The View From Up Here

I turned thirty-three today! And contrary to popular belief, my birthday wish wasn't that I could change my name to Timmy for the day!

We had friends over last night and ate take-out from Ruby Foo's, gluten free cake from Dean and Deluca, and a bottle of Clos Mogador 2003 from Spain that Conner brought over. On the first sip of that wine I was immediately transported back to Plaza De Mayor and my heart ached for Spain.

It was a great birthday dinner and I feel so incredibly blessed and humbled by the wonderful life that I have. Allison got me a pack of ten passes to go to the driving range in Edgewater, NJ. Totally unexpected and I am so pumped about using them. "Hey Brandon gotta hit the sticks when you get back!"

Shout out to Aunt Nancy for getting me the Remastered Joshua Tree album with bonus 'B' Sides. I am listening to the actual CD and it sounds incredible! It's been years since I listened to music straight off the CD. There is a huge difference even listening through crappy headphones. I am encoding this CD at 320k, any less would be a travesty! There isn't a better album period (in my opinion). Name a better one, and make it your own opinion not just what came up in a Google search!

I believe my relationship with iTunes is about over. I am going follow the lead of Krister (and the prodding of my bro-in-law) and start downloading my music from Amazon.com. No DRM, higher bit rate quality, and no DRM. Not that I will stop using iTunes or my iPod (NEVER!).

Update:
Was going to get the Black Crowes new CD but they don't offer it in download form. Dilemma, for the same money do I order the actual CD from Amazon or do I download it in all it's DRM suckiness from iTunes?

Links:
Radio Lab is the coolest podcast out there. Mind blowing every time.
Studio 360, might give them a run for the money though.
If a pilot tried to land like this, I would be screaming like a little girl!
The Livmor....blocking our view of Harlem, Spring 2009!
Barcelona, a great sounding band. Check them out.
Admit it...you didn't think I could do it (last line of post)!