Tuesday, August 30, 2011

♥LIST: August Edition...


{1}Around the Sun
Album by Monarchy

I have two particular friends who introduce me to loads of killer music that I quickly become obsessed with. In the case of this month's numero uno pick, my friend Demetri called it his 'Album of the Year!' (A declaration that he made months ago, and I believe still stands to date.) Judging by the number of iTunes plays it's racked up over the past couple weeks... I think I may just have to agree with him. Check out Monarchy today. Play it forward.


{2}Ben & Jerry's
Red Velvet Cake Ice Cream
How the hell am I supposed to be good, when things like this exist in the world?!


{3}New Marina and the Diamonds
Marina and her Diamonds are this boy's best friend! As a reader of my blog, you know that I was obsessed with her last album. This month I stumbled upon a couple of newly released songs on the Interweb. I'm happy to report that they did not disappoint. The obsession continues! (Just keep clicking that "Replay" button baby!) Your assignment is to listen to RADIOACTIVE and FEAR AND LOATHING pronto. I can't wait to hear more from M&tD! But what else would you expect to hear from a self described "obsessed" fan?


{4}I Lucy Nostalgia
August 6th marked the anniversary of (what would have been) Lucille Ball's 100th birthday. After being inspired by the awesome Google logo, I decided to search the web and re-visit some of my favorite episodes. In addition, LIFE magazine released 16 never-before-seen photos of the actress. Hilarious and timeless. After all these many years, I still Love Lucy!


{5}Patrick + Scott
"When our law lags behind, people continue to live their truth and create their own version of a family, and this is what Patrick and Scott are deciding to do today." I challenge you to watch this beautifully edited wedding video and not be moved to tears by the abundance of love displayed; but then I further challenge you to try and come up with one valid reason how their love in any way negatively effects or threatens you personally. And if you can, well... I'd politely ask you to stop visiting my blog. Besides you're probably just jealous and bitter that their wedding was waaaay better than yours anyway. It's about love people. Watch it HERE.


{6}Ode to the Bouncer
by Studio Killers
Another August music addiction courtesy of DJ Demetri.
Watch the awesome video
HERE and dance along with me!
Bounce. Bounce. Bounce-ahr!


{7}Eat - Move - Learn
“3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage… all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food… into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films… = a trip of a lifetime.” Independent filmmaker Rick Mereki 's trio of short stories are so phenomenal, they'll either make you really depressed about he state or your life or inspire you to make a better one for yourself. Let's hope it's more of the later. Watch all three viral videos HERE. (I loved them all, but MOVE was my favorite!)


{8}Moves Like Jagger
Music Video
by Adam Levine
(er, I mean Maroon V)

I know what you are going to say. Adam Levine takes his shirt off and he automatically earns a spot on the List? Well... pretty much! It's not like it's happened before. Oh, on second thought, I guess it has... and technically once before that. Well it really takes at more than three times to form an official trend... so here's hoping. Stay tuned.

Oh and the song is pretty darn catchy too.


{9}You Don't Know Jack
You may-or-may-not remember this entertaining PC game from the 90's. (I do!) For those of you that don't, You Don't Know Jack is essentially a trivia game; but this ain't your Momma's trivial pursuit. It's sassy. It's fun. And it's also educational. Learn while you laugh! On a recent App Store shopping spree I stumbled upon it and quickly confirmed purchase. No iPhone is complete without it. Worth every penny. (Two hundred and ninety nine of them to be exact.)


{10}Anthony Ryan, Anya & Joshua
on Project Runway
Project Runway is back for Season 9!
These are my official top three designers.
And just like in fashion, one day they're in...
and let's just hope they stay that way!



{11}In The Fall
Maybe we should have introduce this guy to the fellas mentioned in Pick #7. It's no secret that it's been a tough month for me, but this clever video just serves as a reminder about how we all chose to live our lives. We only get one and really do need to make the best of it. Lesson learned. Watch it HERE.


