Okay, not really a “Manic Monday”, but a day that I seem to have a lot on my mind…

It’s been a while since I’ve posted, and I apologize for slacking behind lately.

Today, as some of you may know, is International Women’s Day. To all of the Women around the world, I salute you. Sadly, not all women around the world are given the same respect and rights as human beings as we would all like to think. And for that, I say we all stand up for each other and pray that someday soon all women around the world will be loved and respected equally.

Another thing that has been fresh on my mind, and that I’ve been tracking all weekend are the elections in Iraq. This Iraq election is the most important to the Iraqi people, and to our U.S. troops who are scheduled to pull-out by 2011. One of my favorite journalists, NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel, has returned to Iraq to cover the Iraqi elections. He recently left Iraq after spending five long years reporting during the height of the Iraq war from 2003 to 2008, in which he wrote of in his “War Journal” (a compelling, and terrifically written journal I’m currently reading). Because of his knowledge of Iraq, and years spent in the Middle East, I suggest turning to his reporting on the Iraq elections. He recently wrote an excellent piece for the NBC News World Blog, and lately you can always find him updating via Twitter at @richardengelnbc.

On a less serious note:

Also over the weekend was possibly the best Saturday night in a long time. Saturday Night Live that is… If you caught Zach Galifianakis hosting Saturday Night Live, most of you would agree. Sometimes the show just feels like it’s missing something, but this time Zach brought us back to realizing why it’s the greatest comedy show of all time! (many of you may have realized that he actually shaved his beard during the show.) Here’s the hilarious digital short, “Zach Drops By The Set”:

And last night was Oscar night. While I’m happy for all those who were nominated, and cheered on everyone who won an Oscar, I am mostly happy for all of the wins The Hurt Locker took home last night. It’s a very powerful (and lately controversial) film about members of the Army’s EOD squad (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) during the early years of the Iraq war. While it’s controversial, and there are several inaccuracies, it’s a powerful and compelling film, and most importantly raises the public’s awareness of a soldier’s life.

Finally, I wanted to share a few songs that I’ve been playing on a loop:

“Much Farther To Go” - Rosie Thomas = A lovely, lovely song that just makes me melt.

“Wedding Day” – Rosie Thomas = Leaves me speechless.

“The Man With No Skin” – Great Lake Swimmers = The greatest group (in my opinion) that BriTunes has ever shared! (so far)

“Change Is Hard” – She & Him = Because I adore this duo.

“Thieves” - She & Him = A new one from the group.

“April Come She Will” - Simon and Garfunkel = Just because Simon and Garfunkel will never get old.

“Long May You Run” - Neil Young = This one’s still playing in my head…