A nation united...

Today, I witnessed history. While I was not on the mall, I sat comfortably a few miles away in my DC apartment watching a event that I will remember for the rest of my life. President Obama's speech was moving and really served as a warning shot of sorts, sent across the country and across the world - we must come together in a tough time, something that Americans are not unfamiliar with.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth. And because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

This could never be more true. While President Obama might be referring to the safety of our country, I think that he really wants to rid us of the politics of the past. The president really took us through history and brought us up to this point, a point that we must work hard and bring back the ideals that founded this country.

Its almost hard to even get all my thoughts down on...

New Obesessions for the week - Stumble Upon

Internet junkies everywhere, though I guess I'm not one if I just heard of this site now, can rejoice over a great website: www.stumbleupon.com. The site is great for people trying to waste a little time at work (note the time of this post, woops) or to those surfing aimlessly at 2 am waiting for reruns of Cheers to air.

How does it work? Simple. Sign up for free, click the types of things that interest you, load the browser tool bar and waala, you're ready to go. Looking for something funny to cheer you up? Click on a the humor tab and "Stumble." You'll be sent to a site that other stumblers found interesting, funny, stupid etc. You get the idea, its not rocket science.

After that, if you are surfing on your own you can rate a page as good or bad. Those ratings are fed into the database for other surfers like you. So, if you're bored or even if you're not, check it out. Maybe, if you are one of the 3 people other than my friends who have actually seen this blog, you'll Rate me with a 'Thumbs Up' and increase the traffic from 5 hits a day to 6.

Charleston NYE Vacation and Jason Isbell

After a few weeks of nada, I'll talk a bit about a great city and a great place to visit, Charleston, SC. Taking a 5 day vacation to get away from it all, Charleston was the choice. Staying at a small 18 room inn, The Anchorage Inn, nights were comfortable and just a few steps away from everything.

To the layman, saying you were going for a visit to "rainbow row," one may think you were in San Francisco, but that's not so in Charleston, SC. The nickname, or just name, for a strip of century old houses, each colored brightly, is just a few blocks away from the Anchorage Inn. However, this isn't exactly what I would call fun for the whole family. I learned quickly via carriage ride/tour, that this little row used to be the hustle and bustle of the town, and where one might find a few prostitutes.

Enough about that though. If you are looking for a fun town to grab a few drinks, get a little culture and eat great meals, this is the town for you. Never having visited the true south, i was struck by the great charm and famed sourthern hospitality. If you are looking for some great restaurants (not exactly the cheapest, but great for foodies like me). FIG will provide a bold delicious meal, Cru Cafe will give you a delicious lunch or dinner inside a small Charleston house. You'll feel like you are at grandmas. For a spectacular (pricey) meal, check out Tristan. You will be blown away by the 26 year old chef that roames the kitchen. If you a drink or a glass of wine is what you are after, Pearlz happy hour is fantastic. Oyesters, wines, beers, all for great prices in a great atmosphere; the blind Tiger Pub is great for a brew in a nice outside patio, and for a great dinner and a delicious glass of wine, check out Muse. A beautful house, delicious wines and a fantastic meal, I recommend the scallops.

Finally, a quick review of Jason Isbell's new years eve set at the Music Farm. Coming on the stage (after some pathetic opening acts) around 11:40, Jason did what he always does....Rock. Pulling out some great Drive-By Truckers songs and others from his most recent solo effort, Isbell did not dissapoint. I would have liked a longer set, but I can't complain as he rocked hard for every minute he was on stage. Knocking back some jack from the bottle, he pulled out some Tom Petty and ripped into a new song for the final encore. A great show all around.

If you have a couple days for a fun relaxed southern town, Charleston is the place for you.