Totally.

But, I see I still have 48 hours to redeem myself. Which is pathetic, but beats not being able to redeem myself at all.

What in the blazes am I rambling on about anyway?

A supercool thing called Create-A-Thon.

Mediastudio is looking for applications from nonprofits based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area that need graphic design services but can’t afford to pay for them. Maybe you volunteer with, or know of, a small local group that is struggling and would benefit from a high-quality communications product that raises awareness and funds.

If you have a group in mind, tell them to get their application in ASAP!

Here’s how Create-A-Thon works:

1. Local 501(c)(3) organizations located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area are invited to submit applications for CreateAThon. The deadline for applications is noon EST on August 3rd, 2005.

2. 10-12 organizations will be selected to work with the
CreateAThon team on the creation of a graphic product. In addition, selected groups will receive a comprehensive financial policy and procedures manual, tailored for your organization, that incorporates the latest policies, regulations and compliance requirements outlined in Sarbanes-Oxley and related nonprofit legislation.

3. All projects will be completed-from start to finish-during a 24-hour blitz starting Friday, September 30, 2005 at 8:00AM.

Any questions can be emailed to: CAT@mediastudio.com

And my apologies to the good-hearted folks at MediaStudio for not getting the word out about this sooner. These folks are sponsoring the Create-A-Thon, so show ‘em some love, people.

Of course, I would take it home before making out with it.

I’m a loon, but a loon who is not into PDA.

Well, now I’m spared from having to make out with a pilfered placard, as the real live Ron Livingston (aka “The Sexiest Eyebrows in Hollywood”) will be at the Johnston & Murphy store on Connecticut Avenue today from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Why will he be there? Well, other than to make out with me (obviously), I have no idea. But I did throw my copy of Office Space and a Sharpie into my bag this morning, just in case he’s there to sign things…in addition to making out with me.

*Most of you know Livingston — and his incredibly sexy eyebrows — from the modern classic, Office Space. You might also know him — and his eyebrows — from the fantastic Band of Brothers, or even as Berger (the guy who broke up with Carrie via Post-It Note) from Sex and The City. You might even know him from Body Shots…although I wouldn’t mention that one.

That’s what we have he-of-the-impending nuptials, Michael Darpino, for.

Anyway, I know what I like. And I like Keane, and I looove The Killers.

These two bands are on a double bill at the lovely Merriweather Post Pavilion, set for Wednesday, June 8th. (Okay, okay, there are a couple of other acts playing too…but I’m not cool enough to have the foggiest notion of who the other two acts are.)

Keane’s 70s-soft-rock-Bread-meets-Coldplay sound is in heavy rotation for me these days. And The Killers? Well, I love them with a love once reserved only for Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies…I mean, come on…Eric Roberts is in their video…plus, they seem like they’d put on one helluva live show.

So, yeah…The Killers and Keane are playing.

And there was much rejoicing.

You can join me in my rejoicing when you buy your tickets during tomorrow morning’s pre-sale courtesy of The Dreaded Ticketmaster.

What’s that you say? You don’t have the password for the pre-sale?

And lo, there came the word. And the word was: lasvegas.

And it was good.

So, what does this have to do with DC, you ask [I'm sure you asked, even though this is the internet and no one can hear you...except the DOJ]?

Well, there are a whole lot of MD/DC/VA folks who are members at the site, and every so often someone organizes a special event. The next event is coming up on Saturday, April 9th, starting at the Sephora store at Tyson’s. These events give you the chance to do something we’ve all dreamed of: shop in a mall before it is open to the public [if you doubt me, look no further than last week's episode of The so-addictive-it-must-somehow-contain-heroin O.C.]. To attend, you must register in advance, although it’s not necessary to be a MakeupAlley member. It’s completely free to attend the event, and you’ll have a chance to sample all sorts of products, chat with other product whores while sipping lattes, and even get a free makeover. Plus, if you spend $75, you’ll get a fantastic gift bag filled with all sorts of sample-sized goodies. Interested in exploring your inner lip gloss junkie? Drop me an email and I’ll get the details to you.

To be fair, part of my disappointment might stem from the fact that the stunningly rude girls who were in our box talked during the entire production [rant]What is wrong with people?! Apparently, they didn’t understand the “plot” of the opera, and somehow thought that discussing the fact that they didn’t understand what was going on would help them understand what was going on, whereas I might have suggested the second option of actually shutting up and watching the production in hopes that might help you understand it. [/rant]

But probably the most surprising part of the entire evening for me was the surprisingly challenging task of finding a place for dinner before the show. That shouldn’t be so hard, right? But, there we were, all dressed up and, really, no place we wanted to go. We wanted somewhere we would feel comfortable dressed for an evening at the opera [we're old-fashioned and think that an evening at the opera -- even if it is at the MCI -- requires slightly more effort than jeans and a U of M sweatshirt. Seriously, I ask again: What is wrong with people?]. And we wanted a restaurant with good food. And we wanted it to be convenient to MCI so we could walk to the show after dinner. Shouldn’t be hard, right? Well, apparently, we’re missing something. I’d been to the conveniently-located-and-excessively-hyped Rosa Mexicano and, honestly, didn’t love it. Too many people trying to be tragically hip for my taste. And, speaking of taste, there really wasn’t any to their “famous” pomegranate margaritas. At any rate, Rosa Mexicano was clearly out, and after mulling over what seemed to us to be really very few choices, we settled on Buttefield 9. Lovely atmosphere. Lousy service. Priced as expected. Wholly average food.

So, you tell me…where should I have gone for dinner?