Of yoga, art, forums, and Finns.

Oh you know... just listening to some Dusty Springfield, hanging outside, enjoying some té bianca. Cause that's how I roll on a Sunday. Went out for a late brunch on Wickenden this afternoon with Joj, cause you know, sometimes a girl just has to have some blueberry pancakes. It was nice enough to eat outside–-sunny and warm–-the last bastion of summer... perhaps.

I've been a pretty good A-Town lately. Made the switch to skim moo juice, and I'm not really sure why it took me so long. I've also started up a daily yoga routine after little Erin gave me a talking-to ("you have to find the time!"), and I'm glad that she did. I took it senior year and did it off-and-on for a while, but now I'm back with avengence--it's actually become something that I look forward to post-work. It's a great way to chill out and rid oneself of a long commute. And it's easier to keep up than running or biking since it isn't weather or equipment-dependent. We may have found a winner.

As if I really even need to say so, NPR is amazing. They've posted the recent Josh Ritter concert from DC on iTunes–-for free. And, immediately following the concert, there's an interview. The guy conducting it is a bit of a tool who apparently loves the sound of his own voice, but whatever... JR's rad. NPR's website also posted an acoustic in-studio of "To The Dogs or Whoever". It's a great time to be a Mr. Ritter fan or to become one (hint hint Eryn.)

I've been in a major lull for art work lately, but I've been writing more. They seem to balance each other out, but it's still frustrating to want to draw or paint, but find oneself with a blank page and a mind equally barren of inspiration. Tips as to beating the blank canvas syndrome are welcome.

Alright, it's getting chilly and dark, so I'm moving inside.

I had a classic lunchtime phone call from A-Town this week, and among other things, we spoke of where he and Eryn were going to be staying while in Rome--as far as I know, it's still up in the air. I've been trying to remember where we stayed as a class in Rome... not that I'm advocating that as a honeymoon destination. But it was very close to the Theatre of Pompey where Caesar was stabbed, and relatively close to the "Typewriter" in Piazza Venezia. It seems that you can't really go wrong in terms of what is surrounding you in Rome.

"This is where Augustus stubbed his toe and uttered, 'stupid Jesus sandals' ...truly curious, as Jesus was not active or alive during that time."


But I just want to advocate the NY Times travel section (here is their section on Rome.) It has everything. It breaks themes and topics down to manageable chunks. When looking at a place that you're not familiar with (say, Barcelona), it's almost a little overwhelming, but don't be alarmed. For the relatively OCD traveler such as myself, it's amazing.

One last item, Kimi Raikkonen, taciturn Finnish F1 driver extraordinaire, has (finally) won his first World Championship. Yeah, Kimi! It was beginning to feel like rooting for the Sox, pre-2004. As for you, Mr. Hamilton--maybe next year. You've still got quite a career ahead of you, so... don't blow it.

He's kind of a big deal.

Lewis Hamilton just started racing in F1 this year... and is dominating. Dominating in a way that shames his two-time World Champion teammate, Fernando Alonso, whom he leads by 14 points. Hamilton's been on the podium 8 out of 8 races this season (with 2 wins), and snagged the pole position today for his home race in Great Britain.

I think he may just be the best thing to happen to F1 since fuel injection. Let me break it down like a fraction for you...

At the risk of stating the obvious, he's black. He is, in fact, the first black driver in F1 ever. Conquering the "norm" and F1 bureaucracy is a feat in and of itself.

He's British, which means 2 things: firstly, the British love him and they control most F1 media coverage, so it means more exposure of the sport through the "vehicle" of Hamilton, if you will; secondly, he is quickly becoming accepted by Americans. This is probably because they love an underdog... and this kid is taking out the Eurotrash.

He's young- 22 years-old- and who doesn't love a prodigy? He's new to the game, so he's free of the dents and dings and chips-on-the-shoulder that only accumulate with the bitter taste of defeat and spending one too many evenings with the "Formula Unas Girls." Also, he's cute, has a great smile, and he's is charming. Listen to any race commentator, and they'll go on and on about what about what an delightfully upstanding young chap he is... or some such. He talks to fans, signs autographs, and does the media dance without compromising himself. His dad and wheelchair-bound younger brother go to every race, which is endearing in a fashion that has never existed in F1.

In short, he's good. It's easy to like him. He doesn't have to become what people want him to be, because he already is.

And F1 needs a face other than Michael Schumacher's lopsided grin or Alonso's... Alonsoness. Alonso has won the World Championship the past 2 years and you would never know... he has a relatively small fanbase and very little media coverage- because he's a douche. No one likes him- he's like a surly Jacques Villeneuve. He sneers, he jibes, and he avoids all the fun folderol that makes F1 F1. Schumacher was a bit of a diva, but did the "Champion thing" very well- and still does. But this guy can't carry the torch forever- he's retired- let him go home. Kimi Raikkonen- great driver- but not personable. He's Finnish, which means he's a cute and shy mumbler... who drinks. Other than that, no one else is really consistently good enough to even be a contender. (Though crazy Vitantonio Liuzzi would be amaaaazing. Bringing back the soul patch- Italian style.)

So for the new face of F1, I nominate Lewis Hamilton. But he probably won when I wasn't looking...

...did I mention he has a black belt in karate?