Oh, Valencia!

I just watch the Decemberists' Conan appearance. They sounded great, or at least greater than bands normally sound playing live on TV. I found it particularly off-putting though to see:
1. their new drummer who is both a)male b)competent (I know I know, it isn't true, but I always secretly kinda felt like I could play drums about as well as Rachel Blumberg)
2. someone attractive (aside from Colin Meloy, naturally). Apparently there's some confusion over whether Lisa Molinaro is a new band member or just around for the tour but really--the whole pretty girl in a mildly modern outfit just seemed so contrary to their aesthetic, or at least my perception of it.

Remember? They Were the British Anarchists.

Driving in to work I was listening to a Morning Edition story about the new body armor soldiers in Iraq are outfitted with these days. The central interviewee in the piece was a Marine who had been shot in the back by a sniper. Had he been wearing the old protective gear, the best case scenario would have been life long paralysis. With the new armor, though, he survived with no more than a bruise and a damaged protective plate that serves as a testament to what he endured. He plans to have that piece of armor mounted once he returns home, complete with commemorative plate that cites the date of the incident and, possibly, a quote from a song: "I get knocked down, but I get up again."

Chumbawamba? Ironic much?