Best album of 2008!

The Killers new Cd Day & Age is due out next tuesday but I got it a bit early. Let me first start off by telling you that The Killers are probably in the top 5...nay 3 of my current favorite bands and top 10 for all time favorites. They bring the best of the old world of music and mix it in with the best of the new. There sound is original yet familiar at the same time. Their previous release were big hits in my book. Hot Fuss was a synthesized sound with "sing from the top of your lungs" hit after hit. Sam's Town was a more emotional yet grandiose epic, both musically and lyrically. They go deeper into metaphors and imagery more than anthem alt-pop like their previous.

Day & Age is a perfect hybrid of both these albums, bringing together the successful ingredients that made those albums a success. iTunes describes Day & Age as "truely unique. This is gigantic, cry your eyes out alt-pop with real soul peeping out from underneath the synth pulses and waves of post production."
The Killers truly do bring something new to the table every album. D&A introduces new touches of sounds into it's tracks like, African tribal chanting, harpsichord, trumpets, sax, and harps. But the the music stays true to Killer form.
The more I listen to it the more I love it. Not only do I feel as though this is the best album of 2008, but might possibly be my favorite Killers album and their most successful one.

No Heartbreaks here

Kanyes West's new Cd 808's & Heartbreaks drops Nov. 25th and I cannot be more excited. The two singles already released, Love Lockdown & Heartless, in my opinion are incredible. They show a more personal and intimate side of Kanye which i feel is a reflection of the past year of his life.
I have had the chance to listen to the entire CD and let me tell you that the whole Cd is sung in the same style as the previous two songs, and I'm not mad about it. I think its different but genius. Kanye truly has stepped up to be the musical voice of our generation and along with that title comes room to be innovative and original. I say good for Kanye for exposing the emotional and darker side of his life and expressing it in a new style of Hip Hop.
808's & Heartbreaks does not fit into his "school" themed catologe; The College Dropout, Late Registration & Graduation. Those Cd's were more cocky, hip hop, mainstream. Believe me they are amazing and what everyone should love and want, but my argument for 808's is this; what successful and influential artist or band hasn't gone off and done a little soul searching and have come back with a different or unique take on their music? (The Beatles, The Killer, Bruce Springsteen, Tu Pac, Chili Peppers, OUTKAST ect.).
I hope everyone really gives this a chance and has an open mind about it. I am very prepared for the majority not to like it because it isnt mainstream or typical Kanye. I say who cares. Its totally new and like nothing you've ever heard before. In my opinion what better person to express new styles in a genre to our generation than Kanye West.
So go out and get it. Enjoy!!!

Songs to look out for:
Paranoid
Streetlights
Tell Everybody that you know Feat. Lil Wayne

AUSTRALIA

Visionary director Baz Luhrman, most notably known for his breathtaking work on Moulin Rouge!, is returning to the directors chair after a seven year stint with what has been said to be an epic masterpiece. All though I loved Moulin Rouge! and the amazing way it told an incredible story, I understand that it may have been too abstract and visually distracting for some. For those who may have felt that way should rest at ease. This movie looks as if its going to be a more traditional film with yet another amazing story penned by Mr. Luhrman himself. I personally have fallen in love with the cinematography and graphic style in which this film is being presented. See for yourself. The music is amazing and so is everything else.

Australia staring Huge Jackman and Nicole Kidman is a set In northern Australia prior to World War II. An English aristocrat (Kidman) inherits a cattle station the size of Maryland. When English cattle barons plot to take her land, she reluctantly joins forces with a rough-hewn stock-man (Jackman) to drive 2,000 head of cattle across hundreds of miles of the country's most unforgiving land, only to still face the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by the Japanese forces that had attacked Pearl Harbor only months earlier.IMDB.com

Its finally here

First off, I know many of you are shocked I am posting twice in one week. I told you I was changing my blogging ways. Yesterday at 12pm PST Google released to the public gmail videochat. Its basically iChat for your Google account. All i can say is its about time. This is going to cause added distraction to my gchating experience. It seems to me that Google is once again moving to position itself as a global powerhouse with its innovative and simple to use multimedia applications. So everyone go here download the software and start chatting face to face!!!

