Isabel, I Barely Knew Ya...

I’ve been back from my holiday at the beach four days and already it seems but a distant memory. I’m at the office today even though there is Federal leave due to Hurricane Isabel – its very empty here but the services managed to stay on the air.

Yesterday was a drag, the metro closed at 11 am so there was no point in coming.

Up early as usual I went out for coffee only to discover I would not be able to lounge al fresco since the shops had moved the outdoor furniture in. I ran into Biddy and I helped her buy hair products – its amazing what people prioritize in times of emergency. I went to the Soviet Safeway on 17th to get some Nutella – talk about priorities – but the lines were out of control. I went to the Latino market next door and discovered they have egg-shaped Caribou-like cheese like in the Philippines so I can fry that up with pan de sal. I moved my garden indoors and it really did transform the living room with all the flowers and fronds. The rains started and the power went off in the afternoon and I just lay all hot, bothered and unfit all night listening to the wind roar and the power came back on around 5 am.

I’m glad I’m here today even though the Man is being a pain in the ass. Had an impossible long meeting with the Lao Service about a war the Man started and finished the Highlights and have been working on some other bullshit that no one but the Man seems to car about. Doubt I’m getting credit for this risking my life to come here today. The only food available is McDonalds so I think I’ll fast.

A few notes from The Man during the "Gathering Storm," his words, not mine... oh fearless leader.

A few notes as Isabel closes in on us: The company that runs our vending machines restocked them yesterday and will send someone out again afternoon today to restock. The cleaning contractor has restocked supplies in all restrooms. Cots and blankets are being distributed around the area. If we lose power, More later as details emerge. Here's hoping 24 hours from now we'll be able to say it wasn't nearly as serious as it could have been. In the meantime, stay warm, dry ... and brave!

and

I want to say thanks to everyone in the East Asia & Pacific Division who
did so much to keep our operations running smoothly during typhoon
Isabel (we call them 'typhoons' in East Asia!).

A number of you came early, stayed overnight, or contributed in a myriad
of other ways to the steady, unbroken accomplishment of our mission.
All of the ways you contributed involved personal sacrifice and a
demonstration of your dedication. For this you deserve the heartiest of
congratulations on a job well done.

oh sweet...
The Outer Banks were great (and I hope the house is OK after the hurricane). The weather was iffy and the water was choppy but it was relaxing and healthy. Mom’s friend Nancy came for a visit and she is a lot of fun. She is allergic to carbohydrates. I walked to the pier every day, sometimes twice and made smoothies with my new machine. A great discovery is that if you run out of milk or yogurt and have a lot of bananas, a couple of ice-cream sandwiches in the mix really turns out to be a treat. I spent like a million dollars at the dollar store. Also finally read Running with Scissors and Paris to the Moon. The latter was especially delightful as it brought back memories of my childhood in France.

I'm always so rejuvenated and creative at the beach especially during off-season when I have long stretches to myself. Composed several albums worth of material in my head - now forgotten.

Also at the beach, watched Alphaville DVD, caught Louis Malle's Atlantic City by chance (Susan Saradon as croupier wannabe/fishmonger, Burt Lancaster aging gigolo/playa wannabe - really a gem). Made poor choice for family viewing night: House of Yes. Rather stagey incest comedy. Not appreciated.

Wednesday night I bribed MJ with dinner and went to see Goldfrapp at the 9:30 Club. I must say that was a very tight show production wise. First of all she looks amazing, like an East German prostitute in latex stilletto knee-high boots with a Patty Hearst cap. It was a very generous set although she did not perform “Brown Paper Bags.” She had this mini-theramin thing and played it like a big long sahrp penis. The band had two electric violin things which had orchestral effects and were truly sublime. Really a solid show.

The funny thing was MJ and and I were looking down at the audience and she told me she didn't understand the funny hats people were wearing. I pointed out that she is seeing the Trucker Hat. Yes, the fuglies have finally hit DC, soon to appear in neighborhoods near you.

Trucker hats go so far past uncool they get second life as doubly-ironic fashion statements... in Los Angeles. Snicker. : From NY Post today

September 19, 2003 -- IF anyone ever any doubt about whether New York
was more fashion-forward than Los Angeles, the Von Dutch clothing craze
now gripping the late sleepers of La-La land should end any debate.
Besides inspiring the odious "trucker hat" trend, the L.A.-based line of
hot-rod inspired duds has become de rigueur for clueless clotheshorses
Britney Spears, Fred Durst, Ricky Martin, Justin Timberlake, Tara Reid -
and every other bubble-headed boldfacer without a whit of fashion sense.
Halle Berry's husband, the gooey R&B crooner Eric Benet, is pictured in
the new Us Weekly and In Touch wearing a Von Dutch trucker hat and
t-shirt, accessorized with a "rough and tumble" wallet chain. Apparently
the Von Dutch victims actually believe they look good. Thankfully, New
Yorkers haven't taken the bait. Spotting Von Dutch duds at a stylish
soiree in this town is still rarer than finding a tray of lasagna
backstage at a fashion show.

Since the only place to buy music at the beach is Walmart and their selection is too "edgy" for me, I went crazy upon my return. Still going through my new music so do not have any definitive opinions:

1) British Sea Power- The Decline of British Sea Power
next to the Libertines, this is the big breakout for me this year. Awesome music, concept, etc. Will be playing this for a while.

2) Pretty Girls Make Graves Modern Romance– don’t like it yet- don’t like the chick'svoice and the lyrics are really junior high school. Maybe I'll like them later.

3) Lost in Translation OST – very mellow and dreamy. Have to be in the mood. New work form Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine). I hear he has a gut and is balding now. Well I guess so am I.

Its on the Emperor Norton label. I pretty much dig everything they put out.

4) Received Linda Perhacs Parralelograms in mail from Other Music. This is a great find - really beautiful, strange.

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