Favorites of 2010

Over the coming days (hopefully), I want to share some of my favorite things of this past year.  Years ago I kind of had this existential crisis, freaking out over how much had happened over the years that I probably had already forgotten.  Although the crises have not stopped, I feel that looking over the past year has helped calm them.  Even though I'll be posting favorite music, movies, tv, etc. over the past year, it's all mostly for myself and a means of reflecting on the year.  I hope you enjoy it-- and feel free to comment, critique, or post some of your own.

love is all

Still In Italy

 We were supposed to be back in Moscow today.

We've been touring Italy for just about two weeks now.  It's been a fantastic vacation, and it's not ending as soon as we thought.  We can't complain-- I mean, it's Italy.  But our departure date is being pushed back a little.

One of the things we had to do while on vacation, ironically, was apply for and receive a visa for Liam to get back into Russia.  Although we sent in the application immediately when we got here (and hoped it'd arrive by now), it's taking more time than we had imagined.  Surprise surprise.

But like I said, we can't complain.  We are running a little low on our vacation funds, the trip has been incredible. We've been able to cover Rome, visit Florence, take a quick trip to see Pisa, and spend some time in Naples (where my mother's parents lived before immigrating back in the day).  We'll try to post pictures and stories soon!

"how you gonna lift it with your arms folded tight?"

What a song.

Joel Burns' "It Gets Better" Speech at City Council

I know this is at least a week old. I'm finally getting around to watching it. It's difficult because of the 12 minute length, but it's such a worthwhile viewing. If you do watch this, please stick with it until the end.

Stephen Fry on Language

I used to be really prudish when it came to grammar and language. I'm getting over it.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

I didn't know our military had a "don't ask, don't tell" policy until at least the end of high school or college.  I just didn't think something so ridiculous could actually BE a policy.

Let's just end it already.



Dan Choi - Don't Tell, Martha! from The Moth on Vimeo.

Let his dataset change your mindset

Hans Rosling: Let my dataset change your mindset | Video on TED.com

Alain de Botton on a Kinder Philosophy of Success

True Grit

I always get excited when a Coen brothers movie is coming out. This one looks really promising. I can't wait.