War is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is truth

I first read George Orwell's classic "1984" the summer after I graduated from high school. I was completely captivated by the story from the first to the last page and still emphatically recommend it to anyone I know who has NOT read this timeless masterpiece. Well, I determined that it's time to re-read one of my favorite novels of all time, and so I bought a copy from Borders and started reading it yesterday. Not many books have the power to suck me in right from the very first words---usually it takes at least 20 pages for me to "warm up" into a story. But even though this is my second time reading it, Orwell's fictional (but maybe becoming less fictional) world where conformity and Big Brother rule supreme, is capturing me again from the very first chapter and promises to hold me in total awe until the unthinkable words uttered on the last page. In fact, I'm taking a lunch break to go read another few chapters right now. Ciao.

These are a few of my favorite things

The Daily Dish by Andrew Sullivan

I started reading this blog after my friend Dan introduced it to me, and I now eagerly look forward to checking it whenever I have a few free minutes at work. I might be a little biased because Mr. Sullivan is a very vocal supporter of Obama, but this blog is just so right on in so many ways. When I read his posts regarding politics I think "he is articulating how I feel about this issue or that issue so perfectly". I think what I like most about his blog is that he's not just spewing out opinions but that his posts are usually very well-thought out, witty, and informative (I mean, the guy does have a Ph.D in political science and is an acclaimed journalist). Check it out.

Made of Bricks by Kate Nash
A quirky, fun, catchy album with sometimes random and off the wall lyrics. For example, one of her songs is about having a skeleton as an imaginary friend. Good stuff.





Billy Joel music videos from the 80's

After seeing Mr Joel live last week, I browsed on YouTube for some of his older music videos. These need no explanation of why they make me happy in an instant:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2F-nt7aC_JQ

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Smeyf8nhM5Q&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=omFqlr_kso0&feature=related

Cranberry white-chocolate chip oatmeal cookies

Mmmm.....





Thank you God for the little things in life =)