Dispatch!

On Friday night Caitlin and I had a quick dinner, boarded the ferry, and made our way to Seattle's Moore Theatre to see Dispatch. The trio hadn't released a new album in nearly 12 years and, while it's not my favorite Dispatch to date, they were full of energy and totally into pleasing the crowd. Many of their older songs brought about nostalgic memories of listening to the same songs over and over with good people throughout the years.

If you haven't listened to them recently, do, it may bring the same smile to your face it did mine.

Riley

Stoked!

Last night Caitlin and I caught the ferry over to Seattle to attend the World Premier of Matchstick Productions' 20th ski film, Superheroes of Stoke. And, as if attending the World Premier weren't already exciting enough, Caitlin's cousin, Michelle Parker is one of the film's featured athletes!


Caitlin, Michelle, and I posing with Saucer Boy.

The film was fantastic and being in a snow driven atmosphere felt like home.

Is it ski season yet?

Riley

Ira Glass!

Last night Caitlin and I had the pleasure of listening to Ira Glass speak at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. His show, "Reinventing Radio", took aim at illustrating why the removal of the visual sense gives radio such a special feel. This was perfectly demonstrated as he began the show in complete darkness before the lights revealed the man behind the voice.

The show was wonderful. It was informative, humorous, and most importantly, interactive. Ira is just as you would imagine him, a bit scattered but genuine. His ability to move from a substantial tangent to complete cohesion is impressive.

My favorite part of the show came when Ira was describing a film, Sleepwalk With Me, recently directed and produced by he and his NPR counterparts. During his description he mentioned that it was playing at the "Harvard Exit" Theatre in Seattle. Curious as to the origin of why it was called the "Harvard Exit", he asked the audience. "Because that's where the exit to Harvard Avenue is," was the response he received. He stood for a moment in disbelief before saying, "Really? That's pathetic." Returning to his story he progressed into describing Sleepwalk With Me and how its first showing was at the E Street Theatre in Washington, D.C. Just as he proceeded the audience burst into laughter. He paused and asked, "What? What did I say?" Someone yelled out "E Street" and he stopped dead in his tracks realizing his "pathetic" ridicule had been countered. He animatedly replied, "Touche!" It was fantastic.

Listening to This American Life has become something I cherish. I can't remember the last road trip I took where I didn't listen to at least three episodes. I know that the ride around Bainbridge Island is approximately two-and-a-half This American Lifes. Today is Sunday and I know that at 7:00 p.m. I will download the latest episode which I've been salivating over all week.

Last night was truly a dream come true. Part of the credit is due to the This American Life team but the majority of it goes to my wonderful fiancé who treated us to the evening as a tribute to our two-year anniversary.

I love you Caitlin!

Riley