There's this thing called the internet...

There are two parts of the internet that literally astound me every time I sit down to actually think about them. Sure, emailing is key, and getting information is wonderful. But those things were easy enough before (remember actually writing letters and reading the newspaper? Yeah.)

The two most amazing occurrences on the internet are Maps and Job Searches. I was just chatting with my friend and wondered, "How did anyone find a job before the internet?" He aptly replied "It's probably why people stayed at the same company their whole lives." This, I think, is true. I think it's also why urban areas are being revitalized and former dead zones in the US are now booming (case in point, the good ol' desert of the Southwest). There are more opportunities for people to move out of their comfort zone of home, and see what the world has to offer. As I am currently self-employed (fancy terminology for being broke, but loving it), I can literally pick up and move anywhere. With the beauty of Craigslist, I can find a sublet or temporary housing with the click of a mouse.

As far as maps, sure I can read a map. But ohmigod, mapping things on Google Maps or MapQuest is so beyond better, because it's a no-brainer, and it tells you exactly where to go. And you know we all love those faux-directions they give like "slight left at ramp" which literally means, merge onto the ramp. A little less specifics wouldn't be so bad, but still. And I know that in maybe the next 10 years, we're all going to consider the Google Map satellite function as an invasion of privacy, it's pretty sweet to be able to check out IN REAL TIME what a neighborhood looks like. I checked out a new Google Map function today while perusing Craigslist for an apartment. They now have a little tab called "Street View." I can click on that, zoom in, and voila, look at THE BUILDING I AM THINKING OF LIVING IN.

Holy fuck. I just reblew my own mind. God love you, dear internet. Now, bring me some cake, dammit!

Over the Rhine redux

I happened to have "Brothers and Sisters" on TV last night (I have heard good things about the show, but cannot commit to another drama for the season - I am fully stocked with "Gossip Girl" and "Law & Order: SVU") and I was beyond thrilled to hear an Over the Rhine song playing in a scene! It's not one of my favorite songs by them, but a good one nonetheless, and it was playing loudly enough that it didn't fade into the background.

SIDENOTE: "Felicity" wins, hands-down, for having the best OTR song in one of the most appropriate scenes. I think it was in the second-to-last season and one of the cast members leaves a goodbye video. You'll have to traverse IMDB for the full details.

If you'd like to check it out, it should be on iTunes or their website. Title: "Born."

More on my misadventures in Michigan very soon!