As it turns out, Snow Patrol equates with pure joy. I just couldn't stop smiling. On the drive home, I passed the Pentagon and remembered that it was now 2:00 am on September 11th. There were dozens of spot lights shining up from the middle, and roads were closed all around the building as well as Arlington cemetery. It was a strange place to find myself while just trying to get home. All in all the commemorations and images have a far greater impact on me now than they did when I was living 2500 miles away, ensconced entirely in the IR theory side of terrorism as opposed to seeing entire cities crippled. Dare I say that it's been a positive experience?

Not as pleasant was Friday night's attempt at supporting local music. My companions were in high spirits, we had a delectable dinner at my new favorite Ethiopian place, and greatly enjoyed the night. It is here that I point out that we had a good time in spite of the music, not because of it. The show featured Virginia Coalition, the Lloyd Dobbler Effect, and Zox, and highlighted why college bands should remain such and not try to obtain success beyond their frat-tastic followers. This is the point at which I belittle VaCo's keyboardist. Dude, you're playing a Casio keyboard and cowbell in what amounts to a bad OAR tribute band while looking like you're ready to subject some rush to Edward Forty Hands. This does not make you hardcore. Seriously, it was like watching Fred Durst on speed. I know their rabid fans loved that he went through a small forest of drumsticks, but it really just made me wonder at his ego.

Overall, it was a pretty fabulous weekend, that extended well into Monday. Here's hoping that the rest of the week follows suit.