'The Bean'...

MONDAY NOVEMBER 2 At the top of my Must See List was "The Bean". Apparently I'm not the only one that calls it that, but it's official name is Cloud Gate (which I just learned today, Thanks Wikipedia!) The famous Chicago sculpture is a popular tourist destination and a photo taking lover's dream. It is also located in Millennium Park. I'm glad I got to check it off the list before the sun went down. This is such a creative artistic city.

FUN FACT:

It is made up of 168 plates of stainless steel welded together.

It's highly polished exterior has no visible seems.

Crown Fountain...

MONDAY NOVEMBER 2 One of my favorite Chicago highlights was Crown Fountain, a public art/video sculpture located in Millenium Park. Two glass towers flank a black granite reflecting pool. It opened in July of 2004, so it's a fairly new addition to the downtown area. I strongly suggest that if you have a chance, to check it out. If visiting May-October (weather permitting) you'll be able to experience it with water turned on, but even without, it was definately a sight to see!

FUN FACT:

While some of the videos displayed are nature scenes,

most attention is focused on video of local residents.

Up...

MONDAY NOVEMBER 2 The best way to see the Windy City is to head up. So that's just what we did. After a speedy elevator ride, we made our way to the 94th Observation Floor of the John Hancock Building. For the price of admission we got a personal (okay with headphones) tour of Chicago, from David Schwimmer although 5 minutes into it, I turned him off. We hit right as the sun was going down, but it was the perfect day to check out the skyline and Lake Michigan (far as the eye can see. The Great Salt Lake's got nothin' on it!) Such a beatiful city.

FUN FACT:

The 44th floor sky lobby features America's highest indoor swimming pool.

Home Sweet Home...

Flying back into the Salt Lake valley after yet another successful getaway. Where to head next, is the question...

Chicago '09...

I've been busy and haven't uploaded any of my Chicago photos yet, but rest assured... they're coming soon!

Happy 88th Birthday Grandma!...

Zombieland '09...

One of the reasons I decided to spend my Halloween in Chicago is because I knew my friend Randy loved the holiday and was known to go all out. He also has a fondness for zombies and other things that go bump in the night. So I knew I was in good hands for this years costume. We made a quick stop at a fun thrift store to grab a jacket (it was a chilly night, this zombie needed to stay warm) before my 90-plus minute make over. So timely, that we missed the Halloween parade in Boystown but we were fashionable late for all the bar/club hoping. We also got amazing feedback from our costumes, and I swear I've never had my picture taken more. I know I ended up on some twitter pic waiting for the El train. It was easily one of my most memorable All Hallows Eve, if not the best... that is until next year. (Better start planning now! I set a high standard this Halloween!)

Coming Soon...

My recap/photos of my Halloween in Chicago is coming soon.

Stay tuned!

Oops, I Did It Again...

Okay, this is really really embarrassing, but I have a problem, or a maybe it's a trend, or by now it's a tradition... depending on how you look at it. Every time I'm preparing to go on a vacation, I seem to have a tendency to overflow my kitchen sink. Let me explain. I like to come back from a vacation to a clean(-ish) house. So while I'm packing my suitcase, I'm also trying to clean up my crib. Well, said crib is a very old house and the hot water has VERY low pressure. I will start to fill the kitchen sink, and I've tried to multi-task as the water (quietly)runs. This is where I will attempt to run a pile of clothes to my bedroom, pick up some trash or in this case catch my cat masturbating in the bedroom. Of course I had to hop online to tweet about this. [Mo is a known masturbator. I don't judge.] Anyway, for the third or forth time now I forgot about my dish washing chores and ended up with a drawer full of gushing water. It was sure fun cleaning up, and consequentially resulting in a kitchen that was far messier than when I started. One of these days I'll learn!

Sadee Watch...

My niece S.J. is so freaking cute. I decided to take advantage of all the smiles and show off her adorable Halloween fashions. Love her! My nieces are the best! Go ahead and be jealous.

Craft Night with Bubbas...

On Sunday October 25th, I thought it would be fun if Brylee and I tricked out a few pumpkins. Being the adult, I stuck to the carving while she gladly painted hers. She was also a little freaked out by the innards, so I was also in charge of removing their brains. We had such a fun time we decided to keep the creativity flowing by making a few Halloween crafts of our own. It was great bonding with my Bubbas! Good to see the creativity apple didn't fall far from the "Uncle's Tree."

