“Success is not how high and fast you reach the top, but how high and fast you bounce back when you hit bottom.”

For a couple days, we thought we landed our first home. After almost two months, the bank accepted our offer, but quickly dropped us when someone else made a higher deal. Now we know how short sells work. We’re back on the hunt again. Feel bad for our agent. She has been on top of things all along, but the seller agent screwed up.

NPR profiles producer Norman Granz:

The creation of great art does not rely solely on the creativity of great artists. Behind countless masterpieces are promoters, critics and consumers who make artistic expression possible. Although he can’t sing a note and never played an instrument, Norman Granz is one of those non-artists who made jazz possible in the 20th century. As a concert promoter and record producer, Granz has no equal in the history of popular music.

Listen to the program here.

Paris Hilton responds to McCain ad. Her scripted energy plan doesn’t sound bad.

A hilarious spoof video from Affion Crockett doing both Lil Wayne and Jay-Z.

From BBC:

A baby dying from kidney failure was saved when her doctor designed and built her a dialysis machine from scratch in his garage.

The little girl looks mad cute.

A gorgeous, elegant site that “has represented the lifestyle, personality, and enthusiasm for adventure espoused by one of America’s most celebrated literary masters.”

I’ve been hooked on GoldCoast’s Maine lobster and blue crab spreads with crackers. A glass of cocktail to complement the spreads is our little treat after a long day at work. Life isn’t so bad.

Not sure if Ho Ngoc Ha has been puffing or not, but her voice has gotten very raspy as if the nicotine has rubbed her timbre. Her rendition of Trinh Cong Son’s “Mot Coi Di Ve” is rough on the surface yet smooth underneath, and the result is hypnotic. Even her live performance of “Unchained Melody” is somehow captivating. Her anorexic figure and fragile voice are a reminiscent of Amy Winehouse. She sings like she’s going to break down, yet she is surprisingly capable of hitting the high notes when you’re not expecting her to. Now I can’t wait to see this chick at a concert.

World’s Most Courageous Swimming Girl