Mayne Street

For all those sports fans out there ESPN.com has just introduced a new short comedy series called Mayne street. It showcases Kenny Mayne and his unique brand of comedy and quick wit. Its hilarious and really takes advantage of the characters and personalities ESPN has created and cultivated throughout the years.
This is sports center.

I've Been Branded

Here is something for all of you to look forward to...maybe?
I'm shooting for a mid-December debut.
Let me know what you think of my logo. I obviously like it, but would love feed back.
Click the band-aid :)
Hope you enjoy!!!

Move over Mustaches!

The mustache is making a huge comeback these days and im not completely opposed to it. As a matter of fact im actually sporting a a semi-stache right now...its for the halloween costume. But this recent trend boom has left the me feeling sorry for the true sign of masculinity...the beard. So hears to you, men with beards. I honor you.
Click link below.

Prop 8 Doesn't = Hate

So a lot of people are posting about prop 8 right now so I thought I would jump on the band wagon. So here's the thing I have many close friends that chosen to live an alternate life style. I have never looked at them or treated them different. As a matter of fact I feel as though they are some of the most genuine people I know. Due to this prop 8 frenzy I have heard a lot of negative things said by BOTH parties and I just dont get it. Why do differences in people always lead to hate or slanders? I understand that we all have different opinions and lifestyles but why does that have to come between us?

This whole prop 8 conversation has really caused me to look at my views on my own life and those around me. While I understand what voting YES on prop 8 stands for I also feel as though we should allow people to live the way they chose. I feel as though we are dictating the kinds of lives people need to live in order to be considered normal. I know this comes as a surprise to some, but I have quite moderate views when it comes to politics and a major part of me is all about letting the individual chose for themselves. Its their lives. How often do we want to be left alone in making decisions that make us happy.

Now Im not writing this to get a ton of responses (that would have to constitute in people even reading my blog period) that are driven towards educating me on the situation and future repercussions if the majority votes NO on prop 8. I am well aware of what is being "speculated" of what is to come. I write this to let everyone know that there has been a clarion call by the prophet to stand up for the traditional family and vote yes on prop 8 and I intend to answer that call.

The point of this blog was to illustrate the fact that just because I believe in the traditional family, its values, and all that the FAMILY PROCLAMATION stands for, I do not hate nor see the reason to cut down others lifestyles and choices. I really wish the best for everyone and their lives pursuits. This is how life is and is going to be as long as we are here, so lets put away the swords and daggers and work towards a better life for everyone.


*I never get preachy or spiritual this was a really weird blog post for me but it has been on my mind a lot. Feel free to tease and make fun of me.*

Concrete Jungle

A few of us were lucky enough to go to NYC for a week to attend advertising week. It was such a fantastic week. The seminars we went to were alright, nothing too fantastic, but the agencies, McCann Ericson, Wonderman, Renegade, Naked and Wieden Kennedy, were amazing! I learned so much about the industry and what type of agency atmosphere i could see myself in. There is just so much we did and didnt do, but it was the trip of my life. Enjoy!

Tap Project

Logo concept and design by: Mike Morris, Billy Reano, Tommy Curit and Myself

Many of you have probably heard of UNICEF before… Well, if you have, you’re familiar that they are an organization that works in humanitarian aid.

Recently, an ad agency in NY (Droga 5) approached UNICEF with the conceptual miracle of the “Tap Project.” The owner of Droga 5 was sitting at lunch one day, and had the realization that we, as Americans (and other countries, for that matter) take for granted that which many people don’t have. This realization, in this context, was that drinkable water is abundantly available, at any time, in virtually any place.

What it boils down to is that $1 can provide drinkable water for one child for 40 days, or 40 children for 1 day. So, with this well of knowledge, Droga 5 initiated the Tap Project, and the miracles flowed in. Restaurants started charging $1 for anyone who requested water to drink. The dollar then went to UNICEF who put it in to action.

It was started in NYC, and commenced on National Water day… Since then, other cities have come on board: Boston, Dallas, San Diego, LA, Seattle, New Orleans, Columba SC, etc. Each city was represented by a local Ad Agency, who offered the work for free.

This coming March, the Tap Project will ripple through Utah, collecting donations and proceeding to save the lives of children. The BYU Ad Lab is in charge of the project.

