valentines day

Back in DC after a winter break that, I'll admit, was a bit too long. I feel like I've almost lost the drive to begin studying again, especially after the extra-long 5 week break...but I came out here for a reason, and I still feel great about my long-term goals...even if I'm not exactly sure what those goals are. I'm heading toward something and I'm learning more (at least I hope) about the things I came here to learn about.

In retrospect, the first 4 months of DC have been good to me. I've met some great people and am inspired by many of them. Also, no snowmageddon this year, so I didn't have to hunker down in my basement apartment for days on end (hooray). Storms have been mostly mild, and today warmed up into the 60s. I admit, as a transplanted Los Angelino, I'd have never described 60 as "warm", but it's a far cry from the light snow we received last Wednesday. Looking forward to the spring time and seeing leaves on the trees once again...

This weekend I got to do some sightseeing with a good friend. DC is really a tourist ghost town during the winter months, and it sure is surreal to not see children screaming and running through the Smithsonian. Did the Washington Monument for the second time in a few weeks- if you're in the DC area, now is the time to do it. Likewise for the Archives. Love them free tourist attractions.

I just have to say, I'm getting a little tired of just being in DC every day. Oh, the joys of a car. ZipCar it may be, and very soon. This weather is getting nice fast. Hope it stays like this for another two months...is that too much to ask? I have no idea what to expect next.

That Egypt news is some heavy stuff. I have so many opinions about it, but a blog isn't the time or place to start this discussion. Actually, that's what blogs are for, so that was a stupid thing to say. But I'm going to stay away for now. It'll be interesting. The folks out there are changing the world and others will follow suit. Let's all hope for democracy in Egypt, minus the internet shut-offs.

Which is actually a crazy thing. What would happen if the government shut down the internet? Even scarier- A private Silicon Valley firm provided the technical assistance to get it done. Sometime, not too long from now, a single event will instantly change everything we (the casual internet users) know and how we will handle the internet. For now, just keep tweeting. Don't mess with a good thing.

In other news, Arcade Fire picked up a big Grammy award. Funny how after "Funeral" didn't receive album of the year the first time around, I totally lost faith in all things Grammy and have always had a reason to hate on the award show. Now they win with their 3rd album. Bout time. So what exactly happened? Did enough people actually buy Arcade Fire's album for them to actually get notice? Or is the entire Grammy philosophy actually changing to actually represent the best in music for the year? My anti-Grammy bias continues, and I have to think the former best describes the situation. Otherwise LCD Soundsystem would be blowing up that stage alongside AF, a la 2007. And did the Black Keys win because of their constant appearance in commercials? There's always reason to be cynical, especially when it's the Grammys, but for one night, all the college kids and music geeks and hipsters could rejoice and say, "yeah, duh, I've been listening to them since '04!"

Random thoughts to end this thing:

LCD sold out MSG. wtf? James Murphy has some words. With any luck.....

Also saw Santigold/Major Lazer/Miike Snow coming up in NYC. Jealous of you hipsters, I really am.

Lol@ Rep Lee

I have a rant. But I will hold back for now. Happy lovers' day!