Bombs, divorce ads, music recs and why I need to go to Japan

1) Bombs. I was headed to the bank to deposit a check tonight and I quickly realized an entire 8-block area had been roped off surrounding my bank. Granted, this was in Midtown KCMO and these things happen. But I was ticked and inconvenienced and mad as heck when I pulled up alongside a motorcycle cop and asked how I could get to US Bank. He said "unless you're the bomb squad you shouldn't go near US Bank." And then told me there was a bomb being dismantled. Hence the tape and police and cleared radius. Interestingly enough, this was not enough to gain real interest. The Kansas City Star has a piece though. I expected more after the shut-down killed rush hour traffic and, well, involved a possible bomb. I'm just saying....
2) Ford is being bold in a stupid way. I'd like to refer to their "Bold Moves" campaign as "How we court bankruptcy." The most controversial (and poorly executed) spot features a poor sap of a divorced dad who is allowed a weekend with his ex and kids (watch this spot on the Slate site). Then is dropped off with his duffel at his bachelor tri-plex while the mom and kiddos drive off in their Ford. Congratulations, Ford, for taking an important societal issue and completely dorking it in advertising. This is horrendous and only bold in its ignorance. One more reason I hope you fail as a brand.
3) On to a better subject: Music. Josh Ritter now has his "Girl in War" EP on iTunes. Go buy it. Or at least buy the songs "Harbortown" and the Modest Mouse cover "Blame it on the Tetons." Incredible. Speaking of Modest Mouse, check out Wolf Parade. I've also been listening to a lot of Athlete lately. Check 'em out.
4) My parents went back to Japan this summer and in turn provided a restock of my favorite Japanese snacks, beverages and expensive sake. The supply is running low though. I need a reason to return. Ideas are welcome, as are legitimate excuses for a work visa.

Listening to - Kate Earl, Fate is the Hunter. This is a great late-night disc to spin. Need a little more umph than Norah Jones? Spin Kate Earl. She's the love child of Bjork and Diana Krall.