Love List: May Edition...

My Favorite Friend, My Favorite Golden Gal and
10 More Favorites That Made My May Marvelous!

1. Fuerza Bruta

If you know me, you know that I am obsessed with Arrested Development, Marina and the Diamonds and a little show called Fuerza Bruta. (If you're lucky, you've heard about at least one of these! If you wanna be my BFF, you've heard of and love all three!) My friend Derek took me to see this spectacle when I was in New York back in 2008. It's very hard to explain. It's a performance art piece that combines music, lights, dance, water and audience participation for starters. When I found out that a traveling version of the show was going to be in Chicago the same time as my planned vacation-- I was sold. (Hell, I knew this would be taking the #1 spot back in April.) The show did not disappoint on my second helping, in fact it got better. I was selected for a little dance off with one of the cast members amidst a Styrofoam snowstorm. And later I wasn't afraid to get a little wet. (Hint, hint!) If you ever have the chance. You must see this show. I'm up for a third visit! And a forth... and a fifth... and a.....

2. Fixin To Thrill

by Dragonette

Dragonette is my newest iPod obsession. It was recommended to me by Demetri, a friend who has a good ear for great music. Actually, a lot of my favorite artists are brought to my attention by two specific people... and they both just so happen to earn a shout out on this month's List. I can thank them for turning me onto the likes of Little Boots and Frankmusik. (Scroll down to #7 for Nike's groovy play list/shout-out.)

For the record Demetri, my official favorite songs are... Easy, Pick Up the Phone, We Rule The World, Big Sunglasses, Come On Be Good, Okay Dolores, Fixin To Thrill, Liar, oh what the hell... Gone To Far, Stupid Grin, You're a Disaster and Don't Be Funny... The whole album is amazing!

3. Lisa Kudrow in Web Therapy

She was great in Friends. She was even greater in The Opposite of Sex. Then the 'greatest bar' was set so high in HBO's little known The Comeback. (Note to self, after a long day at work, I DO wanna see that!) Well as you can see I clearly love the hilarious Ms. Kudrow. That's why I was delighted to stumble on her new Internet series called Web Therapy. Lisa plays Fiona Wallice, a therapist whose three-minute sessions with clients take place over iChat webcam. (She thinks the standard hour-long sessions give them too much leeway to talk about irrelevant things.) This IMPROVISED show clearly showcases her amazing gift of comedy (along with many A-List guest star's talents as well! Ever heard of Julia Louis Dreyfus, Jane Lynch and Courtney Cox?) Plus the webisodes are short and gets right too the funny. So schedule yourself some sessions and check it out HERE.

4. Memorial Day Weekend

in Chicago

I visited Chicago over Halloween last year and had a blast. (Aaaaah, zombies on a train!) I figured it might be time for a re-visit, only perhaps over a warmer holiday weekend. Well, my second trip to the windy city didn't disappoint. Even though it was unseasonably warm for most of the trip, it was nice not having to bundle up and for the most part I got to leave the umbrella packed (minus the Sunday morning thunderstorm.) The only regret I have is I wasn't my usual snap-happy-self and didn't take many photos. Next time I'll do much better! Oh and almost missing my flight back home. I guess the Universe wanted me to stay in Chicago a little longer. If only I had listened... Until next time. Stay classy Chicago!

5. SNL's Women of Comedy Episode

Starring Betty White

featuring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler,
Molly Shannon, Mya Rudolph,
Rachel Dratch and Anna Gasteyer

For the record, I was on the Facebook campaign for Betty to host Saturday Night Live long before it became trendy. There was so much buzz leading up to it and when the date finally arrived, boy did America's (88-years-young) sweetheart knock it out of the park. She was in every skit, and honestly the most impressive thing was just how game Betty was. (Mmmmm... Muffins!) Funny, crude and sweet. It was the best episode in ages. Probably since the whole Tina Fey as Palin genius during the '08 election... speaking of which, all of my all-time favorite SNL veterans came back to lend their support for this much hyped event. So much talent on one stage. Now if only they'd come back every week (Betty included), I might start watching SNL again.

.

6. Edie Falco

I loved her in The Sopranos, she was my favorite on the show. Well, I finally got around to checking out her new project, Nurse Jackie (via Netflix, of course!). While the show is good, it hasn't become an instant (must-watch-just-one-more-episode-even-though-it's-midnight) hit like Dexter or Weeds-- but the momentum is building to that level. Edie deserves major praise for her portrayal of a pill-popping nurse with flaws, but ultimately a good (albeit flawed) heart. I can't see wait is in store at All Saint's Hospital in Season 2. Me senses some major drama in her future.

