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Perfect World staffer Molly Mew has returned from her adventure to Mongolia with a million stories to share. Here is an excerpt from the last e-mail she sent during her trip. To read the rest of Molly's correspondence, go to our blog at adn.com/underagethinking

Grateful despite some difficulties

By day four of our week-long trek into the Mongolian countryside, we found ourselves matter-of-factly reciting the Nietzsche quote, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." We had certainly been appreciating the sweeping landscapes and haunting monasteries. However, after 95-degree heat, six-hour horse rides and skeptical food each night, the grime of Ulaanbaatar began to look slightly less repulsive. Yet through all our dehydration and food poisoning, it was an irreplaceable experience that made us feel somehow incredibly cool. Yes, we felt sick and could hardly see through the swarms of flies. But we were sick from eating horse tongue and the flies were there because of all the livestock roaming freely through the hills. The heat may be sweltering, but at least we'll go home with amazing tans.

-- MOLLY MEW

PLAYLIST

Swedish artists offer relief

Pop music tends to get a bad rap. And, granted, a lot of that is deserved -- I don't know how much more Disney-fied pop rock I can handle. I have to believe that we are more mature than this. So, when I crave a good ballad or energetic hook, a song that is as artistic as it is catchy, I look to the Swedes. After all, most of the good stuff that's been charting in the U.S. recently has been produced by them. (Britney is an excellent example.)

This is a collection of the most enthralling songs Sweden has offered in recent years:

• Handle Me -- Robyn

• Heartbeat -- Annie

• My Favourite Game -- The Cardigans

• Dance Dance Dance -- Lykke Li

• Silent Shout -- The Knife

• What Else is There? -- Röyksopp

• Heartbeats -- The Knife

• With Every Heartbeat (ft. Kleerup) -- Robyn

• Moan (ft. Ane Trolle) -- Trentemøller

• Det Snurrar I Min Skalle -- Familjen

• Boten Ana -- Basshunter

-- MICHAEL LAWLOR

Que Pasa

New twist on a classic play

• Cyrano's presents a performance of Neil Simon's classic, "The Odd Couple," showing at 9:45 p.m. this Saturday. This play gets a spin with male and female versions of two opposites forced to be roommates. Tickets are $20 at the door; www.cyranos.org.

• Famous American singer and songwriter John Prine performs Sunday at the Atwood Concert Hall at 8 p.m., featuring special guest Jason Wilber. Tickets available by calling 263-ARTS.

-- CHLOE MILLER