching it since the beginning). I was a bit reluctant at first, with lines like "The only person that can keep a promise so big is God, and I haven't seen him pick up a scalpel lately." I really wasn't sure what to expect.

However, by the second or third episode, I haven't looked back, but I can't help but compare the two shows. e.r. kind of hid from its soap opera-esque beginnings, while I think Grey's Anatomy embraces it. Don't get me wrong, first and second season e.r were better written than first and second season Grey's Anatomy, but amidst all of the scalpels and heartaches of Grey's Anatomy, its just an earnest soap opera. For example, the names. On e.r. the bad boy love hearthrob was named Dr. Doug Ross...as far as soap names go, it would rate a 6 or so. On Grey's Anatomy, you've got Dr. Derek Shepherd..that name merits a 9 on the soap name scale. Grey's Anatomy has a Dr. Preston Burke while e.r had a Dr. Peter Benton (pretty good name but Dr. Preston Burke still wins).

In the first episode of e.r. a nurse tries to commit suicide...we find out its the ex-girlfriend of one of the residents. In Grey's anatomy, Dr Grey sleeps with her boss's boss......and so on and so forth. Anyway, I'll just say this...Hospital soap operas can be delightful.