7. 'Hipster Relief Spring' Playlist

Like Demetri (See: #2), my pal Nike has always been the go-to guy for music suggestions. He's created some killer seasonal play lists, with accompanying cool cover art (See: Above) Out of the many offerings, I'm currently obsessed with singles from Jamaica, Robyn, Sky Ferreira, VV Brown, Miike Snow, Kate Nash, Jack Peñate, Delorean, donkeyboy, The New Pornographers, Ellie Goulding, The Morning Benders and Two Door Cinema Club. PHEW! and that's only half of them! Can't wait to see what he has in store for Summer, it'll be hard to top this one!

8. Google's Interactive PacMan Logo

This wasn't the first time a Google logo has made an appearance on the Love List. Remember last year's tribute to Sesame Street? But it was definitely the most fun Google logo to date! Now, what blast from my childhood past is next?

9. Sherlock Holmes
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law were great (and hot) in this fun popcorn flick!

10. Sugar Free JELL-O Cups

I have working hard at droppin' the pounds over the past couple months. This tasty treat usually hit the spot when I started to crave [ FILL IN THE BLANK ] but still had the will power to stick to my diet. I'm not saying it'll ever take the place of my favorite Cookies n' Creme candy bars, but as I continue on my weight loss journey there's always room for J-E-L-L--O!

11. King of the Hill

Last month it was the Bluth's keeping me company as I drifted off dream land. After I wrapped up that series (for the upteenth time) it was the Hill's turn for nightly bedtime viewing. I tell ya whut, I always enjoyed Hank, Peggy, Bobby and LuAnne during their original run on Fox, but it's nice to catch up once again. There are some classic episodes. Some people count sheep, I on the other hand apparently just watch sitcoms via Netflix.

12. Downtown SLC's Newly

Remodelled Walmart

For the record, I am not a big Walmart fan, but I admit that I do shop there from time to time. What can I say? I like rolled-back prices! With a rival neighbor Target opening date quickly approaching, Walmart needed to freshen up to compete for downtown's customers. And I have to say that the changes have greatly improved the store's appearance and maybe took a way a bit of the stigma, while adding a drop of class. At least maybe I can leave the disguise at home. On a related note, Target opens in October!

Love List: Coming Soon...

The Love List for May will be delayed a few days, as I will be preoccupied over the long holiday weekend. Look for it next week! Happy Memorial Day!

Mark Your Calendar! (After You Buy One for 2011)...

Tickets: Check
Hot Date: Check
Now all I have to do is wait until next Spring.
(...and pay off the credit card)
(...and think of something totally fab to wear.)

Butch...

I come from a family of mechanics but do not have that gene in my DNA. Well this weekend I channeled my inner-mechanic by changing my Trooper's oil & filter, in addition to scrubbing caked on brake dust off my wheels... wait for it... All by myself. I think my dad was pretty proud too. That is not a site he is used to seeing.

Mom...

Well it's that time of year again, when we are all reminded to remind our mommas how much they mean to us. I just wanted to publicly thank my mother for all that she has done for me in my 31 years of life. She is truly one of the most selfless people you will ever meet. (sometimes I'd argue, to a fault. lol.) There is nothing that she wouldn't do for her children. I know that her years of struggles to start a family have something to do with that. Her heart is full of love, which overshadows the differences we may have. She did a great job raising me. I mean, look how well I turned out. You can't argue with results! I wish her nothing but the best, and years and years more of happiness and good health. I love you Mom! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Love List | April Edition...

A Drug Dealing Dad, The Facebook Fad and

9½ More Things I Found Addicting This April

1. Jane Lynch

The thing that gets me tuning into GLEE each week (well other than Puck) is easily the one and only Sue Sylvester, played by the terrific Jane Lynch. The way she delivers her awesome and easily quotable lines-- well, will someone just give her an Emmy already?! And this month she took it to a whole new level with her spot on remake of "Vogue" during the Madonnarama episode. (Watch it HERE if you've been living under a rock.) This lady is smart, cool, sooo funny... and a favorite of mine ever since we first met in Best In Show. She deserves all the recognition and praise she's earning. I think Sue would totally agree.

