Friday, September 23, 2011

"Laughter is an instant vacation" - Milton Berle

I feel this week we could all use a little vacation. So, sit back, turn up your audio, and let the brilliance of Mitch Hedburg take you on a brief escape...



Friday, September 9, 2011

"Here Comes the Sun" -George Harrison


Let’s review, shall we?  In the past four weeks DC has endured an earthquake, a hurricane, a non-relenting tropical storm (who’s dreary darkness has caused me to seriously question the mental state of citizens of Seattle, Washington), and is now facing a 'specific, credible but unconfirmed al Qaeda threat’.   In reference to my aspirations toward optimism, I quit. 

In terms of the earthquake, this is about the extent of the excitement/devastation:
 

Within approximately 45 minutes post rumble the city was back at work. Sigh.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I’m let down by the lack of destruction, quite the opposite.  I’m extremely grateful that no one was seriously injured during the quake. Rather I was disappointed that it didn’t warrant a longer delay back to the ordinary. 

Just two days after the anti-climatic earthquake, Hurricane Irene blew into town.  The city battened down (a new term for me) and prepared for what could’ve been – should’ve been an epic storm.  Did I mention that this all happened over the weekend?  Yes, the city shut down over the weekend.  Not the work week, no, no,  Miss Irene thought best to come during those precious few days of freedom we are allocated each week to do whatever we well please.  So there I was during my weekend, trapped inside, watching around the clock coverage of a storm that, as far as my life is concered, never really came.  There are only so many hours of watching reporter Tucker Barnes being doused by “sea foam” (aka raw sewage) that I could take.  I wish I was kidding.  With a lack of things to talk about, some cruel-hearted, or good humored news producer (it could really go either way with this story) sent a reporter out to stand out on Ocean City’s boardwalk and get drenched by “sea foam”.  While news anchors sat dry and warm inside, they relentlessly questioned Tucker about what he was experiencing.  Over a series of hours and many conversations later, it was concluded that the foam was in fact raw sewage.  They finally let the poor smuck return to report from his hotel balcony, but by then it was too late:  

 

Luckily, Batman came and saved the day.  For me at least.  Such a great movie and the highlight of a wasted weekend. 

Then, this week, Tropical Storm Lee.  Imagine, if you will, darkness, wetness, and coldness nonstop for five straight days. That was DC this week.  For the most part I was doing an adequate job of keeping my spirits high, that was until yesterday while riding my bike to work.  It was merely sprinkling, so I figured it would fine to ride in.  And it was fine, until a cop drove by through a puddle quickly enough to spray and completely drench me with rain water.  Thanks a lot Mr. Officer.


That was it.  I was done and determined to get the hell out of dodge.  Plans were made to go up to New York City for the weekend to hang out with some childhood friends and participate in the ten year anniversary of September 11.  It was going to be excellent escape from this disaster magnet. But lo and behold, on the eve of this would be epic trip, what happens? You guessed it! News of a specific, credible but unconfirmed terrorist threat.  Result: a cancelled trip and a forecast predicting more rain.  

I’d be lying to say I woke in the best of moods today.  After walking to the metro in the rain and starring out the window all day as the sky opened up its wrath on the world below, I was less than amused. But something magical and sincerely unexpected happened this afternoon.  Blue sky and abating gloom.  Indeed, sunlight itself finally graced us with its presence.  It’s amazing how far a little sunlight will go. While it’s true my weekend plans of late have been tarnished by natural disasters and terrorist plots, as the Beatles put it best, “Here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right.”  So true George, so true.


Oh, and in the off chance that these past few depressing weeks have caused you to forget what fun is,
here's a great, back to the basics, place to start
!