Today, I found new appreciation for formerly unremarkable and/or forgotten cultural entities.1. Coldplay’s A Rush of Blood to the Head – A brilliant album. Indie snobs, of which I am one, cannot disparage this collection of introspective and beautifully constructed pop songs…. Get over your pride and just listen. Chris Martin’s vocals are impeccable. His lyrics call to the romantic in each of us, pulling at our heartstrings, and calling to mind times of love and loss. Standout tracks include “Green Eyes” (my absolute favorite wedding song), “Warning Sign,” and “The Scientist.” If you recall, “The Scientist” was a commercial blockbuster. Its video featured Chris singing his love song while time flew backwards. This is proof that commercial music can, in rare cases, be quality music. It can strike a chord in even the most biased hearts.

Honey you are a rock
Upon which I stand
And I come here to talk
I hope you understand

That green eyes, yeah the spotlight, shines upon you
And how could, anybody, deny you?

I came here with a load
And it feels so much lighter, now I’ve met you
And honey you should know, that I could never go on without you

2. The television series “Bones” – Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz shine in this prime time underdog. The show is basically CSI, minus the cheesy cinematography, cliched setting, forced uncomfortable banter, and cultural hype. The two principal characters, anthropologist Temperance “Bones” Brennan (Deschanel) and FBI Agent Seeley Booth (Boreanaz) have an uneasy alliance to solve murders both old and new. This alliance is held together by a mutual desire to see the truth served. Their attempts to understand one another, coupled with their natural chemistry and complex personalities, reveal that this show really focuses on life, not death. It’s truly fascinating to watch. I literally watched approximately 8 hours of this show in the last two days. Buy it on DVD – you won’t be sorry!

3. Jewel tones – Today I procured a amethyst-colored vintage dress reminiscent of the forties, along with two MAC eyeshadows in opalescent teal/blue/green, and metallic gold. It doesn’t get much better than that.

4. Science Fiction / Fantasy Novels – I miss them terribly. While at Barnes & Noble today, I scanned the shelves and saw new volumes lined up next to those I read long ago, before college. It made me very sad. I realized that my priorities have shifted dramatically. While reading was once my favorite pastime, now I enjoy social interaction. I’m always busy doing something with others. Next semester, I am going to read at least one book a week… Which is still a far cry from the 3 per week I used to plow through.