This is why advertising is important. Sure, it is fun to work on the “fluff” projects. But, it’s hard to only do those all the time. If the Tap Project were a glass of water, then the other projects are ice cubes that float on top, buoyed up by the staple of it all.

Thanks Mike for writing this post and allowing me to copy it. I take full credit for this of course. Muhahaha

Viva Vida

So it has been a long time coming and I apologize. I am awful at this thing. But there is a lot to catch you up on so lets stop with the apologies and excuses and get right to it.

Spring in Utah has had its ups and its downs. Lets start with the downers:
The weather has be quite peculiar. It has been cold and rainy for most of it with the rare sunny occasions. This leaves my impeccable latin tan looking not so golden and shimmery.
School is tough. With only 6 weeks to accomplish everything that an entire 3 1/2 months semester gets done, it leaves me pressed for time and motivation. This curriculum does not go well with my habitual procrastination.
Indiana Jones was fun but at the same time disappointing. Those who know me know i was soo looking forward to this film. I will say i did get lost and jaded by the mere fact that Dr. Jones was on the big screen. (I know Im such a nerd).

Thats enough complaining, now lets get to some of the great things that have happened while here in Spring:
You meet all kinds of great new people! Just the other day I met a man that once traveled the world with a set of plastic utensils a box of strike anywhere matches, a passport, and a sock puppet named Milo. Amazing hu? Ok that isn't true but you can imagine. No It really fun to see who you get to know up here, there is less distractions and competing noise.
You can be more carefree bc there is less of a hullabaloo going about the town of Provo, since we all know its a BoomTown. As much of a city boy as I am, I do love to just relax and take it all in, observe and not worry about a thing. My mom probably would say thats been my attitude my entire life.

You get to take spontaneous trips and not have to worry about the consequences of going. My good friend Jer and I were invited by two splendid ladies, Amanda and Jenn, to accompany them to St. George. Now you know me...Im not gonna pass an opportunity to get out of town and enjoy the sun and relaxation, no matter what I have going on. Ha its probably not a good thing, but what can I say, I love to have fun!!! I have never really stayed in St. George and was surprised how developed it is. It is a nice little getaway town and I know that Jer and I had a blast. Thanks girls for the invite. Next time lets get some good directions though.


***Side story*** So Amanda gave me directions to the place where we were staying. It would be a complete understatement to say that they were bad directions. They were horrible!!!! Ha ha ha Just teasing, they were just plain bad :) We were going to meet the girls who were coming up from Vegas. Jer and I got into St. George around 2:15am Amanda did not konw the password to get into the gated community and either did we. We went around to three other gated communities and I tried like 5000 combinations. I was praying an alarm would go off and the cops would come and we could explain everything.
So Jer and I finally fan-dangle our way into a community down the street. By this time its about 245 AM. We begin to hop fences and got into the gated community where we are staying. Here is where the story gets good. So it is pitch black and you can barely see your own hand in front of your face. I guess St. George is trying to conserve energy and completely eliminate street lights. But we are looking around in the dark for 2 hours trying to find this house that Amanda is describing to me over the phone. Time:345 AM. There is no hope, we have followed the direction to a T and still haven't found the house. Once again, I am going up to almost every garage and typing in the key code that was given to me. We really looked shady, I am shocked the cops weren't called. Probably bc no one ever saw us bc there were no STREET LIGHTS!!! Also we were like ninjas, popping in and out of the shadows. Finally we go further down the street we were suppose to be on and we tried on more house, IT WORKED!!!! Time: 445 AM. It was frustrating at the time, but right after it became hilarious.

There are amazing Concerts going on. So for my birthday, yes thats right half of you missed it and I am really considering how deep our friendship is, I got two 3rd row tickets to see Kanye West. Those who know me or pretend to know me, know (how many times can I use Know in a sentence? I wont try) that I LOVE hip-hop/rap. Its a culutre I would love to be more submerged in. But Along with Kanye West there was Lupe, N.E.R.D. and Rihanna. You guys Im not joking when I say it was the best concert I have ever been to. I could smell the Patron on Kanyes breath, thats how close we were. All of them put on such a great show, it really was a production!!! Huge stage sets and loud hard hitting bass that you could feel in your throat. My ears were ringing the morning after. Rihanna was kinda disappointing, never really finishing all of her songs and playing a mere 20 min set. But Kanye made up for it by playing an hour and twenty min. set with a ten min sermon at the end. I didnt know reverend West was making a debut in SLC. But it is Utah. Thanks Amanda for an incredible night, glad we got you to bust out some moves too!!!