{12}Vintage TV Episodes
From My Youth on Youtube

It's amazing what you can find on Youtube these days. Episodes making the rounds this month included of the likes of Full House, Home Improvement, Punky Brewster and Real World: Boston and Seattle respectively (you know, back when the show was good!) It was great spending a relaxing evening reliving some major blasts from my past (albeit usually chopped up into three segments, but still fun regardless)


{13}Laser Cats!
I don't know who loves this more: Mit & Mo or yours truly. Although I'd probably classify M&M's as more of a love/hate/love relationship kind of deal. But it's a great pussy exercise and also great for a laugh. Get it kitty! Get it!


{14}Brand New TRAX Trains
When Trooper broke down earlier this month I was grateful that I live close to a light rail stop, and work next to one too-- and both in the free-zone no less! UTA debuted brand new trains during this same period (in conjunction with the opening of the two newly completed TRAX lines.) I was lucky to ride in one of them to work and was very impressed. Roomy and clean, plush seats and large windows for your viewing pleasure; a boy could get use to this. But I still prefer having my own wheels. Thankfully public transportation is just a back-up plan. But it's good to know that fancy TRAX is still an option. All-aboard!


{15}Daniele Donato
Don't judge! So yes, I have a Summer TV guilty pleasure. Big Brother. (Shhhhh!) Again, don't judge! At least it's not Jersey Shore! Anyway, this year I was rooting for returning vet Daniele. Not only was she the best game player; she was also witty and entertaining... lets not forget, stunningly hot. Well things didn't go too well for my fave as she was backdoor'd/stabbed-in-the-back/and thrown-under-the-bus [use the reality-TV catchphrase of your choice] and she was sent packing last week. With no one else to root for in the house, I can finally move on to more important things... like the return of quality Fall TV... and Top Model: All Stars. (Shhhhh!)

Monday, August 29, 2011

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Happy Birthday Brylee!...


It's hard to believe that six years today I was sitting in a hospital watching Katrina's destruction unfold on the TV as I welcomed my first niece into the world. Flash forward today, and here I sit wishing my Bubbas a Happy Happy Birthday (as the news covers Hurricane Irene in the background.)
It's a question I ask all the time, but seriously-- where does the time go. I mean, she just started First Grade(!) for Pete Sake! I love you Brylee, you will always hold a major chunk of my heart. I'm proud to be your (favorite) Uncle! Have the happiest of days and enjoy Six. It's a good year!


Thursday, August 25, 2011

M.I.A...

Obviously, I haven't been in a very bloggy mood this past month, but I'm happy to report that I am finally caught up. Scroll down and catch up on a few of the goings-on that deserve mentioning. Better later than never, right?
I'll be a better blogger from now on. I promise!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

First Grade Watch...

Today my Bubbas officially earned 'Big Kid' status on her first day of First Grade! I was told that she was very excited to start in her (brand) new Elementary School, and even more so that one of her best friends was in her class. It's funny, it seems like just yesterday I was the one learning in Mrs. Addy's classroom, and now it's her turn to enjoy the post-Kindergarten era. Love you Bry! Oh speaking of, look what fun memorabilia I scrounged up in my box of goodies from my days as a Lil' Grizzly. Ah, memories! [Click image for full size.]

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Uncle Casey Watch...

Here's a few snapshots featuring every one's favorite cutie-pa-tooties! I can't believe how big they are getting, they always say, "Time Flies"... and boy, here's the proof. How, I love my girls. They are the best nieces an uncle could ask for!
A tribute to Uncle Casey? Me thinks so!



Craft Time with Uncle Casey
Today's Lesson: Fun with Paint!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sad Trooper...

Earlier this month the young-at-heart Trooper came down with a bad Starter and was put out of commission for a nearly two weeks. Thankfully it broke down while parked at home. Plus, I live close to public transportation, so it wasn't too big of an inconvenience. I'd like to thank my Dad and Brother for assisting me with the repairs. And Shila for the occasional ride to work (and tuxedo fitting.) But it's good to have my wheels back, I must say! Welcome home big guy!

Go Speed Racer, Go!...

My brother recently ventured up to Boise, Idaho to compete in the Pepsi Nightfire Nationals. Leaving everyone in the dust, (surprise, surprise) he took first place in the Bracketeer Class taking home the gold.. or rather a over-sized novelty cardboard check. Congrats Marty, it's great to see you doing so well at something you are passionate about.