Short and (Bitter) Sweet

I worked a double today. I am exhausted. Therefore, I can only muster a small post.

Mark reminded me of this beautiful commercial tonight while we sat talking about the fate of the world. While I'm not necessarily in support of using a sensitive, touching, heartbreaking issue to further commercial/capitalist gain, the brilliance of this commercial cannot be denied.

Enjoy (and weep). I sure as heck did.

 

Also, remind me to talk about the walruses. The walruses must be addressed.

Things I Love

Since this blog claims to be about things I love, it's about time you learned of my love for a special man. He is funny, intelligent, well-dressed, talented and handsome.


That man is Jimmy Fallon.

Why do I love him so?


The following video demonstrates just one of the many reasons. Coincidentally, another man I love--Justin Timberlake--is also present. There is a whole lotta love going on here.

Interest vs. Passion

I have always envied "passionate" people. People who cannot keep themselves from following/fostering/developing their passion. I find that I am interested in so many things (too many things, even), but don't really know if I'm passionate about any one thing. I'm sure that there is a concert pianist somewhere who started playing at 4-years-old, because they couldn't keep themselves from the keys, that is wishing they could tear themselves away to paint, to cook or to run, but I'm doubtful. It just seems, from the outside, that those with a passion just have a better sense of direction, a life goal that drives them constantly.

I discovered yet another one of those passionate people in a Huffington Post article. Meet Mark Boyle.




Mark Boyle was an economics and business student who decided in his last year of school that the only way he could change the world was to live entirely without money. Amazing. He, like Colin Beavan (aka--No Impact Man), have been so moved my our culture's lack of care and awareness about the environment and the priorities of the commercialized masses that they make drastic change.

While I wish I was so moved to be this passionate about a similar cause, I--as I said previously--have rarely developed such passion, such dedication. So, the only thing I can do is do my best, in small amounts. I can only act as a person interested in changing, but not quite passionate about it just yet. I have already started bike-riding at least 3-4 times a week when traveling to places close enough and safe enough to bike to. I have begun doing most of my grocery shopping at the local co-op grocery store, buying local and organic when possible. I also have not bought a piece of clothing or shoe-ware in over a month (and for those that know me, that is quite a feat).

Passion requires commitment. While I cannot yet commit to many things--being an artist, being an environmentalist, being a professional--I can be interested in them. Baby steps to passion, as Bob Wiley would say.

Review #1

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

By: Dave Eggers

I just finished this 437-page book this morning and, after some contemplation, I think this book is a 7 out of 10 stars. While I really enjoyed the book, for many reasons, there were a few things I just could not get over, namely the ending.

 

PROS: 

• Witty--very witty. Laugh out loud funny at some point. All you need to do is read the preface, the final statement of which is "Here is a drawing of a stapler:" and a drawing of a stapler follows. Genius.
• Very insightful, philosophical discussion about the meaning of life and the meaning of death. If you don't have time to read the whole thing, I recommend Part VI (which Eggers describes in the table of contents as: "WHEN WE HEAR THE NEWS AT FIRST. [Some mild nudity]--all the hope of history to date--an interview--death and suicide--mistakes--keg beer--Mr. T--Steve the Black Guy--a death faked, perhaps (the gray car)--a possible escape, via rope, of sheets--a broken door--betrayal justified."). Pages 201-217 are most brilliant, in my opinion.
• The writing style is very Vonnegut-esque--train of thought, slightly ramble-ish, but most realistic from my point of view. This may be seen as a con in some people's books but I love it. Because of it, I think the story rings much more true.  

CONS:  

• The whining. While Eggers does a great job of making tragedy comical, there are points of the book when you just want to yell "GET OVER IT!" Now I can't imagine losing both parents within a short time span, as he did, and I'm not trying to be insensitive, but he does harp on some points for a little longer than necessary. It makes him, or his character, a little less forgivable.
• The rambling. While I mostly enjoyed his writing style, there were points that I had to put down the book because it was too much, too fast. I found myself only being able to read this book in 20-30 minute increments because I felt I was ingesting information too quickly and my head would start to hurt.
• And last, and very least, the ENDING. For such an intelligent book, it was kind a stupid ending. On the last page alone (which is only a half-page long), Eggers uses some variation of the F-bomb 11 times. While I understand why he did it, I don't necessarily think it was the smartest choice. The ending fell flat--it was almost as if he gave up--and I would bet money that the ending is what kept A.H.W.O.S.G. from winning the Pulitzer.

 

So there it is folks, my first book review. Despite its pitfalls, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius is truly a great book. I highly recommend it. 

Next book: The Passage by Justin Cronin. The reviews and discussion of this book will be a collaborative effort with the talented and lovely Ms. Parker. Who is excited for apocalyptic vampire tales? This girl.

Snippet

"I mean, am I the only one seeing the solipsism?"

--Dave Eggers, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

I am about 60 pages away from finishing this very interesting, very thought-provoking, very comical book. Hoping to post a review of it here later on tonight, after work. We'll see if bad television gets the better of me and keeps me from this task. Til then, live long and prosper.

Balance

I strongly believe that the most successful life is one of balance. I think it's very important to balance time between friends, family and your significant other. I think it's very, VERY important that a night of heavy drinking is followed by a night of no drinking. AND I think the most crucial balancing act is between work and play (as most of my friends, especially my graduate school friends, can testify). Now, astrologers everywhere will claim this is because I'm a Libra, but I think it's just common sense.