I get to take trips home whenever I feel like it!!!
The new iPhone comes out!!! Only $199 everyone needs to get it.
Great movies will continue to entrain the dickens out of me.
Coldplays New Cd comes out!!!
Im going to San Fran for a business trip, but it will be a nice vacca too.

Well these are a few of the exciting things happening in my life right now. I know I am a total dork, goofy kid but thats what makes my life so fun. Nothing too earth shattering, but still super fun, and thats how i function. Ill try and do a lot better at updating, but there are no promises.

Creative then, Creative now.

Well for all of you who have been following my life for the past three months know that I have been working my butt off on my portfolio in hopes of getting into the Creative track of the advertising department. What that basically is, is a graphic design minor. Well I turned in my portfolio a week ago and at 3:30 pm today I found out that I was accepted into the program. This is such a thrill and honor for me. There is finally a light at the end of my school tunnel. I am happy and passionate about this major and couldnt be more excited to get started and eventually get out into the real world. Only 16 students got accepted and they are all fantastic. Congrats to all who got in, I look forward to a hell of a school year with you guys.
So basically now i can rest and relax for the next few weeks. Thanks to everyone for your support, I really couldnt have done this without you.

Chance of a life time!

So for the past two month four groups in the adlab have been working for a pretty big client. This client has big names attached to them, like Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods. I don't know maybe you've heard of them maybe you haven't. They are located in Oregon and make a nicely constructed shoe. OK enough... yes it is Nike. Two months ago they came to the adlab and asked us to do research and discover why the teen team market isn't familiar with their product/brand Nike i.D. So as mentioned before four teams were created and thousands of surveys were sent out to see if we can pinpoint the problem. Our research team did an amazing job at conducting and putting together the info while the creative team began to brainstorm ideas on how we can target the markets.
Two months had passed and just on thursday I got to present to the head of Brand Integration for Nike i.D. and, I apologize that I cannot remember the title of the other gentlemen but I think he was the head of Nike marketing. It was a dream. They loved the stuff that all the groups presented! Never in my wildest dreams would i have imagined that I would present to Nike, or even do creative work for them. Kudos to our team for an amazing job.
So after the presentation, Jeff the head of brand integration congratulated us and just spoke f how impressed he was with the extent of the labs work. He rewarded us with free Nike i.D. and a hint of commitment that Nike would be back for future projects.
EXCITING HU???????

Here are some of the ads that our group mocked up for Nike:

The Hunt

So this Easter was incredible. I want to thank Dan and Nicci for allowing me to be apart of their family for the day. Jenny & Shannon did an incredible job with the icing chicks, and the entire ladies did a fantastic job on the feast. It was good to be around such close friends whom I consider family on such a great day. Thanks again you guys, love ya.
Now down to business. I love to talk myself up to Dan that i beat him in every game we play. I don't know how true that is, but I like to convince myself that I have him beat. Truth be told its usually a pretty good match whenever games are played. On easter Sunday Dan was talking big talk about the Easter egg hunt and how he was going to cream all of us kiddies. Before I get to the winner I would like to point out some mistakes made by the competitors; Jenny, i love you but next time come with some shoes on, wearing sandals is a huge rookie mistake. Mike and Shannon, you guys just weren't visually in the game, get out of the kitchen and get in the game. Dig, too much talk not enough strategy. Peter, my only worth adversary, i congratulate you for a game well played. Nicci you hid the eggs very well, you are a fantastic hider, and the soon to be little one is in for a real treat.
Having said all of that, I of course was flawless and won the hunt with 15 eggs. Thank you Shannon for the Cafe Rio meal and to all of you for allowing me to be the guest that ruins the game. You all know that this now will be bragged about for the remainder of our lives, just like my glorious Clue win. Now if I can just get Perudo down!!!

UPDATE

Ok so where have i been? In the adlab looking into a glowing box called my computer throwing together a creative portfolio for a possible internship in Seattle, and most importantly for my application to the creative track of the advertising program. Its a very competitive and stressful process but I am enjoying it and giving it my all. There are a lot a great and talented people who are applying so it should be interesting.
But to answer all your burning questions that is where i have been and what i am up to. I turned in a portfolio for Seattle yesterday and the application for the creative track is due on the 4th of April. So until then I will remain a ghost. Im just lucky that Its something i really enjoy doing because if I didn't, i might punch my eye sockets out.