Happy Birthday Marty...

Just wanted to wish my little bro a Happy Birthday 

(this Friday OCTOBER 30th).  

I'll be away from my computer this weekend so getting this greeting in early! 

Love List: October Edition...

Blonde Babes, Brunette Boys and 6 More

Things That Were Awesome This October

1. Sister Dottie S. Dixon

I was very disappointed when I missed the first run of her one woman show back in May. Thankfully, she came back for an encore presentation this month. I made sure to snatch up tickets right away. And I was sooo blown away, I went back for second helpin's. Two shows in one week. Landsamercy! I’ve never laughed so hard. We all need a little Dottie in our life. I strongly encourage ya’ll to check her out when she finishes her run at the Rose Wagner theater in January. It’s Sister Dottie’s world. We just live in it!
.

2. Amy Poehler

I've always had a girl crush on Mrs. Will Arnett. She's one of brightest SNL's Hall of Fame All-Stars. But it was hard standing by her sitcom Parks and Recreation during it's so-so freshman season run. (Which I did anyway. I saw the potential.) Well, the second season is off to a phenomenal start and the series is jelling to a well oiled comedy machine. If you're not watching, add it to your Tivo immediately. I'd like to introduce you to one Leslie Knope. She's a hoot! Really!

.

3. 'I Told You I Was Freaky'

by Flight of the Conchords

The music from the second, and final [INSERT FROWNY FACE HERE] season of FOTC was released this month. Burning a spot in my i-pods heavy rotation are I Told You I Was Freaky... and Too Many Dicks (on the Dance Floor)... and Angels... and Carol Brown... and Hurt Feelings and... Oh hell, I might as well list the entire soundtrack. They're all groovy goodlicious.

.

4. The Remodeled Super Target

in Fort Union

Super Target is one of my favorite stores! I still find it annoying that there isn’t one in Salt Lake City. Who do I need to write a letter to? Anyway, when I make the trek, I usually venture out to the Fort Union location, which has been undergoing a complete renovation for the past several months. The results are phenomenal. The design and layout are far more pleasing to the eye than the 80’s-ish neon look of the past. Plus they have these nifty new shopping carts to boot. It makes the twenty (plus) minutes to get there a little easier to swallow, but I’m still mad there’s not one downtown.
.

5. Kristen Chenoweth

First she warned me about the dangers of crystal meth by staging an online Intervention. (NSFW or NSFM!!) Then she popped up on an episode of Glee. And now I just got my first disc of (the now cancelled) Pushing Daisies from Netflix in the mail, for which she just won an Emmy. It's amazing soooo much talent fits in such a tiny person. I adore her and can't wait to see what she does next! And she can start by coming back to Glee, which I've heard rumblings is in the works!

6. Halloween

As far as holidays go, Halloween is right up there with Christmas in the ‘Favorite Holiday Department'. It’s honestly a virtual tie. I’ve always been a fan of All Hallows Eve; the spooky decorations, the fun parties and of course the crazy costumes. When’s the last time you got to celebrate Jesus’ birthday dresses as a sexy cop?

.

7. Sam & Dan on

The Amazing Race

Never underestimate the power of a pair of hot brothers to bring you back to a show you'd previously given up on. I'm on board with Team Sam & Dan for this trip around the globe.

.

8. Jane Krakowski

as Jenna Maroney

Picking your favorite cast member of 30 Rock is like asking what your favorite cookie is. How do you answer that? [For the record mine is still the Black and White cookie-- but that is subject to change at a moments notice.] The point is, they're all soo good it's difficult to pick just one. But time and time again, the character getting the most laughs from me is the over the top Jenna Maroney, played by Ms. Krakowski. Jane's fearless performance as the fame-hungry starlet leaves me in stitches each week.
.

9. Behr Paint With Primer

I recently caught the home improvement bug from my friends Jeff and Malcolm, who just moved into a new pad. (It is so much more fun when you're not the one working into the wee hours of the morning, or so I would soon find out.) I decided to do a little sprucing up of my own at my parent's house while they were out of town. (You know how I love surprises!) I purchased the Home Depot recommended paint with primer in it, and let me tell you, it's amazing. It was so easy and had great coverage. Mind you by the end of all the redecorating, I was over it. But if said bug ever comes back around, I know the kind of paint I'll be using.

