Pomp and Circumstance: Inauguration 2009

There he is, walking in a slow stately pace, the future leader of our country, and thus by default, the future leader of the world. What is he thinking? Is he as scared? Is he doubtful? Is he hopeful?

There's a small, drawn smile on his face. In comparison, the Speaker's smile is wider and flashier.

His wife is hugging and kissing cheeks. Her butter yellow suit and matching coat is easy to spot amidst the somber blacks, navy blues, and grays.

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Ahh..that's a smile--genuine, a crinkling around the eyes and jaws as the muscles work to lift his mouth.

"We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, January 20, 2009

American Idol vs. Vamps

I haven't watched an episode of American Idol in years though my friend Stephen Kroll suggested I do so, not to look for upcoming talent or even to laugh at those unfortunate enough to have friends that allowed or even encouraged them to embarrass themselves on national tv, but to look at the female talent sitting on the judicial panel.

Really Stephen?

I'd rather watch vampire movies like the German film Let the Right One In. A haunting soundtrack accompanies an intriguing storyline and while scenes are sparse, each one is meaningful. It's going to be hard to forget Eli's cloudy, blue, blood-rimmed eyes. Thanks RC for reccommending the film.

Zooey and Ben Sitting in a Tree...

I have a thing for musicians, I do. I would love to deny it but my track record and my friends would call me out faster than Slash can shred a guitar string. However, I think Zooey Deschanel--the She of She & Him--has me beat.

She assumed the role of Mrs. Rushmore when she dated Coconut Record's Jason Schwartzman and was linked with Maroon 5's Mickey Madden for a long spell. Now, hours after rumors of an engagement to AFI's bassist Hunter Burgan flurried around the Elf songstress, Rolling Stone reports that Miss Deschanel will become Mrs. Ben Gibbard. (Check it out here: http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/12/30/death-cab-for-cuties-ben-gibbard-she-hims-zooey-deschanel-engaged/)

Who knew they were even an item? Apparently, the two have been dating for almost a year! Way to keep it on the lowdown.

Congrats and good luck to Mr. Postal Service and his Postmistress. May y'all make beautiful melancholy music together.