New Orleans Funeral

Detroit legend Jim Shaw passed away early last month after a long battle with cancer. He was the brains behind the music. The Metro Times composed a great tribute article on his accomplishments. It's only natural that his friends and family laid him to rest with a traditional New Orleans jazz funeral. Check out a couple snap shots here. The cutie under the red umbrella is Sandy, his supportive and loving wife.

Sharks!

Did you know that no one has ever recorded a Great White giving birth in the wild? At least that's what I was told. Sharks are such impressive creatures. Only 302 days until Shark Week 2011. In the mean time, enjoy this National Geographic shark slide show. I think I like the Whale shark best, it just looks so innocent underwater.

A Monday Playlist

It's a mellow, mid-month Monday. If I had to pick an ultimate play list for today it would be composed of the following songs. Clearly some of them seem like they are on the cusp of depressing but don't take the lyrics too seriously...

Sea of Love - Cat Power
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
Mushaboom - Feist
Cause=Time - Broken Social Scene
If I Am A Stranger - Ryan Adams and the Cardinals
Cath - Death Cab For Cutie
We are Going to be Friends - The White Stripes
Mystifies Me - Son Volt
Does He Love You? - Rilo Kiley
Angela Surf City - The Walkmen

Great Movie Moments...

Fletch: Can I borrow your towel for a sec? My car just hit a water buffalo.

Ruins of Detroit

I have a love-hate relationship with the Yves Marchand & Romain Meffre site that Zakk sent me. At first I thought, "great, another hipster photographer exposing the world to the aftermath of the industrial revolution and city riots". But, after reading the intro and browsing the pictures, I think he captured some effective images of Detroit.

I've been in Michigan Central Station, United Artists Theatre and St. Albertus School to experience the architecture and see the decay. When I look at these photographs I notice rotting books and turned over desks, but I also see classroom filled with generations of Detroiters looking to enhance their educations. I recognize churches once filled with families that found solitude and companionship when they arrived in the city. Being a realist, I don't expect these buildings to beam as they once did but I am hopeful for fresh start.

Instant Joy

I had the best cup of coffee in Gstaad, Switzerland at a local spot called Charlie's Tea Room. It was creamy and smooth without adding anything to it. There's something about European coffee that instantly warms the soul.

I'm giving Instant Coffee a second chance in the New Year. I rekindled my relationship during a trip to London this past summer. English Instant Coffee is a way of life - why boil the kettle and brew the coffee? Knock em' both out at once.

Don't get me wrong, nothing beats good fresh brewed coffee. But, when you need it in a flash or just a cup, don't be afraid to give Instant a try. I've found it to be slightly smoother than a traditional cup and way less work. Cheers to new ways in the New Year!

Give em' a whirl, you won't know until you try!:

Starbucks VIA - $5.95/5 Servings

Folgers Instant - $4.99/8 oz. Jar

NesCafe - $21.00/ 3 7 oz. Jars

Fish Dance

Have you seen this victory celebration? It's out of control. The best part is #29 snapping a picture at the end!

Take me to the Movies

Recently, I have been asked for some favorite movie recommendations. Skirting around the staples, my first reply has been An Education. This BBC Film based on the book by Nick Hornby released in 2009 but I didn't get a chance to catch it in the theatre.

The attraction stems from an appreciation for surprises so I won't give too much away. Having never heard of the flick until it was on my coffee table, I didn't' have any expectations (no chance for a let-down). The plot was creative. The actors, Carrie Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard, delivered. My knowledge about London in the 1960s has increased (Mom - I know what you were up to!). All in all it's a winner for a wintry evening.

Cake Wrecks - Holiday Series

Thank you, Regina, for introducing me to Cake Wrecks. This site is fantastic and always makes me laugh! The pictures are priceless but the captions are pretty decent, too. Page through the archives - it never gets old!

Sustainability Quote

A couple Ford employees presented a great case on the Sustainability of Ford Motor Company last night. I really value this quote and truly believe in the message it carries:

"Business must be run at a profit, or else it will die. But when anyone tries to run a business solely for profit...then also the business must die, for it no longer has a reason for existence".    Henry Ford