Oh, Sookie

Apparently, Snoop Dogg is such a fan of the Sookie Stackhouse series that he wrote a song and made a video about it. "Oh, Sookie." It's actually pretty hilarious. Check it out.

Alejandro

As my friend Tony put it, "The video for 'Alejandro' is sick. I've watched it like 5 times! I wish you were here with me to critique it!!"

In typical fashion, I am posting Lady Gaga's new (or new-ish...gimme a break, I've been out of town) video. Madonna homage, tribute to the gay struggle, etc. It's not as much of a full-fledged narrative as her previous videos, but I have to say it's good that she uses a different approach with each one. I feel like a broken record saying this, but it's awesome.

HDR

Most of what I know of HDR (and how it has been used) is over-the-top and cheesy. It requires a light touch, I think, to be taken seriously. However, the occasional "Thomas Kinkade" treatment of a photo can be kind of funny.

Observe:

It's not totally maxed out, but the tubing does bring to mind the brightly colored pig intestines I saw on sale at Mercato Centrale yesterday.

San Miniato al Monte

Yesterday, we hiked up to one of the highest points of Florence to see San Miniato al Monte, one of the most gorgeous basilicas in Italy. Here are some before, during, and after shots. Unedited.

Most of the group (minus Allie).

View of Florence on way up to San Miniato al Monte.

Old city wall.

Kitty cat in Giardino delle Rose. It was closed and this was shot through the gate.

Florence from San Miniato al Monte. Plus strange guy's head.

Interior of San Miniato.

...same...

....same....

...some more...

...aaaaand the last interior of the basilica.

Detail on a crypt outside of San Miniato.

Art artist was selling paintings on our hike down from the basilica.

Ciao! Isn't she cool?? This was close to Ponte Vecchio.

Firenze Day 2

Firenze Day 1 is a blur because I was so tired from jet lag. Today is day 2 and it is almost 1 AM. So, no stories, just pictures. Straight out of the camera, no editing. Went bopping around today and later this evening.

Roasted lamb's head

This entry on Serious Eats blog about roasted lamb's head reminds me of the nude figure drawing class I took a few years ago. We all tried to act all blase' and chilled out that there's a naked person standing in front of you for three hours. Whatever, this is art. On the last day after we turned in our portfolio, though, the truth came out. One person in particular expressed her horror at having to draw a man that was crouched on his feet. From behind. AND his behind was at her eye level. Think about it.

So, the author of this blog seriously compares how romantic a pig's head versus a lamb's head would be as a dinner for two. Most of the comments are straight-up serious in return except for this little gem:

I know that I would find a way to cook it and enjoy it, but I honestly just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

Thank you, resolutejc.

Dogs 2nd Chance

Dogs 2nd Chance is a non-profit dog foster group in Memphis that often hosts adopt-a-pet days at various local pet stores like Petco. I visited them at Poplar & Highland this past Saturday and got to hang out with some cute puppies!