2.'You Have 0 Friends'
Episode of South Park

I'm NOT an addict.
I don't even have a Farm...
and I've never poked my Grandma, nor will I. Ever!
See... I'm not addicted to Facebook!
Brilliant Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Brillian....
....wait, I just think someone commented on my last Wall post.
BRB.

If you missed it, you can watch HERE (after May 8th.)

3. P90X Recovery Drink

My favorite time of day (well, second favorite-- behind seeing work in the rear view mirror as I speed away) has to be when I take my first sip of my post-workout recovery drink. It is a great feeling, knowing that I just brought it for another P90X routine. This month I hit my 30 day mark. (Whoo-hoo!) Being a third of the way through the program, it's extra rewarding when I finally start to see-- and feel the results. (Plus it actually tastes good too!)

4. Pandora Boxx & Tyra Sanchez
Live!

As we all know by now, I am one happy member of Team Pandora. (Have been, since the start.) When I found out she was coming to perform in Salt Lake, I made sure I'd get to see her live. Her co-competitor, the other Tyra was also sharing the main stage. Needless to say, of course I adored every second of Pandora's performance-- but what surprised me how much Ms. Sanchez worked it. I have to give her mad props. She rocked! It made her winning the reality competition crown a little easier to swallow, if it couldn't be Ms. Boxx of course!

5. Pixels

Casey's Coolest Video of the Month®.
Check IT out for yourself! I think you'll see why.

6. City Weekly's Best of Utah Issue

Sister Dottie (on the cover no less!) Squatter's Brew Pub. Radio From Hell. Crown Burger's Fries. And more! I'm so glad that my good taste is confirmed by the masses in this annual issue. It also serves a great source for exploring other Salt Lake favorites that somehow haven't made it on my radar quite yet. I look forward to it each year!

7. Arrested Development:
Seasons 1-3 on DVD

You know me, you know I LOVE me some Arrested Development. (My middle name might as well be Bluth!) I still consider this the Best. TV. Show. Ever! I can't even count how many times I've watched the entire series (but I'd guess I'm approaching triple digits.) And STILL I find subtle gags and humor that I somehow missed the previous 99 times. This month I started up another bedtime marathon of this much under-appreciated by the masses television comedy. What gives me comfort as I drift to sleep, is the numerous fan's I've converted with my praise, my adoration and my love, indubitably. I think I might just be the biggest A.D. fan ever. I mean 'Cummon' look at this cooler of evidence.....

7½. Arrested Development's
Other Biggest Fans

..... Well, that was until I stumbled on a friend of a friend's Facebook photo gallery of his kick-ass Arrested Development viewing marathon party. (Like, the entire series-- all three seasons--in a row) Juice boxes, frozen bananas, and of course "Banner" (and don't forget about cut-offs in the shower) for all. These are true Arrested Development fans. I'd like to give them all a hand. I gladly settle for second place. Now where's my stuffed animal reward?

8. Breaking Bad: Season One

Weeds was just a gateway drug of addicting TV; this show on the other hand is the hardcore stuff. Breaking Bad follows Walter White and is recent discovery that he has terminal lung cancer. Fearful of leaving his wife and children in debt, the High School chemistry teacher finds an alternative (and ethically-- and morally-- questionable-- oh and criminal) way to bring in money to secure his family's future without him. Bryan Cranston [Malcolm in the Middle] is as unrecognizable as he is phenomenal in this role. I can't wait to see what happens in Season 2. Consider me hooked.

9. Grace Coddington

What, you've never heard of her? Well, neither had I, until I watched The September Issue; a behind-the-scenes look at all the drama that goes into the making of Vogue's big, well, September Issue (aka 'The Phonebook.") The 411 on Grace: She was born in 1941 in Wales and went on to become a top model, that is until a car accident ended that phase of her career. She is now the creative director for U.S. Vogue. Don't let that crazy frizzy hair scare you away. The woman is a genius. I love the creativity and heart that this woman oozes. She is the real star of this fashion documentary. Anna Wintour, who?!

10. Untitled/Dark Divider
Music Video by Stomacher

As we all know, Earth Week falls in April. This visually stunning music video by the band Stomacher uses Sean Stiegemeier's time-lapse photography to take us on a trip around the world. It features such exotic locals as Prague, Banff, California, Japan, Oregon and Utah, just to name a few. It is a feast for the eyes and a simple reminder just how amazing Mother Earth really is. I can think of no better tribute to the place we all call home. Oh, and the song is lovely too. Watch it: HERE.

11. Isaiah Mustafa

I've been rethinking Old Spice as of late.