.

10. David Bromstad

During my parents home revamping of '09 I had a steady stream of HGTV marathons running in the background. One of the best design shows was Colorsplash with David Bromstad... and I'm not just saying that because he's a hot tattoo'd designer, but it surely didn't hurt.

.

11. Jim & Pam's Wedding

I can think of no better way for every one's favorite Office couple, Jim Halpert and Pam Beesely, to tie the knot. I admit, I teared up once they showed the cut-aways to their secret Niagara Falls boat-ride nuptials. Thankfully, the 'I-Saw-It-On-Youtube' inspired march down the aisle also brought tears to my eyes... only this time it was caused by laughter. Jim and Pam 4Eva!

.

12. The Nightmare Before Christmas

I have a tradition, every Halloween season I break out this Tim Burton classic.  It's kinda my thing.

.

13. Lady Gaga

It's taken a while to jump aboard the Lady Gaga train. Sure, I've enjoyed her songs in the past (that is until they reached over-played status) but recently (I think at her VMA performance) that something clicked. When I stopped trying to 'get' her, is when I truly 'got' her. And her recent advocacy for equality only added my respect for her as a musician and as a person.
.

14. These Redesigned Movie Posters

MyModernNet.com recently did a blog post featuring several classic movie posters, redesigned with a modern take on a classic film. The results were magnificent and personally inspiring for me as a wanna-be designer. Click HERE to see the rest. Which one is your favorite?
.

Punkin-O-Carvin-O9...

Here are a few spooky snapshots from Tonya's

Tostadas, Margaritas and Pumpkin Carving Party '09.

Happy Birthday Shila!...

Happy Birthday Mom!...

Love List: September Edition...

New Shows, Returning Favorites and a Few Things That Didn't

Require a Remote Control That Made My September Super

1. Glee

Obsessed.

'Nuff said.

2. Modern Family

Not since my beloved Bluths, has a fictional family so instantly found a place in my heart (one episode to be exact)... and a spot in my crowded Must See TV line-up. The show centers around three families which are interrelated through Jay Pritchett, his son Mitchell Pritchett and his daughter Claire Dunphy. The acting and the writing is superb. The Pritchett clan puts the fun in dysfunctional! Families may or may not be forever, let's just hope this one stays around for seasons to come!

.

3. Michael C. Hall

as Dexter Morgan

I'd like to officially take back anything negative that I initially said about Season 3 of Dexter. Yes, it took a little longer than the previous two seasons to suck me in, but it eventually happened. This is one of the most addicting shows on television, thanks in no small part to it's amazing lead actor. Michael C. Hall is sooo bloody good as the serial killer you hate to love. I can't wait to see how will he balance his new family responsibilities and his 'extracurricular' activities in Season 4.
.

4. Ride Aware

Billboard Campaign

I love this public service campaign and its billboards that are scattered throughout the valley. First and foremost the design is superb and very eye-catching. And of course bikers on motorcycles always catch my eye! Kudos to the design team that came up with it!

5. Wish-Bone Ranch

Salad Spritzer

The lunch of choice this month was my delicious (homemade) grilled chicken salads. (Yes, this is considered cooking in my house.) Throw in some green lettuce, a few extra veggies, some almonds, chicken and then spritz. This product made eating healthier that much easier at only 2 calories per pump. Bon Appetite!

6. Réalité

There are no two bigger pop-culture junkies than Michael Slezak and Kristen Baldwin. The Entertainment Weekly writers/on air personalities first won my heart with their Internet show Idolatry, where they hash all things American Idol. (Wildly entertaining, even if you're not an A.I. fan!) Well good news, their new show Réalité debuted this month, and will re-cap our favorite reality TV show guilty pleasures (See: #15). Tune in. I will be!

7. Frankmusik

Over the past year I've been spewing copious amounts of love to the British song birds, ala Adele, Kate Nash, Little Boots and Lily Allen-- it was by time that a chap got some attention too. (You know, to keep James Morrison company on the Love List). His latest electropop album "Complete Me" has been in heavy rotation on my i-Pod. (Thanks Nike, for turning me on to him, and thanks Frankmusik for just turning me on. Musically speaking, of course!) [My other favorite song: Here.]