Why this talk of balance? Since my last post was dedicated to tearing down a television show and being negative, it is time for some positivity! The result of my need for equilibrium: Man vs. Food.

There are many reasons to love this Travel Channel gem. I have created a list.

1. The host. Adam Richman is a lovable, hilarious, genuine foodie who has tastes comparable to average Joe's instead of those persnickety critics. Also, while taking on his challenges, he not only has great facial expressions, but FANTASTIC pop-culture references (i.e. Wayne's World and Cool Hand Luke).

2. The information! I now know of some of the greatest eating spots in nearly every US city. Places I most want to visit: Gino's East in Chicago, Iron Barley in St. Louis, East Coast Grill (on Hell Night) in Boston.

3. The food. Watching every episode is a test of my strength and willpower. I'm usually watching Man vs. Food after 10pm and while I do not want to eat a 5 lb. burger like my good man Adam, I really wouldn't mind a quarter-pounder...with cheese. Who doesn't love food shows?! And food?!?



So if you haven't caught an episode yet, I highly recommend you do. The next, new episode is this upcoming Wednesday, when Adam takes on Sacramento, but I'm sure you could find a re-run before then. Contact your local cable provider for listings.

The Hunters of Ghosts

You know what television show I don't like (much to Mark's chagrin)? Ghost Hunters.

Now the obvious reason for not liking a show such as Ghost Hunters is because of its subject-matter: ghosts and spirits. I, however, have no problem with ghosts or the like. In fact, one of my favorite movies of all-time is, much to my chagrin, 13 Ghosts. Which IMDB just reminded me is/was spelled Thir13en Ghosts. Yes, it is that good. If you don't believe me, here is a screenshot:

Still don't believe that this movie is quality? Here's the cast list: Matthew Lillard, Tony Shaloub, Shannon Elizabeth, AND, wait for it, Rah Digga. The film's casting director deserves a serious pat on the back and maybe even a hug.

Okay, but back to the topic at hand. Ghost Hunters. So I don't dislike it because it deals with the supernatural. And I'm not even opposed to the seeking out of the supernatural. I think I believe in ghosts and spirits, but here's my beef (as in the 1990s slang term for problem):

WHY, oh why, can ghosts only be discovered and communicated with at night, in abandoned old buildings, through the use of night vision cameras and radio transmitters? It doesn't make any sense. I see what you're trying to do Ghost Hunters, and it won't work with me. Your big glowing eyes and your "oh wait! what was that? did you hear that?" to your fellow cast mates does not make a ghost-sighting. In fact, it makes you a person in the dark that is scared of that dark. I have that conversation with myself often while home alone. It goes a little something like this: "Whoa. What was that? I'm in my house alone and I just heard a sound (or saw a shadow). ::shoulder shrug:: Must be the pipes." Just because you hear something or see a shadow it does not immediately equal GHOST...unless your a member of TAPS and you have a show and income based on the marketability of talking with and confirming the presence of ghosts. Good for you and your constant "inconclusive" results. I'll be watching something else. Perhaps this...

Chaplin, Wall-E and RFK...OH MY!

So, as some of you may know, I can get quite crafty when it comes to gift-giving. So, when confronted with the ever-daunting task of finding a present for Mark (aka: Baby, Pidge, Hubster, the Man, my love, etc.) I decided one year to do portraits of two of his favorite figures of all time: Charlie Chaplin and Wall-e. This is what came of it:

Meet Wall-E

Hello Charlie

 Since painting these, Mark has wanted this portrait-creation to be a yearly thing. So, the following year I decided upon two of his favorite great-minds: Robert F. Kennedy and Nikola Tesla. Tesla was and still is nearly impossible to paint because of the low-quality to very few images that exist of him. I have sort of given up on him for a little while, but here is good ole RFK:

 

 Good ole RFK

So why am I telling you all of this? WELL, I just recently decided that (due to brokedom) that I should try to create these portraits per the request of others that would be willing to pay me for my services. And behold! An Etsy Shop is born! So far, I just have these few items posted and "Personalized Portraits" available for request/purchase, but more is on its way. So if you feel like supporting a friend, or a stranger, feel free to contact me about a portrait that you might want!

.End transmission of self-promotion.

Another Day, Another Blog...

Welcome to Jellyfish Love! A blog with a ridiculous title, and an equally ridiculous author.

First and Foremost, I must give credit where credit is due. The title of this blog derives from a fabulous short story written by a friend, Shawn Mitchell. I first heard him read this story in a wonderful wine shop, Top Ten Wines, in Columbia, MO (Yes, MO is Missouri...weird, I know). I became mildly obsessed with this one phrase and idea that reoccurred in his story: love...jellyfish love. And, as they say, the rest is history!

So, this blog will be devoted to anything and everything that I happen to love. I have tried and failed to have "themed" blogs before (i.e. one for art stuff, one for the silly tunes I wake up singing, etc.). I now feel that the only way I can keep up with this blogging business is if I don't limit myself so much. If I were you, I'd anticipate a lot of posts about television shows, books, artworks/artists/shows, Mark (my loverly man), friends, food/drink, travel, and various web creations that I find enthralling. These are all the things that usually fill my everyday existence, and, thus, this blog.


Hope you enjoy!