wednesday [saturday] picks

Well.

I have been very neglectful of my Saturday picks for the last, oh, let's say...8 months? Just a guess :) And since I have a few extra minutes this morning seeing as I actually got up when my alarm went off and didn't hit snooze 4 times [that 40 minutes really adds up, haha], I decided that I should do a Wednesday [Saturday] picks.

Book: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I bought this in DC for the plane ride home, but after a 3 hour layover in Altanta I didn't want to read anymore; plus when you upgrade to business class on Air Tran, they give you complimentary drinks, and let's just say after 2 glasses of wine I wasn't in a state to read :)

So this book has been on the bestseller list, and has been featured on the lovely [snark] morning "news" shows. Normally I try to steer clear of the "live your life, it's the only one you've got" books because they're just so damn cheesy, but this one is good [also liked Eat, Pray, Love if you're looking for recommendations in this category]! He writes in an easy-going, funny, conversational style, which is probably because he is writing with a journalist; the chapters are short and engaging; it's sprinkled with photos; and best of all, he really seems genuine.

Music: Yo-Yo Ma and Friends Songs of Joy and Peace. One of the worst things about the holiday season is the AWFUL Christmas music that some radio stations insist on playing from November 1st to December 25th [I love December 26th for this reason alone: these stations go back to their regularly programmed John Tesh and Delilah shows, which, although are terrible in their own right, are infinitely better than listening to Madonna sing "Santa Baby" 38 times a day]. Now don't get me wrong, I love Christmas music. To be specific, good Christmas music: anything sung by a choir, Bing Crosby, or Josh Groban; anything by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and "Feliz Navidad" from Sesame Street. I am naturally skeptical of holiday albums, so when I saw this at Target, I had to reason with myself that a) it's Yo-Yo Ma, and b) no pop stars were listed as "friends."

Verdict: excellent choice! The music ranges from a cover of "Happy XMas (War is Over)" to improvisations on "Dona Nobis Pacem." Guests, from the bluegrass queen Alison Krauss to trumpeter Chris Botti, put their own spin on traditional and not-so-traditional Christmas songs. Plus, Yo-Yo Ma and his cello intertwine with Spanish guitars, Celtic jigs, and African-American spirituals to create a perfect background for putting up the tree, baking goodies, and wrapping gifts [don't you think I could write reviews?].

Covet: this fab update on the LBD...in a gorgeous pink silk! I think I need to have a Holidazzle party in my apartment...perfect opportunity to splurge on a new dress!

Okeydokey, time to save some lives. Off to work I go.

peace and love,

m