Love List | December Edition...

It's Not Only A Sugar-Loving Elf and Egg Nog, Here Are
10 More Things That Were Delightful This December

1. Marina and the Diamonds

I Am Not A Robot was without a doubt my favorite song of the past month, maybe of 2009. (Yet another well earned shout out to Nike, who has introduced me to so much good music this year. Thanks dude. M&TD did not disappoint.) I'm also a big fan of Hollywood and Obsessions. Check them out on Youtube and enjoy... my only complaint (like Little Boots before her) is that they aren't available for purchase in the U.S.A. But I can't wait until the magical day that they are. I'm sooo there!

2. Fantastic Mr. Fox

Fantastic Mr. Fox capped off a stellar year for great animated movies. Like Coraline and Up! before it, FMF rightly deserved a spot on this month's list. Wes Anderson did a marvelous job directing this film based on the novel by Roald Dahl. Featuring the A-List voice talents of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, and Bill Murray, they only add to the film rather than distract like a certain annoying green ogre you may have heard of. (I'm talking to YOU Mike Myers!) This is not a kids movie, it's a movie for everyone! Bill Allred's review said it all. "I don’t know how someone could dislike this movie; it’s gentle, funny, insightful, charming, exciting, and visually rich." Fantastic indeed!

3. Inglourious Basterds

Quinton Tarantino does it again-- he's easily one of my favorite directors. (Love Kill Bill!) Brad Pitt is hilarious as a Nazi killin' hillbilly, and the lesser known supporting players were equally amazing, from a vengeful Jewish woman, to an actress-slash-spy to the scary SS German Officer. The movie might take some historical liberties (take that Hitler) (as well as some spelling liberties) but Inglourious Basterds is easily one my my favorite flicks of the year!

4. Year In Reviews

I love Entertainment Weekly. Fact. My favorite issue of the year, is the wrap up that finds it's way to my mailbox the last week in December. The best. The worst. The past 365 days in review is always one of my favorite ways to reflect on the past year. I also like the other pop culture highlights from other magazines, TV shows and Internet videos like THIS ONE. 2009 was a wild and crazy year. But I'm now ready to bring on 2010!

5. Phil & Lem

I can't express how glad I am that Better Off Ted didn't get the dreaded ax-- and it's now is in it's second season. (WOOT!) It might not be doing that well in the ratings (shame on YOU!) So I'm making sure to enjoy every second that I get with the Veridian Dynamics gang. New episodes on Tuesday night and Season One playing frequently on my DVD player. Two of the all-stars in a cast full of them are scientists Phil and Lem. They'll make you laugh. I promise. Watch. I dare you. Okay, I double dare you.

6. Canon Power Shot Camera

I was bummed when my old camera died (at the Kathy Griffin performance no less) but it did give me a good excuse for an upgrade. With way more pixels (from 7 to 12) and a great price this little number was a great addition to my arsenal at snapping up memories for your blog viewing pleasure. Smile!

7. Senator Diane Savino

Last month I didn't even know who she was, but when I saw the Youtube video of her December 2nd speech on Equality to the New York Senate, that all changed. Beyond eloquent-- one of the most moving, passionate, and inspirational speeches I've ever heard. She may not have swayed the majority required, but I guarantee she did reach many. I honor and respect her and her desire to create a better world. One day equality WILL happen. And I know Diane Savino will be smiling. Thank you Senator. New York is lucky to have you!

8. BEKVÄM Cart from IKEA

My kitchen is pretty large for a rental, especially if you compare it to my last apartment, but it does lack in the usable counter space. And since I'm trying to cook more (albeit like a bachelor) I've been more than pleased with my big Black Friday IKEA purchase. The fact that it was only $19.99 (regularly $69.99) makes it all the better! Now it's time to start cooking!

9. My Over-sized Comfy
American Eagle PJ Pants

If December had a uniform, this would be it!

10. Judge Judy

With my new work schedule I've been getting home by 4:00 pm. And since Ms. Degeneres moved time spots, I've been watching Judge Judy as I unwind from my daily grind. Call it a guilty pleasure, but I just find her entertaining as hell. She might not be Ellen, but she sure makes me laugh. Plus most of the people in her courtroom make me feel better about my life. (Much like visiting peopleofwalmart.com. Same effect.) Case closed.