Boring Smile

Having been recently amused by Ali's ability to 'fake smile,' I decided to blog about it.  I, unfortunately have been unable to master the art of smiling like I hate you and am tuning out everything you say, however I've been practicing.  Trust me, this is a skill you should make it a priority developing.  It will benefit you in a variety of situations and, of no less importance, will always be a source for a good laugh.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, here are some pictures, illustrating.

Notice the averted eyes.  A definite sign of boredom.  Also, this darling boy is obviously forcing this grin. The shape of the lips and the bottom teeth showing are good indicators of this.

 There's no mistaking that this is a non-real smile.  Again we see the same lip shape with bottom teeth showing.  Great job.

I am now calling for anyone who wishes, to submit photos of yourself while fake-smiling.  Should it turn into a contest with prizes, so be it.  Only time will tell.

Send to brandisu@hotmail.com

Chromeo - "Night By Night" Video

The First thing we did when Lucas got home from Alaska was go to a Chromeo concert because it's Luke's favorite. It turned out to be a sort of family reunion with me, Ali, Brandi, Lucas and many friends.

Latest and greatest video....

LIMBO for XBOX

~Exceptionally Brilliant

~Disgustingly Morbid

~Painfully Addicting

~Completely Irritating

The Greatest Game I Have Ever Played.

Sisters

Upon Nathan Maynes' recommendation, I began reading The Idiot by Dostoyevsky.  I've read and loved many of his works, but this one has grabbed my special attention, so far.

I came upon a certain passage whereupon Prince Myshkin is being introduced to the daughters of Madame Epanchin.  I know you don't care about this, but read on.  She says,

          "...my eldest daughter here, plays the piano or reads or sews; [the middle daughter] paints  
          landscapes and portraits (and can never finish anything); and [the youngest] sits doing nothing."

Now if you can't see the hilarity and ironic nature of this passage in my relationship to my sisters, you should be sad.




I'm glad that, at least in this small instance, so much of what I read reminds me of something I've seen in real life, and I'm glad it's not the other way around (name that movie).

CoCoRosie

In honor of CocoRosie's Daytrotter session today, here is a delightful music video to enjoy.








Here is the link for the session that is not to be missed.


CoCoRosie Daytrotter Session 8/16/2010

I understand that Scissors can beat Paper, and I get how Rock can beat Scissors, but there’s no way in hell Paper can beat Rock. Paper is supposed to magically “wrap around” Rock, leaving it immobile? Why the hell cant paper do this to scissors? Screw scissors, why can’t paper do this to people? Why aren’t sheets of college ruled notebook paper constantly suffocating students as they attempt to take notes in class? I’ll tell you why,because paper can’t beat anybody a rock would tear that shit up in about 2 seconds. When I play rock/paper/scissors I always choose rock.Then when somebody claims to have beaten me with their paper I can punch them in the face with my already clenched fist and say Oh shit, I’m sorry I thought paper would protect you Asshole

Sufjan Stevens Announces Tour

Sufjan Stevens Announces Tour

This is Sufjan Stevens. Isn't he delicious? What's even more delicious is how he sounds. If you haven't heard these songs yet, take a listen:

This song is so lovely and it's about serial killers. Oh, come on. Everyone is obsessed with serial killers whether you admit it or not.

This is his most popular, from my perspective. It was featured in the movie, "Little Miss Sunshine"

His latest album was an instrumental work. Sort of an indie rock opera about the city. It's an enormous achievement, but not that palatable for a lay audience, I would say. It makes great study music.

Anyways....the reason I lay all this out there is that he is going on tour! Biggest news since Beirut came to SLC for the first time ever. Sufjan is coming and I will be there at all costs. November 1st is the date scheduled. Thank you Pitchfork.

Our Children

So, Brooke got Prince Gilbert (her fearsome beta fish), from Ali, one year ago today for her birthday.  I got a ferocious beta (Jean-Baptiste) shortly afterwards.  Pictured below.

I cannot even express how close I am to my little one.  His name comes from one of my favorite films: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer.  I thought it appropriate.  Brooke calls hers Gil for obvious reasons.

Prince Gilbert:

Jean-Baptiste:

But, our family is not complete.  We have yet to aquire our long-awaited and heavily anticipated Savannah Cat.  His/her name will be Roxanne.  "What is a savannah cat," you ask?  Oh ho ho, let me just tell you.  From a breeder located in Southern Utah:

 The Savannah is created from breeding the African Serval male to a domestic Female. This combination has produced a large, friendly, beautiful cat that resembles a small cheetah. 

 
 The problem is, they are extremely expensive ($1,000-2,000).  Oh, and we aren't allowed to have them in this house we live in.  No matter.  It is a dream that will soon be realized.

 This post is dedicated to our dear cousin, Sarah, who is a lover of cats and has 6 or 7 of them at this time.  They are all obese darlings.  The smallest suffers from huge balls, stunted growth, and chronic humping.  Love.

A Life is Complete

The tenor ukulele that I ordered in May has finally arrived!

I immediately started to play.

As I was cleaning...

I found all of my old journals.

My favorite entree aside from all of the ones about Elliot Knox was this one:

"Today Brooke got really mad at me for drinking out of her cup so she hit me and grabbed the drink out of my hands. I punched her 2 times and she threw the drink at me."