Valerie Plame - The Decemberists

No video, but nevertheless, a new Decemberists single is always cause for celebration.

The Guggenheim Grotto

Such a catchy song...I love these guys. Why are they so unknown?

men, marines, and maple syrup

I find it frustrating that the more intellectual, supposedly highbrow, of the Catholic males here tend to fit into a neat stereotype. Which is that they tend (again, emphasis on "tend". sweeping generalizations are my strong suit.) to be disappointing. Rife with non specific inclinations to Latin, inability to distinguish Old Rite from New (if it's Tridentine, it's the "Latin Mass", as if you can't say Novus Ordo in Latin), and a most singular predisposition to tobacco, alcohol, and antisemitism. And on top of all this, of course the understated attitude that women should be covered and silent in church, and probably shouldn't vacate a building unless attired in a full skirt. That last one is more of a vibe I'm getting, although it was alluded to in a passing conversation. As was a subtle but definite slight of the USMC. At which point I say: OK. I understand you think it's cool to grow beards, smoke pipes, and bellow Irish drinking songs (a whole separate issue I might address later). But that doesn't make you manly. Put simply, it's emasculate to be that nonathletic, sallow skinned, and the longish hair isn't helping either. Perhaps dreams of becoming Celtic warriors are simmering somewhere in the subconcious, but let's be honest. You wouldn't last five minutes against the Marines you feel superior to, and I'm guessing some real Celtic beserkers would take you down in roughly the same timeslot. Before you demand unequivocal femininity from all women, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you actually approximate any reasonable definition of manhood. Because I would much rather take a guy who's more of a Marine mindset and less of an egghead. And finally, the maple syrup here does not tast like maple syrup. I'm hard pressed to tell you what it tastes like, but maple isn't really the first thing that comes to mind. I fear to know what they make in or out of.

Oh, Wes

I always forget to mention how much I love Wes Welker. He came out of nowhere last season and became one of those staple players; not too flashy, but so dependable. All the buzz was about Randy Moss and Welker ran around in the background picking up key yardage and my vote for top ten Pats.

thing I have discovered at Hillsdale

1) Alexander is even more awesome than I thought he was 2) James Madison is brilliant 3) Honors kids are a doozy of a mixed bag 4) Don't play capture the flag with Niedfeldt 5) If there's a really long line at Saga, it's probably worth the wait 6) Always go to a free performance at the Sage 7) Get boots before you get here 8) I love George Washington. A lot. 9) If you're going into the library, take a sweatshirt with you 10) Put on sunscreen before the Football game.

Kat Dennings

Found a new blog, by Kat Dennings, who turns out to be the reclusive, literary, homeschooler type. She's also apparently an actress, and is playing Norah in that 'Nick and Norah' movie. Go figure. She's also a good writer. http://katdennings.com/ While you're at it, check out the Literary Voices section of the blog for super-rare audio of famous literary figures speaking, like Flannery O'Connor and G. K. Chesterton.

Movie legend Paul Newman dies, 83

" The blue-eyed star of movies like Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid died in his Connecticut home on Friday, surrounded by family and close friends.

A statement from Newman's family said: "His death was as private and discreet as the way he had lived his life."

His Butch Cassidy co-star Robert Redford paid tribute, saying: "There is a point where feelings go beyond words... I have lost a real friend." " - BBC