Linda

Randolph, MA movie theater, circa high school (1999?) I have the memory of a gnat. Anyway, my friend Mel drove a few of us to the movies. I sat in the backseat. The parking lot was jam-packed, cars on top of each other. I'm pretty oblivious and swung the door open wide, hitting the car beside us. It left a scratch (I think), so I ran away because I suck at life. But the driver was apparently in his car and got out to confront me. When he asked for my info, my nerves took over and I blurted out, "Linda. My name is Linda." Then I proceeded to give him the right phone number. (Idiot) Later that evening, the house phone rang and I heard my groggy father saying, "No, wrong number. Linda doesn't live here." I stormed into my parents' bedroom and said, "Um, Dad. Linda lives here." For the next few weeks while we settled this dude's non-existent "ding," my father looked at me with total disgust/amusement.

Revamp

Hey all. :) Thanks for following and thanks for commenting. (Clears throat) It has recently come to my attention that my blog is suffering. In my friend's signature no-hold-back, barbed-wired critique, my blog is lacking a central theme (i.e. the glue that holds it all together). I told him that it's a hodgepodge of my many interests. You know, humans aren't one-dimensional. But still, he is disappointed with my entries. He thinks I'm funnier in person and that my blogs aren't living up to their full potential. I just don't think I'm making him laugh enough. (Clears throat) It's an effing blog. Such a love/hate relationship with him, if there ever were one. So it is my task over Christmas to re-energize a few entries. Not for his sake, but... well, for his sake. I don't like disappointing people, after all. Merry Christmas, Nick Chen. The next few are for you. :)

Louis CK

Xmas

In addition to the iPhone, I would like this for Christmas. I'm always cold. "But how can that be when you're from New England?!" Shush, I'm tired of hearing it.

Thxgivin'

I thought I'd be able to get home for turkey and stuffing, but flights, school, and overall life interfered. So... here are my options. Help me pick one.

1. Dinner in the Georgia mountains in front of a roaring fireplace with an Italian mutt perched on my lap. (I'm pretty sure my friend invited me. If not, then I just made myself look like an ass.)

2. Pantless Potluck -- What more can you ask for on America's official day of gluttony? Everybody sheds their pants. And adds the lbs.

3. A nice quiet Thanksgiving with a sweet little family. But is it odd to impose as Orphan Annie?

I'm thankful for all the invites, but I've decided to spend Thanksgiving in Athens, GA (option d) with Margaret and her family. I get to see the house she grew up in and explore her little town. :) Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Mr. M.

I was first introduced to singer-songwriter, M. Ward, in 2006 by an old boyfriend in New York City. We were cooking a Cornish hen in his kitchen to the lovely sounds of, 'Transfiguration of Vincent.' Since then, I've been nothing short of a fan. It's tough to describe M. Ward. Wikipedia says his favorite piece of musical equipment is the Tascam 4-Track Recorder, which he uses to start every song he writes. This could be why I like him. His voice is unique; a little hoarse, a little melancholy, and a lot of lyrical. He's just cool. And he thinks, 'Amazing Grace,' might be his favorite song. Love him.

She & Him

Vol. 2! Vol. 2! When will it ever come out? I love this duo. They're adorable and make the sweetest retro music I've ever heard. Some people (mostly men) find it sentimental and cutesy, but it makes me smile. I never get tired of their album, Vol. 1. And I think Zooey is a better singer than an actress. Thoughts?

I tend to write about happy things.

I don't know, this could be a clear indication why I mostly write about film, music and art. Rape seldom gets a shout-out in my posts. Just sayin'. World, (sigh) why are you so messed up?

7th person arrested in gang rape

(CNN) -- A seventh person has been arrested in a gang rape on a high school campus in northern California, police said Tuesday. Richmond Police Lt. Mark Gagan did not identify the suspect. Of those arrested so far, one was released for lack of evidence.

Police say as many as 10 people were involved in the rape October 24 in a dimly lit alley outside Richmond High School, where a homecoming dance was taking place. Another 10 people watched the attack without calling 911, police say.

Authorities say the attack lasted for more than two hours. The victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition, and was released Wednesday. Read local coverage of story from CNN affiliate KTVU

The victim's parents issued a statement that urged those in the community to work to ensure that such an attack never happens again. "If you need to express your outrage, please channel your anger through positive action," they said, according to the Rev. Jim Wheeler, who said he was the family's pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond.

Bored to Death

I loved him in Rushmore. Didn't everybody? Quirky bastard. HBO's, 'Bored to Death,' starring Jason Schwartzman is a gem I recently unearthed. And I love his counterpart, Zach Galifianakis. He feels like someone I knew in high school. Strangely familiar and flat-out hysterical. Check out his little web videos on funnyordie.com. I laughed out loud. By myself. But the show's simple premise works. Recently dumped, white-wine sipper and pot-smoker Jonathan (Schwartzman), posts an ad on Craig's List as an unlicensed private detective. Comedy ensues. Check it out. It's smart. Check it out. It's clever. Check it out. He's Jason Schwartzman.