My Moment of Zen

I just listened to my first Shostakovich concerto - an activity that was banned in the Soviet Union. That's the kind of stuff I live for: listening to banned Shostakovich in a place that was occupied by the Soviet Union, shopping for Plastic People of the Universe CDs in Prague, and reading Lolita in Tehran. Ok, not the last one. Yet.

Mr. Allsop Started the Fire

How cool would it be to have the lyrics to the song "We Didn't Start the Fire" online with links to each historical event? Very cool!! And already done by : Mr. Allsop, a professor at Kings College in the UK. Like any of my good ideas, someone has already thought of it first. Here's the link: http://www.teacheroz.com/fire.htm. The page also has a pretty sweet video at the top.

The song "We Didn't Start the Fire" is what first got me interested in international relations. I remember learning all the words and impressing/annoying a van full of my fellow debaters on the way to and from tournaments. That was at the height of my dorkiness and I think posting this link here only marks my slow and steady return.

Rock on Billy Joel. Rock on.

Go Sell Crazy Someplace Else

I'm in the open reading room of the National Library of Estonia. Probably one of the most heavily guarded sites in Estonia. To get into the inner sanctum of reading rooms, first, you must check your coat and your purse if it is "dangerously" large. Then you have to scan your library card (30 kroons for 3 years) before passing a guard and a metal detector. The guard makes sure that your card is current and then he eyes your lap-top bag suspiciously until you show him that you aren't packing heat. I'm led to believe that this process is safe, secure and efficient. I've been turned back before for wearing a light blazer and carrying my tote-bag with my wallet, notebook, and notes inside.

A crazy lady is sitting across the room alternatively mumbling and shouting to herself. She's wearing a jacket.

Do-over Prom

I'm going to the Marine Ball tonight (i.e. the Adult Prom) dateless. Just like the real prom. I'll have a good time regardless. Just like the real prom. There will be an open bar and drinking is encouraged. Unlike the real prom.

Incriminating pictures will be forthcoming.