Sunday, March 28, 2010

Love List | March Edition...


This Month, Marina, and Her Diamonds Were This Boy's Best
Friend. But 14 Other Things Also Helped Make My March
Mar-vel-ous!
.

1. Life
I could go on and on (and on) about how much I loved Planet Earth when it originally aired on the Discovery Channel in back in 2006. (Was it really that long ago?!) Life is the 11 episode breathtaking follow-up to Planet Earth. While only a couple episodes in, I am again amazed at the stunning imagery and the rarely (if ever) seen views of our planet's other inhabitants. They've done it again. Mind-blowing to say the least (especially in HDTV.)


2. 'The Family Jewels'
by Marina and the Diamonds
Album of the Year.
(Yes, I'm aware it is only March.)


3. Logorama
Logorama is one of the most creative movies that I've ever seen. Never heard of it? Well, it did just so happen to take home the Oscar this year for Best Animated Short Film. The poster said it best. Spectacular Car Chases. An Intense Hostage Crisis. Wild Animals Rampaging Through The City. And Even More Will Have You On The Edge Of Your Seat in Logorama! I want to go to there! (YouTube search it if the following links don't work-- it is well worth the effort.)
Part 1 / Part 2
[WARNING: CONTAINS CARTOON VIOLENCE & SOME SWEARS--
BUT YOU'D BE CURSING TOO IN THE MIDST OF SUCH CHAOS]



4. Spring Forward
For all of you who bitch about losing an hour of sleep when Daylight Saving Time begins, I have two words for you: Shut. Up. Nothing has improved my mood and beat my winter doldrums more than a few extra hours of evening sunshine. Spring fever is in full effect. And it just so happens that I've been working out daily since the time change (after a long winter's hibernation.) Now, I am motivated and ready to go. Coincidence? I think not!
.

5. 'Telephone' Music Video
by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé
In recent years, no artist has done more for the dying (..er dead) art form of music videos than Lady Gaga. The phenomenal Bad Romance earned a spot on November's Love List. Now she's gone and topped herself with Telephone-- with the help of a certain well-known "Honey B." It isn't even really a music video, but rather a Tarantino-meets-Thelma-and-Louisesque mini-movie. It's crazy, naughty, bizarre and most of all fun. I loved every second, but the question begs, what will she do next? If you've been living under a rock, watch Telephone HERE. [MATURE]
.

6. Up In The Air
Up In The Air is the story of Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert who travels around the country firing people (on their company's behalf.) Very timely for these economic times, but hardly sounds like the feel good movie of the year, right? I guess going up against The Hurt Locker and Precious-- it kind of is. Clooney and his two lesser known co-actresses are great and I really, really enjoyed this movie; one of my favorites of the year. It deserved the Oscar (and other awards) nominations that it earned.


7. 'Head First'
by Goldfrapp
While Marina and the Diamonds was stuck on constant repeat (Hello, #2!), I still found time for other musicians offerings this month. Goldfrapp's newest album 'Head First' dropped providing Marina a chance to rest those family jewels of hers. The entire glam pop record is very strong and was music to my ears. Make sure to check out my favorites: Rocket (and the accompanying kinda-kinky music video), I Wanna Life and Voicething. March was a very good month, musically speaking.
.

8. Gaga Doggies and
Hipster Puppies

Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof! Translation: I LOVE these two creative websites that feature some very stylin' pooches. Gaga Doggies: CLICK HERE. Hipster Puppies: CLICK HERE.
.

9. Strangers With Candy
Series on DVD

I rediscovered my love for a certain boozer, a user and a loser between my Netflix mailings this month. I know it has a specific audience, but I am a proud flag waving member of Jerri Blank's fan club. There are DVD's that one can watch over and over again, and never tire of. This TV series falls into that category for me.
.

10-11. Lt. Daniel Choi
& Constance McMillan
It is not easy stepping up for what you believe in. Whether you're serving your country or just a high school student, owning your voice and Your Truth is a scary thing. That is why this month I commend these two amazing, brave and fearless Americans heroes for risking everything they know-- to change and hopefully improve the world that we live in. On behalf of myself, and society as a whole, your risk will pay off in the long run. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
.

12. 'Cousins'
by Vampire Weekend
Granted that 95% of the month was spent listening to Love List's #2 and #7 (on heavy repeat)--which only left about 5% for Vampire Weekend's amazing song Cousins. I have yet to explore the rest of their album Contra, but if this single is any indication-- it's gonna be just as rad!


13. Daniel Tosh
He had me at his Super Mario Brothers spoof.
Funny, funny guy!


14. André Leon Talley on ANTM
Twiggy was a snooze. Last season's guest judge concept was a joke. Lauren Conrad?! One of them Kardkashians!?! Puh-leeze. And don't even get me started on Miss Jay's puffy sleeves! But there's a breath of fresh air at the America's Next Top Model's judging table. (Shut up, it's my guilty pleasure!) André brings the knowledge, the credibility and the sass to this televised 'modeling' competition or as Tyra would say " He's Fierce."
.

15. My New Tumblers
A little back-story: I don't have a dishwasher in my apartment. I haven't had one for about a decade. Many years ago, I was doing dishes when the top of a glass shatered as I inserted my hand to wash it. Consiquentally, slicing my hand and resulting in a trip to the hospital for stitches and a phobia was born. Ever since that accident, I only buy large acrylic or plastic glasses. Imagine my delight when I found a set of these tumblers that totally fit the bill at Costco. They are perfect and above all-- safe. I'll drink to that!
.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

R.I.P. G.E.S...

I stopped by my childhood Elementary School last Sunday (on my way to my parent's house for family dinner.) I was surprised by the amount of progress, or rather destruction, that was accomplished in just a weeks time. As you may remember (or not) a fire broke out last July, and it left the building unsalvageable. I'm glad I was able to capture a few shots before it became an empty lot. R.I.P. G.E.S., you'll always have a place in my heart.

North Side - Front

West Side



East Side


Happy?...

Monday, March 15, 2010

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Uncle Watch 3/9: Sadee's Turn...

Since I've been M.I.A. in Blogland I haven't shared any post-skin tag surgery photos of my little darlin. No time like the present, yes? Flash forward two months, and the surgery was a huge success [she just has to wear some anti-scaring medicine for a year.] Good thing she's so darn cute. She's on the verge of walking too, so expect that post soon. She is such a happy baby. Lurve her!


Uncle Casey Watch: 3/9... FIERCE!

The other day, I surprised my Bubba's with a new dress and a new pair of shoes (not necessarily to go together at least outside this photo shoot). Hey, I am the world's greatest uncle after all. I can't believe how grown up she's getting. Where does the time go? Anyway here's a few modelin' shots-- she wanted to strike a pose. My girl sure knows how to work it!
.