Since I have been meaning to punch out some quality posts for vdov I thought I would wrap up a couple odds and ends here. I have a couple mini reviews on the topics of music, religion, a book, movies, and some updates from the vdov crowd and those over to the right of the page in our blogroll.

Dog
Shawna and I now have a dog. Her name is Kodiak St. Joan of Arc Fischer Hollen or Koda. She is the prettiest and most well behaved pup ever and no dog in the world is as wonderful. That being said it is very strange to be a dog owner. I have learned several interesting items:

1. You are now everyones new pal. The amount of strangers that come up to you in the street and begin conversations is impressive. Often its not just a “oh can I pet her” either. I find myself engaged in lengthy dog related conversations with perfect strangers on a daily basis.
2. You have to become a “dog person.” Puppies love to run and play. Providence doesn’t allow overnight street parking at all. This means that every house/apartment that used to have a yard now has a big asphalt driveway. This means we have to take her to the dog park. This always means you have to interact with other “dog people” and then you find yourself part of a loose knit self reinforcing community against your will. Governments would be so lucky.
3. Dogs with blue eyes get all the attention.

Book
After the death of of His Holiness Pope John Paul II and the elevation of Joseph Alois Ratzinger to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI I was worried because I knew very little about the new pope and in contrast to John Paul II with his anti-communist freedom fighting, attention to Catholic youth, and reformative attitude Benedict XVI seemed old and authoritarian. However, after reading more about the new spiritual leader through some excellent Catholic blogs (in case anyone is interested in Catholic blogs that are about current events and not “faith” per se.). I realized that he is brilliant. He is not the stodgy authoritarian I imagined and is, in fact, in every sense a theologian. He takes a very rational approach to religion and reminds me more of an academic professor (much like the ones I had at Bowdoin and not surprising considering he was one) than a priest. After his election to the Papacy, Benedict XVI has published a book on the historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the second most recent in a long history of books written by Benedict XVI. The startling aspect of the book is that the introduction clearly invites disagreement and discussion on his interpretation of the historical Jesus.

Whether or not you participate in the Catholic faith or if you even hearken to religion at all its a good book. It is a very interesting discussion of the theology of Catholicism with respect to the Catholic relation with Jesus the man. A very worthwhile read for the Christians and atheists on vdov.

Music
There are a few tracks that have been leaked recently or just came out that are most excellent.

For Reverend Green from Strawberry Jam by Animal Collective. (buy it)

The Animal Collective continues to get better with each album. For Reverend Green has the typical Animal Collective repetitive and loud melody dressed with beautiful vocals that give the whole thing a glorious rising sound. The sound is huge and you may find yourself listening to it over and over again. Even as the vocals dip into harsher screaming it is never too long and gives the song the right amount of edge that is at the same time taken off by the wonderful sound of the melody.

Paper Planes from Kala by M.I.A. (buy it)

Basically M.I.A. is gold right now. Everything she does is great. The new album is fantastic. I guess that Paper Planes is her “gangster” song. Singing of globe trotting, visa toting, criminality seems un-M.I.A. but the song is wonderful. Catchy chorus and a great pop sound. Even cash register and gun sound effects thrown in.

The Mending of the Gown from Random Spirit Lover by Sunset Rubdown (pre-order it direct)

Spencer Krug, formerly of Wolf Parade, is just about to release his third album. It is on new label Jagjaguwar based in Bloomington, IN. Sunset is absolutley on fire. This album is currently leaked and from what I have heard it is amazing. Much like Animal Collective Sunset has a big sound that is almost frantic at times. Mending of the Gown is just one of several awesome songs I have heard from this album. The sound is beautifully layered and Krug’s singing is earnest and captivating. The harmonization heard in this track is wonderful and subtle. I am also very curious who Maggie and Sam are.

Friends
Just a couple notes on some of the people over to the right in our blog roll. Matt Murchison is leaving for China just about now. He is going to be breeching the Great Firewall of China (which bans wordpress and blogger blogs). He is going to be posting pictures (and he takes good ones) on his flickr account which should be awesome.

Henry Work is moving to California to start a company. It promises to be awesome. Just look at all his awesome ideas. My guess is he ends up doing robot repairs for Disney’s animatronics.

Tim Barz has finally added more street art (i.e. graffiti) to his site. Some of the stuff is damn cool. One of the benefits of living in Manhattan is that it makes you seem cool even if you just take pictures of walls in your neighborhood.

I am not actually sure what Mort, Derek, and Jesse are actually doing. But their blog keeps getting updated so I can only assume that they are not dead (yet). Its good stuff and there is PHILOSOPHY on it… philosophy that relates to PORN!!!!1

Thats all I really know about. I am sure Costa has more info on his share of internet friends.