Recent Obsessions

For those that still make the trek to this website, despite my obvious negligence in posting, here are some things that have made me happy lately. I pass the knowledge on to you- go, be happy too.

MUSIC:

"The Greatest" - Cat Power

"L.E.S. Artistes" - Santigold

(Neither of these songs was released recently, but I watched 17 Again (of all things) yesterday on HBO (free for 4 days- thanks AT&T U-verse!) and heard these songs and immediately downloaded. And side note- 17 Again is a really good movie.)

"We Are Born" - NEW entire album by Sia. I just love this woman.

MOVIES:

The A Team - I know what you're going to say- "REALLY?". But if you like a good action flick and enjoy the sight of Bradley Cooper's abs, hit up the theater now.

Toy Story 3 - Seriously amazing. Pixar/Disney is genius. It ended perfectly and poignantly and I cried like a baby. It's so good, you forget it is an animated film. Just watch out for the creepy baby doll. You'll know what I mean.

BOOKS:

"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. It's about the circus and it was a great read. The last half is especially riveting.

TECHNOLOGICAL GADGETS:

iPhone 4- No, I haven't technically bought this yet (sorry, I don't camp out overnight or wait in a five hour long line for a phone I can buy a couple days later without a wait) but I already know it is going to change my life. That on top of all the rave reviews from people who already got one: color me SO EXCITED.

My Macbook- Yes, I am still counting the ways I love thee.

Band of Brothers

I had already seen the mini-series Band of Brothers before and I loved it. But let me tell you, seeing it all again doesn't make it any less powerful, any less moving, or any less inspiring. Memorial Day brought an all day marathon of the series on Spike TV, and I was rendered helpless to avoid it. I am so obsessed with the spirit of the WWII days- the heroism, the selflessness, the extreme courage, the love for America, the idea that it is about more than just you. These days, we are much more hard pressed to find such a group of valiant men who are willing to give up life as they know it to protect their nation. Oh believe me, there are men and women like this serving right now for our country here and overseas. And they exemplify this brave and giving spirit. But I venture to say America as a whole does not have that same something- that work together and give of yourself quality- that made the WWII era in America so incredibly inspiring. The sacrifices made by so many veterans throughout all the years of America's existence- well it makes me a bit speechless.

If you have not yet seen this 2001 mini-series, I sincerely suggest you either add it to your netflix queue, run to your nearest Blockbuster (if it is still in business), or just go ahead and buy it. You won't be sorry. I know 10 hours of war drama sounds incredibly taxing, but believe me, it is completely worth the time investment. It follows the true stories of real men in some of the most well-known and deadly battles of WWII. And don't skip the special features- these interviews with surviving veterans that were featured in the mini-series is such a treat. Some of the most incredible men. If you don't come out of it crying, wanting to hug a veteran, or wishing you had asked your grandpas about their service in the war before they passed on, you may not be human. I know I have been gushing and over the top about this, but I really think all Americans should be required to see this in order to fully comprehend the sacrifices that were made to allow them the freedom and luxuries they enjoy today.

Wow. Really only meant for this blog post to be maybe two lines encouraging your viewership of said mini-series. But apparently I was pretty moved by this. Expect a similarly impassioned post, I am sure, after I finish watching the newest HBO WWII mini-series covering the battles in The Pacific.