Call me Dr. Jones...DOLL!!!

The happiest day of my life came yesterday when Paramount released the official preview for the new Indiana Jones Preview.  I have been an obsessed Indiana fan since forever.  I was him for halloween about five times, was at Disneyland for the opening of the ride and had the Fedora Hat and Bullwhip.  If i could be in any movie ever made or going to be made i can say with confidence that it would be the Indiana Jones movies.  I hope that by sharing this preview you can all get as hyped up as I am for this movie.  Whether good or bad I know I will love this movie.  So here it is the next installment of Dr. Jones.  

Movie review

2 post in one day...I know its so unlike me.  But i wanted to get your guys opinion.  I really am not a fan of writing a ton of things about myself or other random interesting tidbits.  I want to write about something I love and am passionate about...movies.  I see tons of movies all the time, whether its at the cinema (always wanted to say that) of a rental.  I would love to start a blog giving movie reviews for you guys and anyone else interested in.  I always get phone calls from people asking me if I have seen this movie or that and whether i like it or not.  So why not help everyone out, including myself, and write a review blog of movies i have seen.  I know not everyone will see eye to eye with my taste and review but if the general consensus is that you would like this, i will try to wear a more critical and honest hat when watching movies.  So please let me know because this is something I would love to do. 

Its just Hair

Winter can be so boring, so my roommate sammy and me decided to spice it up a bit by giving ourselves new trims.  Every now and then i always tell myself I want to shave my head.  I did it last year and enjoyed it so why not do it again.  I usually talk myself out of it because of the awkward grow back, you know the up and out making anyone who has a buzz look like a puff ball.  Anyways I decided to go for it.  I took it really short with a #1 and here are the results.  I understand a lot of you will probably not like it but what the hey, its only hair and will be grown back out in a couple months.  As for now though i am enjoying it.  

Its been a long time....

Me and My Bestfriend

I LOVE HOTDOGS!!!

30 Rock. This is where Alec Baldwin Works...

The MET

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge 

On the Brooklyn Bridge

The Statue of Liberty

Her Turn

Mess with the Bull

Times Square

Abstract at the MET

I realize its been over a month and I apologize.  I have been so busy with school and doing a little traveling!!!  I have taken some opportunities to get out of the Provs and enjoy what the states have to offer.  

During the first week of school I was invited by Hoven to go to Florida and help out with the Surf Expo.  It was a really fun time being with the buddies.  We worked hard every day standing and talking to people about the glasses and company.  I never realized how nice and clean Orlando is.  I thought it was a really cool city and wouldn't mind going back one of these days and spending more time enjoying the sights.  

The next trip I took was to New York!!!  A fabulous person i know named Brooke invited me out there to spend some time with her and finally after all these years experience the Big Apple.  Brooke was a spectacular host and such an amazing person.  We ran each other ragged.  We accomplished all we had wanted to accomplish.  Here is a quick run down on the events: Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, MET, Rockefeller Center, Ground Zero, St. Patrick's Cathedral, The Phantom of the Opera, West Village, SoHo, Canal Street, Little Italy, Brooklyn Bridge, Subway System, Westville Restaurant (Brooke's Favorite), Serendipity, Cafe Lalo (You got Mail Cafe), Stage Deli, Central Park, Plaza Hotel, FAO Schwartz, Times Square, Pizza joints, Pinkberry, Magnolias bakery, Cloverfield, and tons more.  

We really did quite a bit.  My sincerest thank you to the amazing Brooke for the time of my life.  You are the best!!!  I loved NYC and can totally see myself living there.  My dad has told me since i was a little kid that NY is the place for me, and now i can see why.  The energy and motion of the city is so contagious and motivating.  Brooke calls it the channel, but i call it the Speed of Life.  

If you haven't been, which is highly unlikely (i feel like Im the last person on earth to go to NY), I recommend you go.  Just get out there and do it.  You will get so motivated and fired up on life.  I am envious to those whom I know that had the opportunity to live out there, hopefully its my turn soon.