happy president’s day

Did you know that after Lincoln had succumbed to the wound inflicted by Booth, doctors took out his entire brain (or what was left) because they couldn’t find the bullet? There’s your “fun” fact of the day. I learned this reading Sarah Vowell’s Assassination Vacation. Well, an excerpt from a diary cited in the book, anyway.

Reading it has made me look at Lincoln as more of a man than a legend. Not that the meaning or epic-ness of what he did has lessened at all, but it just got me really exploring the idea that he was a living, breathing person, with eccentricities and a sense of humor — not just a thoughtful, seated statue overlooking the Mall in Washington. I mean, we all know that but don’t often pause to think about it. That being said, I don’t think the above image is disrespectful cause… well, I’d really like it if someone drew me with a machine gun arm.

I kind of skipped a Happy Valentine’s Day post, but I was out pretty much the entire day. It was happy. I wanted to say though, that regardless of my relationship status on 2/14 every year (yes, even that one year), I still like Valentine’s Day, or at least the idea of Valentine’s Day. I know a lot of people hate on it, and sure, you can make into a Hallmark holiday if you want to, but in our increasingly busy day to day lives, making sure to set aside time to spend with a significant other should seem like a priority, at least on this one special day. Like anything else, you just have to remember to keep it real.

brooklyn legal

This week I was asked to testify in a court of law regarding a crime I witnessed and reported some months ago. While the case was only a misdemeanor, I found the whole process, from working with the DA’s office to the trial, to be very interesting. When you have jury duty, the movie they show you claims that real trials are nothing like in the movies. In both my experiences in with the legal system here in Brooklyn, both jury duty and the testimony, I’ve found this to be false. There were sassy, smart judges. I swore to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. There were objections. I was cross-examined by an attorney who was determined to trip me up. So even though it was a small trial, it was a unique experience. That being said, I don’t hope to repeat it.

together we were gonna travel the globe

From Alberta to Ontario.

Robin Sparkles has a Last.fm page. I love it.

My Beirut videos came out kind of crappy, but the audio is really good (except for Brian and me talking a tiny bit). Unfortunately, I only got two because my battery died, … but one of them is a new song! I had a really great time. They are so so good.

mad crazy lineup

The video’s not bad either.

I want to go! Also I’m seeing Beirut on Friday and I’ve contained my excitement… but just barely.

there has never been anything false about hope

Dear Mister Obama,
Congratulations. Today you embark on a journey down a path, one that is sure to be fraught with obstacles and setbacks, but one which we truly believe you can navigate successfully. The valley of trials yawning before you must seem deep, dark and arduous, but since you first started your campaign for the presidency, you’ve been our beacon; our light in the distance, our dream for a different future than the one being laid out for us by years of destructive behavior. It is my hope that the American people can now offer you the same feeling of solace that you’ve given to us, by each doing our part to better our country. The fate of this nation does not rest on your shoulders alone, nor should it. It is time for every American to take responsibility and to do what is right. We are in our current position because of greed, selfishness, apathy, and ignorance and this type of behavior cannot continue. I fully believe we are getting out of this mess together, as one nation, or not at all. You have inspired us to change, and I believe that you will guide us into prosperity. Our light is no longer twinkling in the distance; it is shining brightly from Washington today. I am proud of my country, and of you and Michelle, and your lovely daughters.

Congratulations again, Mister Obama.
- Nikki

ffleeting

fforever

my backpack’s got jets

I wanted to post this picture because I love it, and a link to this gallery I saw on Digg today (where the pic came from). Maybe it’s because I showed my brother The Empire Strikes Back for the first time over Christmas, or because all my friends are nerds, but I feel like Star Wars has come up a lot in conversation this winter season. Now I know I (nor you, most likely) wasn’t around to see the releases of the good Star Wars movies; I just thought some of this gallery was adorable.

are you crazy

Found at the 34th St station on the NQRW platform.

could i get an extra plate?

The air quotes say it all. Nice 3d, albeit creepy and gross… And hey, at least that dude’s not um. Doing anything in his pants. Let’s hope you’ve seen that SNL video. And for something completely different, I wish there was a studio version of You and I with Ingrid Michaelson and Jason Mraz, instead of whoever sings the guy part on her CD. I love love love this song. The quality of this vid is kinda crappy but the audio comes through nicely… Listen to it already, omg!

PS - I finally caved in and bought another memory card for my camera. I’m tired of having to pick which songs to delete so I can record other songs at shows. I’m excited for it to get here. And since when is it almost 2009?