8. The Office, The Office & The Office*

*Season 6 on NBC /

Season 5 on DVD /

Older Seasons Now in Syndication

America's favorite paper-pushers are taking over the world, one ream of paper at a time! Long live Michael, Dwight, Jim, Pam, Ryan, Stanley, Kevin, Angela, Phyllis, Meredith, Kelly, Creed, Oscar, Toby, Andy, Darryl, Jan, Holly, Bob Vance and company. Dunder Mifflin Forever!

9. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

with Fresh Wheat Tortilla Chips

from Whole Foods

Go ahead admit it, your stomach is growling right now... or is that just mine?

10. Community

Love Lister alumni Joel McHale's new sitcom shows great promise and is a perfect fit with the other Thursday night NBC comedies that I love so much. If it weren't for that blasted Modern Family on ABC, it would have been my ranked as favorite non-musical-set-in-a-high-school-TV-show of the season. But come to think of it, this is my favorite sitcom set on a community college campus. Well done Mr. McHale!

11. Surya and Rosco‏

This video could be the cutest thing that I have ever posted. Who would have ever guessed that a orangutan and a hound dog would form such an instant bond. CLICK HERE to see the animal kingdom's BFF's in action! On the count of three..... Awwwwe!!! See the world IS a better place when we put aside our differences and just get along!
.

12. He Wolf

I was on the fence with Shakira's new single She Wolf, but it definitely grew on me over time. The song is surprisingly catchy. Her video is fantastically over the top (I totally dig the twitchy dancing!) but it was 19-year-old Andrew Foster's exact shot-for-shot recreation that took it to a whole 'notha level, earning it Love List status. To fully appreciate watch Shakira's original version FIRST followed by Andrew's AFTER. [Slightly NSFW]

13. Season 3 of 30 Rock on DVD

I could include NBC's 30 Rock each and every month, but I should at least have a good reason. And this month I do! Three shiny discs of comedy gold as Season 3 came out on DVD. Ripe for repeat viewings until next month when the new season debuts. I have a feeling the folks of "T.G.S. with Tracy Jordan" will be back in October. Just a hunch. Consider it a sneak preview!

14. Emmy Host Extraordinaire

Neil Patrick Harris

The most charming and loveable actor in Hollywood rocked as Emmy host this year and he deserved all the praise he's received. What do you say Neil-- same time, same place next year?

15. ANTM Photo Shoots

This reality competition to be America's. Next. Top. Model. is and will will forever be my guiltiest pleasure. I don't know what it is that has me tuning in cycle after cycle. (Maybe Tyra cast a spell on me with her "Super Smize".) One thing I do know is I love the photo shoots. The hair, makeup, costumes and set design rock the creativity to the max. My favorite to date was the graveyard/seven deadly sins shoot a few years ago. So yes, I am an ANTM Junkie and proud. Plus I've created a drinking game that might just catch on. Take a shot every time Tyra (or anyone of Her minions) talk about herself. Liquor sales will go through the roof. The economy will soar. And Tyra Banks really will have saved the world. Bow down to Queen Tyra!

.

4 Generations...

A few weeks ago my Grandma wanted to take a '4 generations' photo as a keepsake.  So she, my dad, brother and nieces struck a pose.  Brylee has just eaten some candy and her teeth, tongue and lips were bright green.  Hence, the delay, nothing a little iPhoto magic couldn't hide.  God bless Sepia!

My 25 Favorite Childhood TV Shows...

254 Highway to Heaven

244 Hollywood Squares

234 Sesame Street

224 Finders Keepers

214 Small Wonder

204 Solid Gold

194 She-Ra: Princess of Power

184 Duck Tales

174 Double Dare

164 Inspector Gadget

154 Tom & Jerry

144 Jem

134 The A-Team

124 The Smurfs

114 The Price Is Right

104 Alvin and the Chipmunks

94 Webster

84 Wonder Woman

74 Today's Special

64 Punky Brewster

54 Scooby Doo

44 C.H.i.P.s

34 Care Bears

24 Full House

14 He-Man: Masters of the Universe

Cutie Patooties...

Sadee and Brylee strike a pose and make their uncle proud! Go ahead and "awe" you know you want to!